The Next Best Book Club discussion

Five Patients by Michael Crichton – 3***
Crichton uses five patients’ case studies to explain how a large hospital works. He wrote this nonfiction account when he was barely out of medical school himself – November 1969. Since then much has changed, and much remains the same. So, while this work is obviously dated, I still found it interesting.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Sally wrote: "I recently read Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson and was completely and utterly captivated! It's not often the second book in a series is better than the first...."

Ooh, I've recently been looking at The Stormlight Archive series. In fact, I found it only yesterday, and I must say it caught my interest!


I am currently reading A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. Or, well, I haven't actually read it for half a year, since I've read lots of other things and had other things to do, which might explain why I haven't come very far despite having started more than a year ago, but I will take it up again very soon, so I can finish it. At least I don't have to start all over, which I had to when I started this time, since so much time had passed since I had read anything last time. I first started reading the book before the series was even started up for television, so it's not so weird that I had to start over. Then I have 150+ other books to read.

See you in 10 years!

Finished Marco Effect, another solid effort by my newest favorite mystery writer, along with finishing the The Magician's Land. the last in the trilogy by Lev Grossman, a solid trilogy with interesting characters. Now it is on to a "long put off but now is the time to read" The Iron King now that the third book has been released. This is a historical fiction of the time period before the start of the 100 Years War written in the 1970s, but being re-released because of a shout out by George RR Martin. I will be so mad if Harper does not release all 7 volumes.

The telling error by sophie hannah.

Just finished Americanah. I found this book interesting specially because of the perspective from where the topics were addressed. Though I felt it lacks of a plot. I never really liked Ifemelu, the main character, but that didn't prevent me to empathize her story.

I started yesterday Lord of the Flies.

I finished Deeper Water by Jessie Cole a few days ago and was very impressed - 4★s. Dare I say it - this book really did have hidden depths! Highly recommended to lovers of general fiction.

Here is my review:

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

I just finished Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

I find it so encouraging that this book is a best seller. Beautifully and honestly written - Strayed is not afraid to let it all hang out - whether writing about her experiences on the PCT or the events in her life that propelled her on this challenging journey. Highly recommended.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach – 2.5**
Several British retirees move to Bangalore after falling for the promises made in a promotional video for s a new type of retirement community, in a country where the elderly are revered. The novel features quite a collection of characters, but it felt disjointed and not fully developed. I was intrigued by the premise and, much like the characters in the book, seduced by the promises of the movie version. On the whole I did not find the book particularly entertaining or charming.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm re reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, in honor of Banned Books Week. The story is very appropriate since it's about America being taken over by a right wing group, and women are no longer allowed to read, among other things. Different groups have tried to ban this book several times. Better read it while you still can.

Renee wrote: "I'm re reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, in honor of Banned Books Week. The story is very appropriate since it's about America being taken over by a right wing group, and women are no..."

This certainly is an intriguing story Renee. I read it years ago and it still sticks with me to this day.

I have not been on here in a while and it's been great reading some of your reviews. I am currently reading two books. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett and All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner. Loving both so far!

I finished all the books that i was reading in my last post and i am now reading and . Both are pretty good so far. I don't know if i will ever get to this week but i might be able to get to it during the weekend. I will also try to finish at least one book on my kindle but i haven't decided on which one yet.

April in Paris by Michael Wallner – 5*****
Audiobook narrated by Paul Michael. A young German corporal falls for the lovely daughter of a French bookseller in 1943 occupied Paris. This is an impossible relationship for she is dedicated to the Resistance. And yet…. No, this is not a hearts-and-flowers romantic escapade; it’s gritty and real, full of hardship and heartache. It’s also a suspenseful novel. I was engaged from beginning to end.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Renee wrote: "I'm re reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, in honor of Banned Books Week. The story is very appropriate since it's about America being taken over by a right wing group, and women are no..."

Great choice for Banned Books Week! Be sure to read the "notes" at the end ... which are really part of the novel.

Hi,

Need some feedback on 'The Dinner' by Herman Koch? Has anyone read it? I recommended it last night for my library book club and I am now doubting myself...Have not read it myself but I have it in my possession. Started to recommend The Martian or The Bees but I thought these 2 might be a bit too edgy for this particular group.

Any thoughts on Dinner anyone?

Thank you to Mitte for such a good and detailed review of Murakami's latest book.
I have just finished "The Sleeping Dictionary" by Sujata Massey and enjoyed it very much - different. It doesn't seem to be known - strange.

Paula wrote: "Renee wrote: "I'm re reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, in honor of Banned Books Week. The story is very appropriate since it's about America being taken over by a right wing group, an..."

Yes, it does stick with you. That's what makes it so good, and it's probably part of why some groups want to ban it.

Carolyn wrote: "Thank you to Mitte for such a good and detailed review of Murakami's latest book.
I have just finished "The Sleeping Dictionary" by Sujata Massey and enjoyed it very much - different. It doesn't se..."

I've read Sujata Massey's Rei Simura series which she stopped writing but I haven't read this one yet but I will have to see if I can get a copy since I do enjoy her writing.

Laura wrote: "Hi,

Need some feedback on 'The Dinner' by Herman Koch? ..."

Laura, I didn't read it either, because I realised the piece "about Herman Koch" gave too much of the plot away. So avoid reading it, if you intend to read the book! Also, my Goodreads friends who read it, gave it 3 or less stars.

I have just finished reading Joanna Trollope's latest book Balancing Act and I absolutely loved every minute - gave it 5 stars. It got quite poor ratings and I don't understand why, unless it's because the book isn't a page turner. It's more concerned with the characters of a complex family and their relationships to each other.

I am a quarter of the way into Lolita for a classics group read. Good so far, though definitely not a fast read, what with the lyrical writng style, vocabulary and long, meandering paragraphs.

Laura wrote: "Hi,

Need some feedback on 'The Dinner' by Herman Koch? Has anyone read it? I recommended it last night for my library book club and I am now doubting myself...Have not read it myself but I have ..."

I liked it a lot! It is very edgy though - I'm not sure how open your bookgroup is, but it was a really good read and I couldn't put it down even though it gets really crazy at some point :)

I really liked The Dinner too!

Heather L wrote: "I am a quarter of the way into Lolita for a classics group read. Good so far, though definitely not a fast read, what with the lyrical writng style, vocabulary and long, meandering p..."

I listened to the audio version a few months back. Jeremy Irons performs it and does a marvelous job.

Thank You, Jeeves by P G Wodehouse – 3***
Book on CD performed marvelously by Jonathan Cecil. This was a typical Jeeves romp. Lighthearted, fun, entertaining and extremely visual. I will warn modern readers, however, Bertie and another character don blackface for much of the second half of the novel. The dialogue includes one particular racist slur that would never be used so casually today; the work was originally written in 1934. Had someone been able to rewrite these scenes to use a different device that was not so racially demeaning I would probably rate it higher.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Clara wrote: "Laura wrote: "Hi,

Need some feedback on 'The Dinner' by Herman Koch? Has anyone read it? I recommended it last night for my library book club and I am now doubting myself...Have not read it myse..."

I think it's a great choice! It's intriguing, ripe for discussion with a single theme. Discussion guides are easily available on the web, that's a plus!
I hope they go for it.

Heather, I have never "gotten" Lolita. I'm perfectly willing to stipulate Nabokov's talent. I just don't trust the male/female subtext.


Shelley
http://dustbowlstory.wordpress.com

I'm going to start reading Black Swan Green by David Mitchell today. I haven't read any of his other books. Hopefully he'll be a good new author for me.

Just finished Lord of the Flies. So disturbing...

Starting now Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier.

Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya – 3.5***
Antonio narrates this mystical coming-of-age story and spiritual journey that reminds me of the oral story-telling traditions of my grandparents. Ultima is a curandera – a healer who uses herbs – and she teaches the young boy that his inner strength will allow him to overcome the tragic circumstances one encounters in life. In Anaya’s writing the landscape becomes as important as any character. The novel includes quite a lot of Spanish language words, phrases and even sentences. Non-Spanish speakers may feel a little lost, though I believe context explains everything pretty clearly.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Jackie wrote: "I'm going to start reading Black Swan Green by David Mitchell today... "

Hope you like it, Jackie! I haven't read it either, but I've read other David Mitchell novels. They are all quite different, but I think he writes beautifully.

I started reading "girl who chased the moon" today. I am 50 pages in and I'm really enjoying it!

I had to use my paper selection method (I can share this) to choose my next book - I have so many good titles from the library. My next read is The Daring Ladies of Lowell for my next read.

Jackie wrote: "I'm going to start reading Black Swan Green by David Mitchell today. I haven't read any of his other books. Hopefully he'll be a good new author for me."

I have never tried reading David Mitchell. I just assume I wouldn't understand even the first page.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

The Railway Children by E Nesbit – 4****
This is a delightful classic of children’s literature. Uprooted from their suburban home to a smaller country cottage, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis make the best of things and try their best to not add to Mother’s worries. I love how inventive they are in their play, and how they display loyalty, courage and compassion. I’d read Nesbit’s Five Children and It series when I was in middle school, but never read any of her other works. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Lol why don't you think you'd understand it Nancy? Is it the british culture references?

Hi Annalie,

I like his style of writing but the book isn't doing that much for me. Maybe it's not one of his better ones. It started off well for me as its set in the 80s and I was a similar age as the characters in the book at that time so I 'got' all the references etc but it's fallen a bit flat. Hopefully it'll pick up a bit!

Even though I have not yet finished Lolita, I spent the weekend reading The Phantom of the Opera -- fantastic!

This is the best book I've read in a long time. A fabulous historical novel

Here is my long overdue 4★ review of that warm and whimsical little book, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin:

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

Going to start Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein today.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding – 5*****
A group of British schoolboys is marooned on a tropical island when their plane crashes. With no structure other than what they themselves create and impose, the group descends into survivalist mode, with violent results. It’s a fascinating and disturbing story. The audiobook narrated by the author, which is a shame. His voice is far too old for these young boys and his delivery was distracting. Still, the novel is gripping, and deserving of the highest rating.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Jackie wrote: "Lol why don't you think you'd understand it Nancy? Is it the british culture references?"

I just don't think I would fully understand the whole book let alone the British references.

I have put down several books this weekand am presently reading a young adult novel and listening to The Museum of Extraordinary Things. I did read this title previously but didn't much like it - the audio is much better. Love the 3 readers.

I'm currently reading ''The First Casualty' by Lucy Floyd. It's set in the Spanish Civil War and has a gripping plot and really engaging characters.

Rest in Pieces by Rita Mae Brown – 2**
Book # 2 in the Mrs Murphy mystery series featuring Mary “Harry” Haristeen and her menagerie – Mrs Murphy (a grey tiger cat), Tucker (a Welsh corgi), and Simon (an opossum living in the hay loft). I found it a disappointing sophomore effort, with little plot and too much descriptive filling. I did like that Harry is a strong, intelligent and resourceful woman.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm reading by Nancy e. Turner and and I am enjoying them both very much.

Gabriella wrote: "I'm reading by Nancy e. Turner and and I am enjoying them both very much.

I LOVED "These is my Words".

I am at the library picking up three reserved books so hopefully one will suit my mood.

I'm currently reading The Hearse You Came in On by Tim Cockey. I love this series about undertaker Hitchcock Sewell and have read books 3 & 4 in it. This is the first book in the series, so I'm going back and filling in the holes. I wish Tim Cockey wrote more than 5 books in the series, and I'll be disappointed to finish it.