The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930 
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Nov 15, 2015 23:22:53 GMT
Hello readers. I completed one book and I'm almost done with another.
I will be back a little later with my reviews. I am in love with the book in reading now. I want to complete the book, and I'll be back later tonight.
What did you read this week?
___________
OK, I am back.
I read two books.
It Ain't Me Babe: I was looking for a "take my brain out and put it beside me" book. I saw this one on the list for best romance on Goodreads (or at least the latest in the series). It fits into the 50Shades category. Not as graphic, but equally sexist. It was OK. It is about a young woman who grows up in a cult and is going to be married off, but she escapes just in time, but ends up getting taken in by a 1%r biker gang, of course. The premise was unrealistic, but somewhat entertaining. Trigger warning for some.
Uprooted: This was the second book I read, and the one I just had to finish before I could post here. It is one of the best books I have read this year. As I mentioned last week, I have been in a bit of a reading slump (for a variety of reasons), but I also hadn't really read much in the last three months that I fell in love with---this was an exception. I really LOVED this book. It is a fantasy/fairy tale with a bit of horror and romance. Amazon editors ranked it as one of the best fantasy/scifi, and I wholeheartedly agree. The cover did not interest me at all, but I am so glad I looked past the cover. it is a standalone book, so that is even better!
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Post by gramasue on Nov 15, 2015 23:35:52 GMT
I'm reading "The Tilted World" by Tom Franklin & Beth Ann Fennelly. It's about the 1927 flooding of the Mississippi River. Really interesting and written beautifully. I am enjoying it very much.
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Post by kellybelly77 on Nov 15, 2015 23:41:00 GMT
I can't remember the last time I posted my books, so here goes!
Temptation by Nicole Edwards. It is the 2nd book in a 3 book series. I read the first one several weeks ago. And actually, I am not even sure why i read this one. I think mainly because I feel like I have to finish the series since I started it!! It's a 50 shades of Gray-ish book.
The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony. Loved this!!!! The author is a gentleman who owned, lived and worked on a reserve in Africa. He brought elephants to the reserve when they were about to be killed. The herd grew over the years and he developed this great bond with them. It was such a great story and very beautifully written.
So then, I had to follow up that book with another of his, The Last Rhinos. This book is about his efforts to save the northern white rhino. From the description: The northern white rhino's last refuge was in an area controlled by the infamous Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), one of the most vicious rebel groups in the world. In the face of unmoving government bureaucracy, Anthony made a perilous journey deep into the jungle to try to find and convince them to save the rhino. An inspiring story of conservation in the face of brutal war and bureaucratic quagmires, The Last Rhinos will move animal lovers everywhere.
It was also a fantastic story! He has one more book, Babylon's Ark. I have other stuff lined up to read but I may just read that instead! After I finished up The Elephant Whisperer I googled his name and was saddened to learn that he had passed away recently.
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Post by maryland on Nov 15, 2015 23:44:48 GMT
Saving Grace - Jane Green It's good, but a couple characters in the book are making me really mad!
We have to travel for Thanksgiving, so I need book ideas for the trip!
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
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Post by Mystie on Nov 15, 2015 23:51:58 GMT
I was all excited because I found The Witches: 1692 by Stacy Schiff at the library--it's been on my "to read" list for a while. Then I looked it up on Amazon and the reviews are dreadful! LOL. I'll still give it a shot. I also have the last book in the Last Policeman trilogy by Ben Winters lined up to read. The first two are excellent, so I'm looking forward to this one. Other than that...still plugging through the Agatha Christie shelves at the library. Not sure I'll ever finish!  |
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
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Post by gottapeanow on Nov 16, 2015 0:01:09 GMT
gramasue, I read that late last year, and I agree. It was beautifully written. I rated it 4/5 stars. I read two books this week. The Strangler by William Landay. He also wrote Defending Jacob, which is more recent. His writing has definitely improved, but I still really enjoyed this book, about the Boston Strangler and an Irish family in the middle of everything going on in the city at the time. Although it bogged down a bit in the middle, the end was especially good. 4/5 stars. Next up was Room. The part after the rescue was fascinating to me. Powerful story of strength, the bond between a mom and her son, and victory and overcoming. 4/5 stars as well. Really looking forward to the movie. Lisa
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Post by peasapie on Nov 16, 2015 0:03:49 GMT
I so want to love reading again. I feel like lately I can't focus on reading. I'm wondering if it is because I'm reading on my iPad and there is so much opportunity to also go check Facebook, play solitaire, etc.
Do most others read books or digital?
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,480
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Post by edie3 on Nov 16, 2015 0:12:28 GMT
I am reading Joy Fielding's newest book Someone is Watching. It is okay, not sure I like the main character.
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Post by Karene on Nov 16, 2015 0:17:44 GMT
I read After You by JoJo Moyes. I started it yesterday morning and read the whole thing in one day. I really liked it. I definitely needed kleenex close by! I was so surprised on Goodreads that so many people didn't like it or thought she shouldn't have written a sequel to Me Before You. I didn't think it had to be better than the first one, it was really good as it's own book, although I think you need to read the first in order to understand a lot of it. I gave it one of my best ratings on Goodreads.
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
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Post by gottapeanow on Nov 16, 2015 0:40:57 GMT
peasapie, I definitely prefer holding a "real" book. Digital does have some nice advantages, though.  Lisa
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Post by RobbyKay on Nov 16, 2015 0:48:33 GMT
Hey Readers!
On a whim, I picked up Welcome to Night Vale. It's based on a the serial podcast that's been described as "Lake Wobegon as told by Stephen King." The book was sweetly bizarre, but it was a fun read.
Next up is my book club title, Astrid and Veronika. I'll let you know how it goes.
Happy reading!
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Post by pjaye on Nov 16, 2015 1:10:36 GMT
I was all excited because I found The Witches: 1692 by Stacy Schiff at the library--it's been on my "to read" list for a while. Then I looked it up on Amazon and the reviews are dreadful The reviews aren't too bad at Audible. I've got the audiobook on hold at the library too, but there's only 2 people ahead of me, so I should get it soon. I'm looking forward to it, an interesting topic but I only know the basics, so will be good to learn some more of the facts and details. |
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Post by gramasue on Nov 16, 2015 1:20:33 GMT
gramasue, I read that late last year, and I agree. It was beautifully written. I rated it 4/5 stars. I read two books this week. The Strangler by William Landay. He also wrote Defending Jacob, which is more recent. His writing has definitely improved, but I still really enjoyed this book, about the Boston Strangler and an Irish family in the middle of everything going on in the city at the time. Although it bogged down a bit in the middle, the end was especially good. 4/5 stars. Next up was Room. The part after the rescue was fascinating to me. Powerful story of strength, the bond between a mom and her son, and victory and overcoming. 4/5 stars as well. Really looking forward to the movie. Lisa Lisa, I read Room recently, too. It haunted me for days afterward. It was an absolutely fascinating book. |
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Post by gramasue on Nov 16, 2015 1:23:29 GMT
I read After You by JoJo Moyes. I started it yesterday morning and read the whole thing in one day. I really liked it. I definitely needed kleenex close by! I was so surprised on Goodreads that so many people didn't like it or thought she shouldn't have written a sequel to Me Before You. I didn't think it had to be better than the first one, it was really good as it's own book, although I think you need to read the first in order to understand a lot of it. I gave it one of my best ratings on Goodreads. Oh, I have that one on hold at my local library. I loved Me Before You and am really looking forward to this one. |
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Post by maryland on Nov 16, 2015 1:24:56 GMT
I so want to love reading again. I feel like lately I can't focus on reading. I'm wondering if it is because I'm reading on my iPad and there is so much opportunity to also go check Facebook, play solitaire, etc. Do most others read books or digital? Books. I don't like digital reading, I love reading a book. I am old fashioned!  Also, I don't have to worry about charging a book to be able to read it (meaning charging with power). And I don't like to buy books, I get them from the library, it's free! |
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Post by gramasue on Nov 16, 2015 1:26:04 GMT
I so want to love reading again. I feel like lately I can't focus on reading. I'm wondering if it is because I'm reading on my iPad and there is so much opportunity to also go check Facebook, play solitaire, etc. Do most others read books or digital? I like to read an actual book. I look in my local library site and search for ones that are available in large print. I have a reader, but find I still prefer the old-style. The reader is great if you're travelling but I don't do that much! |
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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 Nov 16, 2015 1:43:17 GMT
I do the majority of my reading on planes or at airports, so my iPAD definitely helps keep my carry on bulk down. I just finished David Spade's Almost Interesting and it was a quick and fun read. He's a local boy and I used to go to his stand-up shows when he was just starting out. I have a lot of respect for his work ethic in getting him where he wanted to be. His voice rings pretty true to him: kind of a jerk, but pretty authentic and self-aware in his writing.
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Post by freecharlie on Nov 16, 2015 1:43:30 GMT
I read, I will plant you a lilac bush
And
Left Behind: an Alaskan tale
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
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Post by Mystie on Nov 16, 2015 1:47:34 GMT
I so want to love reading again. I feel like lately I can't focus on reading. I'm wondering if it is because I'm reading on my iPad and there is so much opportunity to also go check Facebook, play solitaire, etc. Do most others read books or digital? I confess I am a "paper" book lover. I have Kindle on my smartphone and on my little laptop, but I really, really prefer a book. I do think it's easier to focus on a book for exactly the reason you said--it's so easy to just click over to some other distraction when you're reading electronically. I've also noticed my attention span and ability to focus in general has really taken a hit, and I think it's because of all my screen time.  |
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Post by Layce on Nov 16, 2015 2:09:26 GMT
I have a stack or so on deck and somehow ended up reading back-to-back WWII historical fiction novels.
Those Who Save Us and The Nightingale. Good reads but GOOD GRIEF! Need some fluff for the holidays so I'll be tracking this topic for suggestions. :-)
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Post by GamGam on Nov 16, 2015 2:20:37 GMT
I can't remember the last time I posted my books, so here goes! Temptation by Nicole Edwards. It is the 2nd book in a 3 book series. I read the first one several weeks ago. And actually, I am not even sure why i read this one. I think mainly because I feel like I have to finish the series since I started it!! It's a 50 shades of Gray-ish book. The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony. Loved this!!!! The author is a gentleman who owned, lived and worked on a reserve in Africa. He brought elephants to the reserve when they were about to be killed. The herd grew over the years and he developed this great bond with them. It was such a great story and very beautifully written. So then, I had to follow up that book with another of his, The Last Rhinos. This book is about his efforts to save the northern white rhino. From the description: The northern white rhino's last refuge was in an area controlled by the infamous Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), one of the most vicious rebel groups in the world. In the face of unmoving government bureaucracy, Anthony made a perilous journey deep into the jungle to try to find and convince them to save the rhino. An inspiring story of conservation in the face of brutal war and bureaucratic quagmires, The Last Rhinos will move animal lovers everywhere. It was also a fantastic story! He has one more book, Babylon's Ark. I have other stuff lined up to read but I may just read that instead! After I finished up The Elephant Whisperer I googled his name and was saddened to learn that he had passed away this year. Kellybelly, I also loved Elephant Whisperer. Lawrence Anthony is a gifted writer, and his love of elephants and the relationships he established with them were inspiring to me. I still think about the matriarch of the herd waiting for him at the compound Fence after he had been away for a couple of week. How did she know that he was back?? |
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Nov 16, 2015 2:49:19 GMT
Posting here too!
I read two books.
It Ain't Me Babe: I was looking for a "take my brain out and put it beside me" book. I saw this one on the list for best romance on Goodreads (or at least the latest in the series). It fits into the 50Shades category. Not as graphic, but equally sexist. It was OK. It is about a young woman who grows up in a cult and is going to be married off, but she escapes just in time, but ends up getting taken in by a 1%r biker gang, of course. The premise was unrealistic, but somewhat entertaining. Trigger warning for some.
Uprooted: This was the second book I read, and the one I just had to finish before I could post here. It is one of the best books I have read this year. As I mentioned last week, I have been in a bit of a reading slump (for a variety of reasons), but I also hadn't really read much in the last three months that I fell in love with---this was an exception. I really LOVED this book. It is a fantasy/fairy tale with a bit of horror and romance. Amazon editors ranked it as one of the best fantasy/scifi, and I wholeheartedly agree. The cover did not interest me at all, but I am so glad I looked past the cover. it is a standalone book, so that is even better!
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Nov 16, 2015 2:51:57 GMT
I also have the last book in the Last Policeman trilogy by Ben Winters lined up to read. The first two are excellent, so I'm looking forward to this one. I loved that series. I don't want to say much because I don't want to give up the ending. |
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Post by cindyupnorth on Nov 16, 2015 3:30:46 GMT
I'm STILL on the Poldark series. ha. I'm on number 5!! only 7 to go! This will NOT take me a year. I promise. ha.
On the reading digital vs paper, I read SOOOO much faster digital on my kindle. I have no idea why, but I just fly thru them, vs a book. Maybe it's the lightening or something?
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 16, 2015 3:36:17 GMT
Finished The Good Girl by Mary Kubica. Had a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. I enjoyed the book, didn't love it. I started reading The Terrorist Next Door by Sheldon Siegel last week and it's a bit harder to read now because of what happened in Paris.  |
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Post by smokeynspike on Nov 16, 2015 4:10:28 GMT
I am reading Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts right now.
Melissa
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Post by kellybelly77 on Nov 16, 2015 4:11:46 GMT
I so want to love reading again. I feel like lately I can't focus on reading. I'm wondering if it is because I'm reading on my iPad and there is so much opportunity to also go check Facebook, play solitaire, etc. Do most others read books or digital? I read mostly digital now. I have a Nook and the Nook app on my phone. Plus, my library has a bunch of digital content that I can get for free with my library membership. It comes through Hoopla digital and I can log in online and read that way or through the app I downloaded. Probably 65% of my reading is done on the Hoopla app since all the books are free! I do buy some cheap books when Nook books are on sale and read those on the app. A couple times a year I read an actual book! Mostly books that friends lend to me. I always have my phone with me!! |
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
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Post by Mystie on Nov 16, 2015 5:20:28 GMT
I also have the last book in the Last Policeman trilogy by Ben Winters lined up to read. The first two are excellent, so I'm looking forward to this one. I loved that series. I don't want to say much because I don't want to give up the ending. Thanks for that!  |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 16, 2015 6:19:26 GMT
I so want to love reading again. I feel like lately I can't focus on reading. I'm wondering if it is because I'm reading on my iPad and there is so much opportunity to also go check Facebook, play solitaire, etc. Do most others read books or digital? I read mostly digital now. I have a Nook and the Nook app on my phone. Plus, my library has a bunch of digital content that I can get for free with my library membership. It comes through Hoopla digital and I can log in online and read that way or through the app I downloaded. Probably 65% of my reading is done on the Hoopla app since all the books are free! I do buy some cheap books when Nook books are on sale and read those on the app. A couple times a year I read an actual book! Mostly books that friends lend to me. I always have my phone with me!! I have a tablet but love the feel of a real book so I've never gone digital. |
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Post by pjaye on Nov 16, 2015 12:38:45 GMT
Carrying over from last week, I finished A Reunion of Ghosts by Judith Claire Mitchell and ended up really liking it. A very unusual book that won't be to everyone's liking, but I'd recommend it. I gave it 4 stars.
Then I listened to Circling the Sun by Paula McLain. This is a fictionalised version of the real life person Beryl Markham and set in South Africa in the 1920s. Very well written & interesting. Beryl was a very independent woman and well ahead of her time in her thinking. She was the first female horse trainer in South Africa and later she was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west. Excellent narration on the audiobook too. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, but if they did 1/2 stars it would be 4.5. Definitely recommended.
Then I moved on to The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham. This is by and Australian author and the movie staring Kate Winslet has just been released. Set in rural Australia in the 1950s this is about Tilly who comes back to her childhood home after many years away to look after her aging mother (Mad Molly). Initially she is shunned by the town's people for something that happened when she was a child. She's a dressmaker and eventually her skills win over some of the woman and slowly the secrets about why she left are revealed. This is one of those offbeat books with quirky characters that Aussies seem to do well. I probably wouldn't recommend the audiobook for non Aussies as the narrator (an Aussie actress) tends to speak quite fast and with the accent might be hard to follow. Even though I understood her well enough, I didn't think the narration was particularly well done. However I did enjoy the book, totally unexpected ending. Another 4 stars.
I am just about to finish The Children Act by Ian McEwan. This is about a London judge and some of the cases involving children she has to adjudicate on. The main character of Fiona is interesting and so are her cases, but it does get bogged down in courtroom detail and some of the conversations between characters are quite drawn out. Luckily it's a short book, otherwise I think it might have got too tedious. As it is with two hours left, I'm interested to see how it ends. |
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Also, I don't have to worry about charging a book to be able to read it (meaning charging with power). And I don't like to buy books, I get them from the library, it's free! 
