Nollaig Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I hope you enjoy it, I read it rather recently and thought it was a real page-turner Finished it already! I did really enjoy it. I think it was either 4 or 4.5 stars, I need to think about it a bit more. I've heard others say the ending was disappointing, but I thought it was pretty good. Now reading I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh. This one is getting rave 5 star reviews on a Facebook book club I follow, but the author is also commenting in that book club, so people might be pandering. We'll see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie H Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Started reading Joan Aiken's The Wolves of Willoughby Chase last night, and I LOVE IT!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted June 28, 2015 Author Share Posted June 28, 2015 I finished The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld yesterday. I'm so proud of myself for reading it. I'd had it on my TBR pile since 2009 and I had nearly gotten rid of it quite a few times. Also, it's a trade paperback (which are generally too tall for my bookshelves), so I cursed it every time I had to reorganise my books. But I'm so glad I didn't give up on the idea of reading it. It was really good—much better and more readable than I was expecting. I ended up finding it very difficult putting it down! I've just realised there's a second book with the same characters, so I'll look out for a cheap (small) copy to read one day. I've nearly finished Tales of Terror from the Black Ship, but even though it wouldn't take me long to finish, I can't read it just now because I have a huge thesis that I need to finish editing by tomorrow, and I have a lot to do! I'm hoping to have a few days later this week to relax somewhat and get some reading done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexi Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I've finished Super Casino - really behind in reviews but definitely a 4 star read. Now starting Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy which I thought might take me a while but it's very readable and I'm flying through so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistress Gwynn Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I've finished Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews, although I did start to skim towards the end. There were so many contrivances to make the plot work and the only really developed character was the narrator, Cathy. I won't be reading any more in this series. I needed something light to cleanse my palate after that, so I've started The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie, which is quite enjoyable so far, although the prose has a lot of 'first novel nerves' about it. I never used to be a big Fantasy reader (just Martin, Hobb and Pratchett really), so discovering new authors in this genre is like exploring new worlds for me. I don't think Fantasy will ever be my favourite genre, but there is quite a bit of entertainment to be found in some of these tales. I should imagine the Abercrombie will see out my June reading now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppyshake Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I've finished Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews, although I did start to skim towards the end. There were so many contrivances to make the plot work and the only really developed character was the narrator, Cathy. I won't be reading any more in this series. I needed something light to cleanse my palate after that, so I've started The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie, which is quite enjoyable so far, although the prose has a lot of 'first novel nerves' about it. I never used to be a big Fantasy reader (just Martin, Hobb and Pratchett really), so discovering new authors in this genre is like exploring new worlds for me. I don't think Fantasy will ever be my favourite genre, but there is quite a bit of entertainment to be found in some of these tales. I should imagine the Abercrombie will see out my June reading now. I loved this trilogy .. hope you do too Reading The Mesmerist by Barbara Ewing and thoroughly enjoying it Listening to Death Descends on Saturn Villa by M.R.C. Kasasian (The Gower Street Detective Series) .. not enjoying it as much as the previous two Fairly early days though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistress Gwynn Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Slowly getting through Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, unfortunately or fortunately life is getting in the way again! Hasn't stopped me adding to my TBR though, in addition to the seven that arrived in the week from Amazon (see my blog) I bought three more in Waterstones today! Home - Toni Morrison The Way Back Home - Freya North The Girls from Corona del Mar - Rufi Thorpe All new authors for me. I haven't read the others, but I have read Morrison's Beloved - which to this day remains one of the greatest books I've ever read. I like her style and want to read more of her, so I would be interested in your recommendations when you've read Home, chaliepud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistress Gwynn Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I loved this trilogy .. hope you do too Reading The Mesmerist by Barbara Ewing and thoroughly enjoying it Listening to Death Descends on Saturn Villa by M.R.C. Kasasian (The Gower Street Detective Series) .. not enjoying it as much as the previous two Fairly early days though. I'm sure I will - I already like the three main characters he's introduced - even Klotka - he clearly has an interesting back story when we get to it. I have the first two Gower Street books on my Kindle in my TBRs - I glimpsed at the previews on Amazon and this sort of thing is right up my street. I hope the third one gets better for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatdifficultfirstnovel Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Finished 'Atomised' by Michel Houellebecq today. Very good book - will review it at some point today. Not sure what to move onto, considering the huge collection of new books I have. Possible 'Disgrace' by JM Coetzee, though I did listen to a podcast extolling the virtues of 'A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius' by Dave Eggers, a book I bought a month ago. Other potential option is 'Foxcatcher', as I also own the film, and want to read the book first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 I'm about 75% through The Cuckoo's Calling. Good so far, but not brilliant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie H Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Just finished reading There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom, and it was really good! A children's book, but a good one. I'm not in the frame of mind to read serious, thought-provoking books at the moment, but children's books are a joy! So, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willoyd Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 (edited) Reading The Mesmerist by Barbara Ewing and thoroughly enjoying it The Mesmerist went down really well with my book group. She's a writer who seems to dip below the radar a bit, which surprises me given the quality of her story telling. I enjoyed Rosetta even more. Have just started Georges Simenon's The Grand Banks Cafe, part of my long term project of reading all the Maigret stories in order of publication. Edited June 28, 2015 by willoyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiger Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 Read 80 pages of What Nature Does For Britain by Tony Juniper- excellent stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Begins Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 I'm at a crossroads, I am overwhelmed by illness and have an accelerated class at school, I thought of maybe taking a book break for awhile because I am reading so slowly... but I can't stop reading Its so frustrating to only complete only 1/3rd of what I read on a normal day. I'm about 250 pages into World Without End, as I am picking it up periodically. Reading it in shifts seemed to be the best for my dilemma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Been a good book day today … went to the local bookshop and bought In the Orchards, The Swallows by Peter Hobbs - had been intending not to buy any more books, but it's Independent Booksellers Week and wanted to support them. They've also decided to start a book group in the autumn, so I'm looking forward to finding out more info and hopefully joining in. I hope you enjoy your new book ! Home - Toni Morrison The Way Back Home - Freya North The Girls from Corona del Mar - Rufi Thorpe I hope you enjoy these ! I have a couple of books by Freya North on my TBR. I've finished Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews, although I did start to skim towards the end. There were so many contrivances to make the plot work and the only really developed character was the narrator, Cathy. I won't be reading any more in this series. I needed something light to cleanse my palate after that, so I've started The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie, which is quite enjoyable so far, although the prose has a lot of 'first novel nerves' about it. I never used to be a big Fantasy reader (just Martin, Hobb and Pratchett really), so discovering new authors in this genre is like exploring new worlds for me. I don't think Fantasy will ever be my favourite genre, but there is quite a bit of entertainment to be found in some of these tales. I should imagine the Abercrombie will see out my June reading now. It's a shame you didn't enjoy it. My favourite by the author will always be Dawn (book 1 in the Cutler series), also probably because it was the first one I read. I do find that after reading a lot of them, some of her series contain a lot of similar themes (to the point where they sometimes become predictable). I really liked a certain plot twist of Flowers in the Attic, which I wasn't expecting the first time I read it. I haven't read much by this author though since several years ago, but I plan to read the unread ones (obviously, or I wouldn't have bought them). I read a lot of her books when I was a teenager. I have The Blade Itself on my TBR, I hope you enjoy it! Finished 'Atomised' by Michel Houellebecq today. Very good book - will review it at some point today. I'm glad to hear it was a good book! I have it on my TBR, though I have a Dutch translation of the French original. I'm at a crossroads, I am overwhelmed by illness and have an accelerated class at school, I thought of maybe taking a book break for awhile because I am reading so slowly... but I can't stop reading Its so frustrating to only complete only 1/3rd of what I read on a normal day. I'm about 250 pages into World Without End, as I am picking it up periodically. Reading it in shifts seemed to be the best for my dilemma I'm so sorry you haven't felt that well, and that you haven't felt up for reading much . I'm glad you're enjoying World Without End, though ! I'm about 40% (almost half way) through John Flanagan - Broederband 4: De Slaven van Socorro (Brotherband 4: Slaves of Socorro) which is quite enjoyable so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Finished it already! I did really enjoy it. I think it was either 4 or 4.5 stars, I need to think about it a bit more. I've heard others say the ending was disappointing, but I thought it was pretty good. Glad you enjoyed it! I don't think the ending was disappointing... If one needs a disappointing end by Linwood Barclay, one ought to go with Fear the Worst! I finished The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld yesterday. I'm so proud of myself for reading it. I'd had it on my TBR pile since 2009 and I had nearly gotten rid of it quite a few times. Also, it's a trade paperback (which are generally too tall for my bookshelves), so I cursed it every time I had to reorganise my books. But I'm so glad I didn't give up on the idea of reading it. It was really good—much better and more readable than I was expecting. I ended up finding it very difficult putting it down! I've just realised there's a second book with the same characters, so I'll look out for a cheap (small) copy to read one day. Well done, you!! I know how tempting it is to just keep overlooking a specific novel... Even if (or especially if?) it's a case of it being a not very suitable edition. Just finished reading There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom, and it was really good! A children's book, but a good one. I'm not in the frame of mind to read serious, thought-provoking books at the moment, but children's books are a joy! So, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is next. So happy that you liked it through and through!! I bet you'd love Sachar's other novels, too I know what you mean about not being in the right frame of mind to read more serious books, I'm struggling with the same thing. Isn't it wonderful how there's so much to literature, that we can pick a genre that will suit our mojos better? I finished Disclaimer by Renee Knight last night (LOVED IT!!) and have now started reading Britt-Marie kävi täällä ('Britt-Marie was here', although I don't think it's been translated into English, for now at least?) by Fredrik Backman, who's Ove book I loved last year. I'm really really enjoying this one, too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nollaig Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Glad you enjoyed it! I don't think the ending was disappointing... If one needs a disappointing end by Linwood Barclay, one ought to go with Fear the Worst! So maybe I should avoid that one? I'm reading I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh. I started it yesterday, and found the first 100 pages to be a bit slow, was wondering why everyone is raving about it... and then came a twist. Couldn't believe it. The first 100 pages are not just written, but crafted, to pull off that twist, imo. Course I could just be totally gullible Anyway racing through it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karsa Orlong Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Listening to Death Descends on Saturn Villa by M.R.C. Kasasian (The Gower Street Detective Series) .. not enjoying it as much as the previous two With you there, Kay - I reviewed it a few weeks back and thought much the same - it's the weakest book of the three. It does pick up towards the end, though, so hang in there! I'm currently 324 pages into Sandstorm by James Rollins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 So maybe I should avoid that one? Yes. That is my direct, explicit advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 I've just finished The Cuckoo's Calling. The ending took me a bit by surprise, but it was all explained quite well. Next up is Beowulf's Children. I read the first book - The Legacy of Heorot - last year and loved it, so hopefully this one is just as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nollaig Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Yes. That is my direct, explicit advice Haha wow! Sounds intriguing, I'm off to read a wiki synopsis! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Haha wow! Sounds intriguing, I'm off to read a wiki synopsis! Too bad that the synopsis is in itself okay and as interesting as the next Barclay book. It's just the last 40 or so pages that did my head in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karsa Orlong Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 I read the first book - The Legacy of Heorot - last year and loved it, so hopefully this one is just as good. Did you? I remember you saying it sounded interesting when I re-read it last year but I completely missed your review of it But yeah, it's a fantastic book I haven't read Beowulf's Children yet, despite it sitting on the shelf for ages, so really looking forward to hearing what you think of it. Hopefully it'll be good! <<Heads off to look for bobbly's review>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 I read the first couple of chapters of If on a Winter's Night a Traveller by Italo Calvino, but I couldn't get into it, so I've put it back on the shelf for now, and will try again another time. Instead, I've gone back to the St Clare series, just because I didn't have time to contemplate the shelf this morning before I left for work, so it was an easy pick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Did you? I remember you saying it sounded interesting when I re-read it last year but I completely missed your review of it But yeah, it's a fantastic book I haven't read Beowulf's Children yet, despite it sitting on the shelf for ages, so really looking forward to hearing what you think of it. Hopefully it'll be good! <<Heads off to look for bobbly's review>> I remember being a bit surprised that you hadn't commented on my review at the time, as I read it shortly after you read it I think. I'm a couple of chapters into Beowulf's Children, and it's good so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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