The Next Best Book Club discussion

What book are you currently reading, or just finishing? Like it? Dislike it? Share your thoughts with the group here!

I just finished . It was horrific in its details but an incredibly spellbound book - hard to put down. I am currently reading - interesting so far . . . will see how it ends soon enough.

I'm just finishing a romantic suspense, Tactical Advantage, and getting ready to start the fifth Kingdom Keepers book by Ridley Pearson, Shell Game. I finished books three and four last weekend. They're all on loan from my BIL, and since it's supposed to rain at least half the weekend, I figured it was a good time to start this one. Then maybe I'll get book six next time they're here.

At the moment I'm reading shadow's edge by brent weeks. I had just finished part 1 and I loved it so starting part 2 seemed like the best thing to do. So far the book is great and I totally recommend it!!

I finished Child 44 and am half-way through The Age of Miracles .

A Superior Death by Nevada Barr – 2**
Second Anna Pigeon mystery set in Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. The mystery thriller is well written, but there are editing issues and a serious misstep with a joke about a pedophile that I cannot believe got past the editors.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender (read by the author) – 2**
Nine-year-old Rose discovers she can taste the emotions of anyone who prepares food she eats. On the whole, this was a disappointing effort at magical realism.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata (Audio narrated by Keith Nobbs) – 3***
Set from 1973 to 1975 in the highlands of Vietnam, Kadohata weaves an interesting and harrowing tale of bravery, friendship and loyalty. There are no happy endings when war is involved, but this ending is hopeful. The book is suitable for readers 9+ years old, although there are some scenes of war atrocities which may be frightening for the younger and/or more sensitive reader.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I just finished by Stephen King and by Terri DuLong, both of which I really enjoyed.

Today, I'm going to start by Edith Pattou and .

Lies and the Lying Liars who Tell Them

Al Franken

Finished Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood – 2.5**
Set in 1920s Australia, this is a quick cozy mystery introducing a very different amateur sleuth. Phryne Fisher is wealthy, beautiful, always fashionably dressed, a connoisseur of good cocktails, and an enthusiastic bed partner. The plot is thin and slow in this first effort, but I would try another.
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I'm in the middle of . I love historical fiction and this is one of the best I've read in quite awhile.

I'm reading . I enjoy this series overall but I liked it better when Stephanie and Ranger had all the sexual tension, not just catching themselves caught up in a convenient spot.

I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise – Erma Bombeck
4****

Bombeck, best known for her thrice weekly columns on all the trials and tribulations of being a suburban mother, wrote this very different book about children living with cancer. The original assignment was to help write a pamphlet or booklet that would let the children know they weren’t alone.

After writing the first few chapters she asked a group of kids at a camp for children with cancer to read and critique her work. The campers responded with , “You gotta make it funnier.” The book includes many personal stories from the children who were living with this disease, frequently beating the odds, always fighting with courage, grace, dignity and hope. And, yes, she DID find humor to relate. Like the four-year-old who judges her healthcare givers thus: “These people don’t know what they’re doing. They put blood in me one day, and they take it out another!”

I'm reading now Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I like very much sophisticated and sophisticated and intellectual style of writing and I like also reading about big cities life, entertainment and work in big cities and see how it close or not to modern time. I'm just on 1/5 part of book, but completely "in" and can't put it away for a long time

I finished Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls which I liked. An interesting glimpse at the time especially the role of women and parenting. Crazy how much has changed!

Now I'm reading The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht.

reading homecoming....quite interesting

Yuliya wrote: "I'm reading now Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I like very much sophisticated and sophisticated and intellectual style of writing and I like also reading about big cities life, entertainment and..."

I have this on my tbr. Seems to be getting more attention with the Gatsby movie coming out.

Patricia wrote: "I finished Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls which I liked. An interesting glimpse at the time especially the role of women and parenting. Crazy how much has changed!"

I loved her memoir The Glass Castle. Have Half Broke Horses on my tbr ... really should move it up in priority.

Just getting ready to start One For The Money by Janet Evanovich. Heard lots of good things about author. Any comments?

Book Concierge wrote: "Yuliya wrote: "I'm reading now Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I like very much sophisticated and sophisticated and intellectual style of writing and I like also reading about big cities life, en..."

Againg Gatsby movie? I watched already 2!

Tracey wrote: "Just getting ready to start One For The Money by Janet Evanovich. Heard lots of good things about author. Any comments?"

I read only one book by her, and don't like not a plot, not a style, maybe I just not a "light romances" person. Maybe I should try One For The Money, maybe it will work for me better

Patricia wrote: "I finished Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls which I liked. An interesting glimpse at the time especially the role of women and parenting. Crazy how much has changed!

Now I'm reading The Tige..."

The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht-
It was very interesting reading for me, something different!

I'm currently reading Ken Follett's

Definitely enjoying it more than its prequel, The Fall of Giants.

I finished Monster Hunter Alpha and now I'm reading Monster Hunter Legion.

The Red Umbrella – Christina Diaz Gonzalez
4.5****

Lucia Alvarez lives in Puerto Mujares, Cuba with her parents and 7-year-old brother Frankie, when the Cuban Revolution begins. Before long she’ll go from planning her birthday party to wondering how her best friend could have turned on her, and worrying how she and her family will get through this. When her parents send Lucia and seven-year-old Frankie to the United States, Lucia must grow up quickly and take on the responsibility of keeping herself and her brother safe.

This is a very good work of historical fiction. Lucia narration shows her growth from an innocent young girl, to a responsible young lady. The effects of peer pressure are all too evident, as are the dangers of misplaced trust and fascination with adventure. But Gonzalez gives us a heroine who is intelligent, sensitive, kind and courageous. While she embraces the new life in America, she continues to recall the life lessons imparted by her mother and father. Chiefly she remembers her mother’s large red umbrella, which becomes a symbol for strength of family.

There’s a fair amount of Spanish used, but the book includes a glossary with translations. I think some of the situations – parents held at gunpoint, a hanging – are pretty heavy, but would definitely recommend it for middle-school readers.

Book Concierge wrote: "Patricia wrote: "I finished Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls which I liked. An interesting glimpse at the time especially the role of women and parenting. Crazy how much has changed!"

I love..."

I loved Glass Castle too. This one is about her Grandmother which as a result gives perspective on how her Mom became the way she was. It's a quick read, I'd recommend it.

Patricia wrote: "I loved Glass Castle too. This one is about her Grandmother which as a result gives perspective on how her Mom became the way she was. It's a quick read, I'd recommend it...."

Thanks, Patricia. I'll definitely get to it.

I finished , lovely light read. I also read which was very good. I'm still reading which just might get 5 stars from me.

Dexter by Design – Jeff Lindsay
Book on CD narrated by Nick Landrum
2**

Dexter Morgan returns in thriller number 4 in this series featuring a psychopathic serial killer who ONLY goes after the “bad guys.”

I’m tired of the whole “dark passenger” in the background of Dexter’s brain. I really dislike the third person reference to himself as Dexter. It’s inconsistent that he would have “feelings” for the children. Rita is way too ditzy to be attractive to a man like Dexter. The bad guy is way too efficient and successful, and yet Dexter easily finds him. Lindsay uses the F-bomb so frequently as to make it irritating and tedious.

On the other hand, Lindsay does keep the action moving forward. It’s fast-paced and interesting (in a macabre sort of way). Nick Landrum does a good job of the narration on the audio book. He has enough voice over experience to clearly differentiate the various characters, and I like his pace and inflections. Still, I’m done with this series.

Kindle Affairs Book Review Blog

Karen M wrote: "I finished , lovely light read. I'm also read which was very good. I'm still reading [bookcover:Snow Flower and t..."

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a good book! I hope you're enjoying it!

True to Form – Elizabeth Berg
Audio book performed by Arija Bareikis
5*****

Elizabeth Berg returns to the story of Katie Nash in this third installment (after Durable Goods and Joy School). It is 1961, and 13-year-old Katie is now in high school. While she still feels like an outsider, she does have a best friend, Cynthia. She’s looking forward to a summer job working the popcorn concession stand at the pool (and hanging out with cute lifeguards), when her father announces he’s found her two babysitting jobs. Then, to further cement her reputation as a loser, she is roped into joining a Girl Scout troop. Not everything is bleak, however. Katie is also blossoming as a poet and writer. A chance to become part of the popular “in” group at a new school and news from her neighbor back in Texas leave her questioning the meaning of friendship and struggling to find a way to branch out into new experiences and still remain true to herself.

This is Berg at her best. Katie is gifted as a writer and observer of life, but she’s also a believable young teen who makes mistakes and suffers the consequences of her decisions. Her journey forces her to learn whom she can really trust, and how to forgive.

While this is the third book in a trilogy it easily stands alone; I do not think a reader will feel s/he is missing anything by not having reading the previous books.

Arija Bareikis does a wonderful job voicing the audio book. She really brings Katie and the other characters to life. I’ll admit there were a few scenes that had me near tears, but on the whole this is a coming-of-age story with a hopeful outcome.

I was reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley but I just lost the book,if I can't find it by tomorrow then I am going to go to the library and check it out. I am reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer right now.

Fly Me to the Moon - Alyson Noel
2**

Flight attendant Hailey Lane is positive her pilot boyfriend of four years is going to propose, so when the rest of her schedule is cancelled she’s thrilled that she can fly home early. But instead of a celebratory dinner she gets a shock when she enters their apartment bedroom. Fleeing to a friend’s apartment she sets out to mend her broken heart by working more trips to Europe and taking advantage of long layovers and free flight passes.

This is pretty typical chick-lit, including a glamorous job (that really isn’t), lots of self-doubt, friends with fabulous Manhattan apartments, and several rich, handsome men all besotted with our heroine. Oh, and LOTS of use of italics to be sure the reader understands the significance of certain phrases.

This is total mind candy. It’s a fast and mildly entertaining read, but the writing is uneven and the situations just had me rolling my eyes. I finished it only because it satisfied several challenges.

Gabriella wrote: "I was reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley but I just lost the book,if I can't find it by tomorrow then I am going to go to the library and check it out. I am reading Int..."

Oh, I HATE when that happens!

Fly Me to the Moon - Alyson Noel
2**

Flight attendant Hailey Lane is positive her pilot boyfriend of four years is going to propose, so when the rest of her schedule is cancelled she’s thrilled that she can fly home early. But instead of a celebratory dinner she gets a shock when she enters their apartment bedroom. Fleeing to a friend’s apartment she sets out to mend her broken heart by working more trips to Europe and taking advantage of long layovers and free flight passes.

This is pretty typical chick-lit, including a glamorous job (that really isn’t), lots of self-doubt, friends with fabulous Manhattan apartments, and several rich, handsome men all besotted with our heroine. Oh, and LOTS of use of italics to be sure the reader understands the significance of certain phrases.

This is total mind candy. It’s a fast and mildly entertaining read, but the writing is uneven and the situations just had me rolling my eyes. I finished it only because it satisfied several challenges.

Hi,

I'm reading a manuscript that will be published in fall 2013 called The Persistence of Crows.

It is a crazy love story, both hopelessly sad yet hopeful for the coming day.

Grant Maierhofer wrote it. If you haven't heard of him, it's because he's often mired in grief.

The book will be published by Tiny TOE Press.

Happy Mother's Day!

Book Concierge wrote: "Gabriella wrote: "I was reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley but I just lost the book,if I can't find it by tomorrow then I am going to go to the library and check it out...."

Yeah, but I found it and I finished it.many lol moments in that book.

I just finished The Crypt Thief: A Hugo Marston Novel, a mystery novel set in modern day Paris. Second in a series and very enjoyable.

I've now started Domestic Violets by Matthew Norman and am finding it very funny and very readable.

The Night Gardener – George Pelecanos
Audio book narrated by the author.
3.5*** (4**** for the book / 3*** for the audio)

Detective Gus Ramone thinks he recognizes a signature of a serial killer in the body of a local teen. Twenty years ago, when he was just a rookie, Ramone and his partner Dan “Doc” Holiday” assisted veteran detective T.C. Cook in the investigation of several murders that were never solved. Now Ramone wonders whether the murderer is back. But this boy’s death will bring the three men together in an effort to finish the work begun decades previously.

Pelecanos writes a tight, suspenseful mystery/thriller. I was completely drawn into the story and there were enough complexities to the plot to keep me guessing all the way through. The action is fast but he still takes time to carefully draw his characters, slowly revealing one layer at a time and demonstrating that the line between right and wrong, truth and justice, good guys and bad guys is frequently blurred. This is my first Pelecanos, but it won’t be my last!

The writing earned 4-stars, however, Pelecanos read the audio book himself. His lack of voice-over training means that most characters sound the same and with a fast moving plot it was sometimes hard to distinguish who was speaking. Audio gets only 3-stars.

A Week in Winter - Maeve Binchy
Book on CD performed by Rosalyn Landor
4****

Everyone knows everyone in the small town of Stoneybridge, on Ireland’s west coast. Still, when Chicky Starr buys Stone House from the last remaining Sheedy sister and announces she will turn it into an inn for paying guests, most everyone is certain the plan will fail. But Chicky assembles an eclectic group of travelers for her opening week, and begins a new chapter in her life and in the future of Stoneybridge.

This is Binchy’s last novel, published posthumously. It’s evident that she loved the landscape and the people of Ireland and she conveys that beautifully. This is an ensemble piece and there are sections devoted to each of the major players. The reader gets to know each of the character’s dreams, disappointments, strengths and flaws.

Rosalyn Landor does a wonderful job performing the audio version. She is a gifted voice artist and has a wide repertoire of voices and accents which allows her to bring the many characters to life. My only disappointment is that it is Binchy’s last work – I would love to be able to look forward to a sequel.

I'm nearly done Richard Ford's "Canada." It started a little slow, which worried me because I'm a huge Ford fan, but it quickly settled in with the voice and tone, and now I'd say that if it stays as good as it has been for the final 80 pages, I'd consider it to be Ford's best novel.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! – Dr. Seuss
5***** and a ❤

I love this little gem of a book. Whenever I’ve felt a little lost or stuck on life’s journey, or at times when I’ve been about to embark on a new path, I’ve re-read it. It never fails to inspire and enthuse me. I just gave it to my niece for her high school graduation and we read it together. Oh, The Places SHE’ll Go!
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

The Kabul Beauty School - Deborah Rodriguez
Audio book read by Bernadette Dunne
2.5**

Rodriguez impulsively went to Afghanistan while escaping a bad marriage and looking for meaning to her life. Willing and eager to work, she came up with the idea of teaching the oppressed women of Afghanistan skills they could use to support themselves and their families. So, she started a beauty school with a combination of product donations, grants and private funding.

The atrocities to which Afghani women are subject are infuriating to most Westerners, but this isn’t new information any longer. I’m sympathetic to the cause and applaud anyone’s efforts to make a difference. Debbie’s continued inability to understand the cultural differences, however, really irritated me. It’s no surprise that the “authorities” eventually shut her down, though it is definitely a great pity. I certainly hope that the women she encountered have been able to continue use the skills she taught them, for their own sense of self-worth and to engage with other women.

Bernadette Dunne does a pretty good job of the audio. It’s not her fault that the material she has to work with isn’t stellar.

Have been on a cozy mystery bent lately:


Funeral Food by Kathleen Taylor
Thread Reckoning by Amanda Lee
The Long Stitch Good Night by Amanda Lee

Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble

The Other Typist – Suzanne Rindell
4****

Rose Baker is a quiet and efficient typist in a police precinct in 1923 New York City. Having been raised in an orphanage she has proved her worth by her skill and hard work. But the new typist in the precinct is clearly very different from the mousy Rose. Odalie is chic and confident, and quickly draws the precinct sergeant, detective and beat cops under her spell. Rose is in turns astonished, disdainful, jealous and fascinated by the glamorous newcomer.

Rindell’s debut is a chilling psychological study. The reader is drawn into the plot, just as Rose is drawn to Odalie. In many respects the novel reminds me of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I was captivated by the story, and seduced by dynamics of Rose and Odalie’s relationship. But little by little I noticed cracks in the façade, and began to question how reliable a narrator Rose is, and, at the end, found myself wondering what really happened?

The novel is populated with a host of colorful characters, and the writing is wonderfully atmospheric – you can feel the silk on your skin, taste the juniper of bathtub gin, or hear the cacophony of a crowded speakeasy. I’ll definitely look forward to her next book.

Finished Jane Austen in Boca by Paula Marantz Cohen – 3.5***
What a delightful re-telling of Pride and Prejudice! Clever and witty, albeit predictable. Still it’s an entertaining read. Enjoy!
Link to my full review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Currently in the middle of NOS4A2 by Joe Hill. Very very good! He has his father's talent for characters but not so bloated as some of Stephen King's door stoppers. Can't wait to see how this one turns out!