It’s Thursday! As if you needed a reminder that it’s the best day of the week around here. Let’s talk about what we’re all reading.
I love historical trivia. I can easily spend an hour or more going down historical rabbit holes. I might not have cared much for The Girl in White Gloves, but I spend quite a bit of time reading about the Grimaldi family of Monaco the other night while reading that book. I also enjoy a good obituary so Mo Rocca’s book, Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving, is perfect for me. I’ve only read a couple of the “Mobits”, one about Thomas Paine, one for dragons. Now, you might not expect that, but according to Rocca, people thought dragons were real, so he provided them with a mobit. He provides obituaries for people who were overlooked or forgotten. It’s a fun book if you enjoy history.
Are you reading anything as fun as Mobituaries? We’d all love to hear about this week’s books.
It does sound fun 🙂
No, nothing fun like that. I love historical trivia too. Actually, I love trivia in general. My brain is filled with it.
I finished the two short story collections I was reading: the last of the 200 O. Henry stories, with the THE VOICE OF THE CITY collection (I enjoy the stories set in turn of the last Century NYC), and DEEP WATERS, Martin Edwards's latest British library collection, featuring drownings, boats, etc.
The main book I'm currently reading (I always have a few going) is the fourth Nick Heller book by Joseph Finder, HOUSE ON FIRE. Nick is a PI of sorts (read the first in the series for his really interesting family back story; his father is a Bernie Madoff type, doing 30 years in prison) in Boston. This one is a very to the point story about the opiod epidemic, which starts when his friend, who saved his life in Afghanistan, dies of an overdose. He is asked (at the friend's funeral) to find proof that the 80 year old founder of Kimball (read, at least partly, for Sackler) Pharma, had a study proving how addictive his drug (Oxydone) was before he started selling it. As usual with the excellent Heller books, this is a very fast read.
Another fast read (possibly the best so far, certainly the one I raced through the quickest) was Margaret Mizushima's fourth (of five so far) Timber Creek book about Deputy Mattie Cobb and her rescue K-9 dog, Robo, BURNING RIDGE. Both Mattie and Robo find themselves in desperate jeopardy here, and unlike so many other mystery books, it is not a "had I but known" situation caused by someone stupidly putting themselves in jeopardy foolishly. The second half had me turning pages furiously, plus Mattie's "rival" (at least in her mind) for the affections of the veterinarian she fancies, is long gone from the scene. Good one.
This sounds fun, Lesa.
I am on a binge read. I discovered David Housewright's series and haven't looked back! He and his cast of supporting characters are giving me all I hope for in a series – intelligence, subtle humor, camaraderie and a good story.
It is, Shelleyrae. Mo Rocca can be silly at times on some of the CBS Sunday Morning episodes, but I'm enjoying his humor along with the history in the book.
This week I finished the wonderful RULES FOR VISITING by Jessica Francis Kane. May is most comfortable around the plants she cares for as a landscaper for the local college. When she gets some unexpected paid vacation, she decides to visit her 4 closest friends. I thought this book was a treasure. It is a quiet character driven book that had insightful commentary on our social media world. I found it timely, poignant, and funny at times. I learned a few facts about trees and plants as well. I just loved it.
Now I am reading DEAR EDWARD by Ann Napolitano. So far it is terrific and I am having a hard time putting it down. It deserves all the hype it received.
Happy Reading!
Jeff, I think you'd enjoy that book. Historical trivia is so interesting. Burning Ridge! I read that one. You're right. Couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Kaye, Now, I'm going to have to look up David Housewright to at least check out his characters. Of course, I'm familiar with the name, but I've never read any of his books.
Me too. Housewright won an Edgar for Best First Mystery, I believe, and yet somehow he has always been one of those authors who slipped past me. PENANCE was the Edgar winner, in his first series (about Holland Taylor – 5 book series). The second series, about Rushmore McKenzie, is up to 16 books, according to Wikipedia.
Sharon, Your comments made me smile this morning. It's fun to see comments when a reader loved the books they picked up. Happy Reading with Dear Edward and your next book!
I agree, Jeff. I've seen his books, and for some reason, just never even picked them up to read the flap. I don't know why.
Kaye, Which series are you reading?
Jeff and Lesa – I'm reading the Rushmore McKenzie series. I got the soon-to-be-released From the Grave and liked it enough to go back and start at the beginning. Like any series, there are some I've liked better than others, and one I didn't really care for at all. Formulaic? Sure. The subtle humor is one of the things I like best. But he also slips in some history that I've enjoyed learning, even including a bit of art history. And I've learned some really interesting things about the Twin Cities that I would have never known. I'm close to finishing the series and then I'll take a break before picking up the Holland Taylor series.
Thanks, Kaye! It sounds like a series I'd enjoy.
I'm not sure why I always pick up the latest Jonathan Kellerman Milo/Alex book because some recent ones have been spotty for me. I like police procedurals, and these are familiar characters, but I am noticing now an excess of dialogue and detail and not much in the way of action or excitement. Maybe I'm just tired of this series, or maybe THE MUSEUM OF DESIRE seemed tedious because my mind was on my upcoming move, my upcoming written driver's test, and my upcoming meeting with my tax accountant. I just didn't care enough about the book.
P.S. I Love You was Ahern's first book, a lovely tale of Holly's young husband, Gerry, who died too early , leaving Holly with one letter to open each month in the year following his death. In POSTSCRIPT, it's been seven years now, and Holly's sister Ciara convinces her to talk about the letters, each of which ended in "P.S. I Love You," on her podcast. Holly starts hearing from a few people with terminal diseases who want to do something similar for the loved ones they will leave behind. Four of them form their own P.S. club, one of whom is a 16-year-old girl who needs help learning to read so she can write her own letter to her precious 1-year-old daughter. Holly helps each of the four club members, giving her a new perspective on her own experience with Gerry and potentially endangering her new relationship with Gabriel, who has his own problems with his teenage daughter Ava. This book has a lot of heart, and although some of it is undeniably sad, the ways Holly helps each club member settle on and implement their own special legacy is deeply affecting and uplifting.
I enjoyed HOME WORK, Julie Andrews' second memoir, though I think there was just too much detail. It starts with Mary Poppins and covers her Hollywood years, concerts, and home life–husband(s), children, and other assorted family members.
I think I just may have to look up Rules for Visiting, Mobtuaries, and the David Houseright books. Thanks for the recommendations?
I meant, Thanks for the recommendations! (not question mark)
I read SEALED OFF by Barbara Ross. It’s the latest In her Maine clambake series. I felt that this one was a slower read than the earlier books in the series.
Two short paranormal romances, both part of a series set in Cats Paw Cove, Florida featuring magical cats: MAGICAL BLESSINGS by Candice Colt, and LOVE OVERRULES THE LAWYER by Kerry Evelyn.
MAGICAL,MIDLIFE MADNESS by K.F. Breene. She’s part of a group of 13 authors who are writing paranormal books featuring female main characters in their 40s.
And I believe this one was on Glen’s favorites of the year list, MONSTER MASH: The Creepy, Kooky Monster craze in America 1957-1972 by Mark Voger. I grew up during the later half of the monster craze so even though I don’t agree with the author’s end date of 1972 I really enjoyed the book. It was fun looking back at things I remember having or reading, and seeing some of the things that came out before I was old enough for them.
I'm working on A LIKELY STORY by Jenn McKinlay. I caught up on her other series, but I still have some catching up to do on her Library Lover's books. I'm enjoying this one.
Margie, Are you moving closer to your sons? Will you still be able to be part of your Sisters in Crime group? I have Postscript at home, and I'll keep it there on my TBR pile, based on your recommendation. I really liked the first one.
My friend, Donna, listened to Julie Andrews' book on audio. She really liked listening to her voice. She loves autobiographies read by the author. She enjoyed Carol Burnett's, Dick Van Dyke's, Julie Andrews'. She's listening to Becoming by Michelle Obama now, and loving it.
Sandy, I like the sound of the paranormal books featuring mid-life women. Sounds a little different.
Mark, The most recent one is very good, but you have several to go yet, so I won't say more. Enjoy Jenn's books!
Lesa–yes, I'll be moving closer to my grandchildren and one of my sons. The other one lives about 40 minutes from where I am currently, and I hope he will move closer to us at some time in the future. At this point, I'm still planning to continue to edit the SinC NorCal newsletter–we'll see how that goes. And I will join the Capitol Crimes chapter in my new area.
I can see how listening to Julie Andrews' book would be more interesting than reading it. I typically enjoy show business autobiographies, although some are, of course, better writers than others (and some other writers, credited or not).
Margie, I think you would enjoy RULES FOR VISITING. I will be interested in your thoughts if you read it. Good luck with your move.
I don't mind David Housewright, I've read several of his books, but I don't really seek him out.
I read:
Girl Can't Help It by Max Allan Collins; Second book in his Larson series. I liked it a lot better than the first.
Battle Royale; The best of these YA dystopias.
Captain Shark; A shallow pirate tale from the 70s.
Hide and Seek; Another in Jeff Deischer's series featuring the Charlton Action Heroes. Not bad. Not infected by The Watchmen.
Glen, Have you read any of Steve Goble's pirate stories?
Lesa,
I read Bloody Black Flag and really liked it.
Just wondered. I thought you had read it.
Sharon, I put it on hold at the library this morning!
And, Clarabenet90? If it was up to me, you'd never be a success at anything in your life because you are intrusive. "Methink’st thou art a general offence".
The fun book I am reading is Margaritaville, the cookbook : relaxed recipes for a taste of paradise..I love to read cookbooks! I put Mo's book on my library hold list!
We were just talking a half an hour ago at work, Gram, about those of us who love reading cookbooks and those who love to read interior decorating books. I don't cook, but I'll sometimes read a cookbook. It's been years since I read an interior decorating one.
Not sure it's in the fun category of mobituaries, but I unexpectedly received an ARC of Deacon King Kong by James McBride and am thoroughly enjoying it. I have never read anything of his before but after only a few paragraphs I knew I would not be able to put it down. Excellent writing, fascinating characters, witty, just plain interesting. My husband often asks what I'm reading about and the answer is usually, "Murder." with so many thrillers out now, but this is one where I answer, "Just a story about people." So far a really good story.
I bet your husband was a little surprised to hear that Grandma Cootie. I'm glad you're enjoying the book.
I am currently reading (and hoping to finish soon) The Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (a new young adult mystery series). Up next will be Blindside by James Patterson. On audio I just finished Long Bright River by Liz Moore. Will be starting The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James this afternoon.
I'm curious about The Sun Down Motel, katstev. You'll have to tell us what you think about you read it.