Book Nook Cafe discussion

I also recommended Before the Coffee Gets Cold to a friend and she enjoyed it. I don't know if she also read the second book.

I read the first one and liked it very much. It’s right up my alley!

Just finished Beautiful Country for 2 prompts:
#22 (immigration/displacement) & #89 (Author under age 35)

In general, I'm a big fan of memoirs, but this was definitely one of my all time favorites. It's sad, but not overtly depressing (not intentionally anyway) and beautifully written. And although I knew everything the author discussed happened (happens still) in our country, it was eye-opening and a bit maddening to read what she went through. 5 stars and I think anyone could enjoy this one.

Also - officially halfway through these prompts for the year!

Doubtful I'll get through all of them, since the remaining prompts won't be quite as easy as the first half...
But I've read so many books outside of my comfort zone (and books would never have found otherwise) so it's a win in my opinion!

Lindsey, congratulations on being half-finished with this year’s prompts! That’s quite an accomplishment. And to get there with this book you really liked is even sweeter.

I really liked what you wrote about the comfort zone, as it makes such a difference. The more challenging books yet to come will probably be much the same. I hope they are as rewarding.

Lindsey, congratulations on the half-way mark and thanks for the recommendations!

Lindsey wrote: "Also - officially halfway through these prompts for the year!

Doubtful I'll get through all of them, since the remaining prompts won't be quite as easy as the first half...
But I've read so many..."

That is our goal with the challenge. I'm glad it is working for you.

Looking forward to reading Beautiful Country!! Thanks for the suggestion. And congrats on finishing 50% of the prompts. I’m not that disciplined. Wish I was!

Thank you!

Michele, to be fair many of these books I would have read with or without a prompt list. But I’ve also taken a chance on many others simply because they fit a prompt, so many little gems I never would have found :)

Lindsey, for me, that is part of the fun, seeing how many books on my TBR fit the prompts. Double win!

Update for Prompt #6: Set on a farm or ranch.
The Life She Was Given: A Moving and Emotional Saga of Family and Resilient Women

Half of the book takes place on a horse farm, the other half in the circus. The story was creative and interesting, but I struggled through the author's writing style. 3 stars.

Lindsey wrote: "Update for Prompt #6: Set on a farm or ranch.
The Life She Was Given: A Moving and Emotional Saga of Family and Resilient Women"

Thanks for that comment, Lindsey. The plot premise sounds interesting, but sorry that the style did not work for you.

Well done on the prompt, Lindsey. Sorry to hear the writing style didn't work for you. At least the story was engaging.

What a shame the writing failed this unique premise. As always, at least the prompt is complete.

Completed #62 Book on a modern-day problem/issue? (ie global warming, gun violence, etc.) - Fiction or nonfiction
The Age of Fentanyl: Ending the Opioid Epidemic

4 Stars - Although it was a bit dry and repetitive in places, I found myself completely drawn into this book. It was a good mix of science/data and personal/anecdotal. I also appreciated that the author led with the facts and it didn't feel overly judgmental, political or divisive (as many non-fiction books on this and similar subjects tend to be).

and #90 Thriller/Mystery
What She Knew

2 stars. I keep trying to read mystery/thriller books, but perhaps I'm choosing the wrong ones (or perhaps it's just not my genre.)

I mostly enjoyed the story, but the writing really threw me off. The author described every person's appearance in detail, but in an oddly vain way, focusing mainly on whether a character was beautiful or not. It was a quick read at least.

Lindsey- I always think thrillers are like this because they are written for men. Like MTV music videos were back in the day. They are pure escapism.

Michele wrote: "Lindsey- I always think thrillers are like this because they are written for men. Like MTV music videos were back in the day. They are pure escapism."

Ooh interesting!

Lindsey wrote: "Completed #62 Book on a modern-day problem/issue? (ie global warming, gun violence, etc.) - Fiction or nonfiction
The Age of Fentanyl: Ending the Opioid Epidemic

4 Stars - Although..."

I'm currently reading Demon Copperhead and in part it delves into the opioid/drug crisis along with grinding poverty. Your post made me think about using it for this prompt.

As to the thriller genre, I don't read many so I can't be of help.

Lindsey wrote: "Completed #62 Book on a modern-day problem/issue? (ie global warming, gun violence, etc.) - Fiction or nonfiction
The Age of Fentanyl: Ending the Opioid Epidemic

4 Stars - Although..."

Powerful topic today, Lindsey. I hope Dr. Ramon offered some good ideas, as well.

I take it from your comments that you won’t read more in this series by Gilly Macmillan? It sounds judgmental in a very superficial way.

Congratulation on completing two more prompts.

Michele wrote: "Lindsey- I always think thrillers are like this because they are written for men. Like MTV music videos were back in the day. They are pure escapism."

I hadn’t considered that at all. And i want to disbelieve it but wonder…

Alias Reader wrote: “I'm currently reading Demon Copperhead and in part it delves into the opioid/drug crisis along with grinding poverty. Your post made me think about using it for this prompt..."

I see what you mean, Alias. Barbara Kingsolver certainly brings to light problems which can well lead to addiction, opioid or not.

Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Completed #62 Book on a modern-day problem/issue? (ie global warming, gun violence, etc.) - Fiction or nonfiction
The Age of Fentanyl: Ending the Opioid Epidemic

4 ..."

It's a great option for that prompt actually! I'd already read This Is Your Mind on Plants which I used for the prompt with Demon Copperhead, but I think this one is a better fit. It sheds a lot of light onto the flip side, so to speak (the back-story and rise of the drug in America, while Demon Copperhead is a community dealing with the epidemic)

Lindsey wrote: "It's a great option for that prompt actually! I'd already read This Is Your Mind on Plants which I used for the prompt with Demon Copperhead, but I think this one is a better fit. It sheds a lot of light onto the flip side, so to speak (the back-story and rise of the drug in America, while Demon Copperhead is a community dealing with the epidemic)."

The drug epidemic really is a so sad. So many ruined lives.

Finished books for prompts
#1: Book made into a movie - A Man Called Ove
#69: Health, Diet, Wellness book - Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

3 stars for A Man Called Ove. I enjoyed the story, but I couldn't stand Ove. I think that's maybe the point? And while I appreciated the flashbacks which partially explain *why* he's so disgruntled and, quite frankly, mean, I just couldn't connect. I haven't seen the movie, but I imagine it would make a better movie than book.

4 stars for Outlive. I liked the digestible science and the way the author broke down each section. I also appreciated the actionable advice in each section. The only negative for me was the privilege the author wrote with and the utter lack of actionable steps for those who aren't financially well-off with plenty of time and money to achieve the advice outlined. I still think it's a good read for anyone and everyone - but only a select few will be able to follow everything advised. The rest of us will need to pick and choose what we can afford, both in terms of time and money.

I enjoyed A Man called Ove more than you did, Lindsey. I gave it 4/5 stars. For some reason I enjoy grumpy old men books. LOL

I totally agree with your review of Outlive. He talks about changing the medical system with Medicine 3.0. Yet his practice is for the very wealthy. So not much help for the average person there. I don't think his boutique practice helps move us from 2.0 to 3.0.

I did enjoy the exercise section. Though even though he says it's for all ages, I don't see seniors jumping on board if they already weren't quite fit.

I also would have liked if he discussed nutrition more. I understand that he feels there is little science behind most claims. I'm not sure if I agree with that.

I do give him credit for the section where he deals with his own mental health struggles. That can't be easy to put ones issues out there. I think his honesty can motivate others who may have mental health issues to seek out help.

All that said, I gave the book a solid 3/5 rating which is good. I do listen, depending on the topic, to his podcasts and when he is interviewed by others.

Good job on tackling 2 prompts !

Alias - my mom actually gave me the book (A Man Called Ove) because she enjoyed it so much. We usually agree on books, so I'm clearly an outlier here!

As for Outlive, you articulated that so well. Exactly my thoughts regarding Medicine 3.0 and the section on Nutrition.
My only real issue with the part on Mental Health was where he says "if I can change, so can you." But he had a ton of help in changing. Most people don't have access to the fantastic therapists and recovery centers, let alone the time to focus on it and an incredibly supportive spouse holding it down at home. I do appreciate his vulnerability throughout the book though. We could absolutely use more of that in the world!

I actually picked up this book after listening to his interview on Rich Roll's podcast, which I thought was fantastic.

I agree, Lindsay. The Rich Roll podcast with him was very good.

I also absolutely agree regarding his mental health situation. He was fortunate to have the money, resources and ability to take off from his job to go to a recovery center. Twice! I wish these resources were available to everyone. Perhaps we need to examine how this country allocates its resources.

Alias Reader wrote: "I agree, Lindsay. The Rich Roll podcast with him was very good.

I also absolutely agree regarding his mental health situation. He was fortunate to have the money, resources and ability to take of..."

100% agree!

Finished 17 - Book set in your current city or hometown
Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones
4 stars

I really enjoyed this story and love Tayari Jones' writing.
This story is set in my current city (Atlanta) in the late 70s, when black children were being murdered, taken from their own homes or walking home from school. I didn't know much about these murders prior to reading, and I don't know any more now really (it's a fictional account, so the focus is more on the lives of the children affected and their individual stories).
It's broken into 3 parts, each from the view of a different child. I loved this dynamic, but I was left wanting more from the last 50 pages and wasn't satisfied with the ending. Perhaps I just prefer a more buttoned up book (I had the same feeling with another of Jones' books An American Marriage ), but it would probably make for a fantastic book club read for that very reason.

Lindsey wrote: "Finished 17 - Book set in your current city or hometown
Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones
4 stars

I really enjoyed this story and love Tayari Jones' writing.
This stor..."

Lindsey good job on the prompt.

I recently finished Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which I really enjoyed (& gave 5 stars).

I probably wouldn't recommend this to everyone. But if you're into science, nature or plants, it's a fantastic read. I love how the author blends scientific information with lovely descriptions of moss and plants, while also telling us a bit about her life all at the same time. I especially love her narration of the audiobook.

This book fits prompts #23 (about Nature/the environment) and #49 (written about or by a Native American)

Lindsey wrote: "I recently finished Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which I really enjoyed (& gave 5 stars).

I probably wouldn't recomm..."

My husband was a biology major in college and I remember his collection of mosses. Funny story - he convinced one of my sisters that the plants were were marijuana. Boy, was she mad at him!

Lindsey wrote: "I recently finished Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which I really enjoyed (& gave 5 stars).

I probably wouldn't recomm..."

Good narration and an interesting topic. I'm glad to see you hit upon a 5 star book.

Good job on two difficult prompts.

Julie wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "I recently finished Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which I really enjoyed (& gave 5 stars).

I probably..."

too funny!

Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "I recently finished Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which I really enjoyed (& gave 5 stars).

I probably..."

Thanks Alias!

Sounds good. I have enjoyed books on Salt, and Trees and I'm about to read a book about Eels. So I'm right there with you on the moss thing.

Michele

Michele wrote: "Sounds good. I have enjoyed books on Salt, and Trees and I'm about to read a book about Eels. So I'm right there with you on the moss thing.

Michele"

Ha! That's amazing. What's the book on salt that you read? I love a good memoir and a good hyper-focused non-fiction haha

Lindsey, thanks for the title about mosses. I've been fascinated with them since we lived in Oregon but never followed up on it. This book sounds ripe for me.

The only book i've read on salt is, in fact, Salt: A World History--Mark Kurlansky. I appreciated the history of it. Not long after completing it, we visited one German city (i think it was Ravensburg), we saw a salt warehouse which still stands. It was large and was where salt was exported to other cities.

ANYway...

madrano wrote: "Lindsey, thanks for the title about mosses. I've been fascinated with them since we lived in Oregon but never followed up on it. This book sounds ripe for me.

The only book i've read on salt is, i..."

I've been away, just now seeing your comment - thanks for the rec! I've added it to my TBR :)

I've been offline quite a bit for the past month - just now catching up with my recent reads:

The first fits prompt #21 - Book with fantastical creatures,
I read this one with my 6-year-olds. It was just ok. Despite being "action packed" it was boring (according to my kiddos); I suspect it was due to there being basically no character development. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as there are so many other great kid books in the same genre.



This one was gut-wrenching and fantastic. The author has a beautifully poetic way of writing. 5 stars:




And for #93: Disease

This was very good. I'm not sure how much I believe some of it (not sure if that's due to growing up in a capitalistic illness/medicine focused culture?) But it was thought-provoking.

Welcome back, Lindsey. It sounds as though you've kept yourself busy with good books.

It speaks volumes when a child finds a book boring, as your 6-year old did. Character development works wonders at that age, engaging them through so-so stories.

Thanks for sharing the titles.

RE: When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress

Lindsey wrote: This was very good. I'm not sure how much I believe some of it (not sure if that's due to growing up in a capitalistic illness/medicine focused culture?) But it was thought-provoking..."


I haven't read that Gabor Maté book. However, I have read his latest and I thought it was excellent.
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture I gave it a 5/5 rating.

Just finished another great read, 5 stars:


This one fits prompts #67 Travel & #92 History.

It's a beautifully told history of Mao's Revolution and follows the stories of 4 separate people/families who fled Shanghai and surrounding towns. I love how the author led with history (at times it did feel a bit history-book-heavy) but made it more personal (and more readable) by interjecting the lives of real people and their thoughts, decisions and personal histories.

Great selection for those two prompts, Lindsey. Like you, i enjoy the history lessons but it's the personal which fleshes that out, helping us better understand what happened and the anguish caused.

That sounds really interesting, Lindsey. Good job on selecting that book. I'm going to add it to my TBR for future consideration as I know zero on the topic.

Lindsey wrote: "Just finished another great read, 5 stars:


This one fits prompts #67 Travel & #92 History.
..."
I added that to my reading list!

Finished up another prompt "Written by a Nobel Prize Winner" with Klara and the Sun .

I gave this one 3 stars, but some might appreciate it more than I. The underlying messages were thought-provoking, but I found the book itself a bit boring. I've been told by friends that there are some other wonderful reads by Kazuo Ishiguro, so I'll try again!

I agree, Lindsey. I had difficulty caring about this book at all. And the oremise was very similar to a short story by George Saunders so it didnt even seem original.

I took a pass as I don't like magical realism.

He has been a hit or miss author for me. Lindsey & Michele, i appreciate your comments on this one because i wondered if i should give it a go, even though i liked the premise.

Congrats, Lindsey, on completing another prompt.