Retired: What are you reading? Showing 4,851-4,900 of 5,490

[Vicki]

As Good as Gone
I just finished As Good as Gone and highly recommend this and anything else by Larry Watson. He is not a southern author and most of his books are set in Montana but he reminds me of Larry Brown’s writing.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Good job Tom on July Mod choice!

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Vicki
I love Larry Watson. I haven’t read the one you mentioned, but all his books are on my master list.

[Vicki]

Thanks for commenting Laura. It’s nice to know someone else shares my taste in authors.

[Book Concierge]

The Mockingbird Next Door – Marja Mills – 3.5***
Chicago Tribune journalist Marja Mills was sent to Monroeville Alabama on an assignment to gather background information for a piece about To Kill a Mockingbird . She met Alice Lee and her younger sister, Nelle Harper Lee, and over years became friends with them. This is her memoir of her time in Monroeville and the lessons she learned from the sisters – about the South, about family, about justice.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

The Hideaway – Lauren K Denton – 2.5**
I wasn’t expecting great literature, and I didn’t get it. The writing is simple. The plot is rather predictable. The cast of characters, typically eccentric. There are secrets to be unearthed and solved. There’s also the ubiquitous dual timeline, with present-day Sara unearthing bits and pieces of her grandmother’s story. It was a fast read and moderately entertaining. But I’ve already forgotten it.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek – Kim Michelle Richardson – 4****
I love reading historical fiction, particularly when it focuses on an element of history about which I know little. This covers two such elements: the Pack-Horse Librarians and the “blue people” of Kentucky. Cussy Mary Carter is a marvelous lead characters – kind, compassionate, determined and tenacious. The author’s use of vernacular dialect helped transport me to a different time and place.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

O Pioneers! – Willa Cather – 4****
Cather’s first novel follows one family over decades as they settle the great plains of Nebraska. The heroine is Alexandra Bergson, who takes charge of the family farm after her father dies, and ensures the family’s prosperity despite setbacks. This is a strong woman! Her love of the land is evident, but she is no romantic. The story encompasses tragedy as well as triumph.
My full review HERE

[ALLEN]

I finally got around to reading Colin Woodard's American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America (2011). Informative and well-written.

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

[Faith]

My review of They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers

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

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

ALLEN wrote: "I finally got around to reading Colin Woodard's American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America (2011). Informative and well-written.

My review:..."

I very much need to read this. It has been in my bedside stack for over a year now.

[ALLEN]

How are you feeling, Tom?

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

ALLEN wrote: "How are you feeling, Tom?"

I'm fine. Why do you ask?

[ALLEN]

When dealing with our generation, I usually do!

[Faith]

My review of The Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, Mississippi by Richard Grant

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

[ALLEN]

I am about to finish Front Row at the Trump Show (Jonathan Karl) and will review it when I do.

[Book Concierge]

Virgil Wander – Leif Enger – 4****
I love character-driven novels and this one perfectly fits the bill. I love Enger’s way with words, the way he paints the landscape and draws his characters who so perfectly fit the scenario he gives us. There is a spirituality, or mysticism about Enger’s story-telling that captures my attention as well. Enger’s town is small, but the people in it are larger than life. There are moments of humor and tenderness, and some evil and tragedy as well. However, the overall feeling is one of hope and resilience and of looking forward to the future, whatever it may bring.
My full review HERE

[Kirsten]

I've been reading Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi and listening to Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

[Book Concierge]

To the Bright Edge Of the World – Eowyn Ivey – 4.5****
This is a marvelous adventure story, and an engaging look at personal growth. Both these lead characters experience heartache and difficulties and yet both persevere in reaching their goals despite obstacles, naysayers and setbacks. I loved the use of diary entries and letters to tell this bifurcated story. The book is full of Native Alaskan people’s culture, traditions, and stories. There are several very strong Native characters. I love magical realism and Ivey seamlessly weaves these elements into her story.
My full review HERE

[Faith]

My review of The Burning: Massacre, Destruction, and the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 by Tim Madigan

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

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

https://crimereads.com/ron-rash-on-cr... . Rash's new book, In the Valley: Stories and a Novella Based on Serena was published August 4, 2020.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished:


The Bad Seed by William March
Rating: 3 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

and I started reading


A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor

[John]

Sure of You (book #6 of the nine book series, Tales of the City) by Armistead Maupin.

[ALLEN]

Reading "No One Helped": Kitty Genovese, New York City, and the Myth of Urban Apathy, one of a trio of books about the 1964 Kitty Genovese murder that were published 4 - 5 years ago.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished the terrific and fun Detroit crime novel:


Swag by Elmore Leonard
Rating: 4 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I always think of Leonard as a Detroit writer, but I was surprised to learn that he was born in Louisiana. He did set a lot of his books in Florida.

[Book Concierge]

Death Of a Winter Shaker – Deborah Woodworth – 3.5***
Book # 1 in the Sister Rose Callahan cozy mystery series, set in a Shaker community in 1930’s Kentucky. I really enjoyed this mystery. Woodworth has given the reader some very interesting and complex characters. Rose is determined, clear-thinking, intelligent and tenacious. And I learned a little about the Shakers.
My full review HERE

[Faith]

My review of Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home by Richard Bell

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

[Book Concierge]

Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson – 5***** and a ❤
Jacqueline Woodson is an award-winning author and poet. This memoir of her childhood, growing up in the turbulent 1960s is written entirely in free verse. The language is appropriate and accessible for the target middle-school audience, but eloquent and complex enough to engage and interest adults.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Go See the Principal – Gerry Brooks – 2.5**
Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal in Lexington, Kentucky. Apparently, he’s also a YouTube celebrity of sorts. I don’t have any children. I’m not a teacher. It’s been a long time since I’ve personally been in school of any kind, let alone elementary school. I would probably have found this funnier if it was closer to home and I could relate. As it was, I thought it was more “instructional” than entertaining.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Long Road To Mercy – David Baldacci – 4****
This is a fast-paced mystery / suspense / thriller with a kick-a** female heroine – or two. I really liked FBI agent Atlee Pine, who is physically and mentally strong, intelligent, determined and well able to take care of herself, and others. But I loved her assistant, Carol, who rises to the occasion and shows that she’s more than up to the task of besting the bad guys. This is a team to watch!
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner’s Daughter – Loretta Lynn & George Vecsey – 3.5***
This autobiography takes the reader from Loretta’s birth to stardom. Originally published in 1976, the 30th-anniversary edition includes a forward with some additional information. I found this very interesting. She tells her story in a forthright and honest manner, relating both the good and the bad.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards – Lilian Jackson Braun – 3***
Book # 1 in a cozy mystery series featuring James Qwilleran, a newspaper reporter in an unnamed Midwestern city, and an extraordinary Siamese cat, Koko. I love cozy mysteries, and this is a great series. Qwilleran is a good amateur detective. As a reporter he is appropriately curious and has a great excuse for gathering information. No talking cats, here, still I like the way that Braun uses Koko to help Qwilleran. A totally satisfying cozy mystery read.
My full review HERE

[Beverly]

I have had problems with concentrating for the past couple of months so my reading speed is way off! I like to keep up with at least one or two of our monthly Group Reads and hope to get back to that soon. In the mean time, I am still following the discussions.

Currently I am reading some ghost stories in preparation for Halloween.
The Oxford Book of Twentieth-Century Ghost Stories

and Campfire Stories for Kids: A Scary Ghost, Witch, and Goblin Tales Collection to Tell in the Dark: Over 20 Scary and Funny Short Horror Stories for Children While Camping or for Sleepovers

[T. Rose]

I am just starting to read Miss Jane by Brad Watson, in the middle of a book about tne Florida serial killer Danny Rollins (I lived down there during his reign of terror) and listening to "A Farther Shore" about Rachel Carson when I go on my walks. I am sure enjoying this group!

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Miss Jane is so good. I'm trying to figure out if I have time to re-read it.

[Sue]

Oh yes, Miss Jane was so good. Maybe someday I’ll read it again too, Diane. Right now I’m primarily reading mysteries since that’s what my brain seems to want.

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

I'm. In the third of four historical fiction thrillers, The Empire of Night, by Robert Olen Butler. Set during World War One,, war correspondent Christopher Marlowe Cobb serves as an American secret service agent attempting to uncover a British Lord loyal to Kaiser Wilhelm. Cobb's mother, legendary actress is the bait too trap the treasonous Brit.

[T. Rose]

Diane wrote: "Miss Jane is so good. I'm trying to figure out if I have time to re-read it."
Do it. LOL!

[Cathrine ☯️]

Definite heat Rash with this one.
In the Valley: Stories and a Novella Based on Serena

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

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished:


A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor
Rating: 4 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ed]

I thought your members might be interested in the discussion I'm holding this week with the American Historical Novels GR group centering on my new novel, Something in Madness, set in 1865 Mississippi. Tomorrow's topic: Black Codes.

You can find the group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

Something in Madness

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

The New York Times is getting into the Halloween spirit by publishing this list of 50 States, 50 Scares with their choice of a spooky read for every state. It includes a couple that we have read, Cold Moon Over Babylon, and The Night of the Hunter and several other great works. I'm particulartly interested in Blood Kin, winner of the Bram Stoker award and described as "A dark Southern Gothic vision of ghosts, witchcraft, secret powers, snake-handling, kudzu, Melungeons, and the Great Depression."

[Ed]

I'm reading The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall by Chrisopher Hibbert. Well researched and written.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished:


Joe by Larry Brown
Rating: 4 stars (but I could be talked into 5)
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

and I started reading:


Tourist Season by Carl Hiaasen

[Faith]

My review of Down Along with That Devil's Bones: A Reckoning with Monuments, Memory, and the Legacy of White Supremacy by Connor Towne O'Neill

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

[Anne]

I just finished Lincoln in the Bardo. Wow.

[Vicki]

I just finished Pew, andam feeling a bit guilty.

[Book Concierge]

Thirteen Moons – Charles Frazier – 5*****
Frazier’s sophomore effort returns to the rural Carolina landscape, covering nearly a century from the 1820s to the very beginning of the 20th century. The tale is told by Will Cooper, who as a twelve-year-old orphan was sent into the wilderness as a “bound boy.” It’s a marvelous story, and beautifully told. Will’s life is full of adventure and opportunities, as well as peril and mistakes. Frazier puts the reader into an America that is long gone but vividly portrayed. On finishing, I find that I want to start again at the beginning, savoring every word.
My full review HERE

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished:


Tourist Season by Carl Hiaasen
Rating: 3 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

After many years I have begun Stoner. An excellent character study. However, I am overcome with a sense of deep sadness that Stoner will face in the coming pages. 20% in. A long way to go.