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hermetic

(8,258 posts)
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 12:52 PM Jul 2020

What Fiction are you reading this week, July 12, 2020?





Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. Not sure what to say about this one. Murakami is obviously a great writer but this is one weird story. There are things about it I do not like at all. But I am only half way through so will keep on and hope it turns out some fantastic ending. We shall see.

Just started listening to Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden by M.C. Beaton, a traditional British cozy from 1999. The story sparkles with mystery, humor, and romance. I’m finding it delightful so far.

What are you finding to read this week?
17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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What Fiction are you reading this week, July 12, 2020? (Original Post) hermetic Jul 2020 OP
I am reading "The War with the Newts," murielm99 Jul 2020 #1
A NEWT? hermetic Jul 2020 #5
Still reading Elizabeth Kostova's, Polly Hennessey Jul 2020 #2
I like how you do that hermetic Jul 2020 #6
Careless Whiskers SheltieLover Jul 2020 #3
I just finished hermetic Jul 2020 #7
I just returned that one. Lol SheltieLover Jul 2020 #11
Well, there's Braun's hermetic Jul 2020 #12
Tyvvvvm! SheltieLover Jul 2020 #13
Just started Robert J. Sawyer's PoindexterOglethorpe Jul 2020 #4
Oooohhh hermetic Jul 2020 #8
Plus, I happen to know Rob and he's a great guy. PoindexterOglethorpe Jul 2020 #9
Cool! hermetic Jul 2020 #10
Yeah, lucky me. PoindexterOglethorpe Jul 2020 #14
The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman JennyStevens Jul 2020 #15
By Louis De Bernieres? hermetic Jul 2020 #16
happy to be here JennyStevens Jul 2020 #17

murielm99

(30,656 posts)
1. I am reading "The War with the Newts,"
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 01:49 PM
Jul 2020

by Karel Capek. It is a satirical science fiction novel, written by Czech author Capek. It is about the discovery of a race of intelligent newts who live in the ocean. Their discovery leads to exploitation and war.

Of course, Capek was surrounded by war, first WWI and then WWII and the Nazi invasion of his country.

The Nazis wanted Capek badly. They were dismayed to discover he had died shortly before they took over his country. They went after his family instead.

Capek introduced the word "robot." It first appeared in a play he wrote, called RUR.

I read this book when I was in my twenties. I don't remember a thing about it. I found an old copy of it when I cleaned. It was yellowed and brittle, so I replaced it. I am enjoying this book. Sometimes it is good to revisit and look at things from the perspective of an older, more experienced world view.


hermetic

(8,258 posts)
5. A NEWT?
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 02:17 PM
Jul 2020

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I remember RUR. Learning about it, that is. Wow, wayback machine time.

Darn, I tried to see if my library had that book but their website is messed up. Wonder what's up with that. I can probably find it in PDF form. I believe it would be interesting to have a look at it now.

Polly Hennessey

(6,747 posts)
2. Still reading Elizabeth Kostova's,
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 01:52 PM
Jul 2020

The Shadow Land. It is my outdoor reading book. My nighttime book is Leslie Meiers, Invitation Only Murder, a cozy murder bedtime book. My living room book is Kathy Reichs, Two Nights.

hermetic

(8,258 posts)
6. I like how you do that
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 02:23 PM
Jul 2020

I have a similar method. My bed book is Kafka. I listen to books off the internet in my kitchen while working. And I have a couch book, which is currently Calahan's Con by Spider Robinson which I haven't really had a chance to start yet.

I love Kathy Reichs and Bones and plan to read more of her books soon.

hermetic

(8,258 posts)
7. I just finished
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 02:28 PM
Jul 2020
Twelve Angry Librarians, the 8th in that series. Good one. Will definitely be getting more.

hermetic

(8,258 posts)
12. Well, there's Braun's
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 03:48 PM
Jul 2020

The Cat Who.. series. I've read and enjoyed a number of those. I have more on my list of to-reads but haven't gotten any yet: Sofie Kelly, Laurie Cass’ Bookmobile cat series, The Traveling Cat Chronicles, and Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy Mysteries. I may have actually picked up some of those recommendations from you.

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
13. Tyvvvvm!
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 04:11 PM
Jul 2020

I've not read the bookmobile series or the Traveling Cat Chronicles.

I love The Cat Who series! 😍 i've read some of them twice. 😊

I read so much, it is difficult to stay in good material.

A couple more for you: David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series is exceptional.

Also Sofie Ryan's cat series is decent.

Thanks so much again!

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,750 posts)
4. Just started Robert J. Sawyer's
Sun Jul 12, 2020, 02:10 PM
Jul 2020
The Oppenheimer Alternative, a science-fictional version of the Manhattan Project. So far, so good, but I'm all of 24 pages in.

JennyStevens

(21 posts)
15. The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman
Tue Jul 14, 2020, 03:14 AM
Jul 2020

Such a good book. Much better than Captain Corelli's Mandolin (though that was not bad). I highly recommend it.

hermetic

(8,258 posts)
16. By Louis De Bernieres?
Fri Jul 17, 2020, 02:11 PM
Jul 2020

Sounds fun: Part epic, part farce.

Welcome to DU JennyStevens. Happy to have you here.

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