Comfort Reads discussion
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What are you reading right now? (SEE NEW THREAD)
Kim wrote: "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 actually would not mind her attitude all that much if she did not actually try to promote it so publicly and overtly (it kind of feels as though she disrespects any adult who even considers children's literature for their reading.
Gundula and all, Of course, other authors whose books we might have enjoyed might have opinions we dislike as much. Maybe I'd rather know where they stand. I can't believe she'd have any influence over the vast majority of readers' reading habits. I sort of feel sorry for her for what she's missing. ;-)
Gundula and others, I am really grateful to Gundula for bringing attention to A.S. Byatt's views. I want to know about the person who has written a book, BUT I still try and judge the book itself on its own merits. I personally do not award the stars to the author but instead to the book. It is kind of funny because just a week or so ago I read Mao's Last Dancer. I gave the book three stars and in my review clarified that I very much admired Li Cunxin, the author, but the rating was for the book not the author! It is an autobiography. I try and separate the two. There are so many artists where you love/hate their work but feel very different about the artist. Marrying an artist must be horrendous! Most are terribly messed up!!!! Think of Frank Lloyd Wright, to name just one other! I really enjoyed Loving Frank, but he infuriated me! By artist I include everything from authors to painters to musicians to anything imaginative and artistic in nature!Thank you, Gundula, for bringing this question up!
Author's attitudes are the reason I avoid Orson Scott Card books. Well, that and that I hated Ender's Game (which I read before I found out more about the author). A similar thing also kind of put me off Patrick Rothfuss. I heard him complaining about other fantasy novels in a podcast and that put me off him. I've heard enough good things about his series that I'm going to try the first book (I got the audiobook on sale at Audible), but that's the only chance I'm giving him.I'm finding Inkheart interesting so far, but I'm not that far in.
Gundula, I agree with Kim; I think this book would be very interesting to you. You learn so much about Fabian socialism, pottery, the English Arts and Craft Movement at the end of the 1800s, German, French and English fairy tales and the writing of an author of children's books based on Edith Nesbit. I really think this is a book for you! Let me finish it first and I will tell you more, but I find it fascinating!Re: The Children's Book
Tim, I've had a similar reaction to Orson Scott Card & vowed never to read anything he wrote, but a woman whose opinions I value gave me a long speech about why she loved Ender's Game so much that I kind of feel I should give it a look. so it's back off my 'not to read' list. I've not got to it yet, however.
I LOVED Ender's Game. I read it before I knew anything personal about the author. Two of the sequels/companion books have been recommended to me several times, and I might eventually read them, but I'd borrow them from the library, not buy them.
I love Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited.
I'm currently reading Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson and The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. I'm really enjoying both of them!
Tim wrote: "I love Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited."Brave New World Revisited will be my next book.
Just starting "Casey's Gamble" bt Eve Gaddy in paperback
I'm reading "The Undomestic Goddess" by Sophie Kinsella - Amazing Book!! So funny, interesting and I cant put it Down!!!
I do recommend listening to the audiobook version of The Children's Book narrated by Rosalyn Landor. Best narration I have ever listened to. What a book. Stuffed with information. It does drag in the middle, but do stick it out to the end. It is worth it.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Tomorrow I will start Life After Life
Chrissie wrote: "I do recommend listening to the audiobook version of The Children's Book narrated by Rosalyn Landor. Best narration I have ever listened to. What a book. Stuffed with information. It does drag in..."I wonder if I would like The Children's Book better as an audio book (sometimes books that drag are easier to listen to than to read).
Gundula, there is so much in this book about fairy tales and their differences between those of different countries. Classical literature too. I am sure you would like the book. I do think that you should try to test this audiobook. You know so much, so it will be even more interesting to you. I am still learning. There is so much about how important fantasy is, at least to some. Very interesting about family relationships, what one prioritizes in life and a little bit about how our personalities are born into us. There is an overload at points, but the more you know the easier it will be to swallow it all. I would not be surprised it none of this were new to you! It makes me happy you liked my review. I hope I can help you decide.
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, there is so much in this book about fairy tales and their differences between those of different countries. Classical literature too. I am sure you would like the book. I do think that you..."I think you have convinced me to reconsider.
Gundula, now I hope you are not disappointed, but I would not recommend it to you unless I truly believed you would enjoy it.
Just started in paperback, "Man Of My Dreams" by Johanna Lindsey
I completed: Life After LifeMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have started Truman. I always appreciate books written by David McCullough! :0)
Currenly reading
, really enjoying it a lot more than I thought, I'm about halfway through it. It's really easy and comfortable to read, I like that :)
Currently reading on Kindle "What Matters Most" by Bette Lee Crosby and "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn in Hardcover
I finished The Places in Between set in Afghanistan. My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have begun A House for Mr Biswas, while I also listen to Truman which is very long! Actually, I find the non-fiction book more engaging than the fiction one! McCullogh is such a good writer.
Finished A House for Mr BiswasMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
This is fiction, but is partially based on the author's father. A Nobel Prize winner not to my liking!
Now reading Resistance: A French Woman's Journal of the War
STILL listening to Truman. This is long but very, very interesting.
I'm reading (well listening to) the audiobook of The Rook. Based upon things so far, it's among the best books I've read all year. I love the structure of it (which lends itself to audio very well) and the narrator is excellent. It appears to be a science-fiction mystery novel. I think the closest thing I can find to relate it to is the TV show Torchwood, although that's only a partial fit.
Just finishing up "Gone Girl" by Gillian Lynn in hardcover
and just starting "Back To The Bedroom" by Janet Evanovich on Kindle
and just starting "Back To The Bedroom" by Janet Evanovich on Kindle
Reading No Angel which is set in England before WWI, and also The House at Tyneford which is also set in England, but during the WWII era. Other similarities in the milieux had me concerned I'd get the books mixed up reading both at once but so far that hasn't happened.
I really , really do think you should check outResistance: A French Woman's Journal of the War!My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
OK, now do not laugh. I am reading Forever Amber. I know it is a love story, but heck I like trying different genres. I bought the book so now I have to read it. Also it is about the Restoration period in England the big fire in London, so hopefully I will learn something too. I have read a bit, and it is so blatantly a love story that I in fact like it. Amber is so plucky. There is no hiding what is important to this gal. I also like the wonderful description of the surroundings, be it cute English villages filled with flowers and shrubs, birds and starlit skies or London in the 1600s. So far I find it fun.
Chrissie wrote: "I really , really do think you should check outResistance: A French Woman's Journal of the War!My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
OK, now do not laugh. I am reading Forever ..."
I've heard some vastly differentiating attitudes about Forever Amber. Some really love the story, while others consider it almost pornographic. I will be interested in what your take on the novel is (it is on my to-read list, but if you consider it raunchy and oversexed, I will probably remove it from my list, which is overbulging anyhow).
Just started "The Wanderer" by Robyn Carr on Kindle
Gundula, so far at least it is not pornographic at all, not with modern day standards at least. OK sex occurs twice within the first fifty pages (the total being 962 pages) but the lines describing the encounters are brief and in no way graphic. I find it rather tame....so far. Imagine a young girl self-satisfied, fully aware of her allure and beauty and full of dreams and desires. She is determined to go after what she wants. The audacious character of this girl is scarcely representative of the times though. I will let you know.
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, so far at least it is not pornographic at all, not with modern day standards at least. OK sex occurs twice within the first fifty pages (the total being 962 pages) but the lines describing..."Thanks, looking forward to your review.
Of course, I am happy to help you make up your mind if the book is right for you, Gundula.
Just started "Out of The Easy" by Ruta Septys in hardcover
I finished the The Count of Monte Cristo: a little bit long, but a beautiful book.My Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....
Today I started The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights
I have listened to all 54 hours of Truman, and loved every minute of it. My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
What audiobook should I choose next? I figure I have to pick one that has a chance of competing with McCullough's. A book by Steinbeck is my choice: Cannery Row
I'm reading
..it's a beautiful and it has it all i want..love,friendship and suspanse.I recommand it to everyone
Simran, remember how when you asked me if I wanted to read "Truman", I said I wasn't sure? Well Per did, so I bought it and we both ended up loving it. You must read it soon. Dam interesting. I really admire Truman.
I ended up loving The Rook. It's definitely one I'll re-read later. I recently finished The Eyre Affair which had some excellent parts and some okay bits. The ending was excellent, though. I'm now continuing my read of Inkheart which I'm liking more as I read.
Tim wrote: "I ended up loving The Rook. It's definitely one I'll re-read later. I recently finished The Eyre Affair which had some excellent parts and some okay bits. The ending was excellent, though. I'm now ..."Are you going to continue on with the Thursday Next series?
Simran, are you going to read them all in order? I am considering Chernow's too.
Gundula wrote: "Are you going to continue on with the Thursday Next series? "Yes, I'll continue the series. The book was good (but not great). I'll continue mainly because I love Thursday (and her family). However, I'm not sure about Landon. As a love interest, they don't really give the reader a chance to find out why she loves him.
Tim wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Are you going to continue on with the Thursday Next series? "Yes, I'll continue the series. The book was good (but not great). I'll continue mainly because I love Thursday (and he..."
I agree with your assessment regarding Landon (it's been a while since I read the first two books, still have not finished the series).
I like Pickwick!!
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Comfort Reads
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I guess I will try to read it, in bits and pieces so not to go bonkers. It does sound interesting.
And Lisa, I think the information about Byatt's attitudes towards adults reading children's literature especially the HP series I got from some thread in the Children's Literature Group (but not sure at all about this).