Book Nook Cafe discussion

Happy New Year !

This the thread for general book discussions for January 2023

Tell us what you just read, are currently reading or plan to read. Tell us about your favorite author. Have you read some book news? Share it with the group. Anything related to books and reading, we want to hear all about it !
:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I finished off last year's reading with Irish author Claire Keegan's wonderful novella, Foster, about a girl who is fostered by a couple while her mum has a baby. Loved it. Great start to the year!
5★ My review of Foster

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "HAPPY NEW YEAR! I finished off last year's reading with Irish author Claire Keegan's wonderful novella, Foster, about a girl who is fostered by a couple while her mu..."

Happy New Year to you, Patty and to all BNC members!

I love the writing of Claire Keegan, too, and I chose to read her book Walk the Blue Fields as part of this year's 100 Book Challenge.

Right now I'm reading The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek, also as part of the challenge. It's a dense read, but a fast one, and not a long book, at least not to me. Some people may object to the subject matter, and I'm not enjoying it, but it's much more psychological than sexual. (Some think the latter prevails as I did, so avoided the book till now, but it's really the psychological and how the main character became so psychologically damaged.) People interested in psychology might like this book a lot. For me, the worst thing is the writing style. I don't think the style would go over any better for me if I read the original German (and after living in Switzerland, I can read German), but I'm reading it in English for the Challenge. Frankly, I just wanted to get this book out of the way.

I hope 2023 is very good to all of us!

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "HAPPY NEW YEAR! I finished off last year's reading with Irish author Claire Keegan's wonderful novella, Foster, about a girl who is fostered by a couple while her mu..."

I glad to hear you ended your reading year with such a wonderful book. Happy New Year to you, Patty.

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "HAPPY NEW YEAR! I finished off last year's reading with Irish author Claire Keegan's wonderful novella, Foster, about a girl who is fostered by a couple while her mu..."

Wonderful advice from the male character, "“He laughs then, a queer, sad laugh. I don’t know what to say. ‘You don’t ever have to say anything,’ he says. ‘Always remember that as a thing you need never do. Many’s the man lost much just because he missed a perfect opportunity to say nothing.’” We could all stand to keep that in mind.

I appreciated your comment about different meanings for "foster". This book sounds very good. Patty, thanks for bringing it to our attention.

I decided to start the year reading, The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

I don't know what the book is about, so I hope it fits some prompts for our 100 book Challenge. I plan to start reading it this evening. The hardcover is 576 pages. So at the very least it will check off prompt # 59- Book over 500 pages

A friend of mine has to read the book by the 19th for her library book discussion. Since I already own the book I told her I would read it, too.

I had a lot of fun with The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, which is as quirky as the title suggests. There are orphans and a manor house, deadly threats, romance (bit sexy) and some quite naughty language. Something for the LGBT+ community as well. Oh yes - and magic spells! A most entertaining read.
4★ My review of ...Irregular Witches

Queen Elizabeth never expected to be Queen, but she sure did the job well and was much loved for her common touch and dedication. Children's book author Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara shows her as a child, a teen, and an adult in this great introduction for kids. (Not a bad refresher for grown-ups!]
5★ My review of Queen Elizabeth with several illustrations

I finished one of the books for my 100 Book Challenge: The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek.

I wrote quite a long review, but I've no idea how to link to it or how to mark the checkmark on my list.

I did not like the writing style of the book, and I found it dark and disturbing, but I still think it was very good.

Maybe this will link to the review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Still can figure out the checkmarks, though. LOL

Linking to a book is done via "add book/author" link just above the top of the comment box. I add the green checkmark by holding down the icon key on my phone's keyboard. As a "shortcut" I'd suggest cutting and pasting one from someone else's list, and then doing the same from your own list after that for each book.

John wrote: "Linking to a book is done via "add book/author" link just above the top of the comment box. I add the green checkmark by holding down the icon key on my phone's keyboard. As a "shortcut" I'd sugges..."

Thank you so much, John. That is very helpful and kind of you.

Alias Reader wrote: "I decided to start the year reading, The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

I don't know what the book is about, so I hope it fits some prompts for our 100 book Challe..."

I hope it's a good one, Alias. How neat to have a friend reading it with you, so to speak.

Patty, thanks for the lovely reviews. The opening quote for the first, about Witches, was delightful. The drawings for the book on Queen Elizabeth were nice & recalled memories for oldsters like me.

Kiki wrote: "I finished one of the books for my 100 Book Challenge: The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek.

I wrote quite a long review, but I've no idea how to link to it or how t..."

A good, long review is the sign of a thought-provoking book, imo, Kiki. Your comments certainly accomplished that and i thank you. I'm impressed that you would read the novel again, as once would seem more than enough. I'm grateful you shared you thoughts on this one.

madrano wrote: "Kiki wrote: "I finished one of the books for my 100 Book Challenge: The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek.

I wrote quite a long review, but I've no idea how to link t..."

Thank you, Madrano.

I don't usually reread books, but I had read this one in German and wanted to compare the English translation with the original, especially since neither is my first language. I am far more comfortable in English than in German, though.

I'm about 1/4 of the way through Bad Feminist and have been surprised at how much I'm enjoying it. It's not at all my "type" of book (firstly, it's a compilation of essays, which I generally avoid; secondly, I just haven't read much in the way of American Feminism).

I really like the author's unique take on how she interprets Feminism, what it means to her, and why it's messy/can't be perfect (and why we shouldn't expect it to be). I also love how some of her essays feel like mini memoirs. I don't generally enjoy funny/humorous books, but this one is witty and clever (& has made me laugh at times), so an-all around great second book for the year (so far!)

Kiki wrote: "I finished one of the books for my 100 Book Challenge: The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek.

I wrote quite a long review, but I've no idea how to link to it or how t..."

Good review, Kiki. The link worked perfectly. It's wonderful that you started the year with a 4 star book.

The checkmark is just an emoji. However you get emoji's on whichever device you are using, just copy/paste.

Lindsey wrote: "I'm about 1/4 of the way through Bad Feminist and have been surprised at how much I'm enjoying it. It's not at all my "type" of book (firstly, it's a compilation of essays, which I ..."

Good job reading outside of your comfort zone, Lindsey. I'm happy to see it worked out well for you.

Kiki, it's an admirable accomplishment to know more than one's native tongue. I like looking at languages but to speak or read it, most of us are tyros. I'm sure it enhances your traveling, too.

Lindsey wrote: "I'm about 1/4 of the way through Bad Feminist and have been surprised at how much I'm enjoying it. It's not at all my "type" of book (firstly, it's a compilation of essays, which I ..."

Delightful. I read a few GR comments of this collection, particularly noting the fact Roxane Gay uses cultural references which some people don't get. Have you found this to be true? Regardless, it sounds interesting.

Alias Reader wrote: "I decided to start the year reading, The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

I don't know what the book is about, so I hope it fits some prompts for our 100 book Challe..."

This book is on my list to read. I liked A Gentleman in Moscow.

Lupin Leaps In: A Breaking Cat News Adventure by Georgia Dunn

Georgia Dunn's illustrated books about three cat journalists are always fun.

Great for cat people. 4 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Barbara wrote: "Lupin Leaps In: A Breaking Cat News Adventure by Georgia Dunn

Georgia Dunn's illustrated books ..."

Sounds cute. I love the illustrations. And "who is a good boy" lol.

Re: The Lincoln Highway

Barbara wrote:
This book is on my list to read. I liked A Gentleman in Moscow.
.."

I've only read the first chapter but so far I'm enjoying the plot and writing style. Though he uses an em dash instead of quotes. I'm not a big fan, but it's not a deal breaker.

On the authors webpage he has a Q&A that explains why he does this.

-- Why is the dialogue in the book indicated by em dashes rather than quotation marks?

In my first novel, Rules of Civility, I also used em dashes instead of quotation marks.

Quotation marks are designed to let an author insert little parenthetical observations or characterizations in the middle of dialogue:

“I knew your father well,” he said soberly, “back in the early days of the war…”

“Yes,” she said smoothing her skirt, “another cup of tea would be lovely…"

By eliminating the quotation marks in Rules, I was forced to abandon these little clarifications and write conversation in such a way that the dialogue would do most of the work on its own. I also think it resulted in exchanges with a sharper delivery and quicker pace.

It seemed natural to use them again in The Lincoln Highway for the same reasons.

Something is afoot with copyright this Public Domain Day
Jan 01 2023

Among the works liberated for the delight of American citizens this morning are: Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse; the final Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle; Fritz Lang’s seminal science-fiction film Metropolis; Alfred Hitchcock’s first thriller; and compositions by Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller. The interesting thing is that these were originally supposed to enter the public domain in 2003, but as Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke University’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain puts it, “before this could happen, Congress hit a 20-year pause button and extended their copyright term to 95 years”.

The mechanism by which this legal heist was implemented was the 1998 Copyright Term Extension Act (AKA “The Sonny Bono Act” or “The Mickey Mouse Protection Act” depending on your satirical tastes). In passing it, American legislators were simply continuing business as usual in the intellectual property business.

Source: The Guardian

Barbara wrote: "Lupin Leaps In: A Breaking Cat News Adventure by Georgia Dunn

Georgia Dunn's illustrated books ..."

What fun. The "good boy" is perfect!

Alias Reader wrote: "By eliminating the quotation marks in Rules, I was forced to abandon these little clarifications and write conversation in such a way that the dialogue would do most of the work on its own. I also think it resulted in exchanges with a sharper delivery and quicker pace.

It seemed natural to use them again in The Lincoln Highway for the same reasons..."

Very interesting, Alias. The entire topic from this source sounds thoughtful for those of us who whine about punctuation. She said, looking in a mirror.

Great news about the latest to enter Public Domain. I had no idea there was a "Day" for it, though. Thanks for sharing this info.

I finished my second book in the 100 book challenge late last night. It's a novella, which turned out to be two beautiful novellas - TWO LIVES by the late Irish writer, William Trevor. I loved it the two novellas it contains more than I can say.

My review can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Kiki wrote: "I finished my second book in the 100 book challenge late last night. It's my novella, which turned out to be two beautiful novellas - TWO LIVES by the late Irish writer, William Trevor. I loved it ..."

I loved Miss Gomez and the Brethren!

John wrote: "Kiki wrote: "I finished my second book in the 100 book challenge late last night. It's my novella, which turned out to be two beautiful novellas - TWO LIVES by the late Irish writer, William Trevor..."

Somehow, I missed that one, John, but I will try to read it. William Trevor is one of my favorites.

Thank you for mentioning it.

madrano wrote: "Kiki, it's an admirable accomplishment to know more than one's native tongue. I like looking at languages but to speak or read it, most of us are tyros. I'm sure it enhances your traveling, too."

I find it fairly easy to pick up other languages when I'm in a different country, Madrano. The Romance languages were easiest for me since my MT is Italian. I'm a lot better at reading some, like German, than I am speaking it, but I can get by.

Kiki, your review is such a hook. I've not heard of this writer, so to see that both you & John like his work is good news. Thank you for the comments on the stories of the two women featured in these novellas. I'm adding Trevor to my list.

Kiki wrote: "I find it fairly easy to pick up other languages when I'm in a different country, Madrano. The Romance languages were easiest for me since my MT is Italian. I'm a lot better at reading some, like German, than I am speaking it, but I can get by..."

I suppose this makes sense. Seeing the words in similarity between English, Spanish and the bits of Italian & French that i know are pleasurable. They illustrate how vast our language can be when we expand our vocabularies. As you note, speaking & reading it are different critters, however. I admire that you continue to pursue reading others, nonetheless.

Re: William Trevor

madrano wrote: "Kiki, your review is such a hook. I've not heard of this writer, so to see that both you & John like his work is good news. Thank you for the comments on the stories of the two women featured in th..."

Years ago on Amazon I ordered one of his books. I didn't realize it was about 600 pages or more ! I think it was his entire short story collection . Boy, was I surprised when I opened the package. :) Now I make sure to look at # of pages.

That would be a shocker. Still, his entire collection! Good buy, if you can handle it. Literally handle it, that is.

guys i have finished gli arancini di montalbano and it was very good as i expected; tomorrow i’m starting the house of the spirits i hope to like it :)

Nice to hear, sofii. I hope you like the Isabel Allende novel.

Murder at Black Oaks by Phillip Margolin

This book is Margolin's homage to Golden Age mysteries. In the story, a group of people are stranded in a gothic mansion where murders occur.

It's all good fun. 3.5 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Alias Reader wrote: "Re: William Trevor

madrano wrote: "Kiki, your review is such a hook. I've not heard of this writer, so to see that both you & John like his work is good news. Thank you for the comm..."

Goodness! I didn't even know a volume of all his short stories existed. That would really be a surprise when you opened it!

If anyone hasn't read William Trevor The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor Summary & Study Guide is a good place to start, though nothing beats Two Lives for me.

Barbara wrote: "Murder at Black Oaks by Phillip Margolin

This book is Margolin's homage to Golden Age mysteries. In the story, a group of pe..."

That sounds good, Barbara. I think we all need a bit of fun in our reading at times.

Barbara wrote: "Murder at Black Oaks by Phillip Margolin

This book is Margolin's homage to Golden Age mysteries. In the story, a group of pe..."

This sound full of goodies, Barbara. Once again, i'm tickled by the photos you selected to tell the story, as they enhance the story even more. What a neat homage from Margolin. Thanks for telling us about it.

Kiki wrote: "If anyone hasn't read William Trevor The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor Summary & Study Guide is a good place to start, though nothing beats Two Lives for me..."

Thanks for that tip, Kiki. As i wrote his name on my TBR, i was wondering where to begin. Now i know.

I can recommend Trevor's The Boarding-House and Mrs Eckdorf in O'Neill's Hotel.

Thanks, John. I'll add those. Many seem short, so i have options--several shorter or a longer one or some other combo.

madrano wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Murder at Black Oaks by Phillip Margolin

This book is Margolin's homage to Golden Age mysteries. In the stor..."

Thank you madrano. I love the Golden Age mysteries and this was a nice tribute. 🙂

Kiki wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Murder at Black Oaks by Phillip Margolin

This book is Margolin's homage to Golden Age mysteries. In the stor..."

That sounds good, Barbara. I think we all need a bit of fun in our reading at times.

For sure Kiki. 🙂

Kiki wrote: "John wrote: "Kiki wrote: "I finished my second book in the 100 book challenge late last night. It's my novella, which turned out to be two beautiful novellas - TWO LIVES by the late Irish writer, W..."

@Kiki and @John, I added William Trevor's The Collected Stories to my e-library some time ago, but at 1262 pages, it may take me a while to read!

I do have a soft spot for short stories, so I'm looking forward to it.

Speaking of short stories, I recently read and reviewed a couple of very different ones.

What an intriguing short story is The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges. It is a kind of choose-your-own adventure wartime spy story. What really happened?
5★ My review with a link to the story online.

Who would ever have thought the French might like to reclaim Paris as their own after WWII? An American is disappointed to find "his" wartime Paris so changed in F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story, Babylon Revisited .

3.5~4★ My review with a link to the story online.