The Next Best Book Club discussion
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What are you reading?
Eileen wrote: "Sounds like a good topic for another thread - Abridged vs unabridged books.(Personally, I'm very much against abridged versions and adapting books for whatever purpose, be it age, language ability, etc. ."
I am generally not a fan of abridged versions but some of the EFL simplified readers are pretty good though they are not something I would recommend for someone who speaks English as their mother-tongue.
I read a lot as I give private English lessons. Some of the 'abridgers' manage to keep the tone of the original. I have noticed this with Poe, Fitzgerald and Gerald Durrell.
Terri wrote: "I remember having a long weekend off when I read It (in three days) couldnt believe I did that. LOLHaha, I've been reading It for a little over a week now, only because I have stuff to do and I keep getting side-tracked. :(
Melody wrote: "I am about 3/4 of the way through A Thousand Splendid Suns. It is a quick read (for me anyway) and I am relly enjoying it. Some of the content is disturbing but I havent found the story depressing ..."Melody, I was so surprised that I really enjoyed the book. it seemed like a very emotional, dramatic kinda story..which a lot of times i really don't like. But the story was very well written and very good, interesting. I was dissapointed reading The kite runner after it ebcasue I was hoping it would be like this one and I really didn't like it.
Becky wrote: "Katie, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't acquire any new books this year since I have 112 owned unread books. Actually, I am now down to 106. Making progress!If you want to see the list,..."
Wow Becky, you are doing great!!!! Keep going. It will giveyou so much pleasure when gettign new books and knowing you read all or most of those unread ones!
I'm starting The Sweet Far Thing today. I ended up getting the hardback version. The paperback version is not out yet, but I want to finish the series. My library is now messed up since the other 2 are paperback, but I'm not going to let my OCD get the best of me. :-)
Currently into 'Kabul Beauty School'. I have an obsession with the Middle East and read as much as I can on it...this is a really fun and interesting read, very telling of the culture, although the author is annoying at moments...
message 8026: by Jackie (new) 2 hours, 49 min ago I'm starting The Sweet Far Thing today. I ended up getting the hardback version. The paperback version is not out yet, but I want to finish the series. My library is now messed up since the other 2 are paperback, but I'm not going to let my OCD get the best of me. :-)
OH my gosh...I am so jealous. I want to read the 3rd one so bad! I finished REBEL ANGELS a couple of days ago.
There was a lot of controversy around Kabul Beauty School last year. The author was accused of misrepresenting herself to the women she wrote about and subsequently putting their lives in danger. Also, some people accused her of greatly embellishing the "real events" she described almost to the extent of James Frey. If you google the title, you'll find the articles. I decided not to read the book after that.
I also need to read Sweet Far Thing... everytime I go to the library it is checked out, so I am patiently waiting.
I am so close to the end of A Thousand Splendid Suns. On page 333 of 372 pages. I have it here at work with me today and I am dying to read it but I cant. I stayed up way past my bedtime last night and wept when I finally put it down. It is so GOOD.
Melody, I know what you mean about wanting to crack open a book at work. I am into the 4th book in the Outlander series (Drums of Autumn) and I can't think about ANYTHING but getting off in 40 minutes and going home to read it. My fingers are itching for it!
Thanks Jeane! I am hoping to keep going at this pace... (Although I was going through my "To Read" shelf last night and found another book that I own hiding in there! So that's one more that's on the list now... *grumble grumble*)Anyway, if I keep reading at this pace, 1 book every 3 days or so, I should be able to get them all in! *Happy dance* ;)
Back to Esther and the abridged vs unabridged dilemma-I've also taught EFL and only used original source materials for my students. My feeling is there are so many good books and other materials out there that are appropriate for various levels, why insist that beginning students read a watered-down version of Fitzgerald? Better to wait until they are proficient enough to appreciate the real thing. I also found listening to popular music and having the students read along with the lyrics was a great exercise for beginners and intermediate students. Just a thought...
I just finished [Book:The Gargoyle]. I was really intrigued by that book. I am in the process of finishing [Book:The Stolen Child], which I am really enjoying and finally started [Book:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society], which I am really hoping to finish while people are still discussing it :)
Angela and Carrie- I know! I couldn't wait to read the 3rd one. I tried the library, but it's been checked out for the longest so I broke down. I'm close to 100 pages in and it's really good so far.Vicki- I really liked The Gargoyle, although I didn't like the narrator. What drew me in were Marianne's stories and I liked how it all came together at the end.
look lady it's just a book club ...I don;t need that .I join this club becouse it was suppose to be for new writers .... the blog on the firs page...I was expresing my frustration .As, a new writter and as, for my writting have you read it.. You are rude... and very selfish ....Know one wish to spam your group...If you need to give new writers a chance how do you expect to create a new one. and since you are such a better writer the me ..then you can help me improve my book...Or are you just a trouble maker...or are you the aurthor of that book looking to make money off us new writers.Sorry but good P. R. Is to make friends with your readers.and I'm not as poor as you think......As, for my editing errors never stop my readers from enjoying my books ...good writers aren;t always good editor. and yes i paid and editor 200.00 ...but it still not right .....and a New york Times Review is 10,000 not who's the best..and since your so rich you can buy me one....
Jackie- I told one of my friends about the book when I was first started and I mentioned to her that it the accident couldn't really happen to someone more unlikeable, well I guess he could be worse, but it was definitely the stories and Marianne that brought me into the story also.
Robin wrote: "look lady it's just a book club ...I don;t need that .I join this club becouse it was suppose to be for new writers ....I was expresing my frustration .As, a new writter and as, for my writting hav..."Don't insult our moderator! We love her! I bet you get moved to the Spammer's Circle of Hell soon!
Is the Thirteenth Tale really that good? I started it once and couldn't get into it. I might have to pick it up again.
Who said it was for new writers? This a club to talk about books we enjoy. And you are the one who is being rude.Robin wrote: "look lady it's just a book club ...I don;t need that .I join this club becouse it was suppose to be for new writers ....I was expresing my frustration .As, a new writter and as, for my writting hav..."
and I'm reading sylvia brown new book...I forgot to add that why does that mean so much to you....and i just joined yesterday...
Robin wrote: "look lady it's just a book club ...I don;t need that .I join this club becouse it was suppose to be for new writers ....I was expresing my frustration .As, a new writter and as, for my writting hav..."Ummm ... it's not a group for new writers, actually. This group is to share what we're reading, not what we're writing, although I'm sure you'll find that on GR too. As for the rest of your post, I'm really not sure I understand it, but this particular thread is to find out what people are reading.
Robin wrote: "and I'm reading sylvia brown new book...I forgot to add that why does that mean so much to you...."This club is for readers, not writers. We have very clear rules about writers spending time getting to know us before shoving their books at us. Rules which you've broken.
Robin wrote: "look lady it's just a book club ...I don;t need that .I join this club becouse it was suppose to be for new writers ....I was expresing my frustration .As, a new writter and as, for my writting hav..."Do you pay your proofreaders by the word? And if so, are you hiring?
Kristen - The Thirteenth Tale really is that good. I listened to it on audio and had to start twice as I also struggled to get into it. But it didnt take long and I was hooked. I will nominate it for my book club as I now want to read it and discuss.
Robin wrote: "and I'm reading sylvia brown new book...I forgot to add that why does that mean so much to you....and i just joined yesterday...if i'm joining your group i am!!!!!!
Robin wrote: "and I'm reading sylvia brown new book...I forgot to add that why does that mean so much to you....and i just joined yesterday...if i'm joining your group i am!!!!!!what ever you ca have your group ..i have a life ...and your comments are harrassing ...andimatury this must be the most exciting happen to you all day.. just take my name out of his club since apparently you and your friends are the only ones invited to this group ..it for everybody..and read you comment below mine and i think the majority of people would agree with me ...you just bored and lonely like everybod else onlline...oryou wouldn't be hear talking in this group...good bye.....and i hope you find a life beside editing a blog..
Vicki wrote: "Jackie- I told one of my friends about the book when I was first started and I mentioned to her that it the accident couldn't really happen to someone more unlikeable, well I guess he could be wors..."Vicki- I agree. The first chapter was difficult to get through. Way too much detail on the injuries. I felt like, "Enough! I get it." Then it started getting better and I settled into it.
Robin- You might want to join Writing Passionates instead. Here is the link- http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1... It's a group specifically for writers. Also, you don't want to insult the moderator as it seems like you were confused as to the purpose of this particular group. She wasn't being insulting to you, rather she was questioning your post which she has a right to do as moderator.
Mod
Robin has apparently taken my suggestions and opinions to heart here, and embarrassed herself greatly.
I sent her a private message asking her to remove herself from the group asap, or I will do it for her.
Geesh! Some people!
Good for you Lori. I think I speak for pretty much everyone here when I say that we don't need ridiculous attitudes like that cluttering our posts and interrupting our fun. Pfft... "Just a book club." *fumes*
Mod
and If Im so rich, why the heck dont I know about it????
I don't know, but if you're so rich... Can I borrow some money? ;)
I'm just wondering who these people are who could decipher her writing enough to edit it, and only get paid $200 for it. That kind of phenomenal editor should be damn near priceless!
just finished The Secret Life of Bees and now starting The Thirteenth Tale.
I'd have probably done it for free, if only so that nobody else had to read that gibberish!
Okay girls, if I am ever in a quarrell and I am in the right, I would certainly be wishing you were there, on my side!!!! Way to moderate and defend!!!!!
Apparently her book is 92 pages long, so that's A LOT of editting.http://www.amazon.com/BOLIVIAS-GRAND-...
Jamie, I love The Secret Life Bees. What did you think of it? The Thirteenth Tale is also quite a treat.
Oh goodness. That is a gaudy book. And her pen-name is "Angel S. Star"? I can tell she means to be taken seriously as a "writter". *serious-face* We must really have misunderstood her.
Haha! Who am I kidding? You know what my favorite part is? She reviewed it herself and criticized the editing!
"GOOD BOOK. FOR CHILDREN NEW WRITTER SO EDITING WAS NEED WORK EXCELLENT BOOK FOR CHILDRN .I CAN'T WAIT TO READ SEACOND BOOK. ANYBODY LET ME KNOW WHEN IT COMES OUT"
Um, yeah why would you criticize your own book? If you know it's not good then you really shouldn't be sharing it with the world.
I can't decide what to read next... I'm trying to decide if I want to read "Runaway Jury" by Grisham (my 25 point task for the Winter Challenge) or "Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill (a 10 point task).
Oh Becky! I have read Runaway Jury, and it is an excellent book!!!!! but, you already know I want to read Heart Shaped Box. Hard choice. Do you already have both?
Fiona wrote: "Oh my god she's even left a badly written review of it herself. Why does Amazon let these people waste their web pages on her?"Because Amazon will get 40% of every book she sells in return for them selling it on Amazon, plus they get whatever they charge for publishing it using their CreateSpace publishing service.
I think she was trying to get to a group she subscribed to on how to promote one's own writing. I hope she finds some good advice, continues to work on developing her English skills, and learns to treat people with more respect.
I am new here, but I am quickly coming to adore this group. Many thanks to the moderators! However, I may end up in the poor house with all of the great recommendations.
Yep... I'm only reading from books I already own. I don't know what to do! I have read a bunch of Grisham's before, so I know I love his stuff, but I also want to read some horror!
Jackie wrote: "Apparently her book is 92 pages long, so that's A LOT of editting.http://www.amazon.com/BOLIVIAS-GRAND-...-..."
wow..i just caught up on all of this..that woman is nuts. lol. it reminds me of the bad singers on American Idol who truly think they are good singers..William Hung..lol..but really what they need is just a good friend to tell them that perhaps they shouldn't quit their day job...
anywho. yeah..i really did like The Secret Life of Bees! It was a good story and I loved Lily! I can't WAIT to read The Thirteenth Tale!
The Thirteenth Tale is excellent, Jamie... I hope you enjoy it!
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The Next Best Book Club
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Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
Hothouse Kids: The Dilemmas of the Gifted Child by Alissa Quart
Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd
From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris (yes, I'm a Sookie Stackhouse freak)
Marley and Me by John Grogan