Niles’s Comments (group member since Feb 02, 2015)

Niles’s comments from the I just want to read group.

I will definately have to check out The Kite Runner. Thanks for the recommendation.
Is The Affair a Jack Reacher novel? I have read two Reacher books and enjoyed them both. I too love a good mystery.
I am just finishing Moxyland by Lauren Beukes. This book just didn't do anything for me. I would give it 3 stars as I neither loved it nor hated it. It was just ok at best. Oh well, on to the next book.

I finished "The Second Ship." It was good, but not fantastic. I gave it 5 stars anyway. Maybe I am too generous with my ratings. I will have to look into that. I am now reading "Red Rising" by Pierce Brown.
"The Second Ship" was about Alien space craft around Los Alamos, NM. One was discovered by the government (and you can just guess what they did with it), and the other (the second ship) was discovered by 3 High School teenagers. It was interesting to see how the author portrayed the two groups. While it pegged a little high on the unbelievable meter, it is after all science fiction. The story was interesting enough to keep the pages turning, and for me that's a major factor - hence the 5 stars. There are 3 books in the series (why does everyone seem to be writing trilogies), but I think I will wait to read further.
"Red Rising" is also a science fiction novel. Set a few hundred years in the future, it is about a kind of caste system. Each caste is denoted by color and each has specific duties. The Golds are the ruling class and they consider themselves the superior race, both physically and intellectually (sounds a bit like the Nazi's.) The Reds are the laborers, working virtually as slaves. They are the lowest of society, and as the title sugests, may be ripe for an uprising. And, surprise surprise, there are also 3 books in this series (only 2 finished.)
I hope you are enjoying "The Kite Runner" as much as you previously indicated. I may be close to ending my science fiction binge and will be looking for other good books to read. Also, I am about 6 books behind in writing reviews. I should really address that. I have posted a lot on this site, so feel free to check them out when you are looking for something to read.
Good Reading to you!

Actually, "And Then There Were None" was the first Agatha Christie book I have ever read. I did enjoy it, and no, I didn't figure out who the murderer was. I like reading mysteries and Christie is supposed to be one of the best. It was between this and "Murder on the Orient Express" so I flipped a coin. I will probably read "Orient Express" later.
I had been in some kind of reading funk as of late. It seemed I had lost the joy of books and was forcing myself to read. I think it was those classics I was trying to read because people were saying what great literary works they were and everyone should read them before they die, etc, etc, etc. But then I took a break and picked up a sci-fi I've been wanting to read, "The Martian" by Andy Weir, and I absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days! I got my MoJo back!
I guess it only goes to show you, and I will borrow a line from the classic "Hamlet," 'To thine own self be true.'
So now I am reading another sci-fi "The Second Ship" which is good but no where near "The Martian." But at least I am looking forward to reading again!
Let me know what you think of "The Kite Runner." It got a lot of press but I have been unsure as to make the investment to buy it. I could always check it out of the library if it is a good book.

I decided to read "And Then There Were None" And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It is both a mystery and a classic so it is a "two for one" if you will. I have been wanting to read this for quite some time.

Amy wrote: "Thanks for sharing :)
I am reading a new James Patterson book:,private LA.">


I have only read a couple of Patterson's Alex Cross novels. I have a friend that swears by him so maybe I'll give him another shot. I like to read a series in order (if possible) because I find it interesting how the characters (and the author) develops over time. I am almost finished with P&P and don't know what I will read next. I was thinking of some sci-fi, such as "Red Rising" by Pierce Brown; "Martian" by Andy Weir; or "Altered Carbon" by Richard Morgan. There are also some other classics I have been wanting to read (Count of Monte Cristo and Don Quixote) but they are rather long. I also have several mystery/suspense as they seem to be my current favorite genre.

As an aside, I was supposed to have read Don Quixote in Spanish class (in Spanish) but I didn't feel like doing it and copied the translation from Donato. I feel I owe it to Mrs. Williams to actually read it at some point in my life. Besides, I have heard it is actually a good book.

So I have too many books on my TBR shelf and I must start whittling them down. I will let you know what I choose after I finish P&P.

I am currently reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. I know, not very exciting but I haven't read a classic in a very long time. I don't know how others can read more than one at a time. I am afraid I would get plots/characters all mixed up!

Hi, my name is Niles and I love to read. The title of this group sums it up for me, I just want to read! I am recently retired so I have a lot more spare time on my hands. I read from any genre but my favorites would be mystery/thriller And sci-fi/fantasy. I look forward to some lively discussions!