Random books from jeniwren's library
Judgment Day by Penelope Lively
On longing by Blanche D'Alpuget
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel by David Wroblewski
Shakespeare's Wife by Germaine Greer
How The Light Gets In by Maria Hyland
Landscape with Animals by Cameron S. Redfern
Broken by Shy Keenan
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Member: jeniwren
CollectionsYour library (867), To read (713), Audio Book (3), Reference (13), Currently reading (5), Read but unowned (101), Favorites (15), All collections (904)
Reviews65 reviews
TagsTBR (693), Fiction (304), Mooched (155), Australian Fiction (93), Bookcrossing (65), Non Fiction (46), Classic Fiction (24), ANZLit (21), Australian Non Fiction (14), F2F Bookgroup (13) — see all tags
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GroupsAustralian LibraryThingers, Book Nudgers, BookCrossing Australia!, BookMooching, What Are You Reading Now?
Favorite authorsKate Atkinson, Charmian Clift, Michael Faber, Graham Greene, Ian McEwan, Kazuo Ishiguro, Susan Johnson, C.J. Koch, Margaret Atwood, Cormac McCarthy, Sue Miller, David Mitchell, Deborah Moggach, Kathy Reichs, James Robertson, Tim Winton (Shared favorites)
Favorite bookstoresBooktique Bookshop, Candelo Books, Readings, The Book Depository
Favorite librariesEden Library (Bega Valley Shire Council Library)
About meI live in Australia , married with two children, 19 and 15 and work part time as a nurse in Aged Care. I have always been an avid reader and love to share and discuss books and reading with others at the various book blogs and related sites on the internet.
About my libraryMy library is extensive due to book trading site www.bookmooch.com and I enjoy reading quality literature. The Booker Prize is an award I follow closely for guiding my reading choices and belonging to two bookgroups my reading reflects what is chosen for our discussions.
VISITORS SINCE 6TH JUNE 2009
Currently Reading.....and Considering
Current Audio Book
Books I have read so far in 2009
1. The Devil's Advocate by Morris West ****
2. Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates *****
3. The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies ***1/2
4. The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb ****
5. Being Dead by Jim Crace ***
6. The Zookeeper's War by Steven Conte****
7. The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas *1/2
8. The Time We Have Taken by Steven Carroll **
9. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson ****
10. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee *****
11.When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson****
12. Still Alice by Lisa Genova ****
13. The Easter Parade by Richard Yates ****
14. Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively ****
15. Catholics by Brian Moore ***
16. The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan ****
17. Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss***
18. Wanting by Richard Flanagan *****
19. Ice by Louis Nowra ****
20. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett ***
21. Embers by Sandor Marai ***
22. An Awkward Truth by Peter Grose ***
23. The Collector by John Fowles ****
24. Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill ***
25. Disgrace by J M Coetzee ****1/2
26. One Foot Wrong by Sofie Laguna ***
27. Italian Shoes by Henning Mankell ***1/2
28. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris ****
29. The Lost Life by Steven Carroll ***
30. Opportunity by Charlotte Grimshaw ***
31. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte ****
32. Ransom by David Malouf ***1/2
33. Bones To Ashes by Kathy Reichs ****
34. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin ***1/2
35. The Other Hand by Chris Cleave ****
36. Bob Dylan Chronicles Vol 1(read by Sean Penn)***
37. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Larsson *****
38. Everything I Knew by Peter Goldsworthy ***
39. Sophie's Choice by William Styron *****
40. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut ****
41. This Is How by M J Hyland ***
42. On Rage by Germaine Greer ****
Homepagehttp://geocities.com/anz_litlovers/index.html
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Real nameJenny
LocationPambula NSW Australia
Account typepublic, lifetime
Connection NewsConnection News
URLs
http://www.librarything.com/profile/jeniwren (profile)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/jeniwren (library)
Common KnowledgeSeries (79), Awards (383), Characters (2940), Places (652)
Member sinceFeb 18, 2008
Currently readingConsequences by Penelope Lively
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
His Illegal Self by Peter Carey
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Thanks for the tip of the Brotherhood site. I've already ordered three books from them - A Jest of God by Margaret Laurence (haven't read of any of hers, but hear she's good), Border Crossing by Pat Barker, and Atomised by Michel Houellebecq. I think this last will be grim and violent but my son gave it such a wrap that I shall have to give it a go, if only to encourage him in his reading.
I was interested to read your new additions. I just bought the Book of Emmett last week, and I have Remember Me (M Bragg) in my TBR pile (T Kenneally raved about it).
But before I can get to those I'm to read Madame Bovary for the next book club session. It will be the 4th time!! but I don't mind. Now that's the real test of a good book!
Robin
posted by RobinDawson at 2:45 pm (EST) on Nov 10, 2009
Are you a member of the ANZLitLovers group/blog run by Lisa Hill?
I noticed that one of their members is a 'Jenny' and as she reads many of the books you read I thought it might be you?
No, darn it, I missed the Tuesday book club with Marr - I'm a big fan of his
Robin
posted by RobinDawson at 11:10 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2009
I haven't been in touch for a while - been away.
I see you weren't carried away by Ransom. When I began it I felt at sea, unsure - not comfortable - almost didn't go on. Then the story focused on Priam and I was hooked. I thought his journey to Troy was wonderful- the discussions with Somax, cooling his feet in the stream, the character of Beauty were all so vivid and delightful - and of course he achieves a miracle - for himself, for Hector and for Achilles.
I find my mind has gone back and back to the boldness of Priam's thinking, and the strength of his determination to honour his son, and at the same time ensure that he himself would be well remembered.
I've never read the Iliad but I'd be curious to know to what extent Ransom is based on the original versus a creation of Malouf's.
I also see that you've read Wuthering Heights recently. It's coming up for one of my bookclubs. Did you see the recent ABC series? I watched one last night and turned it off in disgust. It didn't match my memory of the book at all (though I did read it when I was a very impressionable teenager!!)I thought Heathcliff was just evil and I couldn't hear anything he was saying. I'll stick to the hard copy version!!
Happy reading
Robin
posted by RobinDawson at 1:27 am (EST) on Nov 3, 2009
Haven't heard from you since my last littl note so I hope everything is OK, and you are too busy reading!The reason I am writing is that I'm going to the Lifeline Book Fair this Friday - are there any books you would like me to look out for you? I can't guarantee I will get ANY, but last year this one was very good and better than the Uni one earlier in the year - IMHO anyway.
Send me an email with a list and I'll take it with me, and maybe find you one or two...
I am on holidays now; can't quite believe it actually, so I have some spare time to go to book fairs etc. I was rather frantic last week before going on holidays, and I still haven't quite realised i don't have to go to work tomorrow - by the end of the week I might realise. :)
Hope you are all well, I saw you got the Gaiman; I hope Liam enjoys it too!
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 5:23 am (EST) on Oct 19, 2009
I actually bought all six shortlisted books as part of a deal, but only held on to two. Two others I have sold on Amazon, two others are listed to sell, but if you are interested in them (Mawer and Foulds) we could perhaps swap some more through BookMooch :)
I am going to bed right now (I moved to the UK in January) but will take the time to look through your reviews later - it seems we have similar tastes!
Natalia
aka Megami
of the Forrest Family :)
posted by ForrestFamily at 4:36 pm (EST) on Oct 18, 2009
Good that you dropped by ;-)
I'm reading all the bookershort list for this year again with "Fleebo" from BCs challenge. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters just arrived this morning and I couldn't help myself I had to start it tonight, I'm already hooked.
I'm also looking forward to "Wolf Hall", that might be a very readable Booker Winner!
I've bought AS Bryant's "The Childrens book" and it will be a bookring if your interested in joining. It is a whopper of a book, tho'! Huge! I might read it after The Little Stranger so I can get that bookring started. A Case of Exploding Mangoes and The Passion were great but not the best books I've read this year. Just an opinion tho', because both are well written.
We've had quite a bit of rain in Canberra! Water Supply Dams are up to 50.8% I did a happy dance once they went over 50% Everything has greened up for the moment, such a relief on the eyes then that harsh washed-out look of the drought ridden hills and paddocks.
If it hadn't been so cold and wet I would have ventured to the coast, but I'm back to work next week. Glad to hear your enjoying Sophies Choice, its on the 1001 list. I think I read Sophies Choice many years ago, before I had children and I don't think I got the full impact of the book at the time. I was a hard headed teenager, much more of a softy now.
I also saw the movie, very good, but too much posturing by Meyrl Streep, didn't help my appreciation of it.
Look forward to seeing your ratings on the booker shorties :-)
posted by KimB at 7:47 am (EST) on Oct 9, 2009
Nice to hear from you.
Yes, The Graveyard Book is a likely candidate for both of you to enjoy - I really enjoyed the whimsy. I read it months ago; I am very behind with my reviewing. :( I hope to catch up this month, especially as I have holidays - but I am helping out with updating the BM angel network page, so that is took up my time today, and will in the future. It very much needs an overhaul.
I have 12 books waiting to add too, from mooches and from this new used books site: http://brotherhoodbooks.org.au
I saw it on a thread here and checked it out and got four books immediately - they arrived in two days! Have a look...
I am looking forward to the third Larsson book, but waiting for it to come out in smaller paperback - I was tempted by Booktopia's price but I hate those huge trade-sized ones, so I kept myself under control (for once) and decided to wait. I have so many others to read that it is something I probably need to do anyway! I have had lots of mooches arrive so my book pile keeps increasing. I am slowly deciding on which books I will offer on my mooch inventory, as I need to reduce the volume I own - especially those I will never read again. I have kept some for so long that it is time to let them go - I was obsessed with collecting, but now I am finding so many more I have lost some of that compulsion - thank goodness. You must tell me what you think - will you be reading the next two soon? I saw you also got Illusions - I loved that book!
Are you getting lots of rain down there - it is really quite heavy and constant here, and has been all last night and today. Typical for a long weekend! My plants are loving it.
I saw a news story about your town - it was to do with the hospital and the obstetric problems in your area due to the closure of the local ward. It was very depressing, and must be awful for the pregnant women there - but it doesn't surprise me. After all, I work in public health! I was looking out for you in the street - even though I don't know what you look like! LOL!
It is late so I must go to bed. I am not that tired as I had to have a huge nap this afternoon - we have been very busy at work and I was exhausted form this week; and it was raining and perfect for a snooze. I need to go change all the clocks first.
Have a nice weekend,
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 10:27 am (EST) on Oct 3, 2009
Hope all is well with you.The reason for the activity is I decided to use up some points on bookmooch and when one book arrived I clicked on add to Library Thing by mistake rather than book recieved.I thought that might show up that I am still alive and kicking!Bookselling is going very well thanks.I plan on pretty much retiring next year so it will be some supplimentary income as well as just giving me something to do.I have read the first 2 Stieg Larsons and enjoyed them too.I think the 3rd is out in October.I am doing a bit of reading actually but have not changed covers, my bad :-( I have just finished Fight Club and it was a lot different to what I expected.Before that I read The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne.Both books are movies so I will have to have a look at them.
Gotta run, have to make my daily visit to the post office.Nice to virtually hear from you.
Cheers, Peter
posted by ozpierre at 1:56 am (EST) on Sep 29, 2009
I actually have a sample of The Little Stranger on my Kindle. The rest of the books aren't out in the US yet, so I have them on my wishlist so I remember to get them when they do come out. I did enjoy The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and while I didn't like the second book in the trilogy as much, it was a page turner! I will be getting the third one when it comes out.
We do have a lot of books in common. I see you're listening to The Secret River--I listened to that as well, and really enjoyed it!
I hope you have a good weekend, as well!
Chris
posted by cabegley at 9:19 pm (EST) on Sep 25, 2009
Huh! If I could find some time to write all these outstanding reviews it would be far less populated! :) Had to edit it a bit, as I keep them there to link easily for my review.
MaryAnne sent me Burnt Shadows as an eBook - do you want a copy? It is a pdf - and I am going to try a 'computer' read! I have put the book on my BM wish-list as well, so we will see. I have been having varied results on BM lately; but as I managed to mooch the last two Louis de Bernieres, how can I complain?
Did you notice MaryAnne has added images to her profile now? She went a bit mad (like us) too! :) Oh...I just saw she has told you in an earlier message - though not the bit about 'mad. LOL! MaryAnne - if you read this; you did! But so did Jenny and I!
My working week is so busy my brain hurts, and it is going to get worse; I'm off to try to relax! Hope you enjoyed the movie tonight - another book I want to read soon *sigh*
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 7:13 am (EST) on Aug 25, 2009
Yes, I saw your map but didn't click it as I thought I'd probably done it before. Anyway, I did it today :)
I find them a bit confusing because my click never produces a red dot at my end or a listing on the count - are they delayed or added at the end of the day or something??
These days the majority of my books are BG reads and I definitely agree you get so much more out of a book that way. As I run several of the groups I do get a lot of input into what we read - otherwise I'd never get to read any of my tbr pile!
As to The Other Hand - I also have to lead a group on Weds - I don't suppose you could forward the stuff Chris Cleve sent to you (pretty please). I'll PM my e mail address.
Do you often contact authors prior to leading a BG?
He's going to be at our Literary Festival in March - which is why we chose his book, we're trying to read as many of the visiting authors as we can.
http://eaifl.com/authors
Are you interested in swapping Audiobooks?
I don't find they come up on BM very often.
I can send you my list of titles if you like. Most are waiting for me to read them as I swap them via a UK book swap site - but then I have to wait until I travel back to UK to pick them up :(
Will visit the CC site now, thanks.
Enjoy your Monday,
MaryAnne
posted by DubaiReader at 3:34 am (EST) on Aug 24, 2009
I wish we could edit our posts - that spelling mistake is glaring at me too!!
And 58's was supposed to be 5*'s!!!
posted by DubaiReader at 5:12 pm (EST) on Aug 23, 2009
Haven't spoken for a while.
I spotted you're considering The Other Hand, which I've just read.
My opinions are in the reviews but I'll be interested to hear how you enjoy it.
Have you got a copy with the evasive non-bumf on the back?? That seems to have created quite a stir with Amazon.co.uk reviewers. That plus the patronising intro by the publisher LOL.
Still, I thought it was an interesting subject for a book and worth a read.
Hope you like my new profile pics - finally got over my technophobia and used Lman's info about putting them up. I'm so proud!!
I've been watching you list of read books grow over the months.
Not many 58's there - are you very selective about 5* books?
To Kill a Mockongbird wasn't 5* for me, sadly. I got a bit bored :S
Haven't read the other 2.
The Earth Hums in B Flat is going to come to the top of tbr some time soon, looking forward to that.
Hope all's well with you.
MaryAnne
posted by DubaiReader at 2:59 pm (EST) on Aug 23, 2009
Hello.
Will send the book soon - seem to have run out of time this weekend because I was *drum roll* reading!!! Finished Restless and another Sookie (they're still fun, thank goodness)- now to review. It was so nice to just indulge in all that page-turning!
I see you got the next Larsson -I have been warned that this one ends on cliff-hanger and to wait until you have the third before reading it! And that they are both really good, even better than the first! Isn't that something to look forward to?
Hope you had a nice weekend - don't they go quickly? :( Such a lovely sunny day today too!
Here's to a nice week ahead!
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 4:28 am (EST) on Aug 23, 2009
Saw a good review of Vertigo, so added it to my Wishlist - actually I added to my Disposed of list by mistake, but have fixed that now. Have never read an Amanda Lohrey - will keep an eye out for Camille's bread as well. Thank you for the recommendation.
It was many years since I had read any White, The Tree of Man I think, but recently I read The Twyborn Affair, which was much less dense and difficult than I remembered White to be, and enjoyed it. I was looking for Voss, but saw a copy of The Solid Mandala so bought it instead. Can definitely recommend The Twyborn Affair and am hoping that The Solid Mandala is as readable.
From your list, Wanting looks like another Australian book to look out for.
Spring is almost here in Melbourne, so it must be nice in Pambula now. Have a good weekend.
Pam
posted by pamelad at 6:50 am (EST) on Aug 20, 2009
Do you want to read TVL first (again) though?
How about you tell me when you want to start this second one, and then I will too. You have more more reading commitments than me - well, I have none! LOL!
My review mustn't have been that bad if it made you consider a re-read! :) I could have picked it up and started again; something very, very rare for me to consider!
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 6:42 am (EST) on Aug 18, 2009
Poor garden! I really hope this summer is not too dry, but somehow I think I am wishing in vain.
Off to finish my book now... :) Thank you for such a great recommendation - again!!!
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 8:10 am (EST) on Aug 15, 2009
Did you watch the new one last night - not bad!
L.
posted by Lman at 2:51 am (EST) on Aug 15, 2009
It is quite amazing; the twists and turns in this little story...had to take a breath is all.
(sorry about the bad grammar)
The weather is amazing - what winter? Considering this is supposed to be our coldest month; how hot will summer be? Blech!
L.
posted by Lman at 2:50 am (EST) on Aug 15, 2009
I looove 'Black Books'! I almost did myself damage laughing so much at one episode one night - the one with the 'cigarette lighter' throughout.
Just popping buy to say 'hello' - hope you are enjoying the weekend (wasn't it four days) and to tell you I had to take a short break from 'Vintners' as I am upset. Such a good book!!!
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 1:42 am (EST) on Aug 15, 2009
Well, there goes the weekend, but it has been very pleasant; hope yours was too. I have a four-day week this week too, so that is nice! There is an interesting new show on ABC on Monday night: Ashes to Ashes which is a spin-off from Life On Mars, which I enjoyed, and I like Philip Glenister. I am looking forward to that - it replaces Spooks so I am happy.
Have a good week,
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 4:48 am (EST) on Aug 9, 2009
I just left a very long comment here and most of it was lost! So here goes again..but briefer!
I have Atonement - read it and reviewed it in January last year, and because of that book I have collected all of his (not sure how come you didn't find i, t in my catalogue). I loved it; gave it 5 stars! I think I will watch the movie as a holiday to-do, as everyone I know, who has read and loved the book, recommends the movie too. I have also read The Comfort of Strangers and I would like to read another McEwan soon too; maybe Saturday or The Innocent.
Still not all that interested in Middlesex and not at all in Lee Childs either!!! :) Too many others on my shelves I really want to read!
It was good that at least Liam went to that book launch - shame not many others his age did! I can only imagine how hard it is to get published these days - especially here.
I am enjoying my book - and I hope you like Kim Harrison too. Enjoy the rest of your weekend too,
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 2:17 am (EST) on Aug 8, 2009
I couldn't help myself...I've started The Vintner's Luck. I poked my nose inside after I had added it and covered it, and I was lost! :)
Have a nice weekend - brrr, it suddenly got cold. Anyone would think it was winter. :)
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 8:14 am (EST) on Aug 7, 2009
Thank you for the Booker link. I've added the Hilary Mantell and the A.S. Byatt to my wishlist to join Colm Toibin who was there already. Interested to hear how you like Brooklyn. That Wishlist option is a lethal addition to LT. Will seek out more by Fuller. Are her others set in Africa too? Can see a slice of the tax return heading to the Book Depository.
Happy Reading.
Pam
posted by pamelad at 4:58 am (EST) on Aug 4, 2009
Thanks for the link. I'm not surprised that Seierstad upset these people. She didnt portray them very well at all. Also, I thought the title was misleading, I would have liked to have heard more about the bookselling part of it.
It was a very average read compared to other works I've read this year.
TKM is just magic isnt it. Some how I had managed to get this far with having ever read it! I'm glad I got a chance to remedy that.
I see that your thinking of reading Brooklyn. Now it's been long-listed for the booker I hope to read it at some stage. Still keeping my eyes peeled for a copy of Malouf's Ransom. I think that would be quite good. I'll be interested to see what you make of those books.
Cheers
kim
posted by KimB at 3:25 am (EST) on Aug 4, 2009
I ordered both the Knox books together from TBD; unfortunately only The Angel's Cut came today. If The Vintner's Luck had arrived too, I would have started it tomorrow, as I have just finished my latest Sookie. I am enjoying them immensely - just speeding through them - they are a bit of fun. I will probably read the next one and then take a break, as that will be three in a row!
I can't believe it is another month, and time for The First Tuesday Bookclub - again! Didn't I mention something like that a few days...err...a month... ago? :) I was looking at the Nick Earls somewhere; and there it is on your recent acquisitions! I will be interested in your opinion. I haven't read Middlesex. How about you - have you read it? There are a lot of copies on LT and it is very highly rated - and I think it is a very thought-provoking subject and probably a book well worth reading; it just doesn't appeal to me all that much. *shrug* I have too many others on my shelves to read at the moment, but I will be curious about the club's take on it.
Hope you have a nice week - mine started badly, with a flat battery! Which was even more annoying , as it was supposed to be replaced with my car service last Friday, and they didn't have one in stock, so I was getting a new one after work today! That didn't work as planned! Talk about bad timing! By the time it was sorted I gave up on work today... My poor mechanic couldn't believe it; I told him it was all down to him, a she mentioned it; and that was all it took for it to die. :)
I've just had a win on BM - this Auster book I had mooched over a month ago, and thought was a lost cause, got sent today!! I had written (what I thought was) a very nice reminder - and it worked!! So that made up for the battery - hehe.
OK , it is late so I must go to bed - the cricket is painful and I just watched the final in this series of Spooks :( Nothing more to do than to sleep!
Take care,
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 9:21 am (EST) on Aug 3, 2009
L.
posted by Lman at 8:40 am (EST) on Jul 30, 2009
Oh yes! Most definitely bought on your recommendation - and a little look-up on some sites. They look very, very interesting. And I doubt whether they will ever be able to mooch, and the exchange rate is good...it all fit!
I do know of Octavia E. Butler; I have considered her Patternists series (oh yes) but not got around to them yet.(phew)
It is now pouring with rain, and I feel cold, so maybe it is. I have had a lazy Sunday, actually reading a bit; and sleeping a lot! :)
But not as cold as you....brrrrrrrrr!!!
I think what I am really interested in is subscribing to your "Good Reading Magazine" - I have been checking it out - but am unsure what to go for as in the print or on-line or... I think I would like to actually hold the magazine but then woukd it be better just to get it to my computer and save paper. oh, decisions, decisions. :)
Anyway - I won't be making the decision until next month, after I have paid all my bills; this is bill time for lots of things for me. It happens twice a year oddly!
Here comes another week; and the end of another month! Hope you have a pleasant one...
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 6:37 am (EST) on Jul 26, 2009
L.
posted by Lman at 7:09 am (EST) on Jul 25, 2009
Thanks... I think.
:)
posted by Lman at 7:05 am (EST) on Jul 25, 2009
Thank you for your kind words - though I was still actually honing the review when you posted them. LOL! You are fast! It was a very good book, I thought; and I am considering the movie, now I have read it. It was beautifully written - don't you think?
It was a gorgeous winter's day here today - but is supposed to rain tomorrow. :( Are you working this weekend? If not, I hope you are enjoying yours. What are you reading now?
I can't decide what to read next!!! :((
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 4:18 am (EST) on Jul 25, 2009
Hey - I saw the 4 stars, and was greatly relieved. :P
I can recommend another paranormal set - The Hollows series by Kim Harrison; first one is Dead Witch Walking. In fact, I think they are better than the Sookie books. I have only read two of each but I wanted to just keep reading about Rachel Morgan; always a good sign. It may just be me, but I really liked them a lot and the second book even more. I am making myself wait a bit between reading these books now, as a treat, though I may decide to read them all in my upcoming holidays. I sort of said my reasons in my reviews, so I won't repeat it here, but so far they are, personally, my favourite. I managed to mooch most, even have doubles of two later books (don't ask; all right: one has a different name, and I got a huge hardback unknowingly, so snagged the paperback as well) and as I liked them so much bought the latest as a pre-order from TBD, as it is so much cheaper! :)
As to Laurell K. Hamilton...hmmm. The first books in the Anita Blake series just smoked! I read the first eight in no time and then the erotica just took over - and bored me to tears, though the latest book out, Skin Trade, now seems to have returned to the earlier type. I'll tell you when I read it later this year (have it on pre-order from TBD) and the 17th in the series. I have been reading this series for so long that I just have to follow it through; it was the first, besides Ann Rice, to hook me into the paranormal genre. I always rip through the Hamilton books, I have to say; but you have to read them all, and in order, or you would become hopelessly lost, as the plot leads on significantly from each book. And so far there are 16!
Hey, if you want to, you can always borrow mine, for any of the series I have... I have a few others I have dipped into, and a few I haven't started yet. I like to intersperse as there are so many now. I'm going to read more of the Sookie books next, as I want to get the DVD for the TV series, but I want to read the books first.
Nice to here from you, as always; BTW I am posting your mooch tomorrow with heaps of others I have to send. I had a shocking (read: too busy) week at work, with no time to get to the P.O. in my lunch break - what lunch break she asks?! LOL! So I have a few to send out ASAP, including yours. Sorry!
Hope you had a nice, if forced, break and enjoy your weekend,
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 3:35 am (EST) on Jul 18, 2009
Good review of the Henning Mankell. I've just read another Swede, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and recommend it.
Pam
posted by pamelad at 6:51 am (EST) on Jul 14, 2009
Finished "Small Island" it's now one of my favourites too!
How are you going with "Half of a yellow sun"?
The Steve Carroll, you have, looks interesting, but I havent read anything of his as yet.
I'm still enjoying reading from the Orange Prize lists, I think I've made the decision to read "The Colour" but I have so many to choose from it is going to be hard to settle to one book at the moment, methinks.
posted by KimB at 12:22 am (EST) on Jul 14, 2009
Be not faint-hearted! Gilead is not hard to read - as long as you go into it expecting a reflective, ruminative atmosphere(no action, no overt drama)and a unique topic/subject. I haven't read anything like it. I'd also say that, good as Gilead is, I actually enjoyed 'Home' even more. While it is a companion piece to Home it is so very different - full of dialogue which conveys character and relationships so well. It's so interesting to see how in Home Robinson moves next door to Gilead and tells the same story from a different perspective. The whole New Testament theme of fathers and sons is a rich vein for Robinson.
Your reading has influenced my purchasing - I recently picked up a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird'. I note too that 'Wanting' scored top marks with you so that whets my appetite. It is in my substantial 'to be read' section of the bookcase.
posted by RobinDawson at 3:40 am (EST) on Jul 12, 2009
The funny thing is, I read "Housekeeping" a few years ago through bookcrossing and only added it in today because of reading about her other books (Gilead/Home) in the Orange thread. I couldn't remember much of the book, but looked up my review on bookcrossing, and I loved it apparently! Just don't ask me what it was about. :)
I've got to put my thoughts into order on "Gilgamesh", I'm worried I might give away spoilers in my review! I knew nothing about it, and I did like reading it that way. I think if you knew more about it, it'd be less compelling. (Or is that just me?)
And "imaginary" books are ones that don't exist in the real world. They're books that are referenced in other books - Vida Winter's books in "The Thirteenth Tale", and in Paul Auster's "Oracle Night" there is a book called "Oracle Night" in it. I know there are lots more out there, but I'll have to look through some online threads to find the list I read ages ago (and then I can only add them if I've read the books myself!). It was something that was just bubbling away in the back of my mind - imagine if we could have a "library" of all these non-existent fabulous books!
cheers!
Tania
posted by wookiebender at 5:39 am (EST) on Jul 6, 2009
Yes, looking forward to the other on the shortlist now, I've finished "The Pages".
Just been looking at what's up next on "The First Tuesday Book Club" and you probably know already that they're doing "The Collector", which you mentioned you were reading a while ago and "The Housekeeper + the Professor", which I've heard good things about.
I've just subscribed. At some point, i'm actually going to read a book before it goes on the show ;-)
Over on "The Girlybooks Group" we're doing an "Orange July" read- reading books nominated for the Orange Prize - Half of a Yellow Sun was one of the winners, if you would like to join us.
I'm just reading "The Lost Dog" for it at the moment -very interesting.
Cheers
kim
:-)
posted by KimB at 8:31 pm (EST) on Jul 2, 2009
Were you happy with Tim Winton's, Miles Franklin win with "Breath"?
I just bought the paperback of "The Pages" today and I am still yet to read any of the other short-listed books.
I'll be making my start this weekend, me thinks ;-)
Cheers
kim
posted by KimB at 6:00 am (EST) on Jun 19, 2009
Read The Slap recently and liked it. It's set in Melbourne, which helps. Looks like you din't like it at all.
We agree on Embers.
Hope it's warmer where you are.
Pam
posted by pamelad at 2:32 am (EST) on Jun 13, 2009
I've heard GG speak and yes, she's an interesting person, it was the denseness of her writing that I couldn't cope with. It was BG read and I'm not sure anyone else did much better than me so I'll be interested to know how you get on. Perhaps the book you have is more accessible.
The Broderick was an abridged audio book, a real struggle. But audio books are quite difficult sometimes as it's easy to miss vital stuff - as I look for directions in the car etc! When you read you can stop, not so when driving. Having said that, some audio books are fine so it depends on the book and the abridgement. I didn't rate the audio CD or the story very highly for Gardens of the Dead and it gets mixed reviews on Amazon UK too. Some ppl loved it. It's kind of a sequel as it has the monk but not necessary to read in order.
It's nice to know that my reviews are being read!
I gave up on the 75 books thread as I felt I was talking to myself!! I list my books in enough other places so I abandoned that. Interesting question as to how well I'm doing - I'll have to check that. Probably on track if I count audio books as well.
You made me smile with the suggestion that you should read slimmer volumes!! Non fict is certainly slower too.
It's nice sitting here looking out the window at the sun shining - but I'd think otherwise if I went out there!
Hope you're keeping warm,
MaryAnne
posted by DubaiReader at 3:15 am (EST) on Jun 10, 2009
The book I abandoned was The Female Eunuch by G Greer, thought the name rang a bell.
It's not listed in my library though - very strange!!
posted by DubaiReader at 6:30 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2009
I have a problem with a few other obscure countries, like The Philippines, but nowhere else as prominent as Australia.
When Will There be Good News is picking up a bit now. It wasn't the several threads that bothered me so much as the comments in brackets that she keeps making - interrupting the flow. Some nice characters.
As to Twilight - I actually enjoyed the teen angst and unresolved sexual tension! Made me feel young :)
I'll be interested to hear how you get on with Germaine Greer. Are you a feminist? I read something of that ilk for a BG ages ago but gave up - I'll have to go back over my records and find out what it was. LT is a great tool for doing that!!
Certainly not Winter here!! Heading up towards the 40's C these days. Hubby bought an outdoor space cooler over the w/e but I was away so didn't put it to the test. I think it went down well though - not very green I fear!
posted by DubaiReader at 6:19 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2009
Along with a parcel from October!!!!!!! and one from Feb.
I'd already marked the October books as lost - 8m is beyond reasonable.
Thanks for the nice note on the front too :)
I'm currently reading When Will There be Good News, which I see you rated as 4*.
I'm finding it a bit of a slow read as she keeps interrupting herself like an annoying kid. Also she leaves out bits of info which she inserts later and I'm never quite sure if she's told me something and I've forgotten it or haven't yet been told - not good for those of us of a certain age!!
Only on page 70 som I'll reserve my conclusions for now.
I recently got a copy of Embers, but you only gave that 3*.
Would like to get around to The Earth Hums in B Flat some time soon.
I must add some pretty pictures - Lman has sent me the instructions - but I'm such a technophobe!
Hope you've got some great books lined up for the summer,
Take care,
MaryAnne
posted by DubaiReader at 4:58 pm (EST) on Jun 8, 2009
I saw the First Tuesday show. Was delighted to see CNA because I loved Half of a Yellow Sun. It was a big deal here on LT a couple of years ago. When she won the Orange Prize we had a virtual party. Interesting to see you've rated Ice so highly - I don't know anything about it and it's nominated for the Miles Franklin(?).
Amanda XXX
posted by amandameale at 9:53 pm (EST) on Jun 6, 2009
Jenny just dropping by, hope your enjoying Embers, some do some dont. At least it is a short book :-)
Got a laugh out of your new profile pic. We could be twins :-)
Cheers
kim
posted by KimB at 2:52 am (EST) on Jun 6, 2009
What a laugh! I was still correcting the glaring errors in my review when I got your comment on it! You can read my copy if you like; I know it is heavily wish-listed on BM and you wouldn't want to buy a copy, it is so thin. I, somehow, managed to mooch a very good copy and I still don't know how! It will post as a letter-rate I think. Let me know if you want me to send it to you; and, unless you really want to keep it, you can send it back with a book I am sure to get off you, one day!
You've read ALL five!!! I'm in awe! I haven't read one - I don't think. I just read a review for Ice; and indeed, it seems like a very good book, very interesting. I should read more Australian authors; I have my Tim Winton books in mind to read this year!I think you make a particular point to read local authors. I just obtained two books by an Australian crime writer - I'm trying! :) It will be interesting to see which one wins; but isn't it good there is so much quality this year?
How are you BTW? It is cold and wet and wintry here - funny that! But it is good for snuggling up with a book!
And you cleaned up your comments too! My page was looking sad; and then MaryAnne wrote me so many, after I asked her leave one, so I wouldn't feel too 'blank', it is now back to normal! LOL!
What about Sookie - huh? I am giving myself a break from paranormal books; I have overindulged recently and I am in need of a change. After all this serious stuff, Sookie might be a nice contrast.
I'm off to get ready for bed and have a read...I'm reading a nice fantasy I have had on my shelves for years - I haven't read a true fantasy book for a while, but as it is my first love I always enjoy them!
Have a good week,
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 7:47 am (EST) on May 31, 2009