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Post by fkawitchypea on Jun 30, 2014 11:20:09 GMT
I finished reading China Dolls by Lisa See. I didn't love this one, as much as I wanted to. The story revolved around 3 women beginning in the 1940's and following them through their lives as performers, sometimes together, sometimes apart and told from each of their perspectives. It felt like the author was trying to draw attention to every way Asians were persecuted in the U.S. from pre-World War II to the present. Some of the time periods were very rushed with trying to mention all of political events and celebrities of that time period. I didn't even really like any of the 3, so was not invested in whatever happened to them.
I am now almost finished with The Matchmaker by Elin Hildebrand. She is one of my favorite beachy chick-lit authors. I have been saving the new releases from my favorite chick-lit authors for this week!
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Post by MommyofTriplets on Jun 30, 2014 11:53:15 GMT
Also read The Dinner by Herman Koch. I enjoyed it but thought it was a bit shocking. Anyone read it? Up next is Forgive Me Leonard Peacock. I had mixed feelings about The Dinner. I thought it was an original story and well-written, but I just hated every single person in the book. Not a redeeming quality to be found in any of them. It was kind of depressing. I had to give up on Running with the Pack. It's a philosophy book about running. I think I could get into it some other time, but it's not the right book right now. I'm reading Me Before You - enjoying it so far! Amy
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tuesdaysgone
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Jun 26, 2014 18:26:03 GMT
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Post by tuesdaysgone on Jun 30, 2014 12:32:12 GMT
Three books for me this past week:
Bent Road (Roy) Set the the 60's, a family moves from Detroit to a small town in Kansas. The family tries to adjust to rural life with a lot of family drama and a mystery surrounding two missing girls. While the plot was compelling, the characters felt very flat and sterotyped to me.
Constellation of Vital Phenomena : A title I discovered on this thread and I loved it. Probably the best book I've read so far this summer.
The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken (Hall) This is a light and very fun mystery set in India. I've read all the books in this series. They are a clever and well written.
So happy to have this thread up and running!
Happy reading this week.
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Post by tommygirl on Jun 30, 2014 12:32:50 GMT
I wrote about this on the other thread but this thread looks more official!
Last week I read The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. It was excellent. I have read several books that deal with racism/slavery lately (not sure why). This one portrays a difficult relationship between the slave owner and the slave. I felt it was honest in its portrayal that they didn't hate each other but they didn't love each other either. It was also nice to follow the girls into adulthood and to see how family dynamics impacted each of their lives.
This week I am reading Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers. I usually love her books. This one is starting slow for me.
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Post by Scrapbrat on Jun 30, 2014 12:37:37 GMT
Just reread The Bell Jar---loved it when I was a teen, not so much this time around. Reading Into Thin Air now, and I am more engrossed than I thought I would be. i recently re-read Into Thin Air and I had forgotten how good it is. It is an amazing book.
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Post by lynnek on Jun 30, 2014 12:46:24 GMT
I wrote about this on the other thread but this thread looks more official!
Last week I read The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. It was excellent. I have read several books that deal with racism/slavery lately (not sure why). This one portrays a difficult relationship between the slave owner and the slave. I felt it was honest in its portrayal that they didn't hate each other but they didn't love each other either. It was also nice to follow the girls into adulthood and to see how family dynamics impacted each of their lives.
This week I am reading Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers. I usually love her books. This one is starting slow for me. The Invention of Wings is one of my favorite books of the year so far! I finished The Fever by Megan Abbott. It was ok. It is about a town where the high school girls start falling ill and no one knows why. There are theories about a stagnant lake in town, something in the school and even the vaccination for HPV. It just didn't wrap up in a very satisfying way to me. i started Little Mercies by Heather Gutenkauf and am enjoying it so far.
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Post by pjaye on Jun 30, 2014 12:50:15 GMT
I also finished The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin and loved everything about it. It's a quirky, charming and funny book that had me laughing out loud. It's the story of A.J. a 38 yo bookshop owner in a small town, who's wife recently died and his business isn't going to well. He's miserable and drinking too much, then one day he finds something unexpected has been left in the bookshop for him (don't want to spoil anything so I won't say what). It's his story and that of the people around him. The book is full of references to other books, which I enjoyed (those moments of "I've read that!") I laughed and I cried. 5 out of 5 stars from me. And yes, even though I said I wouldn't ever read another one...I caved and got the audiobook of Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich. I had a bit of traveling to do on the weekend and wanted something short and light that I could switch on and off and still keep up with the story. The last book was a total dud and I didn't have high hopes, but surprisingly this one was much better. No stupid things like random giraffes either. It had a proper storyline that kept me interested and I thought more humor than her last few books had. Back to 'old style' Stephanie. If you are waiting for a resolution to the Morelli/Ranger thing...it doesn't happen in this book 3 stars Last week the Miles Franklin award winner was announced (Australia’s most prestigious literary award) which is given to the book which is "of the highest literary merit and presents Australian life in any of its phases" link). I've started reading this year's winner which is All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld. It's the story of a woman (Jake) who lives alone on a small island with a dog and a flock of sheep...it's becoming obvious that she is running from a terrible past. I'm about 30% in and it's fascinating and quite creepy so far.
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Post by kckckc on Jun 30, 2014 12:57:42 GMT
I only finished one book this week, and it was a quick read.
Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich. Like pjaye, I didn't really have high hopes for this one. I felt like the series was pretty well played out, and haven't really enjoyed the last few. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this one - a few chuckle-worthy moments and a plot that was interesting and well-paced; If you are a fan of the series, I would recommend this one.
eta: Thanks paigepea for starting this thread!
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Post by 1lear on Jun 30, 2014 12:57:47 GMT
LOVE this thread-one of my first thoughts when 2Peas closed was how would I know which books to read! I'm reading The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra. I've only read about 1/3 so far, but am really liking it. The author starts with the background of Nicholas and Alexandra and chronicles the births of each child. So far, it's a wonderful read and I hope to finish it this week.
I also read Looking for Alaska. My daughter really loved this book and recommended it. It's a quick read and I could tell what was going to happen for the most part, but John Green has a way with words and I enjoyed it.
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Post by zoeybug on Jun 30, 2014 13:02:36 GMT
This week I read Secret Lives by Diane Chamberlaine. I picked it after reading about it on last weeks reading thread. I really liked it. Also read The Dinner by Herman Koch. I enjoyed it but thought it was a bit shocking. Anyone read it? Up next is Forgive Me Leonard Peacock. I really liked Forgive Me Leonard Peacock (I'm a fan of Matthew Quick). It's depressing, hopeful and hilarious all at the same time. I'm not sure about The Dinner- I keep reading some mixed reviews about it.
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Post by Neisey on Jun 30, 2014 13:03:59 GMT
I have been doing a fair bit of reading with finally getting some nice weather here I have given up the gym at lunch time to sit outside reading and currently on a 5 day weekend for Canada Day.
For book club I read Heaven is for Real. I'm not a believer but still enjoyed the story of what the family believed.
Private LA by James Patterson was a quick poolside read.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children was on my reader for a long time. I enjoyed it and thought the ending lent itself to a follow up and I see from this thread that I thought correctly.
Started Big Brother by Lionel Shriver (We Need to Talk About Kevin) I find her writing a bit verbose but am enjoying the story.
Looking forward to reading the Dinner sometime over the summer.
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Post by NicL on Jun 30, 2014 13:04:36 GMT
A few for me as it had been a while since I posted at the old bucket:
The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story by R.J. Palacio. I was nervous about a sequel to Wonder because I enjoyed it so much. At first I felt the author was trying too hard but the story soon sucked me right in and I read it in 1 sitting (at 85 pages it is easy to do). Keeping in mind this is a book for 8-12 yo's I thought it was very good.
Like some others I read The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes. What a delight! Great quirky characters with some spunk, it made me laugh and cry, I loved it.
Started a few others I just found meh so progressed on to Heft by Liz Moore, a previous recommendation from peas. The storyline can get a bit emotionally heavy at times (at least for me! Maybe I'm a sook) but the writing is good and I'm enjoying it so far. Looking forward to see how it all pans out.
I am looking forward to Liane Moriarty's (The Husband's Secret/What Alice Forgot fame) new book Big Little Lies which comes out late July.
3 books have come in for me at the library - too many books, not enough time. Not a bad problem to have!
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Jun 30, 2014 14:50:29 GMT
I am looking forward to Liane Moriarty's (The Husband's Secret/What Alice Forgot fame) new book Big Little Lies which comes out late July. Yes! This has been advertised on my kindle lately. I want to say - I love the love on this thread!!
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loco coco
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Jun 26, 2014 16:15:45 GMT
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Post by loco coco on Jun 30, 2014 15:04:01 GMT
starting Jennifer Weiners new book All Fall Down this week
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Post by lollapealooza on Jun 30, 2014 15:49:48 GMT
"Also read The Dinner by Herman Koch. I enjoyed it but thought it was a bit shocking. Anyone read it?"
Yep - I read it. I thought it was a little odd, also...people acted out more than real people ordinarily would, maybe. But overall, it was entertaining!
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Post by littlefish on Jun 30, 2014 15:56:51 GMT
I was out of town for a few days so I only finished one this week, a YA book by Gloria Whelan called Listening for Lions. It's about a girl after WWI whose missionary parents die during the influenza epidemic in Africa. It was split into 3 distinct parts as the book followed the girl's life before, during, and mostly after her parent's death. It was pretty good, but I especially enjoyed how the author described Africa.
Reading that book spurred an ongoing interest into Everest for me. I've read quite a few about that particular disaster as well as other climbing expeditions. I have no desire to actually climb the mountain, just read about it.
Next, I have a stack of Sunshine State Young Reader's Award books to get through for the upcoming school year. None of the titles are familiar.
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Post by mom2luke on Jun 30, 2014 16:45:02 GMT
I am about halfway through Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed. I know it is an oldie but I love Wally Lamb and this is the only book of his that I have never read. Even though it's a bit depressing I am still enjoying it. I am also about half through with The Good Luck of Right Now. I am also enjoying this one. It is definitely quirky. Thank you to Kristen for finding us on Goodreads. And Paigepea for starting this thread!
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valleyview
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Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on Jun 30, 2014 18:49:48 GMT
I read The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair by Joel Decker. Batya recommended it a couple of weeks ago. It is a book about a book about a book. It got slow a time or two, but overall, I liked it. Thanks for starting this thread. I have gotten some great books from your discussions, and I hope to participate more as I pull out of lurkdom.
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Deleted
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Sept 20, 2024 8:37:46 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2014 19:06:16 GMT
I haven't finished anything memorable (as in I really can't remember any titles)in a few weeks, but I wanted to say hi to everyone. I'm glad this thread is continuing -- it was my favorite part of twopeas.
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Post by utmr on Jun 30, 2014 19:51:59 GMT
I finished Rogue by Mark Sullivan. A thriller about a former CIA spy turned thief. He steals stuff, bad guys chase him, he wins, the end. Good, straightforward entertainment. 3.5/5 stars.
Also Brave Girl Eating. A very good, if painful, story of a family trying to save their daughter from anorexia. 4/5
The Gray Man by Mark Greeney. About a burned spy who is being hunted. Generally good but some implausible parts bring it down to a 3.
I'm working on In The Moon of Red Ponies by Jsmes Lee Burke. Interesting enough, beautiful descriptions of Montana scenery but a bit draggy.
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ladygodiva
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Jun 29, 2014 16:47:42 GMT
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Post by ladygodiva on Jun 30, 2014 19:52:18 GMT
I am just getting started on "All the light we cannot see" and so far it is keeping my interest. It has rave reviews on amazon. I recently finished "The Innocent Sleep" which I really enjoyed. It's about a father who puts his son to bed and runs out for 10 mins. While he is gone an earthquake hits and the house with his sleeping son is swallowed into the earth. The son's body was never found. Years later the father sees a child that looks just like his son on the street. This book had a twist that I did not see coming. Highly recommend.
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Post by maryland on Jun 30, 2014 20:28:13 GMT
Is Invention of Wings similar to The Kitchen House? I loved The Kitchen House, and the summary I read sounded similar.
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Post by Karene on Jun 30, 2014 23:04:25 GMT
I read two books by Jojo Moyes; Sheltering Rain and The Horse Dancer. Now I am reading Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. I really enjoy both these writers.
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Mystie
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Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Jun 30, 2014 23:54:18 GMT
I read a bunch of books in the Number One Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. It's been fun catching up with the characters. The series takes place in Botswana, and the stories are so simple but charming.
I also read The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression: Shirley Temple and 1930s America by John F. Kasson. This was a pretty quick read about Shirley, how her career started, and the role she played in Depression-era America. I enjoyed it...I've never read anything about Shirley Temple before, so a lot of the information was new to me.
I am getting ready to start The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish by Linda Przybyszewski.
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Jul 1, 2014 0:48:07 GMT
Is Invention of Wings similar to The Kitchen House? I loved The Kitchen House, and the summary I read sounded similar. Yes, it's similar. I think that The Invention if a Wings focused more on the main characters and was longer, but very similar.
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Jul 1, 2014 0:49:41 GMT
I also read The Little Girl Who Fought the Great Depression: Shirley Temple and 1930s America by John F. Kasson. This was a pretty quick read about Shirley, how her career started, and the role she played in Depression-era America. I enjoyed it...I've never read anything about Shirley Temple before, so a lot of the information was new to We had this out of the library last month because my 8 yr old dd did a biography assignment on Shirley Temple. She led a very full and fantastic life. Paige.
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mimima
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Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on Jul 1, 2014 0:50:18 GMT
I read a two non-fictions about my faith, one about church history in Russia at the turn of the 20th century, A Vanquished Hope by James Cunningham and one about the Virgin Mary, The Orthodox Veneration of the Mary, the Birthgiver of God by St. John Maximovich.
I read books two and three of a four book historical YA series set in 20th century Russia by Gloria Whelan, The Impossible Journey and Burying the Sun.
I finished a book that I'd had stashed that I read a page or two at a time, Edward, Prince of Wales and Aquitaine: The Black Prince by Richard Barber.
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Post by scrapnatya on Jul 1, 2014 0:57:08 GMT
I just started The Light Between Oceans . I bought it last summer for my nook and never read it. So far, so good. The writing is lovely.
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Post by scraphappyinjax on Jul 1, 2014 1:03:38 GMT
Reading the 5th book in the Outlander series - The Fiery Cross. So far, it's good. Not sure if it's because the kids are out of school but I'm finding it difficult to find time to read the book. Maybe with the holiday coming up I'll be able to find some quiet time.....maybe....
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psychgirl
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Jun 26, 2014 1:27:38 GMT
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Post by psychgirl on Jul 1, 2014 1:10:25 GMT
I read my first Sarah Addison Allen this week and I will definitely be reading more. This one was The Girl who Chased the Moon. Recommend this one for sure!
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