THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

I am starting another biography. Just finished a thriller, am almost finished with a mystery, and the one before that was a contemporary fiction book, so I am ready to get back to history. I am reading Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser

Lyn M wrote: "I am starting another biography. Just finished a thriller, am almost finished with a mystery, and the one before that was a contemporary fiction book, so I am ready to get back to history. I am r..."

Lyn- Frasier writes both non-fiction and fiction right? similar to Phillipa Gregory
do you have a favorite from either of them?

I'm currently reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower as to why, well it is for a bookgroup challenge and right now that is the best thing I can say about it. I am also reading Her Fearful Symmetry, for the same challenge but it's to early to say if it's a good choice.

Rick wrote: "Lyn M wrote: "I am starting another biography. Just finished a thriller, am almost finished with a mystery, and the one before that was a contemporary fiction book, so I am ready to get back to hi..."

Rick, I only have non-fiction by Fraser, but I really liked The Six Wives of Henry VIII. I'll let you know how the Marie Antoinette book goes. A friend of mine also like the historical mysteries that Fraser writes.

As for Phillippa Gregory - my faves are The Constant Princess and The Other Boleyn Girl, all though I have liked a lot of them so far. Just be aware that Gregory is not very historically accurate with regard to some of the details, but they are still good books.

Rick wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I just started The Scarlet Pimpernel for a reading challenge. So far, I'm enjoying it."

Melissa- I read Scarlet Pimpernel- very much enjoyed it- and I read the fi..."

Rose wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I just started The Scarlet Pimpernel for a reading challenge. So far, I'm enjoying it."

If you love Pimpernel and all that swashbuckling, try Dumas, he's loads of..."

Thanks to you both. I'll definitely keep your suggestions in mind!

Lyn M wrote: "I am starting another biography. Just finished a thriller, am almost finished with a mystery, and the one before that was a contemporary fiction book, so I am ready to get back to history. I am r..."

I have this one in my TBR. I would be very interested in your thoughts! Have you seen the movie directed by Sophia Coppola that was based on this book. It is quite good. It is appropriately called Marie Antoinette.

Suzanne wrote: "Catamorandi, I read the entire Sookie series and LOVED them! You might also find them a happy surprise!"

I agree! I started reading the series when True Blood first came out (I haven't watched the show), and I've zipped through all but the two most recent books. They are very fun. They are like book crack. I especially love Sookie's voice. Plus it gets a little steamy in some parts, which is always fun. I also like that it doesn't take the supernatural stuff too seriously. It's like, yep, these are vampires, some are good, some are evil, just like with humans. It's not like Vampire = blood-thirsty monsters.

Catamorandi wrote: "I am reading P.S. Longer Letter Later by Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin.. I am reading it for a book challenge, but it is pretty good so far."

I love this book plus Snail Mail No More, the follow up. I grew up reading the Babysitter's Club, so I read pretty much everything by Ann M. Martin. Brings me straight back to my childhood. Plus I like that Danziger and Martin each wrote one of the girls, since the authors were friends in real life. Very cool :)

Ivan wrote: "I'm just starting "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" - I've never read anything by Muriel Spark before - some of her other titles sound good - and she embraced the novella form. My kind of woman :-)"

Love Muriel Spark. I am very much a fan of good novellas. I would also recommend her novella "The Driver's Seat," which was up for the Lost Booker award. It's a bit morbid, but I LOVE that sort of thing.

Corra wrote: "I'm currently reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Why? Because she is a rebel and a smashing good writer.

(And I'm trying to build up my classic library.) ;)

Corra

from the desk of a..."

Jane Eyre is my homegirl :)

Crowgirl wrote: "Rick wrote: "Crowgirl do you have a favorite Vampire book?"

I was a big Rice fan but as the years went by she grew tiresome although Interview With the Vampire and especially [book:Th..."

After reading the Sookie books I was intrigued by Laurel K. Hamilton, but was unsure of what book to start with. Is there a good "first" book to pick up, or a particularly good one in the series? I'm not so much interested in those first 3 if they are mediocre. Plus, the first few books have been hard to find.

Claire wrote: "That's amazing Rick. I am so sad that Stieg Larsson is dead, as I could see him becoming one of my favourite authors. WOW I cannot believe it was meant to be a ten book set!!! Incredible! "

AHHH! WHY WHY WHY aren't there ten books??? How amazing would that be? I wouldn't read anything else!!!

Brian wrote: "I am reading George R.R. Martin's "A Game Of Thrones". My favorite gendre of writing is historical novels or technical/spy type novels like "Acts Of War" by Tom Clancy. Fantasy is one of the few st..."

Love Game of Thrones. I am currently in the middle of Clash of Kings, the second of the series.

I'm reading Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford and I'm really loving it - a treat and a treasure.

Liz wrote: "Gary wrote: "public libraries suck because the people running them are young, and think classic literature has no merit, brian. you better buy your copy of emily dickinson poems, buddy."

Not all..."

The libraries here in Minneapolis are wonderful as well. We have a great interlibrary loan where I can find just about anything I could ever want to read, plus I have access to a few websites that have audiobook downloads (I have been hoarding them on my ipod).

Rick wrote: "my favorite Dickenson Poem

A BOOK.

He ate and drank the precious words,
His spirit grew robust;
He knew no more that he was poor,
Nor that his frame was dust.
He danced along the dingy da..."

My personal favorite:

WITH A FLOWER.


I hide myself within my flower,
That wearing on your breast,
You, unsuspecting, wear me too --
And angels know the rest.

I hide myself within my flower,
That, fading from your vase,
You, unsuspecting, feel for me
Almost a loneliness.

Rick wrote: "one of the best Historians, Jill!
Robert Kinloch Massie (born 1929) is an American historian, writer, winner of a Pulitzer Prize, and a Rhodes Scholar.

[edit:] Biography
Born in Lexington, Ken..."

Nicholas and Alexandra has been on my TBR list for awhile. My mom LOVES it, and I am fascinated by the Romanovs. Hmm...it would be a good companion read with Anna Karenina...

Rick wrote: "Fiona wrote: "I'm reading The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough with another group. It's my mum's favourite too. So far I am quite enjoying it."

Colleen McCullough is a wonderful wri..."

I loved "The Thornbird." Sweeping family sagas are one of my favorite genres of fiction. I'm a sucker for them.

Kay wrote: "I'm at various stages of reading a whole pile of books, as you can see by looking at my "Currently reading" list. The chief one is Tana French - "In the woods - A Novel"- a murder mystery set in Ir..."

Kay wrote: "I'm at various stages of reading a whole pile of books, as you can see by looking at my "Currently reading" list. The chief one is Tana French - "In the woods - A Novel"- a murder mystery set in Ir..."

I absolutely loved "In the Woods," very atmospheric and creepy. A bit let down by the ending, but mostly because I was expecting some huge twist or surprise. Also enjoyed her second book "The Likeness," and looking forward to her third book "Faithful Place" in July! Just in time for my birthday! I know what I am getting myself :)

Ivan wrote: "RE: The film of "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Capote hated the film. So do I. I love Audrey Hepburn ("Sabrina" is a treat, "Funny Face" is sublime), but she isn't Holly Golightly. This is one of my a..."

I haven't read the book or seen the movie, but I was curious who you think should play Holly in a remake of the film?

Mike wrote: "I grew up out in the country (I mean really out, I only saw the nearest small city maybe once a month when we went in for groceries etc.) The small town about 2 miles from our farm had a small groc..."

The fun of going to a library as a kid was having free reign! I loved reading trash like V.C. Andrews, Goosebumps, Babysitters Club, Christopher Pike, etc. It didn't ruin me either, because I still read classics, contemporary fiction, but I also throw in some YA novels and graphic novels here and there. I think by having free reign and being able to choose your own books, you develop a true love of reading.

Karen wrote: "Rick wrote: "I always read two books at the same time! Usually a current thriller or mystery and a classic- Right now I am just finishing up- The Elusive Pimpernel- the sequel to The Scarlet Pimper..."

Are you enjoying the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency? I am intrigued by the series but I am having a tough time getting into the first book...

I thought that Scarlett Johansen might be right - but that was 2004 - and now she's too old. It would probably have to be someone new. Remember she's only 19 in the story - she was a child bride. I think Billy Bob Thornton would make a good Doc.

Catamorandi wrote: "I am still on The Screwtape Letters. I am also reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I am also still listening to Firefly Lane."

How are you liking Firefly Lane? I have the physical book, but I'm afraid it's going to be too much of a chick lit book. I like a little chick lit, but only if it has worthwhile characters and plot.

Melissa wrote: "Rick wrote: "Jamie wrote: "I am now reading Soulless and Villette.


"

Jamie wrote: "I am now reading Soulless and Villette.

I love Villette. It's a darker and more disturbing version of Jane Eyr..."

Darker and more disturbing version of Jane Eyre? That basically describes my most perfect book...*runs to bring Villette closer to her*

Michelle wrote: "I am reading One Hundred Years of Solitude and Bleak House because one: I had a friend tell me he read a chapter of One Hundred Years once a year over a ten year period beca..."

I read the first half of One Hundred Years of Solitude in the summer while I was still in college, but they classes started and I didn't have time...I really enjoyed it and I remember dogearing almost every page, however, now if I ever go back I will have to start over, since I don't remember the plot and the characters are hard to keep track of anyways. I guess starting fresh could be seen as a good thing, but man, I hate having to backtrack!

Hillamonster wrote: "Claire wrote: "That's amazing Rick. I am so sad that Stieg Larsson is dead, as I could see him becoming one of my favourite authors. WOW I cannot believe it was meant to be a ten book set!!! Incred..."

so sad he died at 50 of a "heart attack" - and did notliveto see his books become enormous best sellers

Lyn M wrote: "On the subject of Agatha Christie, my favorites are The ABC murders, And Then There Were None, Witness for the Prosecution, and The Murder of Roger Akroyd. My husband, father, and I saw a play ver..."

I really love Murder on the Orient Express. It was the second Christie I ever read, after And Then There Were None, and it spiraled into an obsession and a discovery of many good mystery books and authors :)

Hillamonster wrote: "Lyn M wrote: "On the subject of Agatha Christie, my favorites are The ABC murders, And Then There Were None, Witness for the Prosecution, and The Murder of Roger Akroyd. My husband, father, and I ..."


I agree- I started with Christie- and now have a fulllibrary of books by Sayers, Allingham, Marsh, Tey, Innes, Edmund Crispin, Nicholas Blake, Carter Dickson ect ect ect!

Brittany wrote: "My current read is . This book has been on my list for a while and I finally picked it up. I'm pleased to say that I'm heartily enjoying it and its way better ..."

I'm reading this as well, and I love the movie, but the book can cover so much more. I'm surprised at how quick and engrossing this is.

Barbara wrote: "I'm reading The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde for a "buddy read" and I'm listening to the audio of Hardball by Sara Paretsky because I like her books (usually)."

What's a buddy read? Is this when two people read the same book? If so, I have always wanted to do that! It would be cool to get people to pair up in this group (based on the fact that they both want to start the same book) and then they could have someone to discuss the book with!

Gail wrote: "I am readingVillette by Charlotte Bronte.

I'm not sure why I haven't read this before Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books. The introduction to the book suggests that it is semi ..."

I also LOVE Jane Eyre and I've been asking myself the same thing...

Sheila wrote: "I'm reading CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins. I loved the first book, THE HUNGER GAMES, and so far this one is at least as good!"

I am EAGERLY awaiting the final book!

I am currently reading The Sea Wolf by Jack London, although I'm not sure how I feel about it yet.

I am about midway through The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I had read the other two books so I wanted to finish the trilogy with this one. It is good, although the Swedish names can drive me crazy after awhile. It is sad the Larrson didn't live to see how very successful his books are!

Hillamonster wrote: "Liz wrote: "Gary wrote: "public libraries suck because the people running them are young, and think classic literature has no merit, brian. you better buy your copy of emily dickinson poems, buddy...."

The libraries here on Long Island are just terrific. You can get anything your heart desires to read. The inter-loan piece is super(they both call and email you when your request is in) and you can download ebooks and rent audiotapes. There is no fine for overdue books. They provide book groups and visiting speakers, poets, and artists as well as trips which are enlightening for all. I can't say enough about what a wonderful resource they are.

Buddy Read

Yes Hillamonster (love that name), a buddy read is two people reading the same book and discussing it privately (via messages). In some groups buddy reads are set up each month. For instance, everyone who wants to do a buddy read in July would sign up, and the group moderator would then pair people up and post a list showing who the buddies are. The buddies message each other and pick a book they want to read. After the book is read, each buddy pair posts a summary of their comments about the book. It's pretty much fun.

Barbara wrote: "Buddy Read

Yes Hillamonster (love that name), a buddy read is two people reading the same book and discussing it privately (via messages). In some groups buddy reads are set up each month. For i..."

I am always open to new ideas- doyou feel BUDDY READS- will be a suitable addition to James Mason?

I'm reading fluff today for a reading challenge. It's based on mileage for books set in the US. It ends today and the last book has to be a DC set book. So I'm reading Sacred Sins by Nora Roberts while I wait for car to get fixed.

I love the Sookie books. Dead and Gone seemed rushed to me. I have Family but I haven't gotten to it yet. While I also love the TV show-I hope she isn't forced to crank books out too quickly now. I'd rather an author take a year or two between books than crank out crap 3 or 4 times a year.

I've been dying to read Double Comfort Safari Club but it doesn't fit into either of the challenges that I'm in right now. But 1 is ending today and the other in 2 wks. So I'll get to it soon.

I have an excellent library system here and almost every classic I've looked up has been availalbe to download for free.

Check and see if your library is part of Overdrive.com. They have ebooks and audiobooks for download.

Jo wrote: "I'm reading Norwegian Wood"

Hope that you enjoy it Jo, I really like Murakami's work.

Hillamonster wrote: "Rick wrote: "Fiona wrote: "I'm reading The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough with another group. It's my mum's favourite too. So far I am quite enjoying it."

Colleen McCullough is a wo..."

I love the Thorn Birds story so much, that I named my son after their lovechild, Dane. :)

Rose wrote: "Hillamonster wrote: "Rick wrote: "Fiona wrote: "I'm reading The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough with another group. It's my mum's favourite too. So far I am quite enjoying it."

Col..."

very nice name!
there was a great tough guy actor in the 1950's named Dane Clark

I'm in the middle of Amsterdam by Ian McEwan. Not sure how I feel about it.

I have a few books that I am REALLY INTO at the moment and a few that I have been stuck in the middle of. Convince me to pick up some of the ones that have my attention waning! Convince me they pick up/are awesome!

Right now I am reading:

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Just started it and so far it is fantastic! Exactly what I want to be reading!
Anna Karenina - I'm a sucker for family sagas and books with lots of characters. I'm about a third into this.
Gone With the Wind - Love the movie, love the book more. It's such an engrossing read and the characters are wonderful, of course.
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag - I've been stuck at the point of the murder for a bit now, just haven't gotten around to picking it back up...
Fingersmith - I love Victorian Gothic, but I've been reading so many other books, I've been neglecting this one. I'm a bit into Part Two, just after the first big twist.
A Clash of Kings - Love the series, I just keep reading only a chapter at a time.
The Group - Reads like Sex and the City in the 30s. Lots of birth control and diaphrams and such. I need to get back into this.
Smilla's Sense of Snow - Been on a Scandanavian crime/thriller kick, and this one seems rated pretty highly. Plus the main character reminds me a bit of Lisbeth Salander, except just cynical rather than having Aspergers or something.
Battle Royale - After reading the first two Hunger Games books, I was desperate for something similar, so I devoured about a hundred pages of this, but my attention has waned. Perhaps it will return after finishing the Hunger Games trilogy...
Outlander - Time Travel, Scotland, Romance, what's not to like? But I've been stuck around 120 for awhile now...

I am 100 or so pages from the end of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It is a bit long but quite good. The only problem I have is with the Swedish names and keeping all of them straight. It does read pretty quickly though. Sad that it is the last one.

Ivan wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde for a "buddy read" and I'm listening to the audio of Hardball by Sara Paretsky because I like her books (us..."

I loved The Eyre Affair and really want to try more by Jasper Fforde (hilarious!) but my TBR pile is so high, it's about to topple over! :P

Marialyce wrote: "I am 100 or so pages from the end of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It is a bit long but quite good. The only problem I have is with the Swedish names and keeping all of them straight. It d..."

Me too! I'm just a little behind you, thanks to finishing three other books over the last couple weeks. I have lvoed reading all three of Larsson's "Girl" books! Vivid characters (even if their names ARE hard to keep up with) and thrilling mystery.

Zuzana wrote: "Marialyce wrote: "I am 100 or so pages from the end of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It is a bit long but quite good. The only problem I have is with the Swedish names and keeping all of t..."

I'm only on page 74! I need to get reading! I only got it yesterday, so I guess it's okay.