The Next Best Book Club discussion
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What Are You Reading - Part Deux
Jackie wrote: "Karen, thank you for the PD James book recommendation, I've marked it tbr :)Later today I'm going to start reading Tarnished by Julia Crouch."
I had actually seen the TV version of Original Sin before I start one for my FTF book club.
I'm reading another Agatha Raisin, Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist before I start my FTF book club one.
Recently read Small Hours by Jennifer Kitses. (I like the cover.)
Young couple, stretched to breaking by secrets, regrets.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Yonahlossee Riding Camp For Girls – Anton DiSclafani – 3***
The story is told in alternating time frames: the events back home in Florida, and the events at the school during Thea’s year at Yonahlossee. As Thea related what is happening and how she felt, I found myself worried for this emotionally distant girl, who seemed unable to control her impulses or to recognize the potential consequences of her actions.
LINK to my review
Epitaph – Mary Doria Russell – 4****
In a sequel to her earlier novel, Doc, Russell explores what REALLY happened at the OK Corral. I love Russell’s writing. She does extensive research and is not content to give us only one side of the issues, or one facet of the characters. The novel focuses on Josie Marcus and Wyatt Earp, but every character fairly leaps off the page.
LINK to my review
One Two Buckle My Shoe – Agatha Christie – 3***
Christie always delivers a well-constructed plot, with plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. While I did catch on to a few of the tricks, I didn’t figure out the real culprit until Poirot revealed the answer.
LINK to my review
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Expecting Adam – Martha N Beck – 4****
3.5*** rounded up. The subtitle of this memoir is: A True Story of Birth, Rebirth, and Everyday Magic. Beck writes well, and she is very honest about what she went through. Her self-deprecating humor is refreshing, and a few scenes had me laughing out loud.
LINK to my review
Enjoyed the characters, plot, and black humour in serial killer mystery Ragdoll by Daniel Cole. 
4.5★Now waiting for book#2! My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just started The Heart of Mid-Lothian by Sir Walter Scott. It's not my usual read but it seemed like an interesting look at Scottish history as well as the idea of living by a strict moral code.
Finished Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist and am now reading The Last Painting of Sara de Vos for my ftf book club.
I'm going to start reading Bad News by Edward St Aubyn, it's the second book in a series about a character called Patrick Melrose. I enjoyed the first and thought I'd carry on while it's still pretty fresh in my mind.
I finished Salt Houses. 4.5 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... This was a buddy read with Diane and Esil .
Book Concierge wrote: " Epitaph
– Mary Doria Russell – 4****
In a sequel to her earlier novel, Doc, Russell explores what REALLY happened at the OK Corral. I love Russell’s writing. Sh..."
Fantastic, Book Concierge! I loved reading Doc and I hope to start Epitaph soon!
Dad to the rescue! (Handy for Father's Day.) Delightful! 5★
Daddy Long Legs.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Going to start reading The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena later today.
I am reading The President's Hat which is just a cute/fun read about a hat that gets lost and picked up by different people. Each person that is in possession of the hat has some kind of positive change in their lives. I'm up to the 4th person.Last night I started Dark Matter which is a sci fi thriller by the same author who wrote the Wayward Pines series. It is intriguing to the point that I have no idea what is going on, lol.
I was reminded today that there are 2 more volumes to enjoy. :)Autobiography of Mark Twain: Volume 1, Reader's Edition. Great reading - nobody writes like Twain.
I asked for it for Christmas the year it came out and loved it! This is what I said then:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I just started reading Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
May 6 - Currently ReadingTEXT –
Maurice by E.M. ForsterAUDIO in the car –
The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsMP3 Player AUDIO -
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy – Rachel Joyce – 5*****
Oh, I love Queenie! She admits that her first instinct when faced with a difficult situation has always been to flee. Now, at the end of her life she faces the secrets she has been hiding, and hiding from, with courage and grace, and pours out her heart in a long letter of love and forgiveness.
LINK to my review
I knew I'd love it and I did! Elizabeth Strout is one of my favourite authors, and her latest book, Anything Is Possible, is another winner.
Great stories about vulnerable people. My review
5★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Mighty Miss Malone – Christopher Paul Curtis – 4****
In Bud, Not Buddy, Bud met a precocious girl at a camp next to a railroad track near Flint, Michigan. That girl was Deza Malone and this is her story. I just love Deza Malone! She’s smart, courageous, resilient and big-hearted. The family’s journey is perilous at times, and Mrs Malone’s worry is well-founded. But they also have moments of joy, and meet with kindness and compassion from total strangers. Curtis doesn’t shy away from the tragedies of the era, but he also gives a strong message on the power of family unity, and of never giving up your dreams.
LINK to my review
Rocket Boys – Homer Hickam – 4****
Homer Hickam Jr (a/k/a Sonny) grew up in Coalwood, West Virginia – a “company town” in built and owned by the mining company for whom his father worked. In his memoir, Hickam brings the residents of Coalwood to life. He shares stories of growing up, of high school football, a beloved teacher, unlikely allies, young love, and his mother’s determination that her boys would NOT go into that mine.
LINK to my review
Finished reading The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading her next book. I'm now reading A Patchwork Planet by Anne Tyler.
Just finished The Dressmaker by Aussie author Rosalie Ham. A peculiar book, I thought. Wonder what Kate Winslet's like in the film.4★ My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hi, guys! Just finished Even the Wicked by Lawrence Block and now have to decide whether to read another of his books or something different. I've recently read a book by Elizabeth Peters and good heavens, have at least two of hers in the stash beside the bed, so am consider ing that but then I have loads of other promising reads by other authors. Such decisions! Will have to decide on something and soon!
One Leg Over, a tell-all autobiography by Robin Dalton, now 95, describes her amazing life, mixing as a personal friend with the likes of the Kennedys, PMs, artists, singers, and oh yes, Prince Philip and the royals. 
4★ My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starting Dear Mr. M by Herman Koch, today. I've been looking forward to it as I've read a couple of his other books and really liked them.
Really enjoyed Feel Me Fall by James Morris.Exciting YA (but fun for this adult, too) - teens desperate after plane crash in Amazon jungle.
4.5★ My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I just finished Sea of Shadows and now I'm reading Book of Blues by Jack Kerouac
I just finished Live Bait which is the second book in the Monkeewrench series. This one is as story about elderly Jews being killed and it brings back the police who were in the first book. It was a good book and a quick read.Now I am halfway through Hannah's Dream
which is such a sweet story. A man has been a handler for a female elephant, Hannah, since she was 3 years old. He has been with her for 40 years and has a special relationship with her. Before he can retire he wants to make sure she will be in good hands. I love elephant stories:)
Just started The Last Runaway
by Tracy Chevalier last night. I've ready several of her books and always enjoyed them, so have high expectations for this one and
, which I also seem to have in my ever-growing stash ...
Eligible – Curtis Sittenfeld – 4****
The subtitle is all the synopsis you need: A Modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. This is the fourth installment of the planned retellings that comprise The Austen Project, wherein contemporary authors tackle one of Austen’s works and reimagine it in a modern setting. All told, I found it entertaining and fun. Definitely helps if you’ve read the original, though it spoils any surprises as you anticipate “when will they …?” or “how will she include …..?”
LINK to my review
I've just started Watching Edie by Camilla Way. It's a suspense novel that centres around the friendship of two women (so the blurb says, although I've been misled by some before!).
Stumbled across this unusual short illustrated book in the library. The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains by Neil Gaiman. 4★
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm reading Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis which is really annoying me no end. I find it hard to feel sorry for so called hillbillies of the rust belt who are, in the author's opinion, predisposed to drinking and drugs because of their ethnic background and their environment. Really!I'm also reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two because I needed something to calm me down and put the fun back into reading.
I just finished
. Now I am reading
.
Karen M wrote: "I'm reading Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis which is really annoying me no end. I find it hard to feel sorry for so called hillbillies of the rust belt w..."I've heard a lot of criticism about the book for that reason. Just because HE has the ability (and help) to improve himself doesn't mean other people do. Not sure I could read it, Karen!
Good conversation starter. Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl?
.Kids are kids! Great illustrations and questions to ask yourself or your kids or your class.
4★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In The Best of Adam Sharp, Aussie Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project, tackles the question:Is it possible to rekindle the love of your life a couple of decades later? (nothing to do with Rosie)
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Death in the Clouds – Agatha Christie – 3***
Christie’s Belgian detective has become my go-to comfort read. I never tire of watching Poirot exercise his “little gray cells” to the amusement and astonishment of fellow investigators, suspects, innocent bystanders, and, of course, the culprit.
LINK to my review
The Christmas Thief – Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark – 3***
There’s not much holiday spirit in this slim volume; it is more a fun and entertaining comic crime caper than a mystery. I do like the cast of characters, and while the coincidences required for the plot to work stretch credulity a bit, but they do add to the suspense and enjoyment.
LINK to my review
I just finished A House in the Sky
which I thought was excellent. It's about a young woman taken and held hostage in Somalia for 460 days. Here is my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I started The Pecan Man The Pecan Man and also The Tortilla Curtain Tortilla Curtain Both of these have been on my WTR list for a long time.
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The Next Best Book Club
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TEXT –
AUDIO in the car –
MP3 Player AUDIO -