Ever encounter a Golden Child in fiction that you can't stand? I have.

[raccoon]

Sheila Bleeping Wexford. (in Ruth Rendell's Inspector Wexford books).

She has always been Wexford's favorite, and of course she's beautiful and is a successful actress. So successful that now she owns a mansion and Wexford and his wife have a cottage or trailer or something on the premises. Saw that in Rendell's latest at the library, and I put it back on the shelf.

I'm surprised the Queen hasn't made Sheila a Dame or something. Maybe she has and I didn't read that book.

[libodem]

1. Interesting question

I can't think of anyone off hand. I just have not been reading like I used to. I've been toying with the same Ken Follett book for a year. Just started it again. I stalled at the start of WW1 and couldn't couldn't face the horror. Now I'm in the French trenches, thank you very much.

[Curmudgeoness]

2. That book really is an excellent book.

I have read the second in the trilogy as well. I love history in novels, but I do agree that reading about the horrors of war is difficult. I just feel as if it is important to realize what people go through when they are sent off to fight wars, so I trudge though it.

[libodem]

3. I almost can't take it

But the other parts keep me afloat especially the fight for women's right to vote. It is interesting to compare and contrast the way women are treated between then and now. I do love Follett. Loved Pillars of the Earth. May be my all time favorite.

[Curmudgeoness]

4. Pillars is in my top five books ever.

Maude was a great character (I think that was her name). I love that he has at least one character to tie in all the things that were happening at that time. Keep reading. You will not be disappointed. Is the final book out yet???? I haven't been paying attention.

[libodem]

5. I'm not sure about the last book

It certainly is a journey.

[Curmudgeoness]

6. September of 2014

That is what they say on the Ken Follett website. I guess I have a long wait.

[libodem]

7. I'm usually a quick reader

But some books I just can't speed through. I've also had to go to cheater glasses to read book sized print. That seems to help. At this rate I should finish the second book in time for the third.

Hope you find something good in the mean time.


I also dragged my feet all the way through The Covenant and The Source. They are at the top of my favorite list as well. Some really great literature seems to take work for me to consume.

[Curmudgeoness]

8. I also take more time with a book that has substance.

I have not read either of the Michener books....because I read one book he wrote and swore off of him. I probably should rethink that, but he is so wordy----and for no good reason. It is like listening to someone who won't shut up, even when they have nothing more to say.

I was thinking about what you said about not being "able to take it", and I realized that every book on my top greatest books list are books that I can hardly take because of all the emotions and sadness. (The Grapes of Wrath, The Jungle, The Poisonwood Bible, to name a few.) Hmmmm. There might be something wrong with me.

[libodem]

9. I have the Poisonwood Bible

On my bookshelf. I didn't know it was so good. I'll get after it when I finish this one.

Michener is gawd awful wordy but I have truly gained a lot of insight reading him. He usually has a love story woven through all the historic reference material. But it can drag on. I started Caribbean and never picked it back up. I totally hear what you are saying.

[yellowdogintexas]

10. The Source is a wonderful book.

The way it is divided up into segments allow it to be read in stages.