Thursday, July 23, 2009

Cafe Chaos - Books

Thursday, July 23, 2009

SIS Barb says:

A couple of months ago I picked up a book from the .25 table at my local RWA chapter meeting. Members bring books they have read and others can buy them for .25 and those proceeds go towards future meetings. Anyway, I had never heard of this author but the cover intrigued me. To date, it is on my top five list and probably the best quarter I have ever spent!

My Pick of the Week: The Reincarnationist

From the authors website: “THE REINCARNATIONIST is equal parts modern-day thriller, historical fiction and love story. With one foot in present-day Rome and New York and another in Rome some 1,600 years ago, my story is about two worlds consumed by the fires of intrigue and passion.

This book had me intrigued from the get go. I couldn’t put it down and while it didn’t end as I had imagined—causing me to have an emotional tirade—I realized that it did what it was supposed to do. It made me emotional. It made me feel.

I recently heard that this author is a marketing phenom. Who knows, maybe I can learn something from her. This would be a good thing.

I am currently reading the follow up the The Reincarnationist called The Memorist and hope it is just as fascinating.

Author: M.J. Rose

SIS Bren says:

I was trying to think of a book off the top of my head to recommend since I'm not able to see my collection of books at the moment and then I remembered a conversation I had with my nephew earlier this week. I asked him why he never commented on our blog and he replied that if I were to mention a certain book, he would be more than happy to comment. So here you go Michael...

My Pick of the Week: the Harry Potter series

Someone suggested the first Harry Potter installment when my son was about 7. He didn't seem to have the discipline for a book that size yet, so I decided to read it to him. Before I knew it, he was hooked and so was I. I have read every Harry Potter and have enjoyed getting to know the characters as they grew and matured. I'm sure that most people know what these books are about but just in case...

From Barnes & Noble: Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has spent 11 awful years living with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudley. But everything changes for Harry when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. At this special school, Harry finds friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, as well as a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter. From an author who has been compared to C. S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, this enchanting, funny debut novel won England's National Book Award and the prestigious Smarties Prize.

Author: JK Rowling

SIS Beth says:

As most of you know, when I’m reading for pleasure, my genre of choice is romantic fiction. That said, sometimes I branch out, but even then it’s still mostly contemporary genres such as mysteries and thrillers. I haven’t read many of the classics although I often enjoy when those books are made into movies. For instance I’m a sucker for any story written by Jane Austen or Charles Dickens. I love any and all film adaptations of their work. I really should go to the source sometime. Recently, I’ve been intrigued by a subgenre called Steampunk. It sounds radical but it actually goes way back. Think Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne or, more recently, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore.

According to Wikipedia: Steampunk denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date.

There are several other variations. Where movies are concerned, Will Smith’s Wild Wild West also falls into this category. At any rate, to explore this sub-genre in earnest, I decided to start with a classic.

My Pick of the Week: The Time Machine

I can’t review this book because I only started it. I will say that I am incredibly intrigued by the concept and charmed by the writing style. Written in 1895, H.G. Well’s use of the English language is fantastic. Why, oh, why don’t we talk like that anymore? So eloquent. I’ve seen film adaptations (or spin-offs) of this story and loved them, but they can’t compare to the actual book. Mostly because they don’t wholly capture his writing style. It’s not an easy read, but it a fascinating and inspiring read. I can tell you one thing… I’m broadening my vocabulary.

Author: H.G. Wells

16 comments:

Michael Miller said...

The Harry Potter books are so good. I just finshed reading the 7th book again the other night. I started reading them because I think it was Aunt Beth that sent me a copy when I was 10 or 11. These are the books that got me reading. I hated to read before that, so thank you for the book Aunt Beth. You sparked a love of reading in me with that book.

Sara Strunk said...

I am a total chick lit girl. I love stuff by Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella (although the latter's books seem to read the same). I think it all stems from my days as an English major when I had to read heavy heavy stuff...and tons of it! Now, I just read for me....when I can. (Mostly I have to read Dr. Seuss and books about Disney princesses to a very captive audience. I wouldn't trade those times for anything...)

Becca Miller said...

I"m so with you aunt Brenda! I love the Harry Potter books, but the movies are always a big disappointment because I spend two hours thinking about how messed up they are.

Anonymous said...

This blog came up in my google alert - thanks so much for reading me - if I can help with marketing - let me know -

Tori Lennox said...

I love the Harry Potter series too!

And I've become thoroughly intrigued by the whole steampunk genre. Part of me wants to give a whirl at writing it, but I'm not at all sure I could do it justice.

Beth Ciotta said...

Hi Michael!

To think I may have possibly turned you on to reading is a huge thrill.

Also waving to Becca! Thanks so much for stopping by! Viva Harry Potter!

SIS (aunt) Beth

Beth Ciotta said...

Sara, I am a total Dr. Seuss geek. I don't think you're ever to old for those charming and clever stories.

SIS Beth

Beth Ciotta said...

Hi, MJ!

Aren't Google Alerts great? Well, most of the time anyway. Thanks so much for stopping by. All best with THE MEMORIST!

SIS Beth

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Oh my goodness! Hello to Ms. M.J. Rose! Thank you so much for stopping by! The Reincarnationist was amazing and I am so glad I discovered your work!

Please stop by again if you have time and let me know when you have some spare time to discuss marketing and being a writer in general. Perhaps we could persuade you to guest blog for us??? Let me know!

SIS Barb

Beth Ciotta said...

Tori, I just ordered two Steampunk anthologies. I'll let you know what I think. Stay tuned...

SIS Beth

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Hey Michael and Becca! Hugs to you. Believe it or not I haven't read the Harry Potter series but it looks like I should.

I'm with you, Becca. Movies are never as good as the books!

SIS Barb

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Hey Sara,

SO glad to see you here! I think you should always read for yourself. Well, except the Disney stuff. I totally get that. Mine makes me read Power Rangers and Transformers books.

SIS Barb

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Beth,

You have me very much intrigued. I need to check these out!

Bren,

Loan a sista some Harry Potter?


SIS Barb

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Tori,

I have never read Steampunk but I have a feeling you would write it well! Go for it!

SIS Barb

Becca Miller said...

aunt Barb
I can give yo the books next time your here if you want. Just send me a message via facebook or something and let me know.

And HI Aunt Beth!
Becca

Brooks C. said...

Beth,

I don't know if you check replies this old, but I'm glad you've discovered steam punk. You have some great reading experiences ahead. :-)

Post a Comment