Hey!! Let's get some action going! What are we reading?

[Dr. Drib]

Finished two more titles by Domenico Starnone: First Execution and Ties.

Now started his last novel available as an ebook: Trick.

These are literary novels of the 'first' order. Since he may be Elena Ferrante's husband - and because I so much admire her work - I've decided to re-read all of her books.

[isarl]

Originally Posted by isarl

Now reading The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe.

Finished this a little while ago. Good mix of stories. I really enjoyed the focus on character. The science fiction/fantasy elements were less the focus than how those elements affect the characters, and felt the authors (Monáe wrote each short story with a different coauthor) did a great job putting me inside each character's head. Favourite story might have been the final one, Timebox Altar(ed).

I'm just noticing that there's an audiobook release narrated (at least in part) by Monáe herself and may very well revisit these stories if I can find it at my library.

Started and finished The Princess Bride, S. Morganstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure: The “Good Parts” Version, “Abridged” by William Goldman, which was a fun, quick read and a good opportunity to revisit the wonderful performances of Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, André the Giant, Wallace Shawn, et al. in the 1987 film adaptation.

Started Sundiver, by David Brin, recently as well. I'm still not far in, but so far I'm enjoying the characterizations and the worldbuilding.

[issybird]

I've had a lot going on plus I've DNFed three books this week, so I feel as if I've got bogged down. Still, I've started Dombey and Son and Mirror to Damascus by Colin Thubron and expect things to pick up again after this weekend.

Dickens isn't my favorite of the Victorians. Dombey's off to a slow start but I expect to stick with it. Damascus is an account over 50 years old; the mirror is rearview. I've liked other books by Thubron I've read.

[Bookstooge]

Just started Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. Man, so many quotes have made it into modern day vernacular. I had no idea...

[Tarana]

The Adventures of Langdon St Ives by James Blaylock was not to my taste. Read 42% and gave it up. Steampunk just isn't for me although he is a good writer. Had bought for my sister (and she read it).

Finished Cancelled in Read by Hugh Pentacost - pulp murder mystery published in 1939. Good story.

Was reading Night Watch by Terry Pratchett but switched to audiobook (because I can and love Nigel Planer!).

Currently reading the final novella in a 3 novella series called Chancellor Fairy Tales by Melanie Karsak. Should get that done tonight. Basically romance with some supernatural. This was something I bought for late sister. It's ok.

[Uncle Robin]

One-third through Enchanted April and I'm growing ever more disenchanted. von Arnim's snide, wry jibes were entertaining in Elizabeth's Adventures in Rügen because she was the primary target. So far, this one seems to be shaping up as grim morality tale, bringing to life the old axiom "be careful what you wish for". The wit is still funny, but the core characters are ghastly, and the tone seems caustic and mocking. Not what I was expecting.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Next up: New Arabian Nights by Robert Louis Stevenson. A collection of shorter works. But not fragments!

A collection of linked short stories, with a pretence of a linking story in afterwords. They were OK.

Next up: Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer. This should be fun.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Next up: Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer. This should be fun.

Which it was. I'm continuing with Snowdrift and Other Stories, which is the same collection of shorts, with the addition of three more stories.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Which it was. I'm continuing with Snowdrift and Other Stories, which is the same collection of shorts, with the addition of three more stories.

And the three extra stories were also fun.


Next up: Interzone No. 220 by TTA Press Authors. The Jan/Feb 2009 issue.

[Bookstooge]

just finished up the Con Man by Ed McBain. I'm liking these 87th Precinct books...

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Next up: Interzone No. 220 by TTA Press Authors. The Jan/Feb 2009 issue.

A mixed bag. 3/5

Next up: The Emperor's Pearl by Robert Van Gulik. Another Judge Dee mystery

[Bookstooge]

Finished the Black Cauldron, book 2 in the middle grade Chronicles of Prydain series. Good stuff!

[John F]

I'm reading The Mists of Avalon and enjoying it. Is it just me, or is it strange that the name "Kevin" is used in a Arthurian Legend setting? I don't mind Arthur, but it seems that Kevin doesn't fit the time period; Morgaine, Uther, Merlin, Igraine, Gwenhwyfar, Morgause, Gwydion, Arthur, and ... Kevin*.

* I have nothing against people name Kevin.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by John F

I'm reading The Mists of Avalon and enjoying it. Is it just me, or is it strange that the name "Kevin" is used in a Arthurian Legend setting? I don't mind Arthur, but it seems that Kevin doesn't fit the time period; Morgaine, Uther, Merlin, Igraine, Gwenhwyfar, Morgause, Gwydion, Arthur, and ... Kevin*.

* I have nothing against people name Kevin.

You have run into the Tiffany problem.

Kevin is a perfectly fine historical Irish name. Who could forget St Kevin (d. 618) who founded Glendalough abbey?

[ekbell]

Originally Posted by John F

I'm reading The Mists of Avalon and enjoying it. Is it just me, or is it strange that the name "Kevin" is used in a Arthurian Legend setting? I don't mind Arthur, but it seems that Kevin doesn't fit the time period; Morgaine, Uther, Merlin, Igraine, Gwenhwyfar, Morgause, Gwydion, Arthur, and ... Kevin*.

* I have nothing against people name Kevin.

Maybe the author didn't want people to be struggling with Caoimhín or Caomhán or maybe the author had heard one of the Saints Kevin (sixth century or possibly ninth century Irish saints) and failed to realize that Kevin was an anglicization.