The Next Best Book Club discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Revive a Dead Thread
>
What are you reading?
I'm reading three at this time:- "Eclipse" by Stephenie Meyer (it's being disappointing to say the least)
- "God's Formula" by José Rodrigues dos Santos (My opinion is divided)
- "Pearl in the mist" by V.C. Andrews (boring and disappointing)
It's enough to say all three have been on my reading list for more that a month and a half. It means none is actually satisfying ...
But I have this idea that I should finish all books no matter what and so I take the pain.
I've started reading David Benioff's City of Thieves, which is pretty interesting so far, I love the style of prose that Benioff uses in this story =)
Diane,I know there must be something wrong with me, because I hated every single page of Edward Sawtelle. I only kept reading it because 2 friends with whom I share reading tastes absolutely loved it. I found it incredibly sad. BTW, I love dogs, so even that didn't do it for me.
I'm still making my way through The Name of the Wind and really am loving it. I'm totally engrossed in the story. I know I'm going to be sorry to reach the end. It will be like missing a friend.
I am not enjoying Peony in Love as much as Snow Flower.. Im only 50 pages in, and while it is good, it has not captured me yet like Snow Flower did almost instantly.
I am reading ECLIPSE by Stephanie Meyer. I have heard it is better than HALF MOON, which was ok.
Kristin wrote: "I am not enjoying Peony in Love as much as Snow Flower.. Im only 50 pages in, and while it is good, it has not captured me yet like Snow Flower did almost instantly. "I liked Snow Flower better tool. I read Shanghai Girls and liked it better than Peony too.
I just went to the library today and was so excited about the books I found.One problem -- Which one do I read first?
The sad thing is Allison some of them will more than likely go back unread and it's not because I don't want to read them. I just don't have the time.
Alright, before I list all of the books. I know that I am a bookaholic and I need an Intervention. So.... here goes nothing....Nothing Left Unsaid by Mary Polce-Lynch
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay
Sail by James Patterson
The perks of being a wallflower by stephen chbosky
Taken by Chris Jordan
The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan
The World At Night by Alan Furst
Camel Club by David Baldacci
A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber
Whose Wedding Is it Anyway? by Melissa Senate
Into The Wild by Erin Hunter
Screwball by David Ferrell
Still Alive by Herbert Gold
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
A Tale of Two Sisters by Anna Maxted
T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton
Life Goes On by Philip Gulley
And typing that out makes me feel A LOT worse :(.
I just narrowed it down to 6 that I don't know now what one to start with.I love reading mysteries but I can't read them before I go to bed. I know call me a sissy!!!
Yay! I picked the book I am going to be reading first.The Perks of Being A Wallflower!
I just finished Olive Kitteridge. I was happy to see this collection get the notice it deserved. If you liked Kitteridge, I highly recommend The Nightingales of Troy, by Alice Fulton. Like Strout's book, Fulton's is a novel in stories. Her characters are wonderful (tragic to hiliarious). I'd also recommend
The Secret Scripture
by Sebastian Barry. It is profoundly beautiful, in every way. I'm reading it now and don't want it to end.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo came in to the library, so I put aside Corelli's Mandolin to get this one finished first. I wasn't too sure about the first few pages, but it's starting to get interesting.
Gracee, People of the Book was a group read here a few months ago. Here's a link to the spoilers thread if you want to check it out or post your own thoughts. I agree that it was a really good book.
There is a question in the "Polls" section ... "How do you decide what books you purchase?" I would greatly appreciate it if everyone would answer it.
Li wrote: "I've started reading David Benioff's City of Thieves, which is pretty interesting so far, I love the style of prose that Benioff uses in this story =)"Li, Glad to hear you are enjoying City of Thieves. I really thought it was extremely well written with both humor and pathos.
Hungry Woman in Paris, sounds interesting. I was in Paris just before Christmas last year, freezing, but beautiful!
I'm finally getting back into The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I left it at my mom's house in April and got it back a few weeks ago. I've also started dabbling in Cat's Cradle and A Short History of Nearly Everything.
I am currently reading A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett for the local book club read. Given the man's work as a musician, I expected a philosophical slant - and so far, the read is delightfully rewarding. I am enjoying the opening and the light, flowing style immensely.
Tani wrote: "I just started Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem. I'm reading it for the Summer Reading Challenge, the task where you read a collection of short stories and then re..."I loved Motherless Brooklyn. A friend of mine (and me, too) is a fan of Edward Norton and he told me Norton was adapting the book into a movie. He ordered the book, read it and was so excited about it that I borrowed it from him and I could not put it down, it was funny and brilliant at the same time :)
I am reading:1)Inkheart by Cornelia Funke;
2)The last olympian by Rick Riordan
3)The Akhenaten adventure by Philip Kerr
4)The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud.
I love Edward Norton! I can't wait to read the book,
Michael wrote: "I love Edward Norton! I can't wait to read the book,"And I can't wait for the movie :)
I always prefer reading books before seeing the screen adaptations, what about you?
Michael wrote: "I always prefer reading books before seeing the screen adaptations, what about you?"I am adamant about trying to read the book before seeing the movie, but a few times I've been surprised when I sit down to watch a movie to find that it has been based on or inspired by a book. I'm sort of grumpy by that point, but not about to walk out on a movie I've already paid for. So now I try to do my research first. :)
I'm currently reading War and Peace, The House by the Medlar Tree and The River Ki.
Kathryn wrote: "Kristin wrote: "I am not enjoying Peony in Love as much as Snow Flower.. Im only 50 pages in, and while it is good, it has not captured me yet like Snow Flower did almost instantly. "I liked Sn..."
After reading your posts Kathryn and Kristin, I'm glad I skipped Peony. I too loved Snow Flower, and am up to page 100 of Shanghai Girls. Lisa See is coming to a local library next week and doing a reading from Shanghai Girls. I'm very excited to attend!
Kathryn wrote: "Diane,I know there must be something wrong with me, because I hated every single page of Edward Sawtelle. I only kept reading it because 2 friends with whom I share reading tastes absolutely l..."
Hi Kathryn - nothing wrong with you at all. I always feel bad when I recommend something and the person doesn't feel the same way. Regarding Edgar, oh yes, it sure was sad. And I completely DESPISED the uncle. My favorite thing with the book is the connection Edgar has with the dogs. I remember I couldn't read anything for a few days after reading it, I needed time to digest it and get over all the emotions I felt.
Michael wrote: "I always prefer reading books before seeing the screen adaptations, what about you?"I try to read the book before seeing the movie. Though sometimes the book doesn't really interest me and I end up seeing the movie. Sometimes I do read the book afterwards, either because the movie was great (saw Atonement, read the book a year after) or I didn't like it (didn't like Slumdog Millionaire, loved Swarup's book) :)
Janny wrote: "I am currently reading A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett for the local book club read. Given the man's work as a musician, I expected a philosophical slant - and s..."I'm a huge Parrothead so I enjoyed this one. It wasn't the greatest literature of all time, but it was certainly fun.
I'm just starting What We Keep by Elizabeth Berg.
I'm thinking about reading The Kite Runner, I saw the movie a few months ago. I remember reading an interview with an author, and she said that when she got to the part where one of the characters gets abused she stopped reading. Apparently it was too graphic, this puts me off. Even though you actually see the disturbing act in the film, I think reading it word for word could potentially be too much. I guess watching a lot of films has made me imune to images. They are just not as personal. Nothing like the power of books.
Linda wrote: "Li, Glad to hear you are enjoying City of Thieves. I really thought it was extremely well written with both humor and pathos."I just finished reading it, I couldn't put it down! Agreed, the humour and the pathos in this book was just amazing...a wonderful read =)
I am just getting into Mosquito by Gayl Jones and so far so good. It's an oldy. I love the way the narrator wanders!
Michael wrote: "I'm thinking about reading The Kite Runner, I saw the movie a few months ago. I remember reading an interview with an author, and she said that when she got to the part where one of the characters..."Hi Michael - I had to join this group so I could respond to all of these great books being read! I loved the Kite Runner - it is very well written and gives a much more detailed look at life in Afghanistan as well as the friendship of the two boys in the book. It IS more graphic then the movie, but much better than the movie. His 2nd book, A Thousand Splendid Suns was also a great read.
Has anyone read "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova? I just finished it and although it was extremely well written, I am feeling mixed emotions about reccommending it to read as it is a bit depressing. It really was a great story about a woman who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease, but very sad.
Katie wrote: "Janny wrote: "I am currently reading A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett for the local book club read. Given the man's work as a musician, I expected a philosophical..."It is fun and (so far) surprising for the frothy fun and what appears as light-handed, whimsical wit slicks right over some piercing ironies and insights. That's delightful. I hadn't expected the piquant slant, though in hindsight, I probably should have.
Diane D wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I am heading out for a few weeks of camping, and gathering books to bring. Thought I would pick up that "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle". Has anyone read it and do you recommend it? Th..."Diane, Thanks you! I will pick it up then for sure.
Diane D wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Diane,I know there must be something wrong with me, because I hated every single page of Edward Sawtelle. I only kept reading it because 2 friends with whom I share reading tas..."
Now I have heard both, loved it, or had a hard time with it. I am going to give it a try now that it is out in paperback.
Im almost done with Peony and I'm not happy with it. While it was good I didn't like it as much as Snow Flower.. had I read Peony first maybe i would've liked it more, but Peony just didn't live up to my expectations after Snow Flower, but I wouldn't tell anyone to NOT read it as it is different, and more of a ghost-ish story which is what made me keep reading since it was an interesting twist.I can't wait for Shanghai Girls though, everyones said so many good things about it.
and I wish I was lucky enough to have Lisa See coming to a place near me! >.<
I'm reading The Vampire Diares: Dark Reunion, and it is REALLY good. LJ Smith has become one of my favorite authors. :)
Jan wrote: "Michael wrote: "I'm thinking about reading The Kite Runner, I saw the movie a few months ago. I remember reading an interview with an author, and she said that when she got to the part where one o..."Hi Michael- I completely agree with what Jan wrote you about the Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, having also read both of them. A Thousand Splendid Suns focuses primarily on the friendships between women.
Nancy wrote: "Diane D wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Diane,I know there must be something wrong with me, because I hated every single page of Edward Sawtelle. I only kept reading it because 2 friends with whom I sha..."
Well, Nancy, the good news is that if you don't like it, it is much lighter to cart around in paperback -LOL!
Kristin wrote: "Im almost done with Peony and I'm not happy with it. While it was good I didn't like it as much as Snow Flower.. had I read Peony first maybe i would've liked it more, but Peony just didn't live up..."Kristin - first of all, GREAT kitty picture! I just went onto your profile, keep your eyes open for Lisa See, maybe she will tour in your area to promote Shanghai Girls.
Thanks Diane! That's my furbaby LucyFurr :) I have more pictures of my pets than anything else lol
I'm reading Amy and Isabelle A Novel by Elizabeth Strout. I'm not far in, but I like the writing so far.
Lori wrote: "I am curious to know what everyone is currently reading.I just finished High Fidelity by Nick Hornby this morning and jumped right into The Town That Forgot To Breathe.
Strange book to pick ..."
Hi Lori, I haven't read High Fidelity. Good title. I'm just finishing The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. The writing is gorgeous. It's written in two voices, and both are strong, convincing. One is an old Irish woman in an asylum, the other is her shrink. She remembers her younger days. It's heart wrenching. Both of their stories are moving and tragic. There is no didactic religious angle, despite the title. Just Catholics and Protestants arguing in Ireland. The story and writing wins my respect and I'm always eager to pick the book up again. That says a lot, I think. Thanks for the excellent chat group. Eva
Hello, I haven't read Edgar Sawtelle, but friends have told me it's not a good book. I'm new to this group, and I posted in answer to a very old message by Lori. I"m going to post my comment again because I think it's way far back in a thread that no one will see. (Forgive me if I'm wrong. I'll try to catch on.) Anyway. As I wrote to Lori, I'm just finishing The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. The writing is gorgeous. It's written in two voices, and both are strong, convincing. One is an old Irish woman in an asylum, the other is her shrink. She remembers her younger days, and it's heart wrenching, yet beautiful, poetic. Both of their stories are moving and tragic. There is no didactic religious angle, despite the title. Just Catholics and Protestants arguing in Ireland. The story and writing wins my respect and I'm always eager to get back to this book again. That says a lot, I think. I'm a pretty tough critic, and I highly recommend it. I'd love to know what you think. Eva
Sarah wrote: "Yay! I picked the book I am going to be reading first. The Perks of Being A Wallflower!"Colleen wrote: "I am reading:
3)The Akhenaten adventure by Philip Kerr
4)The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud."
Sarah, Colleen, please post your opinions when you get done!
I've had Perks of Being a Wallflower sitting in my next-to-the-bath pile for a while but just haven't quite gotten up the gumption to stop reading other things first. Let me know if it's a move to the top of the queue sort of book!
I've seen a few students reading those Children of the Lamp books, but I haven't had time to look them over, and I'm curious if they're worth putting in the class library over, say, Charlie Bone books.
And Amulet of Samarkand... I enjoyed the heck out of it, but I haven't been able to get the kids to read it at all, and a friend of mine told me that he thought it was rubbish and a veiled attack on the British gov't. I wouldn't have said that when I read it, but then I didn't think of His Dark Materials as an all out attack on Catholicism either.... So I want to get some other opinions.
I just finished Eragon, and have started the second book in the Inheritance series, Eldest. Loved Eragon! Recommended!
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
The Next Best Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Little Bee (other topics)Canada (other topics)
Her Fearful Symmetry (other topics)
I Have America Surrounded: A Biography of Timothy Leary (other topics)
Inferno (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
William Shakespeare (other topics)Kevin Wilson (other topics)
Andrea Levy (other topics)
Lauren Carr (other topics)
Lauren Carr (other topics)
More...
I'm really enjoying Motherless Brooklyn so far. The main character has Tourette's Syndrome, and it's really interesting to see into his head. (I'll also admit that I'm getting a terrible amount of amusement out of seeing how the people around him react to his tics and outbursts.) If the entire book is as enjoyable as the beginning has been, I may have to check out more stuff by Jonathan Lethem in the future.