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What did you read last month?
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What I read December 2011
message 51:
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JoAnn/QuAppelle
(new)
Jan 03, 2012 07:14PM
Deb, recipes in a novel never distract me and, in fact, if they have more than 6 or 7 ingredients and/or 5 steps, I ignore them. And I never feel neglectful for not trying them.
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JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Deb, recipes in a novel never distract me and, in fact, if they have more than 6 or 7 ingredients and/or 5 steps, I ignore them. And I never feel neglectful for not trying them."I think it's kind of like FoodNetwork. People love recipes even if they don't want to try them. My mother loved watching FoodNetwork and loathed cooking. In fact, she loved the shows like Jacques Torres where he would make the nests out of sugar syrup. Complicated stuff that I don't even do on a regular basis and that she would never do. I wonder how much of putting recipes in books is just filling up space.
Sorry I haven't read that Steinbeck, Lesley. However, it does sound interesting.
There are some in the "cozy" mystery genre that have recipes. I tried a few, but didn't care for them. I think the cozy genre isn't for me.
Alias Reader wrote: "There are some in the "cozy" mystery genre that have recipes. I tried a few, but didn't care for them. I think the cozy genre isn't for me."
My mom got me hooked on mysteries. I think everyone needs a type of book that is pure escapism. She used to call that category of books "better than TV books". Like the literary equivalent of watching Friends.
Lesley wrote: "I found an old copy of To a God Unknownat Mum's over the holidays. Has anyone read this one?"I haven't heard of this one but looked it up. The library has it, "complete and unabridged". Their sole copy is in large print, too. How handy is that?! Thanks for the title, Lesley. Do you plan on reading it?
deb
Shay wrote: "I think it's kind of like FoodNetwork. People love recipes even if they don't want to try them. My mother loved watching FoodNetwork and loathed cooking. In fact, she loved the shows like Jacques Torres where he would make the nests out of sugar syrup...."Maybe you are right, Shay. Thanks to all who replied to my query. We watch the food channel shows because, in most cases, we know we won't be trying the recipes. Spun sugar is a prime example.
Shay, cozy mysteries are probably my escapism novels. I have my standards, which are getting long in the tooth &/or no longer being replenished. In searching for replacements i've run across the recipe mysteries, hence my question. At first i liked them but then they sounded more & more ordinary. Or, worse, as JoAnn suggested, too complicated.
I'm kinda relieved to read your comments, Shay, about the baking recipes being off. I rarely read the instructions, so just didn't notice. Baking used to be a pleasure of mine, so i can just file those into the "never" category.
Again, thanks for all the comments.
deborah
I am enjoying the different views on watching television and listening to the news. I guess I am what you would call a 'news junkie' because the first thing I do upon awakening is turn on World News. I have done this for as long as I can remember since current events and world news has always fascinated me. I do not watch 'news' programs that feature nothing but celebrities, but I do need to know what is happening in my world. Politics is also a passion of mine but I have learned to screen what I watch and tune out all the name-calling rhetoric. I NEVER discuss or argue politics with people with differing views because they are not going to change my mind and I truly don't care if I change theirs. I consider my 'one' vote so very important because that is the way my father brought me up. He, being a man who volunteered in 2 branches of the service. I guess that will most likely make me a phariah amongst the members here, but I am very interested in the world around me and what is going on in it....I might add that I also listen to NPR on the radio either in my car or while cleaning my house. I read on average about 3 to 4 books per month as well..
RNOCEAN wrote: I read on average about 3 to 4 books per month as well.. ----------------------------
Would you like to share the books you read last month?
As noted in the first post in this thread:
- provide a GR link for the book title & author
- A few sentences telling how you feel about the book
- Give a rating
It's a great way for all of us to share our reading experiences with each other.
We do this every month.
I have shared them many times....just commenting on the comments about watching the news, that's all...
It must be okay for youself, Alias Reader, Shay and Marialyce to comment on the news, but when I do I am asked only to 'share the books you read last month'. This is the main reason I don't post very often on this forum, some can post whatever and some cannot. Now this will probably be deleted, but at least you know how I feel....
Well, Charlotte/RNOCEAN, I, for one, am interested in your views on the news! So post away about it.I think that ALL of the news, on every network, is disgustingly slanted. Walter Cronkite has to be rolling over in his grave! Listen to the national news readers and the "loaded" words that they use. It is a disgrace and journalism schools should be ashamed if this is what they now teach.
And I am talking about the national news, not opinion shows!
Thanks for being so understanding Joanne. I agree that the news, depending on your choice of network, is extremely slanted. I loved Walter Cronkite and all of the older reporters. I always loved current events in school and have been fascinated by what is going on in the world. Even though it is 'slanted' as you say, I think I, (and you) are intelligent enough to determine what is good journalism and what isn't.
RNOCEAN wrote: "It must be okay for youself, Alias Reader, Shay and Marialyce to comment on the news, but when I do I am asked only to 'share the books you read last month'. This is the main reason I don't post ..."I didn't take Alias's post that way, RNOcean. I think she was just encouraging you to post about what you have read, as she frequently does when someone does not refer to any books in a post, particularly in this thread. And we all do go off on tangents at times. But I enjoy reading almost everything here!
RNOCEAN, I do not think any of the news people today practice good journalism. On any network!
RNOCEAN wrote: "Thanks for being so understanding Joanne. I agree that the news, depending on your choice of network, is extremely slanted. I loved Walter Cronkite and all of the older reporters. I always loved..."Oh boy...I don't watch any television (haven't in over a year) so I really don't know how I could have spoken of the news!
RNOCEAN wrote: "It must be okay for youself, Alias Reader, Shay and Marialyce to comment on the news, but when I do I am asked only to 'share the books you read last month'. This is the main reason I don't post ..."---------------
Wow !
First, I don't delete posts.
Second, I never said you couldn't, or shouldn't, reply to the posts regarding the topic of news. In fact, I didn't comment on the news portion of your post at all. Not that it matters, but I happen to agree with your sentiments.
What I did comment on, was the portion of your post, that I copied & pasted to the top of my post, were you stated:
RNOCEAN wrote: I read on average about 3 to 4 books per month as well.
I was only asking you and others to share your December reads as we had a lot of people not do it this time around. And I thought by asking you, it would encourage others to do the same.
Sorry if you took my post the wrong way. I can assure you that was not my intention.
Carolyn (in SC) C234D wrote: "I didn't take Alias's post that way, RNOcean. I think she was just encouraging you to post about what you have read, as she frequently does when someone does not refer to any books in a post, particularly in this thread. And we all do go off on tangents at times. But I enjoy reading almost everything here! ..."I'm with Carolyn on this. Often we take one part of a person's post & comment. It's not that i don't care for the rest, only that i have nothing else to add.
JoAnn mentioned there aren't many news people today who practice good journalism. I agree. Just when i think things are settled, someone slides lower. We used to vacillate between NBC & CBS Nightly News but NBC has offered one too many celebrity items for me lately. I rarely go there now, even during commercials. It's disappointing because i've always liked Bryan Williams. But they all give scant "real" news, opting to go for lifestyle items instead.
It's been a long time since i've heard anyone defend network news, now that i think about it. We probably watch it more out of habit, a way to keep in touch days we have time for nothing else. And i must admit i'm glad it's there, even if we only fastforward through some reports.
deb
I think every evening we watch Diane Sawyer on World News and I am always amazed what is missed (the world) and was is in...national news, "TV" news and other crap. But we still watch everynight, maybe because jeapordy is on next?!
We used to watch Brian Williams too, until one night we actually saw him roll his eyes. That was the end for us.Do you think they teach/encourage eye-rolling in J-school?
Elaine, you may have it more right than one wishes. I think my dad watches CBS for the "Wheel of Fortune" which follows.I wonder about journalism schools, too, JoAnn. My brother & dad record many "news" & political discussion programs, so they can ff through talk they don't care about watching. Yesterday we watched a show which apparently comes on early Sat. or Sun. mornings with a young host. All the panelists were young. The topic was about the economy, so the program may focus on that, i don't know. (Sorry i can't be more specific but DB isn't awake yet & i didn't notice the title.)
ANYway, while i was impressed by their knowledge of information new-to-me in that field, i was disturbed by their histrionic presentations. They couldn't seem to emote enough, including flailing arm (not just hand) gestures, mugging faces and even distracting breakfast roll demolition when others spoke! THIS is journalism? I "get" that this is their entry into bigger forums but i was fully unimpressed. Then again, i'm probably not their target audience.
And we won't even go into celebrity news "journalists", who apparently were trained at J-Schools! Oh my! I'd rather watch commentators who appear bored, to be honest.
deb, venting, it seems
Honestly I listened to something about this and I wonder if the sound bite verses the newspaper has changed journalism. Newspapers just offer so much more. Yes they are biased and all, however, on an information context, they are so much better than TV news. I think TV news needs to shock and awe. I do not read newspapers enough. We do the Sunday times and the Tuesday science times. My hubby reads all the Dutch papers (which they have tons of) online. He often tells me info in america that I never even saw on the news or heard on the radio (you all knnow I am an NPR junkie). Really odd. So where was I going with this? Oh yeah, that I think news on TV is great for truly local happenings. But when it calls for big in depth issues, I think you need to go back to the printed word...
Elaine wrote: "Honestly I listened to something about this and I wonder if the sound bite verses the newspaper has changed journalism. .."I agree, and also think that in recent years, with the instant gratification of the internet, people just do not read newspapers and when they watch TV, news or otherwise, they want to be entertained!
Last Summer I read Come to Think of It: Notes on the Turn of the Millennium byDaniel Schorr a radio host with NPR and I beleive he help found NBC. Well it was the written word of his radio broadcasts. They were commentary on the news of the moment over about the last 20 years. They were really good, and I found I was going back in time. He was a great radio journalist. There still are a few (for him were).
Elaine wrote: "Honestly I listened to something about this and I wonder if the sound bite verses the newspaper has changed journalism. Newspapers just offer so much more. ..."Elaine, i agree with your DH about non-US newspapers. It's the reason i turn to BBC Online for my news. When i first found it online, i was amazed at how much was going on in the world which we just didn't know. Our newspapers are also changing, almost to the point of irrelevance. When i read the online versions from other countries, i'm dismayed at the important details which are omitted from US papers, things which better explain why events unfold the way they do.
Late last year i mentioned here that i read A Nation of Sheep by William J. Lederer. Even though it was published 50 years ago the critique of newspapers (he barely mentioned tv, so new a factor was it) was as relevant today. The difference was that he was complaining about the scant international news they were getting back then. I compared columns, which he'd provided for several papers, to what is printed in our papers & we now had almost 1/2 of what used to be available. I wasn't surprised, of course, but couldn't help but feel we have taken more steps backward.
deb
Looking back, I see that I never posted my reading list for December, short as it was. Busy month, and I had to set one book aside to finish another in time for book group.Gone Tomorrow--Very good thriller. This has been a favorite series since the beginning, although I have missed a few. Always a page-turner. 4*.
The Old Man and the Sea--Terrific book. I think the author's style worked perfectly for this novella. 4-and-a-half *.
I almost feel that I've forgotten a book in there somewhere, from late Nov.-early Dec., but I cannot figure it out. Oh well, not earth-shattering.
MY DECEMBER READS & RATINGS:"Blue Night" by Joan Didion (rate 2/5)
"Imperfect Justice: The Trial of Casey Anthony" by Jeff Ashton (rate 5/5)
"Miss Peregrine's School For Peculiar Children" Rate 5/5
Carolyn (in SC) C234D wrote: "Looking back, I see that I never posted my reading list for December, short as it was. Busy month, and I had to set one book aside to finish another in time for book group.[book:Gone Tomorrow|44..."
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Thanks for sharing, Carolyn. One day I will have to try a Jack Reacher book.
I've tried to read Killing Floor at least 3 times. Never made it past the first chapter. It's not bad, but for some reason whenever I get it from the library I'm never in the mood for it.
RNOCEAN wrote: "MY DECEMBER READS & RATINGS:"Blue Night" by Joan Didion (rate 2/5)
"Imperfect Justice: The Trial of Casey Anthony" by Jeff Ashton (rate 5/5)
"Miss Peregrine's School For Peculiar Children" Ra..."
------------
Thanks for sharing, RNocean. I'm happy to see you post again and hope any misunderstanding is now under the bridge or whatever that saying is. :)
I'll admit I was totally hooked on the Casey Anthony trial on TV. I see you like the prosecutors book. Did you feel the book gave you a view that you didn't get from the press?
Did you see the home video she posted online? I can't imagine why she wants to be in the limelight again. But some people just can't turn away from their 15 minutes of fame, even if it is for something horrid.
Yes, I was one of those fascinated by the Anthony case and disappointed in the verdict. I watched the whole trial. I felt that Mr. Ashton, being the prosecuting attorney, and author of the book was very fair in his book. This month I read the book by Dr. Keith Ablow about Casey Anthony and was so disappointed. If you check 'my books' you can see why. I doubt that her recent videos were 'accidentally leaked' since I think she is so behind it. I feel so bad for little Caylee the little girl that has been forgotten....
BTW, I just started Prime Time by Jane Fonda, my idol!!
RNOCEAN wrote: I doubt that her recent videos were 'accidentally leaked' since I think she is so behind it. ---------------
I agree 100%. And even if it was "leaked" you don't make videos if you want to keep your privacy.
RNOCEAN wrote: "BTW, I just started Prime Time by Jane Fonda, my idol!!"-------------
I just got the book from the library yesterday. :)
Though I think I know most of what she writes about, it's still good for inspiration.
She has 3 new exercise DVD's in the Prime Time series.
One has dancing in it and I am not into that too much. However I like very much the other two.
Fit & Strong
and
Trim Tone & Flex
She looks amazing in the video. Her stomach is so flat.
She had a knee and hip replacement. She also admits to jaw and under eye surgery. Whoever her doc is, he/she did a great job.
I got the exercise DVD's from the library and I plan on buying them.
I have the fit and strong one and I use it quite a bit.She doesn't lie about what she has had done either. I respect her highly for keeping on truckin' at her age. She gives hope to seniors and older women...
RNOCEAN wrote: "MY DECEMBER READS & RATINGS:"Blue Night" by Joan Didion (rate 2/5)
.."
I did not and will not read this book, but am sure your assessment is accurate. Cannot stand this author.
"RNOCEAN wrote: "MY DECEMBER READS & RATINGS:"Blue Night" by Joan Didion (rate 2/5)
.."
=====================
JoAnn wrote:
I did not and will not read this book, but am sure your assessment is accurate. Cannot stand this author."
--------------------
I recently heard an interview with the author on NPR about this book.
I know the author is elderly and her story is sad, but I found her voice or rather the way she spoke got on my nerves. And the poor interviewer ! It seemed an effort for her to give more then one sentence replies.
Alias Reader wrote: "Shay wrote: "I thought I would treat myself in December and indulge in more than a few guilty pleasure type books. I find the holidays kind of stressful at times. I enjoyed Moore's book too. I thin..."Well, there is no doubt which aide of the political spectrum you and Shay are on if you think the NY Times, NPR and the BBC aren't left leaning and very biased. Bias is okay, even on networks if they admit their bias so viewers at least know about it. I regularly go to left and right leaning websites for my news so figure the truth is somewhere between them. In all honesty I really can't find a whole lot of difference between the two parties. The real difference is between the elite ruling class and the rest of us.
RNOCEAN wrote: "MY DECEMBER READS & RATINGS:"Miss Peregrine's School For Peculiar Children" Rate 5/5
----------------
That's an exceptional rating. What did you like about the book? Plot, writing, both ? What genre would you say this book falls in.
I like the cover.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Carolyn (in SC) C234D wrote:The Old Man and the Sea--Terrific book. I think the author's style worked perfectly for this novella. 4-and-a-half *.----------------
I'm glad to see you liked
The Old Man and the Sea~Ernest Hemingway. As I've posted before, I am a fan of his novels, but don't care for the short stories I've read.
Do you think some consider him a guys author that doesn't appeal to too many women ?
Lesley wrote: As I Lay Dying I struggled with this at first, could not make out characters and the goings on but checked out the title on wikipedia which helped greatly. Went onto enjoy and found it rather comical. 4 stars-----------------
Poster, Deborah and I read a bunch of William Faulkner. It may have been around the time that Oprah selected his books.
Personally, I found them very hard going. It was difficult to understand the point. And that was reading it with a Buddy !
What is it about Faulkner that you enjoy ?
Marialyce wrote: The Color Purple. 4 starsVivid as the color in its title, this was a wonderfully written story of the closeness and trials of black women In Georgia in the 1930's. Written in thie epistolary style, this book amazes the reader with its portrayal of the treatment of women by their male counterparts, a treatment that was oftentimes brutal, but one that they were seldom able to escape.
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M, I've read the book and also seen the movie. I think it is one of the very few times that I thought the movie was better than the book.
Funny the novel was pretty slender if I recall correctly and the movie was quite long. :)
If you saw the movie, which did you prefer ?
Marialyce wrote: Summer. 4 starsEdith Wharton was certainly a lady who could put words to a page that could definitely propel a reader quickly through a book. It was certainly true with this novel. Simply stated and told, it is a novel of the awakening of a young, unsure, woman, Charity, who seems held back in attitude by her questionable roots. Born to an unwed mother in a mountain community of dirt and squalor, she is rescued by the Royall family after her father is convicted of manslaughter. Raised within this household, Charity is eventually propositioned by her step father whom she refuses. Gaining work at the local library, she meets Lucius Harney, the man she ultimately falls in love with.
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I am not familiar with this Wharton title. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Back in 2010, I read Ethan Frome and was totally blown away. I am ashamed to say it was my first Wharton novel.
If you, or anyone else, has read any Wharton novels, which one would you recommend I read next ?
Lesley wrote: House of Sand and Fog Iranian migrants to USA come up against a troubled local woman over a bungled house sale, with awful consequences for the former. A depressing but realistic story in classic Oprah Book Club style. 3 stars--------------
Lesley, I am surprised you didn't give this a higher rating. I enjoyed the book very much. I recall when it was an Oprah selection, the book lent itself to a very lively discussion.
Though having said that, I haven't read anything else by the author.
What about the book prevented you from giving it a higher rating ?
Alias, I really liked her The House of Mirth. I do intend to read her The Age of Innocence this year.I did read and enjoy Ethan Frome. I think she is a lady who said a lot but in such a precise way.
There is a DVD of The House of Mirth staring Gillian Anderson which follows the book quite nicely. I have not seen The Color Purple movie yet, but intend to.
I have Age of Innocence on my book shelves. I can't promise, but do let me know when you read it later this year. I may join you.
Anyone else care to share their December reads with the group ?
Alias Reader wrote: "Back in 2010, I read Ethan Frome and was totally blown away. I am ashamed to say it was my first Wharton novel. ..."
Marialyce mentioned she read Summer last month & Alias mentioned the above about EF. I thought i'd share that Wharton herself felt the two books were connected, not sequels but related. They both address the consequences of forbidden sexual passion and the tragedy of unfulfilled dreams, according to her. I've read both & prefer Frome but found Summer good. Frankly, it wasn't much of a connection but i'd been told (at the time) that it was a sort of sequel to EF. It's not!
deb
Hmmmm, well I don't see a connection either, but I guess the authir would be the one to know.:)
Alias, I really wondered what the point was early on with As I Lay Dying, but then went on to enjoy. I guess I found it like a comedy of errors in some way. I liked the succintness (is that a a word?!)of it too. I recently bought The Sisters Brothers hoping it may be similarly dark and odd.
Book Nook Cafe
Books mentioned in this topic
As I Lay Dying (other topics)House of Sand and Fog (other topics)
The Sisters Brothers (other topics)
As I Lay Dying (other topics)
Summer (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
William Faulkner (other topics)Ernest Hemingway (other topics)
William J. Lederer (other topics)
Daniel Schorr (other topics)
Colson Whitehead (other topics)
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