Comfort Reads discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
General
>
What are you reading right now? (SEE NEW THREAD)
message 7301:
by
Diane
(new)
Mar 19, 2013 06:07PM
I am reading Wolf Hall. It is a very detailed accounting of King Henry VIII's Court and the primarly (real life) character is Thomas Cromwell. It's a much more in-depth book of this time period than those I've read by Phillippa Gregory. I am liking it, and am grateful that there is a cast of characters at the front, to which I refer all the time.
reply
|
flag
Diane D. wrote: "and am grateful that there is a cast of characters at the front, to which I refer all the time."I always appreciate it when epic type books have this!
Lisa wrote: "Diane D. wrote: "and am grateful that there is a cast of characters at the front, to which I refer all the time."I always appreciate it when epic type books have this!"
Me too, Lisa. I don't think I would have done well with an audio version of this book.
Thanks, Diane for the info on WH!And Janice thanks about BR.
Hmmm, what do I do?!
Chrissie wrote: "Thanks, Diane for the info on WH!And Janice thanks about BR.
Hmmm, what do I do?!"
I think you would like Wolf Hall, Chrissie. Keep in mind that the pronoun 'he' (used a great deal) most often refers to Cromwell.
Diane, I guess I will read it then, on your recommendation. Thanks.
Chrissie you do like that time period in English history right? I think you are an historical fiction fan.
Gundula wrote: "Andrew wrote: "I started 
and 
, two totally different genres.I'm not used to read two books at time..."
I agree, but in this case I wanted read both.
I've got a bunch of books I ordered at the library and they all were delivered at the same time. So I'm in a hurry to read
before I have to return it. In Dutch it has a different title: it's called HELP
Andrew wrote: "I started and , two totally different genres.I'm not used to read two books at time, this is a uni..."
I read (and enjoyed) Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? quite some time ago. The book is quite a bit different than Blade Runner, but I can see the similarities. Unfortunately, I lent the book out and I never got it back (along with a number of other books I loved). I'm much better at keeping track of who I lend books to now.
Tim wrote: "Andrew wrote: "I started and , two totally different genres.I'm not used to read two books at time..."
I watched movie years ago, so I was curious to read the book and check the difference
Tim wrote: "Andrew wrote: "I started and , two totally different genres.I'm not used to read two books at time..."
I've had the same thing happen Tim, so now, I generally will not lend out books (unless it's a book I don't mind not getting back, which are few and far between).
Gundula wrote: "I've had the same thing happen Tim, so now, I generally will not lend out books (unless it's a book I don't mind not getting back, which are few and far between). ."I'm using software called Delicious Library which keeps track of all my books (and DVDs) and who I've lent them to. It's probably the best for the Mac, but there's others out there for both Macs and PCs. I only track my physical books with it but even still there's 847 books listed in my library (and I still have books in storage that I haven't entered). With it, I don't mind lending as much because I know exactly who has the books.
Tim wrote: "Gundula wrote: "I've had the same thing happen Tim, so now, I generally will not lend out books (unless it's a book I don't mind not getting back, which are few and far between). ."I'm using soft..."
I am kind of afraid of figuring out exactly how many books I do have, ha.
I started the cataloguing after finding out I accidentally bought a book I already owned. I don't mind multiple copies (e.g., my illustrated vs. regular copy of The Hobbit), but this was exactly the same edition and the original was still in good condition (the other reason I by new copies).
Chrissie wrote: "Thanks, Diane for the info on WH!And Janice thanks about BR.
Hmmm, what do I do?!"e
You're welcome! Whatever you choose enjoy :)
Diane, I used to think I was a historical fiction fan, but I have found that they rarely match up with what I expect of them. I am sure that Hilary Mantel has done a magnificent job with the historical facts, but actually I shy away from royal figures. I prefer learning about how the masses, the normal people have it, rather than the leaders and kings and powerful people. It is so hard to put your finger on what makes a book entrancing. I want to feel a connection with the prime characters, be he a "nobody" or a "big guy"!
I have completed Travels with Charley: In Search of America. I highly recommend it but look at my review and see how I compare it with another author....My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
To be fair, two different books can have two completely different purposes.
I am now listening to Songdogs. I love how they add music to parts of an audiobook! WOW!
I am reading Mao's Last Dancer and like how the author, even when describing the horrible times of the "Big Leap Forward" and the "Cultural Revolution" and the "Great Famine", ALSO mentions the fun of Chinese New Year's celebrations and kite flying and.... It is a biography. So of course I like it. I cannot get through books that only point out the bad, with not a glance at happy events. I was talking about this with a friend. I NEED both; otherwise I fall apart.
Chrissie wrote: "Diane, I used to think I was a historical fiction fan, but I have found that they rarely match up with what I expect of them. I am sure that Hilary Mantel has done a magnificent job with the histor..."Chrissie, have you read "Pillars of the Earth" and it's sequel "World Without End?" Both great. Also, "The Red Tent?" All historical fiction. I really enjoyed all three.
Janice wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Diane, I used to think I was a historical fiction fan, but I have found that they rarely match up with what I expect of them. I am sure that Hilary Mantel has done a magnificent jo..."I really liked The Red Tent, but you do have to be interested in the Old Testament (and not be angered by changes to the Bible).
Janice and Gundula, I too loved The Red Tent and other books by Anita Diamant have been good too, but I have not read The Pillars of the Earth or anything else by Ken Follett. I have read that there are anachronisms and erroneous facts in his books and this puts me off. I will not know what is real and what isn't. If I were to try one which is the best?
Chrissie wrote: "Janice and Gundula, I too loved The Red Tent and other books by Anita Diamant have been good too, but I have not read The Pillars of the Earth or anything else by Ken Follett. I have read that ther..."I kind of wanted to read The Pillars of the Earth (and the sequel), but like you, after reading that there are quite a lot of anachronisms etc., that has really put me off (and considering that the historical period being described is the same period that is depicted in the Brother Cadfael series, I think that anachronisms would bother me even more simply because I kind of know the history a bit and love the Brother Cadfael series so much). Funny as well, that even though there likely were some anachronisms in The Red Tent as well, that never really bothered (or bothers) me all that much (probably because the period is further back not so much is known and I have not read all that much historical information, books etc. on ancient Egypt and the historical Middle East, while my knowledge of England, English history, Western European history is a bit more complete).
I guess that is also one of the reasons I have as yet not read (although I have considered) Philippa Gregory (many people love her books, but many also claim that there are is also much erroneous information and anachronisms present, but that is only hear-say from reviews I have read).
Gundula, exactly! I didn't mind the anachronisms in the Red Tent b/c we know so little, and I too have avoided Philippa Gregory!
I finished Songdogsand b/c I loved it so much I will immediately start the only book I have left to read by Colum McCann: Fishing the Sloe-Black River. My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Exquisite writing. Not a comfort read though, few of McCann's are, but they always include hope and show you what is beautiful if you just look. Songdogs takes you from Ireland to Spain to Mexico and across the US, California to Wyoming to the Bronx. It is an emotional trip.
I highly recommend that you listen to this book narrated by Paul Nugent. The Irish is just perfect.
I haven't posted for a while because I haven't read anything that you could call a comfort read, until last week ;-) Telling the Bees is a new favorite...enjoy.
Just started on Kindle "Eternal Hunger" by Francene Carroll
Just started in paperback, "My Dearest Cal" by Sherrl Woods
Fishing the Sloe-Black River was the first of Colum McCann's books to disappoint me.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have begun the audiobook version of The Book of Night Women, narrated by Robin Miles. After a chapter, the Jamaican patois is no problem. This too was available for me at Downpour, but not Audible. This audiobook was recommended to me by Gaeta due to its fabulous narration. So far I totally agree.
Mod
Chrissie wrote: "Janice and Gundula, I too loved The Red Tent and other books by Anita Diamant have been good too, but I have not read The Pillars of the Earth or anything else by Ken Follett. I have read that ther..."Luckily, I'm not that smart so any historical inaccuracies went right over my head and I just enjoyed the storyline. I was never a reader of historical anything before, but in the last few years I've been open to reading all types of books that I had never picked up in the years before. I've recently returned to reading in a big way in the last few years since my children have gotten to be young adults and there's more time for it. I read World Without End first but Pillars of the Earth is the 1st one. It didn't make that much of a difference to me, as I read them at least a year apart. His books are very, very long so one a year is enough! I did truly enjoy them though. Hope this helps.
Gundula wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Janice and Gundula, I too loved The Red Tent and other books by Anita Diamant have been good too, but I have not read The Pillars of the Earth or anything else by Ken Follett. ha..."Have either of you read any Sarah Dunant historical fiction novels? I've read a few and really liked them. Honestly, I wish I could find a "DaVinci Code" or a "Girl With a Dragon Tattoo" (for an example) type of series that really sucks you in (or me at least). I've been missing that type of book lately.
Finished
, just a wonderful novel! Now reading
. Read alot of good reviews of Kate Morton books and wanted to try one.
Just started "Home Song" in paperback
Janice wrote: "Have either of you read any Sarah Dunant historical fiction novels? "I loved In the Company of the Courtesan, but The Birth of Venus left me cold! I am debating Sacred Hearts.....
I finished Mao's Last DancerMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have started The Places in Between. The author walked across Afghanistan, from Herat to Kabul. He began in January 2002. He walked over the mountains, in the winter, six weeks after the fall of the Taliban.
I finished The Book of Night Women.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
A word of warning: it is graphic and has violence, but I am very glad I read it. No, listened to it.
I have begun John Steinbeck's The Moon is Down. I love listening to Steinbeck. The books are humorous and dark and so easy to follow. Contemporary literature is so often "complicated" with numerous threads and different time-periods. The dam thing is so short! That I dislike.
Finished The Moon is DownMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
This is probably set in Norway. You do learn about Norwegian (or at least Nordic) culture, but this is not the central focus of the book. It was written by Steinbeck in 1942 as propaganda against the Germans (WW2). Through ironical humor it achieves its purpose magnificently.
I have begun The Man in the Wooden Hat. It grabs you immediately. Full of action and great writing. It is important to have read Old Filth first. I hope I remember enough about the first book. My review of Old Filth: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... Betty and Eddie are married. The first book gives you Eddie's perspective, the second Betty's! The first book came out in 2004, the second in 2009.
I really, really did like The Man in the Wooden Hat. Was Old Filth this good?My review of TMITWH: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now I am trying a Victorian/Edwardian novel. I want a long book. It is very long. I want a good narrator, and I have heard the Rosalyn Landor is excellent. I have to try the author A.S. Byatt, so I will begin: The Children's Book. Will this work for me?
Chrissie wrote: "I really, really did like The Man in the Wooden Hat. Was Old Filth this good?My review of TMITWH: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now I am trying a Victorian/Edwardian novel. I want..."
I never got much out of A.S. Byatt (find her writing dense, convoluted and a bit like Umberto Eco's narrative). Maybe you will get more out of her writing (and it's been years since I tried reading Possession).
But what also has recently turned me off is that Byatt has a profoundly nasty and personally insulting attitude towards adults who also enjoy reading children's literature like the Harry Potter series, for example. Maybe Byatt should realise that those individuals who enjoy (or sometimes enjoy) books with a clear plotline often like reading children's novels because in a good children's novel, there generally must be a clear and rather uncomplicated plot, something some adult books (authors) either don't have at all or tend to bury under masses of description, analysis and theory.
Gundula, this is my first by the author. I will honestly say how the book moves me personally, and try not to mix that up with the author's views that differ from my own. Thank you for telling me of her views. I don't think people should judge others' reading preferences.
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, this is my first by the author. I will honestly say how the book moves me personally, and try not to mix that up with the author's views that differ from my own. Thank you for telling me o..."I do kind of want to read The Children's Book, but must say that the author's recent attitudes have kind of soured me a bit.
Gundula, I do understand why you'd be annoyed! I hadn't heard any of that. Still I don't want her attitude to influence my appreciation of the book. I always try to approach a new book/author positively.
Gundula wrote: "I do kind of want to read The Children's Book, but must say that the author's recent attitudes have kind of soured me a bit."I have this book on my to-read shelf. What can you tell me/us abou the author's attitudes? Thanks for any info/links.
Lisa wrote: "What can you tell me/us abou the author's attitudes?"Lisa, to start with, look at message 7669.
Thanks, Chrissie. I thought I was carefully reading the thread but I guess not. I'll be more careful here on out. Yes, I do know about that. It's not enough to keep me reading her work. though I wouldn't pay money to her, but I would borrow library books. That's financially supporting authors, in a way, because libraries will buy more copies if the books are in demand, but it feels different to me. Many authors, fine artists, etc. I enjoy have less than laudable opinions and sometimes live/lived in ways I find abhorrent. I can still enjoy their works.
Lisa, you say: "Many authors, fine artists, etc. I enjoy have less than laudable opinions and sometimes live/lived in ways I find abhorrent. I can still enjoy their works." That is exactly how I feel.
I am learning about Fabian socilaism and the British Arts and Craft Movement. Definitely interesting, but I have just begun.
Gundula wrote: "I never got much out of A.S. Byatt (find her writing dense, convoluted and a bit like Umberto Eco's narrative). Maybe you will get more out of her writing (and it's been years since I tried reading Possession)...."Gundula, I enjoyed "The Children's Book" very much, although it is very dense and convoluted. I don't know anything about Byatt's views on adults who read children's literature, although I suppose she's entitled to her views on that subject even if they're not particularly compelling.
However, there is much in "The Children's Book" that I think you'd find interesting. One of the main characters is overtly based on Edith Nesbit and Byatt devotes a lot of the novel to exploring the creative process behind writing for children and the possible negative effects of that process on the writer's own children. (For examples of negative effects on the children of writers you don't have to look further than Kenneth Grahame and AA Milne). She also explores German social history at the beginning of the 20th century in a very interesting way.
Reading "Replica" by Lexi Revellian
on Kindle and just started "Sweet Revenge" by Fern Michaels
in paperback
on Kindle and just started "Sweet Revenge" by Fern Michaels
in paperback
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Comfort Reads
Books mentioned in this topic
Forever (other topics)The Big Sky (other topics)
Anil's Ghost (other topics)
Burial Rites (other topics)
Goodbye Sarajevo: A True Story of Courage, Love and Survival (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Michael Ondaatje (other topics)Wendell Berry (other topics)
Robert K. Massie (other topics)
Edmund Morris (other topics)
Susan Fromberg Schaeffer (other topics)
More...
