January 2025 - what are you reading?

[Anonymous]

Good Material by Dolly Alderton - about 1/3 of the way through, it's losing a BIT of steam but I am still enjoying it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry. It's beautifully written, but does have child abuse by priests at the heart of the book, so it's tough to read.

I tried reading this one, it was really captivating at the start, the writing completely drew me in, but yes, the subject then completely turned me around and I stopped reading it. Please come back and let us know what you think, when you finish (if you do)!

I did finish it. The writing is stunning, so I'm glad I pushed through. And it's one of those books where the narrator/POV is unreliable so it leaves a lot to think about. But, man, the subject matter was tough and almost ruined the book for me. I'm glad I read it, but I can't widely recommend because of the subject matter.

Thank you for coming back. I think I'm going to leave it. I'm currently reading a book where some kids have found the body of a dead dog and I'm struggling with that - I suspect priest abuses would just push me off a cliff.

If you want to try some Irish literature that isn't quite as brutal, I recommend William Trevor (The Story of Lucy Gault is my favorite), or Audrey Magee's The Colony, or THe Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne by Brian Moore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good Material by Dolly Alderton - about 1/3 of the way through, it's losing a BIT of steam but I am still enjoying it.

I enjoyed Good Material! I read Ghosts by her too and liked it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry. It's beautifully written, but does have child abuse by priests at the heart of the book, so it's tough to read.

I tried reading this one, it was really captivating at the start, the writing completely drew me in, but yes, the subject then completely turned me around and I stopped reading it. Please come back and let us know what you think, when you finish (if you do)!

I did finish it. The writing is stunning, so I'm glad I pushed through. And it's one of those books where the narrator/POV is unreliable so it leaves a lot to think about. But, man, the subject matter was tough and almost ruined the book for me. I'm glad I read it, but I can't widely recommend because of the subject matter.

Thank you for coming back. I think I'm going to leave it. I'm currently reading a book where some kids have found the body of a dead dog and I'm struggling with that - I suspect priest abuses would just push me off a cliff.

If you want to try some Irish literature that isn't quite as brutal, I recommend William Trevor (The Story of Lucy Gault is my favorite), or Audrey Magee's The Colony, or THe Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne by Brian Moore.

Thanks. I loved The Colony and everything by Claire Keegan. I am actually on an Irish kick this year.

[Anonymous]

I just read and enjoyed The Authenticity Project - heartwarming and feel-good but also well-written. Also enjoyed The Wedding People which someone else just mentioned. I read too many heavy books in 2024 so am looking for lighter subject matter options that is still well-written. Would love other recs!

[Anonymous]

The Pleasure of My Company by steve martin

Not like I expected but somewhat keeping my interest so far. Much better than the book I just read.

[Anonymous]

Jodi Piccoult’s “By Any Other Name.” It’s about what I expected— which is to say, fine, not a masterpiece, but entertaining enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Lincoln Highway. It’s long at 570 pages but it’s good. I DNF Deacon King Kong last week because it was tough to get into. Flying through this one.

Loved Lincoln Highway. I’m reading The River We Remember.

[Anonymous]

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead.

Good not great is how I’d characterize it so far.

[Anonymous]

I just finished Playground by Richard Powers. A wild ride through oceans, AI, race and more. It was more of a December book for me since it took me a long time to make it through with its many characters and disjointed timelines. I didn’t like it as much as Powers’ Overstory, but I’m glad I eventually finished it.

[Anonymous]

The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird. I waited MONTHS for it to be available on Libby and it's just ok.

[Anonymous]

Funny Story by Emily Henry. I’m enjoying it as a bit of a fluffy, rom com read, but I think it will ultimately be forgettable.

[Anonymous]

Just finished Nuclear War: A Scenario

Now starting The Latecomer (a few years old)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Funny Story by Emily Henry. I’m enjoying it as a bit of a fluffy, rom com read, but I think it will ultimately be forgettable.

I read this a few months ago and can confirm it's entirely forgettable. But, was definitely fun to read!

[Anonymous]

Beyond Order by Jordan B. Peterson

12 more life ‘rules’ to apply in your day to day and become a better person.