The Bronze Horseman discussion
What are you currently reading?
I am reading
. It's fun and easy British chick lit (one of my favorite genres).
Blindness is for my book club. I really want to be reading
but it wont be here till tomorrow. uhhh!!
I really liked the Tea Rose and I've heard wonderful things about the next book The Winter Rose. Now I just need to make time to read it :)
Leea I think you are the one who told me about the Hathaway series. Read them all and I am on the last on of the Wallflower books. I really enjoyed them. Nice light read. Thanks!
Oh great! Lisa Kleypas is my standby when I don't know what to read but want something good. Glad you liked them Sue!I'm reading Marked mainly because it's due tomorrow at the library - I better get reading.
This is my 1st time in a group/discussion board at all, but I just LOVED the TBH trilogy more than anything and I have read SO much, but nothing compares to these characters. I heard they are making a movie. Amazing! But it has to be cast just right! Am looking for another book like this. Heard the Outlander series is good. Is that true? Any suggestions? Thanks!!!
Hey Toni, the Outlander series is really good, though not as good as TBH! I thought Outlander started off really well, the first few books are awesome, but then they get progressively worse (in my opinion - I know others LOVE them). THB is definately the winner though, I've never read another book I liked better.
Toni - I'm currently reading Outlander. Personally I don't know why so many people compare Outlander to TBH as they're nothing alike, and both exquisite in their own right. Outlander is a masterpiece in relation to the historical background, and TBH is just so damn tragic (which I love!) Another series which is of that calibre is "The Tea Rose/Winter Rose" series by Jennifer Donnelly. I find similarities between the Rose books and Outlander, and the Rose books and TBH, but again, outstanding in its own right... I think Jennifer Donnelly takes the element of suspense up a notch.
Thanks so much Megan and Jessica. Soo many people on these threads have lauded Outlander but I did have my suspicions that NOTHING could compare to TBH. It just didn't seem possible. It has thoroughly ruined me for all other books (thank goodness for it though-what a gift to be able to read something as moving as TBH). I am a huge reader and have never read anything that brought me to the brink of despair and bliss like TBH did. I am looking forward to Outlander though, we'll see how it goes. I do see a lot of people swoon over Jamie, so I'm quite curious. Thanks Megan for the tip on Jennifer Donnelly, I'll go check those out on Amazon right away. I love getting reviews from those of you who love TBH as we all seem to 'understand' one another on that level....
I also agree that the Tea Rose and Winter Rose are great - still not as good as TBH but I loved them. Have you read some of Paullina's other books? None of them compare to TBH but some are still quite good - I really enjoyed The Girl in Times Square, and Red Leaves and Tully were also good. I also love Gone with the Wind, as well as The Book Thief (totally different to TBH though).
The Tea Rose did remind me of TBH with the reader really feeling the despair of the characters but that is where the similarity ends. I do hold Outlander and TBH to a different standard of books than ALL others and this is why...Outlander is 7 books so far, I have grown to know these characters past, idiosyncracies and even facial expressions. DG is articulate and witty in her writing and stays true to her characters so much so I am bereft having read the last one written and am re-reading all until the next one comes out! Jamie is everything you want in a man in one red-headed package.TBH hits your heart immediately and I loved these too. The angst, desparation, starvation, sacrifice and supreme love in the first book is beyond compare. I remember shouting at the third book "No! Alexander You can't go in there!" I loved this couple but I was exhausted at the end of the third book.
I haven't read any of Paulina's other books though I have seen many responses that people gave saying they weren't thrilled by them, then again, she will always be compared with her exceptional work on TBH (x3). I'm not unwilling to try though. I love GWTW and never read The Book Thief but saw other suggestions that is was a good read. I have a great recommendation myself and one that I have seen no one give anywhere else (at it is, I think, a bit of an obscure book). The books are called Push Not the River and the follow up to that is Against a Crimson Sky. They are both true stories (epic, love story, historical) which makes it even more exciting, about this beautiful young Polish countess and her coming-of-age (it is much more than a coming of age story mind you esp as it goes on to part II) during the upheaval of 18th century Poland and Catherine the Greats armies streaming through. One of the reviews on the back reads '...is a wonderful epic historical saga in the great romantic style'-that sold me!! It really is a great read and I suggest it to you coming from someone who LOVED TBH. Nothing is TBH, but this is a fantastic book/s. Oh, and the author is James Conroyd Martin. Now that I think of it it even-to a degree-even had it's own 'Dasha' sort of character, a little bit. Pt 2 is described as 'a magnificent epic and unforgettable tale of love, valor, and the enduring strength of the human spirit set against the backdrop of war-torn Poland at the cusp of the 19th century'. Very TBH-like when I look at it again. Interesting. But as I said, this is based on the true diaries of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska. GREAT read!!!
Oh, and one more book that I though was a great read that is a love story and an epic is called Roses by Leila Meachem. Really good. Not TBH, but what is? But very good nonetheless. I recommend them to those of you who love the love story/epic drama (which I'm supposing is most/all of you) :)
Toni wrote: "Thanks so much Megan and Jessica. Soo many people on these threads have lauded Outlander but I did have my suspicions that NOTHING could compare to TBH. It just didn't seem possible. It has thoroug..."Hi Toni
I read Outlander fist so Jamie and the Outlander books are so special to me.
I NEVER thought I would find something to compare let alone blow Mr. Fraser out of top spot but dear Alexander floored me!
Outlander is NOTHING like TBH books.
2 things that I think people see and is why they are compared so often are
The first being two people who are destined to be together no matter what stands in the way (and so much does) both h/h are perfect!!!
The other is that all the books in both series focus on the same h/h. So often series will bring in secondary characters and then they are the focus of the next book. Both Outlander and TBH are unique in that they focus on the same h/h. Then we become so attached they become old friends (or an old boyfriend like Shura is to me. LOL!!)
I second that the strongest books in Outlander are 1,2&3. But if you are a true Outlander fan you will love them all.
My one warning would be a bit of slow start on the romance but all the background info is a must no one can weave a plot like Diana!!
Just like Paullia has the most romantic quotes ever!
Enjoy Outlander!
Oh the quotes... aaaah!Ok well I am a sucker for checking out the polls on goodreads and have been fascinated with a book which is blitzing all the polls - "Truly Madly Deeply", I thought geez if it's THAT tragically romantic, I HAVE to read it so I bought it when my kindle arrived. URGH! If anyone's curious - don't bother, it's rubbish! There's obviously a campaign going on to get it up the top of the polls!
I just started to read "Tatiana's Table"..Yeah..It has finally arrived!! Has anyone else read this yet?
I have yet to read that but hear wonderful things... Let me know what you think :)
KellyThanks for the info. I have to admit that I was hoping beyond hope that people would say that Outlander was as good as TBH b/c it's just so sad to think that I've reached the pinnacle, so to speak. But a lot of people have recently told me just what you said. That said I'm going to give it a shot. Also, since I just finished TSG a week ago (making my trilogy reads read and done in 2 wks-couldn't put them down/sad they're over..sooo sad)I wanted to wait a bit before starting again to kind of forget (like I could forget Shura EVER!). But so many people on this site told me that I'd love reading it again and love it just as much, so I started this morning. I'm back with Shura *super sigh* and it's love all over again (for Tatiana too, of course-lol). Thanks guys for that tip. I'm so happy to be back in Leningrad, Luga..and on to Larazevo(ah...Larazevo!!!)
By the way, what is Tatiana's Table??? sounds like something I'm going to need to get!
Hey People.
I just finished A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught. Jennifer Merrick (the heroine) kind of reminded me of Tatiana. They are both adorably cute and yet ruthlessly determined. Both in difficult family situations. Also, McNaught is pretty good when it comes to emotion. In that way, it's a relief for me, to find an author similar to Paullina Simons who can evoke some feeling. What do you guys think? Any thoughts?
I just finished A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught. Jennifer Merrick (the heroine) kind of reminded me of Tatiana. They are both adorably cute and yet ruthlessly determined. Both in difficult family situations. Also, McNaught is pretty good when it comes to emotion. In that way, it's a relief for me, to find an author similar to Paullina Simons who can evoke some feeling. What do you guys think? Any thoughts?
Tina I have Tatiana's Table also. I did enjoy it. Been a while since I read it. My daughter-in-law has it. She tried some of the recipes.
Tina wrote: "I just started to read "Tatiana's Table"..Yeah..It has finally arrived!! Has anyone else read this yet?"I'm waiting to get my copy in the mail. Can't wait!
I am enjoying Tatiana's Table: it is little stories about Tatiana and Alexander's life that was never written about, and how it relates to the food that she makes. The food she makes in these books are very important in their lives. It is how she shows her love for him, to keep him happy is to feed him. Remember in TBH when they are in the park with Dasha and Dimitri and they are asking each other what is love to you, and Tatiana answers, "Love is, when he is hungry you feed him. Love is knowing when he is hungry". So this is what Tatiana's Table is about, all the love that she give Alexander and her family.
I'm tandem reading Drums of Autumn and Through the Stones by Diana Gabaldon. I'm finding Through the Stones absolutely fascinating, particularly the writing process and advice - I've recently been hit with a storyline I'm completely and utterly consumed by, I'm not a writer by any means but it's always been a challenge or goal of mine to at least have a crack at writing a book, if for nothing else but my own enjoyment (gives me something to stretch my brain whilst spending my days with a 2 year old!) I've written a chapter, and have a plot worked out, and this book is invaluable in helping me. :)
Megan-so excited for you. When you are passionate about something it will come out on the page. I don't know that book you mention so I cannot comment but do know one thing-there are numerous writers throughout history that had/have no experience so to speak. Just the love of the written word and a plot they feel they can stand behind--and enormous success has followed. Be it commercial, critical, or your own feeling of accomplishment. I am a writer so I speak from what I know. I did go to university and studied literature and truly, although I love/loved learning, my true teachers were: Tolstoy, Bronte, Turgenev, etc...Reading is a writers learning experience!!!! Best of luck to you...
Thanks - I've always wanted to but haven't felt like I've had a strong enough idea, until now. We'll see, could turn out to be just a pipe-dream...
I just finished reading Tatiana's Table an at the end of the book Alexander asks Tatiana "if she believed he was really dead and didn't find him what would her life be like: OMG she answers him!!! A have to read...
Tina wrote: "I just finished reading Tatiana's Table an at the end of the book Alexander asks Tatiana "if she believed he was really dead and didn't find him what would her life be like: OMG she answers him!!! ..."Tina I don't think I will ever get Tatiana's table unless it is released in US.
Could you please pm me her response or post with spoiler warning!
Thank You!
Tina I got Tatiana's Table through Amazon used books. I think it came through the UK. Guessing it was about 10 bucks. Can't remember for sure but I know it wasn't too expensive. Some good recipes also.
Kelly wrote: "Tina wrote: "I just finished reading Tatiana's Table an at the end of the book Alexander asks Tatiana "if she believed he was really dead and didn't find him what would her life be like: OMG she an..."Kelly, I am not sure how to pm but I will write it out under spoiler warning.. just to let you know I found a copy on Amazon.com uk for $25.00us.
Hey you guys, what do you think of Tatiana's Table? Is it mostly a cookbook (unfortunately I am not a big cook-we eat out a lot-though I have a big respect for people who can and do cook; very cool) or does it have a lot of good stuff about the TBH characters? I never really thought of purchasing it being I thought it was just a cookbook, but as I am reading your posts, it looks like a lot of you are quite pleased w/ the purchase. Would a die-hard Alexander and Tatiana fan like myself, who likely won't cook many of these recipes, find it worthwhile? What do you think????Thanks all!!!!
Toni wrote: "Hey you guys, what do you think of Tatiana's Table? Is it mostly a cookbook (unfortunately I am not a big cook-we eat out a lot-though I have a big respect for people who can and do cook; very cool..."Toni, It is definately a cookbook...but it has lots of little stories about Tatiana's life and how the food she cooks relates to the love she has for Alexander. For example: Tatiana made Beef Stroganoff in Lenengrad when there wasn't enough meat but Alexander kept asking for more and Tatiana asks "Alexander, why do you keep asking for more, are you joking with me?, Dasha says "not joking but torturing you, Alexander says "someday Tania, I'd like to have Beef Strognaoff again".Dasha replies "And someday you will, if my sister doesn't kill you first" They said nothing after that but Tatiana thinks to herself, please someday let me make Beef Stroganoff for Alexander. This was one of my favorite little stories..but there are many more.
Tina-love that. Sounds like there are some good bits to be had and I guess I will take anything I can get about our hero and heroine and maybe, just maybe, it will inspire me to cook myself! Could work. TBH is inspiring as a whole. Thanks for the info!!!!!
Toni wrote: "Tina-love that. Sounds like there are some good bits to be had and I guess I will take anything I can get about our hero and heroine and maybe, just maybe, it will inspire me to cook myself! Could ..."I don't think you will be disappointed if you by the book, especially when you get to the end!!!
Tina wrote: "Toni wrote: "Tina-love that. Sounds like there are some good bits to be had and I guess I will take anything I can get about our hero and heroine and maybe, just maybe, it will inspire me to cook m..."Well that sounds super intriguing! Of course now I will have to force myself not to read the end right away (haha). Looks like I'm going to be trolling Amazon.com in a minute. Thanks for the suggestion Tina!!
I'm going to start
. Also for those who can't wait for
you can get an advanced copy from NetGalley.com if you are approved as a reviewer.
Leea {California Dreaming} wrote: "I'm going to start . Also for those who can't wait for you can get an advanced copy from NetGalley.com if you are approved as a r..."These do look good. I have them in my to read list, as well as the 1st one "Tea Rose". Thanks for the suggestions.
Me too!! Soo many good reviews from the like-minded TBH lovers. Luckily now I'm now engrossed in Outlander and Jamie Fraser (yay!!) but I will most definitely pick this trilogy up right after.
Jamie is my first love - Sorry BH fans... He had my heart first :)
Leea I have to agree, but oh Shura's not bad!!!!!!
I really believe it depends on which series you read first. That is why I like to compare them. They are just in different centuries. But what a pair!!!!
Yes, I also think that Jamie just does not have that controlling nature like Alexander. Some part of Summer Garden were hard to read because he's very controlling. I do understand that he's been through a lot. For me Jamie is just a better all around man :) Yeah the BH fans will be after me soon... hehe!
It's so funny that you say that Leea b/c I just started Outlander (on page 288 currently) and I just got past the scene where Jamie beat Claire within an inch of her life. Now I know that is part of those times but I thought that was pretty controlling. Now I know I really am in no place to comment yet as I am just at the very beginning of the Jamie/Claire saga so to judge him now is a little pre-emptive, but it is what you might call a wee bit controlling. That said, I don't deny that Alexander had that bent to him too. But I'm not sure that he was worse than Jamie, just different. And a lot of Alexander's controlling nature was also to some effect a sign of the times as well. Men were men, so to speak. They were head of the household, they did rule the roost. It's certainly not like things are in our modern society (which is clearly what is going thru Claire's mind and emotions). Anyhow, I will reserve judgement for now. But I do have the inclination to agree it is what you read first as well. Although I am quite smitten w/ Jamie already (!!!) and know it will only deepen from here on out, Alexander...Shura...well, he is the finest of men in my mind and my 'first love' ;). Though Jamie is so close on his heels. You cannot go wrong with Mr. Barrington OR Mr. Fraser!
OH NO!! SPOILER ALERT for the above post!!!! Hate doing that. Forgot others haven't read it yet as I feel when on this site that I am the last to discover this fantastic series and the incredible Jamie Fraser. Hope no one reads above post who hasn't read Outlander yet-and a big I'm sorry to anyone who reads my post early. Didn't mean it....
Toni wrote: "It's so funny that you say that Leea b/c I just started Outlander (on page 288 currently) and I just got past the scene where Jamie beat Claire within an inch of her life. Now I know that is part o..."Ahhh To each her/his own...
spoiler>... Put what you want to hide where the dots are :)
Toni, I don't think Jamie is controlling. That was a punishment for almost getting everybody killed by not listening. He is head of the household but Claire is not 18 so she is stronger willed and from the 20th century. One of the things he loves about Claire is her strength.
The Bronze Horseman
Books mentioned in this topic
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Judith McNaught (other topics)Janet Skeslien Charles (other topics)
Carlos Ruiz Zafón (other topics)
Carlos Ruiz Zafón (other topics)
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Has anyone heard anything further about the rumoured Paullina Simons historical fiction she's apparently working on? I have given up reading her contemporary novels but would definitely sink my teeth into another historical fiction of hers. I heard something about another TBHesque type of book that she's working on (Or did I dream it?!)