What are you reading now? Finished recently? 4/5 through 11/6/2009

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Schmerguls, I think you should continue your record of reading Grisham. I always like to see your reaction. Don't let my opinion put you off. There are worse books out there, for sure.

[Kriverbend]

I started Hannah Coulter but think I need a change of pace after reading Jayber Crow. Think I might pick up the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo next.

Leslie, perfect book after the beauty of Jayber Crow.....quite a contrast as to how the other half lives, yet I loved it. The creative ability and craft of both authors is notable.

Lois

[Catamorandi]

I am reading Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. It is a delightful story. I never thought of it as a page-turner, but it is for me.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

I remember reading Anne of Green Gables with my daughter and how much we both loved it. I may need to re-visit this book.

[Marcy]

Schmerguls wrote: "I have read 19 books by Grisham and from what you say I guess I can skip The Associate. Thanks for telling us of your reaction."
I actually decided to go ahead and try The Associate, since the librarian handed me my request before I could decline it. Started it last night. So far, it's okay but not great.

[Debbie]

I wouldnt skip it. It is definately Grisham, in that it makes you want to finish reading it. I would agree tho that it is not his best. It should have been one that I got from the library or waited for the paoerback. I also have read all of his, and they started out much better and it seemed there was a lot of attention paid to the characters and the plat that doesnt seem to be there. He seems to be in a rush to finish, or not finish as the case may be.

Deb

[Jan]

I just finished reading Never Tell A Lie by Hallie Ephron. It is a suspense novel, easy-reading, and a page-turner. I particularly enjoyed this book after plowing through the last one I read that was assigned for my book discussion group. If you want a fast, fun mystery, I highly recommend this book.

[Kriverbend]

He seems to be in a rush to finish, or not finish as the case may be.

Deb, Some of Grisham's books do have a quick ending, but I don't read Grisham expecting a literary marvel, as I'm sure you don't either. I read Grisham because I like novels that involve law, court room scenes, etc. and he knows all about that. What I don't like is learning that an author has been given a contract for "two more books" (or more) because I get the idea that a book has to be churned out. Maybe that is why sophomore novels can sometimes be a disappointment. This might be an unfair feeling, but it seems to fit.
Lois

[Marcy]

Jan wrote: "I just finished reading Never Tell A Lie by Hallie Ephron. It is a suspense novel, easy-reading, and a page-turner. I particularly enjoyed this book after plowing through the last one I read that w..."
I can second that good review. I read Never Tell a Lie based on JoAnn's recommendation and everyone I've told about it has liked the book as well.

[Kriverbend]

I just finished Stuart Woods' "Mounting Fears" and reminded myself why I wasn't going to read any more of his books. Because everyone's taste is different, I rarely say "don't bother." However, I found this book to be a waste of time. The action is based on a presidential campaign in today's world with a plot that has been done. The characters aren't believable and I found myself racing through it to see how Woods would end it....I was happy when he finally did!
Lois

[Patricia]

Just finished Olive Kitteridge and I am currently reading The Cradle by Patrick Somerville. Next up is I Capture The Castle.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Marcy and Jan....even my husband read and liked Never Tell a Lie....even after I told him it was pretty much a gal's kind of book!

Those Ephron sisters are something else. What a talented family.

[Jan]

>>I read Never Tell a Lie based on JoAnn's recommendation<<

So that's where I heard about this book. :-) I didn't remember where I got the title from but was glad JoAnn recommended it. I needed an interesting book after that last one that I had to work my way through. Now I can't wait until the author writes another one.

[Cissie]

Not sure that I've gotten this site down pat yet, but here goes. I'm currently reading "In Hovering Flight" by Joyce Hinnefeld (or something like that). I am totally engrossed in this wonderful novel about a mother and daughter. I think I may have found my favorite book of 2009!
Cissie

[Jan]

I checked Amazon and found out that Hallie Ephron wrote several previous suspense books under the name of G.H. Ephron, along with a co-author, Donald Davidoff. I'm heading for the library!

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Cissie wrote: "Not sure that I've gotten this site down pat yet, but here goes. I'm currently reading "In Hovering Flight" by Joyce Hinnefeld (or something like that). I am totally engrossed in this wonderful ..."

WELCOME, Cissie. So good to see you here!

This book sounds wonderful. Putting it on my list and sending the Amazon link for it to a good friend who is a birder. She will love it!

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Thought this was interesting, from the review about In Hovering Flight

"Americans spent $25 billion on books last year, about $6 billion less than they spent on bird watching."

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Jan wrote: "I checked Amazon and found out that Hallie Ephron wrote several previous suspense books under the name of G.H. Ephron, along with a co-author, Donald Davidoff. I'm heading for the library!"

Thanks for this research, Jan. My library system has 5 of these books. I just reserved the first one, Amnesia A Peter Zaks Mystery

[Marcy]

Just finished The Associate by John Grisham. I thought this book was average - character development and writing were less than wonderful, but the story did keep my interest and moved quickly. I still miss the Grisham of old.
Just started Test Of Wills by Charles Todd (Ian Rutledge, Scotland Yard series) which was recommended by a friend and I'm really enjoying it so far. Has anyone read this series?

[OMalleycat]

Marcy asked: "Just started Test Of Wills by Charles Todd (Ian Rutledge, Scotland Yard series) which was recommended by a friend and I'm really enjoying it so far. Has anyone read this series? "

I've read the first two or three of them, Marcy, and I've got the next one on my TBR. I like the anguish of the main character (does that make me a bad person?) but I got a little tired of Hamish and his intrusions and went off the series for a while. I wonder if in the later books Ian ever works out his demons and we see less of Hamish?

Jan O'Cat

[Jan]

The Peter Zaks mysteries by Ephron are available on e-Bay at good prices if anyone is interested. The books, in order, are Amnesia, Addiction, Delusion, Obsessed, and Guilt. I haven't read any of these yet, so I can't give them a rating.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Jan, did your library have the Ephron mysteries?

[Marcy]

JanOMalleycat wrote: "I like the anguish of the main character (does that make me a bad person?) but I got a little tired of Hamish
..."

I sure hope not, Jan. Isn't that what makes fictional characters so interesting? I have only read a small amount, but I can see what you mean about Hamish. I'm happy to discover a whole new series.

[Jan]

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Jan, did your library have the Ephron mysteries?"

The library system has all five, so I will do like you; start with the first. I hope it's even half as good as Never Tell a Lie. I'm currently reading Baldacci's latest, First Family. I'm enjoying it so far, and it is more detailed reading than NTAL, but now that I had a break, I'm ready for it.

[Linda]

Just finished listening to Chasing the Dead A Novel by Joe Schreiber (3+), Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich (3+), and Spandau Phoenix by Greg Iles (3.75). Read Heat Lightning by John Sandford (3.8), Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford (5), Why Sinatra Matters by Pete Hamill (4), and City of Thieves by David Beniov (4.5). Am currently reading Cross Country by James Patterson and Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah, both of which are pretty good.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

I am confused as to which Linda this is who just listened to and read all those books, but you have been a busy girl! Were you with us at Favorite Fiction?

I like Greg Iles's books on audio.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

I just got Mary Higgins Clark's memoir on audio Kitchen Privileges.

I thought it sounded appealing even though I have only read a couple of her books many years ago. It sounds like she has had an interesting life. I know that I usually cannot tolerate memoirs but this does not sound like it is the "poor me" type.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Here is an interesting interview with Hallie Ephron and her collaborator on the Peter Zak mysteries. Be sure to scroll all the way down....there are 20 questions and answers.

http://www.mysteryone.com/GHEphronInt...

[Jan]

>>JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Here is an interesting interview with Hallie Ephron and her collaborator<<

Very interesting. Thanks.

[Reeves]

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "I just got Mary Higgins Clark's memoir on audio Kitchen Privileges.

I thought it sounded appealing even though I have only read a couple of her books many years ago. It sounds like sh..."
JoAnn: I am still in the middle of this book. In fact I was gonna send this off to you when finished! Higgins-Clark writes in a very down to earth,simple way. She seems like somebody you would known say as a friend of your mom's! Very nice lady!

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Glad to hear that about Higgins Clark's "tone", R. Looking forward to listening to the book

[Linda]

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "I am confused as to which Linda this is who just listened to and read all those books, but you have been a busy girl! Were you with us at Favorite Fiction?

I like Greg Iles's books on audio."

I am pretty much a newbie and was not with you on Favorite Fiction. I have listened to a couple of Greg Iles and David Baldacci and liked those as well. Am currently listening to Sweetheart and it is pretty good as well. The narrators make the difference for me.

[Jan]

>>I have listened to a couple of Greg Iles and David Baldacci<< >>The narrators make the difference for me.<<

I believe both those authors have several readers. Do you have a preference? I'm currently reading The Given Day by Dennis LeHane, read by Michael Boatman. He is about the best narrator I have heard. He gives wonderful intonations and dialects appropriate to the book and has a very listenable voice.

[Meredith]

R. wrote: "JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "I just got Mary Higgins Clark's memoir on audio Kitchen Privileges.

I thought it sounded appealing even though I have only read a couple of her books many ye..."

Joanne,

Mary Higgins Clark is from my area. My mother is a writer and is friendly wutg her. I have met her. She is very down to earth. I read Kitchen Privelees several years ago. It as very enjoyable

Meredith

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Thanks for the "inside info" Meredith. When I first read about Kitchen Privileges recently, I thought it was a new book.

[Carolyn (in SC) C234D]

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Thanks for the "inside info" Meredith. When I first read about Kitchen Privileges recently, I thought it was a new book."

I've had this on my shelf for quite a while now. Just checked--it's dated 2002. One of these days I'll pluck it off the shelf and read it.

[OMalleycat]

Jan said: "I'm currently reading The Given Day by Dennis LeHane, read by Michael Boatman. He is about the best narrator I have heard. He gives wonderful intonations and dialects appropriate to the book and has a very listenable voice. "

I think Michael Boatman is an actor. If I'm remembering correctly, he was on the TV series, China Beach, several years ago. Unfortunately my connection is so slow that I can't open IMDb or Google while I'm on Goodreads and find out for sure!

Jan O'Cat

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

What a memory, Jan....Boatman WAS in "China Beach", a show that I loved. More than several years ago....it was 1988-91! WOW, time has flown.

he also played Carter on "Spin City".

[Jan]

>>I think Michael Boatman is an actor.<<

I didn't know that. I do know that I will look for other audio books he has done. It makes listening to the book a pleasure.

[Debbie]

I just started the Jennifer Chiaveriani Quilt book. The title is The Lost Quilter and have read almost half of it and am really enjoying it. This one takes place before the Civil War and talks of the hardships the slaves endured, but has really kept my interest. I dont think if you hadnt read the others, this one could be read alone.

Deb

[OMalleycat]

JoAnn said: " What a memory, Jan....Boatman WAS in "China Beach", a show that I loved. More than several years ago....it was 1988-91! WOW, time has flown."

JoAnn, I'd completely forgotten Michael Boatman in Spin City, but I loved the first couple of years of China Beach and especially enjoyed the part Boatman played. (If "enjoyed" is the right word for any part of that show.) That's why I recognized the name.

Interesting to hear that he's performing audio books. That would be an unexpected career turn for an actor, I'd think.

Jan O'Cat

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Jan, I see that a lot of narrators of audio books are actors, many of them stage actors.

This is why I like plain old readers, I guess. I am not crazy about audiobooks that are "performed". Just read it to me, please!

[Jan]

"I am not crazy about audiobooks that are "performed".

I don't mean to belabor the point, but the Boatman audiobook I'm currently listening to isn't one you would describe as performed. It's natural, but truly gives the flavor of the book and the residents of Boston, where it takes place. He doesn't come across as acting the part, just reading very smoothly and interestingly.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Jan, when you said he did dialects...to me, that is performing. And I think that is probably a natural thing for an actor to do, to try and portray the characters in a book and differentiate them. It just is not my cuppa. I like one voice the same throughout the reading, as if I were reading it to myself. When I am reading, I do not "hear" dialects, accents, or changes in voice, and that is how I like my audios to be. What can I say, I am boring?

[Linda]

Jan wrote: " >>I have listened to a couple of Greg Iles and David Baldacci>The narrators make the difference for me.<<

I believe both those authors have several readers. Do you have a preference? I'm curren..."

Lorelei King reads all of the Janet Evanovich books and she is AMAZING. She does different voices for all of the characters and it is laugh out loud funny. I have also listened to books read by John Lithgow and Michael York and they do a great job.

[Catamorandi]

I just finished Anne of Green Gables and am ready to start I Capture the Castle.

[Jan]

>>What can I say, I am boring?<<

Not at all. Different strokes. In my opinion, The Given Day is made more realistic by insinuating the sounds of the native "Bostonians" into the flow of the narration. I have returned many audiobooks because of the poor reading and tone of the voice, but I found this one exceptional and am looking forward to another one read by Boatman.

[JoAnn/QuAppelle]

Jan wrote:
I have returned many audiobooks because of the poor reading and tone of the voice...

Jan, I have gotten so picky that I now take my CD player to the library with me so I can listen to a couple minutes of an audio before taking it out!

[OMalleycat]

JoAnn said: "I like one voice the same throughout the reading, as if I were reading it to myself. When I am reading, I do not "hear" dialects, accents, or changes in voice, and that is how I like my audios to be. What can I say, I am boring? "

This leads to the interesting question of what voice we hear in our heads when we read silently. I do sometimes hear dialects and accents. Most of the time I hear a voice that must be my own, but which doesn't exactly sound like me (when I'm able to "catch" it at all). I suspect the difference must be when the characters and their voices are rendered so vividly that they actually take a voice of their own.

I don't usually listen to audiobooks at all; I just don't have the concentration when I'm only listening. But the few writers I do enjoy on audio, David Sedaris, David Rakoff, Sarah Vowell, and Bailey White, are all authors whom I first heard reading their essays on the radio. When I read their works I can hear their voices, but it's much more fun to listen to them read their works rathering than listening to my inner voice impersonating them. :-)

Jan O'Cat

[Marcy]

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Jan, I have gotten so picky that I now take my CD player to the library with me so I can listen to a..."

What a great idea, JoAnn! Audible.com lets you pre-listen before buying, but, duh, I never thought to try out audios at the library. Thanks for the very logical suggestion.