On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
1266 views
General Bookishness > Retired: What are you reading?

Comments Showing 1,451-1,500 of 5,490 (5490 new)    post a comment »

message 1451: by Angela M (new)

Angela M I have read The Dance Begins. Prequel to the book that follows here. 4 stars and Pretending to Dance. 3 generous stars . My review :https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1453: by Darrell (new)

Darrell Laurant (bridgebuilder) | 32 comments As it happens, I'm just finishing three different books with Louisiana themes, and all of them grabbed me. I've always been a Rick Bragg fan, and his biography of Jerry Lee Lewis ("Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story") yanks the reader along like one of Jerry Lee's killer piano riffs. "Five Days at Memorial," by Sheri Fink, chronicles the accusations of enthanasia against some doctors and nurses at New Orleans' Memorial Hospital post-Katrina, and the extent of Fink's documentation is mind-blowing (if, sometimes, mind-numbing). Finally, M.O. Walsh's Baton Rouge-based novel, "My Sunshine Away" is one of the most poignant examinations of unrequited love I've ever read.


message 1454: by Laura, "The Tall Woman" (new)

Laura | 2848 comments Mod
Darrell you have been busy. Sounds like good ones too.


message 1455: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5543 comments Mod
Darrell, "My Sunshine Away" was one of the best books I read this year. Hard to believe it was a first novel.


message 1456: by Darrell (new)

Darrell Laurant (bridgebuilder) | 32 comments Amen. To me, it was a great example of how a gifted writer can work wonders within a relatively narrow framework. The story rarely strays outside the narrator's Baton Rouge neighborhood, but its themes are vast. The central character of Lindy Simpson is marvelously (and, sometimes, disturbingly) multi-faceted. And finally, this reminds us that an act of violence doesn't have to leave anyone dead or make the front page of the local newspaper for it to have an enormous impact. With its colorful neighborhood characters and southern setting, this book reminded me in a way of "To Kill a Mockingbird."


message 1457: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5543 comments Mod
The unreliable, unnamed, teen-age narrator was a suspense builder as well. You're never sure til the end, and the last chapter was perfect.


message 1458: by Peter (last edited Oct 15, 2015 04:48PM) (new)

Peter | 29 comments If we have fans of Tartan Noir here, then let me introduce a classic of Scunthorpe Noir: Jack's Return Home (subsequently filmed as Get Carter). I am not a big reader of crime novels, but I have just discovered the book - and liked it a lot. Who could resist a description of a superannuated stripper as "...wearing a tangerine evening gown and matching gloves that didn't."? Wonderfully evocative of a grim northern English town in the 1960s - with an equally grim revenge narrative. Review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1459: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
For those of you who have considered getting Under a Dark Summer Sky but haven't done it yet, today is the day. This book is on sale at Amazon for $2.99.

http://www.amazon.com/Under-Dark-Summ...
Under a Dark Summer Sky by Vanessa Lafaye


message 1460: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5543 comments Mod
Thanks, Tom. Got it.


message 1461: by Angela M (new)

Angela M I loved the book and definitely recommend it !


message 1462: by Diane S ☔ (new)

Diane S ☔ As do I. Glad you grabbed it Diane.


message 1463: by Angela M (new)


message 1464: by Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus" (new)

Lawyer (goodreadscommm_sullivan) | 2668 comments Mod
Tom wrote: "For those of you who have considered getting Under a Dark Summer Sky but haven't done it yet, today is the day. This book is on sale at Amazon for $2.99.

http://www.amazon.com/Und..."


Thanks from me, too, Tom! I've been interested in this one for some time. I took up the deal from Amazon. Looking forward to it.


message 1465: by Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus" (new)

Lawyer (goodreadscommm_sullivan) | 2668 comments Mod
John wrote: "Above the Waterfall by Ron RashAbove the WaterfallRon RashRon Rash
It just didn't do it for me. Uninspired story, blah characters That di..."


Gosh, John, I hate to hear that! What's interesting is this book was due for publication in March. Rash wasn't pleased with it. And re-wrote it to his satisfaction. And it's one of our November reads. *GRIN*


message 1466: by Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus" (new)

Lawyer (goodreadscommm_sullivan) | 2668 comments Mod
I've got a mixed bag going here. Still to read Addie Pray. Finished Welcome to Braggsville, but I've yet to become deeply involved in our discussion with T. Geronimo Johnson. Again, my thanks for the generosity of his time! Under a Dark Summer Sky is on the horizon. Thanks to Tom and Jane who have previously recommended this one. And several of y'all have sold me on Landfall by Ellen Urbani. Whooosh. Y'all know how to keep a fella busy!


message 1467: by John (new)

John | 550 comments Well Mike I am enjoying The Year of Jubilo: A Novel of the Civil War The Year of Jubilo A Novel of the Civil War by Howard Bahr . A simple story that moves right along. ya'll read it last Jan or such. I can't seem to keep up with all of you southern speed readers. I tried the Geronimo book and couldn't hang on after 40 pages. However, let me tell you that it sits there staring me between the eyes and you guys say there are surprises afoot, so i ain't shot it yet.


message 1468: by Sue (new)

Sue | 760 comments John wrote: "Well Mike I am enjoying The Year of Jubilo: A Novel of the Civil WarThe Year of Jubilo A Novel of the Civil War by Howard Bahr. A simple story that moves right along. ya'll read ..."

I do need to get to The Year of Jubilo. I loved The Black Flower: A Novel of the Civil War and then bought the next two books.

I'm one of those who really enjoyed Welcome to Braggsville. So rare to read satire well done.


message 1469: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
I just finished The Early Stories of Truman Capote. Although amateurish by Capote's standards, this was still an excellent collection. My review is here.
The Early Stories of Truman Capote by Truman Capote


message 1471: by Sue (new)

Sue | 760 comments Diane S.✨ wrote: "Finished The Secret Scripture
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."


One of my favorites, Diane.


message 1472: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments For those of you that use the Goodreads App on iPad...
What happened? This updated version is a stinker. Anyone know how to leave your written review?


message 1473: by Angela M (new)

Angela M Tina wrote: "For those of you that use the Goodreads App on iPad...
What happened? This updated version is a stinker. Anyone know how to leave your written review?"


Tina , on the home page of the web version there is a question at the top. "Will I like this ? New Book Page on iOS app has the answer." If you click on that you can leave a comment . Funny there is no place on either the iPhone or iPad app where I can find to do that . I believe that you might be able to comment on the app in the App Store .


message 1474: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments Thanks Angela. I'm not a happy camper. Definitely going to contact them.


message 1475: by Angela M (new)

Angela M Tina , I'm taking a closer look to see what they've done . I personally would have liked more work on the functionality like bring able to reply to a specific post or add a book link . I'll definitely comment after I've looked at it a bit more . Are you going to comment on the home page ? I'd be interested in what you think .


message 1476: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments I'm sending an email. Maybe I should leave a note on the home page as well?
I too would have expected more functionality and not less.


message 1477: by Angela M (new)

Angela M I think commenting there would be good too because then other members would be able to see your comments . It looks like someone from GR is responding to posts there also .


message 1478: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments Will do!


message 1479: by Laura, "The Tall Woman" (new)

Laura | 2848 comments Mod
Does this mean not to update app on my phone? I'm not following the problem.


message 1480: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments Yep. Laura, Don't do it yet. It stinks.


message 1481: by Laura, "The Tall Woman" (new)

Laura | 2848 comments Mod
When I read what's new on the app it talked more about book covers, shelves and series. I won't mess with it bc I use the phone app the most.


message 1482: by Angela M (new)

Angela M My apps got updated automatically both on my phone and iPad . I must have that in my settings.


message 1483: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments Angela, I just added my two cents to the home page.


message 1484: by Angela M (new)

Angela M Me too.


message 1485: by Tina (new)

Tina  | 485 comments Angela, your post was much nicer than mine. :0)


message 1486: by Ann (new)

Ann Sumner I'm just finishing My Life as a PretenderReckless: My Life as a Pretender and although I find that I do not like Hynde as a person, I do enjoy her talent as a writer. Those early 70s days come through the pages clearly in all their confusing glory. I'm also reading The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century and being completely swept up in what may or may not occur in the world mainly after I'm gone. It's fascinating.


message 1487: by Diane S ☔ (new)

Diane S ☔ Sue wrote: "Diane S.✨ wrote: "Finished The Secret Scripture
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

One of my favorites, Diane."


It was so sad, and I just loved Roseanne. Definitely a book to remember.


message 1489: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5543 comments Mod
Diane S.✨ wrote: "Reading a book I am loving, Dispatches from Pluto: Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta"

This is on my list too. Glad to hear you're liking it so much.


message 1491: by Sue (new)

Sue | 760 comments Diane S.✨ wrote: "Reading a book I am loving, Dispatches from Pluto: Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta"

I just added it.


message 1492: by LA (new)

LA | 1333 comments Diane S and Sue - just downloaded Dispatches from Pluto! Im trudging through some so-so stuff & itching to launch it tomorrow. My hard copy of Braggsville should arrive next week. Hoping to say howdy to Mr Johnson at the Louisiana Book Fest & ask him to sign it for me.

As for the Goodreads iPhone app, I did not update but still think the current version is el stinko! Do any of yall have the link for Dec, post 1980 polls by chance? I cannot see it by phone. Thanks!


message 1493: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...
Does this work for you?


message 1494: by LA (new)

LA | 1333 comments Yes!!!!! Thanks, dear Tom.


message 1496: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
For the noir fans out there, I just finished Criminal, Vol. 1: Coward. It is, bar none, the best graphic novel I have ever read. It is must reading for lovers of noir. My review is here.
Criminal, Vol. 1 Coward by Ed Brubaker


message 1497: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5543 comments Mod
I am reading a book recommended to me by Sue Drees, who has 'trusted reader status" in my world. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is shaping up to be my favorite book of 2015. It's so good I'm already worrying abiut how to do it justice in a review when I finish. Not an easy read, but worth the effort.


message 1498: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (last edited Oct 22, 2015 02:55PM) (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Diane wrote: "I am reading a book recommended to me by Sue Drees, who has 'trusted reader status" in my world. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is shaping up to be my favorite book of 2015. It's..."

You trust Sue but not the Man Booker prize it received? ;>)


message 1499: by Diane, "Miss Scarlett" (new)

Diane Barnes | 5543 comments Mod
Right. The Booker takes 2nd place to Sue. I've read prize winners in the past that I didn't care for, but Sue and I have similar reading tastes, so she's always been right on the money.


message 1500: by Tom, "Big Daddy" (new)

Tom Mathews | 3383 comments Mod
Diane wrote: "Right. The Booker takes 2nd place to Sue. I've read prize winners in the past that I didn't care for, but Sue and I have similar reading tastes, so she's always been right on the money."

Actually, that makes perfect sense.


back to top
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.