The Border Book Club

I just got done reading Go Set A Watchman a little while ago. Unlike most people, I enjoyed the book, though not as much as Mockingbird. It's weird that in some ways, Atticus is portrayed as an antagonist. I also don't understand why Jem was killed off. Also, the change in narration. Mockingbird is written in first person point of view, with Scout providing the narration, whereas Watchman is written in the third person point of view, from a third person. I would recommend fans of Mockingbird to read this book, to see a different set of equality problems through an adult Scout's eyes.


I'm now going to read Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I've gotten hooked on her books. I also have several other various books from the library to read over the next month or so.

Can you believe I've never read an Agatha Christie novel. She's definitely going on my list.

AG, did you read Steven Tyler's book? I don't remember what he had to say about their former manager Tim Collins, who led them back to success after their early 80s nadir. Joe Perry claims the dude exerted control over their professional and personal lives like a cult leader.

Tyler's book was far more amusing. I don't think Joe has quite as much of a sense of humor. Steven was laugh-out-loud funny at times, such as when complaining about the "low tooth count" among Eastern European groupies.

I read Steven's book too, and thought it was pretty good. I've just been thinking I need to read it again! That he survived his addictions amazes me!

I'm currently reading Bill Bryson's The Lost Continent. I'm not all that interested in it, but have nothing else here at work for down time. He is traveling across the country by car and telling about it as he goes. So I read a few pages from time to time. It's ok, and funny in places. Imagine my excitement when I come across an Eagles mention! He is traveling from Cleveland to Toledo, miles of mindless driving and he switches between radio stations and says "you cannot conceive of the sense of hopelessness that comes with hearing "Hotel California" by the Eagles for the fourteenth time in three hours." Then he goes on to complain about the dj's. Anyway, that part I liked! :lol:

That is funny Brooke!!! :D I love finding shoutouts like that. I'm currently reading "The Expanse" series, which I actually got into from watching the TV show (which is great). It's a sci-fi series set 200 years from now and the people of Earth have colonized Mars, the asteroid belt, and the moons of Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune and aliens have finally made their way into it, but it's just fascinating as this really could be plausible in 200 years. It's really focused on the human characters too and their rag tag family that gets formed between people from the warring colonies now that they have a new threat to fight against. It's also neat reading how music like that of the Eagles is considered classical in the books' future time period but people still love it. :) Also, one of the leaders of Earth is named Admiral Souther. LOL

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Originally Posted by NightMistBlue

Can you believe I've never read an Agatha Christie novel. She's definitely going on my list.

AG, did you read Steven Tyler's book? I don't remember what he had to say about their former manager Tim Collins, who led them back to success after their early 80s nadir. Joe Perry claims the dude exerted control over their professional and personal lives like a cult leader.

Tyler's book was far more amusing. I don't think Joe has quite as much of a sense of humor. Steven was laugh-out-loud funny at times, such as when complaining about the "low tooth count" among Eastern European groupies.

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I've only read the Aerosmith autobiography, not Steven's book. It'll go on my list, as will Joe Perry's book. Agatha Christie's books are good, quick reads to me. I love murder/mystery books, so she's right up my alley. I must admit that I'm relatively new to her works, though, having only read 2 of before now. I'm a fast reader, and I'm trying to become more of a regular reader than I used to be. I've set a goal of reading 104 books this year,(2 a week) and so far, I've read 19 books, which puts me 2 books ahead of schedule.

Brooke, I love coming across Eagles references in books (and other bands, too). In the Black Dahila Avenger book, the author talked about his sister, who hung out with The Mamas and the Papas back in the 60s. I thought of Glenn because it was music like that group that made him interested in moving to California. (I also thought od Crosby Stills and Nash because Mama Cass brought them together)

I've requested "The Sittaford Mystery" audio book from my library, so before too long I'll get to know Ms. Christie.

AG, I just looked over the Black Dahlia Avenger book on Amazon - I don't think I could handle that; too gruesome, too sad. I've gotten squeamish in my old age. But it seems as if the author made a convincing case as to who the murderer was - even James Ellroy gave it a favorable review.

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Originally Posted by NightMistBlue

I've requested "The Sittaford Mystery" audio book from my library, so before too long I'll get to know Ms. Christie.

AG, I just looked over the Black Dahlia Avenger book on Amazon - I don't think I could handle that; too gruesome, too sad. I've gotten squeamish in my old age. But it seems as if the author made a convincing case as to who the murderer was - even James Ellroy gave it a favorable review.

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Yeah, I'm not squeamish. That kind of stuff peaks my interest and grabs my attention. (yes, I know I'm weird and abnormal.) The author is suspected killer's son. It was a very interesting and in depth book. I learned a lot of new things about that ghastly unsolved murder.

As for the age thing, remember you're only as old as you feel ;). (If that's true, then I must be 70 or older!)

I'm in the middle of reading Van Halen Rising: How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal by Greg Renoff.

I'm reading a novel called The Confessions of All Capone by Loren D. Estleman. It's a well researched fictional account of Al Capone telling his life story near the end of his life, to an undercover FBI agent. It's a bit long and drags a bit at times, but it's been an enjoyable read so far.

I am reading Stairways to Heaven, no not about Zepplin. It is a book by
Lorna Byrne. Angels In My Hair....She talks about how as a child she see's guardian angels. She claims everyone has one......So far I've only read about 10 pages because I find it a bit, out there, no pun intended. I'll read more and let you know.

I know I've read one of Ms. Byrne's books but I can't remember which one; think it was Angels in My Hair.

I'm listening to Agatha Christie's The Sittaford Mystery and am delighted that its narrated by one of my favorite actors, Nathaniel Parker.

I finished Lita Ford's book. It was okay but I can't say it was awesome.

I'm now reading a fictional account of the "Hanging Judge" Issac Parker. It's by the same guy who wrote the Capone book. After I finish it, I'll start reading a book called Motown, again by the same guy. It takes place in Detroit in 1966. (Needless to say who came to mind when I read the info about the book at the library)

In a few weeks, I'm going to try one of the American classics for the first time, Harrier Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.

I'm reading Out of the Rough by Steve Williams

Oh, that's the book by Tiger Woods' former caddie. Apparently it's really vindictive. Fun read? :)

I'm off on a biography binge again: pre-ordered the memoirs of Toni Tennille (don't judge me!) and Rita Coolidge.

I certainly won't judge you for reading Toni Tennille's memoirs - even though most of her music is not my cup of tea, she did provide backing vocals on Pink Floyd's The Wall. Off the top of my head, I think she sings on both versions of In The Flesh. In one of my Pink Floyd books, Pigs Might Fly by Mark Blake, I read that when she went into the studio, she wasn't quite sure how she would get along with the band given how different their music was from hers. When she actually got in there, the first thing that happened was that David Gilmour told her he was watching her sing on children's TV that morning with his kids. :lol: Not what she was expecting!

I'm not too familiar with her, but Love Will Keep Us Together isn't a bad song.

I'm off of the bios for a while. I'm trying to expand the genres of books I read. Reading stuff in the same vein gets old after a while. Right now I'm reading a fictional book called Ghostwalk by Rebecca Scott. It deals with Sir Issac Newton and modern day lady(a Cambridge, England historian) who has studied his work, particularly on alchemy, and her through her research she discovers new things.. The lady was writing a book about him, but died mysteriously by drowning before she could complete it. Her son gets his ex girlfriend to finish the book by ghostwriting for it. While she does this, several murders occur in Cambridge, which are linked to the book. The 17th century becomes entwined with the 21st century.

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Originally Posted by Jonny Come Lately

I read that when she went into the studio, she wasn't quite sure how she would get along with the band given how different their music was from hers. When she actually got in there, the first thing that happened was that David Gilmour told her he was watching her sing on children's TV that morning with his kids. :lol: Not what she was expecting!

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Aww, that's sweet! IIRC the Floyd were looking for a Beach Boys sound on various tracks, such as Waiting for the Worms. Toni started her career as a back-up singer for the Boys. That's why Bruce Johnston was there too.

I don't actually own any Captain & Tennille records. I just think my 70s nostalgia has gotten well out of hand.

I should do like AG and force myself into new patterns. That Sir Isaac Newton book sounds interesting.

It is interesting, but it's hard to follow and a bit far fetched, especially if you're not a fan of the supernatural. I'm torn on it so far, especially since I know little about Sir Issac Newton.

At the moment, I'm reading about Regulatory Affairs in the Pharmaceutical industry for an exam tomorrow - light reading :grin:

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Originally Posted by Lacken101

At the moment, I'm reading about Regulatory Affairs in the Pharmaceutical industry for an exam tomorrow - light reading :grin:

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Sounds like fun - NOT! Good luck tomorrow :smile:

Blecch!! That would put me in a stupor, Lacken :)

Kim, Sir Isaac Newton was kind of like Brian May of Queen (that's how I picture him anyway - a brilliant, gentle chap). I think Newton was more eccentric, what with all the obsessing over the Bible and alchemy.

Good luck with the exam tomorrow, Lacken.


Marci, I've heard of his eccentricity. I remember my physical science teachers teaching his laws of motion (which I have now forgotten), and they briefly talked about how things were back then, and that he had to do some of his work in secret.

I just posted in Glenn's section but I just finished the debut novel by one of my friends Marie Cauley, "Never Forgotten You", and it was so great!!! :D Was a great read for me too as I pictured Glenn as her main character Chris. The story takes place in the late 90s about Karen, an early 30s woman who moves out to California for work but one day luckily meets her old teen idol Chris Lassiter who is back restarting his solo career in his early 40s. Chris was the lead singer/guitarist and actor in a band in the 70s and Karen loved him since she was 11 and always thought they'd meet. Just turns out 20 years later they would and they quickly fall in love.

Chris reminded me of Glenn so much with his personality, the things he went through in the 70s and 80s, the way Marie describes his smile, and his sense of humor on & off stage. Some of the supporting characters reminded me of Don (Chris' best friend and band mate since the 70s), Randy (his bass player whose name has the initials RM), and one of Chris' priests name is Father Timothy. There were lots of twists too and it is also a very spiritual novel as well, which I personally loved. Both characters have so much they went through and are trying to change, and I loved their love story.

It's the first of a series too Marie's writing and I can't wait to read the 2nd book!!! :D I met Marie through the "Jersey Boys" fandom and we both bonded over being writers as well and I helped her somewhat as I also self-published my novels too. I told her about the Glenn similarities I saw and she thought that was awesome. She based Chris off of a few teen idols of hers from 70s too.

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Originally Posted by Lacken101

At the moment, I'm reading about Regulatory Affairs in the Pharmaceutical industry for an exam tomorrow - light reading :grin:

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Good luck in the exam. I hope it goes well for you.

Newton was a brilliant scientist, he certainly could be a bit eccentric but his work remains very important in maths and physics (and related fields) - for example, his laws of motion are very satisfactory and still form the basis for classical mechanics over three centuries after they were originally proposed. I can see a bit of the 'eccentric scientist' in Brian May, although I also definitely see it in Jimmy Page (maybe it's the white hair?)

I was being *slightly* facetious in comparing Sir Isaac Newton with Brian May - one discovered gravity and invented calculus (the fiend), the other plays a mean guitar and has a doctorate in astronomy. The main similarity is their flowing, curly locks.

I agree there's a hint of the mad professor about Jimmy - even before he had the white hair.

Buffy, your friend's book sounds very interesting. I'm going to look for it on Amazon.

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Originally Posted by NightMistBlue

I was being *slightly* facetious in comparing Sir Isaac Newton with Brian May - one discovered gravity and invented calculus (the fiend), the other plays a mean guitar and has a doctorate in astronomy. The main similarity is their flowing, curly locks.

I agree there's a hint of the mad professor about Jimmy - even before he had the white hair.

Buffy, your friend's book sounds very interesting. I'm going to look for it on Amazon.

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Newton wore a wig, of course....

Has anyone read any of Stephen Fry's(British actor/Comedian/author) books? I checked of his books, Revenge, out of the library, and it's next on "to read" list once I get done with the Newton book. (Revenge is the US name. Elsewhere, it's The Stars' Tennis Balls.). It's a modern day version of The Count of Monte Cristo (which I've never read.) Just curious what others think of his books, as I'm not familiar with him too much, except as Mycroft in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

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Originally Posted by buffyfan145

I just posted in Glenn's section but I just finished the debut novel by one of my friends Marie Cauley, "Never Forgotten You", and it was so great!!! :D Was a great read for me too as I pictured Glenn as her main character Chris. The story takes place in the late 90s about Karen, an early 30s woman who moves out to California for work but one day luckily meets her old teen idol Chris Lassiter who is back restarting his solo career in his early 40s. Chris was the lead singer/guitarist and actor in a band in the 70s and Karen loved him since she was 11 and always thought they'd meet. Just turns out 20 years later they would and they quickly fall in love.

Chris reminded me of Glenn so much with his personality, the things he went through in the 70s and 80s, the way Marie describes his smile, and his sense of humor on & off stage. Some of the supporting characters reminded me of Don (Chris' best friend and band mate since the 70s), Randy (his bass player whose name has the initials RM), and one of Chris' priests name is Father Timothy. There were lots of twists too and it is also a very spiritual novel as well, which I personally loved. Both characters have so much they went through and are trying to change, and I loved their love story.

It's the first of a series too Marie's writing and I can't wait to read the 2nd book!!! :D I met Marie through the "Jersey Boys" fandom and we both bonded over being writers as well and I helped her somewhat as I also self-published my novels too. I told her about the Glenn similarities I saw and she thought that was awesome. She based Chris off of a few teen idols of hers from 70s too.

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That sound like my type of book Buffy - I just ordered it on Booktopia and cannot wait to read it.:yay:

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Originally Posted by AlreadyGone95

Has anyone read any of Stephen Fry's(British actor/Comedian/author) books? I checked of his books, Revenge, out of the library, and it's next on "to read" list once I get done with the Newton book. (Revenge is the US name. Elsewhere, it's The Stars' Tennis Balls.). It's a modern day version of The Count of Monte Cristo (which I've never read.) Just curious what others think of his books, as I'm not familiar with him too much, except as Mycroft in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

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I read a book of his years ago, I think it was The Liar. It was clever and mildly amusing, but the tone got wearisome after awhile. It also left a bad taste that he was flippant about one character (much older) using a 12-year old boy for sex.

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Originally Posted by NightMistBlue

I read a book of his years ago, I think it was The Liar. It was clever and mildly amusing, but the tone got wearisome after awhile. It also left a bad taste that he was flippant about one character (much older) using a 12-year old boy for sex.

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I don't think the book I'm reading will have a situation like that, at least I hope not.

Let us know your impressions. I really enjoyed Fry in "A Bit of Fry & Laurie," his comedy sketch show with Hugh Laurie and "Black Adder" with Laurie and Rowan Atkinson.

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Originally Posted by NightMistBlue

Let us know your impressions. I really enjoyed Fry in "A Bit of Fry & Laurie," his comedy sketch show with Hugh Laurie and "Black Adder" with Laurie and Rowan Atkinson.

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And wasn't he also Geeves to Hugh Laurie's Wooster?

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Originally Posted by NightMistBlue

Let us know your impressions. I really enjoyed Fry in "A Bit of Fry & Laurie," his comedy sketch show with Hugh Laurie and "Black Adder" with Laurie and Rowan Atkinson.

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Will do. Not only did he work with House, but Mr. Bean as well? :stunned:

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Originally Posted by LuvTim

And wasn't he also Jeeves to Hugh Laurie's Wooster?

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Indeed he was. I love their silliness but they're also both very fine dramatic actors.

Kim, yes - those three guys + Emma Thompson have been friends and occasional collaborators for years and years. They went to school together, Cambridge. Except for Rowan, who went to Oxford.

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Originally Posted by NightMistBlue

Indeed he was. I love their silliness but they're also both very fine dramatic actors.

Kim, yes - those three guys + Emma Thompson have been friends and occasional collaborators for years and years. They went to school together, Cambridge. Except for Rowan, who went to Oxford.

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Such distinguished company: I'm impressed.
Makes me want to stand up straighter, somehow. ;-)

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Originally Posted by LuvTim

Such distinguished company: I'm impressed.
Makes me want to stand up straighter, somehow. ;-)

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I agree and speak (type) proper English.

I finally got to read the Beatles graphic novel about Brian Epstein "The Fifth Beatle" and it was so good. :D It was so well written telling Brian's story and I just felt so bad for him. I can't imagine what he went through and how he couldn't be who he truly was and all the hatred. Plus, he never realized how much people did love him, especially the boys, and it was so sad. I also really loved the artwork and how everyone was drawn. I'm really looking even more forward to the film version they're working on. :)

I finished the Stephen Fry book last night. Overall, I'd give it a 3 out of 5. I liked it, but it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down or couldn't wait to find out what happened. I found myself somewhat happy to reach the end of the boom The plot and story was pretty good, but a bit far fetched. I think that if the book was about 50 pages longer, I would've liked it more. The middle and the end was too short. I felt like there was some gaps. The book is definitely very British. I might read another one of Mr. Fry's books.

I'm now starting on Damascus Gate by Robert Stone. It takes place in modern Jerusalem (1990s). An American journalist uncovers a bombing plot to bomb the Temple Mount while on assignment. While digging deeper, he meets colorful characters. He slowly uncovers an attempt to seize political advantage that reveals duplicity and depravity on all sides of Jerusale's scared struggle.

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Originally Posted by NightMistBlue

Indeed he was. I love their silliness but they're also both very fine dramatic actors.

Kim, yes - those three guys + Emma Thompson have been friends and occasional collaborators for years and years. They went to school together, Cambridge. Except for Rowan, who went to Oxford.

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This reminds me of a funny moment from one of my favourite Blackadder episodes (I've never watched Series 1, but I love the other three series) - 'General Hospital' from Blackadder Goes Forth (the WWI series), where this friendly rivalry inspired a joke, when they are trying identify a German spy:

Blackadder (Atkinson): I asked if he had been to one of the great universities, Oxford, Cambridge or Hull... but you failed to spot that only two of these are great universities!
General Melchett (Fry): That's right! Oxford's a complete dump!

You can watch the clip here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKuHYO9TM5A

(My parents have mixed feelings about this gag as they went to Hull University! To appease them I should probably add that though although it's definitely never been as prestigious as Oxford and Cambridge, I think it ranked quite highly when they went in the late 70s/early 80s when Philip Larkin was the librarian there, but it isn't part of the what is now considered to be the elite group of public UK universities, known as the Russell Group. )

I haven't read any of Fry's books myself so I can't comment on them.