OnTheBrink Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I am wanting some new reading material. So, what have you been reading this summer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I wish I could say I'm reading something deep and profound--mostly, I'm reading the RR catty! lol I just finished several kid's books--Wizard of Oz was one of them. I'll be watching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 So, what have you been reading this summer? What I've read this summer: "The Year of Living Biblically" by A.J. Jacobs (funny & insightful) "The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell (fascinating & thought-provoking) "Kabul Beauty School" by Deborah Rodriguez (so-so) "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield (quick & interesting) "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova (lots of great history in this Dracula tale) "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides (unique & touching; great characterization) "Armadillos and Old Lace" by Kinky Friedman (fun murder mystery) "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett (lyrically told) Tried reading "Twilight" (but couldn't take it), so I quit reading about 2/3 of the way through. I'm currently reading: "Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34" by Bryan Burrough Getting ready to start reading: "The Eyre Affair" (I read it a few years go but am re-reading it for my book club) by Jasper Fforde "Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett "Marco Polo" by Laurence Bergreen, alongside "The Travels of Marco Polo" by Marco Polo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pooh bear Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie and the two sequels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Two good reads as of late: The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris Both were recommended to me by Crissy. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 The Sorceress:The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. It's 3rd in the series and was just recently released. They're kids books but very amusing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I'm working on blink and The Prince for two book groups and have read The Actor and the Housewife and Why Darwin Matters and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich for other months' groups. For my own reading, I've read most of the Ender series, a couple of books about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and several books on language and historical linguistics. I also read an excellent new book on ethnic minorities in China called Invisible China. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 They are not new, but two of the books I really enjoyed this summer were Piano Lessons by Noah Adams and The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by Thad Carhart. They have me seriously considering starting piano lessons in my old age. I also enjoyed another Noah Adams book, Far Appalachia: Following the New River North. All are easy reading, but still interesting, and are easy to read chapter by chapter (or in my case, from soccer game to soccer game). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I just finished Lost Boys by Brent Jeffs, and am currently reading The Number Devil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joy at Home Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Lord of the Rings :001_smile: blessings, lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeathenMom Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. halfway through and it's the best thing i've read all summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soph the vet Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Common Sense by Glenn Beck And I'd like to start memorizing the Constitution.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I am wanting some new reading material. So, what have you been reading this summer? Have you tried: 1. Elizabeth Peters (Peabody series, funny and suspenseful) 2. Anne Perry (she has several series available, they all deal with life in Victorian times and point out the social evils of the day while the main story is some mystery. Well written) 3. Karen Kingsbury (Definitely Christian. Several series available as well as stand-alone books. Some are tough to read but they make me think - a lot.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr8tcook Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 The other Bolelyn girl in the grip of grace the shopaholic series a biography about Janette Oke and just finished Enemy of God about King Arthur (actually this is a series too and I finished the whole) how is that for eclectic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 My main read is When Christ and His Saints Slept, the first in a trilogy centered on Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. This volume deals primarily with Maude's and Stephen's battle for the English throne (a time familiar to anyone who has read the Brother Cadfael series). It's a page turner despite its tremendous amount of historical detail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imprimis Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I'm in the middle of Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. I'm really enjoying this book;the writing is beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I'm into historical fiction so I have read: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (quick read, lovely book) The Other Boleyn Girl (like it a lot) right now: People of the Book (just started, seems great) next: The Blood of Flowers (abt 17th century Iran) and next: Christ the Lord:Out of Egypt (by Anne Rice about the boyhood of Jesus) or: Outlander - by Gabaldon (heard phenomenal things about this one) or: The Killing Way (a Merlin murder mystery) What kind of books do you like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Elliot Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 The last three books I've finished: Kristin Lavransdatter (Nunnally translation) - This is now my most favorite book ever! The Help by Kathryn Stockett - Fun. A great first novel by a talented writer. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+help+ No Graven Image by Elisabeth Elliot - thought-provoking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 My main read is When Christ and His Saints Slept, the first in a trilogy centered on Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. This volume deals primarily with Maude's and Stephen's battle for the English throne (a time familiar to anyone who has read the Brother Cadfael series). It's a page turner despite its tremendous amount of historical detail. Ohhhhh Moira, I have this on my list as well, but every time I look at it it's so dang huge that I think I just don't have the time to delve into it. Page turner, eh? Good to know, may have to bump it up on the list! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Outliers is really interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 The last three books I've finished: Kristin Lavransdatter (Nunnally translation) - This is now my most favorite book ever! The Help by Kathryn Stockett - Fun. A great first novel by a talented writer. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+help+ No Graven Image by Elisabeth Elliot - thought-provoking I have The Help on my list too, but my library can't keep it in for me and I'm not quite ready to hold it yet. It sounds great!! Can you tell me more about Kristin Lavransdatter? Is it hist fiction or what? Time period? If it's now your mostest favoritest then I have to know more!!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athena1277 Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I just finished "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn". It was a good read. I recommend it if you haven't read it before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Elliot Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 (edited) I have The Help on my list too, but my library can't keep it in for me and I'm not quite ready to hold it yet. It sounds great!! Can you tell me more about Kristin Lavransdatter? Is it hist fiction or what? Time period? If it's now your mostest favoritest then I have to know more!!! :D Real quick cause I'm on my way out the door-- Kristin Lavransdatter is set in the 1300's in Norway. It was originally written in Norwegian and won the Nobel Literature prize in 1928. The newer Nunnally translation is definitely better than the previous (Anders, I think). I first saw it on Elisabeth Elliot's list of recommended books, probably 15 years ago. It took me this long to get to it. Now I'll be rereading and rereading it. I'm not a great reviewer, but I know that Semicolon and Mindy Withrow and countless others have reviewed this book. Gotta go! Edited August 3, 2009 by Luann in ID Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Animal, Vegetable, Miracle Duma Key The Picture of Dorian Gray The Eyes of the Dragon The Letters of John and Abigail Adams Watchmen Plus lots and lots of prereading for the upcoming school year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Kristin Lavransdatter (Nunnally translation) - This is now my most favorite book ever!Good to know... this is the one I've been avoiding because of its size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satori Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Today I finished The Historian by Elizabeth Kostava. Next, I think I may re-read The Time Traveler's Wife, as it's coming out in the theaters soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Kristin Lavransdatter is set in the 1300's in Norway. It was originally written in Norwegian and won the Nobel Literature prize in 1928. The newer Nunnally translation is definitely better than the previous (Anders, I think).Anyone want to weigh in on the one volume Nunnally edition vs three volumes? If the all-in-one is terribly floppy or unwieldy, I'd prefer three volumes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine Ledge Academy Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Heaven, Randy Alcorn Safely home, Randy Alcorn The Four Loves, CS Lewis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momzilla333 Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Waterlily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Duma Key That was a good, creepy, cool read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elizabeth Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater-werewolf YA fiction,the lady can write Heavy Sand by Rybakov-unbelievably good covering the history of a Jewish family -oop but worth seeking. The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon-also wrote Shadow of the Wind if you want a literate adult love story he is your new writer on the block. The Strain by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo del Toro-vampire /bioweapon great stuff for the beach-I am in Iowa so great for reading in fields of green beans. Bitten and Dimestore Magic by Kelley Armstrong-paranormal but not insipid The Things They Carried by Tim O Brien-Vietnam veteran , vignettes from several characters really depressing but well written. Children of the Arbat by Rybakov-left me breathless, artists, writers, gulags... The Moviegoer by Walker Percy -I miss him still. Langston Hughes Collected Poems Black Like Me by John Griffin-for dd school year prereading for discussion purposes. I am not sure how I feel about this book yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patchfire Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 The Things They Carried by Tim O Brien-Vietnam veteran , vignettes from several characters really depressing but well written. I had to read this book in high school and it remains one of the few books that made a true, memorable impression on me. I highly recommend it. What I've been reading: The Unlikely Disciple, which was funny, fairly well-written, and respectful. Acceptance, interesting but not as good I thought it might be. Whipping Girl; this is written by a trans woman and has some truly wonderful insights about femininity and how it is looked down upon by society as a whole. I really enjoyed this book but it is probably not everyone's cup of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_Edgerton Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Currently: My Life in France by Julia Child Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein Finished last month: Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates The Reader by Bernhard Schlink And I plan on rereading The Confederacy of the Dunces (one of my all time favorites) on an upcoming trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loupelou Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 So far this summer: Candide Still Alice The Vagrants The Scarlet Letter Currently: The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization Common Sense-Paine Unplug Your Kids Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fivetails Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Twilight ~ I'm almost done with the last book in the series. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jami Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 My mom recently recommended "People of the Book" and I really enjoyed it. :) It reminded me of A.S. Byatt's "Possession" with its two narrative threads. I'm into historical fiction so I have read: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (quick read, lovely book) The Other Boleyn Girl (like it a lot) right now: People of the Book (just started, seems great) next: The Blood of Flowers (abt 17th century Iran) and next: Christ the Lord:Out of Egypt (by Anne Rice about the boyhood of Jesus) or: Outlander - by Gabaldon (heard phenomenal things about this one) or: The Killing Way (a Merlin murder mystery) What kind of books do you like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elw_miller Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Have Read: Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius Home Education, vol. 1 by Charlotte Mason Homeschooling by the Millmans Charlotte's Web with my daughter Started Reading: A Philosophy of Education, vol. 6 by Charlotte Mason Listening to Anne of Green Gables with my kids while we run errands On my list: A biography about Cicero The Brothers Karamazov--my husband is reading it and says it is excellent The History of the Ancient World by SWB--my husband read it and really enjoyed it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janna Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 I am reading Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. It's a historical fiction book about a remote tribe of Chinese women and their secret writings and friendships. It's been interesting so far, to read about the foot binding they used to do to have small (like the length of your thumb), and what they considered perfect, feet. I'm also reading Enchanted Hunters: The Power of Stories in Childhood by Maria Tatar. Just started this one, so no opinion as of yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommylawyer Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Empress Orchid and The Last Empress by Anchee Minh. Scream Free Parenting By Hal Edward Runkel. (So far, it's not working.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie in IL Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 For fiction, I'm reading the second in a series by Lisa T. Bergren - it is called The Betrayed. It is excellent - I highly recommend it. I'm also reading Wild Things - subtitled Nurturing Boys (I think) - by Stephen James; Homeschooling High School by Jeanne Dennis; and Homeschooling Through the Teen Years by Cafi Cohen, and How To Read a Book (Adler). The kids and I are reading The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. For pure fun, I have the current edition of Yankee Magazine. :) Hoping to have much reading time on vacation soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 I have read quite a few good ones so far this summer. Lovely Bones--Alice Sebold Beautfiul Boy--David Sheff The Boy in Striped Pajamas--John Boyne Jane Austin Ruined My Life--Beth Patillo Welcome to the Departure Lounge--Meg Federico The Elegance of a Hedgehog--Muriel Barbery (in the middle of it but like it so far) Waiting in the wings: Austenland--Shannon Hale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Julie & Julia by Julie Powell. Loved the project, did not like the personality or writing style of the author. Disappointing. I hope the movie is much better. On my list is "My Life In France' by Julia Child. Today I finished 'Beyond Belief' by Josh Hamilton. Powerful story of a life almost lost to drugs and the healing, restorative power of Christ. Amazing story. The one I'm not going to get to this summer is "In Praise of Slowness". A book about how our lives are too, too fast and ways to slow it down in order to savor more. LOL My oldest in getting married in our backyard in less than 20 days...our lives are full speed ahead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen in VA Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 I have several books going, as usual: The Heart of Midlothian by Sir Walter Scott The Ever Loving Truth by Voddie Baucham Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow A Table in the Presence by Lt. Carey H. Cash The Deadliest Monster by Jeff Baldwin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janna Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Congratulations on the upcoming marriage of your daughter! How exciting! Btw, I really enjoyed My Life in France. Made me want to learn french cooking badly! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelly in the Country Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 The children don't let me read as much as I'd like. I usually work on a couple of books at a time, picking up what suits my mood: History of the Ancient World by SWB - I'll be working on this one all year. I'm trying to read it in sync with the kids going through Ancient History in TOG. No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie - Just finished last night Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg Above All Earthly Pow'rs - David Wells The Flying Inn by G.K. Chesterton - when I need a laugh Unfortunately I can really only read when the kids are asleep. If I try to enter the living room with a book they will all jump me. They'll let me sit at my computer, but will not let me read a book. Hmm, maybe I should hide a book behind my keyboard.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Common Sense by Glenn BeckAnd I'd like to start memorizing the Constitution.;) This is near the top of my reading pile as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary in MN Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Currently:And I plan on rereading The Confederacy of the Dunces (one of my all time favorites) on an upcoming trip. You're ruining my platform...I've always insisted to my husband that only a man could like that book. I've never seen a book make him laugh so hard, and for me, it was like watching the Stooges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orangearrow Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 This summer, I've finished (I tend to read fantasy literature, or historical fiction - anything Oprah wouldn't recommend, probably, lol): The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss love. love. love. Bought it after reading the library's copy. The Mistborn trilogy by Brandson Sanderson. I can't explain how much I loved this series - borrowed them from the library and bought my own copies midway through the series. I teared up when the last book ended - mostly because I was sad to have no more of this series to read (and I am not a crier!). The Princess Bride by William Goldman - simply because I haven't read it in a long time. I needed a good chuckle and this book will do that for me. :D I have finished one more of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I actually wouldn't keep muddling through these, except that Brandon Sanderson is finishing Jordan's series. And, since I've decided to buy anything Sanderson writes as soon as I can get my hands on it... I need to get through this series (which actually has a fantastic storyline, I just find Jordan to be needlessly repetitive) so I can read Sanderson's (hopefully improved) WoT novel when it comes out later this year. And, right now, I have just started re-reading the Arthurian Saga by Mary Stuart. I haven't read this series since high school, iirc. I have American Gods by Neil Gaiman here to read - but made it to Chapter Two (I think?) with the goddess and the man - and I'm just not sure I want to read further. It is reminding me a ton of Wicked - and I enjoyed Wicked - but I'm not sure I'm up for another book so similar, if they are similar.... :001_huh: I need to read spoilers for the book to determine if I want to bother reading it, apparently. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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