So...what are you reading now?

Thought I would start a new thread about what everyone is reading..I'm going on vacation early this year, June, so I'd like to start getting some ideas of what everyone is reading. I went to Hackettstown Library tonight and got The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. Any feedback on it? I heard it was really good, best out of the 3 in the series. For any Nicholas Sparks fans, I just finished "Safe Haven"...thought it could be the best one he wrote, loved it!

Bessie ✉
Apr '11

Maryann McFaddens new manuscript and througouly enjoying it.

midnightgardener1 ✉
Apr '11

Just finished 'The Little Giant of Aberdeen County'. Couldn't put it down.

If you're looking for some light page turners for a vacation, def check out the Stefanie Plum, Janet Evanovich books.

mebradar ✉
Apr '11

oh...and right now I am rereading Nicholas Sparks' Last Song. Janet Evanovich and her "number" books with Stephanie Plum are always great beach reads! A little bit of adventure and lots of comedy! Based in NJ! Starts with "One for the Money" and I think she's up to 16 or 17 now!

Jersey Girl ✉
Apr '11

I absolutely love Alexander McCall Smith's "#1 Ladies' Detective Agency." I'm reading his 12th in the series, and being in Botswana with Mma Ramotswe puts me in a good place...as good as meditating. I highly recommend this series, but start with the first and read them in order.

I think I'll drop a copy of his first one in the lounge.

http://www.randomhouse.com/features/mccallsmith/main.php

cbel ✉
Apr '11

Reading "Washinton", by Ron Chernow. The actual person, the good and the not so good. Well written.

jerseydutchman2 ✉
Apr '11

Mebradar , I read Little Giant too. It really is a great story and a good read.

CBGB ✉
Apr '11

Bought a Kindle about two and a half months ago and so far am loving it ! The features like making the print larger , the early access to some books not available in print yet , free books , novellas and many for .99/1.99 . Reading Stephen King's UR now which is not available in print - ebook and audio book only .

http://www.amazon.com/UR-ebook/dp/B001RF3U9K/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1302025579&sr=8-1

Zombo ✉
Apr '11

Speaking of Franklin, I have read The First American - the Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin, by H.W. Brands. Excellent. Some people would be shocked, I think, by some aspects of his personality - not straight-laced at all, including some ideas and writings not suitable for a family forum.

jerseydutchman2 ✉
Apr '11

Clive Cussler

melof-7 ✉
Apr '11

I am properly chagrined for misspelling WashinGton, as pointed out by ComputerSharp - the father of our country, no less.
Shouldn't there be a spell-check in this forum's software? I don't see it.

jerseydutchman2 ✉
Apr '11

jerseydutchman: We all know what you meant. :) Jeez, criticizer, it was a typo! Have you nothing better to do?

cbel ✉
Apr '11

Oh! And another great historical fiction series I LOVED was the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. It is set in Scotland and the US. I love books, but switched to a Kindle a year and a half ago. It took a bit of time to get used to reading on a device, but it is great to have all of my books with me at once since I often read more than one at a time.

ConcernedMom
Apr '11

i also love harlan and have read all his books, he is a " friend " of mine on facebook and he has been really promoting an author named lisa unger , i am going to try her tomorrow

cmj ✉
Apr '11

Finally reading the LOTR Trilogy...Have seen the movies a bazillion times but never read the books..

reedfamily ✉
Apr '11

I posted this once before, but it's worth repeating. The movie is coming soon.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454029/

cbel ✉
Apr '11

I read The Pact. It's also been made into a movie. I found it to be an okay read. Depressing mostly but I obviously finished it so it was readable.

Firefly ✉
Apr '11

Bessie

Like MB, I've read all three books of the trilogy. I also noted that it seemed to start of slowly with a lot of buildup and character-building before you got to the real "meat" of the story. Once into the story though, I was hooked! MB was also right that to do the story justice you really need to read all three books.

I also saw the original Swedish movies when they came out here but had to travel first to Caldwell for the first movie, then later to Montclair to see the next two. It was definitely worth the trip. The first movie followed the book pretty closely, the second really took shortcuts and unless you saw the earlier movie or read at least one of the books you'd be questioning a number of things you saw, such as why Mikal "owed" Lisbeth and why he had so much faith in her innocence. A few flashbacks to the first movie, as well as adding 20-30 mins. total to the movie would have made it so much better. All three movies are out on DVD. There is also a Hollywood remake of it that's in filming now, with Mara Rooney and Daniel Craig (the current 007). Odd trivia bit is that the actor who portrayed Mikal is supposed to be playing a villain in the next Bond flick.

As for current reads, no fiction in the works right now, just genealogy and a number of history, geography and technical books of no interest to most people other than myself I'm sure.

Phil D. ✉
Apr '11

"The Complete Joy of Homebrewing, Third Edition" by Charles Papazian. Once I've finished reading it twice from cover to cover, I think I'll be ready to join the ranks of the homebrewers. Hopefully, I'll have some fresh product by the 1st day of summer.

iPhone-imal ✉
Apr '11

The Alchemist ~ Paulo Coelho

Tidy
Apr '11

I like stuff Like The Pit and the Pendulum" is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe, books with witchcraft , Dark storys that step over the line from this world to others . Exit to Edan was good . Any one got any good recomendations on books,

Caged Animal ✉
Apr '11

http://www.amazon.com/Please-Look-After-Kyung-Sook-Shin/dp/0307593916/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304282572&sr=1-1

Please Look After Mom

Very different from other books I've read. There's something about it that doesn't want me to put it down. Started reading yesterday afternoon. Almost finished.

cbel ✉
May '11

Just started Water For Elephants as recommended by a friend.

lola ✉
May '11

Just finished Sophie's Choice and am now re-reading Jane Eyre, in anticipation of seeing the new film adaptation.

KathyDG
May '11

I just finished "Who loves you best?", a novel about a woman who has twins while her marriage, business and personal life implode. Couldn't put it down, finished it in one day. It's one of the Target featured books, so they sell it at 20% off. I forget the name of the author, but it has a lady's hand holding a pink bootie and a yellow bootie on the cover.

Sandy ✉
May '11

Just got the 4 book set from amazon - A Song of Fire and Ice by George R.R. Martin which the new HBO series Game Of Thrones is based on . Best show on tv . It is known .

Zombo ✉
May '11

Cbel, I read that awhile ago. I remember it being very long, and I listened to the abridged version and I think it was 9 or 10 discs. Funny thing is when I went to read what it was about to refresh my memory..I didn't remember much of it. Not sure that's ever happened to me before, LOL. What did you think of the movie?

Bessie ✉
May '11

Thou shalt kill - Daniel lake --good
Tabloid city - Pete Hamill - awful
The shadows in the stret - Susan Hill - good

Nothing great lately.

Jamb ✉
May '11

"My Grandfather's Son" by Clarence Thomas

As one who grew up "all around" the U.S., but mainly in the south, I found that a number of his observations were spot on with my own experiences and of a number of people I've talked with that were from there and were living up here.

Besides that, the story of his life itself and of his family is quite interesting - to me at least.

Phil D. ✉
May '11

Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith
by Deborah Heiligman

Excellent and interesting book

Charles Darwin author of The Origin of Species, his revolutionary tract on evolution and fundamental ideas. Challenges about teaching the theory of evolution in schools occur all over the country. This same debate raged within Darwin himself, and played an important part in his marriage: his wife, Emma, was quite religious, and her faith gave Charles a lot to think about as he worked on a theory that continues to spark intense debates.

dragonfly ✉
May '11

The 19th Wife - David Ebershoff - History mixed with modern murder mystery. good read interesting insight to Morman History past & present.

htown newbie ✉
May '11

"Home from Nowhere" by James Kunstler. It was published about 15 years ago, and was a little ahead of its time as far as mass consumption was concerned.....not that popularity is the indicator of a great work.

This book should be required reading for all architects and urban planners.

jjmonth4 ✉
May '11

I just finished "A Singular Woman" by Janny Scott. The book is the story of President Obama's mother. She lived an extraordinary life and the book was very interesting.

joygail ✉
May '11

Turnback Creek by Lonnie Busch

http://www.turnbackcreekbook.com/

CBGB ✉
Jun '11

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_36?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=a+captain%27s+duty+by+richard+phillips&sprefix=a+captain%27s+duty+by+richard+phillips

CBGB: I don't know if this link will work. I read about this book, "A Captain's Duty" and immediately thought of you. Check it out.

cbel ✉
Jun '11

Just finished Water for Elephants... good story, quick read

before that was Bridge of Sighs... a novel about a man growing up and three families based in a small NY town

now reading The Secret Lion... .. about the Tudor Court age

Stan ✉
Jun '11

Original Sin : A Sally Sin Adventure by Beth Mcmullen

CBGB ✉
Jun '11

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

htown49years ✉
Jun '11

I'm half way through this, A Secret Gift, and am now fascinated with the Great Depression..it's very interesting reading about how hard it was with some comparison to modern day struggles....

http://www.asecretgiftbook.com/

Bessie ✉
Jun '11

Yankee Doodle
Excellent book

THE MAN ✉
Jun '11

So, my DD got a kindle for Christmas and hasn't used it much, except for her favorite book series (Warriors, about a bunch of Cat Clans). Me and my big ideas, I follow Dismom's suggestion a while back that Amazon has loads of classics for FREE so I download them to DD's Kindle. She naturally has not interest in them, so says I "Self, you'll have to read a couple to set a good example."

Now, if you all recall DD was just in "The King and I" so I go ahead and read "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

On many levels it was extremely tough to read, one being how it was written. You really recognize how much our language has changed in the last 150 years (give or take). So, it was the first time in a long time I actually had to concentrate on what I was reading. Maybe I'll move to some fluff to give my brain a break.

Anyway, with all of the recent discussions on oppression of people in our society (poor, gays, women, etc.) it was very relevant to read. Some passages rang very true even today.

On another level, I guess it's how the history of slavery was really watered down in school that made the harsh realities brought in the novel (yes, I know it's fiction, but I do believe the examples made). It brought me to tears at several points, because I guess it's a part of US history, I'd just assume we forget, but we must remember. It really brought a lot of where my life is in particular in a brilliant light and my family history is quite a wonderful story compared to the tragedies and suffering experienced by slaves.

Anyway, does anyone have any good fluff to recommend to me?

trekster3 ✉
Jun '11

Look for "The Help" on August 12.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi809278745/

cbel ✉
Jul '11

I'm reading my fourth book by Pete Hamill - "Tabloid City." It didn't get very good reviews on Amazon, but I like his style. My favorites were "North River" and "Snow in August". Third runner-up was "A Drinking Life", his autobiography.

cbel ✉
Jul '11

Jennifer Weiner is a favorite of mine, 'in her shoes' is excellent and so was 'certain girls'......the ending events were so unexpected!

htownchik ✉
Jul '11

Got "In Her Shoes", thanks for the recommendation.

Bessie ✉
Jul '11

definitely "the help"!!!

mom of three:) ✉
Jul '11

Charms for the Easy Life, Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and finishing up New York....
usually go through a book a week....so great to get ideas on here.

Gen3Townie ✉
Jul '11

Cross Dressing by Bill Fitzhugh , funny stuff.

CBGB ✉
Jul '11

One Day by David Nichols. It's now a major motion picture that's coming out this summer with Anne Hathaway.

Tracy ✉
Jul '11

Tracy - are you enjoying "One Day?" I saw a print ad for the movie recently.

I'm currently reading "The Compass of Pleasure." It's non-fiction written by a neuro-biologist, who tries to explain the nuts and bolts of what happens in the brain when we experience pleasure. It is totally dry. Like reading the Anals of Neurobiology. Not sure I'm going to get through it. And normally, I like books with a scientific bent.

Rebecka ✉
Jul '11

I'm enjoying it, Rebecka. It's a little slow, and I'm only about halfway through it, but it's interesting and keeping my attention. I just don't get to read too much of it at a time. I just pull out my Kindle whenever I have a minute or two and occasionally I'll get a longer stretch of time when I can get through more of it.

Tracy ✉
Jul '11

I'm about halfway through book no.5 in the A Song of Ice and Fire series called A Dance With Dragons . Though the story moves at a glacial pace , the author keeps it interesting by bringing back familiar characters not heard from in book four as this book happens during the same time line . I just hope it's not another 6 years until the next book since HBO's Game of Thrones has got me hooked on this story !

Zombo ✉
Jul '11

In light of the thread that's going on about depression, I thought I would post this. I just finished a book "Thirteen Reasons Why". It's a young adult book about teen suicide. I loved it and feel it's a good read for anyone with kids, maybe even a book you might read at the same time as your child to open the lines of communication on the subject. Having been affected by a friends child's suicide I was compelled to read it. I wanted to try to understand why a young person would come to this point, where suicide is the only solution to how they feel. I think it's so common for people to immediately want to say, it's not that bad, suck it up, you shouldn't feel like that. This book opened my eyes about what goes on in someone's mind when they've made the decision to take their own life. Here's the link about the book. Has anyone else read it?

http://www.thirteenreasonswhy.com/

Bessie ✉
Aug '11

@Firefly..How's your book going?

Bessie ✉
Aug '11

Something Borrowed-I love it! Having a hard time putting it down!

If you'd like some other suggestions as well as read reviews, check out my new review site: www.heathersbookcorner.com. Thanks :))

2Cents ✉
Aug '11

I finished One Day. It really was a great read. Surprising ending though. Looking forward to seeing the movie. Going to move on to The Help next.

Tracy ✉
Aug '11

The Northwood Chronicles by Elizabeth Engstrom
A series of short stories centered in a small town , White Pines Junction. I am reading the seventh story now . The stories are a bit odd but entertaining.

CBGB ✉
Aug '11

Gor
series by John Norman
any one have these i am just looking to read them not a collector

Caged Animal ✉
Aug '11

just finished Stephen King's "Full Dark, No Stars" a collection of 5 short stories! really good =)

htowngal
Aug '11

I just finished:

One Shot by Lee Child

You gotta love that Jack Reacher character!

DB ✉
Aug '11

Thank you for a great thread. I never know what books to get and usually just read hand me downs. Since reading this I have picked up a Harlan Coben book and a Lisa Unger book at the library.

happycamper ✉
Aug '11

"LIFE" Keith Richards Bio. Awesome!

tony ✉
Aug '11

Bessie, I have Darkest Fear and am reading it now. It is very good. The Lisa Unger book is Beautiful Lies but I have not started that yet.

happycamper ✉
Aug '11

Bessie, finished Darkest Fear last night. I thought it was very good. Now starting Hold up the Sky by Patricia Sprinkle then on to Lisa Unger. Thank you again for the thread!

happycamper ✉
Aug '11

cbel - I have not read all the books in the series yet. I'm savoring them. I think I have "The Affair" on order at my library.

Right now I am reading "The 5th Witness" by Michael Connelly

Actually I don't read much as I don't have time, but I am a recorded books addict. I listen to them back and forth to work everyday which is about an hour one way.

DB ✉
Aug '11

Bessie, I get them from the library. I work in Somerset County and I am a member of the Somerset County Library system. I average about 40 - 50 audio books per year....the only advantage of having an hour commute to work!

DB ✉
Aug '11

I just finished Every Last One by Anna Quindlan. I picked it up at the library based on Bessie's post in this thread. And I think you are right, Bessie, when you said it is beyond words. Thanks for the recommendation, I really enjoyed it.

I had forgotten about Anna Quindlan and enjoyed that so much, that when I went to the library I looked for another of hers. I didn't know she wrote One True Thing; I saw that movie and actually liked it. Since I know more or less how that story goes, I took out Object Lessons instead.

That will have to wait until I finish Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult.

Aquarius ✉
Sep '11

I am now listening to Linda Fairstein - Silent Mercy.

Her books are always very interesting. They are loaded with trivial facts about NYC. Her protagonist - sex crimes prosecutor, Alexandra Cooper is a very strong character, along with detective Mike Chapman, who is another good character make a great team.

I recommend all her books if you like that murder/mystery genre.

DB ✉
Sep '11

@Lori..Since73
I enjoyed the book, a little long (as hers usually are), but I have to say, the ending was a big UGG! I was expecting more in the end, I like everything to be tied up nicely, LOL. I've come to the conclusion that I have that feeling often after reading one of her books.
@Aquarius--Are you enjoying Salem Falls, I think I saw that at the library last time I was there. Might have to look for it again, I'm such a sucker for her books, even though I complain after reading them. Your comment about Every Last One reminded me of how much I loved that book, glad you enjoyed it. I think I've read all of Anna Quindlens books, even the short ones. Have you read Black and Blue by her? I agree with CBEL, Blessings is a good one too.
@CBEL..I'm listening to God Never Blinks, love it. I actually bought this one from Amazon, even with shipping, it was still under $10.00. I might have to get the book for future reference, some very powerful lesson in the book and I'm only half way through.

Bessie ✉
Sep '11

Just read the Stephen King ebook Mile 81 and while it was good it was also very short - even for 2.99 . But there was a sample after the story's end of his upcoming 11/22/63 book about a man traveling back in time to stop Oswald from shooting Kennedy which looks like it will be very good . I've read the first two Jack Reacher books and enjoyed them . Apparently Tom Cruise has been signed to play Reacher in the One Shot film adaption . The 5'7" Cruise playing 6'5" ex-military cop seems like a big stretch , but that's Hollywood for ya .

http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/tom-cruise-locked-to-play-jack-reacher-in-one-shot-for-paramount-and-skydance/

Zombo ✉
Sep '11

I absolutely agree cbel , but money and star power talks in Hollyweird and common sense walks . Chris Hemsworth (Thor) , Nathan Fillion (Castle) , and Hugh Jackman are just a few actors mentioned in the comments to that link who would fit the Jack Reacher role much better . Being a Stephen King fan of the Dark Tower series I was glad when Ron Howard's adaption was dropped . Mostly because he wanted Javier Bardem to play Roland the last gunslinger who was basically envisioned by King as a younger Clint Eastwood . Blue bombardier eyes and brown Bardem eyes just don't get it done along with the obvious height difference . Hell if Eastwood were at least 40 years younger he could play both those roles !

Zombo ✉
Sep '11

I wish I could take a day off from work and just finish reading The Help. It's so good! I'm about halfway through but I hardly ever get time to read more than a page or two at a time. I read a good chunk yesterday though.

Tracy ✉
Sep '11

I am now listening to Lee Child - The Persuader.

Reacher is the best!!!!!

DB ✉
Sep '11

I'm listening to Lee Child (My first one), 61 Hours, I'm enjoying it, but it's very stressful to listen to while driving.

Bessie ✉
Sep '11

@Tracy, what do you like? Do they have to be current Best Sellers? I could go on and on about books I've read.

Bessie ✉
Sep '11

I am now reading the 2nd book in Harry Turtledove's Atlantis series. It's been a few years since I read book one .
United States of Atlantis
Harry Turtledove typically writes alternative history books. I really liked his WorldWar series in which we have an alien invasion right in the middle of WWII.

CBGB ✉
Sep '11

Court cases dealing with the admissibility of evidence in a federal lawsuit. The pages are white hot with excitement!!!

Jonathan Stone ✉
Oct '11

I just finished The Hunger Games. It was SO GOOD! I started it yesterday morning and couldn't put it down.

Tracy ✉
Oct '11

I'm listening to:

Lee Child - Without Fail

I can't get enough of Reacher!

DB ✉
Oct '11

I am about to start reading Pigeon English --by-- Stephen Kelman
I like finding new authors and reading their debut novel. I am hopeful that this will be an entertaining read.
http://www.amazon.com/Pigeon-English-Stephen-Kelman/dp/0547500602/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319472377&sr=1-1

CBGB ✉
Oct '11

cbel - I finished The Affair before this one and it was a good story.

I don't plan on watching that movie when it comes out. I don't like movies from books, too much is lost.....in this case it will be the lead character!

DB ✉
Oct '11

cbel - Steve McQueen could have done a decent job but he was only 5'10, a far cry from 6'5.

Too bad Clint Walker is too old for the part...he would be perfect.

I think Dwayne Johnson wouldn't be too bad for the part....at least he's big enough.....

DB ✉
Oct '11

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/tom-cruise-very-sensitive-jack-reacher_n_1030772.html

DB: We're not alone.

cbel ✉
Oct '11

Theodore Boone --by-- John Grisham
I have enjoyed the few Grisham novels I have read , I think this is a YA book but I like it so far.

CBGB ✉
Nov '11

Robert Moses and the Fall of New York - By Robert Caro
At approx. 1300 pages it's quite epic. shows the rise of Robert Moses to power and the ways he used and abused that power to ram through all the public works projects he wanted...even if the people didn't. Great book.

Ringo* ✉
Nov '11

Stephanie Plum fans: She's coming!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1598828/

cbel ✉
Nov '11

cbel - I have read a few of Cannell and Parker's books and I like them. Have you read any Michael Connelly and Randy Wayne White?

I am listening to Tripwire - Lee Child

DB ✉
Nov '11

CBEL - I'm always curious if the person in the movie matches up to the picture in my head of the character in the book. I have to say that one comes pretty close. I had no idea they were turning Evanovich books into movies. Can't wait to see it. Thanks for the info.

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Nov '11

The Man Who Invented the Twentieth Century. About Nicola Tesla. Great, interesting from read.

hjc ✉
Dec '11

I just finished:

Desert Heat - J. A. Jance

DB ✉
Dec '11

Still reading Harry Potter, almost finished with Order of the Phoenix...then 2 more to go to complete the series.
@Jude49, I also love Anita Shreve, I've read a few of her books.

Bessie ✉
Dec '11

At the local library I just discovered the author Frank Russo and read three of his books in the last six weeks. EMPIRE FALLS, STRAIGHT MAN and NOBODY'S FOOL.

Chickadee ✉
Dec '11

I'm on to "Final Jeopardy" - Linda Fairstein

DB ✉
Dec '11

Twenty wishes by Debbie Macomber.

I want to read Miracle Cure also. I finished Long Lost last week. I like Harlen Coben.

happycamper ✉
Dec '11

Mostly Happy --by-- Pam Bustin
I like books about quirky people and written by unknown authors. this book has been a delight so far.
http://www.amazon.com/Mostly-Happy-Pam-Bustin/dp/1897235399/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324427545&sr=1-1

this is a debut novel I will need to hunt down more if there is any by this author.

CBGB ✉
Dec '11

"Andrew Jackson - His Life and Times", by H.W. Brands. Quite a character; well written; lots of surprises.

jerseydutchman2 ✉
Dec '11

Bessie- sometimes a well written hokey book is just what the Doctor ordered.

I am now reading a Fannie Flagg.

happycamper ✉
Dec '11

cbel I am reading I Still Dream About You. I just started it yesterday. It is my first Fannie Flagg and so far so good!

happycamper ✉
Dec '11

@Iris..I also read a Walk in the Woods and loved it. I found it so interesting as far as the accommodations along the way..found it to be an excellent read.

Bessie ✉
Dec '11

Iris - I read "A Walk In The Woods" too and it was very funny. I know a couple people that have walked the AT from bottom to top and the book is accurate. The author has written a couple other books as well.

DB ✉
Dec '11

love tommy james,

please tell a little more about "me, the music and the mob"

what do you lke about it?

BrotherDog ✉
Dec '11

BrotherDog – I’m not real far into the book yet. He hooked up with Morris Levy, the ruthless record mogul and is being pushed to keep coming up with the next record. “Hanky Panky” went to number 1 and “Say I Am” was just released. So far he hasn’t received a paycheck…..

It’s a firsthand story of Tommys life in music starting at 12 years old. I like the way it is written. Readers may think it’s a bit bland as Tommy tries to make the decisions concerning his career but I like the innocence of it so far. It’s beginning to show the ruthlessness of the record industry in the ‘60’s. I’m glad they fell, they ripped off way too many artists.

DB ✉
Dec '11

I'm glad you posted DB now I don't need to hunt the thread.

I am reading The Secret Fruit of Peter Paddington --by-- Brian Francis

Peter Paddington is your typical thirteen-year-old paperboy with a few exceptions. He's 204 pounds, at the mercy of an overactive imagination, and his only friend is a trash-talking beauty queen reject from across the street. As if that wasn't bad enough, Peter's nipples pop out one day and begin speaking to him

............talking nips ?? oh yeah a CBGB "must read " hahaha

CBGB ✉
Jan '12

I am reading The Paris Wife. Took about 3 months to get it from the Library ebooks but seems to be worth the wait!

happycamper ✉
Jan '12

Crunch Time by Diane Mott Davidson

Part of the Goldy Schultz series.

Calico696 ✉
Jan '12

Tracy, Mockinjay has been a struggle for me for the last few months. I can read a chapter or two, then have to put it down for a long time. The first two were done in days. It's like this one was written by a different author, I cannot get into it. My goal is to finish it by March when the movie comes out...

Lori...since '73 ✉
Jan '12

I'm not having a problem reading it Lori, though I did start it a long time ago. I just have a problem finding time to read it. The last few nights read for about an hour before bed. On Sunday I read a good chunk of it. Almost there!

Tracy ✉
Jan '12

After seeing the Disney movie trailer for John Carter in the theater I found out it was a movie inspired from an old Edgar Rice Burroughs series written in the early 1900s - "John Carter of Mars" . The first three books are free for kindle on amazon and I just started reading the first one called A Princess of Mars . The writing style is very much like all the old Tarzan books I read when I was a kid , kind of like a blast from the past .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlvYKl1fjBI

Zombo ✉
Jan '12

I'm now listening to:
Likely To Die - Linda Fairstein

DB ✉
Jan '12

I'm listening to:

Dangerously Funny - by David Bianculli

This is a biography about the Smothers Brothers. Excellent so far.

I never knew Tommy was older than Dick.....

DB ✉
Jan '12

Going to pick up the last Harry Potter book tomorrow..I'm sooo very excited.

Bessie ✉
Jan '12

7 habits of highly effective people

CheekyLoL
Jan '12

I'm listening to:

A Brief History of Time - Stephen Hawking

As expected, it gets a bit deep......

DB ✉
Jan '12

You're going to be included in the people I thank, alphabeta!

Now I'm currently studying the text: "The Birds of Galapagos" to try and correctly ID the hundreds of different individual birds I photographed. The little finches look so much alike, my head starts to spin. I'm on the verge of just labeling all of them as "a Darwin's Finch" which would be the extremely lazy thing to do!

Rebecka ✉
Jan '12

I read Steve Jobs and loved it. Alot of things were brought to light. I recommend it.

Christine ✉
Jan '12

Started reading Leviathan Wakes. For you Firefly fans out there, i've been told its fairly similar. So far the terminology is similar, some of the characters are sorta alike, and im liking it.

alpha1beta ✉
Feb '12

Labyrinth - Kate Mosse

Calico696 ✉
Feb '12

I recently finished reading The Basketball Diaries by Jim Carroll which was really good. I like how it's written as a journal, but it did leave me wanting to know more about what happens furthermore in his life. I guess there's always google. :)

I'm about to start Banana Kiss by Bonnie Rozanski which was recommended (and described above) by CBGB.

SueR ✉
Feb '12

The Invisible Ones by Stef Penney

happycamper ✉
Feb '12

The Tao of Willie (Nelson) - A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart

Thanks for the recommendation, DB.

cbel ✉
Feb '12

@Zombo I've heard of that but never looked into it-THANKS!

alpha1beta ✉
Feb '12

I've seen the Swedish trilogy of Dragon but didn't really like the new film the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo in English with Craig and Mara.

Bubba ✉
Feb '12

Finally finished Harry Potter..loved it, especially the last 3 books. I've moved on to
The Life of Pi....so far, so good.

Bessie ✉
Feb '12

Conspiracy theory-Jesse Ventura-great reading

mysty ✉
Feb '12

In middle of new Kristin Hannah....Home Front...so good don't want to put it down !!
Waiting for new Jodi Picoult next week

Missrx ✉
Feb '12

bessie - i am swedish and native ameircan in my background so i get the nordic references to aquavit and the coffee addiction and the casual sex encounters, and te rest of it.

i am reading these in order so i will get back to you about the next two books in the series.

Norway, Sweden and Finland all have high suicide rates and really liberal open views on sexuality. A lot of that doesn't translate well over here in the States.

agree that this novel is very dark and a little sick. it is illuminating to see how much control a euro-socialist society like Sweden has over it's citizens and it is alarming to me how the characters in this book are tolerant of that. they are acclimated to it because they know no other way.

the translation is horrible also, many of the swedish phrases when translated into english lose their true meaning, but because i know the cluture so well i can deal with it and understand what they are trying to say.

BrotherDog ✉
Feb '12

IDK
I may need some help picking out my next book. too many to chose from !!

CBGB ✉
Feb '12

I'm reading Steven Tyler's book. Man.....and I can imagine him sitting right there telling me as I read the words. It's well written......and the guy is "Nuts!" Lol.......

Lenny ✉
Feb '12

Son of Stone - Stuart Woods

I love this authors books, for a light read.

DB ✉
Mar '12

DB: I love Stuart Woods' books as well ..."Chiefs" was my favorite.

I just discovered another author that I like....Michael Palmer. He's an M.D. who writes medical suspense novels. I've enjoyed "Oath of Office", "A Heartbeat Away", and "The First Patient". Eleven more to go.

cbel ✉
Mar '12

Water for Elephants. Just started it last night.

happycamper ✉
Mar '12

DB - Glad to hear that, I'm only about 30 pages in having just stared it.

Calico696 ✉
Mar '12

Thanks, DB. I'll try her out.

cbel ✉
Mar '12

I thought I would post a partial list of authors and a couple book suggestions that I read. There are more, these just came off the top of my head.


Steve Martini (attorney mysteries)
David Baldacci
John Grissam
Lisa Scottoline – (attorney, mystery)
Sue Grafton
Nevada Barr (national park ranger mysteries)
James Grippando
JA Jance
James Lee Burke
Randy Wayne White
Stanley Pottinger – A Slow Burning (a great book)
James W. Hall (investigative)
Linda Fairstein - (sex crimes investigator)
Tony Hillerman (Navajo Tribal police mysteries)
Jonathan Kellerman
Tess Gerritsen – (medical mysteries)
Robin Cook - (medical mysteries)
Michael Palmer - (medical mysteries)
Stuart Woods
Robert B. Parker (Spenser For Hire series)
John Sanford
Clive Cussler
Elmore Leonard
John Darnton – The Experiment, Neandertal
Michael Crichton
Stephen King
JK Rowling (Harry Potter)
Greg Iles
Michael Connelly
James Patterson
Nelsen DeMille
Lee Child
Edward Abbey

DB ✉
Mar '12

I am listening to:

Miss O'Dell: My Hard Days and Long Nights with The Beatles, The Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and the Women They Loved - by Chris O'Dell & Katherine Ketcham

I barely started this book and it reads like a dream, if you are a rock bio enthusiast then don't skip this one.

DB ✉
Mar '12

I'm listening to:
American Rebel: The Life of Clint Eastwood by Marc Elliot

Quite interesting.

DB ✉
Mar '12

The Hunger Games trilogy. Cant stop reading.

Natalie
Mar '12

Currently I'm reading posts on HL

MikeGuida ✉
Mar '12

I'm reading silent girl too db!

Missrx ✉
Mar '12

I am not much of a reader, but I am in the middle of an interesting book at the moment. It's called

Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100 By Michio Kaku

I'm about 1/2 way through it.

Joe M ✉
Mar '12

http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Secret-President-Aftermath/dp/1400069106/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333029954&sr=1-1

Once Upon A Secret: My Affair With President John F. Kennedy And Its Aftermath

I was a little hesitant about reading this, but (as of page 40) I'm glad I started it.

cbel ✉
Mar '12

Bessie - I loved Life of Pi. When I finished it, I started it again immediately.

KathyDG ✉
Apr '12

@Bessie..Yes it is the new one. It is very good.

happycamper ✉
Apr '12

I'm halfway through Stay Close by Harlan Coben. It didn't get good reviews on Amazon, but I'm loving it, too, happycamper.

cbel ✉
Apr '12

I'm listening to:

The Drop - Michael Connelly

Ya gotta love Hieronymus (Harry) Bosch!

I love the artist too!

DB ✉
Apr '12

Baby Shark's Jugglers at the border --by-- Robert Fate
I needed a change of pace so an old fashioned crime/private investigator book is what I decided to read. I am liking this book. I will now have to go back and read from book #1. or should I stop reading the book I'm on now to go back to the first.

CBGB ✉
Apr '12

I just picked up Maryann McFadden's new book "The Book Lover" from the library. Excited to start it.

happycamper ✉
Apr '12

I'm reading Fifty Shades of Grey right now. I started it Wednesday evening and I'm almost done with it. It's not the type of book I normally read, so I'm very shocked at how addicting it is. It has its share of "filthy" moments, but they aren't even super graphic. It's more told through the thoughts of the main character Anastasia.

One thing I really like is the hinting at the other main character Christian and his messed up childhood. You really want to know more and want to figure out why he is the way he is. Maybe that's just the psychology major in me, but I like that part a lot.

The thing that bothers me about this book is how it was clearly based off the book Twilight. While it doesn't have vampires or werewolves or any of that, it does have a LOT of similarities. If you haven't read the Twilight books, or didn't really get into them, you probably won't notice these similarities.

Overall, I really am enjoying this book and will be buying the other two for my Kindle when I finish this one (probably sometime today).

BroadwayNJ ✉
Apr '12

Ok thanks guys, I am going to give it a try. You never know with how the news portrays things. They made it sound porongraphic when it sounds like from you guys it really isnt that bad and a good read.

Natalie
Apr '12

I Smile Back by Amy Koppelman

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976389592?ie=UTF8&ref=aw_bottom_links&force-full-site=1

About a disillusioned suburban mom from North Jersey.
{Hmmm, sounds familiar. Think I know a few!} ;)

SueR ✉
Apr '12

Hmmm Fatty,
I usually read extremely quietly......and I HAVE to read incredibly close or I can't see the words......hehehe. Sorry......quirky sense of humor. hehehe...:)

Lenny ✉
Apr '12

Thank you :)

Lenny ✉
Apr '12

Vigilante by Stephen J. Cannell

Shane Scully is a good character.....too bad Cannell passed away in 2010.

DB ✉
Apr '12

Just finished "Kitchen Privileges: Memoirs of a Bronx Girlhood", by Mary Higgins Clark, interesting story about her life. Received a new audio today from Paperback Swap,
Don't Get Scrooged..How to Thrive in world full of obnoxious, incompetent, arrogant, and downright mean spirited people. It's written by the same author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (and I loved that book). I thought it sounded interesting and maybe I'll learn a thing or two in the process.

Bessie ✉
Apr '12

I'm listening to:

Flashback - Dan Simmons

Takes place 30 years from now. The United States is near total collapse. But 87% of the population doesn't care: they're addicted to flashback, a drug that allows its users to re-experience the best moments of their lives. A futuristic detective mystery.

DB ✉
Apr '12

Night by Elie Weisal

Iris ✉
Apr '12

The Camera My Mother Gave Me --by- Susanna Kaysen
http://tinyurl.com/7fba4qt

CBGB ✉
Apr '12

CBGB: Hello???

cbel ✉
Apr '12

@cbel..I'm almost finished with another Lee Child...One Shot. I love him! Thanks for recommending him to me.

Bessie ✉
Apr '12

You're welcome, Bessie. I've read all his books and I love Jack Reacher.

And Tom Cruise is no Jack Reacher!!

cbel ✉
Apr '12

Fifty Shades of Grey...one more chapter to go! Already purchased the second book Fifty Shades Darker. I just started reading it last week. It is sooooo good...once you start, you can't stop :)

jamesfan
May '12

CBGB: I must say, you read the most interesting assortment of books!

cbel ✉
May '12

I have joined the bandwagon and am reading Fifty Shades of Grey.

happycamper ✉
May '12

I am listening to:

The Rope - Nevada Barr

I love her books. Anna Pidgeon is my favorite female protagonist. What an incredible character!

This is a series about a National Park Ranger that solves crimes in her own way. This character endures things that no one else could imagine. The character is slow building but you will grow to love her. She's smart, deep and brave.

If you love mysteries with a strong leading character, then this is the series for you.

DB ✉
May '12

I interrupted my progress in The Heart and the Fist (very good, so far) to accommodate my wife's suggestion of reading the Fifty Shades of Grey series. Thankfully, I'm almost finished with the third book. They're very easy to read, but I can't say their my favorite books. I'm more interested in why the male character is the way he is than the monotonous, unrealistic sex scenes. The entertaining moments are too few and far between. In my opinion, the entire series could have been done in one book, foregoing the parts I couldn't care less about.

I despise all the product placement.

I've also been trying to read Catch 22 for the past two years; not an easy read, although the chapter about Major Major Major Major was pretty entertaining.

AU ✉
May '12

'the walking dead'

got the the hardcover edition of the comic book series,

this story is a real page turner, hard to put it down!

can't wait for the next batch of tv episodes on AMC this fall

BrotherDog ✉
May '12

The Home For Wayward Clocks by Kathie Giorgio
This is such a well written story. I am enjoying every bit of it.
A boy is abused and locked in a cellar by his mother for many years. His only comfort is a wind up alarm clock. He later opens a museum of clocks. The story alternates chapters of James and his life and a series of stories about certain clocks at the museum.

http://www.amazon.com/Home-Wayward-Clocks-Kathie-Giorgio/dp/159948255X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338423462&sr=1-1

CBGB ✉
May '12

I am listening to:

Robopocalypse by Daniel Wilson

What an awesome sci fi book about robot uprising against man.

I believe a movie is being made by Spielberg to be released in 2014, although I'm not into movies from books.

DB ✉
Jun '12

I just started fifty shades of grey as well. I think I am going go
to give it to my husband to read when I am finished with it ;)

Wcgal ✉
Jun '12

Finally got to Hunger Games - just finishing up Book 3.....

trekster3 ✉
Jun '12

Finished up "Kingdom of Shadows" by Alan Furst. This is historical fiction taking place in Europe during the years 1938-1939. Furst does a great job.

Now plowing through "Paris 1919", non-fiction by Margaret McMillan, about the peacemaking process post-WW1. Did you all know Woodrow Wilson spent almost 5 months there while president? It's very good with plenty of surprises. Lots of amazing stuff happened around the world that year (a lot of it bad).

AU, how are you doing on "Catch 22"? It's really good when you read it for the second time! Besides Major Major Major I remember the Colonel Cathcart chapter pretty well.

hjc, I can't comment on your book since I haven't read it, but that sure is a strange title. What "rage"? (You don't have to answer.) Fortunately you will be able to go on to other topics in 2013 or 2017; no doubt you are looking forward to that!

jerseydutchman2 ✉
Jun '12

I've just started reading Lee Childs, loved the first 2 that I read. I finished One Shot not long ago and loved it. Please review The Affair..will have to try to look for that one next. I don't think I see Tom Cruise in the role though..just my thought on it.

Bessie ✉
Jun '12

Finished The Affair which takes place before the first Jack Reacher book in 1997 when he was still in the military . It was very good and included a short story called Second Son which took place with Reacher and his family on a military base when he was thirteen . That was pretty far fetched since the 13 year old was called Reacher by his own family and was basically the same smart detective and devastating fighter at that young age as he is as an adult . Reading kindle library loan 61 Hours now and Worth Dying For just came in for digital loan . Reserved library books come all at once sometimes .

Zombo ✉
Jun '12

Love Jack Reacher. Just finished Die Trying. Good book.

Now reading Dirt by Stuart Woods. Love the Stone Barrington books.

Calico696 ✉
Jun '12

I'm listening to:

The Cure - Robin Cook

I have been reading his books for about 30 years or more. I love them all.

DB ✉
Jun '12

I just finished:

Commando by Johnny Ramone

A really good long awaited autobiography......but way too short.

However I would highly recommend this book for any Ramones fan. Johnny's view of the band, the members and the tours.

Another really great book about the Ramones is:

On The Road With the Ramones by Monte Melnick - Monte war their road manager for almost all of the tours.

DB ✉
Jun '12

yep, all the jack reacher books are great, i still have to catch up with the last one released, does anyone know the title of it?

also, Tom Cruise is not jack reacher, Jack is tall (like 6 foot 5) and we all know cruise is a shorty, just not believable. they should have cast someone else.

lke the first batman, Michael Keaton is a shrimpy guy, not even close to be being a physical resemblance to Batman. i never bought hm as Batman

this cruise guy is finished, guess everyone but hollywood knows it. he is so not Jack Reacher.

he's a secret gay, correct? will he ever come out of the closet? watch this clip:

http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/155090/tom-cruise-wont-come-out-of-the-closet

back to the topc: I am readng 'Hunger Games' and love it, it is a good story, are the follow up books as good a read as the frst one is? (no plot spoilers please, just let me know f i should get them out of the library, thx)

BrotherDog ✉
Jun '12

A few past favorites:

A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle
The Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett
House of Sand and Fog - Andre Dubus III
The Good Earth - Pearl S. Buck
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver
Where the Heart Is - Billie Letts

Presently reading Wishes Fulfilled by Wayne Dyer.

cbel ✉
Jun '12

jd2: Pillars sure was long, but somehow I made it to the end. Read all 1000 pages.

cbel ✉
Jun '12

I am listening to:

The Snowman - by Jo Nesbo

Slow moving in the beginning but the main character - Harry Hole, plays it nice and this one keeps building up.

DB ✉
Jul '12

CBGB Was My High School by GK Stritch
I haven't started reading it yet but will tonight

http://www.amazon.com/CBGB-Was-My-High-School/dp/0983371113/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341959396&sr=1-1&keywords=gk+stritch

CBGB ✉
Jul '12

Presently reading The Drift by John Ridley.

Bessie - I love Harlan Coben. Back Spin is a good one.

Calico696 ✉
Jul '12

Wow, very cool CBGB, to be reading a book titled with your screen name. I wonder if there's a SueR book. If not, Lord knows I could write one! ;)

SueR ✉
Jul '12

Cool, CBGB! Anyone: Go to Amazon and search for your own last name. You'll find it.

cbel ✉
Jul '12

Just wrapped up the three books in the "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series. If you have seen the movie, the suspense isn't as intense but the story is much richer and the Lisbeth character much stronger in the book.

The only weak link was that while Book one stands alone, if you read book 2 you pretty much have to move on to book three or live with a lot of loose ends. Thankfully books two and three are pretty solid.

Agust ✉
Jul '12

I just finished a few Stephen King books. Desperation was great - it kept me awake at night, too! ;)

I started People of the Book (Geraldine Brooks) yesterday and am almost done already -- it is that good. It is the story of a Jewish codex (the Haggadah - the book used at the Passover seder). The history of this manuscript and the people who have had contact with it is told via a modern manuscript preserver's investigation. It is a novel approach. The vignettes are wonderful; they really capture the reader and the information about Judaism is fascinating. Next up is Gone Girl. It has been a good summer of reading so far!

KathyDG ✉
Jul '12

Once Upon a Secret -- by Mimi Alford

http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Secret-President-Aftermath/dp/1400069106/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1342533256&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=mimi+alford

This book got mixed reviews on Amazon, and the author was bashed on The View for writing it, but I'm glad I read it and I recommend it, especially if you remember Kennedy's presidency and assassination as if it were yesterday.

cbel ✉
Jul '12

@happycamper - I almost done with Gone Girl. Wow. Just wow. Keep your spot on the waiting list and read it!

KathyDG ✉
Jul '12

@KathyDG, I know I've seen book 2 and 3 on audio..I'm going to get them on your recommendation. Going to check on Paperback Swap now. If not will try to get them from the library.

Bessie ✉
Jul '12

happycamper: 15 Seconds looks good. I'm on the waiting list, too. Thanks!

cbel ✉
Jul '12

I am still on the Library waiting list for Gone Girl and 15 Seconds. While I am waiting I am reading Dropped Names by Frank Langella. It is OK. Short chapters on famous people he has met.

happycamper ✉
Jul '12

Good grief, Charlie Brown, can't you do anything right?

Andy Loigu ✉
Jul '12

My World and Welcome To It ... James Thurber

A funny writer and cartoonist from the "old days"

Andy Loigu ✉
Aug '12

Love James Thurber... "The Night the Bed Fell" is one of my all-time favorite short stories and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is a classic.

ianimal ✉
Aug '12

Just finished Steve Jobs bio and highly recommended. I just started Last Words by George Carlin

Patrick O. ✉
Aug '12

You've gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run --- Kenny Rogers and I'm not talking about the guy who pitched for the Yankees and a few other teams (like Detroit).

Guess that belonged on one of the HL song threads.

Andy Loigu ✉
Aug '12

A Song of Ice and Fire: A Feast for Crows, the 4th book by George R.R. Martin in the Game of Thrones series. What great books! The HBO series is based upon them. I started watching the series earlier this year, before the second season started, and had to read the books because the series was so good!

Highly recommended if you are into stories from another time, another world, and with a hint of fantasy / magic. It's not overboard or overdone, it's just enough. The players don't always win, they don't always live, they frequently die and some even come back. Excellent.

Zombo, Valar Morghulis.

SandraDee ✉
Aug '12

I am reading The Scarlet Pimpernel. I try to make every 3rd or 4th book I read a classic. One that I should have read years ago but never did.

Still on the Library wiating list for Gone Girl, 15 Seconds, and the new Daniel Silva.

happycamper ✉
Aug '12

Sandra Dee , Valar Dohaeris

I just hope it doesn't take another six years for book six to come out since that was the gap between 4 and 5 . It's been said George R.R. Martin takes off the entire pro football season and writes at a very leisurely pace . Got both season 1+2 of GOT in HD on the DVR , but those things usually break within four years and I'll lose that when I return it to the cable company for a new one .


Just got done reading a trio of Harlan Coben ebooks on kindle library loans . They are Caught ,Long Lost , and Live Wire . I have to admit though Myron Bolitar's best friend Windsor (Win) Horne Lockwood III is the best character in these books although he was barely in Caught which wasn't a Bolitar book - still was a good mystery though .Next up is R.A. Dickey's sports bio Wherever I Wind Up - whenever the library gets it in that is . Also have a couple of library kindle ebooks on reserve by Michael Connelly (Black Echo) and a sci-fi anthology The Fourth Science Fiction Megapack . Might just buy that last one though since it's only 99 cents on big river .

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Valar_Dohaeris

Zombo ✉
Aug '12

About to settle down and spend a relaxing afternoon reading Gone Girl. Looking forward to it, but am hearing mixed reviews..

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Aug '12

JrzyGirl88: How's "Gone"? I'm picking my copy up on Thursday.

cbel ✉
Aug '12

@MB..I'm not only enjoying it, I'm loving it. I'm half way through and cannot wait to see how it ends. I have my ideas but they're not solid yet. I would have missed out on a great read if I hadn't listened to you.

Bessie ✉
Aug '12

Cbel ~ I will be honest, I am having a hard time getting into it. I am sticking with it, but not loving it so far

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Aug '12

JrzyGirl88: Are you still reading Gone Girl? I'm half-way through and I can't put it down.

cbel ✉
Aug '12

Cbel, I was wondering what you were thinking about it. I had a crazy week at work, not much down time to read when I was home. Just picking it up again this afternoon.

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Aug '12

Now I'm listening to:

Victims by Johnathan Kellerman

He comes up with the craziest psychopaths!

DB ✉
Aug '12

JG88: You're welcome. It will get better and better. Keep in touch.

cbel ✉
Aug '12

@ DB, I've never listened to any Jonathan Kellerman, do they usually have a good reader? For me, that can make or break a book. Do you get your books from the library? Have you tried downloading any of the e-books yet?

Bessie ✉
Aug '12

Reading Anna Quindlen's "Lots of Candles Plenty of Cake". Gosh she's a great writer!!!

Lady Jayne ✉
Aug '12

I just finished Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel. Both are great and I have to wait until 2015 for the third book in the trilogy. I am going to try some of her earlier works.

htown49years ✉
Aug '12

I love Anna Quindlen, didn't know she had a new book..will have to get that one soon. I love this thread!

Bessie ✉
Aug '12

I'm glad you liked it, Jrzy. I've read a few by Lisa Unger, but not that one.

cbel ✉
Aug '12

Dee did a signing in Medham back in the late fall and my friend picked it up for my husband for Father's Day:)

Blackcat ✉
Aug '12

@Cbel- I am almost done with Gone Girl, about a 100 pages to go. I am enjoying it and can't wait to finish. I have a hard time putting it down at night.

happycamper ✉
Aug '12

Happy ~ never read anything by her before. I just finished Gone Girl. Sounds like our book tastes are the same, so I am glad for the input. Keep you posted.

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Aug '12

I just read a good book called Silence its only available on amazon e books by Ashley Mcneil

shoebie ✉
Aug '12

I finished Gone Girl. Holy Crow! What twists and turns. It was worth the wait.

happycamper ✉
Aug '12

Starting the The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest..can't wait.

Bessie ✉
Aug '12

I just finished reading Pat Benatars book...Between A Heart And A Rock Place...a good honest read...she explains all the issues about the music business...and how to survive...and be happy...

hobo ✉
Aug '12

I just finished the Sandcastle Girls. It was an awesome book! It was about the Armenian genocide during WW1...a subject I wasn't familiar with at all. But it was a great story...told by the granddaughter of the main characters.

JG1956 ✉
Aug '12

I read that one too. That book has stayed with me too.

JG1956 ✉
Aug '12

Read Killing Lincoln. Very good book.

About 25% of the way through Steve Jobs -- also a very good book.

Computer Sharp ✉
Aug '12

I've started Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger. Described to me by someone as a beautiful love story. How can I not like that? So far, so good. (even though it starts off with telling a sad ending) I really like how these two talk about how certain things had to happen in their lives to bring them to where they were at the right time to meet each other. I can relate. :) I look forward to reading about this wonderful journey this couple goes through.


http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Water-Joseph-Monninger/dp/1439168334

SueR ✉
Aug '12

Splendid Slippers: A Thousand Years of an Erotic Tradition by Beverley Jackson

A deep and respectful exploration of the facts and fiction of the Chinese custom of foot-binding. Details the 1,000-year history (though the 20th century!), the process (and agony!), and the shoes and embroidery.

Many, many elegant full color photographs.

honey badger ✉
Aug '12

Finished Darkness, My Old Friend, it was a good read. Not sure if I will start Criminal by Karin Slaughter or Gillian Flynn's Darkness. Happy how is your series going? I don't think I have read the Blossom book's.

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Sep '12

ODD Apocalypse

Tidy
Sep '12

Love the rules Alpha!!

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Sep '12

Cool Alpha - got a good laugh at 'the rules' as well.

Rebecka ✉
Sep '12

David Rosenfelt

http://www.davidrosenfelt.com/

I just finished my fifth book in his Andy Carpenter series. Nothing has gotten done in my apartment for the last three weeks.

cbel ✉
Sep '12

JrzyGirl88 the series is going well. On the third book. Waiting for 15 seconds to come in at the Library. Glad you like Darkness, My Old Friend.

happycamper ✉
Sep '12

Mariann: DO NOT SKIP! Read every word.

cbel ✉
Sep '12

Reading a kindle library loan The Litigators by John Grisham . Very funny read about a small Chicago ambulance chasing firm Finley and Finch that gets caught up in a big class action lawsuit . As far as Steve Jobs goes , I wish I could bring him back to life to kick him in the family jewels for telling the president those manufacturing jobs he shipped off to China to make his overpriced cheap electronics products with slave labor are never coming back here . His attitude is what's wrong with America not what's right !

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/business/apple-america-and-a-squeezed-middle-class.html?_r=1

Zombo ✉
Sep '12

Richard Russo:

Empire Falls (Pullitzer Prize Winner 2001), Nobody's Fool and Straight Man

Dialogue is witty and very entertaining.

Chickadee ✉
Sep '12

Just finished Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs (Wrote Friday Night Knitting Club series), ok, pure fluff but fun to listen to..started a new Lee Child book, Gone Tomorrow. Only on the second disc but liking it already.

Bessie ✉
Sep '12

I am finally starting 15 Seconds by Andrew Gross.

happycamper ✉
Sep '12

Atlas Shrugged is on my to-read list. I'm interested to see what you think. In the meantime...I have recently become addicted to romance novels...I'm embarrassed to admit this but I figure I'm safe since no one knows me. Can anyone recommend any good ones?

JG56 ✉
Sep '12

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I can't put this book down...

Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, and more. Henrietta’s cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can’t afford health insurance.

http://rebeccaskloot.com/

honey badger ✉
Oct '12

Has anyone read Rowlings 'A Casual Vacancy' yet? No spoilers please... I have it but waiting for a long weekend to read, expect I won't be able to put it down.

hktownie ✉
Oct '12

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson

DB ✉
Oct '12

cbel - Warren County Library participates in Open Borrowing. I would think that one of Library's in the near vicinity might have it.

Firefly ✉
Oct '12

JrzyGirl88- I looked it up also and it does sound good.

happycamper ✉
Oct '12

When Hell Was In Session by Rear Admiral Jeremiah A. Denton,Jr. A former Vietnam War POW. It details his capture and subsequent internment in the North Vietnamese POW camps.

oldman ✉
Oct '12

Cbel ~ I would love to join you guys, I will definitely make a breakfast one of these days. The lunches and meetups are usually out for me, as I work about 50 miles from home.

It's my feel good activity these days, the soliders post the various books they are looking for on the site and then I make a little care package and ship them off to them with the books and some goodies. Just my way of sending them a piece of home.


I read on another thread about a book club being formed, does anyone know if that ever happened? The postings kind of just stopped.

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Oct '12

I am nearly finished with "Three Junes" by Julia Glass. I like it, but for some reason it is taking me a while to finish it. I really enjoyed "I See You Everywhere" by her and that one I raced through.

I also recently read "The Little Stranger" by Sarah Waters. It is rare to find a good novel that is a ghost story . . . this was a good one in same vein as "The Turn of the Screw" if you like that kind of thing.

I have "A Mercy" by Toni Morrison checked out, but I think I'm going to return that one unread. I think this might be one of her more deeper ones and I don't think I'm up for that, at the moment, anyway.

Aquarius ✉
Oct '12

Reading What the Dead Know By Laura Lippman. It is very good. Can't figure out how it will end.

Next will be The Burying Place by Brian Freeman. #5 in the Jonathon Stride series.

happycamper ✉
Oct '12

@happycamper. Ideas What the Dead Know. Very good book, had you guessing until the end

Bessie ✉
Oct '12

Killing Kennedy, so far very good.

Ignatz
Oct '12

The titles of O'Reilly's books - "Killing Lincoln", and "Killing Kennedy", seem kind of crass. Is it just me?

jd2 ✉
Oct '12

Just finished an interesting read called Bloodroot by Amy Greene. Author uses a multiple character perspective to tell the story about one woman. Really drew me in and was a nice change of pace for the hist.fic I've been gravitating towards this year. Here's the synopsis...

The novel is told in a kaleidoscope of seamlessly woven voices and centers around an incendiary romance that consumes everyone in its path: Myra Lamb, a wild young girl with mysterious, haint blue eyes who grows up on remote Bloodroot Mountain; her grandmother Byrdie Lamb, who protects Myra fiercely and passes down “the touch” that bewitches people and animals alike; the neighbor boy who longs for Myra yet is destined never to have her; the twin children Myra is forced to abandon but who never forget their mother’s deep love; and John Odom, the man who tries to tame Myra and meets with shocking, violent disaster. Against the backdrop of a beautiful but often unforgiving country, these lives come together—only to be torn apart—as a dark, riveting mystery unfolds.

BTW any avid readers on Goodreads.com? I've found so many books through it and can keep track of what I've read.

Trying to Help ✉
Nov '12

I'm currently re-reading The Passage by Justin Cronin. The second installment of the trilogy (The Twelve) was recently released and I read the first book more than two years ago, so I figured some refreshing was in order. It's just as good the second time around, lol...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Passage_(novel)

ianimal ✉
Nov '12

Trying to Help- just sent a friend request to you.

There is also a Hackettstown Life group on Goodreads also.

happycamper ✉
Nov '12

Happy I read Darkness a while back, you will enjoy it..

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Nov '12

"the chapter about his hair." - What? Only one chapter? ;-)

GC ✉
Dec '12

Just finished the "Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom - interesting story of slavery from the perspective of an indentured irish servant raised by the house slaves. Not as well written as the "The Color Purple" - and no comparison to "Gone with the wind" .

htown newbie ✉
Dec '12

Raven, The Untold Story of Rev. Jim Jones.

Jazzykatt ✉
Dec '12

Anna Karenina. I try to throw a classic in once in awhile. I am on the library waiting list for Cross Roads, by the author of The Shack.

happycamper ✉
Dec '12

Finished Cross Roads. It was not quite as good as The Shack but close.

Also read Black Friday' s by Michael Sears. This is his first novel. I thought it was very good. Kept my interest.

I am now starting Shiver by Karen Robards.

happycamper ✉
Jan '13

Secrets of the Hollywood Girls Club - Maggie Marr. Reminds me of a Jackie Collins book. Sometimes you just need a little trash in your life. LOL!!

I am loving the website www.goodreads.com. Thanks Alpha for introducing me to the site.

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Jan '13

Just finished Dark Places - Gillian Flynn. What a dark, creepy, scary book. Loved it!! Cbel ~ Gone Girl is nothing compared to this one...

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Jan '13

JrzyGirl88: "Dark Places" was a good one; I read it in 2010. Now try "Sharp Objects."

ianimal: Stop torturing yourself. Reading shouldn't be a chore unless it's required for school. There are so many new great ones out there.

cbel ✉
Jan '13

ianimal, I read Ethan Frome a couple of years ago, and thought it was pretty good. Let us know what you think.

jd2 ✉
Jan '13

ianimal: Now, that's a good one, imo.

cbel ✉
Jan '13

Read Ethan Frome and Brothers Karamasov in eigth grade. Forgot about them. They were good, from the little I remember. ianimal, did you read the full 1200 pg verstion of 'The Count of Monte Cristo'? It was good, but a struggle at times.

Currently reading 'No Easy Day'. It's the book about killing Bin Laden. It's really good. Going to need a book soon for my next read.

MeisterNJ ✉
Jan '13

Jrzygirl: My library doesn't have the Marti Green book so I'll have to skip that one. Sounds good, though.

cbel ✉
Jan '13

David Copperfield is now one of my favorite Dickens novels. He was already my favorite English author, but I really enjoyed the story and the characters, even more than say, A Tale of Two Cities, Nicholas Nickleby or Oliver Twist. I'm looking forward to Great Expectations after I get through Ethan Frome and From London to Land's End (DeFoe).

The great thing about classics on the Kindle is that the copyrights have almost exclusively expired on all of them, so you can get them for nothing.

ianimal ✉
Jan '13

Sounds like a Ken Follett novel.. those are really long reads on the kindle too!

hktownie ✉
Jan '13

Cbel ~ do you have a Kindle? I know that you can lend books on the Kindle, but I haven't figured out the whole concept. I have been too busy reading so much I haven't really figured out many features on it.

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Jan '13

Ever read 'To Build a Fire', ianimal? Great Jack London book. Read it when I was a teenager and can remember it vividly. What are you picking for 'G'? 'Grapes of Wrath'? That was real good too.

MeisterNJ ✉
Jan '13

Zombie, I have a large format DX that is probably 3-4 years old. Do you know if they have "firmware" updates that would add that feature to older models?

ianimal ✉
Jan '13

The story about a guy waking up to a whopper of a hangover is called The Wrath of Grapes. LOL

Andy Loigu ✉
Jan '13

I just finished reading The River Of Doubt (thanks to oldman reccomendation). The story is so unbelievable it could pass for fiction if it weren't true.

Currently reading Death in the Grizzly Maze: The Timothy Treadwell Story by Mike Lapinski

honey badger ✉
Jan '13

Thanks, zombo... Sorry, zombie was an auto-correct, lol.

MeisterNJ, I don't recall that scene at the beginning of GOW, but maybe I've just forgotten it. Basically, a guy gets out of jail in Oklahoma during the height of the Dust Bowl, heads home, finds his family has been kicked off the farm, reconnects with hem and heads for California. Theres a lot more to it, but that's the Readers Digest version....

ianimal ✉
Jan '13

MeisterNJ, I read Copperfield almost two years ago... right before that damned Jane Austen put the kibbosh on my literary aspirations. It's my favorite Dickens novel (so far) and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

If you haven't read it yet, I most highly recommend Crime and Punishment, which is probably my favorite novel ever, although A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess is a close second.

For more contemporary novels, I recommend a couple of "historical fiction" works by Dan Simmons: "The Terror" and "Drood".

The Terror is based upon the HMS Terror, which was a British ship that was lost while searching for the Northwest passage. It's injected with some of the supernatural but there is plenty of well-researched history in there as well and very graphic depictions of what it was like living on a 19th century ship with hundreds of other people.

Drood is a fictional account of the last 5 years or so of Dickens's life and is told from the point of view of Wilkie Collins, a contemporary of Dickens and a degenerate laudanum (and later opium) addict. The novel begins with the Stapleford train crash, a monumental tragedy which Dickens was actually involved in, and descends into madness from there. Quite a compelling read.

Both books are lengthy... I think Drood is about 800 pages and The Terror is probably closer to 1,000. But, I read each of them in less than two weeks, so once you get into them, they go pretty quick.

ianimal ✉
Jan '13

ianimal's Steelers didn't make the playoffs, he's got more time to read on the weekends now. LOL, all in fun, nothing personal. This is coming from someone who posts Family Guy dancing (if that's what you call it) to Bird is the Word. As for me, I do most of my reading at hours when normal people are sleeping.

Andy Loigu ✉
Jan '13

Just finished The Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson, loved it. It was about his childhood growing up in Iowa in the 50's-60's. While a lot of it was funny, and many can relate, you see the good old days weren't all good and it's glimpse into when things changed our way of life..Also read A Walk in the Woods by him and loved that too! I need to add some more of his books to my "To Read" list,

Bessie ✉
Feb '13

Liars and Saints by Maile Meloy
http://www.amazon.com/Liars-Saints-Novel-Maile-Meloy/dp/0743261984/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359782378&sr=1-1&keywords=liars+and+saints

I read a collection of short stories written by Meloy that are quite good. This book is excellent so far. Some people just know how to tell a story.

CBGB ✉
Feb '13

This is by far my favorite HL thread. So many wonderful recommendations! I have a new Kindle Paperwhite and I just love it. I joined Amazon Prime and have been borrowing books from them as well as Hackettstown Library to supplement the reading I pay for.

iAnimal - Oh, how I loved David Copperfield! It made me laugh so much, especially at the Macawbers. Steinbeck is another personal favorite. Grapes of Wrath was compelling, but I think I enjoyed East of Eden more. I am going to add Drood to my list. Thanks for mentioning it!

Right now I am plowing through Walter Isaacson's Benjamin Franklin as well as the Harry Potter series. I like to mix up some non-fiction with my fiction. Ben Franklin is fascinating - I never realized how he formed the American "personality". It has given me greater insight (and tolerant understanding) of our current political climate. Harry Potter - well, it's just good fun.

I am awaiting the new Dan Brown. He has some fertile ground to work with in Dante!

KathyDG ✉
Feb '13

"warrior of the light" by Paulo Coelho Great book

DPL ✉
Feb '13

"survivors" by John Wesley Rawles

about how to live in a devolving society, good information for a troubled age.

BrotherDog ✉
Feb '13

The Harbinger by Jonathan Cohn.
Just started it, waiting to see if it holds up to all the hype.

Spring Fever
Feb '13

ianimal, where did you find David Copperfield for free on Kindle?

MeisterNJ ✉
Feb '13

And, I'm sorry... it wasn't free. I had to pay $0.99 for it, now that I check my account history. Still not bad for 16 classic novels.

ianimal ✉
Feb '13

Thank you very much.

MeisterNJ ✉
Feb '13

A Dance With Dragons by George R R Martin. It is Book Five of the Song of Ice and Fire (or better known as Game of Thrones).

Chickadee ✉
Mar '13

The most interesting people are the ones who are wired differently.

Andy Loigu ✉
Mar '13

I just read "The Storyteller" by Jodi Picoult. Excellent book about the Holocaust.

Birdie ✉
Mar '13

I'm listening to Sum it Up by Pat Summitt (ex, past) coach of the Lady Vols.
Excellent book - best book I have listened to in a long while.
Get yourself on the waiting list at the Library - you won't regret it!

Mrs. Resident ✉
Mar '13

Calico, finished One and Two of the James Patterson books you recommended. Just ordered Three and Four from Paperback Swap. I really enjoyed the first 2 books, always a twist at the end. I love when you think you have it all figured out, then you don't.

Bessie ✉
Apr '13

I recently finished Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger. I did not enjoy it much. The premise was fascinating, but I found ultimately too much suspension of disbelief is required. And the characters were not very well developed.

I also recently finished Blessings by Anna Quindlan. I don't know what it is about her writing but I just find it very soothing. I have enjoyed others by her better than this one, but it was still a good read.

I just got Dark Places by Gillian Flynn from the library for my Nook (finally! I had given up on the hold). Hopefully this is as good as I've been told, after the long wait.

Aquarius ✉
May '13

DB - I've been terrified of EMPs for years. After I read about them, I literally lost sleep. I think it is our #1 most devastating potential threat. I'm probably too scared to read One Second After.

So right now I'm contenting myself with Free-Form Embroidery with Judith Baker Montano. Probably not anyone else's cup of tea!

Rebecka ✉
Jun '13

@ Bessie - sorry for the late response - I'm not on here too often.
Yes, I got the audiobook of Sum it Up from the Hackettstown Library online.

Another good audiobook is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.

Right now I'm listening to American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle - very good so far also.

Mrs. Resident ✉
Jun '13

45 pages into The First Messiah

pretty interesting so far

http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Messiah-Investigating-Savior/dp/0060696451

Stan ✉
Jun '13

42 --by-- M. Thomas Cooper
http://mthomascooper.com/novels/42

very cool unconventional novel. a page turner indeed

CBGB ✉
Oct '13

Just finished Stephen King's Doctor Sleep , the years later follow up to The Shining . I actually enjoyed it more than the Shining .

Zombo ✉
Oct '13

I just finished Unbroken by Karen Hillenbrand. This is a true story about Louis Zamperini, a USA Olympic runner and WWII hero. This book is a real page turner. I couldn't put it down wondering what happens next! It also gave me much insight into the Pacific action in WWII. I love books that entertain and inform at the same time.

http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World-Survival-Resilience-Redemption/dp/1400064163/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382610229&sr=1-1&keywords=unbroken+hillenbrand

Chickadee ✉
Oct '13

Have found the Imortal Series by Julie Kagawa very entertaining! Somewhat different than most "Vamp" books. There are 2 books in series available rite now.

SusieQ ✉
Oct '13

The Signature of All Things- Elizabeth Gilbert
Excellent, strong characters, very fast pace, 1700- 1800's botany and business, travel and roots of the theory of evolution. Sounds boring when I reread that sentence but its not.

hktownie ✉
Oct '13

Non-fiction from 2008: "American Eve - Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White, The Birth of the 'It' Girl, and the Crime of the Century", by Paula Uruburu (love that name).

Starring: Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White, Harry Thaw, and the Madison Square Garden of 1900. Quite a tale.

jd2 ✉
Jan '14

Just finished Six Years, loved it! I'm a big Harlan Cobin fan and thought this was one of his best. It really had you guessing until the end. Also just finished Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg, I like her writing and have read quite a few of them. For something different I read Work Hard. Be Nice by Jay Matthews, about the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) started by 2 young college grads in the 90's. Currently listening to a Lee Child book.
Cbel, it's Jack Reacher, I'm thinking of you the whole time I'm listening to it. Glad this was bumped up, trying to find some new books to listen to..not easy getting audio's these days though.

Bessie ✉
Jan '14

@ Bessie ~ are you on Goodreads? HappyCamper and I both are on and get each others updates on which books we are reading. It's a great site, helps you keep track of what you read, what you like, what you don't like and gives you recommendations based on your book ratings. There is an HL Group there, but hasn't had any activity in months...

@HappyCamper ~ Putting Lisa Ungers on my to be read list. Love her books!

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Jan '14

Life after Life by Kate Atkinson

Tidy
Jan '14

Calico how is that? I usually like her books very much

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Jan '14

@jerseygirl88, I think I'm registered there but haven't done anything with it. Will check it out further

Bessie ✉
Jan '14

I was watching a very cool movie called CBGB and it showed a very young band auditioning for a gig....The Police ... I didn't think/know The Police may have got their start at CBGB's so I am now reading

One Train Later a memoir of Andy Summers who is the guitar player for The Police

CBGB ✉
Feb '14

12 years a slave

cowgirl1 ✉
Feb '14

Just finished Lisa Jackson's "Whispers" - took me a long time to get through and I usually love her stuff. Just started "Unbreakable" by Rebecca Shea (new author for me).

JrzyGirl88 ✉
Feb '14

Just finished reading The Cuckoo's Calling by J K Rowling published under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. It's crime fiction and I enjoyed it.

Now I'm reading The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan.

Chickadee ✉
Feb '14

Reading a compilation of stories about American Olympic athletes, called "Awaken the Olympian Within," by John Naber, a gold medal winner himself.

I'd describe it as a motivational book, all about persevering, meeting challenges, and achieving.

Also read a book by a local author. Belvidere soccer coach Peter Huryk (who also has coached in Hackettstown) put together "Fill Your Boots," primarily aimed at high school athletes, but it goes beyond that to life in general. I really liked the following line ... "juggling is another great metaphor for life because it reflects how life often feels. You have at least three things in the air at once, and in an attempt to keep all things from crashing to the ground, you spend just enough time on each to get it back up in the air."

In my work experience, I've called that "putting out fires." Most just call it multi-tasking, a term I don't ever recall hearing when I was a college student in the early 70s. The predictions used to be that computers would make our lives easier. I think they've simply increased the expectations.

Andy Loigu ✉
Feb '14

Dr Sleep by Stephen King, sequel to The Shining, an easy, fast read (although 500+ pages) entertaining but far from his best work.

roywhite ✉
Feb '14

Janette Lowrey. - The Poky Little Puppy

iPhone-imal ✉
Apr '14

The first phone call from heaven by Mitch Albom. Interesting story about a small town where a few residents start getting phone calls from deceased relatives.

kayaking ✉
Apr '14

ian, you haven't read anything until you've read Dr. Seuss and The Jolly Pocket Postman.To be honest I think I enjoyed those books more than my daughter did. Lol

positive ✉
Apr '14

Sometimes I like to re-read an old book. This is a classic.

Hugh
Apr '14

Thanks for the heads up, Bessie! I haven't been able to pick it up for a couple of days now but I am sooo curious to find out what is really going on!

kayaking ✉
Apr '14

Bessie,
the libraries still exist???
I don't read books - hackettstownlife.com is enough for me!

Pyc ✉
Apr '14

@pyc, they actually do exist and I'm a fan..I listen to books on audio while commuting to work and they're pretty pricey to buy. They even order them for you from other libraries, going to pick up one tomorrow, The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. As far as Hackettstown Life being enough, I've been taking a break because honestly, a lot of what's posted makes me feel ill, LOL I like the pet threads and like to see who's reading what books, and these days, that about does it for me.

Bessie ✉
Apr '14

Bessie: Finished The first phone call from heaven today..really enjoyed it! Will go to the library and get another one of his books for sure. I, too, listen to audio books in my car all the time.

kayaking ✉
Apr '14

Re-reading one I read back in 1975 ...

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.

In this era of growing poverty and exploitation of workers, it's a must-read. History repeats because we never learn its lessons.

I've also heard there is a book about alcoholism, called The Wrath of Grapes ... LOL

Andy Loigu ✉
Apr '14

Flash Boys: A Wall Street revolt:

http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Boys-Wall-Street-Revolt/dp/0393244660

"Flash Boys is about a small group of Wall Street guys who figure out that the U.S. stock market has been rigged for the benefit of insiders and that, post–financial crisis, the markets have become not more free but less, and more controlled by the big Wall Street banks. Working at different firms, they come to this realization separately; but after they discover one another, the flash boys band together and set out to reform the financial markets. This they do by creating an exchange in which high-frequency trading—source of the most intractable problems—will have no advantage whatsoever.

The characters in Flash Boys are fabulous, each completely different from what you think of when you think “Wall Street guy.” Several have walked away from jobs in the financial sector that paid them millions of dollars a year. From their new vantage point they investigate the big banks, the world’s stock exchanges, and high-frequency trading firms as they have never been investigated, and expose the many strange new ways that Wall Street generates profits.

The light that Lewis shines into the darkest corners of the financial world may not be good for your blood pressure, because if you have any contact with the market, even a retirement account, this story is happening to you. But in the end, Flash Boys is an uplifting read. Here are people who have somehow preserved a moral sense in an environment where you don’t get paid for that; they have perceived an institutionalized injustice and are willing to go to war to fix it."

justintime ✉
May '14

Andy Loigu,
hm, Grapes of Wrath, published in 1939.. Would be interesting.

Pyc ✉
May '14

Here is something about printed comments in social media ... the person who brought up that Grapes of Wrath was published in 1939 ... is he or she discrediting it because it is "old" ... or does that person feel the fact it was written in the 30s makes it a worthwhile book?

I've encountered people who think anything written more than two years ago is "out of date." Those same people probably have no clue, when I say the years 1929 and 2008 have a lot in common ...

Andy Loigu ✉
May '14

+1JrzyGirl88. My favorite book also! Gone with the Wind is another favorite of mine.

happycamper ✉
May '14

JrzyGirl -- Unfortunately, bad history repeats itself because so many young people do not want to learn history.

Well, in another 20 years, maybe 30 if I really take good care of myself, I'll be gone and whatever happens to this world won't be my problem anymore.

Andy Loigu ✉
May '14

I rarely read novels but if I could recommend just one it would be "A Confederacy Of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole ? It was published and won a Pulitzer long after his suicide. Very funny.

jerseycash5
May '14

Andy Loigu,
I don't like history (as it's presented from "historians") either. I prefer it get it from the real people (or the ones who can think and dissect every fact/event/gossip and look at them from many different angles). As one man said, history does not repeat, it's being repeated.
and, it's very convenient that the younger generations don't know much about the past... convenient... to lead them into the "wrong" (read pre-conditioned) future.
Ask young people to tell you who was the first man in the space and who was the first one to return from it alive. Hm... (i wonder what the answers would be...).

Pyc ✉
May '14

@ Happycamper Harper Lee has agreed to allow the book to be released as an ebook. Can't wait to add it to my Kindle for summer reading. Again. Based on our similar reading tastes I'm not surprised that you would love that one too! :)

JrzyGirl88 ✉
May '14

The War of the Rats;

or as the Germans called it, Rattenkrieg

pretty good book, and it's historically accurate in great detail

BrotherDog ✉
Jul '14

just finished Stephen King's 'Joyland' and 'Mr. Mercedes'. The first is a ghost/murder mystery and the second is one of his typical murder mysteries. both very good =o)

Next on the list is to finish the walking dead compendium 2 and start Max Brook's 'Harlem Hellfighters'

Poppy Girl
Jul '14

MNJ, has Cussler gone back to writing Pitt/Giordino novels or is he still sticking with that Kurt Austin clown?

iPhone-imal ✉
Jul '14

Stephen King's Joyland collectively is more of a coming of age story rather than a murder mystery/ghost story , although it also has those elements . Couldn't get into Mr. Mercedes in the 14 day library window to read it , maybe I'll revisit it later on , but I really don't look to King for non-supernatural crime procedurals which are not exactly his best type of stories .Instead I got and reread one of my King favorites 11/22/63 about preventing the Kennedy assassination for 2.99 on amazon for my Kindle which also includes audio /video for the Kindle Fire (except 1st gen), iPhone, iPad , and iPod - a great deal !

http://www.amazon.com/11-22-63-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B004Q7CIFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406839705&sr=8-1&keywords=11%2F22%2F63

Some good free Kindle books I've read recently - Rushed and The Box (first book in the Temple of The Blind Series) by Brian Harmon . They are free to get you to buy the next in the series for 2.99 each, but the first in each series books are the best as Temple of the Blind really goes downhill in the next 5 books , not so much the other 2 Rushed books . Also a Carrie type story called Scary Mary . Unfortunately other Stephen King like books like Matt Hults' Husk , Bryan Smith's Kayla and the Devil , and Abra-Cadaver by Matt Drabble are no longer free.

http://www.amazon.com/Rushed-Brian-Harmon-ebook/dp/B00AXTOIJM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406838899&sr=8-1&keywords=rushed

http://www.amazon.com/Box-Temple-Blind-1-ebook/dp/B004W0JGCW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406838805&sr=8-1&keywords=the+box+temple+of+the+blind

http://www.amazon.com/Scary-Mary-Book-ebook/dp/B00400MQ9Y/ref=sr_1_49?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1406838698&sr=1-49&keywords=free+kindle+horror+books

Zombo ✉
Jul '14

Ok, am I losing my mind or did I just read and reply to Zombo's post about Dean Koonz? Zombo's post was just on here a few minutes ago. Not sure if it's my computer or this sight.

positive ✉
Jul '14

I just finished reading the "Wayward Pines" trilogy by Blake Crouch on my Kindle. It's to be made into a TV series on Fox next year some time from what I've heard. Very good read... Blake Crouch is one of my favorite " Kindle authors", along with JA Konrath/Jack Kilborn.

iPhone-imal ✉
Jul '14

Can't believe I forgot about Nicholas Sparks (I don't think you guys would be interested but maybe the ladies will have some appreciation). The Notebook and Message in a Bottle, two fantastic tear jerking books.

Getting back to Stephen King my favorite reads by him are, Gerald's Game (not very popular but has your imagination going...a little sick, but scary), Misery, Watchers and Dolores Claiborne.

Koonz- Intensity and The Bad Place.

Not too crazy about Danielle Steel but her best work was Message from Nam.

positive ✉
Jul '14

No positive you are not losing your mind - I was editing that post when my computer shut down and I lost it .Needless to say Dean Koontz ain't what he used to be . And if you like those kind of stories Robert McCammon's older stuff and Richard Layman's ( he died in 2001) books are worth a look . Swan Song from McCammon is very comparable to The Stand , Boy's Life to King's It , and McCammon's Stinger puts The Tommyknockers and Under the Dome to shame . Also can't believe Blue World from his short story book of the same name wasn't made into a screen adaption .

From Richard Laymon - The Traveling Vampire Show , In the Dark , Night In The Lonesome October , Body Rides , Savage (think Huck Finn meets Jack the Ripper) , The Stake (better of his 2 vampire books), and a few others like Darkness Tell Us and the Beast House series beginning with The Cellar . No telling what Laymon would have written had he lived . Below is a link for McCammon's Nightcrawlers short story from Blue World - an 80s Twilight Zone adaption featuring Exene Cervenka from the LA punk rock band X (Wild Thing from the Major League movie) as a waitress .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITl2BBnKBq0

http://xtheband.com/

Zombo ✉
Aug '14

Just finished...

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult - Other than the historical flashback, the book was cheesy and awful.

Dark Places by Gyllian Flynn - This was a captivating roller coaster of a story. Flynn is an amazing writer.

The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner - Books 1 & 2 are entertaining but I'm not really like the 3rd one yet.

Jazzykatt ✉
Aug '14

I understand why it was made the way it was, great book, but not the kind of material you'd want to watch. Even though I loved it I might have ended up falling asleep in a true adaption like I do everytime I try and get into madmen.

The movie was ok, I wasn't crazy about it, but it lacked development, I may just be spoiled by the walking dead.

Penningslandscaping ✉
Aug '14

A Short History of Nuclear Folly --by-- Rudolph Herzog

it's a history of nuclear weapons/technology told in a light manner but still very well researched and filled with interesting facts. So far my fave is "Operation Plowshare" . America plans to use nuclear bombs for things like making a second canal in Panama. Which would use 300H-Bombs. good stuff

CBGB ✉
Aug '14

Any Diana Gabaldon fans out there? I've loved her books for many, many years. Reread them every few years they're that good. Scottish History, time travel, 20th century medicine in the 18th century, humor, sex, and a romance that is so strong...
From her blog and facebook page, men enjoy them too.

Her first book Outlander is now a mini series on Starz. Starts Aug 9 but you can see the first episode for free at Starz.com. All I can say is that the book is even better than the film version, highly recommended.

hktownie ✉
Aug '14

I'm reading Memoirs Of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks. It's his third book and like his other two books it is charming , funny , low key and a great read. The title pretty much says it all except the story is being told by the imaginary friend.

My dear sweet friend Cbel and I often talked about the books we were reading and one thing we both agreed on was Matthew Dicks is a fine author whose books just make you feel good.

CBGB ✉
Sep '14

I just finished The Husband's Secret. I was sucked in at first but just like Jodi Picoult, the author's ending was very cowardly.

Jazzykatt ✉
Sep '14

I'm in the middle of a great book "BeFore I Go To Sleep". Didn't even realize the movie is coming out next month !

Missrx ✉
Sep '14

Not trying to hijack this thread but wondering if anyone has see Gone Girl or Before I Go To Sleep at the movie. Debating which on to see.

happycamper ✉
Nov '14

Just finished :

And the Mountains Echoed

tidy
Nov '14