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Post by leannec on Jul 28, 2014 2:09:14 GMT
Hey everyone! I'm on vacation and managing to read on the beach everyday  So far I've finished Sous Chef by Michael Gibney ... a non-fiction about life in a New York kitchen ... for a Food Network junkie like me it was enjoyable  Now I'm reading Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead ... it revolves around the ballet world but isn't as interesting as I thought it would be ... I'll still finish it though  What are you reading? |
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emanon
Junior Member
Refupea 673
Posts: 71 
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Post by emanon on Jul 28, 2014 2:19:44 GMT
I am almost done with The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. It's a book club pick and it is surprisingly good. It tells two stories of the same main character. Her childhood in foster care and her adult life as a result of that childhood.
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Post by sugarmama on Jul 28, 2014 2:22:05 GMT
I just finished THE VESSEL by Taylor Stevens. Now, I am listening to AMERICA by Dinesh D'Souza. I plan to start A CLASH OF KINGS (Game of Thrones [HASH]2) this week.
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QueenoftheSloths
Drama Llama
Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
Posts: 5,955
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Jul 28, 2014 2:39:12 GMT
Last week I finished City of Heavenly Fire to end the Mortal Instruments series. I really liked this final book, as it tied in the author's other series and also set up an upcoming series she is beginning. Now I am reading a book about Nell Gwynn, mistress of King Charles II. I started reading it at work on my break, but quickly discovered it has some pretty graphic sex scenes best enjoyed in the privacy of my own home!
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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 28, 2014 3:02:07 GMT
Hi. Thanks for starting the thread. I'm just managing to do it now.
I finished The Orchid House and really, really enjoyed it.
I also finished Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent series. It was also good, but nt as good as the first.
Paige.
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janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
Posts: 5,633
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Post by janeliz on Jul 28, 2014 3:26:36 GMT
I read Sally Koslow's The Widow Waltz. It's about a woman who loses her husband suddenly, and discovers afterward that most of their money has seemingly disappeared. I liked it very much---it was a fast read, with unique and interesting characters.
Today I started Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal. It takes place in New Orleans in the summer of 1964, and is centered around a young girl who is left to stay with her eccentric grandmother after the death of her father.
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Post by marie on Jul 28, 2014 3:38:52 GMT
I finished The Silkworm Friday--loved it more than the first book! I read an article that says she is planning to write at least 7 books in the series. Yay! Now I'm reading The Cove by Catherine Coulter. I like romantic suspense and this series was recommended by a friend.
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Post by honeyb on Jul 28, 2014 4:02:57 GMT
I'm reading Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer. So far? Meh. Next up is Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 2,818
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Post by TXMary on Jul 28, 2014 4:03:19 GMT
I'm reading Looking for Alaska by John Green. It's a quick read. I'm about 30% in and liking it so far.
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Post by lynnek on Jul 28, 2014 4:03:25 GMT
I finished My Name Is Resolute by Nancy Turner for my book club. I liked the story but thought it could have been a bit shorter.bout a white girl who was kidnapped from her family's plantation in Jamaica and forced into slavery in America.
Then I read Looking For Alaska by John Green. I really enjoyed it! It is about a boy who leaves home to go to a boarding school. There he meets is first true friends and is particularly taken with a girl named Alaska. A great quick read!
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Post by worrywart on Jul 28, 2014 4:06:27 GMT
Ok, so I finished Bird Box a couple weeks ago...if you like end of the world type books, you may like it. I did enjoy it I'm assuming since I kept reading it compulsively and finished it pretty fast. However, I woke up this morning dreaming my world was that world lol (not a good dream!)
Then, I reread Night by Elie Wiesel.
Now, I am reading for the first time I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. It is really good but I am only about 20% done so far!
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*~*amanda*~*
Junior Member
Posts: 51
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Post by *~*amanda*~* on Jul 28, 2014 4:14:10 GMT
Still working on Sharp Objects
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Post by theboydbunch on Jul 28, 2014 4:14:15 GMT
I'm struggling to finish Janet Evanovich's Top Secret 21.
I usually find her books easy to read, but have not spent as much time with this one.
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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 28, 2014 4:20:23 GMT
Have just read the first few pages of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. Apparently it is this year's big thing. She had publishers fighting over it and it is set to be made into a film evidently.
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,355
Location: Dallas Texas
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Post by SabrinaP on Jul 28, 2014 4:41:53 GMT
I read Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper for my book club. It's actually a teen/tween book. It's about a girl with cerebral palsy that is brilliant, only no one knows it since she can't speak. It was a great read. Loved every page!
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Post by tania7424 on Jul 28, 2014 4:45:57 GMT
Working on Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson. I have the Astronaut Wives Club waiting. And Crazy Rich Asians.
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,760
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Post by gottapeanow on Jul 28, 2014 4:49:57 GMT
Three for me this week.
First, a Christian devotional that I really liked called The Pleasure of His Company by Dutch Sheets. 4/5 stars
Second, The Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash. I really liked this and am looking forward to reading his other book. 4/5 stars
Third, Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers. She is an amazing author and has set the bar for herself very, very high. This was good but did not live up to her other books. Still, 3/5 stars.
Lisa
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
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Post by Mystie on Jul 28, 2014 5:20:09 GMT
I read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, based on glowing Pea recommendations, and I'm happy to say it lived up to them. Just a lovely story and beautifully written, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Then I read Snowblind by Christopher Golden. It was on the new book shelf at my library. It's a horror/thriller about people vanishing during a snowstorm...I thought it sounded like fun, but it was pretty terrible.
Right now I'm reading The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport, a non-fiction book about the princesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia.
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 28, 2014 5:49:14 GMT
Last week I finished City of Heavenly Fire to end the Mortal Instruments series. I really liked this final book, as it tied in the author's other series and also set up an upcoming series she is beginning. Now I am reading a book about Nell Gwynn, mistress of King Charles II. I started reading it at work on my break, but quickly discovered it has some pretty graphic sex scenes best enjoyed in the privacy of my own home! I read the first three and didn't realize it was continuing. Is it worth reading the rest of the series? |
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tuesdaysgone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,832
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Post by tuesdaysgone on Jul 28, 2014 10:46:38 GMT
I read Oh, Pioneers ( Cather). It's a simple but beautiful story of home steaders in Nebraska. The book was written in 1913 but the story and characters really hold up well. We drove thru NE on a road trip this summer; I was picturing the wide open beauty of the state as I read the book.
I'm about to finish Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Torday). It's delightful! An English civil servant becomes involved in a dream project of a very wealthy man from Yemen who wants to introduce salmon fishing in his country. The story unfolds thru a series of memos, emails and diary entries. Witty and clever.
I just began Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island. I enjoy his books and humor. It's an irreverent account of British life. I'm an Anglophile and was fortunate enough to live in England for a year, so you might say this book is my cup of tea.
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Post by 1lear on Jul 28, 2014 11:37:04 GMT
I finally finished one book this week-Natchez Burning. I'd have to give it a 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed reading about the civil rights issues in the 60's but I was disappointed with the last 1/3 of the book. It felt too unreal and rushed.
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Post by lightetc on Jul 28, 2014 11:49:47 GMT
I finished Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief this week. I think if I'd read it at 12yrs old I would have really enjoyed it - especially the Greek mythology. But as an adult I found it a bit ridiculous and difficult to swallow in parts - particularly the theme about the Gods living in the USA because it's the light of the western world. I have loved traveling though the US and there are many beautiful places and wonderful people, but I'm not American and that reasoning just rubbed me the wrong way... Anyway, I know this is a kids'book and I'm judging as an adult. Still give it 3/5.
Nearly finished listening to "The Help" in the car and also have Stephen King's "On Writing" playing at home. Reading "All the Light We Cannot See" and loving it. Very diverse range of themes and topics occupying me at the minute :-)
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Post by StacyinUT on Jul 28, 2014 12:32:14 GMT
I'm reading The Target by David Baldacci. I love his books!
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Post by MommyofTriplets on Jul 28, 2014 12:32:44 GMT
I'm reading All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and really enjoying it.  |
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Post by ShesaRenegade on Jul 28, 2014 12:56:53 GMT
I finished Cart Before the Horse. It's a free book for your kindle. It was just okay. The ending seemed very rushed to me and not well thought out. No idea what I'll start next. I have several non-kindle books that I've had in my book pile for a while and I really want to dwindle down that pile before I download any more on my kindle. |
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Post by pjaye on Jul 28, 2014 13:08:25 GMT
I read that one a few months ago and thought it was OK. It didn't capture the passion and the drama of the ballet world and I didn't think Joan was a well developed character.
I finished The Magpies by Mark Edwards.
It's set in England, modern times about a young couple who buy an apartment in a small block. Not long after they move in, they start to get harassed, the fire brigade turns up, pizza they didn't order gets delivered, there's dead rats by their front door etc. Then they start getting rude letters from their neighbours too. Gradually their lives fall apart.
This was just OK. It started off with an interesting premise but it didn't really follow through and although there was an explanation at the end, it wasn't very satisfying or believable. I only gave this 2 out of 5 stars. If someone lends it to you, it's an OK read...but don't spend money on it.
Next was A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness...OMG this is a heartbreaking ugly cry book!
It's quite short (5 hours on audio, but well worth it, the narrator is brilliant) Conor is 13yo, his mother is sick and he's having nightmares, also the large Yew tree in his back yard comes to life and starts speaking to him. Now there's a monster in his dreams and one outside his bedroom window as well...but what do they want from him? It's partly YA, partly fantasy/horror, but also about dealing with fear and loss and grief.
Beautiful and sad and will ring true to anyone who's ever lost a loved one to cancer.
4.5 out of 5 stars. Definitely recommended.
I'm about halfway through The Wicked Girls by Alex Marwood. This one has really dawn me in. It's the story of two 11yo girls who meet for the first time one day....and by the end of it are charged with the murder of another child. The first time they see each other again is 25 years later when their two different jobs interact. Can't wait to see how this one ends. Well written so far.
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sharlag
Drama Llama
I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,574
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
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Post by sharlag on Jul 28, 2014 13:30:17 GMT
I've been burning through Robert Crais's ELVIS COLE detective series.
If I really like the main character (A witty, self-effacing private eye), then I'm tickled to find a series.
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Post by quinlove on Jul 28, 2014 13:43:08 GMT
I have a stack of books all recommended by the peas, but am not making much progress getting through them. I'm beginning to realize that I'm pretty content to just have this fabulous pile of books here just waiting for "the perfect time" to read them.  ? |
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lambchop
Junior Member
Posts: 83
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Post by lambchop on Jul 28, 2014 14:17:23 GMT
Still working on The Interestings. I am about 25% in and it is finally getting "interesting".
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,936
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Jul 28, 2014 14:56:46 GMT
I read four this week.
First, The Lemon Tree: an Arab, a Jew and the heart of the a Middle East.. This nonfiction story has been on my read list for a long time, and I got the recommendation from this thread on 2peas. In light of recent events, I thought I should pick this one up and read. It is very good. I will say it is a bit bogged down in facts and names, but it is needed to understand the history and complexity, and if you spend the time at the beginning, it all makes sense and sorts out at the end. If you want easy answers, a nice ending or think one side is all responsible, stay away from this book. It is a bit overwhelming, but a rewarding read that gave me better insight to the complexity of situation.
Second, The Book of Life. This was the third in the Discovery of Witches trilogy. I did like it, but it was just too long winded and not a ton happened. It was lacking a spark;however, I feel it was a solid ending and most of the loose ends were tied up. If you liked the other two, you will likely enjoy the last one as well. I did enjoy getting to know a few characters who were on the fringes in last books.
Third, The Explosive Child. I don't think my kids are exactly explosive children, yet, but they do have tendencies, and I was frustrated the other day and downloaded it. It did give some insight into the explosive child's mind (lack of skills), and I think it gave some good proactive ideas. It seemed more directed at older children, and I will definitely be able to use the ideas in my high school classroom and use it as a tool at home as well. Actually, it wasn't anything super ground breaking, but I would recommend it.
Fourth, World of Trouble. This was the final book in the Last Policeman series which won an Edgar Award for the first one (and maybe the second as well?). The premise of the series is the end of the world is coming, and slowly society is breaking down while our protagonist is still doing his job as a detective. By the second book, the world has further declined, but he is still trying to solve crimes even though he is no longer employed, and by this final book, he is on a journey to find his sister. I highly recommend this series if you like mysteries/crime drama or apocalyptic fiction. It is gritty, he is flawed, the crimes are interesting, and the storyline is intense. The last book ends appropriately, but I cried a couple of times (I did feel an homage to Cormac Macarthy in this last book...for sure).
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