Off-Topic Spring Reading

[toaster]

Originally Posted by Trixoo

Speaking of series, I like them, unless each books ends on a cliff hanger. In that case, I feel it should be disclosed on the cover so that you know going in that you’re committed to X number of books! Too many times, I’ve read on a book (usually in a recommendation) only to find that I have to read several more just to find out what happens. The above series is the kind I like: each is a standalone, but characters weave in and out and grow and change, so it’s enjoyable to get to spend more time with them if you want.

Yes, I do read series and prefer them like this also. But then there are the ones where the characters don't grow/change (Hannah Swenson, I am looking at YOU ).

Originally Posted by TracyQ

I’m reading The Poisonwood Bible. I attempted this one when it was released in 1998 or 1999 and didn’t like it. I never finished it. A quarter of a century later I’m enjoying it .

I read that way back when and do remember liking it. Hope you enjoy the rest!

[ardnas]

I am reading the third book, Before Your Memory Fades, from the Before the Coffee Gets Cold (5 book) series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. I have been reading a lot of Japanese authors lately and appreciate their style of simplistic writing with few words but many lessons. Each book has 4 or so short stories -all take place in the same cafe where one can time travel until their coffee becomes cold, but they cannot change the past or future. Interesting concept, fast reads, heartwarming & heartbreaking, I am enjoying this series.

ETA: just noticed there is a 5th book coming in Nov!

[lreidgreen]

Originally Posted by TracyQ

I finished Cutting for Stone. Wow was it good.

I’m reading The Poisonwood Bible.I attempted this one when it was released in 1998 or 1999 and didn’t like it. I never finished it. A quarter of a century later I’m enjoying it .

I loved both of these books.

[lreidgreen]

Since my last post back in January (I think) I have read:
Horse by Geraldine Brooks- Loved it and highly recommend
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. This book has been hyped and I was a disappointed in it at first. However the story picked up and I think it is a good book but still a bit over hyped IMO. That was the consensus in my book group. I loved his memoir The Color of Water and was going to recommend one of his older novels to read for book group - The Good Lord Bird.

Our book for April is Frozen River which was mentioned in the Winter thread. I haven't started it yet and am glad it was recommended by some of you here.

[Carol K]

I enjoyed Horse as well. I'm a Geraldine Brooks fan.

[Cleda]

Originally Posted by lreidgreen

Our book for April is Frozen River which was mentioned in the Winter thread. I haven't started it yet and am glad it was recommended by some of you here.

I really enjoyed Frozen River. I hope you (and your book group doo too.)

I'm on a roll:

• Purgatory Ridge Book #3 William Kent Krueger
• Blood Hollow Book #4 William Kent Krueger
• First Lie Wins Ashley Elston
• Mercy Falls Book #5 William Kent Krueger

I'm currently on book #6 of the Cork O'Connor Series. I have a couple of other books to read inbetween. But after saying how they could be standalones??? Mr. Krueger changed his MO and Mercy Falls ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger, so I dove right into the next one. Now I'll have to order #7 & #8 .... Good grief! But I am enjoying them and they go fast. (even though they are NOT large print).

Went to lunch with a friend who recommended Tom Lake - which was on my "to be read list" anyway and it was on the library's shelf (in LARGE print! yay) and I also have The Berrypickers to read.

I figure by the time I finish those 3 books, the next 2-3 books for the Cork O'Connor series will be at the library. Just have to figure out more to read inbetween! Keep the suggestions coming.

Cleda

[Carol K]

Tom Lake was good too. Ann Patchett is another favorite of mine.

[toaster]

Just finished Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough. It was good, an engrossing relationship thriller, although it turns out...
<<<SMALL SPOILER>>>

...that there is a supernatural element to explain some of the bizarre occurrences.

I just started reading Stephen King's Holly last night.

[Rivercat]

Originally Posted by Erica H.

I just finished The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green. I didn't expect to like this, but ended up really enjoying it. A nice combination of memoir, musings, and interesting facts/history. I've been in quite a reading slump this year, so this was a nice surprise.

I have this on audio and keep forgetting it's there since I don't open the Audible app much. Thanks for the reminder!

Originally Posted by ardnas

I am reading the third book, Before Your Memory Fades, from the Before the Coffee Gets Cold (5 book) series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. I have been reading a lot of Japanese authors lately and appreciate their style of simplistic writing with few words but many lessons. Each book has 4 or so short stories -all take place in the same cafe where one can time travel until their coffee becomes cold, but they cannot change the past or future. Interesting concept, fast reads, heartwarming & heartbreaking, I am enjoying this series.

ETA: just noticed there is a 5th book coming in Nov!

I keep hearing about Before the Coffee Gets Cold and didn't realize there were more in the series.

I am on the last (for now) book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and it will be nice to take a break from bonkers angsty fairy drama for a while when I am done

[toaster]

Started reading Holly over the weekend. I get what people have said about the political overtones, but I think it's pretty consistent with how things were during the pandemic (and still are to a large extent).