DOOL Discussion Group

Topic: What are we reading/recently read/planning to read?

I haven't seen one of these topics in a while and am curious to know what is keeping everyones attention )always looking for new inspiration).

I am currently reading This Charming Man by Marian Keyes.  It took me a while to get into (a bit more serious than her usual) but I'm absolutely loving it right now (Lola just accepted a ride to the cemetary/bottle bank).  I need something light and this is hitting the spot.

I had to take a break from Trouble by Jessie Kellerman.  He is a good writer (probably better than his father), but I just don't want to deal with all the blood/guts/life ruining stuff in there at the moment.  I'm more than halfway through it and will get back to it one of these days.

I finished Mohawk by Richard Russo last week and loved it.  He is my current favorite author and I love the way he writes.  The characters are so real, so flawed; yet written in sucha  way as to make them so lovable.

Not sure what is next up on my "to read" list...maybe you guys will inspire me.

Sigh.  Must get back to folding laundry, otherwise it will sit for weeks or until I need the basket again for dirty clothes!

I just finished a really good book called Larry's Kidney.  It's the true story of a guy (the author) who goes to China with his dying cousin to try to find a kidney donor.  Very interesting, brings up all sorts of ethical issues.  The book is also hilarious in spots. 

Oh, yeah, the dying cousin (unbeknowst to the author) also plans to pick up a mail-order bride while in China, lol.

It made me laugh and cry; honestly I thought it was one of the best books I've read in a while.

Now I'm reading The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It, about farming and organic gardening and a bunch of other stuff.  I am going to plant my onions this afternoon using this guy's method (mixing them with carrots because they repeal each other's pests).  This author died at age 90.  There is a lot of good info in this book so I am actually considering PURCHASING it.  I read 60-100 books per year, but almost all of them are from the library.

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The library is my friend... Kidney story sounds quite interesting. vh

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Posted by: GailJ
Date posted: Thu Feb 18 11:18:53 2010
Message:

I'm still trying to muddle my way thru Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.  It's really not that bad BUT it's teeny tiny print and I can't see it that well. HOWever, I just ordered my new glasses so when they come in next week, maybe it will make it easier on me.

I just got my copy of Grand Opening by Jon Hassler.  It's my book club's book of the month.  I haven't been to my book club in about 4 months and decided to read this one and maybe join them Monday.  I'm only about 50 pages in and it seems like it might be a fun, quick read.  Then I'll get back to Atlas....

 

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Oh, Gail, sure hope the glasses help! That is so frustrating! Plan to read some Ayn Rand someday, but always put her off for more instant gratification. vh

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Posted by: JuMPer
Date posted: Thu Feb 18 0:24:21 2010
Message:

I usually don't have much on the reading list.  BUT I have been reading a book, The LIFE OF WASHINGTON.  It is a reprint of a book written in 1842 by Anna Reed. 

We would be well served if elected officials had the integrity, tenacity, humbleness and wisdom of George Washington.

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Jumper, did you post about this book? I remember reading something about this book recently with the same type of sentiments you just expressed. And I agree with you; it would be a refreshing change. vh

I'm afraid the statesmen of that era are never to return.~Carissa

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Posted by: Paulsmom
Date posted: Wed Feb 17 20:41:04 2010
Message:
*reading*??? You think I *read*?
GASP.
LOL.
I hate to read.

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Dont you work in a library?? If you do thats kind of funny, it would be like me working in a crafts store///SusieB

hey, Paulsmom, far be it from me to force you-it is all about what brings you pleasure and reading always has for me. vh

yes i do, SusieB! And everyone says, ''You work in a LIBRARY and you don't like to READ?'' I say, ''I just check 'em OUT to people; they don't make me read 'em!'' eom/pm

LOL, Good point PM/////susieb

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Posted by: Nicki
Date posted: Wed Feb 17 16:50:41 2010
Message:

Great subject!

I am about to buy Stephen Kings Latest..Under the Dome (I read the reviews and they are all good!)

and I love reading celeb biographies, finally picked up Valerie Bertinelli's, and Maureen McCormick's book. 

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I've had Roger Moore's 'My Word Is My Bond' sitting around for about a month-haven't gotten to it yet. vh

I'm more interested in Val's book than Maureen's eom bookworm

I can't wait to start reading it, I also would like to read Mackenzie Phillips book too. eom-Nicki

My dad got Under The Dome for Christmas and he loaned it to me. I liked it, reminded me of The Stand (altho I still like The Stand better).~Carissa

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Posted by: vampyrslayer
Date posted: Wed Feb 17 14:21:28 2010
Message:
I am currently reading Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson, and after that I am starting the Percy Jackson books.

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Hubby and son both read the Percy books and they LOVE them. Can't wait to see the movie......Nichol

I see the Percy Jacksons here and there-will have to look into them. vh

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Posted by: sulla
Date posted: Wed Feb 17 14:05:52 2010
Message:
I just started Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, about the 2008 election.

Just read how the Dems couldn't back Hillary Clinton because they knew she couldn't beat the Reps bc of Bill not being able to keep it zipped. Sad.

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That is crazy. Politics and human behavior sometimes bewilder me. vh

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Posted by: Nancy
Date posted: Wed Feb 17 10:46:52 2010
Message:

I am currently reading Atonement.  After a bit of a slow start, I am enjoying it.

Our book club book this month was The Wednesday Letters, it was just ok, a bit unbelievable.

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Have heard good things about Atonement. vh

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Posted by: PhoenixTamer
Date posted: Wed Feb 17 8:54:07 2010
Message:

 

What I Be Reading Right Now:

1 Stephen King's Magnum Opus: The Dark Tower Saga

2 Robert Jordan's: The Wheel of Time

3 Bob Briner and Ray Pritchard: Life Leadership Lessons of Jesus

4 Guitar For Dummies...By...Uh...Those Dummy Folks.

5 This Topic...By...Uh...Vh.

 - chris/pt

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Oh, dear, I hope I haven't spoiled you with my incredible writing panache...the others will now pale in comparison! And one more reminder that I've been too chicken to pick up Stephen King... (tomorrow is another day, right?) vh

DTs not horror lol ;)

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Posted by: SusieB
Date posted: Wed Feb 17 8:27:51 2010
Message:

I am about half way through "The Interruption of Everything" by Terry McMillan.

I am enjoying it very much.  Its about a woman in her mid forties going through many of the things women that age go through.

I love McMillans writing style so its a very easy read with a lot of humor.

After this book I will be out of books, so I see a trip to the used book store and Goodwill in my future.

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oh, how I loved the trips to the used bookstores! Where they are happy when you walk out with armfuls of books instead of looking at you funny like they do in the library! vh

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Posted by: carmne
Date posted: Tue Feb 16 23:49:03 2010
Message:

i just got done with 805 pages of stephen king's the dome. did not care for the ending. i need to go back and reread it. it was a true SK book with the gore and sadness and quips and funny moments. i have to say i liked it 75-80%. it was hard to get started with ALL the character introductions but it was pretty good.

 

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I have got to commit to one of his books soon. I just get so reluctant to dedicate for sucha long period of time to one book. I'm more comfortable with a 500-600 pages. Knowing he uses humor might help... vh

805 Pages??? Oh my! I didn't realize it was that long. I guess that will have to be the book I take to the beach with me this summer! GJ

I liked it, and I think it would make a good movie too. It was the first book I read this year, took me two weeks. It reminded me of The Stand, somewhat.~Carissa

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Posted by: auntie en
Date posted: Tue Feb 16 23:00:28 2010
Message:
I just spent the last 3 days reading Jane Eyre. Somehow i made it to age 40 with never having read that and I just finished it this afternoon. I am looking for some new books, so I am going to look up a couple mentioned here. I tend to read the same books my daughters read, because I like to know what they are reading and I truly enjoy juvenile/teen fiction, and I can read it in a few sittings and it is not too deep or too gory or depressing--when I read, I like to escape and have fun...at least at this point in my life. so I like the fluffy stuff. Jane Eyre was not fluffy, but I enjoyed it and it really impacted me. I will have to read it again after a while.

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AE, I am right with you-I just read Jane Eyre about two years ago and was so bowled over by it. I thought I'd kill her (a fictional character!) over the cousin (was his name Simon?) stuff-I mean, it's a wonder I didn't pull out all of my hair reading that part! Pretty amazing stuff. vh

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Posted by: Sephora
Date posted: Tue Feb 16 22:06:58 2010
Message:
OMG, vh!!! I'm reading This Charming Man too! What a coincidence :D I'm on page 336. As with all her books, I'm really liking it. I'm super curious as to who the woman is who is getting beaten. Don't tell me if you know!! lol I just love MK's writing style!

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you know, Sephora, I was going to make a thread directed at you and any MK fans here (I know there are at least a few besides myself) but decided I wanted to know what everyone else was reading, too... Um, I __think__ I know who is being abused, but have know idea who is doing it to her... MK is very good at the light and also tragic. I'd love to find some of her non fic essays. vh

Does she have non-fiction? Are you referring to Under the Duvet? There is a book of hers that I've never been able to find...Watermelon. I think that's the only one I haven't read (along with Under the Duvet). Did you read her newest one....The Brightest Star in the Sky? Sephora

Seph, I was reading before I went to bed and just couldn't stop grinning-tried to relax but then would just start laughing cause of the book (first time the 'ladies' meet at Lola's house) Is it me or is she way more graphic in this one? Yes, Under the Duvet is one-I have a list of books she's written or contributed to that I haven't come across -Girls Night out, Girls Night In, other Side of the Story, Sushi for Beginners, Big Night Out, Irish Girls About Town, Yeats Is Dead, If Only, and No Dress Rehearsal... not sure which is just essays. Watermelon was first I read, can't remember much except she was preggers, but must have been good enough for me to keep reading her stuff. vh

Hahahaha I know!! Those meetings at Lola’s house really crack me up. I was on the train when I was reading one time and I had to put it down because I was shaking trying to suppress my laughter. Lola’s thinking and the way MK describes it is hilarious. Ok you have to get your hands on ‘Sushi for Beginners’ and ‘The Other Side of the Story’….both are awesome!!!! I thought she is more graphic in this one too! Sephora

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Posted by: bookworm
Date posted: Tue Feb 16 21:53:01 2010
Message:
I've read several Jonathan Kellerman books. They started off well, but lately they seem to be the same thing over and over again. I haven't read anything by Jesse.
I didn't know Richard Russo has a new book. That will be on my list.
I'm reading a Greg Illes book called The Devil's Punchbowl. It's about nefarious things happening in a casino near a small southern town. So far, so good.

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Ah, Bookworm, a reader after my own heart! (Hmmm, that is sort of an odd phrase, isn't it?) Yes, Jonathan K latest seem to just fade away in my memory, although I guess that is what happens after 15 or 20 books, no matter how well they are written. I did like the one where Robin (gak, I can't stand her) thought one of her clients had a thing for her, only to discover he had something he was trying to hide. Have you tried Stephen White's books? They are along a similar vein, but he takes a lot more risks in his writing styles. And Russo's Mohawk was his first book (may have had a book of short stories published first, actually.) The latest Russo book is 'That Old Cape Magic' which I haven't read yet. vh

Yeah, Robin was annoying. I thought Alex should have stayed with Allison. Milo is my favorite character of the JK books. eom bookworm

oh, definitely love Milo. He is gold. vh

Oh yes, I read one of Stpehn White's books. I don't remember the name, it was a long time ago but it was about a hunt for a missing little girl eom bookworm.

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Posted by: Holly Sarah
Date posted: Tue Feb 16 21:26:09 2010
Message:

I've been so busy lately working, working, working and going to concerts, lol, that I haven't had much time to read, but I did start rereading a book I really like. 

It's "The Eight" by Katherine Neville.

 Though this is more like what my copy looks like...

No clue what I'm reading next, so may take in some of the books you all list :)

~Holly Sarah

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Hey, as long as you are happy and getting down time, that is all that matters! Hmmm, your book has an interesting title-will have to check it out. vh

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Posted by: Nichol
Date posted: Tue Feb 16 19:54:12 2010
Message:

I just finished The Host by Stephenie Meyer AMAZING book!  completely different than her Twilight series.  This is a long book but well worth the read. 

Not sure what I am going to read next but i have a a very large stack to pick from.

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My sister just loves the Twilight series (although her twin doesn't-apparently can't get over touching cold dead vampire skin!). I did read the first-not sure if I can get through the rest, but so many love her books I should give them another try. vh

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Posted by: Bonk5
Date posted: Tue Feb 16 19:46:06 2010
Message:
I have lots of books, I have started and not finished. I still need to finish the William Shatner autobiography.

I got for Xmas, the Sookie Stackhouse series of books. The TV show True Blood is based on them. Has to do with Sookie who can read minds and involved with one of the local Vampires. The Vamps as they are called have come out of hiding and want to live with the humans. (nights only, LOL) Some are trying to push for equality and some what to just stay hidden and in the coffin, so to speak, LOL

They are done in the first person, Sookie. Easy to read, light and fun, some scary moments.

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LOVE LOVE LOVE The Sookie Stackhouse books! (and True Blood too although they are very different)The next one is out in May! ...............nichol

I love the Sookie Stackhouse books too! I am working my way through this series and am just about to start Dead to the World

i ATE SLEPT AND BREATHED that series!!! OMG i drive 15 miles to the next bookstore to get 1 of the books. I am going to download them to my reader and have them at my fingertips!!

I keep hering about these; will have to peruse them to see what is what... lol, 'stay hidden in the coffin' vh

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