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What are you reading right now? (SEE NEW THREAD)
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Chrissie
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Nov 08, 2011 11:11PM
Simran, yup it came out Nov 8th. I have been waiting for it for ages. I have been nagging the publisher to have it available on Kindle. Maybe my nagging helped:0) None of the other Massie books are on Kindle. I want to read the ones about Peter the Great........ I am crazy about this author. I like history with a personal touch, so that is why I like biographies. I want to know how history was to live through.
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Simran, it is fun to hear how you remember exactly when the changing moment happened to you, when history became so important. It has not been like that for me. My interests have changed all through my life. In school I never had a good history teacher - everything was dates and battles and generals' names..... My life has sort of brought me around to where I am. We moved from the US when I was 19 to Sweden. Living in Europe means other countries with other cultures awereclose by and I saw so clearly the differences / similarities between the US and Sweden. Visiting other countries and rubbing shoulders with other cultures has aroused my interest in cultures and then the specific hisorical events that have shapped the cultures. Now we live in Belgium and the culture is different too. And we spend lots of time in France. That is different too. It is fun looking at similarities and differences. So my life has sort of brought me around to where I am today. I am not terribly fascinated by the rulers. I want to know about the people living through the times. And having visited a country always adds an extra puff when you read a book that takes place where you have been. One cannot help but aslk, why are the Swedes as they are? What in their history has influenced them? The same is true for Belgians and French and....... all very fascinating. But when I worked I read more fluffy stuff. Pure escapism. When the kids were small and I was learning Swedish I read predominantly Swedish lit. As life changes around you, your reading habits adjust too.
Simran, I am worried about boring others. We are on the wrong thread for such a discussion. So very briefly.,Sweden was chosen because we didn't like the Vietnam War and were intrigued by Sweden. Lots of factors of course came into the picture. I feel right at home with the social perspective. I love living in Europe.
Simran, I do too! Anyhow everybody else was sleeping. It was fun talking with you.
Ladies, that is a VERY interesting discussion! I'm glad I found it here.
Shelley, Simran and I were blabbing and we forgot where we sere. :0) Thanks for not being annoyed - but of course the Comfy people are just so darn nice!
Chrissie wrote: "Shelley, Simran and I were blabbing and we forgot where we sere. :0) Thanks for not being annoyed - but of course the Comfy people are just so darn nice!"I've been reading a lot of German biographies lately. One of them, Alles kann ein Herz ertragen. Die weite Lebensreise der Elisabeth Thiessen. was really excellent and informative, about a young Mennonite girl who ends up in Siberia after WWI (she was visiting Russian Mennonite family and could not get back). It's too bad the book has not been translated into English, Chrissie, as I think you would enjoy it (the writing style takes a bit getting used to, but in the end really worked for me, and the story is true). I wonder though if the story might have been translated into Swedish ...
Gundula, yes I would have added that to my lists. Exactly the kind of book I enjoy. I checked out the Swedish sites. Nope! I find no translations. The author has written other interesting books too. None are translated. Doesn't that kill you?! I have this wonderful book that takes place in Stockholm during WW2 with a Welsh Terrier, just like Victor. You do not even have to like dogs to love the book. It perfectly captures the feel of Stockholm. Again - no translation.
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, yes I would have added that to my lists. Exactly the kind of book I enjoy. I checked out the Swedish sites. Nope! I find no translations. The author has written other interesting books too..."It really is infuriating, isn't it, sigh. And then again, some books that I find not entertaining or inspiring at all, are translated much more readily (simply because they are popular). Like that book about the Welsh Terrier, I would much rather read this, than Stig Larsson (but no translation means I won't be able to read it, maybe I should teach myself Swedish).
Shelley wrote: "Ladies, that is a VERY interesting discussion! I'm glad I found it here."
I wish you two had kept on going. I learned some new things about both of you. What a big move from the US to Sweden, all because of the Vietnam War. I felt that way a few years ago myself.
And, now I see where you have been hanging out, Simran.
I wish you two had kept on going. I learned some new things about both of you. What a big move from the US to Sweden, all because of the Vietnam War. I felt that way a few years ago myself.
And, now I see where you have been hanging out, Simran.
OMG, Gundula, teach yourself Swedish! I guess you are good with languages. I am terrible. I still cannot roll my Rs in a correct manner or say mörotter - carros - correctly. And now after more than 10 years in Belgium I am forgetting how to spell....... German and Swedish are close, that is true. I certainly do not want to read Stig Larsson, although I was tempted when I heard they were filming a movie on Söder, which is a part of Stockholm where I use to live with the kids and Victor too! It is terribly fun when you know exactly how everything looks in a book. Jeanette and Simran, the funny thing, is that we were kind of pushed towards Sweden because my brother had a Swedish girlfriend. We liked what she told us. He is the only one in the family who returned to the US! Kind of ironic. Little, little things can make such big changes in one's life.
Gundula, I will add this, the name of the book about the dogs in Stockholm. Troll och Tott och deras vänner They could have been Airedales not Welsh Terriers. They look the same, only bigger. There were even photos in the book. It is also about the growth of the women's rights movement in Sweden. Great book. The house they lived in was on the street of the building I worked in. You can see why I loved it. Oh, but anybod would love the book, not just me.
Well, I've now finished The Gallows Curse and have to say that Karen Maitland sure does know her middle ages. While dark in tone, it simply reflects a period of time when life was particularly hard. I think I'm going to start Wonderstruck today. I checked it out first from the library, brand spanking new.
Simran, Danish, to my Swedish ears, sound so much messier/harder. With a written text the two aren't so far from each other. But I would not try and read a Danish book. No way. Not Norwegian either. That is a bit closer. Oh, you are one of these talented people too, like Gundula.
Simran and Gundula, I, too, am impressed with your language skills.
Kathy wrote: "Simran and Gundula, I, too, am impressed with your language skills."I am actually better at learning to read and write foreign languages than learning to speak them (my oral language skills even in German and English are not generally as good as my writing and reading skills).
Well, I'm still very impressed with you both!
Gundula, can you suggest some good books, set in Germany, where you learn German cultue/history but that are not holocaust in theme? Like the book you mentioned but in English and set in Germany. Any suggestions? I mean you have read so many! So many of the books I have read are all holocaust in theme.
Simran wrote: "Haha, I love learning new languages but as soon as I leave whichever country it was in which i was learning to speak the language, I stop speaking it & then it just disappears into thin air...poof !"
I am reviewing my Japanese, because so much if it has gone poof, and I don't want it to. My German I keep up, because I speak it every week.
My daughter is learning Mandarin, but it just looks too hard! She has to learn and memorize all these characters, and tones. I'm not cut out for it!
I am reviewing my Japanese, because so much if it has gone poof, and I don't want it to. My German I keep up, because I speak it every week.
My daughter is learning Mandarin, but it just looks too hard! She has to learn and memorize all these characters, and tones. I'm not cut out for it!
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, can you suggest some good books, set in Germany, where you learn German cultue/history but that are not holocaust in theme? Like the book you mentioned but in English and set in Germany. A..."Unfortunately, many of the books set in Germany (at least 20th century Germany) often do have the Holocaust as a theme (especially if they are in English or English translation). I actually don't know any (or don't remember any) right off the top of my head, but I will do some research and then let you know.
One question, I know you don't like historical mysteries, but would you consider books set in the Middle Ages or the 18th century?
I will let you know some books once I've done some research (I have read some very good German language historical novels, but again, most of these have not been translated).
What about Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family, or something else by Mann? I haven't attempted to tackle his books, but my husband has read them.
Jeannette wrote: "What about Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family, or something else by Mann? I haven't attempted to tackle his books, but my husband has read them."Buddenbrooks is definitely a possibility, it's a great novel. But I am also going to look for some more current literature (and not everybody likes Thomas Mann and/or his writing style).
It's so hard to find books about German culture that aren't about WW2. That's why I thought of Mann. I also saw Peeling the Onion, but I don't know much about Grass. I couldn't get through the film of The Tin Drum.
p.s. Buddenbrooks is in Kindle format.
p.s. Buddenbrooks is in Kindle format.
I finished
and
loved them both 5 and 4 stars each.Now I'm 1/4 of the way through
and I love it.
Okay, I've read about a third of 22 Britannia Road so far and I can't put it down. The story is abut two people whose lives are forever changed by war and the hope that they can rebuild what once was after six years of separation. It's about sacrifice and survival, loss, second chances, hope and forgiveness. The effects of war go on long after the killing has ended. The lives of those left behind were just as affected as those who went off to fight. People made choices at a time when there really was no choice but to survive or die. Sounds depressing but it isn't. The characters have hope and want a future. But they have to accept the past in each other. Not exactly a cozy, comfy read, but really good.
If you do read this one, I would also recommend The Invisible Bridge.
Gundula wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, can you suggest some good books, set in Germany, where you learn German cultue/history but that are not holocaust in theme? Like the book you mentioned but in English and ..."IAll I know Gundula is that the book you were reading I would have liked to read....... Rather than holocaust I want German life and culture maybe back to the 1700s, rather than medieval times. I am reading now about Catherine the Great growing up in Germany in the 1700s, about Silesia and Frederik II was in power. A family epic. Massie makes me search for more. I don't really know what I want but not too much total fiction, a story more tied to real life. I will stick to your judgement. You pretty much know what I like. Maybe I have given you an impossible question........ I have to be able to get it on Kindle! Just keep it simple, a really good story about life in Germany by an excellent author! :0) If something pops into your head, just tell me. Don't do a bunch of reasearch...... I haven't read Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family! The idea of a family's disintigration and failing search of money and power kind of put me off. If you think I should, I could read that?!
Roz, thank you for telling us about 22, Britannia Road. Yes, I really liked the Invisible Bridge! Is it really as good as that?Simran, The Kircher book does sound interesting. I have added it to my list and will try the sample on Kindle. It can be rented! I have never seen a rentable Kindle book!!!! Strange. Have you read the book?
Jeannette wrote: "What about Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family, or something else by Mann? I haven't attempted to tackle his books, but my husband has read them."Oh Jeanette, look at my message 6206!!! You , me and Gundula were all thinking Buddenbrooks at the same time! Jeeze that is weird. I explained in the message what puts me off. I guess we were all writing at the same time! How come we all were thinking of the same book?!
Simran - sounds like an interesting guy. Thank you very much for bringing him to my attention. I MUST take Oscar out now and buy some food. Am I the only one who hates food shopping? Ughhhhh. Such a bore.
Simran, yes, a very nice walk! That is sweet of you to keep my search for good German books in your head!
I have to confess - I love grocery shopping!
At the moment I'm finishing up Half Blood Blues. Very interesting story.
At the moment I'm finishing up Half Blood Blues. Very interesting story.
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, can you suggest some good books, set in Germany, where you learn German cultue/history but that are not holocaust in theme? Like the book you mentioned but..."Buddenbrooks is a great novel, but the writing style is a real pain in the you know what at times, and the family is definitely decadent and decaying (a common theme for Thomas Mann). On the other hand, it paints a great picture of Northern Germany and Bourgeois German society in the late 19th, early 20th centuries. The characters are rich, well constructed (not always that likable) and the descriptions are dense and interesting (but some people might find them a bit too heavy and dense). Actually, I think that Buddenbrooks is probably the most approachable of Thomas Mann's novels, but it's a book that I found needed time to savour (it's not a book to read quickly). Also, I've only ever read it in German, so I have no idea what the translation is like. If you are interested, you should probably also read some of the GR or Amazon reviews.
Simran wrote: "Chrissie, what about this one. Athanasius Kircher: The Last Man Who Knew Everything
."
I added this one as potential for my husband. :)
."I added this one as potential for my husband. :)
Gundula, no ....it is not like I feel I really want to read it. Something else will turn up.
Chrissie wrote: "Oh Jeanette, look at my message 6206!!! You , me and Gundula were all thinking Buddenbrooks at the same time! Jeeze that is weird. I explained in the message what puts me off. I guess we were all writing at the same time! How come we all were thinking of the same book?! ..."
Well, my husband enjoyed reading Mann, and Buddenbrooks is one of those family sagas, so it seemed like a candidate. I'll ask my husband for any suggestions.
Well, my husband enjoyed reading Mann, and Buddenbrooks is one of those family sagas, so it seemed like a candidate. I'll ask my husband for any suggestions.
Simran wrote: "Chrissie, what about this one. Athanasius Kircher: The Last Man Who Knew Everything."Only the introduction was reradable on the sample. I find tjat so irritating. I was not pleased with the introduction. I just thought you might like to know. Of course that doesn't mean the book is bad.
The only sample amazon gives is from the Intro and the Epilogue, both written by the author. Too bad they don't sample any of the essays.
Simran, that is a good idea. Heavens don't hold your breath. I have too many books on my shelves; I never want to forget a book that looks interesting. Jeanette, drag you husband along with you. I think it is nice you add it to your list for him.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, I have already bought! It was the daily a special a while back. Once in a while the books are good. They have to offer books for all sorts of reading tastes.
The Bonhoeffer biography looks interesting. I would also like to read more about the Scholls, and the White Rose, someday, too. Any suggestions for a book about them?
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, no ....it is not like I feel I really want to read it. Something else will turn up."It's also a bit "literary" and you do have to enjoy Thomas Mann's writing style. But what Jeannette has said is unfortunately true, especially for books on Germany and the Germans in English translation or in English translation, a sizable majority deals with the 20th century (esp. WWI and WWII).
The following book sounds interesting, although I have not read it, but the tile sounds interesting (it is about the 20th century, but about the period from pre WWI to the beginning of WWII). I think I might put it on my to-read list, A Postcard From the Volcano: A Novel of Pre-War Germany.
The following is also great, it is by 19th century author Heinrich Heine and delivers a wonderful, satirical and political etc. description and criticism of 19th century Germany (and 19th century Europe), Germany. A Winter Tale. Again though, this is considered literary and it was written in the 19th century. Also, it is written as a verse epic, which might throw some people off.
Jeanette, I have Sophie Scholl and the White Rose and this The White Rose: Munich, 1942-1943 on my German shelf........... I forgot I had them there, until you mentioned the White Rose! Yes, Chrissie, do try them! Thanks, Jeanette. May I borrow your head a little bit?Gundula Wow! A Postcard From the Volcano: A Novel of Pre-War Germany sounds just sonderful. I have sent a sample to my Kindle. Thank you so very, very much. I think it is fascinating that the book ends up in Breslau, modern day Vroclaw which is in fact in Poland now. This book covers exactly the geographic setting that caught my attention.
Chrissie wrote: "Jeanette, I have Sophie Scholl and the White Rose and this The White Rose: Munich, 1942-1943 on my German shelf........... I forgot I had them there, until you mention..."I only found out about the book last night when I was doing some research. Hope it is as good as it sounds :-)
Gundula wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Jeanette, I have Sophie Scholl and the White Rose and this The White Rose: Munich, 1942-1943 on my German shelf........... I forgot I had them there, ..."I checked the sample for SSATWR and it didn't grab me but was perfectly OK. It is hard to judge from a teeny sample.
Borrow my head anytime, Chrissie. I don't use it much. :P
Mod
Lee wrote: "I started reading The Language of Flowers this morning and am enjoying it even thought the parts about the foster system are heartbreaking."Thanks for reminding me, Lee. I am dying to read this. I might add it as a suggestion for my real world book club. That's one way to get myself to read books on my huge to-read shelf.
Mod
Lee wrote: "Lisa, I think you might like this. I'm not far into it yet but I'm engaged."I added it to our proposed books shelf but I've gotten a couple of "my" books read lately so maybe I can get to it on my own as I assume it will be a long time if I had to wait until my book club read it.
I'll be interested in what you think, Lee, when you've finished reading it.
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Comfort Reads
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