What are you reading 2009

[Mari']

I am reading or trying my best to read Emily Post by Laura Claridge. It's Emily Post's life story. I thought I would be very interested but the writing is slow going and I'm not getting the connections. Perhaps, I need to read further into the book to get more of the story. I'm glad I borrowed it from the library rather than purchasing the book.

[maryc]

Hi, Mari', I was asking about you earlier today on the Sun Porch. I had mentioned that I started Gone With the Wind over the weekend. Brianna got a laugh out of that! I had it on the bookshelf and although I had 3 books with me that I had not read, I just felt that I had to read GWTW again. I am really enjoying it and have found things that I just didn't remember from the first time! My problem is that its way to big to read in bed.
So, what else have you been reading? I'm hoping Callalily and some of the others will post about what they're reading. I'll bet Minda has a book with her!
Now, what else is being read?

[callalily]

Hi Mari and Mary and everyone who will be joining the book thread. I have not read GWTW since I was a teenager. If I recall, the book is quite a bit different than the movie?!

Mari – I had hoped the book on Emily Post would have been slightly better reading. I was interested in reading it but after your review I am not so sure. Keep us posted as you read it. Let us know if it gets any better.

I am currently reading “Those Who Save Us” by Jenna Blum. Here is the synopsis from the back of the book:

For fifty years, Anna Schlemmer has refused to talk about her life in Germany during World War II. Her daughter, Trudy, was only three when she and her mother were liberated by an American soldier and went to live with him in Minnesota. Trudy's sole evidence of the past is an old photograph: a family portrait showing Anna, Trudy, and a Nazi officer, the Obersturmfuhrer of Buchenwald.

Driven by the guilt of her heritage, Trudy, now a professor of German history, begins investigating the past and finally unearths the dramatic and heartbreaking truth of her mother's life.

Combining a passionate, doomed love story, a vivid evocation of life during the war, and a poignant mother/daughter drama, Those Who Save Us is a profound exploration of what we endure to survive and the legacy of shame.

[Mari']

callalily - I am a bit disappointed in Emily Post so far but I'll keep reading and see if the pace picks up. I'll keep you posted.

I hadn't heard about Those Who Save Us but it certainly sounds interesting. The personal life stories that have come from WWII (or any war for that matter) are so heart wrenching but always filled with hope in someway. I'll look for that book. Thanks for the review.

MaryC - What are the other three books in your stack?

Anyone else have a book they are reading?

[brianna]

Callalily, Those Who Save Us sounds interesting. I've just finished Scarpetta and I'm in search of something interesting. I've gone through my TBR stack and nothing jumps out at me.

Mary, are you half through that big book?:D I wasn't laughing at you! I have read GWTW although I'm not a southern born woman, and it is much better than the movie.

I'll check back by and see if anyone has other suggestions. Maybe I'm in a reading 'slump' since I can't quite decided what to read.

[MindaAnn]

I started Nelson DeMille's The Lion's Game in the wee hours of the morning. I haven't had time to read much but it seems OK so far.


Callalily, I think the book, GWTW was much better than the movie but I always seem to like the books better than the movies!

[brianna]

I think :D I read The Lion's Game but I'm not sure. I do like De Mille. Isn't he the author who wrote the book about the flight that went down after takeoff from JFK?

Mary. Oh, Mary, are you through that book yet?:D

[maryc]

I think I read The Lion's Game but I'm not sure. I do like De Mille. Isn't he the author who wrote the book about the flight that went down after takeoff from JFK?

Mary. Oh, Mary, are you through that book yet?:D

No! :D:D (You'll be the first to know!)

[luvmyhunny]

Hi all - I'm probably a little late to the game but I started "The Shack" last night. Several friends had read it and recommended it and DH bought it for me but then started it himself and I'm just now finding time to start it. Very gripping so far. The recommendations ran everywhere from "the best book I've ever read" to "you won't put it down" and I am finally beginning to understand.

[scarlettdouble]

My book club just finished "Water for Elephants" and it is a good book. Very entertaining and not at all what I thought it would be. I do recommend it! We meet again next Tuesday so I will let you know what we choose for next month.

"Change of Heart" by Jodi Picoult is another good one. Lots to think about as with all of her books.

I saw on tv that John Grisham has a new one that is the same genre as "The Firm" and his earlier stuff. I will have to see if my library has it. I have not liked his newer writing as well as I liked the first few.

[Mari']

I'm with you Scarlett about John Grisham. I like his older work best. I wasn't aware he had a new one out.

I've decided to return the Emily Post book tomorrow to the library. I just can't get into it. This is a first for me...not finishing a book, that is. maybe, I'll take it out again in a month or so and perhaps I'll be in a better mood to read her story.

Does anyone have favorite authors that they collect? I have collected books from a number of authors and when I can I try to have them sign the books. A few I've been collecting are:
Michael McGarrity
Rita Mae Brown
Dorothea Benton Frank
Laura Childs

[KathyNC]

I'm listening to "The Shack" audiobook. It's very good. I also liked "Water for Elephants." I can't find time to read much lately since I have developed "FAD", aka Facebook Addiction Disorder!

[maryc]

I liked Water for Elephants, but didn't care for The Shack.
I have read several of Dorothea Frank's books and they are good. I saw Rita Mae Brown mentioned on the Sun Porch and thought I might see if I can find one of her books.
I love historical novels of England, Ireland, Scotland. Also like murder/mystery.

Brianna, you'll be happy to know that GWTW is back on the bookshelf!

[callalily]

luvmyhunny - Definitely give us a review when you finish The Shack. I have heard great things about it, but haven't yet added it to my TBR pile.

Scarlett - I read Water for Elephants and it was not what i thought it was going to be. I loved it though and was a little bit sad when I finished the book.

Mary - Glad to hear you finished GWTW. My question for you, when do you find so much time to read? I am lucky if I get to read several chapters in one sitting.

[maryc]

Just dashing by because I want to make a run to the library this morning.

Calla, I did finish GWTW but as I said over at the Sun Porch, I 'skimmed' parts of it that were boring to me. I am a fast reader but some books I just like to read slowly and savor each word, as if the words were chocolate!! Do you ever have books like that, you don't want them to end? I hope I find one today like that!

[Mari']

Oh Mary, I know what you mean 'not wanting a book to end.' Recently, The House on Tradd Street was like that for me.

[MindaAnn]

Oh Mary, I know what you mean 'not wanting a book to end.' Recently, The House on Tradd Street was like that for me.


I felt the same way!

Mary, I like the analogy......good book and chocolates!

[Christi Wharton]

It is funny that the Emily Post book wasn't that interesting. I read a fiction book by Letitia Baldridge that I couldn't really get in to. Maybe they are just more interesting when they are talking about etiquette.

I used to work at a library which was very convenient since I am ALWAYS reading something. I loved being able to get new books before they went on the shelves. I'm reading the Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross right now. Actually, I saw it recommended on this board and decided to read it. Good recommendation.

I read The Shack and, I may be the only person in the world but I didn't love it. I thought it was interesting as a work of fiction. I guess, I just thought that if you want to learn more about God and having a relationship with him, the Bible is a better source.

Has anyone read the Anne Perry WWI series? I loved it. It is one of her shorter series (only 5 books if I recall correctly). Very interesting.

If your library has access to Novelist, that is great resource for finding new books to read. I didn't know about it before I went to work at the library but it is a fantastic database.

[MindaAnn]

Christi, no, you are not alone in not being impressed with The Shack. I didn't like it and I believe someone else on this thread said they were not impressed with it. Just not my cup of tea!

I haven't heard about the Anne Perry books, but I will certainly have a look! Thanks! I will also check out that website you mentioned. Always on the look for another book.....:D

[Mari']

If your library has access to Novelist, that is great resource for finding new books to read. I didn't know about it before I went to work at the library but it is a fantastic database.

Thanks Christi, I found NoveList on line at http://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/default.php?id=10 (http://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/default.php?id=10)

I'm going to have a look through the website.

I'll bet you really enjoyed being a librarian. I've always had a latent desire to be one but figured they'd just fire me for lounging around reading...same for bookstores! :D

[MindaAnn]

I Started Rich in Love last night....so far I like it! Also have Nowhere Else on Earth. Both are by Josephine Humphreys.

[KathyNC]

I just started Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo. So far so good!

[maryc]

I'm going to look for the J. Humphrey books at the library tomorrow.

Kathy, pls let us know about Bridge of Sighs.

[MindaAnn]

I know some of you read Ken Follett's books....have you read Whiteout? We have friends staying overnight on their trek to see grandkids and they brought about a dozen books for me. This one caught my eye because I really like some of Follett's books.

[maryc]

I haven't read Whiteout but I do love Ken Follett's books! I going to see if I can find any of Humphrey's books at our library as soon as it opens.

[MindaAnn]

I haven't read Whiteout but I do love Ken Follett's books! I going to see if I can find any of Humphrey's books at our library as soon as it opens.


Interested to see what y'all think......I'm about half through Rich in Love. Haven't had much time to read....

[Mari']

Well, I'm on the list at the library for Rich in Love by Josephine Humphreys. They did have Dreams of Sleep though which s her first novel and is set in Charleston.

Here is a synopsis from Barnes & Nobel for Dreams of Sleep:
Alice Reese knows that the cheerful sounds of her family eating breakfast mask a ten—year marriage falling apart. As Alice and her husband, Will, struggle to understand—and perhaps recapture—the feelings that drew them together in the first place, their interior lives are sensitively and convincingly explored.

"An extraordinarily accomplished first novel."—Ellen Douglas, The New York Times Book Review

Winner of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation Award


Well, that's what I'm doing tonight. Minda, I can't wait to get Rich in Love now that I know where it's set.

[brianna]

I've read Rich in Love but none of the others. The book is OK, it was a little too 'wordy' (for lack of better words) but the story was good. I believe, and it has been a while since I read it, that after I became more comfortable with the style the book was more entertaining. It does take place in Charleston or a suburb, maybe? I may try to read some of Humphrey's other books. Mari', I think I might look for Dreams of Sleep. I do like to read books set in the south.

[MindaAnn]

I haven't had time to read today but hope to make a little headway into the book tonight. Interesting take on this book, Bri, it is a little wordy but I'm looking forward to reading tonight.

Mari', I'm on the list for Dreams of Sleep! Unfortunately, sleep gets in the way of reading. If only I could sleep faster!

[scarlettdouble]

I have always loved Anita Shreve ("The Pilot's Wife") and her new book "Testimony" is great. I couldn't put it down. I promised it will capitvate you from the first 3 pages! ;)

[maryc]

Thanks, scarlett. Another one for my TBR list. I'm always on the look for a new one. :D

[MindaAnn]

Thanks, scarlett, I'll increase the stack of TBR books.......I'm hoping to finish Rich in Love tonight if I can stay awake......not much time to read this weekend.

[Mari']

I have always loved Anita Shreve ("The Pilot's Wife") and her new book "Testimony" is great. I couldn't put it down. I promised it will capitvate you from the first 3 pages! ;)

I'm a real fan of Anita Shreve...Thanks for the 'thumbs up'...I'll pick it up after I finish Rich in Love

[MindaAnn]

My plans to read today were shot!:eek: I'm hoping to finish Rich in Love tonight.....I love the humor in this book!

I can't believe it has taken me so long to read this book....thats what happens when you have children, grandchildren, neighbors, snow....!!!

[MindaAnn]

My plans to read today were shot!:eek: I'm hoping to finish Rich in Love tonight.....I love the humor in this book!

I can't believe it has taken me so long to read this book....thats what happens when you have children, grandchildren, neighbors, snow....!!!


I finished!! Mari' and others that are planning to read this, you're in for a treat. Someone said it was a little "wordy" and I'll agree and at times I wanted it to move a little faster, but you will all be amazed at Lucille! I really enjoyed the protective nature she had with her dad and in the early part of the book when she mentions his "nose hairs" :eek: it really is just getting started!

[Mari']

Thanks Minda, I'm still waiting on the library list...

[maryc]

My recreational reading will be on hold for a few days until I finish some "has to be read" stuff from work. I hope to be back on track by the weekend.

[MindaAnn]

I started my second Josephine Humphrey book.....No Where Else on Earth last night. Hope this is as good as Rich in Love!

[MindaAnn]

I started my second Josephine Humphrey book.....No Where Else on Earth last night. Hope this is as good as Rich in Love!

So far this one is not quite as good, but I still have hope it will be.

Y'all, hurry and read Rich in Love so we can discuss it. There is so much good stuff in it and I'm trying not to give away any hints! However, :D there is one sentence that was so "rich" in content that I loved it......Lucille said " Time alone can sometimes be the simple cure nobody thinks of until it has done its quiet work." I'm taking that quote seriously!!!

[Mari']

I'm still waiting on the library....hurrying as best I can! :)

[callalily]

I have always loved Anita Shreve ("The Pilot's Wife") and her new book "Testimony" is great. I couldn't put it down. I promised it will capitvate you from the first 3 pages! ;)

I read two of Anita Shreve's books while on vacation. I read The Pilot's Wife... excellent book. I couldn't put it down and I read Sea Glass. I will definitely check out her new one.

I am currently reading A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber. I have seen this author and always wanted to try one of her books. When I saw this one at a book sale for 50 cents, I thought I would give her a try. I am only about 50 pages into it and haven't really formed an opinion on her yet. Has anyone read any books by her?

Never heard of Rich in Love. I will have to look into it and add it to my TBR pile (not so big any more). I am going to need some new books soon.

Mari - Did you mention that Karen White has written other books beside The House on Treadwell Street? My Mom and I loved this book so much that we have been looking for other books by her and cannot find any. Was this her first book?

[Mari']

Mari - Did you mention that Karen White has written other books beside The House on Treadwell Street? My Mom and I loved this book so much that we have been looking for other books by her and cannot find any. Was this her first book?

Karen White (http://www.karen-white.com/)has written quite a few books. She is also coming out with a new book next month called The Lost Hours.
http://www.karen-white.com/images/losthours.jpg (http://www.karen-white.com/index.shtml#thumb)




I e-mailed her and found out that she'll be signing books at the B&N near me in April. I missed her when she was at the SC Book Festival. I had found out too late.

She also has two more follow on books coming to The House on Tradd Street.

The first book I read by her was Memory of Water and I was glued to it. I really enjoy her style and the complexity of her stories.
http://www.karen-white.com/images/memoryofwater.jpg

She'll be having a number of book signings as listed on her website (http://www.karen-white.com/appearances.shtml).

[MindaAnn]

Mari', is the new book The Lost Hours a sequel to any of White's other books? I think I'll check out her website. This sounds like an interesting book! Thanks.:)

[MindaAnn]

Has anyone read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? Can't remember the author....

[brianna]

Has anyone read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? Can't remember the author....

Mary Ann Shaffer I believe. A friend suggested this book to me and I've not had time to look for it. The friend really enjoyed it.

[ozsmom1]

Callalily -- I've read 3 (all of them, I think) of the knitting shop books by Debbie Macomber, just finished one yesterday, in fact. I enjoyed them a lot. I read to be entertained, usually and don't like to have to work too hard to get through a book. So, I like "light" books. I am now reading John Grisham's new one, The Associate. It's a lot like his early ones. I read his last one, "The Appeal" a few weeks ago. It was good I thought. I think I mentioned on here (last year) "Friday Night Knitting Club" It was good -- and I don't knit. Although, with all the knitting books maybe I should start!

[maryc]

Mary Ann Shaffer I believe. A friend suggested this book to me and I've not had time to look for it. The friend really enjoyed it.

I'm on the list for this book at the library. Supposed to be really good.

ozsmom, good to see another reader here!

[Mari']

Mari', is the new book The Lost Hours a sequel to any of White's other books? I think I'll check out her website. This sounds like an interesting book! Thanks.:)

I don't believe that it is...but I'll find out when I go to the signing.

[Mari']

Can you believe I am still waiting on the library for Rich In Love by Josephine Humphrey's

Minda, I think you said you were already finished. What did you think of the book? Will it be worth the wait?

[Christi Wharton]

I am halfway through the last book in the Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross. I am looking for another series to read. Anyone have any suggestions? I like most genres except for sci-fi and the vampire books. I especially like series that are set in the South. Any ideas?

Thanks;)

[Mari']

Christi, Look up Laura Childs Tea Shop series. All set in Charleston and vicinity. Check out Dorothea Benton Frank, she's a lowcountry writer and of course my new fav is Karen White. Don't forget Pat Conroy. Gosh, there are so many.

[MindaAnn]

Can you believe I am still waiting on the library for Rich In Love by Josephine Humphrey's

Minda, I think you said you were already finished. What did you think of the book? Will it be worth the wait?

Rich in Love was pretty....not as good as Karen White in my opinion, but worth reading. I finished No Where Else on Earth and was not as impressed....took me a while to struggle through.

[Christi Wharton]

Thanks, Mari. I noticed Karen White mentioned. Unfortunately, our library doesn't have a lot of her books. I especially was interested in The House on Tradd Street but they didn't have it.

I'll definitely look at the others. I feel kind of lost when I don't have a stack of books to read. People wonder where I find the time and I wonder how I couldn't find the time.

[MindaAnn]

I'm starting Whiteout by Ken Follett. I'm sure it can't compare to Pillars of the Earth but it looks pretty good.

[callalily]

I'm starting Whiteout by Ken Follett. I'm sure it can't compare to Pillars of the Earth but it looks pretty good.

Is this the sequel to Pillars of the Earth? If so, my mom read it and said she actually liked it better.

[MindaAnn]

Is this the sequel to Pillars of the Earth? If so, my mom read it and said she actually liked it better.

Callalily, the sequel to Pillars of the Earth was called World Without End (I think) and I did read that. It wasn't quite as good to me, but I just liked the time frame of the first one.

Whiteout is different.....pharmaceutical company dealing with a deadly virus....takes place in Scotland....so far, so good. Hope to read more today.

[brianna]

MA, I think you'll like Whiteout. I read it when it first came out and enjoyed it. I like Ken Follett. I'm off today and I will be in B&N soon.:)

[MindaAnn]

MA, I think you'll like Whiteout. I read it when it first came out and enjoyed it. I like Ken Follett. I'm off today and I will be in B&N soon.:)

Brianna, I "browsed" B&N yesterday!:D I bought a couple of European maps and a travel guides to Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

Whitout is pretty good.....I over half through. Does Ken Follett have any new books out? Have you read Night Over Water? I think its fairly old......about the Pan Am Clippers.....air travel has really changed!!

[brianna]

MA, I think I've read all of Follett's books so far. I haven't heard of a new one but I need to look.

[Christi Wharton]

Small rant. I hate it when I put a book on hold at the library and I am next to get it and . . . the person who has it in front of me keeps it way overdue! I have a book on hold that was supposed to be returned in February! Okay, just wanted to get that off my chest.:p

[MindaAnn]

Christi, I hate it when that happens! When I have a 7 day book I finish it in 7 days.....of course if its a big book, we might not eat, have clean clothes and I may not sleep the last 24 hours of that period....:D

I'm going to finish Whiteout tonight. With the grandkids here, there hasn't been a lot of time for reading my book, but they sure enjoy theirs!

Mari', hope you are moved into your new townhouse with lots of book shelves filled with good books.

[Christi Wharton]

Most libraries will allow you to recheck books at least once.

Mari, I check out a couple of the Dorothea Benton Frank books. I had actually read one of them already:eek: I don't do that very often but I read so many books I don't always remember what I have read. I knew the cover looked familiar and after I read the first page I remembered it. Anyway, I have a couple more to read. I must have gotten on to another author or I'm sure I would have read more of hers. Thanks for "reminding" me of an author that I like.

After I have finished these books I guess I'm going to have to read the Ken Follett books. I love suspense and mystery. Has anyone read any of Daniel Silva's books?

[MindaAnn]

Mari', just checking by to see if you are in your new house and have a new stack of TBR books!

[Ozark Moon]

Christi,

Hello from a fellow Arkansan. If you like books set in the South, you might try Charlaine Harris. She is a Southern Arkansas girl.
You did say that you don't care for vampire books, so stay away from the Sookie Stackhouse series. (Side note: the Sookie series was picked up by HBO and made into their TrueBlood vampire series which is quite popular.)
Ms. Harris has several other series out and is quite adept at character development. I think the Shakespeare series was my favorite. The main character, Lily Bard, is one tough cookie.

You can get to know Ms. Harris and her works at charlaineharris dot com.

[Nora]

Most libraries will allow you to recheck books at least once.
Mari, I check out a couple of the Dorothea Benton Frank books. I had actually read one of them already:eek: I don't do that very often but I read so many books I don't always remember what I have read. I knew the cover looked familiar and after I read the first page I remembered it. Anyway, I have a couple more to read. I must have gotten on to another author or I'm sure I would have read more of hers. Thanks for "reminding" me of an author that I like.

After I have finished these books I guess I'm going to have to read the Ken Follett books. I love suspense and mystery. Has anyone read any of Daniel Silva's books?

Our library doesn't allow you to recheck a 7 day book and I'm glad. I think its rude to get a new book and then keep it past the limit when there are people signed up for it.

[Christi Wharton]

Our library will allow you to recheck if there in not anyone on the waiting list. Most books are checked for 2 weeks except for what they call fast trac books (always the newest and most popular) that you can check out for a week for $1. Eventually, when they are not as new and popular, they go into general circulation and can be checked for the 2 week period.

[Christi Wharton]

Thanks, Ozark Moon, I'll check those out.

[MindaAnn]

I''m going to check our library for Sara Donati (mentioned by Ozark Moon on another thread....check it out) and try to get the first book. I've finished up Whiteout and don't want to get involved in another until I check on Donati. I do have a Smithsonian magazine that I've never finished!!:D

[MindaAnn]

Someone loaned me a copy of a Peter Robinson book so I've started it....what are y'all reading...or are you spending all your time outside?:D

[callalily]

MA - I have not had a chance to read much of anything recently. Things have been a little hectic. I plan on taking some quiet time this weekend and sticking my nose back into my book. I am reading A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber.

As far as spending time outdoors... it is cold, raw and rainy here with a high of about 42° today. I am still about a good month away from nice outdoor spring weather.

[MindaAnn]

Calla, I wish for you a peaceful, quiet weekend and a good book......if the "weather outside is frightful" it should be a good time to snuggle down with a good book and a glass of good wine or a good cup of coffee. Good to see you back.....

[Christi Wharton]

I just got a notice that a book I had on hold has arrived. It is Malibu Nights by Elizabeth Adler.

[MindaAnn]

I love to get those emails....your book has arrived! I spin tires going out of the driveway!

[maryc]

I know the feeling, Minda! I do the same thing!

Christi, I've never read any books by that author. I'll have to see if I can find one.

I'm wondering what you all would think about starting a thread on books for each month since this thread is so big and will encompass all of 2009. What do you think of one for April Book Club...or something along those lines? Just a thought!

[Nora]

I like that idea. I'm a little intimidated by a year of posts. Wonder would that work better at the Sun Porch?

I just finished Maeve Binchey's new novel. SHe's an older author but I like her books.

[Mari']

Mari', just checking by to see if you are in your new house and have a new stack of TBR books!

OMG Minda, Just yesterday, I finished getting all the books on the bookselves. Now I'm wondering if I should donate some to the library. I have a ton.

What do y'all do? Seems I never get rid of a book...I think I have to soon.

[Mari']

Most libraries will allow you to recheck books at least once.

Mari, I check out a couple of the Dorothea Benton Frank books. I had actually read one of them already:eek: I don't do that very often but I read so many books I don't always remember what I have read. I knew the cover looked familiar and after I read the first page I remembered it. Anyway, I have a couple more to read. I must have gotten on to another author or I'm sure I would have read more of hers. Thanks for "reminding" me of an author that I like.

After I have finished these books I guess I'm going to have to read the Ken Follett books. I love suspense and mystery. Has anyone read any of Daniel Silva's books?

Christi, I think you'll like all of Dorothea benton Franks books. If you like the lowcountry, you'll like her stories.

Some posts back you mentioned your library didn't have to many of Karen white's work...I'd ask then to see if they could get some of her books. I think you would really enjoy them. Most likely The House on Tradd Street is too new to be in the library...but then you never know. I can't wait to go to her next book signing.

[KathyNC]

I love Dorothea Benton Frank's books. Have never read Karen White but need to check them out. Have any of you read Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt? You probably have all read it, but I haven't. A friend told me that its the best book she's ever read, so I think I need to get it. It doesn't seem to be a topic I would normally read, but neither was Water for Elephants and I loved it!

[MindaAnn]

Mari', didn't it finish off your new home when you got your books on the shelves? But you're right, we, also, have way to many books. Many times I think I'll donate some to the library and when I start looking at them I'll think...."No, not that one, not yet!":D

Kathy, I think you'll like The House on Tradd Street.

What do y'all think of having suggestions for the month? I believe maryc mentioned this. I have seen something like that over at CL. I'll go along with any good ideas and post anywhere!:D

[Christi Wharton]

As it turns out, I had actually read 2 of Dorothea Franks Benton's books. I am now reading The Isle of Palms. They talk so much about food in this book it makes me hungry. Actually quoted one of the recipes the book talked about on my blog as today's lagniappe. I am enjoying the book quite a bit.

I have read several of Elizabeth Adler's books. The first of her books were kind of epic books and although they didn't get great reviews from critics, I really enjoyed them. Most of them kind of have a mix of mystery and romance.

[callalily]

Mary - I like your idea of a monthly thread. It would help to keep things a little more organized... at least for me when I go searching for a post on a book or author.

Well, once again, I have discovered I no longer with a TBR pile. :eek: Not sure how that happened. I finished a book Sunday night, went to get another and realized the only one I had was a Jodi Picoult book, Vanishing Act. I fly through her books, so I am going to be hurting for days once I finish and before I can get to B&N.

[Mari']

I think the monthly read idea is pretty good too.

[KathyNC]

My daughter just read the first of the Twilight series and couldn't put it down, so I think I'm going to have to add that to my list.

[MindaAnn]

My daughter just read the first of the Twilight series and couldn't put it down, so I think I'm going to have to add that to my list.

Kathy, what is the Twilight series? I've probably missed a reference to that earlier.

So, do we start a new thread the first of April? Sounds good to me!

Callalily, no TBR stack??? :eek: I hope you make it to the library or a B&N soon!:D

[maryc]

Minda, what do they call the 'monthly book thread' at CL? I'm for trying it if you all think it would work.

Calla, my goodness!! No TBR stack at all? How frightening! You must have read a lot while on vacation. Have fun at B&N.

[MindaAnn]

Minda, what do they call the 'monthly book thread' at CL? I'm for trying it if you all think it would work.

Calla, my goodness!! No TBR stack at all? How frightening! You must have read a lot while on vacation. Have fun at B&N.

I belileve its called the "April (or whatever) Book Thread"......I haven't checked CL in a few days because they are like SL...having a problem with slow loading pages. People there are complaining and the moderators actually answer!

I think having a monthly book thread would make life easier!! Would you start at the last of this month?

[MindaAnn]

I didn't dare quote myself, since everything is slow this morning, but I do know how to spell "believe" and it certainly is NOT the way I spelled it in the post above! I also meant to ask "would you start the April Book Thread the last of this month or on the first of April?? I think it has been done both ways. Now, back to another 5 minutes of waiting for another thread!!:(

[brianna]

I like this idea. It sounds much easier.

[KathyNC]

Kathy, what is the Twilight series? I've probably missed a reference to that earlier.

:D

I think they're written by Stephanie Meyer and they are considered teen fiction but a lot of adults are reading them and loving them. They made a movie based on the first one but I haven't seen it.

[maryc]

So would you like an APRIL BOOK THREAD? If everyone is ok with this, I'll start on 4/1. That's April Fool's Day!:eek: Maybe I should start it April Fool's Eve! I hope this work out better for everyone, but if not, we can revert to the old style. Anything that works and helps us share in our love of books!

[MindaAnn]

I think they're written by Stephanie Meyer and they are considered teen fiction but a lot of adults are reading them and loving them. They made a movie based on the first one but I haven't seen it.


Thanks, Kathy. I'd never heard of them. I think I might give one a try!

maryc, I'll be looking for that thread! Maybe I'll have some interesting books by then. I have finished 3 old Smithsonian and 2 old Our State magazines in the last few days. That's a little progress in my TBR magazine stack...and I don't subscribe to many magazines now...I'm just that slow!

[maryc]

I hope I remember to start the April Book Thread. If I don't, one of y'all jump in and start it. :D

[MindaAnn]

Mary, you'll remember. It's a week before the big day.....you know, the "550" mark!!:D:D I'm looking forward to this....

I'm reading The Judas Strain but can't remember the author and the book is out of reach!!!

[maryc]

Go ahead, Minda, rub it in! Say anything, do anything, just POST!!
I'm looking forward to the monthly book threads also. I do think it will work. Nothing to lose anyway.

[maryc]

I forgot! I've read the Judas Strain,author is James Rollins I believe. Pretty good book. I'm heading for the library in the morning.

[KathyNC]

I bought a cheap paperback yesterday at Sam's. It's Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods and takes place in SC. It looks like it should be fast and easy to read.

[maryc]

I picked up several books at the library today. One was The Testament by Eric Lustbader who wrote The Bourne Legacy. I'm going to start that one first.

Kath, your book sounds good. I like books about SC. Please let us know if you like it.

[MindaAnn]

The "McDeamys" brought me a Deborah Crombie book, Where Memories Lie. I've read all of Crombie's books and really like her. I'll wait until I finish my present book to start this.....probably be ready for the April Book Thread!

[Ozark Moon]

I was cleaning out my Dad's shed this weekend and packed up 4 boxes of old Reader's Digest Condensed books. I guess I can read through them and if there are any stories I really love, I can hunt down a "real" copy.

Do any of you still have the Reader's Digest books around?

[Christi Wharton]

Just finished Plantation by Dorothea Benton Frank. Now I'm reading One of those Malibu Nights by Elizabeth Adler.

[MindaAnn]

I hope I remember to start the April Book Thread. If I don't, one of y'all jump in and start it. :D

Mary, this is your reminder for the April Book Thread!!

[esampson]

I was wondering if Stephen King's wife Tabitha who wrote this book writes interesting stories. I am about 3/4 through 'The Book of Reuben'. The story is about the relationship of a couple and the distintegration of their marriage. There is a weird kid in the background that must play a big part in the end. I don't like the many descriptions and references to sex but I guess that is what sells. So the ending will have to be good for me to recommend this book.

[MindaAnn]

Welcome to SL, esampson. I haven't heard of the book you mentioned. In fact I didn't know Stephen King's wife was a writer! We have an April Book Thread going and if you'd like, you could join us over there. We'd like to have another reader!