Hello, reader…
*Note to first time readers: the following is a summary of a discussion by friends who gather monthly in a virtual space called Second Life. Reading notes are lightly edited reflections shared in real time via text chat.
The Vanishing Tower (The Elric Saga #6) – by Michael Moorcock
Babycham enjoyed the Elric Series by this author, but especially The Vanishing Tower.
The Life of Herod the Great by Zora Neale Hurston
FireWoman finished this novel that she mentioned last month. Through Neale Hurston’s extensive research, it was discovered that the slaughter of innocents did not take place. FireWoman recommends reading the book for details and thinks that it will probably become a banned book very quickly as it dispels everything in the Christian religion.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
FireWoman also read this wonderful book about magical children. She said that it was written extremely well and reveals tenderness, compassion and demystifies prejudices if the reader will allow it.
*The sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea as well as Under the Whispering Door, both by TJ Klune, were also mentioned and recommended.
In the Garden of the Beasts by Erik Larson
Veyot read this book about an American ambassador to Germany in the years 1933-37. She learned a lot about the problems he faced and about the love life of his 24-year old daughter when she dated lots of Hitler’s supporters – including the head of the Gestapo. He had trouble with his staff because there were both Jewish and Hitler supporters on his staff. And Congress and the American people didn’t believe that Hitler would be a threat.
When asked about wisdom from the book, Veyot said that it might mean to speak out for world peace.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Laura mentioned that this is her favorite book. She’s also reading something by Russell Brand and said that it’s funny.
James by Percival Everett
Petronella read this new version of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of Jim, the slave, who takes a raft up the Mississippi with Huck. She said that while Twain’s book is funnier, the Everett book has some very important points to make.
*Petronella also recommends the audio version of Twain’s Huckleberry Finn
Northbridge Rectory by Angela Thirkell
Petronella also read this novel which is set during WWII in Barsetshire, a fictional village. It’s funny and also an interesting study of how people behave during wartime. Thirkell’s style is somewhat like PG Wodehouse and EF Benson; her novels remind Petronella of Benson’s Lucia books. Though where Benson’s characters breathe rather rarefied air, Thirkell’s are down to earth and very funny.
Scholomance Trilogy by Naomi Novik
Iskrin raced through this series which starts with A Deadly Education. It’s about kids in a magical school…but the school is brutal and they have to do chores to build mana so that they can cast spells to protect themselves from the creatures who break into the school to snack on them.
The whole series is a wonderful commentary on all kinds of societal ills, but mostly on the impact of privilege and what those with it will do to maintain it, and how those without it get treated as lesser-than. Also strong themes of how people who are different get treated as dangerous or untrustworthy.
Iskrin went into it thinking ‘oh no, not another Harry Potter clone’, and honestly, he was overjoyed to find that it couldn’t be more different! It’d been a long time since a fantasy novel surprised him on the mechanics of its world.
Fire and Blood by George R.R. Martin
After falling into Game of Thrones RP in SL, Georgina recently picked up this book – though she’s not very far along in it. It exists outside the main series and is about the original conquest. She’ll report back once she’s read more!
Architectural Digest
Not a book, but Valentina mentioned enjoying this magazine.
*Zoe enthusiastically encourages and celebrates all forms of reading – magazines, zines, newsletters, manga etc.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Laurel is reading an advanced copy of this novel. She said that if you like YA and enjoyed The Hunger Games, then she recommends this 10/10.
Cher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher
After Zoe mentioned loving memoirs, Georgina mentioned this one.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Zoe mentioned this memoir, too.
Moab is My Washpot | The Fry Chronicles | More Fool Me by Stephen Fry
Iskrin mentioned that Fry’s memoirs are excellent.
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
Zoe read this memoir last year. She liked it more than she thought she would – and felt bad for Britney.
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
Laurel mentioned this an as ‘oldie but goody’ historical fiction novel.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy
Georgina listened to this audiobook and said it was fabulous.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Georgina tried to reread this novel this past summer and couldn’t get into it…but then tried the audiobook and was immediately transported. She enjoyed it!
(Many folks agreed that they loved Gatsby, too).
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
A fictional account of Zelda Fitzgerald that Georgina enjoyed – though she did wonder how much of it was overkill.
How to be Old: Lessons in Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon by Lyn Slater
Zoe read this memoir by a septuagenarian who became a fashion influencer in her 60s. Zoe found her story fascinating – though the writing itself was rather prosaic.
Zelda Fitzgerald: Her Voice in Paradise by Sally Cline
FireWoman highly recommends this book from 2012 for readers interested in learning more biographical information about Zelda.
Our next gathering is March 9 at 1pm SLT.
SLurl to The Reading Room: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gundeulbawe/41/164/45
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