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What are you reading at the moment?
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Jane Eyre. My daughter has got it as a set text for A level so I'm reading it with her. Funny, it's one of my favourite books but I'd forgotten how difficult it is to read - there're colons and semicolons galore and I'm having to google some of the words! I don't remember it being that hard when I read it as a child. (Think I had an abridged version) 
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Quote by CellarDoor
A few days ago I finished "Bright Shiny Morning" by James Frey and yesterday I made a last minute trip to the book store and picked up 2 new ones - "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen and "The Lucky One" by Nicholas Sparks.
Anyone read any of these before? Any thoughts/critiques?
I read Water for Elephants a while back for book group and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I'm currently re-reading the Poldark books by Winston Graham. Just wonderful. History heaven!
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Quote by Welshdreamer42
Jane Eyre. My daughter has got it as a set text for A level so I'm reading it with her. Funny, it's one of my favourite books but I'd forgotten how difficult it is to read - there're colons and semicolons galore and I'm having to google some of the words! I don't remember it being that hard when I read it as a child. (Think I had an abridged version)
Yeah, I have to read it every couple of years for students. Just trudge through it!
Helen, if your daughter needs any notes or quotes as a help please just give me a shout!
Kaiju-adjacent
Quote by gillianleeza
Rereading "World War Z" by Max Brooks. Love the book but hated the movie adaptation.
[img][/img]
LOVED this book. Loved that it was an oral history, so they were just telling the story. Yes, the movie was awful, and threw away everything good about the book.
About to finish Megan Abbot's Give Me Your Hand. Suburban noir. Excellent thriller about two women and a shared secret (or two).
Fire and Ice - A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words competition, first place
Monster - Survivor competition, first place
Quote by curvygaloreQuote by Welshdreamer42
Jane Eyre. My daughter has got it as a set text for A level so I'm reading it with her. Funny, it's one of my favourite books but I'd forgotten how difficult it is to read - there're colons and semicolons galore and I'm having to google some of the words! I don't remember it being that hard when I read it as a child. (Think I had an abridged version)
Yeah, I have to read it every couple of years for students. Just trudge through it!
Helen, if your daughter needs any notes or quotes as a help please just give me a shout!
I'll take you up on that as soon as she starts analysing the text properly. Thank you
Quote by gillianleeza
Rereading "World War Z" by Max Brooks. Love the book but hated the movie adaptation.
[img][/img]
Quote by verbal
LOVED this book. Loved that it was an oral history, so they were just telling the story. Yes, the movie was awful, and threw away everything good about the book.
About to finish Megan Abbot's Give Me Your Hand. Suburban noir. Excellent thriller about two women and a shared secret (or two).
I also loved this book. The scale of it is pretty incredible. I really liked how he showed the perspective from many different countries and that it covered so many facets of life that would be affected by a zombie outbreak.
I thought the movie was OK, maybe a 6/10. I just wish they would have called it anything else because it's not an adaptation of the book.
Apparently, they are making a sequel with David Fincher attached to direct. I'll believe it when I see a trailer, but that has the potential of being really cool. His movies are typically awesome.
I really wish HBO or Netflix would pick up the book rights and make a 10 episode miniseries that's a proper book adaptation.
*
I've never read Megan Abbot, but I like a good thriller. That's what I usually go to for airport or beach reading.
I just started Horns by Joe Hill. I really liked the movie, but I wish I had read the book first.
I might read Sharp Objects next, but I kinda want to re-read the Haunting of Hill House before I start the show.
Crazy old ape
I read about 2/3 of World War Z back when it first came out. Not a huge fan of the carnivorous zombie genre but Brooks did a decent job of it. Forget why I didn't finish. Possibly life interrupted.
I've been dancing around books recently, but the one I am definitely going to finish is The Flame, Leonard Cohen's final collection. It includes poems, sketches, selections from his notebooks and some other bits and bobs. The book was planned before his death and Cohen had basically finished a lot of the work of selecting items and had even arranged the poetry section but died before it was finished so a pair of editors and his son Adam finished the work.
I've been dancing around books recently, but the one I am definitely going to finish is The Flame, Leonard Cohen's final collection. It includes poems, sketches, selections from his notebooks and some other bits and bobs. The book was planned before his death and Cohen had basically finished a lot of the work of selecting items and had even arranged the poetry section but died before it was finished so a pair of editors and his son Adam finished the work.
Halloween looms and my annual story is here. Is it a trick? Or a treat? Let me know.
Quote by Mendalla
I read about 2/3 of World War Z back when it first came out. Not a huge fan of the carnivorous zombie genre but Brooks did a decent job of it. Forget why I didn't finish. Possibly life interrupted.
I've been dancing around books recently, but the one I am definitely going to finish is The Flame, Leonard Cohen's final collection. It includes poems, sketches, selections from his notebooks and some other bits and bobs. The book was planned before his death and Cohen had basically finished a lot of the work of selecting items and had even arranged the poetry section but died before it was finished so a pair of editors and his son Adam finished the work.
If you ever do return to it, consider checking out the audio book. Since there are so many characters, it's read by a really awesome cast: Nathan Fillion, Jeri Ryan, Mark Hamill, Simon Pegg, and more.
I just finished reading Milkman, by Anna Burns, which was awarded the Man Booker prize two weeks ago. It is an enthralling epic, and put me in mind of Homer's Iliad in many ways. It takes place in an unnamed city (which is actually Belfast), in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The narrator is a young woman of eighteen, who navigates the complexities of life in that time and place, the complex rules of her community, and she also endures being stalked by the eponymous Milkman of the title. No-one is given a proper name, but instead the characters are named and delineated by their relationships to the narrator, or she to them. This gives rise to "first sister", "wee sisters", "longest childhood friend from elementray school", "maybe-boyfriend", and so on.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but then, what is? It is well worth reading, in my opinion.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but then, what is? It is well worth reading, in my opinion.
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Now starting to read God Is An Englishman by R. F. Delderfield. I read it years ago and just felt like getting engrossed in a thumping good story again. It's the most enjoyable novel about commerce in Britain in the mid 19th century. Sounds rather boring, I suppose. Anyway, I got pleasure out of it once upon a time. I will again, I'm sure.
I'm about halfway through 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' by Eric Idel of 'Monty Python's Flying Circus, fame. It's sorta his version of a memoir/autobio and is LOL funny in many places. Idel is the 'reader' on the audio version which is, therefore, highly recommended.
It happened at a church summer camp so it must be true, right? ;)
OF WAR, AND PEACE, AND MARY BETH: my contest winner, honest
For Whom the Good Tolls an 'RR' and it's short, no kidding[/url]
OF WAR, AND PEACE, AND MARY BETH: my contest winner, honest
For Whom the Good Tolls an 'RR' and it's short, no kidding[/url]
Crazy old ape
After watching Castlevania on Netflix and a discussion with DamonX of the other place, I am re-reading Bram Stoker's Dracula. It's in my top 10, probably top 5, novels of all time and I haven't read it through in probably a decade or more. Nice to re-engage with an old friend (even if he does have fangs and wants to suck my blood) and noticing some little character details that I had forgotten over the years. It's a much better, more nuanced piece of fiction than someone only familiar with the various media adaptations might realize. Not to diss those. There are very few Dracula adaptations that I don't like to at least some degree.
Castlevania, by the way, has very little to do with Stoker's novel, though its portrayal of Count Dracula seems more informed by the novel than some straight-up adaptations. It is, however, an excellent piece of horror/dark fantasy, surprising given that it's a videogame adaptation, which are usually terrible.
Castlevania, by the way, has very little to do with Stoker's novel, though its portrayal of Count Dracula seems more informed by the novel than some straight-up adaptations. It is, however, an excellent piece of horror/dark fantasy, surprising given that it's a videogame adaptation, which are usually terrible.
Halloween looms and my annual story is here. Is it a trick? Or a treat? Let me know.
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Quote by Mendalla
After watching Castlevania on Netflix and a discussion with DamonX of the other place, I am re-reading Bram Stoker's Dracula. It's in my top 10, probably top 5, novels of all time and I haven't read it through in probably a decade or more. Nice to re-engage with an old friend (even if he does have fangs and wants to suck my blood) and noticing some little character details that I had forgotten over the years. It's a much better, more nuanced piece of fiction than someone only familiar with the various media adaptations might realize. Not to diss those. There are very few Dracula adaptations that I don't like to at least some degree.
Castlevania, by the way, has very little to do with Stoker's novel, though its portrayal of Count Dracula seems more informed by the novel than some straight-up adaptations. It is, however, an excellent piece of horror/dark fantasy, surprising given that it's a videogame adaptation, which are usually terrible.
I had not realized that they made a movie of Castlevania. I only knew it at a video game from my kids. I will check it out.
I reread Dracula periodically too. It is one of my all-time favorite books. Because of that, I have watched most of the adaptions made. I recently rewatched the movie with Gary Oldman.
I am reading The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. I have read all of his books but could never get into the Dark Tower series. I'm giving it another go and have just finished the first.
I enjoyed it so I am on to the next.
Crazy old ape
Quote by gillianleeza
I had not realized that they made a movie of Castlevania. I only knew it at a video game from my kids. I will check it out.
Series, actually. 4 episode first season and 8 episode second season. I'm halfway through the latter.
Quote by gillianleeza
I recently rewatched the movie with Gary Oldman.
Been thinking about that as well. Netflix Canada has it up right now. I remember being blown away by it in the theatre back when it came out and watched it a couple times since. It diverges wildly from Stoker on a couple points but is very faithful on some others (Dracula's changing apparent age, for instance).
Quote by gillianleeza
I am reading The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. I have read all of his books but could never get into the Dark Tower series. I'm giving it another go and have just finished the first.
I loved the early novels but fizzled out about halfway through. The completion of the series happened when I was a new parent and very busy with life in general so I never finished Wizard and Glass (fourth book).
Halloween looms and my annual story is here. Is it a trick? Or a treat? Let me know.
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reading myth adventure books. they are very funny.
You can't get there from here, because when you get there you're still here and here is now there.
Crazy old ape
About to plunge into God Can't by Thomas Jay Oord for a book study group on another forum. It's about the problem of evil and how viewing God differently can resolve it.
Halloween looms and my annual story is here. Is it a trick? Or a treat? Let me know.
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Reading. Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke. It's a fun cozy murder mystery that has recipes tucked in it here and there for fun desserts . it's #22 in a series of 24 books ... Books 23 &24 just came out the last couple months and my library doesn't have them yet.. It's a great series based in a small Minnesota town and the main character owns a bakery/coffee shop and always find mischief and mysteries
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I'm re-reading Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman ahead of binge-watching the new series on Amazon.
Crazy old ape
Just finished Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero. It's riffing on teen detectives with a special focus on Scooby Doo (where the title comes from). Basically, a Scooby gang-like group of kids (and one dog), now grown up, who used to solve mysteries reunites when they start to realize that their last case may be much deeper and darker than the original mundane solution. Combines Scooby Doo with H. P. Lovecraft in a very entertaining bit of storytelling. Even has a well-played lesbian romance as a subplot.
Still reading Jade War by Fonda Lee. Part two of her Greenbones trilogy, it continues the story begun in her previous novel Jade City. Basically, it's a Godfather-esque tale of the family that leads a powerful underworld clan in a faux-Asian setting, but combined with magical martial arts powered by jade. They are at war with another clan that is determined to finish them off and control the jade supply for their own benefit. Lee is both a crime novel aficionado and a practicing martial artist so she nails both elements perfectly. This novel has had a couple "holy crap, did she really write that?" moments already and I'm only at the halfway point.
Still reading Jade War by Fonda Lee. Part two of her Greenbones trilogy, it continues the story begun in her previous novel Jade City. Basically, it's a Godfather-esque tale of the family that leads a powerful underworld clan in a faux-Asian setting, but combined with magical martial arts powered by jade. They are at war with another clan that is determined to finish them off and control the jade supply for their own benefit. Lee is both a crime novel aficionado and a practicing martial artist so she nails both elements perfectly. This novel has had a couple "holy crap, did she really write that?" moments already and I'm only at the halfway point.
Halloween looms and my annual story is here. Is it a trick? Or a treat? Let me know.
Story Moderator
The Institute by Stephen King
I haven't started this one yet but hopefully will make a dent in it next week.
I haven't started this one yet but hopefully will make a dent in it next week.
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I'm also reading "The Body" A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson. I love his take on various subjects.
Crazy old ape
Quote by philliptennyson
Currently, I'm reading The History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell. A great book. It starts from the Ancient times and covers every major era of our history. Also, he explains complicated things, so you can understand them easily.
Failed to comment on this before. One of my best friends back in high school and university was obsessed with Russell (mostly because of Russell's views on religion). I have a copy of History... that the friend gave me. Never read all the way through, but have read parts that interested me.
Halloween looms and my annual story is here. Is it a trick? Or a treat? Let me know.
Primus Omnium
The book I am in the middle of at this moment is a collection of short fiction mysteries by Rex Stout. Each story was published separately but the four were collected and have been published together in several formats over the years. This volume is a paperback version.
It has the usual suspects, including Nero Wolfe, Archie Goodwin, Theodore Horstmann, Fritz Brenner, Inspector Kramer, Sgt. Purley Stebbins, and Saul Panzer. Other regulars are also on display. It is always a fun read. I believe I have read this book perhaps five or six times over the years.
It has the usual suspects, including Nero Wolfe, Archie Goodwin, Theodore Horstmann, Fritz Brenner, Inspector Kramer, Sgt. Purley Stebbins, and Saul Panzer. Other regulars are also on display. It is always a fun read. I believe I have read this book perhaps five or six times over the years.
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Picked up John Grisham's lastest The Guardian.. When I was at the library recently. It is pretty good I'm about 30 pages in. It's in line with is usual legal theme .
I'm excited to see what happens next
I'm excited to see what happens next
My Competition Story : 💜 Milly's Adventure https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/childrens/millys-adventure-2