Books on the Nightstand discussion

Eric wrote: "That having been said, the first Jack Reacher book is not the best."

For me, series-wise, you only get one chance to make a first impression. I am extremely unlikely to continue with a series if the first-in-series is mediocre at best. I admit to being impatient and unwilling to wait for the series to get better. Or maybe worse, being told that a series is terribly uneven (that some titles are better than others) thus having to wade through the crud to get to the good ones. The one exception I will make is when the series is limited to a trilogy, with a finite end. I tend to view trilogies as one story arc in three volumes and so view the first book as a ramping up. I expect more exposition and world building and, am generally more patient.

Engrossed in Booktopia-Manchester authors. Finished Crossing the Borders of Time (which I LOVED and hated to come to the end). Do you ever wish a book could go on forever???

I'm in the middle of History of a Pleasure Seeker. I'm enjoying that one, too, but it's obviously quite different from Crossing . . . .

Listening to The Heart is a Lonely Hunter during my commute. I see similarities with To Kill a Mockingbird in the characters of Mick and Scout; almost like Mick is what Scout would have been like without the strong influence of Atticus. Hmmmm.

Song of Achilles is up next!

Callie wrote: "Finished , and while I appreciated the research (and may pursue some of the books she mentioned), I grew tired of the author about halfway through the book, and if ..."

Callie, this made me LAUGH OUT LOUD! The image of you almost throwing a library book into the pool when you're irritated about a "Happy" book just delights me!

Just finished ; it's a beautiful, haunting book. Definitely recommended.

I just finished rereading The Phantom Tollbooth which was a book club selection in celebration of its 50th anniversary. I loved it as much, if not more, than the first reading. I somehow missed it as a child but read it as an elementary teacher. Norton Juster's sense of wordplay is phenomenal! No one in my book club had previously read it but all were delighted. I highly recommend it as a new read or a reread.

Pam wrote: "I just finished rereading The Phantom Tollbooth which was a book club selection in celebration of its 50th anniversary. I loved it as much, if not more, than the first reading. I somehow missed it ..."

Hi Pam, I've never read this book or even heard of it, but have been hearing a lot lately and was going to get it for a friend's 8 yr old, is that too young an age for a first time read?

Becky wrote: "Pam wrote: "I just finished rereading The Phantom Tollbooth which was a book club selection in celebration of its 50th anniversary. I loved it as much, if not more, than the first reading. I someho..."

Hi Becky,
It really depends on how mature a reader the 8 year old is and if there is someone to discuss the book with. It is a book that can be read at many levels and many times. The author, Norton Juster, stated that people have told him of reading it in elementary school, as a young adult, and as a mature adult and noticing different things each time.

The other day I finished reading "Lark and Termite" by Jayne Anne Phillips, the story of a teenage girl and her mentally and physically disabled younger brother, who live in West Virginia with their aunt during the 1950s. The story of their mother and Termite's father, a GI who was killed in the Korean War, is told amid the chapters centering on the children, and we gradually discover family secrets and tensions. Everything comes to a head when a major flood strikes their town, perhaps a metaphor for an opportunity for several of the characters to wash away their past and start new lives.

I'm currently reading "A Happy Marriage" by Rafael Iglesias, an autobiographical novel that tells the story of a 30-year marriage, which we know from the beginning will end with the wife's death from cancer. In fact, the account of her illness is interwoven with episodes from throughout their relationship. It's a beautiful and heartbreaking book. It also helps with one of my reading goals, to read at least one book by authors whose names start with every letter of the alphabet. There aren't a lot of Y authors to choose from!

On audio, I'm in the early stages of another winner from Joshilyn Jackson, "Backseat Saints." A young woman married to a handsome but suspicious husband whose abuse all too often leads to emergency room visits decides she has to kill him before he kills her but accidentally ends up shooting her dog instead. Setting aside the persona of dutiful and subservient wife that she had adopted for survival in a volatile relationship, she decides to make a run for it and seek out an old hometown flame who might help her find a better life.

Before this, I listened to Alice LaPLante's "Turn of Mind," an acclaimed novel about a middle-aged surgeon suspected of having murdered her best friend (and sometimes adversary). However, because she suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's, which grows worse as the book progresses, she can't remember whether she committed the crime. Anyone who has watched a loved one's memories fade to the point that they don't recognize their own family or surroundings and drift between the past and present will experience a pang of painful and sad recognition as they read this book, aside from the satisfaction of the excellent writing.

I'm reading The Book Thief right now and then probably starting Super Human or Graceling. I can't decide which yet.

Reading before the movie opens: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. Never like seeing the movie before the book.

Dianneg wrote: "Reading before the movie opens: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. Never like seeing the movie before the book."

That's why I still haven't watched The Hours. I wonder where my copy of that book is...

Sheree wrote: "I'm reading The Book Thief right now and then probably starting Super Human or Graceling. I can't decide which yet."

I loved Graceling! Highly recommend.

Lil wrote: "Sheree wrote: "I'm reading The Book Thief right now and then probably starting Super Human or Graceling. I can't decide which yet."

I loved Graceling! Highly recommend."

I guess I'll go with Graceling next then!

i started .

Finished , surprised myself. Did not think I was going to like this book - but did. Sometimes felt as though I was on the trail with her.
Also finished which was wonderful.
Started based on Eric's rec, thank you very much.

Pam wrote: "I just finished rereading The Phantom Tollbooth which was a book club selection in celebration of its 50th anniversary. I loved it as much, if not more, than the first reading. I somehow missed it ..."

Somehow I missed this book when I was a kid and didn't discover it until my son read it when he was in elementary or middle school. I loved it as much as he did and reread it every couple of years. It was made into a live action/animated film in 1970; it's worth checking out if you can find a copy somewhere.

I just finished reading "The Remains of the Day" by Ishiguro; I never saw the movie and probably never would have picked the book up, but my book club selected it - - what a wonderful story and such amazing writing. Wow!

I am in the middle of "Crossing the Borders of Time", a BOTNS recommendation; loving it.

Also, I'm about to re-read Ron Rash's "Serena" before that movie comes out. I thought it was wonderful a few years ago, and I recently heard Ron Rash speak; he's very low-key and interesting.

I'm not going to make it to a Booktopia this year, but every author you are featuring is now on my TBR list!

Finished The Secrets of Mary Bowser and Brief Lives and really liked both. The first is historical fiction, and the the second is a graphic novel. Also read Are You My Mother?: A Comic Drama which I liked, but is not nearly as good as Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic.

Finished the audio of Arcadia, which was very good. Now I'm on the hunt for something new- my commute feels way too long without a good audiobook to help me along the way.

Elizabeth wrote: "Finished The Secrets of Mary Bowser and Brief Lives and really liked both. The first is historical fiction, and the the second is a graphic novel. Also read Are You My Mother?: A Comic Drama which ..."

Ah, Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, was a pretty good book. I enjoyed it as well.

I host a book group at the library where I work and we're reading short stories next month, so I've been trying to read a few collections before then to prepare. So far I've finished The Kissing List by Stephanie Reents and Stay Awake by Dan Chaon. I really enjoyed both, though they couldn't be more different from each other. I'm almost finished Nocturnes by Kazuo Ishiguro, but I'm not enjoying it as much as I've enjoyed other books of his I've read. This evening I'll be starting What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank: Stories by Nathan Englander.

I'm also slowly listening to I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron with my girlfriend. We've found that sometimes listening to something funny while we eat dinner is a way better way to end the evening than by watching something. We did it with Bossypants and had so much fun!

I tried to read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, as I see many others are, but I found the author really irritating at the beginning and just couldn't get past that. I really want to read about her time on the trail though, so maybe I'll try it again when I'm feeling more generous.

Kate wrote: "I host a book group at the library where I work and we're reading short stories next month, so I've been trying to read a few collections before then to prepare. So far I've finished The Kissing Li..."

Kate - I'm interested to hear what short story collections your library group likes. I have had a hard time getting my book groups to read short stories; most people say they "don't like them", but they are never sure why. I recently read Englander's "What We Talk About ..." and thought it was absolutely brilliant. I'm Jewish, and so I wonder if people who are not Jewish will enjoy it as much?

I also found it interesting what you said about "Wild". It has gotten so much attention, and now Oprah has even chosen it for her new book group, but I just can't get excited about it.

Almost finished with Bill Landay's "Defending Jacob." (So good!!!)

Just finished and am starting . Quite a transistion!

if anyone here is interested in receiving a copy of concord free press's A Handbook of American Prayer let me know and i'll send along to you.

Elizabeth wrote: "if anyone here is interested in receiving a copy of concord free press's A Handbook of American Prayer let me know and i'll send along to you."

I'd be interested in that ... then I'll pass the book on also. I don't want to put my address online, so please e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll send you my address. In case you don't know, be sure to send it "media mail" at the post office; it's slow, but it's the cheapest way to send out books. Thanks!

Pamela wrote: "Kate wrote: "I host a book group at the library where I work and we're reading short stories next month, so I've been trying to read a few collections before then to prepare. So far I've finished T..."

Hmmmm... now I am rethinking about whether I want to read it along with Oprah.

Pamela wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "if anyone here is interested in receiving a copy of concord free press's A Handbook of American Prayer let me know and i'll send along to you."

I'd be interested in that ... the..."

i emailed you. subject: book. thanks!

Just finished Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I alternated between being mesmerized and incredibly annoyed while reading this book. I listened to the audio version, which was wonderfully narrated by Bernadette Dunne. On the plus side I walked about 30 miles while listening. If your idea of camping is a motel room with the windows open, you might find this a more fascinating read. If you are outdoors person, not so much. I give it 2.5 stars which rounds up to 3.

Right now our Book Clubs are reading: Salvage the Bones (Ward), Squirrel Seeks Chimpmunk (Sedaris), Kill Alex Cross (Patterson), An Abundance of Katherines (Green) and Cranes Dance (Howrey)

Just finished The Good Food Revolution by Will Allen. Wonderful read and one I'd highly recommend.

read "Wild" and then read it again. I cried both times. This book is my new touchstone ....

First day of summer vacation! Woo hoo! I'm ready to read my way through the summer. First up... finishing The Leftovers.

Pamela wrote: "I just finished reading "The Remains of the Day" by Ishiguro; I never saw the movie and probably never would have picked the book up, but my book club selected it - - what a wonderful story and suc..."

Pamela--I have Ron Rash's lastest book "The Cove" in my TBR pile. Has anyone read it yet? Also in my stack is "Crossing the Borders of Time." Looking forward to digging into both.

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the group. I'm very excited! I'm not quite sure how to get involved in conversations and how to be a valuable contributor to the group. I'm seeing some awesome books that I MUST check out...
I'm wondering if I can randomly post a book that I think is incredible and recommend it? Just wondering about the best and appropriate ways for folks to get involved. I'm a proud "book-aholic" and I'm looking forward to being a part of the supportive and exciting discussion and recommendations that people are involved in...

Thanks,
Elizabeth

P.S. My "to read" list on goodreads and elsewhere is insane! Although this is a cliche, it's true: Too many books, too little time"...

Her Fearful Symmetry

The Night Circus

I'm also new to the group... I discovered the BOTN podcast not that long ago and have just joined GoodReads. I haven't posted ALL the books I've read yet! That will take awhile!

Tonight I plan to start My Sister's Keeper
I am reading it for my 'book group' that meets once a month.

I heard Ann and Michael discussing a crime read- along with someone from SoHo on their podcast. Does anyone know if that is also a group in GoodReads??

Using the magical Random Number Generator (random.org), I will be starting on audio this afternoon. Almost feels like I'll be down @ Booktopia this weekend!

I love your random number generator idea. I may have to steal it for my next book!

Elizabeth wrote: "Hi everyone,

I'm new to the group. I'm very excited! I'm not quite sure how to get involved in conversations and how to be a valuable contributor to the group. I'm seeing some awesome books that I..."

Welcome Elizabeth! You are already a valuable contributor! Just post what you're reading, what you have read, etc....and join in the discussions. You will find the most wonderful people here in this group but I'm afraid your TBR list is just going to get more out of hand!!

Judie wrote: "I'm also new to the group... I discovered the BOTN podcast not that long ago and have just joined GoodReads. I haven't posted ALL the books I've read yet! That will take awhile!

Tonight I plan to ..."

Hi Judie....welcome! The crime fiction read along is a thread in this group, but it looks like Soho didn't announce a book for this month yet....

Well I am wallowing in misery this weekend as I had reservations for Oxford since October and had to cancel last month. My mother had open heart surgery a couple of weeks ago and is in recovery, meanwhile I am in the middle of packing up my entire house in preparation to move half way round the world to Okinawa in less than a month. Couldn't swing the time or money, but I so wanted to be there and I hope everyone has a lovely time. I will definitely be thinking of you all.
So I am going to going to select a book and a good bottle of wine and take it from there...... :)

Shona wrote: "Well I am wallowing in misery this weekend as I had reservations for Oxford since October and had to cancel last month. My mother had open heart surgery a couple of weeks ago and is in recovery, m..."

I know we will miss you, Shona. Prayers and hugs for your mom. Just let me know when to arrive to share that bottle of wine.

Helen wrote: "I love your random number generator idea. I may have to steal it for my next book!"

It's worked well for me so far, although with the audio I had to "roll the dice" a few times to get a book a) I didn't already own in paper form, and b) wasn't a graphic novel or a book of poetry.

I just finished Graceling and am trying to decide what to read next. I have Ender's Game,Going Bovine, and Incarceron.

Can't go wrong with Ender's Game.

Callie wrote: "Using the magical Random Number Generator (random.org),

This made me smile Callie. Might start using it too.

This month I've been various books in the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series. First I read True Blood and Philosophy, then Batman and Philosophy, now its Game of Thrones and Philosophy. Even without a background in philosophy, they're fascinating.

I'm currently reading Gone Girl which I'm enjoying. I just finished up with Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir on audio and it was hilarious.
I need help with my next audio, I'm thinking either 11/22/63 or Salman Rushdies Midnights Children they are both rather long audio books, any recommendations?

I'm reading Shades of Gray by Kim Sanders and Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. I'm listening to The redbreast by Jo Nesbo