What are you currently reading?

[Deb]

I am finishing "Leave the World behind" by Rumaan Alam,
Next: Discovery of Witches and Circe. Also finishing some books from my last challenge(2023) I'll probably always be doing that (Eyeroll)

[Michelle]

The Swerve: How the World Became Modern
by Stephen Greenblatt

[Maryann]

Hi Deb, I see you just finished “Leave The World Behind”, does that book follow the Netflix series?

[Deb]

I didn’t finish it quite yet, close but I plan to watch the series once I do finish so I can compare it to the book.😊

[Michelle]

Reading 15 Floors: A Novel by Jack Hunt

[Michelle]

World Quake by Mark Hobson

One of my favorite genres is science fiction. Also, science fiction is the end of the world's "apocalypse" stories. This genre. I found this on Kindle and Goodreads almost two months ago, and I love it.

[Deb]

I finished “Leave the World Behind “
Very good if you like uncertainty and how to cope with it!
There are many insights into human nature, which surprised me. I expected a thriller but it’s really more contemplative. I gave 5 stars and aI recommend it!
Now I can see the movie and compare.😊

[Joan]

Maryann wrote: "Hi Deb, I see you just finished “Leave The World Behind”, does that book follow the Netflix series?"

The problem with the book is nothing is explained...it is way too vague. There were lots of differences that made the book less than it should have been in my opinion.

[Carmen]

I’m reading before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate.

[Michelle]

Bright Young Women: A Novel
By Jessica Knoll

[Cindy]

I just finished The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride~great book!!

[Deb]

I watched the movie, Leave the World Behind, the other night. There were some changes in what actually was revealed and in the characters. So there was a more clarity in the movie than the book for sure. I just think that the author had different intentions, more of a contemplative exploration and/or commentary than presenting a straightforward story. Personally, I find that interesting, if I’m looking into human nature, but frustrating if ai’m looking for answers in the story.

[Susan]

I wanted to like it, but it was such a depressing, weird movie. It wasn't boring though! I thought they didn't explore the racism angle nearly enough - it seemed like it was resolved far too quickly.

[Teddie]

I just finished reading "The Surgeon" Leslie Wolfe, at the recommendation of one of my book club friends.

Ending surprised me!

[Diane]

Kathleen wrote: "Lately, I'm into cozy mysteries. Currently reading "The Cracked Spine," by Paige Shelton. Before that it was "Murder by Puffins," by Donna Andrews, and before that, "Mayhem in Christmas River," by ..."

Oh, I'm a huge fan of cozy mysteries -- they're my comfort reads.

[Diane]

Deb wrote: "Celia wrote: "The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, The Light You Carry by Michelle Obama, Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips and Then She was Gone by Lisa Jewell That's one Historical Ficti..."

Ditto on "Disappearing Earth."

[Teddie]

I would like to read Leave the World Behind. I did watch the movie- liked it “ sorta” . Seemed liked a lot of movies that rush to the ending - usually I like the books better .

They seem to do a better job with character development. Sometimes in movies I get so caught up in the scenery and big action I don’t really focus on the characters . And to me, that’s what makes or breaks the story.

[Karen]

I totally agree. That's why I read the book first so I "get" the characters. I'm really visual so as I read I see pictures in my head but the movie makers have access to more pictures than my limited travel brain. lol
I'm working on remedying the lack of travel. My plan includes becoming a nomad.

[Maryann]

I am currently reading,

Don’t Forget Me by Rea Frey
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Book 2 - The Curse of the Cheval Mallet by E. E. Byrnes
Our Side of the Fence by Sheila Balls
and
Sprog: A Novel of Bomber Command by Malcolm Kelly

[Kellie]

I'm reading two books. 1) The Girls with No names by Serena Burdick. This was actually sent to me. I participated in a book exchange and someone sent me their favorite book. 2) A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Ellsberg.

[Deb]

I am starting “West with Giraffes” :Linda Rutledge
for a book group, liking it so far.
Also “Parable of the Sower”:Octavia Butler
I’ve been wanting to get on this one for a while, I loved “Kindred”

[Teddie]

I’m reading Nightwoods by Charles Frazier, a book about Book Marketing and just started The Butterfly Garden( the collector) - reading this with my BC

[Stephanie]

I just started Double Blind by Dan Alatorre!!🤓😎

[Kathleen]

I have just started reading The Little Old Lady Who Struck Lucky Again by Swedish author Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg. This is the second in a series following The Little Old Lady Who Broke All The Rules. So lively and unexpected! Very funny. Don't take these old retirees for granted!

[Deb]

Reading the last of Fredrik Backman’s Bear Town trilogy - Winners. Just love him! And reading Ania Ahlborn’s The Bird Eater. She’s one of my favorite horror writers.

[Rita]

I just finished reading The Eye of the Elephant by Delia and Mark Owens (for a FB reading challenge). I was horrified by the descriptions of elephant and other wildlife poaching in Africa and what the authors tried to do to help the animals; however, the book was published quite a number of years ago, and I'm not sure how relevant it is today. I also didn't like the frequent references to how often they bathed in the river, what poachers might be wearing to a meeting with them, or how many twists and turns the plane made. I thought it distracted from the actual story. However, I am now reading True Colors by Kristin Hannah for the same reading challenge, and I am enjoying it much more.

[Teddie]

The Butterfly Garden( the collector)
A book club selection. Very interesting so far

[gwen graves]

Loved the story, the series is also good

[gwen graves]

I was replying to another reader about the book The Butterfly Garden, if you were wondering.

[Carmen]

I'm reading The Disappearance of Mavis Woodstock.

[Louanne]

Just finished, The Fury by Alex Michaelide and The Armour of Light by Ken Follett. Half way through, The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose. Enjoyed them all. I like to keep up with current best sellers but normally prefer thrillers. Freida McFadden and DA Paris are favorites in that genres.

[Deb]

I’m reading Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout, I’m a big fan of her work, she’s a lot like Anne Tyler and Ann Pqtchett, who I also enjoy. Also reading and enjoying Lab Girl by Hope Jahren, science writer!

[Deb]

Loved “West with Giraffes “! I would recommend it to anyone who loves animals and historical fiction!

[Diane]

I'm finishing up Tommy Orange's "There There" before moving on to "Wandering Stars".

[gwen graves]

So far this I've read 56 books. I'm currently reading a set of 5 mysteries by Joy Ellis. Detective Nikki Galena set in England.

[Deb]

I finished “Amy and Isabelle” by Elizabeth Strout the other day. I don’t think that I have found another author who understands humanity any better than she does!! I recommend her her highly! If you like Anne Tyler or Anne Patchett, you’re going to love Elizabeth Strout!

[Susan]

The audiobook version of The Covenant of Water was wonderful.

[Katherine]

A non-fiction draft by a friend who is neurodivergent. Working on writing a biography on contract and finishing the sequel to my last novel, then I'll reward myself with reading a Craig Johnson Longmire book.

[Diane]

Katherine wrote: "A non-fiction draft by a friend who is neurodivergent. Working on writing a biography on contract and finishing the sequel to my last novel, then I'll reward myself with reading a Craig Johnson Lon..."
Is your friend's draft about being neurodivergent? I'd be very interested in reading it when published.

[Katherine]

I will let him know. Yes, it's about the struggles he has had trying to fit into a world that wants everyone to be the same. He would be a great advisor/advocate for necessary accommodations for people. Strangely enough, what helps the differently-abled often helps people without such handicaps.

[Randall]

The Agatha Christi Collection. A lovely group of murder mysteries.

[Sophia]

I'm currently reading A Heartbeat Away by Harry Kraus which I'm really enjoying. Next up will be James Patterson's new "The #1 Lawyer" which popped up much more quickly than I expected it to on Goodreads.

[Kathleen]

I love dogs, and I used to show golden retrievers so I was drawn to Avery Kent's cozy mystery titled Dog Show Demise. It was a nice story, but unfortunately, I found it full of mistakes.
Now, since I also love horses and used to have one, I have moved on to a book by Amber Camp called Canter With a Killer, first in a new Horse Rescue series. I haven't read very far yet, but so far I like it.

[Diane]

I just started Grace D. Li's "Portrait of a Thief" and James McBride's "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" is next on my stack.

[Brenda A]

I am reading Beta: A technological nightmare. It’s a bit slow to start so far but only on page 44. I also started House of Flame and Shadow Crescent city book 3.

[MaryJo]

Any members here who cut their teeth on Agatha Christie, and remain mystery fans?
I took a chance on a series by Sophie Hannah that features Poirot. It was a big risk as I'm almost always disappointed in any books that try to continue a series with a great sleuth after the author has died.
HOWEVER, Hericule Poirot's Silent Night was pretty good! The author has completely changed the major supporting character, and has the talent to pull off a fun story as well as keeping Poirot's personality without overdoing it.

[Pauline]

I’m currently reading “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

[Susan]

Oh yes! In high school I read SO MANY Agatha Christie books. I LOVED And Then There Were None. I haven't re-read any lately - I'm sure they would seem quite sexist and racist to me and I don't want to ruin my memories. Mysteries and thrillers are still my favorite genres, though I think all of the "women in danger/getting kidnapped/sexually assaulted" books in the thriller genre get tiresome. Let's have a man get kidnapped sometimes.

MaryJo wrote: "Any members here who cut their teeth on Agatha Christie, and remain mystery fans?
I took a chance on a series by Sophie Hannah that features Poirot. It was a big risk as I'm almost always disappoin..."

[Randall]

I’m reading Agatha Christi right now and am enjoying her work. I’m particularly enamored with some of the non-Poirot novels, like The Man in the Brown Suit.

[MaryJo]

Susan wrote: "Oh yes! In high school I read SO MANY Agatha Christie books. I LOVED And Then There Were None. I haven't re-read any lately - I'm sure they would seem quite sexist and racist to me and I don't want..."

Not to worry Pauline!
This author didn't fall into those traps - but does take you back to the culture of the time.
But I agree, sometimes you just can't go back... our reading tastes change over the years.