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I'm ready for a new book! What should it be?
Books that I've enjoyed:
* The Time-Traveller's Wife
* The Prestige
* Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
* The 13th Tale
* Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil
* Drood
* The Terror
(Please offer unique book ideas -- ones that I may not run across by scanning Topseller Lists. Thanks!)
* The Time-Traveller's Wife
* The Prestige
* Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
* The 13th Tale
* Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil
* Drood
* The Terror
(Please offer unique book ideas -- ones that I may not run across by scanning Topseller Lists. Thanks!)
answers (18)
We seem to share a similar taste in fiction.
Would you like to get inside something a little mysterious and dark perhaps? One of the most intriguing and interesting books I have read in a long time is:
The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque by Jeffrey Ford
"Despite any minor criticisms, The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque must be one of the best novels of 2002."-2
One reviewer has called it "A fable, a nightmare, a vision, a mystery -- superbly rich imaginative fiction at its best."-3
And apparently it was nominated for a World Fantasy award of the year 2002. I expect the award winner must have written something truly fantastic.
I know that I was compelled to read it and enjoyed the cultural background of 1893 as well as the rich character development. Of all the characters, Mrs. Charbuque unravels the most slowly.
"The tales Mrs. Charbuque relates over and through the screen are almost beyond -- sometimes completely beyond -- belief, and yet Piambo, while knowing at one level that they are not to be accepted at face value, is driven to try to research what he can of the facts behind them, and uncomfortably often his researches seem to show that the tales may, after all, be true."-1
Here is an excerpt taste:
.. As she spoke I tried to form a picture of her from the sonorous voice that seemed to now issue from every point in the room. In my mind's eye I caught a glimpse of chestnut locks gathered up in a bun, but as soon as she began to speak again, the knot of hair came loose and tumbled down into a whirl of perplexity..." p. 28 hard-cover
What is the enigmatic Mrs. Charbourque's most precious secret, and what will the protagonist, Mr. Piambo, have to pay to find it out?
Would you like to get inside something a little mysterious and dark perhaps? One of the most intriguing and interesting books I have read in a long time is:
The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque by Jeffrey Ford
"Despite any minor criticisms, The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque must be one of the best novels of 2002."-2
One reviewer has called it "A fable, a nightmare, a vision, a mystery -- superbly rich imaginative fiction at its best."-3
And apparently it was nominated for a World Fantasy award of the year 2002. I expect the award winner must have written something truly fantastic.
I know that I was compelled to read it and enjoyed the cultural background of 1893 as well as the rich character development. Of all the characters, Mrs. Charbuque unravels the most slowly.
"The tales Mrs. Charbuque relates over and through the screen are almost beyond -- sometimes completely beyond -- belief, and yet Piambo, while knowing at one level that they are not to be accepted at face value, is driven to try to research what he can of the facts behind them, and uncomfortably often his researches seem to show that the tales may, after all, be true."-1
Here is an excerpt taste:
.. As she spoke I tried to form a picture of her from the sonorous voice that seemed to now issue from every point in the room. In my mind's eye I caught a glimpse of chestnut locks gathered up in a bun, but as soon as she began to speak again, the knot of hair came loose and tumbled down into a whirl of perplexity..." p. 28 hard-cover
What is the enigmatic Mrs. Charbourque's most precious secret, and what will the protagonist, Mr. Piambo, have to pay to find it out?
source(s):
-1 & -2: http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/nonfiction/charbuque.htm
http://www.sfsite.com/10b/pm138.htm
-3:http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/jeffrey-ford/portrait-of-mrs-charbuque....
-1 & -2: http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/nonfiction/charbuque.htm
http://www.sfsite.com/10b/pm138.htm
-3:http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/jeffrey-ford/portrait-of-mrs-charbuque....
| Asker's rating: |
Thanks everyone for their awesome suggestions. I am overwhelmed by the number and quality of suggestions. This one, though, is particularly interesting to me based on the "dark and mysterious" books that I listed.
Thanks for the great, targeted write-up, Charles!
Thanks for the great, targeted write-up, Charles!
voted helpful: zenfire
i think you should read Digital Fortress.i read this novel and it is very good techno thriller.from the first page to the end i enjoyed it and i was always excited for what going to be next. the novel is about code breaking,there is nation security agency(NSA),but it not known to the world and lots of people works their who's identities are a secret.they code all code personal to private, so one person oppose it and makes a code which is unbreakable.NSA try to decode it but fail,then they are go in search for that person and the person give this code to his friend also.the next day he found dead.
oh the real mistry began here. if you not read this novel then i say you must read if you like thrillers.but is techno thriller,so you are going to enjoy it.
oh the real mistry began here. if you not read this novel then i say you must read if you like thrillers.but is techno thriller,so you are going to enjoy it.
voted helpful: zenfire
Here are 5 that I have enjoyed in the past:
Michael Crichton: Next (sci fi)
Elizabeth Kostova: The Historian (adventure/thriller)
Ken Wells: Travels in barley (beer history)
Michael Konick: The smart money (organized gambling ring)
Bill Bryson: The life and times of the thunderbolt kid (a memoir)
Michael Crichton: Next (sci fi)
Elizabeth Kostova: The Historian (adventure/thriller)
Ken Wells: Travels in barley (beer history)
Michael Konick: The smart money (organized gambling ring)
Bill Bryson: The life and times of the thunderbolt kid (a memoir)
voted helpful: zenfire
Based on the Amazon reviews on Thunderbolt Kid, it looks like a fun read. Thanks for the tip!
I am currently reading Walden by Henry David Thoreau and recommend it to anyone. Though it was published in 1854, Thoreau's observations around personal freedom and the illusions of 'civilized' life are still spot on.
I had a small copy of Walden that I would read while walking on the beach some years ago. I remember that liberating feeling that his writing would give to me. Thanks for the suggestion.
It is fun to be reading HEAT WAVE by Richard Castle!!
Especially if you watch the TV show CASTLE, you have seen on the show the promotion of this book that Castle supposedly wrote himself (I have a feeling who the real author is!!).
While he is a mystery author on the show, he is a journalist in HEAT WAVE. She has a different name but is still the lady police detective that he follows around to help her solve crimes and then uses the plots in his writing!!
It's a different "take" on promoting a TV show, and yet the book made it to #10 on the NYTIMES best seller list and then followed it up by being #6 the next week, so it stands on its own!!
Especially if you watch the TV show CASTLE, you have seen on the show the promotion of this book that Castle supposedly wrote himself (I have a feeling who the real author is!!).
While he is a mystery author on the show, he is a journalist in HEAT WAVE. She has a different name but is still the lady police detective that he follows around to help her solve crimes and then uses the plots in his writing!!
It's a different "take" on promoting a TV show, and yet the book made it to #10 on the NYTIMES best seller list and then followed it up by being #6 the next week, so it stands on its own!!
source(s):
personal reading
personal reading
voted helpful: zenfire
The Shack by William P. Young
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
Okay now brace yourself, this has been on the bestseller list. But I am SO enthusiastic about this story, that I'm recommending it to you anyway. That's just how good it is.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/images/scollins-210-Hg--jacket.jpg
It is a dark story that takes place in the very distant future in what has become of North America, which has largely reverted back to a pre-industrial society. A central government rooted in the Rocky Mountains territories stages a deadly game every year in which two adolescents from each territory must compete to the death in a giant arena of survival. Our main heroine, Katniss, is chosen by lottery to play in the games and must resign herself to death, while finding the will to fight.
Now on the surface this isn't the type of book I'd normally go for. Hunting? Killing? Big government? Steam punk world? It's not exactly my wheelhouse. But I had friends who were SO insistent that this book was amazing they bought the books for me.
And boy were these books fun! (there are two in the trilogy so far)
"The Hunger Games" is an amazingly FAST & FUN read. It's an adventure that whips you through and keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can. It doesn't drag, it doesn't disappoint, and it makes you grin with pleasure the whole way through. Trust me, you HAVE to read these books.
If you don't want to take my word for it, here are some other reviews:
--quote--
"The Hunger Games...is a violent, jarring speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense... I couldn't stop reading..."
-Stephen King
Stephen King's Review
Trust me, if you love reading for the thrill and want something that'll take you on a fast-paced ride, this is a great book for you.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
It is a dark story that takes place in the very distant future in what has become of North America, which has largely reverted back to a pre-industrial society. A central government rooted in the Rocky Mountains territories stages a deadly game every year in which two adolescents from each territory must compete to the death in a giant arena of survival. Our main heroine, Katniss, is chosen by lottery to play in the games and must resign herself to death, while finding the will to fight.
Now on the surface this isn't the type of book I'd normally go for. Hunting? Killing? Big government? Steam punk world? It's not exactly my wheelhouse. But I had friends who were SO insistent that this book was amazing they bought the books for me.
And boy were these books fun! (there are two in the trilogy so far)
"The Hunger Games" is an amazingly FAST & FUN read. It's an adventure that whips you through and keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can. It doesn't drag, it doesn't disappoint, and it makes you grin with pleasure the whole way through. Trust me, you HAVE to read these books.
If you don't want to take my word for it, here are some other reviews:
--quote--
"The Hunger Games...is a violent, jarring speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense... I couldn't stop reading..."
-Stephen King
Stephen King's Review
Trust me, if you love reading for the thrill and want something that'll take you on a fast-paced ride, this is a great book for you.
tags: hungergames, books
voted helpful: island_druid
Awesome recommendation! I will put this book on my wish list. Thanks for the well-targeted response!
the phantom tollbooth. its a children's adventure novel and a modern fairy tale. It tells the story of a bored young boy named Milo who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and, having nothing better to do, drives through. He finds himself in the Kingdom of Wisdom. There he accepts a quest to rescue the princesses of the kingdom, acquires two faithful companions, and has many adventures. The book is full of puns, and many events, like Milo's sudden jump to the Island of Conclusions, are the consequences of taking English language idioms literally.
voted helpful: zenfire
I read this book when I was in 6th or 7th grade. I still look back fondly on this book. So much so, that I reference it in the novel I'm writing. Thanks! :)
Ishmael. by Daniel Quinn
It will change your life
Without Man, Is There Hope For Gorilla? by Mholtgrewe
It will change your life
Without Man, Is There Hope For Gorilla? by Mholtgrewe
voted unhelpful: jodilovesjosh
How will it change my life? What is it about? Is it religious in nature? Fiction? Non-fiction? Self-Help?
Read it and find out. It's worth it.
Nah, I'm gonna need more details before shelling out the bucks. No offense, buy you're an anonymous stranger with no sense of my tastes, style, or intellect (for better or worse).
I think some kind of summary would help your recommendation a lot.
I think some kind of summary would help your recommendation a lot.
I think you should have to read this, "2 States(The Story of my Marriage)" from Chaten Bhagat, who is from India.
Chetan Bhagat latest book ‘2 States’ is about a boy and girl from two different states of India, who fall in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don’t agree. What happens next is what the book is about.
Read more: http://inforids.com/win-copies-of-chetan-bhagats-latest-book-2-states-giveaway-from-inforids/
Chetan Bhagat is the author of three blockbuster novels, Five Point SomeoneOne Night at the Call Center (2005) and The Three Mistakes of My life (2008). All the three books have remained bestsellers since their release and have inspired major Bollywood films.
The New York Times called Chetan the ‘the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history.’ Seen more as a youth icon than just an author, this IIT D/ IIMA graduate is making India read like never before.
Chetan Bhagat latest book ‘2 States’ is about a boy and girl from two different states of India, who fall in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don’t agree. What happens next is what the book is about.
Read more: http://inforids.com/win-copies-of-chetan-bhagats-latest-book-2-states-giveaway-from-inforids/
Chetan Bhagat is the author of three blockbuster novels, Five Point SomeoneOne Night at the Call Center (2005) and The Three Mistakes of My life (2008). All the three books have remained bestsellers since their release and have inspired major Bollywood films.
The New York Times called Chetan the ‘the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history.’ Seen more as a youth icon than just an author, this IIT D/ IIMA graduate is making India read like never before.
voted unhelpful: jodilovesjosh
OK..I would like to know...why jodilovesjosh voted me and the rest of us as unhelpful....this is how is working?
I would suggest Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.
" Shantaram is a novel influenced by real events in the life of the author, Australian Gregory David Roberts, filled with mostly fictional adventures. In 1978, Roberts was sentenced to nineteen years' imprisonment in Australia after being convicted of a series of armed robberies of building society branches, credit unions, and shops, which he had committed to feed a heroin addiction after his marriage ended and he lost his daughter. In July 1980, he escaped from Victoria’s Pentridge Prison in broad daylight, thereby becoming one of Australia's most wanted men for the next ten years."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44399808@N07/4098688918/
Also, you should read Gomorrah by Roberto Saviano.
"The book describes the clandestine particulars of the business of Camorra, a powerful Neapolitan mafia-like organization. In this book Saviano employs prose and news-reporting style to narrate the story of the Camorra, exposing its territory and business connections.
Since 2006, following the publication of the book, Saviano has been threatened by several Neapolitan “godfathers”. The Italian Minister of the Interior has granted him a permanent police escort.
As of December 2008, the book has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. The title of the book comes from a text by Giuseppe Diana, a parish priest in Casal di Principe, who was killed by the Camorra in March 1994: "time has come to stop being a Gomorrah"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44399808@N07/4098688864/
" Shantaram is a novel influenced by real events in the life of the author, Australian Gregory David Roberts, filled with mostly fictional adventures. In 1978, Roberts was sentenced to nineteen years' imprisonment in Australia after being convicted of a series of armed robberies of building society branches, credit unions, and shops, which he had committed to feed a heroin addiction after his marriage ended and he lost his daughter. In July 1980, he escaped from Victoria’s Pentridge Prison in broad daylight, thereby becoming one of Australia's most wanted men for the next ten years."
Also, you should read Gomorrah by Roberto Saviano.
"The book describes the clandestine particulars of the business of Camorra, a powerful Neapolitan mafia-like organization. In this book Saviano employs prose and news-reporting style to narrate the story of the Camorra, exposing its territory and business connections.
Since 2006, following the publication of the book, Saviano has been threatened by several Neapolitan “godfathers”. The Italian Minister of the Interior has granted him a permanent police escort.
As of December 2008, the book has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. The title of the book comes from a text by Giuseppe Diana, a parish priest in Casal di Principe, who was killed by the Camorra in March 1994: "time has come to stop being a Gomorrah"
voted helpful: zenfire
voted unhelpful: jodilovesjosh
Lightning by Dean Koontz.
An awesome work of fiction. Just so very good.
An awesome work of fiction. Just so very good.
source(s):
About 50 friends in Hawaii.
About 50 friends in Hawaii.
voted unhelpful: jodilovesjosh
I've recommended this before, and I'll recommend it again: Three Kingdoms. A 4 volume epic novel about the Three kingdoms era of Chinese history. Has everything: war, heroes and villains, romance, tragedy, murder, strategies, etc.
THIS alone will keep you busy for a LONG time.
THIS alone will keep you busy for a LONG time.
voted helpful: gno
voted unhelpful: jodilovesjosh
Interesting Chris, I'm afraid I don't know much of anything about the stories. I'm assuming they're historical fiction, correct?
You have me intrigued enough I just added them to my Amazon wish list.
You have me intrigued enough I just added them to my Amazon wish list.
Historical fiction, yes. Based on actual history, but beefed up.
I think you should start reading the series of fictional books that Ellen Hopkins writes. She mostly writes about teens that have had drug abuse problems, alcohol addiction, cutting problems, and rape situations. I like these books because it exposes you to things you normally wouldn't read about and you feel like you are best friends with the main character and you're watching her do all of this to herself. My favorite books by her are Crank, and Glass. The books are all really thick but the print on the pages is kept to a minimum. I hope you really decide to pick up one of her books, I don't think you'll regret it.
voted helpful: zenfire
Have you read "Case Histories" by British novelist Kate Atkinson? Or almost any of her unique novels, for that matter? I'm currently reading "One Good Turn."
In both of these novels, Atkinson demonstrates a wonderful ability to weave together the stories of several seemingly unrelated lives, beginning by viewing each character individually. Slowly, as the tale develops, we find that their paths intersect in ways that may be peripheral and transient, but life altering. Her people are funny, pathetic, flawed and very real. I love that she has a rare ability to bring the characters to life by showing us tiny bits of detail about them, while still writing with such economy of words that we feel we fully know them after a few pages. Both books would be called mysteries if they must be categorized, but manage to combine crime, humor, romance and thoughtful reflection on human foibles.
Until a few months ago, I'd never heard of Atkinson, and luckily came across "Case Histories" on line. I don't think she's very well known in the US. The pages and pages of ultra complimentary review blurbs from highly regarded sources in the front of both books attest to her talent.
In both of these novels, Atkinson demonstrates a wonderful ability to weave together the stories of several seemingly unrelated lives, beginning by viewing each character individually. Slowly, as the tale develops, we find that their paths intersect in ways that may be peripheral and transient, but life altering. Her people are funny, pathetic, flawed and very real. I love that she has a rare ability to bring the characters to life by showing us tiny bits of detail about them, while still writing with such economy of words that we feel we fully know them after a few pages. Both books would be called mysteries if they must be categorized, but manage to combine crime, humor, romance and thoughtful reflection on human foibles.
Until a few months ago, I'd never heard of Atkinson, and luckily came across "Case Histories" on line. I don't think she's very well known in the US. The pages and pages of ultra complimentary review blurbs from highly regarded sources in the front of both books attest to her talent.
voted helpful: zenfire
The Charm School <--- awesome!
Oh, Oh, Oh, based on the books you say you just finished reading, you absolutely will love the book “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold.
http://blog.80millionmoviesfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/The-Lovely-Bones.jpg
“The Lovely Bones is luminous and astonishing, a novel that builds out of grief the most hopeful of stories. In the hands of a brilliant new writer, this story of the worst thing a family can face is transformed into a suspenseful and even funny novel about love, memory, joy, heaven, and healing.”
http://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/1057/The-Lovely-Bones
It is truly a unique book and I love the way the story is told, and unfolds. I think you will find this an exceptional read. I don’t want to tell you to much, except that the quote above says it all. It brought tears and smiles to my face, and hey take a look at my avatar you think that’s an easy thing to do?
Even if it’s not the next book you decide to read, I think based on your list of books that you must put this one on the list. Enjoy!!
“The Lovely Bones is luminous and astonishing, a novel that builds out of grief the most hopeful of stories. In the hands of a brilliant new writer, this story of the worst thing a family can face is transformed into a suspenseful and even funny novel about love, memory, joy, heaven, and healing.”
http://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/1057/The-Lovely-Bones
It is truly a unique book and I love the way the story is told, and unfolds. I think you will find this an exceptional read. I don’t want to tell you to much, except that the quote above says it all. It brought tears and smiles to my face, and hey take a look at my avatar you think that’s an easy thing to do?
Even if it’s not the next book you decide to read, I think based on your list of books that you must put this one on the list. Enjoy!!
voted helpful: zenfire
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