Read any good books lately?

I've been trying to find a good book to read lately. I just finished reading the extreamly contravrsial "the da vinci code". Trust me, you have to have a really open mind for that. So, now I'm looking for another good book to read. Any suggestions?

Stephy,
Do you like mysteries? If so, you might enjoy reading ANYTHING by Stuart Woods. I think (but I'm not sure) that New York Dead is one of his first ones. I've read them all and enjoyed every single book. He has two characters and the inside credits can tell you which character you will be reading about when you choose one of his books. Both characters are private investigators.

One is Stone Barringer (misspelled?)
the other is a woman and right now I can remember her name...Holly??? Can't remember. It's been a while since I've read any of his work but the books are alllllllll good!

JJ

Stephy, did you like that book? My duaghter had to read the book he wrote prior to that, Angels and Demons. She really liked it. It depends on the type of books you like to read.

Well, I really like intellectual book. I do love mysteries and things that have to do with the F.B.I and things like that but that's mainly because I grew up around police officer and because I know Bernard Parks the ex L.A.P.D. chief (spell check). Last years i used to watch alot of things that had to do with the police force. I also read alot of mysterie books. This summer actually I'm going to try to get a job at the West Covina police department. It's mainly voluntary work and things like that. So mysteries are nice but I also like, I dunno how to explain it, I like books that you can have an intellectual conversation about and debates. Mainly because I like to argue with my cousin.

How about C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce" or Frank Peretti's "Piercing the Darkness" or "This Present Darkness"? They are really great books. I like C.S.Lewis's sci fi trilogy as well "Out of the Silent Planet" "Perelandra" and "That Hideous Strength". C.S. Lewis's stuff is pretty intellectual and interesting.

My favorite book of all time is, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings", by Maya Angelou. I can't get enough of it.

I am not a fan of fiction usually, but I have read nearly all Patricia Cornwell's books. You might like her... crime, FBI, morgues... they have it all!

I just finished reading The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. Loved it. I love everything he has written.

Any Anita Shreve fans??

Louisa

Lala, I loved Peretti's books, too! They among my list of top favorites, for sure.

Steph, have you read A Beautiful Mind. I haven't finished it yet, but that was really holding my attention.

Right now I'm almost done with Knee Deep in Paradise, the autobiography of Brett Butler, the comedienne. I favor biographies. I also am working on and deeply enjoying Savage Beauty about Edna St. Vincent Milay, one of my all-time favorite poets.

The Brett Butler book keeps me thinking of you, JawJaw, as she was raised in Georgia and is intelligent and witty like yourself.

Others I've read recently include In Lieu of Heaven (very interesting); a book about a young girl's life in a mid-west Japanese-American interment camp during WWII (I think it's called The Broken Thread but I'd have to go check); and Sue Silverman's riveting autobiography, Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You.

I'd also recommend The Rise of the Phoenix by Dawn Rivers Baker, if you like romantic speculative fiction.

Up next on my agenda are the recent purchases of Seabiscuit and In the Absence of Angels by Elizabeth Glaser, who died of AIDS. She was married to the actor Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky & Hutch) and contracted the disease via a blood transfusion following an episode of placenta previa during her first pregnancy. She passed the disease onto their daughter via breast milk, then gave their second child the disease in utero before she ever found out she'd been given tainted blood.

Tragic three ways to China and back again.

She started the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF) which you can support by making purchases through greatergood.com

Their daughter died at age 7. Their son, 20, is still alive.

Oh -- and I want to finish A Beautiful Mind and Savage Beauty. Yup, that oughta hold me for a while between homeschooling, dancing, and finishing my own third novel!! Ha!

PS: for anyone who's thinkin', "Who is this person?" I've been around a while, but lately just hangin' in the diet forums. I guess y'all could say my plate is full in more ways than one!

[ September 27, 2004, 11:31 PM: Message edited by: garrie keyman ]

I am just finishing WHISPERS AT MIDNIGHT by Karen Robards, a chilling mystery. And if you want some real writing "how to" info that will have you wetting your bloomers you'll be laughing so hard, check out:
DAMM! WHY DIDN'T I WRITE THAT? by Marc McCutcheon honest to God this is a hilarious and yet helpful book...

I will read anything by Elizabeth Berg. Not very intellectual but very down home. She writes as if she is speaking to you or better, with you.

Can't remember the book, but one of my favorite lines was "If I had known it was the last time he would curl up on my lap, I would have hung on a little bit longer". She was speaking of her 10 year old son who no longer curls up on her lap and we all know that snuggly comfort.

Lynn

Ted Dekker's books are all great. Can't get enough of his writing. Great website, too, too interact with other readers.

Mystery Series:
Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak Series - Alaskan PI with a pet wolf.

Lee Child's Jack Reacher Series - Very action packed story of an ex Military Policeman who drifts around the world.

Robert Crais's Elvis Cole & Joe Kidd Series - LA Private Detectives with a conscious, except for Joe, who hardly speaks.

Janet Evanovitch's Stephanie Plum books will have you laughing out loud. It's like Lucy and Ethel turn Bounty Hunter.

David Baldacci is another favorite, though for some reason, his last book I couldn't get through.

Just finished Cornwell's "Trace" and thought it was great up until the last chapter. Felt let down, it read like she got bored and tied everything up really fast.

Nevada Barr does a series with Park Ranger Anna Pigeon solving little mysteries. Neat way to learn about the parks.

Christian Fiction Series:
Jan Karon's Mitford series makes me want to move to Blowing Rock. I have read, and re-read this series so many times - anytime I need a pick-me-up.

Perretti's books are great.

Dekker's books fall here, though most read like a thriller.

Left Behind Series - Glorious Appearing was so neat.

Dee Henderson's True series, like True Valor, True Courage - I think these might be a little better than the O'Malley family series, but maybe not.

For true stories, some of the very best are by Torey Hayden, a former special education teacher. One Child, Tiger's Child, Just Another Kid, etc.

Probably would have been easier just to send you to my website: Dian's Favorite Authors

I think I have a reading addiction I just realized. I have over 600 books, and three years ago I gave 300 to the library. Yesterday, I went to the library and bought 10 more books ($3.00 was all, though. Can't pass up a bargain.

Is there a support group for this?

Hey Chatty! Did you happen to notice that Marc mentions me in his book three times? He worked as an agent for a while and was the one who got me published. He stopped doing that because he got a five book deal from his publisher. He's a nice man.

Dian, I share that addiciton. So many books, so little time...

I'm always trying to figure out when I can squeeze in a few minutes here and there to read.

Saturday, Iwent to a book sale at a local library. I was just plucking those books off the shelf so fast. I was all excited over the fact that I found Flirting With Pete in hardcover for $1. After carrying it around for a while, I realized I already had it at home. I read it a while ago.
Louisa

The computer age has definitely put a dent in my book reading.

If I could go online,buy my book, read it on screen,and "book mark" it to read when I wanted to,I would do that.

The time will come I'm sure.

I spend a lot of time researching things that I am curious about.I like the instant results the internet gives.

I still find time to read books, just not as much as I used to.

Real life poetry,stories,people who made major "changes in life" are my favorites.

I read Angels and Demons, and the Divinchy Code. Both were spellbinding and hard to put down. Don't know if I believe it all, but it was a great read. Read Angels and Demons first tho. Hope he will write another.

Chickadee: Microsoft Reader (free software) lets you download books (cheap), read, highlight, and it keeps your place for you. The books are usually less than $6.00.

You can buy the eBooks from Amazon and other popular sites.

Microsoft Reader click the link to get the reader, then visit the bookstores. There are even some $1.00 reads, and a few for free.

Swimbo, my daughter read Angels and Demons for school this summer. SHe liked it too. The book is in the house so I should read it, but I have a list of other books to hit first.

I just finished Watercolor Bedroom: Creating a Soulful Midlife, by Daphne Stevens, Ph.D. She's in our forums. I highly recommend it and will post about it separately.

I'm also finishing a study of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Great book and study for women who do too much and need to take tome to center with God.

Let's see, what else? I started Networking Magic and so far, so good. Tends to be a quick read packed with excellent information.I'll post about that too.

I began Midlife Clarity, another book by one of our local boomers. Lots of stories about women defining themselves at mid-life. Very inspirational. Never too late to follow your dreams!

I'm starting The Notebook this week For our BWS Book Club.

So many books, so little time.

I just started THE SURVIVORS CLUB by Lisa Gardner. Looks pretty good but will reserve judgement until I've read more of it.

I just finished a book by Elizabeth Berg, "What We Keep" (I think that was the name of it??? And have started Everyday Grace by Marianne Williamson. I'm also reading The Well-Fed Writer, Back Again...

Oh and just found out today that Rick Bragg is gonna be in my hometown (about 10 minutes away from my house) on Oct 29th. It will be a luncheon/talk thingy and a girlfriend and I are going. Yahoooo....I'm taking "All Over But the Shoutin'" in hopes of getting it autographed.

JJ

Georgia, give him a hug from the boomers.

I'd love to see him and tell him to stop doubting his past. For gosh sakes, it's his history that shaped him into the person he is today, and he's one awesome person! His writing is so touching. You can tell how much love he has in him by the way he captures the people he writes about.

Hey queen, he's still single, isn't he? Hmmm....Matchmaker, matchmaker...

Dianne, no I didn't notice but its right here on my desk and now that I know you, I'll read it over again to see where. I am reading a book my dinner guest brought for me today called:
Susanne's Diary for Nicholasit's by James Patterson a best selling Author many times over. The title is not impressive but its a love story you can't put down....

I'm reading Macbeth right now and Business law but that's more for school than for fun. But it actually is fun.

Reading Sams Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson - can't put it down - easy short and a neat story!! Nothing like all his other books except one other one not sure of title something about Nicholas.

I'm reading "The Prince of Tides" by Pat Conroy. Much deeper and more dark than the movie.

Baldacci is also one of my favorites. Ann Rule with her true-life crimes, and Ann Rice with the vampires. Anita Shreve too.

Read a lot of biographies, particularly political or business. Am trying to collect a biography on each of the Presidents and the First Ladies.

I like to read the entire collection of an author at one time. You can get the rythm (how do you spell that word??) of their writing and many seem to have reoccurring characters. My next author is Anne Tyler.

Elsielc,
I love to read Ann Rule...Talk about an author who puts you there...she does!

JJ

Elsie,Jj,
I love, Ann Rule, biographies and have read most of the first ladies since Jackie Kennedy. Its been interesting to see their view. Also love Ann Shreve's books.
Maggie

Anything by Alexandra Stoddard -Things I Want My Daughters to Know-, Jan Karon, -the Mitford series-, or Jeanine McMullen who wrote Wind in the Ash Trees and My Small Country Living.

Every year I re-read at least one of each woman's books. They are simply delightful and charming. I read them and believe all is right with the world.

I'm savouring the collected short stories of Carol Shields. Highly recommended.

I'm a big fan of Jonathan and Faye Kellerman...talk about books you can't put down! Also am reading Prill's WONDERFUL book "Defying Gravity". SO MANY BOOKS - NEVER ENOUGH TIME!

Pam, I finished Prill's book. It was wonderful. What an inspiration.

I think her next book needs more of HER in it. She was so real! Enjoy it...

Prill's "Defying Gravity"

I loved it.

You have to read Prill's book if you're a mid-life and considering what you're going to do with the rest of your life. The women in her book will inspire you to go for your dream!

I loved ALL the stories in "Defying Gravity", but my favorite was Maureen's. I just find stories of successful people uplifting and inspiring - PERIOD. It's easy to just sit in the boat of life and allow the current to pull you along; but grabbing hold of an oar and trying to head upstream against the current - now THAT'S really living!

Very well said, Pam!

Has anybody read Eats Shoots, and Leaves ?

I heard so much about it and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. What a disappointment! Every once and awhile I laugh at something in the book but most of the time I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open.

I was t a writer's conference yesterday and an editor from Gotham/ Penguin was there. He metioned this book as being Gotham's big hit. I'm going to look for it and learn more next time I'm at BN. Did you get through it? Did it get any better?

I just finished reading P.M. Terrell's "Kickback". Lots of great suspense and for a first book, this was REALLY well written. I met Patricia at the book-signing I went to in October - in fact we shared a table. She had a LOT of "fans" come by who had read her books. She was selling both "Kickback" and "The China Conspiracy" (which I have but haven't read yet). I recommend "Kickback" though!

Also finished reading a collection of Southern short stories by another good friend, Janet Brice Parker, who self-published her book - it's called "The Ivy Stays Green". I found her stories poignant and well crafted.

Both P.M. Terrell's and Janet Parker's are available through links on my "Buy Books" page on my website.

I finished reading Lisa Gardner's THE KILLING HOUR. What a story. It's a suspense/police procedural. Lot's of FBI working in it. I've never read her before and she's hooked me. I'll keep her books on my wish list.

I read Patricia Cornwell's BLOW FLY a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't up to her usual greatness. I hope it was just a one time thing. I'll read TRACE when it comes out in paperback.

Another new author I'm going to try is Cait London. Anyone ever read anything of hers? Not the romance stuff, but the mystery/suspense?

And, of course I've been reading Carolyn Howard-Johnson's THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER. She's our featured author this month. What a great reference book full of helpful information about promoting your book.

Oooh, I got to read Killing Hour - sounds good! I have Carolyn's book on my wish-list.

Just finished all the Lee Child books featuring an ex-MP Jack Reacher.

Last week, I read a couple Kathy Reichs books (she is an anthropologist and works in both Canada and North Carolina like her heroine, studying bones to solve crimes).

And two books I received to review were good - Vanished by Ward Tanneburg and Firestorm by Jeanette Windle. They are both thrillers and 2nd in series. They are considered Christian fiction, but I think anyone would enjoy them who likes thrillers. The characters are Christians in the midst of dealing with terrorists, DEA, and more. Very well done.

I support new writers by buying and reading them. I read Christine Colliers The Writers Club, it was great and now she has 2 or 3 more all can be found on Amazon, check by her name. Its a Mystery series and really good...Right now I am almost done with another really great book called The Mystery of Davids Bridge, sound familiar? It should it's written by our very own Pamela June Kimmell. This lady can write!!! Read these two Authors when time allows, you'll be glad you did. I write reviews for one of the toughest no nonsense schools of writing out there and I know good when I see it. Plus I have always been an avid reader my entire life....

Dotsie,

I did finish reading Eats Shoots, and Leaves. It was worth reading but I'm glad that I didn't buy it.

BTW, I "traveled" to the Towson Curves on Friday because the Cockeysville one was closed. I saw the Towson Times article up on the bulletin board. So, you're a Curves lady too.

Misfire

Misfire, you were at the Towson Curves? We must plan a meeting. I'm there 3-4 times a week. It's a life-line! I see newhope there some mornings.

The gal who owns that one is a dear. Her business is doing so well because she hires all the right women. How did it compare to the Cockeysville Curves?

This is exciting...

Thanks for the comment on "Mystery of David's Bridge" Chatty. Can't tell you how happy I am that you are enjoying the book. Coming from someone who's an avid reader and involved in the "reviewing" world, it means a lot to hear that you think I'm on the right track!

I finished "The China Conspiracy" last night. P.M. Terrell's second novel. Very interesting plotline.....

There are soooooooooooooo many good books out there. I find myself torn between writing my OWN novel and reading everyone else's!!

Pam my advice is to write, Write, WRite, WRIte, WRITe and then WRITE somemore....You are so talented!!

Aw shucks! All this encouragement just might get me over my current bout of Writers Block! Thanks again Chatty....YOU DA BOMB. It's nice to have fans like you.

Isn't it amazing what a little encouragement can do. And Chatty is the champion of it. Furthermore, she's RIGHT!
smile

Thank you Smile! I feel the creative juices flowing already with this encouragement from you ladies.

Pam,
Where can I get my hands on your book? I belong to a local book club and have to give my selection for next year, sometime next week. I like to chose books by writers that I know and would like to use yours if you don't mind.

Also I have read all four of Christine Collier's books and enjoyed all of them immensely. I would highly recommend them if anyone is looking for a fast easy read with some mystery and romance thrown in. They are the best for curling up under a quilt by a fire place with your choice of hot beverage and reading.

Chris(angel)

Hi Chris! My book is available online at all bookstore websites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, BooksAMillion, etc. OR, if you prefer, you can go to your nearest bookseller and give them the ISBN # and ask them to order it for you. ISBN is 1591330629

I'm writing a series with the same characters in each book so this first book sets the stage for the sequel which I'm writing now.

I'd be honored if your book club chose to read my book! Thanks for thinking of it as a possibility.

Maybe this is a late reply, but I am reading lots of books , but my favorite is "Margot Fonteyn ", by Meredith Daneman. Many years ago I saw her dance her in Baltimore at one the the theater . It was a wonderful privlage to see her dance . At the time I was studying Ballet also.

I have lots of books and love to read also.

Just some thoughts.

Nancy

I enjoyed, "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham. I read it in a day. A good short read
Nancy, received my poetry book she ordered from me, "Enter Eve's Poetic Paradise." Hopefully she can give us a review! It is SOLD OUT now.
No more book signings the rest of the year, whew!

I have all of Christine Colliers books too and loved them and ladies they are all about women writers, funny and scary and very entertaining as well. Look for them. Of course I have a signed copy of Pams book and I am recommending it to my writers group for a next good read and discussion. Four of my favorite series books were written by Mary Freeman my teacher at The Long Ridge Writers chool they are Garden mysteries and fantastic reads. I make it a point to buy and read books by new author and especially ones I know trying to get started. I hope others will do that for me one day.

I always like to have a book close at hand, and have a LARGE pile of books to be read!

The one I'm reading right now is "Destined to Witness" by Hans J. Massaquoi, the true story of his childhood and adolescence in Nazi Germany. What makes Massaquoi's story different is that he had a German mother and a Liberian father (his father left Germany soon after he was born), and faced prejudice and legal sanctions because of his obvious non-Aryan appearance. It's a remarkable story of survival. I'm two-thirds finished with the book.

Hello, I'm reading A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews and it's excellent - funny, poignant and compelling. Also reading Time Traveler's Wife. I had trouble getting into it but I like it a lot now. Sigrid, fiction fan :-)

If you want a relaxing and funny read, any of Catherine Todd's books are wonderful. She's a riot.

I love seeing what others are reading. Thanks for sharing.

I'm reading Lynn's book, After The Tears. It's quite a read. It's listed on the Boomer Books page of this site. She shares intimately from the heart about her abusive childhood and passage through healing. What an admirable woman full of courage and determination. I'm half way through and can't wait to get back to it. I've been taking in by her writing style. I feel like I'm present with her. I'm just loving getting to know her better. It's so much fun reading books written by friends!

Books, books, beautiful books!!
Just finished Flashpoint - Suzanne Brockmann. I love a chick who can write that awesome action adventure. Also appreciated her comment in the acknowledgement section, " When I write fiction, I can't read fiction....because I'm one of those readers who, when I start a good book, can't put the darn thing down until I reach the end." well, she sure nailed that one!
Just started Vein of Gold - Julia Cameron. This book may be of interest to a lot of us here in the forum. Note the following excerpts: "The Vein of Gold is a book of healing and rehabilitation. 'I've found you, but you've been beaten, battered, starved, malnourished, neglected, discounted, and disowned. I must restore you to health so we can have our adventures...' and 'Creative recovery is not an intellectual process. Our adult self merely "understands" a wound. Our creative artist, that inner creative child, must actually heal it.'" She is speaking of our creative processes as writers, artists, or craftsmen.
Also rereading Behind the Stories-Dian Eble. I love to read how the faith of these authors helped them in their writing careers.
I also started All I Did Was Ask- Terry Gross. Terry is the host of Fresh Air on Public Radio. This is a collection of some of her interviews with writers, artists, actors, and musicians.
I wish I had a nickel for every book I've read. I'd be a Quad*zillion*aire !!

I just finished reading Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. A great book! I highly recommend it.

I love Evelyn Halls Poem book . I read a poem at night before I go to bed and they relax me a lot . It is a must buy. I highly recommend her book. Please buy .

thank you Evelyn Hall and write more poems for all of us. to enjoy! Please!

Thanks, Nancy. I had a reading & signing near Macon this weekend. It was great! I am invited back for National Poetry Month, in April.

I read most of the poems you have in your collector's copy.:)Since it is, Black History Month, they loved the poem, "SO MUCH HATE" (last page in your book) If anyone would like a copy of this poem, e-mail me and I will send it to them.)
They put my picture & the poem in their newspaper and gave me a copy of it.

I did a question & anwer, and had a lot of small prizes that I used for my drawings.
I ALWAYS GIVE OUT A POEM, 2 everyone in attendance, with my e-mail and website addr. on them. (Trying 2 share pointers) The ladies are great about sharing over here, thanks, EVERYONE!
We had punch and finger foods.
The funny part, when I checked in the hotel, the staff gave me a copy of the newspaer I was in, and I sold 5 books b4 I even got to the poetry event! I was soooooo happy, I went to Bible services in that city b4 I headed back 2 Atlanta.
I will try 2 send Dotsie the flyer.
I have a big reading & signing this weekend at the "Goodwill Book Sale" the biggest Book Sale Event in Atlanta! I was HAPPY 2 be invited!
They usually book BIG names like, Pearl Cleage.
Also, I saw Pam, JJ & Prill's pictures over at BOOKEMS with mone. LOVELY BOOMER WOMEN, oh my!!!
Check US out, if you haven't already.
Nancy, YOU help ME to keep sharing over here;-)
You gotta order my children's poetry book, NOW b4 it sells out!!!!
Look 4ward to meeting you ladies, OUT!

Caged, you must work non-stop at promotion. Maybe your next book should be about book promotion. You have more book signings than anyone I know.

Dotsie, you are absolutely right!
I make sure I invite other author's along with me. I met this one new author online and invited her to come with me. It was her 1st book signing.
She couldn't believe I asked her, without knowing her. We clicked just fine. She could be my daughter.
We traded books and she sold 4 books.
She couldn't believe that I sold so many books, but I have more than just one book:)
I can ONLY write about what I love, DONTAY, my grandbaby! Thanks again 4 this forum, Dotsie.
They invited her back in April.

quote:

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Originally posted by stephy:
I've been trying to find a good book to read lately.... Any suggestions?"

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I went on a book reading binge the last month. Among them was a second book by Darian North called Bone Deep. His first book was Criminal Seduction. They were both excellent mysteries. Complex plots, but I like complex.
Dannye