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What Are You Reading - Part Deux
One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni – 3.5*** I was immediately caught up in the “present day” story of these nine people trapped in a basement. I liked the way that the author revealed their strengths and weaknesses as they acted / reacted to the situation. But when they begin telling “one amazing thing” from their lives, the story arc lost momentum, and it became more of a collection of short stories. I don’t mind this too much, because I love short stories, and Divakaruni writes them well. However, this sort of hybrid between a short story collection and a novel seemed a little awkward.
Full Review HERE
Starting The Color Purple by Alice Walker.
Just finished Station Eleven - a really interesting dystopian (but not too science fiction-y) look at what happens after an epidemic wipes out most of the planet's human population.The book has some compelling characters, if not fully fleshed out. But the pace and writing can't be beat.
Finished
From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle, by Kate De Goldi which I loved. Barney Kettle has already made 4 short films, and is now pondering his next great film. The story leads to an unexpected (if you weren't reading closely) ending, which is both extraordinary, tear inducing and powerful.Have also read
The Boy at the Top of the Mountain, by John Boyne, who also wrote The Boy in Striped Pyjamas. This is very different, but very thought provoking.
im starting thanks for the memories today and im very excited about it!!!
I just finished the 3rd (and final) book in the Maze Runner trilogy: The Death Cure. 
My full review of this book can be found HERE.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt – 3.5*** There is much about this novel to like, and quite a few things not to like. In the end I’m struggling with how to rate it because of these conflicting issues. I like the way Tartt writes, particularly the way she so vividly depicts the scenes in this book, but I thought the book needed stronger editing. How often must we read about their drunken episodes to get the point? And I was really unhappy with the ending. David Pittu does a superb job narrating the audio version of this novel. He has great pacing, and his skill with voices made the characters come to life. He’d get 5* for his performance alone.
Full Review HERE
I just finished Death on Ibiza which was a pretty good mystery and now I will be starting The Man Who Wasn't There: An Emma Golden Mystery.
Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L Sayers – 2.5** Book #10 in the Lord Peter Wimsey mystery series. I’ve never read any of this series before, and though I see the potential (a likeable main character – witty, wealthy, smart, charismatic) I just wasn’t captivated by the story. It seemed to take forever to get interesting, and I was bored with much of it. I finished only because it fulfilled a book group challenge.
Full Review HERE
I'm reading
It's a freebie from Kindle and been a good mystery so far.
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness – ZERO stars Todd is many ways a typical young teen – full of anxiety about growing up, certain he knows much more than he actually does, prone to rash actions, and lacking impulse control. My stars, but he got on my nerves. His use of vulgar language and everyone’s lack of grammatical English just made my teeth hurt. Add the “spooky” atmospheric music /sound effects to the audio and the cliff-hanger ending and … well, I can’t give negative stars … Can I?
Full Review HERE
I'm going to start The Pocket Wife by Susan Crawford today.
Book Concierge wrote: " The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt... I thought the book needed stronger editing. How often must we read about their drunken episodes to get the point? "Completely agree. The Goldfinch and The Circle are the two recent books I think of when I think of a book that could have been a 5* if it had gone through a better editor.
A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn – 2** This modern re-telling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale missed the mark for me. Plot elements were too implausible (and I’m not talking about the magic, witch and fairies), and the dialogue was tortured. I see the appeal for the YA crowd and it was a fast read. I did like the way these two teenagers matured over the course of the novel.
Full Review HERE
I'm reading Gone to Green on my Kindle and I'm listening to a reimagining of The Enchanted April, Enchanted August: A Novel.
Zia by Scott O’Dell – 3*** This sequel to O’Dell’s Newbery Award winner, Island of the Blue Dolphins is not so compelling a story as the first book, but I still thought it was a good middle-grade book. Zia is a strong heroine – intelligent, resourceful, loyal and brave. I also liked the social history lesson O’Dell imparts.
Full Review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: " Zia by Scott O’Dell – 3*** This sequel to O’Dell’s Newbery Award winner,
Island of the Blue Dolphins
is not so compelling a story as the first book, but I still though..."
I remember reading both books in middle school, and agree with your assessment -- while it was good, Zia was not as memorable as the first book.
I've started Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian. I'm enjoying it so far.
March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin – 3*** This is a graphic novel depiction of Lewi’s memoir of coming-of-age during the 1960s and the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on him, and on the country. What he has to say about that period of history is important. I realize this format will bring the story to many young people that would not otherwise read the history books, but I really dislike graphic novels. I find the illustrations too dark and the type difficult to read.
Full Review HERE
Jackie wrote: "I've started Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian. I'm enjoying it so far."I love his writing ... I'm listening to the audio of The Night Strangers
The Lightning Dreamer by Margarita Engle – 4**** Subtitle: Cuba’s Greatest Abolitionist. This piece of historical fiction is told entirely in verse, the medium which Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda (a/k/a Tula) chose to voice her opinions on slavery and women’s rights. Engle’s poetry is moving and elegant; I marvel that she can convey so much in so few words. At the end of the novel she includes some historical background on Gertrudis, as well as some of her original poetry (in Spanish, with translation). I highly recommend this for everyone, but especially for young women.
Full Review HERE
I'm reading an ARC of The Swans of Fifth Avenue which is really good. I love books that include fictionalized versions of real life people.
Book Concierge - I like his writing too. I think I'm going to work my way through his books. Ive marked Midwives and Double Bind to read so far. Actually I think I've marked another too but the name escapes me at the mo.
Jackie wrote: "Book Concierge - I like his writing too. I think I'm going to work my way through his books. Ive marked Midwives and Double Bind to read so far. Actually I think I've marked another too but the nam..."Midwives and The Double Bind are my two favorites by Chris Bohjalian. I've owned Skeletons at the Feast for awhile now and haven't read it yet. I'll be waiting for your review!
Hi Patricia!It's good to hear those are your favourite Bohjalian books. I'm looking forward to reading them (not sure how soon that'll be though!). I never write reviews, just a little comment or note to remind myself usually whether I've liked the book. So far Skeletons at the Feast is very good. I have seen complaints in some reviews stating that they felt there was an excessive use of violence but I have to say I haven't found that to be the case at all. I hope you like the book too if/when you get round to it.
A Shelter of Others by Charles Dodd White – 3*** Talk about Southern Gothic! This is a dark story, where the characters are greatly affected by (and seemingly unable to avoid) forces greater than themselves. White’s writing has some powerful images, but the book is light on dialogue and I found this approach resulted in less character development since much of their interaction was missing. White also tell the story from alternating character’s point of view. This serves to keep the reader slightly off balance, while also giving the reader more information than the individual characters might have.
Full Review HERE
I recently finished Cat's Cradle and Thinner.Now I'm continuing my Halloween read with Skeleton Crew.
I'm currently listening to
, and I'm reading
Patricia wrote: "I've just returned from the library with Rogue Lawyer, The Lake House and Murder House."I want to read Rogue! Let us know what you think of it.
Melissa wrote: "Patricia wrote: "I've just returned from the library with Rogue Lawyer, The Lake House and Murder House."I want to read Rogue! Let us know what you..."
I'm reading it first Melissa, should be done in about 24 hours lol! I will let you know when I'm finished!
Joi wrote: "I'm currently listening to , and I'm reading "I loved "Iron House", hope you enjoy it.
Patricia wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Patricia wrote: "I've just returned from the library with Rogue Lawyer, The Lake House and Murder House."I want to read Rogue! Let ..."
Ha! Great!! Ok-you have 7 1/2 hours left!!
Melissa wrote: "Patricia wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Patricia wrote: "I've just returned from the library with Rogue Lawyer, The Lake House and Murder House."I want to..."
Finished it about an hour ago. It had me laughing a few times and rolling my eyes a few times. All in all a 3 1/2 star read for me. The reason I didn't rate it higher was each new case or each time he met his ex wife you had to read again and again what kind of lawyer he was and what kind of dad he was.
Next up The Lake House!
The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian – 3*** I’m not a big fan of the paranormal/horror genre, but this certainly captured me, held my attention and kept me off balance. Tension builds to a dramatic confrontation that really had me on the edge of my seat. And then we come to the epilogue … totally took me in a direction I did not see coming. Alison Fraser and Mark Bramhall did a fine job narrating the audio version. They have good pacing and Fraser uses a number of different voices for the various characters. Bramhall’s voice is appropriately “creepy” as he performs Chip’s point of view.
Full Review HERE
I'm reading The Night Strangers right now. I'm having mixed feeling on it. I feel like there is too much going on.
I'm going to start A History of Loneliness by John Boyne.
From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne – 3*** The fourth of the Extraordinary Voyages series, this was first published in 1865. That was 104 years before the USA actually did send a man to the moon, and it’s interesting to read the “science” and compare Verne’s suppositions with what actually happened in 1969. Verne populates the novel with a colorful cast of characters. It was an enjoyable adventure tale, though I admit to skimming over much of the scientific calculations.
Full Review HERE
I'm reading The Blind Assassin.I gave up on this one. I didn't even read 50 pages. This is my second try so maybe this just isn't the book for me.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy – 3*** Is there anyone who doesn’t know the basic storyline of Alexei Karenin, his wife Anna, and her lover Count Vronsky? Tolstoy’s novel explores much more than this love triangle, but this central story was what I found compelling. Too bad I had to wade through all that other stuff. Nadia May does an okay job of narrating the audio version. She does tend to “read” rather than perform but her pacing was good and her diction clear.
Full Review HERE
I finished reading A History of Loneliness by John Boyne. Thought it was great, gave it 5 stars.Now reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
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The Next Best Book Club
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Thanks, I will have to check Youtube.