Books on the Nightstand discussion

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message 751: by Linda (new)

Linda | 3112 comments Mod
Yes, my book was overdue. I guess my over do was the time in the car between PA and OH. Unfortunately, as I get older, I wonder where my brain goes at times, grammatically speaking. - And go ahead and play grammar police. That's exactly what I did in my newspaper column last Sunday - over "ly" endings on adverbs.

Domminick Dunne died the day after Senator Kennedy and the news of his death may have been gotten lost in all the news coverage of the Senator's death.


message 752: by [deleted user] (new)

I finished THE BLOOMSDAY DEAD (by Adrian McKinty; narrated by Gerard Doyle) and THE WINGS OF THE SPHINX (an Inspector Montalbano mystery by Andrea Camilleri.)

THE BLOOMSDAY DEAD was the final title in the "Dead" trilogy and I I loved the experience! For anyone else who might be interested in an Irish vendetta tale, there is actually very little mystery, but a lot of suspense. In fact, the last words on the next to the last file/CD were such a shocker, that I had to pull my iPod from the car and finish the book inside the house! I would rate each of the books a B/B+; but as a whole, the trilogy gets an A, a rare case where the sum is greater than its parts. I probably mentioned this before but its bears repeating: There are passages of poetic phrases that are tattooed upon one's imagination and; other scenes of horrific violence that rape and mug that same imagination. But throughout it all, the characters are very realistic and it all makes for a compelling listening experience. The narrator, Gerard Doyle is so very deeply integrated into the role of Michael Forsythe, that you forget that you are not listening to Michael himself!

The Inspector Montalbano mysteries are cozies, generally not my thing, but I've developed a certain affection for European mysteries (like Iain Pears' Art History Mysteries.) I always come across some cultural item that I have to look up and I feel a teensy bit smarter by the time I've finished! In the Inspector Montalbano series, which take place in Sicily, there are these constant references to food that make your mouth water (if you're into Italian food AND seafood, which I am.)

Now I start another Inspector Montalbano mystery, ROUNDING THE MARK and; an audiobook narrated by Will Patton, THE NEON RAIN (by James Lee Burke.) This is my first foray into JLB so we'll see...


message 753: by Ann (new)

Ann (akingman) | 2097 comments Mod
Toni, I hear you.

I have a very, very close friend who needed a heart transplant about 5 years ago. She was deemed to be "high risk" because of her age (50) and because of the disease that caused the issue (amaloydosis). So she was put on a "secondary" list -- she was not eligible for the "good" hearts, but would be considered if a "damaged" heart came in.

There's a lot more to the story, but basically she received a "damaged" heart and has been doing very well for the past 5 years. I found it enlightening, though, to see how we are all judged and rated and classified even in today's world.


message 754: by Gretchen (new)

Gretchen (gretchenjoy) | 9 comments Hi! This is my first post here. I've been listening to BOTNS for quite a while and have simply loved getting recommendations for books that I wouldn't ever have picked up. My most recent book was The Giver--wow. It has stayed with me and caused me to appreciate free will! Just before The Giver, and in response to the Japanese literature challenge, I read The Housekeeper and the Professor. True charm and grace. It ended too soon.
Thanks for all of the super recommendations and delightful podcasting. I look forward each week. (One of my favorite episodes was about audio books, of which I am a huge fan!)



message 755: by Ann (new)

Ann (akingman) | 2097 comments Mod
Hi Gretchen!
Thanks so much for posting -- it's always a thrill to meet BOTNS listeners.

I really must get to The Housekeeper and the Professor - it's been recommended to me several times. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it.


message 756: by Elhara (new)

Elhara | 36 comments With so many library books on hold, every once in a while they all become available over the course of a couple of weeks. This means that I must read them in some kind of order or be faced with the decision of returning some of them unread or paying fines. Half Broke Horses, by Jeannette Walls, is a book I have been waiting for. Only just published in the last month, I was expecting a long wait for my turn to borrow it. I am finding that although the number of readers waiting for a particular book can be high, the wait is never as long as I prepare myself for. This copy that I have right now couldn't have been read by many as it feels, looks and even smells brand new. I think I only waited a couple of weeks for this one. Anyway, that is my "in praise of the library" schpiel today. I've only just started it and I am reminded of the wonderful gift Ms. Walls has for storytelling. Only on page 11 and have now resigned to the fact that I will be doing little else till I'm finished.


message 757: by [deleted user] (new)

Elhara wrote: "With so many library books on hold, every once in a while they all become available over the course of a couple of weeks. This means that I must read them in some kind of order or be faced with the..."

Elhara, I have the same trouble with all of my library holds seemingly coming up at the same time! I have put books on hold at times expecting them to be a long wait but in many cases the wait has been less than a week.



message 758: by Vanessa (new)

Vanessa | 330 comments I also have problems with my holds coming due and discovering they are 2 week holds. I usually give those right back. I rarely am able to dovetail my reads that neatly.


message 759: by Linda (new)

Linda | 3112 comments Mod
I finally started The White Tiger. Coincidentally, this falls into the above three contributions perfectly. This is not the first time that I have had possession of this book from a library. I've lost track how many times I have had it and had to return it. I mentioned it as a book I wanted to read at my library book discussion, so it is the book we will be discussing next week and I feel obligated to read it this time. (I've even seen someone who has already finished and enjoyed it.) From what I've read so far (about 4 pages), I will enjoy it, too. So many books so little time!

Because of the recent cut-backs with Ohio's libraries, I wrote a check to one library for over $11 in over due (see, I can get it right!) fees. That library is now closed on Friday which is the day I am most likely to get into that town. The libraries have all raised their over due fees as well as cutting back on hours. I don't begrudge any of this. Just wish my finances allowed the same number of trips as I made a few years ago.


message 760: by [deleted user] (new)

Vanessa wrote: "I also have problems with my holds coming due and discovering they are 2 week holds. I usually give those right back. I rarely am able to dovetail my reads that neatly. "

I'm in the same boat! I used to think I was so clever in placing New Releases on Hold! I even thought they would be staggered in arriving and I would have plenty of time to read each as it came out, along with my regular reading load. Now, I'm returning most of them unread. It was getting to the point that I would look at a stack of library books as a chore to finish off, rather than an indulgence into an author's world.


message 761: by Ann (new)

Ann (akingman) | 2097 comments Mod
I have recently fallen back in love with our library since my daughter is reading us out of house and home. But we are falling into the same problem -- everything comes available at the same time! But if we don't reserve it right away, we will likely forget. Still, I have no reason to complain -- our library does not seem to be hit as badly as other libraries, at least when it comes to hours.


message 762: by Gretchen (new)

Gretchen (gretchenjoy) | 9 comments Lmj wrote: "I finally started The White Tiger. Coincidentally, this falls into the above three contributions perfectly. This is not the first time that I have had possession of this book from ..."

I wrote a check to the Ohio Library System too for $34.00--I feel like they should name a new wing after me! I am so saddened by all of the cutbacks they are facing!


message 763: by Shona (new)

Shona (anovelobsession) | 178 comments I just got finished reading City of Thieves and Skeletons at the Feast. Guess I was on a WWII kick - both were very very good - highly recommend them to all.
Now I have just started Shutter Island. I'm not a huge fan of scary books, but this one came highly recommended, so here goes!


message 764: by Dottie (new)

Dottie (dottiem) | 71 comments A suggestion for everyone who is requesting books and being overwhelmed when they all show up at once. Check and see if your library system allows you to "freeze" requests (our system actually puts little icicles on the line). That allows me to put in a request when I see a book I want to read (and will forget about the next day) and freeze some of the requests so they don't all come in at once. As I return one or two, I can then go back in and unfreeze the next set of requests. It does mean that you may get it a little later - but while interlibrary loan is the best thing that ever happened for library borrowers, it is a lot of work for the staff. In these days of reduced library budgets and staff, it seems sad to have them doing the work when you aren't getting any benefit from it.

dottie m.


message 765: by [deleted user] (last edited Nov 11, 2009 06:38AM) (new)

Dottie wrote: "A suggestion for everyone who is requesting books and being overwhelmed when they all show up at once. ..."

The weird thing is, when I check the lists and do the math, the books I have on hold shouldn't be coming in all at once! I think the "problem" arises when someone returns a book early! Then the math and arrival dates get all messed up. But thanks for reminding me about the librarian's workload. I think I'll cool off on putting things on hold for a while. After all, I still have plenty of 2009 (and older!) backlist material to get through...

Currently finishing up ROUNDING THE MARK (an Inspector Montalbano mystery by Andrea Camilleri) which is a cozy, but a little disturbing as this title deals with illegal child immigration.

Also reading A CASE OF EXPLODING MANGOES by Mohammed Hanif for a Man Booker reading group (the book was a longlist title in 2008.)

And I swear I'm going to get LIFE AS WE KNEW IT and THE DEAD AND THE GONE (by Susan Beth Pfeffer) read before the next week is out!

In audio, I'm listening to THE NEON RAIN by James Lee Burke; narrated by Will Patton. I also happen to have a cold. I find myself rewinding a lot to re-listen to sections. I can't figure out if my attention is wandering because I have a cold or; if the descriptive language is giving my brain permission to take a little daydream walk!


message 766: by Linda (new)

Linda | 3112 comments Mod
The narrator makes such a big contribution to my ability to stay with an audio book. We should probably start a separate thread about good narrators. My favorite is C. J. Critt who I discovered through Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. Listening to Critt's vocal characterizations is tantamount to listening to a play and not realizing there is only one actor. I have discovered new authors through my choice of listening to a Critt-narrated book.


message 767: by Caro (new)

Caro (bookaria) I just finished The Maze Runner and really enjoyed reading it. The only downside is that I'll have to wait for the sequel to come out. Highly recommended it to all.




message 768: by Eric (new)

Eric finished New World Monkeys and I have to say I was surprised how much I liked it. Yet another great recomendation by Michale


message 769: by [deleted user] (new)

I finished THE NEON RAIN by James Lee Burke; narrated by Will Patton. It's the first title in the Dave Robicheaux series and I really loved the viscous, evocative imagery, the realistically portrayed characters and, the uncertainty as to how the whole of the situation and the characters' fates will be dispositioned until the very end. The narrator sounds a wee bit too long in the tooth to be the protag; On the other hand, his character delineation and cadence of the text is masterful. The only thing about the novel that may trouble some, is that the violence, while it emerges from the narrative and chokes you like a silk garrote, is also truly graphic and horrific in a Dali-esque way. It entrances and repels at the same time.

Unfortunately, the next title in the series is available in audio as abridged cassette format only. Even if I could get my hands on a copy, I would have to go dig up an old Walkman to play it! So, I'll probably read it in print and that means, with my current stack, it may be awhile!

Next up on my iPod, THE SECRET SCRIPTURE by Sebastian Barry; narrated by Wanda McCaddon. The book was a 2008 MAN Booker shortlist title and its been in my queue for over a year!


message 770: by Kathie (new)

Kathie Reading The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. She's one of my favorite authors--love her use of language. I've been waiting for this one for quite awhile.


message 771: by [deleted user] (new)

Tanya wrote: "I finished THE NEON RAIN by James Lee Burke; narrated by Will Patton. ..."

A Foodie Follow-Up:

In THE NEON RAIN (by James Lee Burke; narrated by Will Patton), Dr. Nut, a soft drink apparently popular in New Orleans is mentioned a couple of times (It is also the favored drink of Ignatius in A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole.) By the time The Neon Rain was written, Dr Nut had already stopped being made, though it did not officially cease as an entity until the year 2000 (squirrel trademark invalidated.) In searching the internet, I came across a bar drink that is apparently close in taste to a Dr. Nut: 4 oz Amaraetto and 2 oz Dr. Pepper.

So today, whilst grocery shopping, I picked up a bottle of Amaretto and a Dr. Pepper. A few minutes ago, I mixed myself a Dr. Nut cocktail and poured it over crushed ice. It's very sweet and "thick," but oddly appealing and I'm enjoying it very much! I suspect, like the novel, it's not to everyone's taste, but if you ever get a chance, you should try it!

Next week, I'm out to find candied cherries (NOT Maraschino cherries,) a Mexican Coke (it's made with sugar instead of High Fructose Corn Syrup) and a fresh lime; all so I can try another drink recipe from the book.

Last night I did go out for dinner at a fish house and order the Jumbalaya, but even though I wasn't expecting much here in Southern Oregon, I was still a bit disappointed. Perhaps I should have gone with the "Cajun" oyster shooter and the catfish instead!


message 772: by Ann (new)

Ann (akingman) | 2097 comments Mod
Tanya,
What a great and inspired idea!


message 773: by Lekeshua (new)

Lekeshua | 16 comments I'm currently reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Thank you Michael Kindness. I still haven't been disappointed with any recommendation that Micheal or Ann has provided through there podcast/blog. Ann I believe I am going to tackle A Jury of Her Peers by Elaine Showalter. It would be the first non-fiction novel I am going to tackle since required reading while attending college. I may be brave and read two books at once. Thank you both for also opening my eyes and mind to Goodreads.


message 774: by Karen (new)

Karen | 31 comments Listening to AJ Jacobs reading The Gunia Pig Diaries

reading Half Broke Horses. Just as good as the Glass Castle

reading on Iphone: Magic Kingdom For Sale. By Terry Brooks. On Kindle App


message 775: by Ann (new)

Ann (akingman) | 2097 comments Mod
Lekeshua -- thank you! I can't think of a greater honor than to be told we've inspired someone to read something -- we do appreciate your trust in us.

Karen - I love AJ Jacobs writing from various magazines, but I've never read any of his books. Must rectify that sometime soon...


message 776: by Elhara (last edited Nov 16, 2009 08:55PM) (new)

Elhara | 36 comments Karen wrote: "Listening to AJ Jacobs reading The Gunia Pig Diaries

reading Half Broke Horses. Just as good as the Glass Castle

reading on Iphone: Magic Kingdom For Sale. By Terry Brooks. On Kindle App"

Hi Karen. I was so fortunate to get on the hold list at my library just at the right time to be one of the first to borrow Half Broke Horses. I just finished it today and agree with your assessment. Glass Castle is perhaps a more detailed delve into the life of Jeannette Walls. She has done a wonderful job with Half Broke Horses, in which she continues her contagious and endearing writing style. I have just started The Way Life Should Be by Christina Baker Kline.




message 777: by Karen (new)

Karen | 31 comments AJ Jacobs is great to listen to on audio because his nerdy voice is just what you would expect from someone who would set out to read the entire encyclopedia.


message 778: by AM (new)

AM (AMCat) | 37 comments Karen wrote: "AJ Jacobs is great to listen to on audio because his nerdy voice is just what you would expect from someone who would set out to read the entire encyclopedia."

I loved Know-it-All on audio. Very funny.



message 779: by Libby (last edited Nov 17, 2009 01:44PM) (new)

Libby (libbyw) | 131 comments I stayed up WAY past my bedtime one night dipping around in A Jury of Her Peers. I kept wondering what she'd say about a particular author, or one author led me to another. I guess I'll pick it up again but I don't know that I'll read it from beginning to end. By the way, there is a recording of the original short story, "A Jury of Her Peers" on libri vox.


message 780: by Dottie (new)

Dottie (dottiem) | 71 comments Have a terrible memory so my apologies if these have been talked about on the blog but I love Kate Atkinson's writing in general and especially enjoy her series that begins with Case Histories and includes One Good Turn and When Will There be Good News - but I would recommend anything of hers.

dottie M.


message 781: by Melissa (new)

Melissa | 279 comments I just finished The Airmen and the Headhunters, a fascinating story of airmen stranded in Borneo during WWII. I will begin Born to Run tonight. I'm not sure if this is the right thread for this comment, but I would like to thank Ann and Michael for their podcast. I had mentioned that I listen to the BOTNS podcast while I do my training runs. I ran my marathon a couple of weeks ago, and took 20 minutes off my previous time. Thanks again and keep the podcasts coming - I'm working on qualifying for the Boston marathon.


message 782: by Scott (new)

Scott Collins | 16 comments Advantage Disadvantage is an interesting insight into the prep basketball leagues of Chicago. Will hopefully finish it today or tomorrow.


message 783: by Linda (new)

Linda | 3112 comments Mod
I finished listening to The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold. Waaaaaay different from The Lovely Bones that I really liked. Definitely portrayed mental illness. I have started listening to Juliet, Naked A Novel by Nick Hornby. I am already laughing because the initial narrator pronounces "urinal" as ur EYE nal. Just different.


message 784: by Ann (new)

Ann (akingman) | 2097 comments Mod
Libby -- yes, I have been skipping around in A JURY OF HER PEERS as well -- I don't think it's necessary to read linearly.

Dottie M. - loved CASE HISTORIES, and have WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS here staring at me with the evil eye. Someday!

Melissa -- Woo hoo!! While I'm sure that BOTNS can't take credit for your time improvement, I'm honored that you have chosen us to train with. Hmmm, can I get credit for running if we "virtually" accompany you...?

Scott -- There seems to be a 'basketball moment' happening in books, with quite a few new ones out and selling very well. I was a huge college basketball fan in college (Go Syracuse!) but never managed to fall in love with the NBA.

Lmj - Juliet Naked is high on my list, has been recommended by so many that I know and trust. May be holiday reading, and will be discussed on next week's podcast (ep #54).


message 785: by [deleted user] (new)

I'm reading Juliet, Naked A Novel right now -- almost done. It's light, funny, typical Nick Hornby.


message 786: by Helen (new)

Helen | 25 comments Hi Ann & Michael,
I must say there is so much enjoyment and inspiration in your podcasts. I EVEN bought a Cookbook ("How to Cookbook Everything" and I DON'T really cook!!!! Funny huh, but I am learning alot from reading Mark Bittman's book. That is just ONE book I have bought because you'll (and the comments posted here) have enticed me with
The point of this comment is: I was wondering what our group might think about Christopher R. Beha's book:
"The Whole Five Feet"? Thanks for such delightful times.


message 787: by Scott (new)

Scott Collins | 16 comments Night Camp. looks like it'll be a good one


message 788: by Tressa (new)

Tressa | 20 comments I have just discovered Books On the Nightstand and what a thrill. When I'm reading a wonderful book, I dread having it end. So, I must have another 'ready to go"! Your great recommendations are such a treat. Thank you.

I just finished Cutting For Stone and I am presently reading Olive Kitteridge. Next on my nightstand is Waiting for Columbus. My husband is reading John Irving's new book and can't put it down. Thanks again!


message 789: by Rita (new)

Rita | 147 comments I'm in an easy reading phase and am reading Janet Evanovich's Two for the Dough.


message 790: by Ann (new)

Ann (akingman) | 2097 comments Mod
Helen and Tressa, thank you so very much, and Welcome!!

Helen - will have to look at The Whole Five Feet -- I'm not familiar with it.

Scott - Night Camp look like fun - my daughter is in a horror phase and would probably like it very much.

Rita - I love Evanovich, or at least the early stuff. I haven't read past the third book in the series, but they are quite fun!


message 791: by Kerry (new)

Kerry | 10 comments I'm currently listening to Barbara Kingslover read Lacuna --unabridged. I can't tell you how much I love this book--i'm about half way through and am glad I bought it because I know I will listen to it again. it has made me so curious about the characters--so many real life and some not--that I am exploring finding books that open up this period of Mexican history for me. I just love books like this and think Kingsolver does a great job of reading. The spanish is fun as well as it is read and then explained by the text or translated in the text. It is my latest favorite after finishing, "Cutting for Stone"


message 792: by Becka the (new)

Becka the Book Girl (beckachoat) About library holds: I, too, tend to get excited and want to request far more books than I can reasonably read at one time, even though one of my county library's most endearing qualities is that the checkout time is THREE! weeks instead of the standard two, so with renewals it is possible to keep something six weeks if too many crises interfere with reading. Another of this establishment's great features is a website section that allows me to create a (LONG) list of books I want to read someday, that I can reference later and request when time allows.


message 793: by Karen (new)

Karen | 31 comments I just finished "The Story of a Marriage" WoW what a book! It kept surprising me, and I loved the ending. It was everything I love in a slim volume.

I started Six Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews, it is from the Meg Laslow, series, she's a blacksmith craftsperson who has a wacky family, she solves crimes but doesn't consider herself a detective. The titles all have a bird. Happy reading, Karen


message 794: by Elhara (new)

Elhara | 36 comments Vanessa wrote: "I also have problems with my holds coming due and discovering they are 2 week holds. I usually give those right back. I rarely am able to dovetail my reads that neatly. "

Love love love the public library (Toronto) 3 weeks is the borrowing time here too. No renewals if the book is slated to go to the next person on the hold list. I was speaking to our librarian about the coming all at once problem. She suggested that I take advantage of the "suspend" option. HuH? I went home and went to the library site. Sure enough there is a feature where by you can suspend any hold you have on any book you are waiting for. Meaning that if I have a stack full on my nightstand yet to read,(yes I do)and it looks like some books I am waiting for are about to be sent for my turn. I can suspend the delivery to a later date of my choosing. As I return my completed reads I then can go on line and "unsuspend". My place in the wait line is not effected and will resume from that spot when I reactivate. I didn't know that. brilliant! Maybe your libraries have a similar feature. Worth a look and maybe a suggestion.


message 795: by Elhara (new)

Elhara | 36 comments After reading through all the comments I didn't realize that this suspend feature I am fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of had been suggested by Dottie. Nevertheless, it's a great option.
I just had the pleasure of reading Half Broke Horses. Jeannette Walls has done it again. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that makes her story telling so captivating. I really enjoyed the book very much.
Now moving on down the stack, I am reading Day After Night by Anita Diamant. November reads for me usually are WW related. It makes the November 11Th Remembrance Day ceremonies very real. I read The
Zookeepers Wife a couple of weeks ago. Another well written book.


message 796: by Shona (new)

Shona (anovelobsession) | 178 comments Just got done with Something Missing A Novel. What a great story!! Now on to The Thirteenth Tale.


message 797: by Scott (new)

Scott Collins | 16 comments Not much reading time this weekend, but still enjoying Night Camp. It geared more toward the early teen, but I love the characters. They crack me up.


message 798: by [deleted user] (new)

I was listening to THE SECRET SCRIPTURE (by Sebastian Barry; narrated by Wanda McCaddon) but I have to put it aside for now. The writing is gorgeous and the narration superb and, that's the very unusual reason I have to put it down! The narrator certainly knows how to drive and shape the text and, even though I was only on the first file, I could sense the inexorable pull towards The Tragic Thing in Roseanne's life. Psychologically, I was finding it unbearable.

So I've switched to a very light audiobook mystery, BURY THE LEAD (by David Rosenfelt; narrated by Grover Gardner.) It's only available in an abridged format but I understand that the difference between the unabridged text and the abridged audiobook is very slight (but of course that begs the question, "Why did they abridge at all?")

In print, I just finished A CASE OF EXPLODING MANGOES (by Mohammed Hanif,) a political satire about the plane explosion that killed General Zia in the 1980's. While I was reading it, I was very much entertained. Afterwards, I discovered that many of the incidents in the book were very much based in fact, which lent another level of irony to the novel.

Today, I'm expecting a shipment of books, among which is A BED OF ROSES (by Nora Roberts.)I do not read modern romance novels, but I decided to try something new. It's the second in the Bride Quartet and has been getting a lot of exposure in the bookstores and on various bloggers' sites. I did pick up VISION IN WHITE, the first in the series last week, in preparation. I wasn't terribly impressed by it (if it's a romance novel and the sex is only so-so, you can't really expect me to rate it above a "C")but I'm willing to give the second novel a chance as I heard it's better that the first.


message 799: by [deleted user] (new)

Tanya wrote: "I was listening to THE SECRET SCRIPTURE (by Sebastian Barry; narrated by Wanda McCaddon) but I have to put it aside for now. The writing is gorgeous and the narration superb and, that's the very un..."

THE SECRET SCRIPTURE is very good.


message 800: by [deleted user] (new)

Grrr! My shipment of books is late! I was "without" a book last night, so I started CATCHING FIRE (by Suzanne Collins.) It's the second title in the Hunger Games planned trilogy and will be my second entry in my DystopYA effort.


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