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I just finished The Indifferent Stars Above. I've hit my quota for cannibalism books this year.
Finished Horse. Started I’m Glad My Mom Died.
Need some uplit next!
Started Into The Dark (2/9 YA) by Claudia Gray
I plan on reading the bulk of this on a vacation coming up. As far as the High Republic novel series goes, this is a must-read for Star Wars fans. While Disney doesn't do much good for Star Wars, this is what they did right.
Finished: 秃秃大王 by 张天翼
Certainly the most gruesome children's book I've ever read. In fact the most gruesome book I've read full stop, although it's not graphic as such.
Started:
Atmospheric Disturbances by Rivka Galchen
Someone here mentioned it. Looks like an interesting first-person exploration of insanity, which isn't something I've read before.
城南舊事 by 林海音
China doesn't seem to have as strong a tradition as English of children's books with well-written prose, but this seems pretty decent. It's a series of short stories about life in Republican Era Beijing, seen through the eyes of a child. There's a lot of literature from that era I want to read so it's a nice book to work towards that goal.
IDK if it's weird to talk about foreign language books here but I didn't find anything in the sidebar saying the sub is exclusively for English books so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Just finished “The Chai House” great book.
I finished and epic poetry book called "Broken Little Pieces New Tales from The Baron" and wow! This book blew my mind! The poetry was so moving and profound I wish everyone reading this went on Amazon and got a copy so I can hear others reactions as well.
Finished Words Of Radiance yesterday - I really enjoyed Way of Kings but this was on a whole nother level.
I can't believe it took me so long to be convinced to start reading Stormlight.
finished the white nights by dostoevsky and honestly i dont get the hype
Finished: Maame (4/5) Magpie Murders (3/5), Bad Muslim Discount (4/5), Remarkably Bright Creatures (2/5)
Started: Tom Lake, The Hearts Invisible Furies, The Sixth Extinction.
Finished: The Power Broker, The Fall of New York by Robert Caro.
It was a massive undertaking to complete the 1200 pages. Highly recommend. Only took me 6 months. But my second 1000+ page book! Would love more recommendations for 1000+ biographies. Cant Get enough.
Finished “Kenobi” by John Jackson Miller
Started “Mentats of Dune” by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Finished: The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. I liked it in the beginning. It was sad the boys were stuck on the island but I had faith they'd be rescued and would live happily. To avoid spoilers... I'll just say, I now hate this book. Others might like it, but my hatred for one character in particular has instilled a deep sense of hatred. I didn't even know I could hate anyone this badly. Thinking about the book makes me instantly glare now. The ending was sad for me, I never got the justice that I wanted certain characters to have. It's definitely not your typical hero vs villain story where the hero wins and has good ending.
Thank you for avoiding spoilers :)
Started The Black Ice, by Michael Connelly. The second book in the Harry Bosch series.
Finished: The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck (paperback), Shogun (Part One), by James Clavell (audio book)
Started: The Stand, by Stephen King (unabridged 48 hr. audiobook)
I was let down by Shogun, enough so that I won't bother slogging through part two. The first few hours had me gripped but the last few I had to force myself through. Beside the political intrigue, which I found boring, some of the random details of the book are just plain weird (boners, flatulence, skinny dipping, magnified nipple hair). The fact that some of these oddities are repeated seem to be more than just mere redundancies. Sorry if that comes across as prudish but certain details left me wondering why, in a book so large and complicated, is that information necessary? Perhaps Blackthorne's massive erection is crude foreshadowing? Either way I don't care to find out. I can appreciate a build up to a climatic ending but the juice doesn't seem to be worth the squeeze, at least for my tastes. I can see why others like it though. It's epic and the voice acting in the audio version is well done, especially given the number of characters.
The Grapes of Wrath was incredibly moving and Steinbeck remains the favorite writer of my recently rekindled love of reading. East of Eden was the first and only other book by J.S. that I've read thus far and I thought it would always be my favorite. However, the message in Grapes is more compelling in my opinion and will likely be my favorite of his.
I'm already looking forward to reading Grapes a second time now that I have a sense of the theme. I don't think I can comment on it after a first reading other than to say how perfectly the ending encapsulated the messages expressed by Casy, Tom and Ma. Our sense of humanity is the most precious possession we have. That was my take away.
I'm looking forward to The Stand. I haven't read King since my teens (I read many of his books) and have forgotten what a good story teller he is. It more than makes up for his lack of prose (we can't all be Steinbeck after all) though he does have his moments. King's "real talk" diolauge is highly quotable. "Shit on a land mine." is one I'm stealing.
I like to listen to story driven audio books for my more monotonous days at work. Perhaps this is where I went wrong with Shogun which is dialogue heavy and demands a reader's full attention to appreciate the subtitles of state craft playing out. I may continue with more Steinbeck at night. No need to explain to this group why. I'm considering Lonesome Dove too.
Started
Futuromania - Simon Reynolds
The Morning After The Revolution - Nellie Bowles
Finished
Corey Fah Does Social Mobility - Isabel Waidner
Finished: Annihilation, by Jeff Vandermeer, Authority, by Jeff Vandermeer, Acceptance, by Jeff Vandermeer, Ask the Dust, by John Fante
Starting: Nightwood, by Djuna Barnes
The alliteration is appreciated but the lack of alphabetizing isn't.
It's in the sequence of the trilogy (and the subsequent reading order) and then the book I'm now starting. Missed the alliteration and the accounting for my week's reading. Appreciate the call to order, though!
Sorry, just poor grammar humor on my part.
Appreciate the humor I missed :)
I just finished listening to We Always Lived in the Castle.
Finished: What You Are Looking for is in the Library, by Michiko Aoyama
Started: This is How You Lose the Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Just finished: 11/22/63, by Stephen King
Just started: Butcher's Crossing, by John Williams
This Is How You Lose The Time War, Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Short, halfway through it, it is insanely good and so unexpected. I some world build, love deep dives into history but this is fleeting on so many levels. It is amazing.
i finished reading book ,,Hunting Prince Dracula" by Kerii Maniscalco and it was a good book
Bartimaeus(The Golem's Eye), by Jonathan Stroud
I just finished reading the 2nd Batimaeus book(The Golem's Eye), and I feel so...unsatisfied?
I was having a great time with this book and the series, especially Honorious and his shenanigans(my favorite part of the series), and when I started nearing the end, I imagined so much.
I thought that when the traitor would be revealed, and everyone would congratulate Nathaniel, that he would call them out on their hypocrisy.
How they had threatened to torture him, branded him a traitor, said that they never liked him. I thought he would stand up to everyone and assert himself.
And yet...nothing happened. He just went back to being a magician, attended the same parties, except he was richer now. He just...accepted it and that was why this was SOOO infuriating and unsatisfying. After finishing I just felt..empty.
Has anyone else felt like this? I hope this is addressed in the 3rd book, which I'll read, but no spoilers pls.
Well one more thing I'd like to ask, does Jane Farrar appear in the 3rd book too? No spoilers just yes or no, thank you!
One of my favorite book series :) I do think it suffers from middle book syndrome however, as book 2 feels mostly like set up for the third (which happens to be my favorite part). I would encourage you to stick with it though, as that “unsatisfying” feeling is intentional to an extent. Definitely not alone in feeling that way. Also Jane does appear in book 3
This week I finished Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris and Cuentamelo by Julian Delgado Lopera.
Been trying to read a book a week for the last two months. For the first time I didnt finish my first book ‘on time’. I love David Sedaris’s writing style and how absurd he is so I plan to read all his work. I will say this book is less comedic and moreso him greiving his father’s passing. Not a bad book just more serious than his other works that I’ve read.
Cuentamelo is book a bought years ago at City Lights in San Francisco. Its an oral history from various drag queens and trans women who were part of the latinx drag seen in San Francisco during the 80s and 90s. I love reading/learning about the queer latinx history in the US and would recommend it to anyone who’s interested. Its a really short read but what is the best in my opinion is that the book is in English on one side and then the same stories are written in spanish if you turn the book over and start on the opposite end.
Just finished: A Gentleman in Moscow - 5/5
Starting: The Memory Police
Oh man I really enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow although it is an American fantasy of Moscow and the hotel. Still a great story.
Started The Best Way to Bury Your Husband, by Alexia Casale
This Is How You Lose the Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Cladstone
Started and reading The Kill List by Frederick Forsyth
I'm reading Father Brown. It can be challenging, but it's incredibly engaging
Jakob von Gunten by Robert Walser
Home is where the bodies are By Jeneva Rose
Anthropologist on Mars. So good if you're into psych/neuro!
Finished:
Anchored, by Deb Dana
The Ruin, by Dervla McTiernan
The Dutch House, by Ann Patche
Night Sky with Exit Wounds, by Ocean Vuong
Saving Noah, by Lucinda Berry
Getting Unstuck, by Pema Chodron
Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
The Many Lives of Mama Love, by Lara Love Hardin
The Love Prescription, by John & Julie Gottman
Started:
King: A Life, by Jonathan Eig
The Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation, by Damian Duffy & Octavia E. Butler
Wheels of Life, by Andrea Judith
Bodhisattva Mind, by Pema Chodron
The Wisdom Codes, by Gregg Braden
ACT Made Simple, by Russ Harris
Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt
I’ve just started “Hidden Pictures” by Jason Rekulak.
Warbreaker, by Brandon Sanderson
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Beautiful prose, a bit meandering narrative anchored by a big twist which will either lure you in or turn you off. Perfect beach read as it feels like a series of episodes tied together by a theme so you can put it down and pick it up and not feel like you have to re-read to understand where you are or going.
Is there sort of a sub-theme in this thread that if anyone has finished with a great book you can swap with someone else for something in your interest area?????? .... If not can I be timid enough to suggest it???
I read a book last month called "Breaking the sheep's back". It begins with this WA guy's great grandmother, who had 22 children 21 of witch survived, and how they created this state from nothing. But it overlays on top of this tale the reality of the economic corruption of the last 50 years. My description is hopelessly inadequate .... u really have to read this 1.
Born a crime by Trevor Noah
Was this required reading? I ask because it's assigned in some community colleges.
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante.
are you enjoying it ?? it’s on my summer reading list so i’m really curious!!
Incredible. Almost didn’t continue with it because it starts off kinda slow but then I got hooked. it’s very “interior” sort of novel in that a lot of the writing moves through the thoughts and feelings of the main character. Very intimate and accurate depiction of a female friendship that weaves though envy, competition and admiration. Can’t wait to get into the rest of the series.
thanks for your review ! got me even more excited to start it
Johnny Angel by Danielle Steel
Currently reading:
SHELLI: An Android Detective Story Nearish future SF in which an android and a human detective hunt down a android ("synthetic") that has been killing humans.
BREAKING POINT: A Battle of Britain HF novel that has combat scenes and a strong female character who is a mathematician modeling strategy
THE SHADOW OF WAR: A new Jeff Shaara novel about the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Silent Planet trilogy by C.S. Lewis!
The entire trilogy at once? Fascinating series, rich in mythology and philosophy.
I'm finishing up That Hideous Strength right now. Such a good series!
Supposedly The Abolition of Man is a nonfiction take on the same ideas of Hideous Strength, but the beginning is very abstract. It's a tiny book and yet I've seen multiple books written on how to read it!
Interesting! I've been recommended that one so many times but I haven't read it yet. The majority of Lewis' stuff I've read in the past has been fiction, and I feel like the Silent Planet trilogy is unique in that it kind of merges fiction and nonfiction. But I definitely need to read some of his nonfiction–I've heard so many great things!
"The Secret", its very motivating and inspirational books i have ever read.
I read all of them. Yes, every book on the planet. Thank you very much, come again!
Today I am going start reading 'before the coffee gets cold'. From the looks of it , I think this is a quick read. The description looks promising and ,hey , I might get my before-school-opens comfort read.
The Dry Heart by Natalia Ginzburg. AMAZING quick read! its only about 80 pages, can finish it in one sitting. originally in Italian and has been translated, Ginzburg is brilliant
Can you please tell me what it is about and how you felt reading it. I've been trying to find works from authors of different nationalities and I love the fact that it is a quick read.(No spoilers pls)
I started but already gave up on Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll DNF. Meagan Church The Last Carolina Girl started today.
《审查官手记》- O Manual dos Inquisidores
安东尼奥·洛博·安图内斯 (António Lobo Antunes)
The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth
Rainbow revolutions, by Jamie Lawson
The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore
I hated it. 3/4 of the way in, at the plot twist stage, you find out what one of the characters did and I honestly found their actions unforgivable. The author didn't spend any time addressing the aftermath of this decision, when it hurt and affected everyone around that character. I found that to be lazy writing. It felt like the book just ended, and that it she (the author) intended it to be a clean wrap, hallmark type of ending. But that just ENRAGED me. Ugh.
Red Side Story by Jasper FForde
It is the second book in the shades of grey:road to high saffron series.
Honestly one of my favorite authors he has an amazing balance of heart wit and dead pan humor. Of you haven't read the first book shades of grey I highly recommend it. It is so clever and as someone who is color blind I enjoy all the I guess kinda inside jokes about it. The second book has started off great and actually faster paced than the first. Reading the first is a must in order to get where the characters are in the plot and he canin my opinion write women characters well. He is by far one of my favorite authors and his other series are great.
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
Danny , the champion of the world
Started: Omniscient reader viewpoint
Finished: Anxious People
Anxious people by Fredrick Backman?
Yes, the Swedish author
Past tense - LEE CHILD ....he looking for his dads past in NH....getting good more to it then what i said
Continuing Never Lie, Freida McFadden. I'm about 35% in and I think I figured it out already.
Started A man called Ove I have an exam coming up, so taking it slow.
Just finished Anxious People and loved the plot sequence and the backman's way, would you recommend a man called Ove ?
I am 45%-ish through the book. It's funny, heart warming and wholesome. So yes, I recommend it.
Ok, I heard it wasn't as good as anxious people but would give it a try if it's got a similar ring to it.
Finally finished Stone Butch Blues after a 200 page spurt a few weeks ago. Kind of underwhelming?? (don't @ me haha)
Started: Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
Finished: Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
I just finished Armfield's book! A weird one, but I really liked it. And I loved Zevin's book too!
Finding the Armfield one stunningly ominous! :D Addicted! Zevin was great, I had distorted expectations because everyone makes fun of the sex scene wording, but I enjoyed it a lot.
Started and finished : Evil Eye by Etaf Rum
Greta read!
Started and finished Mastering the Rockerfeller Habits
started & finished: Blood Meridian, by Cormac McCarthy
some light reading for bedtime
hahahaha. I need to check this one out again from the library and try again. I think the first time I ran out of time/interest to start it but I've heard its INTENSE
honestly was a little let down by it based on all i'd heard about it beforehand - definitely not lighthearted by any means but the persistence and nonchalance of the brutality is such that it didn't give me any time to dwell on it. if anything the descriptions of the traveling and the barren landscape were way more unrelenting. definitely some wild stuff and atrocities in it but i also just don't get easily put off by books or written stories.