THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
Melissa (Mel) wrote: "I just finished Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter."How was it?
Melissa (Mel) wrote: "I am currently reading Her Fearful Symmetry. I just finished Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter."ahh... I really enjoyed the first half of "Her Fearful Symmetry" but felt the ending ruined it... hope u enjoy it tho :)
I purchased Wolf Hall in part because of the Booker Prize, and in part because of the beauty of the book. I didn't expect to enjoy it because of the writing style and because I generally would rather read straight history than historical fiction, which I feel takes too many liberties with actual people and events. I was astonished at how much I enjoyed the book. While the style was not to my usual taste, it was very effective in leading the reader into the mind of the main character. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Mod
good to hear! I do plan on reading it!
I really enjoyed Member Rickey Shay's Rendezvous Rock- a very impressive novel- great characterizations and am so inspired by Rickey's story- We have so many great writers here in The James Mason Group and my loyalty is always with them first!
Rickey BrayHere is Rickey's story- which touches me so deeply everytime I read it...
"Growing up in the rural Elgin, Oklahoma area, my life was happily normal with my wife and three young children. All of that changed abruptly on a spring day in 1978.
We were returning home from an outing in the mountains when our car was involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. After the screeching of brakes, glass shattering, and half of our car destroyed, my wife and two of my three children were dead. I was only in my early twenties and was unable to cope with the loss. I fell into a miasma of depression and, unfortunately, turned to illegal drugs for consolation.
Even though I later remarried and had two more children, I never fully recovered from my loss and continued to use drugs as a crutch. All of this came to an abrupt halt fourteen years later when my second wife and I were arrested in 1993 on numerous drug charges. Both of us were sentenced to 32 years in prison!!! I was 39 years old!
Entering the prison system, I felt as if I was in a void similar to the five stages of grief. First there is denial, followed by anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, hopefully, acceptance. It actually took me four years before I came to terms with my situation and did a “life review.”
I finally asked myself, “Am I going to try and accomplish something, even though I’m in jail, or am I just going to give up?”
It was then that I decided to try writing. I had always loved to read, so writing came quite naturally to me. In prison there was no access to computers or the Internet for reference materials, and the prison library consisted only of a box of tattered westerns and romance novels, which in effect forced me to rely on my own imagination. For me, writing became my therapy. I was finally able to deal with the death of my wife and children, my incarceration, and overcome my dependence on drugs.
While in prison, I was very fortunate that my cellmate was an artistically gifted person. We had an unspoken agreement to keep our cell quiet so that each of us could pursue our creative endeavors – I wrote and my cellmate, who was serving time for murder, painted. I used him to critique my writing, and he used me as the subject of many of his paintings. I now have a portrait that he painted which I take to all of my book signings.
With the “time” to write and our cell turned into a creative studio, I wrote six manuscripts using only a pencil on yellow legal pads. My first published book, Rendezvous Rock, is a romantic-drama with some light supernatural elements. One of the principal characters is a contemporary witch. Yet I knew nothing of witchcraft and had no way to do any research, so I concocted an earth-based religion to base the story on. I tried to make the characters real and believable. Although the plot is obviously fictional, it has the ring of reality that leaves the reader questioning…what if? The book recently placed second in the fantasy category in the 2010 Reader Views Literary Contest.
Now a free man, I was in the Oklahoma prison system for twelve years, from 1993 until 2005. Since my release from prison, my wife and I divorced, but I have recently married a lovely woman I have known since 1977 and now reside in Marlow, Oklahoma. I have also returned to my previous profession as a house painter and serve as the foreman for a painting company. I hope to eventually get all of my manuscripts published. My life has turned around, and I am now only looking forward instead of dwelling on the past."
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I also love Ruth Rendell- nice compact mysteries!
I'm re-reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
I'm reading The Iron King by Julie Kagawa,because I read some reviews in here (goodreads) that said it's good.
and I love fantasy too, so i said to my self "why not?"
I just started Solomon's Oakby Jo-Ann Mapson. It's a novel about a widow with a wedding chapel and some unusual weddings that have been celebrated there. I'm drawn by anything unusual.
I started a YA called Matched. Because the cover is so pretty and because it's set in a dystopian society which is one of my favorite genres.
Don't waste your time on THE DAVINCI CODE. It's badly written and poorly researched. Even worse, it's such an unsuccessful attack on religion that the book allowed the righteous and pious to successfully attack it.
George wrote: "Don't waste your time on THE DAVINCI CODE. It's badly written and poorly researched. Even worse, it's such an unsuccessful attack on religion that the book allowed the righteous and pious to succes..."My 17 year old read this when he was 13. Like he said, "It's just fiction". This was just a fun action book, no more, no less. I personallly have no expectations for high literature when reading action books. It reminded me of Raider of the Lost Ark. I feel there are many authors in this genre that do what Dan Brown did but don't get all the notoriety because their books didn't get all this attention. So I'm not sure it's fair to point out just this one book. There is a time for historical fiction and good literature and then there are times for just a fun, over-the-top silly adventure book. The book didn't deserve to be taken so seriously.
I'm now reading the following book by Blaine Pardoe ---
It's about about Frederick Zinn, an American WWI veteran of the U.S. Army Air Service (as well as former French Foreign Legionnaire) and the efforts he made to find and identify missing American airmen from both World Wars. The book offers some interesting stories about several of these airmen, mainly from the First World War.
I've been fascinated with First World War aviation since I was 12. So, this particular book fits the bill for me.
Carmel wrote: "Kristine wrote: " May start Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe..."Kristine, the movie of this book would be in my top 10 favourite movies, just brilliant!"
Mine too...that's why I am excited to read it!
Rick wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Kristine wrote: " May start Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe..."Kristine, the movie of this book would be in my top 10 favourite movies, just brilliant!"..."
She is one of my favs....her and her husband whose name escapes me right now.....
Debra wrote: "Carmel wrote: "Kristine wrote: " May start Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe..."Kristine, the movie of this book would be in my top 10 favourite movies, just brilliant!"..."
I am really excited to start it...I started Summer at Tiffany as I needed a simple, easy, fluff read and it has delivered. Fun book.
Horsefan101 (Sara!) wrote: "I'm re-reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"The best one if you ask me!
I'm nearing the end of Once Were Cops: A Novel by Ken Bruen. My first from Bruen. This is sharp, true neo noir crime fiction that doesn't hold back. No flash, just raw crimes warping minds and a lean storyline. It's a nice though grim diversion from my usual diet of historical (1930s/40s mostly) espionage/mystery novels. Steve Anderson
Mod
Kristine, the movie of this book would be in my top 10 favourite movies, just ..."
Jessica Tandy was married to the equally great Hume Cronyn!!
Mod
looks like a great book! Ken Bruen is a terrific writer
I just started reading Tomato Redby Daniel Woodrell, an unusual mystery that takes place in the Ozarks.
Shomeret wrote: "I just started reading Tomato Redby Daniel Woodrell, an unusual mystery that takes place in the Ozarks."I read this and it was a well-written and unique book. I believe the style is called hillbilly-noir and I had to borrow it just for that alone. But, it just wasn't for me. It's one of those books that's good, but just not to my personal taste. But, he definitely has a unique and wonderful voice.
that book sounds interesting. Have never heard of hillbilly-noir.
Rick wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I purchased Wolf Hall in part because of the Booker Prize, and in part because of the beauty of the book. I didn't expect to enjoy it because of the writing style and because I gene..."
Rick - Thanks for mentioning my story and offering words of encouragement. 1978 was so long ago. I have pictures of my family from then on my author profile page; they were so young.
Robin wrote: "that book sounds interesting. Have never heard of hillbilly-noir."I know, that's why when I heard that word describing the book, I didn't have to read any more about the book to know I had to read it.
If you're interested in hillbilly noir, you should see the film "Winter's Bone," a terrific movie that came out last year. It takes place in the Ozarks and made many of 2010's top ten lists.
im reading the vampire acadamey series i love it:)
Rickey wrote: "Rick - Thanks for mentioning my story and offering words of encouragement. 1978 was so long ago. I have pictures of my family from then on my author profile page; they were so young."
Oh, and by the way, if anyone would like a free review copy. There are 3 copies left for the asking at Review the Book. The link is:http://reviewthebook.com/index.php/bo...
I just finished reading The Paris Review Interviews, III. What a marvellous find! It's like all these brilliant authors are sitting with you over a glass of wine, discussing everything from their daily writing habits to their most intimate sources of inspiration. I particularly loved what Joyce Carol Oates had to say about using old photographs.... More reflections at my blog at www.the-reading-list.com
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http://reviewthebook.com/index.php/bo......"
you are quite welcome Rickey- just an amzing story- such a tragedy- yet overcoming it like you have- and producing such a teriffic read- my admiration is great!
Mod
Didn't George Plimpton start The Paris review?
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I know, that's why when I heard that word describing the book, I didn't have to read any more about the book to kn..."
thats a new one on me too! Hillbilly Noir - sounds like Jed Clampett meets Phillip Marlowe
Just finished A LONELY DEATH by Charles Todd.Loved it...first Ian Rutledge mystery I have read.
See my review here and on my blog.
http://silversolara.blogspot.com
Mod
Loved it...first Ian Rutledge mystery I have read.
See my review here and on my blog.
http://silversolara.blogspot.com"
great review!and really very well done website Elizabeth!
Right now I'm juggling three books, all three of which are arc books that I've won through First Reads. I'm reading The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown, which is a novel, and I'm reading two non-fiction books, The Price of Everything by Eduardo Porter and Peace and Plenty by Sarah Ban Breathnach. The Price of Everything is very interesting -- it's sort of an "economic overview" of what we pay and why we pay it, covering everything from the price of a cup of coffee to the price of crossing the border from Mexico to the US to the price of death. Although it's interesting, it's taking me FOREVER to read it.
I just started Peace and Plenty because I'm hoping it will help me to adjust to my new financial circumstances (being out of work.) So far it seems ok -- I do hope I get something out of it.
Of the three that I'm juggling, I'm enjoying The Weird Sisters the most. (This always happens when I juggle fiction with non-fiction -- the fiction usually wins.)
Just finished Helen of Troy which I loved. I gave it a rare five stars.Am about 1/3 of the way thru City of Bones. Am not loving it, but its ok so far.
Right now I'm reading Tad Williams "Otherland" series, "One" by Conrad Williams (a post-apocalyptic novel), "The Seventh Witch" by Shirley Damsgaard (a paranormal cozy mystery) and "Moral Man and Immoral Society" by Reinhold Neibuhr. I joined a couple of reading challenges on LibraryThing (fantasy and science fiction) and so I'm trying to read a few of the books for those. I have had the "Otherland" books on my shelf for a long, long time and finally I am reading them (they are very good, just didn't make the time before.) Oh, and for my bus commute to work, I'm listening to "Pandora's Star" by Peter F. Hamilton.
I'm just finishing off The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin and have enjoyed very much. I wasn't sure at first, but it's really grown on me.Next two books which I'll start when I finish Lathe will be one of my favourite books ever, On the Beach, which I'm in the mood for a reread and one by a new mystery writer for me, Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley. Something old, something new (even if it was written in 1929.. :0)
I am reading How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu as it was a Christmas gift. Luckily I am enjoying it as well.
Flora wrote:Am about 1/3 of the way thru City of Bones. Am not loving it, but its ok so far."
To be honest, it took me sooooooo long to get into that series and probably would've given up on it if I hadn't already bought the first 3 books... It does get better though, not fantastic in my opinion, but then again I am not much of a YA genre fan..
Hopefully you enjoy it though :)
I'm about to support a GR author by reading
Am reading the hypnotist, got a proof from work and i love scandanavian crime so it was a must read.
Just started Alice I Have Been, Across the Universe, and Hull Zero Three in addition to the two others I'm currently reading.
I am in the midst of "Rhett Butler's People." OMG is it good!! Usually sequels to books written by other people don't work, but a friend who worked with me in hte library raved over a book call "Nob's Trials" & this book is by the same author, Donald McCaig. anyone who enjoyed "Gone with the Wind" will enjoy this book. This is an author who tells it like it is and does a very good job of it.
I'm over half way thru City of Bones and I agree with Sophie that it has improved since I first started. It hasn't just blown me away but its not horrible either.
Sophie wrote: "Flora wrote:Am about 1/3 of the way thru City of Bones. Am not loving it, but its ok so far."
To be honest, it took me sooooooo long to get into that series and probably would've gi..."
I don't read very many YA books, but I occasionally find a few that are surprising and original. Last year I read the YA novel Marcelo In The Real Worldwhich is about an autistic teen who spends the summer working at his father's law firm. I found it extraordinary. It was one of the best books I read in 2010.
So now I'm reading The Last Summer Of The Death Warriorsby the same author. It's a modern version of Don Quixote in which Don Quixote is a teenager with cancer. So far I'm impressed with it. Francisco X. Stork goes deep into characters, relationships and important issues.
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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)
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We All Fall Down (other topics)
Get Even (other topics)
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Monica Rodden (other topics)Lisa Unger (other topics)
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I have a nagging problem with how the timeline is set within this novel, and I could use some assistance. Perhaps I am mis..."
Been looking through my copy of 'Shiver'... and couldn't find any reference to Grace being a specific age when she got bitten, the bit I found was just saying that she was "young"... but then the whole part of her getting locked in the car (which i member being your main problem with the timeline?) is on page 107 of the book where she explains that she had the flu right after the bite, and that her dad was driving around with her in the car because she was "too young to be left behind" and she had the flu "was just stupid with sleep", fell asleep on the way home and next she knew she was waking up in the hospital after being locked in the car. Guessing she was just in the backseat or something asleep, and the dad was too involved in himself to remember her...sad.