For Books' Sake discussion

The title's fairly explanatory - what are you reading right now? Are you enjoying it?

The Alchemist

I'm reading The Lottery, short stories by Shirley Jackson. I've been trying to write my own first short story but after reading these I fear I may as well give up: they're masterful. Highly recommend the collection.

Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near -- it's a piece of bubblegum goth YA confectionary that my mum bought me back from Australia. So far it's pretty good!

Family Likeness by Caitlin Davies. I got it from a Goodreads First Reads competition and I'm reviewing it for my blog, but I'm finding it a bit difficult to get into.

The Descent of Woman The Classic Study of Evolution by Elaine Morgan. It's a nowhere near perfect theory, but it provides a much needed alternative to looking at human evolution purely through a male lens!

Ain't I a Woman by bell hooks.

And I just started re-reading the Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne last night, after searching for a quote. They are SO FUNNY! I had no idea!!

The Spiral House by Claire Robertson. I needed some time to get into the two seperate stories, which unfold in two different eras of South African history, 1794 and 1961. But I really like it and have absolutely no idea how it may end.

I just finished Tuesdays with Morrie, and Kavalier and Clay is on the back burner. With a holiday coming up, I'm not sure what to read this week! :D :D

World Without End by Ken Follett. Freebie I booked up from a Book Crossing point in Leeds. I'm enjoying it but not as much as The Pillars of the Earth. I felt the same about the TV series though so that's no surprise!

I've also been rereading Tamora Pierce's Immortals series. I just moved house and found all my favourite kids/YA books so I'll be doing a lot of rereading!

Thanks for the invite.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters.

I am enjoying it but the author goes into such minute detail and my mind is screaming 'Just get on with the story!' I can't do with loads of unnecessary description and I've skipped chunks; personally I like some things left for the reader's own imagination. She is a good writer, I've also read The Little Stranger of hers, and she is an acclaimed author but I don't think she's any better than lots of indie authors I've read and are unrecognized because they haven't got the backing of a large publishing house.

Picked up not booked up!

I'm reading Delirium by Lauren Oliver, a futuristic novel where Love is a disease that needs curing. An interesting concept!

The mirror of beauty by Shamsur Rahman Faruqi a epic novel translated from Urdu set in turn of century India

I'm currently reading Endangered by Eliot Schrefer. Even though it's fiction, it feels like it's a true story. Highly recommend if you love action/thriller books, and also learning about different ape species. The female protagonist, Sophie, is also an excellent example of a strong, independent young girl who is able to keep herself alive in a time of great peril.

Ashes of Midnight by Lara Adrian. Book 6 in the series really enjoying it

Yes, I read Swimming Home.

I thought the house guest, Kitty was awful. It did take away some of my enjoyment of the novel. If I remember well, I thought the writing was very good.

On my to-rad pile are 4 books by men. I noticed it this morning and it surprised me. But still, first off is Goat Mountain by David Vann, a writer I really enjoy.

Finally reading Wolf Hall. It its an absolute dream. Already worrying about the wait for the third book!

I've just started reading The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton. The style is excellent, the size is daunting

I'm almost finished with American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Really fun ideas and amazing characters.

Nina wrote: "I'm reading The Lottery, short stories by Shirley Jackson. I've been trying to write my own first short story but after reading these I fear I may as well give up: they're masterful. Highly recomme..."

You shouldn't be deterred by reading the work of great authors. Be inspired! I'm sure Shirley's very first story was not as good as "The Lottery."

I just started Flight Behavior. I've been meaning to read this for a while.

I've just finished Midwinter of the Spirit by Phil Rickman and am starting the next in the series. I picked up the fourth book in the Merrily Watkins (Herefordshire parish priest and diocesan exorcist!) series as a freebie/hand-me-down years ago but have only just got around to reading the rest of the series now.

I'm reading Pure by Julianna Baggott. It's a dystopian YA novel. Parts of it remind me of "The Handmaid's Tale".

Just finished What a Carve Up!! Is anyone reading Expo 58?

Ellie wrote: "Just finished What a Carve Up!! Is anyone reading Expo 58?"

I loved Expo 58! (I reviewed it here: http://www.welovethisbook.com/reviews...)

Ta Rebecca!

I just finished Lauren Graham's first novel, enjoyed it but felt a bit guilty about just how chick lit it turned out to be.

About to dive into Instructions for a Heatwave, and can't wait because I've loved all of Maggie O'Farrell's so far.

L.C. wrote: "About to dive into Instructions for a Heatwave, and can't wait because I've loved all of Maggie O'Farrell's so far."

It's a great one! I didn't like it quite as much as
The Hand That First Held Mine but O'Farrell is still fantastic.

Rebecca wrote: "L.C. wrote: "About to dive into Instructions for a Heatwave, and can't wait because I've loved all of Maggie O'Farrell's so far."

It's a great one! I didn't like it quite as much as
The Hand That..."

Ah, that one -HTFHM - was amazing!

the reader by bernard schlink then i am reading war horse

I'm reading Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. I've no doubt it's well written and very clever but I'm not really enjoying it. I'll plough on a bit more as I hate to give up on a book, just in case ...

Nina wrote: "I'm reading The Lottery, short stories by Shirley Jackson. I've been trying to write my own first short story but after reading these I fear I may as well give up: they're masterful. Highly recomme..."

I love The Lottery! It inspired me to start writing my own short stories, but, as you say, it's difficult when faced with the masters.

I'm reading The Forty Rules of Love and hating it! does anyone else here thinks that this book is a waste of time?
I really lack the reason for its popularity nowadays.It is more of a childish story .. did NOT affect me in any way.Every detail was so stupid to me ( especially the rules themselves)!
What about you guys ?