Olathe Public Library- GoodReads Branch discussion
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I'm finding Bryson's "At Home" a wonderful browsable
read. (Us browsable a word? If it isn't, it should be!)
I have to own up to skipping parts I'm not particularly interested in, but I love Bryson's writing no matter what the topic. And the book is fascinating....currently I'm midway through the chapter on the development of "the bedroom" and the bed. There was a time when a good bed was such a prized possession it often actually sat in the front room, even in front of a window, where it could be admired. hmmm. People were sure strange then. Wonder what they would have to say about home theatres?
read. (Us browsable a word? If it isn't, it should be!)
I have to own up to skipping parts I'm not particularly interested in, but I love Bryson's writing no matter what the topic. And the book is fascinating....currently I'm midway through the chapter on the development of "the bedroom" and the bed. There was a time when a good bed was such a prized possession it often actually sat in the front room, even in front of a window, where it could be admired. hmmm. People were sure strange then. Wonder what they would have to say about home theatres?
I really enjoyed At Home. For me, it had just the right amount of historical "celebrity" gossip feel to it, mixed in with the history bits. It made for easy reading.

If you enjoy Bill Bryson, might I recommend Into Thick Air: Biking to the Bellybutton of Six Continents by Jim Malusa. I just finished this book, and the writer's style reminded me of several of Bryson's book. Amusing, yet informational too.
"Hide" by Lisa Gardner is an excellent suspense/thriller/mystery, with great characters, a complex plot and plenty of action. I wasn't all that familiar with Gardner, but this one has convinced me to go back and pick up some of her earlier books.
"Burning Wire" by Jeffrey Deaver is one of those classic Lincoln Rhyme mysteries and will give you a whole new respect...if not outright paranoia...about electricity, weapon of choice for the murderer. Fast moving, some make-your-palms-sweat scenes, recommended for its entertainment value.
"Dracula in Love" by Karen Essex is an excellent take on the original Dracula story, with a gothic feel and style. Some relatively graphic sex scenes for those who are put off by such things.
"The Dogs of Riga" by Henning Mankell. I have fallen for Swedish detective Kurt Wallander as a result of the PBS series based on the books. This was my first venture into the series and had all that dark, angst-ridden flavor of the television series. Mankell's series may be a good candidate for those who crave read-alikes for "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo."
As you can see, I have been on a mystery bender. But current reads are completely different and include "At Home" by Bill Bryson and "Some Sing, Some Cry" by Ntozake Shange and Ifa Bayeza.