THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
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sounds like a terrific read, Larry!
In the middle of book four of Game of Thrones. Must admit I'm fascinated by this series and the way the author has written it. Heavy narration mixed with dialog, each chapter from one character's POV. However, just finished one chapter in which the author did pop a bit and was completely surprised by it. With his credits in screenwriting (Twilight Zone) for one, up until this one slip I've found the series very tight. Book four seems to be a transitional book, with his characters centered in a search mode, except for more focus on the Dornish, and the Ironborn. Staying well ahead of the TV series to see what happens next - even if THEY do switch things about, but then, that is to be expected. Onward to book five - Just returned from a trip to D.C. and the Smithsonian/Air-Space Exhibit where I purchased a copy of a book written by one of the Tuskegee Air Men (author signed) I'll be reading it this week as well, and looking forward to it. It was such a honor to meet one of the men who made history in defense of our country in WWII and proved prejudice had to place in the military then or now.
I'm reading Liespotting: Proven Techniques to Detect Deception. Fascinating book about recognizing the signs that someone is lying to you. It's written, interestingly, from a business person's perspective, but is based on the methods law enforcement uses in questioning suspects. It's going to be very useful in writing my mysteries--both because of the methods, but also to provide the little ticks and behaviorisms to my liars! Cool stuff!
Just started The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins, which purports to be a mystery story (as is its subject, biology) and to read as if it were science fiction. Love Richard Dawkins, and want to understand more about evolution and science.
Reading Naguib Mahfouz Sugar Street, the third in the cairo Trilogy. This is a very important literature. The turmoil we witness today in Egypt can be understood more easily after reading this book. It is not the first time the Egyptians have had to reorganize their lives to fit a modern world.
Life is like the many books we read. There is often romance, some mystery, plenty of intrigue, maybe some crime, and sometimes horror! I personally find truth is stranger than fiction and Tao Te Ching has taught me the way to remain balanced in the great adventure called life. Tao Te Ching is a beautiful book I can never stop reading. Every time I read Tao Te Ching, the book feels new again, afresh, as if I only just discovered it.
Reading Lao Tzu is like looking into a mirror and seeing the reflection of the universe there. A state of peace and happiness is often felt as I read through the pages, and a deep inner connection is constantly renewed.
A primordial balance existing between the world and ourselves is the essence of this spiritual masterpiece. An inspiring read.
Yes, you are right about these ancient Chinese philosophers.I've read them all with profit and pleasure---including Anelects and others. I get the same feeling from reading The Holy Bible.Thank you for your post.
And here's something else I get right from the bible.
I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
To Steal an Election
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I am also fascinated by that series! I have the books, and the first two seasons on bluray..yet have not read them yet..my bad!
Hey guys...one always has immense intrigue about subjects related to future & personality traits.Here is a book that offers a reader a homogeneous mixture of both with an ounce of mystery & suspense.A quick read with an engaging plot,the story is set in Mexico & NYC engages the readers to visualize a simple boy next door turning into a serial killer.The challenge is he leaves no signs behind...Enjoy your weekend reading this interesting content THE KILLER LOOP
I'm reading George R.R. Martin's "A Clash of Kings" because I want to read it before catching up with the miniseries.
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Just finished this absolutely absorbing memoir by "Nellie Oleson" Alison Angrin..what a terrific read..for those interested in Little House..and what went on during shooting..this is a great book. It is not a tell all but rather a very thoughtful and honest telling of a fascinating life. I was most surprised at how cold and unfriendly Melissa Sue Anderson was. I did check out other cast member interviews, and they agreed that she was quite distant and moody. Overall. a very interesting memoir. Angrin give a very multifaceted portrait of Michael Landon
I gave up on The Mirror of the Soul - J. Lloyd Morgan and I've read and finished Lily and the Billionaire: Vol. 1 - Ana Vela. Now I am going back to Edge of Disaster - A.M. Hargrove.
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You're right of course Patricia. And it's a good thing too :)
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I've just finished Edge of Disaster - A.M. Hargrove. Now I am reading book 4 of The Guardians of Vesturon series ReEmergent - A.M. Hargrove.
At the moment I am immersed in Noah Boyd's writing. His main character Steve Vail is one of the most interesting series heroes to come along in a while. I was so captivated by his first novel The Bricklayer that I went out and got his second AgentX and found it every bit as good as his first. He is definitely giving the big names a run for their money.
Just started
"Tales of the Jazz Age".Nothing like immersion in a classic by Fitzgerald to realize how much has changed yet how much remains the same. Yes, we've evolved from chasing our tails to our tales chasing us.
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Reading Dr. Michael Palmer's newest..as usual top notch!! Palmer has now surpassed Robin Cook as the top medical thriller writer going
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"Tales of the Jazz Age".Nothing like immersion in a classic by Fitzgerald to realize how much has changed yet how much remains the same. Ye..."
Everything F.Scott wrote was literary gold to me!
Just finished Fight Club. While the movie tracked the book faithfully, the book had quite a bit more mental dysfunction. I enjoyed it and am now launching myself into A Game of ThronesIt will be fun getting back to reading instead of writing. My new book 'Deadly Talley' comes out tomorrow. I'll post on that in the appropriate threads.
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It will b..."
Best wishes and much success with the new book, Ken!
I'm reading "The Taltos" by Ann Rice because this month I'll be attending ThrillerFest in NYC and Ann Rice will be the featured guest. I'm very anxious to meet her. I love the Mayfair Witches - especially The Witching Hour. Not so crazy about the Vampires. And thought her Jesus books were quite good, too.
I'm reading "Murder's Last Resort" by Marta Chausee. Very entertaining.
I just finished 'Inferno' Dan Browns last cryptic book. I find he has a tremendous knowledge of his subjects, in this book everything stems from Dante Aligherie, his travel through the rings of hell is made into depicting a modern day disaster. It puts a new spin on overpopulation of the earth. Culling the masses, we are at 8 billions souls now, they should be reduced to 4 billion! Global warming is more of a case of over population than consumption by one. !0 billion people will not have enough water, will not have enough food, wars and plagues are to decimate our population. Dan Brown use his intricate knowledge of Florence and its historic existence to create a book that rivals any travel guide to the city. The plot itself, a bit on the weak side, His preferred character Robert Langdon, must wear his soles thin on the cobblestone of Florence, he runs and runs and runs.
Today I began reading "The Hotel Majestic" by, perhaps, the 20th century's most prolific writer: Georges Simenon.Some years ago, I read my first Simenon novel and I was eager, now that it's summer, to read another. In so few words, Simenon can evoke the soul and spirit of a city across time.
Just finished The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. Thank Zeus that's over. My pain. Now aching for some light relief. ...Just started The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. Have not read any Harry Potter.
Currently reading The Destroyer merely out of sentimental reasons. It is one of those series I read as a youngster. Fun and over the top!
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Just started The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. Have not read any Harry P..."
The Casual Vacancy got mixed reviews but I liked it a lot; I thought the characters were well-rounded and the story was engaging,
I'm reading the The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes. Took forever to get to it while working on the release for my own, The Siren's Tale. If you like Victoriana, as I do, you'll love it.
The Arch-Conjuror of England: John Dee. Dr. Dee was a master of the hermetic arts and a counselor to Elizabeth I who depended upon him to advise her on astrology, Magik, and other esoteric spirituality. A polymath, he was also up to his ears in the court intrigue between Protestant Elizabeth and Catholic Mary Queen of Scots. I am reading the book as part of my research for the fourth in my Jackson Hole Mysteries series.
Resident Alien: New York Journals 1990-1994 by Quentin CrispQuentin Crisp lived in a single room in a rooming house in England for over thirty years spending his time quite profitably by doing very little and living as modestly as possible, letting life pass him by to which he replied "Thank God I didn't get mixed up in the beastly thing." He was already an elderly man when he wrote his autobiography, The Naked Civil Servant. When it was made into a film in 1975, he was given the opportunity to come to the United States for the first time, to promote the film and introduce himself to American audiences. This success which he grabbed for all it was worth, changed his life.
It was during this period that he left England and moved into a single room in New York City, where he remained for the rest of his life. The difference of course was that now he was famous. He was famous for two reasons: He had an incredible wit and dry humor like no other, which gave him his style. The other reason for his success was because of the life he had lived in England. It was a life of rejection and abuse by a society that could not accept him for who he was. And he protested against that society by continuing to live as himself. He was a flamboyant homosexual for all the world to see.
Quentin Crisp was a man of courage both in England and in his decision to move to another country when he was already an elderly man.
This book is comprised of his journals from 1990 to 1994. This period provided him with the most exciting time in his life. He went to speaking events and had an opinion on everything from politics to films. His writing is vivid and entertaining, amusing and likeable. He is profound in his thinking since he has lived for a long time. He proudly talks about being invited to speaking engagements and other functions throughout the US, which he almost always accepted and once he arrived, he ate as much as possible. He has no problem being a free loader, indeed he quite rightly felt and was entitled to this. He hated the snow and loved films immensely. He also talks about working in films. He had minor roles in Orlando and Philadelphia with Tom Hanks. His phone number was listed in the telephone book. He loved it when people called him, although not at 3am in the morning.
He was finally living a charmed life in America. He was a success by just being himself. He made friends and was limousined everywhere. He enjoyed the company of people like he had never before since they were always interested in what he had to say. He was finally not only accepted for who he was but now celebrated for it. A documentary film was made about Quentin Crisp, entitled Resident Alien and he talks alot about that. This book is highly recommended and reading it is pure enjoyment for the uplifting message of hope it can bring when success happens to the most unlikely and most deserving, even when the life itself is nearing its end.
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Quentin Crisp lived in a single room in a rooming house in England for over thirty years spending his time quite profitably by doing ve..."
A very informative post Charles. Very well done! I recall hearing Mr Crisp interviewed on the radio quite often. I think it was on the late Barry Gray's show in NYC. Crisp was always Facinating!
Starting this weekend i am going to read for the next week and half these books
Just started reading Truth Be Told: Adam Becomes Audrey by Alexandra Bogdanovic, a memoir in which the author marries her dream man, to later discover that he identifies as a she and intends to transition.I love an LGBT-themed memoir.
I just finished reading a book of life, as it happens to the middle aged people in our world. Some may call it Boomer Lit, others Chick lit, I call it a refreshing look at the life of a small group of new Yorkers. "The View From The Penthouse" by Elinor Lipman! I read it because it hit a soft spot in this old guys soul. A great story easy to read and easy to like.The View from Penthouse B
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Just finished Michael Palmer's new book. As usual..excellent..much more thriller than "medical" thriller.
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A Sport and a Pastime - James Salter; he knows how to write at a time when few do.
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Just started reading Stephen Coonts new thriller. Quite promising. I loved all his books
Clover Doves by Courtney FiligneziStruggling towards the light
Emma Fiorello is sixteen and deeply in love with Eric Florentino, a bright and caring, but wayward youth. They have a very special connection which Emma felt virtually as soon as they met. According to Emma they are “soul mates”. Eric knows what she means, but is perhaps a little less ‘spiritual’ in his outlook. Life is fresh and good, but Emma also senses that perhaps she and Eric will not stay together. Suddenly Emma is attacked and raped and her life begins the swift process of falling apart. Can Emma survive this turmoil and will she and Eric struggle through it, or will the premonition of relationship break-up come true?
Clover Doves could be classified as a paranormal romance: it is a love story with references to precognition, empathic telepathy and ghosts. The novel is, however, also part spiritual philosophy and part self-development/psychology. This is not to imply that Clover Doves is overly ‘preachy’ or contains lectures on these subjects: the philosophy and psychology arise naturally from the plot and characters, and are quite skilfully woven into the novel. It is clear, though, that Filigenzi has done much reading and thinking about the subject of human potential. Beyond these specialized subjects the novel is also very much about ‘ordinary’ life struggles: family, friends, love relationships, suffering, conflict and death. Clover Doves is skilfully written and will appeal to a quite wide variety of readers, especially those willing to keep an open mind.
For the full review please click:
http://raymondmathiesenbookreviews.bl...
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Currently reading "How did I get here" by Ahmad Aleem Williams. I am always looking for interesting and fresh reads. Doesn't amtter the genre as I enjoy them all. Currently starting to get active on Goodreads and will be posting some reviews
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Struggling towards the light
Emma Fiorello is sixteen and deeply in love with Eric Florentino, a bright and caring, but wayward youth. They have a very special..."
A most interesting review, Raymond. Thanks!
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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Books mentioned in this topic
Confessions on the 7:45 (other topics)Amity (other topics)
Truly, Devious (other topics)
We All Fall Down (other topics)
Get Even (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Monica Rodden (other topics)Lisa Unger (other topics)
Natalie D. Richards (other topics)
Maureen Johnson (other topics)
Gretchen McNeil (other topics)
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Book title:
SEVENTH NIGHT
Before the Fairytale: The Girl With No Name
Author name on book: Kay Iscah
Fiction or nonfiction: Fiction
Genre: Fantasy
Review formats offered: epub
Short summary/description:
Left at age 12 with no parents, nor any support, and without ever even receiving a name, the little heroine in this fantasy not only survives; she prospers. It has been a long time since I read fantasy literature---perhaps 65 to 70 years, but this return has been an excellent experience for me.
Little “no-name” is left with an elderly caretaker when her mother dies in childbirth and her father dies while on an adventure. When the elderly caretaker also dies, the heroine is turned out of the house because it becomes city property, and she begins her wandering ways through the magic land of the writer’s imagination; a land peopled by soldiers, princes, Pegasus, and associates good and bad. She eventually finds her father’s grave, verifying she is truly on her own. Through her use of magic she survives.
You will want to read the final description of her adult development.
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