It’s Thursday! Better than almost the end of the week, it’s the day we talk about what we’re reading. I’m excited about a book of essays. I’ve only read the introduction and two essays, but it’s a wonderful book. I’m going to Paris in September, with three other women. So, this is the perfect book. It’s called A Paris All Your Own: Bestselling Women Writers on the City of Light, and it’s edited by Eleanor Brown, author of The Light of Paris. Why are so many books about Paris written by female, heterosexual, white women? Brown wanted to discover what draws women to Paris. Eighteen women, including Brown, have eighteen different answers. I read Meg Waite Clayton’s romantic essay about Paris first. There are essays by Cara Black, Susan Vreeland, Paula McLain, Lauren Willig, among others. And, I’m reading the book in between mysteries read for deadline for Library Journal.
So, what are you reading right now? I can’t wait to see your answers. It’s Thursday. That means I also have a couple meetings, but I’ll find time to check on your answers. We’re all waiting to see what you’re reading, have read, or are listening to this week.
First, Bill Pronzini's latest "Nameless" Detective novel, ENDGAME. I've been reading these since 1975, and have read all the shorter stories as well. They are always relatively short, always a fast read, and always rank from 'better than average' to 'outstanding' with me. So far, this one is the same.
The main collection of stories is by my good friend Bill Crider (I've known him for about 40 years!), EIGHT ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES. These Watson-narrated tales have been previously published in various anthologies and are well worth your time. There is a very reasonably priced Kindle edition. Check it out.
I'm still reading the massive Saki collection as well.
What else? I was about halfway through G. M. Ford's SALVATION LAKE when I put it aside for the Pronzini, so there's that.
Non fiction? I haven't read more than the introduction yet of Joan Didion's SOUTH AND WEST: FROM A NOTEBOOK, so can't comment on that yet. But I can comment on the collection of NY Times columns edited by Pamela Paul, BY THE BOOK: Writers on Literature and the Literary Life from The New York Times Book Review. Every week I enjoy seeing what writers are reading themselves, their favorite books and authors, childhood reading, etc. I usually get at least one recommendation for a book to put on my hold list. So far I've picked up two library books from recommendations (one from David Sedaris called FORESKIN'S LAMENT: A Memoir, by Shalom Auslander, looks very interesting). And I picked up that Anthony Horowitz book, MAGPIE MURDERS.
The other book I finished was THE COLLAPSING EMPIRE by John Scalzi, which I liked a lot. It is clearly the beginning of a new series.
Lesa, that Paris book sounds interesting. I will look that one up. And I bet you are getting excited about your September Paris trip.
I am reading several ARCs of series I like:
IVY GETS YOUR GUN by Cindy Brown
WATCHING THE DETECTIVES by Julie Mulhern (set in 1970s Kansas City) (
MULCH ADO ABOUT MURDER by Edith Maxwell
UNCORKING A LIE by Nadine Nettmann
Finished Horowitz's MAGPIE MURDERS. Will be interested in Jeff's comments on it. Also finished Steve Mertz's JIMI AFTER DARK. Will pick up Ide's IQ at the library today or tomorrow. Currently reading Jesse James Kennedy's MISSOURI HOMEGROWN, which has a couple of the most brutal opening chapters I've ever read.
Have you read Janice MacLeod's Paris book that was illustrated letters Lesa? I have her new one A Paris Year on reserve. I finished The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan on our drive home from Chicago after watching our grandson play baseball. I thought it was wonderful. This week I am reading The Summer House by Hannah NcKinnon
Well, darn you people. I ordered Bill Crider's Eight Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Jeff, as well as Janice MacLeod's A Paris Year that Sharon mentioned. Sharon, We have Paris Letters at the library, and I just ran over and picked it up. No, I hadn't read it yet. You're right, Grace. I am getting excited about that trip. Fortunately, I have two trips before that, so I still have earlier trips to enjoy. I'll be interested to hear what both you and Jeff think of Magpie Murders, Bill, but I know you want to wait until Jeff reads it.
It's summer, and I'm reading fluff! I just started the first book in Mary Balogh's Bedwyn Saga, Slightly Married. It's post-Napoleonic War England. Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn has made a deathbed promise to one of his comrades to look after the comrade's sister, Eve. Aidan soon finds that Eve will lose her estate and fortune if she doesn't marry within a week's time. As a gentleman bound to keeping his word, Aidan has only one choice in order to fulfill the vow to his officer …
As far as Paris goes, the first book that came to mind was Paris in Love by Eloisa James, a good romance author in her own right. Granted, it is about living in Paris with her *family* for a year, but I suspect this would be a fun read.
BTW, sorry this wasn't about mysteries!
It doesn't have to be about mysteries, Michelle! I'm glad you responded. I read Paris in Love a couple years ago, and it was delightful. Actually, I have an Eloisa James' novel at home right now. I read the beginning when I was unpacking boxes one day, and it looks terrific. I just haven't had a chance to get to it. Mary Balogh is another one of those "someday" authors for me.
Lesa, good morning to you and everyone else reading the comments today. Trust it has been a good week for reading.
I finished :
The Wrong Side of Goodbye ~~ by Michael Connelly
Once Again ~~ by Deborah Heal
I am on Deborah Heal's mailing list. She offered this ebook free, which I downloaded and enjoyed reading it and bought the second ebook in the series.
It is an inspirational novel of history, mystery and romance.
After I downloaded the free ebook, I wrote Deborah to thank her for the ebook. She wrote back and I was shocked with what she wrote back. I am sharing with you her reply. Something to think about when receiving a free gift.
You're most welcome! Not many people thank authors for free books these days. I think with so many free ones, folks tend to start thinking it's their right not a gift.You're most welcome! Not many people thank authors for free books these days. I think with so many free ones, folks tend to start thinking it's their right not a gift.
I am still holding off finishing Hide and Seek. Too many other books that I must finish, go belong to the library.This book belongs to me.
Settle For More ~~ by Megan Kelly
Only One Way Home ~~ by Deborah Heal
Trust everyone will have a great week reading out standing books.
Till next Thursday.
I read Antiques Maul, #2 in the Trash and Treasures Mystery series. Only need 6 more books to get caught up.
The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper by Sally Carpenter, first book in the Sandy Hawkins series, about a former teen idol trying to make a comeback, who solves mysteries. This one's set at a Beatles convention in Indiana. I half expected the Borne girls to make an appearance.
An Infinite Number of Monkeys by Les Roberts, "A Saxon Mystery." Very 80s books about a detective trying to find out who is trying to kill a Mickey Spillane type author.
Enclave by Ann Aguirre, a Hunger Games type deal with the usual post-apocalyptic stuff.
The Physics of Every Day Things by James Kakalios
Through a Glass Darkly by Stefan Bechtel and Laurence Roy Stains about Conan Doyle's delving into spiritualism and the supernatural
Dear Cyborg by Eugene Lim, a weird novel that examines protest and death.
And Real or Fake from National Geographic Kids where you try to figure out which stories were real and which are fake.
I finished Almost Human, a book by a paleontologist who discovered two new species of homonin in Africa. It was really interesting. I also read Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire which was an odd book. Now I'm reading Gwedy's Button Box by Stephen King.
Hi Charlotte, I think you and the author are both right. The authors don't have an unlimited supply of their books, and they pay postage. Sometimes, they bought the books they give away. It is a gift. It's so kind to write a thank you note. I write notes, and it doesn't take a lot of time, but the recipients are usually grateful.
Glen, Even with the Indiana setting in the one book, it's that National Geographic one for kids that sounds interesting to me.
It's always interesting to see your list, Sandy. As I told Michelle, we don't read and comment about mysteries here all the time!
Lesa, I still have some of the cards you sent me with the books I have won from you (blog) a few I would like to have have pictures framed.
I have always enjoyed your cards.
Do you have away to see what year people join your blog? If you do could you tell me what year I signed up. I have always wondered how long I have been part of your great blog.
Thank you.
What an interesting question, Charlotte. I just spent a little time checking. I don't have a way to see when people joined my blog. BUT, you won your first giveaway on my blog on Feb. 18, 2010, which is the Friday after my husband died. So, you've been reading the blog for at least 7 1/2 years, and probably longer. Thank you!
Longer, I remember Jim passing away and leaving a message on your blog. It has been a while. Of all the book blogs around This is the one I have stuck with. The best one around.
Thank you for checking this out for me. 71/2 years or longer is pretty good, That shows how great this blog is.
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I was recently given a copy of ANGELS AND DEMONS by Dan Brown. I started it this morning. This is my first book by Mr. Brown, and I must admit that I would not have picked it up on my own. I hope I like it as much as the person who was kind enough to give it to me.
I just finished Beartown, the latest from Fredrik Backman. So different from his others, and really wrenching, but thoroughly engaging. I recently finished Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders and loved it as well. I couldn't believe the effectiveness of the book-within-a-book format. I have so many intriguing-looking books out from the library right now, but I took a couple of paperbacks with me on a trip to see family last weekend in Southern California, and I really enjoyed both of them–Julia Buckley's Death in Dark Blue and an ARC of Rhys Bowen's On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service (coming in August). Those two authors never disappoint.
Thank you, Charlotte. An author had a short survey on Facebook the other day, and fewer and fewer people read blogs. But, as long as I have a few readers who enjoy talking about books, I'll keep writing it. Thanks for being with me for all these years.
Karen, I only read The DaVinci Code, but I know a number of people said they liked Angels and Demons even more. I hope you enjoy it!
Margie, I read the Rhys Bowen one, and really liked it. I know you're not going to be disappointed. Sending hugs, my friend.
I'm just finishing up Lisa Unger's Die for You. I think I'll read Margaret Mizushima's Timber Creek K-9 mystery Stalking Ground next.
Lesa, I loved this book so much and I'm going to be interested in hearing what you think about some of the essays. AND I can't wait till September! Squeeeeeeee!!!!!
I have read some pretty terrific ARCs lately – Sourdough by Robin Sloan (who knew a book about sourdough could be so interesting!), Melanie Benjamin's The Girls in the Picture, Rachel Caine's Stillwater Lake. Next up is Paris Letters!
Thank you, Patricia! I'm so glad the conversation is continuing.
Kaye, It's going slowly because I'm in the review week for LJ. But, I'm loving the essays. Paris! And, I'm looking forward to Paris Letters as well. I brought a copy of Sourdough back from BEA. I'm glad you liked Melanie Benjamin's book. I adore her on Facebook, but just haven't been able to get into her books.
I have started The Wishing Trees by John Shors. I am curious as to why the reviews were not as good for this book as the others. So far, I am enjoying it. A father is taking his daughter on a trip through Asia that he and his wife has planned for their 15th anniversary. But she died before the time came and left a letter that she wanted him to do the trip with their daughter. The two are experiencing fresh grief so they are hoping that the trip will be a healing experience.
Also, the above book is in smaller print than is comfortable so today I will start listening to something very different, Playing with Fire by Tess Gerritsen.
"A Paris All Your Own" reminded me of the book I just finished – "My (Part-Time) Paris Life: How Running Away Brought Me Home" by Lisa Anselmo. It's partly a memoir about her relationship with her mother and her self-doubt. But the reason I read it, is it takes place in the Marais district in Paris. If you've been to Paris and the Marais area, I think you'll find this book entertaining. She muses on the culture, characters, cafes, patissieres and boulangeries that she discovers in Paris.