Books on the Nightstand discussion

I had a great July, finishing Loyalty Loyalty by Ingrid Thoft which was a debut mystery/thriller featuring a female PI. I also finished Life Among Giants, Life Among Giants by Bill Roorbach in anticipation of Booktopia Petoskey. Now I am reading The Art Forger, The Art Forger for one of my book groups and then on to Death Angel , Death Angel which is on hold at the library.

I am reading The Summer of Dead Toys: A Thriller.

I'm currently reading and really enjoying it. I'm planning to read the entire Adam Dalgliesh series in the next year or so.

Next up is . I just bought it today due to the controversy. I've never read the Harry Potter books but this novel intrigues me. I will post a full review on my blog as well.

Marion

I am rereading the Lynley mysteries by Elizabeth George. I stopped midway because of something that happened to one of the characters but I've since forgiven the author and am now on #5 or 6,Missing Joseph. Next will be The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story and Revenge Yoko Ogawa due to BotN comments.

This past month, despite having vacation time, I've only been able to finish off nine books, which puts me a little behind in terms of my reading goal of 40 books this summer:

Lamb (by Bonnie Nazdam)
Dead Beat (The Dresden Files #7 by Jim Butcher, narrated by James Marsters)
The Time Traveler's Wife (by Audrey Neffenegger)
This Side of Paradise (by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
Down to You (by M. Leighton)
Up to Me (by M. Leighton)
Domestic Violets (by Michael Norman)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (by John Le Carre)
Mystic River (by Dennis Lehane)

Currently reading The Honourable Schoolboy (by John Le Carre) and about to start listening to New Tricks (by David Rosenfelt, narrated by Grover Gardner.)

Time to get offline and on-book!

I had to give up on a few of my library books in July, but I placed a new hold on them, hoping for them to come along at a time when I can fit them in. But, I did catch up to where I should be, short 1 Booktopia Petosky book which is no biggie. Starting off the month finishing The Language of Flowers, which about 1/3 of the way through is absolutely beautiful! I had really wanted to purchase this when I was at Northshire Books in Manchester for Booktopia earlier this year, but just couldn't buy another book; so excited my book group chose it now!

Oldest TBR (2010): Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights
Oldest TBR on my bookshelf: Love and Summer
Published in 2013: Night Film
Titles with Numbers 1 - 12: Eight Girls Taking Pictures
Random: The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work; I was originally going to read this in July as part of by Books with Numbers challenge (hey it has 7 in the subtitle), but another book titled 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess really pulled at me instead. So, I decided to replace this month's truly randomly chosen book about happiness with this one, since I already had it in my Kindle and I am trying to cut back on excesses after reading 7 last month...
Booktopia 3: Life After Life: A Novel, The Dog Stars, The Aviator's Wife, and The Lighthouse Road

Extra???: Life After Life, Tampa, The Dinner

Listening on Audible: Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation

I am now reading and I am trying to read it on the Kindle. I think its fair to say Gaiman is my favorite author right now.
This is the third Gaiman book that that I have read or am reading.I suppose I am trying to read the book to try to put my own voice to the characters. Also I want to read the two Travis McGee books I hfave. Trying to stick with crime fiction. first up.

I have almost finished the audiobook The Greater Journey by David McCullough and have just started Still Life by Louise Penny. I have recently discovered Inspector Gamache and am looking forward to reading the series.

Trying to figure out how to see book covers in the iPhone app. Better than ...

Ok found out the reason. It's called manly impatience.

I'm leaving my full-time job in mid August to start a writing/editorial/archival research business** and have been plowing through related literature, everything from woman-specific "how to be a consultant" manuals to picture-heavy guides on writing HTML code. However, I also made it through the three interlibrary loans (one good, two so-so), the play (meh), and the Joanne Harris novel (well-written but overlong) mentioned in my July update. About an hour ago I finished a real gem, P. G. Wodehouse: A Life in Letters. I haven't had the time or the inclination to move beyond chapter 3 of the Compton Mackenzie novel or to give the library sale finds I was so excited about anything more than a cursory glance. Let's see if I can make some progress on the Teetering Stack before September.

**Please wish me luck!

Kathy wrote: "I'm leaving my full-time job in mid August to start a writing/editorial/archival research business** and have been plowing through related literature, everything from woman-specific "how to be a co..."

Much, much Luck, Kathy!

Began my summer with House of Suns, moved to Ringworld, visited the hereafter with Dying to Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing and Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife, followed The Cuckoo's Calling, devoured (or was devoured by) & Sons: A Novel, and now a willing captive of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

I'm reading and enjoying The Wind-up bird chronicles by Haruki Murakami. First one of his I've read and love his unique style.

Finished NOS4RTU by Joe Hill. Just about to start Fuse by Julianna Baggot. Then onto Under the Empyrean Sky by Chuck Wendig. Might manage to squeeze Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch, depends on the weather !

I'm reading and so far I'm really enjoying it!

I have now started .

I have been reading, reading, reading lately! I go in spurts. But I have finished these since the last time I think I posted here:
The Andalucian Friend
NOS4A2- my only 5 star for 2013 so far
A Delicate Truth-my first Le Carre
Cutting for Stone- sadly, I found this mostly a slog. I finished and it was good, but I didn't love it like so many others.
Crossing the Borders of Time: A True Story of War, Exile, and Love Reclaimed-finally!

And I might have posted these before:
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
The Malice of Fortune

I started Life After Life last night. Without any spoilers, I will just say I'm finding it a bit stressful and suspenseful, waiting to see what happens next.

And my husband and I have listened to about 1/2 of The Johnstown Flood on audio during a car trip (wish I had thought to start it earlier in our trip, finishing now that we are home will be tough). Coincidentally, we were in the car in the general Johnstown/Bedford area while listening, so that added a neat dimension.

Is nos4a2 a novel? I know Hill does graphical novels also.

Gerald wrote: "Is nos4a2 a novel? I know Hill does graphical novels also."

Yes, and it was great! Very early Stephen King-like.

Thanks Hill is Kings son I believe

I am doing The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. on audio....it is hard to believe that this was written by a woman as it seems so plausible that this is how men think. Would love to find a man who has read it to test that theory.

Check out , an interesting journal about east Oxford. I'm 2/3 done. Quick read. Very good.

Just started Never Let Me Go

Isolarion: A Different Oxford Journey by James Attlee

Finished A Tale For The Time Being - loved it. Going to read The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty next.

Gerald wrote: "Thanks Hill is Kings son I believe"

You're right, Gerald.

I just finished Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? by John R. Powers. I gave it 3/5 stars. It is the story of a young man growing up and attending a Catholic school. Some stories are very funny and others miss the mark. I am not Catholic but my stepmother and half-brothers are, so I expected to relate more to the humor. It did lead to the sharing of humorous stories at our Book Club though.

Pam wrote: "I just finished Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? by John R. Powers. I gave it 3/5 stars. It is the story of a young man growing up and attending a Catholic school. Some stories are ..."

This is one of my favorite books of all times. I am Catholic and not much younger than the author, so I felt as if he were relating my experiences in the Catholic school system. I read it in a summer in the mid to late 70s and remember laughing so hard that I closed my front door because I thought the neighbors would send the men in white coats to get the single lady who was laughing so loud.

I am a Catholic and went to Catholic grade school and high school at my parish (to this day) in Wilmington de. Taught by Benedictine nuns. I went there 13 years so I assume you know why that would happen.This was during the 60's so you can imagine. I don't have the laughable memories but I certainly appreciate the education I got from these women.

Snagged Free Country: A Penniless Adventure the Length of Britain in a Kindle deal. Hilarious!!! I'm about halfway through and feel like I know these guys. What a wonderful testament to the kindness of strangers.

Pam wrote: "I just finished Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? by John R. Powers. I gave it 3/5 stars. It is the story of a young man growing up and attending a Catholic school. Some stories are ..."

It was made into a fun musical, too.

Linda wrote: "Kathy wrote: "I'm leaving my full-time job in mid August to start a writing/editorial/archival research business** and have been plowing through related literature, everything from woman-specific "..."

I finished Wolf Hall!! I think I will wail awhile before reading Bringing up the Bodies!

I've been blazing through books the last 10 days or so:

Amity & Sorrow
Wild
When It Happens to You
Fear of Flying (started mid-July)
Submergence
Tampa

I think my favorites of the bunch are Amity & Sorrow and When It Happens to You. We should TOTALLY have Molly Ringwald at a Booktopia.

(I guess these aren't technically all August reads--all but the last two are!)

Finished Dean and Me: which I belatedly discovered was an abridged audio (How did I miss that?). Started listening to The Secrets of the FBI. This latest audio book I downloaded from the Ohio e-book project to my iPad. I've never done that before, but found several books that husband would listen to there for our trip this weekend.

I just started

Halfway through

Just finished Life After Life . Wow! I was hesitant because I did not like Case Histories (although enjoyed the TV version). But it was available at the library, so I grabbed it. Fascinating premise and very well-executed. It might even make my 5 star list, although I am very stingy with my stars. Maybe a 4 for now.

I am reading A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
and am listening to The Dog Stars. I am loving Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity but I think it will take a few months to finish.

Just finished by Mary Doria Russell and by Jill McCorkle and am now starting by Edward Kelsey Moore.

Elizabeth wrote: "I have now started ."

Me too! I recently saw McCann interviewed by Charlie Rose, but couldn't get ahold of his newest book at the library TransAtlantic

Let the Great World Spin is one of my all-time favorite books.

Nancy wrote: "Just finished by Mary Doria Russell and by Jill McCorkle and am now starting [bookcover:the supremes at earls all-you-can..."




Nancy,

Did you like The Sparrow? I read it a couple of months and it has been one of the best novels I've read in the past couple of years.

Here's the review from my blog:

http://kammbia1.wordpress.com/2013/01...

Marion

Julie wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "I have now started ."

Me too! I recently saw McCann interviewed by Charlie Rose, but couldn't get ahold of his newest book at the lib..."

This is a truly stunning, poetic novel. I read it right after the Nic Wallenda Grand Canyon wirewalk and was totally captivated with McCann's prose. I have also read Transatlantic, but thought Let the Great World Spin was better.
Enjoy!

I've just started my book group book The Historian by Elizabeth Kostovo - seems like an interesting read already

Julie and Kalen and Chanda,

I really loved the interwoven stories McCann created in Let the Great World Spin. His ability to create a unique voice for each section is just amazing. A wonderful read with a little history thrown in.

I started The Orphan Master's Son.

Just finished The Silver Linings Playbook. I watched the movie before I read the book,which may have made the book less enjoyable. I liked the book but it wasn't what I expected it to be. Next upThe Poisoned Pilgram: A Hangmans Daughter.

I seem to always be without the book I am reading, so I keep starting others. Right now I'm at various points in Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, On the Road, and The Dog Stars, and I just started City of Thieves on audio this morning.

One more thing, I am incredibly jealous of Nancy (The Sparrow), Elizabeth (The Orphan Master's Son), and Johanna (The Historian)- I would love to be reading those books again for the first time!

Callie, you've added another dimension of excitement to the read. So far I love the story, but there are some huge expectations on my part for this one.

I just finishedLife After Life, I found it tedious at first but in the end got swept up in the idea and the finale was perfect!
I just started Cloud Atlas.