What are you currently reading - August 2010

[Vanessa]

I was in the mood for a mystery and my library books hadn't come in yet (one Patricia Highsmith and one set in Iceland-the Scandinavian kick is in full gear.) So in the meantime, I just finished Dog on It which was a bit fluffy but a seriously cute mystery written by a smart, funny guy (Spencer Quinn) and narrated by a dog. Convincingly. I'm already looking at my dog differently.

Alas, my mysteries still have not arrived so I started a memoir of the Cultural Revolution called Spider Eaters: A Memoir.

[Vanessa]

Oh, I can't wait to hear what you think of Poisonwood Bible, Ann. I read that book and then made my Mother read it last year.

[[deleted user]]

I finished both SUMMER KNIGHT (The Dresden Files, book #4 by Jim Butcher; narrated by James Marsters) and, THE BONE GARDEN (by Tess Gerritsen.) I liked Summer Knight well enough that, even though I had planned on waiting until next summer to listen to the next four in the series, I'll probably be uploading DEATH MASKS (#5 in the series) as soon as I can clear some of my backlog. The Bone Garden, however, ended up disappointing me. There was some metaphysical nonsense in the end that ruined it for me.

I picked up THE LINCOLN LAWYER (by Michael Connelly) at the Friends of the Library used book store; but I've tabled it for now. I'm not in the right mindset for it and I found myself avoiding it.

I've uploaded THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MICKEY SPILLANE'S MIKE HAMMER (performed by a full cast starring Stacey Keach) onto my iPod as part of a mini-challenge I'm participating in (listen to four mysteries/thrillers set in New York by the end of the year.)

I've got well over a hundred books in my TBR stacks; but I simply cannot decide which one to tackle next. Nothing seems to be calling out to me right now :-(

[Camilla]

I have just finished the first half of The Hyperion Omnibus, and am starting to read the second half, The Fall of Hyperion. Wonderful sci-fi. :)

[Callie]

Finished The Help tonight. Lord I loved this book. I was surprised the ending ended as cleanly as it did, but it was amazing. One of those books where I was racing through it because I desperately needed to know what happened next, but I also didn't want it to end. Just incredible. One of the best books I've read in a long time.

Picked up Super Sad True Love Story tonight, and I haven't been this excited to read a new book in a long time. Hopefully it's as good as I wish it will be. I've never read the author before.

[Vanessa]

Callie wrote: Picked up Super Sad True Love Story tonight, and I haven't been this excited to read a new book in a long time.

Oooh, I want to read this one too. I just read an interview with Gary Shteyngart the other day that got me interested. He's one of the New Yorker's 40 under 40.

**Correction: 20 under 40. I hate math.

[[deleted user]]

I'm reading Mr. Peanut.

[Jason]

Just finished Methland: The Death and Life of an American Small Town a real eye opener of a book.

I wrote a review on my blog and can be found here:
http://braincandybookreviews.com/2010...

[Michael]

I have restarted The Kindly Ones by Jonathen Littel.
Has any read it and liked it enough to give encouragement.

[Andy]

Almost finished with The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Next is Annapurna

[[deleted user]]

Michael wrote: "I have restarted The Kindly Ones by Jonathen Littel.
Has any read it and liked it enough to give encouragement."

My take on it is that is a retelling of Aeschylus' Oresteia (there is a Robert Fagles translation that I liked) and you might want to familiarize yourself with the plays before you begin THE KINDLY ONES to get some of the nuances or literary allusions. Also, knowing Nazi history helps (I recommend THE RISE AND FALL OF THE THIRD REICH - by William L. Shirer.) I don't know that, if I had gone into it cold, I would have been able to handle it. What becomes even more disturbing than the book itself, is that the more you know about the time and people, how not-so-far off from reality this piece of fiction is. I found the opening chapter of TKO to be particularly powerful and the rest to be an incredible odyssey, if you will. There are some, okay a LOT of stunning moments in this book and, even a part where the tension of the moment had me stressed out, whimpering a little and tearing up. It is NOT an apologia, but it will challenge some of your where you think your moral or ethical center lies. It sounds awful to say it, but I love this book.

[Linda]

I finished listening to From Potter's Field before listening to The Passage then we moved on to The Hobbit while driving to and from Dallas.

I didn't read a lot while in Dallas, which is what I thought I would do. I did some writing and a lot of sleeping - driving that distance solo with three-20-year-olds is TIRING.

I am still reading The Magicians and just feel that I'm not reading up to my capacity. Maybe I need something mindless (please, don't make me read Danielle Steele!).

And, I have stopped getting "notified" when there are comments by this group. What's up with that?

[Ann]

Linda, it scares me that driving with 3 20-year-olds is so tiring. I love driving with my kids, but I confess that I was hoping it would be easier still when they get older. No?

OK, if you need something mindless -- try ONE DAY by David Nicholls. It's not actually 'mindless' but it is an easy read that is entertaining and delightful. Well-written but not showy. Sweet, romantic, and a little sad. It's my pick for this summer's beach book. Even if you don't *love* it as much as so many others do, I think you'll enjoy it a great deal.

I'm not sure about the notifications thing -- maybe check your Goodreads settings, and if that doesn't work, check your spam folder.

[Ann]

Tanya wrote: "My take on it is that is a retelling of Aeschylus' Oresteia (there ..."

Tanya, I've been thinking more and more often that you should really review professionally. You're too damn smart. :)

[Jenn]

I need help from my fellow readers. I have been reading some things, but haven't settled into anything since I finished The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It's like I want something just as good, with characters just as good. Fine, I'll admit it. I miss Lisbeth. I don't want to start another series, but I am kind of floundering on what to read next. Anybody got a sure fire book suggestion? (By the way, it's worth noting, that I like books that are a bit on the quirky or dark side and must have a strong plot.)

I recently finished Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girlfor book club. I wish I would have reread the diary instead. This book read like Cliff Notes. Next month's book club selection is Let the Great World Spin. And I hope lives up to all the acclaim it has received.

I am reading Jane Eyrefor another book club and wish I could get into it a bit more. It's slow going and I find myself picking up anything but it.

Again, please help me get over Lisbeth...THANKS!

[Flora]

I gave up on The White Queen its really unlike me not to finish a book but I just couldn't do it.

I'm just getting started now on The Odyssey as well as What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy.

[Michael]

Andy wrote: "Almost finished with The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements"

Hey Andy-

How is The Disappearing Spoon. I bought it a few weeks ago and really want to dive in, as soon as I finish Middlesex.

[[deleted user]]

Ann wrote: "
Tanya, I've been thinking more and more often that you should really review professionally. You're too damn smart. :) "

[Blush:] Thank you. I have started to blog a little bit, but I haven't hit my stride or found my voice yet.

[Jason]

Tanya wrote: "Ann wrote: "
Tanya, I've been thinking more and more often that you should really review professionally. You're too damn smart. :) "

[Blush:] Thank you. I have started to blog a little bit, but I ..."

We have big plans for Tanya, Ann!

[Michael]

Tanya wrote: "Michael wrote: "I have restarted The Kindly Ones by Jonathen Littel.
Has any read it and liked it enough to give encouragement."

My take on it is that is a retelling of Aeschylus' Oresteia (there ..."
Tanya, thanks for the heads up. I am somewhat familiar with WWII and Nazi history but I haven't read Aeschylus in years.
I really liked The Company by Littell hence the reason I went for this. I don't have any audio credits till the end of the month so maybe that will push me on.

[Nicole]

After hearing tons about The Passage from the podcast, I'm happy to report I have finally started reading it! I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm hooked already.

[[deleted user]]

Michael wrote: "Tanya, thanks for the heads up. I am somewhat familiar with WWII and Nazi history but I haven't read Aeschylus in years.
I really liked The Company by Littell hence the reason I went for this. I don't have any audio credits till the end of the month so maybe that will push me on. "

Umm, you know that THE COMPANY is by Robert Littell and THE KINDLY ONES is by his son, Jonathan Littell, right? And that this isn't a case of "like-father-like son?"

[Michael]

Tanya, I feel stupid never paid attention to the first name. The shortness of the titles and the size of the books made me ASSUME it was the same auther.

[[deleted user]]

Michael wrote: "Tanya, I feel stupid never paid attention to the first name. The shortness of the titles and the size of the books made me ASSUME it was the same auther. "

IF you're stupid, you're not alone! I recently complained that the audio of HEAVEN'S PRISONERS (by James Lee Burke) was only available abridged, when in fact it's been available unabridged for over a year! Because it had the same cover, I thought it was the same edition and hadn't bothered to check the running times!

I would never discourage anyone from THE KINDLY ONES, much less the audio version; but you may have to re-adjust your expectations for TKO!

This discussion has me thinking though that I would like to create a breakdown/commentary on my blog for this book, citing references that may help those who might otherwise be daunted by the length and depth of TKO. Maybe for the New Year...

[Ann]

Jenn wrote: "I need help from my fellow readers. I have been reading some things, but haven't settled into anything since I finished The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It's like I want someth..."

Jenn, I have the perfect suggestion! Try 'Villain' by Shuichi Yoshida. My colleague called it Murakami meets Larsson, and a blogger for the Wall STreet Journal said that Yoshida could be Japan's Stieg Larsson.

I haven't read it yet myself, but if you give it a go, let us know how it stacks up!

[Jenn]

Thanks Ann! I will definitely pick up a copy and tell you what I think!

[[deleted user]]

I finished The New Adventures of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer (performed by a full cast, starring Stacey Keach) yesterday (click on the title and you should be able to read what I thought about it) and now I've started The Patience Stone (by Atiq Rahimi; narrated by Carolyn Seymour.) I read The Patience Stone back in January and really liked it; but it was so short that I know I read it too fast. I got the audio to that I could savor the words more (you can't skim even a little in audio!) I have a copy of EARTH AND ASHES (by Atiq Rahimi) here with me now that I'm going to start either later tonight or tomorrow.

[Michael]

Tanya Do you like that full cast productions with music etc.? I personally find it distracting.
I also agree with the comment you can't skim in audio tho at times I really want to. For instance, there was a part in the Passage where a litany of names is repeated over and over for between 3-5 minutes - this was maddening on audio.

[[deleted user]]

Michael wrote: "Do you like that full cast productions with music etc.? I personally find it distracting.
I also agree with the comment you can't skim in audio tho at times I really want to. For instance, there was a part in the Passage where a litany of names is repeated over and over for between 3-5 minutes - this was maddening on audio. "

Generally I prefer straight narration with no sound f/x; but every once in awhile I'll change up and listen to something different! I actually like Old Time Radio serials like Flash Gordon and bemoan the fact the the sound quality is sometimes poor. There are a couple of producers with old school backgrounds that make some entertaining titles (Galaxy Press, Theater of the Ear, Graphic Audio) but I cannot take a steady diet of them.

As for skimming, I recently read James Lee Burkes' HEAVEN'S PRISONERS and forced myself to slow down; but still I found myself "drive-by reading" through some passages! I don't think I've ever experienced and audio in which I wanted to fast-forward through any sections; but then again I haven't bothered with THE PASSAGE :-)

[Linda]

Ann wrote: "Linda, it scares me that driving with 3 20-year-olds is so tiring. I love driving with my kids, but I confess that I was hoping it would be easier still when they get older. No?

OK, if you need so..."

Ann,

First I'm an old lady (old enough to be my son's grandmother) and we drove 1014 miles in both directions in less than a week. That is what was tiring. I had hoped to share the driving with the three who have learner's permits, but the rental company wouldn't let anyone under 25 drive. I didn't use to have trouble driving. In the last couple of years, I've had a hard time staying awake when I drive long distances.

But, as far as 3-20-year olds or a four-year-old who decides in the middle of the trip that he doesn't want to wear a seat belt and we enter a war of wills… I'll take the 3-20-year olds!

And, thanks for the recommendation. I will look it up.

And my notifications say send an e-mail. I'm sure it has to do with the new computer's settings. I'll figure it out.

[Esther]

Tanya wrote: "...I got the audio to that I could savor the words more (you can't skim even a little in audio!)..."

I have heard a couple of people say this recently. Am I this only person for whom it is the other way round? I cannot skim books, which is why I will never finish Moby Dick, but when I'm listening to audiobooks my mind often wanders and I find I have to 'rewind' because I have missed an important plot point.

Tanya wrote: "...I actually like Old Time Radio serials like Flash Gordon.."
Have you heard of Decoder Ring Theatre? They podcast shows that are just like Old Time Radio shows.
My favourite is Black Jack Justice a noire-style detective.

[Libby]

I finished The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. Delightful book. Just starting The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest and am trying to remember which police officer is which from The Girl Who Played with Fire. Interesting how The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo are more stand-alone books, but Hornet's Nest just picks up where Played with Fire leaves off -- the same day even.

[Libby]

Jenn wrote: "I need help from my fellow readers. I have been reading some things, but haven't settled into anything since I finished The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It's like I want someth..."

Jenn, if you like dark, you may like The Little Stranger or Affinity both by Sarah Waters. The Little Stranger takes place in the 1940's and is sort of a 20th century gothic. Affinity is 19th century and is dark but not violent.

[Lil]

I just finished Run and absolutely loved it. This novel tells the story of a complicated family (prominent white father, adopted black sons, semi-stalker birth mother) in the aftermath of an accident that brings them all together. I loved how she dealt with love, family and expectations and I also really appreciated how race wasn't the overwhelming theme of the book.

Also recently finished Kings of the Earth which was very good. I plan to watch the documentary available on Netflix soon. Thanks to Michael for that recommendation.

Now, starting A Fine Balance which is engaging even after the first couple of chapters. I'm committing to actually reading books from my own bookshelves instead of buying more. Why is that so difficult? I've been lugging some of these surely great books around for years!

[Lil]

Oh, and how could I forget to mention The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese! I loved this memoir of the author's friendship with a promising young medical student with a drug addiction. I had read My Own Country: A Doctor's Story several years ago and really enjoyed it, but liked the Tennis Partner even more. Of course, Cutting for Stone is probably my favorite novel of the past few years.

[Ashley]

I finished both The Lost City of Z and The Windup Girl. Both good, but very different. I highly recommend The Windup Girl if you like science fiction/dystopian novels. It took about half the book for me to really get into it, but I raced through the last hundred or so pages.

And I just started Mr. Peanut last night. Wow. I stayed up way too late reading. I have no fear that I'll finish it in time for Mockingjay on Tuesday.

[Ann]

Ack! No way I'll be done with Poisonwood Bible by Tuesday in time for Mockingjay.

Daughter wants me to pick up her copy from the bookstore while she's at camp, so she can crack it open the second she gets home. That gives me about 6 hours to read the book -- wonder if I can do it...

[[deleted user]]

Ann wrote: "Ack!"

This saying is available now, I hear.

[Eve]

Lil wrote: "Oh, and how could I forget to mention The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese! I loved this memoir of the author's friendship with a promising young medical student with a drug addict..."

If you like Abraham Verghese you might also like Atul Gawande - he writes wonderful essays for the New Yorker and has three books out -
Complications, Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance, and The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right

[Vanessa]

Lil wrote: I'm committing to actually reading books from my own bookshelves instead of buying more. Why is that so difficult?

Isn't this a strange phenomenon? I own plenty of books I haven't read yet I still will buy more and check stacks out of the library instead of making a dent in what I already have.

I'm currently reading Spider Eaters: A Memoir which is memoir of the author's life during the Cultural Revolution. Other than loving her intimidatingly beautiful prose, I love her for being honest about her own unflattering behavior. I'm also reading Time Out 1000 Films to Change Your Life and am surprised how very well-written the essays in it are. I thought they only wrote travel books.

[Eve]

I'm in the same situation - trying to get myself to read the books on my shelves ... some I want to read but am hoarding either for vacation or as rewards for reading the books I own but am less enthused about picking up ... It seems to be hard for me to give myself permission to let go of a book that I own & is unread...

Right now I'm reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattooand am trying to catch my New Yorkers up. I just finished The Dead Beat: Lost Souls, Lucky Stiffs, and the Perverse Pleasures of Obituariesand was underwhelmed ... I have the new Ian Rankin out from the library and plan on starting it this weekend.

[Vanessa]

Urg, it's so hard once you get behind on New Yorkers. I haven't even synced my Kindle for the latest issue.

[Eve]

I think I'm somewhere in May ...maybe June ... I get caught up every once in awhile but it never seems to last ...

[Linda]

Eric wrote: "Ann wrote: "Ack!"

This saying is available now, I hear."



Funny, Eric! Good to see you're on top of the important news of the day!

[Melissa]

Ann wrote: "Ack! No way I'll be done with Poisonwood Bible by Tuesday in time for Mockingjay.

Daughter wants me to pick up her copy from the bookstore while she's at camp, so she can crack it open the second ..."

I won't be able to put Mockingjay down once I get my hands on it. I preordered mine from Amazon and fear it won't be here on Tuesday.

[Esther]

I'm finishing of Frankstein and what to start something really enchanting so I'm going for The Angel's Game

I have so many books on my shelves I have set myself a challenge to read more from my own shelves. to begin with I am aim for a modest 2 per month minimum.

[Elhara]

I just finished Critical Care by Theresa Brown (interesting look at the profession of nursing) and am still reading The French Gardener. I made a dash to my library today to pick up a couple of books that I had holds on. One of the items is Oprah A Biography by the notorious Kitty Kelly. I used to think that it would take endless months before I finally got my turn to read the more popular books. Not true for the most part. This book took about 3 1/2 months. With the continuously growing stack on my nightstand, there is definitely not going to be a book-less gap as I wait for any title.
Anyway, seeing as how I've been looking at the photographs and reading a paragraph here and there, I've now properly begun to read it. Ms Kelly has a rather seedy reputation but like most biographies (authorized or not) and memoirs (ditto) it may be wise to prepare to sift through the writings and not believe it word for word.

[Karen]

Lil wrote: "I just finished Run and absolutely loved it. This novel tells the story of a complicated family (prominent white father, adopted black sons, semi-stalker birth mother) in the aftermat..."

Karen wrote: Lil I loved A Fine Balance! I'm currently reading Family Matters by the same author Rohinton Mistry. Very much enjoying this book too!

[[deleted user]]

I just finished Mr. Peanut, which was a gut wrencher, but fabulous. I'm now starting The Tower, The Zoo, And The Tortoise,because of Ann's recommendation. I did notice on the cover the comma and Zoo, was that deliberate?

[Linda]

Hopefully, I'll finish The Magicians this afternoon on a drive to Toledo (my husband will drive, I will read). I've had less than 100 pages to go all week and keep falling asleep. I'm taking Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis.