What Big Book Are You Currently Reading? > Likes and Comments
I’m starting Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead today. I borrowed it from a sibling and it is also a part of another challenge for me on Goodreads. I’m also finally going to start Lonesome Dove. I wanted to read it when it was a group read in 2024 for BBSC but that didn’t happen. I like to read several books at the same time.
My name is Fern and my first Big Book for this group is A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith. It is a historical fiction coming in at 632 pages. I'm also working my way through The Blue and The Gray by Henry Steele Commager which will take most of the summer. 1151 pages
One more I have just started is The Stripping of the Altars by Eamon Duffy which will also take most of the summer. 593 pages
I'm starting with "lonesome Dove" and I am hoping to get to "East of Eden" next. I have several others if finish both of those. I'll probably read several short books in between.
First Big book is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Kristin wrote: "I’m starting Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead today. I borrowed it from a sibling and it is also a part of another challenge for me on Goodreads. I’m also finally going to start Lonesome Dove. I wa..."Good for you, being able to juggle multiple books, Kristin! Back in 2023 (I think?), Great Circle was the #1 book of Big Book Summer. And Lonesome Dove is outstanding! Hope you enjoy them both.
Pianomans wrote: "My name is Fern and my first Big Book for this group is A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith. It is a historical fiction coming in at 632 pages. I'm also working my way through The Blue and T..."
Sounds like a great plan, Fern! I haven't read any of those yet. Enjoy!
Mary wrote: "I'm starting with "lonesome Dove" and I am hoping to get to "East of Eden" next. I have several others if finish both of those. I'll probably read several short books in between."Hope you enjoy them both, Mary! Lonesome Dove blew me away!
Tashinka wrote: "First Big book is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton"I enjoyed The Forgotten Garden - hope you do, too, Tashinka!
My first big book will be Conform by Ariel Sullivan. FANTASY from Jenna Bush’s brand new publishing company, Thousand Voices .
My first big book of this summer will be a reread of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flag. I’ll also rewatch the movie adaptation as part of the Book Cougars “book to screen adaptation” theme for the year. Im sure that tears will reappear as well - this story definitely tugs as my heartstrings!
I'm starting A Suitable Boy with the intent of finishing it at the end of the year and Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community
All the Glimmering Stars is my first one! It's a little heavy (but beautiful) so I'm also reading Ascendant.
My first Big Book is Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor. It was on my list for last summer and I never got around to it! Thanks Sue and others for hosting once again!
Allen wrote: "My first big book will be Conform by Ariel Sullivan. FANTASY from Jenna Bush’s brand new publishing company, Thousand Voices ."Sounds like a good pick, Allen! I've been curious about her new publishing imprint.
Kim wrote: "My first big book of this summer will be a reread of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flag. I’ll also rewatch the movie adaptation as part of the Book Cougars “book to screen..."Kim, I also plan to reread Fried Green Tomatoes (on audio this time). Enjoy!
Linda wrote: "I'm starting A Suitable Boy with the intent of finishing it at the end of the year and Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community"Bowling Alone sounds intriguing, Linda - great title!
Heidi'sbooks wrote: "All the Glimmering Stars is my first one! It's a little heavy (but beautiful) so I'm also reading Ascendant."Enjoy, Heidi!
Kate wrote: "My first Big Book is Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor. It was on my list for last summer and I never got around to it! Thanks Sue and others for hosting once again!"My first pick is also one left-over from last summer, Kate - The Testaments by Margaret Atwood.
My first big book will be Lonesome Dove. This novel has been on my TBR forever so I’m happy to dive in.
My first big book will be Tom's Crossing by Mark Z. Danielewski1200 pgs!
I’m reading Gertrude Stein’s The Making of Americans as a readalong with the Pittsburgh Review of Books and the White Whale Bookstore in Pittsburgh. It is 1022 pages, which the hosts have scheduled out over 14 weeks, including a catch up week in the middle (thank goodness). I didn’t know what to expect having never read Stein before. It is odd yet often beautiful so far. I finished Fried Green Tomatoes yesterday, but I did read the first half earlier in the week so I might not ‘count’ it. I will hopefullY read more big books that hew closer to the 400 page count than to anything approximating TMOA while Stein provides a constant background hum to the summer.
I've got 3 Big Books going at the moment:Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen--on audio--a many times re-read; for my birthday week.
South Riding by Winifred Holtby and
All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot--reading a few chapters here and there and hope to finish this summer.
Some other possibilities from my Big Books pile:
They Were Sisters, Dorothy Whipple
The Forsyte Saga, John Galsworthy (3 novels & 2 interludes in one volume)
The American Senator, Anthony Trollope
Marion Fay, Anthony Trollope
Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy (a re-read)
Mr Scarborough's Family, Anthony Trollope
I hope to read a total of 8 books over the summer, but I'll be happy with whatever I finish! Thank you, Sue!
Mary wrote: "The Night Circus and Fourth Wing"I loved The night Circus, Mary - enjoy!
Colleen wrote: "I’m reading Gertrude Stein’s The Making of Americans as a readalong with the Pittsburgh Review of Books and the White Whale Bookstore in Pittsburgh. It is 1022 pages, which the hosts have scheduled..."Sounds like a good plan, Colleen! I'm planning to re-read (via audio) Fried Green Tomatoes.
I am currently reading 2 big books. The first is a wonderful Midldle-grade book called The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli By Karina Yan Glaser. There are two time lines. The Character Han Yu lives in Ancient China in the year 731 and Luli is in China Town in New York City in 1931. They both are having adventures of different kinds.The 2nd book I am reading is This Tender Land By William Kent Krueger. I just started it and am really enjoying his writing style.
Ann Litwack wrote: "I am currently reading 2 big books. The first is a wonderful Midldle-grade book called The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli By Karina Yan Glaser. There are two time lines. The Character Han Yu lives i..."Sounds like a great start to Big Book Summer, Ann! I LOVED This Tender Land and Krueger's writing - that novel has everything. The middle-grade book sounds really interesting, too. Hope you enjoy them both!
My first big book for the summer is The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown.
I have just started The Calamity Club by Katherine Stockett.
Okay, I've finally decided.I like to read a print copy of a book during the day and a digital book at night.
Later today, I shall begin reading Two Nights in Lisbon by Cris Pavone (a hardcover print book), and To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis (an ebook).
I have on my big book list this year:11/22/63- Stephen king
California Gold- John Jakes
The Crow Trap- Ann Cleeves
I am halfway through Effingers by Gabrielle Tergit. It is a newly republished book by NYRB Classics. 800 plus pp. Tergit was German Jewish journalist; book published originally in 1951. One of those ignored books. A portrait of Jewish family life from 1878 to 1948. A LOT about overall German culture at the time--industrialization, rise of radicalism, etc. I am actually enjoying it a lot but most of our book group doesn't like it, so I am reluctant to recommend it because of the length. But I am learning so much about Europe at this time--in general, not just about rise of Nazism.
Marilyn wrote: "I have just started The Calamity Club by Katherine Stockett."I definitely want to read that one, Marilyn! I loved The Help.
Nancy wrote: "Okay, I've finally decided.I like to read a print copy of a book during the day and a digital book at night.
Later today, I shall begin reading Two Nights in Lisbon by Cris Pavone (a hardcover pr..."
Sounds like a great plan, Nancy! I've been meaning to try Chris Pavone for YEARS! I know I have one of his on my Kindle (but I rarely read ebooks).
Connie Willis is one of my favorite authors. To Say Nothing of the Dog is very entertaining. Have you read the others in her Oxford Time Travel series? Doomsday Book, Blackout & All Clear (those 2 go together) are among my favorite books (my husband, too).
Hope you enjoy both!
Amy wrote: "I have on my big book list this year:11/22/63- Stephen king
California Gold- John Jakes
The Crow Trap- Ann Cleeves"
11/22/63 is one of my favorite books, Amy! Hope you enjoy them all.
Barbara wrote: "I am halfway through Effingers by Gabrielle Tergit. It is a newly republished book by NYRB Classics. 800 plus pp. Tergit was German Jewish journalist; book published originally in 1951. One of thos..."Sounds fascinating, Barbara!
I am starting with Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley.
Theresa wrote: "I am starting with Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley."Enjoy, Theresa!
If it can happen to the best laid plans, it can certainly happen to my casually laid plans. A library book I'd put a hold on as soon as I could has become available a couple of weeks sooner than I'd expected, so--even though I've already begun two books for Big Book Summer--I'm beginning another big book today. Fortunately, the other two books are books I own, so I can put them on a slower schedule. I am about to begin reading King of Kings / The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation by Scott Anderson.I've long had an interest in the history of Iran, particularly during the 20th century, and am hopeful this will add a lot to my understanding of that country's history and our involvement in it.
Nancy wrote: "If it can happen to the best laid plans, it can certainly happen to my casually laid plans. A library book I'd put a hold on as soon as I could has become available a couple of weeks sooner than I'..."Wow, juggling 3 Big Books, Nancy! Cheryl just joined Big Book Summer, and she is also reading King of Kings, so you might want to share notes with her! If you want, anyone can set up a new discussion thread for a particular book :)
I’m listening to This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. Enjoying so far!
Helen wrote: "I’m listening to This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. Enjoying so far!"One of my favorites, Helen!! I bet it's great on audio. Enjoy :)
My first big book for the summer will be War & Peace. I am doing a multiple buddy book read with some online book friends.
Colleen wrote: "I’m reading Gertrude Stein’s The Making of Americans as a readalong with the Pittsburgh Review of Books and the White Whale Bookstore in Pittsburgh. It is 1022 pages, which the hosts have scheduled..."Colleen, your reading of The Making of Americans sounds very fun. I love that Pittsburgh has such a robust community reading vibe. Long Beach no longer does a 'city reads' and I do miss it.
Gabi wrote: "My first big book for the summer will be War & Peace. I am doing a multiple buddy book read with some online book friends."Wow, Gabi - go big or go home! ha ha Good for you. War and Peace is still on my (long) want to read list. There are several others here reading War and Peace this summer - you are welcome to start a new discussion thread on it if you want. Enjoy!
I've started my second Big Book in print this summer - Dead Man's Walk by Larry McMurtry. It's the first prequel in the Lonesome Dove series, about Gus and Call when they were REALLY young and had just joined the Texas Rangers. Great so far!
OK. I just started Lonesome Dove. I am 32 pages in. 826 to go.
I’m starting Comanche Moon. I want to read Lonesome Dove, but I want to go in chronological order. I have already read Dead Man’s Walk.
On audio, I am listening to A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, a group read on Booktube for Meany in May. It's excellent so far!