All About Books discussion
Recommendation Swap
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Recommendation Swap - what did you think?
I'm late, argh! But I've read it finally :) 1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, recommended by Melissa.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Probably yes, but I never make up my mind about starting it until now. Allende is one of those authors praised by everyone and this made me reclutant for a long time.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
City of the Beasts, a read not comparable to this (The House of Spirits is better)..I think I've forgotten almost all of the story..
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
A great and captivating novel! The fantastic element was perfectly into the story and I've liked most of the characters and for some of them I hoped always for the best. There has never been a moment of boredom. :)
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Surely! Now I understand why the most of my friends here on GR loves it. :)
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
I love this kind of things, and I've just signed up for May ;)
Anastasia wrote: "I'm late, argh! But I've read it finally :) 1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, recommended b..."
Thanks for posting this, I would like to read this, so I will add to my to read list.
Mod
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
You have enver read The House of the Spirits Shirley? Allende's first and best book! She never went so far with her other works. But that particular one is really breath taking
LauraT wrote: "Shirley wrote: "Anastasia wrote: "I'm late, argh! But I've read it finally :) 1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
You have enver read [book:The House of the Spirit..."
Yes, everyone is telling me this, I will read it!!
Mod
I was recommend How I Became Stupid by Martin Page by dely.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No, never heard of the book or the author.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
Really interesting. It was short and really easy to read.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes, I would.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes. This book is a prime example of why I love taking part in this.
Alannah wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? I was recommend How I Became Stupid by Martin Page by dely.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No, never..."
:D
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Anastasia recommended Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes, because it is by an Indian author and the book is set in India but I never picked it up. I'm glad she recommended me this book so I finally read it!
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, though Ghosh is very famous this was my first book by him.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I really liked it, it is a 4 stars for me. It's the kind of story and writing style I like. I was engrossed by the story and it seemed to me to be there with the characters. Though the book has 580 pages it was a pageturner.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes!
dely wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Anastasia recommended Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
..."
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, I have this to read, and I was only looking at it yesterday, thinking to myself "it's time I read this, I've had it on my shelf for ages!"
dely wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Anastasia recommended Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
..."
Yeeee! :-D I've had some difficulties at the beginning, but then it turned out to be captivating for me too.
Anastasia wrote: "dely wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Anastasia recommended Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh.
2. Would you have read the book ..."
I liked it from the first pages. This morning I've bought River of Smoke. Did you read it?
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Erica recommended Jasper Jones to me.
Thanks, Erica for choosing such a great book for me .
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
I might have been interested in reading it if I had come across it, but had not known about this book until Erica recommended it.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
I have not read any other books by this author, but will look into them.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I really loved the book. It was 4 stars for me.
Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Absolutely
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes!
Yay so glad you liked it Angela! After looking at your previous reads I thought we had similar tastes :) Looking forward to reading The Snow Child that you recommended to me!
dely wrote: "Anastasia wrote: "dely wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Anastasia recommended Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh.
2. Would you h..."
No, I'm a disaster in following series! But I've seen that you are already reading it :-D Are you liking it?
Anastasia wrote: "No, I'm a disaster in following series! But I've seen that you are already reading it :-D Are you liking it? "I don't like series too, but I was curious to know what happened to the characters. Yes, I'm liking it because it is engrossing from the first pages. We know what happened to the main characters on the Ibis and also to who escaped. Like "Sea of Poppies" we go from one character to the other and Ghosh tells us more about the past life of some of them and we have a lot of new characters.
I'm only worried because it seems he hasn't still written the third book of this trilogy so I hope this one will have a real end.
There's some humour to the fact that I never join the swaps, because I tend to not have the time, but the 'what did you think' thread is one of my favourites of this group and I usually come here secretly scribbeling recommendations down;)
Over halfway through my book Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie recommended by Heather.Through this Nigerian writer, I learned that Aust Aboriginals did not get the vote till mid 1960s. What a roundabout way to learn something about my own history!
Confession time: I would probably have not read this book normally as my sadly Westernized tongue struggles to find it's way around some African names and it upsets the flow of my reading.
Am I enjoying this novel? YES!
Bette BookAddict wrote: "Over halfway through my book Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie recommended by Heather.
Through this Nigerian writer, I learned that Aust Aboriginals did ..."
I'm so glad you're enjoying it!
Through this Nigerian writer, I learned that Aust Aboriginals did ..."
I'm so glad you're enjoying it!
I'm almost done with The Knife of Never Letting Go. It's a pretty interesting read so I'll post my full review when I finish it. Got to finish it by Sunday and am halfway through it. It's very interesting.
I read Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as recommended by Heather.For my review, I have selected a poem featured very near the end of this devastatingly real and haunting novel.
The World Was Silent When We Died
Did you see photos in sixty-eight
Of Children with their hair becoming rust:
Sickly patches nestled on those small heads,
Then falling off, like rotten leaves on dust?
Imagine children with arms like toothpicks,
With footballs for bellies and skin stretched thin.
It was kwashiorkor—difficult word,
A word that was not quite ugly enough, a sin.
You needn’t imagine. There were photos
Displayed in gloss-filled pages of your Life.
Did you see? Did you feel sorry briefly,
Then turn round to hold your lover or wife?
Their skin had turned the tawny of weak tea
And showed cobwebs of vein and brittle bone:
Naked children laughing, as if the man
Would not take photos and then leave, alone.
I was totally unprepared for the force of this story about the birth of Biafra; how the impact of the awful reality of those years would strike me. Searing and unforgettable. 5★
A big thank you to Heather:)
An incredibly powerful poem. Thank you for sharing this, Bette.
Mod
Bette, What is there to say except that it's on my list !
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Rahat recommended Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes, it was on my to-read list. I've been meaning to read it for a year but never had the necessary push.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, this is the only book of hers I've read.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I wasn't that sure at first, I feel it took a long time to "get going" but once it did it was compelling
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes, I think so, it might not be for everyone though.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes, absolutely!
Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? I was recommended by Cheryl to check out The Knife of Never Letting Go
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
I definitely would have cuz it looked interesting.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No I have not as he is a new to me author.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
Here's my review so you can read it:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes I would.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future.
Yes I would. This is my second recommendation swap anyway.
Mod
I was recomended The Sense of an Ending by Charbel.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No; I'm afraid to confess I had never heard of it!
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, absolutely not - and it's a pity; I'll have to llok for something else
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I've liked it a lot; it is not properly a mystery,, but somehow, describing the growing up and the life of a man, it also reveals what "lays behind"; I like this way of writing ...
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Definitly yes! Already done
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes, hope so!
Laura, Julian Barnes is a truly gifted writer; he's been shortlisted for the man Booker three times. The Sense of an Ending won the 2011 Man Booker. It's a wonderful novel, I have a beautiful hard bound edition.
Bette BookAddict wrote: "Laura, Julian Barnes is a truly gifted writer; he's been shortlisted for the man Booker three times. The Sense of an Ending won the 2011 Man Booker. It's a wonderful..."It's a lovely book. I also have it in hardback - a bargain from a charity shop!
Shirley wrote: "Bette BookAddict wrote: "Laura, Julian Barnes is a truly gifted writer; he's been shortlisted for the man Booker three times. The Sense of an Ending won the 2011 Man ..."You're lucky, I paid $28.95 new:(
Mod
I think Dhanaraj has read a few, Laura. I've just read two A History of the World in 10½ Chapters and Arthur & George (which I reviewed here )
I have read Barnes' The Sense of an Ending, Flaubert's Parrot, A History of the World in 10½ Chapters and Levels of Life. I liked all of them. I have to read more of him.
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?Tracey recommended War of the Worlds by H.G.Wells.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes. I have heard great things about it but never got round to picking it up.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
I have read The Time Machine, and am halfway through The Invisible Man
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I really enjoyed it. A gripping story and I was amazed at how short it was.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
I would recommend it to anyone who likes science fiction
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Absolutely :-)
LauraT wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? I was recomended The Sense of an Ending by Charbel.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No; I'm afraid to..."
Glad you enjoyed it Laura! I'm still reading your recommendation, and I'm really enjoying it!
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? I was recommended The Moonstone by Laura.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes, I think under the right circumstances I would have read it.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, but The Woman in White is on my to-read list.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I really liked it.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Absolutely.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
I wouldn't hesitate.
Mod
At the moment I'm listening to a novel by him, and liking it quite: The Evil Genius
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? I was recommended Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. It was reccomended by Katy.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
I probably would have as I do enjoy Chick Lit occasionally, it's great escapism and easy reading.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
Not come across this author before.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I really enjoyed it. The story had me hooked in from the start. I liked that it didn't follow the usual chick-lit pattern, and left the reader guessing and wondering. I liked the characters, I have read some reviews where people say the opposite. But, in my opinion you have to take Chick lit for what it is, it's not fine literature or excellent writing, it never will be. I really enjoyed this book.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
I have already told my friend about this book, and she is also now reading it.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes - another successful swap for me :)
I was given two recommendations, as I had trouble locating the latter, however I am now able to review it.1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Rahat recommended The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No, I had never heard of it before and I most likely wouldn't have picked it up.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, this is the only book of hers I've read.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
Again this book took me a while to read, almost a month. However it was beautifully written and I loved the characters.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes, absolutely!
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?Eventually Bette and I decided on On Chesil Beach
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
I already had this one on my shelf so yes eventually I would have.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
Not read any McEwan before.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I liked the book a lot gave it 3 1/2 stars. I did a short review on it.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
I would recommend it to certain people.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes please.
Mod
Happy that you liked On Chesil Beach, Tracey. I'm sure you will enjoy Atonement; if that's the book of his that you have on your shelf.
Mod
That was the book I was thinkunb Bette
First of all I wanna say what a great idea the recommendation swap is. I'm looking forward to the next round :)1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. Angela recommended this one :)
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Perhaps if I'd come across it, the blurb on the back did sound interesting. But I'd never heard of it before and if I had come across it there are some many other books on my tbr list this one might have got lost amidst them haha.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, I haven't but will keep an eye out for any others. For a debut novel, it was pretty darn good.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I really enjoyed it. Gave it 4 stars. The author's style of writing is definitely the kind I enjoy; not to waffly but still has the power to set the scene clearly. She had me totally believing all the characters and empathising with their situations. I think I was even on the verge of tears at some points which goes to show the power in her writing.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Definitely.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yup :)
Mod
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
[book:The Snow C..."
Glad you enjoyed the book, I really liked it.
Erica wrote: "First of all I wanna say what a great idea the recommendation swap is. I'm looking forward to the next round :)1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
[book:The Snow C..."
Erica , I know we exchanged messages on your response to the book but I'm sorry I missed your post here . I felt exactly the same way and so glad that I picked a book that you enjoyed !
1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? 84 Charing Cross Road by Sarah
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
It has been on my TBR list forever and this made me read it.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
Nope.
4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
LOVED IT. It was such a creative way to tell a story and I loved how kind the characters were to each other.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Absolutely.
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Absolutely.
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It's really sad that you didn't like it. Sarat Chadra is one of my favorite writers. I have never been to India myself but as a Pakistani I share the history with them and I have grown up watching Indian movies so I love reading Indian authors.
If you get time and are interested then try his novels. :)