Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299 
|
Post by Mystie on Aug 29, 2016 14:14:12 GMT
I'm going to go ahead and post this, I'm sure our leader is either off doing something fun or juggling back to school issues!
What did you read this week?
|
|
|
|
Post by debmast on Aug 29, 2016 14:23:56 GMT
Last week was back to school (so work for me) so my reading declined.
I only finished Beautiful Funeral. It's (I think) the last installment of the Maddox Brothers book by Jamie McGuire. More chick lit, but was kinda sad and for some reason I've become very invested in this family LOL
I started last night The Red Notebook which was loaned to me by a friend because she loved it. So far it's good.
|
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 29, 2016 14:27:09 GMT
I read:
Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. 5/5 stars. Terrific.
You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain by Phoebe Robinson. 4/5 stars. Received an advance copy through Penguin Random House's First to Read program. I like Phoebe's podcasts (2 Dope Queens and Sooo Many White Guys) and her book is very much in the vein of those podcasts. Great look at everyday sexism/racism; serious issues told with humor and openness.
Descent by Tim Johnston. 3/5 stars. For a thriller, I thought it was too light on suspense. I couldn't get into the family drama.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. 2.5/5 stars. Meh.
Next up are Behold the Dreamers and Dark Matter.
|
|
Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
|
Post by Mystie on Aug 29, 2016 14:28:36 GMT
I actually had a good reading week for once. I got new glasses a few weeks ago and I don't think it's a coincidence that I've been reading a LOT more lately. I must have really needed them!
The Second Girl by David Swinson. This was quite good, a different sort of mystery. The protagonist is an ex-cop turned PI...and he's an ex-cop because he's an addict. He breaks into the house of some drug dealers to get their stash, and discovers a girl locked in their bathroom. Having the story told by an addict who is trying to maintain normalcy in front of everyone he works with was really fascinating.
Everybody Behaves Badly by Lesley M. M. Blume. This was non-fiction, telling the story behind the writing of Ernest Hemingway's first novel, The Sun Also Rises. It actually overlapped with other books I've read about American ex-pats in Paris after WW I, but it was still interesting. Hemingway was a tool, that's for sure. If you read The Paris Wife, about Hadley Hemingway, you might find this interesting.
The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler. This one's hard to describe. A young man receives an old ledger from a bookseller and it propels him into finding out secrets about his family history, and into trying to save his sister from the fate of their ancestors. And there's a touch of magical realism as well. I really, really enjoyed this, but it definitely got mixed reviews at Goodreads. Some people said it wasn't nearly as good as The Night Circus...well, I didn't care for The Night Circus at all, but thought this was a lot of fun to read. So take that for what it's worth!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 1:55:31 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2016 14:43:51 GMT
|
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 29, 2016 14:56:13 GMT
Thanks for the heads up - looks good! |
|
|
|
Post by tara595 on Aug 29, 2016 15:46:53 GMT
Add me to the list of people who read and loved Homegoing. I finished it yesterday and loved it and really loved the ending. Highly recommended!
|
|
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
|
Post by marianne on Aug 29, 2016 15:49:29 GMT
I read Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly, fifth in the Mickey Haller series. This was one of, if not the, best of the series. And, with that, I've reached my 2016 goal on GR! And it's only August!
Next up is Memory Man by David Baldacci.
|
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 29, 2016 17:46:55 GMT
I finished The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. Oh my, what a read! I was all over the place with different thoughts about what was going on but never expected what actually transpired. Here's a spoiler question for those who have read the book. The mascara that Lo borrowed from the woman in cabin 10 went missing. A while later in the book Lo was putting on her make-up and the author talked about her using the mascara she borrowed from the woman in cabin 10. I was confused by that. Was it an error or did I miss that the mascara had shown up again? I think this would make a great movie. I've heard that Reese Witherspoon is making a movie of the book In a Dark, Dark Wood. I have just started David Rosenfelt's Outfoxed, an Andy Carpenter mystery. Love his books! Thriller, mystery and humor all rolled up in an easy-to-read format! |
|
gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
|
Post by gottapeanow on Aug 29, 2016 17:56:47 GMT
I finished S.J. Watson's book, Before I Go to Sleep. I really liked this. 4/5 stars. I am on a vacation until Wed. this week and getting in some extra reading.  Lisa |
|
|
|
Post by whopea on Aug 29, 2016 18:00:38 GMT
I love this thread! I always get such great ideas for books. I just finished Killing Reagan by Bill O'Reilly. I've never read any of O'Reilly's books previously and this was pretty interesting. I might try Lincoln or Kennedy next. I love historical settings that read lighter.
|
|
|
|
Post by birukitty on Aug 29, 2016 18:07:33 GMT
After finishing Ruth's Journey by Donald McCaig last week which was the novel about Mammy from Gone with the Wind, I was in the mood to continue that story so I went down to my bookcase and pulled out the copy of Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell that my father gave me on my 18th birthday. He wrote an inscription in the book which I'm glad he did, otherwise I never would have remembered Anyway, I'm about 1/4 into it and really loving reading it again. It's been years and years since I've read this book. It's a big one-over 1,000 pages so it may take me awhile. And just like that I get an email from my local library saying a book I had on hold is in- The Fireman by Joe Hill. I've got to put Gone with the Wind aside for a bit because I have 3 weeks to read this one (shouldn't take that long but I hate reading in a rush), as there are lots of folks on the waiting list for it. So I haven't finished anything which is strange for me, but lots of good stuff to look forward to. |
|
|
|
Post by grammy2emmasophia on Aug 29, 2016 18:08:39 GMT
Still reading Before the Fall. Got sidetracked and hoping to finish it before I return to school on Thursday. Up next after that is It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover or Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly.
Kathy
|
|
|
|
Post by kckckc on Aug 29, 2016 18:17:10 GMT
I finished two books this week - one was great and one was terrible.
Boar Island by Nevada Barr. The latest in the Anna Pigeon mystery series - these are set in National Parks. I have enjoyed most of the books in this series, but I thought this one was terrible - contrived and melodramatic.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Like others here I really liked this one. It is the story of two half sisters in Africa and the seven generations that follow them. Every chapter was about a different person and the author made each chapter compelling. The only problem I had with it was that I hated to see each chapter end - I wanted to know more of each character's story.
|
|
|
|
Post by kckckc on Aug 29, 2016 18:19:19 GMT
Thanks for the recommendation - I just put this one on hold at the library! Save |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 1:55:31 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2016 18:38:14 GMT
I finished Before the Falland by the end really loathed the book. It could have gone in some really good ways but the ending and how the plane crashed...stupid. The author lost me about half way through when they were retelling the baseball game (that was playing in the plane) and the pitcher he was using wasn't even playing for the Red Sox at that time. Stuff like that bugs me to no end - if your going to use a real player make sure its accurate.
I think I am going to start The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson- that's what I have cued up but not fully committed yet.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 1:55:31 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2016 18:39:13 GMT
I added it to my list too - thanks! |
|
|
|
Post by supersoda on Aug 29, 2016 19:08:37 GMT
I just finished listening to Any Schumer's The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo. I loved it and it far exceeded my expectations. It has the typical Amy raunch, but also a lot of really poignant moments. I think she has some great advice, particularly for the young-twenties crowd. I think this book was better than Tina Fey's or Amy Poehler's (I really liked Amy Poehler's book, but was underwhelmed by Tina's). And a million times better than Lena Dunham's book, which I did not care for.
I finally finished reading The Girl on The Train. I kept thinking eventually this book would be worthwhile, but it was not. I really disliked it.
I just started listening to The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. People have told me to read this for years, but the description just didn't interest me, so we'll see how it goes.
I'm also reading Rich and Pretty. About 1/3 in. It is ok so far. Light and easy.
Also reading F. Scott Fitzgerald: An Autobiography. It's not really an autobiography, but a collection of his works that the editor thinks make up his autobiography. But of course, you only get the public persona that way.
I'm a little ADD with the books right now. I have way too many that I've started and haven't gone back to. I guess I'm having trouble finding a page turner to hold my interest.
|
|
caro
Drama Llama
Refupea 1130
Posts: 5,222
|
Post by caro on Aug 29, 2016 19:17:53 GMT
I'm finishing Outlander and love it. I've already seen season 1 & 2 so now I'm going straight to Voyager. I am obsessed.
|
|
trollie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,580
|
Post by trollie on Aug 29, 2016 19:33:55 GMT
Reading The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski. About a 1/4 of the way in. Has me hooked, but slightly unbelievable with some of the senarios. Could definitely be a romantic comedy with tragedy if they turn it into a movie. Definitely a fluffy beach or poolside read. |
|
|
|
Post by auntkelly on Aug 29, 2016 19:34:59 GMT
Last week I was halfway through It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover when I wrote on this thread that I thought it was just okay-a sappy and predictable love story. I actually enjoyed the second half of the book, and hadn't guessed the direction the author was headed. She addressed an important issue in our society. I was a tiny bit disappointed w/ the way the author wrapped everything up. I'm not in a book club right now, but I thought it would be a great book for a book club to discuss.
Now I'm reading American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin about the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, the crimes she committed and the trial that followed. I was in middle school when Patty Hearst was kidnapped and I remember the story being on the nightly news every night, but I didnt really remember any of the details. It's definitely one of those stories where you shake your head and say "truth is stranger than fiction.".
|
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 29, 2016 19:36:28 GMT
I just finished listening to Any Schumer's The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo. I loved it and it far exceeded my expectations. It has the typical Amy raunch, but also a lot of really poignant moments. I think she has some great advice, particularly for the young-twenties crowd. I think this book was better than Tina Fey's or Amy Poehler's (I really liked Amy Poehler's book, but was underwhelmed by Tina's). And a million times better than Lena Dunham's book, which I did not care for. I'm on the waitlist for this one - I love her and can't wait to read it. Glad you liked it! |
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 29, 2016 19:37:01 GMT
Now I'm reading American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin about the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, the crimes she committed and the trial that followed. I was in middle school when Patty Hearst was kidnapped and I remember the story being on the nightly news every night, but I didnt really remember any of the details. It's definitely one of those stories where you shake your head and say "truth is stranger than fiction.". I haven't read the book (I want to), but have listened to several interviews with Toobin - it sounds interesting! |
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 29, 2016 19:38:15 GMT
I finished The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. Oh my, what a read! I was all over the place with different thoughts about what was going on but never expected what actually transpired. Here's a spoiler question for those who have read the book.
I think this would make a great movie. I've heard that Reese Witherspoon is making a movie of the book In a Dark, Dark Wood. I have just started David Rosenfelt's Outfoxed, an Andy Carpenter mystery. Love his books! Thriller, mystery and humor all rolled up in an easy-to-read format! To answer the question about the mascara - she later had mascara but mentioned she borrowed it from Chloe (I think that's who she borrowed it from). |
|
|
|
Post by GamGam on Aug 29, 2016 19:40:03 GMT
This looks so good. Thanks for the review. I asked my public library to order a copy. Save |
|
|
|
Post by GamGam on Aug 29, 2016 19:46:23 GMT
In the Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White is one of the most powerful books I've ever read.
It chronicles his time as a prisoner served at the leprosarium in Carrville, LA. for kiting checks. White has to overcome the humiliation of his conviction, guilt for betraying friends and family, his crumbling marriage, and his initial revulsion to the patients suffering from leprosy that were housed in the prison compound. Lively and extremely interesting, not only for the info about leprosy and the weird circumstances that brought a federal prison and a leprosarium together, but also an honest accounting of White's personal trials, discoveries and eventual redemption. It's a first-class page turner.
Not this week's read, but I posted this on the book reccomendations thread, and thought I would copy it here. If you haven't read it and can get a copy from your library, it is a good read.
I'm reading The Midnight Watch, a novel of The Titanic and The Californian which was reviewed last week. Enjoying it so far.
|
|
|
|
Post by stingfan on Aug 29, 2016 21:37:19 GMT
I read My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. I didn't like it. It was like a compilation of vignettes from a woman's life. Luckily, it was pretty short, so I wasn't annoyed by the amount of time I spent reading it  . I'm still making my way through A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman. I was about ready to give up on it for lack of interest when it finally pulled me in...somewhere around chapter 15. Hopefully I'll like it in the end! |
|
The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930
|
Post by The Great Carpezio on Aug 29, 2016 23:41:44 GMT
Thank you!
We went to the Mn State Fair yesterday, had a sick kid last night, and started back to school today.... So yeah, this is the first time I've completely forgot!
Brain fart.
|
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 29, 2016 23:57:33 GMT
I finished The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. Oh my, what a read! I was all over the place with different thoughts about what was going on but never expected what actually transpired. Here's a spoiler question for those who have read the book.
I think this would make a great movie. I've heard that Reese Witherspoon is making a movie of the book In a Dark, Dark Wood. I have just started David Rosenfelt's Outfoxed, an Andy Carpenter mystery. Love his books! Thriller, mystery and humor all rolled up in an easy-to-read format! To answer the question about the mascara - she later had mascara but mentioned she borrowed it from Chloe (I think that's who she borrowed it from). Okay, thanks! Sometimes when I'm reading at night my brain tells me I'm in bed and need to sleep so I might miss something like that! |
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 29, 2016 23:58:22 GMT
I read My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. I didn't like it. It was like a compilation of vignettes from a woman's life. Luckily, it was pretty short, so I wasn't annoyed by the amount of time I spent reading it . I'm still making my way through A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman. I was about ready to give up on it for lack of interest when it finally pulled me in...somewhere around chapter 15. Hopefully I'll like it in the end! I felt the same but was satisfied with the ending. |
|
.