topic Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014 in Community Chat

What Are You Reading --- November 2014

lainey1 — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 13:48:40 GMT

This book thread is started on the first of each month.

Some suggestions for posting here:

~ underline, bold or CAPITALIZE the name of the book you're reading - it makes it easier for us readers to see what it is

~ include the author of the book - there are so many books with the same title (if you are recommending a book we want to make sure we read the right one)

~ post a few words about the book - would you recommend it or not

~ tell us the book genre - is it mystery, romance, historical, biography, etc.

***There is no obligation to do any of the above.

As always, all posters are welcome here!

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Can you believe it's November??? This year went by too fast!

Right now I'm starting Catch Me by Lisa Gardner. I hope I can find some time to read - seems like I haven't been able to do much of it lately.

Happy reading all! lainey

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

SWEET — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 14:33:21 GMT

Happy November and Happy Reading Lainey and all.

I just finished Rebecca Rotert's Last Night At The Blue Angel. Excellent book. See plot below which doesn't do it justice so read it.

Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s Chicago jazz scene, a highly ambitious and stylish literary debut that combines the atmosphere and period detail of Amor Towles’ Rules of Civility with the emotional depth and drama of The Memory Keeper's Daughter, about a talented but troubled singer, her precocious ten-year-old daughter, and their heartbreaking relationship.

It is the early 1960s, and Chicago is a city of uneasy tensions—segregation, sexual experimentation, free love, the Cold War—but it is also home to one of the country’s most vibrant jazz scenes. Naomi Hill, a singer at the Blue Angel club, has been poised on the brink of stardom for nearly ten years. Finally, her big break arrives—the cover of Look magazine. But success has come at enormous personal cost. Beautiful and magnetic, Naomi is a fiercely ambitious yet extremely self-destructive woman whose charms are irresistible and dangerous for those around her. No one knows this better than Sophia, her clever ten-year-old daughter.

For Sophia, Naomi is the center of her universe. As the only child of a single, unconventional mother, growing up in an adult world, Sophia has seen things beyond her years and her understanding. Unsettled by her uncertain home life, she harbors the terrible fear that the world could end at any moment, and compulsively keeps a running list of practical objects she will need to reinvent once nuclear catastrophe strikes. Her one constant is Jim, the photographer who is her best friend, surrogate father, and protector. But Jim is deeply in love with Naomi—a situation that adds to Sophia’s anxiety.

Told from the alternating perspectives of Sophia and Naomi, their powerful and wrenching story unfolds in layers, revealing Sophia’s struggle for her mother’s love with Naomi’s desperate journey to stardom and the colorful cadre of close friends who shaped her along the way.

Sophisticated yet poignant, Last Night at the Blue Angel is an unforgettable tale about what happens when our passion for the life we want is at sharp odds with the life we have. It is a story ripe with surprising twists and revelations, and an ending that is bound to break your heart.

Going to read Nora Robert's The Collector next. Big, big book! Let's see how long it takes me to read this one.

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

RetRN — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 16:26:21 GMT

One Nation by Ben Carson, MD.

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

lovescats — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 21:57:54 GMT

I really enjoyed

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

dawg lover — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:10:04 GMT

I recently finished Jodi Picoult's new novel, "LEAVING TIME", and I understand completely why Ringer started a thread complaining about it. I thought 95% of the book was great and then the ending was terrible. Very frustrating. Next was Alexander McCall Smith's latest entry in the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, "The Handsome Man's De Luxe Cafe.". While these books are always entertaining, I wouldn't say this particular one was one of his best. Just got back from the library with three new books: "SHOPAHOLIC TO THE STARS" by Sophie Kinsella, "PEGASUS" by Danielle Steel, and "GOSSAMER GHOST" by Laura Childs (Scrapbooking cozy mystery series). I'd better get busy reading!

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

dmod nj — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 23:20:47 GMT

I just finished.....

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

september — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:55:38 GMT

I'm quickly posting from my iPad, so don't know how to underline,capitalize, etc. I'm reading "A Prayer For Owen Meany" by John Irving...and am only half way through this very long book and have to finish it for my book club on Tuesday. I love the book! But I wish it was shorter!

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

sweetdreams331 — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 15:25:54 GMT

First I was glad someone else agreed with me on Leaving Time and did not understand the ending, but as I said before Jodi Picoult books are now a thing of the past with me!! Gave her books many chances (last 3) and this was the last straw in reading Leaving Time (best part of the book was new insight on elephants!)

I am so enjoying reading Gray Mountain- John Grisham and because it is primarily about a woman who is the lead character for a change, makes it that much more enjoyable. Will give you my final verdict when I finish reading it but it will be a while as the holidays are upon us and because I am enjoying this book, do not want to rush through it but rather savor it!!

aka-RINGER

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

sunala — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:08:01 GMT

Thank you Lainey for your monthly discussion. You never fail and we're all so grateful!

Referring to a post in the October thread (where I accidentally posted yesterday), Once We Were Brothers was one of my favorite books, but you're right that even the most popular book is not going to be loved by everyone.

I finished Red Rain by R.L. Stine and it was quite the page-turner. I had no idea it would end the way it did, which was another reason I enjoyed it.

Now I'm finally reading Gray Mountain by John Grisham. It's an easy read that's got me hooked. I look forward to finishing it this weekend.

I'm so excited; I'm getting a Kindle Paperwhite for my birthday, a little belatedly. I now have the Kindle Keyboard which is okay but I find it harder to see the screen. I look forward to the backlit screen. I can't wait to get it!

Have a happy November weekend everyone, and happy reading!

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

Marsha2003 — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:36:17 GMT

I read Havana Storm by Clive Cussler this week. His books are completely formulaic, but I always enjoy the history lesson that's included.

Now, I'm catching up on the young adult series, Heroes of Olympus, by Rick Riordan. I have books four and five to read.

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

Linders Back — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 20:25:48 GMT

On 11/1/2014 SWEET said:
Happy November and Happy Reading Lainey and all.

I just finished Rebecca Rotert's Last Night At The Blue Angel. Excellent book. See plot below which doesn't do it justice so read it.

Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s Chicago jazz scene, a highly ambitious and stylish literary debut that combines the atmosphere and period detail of Amor Towles’ Rules of Civility with the emotional depth and drama of The Memory Keeper's Daughter, about a talented but troubled singer, her precocious ten-year-old daughter, and their heartbreaking relationship.

Edited you post just to leave the part I'm commenting on rather than have a long entry here.

This book sounds right up my alley. Amor Towles' Rules of Civility is one of my all time favorites, so if this isa even remotely like it, I will probably enjoy it. Thanks.

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

SWEET — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:26:17 GMT

On 11/2/2014 Linders Back said:
On 11/1/2014 SWEET said:
Happy November and Happy Reading Lainey and all.

I just finished Rebecca Rotert's Last Night At The Blue Angel. Excellent book. See plot below which doesn't do it justice so read it.

Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s Chicago jazz scene, a highly ambitious and stylish literary debut that combines the atmosphere and period detail of Amor Towles’ Rules of Civility with the emotional depth and drama of The Memory Keeper's Daughter, about a talented but troubled singer, her precocious ten-year-old daughter, and their heartbreaking relationship.

Edited you post just to leave the part I'm commenting on rather than have a long entry here.

This book sounds right up my alley. Amor Towles' Rules of Civility is one of my all time favorites, so if this isa even remotely like it, I will probably enjoy it. Thanks.

That book is also on my list. Haven't gotten to it yet but will soon.

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

glmama — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 03:16:43 GMT

Hi dmod nj--How did you like the Rosie Perez memoir? I put it on my list after reading some good reviews. TIA

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

tansy — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:32:10 GMT

On 11/2/2014 sunala said:
Thank you Lainey for your monthly discussion. You never fail and we're all so grateful!

Referring to a post in the October thread (where I accidentally posted yesterday), Once We Were Brothers was one of my favorite books, but you're right that even the most popular book is not going to be loved by everyone.

I finished Red Rain by R.L. Stine and it was quite the page-turner. I had no idea it would end the way it did, which was another reason I enjoyed it.

Now I'm finally reading Gray Mountain by John Grisham. It's an easy read that's got me hooked. I look forward to finishing it this weekend.

I'm so excited; I'm getting a Kindle Paperwhite for my birthday, a little belatedly. I now have the Kindle Keyboard which is okay but I find it harder to see the screen. I look forward to the backlit screen. I can't wait to get it!

Have a happy November weekend everyone, and happy reading!

Sunala, I am curious if you checked out the kindle Voyager as well? Happy late birthday wishes!

I am reading Greg Iles' NATCHEZ BURNING, which features his Penn Cage character. This is number 4 in a series.

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

Sagal — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 11:58:24 GMT

On 11/3/2014 tansy said:
On 11/2/2014 sunala said: Thank you Lainey for your monthly discussion. You never fail and we're all so grateful!
Referring to a post in the October thread (where I accidentally posted yesterday), Once We Were Brothers was one of my favorite books, but you're right that even the most popular book is not going to be loved by everyone.
I finished Red Rain by R.L. Stine and it was quite the page-turner. I had no idea it would end the way it did, which was another reason I enjoyed it.
Now I'm finally reading Gray Mountain by John Grisham. It's an easy read that's got me hooked. I look forward to finishing it this weekend.
I'm so excited; I'm getting a Kindle Paperwhite for my birthday, a little belatedly. I now have the Kindle Keyboard which is okay but I find it harder to see the screen. I look forward to the backlit screen. I can't wait to get it!
Have a happy November weekend everyone, and happy reading!


Sunala, I am curious if you checked out the kindle Voyager as well? Happy late birthday wishes!

I am reading Greg Iles' NATCHEZ BURNING, which features his Penn Cage character. This is number 4 in a series.

I love all Greg Iles books too!

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

joannecha — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 13:56:54 GMT

Hello to you all. Have never posted on this board, but I'm a true reading addict so I have been scoping you out to get reading ideas for a while now. Just finished "Face-off" (edited by David Baldacci) that is a collection of short stories by teams of 2 mystery/thriller writers. It was excellent. 2 writers get together & have their series main characters together in a story. Am now reading "Winter Street" by Elin Hildebrand, and on deck is Nora Roberts new "Blood Magick". Happy reading to all.

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

sunala — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:32:30 GMT

hi joannecha, and welcome to the book board! Glad you decided to dive in and join us. It appears you read the same type of books I do. Enjoy your time here; we have a lot to offer!

tansy, I did check out the Kindle Voyage, but decided against it. Yes there are many bells and whistles on the Voyage but I don't really need them, and the Voyage is about $100 more than the Paperwhite. I want the model with the 3G, so that raises the price about $100 or so . Technically there is nothing wrong with my Kindle Keyboard except I have a hard time seeing the screen, especially at night. I don't know if it's my eyes or what the deal is, but I'm straining my eyes. I love the idea of the backlit screen.

I'll investigate a little more and see what I decide to do. Thanks for the heads up and the birthday wishes!

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

lovescats — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:12:29 GMT

On 11/3/2014 sunala said:
hi joannecha, and welcome to the book board! Glad you decided to dive in and join us. It appears you read the same type of books I do. Enjoy your time here; we have a lot to offer!

tansy, I did check out the Kindle Voyage, but decided against it. Yes there are many bells and whistles on the Voyage but I don't really need them, and the Voyage is about $100 more than the Paperwhite. I want the model with the 3G, so that raises the price about $100 or so . Technically there is nothing wrong with my Kindle Keyboard except I have a hard time seeing the screen, especially at night. I don't know if it's my eyes or what the deal is, but I'm straining my eyes. I love the idea of the backlit screen.

I'll investigate a little more and see what I decide to do. Thanks for the heads up and the birthday wishes!

I think you'll love the paperwhite and while the voyage does interest me I think they always come out with a 2nd model that fixes all the unknown quirks and is usually cheaper

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

Epicurean — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 03:18:13 GMT

Just started the new HARRY BOSCH novel. Love M. Connolly books. Already can not put it down

Re: What Are You Reading --- November 2014

lovescats — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 05:09:57 GMT

On 11/3/2014 Epicurean said: Just started the new HARRY BOSCH novel. Love M. Connolly books. Already can not put it down

I like his books too I see their was a dust up on amazon because the kindle edition was priced higher than the hardback but I get my books at the library but people wrote a lot of bad reviews over the price. And they lowered the price so now more bad reviews from people who bought it at the higher price.