Constant Reader discussion

Let's have another month of good reading and great discussions!

As for my own reading, I'm still only halfway through The Marriage Plot, so as sometimes happens it will be a while before I make any comments there.

Will be interested to hear what you think, Philip. I return to teaching tomorrow, and the next two and a half months will be a whirlwind of special events and more physical therapy. Not so much reading time, I'm afraid. The past week and a half has been so wonderful. Finished The Stranger's Child and read How it All Began by Penelope Lively. It doesn't seem complex as Consequences or The Photograph, but I love the way she develops the sense both of an era and of characters. I was rooting for so many of these characters. Now am reading The Language of Flowers for a book group. Don't really believe in the main character. While there is a tragic background to the story, the plot feels thin, almost fanciful. It's not moving me the way it moved others in my group. Has anyone else read this book? Next it's The Family Fang. I gave it to my son for Christmas and he thinks it's weirdly wonderful.

I just finished a fantastic book The Whale Song (School Edition) by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

I began listening to The Secret Scripture last night - the narrator's heavy Irish accent means I'll really have to pay attention!

Another one down (31 to go in this batch!)-- Perfection: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal . I LOVE the cover. I liked the book and imagine it must have been incredibly cathartic to write. The only thing I'm not sold on is the extent to which the author seems intent on hanging on to the things that happened to her, and measuring herself against them. I suspect it's largely due to how recently the events had happened to her when she wrote this but I hope for her sake she grows into the ability to shed some of their influence.

I'm nearing the close of THE DEATH OF THE HEART by Elizabeth Bowen, which I've been loving. Must finish by Tues. for my face-to-face book group discussion. Meanwhile, I've started THE STRANGER'S CHILD which is also delicious. It's such a treat to be reading two such pleasurable books at the same time.

The Death of the Heart was quite well done as an audiobook, especially the voices of the housekeeper Matchett, and the petulant girl at the seaside.

Thought I might start Loving Frank, but I just found my copy of The Death of the Heart , so I might start that instead.

Kat, I'll look for Death of the Heart. I loved The Stranger's Child, so I'm hoping I'll like Bowen as well.

I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added.

Another one down. (30 to go in this batch!) April 1865: The Month That Saved America . 4 stars.

A change of pace with a little nonfiction: Franklin and Eleanor: An Extraordinary Marriage I'm enjoying the readability of this, and have known so little about this family.

Next up is Caleb's Crossing

Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

That book really held my attention, Kitty. I'll be anxious to know what you thought of it when you finish.

Happy Reading! :)

G wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

That book really held my attentio..."

I am flying through it. It certainly is holding my attention. I don't know how much is truth or fiction, but she tells a good story with an authentic feel to it.

Finished and would highly recommend That Tiny Insane Voluptuousness. Poetry, but not nearly as staid and studied and precious as the stuff that word is usually attached to. I did a brief review of it if you want to know more.

I've begun listening to the audio of The Secret Scripture for next month's discussion. Protaginist's heavy Irish accent means I really have to pay attention!

I read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Closethis morning. Ended up reading quickly and skimming a bit. Not at all glossing over the importance of 9/11 or losing a father, and I didn't think the book was bad, but it was just a little too precious for my taste, and the only surprise was the renter.

Geoff wrote: "Finished and would highly recommend That Tiny Insane Voluptuousness. Poetry, but not nearly as staid and studied and precious as the stuff that word is usually attached to. I did a brief review o..."

I read your review and am intrigued, Geoff. Thank you.

Sara mentioned the new hotness, Fifty Shades of Gray, in the previous thread, but it closed before I could comment. We've been discussing this book in another venue, and the struggling writer in me is feeling pretty stabby about it.

Two facts:

1. The author is first and foremost a PR person, so clearly she knows how to market herself.

2. Fifty Shades of Gray was originally written as Twilight fan fiction -- an S&M "reimaging" of how Edward and Bella are united. Those who have read both say the published book is essentially the same as the fanfic (called "Master of the Universe"), with the names replaced. And apparently it makes Twilight seem like Cormac McCarthy.

So yeah, grrrrrr.

Barbara, I found one of the authors of Voluptuousness (Kathleen Rooney) on Goodreads; she's got a pretty interesting library and has started her own press (though this book isn't self-published).

Jane wrote: "Will be interested to hear what you think, Philip. I return to teaching tomorrow, and the next two and a half months will be a whirlwind of special events and more physical therapy. Not so much re..."

Jane:
Our book stars are aligned! I have fairly recently read How it All Began, The Family Fang and The Language of Flowers. I ended up abandoning How It All Began fairly early on. It was ok but I was not gripped by it and there were lots of more exciting books calling to me from my TBR pile. She does make you root for odd characters though!

As for Language of Flowers, it was not a book I would have ever picked up if not for a recommendation from someone who I normally agree with on books. It took a little while for me to root for the heroine, but once I did, I was totally hooked. I liked how out of the mainstream the main character was.

And Family Fang for me was a lot of fun. Creepy and odd but fun.

I was away most of March but happy to report on some good books that I think most CRs would like:

Before I Go to Sleep - a psychological thriller, very much like Memento, but very well done.

A Good American - a family saga sweeping the 20th century told with a lot of middle America truth and humor.

The Darlings: A Novel - Great escapist fun, basically a Madoff type story set in present day NYC. The author knows this world well and gets all the details just right.

And lastly, though I am not yet finished, I am devouring and loving The Starboard Sea: A Novel. Hoping nothing kooky happens at the end to make me fall out of love with this one. I have been canceling plans to dive into bed early with this one - when was the last time you read something that made you do that??

The Starboard Sea looks interesting. I've put it on the TBR.

Peggy wrote: "Sara mentioned the new hotness, Fifty Shades of Gray, in the previous thread, but it closed before I could comment. We've been discussing this book in another venue, and the struggling write..."

well, and after all, Twilight is positively Dickensian. Gray sounds just awful, and I stand with you, Peggy, as another struggling writer who cares about actual writing!

Lyn wrote: "I read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Closethis morning. Ended up reading quickly and skimming a bit. Not at all glossing over the importance of 9/11 or losing a father, and I didn't t..."

Totally agree. I thought the changing typeface and illustrations were just SCREAMING "look how clever I am!" ARRGGH

Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

I can't do that-- read them by date added. My TBR is all full of books I think I want to read SOMETIME, but not necessarily NEXT. Or in any specific order. Kudos to you if your self-discipline is that well-developed or your mind is that orderly!

Jennifer wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

I can't do that-- read them by da..."

Jennifer , I said I should, but I won't. LOL!

I am about three fourths the way done. I find Frank L.Wright a fascinating person.

Jennifer wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

I can't do that-- read them by da..."

I'm with you, Jennifer. It's random is as random does with my TBR mountain.

Bridge of Sighs
Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Bought these two today at The Friends of the Library.

Kitty, you are in for a treat with both BRIDGE OF SIGHS and CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN - I loved them both.

Kitty wrote: "I find Frank L.Wright a fascinating person..."

He was a real SOB.

Ruth wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I find Frank L.Wright a fascinating person..."

He was a real SOB."

Yes he was egotistical, cheap and a real p**ck. But such talent, I think.

I will start When We Were Orphans tonight or tomorrow..

Barbara wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Finished and would highly recommend That Tiny Insane Voluptuousness. Poetry, but not nearly as staid and studied and precious as the stuff that word is usually attached to. I did a ..."

I am curious about 50 shades but it is sold out everywhere inc barnes and noble and target I guess that is good marketing. Everyone has been talking about this book.

I just finished In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower today and will take a break from Proust for a bit (let's hope I can return to him!) and finally try Loving Frank.

Kitty, I hope you enjoy the Ishiguro! I'm not so patiently waiting for several of his other works to be made available on the Kindle or Audible.

Ruth wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I find Frank L.Wright a fascinating person..."

He was a real SOB."

Completely. But interesting.

Gods in Alabama – Joshilyn Jackson
Audio book performed by Catherine Taber
3.5***

Arlene Fleet lived up to her name when she fled Possett Alabama for Chicago as soon as she graduated high school. She’s lived up to her bargain with God – she will not lie, fornicate or return to Alabama, as long as He keeps the body of the man she killed hidden. Now she’s being pressured by her African American tax attorney boyfriend to introduce him to the family. She loves Burr, but her family members are racist Southern Baptists, and of course there’s the issue of the missing high school quarterback - even after ten years, people still wonder. She’s avoided her family all this time, but when former high school nemesis, Rose Mae Lolley, shows up unexpectedly asking questions about Jim Beverly, Arlene and Burr have to return to Alabama so she can reinforce her alibi.

I have to admit I was engaged and fascinated by the thought processes of the teen-age (and “adult”) Arlene. Assumptions are flung around by everyone, leading even the principle players astray. I was sure I had it figured out, only to be surprised – not once, but twice.

This is a fun, quick Southern gothic read. Jackson doesn’t dwell for long on the dark side – thank God, because it is pretty dark. Instead she gives the reader plenty of diversions as Arlene and her cousin (practically sister) Clarice Lukey wend their way through high school and young adulthood.

Catherine Taber does a great job performing the audio book. Her southern accent is spot on perfect. Her pacing is brisk enough to maintain suspense and interest, but slow enough to allow the reader to absorb it all. My only quibble with the audio is the totally unnecessary use of background music to set the scene. I really do not need “spooky” music as a background to the darker scenes in order to understand the setting and importance of what is happening. Lost ½ star there.

That sounds fun, BC. I'll see if my library has it.

Jennifer wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

I can't do that-- read them by da..."

This is a whole topic unto itself. I can't do it either, Jennifer.

Kitty wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

I can't do that-..."

Me, too, Kitty. Did you read T.C. Boyle's The Women?

Dottie wrote: "Kitty wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

I..."

Yes, I liked it. I like historical novels. Or novels about figures in history.


I did startWhen We Were Orphans it has started out with great promise.

Ruth wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I find Frank L.Wright a fascinating person..."

He was a real SOB."

I see there is some agreement with my response to this -- yes, he was an interesting -- fascinating even - SOB.

Sherry wrote: " That sounds fun, BC. I'll see if my library has it."

This was my first Joshilyn Jackson novel, though I've had her on my radar (and my tbr) for quite a while.

Others (Kitty, Jennifer, etc) have mentioned how difficult it is to get those books off the tbr.
A group I belong to over on shelfari.com had a game that began at the beginning of the year. Each participant made up a gameboard of 100 spaces; you put titles from your TBR in each space (you could repeat a title up to 4 times). Then you rolled two dice and advanced to that space on your "board" - that's the next book you read. I had Gods in Alabama listed more than once, and my dice throw FINALLY landed me on it at space #98! I've completed the official game now, but have made another "board" of my own with those titles I didn't get to .... I think I'm just going to read them in the order in which I listed them ... then again, the surprise of the dice throw was kind of nice ...

Book Concierge wrote: "Sherry wrote: " That sounds fun, BC. I'll see if my library has it."

This was my first Joshilyn Jackson novel, though I've had her on my radar (and my tbr) for quite a while.

Others (Kitty, J..."

That sounds like fun

My library did have the Jackson novel in audio and it was immediately available. As soon as I finish the Maisie Dobbs I'm listening to, I'll do that one.

I'm reading A Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome and One Man's Quest to Be a Better Husband. Food for thought for any marriage. And some of the stories are very very funny.

Here's my review of So Many Ways to Begin, a book whose beautiful writing, fine characterization and interesting structure and underlying philosophy I think imakes it worthy of a group read. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...

Kitty wrote: "G wrote: "Kitty wrote: "I chose Loving Frank first. It has been in my to be read pile forever. I should organize my books on hand ,to be read by date added."

That book really held m..."

Kitty, most of the events really happened. Of course she had to make up the conversations, the detailed emotions, etc.

I know when I bought it, right after it came out, I read it the same afternoon and evening, it was so interesting.

Let me know what you think of the ending. I don't want to spoil it if you haven't finished yet.

I agree, Ruth, he was an SOB. Enormous talent, but not a nice person at all.

I finished up A Good Man in Africa by William Boyd. It was hilarious and so well written.

I'm reading The Secret Scripture, which I doubt I would've had it not been selected for a group read here. Don't want to comment too much, so I'll say that the audio version is well-narrated.

Also reading Beaten, Seared, and Sauced: On Becoming a Chef at the Culinary Institute of America, which I'm liking better than the low expectations going into the book.

John wrote: "I'm reading The Secret Scripture, which I doubt I would've had it not been selected for a group read here. Don't want to comment too much, so I'll say that the audio version is well-..."

It looks good, John.