Books on the Nightstand discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
What are you currently reading?
Just finishing 36 Arguments for the Existence of God by Rebecca Newberger Goldstein - found it really interesting but it isn't what the title suggests
Well, I finished On Chesil Beach and The Comfort of Strangers. I think I much preferred On Chesil Beach, although I wished for a different ending. I think I cared more for the characters in On Chesil Beach. The Comfort of Strangers just seemed strange to me. I am going to start to listen to The Clothes They Stood Up In next.
Jennifer wrote: "Just finished The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, which I thought was brilliant. Started Blackout this weekend. Doomsday Book is one of my all time ..."I enjoyed Doomsday Book but really hated Willis's Passage - I thought it was one of the most boring books I've ever read...
In any case, I just finished Blackout -- I'll warn you now -- it is the first half of at least two books -- the second book is due out in September. It's a time-traveling book with folks going back to England at the time of WWII. I thought it was pretty good -- it moved along at a good pace. I found the threads of the various stories a bit confusing for a while, but managed to sort them out.
I probably will read the follow-on "All Clear" -- but wanted you all to know about the fact that you're only reading 1/2 the book -- before you get to the end and find it out then like I did. (A quick search on Amazon indicates that these really were written as one book and it was the publisher's decision to split them up -- if so, boo to the publisher!).
Laurie wrote: "The Comfort of Strangers just seemed strange to me...."If you think that was strange, you should try The Cement Garden. Ay-yi-yi.
I just finished a re-read (my first one such in years) of Muriel Spark's "The Comforters." I'd forgotten so much and enjoyed it as if on the first read. Had forgotten how po-mo it is even though published in the late 1950s. High recommended; sly, funny and a little annoying.
Mod
I've started OCCUPIED CITY (by David Peace) this morning and have already advanced halfway through the book. The story is a mystery (fiction) regarding a real-life event that happened in post-war Japan: A man impersonating a health official walks into a bank and persuades 16 people (mostly employees) to be innoculated against dysentery. The people are instead poisoned. Structurally, it's presented in a unique way, Roshomon-style with poetic iterations that echo occult and conspiratorial notes. Each character is given a distinctive personality, reflected not only in word choice, but in writing manner as well. There are some horrific elements involved but overall it is extremely compelling. That said, the reader is challenged with the writing in that you have to reset your approach to reading. It's not as difficult as, say HOUSE OF LEAVES (by Mark Z. Danielewsli) appears to be; but it's definitely not a straight-forward read either.
Mod
Toni wrote: "Did you read the NYTBR this Sunday, Tanya? Occupied City got a really good write-up. It's even got me intrigued and thinking about putting it on the TBR list."
Every Sunday, my morning routine usually includes a desultory paw through the NYTBR and this past week-end was no exception! I saw the review on OCCUPIED CITY. When I read the opening paragraph of the review, my heart sank a little bit because I thought it was going to be negative; but I was happy as the review spun out as a good one! OCCUPIED CITY has been floating around our house, along with TOKYO YEAR ZERO and I had been eagerly waiting for the time to read them both. Even though TOKYO YEAR ZERO was published first, the novels are not related story-wise and so I jumped on OCCUPIED CITY. I think there is a third novel forthcoming as well.
Every Sunday, my morning routine usually includes a desultory paw through the NYTBR and this past week-end was no exception! I saw the review on OCCUPIED CITY. When I read the opening paragraph of the review, my heart sank a little bit because I thought it was going to be negative; but I was happy as the review spun out as a good one! OCCUPIED CITY has been floating around our house, along with TOKYO YEAR ZERO and I had been eagerly waiting for the time to read them both. Even though TOKYO YEAR ZERO was published first, the novels are not related story-wise and so I jumped on OCCUPIED CITY. I think there is a third novel forthcoming as well.
Hi everyone...
I was wondering if any of you have read Laura Blundy?
I just finished it, and boy was it a strange read...
Then another question, its actually about a book I read a while back, called Nervous Conditions, any of you read it???
I was wondering if any of you have read Laura Blundy?
I just finished it, and boy was it a strange read...
Then another question, its actually about a book I read a while back, called Nervous Conditions, any of you read it???
Just discovered Books on the Nightstand podcast and I'm in love and overwhelmed. My "to read" list has grown from 5 to at least 105!!! I just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain (loved it), The Girl Who Played With Fire, Tandia (not as good as Power of One, but still amazing) and started Three Cups of Tea. Also, in the process of reading The Lost Symbol, Catching Fire and wanting to try Let the Great World Spin. Has anyone read this one yet? What did you think?
Mod
Welcome, and thanks! We're happy we were able to increase your to read list!
I just purchased The Girl Who Played with Fire. I had to run into the mall, and I promised myself that I would not go into the bookstore (at least until I had finished a few of the books I had at home). Then I saw that The Girl Who Played with Fire had come out in paperback!
Mod
Melissa wrote: I just purchased The Girl Who Played with Fire. I just finished this book. I did like it but not as much as the first one. I can't put my finger on why. Some great Salander moments in it though. Safety tip: it ends on a cliff-hanger so do NOT read any descriptions of the third book-like I did-until you are done.
Toni wrote: the series became less intellectual with the 2nd book for me.I think you nailed it Toni. The book was certainly good but it maybe lacked a certain intellectual charm the first one had. And as a minor unrelated complaint, does Blomkvist have to sleep with every woman he stumbles upon and this doesn't bother any of them? (well, besides Lisbeth.) Maybe it's a Swedish thing.
It's still a good book and I agree, I definitely have to read the third one. Also am miffed it ended on a cliffhanger.
I read and enjoyed all three but the third is best.
I read the lst book...Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for bookclub. Couldn't wait for the second one to come out and practically was at the bookstore door when they opened to buy it! Then after reading it I had to have the 3rd one...Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. Hmm, what to do...caved in to the urge and bought it through the Amazon UK site. I loved it the best!!! I wish it could keep on going.
Yesterday, I finished OCCUPIED CITY (by David Peace) but I pushed too hard to finish it and the end didn't make sense to me. This isn't a book that you can ever, even at the end, slip into autopilot while reading! This morning, I re-read the last sections and I realize that though I have ostensibly finished reading the book, I'm not ready to let go of it yet. It's so complex and intriguing in its style that I plan on re-reading sections of it. I suspect that each re-reading will reveal more to be amazed about.
I read THE UNIT (by Nini Holmqvist) this afternoon. It's about a woman who is checked into the Second Reserve Bank Unit for biological material. Having reached the age of 50 and been deemed "dispensible," she is qualified to donate her person for use in medical testing and eventually for organ transplants. It reminds me of The Handmaid's Tale (by Margaret Atwwod) in the dystopian style and, the woman's perspective. This is a translation from the original Swedish, but the language is so clear and fluid, you wouldn't know it unless you looked at the credits (translated by Marlaine Delargy.) If you like Margaret Atwood's books, I think you'll like this one too.
I read THE UNIT (by Nini Holmqvist) this afternoon. It's about a woman who is checked into the Second Reserve Bank Unit for biological material. Having reached the age of 50 and been deemed "dispensible," she is qualified to donate her person for use in medical testing and eventually for organ transplants. It reminds me of The Handmaid's Tale (by Margaret Atwwod) in the dystopian style and, the woman's perspective. This is a translation from the original Swedish, but the language is so clear and fluid, you wouldn't know it unless you looked at the credits (translated by Marlaine Delargy.) If you like Margaret Atwood's books, I think you'll like this one too.
I've several books going but I'm most embedded at present in Peter Ho's "The Welsh Girl."
I just finished Ordinary Thunderstorms. It was a very well-told story. I'm still thinking about what I think.
Tanya wrote: I read THE UNIT (by Nini Holmqvist) this afternoon.I was debating on this book. Since I love Margaret Atwood, I think I have to read it. Also, you read it in an afternoon? Yowza. I only wish I could finish books that fast. My to read list is almost as long as my read list.
Jim and I both like it very well. It wasn't what I was expecting. Maybe that's part of the appeal. Boyd is very interesting. Have you read Brazzaville Beach, Nancy? It's one of my favorite Boyds; the other two are Armadillo and Any Human Heart.
I'm a big Atwood fan but confess I haven't found her recent spate of novels compelling. Although she has written some of the better novels in English in the 20th century: Cat's Eye, The Robber Bride, Alias Grace and The Handmaid's Tale.
This is my first William Boyd novel, K. It's the only one that's ever gotten my attention. I started reading it by accident and it hooked me.
Love this locution:>I started reading it by accident
As a newbie I'm still trying to navigate this site so if I'm posting in the wrong place, be gentle in your remonstrances, thankee kindly.There are mighty tasty new novels coming up soon and I want to share the happy news, and learn if anyone else is atwitter over same.
Private Life by Jane Smiley
Parrot and Olivier in America by Peter Carey
The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell
Klewark I see you wrote about Handmaids Tale... have you read it? Its on my to read list, and I've got the ebook, so I want to read it...
"Handmaid's Tale" is a terrific read; go for it!
Thanks for the thumbs up, I surely will then :)
Any other books you might recommend? I love recommendations...
Any other books you might recommend? I love recommendations...
Vanessa wrote: "I was debating on this book. Since I love Margaret Atwood, I think I have to read it. Also, you read it in an afternoon? Yowza. I only wish I could finish books that fast. My to read list is almost as long as my read list. "
I've only read The Handmaid's Tale and Oryx and Crake, but I still think that I can say with confidence that both Margaret Atwood and Nini Holmqvist share both thematic and stylistic qualities. In addition to the dystopian themes and gender perspective, both are easily accessible writers that do not sacrifice deeper meaning or issues. The Unit is a straightforward read (compared to Occupied City by David Peace,) the story is compelling and, the chapters are small. I don't know how layout affects a reader's psychological approach to a book or why smaller chapters make for faster reading, but it seems to be the case with me.
n.b. The Unit (paperback/trade edition) is 268 pp; 4 sections (total;) 44 chapters (total;) 10.5 pt Berthold Bertoni (font;) French flaps; It took me a little less than five hours to read
I've only read The Handmaid's Tale and Oryx and Crake, but I still think that I can say with confidence that both Margaret Atwood and Nini Holmqvist share both thematic and stylistic qualities. In addition to the dystopian themes and gender perspective, both are easily accessible writers that do not sacrifice deeper meaning or issues. The Unit is a straightforward read (compared to Occupied City by David Peace,) the story is compelling and, the chapters are small. I don't know how layout affects a reader's psychological approach to a book or why smaller chapters make for faster reading, but it seems to be the case with me.
n.b. The Unit (paperback/trade edition) is 268 pp; 4 sections (total;) 44 chapters (total;) 10.5 pt Berthold Bertoni (font;) French flaps; It took me a little less than five hours to read
I love Margaret Atwood! My two favorites are The Handmaids Tale and Alias Grace. Now you've got me intrigued about Occupied City. I've reserved a copy of The Unit at the library so I'm looking forward to getting it. I love getting on here and getting ideas from all of you! The only problem is, my "too read" list is growing faster than I can read!
Tanya wrote: I don't know how layout affects a reader's psychological approach to a book or why smaller chapters make for faster reading, but it seems to be the case with me. That is so true. I just commented on the Big Books thread that I loved Mailer's "The Executioner's Song" and the fact that it was a big book with little chapters made me feel like I was sailing through it even though it took me nearly a month to read it.
Speaking of reading, I still have Sunday's NYT unread on my Kindle. I'll have to check out that book review for Occupied City.
As far as Atwood goes, I've only read "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Bluebeard's Egg" myself but the former is one of my favorite books of all time. I definitely want to check The Unit out now.
The Girl Who Played With Fire. I cannot put it down!
I am reading The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt. After reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, this book may have been too much to dive into so soon. Sometimes I need a transitional book to get me to the next one.
I'm currently reading Blackout by Connie Willis. I've never read anything by this author before but I was interested in the premise. Historians are able to trav back in time to study various aspects of history. One man is studying ordinary people whobehave heroically when it counts and is going back to pearl harbor, the evacuation of Dunkirk and a few other places to see what, if any traits these everyday heroes share. I'm just starting this book so maybe I won't end up liking it, but so far so good.
I just finished Await Your Reply: A Novel
My advice? Just read it.
Don't let anyone tell you what it's about, not even a little bit. If you are at all a perceptive reader with an innate sense of story, any type of description may bungle it for you. Don't read the jacket copy. Don't read any reviews. If someone starts telling you about it, cover your ears and go, "Lalalalalalalala! I'm not listening!" If you order it from amazon, intentionally blur your eyes so you don't see any descriptive blurbs. Don't read any spoilers.
*S*P*O*I*L*E*R W*A*R*N*I*N*G
Aren't you listening? I said don't read any spoilers! Maybe you don't deserve to read this book!
Seriously, this could have been a five-star read for me, but I think I was told too much.
My advice? Just read it.
Don't let anyone tell you what it's about, not even a little bit. If you are at all a perceptive reader with an innate sense of story, any type of description may bungle it for you. Don't read the jacket copy. Don't read any reviews. If someone starts telling you about it, cover your ears and go, "Lalalalalalalala! I'm not listening!" If you order it from amazon, intentionally blur your eyes so you don't see any descriptive blurbs. Don't read any spoilers.
*S*P*O*I*L*E*R W*A*R*N*I*N*G
Aren't you listening? I said don't read any spoilers! Maybe you don't deserve to read this book!
Seriously, this could have been a five-star read for me, but I think I was told too much.
Mod
Linda
Excellent advice. This is on my to read list as well, somewhere near the top. I hate tripping over a spoiler by mistake. I do find it easier to stay immune to book spoilers at least rather than film ones.
The same is said about Little Bee. Even the dust flap suggests not telling anyone about the story since it is how the story unfolds that is also a major part.A friend of mine likes to read the first chapter again after reading a book because she says there is so much told there but we aren't aware enough yet.
Mod
Linda
I just got done reading Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle which was pretty interesting. If you are at all interested in reading about different cultures, especially their language, you will like it. Then I read When You Reach Me which was a very fast read and I really liked it - gave it four stars. Now I have started The Unnamed and The End of Manners: A Novel
Tracey wrote: "I am reading The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt. After reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, this book may have been too much to dive into so soon. Sometimes I need a transitional book to get me ..."I read detective novels for transition books. Right now I'm reading Michael Connelly between other novels.
Also, I cannot pick up another novel immediate after finishing one. I have to let it digest overnight. That doesn't stop me from picking up nonfiction or a short story, though. I like to keep something nonfiction going (at a much slower pace) even as I burn through novels! I just finished An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon; at the same time I'm reading The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914 by Barbara Tuchman.
BTW, how the heck do y'all do titles as links or just italics or underlined????
Awesome! I really don't get the html codes (I've tried the directions provided by Goodreads to no avail) but "add book/author" works great!
This afternoon I started "The People's Train" by Thomas Keneally (he wrote Schindler's List except when it was published the title was "Schindler's Ark." Had to order it from the UK since it's not yet published here (grrrrr). Amazon.co.uk gets a lot of money from me that way.
Toni wrote: Don't laugh, Vanessa, but I have a friend who swears that it IS a Swedish thing.Thanks Toni--although your comment still made me laugh. Interesting how a country like Sweden that is so Utopian in some respects (socialized medicine, progressive attitudes, Abba) has other pervasive social ills like fascism and, if the book is to be believed, underground prostitution railroads.
Strange laws too. According to Larsson's website, his girlfriend says she would be able to finish at least the 4th book based on her familiarity with Larsson's writing and intentions but Swedish law does not permit it.
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...
Thank you, Diane. We're excited that you found us, too!