The Next Best Book Club discussion

I've finished The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian today and loved it. Now starting The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien.

I enjoyed (if one can use that word for this book)The Sandcastle Girls but really loved Skeletons at the Feast.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute – 5*****
A young English woman survives WW2 as a prisoner of the Japanese, and then finds her way to Australia and a new life. Nevil Shute is a wonderful story teller. I was engaged and interested from page one. Jean is a remarkable young woman – brave, intelligent, level-headed, and resilient. Joe Harman is a strong, quiet, resourceful young man. His steadfast belief in Jean, and hers in him, forms a solid basis for a strong and loving relationship. There is a fair amount of adventure in the story, and some horrific circumstances to be got through. But on the whole it is a quiet tale of a life well-lived.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was the first book I've read of his Nancy but I'm definitely going to look at some others.

Let me know how you enjoy Skeletons of the Feast, Jackie.

Yes will do, Nancy. I'll have to look up the blurb for it as I tried on here but it doesn't have one.

1984 by George Orwell

I am taking a small break from to read for a challenge. I will then finish and then i will pick up .

Stephanie wrote: " J.K. Rowling

and for the first time! Just one to finish all of them. - I know... Some of you would kill me for not reading th..

LOL Stephanie, as long as you're enjoying them!

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson – 3.5***
Book on CD read by Stephen Hoye. The subtitle gives a pretty good synopsis: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin. Watching these events unfold, and learning about the Dodds was interesting to me, but not compelling. Larson is known for exhaustive research as well as for a writing style that really personalizes history. I’ve read several of his books and I found this one good but not great. Stephen Hoye is an accomplished voice artist, but there was something about his narration that just put me off the book. I was really interested for the first four discs, but then slowly grew bored.
This is a Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm now reading Manhunt The 12 Day Chase for Abraham Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson. I'm only a little way in but so far so good!

I'm done with The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian. It's an enjoyable novel that has romance, mystery, and a good description of the events in Italy during WWII. It was really interesting to read about those events. Does any of you know about other historical fiction novel set in the same period and scenario? I only know about A Thread of Grace and I plan to read it soon. But I'd like to read a little more.

I started yesterday One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf, and I'm trying to resume Pride and Prejudice.

I am reading A a Thread of a Grace now. Bit I'm uncertain if I will continue this. It is a very involved book with lots of characters. So many there's a list in the front of the book. Doesn't help if you're using an e reader or listening to the audio.

Sandra wrote: "I'm done with The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian. It's an enjoyable novel that has romance, mystery, and a good description of the events in Italy during WWII. It was really ..."

Just thought of another really good novel you might be interested in at this time. It's not quite like Bohjalian's book but it does show the effect of WWII on a small German village. The title is Stones from the River.

And since you enjoyed Light in the Ruins, I would suggest Bohjalian's book, Skeletons at the Feast

Sandra wrote: "I'm done with The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian. It's an enjoyable novel that has romance, mystery, and a good description of the events in Italy during WWII. It was really ..."

The Last Suppers by Diane Mott Davidson – 3***
This is book # 4 in the Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series. Goldy is a likeable amateur detective, but I thought too much time was spent on outlining the fight between the “charismatics” and the “Old Guard” factions of the Episcopal Church and not enough time spent on investigating the murder. Still, this was easy to get into and a pretty fast read. Davidson offered plenty of suspects, plot twists and recipes to keep me turning pages.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm reading , a parody of

Starting Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Green.

I am currently reading A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell and Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal. A Thread of Grace takes place in Italy during WWII and describes the efforts on the part of these people to hide the Jews from the Nazis.

Dollbaby is reminiscent of Beth Hoffman's title, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt and The Secret Life of Bees. Set in the 60's this book revolves around a young girls coming of age with a couple of unique women and also the civil rights movement in the South.

Over this weekend while I have been rading two books at the same time, I came up with some possible changes for my reading schedule.

Whereas at one time I would listen to tapes while in the car and at home doing chores, I find that I am not really paying attention and while listening to A Tread of Grace I realized I needed to read over certain parts and it's hard to do this. In the future I may only listen to those books which are light and easy reading.

I also find that reading 2 or 3 books at the same time is sort of like deciding whose your favorite child. I read a bit of each book but think I might now prefer to read one book at a time. My problem is that I am a greedy reader, download way too many books I will never get to, reserve from the library (they always come in at the same time, borrow from the library and still have a stack of TBR's that I own.

So with that ion mind I am going to concentrate on Dollbaby since it is due at the library mid week and will finish with A Thread of Grace next.

Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes – 3***
Book on CD read by Blair Brown. The intended audience for this novel is the middle-school crowd, and I think they would respond really well to it. Henkes did a good job of showing tweens on the cusp of growing up – conflicted between loving and wanting to be with family, and wanting to explore and go out on their own. Martha does a lot of thinking and worrying over whether her dreams are really her own, whether her grandmother will die soon, whether Jimmy really likes her, etc. However, this novel just didn’t do much for me. It was a perfectly good book, but not great.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Nancy, thanks for suggesting Stones from the River. I'll take a look at it.

I really would like to know what do you think of A Thread of Grace. I plan to read it soon since I read last week The Light in the Ruins and I'm interested in reading more about the events in Italy during WWII. Let me know your thoughts when you finish it.

Finished The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins last night -- an excellent read, for those who enjoy vintage mysteries.

Read Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson today -- enjoyed rereading this classic childhood book.

Have now started Hot Rocks by Nora Roberts.

Book Concierge wrote: " Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes – 3***
Book on CD read by Blair Brown. The intended audience for this novel is the middle-school crowd, and I think they would..."

I loved Blair Brown. Hardly see her acting anymore. I also enjoy audios read by Hope Davis.

I'm reading The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party. I may actually finish this series.

I'm reading Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf.

Just finished One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf. Her style is similar to Jodi Picuolt's. I liked it but I didn't love it.
Renee, how are you liking Little Mercies?

I'm starting today The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls for my August Book Club meeting.

I have finished reading Die for Me and Carpe Corpus and they were pretty good but i didn't finish the archived. I just couldn't get into it. I got some new books for a few challenges that i am working on and i am finishing up Breathe which i hope to finished tomorrow. I will then read and .

Sandra wrote: "Just finished One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf. Her style is similar to Jodi Picuolt's. I liked it but I didn't love it.
Renee, how are you liking Little Mercies?
Sandra, I'm liking Little Mercies well enough, but it's not Pulitzer material. The story and characters are interesting enough, and the story moves along quickly enough, but there are better ones out there.

I'm starting ..."

I just started Stardust by Neil Gaiman. This is the fourth of Gaiman's works that I've picked up so far, and I'm sensing that it might not follow the suspense/horror style that I'm accustomed to from him. I'm not as invested in the story as I expected to be, but will definitely make an effort to finish it and see if my feelings change.

Endangered Species by Nevada Barr – 3***
Book # 5 in the Anna Pigeon series finds Anna on temporary fire-suppression duty at Cumberland Island National Seashore. I like Anna Pigeon. She’s smart, resourceful, strong and independent. I wish she didn’t take so many foolish chances; then again, when she gets in a jam she usually gets herself out of it rather than wait to be rescued. Barr writes about the wonders of the national parks and gives a realistic look at wilderness life, including spiders, ticks, snakes, etc. There are plenty of suspects, several red herrings, and multiple plot twists; all of which kept me turning pages. It’s a solid mystery
This is a Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

i have finally finished reading and and they were both very good. i am now taking a break from reading to do updates on my computer. My brain is officially tired of reading for the time being. Tomorrow i will start and then i will read after that. with college starting on Monday for me i am doing as much as possible before i have homework.

I am reading 2666by Roberto Bolaño and Stay Close, Little Ghostby Oliver Serang

I finished A Thread of Grace today and am now reading Natchez Burning by Greg Iles. This is the 4th book featuring the lawyer Penn Cage and actually the beginning of another trilogy.

I have also been on a read the book and then see the movie. I first read The Fault in Our Stars but never did see the movie yet. Then I reread The Giver in anticipation of seeing this movie when it comes out. And finally I was able to find the audio for if I Stay and am also rereading this now and hope to see this movie shortly too.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera – 3***
Audiobook performed by Richmond Hoxie. There are passages with luminous writing, passages which forced me to think and some that really resonated with me. But I kept losing my way in all the ruminations and dreams and philosophical treatises. I usually enjoy novels with a philosophical bent. Unfortunately, this is the wrong time for me to read a book of this nature (especially in audio format). My lack of concentration simply didn’t allow me to give the work the attention it deserved. I’ll give 3 stars for now – good but not great – and reserve the right to change my rating after I re-read it.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I am relatively new to this book group and after perusing your reading lists, I am delighted to tell you that I have added so many new titles to my own list that I don't think I'll be able to read them all in my lifetime. Nothing like a good challenge to keep one spritely!

VickiLee wrote: "I am relatively new to this book group and after perusing your reading lists, I am delighted to tell you that I have added so many new titles to my own list that I don't think I'll be able to read ..."

VickiLee,
This is how I find most of my books-to-read, too. I also enjoy reading the Recent Reviews feed. I have way more books on my To Read list than on my Have Read list.

I am currently reading The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and
Between Shades of Gray.

Karen wrote: "VickiLee wrote: "I am relatively new to this book group and after perusing your reading lists, I am delighted to tell you that I have added so many new titles to my own list that I don't think I'll..."

I read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter about four or five years ago. It's a very good book.

I just finished Vanity Fair, which I found surprisingly audacious for a nineteenth-century novel - 4★s.

Here is my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman – 4****
A young Indian dancer loses a leg in an accident, and has to find a new path to her dreams of being the best interpreter of the Bharantanatyam style. Venkatraman packs a lot of emotion into a few words in this novel told entirely in verse. It is an inspiring story of one young woman’s courage, grace and spiritual awakening. Veda is a wonderful heroine. Over the course of the novel she comes to realize the true meaning of friendship, love, and sacrifice. I really liked how the author portrayed the relationships Veda had with family, friends, and teachers. The cultural framework may be very different, but the interpersonal dynamics are universal.
This is a Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Currently reading "and the mountains echoed"

Kalsang wrote: "Currently reading "and the mountains echoed""

I read that one. I liked his two other books better, but this one is still good.

Hope you're enjoying it Kalsang, I'm going to read that soon!

Hm its gud but not as good as his othr book..i remember enjoying "the kite runner" alot ven i was younger.

Book Concierge wrote: "

The Grapes of Wrath
– John Steinbeck
Audio book performed by Dylan Baker
5*****

When we first meet Tom Joad he has been walking for miles, newly paroled f..."

I didn't find Steinbeck until I was about fourteen but his books, and this one in particular are an absolute joy to read. A real depth whilst being page turners. Shame not to have the written word but an audio version may fire the listeners interest in exploring the paper versions.

I didn't read Steinbeck until high school, but discovered I loved him. I consider his works to be relevant today.

Finished yesterday The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls. It was just ok to me. I like it but I don't think it is nothing impressive. I liked her other 2 books much better. I can see in this novel how many characters where inspired in members of her family that appear in her memories.

I'll start today The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. I have been looking for this one for a long time.

I'm reading a dystopian, Salvage and a cozy mystery, The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection. The dystopian pulled me in so quickly and the cozy is such a nice light read.

This morning art imitated life or is it life imitating art. In any event, on my way to the park to meet my walking group, I was listening to NPR and was surprised to find that the author of Small Blessings was being interviewed. Interesting to listen to where ideas and characters, etc. come from. I also reserved this book recently so it was a coincidence. On my way home,I listened to Thirty Umrigar, a favorite author discuss her new book The Story Hour. Finally home and I immediately am at the computer reading e mails where I found out that my copy of Small Blessings is waiting for me at the library. I'm wondering what else could be coincidental today. LOL

Currently in the middle of Half a King. It's my first read by Joe Abercrombie and is proving to be pretty entertaining so far.