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50 Book Challenge 2017 Part Six

993 replies

southeastdweller · 05/06/2017 21:26

Welcome to the sixth thread of the 50 Book Challenge for this year.

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2017, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. Any type of book can count, it's not too late to join, and please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read.

The first thread of the year is here, the second one here, the third thread here, the fourth one here, and the fifth one here.

What are you reading?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 27/07/2017 12:24

I like that structure idea - might borrow The Luminaries from my sister and have a bash.

southeastdweller · 27/07/2017 12:38

Flowers for Algernon is 99p today on Kindle. I think a few people here have recommended it?

OP posts:
CoteDAzur · 27/07/2017 12:45

I really liked The Luminaries and disliked Flowers For Algernon.

I would have linked to my review of The Luminaries as well, but the thread 50 Book Challenge 2014 Part 2 seems to have been deleted Shock

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 27/07/2017 13:59

I read Flowers For Algernon at school - it was really sad!

Why would the thread be deleted? Confused Was it controversial?

CoteDAzur · 27/07/2017 14:06

I can't think of any reason why that thread wouldn't still be there, but it isn't. I looked up Algernon posted by CoteDAzur and search results show that my review is on that thread but the thread doesn't come up when I click on it Confused

SatsukiKusakabe · 27/07/2017 14:11

Here you are cote - found this the thread is showing for me. I thought you'd written a longer review somewhere though (as I think it was the reason I bought it!) but perhaps it was on a dedicated Luminaries thread or later on the 50 books threads during a discussion.

23/03/2014 11:49 CoteDAzur

  1. The Luminaries - Eleanor Catton

I loved this book, although the astrological references went over my head. Complex, beautifully crafted, insightful. I can't believe the author was 27 when she wrote it. It would make a fantastic film, too.

SatsukiKusakabe · 27/07/2017 14:12

I did hear there was going to be a BBC adaptation which could be good.

RMC123 · 27/07/2017 14:21

Loved The Luminaries!

CoteDAzur · 27/07/2017 14:36
  1. Kürk Mantolu Madonna ( Madonna In A Fur Coat ) by Sabahattin Ali

This was the poignant and utterly beautiful story of a young man's one meaningful connection with another human being, a woman he loved even before meeting her, and the repercussions of losing her as a result of random events. It is the story of a quiet, unremarkable man who is casually disrespected by nearly everyone who knows him, including his friends. I loved the insight into people's inner worlds, the uncharted territories within each person that mostly remains unseen and unsuspected.

Sabahattin Ali (1907-1948) lived during a time of great change and suffering - a child during WWI which Ottoman Empire lost (1918), then continuing military struggles as Atatuk's rebel army fought (and eventually won in 1923) against each Allied army when they occupied various parts of the Empire. Then would come the building of a new and radically different country.

It is surprising that the book's protagonist Raif does not mention any of these pivotal events and the turmoil that swept through the entire nation during this period. The story-within-the-story (in the diary) takes place in 1923, just as War of Independence was won and the Republic of Turkey was formed.

I can only assume that was the reason why the story takes place in Germany. It could not have taken place back home without the epic struggles the nation was undergoing at the time taking centre stage and diverting attention from the focus he clearly wanted to keep on the (very few) characters' inner worlds.

I would recommend this book, especially if you like Ian Mc Ewan. I found in this book not only the same insight into inner worlds of the characters, but also a similar clear, dignified, undramatic style of writing.

CoteDAzur · 27/07/2017 14:38

Would someone take a picture of the page where Raif sees the painting for the first time and describes his feelings about it? I would like to see how it's translated to English.

CoteDAzur · 27/07/2017 14:39

Thanks Satsuki. Wonder why I can't see that thread.

SatsukiKusakabe · 27/07/2017 14:54

Here you are. On phone so took 4 shots.

50 Book Challenge 2017 Part Six
50 Book Challenge 2017 Part Six
SatsukiKusakabe · 27/07/2017 14:56

Second two. The last line finishes with "her nostrils flared" on the next page then he goes to look at the catalogue.

50 Book Challenge 2017 Part Six
50 Book Challenge 2017 Part Six
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/07/2017 17:04

Cote - Trust you to like the bleeding boring Madonna book!

Book 69
Elephants Can Remember – Agatha Christie
This was poor. The deaths being investigated took place twenty years odd ago, Christie spends more time referencing her own back catalogue than she does telling a story and a lot of the ‘revelation’ is so damn obvious you’d have to be really stupid to miss it. Don’t bother.

CoteDAzur · 27/07/2017 17:41

Isn't it great that I can still surprise you after all these years? Grin

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/07/2017 21:30

I think you just like things out of sheer bloody mindedness sometimes. Grin xx

RMC123 · 27/07/2017 22:21

Help!! Have managed some how to buy a kindle book in Dutch!! How do I return a kindle download!? Is it even possible?!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/07/2017 22:33

Log into your account online and go to 'Manage content and devices' - then find the book and click on 'return for a refund'.

CoteDAzur · 27/07/2017 22:42

Yes, I liked it just to annoy you, Remus. Just like (I suspect) why you liked John Dies At The End Grin

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 27/07/2017 22:50

Ha! I'd forgotten about that! I thought it was really good fun, until the end which was terrible (regardless of John dying).

RMC123 · 27/07/2017 22:54

Remus thank you!! Not even sure how I managed it.

StitchesInTime · 27/07/2017 23:39

45. The Fever by Megan Abbott

Teenager Lise collapses spectacularly and mysteriously during a math class, sparking hysteria amongst students and parents, which increases as one by one more girls fall ill.

Not sure if it's officially YA, but it's pretty lightweight with a very YA feel to it. Okay for an easy read to pass the time but not particularly memorable.

RMC123 · 28/07/2017 00:44

81. The Power- stayed up until ridiculous o clock to finish this! Really interesting potential concept. Had me quite excited until about 2/3 of the way through and then it went right off the boil.

CoteDAzur · 28/07/2017 01:21

Satsuki - That translation is really REALLY bad Shock

I'll go over some bits tomorrow (it's past 3 AM here)

ChessieFL · 28/07/2017 07:14
  1. Not Tonight Josephine: A Road Trip Through Small Town America by George Mahood

Josephine is the name of the battered old car George travels in, first with his friend and then with his girlfriend. I like travel writing about America and this was good, covering several places I had never heard of. I would have liked some photos though.

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