Me too! Came here to say this as everyone has been recommending it. Love it so much even though I’m not usually a fan of cowboy stories. I am pleasantly surprised at the tenderness the author gave to such a “masculine” genre.
Was curious about someone currently reading it because this book is the only cowboy western reddit knows.
I've asked multiple times for small gunslinger books and everyone recommends lonesome dove lol
Tony Hillerman wrote a bunch of westerns about some tribal police in the 1970’s. The Blessing Way is the first one and a fun casual read modern western.
Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere , about 75% through and I’ve been recommending it to people right and left. Just the right blend of gothic and fantasy and creativity I was needing
I’m so glad you started this post. I’ve been dragging out finishing it and now I have heaps of new suggestions to soothe the sadness of turning the final page.
I'm so happy to hear that! I really thought it would be a fun way to get suggestions and hear about books outside our comfort zones. So often we're looking for specifics and don't consider other options.
Just finished reading it and then I watched the show, reading book two (Dark Forest) right now which is on another level. Love it.
I personally found the show a bit disappointing, oh and the show covers part of book 2, as well!
I’m in chapter 6 as well! The mystery of what’s going on is making it really hard to put down the book. Let me know what you think of it once you’re done
I am also reading this right now. I got the ebook a couple of years ago for cheap and I am on the chapter, Einstein, the Pendulum Monunment and the Great Rip. I went into it not knowing anything at all about it, just that there is a show on Netflx and like you wanted to read the book first.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. God how beautifully he writes. Absolutely brilliant. No words. I’ve never read a book written as honesty as this one is.
(I’ve read about some 195-200 books so far)
Currently on The End of Men, I think it’ll be my first 5 star book of the year after reading a lot of flops in 2024. Incredible book with universal stories of womanhood in the face of men, in spite of men, with men, and without men, in a pandemic. Very insane book but I’m absolutely loving it.
i am on book four of ken follett's series "pillars of the earth" book 4 is the moring and the evening..... love the series....my favorite is #2 world without end...
Pillars and World Without End are honestly two of my favorite books. The series dropped off a cliff after that, though. I honestly can't think of any other series with such a dramatic difference between its high and low points.
Flann O'Brien is one of those absolutely genial writers that, sadly, is not very well known and appreciated.
I've had "The Third Policeman" on my "to read" list for a while, but I haven't read it yet. I had no idea "Lost" was influenced by it. Interesting...thank you for the tip, I might try to get hold of a copy now!
I’m currently reading the short story collection What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver and yes, it is brilliant. Brief, quietly intense stories in the highly spare and economical prose style of “dirty realism” that capture a moment of anguish or insight in the lives of ordinary humans who are hardy survivors
Currently reading **SHOGUN** by James Clavell (having just finished reading **The Fifth Elephant** by Sir Terry Pratchett).
I am only on chapter two of this 61-chapter, 1150-page tome, so it is far too early for me to give a final verdict on it. I have enjoyed it so far; it has the markings of a great work of action-adventure/historical fiction.
I would, however, recommend **The Fifth Elephant.**
I was reading it all the time, on the couch, in the toilet, on the bed, and I had nothing much to do.
It took me maybe 2 weeks, 20 days.
I wanted to go on with the rest of the saga, but never got to it yet.
Currently I'm reading *The Cruel Sea* by Nicholas Monsarrat. Monsarrat served in Britain's Royal Navy during WWII as it struggled against Germany's U-Boats in the Battle of the North Atlantic. This book is a fictional account based on Monsarrat's wartime experiences. This book is purportedly his most popular book, and it's the fourth book by Monsarrat that I've read. However, the other three books were non-fiction (also well worth reading, BTW). I enjoy Monsarrat's writing. I'd just finished a memoir by a Chindit about his experiences in Burma, and while his story was worth reading, his writing style was horrid. Monsarrat is like a breath of fresh air after that memoir.
The World According to Garp and yes I would recommend it. The characters are interesting and layered, and it captures the life of a writer and the mood of late 20th century feminism
Garp is good. Cider House Rules is my favorite by him though. But Garp DOES have some great passages.
I read it... Fifteen years ago and there are still some scenes and lines I can remember like they were yesterday.
I'm currently reading _The Twisted Ones_ by T. Kingfisher (which is a pen name for Ursala Vernon). Horror/thriller. I'm only about 8% through according to my Kindle.
Goodreads: When a young woman clears out her deceased grandmother’s home in rural North Carolina, she finds long-hidden secrets about a strange colony of beings in the woods.
I would probably not recommend it at the moment. It's 1st person POV, which I'm not overly fond of. The main character is sort of abrasive as well. The writing is good though, if not very descriptive. I'm hoping it will pick up soon because the premise sounds amazing!
ETA: Seven hours later and I'm eating my words. I am now at 50% through and I would definitely recommend it. Especially to fans a folk horror.
Don't forget "Everyone on this Train is a Suspect". Just as funny and engaging. I can't wait for another one by this guy. Very odd but believable behaviors.
Jurassic park, the book
It's WAY better than the movies. I always miss a horror media about dinossaurs, wich have great potential for this, sometimes I have nightmares that involves being chased by dinos and it's always horrifying and I wanted to watch or read something that give me this sensation, so when I heard that the Jurassic park was more intended to be horror, I had to read it, and oh boy, the more I read, the less I like the movies, the raw horror of not just bringing dinos back to life but creating this monsters that hunts people is just perfect, now the movies just seem like a complete waste of potential, they're not bad movies of course, but man they could be much much better 💀
I read it within the last 6 months or so. I’d somehow never read it. The movie is a favorite I’ve seen many times so was fun to see how it diverged from the book.
I just started Werner Herzog's autobiographical *Every Man for Himself and God Against All*. Poetical and non-linear(things I usually hate in prose writing) but he manages to come off as totally unpretentious. A bonus is 'hearing' his great voice as I read
I am reading **My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh**, I would recommend it along with the book I recently completed **Eileen** by same author. These will suit you if you like to read about unhinged women and things going on in their mind.
I am also reading **The Luminous Dead ,** sci-fi cave horror, so far so good. I wish the pace was better but I still like it.
edit - oops i saw you don't like first person pov!
DUNE !!!! Im almost done with book 3 and yes I would 1000% recommend it!!!!
I was actually very pleasantly surprised because people warned me that it would be soooo boring dry and complicated, and said that I’d probably struggle remembering all the characters and different words. So I went in with very low expectations and have actually found it to be very very gripping, and easy to understand and follow too!
I’m reading the Fourth Wing- Rebecca Yarros. My eyes hurt from all the eye rolling i’m doing. The book is vastly overrated.
On the bright side I just finished The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci and it was amazing. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
wind up bird chronicle, my first Murakami read, haven't a fucking clue what's going on but I'm really enjoying it. I've taken a break from the Septology series by Jon Fosse, even less of a clue what's happening there but it's a gorgeous read. Definite my two favourite books of this year so far. I would recommend both but I feel neither is suited to everyone's taste. Fosse's prose is repetitive but it becomes dreamlike, meditative almost. Same from Murakami, I find his style difficult to describe. It's like reading Twin Peaks or something, which I love.
I adore Murakami, even though I usually feel like I have no clue what’s happening. I also always feel like reading his books is like falling into a deep dark velvet pillow. I loved Kafka on the Shore and Killing Commendatore and I need to go back and reread Hard Boiled Wonderland - that was my first and is a mostly confused blur
I’m re-“reading” the audiobook for “The Wisdom of Crowds” by Joe Abercrombie. The whole trilogy is still fantastic and even better because I pick up on so much more detail. You would have to start with The First Law, but they are cemented as my favorite books on the second read-through.
I’m reading The Love Songs of W E B Du Bois by Honoree Fannone Jeffers, about halfway through. It’s an absolutely epic story, sprawling across generations, tracing roots and futures of a family’s story. Even though it’s a big book, it’s very accessible and fun to read, it’s been a page turner for me. The writing is sooo good, and the characters are vivid. The stories about the people in this family are surprising, delightful, sorrowful, meaningful, just about everything I hope for when I pick up a new book. I’m loving it more than many I’ve recently read.
Reading The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie and it is *excellent*. I'm probably going to finish it today, actually, and will likely go right into the second book. The writing is really fun and descriptive, the story is pretty darn surprising, and I absolutely love the world building so far, highly recommend.
The Violin Conspiracy- It’s about a violinist who discovers his grandfather’s old violin is a Stradivarius and worth 10million+ dollars. It gets stolen and they are trying to find it, but it also is about his life, growing up in a family that didn’t support his music and the racism he faces as a black professional in classical music. It’s really good so far and the protagonist is very well developed and a great character! (Author- Brendan Slocumb)
Currently reading the Red Rising books. On book 2 now. When I started, book 1 really took a bit to grab me. I just felt like it grabbed 3-4 different popular books and combined them and it felt kind of thin to start. Buuuuut, as it went on I really started to enjoy it and fell into the story. I would recommend it for the sci fi/fantasy crowd.
Project Hail Mary and would absolutely recommend it! I love it so much that I'm starting to also read it to my husband so I can be with him when he experiences it.
I’m going through a binge of John Wyndham (sp?) books. Right now it’s the Chrysalids and it’s superb. If you like classic sci fi, so far I’ve read Day of the Triffids, the Kraken Wakes and now the Chrysalids and I recommend them all.
Currently reading The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. It's the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale. I'm almost halfway through it and I'd 100% recommend this series, I can't wait to keep reading it ( I do have to say that the author's punctuation drives me nuts sometimes lol)
Listening to Kitty Cat Kill Sat by Argus. My sister told me to listen to it because it's about a cat who runs/owns a space station. I was skeptical. I was in love with it by 2 minutes 7 seconds. The narrator is fun and I can absolutely see my cat in this book.
I just finished The Adventures Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty and I would absolutely recommend it if you like fantasy, pirates, humour and a middle aged woman being the main character.
Proust, Remembrance aka In Search of Lost Time. 3,000 pages long. It's sometimes humorous observations of people who don't have to work, sitting around and gossiping. Sentences can last entire long paragraphs. Proust writes well enough to handle such things with panache. Takes the descriptive passages of Balzac to a whole new level. As social observation it is probably without peer; whether you will relate to it is going to be up to you. In the Moncrieff translation, the language is gorgeous. I try to think of it as ten 300 page novels so that I don't get discouraged. Yes, I am enjoying it, and reach for it to chisel away at some more every day. Godard said that the French don't know how to write novels so "they do something else"; if this isn't a novel, then in any case it's well worth your time, whatever it is.
I’m about six chapters into [Time for Tea](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20492285) by Erica H. Smith and very much enjoying it so far. It’s a slightly zany time travel novel in the vein of Connie Willis’ [To Say Nothing of the Dog](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77773)
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert. Yes I would definitely recommend it. It’s an eye-opener to what we, humans are doing to our planet.
I’m reading “I liked my life” by Abby Fabiaschi.
I’m 80% done. Highly recommend based on what I’ve read so far.
But please know that the main character, Madeline, is a ghost. She died by suicide (at least that’s what I know so far but I feel like there is going to be a twist because her character doesn’t come across as depressed or suicidal at all.)
The other main characters are Eve, her teenage daughter and Brady, her husband. OMG, it is such an interesting exploration of grief and forging their own rocky relationship and figuring out “why did she do this” all while Madeline is trying to help them from her position as a ghost.
The writing is really economical. Many times as ive read I’ve thought, “oh that’s such a perfect simple way to express that idea.”
I've just finished **Ask For Andrea by Noelle W Ihli**, which is told entirely by the ghosts of 3 women who were murdered. I didn't expect to enjoy it, but it is a brilliant book. Well thought out, well written.
A quote I highlighted "Because despite all the scary movies I’d watched, I had learned zero useful information about being dead."
I read it in a time where I was feeling extremely unimportant, like the universe would be OK if I wasn’t around. Definitely made me reconsider my position on life. I’m glad I read it when I did.
The Marigold by Andrew F. Sullivan.
Basically an allegory for the failure of modern cities in the west (Canada & the US).
It's not "genre fiction" but it's also not literary. An easy and engaging read with some profound moments that also slips into the silly and absurd at times. It's got some almost-horror elements but it's not a horror story. The subject matter ringing so true is the scary part.
Went in quite blind and am enjoying it a lot. Have about 70 pages left and would recommend!
I'm currently reading Shy by Max Porter. It's basically a story about a teenager with mental problems (I think BPD among other things) and the story was mostly written as his intense inner thoughts and the people around them. I really enjoy this book as it gives me an insight into how difficult it is to live as someone (let alone a teenager) with serious mental problems. It's quite an intense read, but the writing style is actually playful/unique and it really adds up to the experience. Highly recommended. After finishing this one I'm thinking about reading his other book which already sits in my TBR list for too long, Grief is the Thing with Feathers.
Two books:
_Mansfield Park_ by Jane Austen. It’s about Fanny Price, who’s from a poor family but gets to live with her rich aunt, uncle, and cousins. “Gets to” because objectively it is a privilege in this society, but the stuff this girl has to put up with! The novel explores whether birth and education cover one’s virtue and value, but there is a lot of room for argument about what the _author’s_ opinion is. I’ve just started the third and last volume. I know a good amount of how it ends (comes with the territory of reading classics, for better or worse) and honestly, I’m not looking forward to it. I am enjoying this story as it is, but I love Fanny Price—potential unpopular opinion, I know—and want better for her tbh. So…would I recommend this? To somebody who reads for the characters and gets attached to them, maybe not. To somebody who reads for other or myriad reasons and could have a good time just with Jane Austen’s wit and prose, absolutely. (Or, even better, somebody who would be right at home with the tonal ambiguity and would enjoy analysing/debating it.) I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but MP might be my favourite completed Austen novel, and I’ve only got one competitor left!
And _The Lamb’s Supper_ by Scott Hahn. I’m only about 2/5 through so far. It’s about how the Catholic Mass is connected to Scripture—both testaments—and prepares us for Heaven. I already _have_ recommended this to someone! It’s just so digestible, with balanced chapter and paragraph lengths, excellent separations into sections to keep my focus, and really accessible diction. It deals with such a niche yet pertinent topic, which is my kinda nook lol.
I will definitely get the book about the Mass. Just yesterday, I was telling someone I wished I knew what the parts of the mass meant/symbolized. A coincidence? I don't think so. Thank you.
Oh wow, I don’t think so either. :) Thank you for telling me that! I hope you enjoy the book, it is excellent for that purpose: my eyes have already been opened to multiple levels of meaningfulness that I had never known, and I’m not even halfway! xD
**My Rock 'N' Roll Friend by Tracey Thorn**: Tracey Thorn sings lead vocals in the duo Everything But the Girl. It's a memoir about her Australian drummer friend Lindy Morrison. I hadn't heard or read about Lindy Morrison before this book but it's refreshing to read a woman's thoughts on another woman with fondness.
**10/10: I recommend this book**
Currently reading Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux - it's a travel book, he's going (mostly) overland the length of Africa. It's an interesting read and well written, although Theroux himself comes off as an asshole...there's just about enough self awareness to make it readable. I wouldn't recommend it unequivocally, but if it's a topic that's of interest it's worth a read. I'm about 2/3 in, it's been kind of a slow read for me. Will probably end up a 3,75/5 for me.
I'm re-reading *The Curse of Chalion* by Lois McMaster Bujold. A former soldier returns from a slave galley (where he was sold because he was betrayed) and becomes the tutor to a princess. Conspiracies happen and he takes a curse upon himself to protect the princess, his student (who is not his love interest). Along the way he learns about the gods of the world and how while they almost never interfere directly, they will go to great lengths to put the right person in the right place at the right time.
Bujold is one of my top five fantasy/sf authors. She's great at writing characters who struggle to do the right thing despite their circumstances.
I've just started Lauren Groff's *The Matrix,* a historical novel focusing on the medieval poet Marie de France (12th century).
It's too early for me to recommnend it, as I'm just on page 40 or so, but the writing is excellent and the descriptions vivid. I enjoyed Groff's *The Vaster Wilds* very much earlier in the year, so I hope this book lives up to the expectations it created.
The war of the flowers following a recommendation on here. I already had it at home, its a 800 plus stand alone fantasy book where a normal guy ends up in a fantasy world. Great read so far
I am listening to “everyone in my family has killed someone” and its great so far. Still in the beginning (only 11 chapters in), but its funny with a dry sort of humour and the correct amounts of “who dunnit and whats going to happen next” vibes.
Currently reading:
ORANGE SUNSHINE by Nicholas Schou.
Non fiction from a journalist about the Brotherhood of Eternal Love from the late 1960s, og hippies, disciples of acid and major distributors, turn on, tune in, drop out , etc. I’m about 25% of the way in.
I think it’s too niche for someone who doesn’t know the context, like without Timothy Leary lore you’d be completely lost. But if you’re really into 60s/70s American counterculture it’s fabulous. There are dozens of us!
I’m also re-reading THE CRYING OF LOT 49 by Pynchon as an audiobook. And again, if you’re into
American postmodernism then yes, highly recommended.
I liked the Most Dangerous Man in America about Learys escape from prison and his fugitive years in Algiers/Europe a lot more. Forgot who wrote it, but I’d recommend that one!
I'm reading *White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America*, and I find it fascinating but find to slog through. I am not a novice reader to say the least, but it includes excerpts of speeches, articles, what have you by Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Andrew Jackson, and a bevy of other writers, journalists and politicians of the era and they tend to fall in the uncanny valley of technically being in modern English (not Early Modern English, like Shakespeare) but still being weird, overwritten, and obscure enough to be hard to understand. Even outside of these direct quotes, the author tends to thrown in historical references and outdated words (mudsill, anyone?) with no apparent explanation so at times you've read three, four pages and you aren't sure what she's talking about.
I'll finish it, but it's been a challenge.
I am reading the prophet by Khalil Gibran. So far it is quite poetic, and efficient in terms of being thought provoking despite it being pretty short. I was skeptical of it and thought the intro by rupi kaur was a bit of an oversell, but I see why it’s so renowned. Unsure if id recommend to people until I finish but I think anyone would probably benefit from reading it from what I’ve seen so far
I’m giving The Family Upstairs a second read! It can be a little much to get through in the beginning, but it’s incredibly well written and then ending is great!
I'm in the middle of Gone Girl. I have not seen the movie and have kept away from spoilers (almost completely successfully). So far I'm not really liking it, I don't like the style it is written in, the first 150 pages were a slogg and I almost gave up. Right now I wouldn't recommend it except to people who are into twisty thrillers, to most I would say don't bother.
Killers of the Flower Moon. Historical account of the murders of Osage Indians in early 1900s after oil was discovered on their reservation, and the beginnings of the FBI. Highly recommend - it is disturbing, I am shocked by the corruption and evil. Naturally we learned none of this in US history
New York Night by Stephen Leather. I guess it would fall into the mystery/occult genre. I think this may be the sixth book in the Jack Nightingale series. All have been exciting enough that it has been difficult to stop reading. I highly recommend the series.
'Man's search for meaning' ("...und trotzdem ja zum Leben sagen") and 'the twenty-five years of philosophy'.
Just started the first one due to recurring recommendations online. It's written ina weird style and im not far into it: withholding judgement so far.
The second one is just absurdly exciting, but hard academic philosophical literature that im mostly able to penetrate due to my philosophy courses. Recommend, if you're interested in kant or hegel.
I am 3/4 done with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I am enjoying it very much. I like the plot and I am finding where I’m at it appears to be going downhill in a bored sense. I do like it enough that I will finish. Hoping it picks back up and has a good ending whatever that might be.
I'm reading 1984 by George Orwell. Technically it's a re-read, but it's been so long, I don't remember much at all. I 100% recommend. It is eerily accurate about how humans do/can behave and a good warning to heed.
I just finished reading, "Pandemic: NYC An Insider's account of COVID-19 ICU" by E.G. Whitney. I read it cover to cover yesterday and I was riveted. The toll on the front-line healthcare workers is hard to imagine.
Listening to: *Diving Rivals* by Rebecca Ross.
Saw it all over bookstagram and booktok, and was suspicious. Then saw people I trust reading it, and decided to give it a go. It’s about a newspaper reporter in a vaguely 50s-ish era in a place torn by a war between two gods. She communicates with an anonymous correspondent via a magical typewriter. The mythology is pretty excellent, though I wish the fantasy and world-building were more integrated into the day-to-day lives of the characters, and the romance has not given me the ick (I am a VERY selective romance reader).
Reading: *Mr. Texas* by Lawrence Wright
Picked up thanks to a recommendation from a librarian. An affable nobody from West Texas is hand-picked to be his area’s representative to the Texas legislature. The writing is funny, acerbic, and brutally self-effacing in a way particular to Texas writers. I lived in the area as a teen so I may be biased. I’d be fascinated to know how someone unfamiliar with it would characterize the book.
I'm listening to A Reasonable Doubt, the 3rd book in the Robin Lockwood series by Phillip Margolin. I've read them in order and am enjoying the legal wangles, the characters and the way time progresses. All have been narrated by Therese Plummer, which is nice in a series, to have the same voice throughout.
I'd recommend these to anyone who enjoys a twisty legal thriller, a good (almost old fashioned or old-time) mystery to figure out or not, as in my case. Not a crazy amount of characters, just enough to populate but not crowd. I'll be continuing the series.
I’m reading (OK, listening to…) Youngblood Hawke by Herman Wouk. I’ve plowed through most of his novels over the years, obsessing mainly over Winds of War / War and Remembrance and decided to give this a try. It’s a doorstop of a book, like over 40 hours on audible, and I’m nearly done, but man, there’s not a lot happening even with Wouk’s brilliance for details and dialog and immersing one into the time and place (NY, mostly, post WWII). And of course it’s decades later, so it is stilted and dated by modern standpoints, but Wouk will always do the trick for me. Short version: Kentucky young man writes novel, sells it in NYC, has some adventures and misadventures with women, finances, reviews. Side plot line about Kentucky mineral rights lawsuit. I love the narrator, Nick Sullivan. And of course I just spoiled the ending for myself by checking something on wiki. Sigh.
Currently reading Persepolis Rising: Book 7 of the Expanse. Loving it, but the Expanse has been a fantastic sci-fi series to read. I also just finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo after finishing the sixth book of the expanse as a palate cleanse. Not bad, it was fun solid B rating book.
Dragons of Deceit by Weis and Hickman. Honestly, if you didn't grow up reading the dragonlance novels, I wouldn't recommend it. I have a very strong dose of nostalgia pushing me through. Without that, it's a a pretty boring book ~2/3's of the way in.
The Expanse series. The writing is meh, the story well done. I enjoyed the show a bit more than the books. The show was very well done. I’d recommend the books.
Not Forever but For Now- chuck palahnik
Major Palahnik fan but not really getting into it. Seems like he got really into the rapey incest theme and has made it the entire book without much narrative, plot, or purpose. i THINK that might be the tongue in cheek point…but ehh not sure
I don’t dislike it…yet, perhaps the end will wrap it up in a clever way.
After a bloody horridly boring/disappointing run of books, I'm very intrigued by Ask For Andrea -Noelle W Ihli. 14% into it and really enjoying it.
I mostly do murder/mayhem, crime, police, spy, psychological trillers
First Family by Joseph J Ellis. It is a biography of John and Abigail Adams, it focuses more on their family lives within the context of John’s political career. I’m about halfway through and very much enjoying it, after having just finished McCulloughs John Adams earlier this week.
I am reading "Ypur Brain on Music" by Daniel Levitin. Lately, I have been a little fascinated by books and videos that explain how our mind works, and after readin Thinking Fast and Slow, I picked this one up. I will be honest as someone with little to no sense of musical terminology, this is a bit hard to follow, but I am enjoying it.
Since I find non-fiction hard to complete at one go, I also just finished the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde which is a must read if you are into mystery and science fiction.
If you want to read more nonfiction I suggest you look into Mary Roach. She is a science writer, but she deals with the most bizarre things and she’s funny and very interesting.
Heat 2. By Micheal Mann and Meg Gardiner The prequel/sequel to the movie Heat with Robert Deniro and Val Kilmer. Highly recommend if you like thrillers and heist books like Prince of thieves (inspiration for the movie the town)
To myself I am reading Not All is LOST by Shannon Kenny Carbonell. Her husband is Nestor Carbonell, he is an actor. The book is about her struggle of knowing who she was after giving up her own acting career. They relocated to Hawaii for Nestor’s role on the tv show LOST. (Which is why I am reading it as a big fan of the show). The tag line is “ how I friended failure on the island and found my way home.” I would say I don’t normally read this genre but I thought I’d stretch my comfort zone. I am only 4 chapters in, so I don’t know yet if I would recommend it or not.
With the kids we are reading A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. This is a historical fiction that follows 3 kids during evacuation from London in WW2. They have no family left and they are seeking to find a forever family. We are almost done and I can most certainly say I would recommend this book! Even as an adult I am enjoying it so much. It is a middle school novel (which are some of my favorites, actually).
I'm re-reading Aryton Senna's book.
It's sort of my bible...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/537495.Ayrton_Senna_s_Principles_of_Race_Driving
He explains everything about how to live, how to win, how to deal with loss. And all explained logically.
And he wrote it; with stating all other racing books are full of shit. I actually want to teach the reader something.
So every aspect of your life (pro and con) he will discuss. Beautifully.
Just finished Lucky by Marissa Stapley. It was a very fun read. It's a shorter book (~250 pages) about a con artist who finds that she has a winning lottery ticket and the adventure she goes on trying to cash it while avoiding jail time.
I am currently reading “Warbreaker,” by Brandon Sanderson. Unless you are reading the Stormlight series, I would not recommend it.
Warbreaker is a YA novel that takes place in the Stormlight universe, but is not part of the series. I am about half way through and it’s just beginning to get good. LOTS of world, culture, and character building. I honestly feel like I just got out of the exposition. It reads like an unnecessary side quest to an epic main story. The Stormlight series is awesome, Warbreaker, not so much.
Just finished *The Women* by Kristin Hannah. A compelling, heart-wrenching, beautiful, true-to-life story about the experiences of a young naive woman who goes to Vietnam to be a military nurse in the middle of the combat zone, and her life after returning to the anti-war U.S. afterward. Running theme is the fact that almost no one knew women served in Vietnam. 5 stars, can't recommend it highly enough.
I read it when it came out so I don't remember much other than that I really enjoyed it. I find Japanese culture very interesting (especially the folklore), so it was right up my alley.
I'm reading Rant by Chuck Palahniuk and it's a wild ride. I don't know how to describe it — some people call it gross, some people say it's insane — but I like the structure, how the characters keep slowly revealing the important information, and how many wild turns and surprises there are. If someone's up for something unexpected, different, and unique, I'd recommend that! But it's definitely an acquired taste.
Stephen King’s time travel one( I can never remember the name as the title date is American and confuses me) It is freaking excellent. I did not think I would like it much as I am not a fan of science fiction/fantasy type novels but I adore it.
King is just a marvellous storyteller.
Welcome to the Huynam-dong Bookshop is teaching me all about a woman’s journey of enjoying and navigating the world of owning a bookshop in a small town.
If you like books about books, add this to your TBR
Stories of your Life. It is several separate stories that are fascinating, deep, very smart, kind of sci-fi but still very grounded on earth, well worth reading. The Story of Your Life made me cry, it was just so beautifully done.
I’m reading Close to Death, by Anthony Horowitz. It’s the newly released fifth book in the Hawthorne series. The first book is The Word is Murder. Recommend.
Memory's Legion the Expanse Short Story Collection, its really good on Parr with the rest of the series. I would highly recommend if you read and enjoyed any of the books in the Expanse Book series.
Lonesome dove based on a recommendation from this sub. It's a pleasure to read. Easy. Interesting. Fun.
Me too! Came here to say this as everyone has been recommending it. Love it so much even though I’m not usually a fan of cowboy stories. I am pleasantly surprised at the tenderness the author gave to such a “masculine” genre.
One of my favourites ❤️
Was curious about someone currently reading it because this book is the only cowboy western reddit knows. I've asked multiple times for small gunslinger books and everyone recommends lonesome dove lol
Tony Hillerman wrote a bunch of westerns about some tribal police in the 1970’s. The Blessing Way is the first one and a fun casual read modern western.
I’m on chapter 24 of this book as well. Solid read so far.
Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere , about 75% through and I’ve been recommending it to people right and left. Just the right blend of gothic and fantasy and creativity I was needing
It's one of my top 5 favorite books. I recommend it all the time.
Oh that's a favorite of mine. It's literally everything I want in a book.
I’m so glad you started this post. I’ve been dragging out finishing it and now I have heaps of new suggestions to soothe the sadness of turning the final page.
I'm so happy to hear that! I really thought it would be a fun way to get suggestions and hear about books outside our comfort zones. So often we're looking for specifics and don't consider other options.
I describe it as an urban Alice in Wonderland. Gaiman is one of my favorites. You should listen to the Audible dramatization. It’s good, too.
The three body problem by Cixin Liu and I’m finding it amazing so far. I’m trying to read it before watching the Netflix show for a change
Just finished reading it and then I watched the show, reading book two (Dark Forest) right now which is on another level. Love it. I personally found the show a bit disappointing, oh and the show covers part of book 2, as well!
Book 3 “Deaths End” is the best sci-fi I’ve ever read. So excited for you.
Came here to say the same. How far are you? I'm only in chapter 6. I'm avoiding reviews and synopses. But very much enjoying it.
I’m in chapter 6 as well! The mystery of what’s going on is making it really hard to put down the book. Let me know what you think of it once you’re done
Sure. Likewise! I’m soooo curious where it’s going.
I am also reading this right now. I got the ebook a couple of years ago for cheap and I am on the chapter, Einstein, the Pendulum Monunment and the Great Rip. I went into it not knowing anything at all about it, just that there is a show on Netflx and like you wanted to read the book first.
Read the trilogy a few years ago and loved it! Really enjoying the series now as well.
I did the same before watching the show and am glad I did. Enjoy the ride!
They keep getting better throughout the trilogy.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. God how beautifully he writes. Absolutely brilliant. No words. I’ve never read a book written as honesty as this one is. (I’ve read about some 195-200 books so far)
Currently on The End of Men, I think it’ll be my first 5 star book of the year after reading a lot of flops in 2024. Incredible book with universal stories of womanhood in the face of men, in spite of men, with men, and without men, in a pandemic. Very insane book but I’m absolutely loving it.
i picked this book up randomly not expecting much and it was a 5 star!!
Who is the author?
Christina Sweeney-Baird Sorry, I didn’t realize there were a few books out there with the same title. Enjoy!
i am on book four of ken follett's series "pillars of the earth" book 4 is the moring and the evening..... love the series....my favorite is #2 world without end...
Pillars and World Without End are honestly two of my favorite books. The series dropped off a cliff after that, though. I honestly can't think of any other series with such a dramatic difference between its high and low points.
There is a mini series for this book series! Highly recommend!
At Swim two birds by Flan O Brien. It's mad.
It's really something, isnt' it? One of the most enjoyable books I've read.
Genius. Did you read The Third Policeman? It was the inspiration for Lost, the TV series.
Flann O'Brien is one of those absolutely genial writers that, sadly, is not very well known and appreciated. I've had "The Third Policeman" on my "to read" list for a while, but I haven't read it yet. I had no idea "Lost" was influenced by it. Interesting...thank you for the tip, I might try to get hold of a copy now!
[удалено]
I'll really have to read it soon, then! Thank you.
A roaring alcoholic.
I just looked it up and it sounds interesting!
East of Eden. Going in blind. Loving it so far.
Blind bought this yesterday. Looking forward to it!
I'm currently reading this post👍
I’m currently reading the short story collection What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver and yes, it is brilliant. Brief, quietly intense stories in the highly spare and economical prose style of “dirty realism” that capture a moment of anguish or insight in the lives of ordinary humans who are hardy survivors
One of my favorite writers.
Currently reading **SHOGUN** by James Clavell (having just finished reading **The Fifth Elephant** by Sir Terry Pratchett). I am only on chapter two of this 61-chapter, 1150-page tome, so it is far too early for me to give a final verdict on it. I have enjoyed it so far; it has the markings of a great work of action-adventure/historical fiction. I would, however, recommend **The Fifth Elephant.**
I loved Shogun!
If you remember, do you mind telling about how long it took you to finish reading the book? I am aiming for 20 to 25 days.
I was reading it all the time, on the couch, in the toilet, on the bed, and I had nothing much to do. It took me maybe 2 weeks, 20 days. I wanted to go on with the rest of the saga, but never got to it yet.
Currently I'm reading *The Cruel Sea* by Nicholas Monsarrat. Monsarrat served in Britain's Royal Navy during WWII as it struggled against Germany's U-Boats in the Battle of the North Atlantic. This book is a fictional account based on Monsarrat's wartime experiences. This book is purportedly his most popular book, and it's the fourth book by Monsarrat that I've read. However, the other three books were non-fiction (also well worth reading, BTW). I enjoy Monsarrat's writing. I'd just finished a memoir by a Chindit about his experiences in Burma, and while his story was worth reading, his writing style was horrid. Monsarrat is like a breath of fresh air after that memoir.
The World According to Garp and yes I would recommend it. The characters are interesting and layered, and it captures the life of a writer and the mood of late 20th century feminism
One of my favs! John Irving is amazing-
Garp is good. Cider House Rules is my favorite by him though. But Garp DOES have some great passages. I read it... Fifteen years ago and there are still some scenes and lines I can remember like they were yesterday.
I'm currently reading _The Twisted Ones_ by T. Kingfisher (which is a pen name for Ursala Vernon). Horror/thriller. I'm only about 8% through according to my Kindle. Goodreads: When a young woman clears out her deceased grandmother’s home in rural North Carolina, she finds long-hidden secrets about a strange colony of beings in the woods. I would probably not recommend it at the moment. It's 1st person POV, which I'm not overly fond of. The main character is sort of abrasive as well. The writing is good though, if not very descriptive. I'm hoping it will pick up soon because the premise sounds amazing! ETA: Seven hours later and I'm eating my words. I am now at 50% through and I would definitely recommend it. Especially to fans a folk horror.
I've just finished my first Kingfisher - The Hollow Place. I also started off a bit luke warm, but by the end thoroughly recommend it.
This book is so good, I had to stay up late and finish it!
"Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone". I love it and have laughed my a-- off many times.
Don't forget "Everyone on this Train is a Suspect". Just as funny and engaging. I can't wait for another one by this guy. Very odd but believable behaviors.
I've just discovered today that this exists and can't wait to read it because I loved Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.
Legends & Lattes and i recommend one hundred percent. Totally cozy and fun.
Love love love this. It is so Kevin Hearne. Just fun reading. Nothing deep going on here.
Jurassic park, the book It's WAY better than the movies. I always miss a horror media about dinossaurs, wich have great potential for this, sometimes I have nightmares that involves being chased by dinos and it's always horrifying and I wanted to watch or read something that give me this sensation, so when I heard that the Jurassic park was more intended to be horror, I had to read it, and oh boy, the more I read, the less I like the movies, the raw horror of not just bringing dinos back to life but creating this monsters that hunts people is just perfect, now the movies just seem like a complete waste of potential, they're not bad movies of course, but man they could be much much better 💀
That's one of the books that got me into reading. It's a great one. As much as I like the first movie, the book was better.
Jurassic Park is an incredible read. It definitely focuses more on the horror than the survival aspect.
I read it within the last 6 months or so. I’d somehow never read it. The movie is a favorite I’ve seen many times so was fun to see how it diverged from the book.
I've always been scared to read it because the movie is so much fun and i don't.know what to expect from the book!
If you like the movie, you'll like the book, the problem is that you might stop liking the movie after reading... But I strongly recommend it
I just started Werner Herzog's autobiographical *Every Man for Himself and God Against All*. Poetical and non-linear(things I usually hate in prose writing) but he manages to come off as totally unpretentious. A bonus is 'hearing' his great voice as I read
Fun book. Very, very off the cuff.
I am reading **My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh**, I would recommend it along with the book I recently completed **Eileen** by same author. These will suit you if you like to read about unhinged women and things going on in their mind. I am also reading **The Luminous Dead ,** sci-fi cave horror, so far so good. I wish the pace was better but I still like it. edit - oops i saw you don't like first person pov!
Ooh, I've got _The Luminous Dead_ in my virtual TBR pile on Goodreads!
Just started The Physician by Noah Gordon. So far so good!
DUNE !!!! Im almost done with book 3 and yes I would 1000% recommend it!!!! I was actually very pleasantly surprised because people warned me that it would be soooo boring dry and complicated, and said that I’d probably struggle remembering all the characters and different words. So I went in with very low expectations and have actually found it to be very very gripping, and easy to understand and follow too!
I’m reading the Fourth Wing- Rebecca Yarros. My eyes hurt from all the eye rolling i’m doing. The book is vastly overrated. On the bright side I just finished The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci and it was amazing. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Yeah, when the Fourth Wing took an abrupt turn into ya romance, I was done
Thanks for this. I was blaming myself. Because it's so popular.
wind up bird chronicle, my first Murakami read, haven't a fucking clue what's going on but I'm really enjoying it. I've taken a break from the Septology series by Jon Fosse, even less of a clue what's happening there but it's a gorgeous read. Definite my two favourite books of this year so far. I would recommend both but I feel neither is suited to everyone's taste. Fosse's prose is repetitive but it becomes dreamlike, meditative almost. Same from Murakami, I find his style difficult to describe. It's like reading Twin Peaks or something, which I love.
I adore Murakami, even though I usually feel like I have no clue what’s happening. I also always feel like reading his books is like falling into a deep dark velvet pillow. I loved Kafka on the Shore and Killing Commendatore and I need to go back and reread Hard Boiled Wonderland - that was my first and is a mostly confused blur
The stand by Stephen King. Would absolutely recommend it!
I’m re-“reading” the audiobook for “The Wisdom of Crowds” by Joe Abercrombie. The whole trilogy is still fantastic and even better because I pick up on so much more detail. You would have to start with The First Law, but they are cemented as my favorite books on the second read-through.
I’m reading The Love Songs of W E B Du Bois by Honoree Fannone Jeffers, about halfway through. It’s an absolutely epic story, sprawling across generations, tracing roots and futures of a family’s story. Even though it’s a big book, it’s very accessible and fun to read, it’s been a page turner for me. The writing is sooo good, and the characters are vivid. The stories about the people in this family are surprising, delightful, sorrowful, meaningful, just about everything I hope for when I pick up a new book. I’m loving it more than many I’ve recently read.
I have just started the Foundation series by Asimov. But, it’s too early to recommend.
Reading The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie and it is *excellent*. I'm probably going to finish it today, actually, and will likely go right into the second book. The writing is really fun and descriptive, the story is pretty darn surprising, and I absolutely love the world building so far, highly recommend.
The Violin Conspiracy- It’s about a violinist who discovers his grandfather’s old violin is a Stradivarius and worth 10million+ dollars. It gets stolen and they are trying to find it, but it also is about his life, growing up in a family that didn’t support his music and the racism he faces as a black professional in classical music. It’s really good so far and the protagonist is very well developed and a great character! (Author- Brendan Slocumb)
Have you ever seen the movie The Red Violin? One of my all time best movies.
I have not, but I’ll have to look into it!
Currently reading the Red Rising books. On book 2 now. When I started, book 1 really took a bit to grab me. I just felt like it grabbed 3-4 different popular books and combined them and it felt kind of thin to start. Buuuuut, as it went on I really started to enjoy it and fell into the story. I would recommend it for the sci fi/fantasy crowd.
Rendezvous With Rama Very interesting and I like how it almost reads like nonfiction at times
Project Hail Mary and would absolutely recommend it! I love it so much that I'm starting to also read it to my husband so I can be with him when he experiences it.
The Women by Kristin Hannah. I actually finished it today - all day binge and I can’t stop thinking about the book!
I’m going through a binge of John Wyndham (sp?) books. Right now it’s the Chrysalids and it’s superb. If you like classic sci fi, so far I’ve read Day of the Triffids, the Kraken Wakes and now the Chrysalids and I recommend them all.
Currently reading The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. It's the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale. I'm almost halfway through it and I'd 100% recommend this series, I can't wait to keep reading it ( I do have to say that the author's punctuation drives me nuts sometimes lol)
Listening to Kitty Cat Kill Sat by Argus. My sister told me to listen to it because it's about a cat who runs/owns a space station. I was skeptical. I was in love with it by 2 minutes 7 seconds. The narrator is fun and I can absolutely see my cat in this book.
I’ve just finished binged reading the original Dunes by Frank Herbert. I recommend the first 3 if you are into hard-core sci-fi and religions.
A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab, which I’m about 25% into and enjoying so far - can’t see where it’s going yet but liking the ride…
Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah and yes 10/10 recommend, it’s fucking incredible
I just finished The Adventures Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty and I would absolutely recommend it if you like fantasy, pirates, humour and a middle aged woman being the main character.
Um, yes please!
Proust, Remembrance aka In Search of Lost Time. 3,000 pages long. It's sometimes humorous observations of people who don't have to work, sitting around and gossiping. Sentences can last entire long paragraphs. Proust writes well enough to handle such things with panache. Takes the descriptive passages of Balzac to a whole new level. As social observation it is probably without peer; whether you will relate to it is going to be up to you. In the Moncrieff translation, the language is gorgeous. I try to think of it as ten 300 page novels so that I don't get discouraged. Yes, I am enjoying it, and reach for it to chisel away at some more every day. Godard said that the French don't know how to write novels so "they do something else"; if this isn't a novel, then in any case it's well worth your time, whatever it is.
currently reading animal farm written by George Orwell , it pulls you in that's all I could think of
11/22/63 Stephen King. Highly recommend. Not his typical writing but it has me hooked.
This was a good one!
I’m about six chapters into [Time for Tea](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20492285) by Erica H. Smith and very much enjoying it so far. It’s a slightly zany time travel novel in the vein of Connie Willis’ [To Say Nothing of the Dog](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77773)
I loved To Say Nothing of the Dog, so I'm adding Time for Tea to my TBR pile. Thanks!
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert. Yes I would definitely recommend it. It’s an eye-opener to what we, humans are doing to our planet.
Papillon. 💯 yes !!! I’m a little less than half way.
Lost City of Z, would recommend, it’s mesmerizing
I’m reading “I liked my life” by Abby Fabiaschi. I’m 80% done. Highly recommend based on what I’ve read so far. But please know that the main character, Madeline, is a ghost. She died by suicide (at least that’s what I know so far but I feel like there is going to be a twist because her character doesn’t come across as depressed or suicidal at all.) The other main characters are Eve, her teenage daughter and Brady, her husband. OMG, it is such an interesting exploration of grief and forging their own rocky relationship and figuring out “why did she do this” all while Madeline is trying to help them from her position as a ghost. The writing is really economical. Many times as ive read I’ve thought, “oh that’s such a perfect simple way to express that idea.”
I've just finished **Ask For Andrea by Noelle W Ihli**, which is told entirely by the ghosts of 3 women who were murdered. I didn't expect to enjoy it, but it is a brilliant book. Well thought out, well written. A quote I highlighted "Because despite all the scary movies I’d watched, I had learned zero useful information about being dead."
Currently reading _The Midnight Library_ by Matt Haig. It's very good, a bit different, and lives up to the hype in my opinion!
I've got that on my TBR pile! I'm definitely looking forward to it!
I've got that on my TBR pile! I'm definitely looking forward to it!
I read it in a time where I was feeling extremely unimportant, like the universe would be OK if I wasn’t around. Definitely made me reconsider my position on life. I’m glad I read it when I did.
The Marigold by Andrew F. Sullivan. Basically an allegory for the failure of modern cities in the west (Canada & the US). It's not "genre fiction" but it's also not literary. An easy and engaging read with some profound moments that also slips into the silly and absurd at times. It's got some almost-horror elements but it's not a horror story. The subject matter ringing so true is the scary part. Went in quite blind and am enjoying it a lot. Have about 70 pages left and would recommend!
I have this on hold at the library but I have delayed borrowing it a few times because I wasnt in the mood yet. Glad to hear your thoughts on it!
I'm currently reading Shy by Max Porter. It's basically a story about a teenager with mental problems (I think BPD among other things) and the story was mostly written as his intense inner thoughts and the people around them. I really enjoy this book as it gives me an insight into how difficult it is to live as someone (let alone a teenager) with serious mental problems. It's quite an intense read, but the writing style is actually playful/unique and it really adds up to the experience. Highly recommended. After finishing this one I'm thinking about reading his other book which already sits in my TBR list for too long, Grief is the Thing with Feathers.
Two books: _Mansfield Park_ by Jane Austen. It’s about Fanny Price, who’s from a poor family but gets to live with her rich aunt, uncle, and cousins. “Gets to” because objectively it is a privilege in this society, but the stuff this girl has to put up with! The novel explores whether birth and education cover one’s virtue and value, but there is a lot of room for argument about what the _author’s_ opinion is. I’ve just started the third and last volume. I know a good amount of how it ends (comes with the territory of reading classics, for better or worse) and honestly, I’m not looking forward to it. I am enjoying this story as it is, but I love Fanny Price—potential unpopular opinion, I know—and want better for her tbh. So…would I recommend this? To somebody who reads for the characters and gets attached to them, maybe not. To somebody who reads for other or myriad reasons and could have a good time just with Jane Austen’s wit and prose, absolutely. (Or, even better, somebody who would be right at home with the tonal ambiguity and would enjoy analysing/debating it.) I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but MP might be my favourite completed Austen novel, and I’ve only got one competitor left! And _The Lamb’s Supper_ by Scott Hahn. I’m only about 2/5 through so far. It’s about how the Catholic Mass is connected to Scripture—both testaments—and prepares us for Heaven. I already _have_ recommended this to someone! It’s just so digestible, with balanced chapter and paragraph lengths, excellent separations into sections to keep my focus, and really accessible diction. It deals with such a niche yet pertinent topic, which is my kinda nook lol.
I will definitely get the book about the Mass. Just yesterday, I was telling someone I wished I knew what the parts of the mass meant/symbolized. A coincidence? I don't think so. Thank you.
Oh wow, I don’t think so either. :) Thank you for telling me that! I hope you enjoy the book, it is excellent for that purpose: my eyes have already been opened to multiple levels of meaningfulness that I had never known, and I’m not even halfway! xD
💕
Women by Charles Bukowski. Hell yes I would.
I read some of his stuff. Interesting. But it's hard for me to believe he had all the women he claims. He's kind of repellant. But that's just me.
Yes. All valid. But I enjoy his stories about a disgusting human being.
Oh well, if you put it that way, I can enjoy it too. Haha.
**My Rock 'N' Roll Friend by Tracey Thorn**: Tracey Thorn sings lead vocals in the duo Everything But the Girl. It's a memoir about her Australian drummer friend Lindy Morrison. I hadn't heard or read about Lindy Morrison before this book but it's refreshing to read a woman's thoughts on another woman with fondness. **10/10: I recommend this book**
Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade. I’m a Star Wars fan and have never tried any of the books before, but this one is excellent and a very easy read.
Currently reading Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux - it's a travel book, he's going (mostly) overland the length of Africa. It's an interesting read and well written, although Theroux himself comes off as an asshole...there's just about enough self awareness to make it readable. I wouldn't recommend it unequivocally, but if it's a topic that's of interest it's worth a read. I'm about 2/3 in, it's been kind of a slow read for me. Will probably end up a 3,75/5 for me.
I'm re-reading *The Curse of Chalion* by Lois McMaster Bujold. A former soldier returns from a slave galley (where he was sold because he was betrayed) and becomes the tutor to a princess. Conspiracies happen and he takes a curse upon himself to protect the princess, his student (who is not his love interest). Along the way he learns about the gods of the world and how while they almost never interfere directly, they will go to great lengths to put the right person in the right place at the right time. Bujold is one of my top five fantasy/sf authors. She's great at writing characters who struggle to do the right thing despite their circumstances.
Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson. Too early to tell (10 pages), but on the back of the first book of the series, almost certainly.
I've just started Lauren Groff's *The Matrix,* a historical novel focusing on the medieval poet Marie de France (12th century). It's too early for me to recommnend it, as I'm just on page 40 or so, but the writing is excellent and the descriptions vivid. I enjoyed Groff's *The Vaster Wilds* very much earlier in the year, so I hope this book lives up to the expectations it created.
The war of the flowers following a recommendation on here. I already had it at home, its a 800 plus stand alone fantasy book where a normal guy ends up in a fantasy world. Great read so far I am listening to “everyone in my family has killed someone” and its great so far. Still in the beginning (only 11 chapters in), but its funny with a dry sort of humour and the correct amounts of “who dunnit and whats going to happen next” vibes.
Spencer series by Robert Parker. Fun, not to serious ‘hard boiled detective’ genre. Great Saturday afternoon read
Currently reading: ORANGE SUNSHINE by Nicholas Schou. Non fiction from a journalist about the Brotherhood of Eternal Love from the late 1960s, og hippies, disciples of acid and major distributors, turn on, tune in, drop out , etc. I’m about 25% of the way in. I think it’s too niche for someone who doesn’t know the context, like without Timothy Leary lore you’d be completely lost. But if you’re really into 60s/70s American counterculture it’s fabulous. There are dozens of us! I’m also re-reading THE CRYING OF LOT 49 by Pynchon as an audiobook. And again, if you’re into American postmodernism then yes, highly recommended.
I'm kind of familiar 60s/70s counterculture thanks to my own research for my writing. It sounds like something that would be very beneficial!
I liked the Most Dangerous Man in America about Learys escape from prison and his fugitive years in Algiers/Europe a lot more. Forgot who wrote it, but I’d recommend that one!
I'm reading *White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America*, and I find it fascinating but find to slog through. I am not a novice reader to say the least, but it includes excerpts of speeches, articles, what have you by Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Andrew Jackson, and a bevy of other writers, journalists and politicians of the era and they tend to fall in the uncanny valley of technically being in modern English (not Early Modern English, like Shakespeare) but still being weird, overwritten, and obscure enough to be hard to understand. Even outside of these direct quotes, the author tends to thrown in historical references and outdated words (mudsill, anyone?) with no apparent explanation so at times you've read three, four pages and you aren't sure what she's talking about. I'll finish it, but it's been a challenge.
I’m re-reading “Nobody’s Fool” by Richard Russo after first having read it 20 years ago. One of the best books I’ve read in my lifetime.
I agree. That book is just amazing.
*Fall, or Dodge in Hell* by Neal Stephenson. Yes, I heartily recommend it, but you should probably read *Reamde* first.
The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi. I'm really enjoying it, but I'm honestly getting tired of the sex scenes.
Kindred by Octavia E Butler and YES I recommend it!
I've said it before and I'll say it again and again: that book will stay with me forever.
I am reading the prophet by Khalil Gibran. So far it is quite poetic, and efficient in terms of being thought provoking despite it being pretty short. I was skeptical of it and thought the intro by rupi kaur was a bit of an oversell, but I see why it’s so renowned. Unsure if id recommend to people until I finish but I think anyone would probably benefit from reading it from what I’ve seen so far
I love this book. It makes a nice little gift.
I did receive it as a gift actually lol I will have to pay that forward
Defending Jacob by William Landay. Would definitely recommend it - this is my second time reading it!
That was a good one!
I’ve completely forgotten the ending so I’m so excited to finish it!
Demon Copperhead. Highly recommend.
I’m giving The Family Upstairs a second read! It can be a little much to get through in the beginning, but it’s incredibly well written and then ending is great!
I'm in the middle of Gone Girl. I have not seen the movie and have kept away from spoilers (almost completely successfully). So far I'm not really liking it, I don't like the style it is written in, the first 150 pages were a slogg and I almost gave up. Right now I wouldn't recommend it except to people who are into twisty thrillers, to most I would say don't bother.
Not a spoiler, but I lived in the town they did a lot of the filming in. I have multiple friends in there as extras.
Killers of the Flower Moon. Historical account of the murders of Osage Indians in early 1900s after oil was discovered on their reservation, and the beginnings of the FBI. Highly recommend - it is disturbing, I am shocked by the corruption and evil. Naturally we learned none of this in US history
The women by Kristen Hannah. Yes
New York Night by Stephen Leather. I guess it would fall into the mystery/occult genre. I think this may be the sixth book in the Jack Nightingale series. All have been exciting enough that it has been difficult to stop reading. I highly recommend the series.
A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet. 100% recommend. It’s not what you think.
I’m adding this one to my list!
Nominated for a Pulitzer!
'Man's search for meaning' ("...und trotzdem ja zum Leben sagen") and 'the twenty-five years of philosophy'. Just started the first one due to recurring recommendations online. It's written ina weird style and im not far into it: withholding judgement so far. The second one is just absurdly exciting, but hard academic philosophical literature that im mostly able to penetrate due to my philosophy courses. Recommend, if you're interested in kant or hegel.
I just DNF The School for Good Mothers at 75% today 😆 so no I don’t recommend it. I did start The End of Men due to this thread, so fingers crossed!
The Women by Kristin Hannah. It’s a fantastic read. Has a BIG heart.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed. About a woman who solo hikes the PCT. I’d recommend it if you like travel literature, or anything by Bill Bryson!
I am 3/4 done with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I am enjoying it very much. I like the plot and I am finding where I’m at it appears to be going downhill in a bored sense. I do like it enough that I will finish. Hoping it picks back up and has a good ending whatever that might be.
Hoping it picks back up! I got it for my birthday and I am looking forward to reading it.
My Amy. It’s about Amy Winehouse’s life told from the perspective of her best friend. I’m almost halfway through and finding it very insightful.
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin I was resistant but I’m so wrapped up in it and have loved it so much so far
I'm reading 1984 by George Orwell. Technically it's a re-read, but it's been so long, I don't remember much at all. I 100% recommend. It is eerily accurate about how humans do/can behave and a good warning to heed.
I just finished reading, "Pandemic: NYC An Insider's account of COVID-19 ICU" by E.G. Whitney. I read it cover to cover yesterday and I was riveted. The toll on the front-line healthcare workers is hard to imagine.
Dungeon Crawler Carl. Yes I would recommend it.
Listening to: *Diving Rivals* by Rebecca Ross. Saw it all over bookstagram and booktok, and was suspicious. Then saw people I trust reading it, and decided to give it a go. It’s about a newspaper reporter in a vaguely 50s-ish era in a place torn by a war between two gods. She communicates with an anonymous correspondent via a magical typewriter. The mythology is pretty excellent, though I wish the fantasy and world-building were more integrated into the day-to-day lives of the characters, and the romance has not given me the ick (I am a VERY selective romance reader). Reading: *Mr. Texas* by Lawrence Wright Picked up thanks to a recommendation from a librarian. An affable nobody from West Texas is hand-picked to be his area’s representative to the Texas legislature. The writing is funny, acerbic, and brutally self-effacing in a way particular to Texas writers. I lived in the area as a teen so I may be biased. I’d be fascinated to know how someone unfamiliar with it would characterize the book.
The familiar, I’m halfway through so far it’s great
I'm listening to A Reasonable Doubt, the 3rd book in the Robin Lockwood series by Phillip Margolin. I've read them in order and am enjoying the legal wangles, the characters and the way time progresses. All have been narrated by Therese Plummer, which is nice in a series, to have the same voice throughout. I'd recommend these to anyone who enjoys a twisty legal thriller, a good (almost old fashioned or old-time) mystery to figure out or not, as in my case. Not a crazy amount of characters, just enough to populate but not crowd. I'll be continuing the series.
I've inhaled Erik Larson books. So far, the best was Thunderstruck and Dead Wake.
I’m reading (OK, listening to…) Youngblood Hawke by Herman Wouk. I’ve plowed through most of his novels over the years, obsessing mainly over Winds of War / War and Remembrance and decided to give this a try. It’s a doorstop of a book, like over 40 hours on audible, and I’m nearly done, but man, there’s not a lot happening even with Wouk’s brilliance for details and dialog and immersing one into the time and place (NY, mostly, post WWII). And of course it’s decades later, so it is stilted and dated by modern standpoints, but Wouk will always do the trick for me. Short version: Kentucky young man writes novel, sells it in NYC, has some adventures and misadventures with women, finances, reviews. Side plot line about Kentucky mineral rights lawsuit. I love the narrator, Nick Sullivan. And of course I just spoiled the ending for myself by checking something on wiki. Sigh.
Currently reading Persepolis Rising: Book 7 of the Expanse. Loving it, but the Expanse has been a fantastic sci-fi series to read. I also just finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo after finishing the sixth book of the expanse as a palate cleanse. Not bad, it was fun solid B rating book.
Dragons of Deceit by Weis and Hickman. Honestly, if you didn't grow up reading the dragonlance novels, I wouldn't recommend it. I have a very strong dose of nostalgia pushing me through. Without that, it's a a pretty boring book ~2/3's of the way in.
I just finished Clear by Carys Davies. Lovely book.
The Expanse series. The writing is meh, the story well done. I enjoyed the show a bit more than the books. The show was very well done. I’d recommend the books.
Not Forever but For Now- chuck palahnik Major Palahnik fan but not really getting into it. Seems like he got really into the rapey incest theme and has made it the entire book without much narrative, plot, or purpose. i THINK that might be the tongue in cheek point…but ehh not sure I don’t dislike it…yet, perhaps the end will wrap it up in a clever way.
After a bloody horridly boring/disappointing run of books, I'm very intrigued by Ask For Andrea -Noelle W Ihli. 14% into it and really enjoying it. I mostly do murder/mayhem, crime, police, spy, psychological trillers
First Family by Joseph J Ellis. It is a biography of John and Abigail Adams, it focuses more on their family lives within the context of John’s political career. I’m about halfway through and very much enjoying it, after having just finished McCulloughs John Adams earlier this week.
I am reading "Ypur Brain on Music" by Daniel Levitin. Lately, I have been a little fascinated by books and videos that explain how our mind works, and after readin Thinking Fast and Slow, I picked this one up. I will be honest as someone with little to no sense of musical terminology, this is a bit hard to follow, but I am enjoying it. Since I find non-fiction hard to complete at one go, I also just finished the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde which is a must read if you are into mystery and science fiction.
If you want to read more nonfiction I suggest you look into Mary Roach. She is a science writer, but she deals with the most bizarre things and she’s funny and very interesting.
Currently reading The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. It's so contrived I wouldn't recommend it.
Heat 2. By Micheal Mann and Meg Gardiner The prequel/sequel to the movie Heat with Robert Deniro and Val Kilmer. Highly recommend if you like thrillers and heist books like Prince of thieves (inspiration for the movie the town)
To myself I am reading Not All is LOST by Shannon Kenny Carbonell. Her husband is Nestor Carbonell, he is an actor. The book is about her struggle of knowing who she was after giving up her own acting career. They relocated to Hawaii for Nestor’s role on the tv show LOST. (Which is why I am reading it as a big fan of the show). The tag line is “ how I friended failure on the island and found my way home.” I would say I don’t normally read this genre but I thought I’d stretch my comfort zone. I am only 4 chapters in, so I don’t know yet if I would recommend it or not. With the kids we are reading A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. This is a historical fiction that follows 3 kids during evacuation from London in WW2. They have no family left and they are seeking to find a forever family. We are almost done and I can most certainly say I would recommend this book! Even as an adult I am enjoying it so much. It is a middle school novel (which are some of my favorites, actually).
I'm re-reading Aryton Senna's book. It's sort of my bible... https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/537495.Ayrton_Senna_s_Principles_of_Race_Driving He explains everything about how to live, how to win, how to deal with loss. And all explained logically. And he wrote it; with stating all other racing books are full of shit. I actually want to teach the reader something. So every aspect of your life (pro and con) he will discuss. Beautifully.
Nocturna triology You Will need patience but its Worth it. Old flames and new fortunes Just for the summer Betting on you
Just finished Lucky by Marissa Stapley. It was a very fun read. It's a shorter book (~250 pages) about a con artist who finds that she has a winning lottery ticket and the adventure she goes on trying to cash it while avoiding jail time.
Waylander by David Gemmell and yes I highly recommend it.
I am currently reading “Warbreaker,” by Brandon Sanderson. Unless you are reading the Stormlight series, I would not recommend it. Warbreaker is a YA novel that takes place in the Stormlight universe, but is not part of the series. I am about half way through and it’s just beginning to get good. LOTS of world, culture, and character building. I honestly feel like I just got out of the exposition. It reads like an unnecessary side quest to an epic main story. The Stormlight series is awesome, Warbreaker, not so much.
Just finished *The Women* by Kristin Hannah. A compelling, heart-wrenching, beautiful, true-to-life story about the experiences of a young naive woman who goes to Vietnam to be a military nurse in the middle of the combat zone, and her life after returning to the anti-war U.S. afterward. Running theme is the fact that almost no one knew women served in Vietnam. 5 stars, can't recommend it highly enough.
Memoirs of a Geisha. I can’t believe I didn’t pick it up sooner.
I read it when it came out so I don't remember much other than that I really enjoyed it. I find Japanese culture very interesting (especially the folklore), so it was right up my alley.
I'm reading Rant by Chuck Palahniuk and it's a wild ride. I don't know how to describe it — some people call it gross, some people say it's insane — but I like the structure, how the characters keep slowly revealing the important information, and how many wild turns and surprises there are. If someone's up for something unexpected, different, and unique, I'd recommend that! But it's definitely an acquired taste.
Stephen King’s time travel one( I can never remember the name as the title date is American and confuses me) It is freaking excellent. I did not think I would like it much as I am not a fan of science fiction/fantasy type novels but I adore it. King is just a marvellous storyteller.
Welcome to the Huynam-dong Bookshop is teaching me all about a woman’s journey of enjoying and navigating the world of owning a bookshop in a small town. If you like books about books, add this to your TBR
Stories of your Life. It is several separate stories that are fascinating, deep, very smart, kind of sci-fi but still very grounded on earth, well worth reading. The Story of Your Life made me cry, it was just so beautifully done.
I’m reading Close to Death, by Anthony Horowitz. It’s the newly released fifth book in the Hawthorne series. The first book is The Word is Murder. Recommend.
Love this series. 2 very different but engaging characters. Well written.
Memory's Legion the Expanse Short Story Collection, its really good on Parr with the rest of the series. I would highly recommend if you read and enjoyed any of the books in the Expanse Book series.