2022 What Are You Reading?

[Laurel]

Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Robin; I usually prefer reading over audio but I think I'm going to prefer this series on audio. ..."

I've read the series a couple of times, but this was before I got into audiobooks. My next reread may have to be audio!

[PattyMacDotComma]

I sometimes alternate between reading and audio, depending on what I'm doing and how good the narrator is. I occasionally just let the narrator read to me as I'm following the text. Makes a nice change, and a good narrator can improve some stories (not that they should have to). 😊

[PattyMacDotComma]

Canadian author Alice Munro is one of the world's best-loved storytellers. In 2013, she was awarded the Nobel Prize for her work as "master of the contemporary short story". I've enjoyed several, and I just read her 1968 debut, Dance of the Happy Shades. So good.
4.5★ My review of Dance of the Happy Shades with a link to some stories you can read online

[Ashley Marie]

I picked up The Fountains of Silence over the weekend and so far I'm much preferring the print version vs the audio; it's written in such a way that the audio comes off as choppy or stilted, and works much better in print.

[Kathryn]

Just started Violeta. I don't often read historical fiction not set in the U.S. or Europe, so this novel, set in South America, is very interesting to me so far.

[A]

I'm reading The Alienist by Caleb Carr. It's my first thriller read and I love it so far!

[Dem]

Finished Notes on an Execution.

My review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/4549436246

[Carolyn]

I've been enjoying this light historical mystery series featuring an English woman working for the police in Singapore in 1910 and have just finished the second book Revenge in Rubies by A.M. Stuart

review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Abigail]

Reading an oldie but a goodie (and it feels oddly current these days): The Spy Who Came In from the Cold by John LeCarré.

[Don]

Just finished Denise Frisino’s historical novel Orchids of War, a story about pursuing Japanese spies on the West Coast in the lead-up to the Pearl Harbor attack and America’s entry into WWII. Well written, well told and a page turner most of the way. I would recommend it.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I am reading Closer to Home

[Robin P]

Laurel wrote: "A newer series that I have become very fond of begins with Plague Land. There are now 5 books in the series. Here's my review of the first one: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

I didn't know that one. I tend to gravitate to the 1750-1920 period but I am about to listen to The Bookseller's Tale, which is medieval, and your series sounds great too.

[Abigail]

Finished The Spy Who Came In from the Cold and about to start The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story.

[Sarah-Hope]

Just finished reading Murder at Claridge's one volume in a WWII era mystery series set in London during the Blitz.
My **** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Leona]

Temples, Tombs & Hieroglyphs: A Popular History of Ancient Egypt by Barbara Mertz. I bought the book when I was in Egypt in January.

[Sarah-Hope]

Three Debts Paid, by Anne Perry, is a deeply satisfying historical mystery with a great trio of central characters: a police detective, a young lawyer, and England's second-ever female pathologist.

My **** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janice]

I am rereading The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim

[PattyMacDotComma]

I just finished the first of Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series, My Sister's Grave. Twenty years after her sister disappeared, detective Tracy Crosswhite is told they've found her bones. Mixed feelings about this one.
3.5★ My review of My Sister's Grave

[PattyMacDotComma]

I finally started the Brother Cadfael historical mystery series by Ellis Peters ( aka Edith Pargeter ), and I grew quite fond of this canny, medieval monk in Book 1, A Morbid Taste for Bones. I will be reading more!
3.5★ My review of Morbid Taste for Bones

[Don]

I’m on book No. 6 of Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswaite series. Great, entertaining reads. Good you’re beginning with first in the series. While all can stand on their own, there are threads that provide perspective for the ensuing books. To be honest Dugoni is one of my favorite authors. And I’m very proud to tell you that he has read my book, A Coat Dyed Black, and his recommending quote graces my cover. So I have a huge bias here.

[Abigail]

I’m finding that The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story has to be taken in small chunks, so I’ve started a second book to read simultaneously: Dear Hugo by Molly Clavering, which so far I like a lot.

[Ashley Marie]

I'm past the halfway mark in Ruta Sepetys's The Fountains of Silence. This was an early DNF a few years ago because I wasn't enjoying the audiobook. It moves slowly regardless, but I'm glad I picked it back up to try again. The Franco regime doesn't seem to get a lot of attention, at least in US history books.

[PattyMacDotComma]

Don wrote: "I’m on book No. 6 of Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswaite series. Great, entertaining reads. Good you’re beginning with first in the series. While all can stand on their own, there are threads that pro...

And I’m very proud to tell you that he has read my book, A Coat Dyed Black, and his recommending quote graces my cover. So I have a huge bias here"

OH WOW, Don! That's fantastic! A Coat Dyed Black: A Novel of the Norwegian Resistance not only looks fascinating, it looks very popular! Congratulations!

[PattyMacDotComma]

I really enjoyed The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, about a super-professional butler who knows how to inspect the silver polishing but, sadly, knows nothing at all about people. Very touching. 1989 Booker Prize Winner.
5★ My review of The Remains of the Day"

[PattyMacDotComma]

Happy 88th birthday on March 25 to Gloria Steinem, whose story of becoming a feminist activist and icon is told by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. These "Little People BIG DREAMS" picture books are for children, but I am meeting so many interesting people myself!
4★ My review of Gloria Steinem

[Don]

Thank you, Patty. I am touched by your thoughts. Published on Feb. 1, A Coat Dyed Black is my debut novel, and I've been grateful and overwhelmed by so much positive response. I sought to keep it tight in the historical fiction genre, adhering to the authenticity of history as I take a fictional character through the five years of Nazi occupation of Norway and brutal, oppressive rule. It's a part of WWII often overlooked, and it's based on years of research and numerous interviews of Norwegians deeply involved in resistance activities before they passed on. If you happen to read it, I would so love to know what you thought of it. Thanks again. Don

[Donna]

Don wrote: "Thank you, Patty. I am touched by your thoughts. Published on Feb. 1, A Coat Dyed Black is my debut novel, and I've been grateful and overwhelmed by so much positive response. I sought to keep it t..."

I’m adding your book to my to-read list, Don. It sounds interesting as a topic that, as you say, is often overlooked.

[Don]

Thank you, Donna. I do hope you enjoy it.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I am reading Seven Up

[Chelsea]

I am reading The Shadow of the Wind. I am enjoying it. More than halfway through. It is very wordy though. Now I need a break. Maybe some encouragement to finish. They really put a lot of background maybe too much.

[Donna]

I just started The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers. I’m settling in for a nice long read (797 pp.!) and so far it’s living up to its hype.

[Ashley Marie]

Chelsea wrote: "I am reading The Shadow of the Wind. I am enjoying it. More than halfway through. It is very wordy though. Now I need a break. Maybe some encouragement to finish. They really put a lot ..."

One of my favorite books! I do remember it being a bit dense, but I enjoyed it so much. I will always advocate for breaks in big books, so take all the time you need and maybe pair it with something a bit lighter :)

[Chelsea]

Thanks. I am taking a break and reading The Sun Down Motel. Going back and forth from the 80s to 2017. This is a good one.

[Donna]

Chelsea wrote: "Thanks. I am taking a break and reading The Sun Down Motel. Going back and forth from the 80s to 2017. This is a good one."

I really liked that one, too.

[Steven]

I read "Shadow of the Wind" some time ago and thought it was good but was not overly enamored. Will say that most everyone really likes it though.

[Robin P]

I am reading Violeta and enjoying it.

[Kathryn]

Donna wrote: "I just started The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers. I’m settling in for a nice long read (797 pp.!) and so far it’s living up to its hype." Overall I thought it was just a stunning book and worth the 800 pages, but I would be curious to know how you are liking Ailey as a character. Early in the book, I found her shallow and unlikeable, although I felt that she improved later.

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished Dissolution #1 Matthew Shardlake by C.J. Sansom. Engrossing historical mystery set during the reign of Henry VIII/ Thomas Cromwell and the "dissolution" of the monasteries 16th century England. Very gritty and dark. Rated 4 stars. Looking forward to reading #2 although think my next read will be something lighter!

[Maureen]

I just finished Anticipation by Melodie Winawer
Very enjoyable. It is set in 13th century Greece. A great mix of mystery, history and science.

[Alice]

I am enjoying City of Shadows by Victoria Thomposn. Both this series and the Gaslight Mystery series are very well written. Good characters interesting plot.

[PattyMacDotComma]

Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Finished Dissolution #1 Matthew Shardlake by C.J. Sansom. Engrossing historical mystery set during the reign of Henry VIII/ Thomas Cromwell and the "dissolution" of the..."

I love the Shardlake series, Peggy. I've been too long away from it, I think.

[PattyMacDotComma]

I've just read a new debut that's a 20th century story by Aussie author Emily Brugman. A group of Finns migrated to the heat of Western Australia and became seasonal cray fishers on The Islands. First generation is traditional - second is in hotpants at beach BBQs.
4.5~5★ My review of The Islands

[PattyMacDotComma]

I imagine all readers are aware of who Nelson Mandela is, but for the future generations of children, this is a welcome addition to the Little People BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. This boy moved from a traditional childhood in an old culture to become a champion for freedom and a world leader.
4.5★ My review of Nelson Mandela

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Finished Dissolution #1 Matthew Shardlake by C.J. Sansom. Engrossing historical mystery set during the reign of Henry VIII/ Thomas Cromwell an..."

Patty; Looking forward to reading #2 Dark Fire although taking a break from the treachery of 16th century England and reading a "cozy" historical mystery Olive Bright, Pigeoneer!

[Sarah-Hope]

I just finished Knock Off the Hat: A Clifford Waterman Gay Philly Mystery the first volume in what I hope will be a new series featuring a gay PI in post-WWII Philly. I'm curious to see the direction the series goes in.

My *** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sarah-Hope]

Loved Karen Joy Fowler's Booth , a fictional depiction of the parents and siblings of John Wilkes Booth. As always Fowler's prose is gorgeous and engaging—and the topic is more timely than one might imagine.

My ***** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Donna]

Sarah-Hope wrote: "Loved Karen Joy Fowler's Booth, a fictional depiction of the parents and siblings of John Wilkes Booth. As always Fowler's prose is gorgeous and engaging—a..."

She’s a great writer. I’ll have to add this to the tbr.

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished Olive Bright, Pigeoneer #1 Olive Bright by Stephanie Graves. Cozy murder mystery set in England during WWII. Rated 3 stars. I enjoyed this more then I anticipated!
Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Abigail]

Been a while since I checked in here. Finished The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story and Dear Hugo, then whipped through Bramton Wick, Murder in Vienna, and Madam, Will You Talk?—I seem to be stuck in the mid-1950s at the moment! Not a favorite era so I’m going to give my Kindle a chance to recover while I read Passing by Nella Larsen.

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished A Testament of Character #10 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill. Also published under the title "Where There's A Will". Historical mystery series set during the 1930's. One of my favorite series and this one was fantastic! Rated 5 stars.
Link to my short review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...