What Are You Reading?

[Kohloo 986]

What are you currently reading, have read recently, or are planning to read?

Right now I'm rereading the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. I just finished The Golden Compass (the first book) and am waiting for the ebook rental from the library for The Subtle Knife. I used to enjoy these books in my pre-teen/early teen years, and it's fun having something light to read for a change

The most recent set of books I've finished is the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. I was introduced to the first book thanks to an online book club I was briefly running, I enjoyed it enough to continue reading the rest! 

I'd like to get back into the Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons though. I finished the first two books, Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. Now I just need to get my hands on Endymion as well as The Rise of Endymion. Sadly though, the local library doesn't have them available, so I'll need to wait until I can purchase them. 

And one of these days, I'll finish rereading the Dune series by Frank Herbert. Again though, the local library is missing physical copies, aside from the first book, Dune itself. Which means I'll need to purchase copies of Dune Messiah and all the rest as well. 

 

A book I've read recently that I strongly don't recommend though? Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons. I read the whole thing, amazingly, but it made me extremely uncomfortable for the majority of it. I have a word to describe it, but it's a very inappropriate word for a family friendly forum.

[Wedgy 1,528]

I renewed my audible membership and have been audiobooking like crazy the last few months! I just finished The Turn by Kim Harrison, a prequel to the Hollows series which I'm a longtime fan of. I'm looking forward to American Demon later this year. I've also read a number of other titles including Girl, Stop Apologising (Rachel Hollis), Becoming (Michelle Obama), Born A Crime (Trevor Noah), Precious Little Sleep (Alexis Dubief), and Unfollow (Megan Phelps-Roper). But my absolute favourite book I've read in the last six months: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone (Lori Gottlieb). I can't recommend this book enough! Certainly a book I'll remember. I hear it's been picked up by NBC for a television adaptation. I wish they would do that with the Hollows, lol.

[Illusion of Terra 809]

I just can't seem to find the time to read stuff besides for work. Something I have tried to do is to catch up more on non-Western literature. I did start reading some of Tolstoy but because I had too much on my hands I dropped it again. Once I get settled in with all the work stuff, I hope to continue it though  

15 hours ago, Wedgy said:

Born A Crime (Trevor Noah)

What did you think of it? I'm considering reading this in the near future

Edited January 11, 2020 by Illusion of Terra

[efaardvark 1,302]

17 hours ago, Kohloo said:

A book I've read recently that I strongly don't recommend though? Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons.

I'm pretty sure I read the novella version of that in Omni back in the day.  Not my thing either.

I can't really say I'm currently reading it but I've had Stephenson's Seveneves on my nightstand for quite a few weeks now.  If I ever get the time that's what I read.

 

2 minutes ago, Illusion of Terra said:

I just can't seem to find the time to read stuff besides for work.

Yep..

[Wedgy 1,528]

1 hour ago, Illusion of Terra said:

What did you think of it? I'm considering reading this in the near future

I enjoyed it, although it did surprise me with its more somber tone. If you're used to Trevor's usual humorous approach to his stories, it certainly feels different (especially for me in audiobook format in which he himself is narrating). But it was nonetheless a good read and I feel like I took away a lot of perspective about racial prejudices in S. Africa, with and without the context of the apartheid. There was a lot in there about his mother and everything she had to do to raise him against all the odds stacked against her. That part I loved. You really walk away from it with a healthy respect for her. Overall, it was a great book and I would recommend it. 

[Kohloo 986]

I used to have the same problem here, not ever finding time/motivation to read. As for Andy (my boyfriend), he didn't enjoy reading because he's dyslexic and it takes him a long time to finish a book. 

It's become part of usual routine to relax at bedtime and read before we go to sleep though. I love it because it's getting me reading more, and he loves it because he's actually enjoying reading now. Plus, making a point of having some no-screen downtime before I sleep is a huge positive for me. It's impossible for me to sleep a whole night through (I'm constantly waking up), so being mindful of what I'm doing the hour or so before bed helps at least make it more bearable!

[The History Kid 863]

I have five things that I'm currently reading - none of them are probably exactly what you had in mind.

• Gaddis, John Lewis. The Cold War: A New History.
• Gilpin, Alec R. The War of 1812 in the Old Northwest.
• Gingeras, Ryan. Fall of the Sultanate: The Great War and the End of the Ottoman Empire, 1908-1922.
• Tuchman, Barbara W.  The Zimmerman Telegram: America Enters the War 1917-18.
• West, Bing; Mattis, James. Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead.

Amongst a few other TM/TR's and journals I've been thumbing through lately - anyway.

[Kohloo 986]

Currently reading The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

[Zila 504]

Recently finished River, Cross My Heart by Breena Clarke.

Introduction: "After the Potomac River claims the death by drowning of eight-year-old Clara Bynum, her family leave the rural world of North Carolina in search of a better life among friends and relatives in Georgetown, Washington, DC. They seek to come to terms with their loss."

"This highly accomplished first novel resonates with ideas, impassioned lyricism, and poignant historical detail as it captures an essential part of the African-American experience."

Honestly, this book started out wonderful, had an interesting yet tedious middle and finished wholeheartedly. Regardless, it was a fantastic experience and I'm glad that I picked this up. There was a special treasure hidden inside. The book was dedicated to someone and I just love browsing the book/literature section in antique and thrift stores for this very reason.

Somewhere in my collection, is a book dedicated to a person's family member that passed and it looks like they wrote the message in an effort to cope. The message was basically: "Please treat this book with kindness and love as it's part of our family. I've read it three times and once out loud, for her. Now I understand." Then it went on quickly to say that if people were connected then the reader had in possession a part of their lives. I always bawl when I see it!

 

I also just finished the first Poldark novel by Winston Graham, called Ross Poldark. Now I'm onto the second, titled Demelza. So far I'm absolutely addicted! This series has everything. War, politics, historical account, the class and lifestyle of poverty and of the gentry. There's pistol dueling, violent consequence and of course, romance. 

There's something quite special about these books. Winston Graham knew people so well. His characters are lifelike and taken into consideration. He also knows the sexes and treats both men and women of the times with much regard. Ross has a lot of faults thus far and he addresses them. Demelza too, and instead of colliding the two in bittersweet perspectives of equality Graham allows them to explain themselves as a man and as a woman. Even when there's drama and conflict, they're allowed the breathing room of being completely human and invested in learning about one another. My only distaste is that everyone in the book is constantly obsessed with the fair "virgin-like" (even after she's married and pops out a child) elegance of Elizabeth. Men can't help themselves, young women are in utter envy. When she shows up at gentry parties everyone notices, cares and she instantly becomes a level 99 boss that women can't seem to defeat. I'm laughing because I just pictured Verity trying to dance with Ross and suddenly she hears boss music coming up from behind her.  Oh, I love these books!  

Edited February 1, 2020 by IIVIsouljam
Added image

[RZ. 134]

I've just started reading Brandon Sanderson's 'Mistborn: The Final Empire' as well.

I hope to read Shad Brook's 'Shadows of the Conquerer' as well, as I'm a big fan of his YouTube channel (Shadiversity is it's name. If you like medieval stuff, especially swords, he's your man. He's also into his fantasy and is a confirmed weeb).

Shameless plug - I'm actually trying to read more fantasy books with heavy worldbuilding so I can improve my own writing for a science/space fantasy series I'm working on.

 

 

Ah yes, I've also read about 100 different books and journal articles for my MA research project, but I won't list them as I'm frankly sick of the sight of them lol.

Edited February 1, 2020 by RZ.

[Seshi 1,861]

15 hours ago, RZ. said:

Shameless plug - I'm actually trying to read more fantasy books with heavy worldbuilding so I can improve my own writing for a science/space fantasy series I'm working on.

If you want more inspo, check out the "DemonWars Saga" by RA Salvatore! The world building for this fantasy series is so immersive. By far the most creative I've read so far for this genre. 

Also, as a child I remember my brother going on and on about the "Redwall" novel series, and his imagination for writing grew leaps and bounds. This is a childrens fantasy series by Brian Jacques, but Im sure he has more grown up series as well, so maybe you've heard of him.

 

@The History Kid have you read "The Other America"? Its a good history of the industrial revolution, although I don't believe in the authors socialist views of economy I still enjoyed the read.

[RZ. 134]

2 hours ago, Seshi said:

If you want more inspo, check out the "DemonWars Saga" by RA Salvatore! The world building for this fantasy series is so immersive. By far the most creative I've read so far for this genre. 

Also, as a child I remember my brother going on and on about the "Redwall" novel series, and his imagination for writing grew leaps and bounds. This is a childrens fantasy series by Brian Jacques, but Im sure he has more grown up series as well, so maybe you've heard of him.

Thank you, I shall defintiely check them out! I'm more of a watcher/listener than a reader so my literary knowledge isn't great. The only book series I've ever read in its entirety was the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowicz. Taking up writing probably wasn't the smartest move, all things considered, but I don't care

[The History Kid 863]

3 hours ago, Seshi said:

 

@The History Kid have you read "The Other America"? Its a good history of the industrial revolution, although I don't believe in the authors socialist views of economy I still enjoyed the read.

I'm not a social or economic historian, so I wouldn't have read it, no.  A cursory examination of the author points out major issues in his writing.  A bias is fine, but he exhibits elements of topic luring.  I'm not a proponent of that stuff, simply because the reader should be allowed to come to their own conclusions based on presented information.  That being said, a Professor of English and the chair of the DSA isn't exactly someone who I'd care to get lectured to about "poverty" and advancement of technology.

[Seshi 1,861]

@RZ. The audiobooks are what I have for Demonwars and they are very well done.

[EnviousEnvy 375]

Need to get back into reading like I used to be. Work, anime and gaming have been my life recently. Did pick up the first three books in the Witcher series. 

[Zila 504]

Just started the third Poldark book titled: Jeremy Poldark. This series pulls no punches and I'm loving it.

 

[Zila 504]

Concluded Jeremy Poldark, third book of the series. Not as remarkably developed as the previous two. The majority of the book was very political and personally utilized against the main character for antagonistic purposes. It made the whole thing rather internalized for a book of its size. There was a spatter here and there about the social and political reach of the French Revolution. Directly found these occurrences more engrossing than circumstantial grudge-making between x and y—because x and y can't stand each other.

Small (personal) notes concerning books 1-3.

• Ross Poldark's actions and temper make little sense this far in, having gotten a better understanding for his character.
• Captain Andrew Blamey is the most interesting character, aside from Verity Poldark. Found a sardonic flavor in the attempts made towards Blamey as a bad man via other characters. Yet Verity and him seem like the only two rational, developed people here.
• Needs more of Blamey's stories/adventures out at sea!
• Elizabeth remarks on her qualities belonging to the passage of time. She turns thirty, gets a wrinkle and cue the reflection of her worth in the gentry scene. 
• Demelza is often described as simple and witty by nature. She develops very well and begins to educate herself. There's a lack of consistency in this for plot requirement, however. She does some pretty questionable things, drives the plot further away from previous point-making. When she's done being a catalyst it's often attributed to some sort of bout of idiocy or reckless femininity. Then back to expanding on her intelligence and craft of repartee. Confusing!

Reading the fourth book, titled Warleggan. Looking forward because I'm rather interested in the Warleggan family.

[Zila 504]

Currently in the middle of the Warleggan book from the Poldark series. Took a break from Graham to read other material. 

Finished:

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley.

Cailleach ~Witch~ by Jane Barry (Read for a review/discussion).

 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

[OtakuKid 91]

The maze runner. 
three books by terry pratchett

a few doctor who novels

a bunch of stuff 

[RuthisianCodex 766]

Just got 2 new books that I can't wait to dig into: 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins(this is the prequel to The Hunger Games series)

The Outsider by Stephen King

As much as I love anime, I'm also an avid reader so it will feel good to get back into an actual book again. The weather should be good over the next few days so I may very well pack a small lunch & spend a few hours outside reading in the nearby park. 

[Zila 504]

Just finished Warleggan, now I'm reading The Black Moon from the Poldark series.  

[Zila 504]

Finished 

• The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

• Just After Sunset by Stephen King

Currently on chapter four of Jaws by Peter Benchley.

Amazing book so far but man, talk about hypersexual. Everyone within the first three chapters is pretty horny.  

 

[Zila 504]

Jaws was kind of meh. I'm glad that the movie was different. 

Spoiler

 

Wish Ellen Brody wasn't such a shallow character. I cringed every time she contemplated over her looks and physical appearance or sexual appeal to younger men. Her midlife crisis was horrid and filled with selfish thoughts and needs. There's no redeeming quality to her whatsoever. She gets away with cheating with Hooper, which resulted in her forgetting to pick up her own child. She contemplates life with Vaughn, when her own husband is doing everything possible to make her happy. Her entire character is filled with entitlement and bratty behavior and it's simply obnoxious. Only after she feeds her ego a bit more does she finally realize she loves her husband. However, by the time this realization is met, it feels utterly unbelievable. She spends the entire book looking down on her husband, Brody, who happens to be a real genuine character that does his best and goes out of his way for her. Had me rolling my eyes when he was risking his life to save the town and all she could think about was her damn vanity. 

Another issue was that the book begins with the shark, and is suddenly forgotten about in three long chapters of Ellen and Brody's marital problems, Ellen's adultery and Hooper's know-all ramblings. 

 

Was hoping that Quint had more time in the book. He appears briefly and resurfaces much later, in the last few chapters. Quint's character stole the spotlight and the book suddenly got more interesting because of his involvement. 

*****

Currently reading Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg. I'm only at the Homeless Camp part and this novel is already leagues better than Jaws.  

[Kohloo 986]

I recently picked up a set of Douglas Adams books at the thrift store for cheap. It’s got the five Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy books and the Dirk Gently books. I just finished the Hitchhikers books (what fun reads those were!) and now I’ve just started Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. 

[Wedgy 1,528]

Just finished reading This Book is Full of Spiders (David Wong)

Legendary.