steph08
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Post by steph08 on Apr 19, 2017 8:41:42 GMT -5
I can't do audiobooks...I tune them out. I also can't read too much before I fall asleep, because I can't remember what I read. I like fiction. I used to really eat up the Ladies' Number 1 Detective Agency books, Nelson Demille, and Phillipa Gregory. I love historical fiction-especially Tudor England., but I could not read Wolf Hall. I've read Margaret George in the past..but now. I do enjoy reading the Junie B Jones books..But, that's not quite what I'm looking for. I like the idea of short stories-besides F. Scott Fitzgerald, do you have any other suggestions? Check out the novel or audiobook of The Storied Life of AJ Fikry or just google the list of short stories that are mentioned in the book. That is a good starting point for short stories. Good book - highly recommend.
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gs11rmb
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Post by gs11rmb on Apr 19, 2017 8:50:15 GMT -5
If you like historical fiction you might enjoy "The Secrets of Wishtide" by Kate Saunders. My daughter gave it to me for Christmas because I like mysteries . Mrs. Rodd is a bishop's widow who investigates crime. It's the first in a series and I thoroughly enjoyed it and will buy the next one when it's released.
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kcladyjane
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Post by kcladyjane on Apr 19, 2017 12:16:21 GMT -5
Try Lisa Scottoline.....I like all of hers.
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Apr 19, 2017 14:54:25 GMT -5
I tend to read "cozy mysteries" when I want something easy and distracting. Stephanie Plum (Evanovich), Sarah Boothe Delaney (Carolyn Haines), those kinds of things.I read a LOT of those. There are all the food-based ones with recipes and stuff in them. I like Laura Childs - Teas Shop Mystery series and the Scrapbook series. I also like the Coffeehouse mysteries by Cleo Coyle. Donna Andrews has a good series with animal themes running through. And I do like the mindless Harlequin romances although sometimes I just want to beat one or both of them by the end. I've been working my way through those lately.
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Apr 19, 2017 14:59:35 GMT -5
I read voraciously, so I'm not the best person to talk to about 'starting up again'. I do find myself getting bored sometimes with a series, and I'll stop on a book, but I'm usually reading three or four books at once. I am constantly trying to read books that the 17YO is reading so we have something to talk about. Recently read "13 Reasons Why" after watching the series on Netflix. Even if you have no interest in the series, read the book. If you have teenagers (especially girls) at home, definitely read the book. It's a quick read, only a few hundred pages. If you want to get started again, I would suggest something from a genre you like, and see if the story grabs you in the first few pages. My DD is so NOT a reader but her best friend is so she got her to read 13 Reasons Why and it's her favorite book. She also loves the Netflix series even though it's all wrong I'll get to it soon. (The book and maybe the series)
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DagnyT
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Post by DagnyT on Apr 19, 2017 17:47:41 GMT -5
If you like historical fiction, try the books written by Sharon Kay Penman. They are really huge, but excellent. She also has a set of historical mysteries that are quite good, and much smaller.
ETA: The Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon are good, also.
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Post by empress of self-improvement on Apr 19, 2017 19:17:44 GMT -5
I second the Harry Potter and Rick Riordan. I've been reading some of his series. I like the Kane Chronicles and I may go back and reread the Percy Jacksons. I never saw the Lightening Thief when it came out. Anyone know if it was any good? I think I'll hit the teen room at the library tomorrow for the Heroes of Olympus ones. That and see if there are any Nancy Drews I want to reread. They take about 5 minutes to read but I love them. I will admit I'm a reader like no other. I read the last chapter of the book most of the time to see if I really want to bother with reading the rest of it. Drives DH absolutely batshit. I can't help it. I like to go from right to left, not let to right. Maybe it's a lefty thing? If you can accept the fact that the movie only shares the same title and treat it as a stand alone you will be fine. It's even less faithful than the Harry Potter movies are. I tried watching Sea of Monsters that one strayed even further from the novels and I couldn't stop comparing long enough to get into it. I do think they got the casting down to a T. Logan Lerman looks EXACTLY like I picture Percy in my head. I didn't like the Kane Chronicles as much as his other books. I have pre ordered the second Trials of Apollo book and I am waiting for the third Magnus Chase book to come out. Guess I'll skip the movie then. Not a fan of book to screen anyway and you've just clinched it. I had HP Half-Blood Prince on for background noise a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't even tell you what happened because I got lost between it and the book. Magnus Chase. That's the one I was thinking of. My book bag was too full before I could hit the teen room today so I didn't go up but I will go next week, or maybe Saturday.
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Post by empress of self-improvement on Apr 19, 2017 19:18:46 GMT -5
I tend to read "cozy mysteries" when I want something easy and distracting. Stephanie Plum (Evanovich), Sarah Boothe Delaney (Carolyn Haines), those kinds of things.I read a LOT of those. There are all the food-based ones with recipes and stuff in them. I like Laura Childs - Teas Shop Mystery series and the Scrapbook series. I also like the Coffeehouse mysteries by Cleo Coyle. Donna Andrews has a good series with animal themes running through. And I do like the mindless Harlequin romances although sometimes I just want to beat one or both of them by the end. I've been working my way through those lately. I find them amusing. I wish I could have a farm like that.
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teen persuasion
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Post by teen persuasion on Apr 19, 2017 23:57:18 GMT -5
If it feels like a chore, you've got the wrong book.
I love to read, but I'm reading much less that I did years ago. Ironically, I work in the library, so have access to tons of things to read, but I tell myself to wait until demand for x book to die down, and then I lose interest or just forget.
I read primarily on my kindle now, generally in the evenings after everything is settled. Lots of the stuff I'll download for free ends up being only novella length, which I used to hate (too short, over too quickly, too shallow), but my reading attention span is shrinking. If I don't finish it in a sitting, I may not return to it, so novella length gets a story "done" without me staying up all night. DH hates that - when a really good long story makes me lose all sense of time and I stay up reading "one more chapter".
I will abandon books that I fall asleep in - the right book is one you WANT to finish. If it's just meh, try something else, lots of different something elses. I have different moods for reading - today I'm curious about Vikings; tomorrow I might want Freakonomics, or a Regency, or a YA. That's why I like my kindle - I'll download all sorts of things I might be interested in, and can flip thru them later when the bug strikes.
Lots of patrons at the library feel guilty that they just couldn't get into a certain book they took out. There's too many good books out there (and everyone's taste is different, I've learned from book club members) to waste time forcing yourself to read a book you don't care about. I always tell those patrons to grab a bunch of different books/authors to increase the odds they find some they like - and we always like more circs!
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Apr 20, 2017 5:15:20 GMT -5
If you like historical fiction, try the books written by Sharon Kay Penman. They are really huge, but excellent. She also has a set of historical mysteries that are quite good, and much smaller. ETA: The Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon are good, also.Good series but very long books. I love the series but it still took me a while to read a book. Also with the first book, you had to get through the first 2-3 chapters. It got really interesting after that.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Apr 20, 2017 8:11:28 GMT -5
If you can accept the fact that the movie only shares the same title and treat it as a stand alone you will be fine. It's even less faithful than the Harry Potter movies are. I tried watching Sea of Monsters that one strayed even further from the novels and I couldn't stop comparing long enough to get into it. I do think they got the casting down to a T. Logan Lerman looks EXACTLY like I picture Percy in my head. I didn't like the Kane Chronicles as much as his other books. I have pre ordered the second Trials of Apollo book and I am waiting for the third Magnus Chase book to come out. Guess I'll skip the movie then. Not a fan of book to screen anyway and you've just clinched it. I had HP Half-Blood Prince on for background noise a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't even tell you what happened because I got lost between it and the book. Magnus Chase. That's the one I was thinking of. My book bag was too full before I could hit the teen room today so I didn't go up but I will go next week, or maybe Saturday. So far I really enjoy Magnus Chase and if you think about his last name and what other character from Riordan's books has that last name. .. I've been geeking out over what seems to be a major character cross over brewing.
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tcu2003
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Post by tcu2003 on Apr 20, 2017 9:39:55 GMT -5
Guess I'll skip the movie then. Not a fan of book to screen anyway and you've just clinched it. I had HP Half-Blood Prince on for background noise a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't even tell you what happened because I got lost between it and the book. Magnus Chase. That's the one I was thinking of. My book bag was too full before I could hit the teen room today so I didn't go up but I will go next week, or maybe Saturday. So far I really enjoy Magnus Chase and if you think about his last name and what other character from Riordan's books has that last name. .. I've been geeking out over what seems to be a major character cross over brewing. You picked up on that connection much faster than I did! That series isn't my favorite probably because it's the mythology I know least about, but still really enjoyable to read.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Apr 20, 2017 9:46:27 GMT -5
I kind of have the opposite problem. I love to read, but have to be careful when I do. I'm the type that will read a book cover to cover, with minimal interruptions, like bathroom breaks, a trip to the kitchen or a few hours of sleep. (Yeah, I read the last Harry Potter book cover to cover in essentially one sitting) I will block out all external stimuli to finish whatever I'm reading. Obviously this can be problematic when I have obligations like family or work I finally found a happy medium in which to read. It's when I travel for work. I can essentially read uninterrupted for evenings on end. It works great because it gives me something to do while I'm dining alone and I find watching tv in hotel rooms depressing. Then when I'm home I'm not blocking out my husband and trying to find a quiet place to finish one more chapter. When I went to work full time I had to quit reading except on the weekends. To many nights I would be reading and see the sun coming up and then have to get ready for work.
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lurkyloo
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Post by lurkyloo on Apr 20, 2017 21:37:11 GMT -5
If you're open to fantasy/supernatural, I really like Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs (I think Ilona Andrews has some serialized fiction on her website for free...looks like just the first few chapters on this site, but you might be able to search through their blog for the rest of it: innkeeper.ilona-andrews.com Please note that while I like all of her work, the Kate Daniels series is awesome without fail. Again with the fantasy, Seanan McGuire (fairies) is fun, as is Sharon Shinn (various--but start with Summers at Castle Auburn, that's my favorite ). Jim Butcher (Harry Dresden series, he's got some others too) is good but the books get very dense as you go. Mysteries: The Evanovich Stephanie Plum series is entertaining if you want to shut your brain off; they're all the same after book 12 or so. Stieg Larsson's Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series is more suspense/thriller but good. I also really enjoy Laurie R King's Mary Russell series (mysteries); set shortly after WWI in England and various other countries. I may have known too many smug impatient academics, however. Jacqueline Carey has some neat quasi-historical stuff (Kushiel trilogy) set in an alternative version of (16th-century, maybe?) Europe. Let us know what you pick!
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Apr 21, 2017 9:04:11 GMT -5
If you like fantasy the Iron Druid series is awesome. They are really fast reads and always have me laughing out loud at some point.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Apr 21, 2017 11:27:45 GMT -5
I still have my first grade Dick and Jane books. They helped me learn to read
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beergut
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Post by beergut on Apr 22, 2017 6:03:42 GMT -5
So far I really enjoy Magnus Chase and if you think about his last name and what other character from Riordan's books has that last name. .. I've been geeking out over what seems to be a major character cross over brewing. You picked up on that connection much faster than I did! That series isn't my favorite probably because it's the mythology I know least about, but still really enjoyable to read. His cousin is mentioned a time or two in the first book, the connection is right there. I haven't read the second book yet, I felt it was a letdown from the Percy Jackson series.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Apr 22, 2017 10:50:09 GMT -5
You picked up on that connection much faster than I did! That series isn't my favorite probably because it's the mythology I know least about, but still really enjoyable to read. His cousin is mentioned a time or two in the first book, the connection is right there. I haven't read the second book yet, I felt it was a letdown from the Percy Jackson series. The first Percy Jackson series is the best I agree. DH told me just buy the Dang books after checking them out a million times at the library. I like Mangus chase better that the Kane chronicles. I like the characters better. It's also interesting to read about a mythology I know little about. I'm really enjoying the trials of apollo, Apollo as the narrator is funny. He's such a Jack ass but I can't help rooting for him to become a god again. I just finished reading Percy Jackson's guide to Greek heroes that was really good and I also own his guide to the Greek gods in hardback. Beautiful illustrations.
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Post by empress of self-improvement on Apr 22, 2017 13:19:04 GMT -5
His cousin is mentioned a time or two in the first book, the connection is right there. I haven't read the second book yet, I felt it was a letdown from the Percy Jackson series. The first Percy Jackson series is the best I agree. DH told me just buy the Dang books after checking them out a million times at the library. I like Mangus chase better that the Kane chronicles. I like the characters better. It's also interesting to read about a mythology I know little about. I'm really enjoying the trials of apollo, Apollo as the narrator is funny. He's such a Jack ass but I can't help rooting for him to become a god again. I just finished reading Percy Jackson's guide to Greek heroes that was really good and I also own his guide to the Greek gods in hardback. Beautiful illustrations. Guess I'm off to the library now. Need to find the Trials of Apollo. I know what I'm doing tonight.
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Post by empress of self-improvement on Apr 22, 2017 13:21:26 GMT -5
I still have my first grade Dick and Jane books. They helped me learn to read I still have my first book I learned to read. The world's rattiest looking "All of a Kind Family." Got it a book fair in at my elementary school a billion years ago. I also have my Paddingtons and Make Way for Ducklings and various assorted kiddie lit.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Apr 22, 2017 23:55:01 GMT -5
I've never been a fan of "reading," audiobooks, on the other hand, are way better.
They don't take up your attention like regular reading does, you can drive, go shopping, go for a walk, fold the laundry, cook, just about anything menial, or just sit and relax. All in all, it just feels like less "work" for the same payoff.
Plus, the narrators can help with pronunciations and things like that.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Apr 22, 2017 23:58:10 GMT -5
I used to be a voracious reader and then I think the combination of two kids and my eyes going on me got me out of the habit about 6 years ago. The past year and a half or so, I've started up again. What I did (besides getting glasses!) was set aside time for it. I started going out to my van at lunch at work and reading then, also when younger son was in his piano lessons I would bring the Kindle. Both of these are just half hour blocks, but eventually, I started getting into books again. I am still not a fast reader, and sometimes I will go long stretches without picking one up (I have been reading the 6th Game of Thrones book since like December ) but then I'll find myself binge reading for 2 or 3 hours sometimes now too when I get into a part. I do keep the Kindle in the van all the time so it's with me. I would keep it in my purse if I didn't have such a tiny one. There is no 6th game of thrones book. I wish there was, oh how I wish there was......
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2017 8:51:59 GMT -5
I used to be a voracious reader and then I think the combination of two kids and my eyes going on me got me out of the habit about 6 years ago. The past year and a half or so, I've started up again. What I did (besides getting glasses!) was set aside time for it. I started going out to my van at lunch at work and reading then, also when younger son was in his piano lessons I would bring the Kindle. Both of these are just half hour blocks, but eventually, I started getting into books again. I am still not a fast reader, and sometimes I will go long stretches without picking one up (I have been reading the 6th Game of Thrones book since like December ) but then I'll find myself binge reading for 2 or 3 hours sometimes now too when I get into a part. I do keep the Kindle in the van all the time so it's with me. I would keep it in my purse if I didn't have such a tiny one. There is no 6th game of thrones book. I wish there was, oh how I wish there was...... Ok, 5th then. I lost track. Apparently I'm a slower reader than I thought. Maybe by the time I'm done the 6th will be out.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Apr 23, 2017 12:07:55 GMT -5
There is no 6th game of thrones book. I wish there was, oh how I wish there was...... Ok, 5th then. I lost track. Apparently I'm a slower reader than I thought. Maybe by the time I'm done the 6th will be out. No problem. I love game of thrones, and just wish the 6th book will come out. The author says he's not doing anything else until the next book is published, so here's hoping it's this year.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Apr 25, 2017 11:58:45 GMT -5
Harlen Coben Lisa Gardner James Patterson Mary Higgins Clark John Grisham Michael Connelly
If you want something really lighthearted Liz Mugavero is good.
I am currently reading Unpaved Surfaces by Joesph Souza. It is pretty good. It is one of my free prime lending books.
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Apr 25, 2017 15:15:40 GMT -5
Question ......... What is Game of Thrones?
Historical fiction? Blood and guts? Mystery? Sci fiction/fantasy?
I haven't heard anything that would encourage me to pick one up and try it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2017 16:06:52 GMT -5
Question ......... What is Game of Thrones? Historical fiction? Blood and guts? Mystery? Sci fiction/fantasy? I haven't heard anything that would encourage me to pick one up and try it. Fantasy. Kings and Queens and dragons and direwolves. Lots of characters to keep sorted out and sometimes I totally lose track of what the hell is going on, but I'll be sad when I finish the last one.
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