June: What Are You Reading?

[Scott]

Wrapped up Identity Crisis. Good stuff if you like mysteries. :)

[Mary Anne]

Marjorie wrote: "Renee wrote: " I am starting East of Eden by John Steinback. I hope it's a good read because it's close to 600 pages long. Last month I read 6 books but when I start one this long it cuts into how..."

Marge, I have been to the Steinbeck Museum, and agree that it is terrific. We particularly likes the multi-media presentation that was employed throughout. Also, there is part of the museum that is dedicated to the origins of the concept of shipping lettuce and other produce by train to other parts of the country. This was such an important impetus for the Californing farming industry, and is depicted nicely in East of Eden.

[Scott]

And now onto Alison Wonderland. :)

[Marialyce]

I am just starting CeeCee Honeycutt.

[[deleted user]]

I was returning The little stranger to the library when I saw Suzanne Collins' Catching fire sitting on the shelves. I really liked Hunger games so I had to have it. I am now taking a break from the two rather long books I'm reading to read Catching fire.

[Misty]

Thanks again to the monthly "What are you reading?" posts! I read The Story of a Marriage near the end of last month and finished The Whistling Season a couple of days ago. Whistling Season had been on my TBR list since the Asheville convention, but I had forgotten about it. I'm so glad it was mentioned and brought to the top of my list; I loved it!

I had a third book from the library with this batch, but I didn't realize it's the second in a trilogy. I wasn't planning to go the library today, so I guess I'm bookless for the weekend.

[Rosana]

I finished The Little Stranger a couple of days ago, and just started on A House for Mr. Biswas. I got behind on the discussion schedules and I am having trouble catching up, but I am still very pleased with the selections of CR discussion books.

[Sarah]

I am almost through Christine Falls, which I started last year and then abandoned. This time it caught me, and I have the second in his Quirke series on hold at the library. I saw the third on the recent releases shelves. For those who don't know, this is John Banville writing as Benjamin Black, and he does a darn good job moving over to the mystery genre.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Sarah wrote: "I am almost through Christine Falls, which I started last year and then abandoned. This time it caught me, and I have the second in his Quirke series on hold at the library. I saw the third on th..."

I love John Banville's writing and I love mysteries, but I don't like the time period in which he sets his mysteries.

[Sue]

Just finished a mystery by an author new to me, Elly Griffiths. The Crossing Places is her first crime novel and has a forensic archeologist as protagonist. I really liked the the main character. She's seems more human than some others I've met in my reading and the setting of Norfolk, England, and the marshes, was new to me.

[Yulia]

Sarah wrote: "I am almost through Christine Falls, which I started last year and then abandoned. This time it caught me, and I have the second in his Quirke series on hold at the library. I saw the third on th..."

I detest Banville writing as Banville, so I was surprised to find I liked Banville as Black. I didn't end up buying Christine Falls, but do plan to read it eventually.

Right now, I'm at the 7th in Elizabeth George's Lynley series, Playing for the Ashes, which has been a surprisingly painful experience. Need more tissues.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Yulia wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I am almost through Christine Falls, which I started last year and then abandoned. This time it caught me, and I have the second in his Quirke series on hold at the library. I saw t..."

Playing for the Ashes has so far been my favorite of the Lynley mysteries.

I love John Banville writing as John Banville, but I can well understand why he's not for some.

[Erin]

Carol, I don't think I'm going to finish Under the Tuscan Sun. It's just not holding my interest, unfortunately ... I think I may have built up my expectations too much.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Have you seen the movie, Erin?

[Sarah]

Yulia & Sara, you are making me want to go back through all of the Lynleys. It's been so long that it would be like reading them for the first time.

I have not yet read any Banville as Banville. Apparently there are mixed feelings on the board about him. He looks forbidding.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Sarah wrote: "Yulia & Sara, you are making me want to go back through all of the Lynleys. It's been so long that it would be like reading them for the first time.

I have not yet read any Banville as Banvil..."

His books make so many references to classical literature (Greek and Roman). If one isn't well versed and well read in the classics of ancient Greece and Rome, that reader will miss a lot of the subtext of Banville's books.

I'm not saying a person who isn't familiar with classical literature can't read and enjoy Banville, they just won't get all the subtext and nuances.

[Sarah]

Well, that leaves me out, then. I used to be well-read in that area, but that was too long ago. Many other bits of information have intruded and are now covering up my access to things I read 20 years ago. Too sad.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Sarah wrote: "Well, that leaves me out, then. I used to be well-read in that area, but that was too long ago. Many other bits of information have intruded and are now covering up my access to things I read 20 ..."

Oh, I don't know a lot about classical Greek and Roman literature and I still enjoy Banville immensely. I'm sure you could, too. The Sea was one of my favorite books, but I did like Shroud more.

[Ruth]

I loved The Sea.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Ruth wrote: "I loved The Sea."

I thought it was a very elegant book and beautifully written.

[[deleted user]]

I just finished Catching Fire. I spend the entire morning reading what I had left of it and almost forgot to eat breakfast - I never forget breakfast! I don't like how abrupt the ending was, but I enjoyed reading the book immensely. It was just what I needed and more.

[[deleted user]]

I'm reading Now is the Time to Open your Heart by Alice Walker. It's like a voyage of self-discovery for both Kate and her partner Yolo, who go on separate trips to different parts of the world experiencing a life that is different from their normal. I really intended to borrow The Color Purple by the same author from the library but that book was not available.

[Kat]

Gabrielle: I've got to know! What time period is it that has somehow gotten on your bad side?

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

The 1950s up to about 1985, though I can take the 1950s. I particularly hate the "Brady Bunch" clothes and hair of the 1970s. Polyester bell bottom pants (polyester anything), avocado kitchens, mini skirts, knee high fake patent leather boots, white lipstick, and permed hair for men (and women) were the worst things ever dreamed up. *gag*

Oh, god, I hate the Brady Bunch. Not the actors personally, the characters. "It's a Sunshine Day." *gag*

Oh, now I'm sick! LOL

[Erin]

MrsSeby (Gabrielle) wrote: "Have you seen the movie, Erin?"

I have seen the film - it's a favorite of mine - and I knew going into the book that the film was very different. As I've been reading, I've notice that the filmmakers extrapolated small details and moments from the book, and used those to fashion a narrative around a different but similar female protagonist.

But the book doesn't seem to have any movement. The descriptions are beautiful, and it makes me want to visit Tuscany - but it doesn't compel me to continue reading. There's nothing happening - there's no plot, there's no character development or growth, it's just them refinishing the house and the land. All of this, I like to watch on HGTV, but it makes for a slow, somewhat boring read.

I hate to say that, because I really wanted to love this book. I've read some travel memoir that I've really enjoyed, and so many people here loved it, so I expected that I would love it as well but it's just not doing anything for me.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

I can understand why you'd feel that way about the book, Erin. I liked the movie, too. I thought it was a lot of fun.

[Ruth]

And I've avoided seeing the movie because I loved the book so much, and I was sure they'd spoil it by adding a plot.

[Erin]

Ruth, they're essentially two different things altogether. In fact, I would say that the movie is more inspired by than based on the book.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Ruth wrote: "And I've avoided seeing the movie because I loved the book so much, and I was sure they'd spoil it by adding a plot."

It's a fun movie, but it's nothing at all like the book. And so much man chasing, Italian style. Frances Mayes would be appalled, especially since she was happily married. Probably still is. Hollywood took the opportunity to turn the book into a romantic comedy set in Italy.

[Dottie]

MrsSeby (Gabrielle) wrote: "Ruth wrote: "And I've avoided seeing the movie because I loved the book so much, and I was sure they'd spoil it by adding a plot."

It's a fun movie, but it's nothing at all like the book. And so ..."

Well -- the basic difference is that she met the second husband at the end of the film while in reality she was already married to him when they set out on the adventure of refurbishing the villa. At least that's how I recall it. Two differnt things -- absolutely -- but both are good. I didn't feel the film took anything away from the book -- it was just not the book on film that we often expect.

And I've polished off Miss Brodie and moved on to the Agee and Evans. the weekend and first of next week are guests galore time here so reading will likely be at a minimum for that few days. I'm off to take a look at the Chagall biography Dvora mentioned earlier -- that had slipped under my radar and I'm curious.

[Roxanne]

Just stared Stoner by John Williams. On page 47 and I'm in. It is good. Started Mr. Niswas and just didn't think I had it in me this month. Will enjoy your discussions.

[Ruth]

I liked Stoner a lot.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Dottie wrote: "MrsSeby (Gabrielle) wrote: "Ruth wrote: "And I've avoided seeing the movie because I loved the book so much, and I was sure they'd spoil it by adding a plot."

It's a fun movie, but it's nothing ..."

And Frances Mayes husband (I think his name is Edward) is not Italian. He's a poet. They guy in the movie didn't looked more like a womanizer to me than a poet, but I suppose one could be both. LOL

Here's Frances Mayes' blog:

http://www.francesmayesbooks.com/

She wrote a Southern Gothic mystery as well. I think it's called The Swan. Not positive. I have it, but haven't read it.

[Erin]

Gabrielle, in the movie, she ended up with an American writer (not an Italian). Her romance with the Italian (Marcello) didn't work out.

I think that the movie would have been dull if it was exactly like the book. In the book, (so far) there isn't any real conflict or struggle. There needs to be some sort of plot if there is going to be a film version.

[Erin]

It would appears that Frances Mayes is pleased with the movie and was actively involved in the development:

http://www.sfsu.edu/~sfsumag/archive/...

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Erin wrote: "Gabrielle, in the movie, she ended up with an American writer (not an Italian). Her romance with the Italian (Marcello) didn't work out.

I think that the movie would have been dull if it was exac..."

Oh, thanks! :) I "sort of" remember that ending now. I'm glad it ended that way because I did not like that Italian guy at all, and generally I'm all for Italians.

It's been a few years since I've watched the movie. Obviously, I'm not remembering everything correctly.

Yes, it does seems like Frances Mayes liked the movie and liked Diane Lane in the lead. I liked Diane Lane but not Sandra Oh (can't stand her).

It is a nice romantic comedy and it's great to see all those places in Italy. (That was the best part for me.)

The thing I had almost right was the name of her Gothic - Swan.

Thanks again, Erin! :)

[Sheila]

The Banville as Banville that I have read I liked very much, that was The Untouchable which I close read with a study group some years back, I haven't read any of him under another name. I agree he may be an acquired taste. I've started The Sea twice and both times left the book behind places :( so will be attempting it again sometime.

For now I am finishing A House for Mr Biswas and am listening to Carlos Ruiz Zafon's The Angel's Game

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

I love The Untouchable, too, Sheila. I also liked The Book of Evidence and its sequels, Ghosts and Athena.

After my failure to get through The Shadow of the Wind I never went back to Carlos Ruiz Zafon. :(

If I EVER finish Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian, which isn't terrible, but is overly long and with too little in the way of a payoff for nearly 700 pages, I'll never read her again. Her second novel, The Swan Thieves, which I read recently, was terrible.

[Sue]

Lilian wrote: "I just finished reading The Quickening Maze. It was fantastic. I ignored my kids all day yesterday while reading because I couldn't put it down. I don't get to do that often. It was beautifully wri..."

I just read the synopsis of the book and it sounds really interesting. I'd never heard of it before. I think it will go on my list.

[Rannie]

Lilian wrote: "I just finished reading The Quickening Maze. It was fantastic. I ignored my kids all day yesterday while reading because I couldn't put it down. I don't get to do that often. It was beautifully wri..."
Quickly adds book to the TBR list...

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Lilian wrote: "I just finished reading The Quickening Maze. It was fantastic. I ignored my kids all day yesterday while reading because I couldn't put it down. I don't get to do that often. It was beautifully wri..."

That is one book I'm really looking forward to reading. Have been for some time. Looking forward to your review.

[Rannie]

I'm reading and enjoying the Windup Girl though it's disconcerting in this day of man-made environmental disasters. And I'm listening to The Whistling Season, which has some wonderful phrases. Unfortunately, since I'm listening while driving, I can't write them down without wrecking. I have to satisfy myself with stopping the audio while I repeat them out loud.

[Sue]

Another reason to own a book and buy the sticky strips or a highlighter.

[Rannie]

Susan wrote: "Another reason to own a book and buy the sticky strips or a highlighter."
Yes, but I spend hours on the road, and I love my audiobooks. Perhaps a small recording device?

[Sue]

If and /or when I start audio books that might be a good idea. I imagine ebook readers have some highlighting or notetaking capability. Of course they won't be used when driving (unless we're talking self-driving cars) !!!

[Sara]

I finished the audio of Water For Elephants. It was okay, although the writing is repetitive and chock full of cliches at times. I didn't really buy it on the whole, though. Particularly the older Jacob's voice, and as I've said before, I just don't really see the attraction of circuses in general, not just clowns. I guess I'm just a spoilsport or something.

Anyway, another print book I can get rid of. :)

[Bahareh]

I'm having a hard time reading "The Almost Noon". I didn't enjoy "Lovely Bones" either. It is all so disappointing that I haven't enjoyed reading any of the books I've chosen in the past 2 months! Is it just me or is it becoming more difficult to find good books?

[Carol]

I am getting a head start on Brooklyn. I can't wait for the discussion. No teasers for this one, can't come up with one.

[Mary Ellen]

Sara I'm with you on clowns & circuses. That's why I have not picked up Water for Elephants.

I am pretty far along in The First World War by John Keegan. I picked it up after seeing it as a discussion pick for another group (but too late for the discussion, drat!). Part of my motivation was that, after reading mysteries by Jacqueline Winspear and Charles Todd set in post-WWI England, I realized I knew very little about the war. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's a big fan of Maisie Dobbs or Ian Rutledge or any series set in 20's/30's Britain, who is also interested in history. (It could be used as a text book -- lots of fairly dry stuff poignantly punctuated by quotes from letters and memoirs of those who fought in the war.) I have 2 more Maisie Dobbs books on my shelf and I look forward to getting back to them with a clearer picture of this tragic war (though aren't they all?) in my mind.

[Ruth]

Clowns and circuses? I don't like 'em either.