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This thread is a place to mention and discuss what are you reading. It doesn’t have to be a forgotten or underrated novel, but it would be interesting if you flag those that are.

I’m reading 2 forgotten/ underread novels:

Strange Fruit by Lillian E. Smith (with the Southern Lit group)
The WeddingDorothy West (with the African American Historical Fiction Group)

and several that are neither:

Such a Lovely Little War: Saigon 1961-63, a graphic novel by Marcelino Truong
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor (with the Read Women Group)
Kusamakura by Sōseki Natsume (with the Japanese Lit group)

Sandy wrote: "How are you finding Kusamakura, Carol? I am reading Kokoro, also by Sōseki Natsume. I am a newcomer to Japanese literature (having only read ������...��&����;/��&����;

I adored Kokoro. This is a link to one of my favorite friends' reviews of it, which includes two spoiler tags, e.g., nothing in the review is a spoiler unless you click on the tab.

/review/show/1388978623

Kokoro may not be the easiest place to start in terms of Japanese Lit, but on the other hand, if you're willing to read just a couple of secondary sources, or the introduction if you're reading a Penguin Classics version, you'll get enough background on what was going on in Japanese society in 1914 to ground you, assuming you like to have that context.

Among the first 4 or 5 Japanese lit books I read were two non-fiction books: [book:The Book of Tea by Kakuzō Okakura andIn Praise of Shadows Sōseki Natsume by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. Together they helped me understand the tension between those who supported bringing in the best that the West had to offer, and thought they could do so while resisting the influx of Western culture and mores; and those who were concerned that inviting Western culture and influence would be the death knell for Japanese culture as it was and thought the first group naive and less-than-thoughtful.

I'm not enjoying Kusamakura as much as I'd anticipated, but I'm not even 40 pages in and I haven't given it a fair shot. I've been a tired and distracted reader. I plan to bring a better reader to it this week and we'll see how that plan plays out.

Most of my recent reading has been books that are too new for this group's rules, the only exception is one I read for another group:
At Mrs Lippincote's by Elizabeth Taylor: My review

I am currently reading Fen by Daisy Johnson, which is also too new.

The last five newer books I read were

The Aviator by Evgeny Volodazkin: My review

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk: My review

Wrestliana by Toby Litt: My review

The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud: My review

Normal People by Sally Rooney: My review

I'm also reading At Mrs Lippincotes (would recommend)
And Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson (loads of fun!)

Re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Hollow by Agatha Christie (also recently read several other Christie)

Recently finished Summon the Keeper by Tanya Huff (I thought it was a fun fantasy... I guess you'd call it urban fantasy... and look forward to the sequels)

[sorry I'm not sure how to link books on my mobile device....]

Hugh wrote: "Most of my recent reading has been books that are too new for this group's rules, the only exception is one I read for another group:
At Mrs Lippincote's by [author:Elizabeth Taylor|..."

I'm not familiar with Fen or Plow, so thanks for bringing these to my attention.

Do you have a favorite Elizabeth Taylor yet? I'm insufficiently committed to participate in the Taylor group's reads this fall, although I love the concept. I'd like to read one of her novels though in the next couple of months, and am conflicted about which to select. My library owns none, so I'll have to commit sight unseen and would like to up my odds of happiness with a personal recommendation. What say you?

carissa wrote: "I recently finished:
Palladian,
Everything Under and
Old Rendering Plant.

I am currently attempting:
[book:The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories|49011..."

Carissa, you always have such an interesting, uncategorizable list of books on deck. I think Bloody Chamber is one of those that's been on my TBR for long enough that it's not a shiny object and yet I haven't made it rise to the top, which is my bad. You've caught my eye with that nonfiction selection, too. If you don't write a review, tip your hand in a comment or DM me when you decide what your net opinion is.

Danada wrote: "I'm also reading At Mrs Lippincotes (would recommend)
And Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson (loads of fun!)

Re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Hollow by Agatha Christie (also r..."

You read Miss Buncle's Book?? I was so intrigued when I nominated it for a group read in the Womens Classic Lit group, but it got a flat reception and I moved along to other things. You've reminded me that I must seek it out.

It's not you; it's the app. You can only link books on your mobile if you're using the desktop version. The mobile app doesn't offer that feature, I understand, although I admit to not having used it in several years. Since none of you live where I do, I'll freely disclose that I'm quite good at using the GR site, including inserting links, while sitting at stoplights. :) If only facility with this site were a compensated skill set.

carissa wrote: "Carol wrote: "Do you have a favorite Elizabeth Taylor yet? I'm insufficiently committed to participate in the Taylor group's reads this fall, although I love the concept. I'd like to read one of he..."

I would LOVE it, carissa! Thanks so much. And it’s wonderful when you answer my random questions, lol.

Carol wrote: "Do you have a favorite Elizabeth Taylor yet?"
I have only read three, and I am not committing myself to reading all of the others with the new group. I liked both of the others (Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont and A Wreath of Roses - the latter is just my favourite of the three.

Carol wrote: "You read Miss Buncle's Book?? "

I'm still reading it, but enjoying it immensely! It is a very quiet, but funny book. I often will laugh out loud. My library has the first and I can get the 2nd and 3rd on Borrow Direct, but I noticed that they have been re-issued recently and am considering adding them to my collection I am enjoying the first so much!

ETA: Miss Buncle is a group read for the Persephone Books group -- you might be interested?

Poet's Pub was another fun one I read a while ago that might be of interest to the group. It was almost Wodehousian in it's humor (speaking of which I also just listened to Uncle Dynamite which was wonderful! The reader was just perfect :D )

We've recently (since July 1) took in an elderly dog who needs 24/7 care, can walk, but can't get up and down, and has to wear a diaper. She gets up multiple times during the night so there is never a full night of sleep. I work full time so I do get some quiet/peace at work, but generally at home there is a lot of frustrated barking :D She wants up and down and any people or cat food she detects in the area. My cat has had circles around his eyes several times since she arrived (I know it sounds impossible, but it is!). Right now she is home for a week with her Mom and Dad so we can get a few things done and get a little sleep!

All of this cuts into my reading time dreadfully..... but the alternative is unthinkable with such an alive and interested little soul.

ETA: PS, I'm glad it's not just me and technology! :D

Hugh wrote: "Carol wrote: "Do you have a favorite Elizabeth Taylor yet?"
I have only read three, and I am not committing myself to reading all of the others with the new group. I liked both of the others (Mrs P..."

Great to know. Thanks , Hugh!

Danada wrote: "Carol wrote: "You read Miss Buncle's Book?? "

I'm still reading it, but enjoying it immensely! It is a very quiet, but funny book. I often will laugh out loud. My library has the first and I can g..."

Oh, I’m so glad you are able and willing to care for a needy, senior dog. I’m low on empathy for your cat, but feel for you all and hope this week gives you a little sleep recovery.

I will check out the Persephone Group too. Thank you!