Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Mary JL, Great choice!
I saw the movie Mystic River, I read the writeup on the link Joy provided and it's the same story. I didn't know the Mystic River movie was based on a book. The movie was really good so I'm sure the book will be even better.


Starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Lawrence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harding and Laura Linney. Excellent cast, good story.

I finished Sliver; it was good, not great. Other books I've read by Levin were much better.

Going back to Sergei Lukyanenko, reading the second in the Watch series: Day Watch. More about the Watch but from the perspective of the Dark Ones. Should be interesting.

Have fun with that one, Jackie.
The GR description says:
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"Day Watch is replete with the thrilling action and intricate plotting of the first tale, fuelled by cunning, cruelty, violence, and magic. It is a fast paced, darkly humorous, haunting world that will take root in the shadows of your mind and live there forever."

"Day Watch introduces the perspective of the Dark Ones, as it is told in part by a young witch..."
====================================================

I just found out there's been movies made of the first two Watch books. I'll rent them after I finish Day Watch.

Here's one of them, Jackie:
"Night Watch" (2005)

Language: Russian

Day Watch (2006)


Night Watch: (2004)

I think they're dubbed. If not, I don't mind subtitles. Anthony does.

I usually avoid films in another language, even if they have subtitles. When they're dubbed, I find that the lack of lip-sinc is annoying.

That is annoying. Sometimes regular TV is out of sync and that really makes me crazy, LOL

Jackie wrote: "That is annoying. Sometimes regular TV is out of sync and that really makes me crazy, LOL"
I don't know the ins and outs of it, but I suspect that the digitized broadcast (hidef) are messing up my picture. My theory is that Time Warner does SOMETHING to the signal to make it palatable to my non-hidef set. And sometimes it doesn't work so good. The picture looks like it was shot in the dark.

I'd like to get the views of those here on GoodReads on the National Best Sellers list. The Post Star usually prints it once a week and I faithfully peruse it to see if there are any new books by my favorite authors (so I can quickly request them from the library and beat others to the punch!). Usually none of the ten contain any of 'my' authors. But worse, I can tell from the authors, sometimes from the titles, that I wouldn't touch these 'popular' books with a ten foot pole. Do the rest of you guys feel this way also? How the hell do they get on the 'best-seller' list? I admit I don't read very much 'worthwhile'. I just pick 'em to suit ME. Am I so 360 degrees out of sync with the rest of the planet?

I've read a few of the books that have made the best sellers list. Some were good, but most aren't my cup of tea. Many of those I read were just OK, like "The Davinci Code". I certainly don't follow it. I seem to prefer more obscure authors & genres.

Speaking of Ray Bradbury our Sunday book section in the paper this morning had a review of, "Listen to the Echoes," a book written about the "The Bradbury Interivews" and it was glowing. I quote: Did I call it a book? "Listen to the Echoes," is not a book. It's a shout of joy. It's a crack of thunder. It's a talisman. A magic key. A moon rock. A road map. A compass Aladder to the stars. It's filled with passion and vigor and insight from Bradbury the man who wrote, "The Martain Chrinicles" (1950) and "Fahrenheit 451" and "Dandelion Wine," and so many other great works. Bradbury declares in this most recent book, "All my life I've been running through the fields and picking up bright objects. I turn it over and say, "Hey there's a story," Later he declares, " I'm interested in having fun with ideas, throwing them up in the air like confetti and then running under them>" This book practically levitates out of your hands as you turn the pages. Now doesn't this review make you want to take a look at it? nina ps my favorite of his was, Dandelion Wine," but I had to stop often just to admire his writing so it took longer to read than some of the others.

Also, in our book section this morning was a review of the book, "Half the Sky," and it is about Women in need; stories aboutindividual woman from around the world that give the reader a face to put with the difficulties millions endure. So many ways to aid these women are presented throughout the book that it seems anyone and everyone can do something to help. The bok is a must read, whether you are male or female, black or white, Democrat or Republican. It is written by Pultizer prize winners, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. JoY, the title is from a Chinese proverb, "Women hold up half the sky." Greg Mortenson said he stayed up all night reading it. He simply couldn't put it down. So, off I went to the Borders nearest me and bought it. And I intend to send it to a granddaughter for her birthday. She is a missionary in Africa. nina

Earl wrote: "I'd like to get the views of those here on GoodReads on the National Best Sellers list. ... How the hell do they get on the 'best-seller' list? ..."

Earl, I've often wondered the same thing. The Best Seller Lists don't say much for America's taste in writing styles. The stories may be good, but many of the writing styles aren't very inspired or inspiring.

Below are links to the books Nina mentioned above:

Listen to the Echoes: The Ray Bradbury Interviews

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

Thank you, Nina.

PS-Below is a link to some Ray Bradbury interviews on YouTube:

I figure that at least people are reading something. That's gotta be good.

That's true, Katherine. A good way to look at it.

Today, I am still reading Dennis Lehane's Mystic River.

"The Electrifying NY Times Bestseller" says the back cover. Well, yes it is good--I am enjoying it--but I am not finding it electrifying.

Some of the bestsellers I have read are great, and some are only average.

Perhaps like JIm, I prefer more obscure authors.

Yes, Mary, we have to take the praise in book reviews with a grain of salt. As I said a short time ago, I was unimpressed by Elizabeth Gilbert's _Eat, Pray, Love_. I didn't enjoy reading it and couldn't wait for it to end. Yet below is a quote from a NY Times Book Review which was in an email which I received from Public Radio Market:
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“Gilbert’s prose is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible.� ~The New York Times Book Review
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I found the book quite resistible. :)

Chalk it up to individual tastes. I find it difficult to go by reviews for that very reason. Any of the artistic expressions, really.

Jackie wrote: "Chalk it up to individual tastes... ..."

Yep!

This reminds me of a funny line I heard years ago regarding cultivating a taste for expensive wines. The line was:
"Why ruin your palette for cheap wines?" :)

LOL, that is funny!

Mary JL wrote: "Today, I am still reading Dennis Lehane's Mystic River.

"The Electrifying NY Times Bestseller" says the back cover. Well, yes it is good--I am enjoying it--but I am not finding it electrifying...."

I enjoyed reading Mystic River. I saw the movie first. The book was very true to the movie (OR was it the other way around?) I did find it to be "gritty". I guess that's Lehane's Boston roots coming through.
Sometimes I don't mind seeing the movie first. It gives me an idea of what the characters look like. Who didn't know that Rhett Butler WAS Clark Gable?

Katherine wrote: "I enjoyed reading Mystic River. I saw the movie first. ..."

I wish I were more interested in thrillers. It would widen my choices. Below are links for reference:
Book: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Film: "Mystic River" (2003):

From Netflix description:
"This taut thriller from director Clint Eastwood won two acting Oscars (for Robbins and Penn) and was nominated for several more in its exploration of human behavior."

Katherine wrote: "... Sometimes I don't mind seeing the movie first. It gives me an idea of what the characters look like. Who didn't know that Rhett Butler WAS Clark Gable?"

Good point, Katherine.

Last night, I just started "The Bookman's Promise" by John Dunning.

I've read him before--it is a neat series about an ex-cop turned antique book dealer. LOts of neat little tidbits about books tucked in here and there.

Mary JL wrote: "Last night, I just started "The Bookman's Promise" by John Dunning.
I've read him before--it is a neat series about an ex-cop turned antique book dealer. LOts of neat little tidbits about books..."

Sounds interesting, Mary. At Amazon, the Booklist review calls the book a "compelling mix of hard-boiled action and exquisitely musty book lore."
FROM:

For reference: The Bookman's Promise
(The name of the "bookman" is Cliff Janeway, the antiquarian bookseller and former homicide cop.)

If you're curious about the current bestseller, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, below is a link to an interesting review:

Not sure if the review contains spoilers or not. Since I haven't read the book, it's hard to tell.

Finished Day Watch, it was good but not great. 3 stars, same as Night Watch. Both started out with great promise but didn't quite deliver.
Why is it so hard to find a great book to capture me and take me away?

Storm Thief by Chris Wooding is my new choice. These crazy probability storms sound very intriguing. If nothing else, it'll be unique to me.

Jackie wrote: "... Why is it so hard to find a great book to capture me and take me away? ..."

Jackie, I've been asking myself the same question lately!

There seemed a time in my life when this phenomenon happened often, now it's increasingly elusive. I don't think it's me. I think there's too many books being written, and not good ones either. It's as if the publishing world has 'gone Hollywood' and chose quantity over quality.

Jackie : I agree with you on modern books. There are lot of books published that have no solid STORY.

That is one reason i go to used bookstores so much. i find books and authors from the passed who I missed reader years ago. Still a lot of good books to read, especially if you go back to the classics.

And of course, the wonderful recommendation from my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ freinds help me select good books!

I am now reading a historical novel called THE CHAINS by Gerald Green. it traces three generations of the fictional Chain family. Quite readable so far.

Mary JL wrote: "I am now reading a historical novel called THE CHAINS by Gerald Green. it traces three generations of the fictional Chain family. Quite readable so far."

For reference:
The Chains (1980) by Gerald Green

A Google Books page says:
"The life of beautiful Eva Heilig-socialist, visionary, and orator--is intertwined with the lives of three generations of Chains, a rough, intrepid family of Brooklyn hoodlums, bootleggers, and ultimately, millionaire businessmen."


A Google Books review says:
"Green returns to Brooklyn (where he belongs more than anywhere else), with a saga of shtarkers--Jewish strong-arm men who metamorphosed into gangsters. For instance: the Chains (originally Schoen and changed upon immigration entry), whose exploits, almost all of them unsentimentally rough, span some 50 years. Jake Chain, a Williamsburg iceman who almost singlehandedly beats off a gang of Irish ..."

My reading just got interupted! My new computer is here! I have not been able to play Scrabble since January.

I Am going to play with my new toy the rest of today and resume reading tomorrow! Bye, all!

Mary JL wrote: "My reading just got interupted! My new computer is here! I have not been able to play Scrabble since January.
I Am going to play with my new toy the rest of today and resume reading tomorrow! ..."

Oh, boy! Enjoy! :)

For a good book that takes you away how about, "The Forgotten Garden," by Kate Morton? One line that shows what a good descriptive writer she is, "He was a scribble of a man." Can't you just picture him? It is a multi-generational novel with a mystery inside it and it mostly takes place in Cornwall and Australia. Now, who wouldn't want to be taken away to those places? It keeps you guessing from the first sentence. And Joy, here's quote for you; not from the book. "No news is good news; for the press, good news is no news," Gloria Borge. nina

Nina wrote: "... "No news is good news; for the press, good news is no news," Gloria Borge. "

Here's a song to go with that quote:
"Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News" (from "The Wiz"):

Nina wrote: "For a good book that takes you away how about, "The Forgotten Garden," by Kate Morton? ..."

For reference:
The Forgotten Garden (2008)

Sounds worth trying. However, check out the following GR review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
In part, it says:
"I hated how the chapters kept jumping from one time period to the next. And I'm talking every single chapter. I'm also talking ALOT of different years and very far apart. Made it very hard to keep track. Everytime I picked up the book I"d have to go back and see what year I left off on so I wouldn't get confused."

Another GR reviewer said:
"If you like books that veer back and forth in time, over the course of a century, so that you slowly figure out who had whose baby in a Cornish mansion and/or mysterious cottage, you might like this book. I did not."
FROM: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of time shifts in literature.

After work today, I started reading Hood the first volume of Stephen Lawhead's King Raven trilogy, which is a re-imagining of the Robin Hood legend, set in late 11th-century England. (Jackie and I are doing this volume as a buddy read.) I've read and liked some of Lawhead's work before (and belong to the small Lawhead fan group here on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ), so I have good expectations for this book!

I'm so excited! I've got about 40 pages left to Storm Thief which I am enjoying very much. Some unique features to the world.

I read the back cover of Hood and it sounds so good. Totally my kind of book with the Celtic mythology tie-in.
I'll be starting it later on tonight.

I've read Stephen R. Lawhead's Arthurian novels and enjoyed them very much. He changes just enough to make it unique and interesting while keeping true to the theme. I expect to enjoy Hood just as much.

I am just starting "The Howling Stones", another SF novel from Alan Dean Foster.

For reference:
Howling Stones

That sounds good, Mary JL. Let me know how you like it.

Started Hood and I'm loving it already. There's just something about the Celtic culture that draws me in completely. Call me Enthralled, Captivated and Immersed.

After reading a couple of frivolous books, I've decided to sink my teeth into something a bit more serious. I am now reading "My Name Is Mary Sutter" By Robin Oliveira. It's the story of a woman in the 1860s, living in Albany,NY who wants to be a surgeon. Of course prejudices abound, as a woman in medical school was rare. She travels to Washington, DC to tend wounded Civil War soldiers in order to practice medicine.
The story sounds good to me; I hope it lives up to my expectations.

It sounds good. Reminds me of the old TV show Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman with the era, a female doctor and the prejudice she faced.

For reference: My Name is Mary Sutter (2010) by Robin Oliveira

Jackie, my family and I loved that show, too!