What are you currently reading and why? (CLOSED) Showing 2,901-2,950 of 4,001

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Kimberly wrote: "Robin wrote: "I am also pro audiobooks. I do not consider them cheating as they do take a lot more time. My mother is visually impaired but is still able to read large print books but she has to we..."

Thanks Kimberly : )

[Kimberly]

I started :) and

[Chrissie]

Robin wrote: "I am also pro audiobooks. I do not consider them cheating as they do take a lot more time. My mother is visually impaired but is still able to read large print books but she has to wear special mag..."

Tell your Mom I understand what she is dealing with! I can only speak for myself but an audiobook demands a lot more of the reader. You must take the time to learn and remember things that before you could just jot down on a piece of paper. I am learning to rmember MORE! But, once you have paid carefull attention and learned who is who in a book, this attention pays off as you get further into the book. Then the added work pays off and you appreciate the story more. In addition good writing is even more pronounced. Each sentence is sucked on. Birds Without Wings is MUCH better than Captain Corelli's Mandolin. For me the writing in the former is just so satirical and funny and filled with irony. So my question is? Is it the narrator who has improved the story?

I was so negative to audiobooks before. i thought they would never work for me. I was totally wrong.

[Eileen]

Judy wrote: "Eileen, your Behind The Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, And Hope In A Mumbai Undercity looks like a good book. Are you enjoying it so far?"

Yes - so far, I'm really liking it. This book has gotten excellent reviews, and Boos seems to really do an excellent job of painting life in a slum in Mumbai through the eyes of the people who are living there - what daily life is like, how they try to make money, and what they consider, a leg up. Fascinating so far.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Chrissie wrote: "Robin wrote: "I am also pro audiobooks. I do not consider them cheating as they do take a lot more time. My mother is visually impaired but is still able to read large print books but she has to we..."

My mom has had vision problems all her life and went totally blind when I was just a baby. By the grace of God, she did get back partial vision. In one eye she only sees shadows and light/dark. The other eye,as the dr explained, she sees 1/8 of what a good visioned person would see. She is still able to drive during daylight hours and she still works. She has 2 different pairs of glasses that she uses depending on what she is doing. One pair magnifies things like you wouldn't believe and with those she still has to use a magnifying glass too.This pair she only uses for reading, being on the computer, doing jigsaw puzzles etc. Her other glasses are trifocals and are the strongest prescription available. This pair she wears all the time just like normal glasses. She has to be very careful about which glasses she has on, as I constantly worry that she is going to have on the magnifying glasses while driving which would be dangerous. But she does really well as she has dealt with this so long it is just habit for her to constantly change glasses based on what she is doing.

I listen to audiobooks sometimes, especially when I am crocheting. I often times find my mind wandering when I am listening and I have to constantly hit rewind. So yes, it does take more time and patience trying to remember/learn everything that you have heard. I think yes it could be the narrator who has improved the story. Feelings and emotions are often expressed better when spoken rather than written especially if the narrator has good tone and pitch while speaking :) I have run across some audiobooks that I just couldn't listen to because the narrator was very monotone lol

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

I am currently reading I don't know why I am reading this as it isn't my type of book lol I don't like anything scary and I have a feeling this is going to be that way.

[Kat]

Robin wrote: "I am currently reading I don't know why I am reading this as it isn't my type of book lol I don't like anything scary and I have a feeling this is goi..."

Just don't read it alone in the dark!

[Kat]

I'm back on the zombie train again with Z Strain!

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Kat wrote: "Robin wrote: "I am currently reading I don't know why I am reading this as it isn't my type of book lol I don't like anything scary and I have a feeli..."

Lol I started reading it last night after everyone went to bed and I finally had to put it away. I think I will read it during the daylight hours : )

[Kimberly]

Robin wrote: "I am currently reading I don't know why I am reading this as it isn't my type of book lol I don't like anything scary and I have a feeling this is goi..."

Just keep the lights on and don't let anyone sneak u on you :)

[Chrissie]

Robin,, thanks for taking the time to tell me about your Mom. I have tried those super magnifying glasses. They just do not work with my eyes. What upsets me is that my vision is markedly worse after these treatments. When will there be improvement? That is the question.

i do not want to bore other people. Let's just talk about books. That is more interesting. Birds Without Wings, the audio version with narrator John Lee, is going to be a five star book. Perfect hisorical fiction that weaves the multicultural village live in a small town near Smyrna (Izmir, Turkey) into the historical events at the beginning of the 1900s. You learn about Attaturk too. And each line is so funny. Impressive seduction scenes. I really like this book. MUCH better than Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

[Susan]

Chrissie wrote: "Robin,, thanks for taking the time to tell me about your Mom. I have tried those super magnifying glasses. They just do not work with my eyes. What upsets me is that my vision is markedly worse af..."

Chrissie, BWW was the first Bernieres book that I read. So, I eagerly picked up Corelli's Mandolin, and I could not get through it. I was so disappointed!

[Kimberly]

I promised myself that I wouldn't start a new book but I'm going to start . It's been on my tbr list for awhile and it's only 226 pages...plus I'm on an "Africa" kick right now.

[Kimberly]

I finished 4 stars. She's an inspiration and while I liked her book her Jesus and God references got annoying after awhile because she repeated herself a lot and I thought it was kind of unnecessary . Still a good book. She makes me want to do what she does. At 22 she's the adoptive mother of 13 children. How amazing is that?

[Chrissie]

Susan wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Robin,, thanks for taking the time to tell me about your Mom. I have tried those super magnifying glasses. They just do not work with my eyes. What upsets me is that my vision is ..."

The two do not compare! Susan, I cannot find the message above that maybe explains. I am wondering if you listened to Birds or read it? I am wondering if the written could be as good as the audio format?

I have written a partial review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Susan]

I read it. I usually get my books from the library but I bought this one. All this talk of it, I may schedule it for a reread. It was also very interesting because I really know very little about that part of the world.

[Gemma]

I'm reading this was a brilliant find at a book swap. I loved Child 44, Secret Speech was mediocre but this is living up to Child 44 so far. Excellent trilogy!

[Chrissie]

Susan wrote: "I read it. I usually get my books from the library but I bought this one. All this talk of it, I may schedule it for a reread. It was also very interesting because I really know very little abou..."

If you are interested in another book about the people of this area; I can highly recommend Salonica, City of Ghosts: Christians, Muslims and Jews 1430-1950, however it is not fiction.

I was wondering how much my enjoyment of the book was due to the audio format or the writing. I am happy to hear that the written book was wonderful for you.

[Dem]

I just fnished The Hunger Gameswhich is something totally different for me.
This is my review
www.goodreads.com/review/show/215517033

[Dem]

Gemma wrote: "I'm reading this was a brilliant find at a book swap. I loved Child 44, Secret Speech was mediocre but this is living up to Child 44 so far. Excellent trilogy!"

I loved Child 44so really looking forward to hearing what you thought of this as will have to read it.

[Susan]

Chrissie wrote: "Susan wrote: "I read it. I usually get my books from the library but I bought this one. All this talk of it, I may schedule it for a reread. It was also very interesting because I really know ve..."

Thank you, Chrissie, I will put that on my TBR list. It sounds very interesting.

Ha! There is no one as passionate as a convert! I feel the same way about audiobooks. For instance, I have listened to the entire Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon narrated by the wonderful Davina Porter. She uses so much expression, especially when her characters are speaking, and I don't think I would have read it with that inflection. And she brings out so much humor. I cannot separate the two. The character Claire speaks like Davina.

[Gemma]

Dem wrote: "Gemma wrote: "I'm reading this was a brilliant find at a book swap. I loved Child 44, Secret Speech was mediocre but this is living up to Child 44 so far. Excellent tril..."


Dem, Agent 6 was brilliant I have added to my favourite books..I have reviewed it in my books. If you liked Child 44, you will definately like this.

[Kimberly]

I started this will be an emotional read for me as the intoduction already hurts my heart but I think its one I need to read.

[Gemma]

I'm just about to start readinng The Deep End of the OceanI picked it up in a book swap, from the back it sounds like it will be an interesting read

[Anne]

Half-way through The Boy In The Suitcase. Not thrilled by this thriller/mystery. Maybe this genre just isn't for me. I'm reading about it because of so many rave reviews.

[Amanda_DJ n' Zac]

This book was hard for me to stick with.... But as i kept reading i couldnt wait to see what happened and how it ended. Stick with it :) let me know what you think of it Anne.

[Anne]

Amanda_DJ n' Zac wrote: "This book was hard for me to stick with.... But as i kept reading i couldnt wait to see what happened and how it ended. Stick with it :) let me know what you think of it Anne."

Okay, Amanda, thanks for letting me know your experience. I'll report back once I've finished the book.

[Lori]

I've started A Test of Wills and find it very good. I felt the need to read something that runs sort of parallel to the show Downton Abbey which is currently running on Masterpiece Theater. This book by Charles Todd is very good with a setting in England just after the end of World War I. It's the first of a series that I've been trying to get to and so far so good.

[Kimberly]

After my last read I need something light and funny so I'm starting . Can't wait to see what new kinds of trouble Stephanie's going to get herself into.

[Janice, Moderator]

I couldn't wait for the 5th, so I'm going for the Grandfather award. I'm already reading Out of Africa and I started One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest tonight. I have a few others I could read. I think I may read The Woman in Black since the movie comes out this weekend.

[Chrissie]

Just finished A Night to Remember, and have started Nefertiti. I wanted to try a book by this author; Michelle Moran is quite the thing these days: Why not give her a try?! Both are audiobooks.

The book about the Titanic was clear, factual and concise. It is not for those of you who want a melodramatic rendering of the facts as shown in the movie. I enjoyed it. It gave the facts and drew a picture of what really happened. There have been many false stories drawn of this event! You learn of what happened to those in steerage. You get a minute by minute account of what happened. There is an epilogue with source info.

Concerning Nefertiti: I have read that the historical details are to be accurate. Are they?

[Susan]

Chrissie wrote: "Just finished A Night to Remember, and have started Nefertiti. I wanted to try a book by this author; Michelle Moran is quite the thing these days: Why not give her a tr..."
I remember reading A Night to Remember and loving it when I was in high school, shortly after the Titanic went down. Haven't read anything by Michelle Moran, although I have been eyeing Madame Tussaud for awhile. You're really going strong with those audiobooks!

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

I am reading which is a BOTM in another group. So far I really like it.

[Kimberly]

Robin wrote: "I am reading which is a BOTM in another group. So far I really like it."

I'll have to read that one sometime (probably won't get to it this month). Glad you like it so far :)

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

I think you would like it Kimberly...I am also thinking this might fit into the "Globetrotting" Theme : )

[Dem]

Just finished And the Band Played on This is my review,
www.goodreads.com/review/show/257961117

[Gemma]

Dem wrote: "Just finished And the Band Played onThis is my review,
www.goodreads.com/review/show/257961117"

I've just read your review Dem, I'm going to have to get this one, I am fascinated by Titanic - this sounds great!

[Kimberly]

Robin wrote: "I think you would like it Kimberly...I am also thinking this might fit into the "Globetrotting" Theme : )"

I found it at the library today but didn't get it :) I'm waiting to hear what you think about it when you're done :D

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Kimberly wrote: "Robin wrote: "I think you would like it Kimberly...I am also thinking this might fit into the "Globetrotting" Theme : )"

I found it at the library today but didn't get it :) I'm waiting to hear wh..."

LOL ok.....so far I am really liking it but you know that could always change : D

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Dem wrote: "Just finished And the Band Played onThis is my review,
www.goodreads.com/review/show/257961117"

Nice review Dem!! I have read multiple books about the Titanic and always look for more : ) Thanks for sharing. I am adding this one to my TBR.

[Kimberly]

I'm going to start

[Chrissie]

Susan wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Just finished A Night to Remember, and have started Nefertiti. I wanted to try a book by this author; Michelle Moran is quite the thing these days: Why ..."

Hmm, we have A Night to Remember in common too. Amazing how there had been a fictional book published about the sinking of a similar ship a decade BEFORE the Titanic sunk! In the novel the ship was called the Titan. The similarities were unbelievable.

You are just like me - feeling I ought to try Michelle Moran. I have read so many about the French Revolution so I thought Nefertiti would be more fun to try. I cannot say that I am totally blown over by the character portrayal. I don't know. On the author's site you can get info on what is fact and what is fiction. That I appreciate. Someone nice told me about that! I DO like learning about Neferti

ETA The Nefertiti link: http://michellemoran.com/books/nefert...

[Dem]

Robin wrote: "Dem wrote: "Just finished And the Band Played onThis is my review,
www.goodreads.com/review/show/257961117"

Nice review Dem!! I have r..."

Thanks Robin and Gemma, There was three people from my parish on board the ship 2 died and one survived so this year there is an exhitibtion in the village to remember these people so am always interested in Titanic Stories.

[Jennifer]

Gemma wrote: "I'm just about to start readinng The Deep End of the OceanI picked it up in a book swap, from the back it sounds like it will be an interesting read"

I read that years ago and enjoyed it. I also think in one aspect it was a tour de force from the writer's perspective but I don't want to tell you why for fear of spoiling something!

[Tanya]

I am currently reading Mansfield Park jus because I love Jane Ausen.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Dem wrote: "Robin wrote: "Dem wrote: "Just finished And the Band Played onThis is my review,
www.goodreads.com/review/show/257961117"

Nice review ..."

YW : ) That's interesting about the exhibition!!!

[Gemma]

Jennifer wrote: "Gemma wrote: "I'm just about to start readinng The Deep End of the OceanI picked it up in a book swap, from the back it sounds like it will be an interesting read"

I read that years ag..."

Yes, I completely agree. I think the author handled the subject and the families emotions really well. My review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Chrissie]

Den thanks for your great review of And the Band Played on. Having just finished A Night to Remember, my interest is piqued! Remember the book Night to Remember refers to at the beginning? I found it here on GR. Futility or The Wreck of the Titan. This book was a novel about a ship that sunk called Titan. It was written a bit more than a decade before the Titanic sunk! Spooky. It seems the author changed the book after the Titanic went down. Also the focus is different.

[Dem]

Chrissie wrote: "Den thanks for your great review of And the Band Played on. Having just finished A Night to Remember, my interest is piqued! Remember the book Night to Remember refers..."

That is really interesting Chrissie, I just looked the book up and it is quite short too so might look at getting that one.

[Janice, Moderator]

I gave up on Out of Africa (too dry) and The Secret Scripture (narrator kept losing me).

Instead, I started The World's Most Haunted Places, Revised Edition: From the Secret Files of Ghostvillage.com for our Globe Trotting theme. It's not rocket science, but it's something completely different from what I've been reading lately and I need a change.