Open Group Read Nominations

[Zoe]

Here's a new suggestion thread - just so I don't have to solicit each month and so you, dear group members, don't have to wait for me to ask!! Anytime you think of abook, knitting related or otherwise, that you think the group might enjoy, just put it in this thread, and mid month I'll gather suggestions and put up a poll. The inclusion of 'non-fiber-related' fiction has enlivened the group a lot, of I hope to still see knitting or crochet fiction and non-fiction sprinkled in here as well!!!

[Rachel]

Okay, I'll start. I'll suggest two that are on my to-read list, one non-knitting fiction and one knitting non-fiction!

Portuguese Irregular Verbs

All Wound Up: The Yarn Harlot Writes for a Spin

[Zoe]

Excellent, Rachel! I'll throw in something I've been hearing mention of on lots of podcasts:

[Jennifer]

In an election year (not that the book is political) we keep hearing about how those people expect to live of the government. Even so, Eric Manheimer has written a book titled, "The Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital." While Dr. Manheimer was medical director there from 1996-2012, he has chosen twelve patients who give an overview of the people who utilize Bellevue. These patients range from prisoners of Rikers (CSI or SVU anybody?) to the local neighborhood to the United Nations (located a mere block away) but Dr. Manheimer tells us not so much about the illnesses that bring this diverse group to teh hospital but rather their human backstory that has lead them to be here.

[Susan]

I have Sacre Blue on my to-read list, I would be happy to read that. :)

On the knitting fiction side, have Barbara Bretton's Sugar Maple mysteries been put forward?
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31...

[Zoe]

Susan, I've seen at least one Barbara Bretton in the polls in the past years, and it didn't win, but I enjoyed the first one and may slip one of the follow ups in....intend to hesitate to do too many sequels, as some are not as enjoyable if everyone hasn't read the first (but in a series that's been around for a bit, people have often read the first a while ago and won't vote for that again). I like them, I'll slip one into the poll later on down the road.

[Susan]

I love the Sugar Maple books, I am anxious to read the next one! I wasn't too fond of the second book but they picked up with next three. (I think there are five?? Don't hold me to that, it is late, I am tired and we leave for vacation in about five hours!)
I love Christopher Moore, he is a hoot!
Something light would be good for August, don't you all think?
I'll check in on my phone to see what the read will be.

[Rachelle]

This one came up as a "suggested read" on my e-reader and not only does it look like a good read but it is about Yarn Bombing.

[Zoe]

Wow, thanks Rachelle! That looks so well reviewed that we may have to toss that into the September mix....I'll make a poll in a couple weeks.

[Marion]

For a non crafty fiction title, I am reading Please Look after My Mom by Kyung -sook Shin for one of my in person bk clubs. So far it is riviting with a lot of what if's by rhe children and husband of the missing elderly woman. It is full about what it is like to grow up in Korea.

[Zoe]

Thanks Marion! I'll try to out that in the poll for the October read.

[Zoe]

Just a reminder that I'll take any nominations on this thread - any time you think of something, pop it on here. And if your book lost, take heart! It may pop back into a poll again!

[Zoe]

Still taking nominations for December, folks!

[Rachel]

Here are a couple that have been on my TBR list for a while and I see they have also been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards.

Drop Dead Healthy: One Man's Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

[weaverannie]

I loved The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry!

[Carol]

I listened to the Harold Fry book and enjoyed it

[Rachel]

Here are some ideas for upcoming polls:

The Time Keeper

The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D.

The Shop on Blossom Street

[Isabel]

Sacre Bleu has been on my to-read list for a while and that choice my tip me into inclusion the next time around [couldn't commit to the title this month]. I like the looks of The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth
D as well.

And to introduce myself, I came to this group via Ravelry, where I am smiling-tortoise. I spend alot more time knitting than reading, which hasn't always been true, but is in my current living situation. I'm hoping with this group I'll find some commitment to my reading....

[Isabel]

two classics that I've added to my 'to-read' list recently would both make good choices for an upcoming month

F Scott Fitzgerald This Side of Paradise
Josephine Tey Daughter of Time

[Zoe]

Looks great, Isabel!

[Angela]

Laura Jean wrote: "I have read all of Christopher Moore's books--sacre bleu is good!"

I've read a few of them and LOVED his writing. I've not read this book, so I'd vote for it for a read along.

[Zoe]

Angela - this won the group read for November - you're welcome to go look at the discussion posts and still chime in - for some books, we discuss LONG after the month is over.

[Angela]

LOL I didn't even look at the date on the post I replied to. What a goof. XD

[Isabel]

I did the same goof.....

[Zoe]

No problem ladies, really, feel free to read some of our past books and go read the comments. It's not quite as good as discussing a book 'as you go', but it's better than doing it alone!

[Zoe]

As usual, still soliciting suggestions for the May group read. If anyone has something they're dyingtonread, please post it or send me a message. Otherwise, you are at my mercy as to what goes in the poll!

[Rachel]

Here are two I've had on my to read list for a while:

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America

The Night Strangers

[Isabel]

I've read the Devil in White City, it would make for excellent discussion. Not familiar with The Night Strangers.....

[Zoe]

Heard they're both EXCELLENT Rachel, but both too scary for me. :) I'll throw them in the mix though - I know most knitters feel they're needles will defend them from anything!

[Zoe]

Soliciting nominations for June, people!

[Isabel]

Well, I'm still working through This Side of Paradise from last month but next up on my list is: The Elephant's Journey by Nobel Prize winner, Jose Saramago. I think it would be a great discussion book!

[Rebecca]

Starting The Painted Ladies by Buchanan for June

[Isabel]

This classic is getting a fair amount attention in the press:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

It would possibly make a good selection.

[Stephanie]

How about the Great Gatsby? Free at most libraries and even audiobook is under $5 at Audible (several readers).

If you absolutely cannot find it free somewhere, you can read it online at this location:
http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/f/fitzg...

[Rachel]

A couple of suggestions:

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena

[Isabel]

I think both of those would make excellent choices!

[Sheri]

Mr.Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore sounds like an interesting choice to me.

[Isabel]

Has this group read The Kashmir Shawl yet? One possibility for our monthly read...

[Zoe]

Isabel, we did read that a while ago. (Last summer, I think?) You are welcome to scroll down to find the discussions!

[Zoe]

Rebecca wrote: "Starting The Painted Ladies by Buchanan for June"

Rebecca, can you tell me who wrote that? When I pulled up the painted ladies, There were lots of books by that title, and none by a Buchanan in the top ten....

at any rate, I have enough for this month, and a good start on next month too!

[Rachel]

A couple of ideas for future polls:

Learning to Swim

The Secret Keeper

[Tish]

Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

[Cindy]

Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann

[Isabel]

three bags full sounds delightful summer reading!
Night circus is on my to-read list as well...

[[deleted user]]

Needles and Artifice: A Refined Adventure Story with Ingenious Knitting Patterns by The Ladies of Mischief

[[deleted user]]

Kathryn wrote: "Needles and Artifice: A Refined Adventure Story with Ingenious Knitting Patterns by The Ladies of Mischief"

I'd like to add, that I found Needles and Artifice at KnitPicks.com for 40% off. I'd seen it in a bookstore and knew I had to have it, but the price was a bit steep for my budget at the time. The sale price is glorious!

[Isabel]

Here's one that BOTN recently recommended and I added it to my queue, or in goodreads parlance "TO READ SHELF". Not knitting but still the emotions of giving something of our hands for one we love.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...

from the BOTN blog:
"I chose to tell you all about Susan’s new book The Funeral Dress, but I didn’t think about how hard it would be to describe her book while she was sitting right next to me. Nerve-wracking! I truly loved Susan’s story of Emmalee Bullard, a young, unwed mother, who loses Leona, her only ally in town, then does what she thinks is right to honor her friend. Beautiful characters and the wonderful Appalachian setting make this a novel worth reading, discussing, and recommending. "

[Mardy]

I just found a book on Listopia that said it has knitting characters and one of my knitting friends gave it five stars. Winter Garden, my Kristin Hannah. I've added it to my "q".

[Rachel]

Here are a couple of book ideas that I've got on my to-read list:

The Engagements

Where'd You Go, Bernadette

[Rachel]

Both of those look good to me!

Rachel wrote: "Here are a couple of book ideas that I've got on my to-read list:

The Engagements

Where'd You Go, Bernadette"