Week 45: What are you reading?

[Liz]

This time of year always puts me in the mood to read. There's nothing better than curling up next to a roaring fire with a good book.

Last week I finished an audiobook The End of Faith by Sam Harris. It was his first book so I don't think he'd really hit his stride quite yet. Nonetheless, it was a very interesting take on religion throughout the world.

I started a new audiobook this week Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. This book has won numerous awards and for good reason. The story follows the main character, Ari, who is angry and sad for reasons that escape him. I'm not very far in, but so far, it's a beautiful read.

I'm still plugging away with S. There's a lot to read on every page, between the actual story and all the scribbles in the margins. I don't think we own the book at the library, which is probably a good thing. There are about 20 random objects placed throughout the book that would fall out and get lost if people could check the book out.

What is everyone reading this week? Any good books to recommend to the group?

[Ingrid]

I am reading Gone Girl & almost finished. I'm not sure what is next, but it need to get hopping so I finish the challenge!

[Liz]

Ingrid wrote: "I am reading Gone Girl & almost finished. I'm not sure what is next, but it need to get hopping so I finish the challenge!"

Did you see the movie, or are you planning to?

[Ingrid]

I want to see the movie. Usually I prefer to read the book first so I know all the details when I am watching the movie. It's been interesting to read how people felt about the book & also the movie.

[Ann]

I am currently reading Raging Heat, the latest Castle book (one of the books that Castle, the character in the tv show, would have written with Beckett as his muse), and listening to From New York to Dallas on my daily commute.
The books I would recommend to the group are by new to me authors: An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson, The Lavendar Garden by Lucinda Riley, and A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee. I actually went out and bought the second book in the Upson series (haven't started it yet).

[Liz]

Ingrid wrote: "I want to see the movie. Usually I prefer to read the book first so I know all the details when I am watching the movie. It's been interesting to read how people felt about the book & also the mo..."

Let us know what you think. I read the book last year and wasn't super impressed, but I've heard the movie is very good.

[Ingrid]

I wasn't able to put the book down for the first half. Just the fact that two people were in the same marriage & saw things so differently...

[Julie]

I'm actually working my way through the Wizard of Oz books... I've never read any of them.

I also need to kick it up a notch if I'm going to meet the challenge. I am about halfway through Frankenstein as well (October Challenge) and should probably pick an audiobook for the November challenge!

[Liz]

Julie wrote: "I also need to kick it up a notch if I'm going to meet the challenge."

You've still got time! Maybe you could try to dedicate "x" amount of time to reading every day to help you reach your goal. 30 mins? 45 mins? An hour?

Good luck! It's not an easy goal to achieve.

[Vivian]

Is there somewhere all the challenges are listed? I started off great & then fell WAY behind!

[Liz]

Vivian wrote: "Is there somewhere all the challenges are listed? I started off great & then fell WAY behind!"

I don't know if they were all listed in one place. Here they are for the whole year:

January
Classics are the Best (Read a Classic; Cult Classics Count)
February
Fantastical February: Read a Fantasy novel
March
Get to Know Someone: Read a Biography or Autobiography
April
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Read a Graphic Novel
May
On the Big Screen: Read a Book that was Turned into a Movie
June
Edge of Your Seat: Read an Action, Adventure or Thriller
July
Step Back in Time: Read a Historical Fiction Novel
August
The Art of Reading: Read Something Featuring Art or Music
September
Sci-Fi September: Read a Science Fiction Novel
October
Try Not to Scream: Read a Mystery or Horror Novel
November
Around the World: Read Something that was Originally Published in a Language Other than English
December
Year in Review: Read Something from a Best of 2014 List

[Vivian]

Thanks! I'm going to see if I can at least read the challenges before the end of the year. I doubt that I make the 52 goal I set for myself but will do what I can.

[Vivian]

Trying to get back on track! For the classic challenge I'm going with an old favorite I haven't read in years, To Kill a Mockingbird.
I thought I did a classic, but don't see it on my list.

[Ingrid]

Finished Gone Girl. Wow!

[Vivian]

I loved Gone Girl…up til the very end!

[Jodie]

Because Revival by Stephen King came out last week, reading that trumped all else I was reading! Just started it and am somewhat hooked.

I agree with Vivian; I, too, liked GOne Girl untl the end.

Julie, I read the Wizard of Oz to my son when he was younger and was surprised by how different a story it was from the movie (which is still one of my favorites!)!

[Julie]

Jodie wrote: "Because Revival by Stephen King came out last week, reading that trumped all else I was reading! Just started it and am somewhat hooked.

I agree with Vivian; I, too, li..."

Yes, so far the Wizard of Oz stories are different from the movie, but I am enjoying them. I need a few quick and easy reads to get my rhythm back!

[Liz]

Glad to see everyone is still pumped up to finish their challenges. I still need to pick my November book! Good thing next week is Thanksgiving and I can get some time to read then.

[Pattie]

I just finished Adultery by Paulo Coelho and it was my 52nd book of the year! I have completed my challenge!! I haven't raised by eyebrows this much in a book since 50 Shades, although I really shouldn't have been shocked with the title. I just wasn't expecting such, ahem, interesting scenes from the author of "The Alchemist."

[Ingrid]

Pattie wrote: "I just finished Adultery by Paulo Coelho and it was my 52nd book of the year! I have completed my challenge!! I haven't raised by eyebrows this much in a book since 5..."

Congratulations on finishing the 52nd book! I might have to pick up Adultery. That's hard to believe it's the same author!

[Liz]

Congrats, Pattie, on finishing the challenge! That's super exciting!

[Jennifer]

Ann wrote: "I am currently reading Raging Heat, the latest Castle book (one of the books that Castle, the character in the tv show, would have written with Beckett as his muse), and listening to From New York ..."

I love Richard Castle's books, I'm trying to decide if I want to start the Derrick Storm novels because I have read all of the Nikki Heat ones. Have you read any of the Derrick Storm ones, if so what did you think?

[Vivian]

I've read all the Derrick Storm novels & highly recommend them!

[Jennifer]

Thanks Vivian :)