New Providence Memorial Library's Online Reading Group discussion
Exercise Your Mind 2016
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I recently found a new favorite author, Sara Alexi, who wrote The Illegal Gardener. This is the first in a series and it takes place in Greece. The main character is a women who flees from a bad marriage and buys a run down home in Greece. She meets up with a homeless man that becomes a day worker at first in her weed-ridden garden, and then progresses to more of a friend and confident. They help each other get through some past memories they're both trying to hide. I couldn't put the book down and can't wait to begin the second in the series. I hope the NP library has all her books.
I usually don't read books that are listed as "horror" although I love a good mystery. The author Jennifer McMahon was one I had on my TBR list as a result of recommendations from the podcast Books on the Nightstand and I just finished her latest "The Night Sister." I was quickly drawn into the story about 3 generations of women living at a motel in rural New England. There was definitely an other worldly element but it did not overwhelm the story. There was also a mystery element that kept pulling me along in the story. The book moves back and forth through three distinct time periods following the 3 generations. I raced through this book and even though the ending was a little out there, I really enjoyed it. So much so that I'm planning to read her next book, The Winter People, next.
Dawn, I really enjoyed The Winter People. I'm definitely going to pick up The Night Sister soon.I'm reading Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson. If you've ever seen the movie from the early 80s called Somewhere in Time, this is the book the movie is based on. I'm really enjoying it, and it goes into more depth about how Richard Collier goes back in time to meet the actress of his dreams. It's done in a diary format, which I enjoy a lot.
I also picked up Winter's Bone by Daniell Woodrell which is about a young girl trying to take care of her siblings after their father ran off on them. I haven't gotten very far but enjoying it at the moment.
I'd recommend "Life As We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer.I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it (originally recommended by my sister and niece), but I actually had trouble putting it down. It's a teenager's diary of the year after the moon is knocked out of its' orbit. Drastically changed circumstances and resultant changes on outlook on life. Try it - and decide how you'd cope.
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Best I can tell, no, no movie. Is it possible that you're thinking of movie "Life As we KNOW It"?
Recently finished "The Martian" by Andy Weir (performed by R. C. Bray) Did a combination of reading the print copy and listening to the audiobook because I didn't have time to just read it or listen to it. It was surprisingly easy to switch back and forth between the two and I liked both versions.4.5*
At first I was not sure I was going to finish this book but then I really got into it. Yes, the technical 'stuff' was way over my head but...I didn't care! I don't know all of the particulars about a car's engine but I drive, don't know the ins-and-outs of a computer's technology yet I use one. So...(I know not a great analogy) I just kept reading and so glad I did! I really liked this book and not sure why I hesitated about giving it 5*.
I also listened to this and the narrator, or as the front of the audio case calls it, "performed by R. C. Bray", was excellent. Mr. Bray has great pacing and loved it when Mark was being humorous.
I was tempted to read the end of the book ahead of time but kept my patience...didn't want to spoil anything. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie now but I don't think it will be as good. Since most of Mark's 'dialog' is in his head or in his Log Entry, it will be interesting how this is done on screen.
IMHO one does not have to like Science Fiction to enjoy this book.
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I enjoyed the book, it was fascinating to hear more about her life and upbringing. I think my dislike stemmed from feeling that she was a "1 issue" person - reproductive rights. She talked about so many other areas and I got to understand how this issue is at the heart of so many others and represents the starting point for her awakening to the inadequacy of previous assumptions and roles assigned to women.
Her descriptions of working on the McGovern campaign and being consigned to the upstairs because he didn't want to be seen with single women was unthinkable now. And not being allowed into the strategy sessions because women didn't do that. This made me realize really just how far we have come and in significant part because of the dedicated efforts of people like Ms. Steinem.
Another aspect that surprised me was her closeness and respect for Native American culture and beliefs. And the level of inclusion of representatives from the NA community in the organizational days of the women's movement. I must admit that at the time, I was a little too young and confused to have picked up on all of that.
I would certainly recommend this book to fans of Ms. Steinem and especially those who don't know much about her or haven't liked her in the past. Well-written with many eye-popping facts.
I'm in the middle (well about 80% done) of The Martian. I have to echo Marilyn's comments on the heavy techy stuff. I'm really enjoying the book. I'm reading it on the recommendation of a friend but I was skeptical thinking all the action took place on Mars. It doesn't Plus the Mars portion is written as journal entries and the main character is very entertaining. I wonder if there's any accuracy to any of the technical stuff (the chemistry, etc.) Marilyn- did you see the movie??
I strongly recommend the book! (although I don't know the ending, yet)
Happy Holidays everyone
Eileen - I've not seen the movie - yet. I had mentioned this book to my son and he has seen the movie and liked it. It's Long but he watched and liked the whole thing. Last week I visited the Kennedy Space Center and the book meant even more to me!
Looking forward to seeing the movie. I told my son about all the journal entries and 'thinking' that the main character did since he had no one to talk to and asked how well that came across in the movie. Since he had not read the book, difficult for a comparison but he did say it went smoothly with voice-overs.
My first book of 2016 was a little bit of a disappointment. "Dream When You're Feeling Blue" by Elizabeth Berg was good but not great. I listened to this book, which was narrated by the author. I liked her voice and pacing.
I enjoyed some of the book, the parts about what life was like in Chicago during WWII. However, the story was slow in parts and then all of a sudden it was the ending! So abrupt and a bit strange. Didn’t care for the ending at all. In fact, 3* is almost a generous rating and I deducted stars because of the ending.
just finished "tuesdays with morrie" for the evening book club. interesting, most of morrie's wisdom was heavily infused with buddhist philosphy, and a big part of yoga classes that incorporate more than pose work. listening to "caleb's crossing" by geraldine brooks. i have loved everything i've read by her and this does not disappoint.
next up is "still alice", re-reading "all the light we cannot see" and "from half to whole" , all for upcoming book clubs.
Marie, i listened to wally lamb's "i know this much is true" recently. it was very good, but imo, about 200 pages (or about 5 discs) too long (!)
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Finished listening to "Eventide" by Kent Haruf and narrated by George Hearn. This is the second in the Plainsong series (how many are there? Must look that up). George Hearn does a great job with the narration. Started audio of Elizabeth Berg's "Home Safe" read by the author who does a good job. However, the subject matter is not grabbing me but I've only listened to one disc so far and will give it a little more or until I find an audio I might like better.
I started reading "Last Anniversary" by Liane Moriarty just few days ago and it's been a while since a book grabbed me like this one has. I was in a 'reading draught' but this has taken me out of it. Think I'll find the time today to finish it. Cannot explain why it grabbed me - but it did. At first I thought "way too many characters" and I was getting them mixed up, but luckily that resolved itself and no longer a problem for me.
My husband is listening to a "Longmire" audio and think I'll start that as soon as he finishes with it.
After I finish "Last Anniversary" I will re-read/skim "The Nightingale" for a book group. I liked it months ago when I read it, remember quite a bit, but still have to re-read for group discussion. Another discussion next month is also a book I've already read: "All the Light We Cannot See" so will have to re-read/skim that one too. I don't like re-reading books but I don't remember enough to contribute to the discussion unless I do!
I am on jury duty this week, so getting caught up on my reading. First, finished "Old Filth" (Failed in London, try Hong Kong) by the British author Jane Gardam. This tells the life story of a British lawyer whose career is in the East. He is a kind of "Raj Orphan", a phrase I'd never heard before. It denotes a person who is born in India (or in Old Filth's case Malaysia) but is then sent to England to go to school, and in many cases rarely or never sees their parents again. (I had never heard of this before.) It's beautifully written and I found it hard to put down not due to tension in the novel but because its so beautifully written - it just flows. First found the author when I picked up The Hollow Land at the library. The Hollow Land is a wonderful book of short stories about 2 boys friendship In England. The type of book that puts you in another world. The boys are from a family that farms and a family from London who rents the grandfather's home for vacations. Each story chronicles one of the boys adventures. I cannot recommend The Hollow Land enough. I would allow myself one story a night before I fell asleep. Guarantees sweet dreams!
I also finished My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. It's a funny autobiographical book by a man who later comes to run a zoo. His unconventional family moves to Corfu when he is 10, and the freedom of his childhood will make you envious! He spends most of his time roaming the olive orchards surrounding his home and observing the insects, fish, birds, etc in his surroundings. His family and their reactions to his acquisitions are priceless. Warning, you will want to book your flight to Corfu immediately upon finishing this book!
Also read Fun Home by Allison Bechdel. Supposed to see the play this weekend (hope the storm passes us by!) and my daughter gave me the graphic novel to read. It's an engaging look at her childhood, in particular her relationship with her father. He is an English teacher and also runs the family funeral home (get it?) This has many funny parts but in the main deals with her relationship with her father who is a closeted gay man, and her coming to terms with her own lesbianism. Very well done.
I recently have become very addicted to graphic memoirs. I always avoided them because I felt like they were just hard bound comic books for Star Trek-like people (not that there's anything wrong with that!) I read one that I absolutely couldn't put down:
I recommend it highly. The author describes her upbringing in Central Pennsylvania where her family ran a funeral home. The book was also made into an off Broadway musical not too long ago. I don't want to give away any more than that.
Another one to pick up is:
Brought up in Detroit, a David Small had some health issues that his physician father thought could be cured by constantly Xraying him. Another great read.
karen, are these available at np library ?
I don't think they are. Both of them are available at Scotch Plains library, and you're able to check things out with your NP library card.
What is the title of graphic novel? Did I miss it?
Now I see it...Fun Home...the picture did not show up until I posted my question
I'm sorry; I thought it was going to show the titles and authors. The first is Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. The second is Stitches by David Small.
I enjoyed Fun Home too. Was sorry to miss the play as we had tickets for the Saturday of our snowstorm! Going to try to reschedule so will report if we are successful!
Am listening to The English Major, the library has the audio book which I will be returning this weekend. I can't exaggerate how much I am enjoying this. The writing is fantastic and the reader is pitch perfect. I could listen to this all day.The protagonist, who is also the narrator, is 60, recently divorced and at loose ends. He has decided to travel to every state in the US, which he will also rename. He was an English major in college, taught school, and then farmed. His thoughts are peppered with quotes from the classics, down to earth reflections on his life, and his adventures on the road. My only complaint is that he makes 60 sound old!!!! You will not regret listening to or reading this. Great book for a trip, as my husband is really enjoying it too, which doesn't often happen.
New Providence Memorial Library's Online...
Books mentioned in this topic
The English Major (other topics)Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic (other topics)
Stitches: A Memoir (other topics)
I confess that I've been bad. It's been pretty crazy in my life lately starting with a vacation planned, postponed and taken nearly 3 weeks later. That has completely thrown me off this month and as a result I have sorely neglected this group and my prize drawing.
This is serious neglect. After all, I promised a drawing in November & December for anybody who submitted a review and there are some readers who like to win out there. So, without further ado, let the qualification begin.
I am looking for a few sentences about what you're reading that reveal a bit about the plot or characterize the story enough for somebody to get a feel for whether they'd be interested in reading it. Most importantly, I want to know whether you'd recommend it or warn somebody away from reading it.
Responses will be posted up on a board displayed in the library - without your names. The drawing is very uncomplicated. Give me as many reviews as you like and chat here as much as you like but you will only be entered once in each drawing unless you win in December and then you'll be removed from the 2nd drawing. I'll be drawing on December 15 and then again on January 15.
December's prize will be a $25 VISA gift certificate donated by TAPInto. January's prize will be a $25 gas card donated by NP Fuel. I will ask for a picture so that I can publicize and appropriately thank donors.
Since you're here and reading this, I'd assume that you will just submit a review here. But you could also email one to me at npmlref@yahoo.com or just drop off a piece of paper on my desk.
What follows is an example of something I would submit if I were eligible. Let the contest begin!
I have recently finished reading In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson for our TTBC book group. It was written in 2006 and represents Bryson's attempt to circumnavigate the huge, diverse country of Australia. He presents the natives as a good-humored, hardy group who casually handle the dangerous landscapes and wildlife that surround them. Along the way, he offers snippets of history, biology and a passing attempt at addressing the Aboriginal population's difficult place in Australian history and society. He does it all in a quirky, humorous style that demonstrates his fondness for the people and landscape. There were many places where I laughed out loud and found it to be very readable. Highly recommended.