Indonesians Who Love English Books discussion

Currently reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

I've decided to read Ray Bradbury's The Illustrated Man. I hope I will enjoy this as much as I enjoy "Martian Chronicles."

@Lynosa: uh oh.. I read your post too late. There was still pre-sales tickets sold at Istora until 7 p.m. yesterday (October 18th).

@Lynossa: Yes, yes I have! I really liked it too. I might have given it 5 stars. At the very least, a four. I think I felt that it was a tad bit disjointed sometime. But overall, it was pretty amazing. Paranormal YA? That's my jam. (Romance alert though, Lynossa).

@eclair, bummer. Well, it's okay, I'm not that enthusiastic about it anyway. I hope you'll have a great time!

@rachel, how big is the romance's portion? Is there damsel in distress moment?

@Lynossa: I don't think she's a damsel in distress kind of character. Let me think, let me think. If I remember correctly, she's not like that. However, I think the romance shapes a big part of the book. But it's not over the top, not like Twilight. At all.

Oh, I'll try it then. As long as it's well written I dont mind romance. Venturing of my usual comfort zone. I'm reading Before I Fall

Before I Fall is amazing. Perfect, really perfect. Oliver at her best, in my honest opinion.

I'm now reading How They Met, and Other Stories by David Levithan. I've read a couple of his books, and I think, so far, this is the best one.

I'm reading Fifty Shades Trilogy, and just finished the 2nd one.
Love it..Can't wait to read the 3rd book..

Dhini wrote: "I'm reading Fifty Shades Trilogy, and just finished the 2nd one.
Love it so much.Can't wait to read the 3rd book.."

Well, good for you

Oon wrote: "Well, good for you"

Have you read them? I think that it's not that "horrible" as some peole said.
May be it is for the 1st book (some scenes are not suitable for YA). But the 2nd one is better. It depends on our point of view.

Dhini wrote: Have you read them? I think that it's not that "horrible" as some peole said

Yes I admit I never read the whole book, just some portion that's been roaming around the internet. It is enough for me to decide that it's not my cup of tea.

And yes, I agree, to each their own. I think it's a matter of preference.

Ah, 50 shades. The writing doesn't even merit calling it a book, yet I couldn't stop myself from finishing it and then I relished complaining about how ridic it is together with all those who've read it and warning everyone (sincerely, although by having read it, it's hypocritical to not recommend it) else I know to save themselves from this masochistic reading venture. Didn't know what possessed me from reading on. When I first picked up the book I actually thought it's a mystery novel (haven't checked on any reviews, just thought the cover looked nice, it's a bestseller, I downloaded it...). Thank God it's only an ebook.

My sister's friend actually read the whole series twice despite agreeing that it's terrible as they come, and like me, she also warned everyone she knows not to start. It's really those its-so-bad-its-good kinda series. You get in on all the inside jokes. Read it if only to keep up with popular culture and have a good laugh (or sneer), I guess.

Anyway, am adding The Unbearable Lightness of Being to my other currently reading list now. But it's going to be a really slow read since from here on to Nov and Dec it's a super busy period.

@ Oon & Sanshow : according to me, as I studied medicine, maybe I saw it more at the psychiatrist aspects (apart of those "harsh scenes"). how was someone childhood would affects his/her way of thinking and acting. and I feel that it is so poignant to imagine that someone might have a really damage soul and behavior because of their past. they're sick physically and emotionally even more. that is my point of view about these books. But anyway thank you for the comments, I do appreciate it.
@ Sanshow : what an interesting book you choose. I might wanna read it one day.

Done with The Other Life. I'm not sure about my feeling for this book. The story is nothing new, it's like another version of Resident Evil; the writing style is so freaking simple, it didn't impress me, the characters aren't that interesting (except Tyler). However I still read it so it must be pretty good, I guess.

I have just finished The 100YearOld Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, sprinting through it in 2 days. What an absolute riot! I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a light and hilarious read. As a bonus, part of the book took place in Indonesia

@Dhini: Aww, just because people have sexual fetishes, doesn't mean they're sick. ;p

@Coqueline: well, I do not mean to generalize it. But in my POV, Christian Grey is mentally ill. He enjoyed when he hurt his sub. And he couldn't bear being touched by others

Nah, when you're involved in BDSM of course all parties will enjoy the part they're taking. You should read The Story of O ... :)

Hhmm..may be 50 shades was my first and will be the last my BDSM genre. I do not intend to read this genre anymore. as I found out that reading this "50" was exhausting.

@Lynossa : I stop reading Discovery of The Witches. The letter in my paperback is so small and the book is thick. I hope I can continue read it this year (or if not, maybe I'll give it to somebody who love to have it)

@Dhini : I agree with Lynossa, have fetish doesn't mean sick. But I do agree Grey is sick. For me, the BDSM part of Fifty Shades of Grey is mild and tame. Also not well written. I have read plenty BDSM erotica, so I can compare (but not that I want to participate in this lifestle, thank you very much! :P)

I have been reading machine lately (and reading so many romance books) Immortally Yours; Moonglow; Archangel's Storm;Treachery in Death;Twice Upon a Time;Thief of Shadows;A Love Untamed;Rogue Rider;Oracle's Moon;Faefever and Hot Ticket. The latest is BDSM erotica, and of course its better.. than Fifty ;)

@Ren : I couldn't be more agree with you & Lynossa that the sexual fetish isn't always a "disease". Maybe we could say that it's more about experience, habit and preference. As (now) I prefer to read romance & a lighter story,hehe.. But may be if I find this genre with a good story within, I won't mind to read it. Thanks for the refence.

Ooo, maybe we should have a 50 shades book discussion thread on its own. There are so many feelings regarding this trilogy, huh?

Oh the hate that it gets. Whatever, I loved the books, lol. I know the books are tremendously flawed, but what can I say, I really loved it.

I'm not reading anything right now. Waiting for our November group read!

You know... it's actually Coqueline whom you guys talked to about BDSM and 50 Shades. I haven't read and will never read that book which based on parts that are circulated on the net is the porn version of Twilight. Twilight had robbed few hours of my life which I can't never get it back. I wont do the same mistakes :D

Well I'm completely random nowadays. Haven't finished Ray Bradbury's The Illustrated Man, I can't help myself to start reading David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas. I'm looking forward to the November group read too!

@Lynossa: Thanks! And you know what, I had a blast at JakJazz Festival 2012!

BTW, Cloud Atlas is only 59% on rotten tomatoes. I'm a bit bummed out. Had high hopes for the movie.

@Dhini : I can said erotica is not genre for anyone, believe me sometimes I feel uncomfortable when read erotica. I always prefer the story after all :)

I agree with Rachel if there's thread about Fifty. Beside this one will be published in our country maybe next month or before the year's end.

Nah, I will said its a book that people either love or hate, Rachel :).Its okay if you loved it. Some friends I know are loved it too.

@Lynossa : Oh, forgive me. I'm not pay attention and jump in discussion :).

@Lynossa : ohh,please accept my appology. I just saw what has been written above and automatically wrote your name..
@ Ren : will it be published in Indonesia? Wooww..I just can't imagine the translation. How can it be written, and what will be written? Which I mean all of "those inappropriate scene for under 21". As I imagine that through all the sensors process this book will be very very thin..Then what will be left to read?

@Rachel: oh I hope the film won't be disappointing too much. I'm reading the book because of the buzz from the film release anyway.

@Ren: I can't imagine that Fifty trilogy will be published in our country. Can't wait for the public reaction though :)

@3clair I saw copies of the original ver at Kinokuniya PS last month or so. Interestingly for the third book they have an alternative cover with a pair of keys instead of handcuffs. Are handcuffs too risque or something? I also can't foresee the reaction to the translated version. All those funny Britishisms in Americans would be lost in translation!

Yes I did just say the trilogy is funny. Eyeroll?

Rachel wrote: "BTW, Cloud Atlas is only 59% on rotten tomatoes. I'm a bit bummed out. Had high hopes for the movie."

I read in an article that people are divisive in appreciating this movie. Much like the book, the movie is of love-it-or-hate-it quality. Some people who don't like the movie comment that it requires too much concentration. I think people who have read the book will have a better chance to appreciate the movie.

Many here have read Cloud Atlas? It's one of my favorite book. The first time I read it was when I borrowed from book-rental Rumah Buku in Bandung. I really really liked it that after not so long period I borrowed it again because I couldn't find it at any bookstore at that time. Eventually I ordered Kinokuniya Singapore and when the book came, the feeling was like finally meeting a pen-pal after long and intimate correspondence (agak lebay yaah).

Seriously, the book was so good that I started asking around "have you read Cloud Atlas?". "No what is it about?" And then I started babbling about six interconnected stories, the Matryoshka Doll structure, reincarnation and fabricants and other gobbledygooks. With every words the furrow in their eyebrows would deepen and I can hear their thoughts "what is this madman babbling about?".

To know more about the book, just read the reviews on Goodreads.

Well it's hard to give that book a synopsis. In fact, for the movie adaptation, to answer the question "what is this movie about?", the directors give nearly six-minutes trailer that wow-ed the internet. Here's the trailer

So, for those who haven't read the book, read it! (or just ignore this senile old man rambling). I hope the movie will come to Indonesia soon.

@Dhini and @3clair ; last time I check, the translator already finish translate it. Maybe.. the translation version will be better? Since main reason I don't like Fifty is because the writing style

As for public reactions, I recognized some of my friends already read the English version. I think they also curious about it.

Reading Kiss of Steel. Never know why people love reading steampunk lately.

@Dhini & Ren, hahaha it's okay. It's kinda funny actually :D

@Ren, I never could really appreciate the hype of steampunk so I dont understand why. I think they're just okay.

Looking for new reading...

Lynossa wrote: "You know... it's actually Coqueline whom you guys talked to about BDSM and 50 Shades. I haven't read and will never read that book which based on parts that are circulated on the net is the porn ve..."

I didn't read 50 Shades either (note that I didn't say "haven't"). I read some excerpt circulating around the internet, and it was just too cringeworthy (not that all erotica is cringeworthy).

@ Lynossa & Coqueline : I have until the middle part of the third book. As now I can say that it's good for you not to read them. I felt suffocated. All "part of the sex" make me feel nausea. And Anastasia character makes me feel sick and tired of reading this book. That she always wanted to oppose his husband just because he is a control freak. Wheew .. Please..Grow up Anastasia!! You knew it from the 1st time you met him!!
Well,may be I should write these things on my review later. I can not make a conclusion now. I do really really need a new "lighter" book right now.

@Lynossa : Turn up that book I read is not so heavy on steampunk :). If we took aside the romance part (which still mild), I like the idea of the alternate London in Victorian era (even the Queen is not Victoria) that author created. She make a nice twist of werewolf and vampires

Agree with Coqueline, not all erotica is cringeworthy. Some of my favorite authors is erotica authors. And its not because the erotic content I love them, but the way the write the story.

Good luck with your book, Dhini! People always tell me on my blog review about Fifty that I need to read the rest to understand why Grey act like that. Gezz, I will. Just.. not now :P.

meanwhile, I'm reading Murakami's Norwegian Wood.

Reza wrote: "meanwhile, I'm reading Murakami's Norwegian Wood."

Great book. I always end up re-read this book when I cleaned my bookshelf.

i'm reading always running by luis rodriguez

@Sheva: It is indeed a great book. I highlighted God knows how many passages I like in the book.

swamped at work, but I'll try to join the group read. so I'm putting Fahrenheit 451 on my nightstand.

currently reading Gone Girl. Quite interesting so far...

I see that "Fahrenheit 451" won the poll and becomes our group reading for November. It's kind of cheating of me because I have finished reading it months ago :P hehe.. But I'm ready to join in the discussion.

@sanshow: I can't relate pair of keys with BDSM. And I can't relate them to the story too because I haven't and won't read the books :P

@Oon: watching "Cloud Atlas" needs a lot of concentration? Then count me in. I love this kind of films anyway. And based on your comment, I become more curious and have more expectation with the story. Anyway, I still have a hard time getting through the first part because it's written in old English.

@Ren: well.. maybe Philip Roth's "The Humbling" story is similar to 50 Shades trilogy story. I finished "The Humbling" because it was short reading and Philip Roth writing was good, but not the story. I found myself really exhausted after finishing this book.

I just finish reading . A really great book, make me can't breath, frustated and almost weep. I know maybe I'm exagerrated, but I love it. I always think Australian authors write so many imaginative fantasy books and make me so respect toward them. (the others is Melina Marchetta)

@3clair : What the likeness? The dark tone from it? Or the psychology aspect? I think Fifty itself not too deep in psychology. So far from any BDSM book I read is, a Dom not inflict pain to their Sub to channel their anger. But to release the burden that their Sub carry with them.

@Ren where can you buy Eona? I looked in Periplus but apparently they don't have it there, and I was kinda desperate because I finished Eon, like, years ago. I'm so excited!
I just finished reading Julie Kagawa's Iron Legend (the novellas of Iron Fey series put together) and the only thing worth it was because there's the last novella Iron Prophecy. It really is just highway robbery, but if you haven't bought the other novellas yet and is a fan of Kagawa, I do recommend it. The novellas are quite important, and it gave insight to how things (nearly) ended in Nevernever. Julie is writing another series centered on Meghan's brother Ethan, and I'm really looking forward to it!

@Ren: I haven't read 50 Shades trilogy but I think they have similarity in the BDSM theme.

@Faliha: Hmm.. I think I saw Eona in Times. Wait, it isn't Times anymore but Books and Beyond :)

Faliha and 3clair, both Eon and Eona already translated in Indonesia by Mizan. I read the translation version :). If you want to read the English version, I believe Kinokuniya have it.

3clair, I read The Humbling synopsis but I just see any kind of BDSM. Is it really BDSM story? Not just dark thriller?

Just finish reading . I loathe zombies but the story is hilarious funny and heartbreaking in the same time

Currently reading The Night Circus. Anyone read this already? I'm halfway now. Can do without the over-description. And the pace, it's dra-a-a-ging..

@Faliha: if you're in Jakarta, I believe I saw Eona at Kinokuniya PIM2

@Ren: hmm.. haven't visited Gramedia for a long time :) hehe.. "The Humbling" isn't a BDSM story but has BDSM scenes in the story. It is not a dark thriller too in my opinion.

@Ren I knew it, but the translations are kinda awkward after reading the english version...
@Marcelle regrettably I'm in surabaya, and I'm not sure Fenross stacked fantasy novels :(

just finished The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared I think this is the most clever book I've ever read. Highly recommended.

Now reading and

Liwin wrote: "just finished The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared I think this is the most clever book I've ever read. Highly recommended."

Yes! I recently read that Swedish Forest Gump book. The most hilarious read in 2012 :D. I love (and feel sad) how Indonesian was depicted in that book but then, all the Swede, American, Russian and many other nationalities have their fair share on that book.

It's a heartwarming story and can't wait to see the movie adaptation (I bet there'll be one)