November: What Are You Reading?

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Marjorie wrote: "Gabriells said, "I was reading The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier, but I had to throw in the towel - temporarily."

I liked the Scapegoat. The 1959 movie with Alec Guiness (who plays a dual rol..."

Oh, I'll go back to it sometime, Marjorie. It's not one of those books I'll abandon completely.

[Geoff]

I'm about halfway through Italo Svevo's Confessions of Zeno and really enjoying it--really fun and smart.

[John]

A collection of Nancy Mitford essays: A Talent to Annoy - a friend recommended reading her letters, but this one was on the shelf, and that one was out circulating. I'm liking it more than I expected.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Geoff wrote: "I'm about halfway through Italo Svevo's Confessions of Zeno and really enjoying it--really fun and smart."

That's one of my favorite books. I thought it would probably be the favorite in Italy, but several Italians informed me that it's I Promessi Sposi, which I have but have not read.

[Sara]

Still listening to The House of Mirth and for some unknown reason, gripped by a sudden decision to read the Outlander series. I read the first book ten or so years ago, and found it pretty good, but never moved on to the others. So I'm rereading Outlander, which, if one can accept its, well, outlandishness (sorry), is clearly incredibly researched, but also well-written and compulsively readable.

I sometimes read genre books just to see how the author handles plot/movement, which is always something I'm trying to improve in my own writing. It definitely helps if they are not littered with bad writing/outright errors (think wildly popular vampire series).

[Geoff]

Not surprised you like the Svevo, Gabrielle. Our tastes tend to run pretty similar.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Geoff wrote: "Not surprised you like the Svevo, Gabrielle. Our tastes tend to run pretty similar."

Yes, they do. I think the character of Zeno Cosini is a marvelous creation. I was drawn in on the very first page.

[Ruth]

I'm about to drop A Canticle for Leibowitz. I sort of enjoyed the beginning, but now I'm about 2/3 through it and don't give a damn about what's happening. I'm 75 years old, if I'm going to read everything I want to before I kick off, I can't waste time on books I'm not enjoying.

[Carol]

LOL I heartily agree Ruth. I am struggling with The Good Soldier. I have about 25 pages to go. It would be a good book if it were not for the characters. hee hee

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

I am sick (for the first time in twenty years), so I wanted something I didn't have to think about much, so I'm reading The Thirteenth Tale. It's not brilliant, but it's not too bad.

[Marialyce]

Oh no, Gabrielle. I bet you were worn out after all your Thanksgiving company. Feel better soon!

I read The Thirteenth Tale and did enjoy its gothic atmosphere. I found it be be quite an interesting read. Enjoy it and rest!

My daughter was sick for Thanksgiving (her favorite holiday since she loves all the food) We had to take her to the ER on Friday since no doctors had office hours. They think it was food poisoning from eating sushi on Wednesday and gave her antibiotics which seemed to be working by Sunday. I am still worried about her though.

[Carol]

Gabrielle I hope you will be up and about soon, but what better way to perk up then with a book.

Marialyce we mothers will worry about anything when it comes to our children eh. I hope she will feel better soon.

[Marialyce]

We sure do, Kitty. It is a lifelong part of being a mom I think ...and thank you for hoping she feels better.

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Thank you Kitty and Marialyce. I just have a cold. Someone brought an uninvited guest to Thanksgiving and she was quite sick. She sat next to me at dinner and kept coughing and hacking around. I think some other people got sick, too. I just need a little time, but time goes slowly when you're waiting to recover from a cold (or any illness). The only thing that really bothers me is the cough, but the only thing I can take is plain Mucinex.

I'll try to pass the days with books and movies.

Marialyce, I hope your daughter feels 100% soon. Sushi can cause food poisoning.

[Mary Ellen]

I am about 2/3 through The House of Mirth and finding it utterly depressing. But I will persevere for the reward of our discussion! Since The Inheritance of Loss sounds like another downer, I may opt for something lighter next. I got Major Pettigrew's Last Stand as a free read through GR, and may take that up next.

[Marialyce]

It is so very sad, Mary Ellen, but I did like it a lot. I have not started The Inheritance of Loss but even the title sounds depressing!

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

I have Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. It sounds like it will be charming and fun to read.

[Flora]

Just getting started on Inkdeath as well as The Lost Hero

[Sue]

Just finished Marcia Muller's Coming Back, sequel to Locked In from last year. She writes great mysteries--and has been for a long time. This novel outlines her recovery from her head wound and the effect on her relationships and the most recent case her agency takes on. Recommended

[Marialyce]

Started North and South and picking up The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers

[Wilhelmina]

Susan wrote: "Just finished Marcia Muller's Coming Back, sequel to Locked In from last year. She writes great mysteries--and has been for a long time. This novel outlines her recove..."

I have enjoyed Marcia Muller's mysteries for years. I'm looking forward to "Coming Back."

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Marialyce wrote: "Started North and South and picking up The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers"

I definitely want to read North and South, but I don't dare buy it until my own money is deposited in the bank. Sebastien would not like it, and to be fair, I do have plenty here to read. More than plenty. I really don't need another book, but North and South is one I've been meaning to read for a long time.

[Sue]

Wilhelmina wrote: "Susan wrote: "Just finished Marcia Muller's Coming Back, sequel to Locked In from last year. She writes great mysteries--and has been for a long time. This novel outli..."

Wilhelmina--I think you'll enjoy this one too!

[AmandaLil]

Just picked up Juliet at the library and I'm next in line for Matched and The Distant Hours

[Al]

Amanda: I have heard great things about Juliet and I am waiting for it from the library. Let us know how it is!

I'm in the midst of a few books at the moment: Mr. Toppit, A Visit from the Goon Squad and The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal

[Cateline]

I just finished Regeneration by Pat Barker, loved it enough to go directly to the next in the trilogy, The Eye in the Door.

[Marialyce]

Gabrielle wrote: "Marialyce wrote: "Started North and South and picking up The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers"

I definitely want to read North and South, but I don't da..."

Gabrielle, I am definitely going to recommend it. The writing is ever so lovely and even though I am not that far into it, I already love it.

PS Hope you are feeling better too!

[Marialyce]

Amanda wrote: "Just picked up Juliet at the library and I'm next in line for Matched and The Distant Hours"

I read Juliet a while ago and definitely thought it to be very good. Hope you like it too!

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Marialyce wrote: "Gabrielle wrote: "Marialyce wrote: "Started North and South and picking up The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers"

I definitely want to read North and Sou..."

Thank you, Marialyce. And I'm glad you like North and South. :)

[Marjorie]

I'm reading THE BLUE CASTLE by L. M. Montomery (Anne of Green Gables) Am really enjoying it.

Marge

[Roxanne]

Mary Ellen wrote: "I am about 2/3 through The House of Mirth and finding it utterly depressing. But I will persevere for the reward of our discussion! Since The Inheritance of Loss sounds ..."

I agree about House of Mirth, Mary Ellen. I have read about 1/3 and had to put it down for a bit. Utterly depressing to say the least. I haven't had a lot of luck with the group reads recently. I'mm giving it a go. We'll see.

[Hazel]

Another vote for North and South; it's one of my comfort-reading books. I think Mrs Gaskell was remarkable. For those who like tv adaptations, the BBC did a lovely one with Richard Armitage, some years ago.
I've seen it twice. :-)

[TheGirlBytheSeaofCortez]

Hazel wrote: "Another vote for North and South; it's one of my comfort-reading books. I think Mrs Gaskell was remarkable. For those who like tv adaptations, the BBC did a lovely one with Richard Armitage, some y..."

I'm in the mood for a comfort book! I'll put the adaptation on my Netflix queue if it's available. Thank you, Hazel. :)

[Meera]

I just finished reading Princess Academy which I enjoyed; it was light reading. I'm also reading Little Bee, which is not light at all. Still at The Count of Monte Cristo. I'll be sad when that is over.

[Jim]

AN ARSONIST'S GUIDE TO WRITERS' HOMES IN NEW ENGLAND by Brock Clarke - a book that's funny and sad at the same time about modern life - interesting plot device from which everything develops