Jan McNulty Posted July 25, 2012 Author Share Posted July 25, 2012 I discovered Rebecca Forster's legal thrillers via a kindle special offer and have just finished my 5th (Character Witness). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeliB Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 (edited) Thought I should read 50 shades just to see what all the fuss is about. Hmm. I can see the resemblance to twilight: klutzy 'who me? but I'm so unattractive?' young woman attracts the most astoundingly fabulously no question the top dog alpha male who has a hint of strange(twilight- vampire, 50shades - super rich and super handsome but kinky) by dint of.... eerm well absolutely nothing of merit that I can see. Alpha male is completely overwhelmed at his desire to eat (twilight)/beat (50shades) said klutzy female and finds her captivating beyond belief solely because she seems able to accept his wierdness (undead/S&M addict) without running screaming. Cue endless panting description of how much they luuuve eachother despite not managing to have a single conversation which is more interesting than 'oh but you are so wonedrful' ' no, no YOU are so wonderful' etc whilst also both anxting endlessly over whether the other one truly does luuve them The only advantage 50shades has over twilight is that at least they get on and have sex rather than just pant about it. Otherwise they are equally dull. Oh and 50shades was marginally better written. The central characters anxting about how she felt about S&M were slightly more believeable and there were the odd moments of humour. Unlike twighlight which was incredibly self reverential and pompous. Can't say I will be reading the rest of the trilogy in either case. Edited July 26, 2012 by CeliB 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted August 1, 2012 Author Share Posted August 1, 2012 CeliB - thanks for your explanation of fan fiction and your comparison between the characters. I have not read any of the Twilight books but I knew there were vampires involved and I just could not see the connection! Â I've just finished The Thread by Victoria Hislop and thought it was superb. This one is set in Thessaloniki from around 1907 to the 1970s and seems to have been meticulously researched. I knew some of the history covered but hadn't realised just how bad things were in Greece (and Turkey) during the period covered. Â Hislop's previous two books also cover recent-ish history with The Island being about Crete and the Leper Colony on Spinalonga and The Return being about the Spanish Civil War, based mainly around Malaga. Â As it happens, I have been to all three places but as I am mostly interested in ancient history these have given me some idea of more recent history within the context of a novel. I would highly recommend them but you do need some hankies handy for all three! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 CeliB - thanks for your explanation of fan fiction  In defence of the (probably relatively small) proportion of good fan fiction, I'd have to say that that wasn't an explanation of fan fiction . Although it did seem to bear some relation to the "Mary Sue" school of fiction (aka introducing an original character into a fiction world who seems to bear a remarkable resemblance to the author his/herself) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted August 2, 2012 Author Share Posted August 2, 2012 Alison - you are teasing me here! Could you please tell me what fan fiction is? I had never even heard the term till I saw all the publicity about 50 shades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 My daughter knows all about this! It is about characters in books or TV series and they are then developed into different stories and plots by by other "writers". The best is very good, the worst is well, 50 Shades of Grey! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Macmillan Posted August 2, 2012 Share Posted August 2, 2012 Away from 50 Shades, did anyone ever share my enthusiasms for the work of J.P.Donleavy and, later, the late Robertson Davies? Donleavy's stream of consciousness style was, I admit, an acquired taste that I found was not shared by everyone. Davies' writing was witty, meaty and often theatrically based - and more generally approachable, I'd say. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted August 2, 2012 Author Share Posted August 2, 2012 A work friend introduced me to Robertson Davies with What's Bred in the Bone. I JUST LOVE HIS BOOKS - I have read all three trilogies and the first two of his last unifinshed one. I couldn't bring myself to read the final book for about 2 years after I bought it because I had just got it when I heard he had passed away. I just didn't want them fo finish. I think of all of them, The Lyre of Orpheus is my favourite. Â I must start re-reading them all. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Macmillan Posted August 3, 2012 Share Posted August 3, 2012 Janet: Interesting, as I also met Davies via "What's Bred in the Bone," picked up at a Heathrow bookstall before a flight, and that led inevitably to all of the others. And I hope you also found his "High Spirits," a small volume of short ghost stories from his University time - excellent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted August 16, 2012 Author Share Posted August 16, 2012 Ian - I'm not very keen on short stories so I haven't read High Spirits. Â I haven't done much reading for the last couple of weeks because of being glued to the Olympics on TV! Normal service has just resumed and this morning I finished The Reluctant Detective by Sinclair Macleod. I downloaded it when I got one of those "you bought that so you may enjoy this" emails. It's about a chap who is an independent insurance investigator in Glasgow. A lady approaches him about the death of her son, which she thinks is suspicious when it has been written off as an accident. Â It's light reading, very well (IMHO) written and I couldn't put it down! Although I was desperate to know "whodunit", at the same time I didn't want it to end. I've just downloaded another 2 novels in this series! Â I used to go to Glasgow several times a year for theatre visits (and am hoping to again!) and am familiar with the city centre. This novel has just made me want to visit again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted September 17, 2012 Author Share Posted September 17, 2012 Well I finished Sinclair Macleod's second and third novels. I have grown to love his easy going style very quickly. He has created characters that I care about and has progressed them in each subsequent novel. I am now waiting with bated breath for his next novel to come out. Here is a link to a page on Sinclair Macleod's website that explains why he writes: http://reluctantdetective.com/html/extras.html  Yesterday I finished Lee Child's latest novel, "The Wanted Man". I find his novels about Jack Reacher absolutely unputdownable. The main characteristics of Jack Reacher is that he is an ex-Military Policeman who lives the life of a wanderer in America and finds himself in situations. The novels repeatedly refer to his height - 6'5". A film is due out shortly, starring Tom Cruise as Reacher - words fail me!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I am reading Flora Fraser's biography of "Princess" Pauline Bonaparte. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie 2 Milner Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 After a fabulous talk on Lawrence of Arabia I have downloaded "Seven Pillars of Wisdom". Its heavy going but interesting. I think it may take me a while. Mind you so far I think I'm reading it faster than 50 shades. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 Thanks. You've just reminded me that I've got the video stopped about 3/4 of the way through LoA. Must finish it. Â Oh, having finished the Nureyev biography (v. good), I'm currently ploughing my way through Stephen Ambrose's "Band of Brothers". Not finding it as riveting as the TV series, though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaneL Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 I'm currently reading We Need To Talk About Kevin for my book group, and quite enjoying it - lots to think about and hopefully it'll make for an interesting discussion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swanprincess Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 ah i saw that book in the library at school, JaneL, it does look good! Just started Jodi Picoult's Salem Falls- am captivated already! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regattah Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 It is a good book Jane - just rather disturbing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regattah Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 I've just stayed up late to finish off the wonderful 'The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared'. Â The very amusing adventures of a centenarian on the run. I heartily recommend this one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 I am reading a book about Patsy Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson's surviving daughter and I intend to extract two books from the index, " Scarlett's Sisters" and one about life across the colour bar in the American deep south. I like American history.Actually, I like history, full stop! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Well, having finished the Nureyev biography sometime ago, and being on a bit of a tennis kick at the moment (you may have noticed ) I'm currently reading a book about Borg & McEnroe and the rivalry that led to the 1980 Wimbledon final (the 5-setter, with the most points ever scored in a tie-break at that stage. Borg won - the last time he lifted the trophy). Probably more enjoyable than my summary suggests. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 There is a newly published biography of Andy Murray on Amazon, Alison and I have just added it to my very long wish list! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Not another one?! Presumably timed to coincide with the US Open win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 It was published in October, Alison so I think not. A book is usually about a year in publication production and there is the writing time and finding an agent etc, but it probably helped the sales after, I would have thought! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Oh, you'd be surprised what can be rushed out when there's felt to be a market - I have a friend who's a freelance editor, and you'd be surprised the deadlines they get sometimes It could well be that most of the book was written already and then perhaps some extra was added about the USO and the Olympics. I'd be most surprised if they weren't covered, in this day and age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 I would almost kill to have your friend's job, Alison! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 I really don't think you would, Fiz. Not if you heard about her working conditions, rates of pay etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 I love reading, I am working for a pittance and I loathe my job! I would! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidW Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 Currently reading James Clavell's Shogun which I'm enjoying immensely. Also dipping in and out of Apollo's Angels, as I have been wont to do for the last year or so. Only just up to Petipa/Tchaikovsky but some fascinating information in there - I never realised that Ivanov choreographed the "white acts" of Swan Lake and Petipa did the rest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted December 3, 2012 Author Share Posted December 3, 2012 I read Shogun years ago - it's a fabulous read, so well researched. Â I've also been dipping into Apollo's Angels! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 I've just finished Simon Scarrow's Sword and Scimitar set in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. I've read all (except the latest, which I am just about to start) of his Legionary books and absolutely loved them. With this one, it took me a few chapters to get into it and then I couldn't put it down! It's very well researched. Â Another novel set in the Siege is The Religion by Tim Willocks. I've just noticed that it is due to be reissued in April this year. It is a fantastically evocative book and I would highly recommend this one. Â I've also just finished Soulseeker by Sinclair Macleod. I discovered his books by accident last year and I can't get enough of these gritty, Glasgow-based thrillers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 "The Robber Bride", by Margaret Atwood - it was sitting in the library's shelf of "1001 books you must read before you die" (of which I have read very few, I'm ashamed to say - I doubt that will postpone the inevitable, though), so I thought I'd read it over Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 A book about cholera in America - and I don't feel too well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 "The Hare with Amber Eyes" by Edmund de Waal. A beautifully written, fascinating book; am only halfway through but thoroughly enjoying every page of it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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