It’s August, what are you reading?

[Anonymous]

Just finished "Such A Lovely Family" by Aggie Blum Thompson. She's a DC author and the book is a family drama/murder mystery set in Kenwood-like neighborhood (name changed) in the middle of a cherry blossom party. Fun read.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anne of Green Gables - we were just in PEI and I'd wanted to finish it before we were there but even though it's a delightful book I am finding it a slog!

Then going to be reading a friend's new book (I am interviewing her on stage for an event) and not sure after that. Something weird, well written, and short, hopefully, if anyone has a suggestion.

That’s cool. What’s your friend’s book?

I’m only reading/listening to fun books for the remainder of the summer. Enjoying listening to Bride by Ali Hazelwood.

[Anonymous]

I’m halfway through Did You Hear About Kitty Carr, by Crystal Smith Paul

Really good so far! Interesting characters and super engrossing story. The point of view and chronology flips back and forth some, which I generally like. But a few scenes so far could have used a bit more context/development/editing to help the reader (me) digest them. (Like the early stuff re Aaron - I’m not getting that relationship at all yet.) Small complaint, though. Overall, I think it’s a great read so far!

[Political “trigger warning” 😉]: It feels especially relevant right now, given the recent false statements by our convicted felon ex-President re Kamala Harris’s racial identity. Did he just fall out of a coconut tree?? Seriously. WTF? It’s beyond offensive and galling to see a white (orange) man so arrogantly assume he is the authority on someone else’s racial identity! In addition to being a good read, DYHAKK is a reminder/glimpse into some of the relevant historical CONTEXT for this latest round of BS. I’d love to see it adapted into a movie or series, too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anne of Green Gables - we were just in PEI and I'd wanted to finish it before we were there but even though it's a delightful book I am finding it a slog!

Then going to be reading a friend's new book (I am interviewing her on stage for an event) and not sure after that. Something weird, well written, and short, hopefully, if anyone has a suggestion.

That’s cool. What’s your friend’s book?

I’m only reading/listening to fun books for the remainder of the summer. Enjoying listening to Bride by Ali Hazelwood.

Have you read Annie Bot? That could fit your description.

[Anonymous]

Have you read Annie Bot? That could fit your description.

Oops. I was referring to this: “Something weird, well written, and short, hopefully, if anyone has a suggestion.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Have you read Annie Bot? That could fit your description.

Oops. I was referring to this: “Something weird, well written, and short, hopefully, if anyone has a suggestion.”

Ooh I hadn't heard of that book but adding it to my TBR - looks exactly up my alley. Thanks for the rec!

My friend's book is called Florida Girls

[Anonymous]

Finished “The Buried Giant.” A big “meh” from me. I’ve read 3 Ishiguro books, and in every one I appreciate the construction/writing, but I just cannot connect with them. This might’ve been the biggest miss for me.

Reading “Normal People” now. I’ve never read Sally Rooney, and she has been very hyped up, so I’m going in cautiously optimistic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Finished “The Buried Giant.” A big “meh” from me. I’ve read 3 Ishiguro books, and in every one I appreciate the construction/writing, but I just cannot connect with them. This might’ve been the biggest miss for me.

Reading “Normal People” now. I’ve never read Sally Rooney, and she has been very hyped up, so I’m going in cautiously optimistic.

I have the same reaction to Ishiguro. Except for Remains of the Day which was beautiful. I also met him in the early 2000s at a literary event in London and he was charming.

I won't read Sally Rooney. Who needs to read sex books dressed up as lit? No one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Finished “The Buried Giant.” A big “meh” from me. I’ve read 3 Ishiguro books, and in every one I appreciate the construction/writing, but I just cannot connect with them. This might’ve been the biggest miss for me.

Reading “Normal People” now. I’ve never read Sally Rooney, and she has been very hyped up, so I’m going in cautiously optimistic.

I have the same reaction to Ishiguro. Except for Remains of the Day which was beautiful. I also met him in the early 2000s at a literary event in London and he was charming.

I won't read Sally Rooney. Who needs to read sex books dressed up as lit? No one.

Remains of the Day is the only one I haven’t read that I will— other than that, I think I’m done with Ishiguro- though I agree he seems so lovely and thoughtful in interviews!

The Sally Rooney is…ok so far.

[Anonymous]

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo. Really enjoying it.

Earthflown by Frances Wren. Decent so far.

[Anonymous]

Help Wanted: A Novel. Not loving it so far but trying to stick with it.
Also one of the historical mysteries by CJ Sansom, with the lawyer main character. I love these.

[Anonymous]

Margot’s Got Money Troubles. So far very funny and smart. The perspective switches between third and first person which is jarring but doesn’t ruin the otherwise great writing.

The Devil’s Greatest Trick. There were too many dubious claims for me to enjoy completely and a lot of the material on Texas satanic killings has been covered to death (no pun intended). The parts about witchcraft in Mexico were interesting, though the author’s clear xenophobia about that country was uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

Started Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin and I am really liking it so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anne of Green Gables - we were just in PEI and I'd wanted to finish it before we were there but even though it's a delightful book I am finding it a slog!

Then going to be reading a friend's new book (I am interviewing her on stage for an event) and not sure after that. Something weird, well written, and short, hopefully, if anyone has a suggestion.

Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss.

[Anonymous]

Daughters of Nantucket, about the great fire on Nantucket and the strong women on the island since the men were off whaling for years at a time.