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Post by alsomsknit on Feb 11, 2019 18:29:03 GMT
My reading has still be limited to the textbooks. I knew this going in.
Joe Hill’s NOS-whatever is going to be a television show soon. I need to read it before it comes out. LOL!
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Judy26
Pearl Clutcher
MOTFY Bitchy Nursemaid
Posts: 2,834
Location: NW PA
Jun 25, 2014 23:50:38 GMT
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Post by Judy26 on Feb 11, 2019 21:54:36 GMT
I read I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella. It’s a chick lit book about a guy owing a girl a favor. Typical Kinsella - slightly amusing and totally forgettable. 3/5
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mimima
Pearl Clutcher
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 4,994
Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on Feb 11, 2019 21:59:00 GMT
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. This was for Book Club, though I probably would have read it anyway. There were a few topics that I wished I had a bit more information about, but the overall story was fascinating and heartbreaking.
Murder Your Darlings by JJ Murphy. A cozy mystery set at the Algonquin Round Table. It isn’t a book I will remember for a long time, but there were some witty lines. I enjoy Dorothy Parker so to have her as a character was fun.
The Egyptian Desert in the Irish Bogs by Fr. Gregory Telepneff. I suspect this is actually a Master’s Thesis, but I enjoyed the line that it drew from the early monastics in the Egyptian Desert (like St. Anthony) to the Irish monastics and argued, successfully, I thought, that the influence was stronger on the Irish from Egypt than from Western Europe (ie France or Italy.)
Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo. I learned about this one from a favorite podcast. I was disappointed in that it wasn’t quite the type of book that I expected and I found none of the characters to be sympathetic, which is something that I look for.
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys. This is the backstory of Mr. Rochester’s first wife, from “Jane Eyre.” It came out in the late-60s, I think, and was a stream-of-consciousness writing style, which is not my favorite. However, having said that, I still enjoyed the backstory. My favorite Goodreads review said, “Readers, I married him first.” That made me laugh out loud.
American War by Omar El Akkad. I am usually a bit squeamish about dystopian novels, but I enjoyed this world a lot and found the story to offer a lot to chew on and contemplate. I threw it into my husband’s “to read” pile, even though we don’t share often, as I want to hear his take.
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian. Fabulous Historical Fiction about the Armenian genocide. I enjoyed both stories and it is a labor of love for the author, who is Armenian.
The Courts of Love by Jean Plaidy. Sigh. Eleanor of Aquitaine. Jean Plaidy (who is Victoria Holt who is Philippa Carr). It doesn’t get much better than this.
Louly by Carol Ryrie Brink. A childhood favorite, found and re-read. Just lovely.
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mimima
Pearl Clutcher
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 4,994
Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on Feb 11, 2019 22:01:43 GMT
And I just finished The Gown by Jennifer Robson which I loved. A very quick read focussing on the lives of 2 embroiderers who worked on (now) Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress, and their secrets. Loved the characters and the story. 4.5/5 Ever? Did the author of Flavia die? Anyway, I just put "The Gown" on my to-read pile, thanks.
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mimima
Pearl Clutcher
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 4,994
Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on Feb 11, 2019 22:08:56 GMT
Finally finished Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and I feel sad and lost and have no idea what to do with my life now. I think there is a sequel (or two.)
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Post by stine on Feb 12, 2019 0:51:29 GMT
Beneath a Scarlet Sky-Loved it and recommend it! Verity- I read this week and I would have to disagree- I hated the ending. Also finished Where the Crawdads Sing which was fantastic! I am reading No Middle Name right now which is the collection of short stories based on Jack Reacher. Next up is Bridge of Clay
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Post by littlebee0408 on Feb 12, 2019 1:11:31 GMT
And I just finished The Gown by Jennifer Robson which I loved. A very quick read focussing on the lives of 2 embroiderers who worked on (now) Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress, and their secrets. Loved the characters and the story. 4.5/5 Ever? Did the author of Flavia die? Not that I know of! Alan Bradley wants the series to end while it’s still good, I guess. Anyway, I just put "The Gown" on my to-read pile, thanks. Hope you like it!
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mimima
Pearl Clutcher
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 4,994
Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on Feb 12, 2019 1:12:44 GMT
Ever? Did the author of Flavia die? Not that I know of! Alan Bradley wants the series to end while it’s still good, I guess. Anyway, I just put "The Gown" on my to-read pile, thanks. Hope you like it! Guess it is best to go out on a high note. Thanks
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Rhondito
Pearl Clutcher
MississipPea
Posts: 4,636
Jun 25, 2014 19:33:19 GMT
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Post by Rhondito on Feb 12, 2019 1:49:57 GMT
I finished up An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen while I was on vacation. It was suspenseful and very twisty and I enjoyed it. 4.5
I followed it up with The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. I honestly didn't think I'd like this one, in part because I hated the cover and the synopsis didn't grab me. But after reading so many glowing reviews I decided to give it a chance - I was ready for some fluff anyway. I loved it! It was wonderful and I devoured it mostly in one day. 5!
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,642
Location: The Grand Canyon
Jun 25, 2014 20:18:39 GMT
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Feb 12, 2019 2:06:33 GMT
I read:
Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty, 5 stars Kingdom of the Blind (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #14) by Louise Penny, 4 stars As Long as We Both Shall Live by Joann Chaney, 3.5 stars
Starting The Friend by Sigrid Nunez next.
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gina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,170
Jun 26, 2014 1:59:16 GMT
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Post by gina on Feb 12, 2019 2:12:32 GMT
I finished two (wow - I never get to say that! lol) First was In Pieces by Sally Field. 4.5 / 5 stars. First of all, do yourself a favor immediately and GET THE AUDIOBOOK! Sally Field reads it herself and her voice is so calm and soothing, I read along with her audio every night. This is a linear and poignant memoir which I enjoyed very much, even if I didn't feel it was a complete memoir. This book really focuses on Sally's relationship with her mother whom she calls Baa. I loved it. I really felt the love she had for Baa for her entire life. For me, the incomplete notion stems from the fact that Sally concentrates a lot on her dysfunctional childhood (and reveals some horrors) and early acting career. Then she just kind of buzzes through later year stuff (I think she mentioned Mrs. Doubtfire for literally one line! *sniff*) So that was a bit of a bummer. I felt this book could have been doubled in size if it would have really encompassed her entire life. But I guess that's not what she was writing. Still, a truly enjoyable firsthand account both written and spoken by a beautiful Hollywood star. She's honest, takes ownership over her life and most importantly, is completely authentic. Then was All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the story and the character development. 4 / 5 stars. Now I'm in the beginning of The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. Wow I didn't think it was possible to find a writer who pens chapters shorter than James Patterson but I think I have. So far, so good. I've been doing well reading two books at a time lately so I'll be looking to start something else this week as well.
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Post by thundergal on Feb 12, 2019 14:52:26 GMT
These threads are such a deep dive for me. One browser open here, one browser open at Goodreads looking all these books up and adding WAY too many to my "Want to Read" shelf.
I finished my 3rd John Green...Looking for Alaska. I love the way he writes young people. He gives them such wit and humanity. I needed something quick to fit in before the next book club choice was made.
That turned out to be The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. I know this sounds childish to some of you who are such voracious readers, but this book is LONG!! It intimidates me. But I started it last night and I was shocked at quickly she pulled me in. Just the first paragraph is so lovely. This is my first by Kate Morton. I did a search here and see that generally speaking, this isn't the favorite of her work, but most still enjoyed it.
I'm intrigued by the idea of a book club that chooses a theme instead of a specific book. I wonder if I could get my group to do that one month. Sounds fun!
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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 Feb 12, 2019 15:25:08 GMT
I finished THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS by Laurie Frankel. The story, about a family with 5 boys and the youngest decides he wants to be a girl at age 3, was intriguing and well done. Characters were well done and I enjoyed the writing style. I think I said it read like a Gilmore girls episode to me, which means there were sometimes long offshoots that carried the sentence in a different direction. At times this was fun. Sometimes the sentences dragged. Overall I thought it was a great book and recommend it.
Looking for recs for something next. Yesterday I had older dd off with a snow day and today I have both girls off so hopefully I’ll habe some time to read by the fire. Happy reading,
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Rhondito
Pearl Clutcher
MississipPea
Posts: 4,636
Jun 25, 2014 19:33:19 GMT
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Post by Rhondito on Feb 12, 2019 15:38:01 GMT
These threads are such a deep dive for me. One browser open here, one browser open at Goodreads looking all these books up and adding WAY too many to my "Want to Read" shelf. Same! Plus one tab open on Amazon!
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Post by Blind Squirrel on Feb 12, 2019 15:51:27 GMT
My mom recommended Our House by Louise Candlish and I really enjoyed it. There's nothing unusual about a new family moving in at 91 Trinity Avenue. Except it's her house. And she didn't sell it.
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Post by thundergal on Feb 12, 2019 16:02:48 GMT
I finished THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS by Laurie Frankel. The story, about a family with 5 boys and the youngest decides he wants to be a girl at age 3, was intriguing and well done. Characters were well done and I enjoyed the writing style. I think I said it read like a Gilmore girls episode to me, which means there were sometimes long offshoots that carried the sentence in a different direction. At times this was fun. Sometimes the sentences dragged. Overall I thought it was a great book and recommend it. Looking for recs for something next. Yesterday I had older dd off with a snow day and today I have both girls off so hopefully I’ll habe some time to read by the fire. Happy reading, I bought this when I bought The Distant Hours! I'm looking forward to reading it. Glad to know you enjoyed it.
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
Jun 26, 2014 0:30:34 GMT
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Post by finaledition on Feb 12, 2019 16:20:10 GMT
These threads are such a deep dive for me. One browser open here, one browser open at Goodreads looking all these books up and adding WAY too many to my "Want to Read" shelf. Same! Plus one tab open on Amazon! And phone in hand, referring to my Libby app so I can see if my library carries it and how long the wait is.
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,516
Jun 26, 2014 1:20:09 GMT
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Post by Just T on Feb 12, 2019 16:24:28 GMT
Beneath a Scarlett Sky, the full version, was free on Amazon and was highly reviewed so I think I will likely read that next. Has anyone read/recommend it? That was the first book I read of this year, and I LOVED it. I didn't want it to end. It may go down as one of my favorite books ever. I only finished one last week - Becoming by Michelle Obama. There has been quite a bit of talk about this book and I agree with many of the reviews. It is a great book. I think she is just filled with grace but also is honest and caring. I really enjoyed the book and am guessing it will for sure be one of my favorite non-fiction books of the year and probably one of my overall favorites. This will be the next real book I purchase. I have heard such good things about it. ALL WE EVER WANTED BY EMILY GRIFFIN. 3.5 STARS "mrgiedrnkr" enjoyed this one also. I found a sale for $3.99 (reg 14.99) and took a chance. First book by this author for me. It did keep me turning the pages. I didn't agree with the outcome but tried not to hold it against my rating. Summary: Perfect rich lives are destroyed by a social media picture. I liked the book, but I hated the ending. I really liked the story and the characters, but the ending, well, I felt like it didn't match the richness of the rest of the book. Like she was tired of writing it and wanted to get it over. I'm no book critic, but that is how I felt when it ended. I was disappointed. Same! Plus one tab open on Amazon! Ha ha. I usually do that when reading these threads, but hell's bells. I have so many books on my kindle as well as on my bookshelves. I really can't purchase anything more. LOL I just finished The Tattooist of Auschwitz a few days ago. Haunting story, and I really loved it. After Beneath a Scarlett Sky and that one, I need a break. I am currently reading Organizing your Kitchen and The Secret Joy of Hygge.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Feb 12, 2019 16:52:59 GMT
I’m in the book club at my gym, but because my reading time is so limited I’m always a book behind! Limited reading time is also why I just peek into these threads every so often Yesterday I went to one of the online secondhand book stores and ordered six or seven books from the first page! Thank you ladies!
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Post by mnmloveli on Feb 12, 2019 17:41:36 GMT
My mom recommended Our House by Louise Candlish and I really enjoyed it. There's nothing unusual about a new family moving in at 91 Trinity Avenue. Except it's her house. And she didn't sell it.Added to my TBR pile ! Sounds really different. Might have to read this one next !
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 28, 2024 12:36:11 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2019 20:54:02 GMT
I read The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton. This book goes back and forth between decades and has many characters telling the story and how it connects to them. There were a lot of characters to keep track of. I didn't finish a book this week for precisely this reason. It's hard to read. Please tell me it gets better?
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