Books on the Nightstand discussion

I am reading (listening) to Justin Cronin's "The Passage". It's a great car book and I am about 3/4 of the way through.

Renee wrote: "Lori wrote: "Tanya/dog eared copy wrote:

I r..."

This was the book that addicted me to reading as child. It makes me smile every time I think..." I got it as a gift it in 4 in line to read can not wait total

Normally a good bit of my reading is determined by two book clubs, the classics, and prep for study projects. For the month of December, I decided to give myself permission to read whatever I wanted. Read simply for pleasure, not to improve my mind. I ended up with mostly genre fiction. Discovered Tess Gerritsen for the first time. One Kathy Reichs, one Sophie Hannah book. Nevertheless a history and a theology book crept into the stack anyway.

I haven't posted in quite a while and won't try to list all I've read since last time, just a few recent things.

I just started a book by Andre Aciman called Eight White Nights; it's about a young couple who meet at a Christmas Eve party and follows their relationship through New Year's Eve. I wanted to read it this month, for obvious reasons!

Before that, over the last couple of months, I read two fantasy novels by Juliet Marillier: Shadowfell and Flame of Sevenwaters; Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich; The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller; Before the Poison by Peter Robinson; and Ghost Story by Peter Straub. The last audiobook was Bloodroot by Amy Greene.

Nancy wrote: "I just started a book by Andre Aciman called Eight White Nights; it's about a young couple who meet at a Christmas Eve party and follows their relationship through New Year's Eve. I wanted to read it this month, for obvious reasons! "

This actually sounds intriguing. At first I thought it was a Romance novel; but in looking it up I see it's more literary. How did you like it?

I'm reading for a book group and for pure pleasure. The latter is much more fun, I look forward to reading the entire Thursday Next series.

I'm about halfway through Dog Stars. The writing is wonderful; I'm hoping I can get finished before my electronic loan ends.

Milking the last fifty pages of CITY OF WOMEN by David R. Gillham. Anyone have a suggestion for the next read? I'm going to need something on the lighter side after that!

I loved The Red Tree. 5 stars. Did not love Alif the Unseen as much as I expected to. 3 stars. And bailed on the audio version of The Alexander Cipher. 1 star.

Finished 2.5 stars

Finished:

Started:

Just finished by Liz Moore. A heartbreaking novel. I miss the characters already. Loved it. Don't miss this one. 5 stars.

Kokeshi wrote: "Just finished by Liz Moore. A heartbreaking novel. I miss the characters already. Loved it. Don't miss this one. 5 stars."

I just happened to download Heft from my library's audiobook selections on a whim, and was so happy I did. This book tops my list for this year, in the top five for all books for all time. Beautiful book and writing. Glad you enjoyed it!

I just finished Empress (by Shan Sa.) It is a historical fiction about the 7th century Chinese Empress Wu, a controversial figure in Oriental history. I suspect that the author wanted to provide a sympathetic picture of the Empress, but the novel didn't have enough of an emotive core to enable a reader to do that. The story is laden with researched detail and, in fact the reader is somewhat benumbed by the statistical information that Shan Sa hits you over the head with. The poetic language of Ancient China acts as another superflous device by which the author hides the lack of lyricism in her own writing. While I don't particularly recommend the book, it did pique my interest into Empress Wu's reign and I am sure now that I have been introduced to the historical figure, I will keep running into references about her :-)



The Witches Audio: The Witches Audio (by Roald Dahl; narrated by Jean Marsh)

I loved the story! A boy and his grandmother must deal with the threat of witches. What I don't like is the choice of narrator: Ms Jean Marsh. She has a lovely voice and she can tell a story BUT she is the wrong gender for the story. I know that for many years, there was a narrating convention in which women voiced boy characters, something you can still bear witness to in animation e.g. Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson and in the audiobook narration of the late Michal Friedman as the little boy in Room (by Emma Donaghue.) Supposedly, it was more convincing than having a guy narrate a boy's voice. However, The Witches is told POV1 which means that for the first third of the book wherein no mention is made of the child's gender, I had been imagining a grandmother and her granddaughter. Imagine the shock I got when a witch called out, "Come here, little boy!" Game changer. I see that Harper re-recorded the book in 2006 and I thought, "Oh! They must have corrected up!" But no! They used Lynn Redgrave, exchanging one celebrity reader for another :-(

Next Up:


Bridget Jones's Diary (by Helen Fielding)

This is a re-read from several years ago. I'm picking it up again as a couple friends and I will be watching the movie in January. Yes, I know the screenplay is different; but it's fun to discuss the differences anyway :-) Also, the movie, Bridget Jones's Baby is supposed to be released in 2013!

I finally finished reading War and Peace after almost two years. Thanks Ann, for being the inspiration to read this book. I feel so proud that I persevered. I enjoyed the sections about the people, tolerated the sections on war, and disliked the philosophical sections. The final epilogue almost did me in but I made it. Wish I could say I enjoyed it more.

I just finished , a dark novel that I enjoyed reading. Next up, .

Reading Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore, which I received as a gift from my BOTNS Secret Santa, Katie Loss. I'm not very far into it, but it's wonderful.
I also plan on dipping in to the one book I got from Santa this year -- Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction :

I have no background in formal literature study, so it will be an adventure, I'm sure.

i am currently reading .

Every time I read (and I've read it many times), the scene where Huck and Jim find Pap Finn's body in the floating house mystifies me. What's the deal with those masks? The scribblings on the wall? The wooden leg? How did the house come to be floating in the middle of the river? I always wanted to know what happened to Pap Finn. So, apparently, did Jon Clinch.

Clinch reproduces part of the aforementioned scene at the beginning of the book. Then he tells you Pap Finn's story. Pap is the son of a venal, vindictive circuit judge who has disowned him because of his alcoholism and his relationship with a black woman. Finn survives in his hovel by the river by putting out lines for catfish and trading his catches for necessaries and whiskey. In the leaner times, Finn gets cheap corn liquor from a blind hermit bootlegger in the woods.

Finn is a screw-up, an abuser of women, a thief, and a murderer. We watch his life dissolve in this dark novel, which takes place in between the beats of Mark Twain's most famous novel. This story fits in seamlessly, like one of the stories in Pulp Fiction to the others. The only difference is the darker tone. Twain's novel, for the most part, is written in a comic style. But it would be off-mark to say "Huckleberry Finn" doesn't have its own darkness (remember the conclusion of the feud plotline? Brrr.) It would also be off-mark to say that "Finn" is an adult novel, whereas "Huckleberry Finn" is for kids. "Huckleberry Finn" is a great adult novel that has a lot of appeal for kids, but is often foisted on kids who don't have the maturity to fully understand it.

Probably the most controversial aspect of this book is the revelation that Huck is half black, a "mulatto", in the parlance of the day. I was skeptical, because Huck's narration in Twain's book seems to leave no room for such an interpretation. I kept saying, "Yeah, but...Yeah, but...". Eventually my "yeah buts" were put to rest, and I was willing to accept Clinch's interpretation as a valid one, if not "the" valid one.

A great achievement.

Great review Eric. This books sounds worth the time.

Eric wrote: ""

I remember reading Finn a couple of years ago (for the first Booktopia.) I recall it being very dark and moody, and that I had had a very intense nightmare involving Finn afterwards! I have Kings of the Earth in my stacks, but because of Finn, I've been waiting to be in a certain mindset :-/

For his third Parker graphic novel, Cooke skips , the fourth book in the Parker series, and attacks the fifth book, . I understand his impatience to cut right to the good stuff. "The Score" is one of Parker's most memorable capers, the robbery of an entire town in North Dakota, situated in a box canyon. As is the case in most Parker novels, a meticulous heist is planned by the methodical Parker. And as is usually the case, a couple of things go wrong in a big way.

Cooke's style is tailor made for these Parker adaptations. No one else in comics has such a keen eye for fifties/sixties architecture, clothes, and cars. One great feature was the casting of fellow cartoonists as members of Parker's gang. (I recognized innovator Jim Steranko -- who himself could have planned some great heists -- as the dapper "Pop Phillips" right away).

If Cooke ever runs out of Parker books, I'd like to see him try his hand at John D. MacDonald's early Travis McGee books.

On a side note, while watching last summer's half-season of Breaking Bad, I couldn't help but think Mike Ehrmantraut (played by the great Jonathan Banks) was modeled after Parker, an earlier taciturn thief with a code. The well-planned crimes in Breaking Bad remind me of the heists in Stark's (Westlake's) fiction. Would it be too much to ask for AMC to make a Parker series starring Jonathan Banks?

Stacie wrote: "The latter is much more fun, I look forward to reading the entire Thursday Next series. T..."

Me too! I just got all of the books available in paperback.

Am just finishing up Southland by Nina Revoyr. You have to try really hard at first because of all the points of view but it gets easier. Is really great if you live or have lived in L.A. and/or like multicultural characters.

Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I just started a book by Andre Aciman called Eight White Nights; it's about a young couple who meet at a Christmas Eve party and follows their relationship through New Year's Eve. I w..."

I haven't gotten very far, so my opinion may change. At first I liked it, then I had second thoughts, but I'm giving it more time.

Ann wrote: "Reading Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore, which I received as a gift from my BOTNS Secret Santa, Katie Loss. I'm not very far into it, but it's wonderful.
I also plan on dipping in to the one book ..."

I'm really interested in your opinion of Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. I have this on my TBR list! I also have the audio version of Mr P., but haven't listened yet!

Shannon wrote: "I just finished , a dark novel that I enjoyed reading. Next up, ."

I loved Mudbound. I have her newest book, but haven't read it yet.

"Stacie wrote: "The latter is much more fun, I look forward to reading the entire Thursday Next series."

"Amy wrote: Me too! I just got all of the books available in paperback."

I convinced my book club to read The Eyre Affair in 2013. I'm so excited to lead that discussion. The Thursday Next series is one of my favorites. I have all of the books in paperback (except the newest one) AND on audio :) I haven't read the lastest release, but I plan to get to it in January.

I've also read Jasper Fforde's Nursery Crime series (currently two books) and Shades of Gray. I'm waiting for The Last Dragonslayer to be released by audible before I tackle that one. He definitely developes quirky worlds, but I love them. He's one of my "autobuy" authors.

Renee wrote: "Lori wrote: "Tanya/dog eared copy wrote:

I r..."

This was the book that addicted me to reading as child. It makes me smile every time I think..."

Renee, I enjoyed and found the entire premise unique. It kept me interested and I thought it was authentic and well written. It wasn't compelling in that I wasn't pondering and longing to get back to the story and willing to forego other activities to return to it (my personal pre-requisite for a 5-star read) but while I was reading, I enjoyed it though it is not a happy-go-lucky story. I know there has been quite a bit of buzz about this book but have been too busy to keep up with any of that. I will be interested to see what you think.

Lara wrote: "Then it's time for [MEMOIRS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND] which I have been dying to get to since Booktopia Santa Cruz

I love, love, love this book - couldn't put it down once started.

I finally picked up Lev Grossman's THE MAGICIANS - has been on my shelves a while!

I just started , he's written in in the third person, even though it's a memoir, and so far I'm enjoying it.

Eric wrote: "

A beautiful book about the connection through books a mother and son were able to make it the years leading up to her death from pancreatic canc..."

Brave review, Eric. I lost both of my parents, and like you, I wish that I had the relationship with them that Will had with his mother. The book is a beautiful tribute to his mother and to the power of books.

My troubled relationship with my parents has made me determined to build excellent relationships with my own children. We have a very strong bond through books and shared geeky interests. I can now accept the past and I look forward to the future. I wish the same for you.

Eric wrote: "

Every time I read (and I've read it many times), the scene where Huck and Jim find Pap Finn's body in the floating house ..."

I read "Kings of the Earth" year last year, so "Finn" has been on my radar since then. Your review bumped it up on my TBR list. Thank you.

It's common with series fiction that the initial entries are not the strongest. But being a fan of series fiction, I'm willing to look beyond the aspects that don't work for me to the elements that do. So to start, I'll just say the plotting of this novel seemed a little thin for a mystery. Now I'll move on to what I liked.

I found the protagonist, Troy Chance, to be an extremely likable, complex, and well drawn character. She's affable and makes friends easily, but keeps a distance from people nonetheless. She never lets anyone get too close. She's practical, unfussy, athletic, and a bit of a tomboy. She's unconcerned with "girly" things. She remarks that she's not yet the person she wants to be, but I'll be reading the subsequent novels to see who she becomes.

It seems to me this book, and presumably the series to follow, although they take the form of "murder mysteries", are less concerned with plot and mayhem and more concerned with the phenomenon of human connection.

Readnponder wrote: "Eric wrote: "

Every time I read (and I've read it many times), the scene where Huck and Jim find Pap Finn's body in the fl..."

Jon has a new book coming out Jan. 15th that he's self-publishing--The Thief of Auschwitz

Renee wrote: "Jon has a new book coming out Jan. 15th that he's self-publishing--The Thief of Auschwitz "

I'm confused. This isn't a (self-pubbed) paperback that was released 11/01/2011?

Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "Renee wrote: "Jon has a new book coming out Jan. 15th that he's self-publishing--The Thief of Auschwitz "

I'm confused. This isn't a (self-pubbed) paperback that was released 11/01/2011?"

I think he ended up self-pubbing the paperback edition of Kings of the Earth but I know his new book is self-pubbed. He was with Random House before that.

I just ordered from Amazon. Apparently, it's in stock and will arrive Thursday (via my Super Saver Shipping).

Eric wrote: "I just ordered from Amazon. Apparently, it's in stock and will arrive Thursday (via my Super Saver Shipping)."


Oh good. I'm be anxious to see what you think!

I finished re-reading Bridget Jones's Diary (by Helen Fielding) a couple of ays ago and I have to admit that, for having been written seventeen years ago and having no mention of things like iPhones, DVDs or such, it really didn't feel dated! For those who don't know, Bridget Jones' Diary is about a young single woman in London trying to figure out her relationship to her Hugh Grant-like boss, a stuffy Colin Firth-like lawyer, and herself as someone who is combating calories, cigarettes and lack of money. It's a great light and fun read :-)



Martin Misunderstood (by Karin Slaughter; narrated by Wayne Knight)

On Christmas Day, I listened to two short audiobooks, A Christmas Carol (by Charles Dickens; adapted into an audio drama by Shane Salk, and performed by a full cast (four voice-over actors) and Martin Misunderstood (by Karin Slaughter; narrated by Wayne Knight.) Shane Salk's A Christmas Carol was very much an American production, though Maurice LaMarche (famous for voicing The Brain on Pinky and The Brain) did sound a bit like Michael York. Interestingly, Neil Flynn who played the role of The Ghost of Christmas Present, sounded like Stacy Keach. Interesting, because York and Keach themselves do a lot of audio drama... As for Martin Misunderstood, that was a vulgar and pointless waste of my time. It's the story about some schlumpf who gets involved in a homicide... At the end (THIS IS NOT A SPOILER) "...Martin understood." I'm glad someone did, because I certainly didn't!



The Walking Dead, Vol. 5: The Best Defense
The Walking Dead, Vol. 6: This Sorrowful Life
(by Robert Kirkman et al)


Hellboy, Vol. 5: Conqueror Worm
Hellboy, Vol. 6: Strange Places
(by Mike Mignola)

I found a cache of purchased but unread graphic novels in my office and have caught up a little bit with The Walking Dead, Volume 5: The Best Defense and The Walking Dead, Volume 6: This Sorrowful Life (both by Robert Kirkman et al) and; Hellboy, Volume 5: Conqueror Worm and Hellboy, Volume 6: Strange Places (both my Mike Mignola.) WD5 took the fevered pitch of "Volume 4: The Heart's Desire" down a notch as the survivor's adjusted to life after making a leadership change from one in which Rick was solely in charge to one in which a committee of four rules. In Volume 6 however, things get very interesting with introduction of The Governor. Both are great expositions on leadership in power vacuums. HB5 brings back some Nazis, but what I really liked was Mignola's use of a greater color range without foregoing the high-contrast feel of each frame. HB6 also uses nice bold layouts and colors, but the plots were murkier. I didn't really understand what the heck was going on in a couple of panels, even when re-reading; but I expect to go over them again before I move on to the next volume. In HB5, Hellboy becomes somewhat disillusioned with the organization he works for and in HB6, we see him in Africa away from the auspices of B.P.R.D.


Next Up:


The House of Mirth (by Edith Wharton)

I'm involved in a challenge wherein one of the six books to be read is a book with an emotion in the title (e.g. The Joy Luck Club.) Another participant in the challenge will be doing a buddy read with me starting tomorrow and it looks like we'll be reading at least two other Edith Wharton titles in 2013! I'm excited as The Age of Innocence is one of the oldest books on my TBR shelf and, Ethan Fromme was a 2011 purchase that I finally will be making time for :-)

In the past couple of days, I've finished Origin and Where'd You Go, Bernadette. I'm currently reading The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business.

Renee wrote: "Jon has a new book coming out Jan. 15th that he's self-publishing--The Thief of Auschwitz "


I actually ordered this in December, the night I got the Vermont Booktopia authors. It arrived at my house in December...

Often "official publishing dates" are like a "grand opening" -- they can be after the book is actually available. The industry seems to need a firm date, so most small publishers and authors who self-publish make one up, but then often have the book ready before that date.

My copy of The Thief of Auschwitz arrived today. Along with Kings of the Earth and What Came After.