The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930 
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Jul 5, 2015 13:17:49 GMT
I'm posting this little early, so hopefully doesn't get lost in the shuffle. I'm sitting on a deck at a cabin, enjoying my coffee while on vacation.
This week I read two books (both have been discussed on the past):
Every Day: this is YA romance with a twist. Even though there is a central romance, it isn't what makes this book compelling. It is the story of a teenager who wakes up in a different teenagers body every morning. The author does an incredible job of capturing the different types of lives teenagers live. Thought-provoking young adult literature and appropriate for adults as well.
Before I Go to Sleep: another unreliable narrator. A women wakes up every day with amnesia. She is slowly unraveling the story of her life---of course rife with mystery. Who is she really? How did she become this way? How has her life impacted those around her?
Both books 4/4--enjoyable and engaging reads.
What at are you reading this week?
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Post by pierkiss on Jul 5, 2015 13:34:30 GMT
I just finished reading The Martian by Andy Weir. It is about a guy who accidentally gets left on Mars and has to use science to keep himself alive until he can be resued by NASA. This book is one of the best books I've read in the past year! I absolutely loved it.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,294
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 5, 2015 13:55:34 GMT
I've been a slow reader recently. Although I do read every night before bed. I finished Gray Mountain by John Grisham. Typical rookie-ish lawyer, takes on big company. This time it was coal companies. An enjoyable read, but not the best. Certainly not up to par with his first books, but better than others. I did learn about strip mining vs underground mining and more than I wanted to know about black lung. On audio, The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows (of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society fame). I wanted to like this book because I liked her previous book so much. I just thought it was not good. My mind kept wandering while I listened. It was waaayyyyy too long. Another audio was Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty. I think this one would've been better to read. I kept getting confused for an instant about from whose point of view was in play at that time. I thought it was neither good nor bad. It was funny in parts and sad in others. It was short, which I needed after the previous book. Thanks The Great Carpezio for keeping the Weekly Reading Thread going. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 5:44:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2015 13:57:48 GMT
My book club is doing "The Good Earth," a classic I have never read. So far it hasn't grabbed me, but I have high hopes.
In the car I'm listening to "Divine Evil" by Norah Roberts. It is one of her better ones. I realized there has been no talk of cell phones, internet or computers so I checked and it was released back in 1992. Her old stuff was so good; I think in later years she started farming out the work to hacks.
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Post by Fidget on Jul 5, 2015 13:59:12 GMT
I'm reading Night Film By Marisha Pessl. I'm enjoying it, but it's really long.
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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 Jul 5, 2015 14:44:58 GMT
I finished The Rumer by Elin Hilderbrand. I enjoyed it but not as much as I've liked her other books. Then I read she was going through cancer treatment when she wrote this one so I felt guilty not liking it more.
I also read All The Single Ladies by Dorothea Benton Frank. It was an interesting romance with a little mystery thrown in. I just started Bettyville by George Hodgman.
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Post by RobbyKay on Jul 5, 2015 14:53:42 GMT
Hi Reading Peas!
.
I finished Under a Dark Summer Sky by Vanessa LaFaye. It's set in the early 1930s on a small island in the Florida Keys. It's a fictionalized telling of the the story of the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. There's racial tension, there's unrequited love, and there are strong social and political undercurrents to the story - and then a massive hurricane hits! I really enjoyed this one, and I liked it even more when I discovered it was about a true-life event. I love learning about different events in our past through novels.
And keeping with the theme, I picked up Judy Blume's newest title, In The Unlikely Event. It's set in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1951-1952, when three commercial airliners crashed there in an eight-week period. I was reluctant to pick it up, since the reviews on Goodreads weren't very favorable, but I changed my mind when it was recommended on last week's thread. It's excellent! We watch events unfold through the eyes of a variety of people all living in Elizabeth. There is romance and intrigue, middle school drama and college aged angst, and Judy Blume does what she does so well, weaving the small details of life in the 1950s into the story.
Happy reading!
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tuesdaysgone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,832
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Post by tuesdaysgone on Jul 5, 2015 14:57:43 GMT
I read three and they are all winners!
A Deadly Wandering (Richtel) This is a fascinating NF book about texting and driving. It centers on a case in Utah where a young man was texting/driving and caused the death of two men. The chapters alternate between the ramifications of the accident and a very interesting discussion on the current neuroscience focusing on what happens in our brains when we text. The science, while complex, is very well explained. The author does equally well describing the horrible and long term consequences of this young man's actions. Highly recommended.
After visiting Biltmore last weekend, I read a great book on the Gilded Age and Vanderbilt fortune, Fortune's Children. It's a long book but I read thru it very quickly because it was so compelling. It begins with the story of how Cornelius Vanderbilt amassed the fortune and how subsequent generations spent and squandered it all. I always knew they were fantastically wealthy, but the way they spent is overwhelming! A great read!
Brother of the More Famous Jack (Trapido) I picked this up months ago as a Kindle Daily deal and it's great. Set in Oxford and London in the 1980s, it's about a bright and neurotic young college student who gets involved with the equally neurotic family of one her professors. The novel follows the girl for about 10 years on her adventures and misadventures. It's funny and poignant. I'm glad I read it on a Kindle because I used the dictionary function many times. It also has many literary allusions, most of which I got (I think). After reading two heavy non fiction books, this one was light yet fulfilling.
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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 Jul 5, 2015 16:02:39 GMT
I'm still reading The Kind Worth Killing that as recommended here. I'm still really enjoying it. I am so far enjoying the twists and turns. My girls are in day camp next week and I can't wait to take a day to read  Thanks for the Judy Blume rec - I was waiting to hear about that here. We're off to the lake soon and I think it will be perfect! Paige. |
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
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Post by finaledition on Jul 5, 2015 16:51:18 GMT
Glad you posted early as I wanted to share that Audible's daily deal today is A Man Called Ove. It's $3.95. That book has been on my radar since its been loved by several peas. I don't know if you have to be a member to get the deal as I am. 1 clicked that one.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 5:44:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2015 16:52:02 GMT
I'm finishing up The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury and getting ready to start these two; The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (his debut novel) and Seveneves by Neal Stephenson. I read multiple books at the same time.
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Post by peasapie on Jul 5, 2015 17:09:35 GMT
I'm not reading anything now, and I just added five of the recommendations here to my Amazon wish list. Thanks, peas!!
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smginaz Suzy
Pearl Clutcher
Je suis desole.
Posts: 2,606
Jun 26, 2014 17:27:30 GMT
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Post by smginaz Suzy on Jul 5, 2015 17:18:36 GMT
I finished Penny Marshall's memoir My Mother Was Nuts. It was engaging and she has a good voice.
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Post by pjaye on Jul 5, 2015 17:26:46 GMT
I saw a review for that the other day and it sounded good and I added it to my wish list, be interested to hear what you think of it.
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gramma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,907
Location: Sacramento, Ca
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Post by gramma on Jul 5, 2015 17:47:37 GMT
I just finished Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos. For me it was a tough read in spots, sort of draggy and wordy. Overall I liked it.
A couple of recent favorites -
Secret Keeper by Kate Morton - Set between 1941 and 1991 in England
War Brides by Helen Bryan - World War II setting
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus - set in 1875. Story of women who are sent to intermarry with the Cheyenne Indians
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Post by sugarmama on Jul 5, 2015 20:34:20 GMT
Pierkiss, I have THE MARTIAN on my list to read this month.
finaledition, I had gotten the email about A MAN CALLED OVE, so I downloaded that to listen to later this month.
Right now I am reading THE BOYS IN THE BOAT and am about to begin MISSOULA on audio.
I just finished the first of a historical fiction trilogy based on Poland called PUSH NOT THE RIVER. Good story, but it kind of left the heroine hanging in the romance department, so it looks like I will have to read the second of the trilogy sometime soon.
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Post by littlebee0408 on Jul 5, 2015 20:58:44 GMT
I normally love Marian Keyes, and was so excited to read her latest novel The Woman who Stole my Life. I stuck with it, thinking it would get better, but in the end it was just meh. Disappointing.
I also read How to Start a Fire by Lisa Lutz. It was a recommended summer read on another site, but it, too, was just ok.
Hoping my next one Killing Monica by Candace Bushnell, is better, but it doesn't have great reviews, so I am lowering my expectations, lol.
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Post by maryland on Jul 5, 2015 21:05:32 GMT
I finished The Rumer by Elin Hilderbrand. I enjoyed it but not as much as I've liked her other books. Then I read she was going through cancer treatment when she wrote this one so I felt guilty not liking it more. I also read All The Single Ladies by Dorothea Benton Frank. It was an interesting romance with a little mystery thrown in. I just started Bettyville by George Hodgman. I didn't know that about Hildebrand. We went to her book signing last summer at Rehoboth Beach for The Matchmaker. She looked great! |
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Post by lynnek on Jul 5, 2015 22:40:21 GMT
I'm posting this little early, so hopefully doesn't get lost in the shuffle. I'm sitting on a deck at a cabin, enjoying my coffee while on vacation. This week I read two books (both have been discussed on the past): Every Day: this is YA romance with a twist. Even though there is a central romance, it isn't what makes this book compelling. It is the story of a teenager who wakes up in a different teenagers body every morning. The author does an incredible job of capturing the different types of lives teenagers live. Thought-provoking young adult literature and appropriate for adults as well. Before I Go to Sleep: another unreliable narrator. A women wakes up every day with amnesia. She is slowly unraveling the story of her life---of course rife with mystery. Who is she really? How did she become this way? How has her life impacted those around her? Both books 4/4--enjoyable and engaging reads. What at are you reading this week? I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the follow up book to Every Day. The next book is called Another Day. It comes out in August. It is written from Rhiannon's point of view. I really enjoyed it too! Oh, and there is a short story available on Amazon too. |
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Post by lynnek on Jul 5, 2015 22:50:45 GMT
I think it has been a couple of weeks since I posted. Last week I read The Lives Between Us by Theresa Rizzo. I was contacted by the author and given a copy of this book in exchange a review. I read another book recently about an ethical dilemma in a medical situation and so I think that is why the author contacted me. I enjoyed that book so she thought I would like this one. And I did. It was part chick lit romance which was perfect for a summer by the pool book. But there was more meat to it with the addition of the stem cell and cord blood testing and use. I enjoyed that it had some twists and turns and I really liked the characters. And the ending was quite good! Three stars for me.
Then yesterday I finished, Those Girls by Chevy Stevens. This was another ARC I needed to get read. I don't quite remember how I learned about Chevy Stevens, but I really like her books. I have read and enjoyed all of Chevy Stevens's books and this was no exception. I look forward to reading her novels because I know that they will be good stories with some twists and intrigue. This book is the story of three sisters who are forced to leave their home town when they are teenagers. Because of things that happen they have to change their names and start a new life. But the question is can you ever really totally leave your life behind? Some parts of the book were very hard to read. And I am not sure all of the story line was super realistic. But overall, I enjoyed the book and it made a good summer read
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Post by littlefish on Jul 5, 2015 22:56:54 GMT
I've just barely started a few new books off my shelf, but they are both big and bulky, so for my upcoming vacation reading I'm bringing along:
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell: I'm a "read the book before you watch the movie" kind of girl, and after finishing American Sniper I want to make sure I read/watch this one too.
Learning to Breathe Fire by J.C. Herz: Basically a CrossFit history book.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown: Because she's awesome and I've heard good things about this one.
and finally, by former (I don't think she made it to the new board, did she?) Pea Kayla Aimee, Anchored. I remember following her story and praying for Scarlette when she was born. Super happy for her and I'm looking forward to reading this one.
That's a pretty good mix of testosterone/estrogen in my reading, yes? Ha!!!
I should just break down and buy a Kindle. Easier to pack!
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Post by KelleeM on Jul 5, 2015 22:59:30 GMT
and finally, by former (I don't think she made it to the new board, did she?) Pea Kayla Aimee, Anchored. I remember following her story and praying for Scarlette when she was born. Super happy for her and I'm looking forward to reading this one. I bought this on Friday night and finished it today. It's a quick read. I follow her on Facebook...Scarlette is adorable! |
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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 Jul 5, 2015 23:43:50 GMT
Last week I read:
One Second After by William Forstchen---It is about a small town in NC and the events after an EMP attack. I found some aspects irritating. It was an Amazon cheapie & I feel I got my money's worth. I would give it 1 star.
Next was Still Missing by Chevy Stevens. I would give it 3 stars.
My next read will be Girl on a Train.
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
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Post by gottapeanow on Jul 6, 2015 2:19:20 GMT
I am not quite finished, but I just have a few more pages, so I am nearly done with The Haddassah Covenant by Tenney and Olsen.
About 10 years ago, Tenney wrote a book called One Night with the King that was later into a movie. This is sort of a follow up with a current-day connection and flashbacks between past and present. I really like it, and unless the end is totally a disaster, I will give it 4 stars.
Reading has been going so slow for me this year. I am not really sure why. Tomorrow, I will go and pick up Paper Towns by John Green and The Bone Tree by Greg Iles. Really looking forward to reading both of these!
Lisa
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Post by pjaye on Jul 6, 2015 5:42:12 GMT
I started the week with A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. This is the follow up book to Life After Life. In LAL the main character Ursula gets reborn over and over (with no memory of her past lives). This is the story of Teddy, her brother who was a fighter pilot in WW2. Thereâs a hint in LAL that perhaps Teddy also lives multiple lives, but that doesnât happen in this book. Itâs not written in the same style as LAL.
However this book does jump all over the timeline but I got used to it fairly quickly. I really liked the writing and loved the character of Teddy and the author did a good job of showing us what it was like for men like this during the war. I gave it 4 stars and would recommend it.
Then I listened to The Violets of March by Sarah Jio. The premise sounded good and usually the type of book I like, âmodern woman finds diary of a mysterious woman from the pastâ, however this one didnât do it for me. The story was too unbelievable for me and got a bit too convoluted for no real reason. I gave it 3 stars, appropriate for a light/beach read but nothing in depth.
I just now finished The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North. This is similar to Life after Life, but not as well thought out or as well written. Harry keeps getting reborn (with a full memory of his previous lifes) to the same place and date each time he dies. It started out well describing his first few lives and what happened and how he coped, but then it turns into a âmad scientist trying to destroy the worldâ book and Harry is trying to stop it from happening. At that point it got boring and I couldnât wait to finish. 2 stars for âit was OKâ but I wouldnât really recommend it â younger guys may like it though.
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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 Jul 6, 2015 6:00:05 GMT
1. Escape by Carolyn Jessop. Someone on the forum recommended it a couple of weeks ago. It is absolutely horrifying. As a Brit I know very little about FLDS. I am utterly fascinated and appalled by the lifestyle.
2. Cut Short by Leigh Russell. I always have to have a detective novel on the go. It is my favourite genre.
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Post by not2peased on Jul 6, 2015 13:37:40 GMT
I finished In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume and liked it (didn't love it, but it was entertaining) I am also almost done with Ghost Bride-it was an Amazon special and I am enjoying it. also, recently finished The Plum Tree-it was another amazon kindle special and I enjoyed it as well.
so far nothing has blown my socks off the last couple weeks but I was certainly entertained. I also have the latest Stephen King-Finders Keepers lined up for when I finish Ghost Bride
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Post by tara595 on Jul 6, 2015 21:51:13 GMT
I started Summer Secrets by Jane Green and didn't love it. I put it down around 50% but will probably pick it up again. I then started Girl on the Train and I'm about 45% in, I'm enjoying it so far. I know a lot of people figured out the end beforehand, but I'm never one of those people so I'm sure I'll be surprised!
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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 Jul 6, 2015 23:24:03 GMT
I started Summer Secrets by Jane Green and didn't love it. I put it down around 50% but will probably pick it up again. I then started Girl on the Train and I'm about 45% in, I'm enjoying it so far. I know a lot of people figured out the end beforehand, but I'm never one of those people so I'm sure I'll be surprised! I'm not so much enjoying Girl on the Train, as wanting to know what happens. Rachel is pathetic and infuriating and I can't bring myself to have any sympathy for her. I'm only about 25% into the book. Would have read more last night. But, it's a book and not on my Kindle. Dh was done with the light on and told me to read my Kindle instead. |
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gina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,225
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Post by gina on Jul 8, 2015 18:36:33 GMT
I've read a few things since the last time I posted here. Last night I finished Too Close To Home by Linwood Barclay. This was the second novel I have tried of his but he's a bit of a weak writer, imo. I won't give up on him just yet but I am not in a rush to pick up a third selection right now. I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars. You can see the murderer from a mile away. It's about a young boy (18-ish, Derek, and how his best friend's family (they live next door) is murdered in cold blood while he was hiding inside the house. A few weeks ago, I picked up my first Linwood Barclay book: Never Look Away. This was about a baby who is taken from an amusement park right under the parents' noses, found almost immediately and the mother goes missing herself. I also gave this one 3/5 stars. Predictable and not as "thrilling" as promised. While camping last week, I read a book I really enjoyed but the ending was weird.  Two of my friends read it at the same time and we all agree that the ending needed help. It was The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma and it was Orange is the New Black meets Black Swan. Cool setting, great writing, ending... wacky and rushed. I gave it 4/5 stars on Goodreads (but more specifically on my own scale, 3.8/5).  I started a new book this morning: Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight.
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Two of my friends read it at the same time and we all agree that the ending needed help. It was The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma and it was Orange is the New Black meets Black Swan. Cool setting, great writing, ending... wacky and rushed. I gave it 4/5 stars on Goodreads (but more specifically on my own scale, 3.8/5). 