All About Books discussion

Hannah wrote: "Leslie wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Hannah recommended The Orenda by Joseph Boyden..."

This is on my to-read list and that's one of the reasons I recommended it to you. I've seen a few reviews similar to your thoughts. Sorry it wasn't a hit!"...

No apology necessary - it was a good recommendation. Just not the right timing, as I said in my comment... it happens!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Heather recommended by Jim Townsend Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
I had to, sooner or later: it is a book that a graduate in English Literature HAS to have read fully, and not only by extracts, as I had done till now. So yes, but when????

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
Yes, bits and pieces here and there; fully only A Modest Proposal

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? As I expected a real masterpiece, but not of an easy read, especially for me, not being an English mother tongue.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Definitly yes

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Definitely and absolutely!!!

Laura that's great. Hubby said it isn't an easy read and encouraged me to read a kids' adaptation. Now I feel ready for the challenge.

I too loved Handmaid's tale. One thing I find interesting as I mature as a reader is to look at the time when the book was written. How much has the message withstood time? How much has the book been copied by others. There as Hannah mentioned, there are many other books with similar messages now. Almost ever time I use my create card or think about the fertility challenges that are increasing, I realize that this book is frighteningly plausible. A truly important read.

Hannah wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Heather recommended The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily..."

Jennifer wrote: "I too loved Handmaid's tale. One thing I find interesting as I mature as a reader is to look at the time when the book was written. How much has the message withstood time? How much has the book be..."

I'm glad you liked it, Jennifer. I did not like it. As I said, I understand its importance but I found the book itself incredibly dull and slow-moving.

Jennifer wrote: "Laura that's great. Hubby said it isn't an easy read and encouraged me to read a kids' adaptation. Now I feel ready for the challenge."

It is absolutely not an easy read, and parts are a bit boring. Still I think it has to be read in its original version, when you feel like it. Not one minute before!!!

I was recommended The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri by LauraT.

I have never heard of this book or author until this recommendation. And I almost didn't read it. But it had great reviews, based in Sicily and I like reading about other cultures as well so a plus. I was prepared for it not been a great novel but it was enjoyable. I definitely would recommend it and am looking to continuing the rest of the series. Especially as iTunes has a deal of the first three books for $1.99 US. I had a peek at the second novel which I liked the beginning more than the beginning of this one. Aside from the swearing, it was a entertaining read.

June wrote: "I was recommended The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri by LauraT.

I have never heard of this book or author until this recommendation. And I almost didn't read it. But it had great reviews, bas..."

Oh, if you like mysteries the series gets even better!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson was recommended by Hannah.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
It was on my TBR however, I don't know if I would have ever gotten to actually reading it. I had forgotten it was even there until Hannah Recommended it.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
I had not ever read anything by Bryan Stevenson.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I really took a lot from it. It gave me a perspective I have heard talk of, but never had it been delivered to me in a way that informed and enlightened me.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
I already have - I was in D.C. Speaking to a lawyer friend of mine and I shared my thoughts on it with her. I told her the author had successfully argued before the Supreme Court on more than one occasion impacting current law as a result. She asked me for the information and I forwarded it to her.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Sure, it was a great experience.

Thank you Hannah!

Guy, I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one. It was one of the last books I read in 2016 and it blew me away. It's a book that makes you think but also feel - at least for me. It was also engaging and an easy, quick read. So happy to enjoyed it!

1. Lauri recommended Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay to me.

2. It was on my to read list, but I'm not sure it was really on my radar to read. I saw it on a blog maybe and liked the sound of it.

3. Haven't read anything by the author before.

4. I loved this book. I love historical fiction and learning about new things, I like it when a book makes me 'google' the story about Sarah and her family was totally believable and it had me gripped. I've been thinking about this book ever since.

5. I have already recommended to others.

6. Will most certainly take part in a future swap.

Hannah wrote: "Guy, I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one. It was one of the last books I read in 2016 and it blew me away. It's a book that makes you think but also feel - at least for me. It was also en..."

You sum it up nicely.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Carrie recommended three books and I chose A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes, I eventually would have gotten around to it. It was on my to-read list.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?

No, I have not.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I thought it was great! I really enjoyed it. It's well written and the plot is compelling (complete review

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Absolutely! If you don't like Sci-Fi and/or fantasy you may not enjoy this but it's a nice, easy read.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Absolutely!

Gemma recommended Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith, which I doubt I otherwise would have picked up. I had not heard of this author before though I think I had a vague notion that this book existed, partially because I remember a film being made by the same name, which I now know was based on the book. I enjoyed the read. It is a real page-turning, teeth-clenching thriller (my review). I am sure that I will be recommending this to others in the future, given that they are not the squeamish type. This was a great experience and I want to enthusiastically thank Gemma for the excellent recommendation! I look forward to participating in another recommendation swap in the future.

Terri had several recommendations for me, but I chose News of the World and it was amazing! The author is a poet and it really comes through even in her prose! This tells the story of a young girl who was held captive & then adopted into the Kiowa tribe. This story truly begins when 10-year-old Johanna Leonberger is reclaimed and elderly Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd is entrusted to return her to her long lost family -- a journey of over 400 miles. It is extremely well done and now highly recommended by me! I will probably read all her recommendations at some point, but this one was perfect for me right now!

I would love to participate again!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Jennifer recommended Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No, it was written in 1991 and wasn't on my radar at all.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, I was not familiar with this author.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I loved it! It's a nonfiction story of 3 generations of Chinese women. I learned a lot about communist China and it was fascinating.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes, happily.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Definitely!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Guy Austin recommended A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No, never heard of it or of the author before!

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, as I’ve said never even heard of him

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I have to admit it isn’t my “type” of book: I don’t like fishing, I don’t particularly like mountains and rivers, I’m a seaside person!!! Too “slow” for my tastes

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Maybe, if I knew it could suit the person I’d recommend it to: I admit it is really well written.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Definitely!

LauraT wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Guy Austin recommended A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean

2. Would you have ..."

LauraT - So sorry you did not care for it. I totally get what you are saying, it was a stretch for you, I admit. I pray better luck for you next go round. At least it was short! ;)

I was recommended Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman for the May swap. Jason invited me to read this after seeing I had read American Gods but didn't quite love it. This is the "sequel " to that book but really can be read as a standalone novel. I was planning to read it this year, so glad to commit to reading it.

I definitely enjoyed this one more than American Gods or the short story collection Fragile Things. I had heard that Gaiman wrote funny novels and this is the first one that was funny. The rest were quirky and that is his style as well. I am familiar with the Anansi folklore as I'm from the Caribbean. This was a different spin to the folklore and tastefully done. Gave it 4 stars and would recommend this one to anyone.

And I am definitely in for another recommendation swap.

Guy wrote: "LauraT - So sorry you did not care for it. I totally get what you are saying, it was a stretch for you, I admit. I pray better luck for you next go round. At least it was short! ;)..."

No big deal!!! It's always a "risk" to read books you don't know, but this is the way to discover new things!!!

June wrote: "I was recommended Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman for the May swap. Jason invited me to read this after seeing I had read American Gods but didn't quite love it. This is the "sequel " to that book but r..."

I hoped you would enjoy it more than American Gods, as I know I did. I only had a vague awareness of Anansi the spider as a character in folklore prior to reading Gaiman's books, I wonder if a better sense of the folklore would enhance the appreciation of this book? It seems from what you state that Gaiman's novel is quite a departure from the classic character, so perhaps not.

Laura T recommended Still Life. I have been recommended this author in the past but haven't read them as this type of book is one I usually only read during specific times involving hospital beds and morphine.

I have not read anything by the author but had passed the recommended books on to my mom (who loved them). I may read another but comfy mysteries aren't my usual choice but if you like that kind of book this was good.

Things have been very tough right now for me so it was hard to get on to this book. I seem to need books the slap you on the face more than gentle books. I would recommend this to others.

"A sweet comfy mystery. Not my usual read. I struggled with it at first but that had more to do with what is happening in my life than with the book. Well written. A good balance of being about to guess at clues and be surprised. " my brief review.

Thanks again for this swap.

Glad you liked it notwithstanding your situation!

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Tracey recommended We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
I have heard so much about the author through this group over the past few years so I think I would have liked to but I'm glad Tracey sort of gave me the push to do so.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
This was my first book by Jackson

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I really enjoyed, very creepy and reminded me so much of my gothic literature module in my second year of university which I really enjoyed.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
I would.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Of course, I don't think I have missed one yet.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? I was given The grass is singing by Doris Lessing.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? I've been avoiding 'challenging' books for a long time so possibly not.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read? No, but I have Mara and Dann in my book wardrobe.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? I thought it was fantastic, though not an easy read because of the content. She is an excellent writer.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? Yes but not everyone.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes, can't wait.

Tracey wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? I was given The grass is singing by Doris Lessing.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? I've been avoiding 'challenging' bo..."

Some of us had a readalong of the book back in 2014, so I thought you might like to see our discussion, below. I thought it was so well written, and one of those books that you can't stop thinking about after you have finished it.

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

Thanks Shirley, some really interesting perspectives on there. :)

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Guy recommended Swallows of Kabul to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

No, it was written in 2002 and wasn't on my radar at all, even though I love stories about Afghanistan.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?

No, I was not familiar with this author.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I loved it! The writing was beautiful and the story powerful. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes, happily.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Definitely! The past 2 swaps have led me to some great reading. I love doing this every quarter.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Way back in April, June recommended Animal Farm to me for the May-July swap, and I immediately placed it on reserve at the library. THREE MONTHS LATER, it finally got to me.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes. Although not intentional to start, I'm trying to work through as many of the classic dystopian fiction that I can this year, and Animal Farm clearly qualifies.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?

I read 1984 earlier this year.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

Loved this book. Somehow, I'd never read it until now, and it's immediately become one of my all-time favorite novels. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Definitely. Although the direct allegory is to the specific political and economic conditions of the Soviet Union under Stalinism, there are plenty of timeless lessons to be drawn about how societies, even democracies, can be hijacked by brutal and shameless men.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Sure!

June was kind enough to make some excellent recommendations for me, I decided to allow my local library's availability to make the final choice, and (drum roll please) The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness it was. I probably would have picked this book up at some point, as it was on my tbr list, but then again there are so many books that end up languishing there for far too long. I have not read anything by Ness before, which is an added bonus, because I am attempting to read more new authors (to me) this year. I must say that I was hooked early, but alas the adoration didn't quite stay with me the way I might have hoped (my review). I would certainly recommend this to others, but I do not think it is for everyone. I enjoy the recommendation swap and look forward to participating again in the future -- thank you June for the excellent recommendations, I will try to get to the others soon as well!

1.) Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Norwegian Wood by Huraki Murakami, recommended to me by Jason.

2.) Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Yes, I had been meaning to read Murakami for a while but never got to it till now.

3.) Have you read anything by the same author before?

No.

4.) What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It is a wonderful book, I'm glad Jason recommended this to me. Here's my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

5.) Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Definitely.

6.) Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

I gladly will take part in a future recommendation swap.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? - Alannah Recommended The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

I don't know if I would have. It was on my TBR here, but honestly I put so many on it I don't get to them often, in this case, I heard Pamela Paul from NYT Book Review Podcast say she read it and it would be on her top ten for the year, then I got this recommend from Alannah. That solidified my reading it.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?

No, I had not. Nor had I heard of him. I certainly do know him now and will read more.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

Honestly, I loved it. The more I read the more I wanted to know about the author. I learned that T.S. Elliott expressed that Collins was the pioneer of the genre and not Poe, at the time coined "Sensation Novels" later , "Detective Stories" and "Mysteries." I've added The Moonstone to my TBR.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Oh, Yes

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Most likely, I have been fortunate to receive two great recommendations out of two.

Guy wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? - Alannah Recommended The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?..."

I am happy to see this enthusiastic endorsement as I have been thinking that The Woman in White needs to be an October read for me.

Guy, I think that you will enjoy The Moonstone!

Now I want to read that book too!

I'm a lot late with my report.

I was recommended the large tome- The Stand by Teri. I was already planning to read this one this year. It just got pushed up earlier. Whilst Stephen King is well-known for horror which I tend to avoid. I read two novels this year - The Gunslinger- not a fan of this one and then Mr. Mercedes- it was a decent read.

So, what did I think of the beloved book, The Stand. I thoroughly enjoyed the first part with the superflu, aka Captain Trips. Morbid but it was really well thought out. And then came the ultimate bad boy, Randall Flaggs, aka Walking Dude aka Walter O'Dim and I felt that the cracks began to show in the plot. Overall, I did enjoy the ride with the ode to smalltown America but that ending.

I would recommend it. Don't be put off by the size, it is fast-paced in some sections. It's an epic ride.

I've just returned from an epic 6-day bike ride (Alps 2 Ocean) and lucky for me Shirley had recommended a great book that I got to read on lunch breaks by lakes, in the evening, over breakfast, and on the bus and plane journeys.

Shirley recommended Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. I'd obviously heard about it from somewhere as it had been on my TBR since 2014. However, it had been so long that I didn't remember what it was about.

So it was a lovely surprise to find such a gem of a book! I loved the characters and the relationships between them. I liked how the author shows that you are not completely your own person but you take on bits and pieces of those people you interact with throughout your life. It's so true! It made me think of the way my partner now throws his head back when he laughs - something he got from hanging out with me too much :) and I use many of his mannerism (although I only notice when my sisters point them out haha).

I haven't read anything by this author before but given how good it was - and it was only her debut - I'll definitely be looking out for more!

I gave it 5*. Thanks for the memorable read Shirley. It will forever by tied up with my memories of an epic holiday :)

Erica wrote: "I've just returned from an epic 6-day bike ride (Alps 2 Ocean) and lucky for me Shirley had recommended a great book that I got to read on lunch breaks by lakes, in the evening, over breakfast, and..."

So pleased you liked it, Erica!

I'm always so impressed with the recs I get through these swaps :)

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

I was recommended The Big Sleep or The Moonstone.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

Both were already on my TBR, so probably.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?

No - I decided to go with The Big Sleep and I haven't read the author before

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

Excellent - I can see why it has stood the test of time. I was captivated.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes!

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Probably, but I don't know if I will do the next one.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you? Jennifer recommend Girl with a Pearl Earring

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily? I had heard of the book and was interested but I am not sure I would have even got to it.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read? No

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended? I really liked it and gave it 4* https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else? Yes, I would. It's an interesting but fairly light read with lots of good historical facts and a good story

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future? Yes, definitely!

1. Erica recommended the wonderful One by Sarah Crossan. That book is impossible to find for a link.

2 although it was on my to-read list, it might have been missed as it was only available at the library as a paper book. I haven’t been getting through those too quickly.

3 have never read anything by this author before. I haven’t checked to see if there are other books.

4. This is likely my last 5 star of the year. And my favourite book from book swap!!

5 would recommend. Loved the stories. Loved the characters. Loved the interesting style. What a powerful book. This was the book that helped me see that it might not be reading physical books (rather than audiobooks) that is the problem, it might just be that I haven’t had books that were right for me now.

6. Thank you and yes I would like to join again.

So glad you enjoyed it as much as I did! I definitely also plan to check out more by Sarah Crossan next year. I think she had a book released recently called Moonrise

This is from the last recommendation swap, but I thought I would still post as I've only just finished the book.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Heather (moderator) recommended Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
Yes, I already bought the book and was planning to read it.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
Yes, I have read quite a few books by Jodi Picoult, she is one of my favourite authors. I have also read: My Sister's Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, The Pact, The Storyteller, House Rules, Leaving Time, The Tenth Circle, Keeping Faith, Sing You Home, Salem Falls, Lone Wolf, Harvesting the Heart, Between the Lines, Songs of the Humpback Whale, Where there's smoke and Larger than life.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
Really enjoyed it, just like every other Picoult but the subject matter was really interesting

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
I certainly would.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Definitely

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?
Brooke recommended The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?
No, probably not unless it was a daily deal on audible.com as I would have intrigued by it

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?
No, but I plan to read the rest of the series now.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?
I enjoyed it, couldn't keep away from so finished it quickly; I was shocked when I put it down after my first listen to find that I'd nearly finished the book.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?
Yes, I would.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes, I love them.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri has been recommended by Lauri.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

I think so because it was in my wishlist and I wanted to read more by this author.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?

Yes, I have read Unaccustomed Earth 5 years ago.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

I rated it with 3* so it means that I liked it though I found these stories less deep respect to the other book I've read by the same author.
I have written a short review in English with my opinions: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

No, I think I would recommend Unaccustomed Earth by the same author because I found the stories more deep and interesting.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?

Yep!

I think that Interpreter of Maladies was her first book so it isn't surprising that the stories struck you as less deep than her later works, dely. I had a slightly better response than you partly because some of the stories were set in the Boston area (near my hometown).

Leslie wrote: "I think that Interpreter of Maladies was her first book so it isn't surprising that the stories struck you as less deep than her later works, dely. I had a slightly better response than..."

Yes, I thought the same.

1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys was recommended to me by Alannah.

2. Would you have read the book ordinarily?

It was on my TBR and I owned a copy so I probably would have read it sometime but it wasn't high on my radar.

3. Have you read anything by the same author before – if so what have you read?

No.

4. What did you think of the book you were recommended?

It was amazing! I ended up giving it 4½ stars, in part because the author's comments at the end of my audiobook edition explained that some of the parts I had doubts about were based on actual events.

5. Would you recommend this book to someone else?

Yes, although it is a difficult book in parts as life in the gulags was definitely harsh so the person would have to be willing to read about that.

6. Would you take part in another recommendation swap in the future?
Yes :)

Leslie wrote: "1. Which book were you recommended and who recommended it to you?

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys was recommended to me by Alannah.

2. Would you have read ..."

So glad you enjoyed it, Leslie.