‘Tis the season — the season for chatting about books, I say! I’ve been a bit lazy about logging my reads over at Goodreads during the last few months but I’m in the process of playing catch up.
I love that site!
I thought I’d share the cliffs notes of what I’ve been reading, what’s on my nightstand, and what’s waiting for me on the shelf.
1. Crossbones Yard by Kate Rhodes
This was a super quick read about a psychologist and a British serial killer. It’s one of those books that – yes, is a bit problematic when you get to the end – but man, WHILE YOU’RE READING IT – is awesome. I don’t know if the font was just large but it only took about a day and a half to get through. Worth it!
2. The Expats by Chris Pavone
Spy novel meets thriller full of suspense – this whole book felt like a movie. Again, the ending was a bit problematic, but I found the pacing and the energy of the book made me overlook it.
3. A Twisted Ladder by Rhodi Hawk
HRMPH. This book did such a GREAT job of creating a gothic, southern New Orleans setting, but the story itself was just a hot mess. I want a good moody book about the south that is AWESOME. Suggestions?
4. Quiet Mind: A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation by Susan Piver
Because my mind is NEVER quiet. I enjoy Susan Piver and her perspective. I don’t really enjoy meditation (but I think I need to try! ha!) I picked this up at the library because it looks like a good, quick, instructional read. So far, so good.
5. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
I am totally reading this book because I love the cover. Also because lots of folks whose book advice I trust have said they think I’ll love it. I’ll keep you posted.
6. Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
This month’s book club pick. Our book choices have been all over the place this year, but I’m so happy we are still doing it because I’ve read some books this year I’d never pick up. Oh, reading this reminds me of this video. I’ve been really enjoying Ashley’s You Tube Channel Climb the Stacks and her general book talk. Do you know of any other people talking books on You Tube you could recommend?
7. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
I asked and YOU answered. A couple of weeks ago when I did a little call out for books as addicted as that damn Twilight series (I know, I know I’M SORRY. IT’S AWFUL) this book was by far the most popular recommendation. Naturally I hit up Amazon immediately. 🙂
8. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
This was another popular recommendation via email and in the comments of that last post. I’ve thought about reading this for years but have heard mixed reviews. I think this is the perfect season to finally dive in and see what I think.
9. A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
So this book is on just about every Best of 2013 list I’ve read this year. Looks heavy, but like it will probably be great. Have you read it?
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So tell me, what have you been reading?
Holly, you must read The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. This story includes a love story for the ages, references to Dante’s Inferno and time travel, all kinds of wonderful topics. One of my favorite books of all time. Also, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is really good. The list of books I want to read continues to grow at an alarming rate. If you do read either of these, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Yes! I MUST! We were contemplating reading it for book club, but then someone had already read it (it’s a deal breaker in the club, LOL) but everyone I know who has read it says it is super odd, but super great. I will get to it one of these days, dangit! 🙂 And I loved The Fault in Our Stars. I love John Green in general and am slowly working my way through all of his books. From my perspective, Looking for Alaska is top notch as far as Young Adult books are concerned. He’s a great writer!
I second Cami’s recommendation on The Fault in Our Stars. It is so very, very good.
Right now I am reading Possessed, a biography of Joan Crawford, and I just finished Sense and Sensibility, a reworking of Jane Austen’s novel-by Joanna Trollope. Still not sure how I feel about that book, I couldn’t put it down, so it was engrossing-but I have mixed feelings about it.
Isn’t that funny how books can do that — you can enjoy them while you are reading it, but then afterwards be unsure. I find I recommend a lot of books like that “This will be SO FUN to read, but afterward you might love/hate it. I take no responsibility.” haah
And I LOVED The Fault in Our Stars. Talk about a weep-fest! So great!
Good southern Gothic mystery — The REstorer by Amanda STevens. It is about a grave restorer in the south who can see ghosts. It is weird to me that they are shelved in the romance section, but believe me, some of the best mysteries I read all last year — and SUPER creepy at times!
Fun! I’ll add it to my list. I always love your book recommendations! I think you were the first person to reco The Interestings to me so thanks! Keep ’em coming. 🙂
Definitely read the Outlander series! Best books I have ever read! I’ve been completely obsessed since I started them a few years ago! And the TV series is coming out next summer so everyone should read it first!!
Oooooh, I didn’t know there was going to be a TV Series. How fun!
Have you seen this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmEbF2uhsZk
Love!
I second the recommendation to read Outlander. One of the best love stories I have ever read!!! Just get through the first few chapters which are somewhat slower and then you’re in for an adventure. Plus can’t wait to see the tv series!
P.S. If you are a fan of twilight, check out this hilarious blog written by a group of funny fangirl ladies! They talk books and shows and never fail to crack me up with their wit and humor 🙂 and they also talk outlander too – enjoy! http://thats-normal.com