What I've Been Reading - The Lame-O "I Forgot to Update" List

So I forget to update this list and then panic and have to add a whole bunch. Sorry. I typically remember when I've read something very good and want to tell you about it.

Side note: I'm panicked and flipping out about the upcoming holiday and I know that, no matter what - it's not going to get done. I'm bracing myself to be ok with it - as if I really have a choice. I'm not done shopping, haven't even begun to wrap, and I'm still several baked goods to the negative. My laundry needs to be done and groceries need to be bought and the kitchen is a tip - and, hey, I've just described YOUR life, haven't I?? We are all in the same boat.

Moving on. My most recent reads, and my thoughts and impressions, for what it's worth. Some of these books would make VERY good gifts!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - I heard about this on Blogher, and waited none too patiently for it to be released. It was *very* good. But very weird. But very good. I know, that makes no sense at all, and at times, the book itself made no sense at all. The author gets mad bonus points from me for keeping the story moving. 4 stars out of 5.

The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon - not a Jamie and Claire book, but a Jamie and Lord John book. I'm not a fan of LJ, and when I tried to read one of the stand alone LJ books, I had to stop - I just can't read graphic gay sex. I'm not going to lie - there's a scene in this book I don't like - and I'm no prude. Get past that, though, and this book fills in a LOT of blanks in the regular Outlander series. It explained some areas that I didn't understand and I found that I like LJ more than I did before I read this book. 5 out of 5.

Midwives by Chris Bohjalian - This book gripped me and refused to let go. I had it figured out by the end, but the storyline of a home birth gone awry was well written and compelling. I did learn a bunch in this book - but wouldn't recommend reading it if you are pregnant. 5 out of 5.

Songs of Love and Death (Compilation) - I bought this book simply to read the story by Diana Gabaldon. It's the tale of Roger's parents and it's just as well written as every other thing she's ever published. (Seriously. How DOES she do it?) I tried to read some of the other stories and just could not get into them - but it's worth it, just for this story. 5 out of 5.

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan - This book was a 99 cent download that was recommended by a friend as a version of The Help, but darker. It sounds trite to say it again, but I could NOT put this book down. 1946, Mississippi Delta - 'nuff said. 5 out of 5.

The Long Run by Matt Long - The story of a NYC firefighter who was a marathon runner, until he was hit and essentially mutilated by a city bus - and how he came back. I read this when I was feeling like total shit about my separated calf muscle - if Matt Long can come back from his injury, so can I. Totally 10000% inspirational and very, very uplifting. When (if) I get to Blogher this summer, I'm planning to visit Matt's bar in NYC, just to tell him how much his story inspired me. 5 out of 5.

I am Hutterite by Mary-Anne Kirkby - This book introduced me to the Hutterite way of life, one with which I was completely unfamiliar. In some ways, it's very similar to the Mennonite and Amish - and yet totally different. The descriptions of communal life, and how everyone works together and takes care of each other, are heartwarming and uplifting. I felt so sad for the family when they left the group. 4 out of 5.

I read some really good books. What about you?

 

Comments

[kelley]

Love. Love. Love Chris Bohjalian!

[Lisa]

discovered jeff abbott. love his mysteries!

[DCGirl]

You were the reason I started reading Outlander. Obsessed doesnt describe my depth of feeling for this series! Just wanted to say thanks. I don't like Lord John books either but I did like Scottish Prisoner - Jamie, all sad and lonely...

[Karin]

Matt Long's wedding announcement was the lead one on the NY Times a few weeks ago. I had never heard of him, but it was a wonderful story.

[addy]

Thanks for these. I will gladly check a few of them out. I discovered columnist Gordon Kirkland. His books are collections of columns and easy reads. And I may be banned from reading them in bed as I make the whole bed shake as I laugh out loud. Funny light-hearted views of life.

[Therese]

I am a huge fan of murder mysteries. Not all about the romances anymore. Love James Patterson and his Alex Cross books. My criteria for books for my Nook is under $3. Will occasionally spring for a good one once in a while. I just read The Help and the Hunger Games series. All very good.

[Lesa]

I have been enjoying several books by Harriet Evans and Kate Morton.

[Sandra]

just printed the list. there are a couple that sound really good.

i just finished the hunger games trilogy. couldn't put it down. aren't the one that has raved about these books for several years now?

[UKCraftySal]

Always good to read your recommendations. I still go cold at the thought that I might not have found the Outlander series if it wasn't for you! I didn't know there were Lord John books, though...

I just read "One Day" by David Nichols, which was wonderful. I haven't (yet) seen the film, and am glad I've read the book first.

[UKCraftySal]

Just been to the library where, to my joy, I have found the first "Lord John" book, and the next "Outlander" book I wanted to read. Nothing much is going to get done here for a few days...!

[JMB]

I recently picked up "The Kitchen Counter Cooking School" by Kathleen Finn at B&N on a whim. I liked the title. The book was well written, easy breezy style and I picked up some good tips for cooking, storing food and saving money on groceries. All in all, I'd rate it a 4/5.

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

I have started reading Echo to the Bone, now that my company is all gone.