Books on the Nightstand discussion
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What are you currently reading?
I'm conflicted about The Passage. Tanya, did you get to read it already and do you recommend it?Peg
Peg wrote: "I'm conflicted about The Passage. Tanya, did you get to read it already and do you recommend it?"
No, I haven't read The Passage and have no immediate plans to do so; but I know quite a few people who are eagerly anticipating the release of J. Cronin's mega-novel and are clearing the decks by reading last of the Millennium Trilogy now. I figure once The Passage is officially released everyone's attention will be focused on that, that TGWKTHN will be old news and; I can write comments without current hands-over-ears people saying "LALALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"
As to why I won't be picking up The Passage, it's a little difficult to explain but it's primarily an intuitive thing. I pick most books I read blind and am thrilled when they end up getting good reviews and press; but The Passage didn't really capture my attention when the buzz on it first rolled out and now I'm wary of all the buzz which has turned into hype. It may be years before I pick up The Passage and then probably only if one of the book clubs or discussion groups I belong to covers it.
No, I haven't read The Passage and have no immediate plans to do so; but I know quite a few people who are eagerly anticipating the release of J. Cronin's mega-novel and are clearing the decks by reading last of the Millennium Trilogy now. I figure once The Passage is officially released everyone's attention will be focused on that, that TGWKTHN will be old news and; I can write comments without current hands-over-ears people saying "LALALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"
As to why I won't be picking up The Passage, it's a little difficult to explain but it's primarily an intuitive thing. I pick most books I read blind and am thrilled when they end up getting good reviews and press; but The Passage didn't really capture my attention when the buzz on it first rolled out and now I'm wary of all the buzz which has turned into hype. It may be years before I pick up The Passage and then probably only if one of the book clubs or discussion groups I belong to covers it.
Just finished The Art of racing in rain...,very sweet book. Next is Jesusland by Julia Scheeres, a memoir of Christianity gone horribly astray.
On Saturday I finished The Gold Bug Variations
The idea behind this book, that a love story could be woven around dissertations on genetic mapping and music, turns out to be less appealing than you'd think. (That is, you might think it appealing if you had a more-than-average intellectual bent). But the result is neither fish nor fowl.
I can see why those who praise it like it. It's ambitious as hell, and sometimes the metaphors and wordplay are very apt and clever. But the book assumes that you either are a novice when it comes to the more technical material covered, and that you'll learn more about these things, or that you already have some expertise, and you're going to enjoy being lectured to. Neither is the case. The more you know, the more you're going to find the pages-long expositions tedious. And the less you know, the more you'll be lost in a less-than-clear literary muddle of fact, metaphor, and speculation. If you're in the latter camp, and you want to learn more about these subjects, I recommend the "...For Dummies" books.
However, I've heard Powers criticized for his characters being cyphers. I think that's a bit unfair. For me, the book flew along nicely when it dealt with the non-technical aspects of the lives of Jan, Todd, and Dr. Ressler, none of whom is in any way average, and none is indistinguishable from another, personality-wise.
I enjoyed the Q and A part of Jan's job. Trivia lovers will find a lot to enjoy in those segments. And it must be said that, when you finally get to them, there are a couple of very sexy set-pieces, although this book is by no means a bodice-ripper. This book was a literary sensation when it came out in 1992. I appreciate the ambition behind it, but its notoriety, I can't help but think, was only because there was little going on that year.
Yesterday I finished The Girl Who Played with Fire and started The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. The second book was definitely an improvement over the first. That's all I'll say. I liked both of them. With these suspense novels, usually the least said the better. Read and enjoy.
The idea behind this book, that a love story could be woven around dissertations on genetic mapping and music, turns out to be less appealing than you'd think. (That is, you might think it appealing if you had a more-than-average intellectual bent). But the result is neither fish nor fowl.
I can see why those who praise it like it. It's ambitious as hell, and sometimes the metaphors and wordplay are very apt and clever. But the book assumes that you either are a novice when it comes to the more technical material covered, and that you'll learn more about these things, or that you already have some expertise, and you're going to enjoy being lectured to. Neither is the case. The more you know, the more you're going to find the pages-long expositions tedious. And the less you know, the more you'll be lost in a less-than-clear literary muddle of fact, metaphor, and speculation. If you're in the latter camp, and you want to learn more about these subjects, I recommend the "...For Dummies" books.
However, I've heard Powers criticized for his characters being cyphers. I think that's a bit unfair. For me, the book flew along nicely when it dealt with the non-technical aspects of the lives of Jan, Todd, and Dr. Ressler, none of whom is in any way average, and none is indistinguishable from another, personality-wise.
I enjoyed the Q and A part of Jan's job. Trivia lovers will find a lot to enjoy in those segments. And it must be said that, when you finally get to them, there are a couple of very sexy set-pieces, although this book is by no means a bodice-ripper. This book was a literary sensation when it came out in 1992. I appreciate the ambition behind it, but its notoriety, I can't help but think, was only because there was little going on that year.
Yesterday I finished The Girl Who Played with Fire and started The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. The second book was definitely an improvement over the first. That's all I'll say. I liked both of them. With these suspense novels, usually the least said the better. Read and enjoy.
Mod
Callie wrote: "I finished Lost City of Z a couple nights ago,and I picked up the first Percy Jackson book. I'm almost halfway done, it's cute! Next is the third Diane Gabaldon book from the Outlander series, Voya..."I'm reading the Percy Jackson series too. I'm really liking the series.
Right now I'm reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time its definitely from an interesting point of view. I do like it so far.
Finished reading Cutting for Stone. The book more than lived up to the great reviews I've read. One of the best books I've read in a while. I hope to start Await Your Reply today.
Mod
I just finished The Help and am now reading Ghosts of Mississippi: The Murder of Medgar Evers, the Trials of Byron de la Beckworth, and the Haunting of the New South. I'm on a Jackson, MS kick since I went there for my birthday and went to Eudora Welty's house and Medgar Evers's house. Reading The Help I realized that she was smushing the town of Jackson when Aibiline walks from Farish St. to Guynes Street where Evers lived. That would have been quite a walk.
I'm currently listening to old, familiar favorites. I had a total knee replacement 2 weeks ago, and between the anesthesia and pain meds, my ability to concentrate is severely lacking. So, I've been listening to the Miles Vorkosigan books by Lois McMaster Bujold. I love the narrator Grover Gardner, and the books have great characters, lots of humor and plots convoluted enough to keep me interested. I have The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo waiting on my kindle, The Lost Symbol downloaded to be listened to, and a stack of other TBR books. I'm thinking of setting up a schedule to finish as many as I can over the summer. But first I have to be able to focus and remember :-)
Mod
After almost three weeks of not reading anything in print at all (besides a disturbing item in Wired Magazine about the contents of Worchestershire Sauce,) I chanced upon Death of a Cozy Writer (first in a proposed series, The St. Just Mysteries, by G.M. Malliet.) The premise is interesting: a cozy writer becomes central to a real-life mystery involving murder and family intrigue. It has all the classic earmarks of a cozy: the locked room premise, the parlor scene, etc,; but somehow I could never figure out if the writer was paying homage to the cozy genre or making fun of it. I think I wanted it to me more tongue in cheek and so I was a bit disappointed with it.
Now I've started The Bells: A Novel (by Richard Harvell.) It's a story about the the aurally-gifted, bastard son of a deaf-mute woman. As I've only just begun, I can't tell you much more than that, but the beginning scenes are pretty funny, involving the loudest bells *ever*!
Now I've started The Bells: A Novel (by Richard Harvell.) It's a story about the the aurally-gifted, bastard son of a deaf-mute woman. As I've only just begun, I can't tell you much more than that, but the beginning scenes are pretty funny, involving the loudest bells *ever*!
Currently reading Middlesexand liking it ok so far. I finished The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and really enjoyed it.
Flora wrote: "Currently reading Middlesexand liking it ok so far. I finished The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and really enjoyed it."Flora, I lurrrved The Curious Incident.... it was one of the best books I've read in a long time, and I know it will stay with me for a long time.
Callie wrote: "Flora wrote: "Currently reading Middlesexand liking it ok so far. I finished The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and really enjoyed it."Flora, I lurrrved The..."
I agree, I really liked Curious Incident. I don't think I ever read a book quite like it. Its one that I'm likely to re-read as well.
Mod
; > )
Also listening to the only Carl Hiaasen book that I have missed so far
Nature Girl. This one has a female narrator - took a bit to get used to, but I have.
I am currently reading A Place of Greater Safety: A Novel. After reading A Place of Greater Safety: A Novel I wanted to read all of Mantel's novels! I have also just started Austerity Britain, 1945-1951 and it is an interesting read.
I just started The Privileges: A Novel by Jonathan Dee. I tend to read books in 50 page incriminates, but judging from the amount of pages, I will probably get it done fairly quickly.
Am tasking a break from SERIOUS BOOKS and am readinhg Hell Gate by Linda Fairstein, the latest in her series about a Manhatttan sex crimes prosecutor. I've read them all and they take place in various places in the city.
Tanya wrote: "I've just uploaded FULL MOON (second in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher; narrated by James Marsters.)
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Um, that would be Fool Moon (not "Full Moon!) Anyway, I just finished listening to the audiobook and even though the production quality drives me crazy (booth & mouth noises and; either a typo or a misread when "Denton" is referred to as "Marconi" in one sentence) and James Marsters sounds tired and practically growls through this story, the whole of the audio somehow transcends not only these issues but the writing as well. It's hard to explain, but the best analogy I can come up with is watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If you were completely honest,you would have to admit that the production quality of that show was not great (you could always detect the stunt people and some seasons' were better than others) but there was an overall "flavor," if you will, that was addictive to many viewers. The Dresden Files audio is like that. Anyway, this story pits Harry Dresden against werewolves and the FBI and is set in the Chicago area. The character of Harry Dresden indulges a bit in the dark side and the story as a result is a little heavier that you would expect if you've only read (or listened to) Storm Front (first-in-series.)
A is for Alibi(by Sue Grafton; narrated by Mary Peiffer) is next on my iPod queue.
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Um, that would be Fool Moon (not "Full Moon!) Anyway, I just finished listening to the audiobook and even though the production quality drives me crazy (booth & mouth noises and; either a typo or a misread when "Denton" is referred to as "Marconi" in one sentence) and James Marsters sounds tired and practically growls through this story, the whole of the audio somehow transcends not only these issues but the writing as well. It's hard to explain, but the best analogy I can come up with is watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If you were completely honest,you would have to admit that the production quality of that show was not great (you could always detect the stunt people and some seasons' were better than others) but there was an overall "flavor," if you will, that was addictive to many viewers. The Dresden Files audio is like that. Anyway, this story pits Harry Dresden against werewolves and the FBI and is set in the Chicago area. The character of Harry Dresden indulges a bit in the dark side and the story as a result is a little heavier that you would expect if you've only read (or listened to) Storm Front (first-in-series.)
A is for Alibi(by Sue Grafton; narrated by Mary Peiffer) is next on my iPod queue.
Tanya, are you going to do Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries in order? I have just read one of hers so far, T IS FOR TRESPASS and enjoyed it. I also have S IS FOR SILENCE in my pile. I'm not sure yet if I'll read all of them because all the story lines don't interest me but we'll see.
Mona wrote: "Tanya, are you going to do Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries in order?"
I'm not sure. This is a new-to-me author and series. If I like it well enough, I'll continue in order; but I often lose interest in a series after the third or fourth title.
I'm not sure. This is a new-to-me author and series. If I like it well enough, I'll continue in order; but I often lose interest in a series after the third or fourth title.
Tanya, I know what you mean. Grafton was new to me when I read T IS FOR TRESPASS. I rarely read the same author in a row unless there is a continuous series with an on-going story.I need a break in genre and writing style.
Finished The Passage. WOW I loved it. currently reading The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall. This book is great. It is something that I was not sure I would like but it is so funny and just a great read.
I just finished Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
and have just started The Girl Who Chased the Moon
.
I just started The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society too. So far it is interesting, but I'm not swept away like so many are. Maybe I'll get into it more as I keep reading.
Just finished The Ghosts of Belfast (interesting and sad) and started The Potato Factory this morning. Looking forward to this one because I've loved the other books I've read by Courtenay. Still working on The Covenant by James Michener . . .
I am currently reading The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo. I'm sorry Ann, but I had to bring Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall back to the library before I was able to finish it. I do have plans on finishing it this summer. I was able to get a copy of 253: A Novel and have enjoyed reading this one. It's a great book to pick up, read some pages, put down, and read some more without worrying much about a plot.I did finish The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo but I found the first 1/2 of the book hard to get into. However, I was very interested in Lisbeth Salander, who is one of the most facinating characters I've ever read about in a book. I do have the second book (both borrowed from my sis), but I don't know when I'll get to it.
I also finished a great children's book, Cosmic, which has a wonderful character, Liam Digby, who is 12 but looks like an adult because he's tall for his age. He is also gifted and talented. When he finds out there is a contest to go on the most incredible thrill ride, he enters, but by using his dad's identity and his friend Florida as his "daughter." If they make a movie out of this book, they better get it right. It's one of the best I've read this year.
Last week, Gary Vaynerchuk spoke at APAC/BEA and my boss attended the packed/SRO event. I'm not exactly sure what Gary said in his speech, but my boss came back charged with enthusiasm for social media. My boss approached me yesterday with a vague proposal about me handling social media for the company and encouraged me to read Gary Vaynerchuk's book, CRUSH IT! I actually dnloaded the book from audible last night (it's not an audio that our company carries) and listened to it last night and this morning (it's only 3 hours and 40 minutes long.) I have to tell you that I'm pretty sure my boss would not have recommended this book if he had actually read it himself! It's inspiring me to quit my job, work on branding myself, monetizing my passion and going on to live a happier and richer life by abandoning traditional (and soon to be obsolete) business models. The production quality of the audio (which includes material not found in the print edition and is narrated by Gary Vaynerchuk himself) is not great; but the message or content is definitely food for thought and fodder for action.
I'm pretty sure my boss would not have recommended this book if he had actually read it himself! It's inspiring me to quit my job, work on branding myself, monetizing my passion and going on to live a happier and richer life Ha! I was sent to a convention by my company and there was a speaker who talked about following your dreams. I thought if everyone did this, who would be left in their corporate jobs?
Just finished Middlesex and wasn't all that thrilled with it. Am currently finishing up The Canterbury Tales and not sure where I'm gonna go from there
Just finished 2: Voyager, the third book in the Diana Gabaldon Outlander series, which was my favorite to date. I can't wait to read the next one soon!The second was the audiobook of South of Broad, which was pretty good for Pat Conroy. Not my favorite of his, by far (that would be Beach Music), but a pretty excellent story. The characters were a little over the top (especially the character of Charlston, SC, which is described in more detail here than in most travel books), but that could be due to the narrator.
I just started The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: A Novel, which I landed an ARC of (thanks, goodreads!), and it's excellent so far. I'm sad that it's on the short side, because I'll fly through it in fairly short order, but hopefully the ride is a good one.
I also started the audiobook of The Alchemist, which is fabulous so far, at least in part due to the mesmerizing voice of Jeremy Irons. I'll be done this one very soon (it's only 4 hours long), and I need audiobook rec's after that!! Help me, BotN, you're my only hope!
Just finished The Devil's Star today--it had a great twist of an ending. I highly recommend it if you like Scandinavian mysteries. And I am reading The Case of the Gypsy Goodbye, the last of the Enola Holmes series by Nancy Springer. The Ice Princess: A Novelis next to read. I also have two books to finish: Outlanderand Snowfall At Willow Lake. The former is not done because, even though it's a great story, my stamina was lagging at the time. The latter is not done because I really did not like the main character well, but I'm determined to finish it.
I'm having one of those "spells" of - if the book doesn't grab me in the first few chapters, I put it aside. Maybe I just needed a book like Thornyhold by Mary Stewart. Easy reading and charming seem to be what I need.
Just finished reading Await Your Reply and realized that the last three books I've read have protagonists who connect with each other in strange ways. In Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Grenouille has an astounding olfactory sense as does Marion Praise Stone, the central character in Cutting for Stone. And Marion has a twin brother as does Miles in Await Your Reply.Now, on to Geek Love.
Linda wrote: "Paul, From one treat to another. Two of the best books I've read this year."Linda, couldn't agree more. These two books were among the best I've read in a long time.
I finished listening to A is for Alibi (by Sue Grafton; narrated by Mary Pieffer.) This is the first of Sue Grafton's Alphabet series featuring Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator based in Santa Teresa, CA. In this book, Kinsey Millhone is hired by a woman (who has been convicted for the homicide of her husband) to find out who really killed her husband. It was okay, except for three problems: Sue Grafton, Mary Pieffer and, Kinsey Millhone. I could go on for days about what I didn't like about this book; but suffice it to say that I will not be continuing with this series.
Now I'm uploading The Learners (by Chip Kidd; narrated by Bronson Pinchot.)
Now I'm uploading The Learners (by Chip Kidd; narrated by Bronson Pinchot.)
Mod
Am starting The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey for next week's book discussion.
Linda, congrats on your new unemployment status. May it bring loads of extra reading time.My husband loved The River of Doubt. He just started reading The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. Will let you know.
I'm reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. Interesting to note that the first half is setting up all the government workings and misworkings to make this story come together is sort of on the tedious side but very believable. Now Lisbeth is more in the story - Hurrah - but now it is a little more unbelievable and yet........
Almost done with Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Very very interesting.
Tanya, Mary Pfeifer is one of the audio book narrators who irritates me so much I can't listen to anything she reads.I'm currently listening to The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith. It's the last of the 44 Scotland Street Series so far. The narrator, Robert Ian Mackenzie, is really great -- reads with a Scotland accent, but has a good Australian accent when two of the characters go to Australia.
I have tried a couple of Alexander McCall Smith's books, but can't seem to get into them. Perhaps I'll try the audio version. Which is the first of 44 Scotland Street Series? If we are voting for favorite audio book narrators, I'll cast my vote for James Marsters who reads the Dresden series by Jim Butcher.
Mod
You can look up many, many authors to see the order of books - even divided by series. For Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series the first book (surprisingly) is
44 Scotland StreetI've used it for a myriad of mystery books to see what to read next in a series.
Linda wrote: "Melissa (and all), a few years ago I discovered this fantastic website:http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/
You can look up many, many authors to see the order of books - even divided by series. ... I've used it for a myriad of mystery books to see what to read next in a series. ."
Another great resource for mystery fans is www.stopyourekillingme.com. They have searches by author, character, and even indexes by job, location, historical period, diversity and genre...
You can look up many, many authors to see the order of books - even divided by series. ... I've used it for a myriad of mystery books to see what to read next in a series. ."
Another great resource for mystery fans is www.stopyourekillingme.com. They have searches by author, character, and even indexes by job, location, historical period, diversity and genre...
Fantasticfiction.com is another good site.
Peg wrote: "Fantasticfiction.com is another good site."
If you type in fantasticfiction.com, it automatically redirects you to fantasticfiction.co.uk
If you type in fantasticfiction.com, it automatically redirects you to fantasticfiction.co.uk
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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)
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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)
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I've just uploaded FULL MOON (second in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher; narrated by James Marsters.)