AUGUST READS

[rapa]

In August most of Europe seems to go on holiday. What are you doing?

I'm trying to stay cool in triple digits. Tolerable in a/c with low humidity and a stack of good reads.

Am reading a delightful, quirky debut novel. Here, take a look/see:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Speculation-A-Novel/dp/125005480X

What are you reading?

[Mandy Muffin]

I am now reading "The Nightingale," a library book that I waited two months for.  I am next on the list for "The Nature of the Beast" and number three for "The English Spy." But I supplement the library books with E-Reader books. Unfortunately, my Florida home does not have the quality of library that I have here in Kentucky, but we have a library at my retirement complex that has a very good selection and has provided many, many books over the years. I recently had to physically struggle with "The Bone Tree," by Greg Isles, a 1400 page middle book of his definitive trilogy of the modern south, a la Faulkner.  I could not ever come close to handling the normal print book, but the large print edition was more manageable and I was able to get through it.  I was not willing to pay $14.95 for the Kindle edition. I too have had cataract operations in both eyes and have severe carpal tunnel problem in both wrists.  I struggle with normal book. 

I am a great John Irving fan and loved his bears and elephants of past novels.  I was not impressed with his last two books and think he has run out his world according to Garp. 

[Lip Service]

Mandy, like Rapa I have a weakness for paper books, however I find that I prefer the kindle for a number of reasons

- Adjusting the print size is a major one, it is not as crucial to me as it used to be since I recently had cataract surgery and have new lenses in my eyes and now can read easily without glasses (Ironically I used to have good mid-range vision and never needed glasses but after the cataract surgery I do for the mid-range, which means the shelves in the library are now blurry without glasses)

- Being able to read in the dark is also a big plus 

- When traveling it is also light to pack instead of a few heavy books

- On the fly lookup of obscure or foreign words

- Kindle apps keeps track of where you last read, so sometimes I continue read on my phone or iPad while waiting for something or other to finish

[Mandy Muffin]

I love my Kindle Fire which replaced my original Kindle about a year ago.  The price has dropped dramatically, as I paid $99, purchased a second for my spouse for $79 and recently saw it on sale for $59.  As a full service computer tablet, I was able to use the Fire to communicate with my family on a three week cruise I took to Brazil this winter. My eyes have deteriorated in a lifetime of reading, having undergone two cataract operations. I also have physical limitations in handling a book of any size for any length of time.  The Kindle Fire is a god send. But I still remember a lifetime of going to libraries everywhere I lived.  My first library was in Phoenix, Rhode Island, as youngster, exploring shelves of books to enrich my life with their feel, smell and wonder. I would go every other Saturday, carrying them back to my home and devouring them over the next two weeks.   

[Carolyn Tewell]

FLOWER...Did not realize that Wittenberg College is in/near your home base! Know a few who attended from the Cleveland area. I'll be more mindful of Weather in Clark County from now on!
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Worked the Book Sale at our Library...very fun as I was paired with another Friends of the Library who has a great sense of humor, former Teacher of elementary school age kids. She also teaches On-Line master programs since retiring. I had no idea until we had some one on one time what a major force person!

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Okay...ERROR CORRECTION (we say that a lot in accounting) regarding BADLANDS!

I reported that USA TODAY called it "dull." TOTALLY WRONG! Jim got it from Library and I ran out of stuff the other day so plugged in the Audiobook. Now, a qualifier is that I have a long time cyberpal who lives in the Dakotas...writes of all the geography, landmarks, Norwegion heritage, etc. So I felt connected right from the start. Also BUSINESSWEEK and other TV SHOWS, have described the whole energy rousource action in that area. The long lines of trucks, the Work-Camps, the whole influx of population...talented and skilled! How McDonalds pays $17 bucks per hour... But those venues left out the drug, prostitution, and problems of the dark side.

I'm 1/2 way through and it is Stephen Kingish...lots of gruesome and troubling scenes...foul language (which the Boy doesn't like either!)

Part of the story takes place in the Carolina's ...lots I didn't know about Over the Road Truckers, either.
EEEK!
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I did buy at the Book Sale some Non-Fiction about health, diet, fitness and a Ken Follet book published 1980 The Key to Rebecca. I just like that Author and somehow I am drawn of late to stories Published back in the 80's?

What does that mean when we want to relive the dialog of our lives 35 years ago? Kinda scary? Lol

[Flowergram]

Yes Carolyn Wittenberg is at my backdoor (plus a few miles). My niece graduated from there and became a teacher, later took more education and now librarian in  public education.  Her daughter had a scholarship on the softball team and now works in the business area in Georgia.  I know a few grads too.    I finished reading Greg Isles - Mortal Fear - liked the book though gets pretty in depth about computers and drags a bit there but overall liked the book.  Now reading Ian Rankin's book - Knots and Crosses.  This is his first book and I do like it.  Still have stacks waiting.  Glad you liked C.J. Box's book - have not read it but have read almost all of his and loved them.  I like the outdoorsey books the most.  LOL

[rapa]

Nina George's THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP is a totally enchanting read. If you love books and have ever loved someone, don't miss this story! This is not a girly book so you guys, give it a try.