Books on the Nightstand discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
What are you currently reading?
Mod
Linda
I'm reading Desert Flower by Waris Dirie. It's been sitting on my bookshelf for years, and is one of my daughter's favourite books. So I thought I'd better read it.
I started listening to CITY OF THIEVES (by Dave Benioff; narrated by Ron Perlman) yesterday. So many people in my groups and on audible.com rave about this title! It's about a Russian kid during the German siege (WWII) who, teamed up with a fellow prisoner, are given the challenge of finding a dozen eggs for a wedding cake (this during massive food shortages.) I love the story, but I'm not crazy about the narration. RP kinda mumbles in places and drones in others. If I had the time, I would read this in print instead.
It took me all of the car trip to work to come to my senses! I stopped listening to CITY OF THIEVES. After work, I'll go pick up a copy of CITY OF THIEVES to read in print and; and take a break from reading A FRACTION OF THE WHOLE for a few days.
I've starting listening to DEAD CENTER (an Andy Carpenter mystery by David Rosenfelt; narrated by Grover Gardner.)I think it's fourth in the series. Since I just started it, I don't know what the story's going to be about yet. Definitely a comfort read/listen though.
I've starting listening to DEAD CENTER (an Andy Carpenter mystery by David Rosenfelt; narrated by Grover Gardner.)I think it's fourth in the series. Since I just started it, I don't know what the story's going to be about yet. Definitely a comfort read/listen though.
I am reading THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH thanks to a botns recommend. It must have been from Michael as it involves zombies. It's a YA novel which is a genre I had eschewed until I came upon this podcast so my horizons have been broadened. Just because it's YA doesn't mean there aren't depth to the characters and themes. Plus, I had to put the book away last night as the part I was at was too intense for bedtime reading.
I just picked up When You Reach Me from the library last night and plan on starting it immediately. I'm listening to When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris - the first one of his books for me.
I am reading Krik?Krak! by Edwidge Danticat. Really enjoying this author. Have Breath, Eyes, Memory and The Dew Breaker in my "to read" basket, to delve into next.
Tanya wrote: "I started listening to CITY OF THIEVES (by Dave Benioff; narrated by Ron Perlman) yesterday. So many people in my groups and on audible.com rave about this title! It's about a Russian kid during th..."
City of Thieves is a good book -- funny and tragic, sometimes simultaneously.
City of Thieves is a good book -- funny and tragic, sometimes simultaneously.
I am listening to Lorrie Moore's A Gate at the Stairs. I have a feeling I'm going to want to listen to it again, because while listening I don't have a chance to contemplate and savor her wonderful, unique images and metaphors.
Mod
Linda
Mod
Oh my, that's hysterical! Sorry you have to wait (are you going to wait?)
Mod
Actually, it was my recommendation, and I didn't know it had zombies until I was already into it! Glad you are enjoying it. I am becoming more and more enamored of YA.
Mod
Oh, wonderful! I read and was extremely saddened by Brother, I'm Dying. She's an amazing writer.
Mod
Yes, as much as I love Lorrie Moore, it's the writing that really stands out for me, and I think that would be difficult to grasp and savor on audio.
Mod
Naw, Ann, I won't wait. In fact, one of my friends, after hearing the list of books we will read this year, said, "Are there any books that Linda hasn't read?" Everyone, including me, thought that was funny. I've already read 7 of the 12.
Ann wrote:Actually, it was my recommendation, and I didn't know it had zombies until I was already into it! Oops! Really? I need to do like Linda and create a separate shelf for Ann and Michael recs. Yeah I like it but it's really intense. I have you guys to thank for even looking at YA stuff. BTW, if you liked this, you really should work your way to WORLD WAR Z.
I loved World War Z! I bought The Forest of Hands and Teeth for my daughter for Christmas. I have to wait for her to read it first. Has anyone else been tempted to read the gift books they buy before they wrap them?
Mod
Funny, I've been mentally composing a blog post on that very topic!
Melissa wrote: Has anyone else been tempted to read the gift books they buy before they wrap them? I've done worse. I've actually kept books I bought as gifts : (
I've even been guilty of opening music and listening to it before I gifted it. But I've broken myself of that habit (the digital age helped.)
I'll think you'll like it. The themes in it will resonate just as much for an adult, if not more. I always am down for zombie mayhem.
Mod
Re: Audible. I'm fairly certain that the Audible audios are the same as the retail audios that you can buy at the bookstore, only in digital form.
Mod
Linda
Toni wrote: "Hey, Ann - This might make a good discussion topic: books that are better in written format versus audio. I think it has a lot to do with language. Those authors who really craft a sentence seem to..."
I think that's the whole purpose behind the customer reviews at audible.com You can only leave a comment and/or rating if you purchase the audio from audible.com. Given that, there's no guarantee that yours won't be the outlier opinion when it comes to any particular title. For instance, for CITY OF THIEVES, it has a very high customer rating, but I found it untenable. Other titles which people can't stand for whatever reason, I would rate very high.
There's also a listener advisory publication (both print and digital format) called Audiofile Magazine which reviews audiobooks (audiofilemamgazine.com.)
And then there are a couple of online groups which focus on audiobooks and; most groups that ostensibly discuss print books usually have at least one member that's an audiobook fan... I like audiobook groups because it's easier to identify other members with similar tastes.
As for audible.com itself, you can dnload titles in different formats, the enhanced format being equivalent to CD quality.
As for the quality of the narrator or the production values, that's dependent upon the actual audiobook publishers. Some have quality control departments, others don't.
I think that's the whole purpose behind the customer reviews at audible.com You can only leave a comment and/or rating if you purchase the audio from audible.com. Given that, there's no guarantee that yours won't be the outlier opinion when it comes to any particular title. For instance, for CITY OF THIEVES, it has a very high customer rating, but I found it untenable. Other titles which people can't stand for whatever reason, I would rate very high.
There's also a listener advisory publication (both print and digital format) called Audiofile Magazine which reviews audiobooks (audiofilemamgazine.com.)
And then there are a couple of online groups which focus on audiobooks and; most groups that ostensibly discuss print books usually have at least one member that's an audiobook fan... I like audiobook groups because it's easier to identify other members with similar tastes.
As for audible.com itself, you can dnload titles in different formats, the enhanced format being equivalent to CD quality.
As for the quality of the narrator or the production values, that's dependent upon the actual audiobook publishers. Some have quality control departments, others don't.
Tanya wrote: You can only leave a comment and/or rating if you purchase the audio from audible.com.Well that seems shady. Unless the audiobook versions they provide are somehow different from other vendors, altho Ann says no. The review system here and on Amazon is a huge plus for me. I am not an audiobook fan but I do like Audible for sponsoring many of the podcasts I listen to.
The enjoyment of an audible book depends so much on the narrator. I downloaded a free version of Pride and Prejudice on my ipod and I could not bear it. For some strange reason, the narrator decided to give Miss Bingley a very odd voice. My vote for best audible books ever are the Harry Potter books. David Sedaris reading his own work is also excellent.
Vanessa wrote: "Well that seems shady. Unless the audiobook versions they provide are somehow different from other vendors, altho Ann says no. The review system here and on Amazon is a huge plus for me. I am not an audiobook fan but I do like Audible for sponsoring many of the podcasts I listen to."
But it also prevents people from putting in comments that haven't actually listened to the book. The highest risk is for the first couple of purchasers. I actually prefer this system over that of amazon.com's as it filters out a lot of pre-pub polemic.
But it also prevents people from putting in comments that haven't actually listened to the book. The highest risk is for the first couple of purchasers. I actually prefer this system over that of amazon.com's as it filters out a lot of pre-pub polemic.
Tanya wrote: But it also prevents people from putting in comments that haven't actually listened to the book.That is true. I was thinking how I will review the occasional book I got at the library instead of buying. What I didn't consider is the pages of negative reviews for, say, an Ann Coulter (who, for the record, I do NOT read or follow in any way) by people who clearly haven't read the book. Or for a less extreme example, a Dan Brown or Mitch Albom.
I've heard of authors or their friends putting positive reviews on Amazon, so it's hard to tell who is neutral if there are only a few reviews.
Libby wrote: "I've heard of authors or their friends putting positive reviews on Amazon, so it's hard to tell who is neutral if there are only a few reviews."
And then there's the case of the infamous Harriet Klausner, amazon.com's #1 reviewer. She claims to be a speed-reader who covers two books a day, but her output sometimes exceeds 6 books a day (and she posts every day;) her reviews consists of often inaccurate summaries plus a *minimum* four star rating. There are articles (which you can google and access online) which legitimately question her credibility.
And then there's the case of the infamous Harriet Klausner, amazon.com's #1 reviewer. She claims to be a speed-reader who covers two books a day, but her output sometimes exceeds 6 books a day (and she posts every day;) her reviews consists of often inaccurate summaries plus a *minimum* four star rating. There are articles (which you can google and access online) which legitimately question her credibility.
I'm reading The Embers by Hyatt Bass.
I finally finished New York Trilogy by Paul Auster. It is very thought-provoking. I may have to try another of his books. I see he has a new one out, Invisible. I will begin Homer and Langley tonight. I believe Cutting for Stone comes out in paperback on Tuesday, so I think that's next on my list.
Just started The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (after hearing so many raves from Michael and others), and I'm really digging it already.
I tried, I REALLY tried...but about 45 pages in, I gave up on Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse." I'm feeling un-literary, and afraid they may confiscate my library card. But the run-on sentences and endless paragraphs were simply too much for me. (It was written in 1927, so perhaps that was standard layout for the times?) Has anyone else had this problem, or am I the only one with no appreciation for a classic?!?!Okay, now I feel really bad because I just read that she was sexually abused by a half-brother, and had bipolar disorder. I have great sympathy for the difficult life she seems to have had, but I still don't like her writing!
I've been reading The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. I have a little over 100 pages left and now I'm bored. I fall asleep after reading 5 pages now. But I feel like I've come this far, I can't quit. It is feeling really predictable. Anybody know if it's worth hanging in???
Bobbi wrote: "I tried, I REALLY tried...but about 45 pages in, I gave up on Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse." I'm feeling un-literary, and afraid they may confiscate my library card. But the run-on sentences..."I also did not care for To the Lighthouse the first time I read it in college. I had to read it for a Modern British Literature course. The next semester, I took a course in female authors, and was horrified that the entire class was on the works of Virginia Woolf. I am glad that I stuck with the class, because on re-reading To the Lighthouse, I gained a new appreciation for it. I also had an excellent prof. If you want to try Virginia Woolf again, I would suggest starting with her essays - perhaps A Room of One's Own. Then maybe try Mrs. Dalloway before tackling To the Lighthouse. Her life story is fascinating, but sad. Don't feel bad about putting the book down. You never know what a book may say to you the second time around.
Melissa wrote: "Bobbi wrote: "I tried, I REALLY tried...but about 45 pages in, I gave up on Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse." I'm feeling un-literary, and afraid they may confiscate my library card. But the ru..."Thanks for the advice, Melissa. I'll try some of her other work, and perhaps go back to "To the Lighthouse" some time in the future.
Mod
Linda
Lmj wrote: "I finished Cutting for Stone and started Beowulf on the Beach: What to Love and What to Skip in Literature's 50 Greatest Hits (I'm even taking notes!).Linda"
How did you like Cutting for Stone? I'm looking forward to it coming out in paperback. I loved Beowulf on the Beach!
Mod
Spring semester just began and I'm enrolled in a Young Adult Literature in the Media Center course, so I'm trying to gather all the YA books on my nightstand for the class. Right now I'm reading Garcia's and Stohl's Beautiful Creatures. I just finished Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil though.
Bobbi wrote: "I tried, I REALLY tried...but about 45 pages in, I gave up on Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse." I'm feeling un-literary, and afraid they may confiscate my library card. But the run-on sentences..."That's interesting. Just last week my brother recommended To The Lighthouse for me to read. I thought I might have trouble reading it, so I checked out the audiobook from the library. I haven't started listening to it yet. My brother thinks reading it would be better than listening to it. I just hope I can get through it because I don't want to disappoint him!
Laurie wrote: "Bobbi wrote: "I tried, I REALLY tried...but about 45 pages in, I gave up on Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse." I'm feeling un-literary, and afraid they may confiscate my library card. But the ru..."Laurie, it might come across totally differently, depending on the talent of the reader. I'll be interested in what you think after listening...
Linda,I just finished Cutting for Stone and it's one of the best books I've read in years!!! Good luck holding out for your bookclub. It was wonderful.
Lil
Mod
Linda
I purchased the paperback of Cutting for Stone tonight. I'm looking forward to starting it once I finish Homer and Langley. I'm interested in hearing Lil's opinion of it.
"The Book Thief". (Markus Zusak)So far I'm captivated by the story, but perplexed by the author's wonky and awkward word-choices.
"Persepolis 2" (Marjane Satrapi) Sequel to Satrapi's graphic memoir about her childhood as a feisty little girl in during the repressive Iranian revolution.
"The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" (Alan Bradley) I'm enjoying this as much as Michael said I would, for the voice of the narrating character, 11-year-old chemist Flavia DeLuce. I'm doing this one as an audiobook, which was a good choice. Narrator Jayne Entwistle captures Flavia's sense of shivering delight at everything creepy. The mystery itself seems a little elementary. The clues seem a bit heavily highlighted, but that's okay. Flavia DeLuce and her unique perspective drive the book.
"Nixonland" (Rick Perlstein) A massive book with tons of info on each page. I've been crawling through this for almost a year now. Covering mainly the years 1960 through 1972, the book is about Tricky Dick's style of "divide and conquer" politics, and how the current polarization is his legacy. Makes me nostalgic for my days as a poli-sci major at OSU in the early eighties, taking courses about sixties, early seventies electoral chicanery.
and finally...
"War and Peace" (Count Leo Tolstoy)I'm passed the halfway point of this mammoth and enthralling book. Romance, war, spiritual discovery, duels, drunken exploits, Freemasonry, Christmas sleigh rides, hunting trips, adultery...this book has it all. An overall theme seems to be that Russian society was already in the thrall of French culture even before the Napoleonic Wars.
"Persepolis 2" (Marjane Satrapi) Sequel to Satrapi's graphic memoir about her childhood as a feisty little girl in during the repressive Iranian revolution.
"The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" (Alan Bradley) I'm enjoying this as much as Michael said I would, for the voice of the narrating character, 11-year-old chemist Flavia DeLuce. I'm doing this one as an audiobook, which was a good choice. Narrator Jayne Entwistle captures Flavia's sense of shivering delight at everything creepy. The mystery itself seems a little elementary. The clues seem a bit heavily highlighted, but that's okay. Flavia DeLuce and her unique perspective drive the book.
"Nixonland" (Rick Perlstein) A massive book with tons of info on each page. I've been crawling through this for almost a year now. Covering mainly the years 1960 through 1972, the book is about Tricky Dick's style of "divide and conquer" politics, and how the current polarization is his legacy. Makes me nostalgic for my days as a poli-sci major at OSU in the early eighties, taking courses about sixties, early seventies electoral chicanery.
and finally...
"War and Peace" (Count Leo Tolstoy)I'm passed the halfway point of this mammoth and enthralling book. Romance, war, spiritual discovery, duels, drunken exploits, Freemasonry, Christmas sleigh rides, hunting trips, adultery...this book has it all. An overall theme seems to be that Russian society was already in the thrall of French culture even before the Napoleonic Wars.
Which translation of War and Peace are you reading?
Mod
Don't however feel it's a "Hey, you gotta read this" for me. Don't know what would have made the difference except maybe the minutiae.
Linda
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Books on the Nightstand
Books mentioned in this topic
The Pillars of the Earth (other topics)Eat, Pray, Love (other topics)
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest (other topics)
Fluke: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings (other topics)
Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jane Green (other topics)Aimee Bender (other topics)
Aimee Bender (other topics)
Jacqueline Sheehan (other topics)
Jonathan Dee (other topics)
More...
I did listen to INVISIBLE MONSTERS (by Chuck Palahniuk) and THE RAPE OF NANKING (by Iris Chang) both of which were narrated by Anna Fields and which were both excellent; but ALONE (by Lisa Gardner) was just terrible.