Chaos Reading discussion
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What are you reading right now?
In The Beauty Of The Lilies by John Updike. He's an author I've avoided. Maybe in part due to his overwhelming success, maybe in part of his having been introduced as a satiris. I get boared reading satires.
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Read Please Save My Earth, Volume 3 and Please Save My Earth, Volume 4 last night. STIIIILLLLLLLLLL reading War in Heaven. It's such a cozy little book, full of delightful moments of British social and philosophical satire, interrupted periodically by brilliant descriptions of mysticism. But the coziness and the relative infrequency of those mystic moments means it's hard to make time for it while preparing my lessons and exams for the class I'm teaching.
Finally gave up on a Robert Heinlein last night that I've been trying to get through for months. It took a really Christian turn and I'm not Christian. Just couldn't force myself to continue.Now I'm reading Anna Karenina- a bit slow going and feels somewhat torturous, but a decent read. Some beautiful lines, as well. I've also got Daughter of the Forest loaded on my kindle, just waiting on a friend to be ready to read it as well. Second one of hers I have - I really loved the first one (which got so-so reviews as 'not her best work') and I'm itching to jump in. I might cheat =P
Meghan wrote: "Finally gave up on a Robert Heinlein last night that I've been trying to get through for months. It took a really Christian turn and I'm not Christian. Just couldn't force myself to continue...The hilarious thing is that I've known Christians who turn away from his work because they feel it's too atheistic! Apparently he can be whatever brand of annoying/offensive readers want! ;)
Ian wrote: "The hilarious thing is that I've known Christians who turn away from his work because they feel it's too atheistic! Apparently he can be whatever brand of annoying/offensive readers want! ;) .."
Rotfl Ian!
In my own defense, I REALLY tried. I ignored the occasional preachiness, accepted the main character's attempts to "save" every other character in the book. I had to give up when the Rapture came and the character went to Heaven. Just couldn't take it anymore.
Meghan wrote: "Finally gave up on a Robert Heinlein last night that I've been trying to get through for months. It took a really Christian turn and I'm not Christian. Just couldn't force myself to continue.No..."
Good ol' Anna Karenina. Honestly, I could have went without two-thirds of that book. The sheer boring-ness of it, at times, killed me. But the story was pretty good, Anna Karenina bad (my, did she annoy the crap out of me), but Kitty (was that her name?) and the other sister (crap, I can't remember hers - Dotty? Dolly?) intrigued me (I know how that sounds, considering I can't remember their names).
Anna Karenina is like that "C" a teacher gives their student: the fundamentals are there, but Miss Jones is just so tired of looking at that damn paper.
To the readers having trouble with Master and Margarita--esp the "manuscripts don't burn" idea--I think it means that ideas, whether they actually exist in a concrete form or not (get burned) will manifest regardless of oppressive powers that try to eliminate it. In other words, the power of the USSR was doomed. But that story operates on an entirely different level as well, about love, the purpose of art, where truth lies..I could go on, but it's late.
Ashley wrote: "Meghan wrote: "Finally gave up on a Robert Heinlein last night that I've been trying to get through for months. It took a really Christian turn and I'm not Christian. Just couldn't force myself t..."I'm not even in on this conversation, but I love your "C" analogy.
Mod
Are you talking about "Job"? If so, I recall it was more a parody of religion, and heaven wasn't all that heavenly and hell wasn't all that hellish. Not that I'm defending Heinlein, can't stand him for being preachy in general. Having characters exclaim political or social beliefs solely because Heinlein wants to beat a particular drum gets tiresome pretty fast.
Mod
I really want to participate in the group read, since it's Mieville, but I can't see myself getting and reading a copy in time. PLUS I had an image in my mind before I left Canberra: of reading House of Leaves in my new little cottage, all alone with no interruptions before my partner gets here. Just me and a sunshiney porch. And I just had a flip through my copy and am already lusting after it. I think I might have to just jump into that next.
Mod
I think that is a perfect book for this kind of reading - I support your decision!
Rida wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Anna Karenina is like that "C" a teacher gives their student: the fundamentals are there, but Miss Jones is just so tired of looking at that damn paper. "That's actually a pretty ..."
Sure! :)
Jon wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Meghan wrote: "Finally gave up on a Robert Heinlein last night that I've been trying to get through for months. It took a really Christian turn and I'm not Christian. Just couldn't..."Thanks!
just finishedOdd Apocalypse kinda weird in parts but it all connects in the end. fast read. just started Bruno, Chief of Police: A Novel of the French Countryside change of pace/scenery and I continue to read The Wars of the RosesRe: Robert Heinlein. I read him way back when and really liked him. Thought I'd pick him up again and couldn't stand reading him. With age comes wisdom? Anyway, except for Stranger in a Strange Land(its ok not great..) I found the rest were incredibly chauvinistic boarding on misogyny.
Mark wrote: "Jan wrote: "just finishedOdd Apocalypse kinda weird in parts but it all connects in the end. fast read. just started Bruno, Chief of Police: A Novel of the French Countryside change of pace/scenery..."I am enjoying it so far. I am a bit of a Francophile (sp?) so this is right up my alley. The pace of the narrative fits the setting, not too fast or slow like a walk through the French countryside. I am only on page 93 so this may change.
If you want something a little stronger than coffee, you can order a pastis (good stuff) I'm sure Bruno would! ;-) I hadn't heard of that novel; usually it's the other way around: French authors writing 'policiers' that take place in the US...
Andrea wrote: "If you want something a little stronger than coffee, you can order a pastis (good stuff) I'm sure Bruno would! ;-) I hadn't heard of that novel; usually it's the other way around: French authors ..."I think that is why I was attracted to the book: setting in SW France.
Jean-Francois Parot got me interested in French policiers.
The Chatelet Apprentice is more historical /mystery fiction but I've had trouble finding his books in English. My french is so poor I'd not attempt to read in it.
Mark wrote: "Jan wrote: "I am enjoying it so far. I am a bit of a Francophile (sp?) so this is right up my alley. The pace of the narrative fits the setting, not too fast or slow like a walk through the French ..."Mark wrote: "Jan wrote: "I am enjoying it so far. I am a bit of a Francophile (sp?) so this is right up my alley. The pace of the narrative fits the setting, not too fast or slow like a walk through the French ..."
I had considered moving to France a few years back but family is here so I didn't. I've visited a few times mostly to Paris and south to Nice. Beautiful country! My dream is to take a month or more and drive around the whole country stopping at little towns most tourists don't visit.*sigh*
Finished up Kill You Twice. One of those books I knew I'd love just based on the character development alone, even though there's soooo much it has to offer: mystery, relationships, suspense, beautiful writing - you name it. Chelsea Cain is really something. Currently reading Gun, With Occasional Music. Saw this on one of Ruby's updates and am really enjoying it so far.
Supposed to be reading The City and the City, but really having trouble getting into it. Guess I better save that discussion for later, though!
Rida wrote: "Ooh, Jan, why don't you read The Paris Wife? It's not too bad, and what could be better than France in the Roaring 20's? :)"sounds good, i'll check it out. thanks!
Ashley wrote: "Currently reading Gun, With Occasional Music. Saw this on one of Ruby's updates and am really enjoying it so far."I loved Gun, With Occasional Music. If you end up liking it, you should check out Motherless Brooklyn also by Jonathan Lethem. It's very different, but just as enjoyable.
Riona wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Currently reading Gun, With Occasional Music. Saw this on one of Ruby's updates and am really enjoying it so far."I loved Gun, With Occasional Music. If you end up liking it, you s..."
Looks intriguing! I've added it to my list. I think I'll read it regardless. Thank you for the recommendation!
Ashley wrote: "Riona wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Currently reading Gun, With Occasional Music. Saw this on one of Ruby's updates and am really enjoying it so far."I loved Gun, With Occasional Music. If you end up li..."
You're welcome! It's one of my favorites.
just finished Bruno, Chief of Police: A Novel of the French Countryside thoroughly enjoyed it, perfect blend of mystery and history with a charming main character all set in the countryside of France. I requested more of the "Bruno" books from my library and one written by Walker not in the series The Caves of PerigordMy next book to read is The Fallen Angel: A Novel hope to get it tomorrow from the library.
Done with The Color of Magic - meh, cute - and Xenocide - at some point I wanted to hate it, but it turned out to be brilliant.Started Children of the Mind on audiobook: the last of the Ender saga, and reputedly the worst one, lets see... And also The Lost World on paperback, and I'm enjoying this immensely :D
Mod
If that's the first Discworld you've read, it really isn't one of the better ones. I may not have continued with the series if I'd started with that one.
Matthew wrote: "I'm all about Cherie Priest's Boneshaker right now. It has a bit of swashbuckle to it, and the premise is interesting."I've had Boneshaker sitting at home for a while. My brother recommended it to me and I have yet to pick it up...
Let us know how you like it!
Frozenwaffle wrote: "Done with The Color of Magic - meh, cute - and Xenocide - at some point I wanted to hate it, but it turned out to be brilliant.Started Children of the Mind on audiobook: the last of the Ender sa..."
I loved your review of Xenocide; those are the best kind of books!
I am reading Mr. Monster, the second book in the series by Dan Wells. I liked the first one, it was so unusual and couldn't help liking the twist in the end.
Gina wrote: "I am reading Mr. Monster, the second book in the series by Dan Wells. I liked the first one, it was so unusual and couldn't help liking the twist in the end."I just finished that one! I'd be interested to know what you think of it...
Whitney wrote: "If that's the first Discworld you've read, it really isn't one of the better ones. I may not have continued with the series if I'd started with that one. "Yes, it was my first Discworld! I really am not very inclined to continue, but Riona also told me that there are others alot better. Any recommendations? They can be read in random order?
Ashley wrote: "I loved your review of Xenocide; those are the best kind of books! "
Thank you! :D
Mod
Whitney wrote: "I loved your review of Xenocide; those are the best kind of books! "..."
They can be read out of order, unless you are very spoiler sensitive, as the later books will fill you in on the occasional background that came before. A few of my favorites are Mort, Night Watch, and Going Postal. Also, although it's one the YA books that are a little peripheral to the main series, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents.
And I should clarify that it was Ashley who wrote the comment about your Xenocide review. (I actually wasn't that crazy about Xenocide, it was my least favorite of the original trilogy ;-) .
Whitney wrote: "Frozenwaffle wrote: "Done with The Color of Magic - meh, cute - and Xenocide - at some point I wanted to hate it, but it turned out to be brilliant..."If that's the first Discworld you've read, i..."
I started the series with The Light Fantastic- and somehow, despite my best efforts, have found my progress slow. Is this one of the better books to start with? (The reviews are excellent, but hey. :O )I really want to read an excellent book from this series to get me hooked, and then I shouldn't have a problem.
I really wanna read these books, have heard great things about them! :O
Whitney wrote: "Frozenwaffle wrote: "Yes, it was my first Discworld! I really am not very inclined to continue, but Riona also told me that there are others alot better. Any recommendations? They can be read in ra..."Agreed with Whitney. The Color of Magic and The Light Fantastic just aren't that good. I remember discussing this a little in the Terry Pratchett thread, so you might want to check that out.
You don't need to read them in chronological order, really -- Pratchett sometimes references events that occurred in earlier books, so a few jokes might go over your head if you're not familiar with the timeline, but generally those things aren't intrinsic to the plot. The books tend to be pretty episodic, and there are a few stand-alones that are excellent, like Small Gods. Sometimes people recommend focusing on one group of characters (or sub-series) and reading those books in order, in which case you'll find this graphic helpful. (Be sure to click it to zoom in.)
I haven't read the whole series yet (it's up to what, 40 books?), but a few of my favorites are Mort, Hogfather, Night Watch, Soul Music, and the aforementioned Small Gods. My favorite sub-series are Death, The City Watch, and The Witches.
Riona wrote: "I haven't read the whole series yet (it's up to what, 40 books?), but a few of my favorites are Mort, Hogfather, Night Watch, Soul Music, and the aforementioned Small Gods. My favorite sub-series are Death, The City Watch, and The Witches. "The ones of those that I read were my favourite too! And those are the best sub-series too :-) I also liked Carpe Jugulum (but not Wyrd Sisters for some reason...) I liked the wee blue guys too because they are Scottish, although I can't remember if any of their books were actually funny haha :D
Whitney wrote: "And I should clarify that it was Ashley who wrote the comment about your Xenocide review. (I actually wasn't that crazy about Xenocide, it was my least favorite of the original trilogy ;-) . "What fail! I copied the quote text from your comment, and then forgot to change the name. xD I'll edit the post, thanks.
Regarding the book, yes, as part of the trilogy I wanted to hate it: it seemed to ruin some things for the previous book, changing things and whatnot. It would have done alot better as a stand alone novel!
But from Father Estevão mission onwards, I really thought it was greatness in ink and paper (or, in weird portuguese accents since I heard it on audibook) :)
Riona wrote: "Sometimes people recommend focusing on one group of characters (or sub-series) and reading those books in order, in which case you'll find this graphic helpful. (Be sure to click it to zoom in.)"
Whoo, nice! Thanks! I'll go investigate that thread then ^^
Mod
So glad you added that second sentence. I thought you were just over-sharing for a second there ;P
Mod
Except that I am now so sleep-deprived and stressed, (and on new sleeping medication), that every single time I so much as sit on the couch and open a book, I fall asleep and wake up face-planted in it. It makes for some interesting lucid dreams too....!
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You're welcome! It's one of my favorites. ..."
I think I probably ended up with that one because of your recommendation too!
Mod
It had a great premise, and I went to great lengths to get hold of a copy. I wish she'd done a bit more though. My review's here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Mod
If that's the first Discworl..."
Have you seen the group poll we did on Pratchett? That might give you some ideas on where to start: http://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/66...
There was also a thread where we discussed it in more detail: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/9...
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Then again, there are all the books that came the other day. I ordered a bunch of things that I just HAD to have in hardcopy for whatever reason. Things like: Scorch Atlas (which looks stunning), and Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. So many things I want to read immediately!
And if you want to know what my bookshelf looks like, the banner at the top of the Chaos Reading page is a portion of it! Then again, in the house I'm in right now, I have yet to assemble shelves!