pontalba

Thanks Gaia, I've started The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Elizabeth George. So far, so good.

I've put A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra down. I don't foresee finishing this book. It is beautifully written, but unremittingly depressing. One horror after the other, from citizens dragged from their homes in the night to graphic descriptions of limb amputations. I know these things happened, do happen, and will happen. I just don't want to read about it. I read 36% of it, that's more than enough of a chance, imo.

The shoe has dropped! I woke up to a gray, drizzled day, with a tornado watch. /agh/. P.S. just heard thunder......

I really enjoy the way you structure your reviews, Gaia. You give The how and why of your thought processes. That's neat.

s Hah! Well, re Shakespeare, I freely admit, and confess.......me too! Love Mr. Stink! Great reviews, ian!

Thanks Gaia! Muggle, hope if you do, you enjoy it. .

I think it's Spring Time here. Gorgeous. Sunny. Mild. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop........

Finished The Night Manager, a definite 5/5, and have restarted A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra.

I finished The Night Manager by John LeCarre last night, its definitely a 5/5. The story begins with a man, a very precise man, acting as a Night Manager of a hotel. But he is much more than that, he has a bit of a checkered past with the Army and has certain loyalties and qualities that serve him well in the book. There is a woman, of course, there always is. Her fate hurtles him into a hunt for justice that takes him to and beyond his physical, emotional and psychological bounds. The story takes the reader from Egypt, to Switzerland to the deepest jungles of a certain South American land. Stopping on the way in England and Ireland for a legend (cover story created for a spy). The recent film series made of it followed the book quite closely in most respects. The book contains more in depth characterization, more detail of course. Although I have to say the actors managed to project the same vibes as the book. The ending is quite different though. The film version is more.....action packed. Both equally satisfying in their own way. Still, when all is said and done, I'll always love the Smiley books more than any other LeCarre's. Just because.

No, neither as of yet. Even though I have them on the shelf. My husband has read Pale Fire and enjoyed it, I can't remember if he's read Ada or Ardor yet though. I've only read 12 or 13 of Nabokov's books, I'd decided to begin at the beginning and read through in order after I'd read Lolita. It's interesting to do it in that manner, it shows the progression of his art beautifully. I can also recommend Brian Boyd's books on Nabokov, Vladimir Nabokov: The Russian Years, and Vladimir Nabokov: The American Years. Absolutely fascinating, covers all of VN's books, and his life. Boyd is probably THE expert on Nabokov. Well worth the reading.

Started and finished A Death in Sweden by Kevin Wignall, 4/5. Good spy story. Also have gotten about 2/3rds of the way through The Night Manager by John LeCarre. Good stuff.

Ben, very sorry that Life has upended for you. I hope everything will be better for you asap. Sending the bestest of wishes your way. Take care and do try to keep in touch as you are able. People here care about your welfare.

ahhhh, one of my all time favorites! Good man!

Agree re OA, we watched the first few eps, and stopped. Loved Fringe! We watched a series called The Investigator: A British Crime Story. It was good, if drawn out, but I wish it had been more conclusive. Also watched a film called Trespass with Nicholas Cage and Nichol Kidman. Very exciting.

And the winner is......... Yes, Lolita was banned. This Rough Magic was a wonderful book, love Mary Stewart! I'd probably not care for it now, but read it when it first came out. I was working at a Law Firm at the time and read it at my desk...cried like a baby. oy I read it when it came out, and saw the film. All I remember of the film is Patty Duke being in it. I've actually recently bought another copy of the book and want to reread it. (thanks frankie!)

Thanks guys! It's true, but we do appreciate each others reading habits. That's important. And....yays! I've finished The Long Surrender by Burke Davis. A 5/5 value, for sure! Burke Davis is one of the historians that is able to make history interesting, and tell it in a sometimes non-linear fashion that satisfies. This is the story of Confederate President Jefferson Davis's long journey to surrender, and his final acceptance of that fate. General Lee had already surrendered at Appomattox, it was obvious to all that the War was lost to the South. But Davis still had hopes of running a war from Texas or Mexico, and finally winning. This book is the story of his long journey, both physical and emotional to capture and acceptance. We learn of his cabinet members fates, his family and supporters as well. The book talks about how the War was actually fought over States Rights, not slavery as purported by many. I can't put my finger on it atm, but there is a quote to the effect that with good Congressional debate the War could have been avoided all together. I've heard that before, and I believe it. Most of the men "in charge" really didn't want a war, they wanted peaceful resolution, but the hotheads took over. That's hotheads in both the North and the South. Recommended.

Love this........ Welcome, and Happy Reading Year!

A belated Happy Reading Year! Your book mojo is doing just fine, I see. Interesting lists up front, good luck with all of it. I have some on the shelves around here in common. I like your method of reviewing. I agree, sometimes ya just don't feel like it. Or the book doesn't warrant, for whatever reason, a full going over. Thumbnails are fine. . I know I've slacked off quite a bit.

Flu twice! Yikes....hope it goes away (soon), and stays away this time. Sending good vibes your way!

Wow! Can I just say Wow!

Crazy! Have switched from a/c to heat and back a couple of times. We had three nights in a row of well below freezing temps, then rain, rain, rain. It's been nice the last few days, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Fortunately we are not near any of the rivers around here, they are all getting above flood stage.

Happily I have finished The Greatest Knight by Thomas Asbridge. A wonderfully told true account of William the Marshall. Based on a manuscript/history from only a few years after his death in 1219, it manages to bring Marshall to life beautifully. Definitely a 4/5. Also finished The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson. A twisted, twisty tale of the most appealing psychopath. When I began the story, I imagined one sort of twist, and happily I was wrong! There were several twists, very nicely done. 4/5

The Cardinal by Henry Morton Robinson. Hmmm never heard of it! Neat list.

We watched a bit of a strange film the other day. The Penitant Man starring Lance Henriksen. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1528813/ Reviewers called it somewhat dull, and in a way I agree.....but it held my interest, and is sticking with me. Enough so that we are going to watch it again. For nuance sake.

Interesting lists, James! Some I haven't even heard of, so good luck with them all. And a very happy and productive reading year to you!