THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
Let me know how object of Beauty is by Steve Martin, I have read Shopgirl and his other book, the object of my affection, I think it was called.
Robin, I'll let you know. So far it's okay.
I'm reading Steve Berry's The Emperor's Tomb. His books are in the "high concept" genre combining different aspects of mystery, history, suspense, thriller, adventure, romance. But bottom line I love how he takes an event in ancient history and intertwines it into a present day plot.
![St[♥]r Pr!nc:$$ N[♥]wsheen pictures, pictures, pictures ||| ♥ Zin Uru ♥ ||||](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1378104145p1/1253494.jpg)
I am caught halfway on an American not so well known trilogy novel and a doctor who e-reader/pdf novella...don't know wich I will finish first, I have been reading these since last year or even earlier. I have posted more details on the review, thinking of picking up a real good fantasy (hard to find something interesting since I have done a fantastic dragon book and can't do anything else for a while) ...may do tv shows for a while, don't know yet.
Half-off! JENKINS: Confederate Blockade Runner in observance of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War is running a 50% off coupon on Amazon.com. Promo Code: X5B9FSCF. http://www.amazon.com/Jenkins-Confede... Reviewed: Colonel C.T. Jenkins was Ms. Hill's long lost uncle and a prolific writer. He left journal entries and letters to fuel Emily's curiosity leading her to write the story of her Uncle Cyprian. He was born into a prominent Baltimore family in 1811 and, defying the wishes of his father to join in the family enterprises, left home after the Leonid meteor showers of 1833 to follow his own dreams of independence becoming an Indian scout, property owner, legislator, Civil War hero, prisoner of war, family man.The author claims the story almost told itself but she's being modest. Through the details and nuances of 19th century society, daily life and relationships you can detect the skills of an innate storyteller.
At midlife Jenkins, missing the family life he once spurned, enters into a December-May union. Living with his wife, Eliza, and their children on the coast of the secessionist state of Florida and a as member of the Confederate army, he becomes a blockade runner. When he is captured and taken North he must reach out to the relations he once spurned in order to survive prison life and return to his family who are struggling to survive in Florida. ~ www.AvidReaderBookReviews.com
I just finished Per Petterson To Siberia and it was wonderful, more than wonderful- the writing is very strong, lyrical and spare, and the characters and the story feel real- that's what I'm always looking for, I think- truthfulness in what I'm reading and writing. I felt equally stunned by Out Stealing Horses, wondered how the translation could possibly be so good. I loved the ending of this book- Maybe one of the great endings I have ever read. Gushing! Fangirl!
Reading On Writing by Stephen King to learn from a Master. So far, the book has been gold.
Mod
very fine book indeed!
Mod
I finished Swann's Way and really liked it a lot. Amazing writing and a good storyline with humour, thought and warmth. Proust's characters are wonderful.I've started Your Inner Fish: A Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body, which is fascinating so far.
I'm currently enjoying Payment Deferred by C.S. Forester, an interesting mystery and also a series of SciFi short stories, Son of the Morning and Other Stories by Phyllis Gotlieb. Both are very interesting.
Finally finishing
by Nick Hornby. It's funny and heartfelt and the onslaught of soccer and Arsenal details works fine for this football dork, but I'm surprised it worked so well for so many mainstream readers. In any case, it's a nice break from my usual historical espionage and mystery fiction and nicely coincides with my Portland Timbers FC returning to the top flight of American soccer in MLS. This last part won't make much sense to most of you, but it means a ton to this Portlander!Steve
Steve Anderson
I'm reading Deborah Coonts's Wanna Get Lucky? and I'm finding it to be a lot of fun. I needed a light read after Emma Donoghue's Room and before delving into the second book of the GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO trilogy: The Girl Who Played with Fire
I just started Learning to Swim: A Novel by Sara Henry--smart fast paced thriller with an intelligent heroine. I'm also reading Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone(an old friend), The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharpe, The Abacus and the Cross: The Story of the Pope Who Brought the Light of Science to the Dark Agesby Nancy Marie Brown, and a stack of books on Tipu Sultan for an article.
Did someone mention varied? I suppose that's one way to avoid confusing your books. hahaSorry, this is my effort to start getting emails from this group again.
Anna wrote: "Did someone mention varied? I suppose that's one way to avoid confusing your books. haha"Who, me?
haha well I was referring to the list of books Pamela reads, but mostly I was trying to get emails from the group again. I seem to have lost them all.
you can check your profile, or look to see at the bottom of the box where we place our comments, check on the email when people reply instead of the update feed.
I know, and I have. I was getting them but they seem to get lost easily now. My thought was they I haven't commented enough (maybe)
Could be, but there is also a page where you can change the daily, weekly, etc. I did it on mine. You just have to monkey around on goodreads to find it.
Mod
I've started [book:Your In..."
Always wanted to read Swann's Way- how did you find reading it? seems quite complex?
Just finished "A Gate at the Stairs" by Lorrie Moore.I enjoy her books and short stories. This book was alittle deeper, a little darker,than other of hers, but it reflects our present world very well.
I'm reading the Hobbit right now :) again
Mod
I enjoy her books and short stories. This book was alittle deeper, a little darker,than other of hers, but it reflects our present world very..."
very interesting looking book!
Rick wrote: "Always wanted to read Swann's Way- how did you find reading it? seems quite complex?..."Rick, it isn't complex but it is microscopic. Very detailed. It's beautifully written with a lot of phrases that make one stop and ponder.
There are a few sections that are excruciatingly detailed but they're short and then the story continues and all is good again.
If you wanted to give it a try without committing to the entire book, I'd suggest reading Part 3 (Swann In Love). It's completely stand-alone and could be read "out of order" without ruining the rest, should you want to read it.
I really enjoyed the book and plan on continuing one day soon. It's beautiful writing (as I mentioned) and the story is interesting.
Petra wrote: "Rick wrote: "Always wanted to read Swann's Way- how did you find reading it? seems quite complex?..."Rick, it isn't complex but it is microscopic. Very detailed. It's beautifully written with a lot of phrases that make one stop and ponder. ..."
I tried Proust in college as I was told by a prof that one could not be considered literate unless one had done (plus a few other books—Joyce eg). I was totally bored and gave up after 100 pages or so. Lately I've considered trying again, thinking more maturity and experience might help. I'd certainly like to understand what the big deal is and why some consider it the greatest novel ever written.
I'n currently reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon wonderfully enjoyable and great on multiple levels, not the least of which is appeal to lovers of Golden Age comic books. I've decided to read Chabon in toto
Hi everyone! I just finished
The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker. This was my first Dekker book, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I was a little skeptical at first as I thought it might be heavy on the Christian thing (think preachy) but it wasn't at all. Just a good clean thriller that was full of action.
I reviewed the book here on my blog if anyone's interested in reading it. http://wp.me/pTRJE-54
Kernos wrote: "I'n currently reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier Clay by Michael Chabon wonderfully enjoyable and great on multiple levels, not the least of which is appeal to lo..."I loved this book. I'll be interested in hearing what you think of the rest of Chabon's work. So far I haven;t been able to settle into any of them.
I've been rereading Walden, or Life in the Woods, as I put the finishing touches on my own book, also a memoir.... I was reading Walden when I first started writing my book over a year ago, and rereading it now made me reflect on how much my state of mind and mental outlook has changed - for the better - since then. For some reason, reading Walden always inspires me.... More reflections at my blog, www.the-reading-list.com
I'm reading Open Veins of Latin America. Pretty informative, horrifying, shocking, saddening, necessary reading ....take your pick. For me it's all of the above.
Mod
Rick, it isn't complex but it is microscopic. Very detailed. It's beautifully written with a..."
thanks!! will for sure check it out
Presumed Dead, Shirley WellsI stumbled upon this book by accident, and I am so glad I did. I am only about 1/3 done but this mystery is an all night read, definite page turner, I was up late into the night wanting more!
I'm reading Open: An Autobiography by Andre Aggasi because I enjoy reading memoirs and I heard this is a good one.
I'm reading Wolf Hall for another group & because I love the Tudor period. This is a very different perspective & I'm enjoying it greatly.For the just-fun of it, I'm also reading If Books Could Kill by Kate Carlisle which is terrific.
Mod
For the just-fun of it, I'm also reading [b..."
haha I bought Wolf Hall week it came out- because I loved the cover and plot- yet to read it- but I will!!
Oh Rick-I almost wrote & I love the cover but then I realized I have it on Kindle. That's the one thing I miss (not that I don't have lots & lots & LOTS of paper books as well) on Kindle-the covers. And WH is such a great red! I'm enjoying the plot. The whole thing, actually.But the first 20 or 30 pages were very confusing to me & I didn't think I'd go on with it. I'm glad I did-after the kind of prologue, everything fell into place for me.
I've started reading Unnatural Murder: Poison at the Court of James I. I got interested in this when reading Jean Plaidy's novel about this business. I've only read the first chapter, but it's engrossing so far.
I would love to know how to add the underline link for the title's. I'm going to try to figure it out :) I'm currently reading Key of Solomon. Cassiel Knight is a relatively new author. So far I'm really enjoying the story. I love archeology, so this story hits the spot for me. I'm also reading Eat Prey Love. I've read Kerrelyn Sparks from her very first vampire story, How To Marry a Millionaire Vampire and she never disappoints.
I had to set aside my very long audio book of New York: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd because it was due back at the library. While I'm waiting to get it back, I will be reading The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman on audio book. And, I had to set aside An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin because I must read Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer for a class in two weeks. I find the latter book fascinating. A psychic once told me that in a former life I had been one of the Mormons who walked out to Deseret pulling my belongings behind me in a cart. I don't know if Mormons believe in reincarnation.
I am reading While the Savage Sleeps by Andrew E. Kaufman on my Kindle. I discovered this one through Goodreads and it sounded really good. I am also reading Fool by Christopher Moore (this is due back at the library soon)becasue I have had a lot of stress lately and need a laugh.
Susan wrote: "I would love to know how to add the underline link for the title's. I'm going to try to figure it out :) I'm currently reading Key of Solomon. Cassiel Knight is a relatively new a..."
HOW DO YOU DO THIS? I HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO GET THE TITLE UNDERLINED!
Sheri, If you go to add book/author, (right above the text box) insert the name of your book and the book will appear and click on add, it should come up underlined and all
There you go, Sheri, and you are welcome.
Once again THANK YOU! I am so excited I got it to work!
Hi I am currently reading "The Inner Circle" Bret Metzler
I am Up to page 301 And its just coming alive.
Yawn
Susan wrote: "Hey...it worked :D"Congratulations on you technical achievement. You're way ahead of me.
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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Books mentioned in this topic
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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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Right now I am reading An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin about the New York art world. I am listening on tape to New York: The Novel by Edward Rutherfurd, which follows the history of the city by following members of several families down through the years. My next book will be The Metropolis Case by Matthew Gallaway, which I started to read but had to put aside for a while. By the time I finish I will have been totally steeped in NYC.