What are we reading ? Sept/Oct 2023

Laurie

Veteran

I'm all over the place with my reading lately. Books come and go on my Libby app.

The Passenger - Cormac McCarthy. My first attempt with this author who recently passed away. Struggling, but still intrigued to keep reading. I'm on hold for a # of his more well-known works like No Country for Old Men and The Road. Any McCarthy fans?
Spare I am surprised that I am as interested in continuing to read this as I am. It's pretty good. And poor Harry (and Willy). Really.
Being Mortal - Atul Gawande. As discussed on other threads about aging parents. Outstanding read, highly recommend.
Gratitude - Oliver Sacks - such a beautiful, poignant memoir written at the end of his life. (I left a copy standing up on Dad's desk, beside a photo of my Dad crossing the finish line of the Great Race 10K at age 75...)

I don't have patience for light & fluffy right now so I've returned the following without finishing:

The Paris Apartment (audio book - increasingly tedious listening)
The Hotel Nantucket (maybe I'm just tired of Elin Hilderbrand washing and rinsing the same settings and characters, but I don't think it's as good as her early beach reads, and I definitely have not liked her foray into ghosts as characters!)

What's currently on your nightstands, phones, and tablets?!

7 months ago

Off Topic

26 replies

Latest reply was from Roxanna

MsMaven

Veteran

Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Bought it for book club meeting tonight. It's long and took me many days. It's also beautiful writing and an interesting plot about a family in SE India.

Mobility (I need to look up author's name.) Good reviews on NYT book review, but I'm finding it tedious and somewhat inane. A quarter of the way through--I'll probably give it another day before I give up.

I swear not to buy any more books until I've finished the ones I bought in the last few months. This never works, though. I just bought another one and tempted at least one more.

7 months ago

Helena

Veteran

Ooh I love these threads. I just finished A Place for Us which was a beautiful reflection on the complexities of family, and cultural and generation gaps between immigrant parents and their children. Highly recommend.

I've now just started Song of Achilles and I'm not sure what I think of it yet ... but it's compelling enough for me to stick with a while longer.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

7 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Just finished Demon Copperhead. I listened, and the narrator is brilliant. Loved his voice. I'd re-read David Copperfield earlier this year, in the spring, so it was fun to note the parallels. Barbara Kingsolver is a bit too didactic for my taste (just as Dickens is) but she's also got Dickens's warmth and humour and this, I think, is her masterpiece -- the book she was born to write.

Also, Like Every Form of Love, which is such a complex book I can't really explain it -- a memoir of a (broken) friendship that is also a true crime and also about the relationship between writers and their subjects and the ethics of writing about others.

And Deborah Levy's August Blue.

And before that, the follow up to A Dictionary of Lost Words -- The Bookbinder.

ETA: I am all in favour of putting down the books that fail to hold our interest. Either they just aren't for us, or this isn't the right time. There are so many books to read!!

7 months ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

My favorite thread!
My beach reads from this summer - can recommend them for lighthearted reading:
Romantic Comedy, Curtis Sittenfeld
Save What's Left, Elizabeth Castellano
Weyward by Emilia Hart is a bit more serious, but still in the same genre for me.

As for serious literary fiction, I recommend:
The Island of Lost Trees, Elif Shafak
Natalie Haynes, A thousand Ships

Helena - Song of Achilles is a favorite of mine. In fact, I think I liked Circe even better. If you like this genre, retelling of ancient myths from a feminist perspective, Natalie Haynes, A thousand Ships is an excellent example.

I also enjoyed S.A. Cosby's All the Sinner's Bleed. If you are into thrillers and liked his previous books, this is a good one.

The book in which I invested most of my time and energy was The book of form and emptiness by Ruth Ozeki. It is densely written and slow but I think worth it at the end.
I want to read Demon Copperhead, but despite my best efforts, I can't seem to read past the first few pages.

7 months ago

Helena

Veteran

Oh great to know Bella ... I do love these historical/mythological retellings ... so I'll stick with it!

7 months ago

Olive Green

Veteran

Am having a very happy trundle through a series of 26 books in the Sci-Fi/Regency novel category (who knew?) by a husband -wife writing duo, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, called the Liaden Universe.
Nice combo of action and manners.
Finished up a series of climate change novels by Kim Stanley Robinson and Neal Stephenson. If you want to know what will happen next, they have focused on science and politics as well as personalities and process. Predictive.

7 months ago

April

Veteran

I finished Yellowface and was rather disappointed in many ways. Then I realized I have two other R.F. Kuang books on my shelf, from a highly acclaimed trilogy she wrote - despite those being in the "fantasy" genre, which I never read.

Started Red Clocks. Extremely compelling thus far.

When I feel overwhelmed, I go back to trusted old friends about getting organized, developing good habits, etc. Right now I'm re-re-re-reading some of Deniece Schofield's oldies. I swear she saved my life when I was at home with a small child.

I have The Passenger but haven't started it. I gave Stella Maris to Mr. A, who seems to have abandoned it. I was one of the few people who was loving that book, maybe because I'm a psychologist.

7 months ago

Laurie

Veteran

Already, so many great suggestions and new holds placed on Libby! I love Curtis Sittenfeld, and I've heard interviews with Abraham Verghese about Covenant of Water, so those are top of list. Thank you, people!

@April - ok, I'm going to try to finish The Passenger, and then attempt to read Stella Maris. Usually I would abandon if it takes this much effort (so many books, so little time), but something is holding me.

I heard an interview on NPR with an ex-Navy Seal who is in his senior year at Yale at age 56. I believe he's majoring in classics or philosophy...anyway, the interviewer asked him if he feels anxious, being his age, to know that there won't be time in his life to read everything? I have thought about that the last 3 months since Dad died, as I've spent time with his books.

7 months ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Believe it or not, I’m a D&D player from way back, and still participate in a PbP (Play by Post) game. This summer I quite enjoyed a sweet story called ‘Legends and Lattes’ by Travis Baldree. Very light fantasy reading.

Re-read ‘The Ghost Orchard - the history of the Apple in north America’ by Helen Humphries. A lovely book weaving interesting stories about the history of the apple in NA., agricultural illustrators (mostly women), and some personal stories about the autumn of life.

While on holiday earlier this month I picked up a (used) copy of ‘Bitter Chocolate: Investigating the side of the world’s most seductive sweet’ by Carol Off. It’s investigative journalism, and I’ve only just started reading it, so can’t give it a review yet.

‘Peace by Chocolate’ by J. Tattrie - about a Syrian refugee family that come to Canada. True story. Made into a movie (that I haven’t seen) that scored 86% on Rotten Tomatoes! The story is incredibly compelling, but I found the writing lacking and believe the author could have done better with this remarkable story.

Can we see a theme here?

7 months ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

Yes. Carla I think I see chocolate in your future makes me think of the movie/ book .

I am starting "Untethered soul" by Michael Singer as recommended by a friend. Has anyone read it ?

7 months ago

Sally

Veteran

Indigoprint - I have read "The Surrender Experiment" by Michael Singer and found it fascinating.

7 months ago

kkards

Veteran

Taking notes….I’ve gotten so many wonderful suggestions from these posts.

And I love how we can read the same books and have different take,

here’s what I’ve read this summer;
”The Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead. This book was surprising. It was a seemingly “light”, “easy” read, if you know what I mean. But it was/is so much more. It’s a nostalgic look back, it’s a crime story, it’s a book about family, and race and class. Highly recommend

“Yellowface” by RF Kuang. Not sure I can give a good short synopsis, it’s about appropriating somebody else’s story, literally and figuratively. It’s about tokenism and representation. It’s about how far we would go to get what we think we are owed.

“The Other Black Girl” by Zakiya Dailia Harris. This summer had a theme, another book about tokenism and representation. But with a mysterious and, at least for me, and unexpected twist. I’m still thinking about this one.

“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. I wanted to love this book, but only liked it. After reading it I realized why my mother, who got a degree in textile chemistry in 1959, don’t like this book. IMO the book’s premise was great, the beginning was really good, but the ending was rushed and forced and unrealistic in a way the rest of the book was not

”28 Summers” by Elin Hildebrand. Like Laurie, I find Elin Hildebrand can be the same thing over and over again, but I did like this one. Yes, it’s about love not quite realized and secrets and death…but it was, at least for me, entertaining (I know, what does that say about me).

“Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Exactly what a beach read should be.

“Less is Lost” by Andrew Sean Greer. Sequel to the excellent “Less”. Loved “Less”, this one, I will need to revisit. Read the 1st chapter and reached for something else. Not sure if it was me or the book. Did anyone else read this?

“Joan is Okay” by Weike Wang. About a 1st generation Chinese American who becomes a doctor, her relationship with her parents who moved back to China to realize the American dream, and her brother who was born in China but achieved unbelievable riches in the US. I read this and honestly the synopsis makes it sound so interesting, but I found the book vey shallow and frankly boring. not really sure why I bother to finish

Next up on my Audiobook list, the 4th Thursday Murder Club book. “The Last Devil To Die” by Richard Osman. Flying to Boston this weekend and looking forward to starting this on the plane.

7 months ago

Anonymous

I've been listening to The Callahan Chronicles by Spider Robinson. My FIL recommended it. It's a light sci-fi series that takes place in a bar, and all sorts of odd characters come into it.

Also just finished Me And Earl And The Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews, but think I liked his other book The Haters more.

I'm always looking for light, fun reads that are Not romances- and they're really hard to find (at least on my library app where I do all my reading). For a change can characters be in long term relationships (of any gender) that are not broken up for the sake of getting them into new ones? I was reading cozy mysteries for a while, but got out of it, and I don't always want some epic sci-fi or fantasy. Sigh :/

7 months ago

kkards

Veteran

Suntiger imo anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid would qualify for what your looking for.

7 months ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Nothing to contribute but I love these threads! I bought a whole bunch of books at the Friends of the Library--many that have been mentioned here. Reading is one of the few activities my mom can do so she is working her way through them. One of the was Cutting for Stone which I loved! Thanks for starting this thread!

7 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Bella, I recommend tryiing to give Demon Copperhead a listen -- it might change your mind to "read" it that way. But then again, maybe not!

April, I tried to read Yellowface, but I could not. Could not.. On audio, at least, it really wasn't what it was cracked up to be. KKards, I shared your "meh" response to Lessons in Chemistry. Which my husband loved. I did like Joan is Okay, though! Which just goes to show you, horses for courses, right?

I enjoyed Circe. Haven't read most of the others of that ilk but would give them a try.

Carla, HH is a friend. She did a huge amount of original research for that one.

7 months ago

sabimct

Active Member

I too listened to Demon Copperhead and was transfixed! [I use the Libby App, so I can get them free from my local library.]. I want to thank Suz for her description of Kingsolver as "Didactic." I was using the word 'preachy' in my head, but that didn't quite capture it.

My favourite Kingsolver was "The Poisonwood Bible." From many years ago, but truly a masterpiece!

I have heard that Kingsolver's novel "Flight Behaviour" is a "climate change novel." Not sure I can tackle that one right now.

I don't usually listen to police mystery novels, but on a strong rec I borrowed "Rules Of Prey" by John Sandford, and though it did have some graphic descriptions, I was able to move past it quickly .... and the story was so gripping that most evenings I wanted to walk another 5km just to hear another chapter!

Thanks for sharing everyone!

7 months ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I've read many of the books you all are into as well. I do have Demon Copperhead in my thought process, and Rouge and The Centre in my actual virtual nightstand (i.e. Kindle.)
My daughter and I had similar reactions to both Lessons in Chemistry and the Barbie movie: not enough, even though a lot of people seem to be like "oh feminism is so cool now that my eyes are open." Big f'ing eye roll to that.

Some other books I read and liked this summer:

Kantika, by Elizabeth Graver.
Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett.
These Precious Days, by Ann Patchett.
Big Swiss, by Jen Beagin.
Birnam Wood, by Eleanor Catton.
Enter Ghost, by Isabella Hammad.

7 months ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Also, looking at OliveGreen -- I have read so many of the Liaden Universe books and always keep an eye out for new ones.

7 months ago

Olive Green

Veteran

UmmLila, the Vorkosigan Saga series by Lois McMaster Bujold is fun, and a similar vibe.
Have I recommended Sherri S Tepper yet? Deep social thinking about human behaviors, and really enthralling story lines. Yes, sci fi.
After reading darn near everything over the decades, I now read very few ‘regular’ novels. Ann Patchett is wonderful, and a new book just came out, Tom Lake. On my list.

7 months ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe. I saw him speak at our local library author series and he was one of the most emotionally vulnerable and genuine authors I have heard in my many years attending the series. The book is a work around since none of the main subjects agreed to participate in any interviews for the biography however he still managed to get an amazing amount of information and to distill it into a fascinating and disturbing/thought provoking narrative. I highly recommend this and anything else he has written.

7 months ago

cat2

Veteran

You’ll find me in the virtual mystery aisle; Catherine Ryan Howard, an Irish author, is my current read.

7 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Currently:

Reading "Blue Ridge" by T R Pearson. Only just started it. I adored "Short History of a Small Place" when I read it years ago, so expectations are high.

Listening to "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin. Really enjoying it.

Recently read/listened to:

"We are Satellites" by Sarah Pinsker. Interesting concept, but felt a bit rushed at the end to an improbable resolution.

"Crazy Rich Asians" by Kevin Kwan on audiobook during walks and such. Sometimes I really enjoy just a fun and light book for listening.

"The Fall of Koli" the final book in the Rampart trilogy by M R Carey. I enjoyed the whole series.

"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. I really enjoyed this one.

"Caliban's War" the second in the Expanse series by James S A Corey. As a fan of the TV show, I'm finding the books very enjoyable!

"Luster" by Raven Leilani -- listened to part on audiobook. I tried but only got maybe a third of the way through it. I just disliked the characters too much and found myself in too much disbelief of their actions and reactions.

On deck:

To read -- "Abaddon's Gate" the next in the Expanse series

To read -- "When We Were Twins" by Danuta Hinc, a friend and neighbor!

To listen -- "Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner (of Japanese Breakfast, who I really enjoy too)

7 months ago

Sara L.

Veteran

My luck with books has been hit or miss recently.

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones - I'm listening to this to satisfy a reading challenge category of Book by Local Author. She was recommended by several friends. Yes, the book takes place in Albuquerque but it's annoying and tedious and I would have stopped listening if I wasn't so stubborn about ticking this box off a list.

The Scandalous Letters of V and J by Felicia Davin - epistolary historical fantasy romance told through a series of diary entries, letters, and notes. It's good but very long (544 pages). Both main characters are trans and there is a lot going on with gender without the book actually being about gender. The plot is concerned with magical artifacts and the two main characters having very different ideas about how to interact with those artifacts.

I've been on a T. Kingfisher kick and have read 4 or 5 of her books this year. I've been reading her fantasy books but I think she also writes horror.

I've read No Country for Old Men and liked it but I've avoided The Road as it sounds too dark for me. I loved Circe but didn't love A Song of Achilles but can't remember why anymore. I loved the Poisonwood Bible and have the Demon Copperfield on my list but haven't had a chance to read it yet.

7 months ago

MsMaven

Veteran

I'm back because my book club changed its mind about the book I was going to review, and decided on The Bandit Queens instead. So now I'm reviewing this one, and they moved it to October, so I'll be starting soon. I sent a copy to my sister to read--she was happy to get it. She and her husband recently caught Covid for the first time--fully vaccinated, and she's excited to read it.

I reviewed Joan is Okay last year. Puzzling book, but I liked that despite people pushing her, including her brother and mother, to become something she didn't want to be, she stuck to her course. So many women in my era gave into social pressure to conform and gave up their aspirations.

Lessons in Chemistry: parts were funny but overall I didn't like the book much overall. Again, social pressure on women to leave behind their dreams and conform to cultural expectations.

Anyone read The Bandit Queens? The author is a lawyer who lives and practices in my part of the woods.

7 months ago

Roxanna

Veteran

I tried the Bandit Queen on audio but couldn't get through it....look forward to picking it up again!

I finished Covenant of Water and loved it. Agree that Lessons in Chemistry was fine, but not worth all the hype.

I just finished The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi, about a female pirate in medieval Islamic middle east, out for one last heist. Interesting, but I liked the author's previous Daevabad trilogy (starting with Kingdom of Copper) better.

Tom Lake was a favourite this summer, as was the new Thursday Murder Club.

I love to talk books! You can follow me on IG @roxannathereader.

7 months ago

Category