Books on the Nightstand discussion
What are you reading: March 2011
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message 151:
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Flora
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Mar 24, 2011 12:07PM
I'm well into The Meaning of Night: A Confession which has been ok. I've also just started Tipping the Velvet which I really like. I'm also just begun Faerie Wars
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I finished "The Enemy" by Lee Child.
While this is not my favorite Reacher novel, I can still say that Child is improving as a writer with every outing (this being the eighth). In this installment, we turn back the clock to 1989, when the Berlin Wall had just fallen and Reacher was a military policemen. We see more of his brother Joe and we meet his Parisian mother. There's probably more biographical information on our hero here than in any of the other novels. His year of birth is established as 1960, which makes him no spring chicken in 2011.
If Reacher were Batman, this novel would be an issue of Detective Comics, showcasing him as a sleuth more than as a man of action. The fatal heart attack of a general leads to three murders, and Reacher must solve them all.
I used to get peeved when Child (an Englishman) would throw the occasional Brit-ism into Reacher's American milieu. They appear here, too, but now I see them as sort of a game rather than an annoyance. For example, what American uses the slang term "shirtlifter" for a homosexual? No one, that's who.
I'd welcome further forays into Reacher's past. F. Paul Wilson has been doing it too with his action hero Repairman Jack. I'd like to see how Reacher regained the rank of major that he lost in this novel. Keep 'em coming, Mr. Child!
While this is not my favorite Reacher novel, I can still say that Child is improving as a writer with every outing (this being the eighth). In this installment, we turn back the clock to 1989, when the Berlin Wall had just fallen and Reacher was a military policemen. We see more of his brother Joe and we meet his Parisian mother. There's probably more biographical information on our hero here than in any of the other novels. His year of birth is established as 1960, which makes him no spring chicken in 2011.
If Reacher were Batman, this novel would be an issue of Detective Comics, showcasing him as a sleuth more than as a man of action. The fatal heart attack of a general leads to three murders, and Reacher must solve them all.
I used to get peeved when Child (an Englishman) would throw the occasional Brit-ism into Reacher's American milieu. They appear here, too, but now I see them as sort of a game rather than an annoyance. For example, what American uses the slang term "shirtlifter" for a homosexual? No one, that's who.
I'd welcome further forays into Reacher's past. F. Paul Wilson has been doing it too with his action hero Repairman Jack. I'd like to see how Reacher regained the rank of major that he lost in this novel. Keep 'em coming, Mr. Child!
Mod
I have not read The Enemy -- I think I started with the book after it. Sounds like I might want to go back to this before reading the new one this fall.
Mod
I don't know if you have read
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but I have and am now almost done listening to it. It is an excellent audio book. I would recommend it highly. The narrator does an excellent job if characterizing the different people appearing in the book, making it easy to recall who is talking at any time.
Mod
"I'd welcome further forays into Reacher's past. F. Paul Wilson has been doing it too with his action hero Repairman Jack. I'd like to see how Reacher regained the rank of major that he lost in this novel. "
I really like this thought process. Not only are you enjoying the books but questioning too, wanting to know more about what the character tick, who he is. This is the appeal of series ficiton.
I just finished "The Year of the Flood" by Margaret Atwood
It has been said that there were three science fiction writers who could have created a religion: Heinlein, Herbert, and Hubbard. Of course, Hubbard actually did create a real-world religion, whatever we may think of Scientology. Add to this list Margaret Atwood, who in this book has brought the wise, resourceful, pragmatic, and humane religion God's Gardeners into the world of imagination. One might wish that someone take its precepts into the real world and give it a go.
This is a parallel novel to her previous "Oryx and Crake". If you read O&C and needed to get some closure, given the ambiguous ending, have no fear. You'll find out what happened to Snowman. Unlike O&C, the ending of this book lets us see some light an the end of the dark tunnel Atwood left us in. We can see the beginnings of a more hopeful future following the horrific events previously related.
I can't wait to read the third book in the "MaddAddam" trilogy.
It has been said that there were three science fiction writers who could have created a religion: Heinlein, Herbert, and Hubbard. Of course, Hubbard actually did create a real-world religion, whatever we may think of Scientology. Add to this list Margaret Atwood, who in this book has brought the wise, resourceful, pragmatic, and humane religion God's Gardeners into the world of imagination. One might wish that someone take its precepts into the real world and give it a go.
This is a parallel novel to her previous "Oryx and Crake". If you read O&C and needed to get some closure, given the ambiguous ending, have no fear. You'll find out what happened to Snowman. Unlike O&C, the ending of this book lets us see some light an the end of the dark tunnel Atwood left us in. We can see the beginnings of a more hopeful future following the horrific events previously related.
I can't wait to read the third book in the "MaddAddam" trilogy.
Hmmm, I haven't posted in while; but it looks like I left off somewhere between Columbine and True Grit...
I'm currently listening to Unfamiliar Fishes (written and primarily narrated by Sarah Vowell - there's a bunch of minor celebrity readers who make cameo "appearances;" but it's all pretty much Sarah Vowell) It's the fun non-fiction account of the U.S.' acquisition of a number of territories in the nineteenth century, the focus being Hawaii. Sarah Vowell is smart and funny and though I've eagerly and cheerfully checked out the YouTube book trailers of Unfamiliar Fishes and, her appearances on the late night talk show circuit, I have to admit the novelty of having her narrate wears really thin after only a short while. She has a shuttered and somewhat neurotic speech style that somewhat dampens the listening experience.
Before that I listened to the short story written and narrated by Neil Gaiman, "A Study in Emerald." It is a free dnload at audible.com and I couldn't resist. This is a short mystery story set in London, 1881, told from the point of view of Retired Major S___ M____ - the friend, roommate and recruited sidekick of the unnamed Consulting Detective featured in this little thriller. The premise of the story is that a stabbed corpse has been discovered in Shoreditch and, the homicide is a matter of national security as the deceased was apparently a family member and friend of Queen Victoria. [How this is a matter of national security and not just embarrassment is beyond me, but the listener is expected to just roll with it...] The whole of the mystery is really a pretense by which Neil Gaiman gets to show off his character creations, Gothic atmospherics and, his own unique strangeness. The fact that the listener of this otherwise-whodunnit is never given the advantage of full disclosure of the evidence is nearly obscured by the smoke-and-mirrors of interstitial "ads," intimations that the Royal family might be something-other-than-human and, the dynamics between the competing intellects of the characters. In and of itself, "A Study in Emerald" isn't much in terms of a mystery; but it could more than ably serve as the opening chapter to a full-fledged novel. The tease of an arch-nemesis in the making is very titillating. Neil Gaiman narrates this short and his voice is appropriately clear, resonate, deep and drippy [reminds me of Alan Rickman, the actor.] I'm not so sure that "A Study in Emerald" is a piece that would whet your appetite for more Neil Gaiman; but it is an entertaining diversion for about 45 minutes. And heck, it's free!
Before "A Study in Emerald" I listened to West of Rehoboth (by Alexs D. Pate; narrated by Dion Graham) - My Goodreads Review is posted at the link; but the short version is that it's a novel about a fourteen-year old African American boy who learns a lesson in Black History and Black identity from his Uncle Rufus during the summer of 1962 while at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. It's a really interesting and beautifully written story and, well rendered by the voice of Dion Graham. While listening to the audio, I was remembering my own summer trips to Rehoboth Beach and Dolly's on the boardwalk :-)
I'm currently reading an ARC of The Bee-Loud Glade (by Steve Himmer, one of the authors who will be at the BOTNS Readers' Retreat in April.) This story is about a man, who having been fired from his rather enervating job of brand promotion of artificial plants - creating numerous blog avatars that have more of a life than he does apparently - becomes available to live as a hermit on the property of an eccentric rich man... Other BOTNS Retreat authors I have read so far include Matthew Dicks (Unexpectedly, Milo) and Wendy Clinch (Double Black.) UNEXPECTEDLY, MILO is about a man who suffers from a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that includes the need to open the vacuum sealed jars of Smuckers. One day he finds a video camera in the park with a batch of tapes. He decides to watch the tapes and discover who the camera and tapes belong to... DOUBLE BLACK is a "Ski Diva Mystery" set on a resort on Vermont. Stacey, the 25-year old ski bum who has left her cheating fiance, has discovered a dead body in a condo. The mystery is a light and fun cozy with a small town cast of characters and, of course, skiing.
I've also managed to squeeze in Candide (by Voltaire; translated by Henry Morely) which was enormously entertaining. Candide, a young and naive man who believes that the world in which he lives in is "the best of all possible worlds" if only because his esteemed philosopher-tutor has told him so, is subjected to an extraordinary run of hardships. It's ludicrous and absurd and awful all at the same time and; it definitely will have you thinking. Though written in 1759, it's still relevant and very quotable. The illustrations by Alan Odle are a little disturbing, somehow lurid and obscene in their unflattering portrayals of the human form; but I'm guessing that's the point :-)
I also read Picking Bones from Ash (by Marie Mutsuki Mockett) for an online book discussion. It's the story of three generations of Japanese women; but it's not your mother's Amy Tan! Less about the richness or depth of inter-generational relationships, this story stresses the flaws and secrets of all its characters and how those flaws and secrets have damaged each character. Two-thirds of the book are founded in realism and interesting descriptions of Japanese culture; but the last third of the novel veers into left field with a ghost, antiques that speak (albeit only to one of the characters of the story,) and the development of one of the characters into a strange parody of a Manga/Anime princess. Strangeness aside, I wasn't crazy about the book as I ended up hating everyone in it :-/
And lastly, I finally wrapped up Mr. Midshipman Hornblower (by C.S. Forester) for another goodreads group discussion (History Book Club.) Though the sixth book written in the Hornblower series, it's chronologically first in the Hornblower timeline. We meet Hornblower as a midshipman in the Royal Navy during the Napoleanic Wars. Young, inexperienced and seasick, Hornblower arrives at his first assignment and we're not quite sure that he's made of the right stuff; but of course he is because there's ten more novels that follow! I can't wait to pick up LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER!
I'm currently listening to Unfamiliar Fishes (written and primarily narrated by Sarah Vowell - there's a bunch of minor celebrity readers who make cameo "appearances;" but it's all pretty much Sarah Vowell) It's the fun non-fiction account of the U.S.' acquisition of a number of territories in the nineteenth century, the focus being Hawaii. Sarah Vowell is smart and funny and though I've eagerly and cheerfully checked out the YouTube book trailers of Unfamiliar Fishes and, her appearances on the late night talk show circuit, I have to admit the novelty of having her narrate wears really thin after only a short while. She has a shuttered and somewhat neurotic speech style that somewhat dampens the listening experience.
Before that I listened to the short story written and narrated by Neil Gaiman, "A Study in Emerald." It is a free dnload at audible.com and I couldn't resist. This is a short mystery story set in London, 1881, told from the point of view of Retired Major S___ M____ - the friend, roommate and recruited sidekick of the unnamed Consulting Detective featured in this little thriller. The premise of the story is that a stabbed corpse has been discovered in Shoreditch and, the homicide is a matter of national security as the deceased was apparently a family member and friend of Queen Victoria. [How this is a matter of national security and not just embarrassment is beyond me, but the listener is expected to just roll with it...] The whole of the mystery is really a pretense by which Neil Gaiman gets to show off his character creations, Gothic atmospherics and, his own unique strangeness. The fact that the listener of this otherwise-whodunnit is never given the advantage of full disclosure of the evidence is nearly obscured by the smoke-and-mirrors of interstitial "ads," intimations that the Royal family might be something-other-than-human and, the dynamics between the competing intellects of the characters. In and of itself, "A Study in Emerald" isn't much in terms of a mystery; but it could more than ably serve as the opening chapter to a full-fledged novel. The tease of an arch-nemesis in the making is very titillating. Neil Gaiman narrates this short and his voice is appropriately clear, resonate, deep and drippy [reminds me of Alan Rickman, the actor.] I'm not so sure that "A Study in Emerald" is a piece that would whet your appetite for more Neil Gaiman; but it is an entertaining diversion for about 45 minutes. And heck, it's free!
Before "A Study in Emerald" I listened to West of Rehoboth (by Alexs D. Pate; narrated by Dion Graham) - My Goodreads Review is posted at the link; but the short version is that it's a novel about a fourteen-year old African American boy who learns a lesson in Black History and Black identity from his Uncle Rufus during the summer of 1962 while at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. It's a really interesting and beautifully written story and, well rendered by the voice of Dion Graham. While listening to the audio, I was remembering my own summer trips to Rehoboth Beach and Dolly's on the boardwalk :-)
I'm currently reading an ARC of The Bee-Loud Glade (by Steve Himmer, one of the authors who will be at the BOTNS Readers' Retreat in April.) This story is about a man, who having been fired from his rather enervating job of brand promotion of artificial plants - creating numerous blog avatars that have more of a life than he does apparently - becomes available to live as a hermit on the property of an eccentric rich man... Other BOTNS Retreat authors I have read so far include Matthew Dicks (Unexpectedly, Milo) and Wendy Clinch (Double Black.) UNEXPECTEDLY, MILO is about a man who suffers from a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that includes the need to open the vacuum sealed jars of Smuckers. One day he finds a video camera in the park with a batch of tapes. He decides to watch the tapes and discover who the camera and tapes belong to... DOUBLE BLACK is a "Ski Diva Mystery" set on a resort on Vermont. Stacey, the 25-year old ski bum who has left her cheating fiance, has discovered a dead body in a condo. The mystery is a light and fun cozy with a small town cast of characters and, of course, skiing.
I've also managed to squeeze in Candide (by Voltaire; translated by Henry Morely) which was enormously entertaining. Candide, a young and naive man who believes that the world in which he lives in is "the best of all possible worlds" if only because his esteemed philosopher-tutor has told him so, is subjected to an extraordinary run of hardships. It's ludicrous and absurd and awful all at the same time and; it definitely will have you thinking. Though written in 1759, it's still relevant and very quotable. The illustrations by Alan Odle are a little disturbing, somehow lurid and obscene in their unflattering portrayals of the human form; but I'm guessing that's the point :-)
I also read Picking Bones from Ash (by Marie Mutsuki Mockett) for an online book discussion. It's the story of three generations of Japanese women; but it's not your mother's Amy Tan! Less about the richness or depth of inter-generational relationships, this story stresses the flaws and secrets of all its characters and how those flaws and secrets have damaged each character. Two-thirds of the book are founded in realism and interesting descriptions of Japanese culture; but the last third of the novel veers into left field with a ghost, antiques that speak (albeit only to one of the characters of the story,) and the development of one of the characters into a strange parody of a Manga/Anime princess. Strangeness aside, I wasn't crazy about the book as I ended up hating everyone in it :-/
And lastly, I finally wrapped up Mr. Midshipman Hornblower (by C.S. Forester) for another goodreads group discussion (History Book Club.) Though the sixth book written in the Hornblower series, it's chronologically first in the Hornblower timeline. We meet Hornblower as a midshipman in the Royal Navy during the Napoleanic Wars. Young, inexperienced and seasick, Hornblower arrives at his first assignment and we're not quite sure that he's made of the right stuff; but of course he is because there's ten more novels that follow! I can't wait to pick up LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER!
Mod
Ann wrote: "Tanya, you just exhausted me. I can barely remember the book that I'm currently reading, let alone the 5 that went before. :)"
Sorry about that! I need to do a better job of posting after I've just finished a book rather than letting them all back-up like that!
Sorry about that! I need to do a better job of posting after I've just finished a book rather than letting them all back-up like that!
Earlier this month finished The Invisible Bridge - this was good/a little long, but I learned incredible amounts of history that I was not aware of. Some parts are a little flowery and too romance novel-like, but the overall story is both a tribute to human life and heartbreaking at the same time. Followed by Minding Frankie- it was disappointing, all Binchy's books are starting to sound the same...I had wanted something light but this was just plain boring. Currently 1/2 way through The Forgotten Garden. Listening to A Reliable Wife which seems very strange to me, both in style and content, but somehow has kept me captivated all along. Next will be Tinkers, then Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution. Most of my reading is done for work (librarian) or differing bookgroups - keeps you busy! Oops - forgot about Kitchen, a little creepy in a way -but I loved the short succinct writing style. Modern day Japan- I think I may read some more of 'Banana's' work... All this was preceded in early March by To Kill a Mockingbird(again!) so a hard act to follow....
Tammy wrote: "Hi All, I just finished Eventide and The Winner and have just started The History of Love. I'm trying to decide my next audio book and it's between [book:The..."Just read The Wave and it was really good!
Mod
The Frontiersmen. It is a fascinating account of the investigation of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana by early settlers. Unsanitized.Jumping to a completely different genre, working on
A Red Herring Without Mustard. I do love Flavia.
I finishedThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks for one of my book groups and I really loved it! Now I am readingThe Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party for something a little lighter and The Improper Life of Bezellia Grove for the BOTNS Retreat. Am enjoying both of these as well!
Right now I'm reading Jane Eyre for the Jane Eyre challenge. I just got a notice from the library that The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom is ready for pick-up so I'll be starting this tonight because of course it's got a long waiting list. I just had to return Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton to the library because it was due today and had a long waiting list. I read a chunk of it and it was sooo good that I had a hard time returning it. I have to put myself back on the waiting list because I really want to finish it.
My best friend just sent me two copies of her all time favorite books:
Memoirs of a Geisha 
Snow Flower and the Secret FanI had started to read MoaG a couple of years ago when the movie came out, and was actually fairly bored with it. It was too much describing getting her hair fixed and such and not enough actual plot and character interaction. Granted, can't tell this to Summer, since she LOVES this book. I may give it another shot.
I am reading Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, though. And am actually enjoying it a good bit. It's not great, but it's good. The characters remind me so much of Summer and myself and our friendship, that that is what really what makes this so much fun to read.
Finished A Breath of Snow and Ashes last night, and I loved it. This series just gets better and better for me. Went to the library and picked up The Peach Keeper, which I'm a few pages into. So far, so good! I also grabbed To Kill a Mockingbird on audio. I read this in 6th or 7th grade, and didn't love it, but I'm excited to give it another go, especially with the amazing Sissy Spacek narrating!
I've just finished four books for the retreat:Unexpectedly, Milo
Kings of the Earth
House Arrest: A Novel
The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady
Now it's time for an author I've wanted to read for a while, Stewart O'Nan. So I've begun A Prayer for the Dying.
I just finished Matthew Dicks' 'Something Missing' - hilarious! Good, fun, fast read . . someone in this group must've recommended it . . otherwise I would have never picked it up at the library. Thanks!
Misty wrote: "My best friend just sent me two copies of her all time favorite books:Memoirs of a Geisha [boo..."Memoirs of a Geisha is so much more than getting her hair fixed, you must give it another chance
I have a question for BOTNS folks. My Bookclub generally focuses on fiction but this month I'm really anxious to introduce great nonfiction. So, I need help deciding between "Unbroken" and "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lachs."Thoughts?..thanks, Nancy
Mod
My bookclub has selected "Henrietta Lacks" for the July selection. I've read and enjoyed both titles that you mentioned. If your group likes lively discussions, there are probably more conversation starters in "Henrietta." Our discussion in July will be co-led by a clinical research nurse and a retired lawyer because of the interesting (and controversial) medical and legal issues the book raises.
I've read both "Unbroken" and "Henrietta Lacks" and thought they were both terrific reads! I would also add that "Henrietta Lacks" may be the better choice for a book club. I'm sure we'd all love to take part in Readnponder's book group given the insight a clinical research nurse and lawyer will bring to the discussion. I listened to "Unbroken" during a road trip with my father. He enjoyed it so much that he cut down on the number and length of our rest stops! Laura Hillenbrand is a terrific writer; Zamperini's life provides great material for a good story, but Hillenbrand's insight and way with words raises it to another level. Loved it so much I had to borrow a copy of her book from the library just so I could savor her writing!
I loved TkaM on re-reading it! Had some iffy memories of reading it when I was younger, but now the use of language was so succinct and precise - and reading it for pleasure rather than school work made it a totally different experience!
Dear BOTNS friends,Thanks so much for all your help.. Maybe I can talk them in to both books!!! I really appreciate your input.
Mod
That's terrific! When my bookclub read Henrietta Lacks, the discussion was all the better because we had a physician as part of our group. She brought a lot to the talk, even some photos of HeLa cells from her lab!
nancy wrote: "I have a question for BOTNS folks. My Bookclub generally focuses on fiction but this month I'm really anxious to introduce great nonfiction. So, I need help deciding between "Unbroken" and "The Im..."Unbroken was awesome!!!!!
I'm reading "The True Memoirs of Little K"and it's very good...also almost done with "Secrets of Eden" and "The Confession". I know it's almost retreat time so I'm about to start "Something's Missing" and "House Arrest: A Novel"... Don't call me .. I'm too busy too talk!!!
While on spring break with my kids I managed to finish stormfrontbased off a recommendation from Bookrageous. I'm not sure what to call this book. It is a mystery, it's got fantasy elements. It was really fun and I really enjoyed the concept of a wizard working in the modern day and what that would be like. I'm definitely going to check out more of the Dresden files. I also managed to finish Satoriwhich I picked up every spare moment that I had. It is a book filled with beautiful and smart people in exotic places. It is a spy thriller mostly set in China in the 1950's. This is action packed but also thoughtful about it's characters.
Jay wrote: "While on spring break with my kids I managed to finish stormfrontbased off a recommendation from Bookrageous. I'm not sure what to call this book. It is a mystery, it's got fantasy..."
Oooh! I *love* Storm Front (by Jim Butcher; narrated by James Marsters!) They are classified as Urban Fantasy. Im gathering you read the print; but if you can, check out the audio. James Marsters ("Spike" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) does an incredible job voicing Harry!
Oooh! I *love* Storm Front (by Jim Butcher; narrated by James Marsters!) They are classified as Urban Fantasy. Im gathering you read the print; but if you can, check out the audio. James Marsters ("Spike" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) does an incredible job voicing Harry!
Tanya wrote: "Jay wrote: "While on spring break with my kids I managed to finish stormfrontbased off a recommendation from Bookrageous. I'm not sure what to call this book. It is a mystery, it's..."Thanks for the tip. I love listening to audiobooks so I will have to check out and see if my library has the next one.
Tanya wrote: "Jay wrote: "While on spring break with my kids I managed to finish stormfrontbased off a recommendation from Bookrageous. I'm not sure what to call this book. It is a mystery, it's..."Tanya, I couldn't agree more! I listened to the first book (that was Storm Front, right?) in the series solely because it was James Marsters reading it and really enjoyed the job he did!
I am currently almost done with Hood and I've really liked it.I'm looking forward to the next one in this series. I'm also working on The Wise Man's Fear
Reading The Year We Left Home by Jean Thompson. So far have read an excrutiatingly painful yet familiar scene where a young man brings his inamorata to his family home for the first time.
Books on the Nightstand
Books mentioned in this topic
The Year We Left Home (other topics)The Wise Man's Fear (other topics)
Hood (other topics)
Storm Front (other topics)
Storm Front (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Kathleen Grissom (other topics)Gabrielle Hamilton (other topics)
China Miéville (other topics)
Maj Sjöwall (other topics)
Rachel Cohn (other topics)
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