THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Archives - Book Discussions
>
WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
Ken wrote: "Also reading
, the first Jack Reacher. I read one other in the series and pretty much liked it. This is Child's first effort and, while its entertaining there are s..."
I am in complete agreement. I have read a few Reacher books but really have no interest in the newer ones. They seem to be written with the intention of being made into movies. This is why the characters all appear to be straight out of central casting.
, the first Jack Reacher. I read one other in the series and pretty much liked it. This is Child's first effort and, while its entertaining there are s..."I am in complete agreement. I have read a few Reacher books but really have no interest in the newer ones. They seem to be written with the intention of being made into movies. This is why the characters all appear to be straight out of central casting.
I'm reading Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion; this is the book about a zombie that falls in love with a human girl that the recent movie was based on. What's different about Isaac Marion's zombies is that they have some thinking processes: run "school" to teach kid zombies how to kill, have zombie "church" of a kind, collect things, and even talk a little. Not your "Walking Dead" zombies!
I finished The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson, a Goldy Schulz (the caterer) mystery. In this book Goldy is catering a Mexican food birthday party for a teen after which the teen's mother - a close friend of Goldy's - suddenly collapses and dies. Goldy feels compelled to investigate and as usual thrusts herself into the investigation. I don't want to give away essential plot points but the story involves too many disparate elements: bad parents, misuse of trust funds, art shenanigans, adultery (and more) to ever mesh together in a satisfactory way. Goldy also bullies witnesses and leaps to conclusions from the tiniest hint of "evidence". I liked this series for a long tine but for me Goldy is losing her mojo. I may give up on this series.
I finished The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (the pen name for J.K. Rowling). It's a mystery that revolves around the death of gorgeous model Lula Landry, who falls from her balcony in an apparent suicide. Her brother, John Bristow, insists Lula was murdered and hires down-on-his-luck detective Cormoran Strike(who lost a leg in the Afghanistan war) to investigate. Plenty of interesting characters and a good intricate plot lead to a satisfactory conclusion. Good first mystery for Robert Galbraith.
Thanks for the report on J. K. Rawling's mustery, Barbara. I've noted mixed reviews here on Goodreads.I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker
I am on page 535 of Man and Wife and I am just amazed at how affecting and stirring this novel still is..over 140 years since it was published. Wilkie Collins really should be remembered right up there with Dickens!!
Rick wrote: "Ken wrote: "Also reading
, the first Jack Reacher. I read one other in the series and pretty much liked it. This is Child's first effort and, while its entertaining..."I've read them all. The writing is better than the story.
Reading James pattersons witch and wizard the gift and Robert kirkmans the walking dead rise of the governor
Larry wrote: "Thanks for the report on J. K. Rawling's mustery, Barbara. I've noted mixed reviews here on Goodreads.
I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker"
Are you planning to read the book Larry?
I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker"
Are you planning to read the book Larry?
Barbara wrote: "Larry wrote: "Thanks for the report on J. K. Rawling's mystery, Barbara. I've noted mixed reviews here on Goodreads.I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker"
Are you planning to read t..."
I've enjoyed Harry Potter, Barbara, but I hesitated on the fairly drastic switch in genres. Of course, your review encourages me to consider it, so I've added it to my dozens [hundreds? thousands?] TBR list, but not at the bottom. :)
Why? Did you have something personally to add just for my benefit?
I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker
I've read a rash of disappointing mysteries -- I've been trying to branch out and try new authors. Sadly, I can't recommend any of the following: 'She's Not There' by Marla Madison, 'Just Add Water' by Jinx Schwartz or 'Body Toll' by Bruce Thomason. I just downloaded 'The Cuckoo's Calling' and will dive into that next since it's gotten good reviews here.
Peggy, my dear---You like cozy mysteries? I have a couple you can have for free [though they are on sale for $3.99]---
The Case of the Locked Drawer
The Case of the Locked Apartment.
I will send both [about 250 pages each] if you send me an email address to send them to. Request them from wmyrral at gmail.com.
Barbara has reviewed both on this forum.
I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker
Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyre, because it was enthusiastically recommended to me. It's wonderfully witty. Loving it.
Larry wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Larry wrote: "Thanks for the report on J. K. Rawling's mystery, Barbara. I've noted mixed reviews here on Goodreads.
I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker"
Are you pl..."
Larry, I'd just say Rowling's new book is worth reading if you like mysteries. She made a smooth transition from fantasy to other genres in my opinion.
I love you.
Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker"
Are you pl..."
Larry, I'd just say Rowling's new book is worth reading if you like mysteries. She made a smooth transition from fantasy to other genres in my opinion.
I finished Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. The story takes place in a future world where zombies roam and humans live in protected enclaves. "R", a zombie, kills a young man (Perry) and eats his brain. This causes R to absorb Perry's memories and emotions and to care for Perry's girlfriend Julie. A lot of the story takes place inside R's head where R has a continuing dialog with Perry and talks about his thoughts and feelings as he falls in love with Julie. Inevitably R becomes more and more human. The story also contains the usual conflicts between humans and zombies, fights and killing, etc. Though I cared about the characters I thought the book was slow-moving and boring and I had a hard time getting through it. In this case I thought the movie adaptation was better than the book.
Barbara wrote: "I finished Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. The story takes place in a future world where zombies roam and humans live in protected enclaves. "R", a zombie, kills a young man (Perry) and eats his brain..."
Wow Barbara. Quite an exiting plot!!
Wow Barbara. Quite an exiting plot!!
I am absolutely loving
An exciting and educational thriller. Robert Masello has a really terrific format of having a historical tale within the main story. This time, about every three chapters deals with Cellini and his travails in medieval Italy. This is directly related to the present day chapters. In
another fantastic novel by Mr Masello, the plot and subplot deal with Anastasia and the Russian Revolution. Highly recommend both
An exciting and educational thriller. Robert Masello has a really terrific format of having a historical tale within the main story. This time, about every three chapters deals with Cellini and his travails in medieval Italy. This is directly related to the present day chapters. In
another fantastic novel by Mr Masello, the plot and subplot deal with Anastasia and the Russian Revolution. Highly recommend both
Rick wrote: "two of my favorite books ever!!
..."I actually enjoyed "Tales From.." even more than Watership Down. The idea of combining short stories from the original characters, along with stories of their legends, worked perfectly. I'd like to see more authors take that approach with follow-ups.
Chris wrote: "Rick wrote: "two of my favorite books ever!!
..."
I actually enjoyed "Tales From.." even more than Watership Down. T..."
I agree Chris..the second book was a great continuation of the first, not so much because it continued the story, but because it expanding one's knowledge and appreciation of the characters
..."I actually enjoyed "Tales From.." even more than Watership Down. T..."
I agree Chris..the second book was a great continuation of the first, not so much because it continued the story, but because it expanding one's knowledge and appreciation of the characters
I just finished
, and liked it so much that I picked up
to see if JK Rowling (Galbraith) was that much better or worse than a debut indie author.I'll be posting a review soon, but I already know why Rowling/Galbraith was not successful before the 'secret' was released.
Peace, Seeley
Rick wrote: "
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"
That's a great idea! I'm going to re-read Chandler and his peer group. I just put down a Rizzoli and Isles book because I was tired of the formula.
Melissa wrote: "Rick wrote: "
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"
That's a great idea! I'm going to re-read Chandler and his peer group. I just put down a Rizzoli..."
Melissa ..Chandler is one of those writers who are like a brisk evening walk. Always enjoyable and never gets old!

I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"
That's a great idea! I'm going to re-read Chandler and his peer group. I just put down a Rizzoli..."
Melissa ..Chandler is one of those writers who are like a brisk evening walk. Always enjoyable and never gets old!
The Mother Tongue: English And How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson, because I enjoy his writing, love languages (I learnt six at school), and find the title intriguing.
Last night I finished Surrender - Marina Anderson. Now I am going to read A country Halloween - Robert Larrison.
I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, an abusive, blackmailing young man that his daughter had dated. Of course Dismas is Moses lawyer as the case goes to trial. The book slides into trial mode, with plenty of courtroom scenes. I found this mystery book entertaining but felt it wasn't one of Lescroart's best efforts.
I'm now reading "To Scale the Skies: The Story of Group Captain J.C. 'Johnny' Wells DFC & BAR" by Peter Cornwell. It's a terrific book about a remarkable man who came from a humble background in England and became an outstanding pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War.
KOMET wrote: "I'm now reading "To Scale the Skies: The Story of Group Captain J.C. 'Johnny' Wells DFC & BAR" by Peter Cornwell. It's a terrific book about a remarkable man who came from a humble background in E..."
Another new one on me but I love the title and subtitle. Seems like a facinating read
Another new one on me but I love the title and subtitle. Seems like a facinating read
Barbara wrote: "I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, an abusive, blackmailing youn..."
I always enjoy his books. All of them are quite absorbing and substantial. T particularly like the Abe Glitsky character.
I always enjoy his books. All of them are quite absorbing and substantial. T particularly like the Abe Glitsky character.
Rick wrote: "
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"
That's a great idea, Rick. I read the Great Gatsby a couple weeks ago and found it timeless -- just like they say. I'll bet the same is true for Chandler and Hammett. Thanks for the idea!
Peace, Seeley
Seeley wrote: "Rick wrote: "
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"
That's a great idea, Rick. I read the Great Gatsby a couple weeks ago and found it timeless -- j..."
My pleasure Seeley. Believe it or not I have yet to read
. And I love Fitzgerald. Especially his short stories

I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"
That's a great idea, Rick. I read the Great Gatsby a couple weeks ago and found it timeless -- j..."
My pleasure Seeley. Believe it or not I have yet to read
. And I love Fitzgerald. Especially his short stories
Rick, have you seen the new version of Gatsby on film (from last year), from director Baz Lurhmann (Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge? Sort of a modernization of the book. You should read the book and then watch the film.
Currently reading The Bad Seed for a book club group and also for Halloween. Also reading The Secret Keeper for a reading challenge, and because I've heard good things about Kate Morton.
Last night I read and finished A country Halloween - Robert Larrison. Now I am reading A Child is Torn “Innocence Lost” - Dawn Kopman Whidden.
Rick wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, an abusive, b..."
Abe Glitzky gets caught up in people's selfish political shenanigans in this book Rick. You might want to read it... you'll get some surprises.
Abe Glitzky gets caught up in people's selfish political shenanigans in this book Rick. You might want to read it... you'll get some surprises.
Barbara wrote: "Rick wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, ..."
I certainly will Barbara! Many thanks for the Gliztky alert!! Such a great character
I certainly will Barbara! Many thanks for the Gliztky alert!! Such a great character
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
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)
More...










SPOILER AHEAD
For instance, there's a part in the story where Reacher asks his new cop girlfriend to get him a gun. She obliges and how, handing him a .44 Desert Eagle. Within an hour he has ambushed and killed two guys, shooting them in the back. He comes back to the cop shop and returns the weapon, telling her what he did. Her reaction is 'meh' when an actual person's natural reaction would be 'you did what? WTF?'
Is everybody in the Reacher books at least 6'3 and 270 lbs (the guys, I mean). Either that or they are fat short guys (always bad) with pig eyes and armpit stains. I likes me some escapist fiction but the characters seem a little cookie cutter.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.