pontalba
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Posts posted by pontalba
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Oh, that's a lovely edition, Gaia. And all the books!
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Even though I bought this book just before the Reading Circle was due to start, I didn't fancy reading it then. So here I am, a year later....better late than never, aye?
I haven't read the thread yet, as I want to answer the questions without being too influenced by other answers.
1- Who was your favourite character? Were there any characters whom you disliked?
All the characters were pretty likeable, but I would have to say Moira and Dwight (who I suppose were the main characters). I liked Moira for always trying to do the right thing by Dwight, and I also liked Dwight for the same reasons (for his loyalty to his family, and also the rules around his job).
2- Was there a particular part you enjoyed more than the rest?
No one part stands out, as I enjoyed it all. I liked how polite and refined everyone was up to the ending, with constant casual comments about 'next year' even though they knew that they weren't going to be around in the next year.
3- Did you like the writing? What did you think of the way the story was told?
Loved the writing......it was so calm and matter-of-fact. There was no mass panic and hysteria, which was such a different approach to any other apocalyptic books I have read. I don't know if this is Shute's usual style but it fit very well.
4- Was this the first book you've read by this author, has it encouraged you to read more?
Yes, and I will certainly read more by him.
5- Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with?
Not at all; I found it interesting how everyone carried on life as usual (aside from towards the end when they did their Grand Prix racing, and it was almost like suicide missions for most of them), but I didn't struggle with it. It seemed to fit very well.
6- Overall, was reading the book an enjoyable experience?
Definitely. I really enjoyed it....much more than I thought I would.
How does Shute's writing style affect the mood of the novel?
As mentioned above, I don't know if his writing style of this novel is typical of the style in his other books, but in a way it helped to just absorb the story as it unfolded, without being distracted by hysteria and dramatics.
Do you think the events of the novel are believable? Do you think the behavior of the characters in the novel is believable? Why or why not?
I think the events are very believable, especially when it was explained how it all unfolded. Not sure about the behaviour of the characters. I think possibly they were in denial, even though they were all closely connected with the research and investigation of the radiations progress, so of all people, they shouldn't have been in denial. I did like how they carried on as normal though, I thought that was an original way of handling it.
Why do you think Shute chose the title On the Beach? What is the significance of this phrase?
Oooh, I have no idea. It was just back from the beach that Moira took the tablets at the end of the story, so maybe that is significant? I don't recall the phrase 'On the beach' being mentioned in the novel, but I could have missed it.
What is the significance of work in the characters' lives?
It's their routine, but for Dwight and Peter it is also a way of moving the story forward. Like finding that the signal was just a fluke because of an ill placed window frame, and also showing how the radiation had affected the other regions to the north, and there really was no hope for them.
How has the definition of sanity changed in the aftermath of the nuclear war?
I don't actually know. Every one seemed sane in that they were calm and collected, but then considering what was happening, maybe that can be seen as insane behaviour.
Definitely better!
I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! It is definitely one of my favorites. Regarding his writing style, yes, I think it's pretty typical of his writing. He tends to be low key and "stiff upper lip", but there is an underlying emotion that the reader is able to hear in it. I've only read, I think, two other of his books. I loved them, although I think I need to reread A Town Like Alice. I loved it when I was young, but not so much several years ago. But, now in retrospect, I think I actually did love it.
And yes, I know how screwy that sounds....... 
As far as their "sanity", I agree with you.....they did seem quite sane. But I don't really think that denoted insanity on their part. It was just a necessary coping system they managed to maintain for the most part. I really liked the way Shute kept on the positive side of things....in light of the events. But he did show that not everyone was coping....a couple of times he spoke of the bars being open all the time, and some sorts of criminal behavior by some people.
And yes, I agree the racing towards the end was a form of suicide. And I don't think anyone could blame them one bit.
I thought the title, was perhaps a take off of the expression 'washed up on the beach'....iow, these people, in the book were not from Australia, and they sort of washed up on the beach as it was the last place to succumb to the radiation. The last bits of civilization as we know it.
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I miss dogmatix. She was a veterinarian who had a thread on here where she would post newspaper articles that she wrote and would also answer questions by forum members regarding animals. She was a delightful person. I am sure some of the old timers remember her.
Dogmatix doesn't post on forums now. She became pregnant, had "twins", and she and her husband moved from North Carolina to Bangor, Maine (home of Stephen King). She did pop in about a year ago and wrote me a PM saying that she lost all desire for posting on forums when a forum friend of hers died.
I miss her too, muggle. She was an interesting person.
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Congratulations on your new books! I have an omnibus of the Oz stories, but I haven't read them yet. I hope you enjoy all your new books (aside from The Silent Wife which you already read, it sounds pretty interesting)
.Thanks, Gaia.
I read the Oz books when I was a child, but we happened upon this copy at Barnes & Noble, on sale. It's the first five of the stories. It's such a lovely copy, I couldn't leave it. It's a hardback copy like this.... http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wizard-of-oz-l-frank-baum/1114704887?ean=9781435153899 And, mine is also yellow, and not the green shown. I don't know why the color difference. -
Glorious! Highs about 80F/26.6C and lows about 60F(ish)/15.5C.
I don't think it can get any better!
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Only ten.........?
OK, here goes.Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Look At the Harlequins! by Vladimir Nabokov
The Untouchable by John Banville
Malevil by Robert Merle
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor
The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino
Outlander (the series) by Diana Gabaldon
Fortune's Favorites (one of the Masters of Rome series) by Colleen McCullough
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I was fairly new to the forum and liked it here and recommended the Forum to a bunch of others that did also join. My memory is slipping but I think some may have been pontalba, paul, sofia, and maybe poppy. There were also maybe 4+ others who are no longer here.
You are correct, as far as that goes, muggle. But I must admit that part of the reason I came over here was that I was curious to see the forum of that lovely person that had told off and banned a /ahem/ certain person.
That was in September of 2006, and I've been here on and off ever since. The last several years a lot more "on". 
I'm happy to have found this forum. It is the only one that I've stuck with, as it's only one of two that doesn't allow rude nonsense as I've seen everywhere else. -
Some new additions:
Brooklyn: An Illustrated History
Birth of a Theorem: A Mathematical Adventure by Cedric Villani
The Blazing World by Siri Hustvedt
The Necessary Death of Lewis Winter by Malcolm Mackay
Every Day by the Sun by Dean Faulkner Wells
Requiem For A Nun by William Faulkner
A King's Ransom by Sharon Kay Penman
Dear Life by Alice Munro
The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
One of Us The Story of Anders Breivik and the Massacre in Norway by Asne Seierstad, and translated by Sarah Death
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks
On The Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks
The Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum
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The Silent Wife by A.S. A. Harrison 3.5/5
Is truth overrated? How much truth and how much repression is beneficial for a relationship, and what should be the repercussions of knowing? Is silence the answer to keeping a relationship smoothly running? Jodi thinks so, and fights to keep the status quo of her 20 year partnership on an even keel. But Jodi fails to follow the first rule of relationships. She fails to protect herself. The repercussions are devastating.
Told in alternating "Her" and "Him" chapters we see the mind set of both Jodi and her serial cheating partner, Todd. I found the polar opposite views of the characters fascinating. How blind can one be?
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Agree with Sarah, your buying habits have really improved greatly!
I know how difficult that is to achieve. Thank goodness for Library Sales and Estate Sales!!
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The Sacket series by Louis L'Amour are some of my favorites. this one is on sale for $1.99.
http://www.amazon.com/Sackett-Sacketts-Book-Louis-LAmour-ebook/dp/B000FBJB0E/ref=zg_bs_3441883011_56
Now there is a series of books we can agree on, muggle not!
About 30 years ago, I discovered L'Amour with the Sackett series. I bought 5 hardbacks from the old Literary Guild by mail book club. They contained all of the Sackett series. I really want to go back and reread them. Just marvelous story telling! Don't forget "The Last of the Breed" by L'Amour. it is also very good.
Now you have me thinking that maybe I will unpack my boxes with all his books in them and do another read of all. They are quick reads.
Also, loved The Walking Drum.
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Every Day by the Sun : A Memoir of the Faulkners of Mississippi
by Dean Faulkner Wells
I loved this book !
Such a beautiful remembrance of an imperfect family ,which we all have .But this one was more famous than most.
The Faulkners had an interesting cast of characters , including murderers ,thieves, adulterers , racists ,sociopaths and real bad tempers ( author's words) ,but they also knew when to come together to support each other in time of need .
Dean Faulkner Well's uncle was William Faulkner . Her father was William's youngest brother, who was killed in his 20's in an airplane crash ,in which he was the pilot . Dean states that William never in his lifetime stopped grieving for his lost brother ,and somehow, feeling responsible. All the Faulkner boys loved airplanes , but William had given the airplane to Dean and encouraged his love of flying .
Dean never had the opportunity to meet her father ,as she was born a few months after his death ,but William promised on the day she was born that he would always take care of her ,and he honored that promise, although, at times, he had many others who depended on him, in extended family and close friends. William also had his own demons to deal with ,which were depression and alcoholism .
If you want to meet an interesting ,and good old Southern family, read this book . It was an honor to read it . (less)
On your excellent review, I ordered it, and it arrived yesterday! Got a lovely second hand hardback copy. I think you've got me on a Faulkner kick, I'm starting his Sanctuary, the prequel to Requiem for a Nun.
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On the Fire Stick -- saw it on sale a couple weeks back, so I got it for the Hubster. He loves it ! I haven't even tried using it yet or watching anything with it .
Too busy reading lately I guess ... I have no clue how it works or anything. He did get the voice thing to work, which I thought was cooler than crap .
We pre-ordered it last December, I think it came out sometime in the first half of January. Haven't activated the voice yet. It's really easy to use.
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Awesome! I am totally getting a Stick! I will save you the sticker shock and NOT say how much I would save!
Also, can I ask you a question about Prime? Is it possible to download, say a season of a show, and watch it without an internet connection? I want to get Prime for my trip (will be the trial membership then) and download some shows, but won't have a connection overseas.
I actually don't know, Anna. That's a great idea though!
Hey Kate, how are you doing? I hope your weather clears up soon.
Oh, I'm fine, we've been clearing out that side gallery of all the junk that has accumulated over the years. First it was the room to put what wouldn't fit elsewhere, then cleared some for the cats. So, now it's being cleared out for us.
We bought a second hand couch, chair and huge ottoman for the room yesterday. It's being delivered on Monday, so we have to finish getting the old stuff out of there. After that we will transfer 7 or 8 of the bookcases out there (it's totally closed in) clearing the middle of the living room. That and too much Netflix.
We've been watching Fringe. We had a couple of clear days, but more rain is coming.
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I have the YouTube app, but haven't done anything with it.
There are some news apps as well. CBSN Live, WatchUp to name two.
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Sorry, I am not eves dropping or anything but I saw "Amazon Fire Stick" and wanted to ask what you think of it. Did you try one of those cables that connects your Fire to the TV at all? I didn't even know such a thing existed (the cable, not the stick)
Does the stick work like a mini computer?
You're not eavesdropping at all....nice to see you here!
The Amazon Fire Stick that we have is this.... http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-W87CUN-Fire-TV-Stick/dp/B00GDQ0RMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429365598&sr=8-1&keywords=firestick Just the one little "stick" to plug into the HDMI port in the side of the TV. The remote comes with it, of course. We don't have the gamers version.....yet.
Ours did come with a cable about 6 inches, so the stick sticks farther out than the back of the tv for better reception. Works a treat. I think it does act as a sort of "mini computer" in that you now don't have to use a computer to stream, we use the fire stick. There is Home Page with listings for various "parts". i.e. "home", Prime Video, Watchlist, and for different apps that you can purchase. But most of the apps are free. Such as the Netflix app. The app is free, but you have to pay to subscribe to Netflix content.
We like it a lot, it works well. Years ago we had cable tv, but dropped it about six years ago.....too expensive, too bloated, not content we wanted, etc.
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Hey Julie! Great to see you back!
Yeah, we've managed a couple of great Estate Sales in the last several weeks. Passed up on one this morning....just too rainy and crummy to get up early and get going. Plus, they didn't have that much we were interested in....a couple of iffy history books, that's all.
It's been raining for a couple of weeks here, keeping the temps down pretty much. We did get up into the low 80'sF just before that, and with the humidity we have to run the A/C. Drat it! A high of 75F today with heavy thundershowers in store. Our lows in the mid 60'sF. All in all, not too bad temp wise, but the humidity is killing!
I haven't been reading that much lately, I think only 8 or 9 books finished so far this year.....
, but I blame Netflix! We subscribed to it after we bought the Amazon Fire Stick. Got it on sale before it "came out". I think we're enjoying it a little too much! -
Mostly because of so many comments about it and how it.....gets under your skin (see what I did there?
)? Sometimes things can be a bit too disturbing, and I often can't stop thinking about it. I know, certain scenes get into your head, and it's sometimes difficult to get them out!
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Since subscribing to Netflix we've watched some great shows. Right now we are watching several.
Fringe, Midsomer Murders, and Orphan Black. We'd given up on OB previously, but the reviews were so good we decided to give it a second chance.
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Wowee! You are returning with a Big Bang!
Very happy to see you back again, Julie! 
Great reviews and sketches of each book, some of which I've read, and some I'm very interested in reading. Sorry some were duds, but that's how it goes.
Your take on Mrs. Poe is interesting. I've seen it around. Another author, Mary Doria Russell...(the one that wrote Doc, about Doc Holliday and the new sequel Epitaph) was going to write a bio of Poe but finally, after lots of research decided not to as there was already one book out (yours). It's a shame really as I think Russell's would have been far better and would have been more factual and not "romancy".
I read To Serve Them All My Days eons ago. If I remember correctly, it's one of the sequels to God is An Englishman......really good stuff! Glad you enjoyed it for a second time!
I bet The World of PostSecret was interesting, although I can't imagine anyone sensible actually sending a postcard to a stranger with delicate information! Yikes!
Oh! Carter Beats the Devil.....Kay's nemesis!
I'm glad you enjoyed it, redeeming it's reputation! Dare I Call It Murder : A Memoir of Violent Loss sounds very interesting. I seem to remember a case like that, a true story?
Interesting, the two cold case books you've got on the list. Great to know they were eventually solved.
Murder on a Lonely Road and Finding Bethany
Oh, where did Murder on Rouse Hill take place? That is a local families name that owns a chain of large grocery stores in New Orleans and around the area.
Hah, re I Am Sophie Tucker.....yes, back before the days of pencil thin models and Twiggy!
I love your review, especially, of The Wrong Man The Final Verdict on the Dr. Sam Sheppard Murder Case. I remember the case well, and always thought he could easily be an innocent scapegoat.
The Bullet sounds great!
Hissing Cousins is already on my wish list!
I remember how horrifying it was when I read about this in the papers...
No one Helped :
Kitty Genovese, New York City, and the Myth of Urban Apathy
Oh, Julie! I've read The Pines....in fact I've read lots of the Wayward Pines stories...yours is the first in a trilogy.......just sayin'.
Good stuff!I like the sound of The Obituary Writer!
Well done, Julie, and so glad to see you back posting!
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!!!!!!!DO NOT CLICK THIS LINK IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST TWO EPISODES THAT JUST AIRED!!!!!!!
Great cartoon of the last two episodes of Mad Men (first two eps of the second half of the last season) that just aired from The New Yorker magazine.
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Of them, only It's a wonderful life.
But there are many other films out there that can answer these questions just as good, and other questions.
Even Disney movies. Or should I say especially movies for the whole family? They're usually the ones with life lessons and a message "hidden" in them.
But I will definitely put these on my "to see" list. At least Force Majeure because it's a famous Swedish flick.
Ida, Gattaca and Memento also seem good enough to watch.
Galaxy Quest didn't seem at all appealing at first glance. Star Trek meets Tim Allen? Shriek! But then again, there's also Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver and Tony Shalhoub to level the scale.
Oh, no doubt about it! Scads of other films that are just as capable. This was just a sampling, but interesting.
Well, I am a Star Trek the original series (TOS) from the beginning, so that was why I originally wanted to see GQ. But the twist this article put on the actions and emotions in the film are very true. Teaching a good lesson in a subliminal manner.
Oh, Memento is certainly a lovely twisty film, so well done! And we both enjoyed Ida tremendously. It's very low key, but powerful. And I definitely want to see Force Majeure and Gattaca.
Oooh, really like what it says about Its A Wonderful Life. That's a great film, and the question about the unexamined life is a really good one.
Haven't seen most of the others, except Memento.
I really want to watch Memento again, for the 4th time.......
If you liked Memento, perhaps you'd like Inception. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inception Gotta love the Nolan brothers!Have you read the short story Memento? Different, but most interesting. http://www.impulsenine.com/homepage/pages/shortstories/memento_mori.htm
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I came across this article in the Guardian, and really appreciated the interpretations that were made of these films. I've seen only 4 of them.
It's A Wonderful Life
Ida
Memento
Galaxy Quest
I'd like to find the others and see now.
It was interesting to see the value they put on Galaxy Quest, as I know it can be viewed as a simple bit of fluff........and it is to a great extent. But the other feelings about truth and dignity that are put across are powerful in their own way.
And if made me look at Ida in a bit of a different light as well.
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I get this newsletter too, though I have to admit I don't always read it
. That's such a great quote !I didn't know the origin of the quote, although I'd seen it quoted through others before. Especially in connection with Vladimir Nabokov.
I wonder if it irritates some authors that readers sometimes completely misinterpret their (the author's) original intent.
In the poetry group we used to belong to, we'd present our poems, and sometimes others in the group would come up with interpretations that were completely foreign to what I'd thought or intended. It's disconcerting.
Your Book Activity - May 2015
in Past Book Logs
Posted
Hah, nothing wrong with you Ele...the Dubus is a very disturbing book. It was difficult for me to read too, but I ended up really loving the book. His writing is so powerful. It really stayed with me.
I haven't seen the film of HoSaF, but I don't think I will. The book was vivid enough for me! Not sure I want to see that. Although I do wonder if the ending is the same.
Very curious about The Wind Up Bird Chronicle....