Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

" Wear the old coat and buy the new book" said no Hushita ever: Hushita's book group

42 replies

Sooverthemill · 16/10/2019 07:41

Opening the first thread! As requested ( I think)

For the Hushitas to chat about books.

I read quite a lot (40 so far this year). A mix of fast stuff I don't need to concentrate on much and other much more 'literary' fiction. Currently on a Nicci French which I picked up for free at the GP surgery (Blue Monday) which is so far an easy read and I've recently finished 'clock dance' by Anne Tyler who is a favourite author. I have read all but one of her books ( I haven't read the Shakespeare rewrite).

What do other Hushitas like?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Original poster
Sooverthemill · 02/11/2019 07:38

I've finished the Nicki French, really good. Well written, good plot, interesting characters. Would recommend. I've now started Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee which so far seems excellent ( 4 chapters in, slow going because I'm not getting much time to read at the moment). What are the rest of you reading?

OP posts:
Original poster
Sooverthemill · 24/10/2019 09:03

@Happydays did you? I've been a bit put off ( I tend to avoid very hyped books but obviously if I did completely then I'd miss out!). I hated the Cactus which people said was similar.

OP posts:
HappydaysArehere · 24/10/2019 08:56

Loved Eleanor.

Original poster
Sooverthemill · 20/10/2019 10:57

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie it's fine. Didn't take offence and hope you don't either.

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 20/10/2019 09:28

I wasn't trying to be competitive! Just didn't understand why you wanted an exclusive book group, when there's already a brilliant, very inclusive and very well established group.

And now I really will get my coat.

Original poster
Sooverthemill · 20/10/2019 09:25

@totallyradllama that's interesting. Sometimes I'm in the mood for slow ( so Marilyn Robinson's Gilead for example or Anne Tyler who I love) but other times it irritates me! Have you tried any Joyce Carol Oates? She is a mixed bag but if you haven't I could recommend a couple that imo are just stunning.

I love your Austen example!

OP posts:
totallyradllama · 20/10/2019 09:22

Oh and I thought the other pp was the one being a bit competitive

totallyradllama · 20/10/2019 09:21

First book was excellent really evocative of place. But then I just began to find them a bit dull and slow. They remind me a bit of Jane Austen - great books if you can get past the occasional chapter devoted to whether or not to take so and so a leg of pork.
I might try again though

Original poster
Sooverthemill · 20/10/2019 07:56

@totallyradllama I've heard such mixed reviews ( from people I know) that I'm not sure I will ever read them. I do read quite widely but I go to get one, reread the blurb and am just put off. Maybe I should get a copy from the library. What did you like/ not like?

Ps we aren't being competitive, we were all on S&B and discovered we also read...

OP posts:
Roussillon849 · 20/10/2019 00:31

You did, @totallyradllama?! That's interesting. What made you give up, If I can ask?

totallyradllama · 19/10/2019 18:47

Ooh competitive book groups it's like a midsummer murders plot.
I am a gatecrasher - I wasn't on the hush thread because I'm too fat for their lovely clothes
But I will stay if that's ok because I'm already interested in people's suggestions. I also gave up on Neapolitan around book 3...

Original poster
Sooverthemill · 19/10/2019 17:57

@Remus that's okay. And I look at the 50 books thread sometimes. But we wanted this one! You can stay if you want, honest, now you've looked!

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 19/10/2019 17:55

And the 50 books threads aren't only for people who read 50 books. Many read lots more, or lots less.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 19/10/2019 17:54

Well, I looked because I wondered what it was.

Seems a bit weird to have an 'exclusive' thread. I'll get my coat.

Original poster
Sooverthemill · 19/10/2019 17:52

@Remus we aren't reading 50 books. And this is what we wanted. You don't have to look or join in (But you are welcome) or even understand why we chose to do this. We don't mind

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 19/10/2019 17:48

I don't understand this thread. Why don't you just join us on the 50 books threads? Or does one have to be wearing Hush clothes to have an opinion? Am I missing something?

Genuinely bewildered.

Original poster
Sooverthemill · 19/10/2019 17:45

I haven't read it but so many people can't be wrong!

OP posts:
Roussillon849 · 19/10/2019 15:39

Thank you. I'm a bit stuck with book 3 of the Neapolitan Novels so perhaps I'll switch to this for a bit.

Huffthepuff · 19/10/2019 15:31

@Roussillon849 yes it's a great book. Funny and moving. Enjoyed

Roussillon849 · 19/10/2019 14:55

A friend has given me Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I've seen it lots and it has won awards etc. Have any of you read it?

Original poster
Sooverthemill · 17/10/2019 14:41

Yes, goodreads is a great way to keep a check on everything you read or want to read and see what others think. I haven't found a better way yet

OP posts:
Huffthepuff · 17/10/2019 11:17

Also @Sooverthemill it's not cheating at all! I think it's all about light and shade. I enjoy the nonsense books so much more after reading the heavy stuff.
Big Read is incredibly outdated now. Some terrible stuff on there (and some wonderful)
Really wish they'd do another one

Huffthepuff · 17/10/2019 11:10

@emcla yes it would be a perfect way to start the New Year!

I find it really satisfying planning the reads for the following month. Also trying to shoehorn in recommendations or exciting new releases (Book of Dust 2 for example) and making space for them in the schedule. Or the joy of getting through the scheduled books before the end of the month and getting to pick a bonus choice 🤣

@Sooverthemill I'll try and find you on Good reads! Not read Joseph Conrad, will investigate. Absolutely need to read Howard's End and Room with a view! Can't believe I haven't yet

If anyone isn't on Goodreads yet I'd recommend it wholeheartedly

Original poster
Sooverthemill · 17/10/2019 10:49

@Huffthepuff gosh I am in awe! I read so much when I commuted into London, it was the saving grace of the job really. Now I struggle to read very many and set myself a goal of 40 for the good reads reading challenge whic I have reached. But some of the books were such light tosh that I feel I have cheated! I did a degree in English literature so read a large number of the classics then and Havent much returned to them but I've reread Howard's End this year ( which I was totally absorbed by despite that fact there are many ideological issues for me!) the writing was just perfect. I'm going to reread a room with a view and have it in my Christ list so I get a nice copy of it ( I buy a lot second hand). Have you read any Joseph Conrad? I read everything for MH degree ( had to do an extended essay on him) and I do like his language and structure and he wrote in his second language!

I recently listened to 'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier and surprisingly enjoyed it very much. Again, it's the language and structure that appeals.

My kind of plan is I alternative between literary ( ie worthy) fiction and easy stuff. So I read 'Ice' by Ella-Ulla Lundberg which was massive and achingly beautiful followed by Cutis Sittenfield's 'Eligible' which was a rewriting of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, a fun read. I've read a large number of the Big Reads and most that I haven't simply don't appeal. I should revisit perhaps. I keep an eye on the stuff everyone talks about but often find it very disappointing ( hot milk, lullaby etc). Recently started getting stuff in my kindle app on iPad which means I can read anywhere and I often sit in DDs room in the dark with her but reading on iPad. But I don't buy any 'keepers' on kindle. For some reason. I buy secondhand most things but favourite authors get brand new often preordered copies. My TBR bookcase is groaning!

OP posts:
emcla · 17/10/2019 10:25

Huff that is a very organized approach. I might just have to steal that idea. I might make it my monthly plan starting January 2020. I have lots on my kindle and a rather haphazard list requested from the library.