books

[olmue]

Currently reading: Fette Fische (Flush) by Carl Hiassen. I find it's easier to read contemporary, realistic novels in a foreign language. The familiar context makes it easier to pick up new words. Flush starts off with an unusual setting--boy visiting his father in jail, only it's not your depressing my-family-are-losers type of book. The dad sank someone's boat because the guy was illegally dumping toilet water into the ocean, and the dad and wants to stay in jail to draw attention to this. Plus, he wants his son (the MC) to find proof. It's a quick-moving, entertaining story so far.

Waiting: Wintersmith, by Terry Pratchett. I need to make some time to find out what Tiffany Aching is up to. Also, Ich, Coriander (I, Coriander), which has such a pretty cover. Don't judge, I know, but I like the spice coriander, too. Let's hope the book is good!

On order: Things Not Seen, by Andrew Clements. Iiked this one a lot because, like Hiassen's boy protagonists, the MC has a problem, but he's also pretty optimistic on finding a solution. My 9-year-old is starving for books again, and I thought he might like this one.

To look for: Charlotte Sometimes, by Penelope Farmer, and London Calling, by Edward Bloor. Anyone read either of these? They sound good to me.

To be published: Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely, which has a German title now, and a new book by Robin McKinley (coming out in the fall).

Recommended (as in, I recommend it): Company's Coming, by Al Yorinks. Very funny picture book about Mo and Shirley and the aliens who come to dinner. Must buy a copy of this of my own!

Anyone read any good historical fantasy or contemporary fantasy lately?

Comments

[rj-anderson.livejournal.com]

NEW ROBIN MCKINLEY?!

*tosses cap in the air*

Yay!!!

[olmue.livejournal.com]

I was doing market research this morning and came across it on Amazon. It's called Dragonhaven, and is slated to come out Sept 20, 2007.

I need to do market research on amazon more often--I'm finding all kinds of books that look interesting (of course, I need to win the lottery, too--then I could afford both to buy the books, and the space to house them in.)

[katibgirl.livejournal.com]

I read London Calling. I wasn't impressed. Bloor is really hit or miss for me - I loved Tangerine, but some of his other work is, eh, not so good. I *hated* that really odd one set in a school. This one was in the middle - I read it for review, but I probably wouldn't buy it, especially if your funds for books are limited.

[olmue.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing! The only one I've read by him WAS that school one, and it was...weird. I mean, I finished it, but it wasn't one I wanted to reread, and I guess I never really got into the characters.

It's so hard to decide what to read when you're limited to library picks in a foreign language, or sight-unseen purchases from Amazon. Sometimes I've been lucky, but sometimes I've spent $ and waited weeks, and been disappointed when the book has finally come.

[elizabethcbunce.livejournal.com]

See if you can get hold of WILDWOOD DANCING by Juliet Marillier. She's an Aussie author, so the fact that it's made it as far as the US tells me the chances are good for German release. It's a retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" set in ... Transylvania. :D

If you *can't* find it, let me know.

And let me know what you thought of I, CORIANDER. I bought that book the day I signed with my agent. The US cover is breathtaking.

[olmue.livejournal.com]

My library actually lists six books by her. None of them are Wildwood Dancing (the original English title is listed, although they're all translations), but maybe I'll try some of her others. I did notice WD while combing amazon, and thought it looked interesting.

Small child beating me with book. Must make sure her book needs are satiated.

[mimagirl.livejournal.com]

Have you read The King of Shadows by Susan Cooper? That's a great historical fantasy. :)

[olmue.livejournal.com]

Is that the one with Shakespeare? I can picture the cover in my mind, but I'm not sure if I've read it or not.

[mimagirl.livejournal.com]

Yep, Shakespeare's in it.