The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU
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<closed thread>What are you currently reading?
Becoming – Michelle Obama – 5*****
Michelle Obama’s memoir / autobiography takes her from her childhood through college, her first years as an attorney, meeting Barack and their time in the White House as President and First Lady. Through her words I felt that I really got to know this remarkable woman.
LINK to my review
Three Wishes – Liane Moriarty – 3.5***
Moriarty excels at exploring relationships within an ensemble group of characters. Here she looks at the Kettle sisters, a set of adult triplets, their partners and their parents. As she did in Big, Little Lies Moriarty begins at the end, and then backtracks to lead us up to that climactic event. It's a story of sibling rivalry, and love found / lost / and found again. A fast read and quite entertaining.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 4*,
- 4*,
- 3*Reading:
Black Leopard, Red Wolf - Audible - 13/24 hours
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle - 2033 pages - 69% done
Xenocide
Lines of Contention
Blue Jeans and Coffee Beans
The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam – Chris Ewan – 3***
Charlie Howard is a successful mystery author, writing a series that features a professional burglar, Faulks. As a sideline – and I guess you could call it research – he also occasionally accepts a commission to steal certain items. This was a highly entertaining mystery. I couldn’t help but think of Lawrence Block’s Bernie Rhodenbarr series, but the comparison is a good one. The pace is quick, the characters interesting, and the charms of Amsterdam (a city I have visited) evident.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 3.5*Reading:
Black Leopard, Red Wolf - Audible - 16/24 hours
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle - 2033 pages - 69% done
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Lines of Contention
Sadie's Spirit - Kindle
Expect to start tomorrow:
Angel of Death
The Road Back
Our Man In Havana – Graham Greene – 4****
A delightful send-up of espionage / spy thrillers, starring a hapless vacuum cleaner salesman whose daughter has expensive tastes. Wonderful supporting cast of shady characters, corrupt police officials, and clueless bureaucrats. A nice romantic twist and a not-to-be-believed ending. Great fun, though the British humor is a bit dry. I've never seen the movie, but kept picturing Sir Alec Guinness in the lead role.
LINK to my review
Nobody’s Perfect – Donald E Westlake – 3***
Dortmunder’s gang is back for their fourth “can’t fail” scheme. This time the “victim” has arranged the theft as part of an insurance scheme. Westlake has a way of putting obstacles in the path of his lovable gang of thieves that just tickles my funny bone. I enjoy watching them scheme, and how exasperated Dortnumder gets with Kelp’s attempts to “help.” I was somewhat disappointed in the cliff-hanger ending, however.
LINK to my review
Burglars Can’t Be Choosers – Lawrence Block – 3***
This is the first in the series starring Bernie Rhodenbarr, a professional burglar with loads of charm. I love this series, and this is a second reading, though I didn’t remember any of the plot, so the twists were all a surprise to me. I like Bernie as a character. He’s smart and nonviolent. The plots are intricate and the supporting characters a delight. And I love the way Block writes about New York City; I really feel as if I’m walking the streets right along with Bernie.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 4*,
- 4*,
- 3*Reading:
Black Leopard, Red Wolf - Audible - 19/24 hours
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology - Kindle - 2033 pages - 74% done
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
The Orphan's Tale - Kindle
Usually I have a list of books to start reading as soon as I finish a bunch, and I do have such a list. However, I think for this week, I will work on finishing up the two Kindle books, the Zen one and the Audible book. All of which are requiring a lot of attention and getting less when I am reading more pleasant and entertaining books.
Vinegar Girl – Anne Tyler – 3***
A retelling of Shakepeare’s The Taming of the Shrew that doesn’t quite work. Tyler shines when she explores relationships, but here she has to find a plot to adequately mirror the bard’s play. Not her strong suit and it detracted from the relationships. Some things to like about it, but overall ‘meh’.
LINK to my review
Funny Cide – Sally Jenkins – 3.5***
In 2003 an unlikely horse, from an unlikely stable owned by a group of high-school buddies won the Kentucky Derby and captured the hearts of America. This is his story. Jenkins does a good job of weaving together the various stories behind the horse: breeder, owners, trainer and jockey. I particularly liked the way she wrote the build-up to the Derby and Funny Cide’s amazing win there. I felt the excitement all over again. The only thing missing was a mint julep.
LINK to my review
The Flight of the Maidens – Jane Gardam – 4****
In the summer of 1946 three young women prepare themselves to head off to university and explore the world beyond Yorkshire, England. What I love about Gardam’s writing is the way she paints her characters and shows us who they are. Gardam changes point of view from chapter to chapter to give each girl a chance in the spotlight. Still, while Leiselotte’s journey is the most wide-ranging and full of surprises, I’m not sure I ever really got to know her and felt that her story was somewhat tacked onto that of the other girls.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 1*,
- 4*The only reason I stuck with Black Leopard, Red Wolf to finish it was that it was a book on my SRC plan. I did not like the graphic nature of the deaths or sex nor the language used. (This was an audiobook.). The story was confusing partly due to being set in Africa and using African words for beings.
Relics and Runes: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Anthology took me about 3 months to read due to the fact that it was a collection of approximately 12 full books of fantasy. I enjoyed the majority of the stories immensely. And, I liked the fact that each was #1 in the series.
Reading:
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
The Orphan's Tale - Kindle
Bea wrote: "Finished: - 1*, - 4*The only reason I stuck with [book:Bl..."
Bea, I DNF Black Leopard-so kudos to you for having the stamina to do it! I did hard copy, and being able to follow the language was just insane!
The Last Days of Night – Graham Moore – 4****
Moore’s novel is historical fiction that focuses on the question of genius, and the war between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse on WHO invented the light bulb and was entitled to power the country. I was completely captivated by the narrative. The characters fairly leapt off the pages. Moore also does a fine job of setting the scene. In short, it was fascinating, engaging and illuminating.
LINK to my review
Mr Mercedes – Stephen King – 4****
Book Number 1 in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, featuring retired Detective Bill Hodges in an unnamed Midwestern city. King is a masterful writer and he doesn’t disappoint in this thriller / police procedural. The reader always knows who the perpetrator is, but that doesn’t lessen the suspense as Hodges and his assistants race the clock to solve the puzzle.
LINK to my review
Joanne wrote: "Bea, I DNF Black Leopard-so kudos to you for having the stamina to do it! I did hard copy, and being able to follow the language was just insane!"Oh, thanks for sharing that Joanne. I really wondered if it was better than I was finding...I mean, up until that book, all the Audible books had been so good!
The Good Thief – Hannah Tinti – 2**
An orphan with a missing hand falls in with a group of scam artists / thieves in early 19th century New England. I had heard good reports of this novel and I was intrigued by the premise. Tinti captured my attention at the beginning and certainly kept me reading, but I found it very dark and distasteful. The scenarios, schemes, and twists in the plot just seemed like a list of “what will be next to befall this kid.” Tinti does give the reader a real sense of the time and place. I also really enjoyed Mrs Sands and descriptions of life in her boarding house. But in the end, the things I liked didn’t quite make up for what I didn’t like about it.
LINK to my review
Bea wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Bea, I DNF Black Leopard-so kudos to you for having the stamina to do it! I did hard copy, and being able to follow the language was just insane!"Oh, thanks for sharing that Joanne..."
I think it is one of those books that you love or hate. Glad I found someone else on my side of the line
Finished: 
- 4*Reading:
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Long Time Gone
Jerusalem, Jerusalem: A Memoir or War and Peace, Passion and Politics
Last Train to Istanbul - Kindle
Jazz
The Judgment of Caesar
Tupelo Gypsy - Kindle
Chase Darkness with Me: How One True-Crime Writer Started Solving Murders - Audible
Love, Lies and Spies – Cindy Anstey – 3***
Anstey has written a young-adult, mystery/romance set in Regency England. I really enjoyed this fun, fast read. I could definitely hear the echo of Jane Austen. I liked Julianna’s spunk and intelligence. I also appreciated the slow-burn pace of the central romance. I did figure out the master spy / traitor ahead of the reveal, but not by much. Nicely done!
LINK to my review
The Vintage Caper – Peter Mayle – 3.5***
This is book #1 in the Sam Levitt series. Mayle has given the reader a crime caper with a plausible (if fantastic) plot, a wonderful cast of characters, and mouth-watering descriptions of food and wine. Mayle’s love of France shines through; I could practically smell the aromas from a restaurant’s kitchen and feel the sun on my face. And I love that twisty ending! A fast, fun, delicious read.
LINK to my review
Bea wrote: "Finished: - 4*Reading:
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Long Time Gone
[book:Jerusalem..."
How did you like "The Orphan's Tale?
Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "How did you like "The Orphan's Tale?"It was a moving story. Set during WWII. It was about the circus and the saving of Jews. I like historical fiction, because it can tell me about an aspect of history little known to me as did this book.
Not Quite Nice – Celia Imrie – 3.5***
In her debut novel, Imrie has given us a sort of “coming of old age” story featuring a group of British expats living in a small town on the French Riviera. I thought it was an enjoyable, fast novel. Perfect for a vacation read. The bad guys get what’s coming to them, and everyone learns a lesson or two. It’s not exactly a happily-ever-after ending, but it gives me hope for the future of these characters. There are two more books in the series (thus far), and I look forward to reading them.
LINK to my review
Finished:
- 3.5*,
- 3*Reading:
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Long Time Gone
Last Train to Istanbul - Kindle
Jazz
The Judgment of Caesar
Chase Darkness with Me: How One True-Crime Writer Started Solving Murders - Audible
The Ravenmaster – Christopher Skaife – 3***
Subtitle: My Life With the Ravens at the Tower of London. This memoir details Skaife’s career path to what has become his life’s work: the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London. His dedication to his position as Ravenmaster is evident, as is his great love for the birds. But there were times when I felt the book dragged as he overwhelmed me with scientific detail. Final verdict: interesting but not gripping.
LINK to my review
Summer Hours At the Robbers Library – Sue Halpern – 3.5***
Three people running from their past (or present) find the help they need at the library. The novel is told in alternating viewpoints as each of the three central characters reveals his or her back story and experiences in current time. The first time there was a “flashback” it caught me off guard, but I quickly grew used to the style. Halpern gives us a wonderful cast of supporting characters as well. There are moments of humor to balance the heartache and disasters. I’d love a sequel to find out how they cope in the future.
LINK to my review
Reading: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Last Train to Istanbul - Kindle
Jazz - 60% done. Slower read than I expected.
Chase Darkness with Me: How One True-Crime Writer Started Solving Murders - Audible - 67% done.
Started:
Long Time Gone - I know I have been listing this as currently reading, but I had not yet gotten to it until today.
Death's Darkest Face
The Huntress
Under a Painted Sky
I Always Loved You – Robin Oliveira – 3***
The subtitle – A Story of Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas – is all the synopsis anyone needs. This immediately drew my attention as I love art, the Impressionists in particular, and I love reading historical fiction about artists. I had previously been content to merely gaze with astonishment and admiration at the works of art they created. But while I appreciate now having learned all the details of their complicated relationships, and while these period elements added color to the story, the book failed to really move me.
LINK to my review
Uncommon Criminals – Ally Carter – 2.5**
Katarina Bishop is back with her crew of teen-aged thieves. This time they are after the Cleopatra emerald, despite legend that it carries a curse. There are a lot of twists and turns in this plot, and more than one intricate theft taking place. Not to mention cons and contra-cons. It's a fast read, and I like a lead female who is smart, determined and generally self-sufficient. But I didn't think it was as good as the first book, Heist Society. Still, I see the appeal for the target YA audience.
LINK to my review
Quentins – Maeve Binchy – 3.5***
I came late to the Binchy fan club, but better late than never. I really like her style of every-day drama – the kinds of ups and downs we all experience in life. Many of her books feature the same ensemble cast of characters, but they don’t have to be read in any particular order. This book starts with Ella Brady and her lover Don Richardson, but quickly encompasses Brenda and Patrick who run the upscale restaurant Quentins and all the many patrons and trades people who support it. Reading a Binchy novel is a bit like visiting with old friends.
My full review HERE
These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 - this book is joy to read, I highly recommend it. It has History, Romance, Suspense-pick it up and enjoy!
Design For Murder – Carolyn G Hart – 3***
Book # 2 in the Death on Demand series, featuring mystery bookstore owner Annie Laurance. Hart writes a fast-paced cozy mystery with a great central cast of characters and a wonderful premise. I love the mystery bookstore, though I did get a little irritated by how often an author / book was mentioned. I very much liked the Mystery Night puzzle going on at the same time that a real murder was being investigated.
My full review HERE
Ban This Book – Alan Gratz – 4****
Fourth-grader Amy Anne Ollinger is stunned to discover that her favorite book has been removed from the school library because another student’s parent has complained it’s “inappropriate.” I loved Amy Anne; she starts out a quiet, shy girl who virtually never voices her concerns out loud, but who takes action to right a wrong. Perfect read to celebrate Banned Books Week!
My full review HERE
The Curse of the Pharaohs – Elizabeth Peters – 2.5**
Book two in the Amelia Peabody series, featuring the intrepid Victorian lady Egyptologist. I read the first book in the series a few years back and was not a fan. Much of what irritated me in the first book happened again. But … I’m beginning to see the humor and satire in Peters’ style. I’m starting to appreciate Peabody’s manner and her relationships with the other characters. This is a strong, independent-minded, intelligent woman who does not suffer fools gladly.
My full review HERE
Clock Dance – Anne Tyler – 3.5***
The novel follows Willa Drake, her hopes, dreams, disappointments and joys – over 5 decades, from 1967 to 2017. I like the way that Tyler explores the everyday drama of life. Not much happens – as far as a plot to carry the reader along – and yet much happens in terms of the character’s life. Willa frustrated me for much of this book. She was so passive that I wanted to shake her. I’m glad that by the end she is finally beginning to assert herself, to look at what SHE wants from life and to dare to try to achieve it.
My full review HERE
Finished:
- 4*,
- 2.5*,
- 4*Reading:
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Last Train to Istanbul - Kindle
Jazz
The Huntress
Stars of Fortune - audiobook
Neverwhere
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
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