What Are You Reading Right Now? ( Hwæt béon ðu bocrædung?) Showing 6,951-7,000 of 10,106

[Gretchen]

I haven't commented on this thread for a while. I recently finished Among the Mad. I found it to be cruelly ironic to be reading such a plot with the world's current events going on around me.

I also recently finished The September Queen. I think I will be passing on this author's other and future work. This novel fit the definition of a bodice ripper to the letter.

After finishing I Am the Chosen King, I had to start on The Forever Queen.

I also finally got my hands on a copy of Wrath of the Furies. I have missed Gordianus so much.

[happy]

I finished John Guy's biography of St. Thomas Becket, Thomas Becket: Warrior, Priest, Rebel

Prof Guy really makes clear whose side he's on, Becket's. At the same time he doesn't absolve him of contributing to the impasse.

A couple of interesting tidbits -(view spoiler)[ the famous line, "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest", Henry supposedly said that led directly to Becket's death, doesn't appear in the record until the 1760s.

Also Ranulf de Broc, one of the knights who killed Becket, held an office in Henry's service that I'd never heard of. Among other things he was the Royal Whoremaster.
(hide spoiler)]

All in all a solid 4 star read.

I also finished The Deadliest Sin. I thought it was better than some of the more recent volumes in the series. The theme that holds the stories together is that each night one of a group of pilgrams tells a story illustrating one of the seven deadly sins.

Also a four star read.

Currently reading P.T. Deutermann's latest

[Lariela]

I just started Elizabeth I by Margaret George.

[Marangie]

[happy]

Lariela wrote: "I just started Elizabeth I by Margaret George."

I think it is a good read - I hope you enjoy it!

[Jane]

The Veiled Assassin by Q.V. Hunter

[May]

Happy, I'm so glad you liked John Guy's THOMAS BECKET. I have ordered it for my Husband for Christmas... Which means, of course, that I will get to read it!!!

[happy]

It was a good entertaining read and I actually learned somethings. Enjoy!

[Bobby]

May wrote: "Happy, I'm so glad you liked John Guy's THOMAS BECKET. I have ordered it for my Husband for Christmas... Which means, of course, that I will get to read it!!!"

Thats cool, May! Sort of like me getting my wee wife two tickets to the Cardinals football game. Hope she takes me along!!!!

[May]

Exactly, Bobby! Wonderful how well that works!!!

[Kimber]

The Secret History by Donna Tartt, author of The Goldfinch. Fascinating so far but I'm only in a few chapters.

[Shannon Elizabeth]

Lariela wrote: "I just started Elizabeth I by Margaret George."

If you're enjoying Elizabeth I, two of Margaret George's other books are on sale (in the US) in e-book form: The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers ($5.99) and Mary Queen of Scotland and The Isles ($4.99). Just thought I'd mention it in case you wanted to pick up more of her work for a discounted price. :)

[Shannon Elizabeth]

I'm about 1/3 of the way through The Second Duchess by Elizabeth Loupas. It's been entertaining and reads a bit like a mystery, but something needs to happen soon because the pacing is becoming a bit like molasses. If it picks up I'll be thrilled, because it's about a grandson of Lucretzia Borgia and 16th century Italy. What's not to like?

[Ace]

Kimber wrote: "The Secret History by Donna Tartt, author of The Goldfinch. Fascinating so far but I'm only in a few chapters."

I'm eager to get to both of these Kimber. Happy reading.

[Andy]

Book 3 in the series over ere

[Shannon Elizabeth]

Gretchen wrote: "I haven't commented on this thread for a while. I recently finished Among the Mad. I found it to be cruelly ironic to be reading such a plot with the world's current events going on ..."

I couldn't get into The September Queen either, Gretchen. It seemed kind of...pathetic? I mean, the character of Jane is pathetic in many ways. She does this amazing thing in sheltering Charles II after the Battle of Worcester, and in helping him escape to the continent she ultimately saves his life. Then she's just content to sit idly after their short lived romance fizzles, turning down good matches and a shot at happiness because she holds out a flicker of hope that Charles will come back to her even after he's married (not to mention his harem of mistresses)! Between the bodice ripping scenes and the overwhelming amount of pining, the book had very little substance.

[Gretchen]

Shannon Elizabeth wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "I haven't commented on this thread for a while. I recently finished Among the Mad. I found it to be cruelly ironic to be reading such a plot with the world's current..."

Pathetic! That's the word! There was something about Jane that bothered me the whole time I was reading. Pathetic is a good word. I had The Darling Strumpet on hand to read after I finished. I ended up returning it to the library. I had no desire to read another Bagwell novel.

[Gretchen]

Andy wrote: " Book 3 in the series over ere"

Jealous. I wonder what the States title will be this time. I was kind of excited when I saw the series was going to extend to four books instead of being a trilogy as originally planned.

[Shannon Elizabeth]

Andy wrote: " Book 3 in the series over ere"

Grrr....I'm jealous, too! I've loved this series and it can't come out fast enough for me! *does impatient dance*

[Andy]

:D If it makes you less Green eyed, there's like a TON of books coming back the other way that are on my TRL for another year! And for Why, it cant be that difficult to release simultaneously worldwide.....??

[happy]

Andy wrote: " Book 3 in the series over ere"

As with many others - turning green :)

[Gretchen]

Stupid digital age need for instant gratification.

[Jane]

Oh, for so many kindle-only books, I just wait until they come out in paperback, if ever. If never, I will pass them by.

[Laureen]

Jane wrote: "Oh, for so many kindle-only books, I just wait until they come out in paperback, if ever. If never, I will pass them by."

Me too Jane.

[happy]

I finished Deutermann's newest novel, Cold Frame

It was ok - a thriller set in the modern Counter Terrorism Buerocracy in Washing DC. Not as good as his World War II fiction. 3.25 stars rounded down

Currently read a semi new release on the Dolittle Raid of WW II

[Shannon Elizabeth]

Jane wrote: "Oh, for so many kindle-only books, I just wait until they come out in paperback, if ever. If never, I will pass them by."

I'll never understand why anyone would want to put out books in one format only. Some people are devoted to their e-readers, some to paperbacks and some like both. (I like both- whichever is the cheaper option! Lol) I just don't know why an author or publisher would want to alienate an entire group of readers! I'm sure there's some kind of talk they give on how it makes sense, but I just don't see it.

[Sherry]

I'm with you both, Shannon and Jane. I've been reading and loving The Lion and the Rose, Book One: William Rising and its sequel, The Gathering Storm (no GoodReads link), by Hilary Rhodes. Both are available only in Kindle versions, and I feel like sharing my mini-tantrum with the author: "I want these books on my shelves!"

[Ace]

Sherry wrote: "I'm with you both, Shannon and Jane. I've been reading and loving The Lion and the Rose, Book One: William Rising and its sequel, The Gathering Storm (no GoodReads link), by Hilary ..."

Here you go Sherry - The Lion and the Rose, Book Two: The Gathering Storm

[Kimber]

Shannon Elizabeth wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "I haven't commented on this thread for a while. I recently finished Among the Mad. I found it to be cruelly ironic to be reading such a plot with the world's current..."

I did the opposite and read The Darling Strumpet before the September Queen. It was a good thing I did. I loved the first (you can't really go wrong with Nell Gwynn) and I absolutely hated the second. You're right...the main character in The SQ is pathetic and wanting and needy and should have known better. I felt bad for her but what did she think was going to happen FFS?

[Sherry]

❄❄ Ace ❄❄ wrote: "Sherry wrote: "I'm with you both, Shannon and Jane. I've been reading and loving The Lion and the Rose, Book One: William Rising and its sequel, The Gathering Storm (no GoodReads li..."

Thanks, Ace! Great detective work!

[Shannon Elizabeth]

Kimber wrote: "Shannon Elizabeth wrote: "Gretchen wrote: "I haven't commented on this thread for a while. I recently finished Among the Mad. I found it to be cruelly ironic to be reading such a plo..."

It's true...I love the story of the life of Nell Gwyn! I don't know if I'll pick up Bagwell's version of her story after SQ disappointed me so badly...maybe if I got it for free or next to it I would. Unfortunately my hometown has horrible libraries so I have almost quit going there for any genre of fiction (they're still alright for non-fiction). I suppose you had the right idea in reading The Darling Strumpet first. Have you read Exit the Actress by Priya Parmar? I thought she did an excellent job of bringing not only Nell to luff, but also the bawdy world of Restoration England and seventeenth century theatre.

[Shannon Elizabeth]

Sherry wrote: "I'm with you both, Shannon and Jane. I've been reading and loving The Lion and the Rose, Book One: William Rising and its sequel, The Gathering Storm (no GoodReads link), by Hilary ..."

That's the perfect example of a book that I would love to have in paperback. I enjoyed books one and two very much and I'd even love to be able to pass them along to my friends, but sadly all I can do is recommend they check them out in the kindle store. *sigh* What a shame!

[Andrew]

I previously read and loved Pompeii by Robert Harris. This one examines the life of Cicero as told by his slave scribe. Wonderful insights into the great orator who would become of the key players in the Julius Caesar struggle for power.

[Kimber]

The Goldfinch

[Andy]

Andrew wrote: "
I previously read and loved Pompeii by Robert Harris. This one examines the life of Cicero as told by his slave scribe. Wonderful insights into ..."

Its a great series, Ive got on Hold at the library & looking forward to it. Makes todays politicos & their antics look like child's play!

[Jane]

Company of Liars

S.P.Q.R.: A History of Ancient Rome which I'm also reading: Chapter 1: "Cicero's Finest Hour"-- is on Catiline/Cicero in 63 BC. Author has her reasons for starting with this incident rather than with straight history from the founding of Rome.

[Diego]

I'm back to my Vampire Chronicles with Blood Canticle. I left this one on standby long ago because of the bad reviews, but I'm onto 140 pages and this books doesn't seem so bad as they claimed to be...Maybe it was just the hype when this book was released like 15 years ago. Or maybe I've just grown and accepted the fact that Rice is not going to write Lestat again like in the first novels. Still going to buy the new one when I have the chance :)

[Lariela]

Just started The Sixth Surrender by Hana Samek Norton.

[Shannon Elizabeth]

Jane wrote: "Company of Liars

S.P.Q.R.: A History of Ancient Rome which I'm also rea..."

I keep meaning to read Company of Liars. I love Boccaccio's Decameron which seems to have a huge influence on the plot. Are you enjoying it so far?

[Jane]

Shannon Elizabeth wrote: "Jane wrote: "Company of Liars

S.P.Q.R.: A History of Ancient Rome which..."

Very much! I think the comparisons are a bit overstated although I saw some.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Just finished Dirty Wars: The World is a Battlefield

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Starting Task Force Helmand: A Soldier's Story Of Life, Death And Combat On The Afghan Front Line

[happy]

That looks good Terri - added to the TBR :)

[Kimber]

Jane wrote: "Shannon Elizabeth wrote: "Jane wrote: "Company of Liars

S.P.Q.R.: A History of An..."</i>

I enjoyed Company of Liars and took the 'Canterbury Tales' and 'Decameron' comparisons with a grain of salt. Just enjoy it for what it is. :D

Currently reading [book:The Origin of Dracula which I was really excited about but so far am not impressed. Holding on hoping it gets better.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Kimber, have you read ? (The Historian)

[Laureen]

Terri wrote: "Kimber, have you read ? (The Historian)"

Sorry to butt in here Terri. I read The Historian and didn't like it. The writing was good - no complaints there, but I found the concept of the story, after about halfway through, to be unconvincing. I think I expected more because I thoroughly enjoyed the way the novel was progressing which seemed historically orthentic especially the descriptions of the countries involved, a bit like an interesting travel log, but then I thought it went trite.

Just MHO. Most people seemed to enjoy it enormously and probably revelled in the ending which is not yo be denied.

[Simona]

I didn't like il either

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I enjoyed it very much. It was the atmosphere I liked. And the uniqueness of the story.

I've known plenty of people who didn't like it. You and Simona are not alone!

P.S you are never butting in. No such thing in A&M. All conversations are open to all members. :)

[Laureen]

Thank you Terri.

[Jane]

I'm a weird one; I can't stand Uhtred and The Historian I read so long ago, I just have the vague impression I liked it at the time.