Coffee & Books discussion

I finished my book called The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

I (finally) finished The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon. Book 5 in the series. I thought it would never be over! 1443 pages, with not much going on most of the time is much too much! Even as an audiobook listening while knitting, it was much much too long. I checked the reviews here and it looks like a lot of readers feel the same way as I do. But, a lot also added that the next one is much better... Shall I take a chance? Not sure yet. I gave it a 3*** because still love the characters, but I have to admit I much prefered it when the action was in Scotland...
My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I started a book which a friend lent me, and I have to read it fast because the friend who lent it to my friend (!) wants it back this week.
It is book 1 of a graphic story of the French Revolution.
336 pages of incredible drawings...
I don't know if it is translated in English.
Révolution, Tome 1 : Liberté

My Lovely Wife sounds great! I have the book, but don’t want to read any comments b/c I don’t want details.

Starting The Whisper Man, Alex North and The Starless Sea, Erin Morgenstern. Probably, will read The Whisper Man tonight and then go to The Starless Sea. Want to read it, since it was picked by GR Book Club and never get to finish in time to discuss. Will try.

So, there’s 3 books. Will be busy and up too late.

Hi Kristine. My Lovely Wife, The Whisper Man and The Starless Sea were all great books! I'm sure you won't be let down. I would leave The Starless Sea til last bc it's long and fantasy/magic. Enjoy!

Ann Marie, thanks. Will read in your order. Got some time tonight. You read many different genres like me.

Kristine the called My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing was very good

My review for The Viennese Girl by Jenny Lecoat

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

I’m finishing up the executor by Jesse kellerman

I finished my book called Dreamweaver Trail by Emily March

Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa

My review for Scared Yet? by Jaye Ford

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

I finished my book called Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris

Currently reading The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. It’s so good!

Booked For Trouble – Eva Gates – 3***
Book two in the Lighthouse Library mystery series focuses on Lucy Richardson’s socialite mother, Suzanne. She may be intent on getting Lucy back in Boston, but Lucy loves her library job and has two potential suitors on Bodie Island. This cozy is full of literary references and peopled by an interesting array of secondary characters, including the cat, Charles (Dickens). An enjoyable read, and I’ll continue the series.
My full review HERE

I finished my book called Cardiac Event by Richard L. Mabry

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay.

I finished my book called Life Support by Candace Calvert

The Cabin At The End of the Woods By Paul Tremblay!.

The Southern Book Clubs Guide to Slaying Vampires!

Btw, The Cabin At The End of the World by Paul Tremblay was 1 star in my opinion.

I finished my book called Monster in the Closet by Karen Rose

Death Of a Winter Shaker – Deborah Woodworth – 3.5***
Book # 1 in the Sister Rose Callahan cozy mystery series, set in a Shaker community in 1930’s Kentucky. I really enjoyed this mystery. Woodworth has given the reader some very interesting and complex characters. Rose is determined, clear-thinking, intelligent and tenacious. And I learned a little about the Shakers.
My full review HERE

I finished The Whisper Man and The Lovely Wife. Thanks, Ann Marie for recommending them. The Lovely Wife was my favorite. It was so different and great!

Thanks, Christine, for recommending it, too.

Once, I picked up The Lovely Wife, I couldn’t put it down.

My review for The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan by Lisa Ireland

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

Danseuse étoile
I read for the ... I don't know how many times I read this book! It is a childhood book, but it is a serious book, the autobiography of a star ballerina from the Paris Opera Ballet. It is serious, but it is also well written for its audience: children. But it is seriously written so an adult can still enjoy it. I am very disapointed this book is no longer available (published in 1961). It is a pure gem.

My full review in French is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Oh Kristine you are sooo welcome....if you ever need good recommendations message me. I'll talk with you soon. My mom had a fall, I'll message you very soon. You are most welcome!

Ann Marie wrote: "Oh Kristine you are sooo welcome....if you ever need good recommendations message me. I'll talk with you soon. My mom had a fall, I'll message you very soon. You are most welcome!"

Sorry, about your Mom. Know it’s hard. My Dad is slowly getting better. My Mom has fallen several times this year. It’s so difficult, but great you are helping her.

Speak again soon. All my best.

Awww Kristine, I'm sorry too about your father. I will write you a long message soon, I have sooo much chaos going on and I'm sure your plate is also full! Stay safe. Prayers to you and your family! Ttys. Thanks luv!

The Southern Book Club Guide to Slaying Vampires and A Good Marriage next.....has anyone liked A Good Marriage? The last thing I want to do is read another psychological thriller ( my favorite or one of my favorite genres) and feel like I've read it before over and over again, for example same book, different cover with so many of these in my TBR list....does anyone recommend this book?

I finished my book called One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

Margot wrote: "Margot wrote: "I started a book which a friend lent me, and I have to read it fast because the friend who lent it to my friend (!) wants it back this week.
It is book 1 of a graphic story of the Fr..."

I could not finish this book as someone lent it to me and wanted it back fast. I was not willing to just run through it. It is too beautiful a work for that. I would rather purchase it.

I just finished listening to an audiobook
A Terribly Private Club

I purchased this audiobook only because of the reader. When I saw Anna Baryshnikov as the name of the artist reading this book I had to listen to this. I love ballet, and I knew Anna Baryshnikov was an actress. I was very curious to listen to her interpret any book.

This book was not a bad one, but it was not a great one either. I would rate it a 3* mainly because I saw everything coming from a mille and had my eyes rolling when the main character fell for all of it.

But Anna Baryshnikov was the one who kept me going. She was excellent and I will be looking out for other books she might read in the future.

This work is not available in paper, nor as an ebook, only as an audiobook.

Be Frank With Me – Julia Claiborne Johnson – 4****
This is a delightful, engaging novel. The characters are complex and the author deftly handles the difficulties of dealing with such an unusual situation. While no specific diagnosis is ever given, it’s clear that Frank is on the autism spectrum. He is the catalyst for the book’s most hilarious … and heartbreaking … moments. I love a book that leaves me wanting more, and this definitely did that. I can hardly wait to read what Johnson writes next.
My full review HERE

I am reading the running man by Stephen king. It is not my favorite compared to some of his other works.

4****

I just finished reading a poetry book. I don't like poetry because I can't understand the meaning. I am a very down to earth person, I don't get the "second degree" in a conversation. You can see my "problem" with poetry!

Marie Darsigny's book Filles however is very clear. Short, very short texts, with harsh words, sometimes brutal, she is really "in your face".

I enjoyed the reading because I understood what she was saying and I felt sad at the end for a very difficult life. Life is unfair...

My review for Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

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

The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek 4****

This was a bittersweet book to listen to. I learned some very interesting details about the way the Jeopardy show was filmed and had a few laughs from quirky answers Alex Trebek gave to questions he was asked, but the fact that he is getting at the end of his life is always in the background.

He narrated himself a few small parts of the book, while Ken Jennings (greatest winner of Jeopardy) did most it. Both were nice to listen to.

I finished my book called The End of Her by Shari Lapena

The Red Address Book – Sofia Lundberg – 2.5**
I am so over the dual time-line device in historical fiction! Just tell the story. This seemed very disjointed, what with the drama occurring in present day – both Doris and Jenny have some serious problems – and the drama of her great lost love in the past, I just never felt connected to these characters or to the story.
My full review HERE

I finished my book called A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight

Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson – 5***** and a ❤
Jacqueline Woodson is an award-winning author and poet. This memoir of her childhood, growing up in the turbulent 1960s is written entirely in free verse. The language is appropriate and accessible for the target middle-school audience, but eloquent and complex enough to engage and interest adults.
My full review HERE