Literary Exploration discussion

Well KL has opened the August book thread so I thought I might get the ball rolling on this one. So what are you reading/planning to read for the wonderful month of August?

Currently planning to finish reading Wild Cards.

For book clubs I will be reading The Book Thief, Red Mars and White Cat.

The other books I've got selected as wanting to read in August are The Clones of Langston and Slabscape: Reset (both giveaways), Darkly Dreaming Dexter (Yes KL, I know, about time), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (I've been meaning to read this ever since I saw the film), His Majesty's Dragon (had this recommended to me), The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment (perhaps, still burnt from his last book), Stranger in a Strange Land and Laredo Down.

As you can see it's a pretty full month, not including everything else I get up to :P We'll see how I actually go though.

I jumped the gun, but I plan to read The Book Thief for book club.

Also finish The Long Goodbye & The Automatic Detective, as for the rest of the month; I haven't really set anything, perhaps The Scarlet Pimpernel and Black Wings Has My Angel

Kim wrote: "Darkly Dreaming Dexter (Yes KL, I know, about time)"

About Time :P

Maybe one day I'll finish Ship of Rome. It's been on my currently reading list since May. It just kind of fell of my radar.

That's like me saying, One day I'll finish The Culture Club

You will never finish that book :P

That's not true

Not sure what to read yet. I'd like something to read while I'm travelling but it needs to be something I won't mind losing. It wouldn't be the first time I accidentally left my book on a plane.

Rereading The Book Thief and just finishing up The Old Curiosity Shop. Reading some ghost short stories by LeFanu as well and I might pick up another Wilkie Collins novel or maybe something a little more contemporary.

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, really enjoying it (the style of narrative, the quirky ideas and twists), a really talented author and an amazing book.

I really want to read The Book Thief with this group, but now that I'm working full time I can only spend around an hour or two at night (before I go to sleep) reading. (And I'm not a very fast reader.) When I was out of work, I could read 5 or 6 books a month, but now I can only read 2 or 3. SO, if I don't think I'll be able to finish The Book Thief by the end of this month, I'm going to join this group in September with 1984.

Anyway, right now I'm reading Mrs. Dalloway with a "Banned Books" group that I'm also in, and I want to read The Hours as a "follow up" to Mrs. Dalloway. I've never read Mrs. Dalloway, and I have to say that I think Virginia Woolf is an absolutely amazing writer.

You don't have to read the book at the same time as the club. You can always post in previous months discussions as has been happening with others.

I am reading Cormac McCarthys The Road at the moment. More than half-way through and finding it quite boring. I will persevere though as you only realise sometimes that a book is good by the conclusion. Hope this happens as people have told me what a great book this is and i I wouldnt like to be the only one who doesnt get it!!!

I've decided to read Brendan Cowell's book, How It Feels. I've been a fan of his work, both acting and writing, on Love my Way so I'll see if he can write a novel. Probably, and then I'll have to hate him for being ridiculously talented. Picked it up at a closing down sale for 75% off so it won't matter too much if I lose if on my trAvels.

Kim wrote: "You don't have to read the book at the same time as the club. You can always post in previous months discussions as has been happening with others."

Thank you for telling me that, Kim!! Because I was just looking at some of the posts in the discussion on
The Book Thief and based on the posts it looks like a great book, and I'm bummed out that I can't participate in the discussion!!! I may pick the book up this weekend.

I also may throw in my two cents in the discussion on The White Tiger because I read it around a year ago and I thought it was hilarious AND very dark at the same time. GREAT choice for a book group. Actually, this is a fantastic group -- I'm so glad I found you guys!!! The book selections are excellent, and the discussions are great.

Wendy wrote: "I am reading Cormac McCarthys The Road at the moment. More than half-way through and finding it quite boring. I will persevere though as you only realise sometimes that a book is good by the conclu..."

Is it the subject matter, or the writing style that makes it boring?

I think many people get put off by the narrative style McCarthy uses (short, fragmented thoughts..dialogue without quotations). I read The Road and thought it was good (4 stars), but admit that the style wasn't my cup of tea and took awhile to get used to. For this reason, I have been reluctant to read more from this author, even though I have All the Pretty Horses sitting in a bookshelf at home.

I'm doing alright this month so far.

Knocked over Wild Cards, The Book Thief, White Cat, The Clones of Langston, His Majesty's Dragon and Slabscape: Reset.

Almost finished Darkly Dreaming Dexter.

I really need to read through the pile of books sitting on my table as well. So many books, not enough time.

Franky wrote: "Wendy wrote: "I am reading Cormac McCarthys The Road at the moment. More than half-way through and finding it quite boring. I will persevere though as you only realise sometimes that a book is good..."

To be honest i think the reason i didnt like this book is the fact that nothing happens and i was waiting for it on every page. This book was so pointless and disappointing, nothing to do with style or subject matter more to do with the actual story telling.

Awesome reading people!

I've managed to read The Automatic Detective, The Book Thief, Black Wings Has My Angel, The Scarlet Pimpernel and a re-read of Frankenstein.

I'm hoping to finish Daemon and No Rest for the Dead soon too

I haven't finished all the books in my first post but I've decieded to take a break from ebooks and read some actual books I've had sitting on my shelves for a while.

Going to start with The Lady in the Lake and The Sacred Bones.

Just started The Lonely Polygamist. Very funny so far. You'd think 4 wives and 28 children would keep a man from gettin' lonely, but apparently not.

I'm reading Barrel Fever by David Sedaris. I've read all of his other books.... He's hilarious!

In the middle of Death and the Penguin by Andrey Kurkov. Wonderfully odd, extremely funny in a strange, bleak way.

Just read Deviant Ways by Chris Mooney and nearly finished The Book Thief, just cant put it down. Not sure what to read next. Ive got quite a few to get through including a couple of Discworld books, Middlesex, Norwegian Wood and Moonlight Mile to mention a few.

This month feels so lame, reading-wise. Maybe it's due to having stumbled upon so many amazing books in the last couple of months, and then while catching up on all these past group reads I just got dragged down.

Of the 6 books I finished already this month, only 1 got a five star rating; the rest were below 3.

Someone recommend me an AMAZING book, which will just complete my summer and make it extraordinary in time for school to begin?!?

Wendy wrote: "I am reading Cormac McCarthys The Road at the moment. More than half-way through and finding it quite boring. I will persevere though as you only realise sometimes that a book is good by the conclu..."

I listened to The Road on CD. I didn't love it or even like it at the time, but that book has stayed with me while others have disappeared completely. ;}

I just finished The Book Thief on CD and it was a wonderful experience (including the narrator, which makes all the difference for audiobooks). I won't rate TBT as amazing, but it sure was satisfying on many levels. I'm mid-way through Blood Meridian, finishing Uncle Silas, and waiting to start Independent People. Three of the four books were Good Reads reader recommendations of some sort . . .

MountainShelby wrote: "Wendy wrote: "I am reading Cormac McCarthys The Road at the moment. More than half-way through and finding it quite boring. I will persevere though as you only realise sometimes that a book is good..."

I have The Road sitting on my bookshelf to read. I had the opportunity to see the movie at an advanced screening about a year before it came out in theaters and throughout the movie there were just feelings of impending doom... I still want to read the book, but it's been sitting on my shelf to read for years now

Lisa wrote: "MountainShelby wrote: "Wendy wrote: "I am reading Cormac McCarthys The Road at the moment. More than half-way through and finding it quite boring. I will persevere though as you only realise someti..."

I have been afraid of seeing the movie--easily scared. What did you think?

MountainShelby wrote: "I just finished The Book Thief on CD and it was a wonderful experience (including the narrator, which makes all the difference for audiobooks). I won't rate TBT as amazing, but it sure was satisfyi..."

I really liked Uncle Silas. I'm reading Le Fanu's short ghost stories now and then.

MountainShelby wrote: "Lisa wrote: "MountainShelby wrote: "Wendy wrote: "I am reading Cormac McCarthys The Road at the moment. More than half-way through and finding it quite boring. I will persevere though as you only r..."


I can't compare it to the book of course since I haven't read it. The movie was just a downer... impending doom all the way through

I am currently reading a Russian crime novel (Arkady Adamov's Inspector Losev series) which is set in the early 1990s Russia (Moscow), still very much Soviet era. Really takes me back to my young years back in Russia, a very nostalgic feel.
And at the same time I am reading a non-fiction book by Anita Bean "A Complete Guide to Strength Training" ( a lot of information on how to make your workouts practical and efficient).

Water for Elephants right now. Then getting into 1984 for September. Always wanted to read it and I'm excited to read with this group

Lauren wrote: "Water for Elephants right now. Then getting into 1984 for September. Always wanted to read it and I'm excited to read with this group"

Ohh, how are you liking Water for Elephants?

Lauren wrote: "Water for Elephants right now. Then getting into 1984 for September. Always wanted to read it and I'm excited to read with this group"

I loved that book, couldn't put it down!

I'm reading Death and the Penguin by Andrey Kurkov. Having struggled for several months to finish The Master and Margarita, I'm finding that this read of Death and the Penguin (I tried unsuccessfully to read it a few years ago) is not only easier, it's actually fun.

Also reading Forgive Me which I am enjoying as well as Graham Greene's Complete Short Stories (a bit at a time).

I read 1984 years ago & had nightmares for years after. So brilliant. But I don't think I'll read it again. Not yet anyway.

I am reading Ken Follett's'Pillars of the earth'. Its taking time because its fat, it has interesting details of life in medieval England apart from the main theme and I have exam copies to correct.I am feeling very impatient as all my other book purchases are staring at me,tempting me.

MountainShelby wrote: "I just finished The Book Thief on CD and it was a wonderful experience (including the narrator, which makes all the difference for audiobooks). I won't rate TBT as amazing, but it sure was satisfyi..."

You should let me know what you think about Blood Meridian when you are done. I had just as much of a hard time reading it as I did putting it down.

I just have 30 pages left in the book I'm currently reading -- Mrs. Dalloway. I have to say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this novel. I think Virginia Woolf's writing style is just magnificent.

SO, now the big question is what to read next? I always have to have an available book to read (I'm an insomniac, so I need to read late at night to keep my mind off all of my "anxiety" issues.) I am definitely joining this group in the September read of 1984, which I am really looking forward to. I think this is a great group, and the book discussions are fantastic.

I would run out and pick up a copy of The Book Thief, but it's 550 pages and it will take me forever to read. However, I do have some books at home that I have not read yet, so maybe I can read one of these until we get started on 1984. Here are some of my choices:

The Lotus Eaters
The Appointment: A Novel
Exit the Actress (historical fiction)
Shanghai Girls (historical fiction)
OR
The Hours-- which I would read as a "follow-up" to Mrs. Dalloway, but it really didn't get great reviews. (And I'm thinking that I may want to move away from the same theme as Mrs. Dalloway, which is what The Hours is all about.)

Any suggestions???? I think I'm leaning toward The Lotus Eaters, but I'd love to get some feedback here. THANKS!!!!

Recently I read Dreams of Joy for a book club. It is the sequel to Shanghai Girls.

From what I gathered, Shanghai Girls is the more immature version of Dreams of Joy, and the latter already annoyed me enough. I can't recommend either to be read.

Barbara wrote: "I just have 30 pages left in the book I'm currently reading -- Mrs. Dalloway. I have to say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this novel. I think Virginia Woolf's writing style is just magnificen..."

I would try The Book Thief once you start reading it you will finish in no time. It is really easy to read and such a page turner that you have to read it every spare minute of the day.

♥Xeni♥ wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Water for Elephants right now. Then getting into 1984 for September. Always wanted to read it and I'm excited to read with this group"

Ohh, how are you liki..."

I liked it quite a bit. I finished it last night while taking two flights and a two hour layover. *SPOILER* I was really excited to find out that it was Rosie who killed August instead of Marlena. He deserved it even if he was mental ill. That poor elephant didn't deserve that mistreatment. And when Jacob ran off to be with the circus at 93 = amazing. That's what I plan to do if I live to be that old.

It is weird, people were telling me what a great book water for elephants was and then when I finally read it, I must say I was a little disappointed. Maybe I should reread it another time...

♥Xeni♥ wrote: "Recently I read Dreams of Joy for a book club. It is the sequel to Shanghai Girls.

From what I gathered, Shanghai Girls is the more immature version of Dreams of Joy, and the latte..."

Thanks Xeni! Believe it or not, I've never read any of Lisa See's novels, so Shanghai Girls would have been my first. I was leaning more toward The Lotus Eaters, so thank you for helping me with my decision!!!

Wendy wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I just have 30 pages left in the book I'm currently reading -- Mrs. Dalloway. I have to say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this novel. I think Virginia Woolf's writing style is..."

Hi Wendy!! Thank you for suggesting The Book Thief. I didn't realize it was such a page-turner!! It seemed to have gotten many mixed reviews, but it does seem very interesting. I'm still afraid of the "550 page" factor, because even if it's a page turner I really can't read until I am done with my work (I work freelance, and my hours are crazy and I often work until pretty late.)

BUT, I will definitely take your suggestion into consideration. I hope you're reading 1984 with this group in September! What a great book for a book group read!!!

Barbara wrote: "Wendy wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I just have 30 pages left in the book I'm currently reading -- Mrs. Dalloway. I have to say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this novel. I think Virginia Woolf's wr..."

planning on trying 1984 alread ordered it. Not a book i would normally chose but thats why i joined this book club

Wendy, I read 1984 so long ago (I think in Middle School) and I honestly can't remember anything about it. I really hope it's not too disturbing. (Seriously -- I have issues with nightmares, but I don't remember thinking of it as a "scary" book.)

I'm looking forward to reading it with this book group. It seems like such an intelligent and interesting group of people, so I'm sure the discussion on 1984 will be a good one.

Barbara wrote: "The Hours-- which I would read as a "follow-up" to Mrs. Dalloway, but it really didn't get great reviews. (And I'm thinking that I may want to move away from the same theme as Mrs. Dalloway, which is what The Hours is all about.)"

Hi Barbara, I would definitely recommend The Hours- though the movie is also very good, if you just can't face reading it (very good cast: Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, Ed Harris). I am yet to have liked anything else by Michael Cunningham that much though. I wouldn't say that The Hours is 'about' Mrs. Dalloway, but it is definitely referenced in it. The book is split into three discrete sections- one looks at the 'madness' of Virginia Woolf; the second section takes a disillusioned 1950s suburban housewife; the third looks at a modern day 'Clarissa' dealing with issues similar to the original Mrs. Dalloway, but with some 1990s twists. So it's kind of like Michael Cunningham takes the themes in and around Mrs. Dalloway and recontextualises them.

Gotta finish off Ecstasy, I loved Trainspotting but am finding this one hard to get into.

Also recently started Women, then I've got The Age of Reason and Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

Barbara wrote: "Wendy, I read 1984 so long ago (I think in Middle School) and I honestly can't remember anything about it. I really hope it's not too disturbing. (Seriously -- I have issues with nightmares, but I ..."

1984 isn't "scary" until about the end, I would say. And then it's not really scary as much as it is disturbing. If you're like me and have an active imagination (always a good thing!) then the end might freak you out a bit, but I wont give away more than that!

The rest of the book is more philosophical and political than much of anything else.

I am finishing The Book Thief and also trying to finish The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group. After that, I am gonna finish The Sun Also Rises for a library book group and then start 1984 for next month's book club discussion!