What's Everyone Reading? 2010

[Ummm]

Read away! :)

[mrs_pell]

I'm starting off with The Bourne Identity - by Robert Ludlum. I love the movies and so far I'm loving the book, although it is very different! It was written in 1981 and although the basic premise is the same as in the movie, there are a lot of major differences. I love though, that you can read what he's thinking the entire time...you just can't get that on the screen!

[bookworm]

MrsPell, I think that's why I had a hard time with the movies--I had read the books first, and there is so much going on that just doesn't translate.

I am reading Shantaram (http://www.amazon.com/Shantaram-Novel-Gregory-David-Roberts/dp/0312330537/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262368981&sr=8-1). The writing isn't great, but the story is fascinating.

[eli1126]

I'm reading The Girl Next Door by Elizabeth Noble.

[Rosebud]

I'm just starting The Coral Thief by Rebecca Stott


Narrated by young Englishman Daniel Connor, fresh out of medical school and traveling to a coveted research position in post-Napoleonic Paris in 1815, the novel begins with his realization that his scientific credentials, including a priceless coral specimen, have been stolen by the beautiful woman who sat next to him in the coach. She turns out to be Lucienne Bernard, a notorious thief being pursued by the chief of the Bureau de la Surete, Henri Jagot (based on a real figure and bound to make readers think of Javert). A cat and mouse game ensues, as Jagot tries to enlist Connor to trap Lucienne, but Connor falls deeply in love with the philosopher-thief and eventually makes a decision that might cost him his career, his freedom and his spiritual beliefs. Vividly atmospheric, propulsive and intricately plotted, this is a surefire page turner with literary heft and wide appeal.

[IrishEyes]

Just finished the Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards.

Moving quickly through Paul McCartney: A Life by Peter Ames Carlin.

[wendalah]

Almost done with "Honolulu" by Alan Brennert--some of you may have read his book "Molokai" which was pretty popular with the book club circuit (and well deserved--a great novel!). This one is almost as good as "Molokai" and can recommend it highly. It's about Hawaii in the 1910s-30s and centers around the subject of immigration to the state. Really interesting and a great storyline, too.

[littlebear]

Rosebud-I'll be interested to hear if you like The Coral Thief.

[Ohana]

I'm giving up on A Breath of Snow and Ashes. It's volume 5 (I think, feels like 3450923480) of the Outlander series. I really wanted to know how the story ends, but I can't take Diana Gabaldon's writing style anymore. Too many crazy tangents and characters that have nothing to do with the plotline...992 pages of drivel.

I plan to start The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society tonight.

[MollJay]

Recently finished The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs and Home by Marilynne Robinson and now reading Moloka'i by Alan Brennert.

[Rosebud]

My first two books of the year have been a bust. Didn't really care for either The Coral Thief or The Lace Makers of Glenmara.

re: The Lace Makers of Glenmara... why is it that every book set in Ireland has to be so ridiculous? Lonely, heartbroken American stumbles across Brigadoon-like town lost in time (filled with all the quirky locals you can imagine) and meets some hot, brooding Irish guy. You know where this goes and it's BORING + lame. Where are the good books about contemporary Ireland? I'm not a big Maeve Binchy or Edna O'Brien fan, but am sort of interested in Sebastian Barry.

Anyway, now I'm listening to The Magicians by Lev Grossman (but am annoyed by the crazy similarities to Harry Potter) and reading The Accidental by Ali Smith.

[ausi2b]

Ohana - I'm curious of what you think of the Potato Peel Society. I liked it, but not enough to RAVE about it.

[bookworm]

Where are the good books about contemporary Ireland? I'm not a big Maeve Binchy or Edna O'Brien fan, but am sort of interested in Sebastian Barry.


Have you read any of Cecelia Ahearn's books? I suspect you might find them too fluffy, but they are set in contemporary Ireland and don't follow the plot you described. But what the heck, I like Maeve Binchy. Sort of.

[mpc863]

I just finished The Kitchen Boy. It was a slow start but it ended up being a very good book. I'm still thinking about it!

Over the Holidays I also read Girl with a dragon tattoo, The Help, and My Life in France. They were all great!

[mmm]

Reading The White Queen by Philippa Gregory.
It's okay, but not as good as some of her others. I do like historical fiction though!

[Wrighty26]

I just finished 13 Reasons Why - pretty deep subject matter for a Young Adult book! It made me think a lot about how my kids are going to be teenagers before I know it and kinda made me sad.

On a more positive note, I am currently reading Kitchen Confidential and loving it. Great book! Should have read it sooner.

I got a Nook for Christmas (though I am still waiting on its arrival :p) and just bought a bunch of eBooks. Looking forward to reading them:

Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love)
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
Fallen by Lauren Kate (YA)
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (I really bought this for DH, but I know I will read it too)

I also downloaded the sample for Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (it's also YA, but sounds interesting).

[LeslieR]

I'm reading another Sophie Kinsella book, Remember Me?. I'm really enjoing it. I am blown away by how much better her non-Shopaholic books are!

[Dizzy]

Recently read Voluntary Madness by Norah Vincent. I did not like it - totally self indulgent, IMO.

Just finished Good Book by David Plotz and it was incredible! One of the best books I've read in awhile. I highly recommend it (especially if you're at all interested in the subject matter).

[Tanya]

Just finished Anita Shreve's newest, A Change in Altitude. Her books are hit or miss for me. Loved Pilot's Wife, The Weight of Water, and Testimony, but some of her others (Wedding in December, The Last Time They Met) were terrible. This one was ok. It was set in the '70s in Kenya, so beautiful setting, but the plot was a little ridiculous and none of the characters were particularly likeable. And it didn't make me want to visit Kenya in the least, it was fairly depressing.

Right now I'm reading Blood Orange, and so far, so good. Similar to The Deep End of the Ocean or A Year of Fog, which was a newer one I enjoyed.

I asked earlier about books on CD, and we listened to a lot on our trip, but the best by far was Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. I can't believe I'd never heard of it before (best selling mystery of all time), but was great to listen to. It was only 6 hours long as well. Well worth the $15 from iTunes.

[CindyLouWho]

I'm reading The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold for our book club. Just started it but it has very mixed reviews. Anyone read it?

Rosebud and Bookworm,
Have you read Brooklyn by Colm Toibin? Story of an Irish immigrant that's very well done.

[mgrace]

I'm reading X Saves the World: How Generation X Got the Shaft but Can Still Keep Everything from Sucking. I like it!

[Dizzy]

Rosebud and Bookworm,
Have you read Brooklyn by Colm Toibin? Story of an Irish immigrant that's very well done.

If I may chime in, I wanted to add that I agree this is a very good book. The writing is stunning but I have to admit it was also really sad, IMO. For some reason, it just really broke my heart.

[Rosebud]

Have you read any of Cecelia Ahearn's books? I suspect you might find them too fluffy, but they are set in contemporary Ireland and don't follow the plot you described. But what the heck, I like Maeve Binchy. Sort of.

I've been meaning to try out one of her books. Do you have a favorite? I don't mind fluffy now and again. I read everything Sophie Kinsella writes, after all. :p



Have you read Brooklyn by Colm Toibin? Story of an Irish immigrant that's very well done.

It's been on my list for ages but I haven't read it yet. Going to prioritize it this year. Thanks for the reminder!

[Wrighty26]

Rosebud - I really liked P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahearn. Not sure if you saw the movie or not, but the book is so much better (and it made me cry buckets). I also really like Marian Keyes (she is also from/writes about Ireland). It's fluffy, but not obnoxious. I think my favorite by her is Rachel's Holiday.

[ee_chick]

Brooklyn has been on my list for months - I'll bump it up since you guys are giving it such great reviews.

I'm reading The Lacuna right now. It's decent, but I'm not loving it. Very interesting historically and geographically, but not written in a style that I find all that engaging. I usually like Kingsolver's writing a lot, too. I'm maybe halfway through?

[bookworm]

I haven't read Brooklyn, but it showed up on a couple of "recommended for you" lists lately, so I will give it a shot.

I don't know if I have a favorite Cecelia Ahearn book... I didn't love any of them, but I liked P.S. I Love You and Love, Rosie. I do like the Marian Keyes books as well... I believe Watermelon was also set in Dublin.

[steelcitymama]

Reading The White Queen by Philippa Gregory.
It's okay, but not as good as some of her others. I do like historical fiction though!

I read The White Queen a few weeks ago and really liked it - I've like everything of hers that I've read (3 or 4, maybe?). I know you said you like historical fiction...I always enjoy it when I read it, but I'm not that familiar with it as a genre. Do you have any book or author recs?? I'd appreciate it!

I'm currently reading American Wife, which I like a lot. I love the writing and I like the story.

[Ummm]

Finished Tell Them I Didn't Cry: A Young Journalist's Story of Joy, Loss, and Survival in Iraq by Jackie Spinner with Jenny Spinner (her twin).

After I read Joker One (military memoir) which I really liked, I thought I'd read some more military memoir, this time from a report's perspective. It was just okay for me... probably would've been more interesting as a feature story in the newspaper or magazine instead of a book. It was a bit slow for me but I decided to finish... a few other reviews I read said she's too whiny which I can see... I can't really go into details without "spoilers". Some parts are repetitive too.

I do like that after each chapter, her twin sister (they are very close) wrote a short passage about how she felt and went through, so it gives you a different perspective.

[Tanya]

I'm reading The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold for our book club. Just started it but it has very mixed reviews. Anyone read it?

I read it a couple years ago. It was quite disturbing, but well written. Very dark. It was about a woman coming apart and took place over the course of 24 hours (IIRC). I wouldn't probably recommend it to anyone, but I didn't think I wasted time reading it. It would be a good one for book club discussion, though.

[Anna Low]

I just finished American Wife and found it to be a good story. It reminded me far too much of the truth that we finally got finished living last year though.

[Sposa06]

I just finished a fun little book called Anonyponymous (a combination of "anonymous" and "eponymous"). It was a Christmas gift, and I definitely recommend it! It's a perfect gift for anyone who likes words or trivia (that's me on both counts). It gives brief backgrounds on things or terms that have been named after people in cases where the people have largely been forgotten. A few examples include James Thomas Brudenell, the seventh Earl of Cardigan (cardigan); Franz Anton Mesmer (mesmerize); and General Ambrose Burnside (sideburns). It's only about 150 pages, and it was just a really fun, quick read.

[Lila55]

I just finished two classics. I enjoyed both books.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath Author's life is very sad and tragic, book is semi-autobiographical.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margerate Atwood If you are a feminist, you must read this book if you already have not read it.

I need to read something light next!

[Sposa06]

Lila--I can't imagine reading those books at the same time! You need some fluff reading, stat!

[Wrighty26]

The Handmaid's Tale is one of my favorite books! I can read it again and again. Atwood has some really great stuff actually - The Blind Assassin is also good and I've heard that Oryx and Crake is good too.

[Dizzy]

Lila--I can't imagine reading those books at the same time! You need some fluff reading, stat!

Seriously! Someone throw that girl some Christopher Moore :)

I've been reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton the past few days. I absolutely ADORED The House at Riverton (her first novel), but this one isn't drawing me in as much. I mean, it's fine; I want to know what happens next, and it's a really light read, but The House at Riverton haunted me for days. Ah, well. Not every book can be magnificent.

[seattleguamgirl]

I plan to start The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society tonight.

LOVED this book. I laughed and cried and fell in love with the characters. It was one of my favorites last year.

I read one book this year, Oxygen, and it was okay. Engaging and had twists to the plot that I didn't really see coming. I wouldn't say it is a "must read" but it was pretty good.

I need to get back on the bandwagon! I have so many books to plow through. I promised myself I wouldn't buy anything new until I made a dent in my pile of books. :)

[seattleguamgirl]

I've always loved The Handmaid's Tale! It's such a great book.

[Ummm]

Finished Never Trust a Thin Cook - and other lessons from Italy's Culinary Captial by Eric Dregni. A couple from Minnesota went to live in a small down in Italy for a couple of years. It's a fun read, to read about the food (it's a town big on pigs) and culture etc. I want to travel to Italy!

[Rosebud]

Finished Never Trust a Thin Cook - and other lessons from Italy's Culinary Captial by Eric Dregni. A couple from Minnesota went to live in a small down in Italy for a couple of years. It's a fun read, to read about the food (it's a town big on pigs) and culture etc. I want to travel to Italy!

Wow, that sounds like my kind of book. Adding to the list!

[Ummm]

Wow, that sounds like my kind of book. Adding to the list!

If you like The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious - and Perplexing - City by David Lebovitz I think you'd like it - it reminds me a bit more of another I book read last year though: I'll Never Be French (no matter what I do): Living in a Small Village in Brittany by Mark Greenside. Writing is pretty straight forward but I was reading to learn about things I didn't know about Italy (which isn't a lot) and I did end up learning some new tidbits.

[Ummm]

Finished The Recipe Club - A Tale of Food and Friendship (A Novel) by Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel. It was meh for me but I think it's because I don't like chick-lit. It is a book of letters/emails between 2 close friends (along with recipes they exchanged - which is what drew me in), who broke up their friendship over "something" (not saying, don't want to give you spoiler), then 26 years later tried to reconnect, and there was a big secret...

if you read reviews on amazon or online, you'll generally find good reviews that say they love the book and you'll laugh and cry with the 2 girls...

so i think it's just me.

[rachrich]

I am currently reading Eclipse, which is #3 in the Twilight series. (I read Twilight during the week of Christmas) I'm SUPER late to the game on those books. I slightly hate to admit this, but I am really sucked in to those books. The first one was just ok, New Moon was good, and so far I'm lovin' Eclipse. I've talked with some of my friends who have read the whole series and they agree with me that each book gets better than the previous. Any thoughts from any of you who are into the whole Twilight saga?

A year or so ago when the Twilight books seemed to hit prime popularity in my area, I thought...ick, I'll never read those. In mid-December, my good friend and co-worker wanted me to see New Moon with her, and I said I never read the books or saw the first movie. I rented Twilight in time to see New Moon, now I'm reading the books and I'm SO hooked.

[nawsgirl]

rachrich, I liked Twilight and Eclipse, but wasn't a huge New Moon fan. I have to say that I was really disappointed by Breaking Dawn... you kinda have to read it to find out what happens, but I found it a little ridiculous :)

reading: Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler, it's a young adult book about a girl who has a short secret romance with her best friend's older brother but then he dies... she feels like she isn't allowed to feel the extent of grief that she does since no one knew about their relationship. I really like it so far...

listening to: Shannon by Frank Delaney, it's about a priest from CT who has PTSD after WWI and goes to Ireland to find his roots. Also a lot of stories about Irish politics and history mixed in... I'm about halfway through, but still not sure what I think. I'm getting through it b/c I'm listening to it- if I was reading it I might have given up by now...

[Ohana]

Finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society last night. Loved it. I loved the characters and their stories.

Seattleguamgirl - I've noticed that we enjoy a lot of the same books (you liked Molokai and Honolulu, too, right?). Do you have any other book suggestions? I'm always looking for something new.

Tonight, I go back to The Toss of a Lemon. I really enjoy the story, but it's taking me forever to read.

[LeslieR]

Finished Atonement yesterday which I hated. Started Here On Earth last night. Not sure what I think yet, but holy different writing styles for me in one day! I have Cleaving waiting for me at the library.

[Rosebud]

I finally gave up on The Accidental. Read half of it. Hated it. Gave myself permission to quit.

I'm also not liking The Magicians, which is a big surprise to me. It seemed like my kind of thing. It's like a bad mash-up of Harry Potter and the Narnia books with a little Tolkien thrown in, but with poor characterization and lackluster backstory and motivation.

I'm in some sort of weird reading funk. Haven't liked a single thing I've read this year. :(

[gardenmommy]

I just finished American Wife and found it to be a good story. It reminded me far too much of the truth that we finally got finished living last year though.

I'm about a third of the way through and am enjoying it as well. I'm really intrigued to get to the more current events section and see the author makes of those.

[katmg]

I got on a non-fiction kick and read 3 cups of tea and Stones into Schools. Both by Greg Mortenson about building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They are not well-written but it is a very interesting subject and really makes me think about how we approach getting rid of terrorism.

Also just finished The Help. I really enjoyed that one. I'll probably pass it along to a couple of girlfriends who like to read as well.

Next up are some parenting books I ordered from Amazon. Sigh. My 3 year old is testing me. But after that I'll want something fun!

[steelcitymama]

On the topic of American Wife...I'm about 2/3 through and really enjoying it so far. I love the writing and how detailed each phase of Alice's life is. I'm eager to finish it...headed off to do some reading right now!

[Dizzy]

Finished The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton and it was a decent, easy, "beach"-type read. She is a passable writer and the story was interesting, but it certainly wasn't ground-breaking or something I'd go out of my way to recommend.

Just recently started Prospect Park West - not far enough into it to have an opinion, but it's something that I've been looking forward to for awhile. :)

[seattleguamgirl]

Finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society last night. Loved it. I loved the characters and their stories.

Seattleguamgirl - I've noticed that we enjoy a lot of the same books (you liked Molokai and Honolulu, too, right?). Do you have any other book suggestions? I'm always looking for something new.

Ohana, yes, it sounds like we enjoy the same books! I'm currently reading Peony in Love by Lisa See. I really enjoyed Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and wanted to read more of her books. If you haven't picked up Snow Flower, I suggest you do! I loved that book.

You might enjoy American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld as well. I didn't like Prep as much as I liked that book.

So far, Peony in Love is interesting. Not as gripping as Snow Flower, but okay.

[wendalah]

For those of you who liked the "Potato Peel Pie" book--did you like it right off the bat? I started it the other night and found the first couple chapters boring.

I am now reading "The Help" instead, which I wanted to save for later. This one caught my attention right away and promises to live up to the hype!

[wendalah]

seattleguamgirl--I liked Lisa See's "Shanghai Girls" more than "Peony" (although I liked all of her books). Try that one when you are finished with "Peony."

[Ohana]

Seattleguamgirl - I read Snow Flower and loved it. Need to check out Peony. I also loved, loved, loved Lottery. It's about a mentally disabled man who wins the Lottery. I originally chose it because it takes place in the town in which I live, but it was an awesome story. I highly recommend it. I've been impatiently waiting for The Help on paperbackswap, but I'm way down on the list. I may have to break down and buy it.

Wendalah - It took me a bit to get into the Potato Peel Pie Society, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I think the format threw me off.

[mia's mama]

For those of you who liked the "Potato Peel Pie" book--did you like it right off the bat? I started it the other night and found the first couple chapters boring.

I am now reading "The Help" instead, which I wanted to save for later. This one caught my attention right away and promises to live up to the hype!

I am about 100 pages into "Potato Peel Pie" and I am JUST now starting to like it...I agree, the format threw me off but I am starting to like the characters...you WILL NOT be disappointed with The Help!

[steelcitymama]

interesting re: Potato Peel...i'm on the wait list for it at our library, so i'm curious to check it out. good to know that it may be a slow-starter.

i also got Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman today...i'm a sucker for his stuff. i'll start it after i finish up American Wife.

oh, re: Lisa See, I didn't read Peony.., but i LOVED Shanghai Girls and Snowflower..., especially Shanghai Girls.

[bookworm]

Wendalah - It took me a bit to get into the Potato Peel Pie Society, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I think the format threw me off.

I totally agree with this. And by the end, I think I liked Potato Peel as much as The Help.

[KK812]

I think I must need to read Potato Peel Pie Society again. I agree that it got better as it went on, but I still didn't like it all that much. I, too, was thrown off by the format at first, so maybe if I knew about that going into it I'd enjoy it more.

[Ummm]

Finished 31 Hours by Masha Hamilton - if any of you are going to read it, I'd love to know what you think. Reviews have been very very positive online, so I feel like the odd one out because I felt like I'd just wasted my time... it's hard to explain why i don't like it without spoilers...

[seattleguamgirl]

Thanks for the recs, ladies! I'll put Shanghai Girls and Lottery on my to-read list.

I agree with everyone about Potato Peel Pie--started off a bit slow but could not put it down about two or three chapters in. It took a while to get used to the format.

[scout]

For those of you who liked the "Potato Peel Pie" book--did you like it right off the bat? I started it the other night and found the first couple chapters boring I've been not posting about this book because every single person I know loves it, but I really didn't like it at all. :( I wish I did!

I just finished Half Broke Horses, and now I want to re-read The Glass Castle.

I'm also reading a Dan Brown book (Deception Point), and I can't believe what a crappy writer he is. "He grasped his silver mane and yelled, "NOOOOOO!" Really?

[LeslieR]

I finished Here On Earth last night. I'm still not sure how I felt about it. I hated the characters by the end. Lots of mixed emotions.

Starting Cleaving tonight. (potential spoiler: )I have no idea why I'm reading two books about cheating back to back!:confused:

[mia's mama]

For those of you who liked the "Potato Peel Pie" book--did you like it right off the bat? I started it the other night and found the first couple chapters boring


I've been not posting about this book because every single person I know loves it, but I really didn't like it at all. I wish I did!


My sister and I usually have very similar taste in books and this one is on her list of top 10 all time favorite books. That said, I am still struggling to get through it! I don't know what it is, but it's just not doing it for me...I started it a week and a half ago and am still only half way through. Sad, considering it's less than 300 pages! I would just put it down if I wasn't reading it for my book group. I WANT to love it..but I just don't.

I am either going to start The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or Moloka'i next...

[seattleguamgirl]

I am either going to start The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or Moloka'i next...

I vote for Moloka'i all the way. :) It was one of my favorite books last year. Dragon was okay but very slow to start--I think I finally got into it about 100 pages in.

[steelcitymama]

agreed that Dragon was very slow to start..i ended up liking it a lot, but i think i only hung in there initially because i had nothing else to read at the time!

based on all the good recs for Moloka'i, i might have to check that out soon.

[sandisays]

I recently finished Still Alice. I just couldn't put it down.

[Ohana]

I'm also reading a Dan Brown book (Deception Point), and I can't believe what a crappy writer he is. "He grasped his silver mane and yelled, "NOOOOOO!" Really?

I hated, hated, hated that book. It was awful. I liked DaVinci Code OK, but Deception Point was hideous.


I vote for Moloka'i all the way. :) It was one of my favorite books last year. Dragon was okay but very slow to start--I think I finally got into it about 100 pages in.

Another vote for Moloka'i. It is one of my all time favorites.

[ee_chick]

I finally finished The Lacuna. Thumbs down.

I started Half Broke Horses last night, and am about half way through it. I'm loving it so far.

[seattleguamgirl]

Finished Peony in Love yesterday and it was okay. It dragged in parts. I started Shanghai Girls last night and it's great so far!

[Rosebud]

Currently reading Her Fearful Symmetry. I know just about everyone has been unimpressed with it, but I had it on hold at the library for months and it finally came in, so I feel like I should read it. I'm about a quarter of the way in and it's interesting so far. It's the end that everyone didn't like, right?

[hub1176]

Currently reading My Life in France and am really enjoying it.
I also started thumbing through The Feminine Mistake. I'm already unsure if I'll feel like finishing it.

[Rosebud]

I also started thumbing through The Feminine Mistake. I'm already unsure if I'll feel like finishing it.

It's a little repetitive, but makes some great points. I thought it was a valuable read.

[Dizzy]

Currently reading Her Fearful Symmetry. I know just about everyone has been unimpressed with it, but I had it on hold at the library for months and it finally came in, so I feel like I should read it. I'm about a quarter of the way in and it's interesting so far. It's the end that everyone didn't like, right?

I think that's the general consensus, but I liked the ending. The whole book was very interesting to me, and got even more so as I kept reading. Sorry I'm being kind of vague; obviously I don't want to give anything away!

[mia's mama]

Finished Potato Peel Pie last night...it did get better towards the end, but I still found it to be ehh.
Starting Moloka'i today and am really looking forward to it!

[LeslieR]

finished Cleaving last night. Don't recommend it at all.

[hub1176]

It's a little repetitive, but makes some great points. I thought it was a valuable read

I agree, but her tone is very off putting (and I work full time).

Finished My Life in France and starting Kitchen Confidential.

[ee_chick]

I finished Half Broke Horses. I liked the first half of the book, and Lily as a child/young adult, much better than the second half of the story.

I'm maybe 2/3 of the way through This Is Where I Leave You, which I picked up based on recommendations here. It's crass, cynical and all about the dysfunctional. It's also laugh out loud funny, has some dead-on observations, and makes you think about love and forgiveness. I hope it ends as strong as started.

Up next is City of Thieves.

[mrs_pell]

I just finished Have a Little Faith, by Mitch Albom, and really enjoyed it. I'm not much of a non-fiction person, but I really liked this one. Here's part of the description from Barnes and Noble website:


In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight year journey between two worlds – two men, two faiths, two communities – that will inspire readers everywhere.

Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie was published twelve years ago, Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.

Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

[Wrighty26]

Currently reading Her Fearful Symmetry. I know just about everyone has been unimpressed with it, but I had it on hold at the library for months and it finally came in, so I feel like I should read it. I'm about a quarter of the way in and it's interesting so far. It's the end that everyone didn't like, right?

Yes - I really enjoy her writing style, and liked most of the book, but the end just did not match my expectations. It wasn't bad, but I felt "eh" when it ended. I thought some of character storylines ended a little too neatly as well.

hub1176 - I'm just finishing up Kitchen Confidential - great book!! Anthony Bourdain is far more interesting than I ever thought he was (and he's a quirky guy to start with!).

[Ummm]

I finished Half Broke Horses. I liked the first half of the book, and Lily as a child/young adult, much better than the second half of the story.



I was wondering whether to read this or not, probably will! Love the Glass Castle.

[Ummm]

hub1176 - I'm just finishing up Kitchen Confidential - great book!! Anthony Bourdain is far more interesting than I ever thought he was (and he's a quirky guy to start with!).

I loved Kitchen Confidential, even though I'd never heard of him before!

[Ummm]

finished Cleaving last night. Don't recommend it at all.

What don't you like about it? I haven't read Julie/Julia (haven't watched the movie either.), so probably won't read this one but am interested to hear why.

[LeslieR]

What don't you like about it? I haven't read Julie/Julia (haven't watched the movie either.), so probably won't read this one but am interested to hear why.

Spoiling the whole book, so feel free to skip!
Well, in the first book (and movie), her husband is this amazing guy. I mean, amazing. In Cleaving, she obsesses over this guy with whom she had a two year long affair. He sounds like a scumbag, her husband knew about the affair and was completely torn up about it and then had an affair of his own. Knowing how awesome her husband is and how happy they seemed, it was all pretty hard to take. She mentions a few times her penchant for the "rough and tumble" sex with her lover. Then she has anonymous sex with strangers to try to get over her lover. It's all just so bizzare and completely different than the first book. Toss in all of the butchering stuff (yawn) and then her traveling around the world after her butcher apprenticeship ends and UGH! The book ends with her and her husband agreeing to basically just see what happens while she makes peace with the ex (seeing him from time to time, but not sleeping with him) and him seeing the woman he had an affair with again. I don't feel like either one of them learned anything. I mean, if they had decided to divorce, then maybe we could have seen they were not meant to be together, ya know? The ending was just a non-ending. So annoying!
Obviously it wasn't horrible because I finished it (I usually give up on books around page 60 if I can't get into them), but I definitely don't recommend it. I think for anyone who liked Julie and Julia, they should just leave it at the happy memories of that.:p

[hub1176]

I'm just finishing up Kitchen Confidential - great book!! Anthony Bourdain is far more interesting than I ever thought he was (and he's a quirky guy to start with!).

I'm having a hard time putting Kitchen Confidential down, and although I've caught bits and pieces of his show No Reservations, I've never really watched, but I think I will after this.

[mia's mama]

Started Moloka'i yesterday, and I am loving it so far!

I loved The Glass Castle too, so I will have to check out Half Broke Horses...

[Rosebud]

All of you who enjoyed Kitchen Confidential should check out the thread on Food Writing (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6153). There are a bunch of recommendations there in a similar vein.

[Megande]

I'm reading Sleeping Dogs by Thomas Perry, which is a sequel to Butcher boy, which I also loved. He is a very exciting and versatile writer.

I really like mystery/detective fiction. I like Lee Child, Harlen Coben, Robert B. Parker, and folks like that. Anyone have any recommendations for me?

[Ummm]

Thanks LeslieR! Ew, I think I'd skip... I am more interested about the food-related books...

[Ummm]

Finished And Then There Were None (aka Ten Little Indians) by Agatha Christie. I read one of her books like 18 years ago but don't even remember which book it was. Thinking of joining my local library and this is the book they are reading this month so thought I'd give it a try since I like murder/mystery. I quite enjoy it! Not the best I'd read but it's a light fun read with subtle clues (that you'll probably see more when you re-read)

Also Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy by Jonni McCoy - tips on how to save money (mostly grocery, but mentioned others like utilities, insurance etc). Most of the tips aren't new to me but have learned something new. Pretty easy read and it includes some recipes and other lists and resources.

[bookworm]

Megande, have you read Dennis Lehane? He wrote Mystic River and Gone, Baby, Gone (among others), and the books are much better than the movies. The Given Day is a newer one, and it's not really a mystery (I liked it, but for different reasons than the others).

Other authors you might like if you haven't tried them yet --Tami Hoag, Tess Gerritsen, Robert Ludlum (some are good, some are awful), Ken Follett (the older ones are better).

LeslieR, I just bought Cleaving... now I sort of want to delete it! But I guess I never saw her as a romantic heroine, so maybe I won't totally hate it.

[LeslieR]

Oh, read it! I'm dying to talk about it with someone!

[steelcitymama]

I really like mystery/detective fiction. I like Lee Child, Harlen Coben, Robert B. Parker, and folks like that. Anyone have any recommendations for me?

I like Jonathan Kellerman a lot and I definitely recommend his books. I also used to read a lot of Patricia Cornwell, though I haven't read any of her more recent stuff.

[Amaye]

I just finished The Help and honestly, I did not love it. It was engrossing and I wanted to find out what happened at the end but that was about it.

I think I'm going for Kitchen Confidential next because I really like Anthony Bourdain and Shanghai Girls (sounds interesting).

[Dizzy]

Finished Prospect Park West and it was quite possibly the most vapid book I've ever read. I don't recommend it.

I just started Fordlandia; it's not the type of book that catches you immediately, I don't think, but I'm willing to give it some time. Anybody else read it?

[hub1176]

Finished Kitchen Confidential.
Just started P.S. I love You and already seems like it will be a fun read.

[CindyLouWho]

MeaganD- have you read Michael Connolly? Love his stuff.

Anyone read The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold? It's our book club book and it's gotten mixed reviews on line.

Just finishing up Shanghai Girls and loving it!

[seattleguamgirl]

Just finishing up Shanghai Girls and loving it!

I'm in the middle of this book and I'm really enjoying it too! It's so sad, though.

[Megande]

Thanks for all of the recommendations! I am going to the library today and am excited to have a long list of new authors to try :).

[bookworm]

Ok, I'm halfway through Cleaving. At first, I hated it...not just the plot (although I was not a fan of that either), but the writing was seriously self indulgent. About a third of the way through, it was growing on me, and now I am about to close the computer and (maybe) go finish it.

It's a fairly quick read, particularly since I need to skim the butchering parts. And I am having popcorn for dinner, because the thought of meat is making me gag right now.

[Rosebud]

I'm reading French by Heart: An American Family's Adventures in La Belle France by Rebecca Ramsey. It's actually a lot better than the ridiculous cover art would have you believe.

It's about a couple who move from South Carolina to decidedly unglamorous central France with their three young children. The husband works for Michelin and gets transferred to the French office. There's a lot of the typical "fish out of water" stuff, which frankly is sort of uninspired, but the bulk of the book seems to be about their interactions with their crazy old neighbor lady, who spies on them relentlessly and harasses them about everything they do, but does it out of love. It's pretty funny stuff. There are also some good moments with the children, who react to the move in differing ways. It's a cute, quick read that actually has some substance.

[LeslieR]

It's a fairly quick read, particularly since I need to skim the butchering parts. And I am having popcorn for dinner, because the thought of meat is making me gag right now.

I did the same thing! Not only did the butchering gross me out, but it bored me to tears!

[Ummm]

Finished The Hunger: A Story of Food, Desire, and Ambition by John DeLucie (chef at NY's Waverly Inn, for those who live in that area). Just meh.

Much prefer:

Dirty Dishes: A Restaurateur's Story of Passion, Pain, and Pasta by Pino Luongo and Andrew Friedman

Out of the Frying Pan: A Chef's Memoir of Hot Kitchens, Single Motherhood, and the Family Meal by Gillian Clark

(and of course Kitchen Confidential).

[honeygirl]

I just finished Weekends at Bellevue by Julie Holland, M.D. I couldn't put it down! I'd heard her interview on NPR and the book didn't disappoint. She was the Attending weekend Physician at Bellevue (psych hospital in Manhattan) for 9 years and this book had her patient stories, life and relationships with other staff wound together. Fascinating and I highly recommend it.

If you're into autobiographies I recently finished Jimmy Carter's An Hour Before Daylight. It's all about his childhood and growing up on a farm in the segregated south. It's page after page about farming and being a child back in the 20's and 30's. Such a different way of life.

Next I'm reading Committed, by Elizabeth Gilbert. She's the one who wrote Eat, Pray, Love. This is her follow up and the rest of the title is "A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage". I've read mixed reviews on the book but I'm going in with an open mind.

[Ummm]

I just finished Weekends at Bellevue by Julie Holland, M.D. I couldn't put it down! I'd heard her interview on NPR and the book didn't disappoint. She was the Attending weekend Physician at Bellevue (psych hospital in Manhattan) for 9 years and this book had her patient stories, life and relationships with other staff wound together. Fascinating and I highly recommend it.


Sounds like my kind of book, thanks!

[bookworm]

Ok, finished Cleaving...I'm not sorry I read it (I liked J&J, so I would have wondered), but I can't recommend it, either. It sort of switched between uncomfortable TMI and boring parts, and there wasn't a particularly cohesive plot.

Now I'm reading Wolf Hall...we'll see how far I get before I need to pause for some fluff.

[Rosebud]

I finished up The Magicians by Lev Grossman and really didn't care for it. I thought it was a bad mash-up of a bunch of popular fantasy books, with an unlikeable protagonist at its core and some sloppy plotting. In the end, I don't know what the author was trying to say, but it sure didn't come across effectively.

I'm now reading Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. I'm about a quarter of the way in and am really enjoying it so far. I know it's gotten iffy reviews from a number of you, so I'm curious to see where it goes.

[Ummm]

Finished a couple of YA novels:

* Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli - I like the concept of the book (acceptance of differences, don't try to be like everyone else) but it was just okay for me... there was something missing or not too realistic.

* The Hate List - after reading Columbine last year, this novel is about school shooting - 408 pages but a quick read. I like it but don't love it - I think i'd like it more if I was a teenager.

[littlebear]

Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan-a must read. It's not fun or easy to read, but it's eye opening and important to read. It's a collection of 5 fictional short stories written by a Nigerian Jesuit priest. The stories depict the plight of children in various African countries, and they are so well written. You are forced to place yourself in the situation of these children as they experience some horrible ordeals.

[Dizzy]

Reading Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer and I looooove it! I'm already a vegetarian, so now to get my husband to join the bandwagon...

[shopaholic]

Next I'm reading Committed, by Elizabeth Gilbert. She's the one who wrote Eat, Pray, Love. This is her follow up and the rest of the title is "A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage". I've read mixed reviews on the book but I'm going in with an open mind.

I've been trying to get into this book for the past 2 weeks and I just can't. I stopped after about 50-60 pages. Its due back at the library and I really don't mind that I didn't finish it. Very disappointed.

[seattleguamgirl]

I finished Still Alice a few days ago and really liked it and would highly recommend it. It was an easy read, compelling and well written. I'm still thinking about that book now.

I'm almost done listening to Shanghai Girls. It has been great but now at the end it's getting a bit slow. I'm fairly sure it's due to the narrator and not necessarily the book. Based on what I've listened to, I would recommend it.

I just started The Road and love it so far. I can't wait to get back to it tonight!

[honeygirl]

Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan-a must read. It's not fun or easy to read, but it's eye opening and important to read. It's a collection of 5 fictional short stories written by a Nigerian Jesuit priest. The stories depict the plight of children in various African countries, and they are so well written. You are forced to place yourself in the situation of these children as they experience some horrible ordeals.

I agree, it was a tough read but an important one.

[cactus]

I finally finished Cutting for Stone this weekend. I loved it! Give it a chance...the first 50 pages or so felt like kind of a slog, but it was so worth it in the end. Great book!

Now I'm reading South of Broad by Pat Conroy for a book club. Eh. The most compelling thing about it so far is that the main character's name is Leo, which is my son's name. Hopefully there's more to like about it than that! :)

[Ohana]

Finished Loving Frank on Saturday. It's the fictionalized account of Frank Lloyd Wright's real life affair with Mamah Borthwick. I'm meh on it. Mamah wasn't a horribly sympathetic character to me, and the writing style changed mid-book. Interesting read, but not one that I'd urge anyone to run out and read, though.

[TerpsFan]

Now I'm reading South of Broad by Pat Conroy for a book club. Eh. The most compelling thing about it so far is that the main character's name is Leo, which is my son's name. Hopefully there's more to like about it than that! :)

I have started this book about 4 times and can't get past the first couple of pages. Please update if it gets better! I love Pat Conroy but his books lately have been real snoozers IMO.

[LeslieR]

I've been reading Brightest Star In the Sky by Marian Keyes for like two weeks now. I hope something happens soon. There are just too many characters and nothing is happening. zzzzzzz.

[ee_chick]

I have started this book about 4 times and can't get past the first couple of pages. Please update if it gets better! I love Pat Conroy but his books lately have been real snoozers IMO.

The story was ridiculously over the top and not nearly up to his best (my favorite was Lords of Discipline) but it was an okay read. Even when you're rolling your eyes at some of the plot devices the writing and descriptions can still draw you in. YMMV, of course.

[hub1176]

Just finished The Help. I liked it, but didn't love it.

[scout]

I just finished "Such a Pretty Fat" by Jen Lancaster. A fluffy, fun, quick read. I also liked her Chicago area references, since I live in the suburbs.

[seattleguamgirl]

I also loved, loved, loved Lottery. It's about a mentally disabled man who wins the Lottery. I originally chose it because it takes place in the town in which I live, but it was an awesome story. I highly recommend it.

Ohana, I'm about three chapters into Lottery and I LOVE it so far! Thanks so much for the recommendation!

[Wrighty26]

I finished Moloka'i last night. I sobbed about 20 times through the course of that book (especially at the end). What a wonderful story. Looking forward to reading Honolulu at some point!

[hub1176]

I finished Moloka'i last night. I sobbed about 20 times through the course of that book (especially at the end). What a wonderful story. Looking forward to reading Honolulu at some point!


I finished Moloka'i last week and thought it was such a moving story. I was also crying at the end (DH thought a family member had died:o ). Great book.

[myshel]

As a high school English teacher, you'd think I read all of the time, but sadly, most of my reading involves analysis by my students. I did read The White Garden by Stephanie Barron over a few snow days recently. It was a quick read that caught my attention. The basic plot of the story revolves around a gardener who's trying to uncover the mystery of her grandfather's suicide. A lot of the story is related to the suicide of Virgina Woolf and the grandfather's part in it. I've already passed it along to friends. :)

[marchfamily]

Reads so far...

Nancy Horan's - Loving Frank - abandoned for Stephen King's book
Stephen King's - Under the Dome - really good, anything that long that can keep my attention...good stuff
Diane Setterfield's - The Thirteenth Tale - good
Kim Eugenia's - The Calligrapher's Daughter - did not like, stopped reading around 100+ pages
Jonathan Trooper's - This is Where I Leave You - okay to good, some funny moments
Pat Conroy - South of Broad - Love, love it! One of my recent favorite reads

Currently reading Lisa See's Shanghai Girls and Pat Conroy's Prince of Tides (audio)

Has anyone read Hunger Games? I'm not a super fan of YA, but it has great reviews on good reads.

[Ummm]

Reads so far...

Nancy Horan's - Loving Frank - abandoned for Stephen King's book


What don't you like about it? heard so many good comments... i joined the local book club recently and this is something we'll read later in the year.



Has anyone read Hunger Games? I'm not a super fan of YA, but it has great reviews on good reads.

I won a copy of this book from goodreads (before all the buzz about it) but haven't read it yet - but heard lots of good reviews about it.

[seattleguamgirl]

Has anyone read Hunger Games? I'm not a super fan of YA, but it has great reviews on good reads.

I've read the first two books in the trilogy (Hunger Games, Catching Fire) and liked both. Actually I liked Catching Fire better than Hunger Games but both were pretty good.

[marchfamily]

What don't you like about it? heard so many good comments...

I only abandoned it for the lengthy Stephen King book. I had renewed Loving Frank one time and knew I couldn't finish it within the 3 weeks to do Under the Dome. I was probably half way through. It was good (so far), but not great.

[Ohana]

What don't you like about it? heard so many good comments... i joined the local book club recently and this is something we'll read later in the year.

I thought Mamah Borthwick wasn't very compelling or sympathetic. Also, the writing style and tone of the book changed midway. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but once they ran off to Europe, it lost steam for me.

[marchfamily]

I thought Mamah Borthwick wasn't very compelling or sympathetic. Also, the writing style and tone of the book changed midway. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but once they ran off to Europe, it lost steam for me.


That's it, exactly. I stopped reading it after she was in Denmark. It lost some steam.

[Ummm]

Thanks Ohana and Marchfamily!

I finished Genetic Rounds by Robert Marion MD and really enjoyed it. He's a medical genetic counselor/geneticist and each chapter he talked about a patient he had... some really touching stories and some ethical dilemma he had to face.

[steelcitymama]

marchfamily - DH is reading Under the Dome, too - well, listening to it, actually. he's loving it.

i'm reading Guernsey... right now and i am completely smitten with all the characters in it. i knew people really enjoyed it, but for some reason i wasn't sure i'd love it, but i do.

[Ummm]

Finished Notes Left Behind by Brooke and Keith Desserich. The authors' 6 year daughter Elena had brain cancer, and the book was like a diary (was it a blog?) that documented the time from her diagnosis onwards. It is hard to rate this book... yes it is a touching book and it is very sad... but I wasn't inspired as much a I thought I'd be - I suppose probably it's a message that we've all heard so it's more of a reminder... some content was a little repetitive and the beginning was a little flat... but this was intended as a keepsake for the younger daughter so she won't forget Elena, which is why it's hard to rate the book... I hope it makes sense. It is heartbreaking though to see her pictures.

[ee_chick]

I read City of Thieves last week and really enjoyed it. It's the story of a 17 year old boy who is caught looting the body of a dead paratrooper during the Siege of Leningrad. When he is caught he is spared execution and sent on a weeklong mission through the city and in the countryside behind enemy lines. It's a well written, fascinating and sometimes brutal, coming of age story.

I really enjoy thrillers/suspense, so I picked up Deeper Than Dead, the latest by Tami Hoag. I've really enjoyed her in the past - her books are fast paced and creepy enough that I've stayed up reading so that the various creepy murderers don't invade my dreams. This one isn't nearly so gripping. Hopefully it improves.

[honeygirl]

I finished Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it. I absolutely enjoyed parts of the book, and I thought the first 100 pages or so were pretty good. However, after awhile it lost me a bit and became kind of wordy. I found her synthesis of books on marriage to be at times thoughtful, but at other times it seemed inaccurate and almost smug.

[hub1176]

Just started Honolulu, I got pulled in quickly and am enjoying it. I have the book Half Broke Horses waiting in the wings.

[LeslieR]

I just picked up blame by Michelle Huneven from the library.

[Dizzy]

Recently read The Power of Less & Made to Stick...more work-related than anything, although I do like that sort of thing.

Currently reading The Maytrees by Annie Dillard. A friend loaned it to me and is making me read it. I find most of it tiring.

[Ummm]

Recently read The Power of Less & Made to Stick...more work-related than anything, although I do like that sort of thing.


I liked Made to Stick (haven't read the other one :)

Finished Liar by Justine Larbalestier, a YA novel. Knew about this book due to its cover controversy. Gush, I want to throw the book across the room after I got done reading it!!! The ending frustrated me to no end... except i can't tell you why without giving away spoilers! argh!

[Rosebud]

I just finished up Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. I really enjoyed it! I remember reading here that a couple of you were lukewarm on it, but I thought it was really engaging. I've been on a bad reading streak and have pretty much hated everything I've read so far this year, so it was nice to read a book and enjoy it!

I just downloaded the audiobook of Cutting for Stone and am so excited to start it, since it's gotten so many rave reviews here.

I'm also about to start The School of Essential Ingredients, which my MIL just sent me and told me I had to read. (If anyone's interested in this book, when I looked up the summary on Amazon I saw that it's on sale for FIVE DOLLARS right now, hardcover!!)


Reminiscent of Chocolat and Like Water for Chocolate, a gorgeously written novel about life, love, and the magic of food.

The School of Essential Ingredients follows the lives of eight students who gather in Lillian’s Restaurant every Monday night for cooking class. It soon becomes clear, however, that each one seeks a recipe for something beyond the kitchen. Students include Claire, a young mother struggling with the demands of her family; Antonia, an Italian kitchen designer learning to adapt to life in America; and Tom, a widower mourning the loss of his wife to breast cancer. Chef Lillian, a woman whose connection with food is both soulful and exacting, helps them to create dishes whose flavor and techniques expand beyond the restaurant and into the secret corners of her students’ lives. One by one the students are transformed by the aromas, flavors, and textures of Lillian’s food, including a white-on-white cake that prompts wistful reflections on the sweet fragility of love and a peppery heirloom tomato sauce that seems to spark one romance but end another. Brought together by the power of food and companionship, the lives of the characters mingle and intertwine, united by the revealing nature of what can be created in the kitchen.

[rachrich]

Finished Breaking Dawn yesterday, and I'm an official Twilight freak now! lol

Slightly ashamed to admit it, but I'm reading a book of erotic stories called Real Men Last All Night. It's a collection of 4 racy stories. What I've read so far, the plot is so so awful, but I guess that's not what the focus is on...haha. my friend reads this stuff frequently and gave me a few of her books to read.

[nawsgirl]

Rosebud, you'll have to report back on School of Essential Ingredients... I think I'll hold back my opinion until then :)

I'm listening to The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, and it's really good so far. The narrator is an 11 yr old girl in the 1950s who is obsessed with chemistry and studying poisons, and is trying to solve the mystery of a dead body found in her cucumber plants.

[Dizzy]

Finished The Maytrees and it had its moments, but overall I was pretty un-invested. I only finished it because a friend loaned it to me. I would recommend it to very specific friends of mine, but not everyone.

Now I'm reading This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper and I loooooooooove it! I started it today and I'm already halfway through...it helps that I have a 30 minute subway commute ;)

[kiki61872]

I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids: Reinventing Modern Motherhood

just wondering if anyone has read this and what you thought of it?

[LeslieR]

I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids: Reinventing Modern Motherhood

just wondering if anyone has read this and what you thought of it?

I started it maybe two years ago and then never finished it.

[Amaye]

I'm reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and I'm really liking it!

[chandy]

I just picked up blame by Michelle Huneven from the library.

I read blame recently, and I really enjoyed it!

I just finished These Is My Words by Nancy Turner and I loved it! It's the (fictional) diary of a young pioneer woman in the Arizona Territories...very enjoyable!

[Rosebud]

I started it maybe two years ago and then never finished it.

Me too!

[kiki61872]

I started it maybe two years ago and then never finished it.


oh boy
sounds like it may be a dud

[mgrace]

I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids: Reinventing Modern Motherhood

just wondering if anyone has read this and what you thought of it?
Wasn't a fan. Of course, I wasn't a fan of any other similar book like Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay or The Three-Martini Playdate (HATED that book).

[mgrace]

Going to pick up A Homemade Life from the library tonight. :)

[Rosebud]

Rosebud, you'll have to report back on School of Essential Ingredients... I think I'll hold back my opinion until then :)

Not loving it so far. The writing style is bugging me. Overly earnest, overly sentimental, perhaps? Waiting for the plot to really kick in, though.

On the other hand I am LOVING Cutting for Stone. I'm absolutely mesmerized so far.

[nawsgirl]

Not loving it so far. The writing style is bugging me. Overly earnest, overly sentimental, perhaps? Waiting for the plot to really kick in, though.


Yes, it reminded me a lot of several books I have read before...

[Ummm]

On the other hand I am LOVING Cutting for Stone. I'm absolutely mesmerized so far.

heard lots of good thing about this one. i hope my local book club will choose it! i'll still read it regardless but if i could kill 2 birds with one stone... :)

[cactus]

On the other hand I am LOVING Cutting for Stone. I'm absolutely mesmerized so far.

I'm so glad! I loooooved this book!

[VASLP]

Currently reading Bloodroot. Really enjoying it so far! I'm just under halfway through and it is really holding my attention. It jumps back forth telling the story of a family, from the point of view of different family members, in a poor rural mountain community over 3 generations.

[Rosebud]

Currently reading Bloodroot. Really enjoying it so far! I'm just under halfway through and it is really holding my attention. It jumps back forth telling the story of a family, from the point of view of different family members, in a poor rural mountain community over 3 generations.

I just read a really good review of this book somewhere. Maybe it was in Entertainment Weekly? Anyway, I added it to my list after reading the review. Glad to hear you're enjoying it!

[VASLP]

There was a review in EW. That's actually what made me decide to download it to my Kindle. I was on the fence, because of mixed reveiews, but the EW sinched it. I'm glad I did. I'm enjoying it and, so far, it's a pretty quick read.

[Dizzy]

Reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It's realllllly interesting. I highly recommend it for runners, especially. Well, that's probably stating the obvious.

[mrs_pell]

I just picked up Open, by Andre Agassi. I grew up loving him, and heard an interview with him on the Jim Rome show discussing this book. I can't wait to start it tonight!

[Ummm]

I just picked up Open, by Andre Agassi. I grew up loving him, and heard an interview with him on the Jim Rome show discussing this book. I can't wait to start it tonight!

heard really good reviews about it - that he was very honest.

[mia's mama]

Just finished Moloka'i a few days ago...loved it. Starting All We Ever Wanted Was Everything by Janell Brown..did anyone read this?

[Dizzy]

Just finished Moloka'i a few days ago...loved it. Starting All We Ever Wanted Was Everything by Janell Brown..did anyone read this?

I haven't read it, but I read decent reviews of it when it came out; especially for a "beach read" type book. What do you think?

[mrs_pell]

heard really good reviews about it - that he was very honest.

So far I'm loving it! Very well written and keeps me wanting more. Although it makes me sick to think about how many kids are forced into doing something they don't want to, especially in sports. :(

[Ummm]

So far I'm loving it! Very well written and keeps me wanting more. Although it makes me sick to think about how many kids are forced into doing something they don't want to, especially in sports. :(

yeah. I also read monica seles' memoir Getting a Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self. I enjoyed that also - while not the best writing (but easy to understand), it shows a side of her that I didn't know about. it was worthwhile reading if you enjoy tennis. i have a feeling that agassi's will be a better book but they had different issues to deal with. monica's family seems quite different to his.

[hub1176]

Started Bloodroot. I feel like I know where the story is heading, so I'm having a hard time getting in to it (if that makes any sense :) )

[mgrace]

I'm loving A Homemade Life!

[mgrace]

finished Cleaving last night. Don't recommend it at all.
It got pretty bad reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I'm seriously hoping she just stops with this book!

[Rosebud]

I finished The School of Essential Ingredients. Didn't care for it. There just wasn't much of a plot. The whole thing was a little sappy and overly romanticized. It was like food porn, but in a creepy way. This would make a perfect Lifetime movie starring Meredith Baxter.

Next up for me is The Vintage Caper by Peter Mayle (author of A Year in Provence). It's a mystery set in France and having to do with wine. Could it be any more up my alley? ;)

[nawsgirl]

I finished The School of Essential Ingredients. Didn't care for it. There just wasn't much of a plot. The whole thing was a little sappy and overly romanticized. It was like food porn, but in a creepy way. This would make a perfect Lifetime movie starring Meredith Baxter.


LOL about the Lifetime movie :) I completely agree. It seems like there are a lot of these kind of books now, i.e random group of people get together to learn a craft, old secrets come out, and there is always at least one troubled relationship and one new romance.

Still reading The Lovely Bones... I like the murder mystery aspect of it, but could take or leave the rest. Listening to Mathilda Savitch by Victor Lodato, it's OK, but I think it's going to be an "average" rating on goodreads.

[Ummm]

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson - a YA novel. I quite enjoyed it, even thought I guessed what happened - Jenna was in a coma for a year (or was it 18 months?) and just woke up. It really is a book that make you think what you'd do if you'd in Jenna's shoes, or if you're her parents, or her friends, or her grandma...

Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Turgeon - retelling of the Cinderella story. It's hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers! It's a fun but not so fun book at the same time... I like the ending, but many people didn't. Didn't see that one coming, but I thought it wrapped up the story nicely.

[VASLP]

Started Bloodroot. I feel like I know where the story is heading, so I'm having a hard time getting in to it (if that makes any sense :) )

You might be surprised as more characters/generations enter the mix.

[hub1176]

You might be surprised as more characters/generations enter the mix.

I kept going and am finding that's the case. Now I'm having a hard time putting it down:o

[mgrace]

Finished A Homemade Life and really enjoyed it! :) I like her blog, but it hasn't been my favorite, so thanks for the recommendation on the book!

[bookworm]

I've been reading a bunch of fairly insipid chick lit (all my brain was up for during several long flights and a mean case of jet lag), including The Nanny Returns (which I can't recommend). Now I'm reading Gone, Baby, Gone. I saw the movie but don't remember much, and I really enjoy Lehane's books.

I also started Wolf Hall, and am looking forward to getting back to it once my brain is working again.

Somewhere in there, I also read Garlic and Sapphires..., which I quite enjoyed. Again, not mentally taxing, but pleasant.

[mrs_pell]

yeah. I also read monica seles' memoir Getting a Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self. I enjoyed that also - while not the best writing (but easy to understand), it shows a side of her that I didn't know about. it was worthwhile reading if you enjoy tennis. i have a feeling that agassi's will be a better book but they had different issues to deal with. monica's family seems quite different to his.

I may have to check hers out as well. Reading Andre's book makes me almost feel guilty for adoring him and idolizing him all those years ago, when he himself hated everything about him and his life. It's weird to read about his thoughts when he was playing in a tourney I went to. Weird to realize that while I was so excited about seeing him play, and then excited about getting his picture when he walked right by me, that he was hating every minute of it. :( But he really does have a fabulous way with words (with some editing help, I'm sure) and makes me just feel the book...My poor husband is, I'm sure, getting tired of hearing me talk about the book! haha!

[Ummm]

I may have to check hers out as well. Reading Andre's book makes me almost feel guilty for adoring him and idolizing him all those years ago, when he himself hated everything about him and his life. It's weird to read about his thoughts when he was playing in a tourney I went to. Weird to realize that while I was so excited about seeing him play, and then excited about getting his picture when he walked right by me, that he was hating every minute of it. :( But he really does have a fabulous way with words (with some editing help, I'm sure) and makes me just feel the book...My poor husband is, I'm sure, getting tired of hearing me talk about the book! haha!

I was more of a sampras fan :) didn't hate agassi though :) i guess i just never knew about all the stuff agassi went though - i have new admiring of him to being so honest about his past.

as for seles - i think she's a much sweeter girl than i realized. i guess on court she's always so serious with her facial expression and grunting :) she mentioned a lot of names that i'd forgotten! (I don't really watch tennis anymore). makes you wonder what it'd have been liked had she not been stabbed.

[chiclady815]

Bumping this up because there are always great book recommendations here!

I'm currently reading Infidel and then I'm going to read the Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.

[LeslieR]

I just started A Thousand Splendid Suns. I had forgotten what a wonderful storyteller Khaled Hosseini is!

[katmg]

I just started A Thousand Splendid Suns. I had forgotten what a wonderful storyteller Khaled Hosseini is!

I actually enjoyed that book more than The Kite Runner.

[marchfamily]

Finished Hunger Games. It's one of those books you can read in 3 days. The writing was super simple and the plot line painfully predictable. And yet, I liked it.

I'm trying (for the second time) to read Bel Canto. There's something about the writing I find difficult. I'm 50 pages in and find no connection to any character.

While I'm sorting through if I will continue Bel Canto, I started Fight Club.

[Wrighty26]

I actually enjoyed that book more than The Kite Runner.

Me too!

I recently finished Shanghai Girls and enjoyed it. I liked Snowflower and the Secret Fan more, but definitely still a good read.

I'm currently reading House at Riverton. The concept of the book is interesting, but I'm not "into it" yet like I thought I would be.

[Dizzy]

I'm currently reading House at Riverton. The concept of the book is interesting, but I'm not "into it" yet like I thought I would be.

Gosh, I couldn't put this one down! I hope you end up liking it.

Reading Summerland by Michael Chabon. I adore him, and this book has been sitting on our shelves for awhile. I know it's technically a YA novel (part of why I haven't read it yet) but I figured why not?

[Rosebud]

I just got a notice that The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova is waiting for me at the library. *squee* I'm so excited to start this one!!

I loved The Historian, even though I have zero interest in vampires. It was just really well written and pretty darn compelling for such a long book. I've been eagerly anticipating Kostova's next novel and got even more excited when I read the synopsis.


Psychiatrist Andrew Marlowe has a perfectly ordered life--solitary, perhaps, but full of devotion to his profession and the painting hobby he loves. This order is destroyed when renowned painter Robert Oliver attacks a canvas in the National Gallery of Art and becomes his patient. In response, Marlowe finds himself going beyond his own legal and ethical boundaries to understand the secret that torments this genius, a journey that will lead him into the lives of the women closest to Robert Oliver and toward a tragedy at the heart of French Impressionism. Ranging from American museums to the coast of Normandy, from the late nineteenth century to the late twentieth, from young love to last love, THE SWAN THIEVES is a story of obsession, the losses of history, and the power of art to preserve human hope.

And from Amazon:


Less urgent in its events than The Historian, The Swan Thieves makes clear that Kostova's abiding subject is obsession. Legions of fans of the first book have been waiting impatiently, or perhaps even obsessively, for this novel. The Swan Thieves succeeds both in its echoes of The Historian and as it maps new territory for this canny and successful writer.

I can't wait to get started! I really want to love this book.

[cactus]

OMG, I know I'm about a year behind, but This Is Where I Leave You is hysterical. It's totally my sense of humor and could be written about my family -- which I guess could be defined as dysfunctional, dark, and Jewish. ;) I'm sure most of you have read this already, but if you haven't it's worth it!

[mgrace]

Just finished Slightly Single. Don't recommend it. I thought it would be a quick, fluff book since I liked another book by the same author. This was just not good.

Now I'm reading Giving by Bill Clinton.

[Dizzy]

Reading Game Change - it's enthralling. I totally get what all the buzz is about!

[Anna Low]

I just finished The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz. It was very good. Lately though, I haven't found much that has interested me. I find so many of the "popular" books to be insipid and of no interest. Maybe I'm just burned out.

[mia's mama]

Just finished All We Ever Wanted Was Everything by Janelle Brown. Pretty good for a "fluffy" beach-read type book though slightly depressing and very dysfunctional.

Trying to decide between Snowflower and the Secret Fan, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and Little Bee for my next book...anyone read Little Bee?

[Ummm]

The Promise: How One Woman Made Good on Her Extraordinary Pact to Send a Classroom of 1st Graders to College by Oral Lee Brown and Caille Millner.

Quite inspiring, but sometimes the content/writing is a bit repetitive.

"In 1987, haunted by a little girl begging for food in her East Oakland neighborhood, Brown impulsively adopted a first-grade class at a local elementary school. Having promised to finance a college education for each of the 23 students, on a salary of only $45,000 a year, Brown pledged to save $10,000 each year. The pledge strained her marriage and committed her to working several jobs. But 12 years later, using her personal investment and funds raised through the Oral Lee Brown Foundation, she made good on her promise--sending 19 of the 23 students to college."

[mgrace]

[B]But 12 years later, using her personal investment and funds raised through the Oral Lee Brown Foundation, she made good on her promise--sending 19 of the 23 students to college."
Wow. That is inspiring.

[Ummm]

Wow. That is inspiring.

It really is. Now, the kids did apply for financial aids and such, but there were a lot of other expenses. She did have other donations coming into her foundation, but it's not just the $10000 she put in every year - she pretty much was like their 2nd mum providing A LOT of emotional support. She even took the kids to college tour just so the kids will get inspired by wanting to go to college. She helped each kid settled in when they moved to college...

while the writing isn't the best, her personality did shine through.

[Ummm]

Finished The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist - a dystopian novel set in Sweden. The premise is very interesting and terrifying (I suggest you don't read the description of the plot too much - it kinda takes the story away... I wish I didn't know much about it before I read). I am not sure if I'm 100% happy with the ending, but it's an okay one... just not as memorable as I think it could've been.

While it's futuristic, it's not all sci-fi-ish. it is actually quite realistic which is why it can be quite horrifying.

I recommend this one if you want something a bit thought provoking. Even though it is a translated novel, I thought the translation was done quite well that you didn't think it was a translated book.

[ee_chick]

I traveled this week and finally had some time to read. I chose Open and Bloodroot and thought both were excellent. Both were compelling enough that I stayed up on consecutive nights finishing them.

[hub1176]

Started reading Pride & Prejudice. For some reason I managed to make it out of school without having to read it. I actually like it so far.

[LeslieR]

I traveled this week and finally had some time to read. I chose Open and Bloodroot and thought both were excellent. Both were compelling enough that I stayed up on consecutive nights finishing them.

I have Bloodroot from the library. Thinking about starting it today.

Since my last post...finished A Thousand Splendid Suns. Not sure if I liked it more than The Kite Runner, but I did like it a lot. Last night I finished another Jonathan Tropper book: How To Talk To A Widower. I liked it a lot, but nowhere near as much as This Is Where I Leave You.

[Rosebud]

I'm about 3/4 of the way through The Swan Thieves and it's such a page turner! I've been staying up late to read and everything. I don't know yet how it stacks up to The Historian. It will really depend on how it ends. But I can tell you that at this point I'm completely absorbed.

[seattleguamgirl]

Finished Hunger Games. It's one of those books you can read in 3 days. The writing was super simple and the plot line painfully predictable. And yet, I liked it.

I actually liked the second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire, even more than The Hunger Games. I'm looking forward to the final book coming out!

I was recently on vacation and finished The Lottery by Patricia Wood. I loved it! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is excellent. I highly recommend it.

I'm trying to finish up the Sookie Stackhouse series and I'm currently on the third book. I think it's Club Dead? Not sure and the books are not terribly compelling but I'm trying to get through them since I'm a huge fan of the show True Blood.

[mrs_pell]

Also just finished reading The Cove, by Catherine Coulter which was okay...quick chick lit read. I just started the 2nd in that series, The Maze last night, hoping it's a little better than the first.


Finished The Maze yesterday and loved it! Definitely sucked me in and kept me going the entire book. Way better than the first book.

Oops! Meant to hit "quote" and hit "edit" instead! Now I lost my original post! Oops!

[Dizzy]

Reading The Girl Who Played With Fire, and, I gotta say, it's not very good. Unfortunately, I really must know what happens so I will keep reading, but it's much to my chagrin.

DH is reading Game Change now and he loves it, too. I really recommend it!

[Ummm]

Knives at Dawn: America's Quest for Culinary Glory at the Legendary Bocuse d'Or Competition by Andrwe Friedman - it's about an international cooking competition and how Team USA prepared for it and how the competition went. The beginning was a little confusing with many names and all, but it was a fairly interesting read. I just wish it has more photos of the food they described because i am not familiar with the food terminology (esp French)!

[Rosebud]

Knives at Dawn: America's Quest for Culinary Glory at the Legendary Bocuse d'Or Competition by Andrwe Friedman - it's about an international cooking competition and how Team USA prepared for it and how the competition went. The beginning was a little confusing with many names and all, but it was a fairly interesting read. I just wish it has more photos of the food they described because i am not familiar with the food terminology (esp French)!

Ooooh, I would like to read this. The Bocuse d'Or is intense! How interesting to read about what goes on behind the scenes. Adding to my GoodReads wish list.

[Ummm]

Ooooh, I would like to read this. The Bocuse d'Or is intense! How interesting to read about what goes on behind the scenes. Adding to my GoodReads wish list.

yes the competition is definitely intense! all the thought processes and practice and organization that goes with it (some practice for over a year!). warning - they have some pictures in the middle of the book, don't look at the pictures (especially the last page) or you'll know who won the competition. I looked at the pictures once I found out who the USA rep was, but didn't look at the very last picture (the one at the bottom) as that one showed who got gold/silver/bronze.

[hub1176]

Just finished Pride & Prejudice. I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

[hub1176]

Starting The Sea of Monsters. I had read The Lightning Thief and am curious enough to see how it goes.

[scarlett]

I just finished The Help last night. I had started it a few weeks ago but put it down because I got too caught up in what was going to happen to Mae Mobley, which is not part of the story at all. Once I got over that, I was able to finish it and really enjoyed it.

I read The Hunger Games over the weekend and really really liked it. I'm eager to read Catching Fire.

I started to read Pride & Prejudice & Zombies a couple of weeks ago, but I'm just not into zombies so I took it back to the library. Maybe I'll re-read Pride & Prejudice instead.

[LeslieR]

Started Bloodroot the other day. Chapter 2 (looooong chapters) and I haven't yet decided if I like it or not.

[mgrace]

Finished The Art of Racing in the Rain. Good book, but sad! I loved that it was told from a dog's point of view. The dog was a great character. :)

[steelcitymama]

i'm reading Kitchen Confidential right now and i'm rather disappointed that i'm not loving it. i think it's interesting and his voice comes through loud and clear...but i think the problem is i just don't LIKE his voice. :) i'm enjoying it for all the ins and outs of the restaurant business (i'm a total foodie), but he is really irritating me.

re: pride and prejudice....my all time favorite book, i think, and i've been re-reading it (for the millionth time) in between other books.

[Ohana]

Finished Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche last night. I'm meh on it. I read it because my mother read it in the original Japanese and recommended it to me (plus I moved to Japan in 1995, shortly after the attack). However, I've never been a fan of Murakami, and this book was no different. I learned a lot reading the first half, which focused on the victims. I had no idea the attack was actually a series of gassings, or that so many people died. The second half focused on former Aum members, and that part really fell flat for me. Not a book I would recommend to anyone.

[seattleguamgirl]

Finished The Art of Racing in the Rain. Good book, but sad! I loved that it was told from a dog's point of view. The dog was a great character. :)

I really liked this book! Aren't they making it into a movie?

I'm currently listening to Cutting for Stone based on the recommendations here and I am really enjoying it so far. The audio book is so long though--23 hours I think? It'll take me some time to finish it. :)

Also half way through Club Dead and while the writing is so annoying and terrible, its finally grabbed my attention! So many friends who've read the series say this is their favorite book in the series.

[scarlett]

Also half way through Club Dead and while the writing is so annoying and terrible, its finally grabbed my attention! So many friends who've read the series say this is their favorite book in the series. Is that book 3 of the Sookie Stackhouse books? I liked that one better than most, but book 4 was my favorite. (Sorry I don't remember the names of any of them.)

[Wrighty26]

I finished House at Riverton last night and I ended up really enjoying it. I predicted the ending, but not in the way it was revealed.

Not sure what's next - I have a lot to choose from!

[Dizzy]

Recently finished The Unnamed and it was...odd. Good, but odd.

Now I'm reading Moose. All on my Nook, of course!

[seattleguamgirl]

Is that book 3 of the Sookie Stackhouse books? I liked that one better than most, but book 4 was my favorite. (Sorry I don't remember the names of any of them.)

Yup, it's the 3rd book.

[pride&prejudice]

i'm reading Kitchen Confidential right now and i'm rather disappointed that i'm not loving it. i think it's interesting and his voice comes through loud and clear...but i think the problem is i just don't LIKE his voice. :) i'm enjoying it for all the ins and outs of the restaurant business (i'm a total foodie), but he is really irritating me.

re: pride and prejudice....my all time favorite book, i think, and i've been re-reading it (for the millionth time) in between other books.

I am reading Kitchen Confidential right now too. I haven't really formed an opinion on it, but the ins and outs of the business is definitely interesting. I don't know if to take it as a sign, but it has been helping me to get sleepy at night. :)

re: pride and prejudice .... love this book (as though you can't tell from my screen name. :) Between the book and the A&E series with Colin Firth....those are my go to's. :D

[littlebear]

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson-really enjoyed this one. It's very intense and a bit graphic in parts. It's a love story about a former porn star burn victim and his mentally ill benefactor/lover from a past life, but there are a number of smaller love stories set within the main plot that include their past lives in 1300's Germany, Viking time, Japan, etc. A very intriguing mix and a great first book from this author.

[Lila55]

I just finished listening to The Book Theif by Marlis Zusak. Excellent book!

[Rosebud]

I finished Cutting For Stone this weekend. It took me all month to listen to it on my iPod but WOW, was it worth the investment of time. This is by far the best book I've read this year. Thank you to all of you who recommended it!

To anyone who hasn't read this book yet-- put it on your list! It is such a beautiful and memorable story. The writing is wonderful and the characters are very compelling. This was a story that really got under my skin and moved me. Two thumbs way up from me!

[pride&prejudice]

I finished Cutting For Stone this weekend. It took me all month to listen to it on my iPod but WOW, was it worth the investment of time. This is by far the best book I've read this year. Thank you to all of you who recommended it!

To anyone who hasn't read this book yet-- put it on your list! It is such a beautiful and memorable story. The writing is wonderful and the characters are very compelling. This was a story that really got under my skin and moved me. Two thumbs way up from me!

Out of curiosity, did you get more into as the story went along? I started it and I don't know if it was just the mood I was in, or the beginning, but I just couldn't get into it. I wound up returning it to the library since I had other books already checked out, but was thinking I might put it back on my request list.

[mrs_pell]

I know I'm so far behind in this, but I just started The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society! I'm listening to it on audiobook and am loving it so far! I think this is definitely a book I'm going to enjoy more listening to it b/c of the narrators. They're awesome!

[bookworm]

I'm still slogging through Wolf Hall (http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Hall-Novel-Booker-Prize/dp/0805080686/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267484282&sr=8-1), with periodic breaks for junky chick lit (nothing memorable, except re-reads of my favorite Jane Green books...Mr Maybe and Bookends). Wolf Hall is very good (court of Henry V from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell, at least so far), but easy to put down when I'm tired.

[LeslieR]

Out of curiosity, did you get more into as the story went along? I started it and I don't know if it was just the mood I was in, or the beginning, but I just couldn't get into it. I wound up returning it to the library since I had other books already checked out, but was thinking I might put it back on my request list.

I got to around page 60 (spoiler: the part where the woman went into labor and he was talking about cutting into the baby's head like it was a mole or something like that) and refused to read further.

Finished Bloodroot. It was just okay. Started Very Valentine last night.

[hokiegirl]

Out of curiosity, did you get more into as the story went along? I started it and I don't know if it was just the mood I was in, or the beginning, but I just couldn't get into it.

Yes! that was me as well. It took me a bit to get into it and I kept thinking really? what are all the raves about? but now I'm hooked and I love the charector development and story.

[Rosebud]

Out of curiosity, did you get more into as the story went along? I started it and I don't know if it was just the mood I was in, or the beginning, but I just couldn't get into it. I wound up returning it to the library since I had other books already checked out, but was thinking I might put it back on my request list.

Yes, definitely. Once the narrator is born and you really get to know the characters well, it gets really good. I'd say try again. The beginning can be a little slow with the introduction of all the doctors and the history of Ethiopia's political situation, but it picks up considerably. It was absolutely amazing in the end and so worth it.

LeslieR- (spoiler- in white) That part is hard to read, but really critical to the story. If it makes you feel better, the doctor is stopped before he can harm the baby and both babies survive. The reason he's so desperate in that situation and his actions after the birth really frame the whole rest of the story, which is why it's such an emotional and difficult moment. I would say to just skip that bit if it's difficult to read and continue on afterward. It's worth it!

[Ummm]

When I read Cutting For Stone (plan to read it later) will definitely have to remember it starts slow!

Finished Genesis: A Novel by Bernard Beckett. Dystopian/Sci-Fi, a small book of 150 pages. It's a little slow but I do like the ending.

[Gabe's Mom]

I just finished The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - GREAT book. My mom also loved it and my husband is reading it (and liking it - and he's hard to please!) It's a wonderful historical fiction book that will move you in many ways. One of my favorite books of all time - truly.

[seattleguamgirl]

I finished Cutting For Stone this weekend. It took me all month to listen to it on my iPod but WOW, was it worth the investment of time. This is by far the best book I've read this year. Thank you to all of you who recommended it!

To anyone who hasn't read this book yet-- put it on your list! It is such a beautiful and memorable story. The writing is wonderful and the characters are very compelling. This was a story that really got under my skin and moved me. Two thumbs way up from me!

I'm about half way through the audio book and it's been great. I love the narrator. Some parts of the book are slow, but I know all of the character development will tie in eventually (see in white): I'm finally past the birth scene and I thought that would never end with the story going off on tangents for more character development!

[mgrace]

Almost done with Slightly Settled, the book after Slightly Single. I thought the Single book was pretty bad, but Slightly Settled is better. Of course, I start reading the 2nd book and decide to read the series and library doesn't have the 4th book. Doh!

[Rosebud]

I just finished The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - GREAT book. My mom also loved it and my husband is reading it (and liking it - and he's hard to please!) It's a wonderful historical fiction book that will move you in many ways. One of my favorite books of all time - truly.

I absolutely HATED this book. Just had to throw that out there.



Finished Bloodroot. It was just okay.

I was just about to download Bloodroot from Audible. Hmmm.... maybe I'll go read some more reviews first.

[Wrighty26]

I am currently reading the Uglies series from Scott Westerfield. It's YA, but definitely engaging:


Uglies is the first book of the trilogy. The second book is Pretties and the third is Specials. It's about a world in which everyone has an operation when they turn sixteen, making them supermodel beautiful. Big eyes, full lips, no one fat or skinny. This seems like a good thing, but it's not. Especially if you're one of the uglies, a bunch of radical teens who've decided they want to keep their own faces. (How anti-social of them.)

[Ummm]

I am currently reading the Uglies series from Scott Westerfield. It's YA, but definitely engaging:

Read that last year and enjoyed it (though not love it... but interesting concept). Hadn't gotten around to reading book 2 though...

[TerpsFan]

Reading Bloodroot now..it's pretty slow. I think I'm around page 75 or so and still haven't quite gotten into it. Does it get better? I usually give a book about 100 pages to decide...

[LeslieR]

Reading Bloodroot now..it's pretty slow. I think I'm around page 75 or so and still haven't quite gotten into it. Does it get better? I usually give a book about 100 pages to decide...

It is a slow book. And I'm not sure anything ever really happens, honestly. I can't explain what I mean by that without being spoilerish, though. I liked it enough to finish it (usually if I can't get into a book by page 60, I stop reading it), but eh.

[Rosebud]

I decided to wait on Bloodroot and downloaded The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton instead. I enjoyed The House at Riverton last year and am hopeful that this book will be equally readable.

I finished up Nanny Returns yesterday. Eh. The first one was good fun, but the follow-up was not fun at all, IMO. It was just sad. And I thought the end was really rushed and didn't wrap things up in a way that made me feel good. Anyone else read this?

[Renrel]

I just finished The Help for my bookclub. Enjoyed it and it was a good discussion book. I finished the AntiCancer book, which while certain non-fiction was an excellent read and very very imformative. Highly recommend it to everyone. I am currently reading Julie/Julia and New Moon and rereading Kitchen Table Wisdom and a JD Rob book whose name excapes me at the moment.

[Dizzy]

I decided to wait on Bloodroot and downloaded The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton instead. I enjoyed The House at Riverton last year and am hopeful that this book will be equally readable.


I loooooved The House at Riverton (perhaps unnaturally so) but did not feel nearly as strong about The Forgotten Garden. I'll be curious what you think!

Reading Juliet, Naked currently. I actually really like it! I seem to remember quite a few saying it was their least favorite of his, but I feel the opposite. I'm also pretty sure my husband will love it. That and The Unnamed are totally up his alley. He likes books that are slightly odd, if that makes sense, and both of those fit the bill, IMO.

[littlebear]

I just finished The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - GREAT book. My mom also loved it and my husband is reading it (and liking it - and he's hard to please!) It's a wonderful historical fiction book that will move you in many ways. One of my favorite books of all time - truly.

I loved this one too. I thought it was really well done historical fiction.

[LeslieR]

Finished Very Valentine last night. I would rate it somewhere between okay and liked it. I do want to read the next in the series, so that says something.;)

Picked up Making Toast at the library today. It's a quick read-I'm 3/4 of the way through it and really enjoying it.

[steelcitymama]

pride and prejudice - i'm on major delay here b/c we've been away, but what did you end up thinking of Kitchen Confidential?

and i agree -- love the p&p series with colin firth!

[hub1176]

Just reread To Kill A Mockingbird. Probably my all time favorite.
I read The Hotel At The Corner of Bitter and Sweet a few years ago and thought it was okay.
I also finished the Percy Jackson series, I know it's YA, but I was looking for something to fill my Harry Potter void. I thought it was good for what it was.

[Rosebud]

The only thing I will say about Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, is that, aside from being completely overwrought, the story really fails due to the age of the protagonist. If they had made that kid like 5-7 years older, it might have been believable. But to ascribe those actions and feelings to a child of 12 or 13 (I forget exactly) is ridiculous and made the whole entire thing implausible for me. I could have overlooked some of the aggressive plotting and sappy writing, but that character issue was a total deal breaker.

Anyway.

I just finished reading The Ungarnished Truth: A Cooking Contest Memoir by Ellie Mathews. She won the Pillsbury Bake-Off a few years back. Some of the stuff about the actual contest was interesting, but I was disappointed that there wasn't more information about the other contests she was involved in and the whole subculture that goes along with them. If you watch these things on Food Network, you can see there's a group of these contestants who are finalists at food competitions over and over again. However, Mathews doesn't really get into the background of contests and focuses almost entirely on Pillsbury. Her writing style is pretty unsophisticated and unpolished, which is fine, but I also didn't end up liking her as a person. So, this one wasn't a hit for me. I did read Cookoff: Recipe Fever in America a few years ago and thought that was a much better and more satisfying book set in the same world.

[mgrace]

I did read Cookoff: Recipe Fever in America a few years ago and thought that was a much better and more satisfying book set in the same world.
That was a fun book. :)

[TerpsFan]

Finally finished Bloodroot. It picked up around the middle and was an OK read. I was determined to just finish it and get it off my list. Reading a fluff book now and going to pick up some reserves at the library!

[Rosebud]

I loooooved The House at Riverton (perhaps unnaturally so) but did not feel nearly as strong about The Forgotten Garden. I'll be curious what you think!

Reading Juliet, Naked currently. I actually really like it! I seem to remember quite a few saying it was their least favorite of his, but I feel the opposite. I'm also pretty sure my husband will love it. That and The Unnamed are totally up his alley. He likes books that are slightly odd, if that makes sense, and both of those fit the bill, IMO.

I'm listening to an audiobook of The Forgotten Garden and don't really like the narrator, so that's a bummer. I agree with you, I'm not sucked into the story as much as I was with The House at Riverton, but at about halfway through I'm becoming more engaged with it. Curious to see how it turns out.

I really liked Juliet, Naked, too! Found it really compelling and liked the point of view.

[LeslieR]

Finished Making Toast which I really enjoyed. Now I'm reading A Prayer For Owen Meany.

[mia's mama]

Just finished Little Bee by Chris Cleave- pretty heavy, I didn't love it.
I'm about halfway through Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and I can't put it down!

[Megande]

I'm reading The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande which is how professionals (he is a surgeon) deal with the increasing complexity of the world around us and make errors ineptitude (not using the information we have to its full advantage...basically errors that need not have happened.) It came very strongly recommended and is interesting so far.

[mgrace]

Finished Slightly Engaged--quick, fluff book. I'm trying to finish Sweet Life in Paris, but I'm just bored. I love anything Paris/France related, but this is just boring.

[ee_chick]

I'm reading The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande which is how professionals (he is a surgeon) deal with the increasing complexity of the world around us and make errors ineptitude (not using the information we have to its full advantage...basically errors that need not have happened.) It came very strongly recommended and is interesting so far.

That's one of the books I'm reading, too. So far it's pretty interesting and it's an easy read.

I'm almost through Game Change, which is fascinating.

I'm limping through Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet as I'm finding the other two more compelling.

[marchfamily]

I'm on another string on meh reads. I seem to go through these phases.

Fight Club, Chuck Pathniuk - would be a great read if I hadn't seen the movie a dozen times
Brooklyn, Colm Tiobin - found the characters very unsympathetic
The Prince of Tides, Pat Conroy - beautifully written, tons of character development
Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins - like Hunger Games better, super quick read
The White Queen, Gregory Philippa - got 200 pages into it and thought "who cares", I found the writing boring and the characters had no chemistry

Plus numerous books on Aspergers and Sensory Processing.

Currently reading:
The Art of Racing, Garth Stein
Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, John Berendt - I've tried reading this a few times...this time I'm doing the audio book