Bookworms Thread

law_and_little1 · February 2019

My new years resolution last year was to use my work commute (25 mins each way on the train) to read. Just by doing that, I plowed through way more books than I even intended! Thought we could all share some recommendations for 2019.

So, share some of your favorite recent reads in each category, or just a few categories, or invent your own categories -- whatever you want!

Fiction -
Nonfiction -
Couldn't put it down -
Made you think -
Made you cry -
Changed your perspective -
Baby related -
Parenting related -
Hated (reverse recommendation) -

law_and_little1 · February 2019

Here are some of mine from 2018:

Fiction - The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver
Nonfiction - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain
Couldn't put it down - The Couple Next Door, by Shari Lapena
Made you think - Change of Heart, by Jodi Picoult
Made you cry - The Darkest Child, by Delores Phillips
Changed your perspective - Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, by Bryan Stevenson
Pregnancy related - N/A
Parenting related - N/A
Hated (reverse recommendation) - Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

EmilyA724 · February 2019

Poisonwood Bible is my all-time favorite books!

Just Mercy is so powerful. I got to see him talk and he is so inspiring. EJI is my dream place to work.

I really liked Life of Pi, apart from the very ending, I thought it was good!

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

Fiction - Circe by Madeline Miller
Nonfiction - White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Couldn't put it down - The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Made you think - (see Nonfiction)
Made you cry - The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Changed your perspective - (see nonfiction)
Baby related - N/A
Parenting related - N/A
Hated (reverse recommendation) - Still Lives by Maria Hummel (SO BORING)

sourlemon · February 2019

I'll be stealing ideas from here...I need to read more!

moon1417 · February 2019

I love to read! But I haven't read finished a book in so long. WAIT! That's a lie I just went to the Bahamas and started and finished a book! First one in what feels like years but..

The Mansion by Ezekiel Boone - it was a good fast predictable read. If you like a sort of creepy-technology story that almost reads like a fictional Steve Jobs biography. Def not the best book I've ever read haha, am I selling it?

I am currently trying to read Tommyknockers by Stephen King. This is the second time I've started it. I want to read the Stand but I don't have it so I started this one, again.

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

@moon1417 guuuurl you are speaking my love language with Stephen King. He's my all-time favorite author. I'm currently on the last book in the Bill Hodges trilogy, "End of Watch." I haven't read The Tommyknockers yet, but I have read The Stand twice. I read it once when I was 12, and I re-read it two summers ago. IT'S SO GOOD. I'd also recommend IT if you haven't read it already—it's incredible. My favorite thing he's written in the last 20 years, though, is 11.22.63. It was phenomenal. (And also very long.)

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

@law_and_little1 The Poisonwood Bible has been on my to-read list for years!

law_and_little1 · February 2019

@EmilyA724 @hey_clever_girl - Ahh, yes! Poisonwood was so so brilliant. I love hearing which character everyone connected with. For me it was Adah.

mrosek91 · February 2019

Fiction - Strong Poison. It's actually #5 in the Lord Peter Wimsey series which is really old, my library doesn't have them, I get them at used book stores, but they're really good.
Nonfiction - I don't read non-fiction I've tried a few times but I can't get through it.
Couldn't put it down - Version Control by Dexter Palmer, it was very slow, but I still couldn't put it down. It really makes you think about who we trust with our information, and what the internet is.
Made you think - see version Control above
Made you cry - See version Control above
Changed your perspective - nothing I can think of, I tend to like cheap, fun reads.
Baby related - N/A
Parenting related - Siblings without Rivalry, my pediatrician has a library in the lobby you can borrow books, I got it from them I think it's pretty old, my boys are a little young for most of the techniques in it, but it makes you think about how kid's minds and I have implemented some stuff from it.
Hated (reverse recommendation) -

moon1417 · February 2019

@hey_clever_girl you make me want to ditch Tommyknockers and order The Stand so bad. I have IT and grew up on the movie. I started IT but got distracted. Not sure where it is. I am not a huge fan of the new movie.

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

@moon1417 😂😂 I cant speak for how good The Tommyknockers is, but The Stand is just so fantastic. I liked the new IT movie, actually, and I’m super pumped for Pet Sematary. THAT is the scariest book I’ve ever read in my life!

moon1417 · February 2019

@hey_clever_girl OMG I read pet seminary when I was like 14. Freaked ME OUT. I then of course watched the movie a few times! I just saw the trailer for the new one... I don't think I can do it having kids now.. I was like nope NOPE NOPE watching it. "Hug your daughter" NOPE def scariest book I've ever read too.

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

@moon1417 duuuuuude I haven’t been able to watch the original since becoming a parent. My little boy is right at Gage’s age and is blonde just like him 😱😱

moon1417 · February 2019

@hey_clever_girl I saw the trailer again last night while watching The Walking Dead. Still a hard NOPE. But I will say that it seems more sci-fy and unbelievable this time around. Like with gage, he was so convincing and it seemed like that's what it would be like if it was real - which made it super scary. Gage is a hard NO for a name btw if we have a boy haha

peachy0709 · February 2019

My goal this year is only 12 books, but I actually think that will be obtainable with work travel. Once I'm on leave and have three kiddos, however, ALL BETS ARE OFF.

These are 100% recency error (and apparently really skewed by the Reese bookclub):

Fiction - Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Nonfiction - Fuel by Alok Deshpande (I'm not a huge non-fiction reader and not for any particular reason)

Couldn't put it down - Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton and Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

Made you think - The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (let me frank that this is not the most thought provoking book you'll ever read)

Made you cry - Life & Other Near Death Experiences by Camille Pagan

Changed your perspective - Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Anne Fowler (I really love historical fiction for this category and as a genre in general)

Baby related - FFC? I haven't read a baby book in 5 years, but I really liked Expecting Better (which is more about pregnancy than babies) by Emily Oster

Parenting related - Small Animals by Kim Brooks (yes, I know this is the third time I've mentioned it here)

Hated (reverse recommendation) - I don't know that would never recommend it, but Faithful by Alice Hoffman bothered me for a lot of reasons

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

@moon1417 RIGHT? My nephew had a friend named Gage when they were little and I was like AHHH WHY THO. Maybe his parents had never seen/read Pet Sematary hahaha

peachy0709 · February 2019

@mrosek91 HAHAHA, I read Siblings without Rivalry when I was like 11 years old and made my parents sit down while I explained it to them and had them reference pages. I wonder why they preferred my sister to me....

MamaK225 · February 2019

I'll admit, I'm an Audible addict. It's hard for me to find time to physically read a book (or remember to bring it with me), so I use my 30-ish min commute and/or the 30-ish min it takes me to wind down at night to read/listen to books. Here are some recents.

Fiction - I've been on a historical (late 19th century) fiction kick lately, with so many "favorites" ... it's hard to choose one.
Nonfiction - "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Couldn't put it down - "The Witches of New York" by Ami McKay (though I was a bit displeased with the "hurried" ending)
Made you think - "How not to Hate Your Husband After you Have Kids" by Jancee Dunn
Made you cry - n/a - it's been a loooooong time since I've cried from a book, I can't remember
Changed your perspective - "Circe" by Madelline Miller
Baby related - "From Dude to Dad" by Chris Pegula
Parenting related - "How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen" by Joanna Faber & Julie King
Hated (reverse recommendation) - "Simple Favor" by Darcey Bell; it pains me to say, but the movie was BY FAR superior to the book. It had a great premise, I think she just revealed too much, too soon about each of the characters so I couldn't care for them - they were all just awful. In the movie, there was *some* mystery and as it progressed, their foibles were exposed ... but by that time, you already loved each one of them. Made for a much better story/plot progression. Plus, Anna Kendrick AND Blake Lively? C'mon.

Avrilmai · February 2019

@hey_clever_girl I've had 11/22/63 on my to read list/kindle for ages! I really need to get to it. I've never read a King book, but my H loves them.
@peachy0709 My goal for this year is 12 too. I figured I could do at least one a month, but I may have to front load since I get the feeling the end of the year will be very different for me.

I am definitely adding some of your recommendations to my list.

I spent the last half of last year re-reading all of the Harry Potter books, so I don't have much to put on the list below.
Nonfiction - currently reading Becoming-Michelle Obama
Baby related - Mayo Clinic guide to Pregnancy
Hated (reverse recommendation) - John Grisham's The Chamber, it was the first book I just remember hating and did not want to finish, so I didn't

mrosek91 · February 2019

@hey_clever_girl @MamaK225 I listen to a book recs podcasts that focuses on SciFi/Fanatasy, and they find a way to mention Circe in almost every episode, I keep thinking I need to read that, and then I don't... So you finally pushed me to just go to my library and put a hold on it. Turns out it's as popular as everyone keeps saying it is... I'm number 111 on the hold list. I hope it gets here before this baby

MamaK225 · February 2019

@mrosek91 - If you like Greek mythology, you'll love it. It's a whole new perspective on this "temptress" ... and if you *do* get the Audible version (I believe most libraries allow for check-outs), the narrator is FABULOUS. Like I listened to the book THREE times in a row because her voice is so soothing/enjoyable. But the book is amazing.

Avrilmai · February 2019

@MamaK225 Circe has been on my list for a while too, but after that review I may need to get the audio book!

mrosek91 · February 2019

@MamaK225 I used to love mythology books, but recently I feel like it's too overdone, I think that's why I was dragging my feet on this one. But with so many people saying it's a must read, I will check it out. My library's audiobook has 459 holds, so not sure that will be the better option.
Also, I usually do podcasts on my commute, and since I'm subscribed to ~50, even with an hour drive each way, I'm usually behind, so I don't really have time for an audiobook.
I'm hoping no one makes a podcast recs thread, because I'm a sucker for any good sounding ones. It's fitting that the name of the app I use is PodcastAddict.

lilmamabebe3 · February 2019

@MamaK225 OMG YES! I bought A Simple Favor at the airport on a flight home from LA. It started out intriguing enough but 1. too much too soon, 2. the ending--what the actual fuck? I was so annoyed by the middle of the book I just finished it because people said it was good. Such a waste. A terribly written book.

Fiction - The Hate U Give, The Woman in the Window for suspense, also love Liane Moriarty and Emily Giffin for easy to read, chick-lit type of stuff.
Nonfiction - I really want to read Becoming. Currently reading Hard Choices.
Couldn't put it down - Behind Closed Doors!! Not my favorite but interesting enough to keep me going and the ending was decent. I tend to judge a lot of books by the ending.
Made you think - The Hate U Give. White Fragility
Made you cry - I haven't cried over a book in a long time
Changed your perspective - See made you think.
Baby related - ?
Parenting related - Peaceful Parent, Happy Child
Hated (reverse recommendation) - Bringing Up Bebe is the biggest piece of bullshit I have ever read on parenting. Before kids, I was like yes this is my parenting style. Lololololololol.

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

@Avrilmai The cool thing about 11.22.63 is that it's not really your typical King story. He's known as the master of horror, but this story isn't really horror-focused. It's obviously got some fantasy elements to it, but it's just a fantastic story with great characters. I know a lot of folks who don't like horror novels who LOVE this one.

@mrosek91 Circe was just so. good. I thought it was such a great spin and retelling of a character that got ZERO real character development in the story in which she originally appeared. It's also pretty feminist, which is my jam.

@lilmamabebe3 The Hate U Give is on my to-read list! She just came out with a new one, too! And I also love Liane Moriarty.

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

Have any of y'all heard of the Book of the Month club? I joined about a year and a half ago and I LOVE IT. It's gotten me out of my reading comfort zone like WHOA. You get to pick a new hardcover book each month (there are 5 choices) for $14.99 & they deliver it to your door. There's no discussion, no Facebook group you have to join, etc. There is a strong emphasis on featuring women authors and authors of color. Lots of exclusive books, too. You can also add on books from months past for just $10. I seriously can't rave about BOTM enough. Here is the link; full disclosure, if you sign up using this link I will get a free book. https://www.mybotm.com/7bmaicgwxe34bo6r

I seriously look forward to the first of each month because it's new book pick day!

Avrilmai · February 2019

@lilmamabebe3 did you read the New Yorker article/profile on the author of The Woman in the Window? that was a fascinating read. has anyone else read that article?

MamaK225 · February 2019

I've been wanting to read The Hate U Give, since the movie has been available (I'm holding out watching it until I read it) ... I just need to get over my natural aversion to difficult topics that hit too close to home and just read it, I've heard nothing but rave reviews.

peachy0709 · February 2019

@lilmamabebe3 - Do you follow Emily Giffin on IG? Based on what you said on another thread about your political activity, you would LOVE IT!

lilmamabebe3 · February 2019

@hey_clever_girl My husband got me a subscription for Christmas and I am reading my first one now, waiting on my second book to arrive! I really like it!

@peachy0709 yes! I love her.

@Avrilmai no! Do you have a link?

mrosek91 · February 2019

@lilmamabebe3 I loved the Hate U Give. I always say that reading is my break, so I refuse to read heavy or sad books, the exception to that is books from SJL's battle of the books (I'm so sad they're not doing that this year.) I use their list to get me out of my comfort zone.
The Hate U Give, and the Sun is Also a Star were hands down the best books from last's year's battle, I was so disappointed neither of them won.
But looking up last's years battle makes me realize I do have a reverse recommendation "The Passion of Dolssa" that was a strange book.

Avrilmai · February 2019

@lilmamabebe3 here ya go.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/11/a-suspense-novelists-trail-of-deceptions

lilmamabebe3 · February 2019

@Avrilmai running to meetings but will be back to read and discuss!

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

@lilmamabebe3 which book did you pick this month? I chose A Woman is No Man.

lilmamabebe3 · February 2019

Avrilmai said:

@lilmamabebe3 here ya go.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/11/a-suspense-novelists-trail-of-deceptions

Omg this quote:

In 2016, midway through the auction for “The Woman in the Window,” the author’s real name was revealed to bidders. At that point, most publishing houses dropped out.

Yikes. And the whole article is so strange.

Avrilmai · February 2019

@lilmamabebe3 IKR. the whole thing is so bizarre/interesting.

lilmamabebe3 · February 2019

@hey_clever_girl I got the Winter Sister. I thought it was tough to choose this month for sure. I got the Silent Patient last month and I am still reading that but want to get to the ending. It's just been hard with how sick I am, it hurts to look at a book or a screen.

lilnessi · February 2019

im a big "reader" and go through a ton of books. I use audible though as i'm a commuter and having a hard copy book doesn't work with all the transfers i have to make. I love thrillers/mystery so i dont really read a lot of non-fiction...

Currently reading: The Kind worth killing
Fiction - Where the crawdads sing, the child finder, the good daughter, the good wife, year one, then she was gone, the unwind series, the scythe series.
Nonfiction -
Couldn't put it down - The Child Finder, Year One
Made you think - Girl Wash Your face
Made you cry - Before we were yours
Changed your perspective -
Baby related -
Parenting related -
Hated (reverse recommendation) - hmm. i havent read a book that i hated yet..I did start a book called "Good Omens" and i just cant seem to get through it..its not terrible i just cant stick to it lol.

hey_clever_girl · February 2019

@lilmamabebe3 that’s the one I got last month too. I haven’t started it yet!

purplg8r · February 2019

I am a HUGE bookworm! My goal this year is 75 books but I’m not sure I’ll hit it once my LO arrives (and is it horrible to say that I’m panicking at the idea of not being able to read as much??)

This is based off books I read last year

Fiction - Autoboyography by Christina Lauren, The Summwr List by Amy Nadon Doan, Swear on This Life by Renee Carlino, The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel, What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Nonfiction - I’m not a non-fiction fan. The only one I read was Girl Wash Your Face and it was only okay

Couldn't put it down - any of the fiction ones I listed

Made you think - The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Made you cry - I don’t cry easily

Changed your perspective - The Hate U Give

Baby related - have only read an older What to Expect

Parenting related - nothing

Hated (reverse recommendation) - My Husband’s Wife by Jane Corry, Dare Ne by Megan Abbot, 1984 by George Orwell, A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, A Prayer for Owen Meant by John Irving, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet (I’m reading some of the PBS The Great American Reads books but not really liking them)

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