What's Everyone Reading? 2010 [Archive] - Page 4

Rosebud

10-14-2010, 12:21 PM

I finished Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. Great book. I really enjoyed it. Once again, I am amazed at Franzen's skill at picking apart ordinary people and fairly ordinary situations and finding depth, drama and emotion. When you read a logline for this book you might think, "Why do I need to read a 400+ page book about a troubled marriage? Sounds boring." But then Franzen takes that simple idea into a thousand interesting places. I was riveted. I also liked the characters, for all their flaws, oddities and frustrations. They were so real to me. Whichever universities out there are teaching literary character development to young writers should have Franzen all over their syllabi. So, I guess in regards to all the "Franzen is our great, contemporary American writer" hype, I've definitely drunk the Kool Aid.

I also finished reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Meh. I don't think this particular classic holds up so well in a number of respects. I don't mind the old novels where marriage is the only suitable happy ending, and like 99% of the aspiration of its female characters. Say, for instance, all of Jane Austen's work. It was appropriate to its time. In the case of Jane Eyre, however, I was really frustrated by Jane's romantic options (bad and worse, for the most part) and her lack of imagination in terms of other paths her life might take. The over-romanticism about marriage in general completely annoyed me.

TerpsFan

10-14-2010, 12:37 PM

I've been on a Lionel Shriver kick lately...completely loved So Much for That and I just finished We Need to Talk About Kevin last night. I had nightmares all night. Anyone else read this? I'm still a bit disturbed about it.

Anyone read Post-Birthday World or any of her other books? I'm kinda liking this author right now...

cactus

10-14-2010, 05:48 PM

TerpsFan, I haven't read Kevin but I've read the other two. So Much For That was one of my favorites of the year! Also, did you know the author is a woman? I was surprised when I found that out. I really think she's a great writer and I actually learned a lot (not all good, you know?) from reading SMFT.

TerpsFan

10-14-2010, 06:19 PM

Cactus, when I looked at her picture while reading SMFT I was shocked to see the author a woman! I really like how she weaves current events/politics into fiction. SMFT really had me thinking about healthcare and aging in general. Kevin has me FREAKED about how I am raising my children.

LeslieR

10-15-2010, 07:18 AM

I tried to read Post Birthday World, but I couldn't handle it. I do still want to read her other books, though.

I'm about to start Sara Gruen's new book, Ape House. I finally finished the audio book of The Girl Who Played With Fire. I wish I would have actually read that book instead of listened to it. By the end, I was just listening to it to finish it. I'm really not 100% sure on how it ended! No more audio books for me.

Rosebud

10-15-2010, 08:09 AM

I'm just starting two new books, Love and Summer (http://www.amazon.com/Love-Summer-Novel-William-Trevor/dp/0143117882/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287154891&sr=8-1) by William Trevor and Families of the Vine: Seasons Among the Winemakers of Southwest France (http://www.amazon.com/Families-Vine-Seasons-Winemakers-Southwest/dp/0060559659/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287155035&sr=1-1) by Michael S. Sanders.

Michael Sanders is the author of From Here, You Can't See Paris: Seasons of a French Village and Its Restaurant (http://www.amazon.com/Here-You-Cant-See-Paris/dp/0060959207/ref=pd_cp_b_3). I read that one a couple of years ago after reading a recommendation either here or way back on WC. If you haven't read it, I totally recommend it. It's GREAT. It's about an American writer who moves to a small French village with his family and chronicles the operations of the single but highly regarded restaurant in the town. This book is what Peter Mayle's books should be. It's thoughtful and observant and personal, while lovingly detailing the lives of the people in provincial France. It's still one of my favorite nonfiction books. So, I have high hopes for Families of the Vine!

littlebear

10-17-2010, 04:22 AM

Open by Andre Agassi is a must read for non-fiction autobiographies this year. Even if you are not a tennis fan, I think that you will find this gripping, moving, and entertaining. One of the best books that I've read this year.

Ape House was really good too. I expected a bit more depth to the story given her previous work, but overall I enjoyed it. I don't think it's as good as Water for Elephants

Ummm

10-17-2010, 10:56 AM

Open by Andre Agassi is a must read for non-fiction autobiographies this year. Even if you are not a tennis fan, I think that you will find this gripping, moving, and entertaining. One of the best books that I've read this year.

Heard good things about it - that it was very honest. Thanks for the confirmation :)

Ummm

10-17-2010, 11:03 AM

Finished The Piano Teacher by Janice Lee. Meh. I was looking forward to it too but after I was done, it was, "that's it?"

Think of a Number by John Verdon - if you like murder/mystery, this is a fun one to read.

Innocent by Scott Turow and Let Darkness Come by Angela Hunt - legal thrillers. they were okay.

LeslieR

10-19-2010, 09:01 AM

ugh! Both Freedom and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest both just came in for me at the library! WAH! I'm barely into Ape House. WHY does this always happen to me? I'm super behind on TV shows-this is the worst time of year for reading for me. UGH!

scarlett

10-19-2010, 09:46 AM

I finished The Girl Who Played with Fire last week. I actually thought it started slower than The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I had a really had time getting into it. But then it picked up and then it just ended. Now I have to wait a few weeks for The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest from the library.

solongtogo

10-19-2010, 10:14 AM

The Secret Life of Bees It's fantastic!

littlebear

10-19-2010, 05:25 PM

Heard good things about it - that it was very honest. Thanks for the confirmation :)

Brutally honest. He just lays it all out there even when it is very unflattering to himself.

littlebear

10-19-2010, 05:26 PM

Finished The Piano Teacher by Janice Lee. Meh. I was looking forward to it too but after I was done, it was, "that's it?"

I thought the same exact thing. I was really disappointed by it. It wasn't an awful book. I was just expecting a lot more from it especially with the way that it started. I felt really let down by the story at the end.

Dizzy

10-19-2010, 08:54 PM

I read Olivia Munn's memoir and it was quirky and cute. Now I'm reading the latest in the Spellman Files. I really really love those books! Those crazy Spellmans!

My husband just finished C and he thought it was fantastic. I might read that next after all these light reads =)

marchfamily

10-25-2010, 11:26 AM

I'm about 2/3 done with American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. Finally, a book I'm really enjoying. The pace is nice. The plot not too heavy.

I'm next up on Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. I only got through the first section of The Passage by Justin Cronin...but I'm into AW, so it will go back to the library and I'll get back on the wait list.

Recent string of meh reads: Room, A Novel by Emma Donoghue, The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Not My Boy!: A Father, A Son, and One Family's Journey with Autism by Rodney Peete & The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.

Wrighty26

10-25-2010, 12:44 PM

I recently finished reading Maze Runner and I'm now reading the second book of the series, The Scorch Trials. Definitely recommend them. They are similar in tone/theme to the Hunger Games books.

Prior to that I read Ape House . It was easy to read but I felt eh about it. It's not her best book, I was expecting more I guess.

Rosebud

10-25-2010, 02:11 PM

I just started listening to Commitment by Elizabeth Gilbert. While I didn't always like her during Eat Pray Love, I thought the overall journey was a worthwhile one. I'm happy to give another book of hers a shot. So far, Commitment is a really interesting meditation on what marriage is to different people in different cultures, and how one comes to terms with their personal expectations of marriage. I'm curious to see where this goes.

Ummm

10-27-2010, 08:23 PM

The Faculty Club: A Thriller by Danny Tobey. Premise sounded interesting - this secret club from the best law school in the world. Went from interesting to Meh.

mrs_pell

10-31-2010, 09:33 AM

Brutally honest. He just lays it all out there even when it is very unflattering to himself.

I read Open at the very beginning of the year, and after 40+ books later, it's still probably my favorite book of the year! LOVED IT! Couldn't put it down. I'm sure I raved about it in this thread earlier too. :)

Ummm

10-31-2010, 12:56 PM

Finished The Weight of Silence: A Novel by Heather Gudenkauf. Not bad, a tad predictable. Some chapters probably not necessary (told by several narratives).

Dizzy

11-01-2010, 07:59 PM

Reading Skippy Dies and I really really like it.

Rosebud

11-02-2010, 08:22 AM

Reading Skippy Dies and I really really like it.

This has been on my list for a while, since I read several good reviews. Glad to hear you're liking it!

LeslieR

11-02-2010, 10:14 AM

Finally finished Ape House last night. I agree with everyone else who said it was not as good as Water For Elephants. It took me so long to finish that I had to return Freedom to the library today (couldn't renew because it had been requested). :( I'm so bummed. I'll request it again and it will probably be forever before my number comes up. I was able to renew The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, though. I guess I'm going to start that next.

ee_chick

11-02-2010, 07:11 PM

I've got a few to add since the last time I was in here.

I read The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down for my book club. I didn't love this book, but it was a really fascinating look into the Hmong communities immigration/assimilation experience in general and the heartbreaking medical case of one young girl in particular. I wouldn't classify it as a great book, but I am glad that I read it.

I'd Know You Anywhere tells the story of Eliza, whose assailant is reaching out to make amends after kidnapping her and holding her for weeks the summer she was fifteen. The story moves between Eliza's present day life as a wife and mother and that terrible summer. A good book, but short of great.

I read My Hollywood on rosebud's recommendation, and I'm very glad that I did. The writing is always very good and sometimes quite wonderful. It tells the story of Claire, a composer mother and Lola, a Filipina nanny, and alternates between their views. I often find character driven stories, especially those with such lovely writing, to be so intent on being serious that they strip the characters of real happiness or balance. That's not the case here. There's plenty of rawness, but a with grace and love running through.

Room - A book obviously inspired by recent events, this is the story of a kidnapped woman and her son Jack who have lived in a tiny shed "Room" for his entire life. It's a story of love an ingenuity on the part of Ma and Jack, and an exploration in perspective. I have some trouble with the premise and its 'ripped from the headlines' inspiration, but it is a book that is hard to put down.

Ape House is not a particularly tight story or Good Book. Sara Gruen is easy to read though, and the bonobos are engaging characters. Some of the human characters are not fleshed out enough, and the plot veers with randomness and relies on coincidence. Still, a decently enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

marchfamily

11-02-2010, 07:27 PM

Reading Peace Like a River, Leif Enger. I'm sort of previewing it before committing to this read for a new book club.

Listening to Freedom, Franzen. Not sure about Freedom. Odd point of view so far.

Next up: The 19th Wife

Rosebud

11-02-2010, 09:15 PM

Reading Peace Like a River, Leif Enger. I'm sort of previewing it before committing to this read for a new book club.

I looooooved this book. Keep with it if it seems a little slow at first. It is one of the more emotional and powerful books I've ever read.

Listening to Freedom, Franzen. Not sure about Freedom. Odd point of view so far.

Another big "stick with it!" from me. Great book.

I read My Hollywood on rosebud's recommendation, and I'm very glad that I did. The writing is always very good and sometimes quite wonderful. It tells the story of Claire, a composer mother and Lola, a Filipina nanny, and alternates between their views. I often find character driven stories, especially those with such lovely writing, to be so intent on being serious that they strip the characters of real happiness or balance. That's not the case here. There's plenty of rawness, but a with grace and love running through.

So glad that you enjoyed this book, too! One of my favorites of the year, no doubt.

LeslieR

11-03-2010, 05:36 AM

Oh, you guys just reminded me that I have My Hollywood waiting for me at the library!

littlebear

11-04-2010, 02:01 PM

The 19th Wife

I really liked this one. You'll enjoy it if you are hooked on Sister Wives on TLC. ;)

Last month Lifetime did a movie version of it that was decent if a bit light on the details. I'm sure they are re-running it non-stop if you enjoy the book enough to want to catch it.

Rosebud

11-04-2010, 02:58 PM

I just finished up Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat Pray Love). I hadn't heard great things about it, but ended up really enjoying it.

Like Eat Pray Love, this is a memoir and focused on Gilbert's particular experience as she and her Brazilian boyfriend deal with the legal process of living together in the USA. Bottom line, they have to get married so he can stay here. This sends Gilbert into a tailspin, because after her horrible divorce she had sworn never to get married again. The book is an exploration of her feelings about being forced into a corner on the issue and the romantic difficulties she and her boyfriend encounter as they deal with the situation in exile (they spend months wandering through Asia while they wait for paperwork to be processed). Gilbert also researches the history of marriage as an institution, in countries and cultures all over the world, and the current statistics on who benefits from marriage and which marriages tend to last.

There is a lot of stuff you already know in here (statistically, marriage does not improve the lives of women in the western world), and a lot that was new to me (marriage customs and marital conflict resolution in Laos). Most of us on this board are married or have been married, and I think this topic is much more interesting once you're in it and have seen first hand the pros and cons. It made me think a lot about the institution, in ways that I probably should have before I actually got married. I also really enjoyed the historical and cultural background, particularly Gilbert's analysis of why governments and certain religions claim marriage as being particularly theirs and associated with their particular tradition, and why this is usually quite false. Overall, I found the whole thing really intriguing. Gilbert, herself, is also far less whiny and overwrought than she was in Eat Pray Love, probably because she's so much happier during this period in her life, despite all the uncertainty. Anyway, I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Ummm

11-07-2010, 09:34 AM

Finished The Door to December by Dean Koontz. My first Koontz. Saw it recommended by someone on another forum about "scary books". Meh. Predictable.

scout

11-07-2010, 09:48 AM

I just finished Oprah by Kitty Kelley. It definitely kept my interest. I also read Open by Andre Agassi. I was uncomfortable with the way he wrote about Brooke Shields. I felt really badly for her throughout that part of the book. She didn't do anything particulary wrong or bad--just came across as kind of shallow, but I thought Andre was unfair with the digs he took at her. (more explanation in white in case it spoils something) I'm sure she was hurt reading about how he wanted to run away before the wedding and how he wanted to get away from her whenever he could. I didn't mind the many digs that Kitty Kelley took at Oprah in that book, though, so maybe it's just that I have a soft spot in my heart for Brooke Shields because of her infertility and PPD.

Wrighty26

11-07-2010, 11:26 AM

I read Open last week and I felt like a lot of his descriptions were unfair and immature -- Brooke, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang, etc... I don't know. I wasn't wowed by it. I honestly didn't feel like he was that "open" about his life. He breezed by (and downplayed) a lot of pretty major events. I also thought it was pretty crappy what he got away with with the ATP. I did enjoy the insight about his tennis life and his internal conflict -- as well as how he has since dedicated his life to his family and school, so it wasn't all bad! Plus, it was easy/fast read.

Dizzy

11-09-2010, 07:24 AM

Still reading Skippy Dies! It's 655 pages on my Nook, but has been totally worth it. It dragged a little in the middle (or that could have been my state of mind), but overall it's a very well-crafted narrative on regret, identity, and the multi-generational gap. It's kind of awesome.

solongtogo

11-10-2010, 03:24 PM

I'm reading Outlander. It's free on the ebook list at bn.com. I admit that the first 50 pages bored me, but it got better. Its still not my favorite, but the ebook has 700+ pages and I'm only closing in on page 200

katmg

11-11-2010, 04:51 AM

Ohana

11-11-2010, 06:28 AM

Reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. It's different, and although I am intrigued, but the style is very different, and I'm struggling a bit.

marchfamily

11-11-2010, 06:46 AM

I'm reading Outlander.

One of my all time fave series!

Ohana

11-11-2010, 07:40 AM

Another thumbs up for Outlander (the book). I really enjoyed the first 3 books. After that, though, I admit I had to give up. Too many unnecessary characters and tangents to the story. I do wish I could have powered through to find out what happens to Claire, Jaime and the fam, but I just can't slog through another 40000 pages to get there.

imagirliegirl

11-13-2010, 12:23 PM

I'm reading 2 right now.

1 is a total fluff read. It's Bitter is the New Black : Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office by Jen Lancaster. I'd say it's pretty funny so far. I can see why some people wouldn't like the main character, but I think she's pretty funny.

The other is The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore. I'm almost finished and am really enjoying it. It's just such a stunning look at how 2 people can come out of strikingly similar situations with two very different lives.

In 2000, Wes Moore had recently been named a Rhodes Scholar in his final year of college at Johns Hopkins University when he read a newspaper article about another Wes Moore who was on his way to prison. It turned out that the two of them had much in common, both young black men raised in inner-city neighborhoods by single mothers. Stunned by the similarities in their names and backgrounds and the differences in their ultimate fates, the author eventually contacted the other Wes Moore and began a long relationship. Moore visited his namesake in prison; he was serving a life sentence, convicted for his role in an armed robbery that resulted in the killing of an off-duty policeman. Growing up, both men were subject to the pitfalls of urban youth: racism, rebellion, violence, drug use, and dealing. The author examines eight years in the lives of both Wes Moores to explore the factors and choices that led one to a Rhodes scholarship, military service, and a White House fellowship, and the other to drug dealing, prison, and eventual conversion to the Muslim faith, with both sharing a gritty sense of realism about their pasts. Moore ends this haunting look at two lives with a call to action and a detailed resource guide.

Ummm

11-13-2010, 05:33 PM

Finished Edge by Jeffery Deaver, a stand alone thriller. Not bad.

eli1126

11-14-2010, 08:28 AM

Just finished The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I really enjoyed it.

scarlett

11-15-2010, 11:48 AM

I read The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest last week. I really enjoyed the entire trilogy and wish we could have gotten the rest of the books the author had planned. I would have liked to see more of the characters. And I wonder what would have come from Lisabeth's adventures in the Caribbean. That took up enough time and space in the second book that I have to think it was laying groundwork for a future story. So sad that there won't be more.

I started to read Mini-Shopaholic last week. I only got a few pages into it when I remembered how much I dislike Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood). I really can't stand that character, yet I keep reading. I read a few chapters at the beginning, then the end, now I'm skipping around the rest of the book.

Ummm

11-15-2010, 09:58 PM

I read The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest last week. I really enjoyed the entire trilogy and wish we could have gotten the rest of the books the author had planned. I would have liked to see more of the characters. And I wonder what would have come from Lisabeth's adventures in the Caribbean. That took up enough time and space in the second book that I have to think it was laying groundwork for a future story. So sad that there won't be more.

I heard that they have found a book 4 manuscript? Not sure if it's true or not... too sleepy to google now :)

Dizzy

11-24-2010, 07:11 AM

I tried reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest and I couldn't - it was just so bad. At least I tried! Recently read Model Home: A Novel, which I liked, and now I'm reading Cheerful Money, which DH really liked.

Is anybody getting (or giving) books or Nooks or Kindles for Christmas?

Rosebud

11-24-2010, 08:33 AM

I'm having a historical fiction moment.

I'm listening to Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. It won the Man-Booker Prize last year. It's the story of Henry VIII/ Catherine of Aragon/ Anne Boleyn told from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell, who is always portrayed as the bad guy in other accounts of this saga. It's really interesting. I think it helps to have read other books about this period (even just The Other Boleyn Girl) for some perspective, but I'm enjoying it and think the writing is really solid.

I'm reading Mistress of the Revolution by Catherine Delors. It's about a noblewoman during the time of French Revolution. I'm not that far in, but it's compelling.

ee_chick

11-24-2010, 09:30 AM

I read The Wednesday Wars for book club this month. It's young adult fiction set in the 60s, and tells the story of a middle school boy dealing with one on one time with his teacher every Wednesday in addition to typical middle school issues. I didn't think I would like it, and it had a slow start, but I ended up really enjoying this one.

I read How To Be An American Housewife on travel last week and really enjoyed it. It's the story of a Japanese war bride and her daughter. It's the story of love, loss, assimilation and family challenges.

If you're a dog person, check out You Had me at Woof, the often touching and funny story of a woman and her experiences with Boston Terriers - as an owner and a member of a rescue organization.

If you're in the mood for something that's in the style of chick-lit but not exactly frothy, try Bad Girl Creek. It's not wonderful, but it's easy and touching.

I needed a biography of my choice for my new book club, so I chose Unbroken. I'm about a third of the way through it so far, and I'm really enjoying it.

katmg

11-24-2010, 09:40 AM

I just finished Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter. I liked the idea of the book - southerner moves up north with her family. I found the main character to be weak and annoying with no backbone. Ugh. I wanted her to be stronger, to take control more but I suppose that was her journey during this book. I wanted to like it, but I just found it a bit trite. Also, I think maybe the author is older? b/c the main character is supposed to be a young mother (probably mid to late 30's) but all of the pop culture references that she and her girlfriends have are for women in their 60's. :confused: Oh well, better luck next time.

Ummm

11-26-2010, 08:08 PM

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn - quick read, quite cute. Reminded me a bit of Potato Peel Society (I can never remember the whole title).

Up from the Blue by Susan Henderson. Not bad for a debut. Some found it emotional with lots of twists. Wasn't too emotional or twisty for me though.

ee_chick

11-28-2010, 07:23 AM

The NYT has their 100 Notable Books of 2010 (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/books/review/100-notable-books-2010.html?_r=1) list out.

Ummm

11-28-2010, 05:18 PM

The NYT has their 100 Notable Books of 2010 (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/books/review/100-notable-books-2010.html?_r=1) list out.

Thanks for the link. I'd read:

ROOM. By Emma Donoghue.

SHADOW TAG. By Louise Erdrich

THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS. By Rebecca Skloot.

cactus

11-28-2010, 05:38 PM

I finished I'd Know You Anywhere (liked, did not love) and am about to finish The Madonnas of Echo Park by Brando Skyhorse. I LOVE this book. I highly recommend it, even more if you know Los Angeles well (especially the east side). It's very similar in structure to The Imperfectionists, actually. It's extremely compelling. Shout out to my almost-2 year old, who slept the *entire* flight home today so I could read undisturbed. :)

Wrighty26

11-28-2010, 06:59 PM

The NYT has their 100 Notable Books of 2010 (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/books/review/100-notable-books-2010.html?_r=1) list out.

Interesting that Angelology was listed. I don't remember if I reviewed it here, but I thought it was just OK. Mainly because I really didn't like the way it ended. It was a compelling read though, and I'm hoping there is a follow up.

Ummm

12-05-2010, 02:54 PM

Finished Open by Andres Agassi. Not bad, learned a few things I didn't know. Appreciated his honesty. While I think some people may not like that he badmouthed some others in the book (other tennis player), I think it's just him expressing his honest thoughts, plus he did compliment other people as well, so it's not just all negative. Definitely give you a glimpse of what pro tennis player life is like.

Also read The Secret of Chanel No.5 - The Intimate History of the World's Most Famous Perfume by Tilar Mazzeo. Those of you who are interested in perfume or Chanel would prob find it interesting. To me (don't use perfume and not into designer brand) it's okay. I learned something new. And next time when I go to dept store I'll go smell it to see if it smells the way it is described in the book!

Dizzy

12-05-2010, 07:39 PM

Dizzy

12-10-2010, 06:43 PM

Anyone out there able to find time to read this holiday season? My reading hasn't been interrupted too much since I read mostly on the subway. Currently reading The Plague by Camus. Shameful that I'm just now reading it, I know, but better late than never!

elladee

12-11-2010, 06:55 AM

I'm reading Court of the Air by Stephen Hunt (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Court-of-the-Air/Stephen-Hunt/e/9780765360229/?itm=1&USRI=court+of+the+air) which is way more of a fantasy book than I usually read, but DH enjoyed it, so I thought I'd give it a shot. It's really not bad!

I also picked up How I Killed Pluto and Why it Had it Coming by Mike Brown (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/How-I-Killed-Pluto-and-Why-It-Had-It-Coming/Mike-Brown/e/9780385531085/?itm=1&USRI=pluto). I hear it's a quick read, so I think I might take a break from the other book to read this one. It sounds like a fun book.

Lila55

12-12-2010, 06:05 PM

I finished Still Alice by Lisa Genova in one day. What an amazing, although sad book.

I'm about 100 pages into One Day by David Nicholls. I'm not loving Em and Dex. Hopefully they will grow on me.

Dizzy

12-15-2010, 04:49 PM

Reading The Privileges and I really really like it so far.

Ummm

12-15-2010, 07:26 PM

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Just okay for me.

Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls - I like The Glass Castle better but I really do enjoy her writing - finished it in 2 nights. Her grandma is an interesting person! Made me want to re-read The Glass Castle again (don't usually re-read) just to pay more attention to her grandma and mum in the book!

bookworm

12-15-2010, 07:35 PM

I can't find anything to read.

Dizzy, I just read the summary of The Privileges and it sounds like it might work. What I really want is another Marisa de los Santos book, but most of the "books like this" on Amazon are not exciting me. I'll have some time off over the holidays, and I'd really like a few good book and cup of tea days. Anyone have suggestions?

Ohana

12-16-2010, 08:52 AM

Finished Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant last night, and I've come to the conclusion that I just don't care for her books. All of them feel like a slow, agonizing march to the finish, and then all of the sudden, thing move really fast and the story just stops. I also don't find her characters very sympathetic, even though they and their stories are interesting.

On to The Last Days of Dogtown for me! I loved The Red Tent, so I'm looking forward to reading another Anita Diamant.

Dizzy

12-18-2010, 10:34 AM

I finished The Privileges and it ended up being just ok. It started out really strong, but lost me about halfway in (or so). Had a strange ending, too. Now I'm reading Room and I can't put it down. Finally!! A book that I can't put down! I feel like it's been awhile since I read a book like that.

Anyone seen EW's list of the top ten Fiction & Non-Fiction of the year?

Rosebud

12-18-2010, 12:08 PM

Anyone seen EW's list of the top ten Fiction & Non-Fiction of the year?

I did and I thought it was absurd. The fiction list, anyway. "The Lonely Polygamist" (which practically no one else but EW has liked) as #1? The cute but pretty average "One Day" makes the top ten? NO MENTION WHATSOEVER of "Freedom," one of the best fiction books of the last DECADE?! I think the EW reviewers are smoking something.

cactus

12-18-2010, 12:18 PM

Freedom did seem like a glaring omission, especially considering how fawned over it was when it came out!

Okay, although I just checked and EW did give it an A-...it was a really strange list of bests, I agree with you.

ETA: Also, I know a lot of people really liked it here, and it was on EW's list also -- but the more time that has passed since I read the book the more I don't understand the big deal about The Imperfectionists. I liked it okay, but I really didn't think it was that special and the ending pissed me off.

Rosebud

12-18-2010, 01:20 PM

ETA: Also, I know a lot of people really liked it here, and it was on EW's list also -- but the more time that has passed since I read the book the more I don't understand the big deal about The Imperfectionists. I liked it okay, but I really didn't think it was that special and the ending pissed me off.

Completely agreed.

mrs_pell

12-18-2010, 03:02 PM

I recently finished My Hollywood, and I'm totally bummed about it because I didn't like it at all. Not even slightly. I'm really disappointed, too, because so many people have liked it and it got great reviews, but it just didn't speak to me. I'm proud of myself for even finishing it! Such a bummer! I really needed a good book. Now I'm reading The Finkler Question and it's just ok for me, as well. Argh!

At least you finished it! I finally gave up and returned it to the library! Just couldn't get into it!! I'm actually really glad to hear that at least one other person didn't like it! I'd heard so many good things about it I thought I just wasn't "getting it." :)

Dizzy

12-18-2010, 03:19 PM

Rosebud: I agree - I can't believe Freedom didn't make their list. Weird. Although it has made me curious about The Lonely Polygamist...

Mrs_Pell: I wish I hadn't finished it! It was a total waste of time!

scout

12-18-2010, 04:09 PM

I just finished Origins It was interesting, but nothing ground breaking.

I'm late to the party with my next books, but I just got Still Alice, Father of the Rain and Little Bee.

LeslieR

12-18-2010, 04:42 PM

EW's list explains why I hated or disliked a lot of the books I read this year. I get a lot of my recommendations from them. No more!

Dizzy

12-19-2010, 06:04 PM

Still totally digging Room. Although, I think the author changed the characters' circumstances too quickly. Regardless, I'm completely hooked.

Rosebud

12-19-2010, 08:54 PM

Since all the "best of 2010" lists are out now, maybe it's time to get our own list going. I'll start the thread. :)

Your Favorite Books of 2010 (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?49280-Your-Favorite-Books-of-2010&p=2052650)

^ ^
Add your picks!

Ummm

12-19-2010, 09:49 PM

I couldn't find EW"s non-fiction list, does anyone have a link

As for their best fiction list, I'd only read Room, which I thought wasn't bad but not my fav book of the year.

hokiegirl

12-27-2010, 04:31 PM

I am currently reading Stasiland - Stories From Behind the Berlin Wall by Anna Funder. It is quite fascinating so far. It reads like a novel, but are stories investigates the GDR (before the Wall came down in 1989) and the life of the East Germans under the Stasi in interview form.

Dizzy

12-27-2010, 05:37 PM

Reading The Lonely Polygamist and I really like it!

Dizzy

12-29-2010, 07:15 AM

I finished The Lonely Polygamist last night and I ended up loving it. The last 100 pages were very good and extremely well written. I wouldn't call it the best book of the year, but it's definitely up there. I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish, which is saying a lot because it's 540 pages! (on my Nook, anyway) With the completion of that book, I've read 81 this year!

Rosebud

12-30-2010, 01:39 PM

I just started You Can't Get There From Here: A Year on the Fringes of a Shrinking World by Gayle Forman. She and her husband spent a year traveling around the world, focusing on off-the-beaten-path destinations. They're in Tonga right now. Interesting so far!

I've also been thinking about what I want to read next year. I've been looking through the "best of 2010" thread here and the critics' picks for ideas. This is what I think is on my list right now:

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin

And books that will be published in 2011 that I want to read:

Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks (May)
The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obreht (March?)
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (June)
22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson

What's on your 2011 wishlist?

Ummm

12-30-2010, 04:48 PM

Rosebud

12-30-2010, 05:24 PM

Is it the author who wrote If I Stay (YA)

It is! I actually had to look this up because the cover just says she's a journalist. Turns out she wrote You Can't Get There From Here before her YA titles. Same author, though.

scarlett

12-30-2010, 05:24 PM

What's on your 2011 wishlist? The Land of Painted Caves by Jean Auel (book 6 of the Earth's Children series)

I will probably also read Sweet Valley Confidential. Both come out March 29th.

espresso

12-30-2010, 06:24 PM

The Land of Painted Caves by Jean Auel (book 6 of the Earth's Children series)

I will probably also read Sweet Valley Confidential. Both come out March 29th.

OMG! I should put this in the confession thread but I LOVE(D) Sweet Valley. So excited about the new book! Didn't realize it was actually happening.

I also love the grown up series Earth Children but it has been so long since I read it I need to reread.

Ummm

12-30-2010, 08:04 PM

It is! I actually had to look this up because the cover just says she's a journalist. Turns out she wrote You Can't Get There From Here before her YA titles. Same author, though.

Ah cool. Have to check it out. I enjoyed If I Stay. I think she's working on a sequel for that, written from a diff perspective.

LeslieR

12-31-2010, 05:19 AM

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin

Several of these are on my list. I am so looking forward to some good reading in 2011. I read A LOT of duds in 2010. :(

ee_chick

01-03-2011, 11:19 AM

I've also been thinking about what I want to read next year. I've been looking through the "best of 2010" thread here and the critics' picks for ideas. This is what I think is on my list right now:

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin

And books that will be published in 2011 that I want to read:

Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks (May)
The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obreht (March?)
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (June)
22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson

What's on your 2011 wishlist?

I like this list. And I didn't know that Geraldine Brooks had a new book coming out - I love her!

On my list:
Cleopatra
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Rich Boy
The Invisible Bridge
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
Possibly Skippy Dies and An Object of Beauty