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Determination Lists & Challenges
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JulieLill's 2022 Reading Challenge
This sounds like a neat premise, Julie.
Something to Hide
Elizabeth George
4/5 stars
Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner Detective Sergeant Havers are on a new case which involves the death of a Nigerian colleague, as she was investigating the illegal practice of FGM - Female Genital Mutilation in the Nigerian community in London. Heartbreaking! Mystery
I did not know about this practice before I read this book. How terrible that this is still accepted today. For more information - check out this website. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sh...
Julie, isn't it awful? It would be interesting to first learn about it in a mystery, as the entire notion is mysterious to me. Thanks for sharing about the book and topic.
Simon the Fiddler
Paulette Jiles
4/5 stars
Set in the 1860’s, we find Simon Bouldin who has been able to remain out of the Civil War. Simon has spent most of his time traveling with his band. Unfortunately, Simon has finally been caught and ends up in a regimental band with his fellow bandmates and at a performance spies a beautiful young woman, Doris. The only problem is she is an indentured slave and they go their separate ways. However, Bouldlin is still attracted to her and vows to find her, while saving up his money to buy land for a homestead and hopes to make a home with her. I enjoyed this book, not as much as her book News Of The World but look forward to reading more of her stories. Paulette Jiles Book
Like you, Julie, i really liked News and am also anticipating another book by her. However, i plan to read The Colour Of Lightning. Jiles writes well and accurately, thanks to intense research, about Texas after the Civil War. I've not found any issues with her research. I'm pleased to read your comments on this one, as it was another i considered.
madrano wrote: "Like you, Julie, i really liked News and am also anticipating another book by her. However, i plan to read The Colour Of Lightning. Jiles writes well and accurately, thanks to intens..."I got that on my list to read also!
The Country Nurse Remembers: True Stories of a Troubled Childhood, War, and Becoming a Nurse
Mary J. MacLeod
5/5 stars
This was the third book in the series but chronologically it is the beginning of her life story and the beginning of her career in nursing during WWII. She discusses her life, the death of her mother and her problems with her stepmother. I really enjoyed this book and the rest of the series. Highly recommended! The Country Nurse Series
Julie wrote:This was the third book in the series but chronologically it is the beginning of her life story and the beginning of her career in nursing during WWII. .."Julie, do you recommend reading them in order of the series or starting with this one ? Thanks !
Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote:This was the third book in the series but chronologically it is the beginning of her life story and the beginning of her career in nursing during WWII. .."Julie, do you recommend read..."
You could start with this book first- it gives her background and living with her family and her start in nursing. Then I would go to first book she wrote and then the second book but I didn't have any problems reading them in the order she wrote them. This was probably my favorite of the three.
Nice to know this one was your favorite, Julie. As you've shared about the series, this is the one which called to me most.
madrano wrote: "Nice to know this one was your favorite, Julie. As you've shared about the series, this is the one which called to me most."I wish she wrote another book because she also lived in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Sweden according to her publisher. She was truly an international traveler.
Wow, she has plenty to write about, in this case. Is she still alive? Could other books be in the works?
Mary J. MacLeod qualified as a nurse in England and has lived in Aden (now Yemen), the United States, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia as well as her husband George's native Scotland. This is her second book, and she has written her third. She currently lives in England. https://www.simonandschuster.com/auth... The site information was copyrighted this year so she may still be alive. I have not been able to find an obit.
Thanks, Julie. Now we can hope that she will be writing more about her life in those other countries. I couldn't find anything further about her, either, which was why i asked.
Julie wrote: "madrano wrote: "Like you, Julie, i really liked News and am also anticipating another book by her. However, i plan to read The Colour Of Lightning. Jiles writes well and accurately, ..."Thanks for the suggestion of "The Colour of Lightening" I just put it on my wish list at the library.
Have any of you heard of "Black Cloud Rising"
by David Wright Falade ?
I think I read about it and put it on my wish list yesterday.
Rachel, i haven't heard of the David Wright Faladé book but have now added it to my list, too. I like when historical novels tell the story of a little known event, such as what Black Cloud Rising relates. Thanks for the heads up on this one.Btw, i was surprised to see several novels by that name. It's always interesting to see what others write about under one title.
Yes, it is amazing how many books have the same or similar titles.My reading gravitates to historical novels.
Rachel wrote: "Yes, it is amazing how many books have the same or similar titles.My reading gravitates to historical novels."
Rachel, Simon and Annette have set up a GoodReads book group for those who enjoy historical novels. This is their link--https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
They are both good reviewers of the books they've read, too. Enjoy! But please don't leave us! Folks can be part of many groups. ;-)
Thanks for the heads up. I just joined.
Terrific, Rachel. It seems to be a good group. I fear i don't read enough historical fiction to be a good participant.
Alexander Hamilton: A Life
Willard Sterne Randall
4/5 stars
I knew little about Hamilton’s life before reading this book but Randall paints a portrait of a very smart and interesting man who was willing to become involved in the building a nation. Highly recommended! A
Good to know, Julie. When i finish my presidential bios, i intend to pursue some about other historical citizens. This will be a good start.
Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders
Vincent Bugliosi
4/5 stars
This is the fascinating and horrible story of the Manson murder spree when 5 people were killed in an attack masterminded by Charles Manson that occurred in August 1969 near Hollywood. Vincent T. Bugliosi Jr. was a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney and the lead prosecutor in the trials and this book was written by him. I thought this was a well written, detailed account of the crimes and the trials of the people involved in the crimes.
I was curious to see who was still alive of the people involved and found this article from March 2022. https://laist.com/news/criminal-justi... 1974
I saw the movie years ago. Scared the heck out of me. I think Helter Skelter and In Cold Blood are two that still frighten me today.
My husband read that book when it was first released & found it disturbing. Thank you, Julie, for the link. I didn't realize there were that many involved in the group.Cheers to Doris Tate for fighting to take away Watson's conjugal visits. He killed her daughter & their baby but the state allowed him to reproduce? Not right.
The Guide
Peter Heller
4/5 stars
Jack, who was also the main character in Heller’s book The River, gets a job at a retreat as a guide to visitors to help them find the best spots to fish. However, nearby is Kingfisher Lodge, cordoned off by a huge fence and frequented by the visitors’ that go there for treatment. When he hears screams coming from the Lodge, he questions why is it so barricaded and guarded and what treatment are these people receiving. Heller is one of my favorite writers and I think this is the first fiction book I read that has the Covid epidemic as part of the story. Fascinating! Peter Heller Book
Julie wrote: "The Guide
Peter Heller
4/5 stars
Jack, who was also the main character in Heller’s book The River, gets a job at a retreat as a guide ..."
Sounds interesting. I've only tried one Heller book The Dog Stars and I DNF it. Perhaps I wasn't in the right mood.
Julie, which of his books is your all time favorite ?
Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: "The Guide
Peter Heller
4/5 stars
Jack, who was also the main character in Heller’s book The River, gets a job at a retre..."
Probably
Celine
I like his books. There not too long and I enjoy his writing. You never know what is going to happen in them.
RE: CelineThanks for the title. I see one of the characters is a private eye who lives in Brooklyn Heights ! I have to check this one out.
I am totally unfamiliar with author Heller. I'll have to check one out. Maybe the one you just finished, Julie. I guess it's time for the Covid novels to begin rolling out!
Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?: The Lost Toys, Tastes, and Trends of the 70s and 80s
Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
3/5 stars
The authors talk about the bygone products, TV shows, stars and trends of the 70’s and 80’s. If you grew up in that time period you will probably get a kick out of this book. Anyone up for a candy cigarette? Toys
LOL, Julie. How timely. On the thread linked below we've been discussing some of those candies, including candy cigarettes!The fun begins at post 791.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Chuck Amuck: The Life and Time of an Animated Cartoonist
Chuck Jones
4/5 stars
Chuck Jones who worked for Warner Brothers, discusses his life growing up and his career in animation, drawing Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pigs and many more toons. This book contains lots of his sketches and drawings. I enjoyed it and all the sketches, cartoons and pictures. Cartoon Artist
Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls
Mary Downing Hahn
4/5 stars
Set in 1956, two young high school girls are killed in the woods causing great consternation in their community. Buddy, a young man is thought to have killed them but is let go. Will they ever find the killer(s)? This is based on a true story. This is considered a Juvenile book but I really enjoyed it and wondered why it was in that section because I think adults would enjoy it. I have read Hahn’s other books and would like to read more of her. YA Novel
What an interesting title, as well, Julie. Sometimes the line between YA and Adult novels seems mighty thin to me. Thanks for sharing about this one.
Lincoln in the Bardo
George Saunders
3/5 stars
This is the interesting and unusual story that takes place during the Civil War in 1862 and involves the death of Lincoln’s son Willie who has just died and the struggle over his soul. I don’t think ever read a book quite like this. There are multiple characters (living and the dead) discussing his death. Historical Fiction
Julie, i recall when this book came out a few years ago. Most people raved about it. While i added it to my list, i have yet to read it. Thanks for the reminder and comments.
madrano wrote: "Julie, i recall when this book came out a few years ago. Most people raved about it. While i added it to my list, i have yet to read it. Thanks for the reminder and comments."Not my favorite book but a fast read!
This is good to know because, honestly, it sounded as though it would be tough to read, partly from the multiple characters angle.
The Tender Bar: A Memoir
J.R. Moehringer
4/5 stars
Author JR Moehringer writes about his life growing up in New York City with his mother who was abandoned by his father. He spends a lot of time with his uncles as they substituted for his father and learns from them. I really enjoyed this memoir!
Coming Of Age
Julie wrote: "The Tender Bar: A Memoir
J.R. Moehringer
4/5 stars
Author JR Moehringer writes about his life growing up in New York City wi..."
I loved this book !
I recall the title, perhaps from when Alias read it. That you both like it says much. Thanks, Julie, for sharing about it.
I have not read the book which I should remedy but saw the movie and loved it.
Alias Reader wrote: "It's also currently a movie on TV. Came out last year.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3108894/"
It is not in our library because I really would watch it.
Book Nook Cafe
Books mentioned in this topic
Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia (other topics)News of the World (other topics)
The Color of Lightning (other topics)
A Christmas Memory: One Christmas / The Thanksgiving Visitor (other topics)
In Cold Blood (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Natasha Lance Rogoff (other topics)Paulette Jiles (other topics)
Truman Capote (other topics)
Truman Capote (other topics)
Truman Capote (other topics)
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The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Patrick Ness
3/5 stars
"This" is the story of Mikey and his friends, ordinary kids living in times that are no longer ordinary. Indie students at their school are trying to prevent an Immortal invasion. Mikey does not want to accept that he is simply average but ultimately finds that having good friends is what makes life important."
https://www.supersummary.com/the-rest...
I read Ness' A Monster Calls and loved it but this book was just okay for me. Patrick Ness Book