Next Month's Book Suggestions

**bittner29** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:49 am

As you should already know we have chosen Pride, Prejudice and Zombies. That is if the bookstores finally get enough copies in to satisfy the demand for this book.
We would like to go ahead and picka second book for the month. Two suggestions made by Kate are Good Omens by Terry pratchett and Neil Gaiman and the Coffee House Mysteries by Cleo Coyle.

After reading the reviews for these two books I am leaning towards Good Omens. It sounds really dark and funny. I just wasn't that impressed with the reviews for the Coffee House series.

I believe there is another book we might be looking into but I don't recall the name at the moment so I will post that one later. But for now check these out and tell us what you think.

**Rigby** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Tue May 26, 2009 6:30 pm

There's a couple books that I would like to offer up for future book club ideas, two of which I already own (but haven't read), so that would be nice!

I found this review online whilst searching for images of Outlander (I know, how weird!)

Quote:
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

I have only written 700 words in the last three days. That's normally my minimum for just one day. Last night, I went to bed well past 3 a.m. Today, my review is a good five hours late.

So, what's the deal? Did I suddenly contract a disease which promotes extreme irresponsibility?

No. It's all the fault of a book. A really, ridiculously amazing book: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.

Cassandra Clare is one of those authors whose name I have heard thousands of times. In the Young Adult world, there is a group of writers who all live in New York City, all are friends, and all produce amazing books - Libba Bray, Holly Black, Maureen Johnson, and even John Green (though he has now moved to Indiana...so he's more of a proxy NYC writer) make up their ranks. Their individual blogs and vlogs are always referencing some hilarious thing one of them said, or some coffee shop venture where they were all present...it's enough to make a devoted YA reader green with envy. Cassandra Clare is part of this group...which should have been the first tip off that her books are amazing. Would MJ lie to us? I think not.

Still, it wasn't until a few days ago that I finally picked up her debut and the first in The Mortal Instruments series - City of Bones. Why the wait? Well...it's an urban fantasy. I know, I know that this is one of the hot new markets in YA, but my hit rate on these books have been pretty low. I adored Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely, but even that was a little far out on the fantasy spectrum for me. Growing up as a romance reader, I'm just not familiar with all the world-building and canon that is involved there...many times they just end up seeming too plodding for my tastes. (Go ahead, throw tomatoes at me! I know!) Not so with CoB. Despite possessing more fantasy elements than most books I've read, City of Bones is the most engrossing book I've picked up in a long time. Possibly years.

It follows the story of Clary (Clarissa) Fray, a fifteen year-old New Yorker, who while at a club with her best friend, the hilarious and charming, Simon witnesses the murder of another club-goer. Or who she thinks is a club-goer. In fact, the boy is a demon and Clary, an ordinary human, shouldn't have been able to see the murder or the murderers at all. Well, the three teenagers who took the guy out are curious about Clary, to say the least. She is instantly pulled into the world of the Shadowhunters, aka demon hunters, and especially toward their sarcastic, smoldering leader, Jace. When her mother disappears and the lies about Clary's own history come to light - Why can she see them, if she's a normal girl? - she must team up with the Shadowhunters against a dark villain and the treachery all around her.

Yeah, okay, I suck at synopsizing. But here's what you really need to know:

-If you loved Buffy, you will love CoB. The dialogue is hilarious and very reminiscent of the witty vampire slaying gang.

-Love Triangle. Oh, oh, oh the love triangle. Who will Clary choose - the goofy & lovable Simon or the mysterious and sexy Jace?

-There's the best plot twist I've seen ever. I won't spoil it, but...right after this I'm running out to buy the second book at B&N. And then will probably wait on pins & needles until the last one comes out in March.

-Did I mention how hot Jace is? Do we need any more gushing? If you like your heroes with a large does of snark...this is the guy for you.

-It doesn't read like a YA book. Adults and teens alike will relish this one...Clare doesn't talk down to her readers, doesn't insult their intelligence. Her prose is vivid and her characters whip-smart.

In short - phenomenal. The reviews on Amazon are mixed, which is understandable. This is clearly in the category of a love it or hate it book, because the plot twist is one which requires your ultimate trust in the author. I have extreme faith that Ms. Clare will make it all right in the end, which is the only thing that kept me from screaming after the last few chapters. Even with that, this book is one I will read multiple times in the years to come. Loved it!

Okay...err...I'm off to Barnes & Noble now. Ciao, Originals!

I also picked up a Martin Millar book- I LOVED his books Lonely Werewolf Girl and The Good Faeries of New York. So I was excited to see his new book on the shelves: Lux The Poet.

Quote:
There is something about Lux. He’s a thief and a liar; he is selfish and self-absorbed and hopelessly vain. But while he looks like Lana Turner and romances like a true Casanova, Lux is actually more like a bumbling, oblivious Mary Tyler Moore.

Amid shouting mobs, police shields, and the hurled bricks of the ’80s Brixton riots, Lux is searching for Pearl—the love of his life. Her home has been burned down by a stray petrol bomb, and she’s searching for sanctuary along with her friend Nicky. Nicky is traumatized after having killed her computer—her best friend—and is herself being followed by Happy Science PLC. It is their plan to breed a superior next generation by implanting the sperm of genius men inside beautiful women. She knows too much about the plan. Lux is helped in his quest by Kalia, a castaway of Heaven attempting to get back in God’s good graces by performing one million good deeds over countless lifetimes. There’s also a thrash metal band, a riot-party, past lives, and KY. Lots of KY.

I'm also interested in checking out the Ninja book, although to be honest while I do think ninjas are cool, I don't know that I want to read about them. But then, I felt the same way about pirates, and I loved Capt. Hook...

So, what's some other suggestions? I picked the Hook book and Outlander, so I don't want to monopolize the selections (Okay, total lie, I DO want to monopolize all the selections, but I'm fighting the impulse.).

_________________

tjy49 · Midnighter Posts: 98 Join date: 2008-07-15

I'm more interested in Lux myself. Another one I've been considering lately is a graphic novel called Y. (Or maybe X). It's about the last man on earth and the women who want to kill him. Anywhoo, I'll read whatever now that I've GRADUATED Smile

**Rigby** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Wed May 27, 2009 10:38 am

You know, Bitt and I have talked about doing another graphic novel. Lux is a really slim book, maybe we could couple it with the graphic novel?

Is this the novel you're talking about?

Unmanned (Y: The Last Man, Vol. 1) (Paperback)
by Brian K. Vaughan (Author), Pia Guerra (Illustrator)

Yorick Brown is an escape artist; has a fabulous girlfriend who's traveling in Australia; and possesses a genetic make-up that's allowed him to survive a plague that killed every male being on the planet except for him and his pet monkey. Yorick is the last man on earth, and in the resulting chaos, he must find a way to help save the human race. At least that's what the (now all-female) government thinks. Yorick would prefer to find his girlfriend, but it's hard to get a flight halfway around the world when almost all the pilots and mechanics are gone. It's hard enough to drive down the block, since the streets are jammed with the cars of men who were behind the wheel when the instantaneous plague hit. Furthermore, the entire social fabric has gone to hell, with gun-wielding wives of Republican representatives insisting on getting their husbands' seats and tribes of latter-day Amazons claiming males were meant to die. Since Yorick's mother is a congresswoman, he's protected by secret spies. And his escape skills come in handy when he's trapped first by a marauding garbage-woman and then by his mother, as she tries to keep him from doing anything stupid. Meanwhile, who are the mysterious Israeli soldiers who seem so gratified by the situation, and why is Yorick's sister so intent on joining the Amazons? With clean lines and muted colors, Guerra and Marz n invoke a frighteningly believable future; their vision of the surprise and horror to come is so beautifully ordinary, it's entirely convincing-and addictive.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

_________________

**bittner29** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Wed May 27, 2009 11:11 pm

When I was looking at books at Borders the other day I glanced at one series of graphic novels called Fables that seemed interesting. I didn't look to in depth at them so I'm not sure what you guys will think about them. Right now I am just focused on trying to get through Outlander asap before I think about books for next month. So I'll get back to you when I'm done with that one.

The only thing I know about Little Rock, Arkansas is what I saw in this documentary on HBO. It was all about the desegregation of the Little Rock Central High School back in 1957. It didn't really paint the city in the best light, but when Ame and I drove through there on our road trip a couple of years ago I wanted to stop and see the school because it has statues in front to commemorate that event. And there is a section of the Civil Rights museum in Memphis dedicated to that even as well. But that probably doesn't paint Little Rock in the best light, so sorry.

Ever since I finished Capt. Hook I've been dying to watch Hook. I didn't know that the guy who wrote Capt. Hook wrote the screenplay as well, that's awesome!

Anyway, now that things are calming down at work I promise I wont try to come up with any excuses for delaying with the book club. Sorry for my behavior these past two months. I love this book club I didn't mean to ignore it. Wont ever happen again I promise!

tjy49 · Midnighter Posts: 98 Join date: 2008-07-15

Yeah, that's the graphic novel I was talking about. The place I found in Little Rock is called Summit House apartments if anyone wants to look it up. But I've already put a payment on it and will look at it on June 18th. Not the best plan, but at least I have a place to live.

**Rigby** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:06 pm

Did you get the Loft floor plan?

_________________

tjy49 · Midnighter Posts: 98 Join date: 2008-07-15

If loft is the cheapest/code for efficiency, then yes. I don't remember what they call it. I have room 207 if you want to mail me anything Smile

Should I see if I can get a job at a Dillards in Virginia? Razz

**Rigby** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:19 am

Yes, please!!!!! I miss my friends!!!!!!! There are two stores in Richmond, one in the Short Pump area which despite it's unusual name is actually a pretty cool area. And Virginia has 4 (!) distinct seasons!!!!!!

_________________

**bittner29** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:15 pm

has anyone read the Dorothy Dunnett books? She has a series called the House of Niccolo. Now you all know how I feel about series but my friend Tara and I were talking about these books and she really loves them. They are historical fiction and they do sound really good. The same author has another seires called the Lymond Chronicles and those are the ones that Tara just loved.
So if neither of you have ready these books. I would really like to do one. Since I do hate becomming attachted to series I'm not saying we have to committ to the series I would just like to read one at some point.

This is the review for the first book of the Lymond Chronicles:

Praised for her historical fiction by critics and devoted fans alike, author Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles took the romance world by storm some 30 years ago, firmly fixing Dunnett's reputation as a master of the historical romance. The Game of Kings, the first story in The Lymond Chronicles, sets the stage for what will be a sweeping saga filled with passion, courage, and the endless fight for freedom. The setting is 1547, in Edinborough, Scotland. Francis Crawford of Lymond returns to the country despite the charge of treason hanging over his head. Set on redeeming his reputation, He leads a company of outlaws against England as he fights for the country he loves so dearly. Dangerous, quick-witted, and utterly irresistible, Lymond is pure pleasure to watch as he traverses 16th-century Scotland in search of freedom. The Game of Kings is a must-have for the historical romance connoisseur.

This is the review for the first book of the House of Niccolo:

Dunnett has chosen the 15th-century Low Countries as the setting for her new historical series. The four-page list of characters announces the panoply of individuals, many based on historical persons. The fictional Claus, later Niccolo, is an apprentice at the Bruges branch of the Charetty company, run by the widowed owner. Claus is an engima, seemingly a buffoon getting into scrapes with Felix, the Charetty heir, but also capable of initiating a courier service in connection with the Charetty commercial and mercenary ventures. In an era of economic and political intrigue, Claus makes the most of all opportunitiesromantic and business. The action is swift; major and peripheral characters are well developed; and settings and events are interestingly depicted. The unresolved plots leave the door open for a sequel. Ellen Kaye Stoppel, Drake Univ. Law Lib., Des Moines

Just let me know what you guys think.

tjy49 · Midnighter Posts: 98 Join date: 2008-07-15

that's fine. i'm still about a month behind though. i'm still on outlander, jaime and claire have just gotten married and are about to meet a beggar, i think.

**Rigby** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Tue Jun 23, 2009 3:13 pm

I'm fine with trying one of those books, whichever you want, although I kind of had my fill of historical romance with Outlander. I wouldn't mind taking a little break before the next HR. However, you are due for a book pick and I'm always game to at least try a book. geek

_________________

tjy49 · Midnighter Posts: 98 Join date: 2008-07-15

Ever heard of a book called infinite jest? i read about it today in entertainment weekly. it's apparently 1000 pages, so it might be hard to read in a month, but is being marketed as something to read throughout the summer. Sounds kinda interesting, but I don't know if it will be good. Still working on Outlander, haven't started Lux, and am going to listen to Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris on my way to Little Rock on Thursday.

Or what about The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro? I think it's about zombies, if I remember right.

tjy49 · Midnighter Posts: 98 Join date: 2008-07-15

Here's a list that newsweek put out of must reads. Hopefully the link will still be up whenever you look at it, if you want.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/204300?gt1=43002

**Rigby** · Subject: Re: Next Month's Book Suggestions Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:08 am

Okay, since we originally set out to read a thriller (Hello! I'm going to be at the beach for 3 weeks!) for the month of June I have been googling thrillers all night.

Shutter Island popped up on several lists. The book is by Denis Lehane, who also wrote Mystic River. Shutter Island it going to be a soon to be released movie. I saw the preview but didn't get much out of it. However according to Amazon the book is supposed to be pretty amazingly well written. Plus the ending is supposed to be a huge shocker (but not in the cheap crappy way, but more in the wow that makes sense kind of way)
http://www.amazon.com/Shutter-Island-Dennis-Lehane/dp/038073186X/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

The Surgeon also looks good, and I honestly can't remember the last time I read a medical drama...
http://www.amazon.com/Surgeon-Novel-Tess-Gerritsen/dp/0345517822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246939132&sr=1-1

_________________