THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
message 4801:
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Robin
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May 22, 2011 07:08PM
Sure, I will also look for the book that you talked about, Cooking with Fernat Branca. I love to read books such as this one. Thanks.
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I started Mr. Toppit last night. Good so far - Luke Hayman's father has written a series of books based on the character Luke Hayseed. This effects him, his mother and his sister in entirely different ways that come to the fore after his father is killed in an accident. I read George Burns book 100 Years 100 Stories first. I laughed out loud --- Anybody over 55 will probably get a big kick out of the stories.
I just finished "To Hell and Back" by Audie Murphy. Now i'm beginning:
by Dennis Foley because I enjoy military memoirs. This is about Mr. Foley's time with the LRPs in Vietnam.
I just finished reading Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie. I started it this morning and finished it in a couple of hours. That's the beauty of Agatha Christie...fast, cozy, entertaining reads.Now, I'm starting Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb. I probably won't fly through this one quite as fast! :)
I just reread Sad Cypress last week-it's one of my comfort rereads. I'd forgotten how much I like that one!
KOMET wrote: "I'm in the midst of reading
WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life of a Gentleman at War
[bookcover:WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life of a Gentleman at War|..."
have you read any of Churchill's books? he was quite a fine writer himself
WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life of a Gentleman at War
[bookcover:WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life of a Gentleman at War|..."
have you read any of Churchill's books? he was quite a fine writer himself
reading The Accident Man- great thriller
and re-reading Dove Creek(Full Disclosure- a BookTrope Book- Affliliated with them!!!) as I love the Native American and Shamanism aspects of the book
and re-reading Dove Creek(Full Disclosure- a BookTrope Book- Affliliated with them!!!) as I love the Native American and Shamanism aspects of the book
I'm getting ready to read Fannie Flagg's I Still Dream About You. I am looking forward to it.Katrina
Ellie wrote: "I just reread Sad Cypress last week-it's one of my comfort rereads. I'd forgotten how much I like that one!"I've always enjoyed Agatha Christie. She's my favourite mystery writer and Hercule Poirot is absolutely adorable and charming!
In 1957, Harper Lee took her manuscript entitled, Atticus, a story about a southern lawyer who defends an innocent black man accused of rape, to various New York publishers only to be met with rejection after rejection. Three years later after many rewrites, the book retitled, Too Kill a Mockingbird was published to wide acclaim. One of the endearing elements in this work is the marvelous description of a small town in the 1930s during the depression and its people who are viewed through a magnifying glass. Throughout the book, there is a consciousness of how one behaved in a small town back then and the way one behaved was central to who one was.
In short, the story is pure truth and the impact of the raw language used as in the case of the “N” word which was an acceptable way of speaking in those days might give offense to today’s readers.
The story is told through the eyes of a child, nicknamed Scout who serves as narrator but as an adult looking back. Scout is a girl and a tomboy who speaks with her fists and is curious about the world around her. Her father named Atticus Finch, whom she addresses by his first name, is a soft spoken very dignified attorney who has earned the respect of the town not only by his reputation but also for being kindhearted when he accepts payment from clients in kind as he understands they cannot afford to pay him in cash.
The story’s structure centers on the town courthouse where Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black work hand who has been accused of rape by the daughter of his employer. The story is both dramatic and powerful when one considers the courage is took to write what is was like to be in a black person’s skin from the point of view of a white person. And the fact that it was published at the beginning of the civil rights movement. There is an understanding of the nature of the harshness of humankind exemplified through legalized segregation which is an amplification of the south in the 1930s without being judgmental about it. We know the injustice that is being created against Tom Robinson as there is no proof that he committed a crime but only the prejudices of the townsfolk that formulate the opinion that he is guilty and seal his fate.
There are many characters is this classic story. One in particular is Boo Radley, Scout’s next door neighbor whom she has never seen and through invented tales by her friends and neighbors she comes to view Boo as a menacing phantom capable of murder. It is the spreading of rumors about people and the harm it can cause that is also expressed in the story, which unfolds dramatically and brilliantly with Tom Robinson, Atticus, Scout and Boo interwoven.
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I just finished
A Drop of the Hard Stuff the new Matthew Scudder novel by Lawrence Block. A quick and enjoyable enough read. Scudder takes on a case that is personal to him. Interesting characters and of course detective work.
As always, if you're interested, you can read my review here: http://wp.me/pTRJE-63
Rick wrote: "KOMET wrote: "I'm in the midst of reading WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life of a Gentleman at War
by Churchill as he relates the time leading up to WWII.
Jill wrote: "Rick wrote: "KOMET wrote: "I'm in the midst of reading
WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life of a Gentleman at War
[bookcover:WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life..."
agree- he was quite a fine writer
WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life of a Gentleman at War
[bookcover:WINSTON CHURCHILL - SOLDIER: The Military Life..."
agree- he was quite a fine writer
Stuart wrote: "I am reading
because it has been sitting too long on my bookshelf."
I have that on my shelf too- keep saying- "i'm going to read it!!"
because it has been sitting too long on my bookshelf."I have that on my shelf too- keep saying- "i'm going to read it!!"
I'm getting ready to read Fannie Flagg's I Still Dream About You as a group read in the Southern Lit Lovers group. I am looking forward to reading it.
Just finished In the Woods by Tana French. It didn't get a lot of positive reviews but I like it well enough. Has anyone else read it.....if so, I would be interested in your comments.
Stuart wrote: "I am reading
because it has been sitting too long on my bookshelf."Neverwhere was wonderful.
I'm presently reading The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.
Katrina wrote: "I'm getting ready to read Fannie Flagg's I Still Dream About You as a group read in the Southern Lit Lovers group. I am looking forward to reading it."I'll be reading that one too one of the book clubs in my town is also reading it so am getting a borrowed copy next week.
Rick wrote: "Stuart wrote: "I am reading
because it has been sitting too long on my bookshelf."I have that on my shelf too- keep saying- "i'm going to read it!!""
Make it your next book
Jill wrote: "Just finished In the Woods by Tana French. It didn't get a lot of positive reviews but I like it well enough. Has anyone else read it.....if so, I would be interested in your comments."I enjoyed it. Turned right around and ordered The Likeness, although I've heard it is not as good. (view spoiler)
Stuart wrote: "I am reading
because it has been sitting too long on my bookshelf."I finished a few weeks back and thought it was great!
Stuart wrote: "Rick wrote: "Stuart wrote: "I am reading
because it has been sitting too long on my bookshelf."
I have that on my shelf too- keep saying- "i'm going to read it!!""
..."
will do!!
because it has been sitting too long on my bookshelf."I have that on my shelf too- keep saying- "i'm going to read it!!""
..."
will do!!
I just finished the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series and really liked it. For my book discussion group, I read Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home, which made for a very interesting discussion. And now I'm reading an Agatha Christie classic A Murder Is Announced. Next, I plan to tackle some mysteries written by fellow Midnight Ink authors that I picked up at the Malice Domestic conference.
Katrina wrote: "I'm getting ready to read Fannie Flagg's I Still Dream About You as a group read in the Southern Lit Lovers group. I am looking forward to reading it."I am reading this book now. Is Southern Lit Lovers group in goodreads?
The Accident Man
really enjoying this thriller- debut- from about 10 years ago- pretty sure the author is British
really enjoying this thriller- debut- from about 10 years ago- pretty sure the author is British
Susie wrote: "Katrina wrote: "I'm getting ready to read Fannie Flagg's I Still Dream About You as a group read in the Southern Lit Lovers group. I am looking forward to reading it."I'll be reading that one ..."
The Southern Lit Lovers book club here at Goodreads is reading it as a group read. I am going to try to stay up with them.
Robin wrote: "Katrina wrote: "I'm getting ready to read Fannie Flagg's I Still Dream About You as a group read in the Southern Lit Lovers group. I am looking forward to reading it."I am reading this book now...."
Hi Robin, yes the Southern Lit Lovers group is here on Goodreads. They just started reading it and plan to discuss it over the next few weeks. If you want to join, they would love to have you.
I have just recently finished Choker by Elizabeth Woods. Great book. I loved the ending, it just made my jaw drop. I've written 4 books, all of which I have not finished. I love writing, I just don't think I'm cut out for if. Reading on the other hand is something I like to do on a regular basis. LOL
Sunshine by Robin McKinley - I take my time about reading this one because I am digging into the book. I am not shy to say that it is the fourth time for me. I asked her to do a sequel to this one on twitter, but I don't think she will. Too bad... Sunshine is a kick-ass character.And then, I have been looking at Indie authors to see if I can endorse anyone. I am beginning to pull away from newer Romance writers because of the excessive sex scenes. I like one or two a book, but any more and it seems gratuitous to me.
Just finished The Winter Queen by Boris Akunin. I had already read his Murder on the Leviathan: a Novel and really liked it but this one didn't appeal to me quite as much; however,he is a writer worth reading and will look for his other books.
Just finished
The Sisters Brothers: A Novel and really enjoyed it. Gave it 4* because it has a little of everything. Dry humor, great characters, grit, emotion, and plain good storytelling/writing.
If you're interested my review can be found here: http://wp.me/pTRJE-6d
All Quiet on the Western FrontI am reading this for the History Book Club I am part of. I had also heard this novel is a book one should read during their lifetime...maybe I read this in BBC Book List -can't remember. At any rate, I am loving it.
I am also reading Rebecca. Someone told me that this is a lot like Wuthering Heights or one of the Bronte sister's books (my favorites all time) but I have to say I am having a hard time getting into this. Maybe it's just my mood or maybe I think it is nothing like Wuthering Heights. Interested in thoughts about this book? I have hope I will start to like it more. Jury still out I guess...
Autumn wrote: "All Quiet on the Western FrontI am reading this for the History Book Club I am part of. I had also heard this novel is a book one should read during their lifetime...maybe I read thi..."
For the longest time I didn't think I would like Rebecca so I didn't even try it, I just left it on the shelf (I didn't buy it but got it in a trade). Finally, one of my groups here picked it as a book to read. So I went, "okay I'll try it but I don't think I am going to like it". Although to be truthful, I do like the movie. I was surprised how close the book is to the movie. (Selznick had a heavy hand on Hitchcock's shoulder.) And I really enjoyed the book.
There were parts that were kind of dull to me. But I kept on and I think it paid off in the end.
I'm reading The Stand by Stephen King - again. The ending is a bit feeble; it almost seemed as if he ran out of ideas. But I like it and I wish I could get it for my Kindle. It's probably too big or somebody couldn't be bothered to scan all those pages.
Autumn wrote: "All Quiet on the Western Front
I am reading this for the History Book Club I am part of. I had also heard this novel is a book one should read during their lifetime...maybe I read thi..."
truly love the original film with Lew Ayres and Louis Wolheim- still powerful and film is over 80 years old!!
I am reading this for the History Book Club I am part of. I had also heard this novel is a book one should read during their lifetime...maybe I read thi..."
truly love the original film with Lew Ayres and Louis Wolheim- still powerful and film is over 80 years old!!
Just finished Where Shadows Dance by C S Harris. I enjoyed it very much. I have written a longer review.
Just read The Emo Bunny That Should: A Story For Demented Children- a short and vaguely hilarious read.
Maggi wrote: "Just finished Where Shadows Dance by C S Harris. I enjoyed it very much. I have written a longer review."
wonderfully written review Maggi!!
wonderfully written review Maggi!!
Jan C wrote: "Autumn wrote: "All Quiet on the Western FrontI am reading this for the History Book Club I am part of. I had also heard this novel is a book one should read during their lifetime......"
Thanks Rick and Jan,
I think I'll watch the movie then! It might motivate me to finish the book more quickly :)
I like to read an eclectic mix of books. For example, recently I've read Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler, Freedom by Jonathan Franzen, and Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne - loved them all. Now I'm reading the Henning Mankell series featuring Kurt Wallander. I've finished the first one, Faceless Killers and I'm presently reading Dogs of Riga, the second of the series. It's an interesting series, very evocative of a bleak Swedish landscape. Wallander is a flawed but ultimately sympathetic character.
Putting the word out if anyone knows someone I can contact to get a copy of Spitting on the Sheriff and Other Diversions please let me know. Thought I'd found one but it's gone now. Thanks ---
I just started "Douglass' Women" by Jewell Parker Rhodes and enjoying it. She's, indeed, an excellent writer. I chose this book because I wanted to read a modern version about Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist. But this particular historic fiction is more about the women in his life. I can understand Parker-Rhodes limiting his character, it would completely over-power the women. I intend to search Douglass' personal writings. I want to know how he really felt about the two important women in his life.If anyone knows of any of his work, please let me know.
I'm reading Lucky in Cyprus by Allan Cole, which LJ DeLeon recommended and I'm finding fascinating. I am also in the middle of a collection of short stories by Philip K. Dick that I bought after seeing "The Adjustment Bureau." For those who have never read Dick, think Ray Bradbury meets O.Henry, or the best of Rod Serling.
I'm reading In the Castle of My Skin by George Lamming for a reading challenge I set myself. Beautiful prose; Lamming uses the framework of a fictionalized version of his own adolescent journey away from has colonized island home as both a personal and social description of moving from isolation and enforced dependency into maturity and the beginnings of self-determinacy.
I am reading the latest Fannie Flagg book, and thought I would not finish reading it, but it is turning into a hoot. I like her down home colloquiollism(sic), and it is really funny.
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