Last Book You Bought and Why

[Janine]

Did you see the 1930 film? There is one from '79 that stars Richard Thomas, too. I searched and searched for this book, but I could never find it anywhere until I got a job at B&N. I was thrilled to find it there (and The Lost Weekend - have you read that book or seen the film?). After I finished AQOTWF I was very depressed and I remembered thinking "Why did I just read this?". There is something about this novel, for me, that brings me so down, but I love it at the same time. The point of view through the eyes of the narrator is so realistic and, at times, quite haunting. That is how I felt about this. I loved it. I think it is worth a read. Definitely.

You know; I don't know which film I saw now but I tend to think it was the older one - the 1930 version. I can't really remember that much about it either. I saw it a few years back; probably due for a second viewing. I just knew I was highly impressed with it. Another film I love about wartime is about these two young men in the south of Africa who are runners, for the outfit. Both youths are Australian - actually one is played by a very young Mel Gibson...the name is maybe 'Calapala' sp? It is about a historic battle fought there.

By the way, who wrote "All Quiet on the Western Front" and how long a book is it?

No, I never read "The Lost Weekend". Who wrote that novel? LW, I did not know you had worked at B&N...how fun that would be. I love being in that store....and my local library...

[LadyWentworth]

You know; I don't know which film I saw now but I tend to think it was the older one - the 1930 version. I can't really remember that much about it either. I saw it a few years back; probably due for a second viewing. I just knew I was highly impressed with it. Another film I love about wartime is about these two young men in the south of Africa who are runners, for the outfit. Both youths are Australian - actually one is played by a very young Mel Gibson...the name is maybe 'Calapala' sp? It is about a historic battle fought there...

Well, the one in '79 was in color, if that helps with the memory at all. Is that Mel Gibson movie called "Gallipoli", or something like that. I have heard of it, but I have never seen it. I will have to look into it. I seem to enjoy war films, and I don't know why. I just do.

By the way, who wrote "All Quiet on the Western Front" and how long a book is it?

It was written by Erich Maria Remarque. It isn't too long at all. Maybe the one that I read was around 200 pages. Maybe more than that. I think it is all based on what copy you are reading. It actually is a pretty quick read, I think, though.

No, I never read "The Lost Weekend". Who wrote that novel?

This was written by Charles Jackson. Have you seen the film with Ray Milland? It is the same story, but again, there is more to the story in the novel. If you read it, you will see what I mean. Even if you never saw the movie, you would be able to figure out what wouldn't have been included in a 1945 film.

LW, I did not know you had worked at B&N...how fun that would be. I love being in that store....and my local library...

It really wasn't fun at all. The idea of it was fun, but when I was actually working there (and with some of those people ) , it wasn't pleasant at all. In fact, I always blame B&N for the start of the downfall of my life. Long story!

[Janine]

Well, the one in '79 was in color, if that helps with the memory at all. Is that Mel Gibson movie called "Gallipoli", or something like that. I have heard of it, but I have never seen it. I will have to look into it. I seem to enjoy war films, and I don't know why. I just do.

Well, I think it was the older one - it was in black and white for certain. Who starred in that one? Yes, the film was "Gallipoli" and it is fantastic. You must see it. I watched it twice now. I think my library owns it. I would even like to buy it but usually I don't buy war films as a rule. Still this one would be worth owning. I may do so someday. Ever see this very obscure film with Mel called 'Tim', with Piper Laurie. I bought it on a dollar bin and I like it. Mel is so young and wears the shortest shorts I ever saw on a guy before - they actually sort of make you laugh. The story is about a mentally challenged guy and the woman who changes his life. It was good I thought, rather sweet story.

It was written by Erich Maria Remarque. It isn't too long at all. Maybe the one that I read was around 200 pages. Maybe more than that. I think it is all based on what copy you are reading. It actually is a pretty quick read, I think, though.

Oh good a short book; seems lately those are the only kind I can tackle and actually finish. I am liking short fiction more and more lately. I can accomplish more that way and not feel overwhelmed. Currently I am plodding through the ending of a 380 plus page book and will be happy when I am done it, alhough I am enjoying it; just can't read that much each night...so it is going slowly.

This was written by Charles Jackson. Have you seen the film with Ray Milland? It is the same story, but again, there is more to the story in the novel. If you read it, you will see what I mean. Even if you never saw the movie, you would be able to figure out what wouldn't have been included in a 1945 film.

Nope, never saw the film, but like Ray Milland. I will see if my library might have it or the book.

It really wasn't fun at all. The idea of it was fun, but when I was actually working there (and with some of those people ) , it wasn't pleasant at all. In fact, I always blame B&N for the start of the downfall of my life. Long story!

Yeah, those things always sound like fun, but then routine sets in and sometimes co-workers can spoil it, too and nasty customers for certain; I worked in retail for years, so I know. However, those were the safter jobs I had. I worked around really toxic chemicals at a few printing houses - thought that was a step up, but now I am questioning whether that did not actually cause my health issues. It is highly possible and I might even have a case....long story...but a friend of mine also worked there and has similar issues.

[mercy_mankind]

-The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
-Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller.

[Dr. Hill]

"The Ancestor's Tale" by Richard Dawkins as a Christmas gift for my best friend.

[thelastmelon]

The Given Day - Dennis Lehane
I've read and loved his other books, all of them, and simply had to get this one as well.

[stlukesguild]

The Adventures of Amir Hamza by Ghalib Labhnaul and Abdullah Bilgrami

It is an Indo-Persian epic of tales dating back to the middle ages that was definitively collected in the 19th century by the authors. The work has been described as something of tapestry of tales not unlike the Arabian Nights or the Decameron and a heroic epic worthy of the Iliad and the Odyssey or the great European romances. It certainly sounds quite promising... and relates to by current interests in Persian/Middle-Eastern art and literature.

[Cailin]

Dubliners with lithographs by Louis le Brocquy - a gift for someone else.

[bouquin]

American Short Story Masterpieces -- edited by Raymond Carver and Tom Jenks
Crime and Punishment -- by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Heart of Darkness and Other Tales -- by Joseph Conrad
The Good Soldier -- by Ford Madox Ford

And also because I got them for a very good price.

[Joreads]

The Outsider. It is book club selection for next year

[Dori]

The Outsider. It is book club selection for next year

Ooops...I still have that book from English class 4 years ago...

[Vincent Black]

On the Road - Jack Kerouac

I had it recommended to me by several different people, and it was only $10 which is dirt cheap for a new book.

[Joreads]

Ooops...I still have that book from English class 4 years ago...

Is it any good Dori? I have only just started it so it is a little hard to tell.

Jo

[Dori]

Is it any good Dori? I have only just started it so it is a little hard to tell.

Jo

It was okay, I guess. I wasn't a big fan, but apparently a lot of people in my class really liked it.

[papayahed]

Sadly, The Gift by Richard Paul Evans because someone asked for it for Christmas.