After finishing Jackie Copleton's novel, A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding which was the story of a family in Nagasaki during the atomic attack by the United States, I was not quite ready to dive into one of the Christmas romance novels I had been craving. It seemed wrong somehow to pick up something light and fun, in light of such a serious time in our world's history. Instead I found myself pulling Denise Kiernan's The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II of my shelf.
First Two Paragraphs of The Girls of Atomic City:
First Two Paragraphs of The Girls of Atomic City:
Celia sat in her berth, the delicate folds of her brand-new dress draping over her knees as she gazed out the window of the train. Southbound. That much she knew, and that she had a sleeping berth because it was going to take a while to get to her destination. Towns and stations simmering in the August heat rippled past her view. Buildings and farms bubbled up above the horizon as the train sped by. Still, nothing she saw through the streaked glass answered the most pressing question of her mind: Where was she going?
Toni had spoken the word that, until this day, was not to be spoken. A word to change the world.
and
Teaser from page 56:
December 7, 1941, brought Japan to the shores and skies of Pearl Harbor and brought the United States into World War II.
But in December 1938, events had transpired that would send the first ripples across the Atlantic of the unleashed power of what the Greeks called atomos, news that had resulted in the birth of the Project.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
I'm quite interested in this subject matter, particularly the time period and the role the women played. This book has gotten good reviews, and I am finding it quite interesting so far.
It seems fitting I would read this book in November, given the Nonfiction November theme that seems to be blazing through the blogospere right now. I tend to read nonfiction novels more slowly than fiction, novels, and so I imagine I will be adding something else to the mix as I read this one. Perhaps one of those Christmas romances.
What are you reading at the moment? Is it anything you would recommend?
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.
This week's Top Ten Tuesday theme is Top Ten Book To Movie Adaptations I Am Looking Forward To Seeing (both already released and that are still forthcoming).
Book to movie adaptions of books I have read:
1.
Mockingjay: Part 2 ~ I just finished re-watching the first two movies in the series and saw Mockingjay: Part 1 in anticipation of the final movie's release later this month. I am excited to see how this final installment turns out.
2.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant ~ Based on the book by Veronica Roth, I am anxious to see how this one is pulled off. There will actually be two movies and so it will be awhile before we see the end of this one. The movies in the Divergent series have gotten mixed reviews, but I have quite enjoyed them so far.
3.
Beasts of No Nation ~ This movie was made by Netflix, and so you will not be seeing this on the big screen. I am curious to see how well it was translated to film. It is one of my favorite books by Uzodinma Iweala.
4.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan ~ One of my favorite books of all time by Lisa See and I have yet to see the movie. There's something wrong with that picture.
4.
Before I Go To Sleep ~ I read S.J. Watson's novel last year with the intent of watching movie soon after, but I haven't yet gotten around to it. I still want to see it. Hopefully soon.
Book to movie adaptions I haven't seen because I have not yet read the books:
5.
Warm Bodies ~ Another book on my TBR shelf I want to read, this one by Isaac Marion. I admit to not being a big fan of zombies, especially in books where they aren't mindless enemies to fight off. A friend said I would enjoy this one though--so I will give it a fair shake.
6.
Coraline ~ It's by Neil Gaiman so of course I want to read it. And then I can follow it up with the movie.
7.
The Help ~ Kathryn Stockett's novel and movie has received much praise. Sad to say this book has been on my shelf since it first came out. I do want to read it--and see the movie--the timing just hasn't been right, I guess.
8.
Water for Elephants ~ Just as The Help has long sit on my shelf unread for awhile, so has this novel by Sara Gruen. Someday . . .
9.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close ~ I put off reading this book by Jonathan Safran Foer because of the subject matter, although I do still want to read it. Very much so. Once I do, I will make a point to see the movie.
10.
House of Sand and Fog ~ Everyone I know who has read Andre Dubus III book has said how depressing it is. It is the favorite of a friend, and, as a result, I intend to one day read it, and eventually watch the movie.
What Book to Movie Adaptions are you waiting to see?
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I've read The Girls of Atomic City so I say, yes, keep reading! I've read and/or seen several of the books/movies on your list and you've got some good ones on there!
ReplyDeleteKathy - It sounds like you enjoyed The Girls of Atomic City. :-) I'm enjoying it so far. Such an interesting time in our history. I never realized all that was involved, including the level of secrecy, even from the employees.
DeleteThe Girls of Atomic City sounds good and I can't wait for your review of A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding! I'm looking forward to Mockingjay Part 2; I've enjoyed the books and the past movies installments so I want to know how it goes, despite knowing how it ends.
ReplyDeleteMelody - It is really interesting so far. I really liked A Dictionary of Understanding. I'm still working on my review, but hope to get it out before the end of the month.
DeleteI don't think I'll see Mockingjay 2 right when it opens, but I wish I could. I'm really looking forward to the movie.
I considered adding Water for Elephants to my list, too. I like the book a lot. I will probably look for Before You Go to Sleep, too. Good list.
ReplyDeleteMy TTT movie adapations
Anne - I hope I end up liking Water for Elephants. I think it's my fear for the fate of the elephant that has kept me from starting it yet. I do want to read it though.
DeleteThe Help is a great book and movie. You should definitely move it up on your tbr
ReplyDeleteSashana - I've heard the book and movie are both really good. I do hope to get to them one day soon.
DeleteI am a huge fan of The Help- it's one of my favourite books. The movie is done so well. I highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteChrissi - I am sure I will enjoy both! Although now I have high expectations. :-)
DeleteI would keep reading the Girls of Atomic City - I'm also wanting to see the film version of Before I Go To Sleep too, loved the book
ReplyDeleteCleo - It's interesting so far. I'm really enjoying it. I am a little nervous about the movie version of Before I Go To Sleep. I hope it's good.
DeleteAlthough the first two paragraphs didn't grab my desire to keep reading, I have heard many good things about this book. It is on my to-read list. I agree about The Help. I loved both book and movie.
ReplyDeleteMargot - It's such an intriguing story. There's so much I didn't know.
DeleteI loved The Help both the book and the movie. Great list, and thank you for stopping by. :)
ReplyDeleteJess - I am glad to see so many people sing The Help's praises. I guess I really will have to hurry up and read it and watch the movie. :-)
DeleteThe Girls of Atomic City sounds good. One my favorite historical periods.
ReplyDeleteSuzie - It's one of my favorite time periods too. What with the role women played at the time, how much of a man's game it still was, and everything else. It's also very sobering, knowing what is to come.
DeleteI love The Help, I thought the movie was just as spectacular as the book, so I hope you enjoy watching it :) Coraline was such a pretty yet disturbing movie.
ReplyDeleteMy Top Ten
Miharu - I think I will enjoy The Help too. It's always nice to know the book lived up to the movie. I've heard that about Coraline. I imagine I will watch it without my daughter around the first time.
DeleteNever heard of this one, but curious what's in store for this woman and why she doesn't know where she's going?
ReplyDeleteDiane - They really took the notion of secrecy seriously. No one except a small few high up had any idea what they were working toward back then--other than it has something to do with possibly ending the war more quickly.
DeleteGreat teasers that certainly have me wanting to know more.
ReplyDeleteWe have just watched Mockingjay #1 and were certainly impressed.
Liked The Help but not nearly as much as the book. Water For elephants was also good, one of those rare films that I thought as good as the book and what's more Mr T really enjoyed it (the film that is). I haven't read Coraline but saw the movie - very disappointing.
Busy reading The Complete Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie and loving it. How is it only now that I am reading the original story though?
Tracy - I just watched the first part of Mockingjay too and liked it as well. It's definitely got me excited about seeing the conclusion. I am curious to know how it looks on the big screen. I hadn't minded the book at all, but I know many readers of the series were bothered by it.
DeleteI'm sorry you were disappointed with Coraline. I have heard the movie and book are a bit different from one another. I really enjoy Gaiman's books.
I was just thinking I might like to see the new movie Pan . . . I never did read The Complete Peter Pan. I suppose I should given that's where my name came from. ;-)
I like the TT, for some reason it's fun to read about train rides. Very descriptive.
ReplyDeleteI've liked the Divergent movies too, I'm looking forward to Allegiant (haven't read it yet). And Mockingjay- I need to see the first one before the second one arrives. :)
I saw the Water for Elephants movie and thought it was good. I haven't read the book...
Greg - I like reading about train rides too--and actual train rides. I've often wanted to travel cross country or at least up the coast on a train. Every time I look into it though I remember why I haven't yet--it costs a lot. :-(
DeleteI just watched the first Mockingjay movie in anticipation of seeing the final one. Not happy I have to wait. I think the only other movie I'm really looking forward to seeing this year is Star Wars.
I'm really curious how Allegiant will turn out. Are you planning to read the book before seeing the movie(s)?
I like the look of Water for Elephants, and so hope the book and movie will be good. I'm glad to hear you liked the movie!
I liked The Help and Water for Elephants, but haven't yet seen the film versions of those. I was surprised how much Coraline the book was different from the movie- enough that they felt like variant retellings of the same story, enjoyed both of them (my ten-year-old thinks the movie is really creepy, she doesn't want to watch it again ever!) I just watched House of Sand and Fog a few days ago- it was good, but not nearly as good as the book (both quite glum but still a good story- one you can't look away from).
ReplyDeleteJeane - I figured Coraline might be too much for my daughter yet, and you've confirmed it. I hope I like it. It'll be interesting to see how it varies from the book, when I get to both. I don't mind variances from book to movie as long as the movie is done well.
DeleteI've heard that about House of Sand and Fog. It's good I like sad stories then. :-) I am curious to know what I will think of it.
I'm interested in The Girls of Atomic City! Books to movies are always a strange kind of crapshoot! I recently finished Amberwell, a very quiet, but lovely book by D.E. Stevenson.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - Yes, you never really know what you will get when a book is translated into a movie. Like I mentioned to Jeane, I really don't mind changes or differences so long as the movie is done well. Amberwell sounds interesting--a strong sense of place. I like quiet novels now and then. It reminds me to slow down. Goodness knows I need that reminder from time to time! :-)
DeleteI want to read that, so yes, I'd keep reading. There are some good adaptations on your movie list,, but I actually hated House of Sand and Fog
ReplyDeleteBeth - I'm sad to hear you hated House of Sand and Fog. That makes me even more curious to know what I will think.
DeleteI love the excerpts, especially the teasers. The language in the opening lines drew me in.
ReplyDeleteAs for the books into movies, I am very excited seeing some favorites there, like House of Sand and Fog. I read the book only once, but I do still have it somewhere. I have the DVD and watch it periodically. Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly are stunning.
I also enjoyed Before I Go to Sleep...Nicole Kidman was fascinating. Some thought the movie was not that good, but, again, I differ. I have the DVD on that one, too.
I loved The Help, but I enjoyed the movie more.
Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
Laurel-Rain - It's such an interesting story!
DeleteI love Ben Kingsley. I should move up my reading of House of Sand and Fog. I am glad you enjoyed Before I Go to Sleep. I really need to watch that one. It's available on Netflix.
The Girls of Atomic City sounds like my kind of story. Girl Who Reads
ReplyDeleteDonna - It's really good! I recommend it. Although I should probably wait until I finish it to say that. :-) What I've read so far, is good. I can't imagine that will change much.
DeleteYour current read sounds like the perfect next read after Dictionary. You'll get to those Christmas romances yet!
ReplyDeleteCatherine - It really is. It's so interesting so far! I don't know that I would have been able to jump in feet first as many of these people were, not knowing anything about what they were doing--at least not in the main.
DeleteIs this fiction or nonfiction? It sounds engaging. It is a time period that interests me too. This week my teaser comes from Dark Turns by Cate Holahan. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - It is nonfiction. I had loaned my copy to my father-in-law last year around this time and finally got it back to read for myself. :-)
DeleteI have the Girls of Atomic City on my bookshelf---never read it, but I WANT to. (you know how that goes), so I say yes, read on!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie - It's been on my shelf for a long while, so I definitely know how that goes. :-)
DeleteOh, THE HELP is such a good movie and a great book! I saw it in the theater and immediately went to the bookstore to buy the book - and read it. I just couldn't leave those characters yet!
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of THE GIRLS OF ATOMIC CITY but it is definitely a topic I'm very interested in as well. I have DICTIONARY OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING in my stack to review as we speak!
Becky - I am glad to hear you enjoyed The Help so much. I hope I will too. :-)
DeleteThe Girls of Atomic City is an eye opener. Some not so surprising stuff too, of course, but much of it is details I had never known before. I hope you enjoy A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding!
That intro is certainly good. I'd keep on reading.
ReplyDeleteMystica - It drew me in too!
DeleteGreat list and a great teaser!
ReplyDeleteYvonne - Thank you!
DeleteI just added Beasts of No Nation to my Netflix queue yesterday. I have heard it is amazing! My TTT
ReplyDeleteLaura - I can't wait to see the movie. I absolutely loved the book.
DeleteThe Girls of Atomic City has come onto my radar recently, and I was pleased to see I enjoyed the opener. A def read on!
ReplyDeleteMy First Chapter post is here if you're interested: http://www.bookpunks.com/so-it-begins-timebomb-by-scott-k-andrews/
Nikki - I hope you do give The Girls of Atomic City a chance. It's really good so far.
DeleteThe book sounds interesting - I've been to Nagasaki, and it's a beautiful place. The Atomic Bomb Museum makes you want to cry :/
ReplyDeleteEustacia - From the descriptions in the book, it sounds beautiful. I would probably be in tears just walking in the door of The Atomic Bomb Museum. Such a devestating and horrific event in world history.
DeleteReally looking forward to Mockingjay Part 2!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/10/top-ten-tuesday-30/
It can't be released soon enough. I'm so anxious to see it!
DeleteI really liked the first teaser, I'm definitely intrigued!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on seeing The Martin soon, since I just finished the book (: Great list!
Cyn - I ended up seeing The Martian (although I am still not sure I'll read the book). It's worth seeing!
DeleteHi Literary. I would keep reading The Girls of Atomic City, it sounds interesting. I have a few Christmasy romances lined up in my Nook. I can't remember off hand but something along the lines of a Cowboy for Christmas is one of them...lol.
ReplyDeleteI was all gun ho for the Hunger Games at first, I read and watched the first installment, then I lost interest.
I really enjoyed Snow Flower and the Secret Fan when I read it, I don't think I saw the movie. Memoirs of a Geisha was very good as well.
How funny, I just posted my review of Warm Bodies. I recently read and watched it. The film strays from the book, but I still enjoyed it.
I liked Coraline the book, but the movie...meh. I watched The Help and enjoyed it, and my copy is still unread as well.
I can't wait to see the film adaptation of Kings 11/22/63.
Enjoy your weekend :)
Naida - It was such an interesting book! I finally was able to start my Christmas reading, but took a break to catch up on my review writing. I didn't want to get any further behind before starting another book. :-S I'm all caught up for the moment. A Cowboy for Christmas sounds like fun. LOL
DeleteI didn't know King's book 11/22/63 is coming out in film. Hopefully it will be good.
I would like to read Girls of Atomic City - keep hearing such great things about it!
ReplyDeleteI can recommend both movie and book of House of Sand and Fog but just be prepared. Depressing for sure!
Iliana - I can now say I have at least one nonfiction book under my belt this year. I'm so bad about reading nonfiction.
DeleteI am glad you recommend House of Sand and Fog. Hopefully I will agree with you!