Weekly Reader Book Update - The Slacker Version

So. Hmm. I don't think I can call this the WEEKLY Reader Book Update, since, you know, it's been more like a month since I did this. Yeah. Sorry about that.

Before we begin, let's talk about the Lame MTTSM Kinda Sorta Book Club that we spoke about starting. I think that we should read The Hunger Games. What say you?

Now. On to the latest in my reading selections. I've done a LOT of reading lately, since we've been at the pool or beach every day. BTW - reading a Kindle or other e-reader? Slip it into a zip top gallon baggie. Keeps it free from sand and water droplets, although it isn't watertight, but it's better than nothing.

It's time for the (kind of, sort of) Weekly Reader Book Update, where I tell you what I've been reading and you tell me what you've enjoyed OR hated. I should maybe do it more often, but, um, I keep forgetting. Sorry about that. If you've read any of these, tell me if you agree with my review. Have a great book you've been unable to put down this week? Lay it on me. I've linked every book to Amazon, but I don't make money off of it or anything. Just as a help to you. (If it is a help. Which maybe it isn't.)

Shut up, already, Carmen.

I kind of fell into Hide by mistake. I had bought a copy of Family Blessings, a romantic novel that I used to own a long time ago and couldn't get out of my head. I have to admit that I'm a sucker for a (well written) romance, and LaVyrle Spencer wrote some of my favorites. I was so sad when she stopped writing. When I bought this one on Kindle, Hide popped up as a referral. Kinda odd, but it looked interesting, so I bought it.

And it was one of the best books I ever read.

I love suspense stuff, murder mysteries and serial killer stuff, and this was great. I mentioned it to my mom, who said that she thought she had a couple of the other books by this author - and brought over every single book! She said I could read them in any order, so I read a couple, but quickly realized that while the stories could stand alone, they referenced events in the previous books, so I pulled the authors page and read them as close to order as I could. I'd already read 2, so I skipped those. Wonderful, gory, compelling reads - but Say Goodbye (the last one,so far,although a new one comes out in 2 weeks) was probably the toughest to read, as it has some graphic scenes of child porn. Specifically, little boy, and that's all I'm going to say. Excellent books. If you want to read them, start with The Perfect Husband. There's a great rundown of all here.I read all 12 in about 10 days. I didn't do much laundry. :)

I read The Bride Will Keep Her Name, which started off really well, but the end wrapped up a bit too cleanly for me. I really liked it, then I didn't, then I did again. Meh.

Summer's Child was really good. I actually figured out the twist - who was the mother of the abandoned baby - but the story kept me moving forward. All I need for a summer read.

Hmm, what else?

Emily Giffin's Heart of the Matter was decent. I read it mostly because I'd read all of her other books, and liked them. This one was so so, but hearing both sides of an affair - the wife and the girlfriend - made for an interesting read.

So, did you read anything good lately? Did you read any of these and have a different opinion?

Anyone read The Underland Chronicles? I'm looking at the series for my 10 and 12 year olds.

Comments

[kyooty]

Slacker? my ass! where oh where do you get the time to read that many books? I'm still trying to read Harry Potter's Deathly Hallows after just opening it Monday. I just can't seem to read as fast as others.

[amie]

Just finished The 19th Wife upon recommendation of a friend who knows I like historical fiction. It was an interesting & unusual read but not exactly historical fiction. The story goes back and forth between a murder within a modern day poygamous sect and fictional characters from Birgham Young's era who are sister wives in polygamous marriages. Defininately different perspectives and lots of twists & turns to murder mystery.

Also read a book titled Scent of Rain & Lightening ( I think that is what is was called. Another mystery sort of book set on a cattle ranch in Kansas. Sorry I have summer mush brain- can not remember all the dets.

[Marjie]

I am reading that book right now!!! My sister-in-law recommended it and loaned it to me. It is REALLY good! I am in!

[Jenn E]

Ok one of my favorite books ever is She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. Love Kristin Hannah as well.

I will get Hunger Games from the library this week.

Happy 4th to all!

[amie]

Oh yeah- Hunger Games sounds good- will download today !

[MamaTech]

Love the mystery/romance-ish/gory murder genre? Have you read Kay Hooper? (Also includes psychic stuff, which is just icing on the cake for me.) Warning - the Bishop books MUST be read in order, they are chronological. http://www.kayhooper.com/books/bishoptimeline.html

Also, Karin Slaughter - no psychic stuff, and thin on the romance, and it's very dark at that. I have to read those in small small doses, they are so dark.

New summer series I'm currently reading, again with the - Heather Graham: Bone Island Trilogy, the first one came out July 1, second one will be August, third September. Not really summer (September is a little late for that). She's always good for a light read mystery romance.

[Nancy]

Just finished "Beach Road" by James Patterson/Peter De Jonge in 4 days. Fast moving and very surprise ending.
Also "The Appeal" by John Grisham is quite good, well researched, good story line.

[mm]

I am "this close!" to buying a reader of some version/name brand. Not because I have all these piles of spare change lying around but because I bought a book on the weekend and only when I got home I realized that the print is getting a bit small for my 29 year old eyes! I have been going everywhere and playing with different name brands and I realize I have to finally get my gumption together and just.do.it.

[Issa]

I just downloaded the new Catherine Coulter FBI mystery. I can't remember the name of it though.

Hmmm, just finished The Lightening Thief, which my girls and I had been reading. And Rise and Shine by Anna Quinlen. But in all honesty, I've read that one probably six times before. It's one of my favorites.

[Elyse]

Lightning Thief series is fabulous! Kids book? Yes. Terrible movie in its name? Yes. Very good? Yes. Educational without really knowing it? Absoulutely.