Books on the Nightstand discussion

Finished Spider-Man: Blue by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.

Jeph Loeb is one of the luckiest guys in the world. His reputation is largely based on several comics projects he did with artist/master storyteller Tim Sale. He has parlayed his success into a number of other high profile projects and is now the executive in charge of Marvel's television wing.

This comic looks back to the flowering of the love affair between Peter Parker and Gwen Stacey. In the lore of Spidey, Gwen is his one true love, even though he later famously married Mary Jane Watson (this marriage was subsequently undone--long story). Gwen tragically died, thrown off a bridge by the Green Goblin.

This book was diverting and beautifully drawn, but only competently written (which is the best you can say about the best of Loeb's work). It doesn't even come close to capturing the depths of longing and emotional highs that reading those long ago tales by Stan Lee, John Romita Sr., Gil Kane, and Gerry Conway still produces.

If you want to read the story of one of the great tragic romances in superhero comics, find yourself some reprints, conveniently bundled in the more expensive, full color Marvel Masterworks volumes, or the cheaper, black and white Essential Spider-Man "phone books".

Currently reading Model Home by Eric Puchner

I picked this one due to its appearance at this year's Tournament of Books. The dysfunctional family at the center of this book definitely has a Franzen-ness to it.

I'm reading Bears, Recycling and Confusing Time Paradoxes by Greg X. Graves

It's a review copy of a collection of short stories and I have to say it's the most bizarre thing I've read in a long time. I'm not too sure what to make of it if I'm honest. I have to keep going back and re-reading stories (they're only a couple pages long each) because of how crazy they are. It's making me smile though.

I'm always so impressed when someone remembers to start a new thread for the month. Thanks, Eric!

I'm also impressed when the first three books mentioned are books that I've never heard of! :)

I am reading . I can't believe I've never read it. I'm really enjoying it so far.

I am switching between
Of Human Bondage and
The Blade Itself on my Kindle. I love Of Human Bondage; I can't believe that I haven't read it before now. The Blade Itself is good so far, but I've been disappointed by a few grammatical/spelling errors. I am also listening to Small Favor read by the fabulous James Marsters. I am still working on in actual hardcover!

I've just started The Bee-Loud Glade by Steve Himmer. So far, so good!

Yesterday I started listening to The Lock Artist The Lock Artistwhich just won the Edgar Award and I really like the way it is narrated.
I also started reading Still Alice Still Alicewhich I already love. It's great to have two good books going.

I love keeping a journal about the books I have read. Do you have any resources about writing journal entries? I've been writing title, author, book summaries, and my feelings/opinions about the book. I also keep a list of other books to read in the back of my journal. Any other suggestions?

Your podcasts have been wonderful. Enjoyable and informative. What could be better?

I finished readingThe Art of Racing in the Rain and gave it only 2 stars. I enjoyed the dog part, but not the rest of the plot. I have to wait until Thursday to hear what the rest of my book group thinks.

Sharman wrote: "I love keeping a journal about the books I have read. Do you have any resources about writing journal entries? I've been writing title, author, book summaries, and my feelings/opinions about the ..."
Thanks, Sharman! Great idea on the journal -- maybe someone here has some recommendations!

Goodreads itself is my reading journal.

I received this as a gift. I am trying to be diligent about writing in it, but I forget sometimes. It's very cool though!
http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Passi...

Sharman wrote: "I love keeping a journal about the books I have read. Do you have any resources about writing journal entries? I've been writing title, author, book summaries, and my feelings/opinions about the ..."

I agree with Eric - Goodreads itself provides the room for reviews/thoughts on books I've read. It's not 'hold in your hand'-able, but sure keeps track of everything in one place.

I'm about 50 pp in 'City of Thieves.' Great writing, compelling story so far . .

I just finished , and now am reading . Quite a difference between the two. I reading Shriver's which was definitely a tough read thematically and from the first few chapters, this will be the same. I do enjoy her writing though -- but her topics are so hard to get through without having an emotional breakdown.

Oh let's see... I started Finn for the author's challenge and discussion. I think that mean's I will also need to read Huckelberry Finn. I started Nickel and Dimed (finally) as my "light" morning reading to ease myself into work. I will be reading Little Bee for one book group and starting East of Eden for another. Finally, I will be going on two trips at the end of the month, with plenty of travel and airport time. I love fun reading for vacation, so I plan to read books such as Summer and the City, Pretty in Plaid, My Fair Lazy, and Mini Shopaholic... maybe more. If I finish Nickel and Dimed, then next up is Naturally Thin.



Finn
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
Little Bee
East of Eden
Summer and the City
Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomanical, Self-Centered Smart-Ass Phase
My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being A Dumb Ass Is the New Black; Or, A Culture-Up Manifesto
Mini Shopaholic
Naturally Thin: Unleash Your SkinnyGirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting

Ann wrote: "I am reading . I can't believe I've never read it. I'm really enjoying it so far."

I recently re read it, after having read it 40 years ago LOL!!! Loved it even more now that I have a much better idea of true love & passion...

Sharman wrote: "I love keeping a journal about the books I have read. Do you have any resources about writing journal entries? I've been writing title, author, book summaries, and my feelings/opinions about the ..."

I keep a written journal as well. My dad did also starting in 1958 and ending with his sudden death in 2003. It is one of my prized possessions and gives me insight into some of the reading he enjoyed. Although he only kept track of title and author by year, it is fun to see some titles repeated indicating favorites as well as reoccuring authors who were once discovered, repeatedly reappear.

This is my first posting over here! I've been bad. I recently finished "Swamplandia", which I thought was very good. I'm currently reading "The Redbreast" by Jo Nesbo, a Scandinavian crime thriller and it's been excellent. On audio I just wrapped up "Bossypants" by Tina Fey, which was a lot of fun and next up, on audio, is the latest memoir "Townie". Whew, I think I'm done.

So, Mark, how have you been "bad"?

I am reading Romeo and Juliet to help my daughter with her Grade 9 online English course. Shakespeare is sooooo much easier to understand 35 years after high school! For myself, I just started Slouching Towards Bethlehem: Essays, part of my 11-in-11 reading challenge, where I am reading the 11 oldest books on my reading list. I "met" Joan Didion when I suggested The Year of Magical Thinking for my book club. I loved her style and the medical detail (no one else in my club did!). After trying Play It As It Lays, I thought I'd rather read her nonfiction. Several of my book club members, slightly older than myself, said they remembered reading and enjoying her magazine pieces.

Hello everyone! Been part of this group, though never posted before...I am in the midst of reading , as well as and finally I am thinking about starting
I suspect what I really should be doing is finishing up my semester in grad school. But suddenly, late at night, quiet house, and a big juicy stack of books - I am not in the mood to study right now!

Joanne- I'm bad about posting over here, otherwise I've been "good".
Welcome Angela- I just finished "Ape House". I was underwhelmed.

Joanne wrote: "I "met" Joan Didion when I suggested The Year of Magical Thinking for my book club. I loved her style and the medical detail (no one else in my club did!)"

Joanne, Joan Didion has a book coming out this fall that will be a follow-up to The Year of Magical Thinking -- it's about the death of Joan's daughter. Haven't read it yet, but it's coming close to the top of the pile.

Angela wrote: "Hello everyone! Been part of this group, though never posted before...I am in the midst of reading , as well as and finally I ..."

Hi Angela, so glad to see you unlurking! As your reward, I absolve you from not studying (but just for a while!).

Mark wrote: "This is my first posting over here! I've been bad. I recently finished "Swamplandia", which I thought was very good. I'm currently reading "The Redbreast" by Jo Nesbo, a Scandinavian crime thriller..."

No excuses, stop being bad and join the conversation.
I really like Nesbo's Snowman, to be published in June, I believe.

I just finished and I truly loved it. Last night I started it is a bit slow but still keeping me interested, I'll let you know how it goes. Has anyone else read this one?

I just finished and I just started

I just finished In The Forests of Serre which I loved, but so far I've really enjoyed all Patricia A. McKillip books. I'm currently almost done with The Wise Man's Fear. This has been really good, but really long. I've also just started The Purple Emperor

Thanks Anne! I didn't know that Didion had written a follow-up book. The Year of Magical Thinking was fascinating.

I just finished The Thirteenth Tale, and have started Seabiscuit: An American Legend. Also listening to Freedom, which is quite an interesting ride : )

Ann wrote: "Joan Didion has a book coming out this fall"

Oh, you're so cruel, Ann. I'll just add that to my list, "Two Gazillion Books I Can't Wait to Read"!!

Oh, you're so cruel, Ann. I'll just add that to my list, "Two Gazillion Books I Can't Wait to Read"!!"

LOL! That's how I felt after the retreat, put perfectly!!

Sharman wrote: "I love keeping a journal about the books I have read. Do you have any resources about writing journal entries? I've been writing title, author, book summaries, and my feelings/opinions about the ..."

I am probably lazy, but journaling is why I am on Goodreads! I love waiting until I've read the book to check other people's comments. I also love connecting to a new book through their suggestions. I give you props for being a traditionalist.

I am listening to a book called The Good Wife: A Novel and am debating on pulling the plug. (I really hate doing that.) It hasn't grabbed me, but it hasn't spit me out entirely yet, either.

I am also in the midst of Triangle which is a slow read - - it isn't very long, but I am finding I have to be careful as I read it.

Marly wrote: "I just finished and I truly loved it. Last night I started it is a bit slow but still keeping me interested,..."

Hi Marly,
I just recently discovered BOTN, and I've been lurking here since, but I thought I'd speak up and answer your question. I've read The Little Stranger. It's the only Sarah Waters I've read, and I don't read much horror, but I really enjoyed it. I loved the ending!

Leah wrote: "I am listening to a book called The Good Wife: A Novel and am debating on pulling the plug. (I really hate doing that.) It hasn't grabbed me, but it hasn't spit me out entirely yet..."

Keep going!!!!

Thanks Anita, it's starting out rather slow but from what I've heard it picks up.

Marly wrote: "I just finished and I truly loved it. Last night I started it is a bit slow but still keeping me interested,..."

Hi, Marly! I recently finished The Elegance of the Hedgehog also, and I liked it, too. There's a lot to think about in that book. I must admit it took me a while to get into, but once I did, I enjoyed it.
I would like to read The Little Stranger soon, also. It's on my list after listening to the older episode on scary books for Halloween.

I just finished Moloka'i and really enjoyed it. It's one of those fictional "histories" that tells about the island of Molokai and the leper colony; and also a bit about Hawaii, both pre-statehood and post-statehood. I enjoyed the descriptions of old Honolulu with street names and stores included that I recognize. (We usually go over a couple of times a year.) I was able to visualize what Hawaii was like "pre-tourism" and visit the island of Molokai, one of the islands I haven't been able to visit. Now I can't wait to go and see it for real!

I just finished , which I loved. I can't believe, after watching Inspector Lindley on Masterpiece Mystery all these years, I'd never read one! Ever so much better in print. I'm also listening to , which I'm also enjoying. Next up is , a book group selection.

I'm reading The Tin Drum and I don't love it or hate it but I'm having a hard time. It asks you to engage with a lot of severely repellant material, but I've read many reviews that say it's worth the effort, so I'm making the effort. I'm also reading On Writing which makes a nice break, the more because Stephen King has his own take on the grim side of the world.

Ann wrote: "I am reading . I can't believe I've never read it. I'm really enjoying it so far."

I'm reading Jane Eyre too, Ann! I am only about 100 pages in, but its good so far. For me its a little slower reading with the language.

Hi, Claire, thanks for the comment! It's fun to know someone else is reading the same book (Jane Eyre) too. I'm only a little over 100 pages in, too. I agree that the language is a little hard to follow sometimes. There is more humor than I expected, but it's subtle.

I'm just starting Mudbound...and then
I'll be on to The Paris Wife and Moveable Feast--
so happy my book club takes a summer break so I can do
my "beach reads" --first up will be "Literacy and Longing in L.A."--how did I miss that? --Nancy

Today I'm planning to begin Hate: A Romance - a first novel by French author Tristan Garcia. It was recommended to me by Bookseller Charles at Northshire Bookstore via a shelf-talker.

Finishing up Full Dark, No Stars, making my way through The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest and have both The Final Testament of the Holy Bible and The Waste Lands on deck.

Busy, busy month!

Started Mudbound..from the first few pages, it's great. Good story,
and excellent writing.

I'm reading The Imperfectionists for my book club meeting on May 16th. I love it so far and can't put it down...which is good, since I'm the one who chose it!

Finished "Nothing to Lose" by Lee Child.



In the last Reacher book, "Bad Luck and Trouble", Reacher meets up with the remnants of his old unit. All of them had moved on into careers. Reacher is essentially a glorified hobo who move on from one adventure to the next, without forming any permanent attachments. One of his old comrades asks him what he's running from. As is his wont, "Reacher said nothing".

Now comes "Nothing to Lose". I can only conclude that either Lee Child had an off year and couldn't write a Reacher consistent with his previous appearances, OR Reacher is bottoming out and is in need of an intervention. The Jack Reacher in the previous novels is a taciturn hero. The one in "Nothing to Lose" is belligerent and reckless, and has probably committed some form of manslaughter against innocent people.

Does he uncover a criminal conspiracy? Yes? Does he kick ass and foil it? Yes. But what sets him off on his destructive course is his own ego. He enters Despair, Colorado, a town that is less than welcoming to outsiders, and gets the bum's rush. Reacher doesn't take this disrespect lightly, and resolves to go back to Despair. He convinces himself that something is going on there that is not on the up-and-up.

I don't want to spoil the plot, so I won't go into the things he does that are so out of line. Just bear in mind that I'm starting for fear for his sanity.

Others have criticized this book on the ground that Reacher has all of a sudden become political. I don't think this is true. Ever since the early days he's been distrustful of the government and military brass while maintaining his sympathies to the common grunt. His experiences in "The Enemy" were pretty disillusioning, and I can see the common thread.

Another observation: in my review of "Bad Luck and Trouble", I remarked on how Reacher is always "butting" stacks of paper together. Well, paper-butting fans, I'm sorry to tell you that Reacher doesn't butt any paper in this outing. No. He's started butting rocks together. Maybe in the next book he'll butt scissors together for the trifecta.

Greetings everyone!

I just read Don't Breathe a Word and really enjoyed it.

This is my first time reading Jennifer McMahon and really enjoyed myself.

The book is one of those page turners where you can't wait to find out what happens.

If you're interested I reviewed this title on my blog and can be found here: http://wp.me/pTRJE-5j