Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group discussion
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ABOUT BOOKS AND READING
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What are U reading these days? (PART EIGHT (2012) (ONGOING THREAD for 2012)
message 901:
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Jackie
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Sep 29, 2012 06:35PM
It happens. You've fixed it and now you know a little of what's coming in the next book. :)
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Jim wrote: "I always check series, too. I don't know how I goofed it up, but I have the books on my ereader as "2-Hounded" & "3-Hexed"."Jim, maybe somebody put a hex on your ereader. :)
Jim wrote: "Darn it! I started Hounded & got 60 pages into it before I realized there HAD to be another book, not just a short story, before it. Yup! Turned out it is #3 in the series NOT #2, which is Hexed..."Jim, why does the following page say: Hounded (Iron Druid Chronicles #1)?
Did you say above that it was #3?
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95...
Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Jim wrote: "Darn it! I started Hounded & got 60 pages into it before I realized there HAD to be another book, not just a short story, before it. Yup! Turned out it is #3 in the series NOT #2, which is Hexed..."I've done that! Do let me know what your feelings are on the trilogy. I've heard good things about it, but if I'm to read the second two books, I'll need some motivation. :)
So far I'm liking the 2d & 3d books better than the first. Not so much heavy-handed back story, jenni.
I'm currently reading & leading a group discussion for A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny. Three's a chapter for each day & it's a fun story, although quite obscure at times. That's part of the fun, though. It's a lunatic scavenger hunt through allusions to many odd things that go bump in this month drawn from myth, reality, books, & TV. If anyone else is interested, the topics are here:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
Jim wrote: "I'm currently reading & leading a group discussion for A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny. Three's a chapter for each day & it's a fun story, although quite obscure at times. That's..."Thanks, Jim, for the links.
One of the members of my FunTrivia team said she read and liked Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber, The Chronicles of Amber. Thanks to you, I was able to give her a good reply. :)
I see from the GF description of Zelazny's book that "Amber" is described as: "the most magnificent city ever." So now I know it's a city (and not a gal, as in "Forever Amber". LOL)
BTW, it's interesting how the word "amber" is used so often in books and movies. (I guess it has a certain ring to it.) For example see the IMDb list: http://www.imdb.com/find?q=amber&...
Since I was so curious about the word amber, I decided to make it a project. :) Below is one of the best dictionary-type pages I was able to find; it's pretty thorough, I think:
http://www.wordnik.com/words/amber
Of course, you can't beat Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber
The Wordnik page linked above seems more concise and is easier to read quickly, but the Wiki page has pics and many details.
The amber objects in the pics are lovely! That's probably another reason the word is used so much.
There I go, rambling again. :)
Jim wrote: "... If anyone else is interested, the topics are here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_..."PS - Jim, you're amazing. I saw that terrific cover pic, done by James Warhola, to which you posted the link and I read some of your explanations.
http://www.full-wallpaper.com/affiche...
I even saw the one where you labeled the characters!
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/10...
Nice job!
Makes me want to read the book but it would probably be a difficult one for me.
I've taken down the partially named picture for the group read in Beyond Reality, Joy. I just have a blank & a numbered one up. I'm hoping it will spur some discussion.Glad to help. I love most things Zelazny.
Jim wrote: "I've taken down the partially named picture for the group read in Beyond Reality, Joy. I just have a blank & a numbered one up. I'm hoping it will spur some discussion. Glad to help. I love mos..."I guess I was referring to the numbered (not labeled) pic. I haven't joined Google plus where your pic was. I guess I'm just too tired of trying to figure out new systems!
BTW, I loved the pic of the dog in the corner of Warhola's pic.
I did have a partially labeled picture up there from last year, Joy. I deleted it so it wouldn't make spoilers for this year's discussion. I love the cover by Warhola. Did you know he is Andy Warhol's nephew? He was busy teaching out of town last year & has moved lately, so again he doesn't have access to his notes. I hope he'll find them one of these years for our discussion because there are some characters that I'm not sure of. He isn't either after all these years, but I think everyone in the book is in the cover.
Jim wrote: "I did have a partially labeled picture up there from last year, Joy. I deleted it so it wouldn't make spoilers for this year's discussion. I love the cover by Warhola. Did you know he is Andy Warhol's nephew? ..."
Jim, I had no idea that Warhola was Andy Warhol's nephew! That's cool!
I went to Wiki and found the following:
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James Warhola ... he is the son of Paul Warhola, Andy Warhol's oldest brother.
... an American artist who has illustrated more than two dozen children's books since 1987. ... He briefly worked for Andy Warhol at Interview magazine but left that job to become a science fiction illustrator ...
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Wa...
=============================================
Andy Warhol (né Andrej Varchola, Jr.) was born on August 6, 1928 ... He was the fourth child of Ondrej Varchola (Americanized as Andrew Warhola, Sr...)
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol
==============================================
Thanks, Jim!
P.S. - Here's some interesting info re Andy Warhol:===========================================
Andy Warhol (1928–1987) was an American artist who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art. ... After a successful career as a commercial illustrator, Warhol became a renowned and sometimes controversial artist.
The Andy Warhol Museum in his native city, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, holds an extensive permanent collection of art and archives. It is the largest museum in the United States of America dedicated to a single artist.
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol
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This month, Norah Loft's Afternoon of an Autocrat is a common read or alternative common read in two of my other Goodreads groups. (That's the American title; the original British title is The Devil in Clevely, which apparently is what Lofts intended, and which is more descriptive of the book as a whole; "Afternoon of an Autocrat" is just the internal title of the first part.) Anyway, I started on this one over the weekend, and am really getting into it!
Werner, I've had Afternoon of an Autocrat on my To-Read list for a while. But I'm still trying to get through the Kent Chronicles! From the GR author description:
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"She also wrote under the pen names Peter Curtis and Juliet Astley. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction."
================================================
My old notebook records show that, in the past, I've read the following novels by Norah Loft:
Madselin
Requiem for Idols
Pargeters (Not liked)
Lady Living Alone
The Lute Player
Joy, the only one of those five that I've read is Madselin, which was also a common read in the Lofts fan group here on Goodreads (a bit over a year ago). That's a very good one, IMO; I gave it five stars!
Werner wrote: "Joy, the only one of those five that I've read is Madselin, which was also a common read in the Lofts fan group here on Goodreads (a bit over a year ago). That's a very good one, IMO; I gave it fi..."Werner, I don't remember anything about the plot of Madselin. Wish I did. I'll read the GR description to refresh my memory. Hmmm, sounds like a book I'd like to read again. Thanks for recommending it.
You're welcome, Joy; hope you find out that you like(d) it! :-)
I finished all three books in the Castings Trilogy, 5 stars for each book and I'd give the series as a whole even more if I could. I've been very lucky this year in finding exceptional books. I hope it becomes a trend. There's nothing worse than mediocrity in books.I read about 15 pages of The Lost Girl, a debut novel by Sangu Mandanna. I hope it's as good as it sounds; subjects like this can get heavy-handed morally. I'm OK with morality in books, if it's subtle.
The Lost Girl has many highly rated reviews, I didn't read the reviews, fear of spoilers, just looked at the star rating; it's what prompted me to buy this book now rather than later.
Jackie wrote: "I finished all three books in the Castings Trilogy, 5 stars for each book... I've been very lucky this year in finding exceptional books. ... There's nothing worse than mediocrity in books....I read about 15 pages of The Lost Girl, a debut novel by Sangu Mandanna."
Jackie, I agree about "mediocrity in books". Boring!
The concept in The Lost Girl is intriguing. Thanks for the link.
PS-At Amazon.com the editorial review says: "Both an interrogation of bioethics and a mesmerizing quest for identity..." (Kirkus Reviews )
So a good genre/shelf for it might be "bioethics". No?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062...
PS-Jackie, there was another book which might be put on a "bioethics" shelf. I can't remember the title. It was about two sisters, one raised as a medical backup for the other. Can you recall the title? Can anyone?I KNOW! It was: My Sister's Keeper.
I don't order my shelves that specifically, unless I have a lot of books to go into that category. I have it shelved as Science Fiction and Dystopian. I know it's not a classic dystopian, but for Eva's life it is. Mostly I categorize my books before I even read them, I add them as I gain possession of them so it's inevitable that To Read books will sometimes be shelved incorrectly. Once I read them, I can assess them better and move them accordingly.I have My Sister's Keeper shelved as medical fiction.
I LOVE creating shelves. LOL It makes me feel organized. :)Sometimes I get ideas for shelf-names by seeing the genres listed on the book's GR page. The genre list is on the right underneath the darn ads.
Medical fiction is a good shelf.
I look at what other users classify books as too, I just don't always agree with them, lol. I just noticed Fantasy, Paranormal for The Lost Girl. I have no idea if that fits, but from what I've read so far, no. If it does, I'll add it to those shelves later.
Jackie, please let me know if The Lost Girl isn't fantasy. I'll edit my shelf.
It's definitely not Fantasy. Maybe Paranormal will factor in later, but this not Fantasy in any way, shape or form. 100% Science Fiction.
OK, thanks, Jackie. I've changed my shelf to S/F.
That's one reason why I never shelve my books by genre until after I've read them; then, I can do it with assurance, but sometimes I know I couldn't do it before. :-)
Werner wrote: "That's one reason why I never shelve my books by genre until after I've read them; then, I can do it with assurance, but sometimes I know I couldn't do it before. :-)"That's a good policy, Werner.
The basics are easy, but it's the sub-genres that I sometimes wait for. When I buy a book, I know if it's SF, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, etc., so I can classify those broad genres.
My shelves serve many purposes. So the names are varied. For example, besides being named for genres, some of my shelves are named something like the following (not exactly):---adapted to film
---want to see movie
---must get audio-version
---want to listen to
---might re-read
So they serve as reminders.
They sound good for reminders.I like looking at how people title their shelves.
I finished The Lost Girl last night, I'm a bit disappointed. It shouldn't have been marketed as science fiction. I like a little science in my science fiction. Eva, the title character, was 'stitched' together on a Loom by a Weaver, with some of the original girl Amarra's consciousness. Cool, let me hear about that! I kept waiting and waiting. But no, that's all you ever learn of it. It was more of a mainstream chick-lit book, hardly one I'd rush out to buy if were marketed truthfully. It was a good story, considering it's chick-lit. It's about love and loss, individuality and choices. Yep, typical chick-lit fare. For those who love chick-lit, then this would be a great book to read, if you could forget she was created on a Loom, I would imagine. Jennifer Roberson finally published the 3rd book in her fantastic Karavans series. I wanted to start it today but when I went over the last chapter of the 2nd book,Deepwood: Karavans #2, I didn't remember any of it. It's been that long. And to make matters worse, there will be a 4th book in the series. This is one continuing story. Waiting another five years for the next one has me less than excited to start The Wild Road: Book Three of Karavans.
I decided it's a good time to get back to Drizzt in the 2nd book of the Dark Elf Trilogy, in Exile.
Then I have some real excitement coming up, a planned buddy read with my favorite buddy-reader, Werner. He makes reading together a wonderfully insightful experience. I'm really looking forward to that. We're going to read another Stephen Lawhead book, The Skin Map.
Thanks for your comments, Jackie.Isn't awful to be disappointed in a book in which you've invested valuable time. It makes you long for a really good book
I looked at the GR description of The Skin Map. Sounds like it's right up your alley and also Werner's. The description says:
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"The Bright Empires series-from acclaimed author Stephen Lawhead-is a unique blending of epic treasure hunt, ancient history, alternate realities, cutting-edge physics, philosophy, and mystery. The result is a page-turning, fantastical adventure like no other."
===============================================
All that in one book. Sounds intriguing. Have fun and let us know how it goes.
One GR reviewer mentioned: "interweaving time periods and overlapping characters spanning a multitude of realities.". I wonder if it will be hard to follow all of that. Please let us know.
Thanks for the kind words, Jackie! You're a great reading buddy yourself; your enthusiasm and insight makes doing a read with you really pleasurable.Yes, Joy; I'm a Lawhead fan, and some of the kinds of story elements he's working with here are definitely the sort of thing I like. The Stephen Lawhead fan group here on Goodreads will probably do a common read of this one in December, so reading it ahead of time will let me contribute to that discussion, too. (I'll try to remember to post a link here to my review, when I'm finished.)
It is a disappointment, Joy, but I've been lucky this year with finding excellent books so it's not as devastating as when I have string of average or below average books.I don't think all those things will be hard to follow. It depends on the author and my experience with Lawhead is that he makes himself easily understood. It's more like I'm in the book, a part of it, I'm there so it's not hard to follow. I can't express exactly what I want to say.
I've read other authors with so much going on that I have no idea what's happening. So it really depends on the author's ability to weave many threads into one coherent story.
Werner, I am so excited for our read, I've been counting down til start time. I especially enjoy how you analyze the books we read, it always brings new ideas and insight to me that I wouldn't have gotten on my own.
I started Exile last night and it's much better now, after reading The Crystal Shard; I know who Drizzt becomes so now this backstory is more interesting to me. I'm glad I took the time to read The Crystal Shard before continuing with this prequel series. It makes all the difference in my enjoyment.
I'm eagerly counting down, too, Jackie. Won't be long now!
Jackie wrote: "... So it really depends on the author's ability to weave many threads into one coherent story. ..."Well put, Jackie. I've often thought that myself. Some authors are more articulate than others. I wish you'd try reading The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich and tell me what you think of it. I don't think the author did a good job at all of weaving many threads into one story. To me it was a big mess but it was critically acclaimed. I never know whether it's me or the author who is at fault in my inability to understand. An accomplished reader I know had to read it several times before understanding it! And yet, it was a Pulitzer Prize finalist (Fiction, 2009)]. They LOVE complicated stories!
In case you're curious, here's my review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
PS-I know you and Werner will have a good time reading your book together during your "buddy read".
Just the fact that The Plague of Doves was critically acclaimed tells me it's not for me. I like non-linear writing but the description is not remotely interesting to me. All those awards, I don't get them, all I know is they never reflect my taste. I would say it's anyone's fault, even the most articulate author will not appeal to everyone. It's all a matter of taste.
I love complicated stories but what appeals to the general population will not appeal to me, in general. I like complicated in the fantasy genre. Not fantasy, not interested, lol
Jackie, at least you know what you like. :)Sometimes what I like depends on the author's style more than the content. I think an author's personality shows through his writing. An author with an interesting personality can often write an interesting story. His insights and attitude about life can liven the story. Of course, it depends on the book but a good example is The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. The author's drole personality shines through the pages.
I never really thought about the author as a personality before. I'm all about the story. I have no interest in the author as a person. I don't like when they interject their beliefs into the story, unless it furthers the story. I'm like that with actors too, I don't care about their personal lives or what they think, just if they can do the job.
I think some authors are more introspective than others. From them you often get a psychological and philosophical approach, which I like, even in fiction. I like knowing what's going on in people's minds.
That's true. I like when I can glean some wisdom from any source.
Jackie, in our morning paper there was an article about a rags to riches young woman who was after just taking bankruptsy after husband lost job and with two children has now been courted by seven publishers for her fantasy trilogy. Farrar Straus Giroux won out. The title of the first one is, ""Crewel," by Gennifer Albin. Even I am intrigued by the prolouge and might delve into it. Prolouge: "They came in the night. Once families fought them, neighbors coming to their aid. But now tha tpeace ahs been establised, and the looms proven, girls pray to be retrieved. The still come at night, bu tnow it's to avoid the massess with eager hands. It's a blessing to touch a Spinster as she passes. That's what they tell us.No one knows why some girls have the gift. There are theories of course. That it's passed down genetically. or that girls with an open mind can see the weave of life around them at all times. Even that it's a gift only given to th epure-hearted. But I know better. It's a curse.
There's a giveaway for Crewel.I entered. It has a wide variety of star ratings. The write up for it sounds interesting.
Let me know if you do read the book, Jackie and your opinion. You have read enough of those type of books that I would be most interested in whether it deserves the glowing write up and seven publishers showing interest. One of the agents from Farrar Strauss came personally to Kansas City to try and urge her to go with them. This is most unusual. Also, Joy, Plague of Doves was one of our book selections for my book club and I was the only one among them who would agree with you. Definitely not a favorite; I too thought it was over plotted, if that makes sense.
Nina, as I understand it, The Plague of Doves, was put together from several different stories which the author had written for magazines. IMO, I don't think she did a good job of weaving those stories together. The reader had to remember too many characters, too many places, and too many time frames.Too many of the characters were related in some way... cousins, uncles, etc. I couldn't keep track of them. The ending was a big disappointment after all the work of plowing through all those fragments and trying to make sense of them.
Not one person I asked could explain the ending! Maybe you can find out.
In my review I wrote: (view spoiler)
No one was able to tell me the answer. :-(
BTW, the book was centered around the (view spoiler).
So after all that, it seemed a fruitless adventure.
I'll look and see if I have any Plague of Dove notes left.
OK. See my short additions to my post #947 which I made a few minutes ago.
About your spoilers, Joy, I would have been furious with that kind of ending. Nina, if I win it, I'll read it but it isn't something I'd buy any time soon. I have a 4 page list of Books To Buy.
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