All About Books discussion

Chrissie wrote: "Diane, I loved An Officer and a Spy, so this new one by Harris I have ben considering."

Same, I think it's on my favourites shelf. But I have yet to read anything else by Harris.
Diane, do you recommend Munich?

Charbel, I remember your reading An Officer and a Spy before me, but I loved it just as much as you did......so much so I wonder if any of other book of his could be as good.

I am in love with the writing of James Salter, which explains why I have chosen to read The Hunters, a book about aerial warfare. He was a pilot fighting in the Korean War. This is his first novel.

I'm only 30% in and while it is interesting to see all the manuevering going on in England, Germany and Italy, but so far it seems a little dry. I do like this author so hoping it improves.

Thanks, for the update, Diane.

Best Friends by Carys Jones

I am still reading The French Lieutenant's Woman - the more I read it, the less I understand how it could be properly conveyed in a film!

I have taken a little break from Infinite Jest but hope to get started with it again tomorrow.

I have begun Three Things About Elsie. It makes me feel quite uncomfortable, which means of course that it is hitting home. As one gets older one cannot quite so blithely ignore what lies ahead. Immediately I can guess who Elsie is, or maybe I am wrong.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

After January dedicated to religious books (that I thoroughly enjoyed), I started reading Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado for my Novel-Cure-Challenge. Till now it's ok, it's also funny. But it's a very long book so I hope that I won't get bored because the author is really very verbose.

dely wrote: "After January dedicated to religious books (that I thoroughly enjoyed), I started reading Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado for my Novel-Cure-Challenge. Til..."

That's a nice book dely
By Amado though I prefere Tocaia Grande

LauraT wrote: "That's a nice book dely
By Amado though I prefere Tocaia Grande ."

It is already in my wishlist.

I decided to read Dona Flor because of the Novel-Cure-Challenge. It should bright up the mood. I'm not sad or depressed, but laughing a little bit more is always good.

dely wrote: "After January dedicated to religious books (that I thoroughly enjoyed), I started reading Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado for my Novel-Cure-Challenge. Til..."

I remember seeing the film of that many years ago when I was about 10 years younger than the film's rating said I should be. Cannot recommend it and am not sure I want to try the book either.

Esther wrote: "dely wrote: "After January dedicated to religious books (that I thoroughly enjoyed), I started reading Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado for my Novel-Cure-C..."

I don't think I will watch the movie. From one side it is a real pageturner, but it is so repetitive! I still can't say if I'm enjoying it and also the funny parts aren't anymore funny because they are always the same (at least till now). I hope the story will change soon because it is getting dragging.

I will soon begin another by W. Somerset Maugham. It will be Mrs Craddock.

I have started listening to the audiobook of Norse Mythology for our group short story theme. This will be my first book by Neil Gaiman (though I listened to the BBC adaptation of his The Ocean at the End of the Lane). I have heard both good & bad things about this, so I wonder which side of the fence I will end up on!

Will be starting Irma Voth by Miriam Toews

I'm starting Doctor Zhivago. I had watched the movie many times. So glad I'm finally reading the book.

Alice, it is a good book. I liked it much better than the movie - I feel the film just skimmed the surface.

BTW, something that may interest many of you.It did me. At the end of the 1800s, particularly in France, it was very popular to use repeated dots (..........) just as many of us do now, as a way of telling the reader to stop and think! Cool, huh? That was in the introduction to my Maugham book: Mrs Craddock!

Joan wrote: "Alice, it is a good book. I liked it much better than the movie - I feel the film just skimmed the surface."

Yes, Joan, even after reading the first 20 to 30 pages or so, I have a feeling the book says much more than the movie.

On the final pages of The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham

Raul, are you liking it? I am definitely liking Mrs Craddock.

Diane S ☔ wrote: "Will be starting Irma Voth by Miriam Toews"

I really enjoy Miriam Toews' books, including this one. Looking forward to your thoughts on it.

Alice wrote: "I'm starting Doctor Zhivago. I had watched the movie many times. So glad I'm finally reading the book."

One of my favorites. Hope you enjoy it, Alice.

I'm reading Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler. It is one of the Hogarth Shakespeare series and is a retelling of Taming Of The Shrew.
I'm really enjoying it. It's a light, easy, fun story.

Petra wrote: "Alice wrote: "I'm starting Doctor Zhivago. I had watched the movie many times. So glad I'm finally reading the book."

One of my favorites. Hope you enjoy it, Alice."

Thanks, Petra. I love learning about Russian history.

Chrissie wrote: "Raul, are you liking it? I am definitely liking Mrs Craddock."

I really liked it Chrissie, I'd rate it at 3.75.

I will soon begin Peony by Pearl S. Buck.

Chrissie wrote: "I will soon begin Peony by Pearl S. Buck."

I really liked this one by Buck! Hope you'll like it too, Chrissie.

Will be starting Southernmost by Silas House

Alice wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "I will soon begin Peony by Pearl S. Buck."

I really liked this one by Buck! Hope you'll like it too, Chrissie."

Buck's books never end up totally blowing me over, but I do like them and her prose style is different from others. There is a moving quietness to the writing that I enjoy. The theme covered in this book does look interesting. That YOU read it has brought it to my attention. Thanks.

Diane S ☔ wrote: "Will be starting Southernmost by Silas House"

Diane, you hare here at GR. Good. How are you doing? I have been thinking about you and crossing my fingers and sending you hugs.

I have finished Persuasion which was great. Now I want to see the 1995 film and the 2007 film to contrast and compare (and also to wallow in the costumes, the dialogue and those looks of barely restrained passion :0)

I have also just started The Forever War.

Esther wrote: "I have finished Persuasion which was great. Now I want to see the 1995 film and the 2007 film to contrast and compare (and also to wallow in the costumes, the dialogue and those looks o..."

Esther, I loved the 2007 film. I even watched the movie while I read the book. So atmospheric.

Chrissie wrote: "Alice wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "I will soon begin Peony by Pearl S. Buck."

I really liked this one by Buck! Hope you'll like it too, Chrissie."

Buck's books never end ..."

Yes, yes, "moving quietness"! You nailed it, Chrissie! I couldn't quite come up with the words to describe her writing. Thank you! I would even say that it is influenced by her studies of the Chinese language.

I haven’t read anything by Pearl Buck, but I’ve always intended to try one.

Alice, I don´t know,........I am having trouble with Peony. The religion, and the question of who David should marry does nothing for me. I am continuing bit I am NOT enthralled.

Oh, OK, Chrissie, I'm sorry you are not liking it. Different books suit different tastes. I hadn't read anything about the Jewish religion or the history of the Jewish community in China and found the culture clash intriguing.

Esther wrote: "I have finished Persuasion which was great. Now I want to see the 1995 film and the 2007 film to contrast and compare (and also to wallow in the costumes, the dialogue and those looks o..."

I love Persuasion! And the film adaptations too :-)

I have been eyeing The Forever War for a while now so I look forward to hearing how you like it.

Esther wrote: "I have finished Persuasion which was great. Now I want to see the 1995 film and the 2007 film to contrast and compare (and also to wallow in the costumes, the dialogue and those looks o..."

I just started Master and Commander and I keep thinking of Captain Wentworth in Persuasion

Joan wrote: "Esther wrote: "I have finished Persuasion which was great. Now I want to see the 1995 film and the 2007 film to contrast and compare (and also to wallow in the costumes, the dialogue an..."

LOL! I liked Master and Commander but I never made that connection but it is a good one!

Alice wrote: "Oh, OK, Chrissie, I'm sorry you are not liking it. Different books suit different tastes. I hadn't read anything about the Jewish religion or the history of the Jewish community in China and found ..."

What you point out is exactly why I too decided to read the book. I knew very little about the Jews in China! I think the focus is less on Jewish traditions and their situation in China than on an expression of Buck's underlying beliefs........which I have nothing against.......but something is bothering me. The story just seems so ordinary, a long drawn out decision concerning who David will marry, where each character is fighting for the success of their own position. There is very little about what David wants, but tons about what each of the others involved are striving for. The scenario could be played out anywhere and in any time. I am not connecting to any of the characters. Maybe that is the real problem. You see I am searching to understand my lack of involvement.


BUT, the character "Kow-lee-en" (I cannot spell it, I am going by how it sounds) is a VERY interesting character. What he says about assimilation and why perhaps Jews are hated is extremely interesting and relevant still. I hope he comes to play a stronger role in the book.

Alice, could you tell me how to spell the name properly.

I've started The Three Impostors. I'd never read anything by Arthur Machen before, and was curious to do so.

I was at my local library yesterday & they had the cutest promotion going on: a blind date with a book in honor of Valentine's day!

Members of the library staff had picked out some books and wrapped them up like gifts with a sentence or two on a card (and a barcode). You pick one that appealed to you based on the card and check it out without knowing what the book is. Of course, I couldn't resist that! So I came home with one more book than I had expected :)

Chrissie wrote: "Alice wrote: "Oh, OK, Chrissie, I'm sorry you are not liking it. Different books suit different tastes. I hadn't read anything about the Jewish religion or the history of the Jewish community in Ch..."

The name is spelt: Kao Lien. Yes, I liked his views too. I agree that the novel is a bit slow moving, especially in the beginning. I'm OK with the author expressing her beliefs in the novel. I like it that she's sympathetic to both David and Peony and the impossible situation they find themselves in due to their different bring-up and culture and beliefs.

Alice wrote: "The name is spelt: Kao Lien. Yes, I liked his views too. I agree that the novel is a bit slow moving, especially in the beginning. I'm OK with the author expressing her beliefs in the novel. I like it that she's sympathetic to both David and Peony and the impossible situation they find themselves in due to their different bring-up and culture and beliefs. "

Thanks, for helping me with how the name is spelled. You are right, the action does pick up! Interesting, the dramatic role Buck gives the sword! And you are right that an author has the right to insert their views.

Leslie wrote: "I was at my local library yesterday & they had the cutest promotion going on: a blind date with a book in honor of Valentine's day!

Members of the library staff had picked out some books and wrapp..."

How exciting! Did you already unwrap the book? Don't forget to tell us which book it is!

dely wrote: "Leslie wrote: "I was at my local library yesterday & they had the cutest promotion going on: a blind date with a book in honor of Valentine's day!

Members of the library staff had picked out some ..."

Of course I have unwrapped it! Too exciting to wait :)

It was One Plus One - I need to finish up a book or two that I am currently reading but hope to start it soon.

Leslie wrote: "dely wrote: "Leslie wrote: "I was at my local library yesterday & they had the cutest promotion going on: a blind date with a book in honor of Valentine's day!

Members of the library staff had pic..."

I hope you will like it!