The Next Best Book Club discussion

note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
27906 views
Revive a Dead Thread > What are you reading?

Comments Showing 22,151-22,200 of 28,901 (28901 new)    post a comment »

message 22151: by Kaion (new)

Kaion (kaionvin) Ran through Stargirl. Can't decide if I like it or love it. Almost wish she weren't so ManicDreamPixieGirl, but isn't that cynical? Plus Maniac was plenty MDPB himself.


message 22152: by Lori, Super Mod (new)

Lori (tnbbc) | 10631 comments Mod
OK, I am 3/4's through Room: A Novel and I have to tell you - If you are a fan of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close orThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time or The Dead Fathers Club, you MUST run out and buy this book on publication day!!!!!


message 22154: by Paula (new)

Paula | 1098 comments Dana wrote: "Just finished Fat Vampire which was fun and a quick read.
Also finished listening to Thirteen Reasons WhyThirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher which I would highly...

I thought "Thirteen Reasons Why" was a very well done book also Dana. I read it though, I'll bet it was a good one to listen to.



message 22155: by Maria (new)

Maria (minks05) | 481 comments nearly finished with The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Laurent Willig. it's decent, but i really think she's straying too far from the characters that made the first few books so good.


message 22156: by Caity (new)

Caity (adivineeternity) WEEE! I'm finally actually starting The Art of Devotion.

I also shall continue working on Citizens of London. I swear, I will finish that book.


message 22157: by Paula (new)

Paula | 1098 comments I'm with your Mom El, I loved the book and movie "Dr. Zhivago". I think it's great you'll "watch" it together from a distance and talk the whole time.


message 22158: by Vonney (new)

Vonney Young (ysgillen67) | 75 comments I've had several interruptions, but am only a few hours from finishing "We Need to Talk About Kevin". I'm fascinated with the author's attention to detail. Our bookclub discussed it Friday, and all 4 of us were
unable to put the book down until finished. When you hand the book to your expecting friend, tell her you know a woman who had 3 sons, and not one of them was like Rosemary's Baby (or Eva's Baby in this case). I think that says a lot about the author who never had a child of her own.


message 22159: by Claire (new)

Claire (clairebear8) | 514 comments Vonney wrote: "I've had several interruptions, but am only a few hours from finishing "We Need to Talk About Kevin". I'm fascinated with the author's attention to detail. Our bookclub discussed it Friday, and all..."

What is We Need to Talk about Kevin about?


message 22160: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Claire, it's written from the point of view of a woman whose teenage son recently killed a bunch of his classmates Columbine-style. It's written as a series of letters to her husband.

I'm not actually going to give it to my expecting friends...it'd be cruel. It's a very disturbing book.


message 22161: by Donna (new)

Donna | 137 comments It's been a busy August but I managed to finish The Secret Life of Bees, Santa Fe Dead and The Day the Falls Stood Still. I'm currently reading The Illuminator and The Janus Stone.


message 22162: by Flora (new)

Flora Smith (bookwormflo) Just finished Dead and Alive which was very good. Not sure what I'm reading next.


message 22163: by Michelle-Marie (new)

Michelle-Marie | 5 comments i'm reading Winter Rose by Patricia A. McKillip. i have about 75 pages left to go. i'm really enjoying it; it's so lush and descriptive, and beautifully written.


message 22164: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Oh God, Dean Koontz remade Frankenstein? That makes me uncomfortable.


message 22165: by Flora (last edited Sep 02, 2010 06:10PM) (new)

Flora Smith (bookwormflo) Alex wrote: "Oh God, Dean Koontz remade Frankenstein? That makes me uncomfortable."

It was a series and I thought they were really good. And actually he just continued the story.


message 22166: by Madeline (new)

Madeline | 293 comments Just meandering through Inanna, Lady of Largest Heart : Poems of the Sumerian High Priestess Enheduanna which is excellent really, quite insightful. The first half was decent but now that it's reached the poems I am once again impressed by the depth of sumerian literature.


message 22167: by Sasha (new)

Sasha I'm not a huge Koontz fan. No offense to you, of course, Flora; diff'rent strokes and all that.

Madeline, you got to Inanna! Wicked cool! And you like the second half better than the first, huh? Good to know. I'm thigh-deep in Don Quixote right now, so I won't be able to join you full time, but I'd love to at least read some of them now. Any particular favorites?


message 22168: by Lori, Super Mod (last edited Sep 02, 2010 06:12PM) (new)

Lori (tnbbc) | 10631 comments Mod
Oh my god guys -- Go out and Buy ROOM right now!!!

I read it in two days and didnt want to put it down!!!


message 22169: by Madeline (last edited Sep 02, 2010 07:30PM) (new)

Madeline | 293 comments Yeah finally did Alex! There only seem to be three long poems to Inanna, the first half of the book was more of a cultural introduction. Important I think, because of the transitional era in which the author lived. The first poem Inanna and Ebih is illuminating, in a historical as well as personal context for Enheduanna (who in many ways is the more interesting figure), loved that one. Only on the second now "Lady of Largest Heart" which is going more deeply into the power and duality of the goddess. Like how she's super bad ass hah.

Favorite quote thus far?

"Lady of blazing dominion
clad in dread
riding on fire-red power

Inanna
holding a pure lance
terror folds in her robes"

Yeah, that's just an awesome visual. Wonder what terror folds look like. :)


message 22170: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Terror folds! That is totally badass.


message 22171: by Loretta (new)

Loretta Lori wrote: "Oh my god guys -- Go out and Buy ROOM right now!!!

I read it in two days and didnt want to put it down!!!"


I learned yesterday that Emma Donaghue is going to be in town in October for our local writer's festival - very excited. So Room just jumped up on my to buy/to read list, because I'll want to have it read before seeing her speak.

I just finished The Center Cannot Hold, which I really liked - helped me understand the nature and challenges of schizophrenia. And have just started You Must Remember This, which - I'll have to see. I'm finding the opening chapters kind of a wordy, depressing slog. But willing to carry on.


message 22172: by Chrystal (new)

Chrystal | 144 comments I just finished Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes. It was a really great book. Now just started Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer. Not ready to throw in the towel on beach reads just quite yet! : )


message 22173: by Christy (new)

Christy | 181 comments I'm reading The Stand by Stephen King. I've never been much of a King fan, but we'll see.


message 22174: by Rosabelle (new)

Rosabelle Purnama | 87 comments I've finished reading The Summoning, i liked it so much that i went straight out and get the second one...

but i'm now reading the final book in the millenium series, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson. I'm still struggling with the names and places in swedish..


message 22175: by Mary (new)


message 22176: by Shary (new)

Shary (sharyfg) | 104 comments Carol (Kitty) wrote: "Shary wrote: "I'm reading Bound (Playaway Adult Fiction) by Antonya Nelson I'm only on page 50 but enjoying it so far."

Didn't know there was a book called that . hahahaha LOL

So what are you really reading Shary?"


Haha! Ooops! I'm reading Bound by Antonya Nelson. I'm really enjoying it. The author brings the characters to life.


message 22177: by Petra (new)

Petra I finished reading Next by Michael Crichton. Its not great writing but the premise of gene manipulation, ownership of genes, cells and genomes & the concerns of Big Business over the Individual more than made up for it. I found the characters of Gerrard and Dave interesting. I kind of hope we never get to the point of being able to create our own Gerrards and Daves.

I'm now reading Coffee: A Dark History, which I'm finding fascinating, despite some rather dry writing. Who knew there was so much to learn about coffee??!!


message 22178: by Claire (new)

Claire (clairebear8) | 514 comments Alex wrote: "Claire, it's written from the point of view of a woman whose teenage son recently killed a bunch of his classmates Columbine-style. It's written as a series of letters to her husband.

I'm not act..."


Oh wow, that does sound disturbing. I may have to pass that one up. Thanks, Alex.


message 22179: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Petra wrote: "I'm now reading Coffee: A Dark History, which I'm finding fascinating, despite some rather dry writing. Who knew there was so much to learn about coffee??!! "

Hey Petra, how much does that book talk about Ethiopia? And how much about history, and how far back?


message 22180: by Paula (new)

Paula | 1098 comments I started "Woman in White" Wilkes Collins the other day and it was really dragging for me, felt like I was working rather than reading. I've put it aside for the time being and am now reading "Forever Odd" Dean Koontz.

Does anyone have any comments on why I should or shouldn't keep going with "Woman in White"? Thanks.


message 22181: by Petra (new)

Petra Alex wrote: "Hey Petra, how much does that book talk about Ethiopia? And how much about history, and how far back? ..."

Ethopia is mentioned a lot as the place where coffee originated but the history and people of Ethopia aren't well defined. I'm on page 80 and we've left Ethopia and moved to St. Helena.
The book speculates that, since mankind and coffee both originated in Ethopia, perhaps (he admits to speculation) the Tree of Knowledge was a coffee tree; rather than an apple tree. In that sense, it goes back to Genesis but, coffee history being vague, it starts getting detailed in the 1600s. It's all rumour and speculation before that (very interesting, though).
He also speculates that the "brain growth" (particularly in the frontal lobe areas of the brain) that mankind had millenium ago may have been due (at least partially) to the stimulation of coffee, which initiated the urge in mankind to communicate and listen; hence perhaps "jump starting" language and organized thought.
There's so many interesting facts and stories and speculations all about coffee.

I now want to try coffee "tea" (made with coffee leaves and steeped like tea) and qish'r (coffee made with the coffee cherries); both drinks are apparently popular in the Ethopian, Yemen, Turkey areas.


message 22182: by El (new)

El I love Wilkie Collins, Paula, so I say go for it. But at the same time if it's not working for you, don't push it.


message 22183: by Alisha Marie (new)

Alisha Marie (endlesswonderofreading) | 715 comments Christy wrote: "I'm reading The Stand by Stephen King. I've never been much of a King fan, but we'll see."

I loved and adored The Stand. It was my first Stephen King book and though I've read a few more by him, it remains my favorite. I hope you enjoy it.

I just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time and I loved and adored it. It went on my list of favorite books ever and is tied with I Capture the Castle for my favorite books this year so far. Now I'm starting The City of Ember.


message 22184: by Paula (new)

Paula | 1098 comments El wrote: "I love Wilkie Collins, Paula, so I say go for it. But at the same time if it's not working for you, don't push it.

It may be my mood El, so I'll try again after I finish this book. I had just finished "Kiss the Girls" and it was such a page turner and it seemed I was really working hard with this one. I've heard very good things about this book so will try again and see. Thanks for your input.



message 22185: by Vonney (new)

Vonney Young (ysgillen67) | 75 comments just read a review of "Room" at bn.com. I put it on my TBR list. Glad you liked it.


message 22186: by Emma (new)

Emma | 100 comments After finishing Northanger Abbey yesterday, I began the Mysterious Benedict Society, which is supposed to be classified as a children's book, but is really entertaining me. I heard about it from a goodreads member and was curious-I am so glad I looked into it!


message 22187: by Marti (new)

Marti (marjay) | 985 comments I have a Maisie Dobbs book to finish.


message 22188: by Vonney (new)

Vonney Young (ysgillen67) | 75 comments Emma wrote: "After finishing Northanger Abbey yesterday, I began the Mysterious Benedict Society, which is supposed to be classified as a children's book, but is really entertaining me. I heard about it from a..."

Now that sounds interesting. What year was it written? and is it a translation from a foreign press?
I'm fascinated with that title.


message 22189: by Emma (new)

Emma | 100 comments I was, too! I don't know that much about it, but it's from 2007, looks to be a British author, although the publication I have is American. It was a NYT Bestseller and is very Harry Potter-esque as far as the main character goes. I am not sure if fantasty plays a role, but the main character is an orphan who has genius intellect and is kind of recruited to be part of this society (that I do not know much about) along with some other "misfit" children.
It is kind of like Harry Potter also, in the way that it is geared toward children but I think would really appeal to adults. My mom is going to read it next. And it is part of a series, so hopefully this one keeps being good and I can delve into the whole series. If you get your hands on it, let me know what you think!


message 22190: by Amanda (last edited Sep 03, 2010 05:39PM) (new)

Amanda About half way through with One Day by David Nicholls. Totally not into it, enough that I wouldn't have made it past page 30 except that I am reading it for a book club that is meeting next week. Blech.


message 22191: by Esther (new)

Esther (eshchory) | 575 comments Paula wrote: "I started "Woman in White" Wilkes Collins the other day and it was really dragging for me, felt like I was working rather than reading. I've put it aside for the time being and am now reading "Fore..."

You have to be in the mood for a 'classic', it is definitely an older, heavier writing-style.
On the other hand I loved it and there was a certain amount of woman power with a totally non-kick-ass heroine.
The end also holds a bit of a surprise.


message 22192: by Esther (last edited Sep 03, 2010 11:26PM) (new)

Esther (eshchory) | 575 comments I have just finished Politically Correct Bedtime Stories. I first read it when it came out but it is still funny after so many years.
Now where is my copy of Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes?


message 22193: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Petra, very interesting re. the coffee book. That's the shame about stuff that happened ages ago in Africa, huh? Nobody wrote any of it down.

Coffee tea does sound interesting.


message 22194: by Alisha Marie (new)

Alisha Marie (endlesswonderofreading) | 715 comments I finished The City of Ember last night and I didn't hate it, but I didn't necessarily love it either. Now I'm going to start Tell No One.


message 22195: by Betsy (new)

Betsy (mistymtladi) | 511 comments Havinga hard time recently,getting into books. Reading North and South by John Jakes, and Second Sight


message 22196: by Linda (new)

Linda | 887 comments Alisha wrote: "I finished The City of Ember last night and I didn't hate it, but I didn't necessarily love it either. Now I'm going to start Tell No One."

Alisha:

Hope you like Tell No One as much as I did and the movie version was great as well.


message 22197: by Sasha (new)

Sasha Happens to me sometimes too, Betsy. I keep a couple of books tucked away in the back of my head for emergencies like that - books I know I'll have a good time with. The Hunger Games trilogy is currently at #1 on that list; next time I start to burn out, I'll just dive into that. I'm pretty confident I'll have fun.


message 22198: by Claire (last edited Sep 04, 2010 08:50AM) (new)

Claire (clairebear8) | 514 comments I'm about halfway through Affinity by Sara Waters and liking it so so- not as good as Fingersmith for sure. Its good enough thats it keeping me reading to see how it ends.


message 22199: by Maria (new)

Maria (minks05) | 481 comments Petra wrote: "Alex wrote: "Hey Petra, how much does that book talk about Ethiopia? And how much about history, and how far back? ..."

Ethopia is mentioned a lot as the place where coffee originated but the hi..."


this sounds like a very interesting read. may have to hunt for this one for a winter read.


message 22200: by Maria (new)

Maria (minks05) | 481 comments i put aside The Jewel of St. Petersburg, it just wasn't doing anything for me.

i picked up The Fire which is the sequel to The Eight. i read that last summer and really liked it, and so far this one is just as good. sometimes hard to follow all of the intersecting action that is happening, but it's a nice, fast paced story.


back to top
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.