Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

I have finished my book, Three Day Road -- here is my review (I will come back and answer the questions in a bit):

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Congratulation Leslie for stepping out of your comfort zone with ww1 book. I'm not sure why that book popped in to my mind. The ending isn't what stuck with me but the parts that you mentioned also enjoying.

Jennifer wrote: "Congratulation Leslie for stepping out of your comfort zone with ww1 book. I'm not sure why that book popped in to my mind. The ending isn't what stuck with me but the parts that you mentioned also..."

I have read some excellent WW1 books but they always wrench my emotions. This one did too & not just with the war scenes! Anyway, here are my answers to the questions:

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden was recommended to me by Jennifer.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Perhaps but probably not.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
No.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
It was very good (if difficult in places), though I didn't care for the way it was ended.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes especially people who like historical fiction and/or books about Native American & First Nations culture.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes!

Leslie wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Congratulation Leslie for stepping out of your comfort zone with ww1 book. I'm not sure why that book popped in to my mind. The ending isn't what stuck with me but the parts that y..."

He is an award winning author for some of his other books (and gorgeous too) but this is one that I reflect on.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton by Alannah

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yup, it was on my TBR. I love the setting of Amsterdam during that era. Especially surrounded by the trading boom at that time. However, I'd heard mixed reviews about it from others so I'd been putting it off.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No, first book.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I really enjoyed it! I gave it 4*. I'm so glad Alannah suggested it. I'm annoyed I let others' views of it put me off, when I knew it sounded right up my alley.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yup.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Definitely. I've lost count of how many I've done now :) 100% success rate for the books I've read as a result so far!

Erica wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton by Alannah

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yup, i..."

Thanks for reporting back, Erica, that book is on my to read list, and I had also heard conflicting reviews, so glad you liked it!

I was one of the less positive reviewers of this book, not so much for the story which was fine but I felt that Burton could have done a lot more with the history side of the story. What a jammed packed era in Amsterdam but you don't find enough of it in the book, in my opinion.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

And Then You Die by Iris Johansen recommended by Leslie

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
My first time reading this author

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It was okay, didn't like the ending

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes

Sorry it wasn't a winner Dom though relieved that it wasn't too bad for you - I can live with "OK" (*grin*)...

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Erica recommended me three options, and of those, I chose Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes, I read it as a teenager and wanted to re-read it, but who knows when I would've gotten around to it!

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

I've read the whole Narnia series as a teenager and The Lion, the Witch, and re-read Wardrobe as an adult. I've also read The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity.

I wasn't too crazy about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as an adult - I felt like the allegory was too pat; there was no Mystery in it. The two non-fiction books I had a mixed reaction to - his religious views are very strictly orthodox, and I don't agree with everything in them. Some things felt like good sense; others felt hopelessly simplistic or too intellectual/cold.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I loved it, which was a wonderful surprise! I was afraid I was going to have the same feelings I did re-reading Narnia, but I didn't, not at all. The book had clear allegorical elements, but it was a free enough allegory to have some blood flowing through it.

One of my favorite parts was the the wonderful description of the eldils' relationship to light, the "body of an eldil ... a movement swift as light; you may say its body is made of light, but not of that which is light for the eldil. His "light" is a swifter movement which for us is nothing at all; and what we call light is for him a thing like water, a visible thing, a thing he can touch and bathe in...." I loved trying to wrap my mind around this idea - there's true wonder in it!

And I felt a genuine sense of awe and wonder at many, many moments in the book. There was poetry in the simplicity of the hnakra hunt, also the hross' ways, this race that composes the poems of Malcandra. I felt a great loss at (view spoiler)[Hyoi's murder by the bent white men (hide spoiler)]. I was genuinely moved by the book,not only by its ideas but by its presence.

I know the science in the book is outdated. How could it not be after 78 years? But that didn't bother me at all. I'm not really a hard-science sci-fi reader anyway. What appeals to me are the characters, the human truth, the sense of wonder and fancy, the use of imagination to lift me out of my present circumstances to get a new perspective on them that comes only from momentarily viewing them from another angle entirely. Out of the Silent Planet had that.

The child in me was also delighted by the gentle humaneness of the ending with Oyarsa's audience and (view spoiler)[his judgements of the petty, bent men Devine and Weston (hide spoiler)].

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Definitely, especially to someone who loves fables and myths. The book largely operates along those lines. It has the wonder and the simplicity and the cleanness of lines that I most often find in myths.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Sure!

Glad you liked it just as much the second time around Greg! This is a book my partner has been trying to get me to read ever since we've been together but as I'm not a huge sci-fi fan I've put it off. But maybe I should give it a go after more high praise of it :)

Leslie wrote: "Sorry it wasn't a winner Dom though relieved that it wasn't too bad for you - I can live with "OK" (*grin*)..."

It wasn't horrible but I always appreciate when people recommend books, we have to try different genres.

Dominique wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Sorry it wasn't a winner Dom though relieved that it wasn't too bad for you - I can live with "OK" (*grin*)..."

It wasn't horrible but I always appreciate when people recommend book..."

Exactly!

Leslie wrote: "Dominique wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Sorry it wasn't a winner Dom though relieved that it wasn't too bad for you - I can live with "OK" (*grin*)..."

It wasn't horrible but I always appreciate when people recommend book..."

Exactly! "

I think this is the real meaning of all this!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Jennifer recommended The Forgotten Garden to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes - would you believe it's been on my "to read" list (and my bookshelf) for about four years - so glad I have finally read it!!

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

Yes I have - I read The House at Riverton - it's a while since I read it but I enjoyed that one too.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

Loved it - I really like her writing style - it's very readable and comforting and you feel like you are transported to a different time and place - that always works for me.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes, definitely!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yes I would, and I will!

Shirley, I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it. I've been wanting to recommend it to someone for a while.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you

The book Gilead was recommended to me by Shirley.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Perhaps not, because I'd already read the 3rd book in the series, Lila.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

As stated, I've read Lila.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It was very good. The writing is rich and thoughtful. A bit slow-placed, but that allows you to savor the narrative and think about the writing.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes, absolutely.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yes. I always get a lot out of these swaps.

Thanks, Shirley!

Terri wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you

The book Gilead was recommended to me by Shirley.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Perhaps not, because I..."

I loved that book Terri!

Glad you liked it, Terri. I didn't realise you had read Lila, what did you think of that one?

Shirley, I liked that one as well. Gave them both 4 stars.

Greg, I read your comments in the thread for the group discussion and found them quite interesting. :)

I was recommended The Happy Marriage by Free, I thought it was quite good. It did take me a while to really get into the book though.

Alannah wrote: "I was recommended The Happy Marriage by Free, I thought it was quite good. It did take me a while to really get into the book though."

Looks interesting Alannah (and Free)!

Sorry I haven't commented. I was recommended The Ice Twins by Alannah. Which was on my to read list and I am currently reading. Really liking this so far

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Dominique recommended The Fault in Our Stars by John Green to me

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

I probably would have got round to it eventually. I had had it on my kindle for ages but had been put off due to the topic being a little close to home! Dominique's recommendation was the kick up the backside I needed!

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

This is the only John Green book I have read

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It was a good quick read. I thought it would be a little depressing because of the subject matter but it was a funny, insightful, well written book.

Its clearly aimed at the YA market, but hey who doesn't like a bit of YA reading occasionally to take you back to teenage woes...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yep I would

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Of course, you can always count me in

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
I was recommended the The Ice Twins by Alannah.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes it was on my to read list.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
No

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I liked the book. But not the ending, and the main character was annoying.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes

I just finished The Ice Twins. It was a recommendation from Alannah for August book swap. I was super excited since I had it on my to read list. I liked the story but as the book progressed I found my self really disliking the main character. She infuriated me. Honestly I don't think I have ever disliked a character more in my life. I love where the book was set. And genuinely sympathized with some of the characters. I will definitely be reading Anna Karenina soon. I felt like the ending was somewhat abrupt. But over all a good book and I wouldn't mind reading something else by this author

Sounds an interesting story premise, Free.

Heather wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Dominique recommended The Fault in Our Stars by John Green to me

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

I ..."

Glad you liked it!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Heather recommended Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
L'm a big fan John Grisham so the list is pretty long!

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It was good, gave it a 3 stars. A little bit far fetched with the whole kid lawyer scenario but entertainig and a quick read.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes

Sorry for the late reply but I just finished the book.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Terri graciously recommended 2 books and I was able to get Juventud from the library.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? No

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read? No

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? I really struggled with the book and likely wouldn't have finished if not for this swap. I thought it was written by a Columbian but the awkwardness wasn't due to translation but perhaps from being outside if the author's realm of experience when she is trying to sound like a Columbian girl. I enjoyed the second part more. There are likely things in the book that will continue to influence me though my life even if I didn't "like" the book.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
No
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes I like how I end up reading things I never would have heard of.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

This book was recommended by Terri.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

I'd spotted it in my library earlier in October and had put it on my tbr shelf as the premise of a man being sentenced to house arrest in a fancy hotel was intriguing.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No, this is a new author to me. Hadn't heard of him until I spotted this book at the library.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I really enjoyed it! The writing was so clever an witty. I had to make notes of some quotes that I thought were just so good. The character development was really well done. All characters in the hotel were unique and clear with their own distinct voices. I love the main character the Count - he was just hilarious.

It was also set during communist era of Russian and I thought that historical events and changes were cleverly intertwined with the goings-on in the hotel.

A brilliant book - 4.5* for me :)

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

I've already mentioned it to a couple of colleagues who I think will appreciate the clever writing.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Of course :) Haven't had a bad book yet.

Thanks again Terri for the great recommendation!

Ericca, you must try Towles' Rules of Civility.

Yeah I've added it to my tbr shelf. He's such a skillful writer :)

Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

I read This Old Man: All in Pieces, and it was recommended to me by John of Canada. It's a collection of pieces by the author that includes book reviews, in memoriam pieces, light verse, letters to family and authors, essays on topics like baseball and aging. A delightful cornucopia of short reads.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

It's right up my alley, but I hadn't heard of it and I might not have run across it.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

I read some of his work in The New Yorker over the years, but only dribs and drabs.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It was outstanding. 5 stars.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes, without hesitation.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Absolutely! It's been a consistently great experience.

Thank you so much, John!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes; it was recommended by Jennifer

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
It was in the back of my mind; I knew the title, but I don’t know if and when I’d have gotten to it!

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
No, never. I’m not a great fan of Sci Fi

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
Liked it a lot; as I was saying before I’m not a great fan of Sci fi, but this one looks more an introspective book to me. A novel showing more how you feel attaks and scorns, a book on kindness and hardness.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Definitly; I hope my son will read it: it would do him good

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Of course :) Haven't had a bad book yet!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
B the Bookaddict recommend three books for me to choose from and I chose Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.


2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes, it was on my to-read list.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
No, I have not but I had seen the movie based on the book. And I’ve seen The Birds, which is based on the author’s story of the same name.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
Absolutely phenomenal. I loved it. Everything, from the writing, to the characters, to the setting was perfect. My review: /review/show...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Absolutely!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes!

Thank you Shirley for organizing this.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Nod was recommended by Shirley

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? The description of this book sounded right up my alley but I had never heard of it before, and my library didn't have it. So I likely would never have discovered it.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read? I have never read this author before.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? I liked the idea of the book. I felt like I wasn't smart enough to enjoy this book. The references and literary tricks were beyond me. I need to have someone else read this to talk about it.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? I'm going to pass my copy on to my brother in law this Christmas.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes. I love it every time. I'm going to try the other book Shirley recommended too as they both sounded good.

How did the rest of the swappers go with their reads in Nov/Dec? Interested to hear your thoughts on the books you were recommended.

I just realised I forgot to feed back on this, will update tomorrow!

Erica wrote: "How did the rest of the swappers go with their reads in Nov/Dec? Interested to hear your thoughts on the books you were recommended."

I don't think that I posted on my November swap -- life & laziness got in the way!

I was recommended The Cuckoo's Calling by Heather. I liked it but didn't love it; I gave it 3½ stars. My review is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I'm very late with this - sorry, but I did read and very much enjoy the book chosen for me!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Hannah chose Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalierfor me to read.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes I would, eventually - it had been on my to read list for ages!!

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?

No - I haven't, but would like to read more...



4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

Really enjoyed it - wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others, which is always a good sign, I think.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes! See above!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Of course!!

Shirley, I'm glad you liked it! It's a good, solid book. I've read one other by the same author The Virgin Blue, and I liked that one as well.

I read that novel several years ago and really enjoyed it too. Good pick Hannah :) Reminds me I should check out more of her recent works

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? John recommended Nutshell by Ian McEwan to me

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? Yes I would have probably read it eventually, although this was one of his new books and I hadn't heard anything about it.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read? Yes, I have read a couple of McEwens books, The Children's Act most recently and have put a couple more on my to read lists, so it was a joy to get this recommendation

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? I really enjoyed it. A really original idea, beautifully written and it was a shame I couldn't just find one afternoon to read it in one sitting!

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? I already have!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? As always, my answer is yes!

. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
The hand that first held mine
By Maggie O'Farrell
Recommend by B the book addict.
2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes, it was on my tbr list.
3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
No.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
It was really good. Sad.
5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes
6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes, this is the second swap for me.

Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Free recommended The Secret Swan to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? Very unlikely. I would classify this as a romance, a genre I rarely read.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read? I've never read anything by Shana Abe.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
It was OK. I would consider it light reading.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? Probably not.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes! I always have fun, and reading a new book is never a negative.

Thank you. Free!

Terri wrote: "Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Free recommended The Secret Swan to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? Very unlikely. I would classify this..."

Your welcome. I'm sorry that you didn't like it as much.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Hannah recommended The Orenda by Joseph Boyden

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? Probably someday; it was on my TBR

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read? Yes, I read Three Day Road last spring & thought it was very good.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? It was very well-written but it was the wrong fit for me at the moment. I ended up abandoning it after a month had gone by and I had only read ~50 pages. The French missionary character's attitude towards the Native Americans irked me and there were some unpleasantly graphic violent events.

I would be willing to try this again at sometime in the future when my mood is different.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? Not at the moment

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Heather recommended The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Eh, I don't know. I'm not a huge Atwood fan and it wasn't on my to-read shelf. However I know there is a Hulu series coming out so maybe...

3. Have you read anything by the same author before � if so what have you read?
Yes, I read Alias Grace in high school. I found it incredibly dry and dull though I gave it 3 stars.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? The subject matter is fascinating. The execution was, to put it nicely, lacking. I found this book tedious and dull and it's such a shame because the topic is so extremely relevant. I gave it 1.5 stars which I rounded up to 2. I wrote a brief review but those are my main thoughts.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Eh, probably not.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Definitely!

Leslie wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Hannah recommended The Orenda by Joseph Boyden

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? Probably someday; it wa..."

This is on my to-read list and that's one of the reasons I recommended it to you. I've seen a few reviews similar to your thoughts. Sorry it wasn't a hit!