THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
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Barbara
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Aug 14, 2010 02:52PM
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I'm reading (listening to) The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson. It's like I've rejoined some friends I've been missing!! What great characters!! I think I want to own these books because I want to read them again and I want to hold the book & read the words. It's a totally different experience from listening to them. Although this is very well done. Love the narrator.
Well Barbara I have read Edgar Sawtelle. Yes it does seem to drag along at times. I was very dissapointed, almost to the point of setting it down, when the author resorted to using supernatural intervention on two ocassions. I just hate that kind of stuff. However I did enjoy Edgar's interaction with most of the charactors. The rolling days, the coming winter, the forests and fields. Good luck, and please post your ending thoughts.Yours JT.
Barbara wrote: "Anyone have any thoughts about The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I know the book got great reviews but I'm having a hard time getting into it; it just seems to move along at such a langui..."<I recently picked this up from the library for 50 cents and stare it every day wondering if today will be the day I begin. But I must admit that I am a bit put off by its size. I have heard great things about it, but am wondering if it is going to do it for me. Hearing that it's slow going for you makes me want to hold off...What is it that is keeping you from enjoying it?
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Emma wrote: I recently picked this up from the library ..What is it that is keeping you from enjoying it?
Emma, I think the problem is that my usual genre is mysteries/thrillers which have a lot of action and excitement. Edgar Sawtelle just lollygags along describing Edgar's family life, methods of dog-training, philosophy of dog breeding and things like that. It might get more exciting now that a tragedy has occurred in Edgar's family.
Barbara wrote: "Anyone have any thoughts about The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I know the book got great reviews but I'm having a hard time getting into it; it just seems to move along at such a langui..."It was pretty slow going through the entire book. I did like it, it was a nice read, while you were reading but I was left very unsatisfied at the end, let down. :(
Rose wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Anyone have any thoughts about The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I know the book got great reviews but I'm having a hard time getting into it; it just seems to move along ..."I read it a while ago, but it was a very slow, ponderous read for me. I really didn't care for it at all.
I just finsihed two du Maurier stories - "Don't Look Now" and "The Birds" - both were terrific. Why did I read them? I chose them for my book group.
What did you think of du Maurier's "The Birds" compared to the Hitchcock. I heard she was pretty upset at all of the changes that he made, so she quit the project and he had to get another writer to finish the screenplay. I have always wanted to read that one to see how much it differs.
Hitchcock used two words from her manuscript: The and Birds. That sounds like I'm being a catty queen, but I'm actually being quite literal. The very basic premise is the same: for some inexplicable reason the birds of the earth start swarming and attacking humans (all humans, everywhere). The story is tense, claustrophobic and dystopian; it ends.....well, you should read it (it's only 40 pages). I think the story would make one helluva film - perhaps told in stark black and white.
Ivan - You are not being catty, that is exactly what I have heard. I love the Hitchcock film, but also LOVE du Maurier's writing. Her story is definitely on my TBR to read before too long. I will enjoy the contrasts, I think.
Today I am starting The Wife's Tale: A Novel by Lori Lansens which was recommended to me by a friend. Rick - I finished my first compilation of Holmes books. I decided I liked them so much, that I am starting the whole collection from the beginning. I am hoping to read about 100 pages a week until I finish. I want to make it last!
I am currently reading The Hunger Games. I had heard so many people rave about this book that I had to see what the fuss was about. I get it now. This book is great so far. I'm glad there are two more books in the series once I'm done with this one.
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Rick - I finished my first compilation of Holmes books. I d..."
SO SO happy to hear that Lyn!! they are very addicting, aren't they! I am always sucked right in by Watson's introductory lines.
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Terry Pratchett is also another recent discovery for me- I read Wyrd Sisters and loved it- so ..uh now I have about 25 of his books! need to use librarymore and bookstore less:>) but love having them- love the cover art too
I know. And they kept referring to stories that weren't in the compilation that I was reading. So I just HAD to go back and start at the beginning. I have to say, I really like Watson. Much more than I thought I would.
Currently reading Anathem,The Curse of the Mistwraith, and Nightlife, all for Goodreads groups. Neal Stephenson is a favorite author, Janny Wurts is a wonderful new discovery (somehow missed her in all the years I've been reading fantasy!), and so far Rob Thurman is nothing special, but I'll probably finish the book...
I will be reading: Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher and River of Darknessby Rennie Airth this week.
Just finished Methland: The Death and Life of an American Small Town a real eye opener of a book. I wrote a review on my blog and can be found here:
http://braincandybookreviews.com/2010...
I am reading People of the Book
because it seems like such a fascinating topic.
Mary wrote: "I will be reading: Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher and River of Darknessby Rennie Airth this week."Love Jim Butcher.
I am currently reading The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. It is a buddy read on another Goodreads group. I am loving it so far. I adore Collins' writing and will most definitely be picking up and reading more. I can't wait to start The Woman in White! Also I am reading Marie Antoinette: The Journey. I recently watched Sophia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette and became curious about Marie Antoinette's life. I'm enjoying the book and finding it fascinating so far.
Melissa, The Moonstone was my first Wilkie Collins book. I loved it! I also enjoyed Woman In White. It's so gothically Victorian!I'm currently reading Mudbound by Hillary Jordan as part of a read-along and Pride and Prejudice. I didn't realize that Pride & Prejudice is such a humerous book!
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Hi Michelle- Janny Wurts is a great author and a wonderful person- she is a member of this Group and has even hosted an Author Forum- which is still active!
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I'm currently reading Mudbound by Hillary Jordan ..."
Petra- I found The Woman in White to be the ultimate Gothic novel- so intense with characters that stay with you long after you finish Collin's book
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I have read some Faulkner (mostly short stories) and liked him- I like his eassays alot too- I have read several James novels- and really like his somewhat snobish, highbrow characters- unlike Fitzgerald- who often expressed scorn for the idle rich of Long Island- James seemed to celebrate it in his novels.
Melissa wrote: "I am currently reading The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. It is a buddy read on another Goodreads group. I am loving it so far. I adore Collins' writing and will most def..."I just picked up The Woman in White and Moonstone from the used book store and cannot wait to begin them. I am so glad everyone seems to love his writing; it's making me really excited to get started!
Emma, please join us as we read together The Moonstone. We are not that far along and you can always pipe in at any time. The threads are divided into chapters. We would love to have you read with us.Marialyce
Oh that sounds great! I will hunt down the thread and join in when I can. Maybe I'll pick it up tonight!
Marialyce wrote: "Emma, please join us as we read together The Moonstone. We are not that far along and you can always pipe in at any time. The threads are divided into chapters. We would love to have you read wit..."I might come over and join you too. I haven't read The Moonstone in over 20 years. People keep mentioning it and it has made me really want to read it again. Plus, I read Drood recently.
I've jumped on the 1001 books (1200+ if you include all three editions) bandwagon with Slaughterhouse-Five. While I don't want to be told what I should be reading, there must be something in it? No? :)Like the oysters, I am curious.
Shay wrote: "Marialyce wrote: "Emma, please join us as we read together The Moonstone. We are not that far along and you can always pipe in at any time. The threads are divided into chapters. We would love to..."That would be perfect, Shay.
Rick wrote: "Lyn M wrote: "Rick, Henry James is also a favorite of mine, though many people do find him dry. I don't know that I've read any Faulkner, but I will have to get some."I have read some Faulkner..."
I love Faulkner, particularly Absalom, Absalom!.... Although his style is complex, the story of family rivalry and secrets stays with me and makes me think about my own family's buried past. Last night, I was writing about Faulkner in comparison to Ondaatje in my blog (www.the-reading-list.com)
Jason wrote: "Just finished Methland: The Death and Life of an American Small Town a real eye opener of a book. I wrote a review on my blog and can be found here:
http://braincandybookreviews.c..."
Thanks Jason! That sounds like a great book. If it is available for Kindle it will become a sure buy for me.
Just back from Florida I have been reading Carl Hiaasen's new book Star Island. I am 45% done and have to say i am really enjoying it. Sometimes authors wear thin aftera while, but Carl reeally has recaptured his glory with this book.
@Gary You're very welcome! I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if you do get to read it.
Currently reading The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I liked the cover art. Also, the magic theme seems like something I'd like. I hope I'm right.
Jason wrote: "@Gary You're very welcome! I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if you do get to read it."Thanks. Just bought it for Kindle and will read as soon as i finish Star Island. I will definitely let you know what I think.
I am going to start Moonstone tonight and jump onto the thread to discuss :) My original plan was to start last night since I haven't read in a couple days, but once I started dusting my bedroom, I began moving furniture...and let's just say that my night completely got away from me, and my room looks nothing like it did before! Now I am even more inspired to spend some time in a comfy chair with a classic!
Emma wrote: "I am going to start Moonstone tonight and jump onto the thread to discuss :) My original plan was to start last night since I haven't read in a couple days, but once I started dusting my bedroom,..."
So glad you can join us, Emma. Bet your room looks spectacular!
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My original plan was to start last night since I haven't read in a couple days, but once I started dusting my bedroom,..."
The Moonstone is a true classic! I can't think of a better Buddyread book!
My mum is reading Moonstone. We had not heard of it before.She picked it up as it was advertised as the first mystery style book of its kind. She is enjoying it but found it hard to follow in the beginning...
Priscilla wrote: "My mum is reading Moonstone. We had not heard of it before.She picked it up as it was advertised as the first mystery style book of its kind. She is enjoying it but found it hard to follow in the b..."Hi Priscilla, If mom wants, there are many sites on the internet that can help with the storyline and have comments and such to further understanding. There is a lot to know in the beginning with all the characters. Just google The Moonstone and lots of things will appear.
I had a hard time with The Woman in White in the beginning, but then the story took over & it was wonderful. Am sure The Moonstone will be the same. I need to add it to my list. :-)
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Priscilla, Moonstone is indeed credited with being the "first" detective story- Wilkie Collins was so talented that he was able to write a new genre like that- while writing some of the greatest Gothic tales- Woman in White and The Lady and the Law(Lesser known work- but for sure check it out!!!)
Martha- I agree - it takes a few chapters to aquire a taste for Woman in White- but then watch out! a real page turner!
Yes, Rick, it is!! I have to get another copy. The one I read was a very old paperback and fell apart as I read it. Was a real trick to finish it without losing any pages.
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most librarys have it- as well as Barnes and Noble in a very nice reprinted edition, complete with footnotes- for about 7 bucks!
Thanks! I want a copy to keep, so I'll check out B&N.
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Martha
Here is a link to the B&N Edition - so you can check out the text!
http://www.amazon.com/Woman-White-Bar...
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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
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