What are You reading right now

Black Mamba · Post by **Black Mamba** » 03 Dec 2007, 20:03

I've just finished "Cujo"

Synopsis
The Cambers' once-friendly St. Bernard turns into a killer after being bitten by a rabid bat. Donna Trenton's husband is in New York trying to contain a disastrous ad campaign. Left to fend for herself, she takes her ailing Pinto to Joe Cambers' garage for repairs only to be trapped with her four year old son Tad in the sweltering car by the monstrous dog.

I felt sorry for the dog seeing thngs from his prospective. It was sad ending on both sides. A good book. I definately recommend it.

Black Mamba · Post by **Black Mamba** » 05 Dec 2007, 10:20

I'm now reading 'Sepulchre' by James Herbert

Sepulchre
James Herbert
"There is a house, hidden away in a small valley, that holds a dark and dreadful secret. The house is called Neath. There is a psychic who lives in that house who is part of its secret. His name is Kline. There is a guardian of the house, and of the psychic, and of the secret. He is known as The Keeper. Together, in unholy union, they serve a force who existence threatens mankind itself. But now a terrible danger is sensed and an outsider must protect them all. The outsider is Halloran, and he is unaware of the insidious evil he must face. He will learn of a multinational corporation's strange method of detecting new mineral resources; he will combat men who thrive on the worst of physical corruption; he will find love of a perverse nature; he will confront the darkness of his own soul. And eventually Halloran will discover the horrific and awesome secret of the Sepulchre...."

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 05 Dec 2007, 13:38

wangi wrote:Some sci-fi pulp by Peter F Hamilton - Pandora's Star... A few chapters in and it's all coming back. I've done it again, bought a book I already own.

I do that all the time, especially with magazines

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 14 Dec 2007, 23:57

Marya wrote:Just finished 'Purple Hibiscus' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now reading 'Half a Yellow Sun' by the same writer. Really enjoying it. Rationing myself to make it last longer

BTW Saw the film of 'The Kite Runner' yesterday. I know I've complained that the book (though overall worth reading) was a bit too cheesy, but I really enjoyed the film.

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 15 Dec 2007, 00:11

Marya wrote:
Marya wrote:Just finished 'Purple Hibiscus' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Now reading 'Half a Yellow Sun' by the same writer.

I read that a few weeks ago. I knew very little about the Biafran war, just vague images from tv reports when I was younger.
It made me want to go and research more about the conflict.

Been reading Making Money by Terry Pratchett. Loving it.
Was so saddened to hear Terry has the early symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 26 Dec 2007, 15:18

Dear Olivia by Mary Contini - hinted for Xmas pressie

arachnid · Post by **arachnid** » 31 Dec 2007, 23:35

The bad dog's diary byMartin Howard

Think this book could be based on fact!!!!!

Synopsis
Blake is a loveable mongrel just trying to lead a happy life; he loves his owner, fiercely defends his territory against interlopers (including the owner's new lady friend and her cat), does his best to avoid the frequently threatened neutering and spends a lot of his time either scooting across the carpet or chasing local tail. It really is a dog's life, and Blake has kindly taken the time to keep a diary of a year in his own life - providing a hilarious, unputdownable glimpse into the mind and world of your average mutt. Adorably illustrated throughout in Blake's own hand, this book has all the wit and addictive pace of the diaries of Adrian Mole and Bridget Jones and will delight a wide range of readers and dog lovers, including fans of the successful Marley and Me and Copper by Annabel Goldsmith.

bearcub · Post by **bearcub** » 02 Jan 2008, 20:04

Lies Of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

Synopsis - They say that the Thorn of Camorr can beat anyone in a fight. They say he steals from the rich and gives to the poor. They say he's part man, part myth, and mostly street-corner rumor. And they are wrong on every count. Only averagely tall, slender, and god-awful with a sword, Locke Lamora is the fabled Thorn, and the greatest weapons at his disposal are his wit and cunning. He steals from the rich - they're the only ones worth stealing from - but the poor can go steal for themselves. What Locke cons, wheedles and tricks into his possession is strictly for him and his band of fellow con-artists and thieves: the Gentleman Bastards. Together their domain is the city of Camorr. Built of Elderglass by a race no-one remembers, it's a city of shifting revels, filthy canals, baroque palaces and crowded cemeteries. Home to Dons, merchants, soldiers, beggars, cripples, and feral children. And to Capa Barsavi, the criminal mastermind who runs the city. But there are whispers of a challenge to the Capa's power. A challenge from a man no one has ever seen, a man no blade can touch. The Grey King is coming. A man would be well advised not to be caught between Capa Barsavi and The Grey King. Even such a master of the sword as the Thorn of Camorr. As for Locke Lamora ...

arachnid · Post by **arachnid** » 18 Jan 2008, 22:58

The Golden Compass(or Northern Lights) The first of the trilogy by Philip Pullman

Bought the game for the PS2 so thought I'd read the book first so I know what it's all about! Enjoying it so much that I will have to read the other two now!!!

Synopsis:-
Lyra Belaqua, living in Oxford's Jordan College, is not but a young girl living among scholars. Her world may seem diverse, from physical embodiments of souls that take the shape of an animal, but similar with people around you to become friends and enemies. She is thrown into a perilous adventure when she overhears a conversation of an extraordinary microscopic particle, Dust. This particle is said to unite different worlds, and is feared by many who want to destroy it forever. As Lyra is flung into the middle of this horrible struggle, she meets wondrous creatures both big and small, and villains who are not what they seem. Gobblers, that kidnap children, will turn out in the most unexpected places. And a magical compass of gold that will answer any question if one is skilled enough to read it. Lyra's adventure continues throughout these three books, and the first is about to be told

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 18 Jan 2008, 23:43

Faith - Lesley Pearse -
1995, Scotland - The prison of Cornton Vale. Laura Brannigan is in jail for murder. For two years she's been battling for justice - insisting that she didn't kill her best friend, Jackie. Yet with her spirits at their lowest ebb, she receives a letter that takes her back to a different time and memory of an old love ...Twenty years ago was a heady time for Laura: she'd escaped an abusive home and together with new best friend Jackie she'd made a fresh start. The pair had sworn to be sisters for ever. And Stuart had come into their lives - giving Laura a brilliant summer of love. So what went wrong in the intervening years? And why is Stuart writing to Laura now? Does he have faith in her innocence? And can he help free Laura from prison - and her past?

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 19 Jan 2008, 00:05

arachnid wrote:The Golden Compass(or Northern Lights) The first of the trilogy by Philip Pullman

I enjoyed these books so much I've been putting off going to see the film in case it doesn't quite live up to expectations. [O/T] Anyone been?/[O/T]

bearcub · Post by **bearcub** » 19 Jan 2008, 01:06

mr magnolia wrote:
arachnid wrote:The Golden Compass(or Northern Lights) The first of the trilogy by Philip Pullman

I enjoyed these books so much I've been putting off going to see the film in case it doesn't quite live up to expectations. [O/T] Anyone been?/[O/T]

Not seen the film, but appears from reviews I've read that you should just wait for the DVD if you've read the book.....

I loved the books and hope, if they make the rest of the trilogy, that they honour the story and not bow to any outside pressure. It appears that the film has been diluted somewhat to appease the religious right in the good ol' USA....and has backfired on all accounts. People who love the story don't like the film version for pulling it's punches, and the people who it was diluted to appease don't want to watch it either - and wouldn't have no matter how watered down it was!

arachnid · Post by **arachnid** » 29 Jan 2008, 22:13

Now half way through reading " The Subtle Knife"> i believe that there's a film in the making of this one too!!! Haven't seen the movie of the golden compass yet, will probably wait till it's out on d.v.d!!!!
Wondering though, why do so many of the books with the same title have different covers? Is the story the same? Or is it that they're published at different times? Wouldn't like to think I was missing out on anything!!! It's a good read anyway!!!

This is the one that I'm reading

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 23 Feb 2008, 02:36

The Diplomat's Wife - Pam Jenoff

Synopsis
"How have I been lucky enough to come here, to be alive, when so many others are not? I should have died...But I am here."Surviving the brutality of a Nazi prison camp, Marta Nederman is lucky to have escaped with her life. Recovering from the horror, she meets an American soldier who gives her hope of a happier future. But their plans to meet in London are dashed when his plane crashes.Devastated and pregnant, Marta marries a caring British Diplomat and glimpses the joy that home and family can bring. But her happiness is threatened when she learns of a communist spy in British intelligence, and that the one person who can expose the traitor is connected to her past..."

First book is "Kommandant's Girl" which was a great read.

arachnid · Post by **arachnid** » 23 Feb 2008, 14:14

The Amber Spyglass
The final book of the Philip Pullman trylogy, taking me a bit longer to read this one!
The Subtle Knife had a funny ending so had to read the next one!

Synopsis:-

Lyra lies sleeping in a cave near a rainbow, drugged into unconsciousness by her mother, Mrs Coulter, whose love for her daughter closely rivals her own ruthless ambition. Now, the latter threatens to overcome the former, as she strives to prevent the events which are dependent on the decisions Lyra is fated to make. Meanwhile, Will-scarred and traumatised after his last, fatal meeting with his father-seeks blindly for her, with only two of Lord Asriel's angels as companions on his dangerous search. The two are fated to meet once more, however, and begin their most treacherous journey. For Lyra owes a great debt, and she must repay it-she must rescue her friend from the Land of the Dead. Neither are prepared for the terrible sacrifice they must endure, or for the universal consequences of their actions. Lyra and Will must play their part in the war between the worlds and heaven...

arachnid · Post by **arachnid** » 26 Apr 2008, 11:29

Anne of Greengables!!!

Yes, I know it's a young person's read, but I've never read it and I'm going to visit her house when we go to Canada this year, so thought I better read it now!!!

Synopsis
Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert are in for a big surprise. They are waiting for an orphan boy to help with the work at Green Gables - but a skinny, red-haired girl turns up instead. Feisty and full of spirit, Anne Shirley charms her way into the Cuthberts' affection with her vivid imagination and constant chatter. It's not long before Anne finds herself in trouble, but soon it becomes impossible for the Cuthberts to imagine life without 'their' Anne - and for the people of Avonlea to recall what it was like before this wildly creative little girl whirled into town.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 26 Apr 2008, 16:53

Don't fret, Spidie One "It was written as fiction for readers of all ages"!

I'm reading (yet again) the Mapp & Lucia books by E F Benson. I must try and get hold of some of his other books.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapp_and_Lucia says:

The novels feature humorous incidents in the lives of (mainly) upper-middle-class British people in the 1920s and 1930s, vying for social prestige and "one-upmanship" in an atmosphere of extreme cultural snobbery. Several of them are set in the small seaside town of Tilling, closely based on Rye, East Sussex, where Benson lived for a number of years and (like Lucia) served as mayor. Lucia previously lived at Riseholme, based on Broadway, Worcestershire, from where she brought to Tilling her celebrated recipe for Lobster à la Riseholme. The books provide deep insights into how key members of a small, close-knit community interact with each other. Although this may not sound very promising material for modern-day readers, the books are very funny and engage one's keen interest to see how the two main protagonists, the elegant and sophisticated Lucia, and the malicious and frumpy Miss Mapp score off each other and extricate themselves from social disasters.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 26 Apr 2008, 20:51

I have just read "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

Its one of these books everyone should read in their lifetime.

arachnid · Post by **arachnid** » 27 Apr 2008, 21:45

Poppy wrote:Don't fret, Spidie One "It was written as fiction for readers of all ages"!

Thanks Poppy. I'm really enjoying the book. It's a lovely story!

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 28 Apr 2008, 00:00

arachnid wrote:I'm really enjoying the book. It's a lovely story!

I'm wondering if my copy is still at my dad's house... But he has tons of books and tons of stuff in boxes

arachnid · Post by **arachnid** » 28 Apr 2008, 21:25

Poppy wrote:
arachnid wrote:I'm really enjoying the book. It's a lovely story!
I'm wondering if my copy is still at my dad's house... But he has tons of books and tons of stuff in boxes

Good excuse for a wee " rake"!!!!!

Black Mamba · Post by **Black Mamba** » 20 May 2008, 15:54

Just starting Sharpe's Tiger by Bernard Cornwell. Mr, Mamba thinks I'll enjoy it.

The first of Richard Sharpe's Indian adventures, pitting him against the sinister Tippoo Sultan in the siege of Seringapatam, 1799. Like most of the Sharpe novels this one is based on a real campaign, and almost all of the actions described in the book really did take place. Sharpe begins this novel as a private and his worst enemy is not the Tippoo, nor even the Tippoo's professional strongmen who had interesting ways of putting prisoners to death, but Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill who will continue to harass Sharpe all through the Indian novels.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 20 May 2008, 16:33

Aargh!

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 20 May 2008, 17:08

The 3rd Rumpole Omnibus by John Mortimer. I do like old Horace

I've a pile of books waiting to be read but get easily distracted at present. One waiting in the pile is The World According to Bertie.
There's also a Val McDermid a Patricia Cornwell and a Faye Kellerman all waitng beside my bed

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 20 May 2008, 19:35

In case my reply to Black Mamba seems a tad rude, I ought to explain that it is her new/old avatar that shocked me, not her choice of reading material

Post by **wangi** » 22 May 2008, 22:17

In preparation for a week in the sun soon... Got a few books from Borders. Two from Portobello's Doug Johnstone:

Tombstoning

some guy on Amazon wrote:Your best mate just fell off a cliff in mysterious circumstances and you were the last person to see him alive, what do you do? Well, if you're David Lindsay from Arbroath, you get the hell out of there and don't return. Not for at least fifteen years. Until Nicola Cruickshank - yes, that Nicola, the girl you always fancied but never had the guts to approach - gets in touch and asks - no, demands - that you go back for a school reunion. To the place where it happened. The place you've been running from for fifteen years. Of course you go. Not to belatedly lay your mate to rest, but because you still fancy Nicola. The thing is, if you are David Lindsay, then returning to Arbroath isn't going to lay any ghosts to rest. And when someone else takes a dive off the cliffs - an act the locals have taken to calling 'tombstoning' - while David's there, he has a choice: run away again, or finally find out why people keep dying around him...

The Ossians

some guy on Amazon wrote:This is a rollicking and hugely enjoyable contemporary novel describing the outrageous mid-winter tour around Scotland of a group of musicians called 'The Ossians'. The band's driving force is twenty-four-year-old lead singer, Connor - intelligent but self-destructive, pretentious but charismatic, gloriously opinionated and with an extraordinary ability to get beaten up. The band is on the verge of signing a major record deal before setting off on a two-week tour of the cities and hinterland of Scotland, a tour expected to culminate triumphantly in a defining Glasgow gig.On their travels there is a seagull massacre, hapless drug deals, a mysterious stalker, a radioactive beach, a bomb-testing range, an epileptic fit, a town full of riotous Russian submariners, deadly snowstorms, epiphanies, regular beatings and random shootings. The "Ossians" is both hilariously readable and satirically astute, a story of rock'n'roll obsession as well as a search for identity and a sense of community, written with delicious insight, pace and brio.

Also got The Stornoway Way by Kevin MacNeil...

bearcub · Post by **bearcub** » 23 May 2008, 01:03

Not been reading much sci-fi recently, so decided to get back into it by reading a couple of Peter F Hamilton's novels...sagas more like.

Got 'Pandora's Star' a few weeks ago thinking that all 1,000+ pages of it would be a self-contained novel...no, it was just the 1st in a series...of only 2 "luckily" enough. Was so engrossed in the 1st that, as soon as I realised it was only 1-of-2, I went straight to Amazon and made sure the 2nd, 'Judas Unchained', would be here before I finished the 1st...sad, I know, but it is good.

Post by **wangi** » 23 May 2008, 09:42

Ahh yes... Peter F Hamilton - his hefty books sure keep a fire burning. What I missed out was I also bought The Dreaming Void...

bearcub · Post by **bearcub** » 25 May 2008, 18:03

wangi wrote:Ahh yes... Peter F Hamilton - his hefty books sure keep a fire burning. What I missed out was I also bought The Dreaming Void...

Got that one too, that's my reading sorted out for the rest of 2008...

Black Mamba · Post by **Black Mamba** » 27 May 2008, 17:54

Marya wrote:In case my reply to Black Mamba seems a tad rude, I ought to explain that it is her new/old avatar that shocked me, not her choice of reading material

Sorry Marya I should have warned you.

Personaly I think it's quite cute.

I'm enjoying Sharpes Tiger. Once you get peace to read it you get pretty hooked.

Black Mamba · Post by **Black Mamba** » 24 Jun 2008, 18:35

I'm about 3/4 of the way through Hanibal Rising by Thomas Harris.
It's better than the movie (as books usualy are). It fills in a lot of things you don't get in the movie.
Great book, easy reading

Black Mamba · Post by **Black Mamba** » 25 Jun 2008, 21:37

Scratch that last one. I finished it last night. I really enjoyed it. The ending goes past the spot where the movie ends. As usual there's so much more detail and information in the book compared to the movie.

Now I'm reading

The Bourne Betrayal

by Eric Van Lustbader

Synopsis
Jason Bourne takes a mission to rescue his only friend in the CIA, Martin Lindros, who disappeared in Africa while tracking shipments of yellowcake uranium. Once safely back in America, Lindros persuades Bourne to help track the money trail of terrorists buying the nuclear material. Bourne agrees - but soon suffers from confusing flashbacks of unfamiliar places and events. Is someone brainwashing him in order to throw him off the trail? Worse still, is the man he saved really Martin Lindros? Now Bourne is on his own - gathering evidence, while trying to stay one step ahead of the terrorists who are determined to destroy the USA ...

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 25 Jun 2008, 23:52

Ooh
I've not long bought that.
Its in the" waiting to be be read " pile

Currently on The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon.

Its based in Alaska, but not as we know it.
Instead of being caught in the Holocaust 3 million Jews resettled in Alaska.
An interesting concept based on a real life idea that was turned down by Congress.
So the course of WW2 was different as Germany didn't have the forced labour. Israel was never founded.
But their "lease " is up soon. Most of this is incidental to the Chandler like story.
I enjoyed the tale but got irritated by the author's need to remind me every 2nd page that most of the people in it were Jewish.
I found myself turning the page and not wondering what will happen next but when will he mention Jew or Yid