What Should I Read Next?

[Irene]

Definetely a tree grows in Brooklyn. Also Mrs Dalloway is nice. Didn’t read the others.

[Hilde]

I’ll throw in another vote for ‘A tree grows in Brooklyn’ - it’s wonderful!

[Jackie]

Emily wrote: "Ok I'm trying to decide what to read for the published before 1950 prompt. I figured I'd read something off of my 40 Before 40 list, so here's what I have:

The Age of Innocence by [au..."

I personally disliked [book:Lady Chatterly's Lover|34230427]. D.H. Lawrence stated that he wrote it because at the time novels with erotic scenes were hard to publish. So that appears to be most of the book. But it seems ordinary by today's standards.

[Sarah]

I haven't read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn so out of the one's I've read I'd recommend Brave New World or I Capture the Castle

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Thanks guys! I will eventually read all of these, but I'll be starting with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn!

[Christy]

Hello everyone! I'm just coming off a bunch of really light books in a row because of the confluence of moving stress and library holds coming in, so I'd like to dive into something absorbing and thought-provoking next. My options are:

Cutting for Stone
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich
Where the Crawdads Sing
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

[Pam]

Christy- I would go with Cutting for Stone! I’m hoping to read it later this year.

[Nadine in NY]

Christy wrote: "Hello everyone! I'm just coming off a bunch of really light books in a row because of the confluence of moving stress and library holds coming in, so I'd like to dive into something absorbing and t..."


Stamped from the Beginning was fantastic, if you're looking to read nonfiction about the history of racism. It was so good, I bought a copy to keep.

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

I loved Where the Crawdads Sing. It also reads very “light” even if the subject matter is a little heavier so it might be a good book to ease into the others :)

[Christy]

LOL, now I've got three votes for three different books, so I'm no closer to a decision! I'm glad to know I've got a list of good books, though. I'm definitely planning on reading all of them this year. :-)

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Well I’ll throw in for Cutting for Stone! It was a bit of a longer book but I enjoyed it so, so much.

[Lizzy]

I’ll say Cutting for Stone also... one of my favorites.

[Sarah]

I went a little crazy and put a bunch of books on hold at the library without any designated prompt to put them in. So now I have a pile of books I need to squeeze in to the challenge and no idea which one to read first. Which one should I read?

The Girl King
The King Must Die
The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter
Seraphina

I also have The Romanovs: 1613-1918 but I just finished one chonk and don't think I have the arm strength to go straight on to another lol

[Christy]

Sarah wrote: "I went a little crazy and put a bunch of books on hold at the library without any designated prompt to put them in. So now I have a pile of books I need to squeeze in to the challenge and no idea w..."

I've never read any of those, but I love the idea of mathematical dragons so I vote for Seraphina!
Also, I'm considering reading The Romanovs--Russian history is very much my jam--but I'm considering buying it because it would be so much to read in 3 weeks. Do you think it's worth buying?

And thanks everyone for your suggestions! I'm starting Cutting for Stone on my lunch hour. :-)

[Diane]

If you are a fan of historical fiction, then I can recommend a novel I've just finished reading: "Look After Her" by Hannah Brown. This novel is one of the best such books I've ever read. Hannah Brown is a Canadian author, and the book is published by Inanna Publishers, a Canadian publisher. The pacing, descriptions of scenes, characters, development of plot, twists of circumstances, is excellent! I predict that Hannah Brown will become the next Margaret Atwood. I believe your local bookshop should stock several copies of this novel.

[Sarah]

I've somehow ended up with eleven library books out at the same time (plus at least ten more on request which could come in any day now). I'm currently reading Red Sister but not decided on my next book. Anyone want to pick for me?

Brightfall
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
Horrorstör
Mao's Last Dancer
Double Down
Silverwing
Spellslinger
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast
Kon-Tiki
The Three Musketeers

[Milena]

Sarah wrote: "I've somehow ended up with eleven library books out at the same time (plus at least ten more on request which could come in any day now). I'm currently reading Red Sister but not de..."

Well, I haven't read a single one of those, so I can't recommend. But based on my own experience, read one of the classics first. They always take longer for me.

[Sarah]

Milena wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I've somehow ended up with eleven library books out at the same time (plus at least ten more on request which could come in any day now). I'm currently reading [book:Red Sister|258955..."

Haha, I was actually thinking of the reverse and considering leaving that one until last because it would take me the longest. Maybe I'll crack it open and see if it feels like a quick read

[Johanne]

I'd also go for a short easy read, since Red Sister is rather long, and that way you will quickly feel you've accomplished something and whittled away at your library book piles. Something fun like Horrorstör or The beauty and the beast retelling. And then after that a classic. :)

[Alicia]

I just found this thread and I'm so excited! Usually I already have my next books planned, just based on my gut instinct, but I'm stuck right now!

I'm finishing up Morning Star and am going to take a break before reading the rest of the series (this is the end of the first trilogy). I need to take a break before my next series which is going to The Name of the Wind. And I want to use a book that I own.

I'm not particularly thrilled by any of them right now, despite knowing I want to read them in general.

The Help: I like the movie, I know usually books are better, but what about this one?
Difficult Women: love Roxane Gay's non-fiction books but I'm nervous about not liking her fiction series
One Hundred Years of Solitude: A classic that I know I need to read and have promised myself will read in 2020
Lord of the Flies: reading this again since I haven't read it since highschool, but loved it then
Quicksand: just got this for Christmas

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

The only one I've read is The Help, and I will say that it was MUCH better than the movie. I think it's a great read that feels light and humorous but has some hidden depth to the story. If you're looking for a break from heavier novels, this is a good one to go with.

[Alicia]

Emily wrote: "The only one I've read is The Help, and I will say that it was MUCH better than the movie. I think it's a great read that feels light and humorous but has some hidden depth to the story. If you're ..."

Thanks Emily! I think I was just nervous about it being too deep, but glad to know it's humorous too!

[Irene]

it is very funny and a good break between longer books

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

My next ATY prompt is #8: A book with a two-word title where the first word is "The", and I need an LGBT+ book to fit my goal for the month.

The two options I'm debating between are The Animators and The Wonder. Which should I read?

(For reference, I just finished The Sun Down Motel, which was a creepy thriller, and I'm listening to The Royal We, which is a load of fluff)

[Ann]

I need book help. There was another shooting last night. This one near where I live. I tried reading some of the books on my shelf, but they all scared me or depressed me more. I need to read something I can enjoy that will make me forget for a while. Any suggestions? Going to the library today.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

I'm listening to The Royal We after reading Know My Name: A Memoir because it was so heavy. It was just the right amount of light and fluffy that I needed.

I'm sorry that you're going through this, Ann. We just had a local student killed in gun violence yesterday... it's hard all around.

[Alicia]

Ann wrote: "I need book help. There was another shooting last night. This one near where I live. I tried reading some of the books on my shelf, but they all scared me or depressed me more. I need to read somet..."

So sorry to hear. The Helpis funny. Also the The Wedding Date and The Princess Bride are fun and easy reads.

[Samantha]

Ann, I finished The Wedding Date recently and will agree with Alicia it was a fun easy read. In comparing our lists I see you have The Golem and the Jinni on your TBR, I thought that was great, a few dark places in the book but mostly very escapist.

[Milena]

I loved The Golem and the Jinni. Great suggestion!

[Sabrina]

Ann wrote: "I need book help. There was another shooting last night. This one near where I live. I tried reading some of the books on my shelf, but they all scared me or depressed me more. I need to read somet..."

So sorry to hear that. If you like romance Red, White & Royal Blue is a pretty fast paced, cute, and happy read. I felt so much joy while reading this, cover to cover, so if you're into that kind of book I'm sure it'll help :)

[Ann]

Guess I will try The Wedding Date and Golem and Jinni since I own both books. Thanks everyone

[Entropia]

I'm trying to pick book for next prompt "A book with a two-word title where the first word is "The"". I've read a bit of each 8 books I shorlisted, but I'm still unsure, so I thought I might a well ask people here for opinions.

The Fisherman - it did annoy me a bit with "dead spouse cliche", but it didn't get to stuff tbr-ed this book for yet.
The Outside - I have mixed feelings about this one. Some ideas seem interesting, but writing doesn't click with me. I could use it later for neurodiverse or LGBT prompt.
The Emissary - I read the least of this one and I have no idea what's supposed to be going on, but Rent-A-Dog service sounds fun.
The Watcher - I don't have any opinion on this one yet, but it was recommended to me by my husband, who never recommended me something I would hate.
The Uninvited - I'm positively surprised with writing so far (even though one thing made me chuckle and I'm pretty sure that wasn't writer's intention), can be used for neurodiverse prompt.
The Mirage - It's even funnier than I expected.
The Martian - I'm intrigued what can be done with such premise.
Physicists (regarding title, I'm intending to read it in German, so the name would be Die Physiker and technically fit the prompt) So far I'm really liking it, but I might as well use it for next prompt "book that can be read in a day".

[Samantha]

Entropia wrote: "I'm trying to pick book for next prompt "A book with a two-word title where the first word is "The"". I've read a bit of each 8 books I shorlisted, but I'm still unsure, so I thought I might a well..."

The only ones I have read are The Martian and The Emissary but I enjoyed both. The Emissary is kind of strange, nothing really happens but a lot is going on. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed The Martian, sometimes Andy Weir gets a little to technical but nothing that ruined it for me.

Always dangerous to look at a list of books that I have not read I added a few from yours to my TBR \ (•◡•) /

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

I'm going to go with The Martian. Even though it's the only one from the list I've read, it's definitely worth reading. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it!

[Entropia]

Okay, I will go with The Martian then :)

Samantha wrote: "Always dangerous to look at a list of books that I have not read I added a few from yours to my TBR \ (•◡•) /"

Hahah, I'm trying to stay off of goodreads as much as I can, because stumbling upon books is too easy :D

[Sarah]

All of the YA has arrived at my library this week! Which should I go with first?

Children of Virtue and Vengeance
The Toll
Finale

[Alicia]

Children of Virtue and Vengeance! I’m going to start it tomorrow.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

I'm reading Children of Virtue and Vengeance right now! I listened to the audio of Children of Blood and Bone, so I was a little worried about reading the physical copy of Virtue and Vengeance, but I'm reallllly getting into it.

[Alicia]

I did the exact same thing Emily. Glad to know it’s still just as captivating in print.

[Sarah]

Thanks, guys. I might go with that one first then. How is it so far, Emily?

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Really good! Really captivating and action-packed.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Help! My jar of wonders gave me Week 19 (a fantasy book), and I am stumped. I only have three options on my list, and right now, nothing sounds good.

My options are:


Uprooted
House of Salt and Sorrows
Strange the Dreamer
A Curse So Dark and Lonely

[Alicia]

Emily wrote: "Help! My jar of wonders gave me Week 19 (a fantasy book), and I am stumped. I only have three options on my list, and right now, nothing sounds good.

My options are:
..."

Ooh my favorite category! If you aren't a fantasy person, I'd recommend House of Salt & Sorrows. It's more like a mystery/thriller fantasy. There are "gods" and some magic doors but not over the top fantasy.

[Brooke]

Emily wrote: "Help! My jar of wonders gave me Week 19 (a fantasy book), and I am stumped. I only have three options on my list, and right now, nothing sounds good.

My options are:
..."

I haven't read any of those! I do own 2 of them, though, and will get to them eventually (Uprooted and Strange the Dreamer).

I see that you are reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which is tagged fantasy. Are you using it for another prompt? Elevation is tagged fantasy, too. I can't remember what criteria you are using for your challenge, though, other than the jar.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Brooke, I've been rereading the Harry Potter series for ages (following along with a podcast that's going chapter by chapter), so I don't really want to use it for ATY because I probably won't finish book 6 until the end of March with the podcast and I'm trying to stay on schedule. And I used Elevation for Week 13 (from a previous ATY... I used 2016's a book that starts with the same letter as your name).

Thanks for the suggestion, Alicia. I wasn't sure how "fantasy" it was.

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

Isn’t The Grace Year on your read-a-thin TBR? It’s fantasy :)

[Jillian]

I listened to Strange the Dreamer earlier this month and really liked it. I’m thinking about reading the second book once I finish my next 3 book to use to fill 19. Fantasy.

I have not read any of your other choices.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Laura, I didn't realize it was fantasy 🤦🏻‍♀️ That one is due back at the library on March 1, though, and I do have to read Home Fire before getting to my fantasy book (since I'm sticking to jar order here), so I guess it will depend on if I can renew it at the library.

[Milena]

Uprooted is the only one of those I have read, but I loved it.

[Milena]

I rarely don't know what to read next, but now is one of those times. I need a book to read on my Kindle. I have the following:

Beloved
House of Salt and Sorrows
The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Confessions
Girl, Woman, Other
Normal People
Followers
The Beekeeper of Aleppo

I am not especially feeling any of them, so help would be greatly appreciated.