AUGUST READS

[rapa]

August it is! Are you enjoying summer reads? I've had to skim Doerr's ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE as it's due next week. If you enjoy WWII novels don't miss this one.
Today I will start C. J. Box's short stories SHOTS FIRED. It should be good to take to the hospital.

What are you reading now?

[Countryphyl]

Just finished JAJance "Second Watch". Good read. Started " Everything to Lose" by Andrew Gross this morning. So far, so good.

[Mandy Muffin]

My Library reading challenge has me assigned to read a classic this month.  I have selected "God is an Englishman" by RF Delderfield. 

Here is the blurb...

From master author R. F. Delderfield, the first in the beloved classic God Is an Englishman series.

The first novel in the epic God Is an Englishman series, this book is a stirring saga of England in the 19th century, as the Industrial Revolution takes hold, forever changing the landscape of England and her people.

Adam Swann, scion of an army family, returns home in 1858 after service with Her Majesty's army in the Crimea and India, determined to build his fortune in the dog-eat-dog world of Victorian commerce. Swann is soon captivated by Henrietta, the high-spirited daughter of a local mill owner. As Swann works to build his name, he and Henrietta share adventures, reversal, and fortune.

A beloved novel by a beloved author, God Is an Englishman is a treasure both for Delderfield fans and the growing legion of fans of historical fiction.

[Ioruach]

I just put All the Light We Cannot See on hold at the library. It must be popular, because I am number 36 on the list. It's going to be a long wait, I'm afraid.

I'm now reading Peter Pan Must Die by John Verdon. Verdon writes some good police thrillers that are rather intricately plotted. 

[grammyk]

We recently started a book club at work - this month's book is "The Invention of Wings" which I have just started.  I think it's going to be one of those books that are difficult to read but that I will be glad I read, if that makes sense.

[rapa]

Good luck, grammyk, with THE INVENTION OF WINGS. I found myself skimming it in parts. Will be interested to see if it holds your attention.

[grammyk]

Will let you know...did you finish it?  What did you think?

[rapa]

I did skim the ending but it did not meet my expectation. A friend enjoyed it much more than I did so read on and see how it goes for you!

[grammyk]

I finished it and am glad I read it, but it wasn't an easy book to read.  Hits a little too close to home for me, as my family is biracial.  But I am glad to know more about the early abolitionists.

[Carci]

I just finished Spandau Phoenix by Greg Iles... and while I love WWII novels, I found this one very convoluted.  DH like it better than I did... too many plots and characters for me.

I started Those Who Wish Me Dead by Michael Koryta...  It takes off at a brisk pace and keeps you reading... very good!

[Ursula]

I'm currently reading Chins Dolls by Lisa See; she continues to be a pleasure to read.  Next in line is The Book of Life, the final book in Deborah Harkness' trilogy.  The main characters in this series are a witch and a vampire.  I would never have expected to enjoy this story, but I do.  I think someone on Bookoholics recommended the first book and I was hooked!!

[grammyk]

I just started Chris Bohjalian's new book - "Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands" - about the aftermath of a nuclear plant meltdown in the U.S. (fictional, thank goodness - well, so far, anyway!)  I live in a small rural town that was being considered for a nuclear plant when I was in High School so I think it will be particularly interesting.  My dad, who was the High School Chemistry teacher, canvassed the town warning them of the dangers of such a plant.  We ended up with a coal plant instead, but because it turns out we are on a fault line so that made it "too dangerous" (never mind about we insignificant people, I guess).

[Ioruach]

I just finished The Skin Collector by Jeffery Deaver. It was just OK, in my estimation. I have read most of Deaver"s other books in the Lincoln Rhyme series and have enjoyed them. I thought this one was inferior.