Around the World discussion

I was reading Sarah Thornhill (setting Australia about 1828) late last night and it finally dawned on me that there are no guote marks for dialogue. It doesn't bother me, but I cannot believe I got to Chapter 10 before I noticed it. The story is told in first person by a young girl, Sarah, who is 15 at this point in the story. She was 5 when the story started. It folows very nicely and is easy to read even with the slight hint of Aussie flavor.

Her sister has just gotten married and Sarah is admiring her new brother-in-law.

"My word Archibald Campbell was pleased, walking down the aisle with Mary on his arm. Had his hand on hers and I could see how tight he was holding her fingers, as if he thought she might fly away.

I come over tears, seeing him so proud and loving. "

I've been stateside awhile, so am getting reading to visit Dublin with

Well, two weeks ago I said I was going to start this. It finally happened. I am in Palestine reading . So far it's a pretty heavy and sad story. I'm about a quarter of the way through.

What do you think so far Jan?

I think it's interesting to get a different perspective on this - I've usually heard this story from the Jewish point of view. (view spoiler)[I'm at the half way point now where he is at school. I can't help but wonder what is going on with his family back in the village. They have been through so much already. (hide spoiler)] I do think the writing style could be a little more polished but the story is compelling. It's definitely not a light read!

Yes, I agree Jan. That's why I found it rather interesting - hearing it from Palestinian viewpoint. Definitely not light - hope you have a light one lined up for after!

didn't enjoy the people in Dublin, so I'm in India reading plus if that's not sad enough I'm reading a memoir set different places, but the harsh/kidnap chapters will be in Somalia.

I'm in Zimbabwe withThe Hangman's Replacement: Sprout of Disruption. The trouble is that this is a novel of ideas with very little sense of place. It seems to me that it could be taking place anywhere, and it's very much in the tradition of Swift's A Modest Proposal. At least that's the way I see it.

Straying from my list and putting Brazil - which I'm currently reading and own - on hold since The Cairo Affair became available from the library, so I'm headed to Egypt now.

Bonnie wrote: "didn't enjoy the people in Dublin, so I'm in India reading plus if that's not sad enough I'm reading a memoir set different places, but the harsh/kidnap chap..."

Bonnie - how is A House in the Sky? I did come across it earlier but was in two minds about adding it to my list, so interested in your take.

Back in Spain with The Return.

Off to Laos - starting

Time for an Update :0)
I have been to Russian with "Russian Winter" Morocco with "Stolen Lives" and Jordan with "Cry of the Doves" and now heading to Israel/ Jordan (Massada) with The Dovekeepers

Jan wrote: "Off to Laos - starting "

I have his books on my TBR list but haven't read any yet. Let me know how you fare!

Sara wrote: "Time for an Update :0)
I have been to Russian with "Russian Winter" Morocco with "Stolen Lives" and Jordan with "Cry of the Doves" and now heading to Israel/ Jordan (Massada) with The Dovekee..."</i>

Sara - Have [book:Russian Winter and Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail on my list as well. Is this the right Stolen Lives book you referred to - I'm figuring it is because it's set in Morocco? How was it?

Lilisa wrote: "Jan wrote: "Off to Laos - starting "

I have his books on my TBR list but haven't read any yet. Let me know how you fare!"

I'm about 2/3 done and enjoying it - it's light and quirky. And after my last book I needed something lighter. I love the character's sarcasm.

Jan wrote: "Lilisa wrote: "Jan wrote: "Off to Laos - starting "

I have his books on my TBR list but haven't read any yet. Let me know how you fare!"

I'm about 2/3 done a..."

Good to know Jan - thanks.

Lilisa wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "didn't enjoy the people in Dublin, so I'm in India reading plus if that's not sad enough I'm reading a memoir set different places, but the ha..."

Interesting more than good. Amanda was very careless and young and hard to sympathize with, but the reality of Somalia and being kidnapped there was real and she grew a lot.

Well for a little lighter going I went back in time to Kent England a historical mystery during WW-I.

Lilisa wrote: "Sara wrote: "Time for an Update :0)
I have been to Russian with "Russian Winter" Morocco with "Stolen Lives" and Jordan with "Cry of the Doves" and now heading to Israel/ Jordan (Massada) with [boo..."

yes, that's the right book. It's a bio-memoir book by the author and the family's captivity in Morocco for 20 years. I really enjoyed it, and learned not to take my freedom and so many other things in life for granted. Highly recommended.

Although they are not in my AtW plan, I just finished reading Chickens, Mules And Two Old Fools: Tuck Into A Slice Of Andalucían Life in Spain, and am currently in Barcelona listening to The Shadow of the Wind.

Sara wrote: "Lilisa wrote: "Sara wrote: "Time for an Update :0)
I have been to Russian with "Russian Winter" Morocco with "Stolen Lives" and Jordan with "Cry of the Doves" and now heading to Israel/ Jordan (Mas..."

Thanks for the recommendation Sara. Good to know - I'll move it up on my reading list.

Bonnie wrote: "Lilisa wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "didn't enjoy the people in Dublin, so I'm in India reading plus if that's not sad enough I'm reading a memoir set different pla..."

Thanks Bonnie - then I'm still in the same space and won't be adding it to my list for now!

Hi Judy,

I had just barely started reading TSotW and I had to put it aside. I had started too many books and I couldn't keep up. I found it on audio today and spent the whole evening listening. I like it very much. I am in the middle of chapter 16. The narrator is great and listening to him pronounce the Spanish names is fabulous. The story does not seem so dark to me.

Cherie, you mean reading 7 books at once was too much :P

Glad you got back there, make sure you check out the buddy thread. I think we all need a group trip to Barcelona.

Rusalka wrote: "I think we all need a group trip to Barcelona."

Definitely!

Yes, Rusalka - I admit it, seven was too many to have going at one time. I would love to go to Barcelona!

Judy - I finished today and loved it! I agree, Fermin was great!

Judy wrote: "So glad to hear, Cherie. Will you be reading the others in the series?"

Yes, Judy, but not right away. I am starting a buddy read for Bellefleur with Casceil in YLTO. I think this one will take some time. I am waiting for my hold on the audio version of to become available. I think I am 12th of 12 for this. I am also waiting for the audio version of narrated by Wil Wheaton. I am 18 of 18 for this one. All of these are on my Chunkster Challenge. I have Scarlet on my Nook and RPO in print if the audio versions from my library do not come through in time. I have another Buddy read starting June 1st for Jamaica Inn. It looks like July before I will get back to Barcelona.

I think (google says yes) he narrated Redshirts too.

Rusalka wrote: "I think (google says yes) he narrated Redshirts too."

Did you see his skit on You Tube "The Day I Met William F#%*'ng Shatner"?

Yes, I am dying to listen to Redshirts!
I am trying to not buy it from Audible for now. I spent my "allowance" on the Dire Earth Cycle books and I'm trying to be good. :)

No I didn't. I do honestly find him a little hit and miss, and a little annoying. But I usually give his things a go. I will let you know ;)

I'm heading to Morocco with Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish.

Jan wrote: "I'm heading to Morocco with Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish."

Interesting Jan - I've not heard of it - interesting. Happy reading and would love to hear what you think of it.

I'm currently in Ireland with Maeve Binchy on Chestnut Street and then heading to Vietnam with The Things They Carried. I thought that would be an appropriate book for Memorial Day.

Rusalka wrote: "Haha!

I realised I actually forgot to tell you guys what I made my friends and I for Christmas:


What a great idea. Do you have directions?










The other friend got the complete Ray Bradbury. I made myself one o..."

Today, after I finish the introduction by David Mitchell, I expect to be in Japan with The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida translated to English by David Mitchell and his wife K.A. Yoshida.

I like your theme reading as well Jayme. Heartfelt thanks to all our veterans and to those who have gone before. Have added The Things They Carried to my TBR list.

Headed to Massachusetts in the U.S. with The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry.

Lilisa wrote: "Headed to Massachusetts in the U.S. with The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry."

I can't believe I missed this book before. It sounds so good - I'm looking forward to your review!

Judy wrote: "Jayme wrote: "I'm currently in Ireland with Maeve Binchy on Chestnut Street and then heading to Vietnam with The Things They Carried. I thought that would be an appro..."

How are you liking Chestnut Street? It's being considered in my live bookclub for a monthly reading choice.

Suzanne wrote: "Lilisa wrote: "Headed to Massachusetts in the U.S. with The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry."

I can't believe I missed this book before. It sounds so good - I'm looking forward to you..."

Haven't been able to make much progress yet Suzanne - it does sound interesting though and can't wait to get back to it.

Jayme wrote: "
What a great idea. Do you have directions?"

SOrry, just saw this. Here: http://runwaydiy.com/2012/02/02/diy-b...

In Greece with The Thread. Much better than Victoria Hislop's The Return I read recently, at least so far - around the 50-page mark. Fingers crossed.

Hi Judy - sounds interesting - you'll have let me know how you feel about it when you're done as well!

I'm in New Zealand with Song of the Spirits. The only reason I'm reading it is because I won it from Goodreads. If you don't review a GR giveaway book, you won't ever win another. There's very little Maori culture and there is one very unlikable protagonist. It's also longer than I like.

Rusalka wrote: "Jayme wrote: "
What a great idea. Do you have directions?"

SOrry, just saw this. Here: http://runwaydiy.com/2012/02/02/diy-b..."

Thanks for the link... Definitely plan on making for presents this year :)

Bonnie wrote: "Judy wrote: "Jayme wrote: "I'm currently in Ireland with Maeve Binchy on Chestnut Street and then heading to Vietnam with The Things They Carried. I thought that woul..."

I'm not a big fan of short stories, but I think if you are a fan of Binchy's then you will enjoy her last collection of stories. I liked the book, but it wasn't earth shattering.

I'm in Ireland and will be making a brief stop in Newfoundland with

Judy wrote: "I'm still in Iran with My Uncle Napoleon. Really loving this funny book!"

Judy
I have read this book in original Farsi & it's hilarious. There is also a movie of it in Farsi. Enjoy!

I was in Irland with Galway Bay & in Philippine with Before the Rain: A Memoir of Love and Revolution. I amheading to Sri Lanka with A Disobedient Girl.