Colleen ’s Comments (group member since Nov 01, 2020)

Colleen ’s comments from the Talk @ Books! group.

I just finished Daisy Jones & The Six on audio. I liked it, so 3 stars, but didn't really give me much - although after book club this month I'll probably like and appreciate it much more as always happens post discussion. Daisy was an interesting character, with many flaws (as are all the main characters/band members in the story) but she redeems herself in the end. She's not the only strong woman, other women in the novel are great and have their own powers as well. I think the author did a pretty good job in showing all of these personalities, in a nice "interview" style way which was unique and I really liked told this way.

Angela M wrote: "While not a character in a novel, Ruth Coker Burns is an an amazing, strong and caring woman as I discovered when I recently read her memoir: All the Young Men. She was an AIDS acti..."

Guess what I did - yep, added to the TBR. This time in history has always intrigued me, it was so horrible and difficult, but so real with great stories out there. We should not forget!

I'm starting a long-anticipated read (listen) to The Signature of All Things. I just started it today and about an hour in - the story has taken me so far - I just know its going to be good, and that makes me excited. Especially considering it's a little longer for me than average.

Angela M wrote: "I read Outlawed.
3.5 stars rounded up . My favorite review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Nice review Angela - and I like how you rounded up. :) I feel we totally need half stars on GR!

@Eileen - I want to read what you think of Girl w/7 names - this books has been lurking on my TBR too long....

What are your reading goals (if any) for 2021?

Number?
How do you choose? Any difference in format?
Titles?
Genres?
Series?
Book club schedule?

I just saw a Facebook post which ranked Stephen King's books in order from worst to best. I now am unable to track it down, unable to identify who was responsible for the list - but the #1 book was It. The movie remake was well-done.

@Sandra - I loved Once Upon a River! Even more so than The Thirteenth Tale. It was my favorite 2019 book. And I also enjoyed My Cousin Rachel this month as well.

Everyone has some great books listed!

Thanks for all the feedback people! I'm going to go through these posts more thoroughly to respond to but I wanted to add:

my 2 library book clubs take suggestions from the members and then we vote on them once a year so we have our next years schedule set which is helpful and since they're member-voted on, it seems most people want to read them. They also need to have a fairly good amount of copies in the library system to make it on the ballot.

My Next Door/neighborhood book club has evolved so the "host" (only Zoom now which is not ideal) picks the book (which I have been pushing for to set at least a month in advance) and had at her house. We miss seeing each other in person but have managed to continued meeting post-COVID - we started in 2017.

@Libby - Ken Follett is great isn't he? I've only started a couple in his various series & should move on to #2s.

@Sandra - I loved Great Expectations overall, it was just difficult to get into but I think I "got" most of it.

We must have a year-ending list of the best books you read this year. I won't put a limit on it - just know that you can list all those you find worthy. I may add to this, but to start it off I will recognize:

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
The Paris Architect
Three Junes
The Dutch House

For a light-hearted read, my Lakeville library chose Evvie Drake Starts Over as the January pick. I need it right now, and hopefully is well done.

Once I finish my current audio (hopefully tonight yet) Wintering I'll be starting Daisy Jones & The Six.

@Janice - so cute with your grandson! Love that.

@Karen - totally agree about American Dirt. I read it this summer - at least it was better weather, but not a light-hearted read. Sounds like Janice is feeling the same way!

@Martha - I'm hoping to never have to read a practical book about child loss, but glad it has wonderful ideas. I read The 39 Steps before - I bet the movie is really good - I wonder if it's better.

Janice wrote: "John wrote: "Shortly, it will have you on the edge of your seat!"

Sounds promising."

I'm jealous you got to start this Janice! I'm wading through a couple bummers right now, but that just makes me want to finish them quicker so I can more on. :)

John wrote: "Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
★★★★★ and ♥

When I was a child, I developed a food phobia of mushrooms after a nauseating experience. Although I outgrew this phobia, this fear might be resu..."

Great review John!

I started Wintering on audio - not too sure yet, and afraid I am not listening to the timelines. I have a bit to go yet before I can make any decisions, but this may be a book best read.

Also reading The Persistence of Memory - a little easier going, but again, not really a hit (yet). Although I am learning some new foreign (to me) words.

Sandra wrote: "I finished Rebecca yesterday, and gave it 5 stars. I plan to watch the new movie now.

I'm starting today Offering to the Storm, last book in the Baztán Trilogy."

Let me know what you think of Rebecca!

Stefanie wrote: "After some time waiting and staying away from the library I have had some holds come through so have a few from the library I get to enjoy..... [book:The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's S..."

Enjoy Radium Girls! A lot of characters, but nothing to have to keep straight, I just let the history lesson flow. It's not the most light-hearted/uplifting story, but you'll meet some amazing women (and men) during this not-so-distant time. We've come a long way, but how much further do we need to go?

Martha wrote: "Glad you enjoyed My Cousin Rachel. One of my favorites by her is Jamaica Inn."

I hear after Rebecca, Jamaica Inn is the most popular. I'll need to get to it, hopefully next year. I really enjoy this author!

Saul wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Saul - all I want to do now is play a few games of chess! And go to Moscow. :)

Jejeje....that is interesting. It looks as if the series had inspired more interest on chess.
By the..."

Chess Story looks really good. And an interesting author background as well. I couldn't get an English translation of the book summary to pull up on GR? I just read some reviews. But the original title "The Royal Game" seems spot-on.