What are you reading in August 2011?

[Helen]

The Gargoyle was brilliant, I can't believe it is a debut, go buy it!

[Patti]

A Dance with Dragons

Finishing this book and awaiting the next.

[Patti]

The Treatment

Also slowly reading Mo, enjoyed the two before.

[Brian]

A Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two Cities

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

I started reading The Whitefire Crossing by Courtney Schafer yesterday. For a debut novel, it's remarkably polished. I'm really enjoying it.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Hoping to start the first book in the Honor Harrington series this week or weekend. Been too busy to read anything except the daily paper and magazines in short bursts.

[Bill]

Janny wrote: "...Next up will be Ghost Ship "

I've read the 3 or 4 novels of the Liaden universe, but have not kept up. The one I remember best is I Dare which I really liked. Somehow, I lost track of the series.

Has Liaden remained as good as I remember?

[Janny]

Kernos wrote: "Janny wrote: "...Next up will be Ghost Ship "

I've read the 3 or 4 novels of the Liaden universe, but have not kept up. The one I remember best is I Dare which I really liked. Somehow, I lo..."

If you liked the first three or four, I'd say definitely you won't be disappointed - they connect and deepen in world view very nicely.

The three 'prequels' (in time line, not publication order) were truly TRULY unpredictable and very original and interesting.

I buy them all on release in hardback because they are GREAT light reads. I enjoy them for relaxing. Refreshing in that: kindness counts, manners and courtesy make a difference, and the characters passionately care.

The first published - Agent of Change - is still (I think) the very best of them - and the place to start for anyone thinking to try these.

[Helen]

Just discovered that Mira Grant has a novella out soon, Newsflesh. From the world of Feed and Deadline. I will read it as soon as I can get hold of it. Think club read (Fortress) next for me this month.

[Richard]

So far this month I've read On Basilisk Station, for the group series discussion starting soon and a couple of enjoyable rereads of The Forever War and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?.

I've just started in on The Dervish House by Ian McDonald, lovely writing, and hope to get around to reading Foreigner, now that I've finally got hold of a copy.

I think trying to reread Red Mars this month might just be a stretch too far for me, but I've got a whole week stuck in a hotel room for work coming up so you never know.

[Bill]

I'm currently reading The Da Vinci Code and am finding it very entertaining. I did not pay much attention when it was a bestseller, but suspect it provoked a lot of controversy, both religious and feminist. It seems to have been canned by a low of reviewers, I suspect because their beliefs are challenged. But it is fun! Chill people.

History or fantasy. That is the question. Thing is for stuff I do know about, there's a lot of evidence for...

[Jenny]

Earlier this month I read The Black Prism and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. I really enjoyed them both! I can't wait for the next Light Bringer book (sequel to Black Prism), I hear it's coming out in September? I hope so.

I'm currently reading The Help and Homeland. I've hardly started The Help but I already really like it. It's a fun read.

[Ken]

Kernos wrote: "I'm currently reading The Da Vinci Code and am finding it very entertaining. I did not pay much attention when it was a bestseller, but suspect it provoked a lot of controversy, both rel..."

My problem with that book is everyone raved. "Oh this is the greatest book I have ever read" So after two years I broke down and read it. Was mainly disappointed. The plot was amazing. Loved the whole idea of the book. The writing, well that was my problem with the book. I was very...limited. I really noticed it in his latest book The Lost Symbol. I couldn't even make it past page 50. His 3 page chapters were annoying.

[Kevin]

I just got started on A Deepness in the Sky, pretty good book so far.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

I enjoyed The Da Vinci Code and Dan Brown's other books as quick romps. The writing was OK, although I agree that The Lost Symbol either was more poorly written or I was just paying more attention to the writing. Usually in a thriller-type book, I am not very critical since I just want to find out what happens next.

[Bill]

Ken wrote: "Kernos wrote: "My problem with that book is everyone raved. "Oh this is the greatest book I have ever read" So after two years I broke down and read it. Was mainly disappointed..."

I finished it, The Da Vinci Code, last night and enjoyed it as I would the movie or any adventure/mystery movie I enjoyed. I liked what you like the plot and the possibly true conspiracy elements. But there was no flesh in the book, no more than in the movie. I was left with the feeling that the book was written to be made into a movie.

Next up The Phoenix by Ruth Sims

[Jenny]

I just finished Homeland. It was so good! It was a great origin story. I love the character of Drizzt and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Next Kindle read: The Three Musketeers

[Ken]

Kernos wrote: "But there was no flesh in the book, no more than in the movie. I was left with the feeling that the book was written to be made into a movie. "

Exactly!! My exactly thoughts when I read the book. Finally, someone else with the same thoughts. I thought I was the only one. (really)

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Finally got going on On Basilisk Station. First book I've ever read on my iPad. Enjoying both the book and the eReader experience.

[Katie]

I'm in the middle of Magician's Gambit, which I'm finally able to read in full (thanks to e-books) as my Dad's edition is missing about 40 pages.

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

Kathi, I just started reading on the iPad last Xmas and found I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. I started On Basilisk Station in that format too!

[Helen]

I had a kindle in March, I didn't think I would take to it but I prefer it now. Do miss seeing my cover though.

[Shel, Moderator]

I'm kinda wishing I had an e-reader just for the free Honor Harrington books...but I still am nor sure how I'd like it!

Just finished a memoir that was not nearly as interesting as I thought it would be, My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey, the story of a neuroscientist who had a stroke. I was really looking forward to hearing what the experience of having a stroke was like from the perspective of someone with a Ph.D in neuroscience, but the actual narrative of what happened was such a small part of the book - it devolved into new age self-help business about "embracing your right-brained self" and yadda yadda ya. Disappointing.

Next up is Ammonite by Nicola Griffith.

[Deedee]

Still reading BOTM Fortress in the Eye of Time ... is anyone else reading it? I've gone over to the threads and nobody is posting. Hmmm, I probably should go over there and say something.

A Night in the Lonesome October is disappointing. Some of it might be in-jokes that I'm not getting. I'm 3/4ths way through and so far it is a combination scavanger hunt and TV-show "Survivor" type shifting alliances amongst various "players".

I'm also reading The Ships of Merior. I had read The Curse of the Mistwraith last year when the group did their series read, and I thought it was OK, had unrealized potential. My main beef with The Curse of the Mistwraith was that it was too hard to figure out what was happening -- many descriptions that obscurate rather than illuminate. I'm not sure why I picked up The Ships of Merior, but I did; and I'm finding it easier going. I meet the characters as literary friends that I haven't seen in awhile. The author's need to summarize what went before results in better explanations of the events of the previous novel. So, I'm following the events and the characters better in this novel than in the previous novel, so I'm enjoying it better. I'm also going back and reading the comments from a year ago when this group read the book.

[Jon]

Deedee wrote: "Still reading BOTM Fortress in the Eye of Time ... is anyone else reading it? I've gone over to the threads and nobody is posting. Hmmm, I probably should go over there and say somet..."

It's next on my list. I'll try to squeeze it in before I head to Dragon*Con.

[Sandra]

Deedee wrote: "Still reading BOTM Fortress in the Eye of Time ... is anyone else reading it? I've gone over to the threads and nobody is posting. Hmmm, I probably should go over there and say somet..."

I've finished it and LOVED it and in fact haven't been able to stop with just one. I'm now on #4 and totally enthralled.

Glad you are enjoying The Ships of Merior - this is my favorite fantasy series of all time. Keep going. The prose develops a rhythm and sucks you in after while, and the characters are fabulous. Not to mention the magic system, which only unfolds gradually as the series progresses.

[Nick]

Shel wrote: "I'm kinda wishing I had an e-reader just for the free Honor Harrington books...but I still am nor sure how I'd like it!

Just finished a memoir that was not nearly as interesting as I thought it wo... Next up is Ammonite by Nicola Griffith.

"

I just started

Ammonite also. Actually I read most of it in one sitting. I am enjoying it that much.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Just finished a First Reads win and, have to say, didn't like it! Elantra: Song of Tears, Lady of the Dawn. My one-star review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Probably on to another First Reads win. I've got a few piled up...

[Shel, Moderator]

I finished Ammonite last night - finished as strongly as it started -I definitely recommend it!

My next read is going to be Foreigner, but I've got some other stuff to take care of before I start it.

[Richard]

I've just finished The Dervish House.

Wow what a great book, my review can be found here.
4.5 stars at least.

Going to dive straight into Foreigner now and then see what everyone's been saying about it in the BotM threads

[Patricia]

Deedee wrote: "Still reading BOTM Fortress in the Eye of Time ... is anyone else reading it? I've gone over to the threads and nobody is posting. Hmmm, I probably should go over there and say somet..."
I'm still reading Fortress. I put it aside for a few days to finish a couple of others, but have almost read 600pp. I like it, but not something I can speed through.

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

Richard wrote: "I've just finished The Dervish House.

Wow what a great book, my review can be found here.
4.5 stars at least."

That was my favorite SF novel of 2010, Richard. Gorgeous novel. I'm rooting for it to win the Hugo this weekend. My second favorite, although it's VERY different, was Feed by Mira Grant.

[Richard]

I'll have to get myself a copy of Feed for October's group read. Not a huge fan of zombies, but did like I Am Legend and have heard nothing but rave reviews for Feed from group members.

[Kevin]

I just started a reread of The Once and Future King.

[Christine]

I finished Consider Phlebas and have mixed feelings about this author; I'm not sure if I want to return to this world again. Today I picked up Lilith's Brood; I've already read DAwn, the first book of this trilogy and am happy to find all three books in one volume. It is nice to read a trilogy and know that all three books are already written

[Jenny]

I just finished The Help. I'm in absolute awe. I'm still reading The Three Musketeers on my Kindle and I'll be starting Wuthering Heights soon.

[Ron]

I just started Charles Stross's The Fuller Memorandum, sequel to "The Jennifer Morgue" and "The Atrocity Archives". It's pretty good, although the joke may be starting to wear a little thin, still plenty of humour and good occult violence. Best bit so far: Bob brings home an Apple cell phone (having "failed his saving throw against shiny objects") and names it the NecronomIpod. How can one argue?

Also reading John Barth's "The Sot-weed Factor" which was probably hysterically funny in 1960 but a bit tiresome now. It's outside the purview of this group anyway (altho' one might think of it as alternate history?) so I'll leave it at that.

At the start of the month I read Michael Flynn's Up Jim River, a sequel to "The January Dancer". It's a great story, beautifully told, with many of the characters from the first book and some great new ones. The title is a saying from someone's home culture, and is equivalent to one we would complete with the phrase "...without a paddle". There is brilliant linguistic play in Flynn's cobbled-together languages, the dominant tongue being "Gaelactic". One of the back alleys in one of the dangerous neighborhoods, a la "When Gravity Fails", is named AlKorry Street -- British soap opera fans might recognize the arabizing of "Corrie" or "Coronation Street". On another world a character is mystified when someone he has offended says "Are you calling me a moose?" But he doesn't mean the antlered critter, he means "mus" as in the root of "muslim" -- one who submits (as "Islam" means "submission"), but here it's not in the religious sense. I'm going on about it too long, the thing is full of these brilliant little moments, can't recommend it highly enough, bloody brilliant.

[Bill]

I've been reading novels recommended on the Literary Horror group. I just finished Verland: The Transformation.

Verland is the 1st vampire book I really liked and is provoking unexpected thought.

I just started an Ecofiction: Blue Wolf: An Alix Thorssen Mystery

[Sandra]

Thanks to this group, I've been stuck in the Fortress series, which I LOVE. Maybe even better than the Foreigner series! I've listened to a couple of Brother Cadfael mysteries, am more than halfway through Jhereg, listened to A Body in the Bathhouse (meh), and can't figure out what I'm going to read next. I may start my reread of the Wars of Light and Shadow, in preparation for Initiate's Trial, which comes out in October.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Currently out of genre, reading a First Reads win, a mystery called Frozen Stiff by a Wisconsin author (I live in WI).

[Hélène]

As I couldn't properly read yesterday, I started to listen to The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison. Phil Gigante is a great reader!

[Ken]

Well I thought I updated this last week, but apparently I didnt, Ha
So
I read A Gentleman's Game: A Queen & Country Novel
Not bad, kinda slow to start but it kinda felt real.

I started Going Postal. I started reading this last year but I lost it. It took me a couple of weeks to find it so I have been waiting for the right time to read it. Today is that day

[Kevin]

Reading Mieville, with Embassytown and Un Lun Dun, then on to Robinson with Green and Blue Mars.

[Random]

I started Ready Player One yesterday. Over half way through it now and I'm really enjoying it.

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

I just finished The Postmortal by Drew Magary, and am now about to start on Awakenings by Edward Lazellari, both for upcoming reviews. All kinds of non-book-related things are keeping me distracted from reading as much as I'd like (and from paying attention to the group). I hope this will improve in the next week or two.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

I finished another of my First Reads wins (Starlighter, a YA fantasy, start of a series, that I thought was quite good (3.5/5).

Since the month is drawing to a close and the only group-related read I have coming up is the next book in the Honor Harrington series, I'm going to work on finishing up the Fortress series. So last night I dove into Fortress of Eagles.

[Sandra]

Kathi wrote: "I finished another of my First Reads wins (Starlighter, a YA fantasy, start of a series, that I thought was quite good (3.5/5).

Since the month is drawing to a close and the only gr..."

Oh! I hope you love it as much as I do!

[Helen]

I've read The Witching Hour, Queen of Kings and now on Basilisk Station. I planned to read a lot more this month but have been so busy. Still have to start Fortress!

[Janny]

Kathi wrote: "I finished another of my First Reads wins (Starlighter, a YA fantasy, start of a series, that I thought was quite good (3.5/5).

Since the month is drawing to a close and the only gr..."

Fortress series - entire - is wonderful! Have fun.

I am reading The Honey Trail: In Pursuit of Liquid Gold and Vanishing Bees - both scary and amazing.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

I have read the first 3 books in the Fortress series, I think, some years ago. Then, when I acquired the later book(s), I realized I needed to reread the earlier books in order to enjoy the newer ones. The August BOTM choice was the perfect opportunity for me to do that.