From one thing to another

[Her Royal Orangeness]

Do you ever find one book leading to the reading of another? Same author, same topic, etc. In what ways do you believe this has influenced your reading journey?

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

I call this being on a roll, when you know intuitively what you need to read next and have the book at hand.Its not always the same author, tho may have been a reference made in the body of the book or the bibliography.
There is a clue in each book that is picked up in the next. At the same time, I try to make sure that the narrative voice is distinct, that there be enough difference that I do not get them conflated or mixed up.
This is quite different than when I fall under the influence of an author and must read the whole oeuvre,immediately in order of the writing

[Ice, Pilgrim]

I prefer to read chronoligically and will sit on volume 2 whilst trying to find volume 1.

I am trying to broaden my literature palette, being on Goodreads has led to explosion of directions to my normally controlled environment.

[Julie]

Yes; I recently read my first Lehane and now I'm determined to buy and read them all (not all at once of course, but when I see one, I buy it). Same with Kate Morton and Kristin Hannah. And, of course, some series books (Cashore, Kagawa).

[Ian]

I probably buy books based on this sort of word or other association, but I don't usually read them straight away.
Sometimes I need a wedgie in between.

[Ian]

Ha ha! My daughters use the word for underwear that roams all over your lower body. I use it for a beer between spirits.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Ice wrote: "I prefer to read chronoligically and will sit on volume 2 whilst trying to find volume 1.

This too, this too. I referred to this kind of roll "under the influence of an author" but I should have added 'totally engrossed in another world' or 'obssessed by a series'.
I once spent two years searching out and finally acquiring the entire Darkover series, this was just before Daw reprinted everything. I'm not sure how many of us in this group have read MZB...but likely you can imagine the thrill of finally being in position one gloomy February to totally immerse myself.
Ice, you also said
I am trying to broaden my literature palette, >>
Well yes, thats the whole point of a personal reading plan.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

I want to add something that Greg mentioned and that I also like to do, which is to read some delightful historical fiction and then follow it up by a historical or sociological account. I like to spiral around a subject.

[Ann A]

I think the last time this occurred with me was when I read Ted Kennedy's autobiography, then wanted a different perspective, so read a biography (The Last Lion). There is also a group of authors to whom I'm loyal - am determined to read everything they write, even though I may not like all of the books.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

The one advantage to getting old is that the list does get shorter, as does ones sense of obligation.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Ian wrote: "...sometimes I need a wedgie in between."

I know what you mean, and I hope the wedge shelf in this group will come to contain a whack of suitable titles, for its a fine art of selection. Its disconcerting when a book picked for a bit of respite reveals itself to be emotionally demanding.

Especially when a book has had a big impact on me and left me wrung out, I want next something lightly uplifting, slight but not trite.

[Her Royal Orangeness]

I personally prefer to jump around between genres and authors. Too much of one topic or genre or writing style and it becomes all muddled. It's like the difference between reading an anthology of short stories and a compilation of stories by one author.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

when I read an anthology of short stories, my next move is to seek out the authors whose stories I most enjoyed.
Yes jumping between genres and authors but following a thread spiraling around certain time frames, issues and incidents, gathering alternate points of view.

[Her Royal Orangeness]

Something I've been pondering: does disliking one book by an author make you less likely to read everything else by them?

I'm realizing that I often dismiss an author based on one book I disliked, and that this is often unfair. Any author can have one bad book. And sometimes an author writes in several genres, and is stronger in one than in another. And most authors improve with time (and gain the attention of better editors) so their first publication is not necessarily a reflection of their later work.

Thoughts?

[Ice, Pilgrim]

How big do want your tbr pile to be

:-)

[Ann A]

Kinkajou wrote: "Her Royal Orangeness wrote: "Something I've been pondering: does disliking one book by an author make you less likely to read everything else by them?

The two authors that come to mind for me are James Patterson and Anne Rice. I read 2 of Patterson's early works (The Thomas Berryman Number and Season of the Machete - had to look up the names on my 'Master List') and since I disliked them both, I decided I was done with him. I have read comments that he improved a lot, and I know he's extremely popular now. However, there are a lot of authors I KNOW I like and many new ones I want to try, so I don't plan to give James another shot.

As far as Anne Rice goes, I just don't like the way she writes and am confident I wouldn't like her 2nd vampire book any better than the first.

It's sad, but true - we just can't read them ALL!!

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Her Royal Orangeness wrote: "Something I've been pondering: does disliking one book by an author make you less likely to read everything else by them?

I'm realizing that I often dismiss an author based on one book I disliked,..."

Heres another reason to read the reviews on GR, from people whos taste we share or at least trust.

I in fact have experienced loving one book by an author but thats it. Examples...Stephen King's Different Seasons, which I only read at the insistence of my son, I thought it was terrific. But I am not going to read his other stuff. And surprisingly, I liked Anne Rices Jesus book.
as a few of you have said
t's sad, but true - we just can't read them ALL!!

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Could it be that I have offended possibly everyone else in this group who love Stephen King and Anne Rice?

I have noticed that many of you like thrillers, horror, and vampire stuff. And kindles. I don't care for violence or suspense per se, so I don't read it and cant in fact understand the current vogue for vampires, or kindle.

I hope this doesnt alienate you.

[Ellen]

I liked Stephen King's The Shining and Carrie. Maybe a couple of others. Certainly not enough to feel defensive. And only Rice's Interview with a Vampire.

I think we're most big enough to take it but I feel the same way about being less than laudatory about certain pop giants. Including Twilight.

How sad am I?

[Her Royal Orangeness]

Magdelanye wrote: "Could it be that I have offended possibly everyone else in this group who love Stephen King and Anne Rice? I have noticed that many of you like thrillers, horror, and vampire stuff."

I wasn't offended by your earlier comment about Stephen King, but I do feel a need to say something about this message. It drives me completely bonkers that people think of King as someone who writes hack horror crap. These are usually people who either (1) never read anything King wrote or only read some of his worst work and/or (2) also think M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs" is about aliens.

The "ghoulies and ghosties and long legged beasties" in King's best books aren't there just to provide shock and gore. They are always symbolic of something deeper - something unexplored and unsaid, something painful and ugly. They are representative of the dark side of the human soul, our hiddenness and fear of being known, and how all of us kinna see the world as the monster lurking 'neath the bed.

King is also the most amazing storyteller I have ever read. I love his worlds and his characters, and the amazing way he uses words to describe them. Whenever I finish a King book, I always feel homesick for awhile...like I've been taken away from the place and the people that I most love.

[Ann A]

I think Stephen King is one of the most gifted writers around. Having said that, I've only read 3 or 4 of his books because he scares the bejesus out of me. I agree with Royal Orangeness that it's not "hack horror", it's something deeper than that. You live in his world. I don't remember a lot of what I read, but King's books stay with me.

In defense of Kindle, I'll say that I do prefer a living, "breathing" book, but I LOVE Kindle for traveling. I'm always worried about packing enough books, but now I just load the Kindle up with lots of free classics (just about anything pre-1926), and know I can read to my heart's content. I refuse to pay $12.99 for a digital book, but luckily I love reading the old, free stuff.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

AHa! this is what our shelves will ultimately be, a place for this specific type of question, where do I start...with this author or that topic.
Well, hopefully one of his big fans here will fill you in.
I do note a couple of titles posted by HRO. Perhaps they might do, or, the only King I've read, Different Seasons, which is 4 long stories, and brilliant.

[Her Royal Orangeness]

Judy wrote: "I've never gotten around to read a Stephen King, but its on this year's bucket list. Any thoughts on which is his best to read first?"

For a first read, I would recommend It. In my opinion, it's the best book for showcasing King's talent with world building, characterization, and psychology. The Stand is an excellent book, also, but it can be a bit overwhelming. Both the plot and the length are huge.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Her Royal Orangeness wrote: "Do you ever find one book leading to the reading of another? Same author, same topic, etc. In what ways do you believe this has influenced your reading journey?"

Stopped in my tracks by a sequel!
Have picked up Graham Greene as a solace, but I was dismayed to discover, alto there is no reference to it at all in the book I just finished, there is not only a sequel but that the 3rd book in series has not yet been published (or even written)
I found out by checking here on GR. A few days of searching around and I am afraid I will have to carry on without it for now.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

It seems just when I think I have it all figured out...a new variation emerges, or something. I am so careful about my reading choices, yet we never can tell what will be asked of us. The series I have just begun centres on Catherine de Medici, and features a child prodigy,cook and sculptor if you can conceive it. The Stars Destroy covers the childhood and coming into their own power of these two. This reminds me, I must write my review while it is still so fresh in my mind. I will have to get the library to order the sequel, but who knows what space I will be in when it arrives.

I had the same problem with John Twelve Hawks. There had to be a sequel! And I had to wait a year for it.When the 3rd volume finally came into my hands, I put it away until such time as I will read the whole thing again.

A series within a series? Are you talking the Wayfarer double trilogy? I thought it was awesome.
Usually I do buy my books second hand, and of course I get a bit of a discount if I can get them where I work. But space and budget are dictating that I no longer feel compelled to own every book I read. I have a huge library and no more space in my cramped flat.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Ah, Dragonlance, theres quite a number of people coming to the store specifically for those. Right now George Martin is the most requested author we have. We can't keep a copy for more than a day.

From what you have indicated, I dont think that you would have read just one of the Wayfarer series. But I know what you mean about forgetting titles. Thats why GR was such an appealling group to me, the chance to get it all down for reference. Of course, I've only listed a bit of my actual library, my physical tbr shelves, and piles :). Before this, since I was in my late 20's I developed the habit of writing titles down as I read them, in the back of my journal.

It' a daunting task, weeding out books.One must be fairly ruthless. I feel it's almost like betraying a friend. And who knows, maybe someday I will want to know how to build an adobe hut, or rekindle my interest in psychoanalysis. So good luck!

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Today was a day off, mostly housecleaning, and a meeting of the neighbourhood council. Dropped of a couple of books to the detox centre down the street. I am helping them build a library.

Are you at work?
I havent gotten into Martin either.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

sorry that I had to go then, I was enjoying our almost chat.
I have worked that shift, at a homeless shelter not in the neighbourhood. The commute was the bitch, not the work.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Whenever I can, I ride my bike the mile or so to work. Its through hard core downtown, traffic is a nightmare. I feel I take my life in my hand at least twice a day on that commute. I often imagine I am actually back on the camino, walking through the mountains.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

In fact, the first political decision I ever made was not get a drivers lisence, so a car is never an option for me. And it seems crazy to pay 2.50 for a bus ride of ten minutes. I have actually beaten the bus on my bike, cause the bus has to stop 4 times on the way.
And I do walk sometimes, which is less risky but also an adventure what with the scene.
I should not be online now, needed to check a title for work. May you be rested, smiling

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Yes, the bus is good for that.
Except when I get so absorbed that I miss my stop!

I like biking because it does increase my stamina.

In the past, I have lived far from work, and in fact, I do have occassional work that takes miles out of town to remote locations. I can also tell hilarious stories of the days when I did booktables in the interior, and the years I lived on the Sunshine Coast miles from any bus route. They said it couldn't be done, and that was one of the times that I went so far as to get a learners permit.But I don't want to be a driver and have chosen the difficulties this entails.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Never feel guilty for your preferences:):)

I really object to the way the earth is parcelled up and divided by concrete, which is anti life. I cant promise not to rant about this from time to time, but I will try to keep it to a minimum.

When it gets down to the crunch, all I have are my convictions, and I`m down to the minimum about those.
You could say that I am a pantheist and that may be it. And it helps that I love walking.

My big news, actually went by bus across town to actually buy the Roessner sequel, and while I was there,and after intensive searching through the rows of S. King, which felt very odd indeed, I finally found an expanded copy of the stand. OMG its over 1000 pages.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

The only Stephen King book I have ever read is Four Seasons, which, as I understand is a departure from his usual concerns. My son, who rarely gives me books, urged it on me and I may not have noticed it otherwise because I never look at his books. But I was impressed with this one, especially the prison story, that they made into an excellent movie. Shawshank Redemption, that was it, and so I know he is capable of superb writing. Still, I dont care how fine the writing if I dont care for the effect a book has on me, I won't read it. Horror, as I've said before,I dont need to read about. I am already uneasy. Even environmental horror I;m slowing down on, tho I did love Savage Dreams.

I took that copy of the stand because it was the only one to be found in 4 shelves of SKing. I had no idea until I read the inside announcement that the original publication was an abridged version. The one I have claims to restore Sk's apocolyptic vision
"in it's entirety". Is this not a good thing?

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

If he's stopped writing horror, I don't know it. We have a lot of his more recent books, and they seem pretty creepy too. What would you say the shift is?

I do have some experience with 1000+ page books, but generally I'm really keen on them. Usually I'll make a long deep book my morning read. I dont see that happening with the stand, but we'll see. Its going on the bottom of my current pile.

As for walden, I was probably too young when I read it, found it a bit tepid. One of those books that I like the idea of perhaps better than the writing.

Drive carefully, sleep well.
(not at the same time:)

[Her Royal Orangeness]

King's earlier books were very much like M. Night Shymalan movies with another whole story beneath the obvious one. Like, in "It" the evil clown is symbolic of our deepest fears and what it means to confront those fears. In his more recent books, King lost that subtlety. I always feel like his trying to beat me about the head with a Profound Psychological Point.

As I said earlier in this thread: "The "ghoulies and ghosties and long legged beasties" in King's best books aren't there just to provide shock and gore. They are always symbolic of something deeper - something unexplored and unsaid, something painful and ugly. They are representative of the dark side of the human soul, our hiddenness and fear of being known, and how all of us kinna see the world as the monster lurking 'neath the bed."

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

In fact K, you have given me a better idea here about what SK is about than I have previously retained.

Speaking of big fat juicy books,have you yet read Pillars of Earth, and sequel, and Shantaram? Cant remember and its morning, not time to search your shelves.

the mental quiet is where its at, she echoed longingly as she thrust herself out of bed and into the shower in preparation for another busy day.

cheers!

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

In fact, K, you have given me a better picture of what SK is on about than I have previously retained.

Speaking of big fat books, have you read the pillrs of earth or Shantaram? And are you still reading Ullyeses?

My answer to this message composed half hour ago did not appear for some reason, so I am recapping in a morning rush ( a slow rush)

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

(thats curious, the lost comment showed up}

OMG A Suitable Boy is waiting for me too, like a reproach that intimidates me into ignoring this book when I know it will be worthwhile....

Are you following any of the GR discussions on Ulysses? Because Ian was just reading and very into...I think he even started his own discussion thread somewhere.
Book like that needs friends

[Ellen]

I made a big commitment this year and got a copy of A Suitable Boy. Just looking at it seems like I should have fulfilled my commitment.

Oh, wait. You mean I'm supposed to actually read it as well?!! OMG

And Magdelanye-I love the idea of "Book like that needs friends"-I'm going to hold onto that quote!

But a book the size of A Suitable Boy needs more than friends; it needs family. It needs a mother!

What I want to know before I invest that much time is, Will it like change my life? Or at least my heart?

And Kinkajou: I love what you said about it feeling too odd to update your status on Ulysses. But I think you should, anyway; I think it would be a comfort to others who are also reading it & imagine the rest of the world somehow zipping along, nodding their heads wisely & laughing at obscure jokes.

[Ice, Pilgrim]

Strange to think that I have read a 'Suitable Boy'.

But I am geared to long waits (by the seal hole) and fairly stubborn.

Ulysses is within my sights but next The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo after 'idiot'.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

>>>You mean I'm supposed to actually read it as well?!! OMG<<<
This too belongs in the gallery of emminently quotable quotes...

The intimidation factor for ASB is certainly huge.
Take heart from our very own Ice Bear who has commented very favorably on it as a rich and worthwhile read.

Kink...do you remember Ian Greye who is on p456 of Ullysses and has lots of interesting things to say about it. Maybe you can induce him to link with our thread?

[Her Royal Orangeness]

I picked up a copy of A Suitable Boy at a library sale. And promptly tucked it away in the box of books in storage. That book is scarey. It will have to be very very very very very good to warrant 1,400-whatever pages!

[Ice, Pilgrim]

Upon leaving Paris turn East and slightly south, pass through the mountains,minarets and like Polo, one will arrive at the destination. Then bathe in the Tapestry of Asia.

See not so scarey after all.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

You and Ian had banter before, he is already a member of flight paths with whom you exchanged definitions of wedge in various cultural contexts.
BTW, his group will be nothing like the stuffy or pretentious ones you may have encountered.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Holy poop! You actually got Ian back onto FP and Already you guys lost me with the comments, its been so long since \i read it. I did spend about 4 months on though and may be able to say something semi-relevant on the subject.

I remember that conversation because I thought the expression that Ian threw out was so apropos for a certain type of read.

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

Ian said, in his devestating review of white noise
"The system is invisible, which makes it all the more impressive, all the more disquieting to deal with."

if this is the kind of horror king writes about, then maybe I've misjudged him.
but whats creeping me out right now, I remember answering this post, and HRO had a couple of comments... where did they go?

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

First, create the folder you want to move them to, then go to the folders they're in. By the name of the thread you'll see a tiny "edit". Click that and then you'll see a couple of boxes where you can choose which folder you want to move it to. Select the folder then save changes, and the thread will be moved for you.

I did not know where to put this info, lifted from the instructions given by the moderator to the phantom of the opera group.

Yes Ice if you notice this, there is such a group. I will check it out further....and HRO, did you know this already?

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

more helpful hints from this great spirited group

**How to make a thread a "sticky": Once you've posted a new thread, click on the tiny "edit" next to the thread name. You'll see a window that will allow you to (1) change the folder the thread appears in, (2) mark this topic as important (it will be listed first)
and (3) close this topic for new posts. If you choose #2: mark this topic important - it will always appear at the top of your folder, no matter how many threads are added. (If you choose #3: close this topic - no one will be able to post comments to the thread. That's used more for announcements, at least in my group's case.)
Ice:
I have messaged them for link to Phantom group

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

this seems as good a place as any to remark on a phenomenon that sometimes links two random books together. just finished the Lola Quartet in which one of the main characters, a journalist, is disgraced for giving false references. Now reading the blue light project by timothy Taylor and here is a main character undergoing the same thing. after this loss of credibility, both these characters bottom out in similar ways, and the effect is a bit of a conflation.And just to keep things lively, a woman from one of Priscilla Uppal keeps popping up unexpectedly.

and that's just one thread!

[Magdelanye, Senior Flight Attendant]

having just finished a couple of amazing books, one by a woman named Eve and one featuring a woman called Eve or Evey. now started the girls, and yes, here is the protagonist Eve called Evie.