Author Topic: Fiction ~ Old ~ New ~ Best Sellers #2 (Read 775037 times)

JoanP · « **Reply #4600 on:** March 22, 2013, 09:55:15 PM »

This is the place to talk about the works of fiction you are reading, whether they are new or old, and share your own opinions and reviews with interested readers.

Every week the new bestseller lists come out brimming with enticing looking books and rave reviews. How to choose?

Discussion Leader: Judy Laird

We are happy to announce that Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone has been selected for the Book Club Online discussion. We will begin on April 15 and continue through the month of May. This is a delightful classic, believed to be the first detective/mystery novel. We hope you drop in now and say hello, select your chair...

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #4601 on:** March 23, 2013, 04:06:22 AM »

Did I mention that I was reading 'Thursdays in the Park' by Hilary Boyd, which has been heralded as a romance for 'mature' people?

Well I finished it - but only just. It really deteriorated as it went on, the plot was flimsy, the heroine increasingly irritating, and the ending - well, it made me want to throw the book across the room (except it was on my Kindle, so luckily I restrained myself...)

I know romantic fiction is all fantasy, but this just stretched the limits too far - I think to be satisfying, this genre always needs to retain a little bit of 'it could happen to me', but by half way through this one I knew it couldn't happen to ANYONE. It's had a fair few 5* reviews on Amazon, but also plenty of bad ones. I decided not to review it there as I'm increasingly aware that writers read these things avidly and I don't want to ruin anyone's day - but I'll certainly not be reading her next novel (which is already out._

Rosemary

Steph · « **Reply #4602 on:** March 23, 2013, 05:52:47 AM »

I am always so far behind on movies. Do them mostly through Netflix.. Our local movie will not publish their times in the paper.. You can call, but you get ads like crazy and then finally... the times or you can drop by the theatre. Wish they would spend a bit of money and publish their times. Annoying.

maryz · « **Reply #4603 on:** March 23, 2013, 07:14:35 AM »

Steph, can you look for the times on the theater's web site? We go to the movie very seldom, but that's what I do.

RosemaryKaye, it is tough when you can't physically throw a book

, but I've been known to stop reading when I really hate where the book is going.

marjifay · « **Reply #4604 on:** March 23, 2013, 10:03:19 AM »

Rosemary, I find it disappointing when I spend time with a book and then end up finding it a disappointing read. Usually, I don't finish such a book.

Julia Spencer Fleming's third book, OUT OF THE DEEP I CRY was such a book for me. I got so bored with the book's plodding on and on that I skipped to the end to see who did it. I guess I just wasn't in the mood for this book and lost patience with it after reading two really great books, ROUND HOUSE by Louise Erdrich, and SUSPECT by Robert Crais, both excellent stories and writing.

Marj

JoanK · « **Reply #4605 on:** March 23, 2013, 07:49:04 PM »

I like Julia Spencer-Fleming, but some of hers are better than others, for sure.

Steph · « **Reply #4606 on:** March 24, 2013, 06:43:00 AM »

the theatre chains web sites are nation and don't have the local movies at all.Silly.. Bah..
I love Julia Spencer-Fleming, but feel that Louise Erdrich is tedious sometimes. I like her, but in small doses.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #4607 on:** March 24, 2013, 10:56:05 AM »

Moviefone. You can put in your area, and it will show local theatres, click theatre of choice and it will indicate what is showing and showtimes.

Try It!

MaryPage · « **Reply #4608 on:** March 24, 2013, 12:32:39 PM »

I find so much consolation and peace in my heart from reading Julia Spencer-Fleming, and I am so grateful to SOMEONE in here or in Mysteries who recommended her to me, else I might never have read her at all.
I just finished ONE WAS A SOLDIER, the 7th and last so far of her Reverend Clare Fergusson series. Never have I read anyone describe the development of a romance and deep love as she has done with this series. I also love Clare's caregiving instincts, her abilities as a counselor and her deep spirituality and true devotion to the ministry.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #4609 on:** March 24, 2013, 12:47:31 PM »

I'm close to finishing Mrs Lincoln's Dressmaker. It's been an enjoyable read. There is more about Mary Todd Lincoln than about Elizabeth Keckley, the dressmaker. She includes much of the history from the White House perspective and does a good job at the history. A good historical fiction book.

maryz · « **Reply #4610 on:** March 24, 2013, 01:16:05 PM »

Steph, our chains are nat'l, too (Carmike, etc.). When I google "movies chattanooga", one of the choices is fandango.com. It takes me to a page with movie times in Chattanooga at all theaters. I don't know that we have any truly local movie houses. Oh, well - I guess it's different in different locales.

Steph · « **Reply #4611 on:** March 25, 2013, 06:21:11 AM »

Our local movie is EPIC. which is a national chain.. So no idea why they don't use any local advertising.Will try the two suggestions, since I like movies and have really stopped going.. had a lovely afternoon yesterday.. Went and played Bunco for a local fundraiser.. 48 women and I laughed a lot.. Amazing how different players act in so many different ways. It is only the third time I have played bunco.. Pure luck game.. but loved the company. Sunday afternoons for me are long long long..

maryz · « **Reply #4612 on:** March 25, 2013, 06:44:28 AM »

It's great to laugh with a bunch of folks. Good day, Steph! And I hope one of the online places can help you with the movie times.

Steph · « **Reply #4613 on:** March 26, 2013, 06:13:44 AM »

I spent a good deal of yesterday with the home inspector in the home that I am buying. Very instructive.. I feel like I know a good bit about the appliances and where mechanical things are there..

maryz · « **Reply #4614 on:** March 26, 2013, 01:42:38 PM »

Do you have a moving date? Will your boys be coming to help?

Steph · « **Reply #4615 on:** March 27, 2013, 06:13:52 AM »

I am getting the two sons on two different weekends. I want them to take down my pot racks, take down all of the high stuff and PACK UP THE GARAGE. Since I don't honestly know what to take in there and what to give away. I am really weeding out things.. Mover is scheduled for the 26 of April.. So I am working hard.

JeanneP · « **Reply #4616 on:** March 27, 2013, 02:22:44 PM »

You are bound to give something away and it will be one of the first things you need at the new house. Never fails.

salan · « **Reply #4617 on:** March 27, 2013, 06:17:11 PM »

I have had a horrendous two months; but hopefully I am back and on the road to recovery. I developed an infection in my jaw bone that would not clear up. After many trips to dentist, oral surgeon and many rounds of antibiotics; they finally did a ct scan and discovered that the infection had killed part of my jaw bone. The bone was dissolving and the shards of bone were keeping the infection going. I had surgery the last of Feb and had to have a titanium jaw (partial) put in. I am still swollen, sore and partially numb; but sooooo much better! I saw the oral surgeon on Mon. and he says I am doing well, and it will just take time for the healing to complete. Thank goodness for my sister in law who lives about 12 miles from me. I was weak and on pain meds, so couldn't drive myself, etc. It was the first time in my life I felt so helpless...
made me start thinking about moving closer to my daughter but she lives in Dallas, and I really don't want to live in a city.
I didn't do much reading; but am ready to get started again. I have downloaded Moonstone and hope to join that discussion. I had read The End of You Life Book Club and planned to participate in that session, but.....
Sally

maryz · « **Reply #4618 on:** March 27, 2013, 06:32:37 PM »

What an ordeal, Sally! I'm so sorry, but isn't it amazing what medical science can do now. So glad your SIL was nearby to help out. I don't blame you for not wanting to live in the city, but I guess time will tell for you. Lots of love and hugs from all of us.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #4619 on:** March 27, 2013, 06:37:41 PM »

Oh Sally, you poor thing. It does indeed sound absolutely horrendous, and I do hope things continue to improve. Thank goodness you had your sister-in-law to help with some things.

Very best wishes,

Rosemary

Frybabe · « **Reply #4620 on:** March 27, 2013, 06:54:45 PM »

What a nasty turn Sally. I am glad you are on the road to recovery.

ginny · « **Reply #4621 on:** March 27, 2013, 07:53:17 PM »

Sally!! What an awful freak thing, how on earth did it start? I had an abscessed tooth before I knew it and it took 3 more months of antibiotics to cure it. If I had read your story before it happened I'd have been scared to death.

I am SO sorry, I know that hurt and I hope that you are much better now, did it start from a tooth?

{{{{HUGS}}}}} I hope you are right as rain soon!

ginny · « **Reply #4622 on:** March 27, 2013, 07:54:58 PM »

Call for the Official Books Get Well Chicken Soup!!

Steph · « **Reply #4623 on:** March 28, 2013, 06:40:21 AM »

Oh Sally, I am so very sorry. You have had a siege.. Glad you are better and will hope for you that you will be back to normal very soon.. A platinum jawbone?? Hmm, does it set off the things at the airport??

MaryPage · « **Reply #4624 on:** March 28, 2013, 11:27:43 AM »

Oh Sally! How ghastly for you. Sooo glad you are having a happy ending. We had missed you dreadfully. Bobbing balloons and dancing a jig that you are back.

JoanK · « **Reply #4625 on:** March 28, 2013, 04:50:34 PM »

Oh my Sally. What a trial! I'm sooo glad you're back.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

salan · « **Reply #4626 on:** March 29, 2013, 04:37:29 AM »

Ginny, Yes, it started with an abcessed tooth back in October. 3 months of antibiotics, extraction of two teeth, more antibiotics, & finally the ct scan and surgery. Steph, it's titanium, not platinum (although, platinum sounds classier!). I don't know about airport scanning...I will have to find out about that. I am still swollen & sore; but it's much better than it was.
Thank everyone for your best wishes for my recovery.
Sally

Steph · « **Reply #4627 on:** March 29, 2013, 07:21:54 AM »

Titanium is wonderful stuff. I am allergic to a good many metals and have to be careful with eye glasses that touch my face and jewelry, but I got titanium nose guards for my glasses and I have stopped turnin green upon occasion.

Frybabe · « **Reply #4628 on:** March 29, 2013, 07:26:39 AM »

I understand, Steph. George also must use Titanium glasses. In his case, he isn't so much allergic (although he is allergic to a lot of things) as that lesser materials corrode to fast.

pedln · « **Reply #4629 on:** March 29, 2013, 09:58:31 AM »

Sally, what an experience. How awful for you. I'm glad things are improving and that you are on the road to recovery. Hang in there. We're all pulling for you.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #4630 on:** March 29, 2013, 12:13:58 PM »

Hope you are feeling better each day, Sally.

Steph · « **Reply #4631 on:** March 30, 2013, 06:39:41 AM »

Sally, it is amazing what the human body can do.. I am sure you will be better day by day.. Don't rush it.

Frybabe · « **Reply #4632 on:** March 30, 2013, 07:53:10 AM »

At long last, Project Gutenberg has completed their conversion of The Kingdom of Slender Swords by Hallie Erminie Rives. I read it long ago (still have the book). As I remember it, it is primarily a romance set in Japan. It has been begging to be reread. The book was published in 1910. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42427

salan · « **Reply #4633 on:** March 31, 2013, 05:44:44 AM »

Here are some books that I recently read & comments on them: The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani--just so-so imo, A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy. It had been a while since I read Binchy & I enjoyed the book; but felt like it was a collection of connected short stories, Edwin of the Iron Shoes by Marcia Muller (someone here recommended it for a light mystery). I enjoyed it. Mrs Presumed Dead by Simon Brett. I found it a little tedious, plus I bought it used from Amazon & someone had marked it up so badly with juvenile comments written it that I almost couldn't finish it.
I am currently reading The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton, and Poison Flower by Thomas Perry. Both are good so far.
What are you enjoying reading?
Sally

Steph · « **Reply #4634 on:** March 31, 2013, 06:04:26 AM »

I like Thomas Perry, so will look for Poison Flower.. With the move I am really not reading that much.. I have a book by James Lee Burkes daughter who writes mysteries but have barely gotten into it. I have read others of hers and like her. She writes from a female point of view and it is fun.Bedbook is Studies in Sherlock and is short stories written for the book all in the version of the Holmes canon.

marjifay · « **Reply #4635 on:** March 31, 2013, 07:00:42 AM »

I've only read one book by Thomas Perry -- SILENCE. I loved the husband and wife assassin team who were so much into ballroom dancing. Great suspenseful story with good characterization. I'll have to read Poison Flower.

Marj

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #4636 on:** March 31, 2013, 01:16:47 PM »

I think I did a "thumbs down" on here or Srs&Friends about the latest Thomas Perry, Poison Flower. He was one of my favorite authors, and in this he finally got back to his Jane Whitefield character,which I loved, but really mucked this one up. I wouldn't recommend it, most of it is beyond belief, and is sacrilege to the Jane character (IMHO). But...take your chances.

pedln · « **Reply #4637 on:** March 31, 2013, 07:27:26 PM »

Different strokes for different folks. I really enjoyed The Shoemaker's Wife, especially the New York settings, particularly those involving the opera. Delightful NY history.

Am currently reading Daniel Silva's A Fallen Angel. My only problem with it -- I like it -- but am usually reading in bed at night and wish I were by my computer so I could look at some of the works of art that are mentioned. The book is a Gabriel Allon, set in Rome.

We have now finished with The End of Your Life Book Club, and there are so many from there that I want to read. Definitely Karen Connelly's The Lizard Cage, don't know if I have the courage to start Ishmael Beah's Long Way Gone.

Steph · « **Reply #4638 on:** April 01, 2013, 06:21:28 AM »

Daniel Silva.. I do love his books and have the latest, but with all of the commotion, I have not started it. I know I just cannot put them down and I am so busy with the packing.

Frybabe · « **Reply #4639 on:** April 01, 2013, 07:27:54 AM »

Daniel Silva is another author I haven't read yet, but have started acquiring them for my huge TBR pile. Sigh!

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Author Topic: Fiction ~ Old ~ New ~ Best Sellers #2 (Read 775037 times)