The Luminaries got me interested in the New Zealand gold rush, and now I am reading another novel about it: The Colour, by Rose Tremain. It is interesting, and a much easier read than Luminaries.
Momofmusician17, maybe you could give The Colour a try why you are waiting for The Luminaries. Then again, you may get your hands on that book sooner than you think. I can guarantee you that some of the people on your wait list are going to try it and just give up!
I just read Lottery by Patricia Wood. Though this novel was published a few years ago I recently discovered it at the library. I wasnāt expecting much from it, but found that it was one of those books that you continue to think about after you have finished it. This book had me laughing at times and crying at others. I immediately bought it for my daughter for Christmas. I canāt do it justice here, but if you are interested you can find reviews online.
About a third of the way through The Luminaries. Not enchanted, but slogging on. The book is written in what I guess you could call 19th century style. Not the first time Iāve encountered this approach in an historical novel, but I never really understand the rationale. Thereās a parlor trick aspect to it that annoys me. (To say nothing of the parlor trickery of the astrology stuffāsee below.) Coming to this tome right after reading The Goldfinch, I feel the need to lecture these authors about the virtues of brevity! I think if you read this part of the NYT article about the author, you may share my eyeroll:
Sigh.
NJTheaterMOM- Thanks for the recommendation. I just placed a hold on The Colour and should have it at my local library by Wednesday!
Just finished The Lowlands (very good) and Kate Atkinsonās Life after Life, which is an extraordinary book, truly. I read Louise pennyās How The Light Gets In and was impressed by the tight plot and great characters even though I am not much of a mystery fan.
EPTR - have you read Kate Morton? I think her books are full of psychological suspense and are very well written - particularly The Forgotten Garden and The Secret Keeper. I also liked Distant Hours and am reading Riverton House now and enjoying it.
I am not yet at the caught up by the plot stage of The Luminaries, but Iām hoping Iāll get there.
The Secret Keeper was my favorite book of 2013. I think I will pick up more of her books now that you mention it.
I know that epistrophy hasnāt been here in ages but I wanted to send out a virtual thank you to him. This is my favorite discussion on CC and Iām so glad that he started it, all those years ago. I still read/listen to his music blog. Heās always been on my list of CC members who I would be happy to meet.
I read Night Film and NOS4A2 and liked them both.
Night Film is a mystery/thriller. (I got annoyed at the overuse of italics but otherwise got caught up in the murder - or was it suicide? - story.)
NOS4A2 is a horror/thriller. Once I wrapped my mind around the horror aspect, I really liked it. The main character reminds me a bit of Lisbeth Salander (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) only with paranormal capabilities rather than abuse issues. Author Joe Hill is Stephen Kingās son, and I noted some similarities in style (and length of book).
Both books have an overlong section (in my opinion) near the end that could have been shortened. Still, both were quick reads despite length.
Good escapist fiction.
@mathmom: I am also in the process of slaying the monster called The Luminaries. I was kind of detached for the first part, uncertain if I cared about any of the characters. I am past the halfway point, and it is starting to come togetherā¦I think!
Night Film was interesting. I was able to download it from the library and then access the on-line content.
I just finished the latest Tom Thorne British police procedural by Mark Billingham. I enjoy revisiting the characters.
I have the latest Louise Penney to read. The Beautiful Mystery has to be my favorite book of 2013 and I am looking forward to the new one in the series.
EPTR, For psychological thrillers, Alafair Burke, Sophie Hannah, and Lynda LaPlante are three of my favorites. Denise Mina writes mystery/police procedurals, but they are engrossing and very well written, as are Val McDermid and Minette Walters.
Make sure you look at your library, if you havenāt already. Mine uses OverDrive, and I am able to download all kinds of books to my iPad for free. If I find I like an author Iāll buy in HB, but ebooks are great for checking out new-to-me authors.
My local bookstore, Seattle Mystery Bookshop, has a quarterly newsletter online which can give you suggestions as well. Look at the back issues.
I love OverDrive. I just took a look at Lottery, suggested by mominaz, and was already able to borrow, download and start reading it. I just finished Divergent so I could discuss it with my 14 year old niece. Not bad.
The Book Thief.
I just read The Fault in our Stars. So real and so sad. Itās about Love and Loss, not Cancer.
I just finished Necessary Lies. It follows the story of a young newlywed woman who becomes a social worker and the poor family she works with. Her department wants to trick a young girl into being sterilized without her knowledge through the eugenics program, and she tries to save her. I stayed up until 3am reading the last half all at once, I had to know what happened to Ivy!
mommusic, I loved The Fault in Our Stars. So did both my daughters.
Can only speak for H as Iām always reading work related materials. He LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, " Boys on the Boat." I think it might be one of his all time favorites.
^ Also loved Boys on the Boat. I thought it started slowly but I quickly got caught up in this true story. H is going to read it on my recommendation and I expect heāll be happy he did.