Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

I'm currently trying to tackle Moby Dick. I've got several chapters to go!

I am currently reading Catching Fire. I had to get it back from my students to do so and they are right, It is excellent

I'm reading 'Invasion' by Julie Elizabeth Powell, a fantasy/children's book, but can be enjoyed by adults. The author is a Goodreads author, and I really enjoy reading her books.

I am just getting to the end of "Bringing Forth the End of Days" by Simon Law...

Really good dystopian read - in the UK for a change - really really good.

enjoy

I'm trying to read Hatrack River by Orson Scot Card (I think I got the author right)

I just finished reading it was awesome!
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I'm currently trying to find time to read "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion" by L.J. Smith and "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.

Next in the pipeline: two anthologies by a friend, and a new novel.
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The fiction book I'm reading is 14 by J.T. Ellison and the nonfiction book I'm reading is Gates of Injustice by Alan Elsner. Both are excellent so far!

I am currently reading by Amber Lehman. I am on page 299 and loving it. This story is great for understanding teens and the choices they have to make. It helps us to remember when the seriousness of growing up. I love it.

I'm currently reading The Princess Academy, a YA novel. So far, so good!

I'm doing too much editing to read much *sigh*

I'm reading 'The Best Australian Stories' series, starting with the 2007 edition.
http://deborahsheldon.wordpress.com

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I generally have three or more going at once. Interestingly enough, I found the Lamb book in the house and decided to read it before my mother sent me "The Guernsey Literary" ... which refers to the Lamb book.

I'm trying to read "Angel Time" by Anne Rice; "Pirate Latitudes" by Michael Crichton; "Breathless" by Dean Koontz; "Homer's Odyssey" by Gwen Cooper and "The Lace Reader" by Brunonia Barry.

I am reading The Hadrian Memorandum.

I am reading "Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas," by Maya Angelou. I have completed two-thirds of her novel. It is an enjoyable read.True Season of Love

I'm reading The Eyes of the Dragon.

I am reading The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova and just finished Confrontations by Jacques Vallee

I'm reading Heresy by S.J. Parris, which I received as an early reader copy. I've never read anything similar to this - a novel based on the life of a real-life person from the 16th century. If you are interested in that period of history - the inquisition, life in Europe at that time - then you would probably love this book. It's very well written and incredibly well researched. Not a "light" read but definitely an enjoyable one.

I also have three or four going at once. Short attention span I guess. I choose my books very carefully based on recommendations or very high ratings. Only because I have so little time to read. I'd love to read ten hours a day if I could.

Here's my current list:

The Bronze Horseman, Pauline Simmons
Enchanted, Elizabeth Boyle
Belladonna, Anne Bishop (second book in the series)
Field Guide of Angels and Demons

I've only got two going right now, but have some more coming. Just finished Lorna Barrett's "Bookmarked for Death" #2 in the Booktown series, decided to go through my large TBR pile and started "The Spellman Files" by Lisa Lutz. Today I also started "Monet Talks" by Tamar Myers because I couldn't get Spellman in my purse/pouch. I'm sort of in need of books I can laugh at and sure enough they are working!

I'm reading PAULA, Isabel Allende's memoir. Allende is one of my favorite authors because her character development is awesome and I love how she ties her tales to the history of her native country, Chile. I've resisted reading this because it is riddled with sadness, having been written during the time her daughter fell into a coma and eventually died. As usual, her writing style and stories of her family captivate me but so far, her novels remain her strength.

Betty wrote: "I've only got two going right now, but have some more coming. Just finished Lorna Barrett's "Bookmarked for Death" #2 in the Booktown series, decided to go through my large TBR pile and started "Th..."Finished the excellent "
Bookmarked for Death", had to forgo The Spellman Files for now for 3 review books: Ian Rankin's "Exit Music"; Jo-Anne Vandermeulen's "Conquer All Obstacles", and Debra Purdy Kong's "Fatal Encryption"

My current fiction read is Storm Constantine's The Crown of Silence.



It's book two of the The Chronicles of Magravandias, and is a textured political and magical epic, which should please people who enjoy the amount of detail that goes into the greats such as GRR Martin and Jacqueline Carey.

Betty wrote: "Betty wrote: "...had to forgo The Spellman Files for now for 3 review books: Ian Rankin's "Exit Music"; ...". I am now into "Conquer All Obstacles" which has started off great, but will delay reviewing Exit Music until I can thumb through it again, too much background noise at the time to concentrate fully.

I'm about to start Jennifer Estep's first book in the new assassin series. I'm a big fan of Jennifer, so I'm really looking forward to this!

I've finally gotten around to reading Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. After all I'd heard, I'm a little disappointed in its preachy repetitiveness; I prefer my lessons more subtly and satirically presented. :) On the side, I've started Neil Gaiman's Sandman series - received The Ultimate Sandman Volume 1 for Christmas!

Zuzana, you won't be disappointed with the Sandman series! I love them and wish they weren't so expensive.

I'm reading Shoo Fly Pie by Tim Downs. Loved Plague Maker so I thought I'd read another one of his.

Ashley wrote: "Zuzana, you won't be disappointed with the Sandman series! I love them and wish they weren't so expensive. "

I know - about the expensive part - hence my joy when I received volume 1 for Xmas!

Speaking of Gaiman, I'm 1/2 the way through "American Gods". It's an interesting concept.
Lorne

I've got two on the go at the moment, both goodreads authors:

Double Out and Back - Lisa Lipkind Leibow

-and-

The Flesh Statue - U.L. Harper

I asked for a whole bunch of book gift certificates for christmas and now I'm working my way through them. Right now I'm reading

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

Ooh, Ashley, do you have the black cover copy? It's so pretty isn't it!

There's a black cover copy? Haha, no I have the yellow cover.

MossflowerMattimeoThe TreasureThe Protector's WarA Meeting at Corvallis

Ashley, this is it:

Is it leather too? Nice!

Nope not leather for my copy but I think you can get a leatherbound copy somewhere.....not sure though.

Actually mine is some sort of funky material, I think perhaps fake leather ☺

Now you're going to wonder how an author can have so much time to read. I don't, and that's why I have about four books going at once. I make myself read two chapters from every book each night or I'd never get through them. Here's what I just finished reading and what I'm reading in February:

Finished: An Indecent Proposition by Emma Wildes. This was a good erotic romance. I hope to write up a review for it soon here on Shelfari. Wildes is a great writer, and this is a historical -- about a woman who has a tortured past (husband was cruel and he died) and now she's decided to get back into the swing of social life. Two very decadent men have made a public bet that each is a better love than the other. When the widow finds out about the bet, she contacts them and offers to be the judge. Here's where it gets interesting, because we're supposed to have a Happily-ever-after, right? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out how Ms. Wildes accomplished the HEA.

Finished: Drawn Into Darkness: Annette McCleave, This was good. It rate it about a four. An angel/demon theme with lots of scripture quotes. It's also a romantic/paranormal. I believe this is a debut book. I recommend reading if you like this genre.

Reading:

The Bronze Horseman, Pauline Simons. In fact, I just joined a group on Goodreads dedicated solely to this book. It's set in Russia during one of the big wars and features a lot of starvation, war, deplorable state of living and all that angst. It's very good and quite lengthy coming in at over 600 pages. Go to Goodreads if you've read this book or are interested in discussing it.

The Field Guide to Angels and Demons. Don't ask! This is exactly what it says, a guide about all the different demons that exist in society from countries around the world. Legend and lore type thing and how to get rid of a certain demon if you're having trouble with one. I bought this for research purposes, but it's enjoyable.

Enchanted, Elizabeth Lowell, blurb: A medieval age of passion and conquest in a tumultuous era of warriors and ladies. Simon the Loyal has agreed to marry Arianne, an unwilling Norman heiress in order to bring peace to the troubled lands. So far, so good, Lowell is also a good writer, and this is a typical medieval novel.

Belladonna, Anne Bishop. This is the second book in her series. I think the first one was titled Sebastian. And I bought them out of order. Now, I must go back and read the first. The writing is deep and the plot complicated, but if you concentrate and stick with it, quite enjoyable. Blurb: The Eater of the World is casting its shadow over the landscape of Ephemera, tainting people's souls with doubts and fears. Glorianna Belladonna possesses the ability to thwart the Eater, but she's not along. Michael, a man with mysterious power of his own will help.

Warlord, Elizabeth Elliott, an older medieval historical about an arranged marriage. So far so good, although I am not spellbound. This book came highly recommended by readers who love medieval romance.

More later and Happy Reading!

Keta Diablo
http://www.ketadiablo.com

Keta, thanks for talking about authors reading and explaining how you do it. I have always wondered, and especially since being on GoodReads where I see so much interaction between authors and readers (very thankful for those opportunities by the way). I notice so many authors with lists of books they are reading and it amazes me. I'm sure authors need to relax with a good book too, since obviously they really love books. I find I can only manage two at a time for reading, but that is probably more age-related than anything else, and since I review them all, I don't want to get mixed up in my reviews!

On the other hand, doesn't it get more confusing if you restrict yourself to two chapters of each book, sort of a circle of books? or is that easier for you than just picking up where you left off on each one? For instance, I usually have one in my purse for whenever I'm anywhere that I have to sit and wait (can't read in a moving vehicle, and I live in a rural area so we only travel by car); I have a book beside the chair I sit in most often to read, and a book beside the bed in case I get into bed and forget to bring my current book with me! ;-) Not a good plan I guess, because I usually fall asleep on it but apparently keep turning pages because I have to read most of what I read again. That's also why I try to read different genres at the same time.

Thanks again, I enjoyed reading your message.

I guess I should mention what I'm currently reading:
The Spellman Files (had this going before but had to review a couple of books and put it off again), and just about to start an ARC of Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman.

Maybe someone can help me here. I always keep a chart going of requested books for review, but I apparently didn't list Arcadia Falls. I can distinctly see it positioned on the webpage, but have no idea where it came from. Did anyone else see it or request it? Would have been earlier this month (Jan) or possible late Dec. Thanks to anyone who can help me. It's published by Ballantyne.

Hi Betty,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is difficult going from one book to another, but I do it nightly, so it's fresh in my mind. I have very little time to read, actually, but it is my favorite past time (other than writing). It seems to be the only way I can get through the books. And I read in a wide variety of genres as you can tell by my list.

I also think I'm inpatient or maybe have a short attention span when I read because I'm always (always) thinking about writing and what project I happen to be working on now. So, there are pitfalls for me. But I refuse to give up my reading, and I love talking books, all books, not just mine.

What a fascinating concept to be able to pick up a book and go anywhere you want. I try to explain it to my children, who, but the way, only one out of three are dedicated readers.

Who do you review for or do you have your own blog where you do reviews?

Thanks again so much for the reply. I'll try and keep everyone posted on my thoughts about the books I'm reading at the current time,

Happy reading and reviewing, Keta
http://www.ketadiablo.com

Hi Keta
Out of my three kids, I had one that not only was not an avid reader, but would stand outside of the library or bookstore while the rest of us went in. At the age of 21, she suddenly started reading books, starting with technical manuals! Now she reads pretty well everything.

I review for Front Street Reviews, but otherwise, I apply for any contest books, ARCs, have occasionally done a review specifically for an author who asks, and otherwise just review whatever books I happen to read. I thought it might keep my memory in better shape, and make me feel like I'm writing in some sense. I do enjoy reviewing the books, but as far as writing, I can't seem to get a handle on it. What I could write about best is not necessarily what I want to tell the world. ;-)

Hi Betty, oh, you made me smile with that last sentence. Isn't that the truth? I'd hate to air my personal laundry if I had to. That's why it's better to write fiction.

My youngest, Dylan, had no desire to see Twilight. Said he wasn't into vampires. I'd read the book, so I dragged him to the theater. He's 19 now. And he LOVED the movie, which wasn't my intent at all, but I thought I possibly get him to read more. Now, he's read all of the Twilight books TWICE! Yeah! One thing I have to hand it to S. Meyer. She has drawn so many young people back to reading like it used to be before we had television, video games and all the technology. I'm so happy Dylan is a reader now, and next is tackling some books about the Holocaust. How cool is that?

Keta

Reading: The Bronze Horseman, Pauline Simons and Perfect Darkness, Jamie Rusch, keta, http://www.ketadiablo.com

Writing "Blessings in Disguise," made sense out of a diverse array of experiences that revealed their purpose and meaning during the writing. I learned so much during the process; it elevated my whole sense of being. My advice...write the book, don't worry about the dirty laundry. Challenge yourself to do it with style and grace, and you may be surprised, as I was, by what you learn.

Betty & Keta, I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents worth. I'm a writer and a mad-keen reader. I do have a problem doing them simultaneously. When I write, I tend to be a bit obsessive and only think about the next scene, how to build up my character's personalities... Anyway, for the month or so it takes me to draft a novel, that's all I have time for. Any "relaxation" has to be in front of the TV because if I see print, I only think of my novel.

Once the novel is drafted, I need to get away from it so I can read it and rework it with fresh eyes. Reading is great for that. When I read I really get lost in a book so what I'm working on can go slightly dormant.

Also, since I've started writing (I took it up in my mid-40s) I read totally differently. It is hard not to look at how authors handle things like dialogue, flashbacks, descriptions... So I consider every minute spent reading as "working" on my writing.

As for what I'm reading now, Sea Glass by Anita Shreve.