Peacefield's Reads of 2012

[Kylie]

Glad you're going well, Peace. I've never read the Little House books, but they're on my 'one day' wish list.

[Peacefield]

Glad you're going well, Peace. I've never read the Little House books, but they're on my 'one day' wish list.

 

They're excellent, Kylie! A definite must-read for you one day .

[Peacefield]

I finished the first Laura Ingalls book last week and while I was in the hospital I received 2 books from some of my co-workers, A World of Curiosities: Surprising, Interesting and Downright Unbelievable Facts from Every Nation on the Planet by John Oldale and Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. There's been a lot of fuss about the latter and I've resisted temptation up until now just because of some reviews I've read here and there. I started it a couple of days ago and although I'm not very far, it's pretty underwhelming. I'm trying to save my judgement until later though so we shall see!

 

I also received a lovely magnetic bookmark from Weave and am using it currently .

[frankie]

I didn't totally dislike Poe Shadow, Frankie. After all, it IS Pearl! His first book was The Dante Club, followed by Poe and then The Last Dickens. Those are the three author-centered books and his latest is called The Technologists, which is about students at MIT at the turn of the century. I like Pearl because he takes real people in history and builds a mystery around them. I've been able to meet Matthew twice when he came to give a lecture and his first two books I have autographed.

 

I know you didn't dislike Poe Shadow, per se, don't worry I'm still definitely going to read it, and I'm expecting to enjoy it. We'll see how it goes

 

Not that I've read his books, but I also do like it that Pearl picks out real people from days gone by and puts them in his novels and adds a mystery That's so cool you've been able to meet him in real life! And I'm pretty darn sure you treasure his signed copies

 

I was completely taken aback by that part in The Radley's, Frankie! It came out of left field but it fit in with the ending very well, I thought.

 

It fit the novel really well, indeed, but I also loved it how I couldn't see it coming. It was a fresh take on the genre, in my opinion

 

I'll go update my member thread right now re: upcoming concerts and trips .

 

Haha, so you didn't answer my question straight away, about RHCP, and I kinda feel that remark was at least partly thrown my way...

 

I also received a lovely magnetic bookmark from Weave and am using it currently .

 

What a great pressie! I love magnetic bookmarks, they are so handy!!

[Peacefield]

You'll have to let me know what you think of the Poe Shadow when you read it, Frankie. The way Pearl writes makes me love the 'historical mystery' genre even more. He's one of the best, IMO. If you ever decide to read The Dante Club, I'll have to tell you about how I visited Cambridge, Massachusetts and got to tour Henry W Longfellow's home (which was a major setting for that book) .

 

I'm halfway through the 2nd Laura Ingalls book, Little House on the Prairie. I've said it before, but I can't believe how these pioneers had to start from scratch and survive such harsh conditions, let alone do well and prosper! Plus the fact that they left loved ones when they moved farther west and had NO means of communication to even let family know where they ended up and how they were doing since there was no mail. It just blows me away, and then to know that some of my relatives were there at the time just amazes me.

[frankie]

You'll have to let me know what you think of the Poe Shadow when you read it, Frankie. The way Pearl writes makes me love the 'historical mystery' genre even more. He's one of the best, IMO. If you ever decide to read The Dante Club, I'll have to tell you about how I visited Cambridge, Massachusetts and got to tour Henry W Longfellow's home (which was a major setting for that book) .

 

How could I read the book and then not tell you what I thought of it?! I bought it before I even joined BCF, but ever since I joined, you are the one person who often talks about the author and I seriously cannot look at or think of the book without being reminded of you So don't worry If I enjoy the novel, I'm definitely going to read his other novels of intrigue and authors Then I'll also hopefully know who Henry W Longfellow is

 

Edit: For some reason I've never wanted to read the Laura Ingalls books. I think I tried reading one when I was a kiddie but didn't like it. I have a few friends though who love the series and collect the books. Anyhow, I really loved the TV series when I was growing up. And wasn't Charles just handsome, and such a fabulous Dad?

[Peacefield]

How could I read the book and then not tell you what I thought of it?! I bought it before I even joined BCF, but ever since I joined, you are the one person who often talks about the author and I seriously cannot look at or think of the book without being reminded of you So don't worry If I enjoy the novel, I'm definitely going to read his other novels of intrigue and authors Then I'll also hopefully know who Henry W Longfellow is

 

Edit: For some reason I've never wanted to read the Laura Ingalls books. I think I tried reading one when I was a kiddie but didn't like it. I have a few friends though who love the series and collect the books. Anyhow, I really loved the TV series when I was growing up. And wasn't Charles just handsome, and such a fabulous Dad?

 

Awww. I'm glad you think of me whenever you look at your Pearl book! That's a great association!

 

Sorry I didn't explain who Longfellow was, Frankie. He was a well-known American author and here is a link to a Wikipedia page all about him - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wadsworth_Longfellow He's one of my favorites .

 

Maybe you'd like the Little House books now if you tried one? They're super-quick reads. I liked watching the series too and yep, Michael Landon played a great Charles Ingalls! It's funny because the TV show implied that Laura lived on the prairie her whole life when really the family moved around a lot, from Wisconsin to Kansas to Minnesota then South Dakota. They had to move if the crops weren't good or if they were in Indian Territory, etc.

[chesilbeach]

You're so making me want to re-read the Laura Ingalls Wilder books! I've added them to my wishlist as my own childhood copies are so old and were cheap paperbacks, and I suspect the glue has dried out so much the pages will fall out as soon as I open them If they are like that, I'll just have to treat myself to a brand new box set (and they aren't available in Kindle format). Something to look forward to

[frankie]

Awww. I'm glad you think of me whenever you look at your Pearl book! That's a great association!

 

Yes I did imagine that you wouldn't be upset by that association

 

Sorry I didn't explain who Longfellow was, Frankie. He was a well-known American author and here is a link to a Wikipedia page all about him - http://en.wikipedia....orth_Longfellow He's one of my favorites .

 

Now that I looked at the wiki page, I realise that of course I've heard of Longfellow. The fact that you used his first names as well threw me off for some reason Wow, apparently he was the first American to translate The Divine Comedy. That's so great that you've been able to visit his home, especially since he's one of your favorites!!

 

Maybe you'd like the Little House books now if you tried one? They're super-quick reads. I liked watching the series too and yep, Michael Landon played a great Charles Ingalls! It's funny because the TV show implied that Laura lived on the prairie her whole life when really the family moved around a lot, from Wisconsin to Kansas to Minnesota then South Dakota. They had to move if the crops weren't good or if they were in Indian Territory, etc.

 

I have actually thought about giving them a try now, that I'm older and could have a fresh take on the series, but because it's never been a priority and there are so many books to read, I haven't gotten round to it yet. Maybe someday! And yeah, all the seasons I watched were set in the same little town, I had no idea that they traveled around in the book. But then again, I've read Grapes of Wrath and eventhough that wasn't exactly pioneering but it was all about the Great Depression and drought and all that, I have a pretty good idea what the Ingalls' daily life must've been like, based on that and the TV series.

[Peacefield]

You're so making me want to re-read the Laura Ingalls Wilder books! I've added them to my wishlist as my own childhood copies are so old and were cheap paperbacks, and I suspect the glue has dried out so much the pages will fall out as soon as I open them If they are like that, I'll just have to treat myself to a brand new box set (and they aren't available in Kindle format). Something to look forward to

 

I'm glad to foster your purchase and re-reading of the books, Chesil! I would love, LOVE to have my own box set as well. The copies I had when I was young disappeared and now I'm reading my friend's copies. I'm really hoping to buy copies for my younger nieces and nephews too since I think they are really educational.

[Peacefield]

Now that I looked at the wiki page, I realise that of course I've heard of Longfellow. The fact that you used his first names as well threw me off for some reason Wow, apparently he was the first American to translate The Divine Comedy. That's so great that you've been able to visit his home, especially since he's one of your favorites!!

 

 

I have actually thought about giving them a try now, that I'm older and could have a fresh take on the series, but because it's never been a priority and there are so many books to read, I haven't gotten round to it yet. Maybe someday! And yeah, all the seasons I watched were set in the same little town, I had no idea that they traveled around in the book. But then again, I've read Grapes of Wrath and eventhough that wasn't exactly pioneering but it was all about the Great Depression and drought and all that, I have a pretty good idea what the Ingalls' daily life must've been like, based on that and the TV series.

 

Matthew Pearl's first book, The Dante Club is exactly about Longfellow translating Dante's work, Frankie! Along with Oliver Wendall Holmes and James Russell Lowell they did the translation and as part of the plot of the boo, there is a murderer copying several of Dante's levels of hell and Longfellow and his friends help solve the case. It's a truly wonderful piece of fiction! It takes place just after the American Civil War in Cambridge and Boston so when I took my trip to New England back in '03 we made sure to tour Longfellow's home and visit his (and other authors) grave in Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

 

It's a shame how most of the time books don't translate perfectly from page to TV or screen. I know it's got to be tricky business but honestly it's misleading to people who've NOT read the book version and think the re-made version is how things really happened, you know?

[frankie]

Matthew Pearl's first book, The Dante Club is exactly about Longfellow translating Dante's work, Frankie! Along with Oliver Wendall Holmes and James Russell Lowell they did the translation and as part of the plot of the boo, there is a murderer copying several of Dante's levels of hell and Longfellow and his friends help solve the case. It's a truly wonderful piece of fiction! It takes place just after the American Civil War in Cambridge and Boston so when I took my trip to New England back in '03 we made sure to tour Longfellow's home and visit his (and other authors) grave in Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

 

:D I feel stupid now I should've made the connection. Because I talked about The Poe Shadow, then you talked about the author and visiting Longfellow in that context, and me then discovering Longfellow translated the Dante book, and Pearl having written a book on Dante Wow! Haha I got some great laughs from that. I blame the two ciders I had when I was watching ice hockey. (BTW, I hope you guys kick some Canadian butt, they just beat us )

 

It's a shame how most of the time books don't translate perfectly from page to TV or screen. I know it's got to be tricky business but honestly it's misleading to people who've NOT read the book version and think the re-made version is how things really happened, you know?

 

I know. But to be honest, it's the fault of the people who don't read the books first! And, you know I'm one to always prefer the book (and usually not having the inclination to watch the movie. I'm such a terrible movie watcher )

[Peacefield]

I hope we kick some Canadian butt too, Frankie! I'm sorry they beat you guys. I've been kind of out of the loop hockey-wise since my team ended the season in such a dismal state.

 

I finished Little House on the Prairie and am about a quarter way into the next book, On the Banks of Plum Creek. I also managed to start yet another book, The Genius by Jesse Kellerman and I am LOVING it!

 

I also have about 6 chapters read in Shades of Grey but tbh it's underwhelming me and I'm kind of avoiding it...

[Peacefield]

I went to Half Price Books last weekend and hit the jackpot! I found 3 books that I've been looking for:

 

Arcadia by Lauren Groff

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

Hunger Pains a parody of 'Hunger Games' by the folks at the Harvard Lampoon

 

Can't wait to read all of them!

[frankie]

I hope we kick some Canadian butt too, Frankie! I'm sorry they beat you guys. I've been kind of out of the loop hockey-wise since my team ended the season in such a dismal state.

 

Well, we were all kicked out of the medals. *a few choice cursewords* Bring on 2013!!

 

I also have about 6 chapters read in Shades of Grey but tbh it's underwhelming me and I'm kind of avoiding it...

 

As you probably know, it seems like everybody is talking about this series now. It's the 'it' thing now. I was kinda hoping you'd find it, if not a literary masterpiece, at least a riveting, enjoyable easy read. I'm kind of tempted to go and get a copy.

[Peacefield]

As you probably know, it seems like everybody is talking about this series now. It's the 'it' thing now. I was kinda hoping you'd find it, if not a literary masterpiece, at least a riveting, enjoyable easy read. I'm kind of tempted to go and get a copy.

 

Yep, this Grey series is very popular and I know I need to give it more of a chance. It's definitely not a masterpiece, but I enjoy something fluffy as much as the next person. Maybe my thoughts will change the further I get into it, but this type of erotica just doesn't do anything for me. What can I say? I'm a traditionalist . You'll have to let me know what you think if you end up reading it, Frankie.

[frankie]

Traditionalist That's one way to put it, yes I agree, I'm not looking forward to the more raunchy stuff either. But at least it's in a novel and one can imagine it all in one's head, as clearly as one likes. Were it a TV series, it might be too 'in your face'.

[Peacefield]

Well, I finished 50 Shades of Grey last night and let me just say, thank the LORD that's over with! I know there are a few people here on BCF who enjoyed it and I hope I'm not offending, but can I please ask what it is you liked about the book(s) and why? To be completely honest, I didn't like the main characters and found myself angry with them at almost every turn of the page. The BDSM aspect bored me and I guess we can say that I'm just no good with controlling people.

 

Okay! Glad that's off my chest .

[chesilbeach]

Well, I have been wondering whether I should read this or not, and I think you've convinced me to stay in the "not" camp. I sort of think I should read it to make up my own mind, but your comments have swayed me to think that it's not worth my time or effort.

[Peacefield]

If you get a chance, Chesil, you should talk to Weave about her thoughts as well. She was brave enough to read the whole trilogy and hated them as much as I.

 

I think you're better off for steering clear!

[frankie]

But there are a few people on here who have read them and liked them, some more than others! I don't think I dare to name names though Oh man, I feel like I should get a copy real soon so I can make up my own mind.

[Peacefield]

But there are a few people on here who have read them and liked them, some more than others! I don't think I dare to name names though Oh man, I feel like I should get a copy real soon so I can make up my own mind.

 

Yeah, you never know, Frankie, you may really like them! I'll still talk to you, and anyone else here who likes them

 

A friend lent me Charlaine Harris' latest Sookie book over the weekend. I'm sorry I can't recall the title and I can't look it up right now, but you can bet your socks the word 'Dead' is in the title!

[Weave]

Enjoy the sookie book! I did not like the fifty shade books, they weren't for me

[poppyshake]

I don't think I'll be reading them. Sex in books usually makes me want to sit in the corner with a tea towel over my head, fingers in my ears, saying la-la-la very loudly I hope I'm not a prude (I read and enjoyed Running with Scissors for instance) but I do get all squirmy and embarrassed if the sex is particularly cringy or if it's too laboured (the writing .. not the sex .. though that too I suppose). I might read them .. or attempt to read them .. if they come my way, but I can't see myself actively seeking them out because they've got 'not your sort of thing' written all over them. I could be massively wrong of course .. I very often am but I'm put off by the number of people that have said the writing is terrible and very juvenile .. though someone did say they were as good as Harry Potter which I didn't think terrible or juvenile.

 

I can't be doing with doe eyed, lip biting females simpering over men and repeatedly drooling over their muscles/eyes/chiselled jaw and I definitely can't be doing with men who say stuff like 'it's your lucky day baby or 'yes, you are ready for me aren't you' .. is there a lot of that in it Marcia?

 

I hope you read it soon frankie because I sooo want your opinion. I know if I read it I would approach it sceptically, which is not the best way, you will begin it with an open mind

 

I bet Jasper Fforde's annoyed .. he has a book called Shades of Grey with more to come in the series .. people are shortening this title to that. In fact someone asked me if I'd read it and when I said yes they gave me a bit of a look and talked about it being salacious and I thought I must have missed some vital bits That's before I'd heard of FiftyShades of Grey .. when I was still living under a rock

[Peacefield]

I don't think I'll be reading them. Sex in books usually makes me want to sit in the corner with a tea towel over my head, fingers in my ears, saying la-la-la very loudly I hope I'm not a prude (I read and enjoyed Running with Scissors for instance) but I do get all squirmy and embarrassed if the sex is particularly cringy or if it's too laboured (the writing .. not the sex .. though that too I suppose). I might read them .. or attempt to read them .. if they come my way, but I can't see myself actively seeking them out because they've got 'not your sort of thing' written all over them. I could be massively wrong of course .. I very often am but I'm put off by the number of people that have said the writing is terrible and very juvenile .. though someone did say they were as good as Harry Potter which I didn't think terrible or juvenile.

 

I can indeed confirm the massiveness of this book's terrible and juvenile writing, Poppy, so I think you're making a good choice.

 

I can't be doing with doe eyed, lip biting females simpering over men and repeatedly drooling over their muscles/eyes/chiselled jaw and I definitely can't be doing with men who say stuff like 'it's your lucky day baby or 'yes, you are ready for me aren't you' .. is there a lot of that in it Marcia?

 

The main female character does nothing BUT bite her lip and blush at his seemingly impossible good looks. She's not so much a push-over as you would think, but he's definitely ALL in for the controlling type, which is what annoyed me to no end. I hate being told what to do!

 

I bet Jasper Fforde's annoyed .. he has a book called Shades of Grey with more to come in the series .. people are shortening this title to that. In fact someone asked me if I'd read it and when I said yes they gave me a bit of a look and talked about it being salacious and I thought I must have missed some vital bits That's before I'd heard of FiftyShades of Grey .. when I was still living under a rock

 

Poor Jasper! I hope he's content with the fact though that it was his title first and his writing is FAR superior.

 

I'm almost finished with The Genius, and am struggling what to start next. It's either Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris or Arcadia by Lauren Groff. Hmm...