another any good books thread

[jharris]

I just joined the local library because it has been so expensive to buy books that I read only once and then discard.

So has anybody read any good books lately? My tastes are more Kelly Ripa book club, then OPRAH book club. My two fav authors are James Patterson and Jackie Collins.

I also like to read books about health and fitness.

I have gone through old posts and took down some recommendations but I figured it wouldn't hurt to see what everyone is currently reading.

 

[Gayle]

I'm currently re-reading "100 Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I started it during summer break several years ago and got about 2/3 of the through it before classes started. I'm determined to finish it this time.

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

I just finished Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. Great read for the christian & non-christian alike. Talks about positive thinking & controlling your thoughts.
Currently loving christian self motivating type books.

 

[elsie3]

I end up reading the series that my kids are reading. Actually, I find them very enjoyable. And we like being able to talk about them with each other.

Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Eldest, Brisinger by Christopher Paolini--the first 2 are excellent, the 3rd needs better editing, but still okay. The last one isn't out yet).
Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordian (If you like Mythology, these are a kick! Riordian's style is a lot of fun. The last one in the series is due out in May.)
Leven Thumps series by Obert Skye--four books out so far.
Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull - The fourth book in this series just came out. My 8-year-old DS and I just started book 1, DD is on book 2, DS is on book 4.
Inkheart and Inkspell by Cornelia Funke (can't bring myself to read Inkdeath because I don't think I'm going to like what she did with the characters. DS said he liked the first 2 much better than the 3rd).

 

[Roxie 1965]

Debbie Macombers Cedar Cove series currently on the first one and its pretty good.

 

[babindy]

My library card is one of my most prized possessions

My tastes run toward paranormal. I'm currently reading a Kelly Armstrong book (I like all of her work).

More in the mainstream you might want to try Nora Roberts as a lot of people seem to like her. (My preference is for her JD Robb work). I would also heartily recommend Jayne Ann Krentz (romance/fiction genre) under all of her pen names. I frequently LOL at her books. Janet Evanovich is a hoot. I think her earlier Stephanie Plum books are her best. You might also like Sandra Brown (romance/mystery genre). Most of hers are very quick reads like James Patterson. I enjoy Dan Brown (as in Da Vinci Code) a lot. Clive Cussler for action. I also read 100 years of solitude about 100 years ago. It had a big impact on me at the time. I should probably reread it.

I could probably go on and on but they would probably not be what you are looking for. You might want to check on Amazon. Not to buy, just for their recommendations and lists. I also like to read the reviews. If you choose something you read that you like, they will suggest other titles. I find a lot of good stuff that way.

Enjoy!

 

[Janis]

Richard Russo

Empires Falls, Bridge of Sighs, and
I recently read Straight Man. It made me smile and laugh all the way through.

 

[cataddict]

I'm currently re-reading "100 Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I started it during summer break several years ago and got about 2/3 of the through it before classes started. I'm determined to finish it this time.

Good for you Gayle. I read that several years ago, liked it but it's definitely a tough read. I really enjoyed "Love in the Time of Cholera"---the ultimate romance without overtly soupy gloppy sentimentality. It's definitely my favorite GGM. Have you read it?

 

[TeTe]

I'm currently re-reading "100 Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I started it during summer break several years ago and got about 2/3 of the through it before classes started. I'm determined to finish it this time.

Gayle, that is one of my favorite books!!! Have you read Love in the Time of Cholera? I just love Gabriel Garcia Marquez; I even friended him on facebook! (But, since I don't know Spanish, I rarely know what he's written on his wall!)

ETA, I hadn't read your post when I replied, Cataddict! I agree. What a love story. But the thing I love most about Garcia Marquez is the WAY he writes. When I read him, I actually re-read sentences just because they're so beautiful!

 

[punka274]

if you have sifted through recent book threads then im sure you have seen the current series of books im reading but it can't hurt to suggest it agian...im reading the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer.... omg

I also second the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber...very good

The glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Snowflower and the secret fan by lisa see

oh man,thats all i can think of right now

HTH's

 

[NY25]

I LOVE Richard Russo. Straight Man is one of my favs - hysterical. As is Nobody's Fool.

Other favorite books include: Suite Francais; The Known World by Edward P Jones; The Secret History by Donna Tarte; The Hero's Walk; Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Many others, but that should keep you busy for a while.

 

[CLango]

Have you tried Alexander McCall Smith? He has a great series called the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency that I absolutely love. It is set in Botswana (I love books that take me places), but I would describe these books as light-hearted, witty and poignant. I'm reading the sixth book in the series right now, and can't wait to get back to it. If you like relatively light reading with some great characters, I highly recommend these books.

 

[Beavs]

Have you tried Alexander McCall Smith? He has a great series called the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency that I absolutely love. It is set in Botswana (I love books that take me places), but I would describe these books as light-hearted, witty and poignant. I'm reading the sixth book in the series right now, and can't wait to get back to it. If you like relatively light reading with some great characters, I highly recommend these books.

I downloaded the audio book from my public library--entertaining.

 

[GMonkey]

I'm also a big Richard Russo fan. I've read most of his books, now.

I just finished reading Devil in the White City about the World's Fair in Chicago in the 1890s. It was fascinating. I recently finished Home, the Julie Andrews autobiography. Both of the Khaled Hosseini sp? books were amazing. I'm currently reading a biography of Teddy Roosevelt, which is good, but rather dry. Next on deck is The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

 

[Judy W.]

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. She is an Australian author, and it's the first book in a long time that I can't put down! Nice family saga, covering events from 1900 - 2005 from England to Australia and the USA. 500+ pages, a good book to curl up with.

Judy

 

[FourAM]

I like a wide spectrum of books...I thought all of Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles are good, starting with "Interview with a Vampire." She also a series that starts with a book called "The Witching Hour". I can not remember what the series is called but it is also really good. But also like the classics like "East of Eden." "Edgar Sawtelle" was a great book too. Thanks to all the advice on the book post I am about to read "The Outlander" . Even though everyone said you need to be able to set down and read good chunks at a time, which I don't really have time for, my interest was peaked so I am going for it anyway.
Rachel

 

[spyrosmom]

Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull - The fourth book in this series just came out. My 8-year-old DS and I just started book 1, DD is on book 2, DS is on book 4.
quote]

That sounds fun. I just scooted over to Amazon and ordered all 4 for DS. He's 8, the Barnes and Noble site says 9 and up but he's a wonderful reader, and a lot of the stuff for younger kids is too easy/boring for him. I think he will like these. We frequent the library alot, but he likes to have his own, too. Heck, DH and I may read these, too! I also have them being delivered to the house addressed to him, so he will like getting a surprise box in the mail next week.

Nan

 

[TeTe]

I'm also a big Richard Russo fan. I've read most of his books, now.

I just finished reading Devil in the White City about the World's Fair in Chicago in the 1890s. It was fascinating. I recently finished Home, the Julie Andrews autobiography. Both of the Khaled Hosseini sp? books were amazing. I'm currently reading a biography of Teddy Roosevelt, which is good, but rather dry. Next on deck is The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

GMonkey, I really liked Devil in the White City, too. I think I heard a rumor that Johnny Depp might be doing the movie. I have two biographies of TR that I keep going back to, but haven't finished either yet! I don't know why, really, they're both very good, and I'm beginning to think that he's my favorite president.

How do you like The Road? Have you read Blood Meridian? I just started reading it last week. Man, Cormac McCarthy loves the violence, doesn't he! But he really is a great writer.

 

[Gayle]

TeTe & cataddict - "Love in the Time of Cholera" is one of my very favorite books!!

It was the first book of his that I read and I recall sailing through it in about 2 weeks. I'm loving "100 Years of Solitude" but it's definitely requiring more concentration.

 

[TeTe]

When I was reading "Love in the time of Cholera," I would read it during my lunch break in one of the conference rooms where I worked. I distinctly remember looking up from it after reading for about 20 minutes and almost being surprised at my surroundings! I've never had a writer transport me like that!

Now, Gayle, I did the same thing with LITTOC that you did with "One Hundred Years of Solitude." I got half-way through it, and for some reason put it down. I have no idea why, because I was really enjoying it. It was actually nice to read those pages over.

The hardest thing with "Solitude" was that every guy in the family had the same name!!! It didn't take that long to get pass that, though. I find with Garcia Marquez, you just have to let yourself go and let the words carry you. It's a beautiful journey, that's for sure!