This week I finished reading BROKEN COUNTRY by Claire Leslie Hall. I loved it! This was a bingeable story for me, but it wasn't perfect. I had a few issues with how the plot unfolded toward the end....but I still loved it. I'll probably write a longer review soon, but I'll say I think this deserves all the buzz it's getting. And it was the third love triangle book I've read recently which makes me all the happier. In case you also love love triangles and are wondering what I read they were DREAM STATE, SLANTING TOWARDS THE SEA AND BROKEN COUNTRY. I binged them all:)
Today, I'm determined to find an audiobook, but I'm also going to be watching the weddings episode of Love is Blind. I can't wait!
I'm just finishing up BROKEN COUNTRY now. I wasn't really sure what to expect going in other than (I assumed) a love triangle and it took me a minute to settle into the story but it did a good job of holding my attention! I listened on audio and I think I may have preferred this in print, though the audio was fine!
I'm two episodes in to Love is Blind, I always wait til I can hinge it straight through - I do what I want, Netflix 🤪
Was considering starting Dream State next/very soon. Seems like we're on a similar wavelength this week!
Your way of watching Love is Blind is the way to do it. I finished the wedding episodes and now I'm dying for Sunday night to get here to watch the reunion. Hope you like Dream State, I can't stop recommending it to anyone who will listen haha
I'm on the same wavelength as both of you! I finished Broken Country this morning (loved it but I also had issues with the last third or so), and I watched the LIB weddings and am waiting for the reunion. Hoping for some mess!
Yes, finally some good drama! This season was a little slow. Madison's got screenshots, apparently, so that should be good. Will we get to meet Dave's sister that he can't stop talking about?
if I was Dave's sister I wouldn't show up but also I'm very much hoping she does😅 I can imagine he's had to deal with a ton of embarrassment at the amount of times he mentioned her and said she "let" him go on the show😳
Oh no, I'm sorry:( Netgalley approvals or denies are so random much of the time. I'll definitely remind you about it because I have a feeling it's one you'll like
I always look forward to Friday threads, and I especially love seeing what everyone is reading! I always add to my TBR based on the comments :)
This week I finished DEATH OF THE AUTHOR by Nnedi Okorafor and was completely blown away. I can't imagine another book will top this one for my favorite of the year.
Thankfully I'm also in the middle of a few other books so hopefully avoiding a slump haha. I'm about halfway done with WE SPREAD by Iain Reid, who wrote I'm Thinking of Ending Things which was popping up a lot last year with readers/content creators that I follow. This one is just as eerie, he writes quiet, creeping tension so well.
wow you're the second person in this group to rave about DEATH OF AN AUTHOR - Lisa mentioned last week that it gave her a hangover. Love the excitement for it. WE SPREAD- I listened to that a couple years ago and yes, so eerie and "weird" as far as that unsettling feeling of the story. I thought it was so so good
I hope you enjoy it! I will say the pace slowed down a little for me in the middle but obviously glad I stuck with it. Also suggest avoiding reviews on Goodreads/storygraph!
I bought WE SPREAD after liking I'm Thinking of Ending Things (which feels weird to say about that book 😅). I'm waiting for the right mood to start it!
I finished TO THE LIGHTHOUSE last night and no one is more surprised than me when I say this is now my FAVORITE book. I didn’t even think it was possible to pick one favorite. As soon as I finished, I went back to page 1 and started again 🤯.
I’m waiting for my copy of BROKEN COUNTRY to arrive, but I’m nervous to read it because of all the hype.
I was nervous to read Broken Country for the same reason but I too think it’s worthy of the hype. It gave me a lot to think about and not just with the story but also in regards to my reading preferences.
I have a hold for Broken Country too & I know what you mean; sometimes the hyped ones are duds. It sounds good though! The Reese pick I mention in my comment was surprisingly good. Hers can be hit or miss for me. Fingers crossed. I have a trip coming up & hoping a good hold will come in just in time to take with.
I’m currently about three-fourths of the way through listening to The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and really liking it. In print I just finished How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley which was so fun, and now I’m reading Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah for my book club. My tv watching is almost entirely British mysteries right now so I’m always on Britbox, Acorn or PBS Masterpiece.
We subscribed to BritBox last fall and have been very happy! My husband and I really like a good police procedural, and they have a bunch that we found to be extremely engaging.
For some reason, I always feel the need to make a comment on the Friday Threads. I rarely comment on Facebook or other Substack subscriptions or on Patreon. The recommendations are great, and the conversations are friendly. It is also nice to be among other book lovers like me.
This week I finished BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU by Sally Rooney. I had so many problems with this book and did consider DNFing it several times. First, there is quite a bit of open door sex, which was so unnecessary. Also, the emails between main characters, Alice and Eileen are rambling accounts that add nothing to the book and are distracting. The character of Felix bothered me because he was just mean, which added more negative thoughts. Overall, it just made me sad that Sally Rooney used her writing talents on a book like this because I do think she is a good writer. She especially writes dialogue so well.
I read Intermezzo recently and that was my first time reading Rooney. It has had mixed reviews. One of the main character’s situation does kind of ramble, but I was really surprised by how much I, for the most part, enjoyed her writing. I actually found some parts to be really moving. I loved her descriptive passages.
Linda I look forward to your comments each week so I'm glad this is the space you feel drawn to commenting in:) The recommendations for books, shows, etc are top notch in this group that's for sure. Thanks for your review of Beautiful World, based on what you said, I don't think it would be for me
I love to hear other reader's recommendations, and add the books to my TBR pile. Right now I am starting The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, as a lot of readers have it as their favourite book.
I hope you enjoy The Goldfinch, I'm jealous you get to read it for the first time:) I just listened to it last September and it ended up being my top book of the year. I bought a print copy to read it in print someday. Such a special story!
I'm loving being part of this community! This week I read PREP by Curtis Sittenfield, which was my first of hers. I really liked it! Sittenfield seems to be an acquired taste so I'd be curious if there's any fans of hers here and/or recommendations of which of hers I should read next!
Thanks Lauren:) Glad you liked Prep. My only read by Sittenfiled is ELIGIBLE which I loved. But I've been a watcher of The Bachelor and all it's formats since the beginning so I think that made me enjoy it all the more
I also really enjoyed Eligible and Romantic Comedy was enjoyable. I did not love Prep and hated Rodham. She’s very hit or miss for me, but I may try this new short story collection.
I’ve enjoyed all of her books! Just finished Show Don’t Tell, her latest short story collection and like the last one (You Think It, I’ll Say It), thought it was great. My fave Sittenfeld book is American Wife. Loved it when it first came out and enjoyed re-reading it last year!
Just got Show Don't Tell from Libby and I think I'll read one story a day. That tends to work well for me with short stories. I also really liked American Wife! I kept forgetting that it was fiction!
Good to know about American Wife! And Show Don't Tell is probably next for me because I heard there's a short story that picks up with Lee from Prep :)
First time to comment! I just finished THE SECOND MRS. ASTOR (a little cheesy at times but I enjoyed a look at an era so different from today). Currently, I’m reading KINDRED (just started but I’m already hooked) and NORTH WOODS (a little on the slower side but I’ve been captivated but what the author is doing using place as an anchor). Happy weekend!
Hi! So glad you joined in the comments. KINDRED has been on my tbr for so long, I must read it sometime because I really like time travel. Are you enjoying that element?
Yes! It doesn’t go into mechanics of the time travel very much but the concept of traveling in time to an era that would’ve been so dangerous is such an interesting thing to explore!
Bailey, I can't wait to hear what you think about KINDRED. I think that should be a must read. Have you read PARABLE OF THE SOWER? I have not, but I think I should.
I just finished Broken Country and loved it too. I think it will definitely be in my top 10 of the year. I just also finished The Business Trip on audio. It was wild!! I could not put it down. Perfect fast read and a great palate cleanser after a heavier read. The multi cast narration was fantastic also.
Renee - You mentioned being on the hunt for an audiobook. I am actually as well, but I wanted to give you my rec. Have you listened to the Elena Ferrante novels - The Neapolitan Novels - there are 4 in the series, starting with My Brilliant Friend. That book was the #1 pick for the top 100 books of the century by the NYT, which is why I decided to give it a try. I have to admit that I was not totally taken with the story right off. The first book kind of has a YA feel to it, but I was unapologetically hooked by the end, and went on to listen to all 4 over a period of 4-5 months in 2024. My husband did the same, and we were constantly discussing the books. We are now watching the series on Netflix (?). Anyways, this is a time investment, but one that I felt was worth it. This series is definitely now one of my all-time favorite reads. I love the audio because the narrator does a fantastic job with the language. This is one of those series you can really get lost in, especially if you love books set in Italy, which I do. It's like a sweeping family epic/drama, but revolving more around friendship, than family, although family does come in to play. In other news, I loved listening to you on Book Talk Etc, and I have followed your newsletter since you left the podcast, but I just recently became a paid subscriber. Have a good weekend!
Melissa thank you for listening to me on BTE and for coming over to support me here, I appreciate it:) So, I did try the first book on audio after The NYTimes list came out but I think I found it hard to get into. This type of series appeals to me though and I really loved hearing your thoughts- I love books set in Italy and I'm always in the mood for a friendship saga. You mentioned the first book has a YA feel to it, did you find that the next books lost that YA feel?
Oh ok I do love that scope! Friendship and love stories set over time, especially into people's midlife and beyond are really hits for me these days. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and giving your rec for this series
I was hooked by the end of the first. But if you were not then you might not want to continue. It is a large investment of time. I think Book 2 was my favorite.
I'm reading The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris 📖 and 🎧. Also I just started listening to Owner Of A Lonely Heart, A Memoir by Beth Nguyen (I have a real soft spot for immigrant stories). Several days ago I finished reading The Frozen River which I liked so much! As far as what I'm watching - My son and I are two episodes in on the second season of 1923 (Paramount) and I started up on the fifth season of the heartwarming series All Creatures Great and Small (PBS). It's been very hard staying focused now with so much going on with the change of administration in the White House and frightened of what might transpire.
I’m half through The Frozen River and I’m finding it hard to put down. This is my first book by Ariel Lawhon and I’m totally hooked. Her writing is so engaging.
I haven't heard of that memoir, so many in this group love memoirs so it's always nice to hear about which ones people are reading. My husband loves 1923!
I finished DREAM STATE today, which I ended up liking quite a bit. I continue to be drawn to these stories of long marriage with all of the ups and downs. I think I liked this one better than THE HEART OF WINTER by Jonathan Evison. I also finished PEOPLE OF MEANS by Nancy Johnson, which I did mostly on audio and liked the story of mother and daughter who both protested against civil rights issues - Mom in the 1960s and Daughter in the 1990s after the Rodney King verdict - and how that impacted their families and community. On a lighter note, I enjoyed YOU BETWEEN THE LINES by Katie Naymon, which was a romance about two authors who meet first in high school, then reconnect in college, and finally are in a writing program together in grad school. I did this on audio too, and it was entertaining and not too fluffy.
Kristin I'm drawn to those long marriage stories too! That and female friendship stories set over years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the other books, I didn't know anything about either book
Love the discourse on these Friday threads! I listened to Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton this week and it was time well spent. For someone who never takes the time to stop and smell the flowers it gave me something to appreciate and ponder.
This week I finished "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman and "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch. Both were excellent.
I just started "Mistborn" by Brandon Sanderson and "The Crash" by Freida McFadden. I am about a third of the way through both. The first is excellent and the second is entertaining but jury is still out.
I know I’ve told you this before Renee, but I love these discussion threads because I think you do a wonderful job of building community. It’s a great place to be to chat with other readers and get great recommendations! I finished MEMORIAL DAYS by Geraldine Brooks and so appreciated the perspective of this grief memoir. I also read one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read- HERE BE DRAGONS by Melanie Shankle. I heard her on Laura Tremaine’s podcast and snagged it asap. It’s about mothers and daughters and breaking cycles of generational trauma. It has a strong Christian perspective if that’s a deal breaker, but if not… it was so, so compelling. My second 5⭐️of the year!
It’s been a rough week of work but I did get away to Savannah for a work conference so that’s my “loving lately”. There were a couple of people going there soon and I want to be sure to recommend my favorite city to folks! I have even more recommendations after this trip if any more are needed. 😉
I'm sorry it's been a rough work week for you. I think you've added HERE BE DRSGONS to my TBR! Definitely going to listen to that podcast episode soon.
What do you like? Is there anything you don’t enjoy specifically? Also, are you willing to do higher end and lower end because there are some great dives in Savannah as well as much higher end nicer places that I love. And the last thing I’ll ask is whether or not you enjoy a good cocktail because there is a place I love that was recently named a James Beard finalist for cocktails.
We’re willing to try anything. I don’t love fried southern food (like chicken) but I do love shrimp and grits. Absolutely yes to cocktails and we’re all for mixing up price ranges. Sometimes the expensive places end up disappointing more than the under the radar gems.
This week I finished reading BROKEN COUNTRY by Claire Leslie Hall. I loved it! This was a bingeable story for me, but it wasn't perfect. I had a few issues with how the plot unfolded toward the end....but I still loved it. I'll probably write a longer review soon, but I'll say I think this deserves all the buzz it's getting. And it was the third love triangle book I've read recently which makes me all the happier. In case you also love love triangles and are wondering what I read they were DREAM STATE, SLANTING TOWARDS THE SEA AND BROKEN COUNTRY. I binged them all:)
Today, I'm determined to find an audiobook, but I'm also going to be watching the weddings episode of Love is Blind. I can't wait!
I'm just finishing up BROKEN COUNTRY now. I wasn't really sure what to expect going in other than (I assumed) a love triangle and it took me a minute to settle into the story but it did a good job of holding my attention! I listened on audio and I think I may have preferred this in print, though the audio was fine!
I'm two episodes in to Love is Blind, I always wait til I can hinge it straight through - I do what I want, Netflix 🤪
Was considering starting Dream State next/very soon. Seems like we're on a similar wavelength this week!
Your way of watching Love is Blind is the way to do it. I finished the wedding episodes and now I'm dying for Sunday night to get here to watch the reunion. Hope you like Dream State, I can't stop recommending it to anyone who will listen haha
I'm on the same wavelength as both of you! I finished Broken Country this morning (loved it but I also had issues with the last third or so), and I watched the LIB weddings and am waiting for the reunion. Hoping for some mess!
I've got my popcorn ready for LIB tonight- did you watch the trailer? I think we're going to get some drama, also a Sarah looked so different!
Yes, finally some good drama! This season was a little slow. Madison's got screenshots, apparently, so that should be good. Will we get to meet Dave's sister that he can't stop talking about?
if I was Dave's sister I wouldn't show up but also I'm very much hoping she does😅 I can imagine he's had to deal with a ton of embarrassment at the amount of times he mentioned her and said she "let" him go on the show😳
My NetGalley request for SEA was turned down- so bummed! I have to remember to get to it when it’s actually published.
Oh no, I'm sorry:( Netgalley approvals or denies are so random much of the time. I'll definitely remind you about it because I have a feeling it's one you'll like
I’m about 30% in this one and it may be the first book I’ve really loved in a long time! We will see! Excited to keep reading.
I always look forward to Friday threads, and I especially love seeing what everyone is reading! I always add to my TBR based on the comments :)
This week I finished DEATH OF THE AUTHOR by Nnedi Okorafor and was completely blown away. I can't imagine another book will top this one for my favorite of the year.
Thankfully I'm also in the middle of a few other books so hopefully avoiding a slump haha. I'm about halfway done with WE SPREAD by Iain Reid, who wrote I'm Thinking of Ending Things which was popping up a lot last year with readers/content creators that I follow. This one is just as eerie, he writes quiet, creeping tension so well.
wow you're the second person in this group to rave about DEATH OF AN AUTHOR - Lisa mentioned last week that it gave her a hangover. Love the excitement for it. WE SPREAD- I listened to that a couple years ago and yes, so eerie and "weird" as far as that unsettling feeling of the story. I thought it was so so good
I keep hearing great things about Death of the author!
It's so good!!
I have Death of an Author from the library and it will probably be my next read. I’m so glad you liked it so much!
I hope you enjoy it! I will say the pace slowed down a little for me in the middle but obviously glad I stuck with it. Also suggest avoiding reviews on Goodreads/storygraph!
I bought WE SPREAD after liking I'm Thinking of Ending Things (which feels weird to say about that book 😅). I'm waiting for the right mood to start it!
I just finished it! No clue how I feel about it 🤪 it’s classic Iain Reid
And that's why we love him! 😆😝
I finished TO THE LIGHTHOUSE last night and no one is more surprised than me when I say this is now my FAVORITE book. I didn’t even think it was possible to pick one favorite. As soon as I finished, I went back to page 1 and started again 🤯.
I’m waiting for my copy of BROKEN COUNTRY to arrive, but I’m nervous to read it because of all the hype.
Being surprised by a new favorite book is THE BEST! That happened to me in the fall with THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt
I was nervous to read Broken Country for the same reason but I too think it’s worthy of the hype. It gave me a lot to think about and not just with the story but also in regards to my reading preferences.
I have a hold for Broken Country too & I know what you mean; sometimes the hyped ones are duds. It sounds good though! The Reese pick I mention in my comment was surprisingly good. Hers can be hit or miss for me. Fingers crossed. I have a trip coming up & hoping a good hold will come in just in time to take with.
I’m currently about three-fourths of the way through listening to The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and really liking it. In print I just finished How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley which was so fun, and now I’m reading Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah for my book club. My tv watching is almost entirely British mysteries right now so I’m always on Britbox, Acorn or PBS Masterpiece.
Do you love Britbox? I've been considering a subscription
We subscribed to BritBox last fall and have been very happy! My husband and I really like a good police procedural, and they have a bunch that we found to be extremely engaging.
great thanks!
Oh my gosh, Winter Garden *wrecked* me! A big part of it was I read it a few months postpartum, maybe not the best choice 😅
For some reason, I always feel the need to make a comment on the Friday Threads. I rarely comment on Facebook or other Substack subscriptions or on Patreon. The recommendations are great, and the conversations are friendly. It is also nice to be among other book lovers like me.
This week I finished BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU by Sally Rooney. I had so many problems with this book and did consider DNFing it several times. First, there is quite a bit of open door sex, which was so unnecessary. Also, the emails between main characters, Alice and Eileen are rambling accounts that add nothing to the book and are distracting. The character of Felix bothered me because he was just mean, which added more negative thoughts. Overall, it just made me sad that Sally Rooney used her writing talents on a book like this because I do think she is a good writer. She especially writes dialogue so well.
I read Intermezzo recently and that was my first time reading Rooney. It has had mixed reviews. One of the main character’s situation does kind of ramble, but I was really surprised by how much I, for the most part, enjoyed her writing. I actually found some parts to be really moving. I loved her descriptive passages.
I really liked Intermezzo, but Rooney just works for me every time. I can't even figure out why.
Linda I look forward to your comments each week so I'm glad this is the space you feel drawn to commenting in:) The recommendations for books, shows, etc are top notch in this group that's for sure. Thanks for your review of Beautiful World, based on what you said, I don't think it would be for me
Thanks Renee...you have made this a fun, welcoming place to be!
I love to hear other reader's recommendations, and add the books to my TBR pile. Right now I am starting The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, as a lot of readers have it as their favourite book.
I hope you enjoy The Goldfinch, I'm jealous you get to read it for the first time:) I just listened to it last September and it ended up being my top book of the year. I bought a print copy to read it in print someday. Such a special story!
I'm loving being part of this community! This week I read PREP by Curtis Sittenfield, which was my first of hers. I really liked it! Sittenfield seems to be an acquired taste so I'd be curious if there's any fans of hers here and/or recommendations of which of hers I should read next!
Thanks Lauren:) Glad you liked Prep. My only read by Sittenfiled is ELIGIBLE which I loved. But I've been a watcher of The Bachelor and all it's formats since the beginning so I think that made me enjoy it all the more
I may have to try ELIGIBLE! Retellings can be hit or miss for me, so we'll see!
I also really enjoyed Eligible and Romantic Comedy was enjoyable. I did not love Prep and hated Rodham. She’s very hit or miss for me, but I may try this new short story collection.
I totally forgot I read Romantic Comedy too! Which was a miss for me... I think Show Don't Tell will be next for me when I try her again.
I’ve enjoyed all of her books! Just finished Show Don’t Tell, her latest short story collection and like the last one (You Think It, I’ll Say It), thought it was great. My fave Sittenfeld book is American Wife. Loved it when it first came out and enjoyed re-reading it last year!
Just got Show Don't Tell from Libby and I think I'll read one story a day. That tends to work well for me with short stories. I also really liked American Wife! I kept forgetting that it was fiction!
Good to know about American Wife! And Show Don't Tell is probably next for me because I heard there's a short story that picks up with Lee from Prep :)
Yes! That was a pleasant surprise!
First time to comment! I just finished THE SECOND MRS. ASTOR (a little cheesy at times but I enjoyed a look at an era so different from today). Currently, I’m reading KINDRED (just started but I’m already hooked) and NORTH WOODS (a little on the slower side but I’ve been captivated but what the author is doing using place as an anchor). Happy weekend!
Hi! So glad you joined in the comments. KINDRED has been on my tbr for so long, I must read it sometime because I really like time travel. Are you enjoying that element?
Yes! It doesn’t go into mechanics of the time travel very much but the concept of traveling in time to an era that would’ve been so dangerous is such an interesting thing to explore!
Bailey, I can't wait to hear what you think about KINDRED. I think that should be a must read. Have you read PARABLE OF THE SOWER? I have not, but I think I should.
I haven’t read it yet but I would love to. I hope to finish Kindred today. It’s been a very impactful reading experience!
I just finished Broken Country and loved it too. I think it will definitely be in my top 10 of the year. I just also finished The Business Trip on audio. It was wild!! I could not put it down. Perfect fast read and a great palate cleanser after a heavier read. The multi cast narration was fantastic also.
Ooh this is great to know about the audio of The Business Trip! That's the format I have, will add it to my listening sample line up:)
The Business Trip was an entertaining listen! I could see you going on a bit of a longer walk to listen to a little extra.
Both binge listens!
Renee - You mentioned being on the hunt for an audiobook. I am actually as well, but I wanted to give you my rec. Have you listened to the Elena Ferrante novels - The Neapolitan Novels - there are 4 in the series, starting with My Brilliant Friend. That book was the #1 pick for the top 100 books of the century by the NYT, which is why I decided to give it a try. I have to admit that I was not totally taken with the story right off. The first book kind of has a YA feel to it, but I was unapologetically hooked by the end, and went on to listen to all 4 over a period of 4-5 months in 2024. My husband did the same, and we were constantly discussing the books. We are now watching the series on Netflix (?). Anyways, this is a time investment, but one that I felt was worth it. This series is definitely now one of my all-time favorite reads. I love the audio because the narrator does a fantastic job with the language. This is one of those series you can really get lost in, especially if you love books set in Italy, which I do. It's like a sweeping family epic/drama, but revolving more around friendship, than family, although family does come in to play. In other news, I loved listening to you on Book Talk Etc, and I have followed your newsletter since you left the podcast, but I just recently became a paid subscriber. Have a good weekend!
Melissa thank you for listening to me on BTE and for coming over to support me here, I appreciate it:) So, I did try the first book on audio after The NYTimes list came out but I think I found it hard to get into. This type of series appeals to me though and I really loved hearing your thoughts- I love books set in Italy and I'm always in the mood for a friendship saga. You mentioned the first book has a YA feel to it, did you find that the next books lost that YA feel?
No, the characters mature over time. The series takes theme through early childhood into their 60s!
Oh ok I do love that scope! Friendship and love stories set over time, especially into people's midlife and beyond are really hits for me these days. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and giving your rec for this series
I tried book one after the list came out. I didn’t “love” it so I haven’t been compelled to continue. Maybe I should try the second one???
I was hooked by the end of the first. But if you were not then you might not want to continue. It is a large investment of time. I think Book 2 was my favorite.
I'm reading The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris 📖 and 🎧. Also I just started listening to Owner Of A Lonely Heart, A Memoir by Beth Nguyen (I have a real soft spot for immigrant stories). Several days ago I finished reading The Frozen River which I liked so much! As far as what I'm watching - My son and I are two episodes in on the second season of 1923 (Paramount) and I started up on the fifth season of the heartwarming series All Creatures Great and Small (PBS). It's been very hard staying focused now with so much going on with the change of administration in the White House and frightened of what might transpire.
I’m half through The Frozen River and I’m finding it hard to put down. This is my first book by Ariel Lawhon and I’m totally hooked. Her writing is so engaging.
So glad you're enjoying your current read, I also thought her writing and the details in that story were quite good
That was very good. My book club chose it now, so it might be a reread for me. Great historical fiction!
I haven't heard of that memoir, so many in this group love memoirs so it's always nice to hear about which ones people are reading. My husband loves 1923!
I finished DREAM STATE today, which I ended up liking quite a bit. I continue to be drawn to these stories of long marriage with all of the ups and downs. I think I liked this one better than THE HEART OF WINTER by Jonathan Evison. I also finished PEOPLE OF MEANS by Nancy Johnson, which I did mostly on audio and liked the story of mother and daughter who both protested against civil rights issues - Mom in the 1960s and Daughter in the 1990s after the Rodney King verdict - and how that impacted their families and community. On a lighter note, I enjoyed YOU BETWEEN THE LINES by Katie Naymon, which was a romance about two authors who meet first in high school, then reconnect in college, and finally are in a writing program together in grad school. I did this on audio too, and it was entertaining and not too fluffy.
Kristin I'm drawn to those long marriage stories too! That and female friendship stories set over years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the other books, I didn't know anything about either book
I’m not quite the avid reader as most people on this thread, so I love that you include all entertainment recs. :)
Here for all the tv recs too:)
Love the discourse on these Friday threads! I listened to Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton this week and it was time well spent. For someone who never takes the time to stop and smell the flowers it gave me something to appreciate and ponder.
This week I finished "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman and "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch. Both were excellent.
I just started "Mistborn" by Brandon Sanderson and "The Crash" by Freida McFadden. I am about a third of the way through both. The first is excellent and the second is entertaining but jury is still out.
Lots of variety in your weekly reads, thanks for sharing. Dark Matter is one of my favorites
I loved A Man Called Ove Robert!
I know I’ve told you this before Renee, but I love these discussion threads because I think you do a wonderful job of building community. It’s a great place to be to chat with other readers and get great recommendations! I finished MEMORIAL DAYS by Geraldine Brooks and so appreciated the perspective of this grief memoir. I also read one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read- HERE BE DRAGONS by Melanie Shankle. I heard her on Laura Tremaine’s podcast and snagged it asap. It’s about mothers and daughters and breaking cycles of generational trauma. It has a strong Christian perspective if that’s a deal breaker, but if not… it was so, so compelling. My second 5⭐️of the year!
It’s been a rough week of work but I did get away to Savannah for a work conference so that’s my “loving lately”. There were a couple of people going there soon and I want to be sure to recommend my favorite city to folks! I have even more recommendations after this trip if any more are needed. 😉
Thanks LeAnne, I so appreciate your thoughts💖 So glad you had a 5 star winner. Hope you have a relaxing weekend!
Looking up Here Be Dragons now! Thanks for the recommendation.
I'm sorry it's been a rough work week for you. I think you've added HERE BE DRSGONS to my TBR! Definitely going to listen to that podcast episode soon.
I’ll be eager to hear what you think if you get to it!
I’ve been watching Savannah YouTube videos all week but would love some restaurant recommendations.
What do you like? Is there anything you don’t enjoy specifically? Also, are you willing to do higher end and lower end because there are some great dives in Savannah as well as much higher end nicer places that I love. And the last thing I’ll ask is whether or not you enjoy a good cocktail because there is a place I love that was recently named a James Beard finalist for cocktails.
I check both so whichever is easiest. Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
We’re willing to try anything. I don’t love fried southern food (like chicken) but I do love shrimp and grits. Absolutely yes to cocktails and we’re all for mixing up price ranges. Sometimes the expensive places end up disappointing more than the under the radar gems.
I’ll get you a list. Here or DM on IG?