What's Everyone Reading: 2011

[Rosebud]

New year, new thread! What's everyone reading this year?

The previous thread:
What's Everyone Reading 2010 (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?47654-What-s-Everyone-Reading-2010)

Some other threads you might want to explore:
Post Your Favorite Books of 2010 (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?49280-Your-Favorite-Books-of-2010)
The 50 Book Challenge: 2011 (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?49330-50-Book-Challenge-2011&p=2054499)

[rachrich]

Starting the year off with This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. I'm about halfway through and it is HILARIOUS! I bought for a few bucks with an Amazon gift card (used paperback). Definitely worth it so far.

[bookworm]

I downloaded Faithful Place -- don't know much about it, but my sister in law recommended it so I figured I'd give it a shot.

[cactus]

I'm reading Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. The style took me a little while to get used to (very dialogue-heavy) but I like it.

[Wrighty26]

I'm currently reading In the Woods by Tana French. I think it was recommended here in a past thread (?). I'm only about a 1/4 of the way into it, but I like her writing style.

[Dizzy]

I'm reading Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. The style took me a little while to get used to (very dialogue-heavy) but I like it.

One of my favorites of 2010!

I just finished The Adderall Diaries and I did not like it at all. He went into a little too much detail about his S/M for my personal tastes. Now I'm reading Tinkers, the Pulitzer Prize winner.

[chandy]

Just finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and it was amazing!

[marchfamily]

Picked The Passage, Justin Cronin back up (I'm about half way through).

I just started Matterhorn, Karl Marlantes. I want to finish Freedom, Franzen (I stopped about 2/3 of the way through, but everyone else raves about it).

[endymion411]

I am reading Cheating Death (Sanjay Gupta)---interesting, accessible medical writing (though there have been a couple parts that weren't as engaging). Cutting for Stone FINALLY arrived at the library!

[Ohana]

Started Breaking Dawn a couple of nights ago (I am behind everyone else in the Twilight Saga, I know!).

[Adaya]

I'm reading Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin.

[Rosebud]

I'm reading Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin.

I've heard this book is great. Will be curious to hear how you like it! (Need to put it on my request list at the library)

[solongtogo]

I am reading Eat, Pray, Love...about 100 pages in. I've really enjoyed it so far...this book is coming at a time in my life when I think it needed put in there.

[Ummm]

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. Keep reading it on different blogs about how good it is... just okay for me. would've enjoyed it more if I was a teenager.

[Dizzy]

I'm reading Nicole Krauss' new book, Great House, and also Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things. I am infinitely fascinated by the concept of hoarding! The show is a train wreck, but I can't stop myself from watching!

[LeslieR]

Sundays At Tiffany's by James Patterson. I have a personal goal to get through at least a quarter of the books I have in my to read pile this year.

[Ummm]

Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things. I am infinitely fascinated by the concept of hoarding! The show is a train wreck, but I can't stop myself from watching!

been meaning to read this, can't wait to see what you think! haven't watched the show, but have the DVD. perhaps should watch this weekend :)

[E&O]

I received a Kindle for Xmas and chose as my very first book: The Help. It was incredible, as you all know already. I was up many nights, way past my bedtime, just reading and reading. Then I slowed for a bit because I didn't want it to end.

So I downloaded samples of 3 books to purchase next: Bitter is the New Black, The Girl with Dragon Tatoo, Faithful Place.... so which would you choose?

[bookworm]

E&O, definitely Faithful Place! I started it Friday and finished it Saturday--I was sucked in pretty quickly. I also like Dragon Tattoo, but it took longer to get going for me. I haven't read Bitter is the New Black.

[Dizzy]

I concur - Faithful Place!

I am still reading Great House by Nicole Krauss and I looooove it. She is an amazing author, with such an incredibly unique way of describing things. Her use of metaphor is unmatched.

[Ummm]

Finished Left Neglected by Lisa Genova (Still Alice). Not bad, not as good as Still Alice though. I learned something, but not as emotional as Still Alice.

[Ummm]

Caribou Island by David Vann. Those of you who enjoy "poetic" prose would probably like it. Writing reminded me a bit of The Road (plus no quotation marks!) Some would call this a depressing, dark novel. Definitely character driven. Not enough plot for me.

[solongtogo]

I'm reading the newest House of Night book Awakened. It's ok so far. I enjoyed reading the series up until the last book...the last book I'm amazed I finished, because it was *terrible*. This is all fluff series...nothing to read to make brain cells connect in any way :)

[cactus]

I just (finally!) finished Skippy Dies. Parts of it were really clever, and I laughed, but overall it was SO LONG it was a slog for me to get through to the end.

I'm reading A Visit From the Goon Squad next, and also Unbroken. Unbroken is my very first Kindle book! I'm going away this weekend and I'm planning on just bringing the Kindle, so I hope I get used to that weird "flash" thing you get when you turn the page. Ugh, I'm a luddite. :)

[marchfamily]

Finished Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner. I should have trusted my instincts and known this is not my type of book. Okay for a beach read. But, pretty predictable -- plot and character development.

Also reading Matterhorn, by Karl Marlantas (love).

And trying to finish The Passage by Justin Cronin and Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. I just can't seem to finish these two.

Next up: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare and rereading Cutting for Stone for February book club.

[bookworm]

I finished In the Woods, which I enjoyed but thought wasn't as good as Faithful Place. I want to read whatever the other Tana French novel is (I downloaded a sample), but decided to break it up with Atlas of Love.

[E&O]

Bookworm- I read the Tana French books out of order too. I picked up The Likeness as a used book at the airport, and read it first. I thought it was better than In the Woods- the mystery was better anyway.

I downloaded a sample of Fatihful Place and after reading just the Prolouge, I know this is going to be my next purchase! I'm hooked already!

[bookworm]

Good to know--I'm looking forward to reading it!

Atlas of Love is the book I was looking for before Christmas--an easy story but beautifully written with great characters. It randomly showed up on my "recommended for you" page, and I'm so glad I gave it a shot.

[cactus]

A Visit From the Goon Squad is GREAT. It meets all my standards for a really good novel. I recommend!

[Rosebud]

I just (finally!) finished Skippy Dies. Parts of it were really clever, and I laughed, but overall it was SO LONG it was a slog for me to get through to the end.

A Visit From the Goon Squad is GREAT. It meets all my standards for a really good novel. I recommend!

These are both at the top of my to-read list this year. Glad to hear that you liked them (well, for the most part).

[Rosebud]

I have been reading, just not reporting back as much as I should.

An Object of Beauty: A Novel by Steve Martin- An entertaining and easy-to-read novel that will be especially interesting to anyone who likes art or is curious about art dealing. I liked it but didn't love it. It was an engaging read, but didn't leave me feeling profoundly moved or anything. This is the first book by Steve Martin that I've read, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that he can spin a good tale.

You Can't Get There from Here: A Year on the Fringes of a Shrinking World by Gayle Forman- Again, I liked it but didn't love it. I read so much travel writing that I tend to be pretty critical, though. If you liked Eat Pray Love, you'll like this. Forman and her husband spend a year traveling around the world, but visiting mainly developing countries and off-the-beaten-path destinations. In each place, she seeks out a subculture (men in a gay subculture in Tonga, African Jews, Tolkien re-enactors in Kazakhstan, etc.) and each country/group gets its own section in the book. It was very interesting, and she makes the whole experience quite relatable. If you're interested in reading more travel writing, check it out.

I am currently listening to The Immortal Henrietta Lacks, which I'm liking so far. I'm also reading Loving Frank, which is very engaging so far. Both of these books were recommended to me multiple times in the past months, so I'm not surprised to be enjoying them.

[Dizzy]

Currently reading Broke, USA and it's pretty good - about what one would expect. It gets a little tedious when describing some of the major players, but still very interesting. And appalling.

[cactus]

I'm on a good streak!

I read both A Visit from the Goon Squad and Unbroken this weekend and loved both of them. I'm not really a history buff at all, but I learned so much about WW2 from Unbroken.

Now I'm rereading Three Junes (I first read it a few years ago and now my book club is reading it so I'm reading it again) and although I usually don't reread books, I have to say it's just as good the second time and I'm remembering why it's one of my favorite novels. I just love these characters.

[Amaye]

I just finished reading The Scorched Plains and I'm so irritated. For some reason, I thought it was the final book explaining everything from The Maze just to have a cliff hanger ending. I now have to

I think I might read The Uglies next - I'm on a end-of-the-world/alternative world teenager book kick. Any recommendations?

[Ummm]

I just finished reading The Scorched Plains and I'm so irritated. For some reason, I thought it was the final book explaining everything from The Maze just to have a cliff hanger ending. I now have to

I think I might read The Uglies next - I'm on a end-of-the-world/alternative world teenager book kick. Any recommendations?

I think the Maze is a trilogy right?

I've read Uglies a few years back and liked it but haven't read the rest of the trilogy.


Assuming you've read The Hunger Games series?

Others I like - Unwind by Neal Shusterman, The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson. (both stand alone)

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (another trilogy) isn't bad, but I like the others better. I haven't read the rest of the series but I google the spoilers :)


I haven't read The Life of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (yet another trilogy) but have heard good things.

[Dizzy]

I finished Broke, USA, and it was just ok for me overall. Got really really bogged down in minutiae. But there were some extremely interesting case studies and I learned a lot about the rise of the "poverty industry".

Now I'm reading Ahead of the Curve - a memoir of the author's time at Harvard Business School.

[marchfamily]

Now I'm rereading Three Junes (I first read it a few years ago and now my book club is reading it so I'm reading it again) and although I usually don't reread books, I have to say it's just as good the second time and I'm remembering why it's one of my favorite novels. I just love these characters.


We read that for my former book club too. One of my favorite book club books.

I'm currently reading Clockwork Angel. I'm usually not a fan of supernatural stuff. This one is just keeping my interest though.

[Ummm]

Now I'm reading Ahead of the Curve - a memoir of the author's time at Harvard Business School.

I read this a couple of years ago and enjoyed it.

[Rosebud]

I finished reading Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, and kind of hated it. If you were thinking about reading this book, I'm going to recommend reconsidering. Holy unsympathetic protagonist, Batman! And the final chapters were pretty much unreadable. Ugh. I just want it out of my brain.

I'm moving on to something happier. Just starting The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir by Josh Kilmer-Purcell. As the title implies, it's about two New Yorkers who move to a rustic property upstate and become weekend farmers. I love these kinds of fish-out-of-water novels.

[bookworm]

I finished The Stuff that Never Happened. It was...blah, I guess. Fine, not very interesting, but I didn't actively dislike it. I'm thinking of reading Unbroken, but have to make sure I have the brainpower first. When will Emily Giffin write a new book? That's more what I want to read right now :).

[Rosebud]

When will Emily Giffin write a new book? That's more what I want to read right now :).

I'm right there with you! :)

[Ummm]

I finished reading Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, and kind of hated it. If you were thinking about reading this book, I'm going to recommend reconsidering. Holy unsympathetic protagonist, Batman! And the final chapters were pretty much unreadable. Ugh. I just want it out of my brain.



I didn't like it much either. Didn't like the protagonist at all, tho the ending did take me by surprise and that's the part I liked best about the book (not "like" the actual events, just liked that it was a surprise ending). Granted, I don't know anything about FLW apart from his architecture.

[Ummm]

I don't usually like chick lit, would I like Emily Giffin's books? Which one would you recommend? I don't like books with predictable endings though (hence why I don't usually read chick lit...)

[Ummm]

Finished The Emancipator's Wife - quite interesting as I don't know anything about Mary Todd Lincoln. But it could be shorter I think as it's 600 pages!

Also finished It's A Jungle in There - he was the founder of the Rain Forest restaurants (plus others like T-Rex etc.) It's a fast read - if you haven't read a lot of biz books but is interested in being an entrepreneur, it's a good start as it's not full of technical jargon. But if you have read other biz books, there is only a little bit of new information.

[Dizzy]

Really really late to the party, but I'm finally reading Never Let Me Go. I want to see the movie, but I figured I should read the book first. Should be quick, tho - it's only a couple hundred pages.

Ummm - I don't recommend Emily Giffin at all. The writing is terrible! I'm still irritated I wasted my time reading one of her books.

[bookworm]

I don't usually like chick lit, would I like Emily Giffin's books?

No :).

But unlike Dizzy, I think she writes reasonably well. It's possible I have a lower threshold; I have read more than my share of badly written books.

[eli1126]

The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick.

[Amaye]

I think the Maze is a trilogy right?

I've read Uglies a few years back and liked it but haven't read the rest of the trilogy.


Assuming you've read The Hunger Games series?

Others I like - Unwind by Neal Shusterman, The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson. (both stand alone)

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (another trilogy) isn't bad, but I like the others better. I haven't read the rest of the series but I google the spoilers :)


I haven't read The Life of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (yet another trilogy) but have heard good things.

Yep - The Maze is a trilogy which I did not realize till the end of Book 2.

Read the Hunger Games, Unwind (really liked) and the Adoration of Jenna Foxtoo.

I didn't realize that Life As we knew it was a trilogy - I'm going to look up the rest of the series. And I'm also going to try The Life of Never Letting Go.

Thanks for the recommendations!! More books to read - yay! :)

[Ohana]

Really enjoying Half Broke Horses. I also downloaded the Kindle for Android, and got Little Women. It's one of my favorite books of all time, but it's been awhile since I've read it from start to finish (I usually just read a chapter here and there). It's like being with old friends. I'm sad I'm almost done with the book, but excited that it'll be on my phone and I can read bits of it whenever I want.

[Rosebud]

I just finished The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Very interesting book. This is the kind of book you want to discuss afterward, so I sort of wish I'd read it for book club or something. It brings up so many interesting ethical questions, doesn't it? I also really liked the way the author framed the book through her relationship with Deborah. It makes the story so much more personal and human. I'm really glad I finally got around to this one. It was very compelling.

I'm just looking at my Audible wish list and trying to decide what to download next. Unbroken? Cleopatra? Let the Great World Spin? Having trouble pulling the trigger.

[cactus]

I LOVED Unbroken. I recommend it! We have not one but two copies of Cleopatra in our house (don't ask -- my husband and I each got one as a gift for Christmas from different people) and I can't make myself take that on yet. I've heard great things about it but I heard an interview with the author on NPR a couple of months ago and she really annoyed me so I think that's making me drag my feet about the book.

[chandy]

I second Unbroken! I found it completely fascinating!

[lbs27]

I just finished The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Very interesting book. This is the kind of book you want to discuss afterward, so I sort of wish I'd read it for book club or something. It brings up so many interesting ethical questions, doesn't it? I also really liked the way the author framed the book through her relationship with Deborah. It makes the story so much more personal and human. I'm really glad I finally got around to this one. It was very compelling.

I'm just looking at my Audible wish list and trying to decide what to download next. Unbroken? Cleopatra? Let the Great World Spin? Having trouble pulling the trigger.

I'm a total lurker in this thread, but your Emily Giffin comment caught my eye. Then this did - very glad to see this recommendation. As a scientist and someone who has used/seen/discussed data using HeLa cells more than I can count, I'm very interested in reading this book. I think it's wonderful how the author spent a ton of time researching and getting to know the family so as to write a better, more personal book. Hmm..maybe will pick it up tonight - was contemplating a trip to B&N! :)

[Rosebud]

Thanks for recommending Unbroken, ladies. I started listening to that title after you suggested it and it's really good so far.


I don't usually like chick lit, would I like Emily Giffin's books? Which one would you recommend? I don't like books with predictable endings though (hence why I don't usually read chick lit...)

No, you probably wouldn't like Emily Giffin. It's pretty predictable chick lit, just not as irritating as most of the genre. I don't really read chick lit, either, except for Sophie Kinsella, which is my true guilty pleasure, but Giffin isn't bad and I think Marisa de los Santos is a fairly decent writer. You might like Love Walked In, which is a pretty good read and not horribly predictable.


I'm a total lurker in this thread, but your Emily Giffin comment caught my eye. Then this did - very glad to see this recommendation. As a scientist and someone who has used/seen/discussed data using HeLa cells more than I can count, I'm very interested in reading this book. I think it's wonderful how the author spent a ton of time researching and getting to know the family so as to write a better, more personal book. Hmm..maybe will pick it up tonight - was contemplating a trip to B&N! :)

I bet you will really like the book, having knowledge of HeLa to begin with. The book is much more focused on the Lacks family and their story than on the scientific particulars of HeLa usage, but it's a very compelling look at the personal aspects of tissue donation and the murky ethical issues involved.

[Ummm]

I'm a total lurker in this thread, but your Emily Giffin comment caught my eye. Then this did - very glad to see this recommendation. As a scientist and someone who has used/seen/discussed data using HeLa cells more than I can count, I'm very interested in reading this book. I think it's wonderful how the author spent a ton of time researching and getting to know the family so as to write a better, more personal book. Hmm..maybe will pick it up tonight - was contemplating a trip to B&N! :)

Oh I wish you would read HeLa and let us know what you think - I hadn't heard of HeLa before, so you'd add an interesting perspective!

[Ummm]

No, you probably wouldn't like Emily Giffin. It's pretty predictable chick lit, just not as irritating as most of the genre. I don't really read chick lit, either, except for Sophie Kinsella, which is my true guilty pleasure, but Giffin isn't bad and I think Marisa de los Santos is a fairly decent writer. You might like Love Walked In, which is a pretty good read and not horribly predictable.
.

Hadn't read Sophie Kinsella either, maybe would give her a try later when I want something light...

[lbs27]

Ok, I'll have to pick it up! It's interesting, I've moved from research to the clinical side so now I'm very aware of everything having to do with patient consents - so will definitely be interesting to read.

[gardenmommy]

I'm a few chapters into This is where I leave you by Jonathan Tropper and am really enjoying it. Despite the subject manner, I find myself laughing out loud at some of the parts. I really enjoy his honesty in writing.

[Dizzy]

Reading By Nightfall by Michael Cunningham. I adore his writing, so I'm really enjoying it.

[Ohana]

Finished Half Broke Horses earlier this week. I really enjoyed it. Yeah, I wish Lily could have been a warmer, more sympathetic mother, and I realize that the book is partially fictionalized, but overall, an interesting read.

Reading Destiny and Desire now. I won it on Goodreads. Having a hard time getting into it, though, because it sort of bounces all over the place.

Also reading Letters from a Woman Homesteader (I think?) on my phone.

[Rosebud]

I am about halfway through Unbroken and wow, this is a very compelling book. The subject matter is just mind blowing. This is the most incredible story of human survival that I think I've ever encountered. It's absolutely unreal how people can endure the most hellacious scenarios. How many of us could be that strong, you know?

Making this doubly interesting to me, my Grandma's cousin was a pilot in the Pacific during WWII, and he was killed on a bombing run in 1943, right around the same time that Zamperini began his ordeal. I've got to look up his squadron and station, but his early experiences flying over those waters must have been very similar to Zamperini's. He was killed at age 23 when, returning from a mission, an damaged American plane in formation above him dropped a loosened bomb on his plane. All the information in Unbroken about friendly fire deaths and the horribly low life expectancy for air crews in the Pacific is really hitting home for me. I didn't know a lot of this. Anyway, it's all very interesting.

[Rosebud]

Hey, the new Flavia DeLuce mystery by Alan Bradley is coming out next week. I had no idea it would be so soon, but I'm really excited. I don't normally read either mysteries or series, but these books are so clever and charming. I'm hooked. I know several of you read them, too, so just thought I'd share.

Anyway, the new one is called A Red Herring Without Mustard (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8517008-a-red-herring-without-mustard). February 8th!

[Dizzy]

Reading The Emperor of All Maladies. Who knew a biography of cancer could be such a page turner! It's at once fascinating and frightening.

[eli1126]

Just finished Incarceron by Catherine Fisher and am now on The Rossetti Letter by Christi Phillips.

[Ummm]

Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern (PS I Love You). Geared towards YA I think (protagonist is 17). It's just okay for me, I thought it could have been better (rambling a bit too much, and not too magical.)

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters, #1) by Michelle Zink. Not bad, think I'd have enjoyed it more had I read it as a teenager. (YA). Not sure if I'd read the rest of the series.

Late for Tea at the Deer Palace by Tamara Chalabi - non fiction. Part memoir / part family history / part Iraqi history. Some parts were a bit slow, but I learned quite a bit since I don't know a lot about Iraqi history or culture.

[elladee]

I'm reading Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen. I read The Girl Who Chased the Moon a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I don't think this one is quite as good.

[cactus]

I know most people read it last year, but I just finished Room and I really liked it. It's a very creative concept for a book! The narrative voice was hard to get used to at first but overall I thought it made the book memorable.

I'm reading Left Neglected by Lisa Genova for my book club now.

[Ummm]

I'm reading Left Neglected by Lisa Genova for my book club now.

I was disappointed. Not that it's that bad compared to other books, but not Still Alice that's for sure.

[Adaya]

I've heard this book is great. Will be curious to hear how you like it! (Need to put it on my request list at the library)

I finally finished. It was very slow in the beginning with lots of unnecessary description which made it such a drag at first. But about halfway through, it really picked up and it ended up being pretty good. My book club rates on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the highest. I gave it a 3.5.

[Rosebud]

Finished the following:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand- Wow, amazing book. Definitely one of the better things I've read in a while. Highly recommended to everyone! I will say that I had a minor quibble with the final chapters (in white- only for those who've already read it): I kind of hated that Louis had to become a born-again to deal with what happened to him in Japan. Ugh. It's sort of a cheap way out, from a literary standpoint. However, I hear that the biography co-written by Louis is all about how God saved him during his ordeal, so at least Unbroken saves the Jesus stuff until the end. I find it so outrageous that Louis would think God saved him over the 60,000 POWs murdered in Japan because he was more worthy in some way. That's kind of disgusting. I guess if he needs to feel that way to heal himself, then okay, but it really soured the end of an otherwise brilliant book for me.

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel by Maureen Lindley- Won this one through GoodReads. Interesting idea (Chinese princess becomes a Japanese spy during WWII) based on a true story, but the writing was subpar. Let's just say this was one long sex scene interspersed with tiny bits of plot but shamefully little character development. Pass.

The Pocket and the Pendant by Mark Jeffrey- Read because the author is the friend of a friend. Sort of a Harry Potter-esque adventure tale that I think preteens and teens would really enjoy. If you know any, you might recommend. This is the first book in a series which is still being written.

Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson- I love Bill Bryson so much, and even though this is one of his older books it really holds up. Absolutely hilarious, but also such a wonderful love letter to England.

Currently reading:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- I had to see what all the fuss was about. Dystopian novels are totally not my thing, so I can't really say that I'm enjoying the world of this book, but it certainly is a page turner. I'll be curious to see what happens, but can almost guarantee I won't read the two books that follow. Didn't you all say they weren't much good anyway? Isn't this one supposed to be the best?

A Visit From the Good Squad by Jennifer Egan- Only a few chapters in, but really enjoying it so far. Very interesting, oddly damaged characters. I can't wait to see how this develops.

[cactus]

Rosebud, I agree with you...but I can also completely understand why it happened in a way. I mean, for him to process what happened to him during the war must have required almost an otherworldly explanation, if you know what I mean. It seemed almost superhuman that he was able to withstand so much, so I can see how the religion kind of rationalized it for him. But yes, I'm glad they didn't make it a focus of the book. I would have enjoyed it much less.


ETA: My thoughts in white.

[marchfamily]

Ack. It's killing me that you'all are discussing Unbroken. I'm about half way through and LOVING it more than most books I have recently read.

Recently finished Matterhorn. Great read.

Working on Unbroken, and just strarted The Warmth of Other Suns (very good so far) and Wolf Hall.

[Ummm]

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- I had to see what all the fuss was about. Dystopian novels are totally not my thing, so I can't really say that I'm enjoying the world of this book, but it certainly is a page turner. I'll be curious to see what happens, but can almost guarantee I won't read the two books that follow. Didn't you all say they weren't much good anyway? Isn't this one supposed to be the best?



I really like book 1 and 2. Was disappointed with Book3. But it seems like people either love or hate Book 3.

[Wrighty26]

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- I had to see what all the fuss was about. Dystopian novels are totally not my thing, so I can't really say that I'm enjoying the world of this book, but it certainly is a page turner. I'll be curious to see what happens, but can almost guarantee I won't read the two books that follow. Didn't you all say they weren't much good anyway? Isn't this one supposed to be the best?

I personally think that book 2 (Catching Fire) was the best. I think the 3rd book was a necessary evil and gave closure to the series/characters, but it wasn't my favorite. The tone is completely different -- but I think the nature of the book (about war) requires that.

I'm currently reading Born to Run. It's...OK. I have been told, as a runner, I HAVE to read it. I'm not quite sure what the fuss is all about though. Maybe the last 100 pages will pick up for me.

[Ummm]

A Tree in Brooklyn - a classics, not really my genre, and I liked it okay (I prefer plot-driver over character-driven novel, and this is one of the better character-driven novel).

Matched - another YA dystopian trilogy and I quite enjoy it! If you like The Hunger Games you'd probably like it, though it doesn't have as many twists and turns. Some said the concept is too similar to The Giver. I haven't read that so can't comment on it.

Cinderella Ate my Daughter - Non-fiction, talked about the "girlie-girl" culture young children faces today (pick, princesses stuff). I think if you have a daughter in that age range (let's say, 3-15), you'd probably like it more than I do as it'd be more relevant.

[Dizzy]

Regarding the Hunger Games series - I loved the 3rd one and though it was the best. The 2nd was just okay for me. First one fantastic, of course.

Right now I'm reading The Next 100 Years and I am completely enthralled. I absolutely cannot put it down and have re-read several portions of it just because it's so damned interesting. One of the best I've read in awhile!

[cactus]

I agree with other people's thoughts here about Left Neglected. I finished that book this weekend and was highly underwhelmed...plus it made me think that, in general, Genova is not a very good writer and the fact that Still Alice was so compelling was kind of a fluke. Anyone else?

I'm reading a whole bunch of different books at once right now, which is not like me at all!

Every Last One Anna Quindlen
Cleopatra Stacy Schiff
Nurture Shock Po Bronson
Anne of Green Gables (Can you believe I've never read this? Free on Kindle!)
Never Let Me Go Kazuo Ishiguro (reread, for book club)

Phew. I'll probably finish all these in 6 months. ;)

[marchfamily]

Rosebud & Cactus (Re: Broken): my thoughts in white

The religion/born again thing bothered me waaaayyy less than the entire 5th part. It was totally disjointed, bounced around (Japan/The Bird, marriage, religion). I didn't care for the writing of that section. IMO, the liberation of the POWs or the coming home seemed a much more natural ending point for the book. All that said, as soon as he prayed for rain and it rained, I knew religion would be pulled back in.

[Ummm]

Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan. Non-Fiction. Highly Recommended. If you like Three Cups of Tea, you'd like this (and the writing is even a bit easier to read!) Note - if you don't want spoilers, DO NOT look at the photos until you finish the book!

[Mellow_Water1]

Currently:

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua (for fun).
The Mistress of Spices by Chira Banerjee Divakaruni (for school).

After I finish Chua's book, I'm going to check out Hell by Robert Olen Butler. I hear it's very funny.

Just read:

Midnight's Children and Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie. (The class I'm taking is on Rushdie and his contemporaries.)

[weezalana]

I just finished Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. What an amazing, amazing story - and I'm normally not a fan of historical nonfiction!

Just started Matched (dystopian YA fiction, gym reading) and Secret Adversary (Agatha Christie, free for Kindle!).

[Ohana]

I'm really tempted by Unbroken, but will it be too upsetting? I'm of Japanese descent, and my grandfather and numerous great uncles fought for Japan in WWII. I don't think any of them had any contact with POWs, but still.

[Ummm]

I just finished Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. What an amazing, amazing story - and I'm normally not a fan of historical nonfiction!

Just started Matched (dystopian YA fiction, gym reading) and Secret Adversary (Agatha Christie, free for Kindle!).

For some reasons I thought Unbroken was fiction. Good to know!

I liked Matched! Some said it "stole" from The Giver. I have to read The Giver for myself to see.

[Rosebud]

Recent Reads:

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- Okay, I kind of loved it. No one could be more shocked about this than me. I have the second book on hold at the library.

A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan- Excellent book. I highly recommend it. It's the best fiction I've read so far this year, for sure. Thanks, cactus, for recommending it!


Currently reading:

A Hedonist in the Cellar by Jay McInerney- Wine writing is really hit or miss. A lot of times it's either deadly boring or it's trying too hard. I'm really enjoying this book, though. McInerney is a good writer to begin with, and is take on wine is very approachable. It's engaging.

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks- I loved March and liked People of the Book, so I was curious to read this. I've got an audible recording and am not really loving the narration, but am trying to get past that and just focus on the story. Gosh, that story is sad. I know a lot of people here have highly recommended this book, though, so I'm going to see it through.

[Dizzy]

Recently read Her Last Death by Susanna Sonnenberg. It was okay. I had picked it up at a fundraiser for Housing Works for like a $1, so in that regard, it was worth it. Not really sure what to read next.

[Ummm]

Oxygen by Carol Cassella. Just okay for me. A bit predictable and a bit slow.

[weezalana]

I'm really tempted by Unbroken, but will it be too upsetting? I'm of Japanese descent, and my grandfather and numerous great uncles fought for Japan in WWII. I don't think any of them had any contact with POWs, but still.

I'd say about 1/3 to 1/2 the book recounts his and other soldiers' harrowing life in the POW camps. It's very descriptive of the brutal treatment, torture, and execution of POWs and citizens as well. It does tell of a handful of compassionate Japanese soldiers who tried to help, but overall, the portrayal of Japan is probably going to be upsetting for you.

[Ohana]

Thank you, weezalana. I had actually planned to buy Unbroken to read on the way to Japan later this spring, but I'll skip it.

[Ummm]

Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt. If you like character-driven novel, you'd like it. Her writing is easy to read - for someone like me who likes plot driven novels, I was drawn in to keep reading to find what happened, except well... it doesn't have enough plot for me shall we say. But it might not be a problem for others. I just prefer action!

[boilermaker]

I read Unbroken last week as well. Thought it was a great read. I've read a few other books on the Pacific side of WWII and thought this was one of the best. I don't know how to comment on your question though Ohana. I would say that in one sense, it could be very educational but it may be best to not open that can of worms. If my grandfather had committed the acts described in the book, I'm not sure I could ever see him the same again (my grandfather was in WWII also but as an American obviously). It does make me wonder what is the "standard" Japanese take on WWII? Is there a book out there for that?

[Megande]

I'm on a quest to read a lot more non-fiction this year. I have a recommendation there if anyone is looking for a fun non-fiction. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. It was fun to read and really interesting. They do things like show that stereotypes also affect the stereotyped. Asians are supposed to be good at math and women bad at math. So they did an experiment on Asian women. They asked one set some demographic questions about their gender and then gave them a math test. Then they asked another group some demographic questions about their race and gave them the same test. They gave a control group the test without asking them any demographic questions. The group that was reminded that they were women did worse than the control group and the ones that were reminded that they were Asian did better.

[twinnyme]

I'm on a quest to read a lot more non-fiction this year. I have a recommendation there if anyone is looking for a fun non-fiction. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. It was fun to read and really interesting. They do things like show that stereotypes also affect the stereotyped. Asians are supposed to be good at math and women bad at math. So they did an experiment on Asian women. They asked one set some demographic questions about their gender and then gave them a math test. Then they asked another group some demographic questions about their race and gave them the same test. They gave a control group the test without asking them any demographic questions. The group that was reminded that they were women did worse than the control group and the ones that were reminded that they were Asian did better.

Sounds interesting! Earlier today, I picked off two of your other non-fiction books on the 50 Book Challenge list to put on my "to read" list:

The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University
Opting Out? Why women really quit careers and head home

Both sound really interesting! (And I really like your choices in non-fiction.) I looked at Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely but wasn't as sure of it. Which of these three would you recommend first? Not that it will be any time soon that I'll read them.... I have a huge work deadline coming up on March 18th so I'm mostly just working around the clock now - and reading (please don't laugh) a Danielle Steele book at the moment for complete and utter escapism. But I look through these threads to get ideas for future books to read - and wait anxiously for the 18th to come so I can read some of them!

[Megande]

I think that Predictably Irrational was the most fun to read (although I'm only 80% finished with the other 2, and I'm an economist, so it is more in line with my discipline). It looks at how people make all kinds of decisions. Like say you are trying to choose between 3 houses. A ranch style with a fantastic yard, a ranch with an ok yard, and a Spanish colonial. It is easy to compare the two ranch style houses and conclude that the one with the fantastic yard is a winner. It is much harder to compare the ranch with the Spanish colonial. They show that, because one ranch is clearly preferable to the other, people almost always pick it over the Spanish colonial. The same holds for judging other products, meals, prices, and even dates. They recommend that if you are dating, you should take a friend that looks kind of like you, but is less attractive, and you will have much greater success ;). He also looked at how irrational people are about things that are free, the different worlds of market norms and social norms, honesty, etc. It would definitely give you fun things to talk about with your friends or at your next dinner party :).

The Unlikely Disciple is very interesting and easy to read. It is about a student from Brown who spent a semester at Liberty University, Jerry Falwell's very conservative evangelical school. He is surprised to find that he enjoys many things about it, that the students are mostly very nice and very normal. He does a good job at pointing out some hypocrisies within the school and the particular set of religious beliefs, but he finds a lot to respect there, too.

I love learning about subjects that I know little about, but it is really hard to pick a good book when I know nothing about authors or the subject matter. Since I work at a college and am surrounded by people who are experts in fields that I know nothing about, I've started asking my colleagues for book recommendations in their fields. If others are interested in good non-fiction, I'd be happy to review the books that I read.

My friend who is a Sociologist recommended to me Opting Out? Why women really quit careers and head home. It is written by a Sociology professor and is an academic book, but it is engaging and easy to read. It is about highly educated women in high powered careers that left the labor force. A few of the women that she talked to had always planned to stay home when they had children, but the vast majority of the women she talked to simply found themselves unable or unwilling to continue combining their work and family. She talks about how many of their "choices" weren't really choices at all. In spite of being highly paid professionals, these women still by and large put their careers second to those of their husbands. Feeling the need for someone to be home with their children and with their husbands unwilling to give up anything in their own careers, most women tried to find more family friendly arrangements with their employers. Most were unable to come to satisfactory arrangements, and thus "choose" to leave the workforce. Interestingly, many of these women quit when their children were school aged, findings things to be more difficult then than when they had smaller children. The book also talks about how they felt about their transition to being SAHMs, how gender and family roles changed after their decisions, etc.

[twinnyme]

Interestingly, many of these women quit when their children were school aged, findings things to be more difficult then than when they had smaller children. The book also talks about how they felt about their transition to being SAHMs, how gender and family roles changed after their decisions, etc.

Thank you for your fantastic response, Megande. I really appreciate the time and effort. Much better than Amazon reviews! So helpful. And since I'm considering exactly what you said above and have not yet been a SAHM, this would be even more interesting to read. Predictably Irrational also sounds really great, so I'll have to check it out more. I still have almost a month to decide which to read first, thanks.

I knew you worked at a college, and am glad you're getting good recommendations from your colleagues!

[Rosebud]

I just picked up a copy of A Red Herring Without Mustard from the library. Want to start reading immediately! Why does work have to intrude upon my reading schedule?! ;)

[Ohana]

It does make me wonder what is the "standard" Japanese take on WWII? Is there a book out there for that?

To my knowledge, there isn't a book in English from that perspective. But in talking to my grandmother and other Japanese people of that generation (in their 20's and 30's during the war), they talk about a certain sense of fanatacism and patriotism that just doesn't exist anymore. In fact, when I brought a group of Japanese people to America as part of my previous job (I worked for the Japanese government), several of the ladies who were my grandmother's age commented about how crazy Japan was to attack Pearl Harbor and think they could defeat such an enormous country.


Interestingly, many of these women quit when their children were school aged, findings things to be more difficult then than when they had smaller children.

I'm actually finding that being a WOHM to school aged children is much, much more challenging than having infants or toddlers. Daycares have to cater to the working parent, but schools do not. My kids have at least 2 days off of school a month, plus spring break, conference days, summer vacation and numerous field trips and other school events. It's a scramble to get care for days off and no matter how hard I try, I don't have enough time off to participate in the school parties and field trips. So I totally get why women with school-aged kids would opt to be a SAHM, even if they have a great career.

On a book related note, I am reading The Book Thief. It started off great, but it's now starting to drag and I'm finding it a struggle to finish. I do really find it interesting, though, that it's from Death's perspective.

[marchfamily]

I am reading The Book Thief. It started off great, but it's now starting to drag and I'm finding it a struggle to finish.

I have to say, I never understood the love for this book.

[Ummm]

I'm on a quest to read a lot more non-fiction this year. I have a recommendation there if anyone is looking for a fun non-fiction. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. It was fun to read and really interesting. They do things like show that stereotypes also affect the stereotyped. Asians are supposed to be good at math and women bad at math. So they did an experiment on Asian women. They asked one set some demographic questions about their gender and then gave them a math test. Then they asked another group some demographic questions about their race and gave them the same test. They gave a control group the test without asking them any demographic questions. The group that was reminded that they were women did worse than the control group and the ones that were reminded that they were Asian did better.

Been meaning to read this for a while. Glad to hear it is good. I was a psych major, and it sounds like something we learned back then.

If you like Non-Fiction, I recommend Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan

[Rosebud]

cactus- How are you liking Cleopatra? Any good?

[Lila55]

I finished Johnathan Franzen's Freedom and I loved it. This was my first Franzen book.

I listened to The Book Thief and highly recommend it as an audiobook. Once you get past that death is talking to you, its a great book.

[gardenmommy]

I finished The Shack last night. I found the beginning totally engrossing particularly because the setting is close to where we used to live and i was familiar with the area. The ending was a bit predictable, but as a christian I thought some of the subject matter was thought provoking in a new and less preachy way.

[cactus]

cactus- How are you liking Cleopatra? Any good?

True confession: I've technically started the book but am only really on about p. 20. My book club has talked about reading a challenging non-fiction book, and I get to choose when I host in May so I was thinking that would be a good and interesting choice. The first chapter is a little chatty in style but I think it's more of an intro and the whole book isn't like that.

I started In the Woods this weekend based on recs from this thread. I like it so far! I think I *thought* I knew what the book was and what it was about, but I must have been confusing it with something else.

I finished Every Last One by Anna Quindlen. Meh. I have to say that all I really got out of it was an afternoon of feeling really sad. Not in a good "Beaches" kind of way, either. It's just kind of grisly.

[Ummm]

Disappointed with People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Choppy, and I was bored.

[bookworm]

Disappointed with People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Choppy, and I was bored.

I think it would save you time to just check to see if I liked a book, and if I did, just skip it :). That was one of my favorites!

[Ummm]

I think it would save you time to just check to see if I liked a book, and if I did, just skip it :). That was one of my favorites!

Hahaha I have to keep that in mind :) Tell me more - what books are you favorite and what books do you hate? :)

[seattleguamgirl]

I just read The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I loved it! I thought it was beautifully written and extremely compelling.

From Publishers Weekly
Ruiz Zafón's novel, a bestseller in his native Spain, takes the satanic touches from Angel Heart and stirs them into a bookish intrigue à la Foucault's Pendulum. The time is the 1950s; the place, Barcelona. Daniel Sempere, the son of a widowed bookstore owner, is 10 when he discovers a novel, The Shadow of the Wind, by Julián Carax. The novel is rare, the author obscure, and rumors tell of a horribly disfigured man who has been burning every copy he can find of Carax's novels. The man calls himself Laín Coubert-the name of the devil in one of Carax's novels. As he grows up, Daniel's fascination with the mysterious Carax links him to a blind femme fatale with a "porcelain gaze," Clara Barceló; another fan, a leftist jack-of-all-trades, Fermín Romero de Torres; his best friend's sister, the delectable Beatriz Aguilar; and, as he begins investigating the life and death of Carax, a cast of characters with secrets to hide. Officially, Carax's dead body was dumped in an alley in 1936. But discrepancies in this story surface. Meanwhile, Daniel and Fermín are being harried by a sadistic policeman, Carax's childhood friend. As Daniel's quest continues, frightening parallels between his own life and Carax's begin to emerge. Ruiz Zafón strives for a literary tone, and no scene goes by without its complement of florid, cute and inexact similes and metaphors (snow is "God's dandruff"; servants obey orders with "the efficiency and submissiveness of a body of well-trained insects"). Yet the colorful cast of characters, the gothic turns and the straining for effect only give the book the feel of para-literature or the Hollywood version of a great 19th-century novel.

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

[weezalana]

I just finished Matched. I really enjoyed it! Many people say it rips off The Giver, but as I haven't read that book (only read the sample chapters and it didn't draw me in), I was able to judge this one on its own merit. I thought it was well-written, the story moved along at a quick pace, and I got attached to the characters. Good dystopian YA fiction, if you're into that sort of thing. Can't wait for the second book in the trilogy!

Just started Room. It's intriguing so far.

We're heading to Kauai next week, so I need to load up the Kindle before we go! Any suggestions for good vacation reads? (P.S. Not super into chick lit.)

[Rosebud]

Disappointed with People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Choppy, and I was bored.

I didn't love that book either. I actually just finished Year of Wonders, and thought that book and March (my clear favorite of Brooks' work) were much, much better than People of the Book. Have you read her other books? If not, I'd recommend giving them a try. She's actually a very good storyteller-- People of the Book just isn't her best.


Cactus- Thanks for the feedback on Cleopatra. It's still on my list, and I'll get to it at some point here.

Seattleguamgirl- I really liked The Shadow of the Wind, too. It's got such a wonderful noir-ish vibe, and is so suspenseful.

Weezalana- Have you read The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman? Really good fiction- not too heavy for vacation, and not chick lit. Have fun!

[bookworm]

Hahaha I have to keep that in mind :) Tell me more - what books are you favorite and what books do you hate? :)

Favorites are tough, but the book I hate most in life is The Corrections. There were some circumstances around why I was reading it that didn't help, but ugh, I hated that book.

And this made me laugh

I didn't love that book either. I actually just finished Year of Wonders, and thought that book and March (my clear favorite of Brooks' work) were much, much better than People of the Book. Have you read her other books? If not, I'd recommend giving them a try. She's actually a very good storyteller-- People of the Book just isn't her best.

because I also hated March. And I didn't read Year of Wonders because I decided Rosebud and I had opposite taste in Brooks' books. Although we sometimes agree on others...

[Ummm]

Favorites are tough, but the book I hate most in life is The Corrections. There were some circumstances around why I was reading it that didn't help, but ugh, I hated that book.

And this made me laugh


because I also hated March. And I didn't read Year of Wonders because I decided Rosebud and I had opposite taste in Brooks' books. Although we sometimes agree on others...

we need to do a taste matching grid/spreadsheet or something lol :) I haven't read The Correction or Freedom... don't really have any burning desire to though...

[Ummm]

I just finished Matched. I really enjoyed it! Many people say it rips off The Giver, but as I haven't read that book (only read the sample chapters and it didn't draw me in), I was able to judge this one on its own merit. I thought it was well-written, the story moved along at a quick pace, and I got attached to the characters. Good dystopian YA fiction, if you're into that sort of thing. Can't wait for the second book in the trilogy!

Just started Room. It's intriguing so far.

We're heading to Kauai next week, so I need to load up the Kindle before we go! Any suggestions for good vacation reads? (P.S. Not super into chick lit.)

Yes Matched surprised me! I went to borrow The Giver just so I can compare but haven't read it yet.

Fiction so far has been kinda disappointing except Matched. If you like YA dystopian, have you tried Unwind? I can't remember whom I recommend it to last time! :)

[Rosebud]

Favorites are tough, but the book I hate most in life is The Corrections.

<snip>

I also hated March. And I didn't read Year of Wonders because I decided Rosebud and I had opposite taste in Brooks' books. Although we sometimes agree on others...

REALLY?! Wow, we do have opposite tastes. I loved both of those books.

That's okay, though. I still like you. ;)

[bookworm]

REALLY?! Wow, we do have opposite tastes. I loved both of those books.

That's okay, though. I still like you. ;)

Ha! Thanks. Back atcha :).

I've added a few books to the Kindle for vacation: Ice Cold (Tess Gerritsen--should be a good vacation mystery); Unbroken-- not exactly beach reading, but I've been wanting to read it; Easily Amused--it was inexpensive so what the heck. I want to add the new-ish Ken Follet book, but I'm so irritated that the Kindle edition is $20 that I'm not sure I will.

Any suggestions for vacation books?

[j*east]

A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan- Excellent book. I highly recommend it. It's the best fiction I've read so far this year, for sure. Thanks, cactus, for recommending it!


This is funny, because I think cactus and I have had similar taste, so I thought Rosebud and I might, so I just put Goon Squad on my hold list at the library...but I just finished March and I was not really a fan (I found it readable and interesting, but I didn't like her characterization of Mr. March) and I didn't love Year of Wonders either. So...if we keep this up, we can make a big flow chart of the books we might like in common, and those we won't!

Recent reads:
Room--loved it. It's not perfect, but so fascinating.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother--Interesting, though I wasn't sure of her tone or intent.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks--good, solid book, interesting but not life-changing.

Also reading Freedom...not sure if I want to keep going. Patty and Walter just got married (well, kind of--the circular time line, moving a little forward and a little back and then a little forward and back again, is making me a little nuts). Should I press on?

[Rosebud]

This is funny, because I think cactus and I have had similar taste, so I thought Rosebud and I might...

Cactus and I were in the same book club for several years, and I would say that we generally were of similar opinion about the books we read. If she really likes a book, I definitely put it on my to-read list. Same with ee_chick. I don't know if this means we have the same taste, but we agreed more often than not, I think. I do tend to like books that are challenging and don't necessarily have happy endings-- serious literature, I guess-- but I definitely mix that up with travel writing, food writing and the occasional silly beach read.


Also reading Freedom...not sure if I want to keep going. Patty and Walter just got married (well, kind of--the circular time line, moving a little forward and a little back and then a little forward and back again, is making me a little nuts). Should I press on?

Well, I loved Freedom, so I'd say to press on. The timing of the book is like that throughout-- shifting around to different moments in their lives-- but I found that after the first few chapters it started to make sense and not be confusing/annoying. Once I really got invested in them as people, and as a couple, I couldn't put it down. I know there are those who are going to tell you to abandon ship now, though.

[Ummm]

Ha! Thanks. Back atcha :).

I've added a few books to the Kindle for vacation: Ice Cold (Tess Gerritsen--should be a good vacation mystery); Unbroken-- not exactly beach reading, but I've been wanting to read it; Easily Amused--it was inexpensive so what the heck. I want to add the new-ish Ken Follet book, but I'm so irritated that the Kindle edition is $20 that I'm not sure I will.

Any suggestions for vacation books?

I was disappointed in Ice Cold, so you'd probably like it :) Reading Unbroken now and liking it so far. Should I suggest books I don't like? :)

[bookworm]

Ummm, do you usually like her books? I don't think they are literature by any stretch :), but I generally find them entertaining for a few hours.

And sure--let me know what you hate!

[Ummm]

bookworm - These were 3 (out of 5) or less for me this year and last year. 3 = just okay for me.

# The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
# The Breach by Patrick Lee
# Up From the Blue by Susan Henderson
# Let Darkness Come by Angela Hunt
# The Passage by Justin Cronin
# Damaged by Pamela Callow
# The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
# Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
# Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
# Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
# Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles
# Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
# My Lost Daughter by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg
# The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
# Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
# Lottery: A Novel by Patricia Wood
# Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
# Mockingjay (#3 of the Hunger Games) by Suznne Collins
# The Pact: A Love Story by Jodi Picoult
# PS, I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
# Simply from Scratch by Alicia Bessette
# House of Dark Shadows (Dreamhouse Kings #1) by Robert Liparulo
# American Wife: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld
# Crossing by Andrew Xia Fukuda
# Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan
# The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain
# 31 Hours: A Novel by Masha Hamilton
# Ice Cold: A Rizzoli and Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen
# In Firm Pursuit by Pamela Samuels-Young
# The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship (A Novel) by Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel
# The Door to December by Dean Koontz
# Liar by Justine Larbalestier
# We Have Always Lived In the Castle by Shirley Jackson
# The Faculty Club by Danny Tobey
# The Piano Teacher: A Novel by Janice Y. K. Lee
# Postcards from a Dead Girl: A Novel by Kirk Farber
# The Accidental Tourist: A Novel by Anne Tyler
# Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
# Caribou Island by David Vann
# Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
# The Emancipator's Wife by Barbara Hambly
# The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern
# Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters #1) by Michelle Zink
# Oxygen by Carol Cassella

Some are young adult books. I don't usually read literature or classics. I prefer plot driven than character driven novels. If I have to choose, I prefer sad to happy novels.

[Ummm]

Finished Christmas, Present by Jacquelyn Mitchard. Quick read as it's a small book but I still want my 2 hours back!! Supposed to be a sad, depressing book. I got irritated instead.

So bookworm you'd probably love this one lol.

[Wrighty26]

I feel like I'm hit or miss with everyone's books here -- but that's what I love about this thread!

I finished Born to Run and ended up loving it. Awesome, inspirational book. Even if you aren't a runner, it's a great book! I'm currently finishing up Unbroken and I'm still at the "amazing" part of the book. I read the spoilers (bad Michelle!) and can see myself being disappointed in the last chapter as well. It's a crazy story though.

My friend has offered to "lend" me the City of Bones series next -- so I'm back to some young adult stuff for a little bit. I need some fluff after some intense books!

[Lila55]

Also reading Freedom...not sure if I want to keep going. Patty and Walter just got married (well, kind of--the circular time line, moving a little forward and a little back and then a little forward and back again, is making me a little nuts). Should I press on?

Yes, keep on going. It took me 200 pages before I started to enjoy the book.

[cactus]

These discussions about taste are so funny! I definitely think Rosebud and I tend to like a lot of the same books...actually, I think it's more that we *love* the same books, but the ones each of us just *likes* might be different. I don't really read travel writing or food writing, for example -- and I probably read much more crappy "women's fiction" than she does! But our "favorites" lists always overlap, which is kind of fun to see.

I will beg off the March conversation by saying that even though I was in Rosebud's book club when "we" read that book, that was one of the only ones I ever skipped. So I can't weigh in! And I hate to even cop to this, but I've never read Little Women, either (though I did try a couple of years ago...I was just really distracted and couldn't get into it -- I know, it's a crime) so I can't be offended about the characterization of Mr. March.

I have also never read Anne of Green Gables, so I downloaded it for free on my Kindle. Another one I've never read (this one is pretty shocking) is To Kill a Mockingbird. And I was an English major and have always loved to read -- how has this escaped me?

What are the books on your list of titles people always assume you have read (and probably should have read!) but you haven't?

I just wish I had more time to read! Isn't that all of our main complaint? I really want to read all those "great" books that I have missed.

[Ummm]

What are the books on your list of titles people always assume you have read (and probably should have read!) but you haven't?


Ha, I haven't read Anne of Green Gables or To Kill a Mockingbird either. I tried reading Mockingbird twice before and couldn't finish, I think I wasn't in the right mood to read it. I had read the children's version of Little Women in Chinese only. I haven't read a lot of classics at all... haven't read Jane Austen for example... I just prefer contemporary fiction (with twists!) and non-fiction (not all though). Mostly I like books that inspire me.

[Rosebud]

I cannot fully explain the extent of my love for the Anne of Green Gables books. There was a whole swath of my preteen years where I wanted to be Anne and was a little too overly involved with those stories. If I read them for the first time as an adult I'm sure I wouldn't feel the same way, but reading those books at 10, 11, 12.... yeah, I was obsessed. The whole Anne/Gil romance is so lovely, and Anne is the perfect, plucky, headstrong heroine.

What are the books on your list of titles people always assume you have read (and probably should have read!) but you haven't?

Well, I hadn't read Jane Eyre until last year (and I didn't like it). I've been trying to read more classics lately (chipping away at the Modern Library 100 Best list), but there's still a lot I haven't read. Never read Ulysses, for example. Or anything by Willa Cather or Faulkner.

[bookworm]

I cannot fully explain the extent of my love for the Anne of Green Gables books.

On this, we agree :).

Books I should have read but haven't... Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn... probably many more.

I'm reading Bitter is the New Black. It's not good, but at least it's quick.

[Ohana]

Another Anne fan. I re-read the series a few years ago, and in some ways, I liked it even more. Same with Little Women. I re-read it earlier this year (for free on my phone), and I fell in love with it all over again.

Books I should have read but haven't....Atlas Shrugged, anything by Jane Austen, Moby Dick, a few others.

[seattleguamgirl]

Another Anne fan. I re-read the series a few years ago, and in some ways, I liked it even more. Same with Little Women. I re-read it earlier this year (for free on my phone), and I fell in love with it all over again.

Books I should have read but haven't....Atlas Shrugged, anything by Jane Austen, Moby Dick, a few others.

Ohana, you should try to read Jane Austen. I think we have a similar taste in books and I love her!

I'm currently reading Room and the story is riveting. The writing is awkward and can get annoying since it's told from the POV of a 5 year old, but I'm more than halfway through and can't put it down.

I also just finished This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper and I absolutely loved it!

[scarlett]

So, because of this thread, I picked up Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea at the library today. I've been meaning to reread them (it's been probably 10 years or so since I last read them).

I recently read Room and thought it was an interesting read. I also picked up Irrationally Predictable last week at the library from the recommendations here. It is fascinating.

Before that, I reread all 5 of the Earth's Children books in preparation for The Land of Painted Caves coming out at the end of the month.

[Rosebud]

Recent reads:

A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley- This is the third book in Bradley's series about Flavia De Luce, the precocious preteen chemist/ detective. As always, the story was charming and filled with all sorts of eccentric townspeople and mysterious happenings. I might have liked it a little less than the first two books, but if you liked the others you'll like this one, too. I don't really read mysteries, and I don't often read books in a series, but this one has me hooked. It's very well written, with just the right amount of humor and some sweet character work.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins- And just as I've said I don't normally read books in a series, I'm going to contradict myself a bit. I've just read the second in the Hunger Games series and I'm obsessed. I had no idea, NONE, that I was going to enjoy these books. They're not at all what I typically read. They are so very engaging, though. I tore through this one in an afternoon. Yes, I will definitely be reading Mockingjay. I'm so intrigued to see why many people haven't liked it. Is there some terrible twist I'm going to hate? Don't tell me, of course, but I'm as curious about that as I am to find out what happens to Kat. Viva la revolucion!

Currently reading:

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain- This is the fictionalized story of the marriage of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley. I read some good reviews, but was also dying to read this because I'm such a Hemingway fan and have always been interested in his Paris years. I'm more than halfway through this book and finding it very readable. It really shines a light on that period in Hemingway's life, which is great. Sadly, I'm not as interested in Hadley as I thought I would be. She's a little useless-- she just hangs about adoring Ernest and doesn't really have any interests and passions of her own. You can see the rupture forming in this marriage, which is fascinating and sad all at once.

The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht- This just came in at the library for me and I'm SO EXCITED. I know everyone's been buzzing about this as being one of the most anticipated books of the year, so I can't wait to get started. Hopefully, it will be as good as the hype.


From Booklist
*Starred Review* Not even Obreht's place on the New Yorker's current "20 under 40" list of exceptional writers will prepare readers for the transporting richness and surprise of this gripping novel of legends and loss in a broken land. Drawing on the former Yugoslavia's fabled past and recent bloodshed, Belgrade-born Obreht portrays two besieged doctors. Natalia is on an ill-advised 'good will' medical mission at an orphanage on what is suddenly the 'other side,' now that war has broken out, when she learns that her grandfather, a distinguished doctor forced out of his practice by ethnic divides, has died far from home. She is beset by memories, particularly of her grandfather taking her to the zoo to see the tigers. We learn the source of his fascination in mesmerizing flashbacks, meeting the village butcher, the deaf-mute Muslim woman he married, and a tiger who escaped the city zoo after it was bombed by the Germans. Of equal mythic mystery is the story of the "deathless man." Moments of breathtaking magic, wildness, and beauty are paired with chilling episodes in which superstition overrides reason; fear and hatred smother compassion; and inexplicable horror rules. Every word, every scene, every thought is blazingly alive in this many-faceted, spellbinding, and rending novel of death, succor, and remembrance.

[weezalana]

I'm currently reading Room and the story is riveting. The writing is awkward and can get annoying since it's told from the POV of a 5 year old, but I'm more than halfway through and can't put it down.

I just finished Room. I too thought after reading the sample that the 5-year-old POV would bug me, but you get used to it because the story itself is so riveting. Dark, but riveting! And once you get about 40% in, it gets REALLY good - I almost stayed at the gym longer to keep reading it!

I've started The List, Switched, and The Informationist. Just in time for vacation! :)

P.S. Man, I've gone from a cheapass library patron to a Kindle addict who can't stop downloading books in record time. :p

[scarlett]

P.S. Man, I've gone from a cheapass library patron to a Kindle addict who can't stop downloading books in record time. :p And this is why I'm afraid to get a Kindle. ;)

[cactus]

Rosebud, I just got The Tiger's Wife for my Kindle! I'll be interested to see how you like it.

I finished In the Woods. I would say it was okay...I knew was what going to happen about halfway through and it's a LONG book! But I was intrigued enough to get The Likeness (sort of like a sequel, I guess? It's about the same character...) on audiobook. I'm also going to read The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. And I have Swamplandia! and The Tiger's Wife on my Kindle. Too many good things to read!

Funny story (and great for me!) -- my dad sent me a Kindle for my birthday. I already have one, so I was going to return it anyway and just use the credit for Kindle books. The next day another Kindle arrived, and it turned out to be an ordering glitch from Amazon, and they told me I could have the credit for that one too. WOO HOO! Stuff like this never happens to me, and I'm pretty excited that I now have like $350 to spend on Amazon. That should keep me in books for a while, especially since I still mainly use the library.

[seattleguamgirl]

I just finished Room. I too thought after reading the sample that the 5-year-old POV would bug me, but you get used to it because the story itself is so riveting. Dark, but riveting! And once you get about 40% in, it gets REALLY good - I almost stayed at the gym longer to keep reading it!

P.S. Man, I've gone from a cheapass library patron to a Kindle addict who can't stop downloading books in record time. :p

Room was fantastic. I think the writing got more clear as the book went on (and I wondered if it was just me getting used to it or because of Jack gaining more worldly experiences, which improved his vocabulary?)

I'm so with you on the Kindle addiction. I actually went on a Kindle message board and found some recs for books for 99 cents that I thought to buy to cushion the financial blow. :) At the rate I'm reading I can easily spend $20 - $30 a week on books!

[magrat]

Baen has lots of free ebooks (sci fi and fantasy): http://www.baen.com/library/authors.asp Lois McMaster Bujold is my favorite author and her book Warrior's Apprentice is available.

I'm reading The Secret Garden for the first time and am hooked. I really like the free classics you can get on Amazon, it's filling in holes in my literary education.

[seattleguamgirl]

Thanks for the rec, Magrat. I just downloaded The Secret Garden and will read that soon.

I'm currently reading a thriller/mystery by L.J. Sellers, The Sex Club. I usually don't read mysteries, but this is engaging enough. It's a very light read and the writing can be annoying, but not enough for me to quit the book. :)

From Amazon:

Review
L.J. Sellers has written a fine debut mystery novel that explores religious fanaticism and its effects on the lives of various people. The characters are well developed, the plot plausible and well executed with an unexpected twist at the end. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author. --Lillian Porter, Bloodstained Book Review

L.J. Sellers rips current social issues from editorial pages, wraps them in exciting, multi-faceted mysteries, and delivers thrilling reads. Pick up any Sellers mystery and you ll find the full package lovable, flawed human beings with interesting, imperfect lives; twisted, mean-spirited villains that we love to hate; good guys who aren t so good; bad guys who have standards; a suspenseful tale with enough plot twists and red herrings to keep the mystery fascinating to the last page and leave the reader begging for more. --Charlotte Phillips, author of the Eva Baum mysteries

L.J. Sellers has written a fine debut mystery novel that explores religious fanaticism and its effects on the lives of various people. The characters are well developed, the plot plausible and well executed with an unexpected twist at the end. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author. --Lillian Porter, Bloodstained Book Review

[Ummm]

Still Life by Joy Fielding. Haven't read her books before. Plot is pretty predictable and the characters are so-so, but she really got me engaged and I finished in 2 days. Wish the plot was better!

[Megande]

I'm still on my plan to ask all my colleagues to lend me non-fiction books from their disciplines. It has taken me almost 3 weeks to finish the book that my Medieval Historian friend loaned me, which is forever for me. I got smart and asked a psychologist for a book and am pumped to start reading Abducted: How People come to believe they were kidnapped by aliens by Susan Clancy.

[katmg]

I loved Anne of Green Gables when I was growing up.

Rosebud - I would just pick one Faulkner novel to read and be done with him - my jr/sr yrs Eng. teacher was obsessed with him so I've read six(?) of his novels. Ugh.

I'm another one who needs to read Austen.

I took a list of books from this thread to the library and they were all checked out/on request. Boo!

[bookworm]

I'm really tempted by Unbroken, but will it be too upsetting? I'm of Japanese descent, and my grandfather and numerous great uncles fought for Japan in WWII. I don't think any of them had any contact with POWs, but still.

I know this question is older (so you may have already made your decision), but I thought of it while reading Unbroken last week. I think it would be upsetting. There were definitely one or two compassionate Japanese figures in the book, but there are also some pretty strong statements about culture & cruelty.

Also (spoiler in white) I too hated the Deus-ex-Falwall ending. For Louis as a person, it's great that he heard a sermon and never felt anger again. If this was a novel, though, I'd call it a cheap ending.

[Ummm]

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. While I don't agree with a lot of her philosophy, it was a fun read. Read it with my DH, and it sparked some interesting discussion since I am Chinese and he isn't (not Jewish though). I am glad I'm not her daughter though! (note, by "fun" I didn't mean it was fun the way she treated her daughters something... just that there was some humor in it and she was honest.)

[weezalana]

While on our babymoon :), I finished:

1. Switched - just so-so, it was fine for 99 cents, but have no real desire to read the rest of the trilogy
2. The Informationist - really enjoyed this, suspenseful, quick-paced, predicted one minor plot point, but overall this was what I hoped Girl with the Dragon Tattoo would be but wasn't
3. The List - enjoyed this as well, you have to suspend disbelief but very interesting and action-packed storyline, well worth the $2.99
4. 1st to Die (Women's Murder Club) - good, creepy, sad, but kinda saw the ending coming, I'd like to keep reading the WMC series but wish they would drop in price
5. Moon Dance (Vampire for Hire #1) - entertaining, nice take on the vampire theme, interesting and sad, well worth the 99 cents

Currently reading KILLER, a direct-to-Kindle eBook.

[Dizzy]

Currently reading Swamplandia.

[Ummm]

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen. I haven't read her books before and I actually quite like it - it's chicklitish with some magical realism, not my genre at all but I like this better than typical chicklit. I think that's because there was an explanation of the "magic" (which probably doesn't make sense, because, well, you shouldn't require an explanation when it comes to magic lol. but my logical mind needs some answers :)

[bookworm]

Re-reading The Lion, which was not good enough to warrant a re-read, but I can't find anything brainless and appealing.

I did enjoy Fall of Giants (not totally brainless, and sort of interesting in the wake of reading Unbroken (if only in that they both deal with war--one fiction, one non-fiction)) and am looking forward to the sequel, even if I am annoyed by the publisher charging $20 for the Kindle version.

And on Faulkner--I can't stand the lack of punctuation. For Pete's sake, use it incorrectly if you want to (perhaps by embracing my fondness for the em dash and ellipse ;) ), but the sentences that go on for PAGES are just too much.

[Rosebud]

I am still reading The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht. It's very intriguing and well written, I just haven't had a lot of time to read lately. I'm hoping to finish it up this week.

I'm also listening to two audiobooks right now (long story). I just started Zeitoun by Dave Eggers (on a recommendation from Cactus76) and it's great thus far. I'm also listening to The Three Stages of Amazement by Carole Edgarian. I read a good review of this somewhere and decided to give it a try, and I'm really enjoying it. It actually reminds me a bit of The Cookbook Collector (one of the better books I read last year), probably just because it's contemporary, deals with start-ups and is set in San Francisco. It's a very interesting story of a family struggling through the "great recession" and their own personal issues. I'm not finished with it yet, but think some of you will definitely want to put this on your to-read list.


The Three Stages of Amazement: Edgarian's accomplished second novel (following Rise the Euphrates) looks at the way the privileged cope--or fail to cope--when the fates turn hard against them. Charlie Pepper gives up his surgical practice and moves his wife, Lena, and family to San Francisco to found Nimbus Surgical Devices, just in time for the 2008 market crash. While he scrambles to replace funding, Lena has her hands full with the household, a premature infant with multiple health issues, a young son, and her own family. They are already teetering on the edge when Charlie is offered funding from the one source Lena will object to: her uncle Cal, the man behind her father's failed business and, possibly, his death. Edgarian is in fine form, giving readers a well-told story with characters of great depth and complexity, but it is her crystalline writing and the unique narrative tone that elevates this the most.

[Wrighty26]

I'm currently reading Townie by Andrew Dubus III. I wasn't a huge fan of House of Sand and Fog, but I am can't put this book down. Maybe I'm just a sucker memoirs!

[seattleguamgirl]

Thanks to all who recommended The Irresistible Henry House. I just finished it and loved it!

[E&O]

I normally come to this thread to get ideas for books to read, so by the time I read something, most everyone here has already read it. I downloaded Hunger Games as a last minute thought before flying from Philly to Las Vegas this past weekend, and I am sooooo glad I did.

I devoured that book during the plane ride, I was addicted! The story was amazing and I was caught off guard several times. I was practically giddy to use the airport wi-fi and get the 2nd book and 3rd book right away!

I started Catching Fire yesterday on the flight home and almost 1/2 way in, I find it just as amazing. But I have to pause for a while, DH is traveling this week so I'm alone at night and the book is unsettling enough to give me some bad dreams.

[Ohana]

Finished re-reading The Shell Seekers last night. It was like spending 4 days with old friends, and I can't wait to dig into the "sequel" again. I've read so many duds lately that I really wanted to read some books I knew I would enjoy.

seattleguamgirl - I often find myself agreeing with you on books you've enjoyed, so I'm adding The Irresistible Henry House to my to-read list.

[Rosebud]

Thanks to all who recommended The Irresistible Henry House. I just finished it and loved it!

I loved this book, too! Definitely one of the better books I've read recently.


I downloaded Hunger Games as a last minute thought before flying from Philly to Las Vegas this past weekend, and I am sooooo glad I did.

I devoured that book during the plane ride, I was addicted!

I hear you! I'm waiting to pick up Mockingjay until I have time to sit down and read it all in one fell swoop. Once you start, it's hard to stop!


Currently reading Swamplandia.

I'll be really curious to hear what you think of this. There have been a lot of good reviews, but it just sounds so strange. I've been trying to decide whether to put it on my list.

[Megande]

I'm reading Bonk: The curious coupling of science and sex by Mary Roach. It was a recommendation from a psychologist friend. It is fun so far!

[bookworm]

Finished re-reading The Shell Seekers last night. It was like spending 4 days with old friends, and I can't wait to dig into the "sequel" again. I've read so many duds lately that I really wanted to read some books I knew I would enjoy.

I do this too--my copy is literally held together with duct tape :).

[Ummm]

I'm reading Bonk: The curious coupling of science and sex by Mary Roach. It was a recommendation from a psychologist friend. It is fun so far!

I'd read both Bonk and Stiff by this author. Like both equally!

[hokiegirl]

I do this too--my copy is literally held together with duct tape :).

Mine is taped together too, but I can't give up my muchloved copy!

[j*east]

Finished re-reading The Shell Seekers last night. It was like spending 4 days with old friends, and I can't wait to dig into the "sequel" again. I've read so many duds lately that I really wanted to read some books I knew I would enjoy.

seattleguamgirl - I often find myself agreeing with you on books you've enjoyed, so I'm adding The Irresistible Henry House to my to-read list.

Ooh, I reread The Shell Seekers every year or so, and September. Have you also read Coming Home? I think I may like it even better. I like Pilcher's big saga novels...she has a bunch of shorter, minor ones that are just OK. And I loved Henry House too!

I ditched Freedom. I couldn't get into it, and it was overdue at the library. I might try again over the summer. I read Cinderella Ate My Daughter, which wasn't as informative as Packaging Girlhood, but it was a bit more entertaining. I also read a few stories from Gish Jen's Who's Irish? (she'll be visiting my school next year) and I'm about halfway through Siblings Without Rivalry. Obviously, I'm looking for a good novel. Oh, I started Just Kids (Patti Smith's memoir). It's good, but in a kind of quiet way, at least so far.

[gardenmommy]

I just finished Water for elephants which I hesitating reading for so long but ended up loving! I have heard good thing about some of Sara Gruens other books so I'll have to check them out. I'm on to The Imperfectionists next.

[Ummm]

I ditched Freedom. I couldn't get into it, and it was overdue at the library. I might try again over the summer. I read Cinderella Ate My Daughter, which wasn't as informative as Packaging Girlhood, but it was a bit more entertaining. I also read a few stories from Gish Jen's Who's Irish? (she'll be visiting my school next year) and I'm about halfway through Siblings Without Rivalry. Obviously, I'm looking for a good novel. Oh, I started Just Kids (Patti Smith's memoir). It's good, but in a kind of quiet way, at least so far.

I read Cinderella Ate My Daughter a month or so ago. It was just okay for me. I guess if I have a daughter (no kids) I might have enjoyed it more.

[seattleguamgirl]

I'm currently reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and I'm loving it so far! Thanks again to all who've recommended it. I love coming here to get book recs.


Finished re-reading The Shell Seekers last night. It was like spending 4 days with old friends, and I can't wait to dig into the "sequel" again. I've read so many duds lately that I really wanted to read some books I knew I would enjoy.

seattleguamgirl - I often find myself agreeing with you on books you've enjoyed, so I'm adding The Irresistible Henry House to my to-read list.

I think you'll really enjoy it! I just searched for The Shell Seekers on my kindle and I don't think there is a kindle version of this book. Bummer! I'm interested in reading it now that you and a few others have posted about it.

[magrat]

I'm reading Fannie's Last Supper. It's moderately interesting, I'd recommend it to anyone who likes non-fiction history books and food writing.

[laura]

I read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks too thanks to this thread, I really enjoyed it! I've been lax about reading, but I'm trying to get back into it, so thanks for all the suggestions. Off to download some samples.

[twinnyme]

I'm reading The Island (http://www.amazon.com/Island-Victoria-Hislop/dp/0061340324/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1301356937&sr=1-1) by Victoria Hislop. SOOO interesting. It's a novel but it's about the island Spinalonga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinalonga), off of Crete, which was used as a leper colony mid-1900s. I'm about halfway through and really enjoying it. The psychology of being banished to the island as soon as you are found to have leprosy and what that does to you and to those you leave behind, is fascinating.

[seattleguamgirl]

I just finished HeLa, which was fantastic. I'm now currently reading Life of Pi, which most if not all of you have probably read by now! It's one of those books I meant to pick up for so long, then it kept getting pushed back down the reading list. I'm enjoying it so far!

twinnyme, that book sounds interesting! Have you read Moloka'i? It's another historic fiction book about the leper colony in Hawaii. Loved that book!

[lbs27]

I also just finished The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Very good - I'm a scientist, so I appreciated all of the science-y part of the book. I had no idea there was so much a scientific story behind the cells (for example the contamination theory), so I thought that was really interesting. I also enjoyed reading about her life and her family's life - definitely a very thorough and well written book!

[twinnyme]

twinnyme, that book sounds interesting! Have you read Moloka'i? It's another historic fiction book about the leper colony in Hawaii. Loved that book!

I'll have to check it out, thanks!

[magrat]

twinnyme, that book sounds interesting! Have you read Moloka'i? It's another historic fiction book about the leper colony in Hawaii. Loved that book!

And The Pearl Diver (http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Diver-Jeff-Talarigo/dp/1400034914/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301447691&sr=8-1), about a leper island in Japan. Just in case you can't get enough ;)

[twinnyme]

And The Pearl Diver (http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Diver-Jeff-Talarigo/dp/1400034914/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301447691&sr=8-1), about a leper island in Japan. Just in case you can't get enough ;)

LOL, I may need to spread out the readings. Thanks for the recommendations, though!!! I just had no idea leper colonies such as these existed, and I find it fascinating.

[cactus]

twinnyme, I read Molokai on my honeymoon (lepers make lovely honeymoon reading!) and then I read The Island last year for book club...my thoughts after reading both was that Molokai was so good that I liked The Island less, even though it was a perfectly interesting and enjoyable book. And I've lived in Greece, so that part was fun for me to read. I don't think I need any more leper books for a while though.

Currently reading The Tiger's Wife. Not sure so far, seems interesting and it sure is getting a lot of hype. I'm listening to The Likeness, by Tana French, which is so far SO MUCH better and more compelling than Into the Woods. I hope it delivers!

[seattleguamgirl]

twinnyme, I read Molokai on my honeymoon (lepers make lovely honeymoon reading!) and then I read The Island last year for book club...my thoughts after reading both was that Molokai was so good that I liked The Island less, even though it was a perfectly interesting and enjoyable book. And I've lived in Greece, so that part was fun for me to read. I don't think I need any more leper books for a while though.

Currently reading The Tiger's Wife. Not sure so far, seems interesting and it sure is getting a lot of hype. I'm listening to The Likeness, by Tana French, which is so far SO MUCH better and more compelling than Into the Woods. I hope it delivers!

Funny, I picked up Moloka'i while on a weekend getaway with DH. :)

cactus, I remember really disliking Into the Woods. I'm glad Tana French has a better book out there.

I just finished Life of Pi. Oh my, what a fantastic book. I didn't want it to end. Yann Martel has such a beautiful way with words. There were many passages in the book that struck me to my core. I can't believe I waited so long to read this book!

[weezalana]

twinnyme - Moloka'i was an AMAZING book. But if you want a break from reading about leper colonies ;), his second book, Honolulu, was just as good if not better!

I've lost interest in Killer, because the main character is acting like a complete idiot. Just finished Bake Sale Murder, which was light and entertaining enough for lunch/gym reading. And after everyone's rave reviews, I picked up The Shell Seekers from the library (not available for Kindle, boo!) a couple of days ago, on the third chapter now.

[weezalana]

For those of you who have read Tana French - do you have to read Into the Woods before The Likeness, or will the second book stand alone?

[bookworm]

For those of you who have read Tana French - do you have to read Into the Woods before The Likeness, or will the second book stand alone?

The Likeness can stand alone, but if you think you might also want to read In the Woods (which I enjoyed), I'd read that first so the 2nd one doesn't ruin the 1st. IMO Faithful Place is better than either, and can stand alone .

[Dizzy]

For those of you who have read Tana French - do you have to read Into the Woods before The Likeness, or will the second book stand alone?

They can stand alone, but I would read Into the Woods first - the main character in The Likeness was also in Into the Woods and I seem to remember her referencing people from Into the Woods every now and then. I personally think Into the Woods is French's best work.

I finished reading Swamplandia which was really good, but realllly weird. I don't even know how to describe it. It's ultimately a coming of age tale, as well as a story about familial love, but it's told in a very unique locale with some truly bizarre characters and circumstances. I found it wholly enjoyable, but it's weird, for sure.

Now I'm reading The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore and I absolutely love it so far.

[cactus]

I think part of my positive reaction to The Likeness so far is that it's a really engaging audiobook. I didn't listen to Into the Woods (I read it), but I've really liked the experience of listening to The Likeness. I tend to get really attached to audiobooks with good narrators, so I'm sure that is coloring my response.

I'm halfway through The Tiger's Wife. Not sure what I think of this one...I've found it a little hard to involve myself in the story/characters even though I'm impressed by the writing (how is this author only 26???).

[marchfamily]

Just finished The Kitchen House. Love, love, loved it. I'm a sucker for historical fiction and the writing was super easy to read. Also reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I'm about 1/3 of the way through and feeling sort of blah about it. I find the 50's story far more engaging and get a bit irriated when it flashes forward.

[Rosebud]

Recent reads:

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers- Great book. I really enjoyed it. It was very interesting to read about Katrina from a survivor's point of view, and Zeitoun and his family are such memorable characters. It made me mad, it made me sad, but I also really enjoyed spending time with such positive and determined people. I think Eggers calls it fiction, since he's had to recreate conversations and such, but it's really more nonfiction, and very compelling.

The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht- This was a tough one, as those of you who read my long and convoluted Goodreads review know. Incredibly impressive writing, very intriguing (and unfamiliar) setting and mythology, deft interweaving of several different storylines.... and yet, I had trouble connecting with the protagonist. The other main characters (her grandfather, the tiger's wife, etc.) were wonderful and I was very emotionally involved in their stories, but Natalia remained sort of distant for me. This is a story I really have not stopped thinking about since I finished it, and it challenged me more than any book I've read in some time. But it certainly wasn't an easy read, and my reaction was not, "OMG, I loved it, you have to read it." Does that make sense?


I'm halfway through The Tiger's Wife. Not sure what I think of this one...I've found it a little hard to involve myself in the story/characters even though I'm impressed by the writing (how is this author only 26???).

I will be very curious to hear what you think when you've finished it. And yes, can you believe she's only 26? That is some serious God-given talent.

[Ummm]

Gave up a Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. Book club choice for next month. But I just don't care about any of the characters...

Finished Sweetness At the Bottom of the Pie. I like Flavia a lot, but the plot was lacking a bit and at times the pace was a bit slow.

[seattleguamgirl]

Rosebud, I'm going to have to download Zeitoun soon. It sounds really interesting.

I just finished Ella Minnow Pea based on a recommendation here and it was clever. It's a fast read, and even more so once I started skimming over part of the book once the town lost most of its letters. From Amazon:


Ella Minnow Pea is a girl living happily on the fictional island of Nollop off the coast of South Carolina. Nollop was named after Nevin Nollop, author of the immortal pangram,* “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Now Ella finds herself acting to save her friends, family, and fellow citizens from the encroaching totalitarianism of the island’s Council, which has banned the use of certain letters of the alphabet as they fall from a memorial statue of Nevin Nollop. As the letters progressively drop from the statue they also disappear from the novel. The result is both a hilarious and moving story of one girl’s fight for freedom of expression, as well as a linguistic tour de force sure to delight word lovers everywhere.

*pangram: a sentence or phrase that includes all the letters of the alphabet

I downloaded a sample of Unbroken based on recommendations here so I think I'll start that next.

I'm also in the middle of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen, which has been interesting so far.

[Ohana]

Finished Maeve Binchy's Whitethorn Woods last weekend. I generally enjoy Binchy a lot, but this book was just all over the place. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different person who somehow has ties to the Whitethorn Woods. Some people live nearby, some far away. I expected all the story lines to tie together at the end, and they just didn't, which was disappointing to me. I thought it would be like Evening Class, also by Binchy, as it was in a similar format, but everyone tied together at the end.

Right now, I'm reading American Fuji. It's about 2 Americans in Japan under different circumstances, whose lives intersect there. The author lived in Japan as a professor about the time I was there, and although I don't share her bitterness against Japan and the Japanese, the book is turning out to be an interesting little murder mystery. Many of the things the author and characters deem frustrating things they hate about Japan were actually things I learned to love. And even though I lived in a part of Japan that was much more isolated and rural, I found Japanese people to be very warm and welcoming, not standoffish and rude as they are portrayed in the book. Even though most of the "foreigners" in the book are irritated with Japan, it's actually making me a little homesick, since we were supposed to be there right now. Long way of saying, I recommend this one.

I'm also reading a book about Amanda Knox (the woman accused of murdering a British exchange student in Italy). Knox is local to here, and the book is written by a journalist from here. Eh. I'm annoyed with the writer's style. I do not need to know what Amanda's previous boyfriend looked or dressed like, and she mentions stuff like that about everyone, which is irrelevant and annoying. I think I may drop this one.

[weezalana]

I'm almost halfway through Origin by J.A. Konrath and Jack Kilborn and it is creeping.me.out. But in a good, suspenseful way - perfect for gym reading!

I'm also several chapters into The Shell Seekers and already want to throw Nancy out a window! Loving Olivia and Penelope, though, and the book so far is very enjoyable.

ETA: I just read the first chapter with Noel, and you can add him to the throw-out-the-window list.

[seattleguamgirl]

I just finished Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption and I have to say, it is the best book I've read this year, and probably will be my #1 book all year. Not only was it wonderfully written, the story was engaging, intense, suspenseful, joyful and heartbreaking throughout.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book. What an amazing story. It also quite literally hits home for me--I'm from Guam and my small island (along with the other Marianas and Micronesian islands) played a huge role in WWII and the War in the Pacific. The Japanese, when they took over Guam, wreaked havoc on my island and my people. They massacred many civilians and enslaved the people. The Americans literally saved us from complete annihilation at the hands of the Japanese. It was so interesting to read these personal accounts of the war.

I can't remember the last time I was so affected by a book.

[Ohana]

Finished American Fuji last night. Overall, it was a good read. I'm still a bit put off by the author's obvious bitterness towards Japan, but she definitely hit certain aspects of the country and culture dead on.

[marchfamily]

Finished The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I didn't love it like most. Also read Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier. Beautifully written, but painfully slow plot development and the the main character was a snooze. I got to the end and said out loud "that's it". That's never a good sign.

Currently reading The Glass Castle. Disturbing and highly interesting.

[Wrighty26]

I finished Townie earlier this week. It was violent and somewhat depressing (I totally bawled at the end), but he has a way with words and it was compelling. So basically I'm not for or against it :)

I'm currently reading Bossypants by Tina Fey. Go out and buy this book. She is hilarious (no surprise there), heartwarming, and overall just amazing. You'll at least get 100 laughs out of it.

[seattleguamgirl]

I'm currently reading Bossypants by Tina Fey. Go out and buy this book. She is hilarious (no surprise there), heartwarming, and overall just amazing. You'll at least get 100 laughs out of it.

I just read a sample of Bossypants and was laughing so much, especially at the end of the sample. Of course now I have to buy the book. :)

[Ohana]

After recently re-reading The Shell Seekers, I couldn't wait to re-read its pseudo-sequel* September. Already completely sucked in!

I call it a pseudo-sequel because it takes place after The Shell Seekers ends, but only Noel from TSS is in September. The story splits between London (where parts of TSS took place) and Scotland. He's much improved as a human, thankfully, and it's a great read with more great characters.

[Ummm]

Where She Went by Gayle Forman, sequel to If I Stay. I really liked If I Stay, but this is just okay to me... I could identify with Mia in the first book, and liked Adam too, but felt indifferent to both characters in the 2nd one... so just okay to me.

[Dizzy]

The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore was soooo good! I highly recommend it.

[Ohana]

Finished September yesterday. Loved it. It was like spending a few days with old friends. I was tempted to start another Maeve Binchy (Coming Home or Winter Solstice), but decided to move on to the considerable backlog I have going from Paperback Swap.

Yesterday, I moved on to Kabul Beauty School. I'm late to the party on this one, but it's fascinating so far.

[Rosebud]

The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore was soooo good! I highly recommend it.

I hadn't heard of this book before, but the synopsis sounds really interesting. I'm adding it to my list!

Recently read:

Room by Emma Donoghue- I liked it. Much, much better than the other title of hers I'd read (Slammerkin). I didn't love it, though. It certainly has a unique POV and maybe isn't as disturbing as it could have been, which I was thankful for, but I didn't necessarily enjoy it.

Everything in This Country Must: A Novella and Two Stories by Colum McCann- I've been wanting to read some McCann for ages now and decided to start here. He has a wonderful writing style, and the character work is very detailed and interior. I happened to like the stories better than the novella, but I'm glad I read it. Next, I think I'd like to try Let the Great World Spin or This Side of Brightness. Does anyone want to recommend their favorite McCann book?

Next up:

I've just started Mockingjay, and am so excited to see how the trilogy ends. Also, I just downloaded Bossypants by Tina Fey. Cannot wait to start listening. She narrates it, so that will be wonderful. I could use a good laugh!

[weezalana]

Finished Origin, it was perfect for gym reading! Suspenseful, fast-paced (most of the time, a couple of superfluous chapters), albeit rather gory. But it was only 99 cents, so totally worth the price!

Still reading Shell Seekers - it's funny now that I have the Kindle, I find I'm less likely to pick up an actual hardcover book at home! It doesn't help that the only copy my local library had was large print, so it weighs a ton. :p That one may go back and get relegated to my "to read" list since I don't think I'll finish it within the lending period.

Currently reading American Vampire (halfway through, not as good as the previous two) and Water for Elephants.

[Lila55]

I finally finished The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It was o.k.

I also read The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. I'm sure many have already read this book since it came out in 2005. I really enjoyed it. There is a movie in development. This book would make a great movie.

[magrat]

I'm reading Katherine by Anya Seton. I just made it to halfway and feel like I've been reading forever. I have enjoyed it up to this point but am finding it hard to continue now, it just goes on and on...

marchfamily I was just so so on Henrietta Lacks. The story is amazing, but it was longer than it needed to be. I enjoyed the condensed version on RadioLab and didn't get much more out of reading the book.

[Rosebud]

I just read a sample of Bossypants and was laughing so much, especially at the end of the sample. Of course now I have to buy the book. :)

I am listening to the audiobook and it is hilarious. There should actually be a "do not drive and listen" warning on this thing because 5 minutes into the book I was laughing so hard that I nearly clipped a car in a parking lot. Whooooops!

[gardenmommy]

I just finished The thieves of Manhattan by Adam Langer. Someone here recommended it and I LOVED IT! I very often find myself disappointed with the ending of a book but this one did not disappoint me at all. Has anyone read any of his other works?

[Wrighty26]

I am listening to the audiobook and it is hilarious. There should actually be a "do not drive and listen" warning on this thing because 5 minutes into the book I was laughing so hard that I nearly clipped a car in a parking lot. Whooooops!

I REALLY want to be Tina Fey. Love love loved the book! I'm not a big audiobook fan, but I'm sure in this case it's worth it!

[marchfamily]

Finished The Glass Castle. Loved it!

Also read, Winter Garden & Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Both were meh.

Currently reading, The Tiger's Wife and Mistress of the Art of Death (Book Club). Then, Curious Incident of the Dog Night in the Night.

[Ummm]

Finished These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf. Okay. From 4 perspectives. But the plot was a bit predictable.

[rachrich]

Finished Room a couple days ago - WOW! Definitely left me with a lot to think about, and I've actually been thinking about it quite a bit since finishing.

Last night I started The Tiger's Wife

[Rosebud]

I just wanted to recommend that if anyone's thinking about picking up Bossypants that you might want to consider the audiobook instead. Tina Fey actually reads the audiobook and I think it's twice as funny with all of her inflections and silly voices. Also, they replay the whole Poehler/Fey sketch from SNL where they played Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin, and it was fun to hear that again. This is one book that I think might actually be enhanced by listening to it rather than reading it. I'm almost finished with it and am going to be sad when it's over.

[bookworm]

I can agree with that--I read Bossypants today, and hearing her in my head definitely made it funnier. I'm not a fan of audiobooks (I tune them out and lose the plot), but since this is more a bunch of vignettes rather than a long narrative I think it could have worked.

[seattleguamgirl]

I just wanted to recommend that if anyone's thinking about picking up Bossypants that you might want to consider the audiobook instead. Tina Fey actually reads the audiobook and I think it's twice as funny with all of her inflections and silly voices. Also, they replay the whole Poehler/Fey sketch from SNL where they played Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin, and it was fun to hear that again. This is one book that I think might actually be enhanced by listening to it rather than reading it. I'm almost finished with it and am going to be sad when it's over.

Ooh, maybe I'll buy the audio book instead. I never got around to ordering the actual book on my Kindle and now I'm glad I procrastinated!

I just finished Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah and it was okay. The fairy tale itself was so sad but the ending was pretty ridiculous. I also finished Wings, a YA book about faeries. I like some YA books (The Hunger Games and Twilight) but this first book in the series was just okay.

[cactus]

I can't even imagine how funny Bossypants must be on audiobook -- we are at my ILs for Passover and I read the book on Saturday and was LAUGHING every 2 minutes or so. Everyone thought I was crazy. My favorites were (of course) the backstory of the Sarah Palin stuff (which, really, was not so much funny as interesting), and the chapter on photoshoots. *That* was hysterical. I nearly peed my pants.

I'm kind of thinking of getting the audiobook from the library even though I've already read it. I'm sure it makes for good entertainment while sitting in traffic!

I also finished The Likeness last week. I really liked it...way more than In the Woods.

[Rosebud]

cactus-- the Photoshop chapter and then the couple of chapters at the end re: parenthood were side-splitters. Love, love, loved this book.


Okay, ladies, I need some advice. I have read a bunch of great nonfiction this year, but only one fiction book I thought was noteworthy. I need some good fiction. Where is this year's "Cutting for Stone?!" I want to fall in love with a great story. Is there anything semi-recent that I may have missed? What's the best fiction you've read this year?

[Ohana]

Rosebud - I'm reading When Sparrows Fall right now. I got it through Goodreads, and I'm not exactly sure if I got an ARC or what, but it's pretty good so far.

American Fuji isn't all that new, but that's another good one I've read this year.

[Dizzy]

Rosebud: The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore - seriously. I couldn't put it down from the very beginning.

[Dizzy]

Recently read Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer. There were parts of it that were pretty interesting - stuff about creating memory palaces and how to train your memory, but it got really technical and totally lost me.

Also read Talking to Girls about Duran Duran by Rob Sheffield. He wrote Love is a Mix Tape, which I loved, but this new one is nothing like that one. He references a lot of obscure 80s music, seemingly just to show off, I feel like. It was really self indulgent.

Now I'm reading Connected and it's got me hooked, so far. I guess I'm on a nonfiction book. I find it really hard to start a fiction book after reading a really great one. I'm still thinking about the characters and I don't want to be introduced to anyone new I need to care about.

[Ummm]

Rosebud: The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore - seriously. I couldn't put it down from the very beginning.

I read the description on amazon, and parts of it sounded a bit creepy?!

[Ummm]

Okay, ladies, I need some advice. I have read a bunch of great nonfiction this year, but only one fiction book I thought was noteworthy. I need some good fiction. Where is this year's "Cutting for Stone?!" I want to fall in love with a great story. Is there anything semi-recent that I may have missed? What's the best fiction you've read this year?

Nothing really great so far... but two better than average for me this year so far is Matched by Ally Condie (YA dystopian series but not as good as Hunger Games) and Sugar Queen by Sara Addison Allen - I haven't read any of her books before and this is kinda chicklit-ish with magical realism. Also read Girl who Chased the Moon by her but didn't like it as much, but I am going to read more of her books when I want something light. But nothing wowed me yet...

[Rosebud]

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm going to go look up those titles right now.

I've got 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson (which will be released next week) on my to-read list and am hopeful it will be great. It's gotten a lot of good advance reviews, supposedly.

My favorite fiction read so far this year is A Visit From the Goon Squad, which just won the Pulitzer today. Thanks to cactus for recommending that one-- I really enjoyed it.

[seattleguamgirl]

I just finished Bossypants. Thank you so much Rosebud for recommending the audiobook. It was so worth it! I spent all day cooking and cleaning for Passover and listening and laughing. I'm sad it's over.

I've downloaded samples of Goon Squad and Bruno Littlemore. I'm also in the middle of a sample of The Girls by Lori Lansens.

From Amazon:
Conjoined twins Rose and Ruby Darlen are linked at the side of the head, with separate brains and bodies. Born in a small town outside Toronto in the midst of a tornado and abandoned by their unwed teenage mother two weeks later, the girls are cared for by Aunt Lovey, a nurse who refuses to see them as deformed or even disabled. She raises them in Leaford, Ontario, where, at age 29, Rose, the more verbal and bookish twin, begins writing their story—i.e., this novel, which begins, "I have never looked into my sister's eyes." Showing both linguistic skill and a gift for observation, Lansens's Rose evokes country life, including descriptions of corn and crows, and their neighbors Mrs. Merkel, who lost her only son in the tornado, and Frankie Foyle, who takes the twins' virginity. Rose shares her darkest memory (public humiliation during a visit to their Slovakian-born Uncle Stash's hometown) and her deepest regret, while Ruby, the prettier, more practical twin, who writes at her sister's insistence, offers critical details, such as what prompted Rose to write their life story. Through their alternating narratives, Lansens captures a contradictory longing for independence and togetherness that transcends the book's enormous conceit.

[weezalana]

Has anyone read Jonathan Franzen? He was highly recommended by two coworkers, but the reviews on Amazon for Corrections and Freedom are mixed.

Rosebud - best fiction I've read this year are Room and The Informationist.

[Rosebud]

Has anyone read Jonathan Franzen? He was highly recommended by two coworkers, but the reviews on Amazon for Corrections and Freedom are mixed.

Rosebud - best fiction I've read this year are Room and The Informationist.

I loooooove Franzen. Both The Corrections and Freedom are favorites of mine. Freedom was the best book I read last year, for sure. That said, there are several other ladies on this board who are not such big fans and will tell you to steer clear. I think he's one of those writers you either like or you don't. The only way to know which camp you fall in is to give it a shot!

Thanks for the recommendations. I just read Room but will check out The Informationist. Sounds fun!

[solongtogo]

I just finished an audiobook called Love You More by Lisa Gardner. It was decent...a suspense mystery book. Kept me engaged enough that I really wanted to see where it was going. Just started on The Passage on audiobook, which I really like, also reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which I love!

[seattleguamgirl]

I'm almost through listening to The Cookbook Collector. I'm really enjoying it so thank you to those who recommended it!

[Rosebud]

I'm almost through listening to The Cookbook Collector. I'm really enjoying it so thank you to those who recommended it!

I really liked this book!

Over the weekend, I started reading The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. Wow, it is good. Why have I not read this until now?! I'm about a third of the way in and can't stop thinking about it.

[j*east]

OMG, I adore The Poisonwood Bible. Brilliant--and this is not really an advertisement for some people, but it totally changed the way I think about democracy.

I just finished A Visit From the Goon Squad. I really liked it, and I think it might be even better a second time, but I had to return it to the library.

I ordered Bossypants on CD as my tax refund bonus gift. :)

Now I've got two Nicole Krauss books and two Oeggy Orenstein books...not sure what to read next.

[seattleguamgirl]

I really liked this book!

Over the weekend, I started reading The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. Wow, it is good. Why have I not read this until now?! I'm about a third of the way in and can't stop thinking about it.

I *loved* TPB. I could not put the book down. It's interesting because so many people disliked that book.

I just finished The Cookbook Collector and I really enjoyed it. I'd definitely recommend it.

[magrat]

I just finished A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute. I just loved it! I highly recommend it. It's about an Englishwoman caught up in WWII in Malaya. She and her fellow women and children prisoners are forced on march after march across Malaya because the Japanese don't know what to do with them. After she gets home she doesn't know what to do with herself until she becomes and heiress and decides to make a return visit to Malaya and then go on to the Australian outback where a man who died for her in the war had lived. The second half of the book is about her time in a very remote part of Australia, the towns and people there. I don't want to say more because I read it without spoilers and am glad of it. There are spoilers all over Amazon, even the official synopsis gives away more than I did, so stay away from there :)

[Dizzy]

I'm reading the Sweet Valley High book that just came out. It's terrible, but I can't help it! I loved those books when I was a kid.

[scarlett]

I'm reading the Sweet Valley High book that just came out. It's terrible, but I can't help it! I loved those books when I was a kid. It was super terrible, but I had to finish it for the nostalgic factor.

[seattleguamgirl]

I'm in the middle of A Visit From the Goon Squad (audiobook) and it's fantastic! Thanks to everyone who has recommended it. I have been enthusiastically doing chores around my house because it gives me time to listen to it. :)

[mrs_pell]

I know there are some girls on here who are also on goodreads. I'd love to add people to my friends list so I can see y'alls recommendations. PM me if you'd want to swap emails so I can add you! :)

As for what I'm reading right now, I got sucked (no pun intended) into the Sookie Stackhouse series. Fun series, and quick reads, which is VERY nice since I just finished reading all of the Outlander books, which were loooooong!

Next up is Water for Elephants, Sh*t My Dad Says, and a few others I found through goodreads.

[bookworm]

I'm reading Snobs--had never heard of it, but picked it up at the library when I saw it was written by the screen author of "Gosford Park."

For after this, someone gave me Little Bee, which apparently was a phenomenon I missed.

I'm one who loathed The Poisonwood Bible, but I know many people loved it.

[marchfamily]

I'm one who loathed The Poisonwood Bible

I couldn't get into it either.

[Ummm]

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry. A cute read. A woman's fiction / magical realism with a food focus.

[mrs_pell]

So I changed my mind and started reading Crucial Conversations - Tools for Talking when the Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson. I've been wanting to read it for a while as I deal with quite a few "not-so-fun" talks at work, and so far, it's a pretty good book. Nothing earth-shattering, but it has made me really think about not only my conversation style, but how to read and deal with others' as well. But...can't wait to get done with it so I can go back to my nice little fiction-world! :)

[ausi2b]

Has anyone read My Fair Lazy by Jennifer Lancaster? I am struggling to get through it and am tempted to put it down. I just don't find it amusing.

[Ummm]

So I changed my mind and started reading Crucial Conversations - Tools for Talking when the Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson. I've been wanting to read it for a while as I deal with quite a few "not-so-fun" talks at work, and so far, it's a pretty good book. Nothing earth-shattering, but it has made me really think about not only my conversation style, but how to read and deal with others' as well. But...can't wait to get done with it so I can go back to my nice little fiction-world! :)

my workplace offer this class (he doesn't teach the class, our HR staff has been trained I guess) and I think all the supervisors are encouraged to take this class, and they are extending it to non-supervisory staff too.

[boilermaker]

So I changed my mind and started reading Crucial Conversations - Tools for Talking when the Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson. I've been wanting to read it for a while as I deal with quite a few "not-so-fun" talks at work, and so far, it's a pretty good book. Nothing earth-shattering, but it has made me really think about not only my conversation style, but how to read and deal with others' as well. But...can't wait to get done with it so I can go back to my nice little fiction-world! :)

I took a 2 day class based on that book last year. I thought the class was very well done considering it was corporate training.

[mrs_pell]

my workplace offer this class (he doesn't teach the class, our HR staff has been trained I guess) and I think all the supervisors are encouraged to take this class, and they are extending it to non-supervisory staff too.


I took a 2 day class based on that book last year. I thought the class was very well done considering it was corporate training.

I actually think I would totally be interested in attending one of those classes! I can't believe I'm saying that, as I always thought those typed of classes in school were ridiculous, but years in the workplace (and being married!! :) ) has really reminded me how important just the way I say something can be! I definitely intend to read the other book Crucial Confrontations as well.

Now that I'm back to my fiction world though, I just finished A Hidden Affair by Pam Jenoff, which is a sequel to Almost Home. It had been a while since I'd read Almost Home, so I was a bit lost at first trying to remember everything, but I really enjoyed this one. Now that I'm done with library books, I'll start on Water for Elephants, which I've been really wanting to read for a while now.

[weezalana]

I recently finished American Vampire (meh), Elisha's Bones (pretty good thriller, sort of a lovechild of The Mummy Returns, Da Vinci Code, and National Treasure), and Water for Elephants (which I really enjoyed).

I had to return Shell Seekers to the library before I time to get into it. Hopefully they'll release it for Kindle someday!

Currently reading 2nd Chance, the second book in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson, and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.

[bookworm]

I just started Little Bee, and so far am really enjoying it. It has been awhile since I have enjoyed a book right from the start. I hope it continues.

[Ohana]

Currently reading Cutting for Stone. I like the story and am enjoying it, but it isn't the page turner I was hoping it would be. It's taken me a week just to get halfway through it, and I find myself only reading a few pages at night before I start nodding off.

[Megande]

I'm reading the newest Myron Bolitar book by Harlan Coben Live Wire. I love Coben for surprise endings, and his Bolitar books are my favorite. I picked it up at the library this afternoon and I'm already on page 210 :o

[seattleguamgirl]

I finally finished A Visit From the Goon Squad. It was a loooong audiobook, but I really enjoyed it. It was beautifully written and the narrator of the audiobook had a great voice that perfectly set the tone of the book. I would definitely recommend it.

I'm now listening to Everything Matters and it's really interesting so far. I'm also re-reading Outlander. I need a bit of fluff right now.

[mrs_pell]

Currently reading Cutting for Stone. I like the story and am enjoying it, but it isn't the page turner I was hoping it would be. It's taken me a week just to get halfway through it, and I find myself only reading a few pages at night before I start nodding off.

This is exactly how I felt about this book! I was really disappointed in it, mostly because of the "this is one of the best books I've ever read" reviews I'd heard. It was "okay" to me.

[j*east]

Currently reading Cutting for Stone. I like the story and am enjoying it, but it isn't the page turner I was hoping it would be. It's taken me a week just to get halfway through it, and I find myself only reading a few pages at night before I start nodding off.

Yeah--I could tell it was a good book, but I couldn't get through it without being better rested and having a lot more time on my hands.

[Rosebud]

I finished The Poisonwood Bible and I loved, loved it. Wow, this was such a good book. What a story, and such an amazing writing style! Definitely the best fiction I've read this year. The only thing I've ever read by Barbara Kingsolver previously was Animal, Vegtable, Miracle, which was good but, being nonfiction, completely different in style and tone than The Poisonwood Bible. Now I think I need to read all her previous fiction. Anyone have any favorites they'd recommend?

I just downloaded The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun by Gretchen Rubin. It's interesting thus far. The whole concept of "happiness" and how to get it is sort of vague and personal, I think, and in the hustle and bustle of everyday life it's not something I think about a whole lot. The idea here is that putting some small and some large new habits into practice might significantly change your happiness level and overall health/well-being.

[mrs_pell]

Just won a free advanced copy of Queen by Right by Anne Easter Smith from a Goodreads giveaway! So that may be the next on my list to start! :) What a nice surprise this afternoon! :)

[Rosebud]

mrs_pell, I just won a GR book, too! How funny. Mine is Among the Truthers: A Journey Through America's Growing Conspiracist Underground by Jonathan Kay. I can't decide whether it will be hilarious or scary. Maybe a little bit of both. :)

[mrs_pell]

mrs_pell, I just won a GR book, too! How funny. Mine is Among the Truthers: A Journey Through America's Growing Conspiracist Underground by Jonathan Kay. I can't decide whether it will be hilarious or scary. Maybe a little bit of both. :)

How funny that you won one too!! I saw that one and couldn't decide what I'd think about it either. You'll have to let me know! I can't believe how addicted I am to GR now!!

[scarlett]

I just finished Divergent by Veronica Roth, another YA dystopian novel. I got sucked into it and had to stay up late last night to finish it. I liked it and would recommend it to others who like that genre.

[bookworm]

I finished Little Bee; it didn't stay as good as the beginning but I still enjoyed it. I think I have a Tami Hoag book up next. Ah, brain candy...

[rachrich]

Just saw on an internet ad that the author of Devil in the White City, Erik Larson, has a brand new book out called In the Garden of Beasts. A number of ladies in this thread LOVED "Devil..." (myself included) and I'm curious if anyone has read it or heard anything about it yet. You can read the first chapter online, and though I just discovered this and haven't read the sample yet, it has something to do with the whole Hitler/Nazi ordeal.

[Ummm]

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. Just okay for me, got a lot of buzz though. Not my type of book. Character driven. Most interesting thing was written in first-plural person ("we" instead of "I") but actually ended up reading more like 3rd person for me.

[seattleguamgirl]

I finished The Poisonwood Bible and I loved, loved it. Wow, this was such a good book. What a story, and such an amazing writing style! Definitely the best fiction I've read this year. The only thing I've ever read by Barbara Kingsolver previously was Animal, Vegtable, Miracle, which was good but, being nonfiction, completely different in style and tone than The Poisonwood Bible. Now I think I need to read all her previous fiction. Anyone have any favorites they'd recommend?

This is a book that stayed with me for a very long time. It might be time for me to read it again!

I have also read The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver. I liked The Bean Trees a lot, Pigs in Heaven a bit less. Though both not as much as The Poisonwood Bible. I loved Animal, Vegetable, Miracle! I really loved reading about her year of farming.

I'm currently reading the second Outlander book, Dragonfly in Amber (yes, more brain fluff). Unfortunately it's been terribly boring--I'm in the midst of the Jacobite section and I can't wait to get through it. Please tell me it gets better? At least Outlander was more of a page turner!

I'm also still listening to Everything Matters! by Ron Currie.

From Amazon:

On the day that Junior Thibodeau is born, he learns the exact moment when the world will end: 36 years, 168 days, 14 hours, and 23 seconds into the future--pretty heavy news for a newborn. Knowledge of the pending apocalypse--revealed by an omniscient, unnamed "we"--colors Junior's existence from day one and leaves him wondering: "Does anything I do matter?" Ron Currie, Jr.'s terrific debut novel unfolds through the funny, poignant, and tragic stories told by Junior and his family, (each of them owning a chapter) including the all-knowing Greek chorus that gently, affectionately nudges Junior toward his destiny. Everything Matters! is one of the most unique novels I've come across this year--unpredictable without being flashy, sweet without being sentimental, thoughtful without being preachy--a fun read that will keep you thinking long after the story is over. --Daphne Durham

[Ummm]

Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff. Quite fascinating, I can't imagine being lost in a jungle where headhunters are rumored to live. Some compared it (or found it similar to) Unbroken (though some said Unbroken is better?). I have only read about 80 pages of Unbroken (had to return to the library but i plan to borrow it again to finish) so can't compare, though there were similar names mentioned in both books.

[hokiegirl]

Just saw on an internet ad that the author of Devil in the White City, Erik Larson, has a brand new book out called In the Garden of Beasts. A number of ladies in this thread LOVED "Devil..." (myself included) and I'm curious if anyone has read it or heard anything about it yet. You can read the first chapter online, and though I just discovered this and haven't read the sample yet, it has something to do with the whole Hitler/Nazi ordeal.

I just picked up my copy from the library and when I logged it into my goodreads account, saw it's gotten pretty good reviews. Can't wait to start it tonight!

[twinnyme]

Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller (http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Spitfire-Reaching-Helen-Keller/dp/1442408510/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305228552&sr=8-1) by Sarah Miller. It's a novel told from Anne Sullivan's perspective. It's Young Adult but ever since it was featured on the Children's Book-A-Day Almanac (http://childrensbookalmanac.com/2011/05/miss-spitfire/) last week, I've been wanting to get it. I picked it up yesterday, and I am thoroughly enjoying it and almost through it. The premise is basically that between Anne Sullivan being a spitfire and Helen Keller being a spitfire when they first meet when Helen is 6 (I assume that is when they first met, though this is a novel, so who knows?) the daily battles to the first real breakthrough are chronicled. Very interesting, particularly because I have a 6yo spitfire and when I read about Helen being blind-deaf and 6yo I can only imagine how wild she really was as a child - because my child is wild enough, though maturing, LOL, without those enormous complications. And the historical aspects of the book are interesting to me as someone living in Massachusetts near when Anne Sullivan partially grew up.

[Ohana]

Finished Cutting for Stone last night. There were parts of the book that I felt were not very interesting (the first couple hundred pages, for example, are backstory on many of the secondary characters, and I felt myself anxiously waiting for the real story to start). But in the end, I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads, because the characters were interesting and the end of the book was quite good.

Started Land of Painted Caves last night. It's the final installment in the Clan of the Cave Bear series. I've been waiting for this book for years, but am super bummed that GR reviews suck. I don't think I saw a single one over 2 stars. Oh well, I'll slog through. I already know Auel goes into excruciating detail and so I'll skip those parts. I just want to know how the story ends for Ayla and her family.