The Next Best Book Club discussion
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What Are You Reading - Part Deux
Finished Beartown and immediately put in a library request for Us Against You. I needed a tissue for the end of the book. Right now I have gone back to San Francisco with Armistead Maupin and Further Tales of the City.
Karen , Us Against You is just as good.
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, (a close friend of Charles Dickens is said to be one of the first mystery novels. An entertaining classic.
3.5★ My review
Sutton – J R Moehringer – 3***
Moehringer tries to bring infamous bank robber Willie Sutton to life in this work of historical fiction. The technique he used to frame the story doesn’t quite work for me. There were scenes that were completely engaging and interesting, and other that just fell flat. I really wanted to like it, but my final reaction is a wishy-washy ‘meh.’
LINK to my review
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Blind Descent – Nevada Barr – 3***
Book six in the mystery series starring U.S. Park Ranger Anna Pigeon takes Anna to New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns. Much of the action in this book takes place in the confined spaces underground, and Barr spends a lot of time setting up the mystery and going into excruciating detail on the difficulties of exploring such a cave. This is a totally satisfying mystery in a series with a strong female lead.
LINK to my review
There There – Tommy Orange – 4****
In his debut novel, Orange explores the world of today’s Urban Indian through the stories of twelve characters are planning to attend the Big Oakland Powwow. Their lives are interwoven by coincidence, thin threads of DNA, circumstance, and/or proximity. They are in turn angry, desolate, hopeful, joyous, loving, confused, determined, generous or mean. Orange’s voice is unique and powerful. And I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
LINK to my review
The 100-year-old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonasson – 3.5***
On his 100th birthday, Allan Karlsson escapes from his nursing home and goes on an adventure – or should I say, ANOTHER adventure. This is a fun romp of a novel that reminded me of Forest Gump . Allan’s great talent seems to be going with the flow; he’s rarely ruffled, keeps his wits about him and just enjoys the ride. Readers would do well to follow his lead. Suspend disbelief and enjoy.
LINK to my review
Bone Lines by Stephanie Bretherton has an intriguing title, beautiful cover, and interesting premise - how to connect today's researcher (Eloise) with "Sarah's" ancient bones. I wish it had been better executed.
Link to what I found disappointing
This little book is a gem for anyone with worried, anxious kids. Hector's Favorite Place, written and illustrated by Jo Rooks, is not only cute to read but also helpful.Great for schools and doctors' offices, I reckon.
. 5★ Link to my review with picturesSorry that illustrations often don't show in apps.
Finishing up an audiobook version of Bearskin, reading Wind River, and about to start All the Pretty Horses.
My 4 star review of The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A fun, seasonal read, my 3 star review of Holiday Hostage by Kathi Daley
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Spoonful of Murder – Connie Archer – 3***
This has all the elements of a successful cozy mystery series: amateur sleuth, lots of mouth-watering dishes mentioned, a colorful cast of characters to help (or hinder) Lucky’s attempts to investigate, and a potential love interest. I’d be willing to read another in the series.
LINK to my review
I'm reading Child of Blood and Bone by Toni Adeyemi!
I'm reading Woman No. 17 by Edan Lepucki (really enjoyed her book California few years ago)Also reading Snakewoman of Little Egypt by Robert Hellenga. I never knew that southern Illinois was known as Little Egypt. The things you learn when you read!
On this Christmas Eve I took a little time this afternoon to read A Christmas Memory and I loved it because it made me remember Christmases of my childhood. 5 stars. My brief thoughts: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jason wrote: "Finishing up an audiobook version of Bearskin, reading Wind River, and about to start All the Pretty Horses."I await your review for All the Pretty Horses, Jason. I read it before I started reviewing, and I think it may have been the book that prompted me to write something down.
Lara Hawthorne illustrates Silent Night in her own, unique style. Nice one for the season.
Link to my review with pictures(Sorry they may not show in the app.)
In the 1800s, Americans used to have a competition to see how many birds they could shoot on Christmas Day. Fortunately, that all changed! Have a look at the attractive Counting Birds: The Idea That Helped Save Our Feathered Friends and breathe a sigh of relief!
Link to my review with pictures (You may not see them if you're using the app.)
My 5 star review of The Honeymoon by Tina Seskis
This one's still got me shaking my head...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My 3 star review of Charlotte Murder: A Seagrass Sweets Cozy Mystery by Sandi Scott
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just finished Poppy Harmon Investigates, a new series by Lee Hollis.Read my review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Storm of swords at the moment. Third book of the game of thrones series.
My 3 star review of Murder on the Old Bog Road by David Pearson
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Storm of Swords. Third book in the Game of Thrones series
The Namesake – Jhumpa Lahiri – 5*****
The novel follows the Ganguli family over three decades, from the parents’ arranged marriage in Calcutta to raising their family in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This is the type of literary fiction I adore. Lahiri writes with such eloquence and grace, letting the reader learn about this family much as she would do when meeting new acquaintances who become friends over decades. She tackles issues of the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures, differences (and conflicts) between generations, and personal identity.
LINK to my review
Iron Lake – William Kent Krueger – 4****
This is book one in a series starring the former sheriff of Aurora Minnesota, Cork O’Connor. The series has become immensely popular and catapulted William Kent Krueger onto a list of the best mystery / thriller writers. The plot is satisfyingly complex, with many suspects, unclear motives, uncertain crimes (Accident? Suicide? Murder?), and more twists and turns than the most fiendish roller coaster. I’ll read more of this series.
LINK to my review
The Hypnotist’s Love Story – Liane Moriarty – 4****
What an interesting and fresh take on relationships and the psychology of love. What makes us attracted to one another? What holds us together? What happens when one partner moves on, but the other hangs on – desperately, crazily, dangerously?
LINK to my review
To end the year here are my reviews for:Witch on Trial by Elle Adams
2 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Environmentally Friendly by Elias Zanbaka
4 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
We know there is A Rule Against Murder, but one takes place anyway in Louise Penny's picturesque Quebec. I am not alone in loving Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and Penny's delicious, atmospheric writing. (aka The Murder Stone)
4.5★ Link to my review
Don't read this one before flying...My 4 star review of Flight Risk by Michael McGuire
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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The Next Best Book Club
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Lee Child (other topics)Jill Marie Landis (other topics)
Leigh Sales (other topics)
Jaden Skye (other topics)
Brigid George (other topics)
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