Hello, all you voracious readers! Have you seen any of these books listed on other lists, and do any of them seem to beckon you to read? Tell us which best-selling books you're reading or have just finished, and what you think about them! These are only the first 5 listed on the Times list, feel free to mention any others not listed.

Every so often we will take a vote and see if there is a particular book you would like to discuss at length, so let us hear from you!

Lorrie

Lorrie

New place to lurk! What fun! I usually consider myself a fiction reader, but I've only read (listened to)Crichton's Timeline and it was fun.

But I loved Moore's Dude, Where's My Country?, Mayes Under the Tuscan Sun, and, of course, Seabiscuit.

Absolutely hated Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie. One of those books that makes you gag. I shake my head mightely over it being on the best seller list for sooooo long. I imagine his Five People is of the same ilk - not my cup of tea.

Hello, Harper!

I must say you are a person of definite opinions about what you read, and that is exactly what we want here. Everyone else enjoyed "Seabiscuit" when we had a discussion about it here, and aren't they making a movie or something about "Under the Tuscan Sun?"

Good to hear from you!

Lorrie

Yes, I look at the best sellers list, but I'm not about to purchase in hardcover (unless it's Harry Potter) I've read the Dan Brown Angels& Demons, it was interesting, but made me reluctant to try the DaVinci Code..The Nora Roberts was OK..not as interesting as some of hers. Tuesdays with Morrie I looked at and it was not my cup of tea. Under the Tuscan Sun, I picked up at the airport, but HOW on earth could they make a movie about that? It was OK..but..reminded me of another book like that they turned into a movie...about the chap who was burned in the desert & his nurse won all kinds of Academy awards..sorry, having a Senior moment.. the name escapes me... Colkot

Colkot, would that be "The English Patient?" A very good book, I thought, but the movie struck me as being confusing. to be perfectly honest, I don't think I would buy any of the hardcovers listed here, either. I do want to read the Angels and Demons, but plan on getting that at the library.

Lorrie

I take the N.Y. Times Book Review...more often than not I read something mentioned on the margins rather than the main selections being reviewd....I am very fortunate to have a wonderful library and request all the new books on line and then just go the desk to pick them up.....Rarely do i have to wait long....I waited a fairly long time for "The Three Junes" and really, really, liked the book....I also liked the Da Vinci Code a lot.....I didn't like it when I first started it as I am not much into thrillers......then I couldn't put it down....Another thing I like to do is go into Barnes and Noble...look about and see things that interest me and then order them up from the library.......

1. The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown 2. The Dark Tower: Volumes 1-5, by Stephen King 3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom 4. Blow Fly, by Patricia Cornwell 5. Safe Harbour, by Danielle Steel

I have to admitt, I'm guilty... I love this list and am influenced by it!! My son and I have a list of authors we follow... and usuallly buy their new books hot off the press, sometimes even before they become best sellers... I'm trying hard to withdraw, but it "ain't" easy!!! Patricia Cornwell is on that list... though with this new one I have to say, I think she'll probably go to the paperback list... not her best, for sure... Really enjoyed The Five People You'll meet in Heaven... got some food for thought there, but then I have to admitt (again!) I enjoyed Tuesday's with Morrie... DaVinci Code has led me on about a 10 (so far) book journey!!! Really enjoyed that read. Read David Baldacci's Split Second this weekend. Love David's every word. Faye Kellerman's Street Dreams was a good read. Tom Clancy's The Teeth of the Tiger... and am into James Patterson's The Big Bad Wolf... So, I guess I'd have to say... I am adicted to the best sellers... or maybe it's just books in general!!

Lou

Balance of Power by Richard North Patterson... All the pros and cons of gun control... I'm about half way through and it's a real grabber. I don't know if we'd want to attack such a devisive issue or not... but I highly recommend this read.

Lou

Oh, Tigerliley, I do the same thing! I check out the list over on the right on the Times pages, but unlike you, we have a tremendously long waiting list at our library.

This week, we have dropped two titles in Hardcover Fiction and added Patterson's Big Bad Wolf, and Jan Karon's Shepherds Abiding. (Probably because of the upcoming season)

I like James Patterson's books, isn't the protagonist of most of them the big black jazz-playing pianist who has a doctorate in psychology and is a Washington police officer? Or is that a different Patterson?

Anyway, they dropped Princess Diane's butler's book, and now have "Flyboys" by James Bradley. Also, Jessica Lynch's book.

Has anybody read these?

Lorrie

While I'm not addicted to best sellers per se, I did read and enjoyed the DaVinci Code. Another good best seller was The Miracle at St.Anna by James McBride, who wrote The Color of Water.

BAD DAD!

What an intriguing name, and welcome to our page! Thank you for your recommendations----I liked "The Color of Water" and so will look into McBride's "Miracle", too.

If we posters here pick out a title and decide to run a discussion on it for a month, would you consider joining us? We choose the book, and the pace can be leisurely or fast, depending on the posters. Some of us like to read a book together, others would rather read the whole thing first then talk about it.

Anyway, welcome to SeniorNet!

Lorrie
Discussion Leader--Books

Hi, I just found this discussion today. I am alwlays interested in the best sellers, although I don't often get them read while they are still on the list.

This past week I read Shepherds Abiding - it was just a comfortable story for the holidays, relaxing during a very hectic week.

I've heard so much about the Davinci Code that I will have to try that. I do use the library for most of my books, so that often determines what I read when.

N

Some people will probably hate to read this, but I must say I didn't really care for "The Davinci Code." I'll admit the suspense was very good, and the research he must have done is mind-boggling, but in my opinion the clues were way too complex, and I kept getting a feeling of frustration when each clue led to another quandry. But that's just me, I believe most people love the book!

I like Jan Karon's books, too.

Lorrie

The book page of the Sunday paper is very important to me. Years ago I subscribed to the New York Times Book Review. Don't anymore because it is way to expensive for a stay at home like me. I now get newsletters (e-mail) from many publishers. I subscribe to two book magazines. PAGES and Romantic Times Book Club. PAGES is a bi monthly magazine that tells all about books that have just been published or will be coming out soon. Romantic Times Book Club reviews the next month's books. The cover everything from Romances to Mysteries to Contemporary fiction. What is great about both magazines is the book ads!

BAD DAD -- I loved The Color of Water by James McBride.In fact it is sitting on the top of my computer hutch. Is his new book fiction?

It used to be I could look at the best seller lists and could say I had read them. But not anymore. Now it is hit or miss.

I read David Baldacci's Last Man Standing and loved it. Cradle and All by James Patterson was a great read.

John Sandford's Kidd books are great also. He better get writing another one soon! lol

Two other good authors I have become hooked on are Lee Child and Brian Haig. Both write thrillers/mystery. Child's hero, Jack Reacher, is a former MP Major who got downsized. Haig's hero is Major Sean Drummond, a JAJ lawyer.

Ginny Ann:

That's quite a list. I appreciate your recommendation for the book magazines.

Is that the same John Sandford who writes all the "Prey" books? Here in St. Paul, Sandford is very popular because originally he was a columnist for one of our local newspapers (John Camp), and most of his stories about Lucas Davenport are set here in Minneapolis.

Lorrie

I really enjoyed A Perfect Day by Richard Paul Evans, The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks and I enjoyed this summer Secret Life of Bees. I did not care for The Davinci Code either. Guess I just like easy reading!!

Hey, Silver bells!

It's a coincidence! I happen to be leading a discusssion of that popular book "The Secret Life of Bees" on this same website, and we would LOVE to have you come and join us! We're only on the fifth or sixth chapter, so you won't miss anything. C'mon over!!

BaBi "---Secret Life of Bees, The ~ Sue Monk Kidd ~ December 1" 12/9/03 12:00pm

Lorrie
Discussion Leader, Coordinator

Lorrie -- Yes it is the same John Sandford. I haven't read any of the Prey books.

Well, that makes me feel better now! St least i don't feel like a single voice crying out in disagreement. But that's the good thing about these discussions--each one of us is entitled to air his or her own opinions about a book, without personal criticism.

Lorrie

Is there an address for the book magazine, PAGES? I'm always looking for good reviews.

Sage

Thanks for providing the link to Pages. I started out with a free copy, and then ordered it. I am into my second year of subscribing to it.

I'm wandering through all these discussion boards this morning and am enjoying your comments. I'm very new to Seniornet - kind of overwhelming till you get going.....I tried the Secret Life of Bees group (had read the book awhile back), but found it hard to contribute when most are at the beginning and you already know the outcome. And it was interesting and surprising to me that though I loved the book, I didn't have a lot to say. Hmmm. No problem here, obviously. Was interested to hear the mixed reaction to the DaVinci code - I liked the first half and then found myself skimming when it turned into a more typical "thriller" When I finish a book it's fun to go to amazon and see what others have said particularly when it's controversial. Sometimes it's a real love/hate situation and it's interesting to see whose side you're on. P.S. Are we supposed to write in paragraphs?....and perhaps a little shorter?.....Thanks.

write all you want and looks to me like your doing fine! I seldom read thrillers or mysterys.....seems like I just can't find one that holds my interest.....funny though I did like the D;Vinci Code......I think I liked all the religious history.... I too read the Bee Book before it became a best seller and really liked it very much....welcome

Well, I just stopped reading Blow Fly after about 200 pages. Until her last two books I was a big fan of Patricia Cornwell books about Dr. Kay Scarpetta. IMHO, she has had it as a writer. I shall not read her again. Fortunately this book was from the library so I didn't have to waste my money.

In Blow Fly she has chosen to write it in present tense. That is very annoying to me. Also, this is the second book that purports to be about Scarpetta, but turns out to be about everyone else but.

You all may disagree with me. That is certainly your right. I'll not argue with you if you still like her work, but to me she is now a has-been writer.

BTW, Mal, I also did not care for The Da Vinci Code. I thought it contrived also.

Oscar

Oscar: I don't think you're alone in your disappointment in Cornwell. I've read other comments that people find she's not up to her previous standard. I tried a couple of her books, but they just weren't for me.

That's why I love my library. I don't have to spend money on books that don't appeal to me, and I've found there are many that just don't get my interest/attention. I'm too old to spend time trying to get through a book I don't like...too many books, too little time...so back they go, just as you did. Someone else can enjoy it that much sooner, I figure!

This is my first post here. I am often struck by how the most popular writers are called upon to churn out novel after novel to satify their public which does not seem bothered by the decline in originality and general worthiness of the latest book. What is worse, publishers then find older books by the same author that did not make it and reissue them as if they were new.

I just started reading Bad Company by Jack Higgins and decided after a hundred pages that I was wasting my time. Thirty four books are listed under his name. My problem is that I will forget that I do not like Higgins and probably be attracted by the advertising blurb that is on his next 'waste of time'.

George:

I couldn't agree more. With some writers, it seems that the more they churn out, the poorer the quality of their stories becomes, and I find this is true of writers like Stephen King, and Dean Koontz, both of whom have been favorites of mine.

Like Ginny Ann, I'm inclined to agree that Jack Higgins still remains a wonderful story-teller, even as prolific as he has become. What do you think of Tom Clancy?

Incidentally, I am making arrangements to change the heading above. While I was out sick I am afraid it became terribly outdated, and we will try to correct that.

Lorrie

Lorrie, I love the idea of a message board centered around best sellers! I've been keeping a list of the best sellers I'd like to read for years. I figure once they're a few years old, they won't be on the "New Books" shelf and I can take them out of the library for a month.

I've joined a few of the discussion groups on SeniorNet, but couldn't keep up. That's when I was still working. Now I'm retired and hope to have more time to read. I'm already a member of a discussion group where I used to work (we're reading "Goodbye Tsugumi" by Banana Yoshimoto). And I started an informal online discussion group of four ladies who chat once a week in a private chat room. We're reading "The River Road" by Karen Osborn.

I wish I could speed read so I can read all the books I have on my lists and the ones I've purchased at book sales.

I'll be back to check this board periodically. Again, great idea!

Nancy

Hello, Nancy!

Aha, I am not the only one who likes to wait after seeing a Best Sellers list knowing that eventually the demand will subside and then it will be possible to take them out of the library. Good for you!

Now that you are retired, I urge you to join in anytime with any of our discussion groups---we would love to have you! I take pride in the fact that this Senior Netters file has such a varied and interesting choice of selections, both Fiction and non.

Hoping to see you soon here or anywhere else in a discussion!

Lorrie

P.S. I am gratified to see that the discussion of Secret Life of Bees, which I just finished leading a few days ago, has now made the list. Hurrah!

For those of you who expressed an interest in participating in a discussion of “Mystic River”, we are attempting to get up a quorum to that effect. Please come to the address below and let us know of your intentions. The book is available in paperback and also reasonably priced used sales. To begin in February, if we get enough people interested.

Lorrie "---Mystic River ~ Dennis Lehane ~ Proposed ~ February" 1/1/04 4:59pm

Lorrie

Trojan Odyssey, by Clive Cussler

Our clan have been Cussler fans for years... In this one Pitt is finally making some changes in his life... just in time to rescue the series from the "sameness" slow death that Cornwell's series is experiencing... and from the sounds of it, some of the other mystery, suspense, thriller writers.

Lou

Going back a few posts to, georgehd's, comment, about how popular or best selling authors seem to, run out of steam, after a few good books. I was so impressed with the first couple of novels by, Anita Shreve. But then she started churning them out at the rate of two or three a year. The stories became trite and predictable, and I finally gave up on her altogether. But early on, her stories were fascinating, unique and historically well documented.

Marilyne, and George:

I tend to agree that so many prolific writers' talent seems to wane the more they publish. I realize this is my own opinion, but I have found this to be true of many best-selling authore. One exception, I believe, is Stephen King, who somehow manages to produce a very likeable book after churning out so many "thrillers". Case in point, "The Green Mile" which i athought was a splendid book.

Lorrie

I love to read-- some of my favorites are Clive Cussler, James Patterson, John Grisham, John Sandford, Nicholas Sparks and Barbara Kinsolving. Its very hard to name one favorite. I either buy paperbacks or get from the library if possible. I'm currently reading The Hanged Man's Song by John Sandford (a Kidd novel).

I got sort of turned off on Patricia Cornwells last books, so I may only try Blow Fly if it turns up in the library.

Alice

ajfromms - Barbara Kingsolver, is one of my favorite authors too. I've read, "The Poisonwood Bible", twice, and enjoyed it even more the second time. I'm sure I'll read it again some day. A truly spellbinding story, with great characters.

Marilyne First let me apoligise for mispelling Barbara Kinsolver's name. I knew I should have got up and checked. I read the Poisonwood Bible but I liked her book "The Bean Trees" better. I like books from the Appalachian area and from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s. The people sometimes had so little but the determination to make it. I enjoyed the book Cold Mountain and also the movie.

I also enjoyed John Grisham's book "The Painted House". Maybe I just relate to them because I grew up that way in the country in B.C.

Alice

Hi Alice - I'm glad you reminded me of Kingsolver again, as I had been meaning to read, "The Bean Trees". Now, if I can just find it!

I finished "Cold Mountain" last week, and I'm anxious to see the movie. I've heard differing opinions on it. Some think that the movie is better than the book? It's playing at the theater right here in my town, so I should go to see it some day this week.

Marilyne

Re: Cold Mountain - It has been a while since I read the book, but I think the movie follows fairly close. There is some nudity which I could have done without and some pretty graphic violence, other than that I enjoyed the movie. First time I had been to a movie theater in several, several years. Usually wait until they come on tv.

Alice

When we read "Cold Mountain" here in Books & Literature, I thought it had some vivid descriptions. And I thought the movie follwed it fairly well..

The discussion is archived "Cold Mountain ~ Charles Frazier ~ 5/98 ~ Book Club Online"

Barbara Kinsolver's book The Bean Trees is a very good book. She had another book that I liked, but can't remember its name. It also had the little girl. The Poinsonwood Bible is on one of my 'to read' shelves.

Kingsolver had a book with "Pigs" in the title and neither can I think of the title....believe it had a little girl in it........

gaj I think the Barbara Kingsolver book you're thinking of is Animal Dreams....and a more recent one is Prodigal Summer. The latter has more sex than usual and may overwhelm a bit with its environmental message but all her fiction makes a statement. I love her books - and on tape they are read wonderfully. Some might want to look at her book of essays(?), High Tide in Tucson, which our book group read and enjoyed. She has another like that...can't think of the name right now. Check it out.

Pigs in Heaven, Tiger

I'm going to try to find two of the Barbara Kingsolver books that I haven't read yet - Pigs in Heaven and Prodigal Summer. I love to read a really good book and hate when I finish it.

I'm reading Jonathan Kellerman's book The Conspiracy Club. Its not an Alex Delaware story but its okay (nothing spectacular).

Alice

Ah yes......Pigs in Heaven.....I have read all her books and relished each one....

Pigs in Heaven! That's it. First came The Bean Trees followed by Pigs in Heaven. Barbara Kingsolver

We've read "Poisonwood Bible~Barbara Kingsolver~5/99~Book Club Online"

and "Prodigal Summer ~ Barbara Kingsolver ~ 2/01 ~ Book Club Online

Pat - Thanks for the clickables to the old discussions. I plan to go back and read what everyone had to say about, "The Poisonwood Bible" - one of my all time favorite books.

Somebody, please recommend a good Anne Tyler, book for me to read? I have, "Back When We Were Grownups", and I've started it three or four times, but for some reason I just can't seem to get interested in the characters. I kow that people love her books, so I could like to try something else and see if I like it better than this,

Also - did anyone read, "Empire Falls", by Richard Russo? My daughter-in-law gave it to me, along with a huge stack of other books. Enough to keep me busy for the rest of the winter!

Marilyne: Yes, several of us have read both the Back When We Were GrownUps and Empire Falls .

Books had discussions on both of those titles back in 2001...I'll put the links below to those discussions in the archives. I wasn't that impressed with BWWWGrownUps, but others seemed to like it.

Lorrie "Empire Falls ~ Richard Russo ~ 10/01 ~ Book Club Online" 10/31/02 7:36am

Ginny "Back When We Were Grownups ~ Anne Tyler ~ 10/01 ~ Book Club Online" 11/1/01 4:22am

Marilyne one of my favorites of Anne Tyler was Ladder of Years - give that one a try. It was the one just before Back When We Were Grownups. She has a new one just out.....Accidental Marriage.

And don't forget Animal Dreams those of you who are reading Barbara Kingsolver.

I listened to Empire Falls on books-on-tape and it was wonderful. It's such a good story.

Jane - the characters in "BWWW Grownups", were just a little too quirky for me. Of couse I didn't really get into the book, so maybe I would have changed my mind if I had. It just didn't seem realistic to me.

Paulita - I'll give, "Ladder of Years", a look. I did read "Accidental Tourist", a number of years ago, and liked it. I thought the movie was great.

As long as I have, "Empire Falls", here already, I'll read that one first.

I agree, Marilyne, on the characters and BWWWGU...quirky is a good description.

Just wandered into this discussion for the first time and I'm hooked!

On Anne Tyler's latest, Amateur Marriage, I know I'll read it (I've read ALL her books) as soon as I can get a library copy but was wondering how anyone else felt about it. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant was the first of her books I read and probably my least favorite. But there's something weird (maybe interesting would be a better word) about her books - it's kinda like seeing things underwater - no, that's not quite it - but anyway, there's a pattern they all fall into and, having read one, each new book, regardless what it's about, falls into that pattern. Each new book of hers I read seems remotely familiar and comforting - like returning to a place where I have distant memories. Or something. I would think she is one of those authors you either love or hate.

Glad to read the comments on Da Vinci Codes. Don't know if I want to tackle it or not.

Am just finishing up The Poisonwood Bible - great book! So glad to have discovered Kingsolver (dickens of a name, isn't it? - never sure if I have it quite right).

So many others on my to-read list. Perhaps this discussion will help me to both shorten my list in some ways, lengthen it in others.

GREAT discussion! Thanks, Lorrie. (and hey, sorry to hear you hadn't been well - are you OK now?)

I'd be interested in hearing from people who have read that also. I was thinking about it today when reading the book section in our Sunday paper. Is it worth buying, or should I sign up for the waiting list at the library.

N

I have signed up on the waiting list at the library......I very seldom buy any fiction anymore but save my money for garden and reference books......books I want to keep........

I have a mother-in-law who loves to read but will not use the library because she is afraid she will forget to return a book and pay a fine. (fines are minimal here, so I think it's a memory of past days when some librarians hated to see books leave the shelves and made people feel guilty for keeping them out past the due date)Anyway, I often buy a book that I would like to read and that she may also enjoy, so I can pass it on. Then she shares with others in her senior apartments or returns the book to me so I can share at work, depending on the subject.

There are a lot of people who don't feel comfortable with libraries. We pay for them with our taxes, and most services are free, so I find that hard to understand.

n

nlhome : That's a shame that your MIL feels like that. I'm a retired librarian, and, unfortunately, some of the "old days" at public libraries were intimidating to people. That's largely changed, I think, in most cities, at least.

It's too bad you can't take her with you when you go...just happen to have to stop in the Library when she's with you, etc. She might find it less intimidating.

I use my library all the time; I could never afford to buy all the books I enjoy reading.

jane

We have a small library here in our county, but it has saved me from having to buy a lot of books. Right now I'm reading Capital Crimes by Stuart Woods. Its pretty good.

Alice

Jane, I do take my mother-in-law to the library when we can get her out - she goes straight to the sale table and buys books while my husband and I head for the stacks and check out a large pile of books and videos and sometimes audiotapes. She just won't check anything out, although we did get her a card a long time ago. But then, she also refuses to use her VCR, although TV reception here is terrible and she complains how bored she gets. Oh, well. We all have our foibles as we age.

Anyway, our library is very important to us, and we make sure our city council and mayor know that.

N

n...sounds as if you've done what you can. Maybe it's just less stressful for her if she doesn't have to worry about returning them.

Yes, we do all have our quirk, for sure.

I keep the road to my library hot....It has fabulous services , is only one year old and a beautiful and comfortable structure.....very reader friendly ....easy chairs and couches with lamps on three levels which look down over our little city.....I order my books by computer and then I can also look to see when they are available....The library has just allowed Lakota Coffee to install a coffee kiosk where gourmet coffee and bakery fresh pastries may be purchased.....the areas which the coffee may be taken has red carpets.....it's wonderful.....there are meeting rooms there with things going on all the time....On Sundays they have a string trio playing on the middle level.......have you ever? I just love it.....I could live in that library........

tigerliley - Your new library sounds wonderful. I'd love to spend a whole day there! With all the books to choose from, plus coffee and pastries - what more could I ask for?

The library in my town was recently remodeled and is very modern and nice, but nothing like what you described. Mostly rows and rows of computers, printers, copy machines - very high tech.

Diane - I hope you enjoyed, "The Poisonwood Bible"? I just love all of the characters in that book! It's one of those books that you read again and again. Every time I pick it up, I get hooked. I always learn something new, or see something that I missed the last time around.

Marilyn....they have all the high tech stuff too....every periodical...every newspaper you can think of.....Our little city is a University town and I think probably that is what makes it so progressive...The library is a charming place and has a section set aside for children....staff is all ways friendly and will help you find a selection at the snap of a finger. The city spent a ton of money on it and there was much controversy about the cost etc....It is one of the city's jewels as far as I am concerned......

My apologies for not having posted here earlier in reply to a post by Diane Church.

We are indeed planning to discuss Anne Tyler's latest in B & L beginning March 1st. Please check the Main Page and specifically the Proposed discussions. We would love to have you.

Traude

I keep reading what a great book The Zero Game is..has anyone read it yet?

IS anyone surprised the Da Vinci Code is still top of the list for best sellers?

I think I am going to buy the Cat who talked Turkey....I have always enjoyed that series and I really think I need a book that is good but not demanding...my mind needs a rest from thinking .Is that a sign I am aging????anna

Just finished reading all the posts and wonder what everyone is reading. I have a fine library about 3 miles away and need to go there today. It is a satellite library and with the help of computers you can find any book located in the main library or another satellite. If a book is available at another location you request it to be delivered to your location. Since I always wanted my OWN book and as Jane said libraries used to be intimidating I am just discovering the wonderful changes available

The reason I want to go to the library today is to be entered into their computer system. All of you may have this in your community and I am not sure how long it has been available here. It sounds wonderful to be able to request a book on line and also renew on line. The last book I checked out wasnt a MUST READ for others and I was allowed to keep it at home for 6 weeks...enough time to read and use in the discussion here.

I am just learning all of the things available through the library and want to use them instead of buying. I have donated boxes of books to my church for their rummage sale, mailed three boxes to a dear niece, and some to online friends. I would love to buy less and am determined to understand and use our local system.

It seems some of you have very good library systems. I am sorry the funding for the bookmobile meant we no longer have one in our neighborhood.

I can see by reading the posts Lorrie kept this place Jumping..I hope you will help me to do so in her absence. What would you like to see here? anna

I have that in a hard cover but havent read it yet? ANYONE out there ? Have you read it and what do you think? I loved John Grisham but havent read anything of his lately. It seems I have one about the house. Books are something I buy because .I love them but sometimes they have to wait and take thier turn...How about you?????/anna

Annafair: In my little town of 5,700 we have a wonderful automated system and an online website where you can search the catalog from home and reserve a book if it's out, etc. Residents have also had the option of searching an online periodical database, too...which is wonderful for students doing research. State budget cuts may make that no longer available, but they're hoping to be able to save that service.

I've always been a heavy user of libraries; I couldn't afford to buy all the books I enjoy reading.

jane

Annafair - I use our library quite a bit, but if there is a really good book I'll buy it so I can reread it at will.

I haven't read John Grisham's last book "The Last Juror?" or something like that. I have read all his other books including "The Painted House". I like them all, especially since he writes a lot about the south and Mississippi.

I just finished Patricia Cornwell's book "Blow Fly". I enjoyed it but I have one question. How did the blind guy break out of jail and what did he do with the guards car keys. The book gave no clue as to what happened to him. I guess that will be in the next book?

Alice

by Nora Roberts. I recently ordered it from the Literary Guild. It is a 4th book in an older series. My mind is going blank on the titles. However, they were very good reads. I expect Chesapeake Blue to also be good.

I am pleased Jane you have such a wonderful library system and like you I hope it does not get caught in a budget crunch...

I think I may have the last juror ..have been in such a mess here since Christmas when I decided to really CLEAN my house...It still isnt clean and I have thrown out so much ..where is the rest coming from..ah me

Thanks for the hope of enjoying Chesapeake Blue ..If the predicted cold weather arrives perhaps I can curl up with it and see if I like it...

Any one else reading a particular book...anna

I just finished, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. It was given to me as a Christmas present, and I had been avoiding it for the past few months, thinking that it was not my reading style. The title put me off, because I don't usually like to read anything that's preachy, religious, or based in a fantasyland.

But I finally decided to give it a try, and I liked it so much that I read it over again right away. (It only takes a couple of hours.) I would definitely recommend it - especially to seniors. It's a very warm and uplifting little book.

That is what we like to hear...a first hand report..the title put me off as well and frankly I wondered how it could have made the best seller list with such an offputting title..But then THE LOVELY BONES did too. Which goes to show YOU CANT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER>>thanks for sharing..annd

I note that The Last Juror is not #1..has any one read that one? I have been able to secure a copy of The Five People you Meet in Heaven and will try to give it a read in the next few days...

I have a stack of books here to read...winter days should be lazier than summer but it sure isnt so. My dog tracts in snow, the little stove needs wood to burn and clothes are dirtier faster as well as the floors..Hope you are enjoying reading and we would love to hear what you are reading and a report on your reading experience..anna

Since I agreed to be here in Lorrie's absence I am not sure how things will progress. Those of you who shared Lorries plans for this discussion would you please be kind and let me know how you think you would like this discussion to unfold.

It has been suggested a weekly update of the top sellers be posted. Does anyone agree to that? Since this was Lorries baby I hate to see it go and perhaps someone other than myself will be doing it but at this time please give me your ideas....may Lorrie find the peace and comfort her illness denied her...God Bless Her..anna

Annafair: I don't think anybody..and Lorrie would have been the first to say so...think/require/ask that you continue this in any way other than what works for YOU.

jane

LORRIE WOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE YOU AT THE HELM.

Something I learned today at my library. Best Sellers are obtained as soon as possible and when I checked the NY times list..all but one of the best sellers were underlined with red. That indicates the book is available for readers. Moat libraries will put your name on a waiting list and since the new best sellers are only a 7 day check out it would mean you might not have too long to wait.

As I found out this week when I registered through the on line web site. Here is HAS TO BE DONE AT THE LIBRARY ITSELF...You can surf the catalog and you can have put your name on a waiting list, ask that a book at either the main or another sattelite library be sent to the one nearest you for pick up , you can renew and they will even check other libraries in the country for a book for you..

I think what they are saying "There is no excuse for not reading. We are here to help you." That is a wonderful thing ..so it is my hope you will check here , check your library, and READ.......anna

Do you see a book or read one you would like to discuss? If you have perhaps you would give us a bit of a review and others might decide to read and discuss it at length.

I always like to know what others say about a book. Sometimes it helps me decide which book I want to spend time and money on....anna

Anna, Hello my friend. I know that The Count of Monte Cristo is not on the Best Sellers list any more perhaps because it has always been so popular it became a classic.

On the 1st of March, we will start discussing this book. I invite everyone who wants to read about adventure. If you have read it before it doesn't matter, I read it ages ago and I think it is still fabulous.

Most libraries will have it and they have made several movies from this book over the years.

I will see you there Anna next week.

Eloïse

If it were a new book it WOULD be on the best sellers list..I am anxious to be with you next week...anna

This is the place to let us know what you think of the best sellers and if you can say you like to see it discussed. What about the paperback best sellers. I noted the new list of paperback sellers ( this weeks list will be posted soon) has two by Don Brown , the author of The Da Vinci Code.

Does having a best seller in hard cover encourage you to try first some of that same authors in paperback? Do you wait for a best seller to reach paperback before buying or rely on your local library to have the hard cover available?

How important is to you to read the latest best seller? On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being very important where do you stand?

anna

Quite honestly Anna if SeniorNet does not show an interest in a best seller- I usually don't bother. The other book by Dan Brown which is Angels and Demons is on the best seller list although it was written way before the DaVinci Code. Everyone loved the D Code so went back to another of hisearlier books. I just did the samething with Dennis Lehane's earlier books. However, neither one of them can hold a candle to Mystic River.

I think that was the purpose of this discussion ..to encourage readers to say I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS DISCUSSED HERE IN SN...what do you think? Thanks for your input..anna

Alf - I saw the movie, "Mystic River", on Friday, and was completely blown away. What a powerful story, with equally powerful acting. I can see why Sean Penn and Tim Robbins have been nominated for Oscars. Flawless performances by both, with a great supporting cast. Clint Eastwood, should get Best Director for this. It's one of those films that stays with you, and will not leave - I havn't been able to get it out of my mind since Friday afternoon. So of course, I plan to get the book, and follow along with the SN discussion. (Which I often do, but I'm usually just a lurker.)

There are so many great books out there, that never get mentioned or read by anyone in Senior Net, so I don't agree with you that I wouldn't bother with anything that wasn't recommended. Most of the new books that I've enjoyed very much in the past few years, have never made the NYT Best Seller list, and have never been picked for discussion by SN.

Although I usually enjoy most books - fiction or non - there are some that reach the "top", that just don't grab me at all. Two recent best sellers discussed in SN, that I found to be a disappointment were, "The Piano Tuner", and "Back When We Were Grownups". (Although I have enjoyed reading most of Tyler's other books.) I also was not as taken with, "Cold Mountain", as others were.

I think we are individually attracted to certain stories, and not others. Something that I find incredibly good and would recommend, others would not bother with. I like a big dose of REALITY, in my reading, so fantasy, science fiction or a book full of characters that I can't personally relate to, just doesn't interest me. However, I know I'm in the minority here.

If you think that the movie blew you away just wait until you read the book. It is extremely well written and one of those books that you set on your lap and think about as you are reading it. His other book A Drink Before The War was also about a pedophile. I wonder if this guy ws a victim at one time.

I don't know Alf I am still really trying still having hard time.

Judy, a hard time with what? Do mean the movie, the violence, what? The book is much more descriptive.

With both of your posts you have piqued my interest...I wish I had more time to join the discussion of Mystic River but what I will do is read it..anna

No just the book I am having a hard time getting into it. Probably just me

I had a hard time getting into it, so I returned it to the library unread. It felt too dark to me.

Nora Roberts' book Chesapeake Blue is one of my recent purchases from the Literary Guild. Most of her books become keepers. However, I am way behind in getting many of her books off my 'To Be Read' shelf (shelves for all the TBRs).

An author that I discovered, not yet on the list, is Catherine Asaro. She is known for her Sci/Fi series Saga of the Skolian Empire.

I have that on my to read shelf ..well on the floor near my bed......too bad I have other things to do ..like laundry, sleep, eating etc LOL I could spend all my time reading..oh and yes my dog..she does like to go out regularly and eat ...anna

Anna -- so true. lol

There seems to be some mixed feeling about best sellers...disappointments for a few ...and a reluctance to read some books because of the contents. Do you feel books become best sellers because they are better promoted than others? I like to know what is selling but I guess I am curious as to WHY? any ideas ???anna

Annafair: It seems to depend on the "list" you use...some are apparently based on books shipped/ not sold; others on books from certain chain stores in certain cities; others on independent book stores reported sales, etc.

I think popular authors tend to automatically be put on the list almost before their books hit the stores...ie, Stephen King; Robert Ludlum, etc.

I'm sure promotion by the publisher is also tied in also. Maybe somebody who has personal experience in book stores, publishing can explain.

jane

An author I love to read and discuss, publisher just released her latest book. She asked that if we were going to buy the book to get it at a certain chain book store because she was doing good on their list. The numbers that count are from the first few days after release. Since I wasn't going to be buying it then, I can't remember which store would be best for her money wise.

PAGES magazine lists when some books are going to be released. They also tell how many books will be in the inital printing for some of them.

Brad Meltzer's The Zero Game = 400,000;

J. D. Robb's Divided in Death = 600,000;

Robert Jordan's New Spring: the Novel = 1,250,000;

John Grisham's The Last Juror = 2,800,000.

Here is a link to Pages "http://www.ireadpages.com"

Is really hanging in there ..werent we clever to have read it and discovered it early? I mailed my copy to a friend who was recovering from some serious surgery ..she read it and enjoyed it so much she ordered copies of two more of his books.

Anyone read other books from the best list???what do you think of them? We would really like to know..anna

Do you use the best seller list deciding what new book you will read? Do you read a review or listen to one before making your choice???Or do you like me..choose one based on what sounds good to you? an author you have read before? have you bought a best seller, read it and wondered how and why it ever became a best seller? Do you feel you are often "talked" into buying a book by the publisher and feel cheated when it doesnt seem to live up to its publicity???just wondering here on what promises to be a spring day.......anna

I will get back to you tomorrow. Right now I am having a hard time thinking straight because of tiredness.

I hope you are well >>I enjoyed your website and reading about you...Since you said you would return I hope nothing has prevented you from doing so....would like your opinion on books...with your own collection and interests I am sure you have much to share..anna

I used to read the New York Times Book Review on a simi regular basis. In fact I had a subscription to it for a while. I would look in it to see when books by my favorite authors were coming out. The ads were one of the best parts of it.

My friends and I often will recommend a good book to each other. We will lend it if we have our own copy.

I use the wonderful world of the Internet for book info. Book discussions here at SeniorNet are reliable sources of good reads. Over at The ThirdAge.com I host some book discussions. TA used to have more activity at the book discussions but it dropped off when they kept having technical problems.

Visiting publishers web sites is another way to find out when a favorite author's latest will be published. I have signed up for many of their newsletters.

Of course browsing book stores, the library, and used book sales can often produce many new selections.

Thanks for letting me know you are all right and for your suggestions on finding books...I have not emptied my bookshelves since I have so many but I did reluctantly give away boxes of books this year to a lady who had numerous ailments which keeps her more or less home bound. She has told me she will see they go to senior care centers or a book sale at her local library.. I have to confess it was hard to let them go..it was like I was abandoning old friends..but I am pleased they are brightening others..anna

Ginny Ann and Anna - All of the same things apply to me too, when it comes to making a book decision. But my favorite method of finding books, is to go the either Border's or Barne's and Noble, and just browse the tables and shelves. I'm willing to take a chance and buy a book if I like the author, have read a review, or it just simply looks inviting to me. I never buy new hardbacks, except on rare occasion, nor do I like the standard size paperback. I prefer the larger soft cover book - easier to hold and read, and usually MUCH better books!

Sometimes I'll find a book that just strikes me as being one I'll like, even though I may not recognize the author. If it's something I consider to be a wonderful read, I recommend it or offer to loan it to friends. People rarely take me up on either. There are lots of books out there that are so GOOD, (IMO of course), but they seem to fall through the cracks because they aren't promoted, or not enough people read them to get the word out!

Recently listened to audio tape of John Grisham's "The Last Juror." Great book. Let's discuss. Dan

I have wondered about The Last Juror since I like Grisham...where did you get the audio tape...that sounds interesting ...anyone else read The Last Juror? anna

WOW it seems Dan Brown and Grisham are cornering the best seller list. Dan do really think The Last Juror would make a good discussion.?

I am so far behind on my reading because I spend all my time talking to Verizon support about my computer..I hardly have time to eat etc..and I have already confessed to shedding buckets of tears in frustration.. It would help if they spoke and understood AMERICAN ENGLISH! Well the new lists are here ..so what does everyone think???anna

Anyone reading this for information about what others are buying and reading? Just curious ...it seems so long since we did the da vinci code it suprises me it is still on top...I passed mine on to a friend and her husband is now reading it and I told her to give it to someone else..it would seem by now everyone in America would have read it..anna

Hi anna - Yes, I check this discussion a couple of times a day, and post in here on occasion. I guess I'm the only one left in America, who HASN'T, read "The DaVinci Code". I will definitely read it eventually, but probably not until it comes out in paperback. Is it being made into a movie? I suppose so, as that is usually the next step when a book has been a best seller.

I haven't read it yet either. I had a copy from a friend, but passed it on, unread, to another friend who was going on vacation and would have time to read it. I am thinking I need to have some time to devote to that book, it's not simple mind candy. I'll probably get it back next month, maybe then, if yard work doesn't get in the way.

N

In the interest of not fragmenting our talking about good fiction, we're combining several separate discussions into one:

Fiction: Old/New/Best Sellers is where we'll be continuing our discussion of good fiction. Come on over and join us!

This discussion will now be READ ONLY and we'll continue here: Fiction: Old/New/Best Sellers