Retired: What are you reading? Showing 4,401-4,450 of 5,490

[John]

Greetings Paul, I put together a quiz for Comanche Moon a whie back you can find t here with some others of mine.
https://www.goodreads.com/quizzes/by_...
good luck.

If you are interested in more Comanche stuff this is the story of the last Comanche chief. The son of Cynthia Parker of The Searchers fame. You know, the John Wayne movie.

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History

[Connie]

LeAnne wrote: "Connie wrote: "The Fighter by Michael Farris Smith

Author Michael Farris Smith is a master at writing about desperate people who ha..."

I never thought about it being a Mother's Day novel, but it certainly could be for the right person. The love and gratitude he felt for Maryann was what kept him going.

[Sue]

Jenny wrote: "I am reading two books at the moment which couldn't be less similar, neither of them Southern Lit .
The first is The Luminaries which won the Man Booker in 2013. I am not sure what ..."

Thanks for the tip on A Goat's Song. I just checked it out here and added it to my list. It does sound very interesting. I noted that of the few reviews I looked at, all mentioned the quality of the writing.

[Paul]

John wrote: "Greetings Paul, I put together a quiz for Comanche Moon a whie back you can find t here with some others of mine.
https://www.goodreads.com/quizzes/by_...
good luck.

If you are interes..."

Thanks John. I sort of reading The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History at the moment, but may check out the book you have recommended at sometime in the future.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

The Searchers by Alan Lemay?

[Book Concierge]

The Swans of Fifth Avenue – Melanie Benjamin – 4****
Benjamin turns her attention to New York City’s social elite in the 1950s and 1960s. I was completely entranced and immersed in this deliciously gossipy tale. Benjamin really puts the reader into this glittering celebrity world. I could almost taste the caviar and champagne.
LINK to my review

[Cathrine ☯️]

I'm thinking this one will end up a trail read but I just couldn't wait any longer. Thoughts on The Fighter.

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

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

It came in second in the polls for June. The Last Ballad got more votes, but I'm reading The Fighter anyway. I already read the Wiley Cash book, but wasn't thrilled with it.

[Cathrine ☯️]

Diane wrote: "It came in second in the polls for June. The Last Ballad got more votes, but I'm reading The Fighter anyway. I already read the Wiley Cash book, but wasn't thrilled with it."

I agree. The Cash book was disappointing.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/missis...

Nice interview with MFS about The Fighter and his background.

[LA]

Maybe because I have sons, this struck me as a perfect Mothers Day read. No sexual love. No bromance. Just the pining for and gratitude for the love of a parent. Gobstruck loved The Fighter.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

LeAnne have you read The Hands of Strangers? I didn’t really know it existed. It was first published in 2011 then rereleased in 2017.....accurate? He’s got a big following in Europe, I would love to know what readers from Europe think about this story telling. So interesting!!!

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

What a great interview! Thanks, Laura. Let me know what you find out about that first book, I think I need it. Starting "The Fighter" today.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

You’re going to fly through The Fighter. I saw the Hands of Strangers on Abe Books. Hoping LeAnne can shed some light.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

https://vimeo.com/268320305

This also looks interesting. It’s being released at Nashville Film Festival but will hopefully viewers will be able to stream or watch in a theatre within the year.

[Book Concierge]

We Band of Angels – Elizabeth M. Norman – 5*****
Subtitle: The Untold Story of American Nurses Trapped on Bataan by the Japanese. The book details the personal stories of the nurses and civilians interred as well as the historical events. Norman did extensive research and was able to interview a number of the surviving nurses as well as the families of others who had passed on. Their story is gripping and inspiring
LINK to my review

[Marilyn]

Book Concierge wrote: "

We Band of Angels
– Elizabeth M. Norman – 5*****
Subtitle: The Untold Story of American Nurses Trapped on Bataan by the Japanese. The book details the pers..."

A friend read this book and loved it. She gave it to her mom, who loved it. I loved it and gave it to my mom. She loved it. Great book!

[Book Concierge]

Marilyn wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "

A friend read this book and loved it. She gave it to her mom, who loved it. I loved it and gave it to my mom. Sh..."

I passed it on to my husband, who loved it! Our nephew is currently studying nursing in a specific Army ROTC program. I'm going to give this to him for Christmas.

[Book Concierge]

A Thread Of Grace – Mary Doria Russell – 5*****
Russell’s third novel focuses on WW2 and the Italian citizens who saved the lives of thousands of Jews. What a story! Based on true incidents, Russell’s tale draws the reader into the lives of these people. I fell in love with these characters. Russell doesn’t sugarcoat the sacrifices and dangers they faced, nor does she make them saints. This is a war story, so I knew there would be death and destruction. Russell tempers the sadness and horror with moments of great tenderness and even humor.
LINK to my review

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

I haven't read a Russell book yet that wasn't excellent.

[Book Concierge]

Rainwater – Sandra Brown – 3***
In 1934 in central Texas, Ella Barron runs a boardinghouse. A new boarder, Mr Rainwater, quickly becomes a leader in the community, and stirs her feelings as well. This is an interesting look at small town prejudice and bullying in tough times. Brown is best known as a romance writer, but it is more of an historical fiction work than a traditional romance. Brown does a credible job of exploring some important issues, though she does tend to rely on some of the romance tropes and stereotypical characters.
LINK to my review

[Book Concierge]

The Rooster Bar – John Grisham – 3***
Three third-year law students are stunned when their friend and fellow student commits suicide. Grisham knows how to write a thrilling adventure tale. Mark, Todd and Zola are reasonably bright, motivated, and quick on their feet. I found their friendship and loyalty to one another and to the memory of Gordy touching and genuine. I did think that Grisham wrote himself into a hole and was struggling to get out. There’s a significant side plot focusing on one student’s parents. For most of the book I thought this was an unnecessary distraction, then Grisham uses it as the key to the resolution. Kind of a cheap trick, in my opinion.
LINK to my review

[Cathrine ☯️]

Thanks for the MFS link Laura. I'll definitely check it out.

I'm currently reading The Missing by Tim Gautreaux, an author I am newly discovering because of the Trail. Awesome! Thanks O readers with great taste in literature 🙏🏼

[Cathrine ☯️]

Meanwhile, in the What Are You Watching column . . .
Has anyone watched the Netflix series Ozark? Truth: it had me reacting like this 😱 a couple of times. I binged on it over 3 nights.

[Jenny]

Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "Meanwhile, in the What Are You Watching column . . .
Has anyone watched the Netflix series Ozark?

I have Cathrine, I thought it was excellent!

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I’m a sucker for lists of books that authors say are their favs or have influenced their writings. Here is Silas House’s list. He also has a new book coming out soon. I think some of our favs from The Trail or personally made his list too.

https://silashouseblog.blogspot.com/2...

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "Meanwhile, in the What Are You Watching column . . .
Has anyone watched the Netflix series Ozark? Truth: it had me reacting like this 😱 a couple of times. I binged on it over 3 nights."

I've watched two episodes and definitely intend to watch the rest.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Thanks for that list, Laura. Most of those titles are on my favorite lists too, but, like he says, that list changes all the time. I'm really looking forward to House's new book.

[Wyndy]

Excellent post from Silas House, Laura - thanks for sharing it. I need to bump him up my author list immediately.

[Vicki]

I just finished Ladies in Low Places by Mary Ann Henry. This is a collection of short stories set primarily in South Carolina. I thought most of the stories were well written and thought provoking. I recommend this book and I will look forward to reading more from this author.

[Book Concierge]

The Good Nurse – Charles Graeber – 3***
Charles Cullen was a registered nurse who worked in a number of New Jersey hospitals; when he worked at a hospital the death rates skyrocketed. This true crime nonfiction is interesting, but not as gripping as some others. Still, it’s evident that Graeber did extensive research.
LINK to my review

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Going to strong arm you into reading Country Dark by Chris Offutt. It is so good! Kentucky has some bragging rights with this author.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Definitely on my list, Laura. I've only read his short stories so far.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Here’s my strong arm...Chris Offutt “might” be able to do Q &A on his newest book Country Dark.

[Carol]

Diane wrote: "Definitely on my list, Laura. I've only read his short stories so far."

@Diane, I think you'd be a big fan of Country Dark.

[Sara]

I've put it on my TBR as well, Laura. He will be new-to-me.

[Kim]

I read The Good Nurse a while back, was creeped out by fact one of his most active hospitals for killing was where my father-in-law and brother-in-law were treated at times, and both died there.

[Kim]

Kim wrote: "I read The Good Nurse a while back, was creeped out by fact one of his most active hospitals for killing was where my father-in-law and brother-in-law were treated at times, and both died there."i have this book and have read it

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Kim wrote: "I read The Good Nurse a while back, was creeped out by fact one of his most active hospitals for killing was where my father-in-law and brother-in-law were treated at times, and both died there."

Where was that?

[Kim]

It was outside of Philly, but the hospital is closed now & taken over by a new medical group which is knocking it down & building something new in its place. The Angel of Death nurse in the book stayed ahead of detection by switching hospitals, moving through the tri-state area.

[Book Concierge]

Kim wrote: "I read The Good Nurse a while back, was creeped out by fact one of his most active hospitals for killing was where my father-in-law and brother-in-law were treated at times, and both died there."

Oh, how terrible for you, Kim.

[Book Concierge]

Origin – Dan Brown – 3***
Brown certainly knows how to keep the reader in suspense and turning pages, guessing right up to the reveal. But … I’m tired of Robert Langdon and his lectures on symbology. I also felt that Brown wrote himself into a corner and took an easy out.
LINK to my review

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

This is an interesting list, some familiar and some brand new to me. Thoughts on the Atticus Finch biography? I’m going to put in a Library request for this one.

https://bittersoutherner.com/bitter-s...

Also, if any of you cook up anything good let me know...I like to travel and will make house calls.

I was glad to see The Fighter, Country Dark, God’s of Howl Mountain, Varina, and Southernmost make this summer reading list.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Great list, Laura. I've read some of them, and plan to read more. My library has The Comfort Food Diaries. I do love food memoirs with recipes.

[Kim]

I love almost any book with recipes, D! ;-)

[John]

Serafina and the Splintered Heart by Robert Beatty
★★★★

Having visited the Biltmore Estate several times, it is easy to become one with story as Serafina, walks through the house or sits on the roof. During my last visit, I was able to stand on its roof. For my full review, click here.

[Book Concierge]

A Spool of Blue Thread – Anne Tyler – 3.5***
A family saga covering three generations of Whitshanks and the familial home that anchors their story. Tyler shines when writing about everyday life and the small dramas that make up American families. I find these characters so believable and relatable, even when their circumstances are very different from anything I’ve experienced personally.
LINK to my review

[Book Concierge]

Little Fires Everywhere – Christine Ng – 4****
I cannot help but wonder what Ng has against determined mothers, first in her debut novel, and now with Elena Richardson. I was struck by how the Richardson kids had a mother who believed she was giving her kids everything, but in fact they knew little about how to deal with life. While Mia, unable to give her child much in the way of material goods, had given her the tools for living – self-reliance, observation, determination.
LINK to my review

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City of Bones – Michael Connelly – 3.5***
Book eight in the popular Harry Bosch detective mystery series. I really like this series, partly because I really like Harry Bosch. He’s a great detective and does his best to circumvent the political minefield of a big-city police department. The action is fast paced and Connelly gives the reader enough red herrings to keep anyone guessing.
LINK to my review

[Paul]

Book Concierge wrote: "

Origin
– Dan Brown – 3***
Brown certainly knows how to keep the reader in suspense and turning pages, guessing right up to the reveal. But … I’m tired of Robert Lang..."

One of the few authors whose work i actually loathe. Formulaic, wooden and stereotypical characters, cliche, illogical plots, doesn't even begin to describe my opinion of his 'work'.

[Book Concierge]

The Beauty of Humanity Movement – Camilla Gibb – 4****
The novel focuses on a group of residents of Hanoi. Told from multiple points of view, and moving back and forth in time, it requires some attention by the reader. I found it very atmospheric. I’ve been to Vietnam and her descriptions of the sights of Hanoi – the markets, the new construction, the lake, the restaurants and art galleries – were exactly what I remember. Gibb also perfectly captured the noise and bustle, the traffic (crossing the street!!!), the torrential rains, and the smell of pho.
LINK to my review

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Dark Places – Gillian Flynn – 4****
Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered. Twenty-five years later she’s asked to revisit that night and help uncover the truth. Flynn knows how to write a suspenseful psychological thriller. Here she explores memories and psychological trauma. I was caught up from the beginning and held on tight through all the twists and turns the story took.
LINK to my review