Hello, Happy Friday!đ Howâs your week been going? Mine has been on the slower side and uneventful which Iâm not complaining about because sometimes those weeks are just what I need. I do have to report that, unfortunately, I think my hummingbirds have left to fly south for the season:( I feel like last year they left in early October, but I could be remembering wrong. Iâll continue leaving fresh food out until the second week in October in case those flying down from other northern areas need to stop to refuel:) The ladies at the Wildbirds Unlimited store said leave food out until then and then put food back out around tax day in Aprilđđ»
the last sighting! I love seeing them still, so cute!
Ok, onto books and reading! I love this weekly space to not only share what books weâve been reading and loving (or not loving), but itâs turning into a fun little hangout for all of us to share ideas, products we love, advice for reading and life, encouragement, & more. Iâm thrilled that you are chatting with each other, thatâs been my top priority with having a weekly discussion thread- that you not only feel like this is a space to get book recommendations, but that you have the opportunity to meet and engage with other readers. Oh, housekeeping note- did you that you can access all of my content via my website? Just go to itsbooktalk.substack.com (or bookmark it!) and you can see all recent posts, and along the top is a menu bar where Iâve organized my newsletters by categories:) Thank you all so much for not only being a subscriber, but for commenting, engaging, and making this space a highlight of our weekâ€ïž
Question TimeâŠ..The questions I ask in weekly threads are meant to be fun and help us connect, so please know you donât have to answer each question, if you only have the time/desire to answer one, great! Please put book titles IN ALL CAPS for easy reading:)
What are you reading this weekend (or what did you finish reading this week)?
Whatâs an outside of your usual genre book you loved? (Also, whatâs your usual genre?:)
Whatâs making your life easier? (Could be a product, a mantra, a new daily routine, an action youâve taken, a new way to tackle your tbr, something youâve given up or added in your life, etc)
I finished reading FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay and realized I forgot to tell you about it! I mentioned I was two hours from finishing in the Reading Simplified audio I did last month and that I was sitting at a 4 star rating....well it took a downward turn for in about the last 90 min, I felt like he was dragging the plot out so much. I still liked it but landed at a 3.75 star rating which is low for me for a Barclay book. I'll continue reading his backlist because I've loved so many (FIND YOU FIRST was top notch!)
My usual, go to genre is mystery and thriller. This year literary fiction has overtaken that as the top genre I'm reading in 2024. Two genres outside of my usual genre are sports memoirs and science fiction and I loved OPEN by Andre Agassi and DARK MATTER by Blake Crouch. I'll happily take more recommendations in these genres:)
There are several things making my life easier lately - having a reading prompt to guide (reading from my shelves in Sept) me has helped me zero in on books I've been meaning to read from my print shelf at home, my Bona Spray Mop makes mopping our wood floors so much easier, and unfollowing/unsubscribing - to marketing emails, accounts that aren't giving me what I want- is making content consumption so much easier!
Yes I just read Station Eleven in the spring, I enjoyed it. My first read by her was The Singer's Gun and I loved that one. I have Sea of Tranquility and The Glass Hotel on my tbr
First, thank you for creating a lovely bookish community! You are so good at inspiring thoughtful dialogue. Second, here are some thrilling science fiction books that can be read as standalones: Enderâs Game by Orson Scott Card (this is very dark and twisty), Upgrade by Blake Crouch (if you have not read it yet), and Project Hail Mary and The Martian by Andy Weir.
Renee I have literally had my Shark Steam mop for our wood floors for 10 years and it is still working like a champ. Can you explain a reading prompt to me? Always looking for good ways to tackle my shelves!
Oh the reading prompt I gave in August's Reading Simplified was to read from our shelves in Sept- so I'm just giving monthly prompts as a way to simplify reading and help us feel less overwhelmed with choices:)
Not sure if you saw my previous response but I'm just using prompts - and mentioning them in the audio that I do- as a way of simplifying reading. So this month's prompt was to read from our shelves- read at least one book off your print tbr, digital tbr or audiobook tbr. For me, I'm reading off my print tbr bookshelf at home
No worries I didn't want you to think I hadn't answered. I'm doing the same - focusing on reading almost exclusively from my print shelf this month - with the exception of the upcoming October release- but I did stop at barnes and noble yesterday and bought 2 booksđ so not sure if I'll actually make a dent but still it feels so satisfying to focus on one place to choose books even if it's just for one month
Iâm reading A GLIMPSE OF SCARLET by Roxanna Robinson. I love her writing, these are short stories. I just downloaded the audio for MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON and looking forward to that!
As far as outside my genre Iâve really been trying. I am not a romance lover and just listened to THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT, but I didnât love it đ€Ł. To me very repetitive and not enough plot.
Whatâs making my life easier? I travel a lot for work and lately Iâve embraced dresses! I have never loved them on me but I found a few that are good and it makes getting dressed and packing soooo much easier. At least while the weather is still warm.
I hope you enjoy Lucy Barton! I don't typically wear dresses either but that's a great tip for travel. Also, I love Roxana Robinson's writing too, she's an author I know I'll continue to read - have you read Leaving?
Congrats on the dresses! I really stretched my comfort zone last year by buying a number of sun dresses. Itâs weird how we perceive ourselves, isnât it? I felt awkward and âoffâ the first few times I wore them but trusted friends admired my new look ⊠and I donât really concern myself with how strangers might feel ⊠so I wore those dresses a lot this summer!!
1. Planning to finish MOST WONDERFUL by Georgia Clark this weekend. I finished THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFE and LOVE, THEORETICALLY this week.
2. I loved BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN by Jessica Knoll. Unlike you, I don't read a lot of thrillers but I enjoy them when I do. I read a lot of romance and literary fiction.
Agreed! Pickup has its pain points (out of stock items, substitutions, and sometimes slow service) BUT Iâd rather have my kids in the backseat listening to Peppa Pig songs than walking around the store for an hour with them. But thatâs just me.
I just got home from my fave used bookstore/cafe with 7 books (but I did trade-in three!). Four of the books are early books of authors I like and I wasn't aware of them. This week I read (and recommend) HERE ONE MOMENT by Liane Moriarity. It looks at free will and destiny, grief, love and the struggle to maintain certainty in an uncertain world and control. For me, what resonated was that there is more than one way of looking at things and/or more than one solution. I read a book review that said a good pairing is THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by Matt Haig, a tale of transformation with sci-fi elements. So I read that next and agree. I love Haig but this wasn't one of my favorites of his. Overall I gave it a 4 but there were a few times I felt lost or lost interest. But I'm glad I read it. This doesn't make my life easier bu it does make it happier: I bought some book-page flowers (Etsy) that are in plain view. Just love them.
Jan I look forward to your reading update every week!! I love what you had to say about Here One Moment, I have that on my tbr and I'll be shocked if I don't like it, that premise is so good and reminds me of The Measure and The Immortalists- did you read those? I keep seeing less than favorable reviews of The Life Impossible which is a bummer because I thought The Midnight Library was fantastic
I recently finished AN ELDERLY LADY IS UP TO NO GOOD by Helene Tursten, and loved it! What a strange premise, but an enjoyable ride and nice to have a short book for once. Iâm currently reading THE ACTORâS LIFE by Jenna Fischer, mostly because I find her an interesting person and itâs fun to hear some of the details of what an aspiring actor has to do to become successful.
My usual genres are crime/police procedurals and historical fiction, plus my obsession with everything Stephen King publishes. Iâm not a fantasy or sci fi fan at all, but I read THE LOST BOOKSHOP by Evie Woods earlier this year and adored it. So much so that I purchased THE STORY COLLECTOR the day it was released, tho I didnât find it to be quite as good. By the way, I discovered Linwood Barclay a few years ago thanks to BookBub and am now working my way through his whole catalog.
Thanks for providing this forum! Iâve been trying to read outside of my rut this year and this kind of resource really helps me to be brave and branch out! â€ïž
So glad you're here and joining in the conversation!:) I think we may be similar readers- I also loved An Elderly Lady, love police procedurals and Stephen King, and am working on Barclay's backlist - what are your favorites of his so far? I love the title - The Lost Bookshop!
My first Barclay was ELEVATOR PITCH, and itâs probably my favorite in large part because itâs the first of his that I read. I loved FINAL ASSIGNMENT as well, but honestly have enjoyed everything Iâve read of his. Iâm not great at grading my reads! I either like something or I donât. Yes, we have a lot of similarities, as Iâve read and enjoyed a number of books youâve spoken of! Thatâs why I pay close attention to the books you discuss. :)
Those are 2 of his books I havenât yet read! Making those my next 2 reads of his:) I think my favorites of his so far are Find You First, No Time For Goodbye and A Noise Downstairs
I just had 2 reviews in my inbox for The Lost Book Shop this morning. Not my typical genre but do think that the universe may be trying to tell me something.
I guess i am first again. Ok, i got 2 books going at once. WE SOLVE MURDERS BY RICHARD OSSMAN AND THE DIVINITY OF DOGS: TRUE STORIES OF MIRACLES INSPIRED BY DOGS. I guess i wanted to cry or something. I mainly read literary fiction, contemporary fiction, and suspense. Happy weekend everyone!
Oh the dog stories book- I can imagine that's emotional! I haven't heard of it - did you ever A Dog's Purpose? That's on my unread shelf. How's We Solve Murders going? I know you were excited to get that one.
I did read A Dogâs Purpose. If it is a dog book, i will read it. As for WE SOLVE MURDERS, it is taking me awhile to get into it because i have a difficult time dropping the expectation of THURSDAY MURDER CLUB. I am halfway into the book and m just starting to enjoy it. I am doing audio and there are a lot of characters to keep track of which makes a difficult.
Iâm currently reading BLUE SISTERS by Coco Mellors, Iâm enjoying it so far. A family saga, which I love, I believe I was having fomo with this book. It is a buzzy book now and I was planning to read it in October. I just received it from book of the month and I decided to read it now :)
My usual genre is literary fiction. Mystery and thriller is the genre that I have branched out this year, there are several books I have read and a few I have DNFâd , I recently read WRONG TIME WRONG PLACE, which I loved this book. I DNFâd THE STAND , it was very slow and it was not working for me. Iâm planning to read a Stephen King book in October!
I practice yoga and meditation as a daily practice and it helps me with my daily routine. Taking time to be aware of the stillness of the mind helps me focus more efficiently throughout the day. Mind, body and soul, is a mantra I apply to my life. đïž
Love that mantra and so many yoga philosophies are good to live by, even for those who canât or donât practice yoga. Hope Blue Sisters is a winner for you!!
THE RACHEL INCIDENT 3 stars âïž (really wanted to love this one but Rachel just bugged me). MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES 5 stars âïž
I am currently reading LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE and pondering my next audiobook.
Honestly saying no to things is saving me right now! The older I get the less I want to commit to social obligations that I am not that excited about. I am learning to pick and choose more. Iâm trying to embrace the thought that just because you are invited doesnât mean you have to go!
I"m with you on The Rachel Incident, I think I gave it 3.5 but it's not one that has stayed with me at all. Each year I get better and better at saying no - and doing so without a lengthy explanation !
I read DISAPPEARING EARTH by Julia Phillips and really liked her writing style. I am excited to read BEAR by the same author soon.
My usual genre is literary fiction, but I have read a few YA books that I enjoyed. I really like Jenny Han and have recently read THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY.
I have added to my daily routine doing a few floor exercises which I do first thing in the morning. I have been a walker for many years, and I have stuck with the floor exercises for a bit now, which has surprised me.
I'm planning on reading Disappearing Earth after really enjoying Bear, it's one of those types of stories that stay with you. I really liked her writing style
1. I just finished Blue Sisters (I , too was a bit disappointed?) and am currently reading The Middle of the Night and Birdie and Harlow! Both are good!
2. I typically read thriller, literary fiction, and rom-coms, I recently read The second Mrs. Astor and really enjoyed, although historical is a bit of a struggle for me (at times)
3. Making my life easier? My new bathroom! I recently had it redone, and I am loving my stand up marble shower with glass sliding door!! Also, LOVE my built in blue tooth speakers, makes showers and getting ready much more enjoyable!!
Congrats on your new shower, it sounds awesome- built in speakers đđ» Can you say why you were disappointed with Blue Sisters without spoiling anything?
Blue Sisters felt a bit, flat? I was expecting more? At times it felt like a slog, drawn out. I found my interest levels weaning in and out. I wanted an unputdownable read, and this was more slow paced?
Iâm currently reading BLUE SISTERS and listening to TELL ME EVERYTHING
and sadly, right now Iâm kind of disappointed in both! Renee, AN HONEST MAN was a thriller win for me- didnât love but liked it and it never made me roll my eyes once! It was also exactly what I needed at the moment.
I really enjoyed DIAVOLA and THE SEPTEMBER HOUSE- both horror and way out of my literary fiction wheelhouse. Theyâve made me consider looking for similar books!
The pulled, vacuumed sealed Costco chicken breast has changed my life! I separate and freeze it in 12oz packs (thatâs a pound were it raw) and use in casseroles and pasta salads, etc. It saves a step/time/clean up and itâs yummy!
I"m glad an Honest Man was a winner for you, if you ever want to read him again I highly recommend Those Who Wish Me Dead and Never Far Away. Diavola was so outside of my comfort zone too but it was so good, I'd like more like that as well- let me know if you find comps for that:) - I'm curious what's disappointing about Blue Sisters, I had only seen rave reviews but now I'm seeing others here and there saying they didn't like it. I have a copy but it's not calling to me
I have 20 pages left and it's a mixed bag. There are some beautifully written passages about grief and family, and I think she does a really great job of unpacking the long term effects of trauma. What hasn't worked for me is that I feel like there is a lot of cliche going on here regarding the personalities and interactions of the sisters- they can tend to feel very one dimensional. So while there are parts of this book that have been really strong for me, I haven't felt compelled to pick it up each night.
Aawwww. I missed setting out feeders this Summer bc we were traveling. I could sit and watch the hummingbirds for hours.
Well, I finished reading Griffin Dunneâs The Friday Afternoon Club and Verity by Colleen Hoover on my trip. Sadly I can only rate Hooverâs book a couple of stars. One for keeping me occupied on my long flight by being a page turner & two, for the scary bits. Otherwise. Big no thank you from me. What the heck. I cannot believe so many people read that stuff. I know that will be an unpopular opinion. Even the character Lowen (what was up with all the silly character names) said it was too much sex talk. It became redundant. Mr. Dunneâs book appealed to me, being a woman of a certain age. Iâve read reviews that grumbled about his so called name dropping. Give me a break. The man is almost 70. This was his life and these so called famous people are his family and friends. I thought his memoir was in turns funny & heartwrenching. He has every right to tell his story. I may have already said all this in another comment.
Currently started Olympus, Texas for book club. So far, so good. I had picked it up a few years ago, so hopefully Iâll get further. Holed up with Covid. I really donât think we can travel anymore without catching it. So annoying!!!!! I initially thought it was jet lag or allergies.
Bummer about Covid but hope your trip was good! Not sure why but I didn't have as many hummingbirds this summer as I did last year, I'm wondering if it's been the heat and higher than normal temps we've had- hope we both get a good hummingbird turnout next year. I've wondered about the Griffin Dune book, appreciate hearing your thoughts, it sounds like he's had an interesting life
I am finishing up HORSE by Geraldine Brooks. It has been on my shelf for a while, actually I had 2 I sent one to my niece and we read it together which was fantastic to do plus...an amazing book! So glad that I got around to it. Really excellent, going to be on my top 10 for the year!
I usually avoid fantasy but have loved all the T.J. Klune books. Looking forward to his newest. I think that I am finding that fantasy will work for me if it occurs alongside reality if that makes sense. I am never going to read a fantasy series like Sarah J. Maas.
I just got some loose tea that I can use to make chai latte. Very delicious, less $ and less sugar!
Sep 20·edited Sep 20Liked by Renee - Itsbooktalk & More
1. I'm very close to finishing CITY OF BRASS (the first book in The Daevabad Trilogy) by S.A. Chakraborty. It's an excellent tale about djinn and I definitely plan to read the next two.
2. I read a lot of genre fiction. And I love books about books/bookstores/libraries. But I was stunned at how much I adored WELCOME TO THE HYUNAM-DONG BOOKSHOP by Hwang Bo-reum. I haven't read much translated Korean fiction but this one was so good, I returned my library copy and bought one for my own.
3. I am officially in menopause. A neck fan saved me big time this summer. Highly recommended for those who have hot flashes on deadline :)
Thank you for both of your recommendations! I've heard of City of Brass but not the other one and your excitement comes through- I always know I loved a book when I decide to buy my own copy. Also in menopause đââïž great tip for the neck fan!
I am currently reading SOMEONE IN THE ATTIC any Andrea Mara. It is creepy and I am not sure how it is going to end, but I am really enjoying it.
My favorite genre is mystery and thrillers. My top genre this year, according to StoryGraph, is historical. I have been reading the I SURVIVED book series to my son. They are based on real historical events but the main characters are kids/teenagers. He loves them and I read him the facts of the event at the end of the book that the author provides as well as real-life pictures. I also will read historical fiction books for myself if itâs interesting sounding and not WWII (I am burned out of those).
Yes it was! I think what I have read so far, almost halfway, is creepy with Julia and someone apparently in her attic. Perfect book for this time of year!
Iâm listening to Children of Darkness and Light by Lori Hellis. Itâs been eye opening!
My usual genre is thriller but I ventured into dark romantacy this month and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Longer morning walks are helping with my anxiety so thatâs making life much easier. I just need the temperature to drop so my poor dog can enjoy them as well.
I was able to finish two books this weekend! The Examiner by Janice Hallett (did not love) and A Share In Death by Deborah Crombie (enjoyed!). I am out of Gamache books and looking for a new mystery author to dive into- but need the cozy feels
A Share in Death is on my tbr, I'm glad you liked it. I tend to read darker mysteries but will let you know if I come up with something cozy- maybe others will chime in with suggestions:)
Iâm reading and listening to Babel. I am loving it so much!!! Also started Colored Television by Danny Senna. It takes place in Hollywood where I just happen to be visiting my oldest son this week.
Ooh I want to hear all your thoughts about Babel when you're finished! Bummed the pics aren't loading, I think it's a substack issue. Have a great time visiting your son!!
I finished reading FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay and realized I forgot to tell you about it! I mentioned I was two hours from finishing in the Reading Simplified audio I did last month and that I was sitting at a 4 star rating....well it took a downward turn for in about the last 90 min, I felt like he was dragging the plot out so much. I still liked it but landed at a 3.75 star rating which is low for me for a Barclay book. I'll continue reading his backlist because I've loved so many (FIND YOU FIRST was top notch!)
My usual, go to genre is mystery and thriller. This year literary fiction has overtaken that as the top genre I'm reading in 2024. Two genres outside of my usual genre are sports memoirs and science fiction and I loved OPEN by Andre Agassi and DARK MATTER by Blake Crouch. I'll happily take more recommendations in these genres:)
There are several things making my life easier lately - having a reading prompt to guide (reading from my shelves in Sept) me has helped me zero in on books I've been meaning to read from my print shelf at home, my Bona Spray Mop makes mopping our wood floors so much easier, and unfollowing/unsubscribing - to marketing emails, accounts that aren't giving me what I want- is making content consumption so much easier!
Have you read anything by Emily St. John Mandel? I feel like her writing is the perfect marriage of literary fiction and science/speculative fiction.
Yes I just read Station Eleven in the spring, I enjoyed it. My first read by her was The Singer's Gun and I loved that one. I have Sea of Tranquility and The Glass Hotel on my tbr
First, thank you for creating a lovely bookish community! You are so good at inspiring thoughtful dialogue. Second, here are some thrilling science fiction books that can be read as standalones: Enderâs Game by Orson Scott Card (this is very dark and twisty), Upgrade by Blake Crouch (if you have not read it yet), and Project Hail Mary and The Martian by Andy Weir.
Thank you! and thanks for these recs, I love dark and twisty so I will for sure check out Ender's Game
Love my Bona spray mop!
Renee I have literally had my Shark Steam mop for our wood floors for 10 years and it is still working like a champ. Can you explain a reading prompt to me? Always looking for good ways to tackle my shelves!
Oh the reading prompt I gave in August's Reading Simplified was to read from our shelves in Sept- so I'm just giving monthly prompts as a way to simplify reading and help us feel less overwhelmed with choices:)
The Bona mop system is the best!
Blake Crouch is so good. It's hard to put those books down. Action-packed!
Renee do you mind explaining how you are using reading prompts? Always looking for great ways to narrow down my TBR!
Not sure if you saw my previous response but I'm just using prompts - and mentioning them in the audio that I do- as a way of simplifying reading. So this month's prompt was to read from our shelves- read at least one book off your print tbr, digital tbr or audiobook tbr. For me, I'm reading off my print tbr bookshelf at home
Thanks Renee! Sorry I did not see that earlier message! Iâm trying to read more of my current books and buying less but you know how that goesâŠ..
No worries I didn't want you to think I hadn't answered. I'm doing the same - focusing on reading almost exclusively from my print shelf this month - with the exception of the upcoming October release- but I did stop at barnes and noble yesterday and bought 2 booksđ so not sure if I'll actually make a dent but still it feels so satisfying to focus on one place to choose books even if it's just for one month
Iâm reading A GLIMPSE OF SCARLET by Roxanna Robinson. I love her writing, these are short stories. I just downloaded the audio for MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON and looking forward to that!
As far as outside my genre Iâve really been trying. I am not a romance lover and just listened to THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT, but I didnât love it đ€Ł. To me very repetitive and not enough plot.
Whatâs making my life easier? I travel a lot for work and lately Iâve embraced dresses! I have never loved them on me but I found a few that are good and it makes getting dressed and packing soooo much easier. At least while the weather is still warm.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I hope you enjoy Lucy Barton! I don't typically wear dresses either but that's a great tip for travel. Also, I love Roxana Robinson's writing too, she's an author I know I'll continue to read - have you read Leaving?
Congrats on the dresses! I really stretched my comfort zone last year by buying a number of sun dresses. Itâs weird how we perceive ourselves, isnât it? I felt awkward and âoffâ the first few times I wore them but trusted friends admired my new look ⊠and I donât really concern myself with how strangers might feel ⊠so I wore those dresses a lot this summer!!
1. Planning to finish MOST WONDERFUL by Georgia Clark this weekend. I finished THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFE and LOVE, THEORETICALLY this week.
2. I loved BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN by Jessica Knoll. Unlike you, I don't read a lot of thrillers but I enjoy them when I do. I read a lot of romance and literary fiction.
3. Grocery pickup.
I wish grocery pickup was a thing when my boys were little. Taking littles to the store is never fun.
Agreed! Pickup has its pain points (out of stock items, substitutions, and sometimes slow service) BUT Iâd rather have my kids in the backseat listening to Peppa Pig songs than walking around the store for an hour with them. But thatâs just me.
Itâs a give and take. đ
I just got home from my fave used bookstore/cafe with 7 books (but I did trade-in three!). Four of the books are early books of authors I like and I wasn't aware of them. This week I read (and recommend) HERE ONE MOMENT by Liane Moriarity. It looks at free will and destiny, grief, love and the struggle to maintain certainty in an uncertain world and control. For me, what resonated was that there is more than one way of looking at things and/or more than one solution. I read a book review that said a good pairing is THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by Matt Haig, a tale of transformation with sci-fi elements. So I read that next and agree. I love Haig but this wasn't one of my favorites of his. Overall I gave it a 4 but there were a few times I felt lost or lost interest. But I'm glad I read it. This doesn't make my life easier bu it does make it happier: I bought some book-page flowers (Etsy) that are in plain view. Just love them.
I think having beautiful things around that bring us joy absolutely makes life easier!
Jan I look forward to your reading update every week!! I love what you had to say about Here One Moment, I have that on my tbr and I'll be shocked if I don't like it, that premise is so good and reminds me of The Measure and The Immortalists- did you read those? I keep seeing less than favorable reviews of The Life Impossible which is a bummer because I thought The Midnight Library was fantastic
I recently finished AN ELDERLY LADY IS UP TO NO GOOD by Helene Tursten, and loved it! What a strange premise, but an enjoyable ride and nice to have a short book for once. Iâm currently reading THE ACTORâS LIFE by Jenna Fischer, mostly because I find her an interesting person and itâs fun to hear some of the details of what an aspiring actor has to do to become successful.
My usual genres are crime/police procedurals and historical fiction, plus my obsession with everything Stephen King publishes. Iâm not a fantasy or sci fi fan at all, but I read THE LOST BOOKSHOP by Evie Woods earlier this year and adored it. So much so that I purchased THE STORY COLLECTOR the day it was released, tho I didnât find it to be quite as good. By the way, I discovered Linwood Barclay a few years ago thanks to BookBub and am now working my way through his whole catalog.
Thanks for providing this forum! Iâve been trying to read outside of my rut this year and this kind of resource really helps me to be brave and branch out! â€ïž
I loved AN ELDERLY LADY. She wrote another: AN ELDERLY LADY WILL NOT BE CROSSED, not quite as good, same elderly lady.
I loved it too- you recommended it to me:)
Thanks! I will check it out!
So glad you're here and joining in the conversation!:) I think we may be similar readers- I also loved An Elderly Lady, love police procedurals and Stephen King, and am working on Barclay's backlist - what are your favorites of his so far? I love the title - The Lost Bookshop!
My first Barclay was ELEVATOR PITCH, and itâs probably my favorite in large part because itâs the first of his that I read. I loved FINAL ASSIGNMENT as well, but honestly have enjoyed everything Iâve read of his. Iâm not great at grading my reads! I either like something or I donât. Yes, we have a lot of similarities, as Iâve read and enjoyed a number of books youâve spoken of! Thatâs why I pay close attention to the books you discuss. :)
Those are 2 of his books I havenât yet read! Making those my next 2 reads of his:) I think my favorites of his so far are Find You First, No Time For Goodbye and A Noise Downstairs
I just had 2 reviews in my inbox for The Lost Book Shop this morning. Not my typical genre but do think that the universe may be trying to tell me something.
1: I'm rereading the 3rd book in the series of the NEOPOLITAN NOVELS by Elena Ferrante.
2. BURNING BOY by Paul Auster. It's a biography of Stephen Crane.
3. the app "How We Feel."
Paul Auster was a fantastic writer!
I guess i am first again. Ok, i got 2 books going at once. WE SOLVE MURDERS BY RICHARD OSSMAN AND THE DIVINITY OF DOGS: TRUE STORIES OF MIRACLES INSPIRED BY DOGS. I guess i wanted to cry or something. I mainly read literary fiction, contemporary fiction, and suspense. Happy weekend everyone!
Oh the dog stories book- I can imagine that's emotional! I haven't heard of it - did you ever A Dog's Purpose? That's on my unread shelf. How's We Solve Murders going? I know you were excited to get that one.
I did read A Dogâs Purpose. If it is a dog book, i will read it. As for WE SOLVE MURDERS, it is taking me awhile to get into it because i have a difficult time dropping the expectation of THURSDAY MURDER CLUB. I am halfway into the book and m just starting to enjoy it. I am doing audio and there are a lot of characters to keep track of which makes a difficult.
Iâm currently reading BLUE SISTERS by Coco Mellors, Iâm enjoying it so far. A family saga, which I love, I believe I was having fomo with this book. It is a buzzy book now and I was planning to read it in October. I just received it from book of the month and I decided to read it now :)
My usual genre is literary fiction. Mystery and thriller is the genre that I have branched out this year, there are several books I have read and a few I have DNFâd , I recently read WRONG TIME WRONG PLACE, which I loved this book. I DNFâd THE STAND , it was very slow and it was not working for me. Iâm planning to read a Stephen King book in October!
I practice yoga and meditation as a daily practice and it helps me with my daily routine. Taking time to be aware of the stillness of the mind helps me focus more efficiently throughout the day. Mind, body and soul, is a mantra I apply to my life. đïž
Love that mantra and so many yoga philosophies are good to live by, even for those who canât or donât practice yoga. Hope Blue Sisters is a winner for you!!
Happy Saturday!
I finished THE WEDDING PEOPLE 5 stars âïž
THE RACHEL INCIDENT 3 stars âïž (really wanted to love this one but Rachel just bugged me). MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES 5 stars âïž
I am currently reading LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE and pondering my next audiobook.
Honestly saying no to things is saving me right now! The older I get the less I want to commit to social obligations that I am not that excited about. I am learning to pick and choose more. Iâm trying to embrace the thought that just because you are invited doesnât mean you have to go!
I"m with you on The Rachel Incident, I think I gave it 3.5 but it's not one that has stayed with me at all. Each year I get better and better at saying no - and doing so without a lengthy explanation !
YES to saying no!!! đ
I read DISAPPEARING EARTH by Julia Phillips and really liked her writing style. I am excited to read BEAR by the same author soon.
My usual genre is literary fiction, but I have read a few YA books that I enjoyed. I really like Jenny Han and have recently read THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY.
I have added to my daily routine doing a few floor exercises which I do first thing in the morning. I have been a walker for many years, and I have stuck with the floor exercises for a bit now, which has surprised me.
I'm planning on reading Disappearing Earth after really enjoying Bear, it's one of those types of stories that stay with you. I really liked her writing style
1. I just finished Blue Sisters (I , too was a bit disappointed?) and am currently reading The Middle of the Night and Birdie and Harlow! Both are good!
2. I typically read thriller, literary fiction, and rom-coms, I recently read The second Mrs. Astor and really enjoyed, although historical is a bit of a struggle for me (at times)
3. Making my life easier? My new bathroom! I recently had it redone, and I am loving my stand up marble shower with glass sliding door!! Also, LOVE my built in blue tooth speakers, makes showers and getting ready much more enjoyable!!
Congrats on your new shower, it sounds awesome- built in speakers đđ» Can you say why you were disappointed with Blue Sisters without spoiling anything?
Blue Sisters felt a bit, flat? I was expecting more? At times it felt like a slog, drawn out. I found my interest levels weaning in and out. I wanted an unputdownable read, and this was more slow paced?
Iâm currently reading BLUE SISTERS and listening to TELL ME EVERYTHING
and sadly, right now Iâm kind of disappointed in both! Renee, AN HONEST MAN was a thriller win for me- didnât love but liked it and it never made me roll my eyes once! It was also exactly what I needed at the moment.
I really enjoyed DIAVOLA and THE SEPTEMBER HOUSE- both horror and way out of my literary fiction wheelhouse. Theyâve made me consider looking for similar books!
The pulled, vacuumed sealed Costco chicken breast has changed my life! I separate and freeze it in 12oz packs (thatâs a pound were it raw) and use in casseroles and pasta salads, etc. It saves a step/time/clean up and itâs yummy!
I"m glad an Honest Man was a winner for you, if you ever want to read him again I highly recommend Those Who Wish Me Dead and Never Far Away. Diavola was so outside of my comfort zone too but it was so good, I'd like more like that as well- let me know if you find comps for that:) - I'm curious what's disappointing about Blue Sisters, I had only seen rave reviews but now I'm seeing others here and there saying they didn't like it. I have a copy but it's not calling to me
I have 20 pages left and it's a mixed bag. There are some beautifully written passages about grief and family, and I think she does a really great job of unpacking the long term effects of trauma. What hasn't worked for me is that I feel like there is a lot of cliche going on here regarding the personalities and interactions of the sisters- they can tend to feel very one dimensional. So while there are parts of this book that have been really strong for me, I haven't felt compelled to pick it up each night.
Thanks for your thoughts, not being compelled to pick it up is telling
Aawwww. I missed setting out feeders this Summer bc we were traveling. I could sit and watch the hummingbirds for hours.
Well, I finished reading Griffin Dunneâs The Friday Afternoon Club and Verity by Colleen Hoover on my trip. Sadly I can only rate Hooverâs book a couple of stars. One for keeping me occupied on my long flight by being a page turner & two, for the scary bits. Otherwise. Big no thank you from me. What the heck. I cannot believe so many people read that stuff. I know that will be an unpopular opinion. Even the character Lowen (what was up with all the silly character names) said it was too much sex talk. It became redundant. Mr. Dunneâs book appealed to me, being a woman of a certain age. Iâve read reviews that grumbled about his so called name dropping. Give me a break. The man is almost 70. This was his life and these so called famous people are his family and friends. I thought his memoir was in turns funny & heartwrenching. He has every right to tell his story. I may have already said all this in another comment.
Currently started Olympus, Texas for book club. So far, so good. I had picked it up a few years ago, so hopefully Iâll get further. Holed up with Covid. I really donât think we can travel anymore without catching it. So annoying!!!!! I initially thought it was jet lag or allergies.
Bummer about Covid but hope your trip was good! Not sure why but I didn't have as many hummingbirds this summer as I did last year, I'm wondering if it's been the heat and higher than normal temps we've had- hope we both get a good hummingbird turnout next year. I've wondered about the Griffin Dune book, appreciate hearing your thoughts, it sounds like he's had an interesting life
Ann I loved Olympus, Texas! You will have a great book club discussion on this one!
I am finishing up HORSE by Geraldine Brooks. It has been on my shelf for a while, actually I had 2 I sent one to my niece and we read it together which was fantastic to do plus...an amazing book! So glad that I got around to it. Really excellent, going to be on my top 10 for the year!
I usually avoid fantasy but have loved all the T.J. Klune books. Looking forward to his newest. I think that I am finding that fantasy will work for me if it occurs alongside reality if that makes sense. I am never going to read a fantasy series like Sarah J. Maas.
I just got some loose tea that I can use to make chai latte. Very delicious, less $ and less sugar!
Absolutely loved HORSE.
Ooh top 10 for Horse, that's fantastic, so glad it worked for you, that's one I've wondered about
1. I'm very close to finishing CITY OF BRASS (the first book in The Daevabad Trilogy) by S.A. Chakraborty. It's an excellent tale about djinn and I definitely plan to read the next two.
2. I read a lot of genre fiction. And I love books about books/bookstores/libraries. But I was stunned at how much I adored WELCOME TO THE HYUNAM-DONG BOOKSHOP by Hwang Bo-reum. I haven't read much translated Korean fiction but this one was so good, I returned my library copy and bought one for my own.
3. I am officially in menopause. A neck fan saved me big time this summer. Highly recommended for those who have hot flashes on deadline :)
Thank you for both of your recommendations! I've heard of City of Brass but not the other one and your excitement comes through- I always know I loved a book when I decide to buy my own copy. Also in menopause đââïž great tip for the neck fan!
I will check out the neck fan, going through menopause, too! Uggh
I am currently reading SOMEONE IN THE ATTIC any Andrea Mara. It is creepy and I am not sure how it is going to end, but I am really enjoying it.
My favorite genre is mystery and thrillers. My top genre this year, according to StoryGraph, is historical. I have been reading the I SURVIVED book series to my son. They are based on real historical events but the main characters are kids/teenagers. He loves them and I read him the facts of the event at the end of the book that the author provides as well as real-life pictures. I also will read historical fiction books for myself if itâs interesting sounding and not WWII (I am burned out of those).
That opening scene in Someone in the Attic was SO creepy!
Yes it was! I think what I have read so far, almost halfway, is creepy with Julia and someone apparently in her attic. Perfect book for this time of year!
SOMEONE IN THE ATTIC sounds like the perfect book to read in Autumn -- a time for spooky/creepy vibes.
It is very perfect for spooky season! Itâs so creepy! Itâs an add-on for Book of the Month if you are a subscriber.
Iâm listening to Children of Darkness and Light by Lori Hellis. Itâs been eye opening!
My usual genre is thriller but I ventured into dark romantacy this month and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Longer morning walks are helping with my anxiety so thatâs making life much easier. I just need the temperature to drop so my poor dog can enjoy them as well.
I'm over the heat and dry days we've had over the past month- of course I'll regret saying that in Januaryđ
I was able to finish two books this weekend! The Examiner by Janice Hallett (did not love) and A Share In Death by Deborah Crombie (enjoyed!). I am out of Gamache books and looking for a new mystery author to dive into- but need the cozy feels
A Share in Death is on my tbr, I'm glad you liked it. I tend to read darker mysteries but will let you know if I come up with something cozy- maybe others will chime in with suggestions:)
Iâm reading and listening to Babel. I am loving it so much!!! Also started Colored Television by Danny Senna. It takes place in Hollywood where I just happen to be visiting my oldest son this week.
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Me by Marilyn Monroeâs at Gromanâs.
Ooh I want to hear all your thoughts about Babel when you're finished! Bummed the pics aren't loading, I think it's a substack issue. Have a great time visiting your son!!
Thank you Renee.
I'm reading The Unravelling by Vi Keeland. A book outside my genre...In the Distance
by Hernan Diaz, which is way more literary than I usually read.
Did you like In the Distance?
Yes, but it wasnât an easy read!
Sorry the pics did not come out. đ