What I read June 2012

[Alias Reader]

Lesley wrote: "I read some great books in June;

Homer & LangleyF Based loosely on facts, this is the thoughts of one of two brothers, one blind and the other war-damaged, who lived in a crumbling mansion in NY c..."
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I enjoyed Homer and Langley, too. Very well written. I've been meaning to read another book by E.L. Doctorow

As to- You'll Never Take Me Alive': The Life And Death Of Bushranger Ben Hall

It seems the book is out of print according to Amazon. That's a shame. The one review there also gave it 5 stars.

[Alias Reader]

Madrano wrote:
The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt. You may recall that last month i had On the Nature of the Universe by Lucretius, in preparation of reading this one. Well, i was deeply disappointed
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Sorry to hear this one was a bust. I recall your prep for the book. And I've seen it on the bestseller list.

Thanks for the interesting review of The Third Domain.

[Alias Reader]

Carolyn (in SC) C234D wrote: "I don't believe I listed my books read in May, so I'll do both May and June now (not that many, after all):

The Coroner's Lunch--Interesting story about a 72-year-old doctor in Laos, in 1976, afte..."
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Nice mix of books, Carolyn. I enjoyed reading your synopsis of each.

[Stephanie]

June 2012
Salt A World History -Mark Kurlansky (484 pages)

It would have been better if it were shorter. Interesting but dragging towards the end.

The Art of Fielding -Chad Harbach (528 pages)

Some flaws, but overall quite worthy of the pulitzer nomination hype. Beautiful and introspective, though I would not recommend to someone who doesn't like baseball.

Y: The Last Man, Vol. 7: Paper Dolls -Brian K Vaughn (144 pages)
Y: The Last Man, Vol. 8: Kimono Dragons -Brian K Vaughn (144 pages)

Infinite Jest -David Foster Wallace (1079 pages)

There are no words to describe how beautiful and amazing and tight this book is. Every word is purposeful. My review gives away nothing and simultaneously tells everything. It is a struggle to get through, but you are a better person in the end for having finished it.

June 2012 total pages: 2379
Total 2012 pages: 14708
Total all time pages 47378

[Alias Reader]

Stephanie wrote: It is a struggle to get through, but you are a better person in the end for having finished it.
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Wow ! That is some recommendation. A book that changes the reader. You can't ask more than that. It's a shame the author suffered from depression and took his own life.

At over 1000 pages, I think it's a good candidate for an e-reader book.

I like baseball, so I really should read The Art of Fielding.

Thanks for sharing, Stephanie!

[Julie]

Stephanie wrote: "Infinite Jest -David Foster Wallace (1079 pages)

There are no words to describe how beautiful and amazing and tight this book is. Every word is purposeful. My review gives away nothing and simultaneously tells everything. It is a struggle to get through, but you are a better person in the end for having finished it...."

A bunch of people in another one of my groups are reading this now. I keep hearing the same thing about it...its hard but worth it.

[Sarah]

Carolyn (in SC) C234D wrote: "

The Coroner's Lunch--Interesting story about a 72-year-old doctor in Laos, in 1976, afte..."

Carolyn, I'm glad you enjoyed Cotterill's first book. I spent two weeks in Laos recently, and made a special effort to go by the Mahosot Hospital where Dr. Siri worked. Life has dramatically changed in Lao PDR since the 1975 Communist takeover and the era Cotterill was writing about. He also has started a new series, set in contemporary Thailand, that I enjoyed even more. The first one is called Killed at the Whim of a Hat.

[Sumofparts]

11/22/63 by Stephen King
4 stars
This is actually the first Stephen King book I've read. It was a compelling story and not as "scary" as I thought it would be given it's a Stephen King book. I felt the book was thought-provoking and brought up interesting ideas about time-travel (residue/harmony between different timelines, past not easy to change, etc.). Some quibbles - (view spoiler)[ I didn't completely believe the predicted future if Kennedy was saved though that could be because it was so bleak. Also, I didn't see the point for the men at the entrance (Yellow Card Man, et al) if they weren't allowed to move beyond their bubble and if they didn't have much effect when approaching Al all those times he came through. I want more explanation for their presence and the reasons behind the seemingly arbitrary limits on them considering the enormous implications if someone successfully changes the past. (hide spoiler)]

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
4 stars
Finished this yesterday but started it in June so I'm including it here. I tried listening to this instead of reading it, thinking it'd be more convenient but ended up switching in the middle of the second story to an ebook version. The first story (also the title story) was particularly poignant when I listened to it but I couldn't keep up with listening to the book in terms of getting in the right mindset/mood.

In terms of the stories themselves, certain emotions and experiences definitely resonated with me (e.g., being a child of immigrants, changing relationships with parents as one grows older) and the writing was uniformly lovely and not overly flowery or emotionally manipulative. I especially liked the changes in narration and perspective in the second part of the collection (consisting of three linked stories); I thought it was an effective technique for the story the author was telling.

Also, added more books to my to-read list. Thanks!

Alias Reader - Harvey sounds like a lot of fun. I think it's on Broadway this summer with Jim Parsons.

Amy - My Own Country sounds great; will have to check it out.

Sarah - Behind the Beautiful Forevers sounds like a compelling read.

deborah - The Third Domain sounds interesting despite its flaws. I remember Archaea vaguely from school but will have to brush up.

[Alias Reader]

Sumofparts wrote: "11/22/63 by Stephen King
4 stars
This is actually the first Stephen King book I've read. It was a compelling story and not as "scary" as I thought it would be given it's a Stephen King book. I felt..."
---------------

I read and enjoyed 11/22/63. I think with King books one has to just go with the flow and not analyze things too closely. The Stand is still is best.

Regarding Harvey. I read the play because I have tickets to the Broadway Show. I can hardly wait to see Parsons. I love him in The Big Bang Theory.

Thanks for sharing your June reads with us !

[Stephanie]

Alias Reader wrote: "At over 1000 pages, I think it's a good candidate for an e-reader book. "
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With 400 endnotes that span about 100 pages... I'm not sure how good it would be in ereader format

[Connie]

I did a lot of reading in June so I'll list my favorites.

Defending Jacob 5 stars. A legal thriller that also dealt with family dynamics, teenagers, whether violence is inherited. A great read with an unexpected ending.

A Visit from the Goon Squad 4 stars. A very creative book with the chapters written from the points of view of different characters, with different styles, and going back and forth in time.

The Lifeboat 3 1/2 stars. A story of survival in an overcrowded lifeboat. Lots of ethical questions to ponder when you've finished reading.

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake 4 stars. A memoir by Anna Quindlen as she turns sixty, interesting and humorous.

Home Front 4 stars. A story about a female soldier deployed to the war in Iraq as her marriage is headed into trouble.

The Uncommon Reader 4 stars. A short and humorous book about the Queen of England discovering the joys of reading and losing interest in her usual duties.

Breakfast at Tiffany's 4 stars. A novella about a young woman in the narrator's apartment who is both fascinating and self-destructive. She feels calm and safe when she goes to Tiffany's.

I've Got Your Number 3 stars. This book is very funny chick lit, a perfect beach read.

A Dog's Purpose 3 stars. Heartwarming story about a dog who is reincarnated until he fulfills his purpose in life.

The Lighthouse 4 stars. A British mystery on an island in the series by P.D. James, features Commander Adam Dalgliesh.

The Beginner's Goodbye 4 stars. A funny/sad book about a man recovering from the death of his wife.

The Snow Child 5 stars. A delightful combination of harsh reality in Alaska with the magic of a Russian folktale. Loved the book.

State of Wonder 3 1/2 stars. A trip in the Amazon trying to track down a scientist doing research for a pharmaceutical company. Nice atmospheric descriptions, but the premise was not totally believable.

Tea and Sympathy 4 stars. Our group read, a play about an effeminate teenager who is being bullied in a boarding school, and his relationship with the wife of a teacher.

The White Mary: A Novel 4 stars. Wonderful book about a journalist who goes into dangerous war zones. She goes into the rain forest of Papau New Guinea to find another journalist. The author herself treked through the jungle so she makes the beauty and dangers of the country come alive.

[Lesley]

Connie, what an interesting collection of books you have read. A few of them are on my to-read list, but have also added a few more now. Home Front sounds interesting. Thanks.

[Julie]

Connie wrote: "State of Wonder 3 1/2 stars. A trip in the Amazon trying to track down a scientist doing research for a pharmaceutical company. Nice atmospheric descriptions, but the premise was not totally believable...."

I had alot of mixed feelings about this book. I rated it the same as you.

[Madrano]

Julie wrote: "If you make the text large enough, it isn't hard to read, but you have to turn alot of pages! ..."

Thanks for the info on touch iPod. I do not have that kind, although i can get videos. Actually that is an underused appliance i own. Still 2000+ pages! Was your wrist sore by the time you finished?

deb

[Madrano]

Jorge wrote: "The book also includes some doctored photos to add to the story which were really well done. I thought it was good, not too much over the edge, just enough to make it believable. ..."

Thanks, Jorge, for answering my questions. I enjoy when authors include real photos for books about the past. Doctoring must have been a riot. I think (shudder!) i WILL add the book to my Mt. TBR, particularly since all the sickly parts are not included.

[Madrano]

Carolyn (in SC) C234D wrote: "Cold Comfort Farm --I enjoyed this parody of the melodramatic novels of the 20s and 30s. Flora Poste was the perfect heroine--she solved all the problems at the farm. The names were a hoot: cows--Graceless, Pointless, Feckless, and Aimless. Horses--Travail, Arsenic, Viper. People--Urk, Caraway, Hardaway, etc. A funny novel. I'll have to be on the lookout for the film; I've never watched it. 4*..."

Can you believe i didn't realize there was a book? I enjoyed the film, so will seek out the book. Thanks for sharing your list, Carolyn.

deb

[Madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "Sorry to hear this one was a bust. I recall your prep for the book. And I've seen it on the bestseller list.

I should probably clarify a bit. After reading the Lucretius, i wanted a better fleshing out of the book, which Greenblatt didn't offer. I think for someone who has no or little familiarity with the late Middle Ages & the Church, it would be a great intro to the times. And he keeps his theme well, too. It's just my expectations were higher than what he delivered.

Alias Reader wrote: "Thanks for the interesting review of The Third Domain. ..."

I'm glad i own this one, as i'll be using it as a reference for some time. Even since Friend wrote it in '07 aspect of the research have changed. Of course this is the frustrating part of trying to read about contemporary/new science today--things change so quickly!

[Alias Reader]

Alias Reader wrote: "At over 1000 pages, I think it's a good candidate for an e-reader book. "
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Stephanie wrote: With 400 endnotes that span about 100 pages... I'm not sure how good it would be in ereader format
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Good to know. Thanks !

I haven't read a book with footnotes or endnotes on a e-Reader. I can see how that may be a hassle.

[Alias Reader]

Connie wrote: "I did a lot of reading in June so I'll list my favorites.

Defending Jacob 5 stars. A legal thriller that also dealt with family dynamics, teenagers, whether violence is inherited. A great read w..."
===========

Wow ! Super reading month, Connie.

I've put Defending Jacob on my To Read list.

As to A Dog's Purpose, I only read a handful of pages and decided it wasn't for me. I didn't care for the dog narrating the story.

[Carolyn (in SC) C234D]

Sarah wrote: "Carolyn (in SC) C234D wrote: "

The Coroner's Lunch--Interesting story about a 72-year-old doctor in Laos, in 1976, afte..."

Carolyn, I'm glad you enjoyed Cotterill's first book. I spent two week..."

Thanks for this information, Sarah. Cotterill was a new author for me, and I hope to read more by him. I'll look for this new series as well. That must have been a fascinating trip.

Carolyn

[Sumofparts]

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie, my favorite Dickens is A Tale of Two Cities. I think if one reads it with online notes it helps a lot..."

This makes me want to try the book again. It was the pick for my book group in May and most of us didn't finish it; we would've liked someone who enjoyed the book to talk about it. Would you mind getting into why it's your favourite Dickens?

[Jennifer]

Sarah wrote: "I'm REALLY dating myself, but does anyone else remember Tom Lehrer's wonderful ditty called "Smut"

Give me smut!
A dirty novel I can't shut!
I like it more
If it's uncut
and unsubt-
le.

I never ..."


I TOTALLY know that song-- and this:

First you get down on your knees
Fiddle with your rosaries
Bow your head with great respect
And genuflect, genuflect, genuflect
You can do the steps you want if
You have cleared them with the pontiff
Everybody say his own
Curie eliason
Doing the Vatican rag!!!!

[Jennifer]

And for Alias:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKWI41...

[Alias Reader]

Sumofparts wrote: Would you mind getting into why it's your favourite Dickens?
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I adore the writing. It doesn't get much better in my opinion. It's poetic and beautiful. Though if one is not used to the style of writing of that period some may find it difficult. I would suggest online guides to help. Then you won't miss any allusions, too.

Writing like this I just love.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known."

I also take pleasure in learning about a period in history that I no little about. (French Revolution)

I also enjoy reading books that champion social justice.

[Alias Reader]

Jennifer wrote: "And for Alias:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKWI41..."
----------------

I've never hear of Tom Lehrer. He reminds me of the I fellow who used to be on PBS all the time and played the piano to funny political biting songs he made up. I can't think of his name. Anyone?

[Sarah]

Yes, you're thinking of Mark Russell. Similar style to Lehrer, deadpan satire on political topics and current events, singing solo with a piano.

[Alias Reader]

Mark Russel !! That's it. Thank you, Sarah.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Madrano wrote: "I wonder if he (Bohjalian) is the sort of author who first impression is so strong that we cannot be as drawn into his subsequent books when we read them? I don't run into that often, but it seems each of us (thus far) have liked the original book we read by him better than any subsequent ones...."

The first book I read by Bohjalian was many many years ago --
Water Witches --and I have not cared for any of his books since then.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Connie wrote: "The Uncommon Reader 4 stars. A short and humorous book about the Queen of England discovering the joys of reading and losing interest in her usual duties.."

I absolutely LOVED this book. So clever and just plain good!

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Julie wrote: "If you make the text large enough, it isn't hard to read, but you have to turn alot of pages! ..."

This is what I do not like about the Kindle. Seems that all I do is turn pages.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Books I read in June, mostly pretty fast reads. With the pain I am having, I am finding it hard to focus on anything too complex.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Good Wife by Stewart O'Nan 4 stars

WOW, what a raw, unadorned, fairly depressing book that I absolutely could not put down. O'Nan's character development was brilliant and his ability to make the reader FEEL what Patty felt was amazing, as he did in "Emily, Alone".

It's funny about his books...I either love them, like the two mentioned above, or hate them, like "The Odds" and "Last Night at the Lobster".

Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand 4 stars

EXCELLENT story. Well-written - just pulled me in and kept me stuck to the book - I finished it in 24 hours. Lots of lessons to be learned, and sadness to endure.

Those in Peril by Wilbur Smith 2 stars

Decent story - a big book that I finished in one day! The scenes involving sex, torture and death though, were so overdone and titillating...... way too detailed. Poor writing and dialogue. It could have been a good book. Not what I expect of Wilbur Smith.

High Crimes by Joseph Finder 4 stars

Another great Finder thriller. I cannot believe I missed this book so many years ago! Now I wonder what others of his I missed.

This was clever and kept me guessing until the last page. Well done!

The Wide Smiles of Girls by Jennifer Manske Fenske 3+ stars

At first this was a 4 then a 3, then a 4 again. Now I am giving it a 3+. Indecisive.

But I did read it in a little more than a day, so I would say it held my interest.

Not a bad story, interesting locale. Good character development.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani 2 stars

Nothing special. So-so story.

The Zero Hour by Joseph Finder 4 stars

I love Finder's books and somehow missed this one way back when. It was a little too technical and descriptive for me, and I think his later books are less so. But it was a good and exciting story.

[Sarah]

JoAnn, I'm sorry to hear that you're still having such pain, but thanks very much for sharing your reading month.

I'm glad to hear you liked the Elin Hildenbrand. I often alternate serious and light reads and Summerland seems perfect for my next beach read. I'm in the middle of Wolf Hall right now, a historical novel about Thomas Cromwell and all the machinations of the court of Henry VIII. Even though the drama and personal interactions with the Boleyns etc are very juicy, it's still a big fat book that takes a lot of attention to keep all the Thomases and Henrys straight.

I'm a big fan of Stewart O'Nan, and even enjoyed Last Night at the Lobster very much. I think I missed The Good Wife, so that's another one to queue up on Mount TBR.

[Alias Reader]

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Books I read in June, mostly pretty fast reads. With the pain I am having, I am finding it hard to focus on anything too complex.

The Good Wife by ..."
------------------

Sorry your back is still hurting. Still, it looks like a very nice reading month despite your painful situation.

I read the GR synopsis of The Good Wife and it looks quite interesting. I've put it on my TBR list. Thanks!

[Madrano]

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Books I read in June, mostly pretty fast reads. With the pain I am having, I am finding it hard to focus on anything too complex...."

I'm not familiar with Finder but your praise is high indeed. Thanks for the name & some titles. I smiled seeing your fluctuating ratings for the Fenske.

[Julie]

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Julie wrote: "If you make the text large enough, it isn't hard to read, but you have to turn alot of pages! ..."

This is what I do not like about the Kindle. Seems that all I do is turn pages."

And an ipod touch is about a quarter the size of a kindle!