The Book thread

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

Just finished a A Sherlock Holmes novel. The very first one, called A Study in Scarlett. Never read a SH book before and now I want to read more. What's refreshing about reading such an old novel is the eloquent beauty and charm of the English language in the late 1800s, both in its middle class and workman like forms. But the novel itself was brilliant too, telling 2 seemingly unrelated stories. The first of which, a young Dr Watson eloquently and humorously narrates his origins and first encounters with a young eccentric, self conceited, somewhat anti social but brilliant yet likeable Sherlock Holmes, and of his endeavour to solve a murder mystery. The second story is an epic one set 40 years earlier, spanning 40 years, in Salt Lake City, America. Of course this part involves neither Watson or Holmes but it finally converges with the first story just like a Tarantino script! I really recommend it, if you want a refreshing departure from modern novels. Its also a very short novel.

I read this as an e-book which legally free to download from

http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/244

[Ms Thrifty]

Despite being a keen reader, I have never even touched a Conan Doyle/Sherlock Holmes novel (ditto Dickens, Trollope, etc; might be time to start a " well-known writers I've never read" thread, to parallel the film version?) but this does sound interesting and it might be the right moment to start, with the film coming out soon and a pastiche just having been published.

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

I forgot about the new Sherlock Holmes film coming. It looks like its going to be a great deal of fun albeit very far away from Doyles' vision!

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

Just finished the second SH book, and it was thoroughly enjoyable but it makes me a tad wary about reading some very old books (and indeed, watching very old films) when non english/americans are involved. As these were times when non whites were not treated as equals, some things we can read can come across as shockingly racist! This second book, did have such moments which I found a little jarring but we have to remember that these authors and film makers are mostly innocent because as with most of that generation, they simply inherited the mindset and opinions of their forefathers.

[andrews]

I have just read Chocolat by Joanne Harris, and rather enjoyed it. Her style is beautifully descriptive - you can see that chocolate shop, and taste those chocolates! And when you're trying to lose weight, that's as near to chocolate as I'm getting. I saw the film a few years ago, but think I'd like to see it again soon to see how closely it mirrors the book.
I've now started on another novel by Harris - The Lollipop Shoes, which follows the same characters to Paris.

[anakin]

I have just read Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Oooh, I loved this. Haven't seen the film, perhaps I should. Let me know if the second book is any good - might try it!

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

The film is really enjoyable, Anakin, Andrews. Its whimsical and enjoyable. Great cinematography and soundtrack too. If I recall it won an oscar for best film (or was it director) though I dont think it was really that worthy of an Oscar.

[the fox]

Has anyone been reading the new Dan Brown book, The Lost Symbol? Just finished it and I quite enjoyed it. Its a typical Brown formula (ie Langdon, the protaganist chases and deciphers one clue after another whilst being chased himself) but it doesnt meant its all predictable and there are some very cool plot turns.

The subject matter about Free Masons is fascinating and is impressively researched but man there's a hell of a lot of "lectures" to trawl through which does drag the plot to a halt (and the negative critics will pounce on this, I'm sure). A lot of the information goes over my naive (alright stupid) head but I am sure it would inspire many to investigate the myths and legends for themselves. But once again, Brown dares to challenge multiple religion beliefs but not without respect to other religions in my opinion but I sure there will be many outraged.

What really tries my patience is not the lectures but the time it takes for Langdon and co to work out these damn cryptic clues. If I could do it with them then great but no, we as a reader are forced to boringly read how they are solving the clues. I hated these parts of the book.

As for his writing style, its popcorn entertainment. Simple, and crass. I like it, easier to consume! So all in all, I enjoyed it and there are moments of supreme plot thrills but it does also try my bloody patience often.

err... sorry, that turned into a mini review lol.

Not sure what I'll read next. Either a Dean Koontz book, a Discworld novel (I've read about 7 books so far) or a children's book. I'm sure of one thing though, I'm not b*ying another book as my next read, I have a plethora of books at home I havent got round to reading yet! I wonder if anyone else here are like me, b*ying books at faster rate than able to read them!

I’ve not read any Dan Brown's books yet, however i do have the Da Vinci Code and Deception Point in my bookcase to read at some point.

Have you read any Sam Bourne books The Righteous Men, The Last Testament and The Final Reckoning? Apparently if you like Dan Brown’s work you’ll like Sam Bourne’s

[MariaLionza]

Has anyone read Kluge by Gary Marcus? Just started it and hope is good, at least it seems interesting!
My thing is that I think Ive exagereted with school and doing too many things and can't read as fast as i used to, we'll see

[anakin]

The film is really enjoyable, Anakin, Andrews. Its whimsical and enjoyable. Great cinematography and soundtrack too. If I recall it won an oscar for best film (or was it director) though I dont think it was really that worthy of an Oscar.

GIven that hubby won't give me the LoveFilm password for fear of being inundated with romcoms, I did e-mail him to put it on the list. I have my fingers crossed. We've not had any films in ages though! Must complain and see if I can get freebies like Superhero did!