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Post by Yoki on Jul 21, 2014 0:44:58 GMT
I gave up on Outlander. I love history, however not that era. I'm reading The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street and loving it. It takes place in early 1900's when this Jewish family comes to America. It spans time to current. The heroine of the book is hysterical. Love the writing. Someone here recommended it!!!! Thanks!!!! I think that was me - glad to hear you're enjoying it!
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Post by RobbyKay on Jul 21, 2014 1:45:39 GMT
Hi Reading Pea Refugees!
My book club title this month is Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. It's a fictionalized account of a woman who carried on an affair with Frank Lloyd Wright around 1909. So far, I'm really enjoying it. I thought it would deal heavily with FLW and architecture, but it's more of a commentary on the social consequences of a woman of some fame choosing her lover over her family in the early 20th century.
I'm also reading Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. It's a YA title and set in Australia in the late 60s. It has a To Kill A Mockingbird flavor to it.
I'm listening to Room by Emma Donoghue. Yeah, I'm late to the party on this one. So far, so good.
Happy reading!
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Post by lynnek on Jul 21, 2014 2:01:02 GMT
I read The Beach House by Georgia Bocklove. I heard about it from this thread last week. It's set in Santa Cruz where I grew up. It's one of those books that try to cover everything in 300+ pages - Death, divorce, good kids, bad kids, sexual tension, etc. It wasn't bad, but not a must read. And it was only $1.99 on Kindle. On audio, I listened to The Vessel by Taylor Stevens. Its a novella (3 hours long) that finishes her last book The Doll. Now I'm all primed and ready to start The Catch that was released this week. Looking forward to my commute. I just started Dark Witch by Nora Roberts. I'm 10% in and liking it. I didn't realize The Vessel was a novella. I have that checked out from the library right now but it is due in like two days, so I am glad to hear it is short. I can get it read before it is due. And I'll have to see if the library has The Catch. I enjoy Taylor Stevens books.
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Post by sugarmama on Jul 21, 2014 2:05:05 GMT
Smayer--I went to a book signing for Taylor Stevens this week and got to hear her talk about her life and the books she has written. She has such an interesting background! She said she did rely heavily on her past for the second book, THE INNOCENT, but has no plans at this time to write an autobiography. I really enjoyed hearing her speak--very engaging! Also, I am not sure if you're aware of this, but James Cameron has an option to film THE INFORMATIONIST. All this is on her website, but I thought I would add the info anyhow.
I am reading ISLAND BENEATH THE SEA, a bit of an oldie, but very good. I'm really enjoying all the history of Haiti and New Orleans that the author has included in the novel.
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Post by lynnek on Jul 21, 2014 2:18:34 GMT
Smayer--I went to a book signing for Taylor Stevens this week and got to hear her talk about her life and the books she has written. She has such an interesting background! She said she did rely heavily on her past for the second book, THE INNOCENT, but has no plans at this time to write an autobiography. I really enjoyed hearing her speak--very engaging! Also, I am not sure if you're aware of this, but James Cameron has an option to film THE INFORMATIONIST. All this is on her website, but I thought I would add the info anyhow. I am reading ISLAND BENEATH THE SEA, a bit of an oldie, but very good. I'm really enjoying all the history of Haiti and New Orleans that the author has included in the novel. I would love to hear her speak! I am sure that is always the first question she gets - are you going to write an autobiography. I have read quite a bit about her just because she seems to have led quite the life! I had heard that the rights to the film had been sold. I think her books would make very good movies!
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,456
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 21, 2014 2:25:44 GMT
Smayer--I went to a book signing for Taylor Stevens this week and got to hear her talk about her life and the books she has written. She has such an interesting background! She said she did rely heavily on her past for the second book, THE INNOCENT, but has no plans at this time to write an autobiography. I really enjoyed hearing her speak--very engaging! Also, I am not sure if you're aware of this, but James Cameron has an option to film THE INFORMATIONIST. All this is on her website, but I thought I would add the info anyhow. I am reading ISLAND BENEATH THE SEA, a bit of an oldie, but very good. I'm really enjoying all the history of Haiti and New Orleans that the author has included in the novel. I read about the movie and her previous life on her website. I don't usually like to watch movies (weird, I know) but I would see The Informationist. And, I would love to hear her speak. Such a great thriller writer. I've only had her books on audio and the narrator is really good, too.
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Post by sugarmama on Jul 21, 2014 2:42:30 GMT
lynne and smayer--Taylor Stevens is the gal you want to have a beer with and just hang out. At least that is how she seemed to me. She's seen so much of the world, she probably has a ton of good stories.
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Post by 5peanutsnana on Jul 21, 2014 2:48:30 GMT
I just finished reading Camerado, I Give You My Hand by Maura Poston Zagrans. It is a true story of my uncle's brother, David Link, who is an attorney and was the Dean of Law at the University of Notre Dame for many years. After being widowed he became a Catholic Priest at the age of 71. Instead of retirement he is ministering to men behind bars at Indiana State Prison and making a huge difference in their lives. He is a truly an inspirational man and it was a great read.
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gina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,303
Jun 26, 2014 1:59:16 GMT
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Post by gina on Jul 21, 2014 3:15:10 GMT
I finished The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain. As per Goodreads, my review: The Midwife's Confession
3.6 / 5
This book fell between 3-4 stars for me, but I was generous and rounded up with my rating (mainly because Diane Chamberlain is one of my favorite authors). It had a lot of little twisty turns but you could see them coming from chapters away. Still, an enjoyable read. Just not one of my favorites from her. Not sure what I am going to start tonight but I'll check back once I do. Probably another Diane Chamberlain since I was on the wait list for two books and they both just became available on my Kindle.
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violet
Full Member
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Jul 9, 2014 2:39:32 GMT
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Post by violet on Jul 21, 2014 3:48:15 GMT
Just started The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.
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Post by honeyb on Jul 21, 2014 3:58:38 GMT
I finished All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner this weekend. Really liked it, but made me feel sad. Might be because it was a little too close to home?
I am reading Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer now. I always enjoy a good fluffy read, especially since the last one was a bit heavy.
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paigepea
Drama Llama
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Posts: 5,609
Location: BC, Canada
Jun 26, 2014 4:28:55 GMT
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Post by paigepea on Jul 21, 2014 6:34:14 GMT
Smayer--I went to a book signing for Taylor Stevens this week and got to hear her talk about her life and the books she has written. She has such an interesting background! She said she did rely heavily on her past for the second book, THE INNOCENT, but has no plans at this time to write an autobiography. I really enjoyed hearing her speak--very engaging! Also, I am not sure if you're aware of this, but James Cameron has an option to film THE INFORMATIONIST. All this is on her website, but I thought I would add the info anyhow. I am reading ISLAND BENEATH THE SEA, a bit of an oldie, but very good. I'm really enjoying all the history of Haiti and New Orleans that the author has included in the novel. I read about the movie and her previous life on her website. I don't usually like to watch movies (weird, I know) but I would see The Informationist. And, I would love to hear her speak. Such a great thriller writer. I've only had her books on audio and the narrator is really good, too. I didn't know there was going to be a movie! I'd love to see it. I enjoyed the second book, but didn't like The Doll.
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Post by Katiepotatie on Jul 21, 2014 7:23:00 GMT
I am FINALLY reading THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. About 75% through...should finish tomorrow. It's a quick read. And REALLY GOOD. I don't want to rush through the ending. And I want to be alone, so it may take an extra day.
Next up...BAREFOOT by Elin Hilderbrand. Need a little summer chick lit. Then it's on to TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, which I'm embarrassed to sag I've never read. But it recently (finally!!) came out digitally, and was only 3.99! So now I have no excuse not to read it.
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Post by lesserknownpea on Jul 21, 2014 8:20:42 GMT
I flew through Silver Linings Playbook By Matthew Quick. I couldn't sot turning the pages, but it left me, meh. 3/5
Practice to Deceive by Anne Rule was also just ok. I love Ms Rule, but the story was just ok, she included too many details about people who weren't too close to the murder storyline. 3/5
I am currently reading When Jesus Became God by Richard E Rubinstein a well researched account of the politics behind the Nicene Creed. Absolutely fascinating
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Post by Fidget on Jul 21, 2014 10:35:24 GMT
I finished Mr. Mercedes and I loved it! Not sure what's up next. I need to do a quick review of The Light Between Oceans which I read a couple years ago, but is my book club book for July.
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Post by DinCA on Jul 21, 2014 11:09:30 GMT
I'm reading The Fault In Our Stars and can't really get into it. I want to like it because so many Peas did but frankly I don't like it much. I just ditched it because I couldn't get into it either. I really wanted to like it but I think this is a rare occasion when I might like the movie more than the book. I started The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness instead. It's the third book in the All Souls trilogy. I'm loving it so far!
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Post by Jubel on Jul 21, 2014 12:20:56 GMT
I finished Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes.
On the cusp of adulthood, eighteen-year-old Penny Carson is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign town, Penny’s happily-ever-after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn’t the last, yet the bruises that can’t be seen are the most painful of all.
It's not something i usually read, i'm more of a historical fiction/romance reader. This one was a free download that i had gotten sometimes last year. I did like the authors writing style, can't say i liked the nature of the story but overall it was a pretty good read.
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Post by pjaye on Jul 21, 2014 12:22:50 GMT
I finished White Heat by M.J. McGrath. Set in the Canadian Arctic and the main character Edie Kiglatuk is a half-Inuit woman who gets caught up in the murder of 2 tourists who seem to be searching for something specific in that area. The murder mystery part of the story was good but not great, but what I really liked were her descriptions of the conditions and the traditions and lives of the people who live there. I thought those parts of the novel were the most fascinating aspects...did lots of googling, musk ox, lemmings (OMG they are so cute!), char and pictures of Inuit people. I'd give the 'whodunnit' aspect of the story 3 out of 5 stars but the descriptions of the area & Inuit culture 4 out of 5.
I'm just about to finish The Butcher by Jennifer Hillier. Probably not normally the sort of book I'd think to pick up but a friend brought the audiobook and gave me a copy insisting that I'd like it. He was right! It's basically a serial killer novel & the twist is that we know all along who the killer is...a bit like the TV show Dexter. It's not a spoiler because it's in the very first part of the book, but when former police chief Edward Shank moves into a retirement home, he leaves the family home to his grandson Matt...but soon after moving in, Matt discovers evidence that his ex cop grandfather was actually the serial killer known as "The Butcher" who had killed multiple women decades earlier. The author does a great job of keeping the story interesting despite the fact that there's no crime to 'solve'. It is a serial killer book and it is a bit violent and graphic in places, but not overdone with excessive descriptions/gore. I've only got about 15% to go before the end, so hopefully it doesn't have an awful ending that wrecks it all...probably 4 out 5 at this stage. Will come back and update when I've finished it. ETA: Finished it, good ending. Definitely 4 out of 5 stars and if you like the occassional serial killer novel, then I'd recommend this one.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,402
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Jul 21, 2014 12:26:58 GMT
I'm reading The Fault In Our Stars and can't really get into it. I want to like it because so many Peas did but frankly I don't like it much. Same here. I gave up around quarter if the way through. Not my cup of tea at all.
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Post by ingrid6 on Jul 21, 2014 12:30:03 GMT
I'm currently reading Elephant Girl: A Human Story by Jane Devin
Book Description Publication Date: July 31, 2011 Written in three distinct voices—child, teen and adult—Jane Devin takes readers on an intimate, imaginative and often harrowing life journey. Born unwanted and raised without love, the child-author invents a rich inner life to see her through years of trauma. Leaving home at 16, the teen-author struggles to find happiness and a sense of place in a world that feels confusing and unfamiliar. Then, years after stumbling into an adulthood mired in tragedy and broken dreams, the woman-author finds herself at a crossroads. The choice she ultimately makes is as stunning as it is brave.Told in unflinching and often lyrical prose, Elephant Girl goes beyond a singular life story to speak of powerful, universal truths and the ability of the human spirit to redeem itself.
I'm about 1/2 way through it and it's hard to put down. Heavy at times, but very good.
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Post by 1lear on Jul 21, 2014 12:35:03 GMT
I was on vacation last week and didn't have a chance to read as much as I had planned. I'm currently about 1/2 through Natchez Burning and am really enjoying it.
We were vacationing in southern West Virginia and while in an antique shop, I found a photo from a 1924 KKK meeting. Very creepy looking, but now I wish I'd bought it to put in my scrapbook.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jul 21, 2014 13:15:56 GMT
I read the new Janet Evanovich Top Secret 21. It was good - exactly what you'd expect from her Stephanie Plum series. Cute, easy reading. And just prior to that I read her #15 book because somehow I missed that along the way.
I'm currently 3/4 way through Hissy Fit. It's the first Mary Kay Andrews book I've read and I really like it so far. Perfect summer reading.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jul 21, 2014 13:21:36 GMT
Just started The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. I forgot I read this one last week. I enjoyed it once I got into it a ways but honestly almost stopped reading after a few chapters because I couldn't get into the main character. I'm glad I such it out though.
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Post by SockMonkey on Jul 21, 2014 13:23:39 GMT
Just started The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. I forgot I read this one last week. I enjoyed it once I got into it a ways but honestly almost stopped reading after a few chapters because I couldn't get into the main character. I'm glad I such it out though. I really enjoyed the first half of that book. And then it all went to crap. The second half (and the ending) made me not recommend it to people.
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linda
Shy Member
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Jun 26, 2014 19:13:38 GMT
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Post by linda on Jul 21, 2014 14:40:37 GMT
I read If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I liked it and am looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes out- although I am not sure how they will make a full-length movie out of this book as it was rather short.
I am currently reading Top Secret Twenty-one by Janet Evanovich.
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Post by tinafb on Jul 21, 2014 14:45:31 GMT
I just finished Fangirl. LOVED IT!
I'm now catching up on the Stephanie Plum books, I have 16-20 from the library and am on Explosive Eighteen.
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Post by mom2luke on Jul 21, 2014 15:51:13 GMT
I finally finished The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. Definitely my least favorite book of his. It is the story of a husband and wife that both worked at Columbine High School during the shootings. The husband was actually out of town at the time but the wife was in the library. I really enjoyed the first half of the book but the second half just dragged and veered off point to me.
I also read The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick. I really enjoyed the quirky characters in this book. Very enjoyable.
Yesterday I started If I Stayby Gayle Forman. This is super short and I should finish tonight. I am really enjoying it though!
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violet
Full Member
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Jul 9, 2014 2:39:32 GMT
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Post by violet on Jul 21, 2014 15:58:47 GMT
I forgot I read this one last week. I enjoyed it once I got into it a ways but honestly almost stopped reading after a few chapters because I couldn't get into the main character. I'm glad I such it out though. I really enjoyed the first half of that book. And then it all went to crap. The second half (and the ending) made me not recommend it to people. I've made it to chapter 5, but so far having a hard time getting into it. Debating whether or not to continue reading, or switch to my next book The House At Riverton by Kate Morton.
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photohappycdn
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Jul 6, 2014 10:46:47 GMT
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Post by photohappycdn on Jul 21, 2014 17:04:56 GMT
I am currently reading Top Secret Twenty-one by Janet Evanovich. I read Top Secret Twenty-One last month and really enjoyed it. Last week I read "Sixth Grave on the Edge" by Darynda Jones. I really enjoyed it and am patiently waiting for Book Seven to go from "on order" to received at my library! This week I am reading "Eggs in a Casket" by Laura Childs. So far, so good.
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Deleted
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Oct 5, 2024 17:47:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2014 17:28:57 GMT
I read O rdinary Grace. It was excellent. He is a Minnesota author, so I recognized a lot of the setting, but it is wonderfully descriptive no matter your familiarity. It takes place in the summer of 1962 and narrated by a man looking back at his 14 year old self. A series of deaths occur in a small town along the banks of the Minnesota River. Heartbreaking, redemptive, mysterious and well written---it might be my favorite book if the year so far. (And I've read over 40). I am currently reading this and I just wanted to ask....did you not find that some of the sentences seemed to go on and on and on? I kept telling me husband, look at this sentence! It is forever long!
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