1961_vintage
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In case you are interested:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29613219...004_T_NORMAL_CT1&crd=20240104090000&ch=osgood
Reading Challenge 2024
- Thread starter RobMCFC
- Start date
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29613219...004_T_NORMAL_CT1&crd=20240104090000&ch=osgood
Blue and true
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Read Crime and Punishment. Honestly the greatest book I've ever read.
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
$200 for a book!
I’ve bought two paperbacks over the years but don’t have it on Kindle yet - I think that the Kindle version will be what I buy if I buy it again.
Thanks for the heads up anyway.
Blue and true
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I liked Moby Dick but found it heavy going, especially the latter stages. Each chapter is more like a treatise on a theme; I remember one chapter being devoted to the colour white. But it's definitely a "bucket list" read.
Enjoy, but don't say I didn't warn you!
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
2024 Books
I got through half of this before Christmas and the rest since.
I’ve read the last few Stephen King Books (The Institute, Later, Billy Summers), and they’ve all been excellent. Sadly, this is not the case with his latest novel, Fairy Tale.
The first 30%, in which 17-year-old Charlie helps out a grumpy old man, is excellent. As Charlie gains the old man’s confidence, and forms a bond with the man’s dog, King moves us gradually closer to a couple of secrets that the old man is hiding. We also find out about how Charlie lost his mother and helped his dad through the bout of depression and alcoholism that followed his mum’s death.
Even though this is all taking far longer than it probably should, it’s engaging and in keeping with King’s best character work. However, once the secret is revealed, it’s mostly downhill from there. I don’t mind the fantasy element, but for at least 30% of the book, it’s pretty dull, and the characters that we are introduced to on the other side also seem a bit lifeless and dull. There is a well-written dungeon sequence that livens up proceedings, but it’s quickly back to the flat characters and an ending that feels as flat as most of the characters involved.
Whilst Charlie is a likeable protagonist, he’s a 17-year-old acting like a 50-year old. Some of his character traits don’t ring true, even if they are explained by watching old black and white films with his dad.
- Fairy Tale – Stephen King - 5/10
I got through half of this before Christmas and the rest since.
I’ve read the last few Stephen King Books (The Institute, Later, Billy Summers), and they’ve all been excellent. Sadly, this is not the case with his latest novel, Fairy Tale.
The first 30%, in which 17-year-old Charlie helps out a grumpy old man, is excellent. As Charlie gains the old man’s confidence, and forms a bond with the man’s dog, King moves us gradually closer to a couple of secrets that the old man is hiding. We also find out about how Charlie lost his mother and helped his dad through the bout of depression and alcoholism that followed his mum’s death.
Even though this is all taking far longer than it probably should, it’s engaging and in keeping with King’s best character work. However, once the secret is revealed, it’s mostly downhill from there. I don’t mind the fantasy element, but for at least 30% of the book, it’s pretty dull, and the characters that we are introduced to on the other side also seem a bit lifeless and dull. There is a well-written dungeon sequence that livens up proceedings, but it’s quickly back to the flat characters and an ending that feels as flat as most of the characters involved.
Whilst Charlie is a likeable protagonist, he’s a 17-year-old acting like a 50-year old. Some of his character traits don’t ring true, even if they are explained by watching old black and white films with his dad.
ell
Well-Known Member
Set a challenge of 25 books last year, from September onwards I thought I would smash it and get to about 28 but ended up on exactly 25.
The Force by Don Winslow probably my favourite. I also enjoyed Billy Summers by Stephen King and Scrublands by Chris Hammer not far behind.
As for 2025
1. After Dunkirk: Churchills sacrifice of the highland division - Saul David.
2. Meantime - Frankie Boyle
I've not quite finished this yet and I'm making hard work of it, its his first novel and whilst its witty and funny, I've just not found the momentum I think you need with a good book.
The Force by Don Winslow probably my favourite. I also enjoyed Billy Summers by Stephen King and Scrublands by Chris Hammer not far behind.
As for 2025
1. After Dunkirk: Churchills sacrifice of the highland division - Saul David.
2. Meantime - Frankie Boyle
I've not quite finished this yet and I'm making hard work of it, its his first novel and whilst its witty and funny, I've just not found the momentum I think you need with a good book.
stoneblue
Well-Known Member
That's disappointing to hear. I used a free Audible credit a couple of years ago to get Fairy Tale but I haven't got round to listening to it yet. (I'm struggling to find time to listen to all the new music too!)
RobMCFC
Well-Known Member
Waiting for that one myself and as far as I know, there's no new book in sight.
TBH much as I enjoyed the two books so far, it's so long since the last book I don't even know if I can be bothered to read it when it comes out. I remember reading The Wise Man's Fear around the time City won the FA Cup in 2011!!