UK Book Club discussion
The Goodreads Reading Challenge
>
Peter's List
Hmmm Bitter Seeds does sound interesting, seems to have got some high star ratings from other people too. Going back to High Fidelity, I do seem to be re-reading old books alot more now I'm in my 30's - I don't recall ever reading anything twice from teenage until relatively recently.
Bitter Seeds is really good thus far. It's an alternate reality type thing where the Nazi's are developing supermen. Think Heroes with SS uniforms.
With regard to old books... I'm decluttering my shelves. There's an invasion of 'That's not my... (insert item)' type books going on as I'm sure you are familiar :) Our house is not big enough for an extensive library of tatty paperbacks hence the purge. However, I want to see if these books were worth holding onto all these years before they hit the charity bag.
With regard to old books... I'm decluttering my shelves. There's an invasion of 'That's not my... (insert item)' type books going on as I'm sure you are familiar :) Our house is not big enough for an extensive library of tatty paperbacks hence the purge. However, I want to see if these books were worth holding onto all these years before they hit the charity bag.
So was High Fidelity worth holding on to? I obviously decided not, as it has vanished from the house, either permanently borrowed or charity shopped I guess! Are you mentally compiling top 5's yet?
High Fidelity is on hold whilst I read Bitter Seeds. I have never been able to have two books on the go at once. I'm making steady progress tho (for me).
Whereas I'm reading 5! That's excessive (even for me) but I've got Robinson Crusoe emailed in excerpts fom Dailylit.com, then Wolf Hall on the commute to work, An Apple for the Teacher on my bedside table, dipping in and out of Feminine Gospels: Poems as that's the only way I can read poetry as a rule and now just picked up Disgrace to read downstairs in the evenings.Do you think I have a problem? It'll be six next week, when me and the children pick our book for halfterm.
Em wrote: "So was High Fidelity worth holding on to? I obviously decided not, as it has vanished from the house, either permanently borrowed or charity shopped I guess!"Love High Fidelity! It's actually the only Nick Hornby I've read but thought it was so true to life...I'd recommend a re-read.
To Em... 6 at once. Including poetry. Strewth! :)
I don't know why I only read one book at a time. I tend to find that I can't focus on more than one story at a time (at least not enjoyably).
I don't know why I only read one book at a time. I tend to find that I can't focus on more than one story at a time (at least not enjoyably).
To Robo... same here. I read High Fidelity at the time it came out but I've not read others by Nick Hornby. I think I've tried to but I found his books a bit samey.
No 6. Bitter Seeds
This is highly recommended. Really enjoyed it.
Quick synopsis... at the end of WW1 a german doctor begins to experiment on war orphans leading to a group of supermen and women, each with their own unique ability. A British secret agent encounters these supermen first hand during the Spanish Civil war and begins to investigate. As WW2 breaks out the threat from the Nazi 'secret weapon' has to be tackled, however the British have their own horrific counter-measure.
It's a well-paced alternative reality spy story with Cthulhu-like supernatural horror mixed in (cosmic intelligences, madness, etc.). I thought that the wartime setting (in particular, London) seemed very well researched and authentic.
Unfortunately it's the first of a trilogy so I'm going to have to wait til later in the year for the next instalment. I think it's better to start a trilogy when the trilogy is complete so you don't have to wait between episodes but nevermind :). The end was very bleak and dark and set up the rest of the story very nicely.
This is highly recommended. Really enjoyed it.
Quick synopsis... at the end of WW1 a german doctor begins to experiment on war orphans leading to a group of supermen and women, each with their own unique ability. A British secret agent encounters these supermen first hand during the Spanish Civil war and begins to investigate. As WW2 breaks out the threat from the Nazi 'secret weapon' has to be tackled, however the British have their own horrific counter-measure.
It's a well-paced alternative reality spy story with Cthulhu-like supernatural horror mixed in (cosmic intelligences, madness, etc.). I thought that the wartime setting (in particular, London) seemed very well researched and authentic.
Unfortunately it's the first of a trilogy so I'm going to have to wait til later in the year for the next instalment. I think it's better to start a trilogy when the trilogy is complete so you don't have to wait between episodes but nevermind :). The end was very bleak and dark and set up the rest of the story very nicely.
Peter wrote: "No 6. Bitter SeedsThis is highly recommended. Really enjoyed it.
Quick synopsis... at the end of WW1 a german doctor begins to experiment on war orphans leading to a group of supe..."
This sounds really good, I will have to keep a look out for it!
Mod
To quote Monty Python's Holy Grail... 'I'm not quite dead. I think I'll go for a walk.' Just really not finding the time or the energy to read (apart from all day at work, perhaps that's got something to do with it).
Maybe you need a holiday to help you get in the reading zone!
Mod
To Em... we just had a week in Edinburgh. It was great to relax and do stuff with the family. But holidays are different with small children, aren't they? The days of crashing by the pool for a fortnight are long gone! :)
Too true! Although our last holiday abroad, we went to Florida (girs were 3.5yrs) and we were sharing a hotel room with two double beds. They couldn't settle with the TV on so ended up reading for hours every evening in between watching them sleep!Now they're going to be 6 this August and it's such a different experience, yes of course you still spend large amounts of time playing, supervising and (in my case) refereeing disputes but they are sooo much more self sufficient and it is possible to relax, just a little bit. On the car journey to Devon in May halfterm, my husband drove and the three of us read our books!
To Liz... I'm much the same at the mo. By the time the boys have gone to bed, 'reset' the house, do some more work, there's just about time to slump in front of the TV before it's time to go to bed. :) I should go to bed early but I feel that I want some time to do nothing, dammit!
I am off to the Ramada Gloucester again tomorrow for the weekend for a cheap 2 night break on my own, it is actually for 2 people with one night evening meal and breakfast both days. I am taking my Sony's and going to relax by the pool and read with a dip in the jacquzzi in between a few chapters!Looking forward to doing nothing but read!
Lynne wrote: "I am off to the Ramada Gloucester again tomorrow for the weekend for a cheap 2 night break on my own, it is actually for 2 people with one night evening meal and breakfast both days. I am taking m..."Sounds bliss! Wonder how many books you'll get through in that time!
Well there are over 300 on my Sony's to choose from!
Lynne wrote: "...going to relax by the pool and read with a dip in the jacquzzi in between a few chapters!.."
You mean you don't have a waterproof housing for your e-reader! ;)
Have a great weekend. I'm jealous. :)
You mean you don't have a waterproof housing for your e-reader! ;)
Have a great weekend. I'm jealous. :)
I just got another email from Ramada offering more cheap breaks! Maybe we should get a group booking and we all go!
Ah you're making me dream of my ideal reading weekend now... a hotel somewhere deep in Perthshire or the Highlands... good food, a wide selection of wines, beers and malts, a big fire and one of those wing back chairs (and maybe a wee bell to summon more drink). :)
Sheer heaven! Never been to Scotland - shall I check for availability? lol!
Sorry for not posting for a while. I have been working in Saudi Arabia for the last couple of weeks. An experience but not a place I would recommend. :)
No 7. Dead Air by Iain Banks
I've read most of Banks' (non scifi) and this was one of the better ones. It was written with his usual style, wit and black humour. It concerns a Glasgow born, London radio DJ whos chaotic life leads him to get involved with a gangsters wife.
The plot's a bit thin in places but I love Banks' use of language.
Anyway, I'm about to embark on The Stand (after reading so much good stuff about it here) so that's my challenge bolloxed :)
No 7. Dead Air by Iain Banks
I've read most of Banks' (non scifi) and this was one of the better ones. It was written with his usual style, wit and black humour. It concerns a Glasgow born, London radio DJ whos chaotic life leads him to get involved with a gangsters wife.
The plot's a bit thin in places but I love Banks' use of language.
Anyway, I'm about to embark on The Stand (after reading so much good stuff about it here) so that's my challenge bolloxed :)
Your challenge was in peril anyway Peter, unless you were going to read 43 pamphlets between now and New Year?? Hahahah...Anyhow, the most important thing is to enjoy what you're reading and I don't think you can fail to enjoy The Stand!
PS. What is it like in Saudi Arabia?
Em...
The bit I saw of Saudi was admittedly small (Riyadh and it's suburbs) but it was not impressive apart from a couple of skyscrapers. Add to that 56 degree heat, dust, insanely dangerous roads and repressive culture and it adds up to a fun destination.
As for The Stand, 1100 pages, sheesh. I thought I would throw the challenge in style!
The bit I saw of Saudi was admittedly small (Riyadh and it's suburbs) but it was not impressive apart from a couple of skyscrapers. Add to that 56 degree heat, dust, insanely dangerous roads and repressive culture and it adds up to a fun destination.
As for The Stand, 1100 pages, sheesh. I thought I would throw the challenge in style!
My Uncle worked out there several years ago, he's an engineer (don't ask me more, I haven't a clue what he does) but he had several contracts out there and was gone for months at a stretch. I understand it paid well, but I think he said they confiscated tabloid papers on the way in (too many breasts?!) and no alcohol either - I think this was a challenge for him.
Peter, Enjoy The Stand I am sure you will enjoy it!
I am reading it on your recommendation. ;)
Oh dear will my reputation go for a burton now?
Mod
No 7. Dead Air by Iain Banks
..."
Haven't read any Ian Banks for a while. I really liked The Wasp Factory and The Crow Road, both kept you guessing until the last page.
To date, I just haven't got on with his sci-fi: Use of Weapons is among my least favourite reads - if you have such a thing!!! Same author, but very different in style.
Hello.
No. 8 The Stand. Has it really taken me that long to read one book?! Anyway, I thought The Stand was a great book. Thanks, Lynne for the recommendation. It is a long book but that allows the long list of characters to develop in a satisfying way. It's split into three books and I would say I found the first book the most enjoyable. The second book flagged for me with all the descriptions of the Free Zone but the third book came roaring back.
Highly recommended as an entertaining, intriguing read.
** SPOILERS AHOY **
The book was written in 1979 (I think). The unfolding of the epidemic that wipes out the world (aka America) would be take place very differently if it was set today. That an global/national epidemic could be kept quiet for so long just by controlling the TV and newspapers (see the scene where two journos are bumped off by the army trying to run from a town to spread the word) struck me as quaint. It illustrated how far we have come in the last 20-30 years. Such an event would have been twittered, facebooked, blogged within 5 mins of patient zero dying.
Anyway, that was just a line of thought that I had whilst reading this. :)
No. 8 The Stand. Has it really taken me that long to read one book?! Anyway, I thought The Stand was a great book. Thanks, Lynne for the recommendation. It is a long book but that allows the long list of characters to develop in a satisfying way. It's split into three books and I would say I found the first book the most enjoyable. The second book flagged for me with all the descriptions of the Free Zone but the third book came roaring back.
Highly recommended as an entertaining, intriguing read.
** SPOILERS AHOY **
The book was written in 1979 (I think). The unfolding of the epidemic that wipes out the world (aka America) would be take place very differently if it was set today. That an global/national epidemic could be kept quiet for so long just by controlling the TV and newspapers (see the scene where two journos are bumped off by the army trying to run from a town to spread the word) struck me as quaint. It illustrated how far we have come in the last 20-30 years. Such an event would have been twittered, facebooked, blogged within 5 mins of patient zero dying.
Anyway, that was just a line of thought that I had whilst reading this. :)
Glad you enjoyed The Stand Peter! It is an amazing book. I think the media would have a field day these days if the Swine Flu reporting was anything to go by!
Mod
Em wrote: "Liz wrote: "Have you got Fox in Socks & Green Eggs and Ham, they're pretty good....I've hidden a few books and toys that were gifts I wasn't so keen on...(Especially ..."
Very late reply to this thread, but try The Lorax. Of all the Seuss it's the most fun to read aloud, and a real story too.
Mod
I've hidden a few books and toys that were gifts I wasn't so keen on...(Es..."
Hi Zina,
Never too late! My son is still very into Dr Seuss, thanks, I will have to look out for a copy of The Lorax. I've been trying to get hold of a copy of Horton Hears a Who!, we've had it out of the library so many times I think he deserves his own copy!
Liz wrote: "Zina wrote: "Em wrote: "Liz wrote: "Have you got Fox in Socks & Green Eggs and Ham, they're pretty good....I've hidden a few books and toys that were gifts I wasn't s..."
It's actually better for the kids who are slightly older anyway. You'll love it!
No 9. Cloud Atlas
You never know, I might make it to 10 before the end of the year. :)
Really good. Didn't know what to expect at all when I started this apart from hearing good things about it.
There's not a lot I can say about this without giving spoilers. However, it's a set of interconnected stories spanning a timescale of hundreds of years.
I thought it was very well written with engaging characters (some more so than others) and an intriguing premise overall.
You never know, I might make it to 10 before the end of the year. :)
Really good. Didn't know what to expect at all when I started this apart from hearing good things about it.
There's not a lot I can say about this without giving spoilers. However, it's a set of interconnected stories spanning a timescale of hundreds of years.
I thought it was very well written with engaging characters (some more so than others) and an intriguing premise overall.
I enjoyed it but actually, although I think it's a brilliant piece of ventriloquism, it doesn't touch Black Swan Green. This one is somehow more honest than all his others.
Glad you liked Cloud Atlas, I enjoyed it alot and Black Swan Green too - especially as it set around the time of the Faulkland War and felt pretty reminiscent of my own childhood. Actually, I think I might treat myself to his latest book at some point soon!
em i'm looking for new authors' would it be anything i like?
I know you're asking Em, Nick, but what do you really NOT like? Shame only to keep reading what you know you DO like, but on the other hand why be pointed at things you know you'll hate?
Hi Nick, I know you enjoy your thrillers and this would be a bit of a departure but I think you've also enjoyed fantasy books and this books does have elements of fantasy - I think I'd describe it as magic-realism. Maybe one to borrow and check it out?! I would say that I absolutely loved Cloud Atlas, found it compulsive to read, very clever, well written etc but my brother couldn't get into it at all, he found there were too many strands of the novel and for him that detracted from it. Cloud Atlas isn't a linear story however, Black Swan Green is - hope that helps!
Thanks for the recommendation. I was looking at his other books and couldn't decide which one to try. Kindle store here I come. :)
Mod
You never know, I might make it to 10 before the end of the year. :)
Really good. Didn't know what to expect at all when I started this apart from hearing good thi..."
A book I've been meaning to read for a while now.... Definitely in 2011!
UK Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Black Swan Green (other topics)Of Mice and Men (other topics)
Of Mice and Men (other topics)
Cloud Atlas (other topics)
Black Swan Green (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Markus Zusak (other topics)Margaret Atwood (other topics)
Wilbur Smith (other topics)
I thought that Notes From... was very enjoyable. It was one that's been hanging around on the bookshelf for a while.
It's a family saga of sorts (although it's probably not long enough to count as a saga) centred on an artist and her family (husband, four children). It flits back and forth through time and focuses on different members of the family at different times. The main focus is the origins of the mother (who has mental problems) and the mystery therein.
Well-written and intriguing enough to be a bit of a page turner.
Next I'm reading Bitter Seeds which I know nothing about but looks very interesting.