"Drop Dead Beautiful" by Jackie Collins. It's the latest in the Lucky Santangelo series (loved them all).

Loved "Life of Pi" Casey. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on it after you read it.

Just finished "Water for Elephants". Enjoyed the writing style but some of the relationships in the book did not ring true to me. Did like Rosie the elephant though.

Jodi-

"Girls Like Us," by Sheila Weller.

It's about Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon ~ whose talent defined a generation.

~Carol~

TWO OLD WOMEN An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival. 130 pages of easy reading, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Just finished it.

Statisics and SPSS (a software program). Also reading the Get Fuzzy comic books for brain relief!

Will post about the Odds Ratio assignment later next week...

Socks12345, being part Eskimo and having just returned from Alaska, I try to read anything I can get me hands on regarding Alaska. Think I'll go looking for Two Old Women. Thanks for the heads-up.

Jodi-

Just finished "The Letter Opener" by Kyo Maclear or Maclean....sorry I've already returned it to the library and can't check the name. Had a love/hate relationship with this book.....I wish some characters had been more deeply explored and others had too much information about them. Would I reccommend it.....yes if you like an off beat novel...takes place in a dead letter office....the main character develops a working relationship with a new fellow employee who has just come from Romania. The parts about his homeland I found interesting and his past growing up there is explored as well as his defection. He disapprears and his fellow worker can't stop wondering where he went - back to Romania once they began to open up..or did he just drop out and move on without telling anyone?

I love reading anything by Jeffrey Archer - a few days ago I finished "Twelve Red Herrings" and yesterday started on "The Fourth Estate". I have read 6 of his books so far and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them.

Just finished "Cold Blooded", by Lisa Jackson and "Beach Girls" - don't have the book handy right now and can't remember the author's name.

Now reading "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" by Fannie Flagg
Just finished "Bridge Of Sighs" by Richard Russo, I did not enjoy this book as much I had his others.

Carol, let us know if the book's any good. I saw a review of it in a magazine and ripped it out so I would remember to get it later.

I may go ahead and get it since I need a couple books for my upcoming vacation. I want to read one of this one author's books but I can't remember her name. I think Flamingo recommended her books, read it and loved it. It was about a mother and daughter's relationship and sea turtles. I thought I wrote the author down but I can't find it...if anyone knows who I'm talking about please let me know.

I'm now rereading the beginning of a book I started late last year. I never got into and it and not really getting into it now. It's a murder mystery called "Don't be Afraid" by Rebecca Drake. I'm hoping it gets better.

That's the name of it! Very good book!

Maryanntx, LaVyrle Spencer retired from writing about 7 or 8 yars ago, are you sure it is her book? I saw there was one by Barbara Delinsky with the same title,The Fulfillment, that is more recent.

maryann, I also read "The Book Thief" recently. I loved it! A friend recommended it to me, said as she read it she just kept thinking "Stephanie will love this book." She knows me well, and she was right. I don't know how the author managed to create a story that was so heartbreaking and so hopefull at the same time. So different, the plot was so well laid out. Just wonderful. I borrowed it from the library, it was in the Young Adult section, but it is not a junior highish story, it is mature and thoughtful. It is also very good writing, so adults are not bored with it. I would love to read this book aloud to a middle school class (it would take forever, though), I think it would sound good aloud b/c the writing is so good. There is a lot for discussion and I would like to see how younger readers respond to it. So anyone with teens who like to read, this is a great book for them, too. I will buy my own copy and hopefully my kids will read it sooner or later, and I will read it again.

I also read "Desirable Daughters" by Bharati Mukherjee. Also from the library, and I was glad to return it. I chose it b/c I was waiting for "The Namesake" to come in the mail and had Indian writing on my mind. It was so disappointing. The narrator was the main problem for me, she was annoying and self-centered and shallow.

So "The Namesake" came in the mail, by Jhumpa Lahiri, and that was very good. The Indian culture part of the story was sort of the glue that held it together, but the story is one of family, love and self-discovery that anyone can relate to. If you want to read an Idian writer, Lahiri is a much better choice.

Now I am about 40 pages into "Water for Elephants." It's early, I don't have much of an impression yet, except that the narrator is a hoot already.

I just finished River's End by Nora Roberts yesterday...Now I'm on "Day of the Dead by Patricia Cornewell...I've read 5 books this week...all from the library!!

Kath the book that FlamingO recommended was The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe. A very good book!

marygailv, it's the book by LaVyrle Spencer. One of our members suggested it because for years her Mom has said it was one of the best books she had read.

Stephanie, one thing that made The Book Thief so interesting and different was who narrated the story. I had never read a book from that perspective.

Oh shoot! Sorry I must have left out the stop italics code above, and we can't edit our posts.

I used to LOVE LaVyrle Spencer. I don't recognize that title though. I don't usually like romance type books, but I always loved hers.

Niki, I've been trying to find time to get back to TOBG too. I was the same, when I had time I could NOT put it down until I absolutely had to. I started to actually get mad at the Ann character, and had to put it down. It is pretty accurate as far as most historians know, so when things started to turn bad, I didn't want to read anymore.

Other than that book, I have been reading the books my kids are reading. It is a great way to make sure we have something to talk about. Plus it makes them feel good when I am interested in the same things. So I am reading the fourth and fifth Narnia books right now.

I love and have read every LaVyrle Spencer book out there. I just finished Black Dahlia by Nora Roberts, awesome as always and can't wait to get the second in the series.
Haven't read the Nora Roberts dear Jackie sent me with the swap as there are a couple of books before it in that series and I haven't been able to spot them anywhere.
Need a book for the outdoor market tomorrow, not sure what I'm going to take...
Suzan J

Iam reading "Escape" by Carolyn Jessop, who was a wife in the FLDS. She really tells the background of the organization and what the leaders believe. How she stayed so long and took the abuse handed out by her "husband" and some of her "sister wives"to her and her children is incredible. I am so glad she escaped and has found peace. Its a good book and I have a hard time putting it down when its time to go to work.

I am listening to Escape at the moment and have thought it was insightful to the situation now happening with FLDS.

stephanie in ga - I read Namesake a few months back and loved it. I too would reccommend it to anyone.

I'm reading "A Song I Knew by Heart" by Bret Lott. I bought it from the library's book sale for $1. Pretty good!

Sheryl

Jodi - Have you read the Dana Stabenow series of Kate Shubak mysteries? They are set in Alaska and are unusual. Kate is a half-Eskimo detective who lives in an Alaskan national park. The mysteries are not terribly deep; what's important is the description of life in Alaska and the customs and culture of the Eskimo population. I love them!

I'm reading The Looming Tower, by Lawrence Wright. It's an excellent description of the religious ideology that led up to 9-11. Next up are a couple of Barbara Holloway mysteries (by Kate Wilhelm), set in Oregon.

Sable, no, have not read any of the Dana Stabenow books. I'll have to check them out too. Thanks!

Jodi-

Just finished 'Tis by Frank McCourt. It's the sequel to Angela's Ashes. A very powerful autobiography. I found myself wanting to go thru the pages and help him. When I begin to think I have a hard life I can think back to these books and feel thankful for what I have.

I've read a couple of Dans Stabenow's books. They are quite good. A little note about LaVyrle Spencer. I used to live in her home town, Staples Mn. We had a guest stay at our motel, who married a gal from another country (can't remember which) He was an old friend of LaVyrle's and took his new wife to meet her. LaVyrle was gracious and gave the gal a couple of her books written in the gals hime language. I thought that was so nice. I have tried to read a couple of her books, but romance novels don't do it for me. Guess I like the gory ones. Just something about my personality, I guess. LOL Dottie

I am reading "Picture Perfect" by Fern Michaels. So far it is very good.
Vannie thanks for this post I always like to see what everone is reading.
Kittywhiskers

I just finished A Dog Year; Twelve Months, Four Dogs and Me BY Jon Katz. He writes books about his life with the dogs he has had. This was about a Border Collie, the last was about his Labs. I am a sucker for dog books.

I also read Two Old Women. It was a book assigned to my son for a reading class a long time ago. I really loved it and sent a copy to my Mom.
Clare

Ms. Julia Strikes Back - love all of the Ms. Julia books by Ann B. Ross.

Peter G. Peterson, who was Sec'y. of Commerce under Nixon, deeply disturbed about the directions in which the U.S. was moving, wrote a book in 2004 called, "Running on Empty", that claims that a number of policies of both Republicans and Democrats are setting their country up for long-term trouble .. and what U.S. people can do about it.

As one who has long held great respect for many aspects of U.S. life, who married a fine Iowa girl and whose young 'uns have dual citizenship ...

... I can't say that I'm enjoying it.

ole joyful

I hope that millions of U.S. people will read the "Running on Empty" book that I referred to above ...

... and insist that their politicians act on the problems.

Sooner ... rather than later.

The fiscal viability of your country may depend on it.

And ... if you go down the tubes ... we go down with you.

Without having had any say in the matter.

ole joyful

Jodi, did you find Two Old Women? I got it last week and read it today. It's a quick read, but I really enjoyed it and will gladly send it on to you if you haven't already got it. Let me know.

Maryann, what is that book about and who wrote it?

I'm now reading "More Than Enough" which seems to be a rerun of two other Dave Ramsey books I read recently.

MaryAnn, Thanks for the offer!!! Haven't had a chance to do much of anything since returning from vacation. I worked 83 hours the first week back. I will contact you via email to make arrangements. Thanks again!

Jodi-

I'm reading "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith. This book was written in 1948 and was renewed in 1976. The book is a story of a young 17 year old girl who lives in the ruins of an old castle. The young girl is practising to be a writer and the book is her journal of 6 months of her life. Her journal entries are so much like the way I write. No story, just what happens in life.

Anne

I am still reading Sue Graftons Kinsey Millhone series. I am currently on F is for Fugitive. They are great books and so many of you read and reccommended them.

I love LaVryle Spencer, Nora Roberts, Fern Michaels!

I'm reading Audition (Barbara Walters) and The South Beach Diet Supercharged (Dr. Agatston).

Susan

I'm now reading "Moo" by Jane Smiley but I'm finding it hard to get into.

Jodi, "Life of Pi" was interesting! It took me about 100 pages to really get into it. I liked the twist at the end.

I am reading Erma Bombeck's funny novel "FAMILY - The Ties That Bind and Gag!".

I love these book threads. I didn't know David Baldacci or Fannie Flag had new books out! Here's another recommendation for "Two Old Women" and "The Namesake". I enjoyed both of them.

Right now I'm finishing "On the Road" by Jack Karouac. I'm trying to plow through a list I found of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Edith Wharton's "Age of Innocence" is next on the list, but I think I'll read Fannie Flag first. I need a break before I tackle another serious book.

Vannie, Two Old Women is written by Velma Wallis. It's the story that is an Alaskan legend that has been passed on by mothers to their daughters. It's a simple story, but a good one about 2 old women who are betrayed by their tribe, but they show their courage by surviving. I would recommend it.

Jodi, I got your e-mail and will put the book in the mail in the morning.

I am reading 'Twilight' by Stephanie Meyer, I got it in the young adult section at Borders~~~it is about Vampire's, it is so good I can hardly put it down to do anything~~good thing I am recouping from my hyster so I have all day to read. There seems to be two sequels to it I can hardly wait:)

Velma Wallace (Two Old Women) has written at least one other Alaskan legend book, Bird Girl and the Man Who Followed the Sun. I just ordered after reading Two Old Women.

Susan

Thanks for the suggestion Susan. I just ordered Bird Girl too.

I just finished Escape by Carolyn Jessop. Gave it to my aunt to read. I am getting ready to start Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall. It is another FLDS book. Escape made me so angry. I am sure Stolen Innocence will too.

Thanks MaryAnn!!!

Jodi-

I've almost finished "Voice of the Heart" by Barbara Taylor Bradford, who wrote "A Woman of Substance". This book is definitely not as good as AWOS & it's very long, with lots of description. Since I only have 65 pgs. or so to go, I'm hoping to finish it soon & start a book I really like.

Speaking of David Baldacci, someone recommended The Camel Club by him. I ordered it this morning. Has anyone here read it and what did you think? The only book that I've read by him was The Christmas Train.

Also, I mentioned in a post early in this thread that our GRINS book club was reading The Fulfillment by LaVyrle Spencer. We had our meeting last night and I found out that was Spencer's first book. I thought it was just a chick-lit, bodice ripper type of book and one that I would never have read if it wasn't a club selection. But a lady in our club said that her book Morning Glory was the best book she has ever read. So she suggested we read that book as our September selection so we can compare the two books and see how much she improved in her writing skills.

I've read a number of books by David Baldacci, and they are all great. "The Camel Club" is the first in that series--after you finish it, you will certainly want to read the others.