r/books discussion

Does anyone want to suggest a book for July? or one for July/August combined? I know that the summer is a busy time for people, with vacations and such. for those of you that have lifes...hahahaha...let me know your thoughts.

Any ideas on what genre of book to read? Any titles come to mind?
Thanks
Megan

I don't know about specifics, but I am very much looking forward to this summer because of all the extra time to read! The Shipping News took me months. I need the ability to get through a book much quicker.

If a book gets picked that's on my shelf then I'll be happy to join in.

The Shipping News is one that I haven't read either. any other suggestions people?

John...do you want to read and discuss the Shipping News with me? of course if any one else wants to join in, please do so.

I just finished it, but would be happy to discuss it with you if you'd like.

I'm currently on White Noise by Don Dillilo if that one might interest you... It's short and I've been told it's very good.

Just looked it up.....interesting premise....I will start it in the a.m. and let you know what I think.....

John, I started White Noise....only on page 38....but so far good and seems like a quick read. I like how quickly he lets the reader know details of a character with just a few words. Very insightful.

Dang, you're quick. I'm about that far as well. I really enjoy Don Dillilo and his prose. I agree it should be a quick read.

Summer is my fun reading time before I am back in required reading mode for the MA... I am currently on my.. 3rd? 4th?... Re-read of A Song of Ice and Fire. I have so many books to read, but I just needed that series again! After that I would love a reading buddy for some of the books on my shelf. Portnoy's Complaint? The Human Stain? All Quiet on the Western Front? Angela's Ashes? Blind Assassin? So many books, so little time........

As soon as I finish White Noise I am up for anything....

Portnoys Complaint! Yes! That was to be my next read anyway.

Ok will make it a plan....

Woo! What a fabulous coincidence!

I'd also love to hear your thoughts when you finish Human Stain. I have grown quite fond of Philip Roth.

Have you seen the movie adaptation with Anthony Hopkins?

Let me know when you want to start PC, I will go along with your schedule.

A movie version of Stain? No I have not. I listened to the audio and liked it a lot. I look forward to all of the Roth titles I have lying in wait.

Tell me when you've finished White Noise, I read it not long ago and I didn't like it very much. Should make for good discussion. It has turned me off Americana for a while so count me out for Roth.

My bookclub books are Ulysses, At Swim-Two-Birds, The Idiot and The Unbearable Lightness of Being. I'm also reading The Slap and Ghostwritten. It's winter here so my holidays are shorter, but i'm trying to pack in as much as possible.

Funfact: I just read a chapter from Ulysses (Aeolus) that pastiches newspaper headlines together and apparently that's also a technique used by Quoyle in The Shipping News.

I look forward to hearing what you thought about it. I'm about 20% through right now and enjoying it.

Yes, Shipping News did that quite often. Quoyle would consider possible headlines for the things happening to him. It is pretty neat to see a connection in that to Ulysses. I'll have to get around to that eventually.

We need the next book to read after White Noise......Chris is done with Americana - can't say that I blame him. White Noise is a little depressing. Only 100 pages into it, I will finish it but no more depressing stuff for me. LOL

Forget about my Americana complaint, I don't hold a grudge :) Everyone else was keen for Portnoy's Complaint so let's give it a go. I'll pick it up at the library on Monday and try it.

Ok sounds good to me....Portnoy's Complaint will be next.....

I may join in..... I was looking at the goodreads reviews of Portnoys Complaint... Not sure if it is too dark for me..... Sounded a bit ominous....

I started it and it's kind of funny but I can see it getting depressing. It's just a long monologue by a bitter old Jewish man to a psychologist(?) . Not too dark yet but will probably get depressing later. It is very vulgar though, lots of exaggerated adolescent masturbation.

I will start it today or tomorrow. Who wants to start the discussion thread? I like dark and depressing... Adolescent masturbation, I guess we will see!