SEPTEMBER READS

[rapa]

GOODBYE AUGUST!!!!

HELLOOOOOOO SEPTEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm plenty ready for fall. How 'bout you?

Am currently reading C. J. Box's new stand alone, BADLANDS. It grabs you right from the get-go and doesn't let go! Hope you have something good going and will enjoy these September days.

[rapa]

Mandy, read both of these a couple months ago. Unfortunately, due to 24/7 care-giving, I no longer record or keep a synopsis of my reads. Thanks for refreshing my memory!

Will you be snow-birding again this year?

[Mandy Muffin]

Yes, I plan to leave KY behind and  head for FL on Oct 12th.  I have been into full time care giving myself since early July. But luckily we have doctors in Florida also.  Unfortunately, the weeds don't pull themselves on my free-standing home there, although I do pay for lawn service and quarterly landscape. My KY home is a condo, where I don't have any maintenance responsibilities, so I can just drive away. One of the advantages of the Kindle is that my library goes with me.    

[Ioruach]

Regarding The Stranger, Mandy, I couldn't agree more. I also just finished it. A great story. I love Coben's books; Some of my favorites.

By the way, I think a book with the same title by Albert Camus is one of the best I have read in my lifetime. So your question might be, "What does that have to do with anything?" And all I can say is "Probably nothing."

[Mandy Muffin]

I read "L'Etranger" (The Stranger) several years ago. I took a minor in literature in college back in the 1950s, then about 50 years later, when going through some old college notebooks, decided I was going to actually read or re-read some of the great literature of the world.  Although the book was written in French, Camus was an Algerian and placed his novels in that country.  Camus won the Nobel Prize, and "The Stranger" is generally included in the 100 Best Novels of the World. Camus was tragically killed in a car accident in his mid 40s. 

[rapa]

I've ordered the book from library and a copy is available.Need to strain the brain once in awhile!

[rapa]

Currently have two books half way read as pick them up and lay them down. One is THE MARRIAGE OF OPPOSITES by Alice Hoffman, the author of one of my favorite reads, THE DOVEKEEPERS. This is historical fiction circa early 1800's. Another book is THE GROWN UPS, a light read by Robin Antalek. This is a story exploring the bonds of childhood friends over a decade.

Recently finished is THE KEPT, a debut novel by James Scott. This story takes place in the winter of 1897 in upstate New York. The story about a mother and son is very, very dark but exceptionally well written.

Am now moving quickly through Sandra Brown's new novel, FRICTION. Sandra Brown is a local gal and her novel's are always page turners. '

Took Carci's advice and picked up David Rosenfelt's WHO LET THE DOG OUT? It's time for a good dog book!!!!!!!!!

[rapa]

Currently have two books half finished as can pick them up and put them down. One is THE MARRIAGE OF OPPOSITES by Alice Hoffman, the author of the exceptional historical novel THE DOVEKEEPERS. the other book is THE GROWN UPS, a light read that explores the bonds of three friends from childhood through a decade.

Just finished THE KEPT, A debut novel by James Scott. This story takes place in up-state New York during a frigid winter in 1897. This is a very, very dark novel regarding a mother and her twelve year old son searching for vengance for the murder of their family. Dark but very well written. The book would be good for discussion.

Currently reading Sandra Brown's page turner: FRICTION

Here's my reserve list:

X by Sue Grafton
MAKE ME:a Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child

November reserves:

THE GUILTY by David Baldacci
THE PROMISE: An Elvis Coke and Joe Pike novel by Robert Crais
AVENUE OF MYSTERIES: by John Irving
THE GOLEM of PARIS: by Jonathan Kellerman

Looks like I'm set for the next few months! Please keep your recommendations coming!

[Carolyn Tewell]

Sorry haven't bounced in..."in the weeds" which is Restaurant lingo for too many tables!

We went camping last weekend and leaving again tomorrow for another fast escape to DEEP WOODS. Mamasan (Mother in law age 94) is in care and custody of Brother in law so we act like kids who have some FREEDOM!!!

I've been listening to Lawrence Block...some of his older stuff. WARNING! He hangs out in deep underworld New York and lots of degenerate actions. But the Author has a very cool philosophy especially since he goes to AA MEETINGS ongoing. Sort of a mixed Crime plus self analysis.

Couldn't get thru Michael Kyorta's recent effort tho I liked previous mysteries by him.

RAPA...I put X on hold at Library as well. I'm sort of a fickle fan of Grafton. Will give a shot when have nothing else to enjoy.

My 2 adult daughters are giving The Goldfinch and Leaving Time a shot!

Back next week...enjoyed the action here...more personals when I return.~mellowgal

[rapa]

Carolyn, enjoy your sojourn of respite!

Several years ago I went to AN EVENING WITH SUE GRAFTON at THE BASS in Fort Worth. Delightful woman!! I pray she finishes the alphabet!

Safe travels and don't forget the OFF!

[Mandy Muffin]

I am finishing up "At the Water's Edge" by Sara Gruen.  Not only does this novel take you to the wonderful Scottish highlands and Loch Ness but is also a period piece that originates in Philadelphia and goes through World War II. The Philadelphia society New Years Eve party description is enough in itself to make you pick up the book.  This is a touching read that examines the conflict of American affluence in the face of simple country life trying to survive the war. (Who is going to play the part of Madie in the movie?  Rese Witherspoon again?)

I have "The English Spy" by Daniel Silva in hold at the library and "The President's Shadow" by Brad Meltzer next to read.  Both are large print editions. 

[Carolyn Tewell]

RAPA...WOO WOO MOMENT!!! (As in Twilight Zone). We arrive at favorite camping site and exit the truck...swarmed with knats and mosquitos ...Dan'l opens camper door to grab his "OFF" ...gives the can a shake and EMPTY!!!

I had a few containers of some bug repellant from Avon which didn't work for him and he didn't like the smell, of course! Lol...we immediately built a fire and the smoke kept the buggies away. I always make a "what did we forget list" so added the product immediately for next time!

The Dovekeepers was a very compelling story and different venue from my usual choices. I'll get an outline from B&N website...see if I could get involved?

CARCI...forgot to request Who Let the Dog Out...will handle when I exit this page.

Baldacci's The Presidents Shadow ...we plugged it in to a device on the camper so that the Audiobook could be heard while sitting around the campfire...but neither Dan'l nor I were impressed...seemed very contrived? We listen for about 90 minutes. I won't be finishing that book.

Off to Library to get my latest holds and pick up donated formal gowns for Proms, weddings, events, etc. for Sale next May. The Office building closets are now crammed with over 100 dresses. The staff loves that fund raiser but what a hassle to store them. One of those; "Why did I volunteer to do this?"