Dreamin' Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Whilst on holiday I also had an opportunity to read this: And thoroughly enjoyed it - his best in a long while. What you think of it will definitely depend on any strong feelings towards Coupland's writing, but it was very funny, very witty and an absolute joy to read... even if it did have spam in it... and not the meat variety that Monty Python sing about.jPod hits very close to home for me because I work just a stone's throw away from Electronic Arts in Burnaby. I particularly loved the part where he wrote about the thousands of crows that roost near the Willingdon exit on Hwy 1. In the winter months, when I'm leaving work at dusk, the sky is black with crows. Never pass up a chance to hear Coupland speak if he's on a book tour, etc. He will always say or do something that will blow your mind and make you laugh out loud. Link to post Share on other sites
la* Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 I also loved McEwan's "Saturday". I had my doubts about this one (all the reviews I read made it sound..weird), but I was pleasantly surprised and ended up really liking it: Link to post Share on other sites
isadorah Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 the golden compass Link to post Share on other sites
austrya Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 I went to read more of "Saturday" last night and couldn't find my book anywhere. So, since I got this one in the mail, I decided to start reading it. It's very good and I'll have it finished by this afternoon. Jason found "Saturday" for me this morning. It was on top of the dryer... Link to post Share on other sites
isadorah Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 I went to read more of "Saturday" last night and couldn't find my book anywhere. So, since I got this one in the mail, I decided to start reading it. It's very good and I'll have it finished by this afternoon. Jason found "Saturday" for me this morning. It was on top of the dryer... i keep seeing this in book stores and think to myself "i should read that" and then i wonder if it is the same book that Kidsmoke recommended to me and try to make a mental note to do a search for elephants on the board to find out. Link to post Share on other sites
austrya Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 I was skeptical at first. I have never had an interest in the circus at all and wasn't sure if I'd like it. I decided to give it a go since it was mentioned on VC and was quite surprised. I loved it. I finished it in less than 24 hours. Not bad for a 331 page book when I have 4 kids... Link to post Share on other sites
Jay Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 ...and one husband. I am just as much work. Link to post Share on other sites
isadorah Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I was skeptical at first. I have never had an interest in the circus at all and wasn't sure if I'd like it. I decided to give it a go since it was mentioned on VC and was quite surprised. I loved it. I finished it in less than 24 hours. Not bad for a 331 page book when I have 4 kids... wow. i will definitely give it a read then. if anything simply because it sounds like a book one can devour! that's my favorite kind. Link to post Share on other sites
austrya Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 I finished: I didn't love it. Then read: I really, really liked this one! Now reading: I'm a couple of chapters in and so far, so good. Link to post Share on other sites
Reni Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 I have the Time Travelers Wife on my to be read pile. Glad to hear you liked it! Link to post Share on other sites
Lammycat Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 I recently finished John Fante's The Brotherhood of the Grape and want to read Ask the Dust but thought I'd read the Bandini series in order, so... Half-way through this: And soon to start this (I'm number six-hundred something at the library for the recent one): Link to post Share on other sites
Lammycat Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 Beltman: I started that book in the past year on recommendation from a good pal who usually nails it with recommendations for me but just could not get into it. How far are you along and thoughts so far? Link to post Share on other sites
Beltmann Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 Beltman: I started that book in the past year on recommendation from a good pal who usually nails it with recommendations for me but just could not get into it. How far are you along and thoughts so far?That period of history fascinates me, so a speculative piece about that era, especially one that has potential for modern-day metaphors, is likely to connect with me. I'm only about 50 pages in, but I like it so far... the wealth of details enhances the historical "authenticity" and some of the psychological insights--for example, how Lindbergh's anti-Semitic statements don't just change the way young Philip thinks of his prize stamp, it alters the stamp itself--are very knowing and observant. I'm enjoying the read. Link to post Share on other sites
zebra Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 Clive Barker, Books of Blood: Volumes One to ThreeStephen King, Nightmares and Dreamscapes Link to post Share on other sites
austrya Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 I read The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon yesterday. I'm taking the day off today since neither Target or the library had the next book I want to read. Link to post Share on other sites
MattZ Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 Beltman: I started that book in the past year on recommendation from a good pal who usually nails it with recommendations for me but just could not get into it. How far are you along and thoughts so far? Wanted to chime in on this even though not directed to me -- I thought the book was quite good. Without giving any spoilers, I thought it did a masterful job of showing how a population could turn against a group of people. That was always something that was incomprehensible to me even though I know it has happened many times before in history. Roth makes it seem not so hard to imagine. There were some parts that I thought were forced or didn't work all that well, but on the whole, it fascinated me. Link to post Share on other sites
cryptique Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Beltman: I started that book in the past year on recommendation from a good pal who usually nails it with recommendations for me but just could not get into it. How far are you along and thoughts so far?I loved that book. It's the only Roth I've read, but based on it I'm thinking of trying something else by him. Years ago I would think about "what if" alternate historical scenarios a lot, just for my own amusement, but I never took them quite as far ... it's a fascinating read. Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Stewart Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Clive Barker, Books of Blood: Volumes One to ThreeThose were some of my favorites at one time. Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Kinsley Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 I read The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon yesterday. I'm taking the day off today since neither Target or the library had the next book I want to read.You're not going to work because you couldn't find a book? Dang. I want to work there too. Link to post Share on other sites
austrya Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 No, not taking the day off of work. I'm a stay at home mom, I don't get days off. I meant that I was taking the day off from reading, but I ended up reading Cane River by Lalita Tademy anyways. Link to post Share on other sites
Lammycat Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 I meant that I was taking the day off from reading, but I ended up reading Cane River by Lalita Tademy anyways.Excellent book. I read it two years ago for a book club I organized at school for teachers. I've got her new one, Red River, ready to go soon. Link to post Share on other sites
austrya Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Yeah, I thought it was a good book too. I love books like that. I read the whole thing in less than 24 hours because I couldn't put it down. Link to post Share on other sites
Lammycat Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 I believe Red River deals with her roots from the same general time frame but a different branch of her family tree. Link to post Share on other sites
gogo Posted July 19, 2007 Author Share Posted July 19, 2007 I'll have to check that one out. I just read Cane River, it's the One City One Book book for this year. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts