CountitallJoy Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Can any one recommend any good non-fiction that isn't homeschool/education/disability/disease related? Or historical fiction (I love history if that helps :)) Have you read any of Alison Weir's historical fiction novels? She primarily wrote biographies, (which I haven't read), but she is my FAVORITE historical fiction writer...so far anyway. Her first was Innocent Traitor. I couldn't put it down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missouri Okie Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 I just finished Code Name Verity, which a few people mentioned the last time there was one of these threads. It was very good...I wish I would have read it more slowly. I'm currently reading The Rhetoric of Fiction, which is a little dry, but I'm learning a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beaners Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Reading aloud to the kids: Lad, a Dog I love these stories. Learned Optimism by Martin E. P. Seligman, also his The Optimistic Child I read both of those last year, and thought they were good. I'm in the middle of a few books right now. I'm doing this off the top of my head, so I'm sure I'm missing something. Plato assorted works by Jules Verne in French Koestler's The Sleepwalkers (I started this at the beginning of the year and only recently found it again.) assorted works about the role of the Quakers in colonial America Read-alouds: The Red Fairy Book Les Malheurs de Sophie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbi in Texas Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 I am reading: Born to Run The Birds Fall Down How Green was my Valley Ghengis Khan and the Making of the Modern World Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sourpatchbaby Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 I just finished reading The Gift (futuristic Christian novel) and I'm almost finished The Other Baby Book Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbi in Texas Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Can any one recommend any good non-fiction that isn't homeschool/education/disability/disease related? Or historical fiction (I love history if that helps :)) I am really enjoying these: Ghengis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford Born to Run by Christopher McDougall Killing Lincoln by bill o'Reilly was good as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Ghengis Khan and the Making of the Modern World I loved this book! Recently re-skimmed it and summarized portions of it for the kids, as after that book everything in the history book seemed either grossly superficial or inaccurate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoLuRu Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Lies My Teacher Told Me. I'm only two chapters in but am fascinated by the omissions in my history education! Who knew that Helen Keller was a rabid socialist, or that Christopher Colombus began a genocide in Haiti that killed or enslaved its 8,000,000 inhabitants? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCoffeeChick Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 I'm just finishing up The Emerald Storm, which is #5 in a series by William Deitrich. And I just checked out Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter to read next...ds thinks it looks "totally awesome"! Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 I loved this book! Recently re-skimmed it and summarized portions of it for the kids, as after that book everything in the history book seemed either grossly superficial or inaccurate. That's a rousing enough review that I had to drop it in the Amazon cart along with The Poisonwood Bible, which I have never read. I am currently reading: The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Tobin Ancient Iraq by Georges Roux Ancient Egyptian Literature, translated by John L. Foster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 I just finished The Hound of the Baskervilles by Doyle The Indigo King by James Owen (third book in YA series, Imaginarium Geographica) I am now reading Beauty in the World--Stratford Caldecott North by Northanger by Carrie Bebris (third in Mr. & Mrs Darcy mystery series) Rilla of Ingleside by L.M.Montgomery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLG Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Anna Quindlen's "Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake". Delightful! Like sitting down with an old friend. Great light read with humor and wisdom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristyB in TN Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Currently Buddha Mind, Buddha Body by Hanh and The Power of Habit by Duhigg. Next I plan to read The Fish That Ate the Whale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I.Dup. Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Well, I am supposed to be reading Great Expectations, but Outlander found its way into my hands again (for the 5th or 6th time, lol). :001_wub: :001_wub: Outlander. I read the entire series when I was pregnant with my daughter. I was 19, had just dropped out of college and had a ton of time on my hands (and no car) so I spent all of my time reading these books. I will have to read them again. I am on an Anne Lamott kick and right now I'm reading "Operating Instructions" I have Unbroken that I'm planning on starting next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Unbroken (Hildebrand). The book is very well-researched and well-written, but the topic is incredible. Louie Zamberini was a star runner and Olympian whose plane was shot down during WWII. He survives 40 days drifting at sea and a Japanese POW camp, but it is the attitude with which he does so that is inspiring. I loved this book. I read it two Christmases ago but still think about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 One fiction book I am currently reading is A Good Man by Guy Vanderhaeghe. I just finished reading Damaged Angelss ( non-fiction re: FASD). Excellent read! As I am a parent of two FASD kids it was very pertinent to me but I am asking my friends and family to read it too so they can better understand us and our kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 Can any one recommend any good non-fiction that isn't homeschool/education/disability/disease related? Or historical fiction (I love history if that helps :)) Guns Germs and Steel is worth a read. Have you read any Yourcenar? She spent years on The Memoirs of Hadrian, reading what he'd read in Latin, visiting the places he visited. And of course, there is Kristin Lavransdatter. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted July 15, 2012 Author Share Posted July 15, 2012 Wonderful! My to-read list is an arm's length long, and my library request list is full! :) Keep 'em coming! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EducationX2 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I love these threads, but if you guys could kindly stop posting them so that I could get something done other than add to my to be read list (and then read from my to be read list..) :D Let's see, right now I'm reading: Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult - really interesting. I love Picoult, along with Patricia Cornwell, she's my guilty pleasure reading. :tongue_smilie: The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell. :001_wub: Cornwell is my favorite author, and the Scarpetta series is my favorite series. This is the third time I'm reading them, nothing new. Babel No More: the search for the world's most extraordinary language learners by Michael Erard - I'm just a couple chapters in, but so far I'm loving this book. Although, I did feel a rush of inadequacy when the author explained that he limited his surveys of language learners to those who spoke 6 or more languages well, and felt he should have increased that number. :001_huh: And here I thought I was doing well starting to learn a fourth language. But the author himself only knows a couple languages, doesn't at all come across as a snob, and writes about a topic that sometimes comes across as dry and academic in a very accessible manner. A Plague of Prisons: the epidemiology of mass incarceration in America- Another book I've just started, but looks promising. I Used to Know That World History - quick little trivia book. I keep this around for when I only have 5 or 10 minutes to read. Just like the title says, pretty much everything in here is stuff you probably learned about at some point but have forgotten. I've recently finished: F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers - quick read. As in, less than an hour. Some of the answers you can tell the students don't know, know they don't know, and are just hoping for bonus points by writing something funny down. Those are funny. Then there are the serious answers that just made you shake your head and wonder about people. Book of the Dead and Scarpetta, both by Patricia Cornwell - see above statements about author and series. :D Maphead by Ken Jennings - in one sense I was disappointed by this book, but in another I loved it. Let's start with why I loved it. It was a great book. Jennings is funny, many of the people he meets along the way are funny, and I suspect that most of us on the board will see ourselves and our children in the book. And who doesn't love maps??? He talks about the geography bee, geocaching, travel lists, interesting quirks on maps, and so much more. I guess what disappointed me- and this is sort of silly- is that I thought there would be more maps in the book. I was hoping for a book of maps, with Ken Jennings telling me why they are special or different or whatever. :lol: The Story of English in 100 Words by David Crystal - loved it. This was SO interesting. The Unfolding of Language: an evolutionary tour of mankind's greatest invention - hm. I really liked the premise of this book, but at times it was too... complicated. Maybe because it's summer and I don't want to read anything so difficult. :tongue_smilie: Coming up soon: Rubicon by Steven Saylor Divergent by Veronica Roth The Works: Anatomy of a City by Kat Ascher Don Quixote Prisoner of Trebekistan: a decade in Jeopardy! The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life & Times of Harvey Milk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shannanlee Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 OoOoo...this is a book? Is this what the (HBO, maybe?) series my sister keeps telling me I *must* watch is based upon? If so, I'm happy because I don't have HBO and would prefer to read the book first anyway! On topic, I'm currently reading The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George. Yes, it is what the show on HBO is based on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 :001_wub: Outlander. I read the entire series when I was pregnant with my daughter. I was 19, had just dropped out of college and had a ton of time on my hands (and no car) so I spent all of my time reading these books. I will have to read them again. I own the entire series and read them every year. I am not ashamed to say they are my favorite books in the world. Ahhhh!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I'm currently reading Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Mataxas I just finished and highly recommend Love Does by Bob Goff I've also recently read two books written by local authors that I have really enjoyed: Into The Free by Julie Cantrell Unsettled: A Novel by Bill MacKenzie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 Unbroken (Hildebrand). The book is very well-researched and well-written, but the topic is incredible. Louie Zamberini was a star runner and Olympian whose plane was shot down during WWII. He survives 40 days drifting at sea and a Japanese POW camp, but it is the attitude with which he does so that is inspiring. This is the third recommendation I've seen/heard for this book, so I picked it up to take on vacation. My mother recommended March (Geraldine Brooks), and I've wanted to read Nine Parts of Desire (also Geraldine Brooks) for quite some time, so I bought those too. :) I so enjoy the variety of these reading threads here at WTM! Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 (edited) I *just* finished The Uninvited Guests 5 minutes ago. What did you think? :) My next read is Amped by Daniel Wilson, author of Robopocalypse which was awesome! Edited July 16, 2012 by 6packofun add Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Have you read any of Alison Weir's historical fiction novels? She primarily wrote biographies, (which I haven't read), but she is my FAVORITE historical fiction writer...so far anyway. Her first was Innocent Traitor. I couldn't put it down! I do like her non-fiction. I have several of her books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readinmom Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 The Velveteen Principles: A Guide to Becoming Real Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2_girls_mommy Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Can any one recommend any good non-fiction that isn't homeschool/education/disability/disease related? Or historical fiction (I love history if that helps :)) Have you read any Alison Weir? She is one of my favorite British history writers. I reread The Six Wives of Henry VIII whenever I get a chance. She has recently started writing historical fiction, which I usually don't like. But she writes it just like she writes history, but more narrative. It isn't cheesy or romance-y. I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but I loved it. I can't wait to read more of her newer ones. http://alisonweir.org.uk/books/index.asp **** Just noticed that SIS brought up the same author and the same book! I totally agree with her :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Just finished the Hunger Games trilogy. I didn't really have an interest in jumping on that bandwagon until mom's book group I wanted to join selected it. I finished the first one last week and borrowed the rest. I couldn't put them down and read the last two in the last 48 hours. I feel like I went through the wringer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I just started The Sisters Brothers. :thumbup1: I just read The Night Circus, which I loved. Me too. Can any one recommend any good non-fiction that isn't homeschool/education/disability/disease related? Or historical fiction (I love history if that helps :)) I recently finished "Pink Boots and a Machete" by Mireya Mayor & enjoyed it. "The Guinea Pig Diaries" or "The Year of Living Biblically" (both by A.J. Jacobs) are fun, funny books. I am really enjoying these:Ghengis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford Born to Run by Christopher McDougall I totally agree. They're two of my favorite non-fiction books! I'm currently reading: "The Company of the Dead" by David Kowalski (an alternative history based around the Titanic) and "Crusoe's Daughter" by Jane Gardam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paintedlady Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Uncovering The Logic of English. It's really good, and I'm learning a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I am reading these books http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/books.asp I am enjoying them, I am on the second one. One might just read the first one and think it might be ok for younger audiences but there is some tea making in the second one. Just wanted to give warning in case anyone might hand it to a teen. Love love love this series. I am so looking forward to the third book! Currently reading " Just Between Us" by Cathy Kelly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-2-7 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Last night I finished Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo About to start True Courage by Steve Farrar I'm also reading several photography books to help me figure out my camera. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly1730 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 A Texan's Promise I downloaded this for free on my Kindle last week. It's waiting patiently for me, along with a bazillion other books!;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly1730 Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 :glare:Making Children Mind (Without Losing Yours) :) That's an oldie but goodie. I read that WAY back when my 30 yr son was a little guy. It's timeless, really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 REading Illusions by Frank Peretti- a "time out of place" book- like Kate and Leopold. I've been reading tons of Dorothy Sayers Lord Peter mysteries this year. LOVE them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I haven't read the earlier translation, but from what I understand Nunnally's translation keeps the more simple, straightforward tone of the Norwegian, and does not use antiquated "thee's and thou's" which the notes in my book say do not acurately represent the simple prose of the original. There are generous samples of both on Amazon, and I've just read them. The older translation reads more like an Icelandic saga. (I happen to love those!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I am reading these books http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/books.asp I am enjoying them, I am on the second one. One might just read the first one and think it might be ok for younger audiences but there is some tea making in the second one. Just wanted to give warning in case anyone might hand it to a teen. These are my favorite!!! Love them, but I think you have to like that kind of book (fantasy) to enjoy them. :) It's torture waiting for #3 to come out! I also just finished The Night Circus....ranks on my top 5 favorite list. Unbroken was amazing, definitely read that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 I'm currently reading: The Uglies series so I can discuss with older dd because she enjoyed them The Princess and the Goblin with younger dd Overthrow - one of the books from ds's class reading list (we still enjoy discussing books) The Worst Journey in the World for me I recently finished the Tomorrow, When the War Began series. It was a fun read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 The Poisonwood Bible, which I have never read. I really liked this one, but as with all books, I know some who hated it and others who loved it. Anna Quindlen's "Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake". Delightful! Like sitting down with an old friend. Great light read with humor and wisdom. This looks good. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suppleasthewind Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Fifty Shades of Grey.:o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Can any one recommend any good non-fiction that isn't homeschool/education/disability/disease related? Or historical fiction (I love history if that helps :)) In the historical romance category, I'd recommend The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 I am on an Anne Lamott kick and right now I'm reading "Operating Instructions" I have Unbroken that I'm planning on starting next. Are you aware that Sam, Lamott's son and the subject of Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year, and his mother have co-written Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son's First Son? I haven't read it but it has good reviews. Time flies, eh? Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShannonS Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Keeping Our Children's Hearts curriculum children's books and read alouds sheet music My personal reading always seems to come last. I do not think I have read anything outside of parenting/scripture/HS/children's lit in over a year. :blink: At least the read-alouds are good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMV Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 I'm into memoirs at the moment and just finished Mary Karr's "The Liar's Club." I'm about 10 years late, but I picked up the anniversary edition and am so glad I did. Although I always recommend "The Glass Castle" whenever asked. Happy reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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