May 2025 -- What are you reading?

[Anonymous]

Currently reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea and Bunny (one kindle, one hard copy). Previously finished Real Americans by Rachel Khong, about the ethical implications of scientific discoveries within the story of 3 generations of a Chinese-American family (I enjoyed); and The Vegetarian, by Han Kang, which is a bizarre story about a nondescript Chinese woman and the power struggles by her husband and extended family when she suddenly becomes a vegan. I did not expect to like it, but it drew me in - I enjoyed the storytelling from the husband’s perspective, even though he’s a jerk.

[Anonymous]

I’m reading The Theif and the Nightengale which was billed as a historical fiction mystery. It’s truly awful and I’m gojng to ditch it. I don’t know why editors let people publish stuff like this. I think there’s actually a decent story, but it’s so buried in unnecessary adjective and adverbs and weighty metaphors that I can’t slog through to find it. It might make a good Netflix series though, where they could just turn the adjectives into set/costume design or actor’s direction (you don’t have to guess how to smile! The author has given you three adjectives to tell you how to smile!).

I did a big book order to prep for my trip to Spain so I think I’ll just move on to The Sun Also Rises which I read about 30 years ago and think I liked at the time.

I also ordered one called The Last Jew about the inquisition …. If anyone has read it, let me know if it will be worth the time! I like historical fiction but there’s just so much bad historical fiction out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I got Say You'll Remember Me on the lucky day shelf at MCPL. I love Abby Jimenez books.

I had seen Abby Jimenez recommended here, and just forced my way through The Friend Zone, which was easily the worst book I ever made myself finish. I checked Reddit, which suggested she has dreadful books and very good ones. I’m now wondering if there is some sort of writing conglomerate that uses her name?

I hated the one book of hers that I read - but I've come to realize that romance just isn't my genre.

All of her books are the exact same book. Lots of insta-love, always a MMC who drops everything to be with the “not like other girls” FMC. Extreme overuse of “I snorted.” and “I scoffed.” I don’t think I’ve ever rated one above 3 stars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just finished The Best Land Under Heaven, by Michael Wallis, today. It tells the story of the Donner Party, with an eye toward historical accuracy more than sensationalism, though of course the facts of the story are sensational enough without embroidery. It was harrowing and made me want to raid my fridge.

Next up, The Indifferent Stars Above, by Daniel James Brown, another take about the same subject matter and apparently even more intense.

PP. Finished The Indifferent Stars Above. Very well-written narrative non-fiction, gripping and horrifying. It leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination so if you are easily put off, I wouldn't recommend it, but if you're easily put off, then you probably aren't reading about the Donner Party anyway. I learned a tremendous amount between the Wallis book and this one and have gotten onto a real Westward Expansion kick. Currently in the middle of The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wrapping up The Tempest and The House in the Cerulean Sea; enjoying both! Starting Shogun next (I liked the series, and heard the book was great). I also started listening to an audio book of Peter Pan with DD, who lost interest…but I’m enjoying the narrator (he really brings out the humor in the book!), so am planning to finish it this month.

I read The God of the Woods for book club; I wasn’t excited about the premise (missing kid), but it ended up being a page turner. Finished Part 1 of Shogun, waiting for Part 2 at the library. I just started Wolf Hall…I’m early on, and loving the political intrigue. The audiobook narrator is good.

[Anonymous]

earlier this month, finished Vantage Point by Sarah Sligar-- women, friendship, privilege and then a good old fashioned family curse, was a great page turner

and i JUST finished "the Familiar" by Leigh Bardugo-- spanish inquisition, with a magical realism bent that is just so fun

both VERY good!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wrapping up The Tempest and The House in the Cerulean Sea; enjoying both! Starting Shogun next (I liked the series, and heard the book was great). I also started listening to an audio book of Peter Pan with DD, who lost interest…but I’m enjoying the narrator (he really brings out the humor in the book!), so am planning to finish it this month.

I read The God of the Woods for book club; I wasn’t excited about the premise (missing kid), but it ended up being a page turner. Finished Part 1 of Shogun, waiting for Part 2 at the library. I just started Wolf Hall…I’m early on, and loving the political intrigue. The audiobook narrator is good.

What did you think of Shogun?

[Anonymous]

"The Overstory" by Richard Powers. To say it's about trees--and at its core it is about trees--might make it sound dull. But it's wonderful. Read it.

[Anonymous]

The Correspondent on audio. Absolutely love and slowing down at the end on purpose because I’m enjoying it so much.

[Anonymous]

Right now I’m reading Orbital for book club. So boring, I don’t get the hype. Luckily it’s short.

[Anonymous]

When things fall apart

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just finished The Tell by Amy Griffin. I didn’t realize she was the G9 business ventures founder and is friends with Reese and GP. The memoir was interesting especially with the use of MDMA, but I still find it a little bit lacking.

Couldn’t get all the holes in the story. Too many “A Million Little Pieces” vibes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Currently reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea and Bunny (one kindle, one hard copy). Previously finished Real Americans by Rachel Khong, about the ethical implications of scientific discoveries within the story of 3 generations of a Chinese-American family (I enjoyed); and The Vegetarian, by Han Kang, which is a bizarre story about a nondescript Chinese woman and the power struggles by her husband and extended family when she suddenly becomes a vegan. I did not expect to like it, but it drew me in - I enjoyed the storytelling from the husband’s perspective, even though he’s a jerk.

Character is Korean, not Chinese in The Vegetarian

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wrapping up The Tempest and The House in the Cerulean Sea; enjoying both! Starting Shogun next (I liked the series, and heard the book was great). I also started listening to an audio book of Peter Pan with DD, who lost interest…but I’m enjoying the narrator (he really brings out the humor in the book!), so am planning to finish it this month.

I read The God of the Woods for book club; I wasn’t excited about the premise (missing kid), but it ended up being a page turner. Finished Part 1 of Shogun, waiting for Part 2 at the library. I just started Wolf Hall…I’m early on, and loving the political intrigue. The audiobook narrator is good.

What did you think of Shogun?

I enjoyed Part 1 of Shogun; I probably listened to 60% and read 40%. I appreciated being able to refer back to the ebook sometimes as there are a lot of characters. The book switches between third-person POVs; there’s a lot of political plotting, mutual shock at differing cultural norms, and character evolution. It’s long, but I think the complexity and intrigue are part of the point! Looking forward to Part 2!

[Anonymous]

Just started The Story She Left Behind by Patty Callahan Henry. She wrote The Secret Book of Flora Lea which I liked and this one has better reviews, so hoping it's good!