Fermina’s Bookish Club - Resurrected

[Fermina_Daza]

Once upon a time ago (or 2015), I started a bookish little corner with a fellow bookish Litster. I’m not even sure he’s around here anymore, but I know there are some bookish Litsters around here.

So I decided to restart my little corner for all things bookish. And while the year isn’t over and a dark horse could still sweep in, I think I already know which book I read this year that I enjoyed the most - or at least has stayed with me the most.

I waited too long to read Station Eleven, worried it’s hype was too large. It wasn’t. Hauntingly beautiful, melancholic, not tied up neatly with a beautiful bow to make the reader feel all soft and fuzzy.

I repent nothing.

Now you tell me yours.

 

[Fermina_Daza]

*adds Station Eleven to my list*

I read a number of really good books this year. It’s hard to pick just one. I’d say it’s a tie between Educated by Tara Westover and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.

I have a few more on my bedside table that I am going to start soon: Piranesi by Suzanna Clarke, and The Overstory by Richard Powers.

Love this thread

I did Educated as an Audiobook and loved it. I’ve heard so many good things about Piranesi. I’m intentionally waiting on getting it though. I know I don’t have the time to really sit and delve into it like I want. Then I will get cranky that work/life is interfering with me reading.

 

[ProfLittleGiant]

I'm reading the Iron Druid Chronicles, Hexed. I can't decide what to read next. I'm split between One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest or something in the Historical/Supernatural Romance Sub-genres.

 

[LurkingPhoenix]

Is that the book with the “lobstrocities” and Roland?

Yes. And he's right. A metric fuckton of rereading. 7 books in all.

 

[Fermina_Daza]

The best book I’ve read this year is that series (Madd Addams), tied with this one...
https://www.npr.org/2019/03/26/7067...ker-is-a-powerful-look-at-one-black-mans-life

Made me laugh and cry and think and be mad.

I like messy endings. I’ll try Station Eleven, too.

I’m fond of messy endings also. I like books that make me really feel. I’m listening to Where the Crawdads Sing and already I can feel the tinge of sadness mounting. Nothing so wild and beautiful and free really escapes this world.

I love Atwood. Her writing (beyond Handmaid’s Tale) is amazing. I am going to read the second book once I finish the novella I’m reading called Sleep Donation.

 

[JennyNo1]

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30236962-the-historian

I love it. I’ve never read anything else by that author. I should.

I'm putting it on my list too.

Endless Nights and I have been talking about starting a thread that's more about discussing books than just saying what you're reading, since that's what we've wound up doing in one of her threads recently. So this is perfect timing. Lately we've been talking about some of our favorite older authors - Daphne du Maurier, Mary Stewart, and Thomas B. Costain. Everyone's heard of du Maurier's "Rebecca", but my favorite one of hers is "Frenchman's Creek"; she really knows how to plunge you into another time and place. All 3 are masters of what Enny calls "atmospheric" writing and suspenseful or adventure storytelling.

 

[JennyNo1]

I’m fond of messy endings also. I like books that make me really feel. I’m listening to Where the Crawdads Sing and already I can feel the tinge of sadness mounting. Nothing so wild and beautiful and free really escapes this world.

I love Atwood. Her writing (beyond Handmaid’s Tale) is amazing. I am going to read the second book once I finish the novella I’m reading called Sleep Donation.

Where the Crawdads Sing is really good, but for me the devastating loneliness of her situation was just overwhelming. If you like it, you might also like The Giver of Stars by JoJo Mayes.

 

[Fermina_Daza]

I'm in the middle of a Dune re-read.

Also just started Fender: The Inside Story by Forrest White. The story of the Fender music company as told by one of the longtime managers.

I never could get into Dune. And I too sometimes debate undertaking the Gunslinger series again. But whew, that’s a commitment. I’d probably have to do it on audiobook.

Go then. There are other worlds then this. *swoon for the messiness and heartache.*

 

[Fermina_Daza]

Where the Crawdads Sing is really good, but for me the devastating loneliness of her situation was just overwhelming. If you like it, you might also like The Giver of Stars by JoJo Mayes.

I’m at the point where it’s like you know everything is just going too well, that tragic creatures like her don’t get it that easy. So I will add the Giver of Stars to my list.

And you know I love talking about books. I don’t want to just list what I’m reading. I want to talk about why I like them and the quotes that I highlight and revisit and why.

Yay, books!

 

[JennyNo1]

I’m at the point where it’s like you know everything is just going too well, that tragic creatures like her don’t get it that easy. So I will add the Giver of Stars to my list.

And you know I love talking about books. I don’t want to just list what I’m reading. I want to talk about why I like them and the quotes that I highlight and revisit and why.

Yay, books!

That's one thing I like about Kindle, being able to have a list of my highlighted passages right there.

... but, then I want to bubble over, and talk about ALL the books, EVER!

Do it!

 

[Fermina_Daza]

... but, then I want to bubble over, and talk about ALL the books, EVER!

Honestly, that’s kind of the point of this thread.

 

[HotBrand]

Nerrrrrrrrdz.

That's right. I'm judging you all for reading pieces of paper, talking about words, and sniffing pages for that "book smell".

... and I'm one of you!

Books, baby, books. The only time I can misspell a word on Lit and not be disappointed is BOOKS.

So someone get this thread rolling so I can impress y'all with my erudite education.

P.S. Fermina_Daza. If you want me to talk about glitter, clear your inbox. You cad.

 

[Booboobear84]

I’m about to start Mamelukes posthumously published by Jerry Pournelle. It’s a book I’ve waited 30 plus years to read.

 

[Fermina_Daza]

Nerrrrrrrrdz.

That's right. I'm judging you all for reading pieces of paper, talking about words, and sniffing pages for that "book smell".

... and I'm one of you!

Books, baby, books. The only time I can misspell a word on Lit and not be disappointed is BOOKS.

So someone get this thread rolling so I can impress y'all with my erudite education.

P.S. Fermina_Daza. If you want me to talk about glitter, clear your inbox. You cad.

Did you just use MY word against me? The nerve of you youngsters.

There’s a couple spots open now, btw.


And Farah, I started book 2 today of the MadAddam series. I pushed it up on my list because of your earlier comment.

 

[sallycee]

Great thread! I am subscribing too. I love to hear what people love about a book and how it actually makes them feel!!
I read many on my iPad but prefer the actual books.
I am just finishing a true crime by Ann Rule, Mortal Danger.
Definitely going to add The Historian to my list.

 

[sallycee]

Do you all finish books that you’ve started whether you like them or not? Or are you ok with abandoning (a dramatic word, I know) a book that you aren’t enjoying?

I can jump ship, usually.

I have abandoned many a book!!

 

[HotBrand]

I feel a little humbled.

Everyone seems so much more developed in their reading list than I am!

Does anyone read multiple books at all? If so, do you sometimes accidentally confuse plots?

 

[LustfulIntentions2]

I haven’t copiously read in about 2 years. I’m addicted to my smart phone. I’m trying to get back to where I was. Yes. I read multiple books, and I never get them confused. Each book is a different world.

Yeah, I have a bad habit of starting (and stopping) multiple books, and I either kill a book in under 10 days, or it takes FOREVER to get through something. For example, I've been reading Gore Vidal's Lincoln for like 3 years.

 

[Lydia_Deetz]

I feel a little humbled.

Everyone seems so much more developed in their reading list than I am!

Does anyone read multiple books at all? If so, do you sometimes accidentally confuse plots?

I've read multiple books at once. I haven't mixed up plots but do find I have to reread some of the story to remember what's going on.

 

[LustfulIntentions2]

You like shiny new boobs... I mean, BOOKS!
Favorite book?

Ha ha, look who's funny. And they don't have to be shiny. I get used ones all the time.

I'm not a 'favorite book' kind of person. Sort of how I'm not a 'favorite record' kind of person. It's a matter of mood, time of year, what's capturing my interest at the time.

For example, one of the best ones I've read in the last few years is Michael Lewis's The Fifth Risk, but mostly because I just really enjoy how he digs into a subject and makes the complex human and relatable.

 

[LustfulIntentions2]

I’m shmaltzy and nostalgic. I am a favorite type of book person. I can’t usually pin down just one.

My barometer on how much I can connect with you is based on your reaction to this book:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28881.Lamb

(Rhetorical “you.”)

Oh, I have a few books that I've reread over the years, and I have a favorite author and series of his. That much is all true. I don't know that I'd call that 'shmaltzy' though.

And, I've never read this, but I am intrigued now. It also makes me think of this dopey comedian's song from 10 or more years ago. Because I'm a dork.

 

[Lydia_Deetz]

I usually read a couple of different genres. Less confusing.

That is true. I read a lot of nonfiction so the stories themselves aren't very similar, I just forget what happens if it's been a while since I picked it up.

 

[HotBrand]

I'm just putting this out there.

Terry Pratchett and his novels.

Don't like him? Fight me, bro.

I am SUCH a fan of the "Sam Vimes" series within Discworld. As the series goes on, the books concern themselves less with abstract humour; instead, they become more wry and focus on emotional journeys and social commentaries.

Potentially, it was through reading these books that I started to become more involved in being open-minded to the world around.

If anyone hasn't had a read, I'm pretty sure that there is something for everyone within the Discworld series.

P.S. My all-time favourite novel is "Night Watch". That's a hell of a book right there.

 

[JennyNo1]

Someone on the Next Door app in my neighborhood was asking for book recommendations. Wonder if I should send her a link to this?

 

[Tampafel]

I'm just putting this out there.

Terry Pratchett and his novels.

Don't like him? Fight me, bro.

I am SUCH a fan of the "Sam Vimes" series within Discworld. As the series goes on, the books concern themselves less with abstract humour; instead, they become more wry and focus on emotional journeys and social commentaries.

Potentially, it was through reading these books that I started to become more involved in being open-minded to the world around.

If anyone hasn't had a read, I'm pretty sure that there is something for everyone within the Discworld series.

P.S. My all-time favourite novel is "Night Watch". That's a hell of a book right there.

I absolutely love Pratchett. I was crushed when he passed away.

I enjoyed the Discworld novels, but Good Omens is my favorite novel of all time.