Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Mystie on May 29, 2017 14:45:18 GMT
How can we be coming up on June already??? I actually finished a book this week so I feel entitled to start the weekly thread.  I picked up Pat Conroy's novel South of Broad in an antique mall while we were in Charleston last week. The book begins with the main character biking his paper route in the historical district where my husband and I had just been, so I was intrigued. Alas, it is just not a good novel. Very overwrought, the dialogue and characters were ludicrous. I finished it because I wanted to find out what happened, but it was a bit of a slog. Right now I am trying to finish an art book called Botticelli by Frank Zollner. My husband and I went to a small Botticelli exhibit at the College of William and Mary in April, and I wanted to know more. I had to order the book through interlibrary loan and it's due back tomorrow, so I'm under deadline here. It's really good, a nice overview without too much exhausting detail. Just what I was looking for. And lots of pictures! Are you getting any reading done this (US) holiday weekend? |
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imsirius
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Call it as I see it.
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Post by imsirius on May 29, 2017 14:54:53 GMT
I read Dennis Lehane's Since We Fell yesterday. I liked the book but the ending was like Huh?
Just cut off abruptly..it was weird.
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sueg
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Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
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Post by sueg on May 29, 2017 15:05:10 GMT
I started reading 2 books this week, both of them by new authors to me.
The first is Ice Cold, by Andrea Maria Schenkel. It is set in Munich in the 1930's and tell the story of a murder from the viewpoints of all involved - the murderer, his wife, the victim and the police. The timeline bounces around a bit - from the victim's arrival from a small country town to the police interrogation of the suspect. The writing style is very different and it is taking some getting used to, but the story is unfolding well.
Second book is Burial Rites, by Hannah Kent. This one is set in Iceland in the 1920-30's and tells the story of a woman convicted as one of three people who committed a double murder. I'm only just started this, but the characters are really interesting, as is the society/community they are living in.
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marianne
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys. . . My monkeys fly!
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Location: right smack dab in the middle of SC
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Post by marianne on May 29, 2017 15:08:39 GMT
I'm about half-way through September by Rosamunde Pilcher and am thoroughly enjoying it. I really like her beautiful prose - you feel like you're right in Scotland, living the story with all the characters. Lovely writer. I will read more of her books.
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tuesdaysgone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,832
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Post by tuesdaysgone on May 29, 2017 15:09:40 GMT
I read an excellent non fiction book, King Leopold's Ghost, which is an account of the Congo from about the 1870s thru the early 1990s. What happened in these years was basically genocide. Both the people and land were brutalized and all the while the king became tremendously wealthy. The book also talks about the first real international rights movements in both America and Great Britian. I'd highly recommended this one for non fiction readers. I was so impressed by this book, I'm now reading Conrad's Heart of Darkness which I read way back in college. I'm seeing things in a whole different light with the other book very fresh in my mind. |
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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 May 29, 2017 15:59:11 GMT
I'm reading Saints for all Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan. Pretty engrossing so far.
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Post by stingfan on May 29, 2017 16:14:52 GMT
I finished up Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness this week. I liked it much more than I expected to. I don't typically enjoy supernatural/fantasy themes, but this one really had me engrossed. I didn't like the ending though.
Now I've started The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty.
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Post by mnmloveli on May 29, 2017 16:22:33 GMT
I just finished A Speck in the Sea : A Story of Survival & Rescue by John Aldridge & Anthony Sosinski. A true story of a lobster fisherman in Montauk Long Island New York who falls off the boat at night with his co-captain sleeping below. It was very enjoyable and is supposedly becoming a movie! Great kick-off book for Memorial Day Weekend and Summer.
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Post by MorellisCupcake on May 29, 2017 17:23:24 GMT
It's been a disappointing run around here.  I was excited to read Paula Hawkins' Into the Water but I hated it. I didn't like any of the characters, it jumped around too much and was just boring. I stopped about 1/2 way through and went to the end to see what happened, and sure enough, I didn't like that either. On that same line, I got Caraval by Stephanie Garber and tossed that aside after about 1/3. It was just so.. flat. I like books that can create a sense of magic but this one just felt like it was trying too hard. On the good side though.. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Frank. It's a dark Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy is evil and has taken over Oz with her sadistic sidekicks. There are 4 in that series, so yay, it will keep me busy for a while. The next one is The Wicked Will Rise and it put it on hold tout de suite after finishing the first one. Currently reading The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White. So far, so good. |
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imsirius
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Call it as I see it.
Posts: 7,661
Location: Floating in the black veil.
Jul 12, 2014 19:59:28 GMT
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Post by imsirius on May 29, 2017 17:27:03 GMT
It's been a disappointing run around here. I was excited to read Paula Hawkins' Into the Water but I hated it. I didn't like any of the characters, it jumped around too much and was just boring. I stopped about 1/2 way through and went to the end to see what happened, and sure enough, I didn't like that either. On that same line, I got Caraval by Stephanie Garber and tossed that aside after about 1/3. It was just so.. flat. I like books that can create a sense of magic but this one just felt like it was trying too hard. On the good side though.. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Frank. It's a dark Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy is evil and has taken over Oz with her sadistic sidekicks. There are 4 in that series, so yay, it will keep me busy for a while. The next one is The Wicked Will Rise and it put it on hold tout de suite after finishing the first one. Currently reading The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White. So far, so good. I didn't like Into the Water either. Found it very hard to follow. |
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
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Post by finaledition on May 29, 2017 17:46:53 GMT
I finished The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. I got into this book right from the start, but it did not keep my interest through the end. 3.5 stars.
Not sure what I'm reading next. I have several audible books to choose from, but am up next for Night at the library. Busy week so I may just take a break.
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
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Post by gottapeanow on May 29, 2017 17:57:01 GMT
I read Dennis Lehane's Since We Fell yesterday. I liked the book but the ending was like Huh? Just cut off abruptly..it was weird. I thought the ending was okay. I got what she was doing. But that plot twist. SMH. There's stretching. And then there's so far-fetched that Lehane threw the ball to another state and thought that we would buy it. Lisa |
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gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752
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Post by gottapeanow on May 29, 2017 17:59:24 GMT
I am reading Into the Water right now. Yes, lots to follow, that's for sure.
I finished The Fix – David Baldacci. I have been reading Baldacci for years. The idea behind The Fix was decent although some of the plot was far-fetched at best. In addition, I found a few editing mistakes throughout, more than I would expect from a traditional publisher. These distracted me as well. This was a fun and decent read but not my favorite from him. 3/5 stars.
Lisa
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
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Post by Mystie on May 29, 2017 18:37:52 GMT
I'm about half-way through September by Rosamunde Pilcher and am thoroughly enjoying it. I really like her beautiful prose - you feel like you're right in Scotland, living the story with all the characters. Lovely writer. I will read more of her books. You should definitely read The Shell Seekers next. It's a prequel, in a slight way, to September. One of my favorites. |
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sgpea
Shy Member
Posts: 42
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Post by sgpea on May 29, 2017 19:09:18 GMT
I started reading 2 books this week, both of them by new authors to me. The first is Ice Cold, by Andrea Maria Schenkel. It is set in Munich in the 1930's and tell the story of a murder from the viewpoints of all involved - the murderer, his wife, the victim and the police. The timeline bounces around a bit - from the victim's arrival from a small country town to the police interrogation of the suspect. The writing style is very different and it is taking some getting used to, but the story is unfolding well. Second book is Burial Rites, by Hannah Kent. This one is set in Iceland in the 1920-30's and tells the story of a woman convicted as one of three people who committed a double murder. I'm only just started this, but the characters are really interesting, as is the society/community they are living in. If you like books set in Munich I would recommend Der Wachsmann by R. Roetzer. Very interesting setting in the year 1319. But I dont know if there is an english translation. |
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sgpea
Shy Member
Posts: 42
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Post by sgpea on May 29, 2017 19:13:20 GMT
It's been a disappointing run around here. I was excited to read Paula Hawkins' Into the Water but I hated it. I didn't like any of the characters, it jumped around too much and was just boring. I stopped about 1/2 way through and went to the end to see what happened, and sure enough, I didn't like that either. On that same line, I got Caraval by Stephanie Garber and tossed that aside after about 1/3. It was just so.. flat. I like books that can create a sense of magic but this one just felt like it was trying too hard. On the good side though.. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Frank. It's a dark Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy is evil and has taken over Oz with her sadistic sidekicks. There are 4 in that series, so yay, it will keep me busy for a while. The next one is The Wicked Will Rise and it put it on hold tout de suite after finishing the first one. Currently reading The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White. So far, so good. Sad to hear about Caraval. I downloaded this book on my Kindle five minutes before I read this thread. 😂. Now I have to find another book to read. |
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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
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Jun 25, 2014 21:08:26 GMT
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Post by marianne on May 29, 2017 19:20:13 GMT
You should definitely read The Shell Seekers next. It's a prequel, in a slight way, to September. One of my favorites. It was going to be that or Winter Solstice when I read another one. Thanks much - I'll take your recommendation!  |
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sgpea
Shy Member
Posts: 42
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Post by sgpea on May 29, 2017 19:21:27 GMT
I finished Uprooted by Naomi Novik. A fantasy book. The beginning was awesome but after finishing I rate this book 2,5/5. It was an easy and fast read but I was a bit dissapointed after the great start.
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Post by lynnek on May 29, 2017 19:23:47 GMT
I finished All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. Two girls are missing from the same small town ten years apart. And they had a connection to each other. Nic is going to find out what happened. This was written so that you read the almost end chapter and then go back in time to reveal the mystery and at the same time what happened. Very unique. I can't imagine trying to write the book! I enjoyed the story and would recommend it.
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Post by leannec on May 29, 2017 20:07:32 GMT
I finished All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. Two girls are missing from the same small town ten years apart. And they had a connection to each other. Nic is going to find out what happened. This was written so that you read the almost end chapter and then go back in time to reveal the mystery and at the same time what happened. Very unique. I can't imagine trying to write the book! I enjoyed the story and would recommend it. I've just started this book ... I'm glad that you enjoyed it  This week I read a non-fiction book called Trafficked: The Terrifying True Story of a British Girl Forced into the Sex Trade by Sophie Hayes ... it was simply written but fascinating ... a crazy story of someone who was completely brainwashed ... |
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,732
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Post by purplebee on May 29, 2017 20:18:42 GMT
I'm about half-way through September by Rosamunde Pilcher and am thoroughly enjoying it. I really like her beautiful prose - you feel like you're right in Scotland, living the story with all the characters. Lovely writer. I will read more of her books. I love Rosamunde Pilcher and September is my favorite of her books. Maeve Binchy is another good author if you like RP. I'm currently about halfway through "Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger. Pretty good so far (yeah, I'm late to the game on this one). |
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Post by cindyupnorth on May 29, 2017 20:22:08 GMT
I'm about half-way through September by Rosamunde Pilcher and am thoroughly enjoying it. I really like her beautiful prose - you feel like you're right in Scotland, living the story with all the characters. Lovely writer. I will read more of her books. LOVE! Rosamunde Pilcher. She's always been a favorite author of mine. Can't go wrong with any of her books |
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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 May 29, 2017 20:27:21 GMT
Maeve Binchy is another good author if you like RP. Oh, I know, I've read all of her books. A friend gave me Circle of Friends years ago and I was hooked! I was so sad when she passed away. Another friend recommended Ms Pilcher to me because I liked Ms Binchy so much. Now I'm liking Ms Pilcher but she's getting up there in age and I read that she's not writing any more.  Oh well, at least I have her works to catch up on. LOVE! Rosamunde Pilcher. She's always been a favorite author of mine. Can't go wrong with any of her books I can't believe it's taken me all this time to find out about her! I'd heard the name, I'd just never read her before. I know I'm in for a treat. Save |
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NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,856
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Post by NoWomanNoCry on May 29, 2017 21:48:09 GMT
I finished up Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness this week. I liked it much more than I expected to. I don't typically enjoy supernatural/fantasy themes, but this one really had me engrossed. I didn't like the ending though. Now I've started The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. I've tried 4 times to read The Husband's Secret and I can not get into it. I'm curious what you think of it when you're done. |
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NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,856
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Post by NoWomanNoCry on May 29, 2017 21:50:39 GMT
I finished All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. Two girls are missing from the same small town ten years apart. And they had a connection to each other. Nic is going to find out what happened. This was written so that you read the almost end chapter and then go back in time to reveal the mystery and at the same time what happened. Very unique. I can't imagine trying to write the book! I enjoyed the story and would recommend it. This is in my to read pile. I'm glad you enjoyed it..since it starts off at the end does it jump back and forth? I tend to lose interest fast with books like that. |
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imsirius
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Call it as I see it.
Posts: 7,661
Location: Floating in the black veil.
Jul 12, 2014 19:59:28 GMT
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Post by imsirius on May 29, 2017 21:50:52 GMT
I am halfway through The Girl on the Bridge by James Hayman.
It,s really good. I started it around 10am and have read most of the day away. Only stopped to fold a load of laundry.
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Post by maryland on May 29, 2017 22:25:42 GMT
I started reading She's Not Here - Joy Fielding and it's good so far! My 19 yr. old just finished Violent Ends (no author name on the cover) and she liked it, so may read that next.
Loved Little Mercies!
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
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Post by Mystie on May 29, 2017 22:36:11 GMT
I read an excellent non fiction book, King Leopold's Ghost, which is an account of the Congo from about the 1870s thru the early 1990s. What happened in these years was basically genocide. Both the people and land were brutalized and all the while the king became tremendously wealthy. The book also talks about the first real international rights movements in both America and Great Britian. I'd highly recommended this one for non fiction readers. I was so impressed by this book, I'm now reading Conrad's Heart of Darkness which I read way back in college. I'm seeing things in a whole different light with the other book very fresh in my mind. My library has King Leopold's Ghost, I'll pick it up tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendation, you and I could have ourselves a lovely little book club, don't you think?  |
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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 May 29, 2017 22:42:42 GMT
Sycamore by Bryn Chancellor.
A 17 year old girl vanishes in a small town in Arizona in 1991. Years later, remains are discovered. Is it her, and what happened? We hear multiple points of view as the townspeople remember their connections to the girl and examine their lives before and after her disappearance. I really loved this one. I thought it was beautifully written with rich, real characters. I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.
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iheartwine
Shy Member
Posts: 43
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Post by iheartwine on May 29, 2017 23:03:58 GMT
I finished two books last week. N is for Noose by Sue Grafton was okay. Three out of five stars on Goodreads. Next was Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum. This was a cute y/a book that someone here recommended. Four stars for this one.
This is week I'm reading The Secret Wife by Gill Paul.
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I picked up Pat Conroy's novel South of Broad in an antique mall while we were in Charleston last week. The book begins with the main character biking his paper route in the historical district where my husband and I had just been, so I was intrigued. Alas, it is just not a good novel. Very overwrought, the dialogue and characters were ludicrous. I finished it because I wanted to find out what happened, but it was a bit of a slog.
I was excited to read Paula Hawkins' Into the Water but I hated it. I didn't like any of the characters, it jumped around too much and was just boring. I stopped about 1/2 way through and went to the end to see what happened, and sure enough, I didn't like that either. On that same line, I got Caraval by Stephanie Garber and tossed that aside after about 1/3. It was just so.. flat. I like books that can create a sense of magic but this one just felt like it was trying too hard. 
Oh well, at least I have her works to catch up on.
