Reading the Detectives discussion

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General chat > What non-mystery books are you reading? (2023-25)

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message 251: by Keith (new)

Keith Walker | 236 comments Here in NZ we have metal straps around our power and phone lines to stop Possums from climbing them and shorting out the wires'
For those who don't know possums, they are about the size of a large domestic cat, they are jst about everywhere and are serious pests introduced originally from Australia to become a source of fur skins. Possum fur is hollow and is an excellent insulation, I have a very warm sweater made from a mixture of cashmere and possum fur


message 252: by Sandy (last edited Mar 22, 2024 08:53AM) (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
We sometimes see possums here (Massachusetts) but they are often tailless because of the cold winters (not this winter however!).


message 253: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
I am currently reading two non-fiction books: Love without wings: some friendships in literature and politics, from 1991, and Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire, a new release. The Palin book I would have loved to get on audio but the hard cover has pictures as recompense.

And there have been a couple of historical mysteries: Silver Lies that I sampled but didn't finish, and A Clash of Spheres, one of a series I had put aside and now need to read the remining two books immediately. It really is a very good combination of real characters and lots of imagination.


message 254: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
I am also very slowly working my way through The World: A Family History of Humanity. I can't take too much of this at a time and it is so long! I am on my second three-week library loan and it is on my request list for renewal yet again.


message 256: by Jan C (new)

Jan C (woeisme) | 1836 comments I'm stuck reading all the politics lately. Just picked up Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuade.


message 257: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
Susan in NC wrote: "My current nonfiction book is Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages by Dan Jones"

I own an Audible version so am interested in your opinion of it.


message 258: by Susan in NC (last edited Mar 23, 2024 08:22AM) (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments I’m really enjoying it so far, up to chapter four or five, “The Franks” - I’ve been jumping around in my nonfiction reading over the last couple years, trying to fill in gaps in my knowledge and interest. Ancient Rome to France to Britain to India to the first Pilgrim settlers in America up to the American Revolution…still so much I want to cover! I’ve got titles in the wings - a history of Africa in the Middle Ages, one on China, several more on Europe and Britain, India, Genghis Khan, plus I’ve seen some very intriguing tv programs on ancient cities discovered underneath the Central American jungles, civilizations largely ignored in my school experience…

I’m enjoying Jones’ interesting take on the Middle Ages starting much earlier than traditionally thought, I appreciate that he’s taking up from the (gradual) fall of Rome, the “barbarians” who filled the void. Only barbarians from the POV of Romans - if you weren’t a citizen of Rome, you were a barbarian! I really appreciate the brisk yet informative flow, I’m listening to the audiobook as well, he’s a good narrator, his passion and humor shine through. I think his bibliography will send me down several rabbit holes! I am here for it - the news is so distressing, unbelievable that ancient grudges are still causing wars and terror. Strangely comforting to see it’s all been done before, and helpful to look at the big human picture. Always new scholarship coming to the fore, I’m excited to read younger historians published in the last 20 years or so! I’ve been out of university for 30+ years, lots of reading to catch up on!

Please excuse my nattering on, I find it all so interesting.


message 259: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
Susan in NC wrote: "I’m really enjoying it so far, up to chapter four or five, “The Franks” - I’ve been jumping around in my nonfiction reading over the last couple years, trying to fill in gaps in my knowledge and in..."

Very interesting and informative nattering. Reading The World: A Family History of Humanity has impressed upon me just how much of the world history is a void for me. Central American is a bit more familiar as I have taken archaeological vacations in the area.


message 260: by Susan in NC (last edited Mar 23, 2024 04:53PM) (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I’m really enjoying it so far, up to chapter four or five, “The Franks” - I’ve been jumping around in my nonfiction reading over the last couple years, trying to fill in gaps in..."

Oh, that must have been interesting! South American history was pretty much a void in school - I agree, a lot is left out of curriculum, I think it’s still names, dates, timelines, which is a shame. I think that’s why a lot of people think history is boring by the time they’re adults.

I have The World: A Family History of Humanity on my TBR, but don’t know when I’ll get to it! Sounds like it’d be a very chunky but worthwhile read.


message 261: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
Susan in NC wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I’m really enjoying it so far, up to chapter four or five, “The Franks” - I’ve been jumping around in my nonfiction reading over the last couple years, trying to f..."

The World is a strange read. The 'family' emphasis seems to be on dynasties killing off close relatives, and many others, in the most painful way possible. Why I only read it in short segments!


message 262: by Susan in NC (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I’m really enjoying it so far, up to chapter four or five, “The Franks” - I’ve been jumping around in my nonfiction reading over the last coupl..."

Yikes! Good to know.


message 263: by Keith (new)

Keith Walker | 236 comments That is why I enjoy Sharon Penman's books like 'When Chhrist and His Saints Slept' she brings the history of the Anarchy to life as does the whole of the Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters.


message 264: by Susan in NC (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments I feel the same.


message 265: by Kirsten (new)

Kirsten  (kmcripn) I've been reading a short story collection: October Screams A Halloween Anthology by Kenneth W. Cain October Screams: A Halloween Anthology edited by Kenneth W Cain


message 266: by Jill (new)

Jill (dogbotsmum) | 2687 comments I am now starting The Dig by John Preston
The site where this book is set is only a couple of hours drive from me, and I have been and toured said site, so am eager to see what this author has made of it.


message 267: by Craftyhj (new)

Craftyhj | 69 comments Jill wrote: "I am now starting The Dig by John Preston
The site where this book is set is only a couple of hours drive from me, and I have been and toured said site, so am eager ..."


I hope you enjoy the book - the film was beautiful and the site is very impressive.


message 268: by Judy (new)

Judy (wwwgoodreadscomprofilejudyg) | 11303 comments Mod
I live near Sutton Hoo and have been there many times - will be interested to hear what you think of the book, Jill. I enjoyed the film but haven't got round to the book yet, despite meaning to!


message 269: by Keith (last edited May 09, 2024 12:35PM) (new)

Keith Walker | 236 comments Oh you lucky girl! I tried to visit it once in the 1950s when I was exploring England anf Wales by motorcycle (when I wasn't up in the hills of the Peak District, the Lake District and Snowdonia ) but it was all closed off, Looking back, I wonder now how I found the time to do all the things I was busy with but then I was young, very fit and active.


message 270: by Judy (new)

Judy (wwwgoodreadscomprofilejudyg) | 11303 comments Mod
I listen to the Shedunnit podcast, which is mainly about classic crime fiction but has just had an episode about the Chalet School books. That reminded me how much I loved them as a kid, and I've just reread one of the earliest books in the series, The Head Girl of the Chalet School, published in the 1920s and set in the Austrian Tirol.

I really enjoyed it and was surprised by how much I remembered, though it is probably nearly 50 years since I last read it! Who else rereads their childhood favourites?


message 271: by Jill (new)

Jill (dogbotsmum) | 2687 comments I am slowly reading Mary Norton Borrowers


message 272: by Keith (new)

Keith Walker | 236 comments I have Swallows and Amazons set and really enjoy it


message 273: by Craftyhj (new)

Craftyhj | 69 comments Keith wrote: "Oh you lucky girl! I tried to visit it once in the 1950s when I was exploring England anf Wales by motorcycle (when I wasn't up in the hills of the Peak District, the Lake District and Snowdonia ) ..."

I read and reread these as a child. They are all available on openlib.org if you want to relive your youth!


message 274: by Judy (new)

Judy (wwwgoodreadscomprofilejudyg) | 11303 comments Mod
I liked the Swallows and Amazons books and The Borrowers as a child as well - I can see myself exploring more childhood favourites. I'm hooked on Chalet School nostalgia now!


message 275: by Susan in NC (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments I am reading My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier for one group, and rereading Before Lunch by Angela Thirkell for another.


message 276: by Jackie (new)

Jackie | 793 comments For children's books I would like to try reading The Rescuers again since it's been since my childhood (and I'm 62).
I'm currently reading The Word is Murder and it's unusual; can't wait to find out "who dun it"!


message 277: by Judy (new)

Judy (wwwgoodreadscomprofilejudyg) | 11303 comments Mod
A couple of weeks ago I went on a boat trip on the River Orwell in Ipswich and listened to a talk by author and comedian Robin Ince. My daughter suggested it, and we had a great afternoon.

Since then, I've been slowly reading his book Bibliomaniac: An Obsessive's Tour Of The Bookshops Of Britain, which is about a tour of independent and second-hand bookshops after lockdown - lots of fascinating nuggets in there.


message 278: by Kirsten (new)

Kirsten  (kmcripn) I'm reading the rom-com When in Rome (When in Rome, #1) by Sarah Adams When in Rome by Sarah Adams


message 279: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
I am reading The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club. Not a favorite so far but good enough to finish. The author has sub-plots involving 'every' possible post-WWI problem, and I don't find the characters riveting. I remember liking Major Pettigrew's Last Stand from many years ago.


message 280: by Sarah (new)

Sarah | 160 comments Sorry for the delay but in response to Jackie: "I'm currently reading The Word is Murder..." Horowitz's other series, which started with Magpie Murders and continued with Moonflower Murders, was filmed starring Lesley Manville and Timothy McMullen. In the US, PBS will start broadcasting Moonflower Murders on September 15; Magpie is available on DVD. No plans, I think, to film the Hawthorne and Horowitz series. Horowitz would have to take time off from writing to appear in front of the camera!


message 281: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
Finished The Excitements. My review:

This was a fun read as the lives of the two elderly aunts are revealed in bits and pieces. The book bounces among various timelines: current day with their loving nephew trying to keep them upright (in both meanings), then pre-WWII, WWII and post-WWII. The characters are engaging, and the plot is exciting and unexpected.

Now I had better start our mid-month reads. I will be behind.


message 282: by Susan in NC (last edited Jun 08, 2024 02:59PM) (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments In honor of D-Day, I’m reading Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest by Stephen Ambrose for my nonfiction read this month.

For a lighter, humorous touch (before bed reading), I found The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman at my library. As usual, went in to collect my hold request (the Ambrose book), started browsing, and left with a stack!


message 283: by Jackie (new)

Jackie | 793 comments I saw the mini series Band of Brothers and was blown away so looking forward to hearing what you think of the book, Susan. (I assume it is the same story?)

I am currently reading Sumerhills and the audio version of the first Bertie & Jeeves book, and am about to start the nonfiction The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth which I am really looking forward to. I heard the author interviewed on two different podcasts and am really stoked to have it from the library.


message 284: by Susan in NC (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments Jackie wrote: "I saw the mini series Band of Brothers and was blown away so looking forward to hearing what you think of the book, Susan. (I assume it is the same story?)

I am currently reading Sumerhills and th..."


Yes it is the same story. I look forward to hearing about your book on plant intelligence! Enjoy Summer Hills and Bertie and Jeeves!


message 285: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
I finished This Earthly Globe: A Venetian Geographer and the Quest to Map the World. I gave it four stars, rounded up. It is a series of travel logs united by the history of one man's desire to accurately map the world as it was being discovered. He used his political connections to maximum effect.


message 286: by Judy (new)

Judy (wwwgoodreadscomprofilejudyg) | 11303 comments Mod
Jackie wrote: "I am currently reading Sumerhills and the audio version of the first Bertie & Jeeves book..."

I really liked Summerhills - one of my favourites by D.E. Stevenson.

I've just read another by her, Smouldering Fire, which I found very readable but thought was definitely not one of her best - it has a melodramatic plot, which isn't really her strength. But I always enjoy her books anyway!


message 287: by Jackie (new)

Jackie | 793 comments I gave Summerhills a 5 star review; would love to do a group or buddy read of it in the retro reads group.


message 288: by Jill (new)

Jill (dogbotsmum) | 2687 comments I am now starting Lanny by Max Porter which I am told is a mixture of magical realism and horror


message 289: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
I am reading The Shakespeare Requirement, follow up to Dear Committee Members. No longer written in letters, but our main character and his college are still humorously dysfunctional.


message 290: by Susan in NC (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments I just started The Feast by Margaret Kennedy last night, pulled me right in! I’ve been wanting to read it for years, mostly because of GR reviews from friends.

I’ve also started a delicious reread of Trouble for Lucia by E.F. Benson. So glad I’ve acquired used paperbacks of the whole series, along with audiobooks, some of my favorite books, never fail to elicit a chuckle!


message 291: by Sandy (new)

Sandy | 4268 comments Mod
Love Mapp and Lucia!


message 292: by Susan in NC (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments 🤗


message 293: by Susan in NC (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments In honor of the Democratic Convention in Chicago, my hometown, I’m finally reading a Kindle I bought on sale years ago, City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America City of the Century The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America by Donald L. Miller by Donald L. Miller.


message 294: by Jackie (new)

Jackie | 793 comments city of big shoulders!


message 295: by Susan in NC (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments Yes!😉


message 296: by Jan C (new)

Jan C (woeisme) | 1836 comments Susan in NC wrote: "In honor of the Democratic Convention in Chicago, my hometown, I’m finally reading a Kindle I bought on sale years ago, [book:City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America|2434..."

That is a book I have been reading for years! I should get back to it. I think I'm about half-way through. I bought it for myself after having given it to my Dad for his birthday or something. He said it was a great book to read while sitting in waiting rooms. Something the elderly do a lot.


message 297: by Susan in NC (last edited Aug 23, 2024 09:17PM) (new)

Susan in NC (susanncreader) | 5146 comments Jan C wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "In honor of the Democratic Convention in Chicago, my hometown, I’m finally reading a Kindle I bought on sale years ago, [book:City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Ma..."

lol! Not just the elderly…I’m enjoying it, but yes, it’s hefty, glad I picked up the kindle on sale years ago - but very interesting. I’m listening to the audiobook, also - handy while knitting or riding my stationary bike


message 298: by Keith (new)

Keith Walker | 236 comments Jan C, you say the elderly 'sit in waiting rooms a lot'. Maybe where you are but not here in NZ, I am in my 90s and spend literally no time whatsoever in 'them places', I'm too busy.


message 299: by Jill (new)

Jill (dogbotsmum) | 2687 comments Keith wrote: "Jan C, you say the elderly 'sit in waiting rooms a lot'. Maybe where you are but not here in NZ, I am in my 90s and spend literally no time whatsoever in 'them places', I'm too busy."

Good for you and long may it remain that way!


message 300: by Jackie (new)

Jackie | 793 comments go, Keith!


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