Reading Challenge 2022
- Thread starter RobMCFC
- Start date
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
I think books are unique in this respect.
If somebody recommends a song or an album, it's no bother spending an hour giving it a spin. Similar with a film but a bit longer. But with books, you've got to REALLY want to read it AND really want to read it MORE than a lot of other stuff you're interested in. It can be a big investment in time.
That's why I have at least 250 books on my "to read" shelf.
JRockBlues
Well-Known Member
Lightweight. I'm trying to get my tbr shelves back under 500 (getting close, it's currently 509).
supercity88
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- Joined
- 9 Aug 2009
- Messages
- 16,981
Haven't had much time to read since I had kids (other than children's books of course).
Have managed to read Mythos and Heroes by Stephen Fry over the past few months and both are fantastic. The Greek Gods are incredible and although a lot of the myths and legend were plagiarised (like all religions) from earlier sources it was the fact that their stories were written by poets and are quite remarkable. So many of the biblical stories can find their origins in Greek mythology.
Fry has an excellent way of telling the stories, adding in his own humour and dialogue and giving interesting footnotes to explain the etymology of certain words we still use today. Etymology itself is derived from Greek of course.
The Greek Gods were quite devious bastards at times and I love it.
A Thousand Splendid Suns is the only other book I've managed recently. One of my all-time favourites so not the first time I've read it. Hosseini's best book in my opinion. Shame he hasn't written more.
Have managed to read Mythos and Heroes by Stephen Fry over the past few months and both are fantastic. The Greek Gods are incredible and although a lot of the myths and legend were plagiarised (like all religions) from earlier sources it was the fact that their stories were written by poets and are quite remarkable. So many of the biblical stories can find their origins in Greek mythology.
Fry has an excellent way of telling the stories, adding in his own humour and dialogue and giving interesting footnotes to explain the etymology of certain words we still use today. Etymology itself is derived from Greek of course.
The Greek Gods were quite devious bastards at times and I love it.
A Thousand Splendid Suns is the only other book I've managed recently. One of my all-time favourites so not the first time I've read it. Hosseini's best book in my opinion. Shame he hasn't written more.
JRockBlues
Well-Known Member
The Stranger Times by C. K. McDonnell
To escape the failure of her marriage and what her life has become since, Hannah Willis has found herself a new job. Not the one she really wanted but beggars can’t be choosers. So what’s involved being the assistant editor of a periodical reporting on the weird, supernatural and other things that go bump in the night? Having to put up with a foul-mouthed, foul-tempered sop of a boss for one. Also investigating the suspicious death of young would-be reporter Simon that police have deemed a suicide. Can Hannah, her boss and the rest of the staff find out what’s really going on before the body count begins to rise even further? Not forgetting that they still have to publish this week’s issue.
Urban fantasy set in Manchester, how could I refuse? And with the many good reviews of the author’s work recently I thought I’d dip my toe in with this one and what a good choice it was. I would set it closer to the Rivers of London end of the UF spectrum rather than the Dresden Files with the cutting dialogue providing much of the humour. The characters are well drawn with hints (and more) of back-story for each of them maybe to be examined further in subsequent books (a 2nd is already available). It takes a while to set things up and there’s a few detours on the way but this is a fun adventure and a fine first foray into a different setting for the author. 4★'s
Standing Alone by Sam Lee, Daniel Taylor & Oliver Kay
Mainly a collection of articles written during the 2020/2021 football season of Manchester City FC. Starting from the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport to the Champions League final at the end of May, this is a monthly examination of the key events that occurred during the season. It ends with descriptions of the players from some coaches from earlier in their career in a |”those who moulded them” retrospective.
This was not a book that I would seek to own as the press, from which the authors originate, usually incorporate the negative aspect when reporting on City. But, as it was a Christmas present I felt obliged to get around to reading it. While there is still some of that less than enthusiastic style to the articles the book is directed mainly at the City fandom and so there are some really nice chapters. The one on Guardiola & Bielsa’s relationship in particular is a nice piece. 3½★'s
To escape the failure of her marriage and what her life has become since, Hannah Willis has found herself a new job. Not the one she really wanted but beggars can’t be choosers. So what’s involved being the assistant editor of a periodical reporting on the weird, supernatural and other things that go bump in the night? Having to put up with a foul-mouthed, foul-tempered sop of a boss for one. Also investigating the suspicious death of young would-be reporter Simon that police have deemed a suicide. Can Hannah, her boss and the rest of the staff find out what’s really going on before the body count begins to rise even further? Not forgetting that they still have to publish this week’s issue.
Urban fantasy set in Manchester, how could I refuse? And with the many good reviews of the author’s work recently I thought I’d dip my toe in with this one and what a good choice it was. I would set it closer to the Rivers of London end of the UF spectrum rather than the Dresden Files with the cutting dialogue providing much of the humour. The characters are well drawn with hints (and more) of back-story for each of them maybe to be examined further in subsequent books (a 2nd is already available). It takes a while to set things up and there’s a few detours on the way but this is a fun adventure and a fine first foray into a different setting for the author. 4★'s
Standing Alone by Sam Lee, Daniel Taylor & Oliver Kay
Mainly a collection of articles written during the 2020/2021 football season of Manchester City FC. Starting from the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport to the Champions League final at the end of May, this is a monthly examination of the key events that occurred during the season. It ends with descriptions of the players from some coaches from earlier in their career in a |”those who moulded them” retrospective.
This was not a book that I would seek to own as the press, from which the authors originate, usually incorporate the negative aspect when reporting on City. But, as it was a Christmas present I felt obliged to get around to reading it. While there is still some of that less than enthusiastic style to the articles the book is directed mainly at the City fandom and so there are some really nice chapters. The one on Guardiola & Bielsa’s relationship in particular is a nice piece. 3½★'s
stoneblue
Well-Known Member
Book No 12 for 2022
I bought this book in Waterstones “Read for Ukraine” promotion and also because I was curious to learn a bit about Poznan.
In 2016, the author decided to move to Poland for a year to find out why so many Poles were coming to the UK and what they had left behind. He flew to a place he'd never heard of and then accepted a job in a chip shop on the minimum wage.
I was really disappointed with this book, I felt that l didn’t learn much about Poland or Poznan; it seems the reason many were coming to the UK was for the money which he could probably have found out by asking a couple of Poles over here! He seemed to spend much of his time drunk/hungover or pining for a girl. To be fair, there were a couple of interesting parts and it is apparent that the author developed a genuine affection for the country but for me it was an opportunity missed. 4/10
Back to thrillers and historical fiction for me!
I bought this book in Waterstones “Read for Ukraine” promotion and also because I was curious to learn a bit about Poznan.
In 2016, the author decided to move to Poland for a year to find out why so many Poles were coming to the UK and what they had left behind. He flew to a place he'd never heard of and then accepted a job in a chip shop on the minimum wage.
I was really disappointed with this book, I felt that l didn’t learn much about Poland or Poznan; it seems the reason many were coming to the UK was for the money which he could probably have found out by asking a couple of Poles over here! He seemed to spend much of his time drunk/hungover or pining for a girl. To be fair, there were a couple of interesting parts and it is apparent that the author developed a genuine affection for the country but for me it was an opportunity missed. 4/10
Back to thrillers and historical fiction for me!
JRockBlues
Well-Known Member
Die A Little by Megan Abbott
A noir debut set in 1950’s Hollywood with a sister, Lora, having suspicions of her brother’s new wife, Alice, not being quite who she seemed. When suspicious characters start materialising into their life and inconsistencies in Alice’s story then maybe it’s time for Lora to find out what’s really going on.
This is an incredibly slow-paced story with about 90% of the book being setup until the final rushed ending. Although the writing was good and the setting quite atmospheric and evocative of the time period I just wanted something to actually happen. The character’s though are a little flat and I cared little about who would or wouldn’t make it to the end. All this being said, I did finish it as I still wanted to find out what happened in the end and won’t be giving up on the author as I know she is highly rated and this was just her debut effort. 3★'s
A noir debut set in 1950’s Hollywood with a sister, Lora, having suspicions of her brother’s new wife, Alice, not being quite who she seemed. When suspicious characters start materialising into their life and inconsistencies in Alice’s story then maybe it’s time for Lora to find out what’s really going on.
This is an incredibly slow-paced story with about 90% of the book being setup until the final rushed ending. Although the writing was good and the setting quite atmospheric and evocative of the time period I just wanted something to actually happen. The character’s though are a little flat and I cared little about who would or wouldn’t make it to the end. All this being said, I did finish it as I still wanted to find out what happened in the end and won’t be giving up on the author as I know she is highly rated and this was just her debut effort. 3★'s
dobingsdobber
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- Joined
- 19 Oct 2010
- Messages
- 3,432
I've finally taken the bait and bought a copy of Ulysses.
Seems,from what I've heard,that finishing it is more important than enjoying it.
I'll give it a go and see what happens.
Seems,from what I've heard,that finishing it is more important than enjoying it.
I'll give it a go and see what happens.
richardtheref
Well-Known Member
Loved The Stranger Times. Had a signed 1st edition. Gave it to a charity book shop that gives away books for free. A year later it's still in the shop.
1. Winter - Len Deighton - 7/10
2. The Last Great Mountain - Mick Conefrey - 6/10
3. Pegasus Bridge - Stephen E. Ambrose - 6/10
4. The Dead of Jericho - Colin Dexter - 7/10
5. Agent Sonya - Ben MacIntyre - 7/10
6. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak - 9/10
7. Macbeth - A. J. Hartley and David Hewson - 9/10
8. The Ashes of London - Andrew Taylor - 7/10
I read this following the recommendation from @stoneblue. This is the first book in the series featuring James Marwood and Cat Lovett, set in London in 1666 in the aftermath of the great fire.
Marwood is assigned to investigate a couple of murders, and there are lots of twists and turns as he goes about his job. The author keeps it authentic throughout, and it all ties together nicely, though without any major plot surprises.
There's enough in this to maintain my interest in the series, but not enough to make me rush out to buy book 2.
As with others in this thread, I also enjoy historical fiction from this era. Other authors writing similar stuff to this are C J Sansom with his Matthew Shardlake series and S J Parris' Bruno Giordano books.
Also check out David Liss, who has a few excellent books set in 18th and 19th century London.
2. The Last Great Mountain - Mick Conefrey - 6/10
3. Pegasus Bridge - Stephen E. Ambrose - 6/10
4. The Dead of Jericho - Colin Dexter - 7/10
5. Agent Sonya - Ben MacIntyre - 7/10
6. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak - 9/10
7. Macbeth - A. J. Hartley and David Hewson - 9/10
8. The Ashes of London - Andrew Taylor - 7/10
I read this following the recommendation from @stoneblue. This is the first book in the series featuring James Marwood and Cat Lovett, set in London in 1666 in the aftermath of the great fire.
Marwood is assigned to investigate a couple of murders, and there are lots of twists and turns as he goes about his job. The author keeps it authentic throughout, and it all ties together nicely, though without any major plot surprises.
There's enough in this to maintain my interest in the series, but not enough to make me rush out to buy book 2.
As with others in this thread, I also enjoy historical fiction from this era. Other authors writing similar stuff to this are C J Sansom with his Matthew Shardlake series and S J Parris' Bruno Giordano books.
Also check out David Liss, who has a few excellent books set in 18th and 19th century London.
Just finished Doug Beattie An ordinary soldier. It's story of his short time on front line of Afghanistan. I really enjoyed it and thought fantastic insight into life there fighting with the Afghan army. I have followed Doug's political career so wanted a further insight into the man. I'd highly recommend it if like books about conflict. Downloaded 'Beyond, the first human to leave our planet' so that's next on Kindle
Finished The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie yesterday. It is Australian police thriller. Thought was ok but not as good some of the Jane Harper books I've read imo. Latest Jack Reacher book The Sentinel is next on agenda. Edited to say. Few pages in realised I read The Sentinel last year. Opps now to find something else
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RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
1. The Spirit Engineer - A.J.West - 7/10
2. The Lost Man - Jane Harper - 8/10
3. The Fall of Babel – Josiah Bancroft - 5/10
4. The Forest – Michaelbrent Collings – 3/10
5. Black River – Will Dean – 7/10
6. Winter is Coming – Garry Kasparov – 9/10
7. Archangel – Robert Harris – 8/10
8. The Justice of Kings – Richard Swan - 8/10
It was good to get back into my favourite genre, fantasy, with this excellent debut from Richard Swan. He’s a lawyer, which makes sense when you find out that the protagonist, Sir Konrad Vonvalt, is a wandering magistrate who has license to act as judge, jury and executioner in the name of the Emperor. The story is told through the words of his 19-year-old clerk, Helena, and it’s really well written, Helena’s character doing a nice job of fleshing the story out as she tells us about events that happened many years ago. Whilst not in the Joe Abercrombie/Scott Lynch league, I thought most of the characters were well-defined and seeing Vonvalt change through the eyes of Helena was one of the major themes of this book. The two take on a case in a small town, but it’s clear that this is the introduction to a larger events about to happen in their world. What I liked about this book is that it didn’t get bogged down in explaining everything about the world. The author continually dropped things into the mix and left you to draw your own conclusions about some of them. Most of the book is dialogue/actions concerning the twists and turns in the legal case, but it’s easy to follow and when the short action sequences occur, they are nicely realised, and in some cases, shocking. A promising debut and I look forward to the next in the series, which is set up nicely as this book draws to a close.
2. The Lost Man - Jane Harper - 8/10
3. The Fall of Babel – Josiah Bancroft - 5/10
4. The Forest – Michaelbrent Collings – 3/10
5. Black River – Will Dean – 7/10
6. Winter is Coming – Garry Kasparov – 9/10
7. Archangel – Robert Harris – 8/10
8. The Justice of Kings – Richard Swan - 8/10
The Justice of Kings – Richard Swan
It was good to get back into my favourite genre, fantasy, with this excellent debut from Richard Swan. He’s a lawyer, which makes sense when you find out that the protagonist, Sir Konrad Vonvalt, is a wandering magistrate who has license to act as judge, jury and executioner in the name of the Emperor. The story is told through the words of his 19-year-old clerk, Helena, and it’s really well written, Helena’s character doing a nice job of fleshing the story out as she tells us about events that happened many years ago. Whilst not in the Joe Abercrombie/Scott Lynch league, I thought most of the characters were well-defined and seeing Vonvalt change through the eyes of Helena was one of the major themes of this book. The two take on a case in a small town, but it’s clear that this is the introduction to a larger events about to happen in their world. What I liked about this book is that it didn’t get bogged down in explaining everything about the world. The author continually dropped things into the mix and left you to draw your own conclusions about some of them. Most of the book is dialogue/actions concerning the twists and turns in the legal case, but it’s easy to follow and when the short action sequences occur, they are nicely realised, and in some cases, shocking. A promising debut and I look forward to the next in the series, which is set up nicely as this book draws to a close.
Dave Ewing's Back 'eader
Well-Known Member
Careful, yer'll be buying an ST at The Swamp next!
JRockBlues
Well-Known Member
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
Having devoured most of her Vorkosigan science fiction series I thought it was time to give the author’s efforts in the fantasy genre a go.
Cazaril returns to a noble house thinking to beg a lowly position as a page but finds himself rewarded for past service with the position of secretary-tutor to Iselle, sister of Teidez who is destined to rule Chalion. The problems only really start for Cazaril when Teidez, along with his sister, is summoned to court where an old enmity resurfaces which may have ramifications for his ward and her brother.
Although this is a fairly standard fantasy trope it is, as I have come to expect from the author, well-written with excellent characters that bring the story to life. It does have a bit of a slow start as the scene is set but it all proves necessary in the end. It’s not an action-oriented tale but more political manoeuvring and while there are some bits of fighting along the way it’s not what drives the story on. While this book is part of a series (there’s a sequel & a prequel along with some novella’s) it is fully contained and can be read as a stand-alone novel. I’m not averse to reading more from this world though at some point. 4★'s
Having devoured most of her Vorkosigan science fiction series I thought it was time to give the author’s efforts in the fantasy genre a go.
Cazaril returns to a noble house thinking to beg a lowly position as a page but finds himself rewarded for past service with the position of secretary-tutor to Iselle, sister of Teidez who is destined to rule Chalion. The problems only really start for Cazaril when Teidez, along with his sister, is summoned to court where an old enmity resurfaces which may have ramifications for his ward and her brother.
Although this is a fairly standard fantasy trope it is, as I have come to expect from the author, well-written with excellent characters that bring the story to life. It does have a bit of a slow start as the scene is set but it all proves necessary in the end. It’s not an action-oriented tale but more political manoeuvring and while there are some bits of fighting along the way it’s not what drives the story on. While this book is part of a series (there’s a sequel & a prequel along with some novella’s) it is fully contained and can be read as a stand-alone novel. I’m not averse to reading more from this world though at some point. 4★'s
JRockBlues
Well-Known Member
Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates
How do you get into the mind of a psychopath? This author takes us right there without any seeming difficulty. Quentin is a young man from a good family who, as the result of a past crime, requires regular psychiatric counselling and medicinal help to keep him on the straight and narrow. He just wants to be left alone so that he can perfect a trans-orbital lobotomy technique to create his very own sex slave. He has the icepick already and now all he needs is a specimen.
Due to the subject matter this is a hard book to read at times. It uses both first and third person viewpoints to drive the narrative forward. It’s not what I would call an enjoyable story but it is a well written one that does exactly what it sets out to do in disturb the reader. For that reason I’m not going to give this book a rating.
How do you get into the mind of a psychopath? This author takes us right there without any seeming difficulty. Quentin is a young man from a good family who, as the result of a past crime, requires regular psychiatric counselling and medicinal help to keep him on the straight and narrow. He just wants to be left alone so that he can perfect a trans-orbital lobotomy technique to create his very own sex slave. He has the icepick already and now all he needs is a specimen.
Due to the subject matter this is a hard book to read at times. It uses both first and third person viewpoints to drive the narrative forward. It’s not what I would call an enjoyable story but it is a well written one that does exactly what it sets out to do in disturb the reader. For that reason I’m not going to give this book a rating.
Kippaxpete
Well-Known Member
For a second there I thought City had agreed to play Reading FC in a friendly.
1. Winter - Len Deighton - 7/10
2. The Last Great Mountain - Mick Conefrey - 6/10
3. Pegasus Bridge - Stephen E. Ambrose - 6/10
4. The Dead of Jericho - Colin Dexter - 7/10
5. Agent Sonya - Ben MacIntyre - 7/10
6. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak - 9/10
7. Macbeth - A. J. Hartley and David Hewson - 9/10
8. The Ashes of London - Andrew Taylor - 7/10
9. Ashendon - W. Somerset Maugham - 5/10
Ashendon is a British secret agent working against German interests in 1917, towards the end of WW1. The collection of tales are based on Maugham's own experiences. Being an author and fluent in a number of European languages, he was in a good position to carry out this work.
Ashendon barely gets in any danger himself, apart from the final story when he ends up in Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution, working as a translator for an American businessman. In the main, he handles other paid agents, or he persuades targets and enemy agents into various actions, many of which result in their capture and subsequent deaths.
It's fairly mild stuff compared with what we are used to from WW2 espionage, James Bond, the Cold War etc. But it is well written and an easy read (or listen in my case). Hence although I enjoyed the book, I can't really recommend it any higher than a five out of ten.
2. The Last Great Mountain - Mick Conefrey - 6/10
3. Pegasus Bridge - Stephen E. Ambrose - 6/10
4. The Dead of Jericho - Colin Dexter - 7/10
5. Agent Sonya - Ben MacIntyre - 7/10
6. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak - 9/10
7. Macbeth - A. J. Hartley and David Hewson - 9/10
8. The Ashes of London - Andrew Taylor - 7/10
9. Ashendon - W. Somerset Maugham - 5/10
Ashendon is a British secret agent working against German interests in 1917, towards the end of WW1. The collection of tales are based on Maugham's own experiences. Being an author and fluent in a number of European languages, he was in a good position to carry out this work.
Ashendon barely gets in any danger himself, apart from the final story when he ends up in Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution, working as a translator for an American businessman. In the main, he handles other paid agents, or he persuades targets and enemy agents into various actions, many of which result in their capture and subsequent deaths.
It's fairly mild stuff compared with what we are used to from WW2 espionage, James Bond, the Cold War etc. But it is well written and an easy read (or listen in my case). Hence although I enjoyed the book, I can't really recommend it any higher than a five out of ten.