What are you reading right now?
Anyone interested in doing a read through and discussing the books as we go? |
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| I've never heard of this series. What is it about? |
| I just finished the last book in Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series, which, I swear, isn't as cheesy as it sounds. They're clever, interesting, down-to-earth novels and as far from Anne Rice as you can imagine. I'm particularly interested in the books to come because Alan Ball, the creator of the show Six Feet Under, is developing a series based on the books.
Last week I also finished Velocity by Dean Koontz (Bear enjoyed the first 10 chapters so much that he ate them) and The Closers by Michael Connelly-- those two are my favorite authors of what I consider "impulse books." The kind where you know you like them and there's always a new paperback ready to grab as you walk by the endcap at Target so you'll keep reading them as long as they keep writing books. It's not Tolstoy, but they keep me entertained for a few hours.  |
Willowsprite wrote: Currently I'm not reading anything but have been considering a complete re read of all the books in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.
Anyone interested in doing a read through and discussing the books as we go? My sister read these books and really liked them. I haven't read them yet, but have been interested. Unfortunately my library doesn't have them all. |
| I am waiting for the third installment of Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series to be released. Just been reading stories in Readers Digest lately. |
| I just got Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz from the library.
Now I just need to find the time to read it. Anybody want to clean my gutters while I, um, do something more important?  |
| I read that one a couple of months ago. Very good.
I've had Memoirs of a Geisha since then and haven't gotten around to starting it yet. |
OH Memoirs of a Geisha is great....I even made brian listen to the audio version on the way back from california...lol... he didnt like it, but he couldnt get past the "japanese'' accent that they used  |
| another really funny book is ''The Gospel according to Biff''...It is about Jesus growing up with his best friend Biff and all of the teenager stuff that they did...mixed in with some true Gospel....I haven't laughed that hard in a long time while reading a book...It made you realize that Jesus was a real kid and I'm sure got into some good teenage stuff....It was light hearted, funny and not all intending to be blasphemous. It was truely a good read...for all adults... |
| I'm reading This Side of Paradise by F Scott Fitzgerald
If any of you havent read Marley and Me, I suggest reading that next. Its a pretty quick read and you will laugh and cry and then go hug your dog when you are done! |
| I don't have the patience for a book, so I stick to magazines, I have a subscription to STYLE AT HOME, and CANADIAN LIVING.
I also borrow the Nick Jr mag's to get ideas for the kids, and stuff for them. |
Darn  I was hoping more people would be interested in a Gabaldon read through.... |
| Stace- I definitely would be! I read those books in my late teens, but couldn't bring myself to finish the series! I did that a lot as a teen... Still haven't finished the Thomas Covenant series, even though there is another book for it now. It's funny as I was JUST thinking about those Gabaldon books a few days ago!!!! i think I own the first 2...
I think it'd be great fun to have an OES.org book club!!! |
| They haven't been out that long? The latest one, A Breath of Snow and Ashes just came out September 27, 2005.
The first one, Outlander, was published June 1, 1991 (OMG has it been THAT long?!!  )
The second one, Dragonfly in Amber was published July 1, 1992, the third, Voyager, December 1, 1993, the fourth, Drums of Autumn December 30, 1996, the fifth book The Fiery Cross November 6, 2001 and then as I mentioned the sixth is A Breath Of Snow And Ashes. I absolutely love ALL of them. I can't wait for the next one, but I don't know how soon that will be. I'm hoping soon, but a refresher through all of them will be nice before reading the next one... for me anyway  |
| I love to read and I read a lot. But I have never heard of the books in the Outlander series. Willing to try them.
P.S. I also read a lot of insurance policies but I don't think anyone would want to get into that.   |
Quote: ''The Gospel according to Biff''...It is about Jesus growing up with his best friend Biff
While its not really meant to be humorous, I found Anne Rice's most recent book, Christ the Lord, a pretty interesting read. Its about Jesus' childhood when they return from Egypt to Nazareth. Lots of great research. I may have to check out Biff. Hopefully, its not quite as far off the path as Life of Brian! That was hysterical!  ... don't get me started... |
Willowsprite wrote: Darn
I was hoping more people would be interested in a Gabaldon read through....I'll have to see if I can find them second hand. I remember reading them a VERY long time a go but don't remember much else. I can't seem to find the order of them, they are available on Amazon used but nothing shows the order. |
| I'd be interested in going through the Diane Gabaldon series. I read the first one years ago and it was good. I saw her in March - she lives in the area and comes to our Scottish Games every year to signs books.
ButtersStotch wrote: I just finished the last book in Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series, which, I swear, isn't as cheesy as it sounds. They're clever, interesting, down-to-earth novels and as far from Anne Rice as you can imagine.
Jill, I love the Ann Rice books so how are they different? I also loved Six Feet Under... just morbid, I guess. I've been reading a lot of British History lately, both fiction and non fiction. I just finished "The Book of Eleanor" by Pamela Kaufman which is historical fiction about Eleanor of Aquitaine. Now I'm reading The Magnificent Century by Thomas Costain which is hard fiction starting from the death of King John in 1216. |
| Sue, if you like English History, there was a book I read called The Other Boleyn Girl, which was about Anne Boleyn's sister and her life at court --kind of faction (not fact, not fiction). I can't remember off the top of my head who it's by...
There's also another one (that I can't remember) but I'll go home and look for it... |
| I'm reading Marly & Me, I think it's by Grogen.
If you haven't heard of it, its a really funny, heart warming story any dog owner would love!! |
| PLEASE someone tell me what the series by Diane Gabaldon is about and maybe I'll try it! Thanks! |
| Go to amazon.com.....I think there is a link from here that earns OES.org $$$$$
type in Diane Gabaldon and it will list all her books. Some are shown as "Outlander" series. |
| Duh! Sounds interesting...I'm usually not into time period stories but these sound more like fiction. I'll check my library and local resale to see if they have any. |
| I remember reading Outlander years ago. I had no idea it became a series. hmmm, I might have to dip back into this strange story. For those who don't know, It's romance, history and time travel. I'm not big on romance novels.......so I'll have to think about this. |
| My library has them, but the first and the last books in the series are checked out. Do I need to start at the very beginning in order to understand what's going on? I can put one on reserve. |
| So back to my questions.......
does anybody know the ORDER of the books? |
| Yes!
Outlander Dragonfly In Amber Voyager Drums Of Autumn The Fiery Cross A Breath Of Snow And Ashes so far... I can't wait for the next one! |
| Is it best to start with the first one, "Outlander"? |
| Yes! The main character begins her time traveklling and meets her romantic interest, along with their nemesis in the first novel. If you don't start with that one, you'll be waaay confused! You should be able to pick it up at a used book store- my half price books almost always has it in stock! (Or amazon, obviously!!) |
| WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO I made a stab at it by publication date and got it right. I ordered the first 4 (summer reading) through amazon (through the OES.org link OF COURSE-THANK YOU RON) and there is some kind of suoer saver special going on. ANYWAY, 4 paperbacks were 23.00. There was some kind of limited time discoutn and free shipping. |
| You usually have to reach $25 to get the free Super Saver shipping. You'd better check your order, and buy another book!
You also have to specifically check the Super Saver option when you check out, and you must select "group into as few shipments as possible" or some similarly worded option. |
Ron wrote: You usually have to reach $25 to get the free Super Saver shipping. You'd better check your order, and buy another book!
You also have to specifically check the Super Saver option when you check out, and you must select "group into as few shipments as possible" or some similarly worded option. Nope, the order was 32.00 so I got the free shipping and handling but then there is some kind of "super saver discount" that is only good for another 3 days that deducted another 7.99 ( I didn't bother reading the fine print about why) what a deal! $23.00 four books, I like that can't hardly drive to the library and back for that these days hahahahahahaha |
thepreacher wrote: While its not really meant to be humorous, I found Anne Rice's most recent book, Christ the Lord, a pretty interesting read. I liked it too. It showed what life would be like for a boy growing up during the time of Jesus without being disrespectful at all. A good piece of historical fiction. barney1 wrote: Sue, if you like English History, there was a book I read called The Other Boleyn Girl, which was about Anne Boleyn's sister and her life at court --kind of faction (not fact, not fiction). I can't remember off the top of my head who it's by...
The author is Phillipa Gregory, I love her books too. The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen's Fool, The Virgin's Lover... I just finished The Constant Princess which was about Katherine of Aragon. |
| Guess what? My Dad got me a Borders gift card for my bday. As soon as I find out how much $$$ is on it, I'll be buying the book! Did you know you can use these gift cares on Amazon.com?
Sorry, Ron, I won't be buying through the forum |
| My books arrived on Friday, I started Outlander last night. It's familiar as I read it but it was years ago so I am sure I need to read it before moving on to the others. |
| Ok so does that mean we are starting now? How do we want to do this? I'm thinking chapter by chapter, so we don't spoil it for anyone who has not read it before? Maybe just have each person post when they're done a chapter, or in groups of chapters like 3 or 4?
I read very fast, but I know not everyone does, and not everyone has time to actually read a chapter or two each day? So what is the best strategy? And do we have a list of those who want to participate? Is it just you and I that have the books at this point? |
| Well, I don't know...... I read fast when I have the time to read which is onagain off again. I didn't keep track of who is interested. Who actually is getting or has the book (s) ? |
| I'm always reading a couple of books at a time
Velocity by Dean Koontz Setting limits with your strong-willed child by Dr. Robert McKenzie How to behave so your children will too by Dr. Sal Severe Trying to find an approach that I think will work with Brandon. So far, nothing else is - spankings, time out, reward system, etc... I think I just need to call Super Nanny for him Terrible twos can't possibly last from 9 months to 3.5 years can they??? It's amazing how different two children raised by the same parents can be. |
| Aw, crap! I was actually so busy at work on Friday (how unusual for me). Nothing like someone giving you something to do when you already gave it to them to approve 4 weeks prior! I'll call Borders later today. I haven't bought the book yet, but I do read very fast when I like a story. |
| I made it through 3 or 4 of Diana Gabaldons books. It might be fun to start over. After so long the first one kinda fades. Keep me posted on the reading group.
Thanks, Susan |
| I think we should start a seperate post for the book club, with the book info (title and author) at the top in bold... then figure out a length goal for each time period (week, 2 weeks???) that everybody can agree on...
I still have to dig out my copy! |
| Yes that's kind of what I'm looking for, a time frame so I can start a new thread for each book.
I guess if Ginny is already started, should we just go ahead and start? I guess if we do one chapter a week, we'll list the chapter in bold and just hope it doesn't spoil it for those who aren't that far into it yet? |
| AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH yes, I'm well into the romance and the adventure!!!!!! So carry on whenever you are ready! |
| Ok, I'll start it tonight.
(I've read them all twice already, but I love them and can't wait for the next one to come out! ) |
| I'm in - will start Outlander on my business trip next week.
Sue |
| The library will either be calling me tomorrow when someone returns it (they're supposed to). If not, I'll be headed to a book store on Saturday |
| One chapter a week sounds good to me!!!
(Now I'll have to force myself to read slowly and pay attention ) |
| I just got to the "good part" (which means the leading lady has sex with the leading man) AHHHHHHH such romance!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had to stay up late to get to the end of the chapter. |
| I now have my hands on the book!
I've never been in a book discussion so I have no idea how it works. One chapter a week? With 40 chapters we'll be discussing the book for almost an entire year! I read the first chapter in 20 minutes. If I really get into it I may be moving further along. Hope that's okay |
| I'm almost finished with the book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This weekend I couldn't put it down! |
Stacy wrote: I now have my hands on the book!
I've never been in a book discussion so I have no idea how it works. One chapter a week? With 40 chapters we'll be discussing the book for almost an entire year! I read the first chapter in 20 minutes. If I really get into it I may be moving further along. Hope that's okay I don't know, I'm used to participating in them, with a lot more people, and I'm just not sure where to start, or if the same format will work here. I don't think it will. |
| okay, I just finished a FANTASTIC NOVEL, AND I MEAN FANTASTIC!! The title is ''The shadow of the wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon...it takes place in Barcelona in the 1930's...regarding a novel that a young boy finds...he is so entrigued by the book that he has to find out about the author and the journey he takes, the whirlwind of ups and downs, murder, love, secrecy, danger and mystery....wow.....it was just fantastic...it would also be a great book club book!!!! |
| Well, I finished the book. I can't help but think, "What's wrong with me". I really didn't enjoy it too much and it was a struggle to get through it. I think maybe it was just too unbelievable for my boring imagination. Or it could be that the picture I have in my head of Jamie's physique and barbaric personality reminded me of a guy I knew in high school...story for another day . Sorry, but I won't be able to read the rest of the series.
I went to the library yesterday and took out a Patricia Cornwell mystery, "The Lovely Bones" (Oprah book), and the story of the BTK killer (I'm disgustingly fascinated with crazy people). |
| HAHAHAHAHAHA!! Not to worry, that is why there are so many different kinds of books!!!
I on the other hand am at the end of the second book and can't wait to get to the third. When I read a novel I WANT it to be totally farfetched and unbelievable, FANTASY!!!!!!!! I live reality everyday, for pleasure I want to go to the land of "make believe". |
| Sorry you didn't enjoy it Stacy....
Everyone has different tastes, which is why there are sooooo many books
Hope you enjoy your next choice more. Ginny... so what do you think so far? (other than liking it ) |
| I am entralled by it all!!! I think because I am a nurse I find the "medical" end of it totally fascinating. I am also finding the history end of it interesting as well.
OF COURSE it's all totally improbable..........or is it?????? Time travel is certainly one of the "age old" or "new age old" questions. WHAT IF......... And the romance of it, GOLLY  a real page turner when it comes to the "bedroom" scenes. Some of the "male domination" is a bit annoying and I sometimes think she's treading a fine line between abuse and romance but then I remind myself that it is after all fiction. Who wouldn't want to be ravaged by a well endowed Scottsman!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Tasker's Mom wrote: I am entralled by it all!!! I think because I am a nurse I find the "medical" end of it totally fascinating. I am also finding the history end of it interesting as well. Yes, the scientist in me loves those parts too It's interesting to see the evolution of science, a lot of the time it went from old wives tales designed to protect future generations in a way they could understand. After all, they didn't know "why" certain things would hurt them or make them sick, or heal them or make them better, they only knew that they did.Quote: OF COURSE it's all totally improbable..........or is it?????? Time travel is certainly one of the "age old" or "new age old" questions. WHAT IF......... That's where a creative and open mind comes into play I think. It's so cool to think it could happen.... but even if one cannot stretch their imagination into believing it could, it's still fun to imagine what it would be like if it did Quote: And the romance of it, GOLLY
a real page turner when it comes to the "bedroom" scenes. Some of the "male domination" is a bit annoying and I sometimes think she's treading a fine line between abuse and romance but then I remind myself that it is after all fiction. Who wouldn't want to be ravaged by a well endowed Scottsman!!!!!!!!!!!!!Well, we must remember it takes place in a time that what we consider barbaric is not thought of that way back then. I just LOVE the Jamie/Claire chemistry! Love so strong, it's volatile. Love it. You just know Jamie would protect her at any cost. And now I can't say anymore on that because you're only on the second book! LOL |
| Well I must admit that the Jamie/Claire chemistry is all part of the intrigue. As a pretty severe cynic when it comes to matters of love and romance (us divorced women are men little animals) I must admit I do wallow in the improbability of such devotion. I get crankey over picking up dirty socks and cleaning the bathroom twice a week because it's been used by A MAN , not sure I'd do very well with breaking into prison and saving my "beloved" from the tortures of the damned LOL!!! |
| I LOVE to read. Here's some of my suggestions-
A Dog's Life - By Peter Mayle ( he wrote A year in Provence). This book is narrated by the dog. Very Funny. Easy read. Any books by John Katz are good for those who like animals. His experience training dogs. A lot of people have probably read this author but I just found out about him! James Herriot - All Creatures Great and Small and All Things Bright and Beautiful. Easy to pick up and read a chapter when you have time. Others have mentioned Marley and Me, a good one. I love mysteries and my favorite author is Elizabeth George. Great characters. Try to read in the order that she wrote them because the characters really develop through the series. I believe the first book is A Great Deliverance. The most current book is With No One As Witness. DO NOT READ THAT ONE TILL YOU'VE READ SOME OF THE EARLIER ONES!! Tracey PATCHES MOM |
| Thanks, Patches Mom! I've written them all down on my "To Read" list...it's actually a post it! Thanks! |
| I copied and pasted our replies about the gabaldon books into the other thread, since this thread is a general what are you reading thread.
http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?p=108285#108285 |
| Ive just started to read Memoirs of Geisha too... just on the second chapter can't put it down LOL I got it to take away with me to Lanzarote in september... lol lol
Kim & Maizie |
| I read Sam's Letters to Jennifer two weeks ago by James Patterson that was EXCELLENT. Last week I read True Believer by Nicholas Sparks and this week I'm reading At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks. Two very good authors. |
| I just finished the Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. It was one of the best books I've read in a long time. Sad and introspective. |
| I just finished the trilogy by Francine Rivers - the first book is A Voice in the Wind. I've read them before, but they just draw me in! |
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