THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
Thanks, Deborah. I'm not sure if we have a Borders in my area. I live in a small village in central Illinois. Rarely make it to the big cities & when I do it's with my Special Olympic athletes so I'm pretty occupied! :-) I do most of my book buying online.
Martha wrote: "Thanks, Deborah. I'm not sure if we have a Borders in my area. I live in a small village in central Illinois. Rarely make it to the big cities & when I do it's with my Special Olympic athletes so I..."So nice to hear where you're from, Martha. I do most of mine online, too. But I do have access to several bookstores and feel very blessed. I also keep buying there to support them! LOL
My daughter lives in Louisiana in a small town and there's only one shop. I'm soooo fearful that we'll lose our Borders, B&Nobles and Books-a-Millions, etc....like we have lost most of the precious small bookshops of 10-15 years ago and before. While we used to rail against the "book chains," now I'm just hoping that we don't lose all of them in these difficult times. I heard a rumor that Borders was folding, as was Books-a-Mill. So far nothing's happened in my area.
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Martha
So wonderful to hear you are involved with The Special Olympics- what a beautiful organization- I am a teacher/Supervisor for 2 classrooms for developmentally disabled adults- and I can tell you that the Special Olympics have added so much happiness to many many of my clients!
The Borders store at our local mall has been closed for some months now. I don't know whether that's part of a general fading away of the whole chain, or just an isolated response to the bad economic conditions (and high mall rents!) and relative shortage of enthusiastic readers in this area. We still have a locally-owned small shop in Bluefield, WV (where I buy occasionally to support them!), and a Christian bookstore in the mall that's part of a small two-state chain.
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found this article on Borders...
Borders closing stores in 2010
News flash! Borders Group Inc. will be closing 200 mall stores across the country in January 2010. About 130 of the mall locations, branded as Waldenbooks and Borders Express stores, would still remain open, according to an announcement on the Borders Web site.
The company provided a Borders store closing list, and although it hasn't been finalized, there are four Maryland locations mentioned so far, including three Borders Express stores in Glen Burnie, Owings Mills and Wheaton as well as a Waldenbooks in Gaithersburg.
None of the freestanding superstore locations will be affected, according to the announcement.
Some of the approximately 1,500 employees who will lose their jobs are expected to get other positions within the chain.
This decision to "right-size" the chain (as the company described it) follows the company's pattern since fiscal 2001. They've closed a number of stores each year.
Retail reporter Andrea K. Walker thinks this decision to close so many stores might have been prompted when discounters like Walmart.com decided to sell recently released books for as low as $8.99. Even Sears.com has gotten into the book price wars.
All this makes me wonder: where do you buy your books?
Borders closing 200 mall stores
Border's decision probably makes good business sense. A free-standing store would usually be cheaper to run (especially if they own the building) than one where they had to pay the kind of rent mall owners charge.Personally, I do most of my book-buying at yard sales, flea markets, secondhand stores, etc. (I also belong to BookMooch.) Very rarely, I'll buy a book at a small locally-owned shop (usually through special order). But I actually don't have to buy as many books as some readers, because I'm a big user of the extensive collection at the library where I work.
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I am reading PRINCE OF THIEVES by Chuck Hogan- a caper thriller that takes place in South Boston- quite good- especially the complexity of the main character- a lifelong thief who is a member of AA.
Still- best book I read this year was ONCE A SPY-by Keith Thompson- a thriller and in a real sense a coming of age story about a father and adult son, who were not close until the father, a veteran CIA agent developed Alzheimers and became a "liabilty" to the Agency in that he could not be trusted to not disclose sensitive information during his periods of non-lucidity- the relationship between the father and son (who is a gambling addict) is wonderfully and hilariously!! developed as they join together to escape those who would have them "eliminated"- a book one does not forget but savors!
The Author, Mr. Thomson was nice enought to sketch a picture of James Mason specially for this Group!
see link
http://www.facebook.com/KeithThomsonA...
6 entries down
Once A Spy is among the books listed as Group Read Choices for our Sept Read- check poll section of Groups- some great choices!
I am reading The Belgariad, Vol. 1: Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit by David Eddings. I am reading it because my dad recommended it. I am on page 120, Chapter 13, and I really like it.
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Do you plan on reading The Mallarion Books next?
Rick wrote: "Le Pion De La Prophétie wrote: "I am reading The Belgariad, Vol. 1: Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit by David Eddings. I am reading it because my dad recommended i..."
Maybe.
Maybe.
Petra wrote: "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 ..."
I read Mudbound for my book club. It was an excellent read and made for a good discussion.
I'm currently reading An Open Book: Coming of Age in the Heartland. I like to read books about books. (Little quirk of mine.) The author (born in 1948) is a little older than I am and I am enjoying reading about his love of books from and early age and what he was reading as a child. I'm now in the section where he is in high school. I can say, he read much heavier books than I did as a kid.
Denise wrote: "I'm currently reading An Open Book: Coming of Age in the Heartland. I like to read books about books. (Little quirk of mine.) The author (born in 1948) is a little older than I am and..."
Lol...books about books?
Lol...books about books?
I just started Storm Prey by John Sandford. Why? I love all his novels and it's been too long since I read one. I need a Davenport fix.L.J.
Thrilled to Death
Secrets to Die For
The Sex Club
Rick wrote: "All this makes me wonder: where do you buy your books? "The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Barnes & Noble's lunch like a schoolyard bully. Both the "big box" book chains are in serious trouble and looking for buyers. Freestanding Borders haven't stared closing yet, but that's on the horizon because the Amazon business model is so successful.
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The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Barnes & Noble's lunch like a schoolyard bully. Both the "big..."
good point Gini- I must say that when reading posts on here about books that interest me- it is SO EASY for me to just pull up Amazon.com and buy it there- usually a used copy at a fraction of bookstore costs- I still go to Barnes and Noble on a regular basis as well- but they need to have lower prices for non-members- because I have purchased a Christopher Moore book there for $15 plus tax and then bought 4 more Moore books on Amazon for about the same price as the 1. Not proud of it- but in this economy- a fact of life- I feelso sorry for the independant bookseller- few places for those who truly love books enough to risk their finances to open a bookstore- SAD
Rick wrote: "Gini wrote: "Rick wrote: "All this makes me wonder: where do you buy your books? "
The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Barnes & Noble's lunch like a schoolyard bully...."
Some people believe reading will die out in a few years. I refuse to believe it.
The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Barnes & Noble's lunch like a schoolyard bully...."
Some people believe reading will die out in a few years. I refuse to believe it.
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The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Barnes & Noble's lunch like a school..."
totally agree with you- all the new "gadgets" can never take the place of holding a book in your hands and turning the pages!
Rick wrote: "Le Pion De La Prophétie wrote: "Rick wrote: "Gini wrote: "Rick wrote: "All this makes me wonder: where do you buy your books? "
The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Ba..."
Pretty soon people are gonna have
books read by machines to them. Not as good as reading youself, but..
The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Ba..."
Pretty soon people are gonna have
books read by machines to them. Not as good as reading youself, but..
I'm reading Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay because I got the first three books in the series from a friend. But I have a hard time finishing the first volume. Although it's interesting the book is not quite catching me. The inner monologues of Dexter are kind of annoying.
Teipu wrote: "I'm reading Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay because I got the first three books in the series from a friend. But I have a hard time finishing the first volume. Although it's interesting the ..."
Never heard of it either.
Never heard of it either.
"Marialyce wrote:If mom wants, there are many sites on the internet that can help with the storyline and have comments and such to further understanding"Rick Wrote:"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"..
Thank you Marialyce, I will let her know that there are sites to look up more info, she is still reading it just slowly. More info may help her enjoy it even more..
Rick I have not heard of the other books 'The Lady in White' sounds interesting I will definitely look them up ,thank you both for the information ;)
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Rick Wrote:"he was able to write a new g..."
I keep getting the title mixed up with an old movie title LOL!!
its called THE WOMAN IN WHITE
sorry!
Rick
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Rick wrote: "PRINCE OF THIEVES(2004) by Chuck Hogan is really turning out to be a great read- a career bank robber, who is a member of AA and is falling in love with the terror-stricken manager of the latest ba..."
Wow! I wanna read that!
Wow! I wanna read that!
Currently working on the 87th precint novels by Ed McBain. I am re-reading them after a long absence.
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I LOVE Ed McBain!! met him several years ago in NJ - he was such a nice person!
Deborah wrote: "Martha wrote: "Thanks, Deborah. I'm not sure if we have a Borders in my area. I live in a small village in central Illinois. Rarely make it to the big cities & when I do it's with my Special Olympi..."There's a Waldenbooks about 25 miles from here & others a bit farther away. Also, there was a B&N about 35 miles from home. Hope it's still there. I try to avoid them b/c I spend too much money! :-)
Deborah, I grew up in Louisiana & consider it home. My dad was transferred to Fort Polk when I was in 2nd grade & I lived there until I left to go to Germany with my husband. They were both in the Army & stationed at the infamous Ft. Polk. Any soldier knows about Ft. Polk!
Rick wrote: "Tod wrote: "I just started The Unabridged Edgar Allen Poe. Poetry isn't really my thing, unless there is a substantial mood to it. I want to understand his work better though and will try to get th..."Poe is always worth the effort! Poe was required reading for me when I was in grade school and even though he has serious issues w/ending sentences, he is excellent.
Gini wrote: "Rick wrote: "All this makes me wonder: where do you buy your books? "The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Barnes & Noble's lunch like a schoolyard bully. Both the "big..."
I love amazon! It's especially easy bcs of the internet and they have great deals on their paperbacks. But I do a lot of shopping @ my local used bookstore. My community library is stuck in 1983 and only carry like Julie Garwood and Stephen King which was great when I was younger bcs I was addicted to Stephen King...
I just read
while on vacation bcs I've seen so many post about it in various groups and wanted to see what all the hype was about. it's a pretty decent and interesting idea on a new sci-fi world. I hate cliffhangers though and the book kinda just abrubtly ends. boo!
Rick wrote: "Gini wrote: "Rick wrote: "All this makes me wonder: where do you buy your books? "The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Barnes & Noble's lunch like a schoolyard bully...."
Hi Rick, I urge everyone to try their best to get to an Independent Bookstore all that you are able. I work in one. We sell new but mostly used books. In order to keep them alive, we need to shop there. I, too, am guilty of just clicking onto Amazon, but try my bookstore first to see if they have the book, then Amazone second. B&N books are just too darn expensive considering my habit. Indie's showcase the most interesting novels anyway versus run of mill generic books whose authors pump out a book a week. Thank goodness for all us readers out there :)
I'm currently reading The Pawn by Steven James. This is the first in a series of 4 books about a serial killer chase.
Rick wrote: "good point Gini- I must say that when reading posts on here about books that interest me- it is SO EASY for me to just pull up Amazon.com and buy it there- usually a used copy at a fraction of bookstore costs...."Borders and B&N did not take the internet seriously early enough to make it a good resource to supplement brick-and-mortar stores. I still love going to a bookstore, but if they don't have what I want, I will order from Amazon rather than special order at the bookstore. And Amazon's bargain prices simply can't be matched when you have to pay rent or mortgage and upkeep on a building.
Le Pion De La Prophétie wrote: "Some people believe reading will die out in a few years. I refuse to believe it."Studies like this one stating that one in four Americans didn't read a single book in 2007 would seem to predict a grim future, but I don't think reading is in any real danger, even though the book industry is changing.
Le Pion De La Prophétie wrote: "Pretty soon people are gonna have books read by machines to them. Not as good as reading youself, but.. "That's been happening for years! Audiobooks are big sellers, and I have listened to books when I had a lot of driving to do for work. But it doesn't substitute for a real book.
Martha wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Martha wrote: "Thanks, Deborah. I'm not sure if we have a Borders in my area. I live in a small village in central Illinois. Rarely make it to the big cities & when I do it's with m..."LOL Martha, I know of Ft. Polk because I'm an Army Brat, too! I spent most of my growing up years in Germany. Daddy was stationed at Ft. Knox in my soph. and jr. years of high school...otherwise, I practically always went to school in Germany!
I'm glad you at least have Walden near you. Know what you mean about spending too much when you get to a bookstore. I find if I can sit by myself in the cafe or in a chair and read through my stack of books, it's easier to choose which one or 2 I want to really take home. Walden didn't used to have chairs, though, so I don't know the situation now.
My email is: interiorsbydeb2@aol.com We should talk, Martha! :]
I just started "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Mostly I read historical fiction, but several of my writer friends have been talking about this book for quite a while, so I thought I'd see what all the hubbub is about. Only in chapter 2 so far, so too soon to say much, but I am intrigued.
I am reading
. Our librarian recommended it to me.
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The plain, business facts are that Amazon is eating Borders and Barnes & Noble's lunch like a scho..."
Rose I cannot agree more! There is a wonderful Independent Mystery bookstore here in South FL- called- (I love this name!!) MURDER ON THE BEACH- they have some really great author signings too!
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That's been happening for years! Audiobooks are big selle..."
I agree Gini- I love listening to classic radio shows- Jack Benny, The Shadow, Fred Allen ect- but I, myself, just can't seem to get into audiobooks- I need the tangible feeling of touching the book I am reading I guess
Rick wrote: "Gini wrote: "Le Pion De La Prophétie wrote: "Pretty soon people are gonna have books read by machines to them. Not as good as reading youself, but.. "That's been happening for years! Audiobook..."
I drive abt 3 hours a day through atlanta traffic and I LOVE audiobooks! Keeps you from starting road rage...unless of course you're screaming at the book! LOL ;p
starting to re-read "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet" for one of my book clubs. really loved it the first time so looking forward to going back into Henry's world of "the war years" again
I only listen to audiobooks while driving, to work, to town for shopping ... we live in a small town with only a gas station/convenience store. I rarely listen while sitting at home b/c I tend to fall asleep. Thankfully, I don't have that problem while driving. :-) It is a very different experience than holding the book though & the narrator can make the book. I listened to Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South and didn't like the narrator. Am thinking of purchasing a different one just to get a new narrator as I love the book, but did not enjoy this reading. I'll certainly listen to samples in the future.
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That's been happening for year..."
I know many folks who love audibooks- they certainly are popular and I have the greatest respect for them!
perhaps one day I shall try to get through a whole one- thats just one person's thoughts! and my- I do see the great value of having one playing in Atlanta traffic- I lived in Atlanta and whew!!! two words..."Spaghetti Junction" :<)
OMG!!! Every. Single. Day! Traffic jam.
I feel for you. Don't know how I would deal with that. I used to work 2nd shift & get off anywhere from 11pm to 12:30am (shifts changed from time to time). I could drive all the way home (about 18 miles) & never meet another car!! I did see deer a lot though!! It's mostly very country roads going through corn & soybean fields.
Rick wrote: "I love listening to classic radio shows- Jack Benny, The Shadow, Fred Allen ect- but I, myself, just can't seem to get into audiobooks- I need the tangible feeling of touching the book I am reading I guess "I feel very much the same way, but when I was driving at least an hour a day I started listening to audiobooks with the personal proviso that I would only listen to unabridged books. It helped many long, tedious drives pass. I don't do it as much these days as I don't have that commute as often, but my prejudice against audiobooks was lessened during that time.
Jesslynn wrote: "I drive abt 3 hours a day through atlanta traffic and I LOVE audiobooks! Keeps you from starting road rage...unless of course you're screaming at the book! LOL ;p "It certainly helps you not to feel like you are wasting so much of your life, doesn't it?!
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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)
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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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I'm not sure about Wilkie Collins because I wasn't looking, but there are so many others. Check them out!