Retired: What are you reading? Showing 5,351-5,400 of 5,490

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished the Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel about the Civil War battle of Gettysburg


The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Rating: 4 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

The Southern Literary Review has just announced that its August read of the month is Moonrise Over New Jessup. This looks like a book that the group may want to consider.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

Also, I kicked (stopped reading) this "horror" book but a good ol' Southern boy because it was somewhere between depressingly mediocre and insultingly awful


The Wolf's Hour by Robert R. McCammon
Rating: 1 star
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

and I started reading


The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

Rice is a little long-winded and this 1000+ page beast is no exception, but at least we get right to the Talamasca in the first chapter so I'm hopeful that she's on the right track. Her Vampire series failed to capture my attention much after the first three installments.

[Connie]

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "Also, I kicked (stopped reading) this "horror" book but a good ol' Southern boy because it was somewhere between depressingly mediocre and insultingly awful


[book..."

RJ, we read "The Witching Hour" with the group as a Mod Choice read in Oct 2022 if you would like to check out people's reactions to the book. It was very atmospheric, and a good Halloween read!

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

Connie wrote: "RJ, we read "The Witching Hour" with the group as a Mod Choice read in Oct 2022 if you would like to check out people's reactions to the book. It was very atmospheric, and a good Halloween read!"

Thanks Connie, I think I will check out that discussion thread once I finish the book. But at 1000+ pages it's going to take a little while...

[Faith]

My review of Flags on the Bayou by James Lee Burke

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Faith]

My review of Those We Thought We Knew by David Joy

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Cheryl Carroll]

For those of you interested in biography, Carl Rollyson's latest publication is on Sylvia Plath. (He has written other books about her as well.) Currently on sale for $18 instead of $30, on the UPM website.
https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/...

[samuel-levi]

I recently read and really enjoyed The Way West and Big Sky by A. B. Guthrie. The Way West is about a group of settlers and their journey from Missouri to Oregon in the 1840's. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1950. Big Sky is about a group of mountain men, trapping and exploring the west. Both are well written and highly entertaining. I enjoy reading about the pioneers who settled the west and why they did it. I am reading Fair Land, Fair Land the 3rd in the trilogy by Guthrie which is also very good.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

samuel-levi wrote: "I recently read and really enjoyed The Way West and Big Sky by A. B. Guthrie. The Way West is about a group of settlers and their journey from Missouri to Oregon in the 1840's. It won the Pulitzer ..."

I really liked those also, and I wish some of his other books were in print. They are tough to find, at least in dead tree copies.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

samuel-levi wrote: "I recently read and really enjoyed The Way West and Big Sky by A. B. Guthrie. The Way West is about a group of settlers and their journey from Missouri to Oregon in the 1840's. It won the Pulitzer ..."

I believe they are very good books. I really have to get round to reading them soon so thanks for the post, it'll spur me on.

[Howard]

I am currently rereading Charles Dodd White's collection of essays, "A Year Without Months."

While his fiction has been praised there seems to be a reluctance to read what CDW calls a "fragmented memoir." I understand that reluctance because it is not an easy book to read, but it is one that should be read anyway. I could never find the "right time" to read it, but I did read it when I found the time.

In my review of the book I wrote that "It is a memoir about survival, survival of a tangled family history and a son’s death, one that has created a void that can never be filled, and the struggle to go on, but go on one must. And it is written in the lyrical language that those who have read White's novels have come to expect. As Emily Choate writes in her review on the Chapter 16 website, 'White has written a book that offers no easy answers. Rather, it asks a slew of blazing questions that demand attentive, honest reflection.'”

And if that isn't enough to inspire you to read the book, here is what Ron Rash, another favorite Trail writer, has to say about the book:

“Many books linger forever in our minds. Only a few linger in our hearts, and this is one of them.” – Ron Rash

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I have the book and fully intend to read it, but am waiting for the right time. Perhaps there is no right time, as you say. I did, however, just finish his first book of short stories. "Sinners of Sanction County". The stories were dark, but lyrically written, as you say about this one.

[Howard]

Diane wrote: "I have the book and fully intend to read it, but am waiting for the right time. Perhaps there is no right time, as you say. I did, however, just finish his first book of short stories. "Sinners of ..."

I read "Sinners" and I enjoyed it, too., Diane.

Since I have already read all of his books -- and am now rereading one -- I'm impatiently waiting for his next one.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished the first book in the Border Trilogy


All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
Rating: 4 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Cheryl Carroll]

I just found the reading schedule for the next Welty At Home series, and am blown away by the selections. It includes short stories, music, and poetry! Here is the email:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting Monday, September 11, we will spend several weeks reading and discussing a selection of works inspired by Medgar Evers, including Eudora Welty's "Where Is the Voice Coming From?," Margaret Walker's poem "Micah," and Frank X Walker's collection of poems TURN ME LOOSE. This series takes place in the sixtieth year after Evers' assassination, and closely follows the June 2023 unveiling of the new permanent exhibit at the Eudora Welty House & Garden titled "Out of Outrage: Processing the Murder of Medgar Evers." Discussions will be led by Suzanne Marrs, professor emerita at Millsaps College and Welty's friend and biographer.
If you received emails for previous Welty at Home book clubs, you are already registered for this free event and will begin receiving emails for this series weekly on Fridays starting Friday, September 8. Otherwise, please email info@eudoraweltyhouse.com to register and receive the emails with the Zoom links and recordings.
Please note that for "Where Is the Voice Coming From?" and "The Demonstrators," we will be referencing page numbers in the Library of America volume EUDORA WELTY: STORIES, ESSAYS, AND MEMOIR; however, these works are also available in THE COLLECTED STORIES OF EUDORA WELTY. Check your favorite public library or independent bookstore for Frank X Walker's 2013 collection of poems, TURN ME LOOSE. Other texts will be provided during the course of the class in the #WeltyatHome newsletter.
***
Reading Schedule:
September 11: "Where Is the Voice Coming From?" by Eudora Welty. (Out of her own outrage and drawing on the tradition of the unreliable narrator, Welty chose to tell this story in the voice of an assassin. That character’s language is racist and hate-filled. Please take care while reading.)
September 18: "Micah" by Margaret Walker and "Only a Pawn in Their Game" by Bob Dylan
September 25: TURN ME LOOSE by Frank X Walker
October 2: TURN ME LOOSE by Frank X Walker
October 9: "The Demonstrators" by Eudora Welty
October 16: OFF
October 23: Placing works by Welty, Margaret Walker, Bob Dylan, and Frank X Walker in conversation See less

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished the first Travis McGee novel


The Deep Blue Good-By by John D. MacDonald
Rating: 4 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Book Concierge]

The Daughters of Juárez – Teresa Rodríguez – 4****
Subtitle: A True Story of Serial Murder South of the Border. Beginning in 1993, the residents of Juárez, Mexico, just across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas, became aware of a disturbing frequency of murders of young women. Some estimate that at least 350 women were murdered between 1993 and 2005. It seems that the machismo culture put little value on these women. But Rodríguez makes it clear that there was considerable corruption and/or ineptitude among authorities. The most disturbing thing to me is that the book leaves the reader with more questions than answers.
LINK to my full review

[Cheryl Carroll]

I am embarking on a 30 week adventure of Sherlock Holmes! This is a free weekly event through The Rosenbach. Mondays 7pm - 830pm EST. They started yesterday with A Study in Scarlet, part 1. Next week is part 2. I highly recommend this program. I previously read Pride and Prejudice with them. They are currently also doing The Pickwick Papers.

https://rosenbach.org/events/sherlock...

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

Cheryl Carroll wrote: "I am embarking on a 30 week adventure of Sherlock Holmes! This is a free weekly event through The Rosenbach. Mondays 7pm - 830pm EST. They started yesterday with A Study in Scarlet, part 1. Next we..."

Here is a video link to the first event that occurred Sept 18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_WfU...

[Cheryl Carroll]

Thank you, RJ!

[Terry]

I have had Killers of the Flower Moon — the Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann, on my bookshelf for a long time. Since there is a new movie coming out soon, I have decided to push it to the top of my list and read it — starting tonight.

[Howard]

Terry wrote: "I have had Killers of the Flower Moon — the Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann, on my bookshelf for a long time. Since there is a new movie coming out soon, I have decided to pu..."

Me too, Terry. It has been on my TBR list ever since it was published. I really need to get to it soon.

[Lawson]

Reading update- The Burden of Southern History by C. Van Woodward and , of course, another Faulkner exploration , The Saddest Words by Michael Gorra, William Faulkner ‘s Civil War.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Terry don’t think you will be disappointed with book.

[Lori]

Terry- it’s a fantastic book. You’ll get a lot out of it.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

An acquaintance on FB had some connection to the movie and I asked if movie was “watered down” any in comparison to book. She responded it tells the story closely to book. I was glad to hear that.

[Sue]

That’s good to know. I need to get to that book.

[Connie]

Cheryl Carroll wrote: "I am embarking on a 30 week adventure of Sherlock Holmes! This is a free weekly event through The Rosenbach. Mondays 7pm - 830pm EST. They started yesterday with A Study in Scarlet, part 1. Next we..."

Thanks for the information, Cheryl. I saw the first event on youtube, and enjoyed the presenters. I had already read the book a few years ago, but plan to reread "A Study in Scarlet" before watching part 2.

[Cheryl Carroll]

@Lawson - Gorra is finishing up a series through the Smithsonian. He has already covered TSTF and LIA. On Oct. 23 he will present on A,A!. The presentations are virtual, $25. He was also interviewed by Carl Rollyson last year.

Links:
https://www.si.edu/events/detail/?tru...

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...

[Cheryl Carroll]

@Connie and RJ - Isn't it delightful when we book clubbers bump into each other in different groups?! On GR, I've had the pleasure of seeing Lori, Sara, Tom, and RJ in other groups. Deborah, I just found out is also a member of the Welty group! <3

[Book Concierge]

Razor Girl – Carl Hiaasen – 3***
I love reading Hiaasen’s ridiculously crazy plots, featuring the NOT-tourist-friendly Florida. The action is fast, furious, and totally insane. The bad guys are frequently three cards short of a full deck. The women almost always get the best of the men. Hiaasen has a gift for drawing this reader into his wildly improbable plots. And I enjoy the ride every time!
LINK to my full review

[Cathrine ☯️]

Those We Thought We Knew landed David Joy on my list of favorite authors.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

Cheryl Carroll wrote: "@Connie and RJ - Isn't it delightful when we book clubbers bump into each other in different groups?! On GR, I've had the pleasure of seeing Lori, Sara, Tom, and RJ in other groups. Deborah, I just..."

Yes, hello all! And I have to admit I didn't know there was a Welty group.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Howard wrote: "Terry wrote: "I have had Killers of the Flower Moon — the Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann, on my bookshelf for a long time. Since there is a new movie coming out soon, I have..."

I listened to the audio version but I think that that book really deserves more attention and have considered rereading a print version.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Book Concierge wrote: "

Razor Girl
– Carl Hiaasen – 3***
I love reading Hiaasen’s ridiculously crazy plots, featuring the NOT-tourist-friendly Florida. The action is fast, furious, and..."

I did this as a moderator's choice some time back because I felt the group needed some more comedic authors but I don't think it went over that well with the group. I agree with you, though. I really enjoy Hiaasen's zaniness. He's just as funny in person, too.

[Lawson]

Thanks Cheryl for your info on Faulkner.

[Terry]

Tom and Howard, I am almost through Killers and am enjoying this hidden history! Fascinating how he has kept back some of the interesting facts till almost the very end!

[Cheryl Carroll]

@Lawson - my pleasure!

[Faith]

My review ofFlee North: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery's Borderland by Scott Shane

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lawson]

I am current in reading Vol. 2 of in Search of Lost Time by Proust . This is Shelby Foote favorite author so it is kinda southern.

[Cheryl Carroll]

@Lawson - I think that connection to Shelby Foote is really cool!

[Cheryl Carroll]

Free on Kindle with Prime.

This was mentioned on The Reading Nook fb page. It's part of a new-to-me Amazon Original Stories: Creature Feature Collection. I'm not blown away by the writing, but the plot is just so good that I'm sticking with it. I will report back asap!

From the Amazon page:

A husband’s obsessive desire for a child leads to an unexpected manifestation of his yearning in a nightmarish short story about fatherhood dreams by New York Times bestselling author Joe Hill.

Willy and Marianne’s farmhouse in Maine has acres of meadow and fresh air, and a lonesome bridle path in the forest along which Willy daydreams and ambles. When he’s loaned a decrepit old baby stroller to cart his groceries home, the rickety squeak of the wheels comforts him. So do the sweet coos of a baby Willy knows can’t be real. Can it? In this twisted thicket, wishes come true—with a price.

Joe Hill’s The Pram is part of Creature Feature, a collection of devilishly creepy stories that tingle the spine and twist the mind. They can be read or listened to in one petrifying sitting.
https://www.amazon.com/Pram-Creature-...

[Book Concierge]

Horse – Geraldine Brooks – 5*****
The novel is based on the real story of the horse known as Lexington, his extraordinary racing career, and even more extraordinary career as a stud. But it is more than a story of racing; it is a novel about race and racism, not just in the 19th century, but in contemporary America, as well. Moving back and forth between the contemporary discoveries of the horse’s skeleton and painted portrait, to the events in antebellum Kentucky, she weaves a story that I found compelling, fascinating and moving.
LINK to my full review

[Cheryl Carroll]

I just deleted this from the December nominations bc for A Foxfire Christmas: Appalachian Memories and Traditions Hoopla has a 2010 edition, but the book was first published in 1990. However, it looks like such a fun little book that I still ordered it.

Deleted comment:

Pre-1990 -- keeping with the Appalachian theme, I nominate (1988). Thirty-two page book and the target audience is for children. I think it would be a light and enlightening look into Appalachian family life. Not available on Hoopla, but there are Amazon copies under $10. There's a short video preview online.
https://www.amazon.com/Year-Perfect-C...

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished the acclaimed campus novel


Stoner by John Williams
Rating: 4 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished the disappointing Edgar Award winning mystery novel


The Bottoms by Joe R. Lansdale
Rating: 2 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Book Concierge]

Echo Mountain – Lauren Wolk – 3.5***
Set during the Great Depression, Wolk’s novel shows the effects on one family when they lose their home in town and are forced to start over in a cabin on Echo Mountain. This is a lovely adventure story, focused on family, prejudice and discovery. Ellie is a great character – brave, tender, intelligent, resilient, eager to learn, open to new possibilities, and determined.
LINK to my full review

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished the short story collection


A Curtain of Green and Other Stories by Eudora Welty
Rating: 4 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Cathrine ☯️]

A little late to the tasting but I finally got my copy.

The Caretaker from master vintner Ron Rash

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...