The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,930 
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Jan 23, 2017 3:04:43 GMT
Share what you read this week!
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Post by Neisey on Jan 23, 2017 3:11:15 GMT
I finished Station Eleven for my book club. Pandemic obliterates humanity, various groups of survivors form with the main groups linked by a common person from before the illness. I liked it well enough but would love to know what happens next lol.
Started Commonwealth which I think was recommended here. Story of two families and their intertwined lives over a number of decades.
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,350
Location: Dallas Texas
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Post by SabrinaP on Jan 23, 2017 3:42:56 GMT
I've gotten on a suspense kick and found a series on Kindle Unlimited that I like. It's called the Tracy Crosswhite series by Robert Dugoni. The first book is called My Sister's Grave. Tracy Crossehie is a detective in Seattle. Her sister was murdered 20 years earlier and the body was never found. Someone was convicted of the murder but Tracy never felt like the conviction was right. The book begins with her sister remains being found 20 years after the murder. I'm now on the 3rd book. Each book stands on its own. They are really good if you like murder mysteries!
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
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Post by Mystie on Jan 23, 2017 3:54:08 GMT
This is two weeks' worth of reading, and I got a lot read two weeks ago when I was housebound for four days in a snowstorm!
On the recommendation of several Peas, I read News of the World by Paulette Jiles, and I thought it was really wonderful. It's a story about an old man who has to return a ten-year-old Indian captive to her family in 1870s Texas.
In the afterword to that book, Jiles mentions a non-fiction work called The Captured: A True Story of Abduction By Indians on the Texas Frontier, by Scott Zesch. So I went and found that at the library, too. I HIGHLY recommend reading the novel and then the non-fiction book together--both are fascinating and really well-written.
I read The Woman in Cabin 10 and found it entertaining if not great. It is very, very reminiscent of the old Alfred Hitchcock film "The Lady Vanishes," at least the first half of the book.
And I read Beyond Belief by Jenna Miscavage Hill, about growing up in the Church of Scientology and ultimately escaping it. I hadn't read an account before of actually growing up in the church--it was appalling.
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,524
Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Jan 23, 2017 3:55:48 GMT
I did audio books this week. The Royal We made my ears bleed it was so awful. It's fanfiction of Will and Kate written by the girls who write the fug blog. I stuck with it out of morbid curiosity.
Then I listened to Nimona, a graphic novel by Noelle Stevenson, I think. It was absolutely delightful. I want my kids to listen to that one. Great story and really well narrated by a full cast.
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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 Jan 23, 2017 3:56:03 GMT
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. Sweet, yet completely heartbreaking. I liked it very much.
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Post by hollymolly on Jan 23, 2017 4:23:10 GMT
I'm having a weird run of books not being what I expected, and not in a good way. Last week was a slow moving, boring coming-of-age/family life novel that advertised itself as a suspense novel. This week I intended to read The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber, which I expected to be about mysterious old books and a rare book store. It turned out to be multiple intertwined stories, but the bulk of what I read, before quiting and dumping it in the giveaway box, was a autobigraphy of a lawyer who I didn't like very much. Fortunately, I didn't waste too much time on it.
Since I had to replace that with another "B" book, I picked up what I thought was a sure thing: Barrel Fever by David Sedaris. I love him. The first one in this book was odd, and nothing like his usual writing, so I was three for three with books not being what I expected. I finally figured out that, unlike his other books, this one was mostly stories, with only a few essays at the end. Once I came to terms with that, I was able to appreciate what I was reading. I still much prefer is essays, even though I know there is some fiction to them. His stories were a little too much.
Next up, another expectation of a sure thing: Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo. It's the second of his Harry Hole books. I've read 1 and 7, plus another by the author, and he is consistently enjoyable.
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Post by smokeynspike on Jan 23, 2017 4:25:35 GMT
I finished reading Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. It was SO good! I gave it 4/5 stars on GoodReads. Too bad I have to wait a year for the third one to come out!
My library hold of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them by JK Rowling came in this week so I read that too. This was the original that the screenplay was written off of so it's less than 40 pages. Quick read. 2/5 stars on GoodReads. I'd already read and watched the screenplay so I didn't get as much out of it as I probably would have had I read it first.
I started Hungry Heart by Jennifer Weiner last night. I'm a few essays in and liking it so far. I love her novels so these essays into her personal life are fun to read for me.
Melissa |
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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 Jan 23, 2017 4:36:58 GMT
Still reading Rules of Prey by John Sanford. I think it was recommended here so whoever did, thank you! I'm definitely enjoying it - the writing style, the plot, the story-telling, the characters - all of it. I'm about 75% through it and after an exciting chase through side streets, back yards, attacking rottweilers, gunfire and dead bodies, I almost couldn't put it down last night - I do believe I will continue with the Lucas Davenport series! I have four books on hold at the library, seven on my to-read spot at home, and umpteen pages waiting in my Kindle so I've plenty to choose from for my next reading adventure... now to decide.  Save |
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
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Post by gottapeanow on Jan 23, 2017 6:49:30 GMT
I read three books this week.
The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin. This was very sweet. I didn't expect the twist although I should have. It will be a movie later this year. I will see it. 4/5 stars.
A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierly. This is a true story about a child who got lost in India thousands of miles from his home when he mistakenly got on a train. He went to Calcutta and wondered the streets for six weeks until he was taken to an orphanage and eventually adopted. Using Google maps, he finally found his way back to his village and his family there. This was a great story but a bit dry and muddled in the middle. I am sure that the movie is better. The movie is called Lion. It's still playing in theaters, but it's not at locations that are very convenient for me to go see. Anyhow, I gave the book 3/5 stars.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. This is a YA book about Maddy, a girl who can have no contact with the outside world. She's kept in her home with her mom and a full-time nurse. Until Olly moves next door. And then, everything changes. A coming-of-age story with really cute artwork, done by the author's husband, throughout. The artwork added lots to the book, IMO. This reminded me of Eleanor & Park, which I felt was superior. It's a super quick read. I still gave this 4.5/5 stars.
Lisa
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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 Jan 23, 2017 7:03:43 GMT
I've gotten on a suspense kick and found a series on Kindle Unlimited that I like. It's called the Tracy Crosswhite series by Robert Dugoni. The first book is called My Sister's Grave. Tracy Crossehie is a detective in Seattle. Her sister was murdered 20 years earlier and the body was never found. Someone was convicted of the murder but Tracy never felt like the conviction was right. The book begins with her sister remains being found 20 years after the murder. I'm now on the 3rd book. Each book stands on its own. They are really good if you like murder mysteries! I loved them first one. Just put the second in my kindle. Glad you enjoyed! |
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Mary Kay Lady
Pearl Clutcher
PeaNut 367,913 Refupea number 1,638
Posts: 3,074
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Post by Mary Kay Lady on Jan 23, 2017 7:32:47 GMT
I read Mary Magdalene: A Novel. It's historical fiction based on the life of Mary Magdalene. We don't know very much about her so the author has taken some creative liberty in writing the book, but I thought it was well done. I enjoyed it very much. It got me to wondering how she came to be demon possessed in first place, who brought her to Jesus, and what happened to her after the Resurrection. |
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tuesdaysgone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,832
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Post by tuesdaysgone on Jan 23, 2017 10:57:06 GMT
I finished A Little Life and while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it like most people seem to do. It wasn't the difficult content or characters, I just felt it could have done with some vigorous editing. I don't mind long books, but this one drags in places and seems a bit overwrought at times. I'm still glad I read it.
Now I'm reading something very different. Invisible Thread is a little nonfiction book about a busy NYC woman who becomes friends with a child who is panhandling on the street. From one chance encounter, they go on to develop weekly meetings and their friendship transforms both of their lives. It's a short book and a nice break from the heavy book I just finished.
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Jan 23, 2017 15:02:16 GMT
I read:
The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee. 4/5 stars.
Miss Jane by Brad Watson. 4/5 stars.
Just started The Sun is Also a Star.
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Post by kckckc on Jan 23, 2017 16:20:11 GMT
I finished three books this week:
Faithful by Alice Hoffman. I liked this one, but I don't think I will remember it at all in a couple of months. It was an easy read - had a kind of YA, coming of age feel to it. I probably would have liked it more if I hadn't read it in between two books that I thought were so much better (The Nix and Last Days of Night). 3.5/5
Last Days of Night by Graham Moore. A very well researched historical novel. I knew the basics about Edison vs Tesla/DC vs AC, but I did not know the involvement of Westinghouse or J.P. Morgan. I really liked this one. 5/5
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick. This one is a few years old - I have been borrowing audio books with the Hoopla app through my library - there are no waiting lists, but the selection tends to be books that are a little older and less popular than those I can get through Overdrive. I don't listen to a lot of audio and it takes me quite a while to get through a book, so I appreciate the ability to renew the book indefinitely. The author follows the lives of several ordinary North Koreans for 15 years. Very interesting. 4/5
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Jan 23, 2017 16:38:40 GMT
I finished three books this week: Faithful by Alice Hoffman. I liked this one, but I don't think I will remember it at all in a couple of months. It was an easy read - had a kind of YA, coming of age feel to it. I probably would have liked it more if I hadn't read it in between two books that I thought were so much better (The Nix and Last Days of Night). 3.5/5 Last Days of Night by Graham Moore. A very well researched historical novel. I knew the basics about Edison vs Tesla/DC vs AC, but I did not know the involvement of Westinghouse or J.P. Morgan. I really liked this one. 5/5 Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick. This one is a few years old - I have been borrowing audio books with the Hoopla app through my library - there are no waiting lists, but the selection tends to be books that are a little older and less popular than those I can get through Overdrive. I don't listen to a lot of audio and it takes me quite a while to get through a book, so I appreciate the ability to renew the book indefinitely. The author follows the lives of several ordinary North Koreans for 15 years. Very interesting. 4/5 Graham Moore is adapting his book into a movie (he won an Oscar for his The Imitation Game screenplay). Eddie Redmayne will be Cravath. I thought the book was great and I think the movie will be too. |
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Post by katiescarlett on Jan 23, 2017 16:44:21 GMT
Still reading Rules of Prey by John Sanford. I think it was recommended here so whoever did, thank you! I'm definitely enjoying it - the writing style, the plot, the story-telling, the characters - all of it. I'm about 75% through it and after an exciting chase through side streets, back yards, attacking rottweilers, gunfire and dead bodies, I almost couldn't put it down last night - I do believe I will continue with the Lucas Davenport series! I have four books on hold at the library, seven on my to-read spot at home, and umpteen pages waiting in my Kindle so I've plenty to choose from for my next reading adventure... now to decide. SaveI've been reading Lucas Davenport since the 90's and still love every single one that comes out. I love the action and the way his character develops through the years. I am currently almost finished with Escape Clause by John Sandford which is a spin off with the Virgil Flowers character that you will meet in later books. It's good and literally made me laugh out loud several times. Before that I finished up a zombie trilogy, Until the End of the World, And After, and All the Stars in the Sky by Sarah Lyons Fleming. I really loved them. So much that I read all three in a row, plus a short novella in the same series, So Long Lollipops, and I don't usually do that. I loved the characters and the friendships and the efforts to stay alive and re-build a community. If you like zombie novels, these were great! |
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Post by katiescarlett on Jan 23, 2017 16:46:25 GMT
I've gotten on a suspense kick and found a series on Kindle Unlimited that I like. It's called the Tracy Crosswhite series by Robert Dugoni. The first book is called My Sister's Grave. Tracy Crossehie is a detective in Seattle. Her sister was murdered 20 years earlier and the body was never found. Someone was convicted of the murder but Tracy never felt like the conviction was right. The book begins with her sister remains being found 20 years after the murder. I'm now on the 3rd book. Each book stands on its own. They are really good if you like murder mysteries! Thanks for the recommendation! I've had that on my audible for a while but haven't read it, think I will give it a go! |
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Post by annabella on Jan 23, 2017 16:47:47 GMT
The Muse by Jessie Burton I loved her other book The Miniaturist, so I'm hoping this will be as good. It's about a Trinidad woman who works at an art gallery in London in 1967. Something mysterious happens, haven't gotten to that part, but in the meantime it's interesting to see how much racism she experiences because people think she's black while she's not aware of it.
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Post by lynnek on Jan 23, 2017 16:52:59 GMT
I finished a book called The Pecan Man by Cassie Dandridge Selleck. I really enjoyed it. It is the story of an elderly white woman and her black maid. A person is killed and The Pecan Man, a homeless black man, is convicted for the murder. It is the story of what happened and the growth and changes the woman makes overtime. I would definitely recommend it.
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Post by miominmio on Jan 23, 2017 16:57:12 GMT
"Hitlers Norge" (Hitler's Norway), a history book about the invasion and occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany.
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mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,020
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Post by mimima on Jan 23, 2017 17:07:40 GMT
I read one of the Sister Fidelma mysteries, The Subtle Serpent by Peter Tremayne. The author isn't that great of a writer and the main character happens to be the best and the brightest at everything, but they are still fun reads.
I'm listening to a Harry Potter podcast so I re-read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I've always liked this one best of the first novels, I like Ginny's backstory and the glimpse into Tom Riddle's past that starts to be revealed in this one.
Last night, I finished The Sultan of Byzantium by Selcuk Altun. It was one of the most interestingly written books I've ever read - the author was a character and the research mentioned was discussed by author name, book, and facts so learned. The writing was much more interesting than the storyline, but it engaged me the entire time.
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
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Post by finaledition on Jan 23, 2017 17:12:20 GMT
I finished Homegoing this week and like many peas, thought it was a great book. The format was quite unique and I wished I could have spent more time with some of the characters. But I really admire the author's ability to tell the story of so many characters.
I'm currently listening to The Secret Wife which is if you like Kate Morton may be one to consider. About halfway through and it is pretty good.
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scrappyesq
Pearl Clutcher
You have always been a part of the heist. You're only mad now because you don't like your cut.
Posts: 4,032
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Post by scrappyesq on Jan 23, 2017 17:44:21 GMT
I started Hungry Heart by Jennifer Weiner last night. I'm a few essays in and liking it so far. I love her novels so these essays into her personal life are fun to read for me.
Melissa
I had the most embarrassing fan girl moment with her at the Brooklyn Book Festival two years ago. The festival is huge, and I was meandering around looking at various tables. I happened to turn a corner and she was manning a table with her latest release. I did a double take, and I asked her of it was really her. She said yes, and I started crying  . I love her books, and I started reading them when her first book came out, so I consider myself a big fan. She was so gracious. Really the nicest lady. And I got a signed copy of her book.
Anyway. I was a terrible reader last week. I'm just oddly unfocused. I'm starting "Father's Day" by Simon Von Boy. Its a recommendation from the "All the Books" podcast which has suggested some really good books in the past.
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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 Jan 23, 2017 18:02:43 GMT
Thanks katiescarlett - I'm looking forward to more of Lucas! And, thanks also SabrinaP - sounds good. I just added it to my Kindle stash. |
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Post by vi on Jan 23, 2017 18:20:19 GMT
I read the autobiography of Tom Jones Over the Top and Back. I like memoirs and it was an interesting read. He had to go through a lot and so did his family for him to have success in the entertainment field.
I love this reading column and have gotten so many good books because of people's recommendations. I put Jennifer Weiner's memoir on hold, "News of the World" plus I'm going to be checking out some Charles Martin books this week from my local library.
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Post by Heidi on Jan 23, 2017 19:32:29 GMT
Mary Kay LadyAdded that one to my goodreads shelf. Looks interesting to me. lynnek I loved the Pecan Man. And a quick read. I'm reading Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter which I picked up on the bargain table at Barnes & Noble. I can see why it was there. Hoping it will get better but I'm struggling. I'm also reading Uncle Tom's Cabin. I'm trying to get through the 339 books referenced in Gilmore Girls. I don't know how but I made it through school without reading Uncle Tom's Cabin.
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Post by JoP on Jan 23, 2017 19:47:05 GMT
The Muse by Jessie Burton I loved her other book The Miniaturist, so I'm hoping this will be as good. It's about a Trinidad woman who works at an art gallery in London in 1967. Something mysterious happens, haven't gotten to that part, but in the meantime it's interesting to see how much racism she experiences because people think she's black while she's not aware of it. I started The Muse yesterday as well. I've not read The Miniaturist yet but I've now added it to my list |
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Post by stingfan on Jan 23, 2017 20:40:02 GMT
I'm finally reading, and enjoying, The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. I was gifted this book probably about 2+ years ago. It didn't really interest me at the time, but I'm glad now that I gave it a chance . |
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Post by digirlwiz on Jan 23, 2017 20:56:16 GMT
I finished a book called The Pecan Man by Cassie Dandridge Selleck. I really enjoyed it. It is the story of an elderly white woman and her black maid. A person is killed and The Pecan Man, a homeless black man, is convicted for the murder. It is the story of what happened and the growth and changes the woman makes overtime. I would definitely recommend it. I was so surprised how much I enjoyed this book....lots of sadness and prejudice but a really well done story! |
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. I love her books, and I started reading them when her first book came out, so I consider myself a big fan. She was so gracious. Really the nicest lady. And I got a signed copy of her book. 
