What are you currently reading? October 2011

[Janet]

Just started Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History I'm finding it easy reading so far.

[Normandy]

I just finished Fauna by Alissa York. I am now reading Testimony by Anita Shreve.

[Amy]

Claire wrote: "Amy wrote: "I am reading A Fortunate Age (love going back to the 1990s!)I am waiting on several books from the library, but I expect I will probably only get The Night Strangers in this month. I pl..."

I figured The Night Strangers was a good book to read the month of Halloween, right!

[Elizabeth☮]

Janet wrote: "Just started Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History I'm finding it easy reading so far."

i am reading this book too. i am almost through and enjoying the suspense of it.

[Nan]

I just started The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian. I'm hoping to have a good chunk of time to curl up and read on this beautiful weekend.

[Victoria]

Nan wrote: "I just started The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian. I'm hoping to have a good chunk of time to curl up and read on this beautiful weekend."

I am 1/2 done - it really is good! I had to force myself to quit reading at bedtime last night because I was afraid I was going to have bad dreams. I haven't read a scary book in a long time, but I was a big Stephen King fan when I was (much) younger. It definitely has some similarities, but with better writing and character development, I think.

[Nan]

Victoria, I have to admit, even though I just started... I did have a nightmare last night! I'm hoping to read a lot during the daylight today. :-)

[Lisa]

One of my favorite books. Last time that I was in NOLA went to Anne Rice's house in the Garden District and could just picture Lasher there. enjoy:)

[[deleted user]]

Okay. Another scary car. Or an alien thing pretending to be a car. After "Trucks", "Christine", and "From a Buick 8", you'd think King had mined this particular vein dry. And you'd be right.

[Victoria]

Eric wrote: "


Okay. Another scary car. Or an alien thing pretending to be a car. After "Trucks", "Christine", and "From a Buick 8", you'd think King had mined this particular vein ..."

Good to know - I got that free from Klout but haven't even opened it yet. That can go down low on my list.

[nancy]

I Just started This Beautiful Life and really am enjoying it.
I'm also listening to Collision on audio..I t took me a while to get into
but now I am. I chose Collision because I loved Jeff Abbott's Adrenaline. Thirillers seem to work for me when I'm stuck in L.A. traiffic.

[[deleted user]]

A well-done tale of Reacher's childhood that left me wanting more. In this story, we find out a lot more about Reacher's family background. I've lamented recently that, since Reacher ages in real time, his present day adventures will soon be hampered by the fact that he's past 50 (no spring chicken), and can't keep taking down the nastiest bad guys indefinitely. I've thought that more forays into our hero's past is the way to go. In this story we get a glimpse that maybe there are a lot of untold tales of Jack and his more cerebral brother Joe. I can see them as more ass-kicking version of the Hardy Boys. Their globe-trotting youth as military brats would be a great springboard for stories of the young brothers Reacher.

[[deleted user]]

This is a wonderful graphic novel told in three parts. Each of the three graphic novels that comprises it tells a complete story, but the payoff is far richer when you read all three. With every part, you understand more about the characters and their relationships. It's almost like a Faulkner novel, and by saying that, I don't mean to scare anyone off (Ann!). It's just that the shifting of time frame and points of view, the family tree aspect, and the sense of place (the action all takes place in Essex County, Ontario) all recall Faulkner.

[Victoria]

Eric wrote: "

This is a wonderful graphic novel told in three parts. Each of the three graphic novels that comprises it tells a complete story, but the payoff is fa..."

I just listened to the podcast with the graphic novels recommendations and I marked a few of them for my to-read list. I realized my son actually has the Bone novel, so I think I will start by stealing that one from him.

[Elizabeth☮]

i finished Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History which i really found interesting.

i started Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts because i am now back at work after three months of maternity leave and need light reading.

[Jay]

I finished Sarah's KeySarah's Keyfor my book club. This one was quite the page turner for me. I kept wanting to come back to it as soon as I had the time to pick it up.

I just started Darkness, Take My Hand. I've never read any Dennis Lehane before but have enjoyed several movies that were based on his novels. This one is starting off very well and I have high hopes for a dark but good time.

[Amy]

Victoria wrote: "Nan wrote: "I just started The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian. I'm hoping to have a good chunk of time to curl up and read on this beautiful weekend."

I am 1/2 do..."

I'm about 3/4 of the way done. I haven't been too spooked yet because the "strangers" seem to be very specifically affecting the Linton family (read: NOT ME - LOL!). It is very captivating, and I am wondering how this all plays out with the greenhouse ladies...

[Mis_Reading]

Currently reading and .

City of Golden Shadow is stepping out of my usual interests, but reminded me so much of the .hack video games, I was very curious to see it on paper. Also, I friend loaned it to me. I picked up quite a few new books recently and it's a struggle figuring out what I want to read next. Actually, before I get to deep into Otherland, i should probably read a couple of books I bought as gifts that I want to read as well... >.>

[Janet]

I started Ready Player One
The premise is really intriguing...I wonder if me being from an older generation will have any impact on whether I enjoy it or not.

[Gerald]

Lisa wrote: "I am slowly reading A Fine Balance. I expected to love it but it is slow and I'm forcing myself to read it.

I started Domestic Violets[bo..."

I am little surprised to see that a reader is forcing herself to read a book.Seems like anguish to me.ger

[Janet]

This is really weird...in Ready Player One, Ernie Cline's dead billionaire, James Halliday was born in Middletown, Ohio...my hometown...I kid you not. It's really a small town and I don't live there anymore but what a shock to see that in print. I read Cline's bio and he grew up in another small Ohio town. Would love to quiz him about his connection to Middletown.

[Lil]

Just finished and it was wonderful. I purchased this a couple of months back and the graphic novel episode spurred me to read it. This is the story of a young girl growing up in Iran around the time of the Islamic Revolution. She is precocious and delightful. I want to read the next segment, but I really want someone to spoil it a little for me first (maybe message me if you know how as I don't) and tell me what's happening with her family. I don't feel like I can go into that blindly.

Also, the latest episode (I think) of BOTNS sent me running into my "local" bookstore (Books-A-Million is as good as it gets here) and grabbing the only copy of . I am very excited, but saving it for sometime in the next few weeks when I have a little time off.

Ann, I'm reading as a paleo enthusiasm bolster since I totally fell off the wagon about 2 weeks in the first round with cheeseburger and fries. Really liking it so far.

[Janet]

Oh this is priceless....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7VgNQ...

[nancy]

Gerald wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I am slowly reading A Fine Balance. I expected to love it but it is slow and I'm forcing myself to read it.

I started [book:Domestic Violets..."

I'm was so surprised to see that Lisa had to force herself to read A Fine Balance...I loved it..

[Shannon]

I just finished listening to The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America, a reread for me. I enjoyed even more the second time around, I think. I started the audio version of State of Wonder this morning, I am already hooked!

[Callie]

I finished Water Witches: A Novel yesterday, and it was pretty good. Slightly bizarre to be reading a novel about Vermont being in the grips of a severe drought considering what things have been like over there this year.

I started Uglies last night, and I think it's going to be a super quick read.

[Jody]

Hi everyone, I am new here, my name is Jodi. I am a confessed book addict, that is why I joined Goodreads because I was becoming overwhelmed by books everywhere, lol! Anyway I just finished Grumble Hallelujah: Learning to Love Your Life Even When It Lets You Down by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira, I thought it was a very good book. I admired her honesty above everything. I am now reading, Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo. This is a book that was sent to me for review, so far it sounds a bit interesting, so I want to keep reading to see if it keeps my attention.

[Victoria]

Welcome Jodi!

[Steven]

I reading which is excellent,and which was a little slow until Assad entered the plot.

[Joanne-in-Canada]

**FAN ALERT** Fans of Alice Munro may not want to read this post.

I have three books on the go and am about to add a fourth.

First, I'm reading On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner as one of my 11-in-11 book challenge. (I'm reading the 11 oldest books on my reading list.) This is a bit scary, because Gardner starts out with an analysis of the personality of a novelist--what indicates one will "make it" and another not? This brings up concerns about not being alcoholic or depressed or whatever else I think successful authors should be. The next section is about the education and training of novelists, and talks a fair bit about writing courses (I peeked ahead before reading it through). This is a good coincidence because I am taking an online creative writing course through UBC and it seems to meet Gardner's criteria for a good course.

Second is Ascension. I read and enjoyed Steven Galloway's first Finnie Walsh: A Novel and third books The Cellist of Sarajevo. I'm enjoying this one so far, but it has been interrupted too often, so I'm putting it aside until I can read it straight through.

Third, I have started Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro for my book club. I have to confess that when this was nominated for the club, I groaned. Inwardly, but I'm sure audibly. (Sorry, Barb.) I just don't "get" Munro, and I've tried. Honestly. I've read one story. I'll see if I get through the rest.

Fourth, I am heading to Toronto on Friday to visit a friend and attend a couple events at the International Festival of Authors. Of course, I have to have a *special* book for the train, which will be State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. I have read all of her books except Run and am a huge fan. So everyone else has to stay home!

[Shannon]

Joanne wrote: "**FAN ALERT** Fans of Alice Munro may not want to read this post.

I have three books on the go and am about to add a fourth.

First, I'm reading On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner..."

I am halfway through the audio version of State of Wonder. I was hooked one minute into it, you will really enjoy it!

[Hermione]

I FINALLY finished The Passage after reading it since July! Such a LONG book, but such a good story!
After finishing that, I started reading Ready Player One and I'm hooked! Within the 1st chapter I was wanting more!!! I have a feeling I'll be telling EVERYONE about this book!!

[Janet]

I finished Ready Player Oneand now I'm starting The Tiger's Wife. I have a library copy and with it's recent nomination for the National Book Award, I'm afraid I won't get to renew it again.

[Esther]

Lauren wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Passage after reading it since July! Such a LONG book, but such a good story!
After finishing that, I started reading Ready Player One and I'm..."

I'm about halfway through The Passage and really enjoying it.
Next will probably be The Tiger's Wife as a friend has just lent it to me.

[Shannon]

After finally finishing Stones from the River yesterday morning, and then zooming through A Small Hotel: A Novel while enjoying the beautiful fall weather, I started Robopocalypse this morning. I think it is going to be a fun and entertaining read!

[[deleted user]]

I read "Stones From the River" maybe eight years ago and really enjoyed it.

[Flora]

Claire wrote: "Flora wrote: "Just starting The Witching Hour"

I read this years ago and loved it. Was very creeped out by one of the characters!! Hope you enjoy it."

I'm just over half way thru it and I really like it. I think that Miss Carlotta is just evil.

[Jay]

I finished Darkness, Take My Handwhich I really enjoyed so I will have to pick the rest of this series. I can now finally read Ready Player Onewhich I have been anticipating since it came out. I have read the first 50 pages and I am immersed in this world. I'm not a gamer but there is enough 80's references here to make me want to safety dance.

[Lisa]

I'm still reading A Fine Balance, still not loving it as everyone else did. I finished listening to The Shadow of the Wind late last night while finding more laundry to do just so I could keep listening. I really enjoyed it. I think this title is a perfect example of what BOTNS and goodreads friends have done for my reading. I never would have found this title on my own. Today I'll start listening to Moon Over Manifest.

[Elizabeth☮]

Lisa wrote: "I'm still reading A Fine Balance, still not loving it as everyone else did. I finished listening to The Shadow of the Wind late last n..."

Moon Over Manifest is a good read. i really liked it. i read the book, but i think it would good on audio. who is reading it?

[Callie]

I am completely unable to stick to one book right now. I started Uglies. Then I went to the Boston Book Festival and picked up Domestic Violets, and read that over the course of the day, while waiting in lines for grilled cheese and other events. Then yesterday, I was talking to a friend who mentioned he was reading The Exorcist for Halloween, and it sounded so good that I couldn't help myself, I had to run out and buy a copy, and I got about halfway through last night. Plus I'm listening to The Night Circus in the car. I am usually much more focused than this!

[Marly]

@Callie, LOL. I think you're fine, sounds like normal reading to me.
How is The Night Circus on audio? I read it and loved it and actually contemplated listening to it as well.

[Tasha]

@Callie, believe me, I've been there too! :)

[Callie]

Marly- the audio is SO GOOD. The narrator is Jim Dale, who is incredible. I love it.

Erin Morgenstern told a funny story about actually going to see Jim Dale recording the audio for her book. He apparently kept tripping over the pronunciation of "Tsukiko", and at one point admonished her for choosing such a tricky name, but in a totally charming way. Just made me adore both of them even more!

[Elizabeth☮]

i am starting Remarkable Creatures.

i have two books at the library waiting for me: Ready Player One and I Think I Love You. both of which i can't wait to read, but now i feel extra pressure as when these books are on hold lists, you can only get them for two weeks at a time.

[Janet]

Elizabeth wrote: "i am starting Remarkable Creatures.

i have two books at the library waiting for me: Ready Player One and I Think I Love You. both of which i can't w..."

Elizabeth, I know what you mean about the time pressure. I can usually read two books in two weeks but often I have more than two from the library that are on hold lists and have to be returned quickly. I haven't read

I Think I Love Youbut I found Ready Player Oneto be an easy, quick read.

[Janet]

Someone please tell me The Tiger's Wifepicks up...I'm on page 132 and thinking about throwing in the towel.

[Kate]

Finished Falling Together which I liked, but it really is about a very specific time in your life (the twenties). Also finished Her Fearful Symmetry, for one of my book clubs, which I did not really enjoy although I couldn't wait to see how it ended. I am now readingThe Language of Flowers, as my reserve came up in the library and I am totally captivated by the first 40 pages. When I finish, next The Night Strangers which I briefly started and had to put down due to poor book order planning on my part!

[Charlotte]

I'm currently reading Sister by Rosamund Lupton. It's a debut suspense novel, with surprisingly fine writing and careful pacing. I say "surprising," because I usually don't expect beautiful writing from my suspense novels. I'm having a tough time doing anything useful since I started reading this last night!

[Elizabeth☮]

woolly1,

sounds interesting. i've added it to my ever growing TBR list.