THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
I think before you read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, you need to adjust your expectations. It's a good book, but it's not groundbreaking or original. I think its strength is in creating memorable characters and that he is one of the very few authors who can write a trilogy. What Larsson is really good at is capturing a complex characters, especially women. Many authors have a tendency to portray women as either all good or all bad. Larsson is able to portray a character, warts and all, and have you be able to like and sympathize with them. Even the supporting characters are well drawn out. I think that books that are longer than the "average" person can comfortably read are portrayed as "instant classics". That often says more about the reader than the book.
Thanks Shay! I think that is exactly what I need to do, adjust my expectations. I have heard mixed reviews, especially about the first 100 pages. So I plan to read it when I have some extra time and keep my expectations low. Thanks for the feedback!
Next up a re-read of a book I read years ago, Strength of Stones by Greg Bear. Cant remember if I liked it or not so will be interesting to see what I make of it!
I finished reading The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon, which I really didn't like. It was full of filler, quotes and speculation. Hardly any facts or specific information. However, the last 60-70 pages was fascinating. It told about the archealogical findings in the Amazon, how the people lived, their culture and....finally.....something about this lost city of Z. I wish the rest of the book had been like that.I've now started The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I'm only about 50+ pages into it and am quite enjoying it.
Emma wrote: "Thanks Shay! I think that is exactly what I need to do, adjust my expectations. I have heard mixed reviews, especially about the first 100 pages. So I plan to read it when I have some extra time ..."Think of it like the set-up for a historical novel. You know how some of them start off slow to provide background. Same thing, I mean how much do most of us know about Sweden?
We should have a "What do you really think?" thread for bestselling books. What members really thought about the current bestsellers.
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as you know Shay- I have puposely kept this Group structured so that any member can start a thread on their own- yours sounds like a winner!
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I loved all of Haig's Sean Drummond novels- they were exciting and very witty- this book was very exciting and not witty but rather a severe and angry indictment of the way politics works(or doesnt work) the corruption, the utter lack of ethics in DC ... I found it very scary as Haig -son of the Late Alexander Haig- certainly must know of what he writes.
now reading STUFF TO DIE FOR by Don Bruns
Petra wrote: "I finished reading The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon, which I really didn't like. It was full of filler, quotes and speculation. Hardly any facts or specif..."I have read both, Petra and I agree with your assessment of the first book. I hope you enjoy the second one as much as I did.
Hey Shay, I'll take a look at the library to see if they carry him. If not, then I'll request it. Thanks!
I am reading Runaway by Meg Cabot. She has been one of my favorite authors for years. This is the third installment in her Airhead series and it is great so far.
I am reading The Habitation of the Blessed
, the newest book by fantasy writerCatherynne M. Valente. If you love beautiful and evocative language I can't think of a better author to recommend. The book is actually being released tomorrow, but I picked up a copy at the World Fantasy Convention this weekend.
Petra wrote: "I finished reading The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon, which I really didn't like. It was full of filler, quotes and speculation. Hardly any facts or specif..."To really appreciate Z you should first have read Lost Trails, Lost Cities (American title, pub. as Exploration Fawcett in Britain), Fawcett's own account of his explorations. Grann uncovered new info on Fawcett's life as well as highlighting new evidence which supports his theories.
Marialyce wrote: "I am starting American Wife."Someone gave me this to read a while back and at the time I thought, "why are you giving me this? Doesn't look like my cup of tea at all," but I absolutely loved it!
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http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003......"
thanks for the info Aloha!!
I just realized it's a Christian fantasy book. Of course, the Chronicles of Narnia series is one. I don't know whether it will be preachy or not, but it's free. LOL
I am re-reading Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey. I have no idea why I am re-reading anything with the tons of books on my TBR list!!!!!
I am currently reading "Erec Rex: The Three Furies" by Kaza Kingsley and "Blue Moon" by Alyson Noel. I'm reading these books because they are both part of a series.
I have been on a cozy mysteries kick since joining the Cozy Mysteries club on here. Just finished Murder in Volume by D.R. Meredith and began Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs last night. I really like Murder in Volume and intend to read more. And I am enjoying Death by Darjeeling so far, although I am only 3 chapters in-but I love the characters already!Murder in Volume
Death by Darjeeling
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I'm currently reading The Woman in Whitefor another club, Busy Body for a cozy mystery challenge and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodlesto my kids.
Written In Time by Jerry & Sharon Ahern.
Currently reading "They're Watching" by Gregg Hurwitz. I met Gregg at a writer's conference earlier this year and listened to him read an excerpt from the book. He's a great reader and hooked many of us in the room, so we bought it. I'm currently on page 116, chapter 23, and am sorry to say I regret buying the book (not cheap at $27). The story so far is slow and a little boring, far too much passive writing and not at all gripping. It's a bit of a slog to read it. Will post a review after I finish (if I finish) the remainder.
Hi Jenny,I know this is cheeky, but if you like a 'big brother is watching you' type of thriller with a terrorist thread, I dare you to read 'The Day The Ravens Died' writen by me under the name Timothy Pilgrim. I am one of a group of authors, here on GR trying to find ways of getting the very best of 'indie' books in front of the book reading, [and buying] public.
'The Day the Ravens Died' is available on amazon, which will be the easiest and cheapest way of getting it in the 'States.
If you find it boring or slow, I will refund you the cost of the book!!This is a public promise!!
When you have finished please post an honest review here on G.R. and remember there are better books than mine out there in the indie world, you/we just need to find them and get them known.
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]
I had to put away
for another time. The long weaving was magical in
, but overly long in The Wind-Up. I know I'm barely into it at about 2 hours of audio, but I'm bored with the slow building. I was craving for the tension and suspense of horror. After going through several audios, I decided on
. The introduction where the author was describing the inspiration of his book was terrific. It was inspired by his experience of traveling in Asia with the SARS virus outbreak.
Nanette wrote: "The Good German."I liked that book, but the movie skipped the most interesting ideas. It's for serious Clooney- and Blanchett-philes only.
Timothy wrote: "Hi Jenny,I know this is cheeky, but if you like a 'big brother is watching you' type of thriller with a terrorist thread, I dare you to read 'The Day The Ravens Died' writen by me under ..."
"Cheeky." I knew you had to be a Brit! I'll check it out.
Hi Jenny,I spend most of my time trying to kick open a few doors for other Indie authors, as long as their work justifies it. I reckon it's time for me to start making a bit of noise about my own work. I'll make no bones about it, my first stuff might have had really good plots and by the time I got to my first published book 'RO' I had improved to the stage where my writing was only fairly bad!
'The Day the Ravens Died' I dare put beside ANYONES work off a similar genre. That is not to say there isn't room for improvement, if I live to be a 100 [unlikely] and keep writing I will still be learning!
You can read the first chapter for free on the 'Authors on Line' site, it won't give you a clue what the rest of the book is like!! Nor will the first chapter, [hee hee] but they will set the scene and give you an insight into the main characters.
If you get it I hope you enjoy it, it is meant to be different, that is the point of staying 'indie'.
And I meant what I said about a refund if you find it slow or boring!
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer]
I am currently reading Nightshade. A friend recommended it to me, but I have been remiss. It's November, which means I'm busy with NaNo, but it's very good so far :).
Candace, so, this is one good? It was written up in one of the newspapers where I live and they liked it.
Candace (Amare Infinitum) wrote: "I am currently reading Nightshade. A friend recommended it to me, but I have been remiss. It's November, which means I'm busy with NaNo, but it's very good so far :)."You'll have to tell me how that is! It's on my to read list! I'm currently "reading" stuff for school. However I'm half way through Pride and Prejudice but it's on pause while i'm at school sitting on the self next to my bed...
@ Heather--So far, it's really interesting. I love the main character, and the mythology that has been created.
@ Ottilie--Will do :). I'll have a spoiler-free review when I get done :).
@ Ottilie--Will do :). I'll have a spoiler-free review when I get done :).
Candace, that is excellent news! I plan on getting the book when I get paid again..
I'm currently reading Zen and the Art of Vampires because I'm getting to the end of my A-Z book challenge and needed to read a book whose title began with Z
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I know this is cheeky, but if you like a 'big brother is watching you' type of thriller with a terrorist thread, I dare you to read 'The Day The Ravens Died' writen by me under ..."
Super book- 'The Day The Ravens Died'- It has been awarded an official - JAMES MASON BOOK OF EXCELLANCE DESIGNATION
I finished The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and found it fascinating. There are two storylines: the cells and Henrietta's family.I've now started The Children's Book because it's a Group Read for another group, it's on my bookshelf and I've been meaning to read it soon.
Also, since The Children's Book is so bulky, I'll be starting Ironweed as my "at work" book. It's much easier to tote around.
Last night, I started reading Gad's Hall (1977) by Norah Lofts, a British writer I've mentioned before on this thread. It's a common read this month in another Goodreads group I belong to, Supernatural Fiction Readers.
I just finished reading an excellent biography of Dashiell Hammett, written by his daughter Jo Hammett - Dashiell Hammett: A Daughter Remembers. A moving portrait of a complex, tormented man and the ups and downs between father and daughter over the years. It got me thinking about my own relationship with my father.... My full review can be read at www.the-reading-list.com
Kerste, Zen and the Art of Vampires, is this by Katie MacAlister?
Heather, yes, Zen and the Art of Vampires is by Katie MacAlister.
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now reading- The Enemy of God
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I have heard of Norah Lofts- love to hear your takeon her
I'm reading Jonathan Franzen's book of mini-memoirs, The Discomfort Zone. Why? Because Freedom rocked my socks off. At this moment in time, I am fully prepared to get into a physical altercation with any man, woman, child, etc., who denies this man's genius.
Kerste, how are you liking it and is this your first MacAlister book?
Heather wrote: "Kerste, how are you liking it and is this your first MacAlister book?"This is my 2ndMacAlister, just finished You Slay Me (cuz I needed a book that started with "Y" for my A-Z book challenge), I didn't really like that one and so far this one is less annoying, but uses the same device of the mundane girl who gets drawn into the "other world". I, myself, am curious to see if I'll like this one better, but it's early yet, only on page 62. Be able to tell you more when the weekend is over.
Are you a MacAlister fan or would be reader?
OK, I hear ya! I did like the books and I am a MacAlister fan. I do have to say that I love Jim! Wish I could have a Jim of my very own. Do you think you will try her vampire series?
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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Books mentioned in this topic
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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)
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haha! I must admit to buying t..."
Rick, same here. Bought the first two but have yet to get around to reading them. I have trouble reading things so hyped up, but when I saw them on sale, I figured, what the heck? They'll get read eventually...