flight paths discussion

May may be the most marvellous month
with its gentle warmth
in the fullness of spring
the lengthening days
bless lazy ways
and cast a glow
on every thing

we could use a bit of magic right about now
my immediate wish is to lively up this space
what is everyone in this little group up to?

I'm a bit bogged down in The Future by Naomi Alderman. The present is hard enough.
However, I am enjoying High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley It's actually quite hopeful.

Magdelanye, the poem is perfect for May. I love this month, too.

I'm a bit bogged down in Look Homeward, Angel. I enjoy the story parts of it, then it goes into Eugene's imaginative head and it goes off the rails for me. Luckily, it's only just a few pages of imagination.....but it keeps appearing throughout, so I never know when it'll happen again. This is making it a bit of a slog to get through this book.

I'm really liking Sylvia's Lovers. It has twist and turns, surprises, really good writing, an interesting storyline.

I'm listening to The Rise and Reign of the Mammals: A New History, from the Shadow of the Dinosaurs to Us and enjoying it. I liked the author's other book, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World, too.

Magdelanye, The Future sounds really good. High Conflict sounds a bit too close for comfort right now. But it's probably a book that needs reading so that we can (maybe) understand what's going on in this World right now.

Petra I know Look Homeward Angel is supposed to be a classic, but I've never actually done more than flip through and put it aside. The Elizabeth Gaskell on the other hand sounds fascinating. I believe I have read her long long ago and don't see her listed as read. Will be interested in your opinion.

I am attempting to write a review of The Future but the short form is that I was so dismayed by some of it that I consider it a disappointment. I almost wish I had never read it. I can see why Heather liked it, but I think I would have liked it better if she had written it herself.

Well, I tossed Look Homeward Angel. The interesting parts were just too short, too few and far apart, sandwiched with uninteresting and boring mind-ramblings.

I've started Al Clark, which I hope is more entertaining.

Crime the order of the day from medieval through to modern day.
Abbes of Meaux Hangman Blind to M.S. Morris duo of one based in Oxford and one in Yorkshire. Also in the north, Northumberland Mari Hannah.

Just left a book in the local pub as they have book 3 of a series and I have just read book one. A Cavern of Black Ice

now thats the kind of pub i like and a good exchange. I hope that you have vol 2!

I once found a little golden book that was a highlight of my childhood, in a pub in Barcelona.

Ice, I enjoy leaving books in the Little Free Libraries, too. Someone will be very happy to find your copy of A Cavern of Black Ice.

I finished reading Al Clark. It was intriguing and I enjoyed it. Yet it lacked depth and width, somehow. Everything fell into place a bit too easily for the situation, I think. Yet it was an enjoyable read. I'd put it in the catagory of "beach read", something light, enjoyable and you don't have to think about.

this comment really belongs in whine and cheese...Right now im on the mobile phone and it appears there's no comments since Thursday....but I know there are, the last one on the laptop last night.
frustrating eh

oops...a little more searching and I found the missing comments in the appropriate thread 'what are you doing.' It wasnt marked in any way but its there.
Ellie we are looking forward to your update.
I saw your review Petra of Al Clark and commented there.
Ice, will you be going to Wales alone? be well

There are 7 going to Wales ! Also .................... belongs in what am I doing !

open possibilities????

Petra I remember you liked Bad Monkeys so I ordered it and just starting. I dunno....

have a safe trip Ice

Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff? It's a weird story but I did like it. It's been so long since I read it that I can't recall the story, though.

I'm currently reading Corktown. I've read three others in this series and like the main character. I'm enjoying this book as well.

I'm also reading and loving Sylvia's Lovers. I'm reading it as a group read here on GR, so the progress is slow and detailed.

I've warmed up to Bad Monkeys and can see why you recommended it to me.
Oddly, the other book Im reading, a memoir In My Own Mocassins, while very different, it seems the two main characters share a lot of traits. Intruiging.

Got a nice laugh from your review of Corktown. See my comment :>)

btw, your comment posted Sunday night, only just made it here.
(i checked twice)
GR has gotten slow

LOL, Magdelanye....I just saw your comment.
I really enjoy the Abbey Kane books. I like her. I really enjoyed Suitcase Girl, The Curator and The Hatchery. Although in the middle of a series, it stands alone as a trilogy. Each of the first two books ends in a cliffhanger and I couldn't wait to start the next book. I enjoyed all three.
This book, Corktown, is the first of the series, which makes it an introductory story. Maybe that's why there was that one weird scene that didn't fit well with the story. The author may have been testing out his characters. Despite that, though, this was a solid read and I read it in record time.

I'm really glad you are enjoying Bad Monkeys. I've read a few other books by Matt Ruff and enjoyed them all (although one I liked a bit less so). I've read:
Bad Monkeys
Set This House in Order
Fool on the Hill

I hope the above comment doesn't take as long to post as that last one did. :(

well, it wasn't here this morning but now here we are.
Finished Bad Monkeys.
Have to say it's one of the stranger books Ive read. Just when you think youve got a grip, it slithers onto another level. It's probably a good thing that I had to return it to the library today or I'd still be rereading major bits.

i definitely will be searching out more of his work. The library doesn't actually carry the other titles you mention. They do have The Mirage and Lovecraft Country.

If you can get the library to bring in a copy of Set This House In Order, I think you'd enjoy it. It was my favorite, so far.

I still have The Mirage and Lovecraft Country to read.....plus others, I think.

I'm glad you enjoyed Bad Monkeys. It's a very strange story, indeed. But intriguing, too. It draws one in.

well I managed to finish it and write a review and put a hold on the mirage. The other one that you say is your favorite I will have to do in person when next Im at the library.
Right now Im quite happy reading Night Circus at last, plus Robin Wall Kimmerer The Serviceberry.
Sorry Im writing this on the phone so no link but you may already know these titles

Continuing with crime fiction set up in the North East. One series fading in its content or perhaps just surpassed in writing depth by the other. Now deciding what will come out to Spain.

Spain he said?
It was disappointing not to get to Spain at all on the Peace tour. Ice, are you planning a trip?

One of the few things I attempt to control is my reading. This includes of course selection, timing, mood in addition to library due dates and making a point not to let the books blur into each other. Well, thats happening now with the author of a memoir (AdaCalhoun) and the narrator of the wickedly funny Big Swiss.

Petra I got the Mirage so quickly. the other will take longer.

Ellie dont be shy with us, we have been missing you. what are you reading?