Spring "What are you reading?" Book Thread

[ksumn1]

I'll read anything but right now I'm rereading some of my favorite authors. I've reread al of the J.D Robb, Eve Dallas "...in Death" series including th newest one. I'm reading John Irving at a friends suggestions.

 

[CherylA]

Just finished The Girl Who Played With Fire this morning and am half way thru The Spire by Richard North Patterson. I will have to put The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest on my Kindle tomorrow. I am a book a day girl.

How was "The Girl who Played With Fire"? I just bought that last night. I loved "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" is this as good?

 

[chocovrdmicears]

]I read those - liked them - There's a 4th Chesapeake Blue (I think) about the young boy.[/B]Just started the Bride Quartet series - taking the 2nd one on my cruise next week along with some pother fun "beach reading"

Read the 9th Judgement by Jame Patterson - pretty good -

Reading Deception by Jonathan Kellerman - so far so good.

Thank you!! I had no idea there was a 4th! I just put it on hold at the library.

 

[kinntj]

You guys are awesome! I now have a whole list of books I want to read this summer. Thank you to you who posted about Shelfari. I can keep track of my books now and decide which ones I want to read first.

This summer I hope to get through a book a week. I'm hoping to get my kids reading more this way.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I finished Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom and I thought it was excellent.
So.. not exactly classic lit..but I read "Are You There Vodka?.. It's Me Chelsea" by Chelsea Handler. This book was hysterical! I was really surprised at how funny and entertaining it was. I started and finished it last night.

Next up is the newest Sookie book by Charlaine Harris.

 

[megsablue]

I tend to like the more gothic historical fiction books, especially if they have supernatural overtones of vampires, witches and especially ghosts. I promise I'm not a morbid person! I wish I could find more historical fiction ghost stories (novels), you know?

I read some of Anne Rice's books several years ago (okay 10 years ago ), but I'm thinking I may go back and read some more of them. I can't get into most vampire books, but I remember I really enjoyed The Witching Hour.

I've been in university for the last couple of years which has negated any reading for fun, but now that I'm done, I'm diving back into reading, head first. The last couple books I read were:

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe
Was good overall, but I pretty much predicted the outcome from the beginning. It also was REALLY slow for me to get into.

Ghostwalk- Rebecca Stott
Just a meh book for me. Though it had a twist I didn't see coming (and a couple that I did), I didn't really like the style of writing. Overall the book was ok and it could have just been I was in a really bad mood as I read it while I was REALLY sick.

The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield
I really really enjoyed this book. But I'm a sucker for this type of book.

The Seance - John Harwood
The Man in the Picture - Susan Hill
I read these ones over Christmas break and I remember not being overly impressed with them. They weren't as immersive as I like my books, but they were still easy reads.

I also read The Historian over Christmas break. I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. I wish there were more like it! It was totally immersive for me and I really liked the storyline.

Now I'm on to The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - starting that tonight or tomorrow.

I rely on the local library (luckily Vancouver had a great public library) for my book habit - if I bought all the books I read, I'd go broke! I do find that if I REALLY like a book and think I'll read it again, I will go out and try and find a used copy or buy off of Amazon or Chapters.

As an aside, my DH wants to get into reading more, but he's never been a big reader. He's coming to the library with me this weekend, but I thought I'd ask and see if anyone has any good recommendations for him. He read the Lord of the Rings books and really liked them, but hasn't read much since then. I was thinking Robert Jordan maybe? I remember reading the first couple of novels in the Wheel of Time and really enjoying them.

 

[ksumn1]

As an aside, my DH wants to get into reading more, but he's never been a big reader. He's coming to the library with me this weekend, but I thought I'd ask and see if anyone has any good recommendations for him. He read the Lord of the Rings books and really liked them, but hasn't read much since then. I was thinking Robert Jordan maybe? I remember reading the first couple of novels in the Wheel of Time and really enjoying them.

My DH is not much of a reader either. And like your DH, the only series he had ever read was Lord of the Rings and a couple of other fantasy type books (for pleasure). He watched the Harry Potter movies and heard DD and I talk about the books so much that he became curious and started reading. It took him awhile but he eventually read and actually enjoyed the entire season!!!

That may not be your DH's cup of tea, but it's an easy enough read in the beginning that he may get caught up like DH did. And especially in the later books, it gets much more complex and fufilling.

 

[Pastamom]

My DH is not much of a reader either. And like your DH, the only series he had ever read was Lord of the Rings and a couple of other fantasy type books (for pleasure). He watched the Harry Potter movies and heard DD and I talk about the books so much that he became curious and started reading. It took him awhile but he eventually read and actually enjoyed the entire season!!!

That may not be your DH's cup of tea, but it's an easy enough read in the beginning that he may get caught up like DH did. And especially in the later books, it gets much more complex and fufilling.

Same for my DH - it used to take him a year to read one book - then he read the Harry Potter series. He's read the Lord of the Rings series also - so it sounds like they have similiar tastes. He's also read the Chronicles of Narnia series and is into the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and really liked it. I know he's read other stuff (now he enjoys reading), but he's sleeping - if you want I can find out what else he has liked.

 

[Kirby]

As an aside, my DH wants to get into reading more, but he's never been a big reader. He's coming to the library with me this weekend, but I thought I'd ask and see if anyone has any good recommendations for him. He read the Lord of the Rings books and really liked them, but hasn't read much since then. I was thinking Robert Jordan maybe? I remember reading the first couple of novels in the Wheel of Time and really enjoying them.

Definately get him the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I've read through book 9 and have enjoyed each of them. I know that there is at least 12 books. Or try the Dragon series by Anne McCaffrey. I believe that's how you spell her last name. The Shannara series by Terry Brooks is good too! Just make sure you get the very first one to start with. They come in sets of three and have several sets.

 

[DVCLiz]

I tend to like the more gothic historical fiction books, especially if they have supernatural overtones of vampires, witches and especially ghosts. I promise I'm not a morbid person! I wish I could find more historical fiction ghost stories (novels), you know?

I read some of Anne Rice's books several years ago (okay 10 years ago ), but I'm thinking I may go back and read some more of them. I can't get into most vampire books, but I remember I really enjoyed The Witching Hour.

I've been in university for the last couple of years which has negated any reading for fun, but now that I'm done, I'm diving back into reading, head first. The last couple books I read were:

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe
Was good overall, but I pretty much predicted the outcome from the beginning. It also was REALLY slow for me to get into.

Ghostwalk- Rebecca Stott
Just a meh book for me. Though it had a twist I didn't see coming (and a couple that I did), I didn't really like the style of writing. Overall the book was ok and it could have just been I was in a really bad mood as I read it while I was REALLY sick.

The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield
I really really enjoyed this book. But I'm a sucker for this type of book.

The Seance - John Harwood
The Man in the Picture - Susan Hill
I read these ones over Christmas break and I remember not being overly impressed with them. They weren't as immersive as I like my books, but they were still easy reads.

I also read The Historian over Christmas break. I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. I wish there were more like it! It was totally immersive for me and I really liked the storyline.

Now I'm on to The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - starting that tonight or tomorrow.

I rely on the local library (luckily Vancouver had a great public library) for my book habit - if I bought all the books I read, I'd go broke! I do find that if I REALLY like a book and think I'll read it again, I will go out and try and find a used copy or buy off of Amazon or Chapters.

As an aside, my DH wants to get into reading more, but he's never been a big reader. He's coming to the library with me this weekend, but I thought I'd ask and see if anyone has any good recommendations for him. He read the Lord of the Rings books and really liked them, but hasn't read much since then. I was thinking Robert Jordan maybe? I remember reading the first couple of novels in the Wheel of Time and really enjoying them.

Based on the description of the kinds of books you like, I have two great suggestions for you - well, maybe three.

First is The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. I'm currently reading it and it's exactly as you describe - gothic historical suspense with a ghostly twist. It takes place shortly after "the war" and I am loving it - super creepy.

Also, The Sister by Poppy Adams. Again, set back in time a little, about two sisters and their creepy relationship - maybe not ghostly but definitely psychological.

Finally, The Forgotten Garden by Morton - I don't think it has as much suspense as the other two, but I loved it as well. It reminded me of The Thirteenth Tale, one of my all time favorite books.

Also, if you liked The Physick Book, read The Heretic's Daughter - much better, even though it is more of a factual account and less of a ghost story. Very, very good.

Hope you enjoy these!!

 

[hallie615]

I am seeing alot of posts regarding the kingdom keepers, for a person without kids who loves to read as much as i love Disney is it worth reading??

 

[megsablue]

Based on the description of the kinds of books you like, I have two great suggestions for you - well, maybe three.

First is The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. I'm currently reading it and it's exactly as you describe - gothic historical suspense with a ghostly twist. It takes place shortly after "the war" and I am loving it - super creepy.

Also, The Sister by Poppy Adams. Again, set back in time a little, about two sisters and their creepy relationship - maybe not ghostly but definitely psychological.

Finally, The Forgotten Garden by Morton - I don't think it has as much suspense as the other two, but I loved it as well. It reminded me of The Thirteenth Tale, one of my all time favorite books.

Also, if you liked The Physick Book, read The Heretic's Daughter - much better, even though it is more of a factual account and less of a ghost story. Very, very good.

Hope you enjoy these!!

Thanks so much! I'll look at the library this weekend to see if they have them - otherwise I'll request them. It's hard to find books fitting my criteria since I'm so picky! I'll let you know if I like them!

I'm a good ways into The Angel's Game right now and actually am really enjoying it, which kind of surprised me because it's a more "modern" setting than I'm used to. I might also check out the rest of Ruiz Zafon's books while I'm at the library.

And to all those who gave me suggestions for my DH, thanks so much! I really appreciate it - I wrote them all down on a list for him and we're headed to the library tomorrow. If you have more keep them coming!

 

[Amandaj0831]

This is technically a children's book, but I'd like to recommend a favorite of mine: Elijah of Buxton. It's by Christopher Paul Curtis. It is truly an amazing book. It may be children's lit, but it is way more than that.

here's a summary: After his mother rebukes him for screaming that hoop snakes have invaded Buxton, gullible 11-year-old Elijah confesses to readers that "there ain't nothing in the world she wants more than for me to quit being so doggone fra-gile." Inexperienced and prone to mistakes, yet kind, courageous, and understanding, Elijah has the distinction of being the first child born in the Buxton Settlement, which was founded in Ontario in 1849 as a haven for former slaves. Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton's residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Buxton and, quite possibly, out of his depth. In the author's note, Curtis relates the difficulty of tackling the subject of slavery realistically through a child's first-person perspective. Here, readers learn about conditions in slavery at a distance, though the horrors become increasingly apparent. Among the more memorable scenes are those in which Elijah meets escaped slaves—first, those who have made it to Canada and, later, those who have been retaken by slave catchers. Central to the story, these scenes show an emotional range and a subtlety unusual in children's fiction. Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears.

Julia

I teach 6th grade English and this was one of the books we read 2 years ago. Last year I picked chains instead. Both are excellent historical novels for young adults that deal with slavery. I had a little better reaction to Chains than Elijah of Buxton but both are great.

 

[diskneefamily]

Just finished reading "Water for Elephants" and "The Swan House". Both very good and not normally the kind of stuff I read.

 

[ceecee]

I am seeing alot of posts regarding the kingdom keepers, for a person without kids who loves to read as much as i love Disney is it worth reading??

We read them prior to our Disney trip last week and kept seeing things that were mentioned in the books. EASY and fun read even without kids if you are into Disney!!! We can only find Kingdom Keepers III on audio at our library though.

 

[Kirby]

I finished Stalking the Angel by Robert Crais. It's a pretty good read. I like his Elvis Cole and Joe Pike characters.

 

[gandycat]

Just finished The Wedding of the Two-Headed Woman by Alice Mattison. I've loved everything I've read by her (The Book Borrower, Hilda and Pearl, Nothing Is Quite Forgotten in Brooklyn). All of her books have interesting, complex women characters.

 

[Kirby]

I'm reading Running Blind by Lee Child. Love that Jack Reacher!

 

[luvthemouse71]

I just got that one for my nook but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

I'm currently reading Bullet by Laurell K Hamilton.

I used to love Laurell K Hamilton novels, especially the Anita Blake series but gave up on them after about the fifth one..don't get me wrong, I don't mind raunchyness here and there but IMO, it got to the point where the story suffered because she focused on the sex so much. It became laughable and very predictable. Just my 2 cents though, I know many who still enjoy them.

I'm reading the latest Charlaine Harris and when I'm done with that, I'll start Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson. I love my e-reader(I have a Kindle)..so cool to be able to carry all those books with you!

 

[Praying Colonel]

Just finished "John Adams" by David McCullough. Very, very good read--I just love McCullough's writing style.

Great quote from Adams toward the end of the book. In a letter to his granddaughter, he offers this advice: "Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. That is enough." Wow.