The Next Best Book Club discussion
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What are you reading?
Erika wrote: "I got rid of 10 boxes of stuff after watching Hoarders nonstop for a few days. I want to read the book now too but I'm afraid my house will be barren afterward."Ha! I woke up late one Sunday to find Kirsten standing over me shrieking, "WE'RE CLEANING OUT THE DOWNSTAIRS STORAGE ROOM TODAY!" She'd been watching Hoarders for like three hours.
Just finished reading McCrumb's Devil Amongst The Lawyers.Although the time period(1920's) was different, it was good to get back to McCrumb's familiar characters. Nora Bonesteel with "the sight" is fascinating as a young girl as she is as an adult in McCrumbs' previous novels.I'll go back now to Allendes Island Beneath the Sea. I love novels with strong characters.
Jayme wrote: "Started Pride and Predjudice on audio today and...gasp...I'm sort of wondering what the big deal is. But I'm only on chapter 10 so there's still time."I just suffered thru P&P (ok I admit I ended up skimming the last half of it) but I agree, I don't understand why so many ppl say how great this one is.
I just started on The Left Hand of Darkness and hoping that I enjoy this one.
Mary wrote: "I have to shove a pill down his throat twice a day for ten days but that's OK."Have you tried a product called Pill Pockets. They make them for both kitties and dogs. I haven't tried them on our cat, Miss Priss yet, but they make drugging our pug 2x per day much easier.
Shoot, I just cover pills in peanut butter.
I second Pill Pockets. We used that with our neurotic husky before we had to put her down last year, and they worked wonders.Currently still working on Laxdæla Saga which is okay, and I should be finishing up Midnight's Children in the next night or so. We've had friends in town, and they have kids so our lives have taken on a whole new dynamic (and vocabulary!) the past few days. My boyfriend's siblings are coming in later this week for a concert this weekend so I'm trying to get through at least Rushdie before they get here. All I really want to do is crawl into bed and read.
I'm reading The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley, which is about a flu pandemic. I'm not too far into it yet, but so far, it seems to be scaring the crap out of me, so a big plus for that. I'm a bit relieved that this didn't come out when the Swine Flu was all over the news because I would've been a mess while reading it.
Alex wrote: "Oh cool, Maria, you liked Magicians? I want to read that. Kaion...Howl! What a poem. There's not much that's hit me as hard as Howl did. I was straight slain by that."
Alex, it was really good. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I made it the last one I read from that particular library run. After starting it I wished I had read it sooner! It was quirky and unique, but still enough like the fantasy we all love to be really good. In my review I said that I was torn between loving it as is, and wishing it were 2 books, one that focused on his learning, the other on what happens later. However, I also think that could have lessened the story, so I'm not sure. Definitely a must read!
Katie wrote: "Mary wrote: "I have to shove a pill down his throat twice a day for ten days but that's OK."Have you tried a product called Pill Pockets. They make them for both kitties and dogs. I haven't tried..."
Naw, I have a technique: I come up behind the cat and put him in a body pin/headlock with my left arm, using my left hand to tilt his head back and pry his mouth open. With my right hand I push the pill down his throat. Then I gently clasp his muzzle shut and rub his throat. Gozer is an excellent pill taker, he doesn't put up much of a fuss, swallows it right down, and starts purring immediately. When I let him go he rolls over for a belly rub. I used to have to give heart meds to another cat twice a day and it was hell. Sadly her condition deteriorated after a few months and she had to be put to sleep. For weeks afterwards I would find half-dissolved pills in random places.
You can also get Laxatone from your vet (it's for hairballs) and coat it with that to make the going down part easier. One thing a vet tech taught me was to rub the cat's nose to get it to swallow. Works every time.
Jayme wrote: "Started Pride and Predjudice on audio today and...gasp...I'm sort of wondering what the big deal is. But I'm only on chapter 10 so there's still time."The thing I love about this site is the diversity of peoples' tastes. I have been a Janeite since I was able to hold a book. My mother actually named me after Jane Austen and her novel, Emma. I could not imagine a world without her writing, but I know tons of people who are just not fans. I think her time period, her writing, will always be relevant, but they are definitely not for everyone.
Mansfield Park was my favorite, but I always recommend P & P first, if you don't like that one, then Austen probably just isn't for you. To each his own (makes for great discussions)!
Currently reading
I just love how Mead's books have a little bit of everything - romance, drama, friendship, action, betrayal, suspense, fantasy, mythology. Its all there, and more.
Kinda awesome that you were named after Emma, Emma. Literature runs deep in you.
Emma, I've read Mansfield Park and I liked it more than I'm liking Pride and Prejudice. Maybe it's just P&P that's not for me?
Little late on the train to read The Red Tent but enjoying it so far. Feeling a tad guilty since it was my nomination for June!
Ohhhh, Ana, I have "I Am Nujood" on my list to get soon! I'm reading "Murder in Lennox" Victoria Thompson. I've just found it's #7 in a series and I always like to read in order. Oh well.
Working on The Passage on audio - 75% done!Going to pick up The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake at the library. I've had it on hold for a while, so I'm excited!
Also have the new Koontz , hope I can read them both in 3 weeks before they're due back
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If you are a fan of Cormac McCarthy, you won't want to miss this one! I rank it up there with my top favorites - Jose Saramago, McCarthy, and Jules Verne. And those of you who know me know how good a book has to be to be mentioned anywhere NEAR those authors!!!
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Erika wrote: "I'm about half way through The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest now. It's taking me a really long time to get into this one but it's finally starting to pick up. I think that may be..."I'm having the same problem with TGWKTHN. I need more Salander!
Lori wrote: "Ok people, listen up! My search for the next best book led me to I Curse the River of Time: A Novel - it hits shelves next month, and was absolutely amazing. If you are a fan of Co..."
I have Out Stealing Horses on my TBR list; it will be my first Per Petterson novel.
I'm reading the second in the Dragonlance series. I consider these classic fantasy. They tell a great story, written by great writers, Weiss and Hickman. The one I'm reading is Dragon's of a Winter's Night. I'm also listening to Abarat by Clive Barker. This is my second time around with Abarat. If you haven't read it. It's getting hard to find, but well worth the search. There are two books out now and Barker has said there will be more. I'm also reading The Moonstone by Wilks Collins on my NOOK, which I am loving. Both the read and the NOOK. Thank to you guys for making my TBR pile ever longer.
Ana wrote: "I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced"Ana, how is it? I have this one on my list.
Alex wrote: "Huh - is Stuff good? My wife's parents are mildly like that; she watches Hoarders (the TV show) compulsively, I think to remind her what not to do..."
Yes, it is a good book. Although for a book explaining research, it seems to meander a little bit. But maybe that makes it easier to read, less dry.
I have watched a few episodes of Hoarders and Buried Alive. They had a true hoarder on the last episode of Clean House I watched also.
It does motivate me to clean up even more. I don't really think I am anywhere near a hoarder, but I do keep a lot of stuff for my hobbies.
I just feel really sad for those people who have such psychological damage from it.
I finished Part 2 of 2666 and have a theory about the plot and I think I can see how the Parts fit together. If true, then this book is about to get brutal. Also, if true, then Bolano is an interesting writer.In general, the style of writing is very distant. The characters are kept at an arm's length from the reader.
I'm intrigued enough now that I'm not taking a breather before starting Part 3.
I'm also still listening to Shanghai Girls, which is a wonderful story. I can relate to some aspects of it because my parents were immigrants and I can recognize some of the insecurities and uncertainty brought on by immigrating to a new Country (and the effect on children) in the characters in this book.
I just finished The King's Mistress and quickly read Wake. Now I am starting my first reads win How to Be an American Housewife, only a few pages in, but really liking it.
You know, it's always the same for me. As much as I happen to be enjoying the book I'm currently reading, my mind is always on what I'll be reading next. It's a vicious cycle. I'm enjoying a book, but all I'm thinking is, "What book should I enjoy next?"And therefore, as I read the AMAZING and BRILLIANT Infinite Jest, I can't decide whether to read The Hunger Games, You Suck: A Love Story, or The Great Gatsby next! Terrible cycle, I tell you!
Although something tells me I'll be getting a lot of heat for not having read The Great Gatsby yet, so maybe that's my safest choice. ;)
Erika wrote: "I'm about half way through The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest now. It's taking me a really long time to get into this one but it's finally starting to pick up. I think that may be..."I am reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest as well and feeling the same way. I am about 250 or so pages into it and it has finally started to pick up. It is taking me much longer to read this book than I was hoping.
I'm reading Lay the Favorite: A Memoir of Gambling because my mom gave it to me for my birthday. Don't particularly like it. She's sortof on the outskirts of a not-particularly-dangerous-or-seedy gambling culture, batting her eyelashes.
Michelle wrote: "You know, it's always the same for me. As much as I happen to be enjoying the book I'm currently reading, my mind is always on what I'll be reading next. It's a vicious cycle. I'm enjoying a book, ..."I can't think of three choices any more different from each other! You Suck was fun, it is a sequel to Bloodsucking Fiends, which I did not know when I read it. I thought I was the only person who has not read Hunger Games, but the good news is if you like it, the second book is out and the third comes out in August I believe, so not too much wait time.
As for Great Gatsby, I won't pick on you mercilessly even if I made 85 sophomores read it this year or at least pretend too.
Not sure I helped much, it depends on what your mood is....
Gatsby! I want to hear whether it's still good. I haven't read it since I was a sophomore and Vicki made me.
Mary wrote: "Lori wrote: "Ok people, listen up! My search for the next best book led me to I Curse the River of Time: A Novel - it hits shelves next month, and was absolutely amazing. If you ..."
I read Out Stealing Horses. It was fantastic. I loved it and can't wait to read Curse the River of Time.
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I just finished THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNETS NEST and after having a little hard time getting into it, I loved the ending. A great ending to a terrific trilogy! Just got from the library the new Joe Hill book HORNS.
Michelle wrote: "Although something tells me I'll be getting a lot of heat for not having read The Great Gatsby yet, so maybe that's my safest choice. ;)I read it in high school but remember absolutely nothing about it. I haven't the fainest idea what its about but I remember I didn't care for it much then. Which makes me curious enough to want to read it again and see if I still agree.
I am slowly reading A Prayer for Owen Meany. So far, it is amazing. I keep laughing and then crying like a psychotic person. I actually resent everything in my life preventing me from reading this book all day long. It's just so beautiful.
Laura Ashlee wrote: "I started the audiobook of The Luxe. I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely hooked already."Laura: Those books, LUXE,ENVY,SPLENDOUR... are on my list. I wouldn't even mind buying them(library sale/thrift store) because the covers are so pretty.
Eliza wrote: "I am slowly reading A Prayer for Owen Meany. So far, it is amazing. I keep laughing and then crying like a psychotic person. I actually resent everything in my life preventing me fro..."One of my favorite books. I always recommend it. Like you, Eliza, I laughed, cried and every emotion in between. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
On a side note, I saw the movie (on TV) some time after reading the book and wasn't at all impressed. I think if I'd seen the movie first, I wouldn't have bothered with the book (which would have been a real shame).
Mona wrote: "Laura Ashlee wrote: "I started the audiobook of The Luxe. I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely hooked already."Laura: Those books, LUXE,ENVY,SPLENDOUR... are on my list. ..."
My library has a an account with this site where you can download audiobooks and put them on your ipod or listen to them on your computer. I was never that interested in reading the books because they didn't sound like my thing, though I did think the covers were pretty. But I love listening to audiobooks at work and this just seemed perfect to listen to. So far I'm really intrigued with it. I didn't expect it pull me in that way.
Alex wrote: "Gatsby! I want to hear whether it's still good. I haven't read it since I was a sophomore and Vicki made me."Ha, Ha... I hope not, I have only been teaching for a few years. It's definitely different the second time around.
Laura Ashlee wrote: "I started the audiobook of The Luxe. I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely hooked already."I have seen a bit about these books lately. I definitely think I need to check them out.
Laura Ashlee wrote: "Mona wrote: "Laura Ashlee wrote: "I started the audiobook of The Luxe. I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely hooked already."Laura: Those books, LUXE,ENVY,SPLENDOUR... are..."
Do you watch GOSSIP GIRL? These books are kind of like period Gossip Girl novels.
I think my library does the download of audiobook thing too. But I've never gone the audiobook route. I prefer to read.
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The Next Best Book Club
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I really enjoyed The Gargoyle. A very interesting book.