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Constant Reader
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What I'm Reading - Nov & Dec 2019
Book Concierge wrote: "
The Library Book
– Susan Orelan – 4****
On April 29, 1986, there was a disastrous fire in the Los Angeles Public Library. The conflagration reached 2000°F..."
You’ve got a head start. This is our book for discussion in December.
In a couple of weeks we are going to a Dickensian Dinner, a themed event at one of our local restaurants. In order to get in the mood for Victorian dishes and ambiance, I’ve decided to listen to some Dickens’ works for the next several weeks. Today was A CHRISTMAS CAROL, which I’m not sure I’ve ever actual,y read. It was beautifully narrated by Jim Dale. Next up is A Tale of Two Cities and then Bleak House. I haven’t read A Tale....since high school. And I don’t think I ever read BH. I’m looking forward to both.
Barbara wrote: "I recently finished listening to an excellent audiobook production of The Burgess Boys. I've loved Elizabeth Strout's writing in Olive Kitteridge, My Name is Lucy Barton and Anythin..."I, too, loved it on audio--it really held surprises for me, which I always appreciate.
Empty Mansions – Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell Jr – 4****
Subtitle: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune. I remember the news coverage when Ms Clark was “discovered” living in a hospital room while her several mansions stood empty. I found this book completely fascinating. And yet … This story made me so very sad for this woman who, for all her wealth, lived such a lonely and limited life.
My full review HERE
Mary wrote: "In a couple of weeks we are going to a Dickensian Dinner, a themed event at one of our local restaurants. In order to get in the mood for Victorian dishes and ambiance, I’ve decided to listen to so..."Bleak House is one of my classic favorites - many layers, great characters and atmosphere. I hope you enjoy it.
Joan wrote: "Mary wrote: "In a couple of weeks we are going to a Dickensian Dinner, a themed event at one of our local restaurants. In order to get in the mood for Victorian dishes and ambiance, I’ve decided to..."Also one of my favorites!
I absolutely love Jim Dale's reading of A Christmas Carol. I actually bought cd copies of it for my family and have one on my book shelf as well.
Just read my first book of food author and critic Ruth Reichl's, Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, and enjoyed it. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ruth wrote: "Carol wrote: "I find if I don’t put the books I want to get to right a way, up on what I am currently reading, I forget about them . Here are my TBR books that I want to get to immediately.
1. [..."
Ruth you are right [book:The Yellow House|43347603]is compelling. I am thoroughly enjoying it. She has entered into a private high school , and raising all kind of cane. For a first book it is well written and holds your attention.
Has anyone read, A Postcard from the Volcano: A Novel of Pre-War Germany by Lucy Beckett? or any of Beckett's novels? https://ignatiusnovels.com/authors/lu...It checks all the boxes: historical fiction, literature, coming of age, niche historical period & bonus credit: classical music.
Many have praised the book: splendid, gigantic, ambitious, moving human drama, and I think, "what's not to like about that"? Answer: you risk that the philosophical, religious and political themes at 500 pages might prove overwhelming deep. That the excessive dialogue is at the expense of storytelling. GR reviews are mostly positive, yet for a work published 10 years ago the # of ratings /readers is relatively low, Ignatius Press is the publisher which may explain low readership.
This morning I finished Charles Dickens’ A TALE OF TWO CITIES. A terrific classic I appreciated it more now than I did in high school. Simon Prebble did an excellent narration.
Popular Aussie journalist, radio host and author Richard Glover had an unusual childhood, which he shares in his funny, disturbing memoir Flesh Wounds. How he became such a cheerful, compassionate man is beyond me.
4★ Link to my review
Murder in the monastery is why Louise Penny sends her incomparable Chief Inspector Armand Gamache into the backwoods of Quebec. He investigates The Beautiful Mystery, which is the Gregorian chant for which these monks are famous. Number 8 in a favourite series.
3.5★ Link to my review
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Murder in the monastery is why Louise Penny sends her incomparable Chief Inspector Armand Gamache into the backwoods of Quebec. He investigates The Beautiful Mystery..."#9 was my favorite of the series, enjoy!
We are reading Project Middle School (Alyssa Milano's Hope #1) as I prep my granddaughter (I mean prepare my own self) for next year. And I am also reading Black Boy by Richard Wright. A book I vaguely remember from my own HS days. Jeez... How time goes by so quickly.
I'm reading The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste. Wonderful writing and a slice of history I knew little about - the role of Ethiopian women in the resistance to Mussolini's invasion of their country.
Donna, I have Shadow King on my list and will be interested in your thoughts when you finish.
The Prisoner Of Heaven – Carlos Ruiz Zafón – 3***
Book three in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. Oh, I love Zafón’s writing! The book is very atmospheric; I can feel the chill of a wintery wind, smell the candlewax and dust, practically taste the delicacies offered at 7 Portes restaurant. There are twists and turns and changes in timeline that confuse, obfuscate, tease the reader and illuminate the plot.
My full review HERE
Lyn wrote: "PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Murder in the monastery is why Louise Penny sends her incomparable Chief Inspector Armand Gamache into the backwoods of Quebec. He investigates [book:The Be...#9 was my favorite of the series, enjoy!"
That is great to hear, Lyn! Onward, ever onward!
Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss is a delightful and informative kids' picture book. The illustrations by Cinyee Chiu make it special. Good gift book for grandparents!
5★ Link to my review with lots of pictures
Popular Aussie author Nicole Trope's suspenseful The Boy in the Photo will be sure to gain her some more fans.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have read a few of Thomas Perry’s books, and I have enjoyed them. It has been a while since I read the last one. I don’t recall so much violence in them. Right now I am reading the last one in the series ,Poison Flower.
The Game of Silence – Louise Erdrich – 4****
Book two in the Birchbark House series which is about an Ojibwa tribe’s life on their island in Lake Superior. Omakayas is the young girl who narrates this book, which chronicles a year on the island that is today known as Madeline Island. I love how Erdrich depicts these people and their way of life. Not everything is pleasant or easy, but there is room for joy and happiness, for children to explore and learn. I will continue reading this series.
My full review HERE
Isabel Allende’s EVA LUNA. I have been reading IA’s works over the last few years and finally got to this one, written in 1987 I believe. I enjoyed this book very much and I love the Eva Luna character. She is a story teller, a story creator, a writer. As she narrates this tale of her life, she tells the stories of other characters who have been important to her and the history of the South American country in which she lives. She describes a gift her mother gave her in this way: “She sowed in my mind the idea that reality is not only what we see on the surface; it has a magical dimension as well and, if we so desire, it is legitimate to enhance it and color it to make our journey through life less trying.” And she does just that, for herself and for other characters.
What do you do if you're scared to use the bathroom at school because of the teasing? The picture book Jacob's New Dress introduced a little boy who likes to wear dresses, inspired by Sam, the son of the authors, Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman.Jacob's Room to Choose is a good followup about Jacob and Sophie, a little classmate who prefers shirts and jeans. A teacher helps the other kids wake up to themselves!
4.5★ Link to my review with pictures
Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly is #6 in the series by Adrian McKinty, but I was assured that it works fine as a standalone, and it certainly does! Now to find some more. :)
4.5★ (rounded up) Link to my review
I liked Police at the Station & they don’t look friendly too
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly is #6 in the series by Adrian McKinty, but I was assured that it works fine as a standalone, and it certainly does!..."Read the whole series - loved it! To be honest, my life stopped until I got through all six books :-) Such a flawed protagonist but not without redemption.
Ordinary Life – Elizabeth Berg – 4****
This is a collection of short stories exploring the role of women and their relationships in contemporary America. Berg writes wonderfully about these women. I understand their frustrations and share their hopes, empathize with their pain and disappointments, and celebrate their triumphs and joys. Their lives may be “ordinary” … the stories, and this collection, are NOT.
My full review HERE
Mary wrote: "Isabel Allende’s EVA LUNA. I have been reading IA’s works over the last few years and finally got to this one, written in 1987 I believe. I enjoyed this book very much and I love the Eva Luna chara..."I love Allende's writing, though I haven't read this one (yet).
I am reading One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder for the Spiritual and Nonspiritual Alike. A deep spiritual journey , amazement at the world and all that surrounds us, and binds us together. Beautiful thoughts and ruminations.
I’m reading the same book, Carol. I have liked Doyle’s work for a while. The essays here have struck me deeply and I’m even more sad that he is no longer with us. The combination of his wit and humor with his sure-footed ability to present general observations of human life through citing personal and family experiences makes for wonderful reading.
Ann wrote: "I liked Police at the Station & they don’t look friendly too"Donna wrote: "PattyMacDotComma wrote: "[book:Police at the Station and They Don.."
I obviously have some backtracking to do!
There Was Still Love is the most wonderful historical fiction about two Czech grandmothers, sisters, who survived WW2 and are raising grandchildren - a boy in Prague, a girl in Melbourne. It is warm, funny, sad, poignant, perfect. Aussie author Favel Parrett was the "Little Fox" in Melbourne.
5★ Link to my review of a new favourite!
How do you know if someone is attracted to you for your 'real' self or for what they think you represent? The Weddings by Alexander Chee is an excellent short story from the new Amazon Original Stories collection, 'Inheritance'.
Link to my reviewStill available on NetGalley, if you're a NetGalley reader.
I just finished The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow. This was a fascinating gritty book about the drug war between the US and Mexico. There was so much corruption on both sides and it angered me how our presidents talked about stopping drugs, then destroyed our chances through the adoption of NAFTA and Nicaragua's president, Manuel Noriega. It gave me a jaded view of our country's real objectives. I plan to read the next book in the series, The Cartel.
“I just decided ....no one needs a private workspace in a library.” according to Eva Metnick as quoted in The Library Book by Susan Orlean
I’m not sure. What about the kid researching sexuality who is not ready to go public, or the person researching divorce or the citizen looking into public malfeasance?
Malcolm Gladwell’s TALKING TO STRANGERS. Very interesting look at how susceptible we are to misreading people. Alarming implications, particularly for our justice system. I’ll be thinking and talking about this one for quite a while.
Laid In Earth is my favourite Czech detective Josef Slonský investigation so far. Number 6 in the series harks back to the Communist regime and evidence of their interrogations in Prague. English author Graham Brack has created an appealing cast of characters.
5★ Link to my review
THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, wonderfully narrated by Ralph Cosham. I enjoyed revisiting these stories - 1 a day for 12 days.
I thought it was about time I learned more about Vietnam, somI am reading Saigon: An Epic Novel of Vietnam. A friend recommended Street Without Joy: The French Debacle in Indochina, to get more in depth facts.
I just re-read Olive Kitteridge, which has been a firm favourite since I first met Olive many years ago. Elizabeth Strout is some kind of special writer. Her books aren't long, but they occupy so much mind-space.
5★ Link to my review
I totally agree, Patty. I am currently streaming the series on HBO NOW: Frances McDormand IS Olive.
Michelle Obama’s narration of her book BECOMING. I read this book because the members of the Non-Fiction book club who posted their reactions raved about it and sang its praises. It is outstanding. My goal for this year has been to regain my optimism. I have taken specific actions and made deliberate reading choices for 12 months in a sincere effort to accomplish that goal. Reading this book has been a touching and joyous capstone to this year’s journey.
The Beginner's Goodbye. By Anne Tyler. This is a delightful little book. Low-keyed and full of love. I’m plowing right through it.
Mary, what a great and good goal. Good luck keeping it going.
Mary Anne wrote: "I totally agree, Patty. I am currently streaming the series on HBO NOW: Frances McDormand IS Olive."That is one TV series that absolutely nailed the feeling of the book! I loved her as Olive and Richard Jennings (?) as Henry and on and on. Terrific.
If the cockles of your heart could do with a little warming, let Truman Capote's charming A Christmas Memory do the trick. A lonely little boy (him) and a loving old lady (elderly relative) get ready to cook up a storm for the festive season!
5★ Link to my Christmas memory review with a link to a film version of it!
Josh Venkataraman was a college student who read a book, got fired up, started a Change.org petition demanding justice, and after a determined slog over several years, this is the result: Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four. It's wonderful to see youthful enthusiasm infect old fogies and get things done! 
3.5★>4★ Link to my review
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Constant Reader
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The Library Book – Susan Orelan – 4****
On April 29, 1986, there was a disastrous fire in the Los Angeles Public Library. The conflagration reached 2000°F and burned for more than seven hours. It was the single biggest library fire in U.S. history, consuming 400,000 books and damaging 700,000 more. This is the story of the fire, the investigation, and the building / rebuilding of the library. fire, scientists and fire marshals, and family members of the primary suspect. The result is a comprehensive story, not just of the fire, but of libraries in general, and the LAPL in particular.
My full review HERE