On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

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General Bookishness > Retired: What are you reading?

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message 1351: by Laura, "The Tall Woman" (new)

Laura | 2847 comments Mod
LeAnne, another great list! Diane, I am definitely in on the Gay book!


message 1352: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
LeAnne wrote: "I need help sorting my To Read stack!
After I finish up Ron Rash's "Above the Waterfall", it will be these four..
Honor by Elif Shahak (book club)
Perfume: the Story of a Murderer (skeery)
Undermaj..."


I'll be reading Little Sister Death and The Deep Blue Good-By. I'll also be reading Welcome to Braggsville as part of the moderator choice for next month. That should be interesting as I invited T. Geronimo Johnson to participate and he has graciously accepted. Another one I'd like to squeeze in is Under a Dark Summer Sky. Jane recommended it and I picked up a copy from the library. It looks great!
Little Sister Death by William Gay The Deep Blue Good-By (Travis McGee #1) by John D. MacDonald Welcome to Braggsville by T. Geronimo Johnson Under a Dark Summer Sky by Vanessa Lafaye


message 1354: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments Kirk wrote: "For October I intend to read as many creepy and/or scary books as possible. In no particular order : Rappaccini's Daughter by Hawthorne, Jamaica Inn by Du Maurier, Bird Box by Malerman, Little Sist..."

Kirk, can't wait to see what you think about Bird Box. Laura and I are big fans!


message 1355: by Kirk (new)

Kirk Smith | 101 comments Tina wrote: "Kirk wrote: "For October I intend to read as many creepy and/or scary books as possible. In no particular order : Rappaccini's Daughter by Hawthorne, Jamaica Inn by Du Maurier, Bird Box by Malerman..." You two are the reason I own it! I bought Blindness because Josh favored it.


message 1356: by Laura, "The Tall Woman" (new)

Laura | 2847 comments Mod
I messed up and talked too much about Bird Box. I really think if I had laid low josh would have given it at least a 4. The more I work a book up the less likely he will give a 5. I did hit it out of park with Stillwater!!!!! It's still a favorite.


message 1357: by Kirk (new)

Kirk Smith | 101 comments Laura wrote: "I messed up and talked too much about Bird Box. I really think if I had laid low josh would have given it at least a 4. The more I work a book up the less likely he will give a 5. I did hit it out ..." Yes you did, Stillwater is a darn fine book!


message 1358: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments Laura wrote: "I love kirk's list! What's everybody else reading in October? I know we are only half way through September but I may need to get on some waiting lists."

Lawd, must I think that far ahead? Well, this is as much as I know about now.
Little Sister Death for Trail
A Sudden Light by Garth Stein
The Scorch Trails by James Dashner


message 1359: by Laura, "The Tall Woman" (new)

Laura | 2847 comments Mod
Organization Dear Tina.....I need this! I'm a planner.


message 1360: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Laura wrote: "Organization Dear Tina.....I need this! I'm a planner."

She is organized. She sorted them from best to worst.


message 1361: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Tina wrote: "Kirk, can't wait to see what you think about Bird Box. Laura and I are big fans! "

I have it on audio and I think October will be the perfect time for Bird Box. I may also go spooky and listen to Ghost Road Blues and The Necromancer's House.


message 1362: by Kirk (new)

Kirk Smith | 101 comments Tom wrote: "Tina wrote: "Kirk, can't wait to see what you think about Bird Box. Laura and I are big fans! "

I have it on audio and I think October will be the perfect time for Bird Box. I may also go spooky a..."
Those look good.


message 1363: by LA (new)

LA | 1333 comments Tom, the audio is PERFECT for Bird Box, more than most other books. Will tell you why I think so after you've read it for a bit. Enjoy!


message 1364: by Ann (new)

Ann Sumner I just finished The Green Raod by Irish writer Anne Enright and it is quite spectacular in a very quiet way. Her chacacters are tightly drawn and tightly wound as well, centering around their slightly broadly portrayed mother. The end put me off a bit as I didn't buy it but I am a harsh critic and my friends who have read it were not bothered at all. She's a lovely fluid writer with a gift for creating tension and dislike of her characters, just as you might dislike a real person.

I recommend this book though without hesitation. In many ways it's better than The Goldfinch, much better in terms of editing, that's certain.


message 1365: by Diane S ☔ (new)

Diane S ☔ I really enjoyed Green Road as well. Ann.


message 1366: by John (new)

John | 550 comments LeAnne library is holding Above the Waterfall for me. I'm still stuck in my WWII history, then Bull Mountain and finally Waterfall. Some how i have to fit a job in there. Wondering if i should kick Bull Mt to the wayside.


message 1367: by LA (new)

LA | 1333 comments John, in my opinion, yes - kick it to the side! "Above the Waterfall" is wonderful & worth the wait.


message 1369: by LA (last edited Sep 18, 2015 06:05AM) (new)

LA | 1333 comments Diane wrote: "Little Sister Death is a Trail read for October, so that's #1."

Yep, I'm fired up to read it! It's the other 200 something not on my "Fixin To Read" shelf that need to be sorted and prioritized. As for that stack, it impresses the living daylights out of me that so many of y'all are such voracious readers! Doing the audio books on loan from the library has helped me some - as did my butt-on-the-couch situation after an injury/surgery. At least I am finally starting to date when I've read something and jot down reviews.

You folks are a good influence!


message 1370: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
I just finished reading Epitaph. Once again, Mary Doria Russell has exceeded my expectations. For a book about a shootout that took place over 130 years ago this is surprisingly timely. My review is here.
Epitaph by Mary Doria Russell


message 1371: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (last edited Sep 22, 2015 09:11PM) (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
I had a very pleasant surprise. Yesterday I checked my local library's Overdrive audio collection to see if they had a copy of Above the Waterfall. They didn't but there was a link that allowed me to suggest that they get it, so I did. Today the library sent me an email telling me that they now have it and that I can check it out.

Above the Waterfall by Ron Rash


message 1372: by Diane S ☔ (new)

Diane S ☔ Tom wrote: "I just finished reading Epitaph. Once again, Mary Doria Russell has exceeded my expectations. For a book about a shootout that took place over 130 years ago this is su..."

Loved both Doc and Epitaph. She is a very good writer.


message 1373: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
I just started reading Welcome to Braggsville by T. Geronimo Johnson. I had an opportunity to meet Geronimo at an event in Berkeley a couple months back and he graciously agreed to participate in next month's moderator reading. I'm looking forward to it.
Welcome to Braggsville by T. Geronimo Johnson


message 1374: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5541 comments Mod
"Welcome to Braggsville" just got long-listed for The National Book Award. Quite an honor. I am almost finished with it, and it's quite a book!


message 1375: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5541 comments Mod
I just finished "South Toward Home" by Margaret Eby. It's something I think Trail members would love. Here is a review by Diane: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...


message 1376: by Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus" (new)

Lawyer (goodreadscommm_sullivan) | 2668 comments Mod
Tom wrote: "I had a very pleasant surprise. Yesterday I checked my local library's Overdrive audio collection to see if they had a copy of Above the Waterfall. They didn't but there was a link ..."

Fantastic service from your library! I'm looking forward to the read. If Rash writes it, I read it.


message 1377: by Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus" (new)

Lawyer (goodreadscommm_sullivan) | 2668 comments Mod
Tom wrote: "I just started reading Welcome to Braggsville by T. Geronimo Johnson. I had an opportunity to meet Geronimo at an event in Berkeley a couple months back and he grac..."

Special thanks to you, Tom for contacting Welcome to Braggsville author T. Geronimo Johnson. October's Moderator's Choice promises to be a real treat. I'm sure we all will appreciate this man's generosity in sharing his time with us.

I've already begun my read in preparation for this special occasion. As Diane said, it is indeed quite a book. Johnson's satirical send up of stereotypes is exceptional. You will never meet a more memorable group than "The Four Little Indians." Imagine, Berkley California, meets Braggsville, Georgia. This is an outstanding read.


message 1378: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (last edited Sep 23, 2015 02:53PM) (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Mike wrote: "If Rash writes it, I read it. "

There must be some cornball response to this involving Rash and an itch that must be scratched.


message 1379: by Sue (new)

Sue | 760 comments Mike wrote: "Tom wrote: "I just started reading Welcome to Braggsville by T. Geronimo Johnson. I had an opportunity to meet Geronimo at an event in Berkeley a couple months back..."

All of these comments and a quick re-check about the book has led me to request this from the library now. It sounds like something I really should read.


message 1380: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5541 comments Mod
I'm glad you'll be reading this, Sue. I'd love to get your opinion. And having the author participate in the discussion will be great.


message 1381: by Sue (new)

Sue | 760 comments Diane wrote: "I'm glad you'll be reading this, Sue. I'd love to get your opinion. And having the author participate in the discussion will be great."

Everyone's comments and then reading Ron Charles'review totally sold me. Having the author present for the discussion is a fantastic extra. I just got the notification that the book is in so hopefuly I will be able to start reading by latter this weekend. When will the discussion actually begin? On the 1st? or later?


message 1382: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (last edited Sep 24, 2015 06:13PM) (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Sue wrote: "Everyone's comments and then reading Ron Charles' review totally sold me."

Ron's review, The most unsettling, must-read novel this year: ‘Welcome to Braggsville’, which appeared in the Washington Post last Spring is what got me hooked on the book in the first place. If you are on the fence, read this review.


message 1384: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (last edited Sep 29, 2015 03:00PM) (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
I've just finished The Complete Stories of Truman Capote. What a great collection! My review is here.

The Complete Stories of Truman Capote by Truman Capote

And now for something completely different, I'll be starting a review copy of Hard Case Crime's new Lawrence Block thriller, The Girl with the Deep Blue Eyes.
The Girl with the Deep Blue Eyes by Lawrence Block


message 1385: by [deleted user] (new)

all this talk about welcome to baggsville made me want to read it.


message 1386: by Kirk (new)

Kirk Smith | 101 comments I'm on page 242 of 368 of Welcome to Braggsville: This is both hippy-dippy and astute. Reminds me of some early Pynchon, but with a big heart. Yep, I'm diggin it


message 1387: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Kirk wrote: "I'm on page 242 of 368 of Welcome to Braggsville: This is both hippy-dippy and astute. Reminds me of some early Pynchon, but with a big heart. Yep, I'm diggin it"

I'm on the final page. I'm enjoying it but I don't know exactly what to think about it. The problem is that there is so much to think about that it's difficult to draw conclusions.


message 1388: by Joy (new)

Joy | 52 comments I should get my copy of Welcome to Braggsville tomorrow. I can't wait to start reading!!


message 1389: by Diane S ☔ (new)

Diane S ☔ Have started a book called A Free State: A Novel. Waiting for my copy of Braggsville.


message 1390: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5541 comments Mod
Kirk, I like your description of hippy dippy and astute. It's like hip-hop in prose.


message 1391: by Kirk (new)

Kirk Smith | 101 comments Tom wrote: "Kirk wrote: "I'm on page 242 of 368 of Welcome to Braggsville: This is both hippy-dippy and astute. Reminds me of some early Pynchon, but with a big heart. Yep, I'm diggin it"

I'm on the final pag..."
I was really hoping the ending would tie it all together. I look forward to your review!


message 1392: by Kirk (new)

Kirk Smith | 101 comments Diane wrote: "Kirk, I like your description of hippy dippy and astute. It's like hip-hop in prose." Morning coffee and GRs? That's a sweet combination, right Diane. :) I'm just up, no coffee, and hippy dippy describes what my head feels like right now


message 1393: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5541 comments Mod
Newspaper, crossword puzzle, GR and coffee. It eases me into the day.


message 1394: by Kirk (new)

Kirk Smith | 101 comments Diane wrote: "Newspaper, crossword puzzle, GR and coffee. It eases me into the day."***Like***


message 1395: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Diane wrote: "Newspaper, crossword puzzle, GR and coffee. It eases me into the day."

Unfortunately, increasing costs and decreasing content have reached critical mass and we dropped the daily paper. It's sad that the industry I once aspired to make a career in is one of the biggest victims of the information age. I still like GR & coffee and can finish the NY Times Sunday crossword in a good week.


message 1396: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5541 comments Mod
The Charleston Post and Courier is a great source of local news. And I still love the tactile experience of reading the morning paper.


message 1398: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Speaking of loneliness, I just started Our Souls at Night, the last book Kent Haruf wrote before his passing. Having grown up in Colorado and visited family in towns just like Holt, his books have always been a real comfort to me. I am greatly saddened that there will be no more books from Kent.
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf


message 1399: by Angela M (new)

Angela M Tom , I'm sad too about Haruf . I loved Our Souls at Night as well as a number of his other books . I think there's only one I haven't read and I'm saving that for when i need it !


message 1400: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Angela M wrote: "Tom , I'm sad too about Haruf . I loved Our Souls at Night as well as a number of his other books . I think there's only one I haven't read and I'm saving that for when i need it !"

I think I'm in the same situation. I plan to go back and reread his books from the beginning, starting with Plainsong, and reading them in order.
Plainsong (Plainsong, #1) by Kent Haruf Eventide (Plainsong, #2) by Kent Haruf Benediction (Plainsong, #3) by Kent Haruf Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf


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