The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU
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<closed thread>What are you currently reading?
Finished:
- 4*I was pleasantly surprised by these stories. The introduction felt old and a bit amateurish, so that I did not expect much from this writer. However, the stories were well-written and interesting. Nice surprise.
Mothers, Tell Your Daughters
– Bonnie Jo Campbell – 2.5** I think it was a mistake to read/listen to Campbell’s novel (Once Upon a River) back-to-back with this collection of short stories. I can take only so much distress, so much sexual tension and acting out, so much of watching women make bad choice after bad choice after even worse choice. There were a few stories that were humorous or touching, but most were distressingly dismal and depressing.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
- 4* Currently reading:
1. The Saga of Billy the Kid - own
2. The 19th Wife - own
3. Marvel 1602 - library
I finished "Pop Goes the Weasel" and starting "LoneWolf" by Jodi Piccoult
Isla and the Happily Ever After
– Stephanie Perkins – 2** It’s Paris (and Barcelona), it’s young love, what’s not to like? Teen-age angst on steroids, that what. I confess that I am way past this stage in life, but I definitely see the appeal for the target YA audience. It was a fast read and satisfied several challenges, so it wasn’t a total waste.
Full Review HERE
The Island of Dr Moreau
– H.G. Wells – 4**** “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature!” I cannot think of a more succinct way to describe the basic theme of this book. And yet, it is so much more – a strong, philosophical and ethical argument both for and against vivisection and experimentation. A moral tale of one man’s descent as a result of his ego, and how he is able to draw others into his twisted way of thinking.
Full Review HERE
This happens to me sometimes...currently I am reading three books (One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd, The Saga of Billy the Kid, and The 19th Wife), which are all set in the Western United States in the 1870s! Each deals with a different issue of the times: guns and law, Mormon faith, and US-American Indian relationships.
Just finished two books:The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro - 5 *****
I had never read the book, and I am pleased it lived up to its reputation. It is a quick read, but many scenes keep replaying in my head. I think it is a book I will re read - I could have missed quite a few details on that first read.
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James - 3***
I am quite partial to a good romance, but this one felt tame for me. It was not badly written as such, but the 'sizzle' was somewhat absent from most scenes.
Currently reading:
The Final Empire - Brandon Sanderson
Agnes Grey - Anne Bronte
The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
Latte Trouble
– Cleo Coyle – 3*** Book three in the Coffee House series is fast, entertaining, and enjoyable. I figured out the culprit way before Clare (or the police), but it was still fun watching them work through the clues. As always, Coyle includes some interesting tidbits about coffee, which I liked (even though these segues detracted from the plot).
Full Review HERE
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen
– Lucy Knisley – 3*** This is a delightful graphic memoir. Knisley is the daughter of a chef, and has had a close relationship with food since early childhood. She enjoys experiencing new tastes, textures, and smells, and considers food not just as sustenance but a central enjoyment in her life.
Full Review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: " Relish: My Life in the Kitchen
– Lucy Knisley – 3***
This is a delightful graphic memoir. Knisley is the daughter of a chef, and has had a..."
I have this on my reading plan also, Book Concierge.
Grace Interrupted
– Julie Hyzy – 3*** Book number two in the Manor House Mysteries has Marshfield Manor grounds overrun by a group of Civil War re-enactors. When one of them is found stabbed, the Manor’s gardener, Jack Embers, is a suspect. Grace jumps in to clear Jack’s name. I like Grace, but seriously, does Grace really have to get embroiled in this mess? Well, it wouldn’t be a cozy without an amateur sleuth. The character I like the best, is the irascible assistant, Frances. What a hoot she is.
Full Review HERE
I recently finished The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff; I gave it 4*. Although this is a historical novel, it read more like history than fiction. Truly enjoyed this look into the beginnings of Mormon life in America - even though fictional. It gave me much to think about. I will be finishing One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus today or tomorrow; I will also give this book 4*. Very entertaining and fascinating. It is set in about the same time frame as some of the historical part of the above book and was a very definite look at another part of the Western world.
I will also be finishing The Saga of Billy the Kid by Walter Noble Burns; it will rate 3*. Interesting topic but not the best or unbiased writing.
The Mirror Crack’d From Side To Side
– Agatha Christie – 3.5*** Miss Marple is showing her age but she’s really not so frail as people think, and she can still out-detect the most experienced Scotland Yard inspector. Christie really kept me guessing on this one. There are plenty of suspects, and lots of red herrings. Miss Marple is at her best in using her knowledge of human behavior and deducing the truth.
Full Review HERE
Currently reading:The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
The Instructions by Adam Levin
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
I finished "Hounded To Death" and started "Hallowe'en Party" by Agatha Christie
- 4*I know that these books by Janet Evanovich are not the same tight writing as other books that I give the same rating, but I do so enjoy these quirky characters. This book brought back Deisel and introduced his cousin Wulf. But there is still the required interactions with Ranger, Morelli and grandma. And the humor...these are fun, refreshing books that remind me why I read.
¡Ask a Mexican!
– Gustavo Arellano – 2** “¡Ask a Mexican!” is the title of Arellano’s regular column in the OC Weekly, in which he tries to answer questions on the culture of America’s rapidly growing minority. This is a collection of those columns. Like most such satirical / humorous columns, they are best taken once a week. Reading all of them at once was a bit much. I was bored by much of it and didn’t find it very funny, though I did like the descriptions of food.
Full Review HERE
For Your Love
– Beverly Jenkins – 3*** This is the sixth book in the Blessings series, which follows the residents of Henry Adams, Kansas, a small town originally founded by freed slaves. I liked that things don’t always go smoothly, but that – for the most part – the characters react realistically. And then there’s Astrid Wiggins; she is a caricature, so evil and unreasonable in her hatred and vindictiveness that she’s totally unbelievable. On the whole, however, it was an enjoyable, quick read. It reminded me of both the Miss Julia series by Ann B Ross, and the Harmony series by Philip Gulley.
Full Review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: " Relish: My Life in the Kitchen
– Lucy Knisley – 3***
This is a delightful graphic memoir. Knisley is the daughter of a chef, and has had a..."
I recently read this but didn't really care for it. It was just a MEH OK read for me. I was just a tad bit bored with it.
Bea wrote: " - 4*I know that these books by Janet Evanovich are not the same tight writing as other books that I give the same rating, but I do so enjoy these quirky characters..."
I have tried to read this author and just can't. I see so much praise for her writing,characters and stories BUT I just can't stomach her books LOL I have tried more than once but she just sets me on edge.
Book Concierge wrote: "
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff– 5***** In October 1949 Helene Hanff, a single woman living and working in her small New York apartment, responded ..."
I loved this book too!!! I have contemplated reading this one again which is something I rarely do. :)
Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I finished The Lake House and starting The Snow Queen"How did you like
? I have had it on my TBR for quite a long time but just haven't gotten to it yet LOL
The Art of Racing In the Rain
– Garth Stein – 5***** and a ❤The story could be maudlin but it isn’t. Enzo is a philosophical narrator, and also a fair one. (Though he does have a thing for the zebra demon.) There are moments of laugh-out-loud humor, sing-out-loud joy, and sigh-out-loud sadness. I listened to the CD for this re-reading. The audio is performed perfectly by Christopher Evan Welch. Have a hankie ready for the last few chapters.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
by Mary Stewart - 4*I absolutely loved this fantasy! I most definitely will add the rest of the trilogy to my wishlist.
Will be completing later today:
by Ray Bradbury - 5*,
by Darynda Jones - 4*I love Ray Bradbury's writing. His use of descriptive words pulls me into the scene so that it feels like present time. And the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones is just plain fun!
Currently reading:
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
The Instructions by Adam Levin
Likely To Die by Linda Fairstein
The New Mystery: The International Association of Crime Writers' Essential Crime Writing of the Late 20th Century
The Geography of Genius
– Eric Weiner – 3*** The subtitle is all the synopsis you need: A Search for the World’s Most Creative Places, from Ancient Athens to Silicon Valley. Weiner explores the culture of various cities and eras that resulted in an environment that fostered genius. It’s an interesting book, but not a particularly compelling one, and there were times when I just zoned out. Still, I learned a little about a variety of subjects.
Full Review HERE
So far this season I have read:
--2**I am not a big fan of the genre NA. I tend to find the ones with very immature characters for the age group the genre is representing. I have found this author to be one of the few that I can tolerate/like but her books are usually a hit or miss. Although I liked this story, a few of the twists left me with a love/hate relationship with the book.
--2**YA and Historical Fiction/Non-Fiction are probably my favorite genres but this one fell short of what I was hoping for. The topic was great but the disjointed and oversimplified delivery and writing style left the reader longing for more.
--3**I enjoyed this one but felt at times the pacing got slow and bit drab.
--5**I am usually not a fan of a book that tells instead of showing but the author did a great job of delivering the story in the "tell" mode. I usually don't re-read books either but this may be one that I will visit again.
Sept 18 – currently readingTEXT –
The Boy Kings of Texas: A Memoir by Domingo MartinezAUDIO in the car –
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina BivaldPortable AUDIO –
The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman
Death by Darjeeling
– Laura Childs – 3*** This is a good cozy mystery. I like how Childs took time to build the relationships among the tea shop’s employees, and other characters. There are plenty of suspects, and a couple of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I’ll keep reading this series.
Full Review HERE
The Girl in the Green Raincoat
– Laura Lippman – 4**** In a plot reminiscent of Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Baltimore PI Tess Monaghan is bed-bound and bored, so she takes to watching the people in the park across the way. When she notices a woman in a green raincoat, and then the woman’s “disappearance,” her curiosity gets the better of her, and Tess gets her boyfriend, BFF, and assistant to help her find the truth. The plot moved quickly, there were several twists and turns that kept me guessing, and the reveal was a surprise.
Full Review HERE
Started and finished:
by Ilona Andrews - 4*Enjoyed the story but occasionally there was a world reference that was not explained, which made me feel like I was reading a book later in the series even though this book is #1.
Next to start: Free Fall in Crimson by John D. MacDonald
♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I finished The Lake House and starting The Snow Queen"How did you like
? I have had it on my TBR ..."I liked it in the end. It was a little difficult to get into but the story picked up.
I finished "Gone With A Woof" and started "The Mirror Cracked From Side to Side" by Agatha Christie
Currently finishing Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid .
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend
– Katarina Bivald – 3*** Sara Lindqvist arrives in Broken Wheel IA to visit her pan pal Amy Harris. But Amy has died and the town’s residents invite Sara to stay on in Amy’s house, because that’s what Amy would want. At a loss, Sara decides to open a book shop with Amy’s books, and begins to change how the citizens feel about books, reading themselves and others. A sweet (if simplistic) fairy-tale story with a happy ending.
Full Review HERE
The Boy Kings of Texas
– Domingo Martinez – 2** This is a memoir of growing up in Brownsville Texas, near the border with Mexico, in a poor barrio, with few opportunities and even less hope. There are parts of this memoir that are engaging and funny. But on the whole I felt as disenfranchised from the experiences he relates, as he states he felt. I kept waiting for some insight, and never got it, and I’m left disappointed and dissatisfied. I felt I was reading the rambling notes of a journal his therapist suggested he keep, rather than a cohesive memoir.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
by John D. MacDonald - 3*I enjoy this old series. Nothing too deep...just a good relaxing story.
Tuesdays With Morrie
– Mitch Albom – 5***** and a ❤The subtitle is the perfect synopsis: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson. This little gem of a book is the result of Tuesdays the author spent discussing life, death, family, work, and love with his former professor and mentor, who was dying of ALS. It’s touching and inspiring.
Full Review HERE
Eggsecutive Orders
– Julie Hyzy – 3*** Book number three in the series has Executive Chef Ollie Paras and her staff planning for the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House. I like this cozy mystery series. Ollie is a strong female lead character – tenacious, hard-working, and intelligent, if given to the occasional emotional outburst. Hyzy includes a variety of potential suspects and enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing right up to the reveal. A fast, enjoyable cozy mystery.
Full Review HERE
I finished "The Mirror Cracked From Side to Side" and starting "Doggie Daycare Murder" by Laurien Berenson
Help, I Am Being Held Prisoner
– Donald E Westlake – 3*** Harry Künt (WITH an umlaut, and pronounced KOONT) finds himself in prison after pulling one practical joke too many. Westlake excelled at writing comic crime capers, where something always goes wrong, but no one is shot or seriously injured. There are plenty of escapades herein and some were laugh-out-loud funny.
Full Review HERE
By the Shores of Silver Lake
– Laura Ingalls Wilder – 4**** Book number five in the Little House Series has the Ingalls family moving to Dakota Territory. Wilder gives the reader a good picture of the joys and sorrows of pioneer life – the harshness of weather, the bounty of a good crop and plenty of game to hunt, the dangers of the wilderness, the joy and comfort of family. These books are just a joy to read.
Full Review HERE
Finished:
by Kate Morton - 4*; I really enjoy this author's works. Currently reading:
The Instructions - OMG, I thought I was never going to get this book read! However, I am 2/3 of the way through it and hope to finish it this week.
The New Mystery: The International Association of Crime Writers' Essential Crime Writing of the Late 20th Century
Pushing the Limits - I think I will finish this one today
The Honk and Holler Opening Soon
The Case of the Missing Books
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
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I hardly know what to write about this novel. Very early on I was disturbed by Margo and the adults around her. I wanted to hug her and keep her safe and warm. And then I wanted to shake her till her teeth rattled. And yet … she is a compelling character and I couldn’t just turn away from her. Still, this is no Huckleberry Finn. Twain’s central character had a certain innocence about him, which Margo seems to lack.
Full Review HERE