What are you reading right now? (SEE NEW THREAD) Showing 2,001-2,050 of 7,588

[Lee, Mod Mama]

Darkpool, did you read the second in the series already? Was it good?

[Darkpool]

Yes, and yes, with the introduction of yet more mysterious and interesting characters, and steampunky technology. Although I feel like I need a bit of a refresher on it already before I move on to #3. I recall there was a big cliffy ending, but I'm blowed if I can remember what it was!!! I shall have to find a synopsis somewhere.

[Lee, Mod Mama]

*giggling madly* Thanks Darkpool! I'll get number two from the library now that three is out.

[[deleted user]]

Jeannette wrote: "Christine wrote: "I'm going to start The Samurai's Garden"

I hope you like it as much as I did! I am always nervous gushing about a book."

I didn't get much reading in last night, but I'm hooked already. I love the descriptions!

[[deleted user]]

Christine wrote: "Jeannette wrote: "Christine wrote: "I'm going to start The Samurai's Garden"
"

The descriptive prose really pulled me in. And then all of a sudden you are involved with these stories, and I didn't want it to end.

[Mary]

Lee wrote: "Yay! It was better than I expected too. I was worried it would be sappy but it had a bit of an edge that I liked a lot. I'm glad our Mary was raving about it."

Oh Lee, now it's my turn to giggle madly! You know I don't like sappy!! Would I ever steer you girls wrong? tee hee!!
Christine, I'm glad you liked Major Pettigrew!!

[Lee, Mod Mama]

Mary, I'm sure you wouldn't steer anyone wrong on purpose but you know how different things appeal to different people. :-)

[[deleted user]]

Mary, I thought of you when I started it. I really had fun reading it, and it was exactly what I needed.

[Maria]

I still read book "Small Island" by Andrea Levy. And today I start read book "Women of the Silk" by Gail Tsukiyama.

[[deleted user]]

Maria wrote: "I still read book "Small Island" by Andrea Levy. And today I start read book "Women of the Silk" by Gail Tsukiyama."

I just read The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama. I'll be interested to see if you think Women of the Silk is good.

[Paula]

Darkpool wrote: "Yes, and yes, with the introduction of yet more mysterious and interesting characters, and steampunky technology. Although I feel like I need a bit of a refresher on it already before I move on to #3. I recall there was a big cliffy ending, but I'm blowed if I can remember what it was!!! I shall have to find a synopsis somewhere.
..."

Really?? You forgot?? Say it ain't so! If you'd like, I'd be happy to send you a little synopsis of how #2 ends in a PM. Just let me know!

[Darkpool]

Thanks Paula! I think I remember the general gist of the cliffy, but the detail has fallen out of my head. Anyhow, I just got #2 back out of the library to re-read the last chapter or 2 in preparation for the arrival of #3 (which had better be soon! *glares threateningly at the library*)

[Mary]

Lee wrote: "Mary, I'm sure you wouldn't steer anyone wrong on purpose but you know how different things appeal to different people. :-)"

Do I ever!!

[Mary]

Christine wrote: "Mary, I thought of you when I started it. I really had fun reading it, and it was exactly what I needed."

Great! I'd welcome any recommendations for similiar "pick me up" reads. I'm thinking The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise: A Novel might fit the bill.

[Lee, Mod Mama]

Yeah, that one looks cute as a button.

[[deleted user]]

It's a great book, Mary!

[Kristi]

Doctor Zhivago

[[deleted user]]

I am reading Dreaming Water. This one is going to make me cry, I'm sure. But I love the way this author writes.

[Lisa]

I started Secret Son last night. It's for my real world book club's October meeting.

[[deleted user]]

I finished The Samurai's Garden just now, and I loved this book! Loved it! It's going on my favorites list for this year.

[[deleted user]]

Christine wrote: "I finished The Samurai's Garden just now, and I loved this book! Loved it! It's going on my favorites list for this year."

That makes me happy. It was a lovely book.

[[deleted user]]

Have you read The Street of a Thousand Blossoms ? I want to read that one now.

[[deleted user]]

I'm in the middle of Dreaming Water, which isn't pulling me in as quickly as Samurai's Garden did. I want to read all of her books.

[Mary]

Wow, the covers of the Tsukiyama books are stunning.

I am reading True Prep: It's a Whole New Old World which is an amusing and quick read.

[[deleted user]]

Jeannette wrote: "I'm in the middle of Dreaming Water, which isn't pulling me in as quickly as Samurai's Garden did. I want to read all of her books."

I just ordered Dreaming Water from paperbackswap. I hope you end up liking it even if the beginning doesn't grab you as fast. Let me know.

[[deleted user]]

I like it, because I like the author's voice. But, even though I usually enjoy small chapters and alternating narrators, these chapters are almost too brief. The story is taking a long time to develop and I am getting impatient rather than savoring it, as I did with Samurai's Garden. It is finally building some momentum, and I am pretty confident that the ending will be worth the wait.

[[deleted user]]

Jeannette wrote: That makes me happy. It was a lovely book. "

I don't think I'm copying my review over to goodreads because it sounds too personal...?

[[deleted user]]

I want to read it, so I'll go to your blog. I don't want to post any spoilers on GR.

[[deleted user]]

I am reading The Man from Beijing by Henning Menkall. I seem to be reading a large number of books by Scandinavians lately! It is a crime/thriller and the first two sections were terrific.

[Lee, Mod Mama]

I've always wanted to read a Henning Mankell book. Let us know how it goes.

I've just started The Spellmans Strike Again because I need a good laugh.

[Lisa]

Lee wrote: "I've just started The Spellmans Strike Again because I need a good laugh."

You'll get one! I think it was the funniest one so far!

[Chrissie]

Jeanette and Christine, I was not so happy to hear that you avoid writing what you really think here at GR - no spoilers and nothing too personal ..... Of course it is your choice! However if GR is going to remain a vibrant community there has to be real content. And hej, there is always the possibility of putting up spoiler alerts! Personal content is up to each individual, but often it is precisely how a book personally affects the reader that is important. The trick is how to say a tidbit, but not SO much that you get all embarrassed. This is just my attempt to express another point of view. I so love GR and want to keep it a place where real discussions, albeit polite, can occur.

I guess I am putting my foot into it again.....

I am curious about The Samurai's Grden and Dreaming Water.

[[deleted user]]

Chrissie wrote: "Jeanette and Christine, I was not so happy to hear that you avoid writing what you really think here at GR - no spoilers and nothing too personal ..... Of course it is your choice! However if GR is..."

I can't speak for Christine, but I did review The Samurai's Garden, albeit with a three word review. It was, for me, a book that I really couldn't find the words to describe.

I will finish Dreaming Water later today and I have a review bouncing around in my head. What I have to say about this book will depend on the way the author chooses to end the story.

I have been trying to write reviews for most of the books I read. I don't have a book blog, and I am not as eloquent about reviews as some folks. Samurai's Garden is the kind of book I really want to discuss with someone, but pretty much anything I want to say about it would give it away. I just found the book to be very a lyrical, moving story. I did answer your question earlier on this thread about how much the facts of WWII were a part of the story -- I do not consider this a historical novel in that respect.

So, look for my review later today or tomorrow! :)

[Chrissie]

Thank you Jeanette. I will read your review. I am having trouble deciding about this book b/c although I prefer books that have historical content (since I assume I will learn SOMETHING even if I don't enjoy the book) any subject can be magnificent if the author's words are marvelous. Good writing attracts me!

[[deleted user]]

Here is what I wrote last week about this book, in response to something you posted:

The war is a background character in the story, definitely, from several aspects. There is Stephen's fear for his family in Hong Kong, and there is a very subtle undercurrent of Stephen being out of place in Japan, not only as the enemy, but also as one of the only young men not at war. And, Stephen comments more than once about how skewed the news is towards the Japanese pov regarding casualties and victories, and the glorious fight.

But, the story is really about Stephen, Sachi, and Matsu. It's about love, loss and family. And through Stepehen's eyes we get to see the story unfold.

This book just sucked me in somehow. It has a lovely, slow pace and beautiful imagery.

So, you won't really learn much that you don't already know about the war, because it's just a part of the story, just as part of the background details. You should give it a try, just because of the writing.

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, I did remember all that you had written! I knew that I shouldn't read it for the historical contnet, BUT b/c of all the praise of the language I had not stopped considering it. I am still thinking. OK, I know I think alot about whether I should get a book. Choosing books, part of the appeal of GR, is almost as fun as reading them..... I get your message - read it for the writing!

[[deleted user]]

Sorry for repeating myself! There are so many messages that this was two pages back, so I thought I'd bring it up to the front. :)

I just read Cloud of Sparrows and Autumn Bridge, if you are interested in historical Japan, back in the 1860's. There is a lot of detail about the code of honor of the Samurai, old world vs. modern world. I have to write a review for Cloud of Sparrows. I thought I had, but in truth I got into a discussion of the book and never got back to the review.

[Lee, Mod Mama]

Jeannette, I'm interested in reading Cloud of Sparrows. Did you enjoy it?

[[deleted user]]

Lee wrote: "Jeannette, I'm interested in reading Cloud of Sparrows. Did you enjoy it?"

Yes, I did. I read Autumn Bridge first, which didn't really spoil Cloud of Sparrows for me, even though I did know about the fate of some of the characters.

Cloud of Sparrows was a very enjoyable read first because of the writing. The author presents a scene and then lets the reader hear the thoughts of everyone in the scene. So, you get a surface view and the underlying thoughts and motives of all of the participants. All of the characters, good and bad, are very complex and way more than they seem on the outside. And, the cultural differences are really interesting and funny. The Japanese cannot tolerate sitting in chairs, because it compresses their organs and blocks the flow of energy in their bodies. The Westerners cannot sit on their knees, with their feet tucked under, their legs and back get tired. These little details make it very interesting. But, maybe I better write a review now. lol

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, Cloud of Sparrows looks really good. I will read your review when you write it. Thanks.

[[deleted user]]

I wrote a rather long review -- I think you inspired me, Chrissie!

[[deleted user]]

Jeannette wrote: So, you won't really learn much that you don't already know about the war, because it's just a part of the story, just as part of the background details. You should give it a try, just because of the writing. "

I thought it was interesting to see how the news was presented to the Japanese people from their media.

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, I MUST make dinner......then I will rad your review. thanks for writing it!!!! I liked you review of Autumn Bridge.

[[deleted user]]

I thought it was interesting but not surprising. The Chinese and Japanese are still arguing over how Japan presents their side of the story. The Japanese still want to gloss over their brutality in China.

[[deleted user]]

Chrissie wrote: "Jeanette, I MUST make dinner......then I will rad your review. thanks for writing it!!!! I liked you review of Autumn Bridge."

Life and all of it's minor demands get in the way of reading.... :)

[Chrissie]

Jeanette, dinner has been made, eaten and cleaned up - now to more important and fun stuff! Thank yo very much for writing your reviews. I added the Cloud of sparrows. I only add one book at a time for a new author. I can understand why you are reading so much about Japan :0) Nice!

[[deleted user]]

Thanks, Chrissie. I read Autumn Bridge first, because I thought I might enjoy it more. I was right on that count. I hope you will like Genji. He is an interesting man.

[Chrissie]

Thanks for all your help Jeanette.

[Joy]

Since there has been discussion about Japanese books I thought I'd mention a new movie about Japan. It's called The Harimaya Bridge and sounds interesting. It's opening in Seattle today but I don't know if it's getting wide release. Might be worth looking for.

[[deleted user]]

Thanks, Joy. We don't always get the "smaller" movies in Ames, but there's always NetFlix. I have it saved to my queue for when it comes to video. Let me know what you think if you see the movie.