Around the World discussion

Daisy, I totally agree that everyone should read House of Day, House of Night.......but I only gave it three stars! The writing was fantastic, and everybody should read it simply for that, but it made me so sad! Yes, there is humor, but it is humor directed at you and me, at all human beings as a species. We are a pitiful group. I don't disagree, but where does this hopelessness and despondency lead us? The book doesn't deal with such questions. For me a three star book is worth reading.

Chrissie wrote: "Daisy, I totally agree that everyone should read House of Day, House of Night.......but I only gave it three stars! The writing was fantastic, and everybody should read it simply for that, but it m..."

Chrissie, I read your review. I didn't find it as bleak as you did but even if I had, that wouldn't have kept me from giving it 5 stars. The star ratings are so subjective -- well, aren't all reviews? I mean often my 5 star reasoning is different from book to book.
This one was kind of magical or fable-like and it kept surprising me and I just fell deep into it. Wasn't Marta wonderful? It was beautifully told and honest and it made me wonder. It made me think.

House Of Day, House Of Night

Daisy, I loved the writing. Absolutely, and it had me thinking. But then I got so frustrated of where it left me at the end. I definitely think it is a book to read. I wonder if she has written anything more. I will have to go check. It is nice you got me thinking about this author again!

Look, Daisy: Primeval and Other Times. Another to read.....

Chrissie wrote: "Look, Daisy: Primeval and Other Times. Another to read....."

Yup. I hope they translate a lot of her work. Thanks.

I just came back from Hawaii...Moloka'i to be exact. I cried, I laughed, I cried again, but I didn't want the book to end. Rachel will live in my heart for a very long time.
Here is the link to my 5star review.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Barbara wrote: "I just came back from Hawaii...Moloka'i to be exact. I cried, I laughed, I cried again, but I didn't want the book to end. Rachel will live in my heart for a very long time.[bookcover:Moloka'i|32..."

Barbara - I'm with you. Read Molokai quite a few years ago and loved it. It earned a 5-star rating from me - I'm pretty stingy with 5s and this one definitely deserved it.

Judy, thanks for explaining that. At this point I think I may read Benediction after finishing Eventide. Did you listen to the audiobook or read the paper book? I definitely am enjoying the narration of "Eventide" by George Hearn. I will have to go check who narrates "Benediction". I hope it is the same guy! No, it is Mark Bramhill, but he is usually good too!

BTW, Genghis: Birth of an Empire has gone down the drain, but I am almost done. :0)))) OK, it is for those who enjoy melodramatic, cinematic, plot driven books. Now I have been told that even the history in it is wrong..... Lots of blood and battle, but of course some love scenes too!

Judy thanks for the info. I will see what I feel like listening to when I have finished "Eventide". That is why I really never do challenges seriously, except here b/c the rules are so loose; I like reading what I feel like reading.

I have completed Genghis: Birth of an Empire.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For Mongolia.

Will move on to Samarkand, another book of historical fiction, but set in Iran.

Finished Eventide. I highly recommend the audiobbok format narrated by George Hearn. Working class, small town life in America - that is what you get.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Having just finished Genghis: Birth of an Empire and having found it too cinematic in tone for my liking, I have now begun Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. MUCH more information and yet at the same time it is easy to follow. A good balance to my previous read. Written by an acclaimed anthropologist - good stuff, although it is a bit controversial.

I was in Turkey (and Afghanistan, Iran, India, Vietnam, Japan among other places) via The Great Railway Bazaar. It's considered a classic of Travel literature, but I can't say I liked it much. I found it spoiled by one of the most snobbish and obnoxious narrators I've ever encountered. Full review linked below:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I have completed Samarkand. Boy am I glad. My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... Everybody loves this, except me, it seems. Or am I brave enough to say that it is difficult to comprehend?

Now I will begin A Furnace Afloat: The Wreck of the Hornet and the Harrowing 4,300-mile Voyage of Its Survivors.

I have finished Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. I absolutely loved it. 5 stars. I recommend it to anyone and everyone who has any interest in world history.
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Have started Cloudstreet. I wasn't all that drawn to the book description, but many of my friends say it IS really good. We will see what I think! This is set in Australia.

I just finished Parrot and Olivier in America. Peter Carey fashioned this tale after Alexis de Tocqueville's life in America. A good writer and some historical fiction was a great lure for me, but I was disappointed. My review is here:
http://coldread.wordpress.com/2013/05...

Suzanne wrote: "I just finished Parrot and Olivier in America. Peter Carey fashioned this tale after Alexis de Tocqueville's life in America. A good writer and some historical fiction was a great lure for me, but ..."
Suzanne, I forced myself to read that because it was a Booker nominee but did not enjoy it.

Jenny wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I just finished Parrot and Olivier in America. Peter Carey fashioned this tale after Alexis de Tocqueville's life in America. A good writer and some historical fiction was a great l..."

Those Booker nominees can be such hit or miss with me. Is there really such a shortage of authors who have an amazing talent with prose and style AND yet can combine these talents along with a terrific storyline?

Barbarac wrote: "Tanya (mom's small victories) wrote: "I finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak set in Nazi-era Germany at 3 am after we rang in the New Year. No way was I letting this library book disappear from..."

i've read it 3 times. That's a good sign. This is definitely creative writing.

I am currently, between Africa, New York and London. I'm enjoying Between Man and Beast. It's non-fiction but as good a story as any. As a read about the discovery of the gorilla, it makes me wonder just why we can not find the bog foot. posting from Guam.

I can recommend A Furnace Afloat: The Wreck of the Hornet and the Harrowing 4,300-mile Voyage of Its Survivors if you are looking for a book with an exciting adventure story, also chock full of historical and scientific details.
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I was in the Caribbean on Anguilla in A Trip to the Beach: Living on Island Time in the Caribbean about a couple who chucked it all in snowy Vermont to live--and open a world-class restaurant--in a sunny tropical island. I did like it--full review linked below:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I have fallen in love in and with Paris, in Das Lächeln der Frauen (engl.: The Ingredients of Love) by Nicolas Barreau. Complete with a recipe for a French Menu d'amour. 4*-review here.

Then I experienced the madness of local politics in the UK ... a week after there actually were local elections. Mind you, if they happened like in The Casual Vacancy (J.K. Rowling), no one could have been surprised by the outcome. 4/5 as well.

Next up, I will move to Ireland. Unless I get sidetracked and take a plane to Asia :).

I have completed Cloudstreet.
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
It is like an immersion course on post Australian life - the colloquialisms and words used can be confusing, but I am glad I read it. It is also about family. Here I would warn that you must not be in a depressed mood when you start. Bad things happen.....and good too.

I have begun One Corpse Too Many. Well, I began reading the Cadfael series by Ellis Peters. The first one was not wow, so then I hopped around between others and began to love the people living in the abbey. So now I want to read the books in order so I know every little tidbit about each figure. The above mentioned is the second in the series and it gives good historical background to the Civil War between King Steven and Empress Maude, England 1138. EVERYBODY says these books need NOT be read in order, other than that books 6 and 10 must be read before book 20. I agree, BUT once you fall in love with the whole setting you will not want to miss anything because there are small details that are nice to know. So my advice is start with book The Leper of Saint Giles, b/c it is so good. Then if you are sure you love the series, start from the beginning. I read a couple before I felt motivated to read all of them. We are having a buddy read on this book here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

I kind of think one has to like comfy historical mysteries more centered on the characters and accurate historical detail than sleuthing to appreciate these books.

Chrissie wrote: "BUT once you fall in love with the whole setting you will not want to miss anything because there are small details that are nice to know. So my advice is start with book The Leper of Saint Giles, b/c it is so good"

I agree with that assessment. I loved those books. They're not easy to find in bookstores these days (I assume not too hard to find online). I don't know they're hugely memorable in and of themselves--Peters isn't Christie, but I grew very fond of the characters and the world of the Abbey and the middle ages.

I have only read into chapter 2 and am already loving it. Lisa, it makes me feel so good that you agreed with my assessment! I don't want to entice people who will not like this kind of series, only those who will enjoy it.

Just finished and absolutely loved, particularly the ending, One Corpse Too Many.
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... Set in Britain on t the border to Wales.

I have already started The Hopkins Touch: Harry Hopkins and the Forging of the Alliance to Defeat Hitler. So far it is good. I want to know more about this interesting and so very important guy, how he coped with his illness and how he was satisfied to not stand out there in front. He intrigues me.

I've finally managed to post my review of The Paris Lawyerby Sylvie Granotier which, as you might guess from the title, takes place in France.

My review can be found at http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

It's interesting from the perspective of French culture,but it's supposed to be a mystery. From that perspective, it's not a very good one.

Lisa (Harmonybites) wrote: "I was in Turkey (and Afghanistan, Iran, India, Vietnam, Japan among other places) via The Great Railway Bazaar. It's considered a classic of Travel literature, but I can't say I liked it much. I fo..."

I love his books but I have to agree with you that he does sounds arrogant now and then. Some years ago I met him at a hotel in Malawi where he was complaining at the desk; it was only later that I realised who he was. But I have to say that his observations about Africa and Malawi in particular are spot on.

I've been to Sierra Leone with Ancestor Stones which I found amazing. I would highly recommend this book. This is the essence of Africa.

Then I skipped to Kenya with Mark SealWildflower: An Extraordinary Life and Untimely Death in Africa about the wellknown wildlife filmer Joan Root who was murdered at her home at Lake Naivasha in 2006.

I visited Cuba with Havana Requiem: A Legal Thriller and enjoyed this time in Havana.

I was in Mexico with Tony Cohan in On Mexican Time: A New Life In San Miguel and I didn't find it congenial company. I'm in a decided minority among GR reviewers, so don't mind me, but Cohan's style made me feel smothered in perfume and his smug sensibility grated on me. Full review linked below:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I was in Kenya with Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood Memoir which I found rather disappointing. Had different expectations.

I've been to North Korea, Cambodia (yes, again) and Lebanon.

For North Korea, The Orphan Master's Son is a bit confusing and not very informative about the country itself, but it's still a greatr ead and so I've given it 4 stars.

My visit to Cambodia with Dogs at the Perimeter was just as heartbreaking as the last one, and very thought-provoking. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a book set in that country. 5*-review.

Then I was just passing through Beirut, Lebanon, much like Salma Abdelnour in her memoir Jasmine and Fire: A Bittersweet Year in Beirut. She clearly enjoys Beirut, but she also clearly loves New York more. Still, it is an entertaining read and it comes with recipes!!! I've given it 4 stars.

You can also find all those reviews on my blog where I try to read and review a book every day for 238 days. Nine days down, just 229 to go ;).

Vizara wrote: "I was in Kenya with Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood Memoir which I found rather disappointing. Had different expectations."

What exactly disappointed you. I have been considering the book.

Chrissie wrote: "Vizara wrote: "I was in Kenya with Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood Memoir which I found rather disappointing. Had different expectations."

What exactly disappointed you. I have been consideri..."

It covers the first 12 years of his life. Because of the extended family a lot of names are mentioned and one tends to get confused. Those were momentous years, the Mau Mau and the struggle for independence, but it didn't really come to life for me. I read it after the excellent
Ancestor Stones by Aminatta Forna and that's tough to beat.

Judy wrote: "I like your blog, SilverRaindrops and am following it with Bloglovin'. What a great way to read your AtW books!

I am in South America with Bolivar: American Liberator."

Thank you Judy. I have never heard of Bloglivin', I will check it out immediately :).

Well, Ancestor Stones I have had difficulty in getting, but that doesn't mean I will read a poorer choice.

I finished Red Azalea. :0)
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I have started Under Fishbone Clouds, also set in China. I like the folktale that it begins with. An innkeeper is kind to a passing old traveler and in payment he draws cranes on the inn wall. When music is played the cranes come alive. The description of those flapping cranes is beautiful and fanciful all at the same time.

I can take just so much of gross, crude writing. First I read Red Azalea, and stuck it through to the end. Then I picked up Under Fishbone Clouds, which I have dumped after 91 pages. Just my opinion of course!
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I am enjoying The Hopkins Touch: Harry Hopkins and the Forging of the Alliance to Defeat Hitler, but reading about war strategies is hard. There is humor and it is terribly interesting, but I need some lightness, at least relatively. I will start Some Sing, Some Cry. The audiobook is narrated by Robin Miles and she sings some of the songs. She did a fantastic job with The Book of Night Women.

Just left Croatia (and NY) and Japan (with a little Canada) with The First Rule of Swimming (my review) and A Tale for the Time Being (my review). The book about Croatia I'd say is a solid 3.5 stars, while the Ozeki was overly complicated.

I have finished The Hopkins Touch: Harry Hopkins and the Forging of the Alliance to Defeat Hitler, and I am totally amazed at how much I enjoyed it!
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

So now I can really begin Some Sing, Some Cry,narrated by the talented Robin Miles. I simply had to finish the other first.

Judy, "The First Rule of Swimming" sounds really interesting and I've put it on my maybe-list :).

I have read about two people who tell the story of a difficult life.
Aravind Adiga's Booker prize winner The White Tiger tells about an Indian "entrepreneur" who describes the dark things he's done, and it was not the right book for me. (I've given 2 stars.)
William Trevor's book Two Lives actually consists of two stories - one Irish love affair gone wrong, and one of a woman reflecting on her life in a house in Italy. Much, much better. 5 stars.
(You can also find these reviews on my blog.)

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, Here's the review:
http://tometravelling.blogspot.co.uk/...

The Book of My Lives
You should read everything Aleksandar Hemon has written. I will try.
This one has mostly to do with Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia, and then his adopted home of Chicago.

Daisy wrote: "The Book of My Lives
You should read everything Aleksandar Hemon has written. I will try.
This one has mostly to do with Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia, and then his adopted home of Chicago."

Daisy, this sounds interesting. Is there a reason for the alien? And how did you like it?

Daisy wrote: "The Book of My Lives
You should read everything Aleksandar Hemon has written. I will try.
This one has mostly to do with Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia, and then his adopted home of Chicago."

I read a chapter of this book in Granta and I thought it was amazing. They went to a lot of trouble to take their dog with them when they had to flee Bosnia. It was very touching. I'll definitely get this book.

SilverRaindrops wrote: "Daisy wrote: "The Book of My Lives
You should read everything Aleksandar Hemon has written. I will try.
This one has mostly to do with Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia, and then his adopted home..."

SilverRaindrops, I loved it. I think he is just the best writer.
The alien? It's kind of ugly, isn't it? I suppose you could take it literally since so much this book has to do with home and knowing a place and displacement.

Vizara wrote: "Daisy wrote: "The Book of My Lives
You should read everything Aleksandar Hemon has written. I will try.
This one has mostly to do with Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia, and then his adopted home..."

Vizara, it's so hard for me to read about animals and I was worried that wouldn't turn out well. This collection is so worthwhile, as is everything I've read by Hemon so far. I've also heard him speak on NYer podcasts and he has edited some interesting collections which I wish I owned:

Best European Fiction 2013

Best European Fiction 2012

Best European Fiction 2012

Daisy wrote: "SilverRaindrops wrote: "Daisy wrote: "The Book of My Lives
You should read everything Aleksandar Hemon has written. I will try.
This one has mostly to do with Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia, a..."

I was just surprised to see one, Daisy. I suppose your explanation makes sense. I've added the book to my wishlist, I will let you kow what I thought when I get to it.