May Book Thread

[maryc]

Another month! So, what are you reading? Mari', I was hoping you'd start our thread off this month with a report on your book signing trip. I've never done that but always think I will when I see that an author I particularly like is going to be at our local book store.

I've started Impeached but so far it has been a slow read.....can't remember the author :o and the book is at home. I love history but this one has bogged down a bit. One of the nurses here gave me a book called Home Repair. Her book club has just read it and I'll start that soon.

How about you? Anything good to report?

[Nora]

I'm reading The Winner by David Baldacci. Over half through and its pretty good. I've read a few of his before and like his books.

[I_luv_2_bake]

Has anyone read John Grisham's The Associate? I started it last weekend, but I can't seem to get into it. I was just wondering if someone could let me know if it get's better. I'm thinking I may just return it to the library. I consider the time I get to read very precious. I don't want to waste it reading something that I feel I'm forcing myself to finish.

[brianna]

I'm probably one of the few people in the world that is not a Grisham fan, so I can't answer that question. I don't really know why I don't care for his books.

I don't have anything that is really calling my name at the moment. Tomorrow I will go to the library and/or B&N. I have to have something!

[KathyNC]

I liked Grisham's earlier books but haven't read the last few. I heard that The Associate is more like the earlier ones so I might give it a try but probably not in the near future. I've got such a large stack to be read.

[Nora]

I heard on the news earlier that Elizabeth Edwards (wife of senator from NC and tried to be president, I think) has a book coming out very soon. That might be interesting reading! I don't usually go for that kind of stuff but this woman has cancer and I can't imagine how she has survived. Will y'all read it when it comes out? How about y'all from NC?

[KathyNC]

I don't usually read books like Elizabeth Edwards' but I might want to read hers, especially since I live in NC. The book was supposed to be released 5/12 I think but has been moved up to around the 6th or 8th. I don't plan on buying it so I'll have to wait until I can get it at the library. I always thought John Edwards looked sleazy.

[Nora]

Kathy, about John Edwards, I've always thought the same thing.

[MindaAnn]

Kathy, about John Edwards, I've always thought the same thing.

Room for me in there with y'all??:D

I've started "Times of Tragedy and Moments of Grace." So far I like it. I need to go through my TBR stack and see what I have. I probably will not have a lot of time to read before we leave for visit with DS.

[maryc]

I'm still plugging along with Impeached!

I agree with the thoughts on John Edwards. I doubt I would read the book by his wife.

Anyone know where calla and Mari' are? Haven't seen a post from either in a while.

[callalily]

Where is Mari? I want to tell her that I am in the middle of reading The Lost Hours by Karen White. I read 150 pages last night. Fabulous book. It is definitely one of her better books. I think she is getting better as an author, as her earlier books did not do much for me. I hope to get most of the book, if not all, finished tonight.

[MindaAnn]

I haven't read that one yet, Calla, but its on my list.

Mari', please come home....we need you!!

[maryc]

If you haven't seen it, there is a thread about Mari' that Deb started. She has had a death in her family but hopefully, she'll be back soon. We DO miss you, Mari' and I'm remembering your family in my prayers.

[Christi Wharton]

I've finished Karen Whites' After the Rain. Now I've started her book, The Color of Light. Just through chapter one so far. Haven't had much time to read lately. I hate that:D

[ozsmom1]

I agree with you all about John Edwards...

I've read John Grisham's The Associate. It is more like his earlier books, but I did not think it was as good as the one previous to it, The Appeal. I also read James Patterson's new one, Run for Your Life. It was good, but creepy. I thought there were lots of twists and turns. My Dh's sister's husband (guess he's our BIL) belongs to some kind of book club and he reads all the James Patterson books and passes them to me.

The one I'm reading now is pretty lightweight by Linda Lael Miller, can't think of the name. I'm in my last few weeks of my bible study and we have spent the year on Moses and there has been a LOT of reading. While I really like it, my eyes need a rest.

[MindaAnn]

ozsmom, we had a bible study on Moses a few years ago and I really loved it. He is one of my favorite people in the bible. The guy that taught the study course was a seminary student and one of our assignments was to count the number of times that Moses begged God to forgive his chosen people.....and yet he never complained when he was told he would never go into the promised land. It was a great class.

[maryc]

Absolutely love Moses. Wish I could get into a bible study about him. He is one of the most interesting characters in the O.T.

[Christi Wharton]

I agree about Edwards. So glad I'm not the only one. The news always went on an on about how handsome he was. But, we are smart women, huh?

Just finished The Color of Light. The House on Tradd Street is waiting for me to pick it up at the library.

I just got Daniel Silva's news letter saying that his latest will be out this July. Does anyone else read his books? His Gabriel Allon series is fantastic. Gabriel Allon is an Israeli spy. Incredible storytelling ripped from today's headlines. His next book is The Defector.

[MindaAnn]

I agree about Edwards. So glad I'm not the only one. The news always went on an on about how handsome he was. But, we are smart women, huh?

Just finished The Color of Light. The House on Tradd Street is waiting for me to pick it up at the library.

I just got Daniel Silva's news letter saying that his latest will be out this July. Does anyone else read his books? His Gabriel Allon series is fantastic. Gabriel Allon is an Israeli spy. Incredible storytelling ripped from today's headlines. His next book is The Defector.

I do, I do! Love his books.....I'll have to sign up for his newsletter. Now I'll wait until July..

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

I'm going to start a new one tonight by C.J. Sansom. This is the second in the series and the title is Dark Fire. About the same time period as the first....Henry VIII's reign.

[HappyRetiree]

I am hoping all you avid readers will help me out. We are heading for Hilton Head in a couple of weeks. I would really like to have a book recommendation. Anyone have suggestions for something kind of "fluffy" but entertaining? I don't like to think too much at the beach. I just finished "Wild Ride: the Rise and Fall of Calumet Farm" and it was great. Now I am looking to lighten up a bit. Thanks ladies.

[MindaAnn]

Can't think of a "fluffy" one at the moment, but I'm sure someone here will help you out! Have fun at the beach! Wish I could sit on the sand and listen to the surf right now!

[Christi Wharton]

How about the Southern Sisters series by Anne George - the are funny, or, the Mississippi Delta mysteries by Carolyn Haines. I don't know if they qualify as "fluffy" but I would think they would be good beach reads.

[HappyRetiree]

Thanks ladies....sounds exactly like what I needed! I wish you could come along too....it's been a LONG winter here in Kentucky. I suspect everyone is wishing for spring. Thanks again for the recommendations. I wrote them down and will search at B&N. I have purchased Jodi Picoult's "Songs of the Humpback Whale", but fear it may be a little heavy for the beach. We will see...everyone says her books are great but I have never read anything by her before. Again, many thanks for your expedient reply.

[ozsmom1]

When I want fluff, I look for Linda Lael Miller. "Westerny" and romantic. I like to be entertained when I read for fun. Or, Kristin Hannah even.

[Christi Wharton]

MindaAnn - Looking forward to The House on Tradd Street. I'm glad to find a fellow Daniel Silva fan. Reading his books are kind of like watching 24.

[HappyRetiree]

Oh my ozsmom, the only thing better than plain fluff is Western fluff.....LOVE IT...and thanks a bunch. Like you, I love to read for entertainment when at the beach. I knew you guys would know what to get.

[Christi Wharton]

Just finished The House on Tradd Street. Glad there will be a sequel - got to get some of the loose ends resolved. Good book. I would have liked a little less focus on the ghosts.:eek: I see the sequel will be out in July. Will be looking for it!

[ozsmom1]

HappyRetiree -- hope you'll enjoy them. I got most of the ones I've read at a used book store. I continue to be in awe at all of the books they have, and that they can stay in business!:)

[callalily]

I finished The Lost Hours this weekend... another fabulous book by Karen White. I just started one of her earlier books The Memory of Water... but I think I already read it. I am going to read a little more tonight and see if I remember anything more.

Have you ever read a book twice, not realizing you have already read it? I did that once, I was about ten pages from the end of the book and realized I had read it. I don't think I want to go through that again with this one... too many books to read.

I will take The Secret Life of Bees with me tomorrow to the hospital to read while DH is in surgery I don't want to be sitting around doing nothing if I have already read The Memory of Water.

[ozsmom1]

Calla, I enjoyed the Secret Life of Bees. The movie I thought was only ok. Sadly I "reread" books more than I care to admit and then realize, I've (ususally) spent the money twice!

[MindaAnn]

Since I have a hard time remembering titles I pick up a book and find that I've already read it. I'll usually go on to another one because there are so many I want to read!!

I think one of the best things to happen is to discover an author (new...old), like their book and find out they have many more! Gold mine!! I did that with Flynn, Sansom, White, and of course Harrod-Eagles and I'm sure there are others.

Christi, Daniel Silvia and "24"......I don't watch much TV but my daughter loves 24....so I'm guessing I might should begin watching! :D

Calla, I'll be thinking about you and your DH tomorrow.....prayers for a speedy recovery!

[maryc]

Since I love "24" I think I'll be looking for Silvia's books! TKS!

[callalily]

I finished The Memory of Water by Karen White... another fabulous book. I love when I find a great author and then to find out there is a surplus of her books to read. It is like hitting the jackpot!!

I started The Secret Life of Bees this morning? Has anyone read it? How does it compare to the movie?

[DebC]

Any one like Nevada Barr, she writes mystery the books I have read has been set in national parks..

Deb

[maryc]

Deb, I've never read any of those books but since I love a good mystery I need to have a look! Thanks!

Calla, please let me know what you think of "Bees" as I've not read it yet.

I'm hoping to make it to the library tomorrow. :D

[Christi Wharton]

DebC, I haven't read any of those books but I have seen them and thought they sounded interesting. I just haven't gotten around to them yet.

[callalily]

Deb, I've never read any of those books but since I love a good mystery I need to have a look! Thanks!

Calla, please let me know what you think of "Bees" as I've not read it yet.

I'm hoping to make it to the library tomorrow. :D

Mary - I finished The Secret Life of Bees this afternoon. I thought it was a great book. I was so disappointed when it came to an end. I want to spend a summer hanging out with bees. It seems like Lily had so much fun.

Has anyone seen the movie? I am wondering how you liked it. How does it compare to the book. I would hate to see the movie and have it ruin the images I have from reading the book.

[ozsmom1]

Calla -- I read "Bees" a few years ago and loved it. Then a few weeks ago I rented the movie on PPV. I felt the book "showed" more pictures, I didn't think the movie did the book justice. I was disappointed in the movie, but it was a nice way to while away an afternoon. I remember thinking when watching the movie that there were some differneces, but I can't say where they were. However, maybe I will rent the movie again and read the book again and see what I think then.

[maryc]

Thanks, callalily and ozsmom. I'll put "Bees" on my list.

One of the nurses here is reading the "Left Behind" series. I've never read any of the books and was wondering if anyone here had, and if so, what did you think of them?

[ozsmom1]

I tried to read the first one in the Left Behind series and I SO didn't like it. Maybe it was because I found it convicting or frightening. I think also it was partly because when "that" time comes, I don't want to know. I'm not usually a stick my head in the sand kind, but I couldn't finish the book and haven't picked one up since. Maybe someone will have a different perspective than I, and I'd certainly see what they had to say.

[maryc]

ozsmom, I came home tonight with the first one of the series. I'll let you know if I decide to stick my head in the sand! Thanks for sharing your opinion. I think that its good to see what other people think. I'm definitely going for the "Bees" also!

[Christi Wharton]

I'm still reading Karen White's Pieces of the Heart. This one is a little tougher to get in to. I'm about half way through.

[DebC]

Would you believe our library only has 2 of Karen White books!
Getting out of town next week can’t wait to get to a book store to pick some of her books


bumping to hide spam!

[Christi Wharton]

I'm back to Miss Julia. Her latest is Miss Julia Delivers the Goods.

[Nora]

Christi, I love Miss Julia! I haven't read the latest one, but as the name indicates, Miss Julia has ALWAYS delivered the goods!:D

[Bamagirrll]

I am a teacher and each summer I choose an author, usually southern, and read their works. This summer I wanted something light so I am reading the Ann George books. She was a Birmingham writer who wrote mysteries about two southern sisters. Hilarious!

[Nora]

I am a teacher and each summer I choose an author, usually southern, and read their works. This summer I wanted something light so I am reading the Ann George books. She was a Birmingham writer who wrote mysteries about two southern sisters. Hilarious!

Thanks, Bamagirrll, I'll have to take a look.

[MindaAnn]

Bamagirrll, another author to add to my list! With your information on Ann George and the type books she writes......I'll have to head to the library ASAP!! Thanks! Hope you have a great summer and get to read a lot of books! :D

[Christi Wharton]

I've read all the Ann George books. They are fantastic for a Summer. Those sisters are too hilarious. Unfortunately, Ann George passed away in 2001. Such a loss. I mean who else is going to write books like Murder Boogies with Elvis?

[MindaAnn]

Christi, that is sad....I'm going to look for her books, hopefully tomorrow. It's not that I don't have anything else to read :D I just need to get a few from my list and AG is on that list!

Mary.....or anybody.....we need a June thread!!:D

[magenta]

Can anyone jump in here? I'm new and I love reading what everyone else is reading!

I always try to wait and see the movie before I read the book if I know a movie is coming out. That way I am never (well, almost never disappointed in either one.

I LOVED the Ann George books! They make me laugh out loud at times - kind of like Fannie Flagg's "Daisy Faye and the Miracle Man". I recommend Daisy Faye for anyone who needs a pick-me-up.

[MindaAnn]

magenta, please, jump right in!! Glad to have you and hope that you jumped in here with a long list of books/authors to share. :D

[magenta]

Thank you, MindaAnn! Do y'all normally start a new thread for each month? I wasn't sure if I should post a lot on this one, wondered if y'all might be ready to wind this thread down.

I love threads like this one - I am so much more inclined to pick up a book based on recommendations from real people rather than a reviewer in a newspaper/magazine or on the dust cover of a book.

[calcay]

Just finished Miss Julia Delivers The Goods. As usual, it was great!!!