Okay ladies, and MEN - where are the men? You can choose a book too, and start it as a topic for discussion.
HIGH NOON by Nora Roberts
I found it repetitive. I thought it followed the same formula as Blue Smoke. In High Noon, the protagonist is a hostage negotiator because she was saved as a child by a hostage negotiator, and in Blue Smoke, the protagonist is an arson investigator because of an arson fire in her family's restaurant when she was a child.
This is not a very in depth review because it is 11 PM, and I am exhausted - just thought I would get the discussion going.
One of my all time favorite books was "One day in the life of Ivan Denisovich," by Alexander Solzhenitsyn in 1962. A Soviet prisoner Ivan Denisovich spent the day laying a brick wall in subzero Siberian weather. He was proud of his work and that he had survived another day in the Soviet slave labor camp.
Does this sound a bit like being an AD care giver?
High Noon was not my favorite Nora book - I love her witches series and key series.
I have met her twice. The first time was at a friend's small book store and Nora was coming for a book signing. I brought a paper bag with about 28 of her paperback books for her to autograph (I have every Nora Roberts/JD Robb book published). The wonderful lady laughed out loud and said I was her kind of fan and signed them all! This was before she was published in hardback. I went to another book signing in another city 15 years later and got an autograph of that one hardback to add to my library! She hadn't changed, but the lines were long!
Trisinger, I have read the JD Robb series twice! I am in love with Roarke too!
The JD Robb books are wonderful. They have gotten more complex as the series had gotten longer. You find yourself not only being interested in the mysteries, but also in the lives of all of the regular characters. The only Roberts books I keep are the JD Robb books because I've already read all of them at least twice.
NR writes killer men...the best thing about High Noon was the guy! ALso Chesapeak Blue is a favorite of mine again due to the main male.
Mary, who ISN"T in love with Roake? I always picture Pierce Brosnan in the role.
Is anyone a fan of the older Jennifer Cruisie books? "Welcome to Temptation" can still make me laugh. Her new ones written with a guy are dreadful...embarrasing actually.
Guess what? I was up and around at 2 a.m. so I got online to the library and ordered High Noon. They will e-mail me when it comes in. Now, is that handy or what?
May I may a request. I'd just as soon not read any books that Oprah recommends. Have you ever read any of them. They are all really depressing and downers. I choose not to read that kind of stuff for entertainment.
Nothing against Oprah--it's just that her book choices are not my cup of tea.
I read a LOT and my favorite Author in the past year is Robert Parker detective books.
I have just recently finished a book that was very interesting. The Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs. I seen the book mentioned on a book discussion site and borrowed it in Large Print from my Library. I thought it very entertaining and I actually learned more about the Bible from this book than 70 yrs. of Church going. The surprise to me was the author is a "self-described" agnostic Jew. If you want to learn more about the Bible in a light entertaining book, while keeping your Religious Beliefs, I recommend this book. The author reads the Bible, front to back and chooses to live a year while adhearing to the Bibical recommendations. Very enlightening, entertaining and humerous.
Imohr, I read a LOT too. Anything from biographies to Romance to Science Fantasy and Science Fiction.
Favorite authors include: Nora Roberts (and JD Robb too - love the characters), Laurell K. Hamilton, Sherilyn Kenyon, Robert Jordan (too bad he died before finishing the last book of his series), Raymond Fiest, Anne MacCaffrey, Christine Feehan, Susan Krinard, Johanna Lindsey, Catherine Coulter, Mercedes Lackey, etc.
Before AD, I was reading between 275 and 300 books a year. Just before putting him a facility I was happy to finish one book a week and now with him in a facility I am back to 2-3 books a week.
I am currently reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Acheron" - it is pretty good so far. Ash is one of my favorite characters in her series of books.
I liked "High Noon" but thought that it wasn't her best effort. I finished Tribute last week and thought that was better. I have been reading a lot of NR's earlier books. It is interesting to see how she grows as an author through her books over the years.
I would recommend highly Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund. It is beautifully written and is a book that normally I wouldn't be able to put down, but I've read it over several months (wonder why?). It is easy to pick up and continue with the story - it is wonderful writing.
therrja, "Acheron" just came out! You must have rushed to the book store or preordered it through Amazon! We're getting it tonight. Ash is one of our favorites as well. Your list of authors parallels mine.....
Great list of authors. I've read many of them. I like Mitch Albom's stuff.he's only written 5 books so far and I've read 3 of them. Also, I really enjoy David Baldachi. Good mystery/lawyer stuff. Also, John Grisham.
This is GREAT! It doesn't hurt to have something else to think about rather than what normally happens here. I am running out of authors, so hearing about all these books that may be new to me is terrific.
I like the big books too sunshyne as well as series books The last books I have read were the Golden Compass( His Dark Materials series) Chronicles of Narnia, Eragon/Eldest (Inheritance) and I must admit I reread all the Harry Potter books.
I will go to the library tomorrow and look for High Noon, any other suggestions for JD Robb/Nora Roberts books to check out?
Nikki, there are about 25 or so books in the JD Robb series, and to get to know all the characters and everything that happens to them (the next book takes up where the last one left off - however, they do stand alone) you really need to begin with the very first JD Robb book. It is when Eve Dallas meets Roarke for the first time - and it is still my favorite!
Honors Splendor by Julie Garwood is a historical romance favorite.
Catherine Coulter's Tailspin (which is on the current best seller list) is very good.
Thank you Mary. I did a quick search before I posted and saw ALL the books and had no idea where to start! I have read a couple of her books, but not the JD Robb series. Should keep me busy for awhile! I wouldn't mind playing the Harry trivia, I got hooked and was one of the millions waiting in line at midnight for my book lol
What a great way to collect the names of recommended authors to check out. I have read most all of the books by my favorites and new ones have not been released.
Agree with comment on skipping books recommended by Oprah, they are depressing and seem to have a sameness.
Has anyone read the J.A.Nance books? She is terrific, but like the JD Robb series, you should start her Seattle series from the first. Wonderful writer. She also has a SW series that is very well written. Since her Seattle character's home base is in an area of Seattle we went to twice a year, it is special to me. I would put this on a first choice list if you haven't read her books.
Nikki, have you read NR's "THree Fates" or her one set in Alaska..name escapes me now..both are good reads. One of my all time favs is Susan Elizabeth Phillips...everything she does is good, I think..quick, clever and entertaining. Her football series is great...the last of the series is "Natural Born Charmer"..amazon has them all.
Nikki, yes, that is the first one. These days you should find a complete list, in order, in just about all of the books. If you decide you like them, you might want to print out the list and check them off as you either buy them or get them from the library. Otherwise it becomes too confusing (for me anyway).
I have read most of NR's books and Sandra Browns. One of my favorite David Baldacchi's books was The Lottery Winner - some of his are more for the men but is really a great story teller. Always enjoy a good mistery.
Okay, I am now 1/2 through Archeron - yes I did preorder it from Amazon. It is going very well. It is fun to see how he got to where he is in the present day series.
For the mystery readers and more action readers - Harlen Coben is good and we also like Lee Childs. We also like Tami Hoag (my sisters don't like her as her forensic details aren't always correct).
We have read some of David Baldacchi - The Lottery Winner was terrific.
Several of us are readers here at work and we often share books - that is such a great way to get interested in other authors.
My cousin is never without a book - she says you never know when you will have a few minutes you can read.
I keep thinking about Amazon's Kindle (Electronic Book Reader) - not ready yet I am waiting for the next generation to fix any problems with the first one but for traveling and ease of always having a book available, I think it is terrific (I like a lot of techie toys). The downside is that it is hard to share books that way. But think of all the shelf space that you wouldn't need.
therrja, my daughter brought the book home and started it last night. It is a thick one! She has to finish it before the weekend so that her sister can read it. I get it last! <grin> She also brought home Sherrilyn Kenyon's latest "sister" book.
I just read my first Lee Childs book about a month ago. I've now read three. I like his writing and his characters very much.
I just got the book from our library. They have two copies and one was marked as being available, and I actually managed to find it, which is just short of amazing. It is a weird library, but it does have lots of books that I don't have to purchase in order to read them.
I recently discovered Charles Martin, he is good refreshing writer and has written several novels most of the library systems carry them . The other mystery writer I have discovered is Edna Buchanan. I got quickly tired of the JDRobb series "in death" b/c they became so predicable and "cookie cutter". I absolutely love the James Lee Burke series and his daugher has started writing she has two novels out her name is Alafair Burke. She is real good. My books are my escapes from the hard cold reality of the loneliness I live with.
Oh, I have to continue the JD Robb series - watching Eve and Roarke evolve after the childhoods they had is a wonderful testiment to overcoming adversity.
I'll check out Charles Martin and James Lee Burke. Thanks!
I've started HIGH NOON. It grabbed me within the first 10 pages and won't let go. I'm loving it.
I haven't read all that much of the current Nora Roberts other than the Robb books. But I've discovered that I just love her writing. I like the old simple stories and I like the new, more complex, stories. At this point the main character has been attacked and although she thinks she knows who did it, I'm not totally sure she is right. It isn't obvious that she is, or that she isn't right. And I like that.
Someone was upset that Roberts is repeititve. Well, I just finished NORTHERN LIGHTS and although the two books belong to the same "series" (intended for hard cover publication) they are nothing alike and neither are the male and female characters. There are some things that Roberts will repeat. There is lots of Irish in her stories. She handles abused women characters very well. It isn't unusual for her characters to have "history". But there are enough differences to make it all work for me. She writes very well. I've read her very first book, and even that was a fun story to read. She has grown amazingly as a writer. I like her very much.
I'll let you know what I think of the story as a whole once I finish it.
Has anyone read Independent People? It was written in 1908 (if I remember corectly) and the author, Haldor Laxness, won a Nobel Peace Prize for it. It is about a fellow in Iceland who works hard to become independent. He never changes his view that being independent solves everything. In fact, he is a stupid man! I don't know why I liked that book so much, but I did!
Nora Robertsm, JD Robb, Jeffrey Deaver(Licoln Rhyme titles), James Patterson,Chruistine Feehan (3 series), Marie Ferrerella, Kelly St. Johns, Rebecca York, Christina Skye, Keri Arthur,Ann McCaffrey . . .I could just keep on going. I red A Lot. Some things are long, involved and weighty. Some purely fluff. Even with my teeny part time job and being my hubby's Guardian/caregiver, I read--sometimes 1-2 books in a wek, somtimes several more, depending on my time, how he is, and my need to go somewhere else and do something else. Escapist? You bet. Waste of my good mind--No Way. This is preserving my mind, given the rabbit hole we fell into with Vascular Dementia.
Just received an e-mail today from the library. High Noon is in and I will pick it up Monday a.m. I'm anxious to start it. Has anyone read James North Patterson (different James Patterson). Good stuff!
I wouldn't mind reading and discussing "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Parker Lee AGAIN. Loved that book. I've read it at least 3 times, also the Cliff Notes, and watched the movie a couple of times. That was the only book she ever wrote. If I could write like that.....well, I can't so there's no use speculating. However, I wonder what iat would be like. Sigh!
I just finished "Water for elephants" What a wonderful book. It's about the circus during the depression, and also about aging. there is just so much to hang onto. the book had me at the first page. The Prologue actually. the author is Sara Gruen, and it won several awards. I highly recommend it.
I liked "Water for Elephants" a lot too. The idea of discussing "To Kill a Mockingbird" really appeals to me. I haven't read it in a long time. I also like most books by Jodi Picoult, but her books might be a little depressing. We're reading "Nineteen Minutes", which is about a school shooting, for a face-to-face book club I belong to.
"Water for Elephants" was a great book. I think I'll reread "To Kill a Mockingbird" now that you mention it. Another great book is "Three Cups of Tea". I'm glad for this post - it makes me remember some wonderful reading and gives me ideas, too!
Mawzy, I think you're referring to Richard North Patterson..I have read all his books . His new one "The Race" is very "today" and terrific. I'm not a fan of politics, but this is so relevant and well done...pick it up if you haven't already...just came out in paperback.
I finished HIGH NOON today. I'm really glad that someone suggested we read it. I haven't read BLUE SMOKE, but I'll look for it. Roberts has written so many books I'd be surprised if she didn't repeat themes, but I haven't seen her repeat a plot so far and this one was done very well.
Water for Elephants was great, I've read a lot of Nora Roberts...the three "Born in..." books were my first ones, so I still really like them...Born in Fire, Born in Ice and one other one...set in Ireland.
I'm not a cat person, but the Lilian Jackson Braun books "The Cat Who" series is GREAT!!!!!!
Oddly enough, I wouldn't suggest reading them from the start. The early ones are not as grabbing, IMHO. Start off with "The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts," and maybe "The Cat Who Saw Stars". Then go back and find out how Qwill got started and how he got Koko, and read the rest of the series through to the end. If you like a good, clean, fun mystery, you will love Braun. No sex or violence (the JD Robb's can be kind of intense if you are not ready for it), but people do die, and the cat is always right.
Cliff notes aren't cheating, are they? I think they are still in the bigger libraries. I read the book along with the cliff notes. Their interpretation made stuff so much clearer to me.
You're right--it is Richard North Patterson. (not James). I love his stuff.
Jodi Picoult is good, but you reallyhave to be in the mood. Did anyone read My Sister's Keeper. It took me days to settle down after I read that one.
Mawzy, you used Cliff notes the way they are supposed to be used.
I read Chauser without a modern English translation because the book we were reading out of didn't have one, and I was so young I didn't know any better. Frankly the difference in the language meant that I missed quite a lot of what was going on with just the Middle English. When I found out my fellow students had bought copies with a line by line translation I thought they were cheating, but they weren't. They were just making sure they actually understood what they were reading.
I read My Sister's Keeper with a local book club, and it was one of the books that set me off. I considered the ending a cheat. The wrong sister died. In reality the sick sister should have died and the well sister should have begun to have her own life. In the real world she would have had to deal with the fact that her sick sister died and that would have been another book.
I'm not a cat person either, but I just loved all those "Cat Who" books . I read them all. That's the first fiction I really liked. I usually read non-fiction.
What I liked about My Sister's Keeper was the ending! Jodi Picoult's books are often like that. The ending makes perfect sense, but it isn't what you expect. In fact that's what I like about them. A friend told me about an on-line discussion group with Jodi Picoult. She said that a movie of My Sister's Keeper is being made, and the producers want to change the ending. She was adamantly opposed. I wonder what the final decision was. Picoult's latest book is Change of Heart.