It's February. What are you reading?

17 years ago

I know there are a couple of other "book" threads up right now, but they are more author selective.

So, what are you reading now?

I am finishing Creating a Charmed Life by Victoria Moran. It's a quick read and very enjoyable. I just received crazy sexy cancer tips by Kris Carr. It was recommended by a friend in San Antonio who is going through much of what I'm experiencing right now. I am looking forward to reading it.

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Comments (48)

casey_nfld
17 years ago
In the last week I have read 3 novels.

"Ya-Yas in Bloom" by Rebecca Wells.......probably not as good as her other two Ya-Ya books, but still a good read.

"Ladder of Years" by Anne Tyler....I love Anne Tyler's novels and this was one of her better ones.

"The Swallows of Kabul" by Yasmina Khadra....sad, depressing but very, very good (I read it in a day).

Now I am reading "The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant, I am really enjoying it so far.
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Pieonear
17 years ago
I just started Dolly by Anita Brookner. Haven't read enough to tell yiu much about it but so far so good. It's a little girl telling about her Aunt named Dolly that she doesn't like in the beginning. I didn't find the book I was looking for but wound up with this one instead.
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I'm about halfway through the first book, A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor, for the trilogy category. (The other two: Between the Woods and the Water and The Broken Road.)I'm quitting. Books by the author about his travels on foot across Europe (1,200 miles) and other places he went in the 1930s. I was hoping for a Bill Bryson kind of thing, but definitely not for me. Some of it was interesting, but much in between was way over my head (talks about discussions he'd gotten into over various translations of Hamlet or the Greek tragedies) or I'm simply not interested (how the 'o' sound changed from Bavaria vs. other parts of Germany he walked through.) I mean the amount of detail he adds in some areas is stunning. The prevalence of the SA (forerunner to the SS) in Germany was frightening. The welcomeness with which he was received as a stranger, especially after his stuff was ripped off and he had no money, was amazing. But, while others may love books for their language, that's not me. Paragraphs that go on for a page or more simply become tiring to me. So I'm going to take a pass. No way could I get through all 3 books. Instead on Monday, I'll head to a couple of area libraries to pick up the Deptford Trilogy: Fifth Business/The Manticore/World of Wonders by Robertson Davies. It's so hard to find trilogies that aren't sci fi or fantasy or romance. No idea how this one will go as they say some of it can be dense and lots of psychology in it. But I have time yet so I'll give it a go. In the meantime, I think I'll read West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge for the 'based on a true story' category.
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phyllis__mn
17 years ago
I always have more than one book going at a time (gets confusing sometimes!!) Right now I'm in the midst of Beloved by Toni Morrison, and a Jeffrey Deaver Twelth Card. The latter is very long, so I may just toss it. Just finished While I was Gone by Sue Miller, Middlesex (don'/t recall author's name of latter), and Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer. I've had the last one forever but just read it now, and did enjoy it. I liked all of these.
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vannie
17 years ago
Our book group meets Tues and we read "Driving to America" by Anne Tyler. I loved it as I have loved most of her books. I'm finishing "The Lilac Bus" by Maeve Binchy and am a little disappointed in it.
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des_arc_ya_ya
17 years ago
Just finished two. One was called Picture Perfect about an anthropologist who married a handsome actor. The rat turned out to be a big abuser. Good book, though.

The other one I just finished was called The Peacemakers, about a family during the 1960's. The DD was a war protester, DS was just leaving for a tour of duty in VietNam, DF was a professional photographer and DM was blind and trying to cajole EVERYBODY! Interesting book.
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gwanny2three
17 years ago
I brought out "90 minutes in Heaven" today in hopes of starting it....but never did. I plan to read a little tonight. I hope it's good!
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wanda_illinois
17 years ago
I just finished Northern Lights by Nora Roberts and Sisters by Daniel Steel.
I am reading Morning Comes Softly by Debbie Maccomber now.
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socks
17 years ago
The Interior by Lisa See. It seems to be dragging near the end, so I'll be glad to get through it.

Just finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by the same author. I recommend this book!
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wanda_va
17 years ago
I'm currently reading "The Fourth Perimeter" by Tim Green (a former NFL player). I had never heard of him, but came across one of his books ("Exact Revenge") at the Dollar Tree. It was soooo good, so I ordered a bunch of his books from abebooks.com This is the fourth of his books that I have read in the last month. They have all been great.

I highly recommend his books for those who like suspense novels.
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williamsburgjane
17 years ago
Just finished Three Wishes by Barbara Denlinsky, a good book, but sort of a surprise ending. Silver Bells by Luanne Rice, a good Christmas story and The Day the World Came to Town, a really good book connected to 9-11.
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intherain
17 years ago
Wanda Illinois, what did you think of Northern Lights? I read it last month.

I just finished What Matters Most by Luanne Rice and loved it! It's sort of a sequel to Sand Castles.

I am now reading Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah. I read another book by her last month, Magic Hour.

Sheryl
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Jodi_SoCal
17 years ago
Body Surfing by Anita Shreve. This is my third Anita Shreve book and I always have trouble getting into her books. This is a book club choice so I have to read it otherwise I wouldn't have picked it up.

Just finished Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Wow. Wow. Loved it. Didn't want to put it down. Life got in the way several times while I tried to read it. The author produced a CD "soundtrack" to go along with the book but only released it with the Chinese hardcover version of book. A Chinese co-worker who read the book on my recommendation (before I knew about the CD) ordered the Chinese version after reading the English version just to get the CD and I was a happy recipient of a copy of the CD.

Jodi-
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mamatoad
17 years ago
I have just started reading Playing For Pizza by John Grisham. Haven't read far enough to comment. I have read most of his books and liked all of them. After I finish this one, I have The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta and an Amy Bloom novel. That should keep me busy most of the week. Bettye
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kittywhiskers
17 years ago
I am reading two books right now. Susannah's Garden by Debbie Macomber and Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult. I love Debbie Macomber have read many of her books all are very good. This is my first Jodi Picoult's book, the story is good, but don't know that she know a lot about Amish life. She talks about sinks, toilets, showers and running water at a Amish house. I thought Amish didn't use these conviences. Maybe I am wrong.
Kittywhiskers
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LorifromUtah
17 years ago
Hi ya Maryanne!!!

Last week I finished 'Give A Boy A Gun', a story about Claude Dallas. Custer is reading it now.
Now I'm reading 'Monte Walsh' and if I weren't so lazy I'd go upstairs and find out who the author is. Stevens? He also wrote 'Shane' and 'Monte Walsh' is a very good book.

Lori
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teresava
17 years ago
I have been busy reading this month!

My book club selection was "The Problem with Murmur Lee" by Connie May Fowler. Slightly strange, but actually good. The main character reminded me of someone here (not physically, but personality).

Our next month's choice is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen? and then A Thousand Splendid Suns. Unfortunately, I try to always get the books from the library first and read them. I put my name on the list for Water for Elephants and I am number #121!!!!

I finished Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy (NFL Coach of the Indy Colts). A little heavy on the football (naturally) but pretty good. He is a VERY spiritual man/father/coach.

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls-Excellent!! I believe I got the idea from someone here.

I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan a while back and really liked it!!

I tried reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, but had a really hard time getting into it, and not because of the subject matter. MIL loaned it to me, so I may try again sometime.
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wanda_illinois
17 years ago
intherain, I love Northern Lights.
My favorite authors are Nora Roberts, Luanne Rice and Debbie Macomber.
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sjarz
17 years ago
Just finished No One to Trust by Iris Johansen, was excellent. Haven't read one of hers yet that I didn't like. Next up is Cat Cross Their Graves by Shirley Rousseau Murphy and Jamie by Lori Foster. Both new authors to me.
Suzan J
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kim_okla
17 years ago
Just finished the last Harry Potter.

Now I'm listening to a Stephanie Plum where the taxidermist puts blow up devices in his stuffed animals. I laugh all the way to work and melt when Ranger says, "Babe". I really want Ranger.

When are they coming out with a movie!?
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sheesh
17 years ago
I recently read Amy Bloom's "Away" and enjoyed it. I heard her read from it last month at a local bookstore, had to get it. Just finished "Life of Pi" and LOVED it! Very different kind of book. I'm now half way through Joyce Carol Oates "The Gravedigger's Daughter."

"Gravedigger" and "Away" are similar in the kind of dis-jointed way they're written and their searching themes. "Pi" is simply wonderful. Writing style is one I loved.

And, of course, cookbooks! I love 'em!

Sherry
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paula_pa
17 years ago
The only way I can stand my workouts these days is by having a nice 'fluffy' book to read. I've just started another Jane Heller book, Lucky Stars. I've read at least three of her books recently and few a while back.

I just finished The New Yorkers by Cathleen Schine which I enjoyed mainly because I've always wanted to live in NYC.

A couple of weeks ago I was traumatized by the Nanny Diaries. It made me sad and much sadder when I started thinking about a baby sitting experience I had years ago. The boy had some issues (autism or something like that)and it was the first time I thought of him since becoming a mother and I cried for two days wishing I could go back and nurture him instead of just 'babysitting' (I was 12 at the time.) Ah, pregnancy hormones.
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itsmesuzq
17 years ago
I'm in the last chapter of "Lonesome Dove"...and loving it! I've never seen the television series and I heard the book was awesome. I also read "The Glass Castle" and it was by far one of the best I've read so far. I read, "Water for Elephants" and both books by Cormack McCarthy - "The Road" and "Old Country for Old Men". I loved them both! After "Lonesome Dove" I'm going to read "The Kite Runner".

~Susan
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stephanie_in_ga
17 years ago
I am now just a few pages into "Almost Heaven" by Marianne Wiggins. In the last few months I also read "Evidence of Things Unseen" and "John Dollar" by the same author, so the author is a new find for me. She's diverse, every book has been vastly different from character to setting to themes and tone. I am pleased and impressed by that, not just the same story different names and places. The books are so different I am in awe they came from the same author. The thing that stays the same is her ability to articulate the most subtle emotions and experiences in a way that gives depth to the ordinary. I would not call any of them "light" reading at all. But they are worth the effort.

I recently finished Amy Tan's "The Bonesetter's Daughter" which I liked most of the way through, but was disappointed in how quickly and neatly the end was wrapped up. The characters were fantastic.

I took a class in college on Toni Morrison, so everything she had published at the time was required reading. I read everything she's published since, too. I liked it all. The movie of "Beloved" is one of the most true-to-the-book movies I've ever seen. It's over 3 hours long and, I think, would be confusing if you've never read the book. But, watching the movie enhanced the book for me, and having read the book enhanced the movie for me. Especially since it really was such a great visualization of the story, nothing altered.
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maryanntx
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for all the responses! Many of the books mentioned, I have read. But there are also lots and lots of books I haven't read that I will be adding to my list.
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organic_donna
17 years ago
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
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teresava
17 years ago
Sherry-You liked Life of PI??? I had to try three times to read it, and then I finally got through the book. At the end I wondered what I had just read!!

Paula-Nanny Diaries also made me extremely sad! I thought the story was good, but I felt so bad for the little boy! NO way was I going to see the movie!
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maryanntx
Original Author
17 years ago
Teresa, I really enjoyed Life of Pi! I still think about it occasionally.
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dorio_pa
17 years ago
I also liked the Life of Pi

I just finished Eat, Pray and Love, for me it was just, "ok"

I'm getting ready to start Rhett Butler's People has anyone else read it?

Doreen
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intherain
17 years ago
Wanda - I haven't read any Debbie Macomber books yet....thanks for the suggestion!

Sheryl

(I loved Northern Lights, too.)
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Jodi_SoCal
17 years ago
I love when these posts come along because I'm always amazed how many of the titles I've read.

These are the ones listed so far that I've read and how much I likeed it.

The Red Tent... LOVED it!

Middlesex... I liked the main character but exactly how he/she came about really made me uncomfortable.

Prodigal Summer... love Barbara Kingslover books but this one was a real disappointment.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan... interesting subject matter and very touching story.

The Kite Runner... LOVED it and got a chance to meet the author at a dinner I was invited to. The movie was very well done.

A Thousand Splendid Suns... didn't enjoy as much as The Kite Runner but still a good book.

The Glass Castle... hit a bit too close to home. :-(

The Bonesetter's Daughter... Wonderful book. I went to school with Amy Tan's brother and he just emailed me last week.

Life of Pi... absolutely fascinating book. Even though I loved it, when I finished it, I too wondered what I had just read. That was exactly what the author wanted you to do.

Jodi-
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kathy813
17 years ago
Poisonwood Bible--I'd give it an 8 out of 10.
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maryanntx
Original Author
17 years ago
Great idea Jodi!

Here's my list:

The Red Tent - Absolutely loved it, even though I didn't think I would.

90 Minutes in Heaven - It was okay.

Shadow of the Wind - Loved it! I was surprised that the words flowed so well even though it was originally written in Spanish and then translated to English.

Water for Elephants - Really enjoyed this one.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Loved it!

The Glass Castle - It was pretty good, but I have a hard time picturing a family like this. I guess my family was too normal.

Middlesex - Interesting and kept my attention.

Life of Pi - Loved it! Like Jodi said, I too wondered what I had read. I love a book like that! And I'm still wondering and thinking about it.

The Kite Runner - Loved it!

Eat, Pray and Love - Loved it and it made me want to go traveling to discover myself. LOL Actually I think I know myself, but I would love to be able to travel like she did and do whatever I wanted to do.
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Maggie4
17 years ago
We have received many books for Christmas, so far I have read:

The Brethern.....John Grisham.

For one more day ...by Mitch Albom . He also wrote , A day with morrie.

Lone Survivor....Really enjoyed this one. Eyewitness account of operation Redwing and the lost Heroes of Seal Team 10

Flag of our Fathers by James Bradley. These last two are my Husbands. But both were very , very good.

The Kite Runner...also very good. Haven't read his two new ones yet.

Marley & Me ...Very funny for those who have ever had puppy that had a great personality. We have one like Marley.

Those are mine. Hope you enjoy them. Thanks for the new list to read. It's been a long , snowy, cold winter here in the midwest.
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casey_nfld
17 years ago
Here's what I've read from the list:

The Day the World Came to Town.....really enjoyed it, read it in a day I think. It was mostly about Gander, Newfoundland, a town I have been to many times. It was really nice reading an outsider's view of Newfoundland.

The Bonesetter's Daughter......I thought this was the 2nd worst of all of Amy Tan's novels (I've read them all). It was so slow at the beginning and I had a hard time getting into it. I did enjoy the 2nd half though.

Rhett Butler's People.....haven't read it but borrowed it from my sister-in-law, she read it for her book club. She didn't think she would enjoy it but she did. Not sure if I will read it.

The Red Tent......started Wednesday afternoon and only have about 80 pages left. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!
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judy_jay
17 years ago
My best friend recommended the Mitford book series so I'm reading the first of the series, "At Home in Mitford". They're very simply written books about a small town in So. Carolina & the pastor of the church there plus all the characters in the town. For some reason, it's just not for me, but I'm almost done with the book now. I won't be reading any more of them. The author is Jan Karon & these books were best sellers when they were written a few yrs. back, but we all have different taste in books & these just
don't cut for me.
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kayakingkris
17 years ago
I've read the Debbie Macomber Cedar Cove series - you get hooked on her books. I really liked the Dakota series too.

I recently have gotten into James Patterson, Beach Road blew me away. I just read the first in the Women's Murder Club series and couldn't put it down. Also read Lifeguard and wasn't happy with the ending.

Can't wait to read the 5th book by Thomas Kinkade in his Cape Light series.

Too many books too little time!
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stephanie_in_ga
17 years ago
Apparently, I share a bookshelf with Jodi. ;o)

From this post, I've read:
The Red Tent
Beloved
Middlesex
Prodigal Summer
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Kite Runner
A Thousand Splendid Suns
The Glass Castle
The Road
Poisonwood Bible
and Harry Potter

and sometime soon I want to read
Swallows of Kabul
Life of Pi (I think I even have it)
Water for Elephants
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jemdandy
17 years ago
I'm fighting cabin fever by reading posts on this and other forums. LOL. Also, I've been learning to use software for designing and evaluating gem cuts. I do a little faceting.
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bulldinkie
17 years ago
Im reading the bookout about Cojo..he had a kidney transplant, DID YOU KNOW HE HAS A PENIS???????Im shocked...
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Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
17 years ago
Cojo is a little "light in his loafers". IYKWIM

I ordered "The New Earth" and will start that next.

Gayle
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Kathsgrdn
17 years ago
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani. I'm about 1/4 the way through it and will finish it this week, I'm on vacation!!
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stephanie_in_ga
17 years ago
bulldinkie, you know you can't believe everything you read.

LOL Sorry, I couldn't resist being ornery
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marygailv
17 years ago
If you like Tim Green's novels, you should read his book called "A Man and His Mother - An adopted Son's Search." I have read several of his books and haven't really gotten into them, although I like mysteries, but enjoyed that one and the one he wrote about his time in the NFL.
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sheesh
17 years ago
"The Gravedigger's Daughter" was fabulous! She did it! She lived a nice life!

I started "A House for Mr Biswas" today and think I'm gonna love it.

Sherry
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Jodi_SoCal
17 years ago
Just catching up and found four more books on your lists I've also read:

The Day the World Came to Town... Loved it and made me really want to go and visit Casey in Newfoundland.

Marley & Me... it was about an ill-behaved dog with some real personality issues and an owner/writer who glorified his existance. Forgive me, but I didn't find this book cute and touching like so many others have.

Poisonwood Bible... One of my all time favorites, but then I enjoy most of Kingslover's books.

Shadow of the Wind... Kept me spellbound and wanting for more.

Jodi-
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lindasewandsew
17 years ago
Sock Monkey Dreams: Daily Life at the Red Heel Sock Monkey Shelter
Found this book at TJ Max and am reading it with 3 year old DGD. She's already made a couple of sock monkeys with Grandma and loves the sock monkey stories, sock monkey 'facts', and that all the monkeys in the book have silly names. Linda

Here is a link that might be useful: Sock Monkey Book
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maryanntx
Original Author
17 years ago
I'm adding Marley and Me to my list of books read. I loved it! Our Tatum certainly reminded me of Marley!

Has anyone finished reading A New Earth? I'm thinking of reading it, but not sure.
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rosebudms
17 years ago
I just finished Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy. I found it disappointing. I usually like her writings.

My current stash includes:

The Appeal by John Grisham
The Kite Runner
Listening Woman by Tony Hillerman
S is for Silence ?????? ( Sue Grafton's latest)

I can't believe I have all those wonderful books to look forward to! (I like to save things for later.)

I also enjoyed Poisonwood Bible and Big Stone Gap that someone mentioned.
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It's February. What are you reading?

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