Constant Reader discussion

It's already a new month.

Hard to believe that its already October.

I'm still reading The Dracula Dossier: A Novel of Suspense which has finally gotten interesting. I've also just started The Woman in White which I think that I'm really gonna like.

I'm reading Memory of Trees and reading Tinkers again.

I'm reading and will start .

I just started reading jewels and other stories, which I bought at my friend Dawn's book launch earlier this week. Congratulations, Dawn, on a beautiful book!

Ex Lit Prof
www.the-reading-list.com

I've picked up Proust was a Neuroscientist once more and am also continuing with The Portable Dorothy Parker. I want to get my hands on Tinkers, as well and will pick up Plath's The Bell Jar from the library since I have no clue where my own copy is at the moment.

Happy October, Everyone!

I have 10 pages left of "The Fall" by Guillermo Del Toro.
It is the second in 'The Strain' series. I found it to be much more detailed and engrossing than the first, and am looking forward to the third.

I am reading Fall of Giants, Gone With the Wind, The Invisible Bridge: A Novel, and Orley Farm.

I atarted Jo Walton's FARTHING today. After 100 pages, I've already decided that I like it a lot. I used to read a lot of SF alternate history novels and got really tired of the bad writing in this subgenre. Walton's novel is a lot better than average.

Suzanne wrote: "Happy October, Everyone!

I have 10 pages left of "The Fall" by Guillermo Del Toro.
It is the second in 'The Strain' series. I found it to be much more detailed and engrossing than the first, and a..."

Oh, cool, can't wait to read this one. I shall add it to my to-read list

All of my "on hold" books came in at once at the library. I'm now reading The Nine. I also have The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System from Crisis—and Themselves, and Cutting for Stone. Each of these books could also serve as a doorstop.

Suzanne, it's funny that you've read "The Fall". I just finished "The Falls" by Ian Rankin. For the mystery lovers among us, I highly recommend it.

What a difference an Author makes!!!

I am reading Sarah's Key I am not impressed so far, but I am barely into it. I finished The Bone People and I think I am going to find it difficult to come down from that high.

I've just picked up Alan Bennett's Untold Stories. I haven't read any of his work, and this collection of essays, memoirs and reviews was recommended by a friend.

Larry wrote: "I atarted Jo Walton's FARTHING today. After 100 pages, I've already decided that I like it a lot. I used to read a lot of SF alternate history novels and got really tired of the bad writing in thi..."

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I'm going to be requesting the next 2 books once my pile of current books goes down a little.

Hazel wrote: "I've just picked up Alan Bennett's Untold Stories. I haven't read any of his work, and this collection of essays, memoirs and reviews was recommended by a friend."

I loved his "Uncommon Reader"-- the premise is Queen Elizabeth discovering the palace bookmobile and the results for the kingdom. It's a short, fun read.

Just received 'Let The Right One In' and am about 1/4 way through right now.
It is pretty enthralling, preparing to get a few goosebumps by midnight!

Just finished Sacrifice by SJ Bolton, her first but the third of hers that I've read. Can hardly wait for the next. Each is a stand alone, slightly gothic. This is set in the Shetland Islands and incorporates local legends. Recommended.

I've also started Homer & Langley by Doctorow which I received through the Goodreads first reads program. So far I'm enjoying it.

I'm really enjoying my reread of Lolita and I'll read The Inheritance of Loss afterward.

I am starting The Appointment: A Novel by Herta Muller tonight.

I couldn't put that one down, Roxanne.

I just finished The Sonnet Lover. I loved her other book The Ghost Orchid which was also a mystery.
One reason I couldn't put it down is that it takes place in Italy. I figured out who did it from the beginning but it didn't take away from the suspense of wondering when Rose was going to figure it out. The setting with the acting and film students was magical and fullof sensuous details and I really felt that I was there.

Wendy wrote: "I just finished The Sonnet Lover. I loved her other book The Ghost Orchid which was also a mystery.
One reason I couldn't put it down is that it takes place in Italy. I f..."

I love Carol Goodman's books and have read most. The sense of place is wonderfull in all. Actually place is usually another character. The Night Villa also takes place in Italy.

I am starting Blame: A Novel It was recommended. I am waiting for Doctor Zhivago to come for a side read. Then I will re-read The Inheritance of Loss

I just finished The Naked Gardener. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a woman grappling with decisions about her future. It's a light, easy entertaining novel. Yet, the reader can ponder along with the main character life issues of stability vs. freedom and risking predictability over seeking new challenges.

Kitty wrote: "I am starting Blame: A Novel It was recommended. I am waiting for Doctor Zhivago to come for a side read. Then I will re-read The Inheritance of Loss"

I'm also rereading Doctor Zhivago along with other books, Kitty. I loved it, just as I loved the movie.

:)

I want to read The Naked Gardener. No, really I want to write it but mine will be The Naked Chauffeur.
;)

Wendy wrote: "I want to read The Naked Gardener. No, really I want to write it but mine will be The Naked Chauffeur.
;)"

The title makes it seem the novel would be very risqué. In actuality it was a book I wouldn't mind having my daughter read and discussing with her.

Now as to your comment- Can you imagine the reaction driving along, glancing at a car stopped beside you at a red light and... well that would make for an interesting commute, wouldn't it?

Just gave up on Matthew Sharpe's Jamestown about 50 pages in--a real self-indulgent mess. (A double shame because I really liked his Stories from the Tube and was looking forward to this one.)

Started What Maisie Knew by Henry James.

Geoff wrote: "Started What Maisie Knew by Henry James.

..."

My wife did her M.A. thesis at UVA on "What Maisie Knew" in the early 1970s. Many people come to dislike the subject of their thesis/dissertation. I think that my wife still likes the James work a lot.

I'm deep into Handling Sin by Michael Malone. There are few things better, in my opinion, than a novelist who can make me laugh and cry at the same time. Malone's characters take themselves very seriously at the same time as another character points out the absurdities. He reminds me of a mix between Richard Russo and Anne Tyler. Very literarily entertaining.

I read that years ago, Sarah and really enjoyed it. I recently gave it to my daughter to read. She liked it too.

Have you read any others of his, Sherry? I'd love to see what else he has written.

No, Sarah. That's the only one I've read. I wonder if the others are as good.

According to Amazon reviews, Time's Witness and Uncivil Seasons are also good. I'll have to ask my friend who bought HS for me if she's read any others.

I'm thinking of reading Lark and Termite. Has anyone read it? Is it good?

Edit: No, I guess I won't. The second I read "coming-of-age novel," I'm put off a book. They never agree with me.

I'm a short way into Brunellechi's Dome. I'd heard so much about this, and with my interest in art and architectural history I thought it'd be a shoo-in. But I'm bored spitless.

I have finished The Children's Book so I'll be catching up on all the posts in that thread. I really liked the book and it's huge portrait of turn of the century life in England and, to a lesser degree, the continent.

Ruth: I loved Brunelleschi's Dome; sorry it's not striking you.

Have you had a chance to get up inside the Duomo?

I have, Geoff. I studied it in an architecture class I took and had a very strong emotional attachment to the idea of climbing up to the top. I did it eventually, and it was a wonderful feeling.

Mrs. Selby wrote: "No, I guess I won't. The second I read "coming-of-age novel," I'm put off a book. They never agree with me."

I had to laugh. Those words "coming-of-age novel" are also the kiss of death to a novel for me! Guess it must be because I've long ago come of age (and how!) and don't want to read about those trials again.

Marge

MrsSeby wrote: "I'm really enjoying my reread of Lolita and I'll read The Inheritance of Loss afterward."

Lolita is one of my favorites.

As "The Surrendered" was on loan, I thought of trying another book from Chang-Rae Lee. So I ended up with "Aloft", which I hope won't let me down.

Geoff wrote: "Ruth: I loved Brunelleschi's Dome; sorry it's not striking you.

Have you had a chance to get up inside the Duomo?"

I've seen it, but I haven't gone up inside. I did used to talk about it in my Art History classes. I'll give the book a little longer before I throw in the towel. I think my dislike is mostly seated in the fact that I find the writing awkward.

Bahareh wrote: "As "The Surrendered" was on loan, I thought of trying another book from Chang-Rae Lee. So I ended up with "Aloft", which I hope won't let me down."

nice pun

I have to add something to my mix of authors that Malone reminds me of--Trollope, to whom I was introduced by our MIA Steve W. Winter is coming--sounds like a good time to give myself another dose of Sir Anthony.

Sarah, I loved 'Handling Sin' and 'Uncivil Seasons' is also great! He has written a number of novels centering around the same protagonist in the 'Uncivil...' series, they are delightful!

I have just finished 'Let The Right One In'...Excellent. I will now finish 'The Ape House' which is moving along. I like it better than her novel 'Water For Elephants'.