Stacia Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 One more derailment, then I'll stop. Here is some Irish dance with soft shoes. (Dd loves dancing in soft shoes, even though the noise of hard shoes is always a crowd-pleaser, lol.) A quick look at Youtube found a random group doing some soft shoe Irish dancing... And one for shukriyya ;) : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElaineJ Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 For Lent, reading Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina. I read the first chapter this week, then started reading it again, with lots of marginalia which I generally don't do, but as thoughts came, I wrote them down. Thank you Eliana! I'm so glad you are enjoying it! It really is a book you want to process slowly, a little bit at a time. Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 One more derailment, then I'll stop. Here is some Irish dance with soft shoes. (Dd loves dancing in soft shoes, even though the noise of hard shoes is always a crowd-pleaser, lol.) A quick look at Youtube found a random group doing some soft shoe Irish dancing... And one for shukriyya ;) : I love that your dd enjoys the soft shoes even though the hard shoes are showier and more of a crowd-pleaser :D That second vid was fabulous! I'm going to show it to ds tomorrow, he'll love it. So amazing to watch the 'lowly' feet create such a rhythmic landscape! And there is so much joy there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I have none to add, but I'm loving these dance videos. Even more fun than GIFs! :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :nopity: :thumbup: :001_tt1: :rolleyes: :P :wub: (my violin there isn't really sad; just providing a bit of musical accompaniment) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I'm still reading That Hideous Strength ... but I'm close to done. I like it quite a bit. My son was asking for books about China to read, and I found Grace Lin's Starry River of the Sky at the local teacher/bookshop. The proprietor gave me her Where the Mountain Meets the Moon on audio CD to listen to (Newberry Honor). We listened to that on some of our weekend driving, am looking forward to finishing it. Unfortunately, we have to wait until Daddy is riding with us ... he hates to miss out on stories. It's excellent so far, so I'm thrilled about the other one (I had chosen it because it has a boy protagonist). If you know of any similar literature for India for a 9yo girl who reads very well (devouring Redwall books right now), I'm all ears ... Ladydusk, if Grace Lin was a hit, you might see if your 9 yo likes Homeless Bird, by Gloria Whelan. It touches on some adult themes, but in (imo) a developmentally appropriate way, and it's wonderfully written. Her Angel on the Square, set in revolutionary-era Russia, is also good. Other authors whose stories are set in global locations whom my girls enjoyed at that age include Linda Sue Park (Single Shard and Kite Fighters, both historical fiction set in Korea -- these ones have male protagonists, if your daughter cares about that -- and Long Walk to Water, which is based set in the civil conflict in Sudan -- this one cuts a bit closer to the bone may be more appropriate to read together, but is *very* good)... ... and another author whose work they devoured was Gloria Miklowitz (Secrets in the House of Delgado, about Conversos at the time of the Inquisition; and Masada, among others...) ... and, really, anything at all by EL Konigsberg (most of hers, that we've read at least, link to some story behind some art masterpiece in a rocking Goldfinch-plotted way...) Sigh. My kids are old! These days are over... cherish them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I loved all the skillful dance performances! My 14yo was born on St. Patrick's Day and he is the only child that exhibited an inclination to dance when young, but alas, I could not convince him to take formal lessons. I wanted an Irish dancer but he turned out to be a comical historian, like his father. Go figure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Wow, amazing talents there! No one in my house is a dancer. For a while we thought my daughter might do Scottish dancing, but it never came about. Well, yesterday I had an uninterrupted hour to read to I made some progress in In Times of Fading Light. And then the story started going in a direction I will not follow, so... it's on to Wolf Hall. I've tried to read this book two other times but tossed it aside in frustration. Then over wine and book talk one evening a friend told me she was reading it, struggling, about to toss it aside in frustration. The very next day I received email from her saying "you must read it!" Apparently she reached a point where it clicked and then she couldn't put it down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladydusk Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Ladydusk, if Grace Lin was a hit, you might see if your 9 yo likes Homeless Bird, by Gloria Whelan. It touches on some adult themes, but in (imo) a developmentally appropriate way, and it's wonderfully written. Her Angel on the Square, set in revolutionary-era Russia, is also good. Other authors whose stories are set in global locations whom my girls enjoyed at that age include Linda Sue Park (Single Shard and Kite Fighters, both historical fiction set in Korea -- these ones have male protagonists, if your daughter cares about that -- and Long Walk to Water, which is based set in the civil conflict in Sudan -- this one cuts a bit closer to the bone may be more appropriate to read together, but is *very* good)... ... and another author whose work they devoured was Gloria Miklowitz (Secrets in the House of Delgado, about Conversos at the time of the Inquisition; and Masada, among others...) ... and, really, anything at all by EL Konigsberg (most of hers, that we've read at least, link to some story behind some art masterpiece in a rocking Goldfinch-plotted way...) Sigh. My kids are old! These days are over... cherish them! Thank You! Still looking for India too ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Wow, amazing talents there! No one in my house is a dancer. For a while we thought my daughter might do Scottish dancing, but it never came about. Well, yesterday I had an uninterrupted hour to read to I made some progress in In Times of Fading Light. And then the story started going in a direction I will not follow, so... it's on to Wolf Hall. I've tried to read this book two other times but tossed it aside in frustration. Then over wine and book talk one evening a friend told me she was reading it, struggling, about to toss it aside in frustration. The very next day I received email from her saying "you must read it!" Apparently she reached a point where it clicked and then she couldn't put it down. A good friend with similar reading tastes to mine found Wolf Hall and its sequel, Bring up the Bodies, to be wonderful. I struggled with Wolf Hall because of the pronouns. Is the "he" in this clause the same as the "he" in the rest of the sentence? I have been putting off Bring Up the Bodies for this reason but I had an epiphany a few weeks ago. I thought I would try the audio version, that perhaps the reader would give me sufficient context in tone so that I would not have my pronoun struggle. Alas, I fell asleep twice while attempting to listen to the novel! (Good thing I wasn't driving!) The bodies may have to remain buried for a while--at least for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawneinfl Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I finished the audio version of The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd late last night. The narration by Jenna Lamia and Adepero Oduye was flawless. I don't think I would have enjoyed it nearly as much without their voices. The story is a fictionalized account of the Grimke sisters from Charleston, SC who were among the earliest abolitionists. They were born into a slave holding upper-class family and went against all social conventions for their beliefs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Thank You! Still looking for India too ... Homeless Bird is India -- sorry, I got so excited I forgot to mention that! :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 A good friend with similar reading tastes to mine found Wolf Hall and its sequel, Bring up the Bodies, to be wonderful. I struggled with Wolf Hall because of the pronouns. Is the "he" in this clause the same as the "he" in the rest of the sentence? I have been putting off Bring Up the Bodies for this reason but I had an epiphany a few weeks ago. I thought I would try the audio version, that perhaps the reader would give me sufficient context in tone so that I would not have my pronoun struggle. Alas, I fell asleep twice while attempting to listen to the novel! (Good thing I wasn't driving!) The bodies may have to remain buried for a while--at least for me. Yes, the pronouns are so difficult! It's an odd way to write; I've seen a lot of criticism for this "affectation" on the author's part. I trust my friend's judgement so I will press on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 A little bit of the poetic earth to set us rippling, diving into the dapple of our respective weeks...Mandarin Ducks and Snow-Covered Reeds ~After the painting by ItŠJakuchū, 1716–1800, Japan~When one dives, separate from her mate,death is mere illusion.She peers through water, assuring this.When the crippled reeds rehabilitate, begintheir constant arc toward spring,pain seems impossible. So distance. So change-of-heart. From above or beneath, howa body will twist, intuiting fearand replacing it with here-ness, exhibit offaithfulness. Wordlessly saying, Be not afraid,Beloved, for the present exalts us!- Paula Bohince Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 :grouphug: Wishing your mom a speedy recovery. My eldest left me The Circle when she returned to college -- it's around here, somewhere... it sounds intriguing. I am really enjoying it. It's very A Brave New World-ish. You can see how the world is moving toward what Eggers writes about even though he is writing in exaggeration. Today I finished the Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. I'm glad to have found such a fun and enjoyable read from another Australian author. I have this in my pile to take to my mom's. I have heard good things about it and am excited to finally get to it. Marbel, I have tried to read Wolf Hall, too, but just couldn't go very far in it. I have since bought it in hopes that if I don't have the stress of due dates from the library and I can take my time in reading it then maybe it will work the second time around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElaineJ Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Last week I finished the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I have mixed feelings about it. She is a good writer, which made the book a compelling read. I finished it several days ago, but I still find myself in the world of the book because she did a great job of making the characters and the settings come alive. She is also obviously a well educated person, and the allusions sprinkled throughout the book connected her story to the bigger picture of the Great Conversation. :001_smile: The main thing that didn't ring true to me was her concluding chapters. The protagonist's " conversion", if you will, didn't seem plausible, or didn't seem like it would result from the experiences and thought processes that preceded it. My reaction to the outcome may be partly a result of my faith, though. As a Christian, I see a character who feels like he is a victim of fate but who is actually co-operating with his death in the midst of all of the bad things that happen to him. I don't see him recognizing that in the end, and therefore the redemption seems unbelievable to me. Does that make sense? It seemed like the conclusion was asking me to accept a Camus-like "bold embrace of beauty in the face of an ugly reality" and that without buying into the idea (as opposed to just considering and understanding it better) I couldn't buy into the ending. That said, though, it was worth a read and I would put it in the category of literature. Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Fun dance videos everyone, I enjoyed watching. I have to say that I would have had a really hard time playing and not watching if I was Jenn. We stopped by Downtown Disney yesterday and were shocked to find the whole place taken over by an Irish Festival with frequent live performances from now til ? . Huge event. When we lived in the area we just ate at Raglan Road on the 17th to watch the dancing. Times sure change. Ds won a potato counting contest there years ago. Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Last night I finished the historical romance Scandal in the Night: The Reckless Brides by Elizabeth Essex. It is the third in a series but can certainly stand alone. I enjoyed it. "Assuming a false identity as a prim and proper governess, the bold and beautiful Cat Rowan thinks she has finally escaped the wild misadventures of her past—and the wickedly handsome spy who seduced her in India. Imagine her surprise when her employer introduces his brother: the very same cad who destroyed her heart! The Honorable Thomas Jellicoe cannot believe his eyes when he sees his beloved Cat—the Scottish beauty who nearly jeopardized his mission in India. Disguised as a horse trader from the bazaars of the Punjab, the British spy risked his life for one night of passion in her arms. But here and now—breaking all rules of decorum—one heated kiss ignites a flurry of gunfire. For their enemies have followed them home. And love is the greatest danger of all…" Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Last week I finished the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I have mixed feelings about it. She is a good writer, which made the book a compelling read. I finished it several days ago, but I still find myself in the world of the book because she did a great job of making the characters and the settings come alive. She is also obviously a well educated person, and the allusions sprinkled throughout the book connected her story to the bigger picture of the Great Conversation. :001_smile: The main thing that didn't ring true to me was her concluding chapters. The protagonist's " conversion", if you will, didn't seem plausible, or didn't seem like it would result from the experiences and thought processes that preceded it. My reaction to the outcome may be partly a result of my faith, though. As a Christian, I see a character who feels like he is a victim of fate but who is actually co-operating with his death in the midst of all of the bad things that happen to him. I don't see him recognizing that in the end, and therefore the redemption seems unbelievable to me. Does that make sense? It seemed like the conclusion was asking me to accept a Camus-like "bold embrace of beauty in the face of an ugly reality" and that without buying into the idea (as opposed to just considering and understanding it better) I couldn't buy into the ending. That said, though, it was worth a read and I would put it in the category of literature. Elaine Goldfinch's ending was unpersuasive to me as well. I did appreciate the chapter towards the end that attempted to explain the pull of the painting itself -- having myself been magnetically and mysteriously drawn to a handful of works of art in my life, I recognize both the pull and the difficulty in describing it. But the redemption didn't ring true. Part of what I wanted, I think, was more acknowledgment of Hobie's role in helping both Theo and Pippa to heal. But mostly, as you say, I wanted more self-recognition and growth out of Theo in the end. The author was all into so many details of his head in the ghastly early days -- why did she back out just when the psychology gets interesting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I am hoping the library processes the latest Sebastian St. Cyr book which was released on March 4th before I leave here. First on the wait list...... I finished the 8th in the series, What Darkness Brings by CS Harris. It was very good. It was sad to be reading the last one in my stack! Currently reading several: Stiff News by Catherine Aird Hunted by Kevin Hearne Cut to the Quick by Kate Ross I have The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco and am waiting for World Without End by Follett for my 14th Century reads. Robin's link for Sir Gawin is fabulous. Bookmarked the site to explore later. Looks useful for British Lit class which is next years plan for both dc's. I read all the Kate Ross books last year. (There are only four - she died young.) Three of them were my favorite books of the year and the last one I strongly disliked. My friends that read them enjoyed all of them though so it's possible I'm a curmudgeon. What? A new week already?! I haven't even read last week's thread :huh: . I had a busy week and promised myself time to read the BaW thread as a treat after finishing everything. I probably shouldn't have put 'everything' as a condition. :willy_nilly: Off to read last week's thread.... Me too! Casino Royale by Ian Fleming :ack2: We read Casino Royale for book club one year and you pretty much summed up my feelings of the book. I don't mind a little macho-ism or even some sexism (I'm looking at you when I say that, Raymond Chandler) but Fleming just left me feeling icky. And the comment about r*pe. Gag. What a creep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Started reading: The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman Still reading: Follow Me by David Platt Finished reading: 1. The Curiosity by Stephen Kiernan (AVERAGE) 2. The Last Time I Saw Paris by Lynn Sheene (GOOD) 3. Unwind by Neal Shusterman (EXCELLENT) 4. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty (EXCELLENT) 5. The Rage Against God: How Atheism Led Me to Faith by Peter Hitchens (AMAZING) 6. Champion by Marie Lu (PRETTY GOOD) 7. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink (INCREDIBLE) 8. Cultivating Christian Character by Michael Zigarelli (HO-HUM) 9. Detroit: An American Autopsy by Charlie LeDuff (um...WOW. So amazing and sad) 10. Pressure Points: Twelve Global Issues Shaping the Face of the Church by JD Payne (SO-SO) 11. The Happiness Project: Or Why I spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun. by Gretchen Rubin (GOOD) 12. Reading and Writing Across Content Areas by Roberta Sejnost (SO-SO) 13. Winter of the World by Ken Follet (PRETTY GOOD) 14. The School Revolution: A New Answer for our Broken Education System by Ron Paul (GREAT) 15. Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen (LOVED IT) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uff Da! Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I will probably finish Augustine's Confessions today. The life experiences he speaks of and what he says and doesn't say about the women in his life I find interesting. When the writing goes on and on about memory and how sinful he is, I struggle with staying focused. I keep comparing what he says to Ann Voskamp's book because there is overlap but her focus on blessings and thanks makes it a refreshing read. His is a confession. I am with out a computer this week so will be following this thread but probably not participating as much as I'm on my phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 The main thing that didn't ring true to me was her concluding chapters. The protagonist's " conversion", if you will, didn't seem plausible, or didn't seem like it would result from the experiences and thought processes that preceded it. I felt like the ending was a bit maudlin (as maudlin as someone like Theo can get). Not being religious, my feelings towards the ending were just that it didn't fit with the rest of the story. Tartt tried to wrap it up neatly without making it too neat, and it didn't work. I still loved the book mostly because I loved her writing. I have never been to Nevada, let alone Las Vegas, but I can clearly picture the neighborhood where Theo and Boris lived. I plan to read The Secret History sometime this year and will see if I still like her writing after reading more than one of her works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Started reading: The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman I just giggle every time I see this title! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Finished: The Beggar King. For my March Kindle Owners' loan I was going to get the latest in the series, The Poisoned Pilgrim, but after reading reviews decided to hold off. Most of them said it just wasn't as good as the first three. I'm sure I'll read it at some point but I'm in no rush. Just started: Americanah - I read Half of a Yellow Sun by Adichie last year and liked her writing. So far this one is good too. Audio Book: The Orphan Master's Son - it expires in 7 hours and will disappear from my phone. :sad: If I can, I'll just re-download it but I'm going to note where I was in case I end up on a waiting list. Non-fiction: Believing Bullsh!t: How Not to Get Sucked into an Intellectual Black Hole - Not everyone's cup of tea to be sure, especially if you are religious. I'm not sure I like it because rather than the debunking of pseudoscience I thought it would cover, so far it's just philosophical arguments against the existence of any gods. I'll give it a few more chapters before I decide whether or not to keep reading. My other non-fiction is one I'm only occasionally reading. I read it on my phone when I find myself with unexpected waiting time, and don't have my Kindle or a book with me. Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief. It's quite interesting but easy enough to put down in favor of other books. I'm still pretty early in the book, and am learning about L. Ron Hubbard's days just before he started Scientology. Book club : Still on schedule with Les Miserables for the goodreads group. I haven't started the next book for my IRL book club, The Returned. I shouldn't pre-judge, but I'm already groaning about this choice. However, I tell myself I shouldn't join book clubs if I'm not willing to read outside my regular genres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 My mom had heart surgery on Fri. (she is doing very well) so I am heading out this week to help out. Best wishes for a smooth and speedy recovery for your mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I finished Coup D'Etat by Ben Coes last night, and The Last Refuge is in at the library! The only negative for me is that I mistakenly read a review that told me that Andreas's fiancee gets killed so I know what's coming. :( prairegirl - best wishes on your travels and for a speedy recovery for your Mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Non-fiction: Believing Bullsh!t: How Not to Get Sucked into an Intellectual Black Hole - Not everyone's cup of tea to be sure, especially if you are religious. I'm not sure I like it because rather than the debunking of pseudoscience I thought it would cover, so far it's just philosophical arguments against the existence of any gods. I'll give it a few more chapters before I decide whether or not to keep reading. You are always one step ahead of me as this is on my tbr list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAMom Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Close to the end of The Goldfinch. I have been enjoying the story. However, I keep thinking to myself that it's too long. :blushing: It's not that I don't want to put that much effort into a book it just seems that she takes pages and pages and pages to say something that could be said more quickly. I do really like the audio, though. The reader is great and I love his voice for Boris! I'm trying to prioritize my library stack as I have some coming due that I can't renew. I'm feeling pressured. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAMom Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Started reading: The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman I LOVED that one! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I have read all four of the Hangman's Daughter series. I took my time and spread them out over 2013. Really liked the last one but probably because the subject matter was something I found interesting. Honestly considered them all pretty equal in quality. Finished: The Beggar King. For my March Kindle Owners' loan I was going to get the latest in the series, The Poisoned Pilgrim, but after reading reviews decided to hold off. Most of them said it just wasn't as good as the first three. I'm sure I'll read it at some point but I'm in no rush. Just started: Americanah - I read Half of a Yellow Sun by Adichie last year and liked her writing. So far this one is good too. Audio Book: The Orphan Master's Son - it expires in 7 hours and will disappear from my phone. :sad: If I can, I'll just re-download it but I'm going to note where I was in case I end up on a waiting list. Non-fiction: Believing Bullsh!t: How Not to Get Sucked into an Intellectual Black Hole - Not everyone's cup of tea to be sure, especially if you are religious. I'm not sure I like it because rather than the debunking of pseudoscience I thought it would cover, so far it's just philosophical arguments against the existence of any gods. I'll give it a few more chapters before I decide whether or not to keep reading. My other non-fiction is one I'm only occasionally reading. I read it on my phone when I find myself with unexpected waiting time, and don't have my Kindle or a book with me. Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief. It's quite interesting but easy enough to put down in favor of other books. I'm still pretty early in the book, and am learning about L. Ron Hubbard's days just before he started Scientology. Book club : Still on schedule with Les Miserables for the goodreads group. I haven't started the next book for my IRL book club, The Returned. I shouldn't pre-judge, but I'm already groaning about this choice. However, I tell myself I shouldn't join book clubs if I'm not willing to read outside my regular genres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I have read all four of the Hangman's Daughter series. I took my time and spread them out over 2013. Really liked the last one but probably because the subject matter was something I found interesting. Honestly considered them all pretty equal in quality. Thanks for that. I probably shouldn't have let the reviews scare me. Some of them said things like the word guillotine was used even though the man hadn't been born yet, and that it's much slower than the others. I've enjoyed the series and I know I'll read it before long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I finished "Cut To The Quick" this morning and loved it. I have the other three in my stack of what I hope to finish in the next week. Was the fourth one the one you did not care for? Might be helpful if I have to prioritise! ;) I read all the Kate Ross books last year. (There are only four - she died young.) Three of them were my favorite books of the year and the last one I strongly disliked. My friends that read them enjoyed all of them though so it's possible I'm a curmudgeon. Me too! We read Casino Royale for book club one year and you pretty much summed up my feelings of the book. I don't mind a little macho-ism or even some sexism (I'm looking at you when I say that, Raymond Chandler) but Fleming just left me feeling icky. And the comment about r*pe. Gag. What a creep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I seem to be in a reading slump. I'm reading this thread and posting from my phone since today is an out-day for us with ds at nature exploration all day. I've run errands, returned an item of clothing, eaten lunch, stocked up on chocolate, done a TJs run, listened to NPR and just can't seem to settle in with either my book or kindle. Or my knitting for that matter. It's an antsy kind of day for Shukriyya, I guess. At least I'm taking vicarious pleasure in reading about everyone else's reading joys :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Some days are just like that, Shukriyya. :glare: We read Casino Royale for book club one year and you pretty much summed up my feelings of the book. I don't mind a little macho-ism or even some sexism (I'm looking at you when I say that, Raymond Chandler) but Fleming just left me feeling icky. And the comment about r*pe. Gag. What a creep. The discussion last week about Casino Royale made me chuckle. DH and I read that one together 7-9 years ago after we picked up a stack of Fleming's at a garage sale. DH told me he had a hard time feeling sorry for Bond when he was being tortured. He's a hardened character. There's really not much to redeem him. I find it more creepy how many men have idolized him over the years. :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladydusk Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I finished That Hideous Strength this morning while waiting for my children to awaken. It was wonderful, although I was left wanting more tying up of loose ends. I'm glad I finally tried out the series this year. It was worth the time investment. I think reading an annotated version of this and some of Lewis' backing ideas and allusions would be fascinating. I haven't written a review yet, but I have to think about this one a little longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I seem to be in a reading slump. I'm reading this thread and posting from my phone since today is an out-day for us with ds at nature exploration all day. I've run errands, returned an item of clothing, eaten lunch, stocked up on chocolate, done a TJs run, listened to NPR and just can't seem to settle in with either my book or kindle. Or my knitting for that matter. It's an antsy kind of day for Shukriyya, I guess. At least I'm taking vicarious pleasure in reading about everyone else's reading joys :D I suspect you will get over it quickly. Just a hunch. Today's rock climbing class went 30 minutes over time. The coach was just enjoying himself, I guess. I didn't really get extra reading time in as today I finally made sure to watch them climb. Up the high walls they went. Lovely to watch. I was struck in particular by how fit and muscular my daughter is. Unlike her round squishy mommy. Still I made some progress in two of my books, so I'm fairly content. Never quite satisfied with the amount of reading I can do in a day. I think that's why I'm so indulgent with my daughter's tendency to disappear into her room with a novel every chance she gets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladydusk Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 it's on to Wolf Hall. I've tried to read this book two other times but tossed it aside in frustration. Then over wine and book talk one evening a friend told me she was reading it, struggling, about to toss it aside in frustration. The very next day I received email from her saying "you must read it!" Apparently she reached a point where it clicked and then she couldn't put it down. I read Wolf Hall last year. I never got to the totally absorbed, mania reading of it; I struggled with it the whole time, but was glad in the end that I read it. I wrote a review, and think some of the stylistic choices that drives readers a little crazy, Mantel made were purposefully. It's definitely worth sticking with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I seem to be in a reading slump. I'm reading this thread and posting from my phone since today is an out-day for us with ds at nature exploration all day. I've run errands, returned an item of clothing, eaten lunch, stocked up on chocolate, done a TJs run, listened to NPR and just can't seem to settle in with either my book or kindle. Or my knitting for that matter. It's an antsy kind of day for Shukriyya, I guess. At least I'm taking vicarious pleasure in reading about everyone else's reading joys :D If it is any consolation, I spent part of my afternoon reading about andouillette--sausage made with pork tripe. I am on a culinary trip through France, people! All aboard! ETA: I guess I should mention the book. It is Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Well, I eventually settled in on the backseat of the car and read my way through a couple of chapters of 'My Brother Michael' though with a certain amount of lethargy. If it is any consolation, I spent part of my afternoon reading about andouillette--sausage made with pork tripe. I am on a culinary trip through France, people! All aboard! ETA: I guess I should mention the book. It is Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah. This was on then off my food 5/5/5. Not sure why I removed it. Are you enjoying it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Last week I finished the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I have mixed feelings about it. She is a good writer, which made the book a compelling read. I finished it several days ago, but I still find myself in the world of the book because she did a great job of making the characters and the settings come alive. She is also obviously a well educated person, and the allusions sprinkled throughout the book connected her story to the bigger picture of the Great Conversation. :001_smile: The main thing that didn't ring true to me was her concluding chapters. The protagonist's " conversion", if you will, didn't seem plausible, or didn't seem like it would result from the experiences and thought processes that preceded it. My reaction to the outcome may be partly a result of my faith, though. As a Christian, I see a character who feels like he is a victim of fate but who is actually co-operating with his death in the midst of all of the bad things that happen to him. I don't see him recognizing that in the end, and therefore the redemption seems unbelievable to me. Does that make sense? It seemed like the conclusion was asking me to accept a Camus-like "bold embrace of beauty in the face of an ugly reality" and that without buying into the idea (as opposed to just considering and understanding it better) I couldn't buy into the ending. That said, though, it was worth a read and I would put it in the category of literature. Elaine I keep hearing negative and positive about Goldfinch. I am getting ready to start it and eager to find out what camp I will fall in. Just started: Americanah - I read Half of a Yellow Sun by Adichie last year and liked her writing. So far this one is good too. I have that on my TBR list. I have never read anything by Adichie but have heard nothing but positive about her writing. Let us know how you like Americanah when you are done. I finished The Circle just in time to take it back to the library. I loved this book! I don't think I have disliked a main character as much as I disliked Mae but I still liked the story. Next is The Goldfinch. I'm excited to finally get to read it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 This was on then off my food 5/5/5. Not sure why I removed it. Are you enjoying it? So far, yes. Let's see if the author can sustain the tale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I finished "Cut To The Quick" this morning and loved it. I have the other three in my stack of what I hope to finish in the next week. Was the fourth one the one you did not care for? Might be helpful if I have to prioritise! ;) I will try to be vague and give you a quick review of what I thought of them: Cut to the Quick - Wow. Wonderful. - Five Stars A Broken Vessel - Wowza. Another great book with the exception of one character. There were about three pages that I wanted to use a sharpie on in my personal copy and fix the book. - Four Stars Whom the Gods Love - A wonderfully twisted fantastic mystery. - Five Stars The Devil in the Music - It takes about two hundred pages for anything to happen. Slowwwww. And then it's still a slow book. Also during the first fifty pages I said "If such and such event happens then I'm going to throw this book across the room in anger." Said event happened. As I mentioned earlier though none of my friends disliked it like I did though. I'll be eagerly awaiting your review. - Two Stars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaraby Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I'm on book #27 for this year and am beginning to think that some series really aren't meant to be read back to back. It's a good thing that she's a character in a book and not a real person or I might be tempted to punch her. Egads. Yes, I know I could stop reading, but I'm a woman on a mission and aside for a really strong craving for lasagna, I'm absolutely chuffed that I've managed to read like crazy and still get everything else done (dishes, meals, bread, homeschooling, baked a cake, etc). Well, except for laundry. I still haven't figured out how to read and fold laundry at the same time. I'm loving the book lists, links, and videos! Anyone have a good recipe for lasagna that it's overly cheesy/greasy/heavy? Traditional red sauce/noodles combo and no cottage cheese. :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Finished reading an autobiography of Nelson Mandela, which has been staring at me from my great pile to be read for years. So there's one towards my "oughta read" challenge, and I found it more readable than I expected. On another note, brown lentils in lasagna are good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 On another note, brown lentils in lasagna are good. I just spent a few minutes looking for lentil lasagna recipes. They all look good. Will have to try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Well, I'm glad to see reviews of Casino Royale. I had it as a possible read in France, but I think I will drop it. I did pick up A Year in Provence at the Friends of the Library bookstore yesterday. I also got Alice Hoffman's Water Tales, which was a very quick read. It's more like two junior novellas in one book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Started a new book -- Fantomas by Marcel Allain & Pierre Souvestre. (Like I have much time to be reading, lol.) Found this title on a list of 'guilty pleasure' books. If anyone is looking for a French book to read, this might interest you. I think it's basically pulp fiction from early-1900s France. “One episode simply melts away as the next takes over†(The New York Times) in this deliciously sinister turn-of-the-century tale of a French evil genius run rampant. Three appalling crimes leave all of Paris aghast: the Marquise de Langruen is hacked to death, the Princess Sonia is robbed, and Lord Beltham is found dead, stuffed into a trunk. Inspector Juve knows that all the clues point to one suspect: the master of disguise, Fantômas. Juve cleverly pursues him in speeding trains, down dark alleys, through glittering Parisian salons, obsessed with bringing the demon mastermind to justice. As thrilling to read now as it was when first published in 1915, Fantômas “is not a puzzle but an intoxicant†(The Village Voice). Enjoyed some of the links on the Fantomas website, especially the info about the books & the avant-garde/surrealist movements. http://www.fantomas-lives.com/fanto3.htm Was getting too bogged down in my other reading. A Moment in the Sun is wonderful, but slow going. I like the idea behind A Novel Bookstore & it has so many quotes that will appeal to book lovers. But, it just moves at a glacial pace, imo. Not sure if I'll continue it or not, but since I'm wavering so on picking it back up, it may be one that I ditch. I picked up Fantomas because I wanted something quicker-paced & fast to read. ETA: I'm reading a hardcover library version, but I see there is a free kindle version, if you are interested: http://www.amazon.com/Fant%C3%B4mas-Marcel-Allain-ebook/dp/B0082V415O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1394563424&sr=1-1&keywords=fantomas -------------------------- My Goodreads Page My PaperbackSwap Page My rating system: 5 = Love; 4 = Pretty awesome; 3 = Good; 2 = Meh; 1 = Don't bother 2014 Books Read: 01. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (5 stars). Around the World – North America (USA). 02. This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper (3 stars). 03. Aiding and Abetting by Muriel Spark (3 stars). Around the World – Europe (England). 04. Sunjata by Bamba Suso & Banna Kanute (5 stars). Around the World – Africa (Gambia & Mali). 05. The Lunatic by Anthony C. Winkler (4 stars). Around the World – Caribbean (Jamaica). 06. The Joke by Milan Kundera (4 stars). Around the World – Europe (Czech Republic). 07. One Hundred Years of Vicissitude by Andrez Bergen (3 grudging stars). Around the World – Asia (Japan). 08. The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley (5 stars). 09. The French Connection by Robin Moore (4 stars). Around the World – North America (USA). 10. The Way Through Doors by Jesse Ball (4 stars). 11. Eat for Health by Joel Fuhrman, M.D. (4 stars). 12. LoterÃa by Mario Alberto Zambrano (1 star). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Just wanted to let you know that we watched the tap vs. Irish dance video and my 5 yr old loved it. He told me he wants to take tap lessons now. So, yes, I admit I jumped at the chance and called the local dance studio. By golly I may have a dancer in the family after all. I gave up on my first two. :lol: We'll see if his interest continues once he tries a class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Finished reading an autobiography of Nelson Mandela, which has been staring at me from my great pile to be read for years. So there's one towards my "oughta read" challenge, and I found it more readable than I expected. <snip> Book a week challenge: 9/52 Shakespeare challenge 0/5 Pagany challenge 0/5 Islam challenge 0/5 Oughta reads 1/5 Brilliant work Rosie. Such accomplishments! :glare: :laugh: Quote MultiQuote Rosie, if you enjoyed Long Road to Freedom, you might enjoy Time managing editor Richard Stengel's later collaboration with him, Mandela's Way: Lessons on Life, Love and Courage, which I notice is on Kindle special for $3.99 right now. I read both books with my son last year, when we were traveling in SA. The Stengel book is a quite insightful study on Mandela's ideas on leadership. Eminently applicable to all sorts of people in all sorts of capacities -- we refer to its ideas and language regularly now as we discuss current events, literature, etc... And I am Very Inspired by the BAW accountability program you have instituted in your signature line. I am off now to my own profile to see if I am competent enough to do the same!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CT Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Lookit that! First try! As my son would say.... ba-BAM-skis! :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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