View Full Version : What are you reading?
boswellbaxter
08-25-2008, 06:51 PM
Witch Queen by Maureen Peters
Susan
08-25-2008, 06:57 PM
Re-reading "Time and Chance" by Sharon Kay Penman before "The Devil's Brood" arrives.
Margaret
08-25-2008, 06:57 PM
The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss. It's an advance review copy; the book goes on sale at the end of September.
SonjaMarie
08-25-2008, 07:08 PM
I finished "Was Napoleon Poisoned? and Other Unsolved Mysteries of Royal History" by Peter Haugen. Despite some annoying typos here an there, I found it very interesting and humourous in bits.
SM
still grinding through Time and Chance. Not the most gripping work SKP has written. Also reading Flashman and the Redskins, my first venture into the Flashman series, and it's a riot. The sheer political incorrectness is both jaw-dropping and hilarious.
diamondlil
08-25-2008, 08:21 PM
I am reading Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong, Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong and listening to Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
It is very unusual for me to read the same author two books in a row, let alone two books by the same author at the same time but it has just happened by coincidence this time!
Maggie
08-25-2008, 08:48 PM
If You Could See Me Now - Cecelia Ahern.
still grinding through Time and Chance. Not the most gripping work SKP has written. Also reading Flashman and the Redskins, my first venture into the Flashman series, and it's a riot. The sheer political incorrectness is both jaw-dropping and hilarious.
I've never got into Flashman, but my husband has the same response as you. He really relishes them. I always know what to get for his birthday!
Misfit
08-25-2008, 09:33 PM
The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss. It's an advance review copy; the book goes on sale at the end of September.
I'm getting that one soon from Amazon Vine. Looking forward to it.
I'm going to start The Tiger's Woman by Celeste De Blasis today.
Leyland
08-25-2008, 10:37 PM
I'm still on page 40 of Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks but intend to get back into it very soon. Doncha just hate when life interrupts a good book?
michellemoran
08-25-2008, 11:00 PM
Cleopatra by Joyce Tyldesley, whose last name (for me anyway) is a serious mouthful. It's a brand new biography, and I'm finding it quite fascinating, especially since I just finished a book on Cleopatra's daughter!
Tanzanite
08-25-2008, 11:02 PM
Getting ready to start Penman's Time and Chance.
Susan
08-25-2008, 11:39 PM
Getting ready to start Penman's Time and Chance.
I think we're going to have to start a Time and Chance thread!
Amanda
08-25-2008, 11:40 PM
I'm reading The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon and Duchess by Susan Scott Holloway. Loving both of them!
Ariadne
08-25-2008, 11:46 PM
I'm halfway through Christine Blevins' Midwife of the Blue Ridge... it's a new novel set in colonial America. I'll be interviewing her on my blog shortly.
Susan
08-25-2008, 11:48 PM
I'm halfway through Christine Blevins' Midwife of the Blue Ridge... it's a new novel set in colonial America. I'll be interviewing her on my blog shortly.
Which state is the setting for this book? Virginia?
Ariadne
08-26-2008, 12:03 AM
Which state is the setting for this book? Virginia?
I believe Virginia, or at least it was part of Virginia back then. That's one question I plan on asking her, actually, because I'm not sure of the exact locale today.
Susan
08-26-2008, 12:38 AM
I believe Virginia, or at least it was part of Virginia back then. That's one question I plan on asking her, actually, because I'm not sure of the exact locale today.
Thanks! IIRC, West Virginia was part of Virginia. I just looked up Blue Ridge Mountains on Wikipedia and the Blue Ridge Mountains are in the following states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina.
dbrady10@msn.com
08-26-2008, 12:54 AM
The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George.
I'm still reading The Passions of Emma by Penelope Williamson. It's a HR and it's very very good. I'm 2/3 of the way through and so far there has been no sex whatsoever.
JaneConsumer
08-26-2008, 01:14 AM
I just started Lord of the Two Lands by Judith Tarr.
Kailana
08-26-2008, 09:32 AM
Daughter of York by Anne Easter Smith (finally!)
diamondlil
08-26-2008, 09:36 AM
I really should read that. I have it here, and have done for ages!
Kailana
08-26-2008, 09:40 AM
I pre-ordered it, so, I have had it forever! I was just waiting for the right moment, I guess... Like finding out she has another book out next year!
diamondlil
08-26-2008, 09:50 AM
Yes, I saw that the other day!
Kailana
08-26-2008, 09:51 AM
Probably the same place I did! It will depend on how good this book is, of course. Once I get all the names straight I should be good... Her first book was one of my favourite historical fiction books ever, though, so it will be hard to beat that...
lindymc
08-26-2008, 11:42 AM
Probably the same place I did! It will depend on how good this book is, of course. Once I get all the names straight I should be good... Her first book was one of my favourite historical fiction books ever, though, so it will be hard to beat that...
A Rose for the Crown (her first book) was one of my favorites too, and maybe because of that, I was expecting too much, and was a bit disappointed with Daughter of York.
ladytess
08-26-2008, 06:14 PM
An Infamous Army by Georgette Heyer and The Wheel of Fortune by Susan Howatch (rereading this one for about the fifth or sixth time)
Kailana
08-27-2008, 03:21 AM
A Rose for the Crown (her first book) was one of my favorites too, and maybe because of that, I was expecting too much, and was a bit disappointed with Daughter of York.
I was just confused! I imagine people have the same problem today, but it takes me a few minutes to get names straight because every generation has the same name! That was my first problem. But, I am worried I am going to be disappointed... At least it is not something I have read anything else about, so there is less expectations on that front.
Jean Plaidy, The Shadow of the Pomegranite.
Not HF at the moment. Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters. However it has historical links. A decidedly different take on The Scottish Play with extra twiddly bits!
diamondlil
08-27-2008, 10:29 AM
I do enjoy reading Pratchett! Haven't read that one yet though!
I started to read The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin today. I was very pleased to see in the book that she finally has a website (or more precisely two) for the books in this series!
Kailana
08-27-2008, 11:12 AM
I do enjoy reading Pratchett! Haven't read that one yet though!
I started to read The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin today. I was very pleased to see in the book that she finally has a website (or more precisely two) for the books in this series!
She has a website? I missed that! She has a new book in the series out next year, much more exciting! haha
diamondlil
08-27-2008, 11:32 AM
One for each book:
Mistress of the Art of Death (http://www.mistressoftheartofdeath.com/)
The Serpent's Tale (http://www.arianafranklin.com/)
Cerridwen
08-27-2008, 12:00 PM
The Queen's Fool - Philippa Gregory :)
LoisAnn
08-27-2008, 12:36 PM
Sword Song, the 4th & last of the Saxon Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell. I have really enjoyed the 1st three & this one looks promising as well!
leehow
08-27-2008, 01:56 PM
Louise de la Valliere by Alexandre Dumas
Misfit
08-27-2008, 02:15 PM
Louise de la Valliere by Alexandre Dumas
I really enjoyed that one. Not as much swashbuckling as the others in the series, but ah, romance and palace intrigue.
leehow
08-27-2008, 02:32 PM
I can take or leave the swashbuckling,I just like reading a good story well told.That's not to say i don't read my fair share of action novels which i most certanly do
Misfit
08-27-2008, 02:44 PM
Dumas can tell a pretty darn good love story, even for a male writer :):o
Next time you're in a mood for a long strech of Dumas drop me a line, I'm just finishing up his lesser known series on the French Revolution. Really good stuff.
Also reading Flashman and the Redskins, my first venture into the Flashman series, and it's a riot. The sheer political incorrectness is both jaw-dropping and hilarious.
Hmm, I wasn't going to read Flashman this month, just didn't seem interesting, but the "political incorrectness" is making me rethink this one! :D
SonjaMarie
08-27-2008, 06:06 PM
I'm nearly done with "These Three Remain" the last book in a trilogy by Pamela Aidan, it's the story of Fitzwilliam Darcy during the events of "Pride & Prejudice" and stuff we didn't see happen. After this I need to try to finish reading a NF book I've been reading on and off between Booksfree books before I get another batch from them!
SM
MLS859
08-27-2008, 07:26 PM
I finished WITHIN THE FETTERLOCK (Brian Wainwright) last night and then jumped into WHEN TWILIGHT BURNS (Colleen Gleason).
Tambo
08-27-2008, 08:25 PM
Conn Iggulden's Bones of the Hills, the 3rd volume of his Conqueror series arrived in the post this afternoon.
I'm getting stuck into that.
Kailana
08-27-2008, 09:21 PM
Conn Iggulden's new book is out! OMG, I forgot! That's a catastrophe. Off to order...
Tambo
08-27-2008, 09:28 PM
I preordered with Amazon, and when they sent me a dispatch note e-mail yesterday it was a nice surprise (and I made sure I was in to meet the postie :) )
I thought the releae date was September 1st
Kailana
08-27-2008, 09:34 PM
That's awesome! I totally overlooked it. It feels like the other one just came out...
Melisende
08-27-2008, 11:25 PM
"The Sweet Trade" by Elizabeth Garrett
Anne Bonney & Mary Read - avast ye landlubbers!
TerriPray
08-27-2008, 11:55 PM
A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory
chuck
08-28-2008, 02:46 AM
Currently reading Robert McCammon's "The Queen of Bedlam"....A mystery in old New York City around 1700... interesting characters and the author does a nice job of describing buildings and streets old New York....and lastly the villein is sadistic killer called The Masker......
Telynor
08-28-2008, 05:56 AM
Polar Star by Martin Cruz Smith, and finished Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay yesterday. Still have Privilege and Scandal for nonfiction right now, about the sister of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.
Vanessa
08-28-2008, 08:11 AM
I have about 20 pages to go in The Devil's Horse by Cynthia Harrod Eagles (the 16th in the Morland Dynasty series, nearly half way!!).
Lady Kippen
08-28-2008, 12:56 PM
Working my way through the Twilight series. I'm almost finished with Eclipse and then it's on to Breaking Dawn. I'm really glad that I didn't start this series until all the books were out, I don't know if I could have patiently waited for the next one to come out. They're really quick and easy reads. Something totally different for me.
tsjmom
08-28-2008, 02:57 PM
Four Queens - about the Count of Provence in the 1200s who marries off all four of his daughters as queens.
SonjaMarie
08-28-2008, 03:28 PM
Finally finished "These Three Remain" by Pamela Aidan. Now I'm going to try to finish a book I've been reading on and off for a few months in between booksfree packages.
SM
Vanessa
08-28-2008, 07:23 PM
I've just started A Stain on Silence by Andrew Taylor. It's a book I received as freebie from Penguin for their summer blog. It's a contemporary psychological mystery - I very much enjoyed The American Boy by the same author which was set in the early 1800s and I like his writing style, so hope that I enjoy this one just as much. I'm actually looking forward to reading his next period mystery (I think it is set in Victorian times), Bleeding Heart Square - it's out now in hardback but I'm going to wait until it's available in paperback.
Telynor
08-29-2008, 12:06 AM
The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss. It's an advance review copy; the book goes on sale at the end of September.
How was it? I've only read A Conspiracy of Paper, and I was very impressed by it. I'm guessing from the title that it is set just after the American Revolution.
xiaotien
08-29-2008, 01:01 AM
i am currently reading the unicorn
by iris murdoch. she's one of my
favorite authors. not exactly historical
ficiton--but mostly set in the 1950s - 60s
in england.
Melisende
08-29-2008, 01:22 AM
Just finished "The Sweet Trade" - about to start "Godiva"
Tambo
08-29-2008, 07:39 AM
i am currently reading the unicorn
by iris murdoch. she's one of my
favorite authors.
Someone at my local book group was raving about Iris Murdoch this week.
The Sea, The Sea I think it was, they were very much a fan of that one. Have you read it?
SonjaMarie
08-29-2008, 05:36 PM
Finished "Athenais: The Life of Louis XIV's Mistress, The Real Queen of France" by Lisa Hilton, nonfiction. A very good and interesting book.
SM
TerriPray
08-30-2008, 06:00 AM
Ceasar's Women by Colleen McCullough.
diamondlil
08-30-2008, 06:18 AM
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig
Misfit
08-30-2008, 03:42 PM
The Chavalier de Maison Rouge by Alexandre Dumas
Divia
08-30-2008, 04:12 PM
The Heretic Queen :D
I'm all giddy! :o
Telynor
08-30-2008, 06:25 PM
Oh Divia, lucky you! Gail Tsukiyama's The Street of a Thousand Blossoms.
HF Enthusiast
08-30-2008, 06:29 PM
I'm presently reading Aztec by Gary Jennings and then on my list to read next is the sequel Aztec Autumn.
Kailana
08-30-2008, 07:34 PM
Oh, does that mean my copy of The Heretic Queen is in the mail, Michelle? Stupid Canada means it is going to take longer, and Monday is a holiday. Bah!
The Bleeding Dusk by Colleen Gleason
michellemoran
08-30-2008, 08:18 PM
Hi Kailana,
Yes! If it doesn't arrive by Friday, let me know and I'll send one of my copies (which I've yet to lay eyes on... Divia got her copy before I even got mine!).
Kailana
08-30-2008, 08:23 PM
Oh, if that happens does it mean it will be signed? A signed copy would be cool! haha. I have your email, I am going to email you back later tonight with a plan of sorts. I just have been working all weekend! Now that I know my copy will be here soon I have an even better plan!
Now reading Last Day of the War by Judith Mitchell. Think this will be my 'long weekend/too sick to be outside/but not sick enough to not read' book. So far, so very good.
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Day-Judith-Claire-Mitchell/dp/038572201X
JaneConsumer
08-30-2008, 09:21 PM
Feel better, Ash! I started Gaveston by Chris Hunt today.
xiaotien
08-30-2008, 10:21 PM
Someone at my local book group was raving about Iris Murdoch this week.
The Sea, The Sea I think it was, they were very much a fan of that one. Have you read it?
tambo, i have.
she was given the booker prize or some
such award for the sea, the sea.
it was a good read. i really enjoy her themes.
my favorite book of hers is probably
a fairly honourable defeat
i'd have to read the sea, the sea again, tho.
that was quite good as well.
i'm a big fan. tho i'm reading new eyes, now.
since i've read so many of her novels.
and i'm in my 30's and a writer now.
it does change my perspective on things.
NEXT READ : wicked lovely by melissa marr
annis
08-31-2008, 02:05 AM
Currently reading "The Amorous Antics of Old England", by Nigel Thorne, which I hasten to add is amusing rather than pornographic.
I've just been chuckling over this piece, written about the fashion for masked costume balls in the eighteenth century.
"Of course, the idea of what constituted fancy dress was open to wide interpretation. Lady Elizabeth Montagu, attending a masque in 1750, noted,
Miss Chudleigh's dress, or rather undress, was remarkable. She represented Iphigenia (the daughter of Agamemnon) before her sacrifice; but so naked the high priest might easily examine the entrails of the victim. The maids of honour (not, of maids, the strictist) were so offended, they would not speak to her."
The claws were clearly showing!
Catherine Delors
08-31-2008, 12:42 PM
The Duchess by Amanda Foreman (used to be Georgiana). I want to finish it before I see the film!
Susan
08-31-2008, 12:50 PM
I went back to reading Lady Macbeth by Susan Fraser King. I had put that book down so I could re-read Sharon Kay Penman's Time and Chance before her new book comes out. I read the first 100 pages and the last 50 pages and feel as if I fulfilled my goal which was to become re-acquainted with the characterization. I start teaching again this week, so my reading time will be curtailed. :(
Catherine Delors
08-31-2008, 12:58 PM
The Duchess by Amanda Foreman (used to be Georgiana). I want to finish it before I see the film!
whitelady3
08-31-2008, 05:22 PM
I'm reading In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant. Time hasn't been kind to put my reading back on track.
Judith
08-31-2008, 08:03 PM
Just finished Breaking Dawn. So now I'm undecided as what to read next! :)
Divia
08-31-2008, 08:50 PM
Just finished The Heretic Queen. AMAZING!!!!!
I have no idea what to read next.
Judith
08-31-2008, 09:39 PM
Just finished The Heretic Queen. AMAZING!!!!!
I have no idea what to read next.
Lucky You!!! :D I'm looking forward to getting that one!!
lindymc
08-31-2008, 09:48 PM
I must be in a mood for historical romance. Having just finished Watch the Wall, My Darling (which was lots of fun) I've now started Joanna by Roberta Gellis. I read the first two books of this series back in March. Why have I waited so long to read Joanna?? I'd forgotten how good Gellis is. Her main characters are so likeable, and it's fun being able to hate King John.
JaneConsumer
08-31-2008, 10:18 PM
I've now started Joanna by Roberta Gellis.
I'd love to hear what you think of it. I read the first 2 books in the series too. I really liked them.
Misfit
08-31-2008, 10:56 PM
I've read the whole series, although I admit after Joanna they go a bit downhill -- still good just not as good as the first three. And King John is always fun to hate, isn't he?
Alaric
09-01-2008, 05:28 AM
"The new Cold War: how the Kremlin threatens both Russia and the West," by Edward Lucas. (NF)
I'm reading In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant. ...
This has got to be one of my favourite novels. What do you think of it?
Reading The Hunt for Rob Roy by David Stevenson. Gets rid of all the whitewashed hero bits and digs into the real persona. Or so he says... Very interesting non-fiction read.
Melisende
09-01-2008, 12:42 PM
Finished "Godiva" and now reading "Tamberlaine Must Die" by Louise Welsh
I tried to start reading The Book Thief while laying by the pool in Vegas this weekend but I only got @30 pages in. It's not really a nice beachy sort of read....at all! So I drank some Pina Colada's instead :D!! I'll start it back up now that I'm home. It seems intersting. I just hope I can get over the weird writing style. We'll see!
Vanessa
09-01-2008, 04:16 PM
I really enjoyed The Book Thief, Lila. It is unusual having Death as the narrator, he saw everything in colours, didn't he? He had a bit of a warped sense of humour, if I remember. But I did find it a very moving book.
Yes, Death describes everything in colors. Very original! It could be really really good or something that's not for me. It's definitely got me intrigued so far.
Virgulina
09-01-2008, 10:41 PM
I really enjoyed The Book Thief, Lila. It is unusual having Death as the narrator, he saw everything in colours, didn't he? He had a bit of a warped sense of humour, if I remember. But I did find it a very moving book.
I'm one of the very few people that didn't really enjoy this book! Death annoyed me to no end with all the obvious foreshadowing and the humour seemed too forced. Maybe I'm just not sensitive enough but none of the characters moved me and I couldn't wait for the book to end! :o
Ana
I just finished reading Last Day of the War by Judith Mitchell. Its not so much about WWI, its more about the breakup of the Ottoman empire and the genocide against the Armenians by the Turks. There is also a young Jewish girl who goes off the France with the YWCA to help soldiers and of course falls in love, with someone who belongs to an Armenian group exacting revenge. Very very well done, with some very funny moments, lots of irony, and some parts that are just heartwrenching. I would definitely read another by this author.
MLS859
09-01-2008, 11:00 PM
Lady of the Roses by Sandra Worth
tsjmom
09-01-2008, 11:30 PM
I tried to start reading The Book Thief while laying by the pool in Vegas this weekend but I only got @30 pages in. It's not really a nice beachy sort of read....at all! So I drank some Pina Colada's instead :D!! I'll start it back up now that I'm home. It seems intersting. I just hope I can get over the weird writing style. We'll see!
Lila, you HAVE to finish this book!! It was one of the best, most memorable novels I've ever read. Truly, I can't think of too many others that match up to this one.
boswellbaxter
09-01-2008, 11:31 PM
Nonfiction: Martha Washington by Patricia Brady. It's a very well written biography.
JaneConsumer
09-02-2008, 12:59 AM
Finished Gaveston by Chris Hunt and about to start An Arrow's Flight by Mark Merlis.
Leyland
09-02-2008, 01:07 AM
I'm 63 pages into The Blood Remembers by Terry Stanfill (a book buy as a result of the Norman Sicily discussion on the old forum).
I'm enjoying the story so far, but not so enthralled that I couldn't put it down for a two hour mountain run in the little green car today! :D
Divia
09-02-2008, 03:38 AM
Sunrise Over Fallujah and the Sealed Letter
Vanessa
09-02-2008, 11:31 AM
I'm just about to start London Dust by Lee Jackson (http://www.victorianlondon.org/duster.htm), a murder mystery set in the 1850s.
ellenjane
09-02-2008, 04:46 PM
I just finished up March, by Geraldine Brooks. I don't remember a lot about Little Women, but I really liked this book, which tells of the father's time in the American Civil War.
I've just started Stiff, which is about the various uses of cadavers, for my book club, but I have a pile of historical fiction awaiting me when my life settles down a bit!
SonjaMarie
09-02-2008, 05:12 PM
The various uses of cadavers?! Other then for learning/teaching? Or just that? I know they use them for those Body Works exhibitions and even that's just wrong to me!
I just finished "Summer Knight", the 4th book in the Dresden Files Series by Jim Butcher.
SM
ellenjane
09-02-2008, 07:23 PM
Yes, it focuses on the different types of research that are done with cadavers, and the feelings of the researchers who use them. I don't think I care to speculate on any uses of cadavers beyond that!
It sounds like a very morbid book, but the writing style is very light and witty. (Weird, I know.) I don't think I'll be doing much further reading on the subject, but I'm enjoying it as a quick read. I've actually had it recommended to me by several people, so I'm glad to have a reason to pick it up. It was published in 2003, and there's still a hold list for it at my library - that's always a positive sign.
Stiff, by Mary Roach (http://www.amazon.com/Stiff-Curious-Lives-Human-Cadavers/dp/0393324826/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220383015&sr=8-1)
Just finished Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett (wonderful!) Now starting The Apothecary's House by Adrian Matthews. - Puzzle about a painting seized during WWII and now everyone's after it. Not sure yet if it's historical or not, but it certainly has a lot of historical baggage.
Vanessa
09-02-2008, 07:34 PM
I have The Apothecary's House on my TBR pile, EC. Let us know how you enjoy it.
donroc
09-02-2008, 08:27 PM
Many non-fiction works for researh, which prevents me from reading for pleasure. However, writing is a pleasur that trumps all.
donroc
09-02-2008, 08:28 PM
But not making typos--- I NEVER misspell. :D
annis
09-02-2008, 10:55 PM
I’m currently reading “King of Coins”, the sequel to “Knave of Swords”, by mysterious British author, Nicholas Carter. I say mysterious because I haven’t been able to find out anything about him. He wrote the two books I’ve mentioned plus a series about the English Civil War back in the late 1990s and then just disappeared from the scene.
I’m really enjoying the two I’ve read so far. They’re set in Renaissance Europe and are adventures featuring a motley group of soldiers, mixed English and Scottish, who were the warband of an English Marcher Lord until he lost them to a devious mercenary warlord in a card game.
They are led by a young English captain, James Eldritch , who’s an interesting character—morose, touchy, proud and quick-tempered . Before I read these stories I had the impression that he might be somewhat similar to Francis Crawford of Dorothy Dunnett’s “Lymond’ series, but he’s much more like Cecelia Holland’s mercenary knight Laeghaire in “The Firedrake”.
The complex machieavellian nature of Church and State politics and power play in the sixteenth century is the background to battles between France and the Holy Roman Empire, with the many small European states swinging wildly in allegiance as the balance of power shifts. The details of life as a mercenary soldier are fascinating. These guys were a law unto themselves- wild, ferocious and totally avaricious. If an employer didn’t pay them on time, they were known to start up negotiations with the opposing side in the middle of a battle! Even their clothing was different. To defiantly emphasize their place outside conventional limits they often wore unusual outfits, ripped, slashed and striped. For some reason in medieval and Renaissance times, striped clothing signified that the wearer was a social outsider. Maybe someone here knows why that was?
There’s an image of a typical Confederate mercenary in this 1517 painting (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Niklaus_Manuel_Deutsch_005.jpg) by Niklaus Manuel. (He's the one holding the head!)
This piece (http://books.google.com/books?id=aOzohrk8Mm8C&pg=PA123&lpg=PA123&dq=NIKLAUS+MANUEL+EXECTION+OF+JOHN+BAPTIST&source=web&ots=wOWQQ8CfH0&sig=BcmusC7r8TwggWwnJmltNvfQ3Lg&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA125,M1) from "What Great Paintings Say" is quite interesting.
EC2, Wyred Sisters was probably my favorite of the early Practchett books. Have you read the other 'witch' once as well? They include Lords and Ladies, and Carpe Jungulum.
annis
09-03-2008, 01:34 AM
Terry Pratchett's witches are wonderful! His series about about young witch Tiffany Aching make really good reading as well. They're technically YA, but don't let that put you off. The older witches make an appearance in these books as well. The feisty pictsies, the Nac Mac Feegles, are amongst TP's most endearing creations.
1) The Wee Free Men ,
2) A Hat Full of Sky
3) Wintersmith
Glad to see that I'm not the only queen of the typo, Donroc (though in your case that should read king)
You'll probably notice that I'm a serial editor- I always manage to find at least one typo in my post after I've submitted it- and yes, I do preview them first!
Ash and Annis, I have only read Witches Abroad of the others you mention, but said others are all in the house as my son collects Pratchett. Guards! Guards! probably remains my favourite. Terry Pratchett is a very wise man as well as being a funny one. I'm going to quote from Wyrd Sisters on the General Discussion in a moment.
P.S. I know that TP isn't a historical fiction author, but he definitely overlaps into the historical fantasy department (Wyrd Sisters involving Shakespeare, travelling players and Macbeth among its themes).
diamondlil
09-03-2008, 09:44 AM
I am reading Figures in Silk by Vanora Bennett.
Big Pratchett fan here. Certainly deserves his own thread! ;)
boswellbaxter
09-03-2008, 11:57 AM
I am reading Figures in Silk by Vanora Bennett.
;)
I'm eager to hear what you think of that one! I think it's due out in the US in 2009.
TerriPray
09-03-2008, 12:59 PM
I gave Caesar's Women 150 pages and had to restrain from throwing it against the wall in disgust.
The title is very misleading, it's not really about Caesar's Women, which is what I wanted to read. There are so many novels about Caesar that I truly did want to read about the women in his life.
On top of that, there is a strong belief that Caesar fathered Brutus, the author has Caesar and Servilla meeting when Brutus is 15 - I nearly stopped right there, my jaw clenched.
The author sets Caesar up as this great lover, and most fans of the time period know that the relationship between Caesar and Servilla was a long and powerful one, yet he falls for Servilla because - wait for it - she has a hairy back? twitch
I'm very glad that was a library book, it would have been a waste of my money.
So, I'm onto The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory.
I am reading Figures in Silk by Vanora Bennett.
Big Pratchett fan here. Certainly deserves his own thread! ;)
Hee - I am not sure how you could stretch the HF over his work tho :) I do love him and am looking forward to his next book, Nation.
I am well into Guernsey Literary (etc) Society, and am liking the story enough - again reminds me of Helen Hanff which is ok. But more than that I am eating up the history here. I didn't even know the Nazis occupied the Channel Islands (at the apparent bequest of the Brit government; they decided they didn't have the resources to help and just let them out in the wind) The stories told about this occupation, when they were all starving and the Brits finally allowed the Red Cross to deliver food, was eye opening and really got me angry. I want to learn more about this, and suspect there is another side here (or two or three). Does anyone have any good sources (links or non fiction books) that cover this subject?
Anyway glad to be reading it, thanks for the encouragement
Ludmilla
09-03-2008, 01:52 PM
I'm one of the very few people that didn't really enjoy this book! Death annoyed me to no end with all the obvious foreshadowing and the humour seemed too forced. Maybe I'm just not sensitive enough but none of the characters moved me and I couldn't wait for the book to end! :o
Ana
You're not alone! Death as narrator annoyed me, too. I found the structure & style of that novel too disruptive to the flow of the story. In the end, though, I did find it emotionally powerful. Overall, my reaction to it was mixed.
On topic:
Read some good books in the last week, which included Michael Shaara's novelization of the Battle of Gettysburg, The Killer Angels. Loved it so much, I've ordered the other two books in this trilogy which were written by his son. Next, I read E. L. Doctorow's The March, which follows a motley crew of individuals caught up in Sherman's March through Georgia and the Carolinas. It's good, but somehow not satisfying, if that makes sense at all. I think because it follows so many characters that it lacks a certain intimacy you get in other books. I've just started a historical fantasy this morning -- Guy Gavriel Kay's A Song for Arbonne. I've read and enjoyed several of GGK's other novels, so I'm expecting to enjoy this one as well.
sweetpotatoboy
09-03-2008, 02:32 PM
I gave Caesar's Women 150 pages and had to restrain from throwing it against the wall in disgust.
The title is very misleading, it's not really about Caesar's Women, which is what I wanted to read. There are so many novels about Caesar that I truly did want to read about the women in his life.
On top of that, there is a strong belief that Caesar fathered Brutus, the author has Caesar and Servilla meeting when Brutus is 15 - I nearly stopped right there, my jaw clenched.
The author sets Caesar up as this great lover, and most fans of the time period know that the relationship between Caesar and Servilla was a long and powerful one, yet he falls for Servilla because - wait for it - she has a hairy back? twitch
I'm very glad that was a library book, it would have been a waste of my money.
I'm sorry to hear that. I've absolutely loved this whole series. And, indeed, I'm not sure that they work best as standalones. To understand her view of Caesar and his relationships, you may need to have been with him from the beginning. I certainly never got the impression from these books that he fell for Servilia because of her hairy back, and McCullough has also seemed to me too intelligent a writer for something like that. I guess we just read it differently...
I do know that she had many tussles with her publishers on some of the titles for her books. And it may be that they were the ones pressing for 'Caesar's Women' when McCullough never intended the book's focus to be that. She certainly has gone on record as saying that she didn't want the following book in the series to be boringly called 'Caesar' (can't remember offhand what her proposed title for it was). Though she obviously got her way with 'The October Horse', which I doubt would have been the publisher's first choice.
sweetpotatoboy
09-03-2008, 02:34 PM
I've just started a historical fantasy this morning -- Guy Gavriel Kay's A Song for Arbonne. I've read and enjoyed several of GGK's other novels, so I'm expecting to enjoy this one as well.
I remember enjoying that one, though maybe not as much as some of his other books, but definitely v. readable.
TerriPray
09-03-2008, 02:48 PM
Publishers do, indeed, as a general rule of thumb, have the final say on the title of a novel. More so with NY press than small press. If there'd been a write up on the book, a blurb, that would have helped. However, the copy in the library lacked even that.
I understand about reading things differently, but the whole thing with Caesar and Servilla, she actually has Caesar stating that the hair on the back is the reason he's interested in her. There's this scene with him licking and kissing it.
I'm spoiled when it comes to seduction scenes, and romance threads, I know that, so when I see an author blow it on something like that, it truly does set my teeth on edge. If she'd not given a reason for his attraction to her, then the scene would have had a better chance at working in my personal point of view.
Oh well, different strokes for different folks.
Spitfire
09-03-2008, 04:10 PM
I just picked up The Greatest Night - William Marshal by E. Chadwick. I can hardly wait. I loved her novel First Knight (a new twist on Lancelot/Arthur/Guenevere) so I know this one is going to be a great read!
I got sidetracked from The Book Thief and yesterday, during the tiny bit of time I've had to read lately, I picked up Born Free about a couple living in Africa who raised a lioness and then released her back into the wild. It's NF and as a child I was obsessed with the story. I watched the movie over and over again! What a great book! I want a lion as a pet! :D
I got sidetracked from The Book Thief and yesterday, during the tiny bit of time I've had to read lately, I picked up Born Free about a couple living in Africa who raised a lioness and then released her back into the wild. It's NF and as a child I was obsessed with the story. I watched the movie over and over again! What a great book! I want a lion as a pet! :D
LOL! I read that one several times and it was one I bought myself rather than borrowing from the library. Elsa was the lion wasn't she? There's the sequel Living Free too.
Yes, Elsa was the lion's name. There's Living Free and then another called Forever Free. I haven't read the last one yet. It's the story that started my obssesion with animals, or at least exploded it, lol. I wanted to be a vet until I worked at Vet Clinics and found I was more interested in the lab work than the actual animals...plus I think vets are just weird...at least the ones I worked for! :D
Misfit
09-03-2008, 04:39 PM
Yes, Elsa was the lion's name. There's Living Free and then another called Forever Free. I haven't read the last one yet. It's the story that started my obssesion with animals, or at least exploded it, lol. I wanted to be a vet until I worked at Vet Clinics and found I was more interested in the lab work than the actual animals...plus I think vets are just weird...at least the ones I worked for! :D
Gee, thanks for making me feel my age. That was a movie back in the 70's? 60's?
SonjaMarie
09-03-2008, 05:16 PM
Oh man you're evil, now I've got that song in my head....
"Born free, as free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart."
I *hate* you! ;)
SM
Misfit
09-03-2008, 05:25 PM
Crap, now it's going to be running through my head all day too :p:o:rolleyes:
Vanessa
09-03-2008, 05:46 PM
I bawled by eyes out over that film as a child - at the end when Elsa returns with her cubs. Virginia McKenna played Joyce Adamson and I'm sure it was her offscreen husband who played her onscreen husband. And I'm sure they had something to do with lions afterwards. I think they were also in A Ring of Bright Water together, a film about otters.
Who sung it? Andy Williams?
I think Ring of Bright Water - the theme tune was Val Doonican
Oops, going way Off Topic here.:o:o
I think it's the giddiness of actually having a forum to post to!
SonjaMarie
09-03-2008, 06:09 PM
Yes, Andy Williams.
Bringing back on topic, I just started a book on the Hope Diamond last night, and it's really interesting so far.
When I was younger, I think I thought the Hope Diamond was some how related to Bob Hope, LOL!
SM
xiaotien
09-03-2008, 09:35 PM
finished wicked lovely in
a day.
not sure what's next...very well
may be brideshead revisited. 8)
Tanzanite
09-03-2008, 11:38 PM
I'm going to start Lionheart by Martha Rofheart tonight (as soon as I get offline!)
Finished Guernsey Literary Society and liked it (see my response to Lil's review) Now plan on reading The Greatest Knigh by Eliz Chadwick
JMJacobsen
09-04-2008, 02:16 AM
Just finished 'When Christ and his Saints Slept' and started 'Time and Chance,' by Sharon Kay Penman. Trying to get myself up to speed for 'Devil's Brood.'
Gee, thanks for making me feel my age. That was a movie back in the 70's? 60's?
I think it was made in the 70's but I didn't see it until the late 80's. I remember I used to baby sit for extra cash and make all the kids watch this movie over and over again. They complained to their Mom's eventually! :D
I just finished the last of Penmans Welsh Triology, my gosh you guys were right, how emotionally rendering the stories were and by the end of each I was devastated till I started the next.
I trying to decide if it will be The Last Wife of Henry VIII, Crown in Candlelight, or the Fist Princess of Wales, any suggestion?
chuck
09-05-2008, 04:22 PM
Just started reading Barbara Erskine's "Kingdom of Shadows"...a time traveler novel back and forth 1988 to 1296 in the time of Robert the Bruce.....This my first venture in this genre .....I'm not sure if I can hang with it....the history and characters are interesting....the concept is bothersome.....
Vanessa
09-05-2008, 04:22 PM
I'ved just started The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran.
diamondlil
09-05-2008, 09:20 PM
Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason.
Melisende
09-06-2008, 01:19 PM
"The Reavers" by GMF
I'm still slugging through The Book Thief. I'm really not enjoying this book. I like the interesting and unique writing style but the story just isn't grabbing me at all. I'm debating with myself whether to put it down or not! What the heck is wrong with me?? Aparrantly, I'm the only person in the world who doesn't think this book is just the best ever! :confused:
Misfit
09-06-2008, 03:44 PM
I'm still slugging through The Book Thief. I'm really not enjoying this book. I like the interesting and unique writing style but the story just isn't grabbing me at all. I'm debating with myself whether to put it down or not! What the heck is wrong with me?? Aparrantly, I'm the only person in the world who doesn't think this book is just the best ever! :confused:
I've been in that position a time or two myself. I feel your pain. Put it aside and try something else, cleanse the pallet (I know I'm not spelling that right) and try again.
I didn't think it was the best thing since sliced bread. I was glad that I'd read it because I learned about Germany during WWII and that was something I knew nothing about, but I wasn't riveted to the page. For me it was the sort of book I enjoyed while I was reading it, but I wasn't desperate to go back to it once I'd put it down. The further stage of that, which I managed to avoid was starting to read magazines and cookery books. THAT's when I know I have to put a book down and move on! If TBT is doing that to you, then put it down. Life's too short!
Thanks, Misfit and EC! I'm putting it down and switching to something else!
BTW, I know you two like HR's and the recent one I read by Penelope Williamson, The Passion's of Emma, was really really good! I need to get my butt in gear and review it!
Misfit
09-06-2008, 04:06 PM
I'll keep an eye out for it and give you a helpful vote. I hate these new profile pages on Amazon, I now longer see friend's latest activity. :mad::mad:
Thanks, Misfit and EC! I'm putting it down and switching to something else!
BTW, I know you two like HR's and the recent one I read by Penelope Williamson, The Passion's of Emma, was really really good! I need to get my butt in gear and review it!
Glad to be of help:p
I've not heard of Penelope Williamson. Thanks for the heads up!
lindymc
09-06-2008, 07:50 PM
Finished Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom last night and immediately started book 2, The Pale Horseman.
Crown in Candlelight, Rosemary Hawley-Jarman so far it is good.
Misfit
09-06-2008, 09:20 PM
Crown in Candlelight, Rosemary Hawley-Jarman so far it is good.
I've got that one going at the gym (which means 30 mins a day during cardio). That Valois family - what a piece of work they are.
Kailana
09-06-2008, 09:21 PM
The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke, I think. I have it here to read but my mind might change. I also have Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs and Rachel Caine's newest young adult novel sitting nearby.
The Greatest Knight by Eliz Chadwick. This is my first by her, egged on by many other HF fans. This will not be my last!
To those fans, which books should I go for next by her?
That Valois family - what a piece of work they are.
I know nothing about them, I bought the book cause I saw EC had recommended it on the old forum and you can't go wrong there. So what about the Valois family that is a piece of work?
To those fans, which books should I go for next by her?
you can't go wrong with any of her books but I loved Winter Mantle, Lords of White Castle, Falcons of Montrabard and Marsh Kings Daughter, the Wild Hunt is a very good book too. I haven't read The Love Knot but heard it was really good.
diamondlil
09-06-2008, 09:45 PM
The Greatest Knight by Eliz Chadwick. This is my first by her, egged on by many other HF fans. This will not be my last!
To those fans, which books should I go for next by her?
I would continue on with the Marshal books - The Scarlet Lion and A Place Beyond Courage and then go back to earlier books.
The Greatest Knight by Eliz Chadwick. This is my first by her, egged on by many other HF fans. This will not be my last!
To those fans, which books should I go for next by her?
If I can chip in Ash :o I would say The Scarlet Lion because it follows on from the Greatest Knight.
Best
EC2 (alias Eliz Chad) :)
Whoops, just seen Diamondlil's posted with the same advice - sorry!
I've got that one going at the gym (which means 30 mins a day during cardio). That Valois family - what a piece of work they are.
Nona, Misfit, I've enjoyed most of Hawley Jarman's work, but Crown in Candlelight is my favourite - perhaps because it covers a less well documented time in English history compared to say the Tudors.
Misfit
09-06-2008, 09:57 PM
I know nothing about them, I bought the book cause I saw EC had recommended it on the old forum and you can't go wrong there. So what about the Valois family that is a piece of work?
I didn't know much about them either until I started the book. Katherine's father is a raving lunatic and her mother is half mad and sleeping around whilst letting the kids live like paupers. I won't say any more but watch out for this one banquet scene. Eeeewww.
I know Dumas wrote a series on the Valois family that will be next in line when I'm in the mood for a multibook Dumas read. Just finishing up the sixth in his French Revolution series so it'll be a while.
Misfit
09-06-2008, 10:09 PM
The Greatest Knight by Eliz Chadwick. This is my first by her, egged on by many other HF fans. This will not be my last!
To those fans, which books should I go for next by her?
Ash, about darn time. What took you so long? I second DL's and EC's rec's. My two cents, it can be what you're in the mood for. EC's older books are based upon fictional characters and have a bit more of a romance feel to them, but very well written none the less. The Marsh King's Daughter and The Conquest were flat out unputdownable IMO. The Greatest Knight, The Scarlet Lion and A Place Beyond Courage are excellent and based upon real people and real lives, and although they have a strong love interest they aren't something that I'd not recommend them as a first outing to a historical romance reader.
They'll good, you can't go wrong IMO. Over on the Listmanias thread I posted a link I've done on Amazon to all of EC's books. Don't want readers to get confused and order that other Chadwick from the US. :o
Telynor
09-06-2008, 10:33 PM
I have been pacing myself with EC's books, so I don't get burnt out, nor do I run out of something new to read by her. One a month... heh.
I fear I am going to have to set aside North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell -- I can not seem to get into it at all, despite trying very hard to do so. Very frustrating, as I have really enjoyed the other two books that I've read by her. I think I will go on ahead and watch the miniseries, and then try to read the book again, and see if that works.
Can I just say how fabulous you all are?? I came to this thread to complain about how I couldn't decide which book to read. I was debating between Silent in the Grave and The Light Bearer! Now after reading the last few comments I'm reading EC's The Conquest. I've been wanting to read it forever but I too space out (aka "hoard") her books but now is the time!!! :D
>EC2 (alias Eliz Chad)
Um, as in Eliz Chadwick?
Oh, and thanks guys, thats a great help (Misfit, have I told you about my TBR stack? There is a reason why its taken me a while! :)
Misfit
09-07-2008, 12:21 AM
Can I just say how fabulous you all are?? I came to this thread to complain about how I couldn't decide which book to read. I was debating between Silent in the Grave and The Light Bearer! Now after reading the last few comments I'm reading EC's The Conquest. I've been wanting to read it forever but I too space out (aka "hoard") her books but now is the time!!! :D
:):) What is it Telynor says? "I need a Chadwick"
I know I've said it on *cough* another board, but after A Place Beyond Courage last year I wall banged I don't know how many books until I ended up settling into a reread of Shadows and Strongholds. Nothing else would do.
"I need a Chadwick" Love that!! :D
Margaret
09-07-2008, 12:27 AM
I only made it about halfway through The Light Bearer. I wanted to like it, because there are so few novels set in Germany during any of the centuries before the 20th. But it's an incredibly long book, and I just didn't find the main character interesting enough to keep me going. Oddly enough, I enjoyed the sections set in Rome a lot more.
the Light Bearer, I have that on on my amazon wish list but have not ordered it because it sounds like it might be dreary, if youknow what I mean.
Misfit
09-07-2008, 02:33 PM
I only made it about halfway through The Light Bearer. I wanted to like it, because there are so few novels set in Germany during any of the centuries before the 20th. But it's an incredibly long book, and I just didn't find the main character interesting enough to keep me going. Oddly enough, I enjoyed the sections set in Rome a lot more.
I've had this on my wish list for eons as another amazon friend raved about it. I plan on getting it from the library when I'm ready to try it though. These days I'm making every effort to get the one time only reads from the lib and not spending $$ on them. Saves space too.
xiaotien
09-07-2008, 04:46 PM
lavinia by le guin
and sailing alone around the world
by slocum.
SonjaMarie
09-07-2008, 05:51 PM
Finished "The Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem" by Richard Kurin.
What a fascinating book! It was so easy to read and very enjoyable and interesting! The author works as a folklorist at the Smithsonian, where the diamond resides, and has done an incredible amount of research trying to find out the true life line of the diamond.
While it's not absolutely for sure this diamond may have been cut a bit down from the French Blue that belonged to French Crown Jewels and was stolen on Sept 11th, 1792 (of days).
I hugely enjoyed this book and highly recommend to anyone interested not just diamonds or the Hope Diamond but how the stone interacts with a variety of interesting people, like Tavnier (gave the original stone to Louis XIV), Louis XIV, the Duke of Brunswick, Caroline of Brunswick (wife of George IV), George IV, The Hope Family, Cartier, Evalyn Walsh Mclean, and Harry Winston, and a few others in between.
A big thumbs up!
SM
Tanzanite
09-07-2008, 06:44 PM
Going to start The Ivy Crown by Mary Luke (about Katherine Parr) later today.
I'm on page 90 something in Crown in Candlelight this is all new to me, I've never jumped into the French scene and bam! I'm there now, more then half of these names and places are all new, I'm getting somewhat confused but it's good so far...
SonjaMarie
09-08-2008, 02:52 AM
There's a book on Lady Jane Grey called "Crown In Candlelight" as well. It's one of the few fiction books on her I've read.
SM
oh how neat do you know the author? I loved Weir's (least I think it was Alison Weir) book on Jane Grey I felt so sorry for her to be a pawn like that.
SonjaMarie
09-08-2008, 03:10 AM
oh how neat do you know the author? I loved Weir's (least I think it was Alison Weir) book on Jane Grey I felt so sorry for her to be a pawn like that.
Oops my bad! It's "A Crown In Darkness" by Margaret Mullally from 1976:
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000024289215&pubid=21000000000162907&cm_ven=PFX&cm_cat=affiliates&cm_pla=dlt&cm_ite=21000000000162907&redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abebooks.com%2Fservlet%2 FSearchResults%3Fan%3DMargaret%2BMullally%26bi%3D0 %26bx%3Doff%26ds%3D30%26sortby%3D2%26tn%3DCrown%2B In%2BDarkness%26x%3D71%26y%3D7
There's a book by P.C Doherty with the same name as the Mullally one, I was mistaking Candlelight for it.
Sorry!
SM
Kailana
09-08-2008, 03:29 AM
I don't know what to read... I have a little pile here and I am trying to decide. I finished The Ladies of Grace Adieu yesterday and really liked it, so it is hard to follow it up...
diamondlil
09-08-2008, 09:35 AM
I am reading My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes, and so far I am totally enjoying it!
Telynor
09-08-2008, 12:48 PM
Following the "I need a Chadwick" I've started Daughters of the Grail. Not too sure about this one -- I've read so much about the Cathars over the years, but as it _is_ a Chadwick, I'm going to try and give it my best try.
diamondlil
09-09-2008, 03:40 AM
Diamond Dove by Adrian Hyland
Julianne Douglas
09-09-2008, 05:31 AM
I have about 60 pages of Michelle Moran's The Heretic Queen left and I just love it! I can't wait to see what happens, but will be so sad when it ends.
cw gortner
09-09-2008, 05:48 AM
I'm reading an ARC of C.C. Humphrey's "Vlad: The Last Confession" about the historical Dracula. It's intense and very atmospheric; pub date for Canada is 9/10 and 2/09 in the UK. Not sure about a US pub date. He wrote a book called "The French Executioner" about the man who beheaded Anne Boleyn. "Vlad" is sublime; Dracula isn't an easy character to make empathetic but C.C. manages it beautifully. Next on my list is Michelle's "The Heretic Queen" (it's pre-ordered) and "Mistress of the Revolution" by Catherine Delors (on my nightstand). And TBR pile continues to grow! I just got Elizabeth Chadwick's "The Greatest Knight", "Fool's Gold," the new Alatriste novel by Perez Reverte (love 'em!) and "Immortal" by Traci Slatton. Now that I've turned in my Catherine de Medici manuscript, I'm catching up on reading like a fiend.
diamondlil
09-09-2008, 07:35 AM
I will definitely be interested in hearing what you think of the CC Humphreys books. I have had his books on my TBR pile for ages, but never actually managed to read one.
CW, Diamondlil, I've got CC Humphreys Jack Absolute on my TBR shelf - or my dh has. I obtained a signed copy at the HNS conference a few years ago. Neither of us has read it yet, but it's waiting its turn. I've also just borrowed The King's Gold - Alatriste from the library. I was going to start it yesterday but the dh has grabbed it, so I'll have to wait my turn!
Vanessa
09-09-2008, 09:25 AM
I'm just about to start Precious Bane by Mary Webb, a story set in the England of Waterloo, a love story centring around a girl with a harelip.
JaneConsumer
09-09-2008, 11:08 AM
I've started Daughters of the Grail. Not too sure about this one
I liked this one. Not as much as the William Marshal duo, but not too much can measure up to him, right? :rolleyes:
I'm reading an ARC of C.C. Humphrey's "Vlad: The Last Confession" about the historical Dracula.
Sounds good. Will you be reviewing it?
I bagged An Arrow's Flight by Mark Merlis. It's touted as a new HF style, but it shouted anachronism from page 1 to me.
I'm listening to and enjoying the Audible.com recording of The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner. I'm reading An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears.
Misfit
09-09-2008, 01:32 PM
I'm reading an ARC of C.C. Humphrey's "Vlad: The Last Confession" about the historical Dracula.
I saw a segment on Vlad recently on the travel channel. Very interesting stuff, I'll be interested in checking out the book.
Just started The Queen's Fool by PG. Goodness, those opening few pages were a bit hot to accompany my lunchtime cheese sandwich - phew!
ellenjane
09-09-2008, 07:13 PM
I'm currently reading "Sepulchre," by Kate Mosse. It seems to be very similar to her novel "Labyrinth," but with the parts put together in a slightly different way. There's a layer of historical narrative (circa 1890) added between the ancient happenings and the modern storyline, and there's a heavy Gothic overtone. If I had a beach to go to, I would be happy to have this book along with me - it's that sort of read.
I listen to a lot of books on my iPod, and I'm currently listening to "Middlesex," by Jeffrey Eugenides. What a great novel! I had a hard time explaining what it's about to my husband - It's about a hermaphrodite, sort of. And a Greek family epic. And America in the 20th century. And all sorts of other things. (I don't think that hermaphrodite is quite the right word to use. I don't want to be ignorant, but I'm not sure what the correct term is.)
SonjaMarie
09-09-2008, 07:21 PM
I added "Labyrinth" to my BF queue, was it worth reading?
SM
ellenjane
09-09-2008, 07:30 PM
Well, I think Misfit has it on the wallbanger list!
I did enjoy it enough to pick up Mosse's second novel, but with the expectation that the history probably isn't going to be reliable and the writing isn't wonderful. It's a good story with suspense and action, though, and that's sometimes all you want. I think that "Labyrinth" suffered from a lot of hype when it was published - I remember hearing it billed as "the thinking man's Da Vinci Code," and it didn't quite live up to all of it. So, I think it's worth reading, but I'd check it out of the library rather than buying it.
Misfit
09-09-2008, 07:40 PM
I added "Labyrinth" to my BF queue, was it worth reading?
SM
ellenjane is correct it's on the list. Very soso -- but check with EC I seem to recall she's got a few things to say about how life was depicted in the book. One other thought, check out the reader reviews at Amazon UK where the brits are maybe a bit more knowledgeable about the period. I don't recall anytime seeing one and two star reviews taking up the three spotlights.
SM, I'd take ellenjane's advice and get it from the lib. King County does have a branch on Vashon -- have you used them? The book catalogue is quite extensive and you place your hold on line and no matter which branch in the county the book is at it comes to you to pick up. I've had good success with the inter-library loans as well. I'v had books from the other side of the country!
Maggie
09-09-2008, 07:44 PM
I just finished Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Now I'm reading Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg.
SonjaMarie
09-09-2008, 07:47 PM
ellenjane is correct it's on the list. Very soso -- but check with EC I seem to recall she's got a few things to say about how life was depicted in the book. One other thought, check out the reader reviews at Amazon UK where the brits are maybe a bit more knowledgeable about the period. I don't recall anytime seeing one and two star reviews taking up the three spotlights.
I think I'll skip it, life is too short to read soso or bad books!
SM
Misfit
09-09-2008, 07:50 PM
I think I'll skip it, life is too short to read soso or bad books!
SM
Looks like we crossed posts while I was editing mine:
SM, I'd take ellenjane's advice and get it from the lib. King County does have a branch on Vashon -- have you used them? The book catalogue is quite extensive and you place your hold on line and no matter which branch in the county the book is at it comes to you to pick up. I've had good success with the inter-library loans as well. I'v had books from the other side of the country!
Labyrinth was a DNF for me. The heroine was of the Too Stupid To Live variety - IMO and the medieval parts were completely wrong re tone and research. They might as well have been modern day people in fancy dress. But that's just my opinion. Millions of people have bought this novel. I borrowed it from the library thank goodness!
whitelady3
09-09-2008, 09:38 PM
I've finished In the Company of the Courtesan and now I'll pick up the North and South trilogy by John Jakes.
sweetpotatoboy
09-09-2008, 09:48 PM
I bagged An Arrow's Flight by Mark Merlis. It's touted as a new HF style, but it shouted anachronism from page 1 to me.
I've read that one (though my copy was published as Pyrrhus, but it's the same book). It is certainly unusual but I found it was worth sticking with. It's definitely not a historical novel as such and shouldn't be described as such. It's quite inventive - taking the story of Achilles' son Pyrrhus also known as Neoptolemus but in part telling it as a modern-day gay novel. You're never really sure which world you're inhabiting, that of ancient Greece or that of a modern-day gay resort. Pyrrhus is part ancient Greek prince, part go-go boy/hustler.
Unusual, but I found it entertaining. But it certainly wouldn't be for everyone.
JaneConsumer
09-09-2008, 11:03 PM
I've read that one (though my copy was published as Pyrrhus, but it's the same book). It is certainly unusual but I found it was worth sticking with.
I'll agree it's unusual. I just couldn't get past Pyrrhus gyrating on the counter top of the bar while his roommate alternated between pining for him and realizing he was pining for him. Just not my cup of tea.
I still don't understand why it's marketed as historical fiction. If there's a subliminal message of a sort that ties the names of the characters to their counterparts in history, it was lost on me.
Kailana
09-09-2008, 11:53 PM
I am having the worst luck with historical fiction this year! I keep picking them up and putting them down because they are not capturing my attention. It's terrible! I think I need a good battle novel... Something that starts with a lot of action... It is just no the year for me and historical fiction it seems.
Judith
09-10-2008, 12:24 AM
Currently reading Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown. Waiting patiently for next Tuesday so I can go get The Heretic Queen. :D
SonjaMarie
09-10-2008, 02:27 AM
Sigh, I was trying to read "Mr Darcy Presents His Bride" by Helen Halstead, but I just couldn't get into it! This is the first P&P sequel that just didn't hold my attention. So I guess it's being "wallbanged" which is a shame cause I had been wanting to read it for awhile, what a pity!
SM
My copy of Olivia and Jai just arrived; yikes this thing is huge! Not sure I'll be reading it quite yet, looks like a long weekend kinda read!
Right now Im re-reading The Proud Tower by Barbara Tuchman, her non-fiction look at the 20 years before WWI, and what lead up to that war. I first read it with little knowledge about WWI, and now that I have more, its interesting to reread and pick up on things I missed. Im wanting to read the next Marshall book by EC, so I may just wait till it shows up before starting something else.
Carine
09-10-2008, 05:54 AM
I'm reading Dublin by Edward Rutherfurd at the moment. Sometimes it's good and sometimes less good ...
Lady of the Forest
09-10-2008, 07:18 AM
Just about to finnish Water For Elephants. I have found it to be really very interesting and captivating. It is a good book.
Misfit
09-10-2008, 12:32 PM
My copy of Olivia and Jai just arrived; yikes this thing is huge! Not sure I'll be reading it quite yet, looks like a long weekend kinda read!
It's a weekend book, that's for sure. Do check in on the review thread of this book when you get to the big plot twist half way through. I don't know anyone yet who was able to see that big ta-da coming. It floored me.
Telynor
09-10-2008, 11:03 PM
Finished up Daughters of the Grail, and found it very interesting. But I fear that it will not be my favourite Chadwick. And also got through Mike's Election Guide 2008 by Michael Moore as well.
Kailana
09-11-2008, 01:12 AM
Don't Bet on the Prince by Jack Zipes
There is a subtitle, something about feminist fairy tales, but I don't have the book right in front of me so I don't remember!
Don't Bet on the Prince by Jack Zipes
There is a subtitle, something about feminist fairy tales, but I don't have the book right in front of me so I don't remember!
Mmm, I wonder if this is anything like Emma Donogue's Kissing the Witch.
diamondlil
09-11-2008, 03:00 AM
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. Hmm. That's my second vampire book in a row, and I have another one here to read in the next couple of weeks as well. Maybe I am iron deficient ;)
Kailana
09-11-2008, 04:00 AM
Mmm, I wonder if this is anything like Emma Donogue's Kissing the Witch.
It kind of sounds like it could be. This is a bunch of different authors, though, and it is a bit of a textbook-type book, as well as a collection of fairy tales.
Telynor
09-11-2008, 04:16 AM
Now have moved on to Lois McMaster Bujold's The Sharing Knife: Beguilement. As always, very good, and very satisfying. Any other Bujold fans around here?
Just started The Winter Mantle by EC. It was a choice between that and PGs one that was up for book of the month. The PG is on a 14 day loan....but I had to read EC's first! PGs might be a few days late!
It kind of sounds like it could be. This is a bunch of different authors, though, and it is a bit of a textbook-type book, as well as a collection of fairy tales.
Ah, ok. The Donogue book is a collection of famous fairy tales, connected by a thread of one character telling a story to one from the next story. Definitely told from a woman's point of view, it is at times hilarious and other times quite thought provoking (another book like this, tho much more graphic, is John Connoly's Book of Lost Things. Its rather disturbing, but the story itself is one I couldn't leave for a long time)
Crown in Candlelight, half way through and it's really sporatic(sp) if you know what I mean. It kinda is back and forth with parts not chapters and Kathrine and Owen still have not met much less she hasn't even married Henry, so it's to see how the book can be on the subject of Owen and Kathrine but the lead up to Owen and Kathrine. does that make sense?
lindymc
09-11-2008, 04:45 PM
Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell, book 3 of his Saxon series. I've become a big Cornwell fan.
Madeleine
09-11-2008, 07:38 PM
I've just finished The Greatest Knight. Found it a bit difficult to get into at first and sometimes had to look back to remind myself what part of England or France I was in, but once I got into it I was engrossed. It was fascinating reading about Eleanor of Aquitaine too, what a lady. I wish my school history books had been this entertaining!
Margaret
09-11-2008, 09:11 PM
I loved Emma Donoghue's Slammerkin, but have not read Kissing the Witch. It sounds good!
I've just finished The Greatest Knight. Found it a bit difficult to get into at first and sometimes had to look back to remind myself what part of England or France I was in, but once I got into it I was engrossed. It was fascinating reading about Eleanor of Aquitaine too, what a lady. I wish my school history books had been this entertaining!
I think it helps to have some background of the time period when reading this one, because not much is explained. Having read all of Penman books helped a lot, so I didn't find it difficult. I still wish there was a family tree, and a map (I agree - I knew what part of England they were in, but my geography of France is horrible, and I needed a map!)
I have started EC's The Winter Mantle.
EC, you bring characters to life! I love your writing!
Telynor
09-12-2008, 12:30 PM
Finished Lois McMaster Bujold's The Sharing Knife: Beguilement last night -- and it's a terrific read. Dag is definately a hunk...
annis
09-12-2008, 06:18 PM
Telynor, Lois McMaster Bujold is a favorite of mine as well.
I particularly enjoyed the Curse of Chalion series
1. The Curse of Chalion
2. Paladin of Souls
3. The Hallowed Hunt
but really liked the Sharing Knife books as well. I've read the first two. There are another two in the works, apparently.
1. Beguilement
2. Legacy
3. Passage (2008)
4. Horizon (2009)
At the moment I'm taking time out with some unashamed historical romance- Paula Marshall's "The Astrologer's Daughter", set in London during the Restoration period, quite a bit of it at the Court of Charles II, and featuring several of what were known as the "Merry Gang", including the unpleasant Duke of Buckingham.
I have been getting that giddy 'I wanna buy a book' feeling and after the Welsh Triology and Crown in Candlelight, which I should finish in the next couple days, I felt like a little romance, thought about re-reading two or three but stumbled on Kathrine Deauxville, so I ordered Blood Red Roses and Daggers of Gold, that should satisfy my romantic side.
My copy of Olivia and Jai just arrived; yikes this thing is huge! Not sure I'll be reading it quite yet, looks like a long weekend kinda read!
Trust me, it'll be a fast read! Just make sure you read it when you can dedicate a nice long time to it. You won't want to be disturbed! Esp. after the first 100 pages. ;)
ok I broke down and also bought Moonstruck by Laurie McBain, a fav romance author of mine, it's about a high society Lady at night, highwayman (or woman you might say) by night to protect family interests and the man determined to catch her...*big sigh*.
SonjaMarie
09-12-2008, 08:03 PM
Finished "The Ghost and Mrs. McClure: A Haunted Bookshop Mystery" by Alice Kimberly. It wasn't one of the best murder mysteries I've read, but it wasn't the worse and I'll check out book 2. I did find all the name dropping of current authors a bit distracting at times.
SM
Telynor
09-12-2008, 08:25 PM
Annis -- I've got the next two books in the Sharing Knife ready to go, needless to say, Horizon is already on my pre-order list. The Curse of Chalion is one of the best fantasy novels that I've ever read, including having one of the most interesting heroes in fiction that I have ever come across.
I wonder why it is that we all seem to feel a bit guilty when we admit to reading a historical romance? I used to feel terrible when I picked one up, but I've gotten to where I just don't care what other people think. Anyone else have thoughts on this?
Misfit
09-12-2008, 08:34 PM
Finished "The Ghost and Mrs. McClure: A Haunted Bookshop Mystery" by Alice Kimberly. It wasn't one of the best murder mysteries I've read, but it wasn't the worse and I'll check out book 2. I did find all the name dropping of current authors a bit distracting at times.
SM
:):) I had to stop for a minute I almost thought I read The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Loved that movie, as well as the TV show.
I used to flip my historical romances over when I was at work or out and about because everyone teased me about them including my husband, so I would hide the cheesey covers but eventually like you I just stopped giving a darn and if my Ronnie teases me about them I just smile and nod with love struck eyes and he runs for the garage and blares Metallica thinking he's safe.
SonjaMarie
09-13-2008, 12:06 AM
:):) I had to stop for a minute I almost thought I read The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Loved that movie, as well as the TV show.
Yes, I've seen the movie and enjoyed it as well, didn't watch the show though. I think it takes a bit of it's premise from the movie, she's a widower, he's a long dead PI who was murdered in her store in the 40s.
SM
Misfit
09-13-2008, 12:19 AM
As always, the movie is so much better. I'm really going to have to get a hold of that and drag it out again. Oh, that ending. Wasn't that Natalie Woods first role as her daughter?
SonjaMarie
09-13-2008, 12:55 AM
As always, the movie is so much better. I'm really going to have to get a hold of that and drag it out again. Oh, that ending. Wasn't that Natalie Woods first role as her daughter?
No, it wasn't:
Driftwood (1947) .... Jenny Hollingsworth
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) .... Anna Muir as a Child
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) .... Susan Walker... aka The Big Heart (UK)
The Bride Wore Boots (1946) .... Carol Warren
Tomorrow Is Forever (1946) .... Margaret Ludwig
Happy Land (1943) (uncredited) .... Little Girl who drops Ice Cream Cone
The Moon Is Down (1943) (uncredited) .... Carrie
SM
Misfit
09-13-2008, 02:04 AM
Off by one darn it. I don't know the first one. Was she not a most beautiful child who grew up into a most beautiful woman? Ah her and Warrn Beatty in oh heck what was that movie called for G's sake? Senior moment here.
SonjaMarie
09-13-2008, 02:11 AM
"Splendor in the Grass" and yes she was quite beautiful.
SM
boswellbaxter
09-13-2008, 12:27 PM
Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaret C. Barnes. Today's beach reading!
Divia
09-13-2008, 12:37 PM
Oh, tell me how that is! I have it in my Amazon wish list after seeing it at B&N, but havent bought it yet. Its a reissue and from the 70s? right? Ive found that I dislike HF written back in the day.
last night we went on a date and of course afterwards we went shopping and ended at Walmart get a few things for the house, in the book isle they had a clearence section I bought Amanda Scott's Border Lass for $1, it sounds cute, young welsh border girl knows a secret and strong gallant knight,who happens to be English, saves the day.
Telynor
09-13-2008, 11:04 PM
Finished Ann Rule's Too Late to Say Goodbye and a very chilling book it is too. I think that something light and frothy is in order for the next read.
Misfit
09-14-2008, 12:18 AM
Finished Ann Rule's Too Late to Say Goodbye and a very chilling book it is too. I think that something light and frothy is in order for the next read.
I'm not reading true crime anymore but Ann Rule is the queen of the genre. And a local gal, from Des Moines, WA. Going OT but one of the creepiest stories she's ever told on the local talk shows is after Ridgway (the Green River Killer) was arrested. It was common knowledge for years that if and when that person was arrested she'd write a book. Anyway, after the arrest her daughter recognized Ridgway as someone who was hanging out at one of her book signings.
Back to topic, The Proud Breed by Celeste De Blasis. A big, fat multi-generational saga set in old California. I'm loving it so far.
lindymc
09-14-2008, 12:31 AM
Just finished Sword Song, book 4 of Cornwell's Saxon series. Read all four books, one right after another. Decided I need a break from old England so started Bull's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank, southern chick lit that is a cut above the usual.
But I have to say, Cornwell's books were wonderful!
Now reading Stronghold and Shadows, along with an interesting looking book: A Bookshelf of Our Own: works that changed women's lives by Deborah Felder. There looks to be a lot of history in these essays, as well as literary criticsm.
Misfit
09-14-2008, 01:54 AM
so started Bull's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank, southern chick lit that is a cut above the usual.
Thanks for reminding me. I haven't read her book in a couple of years. Her low country books are wonderful.
Divia
09-14-2008, 03:42 AM
I just started reading "Bonds of Community: The lives of Fram Women in Nineteenth Century new York"
I hope it helps me with my novel :)
I'm reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's really much better than I expected. I was iffy on the format initially but it being written in the form of letters actually gives the novel a sort of voyeuristic quality. My inner nosey busybody is loving it! ;)
diamondlil
09-14-2008, 04:50 AM
I have only seen one review where someone didn't like it. Glad that you are enjoying it.
leehow
09-14-2008, 06:45 AM
The Man In The Iron Mask-Alexandre Dumas
Lady of the Forest
09-14-2008, 07:01 AM
Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco
I'm reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's really much better than I expected. I was iffy on the format initially but it being written in the form of letters actually gives the novel a sort of voyeuristic quality. My inner nosey busybody is loving it! ;)
I wasn't sure about it for the same reason at the start 1Lila1, but once over that hurdle I loved it. One of the best reads of the year for me so far.
Kailana
09-14-2008, 10:02 AM
I am finally reading The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran! Just a hundred pages into it, but it is pretty good so far! I look forward to getting further into it later today.
Divia
09-14-2008, 01:13 PM
I think you'll enjoy it. It totally rocks :)
Vanessa
09-14-2008, 02:35 PM
The Scandal of the Season by Sophie Gee
diamondlil
09-14-2008, 08:27 PM
One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson.
I often have a couple of books that I am reading at once, but usually they books are in different places: one at my reading table, one at work, one in my car. This is the first time in a while that I have three together: Stronghold and Shadows, a A Bookshelf of Our Own: works that changed women's lives by Deborah Felder and Helen Dunmore's Mourning Ruth. The last couple of days I've read a few chapters of each and then on to the next book. Im rather liking this and think I'll do this more often. (it helps that the three are totally different from each other: a HF, a collection of essays, and a general fiction novel)
SonjaMarie
09-15-2008, 03:32 AM
I read most of "Haunted Harbours: Ghost Stoies of Old Nova Scotia" by Steve Vernon, 77 pages of 120 page book.
The reason I didn't finish it was because the author admitted he embellished stories he had heard about ghosts or other supernatural beings and most of them really didn't interest me. I prefer my ghost stories unembellished if they're suppose to be true.
I'm not going to add it to my reading list because I didn't finish it, or I can add a wallbanged section like Misfit :D.
SM
Kailana
09-15-2008, 05:51 AM
I read most of "Haunted Harbours: Ghost Stoies of Old Nova Scotia" by Steve Vernon, 77 pages of 120 page book.
The reason I didn't finish it was because the author admitted he embellished stories he had heard about ghosts or other supernatural beings and most of them really didn't interest me. I prefer my ghost stories unembellished if they're suppose to be true.
I'm not going to add it to my reading list because I didn't finish it, or I can add a wallbanged section like Misfit :D.
SM
I can recommend some better books on the same subject from my neck of the woods if you are interested. :)
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