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[Chrissie]

Gundula, have you been in NYC?

[Manybooks]

Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, have you been in NYC?"

No, I have not (probably would be too large of a city for me, but I would like to visit some of the art galleries and see an opera at the Met).

[Chrissie]

I would not choose to live there now, but I am glad I have. A visit is WONDERFUL!

[Aoibhínn]

I finished reading by Christopher Ransom this morning. This book was one of the worst horror novels I've read in my entire life. It wasn't even the slightest bit scary. The author's writing style is terrible and I felt like most of the book was written by a horny 12-year-old. The whole plot was confusing and I disliked all the characters. I ended up not really caring what happened to any of them. This book is definitely one to avoid.

Now I'm about to begin by Stephen King.

[[deleted user]]

Jeannette wrote: "I really enjoyed The House of Closed Doors. I hope you do, too, Becky."
I am so far. It is an amazing book.Just at the part with dear Step-father comes to the Farm and she tells him she wants to keep the baby.

[Janice]

Ellie wrote: "I finished reading by Christopher Ransom this morning. This book was one of the worst horror novels I've read in my entire life. It wasn't even the slightest ..."

Last Stephen King book I read was "Duma Key". Am thinking about reading the "Dark Tower" series, heard it's really good. Enjoy "The Green Mile" :D

[[deleted user]]

Becky wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "I really enjoyed The House of Closed Doors. I hope you do, too, Becky."
I am so far. It is an amazing book.Just at the part with dear Step-father comes to the Farm and she tells ..."

Hiram is a scary guy!

[Kimberly]

I think I'm going to start

[[deleted user]]

I'm almost finished reading Dodger, the latest by Terry Pratchett. It is historical fiction, set in Victorian London, not the Discworld. It's brilliant!

[Lee, Mod Mama]

Ooooh, that sounds good!

[Chrissie]

Jeanette - oh, it's Victorian! I'm skipping it. :0)

[Chrissie]

Simran, yeah, I know my weaknesses.

[Chrissie]

Oh Simran, you absolutely must read Rules of Civility. You must, must, must. No, I will let you decide, but I do recommend it.

[Manybooks]

Chrissie wrote: "Simran, yeah, I know my weaknesses."

I don't really know if Dodger should be designated as "Victorian" (it is not Victorian literature, but historical fiction set in that era). But even I (and I love historical fiction set in the 19th century) will probably not try to read the book; I have never been able to get into Pratchett's "Discworld" (mostly could not get into his writing style), so unless Dodger is vastly different style-wise, I will likely not put the book on my to-read shelf (it's bursting at the seams anyway, sigh).

[Chrissie]

Gundula, nope, Dodger isn't for me. It almost makes me happy when I do not have to add a book to my shelves.

Simran, it is the excellent writing that makes this book so wonderful. Towles is a master of metaphors.

[Manybooks]

Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, nope, Dodger isn't for me. It almost makes me happy when I do not have to add a book to my shelves.

Simran, it is the excellent writing that makes this book so wonderful. Towles is a mast..."

I once bought about four Pratchett books and ended up giving them away. If Jeannette says this book is excellent, I might try getting it from the library (but not for a very long time, I just made a list of books I have to review and it's downright frightening, lol).

[[deleted user]]

Chrissie wrote: "Simran, yeah, I know my weaknesses."

haha! No, it's not Victorian, as it was written just this year. It's historical fiction, written with both dark humor, wit, and fellow-feeling for the down-trodden. Pratchett is hard to describe, and this one is a departure from his normal fantasy, but it's a lot of fun!

[[deleted user]]

Gundula wrote: "I have never been able to get into Pratchett's "Discworld" (mostly could not get into his writing style), so unless Dodger is vastly different style-wise, I will likely not put the book on my to-read shelf "

This is definitely Pratchett-style writing, so it might not be for you, Gundula. I do like that the protagonist is rubbing shoulders with many historical figures: Disraeli, Dickens, John Mayhew, Angela Coutts-Burdett, even Sweeney Todd! It's fun to see Dickens scribbling away every time he comes up with an idea for one of his books. It's a running gag.

[Manybooks]

Jeannette wrote: "Gundula wrote: "I have never been able to get into Pratchett's "Discworld" (mostly could not get into his writing style), so unless Dodger is vastly different style-wise, I will likely not put the ..."

On the other hand, this type of book might be a way to try Pratchett again (as a library request, though).

[Sylvia]

Jeannette wrote: "Gundula wrote: "I have never been able to get into Pratchett's "Discworld" (mostly could not get into his writing style), so unless Dodger is vastly different style-wise, I will likely not put the ..."

Sounds intrigueing. Maybe I'll do like Gundula and try a library copy. I had a Pratchett, but gave it away. It didn't grab me.

[Manybooks]

Sylvia wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "Gundula wrote: "I have never been able to get into Pratchett's "Discworld" (mostly could not get into his writing style), so unless Dodger is vastly different style-wise, I will l..."

It's on order at our library, so I put in a request (but I am something like 10th in line, but that does not matter).

[Sylvia]

I'm reading St. Kilda Island on the Edge of the World. Never heard about those islands and it's written in a nice way.

[Sylvia]

Gundula wrote: "Sylvia wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "Gundula wrote: "I have never been able to get into Pratchett's "Discworld" (mostly could not get into his writing style), so unless Dodger is vastly different style..."

I first have to figure out if there's a Dutch translation. Probably yes, so I read it in Dutch. There are a lot of Pratchett fan here (my sister is one, she gave me my first Pratchett)

[Manybooks]

Sylvia wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Sylvia wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "Gundula wrote: "I have never been able to get into Pratchett's "Discworld" (mostly could not get into his writing style), so unless Dodger is vastly..."

It's brand new, so there might not even be a Dutch translation yet.

[Beth]

I just started

[Lianne]

I am currently reading Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers, Leonardo Sciascia's The Day of the Owl and finishing up Richard Gambino's Blood of My Blood (Picas Series No.7) =)

[Jessika]

Lianne wrote: "I am currently reading Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers, Leonardo Sciascia's The Day of the Owl and finishing up Richard Gambino's Blood of My Blood (Picas Series No.7) =)"

I really enjoyed The Three Musketeers when I read it earlier this year, I hope you like it!

[Lee, Mod Mama]

I'm reading Dead Scared and it's great! Just what I needed a fast paced mystery that grabbed me from the first page. I've become a real fan of S.J. Bolton!

[Kimberly]

I'm reading and

[Dolly]

Just finished Defending Jacob - I couldn't put it down until I got to the end.

[Chrissie]

I finished Those Who Save Us
(review: What Is Left the Daughter)

and have started What Is Left the Daughter. I am completely drained after the last so I need something lighter in tone. In this one the story begins when a guy's parents both commit suicide on the same night - each jumping off a different bridge in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Yes, it is lighter in tone than the last one!

[[deleted user]]

Sounds like a laugh a minute, Chrissie! lol

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, I have found that even difficult subjects can be infused with humor. It all depends uion the author.

[[deleted user]]

Chrissie wrote: "Jeanette, I have found that even difficult subjects can be infused with humor. It all depends uion the author."

I agree, and I'm only half-teasing you. But, it does sound a bit too gloomy for me. I hope you enjoy it.

[Aoibhínn]

I just finished by Stephen King earlier today and I absolutely loved it. I'm a huge fan of Stephen King and The Green Mile has got to be one of the best novels he has ever written. In fact, it's one of the best novels I have ever read in my entire life. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down! It is very beautifully written and extremely moving at times. The plot is original, gripping and heart-breaking. I'd give this book more than five stars if I could! My full review is here.

Now I'm about to start by Shirley Jackson.

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, I know you are teasing. It is just that I adore books which mix dark themes or serious topics with humor. I want both. Fluff is not my cup of tea.

[[deleted user]]

I don't really care for a lot of fluff, either, but I like to stay on the sunny side, if I can. Serious I'll take, but just not too dark.

[Chrissie]

Dark isn't dark if humor is thrown in. :0) It is just mirrors reality.

[[deleted user]]

Not all "non-serious" books are fluff, either. ;) A lot of people live their lives without experiencing much/any dark reality.

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, you say, "a lot of people live their lives without experiencing much/any dark reality." That I do not agree with. I think everybody gets their share. Everybody has difficulties, and when you are struggling getting through you particular "problem" they feel dark and threatening. Life is long. One is hit sooner or later. That doesn't make me a pessimist, just a realist. Heck, there is light on the other side of the clouds.

IMHO

[[deleted user]]

I think everybody gets a share of sorrows, but I think many people live pleasant, happy lives, especially compared to the protagonist of this book, who lost both parents to suicide. I'm not being a Pollyanna, either, but I don't think the only books that are "realistic" have to have "dark and threatening" suffering in them. There are many happy stories out there that are a pleasure to read, also.

Of course, having the protagonist face and overcome some obstacle makes for interesting reading, but I just don't enjoy too much dark, even with humor to season it.

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, well lots of people love reading about some conflict. Think of the attraction to murder mysteries! The book is not even about the suicides actually. It just starts there. The protagonist is 17 and has an aunt and uncle he lives with. And an interesting cousin? of course something else happens. I chose the book because I have read other books by the author that are good. It is connected to WW2 and what was happening off the coast - torpedoing of boats! I always like some history thrown in.

[[deleted user]]

History can be fun! And, who doesn't love a well-written murder mystery?

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, me, I often don't like fictitious murder mysteries. I like the real ones better than the fictitious ones. My point is that most people like reading about one sort of conflict or another. There has to be some sort of question or suspense or issue that will keep you on your toes/ or the edge of your seat. :0)

What Is Left the Daughter is not a dark book. Those Who Save Us - yes, this is dark ! But what makes them dark or light is not the topic but rather how the book is written. That is what I am trying to say.

[[deleted user]]

I guess I'm just trying to say that a book that isn't dark, isn't necessarily fluff. I like reading books with emotional conflicts, where the character(s) grow in some way, (like Jane Austen), or fictitious murder mysteries (like Agatha Christie) which are low on violence, but high on deductive reasoning. I just don't enjoy the gritty details as much as you do. Even romantic fluff has some sort of conflict. After that it comes down to the quality of the writing, and the taste of the reader. :)

[Chrissie]

Jeannette wrote: "I guess I'm just trying to say that a book that isn't dark, isn't necessarily fluff. I like reading books with emotional conflicts, where the character(s) grow in some way, (like Jane Austen), or ..."

Oh I agree - "a book that isn't dark, isn't necessarily fluff."

[[deleted user]]

Well, we're back on the same page, again, as expected! :D

[[deleted user]]

I wanted to let you know that Simran will be starting North and South tomorrow, and I am doing a re-read to keep her company. After discussing along with you on your read, I want to analyze the book a bit more this time around.

[Chrissie]

:0)

I will check out your reviews of North and South to see what you and Simran are saying!

[[deleted user]]

I think we'll be chatting on Simran's review. Tracey is going to join the discussion, too.