Constant Reader discussion

Al wrote: "I will chime in on The Plague of Doves A Novel - I also really enjoyed it. It was the first time I had read the author and I agree with Mina that the storytelling and all the points..."

Thanks so much, Al. I appreciate your view on the book. I've decided to buy it as I really think I will enjoy it.

Thanks again! And Happy New Year!

Edit: Bought it, read it, loved it. Had I read it in 2009, it could have easily vied with The Little Stranger for my best read of the year.

Gabrielle wrote: "Al wrote: "I will chime in on The Plague of Doves A Novel - I also really enjoyed it. It was the first time I had read the author and I agree with Mina that the storytelling and all..."

Y'all have convinced me as well, after reading reviews on Amazon, I was on the fence. Thanks for the push. :)

I just added this book also. You have whetted my interest.

I was on the fence about the book, too, but I trust and respect the views of those in this group, so I'm going for it. (Oh, Sebastien will not like that, though! It's a good thing I got three Barnes and Noble gift cards for Christmas!:))

Al wrote: "Mina, Isn't it interesting to compare and contrast Sherman Alexie and Louise Edrich in terms of Native American storytelling?"

Very different approaches, both excellent writers.

Mina: I love that they are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but yet the Native American culture comes across so deeply in both.

Ok, so now that 2009 is over - I realize I only gave 5 stars to 3 books this year, all go on my all time favorite list and all of them I would not have read this year except for Constant Reader, so thank you all.

The books are:

Anna Karenina

Giovanni's Room

A Doll's House

And P.S., 2010 is off to a great reading start for me, having just finished Dom Casmurro which I am confident will make my list for best books read in 2010.

The Little Stranger
by Sarah Waters

Olivia and Jai
by Rebecca Ryman

The Glass Room
by Simon Mawer

Ross Poldark - A Novel Of Cornwall 1783 - 1787
by Winston Graham

Du Côté De Chez Swann
by Marcel Proust

The King's General
by Daphne du Maurier

The Lover
by Marguerite Duras

The Jewel in the Crown (The Raj Quartet, #1)
by Paul Scott

Ahab's Wife: Or, The Star-gazer: A Novel (P.S.)
by Sena Jeter Naslund

Pas facile de voler des chevaux = Out Stealing Horses
by Per Petterson

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
by John Boyne

The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millennium, #2)
by Stieg Larsson

The Crime of Father Amaro
by Eça de Queirós, Margaret Jull Costa

Well, it looks like my mind is made up for me--the next book I'm reading is The Plague of Doves A Novel!

Great! It looks like a lot of us are going to be reading that book. I'm glad I'm almost finished with Dom Casmurro, but I haven't even begun 2666! I'd better get started. I have a feeling that one will take some time.

Gabrielle, do you feel Dom Casmurro has been worth your time? I ask because I am currently awash with astounding titles next to my bed and I have started Dom. I need to know whether to persevere or abandon in favor of other riches.

Sarah wrote: "Gabrielle, do you feel Dom Casmurro has been worth your time? I ask because I am currently awash with astounding titles next to my bed and I have started Dom. I need to know whether to persevere ..."

On the one hand, it was well written, Sarah. But personally, I didn't care for the short chapters and the picaresque style. That could just be me, though. If I hadn't been able to get through it quickly, I would have abandoned it.

I'm sorry if that offends anyone here, especially Capitu. I did find it very well done, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I hope that answers your question, Sarah.

It does, thanks. I may pick it up again later, but now there are too many amazing novels calling me to continue with something I'd be lukewarm about. I appreciate it.

It surprised me, but I got through it pretty quickly, Sarah. I'm usually a slower reader. Had I not, I would have abandoned it because my TBR stack is getting way too high and some of those books I'm very anxious to read.

I looked on Amazon . I don't think 2666 is a book I want to read either. I don't feel it calling me. I canceled Dom Casmurro from the library queue. Maybe later in the year I will feel like reading it . I agree with Sarah, to many other books calling my attention right now.

I'm sorry if that offends anyone here, especially Capitu.

Oh Gosh, Gabrielle. No offense taken. I have learned a long time ago is that no everyone has the same taste in books. No need to worry on my account.

It wasn't the book, Capitu, it was me. I'm afraid I'm not one for short chapters and a picaresque style, but I did find it well written (and it was a translation, too, I don't read Portuguese) and the main character was endearing. I am not sorry I read it. I've had it on my shelves for years, and this was the shove I needed to get it read.

Thank you for nominating a short one! :)

1/In cold blood---also one of my best books ever now as well.
2/ 1984

Yas have you read anymore of Capote's books. There is quite a story about him and Gore Vidal, and all the rivalry that was between them.

I thought The Grass Harp was good, Carol, but I'll admit, I cannot stand Breakfast at Tiffany's, book or movie.

This was a pretty light year of reading for me -- I spent a good bit of reading time on books I didn't finish (like my reread of W&P...). These were highlights:

Anna Karenina, Tolstoy
My Name is Red, Orhan Pamuk
Three Day Road, Joseph Boyden
An Infinity of Little Hours, Nancy Klein Maguire
Faceless Killers, Henning Mankell
The Man Who Made Vermeers, Jonathan Lope

I read 66 books in 2009.

Here are my top ten and two honorable mention.
EVIDENCE OF THINGS UNSEEN by Marianne Wiggins
THOSE WHO SAVE US by Jenna Blum
THE SPACE BETWEEN US by Thrity Umrigar
ENGLISH CREEK by Ivan Doig
THREE DAY ROAD by Joseph Boyden
ONE GOOD TURN by Kate Atkinson
"U" IS FOR UNDERTOW by Sue Grafton
EMMA by Jane Austen
BLACK WATER by T. Jefferson Parker
AMONG THE MAD by Jacqueline Winspear

HM:
EVERY MAN DIES ALONE by Hans Fallada
CITY OF THIEVES by Daniel Benioff

Jane wrote: "I read 66 books in 2009......
"U" IS FOR UNDERTOW by Sue Grafton


I'm glad to hear that Grafton has re-improved, I'd given up on the last two.

Finally I have given this some thought. My best books read in 2009 (in no particular order):

Holy Land A Suburban Memoir by DJ Waldie
Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
The City and The City by China Miéville
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Away by Amy Bloom
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
A Mercy by Toni Morrison
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

Geesh that's 10, I have 3 more at least I'd like to add. I read 69 adult/YA books and 36 children's books (I started tracking those in July).

I just started "U," Jane. For in between women getting murdered in 2666. I'm glad you liked it.

I can't even remember what I read in 2009, but I think my favorite books of the year were:

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Those two really stand out. Wolf Hall goes on my list of all time favorites.

I really enjoyed "People of the Book", Dree, and "A Mercy" was my favorite book by Morrison in years.

carol (akittykat) wrote: "Yas have you read anymore of Capote's books. There is quite a story about him and Gore Vidal, and all the rivalry that was between them."

No I havent..I think I'll definitely be checking them out though!

This was a really good year for reading. I'm leaving off some titles simply because I'm already at 25% of all I read in '09.

Anna Karenina
Giovanni's Room
Breakfast at Tiffany's
War and Peace
Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
The Sound of the Mountain
Homage to Catalonia
The Dharma Bums
The House in Paris
Dom Casmurro

Wilhelmina, just out of curiosity, do you have a favorite Morrison book?

Pontalba,

I agree about Grafton, but I always enjoy her novels. Kinsey seems like a friend after all of these years.

Sherry,
I am reading a mystery along with 2666. I do my daily assignment of 35 pages and then grab THE LIKENESS by Tana French.

I love Tana French. I wish she would write another one. I think I liked her first book better, but The Likeness is very good, too.

I found the first French, The Likeness, at last month's Library Sale, a nice hardback, couldn't resist it, so then I had to find In the Woods on Amazon Marketplace. It just arrived last week. I'm looking forward to both of them.

You're right Jane, Kinsey is just the friend most of us would enjoy.

I tried In the Woods a few years ago and couldn't get into it. Based on recent discussions here, though, I put it back on my TBR list. She SOUNDS like an author I would really like.

I was reading The Likeness when were were in Portland, but I got sidetracked after I got home and never finished it. I should probably figure out which pile it's in and do that.

I think In the Woods was the first one.

My favorites of 2009:

Cutting for Stone
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Girl Who Played With Fire
Change of Heart
Olive Kitteridge
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
City of Thieves
Chasing Darkness
Brass Verdict
Lincoln Lawyer (reread)

You people are making me curious about City of Thieves now. I better quit looking at these lists. 2010 is already booked!

Sherry wrote: "I think In the Woods was the first one. "
Yes, it was.

Denise: City of Thieves has been on my TBR list for a while now - let me know if you ever want to read and discuss it this year.

On Tana French, I agree with Sherry that In the Woods was the 1st and better book. but good news for us, her 3rd book is coming out this summer (July, I think) and Frank Mackey will be the main character - I'm excited!

Jean, I asked for Cutting for Stone for Christmas but did not receive it. I'm glad to know it made your list, as that will cement my plan to buy it for myself.

Denise wrote: "Wilhelmina, just out of curiosity, do you have a favorite Morrison book?

Without a doubt, Sula is my favorite!

I'd have to choose Beloved and after that The Bluest Eye, but any Toni Morrison book is a masterpiece to me.

Sherry wrote: "I love Tana French. I wish she would write another one. I think I liked her first book better, but The Likeness is very good, too."

I like Tana French as well. In the Woods just blew me away. When I read the premise, I thought that I might not enjoy The Likeness very much, but French surprised me - it was very good. I'm eager to read her next one.

Wilhelmina wrote: "Sherry wrote: "I love Tana French. I wish she would write another one. I think I liked her first book better, but The Likeness is very good, too."

I like Tana French as well. [book:In the Woods|..."

POSSIBLE SPOILERS REGARDING "IN THE WOODS" BELOW

In the Woods is a beautifully written book and French had the opportunity to really entwine her two plot threads and give readers something special. Instead, I think she upset a lot of readers by leaving them hanging regarding the one plot thread. I like ambiguity in books. There's ambiguity a plenty in Sarah Waters' The Little Stranger, but there's "good" ambiguity and then there's "bad" and I think French is guilty of the bad. I think she cheated her readers.

French, herself, admits that she had no idea where this book was going when she began to write it. I think that shows. Here's what she says:

Here’s the main fact about the way I write: I have no clue what I’m doing. When I start on a book, I don’t know where it’s going to end up; I have a narrator, the kernel of a premise, an awful lot of coffee, and that’s it. Then I dive in and figure out the rest as I go along.

Writers who do that are only going to deteriorate. Good writers know where they're going.

And Cassie was too good, too perfect, while Rob was too "bad." Most of the time he acted like a teenaged girl, twirling his hair around his fingers, etc.

Sorry to be picky, but as editor, I have to be picky. If I would have been French's editor, I would have sent her back to the drawing board and told her to come up with a way to entwine the plots. Not necessarily tie up every loose end, but don't cheat her readers. With one murder, the killer is quite obvious; with the other, well....

It's just plain WRONG to set up a story question at the beginning of a book and then just decide to never bother to answer it. I've heard people speculate about who the killer was, but I don't think even French knows.

I sound mad at the author. I kind of am. I feel I totally wasted my time with this book. But I'm glad others enjoyed it a lot more than I did.

The unresolved question didn't bother me a bit, Gabrielle. The point of the book for me was the character development rather than the resolution of a question which I suspect frequently goes unanswered in real-life situations that are similar.

Pontalba wrote: "I found the first French, The Likeness, at last month's Library Sale, a nice hardback, couldn't resist it, so then I had to find In the Woods on Amazon Marketplace. "

I stumbled across In the Woods at a thrift store. I enjoyed it quite a bit so I actually ordered The Likeness from Amazon. I was disappointed. It was a book I should have loved but didn't and I cannot put my finger on the reason why. I really liked the interplay between the two main characters of In the Woods, and maybe that's what felt "off" with the second book, the loss of one of those characters. I'd love to hear what you think when you've finished them.

Wilhelmina wrote: "The unresolved question didn't bother me a bit, Gabrielle. The point of the book for me was the character development rather than the resolution of a question which I suspect frequently goes unansw..."

For me, the central mystery of the book was "What happened to Adam and his two friends?" We aren't even given the clues to figure out a possible scenario or why Adam was spared. The modern day murderer was, on the other hand, far too easy to spot. It's kind of like Chekhov's gun. If you're going to show a gun in the first scene, it'd better go off by the third. (It doesn't in "The Cherry Orchard," though.)

It's a plot driven book even though French did create a bond between Cassie and Rob. For me, it was a strange bond, and I'd rather have seen Cassie go than Rob. I felt she (French) should have given us more regarding the 1984 killings or not started the book with that story question. Had it come out little by little from Rob, I could have bought the fact that she never explains it.

I watched an episode of "Cracker" the other night in which the identity of the murderer is never revealed, but it was written so skillfully that I didn't mind at all and I suspect the writer knew the identity. The writer should always know even if he or she chooses not to reveal it. Had we never found out the identity of the murderer in The Plague of Doves, it would have been fine with me. But Louise Erdich is a masterful writer, with great control of her material.

I looked at the Amazon reviews (something I rarely do) and people seem pretty evenly divided between those who loved the ending of In the Woods and those who felt they wasted their time reading it and will never read another book by French again. I think whenever an author sets up a story question in the beginning of a book then fails to resolve it AT ALL he or she is risking losing some readers. In this case what bothered me wasn't the fact that it wasn't resolved so much as the sloppy plotting on the part of the author (in her own words). Truly superlative books are never plotted by just diving in.

But, as I said, I'm glad others enjoyed it. I didn't like the main characters, so that no doubt played into my dislike of the unresolved plot thread.

Gabrielle wrote: "But, as I said, I'm glad others enjoyed it. I didn't like the main characters, so that no doubt played into my dislike of the unresolved plot thread..."

EXACTLY. I agree with your thoughts almost 100% (I preferred Cassie to Rob). I thought she wrote well but didn't execute what to me seemed like a very promising plot. I am baffled at all the love people have for this book which I did not enjoy, but that's what makes the world interesting - if we all agreed on everything how boring would that be?

Molly wrote: "Gabrielle wrote: "But, as I said, I'm glad others enjoyed it. I didn't like the main characters, so that no doubt played into my dislike of the unresolved plot thread..."

EXACTLY. I agree with ..."

I agree with you, Molly. I'm not trying to change anyone's feelings about the book or erode any love someone has for it, but I, personally, saw it as an example of sloppy plotting. I agree, the book started off very promising, but French just let the first plot thread deteriorate. The book could have been so much more.