Readers and Reading discussion

I closed this topic to new posts in November and forgot to open a new one DUH!

I just read about a debut novel that is a parody of the book publishing business and the business of "best sellerdom"..it sounds so amusing. How I became a Famous Novelist. Has anyone heard of it or read it?

Here is the very clever fictitious best -seller list the author includes in the book:

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images...

I've started the new Nevada Barr one, Winter Study - so far, so good.

I'm working my way through Three Cups of Tea by Mortenson. My SIL & i are reading it "together" but i'm almost 200 pages into it while she's on page 50. I am liking it but am not very motivated this time of year to finish. Her speed encourages me to take it slowly.

deborah

You know, I am sure, that Mortensen has a new book out, STONES INTO SCHOOLS, on the same general topic as Three Cups of Tea.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html...

I saw him a couple of days ago on TV in Afghanistan, I think, talking to villages about the same methods they'd been using in Pakistan. I like to read about a person who found their goal in life, and it's such an unexpected goal. Reminds me that life is often unpredictable.

I am currently reading the book written by Kathy Griffin, "Official Book Club Selection" and I am loving it. It draws you in right from the first page. I finished the one by Jane Velez-Mitchell called "I Want" and now realize why I don't like her! She is so vain, so self-absorbed and critical of others, I knew there was a reason her voice grated on my last nerve. She narrates on the CNN channel!

RNOCEAN wrote: "I am currently reading the book written by Kathy Griffin, "Official Book Club Selection" and I am loving it. It draws you in right from the first page."

I am sure it is funny...and irreverent!

I was first on the hold list at the Library for the new Sue Graftonso am reading that now. For me it is like catching up with a comfortable old friend -- which I've done a few times this year!

Donna in Southern Maryland

I bought the most gorgeous book the other day...The Little Prince Pop-Up book. Since receiving it over the weekend, I just cannot stop raving about this, how wonderful and clever it is. The Little Prince has been one of my favorite books for more years than I care to admit. This book has the full text and not only has exquisite large popups but also little panels that open with small popups under them. I cannot believe the full price was only $36. Seems cheap, and I got it for $18 from Amazon (and no, I am not proud that I went to Amazon for it, but my local booksellers did not have it)

I would stick with Three Cups of Tea, Deborah. It's an inspiring read and well worth your time.

Well, I started Winter Study by Nevada Barr, but, last night, I read the last page, which was a huge disappointment. Shoot. I realized I didn't want to read the contrived plot, all of which was completely predictable from the ending, so I put it down and started Duma Key by Stephen King. After reading the last page, I still have no idea where this book is going. Hurrah!

Thanks for the encouragement, Alias. I really don't intend to stop reading, but i now believe it'll be post-Christmas before i pick it up again. It helps knowing my SIL is reading it too. And knowing that Mortenson continues his work leads me to want to read it too. And i haven't even mentioned how many people have praised the book. ;-)

deborah

I just started and am so far enjoying Michael Frayn's novel Headlong. I meant to read it ages ago, but I was at the library the other day and it was in the Friends Shop for $1 in hardcover. Can't beat that.

Headlong

Bunny wrote: "Well, I started Winter Study by Nevada Barr, but, last night, I read the last page, which was a huge disappointment. Shoot. I realized I didn't want to read the contrived plot, all of which was c..."

Bunny, I am glad to know I am not the only person out here who reads the last page of the book! My habit started years ago.....probably over 40!.....when I read a paperback called "Home From the Hill" later made into a movie with George Hamilton and George Prepard. Anyway, when I got to the end, it was proably missing 10 or 20 pages that had fallen out of the binding. I was so disappointed! So began my habit of checking, and then reading the last page. Most people think I'm crazy. Well, I am, but that's another story! :o)

I read and enjoyed Winter Study; while the ending may have been predictible, how Barr got there certainly wasn't. The final few scenes were some of the most descriptive and frightening I have ever read, and have stuck with me.

I hope you enjoy your Stephen King. My DH's favorite is The Stand. I have this one on order from the library.

Donna in Southern Maryland

>>I just started and am so far enjoying Michael Frayn's novel Headlong. I meant to read it ages ago, but I was at the library the other day and it was in the Friends Shop for $1 in hardcover. Can't beat that<<

I ended up enjoying Headlong but boy it had some of the most odious characters I have ever come across. I listened to the audio version narrated by Steven Crossley and he did a great job.

Donna in Southern Maryland wrote: "Bunny wrote: "Well, I started Winter Study by Nevada Barr, but, last night, I read the last page, which was a huge disappointment. Shoot. I realized I didn't want to read the contrived plot, all ..."

Ah, Home from the Hill - I remember that romantic movie with those two cute guys in it - sigh. I've always read last pages, sometimes whole scenes, sometimes I even start reading backward from there to see how they got there (that's usually in books that I didn't think I was liking up until then). It really annoys me that I can't do that in real life!

I am planning to read The Lacuna A Novel. It's next on my library TBR.

Deborah, FYI
On C-Span Book TV

Insightful author interviews
Saturday 10 PM, Sunday 9 PM and
Monday 12 AM & 3 AM ET

Greg Mortenson, Stones into Schools

Greg Mortenson, co-founder of the Central Asia Institute and author of Three Cups of Tea, talks about his latest book. The book follows Mortenson and his colleagues as they work to set up remote schools for girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Mr. Mortenson discusses his book with Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), an early champion of Mortenson's work. Congresswoman Bono Mack has represented California's 45th district since 1998.

You can also view the program on
BookTV.org

Thank you, Alias. Bono's photo is in his book but i haven't gotten to the point where she's mentioned. I'll record the program for post holiday encouragement to FINISH THE FIRST BOOK! LOL! And i'd like to "see" Mortenson, too.

deborah

I ended up not having enough time to read The Lacuna and had to return it unread to the library.

I am now reading The Coral Thiefabout an intellectual woman thief in Napoleonic Era France who is interested in philosophy, politics and evolution. I think it's rather wonderful so far.

I'm about to finish a very mediocre book, and then I'm going to dive into the new Steven King. I've been holding it for Winter Break and now it is here. It's snowing outside, and it couldn't be a more perfect day for it.

Kate

I am going to start the new John Gilstrap book today. No Mercy How many people here remember John, who used to post at Favorite Fiction? Nice guy.

We are due to get up to 20 inches of snow today (we have about 6 inches so far) and to be honest, I do not mind being trapped inside. I am going to read, wrap gifts, and do some baking.

I'm a tad envious of your snow, particularly since i have nowhere to go. However, it will probably play havoc with our daughter's flight home tomorrow morning from LaGuardia. The good news is that it appears calm west of us, which is the direction from which our son is driving (from Oregon). All in all, i'd prefer the storm where it is.

This morning we are hearing the sound of hunters shooting. I have no idea what is in season but it must have just started today because it's been fairly quiet the last 6 weeks or so. Ah, the holidays. ;-)

deborah

madrano wrote: "I'm a tad envious of your snow, particularly since i have nowhere to go. However, it will probably play havoc with our daughter's flight home tomorrow morning from LaGuardia. ..."

Yes, I am sure she will have problems. But at least it is not Christmas Eve! Keep us posted.

Forecast was just revised -- 12 to 25 inches!

Update. Her flight for tomorrow was canceled. She's instead leaving from Allentown Tuesday. They couldn't get her out of NYC until Thursday. Yipes!

deborah

madrano wrote: "Update. Her flight for tomorrow was canceled. She's instead leaving from Allentown Tuesday. They couldn't get her out of NYC until Thursday. Yipes!

deborah"

Yipes is right! EGADS.

Allentown/Lehigh Valley International is a nice small airport. Laura used to fly out of there all the time when she was at Lehigh.

Update. Her flight for tomorrow was canceled. She's instead leaving from Allentown Tuesday. They couldn't get her out of NYC until Thursday. Yipes!

Thursday??? Yowza!

Kate

I hope all your travelers get home as soon as possible. I'm a bit envious of your snow, it's supposed to fall on us! We have about 18 inch ground cover but can always use more.

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "I am going to start the new John Gilstrap book today. No Mercy How many people here remember John, who used to post at Favorite Fiction? Nice guy.

JoAnn - I read No Mercy back in July because I did remember John Gilstrap as a old-time poster. Wonder if he has made it to any GR boards?!

Deb, I don't know if you get the GR monthly newsletter, if not, I wanted to let you know there was an interview with Greg Mortenson in it.

Here is a link.
http://www.goodreads.com/interviews/s...

I certainly remember John Gilstrap and his posts on Favorite Fiction. I wonder what ever happened to the movie that was going to possibly be made from his book...that I loved and can't remember the name.

Sue/Gazebo316 wrote: "I certainly remember John Gilstrap and his posts on Favorite Fiction. I wonder what ever happened to the movie that was going to possibly be made from his book...that I loved and can't remember the name..."

Sue, are you thinking of Nathan's Run ? I loved that one. Can you believe it was published over 13 years ago!?!?!?!

I can post what I'm reading to this thread, but I have tended not to do that if I don't think the members of this group would be interested.

My current read is Rosewood's Ashes A Tory Travers/David Alvarez Mystery. I don't know how many members of this group are aware of the Rosewood massacre. Rosewood was a town of African-Americans that was torched in 1923. I saw a documentary about it on PBS. Rosewood's Ashes is a mystery that deals with research into the massacre and descendants of victims . I discovered it on Paperback Swap and was immediately intrigued.

Shomeret wrote: " My current read is [book:Rosewood's Ashes A Tory Tra..."

This one does sound good. I'm interested to hear what you think of it.

And you should know we read everything on this board, Shomeret (love that name, by the way).

Shomeret wrote: "I can post what I'm reading to this thread, but I have tended not to do that if I don't think the members of this group would be interested.

My current read is [book:Rosewood's Ashes A Tory Tra..."

Did you also see the movie entitled Rosewood, with Jon Voight and Don Cheadle?

While I might not read this book, your mention of it caused me to look Rosewood up and read about this tragedy. So, thanks for that!

I remember John Gilstrap's posts, JoAnn. I have one of his books on my shelf, I forget the title. I should pick it up soon, just because....

I just went to look--it's At All Costs.

Ahhh, Nathan's Run, that was the one Jo Ann. I had cast the parts already in my mind.
Sue

Alias Reader wrote: "Deb, I don't know if you get the GR monthly newsletter, if not, I wanted to let you know there was an interview with Greg Mortenson in it.

Here is a link.
http://www.goodreads.com/interviews/sh..."

Thanks, Alias. BookTV programs have been usurped for coverage of the Senate, so i guess i'll miss GM there. (Although i'm recording the late nights ones, just in case!)

deborah

Nathan's Run--that sure brings back memories--I had both my boys at that time early teens read it and it was a PERFECT read for non-reading teenaged boys...what a nail-biter..Yeah, I want to see that movie!!
On another note, Shutter Island should be a GREAT movie--what a book...I didn't realize till the end of the book what was going on...Lehane can write an intriguing (spelling??) novel..
Happy Monday.
Susan

Here is everything you want to know about John Gilstrap movies, including what happened to Nathan's Run!

http://www.johngilstrap.com/movies.html

There was what looked like a 24 inch high cake on my deck table yesterday morning here in southern NJ near Cherry Hill! Luckily our neighbor snow blowed our long driveway so the 4 cars we own will fit!
It was quite dicey in all the parking lots of places I had to go to for errands today.
I am finished with going out for Christmas stuff!

Marcy wrote: "Shomeret wrote: " My current read is [book:Rosewood's Ashes A Tory Tra..."

This one does sound good. I'm interested to hear what you think of it."

I thought Rosewood's Ashes was quite good, Marcy. See my review.

Marcy wrote: "Shomeret wrote: " My current read is [book:Rosewood's Ashes A Tory Tra..."

This one does sound good. I'm interested to hear what you think of it."

I thought Rosewood's Ashes was quite good, Marcy. See my review.

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Shomeret wrote: "I can post what I'm reading to this thread, but I have tended not to do that if I don't think the members of this group would be interested.

My current read is [book:Rosewood's ..."

No, I never saw the movie Rosewood, JoAnn. I saw a documentary.

I have been pecking away at Riders of the Purple Sage doe a while now. It was written in 1927, and is reallt quite entertaining from a romance and action standpoint. The men and strong and silent with guns strapped to their legs, the women beautiful and tormented. There are gun fights, horse races, tender scenes, and loving descriptions of the landscape. The thing that has surprised me is the way Mormons are demonized. Zane Gray must have had it in for the Mormons. I see that there is a fairly recent film version of the novel. I look forward to seeing how a director deals with that issue.

Riders of the Purple Sage

R, i loved your description of the 24" high cake on your deck table. I immediately "saw" it, as i've observed the same but didn't have the words for it. Good neighbor! Enjoy the season.

deborah

Shomeret wrote: "Marcy wrote: "Shomeret wrote: " My current read is [book:Rosewood's Ashes A Tory Tra..."

This one does sound good. I'm interested to hear what you think of it."

I thought Rosewood's Ashes was q..."

Sounds like another to be added to my TBR. I love historical fiction which is well delineated in terms of what is true. Thanks for the recommendation.

Sherry (sethurner) wrote: " The thing that has surprised me is the way Mormons are demonized (in Riders of the Purple Sage). Zane Gray must have had it in for the Mormons. I see that there is a fairly recent film version of the novel. I look forward to seeing how a director deals with that issue.
..."

I poked around a bit and several websites mentioned that Gray had a lot of his Mormon-related information incorrect in this book (regarding practices, religious beliefs, etc).

And this is from Wikipedia "The Mormon Church is portrayed very poorly in Riders of the Purple Sage. The local Mormons are shown as very intolerant of the gentiles and even of Mormons who befriend the non-Mormons. Jane seems to believe that many Mormons do not live up to the standards of the religion. Lassiter admits that he has met some Mormons who are not evil. The Mormon church generally is portrayed as oppressing women within the church and all non-Mormons. Non-Mormon characters are either killed or flee from Cottonwoods, including Jane and Lassiter who voluntarily cut themselves off from all human society to avoid being under Mormon dominion. Social pressure, xenophobia, and threats based on religious salvation are shown as major problems in the novel. Lassiter attributes this to a vague Mormon desire for "empire." Ranchers and railroads later became the common villains seeking for empire in Western stories.

In some of his later Westerns, Grey treated Mormon men in a more neutral way, but in Riders of the Purple Sage they are simply villains who use their religion as an excuse for greed and lust. The character of Lassiter is clearly recognizable as the archetype of the Western gunman hero; dressed in black, the fastest gun around, a loner, laconic and soft-spoken, combining a deep respect for women with a quick willingness to use his guns to dole out his own ideas of justice.

This is interesting: http://harvardmagazine.com/2006/11/za...
especially the part about all his girlfriends!

That article about Zane Gray is very interesting. He was a handsome man, athletic, adventuresome. Who knew? I may have to read a biography.