November 2006 - book thread

[tbb113]

I just finished A Time to Run by Barbara Boxer (yes, the senator from CA). It is a fiction book about a senator from CA (completely not based on her). It was an enjoyable read. Here is the blurb from Amazon

The three-term senator from California—newly and handily re-elected in 2004—offers a debut novel to relate "a story I had long wanted to tell." Aspiring political activist Josh Fischer and aspiring journalist Greg Hunter are best friends and roommates at 1970s Berkeley; Josh is dark, sensitive and liberal; Greg is blond, gregarious and leans right. When the two meet Ellen Downey, a petite redhead with a steely determination to make the world a better place, romantic entanglements ensue, with Ellen ultimately marrying Josh shortly after graduation. Josh runs for political office, Ellen heads a mentoring program for at-risk kids, and Greg, married to a wealthy socialite but still in the picture, works as a reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle. When Josh dies during his Senate campaign, Ellen assumes his candidacy and scores an upset victory; the book opens on the eve of a vote regarding a controversial Supreme Court nominee, with Greg appearing in Ellen's office holding incendiary documents that could alter the course of history—or level her career. All of this is by-the-numbers stuff, but Boxer brings been-there nuance to the backbiting, hazardous personal disclosures and naked power mongering of California and Washington politics

Next up is Company C: An American's Life as a Citizen-Soldier in Israel

BTW - is anybody planning on discussing The MemoryKeeper's Daughter this month? The on-line book discussion group is planning on reading it (and I'm leading the discussion)

[Terrytx]

BTW - is anybody planning on discussing The MemoryKeeper's Daughter this month? The on-line book discussion group is planning on reading it (and I'm leading the discussion)

That is what I am reading right now.

[ChristineVA]

I just finished reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter. I have to say that I truly did not care for it. Wasn't the worst book I've read, the plot was good, however, I just didn't care for the author's style of writing. I found myself "speedreading" and totally skipping certain passages in the book just to get on with it. Again, good story, but the writing just didn't grab me.

I also just finished Valley of Silence which is the third book in the new Nora Roberts Circle Trilogy. I really, really, really enjoyed this trilogy which each book better than the first. The third one was my favorite. I know Nora Roberts can be a "fluff" kind of read, but the character development in these books was awesome.

Christine

[kcmo727]

I am reading a funny book called Mommies Who Drink by Brett Paesl. I had never heard of her before but apparently she is an actress who has had bit parts on HBO shows such as Six Feet Under and Curb Your Enthusiasm. She portrays herself as a bit of a wild child who suddenly finds that motherhood has severely cramped her style. So far it is really funny...she is a very witty writer. And she would probably be a lot of fun to drink with!

I started Paint it Black by Janet Fitch but I am not finding it compelling so far. I am going to give it another try though since White Oleander is one of my all time favorite books. Maybe it will get better.

I am adding Alice Munro's new book of short stories to my Christmas list. She is such a great writer and still prolific even in her 70's -- an amazing woman.

[rosen]

Many thanks to those that rec'd Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. I nabbed it from the "new" shelf at the library & devored it in 2 days... can't believe there isn't a waiting list for this outstanding book! I loooooved it! I wasn't too sure about it when I started since it begins as the voice of an elderly man "trapped" in an assisted living home (& that is hitting a little to close to my heart as we grapple w/ that decision for my elderly parents). But his sense of humor is wonderful & I just wanted him to keep on telling his stories (both past & present).

Before that was another great read-- The Brambles, by Eliza Minot. The author has a wonderful voice & I flew thru that novel, too. I've got her first book (The Tiny One) to start on next.

[Kay Henderson]

I read A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. In this book, she chronicles the year following the death of her husband and fellow writer, John Gregory Dunne. During the year her only daughter, Quintana, who had been gravely ill at the time of her husband’s death, suffered another crisis. In the book, Didion is both observer and participant, giving a searing look at grief. This was a scary book to read, for I expect that losing one’s mate is a profoundly difficult experience at any age. Didion has always struck me as a person who wears her emotions on her sleeve and sees through a glass darkly and this comes through in this narrative. There were a number of “ah-has” for me. For example, she described not having someone to listen to her tidbits and stories (I remember John’s grandmother making the same observation). I’m glad I read the book; it will stick with me.

Most recently, I read Martha: On Trial, in Jail and on a Comeback by Robert Slater. The author, an experienced writer of business books, covers the recent troubled period of Martha Stewart’s life and career. I thought the book was balanced and even-handed. I was particularly struck by a couple of things. On the issue of illegal stock tips, he quotes one of the jury members:" Maybe this is a victory for the little guys who lose money thanks to these kinds of transactions.” The author also has a very lucid section in which he asks whether Martha was innocent or guilty. He argues that she was not guilty of insider trading [and indeed was not charged with it]. He feels that she probably was guilty of lying to the feds. Lastly, he points out that the offenses were minor, but that she was her own worst enemy when it came to ticking off the feds and the jury. The book concludes with the period in which she regained her compass and put her life back together. As a serious Martha fan, I enjoyed this well written book very much.

[SDMomChef]

I just finished reading two books over the weekend (including staying up way too late last night and suffering for it today):

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig, sort-of a historical fiction chick-lit mystery book. A fun, easy read. Description from Amazon.com:

The French eventually unmasked the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian, famed spies in the Napoleonic wars, but as Harvard graduate student Eloise Kelly discovers at the start of this breezy historical romance, the identity of the Pink Carnation remains a mystery. Working in London on her history dissertation, Eloise gets access to a trunk of papers and documents from the early 19th century. She dives into this treasure trove, and suddenly the reader is plunged into a novel within a novel, told from the viewpoint of Amy Balcourt. Amy, exiled to rural England with her mother, now wants to avenge, with the help of her cousin Jane, her father's death at the hands of the French. She hopes to be in league with the Scarlet Pimpernel, who heroically tried to save her father. Willig, a Harvard graduate student herself, does a good job painting a picture of the tumultuous era. She also makes the sparks fly between Amy and the Purple Gentian, a dashing English nobleman in charge of Egyptian antiquities for Bonaparte.

Then, I had to go to Barnes & Noble yesterday to get part II of the series The Masque of the Black Tulip. Lucky for me, but not so lucky with the pocket book, the next installment of the series is being released on Thursday. I should be caught up on my sleep by then!

[KristaMB]

I'd been in a bit of a reading slump, but right now I am completely wrapped up in The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I don't know why I waited so long to read this! I find myself thinking about the characters constantly, and I've even been dreaming about them.

I'll be adding some of the books on this thread to my library list. Tyra, I had no idea that Senator Boxer was a published fiction author. How did you find out about her book? Was is it written up in a newspaper or did you stumble across it?

Kcmo, please let us know if Paint It Black gets better. I loved White Oleander and would love to read more of Janet Fitch.

[tbb113]

I stumbled on the book at the library and it looked good.

I'm slowly reading Company C: An American's Life as a Citizen-Soldier in Israel . Its interesting...but I just haven't had time to commit to reading lately. Looks like I'll be renewing some library books this time around :o

[cindy47031]

I'm about 1/2 way through Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon. It's an old book (1977), so many of you may have already read it, but if you haven't, the writing is amazing. She has a true gift.

[beacooker]

Last week, I finished reading Gilead by Marianne Robinson. It has been years since I actually bought a book (I get all my books from the library), but I think I am going to buy a copy of this book. There were so many sections I wanted to mark for re-reading. This was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.

Now, I am reading Prisoners: A Muslim and a Jew Across the Middle East Divide. I am about half-way through it. I think I might enjoy the book more if I knew much about Israel's history, but I'm still finding the book engaging, and I'm learning a lot.

Next up will either be Barack Obama's Audacity of Hope (I can't believe I might actually read a politician's book!), or The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--And How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World .

[Sookie]

I finally read She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. I have had this book for so many years and can't believe I waited this long to read it - truly an interesting book. I enjoyed it very much. I just started The Perfect Husband.

[joybuzz99]

Am in the middle of reading A Tree Grows In Brooklyn for this weeks book club in my area. I have viewed the movie several times and was not so excited when someone suggested reading this book. I have to say that I LOVE the book and am glad I read it now. Not sure what I will read next but I am sure I will find a book here from your suggestions which are always helpful.

[KLynn]

I'd been in a bit of a reading slump, but right now I am completely wrapped up in The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I don't know why I waited so long to read this! I find myself thinking about the characters constantly, and I've even been dreaming about them.

I adored that book. I am currently engrossed in Gregory's The Constant Princess which is about Catherine of Aragon and how she became Henry's first wife. So good!

[gaja]

I'd been in a bit of a reading slump, but right now I am completely wrapped up in The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I don't know why I waited so long to read this! I find myself thinking about the characters constantly, and I've even been dreaming about them.

I read this book recently and I agree it was captivating. I also read Gregory's The Queen's Fool but did not find it quite as good.

I am currently reading Stephen McCauley's Alternatives to Sex and for some reason it is taking me forever to get through it. I like his writing style but somehow I just cannot seem to get into the story...

[cumulus]

I just finished reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter. I have to say that I truly did not care for it. Wasn't the worst book I've read, the plot was good, however, I just didn't care for the author's style of writing. I found myself "speedreading" and totally skipping certain passages in the book just to get on with it. Again, good story, but the writing just didn't grab me.
Christine
I didn't like it either. I couldn't relate to any of the characters, and ended up becoming frustrated with the way they treated themselves and each other.

I've been in an action/adventure/biographical phase. Recently read:
It's Not About the Bike- Lance Armstrong
Between a Rock and a Hard Place- Aron Ralston
Into the Wild- Jon Krakauer

Would HIGHLY recommend all of them. Particularly Ralston's. Totally unexpected read. He's poetic, utterly captivating, but incredibly thoughtful and thought provoking. Plus, how could you pass over reading about someone who cut their own arm off?!?!

And my minor crush on Lance Armstrong grew exponentially after reading his. He's a total (insert any 4 letter word here), but I like him even more for it.

[erin elizabeth]

I finally finished a book. Lately I haven't been reading as much as usual. I read and really liked Philip Beard's Dear Zoe. My only gripe was that some of the teenage girl stuff did not ring true to me, but I think I am more aware of that when it is a man writing a female character.

Beacooker--I did the same thing with Gilead--went right out and bought myself a hard cover copy :) Loved that book.

Next up is fluff--Charlaine Harris' Dead until Dark--a waitress falls in love with a vampire :rolleyes:

[beckms]

Next up is fluff--Charlaine Harris' Dead until Dark--a waitress falls in love with a vampire :rolleyes:

Erin, did you like this? I almost picked it up at Borders.

[ShanaG]

Where is the on-line book discussion of Memory Keeper's Daughter? I read this about a year ago, for my book group. I found this book to be disturbing - and yes, most of the characters were extremely frustrating. I remember liking the nurse who adopted Phoebe, but she was really the only one.

I just finished Cane River, by Lalita Tademy, and loved it. It was an Oprah's Book Club selection from several years ago. The author was a vice president for Sun Microsystems who quit her job to research her family history full time, then wrote a novel about it. This one was hard to put down.

Next up is Finding Noel, by Richard Paul Evens, my book group's selection for December. I am expecting it to be a quick, light read.

[tbb113]

Where is the on-line book discussion of Memory Keeper's Daughter? I read this about a year ago, for my book group. I found this book to be disturbing - and yes, most of the characters were extremely frustrating. I remember liking the nurse who adopted Phoebe, but she was really the only one.



Here is the link (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=97775)

[chazkp]

Quote:
Originally Posted by KristaMB
I'd been in a bit of a reading slump, but right now I am completely wrapped up in The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I don't know why I waited so long to read this! I find myself thinking about the characters constantly, and I've even been dreaming about them.

I love this book! I read it several years ago, and I think it is her best book.
They are making a movie of this book. Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, and Eric Bana are starring.

I just finished Terry Pratchett's Night Watch, which I really enjoyed. I like the character of Vimes, and this book featured him.

Right now I am looking for a good historical fiction book. Can anyone recommend one?

[jrichards]

Michelle - I agree about Paint it Black - not very compelling. I also loved White Oleander, but didn't like this one much at all.

It always amazes me when an author I fall in love with has other books that fall into the "bad range." I thought Middlesex was absolutely amazing, but then Virgin Suicides so wasn't! :p

Jennifer

[beckms]

Quote:

Right now I am looking for a good historical fiction book. Can anyone recommend one?

Can I...have you read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon?

Heh. There's quite a devpted following to the characters in her stories. I highly recommend. :cool:

[Lrimerman]

Wow, I have to go back and make a list of the books I want to read from this thread.

I just finished Chew On This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson. Similar to Fast Food Nation (which I started, but did not finish) but more focused on the kids side of the issues (marketing, employment, health, etc). I read through it very quickly and liked it. I even read some parts to my kids (age 5 and 8) and they really are engrossed in it and asked for more.

I am now reading A Life Unburdened by Richard Morris. I am enjoying his writing style and his insight. I heard him at a speaking engagement this fall and really was impressed with him.

After I finish that I plan to start reading (probably in spurts) Full Moon Feast by Jessica Prentice.

I think I need to find a lot more reading time.


Lisa

[erin elizabeth]

Rebecca--

I would give Dead Until Dark a C--I am going to pick up the next one at the library and give Harris one more try. I wanted it to be better than it was, but, as fluff, it was decent. I've been off serious reading for a bit and have felt the need for more of an escape lately. This definitely fits the bill--I guess if I had to put my finger on it, it was a little too uncomplicated for me :rolleyes: even for fluff. Not sure if this is a recommendation or not!

Just finished Death by Pad Thai a book of food-related essays. Sped through it--v. good!

[SDMomChef]

Right now I am looking for a good historical fiction book. Can anyone recommend one?


Hmmm....some of my favorite historical fiction books:

Sunne and Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman. Description from Amazon.com:

In this stirring historical novel, Sharon Kay Penman redeems Richard III from his villainous role in history as the hulking, evil hunchback. This dazzling recreation of his life is filled with the sights and sounds of battle, and the passions of the highborn. Most of all, it brings to life a gifted man whose greatest sin was that he held principles too firmly for the times in which he lived, and loved too deeply to survive love's loss.

Sharon Kay Penman also has a trilogy about the downfall of the Welsh kings, Here Be Dragons, Falls the Shadow and the Reckoning. She is my absolute favorite historical fiction writer - she has a talent for making you feel like you are living in the time period, but unlike some historical fiction writers, she also has an uncanny ability to make the characters seem so human. If you liked the Other Boleyn Girl, I suspect that you would enjoy her books.

I also am a Diane Gabeldon fan...so would recommend any of her books, although the Outlander and the Dragonfly in Amber are my two favorites of the series...although A Breath of Snow and Ashes left me hanging - can't wait for the next installment.

A few other books that I've enjoyed from the Historical Fiction genre:

- The Autobiography of Henry VIII, by Margaret George - it gives a different picture of King Henry VIII than Phillipa Gregory.

- I, Elizabeth, by Rosalind Miles - if you are interested in reading more about the two daughters of Henry VIII.

- The Borgia Bridge by Jeanne Kalogridis. I'm currently reading another book by Jeanne Kalogridis, called I, Mona Lisa, that so far has been very good.

- The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

[gaja]

Quote:
Right now I am looking for a good historical fiction book. Can anyone recommend one?

Have you read Sandra Gulland's Josephine B. Trilogy ? I read a lot of historical fiction and this is one of my all-time favorite. It is beautifully written and absolutely captivating!

[chazkp]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Beckms - The Outlander books sound interesting. I think I would like them.

SDMomChef - I have read the I, Elizabeth book. I love English history, especially the Tudor era, so I will probably look for the Henry VIII book. I have read some of the Jean Plaidy books, but they are a little dry for me.

gaja - I am going to look for the Josephine B. Trilogy at the library next time I am there. I looked it up on Amazon, and it looks wonderful!

Has anyone read any Edward Rutherfurd? I read London and loved it, but I had a hard time getting through Sarum. Just wondering if anyone would recommend reading more of his books, or if I should go on to other books. For those of you that have never heard of him, he picks a location and writes about it starting from the beginning of civilization to present day, following the story lines of several families through the centuries.

[Sookie]

Over the week-end I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. This was a very good book, which made me really think about and question my relationships with my female friends. I have always been fascinated with Asian culture and especially the lost custom (thank goodness) of footbinding. This book did not disappoint.

[SDMomChef]

Over the week-end I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. This was a very good book, which made me really think about and question my relationships with my female friends. I have always been fascinated with Asian culture and especially the lost custom (thank goodness) of footbinding. This book did not disappoint.

I read that book this summer, and I agree with your thoughts. It was a wonderful book on friendships and the Chinese culture.

[tbb113]

I finally finished Company C: An American's Life as a Citizen-Soldier in Israel . Okay book but not one I would recommend rushing out to read.

Started yesterday (and almost finished) More than Friends by Barbara Delinsky. Typical beach read type of book and is suiting my mood perfectly

[SDMomChef]

I just finished reading I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis and it was a wonderful historical fiction book - good characters and unique story line set in 15th century Italy. Love it!

Now...after reading a good book...not sure what else I want to read - want to let it linger for awhile!

[foodfiend]

I finished The Omnivore's Dilemma, which was recommended here. I really liked it, though I'm not sure what my next steps are. (eat locally grown? buy specialty poultry?)
I also read The Memory Keeper's Daughter a while back. The first chapter was great but the rest of the book didn't live up to it. Very bleak.
I've tried reading Gilead -- maybe there's something I'm missing, but I don't quite understand why everyone raves about it.

[Terrytx]

I've tried reading Gilead -- maybe there's something I'm missing, but I don't quite understand why everyone raves about it.

I'm trying to read it now, but if something doesn't change really soon I'm putting it back on the shelf :(

[kima]

I highly recommend Mary Lawson's The Other Side of the Bridge . I started it and could not stop reading. Beautifully written, poignant story - a real winner.

Lawson's first book Crow Lake is wonderful as well.

Rather than write my own descritpion of the book you can read about it here. This is my fav book of the year. :)


http://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Bridge-Mary-Lawson/dp/0385340370/sr=1-1/qid=1164583212/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-5774656-5930036?ie=UTF8&s=books

[Natasha]

Hi all!

Maureen, I really enjoyed Crow Lake too and just got her other book out from the library. I'm not far into it but am already finding it quite interesting. I'm hoping to read Alice Munro's new book of short stories soon too.

Natasha