Books #16 Reading Chats.

[OhDearFords]

Not sure how many people are epic fantasy fans on here, but has anyone read the Song of Ice and Fire series, by George R. R. Martin? I've just rewatched the Game of Thrones series and I'd love to read the books to see how the films compare to the books. But they are humongous and numerous and I'm not sure if it'd be worth it.... I have them already so seems a shame not to, but thought I'd see if anyone else here had read them!

Currently reading 'I Who Have Never Known Men' and it's so gripping, right up my street. I love dystopia/post apocalyptic stories

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

We all know I don't enjoy Fredrick Backman, but my friend sent me his novella 'And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer' and I don't think I will ever stop crying. It is only 76 pages long so I just read it at lunchtime. But gosh 🥹

My Dad has early onset dementia, diagnosed when he was 57, he is turning 61 this year and we have had to put him in a home because he was getting too violent at home with my mum. So this book is close to the home, brilliant but I cried more everytime I turned the page.

I made a post about this on Monday evening. I felt the exact same. I sobbed my heart out. such a powerful little book.

I know you dont particularly like FB but I find his observations of human behaviour so astute and accurate.

 

[docmum]

We all know I don't enjoy Fredrick Backman, but my friend sent me his novella 'And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer' and I don't think I will ever stop crying. It is only 76 pages long so I just read it at lunchtime. But gosh 🥹

My Dad has early onset dementia, diagnosed when he was 57, he is turning 61 this year and we have had to put him in a home because he was getting too violent at home with my mum. So this book is close to the home, brilliant but I cried more everytime I turned the page.

going through very similar here, I’m so sorry. I avoid everything related to it at the moment, did you feel it helped to have read it now you reflect back on the book? If it’s too difficult to answer I understand.

 

[ordinaryjelly]

I made a post about this on Monday evening. I felt the exact same. I sobbed my heart out. such a powerful little book.

I know you dont particularly like FB but I find his observations of human behaviour so astute and accurate.

Oh I must have missed your post, will go back and look now.
---

going through very similar here, I’m so sorry. I avoid everything related to it at the moment, did you feel it helped to have read it now you reflect back on the book? If it’s too difficult to answer I understand.

I think it is worth reading. At the beginning FB baggage says it is a letter between Grandpa and Grandson. It is beautiful in its sadness.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

I feel with dementia you grieve every single day, every day your relative/partner/friend dulls more is like a stab to the heart.

I dont think I realised at the time how painful it was because I was so consumed with caring for and looking after the person but looking back now when I finally lost them my grief was all used up. I felt desperately sad that they were gone but that I had been grieving the person they used to be for the best part of 10 years.

It is a hideous, degrading and heart breaking disease for the affected but also so difficult for the people around the sick person too.

 

[twilightgarden]

I've read a couple of duff books but have now gone back to a trusty Linwood Barclay. I eke his books out because I am always afraid there won't be anymore. I'm reading Find You First and already devored about 250 pages in bed last night.

I’ve loved Linwood Barclay books for a long time but find they’ve been a bit hit and miss recently. The last one of his I read was Look Both Ways and thought it was meh.

 

[ScoutFinch]

Not sure how many people are epic fantasy fans on here, but has anyone read the Song of Ice and Fire series, by George R. R. Martin? I've just rewatched the Game of Thrones series and I'd love to read the books to see how the films compare to the books. But they are humongous and numerous and I'm not sure if it'd be worth it.... I have them already so seems a shame not to, but thought I'd see if anyone else here had read them!

Currently reading 'I Who Have Never Known Men' and it's so gripping, right up my street. I love dystopia/post apocalyptic stories

I looove the GoT books. I did read them quite a long time ago (before I watched the series) but they are so much more in depth and immersive than the series. I’d recommend!

 

[Katykatykaty]

Not sure how many people are epic fantasy fans on here, but has anyone read the Song of Ice and Fire series, by George R. R. Martin? I've just rewatched the Game of Thrones series and I'd love to read the books to see how the films compare to the books. But they are humongous and numerous and I'm not sure if it'd be worth it.... I have them already so seems a shame not to, but thought I'd see if anyone else here had read them!

Currently reading 'I Who Have Never Known Men' and it's so gripping, right up my street. I love dystopia/post apocalyptic stories

I love the tv show and have read the first two books. I couldn’t get any further as although they were great, they were just so long! However my husband who NEVER reads has read the entire series as he was absolutely gripped by them.

I read IWHNM earlier this year and loved it! Glad you’re enjoying it too.

 

[Carapop]

I feel with dementia you grieve every single day, every day your relative/partner/friend dulls more is like a stab to the heart.

I dont think I realised at the time how painful it was because I was so consumed with caring for and looking after the person but looking back now when I finally lost them my grief was all used up. I felt desperately sad that they were gone but that I had been grieving the person they used to be for the best part of 10 years.

It is a hideous, degrading and heart breaking disease for the affected but also so difficult for the people around the sick person too.

I feel you. It robs them of all dignity. It’s heartbreaking. I hope they are in such blissful ignorance that they have no idea as to their condition, in which case I think it’s hardest for those who are fully cognisant of their decline. It’s almost a relief in the end because you know they were not living, just enduring their existence. .

 

[HoGi]

Whoever said 800 pages isn't long...wow.

I just picked up I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. I've been wanting to read it for ages so I'm excited but I'm also intimidated as it's a nearly 900 pages chonky beast of a book.

It's very highly rated. Has anyone here read it?

I am Pilgrim is one of my all time favourite books. Like @moordgirl I have given up hope of ever getting Year of the Locust.

Not sure how many people are epic fantasy fans on here, but has anyone read the Song of Ice and Fire series, by George R. R. Martin? I've just rewatched the Game of Thrones series and I'd love to read the books to see how the films compare to the books. But they are humongous and numerous and I'm not sure if it'd be worth it.... I have them already so seems a shame not to, but thought I'd see if anyone else here had read them!

Currently reading 'I Who Have Never Known Men' and it's so gripping, right up my street. I love dystopia/post apocalyptic stories

I read and enjoyed all the Game of Thrones books except book 4 which was dull. They are much better than the series imo. I enjoy them both for different reasons.

I gave up hope of ever getting the next book a loooong time ago

I feel with dementia you grieve every single day, every day your relative/partner/friend dulls more is like a stab to the heart.

I dont think I realised at the time how painful it was because I was so consumed with caring for and looking after the person but looking back now when I finally lost them my grief was all used up. I felt desperately sad that they were gone but that I had been grieving the person they used to be for the best part of 10 years.

It is a hideous, degrading and heart breaking disease for the affected but also so difficult for the people around the sick person too.

This is so true. When my dad died I obviously cried. But I think I had grieved him while he still alive as my dad had gone. I couldn't call and speak to him, I couldn't go for lunch with him, couldn't ask his advice etc (his variant of dementia lead to aphasia). So my dad was gone years before his body gave out.

Whereas my mum and sister were in such denial about how severe his dementia was it hit them all at once when he died.

 

[ToxicPony]

DNF DNF DNF

I found it a slog and i didnt even get 1/3 through it!

After about 250 pages, a little bit of plot kicked in, and now it seems to be racing ahead. Between this and The Poppy War, RF Kuang REALLY struggles with pacing and self-editing as a writer.

 

[ordinaryjelly]

I feel with dementia you grieve every single day, every day your relative/partner/friend dulls more is like a stab to the heart.

I dont think I realised at the time how painful it was because I was so consumed with caring for and looking after the person but looking back now when I finally lost them my grief was all used up. I felt desperately sad that they were gone but that I had been grieving the person they used to be for the best part of 10 years.

It is a hideous, degrading and heart breaking disease for the affected but also so difficult for the people around the sick person too.

Absolutely. My dad is still there enough that he knows who we are but he cannot remember his thoughts or actions. It makes me sad for him because dad was such a proud man. Always well turned out, took such pride in who he was. Now my mum just sends comfortable clothing for him, which is fine. But it's not dad.

I think we are only at the beginning with dad, although he has had to go to a secure care home he it's still only 60. He retired at 50 and planned this whole twenty years of travel with my mum, they were really going to see the world. But dementia robbed him off that and now his retirement is gone.

Utterly cruel, desperately heartbreaking and so senseless.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Absolutely. My dad is still there enough that he knows who we are but he cannot remember his thoughts or actions. It makes me sad for him because dad was such a proud man. Always well turned out, took such pride in who he was. Now my mum just sends comfortable clothing for him, which is fine. But it's not dad.

I think we are only at the beginning with dad, although he has had to go to a secure care home he it's still only 60. He retired at 50 and planned this whole twenty years of travel with my mum, they were really going to see the world. But dementia robbed him off that and now his retirement is gone.

Utterly cruel, desperately heartbreaking and so senseless.

So young too. Heartbreaking for you all. I cant imagine how much more difficult this is for you with your current health issues.

I look at the current set up in the UK and I do wonder if we will see any meaningful retirement. My kids are slightly older now and I refuse to work full time. I work 4 days a week which then gives me 3 days where Im not in work. I feel like its all I can give myself really as tomorrow is not guaranteed.

 

[vanilla cupcakes]

I’ve just added that book to my TBR. I work in an advanced dementia ward and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Just so so heartbreaking and undignified. I agree about grieving everyday, watching someone deteriorate so much is so sad. I think there’s a relief that comes when the battle ends for sure.
Love to you and your family @ordinaryjelly

 

[twilightgarden]

@Caffeine Fiend I was chatting about retirement the other day. I think I’ll be at least 70 if not more before I can retire. It’s really shocking.

In book news, I’ve picked up a copy of Make Me Clean by Tina Baker, has anyone read it? It looks like it could be quite funny and an entertaining read.

 

[Pinkii]

After about 250 pages, a little bit of plot kicked in, and now it seems to be racing ahead. Between this and The Poppy War, RF Kuang REALLY struggles with pacing and self-editing as a writer.

ah good to know! Tbh i didnt pick it up at th e best of times, i was in a reading slump. I did say I would go back to it but more in autumn when i enjoy longer books.

Hope you enjoy the reat of it

 

[PiesAndLattes]

I have just got back from a little work trip and have not read for about 3 days and am feeling lost finished my last book on the plane and didn’t pick another book up whilst I was away. Sifting through my TBR now as I need to get off my thriller binge that’s I’ve been on for about 6 weeks

 

[CommentBelow]

DNF DNF DNF

I found it a slog and i didnt even get 1/3 through it!

I've been lurking/following this thread for a while but needed to reset the password to my account that isn't identifying (I have no idea why I chose my previous username that involved my actual name.. ) before commenting!

Anyway - happy to have found what feels like the only 2 other people who don't love Babel! I read it not long after it came out and I really didn't understand the hype.. I finished it but it was hard work.

 

[strawb]

Not sure how many people are epic fantasy fans on here, but has anyone read the Song of Ice and Fire series, by George R. R. Martin? I've just rewatched the Game of Thrones series and I'd love to read the books to see how the films compare to the books. But they are humongous and numerous and I'm not sure if it'd be worth it.... I have them already so seems a shame not to, but thought I'd see if anyone else here had read them!

Currently reading 'I Who Have Never Known Men' and it's so gripping, right up my street. I love dystopia/post apocalyptic stories

the books are better than the show and i am a really big fan! i was even in the show i'd definitely recommend reading them. as they are a bit long, it's good you've seen the show as you'll know the characters already and it'll make it much easier to remember everything.

 

[L3moning]

Whoever said 800 pages isn't long...wow.

I was kind of joking, but I do like long books.

And I was actually going to mention A Song Of Ice And Fire in that context.