50 Book Challenge 2015 Part 3

[Southeastdweller]

Thread three of the 50 Book Challenge for this year.

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2015, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. It's still not too late to join, any type of book counts, and please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read.

First thread of the year here, and second thread here.

Remus - I'm sorry to say that Red Rising is all... in present tense. I know how you hate it. But it actually works in Red Rising (imho).

I think you might really like The King In Yellow.

I haven't read any Lovecraft but now I think I must. I'm not much of a horror fan but do love weird stuff like Ballard.

Gwan Remus, you read it and tell me if everyone dies horribly at the end I just can't do it without some forewarning!

Aw southeast life after life is one of my favourites, does seem to be a marmite book tho... Have you picked your next choice yet?

#20 Between Two Worlds; My Life and Captivity in Iran by Roxana Saberi

Harrowing and gripping tale of journalist falsely imprisoned in Iran. Roxana Saberi is a US based journalist with dual US/Iranian nationality. She is arrested and accused of espionage, and told she will be freed if she "cooperates" i.e. admits to the crime. There are some warm moments; the relationships with fellow prisoners are beautifully described. She doesn't lose her love of Iran, or her faith. I really couldn't put this book down.

Which one, Wilting?

Cote - will give RR a go anyway. Haven't lost much if I hate it!

Yes, wilting, a book about singing by Tracey Thorn (she used to be in the group Everything But the Girl). I'm hoping that A God of Ruins is more enjoyable and more moving than Life After Life - have you read it yet?

A God in Ruins, I meant.

Not yet, itz's on my wish list, I'm a bit worried it can't possibly live up to LAL!

Bird box Remus...

I thought A God in Ruins was even better than Life After Life It is a straight forward narrative, no messing about with different stories like in LAL. I loved it but then I loved LAL too (hadn't been expecting to after quite a bit of negativity in the the reviews on here). There is a twist but I'm not saying any more It's very good.

Thank you so much to all those who asked about my x ray results - well, unbelievably, I'm still waiting! Nurse practitioner made a big fuss about being lumbered with the job and then couldn't lay her hands on the results. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but the bloke persuaded me to focus on the very busy weekend we had coming up (with his best mate visiting from Norway - who also turned up early on Friday afternoon) and that's what I did. Will be getting an appointment with preferred GP this afternoon who will give me results. Its turned into such a saga ... I'll feel very silly if its something of nothing ...

Meantime, no 27 is a book club selection: The Hog's Back Mystery by Freeman Wills Croft. Dated but delightful murder mystery. It was especially interesting to have the central character talk through his theories with the reader. Indeed, when he presents his final version of the theory, we get page numbers in brackets where evidence of that aspect of the theory appeared in the book. It made an excellent sorbet read.

Both the bloke and his mate have now gone, so have started Hyperion. It looking good already and I promise to update more promptly this afternoon.

Finished Bird Box and highly recommend it. Loved the ending.

Joyless thinking of you and hope it is good news

Thanks Lammy and all you other wonderfully lovely vipers: X-ray result received ... and its not just something of nothing, but actually nothing. Yes - completely clear. My doctor has no idea what all the "GP to give results" thing was about, let alone losing it last week. She is quite cross about the whole thing and is arranging for us both to meet with the Practice Manager. The bloke - very sweetly - came back from work early to check all was well and I now feel like a bit of a wolf crier So, back with the boring diagnosis and all is well.

Hyperion continues to be really good ...

Ah that's great news Joyless . So pleased for you!

Huge relief for you, Joyless :).

I am supposed to be getting my MRI and latest blood test results on Friday. Hoping nothing bad.

Great news, Joyless.

Have read the taster paragraph of, 'Bird Box.' It's okay but am not sure it's gripped me enough to buy it. I might order it from the library instead.

Have also read the opening of, 'Red Rising' and am enjoying it so far. The present tense is bearable. It does seem quite YA-ish thus far though, and is reminding me a bit of, 'The Hunger Games' minus the, 'Who do I love?' nonsense.

Hi Joyless am delighted for you, and while all the palaver was annoying and worrying, the main thing is that you are okay :)

Duchess good luck with your results on Friday :)

Remus: I really must get Red Rising.....so many here are recommending it! Do order Bird Box from the library. I borrowed it from a friend and while I completely enjoyed it it was a short read and not worth paying full price for (or maybe I am just a meanie lol)

Fab news Joyless

I'm currently reading Only Ever Yours (book #25 I think )by Louise O'neill. Technically it's a YA book but I'd recommend it to all women (and men for that matter) regardless of age!
Has anyone else read this?

Great news Joyless

Remus, if it helps, I usually hate books in the present tense - but tbh I didn't really notice it.

Just realised I hadn't added

48 damned by chuck paulanuik

I could take or leave this one tbh. The story of an overweight, overpriveleged teenager who ends up in hell after dying in odd circumstances. Nowhere near as good as some of his other stuff.

Hi MyIronLung

I read Only Ever Yours the end of last year and loved it :) It is a glammed up modern version of the Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.
A warning to young women for what might be to come!

Haven't updated for a while, had a relapse of some health issues and haven't been able to get to grips with anything for the last month or so. Having read back can see others have been in the same boat so to all those having problems too.

Took The Poisonwood Bible away with me last week, relieved to find it nice and immersive. I wasn't sure if I was going to find the writing a bit rich for my blood at first, but it toned down and I thought it very good overall. Funny and moving in parts, it muses much on culture and history, the politics of a nation and of a family. I could write more, but I'm feeling rather dull at the moment. Suffice it to say it was good one to get me back on the horse. Takes me to 15.

I'm also slowly reading the first Shardlake, about 25% through. It's all right, not really my thing, and a bit ploddy in writing and plot so far, but to be fair I've not given it any time to take off.

Also working through the House at Pooh Corner at bedtime with my 4 year old, first time for us both. We're finding it funny and delightful, but I also have Dorothy Parker's scathing review of it at the back of mind, preventing me getting washed away in a wave of sentiment

Aaah, what next?! I have The Quincunx, This Thing of Darkness and Kavalier and Clay, can someone choose one for me?! I have Umbrella by Will Self from the library, but I don't think I am equal to it at present, need a warm-up act.

On the subject of breastfeeding-reading, I read Middlemarch with my first and have fond memories of the time. My second, staring into space and online window shopping took the place of more intellectual pursuits

Also, so looking forward to A God in Ruins, probably going to wait for the paperback.

Soot - 'This Thing of Darkness' is magnificent! I didn't get on at all with, 'The Quincunx.' K&C is okay, but not in the same level of genius as, 'This Thing.'

cote do read Lovecraft, I got quite a comprehensive anthology for pennies on the kindle last year. They do step over into sci fi territory, though I wouldn't categorise them as such.

I think there are some obvious comparisons between the hunger games in red rising - even more so as you get further into the story. Red rising is how the hunger games should have been done. There are also shades of Brave New World, too.

(Sorry for the lack of capitals I'm trying to type one handed)

Might give Bird Box a go, it sounds interesting - although I really must stop adding to my tbr pile!