Plese tell give me your opinion when you finish Edgar Sawtelle. I'm quite curious!
I don't know why I was thinking of Russia, but I was, one thing led to another, and I remembered reading this book on Rasputin by Colin Wilson, and added it to the list! I've been trying to add all of the books that I've read since Junior High, and occasionally remember yet another one. They're very slow in coming at this point. The best book I've read on the Romanovs was Nicholas and Alexandra. LOL Typing this is making me remember reading a book about the Anastasia mystery! Maybe the author will come to me.... I can remember the cover...Meanwhile I'm at page 1000 (more or less) in TCMC- he's not going to be killed in this duel, and Mercedes is headed for a nunnery!!! Damn!!! This was one great recomendation!
Mediocre I would say, but it is one of the big books right now. Everyone in the South is selling it.
Tell me about Bond, James Bond. I see you're currently into Ian Fleming; I've always meant to read them all, but haven't gotten around to them yet. Currently enjoying The Count of Monte Christo. Again!
I was just about to leave you a message and work got in the way. I hate that. I have missed book club. I did read On Chesil Beach. It was...interesting. I would have loved to have been present for the discussion. I bet there were a lot of different opinions. I am going on vaca in July but hopefully I will get to discuss the first half of The Count in June.
Yes, I have read Atlas Shrugged, it's not great literature, though it's not without merit; it offers a paean to Capitalism, at a time when the world was being swept away with Communist rhetoric. Atlas Shrugged is important if for no other reason that it's presentation of a Great Idea; the worth of the Individual, as opposed to Society at large. Definitely worthwhile, though her message is similarly presented, and in a more concise manner, in The Fountainhead. You'll probably want to read them both!
You are correct, Under the Skin is a modern story that takes place in present day Scotland. It's quite different, but equally stunning. Both Kelly and Jamie read it, and loved it as well. I've got another big historical fiction novel on my "To Read List", called Heyday, by Kurt Anderson - I hope it turns out to be half as good as The Crimson and The Petal.
I was snooping through your Favorites and saw The Crimson Petal and The White by Michel Faber - I loved it too! You should get his earlier work Under the Skin. Under the Skin has a secret; do yourself a favor and don't read anything about it, just open it, and start reading. It's wonderful! I know you'll like it.
i just did the same thing you did. when i opened my home page, there were you and jkphillips with MY Family and...
I talk so much I sometimes forget which book I was high on, but it was probably Go With Me, by Castle Freeman. I really think you'll enjoy it; I can only describe it as a northwoods Gothic, very short, terse, and quirky. A gem. Kelly read it as well and loved it.Glad to hear that SC isn't one star; one moment you seemed excited about reading it, and the next I saw the single star! We're looking forward to the BC meeting, see you there!
1 Star for sarah Conley! Ouch! I love the idea of an Irving novel per year - we'll see how well recieved Cider House is. Tess; there's just something about a well written, tragic tale that enthralls me. I read Tess about 20 years ago and loved it; I promptly went on a tear and became a Hardy boy. Far From the Maddening Crowd is probably his most popular, but Tess is my favorite. Should you give him a try, Hardy's writing style might take a little getting used to, but you'll fall into it soon enough. Tess is one of Literature's most tragic figures, and presents a vivid picture of a womans life in Victorian England. Tess was considered immoral when it was first published, though it's gritty moralistic realism shocked many, it remains a shining testament to everything a novel can be. Try it - you'll like it.
You should consider adding "The World According To Garp" to your Wish list, it's possibly Irvings finest novel, and is often listed as one of the top 100 novels of the 20th Century. Knowing that you added Cider House to your favorites, I'm confident that you'll enjoy Garp as well, though you might want a little space between the Irving novels, perhaps some lighter works as a sorbet to cleanse the palate!
I'm quite pleased that you enjoyed Cider House Rules! It certainly has the potential to elicit strong feelings and a lively debate. Irving had stated that he was trying for a Dickensian tale that dealt evenly with abortion; though he advocates it, no one appears to exit this story unscathed. I thought that you would like it, and I'm curious as to what the Book Club consensus will be! It's difficult for me to imagine a reader who would not be affected.
Thanks for the word on The Rachel Papers. I came across it while I was perusing your Shelf!
Scarlet Pimpernel is entertaining and quick. Not complicated, very Errol Flynn-ish. I like historical based fiction. The characters are a little melodramatic, probably due to the fact that it was originally written as a play.
I really enjoyed Possession. It "worked" on so many different levels. I particularly enjoyed the way the poems served as a metaphor for the love between both couples. I also enjoyed the quiet humour inherent in the undertakings of Academia. Great choice.
Somehow I have missed adding you as a friend. I just sent you an invitation.
Thanks for the recommendations!