JB Book Club

[Kismet311]

Originally Posted by KeirasMom

I just finished my guilty pleasure of the year. Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich. I love every one of her Stephanie Plum series. They're quick, easy, and super fun reads.

I just started Life of Pi. I'll let you all know how it is. So far, I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm enjoying it.

I love the Stephanie Plum books. I have 19 on hold at the library but it hasn't come in yet. Did you see the movie One For the Money? I was a bit disappointed with it.

[svenskamae]

Originally Posted by Yvonnem2000

I just ordered "The Curious Incident..." from my library. Thanks for the recommendation on the other thread!

I loved that book. I ordered it for my mother as a rental book on CD, and she told me she didn't get anything done all day because she couldn't stop listening to it.

[KeirasMom]

I saw the movie, and thought it was "okay." It was fairly true to the book, which I liked, but the characters are so much better in my head. Though I loved Lula in the movie!

[svenskamae]

Originally Posted by ouizoid

the last two weeks, I have enjoyed:

The Roundhouse by Louise Erdrich

The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain

The Fault in our Stars by John Greene

and

Salvage the Bones by Jessmyn Ward

I love time off from work!

Thanks for the recommendations, Ouizoid. I mostly listen to books on CD (rented from Booksfree, which works like Netflix but for audio books rather than movies.) I had "The Fault in Our Stars" in my queue there, and I just added "Beautiful Ruins" and "The Middlesteins."

[svenskamae]

Originally Posted by sunday

Another Amy Tan fan.
I am finally reading the Perfect Health by Jaminet and plan on going back for re-read of Primal Body, Primal Mind by Nora Gedgaudas. I mostly listen to books, because of the type of work that I do. My books that I have dl for listening next are, "Half Broke Horses" by Jeanette Walls and "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel. Looking forward to seeing the movie.

I really liked "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls, as well as "Half Broke Horses." I know that both are available as audio books.

[Kismet311]

Originally Posted by KeirasMom

I saw the movie, and thought it was "okay." It was fairly true to the book, which I liked, but the characters are so much better in my head. Though I loved Lula in the movie!

Yup, I loved Lula too! She makes me laugh the most in the books. If I start laughing while reading one of those books my hubby goes, "Lula is at it again isn't she"?

[svenskamae]

My most recently listened to/read books were:

"I am half sick of shadows: A Flavia DeLuce Mystery" by Alan Bradley
"Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History" by Ben Mezrich
"The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel" by Anthony Howitz
"The Road to Wigan Pier" by George Orwell (about life in working class Britain before WWII, stopped about halfway through)
"L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City" by John Buntin (about the history of crime and policing in Los Angeles)
"Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More than We Think" by Brian Wansink
"Death of a Witch: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery" by M.C. Beaton

I recommend the first two; the rest are okay, but I wouldn't highly recommend them unless they happened to match someone's particular interests.

[krow134]

Originally Posted by mom23kids

It's about monster hunters and the monster in this book is new to me . I'm also over vamps, but zombie books

Have your read The mortal instruments series by Cassandra Claire then? Its not really monsters...well weird looking demons, but its not a bad book series at all! Cant wait the first movie comes out end of August for this!!

[Kismet311]

Originally Posted by svenskamae

My most recently listened to/read books were:

"I am half sick of shadows: A Flavia DeLuce Mystery" by Alan Bradley
"Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History" by Ben Mezrich
"The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel" by Anthony Howitz
"The Road to Wigan Pier" by George Orwell (about life in working class Britain before WWII, stopped about halfway through)
"L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City" by John Buntin (about the history of crime and policing in Los Angeles)
"Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More than We Think" by Brian Wansink
"Death of a Witch: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery" by M.C. Beaton

I really like the Hamish Macbeth books and also Agatha Raisin written by the same author.

[C'Marie]

If you like crime stuff at all, I can highly recommend any Ann Rule books. I think I have read them all at one point. I just gave a bunch of them away to pass them on.

If you have younger readers or just want something fun and light, Percy Jackson & the Olympians are a good bet. I read the whole series myself last year on vacation

[Kissa]

I read Life of Pi when it first appeared and totally loved it. I am going to see the movie, but I don't get anything from 3D as I am blind in one eye. Hope I enjoy it.

Curious incident is amazing and the Dragon Tattoo novels all gripped me.

I must read the Game of Thrones books too, but will see the series first as books are always better in my opinion and having watched the first series I don't want to be disappointed in the others.

Hope you have all read the Philip Pullman 'His Dark Materials' books.

[E.W.]

I bought the book and read it. There is not a lot more in the book than is realy on his
web page except for a lot of information about this WOE ofton helps asthma a great
deal. But if you realy want it check out Amazon i bought a used hard back there for
$1 + shipping.

[mom23kids]

Originally Posted by svenskamae

My most recently listened to/read books were:

"I am half sick of shadows: A Flavia DeLuce Mystery" by Alan Bradley
"Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History" by Ben Mezrich
"The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel" by Anthony Howitz
"The Road to Wigan Pier" by George Orwell (about life in working class Britain before WWII, stopped about halfway through)
"L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City" by John Buntin (about the history of crime and policing in Los Angeles)
"Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More than We Think" by Brian Wansink
"Death of a Witch: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery" by M.C. Beaton

I recommend the first two; the rest are okay, but I wouldn't highly recommend them unless they happened to match someone's particular interests.

Yay, another Flavia de Luce fan Have you read Laurie R. King's Mary Russell series yet? I just read the first one, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, and it had the same feel as the Flavia de Luce series-the protagonist is 15 yrs old and takes on Sherlock Holmes

Originally Posted by Katiebubb

Have your read The mortal instruments series by Cassandra Claire then? Its not really monsters...well weird looking demons, but its not a bad book series at all! Cant wait the first movie comes out end of August for this!!

I started the first one, but for some reason it didn't grab my attention and I never finished it. I keep hearing how great this series is though, so I really need to try it again!

Originally Posted by C'Marie

If you like crime stuff at all, I can highly recommend any Ann Rule books. I think I have read them all at one point. I just gave a bunch of them away to pass them on.

If you have younger readers or just want something fun and light, Percy Jackson & the Olympians are a good bet. I read the whole series myself last year on vacation

I've read the first Percy Jackson book and need to read the rest-really enjoyed it

Originally Posted by Kissa

I read Life of Pi when it first appeared and totally loved it. I am going to see the movie, but I don't get anything from 3D as I am blind in one eye. Hope I enjoy it.

Curious incident is amazing and the Dragon Tattoo novels all gripped me.

I must read the Game of Thrones books too, but will see the series first as books are always better in my opinion and having watched the first series I don't want to be disappointed in the others.

Hope you have all read the Philip Pullman 'His Dark Materials' books.

Loved the His Dark Materials series! It's one I want to re-read at some point.

[zipp2play]

Over my vacation I read Shiver, it was good, not earth shattering.

I also read Uglies ( the first in a 4 book series ) I am not reading Pretties from that series. I love this series very much! I am a total TEEN reader. I've read all the Morgaville Vampire series, all the Sookie Stackhouse Vampire series, the Drake Chronicles series. I also recently read the Hate List. It is very good. It's about a school shooting. My next series will be The Matched Series. I have heard GREAT things about it. Then I plan to move to possibly the House of Night Series.

[mom23kids]

Originally Posted by zipp2play

Over my vacation I read Shiver, it was good, not earth shattering.

I also read Uglies ( the first in a 4 book series ) I am not reading Pretties from that series. I love this series very much! I am a total TEEN reader. I've read all the Morgaville Vampire series, all the Sookie Stackhouse Vampire series, the Drake Chronicles series. I also recently read the Hate List. It is very good. It's about a school shooting. My next series will be The Matched Series. I have heard GREAT things about it. Then I plan to move to possibly the House of Night Series.

YA is my favorite genre too Ironically, when I was a teenager I only read adult books

[AsmallerME]

Originally Posted by zipp2play

My next series will be The Matched Series. I have heard GREAT things about it.

Matched was great, but the second and third book lost it. I wish I had stopped after book 1 and let my mind create the rest of the story.

[Zib]

Originally Posted by Mommie22boys

I reading but have a hard time finding time to get reading done. The book I'm reading (actually, re-reading) is The Hobbit. Before that I read Somewhere Inside, by Lisa and Laura Ling. It's a true accounting of how one sister was captured and held in North Korea, and how her sister fought from the outside to get her free. It also gives a look at what it's like inside N. Korea and their people's perspective on Americans, etc. Very good read!

I'll add that to my list. I'm fascinated by what life is like in NK. Have you read, "Nothing to Envy" or "Escape from Camp 14"?

For those that like YA books, be sure to sign up for the summer reading program at audiobooksync. They put out two free audio books a week in the summer, matching a classic read with a contemporary YA book.

You can see the 2012 books here Free YA Audiobooks from SYNC – Summer listening schedule « The Reading Date


svenskamae, I loved "The Glass Castle". My mom was visiting while I was reading it and half way thru the book I thanked her for giving me a normal upbringing. Sunday, I have been wanting to read "Half Broke Horses" so will get that on my wish list (to add to the stack of books by the side of the bed).

[Librarygirl]

Wow, so many choices, lol! It's not like I don't have two notebooks filled with unread titles already. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[sunday]

Originally Posted by svenskamae

I really liked "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls, as well as "Half Broke Horses." I know that both are available as audio books.

Half Broke Horses is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults. I am a fan of historical tales and especially any chronicled stories of my grandparent's and great grand's era. My paternal grandmother was one of the first female jockey's and raced horses in Wyoming & her home town of Sheridan in the early 1900's. So, I seek out the late 1800's & early 1900's documentaries.

Originally Posted by C'Marie

If you like crime stuff at all, I can highly recommend any Ann Rule books. I think I have read them all at one point. I just gave a bunch of them away to pass them on.
If you have younger readers or just want something fun and light, Percy Jackson & the Olympians are a good bet. I read the whole series myself last year on vacation

I am intrigued w/ forensic science and enjoy non-fiction true crime mysteries. Rule is particularly good, because she ensures the victim is not forgotten. Ann is a former police detective who now also testifies before the Senate and regularly presents seminars to law enforcement agencies and the FBI.

I recommend Michael Cuneo also. In particular his book, "One Last Kiss" the story of Chris Coleman from Illinois who was head of security for the Joyce Meyer's Ministry and strangled his wife & two boys. Disturbing to say the least. As well as, shocked the nation. The story behind the scenes is riveting and unforgettable, and the forensic work is especially fascinating in nailing Chris, a former marine. I will never forget it.

[mom23kids]

Originally Posted by Librarygirl

Wow, so many choices, lol! It's not like I don't have two notebooks filled with unread titles already. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Are you on Goodreads? That's where I keep my tbr list. Last year it had gotten to over 800 books so I did a major purge and now it's just over 100

[sungoddess]

I love a book club!! Now where is the wine and cheese and crackers? (it's always about food... haha). I just finished Gone, Girl by Gillian Flynn. I found it quite enthralling. The woman is involved in a very toxic marriage. I found myself continually trying to understand the bizarre psychology of the main character, but I never did guess the ending. I love books that I just can't put down.

Sunday, I like your review of Half Broke Horses as Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults. Now I have to read it. I loved the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder series and read them multiple times.

I LOVEhaving all these recommendations. Great thread idea.

[mom23kids]

Originally Posted by sungoddess

I love a book club!! Now where is the wine and cheese and crackers? (it's always about food... haha). I just finished Gone, Girl by Gillian Flynn. I found it quite enthralling. The woman is involved in a very toxic marriage. I found myself continually trying to understand the bizarre psychology of the main character, but I never did guess the ending. I love books that I just can't put down.

Sunday, I like your review of Half Broke Horses as Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults. Now I have to read it. I loved the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder series and read them multiple times.

I LOVEhaving all these recommendations. Great thread idea.

I think Gone Girl is one of the most recommended books I've seen in a long time (especially on Goodreads), and it's one I definitely have to read this year

[DesertGurl]

Originally Posted by Kismet311

Yup, I loved Lula too! She makes me laugh the most in the books. If I start laughing while reading one of those books my hubby goes, "Lula is at it again isn't she"?

OMG! We have had this conversation in my house too
Love the Plum series! Kinda disappointed in the movie..definitely not who I pictured for the characters...well, except maybe Lula..she was great!


Loving this thread, ladies! Half these authors I have never heard of so I'm getting myself an edjamacation

I'm reading 2 books right now..the 2nd Dragon Tattoo and a book written by my favorite teen idol hearthrob of the 80's John Taylor. I've been in school for 2 years and had zero time to read anything besides text books so I am veeerrrry behind in reading! After reading this thread my list is growing!

[LoCarbGal]

Oh, Danielle, how are you liking the 2nd Dragon Tattoo book? I haven't gotten it yet.

[DesertGurl]

Originally Posted by LoCarbGal

Oh, Danielle, how are you liking the 2nd Dragon Tattoo book? I haven't gotten it yet.

Love it! I had actually started it LAST December during semester break and then got like half way through and had to stop once school kicked in again..
I am starting over again..but excited that I'll get to finish it now that I am not in school anymore.

For fun, quick, and super humorous reading I LOVE love love Jen Lancaster....

[svenskamae]

Originally Posted by sungoddess

I love a book club!! Now where is the wine and cheese and crackers? (it's always about food... haha). I just finished Gone, Girl by Gillian Flynn. I found it quite enthralling. The woman is involved in a very toxic marriage. I found myself continually trying to understand the bizarre psychology of the main character, but I never did guess the ending. I love books that I just can't put down.

Sunday, I like your review of Half Broke Horses as Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults. Now I have to read it. I loved the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder series and read them multiple times.

I LOVEhaving all these recommendations. Great thread idea.

I just added "Gone Girl" to my Booksfree queue. Thanks for the recommendation.

[sunday]

Originally Posted by svenskamae

I really liked "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls, as well as "Half Broke Horses." I know that both are available as audio books.

sven, I will be listening to "The Glass Castle". I have heard it can be harrowing, difficult, I should have read it first, because it is her memoir, but already had "Half Broke" downloaded to listen and was too anxious. I feel like I know her, IRL, her whole family is so intriguing to me. It is sad that some people doubted that she was being truthful in her own memoir and yet her honesty about her childhood even though painful is what makes the book so endearing.

Just curious, have you read Ben Mezrich's book, "Bringing Down the House" or "Ugly Americans"? I am fascinated w/ both stories and have caught glimpses of the documentary on tv. Another I have, but have yet to read, "Liar's Poker" by Michael Lewis which is a similar story to "Ugly Americans" about Wall Street and the hedge fund cowboys.

[svenskamae]

Originally Posted by sunday

Half Broke Horses is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults. I am a fan of historical tales and especially any chronicled stories of my grandparent's and great grand's era. My paternal grandmother was one of the first female jockey's and raced horses in Wyoming & her home town of Sheridan in the early 1900's. So, I seek out the late 1800's & early 1900's documentaries.

Have you read Isabelle Lucy Bird's "A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains"? If not, I think you would love it. It's letters from a clergyman's daughter who rode through the West in the 1870s.

[sunday]

Bev, You may want to read, "Glass Castles" first. Read my response above. It is difficult to read, but goes along with explaining her family. I can so relate and almost feel like I know her personally by her words. It definitely resonates with many who grew up in this period.

[svenskamae]

Originally Posted by sunday

sven, I will be listening to "The Glass Castle". I have heard it can be harrowing, difficult, I should have read it first, because it is her memoir, but already had "Half Broke" downloaded to listen and was too anxious. I feel like I know her, IRL, her whole family is so intriguing to me. It is sad that some people doubted that she was being truthful in her own memoir and yet her honesty about her childhood even though painful is what makes the book so endearing.

Just curious, have you read Ben Mezrich's book, "Bringing Down the House" or "Ugly Americans"? I am fascinated w/ both stories and have caught glimpses of the documentary on tv. Another I have, but have yet to read, "Liar's Poker" by Michael Lewis which is a similar story to "Ugly Americans" about Wall Street and the hedge fund cowboys.

I found "The Glass Castle" somewhat difficult to listen to, but I felt the author was amazingly fair in terms of her acknowledging advantages as well as disadvantages of having her unconventional parents.

I just added "Liar's Poker" and "Ugly Americans" to my Booksfree queue; thanks. You might like the documentary "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room," which seems like an expose in the same spirit and is really well done (and amazing).