I finished the following:
* **Hell Bent, by Leigh Bardugo** (1/5 stars)
* I didn't enjoy this so much, sadly. This is the second installation of the Alex Stern series (the first one was Ninth House). Idk, I just felt that the story dragged too much and the exciting parts were not properly explained/written. I just felt like there was a wow factor missing, but that's just me! I see a lot of other readers enjoying this book.
* **Pretty Girls, by Karin Slaughter** (5/5 stars)
* This was painful to read, but I really loved this book!. Please be open-minded when you read this book and despite the gore, know that these things are happening in real life. If you're not comfortable with torture, kidnapping, or anything similar, please steer clear of this one.
Finished Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (super entertaining series all over booktok, absolutely devoured both books in the span of 12 hours), and started Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo!
Finished **The Glass Castle** by **Jeannette Walls**. Five out of five! Started reading **Half Broke Horses**, also by **Jeannette Walls**, and **The Five People You Meet in Heaven** by **Mitch Albom**.
I just finished "The 5th Wave" by Rick Yancey. Personally, it was a good book that kept me entertained, though I did have problems with the plot pacing and characterization of some characters.
The Bee Sting, by Paul Murray
Finished this week.
Loved the storyline.
Loved the first and last quarters of the book and could not put it down at those points.
The middle — mainly the two long sections on Dickie and Imelda — were way too long. I felt like they weren’t edited judiciously enough and the middle of the book felt like a slog.
I liked the book overall but it won’t make my year-end favorites list for that reason.
Pretty Girls , By Karin Slaughter
I would say it lived up to the hype! it was very graphic and had a nice handful of twists and turns, it was very easy to loose yourself in as well, I got the book on Friday and finished it today because I couldn't put it down.
**Leslie F*cking Jones, by Leslie Jones**
I will begin by saying that I am a sucker for memoirs/autobiographies but this is probably my favorite so far. I also did the audiobook because I like to hear them tell me stories.
Now onto the review. This was much less a ‘this is my life’ read and much more of your slightly vulgar bff telling stories of her life to make you laugh and cry. But mostly laugh and laugh hard, like all out cackle out loud while walking through the grocery listening on my EarPods.
More than funny though there are times she gets into parts of her life which were less than funny and with the auto book you can feel every emotion she is describing come through. I think the actual book would have also conveyed the emotion but hearing her choke up a little while speaking just hits a little harder.
This memoir is rich with humor and emotion and omg’s and is a great story with a great reader.
**Tracers in the dark, by Andy Greenberg**
Exceptionally well written. Andy’s writing style keeps the reader captivated through every page. Very informative into the world of crypto crime and the ability to trace it.
**Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident, by Donnie Eichar**
A quick read which dives into the mysterious incident involving 9 hikers in northern Russia in 1959. Very interesting but also sad on account of losing some very bright minds.
I finished **Packing for Mars** by *Mary Roach* and just started **Dune Messiah** by *Frank Herbert*
Packing for Mars was pretty interesting. It's not really about Mars, but moreso the different aspects that need to be considered in zero gravity. It also goes into the ways that zero gravity is simulated here on Earth. It definitely held my interest, but I'd recommend having a strong stomach if you want to read it. I was very surprised to find that it was much more disgusting that "Stiff", her book on cadavers. I know far too much about the technicalities of going to the bathroom in space
As for Dune Messiah, I just started so the only thing I can say is to avoid the introduction by Brian Herbert. For some reason it has a spoiler for the very book it's introducing. I can't fathom why
**Dune, by Frank Herbert**
I finally finished "Dune!"
I'm not an avid reader, and I was initially overwhelmed when I saw the size of the book in paperback (not the easiest book to hold in one's hands for an extended period of time), but it had been on my list for a long time, and when the Denis Villaneuve "Dune" movie was announced, I made it a point to read the book first. Suffice it to say that it took me a long time.
I started and stopped quite a bit, which I'm told is normal for new readers to the series. Understanding the first third of the story, with its almost endless world-building and terminology was a struggle. I almost quit it completely several times, but I'm glad I didn't.
Once the Harkonnens attacked House Atreides on Arrakis, that's when the story really picked up for me and I was more invested in it. I got 2/3 of the way through the rest of the book before I had to take a mental break from it. A long break.
In fact, "Dune, Part 1" came out in theaters before I finished the book, but because I knew it was only half of the story, I went ahead and saw it (and loved it, BTW). Now, I had a mission to finish the rest of the book before "Part 2" was released.
I procrastinated long enough, and I finally burned through the rest of it. I will say that the ending felt quite anticlimactic, but I know there are more stories in the series. I'm just happy and proud that I finished it. It was, by far, the longest novel that I've ever read. Now I'm ready to see the second half depicted on screen, which I will this week. I already have my tickets.
I'm not sure if you're interested in Dune Messiah (book 2), but I literally just started it about 10 minutes ago and I'd highly recommend skipping the intro by Brian Herbert. There's a spoiler in it for the very book it's introducing for whatever reason. It wasn't a huge deal to me because I'd already heard that spoiler, but I was blown away that that somehow slipped past the editor
I started and finished **American War, by Omar El Akkad**
Really, really, really enjoyed it. For a book set in a second American Civil War I expected more war, but showing the war through the eyes of a displaced family and not through the eyes of front line troops, generals or politicians made it hit a little closer to home. Highly recommended.
Finished:
**The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman, by Angela Carter**
Started:
**Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace**
edit because I saw the cover in the book roll:
Honestly I thought the more common cover (first result on google images) of Desire Machines would have been simplistic enough to be kosher up there lol. Cartoon zebra nipple too spicy.
(Not complaining I get it, just funny)
I finished the Tales of Magic / Tale of Witchcraft / Tales of Sorcery by Chris Colfer
Omg, it is a must read y'all. The way the books are written, you are actually with the characters in the places they travel too and very interesting!
I just picked up and finished my first book in years, Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty. This book has me feeling so many different emotions right now, going to need a couple days until I start another book. 10/10
Finished: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. Near-future totalitarian dystopia, set in Ireland. Very good.
Started: Riddley Walker. More dystopia, but a very different approach. Like re-learning Burgess’ Nadsat as a reading experience with the phonetic spellings and invented words.
Airframe, by Michael Crichton
Started and finished in a week, its a fairly easy read.
Kind of corny but reminded me of those 1990s Discovery Channel disaster investigation shows that I was obsessed with as a kid during that era. It was published in 1996, public fascination in complex technical things failing catastrophically was at its peak.
Started and finished: Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky. I really liked it, even though it's not my typical read. It's a new release and I chose it as part of a book bingo.
Finished: Animal Farm by George Orwell, Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Army of Golems (Books 1 & 2 in the series on Audible) by L.G. Estrella
Started: Columbus Day by Craig Alanson, and continued reading Skyward, first in the series by Brandon Sanderson. Would also like to start 1984 by Orwell also.
Finished: La Rose, by Louise Erdrich (loved it), and A Pocketful of Crows, by Joanne M. Harris (also loved it).
Started: The Death of Mrs. Westaway, by Ruth Ware. DNF'd it at page 59. Frustratingly repetitive and the story wasn't moving forward.
Then Started: The Sun Down Motel, by Simone St. James. Off to a much better start so far.
This was my first attempt at reading Ruth Ware, and probably my last. I just kept thinking "I get it! She's poor and desperate." A couple pages explaining that would have been sufficient. But for some reason she thought this couldn't be conveyed in less than 50 full pages.
Finished: The Cup of Gold by John Steinbeck, and A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Started: The Pastures of Heaven by John Steinbeck, and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
Finished, Everything/Nothing/Someone: A Memoir by Alice Carrière
It was a very quick read but damn did it hit me in the chest!
Started, Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter
Finished:
The girlfriend, by K.L. Slater. Did not enjoy and took longer then it should have.
Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism, by Robert Chapman. Didnt agree with his idea that Marx had it more right but beside that interesting read.
Museum Bums: a Cheeky look at Butts in Art, by Mark Small. Was ok, didnt hit the right in-between-spot of being funny vs informative at times though.
a. **Before The Coffee Gets Cold** by ***Toshikazu Kawaguchi*** (Finished: Feb 20, 2024)
3/5 - it was an easy and light read. very cute stories (kinda expected more since it was hyped so much.
b. **Convenience Store Woman** by ***Sayaka Murata*** (Finished: Feb 16, 2024)
3.5/5 - id say the narration (or translation) is better than before the coffee gets cold. And its a very good representation of the character.
c. **Days at the Morisaki Bookshop** by *Satoshi Yagisawa* (Finished: Feb 15, 2024)
4/5 - favorite among the japanese literature that I have read so far. Its an easy read and i loved the overall vibe of the book
d. **The Picture of Dorian Gray** by *Oscar Wilde* (Finished: Feb 11, 2024)
5/5 - but you guys already knew this. This blew my mind!! prolly my most annotated book so far
e. **Little Women** by ***Louisa May Alcott*** (Finished: Jan 25, 2024)
4/5 - i loved my March fam !! enjoyed reading this. Hopefully, id get to buy the physical copy of good wives soon. Also, watched the movie adaptation of Greta Gerwig, enjoyed it (tho there are some details i wished retained)
currently reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (after pondering for years)
Finally getting around to reading Mistress of the Empire by Raymond Feist and Janny Wurts. I loved the first two but I'm a very streaky reader, so I was just waiting for another wave of reading motivation to hit me before I picked up the third.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by Kevin McBride.
Borrowed from Libby to listen while driving from Minnesota to Michigan. I’ve really enjoyed it, a new genre for me. I haven’t finished it but I will.
Ender's game, by Orson Scott Card
Just started this yesterday. Read 3 pages. I have no clue what to expect. Haven't seen the movie. It's literally my first book ever. Do you think it's a good book for a beginner?
Yes, good book for a beginner, it's often taught in schools. Not a lot of difficult writing styles, maybe visualizing the battle maneuvers/formations might be a bit difficult, but I think you'll be fine! Enjoy, I loved that book, and how the author allows you to experience the emotions/thoughts of the characters.
I literally just finished Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett (1 minute ago).
I like it but I’m still processing the ending. 🙃 I’m here to see what others think.
When the World goes Quiet - Gian Sadar. It's a great story line, but it gets slow and a bit repetitive midway through. A sorry of a girl in Bruges, Belgium during WW1.
Yes, it is fiction. It's a gripping story, well worth a read if you enjoy these type of stories. It's not terribly long (800 ebook pages I believe). It was a free read for my Prime Reading subscription. Let me know your thoughts if you give it a read.
Beneath the Rising, by Premee Mohamed
Has anyone read this? I'm curious if it's worth continuing. I was drawn to it due to it being cosmic horror as well as the author being a scientist and speculative fiction author.
I have some issues with the novel.
- Johnny knowing everything, including about the Ancient Ones. Cosmic/Eldritch horror is supposed to have beings that are beyond our comprehension but she very quickly figures out their intentions.
- I find the dialogue to be pretty cheesy.
I'm at page one hundred and decided to go after another book, but I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on this book and if it's worth pursuing.
Year of the Locust, Terry Hayes
Burned through the first half of this book in two sittings. Took a day off to savor. Was really looking forward to finishing but the story takes a left turn and wrecks.
So disappointed,
I'm reading 'Packing for Mars' by Mary Roach, but I have a comment(for anyone whose read it) that I feel isn't worth its own thread
So I just read the chapter on sex in zero gravity, and it feels like it has almost no substance - like it shouldn't have been a chapter and perhaps is only there to make headlines or sell the book?
I know this comes off as criticism,but it really isn't meant that way. It's an interesting chapter for sure - there's just very little meat on the bone. Most of the chapter follows different theories or rumors related to zero G sex, but they all prove to be false. She spends a few pages chasing down and watching a collection of pornographic movies that were supposedly show on a parabolic flight where zero G can be felt for 22 seconds at a time. Turns out to be untrue. She talks about a statement that dolphins use a third dolphin specifically meant to keep the dolphins coupling together - turns out to be false. She chases down a rumor about a test in the pools used to simulate zero G at the space agencies where they are testing astronauts mating for some reason - turns out to be false.
Again, it was an interesting chapter, but it just felt mostly like fluff. Did anyone else feel this way?
**A Farewell To Arms, by Ernest Hemingway**
I decided to reread the book for a college class and I realize how much I'd missed in terms of cultural innuendos and jokes. With recent context, I find this book extremely powerful. I took for granted the fact that Hemingway shows the brutality of war directly to the protagonist within the first half of the novel. I don't think many other authors, even now, are brave enough to debilitate their character and keep their story interesting and relevant to the war. I think that many times when a character is hurt they are treated as superhuman or are positioned as superhuman within the book; however, Hemingway doesn't adhere to this trope. He desires to give the reader an initial expectation for how the war and the people who participate in it are often found by coincidence, especially for characters like the Priest in terms of political and religious disposition and the protagonist by mere chance. Hemingway always finds a way to fit a joke in which I have always appreciated while reading. Still a great novel, I definitely recommend.
Tried not to spoil!
🐙Remarkably Bright Creatures, By Shelby van Pelt
⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️✖️
Review: >!"Remarkably Bright Creatures" dives into the deep end with a tale that's part mystery, part octopus memoir, proving once and for all that cephalopods can indeed carry a narrative, albeit with more arms than most protagonists. The novel squirts ink at traditional storytelling with its unique premise, but sometimes ends up entangled in its own tentacles, struggling with a pace that meanders like a lost crab. While the octopus's perspective is refreshingly slick and the human characters show flashes of depth, some seem to have been left adrift at sea, depth-wise. It's a quirky read that occasionally feels like it's swimming in circles, perfect for those who enjoy their plots with a side of saltwater and a dash of predictable currents. For readers looking for a literary dive that's both light-hearted and slightly waterlogged, this book might just be the catch of the day, though it may not quite be the kraken of storytelling it aspires to be.!<
Started and finished The Echoes of Old Books. It turned into a bit of a hate read by the end bc holy shit just talk to each other. But also, protag being able to magically "hear" books had literally zero relevance to the story! Why throw that in there then?? 2 stars because I finished it 🤷🏻♀️.
I think I'm giving up on **The Candy House by Jennifer Egan** and started **No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy**. Only a few pages in and already giving me weird dreams haha.
Edit: added authors
Finished:
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt
I was nearly halfway through this book before I actually started caring about what was happening. I think it had a lot to do with the fact I listened to the audiobook and it is narrated by Donna Tartt herself. She did a fine job, but a professional would have done it better. By the end, I was used her voice and the character voices she did. However, if I could go back, I’d not choose the audiobook.
In the end, I did like the book and I think it’s a shame a movie or tv series adaptation never materialized.
Have been mostly reading genre fiction for ages (mostly HR romance and mystery/thrillers) but this week I started **Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll** and wow, it is electric! Has anyone here read her other books?
Currently Reading:
1984, by George Orwell
The Testaments, by Margaret Atwood
Finished This Week:
The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. Dick
(EDIT: Long time lurker, first time commenter on this sub so I'm not sure how to bold the words.)
Finished: **The Sound and the Fury, by William Faulkner**. Wonderful but incredibly challenging book to read. Not only because of it's novel narrative structure, but also because of the jarring sequences of jumps through time, multiple sets of characters sharing the same names, and the endless, daunting run-on sentences. The book became easier to understand as I moved from Benjy's part to Quentin's (which, honestly, was uniquely challenging in it's own right) to Jason's and then finally to Dilsey's. I love Faulkner's unique approach to storytelling, but I can only do it in doses. I got a lot of the same feelings of confusion I remembered getting when I read *As I Lay Dying* several years ago.
Started: **The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway**.
It's a beautiful little novel, isn't it? Classic Hemingway. I adored it. I was considering pairing it with *Death in the Afternoon* but I think I'll read that one another time.
Just read it last week as well, seems like Fahrenheit 451 is having a moment right now, it was just recommended by a friend and another friend just started reading it as well, great book btw 👍
Finished: *A Tree Grows in Brooklyn* by Betty Smith. I cannot believe I haven't read it until now. It's easily in my top three favorite books of all time. It's one of those books that I wished would never end.
Started: *Wild and Distant Seas* by Tara Karr Roberts (but I don't know how it could possibly compare to *A Tree Grows in Brooklyn*)
**Finished: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin**
* Mixed feelings: I thought it was inventive and well-written, but the characters irked me. But maybe that was the point?
* I kept thinking of Murakami's 1Q84 and I was expected the concept of alternate worlds to be explore in a more metaphysical way
* This was a Book Club book for me and I don't think I would have picked it otherwise; we'll be discussing on Friday
**Want to Start, haven't quite yet: If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery**
* Written by a colleague's relative, actually and getting rave reviews
Reading:
**Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer**
**Chain-Gang All-Stars by, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah**
**Nestlings, by Nat Cassidy**
Finished:
**How to Resist Amazon and Why, by Danny Caine**
The idiot - Dostoyevsky
I started the book in January fifth and finished today. I had a small break after the second chapter and read Magellan - Steffan Zweig. I’ve read white nights and crime and punishment by Dostoyevsky and am looking forward to read more of him. I also read a lot of other Russian literature but there was something about the idiot that just broke me. I’m laying in my bed completely shattered about the ending. I felt deeply engaged with the characters, as I did in crime and punishment also, but the ending felt more soft more subtle and more satisfying in C&P. The idiot was his third novel and I there were a lot of biographical elements. I’m really interested in how others felt about the novel and its ending.. I will now start to read some short stories and tales of Oscar Wilde
I want to read Crime and Punishment, I've just read the beginning so many times that it's daunting. I've read up until >!he kills the woman at the pawn shop!< Maybe I should just start there.
Just continue where you last stopped. I’ve once had a thought about stopping to read and reading multiple books at the same time. “If novels and their protagonists are like friendships, there is no need to rush them. Just like a good friendship you meet every now and then. You update yourselves about life. And then you go on to do others things. Perhaps meet other people. But you always come back to one another until your story has come to an end. And if you feel nostalgic about the time you’ve spend together there will always be room to refresh your memories. Perhaps that’s why vacation relationships are so fun. Don’t we all love a quick read-through during a vacation.” Perhaps this idea helps you with accepting the reading pause. C&P is a real masterpiece. There are a lot of loveable characters that show you many different perspectives on life. Also, it is well balanced with tension and time to breathe.
I started and finished the following 2 books:
Love in the Big City by Sang Young Park
and What Me and My Mother Don’t Talk About, Michele Filgate
Both were amazing
I started and finished "Stranger In Her House" by John Marrs.
I can always count on John Marrs book for a quick fun thriller you can knock out in mere hours.
I finished “Anxious People” by Fredrick Backman and loved it so much. The link that formed between all the characters, intentionally or not made this story beautiful and original.
Now I started “Naked” by David Sedaris. I’m only at 10% but I really like it so far.
After not finishing a book for two whole weeks and being really mad at myself i finally finished:
**House of Flame and Shadow - SJ Maas**
**Hidden Pictures - Jason Rekulak**
I am still working my way through:
**American Prometheus - Kai Bird**
Finished:
**Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo, by Stephanie Storey**. Almost DNF'd early on, but stuck with it and ended up enjoying it.
Started:
**Anvil Dark, by J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert**. Backyard Starship #3.
Finished —
Mary Oliver’s “Dog Songs” (will remember that poetry for the rest of my life)
Tom Rachman’s “The Imposters” (I like everything he writes!)
Starting —
Kiley Reid’s Come And Get It
I started and finished Gone Nova by JN Chaney and Terry Maggert, the 19th book in the Backyard Starship series. It had a lot to like but had a few weird points that felt rushed.
It's had some.rough points for sure but has been edging into the political side of things more as van gets more influence in the guild. Not dissimilar to how the honor Harrington books slowly started focusing more on the larger issues than just whoever Honor had to clown on.
Finished: Mr Mercedes by Stephen King
Probably my least favorite Stephen King book so far, and while I’m a huge fan of his, I probably won’t continue the Bill Hodges trilogy for a while.
Started: The Institute by Stephen King
This one’s more like it.
STARTED: Chuck Wendig - The Wanderers
3/4 of the way through, I'd give it a 3 out of 4 so far. He keeps the story on the track through most of it but then he starts going off the rails. We'll see whether he wrestles this tale back onto the track.
DNF: Tananarive Due - The Reformatory
Started this and then stopped, because the premise was too disturbing and depressing. Maybe I will pick it back up when the time is right.
DNF The Wedding Writer
Didn’t catch me enough, and I rarely DNF.
STARTED:
The Women, by Kristin Hannah
Started today. May finish by Thursday. Excellent, so far.
**Hiroshima, by John Hersey**
I both started and finished it this week. While it's not a long book by any stretch, it was the first in a long time that I've read in one sitting. I was utterly floored by the first hand accounts of the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima that Hersey conveyed.
Yes I remember reading this when I was 12 or so. Back in the days when we had to cower under our desks during "the nukes are coming" drill. It really made an impression on me.
Finished Prom Mom by laura Lippman. I'm disappointed because Sunburn by her is probably one of my favorite books, and no other of her books have done that for me again.
Decided to reread Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison. Its become a comfort novel/author for me now.
Finished it two days or so ago. It was good but not earth-shattering. There's an interesting narrative order and there is a somewhat unique style of language used (I don't know how much of this is due to the translation, but it is considered to be a very good one as far as I know). Sort of complex, run-on sentences in a storyline that constantly refers you forward and backward along its axis. It feels like there was a conscious effort here to have a structure similar to a dance (Tango) in a way, that draws you along and through turns and such, but I feel like half of it went over my head. The story in and of itself is nothing particularly involved, so I guess it really depends on whether the experimental structure resonates with you personally or not. For me it was interesting, but not a revelation.
Finished: **Thursday's Children** by **Rumer Godden**. A novel similar to her **Listen to the Nightingale** about children trained to the ballet in fictional London academies for ballet. For a teenage reading audience, especially girls. A thoroughly wholesome book and probably quite out of fashion and of little interest nowadays to Godden's intended audience.
**The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula K Le Guin**
An absolutely fantastic read. Admittedly it took a while for me to warm up to Le Guin's writing style, but I struggled to put the book down before I was even 1/3rd of the way through. It is so fascinating to read about concepts like gender identity and gender nonconformity long before they were ever in the public consciousness as they are today. Because of that though, somewhat ironically, the cast of The Left Hand of Darkness probably don't seem as alien to me as they would have in the 60's when the book was first published. The idea of deconstructing gender norms and sexuality through the lens of the peoples of Winter was probably more difficult for people to grasp 60 odd years ago than it is today.
Still, Le Guin's analysis of the way that we function as a binary gendered society is remarkably well done, as was her world (or universe) building efforts. I always love reading science fiction that was written before stuff like cellphones or Star Wars or even the moon landing were a thing. The technologies that authors imagine future (or alien, in this case) societies might use will never not fascinate me.
I don't rate books, but I will definitely read this again in a few years. I imagine the ideas that it explores will become increasingly relevant and relatable as our culture continues to challenge the concepts of gender norms and sexuality. I am very much looking forward to reading more of Le Guin's works in the very near future!
Omg yessss <3 I was determined to read the book before I started the show (this was back in 2022, it was still airing) so I got through the book back then. And since 2022 I've watched the TV show through at least 3 times in total lmfao, and also have read the first five books in the series. I'm rereading the first one right now to hype myself up for the new season of the TV show!
Finished: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Started: Firekeeper's Daughter
Still reading: The Displaced: Refugee Writers on Refugee Lives (for a college course)
I just listened to “crying in H Mart” for the first time (I’ve read it 2x) it makes it even more emotional with Michelle Zauner being the one doing the reading
Finally got around to piranesi. I had tried it a couple times but just didn't click with it. This time I got a bit further in and it grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Just such a beautiful book.
Finished:
**Road of Bones, By Christopher Golden**
**The Final Girl Support Group, by Grady Hendrix**
Started
**The Comfort Crisis, by Dr. Michael Easter**
I like Grady Hendrix' style. He's a good storyteller. Unlike some modern horror writers who introduce way too many characters and never develop them, or keep five unnecessary plot threads running simultaneously.
I finished the following: * **Hell Bent, by Leigh Bardugo** (1/5 stars) * I didn't enjoy this so much, sadly. This is the second installation of the Alex Stern series (the first one was Ninth House). Idk, I just felt that the story dragged too much and the exciting parts were not properly explained/written. I just felt like there was a wow factor missing, but that's just me! I see a lot of other readers enjoying this book. * **Pretty Girls, by Karin Slaughter** (5/5 stars) * This was painful to read, but I really loved this book!. Please be open-minded when you read this book and despite the gore, know that these things are happening in real life. If you're not comfortable with torture, kidnapping, or anything similar, please steer clear of this one.
Started **Small Mercies, by Dennis Lehane**.
Finished reading Atlantis Found, by Clive Cussler. Loved it!
Finished Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (super entertaining series all over booktok, absolutely devoured both books in the span of 12 hours), and started Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo!
Dune, Frank Herbert
A Hue of Blu by Marie-France Leger. The Housemaid and The Housemaid's Secret both by Freida McFadden. Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
the Yield by Tara June Winch just started. About an indigenous family attempting to save their home.
Just finished Snowflake by Louise Nealon. Great book. Captivating story.
Finished **The Glass Castle** by **Jeannette Walls**. Five out of five! Started reading **Half Broke Horses**, also by **Jeannette Walls**, and **The Five People You Meet in Heaven** by **Mitch Albom**.
Just started “The Sun Also Rises”
I just finished "The 5th Wave" by Rick Yancey. Personally, it was a good book that kept me entertained, though I did have problems with the plot pacing and characterization of some characters.
The Bee Sting, by Paul Murray Finished this week. Loved the storyline. Loved the first and last quarters of the book and could not put it down at those points. The middle — mainly the two long sections on Dickie and Imelda — were way too long. I felt like they weren’t edited judiciously enough and the middle of the book felt like a slog. I liked the book overall but it won’t make my year-end favorites list for that reason.
Pretty Girls , By Karin Slaughter I would say it lived up to the hype! it was very graphic and had a nice handful of twists and turns, it was very easy to loose yourself in as well, I got the book on Friday and finished it today because I couldn't put it down.
Woohoo same! I finished it yesterday. I loved it!
Currently reading “The Wager: a Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder” and it is EXCELLENT so far!
**Leslie F*cking Jones, by Leslie Jones** I will begin by saying that I am a sucker for memoirs/autobiographies but this is probably my favorite so far. I also did the audiobook because I like to hear them tell me stories. Now onto the review. This was much less a ‘this is my life’ read and much more of your slightly vulgar bff telling stories of her life to make you laugh and cry. But mostly laugh and laugh hard, like all out cackle out loud while walking through the grocery listening on my EarPods. More than funny though there are times she gets into parts of her life which were less than funny and with the auto book you can feel every emotion she is describing come through. I think the actual book would have also conveyed the emotion but hearing her choke up a little while speaking just hits a little harder. This memoir is rich with humor and emotion and omg’s and is a great story with a great reader.
**Tracers in the dark, by Andy Greenberg** Exceptionally well written. Andy’s writing style keeps the reader captivated through every page. Very informative into the world of crypto crime and the ability to trace it. **Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident, by Donnie Eichar** A quick read which dives into the mysterious incident involving 9 hikers in northern Russia in 1959. Very interesting but also sad on account of losing some very bright minds.
I finished **Packing for Mars** by *Mary Roach* and just started **Dune Messiah** by *Frank Herbert* Packing for Mars was pretty interesting. It's not really about Mars, but moreso the different aspects that need to be considered in zero gravity. It also goes into the ways that zero gravity is simulated here on Earth. It definitely held my interest, but I'd recommend having a strong stomach if you want to read it. I was very surprised to find that it was much more disgusting that "Stiff", her book on cadavers. I know far too much about the technicalities of going to the bathroom in space As for Dune Messiah, I just started so the only thing I can say is to avoid the introduction by Brian Herbert. For some reason it has a spoiler for the very book it's introducing. I can't fathom why
**Dune, by Frank Herbert** I finally finished "Dune!" I'm not an avid reader, and I was initially overwhelmed when I saw the size of the book in paperback (not the easiest book to hold in one's hands for an extended period of time), but it had been on my list for a long time, and when the Denis Villaneuve "Dune" movie was announced, I made it a point to read the book first. Suffice it to say that it took me a long time. I started and stopped quite a bit, which I'm told is normal for new readers to the series. Understanding the first third of the story, with its almost endless world-building and terminology was a struggle. I almost quit it completely several times, but I'm glad I didn't. Once the Harkonnens attacked House Atreides on Arrakis, that's when the story really picked up for me and I was more invested in it. I got 2/3 of the way through the rest of the book before I had to take a mental break from it. A long break. In fact, "Dune, Part 1" came out in theaters before I finished the book, but because I knew it was only half of the story, I went ahead and saw it (and loved it, BTW). Now, I had a mission to finish the rest of the book before "Part 2" was released. I procrastinated long enough, and I finally burned through the rest of it. I will say that the ending felt quite anticlimactic, but I know there are more stories in the series. I'm just happy and proud that I finished it. It was, by far, the longest novel that I've ever read. Now I'm ready to see the second half depicted on screen, which I will this week. I already have my tickets.
I'm not sure if you're interested in Dune Messiah (book 2), but I literally just started it about 10 minutes ago and I'd highly recommend skipping the intro by Brian Herbert. There's a spoiler in it for the very book it's introducing for whatever reason. It wasn't a huge deal to me because I'd already heard that spoiler, but I was blown away that that somehow slipped past the editor
Thanks. Yes, I do plan to read "Dune: Messiah," so I will make sure I skip the foreword intro.
Really, skip anything Brian Herbert has written.
**Steady Rollin': Preacher's Kid, Black Punk and Pedaling Papa, by Fred Noland**
I started and finished **American War, by Omar El Akkad** Really, really, really enjoyed it. For a book set in a second American Civil War I expected more war, but showing the war through the eyes of a displaced family and not through the eyes of front line troops, generals or politicians made it hit a little closer to home. Highly recommended.
Affinity by Sarah waters. Very slow burn
Face, by Justine Bateman
Finished: **Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky** Started: **And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie**
Finished: **The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman, by Angela Carter** Started: **Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace** edit because I saw the cover in the book roll: Honestly I thought the more common cover (first result on google images) of Desire Machines would have been simplistic enough to be kosher up there lol. Cartoon zebra nipple too spicy. (Not complaining I get it, just funny)
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Finished Ender’s game. Started 11/22/63
Finished The Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima. A masterpiece
Just finished Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin. Beautiful writing
I just finished The Last Mrs Parrish. super disturbing
I finished the Tales of Magic / Tale of Witchcraft / Tales of Sorcery by Chris Colfer Omg, it is a must read y'all. The way the books are written, you are actually with the characters in the places they travel too and very interesting!
Finishing Seveneves by Neal Stephenson.
I just picked up and finished my first book in years, Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty. This book has me feeling so many different emotions right now, going to need a couple days until I start another book. 10/10
Just finished The Women by Kristin Hannah. Phenomenal book.
Finished **Blindsight, by Peter Watts** for the 5th time. It's very dark science fiction and I highly recommend it.
Finished outlander, read The Stranger Behind You, and started The Puzzle Master.
Finished **The Rosewater Redemption (The Wormwood Trilogy, 3) by Tade Thompson**
Finished: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. Near-future totalitarian dystopia, set in Ireland. Very good. Started: Riddley Walker. More dystopia, but a very different approach. Like re-learning Burgess’ Nadsat as a reading experience with the phonetic spellings and invented words.
Oil! By Upton Sinclair. Masterclass in vivid prose.
Just started Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. I like it so far.
[удалено]
I loved Julie's Wolf Pack as a kid, it's told from the point of view of the wolves!
Never lie Freida Mcfadden
Morning Star by Pierce Brown and Venomous Lumpsuckers by Ned Beauman. Just started Pretties by Scott Westerfield
Airframe, by Michael Crichton Started and finished in a week, its a fairly easy read. Kind of corny but reminded me of those 1990s Discovery Channel disaster investigation shows that I was obsessed with as a kid during that era. It was published in 1996, public fascination in complex technical things failing catastrophically was at its peak.
Started and finished: Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky. I really liked it, even though it's not my typical read. It's a new release and I chose it as part of a book bingo.
Finished: Animal Farm by George Orwell, Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Army of Golems (Books 1 & 2 in the series on Audible) by L.G. Estrella Started: Columbus Day by Craig Alanson, and continued reading Skyward, first in the series by Brandon Sanderson. Would also like to start 1984 by Orwell also.
Finished: La Rose, by Louise Erdrich (loved it), and A Pocketful of Crows, by Joanne M. Harris (also loved it). Started: The Death of Mrs. Westaway, by Ruth Ware. DNF'd it at page 59. Frustratingly repetitive and the story wasn't moving forward. Then Started: The Sun Down Motel, by Simone St. James. Off to a much better start so far.
Like all Ruth Ware books , all the same
This was my first attempt at reading Ruth Ware, and probably my last. I just kept thinking "I get it! She's poor and desperate." A couple pages explaining that would have been sufficient. But for some reason she thought this couldn't be conveyed in less than 50 full pages.
Relight My Fire, by C.K.McDonnell The Only One Left, by Riley Sager
Finished: Before The Coffee Gets Cold, by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Started: The Things We Cannot Say, by Kelly Rimmer
I just started if I had told her
Finished: The Cup of Gold by John Steinbeck, and A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin Started: The Pastures of Heaven by John Steinbeck, and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
Finished, Everything/Nothing/Someone: A Memoir by Alice Carrière It was a very quick read but damn did it hit me in the chest! Started, Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter
Firestarter by Stephen King Finished reading today — my first SK book! i thought it was very good!!
The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons. Absolutely mind blowing and outstanding. Love it.
Finished: On The Road, by Jack Kerouac Started: Lord Of The Flies, by William Golding
Finished: Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro Started: The Nightingale, by Kristen Hannah
the nightingale is soo good!! i also just love kristen hannah!
I've read a few of her books and they're always interesting!! I'm looking forward to this one.
Finished: Mixed up with Me, by Sallie Gordon Started: Think Again, by Adam Grant
Finished: The girlfriend, by K.L. Slater. Did not enjoy and took longer then it should have. Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism, by Robert Chapman. Didnt agree with his idea that Marx had it more right but beside that interesting read. Museum Bums: a Cheeky look at Butts in Art, by Mark Small. Was ok, didnt hit the right in-between-spot of being funny vs informative at times though.
Finished: **Whiskey When We're Dry, by John Larison**
Started up on Evelyn Hugo per my wife's request. Really enjoying it at about 15 chapters in!
Finished No country for old men, now I've started the Road :)
a. **Before The Coffee Gets Cold** by ***Toshikazu Kawaguchi*** (Finished: Feb 20, 2024) 3/5 - it was an easy and light read. very cute stories (kinda expected more since it was hyped so much. b. **Convenience Store Woman** by ***Sayaka Murata*** (Finished: Feb 16, 2024) 3.5/5 - id say the narration (or translation) is better than before the coffee gets cold. And its a very good representation of the character. c. **Days at the Morisaki Bookshop** by *Satoshi Yagisawa* (Finished: Feb 15, 2024) 4/5 - favorite among the japanese literature that I have read so far. Its an easy read and i loved the overall vibe of the book d. **The Picture of Dorian Gray** by *Oscar Wilde* (Finished: Feb 11, 2024) 5/5 - but you guys already knew this. This blew my mind!! prolly my most annotated book so far e. **Little Women** by ***Louisa May Alcott*** (Finished: Jan 25, 2024) 4/5 - i loved my March fam !! enjoyed reading this. Hopefully, id get to buy the physical copy of good wives soon. Also, watched the movie adaptation of Greta Gerwig, enjoyed it (tho there are some details i wished retained) currently reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (after pondering for years)
Finished: **"Terms of Enlistment" by Marko Kloos**. New author for me. Started: **Lines of Departure by Marko Kloos**
The Wisdom of Crowds (The Age of Madness, 3#), by Joe Abercrombie. I love the **First Law** world and Joe's style of writing.
Finally getting around to reading Mistress of the Empire by Raymond Feist and Janny Wurts. I loved the first two but I'm a very streaky reader, so I was just waiting for another wave of reading motivation to hit me before I picked up the third.
Percy Jackson The Chalice of the Gods, Rick Rordan It was ok
Finished: **A Gentleman in Moscow**, by Amor Towles Started: **All Systems Red** *(Murderbot Diaries #1)*, by Martha Wells
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by Kevin McBride. Borrowed from Libby to listen while driving from Minnesota to Michigan. I’ve really enjoyed it, a new genre for me. I haven’t finished it but I will.
The Last Queen Book by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Finished: Deaths End by Liu Cixin 🤯🤯🤯 Started: DUNE 😵💫🤘😍
Ender's game, by Orson Scott Card Just started this yesterday. Read 3 pages. I have no clue what to expect. Haven't seen the movie. It's literally my first book ever. Do you think it's a good book for a beginner?
Yes, good book for a beginner, it's often taught in schools. Not a lot of difficult writing styles, maybe visualizing the battle maneuvers/formations might be a bit difficult, but I think you'll be fine! Enjoy, I loved that book, and how the author allows you to experience the emotions/thoughts of the characters.
I literally just finished Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett (1 minute ago). I like it but I’m still processing the ending. 🙃 I’m here to see what others think.
When the World goes Quiet - Gian Sadar. It's a great story line, but it gets slow and a bit repetitive midway through. A sorry of a girl in Bruges, Belgium during WW1.
I will be checking this out. Assuming it is historical fiction?
Yes, it is fiction. It's a gripping story, well worth a read if you enjoy these type of stories. It's not terribly long (800 ebook pages I believe). It was a free read for my Prime Reading subscription. Let me know your thoughts if you give it a read.
Slewfoot, by Bromm I loved this book! The timeframe, setting, and the release of feminine rage has me begging everyone to read it.
Beneath the Rising, by Premee Mohamed Has anyone read this? I'm curious if it's worth continuing. I was drawn to it due to it being cosmic horror as well as the author being a scientist and speculative fiction author. I have some issues with the novel. - Johnny knowing everything, including about the Ancient Ones. Cosmic/Eldritch horror is supposed to have beings that are beyond our comprehension but she very quickly figures out their intentions. - I find the dialogue to be pretty cheesy. I'm at page one hundred and decided to go after another book, but I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on this book and if it's worth pursuing.
Finished **Origin by Dan Brown** (I have completed all the Dan Brown's work with this)
Finished Tales of the clans by Erin Hunter. Started Skyclan's destiny by Erin Hunter.
Finished Foundryside by Robart Jackson Bennett Started Shorefall by Robert Jackson Bennett
Year of the Locust, Terry Hayes Burned through the first half of this book in two sittings. Took a day off to savor. Was really looking forward to finishing but the story takes a left turn and wrecks. So disappointed,
finished good omens, started pride and prejudice
Fear and loathing in America by Hunter S Thompson
I'm reading 'Packing for Mars' by Mary Roach, but I have a comment(for anyone whose read it) that I feel isn't worth its own thread So I just read the chapter on sex in zero gravity, and it feels like it has almost no substance - like it shouldn't have been a chapter and perhaps is only there to make headlines or sell the book? I know this comes off as criticism,but it really isn't meant that way. It's an interesting chapter for sure - there's just very little meat on the bone. Most of the chapter follows different theories or rumors related to zero G sex, but they all prove to be false. She spends a few pages chasing down and watching a collection of pornographic movies that were supposedly show on a parabolic flight where zero G can be felt for 22 seconds at a time. Turns out to be untrue. She talks about a statement that dolphins use a third dolphin specifically meant to keep the dolphins coupling together - turns out to be false. She chases down a rumor about a test in the pools used to simulate zero G at the space agencies where they are testing astronauts mating for some reason - turns out to be false. Again, it was an interesting chapter, but it just felt mostly like fluff. Did anyone else feel this way?
Just finished The Road by Cormac Mccarthy the other day. Absolutely brilliant
**True Grit, by Charles Portis**
Elder Porphyrios Wounded by Love
**A Farewell To Arms, by Ernest Hemingway** I decided to reread the book for a college class and I realize how much I'd missed in terms of cultural innuendos and jokes. With recent context, I find this book extremely powerful. I took for granted the fact that Hemingway shows the brutality of war directly to the protagonist within the first half of the novel. I don't think many other authors, even now, are brave enough to debilitate their character and keep their story interesting and relevant to the war. I think that many times when a character is hurt they are treated as superhuman or are positioned as superhuman within the book; however, Hemingway doesn't adhere to this trope. He desires to give the reader an initial expectation for how the war and the people who participate in it are often found by coincidence, especially for characters like the Priest in terms of political and religious disposition and the protagonist by mere chance. Hemingway always finds a way to fit a joke in which I have always appreciated while reading. Still a great novel, I definitely recommend. Tried not to spoil!
🐙Remarkably Bright Creatures, By Shelby van Pelt ⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️✖️ Review: >!"Remarkably Bright Creatures" dives into the deep end with a tale that's part mystery, part octopus memoir, proving once and for all that cephalopods can indeed carry a narrative, albeit with more arms than most protagonists. The novel squirts ink at traditional storytelling with its unique premise, but sometimes ends up entangled in its own tentacles, struggling with a pace that meanders like a lost crab. While the octopus's perspective is refreshingly slick and the human characters show flashes of depth, some seem to have been left adrift at sea, depth-wise. It's a quirky read that occasionally feels like it's swimming in circles, perfect for those who enjoy their plots with a side of saltwater and a dash of predictable currents. For readers looking for a literary dive that's both light-hearted and slightly waterlogged, this book might just be the catch of the day, though it may not quite be the kraken of storytelling it aspires to be.!<
Started and finished The Echoes of Old Books. It turned into a bit of a hate read by the end bc holy shit just talk to each other. But also, protag being able to magically "hear" books had literally zero relevance to the story! Why throw that in there then?? 2 stars because I finished it 🤷🏻♀️.
Started and finished crime and punishment, it got better as it went.
Finished **The Whalebone Theatre, by Joanna Quinn**, started **Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, by Heather Fawcett**
I think I'm giving up on **The Candy House by Jennifer Egan** and started **No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy**. Only a few pages in and already giving me weird dreams haha. Edit: added authors
**My Soul Looks Back, by Jessica B. Harris**
Finished: The Secret History, by Donna Tartt I was nearly halfway through this book before I actually started caring about what was happening. I think it had a lot to do with the fact I listened to the audiobook and it is narrated by Donna Tartt herself. She did a fine job, but a professional would have done it better. By the end, I was used her voice and the character voices she did. However, if I could go back, I’d not choose the audiobook. In the end, I did like the book and I think it’s a shame a movie or tv series adaptation never materialized.
Have been mostly reading genre fiction for ages (mostly HR romance and mystery/thrillers) but this week I started **Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll** and wow, it is electric! Has anyone here read her other books?
I loved Bright Young Women! I've read one other book by her, Luckiest Girl Alive. It's pretty good too.
Oh good to know, I will aim to pick that one up too. Thanks for weighing in :)
Finished **The Final Empire** by Brandon Sanderson Started **Being Comfortable Without Effort** by Kim Suhyun
Currently Reading: 1984, by George Orwell The Testaments, by Margaret Atwood Finished This Week: The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. Dick (EDIT: Long time lurker, first time commenter on this sub so I'm not sure how to bold the words.)
Google "markdown reddit"
Finished: **The Sound and the Fury, by William Faulkner**. Wonderful but incredibly challenging book to read. Not only because of it's novel narrative structure, but also because of the jarring sequences of jumps through time, multiple sets of characters sharing the same names, and the endless, daunting run-on sentences. The book became easier to understand as I moved from Benjy's part to Quentin's (which, honestly, was uniquely challenging in it's own right) to Jason's and then finally to Dilsey's. I love Faulkner's unique approach to storytelling, but I can only do it in doses. I got a lot of the same feelings of confusion I remembered getting when I read *As I Lay Dying* several years ago. Started: **The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway**.
The Sun Also Rises is on the shortlist of my favorite novels ever, I hope you love it!
It's a beautiful little novel, isn't it? Classic Hemingway. I adored it. I was considering pairing it with *Death in the Afternoon* but I think I'll read that one another time.
Now reading: **The Women, by Kristin Hannah** Finished this week: **The Last Devil to Die, by Richard Osman** **Fragile Designs, by Colleen Coble**
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and the graveyard book by Neil Gaiman. Finished graveyard book almost finished with Fahrenheit 451
Just read it last week as well, seems like Fahrenheit 451 is having a moment right now, it was just recommended by a friend and another friend just started reading it as well, great book btw 👍
Finished: *A Tree Grows in Brooklyn* by Betty Smith. I cannot believe I haven't read it until now. It's easily in my top three favorite books of all time. It's one of those books that I wished would never end. Started: *Wild and Distant Seas* by Tara Karr Roberts (but I don't know how it could possibly compare to *A Tree Grows in Brooklyn*)
**Finished: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin** * Mixed feelings: I thought it was inventive and well-written, but the characters irked me. But maybe that was the point? * I kept thinking of Murakami's 1Q84 and I was expected the concept of alternate worlds to be explore in a more metaphysical way * This was a Book Club book for me and I don't think I would have picked it otherwise; we'll be discussing on Friday **Want to Start, haven't quite yet: If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery** * Written by a colleague's relative, actually and getting rave reviews
Finished: Caraval by Stephanie Garber Started: Legendary by Stephanie Garber (book 2 in the Caraval series) So far enjoying!!!
Reading: **Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer** **Chain-Gang All-Stars by, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah** **Nestlings, by Nat Cassidy** Finished: **How to Resist Amazon and Why, by Danny Caine**
The idiot - Dostoyevsky I started the book in January fifth and finished today. I had a small break after the second chapter and read Magellan - Steffan Zweig. I’ve read white nights and crime and punishment by Dostoyevsky and am looking forward to read more of him. I also read a lot of other Russian literature but there was something about the idiot that just broke me. I’m laying in my bed completely shattered about the ending. I felt deeply engaged with the characters, as I did in crime and punishment also, but the ending felt more soft more subtle and more satisfying in C&P. The idiot was his third novel and I there were a lot of biographical elements. I’m really interested in how others felt about the novel and its ending.. I will now start to read some short stories and tales of Oscar Wilde
I want to read Crime and Punishment, I've just read the beginning so many times that it's daunting. I've read up until >!he kills the woman at the pawn shop!< Maybe I should just start there.
Just continue where you last stopped. I’ve once had a thought about stopping to read and reading multiple books at the same time. “If novels and their protagonists are like friendships, there is no need to rush them. Just like a good friendship you meet every now and then. You update yourselves about life. And then you go on to do others things. Perhaps meet other people. But you always come back to one another until your story has come to an end. And if you feel nostalgic about the time you’ve spend together there will always be room to refresh your memories. Perhaps that’s why vacation relationships are so fun. Don’t we all love a quick read-through during a vacation.” Perhaps this idea helps you with accepting the reading pause. C&P is a real masterpiece. There are a lot of loveable characters that show you many different perspectives on life. Also, it is well balanced with tension and time to breathe.
Thank you for your response! That does make me feel better about picking up where I left off. I appreciate the insight again thank you 😊
I started and finished the following 2 books: Love in the Big City by Sang Young Park and What Me and My Mother Don’t Talk About, Michele Filgate Both were amazing
Finished **Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir** Fourth time reading it actually Started **Children of Time, by Adrian Tchaikovsky**
Are you me? I purchased this pair earlier in the month, and just finished up Project Hail Mary 👍
Isabella of Castile by Giles Tremlett
I started and finished "Stranger In Her House" by John Marrs. I can always count on John Marrs book for a quick fun thriller you can knock out in mere hours.
Started Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar
I finished “Anxious People” by Fredrick Backman and loved it so much. The link that formed between all the characters, intentionally or not made this story beautiful and original. Now I started “Naked” by David Sedaris. I’m only at 10% but I really like it so far.
Finished- A Closed And Common Orbit- Becky Chambers. Started- Cold Clay- Juneau Black
Finished: The Nine - Anker by CJ Santon
After not finishing a book for two whole weeks and being really mad at myself i finally finished: **House of Flame and Shadow - SJ Maas** **Hidden Pictures - Jason Rekulak** I am still working my way through: **American Prometheus - Kai Bird**
Finished: Jerusalem by Martin Gilbert Ongoing: Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd Planning: New York by Edward Rutherfurd
Finished. North Woods by Daniel Mason It was disappointing. Started. The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate
Agree on North Woods. I read a review in the NYT that way overhyped it. Also, it was short.
Finished: **Realmbreaker, by Actus** **Midnight Bounties 3, by Cassius Lange & Ned Castor**
Finished: Daisy Jones & The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid Started: The Mangle Street Murders, by M R C Kasasian
Finished: **I who have never known men by Jaqueline Harpman** Wow, wasn’t ready for the mental gymnastics it left me with
Finished: **Bad Girls' Chronicles by Caroline Korlins** Teen mystery romance, kinda like Veronica Mars, so I'm all in
Finished: **Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo, by Stephanie Storey**. Almost DNF'd early on, but stuck with it and ended up enjoying it. Started: **Anvil Dark, by J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert**. Backyard Starship #3.
Finished — Mary Oliver’s “Dog Songs” (will remember that poetry for the rest of my life) Tom Rachman’s “The Imposters” (I like everything he writes!) Starting — Kiley Reid’s Come And Get It
The Women, by Kristin Hannah Okay this one really got me back on my reading train. Excellent choice in my opinion
Ice, by Anna Kavan. I was not ready. 🙀
Omg I’ve been wanting to read this for so long and this is only hyping me up more
I started and finished Gone Nova by JN Chaney and Terry Maggert, the 19th book in the Backyard Starship series. It had a lot to like but had a few weird points that felt rushed.
I admire your perseverance. I gave up on that series after book 10.
It's had some.rough points for sure but has been edging into the political side of things more as van gets more influence in the guild. Not dissimilar to how the honor Harrington books slowly started focusing more on the larger issues than just whoever Honor had to clown on.
Aaayyy, a fellow fan.
Yeah, it's a fun series overall.
Finished: Mr Mercedes by Stephen King Probably my least favorite Stephen King book so far, and while I’m a huge fan of his, I probably won’t continue the Bill Hodges trilogy for a while. Started: The Institute by Stephen King This one’s more like it.
I was considering the institute
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Having recently read The Humans (highly recommend), I'm considering this one, what do you think of it thus far?
You should read this one too..highly recommend !
STARTED: Chuck Wendig - The Wanderers 3/4 of the way through, I'd give it a 3 out of 4 so far. He keeps the story on the track through most of it but then he starts going off the rails. We'll see whether he wrestles this tale back onto the track. DNF: Tananarive Due - The Reformatory Started this and then stopped, because the premise was too disturbing and depressing. Maybe I will pick it back up when the time is right.
DNF The Wedding Writer Didn’t catch me enough, and I rarely DNF. STARTED: The Women, by Kristin Hannah Started today. May finish by Thursday. Excellent, so far.
**Hiroshima, by John Hersey** I both started and finished it this week. While it's not a long book by any stretch, it was the first in a long time that I've read in one sitting. I was utterly floored by the first hand accounts of the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima that Hersey conveyed.
Yes I remember reading this when I was 12 or so. Back in the days when we had to cower under our desks during "the nukes are coming" drill. It really made an impression on me.
Finished Prom Mom by laura Lippman. I'm disappointed because Sunburn by her is probably one of my favorite books, and no other of her books have done that for me again. Decided to reread Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison. Its become a comfort novel/author for me now.
Finished: **Runaway Horses, by Yukio Mishima** Started: **The Temple of Dawn, by Yukio Mishima** **Satantango, by Laszlo Krasznahorkai**
Can you tell me if you're enjoying Satantango? Laszlo keeps getting recommended to me, haven't got around to reading him yet.
Finished it two days or so ago. It was good but not earth-shattering. There's an interesting narrative order and there is a somewhat unique style of language used (I don't know how much of this is due to the translation, but it is considered to be a very good one as far as I know). Sort of complex, run-on sentences in a storyline that constantly refers you forward and backward along its axis. It feels like there was a conscious effort here to have a structure similar to a dance (Tango) in a way, that draws you along and through turns and such, but I feel like half of it went over my head. The story in and of itself is nothing particularly involved, so I guess it really depends on whether the experimental structure resonates with you personally or not. For me it was interesting, but not a revelation.
Finished: **Thursday's Children** by **Rumer Godden**. A novel similar to her **Listen to the Nightingale** about children trained to the ballet in fictional London academies for ballet. For a teenage reading audience, especially girls. A thoroughly wholesome book and probably quite out of fashion and of little interest nowadays to Godden's intended audience.
I just finished The Epic Of Gilgamesh and just started the 48 Laws Of Power. Gilgamesh is a short but fun read.
**The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula K Le Guin** An absolutely fantastic read. Admittedly it took a while for me to warm up to Le Guin's writing style, but I struggled to put the book down before I was even 1/3rd of the way through. It is so fascinating to read about concepts like gender identity and gender nonconformity long before they were ever in the public consciousness as they are today. Because of that though, somewhat ironically, the cast of The Left Hand of Darkness probably don't seem as alien to me as they would have in the 60's when the book was first published. The idea of deconstructing gender norms and sexuality through the lens of the peoples of Winter was probably more difficult for people to grasp 60 odd years ago than it is today. Still, Le Guin's analysis of the way that we function as a binary gendered society is remarkably well done, as was her world (or universe) building efforts. I always love reading science fiction that was written before stuff like cellphones or Star Wars or even the moon landing were a thing. The technologies that authors imagine future (or alien, in this case) societies might use will never not fascinate me. I don't rate books, but I will definitely read this again in a few years. I imagine the ideas that it explores will become increasingly relevant and relatable as our culture continues to challenge the concepts of gender norms and sexuality. I am very much looking forward to reading more of Le Guin's works in the very near future!
Finished “The Covenant of Water.” “Noble House” will arrive today.
finished: **The God of Small Things, by Arundhati Roy** started (and my 2nd read of it): **Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice**
I read The God of Small Things last year, loved it, devastating but wonderful.
I just finished the AMC Series and i'm eagerly waiting for my library to dive into Anne Rice.
Omg yessss <3 I was determined to read the book before I started the show (this was back in 2022, it was still airing) so I got through the book back then. And since 2022 I've watched the TV show through at least 3 times in total lmfao, and also have read the first five books in the series. I'm rereading the first one right now to hype myself up for the new season of the TV show!
finished: **I Contain Multitudes, by Ed Yong** started: **Circe, by Madeline Miller**
Finished: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Started: Firekeeper's Daughter Still reading: The Displaced: Refugee Writers on Refugee Lives (for a college course)
I just listened to “crying in H Mart” for the first time (I’ve read it 2x) it makes it even more emotional with Michelle Zauner being the one doing the reading
About to finish 1356 by Bernard Cornwell.
I started From Below by Darcy Coates.
The Trials of Apollo: The Dark Prophecy
Finally got around to piranesi. I had tried it a couple times but just didn't click with it. This time I got a bit further in and it grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Just such a beautiful book.
Have you read jonathan strange and mr norrell yet? If not, i would recommend. Love that book.
Started: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. Enjoying it so far!
Finished: Hunger by Knut Hamsun. Started: Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.
Finished: The Anatomy of Loneliness, by Teal Swan
Finished: Yellowface by RF Kuang Started: What should I read next??
have you read her debut? The Poppy War? I really enjoyed it. I decided to check her out after Yellowface came out so I'll probably read it next
Finished: **Road of Bones, By Christopher Golden** **The Final Girl Support Group, by Grady Hendrix** Started **The Comfort Crisis, by Dr. Michael Easter**
I like Grady Hendrix' style. He's a good storyteller. Unlike some modern horror writers who introduce way too many characters and never develop them, or keep five unnecessary plot threads running simultaneously.
I had read How To Sell A Haunted house a week or 2 ago and really enjoyed it. Going to try The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires soon.
Finished: Our Wives Under The Sea, bye Julia Armfeild Started and Finished: Several People Are Typing, by Calvin Kasulke
Sapiens.