What Are you Reading? Showing 4,201-4,250 of 16,523

[Johanna]

Anne wrote: "This is the first weekend in a long time with nothing planned and it is raining, so I shall just potter around in my flat doing random chores in slow motion, read, knit and relax. Lovely!"

Sounds wonderful. Enjoy!

[Becky]

Anne wrote: "I have read Shoot the Humans First by our own Becky."

Thanks, Anne. :)

[Anne]

I am in the middle of reading the Shadow of the Templar seriesThe Morning Star. Very enjoyable books I must say, rather over the top in a James Bond-y way, well written and fun. I have downloaded all of them and is working my way steadily through them. Absolutely recommended for fun and relaxation. And it is a relief not to get annoyed by clumsy writing and too much sex ;)

Thank again to Josh and people here for showing me books and authors I didn't know about. It is a treasure chest!

[Anne]

Johanna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Seems I have to buy it now :)"

I'm absolutely convinced that you'll like it, Anne. :-)"

I have ordered it now :)

[Idamus]

Anne wrote: "I am in the middle of reading the Shadow of the Templar seriesThe Morning Star. Very enjoyable books I must say, rather over the top in a James Bond-y way, well written and fun. I ha..."

I love this series, I really, really want a Jeremy :-)

There's sex, just not in the books, do you have the link to her website? There are also some rather fun short stories available over there, but they have spoilers :p

[Johanna]

Anne wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Anne wrote: "Seems I have to buy it now :)"

I'm absolutely convinced that you'll like it, Anne. :-)"

I have ordered it now :)"

Cool. I'm really looking forward to hear your thoughts on it. :-)

[Anne]

Idamus wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am in the middle of reading the Shadow of the Templar seriesThe Morning Star. Very enjoyable books I must say, rather over the top in a James Bond-y way, well written ..."

I don't really miss the sex, I am old- fashioned like that ;). I better wait to check the short stories after I have worked through all of them to avoid spoilers I guess, but thanks for the tip, I wasn't aware of the website.

ETA: I wouldn't mind a Jeremy either..

[Idamus]

Anne wrote: "Idamus wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am in the middle of reading the Shadow of the Templar seriesThe Morning Star. Very enjoyable books I must say, rather over the top in a James Bond-y way..."

I didn't miss the sex either, but sometimes it's nice to read that part of them too :-)

http://mooncalf.org/sott/stories.html

When you're done I recommend Escort Service (SO MUCH FUN) and the last Lacunae (despite the sex)

[Johanna]

I'm in the middle of two very different, but very enjoyable books. I'm listening to our April BOM book Michael Nava's The Little Death and I'm already eagerly waiting for the discussion on that to begin. I'm about 20% through and I just got quite a shock when something I really didn't expect to happen... happened.

The other book I'm reading is Julie Bozza's The Apothecary's Garden which so many of you have liked. I'm only 25% through, but I already like the slow, comfortable pace of the story and for some reason I'm having wonderful flashbacks of The Larton Chronicles while reading it. :-) One thing I like about The Apothecary's Garden is that it's like being on a cosy picnic on someone's magical backyard. Instead of berries or flowers I'm picking up great words into my basket: jostled, pester, affable, hotchpotch, diffidently, git, flummoxed, fervent...

And a few minutes ago I read a sweet, sweet bit that I just have to share:

Dear Tom, dressed in long striped pajama bottoms and a blue t-shirt, barefoot, and his usual bright candor softened by sleep, gentled by dreams. (The Apothecary's Garden, 25%)

There are lots and lots of bits like this one that stops you to taste them, to read them again. I love it when a book makes you do that — when you want to linger on its pages and sentences and to really, thoroughly feel and see and appreciate the beauty of the words so well put.

Very cool. :-)

[Caroline]

I've been having a break recently from my more heavy duty reads War Reporter and To the War Poets for some fun reads.

I can thoroughly recommend Is Death Really Necessary? if you want an entertaining, page turning read which deals lightly with serious themes. It even has a gay couple as minor characters.

My other fun read was Rivers of London which is published under a different title in the USA Midnight Riot.

What both these two have in common is a brilliant sense of humour, British settings Edinburgh and London respectively and well written voices.

I have to confess I'm somewhat struggling with the march book of the month. It's the voice... if Francis Bacon says gotten one more time I may have to pass on it.

[Caroline]

Johanna wrote: "I'm in the middle of two very different, but very enjoyable books. I'm listening to our April BOM book Michael Nava's The Little Death ..."

Ah I'd forgotten it might be available as an audio book.

[Ame]

I just finished listening to Cop out but since I just talked about in the listening thread I won't do it here, but it was excellent. I just finished reading Dirty Deeds and oh, man..... this is the second book Rhys leaves me with: "WTF when is the next book out?"

Can't wait for the next one!

And I do wonder if (view spoiler)[ the person Ben was in love with was Rick and not Cole.... Making all feelings that much more difficult esp if they did something.... making Ben feel all the more guilty and messed up about his feeling and cheating not only on his wife but also on his best friend? Also.... Bobby and Ichi??? OMG (hide spoiler)]

[Josh]

Johanna wrote: "I'm in the middle of two very different, but very enjoyable books. I'm listening to our April BOM book Michael Nava's The Little Death and I'm already eagerly waiting for the discus..."

That sounds like something I would love.

You know, I've heard Bozza's name a few times, but this is the first time its really registered. So I guess it is true about how long it takes for promotion and marketing to kick in.

[Josh]

Caroline wrote: "I have to confess I'm somewhat struggling with the march book of the month. It's the voice... if Francis Bacon says gotten one more time I may have to pass on it.
..."

:-D

Oh dear. That could be the fault of the American publisher though.

[Johanna]

Josh wrote: "Johanna wrote: "I'm in the middle of two very different, but very enjoyable books. I'm listening to our April BOM book Michael Nava's The Little Death and I'm already eagerly waitin..."

Yes, I think you would like The Apothecary's Garden, Josh. She tells her stories gently and honestly and they have a wonderful wistfulness to them. Also, nature and surroundings often play a big part in her books (at least in the ones I've read). I think there is something in her voice that feels related to Harper Fox's even though their stories are not alike. (Damn, I'm bad in explaining this.) Oh, and there is this lovely wittiness in them that makes me smirk a lot while reading. This particular one is very timely indeed while I'm longing for gardening and summer so badly right now! ;-)

[Jordan]

I've actually put The Little Death on hold while I finish a BOM book for another group. That discussion is two days before ours, so yeah. I'm thinking in terms of saving the best for last because I'm sure I'll enjoy Nava so much more!

So right now I'm reading Incarceron, a YA novel about a boy trapped in a prison and a girl who tries to break him out. (He was put there by his evil step mother to ensure that her own biological son would become king someday.)

[HJ]

Anne wrote: "I am in the middle of reading the Shadow of the Templar seriesThe Morning Star. Very enjoyable books I must say, rather over the top in a James Bond-y way, well written and fun. I ha..."

I'm glad you've found these and are enjoying them. I think they're great!

[Marge]

Josh wrote: "That sounds like something I would love.

You know, I've heard Bozza's name a few times, but this is the first time its really registered. So I guess it is true about how long it takes for promotion and marketing to kick in. ..."

I also believe you would really like
The Apothecary's Garden.

Another of Julie's books which I (and I'm sure others here!) would recommend is Butterfly Hunter. Also a beautiful, lyrical tale--set mostly in the Australian outback. With butterflies!

[Colette]

Caroline wrote: "I've been having a break recently from my more heavy duty reads War Reporter and To the War Poets for some fun reads.

I can thoroughly recommend [book:Is Death Real..."

The Rivers of London series is one of my favorite - the latest one is in my queue - if you like audio books I highly recommend this series - the narrator is perfect.

[Calathea]

Johanna wrote: "I'm in the middle of two very different, but very enjoyable books. I'm listening to our April BOM book Michael Nava's The Little Death and I'm already eagerly waiting for the discus..."

Don't you hate when they do that? I couldn't believe it either.

I totally fell in love with Henry because of the narrator's voice. The story is great and had me on my toes all the time but that voice... *dreamy sigh*

Question for the native speakers who have listened to the audio book: What kind of accent does the narrator use for Henry Rios? Or is it an accent at all?

[Calathea]

Marge wrote: "Another of Julie's books which I (and I'm sure others here!) would recommend is Butterfly Hunter. Also a beautiful, lyrical tale--set mostly in the Australian outback. With butterflies! "

I liked that one a lot. :-)
Another one of her's The Definitive Albert J. Sterne had me holding my breath over hours while reading. The book may not be technically perfect but the story was amazing, both regarding the serial killer case and the relationship of our MCs.

[Antonella]

Calathea wrote: "Another one of her's The Definitive Albert J. Sterne had me holding my breath over hours while reading. The book may not be technically perfect but the story was amazing, both regarding the serial killer case and the relationship of our MCs."

Josh, listen first to Calathea the Wise! ;-)

Beside I really wonder if you would like this book like a few of us did (it is a bit intimidating because of the length, so not many read it) or if you would start to pick out what doesn't work in this thriller.

This said, also The Apothecary's Garden was very good.

[John]

Johanna wrote: The other book I'm reading is Julie Bozza's The Apothecary's Garden which so many of you have liked. I'm only 25% through, but I already like the slow, comfortable pace of the story and for some reason I'm having wonderful flashbacks of The Larton Chronicles while reading it. :-) "

You know, I had a flashback to The Larton Chronicles this past week as well. It was another title from Manifold, Make Do and Mend by Adam Fitzroy. It's set a bit west of Larton, in North Wales - and about 50 years earlier - but it had the same sort of feel: comfortable pacing, compelling characters and a pleasant attention to detail.

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Johanna wrote: The other book I'm reading is Julie Bozza's The Apothecary's Garden which so many of you have liked. I'm only 25% through, but I already like the slow, comfortable pace of the story ..."

Make Do and Mend sounds great! Thank you for pointing it out, John. You are one of the persons whose recommendations I can always trust completely. Although I almost didn't recognize you this time, you handsome, you! That is a very nice photo! :-)

[Johanna]

Lots of interesting stuff in Jordan Castillo Price's newsletter today! If you haven't signed up for her newsletters yet, here is one of the sites where you can do it:

http://www.jordancastilloprice.com

[John]

Johanna wrote: "You are one of the persons whose recommendations I can always trust completely. Although I almost didn't recognize you this time, you handsome, you! That is a very nice photo! :-) ..."

Well, I've gotten about 10 great recommendations off of you for every one I've made, so I still owe ya.

Thanks on that picture, by the way. I decided that there was no good reason not to de-anonymise just a bit. And I'm painting my house, so all that pain splatter, well, it has a different meaning now.

[Josh]

Marge wrote: "Josh wrote: "That sounds like something I would love.

You know, I've heard Bozza's name a few times, but this is the first time its really registered. So I guess it is true about how long it take..."

Someone was kind enough to send it to me as a gift, so I'm looking forward to reading it! :-)

[Josh]

Antonella wrote: "Calathea wrote: "Another one of her's The Definitive Albert J. Sterne had me holding my breath over hours while reading. The book may not be technically perfect but the story was amazing, both rega..."

I tend to be much more critical of mysteries and thrillers, that's true. ;-)

[Josh]

John wrote: "Johanna wrote: The other book I'm reading is Julie Bozza's The Apothecary's Garden which so many of you have liked. I'm only 25% through, but I already like the slow, comfortable pace of the story ..."

That sounds interesting. A little touch of The Charioteer perhaps?

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "You are one of the persons whose recommendations I can always trust completely. Although I almost didn't recognize you this time, you handsome, you! That is a very nice photo! :-) ..."

Yeah, I think I should do the de-anonymise ;-) thing, too. It's just that... I'm so darn used to my profile pic. :-)

Painting the house? Outside?

[Jordan]

Calathea wrote: "Johanna wrote: "I'm in the middle of two very different, but very enjoyable books. I'm listening to our April BOM book Michael Nava's The Little Death and I'm already eagerly waitin..."

I only listened to the sample, but as I recall, it wasn't anything that stood out for me as anything specific. I did really enjoy his voice though.

But I'm going to stick to the print books I bought awhile ago. They've been sitting on my coffee table for so long, I feel I must read them rather than listen.

[Jordan]

Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "You are one of the persons whose recommendations I can always trust completely. Although I almost didn't recognize you this time, you handsome, you! That is a very nice..."

I used to have my picture on here. And I suppose my current author photo would work. Unless you really know me, it's hard to recognize me with a bandana on my head and sunglasses on. :-)

But I like knowing that coworkers who start to follow those I've allowed to know me on here, won't recognize me from other people's friends lists. So, I keep the picture of my old dog, Gabby up. Besides, it's the one picture that promises warm fuzzies when I look at it. :-)

[Karen]

Johanna wrote: Yeah, I think I should do the de-anonymise ;-) thing, too. It's just that... I'm so darn used to my profile pic. :-)"

But I do love your profile pic! Beautiful graphically and lovely symbolism. Not to say that a self-protrait couldn't be equally lovely. : )

[John]

Johanna wrote: Yeah, I think I should do the de-anonymise ;-) thing, too. It's just that... I'm so darn used to my profile pic. :-)

Painting the house? Outside? "

Inside, actually. I'm not allowed to dangle from roofs any more unless I buy a whole lot more life insurance. It's a very fortunate that redoing the floors follows immediately afterward.

Actually, your profile picture (which is lovely), Johanna, is even more personal than a mugshot: a work of art always says more than a passport photo.

[Becky]

Just started today on that first edition copy of The Thin Man I mentioned a few days ago, on loan from the library.

[Jordan]

Becky wrote: "Just started today on that first edition copy of The Thin Man I mentioned a few days ago, on loan from the library."

Nice.

I've got a copy, but I don't know when I'll get around to it.

[Jordan]

I JUST finished Incarceron. It was good, once I understood the world building. I don't know yet whether I'll read book two or not.

So, now my next book to read tonight will be The Little Death. yay! Sooooo, excited for this one!

[Ije the Devourer of Books]

I am reading Flight Dreams. It is a mystery story and the first time I am reading anything by the author Michael Craft. It is written in the present tense which is a little off putting. This is the first one in a series so I am thinking of reading a few more alongside the Henry Rios and Benjamin Justice series.

Apart from that I am also reading Winter Wolf and I am really enjoying this. It is a very slow and gentle romance and reminds me of Julie Bozza's The Apothecary's Garden but with a werewolf and without the tea :)

[Becky]

Jordan wrote: "I've got a copy, but I don't know when I'll get around to it. "

Being on loan tends to make things move rapidly up the TBR stack, since there's a deadline on them.

[Jordan]

Ije the Devourer of Books wrote: "I am reading Flight Dreams. It is a mystery story and the first time I am reading anything by the author Michael Craft. It is written in the present tense which is a lit..."

Oh, I seem to recall buying Michael Craft's books for my kindle. Let me know what you think.

And I have Winter Wolf too, which I have yet to read. Glad you're liking it!

[Jordan]

Becky wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I've got a copy, but I don't know when I'll get around to it. "

Being on loan tends to make things move rapidly up the TBR stack, since there's a deadline on them."

Yes, definitely. Though there are occasions when I return something to the library without reading it. I really hate doing that though.

[Jordan]

I just read the forward to The Little Death and he talks about Brandstetter, which made me smile.

[Johanna]

Jordan wrote: "Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "You are one of the persons whose recommendations I can always trust completely. Although I almost didn't recognize you this time, you handsome, you! Tha..."

Gabby is lovely.

[Johanna]

Karen wrote: "Johanna wrote: Yeah, I think I should do the de-anonymise ;-) thing, too. It's just that... I'm so darn used to my profile pic. :-)"

But I do love your profile pick! Beautiful graphically and love..."

Heh. Thank you, dear. :-)

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Johanna wrote: Yeah, I think I should do the de-anonymise ;-) thing, too. It's just that... I'm so darn used to my profile pic. :-)

Painting the house? Outside? "

Inside, actually. I'm not allow..."

Painting walls inside is fun, even though it's usually a lot of work. Our last project was the bedroom and next we'd like to do something to the walls of the hallway. I have a bad habit of using texts on the walls... ;-)

And about the floors: redoing the floors has such a big effect! We used to have dark floors, but we changed them to lighter ones a couple of years ago. It was a hard job since we did it all by ourselves, but the amount of light the new floors brought with them... wow.

And thank you for your kind words on the profile pic, John. :-)

So, maybe I should also say something about books, since I'm talking about renovating in the What else are you reading topic (sorry about that)... I'm still reading The Apothecary's Garden, taking it slow on purpose because I like it so much. I'm still highlighting many charming words Julie Bozza uses. Today one of them was woebegone. I can't believe a word that looks and sounds like that has such a sad meaning. To me, the word looks more... funny. ;-)

[Johanna]

Ije wrote: "Apart from that I am also reading Winter Wolf and I am really enjoying this. It is a very slow and gentle romance and reminds me of Julie Bozza's The Apothecary's Garden but with a werewolf and without the tea :)"

LOL. They do drink an awful lot of tea in The Apothecary's Garden, don't they? I find it fascinating and strangly soothing, actually. ;-)

Thank you for pointing out Winter Wolf, Ije!

[Karen]

Ije the Devourer of Books wrote: "Apart from that I am also reading Winter Wolf and I am really enjoying this. It is a very slow and gentle romance and reminds me of Julie Bozza's The Apothecary's Garden but with a werewolf and without the tea :) "

I enjoyed that one too. I like the way you describe it. Look out for a bit of upcoming suspense...

[Jordan]

Well, there is always the American radio show about Lake Woebegone. I think there's a book too. And these stories usually are pretty funny.

[Johanna]

Jordan wrote: "Well, there is always the American radio show about Lake Woebegone. I think there's a book too. And these stories usually are pretty funny."

:-)

[KC]

Johanna wrote: " I'm still reading The Apothecary's Garden, taking it slow on purpose because I like it so much."

I did the same thing when i was reading it, such a beautiful book; and it's such a pleasure to find something that makes you want to slow down and savor each word. So quiet, this story, so calm, makes me smile.