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What Are You Reading - Part Deux
I finished The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. 4.5 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jan 28 - Currently ReadingTEXT -
Exodus / Leon UrisAUDIO in the car -
A Man Called Ove / Fredrik BackmanMP3 Player AUDIO -
The Jesus Cow / Michael Perry
The Husband - Dean Koontz – 3.5***
Mitch Rafferty runs a two-man landscaping business, so he’s sure there’s a mistake when a kidnapper calls and says that if he “loves his wife enough” he’ll find a way to pay the exorbitant ransom. This is the first book by Koontz that I’ve read. It’s not great literature, but it sure held my attention and I’ll definitely read more from him. Especially when I’m in the mood for a fast-paced, entertaining thriller.
LINK to my review
I know I'm late to read these but currently reading The Hunger Games series
At the moment I am reading nothing. I've been opening and losing books but can't get into any of them. Hopefully my next choice will stick. Any suggestions?
Reading The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. Like a more streamlined Game of Thrones.
Nancy from NJ wrote: "At the moment I am reading nothing. I've been opening and losing books but can't get into any of them. Hopefully my next choice will stick. Any suggestions?"not sure what genre you like but my recent hist fic/literary fave is:
All the Light We Cannot See
also I really enjoyed Dark Matter scary historical fic
Wreckage an interesting post plane crash story
Disclaimer page-turning, strong concept
you could even try this love story-thriller Blind Side: A gripping psychological thriller
I've just started the 4th book in Nicci French's Frieda Klein series: Thursday's Child. I hope it's as good as the others :)
Nancy from NJ wrote: "At the moment I am reading nothing. I've been opening and losing books but can't get into any of them. Hopefully my next choice will stick. Any suggestions?"Nancy, wish I could help you. I'm doing the same with The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud. I've read some quick reads this year but I wouldn't say that they were wow books. Looking forward to getting into perhaps Kate Atkinson, Kathy Reichs, Donna Leon, Jeffery Deaver or Charles Todd.
I hm reading Submission which I picked up at our train station free library.It is the first time for ages that I have read a books for the intellectual stimulation of the ideas rather than for pure enjoyment.
I am having doubts about the author himself but the ideas are interesting and he has an easy reading style.
I finished - GASP! - Aussie author Steve Toltz's enormous book A Fraction of the Whole. Great writing (short list for 2008 Man Booker Prize) , but by golly it's long. I did include a lot of quotes so you can see what a good writer he is.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer – 4****
The subtitle says it all: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster . This is Krakauer’s first-person account of the Everest expedition in May 1996 that resulted in the death of six climbers, and severe injuries to several others. I’ve read two of Krakauer’s other books and enjoy his writing. He has a gift for putting the reader in the situation, and I think he works hard to present a balanced story. The result is a book that is compelling and interesting, even when the reader knows the outcome.
LINK to my review
Finished reading The Underworld which was rather dark and depressing so I have now moved on to a romance anthology, Four Weddings and a Sixpence: An Anthology. Romance, a little sex and even a bit of a laugh. Sometimes lovers at cross purposes is exactly what I need!
I am currently reading Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Stormbreaker (Alex Rider series) by Anthony Horowitz.
Later tonight I'm going to start reading The Primrose Path by Rebecca Griffiths.
Oh golly, I loved this one! Short and almost perfect. Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson is so full, it's hard to believe it isn't longer.Young black girl in Brooklyn - doesn't begin to describe it.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Maisie Dobbs – Jacqueline Winspear – 2**
This is the first in a series featuring a former housemaid and Army Nurse. The book begins in 1929, and Maisie Dobbs has opened her own private investigation agency. I like Maisie and the supporting characters, but this first book spent way too much time in the past, and not nearly enough time on the actual mystery. Still, although I was disappointed in this book, I’d be willing to try another because of the characters, setting and period.
LINK to my review
TASMANIA - what a story!I just finished Aussie author: Saroo Brierley's memoir, now a new film called LION, A Long Way Home.
A five-year old Indian boy's memory beats ours, for sure, and it's not just the fresh Tasmanian air of his adopted country that did it.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished A Patchwork Planet by Anne Tyler Tuesday, really enjoyed that one. Now reading The Sinner by Amanda Stevens.
The Night Bookmobile – Audrey Niffenegger – 1*
A lonely young woman stumbles upon a Winnebago on a street one night when out walking. It’s the Night Bookmobile, and what she discovers within is magical and inspiring … and disturbing. The illustrations are wonderfully drawn, and I found there was a good ratio of text to art. But I did not like this story at all. 1* for the art.
LINK to my review
Heather L wrote: "Finished A Patchwork Planet by Anne Tyler Tuesday, really enjoyed that one."I love Anne Tyler's writing!
Breathing Lessons – Anne Tyler – 4****
I’ve had this on my TBR for ages, and just never got to it. I wish I hadn’t waited so long, but then again, maybe my own years of marriage help me better understand Maggie and Ira’s relationship. I love the way Tyler reveals her characters to the reader. Their actions – small and large – and statements show the reader who these people are. Their hopes, dreams, frustrations, and regrets become evident over the course of the novel. Their lives may be ordinary; the novel is anything but.
LINK to my review
You can read excerpts from 40 new books in Buzz Books 2017 Spring/Summer, including fiction from well-known writers, debut fiction, and also some non-fiction choices.I've picked 10 books that I particularly liked and given a bit of info in my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm going to start reading Circling the Sun by Paula McLain today. I enjoyed her book The Paris Wife, so am looking forward to this one :)
Jackie , I loved this book ! I'll be interested in your thoughts.
Feb 6 - Currently ReadingTEXT -
Exodus / Leon UrisAUDIO in the car -
Death Masks / Jim ButcherMP3 Player AUDIO -
Days of Awe / Lauren Fox
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman – 5*****
What a joy this book is! Backman peoples the novel with an assortment of quirky characters, who form a community, and despite himself, Ove joins with them. I laughed aloud so often, and I felt for Ove’s. I also rejoiced at his triumphs, and marveled at his strength of character. I worried about him and cheered him on. I absolutely fell in love with Ove.
LINK to my review
I finished Dragon Springs Road. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Christmas in Cowboy Country by Janet Dailey; Behind Her Eyes bySarah Pinborough & Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle
Book Concierge wrote: "A Man Called Ove
– Fredrik Backman – 5*****
What a joy this book is! Backman peoples the novel with an assortment of quirky characters, who form a communi..."
I was just going to ask you what you thought of A Man Called Ove! I've had a couple of people recommend it and I can't wait to get my hands on it. But at the moment, I'm still working down the stash (OK, OK ... hopeless task I know!)
Just finished The Dark Monk by Oliver Pötzsch and gave it a very solid four stars. Really enjoy this author and despite my best laid plans, ahem, I want and bought the next in the series over the weekend.
But now, I'm beginning a book I've had for a year: Bones of the Lost by Kathy Reichs. Should be a fast read with lots of excitement and suspense. It's actually one of two Reichs books I have in my hot little hands at the moment.
I am currently reading The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian. This is an interesting and addictive book which i am rally enjoying.
Recently read
by Anna Snoekstra, a sneaky, creepy psychological suspense novel about a girl who pretends to be a missing girl, set in Australia. Intriguing plot, marred by some totally unbelievable bits - too much hurry to get finished perhaps?My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Loved Claire Fuller's new novel Swimming Lessons. How much do kids overhear? How much do they know? What happened to mum, and why?
.My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Angela, I really enjoyed Circling the Sun - gave it 4 stars. Beryl Markham was certainly an interesting character. Different time, different age!
Today I'm going to start reading Safe House by Chris Ewan.
The Jesus Cow – Michael Perry – 4****
When a calf is born on Christmas Eve with the distinct face of Jesus on his side, bachelor farmer Harley Jackson knows he’s in for a struggle. Michael Perry is known for his nonfiction essays on life in small-town Wisconsin; this is his first novel. Perry has a gift for describing people and situations; he makes the ridiculous totally believable. I am reminded of Carl Hiaasen, but with more heart. There are a few scenarios that really stretch credulity here, but on the whole I enjoyed the novel and we all need a little light entertainment now and again.
LINK to my review
Jackie wrote: "Angela, I really enjoyed Circling the Sun - gave it 4 stars. Beryl Markham was certainly an interesting character. Different time, different age!"I highly recommend Markham's memoir - West with the Night
BC, I have that but haven't gotten to it . Thanks .
I've just read Aussie author Sarah Ridout's debut novel, a mystery of sorts, Le Chateau.I think she will attract plenty of romance readers, but it wasn't for me. (This novel, I mean, not romance!)
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished a guilty pleasure read, Four Weddings and a Sixpence: An Anthology and now I'm reading a memoir, The Liars' Club by Mary Karr.
I am currently reading A Study in Scarlett Women by Sherry Thomas.
I am currently reading The Black Box by Michael Connelly. Am new to this group.
Death Masks – Jim Butcher – 3.5***
I like this series mostly because I really like Harry. I love his puns and his self-deprecating humor. I like that he’s a decent guy who inflicts violence on the bad guys, and generally behaves like a gentleman. However, as I continue the series I find the plots more and more formulaic, although this installment has a few plot twists and some characters that lend additional interest.
LINK to my review
A great choice for a challenge: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by a favourite author of mine Jeanette Winterson.I think it's best described as a fictionalised memoir, and quite a story it is, too.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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The Next Best Book Club
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Hi Nancy; I'm wondering if you are enjoying A Man Called Ove? I listened to the audiobook as well and loved it.