Laurel County Public Library discussion

395. What book was out of your comfort zone that you really enjoyed? Explain.

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. Out of my comfort zone because of the publication date, 1868. It is rare for me to read a book this old because the writing is so odd I just don't enjoy it. But that was not the case with Moonstone. There was no problem understanding it and it was greatly entertaining.

I don't know if I have a favorite trope.

396. What was the last book you've read that you couldn't put down? Why?

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. I listened to the audiobook while I read along, and I just found it so interesting. There was some information that I learned about in school (the basic concept of the Caste system), but she includes so many examples that I didn't know about. It's a great non-fiction for anyone who is interested.

Disclaimer: It's a long book so keep that in mind when picking it up. I thought it went by quickly though.

The Wolves at the Door: The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy

This story was riveting and the narrative flowed beautifully. Brought it as a beach read and finished the whole book in less than a week!

397. What author(s) will you read automatically without reading a book synopsis or seeing the cover? Why?

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

I think I have read every book by these two. Books they have written together and individually. I enjoyed every single one.

398. Who is your most read author & what is their best book, in
your opinion?

I'm not sure who my most read author is, but I'm guessing that it's either Agatha Christie or Jane Austen. I've read all of Jane Austen's books—my favorite is Pride and Prejudice (and Northhanger Abbey was one that I enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would). I've read 17 Agatha Christie books so far, I believe (most of them this year!) and my favorites are The ABC Murders, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and And Then There Were None. I can't pick between them! :)

I find I go by individual book rather than a loyalty to the author. If i'm reading a series and don't like the second or third book in I'll just stop reading it (i.e. the Divergent series. I didn't even bother to finish Insurgent)

399. What has been your favorite read of the year so far? Why?

Krystyna wrote: "399. What has been your favorite read of the year so far? Why?"

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune, because it was so heartwarming, fun, and entertaining. I would love to read a sequel.


And, nonfiction, 438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea, because it was fascinating.

Surprisingly,

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson.

Krystyna wrote: "398. Who is your most read author & what is their best book, in
your opinion?"

Seanan McGuire. I think her best book is Every Heart a Doorway.

400. Have you tried reading multiple books at a time? Do you enjoy it? How do you juggle all of the stories? Do you find that you read more books that way?

400. Yes, I do it all the time. I enjoy it, because I can pick which book to read depending on what I'm in the mood for. I never have problems forgetting what story matches which book. And yes, I read more books that way, although it feels like they take longer.

Krystyna wrote: "400. Have you tried reading multiple books at a time? Do you enjoy it? How do you juggle all of the stories? Do you find that you read more books that way?"

I used to. I enjoyed it but I think it was overwhelming, and I often focused on one more than the others. I don't know how I juggled them, but I never got them confused. I think it was because they were typically different genres. I probably read more books that way, but I don't think I remembered as much about each book.

Krystyna wrote: "400. Have you tried reading multiple books at a time? Do you enjoy it? How do you juggle all of the stories? Do you find that you read more books that way?"

Yes and I love it. I started this some years back, and I am surprised at how well it works for me. Also, surprised that I don't have any trouble keeping the stories straight.

401. What season do you tend to read more books in? Why?

I read more in the Winter because I can't do things outside. I love getting cozy with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book during the Winter!

I read a few more books in the winter. I have to do yard work in the summer.

402. What's a book that's been sitting on your TBR for way too long?

On TBR list way to long:

Rich Man, Poor Man by Irwin Shaw

I never used to until I started here and found way too many books I wanted to read. I don't think I like it, I always gravitate toward one and neglect the others which makes me feel kind of guilty lol

I have way, way too many. Agatha Christie is the first that comes to mind. I'm gonna give her Miss Marple's a chance today and see how I like them. I tried to read Tom Clancy's The Hunt For Red October a few days ago and found it was putting me to sleep lol

I love reading during Autumn evenings. It's already such a cosy and beautiful season a good book and mug of tea add the perfect touch

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

When I first picked this one up it had been quite some time since i'd read something so moving, especially about the horrors of WWII. But this was a beautiful and moving TRUE story about adversity, persecution, tragedy and finding something to fight for in the worst situations.

Krystyna wrote: "402. What's a book that's been sitting on your TBR for way too long?"

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Krystyna wrote: "401. What season do you tend to read more books in? Why?"

I've never really paid attention. I'd probably guess winter, too. There's not as much you can do.

Elizabeth wrote: "I love reading during Autumn evenings. It's already such a cosy and beautiful season a good book and mug of tea add the perfect touch"

My favorite season is Fall. So, I completely agree with this lol.

Vivian wrote: "Krystyna wrote: "402. What's a book that's been sitting on your TBR for way too long?"

Vicious by V.E. Schwab"

hmmm...a potential buddy read in our future?

Vivian wrote: "Krystyna wrote: "401. What season do you tend to read more books in? Why?"

I've never really paid attention. I'd probably guess winter, too. There's not as much you can do."

Reading in winter is one of my favorites. It's just so cozy while it's freezing outside.

403. What book did you buy, or check out, that you started immediately because you couldn't wait to get a copy in your hands?

Krystyna wrote: "403. What book did you buy, or check out, that you started immediately because you couldn't wait to get a copy in your hands?"

It's been quite some time, but I recall loving The Selection series as a teen and running to Walmart to buy 'The Heir' when it was released. I think I read the whole thing in a day.

Krystyna wrote: "403. What book did you buy, or check out, that you started immediately because you couldn't wait to get a copy in your hands?"

Way back....The Harry Potter Series.

I can't think of anything more recent.

Edit: Just remembered.... After reading Lonesome Dove (in 2019), I read the rest of the series. One right after the other.

The last book I remember doing that with was 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. I had the library order it and I ended up reading it in one go. I highly recommend it!

404. Do you prefer books about family, friendship, or romance? Why?

I prefer books about family. Close families in books make me so happy!

I love reading books that include family, friendship, and a light romance! The blend holds my attention better and in my opinion usually turns out to be a good read!

It's a toss up between family and friendship.

405. What was your last 5 star read? What made it 5 stars for you?

405. My last 5 star read was And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It's just so thrilling!

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. It was a really interesting non fiction book that was pretty easy to understand. Wilkerson used a lot of real life examples that I hadn't heard about before. It was quite long, but I'd recommend it.

Krystyna wrote: "405. What was your last 5 star read? What made it 5 stars for you?"

After the Crash by Michel Bussi. This is one of the best mysteries that I have ever read. I loved that there were things that took me by complete surprise. I loved how the whole thing was but together and played out.

406. If you make a monthly TBR, do you typically stick to it or deviate from it?

I typically deviate from it.

I deviate from mine. Sometimes, I read a lot books on my monthly TBR list. Sometimes, just a few. Sometimes, I add more books.

I deviate from mine.

407. What was your last 1 star read or DNF? What did you not like about it?