The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU
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<closed thread>What are you currently reading?
I finished Eleanor & Park, which I liked, but wasn't wowed by. Not my favorite Rainbow Rowell book, but not my worst. I'm now reading The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America. I'm liking the murder part, but am a little bit bored with the building stuff. Hopefully, I get more engaged in that part soon.
Death of a Kitchen Diva by Lee Hollis – ZERO stars This cozy mystery is the first in the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mystery series. There’s a decent idea for a cozy here. But the execution is terrible. The characters are cardboard cutouts, the plot (thin as it is) is completely ridiculous, and the dialogue is tortured. I kept reading only because it fulfilled several challenges. At least it was a fast read.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
- 4*,
- 4*,
- 3*, and
- 4*Currently reading:
1. A Game of Thrones - late night ebook (own)
2. The Book of Fate - own
3. In Praise of the Crone - own
4. How the Shaman Stole the Moon: In Search of Ancient Prophet-Scientists from Stonehenge to the Grand Canyon - own (backburner at present)
5. Nightmare in Pink - library
6. Uprooted - library
7. Unreap My Heart - own
8. Bright Orange for the Shroud - library
9. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend - library
10. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder - library
I expect to finish four of these in the next couple of days.
July 17 – currently readingTEXT –
Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes / Elizabeth BardAUDIO in the car -
The Little Paris Bookshop / Nina GeorgePortable AUDIO -
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission / Hampton Sides
A Cold-Blooded Business by Dana Stabenow – 3.5*** After one too many drug-related deaths at the site, former DA Investigator Kate Shugak is asked to go undercover to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields to find out who is dealing drugs. I had read the first book in this series a couple of years ago and I was not impressed, but I’m glad I gave the series another chance. I like that Shugak is a strong woman, smart, resourceful, dedicated, committed and independent. I also like her strong sense of integrity. I did find some of the characters thinly drawn, however.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
- 4*,
- 4*,
- 3*
Finished:
- 4*The length of time it took me to read this book is NOT indicative of the story but rather of my real life interference.
Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard – 3.5***When Bard was a graduate student in England (art history), she took a weekend trip to Paris, where she met and had lunch with a Frenchman. And the rest, as they say, is history. This is a charming memoir where Bard explores the many differences between French and American culture. I loved her descriptions of the many meals she enjoyed, and was inspired by several of the recipes she includes.
Full Review HERE
A Killer Plot by Ellery Adams – 3*** This is a pretty interesting cozy mystery, featuring a group of aspiring authors who together try to solve the murder of one of their group. I like Olivia Limoges, and especially like that her faithful dog – a standard poodle named Captain Haviland – is a DOG, not a character who helps solve the crime. I thought Adams did a good job of setting the scene; I really got the sense of a small sea-side community. It held my attention, it had a good pace and I enjoyed trying to figure out who-done-it. I’ll definitely read another in the series.
Full Review HERE
Soon to finish (next day or so):
- 4*,
- 3*,
- 3*,
- 3*Currently reading:
1. A Game of Thrones - late night ebook (own)
2. How the Shaman Stole the Moon: In Search of Ancient Prophet-Scientists from Stonehenge to the Grand Canyon - own (backburner at present)
3. In Praise of the Crone - own
4. Bright Orange for the Shroud- library
5. Murder Must Advertise - library
Considering:
1. Watership Down - for Bookopoly (PAS)
2. Station Eleven - for Bookopoly (PAS)
3. Before I Go to Sleep - for Bookopoly (PAS) & SRC
4. The Long Lavender Look - next in series
5. A Fatal Grace - for July's shelf (PAS) & SRC
6. Politics: A Very Short Introduction - curiosity
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George – 3*** I really wanted to love this book. Several people whose opinions I trust have recommended it, and there’s much here to like. But … I never understood why Manon acted as she did. She is such an important part of this book, and yet I feel that I don’t really know her, and never cared about her. And as a result I couldn’t understand why Perdu cared so much. Still, it’s Paris, it’s a love story, it’s about reading. And I did like the “literary prescriptions” at the end.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
- 4*Currently reading:
1. A Game of Thrones - late night ebook (own)
2. How the Shaman Stole the Moon: In Search of Ancient Prophet-Scientists from Stonehenge to the Grand Canyon - own (backburner at present)
3. In Praise of the Crone - own
4. The Long Lavender Look - library
5. Murder Must Advertise - library
6. Watership Down - own
7. A Fatal Grace - library
Considering:
1. Station Eleven - for Bookopoly (PAS)
2. Before I Go to Sleep - for Bookopoly (PAS) & SRC
3. Politics: A Very Short Introduction - curiosity
Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides – 4**** Sides crafts a story that is gripping, informative, horrifying and inspiring; the forgotten tale of an “impossible” mission to rescue hundreds of American and British POWs from a Japanese camp in the Philippines. I was captured from page one and mesmerized throughout. I felt that I really got to know the men involved – prisoners and rescuers. This is a history that will appeal to fans of Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken or Doug Stanton’s In Harm’s Way.
Full Review HERE
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis – 3*** I love cozy mysteries – they are my reading comfort food. This has a pretty good premise, and I liked the rivalry between Sophie and Natasha. The story was filled with more suspects than you could shake a turkey leg at, and plenty of plot twists to keep the reader guessing. However, the central murder mystery plot was pretty thin, and the big reveal stretched credulity a little too far. Still, it’s a satisfying, fast read, and I’ll continue the series.
Full Review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: "The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis – 3*** I love cozy mysteries – they are my reading comfort food. "
I know exactly what you mean! Haven't read that series, although I like her Paws and Claws ones.
Right now, though, I'm reading Jamaica Inn prior to visiting Devon and Cornwall. I may also have a reread of The Hound of the Baskervilles
Finished:
- 4*This is book 2 by Louise Penny, a relative new author for me. I am loving this series!
Die Job by Lila Dare – 2.5** I read cozies for the atmosphere – especially when they are set in a small Southern town – and for the quirky cast of characters. BUT, I do expect a reasonable murder mystery, and that where this particular book fell short. This is book three in the series, though it’s the first one I’ve read, and perhaps the author is running out of ideas. Still, it’s a fast read and I might pick up another if it’s fulfills several challenges (as this one did).
Full Review HERE
Beloved – Toni Morrison– 4****
This is a challenging book to read (and to listen to) because Morrison uses multiple narrators, switches time frames without notice, and dribbles out clues to what really happened in a way that keeps the reader off balance and unsure where the story is headed. I did think the “atmospheric” writing sometimes got in the way of the storyline. Still, I loved Morrison’s use of language; I felt immersed in the story, the timeframe, the magic, the brutal reality.
Full Review HERE
Started and Finished:
- 4*This is a cozy mystery with a wonderful group of characters!
Currently reading:
1. Before I Go to Sleep - library
2. Station Eleven - library
3. Murder Must Advertise - library
4. Watership Down - own & library audio
For Watership Down, I started the book but found it hard to handle due to thickness. Then I found the audio. Now I am listening to audio and then skimming the book to find out how far I got in the audio and catching any quick details I might have missed while multitasking!
Short Books (not yet started):
1. Politics: A Very Short Introduction - library
2. The Patience Stone - library
3. How the Shaman Stole the Moon: In Search of Ancient Prophet-Scientists from Stonehenge to the Grand Canyon - own
On the backburner for now (started):
1. A Game of Thrones - late night ebook (own)
2. In Praise of the Crone - own
Zia Summer by Rudolfo Anaya – 3*** This is a very atmospheric murder mystery, full of the magical realism that goes with ghost stories and folk tales. But the plot has a fair amount of very real and gritty violence, perpetrated by flesh-and-blood humans, not paranormal entities. The way Anaya describes the landscape, and various characters’ relationship with the land is frequently poetic. I particularly loved Don Eliseo and his cronies, and the ways they helped (or hindered) Sonny’s investigation.
Full Review HERE
The Diva Takes the Cake – Krista Davis– 1.5*
Book two in the Domestic Diva series has event planner Sophie Wilson in charge of her sister, Hannah’s, wedding. I read mysteries – even cozy mysteries – for the murder plot. And this one is just plain ridiculous. The best thing about the book is the rivalry between Sophie and Natasha, including the competing advice given at the beginning of each chapter. Oh well, it satisfied several challenges and it was a fast read.
Full Review HERE
Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cumming – 4**** In general I am not a big fan of celebrity memoirs, but Cumming’s memoir of a childhood living with an abusive father, and how he came to terms with the abuse, faced his past and overcame it is well worth reading.
Full Review HERE
I finished "Reserved For the Cat" and starting "The Lake House by Kate Morton
The Double Bind – Chris Bohjalian– 4****
Seven years ago Laurel survived a vicious attack in the Vermont woods. Now, in her work at a homeless shelter, she is looking through a box of photographs left by a deceased client, when she discovers a photo that convinces her they contain clues to a hidden family secret. Bohjalian crafts a compelling and intricate scenario with layer upon layer of complexity. I loved the way he drew me in, made me believe in Laurel – and Bobbie – and then forced me to reconsider the veracity of their claims. I’m left breathless and drained at the end. And … wanting to start over again to see what clues Bohjalian left that I missed the first time around.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
- 5*,
- 4*,
- 4*,
- 3*,
- 4*Currently reading:
1. Politics: A Very Short Introduction - library
2. Cloudstreet - library
Short Books (not yet started):
1. Marvel 1602 - library
2. A Far Cry from Kensington - library
3. How the Shaman Stole the Moon: In Search of Ancient Prophet-Scientists from Stonehenge to the Grand Canyon - own
4. Dandelion Wine - library
5. The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday - library
On the backburner for now (started):
1. A Game of Thrones - late night ebook (own)
2. In Praise of the Crone - own
Murder in Belleville by Cara Black – 2.5** This is the second book in the series, and I find that I like the premise of the series, better than I like the books so far. Aimée Leduc is a strong, intelligent, capable woman who doesn’t rely on a convenient strong man to help her (most of the time). But Black seems to get lost in her intricate plots. There are so many threads to follow, so many suspects, so many different dangerous situations, and somehow they don’t really mesh well. Still, I see promise, and I’d be willing to read another.
Full Review HERE
A Fatal Grace – Cara Black – 3*** How could CC de Poitiers have been electrocuted in the midst of a curling match in Three Pines – and without anyone seeing a thing? Chief Inspector Armand Gamache has his work cut out for him solving this mystery, and I love the quiet, efficient way he investigates. I figured out the murderer pretty early, but still enjoyed watching how Gamache arrived at the conclusion. I’ll definitely keep reading this series.
Full Review HERE
One Bad Apple by Sheila Connolly – 3*** This is a strong opening for a cozy mystery series. I like Meg; she’s intelligent, relatively self-sufficient, and not easily intimidated. I figured out the culprit long before Meg or the police, and I thought the ending was a little less than satisfying. Still, I like the way Connolly is developing Meg’s relationships with the town’s residents, and there are some delicious recipes featuring apples at the end.
Full Review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: " A Fatal Grace – Cara Black – 3*** How could CC de Poitiers have been electrocuted in the midst of a curling match in Three Pines – and without anyone seeing a thin..."
I gave it 4* and will continue to read the series also, Book Concierge.
Finished:
- 4*Currently reading:
1. Politics: A Very Short Introduction - library
2. Cloudstreet - library
3. The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday - library
4. Excavation - library
5. Everything That Rises Must Converge: Stories - library
6. Calico Joe - library
7. The 19th Wife - own
Short Books (not yet started):
1. Marvel 1602 - library
2. A Far Cry from Kensington - library
3. How the Shaman Stole the Moon: In Search of Ancient Prophet-Scientists from Stonehenge to the Grand Canyon - own
4. Dandelion Wine - library
On the backburner for now (started):
1. A Game of Thrones - late night ebook (own)
2. In Praise of the Crone - own
Book Concierge wrote: " One Bad Apple by Sheila Connolly – 3*** This is a strong opening for a cozy mystery series. I like Meg; she’s intelligent, relatively self-sufficient, and not eas..."
Thanks! I'm always looking for a good new mystery series. :D
Finished:
- 4*Very touching, entirely fictitious story of a baseball player and relationships.
La’s Orchestra Saves the World – Alexander McCall Smith – 4**** Alexander McCall Smith has a gentle way of introducing the reader to his characters. La and the other residents of the town go about their business in this small Suffolk village during WW2; they worry, rejoice, are fearful, find love, relish friendships, enjoy simple pleasures and take action when they can. I applauded La’s resilience and her ability to maintain her faith in the basic goodness of others. Her scope of influence may have been small, but she was a treasure to those within that circle.
Full Review HERE
Chasing Cezanne – Peter Mayle – 3*** This is a fun romp of a crime caper, featuring the rich and famous, a couple of big-time art thieves, a curious (but legitimate) art dealer, and an art forger who is ready to make a change. Of course, there’s also a lovely young lady to brighten the landscape. And who could argue against the delights and magic of Paris and Provence? It reminds me of the Cary Grant movies of the 1940s and 1950s.
Full Review HERE
The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah– 3***
It’s a compelling story, and I really liked having the action take place within the lives of these two women. However, at about the midpoint of the narrative, it took a turn towards a romantic melodrama that just really irritated me. And I thought the flashback “mystery” was entirely unnecessary and manipulative. Good but not great.
Full Review HERE
Finished "The Snow Queen" and starting "Pop Goes the Weasel" by James Patterson
Finished:
- 3*,
- 4*,
- 4*, Currently reading:
1. A Far Cry from Kensington - library
2. Cloudstreet - library
3. Everything That Rises Must Converge: Stories - library
4. The 19th Wife - own
Short Books (not yet started):
1. Marvel 1602 - library
2. Dandelion Wine - library
3. How the Shaman Stole the Moon: In Search of Ancient Prophet-Scientists from Stonehenge to the Grand Canyon - own
4. Cryer's Cross - library
On the backburner for now (started):
1. A Game of Thrones - late night ebook (own)
2. In Praise of the Crone - own
A Deadly Cliché
– Ellery Adams – 3*** I like this series. I like Olivia’s independence and “get on with it” attitude. Her relationships with the town’s residents are developing nicely in this second installment. She is definitely beginning to open up to the possibility of love and affection in her life. I thought the reveal was a little over-the-top, but I was still sufficiently entertained. I’ll keep reading this series.
Full Review HERE
Deck the Halls
– Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark– 3***
Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark, combine their talents in a new mystery series featuring the collaboration of the two writers’ lead characters. This is an interesting and fun mystery. Of course, the reader always knows who the culprit is, but it’s fun to watch the police, Regan and Alvirah arrive at the solution. I’ve never read anything by either of these authors before, so the characters were completely new to me, but I never felt lost and the way they come together seemed plausible. All told, this is a quick, entertaining cozy with a satisfying ending.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
- 4*,
- 3*Currently reading:
1. Everything That Rises Must Converge: Stories - library
2. The 19th Wife - own
3. Marvel 1602 - library
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
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This was a fascinating memoir – drawn partly from interviews with friends, relations, colleagues and medical personnel, her journal writings during the period, and her medical records – of a time period when Cahalan was nearly completely lost. Her training as a journalist is evident here. She includes much background information on the research into the disorder – anti-NDMA-receptor encephalitis. I was engaged and interested from beginning to end, though I did feel it was a bit repetitive. Heather Henderson does a fabulous job reading the audio book. Her performance really brought to life the deterioration Cahalan experienced, as well as how anxious and confused she felt.
Full Review HERE