What are YOU reading? (Formerly Summer of Books...)

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Finished Other People's Clothes by Calla Henkel.

It was good. It's your usual unlikable female protagonist who gets caught in a situation and everyone questions her sanity but she's eventually is proven right.

I liked this one because it involved books and mystery writing that kept me engaged with the plot.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Just finished the biography of Princess Mary….Queen Elizabeth’s aunt and the sister to George VI and Edward VII.  

She was one busy lady, but everything she did pretty much went unnoticed.  

[snapdragon]

Finished the first 10 JJ Graves mysteries by Liliana Hart -- I really enjoy the characters and the writing style of the series. I need to get book 11 from the library.

Started listening to Changes by Mercedes Lackey in the car. Listening to Murder Mittens by RJ Blain (she is my comfort books pretty much right now) and reading one other called The Deal which is a romance.

[irishpad]

Just finished Leviathan Falls which is the last book in the Expanse series by James S.A. Corey.  Science Fiction series initially based just in our solar system.   I think it was the SyFy channel that made a TV series of it which lasted 5 seasons and ends about 2/3's of the way through the book series.  Good conclusion to the series.  Throughout, a lot of insight into human society, it's divisions, greed, different cultures.  There are several short novels that dive more into particular events or characters in the series so I will read some of those next.   

[Deleted]

Love & Saffron was a quick, light, feel-good read. I highly recommend it. 

[raeoflyte]

I've picked up so many books to read for myself in the last year and can't get into, let alone finish any of them. I even picked up a star wars book thinking that was a no brainer and barely trudged through the prologue.

I read with the kids but that's it. I hope my reading bug comes back someday.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Feb 24, 2022 11:10:07 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

I've picked up so many books to read for myself in the last year and can't get into, let alone finish any of them. I even picked up a star wars book thinking that was a no brainer and barely trudged through the prologue.

I read with the kids but that's it. I hope my reading bug comes back someday.

To be fair some of the new Star Wars novels approved by Disney are freaking awful.  Most of them get returned to the library and I haven't even made it through 50 pages.  The only new ones I've enjoyed were by Timothy Zahn who is the OG of the extended universe.

I also enjoyed the short story compilation for the anniversary of Empire Strikes Back, there are really good ones in there.  Star Wars seems to benefit from the short story model.

[NoNamePerson]

A little OT but just opened email from Library listing new mysteries. Did not know that Dolly Parton and James Patterson have a book out. Had to place a hold since it is on order and not even in the library and tons of holds already! I love mysteries, Dolly and Mr. Patterson so this should be interesting. Hey, I don't do a lot of "heavy" reading. BTDT for way to many years. I am in the Feel Good stage of life now - as I watch Evil Lives Here     

[NoNamePerson]

Feb 24, 2022 11:10:07 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

I've picked up so many books to read for myself in the last year and can't get into, let alone finish any of them. I even picked up a star wars book thinking that was a no brainer and barely trudged through the prologue.

I read with the kids but that's it. I hope my reading bug comes back someday.

I go thru spells like this. Can't get thru 50 pages and stop. But then I will get the bug and finish off books and on to another one. Bottom line there is hope!!

[minnesotapaintlady]

Feb 24, 2022 11:10:07 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

I've picked up so many books to read for myself in the last year and can't get into, let alone finish any of them. I even picked up a star wars book thinking that was a no brainer and barely trudged through the prologue.

I read with the kids but that's it. I hope my reading bug comes back someday.

I used to read a lot, but the last few years barely anything.  I'm lucky to get through a couple books a year, but I discovered I do a lot better with audiobooks that I can have on in the car or while I'm working or out for a walk.  Last night I was going in to pause my audible subscription because $16/month seemed like too much and I still had a couple books I could listen to still and instead took their offer of a one year subscription with 12 credits for $97. 

So now I need suggestions for good books on Audible!

[Deleted]

Feb 25, 2022 9:10:23 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Feb 24, 2022 11:10:07 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

I've picked up so many books to read for myself in the last year and can't get into, let alone finish any of them. I even picked up a star wars book thinking that was a no brainer and barely trudged through the prologue.

I read with the kids but that's it. I hope my reading bug comes back someday.

I used to read a lot, but the last few years barely anything.  I'm lucky to get through a couple books a year, but I discovered I do a lot better with audiobooks that I can have on in the car or while I'm working or out for a walk.  Last night I was going in to pause my audible subscription because $16/month seemed like too much and I still had a couple books I could listen to still and instead took their offer of a one year subscription with 12 credits for $97. 

So now I need suggestions for good books on Audible!

I don't like listening to Audible when walking. I prefer to hear what is going on around me. Cars coming? Bears? Wolves?

Some good Audible books I enjoyed:

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

[minnesotapaintlady]

Feb 25, 2022 9:18:44 GMT -5 @beckaroo said:

Feb 25, 2022 9:10:23 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I used to read a lot, but the last few years barely anything.  I'm lucky to get through a couple books a year, but I discovered I do a lot better with audiobooks that I can have on in the car or while I'm working or out for a walk.  Last night I was going in to pause my audible subscription because $16/month seemed like too much and I still had a couple books I could listen to still and instead took their offer of a one year subscription with 12 credits for $97. 

So now I need suggestions for good books on Audible!

I don't like listening to Audible when walking. I prefer to hear what is going on around me. Cars coming? Bears? Wolves?

Some good Audible books I enjoyed:

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

I'll check them out.

No bears, wolves or cars on the paths I walk, so it's all good.

[saveinla]

I somehow don't like the style of Erin Hildebrand - something puts me off, although she is always in the top of the book list recommendations that I get.

[raeoflyte]

Feb 25, 2022 9:10:23 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Feb 24, 2022 11:10:07 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

I've picked up so many books to read for myself in the last year and can't get into, let alone finish any of them. I even picked up a star wars book thinking that was a no brainer and barely trudged through the prologue.

I read with the kids but that's it. I hope my reading bug comes back someday.

I used to read a lot, but the last few years barely anything.  I'm lucky to get through a couple books a year, but I discovered I do a lot better with audiobooks that I can have on in the car or while I'm working or out for a walk.  Last night I was going in to pause my audible subscription because $16/month seemed like too much and I still had a couple books I could listen to still and instead took their offer of a one year subscription with 12 credits for $97. 

So now I need suggestions for good books on Audible!

I loved audio books when I was commuting. I should try them when I'm on the treadmill. But I just put a TV in that room which I also love and might win out at least for a while. I never sit down to watch on the real TV so it feels like a treat to have a screen to myself.

[Deleted]

I just got Providence by Max Barry and The 1619 Project on my Kindle so I'll report back next month.  I think someone here recommended Providence

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Feb 25, 2022 11:46:56 GMT -5 @soupandstew said:

I just got Providence by Max Barry and The 1619 Project on my Kindle so I'll report back next month.  I think someone here recommended Providence

Me!  At first I was a little skeptical but I got pulled in the more I read.  As  I processed the social commentary I was really impressed with how well it was woven into the story.  It didn't beat you over the head with it to the point where you disengaged with the story.

It's one I will definitely read again.

I think if you liked the The Martian and/or if you are a fan of Starship Troopers you'll like the book.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Decided to put down Her Hidden Genius.

It's historical fiction about Rosalind Franklin.

It's a good book but I already know her story inside and out. There is no motivation for me to finish when I know the ending.

But others might like it.

I may try one of her other books about figures I'm not so familiar with. The Other Enstein sounds good It's about his wife . It is now believed she had a huge role in developing the theory relativity.

[snapdragon]

Feb 25, 2022 10:28:07 GMT -5 saveinla said:

I somehow don't like the style of Erin Hildebrand - something puts me off, although she is always in the top of the book list recommendations that I get.

I will probably get fried for this but I don't like J.K. Rowlings writing style on Harry Potter so I never got into the books.

I have been enjoying more Mercedes Lackey and her Valdamer books. Got another one going in the car. And the Victorious is up next in the Lost Fleet Series.

[saveinla]

Feb 28, 2022 19:40:45 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Decided to put down Her Hidden Genius.

It's historical fiction about Rosalind Franklin.

It's a good book but I already know her story inside and out. There is no motivation for me to finish when I know the ending.

But others might like it.

I may try one of her other books about figures I'm not so familiar with. The Other Enstein sounds good It's about his wife . It is now believed she had a huge role in developing the theory relativity.

The Other Einstein is both good and bad  if you know what I mean - it portrays Einstein in a bad light but I guess that is the point. 

[saveinla]

Mar 3, 2022 11:24:02 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

Feb 25, 2022 10:28:07 GMT -5 saveinla said:

I somehow don't like the style of Erin Hildebrand - something puts me off, although she is always in the top of the book list recommendations that I get.

I will probably get fried for this but I don't like J.K. Rowlings writing style on Harry Potter so I never got into the books.

I have been enjoying more Mercedes Lackey and her Valdamer books. Got another one going in the car. And the Victorious is up next in the Lost Fleet Series.

No reason to get fried - I like Harry Potter, but dont like a lot of books that are very popular - books, like everything else are a matter of preference

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Mar 3, 2022 11:24:02 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

Feb 25, 2022 10:28:07 GMT -5 saveinla said:

I somehow don't like the style of Erin Hildebrand - something puts me off, although she is always in the top of the book list recommendations that I get.

I will probably get fried for this but I don't like J.K. Rowlings writing style on Harry Potter so I never got into the books.

I have been enjoying more Mercedes Lackey and her Valdamer books. Got another one going in the car. And the Victorious is up next in the Lost Fleet Series.

You like what you like no judgement here.   I cannot stand Twilight or it's fan fiction cousin 50 Shades of Grey.  Yet both were popular enough to launch million dollar movie franchises.

I don't care if other people like it just don't try to force me to like it.  I also get really irritated when people tell me I must not like it because I "cannot understand it" (this applies to multiple popular books).  No no I understood it just fine, still hate it.  

I also don't care if people don't like a book I like BUT I do like debate about books so I will likely ask you why you dislike it to trap you in a conversation about books. 

I hate the snobbery around reading sometimes, it discourages people from doing it at all.  You should be allowed to be casual fan of a series, not like everything an author writes and be able to say you don't like a book everyone else likes or vice versa. 

Group think isn't what reading is supposed to be about.  Reading would be boring if everyone had to like/read the same thing.

[Deleted]

I am going to the library to pick up the new book Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh.
It is fiction but about pro-life / pro-choice and an abortion clinic. Apparently is covers both sides of the story. (Yes, there are two side to everything.)

[happyhoix]

I’m struggling through the audio book of Finding Dorothy. It’s about Frank Baum (who wrote the Wizard of Oz)’s widow Maude, who was the strong willed daughter of a suffragette. It jumps back and forth between events in her life and her visiting the Hollywood set where the Wizard of Oz is being filmed when she’s in her 70’s.

I think the problem is the narrator, who is overly, overly dramatic, combined with a romantic/tear jerker writer. Just not my style at all, although it is very highly rated on Amazon and in Good Reads. Just not my style. I will probably plow through it because it’s our book club book and I feel guilty if I abandon a book half read, but it’s a slog.

[snapdragon]

Mar 7, 2022 21:20:41 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

I’m struggling through the audio book of Finding Dorothy. It’s about Frank Baum (who wrote the Wizard of Oz)’s widow Maude, who was the strong willed daughter of a suffragette. It jumps back and forth between events in her life and her visiting the Hollywood set where the Wizard of Oz is being filmed when she’s in her 70’s.

I think the problem is the narrator, who is overly, overly dramatic, combined with a romantic/tear jerker writer. Just not my style at all, although it is very highly rated on Amazon and in Good Reads. Just not my style. I will probably plow through it because it’s our book club book and I feel guilty if I abandon a book half read, but it’s a slog.

I have to really enjoy the narrator for me to get a audiobook. I listen to many and there are several narrators that I am unable to listen to. Sometimes it's them, sometimes it's the writing style of the author and sometimes it's the combination together that will completely turn me off.

I feel you pain.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Finished reading Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup last week.  That's about the start up company Theranos that I've seen in and out of the news and is now a Hulu movie staring Amanda Sygfried.   I really enjoyed it it's written by the journalist that cracked the story.   Start ups and that culture are something I know little about so it was fascinating to read about and how so many people bought into it before it fell apart.

I finished The Soulmate Equation a few days ago.  That one is a chick lit book.  Girl meets guy, guy meets girl, giant misunderstanding happens then everyone lives happily every after.  The premise of this one is the guy runs a dating service based on matching your genetic profile to other potential suitors.  The guy who owns the company ends up with the protagonist.   I fall in and out of interest with chick lit, this one kept my interest because of the nerd speak in it.  The author did just enough research into sequencing to make it legit enough it didn't pull me out of the story and the characters are relatable to me.

I reread The Luminous Dead after that.  I don't hate the book but I don't like the book.   The author does a really good job of world building. The relationship between the two characters is believable.  However there are a butt ton of poor choices that are only there because otherwise there is no plot and it's confusing as to what is going on. 

I am guessing the author's intent was to sow doubt as to whether or not it's the protagonist or the cave doing it all but she doesn't do a good job of leading you there.  I've had to read it twice to finally figure out where the story was going.  There are too many loose threads dropped at the end in favor of focusing on the developing romance between the two characters.

There are three different genres going on and the don't quite gel as well as they could.  I've read better sci fi/horror and I've read worse.

[NoNamePerson]

Run Rose Run by James Patterson and Dolly Parton finally came in. Hopefully it will be something I can get into! 

[snapdragon]

I started "Silent Stalker" by RJ Blain last night and finished "Closer to Home" by Mercedes Lackey also.

I have "Hunt the Stars" by Jessie Mihalik up next for my reading enjoyment.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Finished The Last Slave Ship which is about the recently found .

What's really scary is before I got to the pictures my brain filled in certain Republican faces. The fact I can easily transpose them into 1850s Alabama says something about their party.

Getting into recent times was even more depressing. Sure we've made progress but not even close to "it's in the past". We're going rapidly backwards thanks to a certain party and everything needs to be done to stop it.

[tcu2003]

Recent reads:

Notes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi - 3 stars

Wallet Activism: How to Use Every Dollar You Spend, Earn and Save as a Force for Change by Tanja Hester - 3 stars - I liked that this didn’t shove anything down your throat and emphasized that anything you implement has to be something you can keep doing

Business Adventures: 12 Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street by John Brooks - 2 stars - this was so dry and boring

The Five Wounds: A Novel by Kirsten Valdez Quade - 4 stars

No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J Fox - 4 stars - really enjoyed this most recent book by Michael J Fox - highly recommend if you like autobiographical stories (this doesn’t cover his whole life as he’s covered much of that in previous books)

[Deleted]

I just finished the 1st chapter of the 1619 Project. It is not a quick read, nor should it be. It's tough to read the truth. I think it will be one of the most impactful books I've ever read.