The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,936 
|
Post by The Great Carpezio on Dec 16, 2018 22:59:34 GMT
If you found the time to read this week, share your selections.
|
|
gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,760
|
Post by gottapeanow on Dec 17, 2018 0:17:50 GMT
Hi there,
I had a DNF, All the Lives We Never Lived by Anuradha Roy. I just could not get into it and gave up after 60 pages.
The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker was wonderful, based on a true story from WW2. This goes to show that truth is definitely stranger than fiction! But this became (very) unexpectedly political, which dropped my rating slightly to 4/5 stars. I don't mind reading political novels if I know that going in.
I just started The Other Wifeby Michael Robotham. So far, so good.
I am going out of town for a couple of days this week, but I still have to work. (I work from my computer/laptop, so I can work anywhere that I have internet.) Even so, I hope I can get a bit of extra reading in.
Lisa
|
|
Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
|
Post by Mystie on Dec 17, 2018 0:35:09 GMT
I watched a really delightful movie on Amazon Prime last week called The Man Who Invented Christmas, starring Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer. It was about the process Charles Dickens went through as he wrote A Christmas Carol. I highly recommend it, it was funny and touching.
So I went looking for a biography of Dickens on Amazon, because I was curious how much fact was in the movie, and I found a book called Inventing Scrooge by Carlo DeVito. It's a fast read, but I don't really recommend it. The author pulled together a lot of quotes from other Dickens bios, and there were a ton of typos, grammar errors, etc. I don't think the manuscript was even proofread.
So my recommendation would be to watch the movie, and then go get a different Dickens bio. The Claire Tomalin one is well-recommended..I read it six years ago and don't remember too much about it.
I also read an old collection of Ellery Queen mysteries on my Kindle. The collection is called Calendar of Crime, and it features one short mystery story for each month of the year, many centered around a holiday, and all solved by Ellery Queen. I don't know what made me remember how much I enjoyed Ellery Queen stories when I was a kid, but it was fun to find this collection and revisit it. The writing style and the stories are dated, but the holiday conceit makes it fun. Might be a nice Christmas present for a classic mystery lover.
|
|
|
|
Post by NicL on Dec 17, 2018 1:12:53 GMT
I read Rust & Stradust by T. Greenwood. 4 stars Another book of fiction based on a true story. When 11 year-old Sally Horner steals a notebook from the local Woolworth's, she has no way of knowing that 52 year-old Frank LaSalle, fresh out of prison, is watching her, preparing to make his move. Accosting her outside the store, Frank convinces Sally that he’s an FBI agent who can have her arrested in a minute—unless she does as he says. This chilling novel traces the next two harrowing years as Frank mentally and physically assaults Sally while the two of them travel westward from Camden to San Jose, forever altering not only her life, but the lives of her family, friends, and those she meets along the way. The author did a credible job capturing the loneliness, manipulation and fear Sally endured I just found it a little slow in places. It is a worthwhile read. ONLY read this if you have read the book - it will SPOIL the story The ending!! I cried a little ;( |
|
gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,760
|
Post by gottapeanow on Dec 17, 2018 1:34:06 GMT
As to your spoiler of Rust & Stardust, NicL, ITA. I made the mistake of looking up the story on Wikipedia ahead of time. She dies IRL, so I wasn't surprised. I wish I wouldn't have peeked. |
|
|
|
Post by utmr on Dec 17, 2018 2:10:22 GMT
I’ve been trying to finish up the Stephen White series of Alan Gregory. I read “Higher Authority” (3.5/5) and then “Kill Me” (4.5/5 really good).
I can’t remember them last time I checked in...I also read “Remote Control” Nick Stone #1 (3.5/5) and “The Drifter” Peter Ash #1 (4/5).
Over thanksgiving I read the first two of the “Orphan X” series, very very good.
|
|
|
|
Post by NicL on Dec 17, 2018 2:24:21 GMT
I just started The Other Wifeby Michael Robotham. So far, so good. I really enjoyed The Other Wife It's unfortunate you saw how her life ended before reading the story. It is good to know a bit about a true story before reading a novel to add more depth but I guess there is the risk you will spoil an aspect of it. Spoiler above for Rust & Stardust |
|
janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
Posts: 5,633
|
Post by janeliz on Dec 17, 2018 3:08:18 GMT
Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand. A husband’s secret life has repercussions for his family and others. This takes place on the island of St. John instead of Hilderbrand’s usual Nantucket, and at times reads a bit like a travelogue of the island. I think this is because it’s the first book in a planned series, though, and a stage is being set. I’ll definitely check out the next book in the series.
|
|
|
|
Post by alsomsknit on Dec 17, 2018 4:27:27 GMT
I did something I never do: 4 books going at the same time.
Still, 20th Century Ghost by Joe Hill.
Plus, Adnan’s Story by Rabia Chaudry. I’m a little obsessed with this case.
Becoming by Michelle Obama. I was priviledged to find her being interviewed on CSpan2 in preparation for the release of the book. The only person I have ever desired to meet is my favorite author, Diana Gabaldon. Mrs. Obama has been added to that short list.
The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
|
|
|
|
Post by Margie on Dec 17, 2018 5:33:41 GMT
I read Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney. The story kept me interested, but I hated the last 5% or so of the book. It has 4 stars on Amazon, so apparently, I'm in the minority, but I seriously looked at my phone when it ended and yelled "WTF!!"
|
|
paigepea
Drama Llama
Enter your message here...
Posts: 5,609
Location: BC, Canada
Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
|
Post by paigepea on Dec 17, 2018 5:56:04 GMT
I started THE GREAT ALONE by Kristin Hannah (who wrote The Nightingale). It is about a family that moves to Alaska in the 1970s to get away from it all. The father is suffering from PTSD after his time in Vietnam and is having trouble coping. It is told from the perspective of the daughter, who starts off as a 13 year old. It’s wonderfully written and the content is deep yet it is so easy to read. I’m about half way and I’m very glad I decided to read if.
|
|
tuesdaysgone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,832
|
Post by tuesdaysgone on Dec 17, 2018 10:52:04 GMT
"I watched a really delightful movie on Amazon Prime last week called The Man Who Invented Christmas, starring Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer. It was about the process Charles Dickens went through as he wrote A Christmas Carol. I highly recommend it, it was funny and touching."
Mystie I cam here to write almost the same post  I also watched the movie and came away very curious about Dickens' life. Over the years, I've read almost all his books. I have a biography on hold at the library and need to pick it up this week.
My 5th grade boys have been going crazy over the Michael Vey book series, so I bought the entire series for my library and brought home book 1, Michael Vey, Prisoner of Cell 25, to read this weekend. It's great! It's sc-fi along the lines of several popular and recent books, but is well written and interesting for adults as well. A group of teens have electrical powers and are kidnapped and taken to a "school" in California where they will be taught to use their powers to save the world. Of course, nothing is as it seems and some the students attempt to break away. Highly recommended if you have middle school kids. I love it when really good books are interesting to boys!
|
|
purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,738
|
Post by purplebee on Dec 17, 2018 12:23:01 GMT
I read "Beautiful Day" by Elin Hilderbrand, one of her earlier novels that I had missed (2013). It was a fun, fast and fluffy read about a Nantucket wedding. I enjoyed it and read it quickly. Typical Elin H.
|
|
edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,497
|
Post by edie3 on Dec 17, 2018 13:17:39 GMT
I am reading Class Mom it is light and funny so far.
|
|
|
|
Post by thundergal on Dec 17, 2018 14:31:42 GMT
I finished Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult in 3 days last week. Absolutely devoured it. It was a wonderful read.
I'm going to start The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin next. But it's going to be a very busy week, so it might be a while before I get to pick it up and dive in.
|
|
Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
|
Post by Mystie on Dec 17, 2018 15:05:35 GMT
"I watched a really delightful movie on Amazon Prime last week called The Man Who Invented Christmas, starring Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer. It was about the process Charles Dickens went through as he wrote A Christmas Carol. I highly recommend it, it was funny and touching."
Mystie I cam here to write almost the same post I also watched the movie and came away very curious about Dickens' life. Over the years, I've read almost all his books. I have a biography on hold at the library and need to pick it up this week.
My 5th grade boys have been going crazy over the Michael Vey book series, so I bought the entire series for my library and brought home book 1, Michael Vey, Prisoner of Cell 25, to read this weekend. It's great! It's sc-fi along the lines of several popular and recent books, but is well written and interesting for adults as well. A group of teens have electrical powers and are kidnapped and taken to a "school" in California where they will be taught to use their powers to save the world. Of course, nothing is as it seems and some the students attempt to break away. Highly recommended if you have middle school kids. I love it when really good books are interesting to boys!
We are such reading twinsies! I've been trying to figure out which Dickens books I've read. I think it's Great Expectations, Tale of Two Cities, Christmas Carol and Little Dorrit. I think Bleak House was one I intended to read a few years ago after I saw a really good movie of it, but I don't think I got around to it. |
|
Rhondito
Pearl Clutcher
MississipPea
Posts: 4,677
|
Post by Rhondito on Dec 17, 2018 16:23:18 GMT
I finished four this week:
One Day in December by Josie Silver - I loved this one even though by the end I wasn't happy with how things ended up. 5/5
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens - I hoped to like this one more but it wasn't quite what I expected. 3.5/5
Gap Creek by Robert Morgan - This is the third time I've read this book. Each time I like it a little less but it's still a favorite. I did a quick listen on audiobook to refresh my memory since the last time I read it was in 2012 and I'm about to read the follow-up, The Road from Gap Creek. Nostalgia gives this 5/5 , third time visit gives it 3/5
The Breakdown by B. A. Paris - While I wouldn't say this is a great psychological thriller, for some reason I could not put it down. I enjoyed it almost as much as Paris' debut novel, Behind Closed Doors. 4.5/5
|
|
finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
|
Post by finaledition on Dec 17, 2018 18:23:27 GMT
I finished (in 2 days) One Day in December. I also loved it. Perfect if you are in the mood for a romance. I bought this on audible even though I didn't pay attention to who the narrator was and was delighted to realize that it was actress who plays Demelza in Poldark. She has such a lovely voice, but I kept picturing her red hair which is definitely not how the main character is described. Rhondito what did you like about the way it ended? Currently listening to Of Mess and Moxie. Jen Hatmaker has a way with making adequate feel good enough and sometimes I need that message.  |
|
Rhondito
Pearl Clutcher
MississipPea
Posts: 4,677
|
Post by Rhondito on Dec 17, 2018 18:46:45 GMT
I finished (in 2 days) One Day in December. I also loved it. Perfect if you are in the mood for a romance. I bought this on audible even though I didn't pay attention to who the narrator was and was delighted to realize that it was actress who plays Demelza in Poldark. She has such a lovely voice, but I kept picturing her red hair which is definitely not how the main character is described. Rhondito what did you like about the way it ended? By the end of the book I didn't even like Jack. I had grown to like Oscar and then they changed his character to make him the bad guy. I wanted Laurie to stay with him and Sarah to stay with Jack! |
|
|
|
Post by lynnek on Dec 17, 2018 19:37:38 GMT
"I watched a really delightful movie on Amazon Prime last week called The Man Who Invented Christmas, starring Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer. It was about the process Charles Dickens went through as he wrote A Christmas Carol. I highly recommend it, it was funny and touching."
Mystie I cam here to write almost the same post I also watched the movie and came away very curious about Dickens' life. Over the years, I've read almost all his books. I have a biography on hold at the library and need to pick it up this week.
My 5th grade boys have been going crazy over the Michael Vey book series, so I bought the entire series for my library and brought home book 1, Michael Vey, Prisoner of Cell 25, to read this weekend. It's great! It's sc-fi along the lines of several popular and recent books, but is well written and interesting for adults as well. A group of teens have electrical powers and are kidnapped and taken to a "school" in California where they will be taught to use their powers to save the world. Of course, nothing is as it seems and some the students attempt to break away. Highly recommended if you have middle school kids. I love it when really good books are interesting to boys!
I always get my kids a book in their stocking, thanks to your recommendation, I think this will be the book for my 10 year old. |
|
|
|
Post by lynnek on Dec 17, 2018 19:41:42 GMT
I finished Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak. A nice Christmas story about a family who is forced to spend the week of Christmas in quarantine when one daughter returns from doing medical work in Africa. It has all the ins and outs of relationships and how families connect.
With that I got to my Goodreads goal of 90 books read this year. I really wanted to get to 100, but I just don't think I will have enough time for that.
|
|
|
|
Post by thundergal on Dec 17, 2018 20:17:05 GMT
I finished Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak. A nice Christmas story about a family who is forced to spend the week of Christmas in quarantine when one daughter returns from doing medical work in Africa. It has all the ins and outs of relationships and how families connect. With that I got to my Goodreads goal of 90 books read this year. I really wanted to get to 100, but I just don't think I will have enough time for that. Our book club almost chose that for our December book. I'm glad to know you liked it...hopefully we will choose it next year. |
|
|
|
Post by lesserknownpea on Dec 17, 2018 20:40:38 GMT
I’ve been trying to finish up the Stephen White series of Alan Gregory. I read “Higher Authority” (3.5/5) and then “Kill Me” (4.5/5 really good). I can’t remember them last time I checked in...I also read “Remote Control” Nick Stone #1 (3.5/5) and “The Drifter” Peter Ash #1 (4/5). Over thanksgiving I read the first two of the “Orphan X” series, very very good. I really enjoyed Stephen White’s series, but Kill Me was special! So much suspense, great premise. |
|
edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,497
|
Post by edie3 on Dec 17, 2018 23:40:43 GMT
Gap Creek by Robert Morgan I loved that book. I am not sure if I read the sequel. Thanks! |
|
Judy26
Pearl Clutcher
MOTFY Bitchy Nursemaid
Posts: 2,834
Location: NW PA
|
Post by Judy26 on Dec 18, 2018 0:27:57 GMT
I finished (in 2 days) One Day in December. I also loved it. Perfect if you are in the mood for a romance. I bought this on audible even though I didn't pay attention to who the narrator was and was delighted to realize that it was actress who plays Demelza in Poldark. She has such a lovely voice, but I kept picturing her red hair which is definitely not how the main character is described. Rhondito what did you like about the way it ended? By the end of the book I didn't even like Jack. I had grown to like Oscar and then they changed his character to make him the bad guy. I wanted Laurie to stay with him and Sarah to stay with Jack! Me too! I gave it a 3/5 for “characters lacking balls”. Who dumps someone because their job gets transferred! |
|
Rhondito
Pearl Clutcher
MississipPea
Posts: 4,677
|
Post by Rhondito on Dec 18, 2018 0:57:21 GMT
Gap Creek by Robert Morgan I loved that book. I am not sure if I read the sequel. Thanks! I just found out there was sequel - and it's been out for several years! |
|
|
|
Post by shannoots on Dec 18, 2018 3:09:39 GMT
I finished One Day in December and really liked it.
Currently reading Where the Crawdads Sing and I'm loving it.
|
|
|
|
Post by GamGam on Dec 18, 2018 12:45:28 GMT
I watched a really delightful movie on Amazon Prime last week called The Man Who Invented Christmas, starring Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer. It was about the process Charles Dickens went through as he wrote A Christmas Carol. I highly recommend it, it was funny and touching Thanks for sharing this. DH and I watched it last night and thoroughly enjoyed it.❤️ |
|
|
|
Post by Really Red on Dec 20, 2018 3:07:18 GMT
I just picked up (after a very long wait at the library) Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo. 4.75 stars. I don't give too many books 5 stars and this is honestly just a smidge under, but I loved it. It was WAY too short and resolved a bit too quickly, but it captivated me. Kate DiCamillo wrote The Tale of Desperaux, which is one of my most favorite books in the whole world (and a big fat 5 star read for me). She is such a good writer and it was a lovely afternoon treat when I took off work a few hours early.
|
|
finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
|
Post by finaledition on Dec 20, 2018 3:12:10 GMT
I just picked up (after a very long wait at the library) Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo. 4.75 stars. I don't give too many books 5 stars and this is honestly just a smidge under, but I loved it. It was WAY too short and resolved a bit too quickly, but it captivated me. Kate DiCamillo wrote The Tale of Desperaux, which is one of my most favorite books in the whole world (and a big fat 5 star read for me). She is such a good writer and it was a lovely afternoon treat when I took off work a few hours early. My favorite is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Read this to all my kids. Is this youth fiction as well? |
|
I also watched the movie and came away very curious about Dickens' life. Over the years, I've read almost all his books. I have a biography on hold at the library and need to pick it up this week.
