Does anybody read books here?

[GLC1968]

I'm a voracious reader (but a lousy speller!) and I love, love, love books. I have to keep myself in check though, because I would easily give up too much in my life to just read. It's crazy. My H gives me a hard time about it and my family used to call me 'brick wall' whenever I had a book in my hands. It's not uncommon for me to stay up all night reading when I'm into a good book! It's also not good for my riding habit. I missed out on too many beautiful evening rides because I was head first into the last Harry Potter.

My favorite are historical novels and adventure stores, but there isn't much I won't read. Luckily, I read quickly. I loved 'Into Thin Air'...I think it's one of my all time favorites. Currently I'm reading a series of Philippa Gregory books (historical romance...but not trashy) and a few on solar power (I'm an EE by trade).

I also tend to like LONG books. I hate it when I'm enjoying a story and it's over too quickly. I think that's why I've enjoyed each Harry Potter more than the previous ones...they keep getting longer! Oh, and I read and loved Sarum which is a super long historical novel set in England (Salisbury area). I loved that it lasted half a summer for me!

[mimitabby]

wow, you read Sarum! I don't know anyone else besides myself that has read that book.

[SadieKate]

I did. Probably only because one of our family names is Canterbury.

[GLC1968]

Wow, you guys both read it too? I've also never met anyone else who has...

I think I picked it up originally just because it was so long.

[Thorn]

Do I get any points for reading Sarum after I finished London?

Ain't the web grand? The world isn't quite as different and diverse, perhaps, as we think sometimes.

As a kid I devoured Michener novels, too. I like good historicals. Heck, I read through Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy (and the pre-quel Antartica). Not exactly "historical" but along the same line.

[SadieKate]

I read many of the Michener novels also. Now, I'm under a limit as to the weight of my books. Bubba doesn't like getting whacked in the face with them when I fall asleep.

[Fredwina]

I'm a fan of both Rutherford and Michner.
Also like John Krakauer(intio Thin air)

[Irulan]

Do I get any points for reading Sarum after I finished London?

Ain't the web grand? The world isn't quite as different and diverse, perhaps, as we think sometimes.

As a kid I devoured Michener novels, too. I like good historicals. Heck, I read through Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy (and the pre-quel Antartica). Not exactly "historical" but along the same line.

I LOVE KSR, I think he's a real visionary. If you get a change try to find the Three Californias tryptich... Pacific Edge, The Wild Shore and the Gold coast... looks like it's being reprinted in an omnibus.

The new one (40 day of rain etc) is cool but a little all over the place. Again, he's such a visionary I forgive the lack of focus.

[Thorn]

I LOVE KSR, I think he's a real visionary. If you get a change try to find the Three Californias tryptich... Pacific Edge, The Wild Shore and the Gold coast... looks like it's being reprinted in an omnibus.

The new one (40 day of rain etc) is cool but a little all over the place. Again, he's such a visionary I forgive the lack of focus.

Agreed....on all counts. I am still haunted by one of the California books--the post apocolyptic book where the outside world prevents technology from redeveloping. Bad plot summary on my part, but some days I fear that isn't so far fetched.

I didn't mind the 40 Days series. A little disconnected, particularly the last book, but it is an important viewpoint. Besides, after the Years of Rice and Salt I was pleased (I'm one of the few who did *not* like YoRaS)

[skibum]

wow, you read Sarum! I don't know anyone else besides myself that has read that book.

I've read Sarum too... For those who like historical fiction, I'm currently reading one also based in England called World Without End. It's by Ken Follett and is a sequel to his book Pillars of the Earth. Both are very good.

[Crankin]

I read constantly, but I think I am the only person (and English teacher) who has not read Harry Potter. I really dislike fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery; all those strange names confuse me and there just doesn't seem to be the same type of plots that I like in other genres. I like historical fiction and just plain regular realistic fiction books about real people. I have also read quite a few of the biographies like John Adams and I really liked the Bill Clinton bio. I also read a lot of non fiction on politics, ec.
And as far as those series of Unfortunate Events... after awhile my former students realized that they were a "formula" type of book and they always ended the same way. The same thing happened a few years ago with the RL Stine and Goosebumps books, which were even worse in terms of writing quality. The kids could never understand why i don't like fantasy, but some of the YA science fiction I have read is OK.

[Pax]

I'm in a Fannie Flagg mode these days. I'm reading Can't Wait to Get to Heaven right now and it's just lovely.

[jobob]

+1 for Fannie Flagg.

Queen, have you read Welcome to the World, Baby Girl - that's one of my favorites.

[Pax]

+1 for Fannie Flagg.

Queen, have you read Welcome to the World, Baby Girl - that's one of my favorites.

I have read it and it was wonderful! It's on my re-read list.

I love how she is able to distill things down to simplicity..."kindness and forgiveness is always right, hate and revenge is always wrong".

[GLC1968]

I've read Sarum too... For those who like historical fiction, I'm currently reading one also based in England called World Without End. It's by Ken Follett and is a sequel to his book Pillars of the Earth. Both are very good.

Ooh, I'm going to have to get a copy of both of those! I believe that I've read Ken Follett before, but I can't remember the titles (it wasn't either of those). Thanks!