The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,983 
|
Post by The Great Carpezio on Jun 19, 2023 21:00:46 GMT
Hello Readers!
Sorry I am getting to this late again this week. I hope you are having a great summer and had some good reading this last week.
This week I read:
🟣Warrior Girl Unearthed
Angeline Boulley
YA/Mystery/Native American Fiction
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the Firekeeper’s Daughter, so I was really excited to see her new novel. It did not disappoint. I love that this novel takes place on the same Island that Firekeeper’s takes place with the same family, but it isn’t a sequel. It is 2014, and it follows a new protagonist with an entire knew story but with some of the characters from Firekeepers as well.
Great story arch, fantastic protagonist and a really good mystery that explores the issue of repatriation of indigenous ancestors and artifacts.
🟣What Lies in the Woods
Kate Alice Marshall
Contemporary Mystery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a solid mystery with a lot of twists and turns. I feel like I say this a lot, but I felt I saw all the major twists coming, but I didn’t know how it would all come together. I think I am highly sensitive to foreshadowing LOL.
Anyway, it was a fast-paced mystery that is worth the time.
|
|
|
|
Post by alsomsknit on Jun 19, 2023 22:29:44 GMT
Last week I read:
Uncultured by Daniella M Young. Grew up in the Children of God cult. Left and found her way to the Army. It was good. Made me want to bang my head at points. However, I understand the struggle and give her a lot of latitude.
Love People. Use Things. By the Minimalists. Informative and worth reading. The one guy really comes off as arrogant and off putting. They have been heavily on my listening via YT.
Presently, I am reading Trigger Warnings by Neil Gaiman. (Short stories)This was an unintentional reread. It will go in my keep pile, because I think my son may also enjoy it.
Unsure of what is next.
|
|
mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,073
|
Post by mimima on Jun 19, 2023 22:30:04 GMT
The Firekeeper's Daughter is on tap for my Book Club later this year. I'm looking forward to it.
This week, I read:
Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand. I saw her note that she is ceasing writing in the next year or so. This is the first book that I’ve read by her and it was fine. Predictable summer reading. 3/5 stars.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Audio/print combo. When I read this in High School, I remember being shocked that a classic was so engrossing and such a good story. I still feel this way, for this third read (the second being a few years ago.) Read in community with Close Reads and with friends from my parish, both the symbolism and the story are still incredible. If one were doing a drinking game whenever Hawthorne uses ignominious or a variant, one would be sloshed. 4.5/5 stars
Anne of Avonlea by LM Montgomery. I may be in a bit of a rut, but this one moved slowly enough for me that the flaws became annoying. 3/5 stars.
|
|
edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,631
|
Post by edie3 on Jun 19, 2023 22:34:02 GMT
I read Castle of Water and it was pretty good. A couple things were implausible, but it was an interesting read.
|
|
|
|
Post by auntiepeas on Jun 19, 2023 23:11:00 GMT
I've been recovering from surgery and on pain meds that made me sleepy this week so I opted for something really light and read Body on Baker Street by Vicki Delany (2017) ⭐️⭐️⭐️. It's the second in the A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series; I have previously read and liked the first (Elementary, She Read) but this book stands alone too. A Holmesian heretic takes her last bow at a book signing hosted by our female sleuthing duo, Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson, managers of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium on Baker Street and the adjoining Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room respectively. Begged by the suspect to clear his name the pair set out to eliminate the impossible and deduce the truth before the West London [Cape Cod, Massachusetts] police arrest an innocent man. I guess I've been living under a rock because I haven't registered the term before but apparently these books are classed as cozy mysteries - a subgenre of crime fiction in which there's no profanity, sex and violence occur off stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. The writing was confident and chatty (no surprises there, Delany is a prolific author), I enjoyed the bookshop/tea room/waterfront settings, and best of all I could get back into it without difficulty anytime after I'd had to put it down. At no point was I trying to figure out what happened before the book told me, nor did I find the characters particularly real or memorable, but under the circumstances it was just what I was looking for—benign and easy. Think I'll try reading The Measure by Nikki Erlick next. |
|
gina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,303
|
Post by gina on Jun 19, 2023 23:18:41 GMT
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose. 4 / 5
Would you defend your husband if he was accused of killing his mistress? Sarah Morgan is a successful and powerful defense attorney in Washington D.C. Her husband Adam is a struggling writer. Out in the secluded woods, at Adam and Sarah’s second home, Adam engages in a passionate affair with Kelly Summers. Then, one morning everything changes. Adam is arrested for Kelly’s murder. She had been found stabbed to death in Adam and Sarah’s second home. Sarah soon finds herself playing the defender for her own husband, a man accused of murdering his mistress. But is Adam guilty or is he innocent?
I just wanted to note that I am so surprised at all of the one star reviews I’m seeing! 😱 I actually thought this book was fast-paced, twisty, engaging and at times, funny (some people don’t care for gratuitous language but as someone who speaks colorfully in real life, grow up). I listened to the last half on a road trip and couldn’t wait to finish it in my hotel bed that night.
Now I am halfway through Her Last Goodbye by Rick Mofina which I just picked on a whim. Perfect wife. Doting mom. Jennifer Griffin was loved by everyone, including the women in her suburban-neighborhood book club. Their meetings sometimes went late, but Jenn always came home. Until that night.
Its good, but its dragging a bit and I cannot stand when the main character talks to himself. Argh! I also did not realize it was 544 pages. lol If I did, I never would have picked it up. My attention span doesn't last that long, which is probably why this feels drawn out to me.
|
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Jun 20, 2023 1:37:35 GMT
Finished What Happens in Paradise, the 2nd book in the Paradise trilogy by Elin Hilderbrand. I didn’t like it as much as the first book, seemed like a lot of filler and there are definitely characters I don’t care for. I guess being in my 70’s I’m not exactly the target audience for this series. Lots of teenage/young adult angst. But I still enjoyed it and look forward to reading the 3rd book soon. 3.5/5 stars
Now about about 1/2 way through Troubles in Paradise. So far it's pretty predictable.
|
|
hutchfan
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,481
|
Post by hutchfan on Jun 20, 2023 3:23:51 GMT
I read The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer. This is her debut novel and I thought it was a stunning novel easy 5 stars from me. I was hooked from the beginning, cried sad tears, cried happy tears and loved the characters.
Years ago a reclusive mega-bestselling author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand new book and a one of a kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner's life.
MAKE A WISH.
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it's like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a 26 year old teacher's aide. Lucy is able to share her love of reading with bright young students, especially 7 year old Christopher Lamb. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.
Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he's finally written a new book. Even better, he's holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the 4 lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.
For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collector's, wily opponents and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack "the Mastermind" Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.
|
|
|
|
Post by pjaye on Jun 20, 2023 5:15:41 GMT
I had a bad reading week! Busy work week for me so not much reading time, then the more I read the less I liked The Whispers by Ashley Audrain.
It's rated over 4 stars on GR but I don't understand what people are getting from it.
It started off OK, then it gradually got worse.
First the writing; really long and oddly descriptive sentences about mundane things, then the long descriptions moved on to bodily fluids, vaginal discharge smells, what various miscarriages look like, cleaning up cum etc. Then it veered into graphic sex descriptions.
The main story is about 4 female neighbors and their children, and one of the children has a bad 'accident' (you don't find out until the end what actually happened...if you last that long)
But the women are all messed up (one visits her neighbour's house, smells her husband's underwear, put on the other woman's lingerie and masturbates on their bed) and 3 of the 4 do horrible things (one ignores her dying husband) the children are needy and whiny and clingy.
WTF am I reading?
You'd think the author hates both children and mothers.
1 star. Do not recommend!
|
|
|
|
Post by pjaye on Jun 20, 2023 5:16:48 GMT
I read The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer I've been looking at buying that...I think you just talked me into it! I've been recovering from surgery and on pain meds that made me sleepy Oh no...I hope all is OK and you're feeling better soon, as a nurse I have to ask what surgery you had...but of course you don't have to tell me  |
|
|
|
Post by pjaye on Jun 20, 2023 5:24:37 GMT
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Audio/print combo. When I read this in High School, I remember being shocked that a classic was so engrossing and such a good story. I still feel this way, for this third read (the second being a few years ago.) Read in community with Close Reads and with friends from my parish, both the symbolism and the story are still incredible. If one were doing a drinking game whenever Hawthorne uses ignominious or a variant, one would be sloshed. 4.5/5 stars You should try Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese, it a reimaging of The Scarlett letter, and I really liked it. |
|
|
|
Post by auntiepeas on Jun 20, 2023 8:01:32 GMT
the more I read the less I liked The Whispers by Ashley Audrain. 1 star. Do not recommend! Sounds awful. I'll definitely be giving it a miss now! Oh no...I hope all is OK and you're feeling better soon, as a nurse I have to ask what surgery you had...but of course you don't have to tell me Thanks, it was nothing too serious. I should be almost as good as new in about 3 months but I'm grateful for pain meds that work.  |
|
|
|
Post by lainey on Jun 20, 2023 11:39:09 GMT
I read Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird by Agustina Bazterrica A collection of short stories by the author of Tender is the Flesh. I'm not a massive fan of short stories but I enjoyed these, Ms Bazterrica's creative mind is deliciously weird. 4.5 stars.
Strange Sally Diamond By Liz Nugent Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died.
Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and worried police, but also a sinister voice from a past she has no memory of. As she begins to discover the horrors of her childhood, recluse Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, finding independence, and learning that people don't always mean what they say.
I have a lot of feelings about this novel, first of all the writing is so compelling I found it hard to put down, I HAD to know what happened next. Sally's story is dark and disturbing but the author also makes it hopeful, in parts humorous and very human. However, the ending is a complete let down, I felt like it undid every little bit of hope every little seed of a bright future that the author had planted. I'm going to be forever salty about it I can tell  4 stars.
The Secret Dead by S J Parris Naples, 1566. During a sweltering summer, eighteen-year-old Giordano Bruno takes his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order—despite doubts over his tendency to ask difficult questions.
Assisting in the infirmary, Bruno witnesses an illicit autopsy performed on the body of a young woman. Her corpse reveals a dark secret, and Bruno suspects that hers may not have been an accidental death.
3 stars for this, for a short novella it was incredibly slow going.
|
|
|
|
Post by lainey on Jun 20, 2023 11:40:56 GMT
I had a bad reading week! Busy work week for me so not much reading time, then the more I read the less I liked The Whispers by Ashley Audrain. It's rated over 4 stars on GR but I don't understand what people are getting from it. It started off OK, then it gradually got worse. First the writing; really long and oddly descriptive sentences about mundane things, then the long descriptions moved on to bodily fluids, vaginal discharge smells, what various miscarriages look like, cleaning up cum etc. Then it veered into graphic sex descriptions. The main story is about 4 female neighbors and their children, and one of the children has a bad 'accident' (you don't find out until the end what actually happened...if you last that long) But the women are all messed up (one visits her neighbour's house, smells her husband's underwear, put on the other woman's lingerie and masturbates on their bed) and 3 of the 4 do horrible things (one ignores her dying husband) the children are needy and whiny and clingy. WTF am I reading? You'd think the author hates both children and mothers. 1 star. Do not recommend! I'd added this to my book wish list but I think I'll give it a miss. |
|
|
|
Post by pjaye on Jun 20, 2023 11:56:28 GMT
Strange Sally Diamond By Liz Nugent Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died.
Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and worried police, but also a sinister voice from a past she has no memory of. As she begins to discover the horrors of her childhood, recluse Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, finding independence, and learning that people don't always mean what they say.
I have a lot of feelings about this novel, first of all the writing is so compelling I found it hard to put down, I HAD to know what happened next. Sally's story is dark and disturbing but the author also makes it hopeful, in parts humorous and very human. However, the ending is a complete let down, I felt like it undid every little bit of hope every little seed of a bright future that the author had planted. I'm going to be forever salty about it I can tell 4 stars. I thought you'd like this one. I was sad about the ending too, but the whole way through I knew 'something' was going to happen to burst the little happy bubble, but I didn't know what or where it would happen though. I still gave it 5 stars because she made me care about Sally...so much that I was also really sad about the end, but that's what made it such a good read for me, the highs and the lows. |
|
mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,073
|
Post by mimima on Jun 20, 2023 14:39:54 GMT
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Audio/print combo. When I read this in High School, I remember being shocked that a classic was so engrossing and such a good story. I still feel this way, for this third read (the second being a few years ago.) Read in community with Close Reads and with friends from my parish, both the symbolism and the story are still incredible. If one were doing a drinking game whenever Hawthorne uses ignominious or a variant, one would be sloshed. 4.5/5 stars You should try Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese, it a reimaging of The Scarlett letter, and I really liked it. I did and I agree - it was very well done. I found myself thinking about it a lot whilst I was reading SL |
|
|
|
Post by lainey on Jun 20, 2023 16:01:07 GMT
Strange Sally Diamond By Liz Nugent Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died.
Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and worried police, but also a sinister voice from a past she has no memory of. As she begins to discover the horrors of her childhood, recluse Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, finding independence, and learning that people don't always mean what they say.
I have a lot of feelings about this novel, first of all the writing is so compelling I found it hard to put down, I HAD to know what happened next. Sally's story is dark and disturbing but the author also makes it hopeful, in parts humorous and very human. However, the ending is a complete let down, I felt like it undid every little bit of hope every little seed of a bright future that the author had planted. I'm going to be forever salty about it I can tell 4 stars. I thought you'd like this one. I was sad about the ending too, but the whole way through I knew 'something' was going to happen to burst the little happy bubble, but I didn't know what or where it would happen though. I still gave it 5 stars because she made me care about Sally...so much that I was also really sad about the end, but that's what made it such a good read for me, the highs and the lows. Overall I loved it, I admit to crying several times (who am I?) and the ending broke my heart for Sally. I might whine a bit longer that I wanted her to have a happy ending then amend my rating when I realise that just wouldn't have been realistic. |
|
|
|
Post by mnmloveli on Jun 20, 2023 20:50:01 GMT
Great reading week for me…………. HELLO BEAUTIFUL (‘23 - 5 STARS) BY ANN NAPOLITANO DESCRIPTION : William Waters grew up in a house silenced by tragedy, where his parents could hardly bear to look at him, much less love him—so when he meets the spirited and ambitious Julia Padavano in his freshman year of college, it’s as if the world has lit up around him. With Julia comes her family, as she and her three sisters are inseparable: Sylvie, the family’s dreamer, is happiest with her nose in a book; Cecelia is a free-spirited artist; and Emeline patiently takes care of them all. With the Padavanos, William experiences a newfound contentment; every moment in their house is filled with loving chaos. But then darkness from William’s past surfaces, jeopardizing not only Julia’s carefully orchestrated plans for their future, but the sisters’ unshakeable devotion to one another. The result is a catastrophic family rift that changes their lives for generations. Will the loyalty that once rooted them be strong enough to draw them back together when it matters most? REVIEW : TRIGGER WARNING : Depression & Suicide. Recommended by gottapeanow favorite books (Hello Beautiful & Dear Edward) 5/5 Stars for both; peasapie also gave both books 5 Stars. finaledition & @~summer~ also loved Hello Beautiful and peaname couldn’t put it down. With all these awesome 2Peas’ recommendations & 89% (11,000+) 4&5 star reviews on Amazon, I had to try it. Good writing and at many times even beautiful, but at 30% I’m bored. It took me awhile, but at 40% I became invested in all these characters. A sad saga of a family and their emotional & psychological problems. As the chapters and the beauty of this book flew by, I found myself loving this book more and more. What makes a family - read this book to really “feel” family. THE DROWNING WOMAN (‘23 - 4 STARS) BY ROBYN HARDINGDESCRIPTION : Lee Gulliver never thought she’d find herself living on the streets—no one ever does—but when her restaurant fails, and she falls deeper into debt, she leaves her old life behind with nothing but her clothes and her Toyota Corolla. In Seattle, she parks in a secluded spot by the beach to lay low and plan her next move—until early one morning, she sees a sobbing woman throw herself into the ocean. Lee hauls the woman back to the surface, but instead of appreciation, she is met with fury. The drowning woman, Hazel, tells her that she wanted to die, that she’s trapped in a toxic, abusive marriage, that she’s a prisoner in her own home. Lee has thwarted her one chance to escape her life. Out of options, Hazel retreats to her gilded cage, and Lee thinks she’s seen the last of her, until her unexpected return the next morning and wants Lee to help her disappear. REVIEW : Previous books by this author for me were The Perfect Family (‘21 - 4 Stars), The Swap (‘20 - 3 Stars), The Arrangement (‘19 - 4 Stars), Her Pretty Face (‘18 - 5 Stars) and The Party (‘17 - 4 Stars). Buckle in for a wild ride ! This author is always sooo entertaining. Some events were unexpected to me, which I loved! Lots of manipulation and deceit. Most of the characters left a lot to be desired but I enjoyed seeing paybacks doled out. HAPPY READING TO ALL ! |
|
|
|
Post by mnmloveli on Jun 20, 2023 21:08:09 GMT
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose. 4 / 5Would you defend your husband if he was accused of killing his mistress? Sarah Morgan is a successful and powerful defense attorney in Washington D.C. Her husband Adam is a struggling writer. Out in the secluded woods, at Adam and Sarah’s second home, Adam engages in a passionate affair with Kelly Summers. Then, one morning everything changes. Adam is arrested for Kelly’s murder. She had been found stabbed to death in Adam and Sarah’s second home. Sarah soon finds herself playing the defender for her own husband, a man accused of murdering his mistress. But is Adam guilty or is he innocent? I just wanted to note that I am so surprised at all of the one star reviews I’m seeing! 😱 I actually thought this book was fast-paced, twisty, engaging and at times, funny (some people don’t care for gratuitous language but as someone who speaks colorfully in real life, grow up). I listened to the last half on a road trip and couldn’t wait to finish it in my hotel bed that night. I was also surprised. This was the first book by this author for me. I read this last year and gave it 4 stars. Many times while reading I thought I had it figured out - I NEVER DID ! Very entertaining read for me. Since then, I’ve read Once of Us is Dead (‘22 - Read ‘23 - 4 Stars) and You Shouldn’t Have Come Here (‘23 - 3 Stars; a little boring for me). |
|
|
|
Post by mnmloveli on Jun 20, 2023 21:18:03 GMT
I read The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer. This is her debut novel and I thought it was a stunning novel easy 5 stars from me. I was hooked from the beginning, cried sad tears, cried happy tears and loved the characters. Years ago a reclusive mega-bestselling author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand new book and a one of a kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner's life. MAKE A WISH. Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it's like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a 26 year old teacher's aide. Lucy is able to share her love of reading with bright young students, especially 7 year old Christopher Lamb. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability. Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he's finally written a new book. Even better, he's holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the 4 lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy. For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collector's, wily opponents and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack "the Mastermind" Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever. LOVED your review ! The book description sounds so unique and interesting. Can’t wait to read this one ! |
|
|
|
Post by mnmloveli on Jun 20, 2023 21:27:30 GMT
I had a bad reading week! Busy work week for me so not much reading time, then the more I read the less I liked The Whispers by Ashley Audrain. It's rated over 4 stars on GR but I don't understand what people are getting from it. It started off OK, then it gradually got worse. First the writing; really long and oddly descriptive sentences about mundane things, then the long descriptions moved on to bodily fluids, vaginal discharge smells, what various miscarriages look like, cleaning up cum etc. Then it veered into graphic sex descriptions. The main story is about 4 female neighbors and their children, and one of the children has a bad 'accident' (you don't find out until the end what actually happened...if you last that long) But the women are all messed up (one visits her neighbour's house, smells her husband's underwear, put on the other woman's lingerie and masturbates on their bed) and 3 of the 4 do horrible things (one ignores her dying husband) the children are needy and whiny and clingy. WTF am I reading? You'd think the author hates both children and mothers. 1 star. Do not recommend! I’m the complete opposite of you in my rating from a couple of weeks ago. 5-Star read for me. I agree there were some odd happenings, as you mentioned. For me, biting your child’s fingernails while he’s in a coma was really weird. No need for this in the book, along with some things you mentioned. I still loved this intertwining tale of motherhood & relationships, which we all know is not always pretty. Enjoyed the crossover and twists of some storylines. Never a dull moment in this book. I would have loved at least another 50 pages. |
|
gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,817
|
Post by gottapeanow on Jun 21, 2023 1:03:47 GMT
I was on vakay this week and just got back this a.m. after traveling all right. (Ugh. That was gross but had a lovely vakay for sure.) I have a couple of books that I have started and then had to stop due to other books on hold coming up at the library, and those were due right away.
First, I read Grace by T. Greenwood (she wrote Rust & Stardust). Grace was a heartbreaking but gorgeous family drama. A lot going on with this one. A plot that picked up speed and didn't stop the whole way. Loved the characters as well. 5/5 stars.
Next, I read All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle. I wasn't really a fan of what I think is an over-used plot device, but despite that, I loved the message of this book: getting involved in your community with your neighbors and helping each other. Really a sweet book. And who would not love Hubert? I thought the ending was a little rushed as well, and I wanted the answer to a separate unresolved question. But overall, this was a lovely up-lit book, a perfect vakay read.
I'm halfway through This Tender Land and absolutely loving it. Up next is The Postcard.
Finally, I adored The Push, so I am another one who will be reading The Whispers although parts of PJaye's description sound admittedly weird.
Lisa
|
|
|
|
Post by pjaye on Jun 21, 2023 1:59:09 GMT
I still loved this intertwining tale of motherhood & relationships I read another review that said the book was written by "a misogynist who fantasizes about filicide"  Finally, I adored The Push, so I am another one who will be reading The Whispers although parts of PJaye's description sound admittedly weird. I loved The Push as well, hard to believe it's the same author. And remember my warning when you get to the bit about one mother having sex on the kitchen counter and liking the fact that all the cum wasn't cleaned off before her children had breakfast there.... I find it hard to believe that everyone isn't as grossed out by lines like that as I am. |
|
|
|
Post by lainey on Jun 21, 2023 15:25:38 GMT
I loved The Push as well, hard to believe it's the same author. I Googled The Push and apparently, I bought it for Kindle in April last year, I really need to keep track of what books I buy! |
|
|
|
Post by auntkelly on Jun 21, 2023 18:58:24 GMT
I read a classic this week: Washington Square by Henry James. It was fairly short and very readable even though it was first published in 1821. The main character, Catherine was raised in New York by her father, a prominent physician and her widowed, childless aunt. Catherine was a plain girl and her father thought she was very dull. When a handsome, well-connected, but penniless man began to court Catherine, her dad became convinced that he was a fortune seeker and only wanted Catherine for her money. He did everything in his power to break up the relationship. The romantic-minded aunt saw an opportunity to create some drama in her life and she began to meddle in her niece's romantic life and became the advocate of her niece's suitor. No one seemed to have Catherine's best interest at heart, including Catherine.
The ending seemed very modern. James didn't neatly tie up all the loose ends at the end of the story and you were left wondering who was right and who was wrong in the end.
I think this book would make for a great discussion at book club. I'm going to suggest it next year when my book club picks a classic to read in January.
|
|
|
|
Post by auntkelly on Jun 21, 2023 19:12:41 GMT
Last week I read: Uncultured by Daniella M Young. Grew up in the Children of God cult. Left and found her way to the Army. It was good. Made me want to bang my head at points. However, I understand the struggle and give her a lot of latitude. I read a review of this book in the New York Times right before it was released for publication. I immediately put a hold on the Kindle edition at my library on the Libby App, because I've always been oddly fascinated by cults. I was excited when a few days later I got a notice that the book was ready for me to read. I opened up the Libby app and found that I had mistakenly put a book on hold entitled "Cultured" instead of "Uncultured." Cultured was about the health benefits of eating gut friendly foods. I could certainly benefit from reading about healthy foods, but I am much more interested in cults than gut health.  I'm glad I now know the correct name of the book. |
|
iowahawkeye
Shy Member
Posts: 30
May 20, 2020 2:10:26 GMT
|
Post by iowahawkeye on Jun 28, 2023 15:09:58 GMT
I have not posted in a few weeks, but have been reading!
The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark - 4 stars
The World Played Chess by Robert Dugoni - 5 stars - I always enjoy books related to the Vietnam War
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworh - 4 stars
All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham - 4 stars
Look Closer by David Ellis - 4 stars
Go as a River by Shelley Read - solid five stars - this is my favorite read so far this year. It is the story of a young woman in Colorado working on her family's peach farm in Iola - surrounded by troubled men. Beautiful writing, excellent story line. Our book club is meeting tomorrow to discuss this book, so I am looking for discussion questions. This book has excellent ratings on Goodreads, Amazon, and other places, but seems to have flown a bit under the radar.
|
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Jun 28, 2023 15:49:12 GMT
I finished Troubles in Paradise, the 3rd book in the Paradise trilogy by Elin Hilderbrand. Too much fluff, too many loose ends that weren’t addressed, too many people falling in and out of love in a short period of time. Glad the trilogy is over. 3/5 stars (The first book was definitely the best in the trilogy.)
Then I finished The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth. Not my favorite by this author but it kept me interested. 3.5/5 stars
Now I’m about halfway through The Drowning by TJ Newman. The first few chapters were rough but then it evened out and I’m enjoying it. Well, as much as you can *enjoy* the subject matter. Just don’t read it on an airplane trip.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bridget in MD on Jun 28, 2023 17:30:44 GMT
I had a bad reading week! Busy work week for me so not much reading time, then the more I read the less I liked The Whispers by Ashley Audrain. It's rated over 4 stars on GR but I don't understand what people are getting from it. It started off OK, then it gradually got worse. First the writing; really long and oddly descriptive sentences about mundane things, then the long descriptions moved on to bodily fluids, vaginal discharge smells, what various miscarriages look like, cleaning up cum etc. Then it veered into graphic sex descriptions. The main story is about 4 female neighbors and their children, and one of the children has a bad 'accident' (you don't find out until the end what actually happened...if you last that long) But the women are all messed up (one visits her neighbour's house, smells her husband's underwear, put on the other woman's lingerie and masturbates on their bed) and 3 of the 4 do horrible things (one ignores her dying husband) the children are needy and whiny and clingy. WTF am I reading? You'd think the author hates both children and mothers. 1 star. Do not recommend! Well shoot one of my GR friends said its disturbing but super good. It's a while down on my list... I am trying to slog thru I Have Some Questions for You, which was a 2Peas book club selection for April but I Just got it and its not as gripping as I hoped. |
|
gina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,303
|
Post by gina on Jun 28, 2023 18:31:08 GMT
FYI this is last week's post. The new one has a purple dot near the title.
|
|
4 stars. 
I'm glad I now know the correct name of the book. 
