GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,311
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on Aug 10, 2015 22:34:40 GMT
This week I finished The Mask by Taylor Stevens. It's the latest Michael Vanessa Munroe novel. I love these books and this one did not disappoint. It started out kind of ho-hum, then BAM! it took off. The very end wrapped up kind of quick, but other than that it was really good. And the narrator Hillary Huber was excellent as usual.
I started the White Queen by Phillipa Gregory, but I wasn't into it. I'll probably go back to it later as I love a good historical fiction.
I just started The Godforsaken Daughter by Christina McKenna.
Oh I did finish a total chick lit/fluff. About That Fling by Tawna Fenske. It was mindlessly OK, a few parts made me laugh out loud, but it got too serious near the end.
|
|
|
Post by sues on Aug 10, 2015 22:48:57 GMT
I started reading Anatomy of a Misfit
From the Back Cover
Outside, Anika Dragomir is all lip gloss and blond hair—the third most popular girl in school. Inside, she's a freak. A mix of dark thoughts, diabolical plots, and, if local chatter is to be believed, vampire DNA. After all, her father is from Romania. Everyone else in Nebraska is about as American as an apple pie . . . wrapped in a flag . . . on the Fourth of July. Spider stew. That's what Anika is made of. But she keeps it under wraps to maintain her social position. One step out of line and Becky Vilhauser, first most popular girl in school, will make her life a living hell. So when former loner Logan McDonough shows up one September hotter, smarter, and more mysterious than ever, Anika knows she can't get involved. It would be insane to throw away her social safety for a nerd. So what if that nerd is now a black-leather-jacket-wearing dreamboat, and his loner status is clearly the result of his troubled home life? Who cares if the right girl could help him with all that, maybe even save him from it . . . ? Logan. Who needs him when Jared Kline, the bad boy every girl dreams of, is asking her on dates? Who? Andrea Portes's emotionally devastating debut YA novel lays bare the futility in pretending to be something we're not and the value in finally celebrating all that we are—inside.
-but I gave up. I don't know where or what I heard about it- but I had it on my wish list at the library. I was next up for The Luckiest Girl Alive so I grabbed this because it was going to be a short, fast read. I could not get into it AT ALL. I couldn't make heads or tails of it. It's just kind of weird. So when TLGA finally came up- I abandoned Anatomy of a Misfit.
I have to admit- The Luckiest Girl Alive is not hooking me yet. It has a lot of buzz though, so I'll hang in there.
From the Overdrive description: HER PERFECT LIFE IS A PERFECT LIE.
As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and handsome blue blood fiancé, she’s this close to living the perfect life she’s worked so hard to achieve. But Ani has a secret. There’s something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything. With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that's bigger than it first appears. The question remains: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for—or, will it at long last, set Ani free?
|
|
gottapeanow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,777
Jun 25, 2014 20:56:09 GMT
|
Post by gottapeanow on Aug 11, 2015 0:02:31 GMT
sues, I just picked up TLGA from the library minutes ago. I am sure that I will love it since I loved all of these books - Gone, Girl; The Silent Wife; How to Be a Good Wife; The Girl on A Train; and a couple of more that I am forgetting. LOL. Lisa
|
|
|
Post by sues on Aug 11, 2015 0:28:50 GMT
Lisa- good to know! I'm hoping to get some decent reading time in this week. I lost a lot of time this past week.
|
|
ComplicatedLady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,042
Location: Valley of the Sun
Jul 26, 2014 21:02:07 GMT
|
Post by ComplicatedLady on Aug 11, 2015 1:25:25 GMT
I am STILL reading Dragonfly in Amber. It may end up being the only book I read this year. It's really good but it's so long. I only have time to read before bed and I end up falling asleep and having to start chapters over. Eventually I'll get through it though! I did add a few books to my reading list for when I do finish it and need a Claire and Jamie break!
|
|
cjp
Shy Member
Posts: 20
Jun 28, 2014 12:03:04 GMT
|
Post by cjp on Aug 11, 2015 1:36:02 GMT
I read 2 books that I really enjoyed! First was The Book of Speculation. A great book about a traveling circus, tarot cards, relationships, secrets and more. I'd recommend this if you liked the Night Circus. Then I read Where They Found Her, a fast paced mystery.
|
|
janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
Posts: 5,637
Jun 26, 2014 14:35:07 GMT
|
Post by janeliz on Aug 11, 2015 1:50:14 GMT
I just started Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Bedani.
|
|
gina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,231
Jun 26, 2014 1:59:16 GMT
|
Post by gina on Aug 11, 2015 2:26:38 GMT
So glad that the next book I picked up was Hugo & Rose, by B. Foley. I loved it, couldn't put it down. It was a fantastic, original premise, and well-written story. 5 stars. Oh man! I came up on the wait list and passed this up because it didn't get stellar reviews on Goodreads. Now I am wondering if I should have tried it...
|
|
|
Post by Legacy Girl on Aug 11, 2015 3:04:59 GMT
I'm reading Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella this week. She's one of my favorite authors for lighthearted reading. So far, it's a funny one!
|
|
smginaz Suzy
Pearl Clutcher
Je suis desole.
Posts: 2,606
Jun 26, 2014 17:27:30 GMT
|
Post by smginaz Suzy on Aug 11, 2015 6:57:38 GMT
Finished In the Unlikely Event which I felt was necessary to read because Judy Blume. It kept my interest but was still sort of meh for me. My book in the car is Paris I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down by Rosecrans Baldwin is about his 18 month expat advertising stint in Paris. It's fun and light, and it's a great book for the car. Which just means I like to have a book in the car that I can grab in case I stop for lunch or am waiting somewhere. So it needs to be entertaining enough to keep me occupied but not page-turning enough that I have to bring it from the car to the house to finish it. Anyway, I would totally recommend it. I am also reading Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences but that's strictly for school. But if you've got some time on your hands, have at it.
|
|
Mary Kay Lady
Pearl Clutcher
PeaNut 367,913 Refupea number 1,638
Posts: 3,077
Jun 27, 2014 4:11:36 GMT
|
Post by Mary Kay Lady on Aug 12, 2015 6:12:06 GMT
This week I finished up White Seed: The Untold Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke by Paul Clayton. I really enjoyed this book! While no one really knows what happened to the Lost Colony, the author uses one of the most probable theories to create the story. It was such a random pick for me. I do enjoy books about history but they are normally historical biographies. This book was on sale in the nook library, I hadn't read much about this time previously so I picked it up. I am glad I did! I started to read this book earlier this summer, but haven't finished it yet. I was intrigued by what happened to the colonists and did a bit of research. I found this video, that provides an answer. The video is about 45 minutes long. If you don't want to watch the entire thing skip to about 40 minutes into it.
|
|
my3freaks
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,206
Location: NH girl living in Colorado
Jun 26, 2014 4:10:56 GMT
|
Post by my3freaks on Aug 12, 2015 6:43:29 GMT
I've read a few since the last thread I posted on. Spell of the Highlander (book 7) by Karen Marie Moning, The Transfer (Divergent novella about Four) by Veronica Roth, Into the Dreaming (Highlander book 8, but more of a short story), and The Selection by Kiera Cass, which is the first in a series. I liked all of them. They were all easy reads and went quickly, especially the Divergent one. I bought the next one in the Selection series (The Elite) because I don't want to wait for the library digital copy. I'll read it when I finish Burned (Fever series #7) by Karen Marie Moning.
|
|
my3freaks
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,206
Location: NH girl living in Colorado
Jun 26, 2014 4:10:56 GMT
|
Post by my3freaks on Aug 12, 2015 6:52:37 GMT
Recently finished Go Set A Watchman which, overall, I enjoyed. Initially I was not going to read it, since it seems that Harper Lee may not have been able to truly agree to its publication, but curiosity got the best of me. Plus I work in a library so skipping the biggest book of the year seemed short-sighted. Portions of Watchman are extremely well written, particularly the flashbacks to Scout's younger years. I can see why HL's editor urged her to write about Scout as a child. The last portion of the book seemed rushed, a bit disjointed and really broke the flow for me. I'm not sorry I read it, but will always wonder if the author truly wanted her early, unpolished work shared with the world. On a 2,100-mile, 2.5-day road trip with my son we listened to and thoroughly enjoyed The Martian. Disclaimer: we are a bit of a geeky family. DH is an engineer, oldest ds is an aerospace engineering major and even youngest ds and I, while not techies, are above average in our science/tech knowledge. This book started out in serial form on the author's blog and quickly garnered an enthusiastic following, was subsequently published, and a movie version starring Matt Damon will be released this fall. The story has been described as Apollo 13 meets Castaway. The main character is stranded on Mars and struggles to stay alive while NASA tries to come up with a rescue plan. There is a lot of scientific description of the astronaut's survival techniques but the characters are interesting and believable ( with the exception of one secondary character), the science is extensively researched, and the suspense is dramatic. The audio book is very well done and this may be a book that is better listened to than read, depending on your interest in/ familiarity with science. I loved The Martian. I am not normally interested in science themed stuff, but my husband swore I'd like it. The character is sarcastic and funny, and the "science-y" stuff isn't dry or boring. He explains stuff in ways that anyone can understand. I can not wait for the movie! Matt Damon is a great choice for Mark Watney. BTW, what character didn't you like?
|
|
my3freaks
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,206
Location: NH girl living in Colorado
Jun 26, 2014 4:10:56 GMT
|
Post by my3freaks on Aug 12, 2015 7:01:35 GMT
I finished A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. This might be the most depressing book I have ever read (and I am no stranger to depressing books). Certainly the most depressing outside of war/genocide books. Despite that, I still gave it 4/5 stars. I needed a quick read after that and picked up Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. 4/5 stars. I was pulled back to King with 11/22/63 (which I loved) and I think he is a great storyteller and does suspense like nobody's business. I will read Finders Keepers as soon as it is available at the library. Last, I read Crooked Heart by Lissa Evans. 4/5 stars. I think this is the most lighthearted you can get for a book set in England during WWII. About a boy evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz and the woman who takes him in. Not very deep, but still an enjoyable read. Now I'm reading The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley. This might be the first time I've seen "a quick read" associated with Stephen King. I haven't read Mr Mercedes yet, but I really liked 11/22/63.
|
|
purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,752
Jun 27, 2014 20:37:34 GMT
|
Post by purplebee on Aug 12, 2015 12:06:09 GMT
Finished two last week: INSIDE THE O'BRIENS by Lisa Genova. This was a book recommended by the peas a while back. I was hesitant, it's about an Irish cop from Boston who has Huntington's Disease, and how his family is affected. I thought it might be too depressing. But it was excellent, one of the best books I've read this summer.
The other was lighter fare, CATCHING AIR by Sarah Pekkannen. I hadn't read any of her books, but she was recommended on one of these book threads. Pretty good contemporary romantic fiction with a bit of suspense thrown in.
|
|
|
Post by guzismom on Aug 12, 2015 14:39:22 GMT
Recently finished Go Set A Watchman which, overall, I enjoyed. Initially I was not going to read it, since it seems that Harper Lee may not have been able to truly agree to its publication, but curiosity got the best of me. Plus I work in a library so skipping the biggest book of the year seemed short-sighted. Portions of Watchman are extremely well written, particularly the flashbacks to Scout's younger years. I can see why HL's editor urged her to write about Scout as a child. The last portion of the book seemed rushed, a bit disjointed and really broke the flow for me. I'm not sorry I read it, but will always wonder if the author truly wanted her early, unpolished work shared with the world. (bold is mine)
I just finished this as well; overall, unimpressed. I really feel like the end was the total point of the book but like you felt it wasn't enough. It could have been filled out, expanded and made for a very good read.
I'm just grateful it wasn't so bad that I regretted reading it.
I am headed to the bookstore later today for something new. Our library is closed for annual maintenance. I am reading something my hubby just finished; a medical thriller of some sort.
|
|
gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
Jun 26, 2014 12:35:32 GMT
|
Post by gloryjoy on Aug 12, 2015 15:41:04 GMT
On the peas recommendation, last week I read Girl on the Train, I really liked it, couldn't put it down.
Now I am reading Defending Jacob.
|
|
MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
|
Post by MsKnit on Aug 12, 2015 18:10:44 GMT
After loving The Nightingale, I wanted to read another Kristin Hannah, as Nightingale had been my first. So I picked up the only one my library had - Firefly Lane, and I've got to say, I'm disappointed! I'm only up to "the college years", but it's just so... vapid. I just can't see the point yet. I'll probably plod along until something better comes along! Firefly Lane is normal for a Kristin Hannah book. Though, I think it was one of the more dreadful ones. Hopefully, she will continue to write in the manner of The Nightingale.
|
|
MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
|
Post by MsKnit on Aug 12, 2015 18:19:18 GMT
Haven't been able to read much of anything for the past week and a half. So nothing finished.
But, I did start The Whole 30 book and it's companion book. Also, have been picking through the first Well Fed.
|
|