First Week of November

[Carol]

What is occupying your free time?

[Carol]

I finished Major Pettigrew, and I absolutely loved it. I am reading Changing Shoes, and I finally am going to start The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

[Theresa]

Carol wrote: "I finished Major Pettigrew, and I absolutely loved it. I am reading Changing Shoes, and I finally am going to start The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

Carol, I loved Major Pettigrew, too. Wonderful stories and characters, plus a nice message.

[Theresa]

I started "The Promised World" by Lisa Tucker and I am finding that very compelling. Meanwhile "The War Against Miss Winter" is a breezy read.

[Annika]

I'm still in my HUGE reading slump. I haven't finished a book in ages, but keep starting and putting them aside. Anyway, the latest one that I've started and hopefully will stick with is Cowboy and Wills by Monica Holloway. She wrote the memoir Driving with Dead People which I'll definitely check out. Cowboy and Wills is about Monica's son Wills who has autism and Cowboy, the golden retriever puppy that has helped him become a little more confident in social situations. So far it's quite good.

[Laurel]

I've finally started Room and it's already creeping me out, but I believe I'll enjoy it. That and The Book of Vice: Very Naughty Things will keep me busy this week.

My husband just finished a book that he wants me to read A Dog's Purpose. Anyone read it? I don't usually read animal stories, especially ones about dogs, because I can't handle them, but he's a softy and he liked it.

[Melissa]

I'm still finishing up Loving Frank and I am almost finished with The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. I didn't know if I'd enjoy reading a graphic novel, but this one is a memoir of Satrapi's life in Iran and is very good.

[Jennifer]

I haven't had much time for reading lately...home renovations, family stuff, etc. Last week, I tried to read The Prince, but gave it up - I'll try again later when I can sit and actually think about what I'm reading. I'm still working on The Saving Graces and I hope I have more reading time this week and maybe finish it.

[Theresa]

Annika wrote: "I'm still in my HUGE reading slump. I haven't finished a book in ages, but keep starting and putting them aside. Anyway, the latest one that I've started and hopefully will stick with is Cowboy a..."

I dread reading slumps, Annika. I hope yours ends soon.

[Tina]

I am reading Room. I actually read 150 pages yesterday because its so good.

[Annika]

TK - this is the longest slump I've been in in years. usually if I get in one, it lasts about a week. This has seemed endless. I'm also hoping I get out of it soon.

[Sara]

I am reading Pope Joan for the LBC and like it. I read it several years ago, but we are doing an online author chat with Donna Cross this month so we are re-reading it. I have never done an author chat so this will be pretty cool!!

[Laurel]

I empathize, Annika. I think I've been in a reading slump for about 2 years now (or is it 3?). It's not for want of good books though; it's that my mind can't settle down and concentrate on the words and the meaning behind them. You'll be OK; don't push it and it will come.

[Liz]

I just finished "The Imperfectionists" by Tom Rachman yesterday. I almost put it down after the first chapter or so because it just didn't seem like my kind of thing, but I was glad I stuck with it. Right now I'm reading "Think Twice" by Lis Scottoline, the latest in her Benny Rosato series. I'm not too far into it, but so far it's quite good. I'm not sure what's up next. I should probably read "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake" since its due next at the library, but I haven't been seeing much enthusiasm for it here. So I might read "As Husbands Go" by Susan Isaacs instead.

[Elise]

I zoomed through Connelly's latest, Reversal. It was really good. Now I'm doing a re-read of A Reliable Wife for my RLBC.
Annika, you probably thought of this, but when I get in a slump, I generally read (intelligent) mysteries. They are quick and satisfying and you don't have to think too hard! Maybe some chick lit would do, too, if you are more inclined.
Elise

[Carol]

Annika wrote: "TK - this is the longest slump I've been in in years. usually if I get in one, it lasts about a week. This has seemed endless. I'm also hoping I get out of it soon."
I get into those too. It takes me weeks to read a book. Not because I don't like it, but just because I can't focus.
Enjoy everything else in life for now.

[Heather]

My fiction book of the week is Void Moon and my non-fiction is War Is Not Over When It's Over.

[Laurel]

Heather wrote: "My fiction book of the week is Void Moon and my non-fiction is War Is Not Over When It's Over."

Heather, how can you get all of these books read?! You must not touch the computer in the evening.

[Heather]

Laurel wrote: "Heather wrote: "My fiction book of the week is Void Moon and my non-fiction is War Is Not Over When It's Over."

Heather, how can you get all of these books read?! You ..."

I try not to, Laurel. I also try not to watch TV except for a couple of shows.

[Laurel]

TVs no problem, but the computer is. I need to stay away from it.

[Gretchen]

I think I've finally decided on We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus. Started out really good.

Still listening to Room and liking it. Finding myself wondering about observations outside of the 5 year olds point of view.

[Laurel]

I've finished the first chapter/part of Room and I find that it's disturbing me greatly. I read each paragraph with trepidation.

[Melissa]

I am now reading 'The Botany of Desire' by Michael Pollan.

[Heather]

Melissa wrote: "I am now reading 'The Botany of Desire' by Michael Pollan."

That is on my "to read" list.

[Melissa]

Heather wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I am now reading 'The Botany of Desire' by Michael Pollan."

That is on my "to read" list."

It's pretty interesting so far. Michael Pollan is a pretty good writer. Have you read any of his other books, Heather?

[Heather]

Melissa wrote: "Heather wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I am now reading 'The Botany of Desire' by Michael Pollan."

That is on my "to read" list."

It's pretty interesting so far. Michael Pollan is a pretty good wri..."

I have read parts of The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, but no other books from Pollan.

[Theresa]

Gretchen wrote: "I think I've finally decided on We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus. Started out really good.

Still listening to Room and liking it. Finding myself wondering about observations outside of ..."

This was one of the concerns I had after finishing "Room"--about the single point of view coming from a 5-year old.

[Melissa]

Heather wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Heather wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I am now reading 'The Botany of Desire' by Michael Pollan."

That is on my "to read" list."

It's pretty interesting so far. Michael Pollan is a pre..."


Yeah, Omnivore's Dilemma is the only other one that I have read too.

[Theresa]

Laurel wrote: "I've finished the first chapter/part of Room and I find that it's disturbing me greatly. I read each paragraph with trepidation."

I know what you mean, Laurel. Without spoiling anything, I can say that the author refrains from anything graphic. The indirect stuff is harrowing enough.

[Laurel]

Thanks, that does help. I'm actually almost sick to my stomach when I'm reading.

[Carol]

Laurel wrote: "Thanks, that does help. I'm actually almost sick to my stomach when I'm reading."

I should be getting it from the library shortly. I hope it isn't too much of a downer. Try Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. The book was pretty good.

[Stacey]

It's Thursday already and I'm just posting to this thread! I've been working a lot. I'm down to the last 30 pgs of The False Friend. I fell asleep before I could finish last night.

[Annika]

I finally finished a book!!!! I finished Cowboy and Wills by Monica Holloway last night. I really liked it and of course sobbed and sobbed at the end. It was rather cathartic:)