What are U reading these days? (PART EIGHT (2012) (ONGOING THREAD for 2012) Showing 551-600 of 1,151

[Werner]

The one that I remember as not impressing me much for its accuracy was the 1977 version with Steven Forrest as Hawkeye. The imdb link for that one is http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076300 .

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Werner wrote: "Yes, Joy, that's the one! I'm not sure now if I saw all eight episodes, though. I do remember that I liked the ones I saw, and considered them faithful to the book."

Thanks, Werner. I've put it on my Netflix DVD queue.
"The Last of the Mohicans" (1971) TV Mini-Series
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066678/
http://movies.netflix.com/movie/The-L...
Disc-1 - This disc includes episodes 1-4.
Disc 2 - This disc includes episodes 5-8.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

RE: The Receptionist by Janet Groth - Published June 26th 2012

The author of this book, Janet Groth, was a longtime receptionist at the New Yorker Magazine. This book is about her years there.

I first heard about this book from link in my NY Times email. See article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/fas...

Amazon's "Look Inside" feature provides a good amount of pages to read at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616...

I've always been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes, especially in literary circles.

I hope that some day there will be an audio version. This type of book lends itself to that kind of presentation.

[Jim]

I just started Pale Demon by Kim Harrison, 9th of the Hollows series. Rachel & Jenks are a lot of fun.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Jim wrote: "I just started Pale Demon by Kim Harrison, 9th of the Hollows series. Rachel & Jenks are a lot of fun."

I checked out the GF description of Pale Demon. I noticed that among the genres listed on that page, they mention "Urban Fantasy". That's the first time I'm seen that classification. Intersting how these genres develop many sub-genres.

The GR description mentions the "annual witches convention in San Francisco". So I can understand the reason for the word "urban".

[Jim]

Another subgenre that it might be in would be PNR, Paranormal Romance, although I think UF fits it better, but they're often difficult to tell apart. Usually it's the amount of romance, but that would mean some, like the Anita Blake series, would go from UF to PNR. Too confusing.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Whatever happened to plain old "fiction" and "non-fiction". LOL

[Jackie]

Too broad. Even the sub-genres are often too broad.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

True, Jackie. Much of the time you need several sub-genres for one book.

[Jackie]

I know it, especially in the fantasy realm. I'm currently reading Solstice Wood, I've got it shelved as supernatural fantasy, I try to keep it simple.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Ah, upstate NY! :)

[Jackie]

I was looking forward to that part, but it hasn't even mentioned a town or area, just that it's in upstate NY. Pfffst
lol

[Jim]

Joy H. wrote: "Whatever happened to plain old "fiction" and "non-fiction". LOL"

I have trouble even with that, but that's pretty much how my books are shelved. John Jakes' Bicentennial series is shelved with fact, as are Harold Lamb's fictional histories. Part of the reason is room, but also because those books made history come alive enough for me to want to read the purely factual accounts.

I keep a separate shelf for religion, mythology, & philosophy since they're opinions & beliefs, but I tend to keep an author's work together, so that shelf has all my Ayn Rand, too. Besides, it's fun to have her books on the same shelf with a couple of bibles, a Koran, & Bullfinch's Mythology: The Age of Fable.

I wonder if she would chuckle about that or spin in her grave? Probably the latter. She didn't seem to have much sense of humor. It upset a guest who was rather pushy about his faith in Jesus, so it's definitely worth keeping the shelves like that.
;-)

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Jackie wrote: "I was looking forward to that part, but it hasn't even mentioned a town or area, just that it's in upstate NY. Pfffst lol"

Gee, upstate NY could be Buffalo! LOL

[Earl]

Jim wrote: "Another subgenre that it might be in would be PNR, Paranormal Romance, although I think UF fits it better, but they're often difficult to tell apart. Usually it's the amount of romance, but that w..."

I'm a huge Kim Harrison fan but I DON'T look for Paranormal Romance in my fantasy. I call them bodice-rippers and I think it DETRACTS from the plot. And shows lack of imagination (it's filler) on the part of the author. Kim tones this down and doesn't let it overpower her STORY. I guess it depends what you're looking for.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Earl wrote: "I'm a huge Kim Harrison fan but I DON'T look for Paranormal Romance in my fantasy. I call them bodice-rippers and I think it DETRACTS from the plot. And shows lack of imagination (it's filler) on the part of the author. Kim tones this down and doesn't let it overpower her STORY. I guess it depends what you're looking for."

Haven't heard the term "bodice-ripper" in a long time.
I wonder who coined it.

[Jim]

I agree with you, Earl. I hate it when soft porn or romance yakking takes over the story. That's what happened to the Anita Blake series. It was great action for 10 books, then went down the tubes.

[Mary JL]

I have not read a Stephen King book since January, 2011. So I just started Cell. It has been on my TBr list for a while.

It started out with the usually Stephen King BANG!--and went right to the action.

[Jim]

I just started How Lincoln Learned to Read: Twelve Great Americans and the Educations That Made Them. I'm into the 3d chapter & nothing about Lincoln yet, but it's really interesting. I've learned a lot about Franklin, Nabby Adams, & am now on Andy Jackson's early education. It's interesting.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Mary JL wrote: "I have not read a Stephen King book since January, 2011. So I just started Cell. It has been on my TBr list for a while.
It started out with the usually Stephen King BANG!--and went right to th..."

Mary JL, I've never tried Stephen King's books.
One of these days... :)

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Jim wrote: "I just started How Lincoln Learned to Read: Twelve Great Americans and the Educations That Made Them. I'm into the 3d chapter & nothing about Lincoln yet, but it's really interesting. I've learne..."

Jim, that sounds interesting. I wish our library had an audio version but they don't.

I recently finished listening to the audio version of American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. He was a tough guy!

The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography (2009).

[Jackie]

I'm now reading book one in the Cartamandua Legacy, Flesh and Spirit by Carol Berg. Pretty good so far, keeping my interest.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Jackie wrote: "I'm now reading book one in the Cartamandua Legacy, Flesh and Spirit by Carol Berg. Pretty good so far, keeping my interest."

Jackie, I read the GR description of the plot and it almost makes me want to try fantasy again. The author has impressive credentials too. I wish I were a faster reader and there was more time in the day to do all I'd like to do. At FunTrivia I seem to take the longest of anyone to do the quizzes. I've always been a slowpoke. :)

[Joy H., Group Founder]

I didn't know whether to post this comment under "Books" or "Movies". I've decided to post it here in the "Books" section.

RE BOOK & MOVIE: Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont (first published 1971)
I haven't read this book but I watched the film adapted from the book. I streamed it from Netflix. It was great! I love Joan Plowright! Highly recommended!
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Mrs...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421229/
"All but abandoned by her family in a London retirement hotel, an elderly woman strikes up a curious friendship with a young writer."

Rupert Friend was perfect as Joan Plowright's co-star!
Joan Plowright: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0687506/
Rupert Friend: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1670029/

I shall look for more books by this author, Elizabeth Taylor.
The GR description says:
===================================
"Taylor's work is mainly concerned with the nuances of "everyday" life and situations, which she writes about with dexterity. Her shrewd but affectionate portrayals of middle class and upper middle class English life won her an audience of discriminating readers, as well as loyal friends in the world of letters."
Also: "Elizabeth Taylor (née Coles) was a popular English novelist and short story writer. Elizabeth Coles was born in Reading, Berkshire in 1912. She was educated at The Abbey School, Reading, and worked as a governess, as a tutor and as a librarian."
FROM: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
====================================

[Mike]

Right now I'm reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It's a pretty good book. I loved the the sorcerers stone and the second one seems pretty good too.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Mike wrote: "Right now I'm reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It's a pretty good book. I loved the the sorcerers stone and the second one seems pretty good too."

It's good to see you here again, Mike.
I haven't read any of the Harry Potter books yet.
When time allows, I may try one.

[Jackie]

Mike, I love the HP books, Rowling did a fantastic job with the series. Glad you're enjoying it.

Joy, Flesh and Spirit is really good, I find myself looking forward to when I can get back to it each day. It's not over the top fantasy, you may like it if you ever get the chance to read it.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Thanks, Jackie. I've put Flesh and Spirit on my keep-in-mind shelf. One never knows when the mood will strike. :)

[Jackie]

Just keep in mind it's one of two books, the next is Breath and Bone. I'm not sure if it's a continuing story or two standalones with the same characters. I'll be sure to come back when I finish the first one and let you know. I have the next book so I plan on reading it next anyway.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Jackie wrote: "Just keep in mind it's one of two books, the next is Breath and Bone. I'm not sure if it's a continuing story or two standalones with the same characters. I'll be sure to come back when I finish..."

Thanks, Jackie. I see that GR member, Elsiekate, wrote: "this, along with flesh and spirit are really only one book--if you read only the first, where it ends will not be satisfying for very long ... and if you read only the second, huge chunks of it will not make any sense. ..."

I also see that Janny Wurts gave it 5 stars!

[Jim]

If Janny gave it 5 stars, it's at least well written, although that doesn't guarantee it will be to your taste.

[Jackie]

Thanks for the info Joy. I generally do not read reviews til after I finish the book, I don't want other's opinions coloring mine. Or getting me excited, or disappointed. I rather find out for myself.

Jim, it is definitely well written and I'm really enjoying it.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Yes, I knew Janny wouldn't give 5 stars unless the book was well-written. And yes, preferences are another thing entirely.

As for reading reviews, I agree that you can't go by what other people say when it comes to liking or not liking a book. I've been disappointed by too many Pulitzer Prize winners to depend on what other people say!

[Jackie]

The other thing with me and reviews is that my tastes differ from the average person, I can't expect everyone to like what I like. Tastes are so individual and unique.
But I really enjoy reading reviews after I finish a book just to see the differences and similarities and the best is when a reviewer picks up on something I missed.
I have a select few who I will read before reading a book but they're the people who have very similar tastes to my own and we rated our common books the same. I can take a recommendation from them and know I'll enjoy the book.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Jackie wrote: "The other thing with me and reviews is that my tastes differ from the average person, I can't expect everyone to like what I like. Tastes are so individual and unique.
But I really enjoy reading ..."

Sometimes at the GR reviews, I'll set the filter to show only the one-star reviews. Sometimes they hit the nail on the head for me. :) (In other words, I agree with them.) It's very satisfying to find people who think like I do. :)

[Jim]

I just finished How Lincoln Learned to Read: Twelve Great Americans and the Educations That Made Them & gave it 5 stars. My review is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Werner]

My Goodreads friend Ellen C. Maze is the editor (and major contributor to, along with her husband Kevin Maze, who's also an author in his own right) of Feckless, a collection of supernatural and other mostly speculative fiction by contemporary Christian authors from the Treasure Line Publishing circle. (Two other Goodreads friends, Krisi Keley and Teric Darken, are represented as well.) I've finally started this one, and am enjoying it very much already!

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Jim wrote: "I just finished How Lincoln Learned to Read: Twelve Great Americans and the Educations That Made Them & gave it 5 stars. My review is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

That was a great review, Jim. I've added the book to my keep-in-mind shelf.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Werner wrote: "My Goodreads friend Ellen C. Maze is the editor (and major contributor to, along with her husband Kevin Maze, who's also an author in his own right) of Feckless, a collection of supernatural and ot..."

Sounds like a great assortment of stories, Werner. A good way to sample the genres. Unfortunately our public library doesn't carry it. :-(

[Werner]

Unfortunately, libraries are less apt to buy books that are published by subsidy presses, and story collections by authors who aren't well-known. (Which creates a bit of a catch-22 situation: how are writers supposed to ever become well-known, without exposure? :-( ) They do sometimes break down and purchase a book if a patron or patrons request it, especially if it's cheap. :-)

So far, I'm finding the book really good! I don't know if it would be exactly your cup of tea, though.

[Jim]

I just finished Claus: Legend of the Fat Man. I'm not much on YA books as a general rule, but this one was a hoot. Lots of up & down adventures with all my favorite characters. (Frosty is an A bomb, an annihilator, & total bad ass!) I think it might just be for the Kindle, but if you ask Tony, he'll get you any format you want. It's a quick read, but well worth it.

[Jackie]

This might be a stupid question but...who's Colleen?

[Jim]

Bad copy & paste. Sorry about that.

[Jackie]

Oh, NP, I thought I missed something.

[Jim]

No, I just had a senior moment.
;-)

[Jackie]

And I thought I was having one, lol

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Jim wrote: "I just finished Claus: Legend of the Fat Man. I'm not much on YA books as a general rule, but this one was a hoot. Lots of up & down adventures with all my favorite characters. (Frosty is an A b..."

Oh! I just realized that the "fat man" is Santa Claus. LOL
For reference: Jim's review is at:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Jim]

Over the course of a month, I worked my way through Lord of the Fantastic: Stories in Honor of Roger Zelazny, a wonderful collection of stories. My review is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

It's amazing how many authors that Zelazny influenced & how profoundly. The afterwords by each author were as interesting as their stories.

[Jackie]

Jim, this is weird but the link for your review takes me to my reviews. When I click on the title hyperlink, it shows me your review there.
I know I 'liked' you review already, but a second read made it even more enjoyable.

[Jim]

That was weird. I fixed it, Jackie. I guess I did a bad copy & paste again.


Thanks for letting me know.