dc2london
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Post by dc2london on Sept 29, 2021 14:57:17 GMT -6
For books!
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overboard
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Post by overboard on Sept 29, 2021 15:30:18 GMT -6
I’m reading Beautiful Country, by Qian Julie Wang.
Here’s the description: In Chinese, the word for America, Mei Guo, translates directly to “beautiful country.” Yet when seven-year-old Qian arrives in New York City in 1994 full of curiosity, she is overwhelmed by crushing fear and scarcity. In China, Qian’s parents were professors; in America, her family is “illegal” and it will require all the determination and small joys they can muster to survive.
In Chinatown, Qian’s parents labor in sweatshops. Instead of laughing at her jokes, they fight constantly, taking out the stress of their new life on one another. Shunned by her classmates and teachers for her limited English, Qian takes refuge in the library and masters the language through books, coming to think of The Berenstain Bears as her first American friends. And where there is delight to be found, Qian relishes it: her first bite of gloriously greasy pizza, weekly “shopping days,” when Qian finds small treasures in the trash lining Brooklyn’s streets, and a magical Christmas visit to Rockefeller Center—confirmation that the New York City she saw in movies does exist after all.
But then Qian’s headstrong Ma Ma collapses, revealing an illness that she has kept secret for months for fear of the cost and scrutiny of a doctor’s visit. As Ba Ba retreats further inward, Qian has little to hold onto beyond his constant refrain: Whatever happens, say that you were born here, that you’ve always lived here.
Inhabiting her childhood perspective with exquisite lyric clarity and unforgettable charm and strength, Qian Julie Wang has penned an essential American story about a family fracturing under the weight of invisibility, and a girl coming of age in the shadows, who never stops seeking the light.
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dc2london
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Post by dc2london on Sept 29, 2021 15:47:31 GMT -6
Favorites I've read recently:
Such a Fun Age
Watching You
When No One is Watching
People We Meet on Vacation
The Last Letter from your Lover
I'm currently reading Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell:
Young Saffyre Maddox spent three years under the care of renowned child psychologist Roan Fours. When Dr. Fours decides their sessions should end, Saffyre feels abandoned. She begins looking for ways to connect with him, from waiting outside his office to walking through his neighborhood late at night. She soon learns more than she ever wanted to about Roan and his deceptively perfect family life. On a chilly Valentine’s night, Saffyre will disappear, taking any secrets she has learned with her.
Owen Pick’s life is falling apart. In his thirties and living in his aunt’s spare bedroom, he has just been suspended from his job as a teacher after accusations of sexual misconduct—accusations he strongly denies. Searching for professional advice online, he is inadvertently sucked into the dark world of incel forums, where he meets a charismatic and mysterious figure.
Owen lives across the street from the Fours family. The Fours have a bad feeling about their neighbor; Owen is a bit creepy and suspect and their teenaged daughter swears he followed her home from the train station one night. Could Owen be responsible? What happened to the beautiful missing Saffyre, and does her disappearance truly connect them all?
Evocative, vivid, and unputdownable, Lisa Jewell’s latest thriller is another “haunting, atmospheric, stay-up-way-too-late read” (Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author).
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dc2london
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Post by dc2london on Sept 29, 2021 15:48:27 GMT -6
I'm also reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley
A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie from the New York Times best-selling author of The Hunting Party.
The bride - the plus one - the best man - the wedding planner - the bridesmaid - the body.
On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.
But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.
And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?
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fatpony
Amethyst
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Post by fatpony on Sept 29, 2021 15:56:32 GMT -6
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leahcar
Sapphire
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Post by leahcar on Sept 29, 2021 16:01:49 GMT -6
I’m listening to The Splendid & The Vile by Erik Larson. It is about Winston Churchill during WWII.
Then I’m reading Outlove. I just started so TBD how good it is.
I also have The President’s Daughter by James Patterson & Bill Clinton in my Libby so I guess that’s next.
I bought the Huntress by Kate Quinn at HPB Saturday, but need to finish my library stuff first. I love her books so I’m motivated to hurry up with the others.
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Minerva
Ruby
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Post by Minerva on Sept 29, 2021 16:11:53 GMT -6
I enjoyed all of those too! The 3rd Castles novel (When a Scot Ties the Knot) was my favorite - the protagonist is socially anxious and studies crustaceans. 🤣 |
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Minerva
Ruby
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Post by Minerva on Sept 29, 2021 16:17:55 GMT -6
I just finished When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole. It’s a gentrification themed thriller. It’s over the top in a Get Out sort of way, but it made me think. I love her Reluctant Royals romance series.
I’m working through Naomi Novak’s latest, The Last Graduate. It’s the second in a trilogy and I’m kicking myself for reading it before all 3 books are out, but I just can’t stop myself.
I have The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang on loan from the library, so that will probably be my next read.
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loony
Emerald
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Post by loony on Sept 29, 2021 16:40:54 GMT -6
Have you read Addie LaRue yet? I loved that one (despite other people's hesitations). |
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loony
Emerald
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Post by loony on Sept 29, 2021 16:45:22 GMT -6
I just finished, Fuzz: When Animals Break the Law by Mary Roach (highly entertaining listen and hit close to home with the Bear issues)
I re-read A Discovery of Witches over evacuation and fell in love with all the characters again.
I'm also listening to Vanderbilt, read by Anderson Cooper (I could listen to him talk all day and so it is fabulous).
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Dr. Cox
Emerald
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Post by Dr. Cox on Sept 29, 2021 16:59:29 GMT -6
dc2london, I just finished The Guest List and loved it! I couldn’t put it down and ended up staying up until 2:30 am to finish it.
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Dr. Cox
Emerald
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Post by Dr. Cox on Sept 29, 2021 17:11:18 GMT -6
Recently read and recommend:
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (TW for some graphic DV)
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (so worthy of the hype)
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Every Last Secret by A. R. Torre
Don’t Recommend:
Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg (boring, couldn’t get into it or care about the characters)
The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine (writing seems rushed)
Currently reading:
The Gilded Shroud by Elizabeth Bailey (slow but keeping my attention)
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cmb
Sapphire
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Post by cmb on Sept 29, 2021 17:54:41 GMT -6
I’m listening to The Splendid & The Vile by Erik Larson. It is about Winston Churchill during WWII. Then I’m reading Outlove. I just started so TBD how good it is. I also have The President’s Daughter by James Patterson & Bill Clinton in my Libby so I guess that’s next. I bought the Huntress by Kate Quinn at HPB Saturday, but need to finish my library stuff first. I love her books so I’m motivated to hurry up with the others. I really liked The President’s Daughter. Did also you read The President is Missing? I think Clinton and Patterson work really well together |
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beaf12
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Post by beaf12 on Sept 29, 2021 18:27:25 GMT -6
I recently finished Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough. It was very good. There’s a Netflix miniseries, but I haven’t watched it yet.
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer. It’s a WW2 novel it was also good although I did not care for the narrator for the present day granddaughter’s parts.
Currently reading YA novel Felix Ever After by Karen Callender. It’s about a transgender teen who’s struggling with their identity and relationships. I thought my daughter would like it so I started it and I’m really enjoying it. DD and her friends are very interested in gender identity and LGBTQ, she’s interested and has put it on her reading list.
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mathrun
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Post by mathrun on Sept 29, 2021 19:01:36 GMT -6
Recent reads:
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Thune - 5 stars
When Things Get Dark by Ellen Datlow (compilation of short spooky stories) 4 stars
The Guest List by Lucy Foley - 4 stars
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein- 4.5 stars
Currently reading The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris (loving it) and The Premonition by Michael Lewis ( just barely started)
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overboard
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Post by overboard on Sept 29, 2021 19:05:28 GMT -6
Minerva I loved when a scot ties the knot too! Have you read my dearest enemy by Connie brockway? fatpony Have you tried Cecilia Grant yet?
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fatpony
Amethyst
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Post by fatpony on Sept 30, 2021 7:15:17 GMT -6
I enjoyed all of those too! The 3rd Castles novel (When a Scot Ties the Knot) was my favorite - the protagonist is socially anxious and studies crustaceans. 🤣 I loved the modern elements pulled in, like with the cosplay. It was so ridiculous yet charming. |
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fatpony
Amethyst
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Post by fatpony on Sept 30, 2021 7:16:22 GMT -6
Have you read Addie LaRue yet? I loved that one (despite other people's hesitations). I haven't. I'll put it on my list. |
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fatpony
Amethyst
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Post by fatpony on Sept 30, 2021 7:17:07 GMT -6
Minerva I loved when a scot ties the knot too! Have you read my dearest enemy by Connie brockway? fatpony Have you tried Cecilia Grant yet? I haven't - do you have a favorite to start with? |
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fatpony
Amethyst
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Post by fatpony on Sept 30, 2021 7:19:14 GMT -6
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byjove
Ruby
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Post by byjove on Sept 30, 2021 7:25:49 GMT -6
Well met was great. I think the 3rd in the series is coming out soon. |
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fatpony
Amethyst
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Post by fatpony on Sept 30, 2021 7:28:41 GMT -6
Well met was great. I think the 3rd in the series is coming out soon. It is! I'm so annoyed I was denied by the publisher for an advanced copy of it. LOL |
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byjove
Ruby
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Post by byjove on Sept 30, 2021 7:32:20 GMT -6
I really enjoyed The Court of Thorns and Roses series recently. Lady Sherlock and The league of Extraordinary Women series are also faves.
Standouts this year have been Ethan Hawke’s Bright Ray of Darkness, The Magnolia sword (retelling of Mulan), anything by Catherine Steadman, and for regency romance the Ravenel books by Kleypas.
I’m currently reading a Simone St James- The Other side of midnight. 1920s England with psychics and a murder mystery. Up next is Rebecca. I don’t think I’ve ever actually read it.
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leahcar
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Post by leahcar on Sept 30, 2021 7:36:09 GMT -6
I’m listening to The Splendid & The Vile by Erik Larson. It is about Winston Churchill during WWII. Then I’m reading Outlove. I just started so TBD how good it is. I also have The President’s Daughter by James Patterson & Bill Clinton in my Libby so I guess that’s next. I bought the Huntress by Kate Quinn at HPB Saturday, but need to finish my library stuff first. I love her books so I’m motivated to hurry up with the others. I really liked The President’s Daughter. Did also you read The President is Missing? I think Clinton and Patterson work really well together I did read The President is Missing and enjoyed it. James Patterson is always a super fast read for me. I used to read all of his books with my mom so there's always something slightly nostalgic to me, even when it's a brand new book. |
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overboard
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Post by overboard on Sept 30, 2021 8:47:37 GMT -6
Minerva I loved when a scot ties the knot too! Have you read my dearest enemy by Connie brockway? fatpony Have you tried Cecilia Grant yet? I haven't - do you have a favorite to start with? I read blackshear family #1 and #3. My library doesn’t have #2. |
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beaf12
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Post by beaf12 on Sept 30, 2021 9:24:10 GMT -6
I know there are Outlander fans here. New book comes out in November. I often do a whole reread, but I think I’ll just reread the last 2 novels in preparation.
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Minerva
Ruby
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Post by Minerva on Sept 30, 2021 10:00:27 GMT -6
Minerva I loved when a scot ties the knot too! Have you read my dearest enemy by Connie brockway? fatpony Have you tried Cecilia Grant yet? Added to my list! |
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Post by oreobitsy on Sept 30, 2021 12:00:19 GMT -6
Hi! I also have a hard time catching up on the GD book thread. I love the recommendations though! I just finished Casey Wilson’s essay collection The Wreckage of my Presence. I have enjoyed her since watching Happy Wndings, so I enjoyed it. I don’t know if she’s everyone’s cup of tea.
I have Lianne Moriarty’s latest (Apples Never Fall) on Libby. I hated Nine Perfect Strangers so I’m hoping this is better.
I also picked up Four Winds by Kristin Hannah and The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews from my library.
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jkjacq
Ruby
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Post by jkjacq on Sept 30, 2021 12:14:45 GMT -6
I'm embarrassed about my current reading selections after reading all what you guys are reading.  I like paranormal witchy stuff, so I've gone thru all of available Yasmine Galenorn, Amanda Lee/Lily Hart, and currently Annabel Chase. however they are quick mindless reads and I need that. I have a few heavier ones that I need to start but I have to be in a good headspace first. |
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fatpony
Amethyst
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Post by fatpony on Sept 30, 2021 12:22:08 GMT -6
I'm embarrassed about my current reading selections after reading all what you guys are reading. I like paranormal witchy stuff, so I've gone thru all of available Yasmine Galenorn, Amanda Lee/Lily Hart, and currently Annabel Chase. however they are quick mindless reads and I need that. I have a few heavier ones that I need to start but I have to be in a good headspace first. No embarrasment allowed for reading what you enjoy. I don't have the words, but I read a good notquitearant about why women shouldn't feel ashamed for enjoying HEA. Basically, a book that doesn't have a woman being punished for having sex (by being murdered or whatever) is considered legitimante literature, but not books that allow women have sex and have a happy ending. |
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