I love to read. I read every day -- both the bible and a novel. In the morning I read the bible, and in the evening I read a novel. My tastes range from contemporary novels, to Victorian novels, romances, historical fiction . . . Lately I've read some contemporary Indian fiction: The Invitation, and Miss New India, among others. I enjoy learning about modern-day India through novels. However, I go back again and again to my favorites - Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte.Recently, I read A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar. The title intrigued me, and the book was pretty good, though long on narrative description and short on dialogue. It violated the 'show, don't tell' rule fairly regularly. I did take exception to the negative portrayal of missionaries. There were two story lines, which I enjoy, as my own novel has two story lines. When they intersected I was very surprised at how they met up.
But the king of surprise endings and twists is Jeffrey Archer. He is a master of leading readers in one direction, and then careening off in the opposite direction, with no advance notice. He has written several short stories and many novels. One of the best short story anthologies is A Twist in the Tale. Every single story has a twist that will leave you with your eyes bulging and your mouth hanging open. Trust me. He has a new series out, and I've read the first two books: Only Time Will Tell and The Sins of the Father. The setting is early 20th century England. I can't wait for the third book.
As with many books, it is the plot that makes Jeffrey Archer books so engaging and readable. He does not attempt poetic or lyrical writing, which is another aspect that can make a book 'good.' I've also read some John Grisham lately. His books are very plot-driven. Those few authors who manage to construct a great plot, believable characters, some of whom you love and some of whom you hate, but even the ones you hate you find some redeemable qualities in, and who also write beautifully . . . those are few and far between.
Send me a comment - who are your favorite writers, and why??
Appreciated your comments on A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar - it is on the recommended historical fiction list this month for the Seattle Public Library, and I'm considering it. Just picked up 1421, The Year China Discovered America as well as 1491, about the Americas before Columbus, so I'll be busy on those for a while!
ReplyDeleteJill, I'd love to hear what you've been reading lately. I read more than usual in the summer months when I'm not teaching. I just finished a fun John Grisham, The Associate. I liked A Lady Cyclist's Guide, but it is lacking in the dialogue area. The two story lines come together in a really surprising way. If you read it, let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading more non-fiction. There are still soooo many books I want/need to read in the next decade. We culled our bookshelves and gave over 5 boxes to the annual library sale. You should come next year....I'll try to keep you posted....One of largest NE used book sales!!!! HUGE!!! right here in Poughkeepsie! Alicia even came for it (Father's Day weekend this year). She spent $34 on used books and got lots of great fiction. She reads every morning when she wakes up as her treat. I bought a couple of Mary Blough's (did I butcher the name)?) books on your recommendation and a couple of Karen Kingsbury. I had been curious what the deal was with here and do find her books fairly well written and fairly believable :) But the best book I've read in a long time was "Love Is An Orientation" by Andrew Marin (IVP), non fiction, and quite thought provoking on the LGBT lifestyle and 'elevating' the conversation. I like books that make me think!
ReplyDeleteKeep reading!
Great to hear from you! Yes, I have a bag of books to give to a used book store in Hoboken. The book by Marin sounds like something I should read. I'll check it out. I go on binges of different authors, and right now I'm on a John Grisham binge. His plots tend to be similar, young, inexperienced guy, conspiracies and danger, but I like them anyway! I still like the classics as a fun go-to, and there are many I have not yet read. Happy reading : )
DeleteHang in there, Katie. I have faith that one of these days you will receive a very pleasant surprise: acceptance of your novel for publication!:)Praying for that to happen.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Velma
Thanks for your encouraging words Velma. I'm busy doing some re-writing. You're a sweet friend!
DeleteKatie