August book options

**Divissima** · 17th-July-2004, 07:28 PM

At last, I've picked five books as the August book options. I've tried to pick a few non-fiction and a lighter summer option. Please vote on the poll - one option only.

Here they are:

Bill Bryson's 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' - a non-scientist's guide to the history of science, what we know about life, the universe and our planet. Click through to Amazon for more information here

Louis de Bernieres 'Birds without Wings'. I don't know what the reviews have been like, but I'm a big fan of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, so thought this would be worth a read. More information here

Primo Levi's 'The Drowned and the Saved'. About Levi's experiences during the Holocaust. Not the cheeriest of subject matters, but one of my favourite writers. More information here

Alexaner McCall Smith 'The Full Cupboard of Life'. This is the latest of the 'No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency' books. More information here

Lance Armstrong's 'Every Second Counts'. Another non-fiction. I thought this would be a good read as it covers Armstrong's cycling career, his battle with cancer and his attitude to competing. More information here

I've given the poll a 'none of the above' option in case you think these suggestions are all pants!

jivecat · 18th-July-2004, 10:17 PM

It might be worth noting that the Louis de Berniere book only seems to be out in hardback so far, although Waterstones has it on special offer for £13.99.

**Divissima** · 19th-July-2004, 09:22 AM

Hi Jivecat. I thought it was only out in hardback but Amazon seem to be selling the paperback. I've not tried to buy one yet, though.

**philsmove** · 19th-July-2004, 10:06 PM

Just bought a paper back copy at W H Smith Terminal 2 Heathrow £12.99

If the first chapter is anything to go by another Mandolin

John S · 20th-July-2004, 11:20 AM

I'm already halfway through the Bill Bryson book - it's interesting and well written, but it does tend to get a bit heavy at times - difficult to be otherwise in chapters on quantum physics etc. Not really my idea of an easy read on the beach, more the sort of thing to dip into for a chapter or two at a time.

**Emma** · 29th-July-2004, 09:42 AM

I've managed a couple of chapters of the Bill Bryson, and then it fell by the wayside. I can see that it's a really interesting book, but somehow I have no urge to go back to it.

I can imagine it might be great as an audio book, I might try it in that format

**Divissima** · 30th-July-2004, 10:27 AM

Only a couple of days left on the poll - and still all to play for. Louis de Bernieres is ahead - just!

I've read the Bill Bryson and really enjoyed it - he takes some really complex scientific debates and explains the history and the significance really well. In terms of science, it's pitched at the level I can still just about understand. Just. On a good day. I'll admit it isn't light reading in the normal sense of the term, though!

Just started on the Lance Armstrong - what an amazing guy! He won the Tour de France last weekend for a record sixth time - pretty amazing for a guy who, in 1999, discovered he had cancer. I'm really enjoying the book so far - very moving.

But I'm also looking forward to reading the Louis de Bernieres. Can't wait to see who wins.

**Divissima** · 2nd-August-2004, 08:25 PM

And the winners....

Bill Bryson and Louis de Bernieres - a dead heat!

Quite a good contrast between the two. I'd better get reading...

**drathzel** · 29th-August-2004, 09:34 PM

when does the new book for september start?
I was too late for the august one!!!

**Divissima** · 30th-August-2004, 03:10 PM

I don't think it's a case of being too late - it seems like most of us have taken a relaxed, holiday-mode approach to reading the August books. I still haven't got started either, but discussions can be ongoing.

Who wants a turn picking September books? That way people who didn't fancy any of the August picks can get started on something more appealing to them.

**drathzel** · 30th-August-2004, 06:40 PM

Well I started the bill bryson one a few months ago and i am only a few chapters in... which is not like me as i read really quick, but i found it quite hard going!!

How about Marian Keyes new book?

**Emma** · 30th-August-2004, 07:23 PM

I was going to suggest the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown...perhaps we could get a couple of other suggestions (could do with some boy imput!) and then I'll make a poll

**drathzel** · 30th-August-2004, 07:37 PM

I dont do well with thrillers..... does it have to be a new book?

**Emma** · 30th-August-2004, 08:38 PM

Nope, doesn't have to be a new book - the way it's worked previously is that we get about 4 suggestions and then have a poll to choose which books are going to be that month's reads. I was hoping that this month some chaps might suggest some as thus far all the suggestions have been from women

Maybe we'll get a few more suggestions tomorrow when people are back at work

**drathzel** · 30th-August-2004, 09:02 PM

How about the curious incident of the Dog in the night time by Mark Haddon.

Its male and female aimed!!

DangerousCurves · 1st-September-2004, 03:17 AM

Have to confess that I went to the bookshop to buy the Louis de Bernieres, and got completely sidetracked by the third placed book "The full cupboard of life"

I absolutely DEVOURED it, and promptly went out and bought the whole series...and well, what with one book and another... I never did get back for that Louis de Bernieres!

So, sadly I cannot contribute to the debate this month - but for anyone interested "The Full Cupboard..." was EXCELLENT - gentle, beautifully written with well-rounded characters (both physically and in the literary sense!)

**drathzel** · 1st-September-2004, 08:27 AM

DC.... I have read it but i have also voted for it because i am going to read it again!! I intend to read the whole series but i have only read the first two!!!

**Gordon J Pownall** · 1st-September-2004, 10:53 AM

Ok here's a couple of suggestions for September :-

Wild Swans by Jung Chang

A history of China from late 1800s to present day, told through the eyes of the author and following her mothers life as a Communist soldier duringthe Cultural Revolution and her grandmothers life as the concubine of a Chinese Warlord General.

This is a book that changes your whole perspective on life - particulalrly as it is an accurate and factual account of what went on 'behind closed doors'. The author totally holds the readers attention with her vivid and often harrowing recollections of life under the Mao regime.

VIZ - just a bloody good escapist laugh......

**drathzel** · 2nd-September-2004, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon J Pownall

Ok here's a couple of suggestions for September :-

Wild Swans by Jung Chang

A history of China from late 1800s to present day, told through the eyes of the author and following her mothers life as a Communist soldier duringthe Cultural Revolution and her grandmothers life as the concubine of a Chinese Warlord General.

This is a book that changes your whole perspective on life - particulalrly as it is an accurate and factual account of what went on 'behind closed doors'. The author totally holds the readers attention with her vivid and often harrowing recollections of life under the Mao regime.

VIZ - just a bloody good escapist laugh......

That sounds like a really intereting book.... I might read it even if its not chosen!!

**philsmove** · 3rd-September-2004, 01:35 AM

Quote:

it seems like most of us have taken a relaxed, holiday-mode approach to reading the August books

glad i'm not the only not to have finished Birds with out wings

so with Holidays over and the long dark nights approaching its back to dance, books and ummm

View Poll Results: Which book would you like to read for August?
Bill Bryson's 'A Short History of Nearly Everything'	5	25.00%
Louis de Bernieres 'Birds without Wings'	5	25.00%
Primo Levi's 'The Drowned and the Saved'	0	0%
Alexander McCall Smith's 'The Cupboard full of Life'	4	20.00%
Lance Armstrong's 'Every Second Counts'	4	20.00%
None of the above, pick again!	2	10.00%
Voters: 20. You may not vote on this poll \| Withdraw Vote

17th-July-2004, 07:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Divissima Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,461 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 244	August book options At last, I've picked five books as the August book options. I've tried to pick a few non-fiction and a lighter summer option. Please vote on the poll - one option only. Here they are: Bill Bryson's 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' - a non-scientist's guide to the history of science, what we know about life, the universe and our planet. Click through to Amazon for more information here Louis de Bernieres 'Birds without Wings'. I don't know what the reviews have been like, but I'm a big fan of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, so thought this would be worth a read. More information here Primo Levi's 'The Drowned and the Saved'. About Levi's experiences during the Holocaust. Not the cheeriest of subject matters, but one of my favourite writers. More information here Alexaner McCall Smith 'The Full Cupboard of Life'. This is the latest of the 'No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency' books. More information here Lance Armstrong's 'Every Second Counts'. Another non-fiction. I thought this would be a good read as it covers Armstrong's cycling career, his battle with cancer and his attitude to competing. More information here I've given the poll a 'none of the above' option in case you think these suggestions are all pants! Last edited by Divissima : 17th-July-2004 at 07:32 PM.

18th-July-2004, 10:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
jivecat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tubugi Island Posts: 1,514 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 802	Re: August book options It might be worth noting that the Louis de Berniere book only seems to be out in hardback so far, although Waterstones has it on special offer for £13.99.

19th-July-2004, 09:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
Divissima Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,461 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 244	Re: August book options Hi Jivecat. I thought it was only out in hardback but Amazon seem to be selling the paperback. I've not tried to buy one yet, though.

19th-July-2004, 10:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
philsmove Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,696 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 601	Re: August book options Just bought a paper back copy at W H Smith Terminal 2 Heathrow £12.99 If the first chapter is anything to go by another Mandolin

20th-July-2004, 11:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
John S Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Deepest, Darkest Fife Posts: 1,077 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 173	Re: August book options I'm already halfway through the Bill Bryson book - it's interesting and well written, but it does tend to get a bit heavy at times - difficult to be otherwise in chapters on quantum physics etc. Not really my idea of an easy read on the beach, more the sort of thing to dip into for a chapter or two at a time.

29th-July-2004, 09:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
Emma Omnipotent Moderatrix (LMC) Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sarf East London Posts: 1,602 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 99	Re: August book options I've managed a couple of chapters of the Bill Bryson, and then it fell by the wayside. I can see that it's a really interesting book, but somehow I have no urge to go back to it. I can imagine it might be great as an audio book, I might try it in that format __________________ It's only dancing - but I like it

30th-July-2004, 10:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
Divissima Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,461 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 244	Re: August book options Only a couple of days left on the poll - and still all to play for. Louis de Bernieres is ahead - just! I've read the Bill Bryson and really enjoyed it - he takes some really complex scientific debates and explains the history and the significance really well. In terms of science, it's pitched at the level I can still just about understand. Just. On a good day. I'll admit it isn't light reading in the normal sense of the term, though! Just started on the Lance Armstrong - what an amazing guy! He won the Tour de France last weekend for a record sixth time - pretty amazing for a guy who, in 1999, discovered he had cancer. I'm really enjoying the book so far - very moving. But I'm also looking forward to reading the Louis de Bernieres. Can't wait to see who wins.

2nd-August-2004, 08:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
Divissima Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,461 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 244	Re: August book options And the winners.... Bill Bryson and Louis de Bernieres - a dead heat! Quite a good contrast between the two. I'd better get reading...

29th-August-2004, 09:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
drathzel Ceroc N.I. Franchise Owner Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland Posts: 7,675 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 1312	Re: August book options when does the new book for september start? I was too late for the august one!!!

30th-August-2004, 03:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
Divissima Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,461 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 244	Re: August book options I don't think it's a case of being too late - it seems like most of us have taken a relaxed, holiday-mode approach to reading the August books. I still haven't got started either, but discussions can be ongoing. Who wants a turn picking September books? That way people who didn't fancy any of the August picks can get started on something more appealing to them.

30th-August-2004, 06:40 PM	#11 (permalink)
drathzel Ceroc N.I. Franchise Owner Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland Posts: 7,675 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 1312	Re: August book options Well I started the bill bryson one a few months ago and i am only a few chapters in... which is not like me as i read really quick, but i found it quite hard going!! How about Marian Keyes new book?

30th-August-2004, 07:23 PM	#12 (permalink)
Emma Omnipotent Moderatrix (LMC) Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sarf East London Posts: 1,602 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 99	Re: August book options I was going to suggest the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown...perhaps we could get a couple of other suggestions (could do with some boy imput!) and then I'll make a poll __________________ It's only dancing - but I like it

30th-August-2004, 07:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
drathzel Ceroc N.I. Franchise Owner Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland Posts: 7,675 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 1312	Re: August book options I dont do well with thrillers..... does it have to be a new book?

30th-August-2004, 08:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
Emma Omnipotent Moderatrix (LMC) Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sarf East London Posts: 1,602 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 99	Re: August book options Nope, doesn't have to be a new book - the way it's worked previously is that we get about 4 suggestions and then have a poll to choose which books are going to be that month's reads. I was hoping that this month some chaps might suggest some as thus far all the suggestions have been from women Maybe we'll get a few more suggestions tomorrow when people are back at work __________________ It's only dancing - but I like it

30th-August-2004, 09:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
drathzel Ceroc N.I. Franchise Owner Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland Posts: 7,675 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 1312	Re: August book options How about the curious incident of the Dog in the night time by Mark Haddon. Its male and female aimed!!

1st-September-2004, 03:17 AM	#16 (permalink)
DangerousCurves Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brighton Posts: 340 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 168	Re: August book options Have to confess that I went to the bookshop to buy the Louis de Bernieres, and got completely sidetracked by the third placed book "The full cupboard of life" I absolutely DEVOURED it, and promptly went out and bought the whole series...and well, what with one book and another... I never did get back for that Louis de Bernieres! So, sadly I cannot contribute to the debate this month - but for anyone interested "The Full Cupboard..." was EXCELLENT - gentle, beautifully written with well-rounded characters (both physically and in the literary sense!)

1st-September-2004, 08:27 AM	#17 (permalink)
drathzel Ceroc N.I. Franchise Owner Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland Posts: 7,675 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 1312	Re: August book options DC.... I have read it but i have also voted for it because i am going to read it again!! I intend to read the whole series but i have only read the first two!!!

1st-September-2004, 10:53 AM	#18 (permalink)
Gordon J Pownall Ceroc Teacher Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: errr.. in the back of my car with my microphone..anyone else want teacher cover...just call (everyone else has...!!!) Posts: 1,000 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 66	Re: September book options Ok here's a couple of suggestions for September :- Wild Swans by Jung Chang A history of China from late 1800s to present day, told through the eyes of the author and following her mothers life as a Communist soldier duringthe Cultural Revolution and her grandmothers life as the concubine of a Chinese Warlord General. This is a book that changes your whole perspective on life - particulalrly as it is an accurate and factual account of what went on 'behind closed doors'. The author totally holds the readers attention with her vivid and often harrowing recollections of life under the Mao regime. VIZ - just a bloody good escapist laugh...... __________________ Gordy ~ It's a Dance Thing ~ 'Τα δόντια μου είναι μου δικοί - οι γόμμες δεν είναι' www.vatsim-uk.org

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