Author Topic: Fiction ~ Old ~ New ~ Best Sellers #2 (Read 776244 times)

MaryPage · « **Reply #2800 on:** February 02, 2012, 03:25:58 PM »

This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.

Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?

Discussion Leader: Judy Laird

Elizabeth I never married and never had a husband.

It was Victoria who decreed that all royals should include the name of HER beloved husband, Albert, in the names of a prince of each generation. Albert was this queen's great, great grandfather. He was Victoria's first cousin and a German by birth. Saxe-Coburg.

There was a King AlFRED waaaaay back in the British early history. He was called Alfred The Great. There have been Albert's ascend to the throne, but they have never used that name as king.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #2801 on:** February 02, 2012, 04:30:34 PM »

Oh yes what a gaff on Elizabeth I - I wonder is there any Scottish connection to an Albert - I didn't know Alfred was a derivative of Albert With Albert being Victoria's first cousin I wonder if although born in Germany he is considered part of the line - but then I need to look it up - when did the Windsor's pickup the throne...?

OH just re-read

Quote

Victoria ...decreed

wow - now that is monarchy using all its power...

MaryPage · « **Reply #2802 on:** February 02, 2012, 09:03:40 PM »

During World War I. The family changed its name to Windsor because the name Saxe-Coburg made the monarchy unpopular with the virulently anti-German populace.

I do not know of any Scottish Alberts.

roshanarose · « **Reply #2803 on:** February 02, 2012, 10:51:09 PM »

Elizabeth I was said to have died a virgin. She had no children, nor husband for that matter. She had learned from experience the treacherous ways of Kings.

roshanarose · « **Reply #2804 on:** February 02, 2012, 10:52:23 PM »

Haha - MaryPage was faster than I.

Steph · « **Reply #2805 on:** February 03, 2012, 06:17:22 AM »

Victoria wrote that she wanted her b eloved Alberts name memorialized by all her descendents and most of them have obeyed her wishes. She wanted him to be King as well, but the country would not have it..

JeanneP · « **Reply #2806 on:** February 03, 2012, 01:32:01 PM »

Not only Royalty in England who got some many name. My friend in the 1950s (Born in Scotland but lived in UK) her name was (Dillis, Deloris,Diana, Dear.) I could never figure out why. I didn't even have a MIddle name nor did my brothers. I use my mothers maiden name. All on mothers side had a Middle. Lots of Mary's like Mary Ellen, my GM. Mary Jane. Sarah Ann, for some. Always addressed using both names. Can't remember what my confirmation name was.

roshanarose · « **Reply #2807 on:** February 04, 2012, 09:55:16 PM »

JeanneP - I hope that I am correct in assuming that you are a Brit.

The news here is full of the atrocious weather you are suffering. People being trapped in their houses with no fuel because they can't dig their way out of their houses. I do hope that you and yours are safe and that the big thaw comes soon. Take care!

JeanneP · « **Reply #2808 on:** February 05, 2012, 03:55:06 PM »

Roshanarose.

Yes I am. I did grow up in the North of England. Suburbs of Manchester. Have been back often but it has been almost 3 years since I was over. Need to start thinking about this year. Just that I hate Air travel anymore. Checking on one of the Cunard's. Did not realize they now have three ships back in service. I love that way of traveling.

Steph · « **Reply #2809 on:** February 06, 2012, 06:22:34 AM »

I love boats. We used to go on the river boats all the time, but it is really a couple type activity.
Finished The Rembrandt Affair.. Silva never disappoints me.

pedln · « **Reply #2810 on:** February 06, 2012, 10:47:29 AM »

Steph, The Rembrandt Affair is the only Silva I've read so far. I really enjoyed it and plan to read more someday, but right now I've started five different books, all of which I'm enjoying, but it's really too much.

The front-runners right now are Shroud for a Nightingale, an older PD James, and Ann Patchett's State of Wonder, which I just started and find hard to put down. I read her Bel Canto several years ago, and liked it, but was not nearly as excited about it as I am about State of Wonder. A research scientist, working for a Minnesota pharmaceutical company, must locate another scientist in Brazil who is studying an isolated Amazon tribe whose women remain fertile their entire lives. Patchett's writing is so real, makes you feel you are right there with these people.

You folks who have travelled a lot -- have you ever taken an anti-malarial drug called Lariam? That's figured prominently in the first part of this Patchett book.

Steph · « **Reply #2811 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:41:17 AM »

My very favorite Patchett was her first.. Patron Saint of Liars.. What a wild ride.. She is an excellent writer, but have not started the newest one. Bel Canto drove me nuts to some extent.. I just could not believe the reactions.

salan · « **Reply #2812 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:24:19 PM »

My feelings exactly, Steph. I loved Patron Saints--Bel Canto, not so much.
I just finished a good book: On Agate Hill by Lee Smith. I really like her books and don't know how I managed to miss this one.
Sally

Steph · « **Reply #2813 on:** February 08, 2012, 06:29:03 AM »

Lee Smith. Good heavens, I have not thought of her in years and I loved her stuff.. Will look that one up. Thanks.

Babi · « **Reply #2814 on:** February 08, 2012, 10:35:22 AM »

Lee Smith? Don't think I know her. What kind of books does she write?

salan · « **Reply #2815 on:** February 08, 2012, 07:17:56 PM »

Babi, I think you would enjoy Lee Smith. Her books are rather "old-fashioned", and many of them focus on Appalachian mountain people. Look her up and see what you think.
Sally

Steph · « **Reply #2816 on:** February 09, 2012, 06:30:58 AM »

I agree Babi, Lee Smith has a gentle touch with the mountain people.. Some are so laid back and funny in a kind sort of way.

Babi · « **Reply #2817 on:** February 09, 2012, 08:35:41 AM »

Sounds like easy, comforting reading. Thanks, Steph and Sally. I'll
look her up.

Steph · « **Reply #2818 on:** February 10, 2012, 06:10:43 AM »

Getting ready to rev up for our semi annual book sale. It is the 18th.. so next Thursday and Friday are the brute labor days of gettting the books out of storage, unpacking and setting up the sales floor.. Honestly, the sale days are easier,, although Saturday morning is very zooey since the mobs are hot for the bargains.. Still fun.. Tiring, but fun.

maryz · « **Reply #2819 on:** February 10, 2012, 03:30:52 PM »

Our book sale starts on 25 February. We'll work a couple of shifts, but don't help with set-up or take-down. It's always fun.

Steph · « **Reply #2820 on:** February 11, 2012, 06:25:47 AM »

The workers in our sale get first pick and that guarantees lots of helpers.

Babi · « **Reply #2821 on:** February 11, 2012, 09:01:25 AM »

Our library volunteers also get to go through before the sale opens to the public. One of the library's 'thank you' options.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #2822 on:** February 11, 2012, 10:05:02 AM »

Still plowing thru "The Suune in Splendour", only on page 350, there are 900+. yThe print is so small there are many, many words on each page, i feel like i've read a lot and have only covered several pages. It's just battle after battle w/ personal relationships in between. I keep thinking i will give it up, but there's something seductive sbout Edward IV and richard (to be ) III. Sharon Penman makes them very human characters. But, oh my, the poor ordinary people, comstant battles back and forth, men being recruited to fight in the most awful wars (of the Roses), people hoping they are going to end up on the right side when it ends, pillage by traversing armies, heads on pikes. What an awful life. So glad i live in the 21st century in the United States. How often i have thot that in my reading life and studying history.

roshanarose · « **Reply #2823 on:** February 11, 2012, 08:22:44 PM »

Mabel - Have you read the "Red Queen" by Phillipa Gregory? It truly is one of the most impressive books of it genre I have read. The action takes place around the Tudor and Plantagenets battle for the Crown.

I tried reading Sharon Penman once - she didn't move fast enough for me. I hate books that bog down.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #2824 on:** February 12, 2012, 02:19:23 AM »

No Roshanarose, i haven't read that one, i'll put it on my tbr list, thanks. That's the next iteration of the wars after the Yorkists & the Lancastrians, isn't it? The Sunne in Splendour is the 15th century, so the Tudors come up soon.

Steph · « **Reply #2825 on:** February 12, 2012, 06:35:39 AM »

If you want some fun in that period.. try Fiona Buckley. She writes about a handmaiden to Queen Elizabeth !.. She acts as a spy for the Queen.. Fun and a lot of excitement.. A different slant on the period..

Babi · « **Reply #2826 on:** February 12, 2012, 08:40:37 AM »

Oh, my, yes, JEAN. Reading "Bleak House" just now does bring that
point strongly to the fore. Quaint and charming as I find the
people, conversation, manners, etc., I cannot imagine living in
cities with such filthy streets and sooty, odorous air.

pedln · « **Reply #2827 on:** February 12, 2012, 11:34:17 AM »

Quote

So glad i live in the 21st century in the United States. How often i have thot that in my reading life and studying history.

Isn't that the truth, Jean. I feel that way often, not just about life in the past, but also still in many places in the world. Mistry's A Fine Balance, from the days of Indira Ghandi, especially comes to mind. And a film like Hotel Rwanda.

Steph · « **Reply #2828 on:** February 13, 2012, 06:00:40 AM »

As must as I loved Elspeth Huxley and other books about whites in Africa back in the 30's and 40's.. I realize I would not have liked to live there, even now.. But then I have been to Mexico twice and would not live there either.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2829 on:** February 13, 2012, 07:31:13 AM »

I would love to live in Three Pines - if only it existed. Or St Mary Mead.

Babi · « **Reply #2830 on:** February 13, 2012, 09:18:03 AM »

Alas, I understand the problem with moving to small villages like St. Mary Mead, is that the native population doesn't really warm up to newcomers. How many times have I read that people who have lived in one 20-30 years are still considered outlanders.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #2831 on:** February 13, 2012, 12:41:49 PM »

You're right of course Babi - never was that more true than in Aberdeenshire - but of course it wouldn't happen in Three Pines because it's perfect!

Rosemary

JoanK · « **Reply #2832 on:** February 13, 2012, 03:28:12 PM »

Exactly!

Although I'm just reading the latest Three Pines book, and one of the characters is afraid he'll never be accepted again, after his dark side was revealed in the last book.

I've never lived in a small town, and often wonder if I'd love it or hate it. If I ever goofed up (which, given me would be likely) would people hold it against me for the next 20 years?

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #2833 on:** February 13, 2012, 03:35:37 PM »

But Rosemary, darlin' - people get murdered in Three Pines! I guess we have to cheer for criminal activity in order to keep the series of books coming! LOL.

JoanK · « **Reply #2834 on:** February 13, 2012, 05:28:19 PM »

Babi · « **Reply #2835 on:** February 14, 2012, 08:17:17 AM »

ROSEMARY

ursamajor · « **Reply #2836 on:** February 14, 2012, 08:19:22 AM »

Not accepted by the natives? Try any small town in the south. You are still the "new people fron Wherever" after 30 years.

JeanneP · « **Reply #2837 on:** February 14, 2012, 05:24:51 PM »

When coming into the USA I found lots of snobby people. Not the same Class rankings as we had in UK. Here they seem to go by how much money you had. Your big auto, homes. Just had to be Rich. NO question of blood line like in UK. Most of the old families there lost their wealth but still remained so called High Class. Got lots of credit just by having a old family name.

With me. (Not rich) they use to think me class over here because of my British Accent. Some positions I had, wanted me to answer the business phone instead of their secretaries. Said I sounded better to their clients. Crazy people.

CallieOK · « **Reply #2838 on:** February 14, 2012, 05:27:28 PM »

A relative of mine who lived in Florida married a man from a small town in northern Iowa. He had three brothers, each of whom married a local girl. Even after 45 years of marriage and heavy community involvement in her husband's hometown, Marjean was still referred to as "the wife from Away".

Steph · « **Reply #2839 on:** February 15, 2012, 06:18:47 AM »

I grew up in a tiny town, actually just outside of town, but considered part of town. I remember all those years ago, when the airforce base suddenly got much much larger ( Dover AFB). People were horrified because those people were renters ( this in a hushed tone).. Small farming communities simply did not at that point have anything to rent. A church member friend of my parents, cleaned out and actually rented an old chicken house. It was electrified and they put heat in, but really....

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Author Topic: Fiction ~ Old ~ New ~ Best Sellers #2 (Read 776244 times)