What are you reading just now?

[History]

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[Malky]

Might be as well to make it an informal thing then. Govangirl's idea of a poll might be the way to start.

Malky

[Ags]

Blimey....how will it work online? bookclub for me usually includes a few G&T's some food and lots of girlie gossip!!

Might be as well to make it an informal thing then. Govangirl's idea of a poll might be the way to start.

Malky

Would a poll work? Would it not be easier to see who wants to be involved then take it in turns to pick a book? Timescale is another difficult thing? One book per month? I can read a book in 2 days if I have time but that isn't always the case for any of us? What if someone has read it in 2 days and is keen to get chatting but someone else is up to their eyes in work and it takes 3 weeks to even pick it up?

I have packed 4 books in my suitcase for the holidays ..... slightly optimistic but would rather have too much to read than too little......The Boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne, The Shadow of the wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri and A Good Day to Die by Simon Kernick. Anyone read Shadow of the wind? Haven't heard anyone say anything bad about it?

[WC1]

Anyone read Shadow of the wind? Haven't heard anyone say anything bad about it?

Superb. Brilliant. I must look for other books he's written.

[Wee Toon Ajax]

Anyone read Shadow of the wind? Haven't heard anyone say anything bad about it?

Superb. Brilliant. I must look for other books he's written.

Hi, agree a great book.

The Shadow of the Wind was a transaltion from the original Spanish. A prequel called El Juego del Angel ( The Angel's Game) was released in Spain in April of this year. A translation into English is expected to appear in latter part of 2009.

The Shadow of the Wind was Carlos Ruis Zafon's first adult book as he had previously written children's novels of which none have been translated into English as far as I am aware.

Has anybody else here been reading the numerous English translations of foreign language novels now appearing. Especially in the crime genre. Can personally recommend the novels of Jo Nesbo (Norway), Fred Vargas (France), Henning Mankell (Sweden), Perez Reverte (Spain) amongst others.

[Martin]

Just finished A Sense Of Freedom - Jimmy Boyle (again) and remembered I'd yet to see the film when in a state to remember watching it. Downloaded it and found it strange to see both David Hayman and Alex Norton with hair.

[Ags]

Thanks WC1 and Wee toon Ajax....I have started Shadow of the Wind a few times and have always given up but people keep recommending it to me! I will persevere this time!! I am at my "quiet" job today so may manage a few chapters

[Govangirl]

Ags, like you, I had lots of people recommending this to me. I thought the idea of the book was great but it was a real disappointment read. In fact, I hated it. I wanted to like it but it was so clumsily written (don't know if this was down to the translation or not), with a really weak narrative and was just so unbelievable, it made me scoff. The characters are not strongly drawn at all and I thought the text was too idiomatic and cliched. It will be interesting to hear what you think of it.

[Ileach B]

Just read the posts about a book club, think the idea is a great one. Think monthly would be bests, like Ag's I can read a book in a few days. But if I have other commitments like work or children, then it can be left.

Maybe a poll of a selection of 3/4 books every month and the most voted be read and discussed?

[Ags]

Will let you know how I get on Govangirl, have had a few attempts at reading it but didn't get very far! Going to start with "the boy in the striped pyjamas" - it will be easier to fit in the hand luggage
A book a month then?? Who all would be interested??

[hugh]

I would. I've found the whole thread fascinating so far. Anybody care to throw out a few titles for sounding out? I haven't read any recently published stuff myself lately, so I'd only be repeating titles everyone else read years ago. ( "Life Of Pi", I think, was the most up-to-date book I've read in the last few years.)

Anyway, I think it's a good idea and worth pursuing, may not work, but you'll never know 'til you try? Any suggestions for ttles to read/discuss?

[Govangirl]

The Kite Runner, as most people have read it?
Or something new? Zadie Smith?
Or going out of one's own genre? I have never read the Rebus books but was interested in the posts about them.
Or something mentioned on the forum? How about The Road to Nab End? (Or Being a Scot? )

[hugh]

I'd have to catch up on "Kite Runner" then, how long is it?
Zadie Smith? Dunno why, totally irrational, but I just don't fancy reading any of hers. Must have heard something somewhere? What's "The Road to Nab End" like?

[Govangirl]

I'd have to catch up on "Kite Runner" then, how long is it?

Mmmm, I'd say about 8 inches Hugh. Sorry
Really, not long at all. It is an easy read. The paperback is 324 pages long.

Road to Nab End is William Woodruff's account of his childhood in Lancashire from his birth in 1916. It's beautifully written, very perceptive and is with absolutely no trace of misery about his poverty. He has a real eye for character.

[hugh]

So it's about average length, then?

I'd be happy reading either of those titles. Any other suggestions?