The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930 
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Mar 14, 2016 1:21:53 GMT
Hi Readers,
It was the end of a grading period for me, so I was grading three hours a night most nights this week, so no books completed.
How about you? I'll live vicariously through you this week.
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
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Post by gottapeanow on Mar 14, 2016 1:40:28 GMT
I actually got through two books this week - miracle of miracles.  First was The Wrong Hostage by Elizabeth Lowell. Her writing style reminded me a little bit of Robert Crais. The protagonist, Grace, has a son who is held hostage at a private school in Mexico due to her ex's shady dealings. She has just 48 hours to save his life and calls on an old flame for help. The story involved romance as well. I couldn't get that into it even though the premise was decent enough. 2.5 stars out of 5. Next up was Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepeyts This is about Lithunians who were taken to just outside the North Pole during WWII. It is definitely a YA book and written at a bit lower grade level than say The Book Thief or Boy in the Stryped Pajamas - probably at about a fifth grade reading level. Even so, it with difficult subject matter. A very good book - I whizzed through it in less than 24 hours. 4/5 stars In between everything else, I am still reading Gone with the Wind and am nearly halfway through. Lisa |
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Post by pjaye on Mar 14, 2016 2:31:17 GMT
Last week I had just started listening to A Long, Long Time Ago and Essentially True by Brigid Pasulka. A dual narrative, set in Poland just before WW2 and then also in the 1990s. The pre war story is set in a small rural village and a couple who meet and court before the war ruins their plans, the 1990s story follows the granddaughter of that couple when she moves to Kraków. I have Polish heritage as my mother was born there, however I know little about it. It was interesting to learn about some of the cultural aspects, however I didn't enjoy the overall story much. One thing that annoyed me was the author constantly using Polish words throughout then book, but with no translation provided. I also didn't think the characters were very believable or likable and both of the stories dragged on with often not much happening. I really wanted to love this, but just didn't. I gave it 2 stars.
I am currently almost finished listening to Katherine by Anya Seaton which was first published in 1954. I am sure I read this as a teenager, as I used to read all of her books, but I don't remember anything about it from that reading. Decided to give it another go when it was on sale at Audible last year. Set in the mid 1300s and based on the true story of Katherine Swynford who was essentially a nobody but who started a long term relationship with John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster - it was through their children that the House of Tudor emerged and most of the British Royal family are related to the couple...including the current Queen Elizabeth. Even though it is a work of fiction and contains some speculation about specific events etc, from what I have read, it is generally thought to be a fairly accurate depiction of medieval England and the overall story. I've found it really interesting and with only 10% left feel very confident that I'll be rating it 4 stars. If you like historical fiction based on real people that really show women's lives at the time, then you can't go wrong with this.
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Post by smokeynspike on Mar 14, 2016 2:39:48 GMT
I am still reading The Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard. For some reason, I just haven't been feeling my normal reading pace. I've been kind of slacking and doing other things.
I am going on vacation next week though so I plan on LOTS of reading by the pool in the sunshine and in the car ride there and back!
Melissa |
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Mar 14, 2016 2:54:38 GMT
I read:
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys. 4/5 stars. Quick read with an interesting cast of characters and a protagonist you immediately root for.
When Falcons Fall (Sebastian St. Cyr series, #11). 4/5. This far in to the series, the books are similar in their layout, but I still enjoy the blend of mystery and historical details. I also like that there are some overreaching stories about the characters that have spanned multiple books in the series.
The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel. 3/5 stars. I guess I prefer my literature a little more literal - I felt a lot of this went over my head, although there were moments I liked it.
The Widow by Fiona Barton. 3/5 stars. Did not live up to advance billing. It was fine, but nothing original or particularly interesting about it.
Currently read When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. On deck: Dreamland, Vanessa and her Sister, What is Not Yours is Not Yours, and Refund.
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Post by annabella on Mar 14, 2016 3:07:20 GMT
Right now I'm reading two books that I'm somewhat bored with.
Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways To Love Your Body by Kate G. Hudson It's a new agey book on healthy habits, nothing too specific. I was expecting a lot more.
You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day I had never heard of her before, just saw it was a popular book in the humor section. She's an internet star, does webseries, has a youtube channel, was on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and is the most popular author with a following on goodreads. She's in her 30s and talks about growing up homeschooled, the start of the internet and her video game friends she met at the start of the internet. It's super geeky.
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Post by pjaye on Mar 14, 2016 3:10:31 GMT
For those who like Liane Moriarty, I saw on twitter that her new book Truly, Madly, Guilty will be out in 26th July |
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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 Mar 14, 2016 3:15:34 GMT
I love Felicia Day. I fall in with the geek camp, no surprise. I only knew her from bits on Comedy Central's @midnight. I did enjoy her book.
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
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Post by finaledition on Mar 14, 2016 3:21:03 GMT
For those who like Liane Moriarty, I saw on twitter that her new book Truly, Madly, Guilty will be out in 26th July View Attachment I saw this in Facebook and thought I'd tag you, but I knew you'd already know. I will get it the day it's released. Liane Moriarty never disappoints. I'm listening to a long book (20+ hours) that I've had the actual book for at least 5 years and never got around to reading. The Invisible Bridge by Julia Orringer. I think I had to get about 8 hours into the book before I actually started enjoying it. I considered stopping, but at this point it's very engrossing and so glad I continued with it. |
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Post by pepperwood on Mar 14, 2016 3:23:38 GMT
I just finished The Girl in the Spider's Web which is a sequel to Stieg Larsson Millennium series. The sequel was written by David Lagercrantz, who took over the series after Larsson died. I enjoyed it as much as the original series.
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
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Post by Mystie on Mar 14, 2016 4:03:06 GMT
I'm almost done with a novel called Ross Poldark by Winston Graham. It's the first of a series of books written in the 1940s, about a man from Cornwall who comes home to England from fighting in the American Revolution. He discovers his father is dead, the woman he loves is marrying another man, and his lands and property are in disarray. I'm really enjoying it. I think a reading Pea here recommended this series a while back. And the BBC has done a production called "Poldark" based on these books, so I'll probably watch that once I'm done with the books.
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Post by pjaye on Mar 14, 2016 4:25:07 GMT
And the BBC has done a production called "Poldark" based on these books, so I'll probably watch that once I'm done with the books. There's actually two TV series, an old one from the late 1970s and the recent one. I bet that 70s one would be fun to watch now! |
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Post by AussieMeg on Mar 14, 2016 4:26:19 GMT
I just finished reading the first Cormoran Strike novel, "The Cuckoo's Calling", by Robert Galbraith (J K Rowling). I enjoyed it, but I have to admit it did take me a while to really get into it. I have the 2nd and 3rd novels ready and waiting.
I just started "The Woman Who Stole My Life" by Marian Keyes. I love her novels, they're so easy to read.
I'll check back in with you all in a few weeks when I've finished! Even though I read every night before bed I don't read anywhere near as quickly as you all seem to. It usually takes me several weeks to get through one book unless I am on holidays.
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Post by RobbyKay on Mar 14, 2016 4:28:02 GMT
I read So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger. It's set in 1910, about a writer with serious writer's block who goes on a cross country adventure with a man he just met who needs to set things right in his own life. It's quite an adventure.
He also wrote Peace Like a River, but he hasn't released a new book since 2008. I would like him to publish more titles, but I can't seem to find anything that gives me hope.
I just started Lisa Lutz' newest title, The Passenger. She is the author of the Spellman books. This is more of a mystery/thriller; very different from her other works. So far, the main character seems like a darker version of Izzie Spellman.
Happy reading!
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Post by NicL on Mar 14, 2016 4:38:55 GMT
I read Shonda Rhimes' biography Year of Yes. I enjoyed this a lot, her writing just seems so effortless and reads very well. 4.5/5 stars. It made me wish she would write some fiction. Maybe when she is done with her TV shows, she is a very busy woman!
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Post by cadoodlebug on Mar 14, 2016 4:40:33 GMT
I started All the Light We Cannot See a few days ago and am really liking it.
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Post by NicL on Mar 14, 2016 4:44:48 GMT
And the BBC has done a production called "Poldark" based on these books, so I'll probably watch that once I'm done with the books. The 2015 version with Aiden Turner is excellent. I loved it and have watched it more than once. The second season has just finished filming and I hope we don't have to wait too much longer to see it. |
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tanya2
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1604
Posts: 4,423
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Post by tanya2 on Mar 14, 2016 4:45:32 GMT
I'm working my way through The Husbands Secret - and I have to say I'm not loving it!! Its not a page turner for me (and Im on page 260 so i've given it a chance), just not holding my interest - but I will stick it out & finish it. Don't think I will pick up another one of her books though
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marianne
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys. . . My monkeys fly!
Posts: 4,176
Location: right smack dab in the middle of SC
Site Supporter
Jun 25, 2014 21:08:26 GMT
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Post by marianne on Mar 14, 2016 4:46:21 GMT
I read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. It's the first in a series about Flavia De Luce, a tenacious 11-year old aspiring chemist and amateur sleuth. Set in early 50's England, it was an entertaining read and interesting mystery but somewhat difficult to believe in the beyond precocious abilities of this 11-year old crime solver. I liked it but am undecided as to whether I'll continue with the series.
I'm also about 40 pages or so into Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson. Having read one of his previous books, Devil in the White City, I've been looking forward to reading this one and so far, haven't been disappointed. I'm a fan of Mr. Larson and his talent for making non-fiction read like a gripping novel, thereby keeping my interest and educating me in the process.
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Post by circusjohnson on Mar 14, 2016 4:51:02 GMT
i just finished Me Before You by Jojo Moyes Such a good book!
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
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Post by finaledition on Mar 14, 2016 5:55:37 GMT
I'm almost done with a novel called Ross Poldark by Winston Graham. It's the first of a series of books written in the 1940s, about a man from Cornwall who comes home to England from fighting in the American Revolution. He discovers his father is dead, the woman he loves is marrying another man, and his lands and property are in disarray. I'm really enjoying it. I think a reading Pea here recommended this series a while back. And the BBC has done a production called "Poldark" based on these books, so I'll probably watch that once I'm done with the books. I loved (recent) Poldark series. It was excellent. I think the second season will be back in the fall. I believe cindyupnorth has read many of the books in the series. |
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Mar 14, 2016 9:03:02 GMT
I'm working my way through The Husbands Secret - and I have to say I'm not loving it!! Its not a page turner for me (and Im on page 260 so i've given it a chance), just not holding my interest - but I will stick it out & finish it. Don't think I will pick up another one of her books though I didn't love that one either but don't give up on her books until you've read Big Little Lies (if you haven't already). It's one of my favorite books. |
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tuesdaysgone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,832
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Post by tuesdaysgone on Mar 14, 2016 10:20:18 GMT
I'm almost finished with Life After Life (Atkinson). I have really enjoyed it. The central character is a young woman who dies and comes back to the same life over and over again. As outrageous as that sounds, the author makes it work so very well. Each time the character is born and relives her life, there are small changes that impact her future and the lives of those around her. The writing is so wonderful that a reader easily accepts the very odd circumstances of plot. Willing suspension of disbelief is a hallmark of excellent writing!
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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 Mar 14, 2016 13:22:57 GMT
I'm reading The House on Tradd Street by Karen White. It's her Charleston mystery series. I'm enjoying it, and will definitely read the next in the series.
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Post by shannoots on Mar 14, 2016 13:24:09 GMT
I'm on spring break this week so I can actually read for fun. I read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It's a YA and was recommended by my students. It is about ten suicide. I think I'll give it 3/5 stars.
I just started The Chateau of Secrets. It was highly recommended by my mom so I'm anxious to get into it.
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Post by lynnek on Mar 14, 2016 15:38:27 GMT
I read one last week and listened to one on audio.
I finished reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. It was one of my friend's favorite reads last year. I was less enthralled. It was fine but not at all my favorite. It is about two boys who become friends because they really don't have anyone else. It follows their relationship. I gave it a 3/5.
For a challenge I am participating in I needed a memoir so I looked on my tbr list and found Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan. It is about a young woman who suddenly starts acting different and then begins to have seisures and other health issues. The doctors can't figure out what is wrong with her and she is slipping away from reality. It was a very good book with a nice mix of information and story. I gave it 4/5.
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Post by jtmom on Mar 14, 2016 17:00:39 GMT
I'm reading The House on Tradd Street by Karen White. It's her Charleston mystery series. I'm enjoying it, and will definitely read the next in the series. I really enjoyed this series too. |
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,637
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Post by valincal on Mar 14, 2016 17:15:14 GMT
i just finished Me Before You by Jojo Moyes Such a good book! It is, and I just finished After You which was equally as good, IMO! I'm now listening to A Man Called Ove and I'm really enjoying the narration and the story. I don't have much to add to these threads because most of my reading choices are based on recommendations from all of you!  |
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Post by jtmom on Mar 14, 2016 17:20:02 GMT
I just finished Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf. I have read all of her books, this one was ok, fast read but I just couldn't relate to the characters, especially the protagonist.
Currently reading Under A Dark Summer Sky by Vanessa Lafaye. Set in 1935 Florida, part love story, part history of racial tensions & men back from the World War and part historical about worst Hurricane in history. I highly recommend even though I only got about 1/2 way thru it yesterday. Going to try to finish it tonight.
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Post by stingfan on Mar 14, 2016 18:19:48 GMT
I read Mindy Kaling's Why Not Me. It was just okay. Some funny stuff, some boring stuff.
Now it's Geraldine Brooks' Year of Wonders about the plague. Pretty graphic stuff to listen to. If I were reading instead of listening I'd probably be skimming over lots of those parts.
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