What are you reading?

[DiveMilw]

If anyone wants a really quick read, try Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. It's a novel(ette) about two lovers in an unspecified war-torn country in the Middle East, and apparently there are doors that are portals to other parts of the world, and would-be refugees can use them for a price. Like a much more sophisticated (not to mention instantaneous and safer) version of boats crossing the Mediterranean.

That sounds really interesting.  The doors remind me of "The Adjustment Bureau" where if you are wearing a particular hat you can cause a door to open into another part of the world. 

[DiveMilw]

If anyone wants a really quick read, try Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. It's a novel(ette) about two lovers in an unspecified war-torn country in the Middle East, and apparently there are doors that are portals to other parts of the world, and would-be refugees can use them for a price. Like a much more sophisticated (not to mention instantaneous and safer) version of boats crossing the Mediterranean.

That sounds really interesting.  The doors remind me of "The Adjustment Bureau" where if you are wearing a particular hat you can cause a door to open into another part of the world. 

I have placed a hold on the e-book version at my library.  They also had regular books but they were all checked out as well. 

In other library news my local library's website got hacked this morning.  I was wondering why I couldn't bring it up to check the hours at the various branches.  They said it has been down since about 7:30 a.m.  I didn't think to ask but I wonder how long it will be down and what damage was done. 

[JustTheOneAnne]

I picked up a copy of Isherwood's Berlin novels--Mr. Norris Changes Trains and Goodbye to Berlin--and I'm slowly making my way through!  (Only slowly because after a day of German class I never want to see a written word again, so reading isn't top priority.)

It's fun to read the non-Sally Bowles stuff and recognize characters who made it into the film version of Cabaret in some form.

[DiveMilw]

Neil Gaiman recommends "London Labour and the London Poor" by Henry Mayhew.  In his talk/interview tonight he said he re-reads it at least once a decade.  
I'm tying to find an e-book version that has the complete set.  (It was originally published as a series of articles.)  It reminds me of "Working" by Studs Terkle  

Wikipedia article about the book.

[Bobster]

I'm having fun reading Wouldn't It Be Deadly by D.E. Ireland.

Post Pygmalion, Eliza Doolittle is a language teacher under the pompous Hungarian Nepommuck, taking credit in the papers for Eliza's transformation and causing Henry Higgin's wrath.

When Nepommuck is found stabbed after it has been announced that he was engaged to an older Marchoness, Eliza must find out what happened.

That sounds like an absolute blast!

It was.  Now I'm reading the 2nd book, Move Your Blooming Corpse.  Fun so far.

[mrssondheim]

I have gotten way out of the practice of reading books.  I used to be an avid reader, but it has been years since then. I have time now to read a book and I am at a loss as to what to start with.  I used to LOVE actor biographies.  Actors such as Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, or Carol Burnett. 

Anyone have any recommendations?? 

[KathyB]

I have gotten way out of the practice of reading books.  I used to be an avid reader, but it has been years since then. I have time now to read a book and I am at a loss as to what to start with.  I used to LOVE actor biographies.  Actors such as Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, or Carol Burnett. 

Anyone have any recommendations?? 

I just finished Gabourey Sidibe's This Is Just My Face, and while she isn't quite like Joan Crawford or Lauren Bacall, she's got a fun way of telling a story, especially about when she was a phone sex worker. You might enjoy that book. I bet the audiobook would be a hoot.

[mrssondheim]

I have gotten way out of the practice of reading books.  I used to be an avid reader, but it has been years since then. I have time now to read a book and I am at a loss as to what to start with.  I used to LOVE actor biographies.  Actors such as Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, or Carol Burnett. 

Anyone have any recommendations?? 

I just finished Gabourey Sidibe's This Is Just My Face, and while she isn't quite like Joan Crawford or Lauren Bacall, she's got a fun way of telling a story, especially about when she was a phone sex worker. You might enjoy that book. I bet the audiobook would be a hoot.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I will look into it, though I am not a fan of hers at all. 

[artscallion]

I have gotten way out of the practice of reading books.  I used to be an avid reader, but it has been years since then. I have time now to read a book and I am at a loss as to what to start with.  I used to LOVE actor biographies.  Actors such as Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, or Carol Burnett. 

Anyone have any recommendations?? 

Have you read My Way of Life by Joan Crawford. I first heard about it from the recent Bette and Joan miniseries. She wrote it near the end of her life as a sort of guide for the everyday woman to gracious (and correct) living. She gives advice on giving parties, decorating, dieting, how women should act, and basically what the world looks like through the hugely warped prism of Joan Crawford.

While it's not the best book, it's fascinating in that it gives a real insight into the way she really thinks about things. one bit advises you join a group for exercise to help stay motivated, and that being in such a group may causes a certain competition that will yield great results, but that being skinny is worth losing a few fat friends.

[mrssondheim]

I have gotten way out of the practice of reading books.  I used to be an avid reader, but it has been years since then. I have time now to read a book and I am at a loss as to what to start with.  I used to LOVE actor biographies.  Actors such as Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, or Carol Burnett. 

Anyone have any recommendations?? 

Have you read My Way of Life by Joan Crawford. I first heard about it from the recent Bette and Joan miniseries. She wrote it near the end of her life as a sort of guide for the everyday woman to gracious (and correct) living. She gives advice on giving parties, decorating, dieting, how women should act, and basically what the world looks like through the hugely warped prism of Joan Crawford.

While it's not the best book, it's fascinating in that it gives a real insight into the way she really thinks about things. one bit advises you join a group for exercise to help stay motivated, and that being in such a group may causes a certain competition that will yield great results, but that being skinny is worth losing a few fat friends.

That sounds right up my alley!

[Gordonb]

House of Spies the 17th book in Daniel Silva's spy series featuring art restorer and Israeli agent, Gabriel Allon. One of those authors that I buy on release (kindle that is) as I know I will enjoy it.


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[Bobster]

I have gotten way out of the practice of reading books.  I used to be an avid reader, but it has been years since then. I have time now to read a book and I am at a loss as to what to start with.  I used to LOVE actor biographies.  Actors such as Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, or Carol Burnett. 

Anyone have any recommendations?? 

Have you read My Way of Life by Joan Crawford. I first heard about it from the recent Bette and Joan miniseries. She wrote it near the end of her life as a sort of guide for the everyday woman to gracious (and correct) living. She gives advice on giving parties, decorating, dieting, how women should act, and basically what the world looks like through the hugely warped prism of Joan Crawford.

While it's not the best book, it's fascinating in that it gives a real insight into the way she really thinks about things. one bit advises you join a group for exercise to help stay motivated, and that being in such a group may causes a certain competition that will yield great results, but that being skinny is worth losing a few fat friends.

Despite that last rude thought, it's a fascinating read.

She also did an audiobook and it's all up on YouTube.  I've downloaded it by chapters if someone wants.

[mrssondheim]

I have gotten way out of the practice of reading books.  I used to be an avid reader, but it has been years since then. I have time now to read a book and I am at a loss as to what to start with.  I used to LOVE actor biographies.  Actors such as Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, or Carol Burnett. 

Anyone have any recommendations?? 

Have you read My Way of Life by Joan Crawford. I first heard about it from the recent Bette and Joan miniseries. She wrote it near the end of her life as a sort of guide for the everyday woman to gracious (and correct) living. She gives advice on giving parties, decorating, dieting, how women should act, and basically what the world looks like through the hugely warped prism of Joan Crawford.

While it's not the best book, it's fascinating in that it gives a real insight into the way she really thinks about things. one bit advises you join a group for exercise to help stay motivated, and that being in such a group may causes a certain competition that will yield great results, but that being skinny is worth losing a few fat friends.

Despite that last rude thought, it's a fascinating read.

She also did an audiobook and it's all up on YouTube.  I've downloaded it by chapters if someone wants.

Yes please!

[Bobster]

I have gotten way out of the practice of reading books.  I used to be an avid reader, but it has been years since then. I have time now to read a book and I am at a loss as to what to start with.  I used to LOVE actor biographies.  Actors such as Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, or Carol Burnett. 

Anyone have any recommendations?? 

Have you read My Way of Life by Joan Crawford. I first heard about it from the recent Bette and Joan miniseries. She wrote it near the end of her life as a sort of guide for the everyday woman to gracious (and correct) living. She gives advice on giving parties, decorating, dieting, how women should act, and basically what the world looks like through the hugely warped prism of Joan Crawford.

While it's not the best book, it's fascinating in that it gives a real insight into the way she really thinks about things. one bit advises you join a group for exercise to help stay motivated, and that being in such a group may causes a certain competition that will yield great results, but that being skinny is worth losing a few fat friends.

Despite that last rude thought, it's a fascinating read.

She also did an audiobook and it's all up on YouTube.  I've downloaded it by chapters if someone wants.

Yes please!

You can download here   https://www.sendspace.com/file/a88flq    It was originally on five records so there are 10 clips/sides.

[artscallion]

You can download here   https://www.sendspace.com/file/a88flq    It was originally on five records so there are 10 clips/sides.

Thanks, Bobs! It'll be awesome to hear it in her own voice.