The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930
Jun 25, 2014 21:50:33 GMT
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Jun 28, 2015 19:03:37 GMT
Summer is finally here, so I'm hoping that you are finding some good summer reads. This week I only got in one nonfiction book into the busy schedule. I read, Waking up, a Guide to Spirituality without Religion.It was okay. I picked it up because I am interested in incorporating more mindfulness into my life. I would like to bring it into my family life and possibly even some extent in my classroom. I found a lot of the brain-based study information interesting, and some of the stories were interesting, but I also found some of it dry and the tone a bit arrogant. It did have really good reviews on Amazon, so maybe I'm just not the right audience. If you are looking for a good book about America as we head into the 4th of July holiday, here is a list from Goodreads that might interest you: "Best" books about America.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,394
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Jun 28, 2015 19:11:36 GMT
I am reading a book that I saw recommended on here. 'Under the Banner of Heaven' by Jon Krakauer. Thank you to whoever made the recommendation.
Absolutely fascinating. I've hardly put it down since I started reading it about three days ago. Nearly finished.
It gives a fascinating insight into religious fundamentalism, and American history, about which I know very little, but want to know more since being part of this forum, whose members are mostly American.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930
Jun 25, 2014 21:50:33 GMT
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Jun 28, 2015 19:50:57 GMT
Annie, I read that book a few years ago and loved it! So good and fascinating. I learned a lot.
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Post by auntkelly on Jun 28, 2015 19:57:15 GMT
I'm reading The Romanov Sisters: the Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexander by Helen Rappaport. It's a really well written biography. It's hard to read because you know how it's going to end.
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akathy
What's For Dinner?
Still peaing from Podunk!
Posts: 4,546
Location: North Dakota
Jun 25, 2014 22:56:55 GMT
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Post by akathy on Jun 28, 2015 20:04:03 GMT
I finished Mary Kay Andrew's Beach Town yesterday. It kept me entertained for a few days She's not usually an author I read but I do like a good chic book and this was good. I started Elin Hilderbrand's new one The Rumor last night and so far I'm really liking it.
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Post by shannoots on Jun 28, 2015 21:14:32 GMT
I read What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. I really liked it. There is just something about Moriarty's books and writing style that I like. I don't know how realistic What Alice Forgot is but it did make me think...what if you lost the last 10 years of your life?
I just downloaded Somewhere in France: A Novel of the Great War. I tend to read more about WWII so I am interested in reading more about WWI.
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Post by doesitmatter on Jun 28, 2015 21:17:34 GMT
I am reading Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh, it's her new series. It's a nice uplifting read so far - as all of her books are. I am reading several case studies and research so I welcome a fun read!
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MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
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Post by MsKnit on Jun 28, 2015 21:23:45 GMT
I don't even recall what I am reading or have read the past two weeks.
Too busy with the completion of my summer class and this freaking illness. Still waiting for tests to come back & hoping they will be in tomorrow, when they should have been in Friday. For the last hour, I've been going from freezing to burning up. New symptoms.
Talk about true escapist reading. LOL!
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Post by picotjo on Jun 28, 2015 21:33:43 GMT
I finished Finders Keepers by Stephen King. I really enjoyed it but I always like his books. I also finished Zoo by James Patterson. It was good and I am anxious to see the TV series that starts on Tuesday. Now I am reading A Fall of Marigolds and so far I am liking it.
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Post by LauraTen on Jun 28, 2015 22:21:46 GMT
I just started reading for fun this month.
Since college I have not had the patience to sit and read and enjoy it.
This past week I read The Best of Me and The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks and Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren.
I average about 3 books a week : )
Books from the last couple of weeks that I enjoyed were The Liar by Nora Roberts, Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner, and On Dublin Street by Samantha Young.
Now I am reading A Perfect Life by Danielle Steel and I will go to the library tomorrow to get some new books.
Yes, these are all 'fluff" books but I like them anyway : )
Any recommendations you all have would be appreciated...
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Post by freeatlast on Jun 28, 2015 22:30:23 GMT
LauraTen, just keep following this thread and you'll get lots of recommendations. Finished reading "You" this week and started "Mr. Mercedes". It's been a long time since I read a Stephen King book - I forgot how good a writer he is.
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Post by LauraTen on Jun 28, 2015 22:34:57 GMT
LauraTen, just keep following this thread and you'll get lots of recommendations. Finished reading "You" this week and started "Mr. Mercedes". It's been a long time since I read a Stephen King book - I forgot how good a writer he is. Thanks, I will : ) I just want to stay clear of anything supernatural or gory.
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
Jun 25, 2014 20:56:09 GMT
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Post by gottapeanow on Jun 28, 2015 22:39:18 GMT
I zipped through Girl Underwater and thought it was really good. It's been reviewed a few times on here, so I won't go into details on the plot. Without spoiling it, I did not like the fact that there was no transition between the last chapter and the epilogue. Even so, 4/5 stars.
I had been reading Middlesex and was at about page 200 prior to getting my last two books from the library. I went back to it and completely lost interest, so I just quit reading it. Prior to that, I thought it was just okay. I know a lot of people, including many of the peas who have read it, really like it. Since I quit reading it, I gave it 1/5 stars.
Lisa
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paigepea
Drama Llama
Enter your message here...
Posts: 5,609
Location: BC, Canada
Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
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Post by paigepea on Jun 28, 2015 23:04:43 GMT
Hi everyone!! I'm reading The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson. I'm enjoying it, but the kids are off school so I haven't had much reading time. It sucked me in from the beginning, though I like the characters, the writing and how the story is developing. On a side note, I think that I mentioned here that I was having a lot of vision problems. Just wanted to say that while the problems aren't yet solved, I've gotten a new pair of glasses and my vision has greatly improved. p.
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Post by hollymolly on Jun 28, 2015 23:23:22 GMT
I just finished A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. It's a non-fiction, slightly humorous account of his decision to walk the Appalachian Trail. I really enjoyed his interactions with his friend, who walked with him. After I finished, I found to my delight that it's been made into a movie, and will be released this fall.
Last night I started Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark. I've had it on my shelf for a long long time, but the BBC has made it into a series, so it was time for me to pick up the book.
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Post by smalltowngirlie on Jun 28, 2015 23:40:55 GMT
I was on vacation last week and read 6 books. I enjoyed them all, which is the best part of it. I read 2 books by Diane Chamberlain, The Silent Sister and Before the Storm. My one non-fiction book (I rarely read non-fiction) was Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter. This was a very quick read, her writing was very simple but I did enjoy it. Finally, I read a series by Stephanie Landsem, The Well, The Tomb and The Thief (The Living Water Series). She creates stories based on Biblical events around the time of the cruxifiction. She makes up most of the story, but the parts from the Bible are biblically accurate. DS read the back covers of these and also read The Thief and The Tomb throughout the week. We have had some nice talks about the stories Landsem created and about what is in the Bible. This week is back to reality so I may get through one book. I have decided I want to get a Kindle of some kind to have books on. I can not believe how much I missed having a book to read when I ran out.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jun 29, 2015 1:25:35 GMT
I finished The Force of Gravity by Kelly Stevenson, really good hate that it ended in a cliff hanger and the second book isn't out yet ugh!! It is about a teacher who falls for his student total fluff but hey we all need some fluff right haha!
Mean Streak by Sandra Brown is awesome about a doctor who goes for a run in woods and ends up as a captive with someone who isn't all that he portrays to be.
Stepbrother Obsessed by Devon Hartford was another fluff book but OMG I found myself laughing out loud a ton while reading it. Oh and it was written by a man who knew they could write good fluff stuff haha.
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Post by maryland on Jun 29, 2015 2:36:42 GMT
I zipped through Girl Underwater and thought it was really good. It's been reviewed a few times on here, so I won't go into details on the plot. Without spoiling it, I did not like the fact that there was no transition between the last chapter and the epilogue. Even so, 4/5 stars. I had been reading Middlesex and was at about page 200 prior to getting my last two books from the library. I went back to it and completely lost interest, so I just quit reading it. Prior to that, I thought it was just okay. I know a lot of people, including many of the peas who have read it, really like it. Since I quit reading it, I gave it 1/5 stars. Lisa I just read the Girl Underwater book and thought the same thing! I wanted more before too. I wasn't so sure what I thought of the main character throughout most of the book. Great book though!
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Post by littlebee0408 on Jun 29, 2015 3:49:05 GMT
On vacation this week, so I hope to catch up on reading, even if it is beach reads, lol
So far, I have finished Someone is Watching, by Joy Fielding and it was good, as well asBeach Town, by Mary Kay Andrews which as akathy mentioned above is a good chick lit, quick read.
About to start The Woman who Stole My Life, by Marian Keyes, and also How to Start a fire, by Lisa Lutz
Happy reading, everyone! I get so many great ideas from this thread.
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Post by pjaye on Jun 29, 2015 3:51:40 GMT
I had been reading Middlesex and was at about page 200 prior to getting my last two books from the library. I went back to it and completely lost interest, so I just quit reading it. Prior to that, I thought it was just okay. I know a lot of people, including many of the peas who have read it, really like it. Since I quit reading it, I gave it 1/5 stars. Lisa Not me! I listened to it just recently and really disliked it as well. A very superficial book about a very complex issue.
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Post by RobbyKay on Jun 29, 2015 4:14:38 GMT
Hi Reader Peas!
I have a confession to make: I read E.L. James latest, Grey. It's supposed to be the re-telling of the first Fifty Shades book, from Christian Grey's point-of view. It was supposed to make the Christian character seem sympathetic and lovable. It failed. Miserably. The only saving grace was that no one ever said "Oh my" or "Down there," and I have a title to add to the Worst Book of 2015 thread that will appear sometime late in December.
On the other hand, one of my Goodreads friends really enjoyed Vanessa LaFaye's Under a Dark Summer Sky, so I picked up that title. So far, it's excellent! It's set in rural Florida between the first and second world wars. It's loaded with quirky characters, there is some racial/social class tension, the plight of WWI veterans is a theme, and an alligator tries to steal a baby - and that's just the first chapter! I'll let you know more next week!
Happy Reading!
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Post by cannmom on Jun 29, 2015 4:48:11 GMT
I just finished Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll. Many of the reviews compared it to Gone Girl. I enjoyed it immensely, but think the only similarity to Gone Girl was that the main character wasn't really a likable character. I like books that have well written and fleshed out characters and the main character in this book was really well written IMO. I liked her more as the book went along.
I'm reading Killing Monica now. I actually started it before Luckiest Girl and abandoned it to read the other book. It's Ok . So far I just don't have a connection with it. My DS just finished The Martian, I may start it if the other one doesn't pick up.
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Post by pjaye on Jun 29, 2015 5:11:07 GMT
Last week I had just started Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming. Not a typical celebrity memoir in that it doesn’t tell his whole life story, it focuses specifically on his relationship with his violent father and then also on the filming of his episode of Who Do You Think You Are? I hadn’t seen the show before this book and I’m glad it I didn’t. I tracked it down online after I’d finished the book and then watched it. I think it was better that way as I knew all the stuff happening in the background as I watched the show. Even if he wasn’t famous this would still have been an interesting story. Narrated by the author and I enjoyed liked his accent and listening to him tell his own story. If you like celebrity dirt telling, name dropping memoirs then this isn’t it, but if you like interesting family history/genealogy then you’ll enjoy it. 4 out of 5 stars.
Next was Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman. A few regular posters read this last year and after my previous book I was in the mood to stay with nonfiction. Huguette Clark inherited millions from her father, lived as a recluse and although perfectly well, spent the last 20 years of her life living in a hospital…while numerous huge mansions she owned continued to be maintained by housekeepers, full of artworks and furniture. The doctors and nurses who cared for her in her final years all took advantage of her and got her to write them millions of dollars’ worth of cheques. Sad and interesting. 3 stars.
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. I started this twice, then got half way through and ditched it. Set in Ireland the story of Roseanne who’s been living in an asylum for the last 60 years. This jumps around all over, Roseanne tells her story, then the psychiatrist tells his version of her story and they are totally different. I was very confused, it also assumes a knowledge of Irish history and jumps in and talks about soldiers and priests and killing. I got over half way through and realised I had no idea what was going on, nor did I care. I’m usually stubborn enough to finish a book when I start it, but this was the third one added to my “did not finish” list on Goodreads. 1 star.
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo. Just a bit over half way through this…it’s basically “what heaven is like – Chinese version” Li Lan is Chinese living in Malaya and her father is bankrupt and hasn’t made any provisions for her marriage. One family offers to marry her to their dead son, so she can be his “Ghost Bride” then she accidentally takes an overdose of sleeping medicine, she travels to the Chinese afterlife and tries to solve the family secrets. Not fantastic, but keeping me interested enough.
cannmom Lots of people in my GR audiobook group rave about this, I own it, but haven't listened to it yet. The movie comes out in October I think (starring Matt Damon) and the trailer looks quite good.
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Post by tampascrapper on Jun 29, 2015 10:46:47 GMT
This week I read One Step Too Far. It hooked me right away and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave it 4 stars. Description from Amazon:
No one has ever guessed Emily’s secret. Will you?
A happy marriage. A beautiful family. A lovely home. So what makes Emily Coleman get up one morning and walk right out of her life—to start again as someone new?
Now, Emily has become Cat, working at a hip advertising agency in London and living on the edge with her inseparable new friend, Angel. Cat’s buried any trace of her old self so well, no one knows how to find her. But she can't bury the past—or her own memories.
And soon, she’ll have to face the truth of what she's done—a shocking revelation that may push her one step too far. . . .
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Post by lollapealooza on Jun 29, 2015 12:28:47 GMT
I finished Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Cooper this week. It was well written and the story was touching BUT I just can't like imaginary characters...like the talking coyote. Sorry. I've tried. No supernatural for me. Except Snow Child. I did love that. Anyway, if you can tolerate talking coyotes, this book is perfectly great.
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Post by lollapealooza on Jun 29, 2015 12:30:58 GMT
Sorry to post twice, but I'm starting The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Wilkerson, Isabel - I thought it would be nice for Independence Day/week reading.
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Post by tara595 on Jun 29, 2015 13:43:34 GMT
I started Jane Green's new book - Summer Secrets a couple of days ago and so far I'm enjoying it. I'm finished with work on Wednesday so hopefully I'll have more time to read although it's my first summer with a baby so I don't know how that will pan out!
I have so many books on my 'to read' list - Luckiest Girl Alive, Bittersweet, Girl on the Train, How to Start a Fire and a million more! I wish I read faster!
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Post by tampascrapper on Jun 29, 2015 15:09:21 GMT
I can recommend a book that is $1.99 right on Amazon Kindle. Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen - I read it a few months ago and really liked it. Here's the description from Amazon; Sometimes you have to return to the place where you began, to arrive at the place where you belong.
It’s the early 1970s. The town of Ringgold, Georgia, has a population of 1,923, one traffic light, one Dairy Queen, and one Catherine Grace Cline. The daughter of Ringgold’s third-generation Baptist preacher, Catherine Grace is quick-witted, more than a little stubborn, and dying to escape her small-town life.
Every Saturday afternoon, she sits at the Dairy Queen, eating Dilly Bars and plotting her getaway to the big city of Atlanta. And when, with the help of a family friend, the dream becomes a reality, Catherine Grace immediately packs her bags, leaving her family and the boy she loves to claim the life she’s always imagined. But before things have even begun to get off the ground in Atlanta, tragedy brings her back home. As a series of extraordinary events alters her perspective–and sweeping changes come to Ringgold itself–Catherine Grace begins to wonder if her place in the world may actually be, against all odds, right where she began.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,919
Location: PNW
Jul 20, 2014 21:57:23 GMT
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Post by breetheflea on Jun 29, 2015 15:22:19 GMT
I finished Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Cooper this week. It was well written and the story was touching BUT I just can't like imaginary characters...like the talking coyote. Sorry. I've tried. No supernatural for me. Except Snow Child. I did love that. Anyway, if you can tolerate talking coyotes, this book is perfectly great. Then you wouldn't like this book (I didn't either) called Tex and Molly in the Afterlife. There is a talking acorn... sorry your post suddenly reminded me of that book. I am currently reading The Truth According to Us, and while there is nothing wrong with the book I'm having problems making myself read it and keep track of all the characters. I've only read 50 pages but I'm going to read to 100 and see if I'm still not interested...
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Post by mom2luke on Jun 29, 2015 15:43:27 GMT
I read We Were the Kennedysby Monica Wood this week. I only gave it two out of five stars. I found the story to be very slow. It is the story of a Catholic family in Mexico in 1963. The Father dies of heart attack and how the family deals with his death. It just didn't do it for me.
I have now started A Man Called Ove. It has sucked me from the first page. I think I will really enjoy this one!
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