Books on the Nightstand discussion
What are you currently reading - August 2010
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Ann
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Aug 30, 2010 06:23PM
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Tanya ditto what Ann said! You have to realize that we men don't always understand what you are asking us. It's just part of our makeup.
Yesterday I finished the audiobook of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
This book, first in a trilogy, had gotten so much good buzz that I decided to try it out. It's a fast moving tale of a dystopic future. Kind of a cross between Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery", the reality show "Survivor", and William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson's Logan's Run. The latter comparison is apt in that when I was a teenager, Logan's adventures kept me rapt and I couldn't wait to get back to the book and its sequels. Same thing here. If you start the book, you'll count the minutes until you can get back to it. Did I mention it's a book written for ages twelve and up? No matter. A good story is a good story.
*SPOILER*
My only quibble, and what keeps me from giving it that fifth star, is that the lead character, Katniss is incredibly, unbelievably lucky never to be placed in a position where she doesn't have to kill except in direct self defense or the defense of another. It seems that one of the primary horrors of the situation she's in is the necessity to lose one's "soul" or conception of self in this death match, as the rules call for murdering the other contestants. But due to the writer's merciful machinations, she never has to cross that threshold. I think a reader sophisticated enough to enjoy this story would also be sophisticated enough not to turn against Katniss for doing what circumstances have forced her to do.
This book, first in a trilogy, had gotten so much good buzz that I decided to try it out. It's a fast moving tale of a dystopic future. Kind of a cross between Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery", the reality show "Survivor", and William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson's Logan's Run. The latter comparison is apt in that when I was a teenager, Logan's adventures kept me rapt and I couldn't wait to get back to the book and its sequels. Same thing here. If you start the book, you'll count the minutes until you can get back to it. Did I mention it's a book written for ages twelve and up? No matter. A good story is a good story.
*SPOILER*
My only quibble, and what keeps me from giving it that fifth star, is that the lead character, Katniss is incredibly, unbelievably lucky never to be placed in a position where she doesn't have to kill except in direct self defense or the defense of another. It seems that one of the primary horrors of the situation she's in is the necessity to lose one's "soul" or conception of self in this death match, as the rules call for murdering the other contestants. But due to the writer's merciful machinations, she never has to cross that threshold. I think a reader sophisticated enough to enjoy this story would also be sophisticated enough not to turn against Katniss for doing what circumstances have forced her to do.
Finished reading Neverwhere and absolutely LOVED it! You may remember my claiming that it wasn't gripping me yet (was on page 25), it seems pretty much as soon as I said it, the book grabbed me and threw me head long into the middle of its pages. I love the characters as much as if they were people I actually knew, they're just fabulous. Love, love, love.Which I'm so glad of becuause I've had a hard time lately finding a book I liked and wasn't disappointed by. Next on my list to read is Battle Royale: The Novel, which I'm looking forward to reading. I'm one of those few people (I think) that actually enjoyed Lord of the Flies, as bizarre and a horrific insight into human nature as it is. I was both horrified and fascinated with it, so I'm hoping for a similiar experience with this one. Er, that is to say, I hope I won't be able to put the book down.
i>Eric wrote: "Finished The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell.An absorbing historical novel.
Most of the action takes place in Dejima, off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan, in 1799..."
After a second attempt, I am giving up on The Kindly Ones by Littel. I'm doing audio and got thru 7 hrs. if I only had 7 to go I might have stuck but 33. No way.
Michael wrote: "After a second attempt, I am giving up on The Kindly Ones by Littel. I'm doing audio and got thru 7 hrs. if I only had 7 to go I might have stuck but 33. No way."I find audio books difficult to listen to anyway. They read so much slower than I do, and the way the story and lines are read can completely destroy they story. Did you try reading it without the audio books the first time? Well, anyway, good luck finding something new and, hopefully, more interesting.
First time was audio as well. This may be one of those that needs to be read in print.You are right a skilled narrator makes a world of difference.
However on the speed issue, an IPOD can be set at a faster speed which I do always.
Melanie wrote: "Arson and Old Lace. It's the first of a series that was canceled, though I can't imagine why. It's a charming British style cozy. Next up A Nail Through the Heart."There's actually an Cary Grant movie adaptation of Arson and Old Lace, I believe. I found the movie entertaining, but it's not considered one of his best, I think simply because of the story. It's almost random in it's insanity, but still enjoyable.
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I've started Michael Lewis's The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine about the recent economic meltdown. I'm really enjoying it so far and reading it more quickly than anything I've read in months.
Finished Little Beeand am glad it is over. I probably disliked it more than most people although I gave it 3 stars (sometimes I wish Goodreads would let you give 1/2 star recommendations, it would be 2 1/2 for the quality of the writing). I am now reading Star Island by Carl Hiaasen a perfect end of the summer read. Also am rereading Presumed Innocent in anticipation of readingInnocent, Scott Turow's latest.
Eric wrote: "Finished The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell.An absorbing historical novel.
Most of the action takes place in Dejima, off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan, in 1799..."
Eric,
I'm so glad to see a such a wonderful review of this book. I won it through a Goodreads givaway and it has been on my list to get back to. After reading your review, I belive it will be started again this weekend.
Lisa
HUNGER GAMES SPOILERS BELOW.Eric wrote: "My only quibble, and what keeps me from giving it that fifth star, is that the lead character, Katniss is incredibly, unbelievably lucky never to be placed in a position where she doesn't have to kill except in direct self defense or the defense of another."
I actually thought that was a huge cop-out. Considering how dark the book is, it seemed like a cheat that we never really got to see Katniss deal with having taken a life when she wasn't forced to. I kind of expected it though - it's an easy way to make the "Careers" seem extra villainous and Katniss pure and good.
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Books on the Nightstand
Books mentioned in this topic
Dead and Alive (other topics)The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet (other topics)
Little Bee (other topics)
Presumed Innocent (other topics)
Star Island (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Terry Pratchett (other topics)Nancy Atherton (other topics)
