Books on the Nightstand discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
What are you currently reading?
Mod
Linda
Mod
Nadine, are you from upstate NY? I loved her first book, the title of which now escapes me ... Something about a lake, maybe? I hate it when that happens!
Mod
Just finished Await Your Reply. Wow! Now I'm looking at Solomon's Song, Crossing to Safety, Ghosts of Belfast, or This is Where I Leave You. I can't decide what to pick up next! Any recommendations as to which one should be next???
Ann, I love the faster setting on my iPod and listen to every book that way. It cuts 20 percent off the time it takes to listen to a book. You quickly get used to it too, to the point where you pretty much HAVE to listen to them that way. I made it through the 32-hour Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in about 26 hours that way.Andrea, I really disliked This is Where I leave you, finding it a shameless stab at landing a movie deal (the humor is really crude and the characters are all broad "types") but I recognize I am in the minority there.
I decided to go with Crossing to Safety and was late for work this morning because of it! Thanks for your opinion of This Is Where I Leave You. I'll look into this one a little more before I decide to read it!What's this about a faster setting on the iPod? I use mine for my audio books but I'm not that familiar with all it can do! I'd love to be able to go through my audio books quicker!
I'm not sure how it works on every model, but either in the "Playback" menu (on my you select "Settings" and then "Playback") there is an option for Audiobooks and three speeds: slower, normal, and faster. On the iPod nano I have from 2008, you can also just press and hold the center circle button while playing an audiobook until a menu pops up that has the option."Faster" doesn't work buy speeding up the voices and noticeably changing the pitch, but by removing empty spaces between words. It might sound really fast at first, but you get used to it quickly (unless the narrator speaks fast anyway, which is very rare in my experience).
Thanks Joel! You've opened up a new world to me!
I'm reading "Short Stories Old and New" on my Kindle - probably a free download. It's a collection of 12 stories ranging from "Esther" from the Old Testament, to "The Outcasts of Poker Flats" by B. Harte. I've made it through "Esther", "History of Ali Baba and the 40 Robbers", "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving, and "The Gold Bug" by Edgar Allan Poe. The first three are all stories I'd known about, but probably never read for myself, before. I'm afraid I've grown up in a Disneyfied world and getting the real thing was enlightening. The E. A. Poe story seemed very different from his spookier stories that I read in my youth. Again, my Kindle's built in dictionary has been very handy, looking up archaic words used by these classic authors. The formatting on Kindle leaves something to be desired, as usual, for public domain free books. Little or no formatting. No breaks between stories or anything, and the Table of Contents isn't linked so you can't jump to a particular story from there. The rest of the stories are less well known to me and I look forward to meandering through them between other books I'm reading.
Just finished
Leaving Rock Harbor: A Novel-3 Stars- Reviewed on my blog:
www.braincandybookreviews.wordpress.com
Still reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Good Lord, the setup for the Vanger family murder mystery seems to go on forever! I hope the tedium breaks soon.
Tedium relieved. Do NOT mess with Lisbeth Salander!
Tanya wrote: "I'm now on to reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I profess a certain fondness for the Barnes & Noble trade editions of the Classics, even though they have the notes at the end of the book instead of on the same page (I just use a mini Post-It Note as a bookmark for that seciton and it's really no big deal to flip back if I need to.) "
Last night I finished Frankenstein(by Mary Shelley.) For those who have not read the novel and only been subjected to film versions, it's "nothing" like the movies. The doctor, not the monster, is named Frankenstein and, the monster fully develops as a sentient being, not as a green, square-headed zombie with bolts stuck in the side of his head! The story is heavily influenced by Milton's Paradise Lost and some radical social theory at the time (something along the lines that a man's nature is most profoundly influenced in reaction to his societal upbringing, a earlier version of "it takes a village...")
Many, many years ago, a friend in college, for whom this was his favorite book, lent me his copy. I read it and was moved to tears by the monster's plight and could not help but feel that my friend identified with the monster (By extension, I felt I understood my friend better.) I returned the book but always meant to return to it...
Flash forward many, many years later and I've settled down to re-read this Classic. I was absolutely bemused that I did not recognize the story at all! Not only was the story coming across as completely new-to-me, I had no sympathy for the monster whatsoever! I have to admit I didn't like the novel as much this time around, but that may be my inner existentialist reacting against the moral equivocation about responsibility for one' own actions.
I'm now onto reading Stealing the Dragon: A Cape Weathers Investigation (by Tim Maleeny.) The author is appearing at a bookstore in my area this coming week-end.
Last night I finished Frankenstein(by Mary Shelley.) For those who have not read the novel and only been subjected to film versions, it's "nothing" like the movies. The doctor, not the monster, is named Frankenstein and, the monster fully develops as a sentient being, not as a green, square-headed zombie with bolts stuck in the side of his head! The story is heavily influenced by Milton's Paradise Lost and some radical social theory at the time (something along the lines that a man's nature is most profoundly influenced in reaction to his societal upbringing, a earlier version of "it takes a village...")
Many, many years ago, a friend in college, for whom this was his favorite book, lent me his copy. I read it and was moved to tears by the monster's plight and could not help but feel that my friend identified with the monster (By extension, I felt I understood my friend better.) I returned the book but always meant to return to it...
Flash forward many, many years later and I've settled down to re-read this Classic. I was absolutely bemused that I did not recognize the story at all! Not only was the story coming across as completely new-to-me, I had no sympathy for the monster whatsoever! I have to admit I didn't like the novel as much this time around, but that may be my inner existentialist reacting against the moral equivocation about responsibility for one' own actions.
I'm now onto reading Stealing the Dragon: A Cape Weathers Investigation (by Tim Maleeny.) The author is appearing at a bookstore in my area this coming week-end.
Hello Everyone:I'm new to this group. It was recommended to me by Paul, one of my most recent friends on GoodReads.
I just finished THE SCHOOL FOR DANGEROUS GIRLS which I didn't care for but somehow felt compelled to finish.
I will be starting THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO next.
Welcome Mona! One caveat about "Dragon Tattoo" - give the book about 60-70 pages to get rolling. At that point, you'll be spellbound - especially by the female protagonist, Lisbeth. The sequel, IMHO, is even better. See the current Swedish movie version only after reading both "Dragon Tattoo" and "The Girl Who Played with Fire" as it incorporates elements from both books. Enjoy!
I'm almost done with A Bend in the River I've enjoyed it but it does seem to go on FOREVER. I've just begun reading The Forgotten Beasts of Eld I'm not sure yet if I'm gonna like this one or not.
Flora wrote: "I'm almost done with A Bend in the River I've enjoyed it but it does seem to go on FOREVER."
This is one of those strange books that I can’t say I love, but I know I will re-read, knowing I’ll get something more or different out of it each time I do so.
This is one of those strange books that I can’t say I love, but I know I will re-read, knowing I’ll get something more or different out of it each time I do so.
Hi Paul, my brother said the same thing about DRAGON TATTOO that it takes some time to get into it. I'll keep that in mind.
Mod
Paul, THANK YOU for the info. on the film -- I've spoken to many people who've seen it, but not *one* has mentioned that it includes elements from THE GIRL WHO PLAYS WITH FIRE. I've read both, but this will definitely help me in cautioning others (though everyone I know who loved the 1st book has also read the 2nd!).
Hi! I'm new to goodreads, found it through the botn podcast (which I love!). I'm currently a little more than halfway through Shanghai Girls, which I am adoring. I grabbed it @ a used book sale and was a bit hesitant to read it at first, but it grabbed me from tge beginning and hasn't let go.
Also, I agree w/ the general consensus on TGWTDT- slow beginning, excellent after that. Lisbeth is a great female character!
I'm on the countdown for the 3rd Lisbeth story - pre-ordered for my kindle.
Peg wrote: "I'm on the countdown for the 3rd Lisbeth story - pre-ordered for my kindle."
Me too! Except in my case, I've pre-ordered the audiobook for audible.com. I've had a UK print version in the house since December, but I've been holding out for Simon Vance's narration. My DH has already read it (and it loved it) and so the anticipation has been nearly unbearable!
Me too! Except in my case, I've pre-ordered the audiobook for audible.com. I've had a UK print version in the house since December, but I've been holding out for Simon Vance's narration. My DH has already read it (and it loved it) and so the anticipation has been nearly unbearable!
Mod
Peg, I'm curious: why do you pre-order for the Kindle, isn't the Kindle edition available immediately as soon as the book is published? Is it so you don't forget, or is there a price break?
I've always wondered but never knew anyone to ask, so ...
Thanks!
It is always available right then but I keep forgetting when the book date release and the pricing. The Kindle prices fluctuate. I pre-ordered Lisbeth's story when the kindle price fluctuated to $9.99 (it started out higher) The Elizabeth George got pre-ordered at the $9.99 price and it jumped higher on the release date (or at least just before).Ann, love to hear you and Michael discussing books on your podcast.
Another fan!!!
Tanya wrote: "Flora wrote: "I'm almost done with A Bend in the River I've enjoyed it but it does seem to go on FOREVER."This is one of those strange books that I can’t say I love, but I know I will..."
Well, I can say if I ever finish it I won't be re-reading it.
Anne wrote: I've spoken to many people who've seen it, but not *one* has mentioned that it includes elements from THE GIRL WHO PLAYS WITH FIRE.I went to see this over vacation. There are elements from FIRE in the movie but they are flashbacks to Lizbeth's childhood without a great deal of context to them. I don't think it will spoil the second book at all.
I heard an interview with Stephen King recently where someone asked why his latest book had a delayed Kindle release. He explained it was to give booksellers-particularly indie ones-a chance. The book was actually released in e-format on Xmas eve or close to it. I thought that was a great explanation. I haven't read King's books in a long time but I've always liked him. He's a true book fan.
When Under the Dome was released in hardcover, Walmart started a price war with Amazon charging $8.99 for new best sellers - that included his book as well as Barbara Kingsolver's Lacuna. Amazon lowered their price to $9.00 and I went with Amazon's price.King's latest is on kindle only and hardcover will be released later this month.
I started Under the Dome and stopped to save it for one of those lazy summer days (if they ever come back again). It is a dandy.
I'm about 160 pages in to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo --- it definitely picks up and is getting really good.! I heard the sequel is awesome.
I'm halfway through girl who plays with fire. It hasn't grabbed me as much as tattoo. I only seem to be enjoying the bits with lisbeth. I'm currently reading The girl with the glass feet by Ali Shaw which is a beautiful book inside and out.
Peg- I loved 95% of Under the Dome, it was probably the fastest 1000 page book I ever read, one of those books that I would wake.up in the middle of the night wanting to read more of.... but I was disappointed in the ending. The rest of the book more than made up for it for me, but I can't help but wish the ending had been better.
Thanks, BOTNS (can't remember if it was Michael or Ann, or maybe even a caller), for recommending Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. I've just begun reading it and it seems like it will be an intriguing read.
I finally finished A Bend in the River am now about half way thru The Forgotten Beasts of Eldits really good, but seems really sad
Mod
Yep, that was me! It is one of those books that sticks with you for a l-o-n-g time (like a good perfume, heh). Enjoy!
I couldn't figure out what to read next--too many choices out there so I'm reading Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant, Field of Blood and Shelf Discovery which is the most I've ever read at once. Even worse, Shelf Discovery is reminding me of all the YA novels I never read or did read but only vaguely recall (Like From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler) that I would like to re-read.
Vanessa wrote: "I couldn't figure out what to read next--too many choices out there so I'm reading Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant, Field of Blood ..."I just re-read From the Mixed-Up Files... it's a great way to spend a couple of hours- I even gave it to my mom to read afterwards!
Shelf Discovery is totally dangerous, although could be the basis for a good reading challenge!
Hello Paul:I saw the movie and enjoyed it--it was really different & memorable. And that's saying a lot because I watch a LOT of movies. I imagine the book would be even better.
For the first time (for me), a main character actually was portrayed better on the screen than I had imagined her (Lisbeth). I really liked this movie, too.
Paul, have you seen the movie FUNNY GAMES? I saw the foreign version first and then the English version. I thin I liked the foreign one better but maybe because it was a novelty. This movie was good but quite disturbing.I wonder if this was also a book first--I'll have to check.
Haven't seen it, but thanks for the recommendation. I'll put it on my list. I used to go to the flicks about once a week, but not so much any more. Not sure why. Still enjoy them at home, though.
Paul, I don't go to the movies AT ALL. We watch everything at home. We have a big-screen("70")hi-def TV.We don't go because we like to watch the movie at our own pace-stopping/RW/FF/pausing at whim. Sometimes the theater volume is too high. Sometimes the temperature in the theater is uncomfortable(hubby & I are temp incompatible). We often like to discuss the movie while watching--something other patrons don't take too kindly to. Sometimes we stop for dinner and sometimes we eat while watching. You know, concession stand prices are outrageous. Also, sub-titles really help sometimes. And we like to watch special features on the DVD.
Other major reasons are movie prices(unless you watch the matinee or go to the budget cinema) and the fact that we have a young daughter that we never leave with a sitter.
We get the grand majority of our movies from the library and I plan to re-start NETFLIX.
All good reasons - and perhaps subconsciously many of them are the reasons I no longer go very often.
Also, you can't beat the library's price:) Our library system here in Tampa has a very decent collection and you can keep them for 7 days! Even the new ones. And there's even a 7-day grace.But the downside is that it can take forever to get the movies you want because the loan period is so long.
I finished Tinkers and I am about half-way through The Help. Having recently lost my mother-in-law and having seen my own parents through their final illnesses, Tinkers was a very emotional book for me. The descriptions of the family sitting vigil, using the little pink sponges on sticks to give water to the dying father were excruiatingly authentic. I am enjoying The Help, although I can't say that I am impressed by the writing style. I also find the plot to be very predictable; nevertheless, the characters and setting are interesting.
I just finished reading Losing My Cool: Growing Up with--and out of--Hip-hop Culture. It's a very interesting memoir by Thomas Chatterton Williams. Williams, who is African-American, grew up in New Jersey with a father who owned 15,000+ books. Despite his father's - who grew up in the segregated South - intense devotion to reading and the pursuit of knowledge, Williams grows up in New Jersey identifying with hip-hop culture and its anti-intellectualism and materialism. The book recounts Williams struggles with self-identity after he enters Georgetown University and begins studying philosophy and begins changing and moving beyond the interests of his childhood and high school friends and acquaintances.
The fact that Williams' father owned 15,000+ books caught my eye since I currently own 4,000+ books. While I'm obviously not African-American, I found Williams' memoir fascinating and sad - at times - as he struggles to find peers who share his interest in knowledge, reading, and philosophy.
I just finished Shanghai Girls last night, which I enjoyed tremendously, definitely will be reading more Lisa See in the future. I'm now finishing up Carrie Fisher's memoir, Wishful Drinking, which has a lot of interesting behind-the scenes type stuff about being the child of famous parents (her mom is Debbie Reynolds, her dad was Eddie Fisher), not to mention Star Wars. Its not bad, but very short.Next is Lost City of Z! I can't wait!
I'm reading The World According to Bertie, the fourth book in Alexander McCall's 44 Scotland Street series. It's fun keeping up with the characters who appear in all the books and the inter-relationships amongst them.
Tanya wrote: "I'm now onto reading Stealing the Dragon: A Cape Weathers Investigation (by Tim Maleeny.) The author is appearing at a bookstore in my area this coming week-end. "
I finished reading Stealing the Dragon and started the second book in the series,Beating the Babushka: A Cape Weathers Investigation(by Tim Maleeny.) Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll have time to get to the third in the series, GREASING THE PINATA (narrated by Armando Duran) or the stand-alone novel JUMP (narrated by Tom Weiner) before the author's appearance tomorrow night; but I'll bring both the print books I read/am reading and the audiobooks for the author to sign.
I finished listening to Brooklyn (by Colm Toibin; narrated by Kirsten Potter.) I was a little disappointed that the narrator didn't have a nice light Irish lilt and, even more annoying, had a voice that reminded me of the voice-over for Muffy (children's show on Noggin) which is vaguely condescending (like the voice a Kindergarten teacher uses with adults when she forgets she's not talking to 4-year-olds!)But I did listen to the whole of the book. I can't say I loved the story. The protag came across as a girl whose actions were primarily informed by her own cowardice and weaknesses. Page after page of the tedium of her life and in the end, I never felt anything more than disappointment in her, much less any sense of triumph.
Today I've started The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (by Alexander McCall Smith; narrated by Lisette Lecat.)
I finished reading Stealing the Dragon and started the second book in the series,Beating the Babushka: A Cape Weathers Investigation(by Tim Maleeny.) Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll have time to get to the third in the series, GREASING THE PINATA (narrated by Armando Duran) or the stand-alone novel JUMP (narrated by Tom Weiner) before the author's appearance tomorrow night; but I'll bring both the print books I read/am reading and the audiobooks for the author to sign.
I finished listening to Brooklyn (by Colm Toibin; narrated by Kirsten Potter.) I was a little disappointed that the narrator didn't have a nice light Irish lilt and, even more annoying, had a voice that reminded me of the voice-over for Muffy (children's show on Noggin) which is vaguely condescending (like the voice a Kindergarten teacher uses with adults when she forgets she's not talking to 4-year-olds!)But I did listen to the whole of the book. I can't say I loved the story. The protag came across as a girl whose actions were primarily informed by her own cowardice and weaknesses. Page after page of the tedium of her life and in the end, I never felt anything more than disappointment in her, much less any sense of triumph.
Today I've started The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (by Alexander McCall Smith; narrated by Lisette Lecat.)
I just finished up 3 books:Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War was absolutely incredible. I don't think I would have picked up a book about the Vietnam War, but I had heard some great reviews so I gave it a try and I'm so glad I did. Definitely a 5 star read for me. I read it on my Kindle, but I'm putting it on my birthday list as I book I want to get and keep and read again.
Also finished The Last Time I Saw You: A Novel and Secrets of Eden: A Novel. I thought Secrets of Eden was beautifully written and I got caught up in the story - 4 stars from me.
I've now started Little Bee. Not very far into it, but so far it's very promising.
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...
Reviewed here:
www.braincandybookreviews.wordpress.com