Constant Reader discussion

I'm reading Freedom. I'm sure I will enjoy reading the discussion when I'm done.

I just finished reading Room, which was A-Mazing. I can't stop thinking about it.

I really appreciated Room as well, Peggy.

Just finished 22 Britannia Road, which I found mostly underwhelming.

Listening to The Painted Veil, which is the first audio book I finally successfully downloaded from the library. It is great.

I started Kings of the Earth two days ago. It moves quickly (two-sentence chapters will do that: all that blank space on the page!) but it seems pretty grim. Oddly or not, it is reminding me of Let Us Now Praise Famous Men; the writing style is very different, of course, and there is the fiction vs. nonfiction divergence. In the end, the relentless squalor and hopelessness of Famous Men (as well as the author's endless self-indulgence: editor, anyone?) defeated me and I put the book aside. I think I'll stick it out with Clinch, though. I want to see where he's going with his cast of characters!

I'm also dipping into All Quiet on the Western Front for another GR group. That group covers books at the leisurely pace of a chapter/week, so I think I can juggle the two books. I used to assign AQotWF to my 8th graders when I taught history; it will be fun to discuss it with grown-ups! But I think I'll need a bit of up-beat reading to counteract the weight of Clinch & Remarque!

Mary Ellen, I immediately thought of LUNPFM, too. The visuals I imagine in Kings of the Earth remind me of Walker Evans' photographs.

I just finished In The Forests of Serre which I loved. So far I've really enjoyed everything I've read by Patricia A. McKillip. I'm currently close to being done with The Wise Man's Fear and just starting The Purple Emperor

I finished The Master and Margarita for the third time! It has been my favorite and still remains so. Russian literature fascinates me...
I've started this month with The Road 'cause I've heard so many good comments about it.

This is in response to a comment made in April thread. I loved the SHIPPING NEWS, too, when I read it years ago.

I'm currently reading - Alicia Gaspar De Alba's "Calligraphy of The Witch " and Augusta Trobaugh's " The Tea-Olive Bird Watching Society. Earlier this week- I finished John Buchan's " The 39 Steps ". A Classic Adventure Thriller, I just couldn't put it down till I found out what happened to Richard Hannay - A fun and easy read.

Bahareh wrote: "I finished The Master and Margarita for the third time! It has been my favorite and still remains so. Russian literature fascinates me...
I've started this month with The Road waiting on me.... glad to know that you love it so much. I can't wait to get to it.

It is a dark one though Kat, but very well written... Hope you enjoy it.

I didn't realize that my question about THE SHIPPING NEWS would have such a response! Now that I'm further in to it I like it better. I'm certainly engaged - I was surprised when I went outside to Chicago sunshine (well, sort of) instead of Newfoundland gloom. I'm surprised that I'm so thoroughly in to it - it's not a style that I usually appreciate, nor do I relate to any of the characters, which is usually a necessity for me to enjoy the book. I'll report back when I'm done.

Sara said, "Listening to The Painted Veil, which is the first audio book I finally successfully downloaded from the library. It is great."

And so was the movie -- wonderful! Starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton. (Also Diana Rigg as Mother Superior -- remember her in The Avengers TV series)

Marge

I liked The Painted Veil as an audiobook (read by Kate Reading) - the mother superior was probably my favorite character!

I just read Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. It's my favorite for the year. I also just reread When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, a Newbery winner. Life is wonderful with books like this to read. Recently read Room, was part of a Goodreads chat with the author. I wonder if Goodreads archives these discussions. This one is amazing, lots of disagreement, surprises and controversy about the character of Ma. I love being able to connect with authors this way. Has anyone read Sonya Chung's novel? Amazing, and I'll have to check the name (embarrassing, since I loved it so much). Wait. Long for This World. I think that's it. Worth reading, even with the character names confusion, which I am sure is no confusion at all for Korean readers.

Started (with some trepidation) Montaigne's essays. Also Peter Altenberg's Telegrams of the Soul.

Jane, glad to hear that about the McCann book. It's been sitting on my shelf, waiting for a time when I'm not busy with a CR selection!

I finished Major Pettigrew's Last Stand early this week. I grew to like it a bit better by the final 2/5, once some of the characters stopped acting like nasty puppets and became almost human (thinking of Grace & Sandy). The Major seemed a bit less insufferable, though I never found him charming. My favorite character was Mrs. Ali; I liked her dry humor and graciousness. Her passivity would have annoyed me no end, but that I attributed it to cultural factors. Not quite sure why she loved Kipling so much, though! An odd choice, I'd have thought, for someone from the Subcontinent.

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
!

I was developing something very like affection for the book until the author, thinking to escape the "cozy" subgenre perhaps, decided to sneak a bit of the thriller into it at the end. What was that about? I ended up giving the book three stars, but had the system allowed it, I'd have given 2 1/2.

I gave up fairly early on finding him insufferable - thanks for the validation.

Jane wrote: "I just read Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. It's my favorite for the year. I also just reread When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, a Newbery winner. Life is wonderful with books like th..."

Jane, You might want to watch Man on a Wire since it is quite a good movie about Philippe Petit.

John wrote: "I gave up fairly early on finding him insufferable - thanks for the validation."

RE: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
I liked Major Pettigrew. In my review, I wrote: "Major Pettigrew, an Englishman, is a memorable character with a droll, dry sense of humor. At times I laughed out loud at the things he said."

I also wrote: "The plot moves slowly but the good writing kept me interested. The story has both humor and poignancy. There are funny moments and suspenseful moments. At times I felt there was too much detail in the descriptions, but most of the time I stayed interested. Helen Simonson writes with wisdom, wit, and sophistication. This is her first novel. I'm giving it 4 stars out of 5."

The book reminded me of another book I enjoyed: Simon's Night by Jon Hassler. Another reviewer compared _Simon's Night_ to Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler.

All three books are about adjusting to life as one becomes older.

PS-I agree with Mary Ellen about Mrs. Ali. Mary Ellen wrote (in message #17 above):
"I liked her dry humor and graciousness."
Yes, Mrs. Ali had a lot of class. She was a wise woman and a strong one too.

I just started At Home: A Short History of Private Life Every time I start a book by Bill Bryson I'm amazed again at just how well he writes.

He hit it out of the ball park on this one - towards the end I was dreading finishing it.

Ruth wrote: "I just started At Home: A Short History of Private Life Every time I start a book by Bill Bryson I'm amazed again at just how well he writes."

Ruth, I've requested that one from our library as an audio version. I'm looking forward to it.

Ruth wrote: "I just started At Home: A Short History of Private Life Every time I start a book by Bill Bryson I'm amazed again at just how well he writes."

I just got a notice from the library that my long hold on the audiobook production of At Home has arrived -- cause for celebration.

After sleeping most of 48 hours, trying to get through a vicious cold, I read straight through Jean Thompson's new novel, The Year We Left Home which is really quite wonderful--I've only read her short stories before--but it left me very melancholy.

Then I started Silver Sparrow, the third novel by Tayari Jones, whom I'd never heard of until she was featured in the latest issue of Poets & Writers. She needs to be known. I meant to read the earlier two books first, just to see the development of her writing over time, but I totally got pulled into the new one. In the first sentence, the narrator states that her father was a bigamist. Which made me laugh out loud because Jones's dedication is to her parents, "who as far as I can determine were only married to each other".

The writing is first-rate, the narrator's voice smart (and smart-ass, which I love) the story compelling and witty (tough to accomplish!) and utterly readable.

Sara wrote: "Then I started Silver Sparrow, the third novel by Tayari Jones, whom I'd never heard of until she was featured in the latest issue of Poets & Writers. She needs to be known. ..."

I am so glad that you are enjoying Silver Sparrow, Sara! I loved Tayari Jones' first two books and I heard her give a reading from "Silver Sparrow" a couple of years ago when she had just begun writing it. I am very eager to read it. She is a wonderful writer.

Wilhelmina, I tried to link to the profile of Tayari Jones in Poets & Writers, unfortunately, it's only available in the print version.

The criminal thing to me is that this immensely talented writer, critically acclaimed and lauded, had trouble getting Silver Sparrow accepted because the first two books hadn't sold well and had gone out of print. Thankfully, they are back, and I was able to get both from Amazon, but it galls me that it took three books before she crossed my radar, and I think I'm reasonably well plugged-in. :)

The article also mentions Bernice McFadden, and I got a couple of her books as well. Are you familiar with her work?

Joy H. wrote: "John wrote: "I gave up fairly early on finding him insufferable - thanks for the validation."

RE: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
I liked Major Pettigrew. In my review, I wrote: "Major..."

I like Major Pettigrew, too, Joy. I had great affection for his character. I like Mrs. Ali as well, and think the descriptions you and Mary Ellen provided also reflect how I feel about those characters. I do think the author would have been better off to keep the book in the "cozy" genre.

I don't know what to read next. I might read White Heat, which is about Emily Dickinson's affection for - someone - I can't remember his name now, or a book by Ron Rash. Haven't made up my mind.

Sara wrote: "The article also mentions Bernice McFadden, and I got a couple of her books as well. Are you familiar with her work? ..."

I am, Sara. I haven't read her recent book Glorious yet, but I intend to. I've heard good things about it.

Gabrielle wrote: "Joy H. wrote: "John wrote: "I gave up fairly early on finding him insufferable - thanks for the validation."

RE: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
I liked Major Pettigrew. In my review, ..."

I also enjoyed Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. The characters were warm and charming and I think the author did a nice job with the "Britihsness" of the Major.

Last night I started listening to Edith Wharton's novella (2.5 hours) "Bunner Sisters", which is quite good. I haven't cared for her actual stories much, but here she seems to have room to express herself.

I'm reading AGINCOURT by Barnard Cornwell and loving it! I don't read much historical fiction, preferring non-fiction history, but this is great. Heard about it from reading Margaret Atwood's Robber Bride, where one of the characters loved reading about famous battles. The battle of Agincourt was fought between the English and the French in 1415, when Henry V of England was convinced that France belonged to him. Outnumbered 6 to 1 the English made a brilliant victory. It has some of the most creative cuss words I've ever heard, some very funny. I've learned so much about medieval archery and other weapons that is just fascinating. If I were younger, I'd sign up to learn archery. Now I want to read Shakespeare's Henry V.

Marge

I am rereading To Kill a Mockingbird for my in-person group, and I am loving it. I forgot how much I liked Scout.

For my mystery, I am reading Now May You Weep by Deborah Crombie. I like her Gemma James series.

I am reading "All Quiet on the Western Front" for another group I belong to. It's been years since I last read it; I am looking forward to the discussions afterwards. I am also reading "Freedom" by Franzen. Can anyone point me to a group (maybe even here on CR) on GR where this book has been read by a group and discussed?All Quiet on the Western Front
Freedom

Brian, if you want, you can start your own discussion (outside of a book group) at
"Book Talk": http://www.goodreads.com/topic

You can get to the "Book Talk" page by clicking on EXPLORE (at the left of your name which is in the upper right corner.). When you get to the EXPLORE area, there's a tab at the top, on the far right (just under where your name is), called "Book Talk".

Eventually, someone might find your post and reply.

I've just finished listening to Edith Wharton's "Bunner Sisters" as part of a three-novella audiobook, narrated by the late Anna Fields: Madame de Treymes and Two Novellas. A powerful story, much better than the short stories I'd recently heard; here, Wharton has the room to express herself fully.

Brian, which book are you referring to? We discussed Freedom here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

Thank you for your advice and telling me about "book talk", I did not know about this.
Joy H. wrote: "Brian, if you want, you can start your own discussion (outside of a book group) at
"Book Talk": http://www.goodreads.com/topic

You can get to the "Book Talk" page by clicking on EXPLORE (at the le..."

Sherry wrote: "Brian, which book are you referring to? We discussed Freedom here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5..."

Sherry, This is the same book. What is the status of the reading/discussion? Is it still being read or is it more or less being discussed. I'm curious due to the "spoiler" factor. Thanks for your help

I just finished St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, a collection of short stories by Karen Russell. The writing is just gorgeous, but the stories themselves are, well, unfulfilling isn't the exact word. More like unfinished. We get glimpses into these fantastic lives, and after almost every one, I found myself asking, "but wait - what happened to them?" Storyus Interruptus.

Still, I do recommend it, and may even give some of the stories a second look before I surrender it to the library.

Brian, there are many spoilers in there, so I would suggest waiting to finish the book before you read the thread. The discussion is never closed, so feel free to post when you're ready.

Greetings everyone!

I just read Don't Breathe a Word and really enjoyed it.

This is my first time reading Jennifer McMahon and really enjoyed myself.

The book is one of those page turners where you can't wait to find out what happens.

If you're interested I reviewed this title on my blog and can be found here: http://wp.me/pTRJE-5j

I finished and so enjoyed Moloka'i, a historical fiction account of life on the leper colony, and These Is My Words, a diary account of a real woman living in the Arizona territory. Both were fascinating books.

Sherry,
Thank-you again for your help. Your insights are useful.
Brian

Joy -- I am a huge fan of Jon Hassler! Two of my favorites of his are North of Hopeand Dear James. Another of his novels that deals with the theme of aging is The New Woman: A Staggerford Novel, which although not in the top Hassler tier, IMO, is still quite good.

Brian -- is your other group The History Book Club? I've picked up All Quiet for a re-read for that discussion, too! Hope to see you there...

Isn't it great that impressions of Major Pettigrew are so different among our readers here! (Basically 2 reactions: what a delightful Brit! and what an insufferable jerk!) It reminds me of meeting a friend-of-a-friend and wondering, "How can my friend stand him?"!

I finished The Wise Man's Fear and really liked it for the most part. I just hope its not several more years for the next part to come out.

I'm almost finished with The Purple Emperor and getting ready to start Jurassic Park. I loved the movie so I've been looking forward to this one.

Mary Ellen wrote: "Joy -- I am a huge fan of Jon Hassler! Two of my favorites of his are North of Hopeand Dear James. Another of his novels that deals with the theme of aging is [book:Th..."

Mary Ellen,
I hope to see you there also!
Brian

Mary Ellen wrote: "Joy -- I am a huge fan of Jon Hassler! Two of my favorites of his are North of Hopeand Dear James. Another of his novels that deals with the theme of aging is Th..."</i>

Mary Ellen, I enjoyed your comments about people's different reactions to books and also to people. So very true! When I mentioned to my son that I couldn't understand how somebody could like what to me was clearly unlikable, he countered with: <i>"Ma! When are you going to learn that not everybody is like YOU!"</i> I guess I'll never forget that. <g>

About Hassler's [book:North of Hope, our local library copy has very small print and it's the only copy they had. So I've decided not to read the book. I hate very small print!

Thanks for suggesting Hassler's other two books (Dear James & The New Woman). I'm going to put them on my to-read shelf. Since I'm in my later 70s, I enjoy reading well-written stories featuring elderly characters. I can relate! (lol)

Both Dear James and The New Woman: A Staggerford Novel feature a recurring character, a retired schoolteacher named Agatha McGee. I think (hope!) you'll enjoy her. She is a force to be reckoned with!

Mary Ellen wrote: "Both Dear James and The New Woman: A Staggerford Novel feature a recurring character, a retired schoolteacher named Agatha McGee. I think (hope!) you'll enjoy her. She..."

Thanks for your comments, Mary Ellen. I can't wait to read those two books by Hassler. There's something about his writing style that appeals to me. I've put the books on my "to-read" shelf. That's one step up from my "keep-in-mind" shelf. So they'll get preferential treatment.

The description of _The New Woman_ states that "Agatha McGee, now eighty-seven years old, knows she is slowing down." LOL I'll bet!

PS-There are several books ahead of Hassler's which I've been trying to get to, but eventually I WILL get to Hassler! I'm motivated!