suggested reading list

PolynesianPixie

Creating my own fairy tale realit
Joined
Oct 11, 2007
Messages
5,005
I know you all read books other than Twilight, so when you come across a good one (or a really bad one) post it here. I'm always looking for something good to whisk me away to someplace different or experience new takes and ideas......



I'll go first:

The art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I recently came across a gem of a book and I thought that it may appeal to several of you here.

*warning....this could be a little much for those of you who are dealing with sick doggies right now. Put this book on the back burner, because one day it will mean a whole lot to you!

Synopsis:

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.
 
"Compulsion" - Jonathan Kellerman

This is another of Kellerman's "Alex Delaware Murder Mysteries".

What begins with a solitary bloodstain in a stolen Bentley, spirals in odd and unexpected directions; leading Psychiatrist, Alex Delaware; and Detective, Milo Sturgis out of the well-heeled center of L.A. society to its deperate edges. The story spans across the lives of commodities brokers, transvestites, hookers, and the average working person. From illegal migrant workers, to a town long forgotton. The killer proves to defy indentification nor does he have a consistant M.O., but leaves behind a trail of witnesses and bodies. It's a "compulsive" read & very fast paced.
 
I like mindless books. I love Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series. I have everyone hooked on her. It's the kind of book you read and laugh out loud. :lmao:
 
I like mindless books. I love Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series. I have everyone hooked on her. It's the kind of book you read and laugh out loud. :lmao:

Those books are so funny. My husband likes Grandma Masur.
 

Some recent ones that I have read that were good were ~

"Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd
"Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" by Fannie Flagg
"Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult
"Whistling in the Dark" by Lesley Kagen
"The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes" by Diane Chamberlain
"Comeback" by Claire and Mia Fontaine (mother and daughter)
"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
and most recently, "The Shack" by William P. Young

I've just started a new one, but I can't seem to get my head around it yet. I'm hoping it's just a slow start and it will get better. I'll let you know!
 
Cat In The Hat,,,by Dr. Suess

Aways been one of my favorites,,
not a complicated read,,it's full of adventure and takes you to places you'd never get to go to in real life.

It must be a good book, it has a ride made after it.
 
Cat In The Hat,,,by Dr. Suess

Aways been one of my favorites,,
not a complicated read,,it's full of adventure and takes you to places you'd never get to go to in real life.

It must be a good book, it has a ride made after it.

:rotfl: :lmao:
 
I know you all read books other than Twilight, so when you come across a good one (or a really bad one) post it here. I'm always looking for something good to whisk me away to someplace different or experience new takes and ideas......



I'll go first:

The art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I recently came across a gem of a book and I thought that it may appeal to several of you here.

*warning....this could be a little much for those of you who are dealing with sick doggies right now. Put this book on the back burner, because one day it will mean a whole lot to you!

Synopsis:

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

I have this book here to read but haven't yet because I didn't want another sad book with loosing both of our kitties last year and I had just read Rescuing Sprite which was good but sad.

I am currently reading The Cat Who series by Lillian Jackson Braun. I really like this series. I love books with/about animals. Koko and Yum Yum are siamese kitties. They are good mystery books.

Marley & Me was good. Of course sad at the end. We went to see the movie. It really hits home because one of our dogs is a yellow lab.

Dewey is a good book too. Of course sad at the end. It is about a library cat.

It is nice reading books that aren't going to make me cry. I've had enough of that for a while.
 
"Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. Best book I've ever read, and now I feel we're living in it.

Anything by Tom Clancy. No, he didn't actually write a book called Anything.
 
I have this book here to read but haven't yet because I didn't want another sad book with loosing both of our kitties last year and I had just read Rescuing Sprite which was good but sad.

I am currently reading The Cat Who series by Lillian Jackson Braun. I really like this series. I love books with/about animals. Koko and Yum Yum are siamese kitties. They are good mystery books.

Marley & Me was good. Of course sad at the end. We went to see the movie. It really hits home because one of our dogs is a yellow lab.

Dewey is a good book too. Of course sad at the end. It is about a library cat.

It is nice reading books that aren't going to make me cry. I've had enough of that for a while.


You WILL cry.....but you'll laugh too. The Art of Racing in the Rain is charming and full of the essence of what life really should be about. Can you tell I loved it?
 
I look forward to reading it.

Rescuing Sprite by Mark Levin is a good read too.
 
I loved the Mitford Series of books by Jan Karon. Great for a light read. Everyone I know who has read them has just loved them!

"Come away to Mitford, the small town that takes care of its own. Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, Mitford is a crazy quilt of saints and sinners, lovable eccentrics all. Seen through the eyes of Father Tim, the long-suffering village rector, Mitford abounds in both mysteries and miracles, compelling readers to return again and again to this beloved series.

As only she can, author Jan Karon brilliantly captures the foibles and delights of a hilarious cast of characters."
 
I loved the Mitford Series of books by Jan Karon. Great for a light read. Everyone I know who has read them has just loved them!
Is this one of those series that is best read in sequence? Or can you pretty much start with any of the books and not be lost?
 
I just finished a cute book called The Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson. It's considered a young adult/teen book, but it was interesting because it's about WDW after-hours. There are middle school aged kids, Disney villans who come to life and backstage WDW stuff that makes it interesting. Definitely fantasy taking place in the real "World". It would make for a good book for your kids to read right before a trip to WDW.
 
Is this one of those series that is best read in sequence? Or can you pretty much start with any of the books and not be lost?

I would recommend reading them in sequence. Later books reference things from the previous ones. But that's JMHO. ;)
 














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