Cozy Mysteries discussion
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When you're not reading a cozy....
I finished East of Eden last night. Good, but wish it hadn't taken me more than a week to read it. Now starting The Hollow by Nora Roberts.
About half-way done with Natchez Burning
. I'll admit it's a page turner, but it's somewhat disturbing in its' violence.


Oh, that's a GOOD one!"
I'm really liking it so far. I remember watchi..."
One of my favorite movies and a favorite book. Fannie Flagg surprised me and wrote a couple of other pretty good books, too, although it's been years since I read them.

Oh, that's a GOOD one!"
I'm really liking it so fa..."
This is the first one I have read by her. I have been seeing her name around for a while now, but especially after I read an Ann B. Ross book, so, I thought I'd give her a try. When I saw this book, I was surprised, I don't think I ever knew it was a book. I'm still working my way through it. It's still a pretty good book so far. Not what I am used to reading, but I am trying to get out of my little box. :-)

Oh, that's a GOOD one!"
I'm really l..."
Just in case you weren't aware, Fanny Flagg was/is an actress, which is why the books surprised me. I'm truly glad to hear you're working your way out of a box. So many of us put ourselves in that position. What kinds of books do you usually read?

Oh, that's a GOOD..."
I remember seeing some where that she was an actress. I normally read Young Adult. I tend to gravitate more towards the angels but even in the YA genre, I try to at least make attempts to read different types of books. I also love Historical Fiction (around slavery) but it's hard to find books in that genre I like and stick with.

Jean - I think so. Obviously 101 objects really only scratch the barest surface of our history, but the selections do a very good job of drawing a broad picture: from the birth of our continent, to the birth of our nation through to modern day, I felt like he accurately captured the flavour of the USA and American culture, including our ongoing struggles to live up to "all men are created equal" ("men" being used as the gender neutral, of course). I found the prose to be well-written, lively and engaging as well. (I recently finished The Civil War in 50 Objects and the writing was much drier, almost too academic and it made it more difficult to connect with each object.)
Heather L wrote: "What? Only 101 objects? How would you even begin to narrow down their collection to only 101 pivotal items? I think one of the facts I always found most amusing was that the Hope Diamond was mailed to the Smithsonian in an itty bitty box to foil would-be jewel thieves waiting to rob a delivery truck.."
Heather L. - He actually wrote an essay at the end of the book that centered on just how much of a struggle it was to narrow down the objects to just 101, and if one wants to be pedantic, there are other objects mentioned and displayed in sidebars when they have a direct relation to the object being discussed, so it could be argued that he didn't stick to just 101. :)
The Hope Diamond is one of the objects and he does mention its method of arrival at the museum. Having had something stolen out of a postal package, I think they were a bit mad to do it myself!
Overall, if you're looking for a book detailing American History, this book isn't for you. But I thought it did an excellent job of showing who we are as a nation; where we come from and how we got here. And it was done in a thoroughly enjoyable way.

Oh,..."
I don't know if you'd like it or not, but I recently read "Whistling Past the Graveyard", which was about, among other things, racial issues in the 1960s. I really enjoyed it.

I will look into it Marja. Thank you. :-)


Jennifer: I'm betting the sidebars of related items was as interesting as actual items included. It does sound like an interesting book.
I finished The Hollow by Nora Roberts yesterday -- I liked the ending of this one better than that of the first book of the series.
I am now rereading a favorite childhood classic, Rascal by Wisconsin author Sterling North. This book is responsible for my affinity for raccoons, which are native only to North America. It was made into a 52-episode Japanese anime entitled Araiguma Rasukaru in the 1970's, the success of which resulted in the accidental introduction of the raccoon into Japan.
I finished The Hollow by Nora Roberts yesterday -- I liked the ending of this one better than that of the first book of the series.
I am now rereading a favorite childhood classic, Rascal by Wisconsin author Sterling North. This book is responsible for my affinity for raccoons, which are native only to North America. It was made into a 52-episode Japanese anime entitled Araiguma Rasukaru in the 1970's, the success of which resulted in the accidental introduction of the raccoon into Japan.


I love this series! She hasn't written a bad one yet!
❂ Jennifer (reviews on BookLikes) wrote: "I love this series! [First Grave on the Right] She hasn't written a bad one yet!"
Eh...difference of opinion. While there were some humorous incidents in the first book, I had a difficult time connecting with the main character, didn't much like some of the other characters, and the "just thens" got on my nerves. I felt thoroughly disappointed as so many have raved about this book/series. :-\
Eh...difference of opinion. While there were some humorous incidents in the first book, I had a difficult time connecting with the main character, didn't much like some of the other characters, and the "just thens" got on my nerves. I felt thoroughly disappointed as so many have raved about this book/series. :-\
I finished my re-read of Rascal by Sterling North earlier this evening. I devoured this book more than once back in grade school, and am glad I snagged this when I happened upon a copy at a library book sale a few months ago. There were a great many things I remembered -- a squabble with a crow, a canoe in the living room, fencing in the Christmas tree -- and just as many scenes I had forgotten. As a Wisconsinite, I also enjoyed the descriptive passages about the North Woods/Lake Superior area, as well as the more regional Lake Koshkenong of a century ago.
Now I am reading a historical romance novella that is free at both B&N and Amazon, The Groom's Gamble by Jade Lee, a new-to-me author. The second cheese shop book by Avery Aames, Lost and Fondue, is on deck.
Now I am reading a historical romance novella that is free at both B&N and Amazon, The Groom's Gamble by Jade Lee, a new-to-me author. The second cheese shop book by Avery Aames, Lost and Fondue, is on deck.
I have just finished The Curious Case of Lady Latimer's Shoes, romance and mystery (more first one than the last, that's the reason for not being cozy). I've liked it a lot (I've been crying this morning at the subway while went to work and read it).




Started The Swiss Family Robinson for a classic group read - one of three group reads I need to finish by end of the month. Slow-going so far.



Just finished NATCHEZ BURNING by Greg Iles. Not on my recommend list.
About to start THE GREATEST KNIGHT by Elizabeth Chadwick.
About to start THE GREATEST KNIGHT by Elizabeth Chadwick.




Eh...difference of opinion. While there were some humorous incidents in ..."
It's intriguing, isn't it, how some readers will LOVE a certain book or series and other hate it? I think about this a lot. ;-)

Eh...difference of opinion. While there were some humo..."
It's what makes groups like this worthwhile. The different opinions allow for the interesting conversations. As long as nobody starts throwing things. :D

Eh...difference of opinion. While there..."
Right on, Jennifer! Differences in taste also make for a variety of writing styles and subjects that keep writers writing.
I appreciate the civilized tone of the dialog, too.
Mollie, Jennifer and MaryJo: Absolutely right! ☺
And isn't is an awful feeling when you really want to like a book, especially one much recommended by friends, and don't? :-\
And isn't is an awful feeling when you really want to like a book, especially one much recommended by friends, and don't? :-\

I am listening to 3 audiobooks right now Partials



Heidi *Listen. I'll just keep talking anyway. * wrote: "I am pretty picky Heather so that happens to me more than I would like!
I am listening to 3 audiobooks right now Partials
Magic Rises[..."
I'm curious as to how you feel about [book:Partials|12476820]
. I tried and could not get into that one.
I am listening to 3 audiobooks right now Partials

I'm curious as to how you feel about [book:Partials|12476820]


And isn't is an awful feeling when you really want to like a book, especially one much recommended by friends, and don't? :-\"
Yes, but I always feel worse when someone reads something b/c I raved about it, and they didn't like it. I know they can't all be winners but...

And isn't is an awful feeling when you really want to like a book, especially one much recommended by friends, and don't? :-\"
Yes it is, Jennifer. I feel bad recommending a book and a friend doesn't like it as well as I do, also, Heather, but when they do, well, a red letter day!
It is like giving a special present, when you recommend a book someone loves.
Whew, finally finished The Swiss Family Robinson last night. Guess something good came of last night's thunderstorm. Overall, writing was good and it's an okay adventure story. I'm interested in seeing the movie now, having only vague memories of one or two scenes from it.
On to a mystery for the weekend...
On to a mystery for the weekend...


This is my third James Patterson book...the first two are in a trilogy and I am just waiting for the third book to come out in that trilogy so I can get my hands on it! :-)
Book 1



I am also going to be starting on his Maximum Ride series. Hopefully I will like the first book and will be able to continue on in the series. I tried reading one before but couldnt get into it tried again and liked it a little more this time (the little I have read so far)..So I bought the first book in the series.


I loved this series. I was sorry there were not more.



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