THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
Just finished On Hitler's Mountain by Irmgard Hunt, a rather matter of fact memoir of growing up under Nazi rule, but interesting in the details. Now am starting Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay because my daughter lent it to me and said it is a page-turner (perfect for this steamy weather, I hope).
I just finished the Water Is Wide, by Pat Conroy. The movie is called Conrack with Jon Voight. I may have to borrow the movie, now. I remember the movie being awesome. The movie took some license on some scenes, it wasn't written the same way in the book. I highly recommend it.
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I'm reading Don't Cry for Me, Hot Pastrami: A Ruby, the Rabbi's Wife Mystery by Sharon Kahn. This is the sec..."
seems to be a take off on the Harry Kemelman books!
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I'm reading Don't Cry for Me, Hot Pastrami: A Ruby, the Rabbi's Wife Mystery by Sharon Kahn...."
Sort of....but the religous references are much more casual and no talmudic references, etc. I like the Kemelman books but for really light reading...the rabbi's wife series is a lot funnier.
I just finished ABADONED & ALONE. A wonderful story of a young girl living in East Prussia during WW II. She is a survivor but her story is both heart-breaking and heart-warming. It is based on a true story. Now I am giving my tear ducts a rest and reading THE LAST CHILD by John Hart. I just started it today -- so far I am liking it very much.
I'm reading
&
by Terry Brooks. Although my kids got sick-took turns of course-& I haven't really been able to concentrate or read much.
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& by Terry Brooks. Although my kids got sick-took turns of course-& ..."great combo!!
I am reading a thriller by brad taylor-One Rough Man and a terry Pratchett book- Truth- and wow!! culture shock switching from realworld to Disc World!!
both GREAT!!
I just finished reading Joseph Boyden's Through Black Spruce while on vacation in Spain. Absolutely loved it! I was particularly impressed by how different the two narrators' voices are. It made me reflect on my own desire to write from more diverse perspectives.... My full review can be read at www.the-reading-list.com
I'm reading
to go with
& I'm feeling like I'll never finish it even though I like it.
I just started The Handmaid's Tale for a group read, and also because it's on my 2011 TBR list. I'm not very far in yet, and I have a library book (Doctor Who: Coming of the Terraphiles) that is distracting me.
I'm currently reading Père Goriot by Honoré de Balzac
Being a Francophile and knowing Balzac's reputation as one of France's finest writers, I wanted very much to read this book, which sheds light on Parisian society as it was in the immediate post-Napoleonic era (the story begins in 1819).
I don't know how many Balzac fans there are in Goodreads, but I found the early part of "Pere Goriot" hard going, for it was largely told in the narrative voice.
While the narrative voice has its place (in giving the reader a tangible sense of the story’s ambience and character history/background/backstories), I don’t like it when a writer pours it on too thick. My attention begins to wander and I ask myself: ‘Should I go on reading this book?!’ I love to be plunged into scenes where a story’s characters (major and minor) come into play. I want to HEAR and SEE them in action. And if they capture my interest, I will stay with the book through its denouement and close. Too much narrative voice gives a novel the attributes of a polemic or essay, which is not what I want. I want the writer to give me, the reader, access to setting(s), mood, and the characters. For me, that is what helps to make a novel worth reading.
I'm reading
recommended by Rick. The author mixes his philosophy of dealing with life, freedom and terrorism along with arms dealing. I will be having a giveaway of this book starting June 11th. Please check out my bloghttp://mikedraperinguilford.blogspot.com
Thanks,
Mike
I'm reading Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber. This book kind of chose me because I placed an ebook on hold from my library and it became available now. So I only have 14 days to read it before it needs to be returned. hahaha
Virginia wrote: "I read in the swimming pool. I carry the book out in a ziploc bag and reach for it when I am settled on the raft. Can't do it if others are in pool. Where there's a will. . ."That's a hoot! Love it! And thanks for the idea :)
I am reading Kill For Me (book #9)Karen Rose & Scream for Me (book #8) Karen Rose I become a fan of her books after read one 2 weeks ago
Reading
by James Dashner. I tried reading it last year but failed when I got distracted by social life. So I'm determined to finish it. I did restart and finish Catching Fire (it only took a couple days too!).Oh and I posted my review on Catching Fire the other night :D.
I am reading 13: An Avery Hudson Adventure by D K Gaston. I have become a fan of his writing and this one is turning out to be as good as his other books.
Hugh wrote: "I am reading another book recommended in Read This Next: 500 of the Best Books You'll Ever Read...Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith."I didn't mind this story; it was definitely different. I hope you enjoy
Enjoying this novel by an author who delivers an exciting read with each of his books.Mike
Hugh wrote: "I am reading another book recommended in Read This Next: 500 of the Best Books You'll Ever Read...Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith."I quite enjoyed this one. Hope you do, too, Hugh.
I think I have too many reads on the go now ... so I've got to stop myself from ordering books in.I Saw Ramallah - Barghouti
... started this one for the North African/Middle East group. Just a few pages at a time.
The Coming of the Fairies
... I have a shortcut to one of the online TextWithPictures version. Dunno' if I'll finish it or not. It's kinda' like a documentary and like something you'd find in one of those sensationalist publications.
The Passage - Justin Cronin
... whew! That's a big one! It's described by groups who have done it as a 'doorstopper'. I have an audio edition, being the lazy reader I am of late. I've given up trying to keep track of which groups are doing what - now, I just click in here and go through the groups I've signed on to. By the time I'm ready, everybody's finished - ha ha!
Yemen - Dancing on the Heads of Snakes - that one was on the shelf at the library - just had to take it home. I don't know how much of it I'll do. It's an historic accounting, kinda' thing.
The Bird Sisters - Jeff and I reading that one as our 'bedside' project. People have done worse things in bed, eh? We always have one book going which I read aloud from before we sleep. I think there's more than one group here at GR doing it.
A Discovery of Witches - just started listening to it. Dunno' how I really feel about it yet.
The Carnivore - Sinnett - this is being discussed at the HP Library group on the second Wednesday of July. It looks good - themed on Hurricane Hazel.
................
So that's my list of reads for now. Like I say, I think there's enough.
As for the writing ... well, I haven't been working on it. Had a few short stories going - all connected to each other. I was working on one called 'The Book of Fagan'. Evelyn Fagan is an Irish character who lives among the many Welsh in the family my stories are about.
But right now, just not in the zone to write.
That's my problem, as a writer - committment. It's a good job I don't depend on it for a living.
I can't get enough of historical mystery and espionage, so this time it's A Little White Death by John Lawton, a hidden gem of a writer. It's the third in this series with London detective Frederick Troy, who tries to solve murders amid early 60s political intrigue and a Cold War spy scandal in Britain. Lots of good period detail and well-drawn characters, sometimes quirky and dark, right down my alley.
I am still trying to finish Lorna Doone, in the meantime have picked up Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman, and Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas. Probably more to follow in the ensuing days. LOL
Just finished LUCIFER'S TEARS by James Thompson, the follow-up to SNOW ANGELS set in Finland. Started it when it was 100 degrees in Chicago and the Finland setting was 40 degrees below zero.
I finished Blackbird House, and it was a goodread. Have to give the author a second chance, and read her other books.
I've read Magic Kitten 08. A Glittering Gallop & Double Trouble #4 - Sue Bentley and now re-reading Toast - Nigel Slater for challenges
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I'm reading "Forbidden archaeology" by Michael Cremo. Discoveries of bones and tools around the world have been ignored because of their old age and would change Darwin's theory of evolution if noticed. Speculations either confirm or deny the finds. It's fascinating but a very heavy read. Think I'm going to read another one in between.
I just finished Story Engineering by Larry Brooks. It was a quite enlightening review of the basic building blocks of storytelling.Arshad Ahsanuddin
Having put Out of This Nettle aside without finishing it (I usually like Norah Lofts' work, but that particular novel was too grim and depressing for my taste), I wanted my next read to be something I'd be sure to finish before July, when I might be taking part in another group read. Since Donald Hamilton's books are usually quick reads, I picked his 1948 mystery The Steel Mirror. So far it's not disappointing me!
This led me to a little googling -- The Steel Mirror that is and the background on Donald Hamilton. It astounds me how many prolific authors, of relatively recent years, are virtually entirely out of print. I am closing in on the final chapters of William Deverell's Kill All the Judges which is very, very funny in places and deadly serious in others. It's a strong court room drama with lots of murder and intrigue ... and a dollop or two of local politics. Recommended.
I'm currently reading Juvie: Inside Canada's Youth Jails by Gordon Cruse because I heard him speak at a panel at the Bloody Words conference last week. Many years ago, I volunteered inside a youth detention center, and the fourth Casey Holland mystery I'm working on these days has several scenes--including a murder or two--set in a detention center. It's good to get another perspective on things that went on in there.
The Grimm Curse...Because I like it... A Wrinkle in Time...Because I'm a writer of middle grade and YA novel, staying in touch with books that last in the genre...About to start the Hunger Games...I know...I'm behind.
Reading The Fourth Awakening and asking myself why :-). Actually, it's an intriguing premis for a story and I just need to get past the lead character being a little dense... what I can recommend without reservation is Zero History by William Gibson and Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbrara Hambley (thisd was briefly a Sunshine Deal for .99 but has disappeared off Amazon).
I have now finished 10th Anniversary - James Patterson. I am now reading The Trophy Taker - Lee Weeks.I am reading these all for a challenge I am doing.
Taking a break from Trophy Taker, The (as it's a bit much on my brain after reading a Crime/Thriller). So I've picked up The Boy Who Taught the Beekeeper to Read
I started The Redbreast by Jo Nesbø yesterday and have found it to be a real page-turner, interesting, well-paced and managing to hold my attention.
Starting on Divine Justice by David Baldacci because I want to get caught up on the Camel Club series. I have so many series of books started and not completed. It will be nice to be caught up on one
I started Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen yesterday and would have finished it if I didn't have to go to bed! I wanted an easy read and definitely got it. Wonderful magic realism if that is your cup of tea.
I'm currently reading Harts Rules. I know it's sad but my rather tenuous grasp of grammar is only thanks to this magnificent book. Ending's a bit dull, though. No death.
Fiona (Titch) wrote: "Taking a break from Trophy Taker, The (as it's a bit much on my brain after reading a Crime/Thriller). So I've picked up The Boy Who Taught the Beekeeper to Read"The Boy Who ..." fascinating title for a book that sets high expectations. Was this book written/published before the "The Girl With ..." books, I wonder?
Bill wrote: "I started The Redbreast by Jo Nesbø yesterday and have found it to be a real page-turner, interesting, well-paced and managing to hold my attention."The only book I've read about Bolshevism is Ten Days That Shook The World. You have me curious and I'll have to check out The Redbreast now.
One of the books I am reading now is Charlie Chan, The House Without A Key. At this week's writers' meeting, our special speaker was historian Steven Fredrick. He gives ghost tours in Honolulu's Chinatown and has done extensive research on the author of the Charlie Chan books.
Which real-life Honolulu detective inspired the inimitable character Charlie Chan? I answer that question in my blog post this week: http://gail-baugniet.blogspot.com/201...
Chang Apana was the model for Charlie Chan. How do I know this?.....I just bought the book:
byYunte Huang.
Jill wrote: "Chang Apana was the model for Charlie Chan. How do I know this?.....I just bought the book:
. There are something like five or six tales.
Jan....I'll let you know about it. Will probably start reading it next week. It looks interesting and got some good reviews here on GR.
Jill wrote: "Jan....I'll let you know about it. Will probably start reading it next week. It looks interesting and got some good reviews here on GR."Thanks
Gail M wrote: "Fiona (Titch) wrote: "Taking a break from Trophy Taker, The (as it's a bit much on my brain after reading a Crime/Thriller). So I've picked up [book:The Boy Who Taught the Beekeeper..."It's short stories Gail. The Boy story is the beginning.
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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
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I'm reading Don't Cry for Me, Hot Pastrami: A Ruby, the Rabbi's Wife Mystery by Sharon Kahn. This is the second book I've read in this series (which has an interesting group of amusing characters). Ruby (wife of the deceased rabbi) is the amateur crime solving sleuth in this series...and she has a good sense of humor and good instincts.
I'm also listening to the audio of Size 14 Is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot, also light and amusing.