Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

New thread, new guidelines

We'd like this new thread to see a bit more discussion about the books we are reading, rather than just posting the book link (and the occasional link to a review). The comments should include:

- Books you just started or are currently reading. You might want to add a few words about the book to let other members know whether you like it or not so far.
- Books you just finished, Please include your rating (1-5 stars) and a few words about the book (even if it's something as short as "I loved it / hated it.") If you wrote a full review, you can share the link to it but please include a short summary of your thoughts alongside it.

I am currently reading 3 books:

To Kill a Mockingbird - I have never read this before, although I feel like I should have. I don't always enjoy classics, but I am enjoying this one. I'm about 85% through and am hoping to finish today.

Throne of Glass - I just started this one for a buddy read. I am really interested in the magic aspect of it. I've heard the female MC is a very strong character and I'm looking forward to that.

The Art of Not Breathing - This is for a NetGalley review. I just started this one at well. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, but I suppose the beginning has been interesting enough.

I just finished Truthwitch . I really loved this one. I was impressed with the world building and enjoyed the characters. The story was creative, engaging, and enjoyable. It did end on a cliffhanger, for those of you that avoid those. I am typically bothered by cliffhangers, but this one didn't really bother me for some reason. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I gave it 4.5 stars.

Stephanie - I am interested in reading that book as well. It looks like it would be fascinating. I'm glad you enjoyed the audio. That's probably the medium I'll use as well. Great review. :)

Christine wrote: ""

Hey Christine, have you finished it? If so, how many stars did you give it? What did you think about it?

(Psst, see first comment of this thread)

Stephanie wrote: "I just finished and almost had to pick my jaw up from the floor.... It was a ★★★★☆ read. I really enjoyed hearing about Leah R..."

Great review, thanks - I just added it to my list, sounds interesting.

I just finished To Kill a Mockingbird . I am so glad I finally read this book. It was a different coming of age story for me, set in the south with small town politics and racism. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and was interested in where the story would take me.

@ Lynn and Kristie* - Glad you gave it a chance! I recently reread it (first read was high school) and it was still good for me. Will you be reading Go Set a Watchman? So many mixed reviews on that one, it is a maybe for me.

I just started Red by Jack Ketchum. He writes some over the top crazy horror so it is off to a fast start.

*oops! Corrected the typo I made on your name. :)

Vicki wrote: "@ Lynn and Kirstie - Glad you gave it a chance! I recently reread it (first read was high school) and it was still good for me. Will you be reading Go Set a Watchman? So many mixed ..."

I'm not sure about that one yet. I probably won't get to it this month. I'd be interested to see what you think, if you end up reading it.

I still haven't given it a chance yet lol
However Kristie's reaction to it has made me consider it a lot more.

I'm currently reading

.. just about half-way through and I'm liking this a lot more than the previous book (which was too focused only on the one relationship).

I also just started , but since I've only read the first chapter, I really can't say anything about it. Only picked this for the challenge, but I'm liking it so far and looking forward to read on.

I've recently finished which is the second book in a free-to-download massive mm romance historical war series (or something like that). I totally loved the first book and found it compelling even educative in terms of the cold war in Afghanistan and just a wonderful love story. This second book .. hm .. just an ok one. It's dealing with the effects of trauma in a very strange way that doesn't really follow up on what happened in the first book imo (and I don't mind the polyamory part of it .. just the inability to comprehend trauma). Anyways, so I rated it 2 stars. Wasn't bad, but nothing like the first book.

I'm planning to read Throne of Glass once I'm done with the two I'm currently reading. Truthwitch sounds intriguing as well ...

I am currently reading:…


The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty - This is a really slow start read, but I heard it gets better.


Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows- I am reading this book with one of my students. I am enjoying this, super simple and cute.


The Beloved Land by Janette Oke - This is a really slow moving book.


All Tied Up by Lucia Jordan - I keep reading her books because they are short and free on Amazon.


Families of Children with Autism: What Educational Professionals Should Know
by Lee M. Marcus, Ann Palmer- I am learning a lot through this book, but it is so boring to read.

I am about a third of the way into this novel. Afraid the hype may be better than the book. It's okay but not engaging. Hoping I change my mind.

Mariah wrote: "I am currently reading:…


The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty - This is a really slow start read, but I heard it gets better."

If I recall, I thought that one started out a bit slow too and it took a bit to get a feel for the characters. I ended up liking it though.

Janina wrote: "I'm planning to read Throne of Glass once I'm done with the two I'm currently reading. Truthwitch sounds intriguing as well ... "

I think you'll like Truthwitch. I really did think it was well done.

I just finished the following:
- The Husband's Secret: I gave it three stars. It was somewhat entertaining, but I feel many characters were too stereotypical, and she didn't develop the few interesting ones.
- The Nest: Again, three stars. I really liked several characters, but I really didn't like the ending. There were several issues that seemed quite relevant and heavy along the story, only to be resolved too lightly at the end.
- Me Talk Pretty One Day: It's pretty funny - the kind of book that I'd read while riding the bus. Doesn't really get deep or develop any storylines.

Katie wrote: "

I am about a third of the way into this novel. Afraid the hype may be better than the book. It's okay but not engaging. Hoping I change my mind."

It will get better - the author does develop a few of the characters, and the plot becomes more intricate and a bit funnier.

Sorry about posting twice; I didn't want to have one super-long post. These are the ones I'm currently reading:

- Wolf Hall: I'm not crazy about her writing style, and it started a bit slow, but am hopeful it'll get better.

- A Man Called Ove: It's a funny read, but at times he overdoes the whole "this is a grumpy man" theme.

I'm currently reading . The language is really rough although some of the recounting about her childhood is funny. I might not normally finish it, but I'm reading it for a challenge so feel compelled to finish.

Ioana wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "I just finished and almost had to pick my jaw up from the floor.... It was a ★★★★☆ read. I really enjoyed he..."

Sounds fascinating. I've hear some about this religion, and have heard some of her comments. Added it to my TBR and will look for audio.

I finished The Sword of Summer - 4 ★,
I really liked it. It's could have been shorter and the language is a bit childish at times but it's aimed at children so I can't really complain, can I? Apart from that, this book was extremely funny (i laughed out loud many, many times) and action packed. I also liked the fact that it was focusing on vikings' mythology. I didn't know a lot about it so it made the book a little educational.

I just started Throne of Glass and I read two chapters instead of going to bed so it sounds promising.

I also need to read Leo Africanus before May 10. This is going to be challenging since I haven't started yet! Ooops

Nanci wrote: "I'm currently reading. The language is really rough although some of the recounting about her childhood is funny. I might..."

My reaction to this book...eh. Not very good at all. There is a lot of profanity and that just turns me off. I gave it 2 stars, because some of it was funny. Without the profanity I would have given it 3 stars.

Nanci wrote: "Nanci wrote: "I'm currently reading. The language is really rough although some of the recounting about her childhood is ..."

This was a group read previously because it was a 2012 winner. I gave it a 1 star as I didn't find it funny at all.

Lynn wrote: "Nanci wrote: "Nanci wrote: "I'm currently reading. The language is really rough although some of the recounting about her..."

So nice to hear someone else feels the same way, Lynn. Thanks for the validation!

11/22/63 and Dead Wake are both favorites of mine, hope you'll like them too.

Finished Before We Visit the Goddess. 4 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... This is a well written story of three generations of women spanning across time and places from India to America . I definitely enjoyed the writing as well as how much these women eventually learned about themselves and each other .

Angela M wrote: "Finished Before We Visit the Goddess. 4 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Hey Angela, this is a new thread with new guidelines. You are more than welcome to leave the link to your review, but it would be great if you could include a few words in the post as to your thoughts.

Lynn wrote: "Angela M wrote: "Finished Before We Visit the Goddess. 4 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Hey Angela, this is a new thread with new guidelines. ..."

Sorry , Lynn . I'll edit my post .

Thank you Angela :)

I recently read Seven Sisters series by M.L. Bulloch which I totally enjoyed. A few ghosts didn't scare me off. 5 stars from me!

I also read the Peri Jean Mace series by Catie Rhodes; I have one more to go which I'm ready to jump into! Good, fun read for me. It does have a few places with really foul language which made me drop to 4 1/2 stars.

I finished Dead Wake. Very interesting book after I got through with lots of background. Worth the read!

I just finished Out of The Blue. Yuck. Wouldn't recommend it. The writing was just ok and the ending was terrible. Two not so great books in a row; not happy when that happens. Starting The Widow and hoping it will be a better read.

Nanci wrote: "I just finished Out of The Blue. Yuck. Wouldn't recommend it. The writing was just ok and the ending was terrible. Two not so great books in a row; not happy when that happens. Star..."

I hope you like the widow. I thought it was an OK book.

Hi Christine,
This is a new thread with new guidelines. Can you please include a few words about this book (Are you currently reading it? Do you like it? Did you finish?...). Thanks :)

Hi Savanes! I also plan to read this month and looking forward to it. I am currently reading two books:

- Being a South African myself, I find this very enjoyable so far. It is an English book, but with a very "Afrikaans" feel to it.

- This a beautiful story that I will recommend to just about anybody.

I've finished over the week-end. It is a fictional story that reads like a memoir. I loved it. The writing was remarkable. I've reviewed it mainly in quotes from the novel!

Shelter I just finished reading 'Shelter' by Jung Yun. It is a debut novel and was just incredible - already have her on my 'when will she publish another book' list.

I've been wanting to recommend the book to everyone that I know who loves good literature.

A brief venture of only a few months into the life of a Korean family, it is definitely not a feel-good novel in the sense that it would ever make a Hallmark movie. It is, however, a beautifully written and realized insight into how events can affect all aspects of the lives of one family.

I cannot recommend it more highly. It is one of those books that give you a book 'hang-over'. Meaning that I did not know where to turn for my next read and although I finished 'Shelter' six days ago, I find that my mind keeps returning to many points in the novel and its overall impression.

Mareli wrote: "Hi Savanes! I also plan to read this month and looking forward to it. I am currently reading two books:

- Being a S..."

I agree, Marelli, about The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. A wonderful read!

Just finished Lilac Girls. 5* for me...here is my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Danita L wrote: "Shelter I just finished reading 'Shelter' by Jung Yun. It is a debut novel and was just incredible - already have her on my 'when will she publish another book' list.

I've been wan..."

Oooh, that sounds so good! My TBR shelf is growing leaps and bounds with this thread and all the recommendations!

Mareli wrote: "Hi Savanes! I also plan to read this month and looking forward to it. I am currently reading two books:

- Being a S..."

Harold Fry has been on my TBR shelf for awhile. I'm going to really try to get to it soon. I did read When God Was a Rabbit a few years back and remember it was quite lovely writing.

I finished A Place Called Winter by Patrick Gale

My review is at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

In this finely crafted novel, Patrick Gale is a pleasure to read; his superb rendition of a time, place and a lifestyle not known to most of us wend their way beautifully throughout the whole novel. It is a novel about love, deception, passion, murder and self-discovery. A Place Called Winter is my first Patrick Gale novel and will definitely not be my last. 4.5★

Jen wrote: "Just finished Lilac Girls. 5* for me...here is my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Glad you loved it. I plan to start this one soon.

Jen wrote: "Just finished Lilac Girls. 5* for me...here is my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

SO glad it's a good one, I want to read it, too. I will not read your review now, but later, after I'm done with the book.

I just recently finished Mr. Splitfoot and it was fantastic! I gave it 4.5 stars. The ending kept me up until 2 a.m. because there was no way I was sleeping until I saw that book through. It's a very weird book set across New York state and it jumps back and forth between two different stories: in one, two orphans navigate a strict religious group home by making money talking to the dead, and in the other, one of the orphans, as an adult, starts walking across the state with her pregnant niece towards a mysterious destination.

Now I'm listening to Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on audiobook and I'm embarrassed that I knew so little about RBG; she's such an impressive and amazing woman. I also just started the first of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels, My Brilliant Friend, and the writing is incredible so far. There's been so much hype about this series that I was afraid to try it, but I'm really glad I picked it up.

Jaleenajo - I almost picked up My Brilliant Friend when I saw it on sale once, but I was indecisive. I'm glad you are enjoying it. I look forward to seeing what you think once you finish.

I've finished and rated it a full 5 stars. If you haven't read any of the books in The Others series and tend to like urban fantasy, you should take a look at it. It's truly a remarkable world .. sort of a mix of a true high fantasy one and classic urban fantasy. So many wonderful characters and creatures. This part of the series finally got the story a step further (the third book felt a bit like a filler to me) and I found it fascinating to be so completely on the other side .. not the human one.

I'm still reading Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania and I'm going to start reading Throne of Glass at the same time (I don't do well with nonfiction if I'm tired). However, I just got Soldier by Julie Kagawa (the third book in a YA fantasy centered around shape-shifting dragons) and might be tempted to sneak that in as well. Julie Kagawa is one of my favorite YA authors .. she has such a great sense of humor in her dialogues (very similar to SRB and (in her good moments) Cassandra Clare)) and always such wonderful strong female heroines.

Jaleenajo wrote: "I also just started the first of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels, My Brilliant Friend, and the writing is incredible so far. There's been so much hype about this series that I was afraid to try it, but I'm really glad I picked it up. "

I'm glad you like it. The writing is indeed beautiful but to me the story was utterly boring. In addition, I hated the fusional relationship between the 2 main characters and I couldn't comprehend most of their decisions and frame of minds so I got very annoyed while reading the book.

I just finished . I gave it 4 stars too, Mareli. Nice to have a book I enjoyed after 2 duds. :)

Now I'm starting , which looks like it's going to be a good non-fiction book about 9 pilots who were shot down in WWII (one being George H.W. Bush) and the other 8 who were never found. He's the same author of Flags of Our Fathers which was a really good movie starring Clint Eastwood, a few years ago.

Nanci, you are brave. Flyboys: A True Story of Courage looks like an horrifying story if the reviews are anything to go by. When men say that the violence if horrific, you know it's really, really bad.