The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Feb 8, 2016 0:10:08 GMT
Hello Readers,
I seem to be stuck on one book a week. This week I read the latest in the Darkfever series. Feverborn. A lot of you are familiar with this series, but if you are not, it is supernatural romance/adventure. I really enjoyed them at the beginning of the series, but they certainly are fluffy (although the Fae/post-Apoc Dublin world building does get quite detailed over the duration of the series..
I think it is like the 8th in the series. I truly hated how this one ended. I am OK with this series continuing, but it needs to develop the other characters more. I gave it 3/5.
I am off to reading something with a little more depth this week.
So, what did you read this week?
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finaledition
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Post by finaledition on Feb 8, 2016 0:24:26 GMT
I finished a young adult book Life as We Knew it. It was a post apocalyptic book that I checked out from my online library. It was pretty good, maybe a 3.5. But I realized after that it's just one in a series and my library only carries two and I don't think I liked it enough to spend money on it.
For book club I'm reading The Girl With All the Gifts. It's a dystopian novel and about of the third of the way in its starting to pick up.
Not my usual reading picks, but glad to branch out a bit.
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Post by Charlotte on Feb 8, 2016 0:35:05 GMT
I read two books this week. The Knockoff was a fun "girl power" kind of book and Opening Belle wanted to be a "girl power" kind of book, but it fell flat for me. |
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Mystie
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Post by Mystie on Feb 8, 2016 0:37:13 GMT
Man, I can't believe we're into February already.
I read Marmee and Louisa by Eve LaPlante, about Louisa May Alcott and her mother. It was quite good. Abigail May Alcott has really been ignored by history, and the focus is always on her husband Bronson Alcott, but this author managed to bring out a lot of information about Abigail and how unhappy her marriage was and how much she relied on Louisa.
Then I read Jane Austen's Country Life by Deirdre Le Faye, which was about the countryside Jane Austen lived in, the animals, the farming methods, the rhythms of the rural year, and how she brought all of that out in her books. It really added a lot of richness to the stories. A great book for an Austen fan.
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Post by maryland on Feb 8, 2016 0:43:29 GMT
Read Keep Your Friends Close - Paula Daly and it was good. Reading Pretty Baby - Mary Kubica and really enjoy it so far!
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janeliz
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Post by janeliz on Feb 8, 2016 1:11:09 GMT
I read A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner. I sort of stumbled upon this one on my library's ebook page, and I'm so glad I did. The engaging story moves back and forth between 1911 Ellis Island, with a nurse scarred by her memories of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and modern day Manhattan, with a woman scarred by 9/11. Lots of heartwrenching moments, but a lot of sweet moments as well. I definitely recommend checking this one out.
I've just started Devil in the White City.
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Post by jackie on Feb 8, 2016 1:15:37 GMT
I'm still reading (well listening to) The Lake House by Kate Morton. I'm enjoying it so far and interested to see how the mystery unfolds.
I'm also still reading The Memory Box by Eve Lesko Natiello. It's still an interesting little book. I'm probably about halfway through or so. I'm still not sure how I feel about this author's storytelling. I'll save my true rating until the end.
I've also started my paper book, Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes. This one is about a time-travelling serial killer. One of his victims gets away and now she begins stalking him through time. I'm about 1/3 of the way through. I'm really liking this so far. It's pretty gruesome at times though! The writing is very good. It's a selection from my book club so hopefully it will generate some good discussion.
And, I'm happy to say that I joined a new book club. I especially wanted to make sure and let Debbie and some of the other peas know who were encouraging to me. I've been in a book club for about 6 or 7 years with friends of mine and I enjoy it. I founded it and I'm the one who keeps it going. Occasionally I get frustrated though because people don't show up and then we they do, most haven't read the book. I was thrilled last meeting because almost everyone read the book, A Man Called Ove, and loved it. We had great discussion, but that's not the norm. So, I joined a book club at my library as well. I wasn't sure I would end up going because I'm very shy in new situations. I wouldn't know anyone there. I did end up going though and they were thrilled to have me. Everyone was very welcoming and sweet. The book we read was Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. It's my first book of hers, although I've watched a few of the movies based on her books before. It was a group of about 10--all men and one woman. I was definitely the youngest one there. I would say most are retired (the book club meets at three in the afternoon), but at almost 52, I'm not that far from retirement myself. So, I will be going back. We meet the first Thursday of every month. The book selection for that club is H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald. Based on the description, it's definitely not a book I would choose on my own, but that's part of the fun of a book club! Here's a review of it:
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Post by tampascrapper on Feb 8, 2016 1:17:36 GMT
I listened to Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. I had read somewhere that Stephen King recommended it and said it was scary. While I enjoyed it, I didn't find it scary. I rarely do though.
Right now I'm listening to the Marriagw of Oppisites by Alice Hoffman. I'm about 30% in it and I like it a lot.
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Post by smokeynspike on Feb 8, 2016 1:41:50 GMT
I haven't had a good reading week. I'm still reading last week's book How to Be Single by Liz Tuccillo.
Melissa
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Feb 8, 2016 1:51:01 GMT
DS's grade 11 English class was assigned Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. I'd never read it before so I thought I'd give it a go. Personally, I loved it but I'm kind of surprised that it was chosen for high school English. I have no problem with my kid reading it (it's sparked some great discussions) but I'm kind of doubtful that it would garner approval from all parents.
Anyway, two thumbs up, highly recommended.
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Feb 8, 2016 1:56:29 GMT
I had mentioned that I was trying All The Light You Cannot See again, but I just couldn't get into it. My preordered copy of THE GOLDEN SON by Shilpi Gowda showed up on my kindle and I couldn't resist it. I really hope everyone takes a chance on this because it was just a great book! It is about a boy in the family - the golden son - who leaves his village in India to complete a medical residency in America. The book focuses on his conflict between the modern world in America and his traditional world in India, and it goes back and forth between his story and the story of the girl he left behind. Very good. I couldn't put it down. For anyone who read THE SECRET DAUGHTER, this is the same author. The Secret Daughter was her first book, about a mixed race couple who adopts an Indian child and the mother has trouble feeling a part of the family because the father and daughter bond over their Indian heritage. It also was great. I'm now reading SAVING SOPHIE by Ronald Balson. I read and recommended his first book, ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS a couple of weeks ago. I'm enjoying this so far, but really have just started it. Wish there were more hours in the day  . It seems to be a page turner with a Middle East and Chicago connection. It's very easy to read. Paige. |
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Feb 8, 2016 1:58:35 GMT
I read A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner. I sort of stumbled upon this one on my library's ebook page, and I'm so glad I did. The engaging story moves back and forth between 1911 Ellis Island, with a nurse scarred by her memories of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and modern day Manhattan, with a woman scarred by 9/11. Lots of heartwrenching moments, but a lot of sweet moments as well. I definitely recommend checking this one out. I've just started Devil in the White City. I loved Fall of Marigolds and recommended it here too! She has many other books too. I also read Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meisner. I preferred Fall of marigolds but my mom preferred Secrets of A Charmed life. |
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janeliz
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I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
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Post by janeliz on Feb 8, 2016 2:11:43 GMT
I read A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner. I sort of stumbled upon this one on my library's ebook page, and I'm so glad I did. The engaging story moves back and forth between 1911 Ellis Island, with a nurse scarred by her memories of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and modern day Manhattan, with a woman scarred by 9/11. Lots of heartwrenching moments, but a lot of sweet moments as well. I definitely recommend checking this one out. I've just started Devil in the White City. I loved Fall of Marigolds and recommended it here too! She has many other books too. I also read Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meisner. I preferred Fall of marigolds but my mom preferred Secrets of A Charmed life. Oh, good! I had taken a look at some of her other titles and thought I might pick up "Secrets of a Charmed Life" next. |
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Post by hollymolly on Feb 8, 2016 2:32:18 GMT
I'm reading Confessions of a Shopaholic because it was next up on my bookshelf, but I am not liking it. I don't care for the main character at all. She's so irresponsible, and she doesn't seem to have any charm or really anything to offset her bad behavior. I'm going to stick it out a little bit longer, because I sense that there is redemption coming.
I decided last year that it was time to try some chick lit, so I bought one book each from several popular authors. So far, Jennifer Weiner is a No, Emily Giffen is a Yes, JoJo Moyes is a big Yes, and Jane Green is a Yes. Sophie Kinsella appears to be another No.
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
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Post by TXMary on Feb 8, 2016 2:52:07 GMT
I'm still reading 11-22-63. At the rate I'm going, I will be reading it for the rest of my life.  . I have only had time to read in bed and I fall asleep after a few pages. We are going to the beach this weekend so I hope to make a bigger dent in it then. About 200 pages in and loving it so far though!! |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2016 3:20:25 GMT
I just finished "The Perfect Son" by Barbara Claypole White. I found it when digging around in the Kindle Unlimited books.
It was fabulous. I loves the flow of the story. I loved how the characters developed. I loved how flawed but redeemable the characters were.
It is so worth reading! And it's only $2 in the Kindle Store right now.
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marianne
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Post by marianne on Feb 8, 2016 3:37:48 GMT
I read Dead Wrong by Helen Durrant and Whisky Sour by J. A. Konrath. Both are mysteries from my free/cheapies stash. A little gory and dark but not so much that I didn't enjoy them.
I'm plodding through Dying Eyes by Ryan Casey and really not enjoying it that much. It just goes on and on, very slow-paced, with nothing going on and very unlikeable characters. I've almost given up on it several times but stuck with it because now I want to know who the bad guy really is!
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Post by birukitty on Feb 8, 2016 3:47:47 GMT
Just one for me this week. I read The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory which is the story of Jacquetta the Duchess of Bedford, who's first marriage to the Duke of Bedford ends early on, and she is left a wealthy widow. She does the unthinkable and marries for love to someone beneath her-the knight who was her husband's squire Richard Woodville. The two of them become parents to many children including their first Elizabeth Woodville who's story is told in the book The White Queen and the Starz series when she grows up, marries the young king Edward of York and becomes Queen.
I really liked this book, because it tied up a lot of loose threads for me-such as what happened to the King before Edward of York-Henry the V1-I don't know how to make Roman Numerals on a computer but I'm trying to type Henry the 6th. In this book Jacquetta throughout her marriage spends a good deal of her time at court as a lady in waiting and the closest friend of the Queen-Margaret of Anjou. So I got to learn a great deal about this King and what happened to him during his reign, especially about his various illnesses that caused him to lose power.
I like historical fiction the best, and especially books about women, strong women especially. Jacquetta Woodville was certainly a woman like that, at least according to this historical fiction novel.
Jackie-I'm so happy to hear that not only did you find a book club and go, but that you enjoyed it. Hooray! I just did a search for around here for a bookclub and so far there seem to be two (or three) choices for me. One is at our local library here in Annapolis. In ten days there is a book club discussion on a book I read back in August The Nightingale, and I'd much rather go to one with a new book to me that I read for the first meeting. The second choice is a book club that meets at the bar/tavern I mentioned before. They are meeting in April (yeah, awhile from now) but it looks like an interesting book, and hopefully by then I'll be over this blasted sinus infection that I've been fighting since November 2nd. In the meantime I'll keep my eyes open on the library book clubs (we have various locations and there are two near me so that doubles the choices) and hopefully I'll get well soon. I'm glad you enjoyed your time at book club and you've encouraged me to seek one out here and go.
Debbie in MD.
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Post by stingfan on Feb 8, 2016 4:13:44 GMT
I read Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train. What a lot of unlikable characters! But they were definitely compelling.
I also read Tina Fey's Bossypants. I mostly liked it but didn't think it was anything super special. Seems like it got a lot of great reviews back when it came out.
Next up is To Kill a Mockingbird for book club. We're reading that this month and Go Set a Watchman next month. We'll see how it goes...
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Post by annabella on Feb 8, 2016 4:18:57 GMT
The past week has been slow for me. Even though I have a ton of books in my to-read list on goodreads, I don't know what to read next. In the meantime, I'm reading Tiny Buddha's 365 Tiny Love Challenges by Lori Deschene. It's a daily inspiration guide with challenges to be kinder to people along with stories of people who have practiced kind gestures. It's a guide to strengthen your relationships with everyone around you by being happy.
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gottapeanow
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Post by gottapeanow on Feb 8, 2016 4:30:45 GMT
I had a really off reading week as well. I should have library books come in this week. I have been so tired in bed at night, and it's really hard to read Gone with the Wind when you are only reading 10 pages at a time. Lol! Maybe I will have more time this week. Lisa |
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Post by pjaye on Feb 8, 2016 5:57:15 GMT
The book selection for that club is H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald.
I thought about getting this one, but someone in my GRs group listened to it and while they thought it was well written and aspects of it were interesting, they didn't finish it because of the descriptions of all the small animals sacrificed as food for the hawks. Apparently there's lots of talk about what live animals the hawks are being fed, and I'm already hypertensive to animal death of any sort...if there's too much of it for a 'normal' person, then it's definitely going to be too much for me.
Good to hear you enjoyed the book club, well done for going!
This week I listened to The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler, which is a debut novel. Told from two different points of view, Simon a librarian in modern day, who lives alone in a crumbling house and then he is sent a book which goes back into the 1700s and tells of the various performers in a travelling circus. There's a bit of magical realism (tarot card readers and mermaids) as well. Simon gradually realises he is linked to the people in the book and that several of the women in his family all died on the same day. I enjoyed this, Interesting story with likable characters. If you like a little touch of magic, then you'll probably enjoy this one. I gave it 4 stars.
Next was The Wolf Border by Sarah Hall. This is about Rachel, who is a wildlife biologist specialising in wolves. She has been living in the USA and returns to England to manage the introduction of a breeding wolf pair to a private estate. Her mother is also terminally ill, and she has a bad relationship with her brother. The blurb of the book makes it sound like it's mainly about the wolves, the opposite is true, the wolf story is secondary and Rachel and her various relationships and challenges are the main focus. As I mentioned above I get a bit 'touchy' about animals in books especially if there are too many gory details, but it was minimal not much focus on the wolves killing or eating (a couple of short descriptions) but reasonable. I loved this one, I wished it was longer as I wanted Rachel's story to go on and see what happened to her next. I'd definitely recommend this and it's a good 4-4.5 stars for me.
Now I've started a book that I've heard people rave about for years A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I'm only 10% in, but I don't think I'm going to like it. There's already too much talk of religion, and I'm getting uncomfortable about reading them picking an a kid who seems to have a physical disability (they keep referring to him as exceptionally small and with a weird voice), and there's already been too much baseball in it for my liking...ack and I have 90% to go! I remember seeing movies based on his books and I was prepared for weird, but if it's going to be all religion, baseball and sex, then I won't be able to finish it. I'll persevere for a bit longer and see if it improves.
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Mary Kay Lady
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Post by Mary Kay Lady on Feb 8, 2016 9:09:02 GMT
I read Second Life. It's about a woman whose sister is killed and she tries to track down the murder. It's a thriller. It was good, but not one of my favorites. It has a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. |
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tuesdaysgone
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Post by tuesdaysgone on Feb 8, 2016 10:53:59 GMT
Like pjaye, I read Book of Speculation and I enjoyed it as well. She gives a very good summary. I'll add that the characters are well drawn and complex, which is always a plus for me.
I also read a new children's book, Under the Egg. It's about a girl and her mother living in dire circumstances in her grandfather's NYC brownstone. The girl finds a painting in the grandfather's studio which may or may not be a Raphael. The girl sets off on a quest to prove the painting is authentic and in the process discovers a lot about her grandfather. The central character is quirky and funny without being annoying. While the plot is highly improbable, it's still a fun read and I have several 4th & 5th graders who I know will enjoy it. I like it, because there is a lot of history in the book, both WWII and art history. I love books for children that include history.
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Post by pjaye on Feb 8, 2016 11:04:48 GMT
also read a new children's book, Under the Egg. It's about a girl and her mother living in dire circumstances in her grandfather's NYC brownstone. The girl finds a painting in the grandfather's studio which may or may not be a Raphael. I listened to this last year, and I agree, a really well done children's book, but also still interesting enough for adults. I really liked it too. |
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Post by kellybelly77 on Feb 8, 2016 15:40:16 GMT
I read the best book last week!
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. About a young Irish gal who makes her way to the US in the 1950's to find work. The story talks about her struggles and finding love in both countries. It was recently made into a movie (November). I really want to see it! It was fluff and a super quick read.
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Post by lynnek on Feb 8, 2016 17:12:01 GMT
I read Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys who wrote Between Shades of Grey. It is a YA book about four teenagers in WWII all making their way to board the Wilhelm Gustloff to sail away from the dangers of war. I really enjoyed the stories of the four characters. And while the Wilhelm Gustloff disaster is the worst maritime tragedy in history, I had never heard of it. SO it was interesting to read.
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Post by ExpatBackHome on Feb 8, 2016 19:53:17 GMT
I just finished Crash and Burn by Lisa Gardner. Someone on these threads recommended it in the past few weeks. I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read.
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Feb 8, 2016 19:55:09 GMT
I read:
The City & The City by China Mieville. 3/5 stars. Okay for me. In the end I just couldn't commit to the world he created nor become invested in the crime story. It was the first book I read of his and I'm wondering if it wasn't the best book to start with.
Golden Son by Pierce Brown. 4/5 stars. I reread this one in anticipation of the final book coming out tomorrow. Just as good the second time around. I'm glad I reread it because there were a lot of details I had forgotten. I read a review somewhere that said if the first book is Hunger Games and the second is Game of Thrones, then the third is Star Wars. I'm anxious to read it!
I'm currently reading The Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. I've read Life After Life and A God in Ruins (enjoyed both of those a lot) and this is the first I've read of her Jackson Brodie books. So far I like it.
On deck I have: Morning Star (final book of Red Rising trilogy), Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic, The Golden Son (by Shilpi Somaya Gowda), A Manual for Cleaning Women, The Language of Secrets (follow up to the great mystery book The Unquiet Dead), and Vanessa and Her Sister.
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mimima
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Post by mimima on Feb 8, 2016 20:14:41 GMT
And, I'm happy to say that I joined a new book club. I especially wanted to make sure and let Debbie and some of the other peas know who were encouraging to me. I've been in a book club for about 6 or 7 years with friends of mine and I enjoy it. I founded it and I'm the one who keeps it going. Occasionally I get frustrated though because people don't show up and then we they do, most haven't read the book. I was thrilled last meeting because almost everyone read the book, A Man Called Ove, and loved it. We had great discussion, but that's not the norm. So, I joined a book club at my library as well. I wasn't sure I would end up going because I'm very shy in new situations. I wouldn't know anyone there. I did end up going though and they were thrilled to have me. Everyone was very welcoming and sweet. The book we read was Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. It's my first book of hers, although I've watched a few of the movies based on her books before. It was a group of about 10--all men and one woman. I was definitely the youngest one there. I would say most are retired (the book club meets at three in the afternoon), but at almost 52, I'm not that far from retirement myself. So, I will be going back. We meet the first Thursday of every month. The book selection for that club is H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald. Based on the description, it's definitely not a book I would choose on my own, but that's part of the fun of a book club! Here's a review of it:
Good for you! I am so happy that you went and enjoyed! I want to read that one, but haven't. I read a Steve Berry The Charlemagne Pursuit - it was your typical Berry thriller, fun, farfetched, and enjoyable. I read a YA by a woman who is speaking at a Women's Retreat that I am attending at the end of the month. Letters to St. Lydia. It was good, definitely an older teen YA rather than younger. I also read a children's book about three American Saints. I finished the week with The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. I greatly enjoyed it, definitely made me interested in the history. |
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. It seems to be a page turner with a Middle East and Chicago connection. It's very easy to read. 
. I have only had time to read in bed and I fall asleep after a few pages. We are going to the beach this weekend so I hope to make a bigger dent in it then. About 200 pages in and loving it so far though!! 
