What book are you reading...

Duma Key - Stephen King ..... Didn't think I was gonna like it from the wiki review but am pleasantly surprised.
 
Just finished "The Great Upheaval" by Jay Winik. It's about the years 1788 to 1800 and covers the French and American Revolutions and what was going on in Russia under Catherine the Great at the same time. Brilliant.
It shows how fragile democracy is (and how dangerous the mob is).
I've just started "Catherine the Great & Potemkin" by Simon Sebag Montefiore. I knew very little about Potemkim (or Catherine the Great) 'till I read the last book, now I need to know more.
 
I recently finished reading 'Brooklyn' by Colm Toibin.

I was surprised that I enjoyed, if that doesn't sound perverse. I am usually wary of books that have been nominated for literary awards; I'm more low-brow than that :p. But, I enjoyed the pace and the style of Brooklyn and finished it in a couple of days.
 
Purple said:
Just finished "The Great Upheaval" by Jay Winik. It's about the years 1788 to 1800 and covers the French and American Revolutions and what was going on in Russia under Catherine the Great at the same time. Brilliant.
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I know you're a bit of a history buff :), but would you recommend this book to the "general public"?
 
Started Ronan O'Gara's book last night. No booker prize I imagine, from the first few pages!
 
fizzelina said:
Oh I am trudging through this since April and cannot get anyway involved or enjoy it........I have read 2 books in the middle as I just can't seem to finish this one. I am half way through and tempted to give up.......
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Stick with it; it's a brilliant book if finished; you have to read it all to truly appreciate it.
 
Firefly said:
I know you're a bit of a history buff :), but would you recommend this book to the "general public"?
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Yes, definitely. Just because I am interested in History doesn’t mean I know much about it :D This book if very readable and puts our whole modern way of government into context.
It also shows up some huge ironies such as the American Republican party being founded by what in today’s terms would be regarded as a bunch of socialists.
 
Anyone have the AAM link to the " your top 5 books" (or something similiar) link - could be useful for the Crimo stocking list!
 
Just finished a week in December...by Sebastien Faulks, which really encompasses the times we live in. Also recommend..The Slap..which was unputdownable, and scandalously (is that a word?) shocking!
It centers around a child that was slapped at a bbq and the lives of all the people involved...each character makes you question your own beliefs...so the story really engages you.
 
Elphaba said:
. Also recommend..The Slap..which was unputdownable, and scandalously (is that a word?) shocking!
It centers around a child that was slapped at a bbq and the lives of all the people involved...each character makes you question your own beliefs...so the story really engages you.
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Very enjoyable - particularly for someone at the same life stage as many of the main characters (mid 40s, young kids).

All the characters were quite flawed - I couldn't really like any of them, but I did enjoy the book.
 
fizzelina said:
I had bought it as Birdsong by Sebastian is probably my favourite book I ever read and one I have re read many times.
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If you liked Birdsong, you might enjoy the Regeneration series by Pat Barker. All about the shell-shocked WW1 poets and their psychiatric treatment.
 
Have John mcGahern's" The Barracks" on my bedside locker since early October.

The most boring book I ever struggled to read.
 
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