What is the book that you have been talking up the most in the past few months?
Maureen
J.R Wards’s DARK LOVER, LOVER ETERNAL. and LOVER AWAKENED. These books are well written and very enjoyable. The Brothers are also extremely sexy. Yummmm!!!!!
Bonnie
THERE IS NO ME WITHOUT YOU by Melissa Fay Greene. This is non-fiction, about an Ethiopian woman who opened her heart and her home to children there who were left as orphans due to the AIDS epidemic. It’s also an indictment of drug companies who value profit over people. It’s educational, heartbreaking yet heartwarming and is a real page-turner.
Ann L.
My all-time favorite book is WILD FIRE by Nelson DeMille.
Beverly Rowe
PLAYING WITH THE ENEMY, a great new biography by Gary Warren Moore. Definitely worth reading.
Ginnie Levine
SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN --- it’s this year's THE KITE RUNNER.
Rita Carter
I really enjoyed reading THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant and have recommended it to several friends.
Tasha
This book is called BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTS by the inspirational writer, Shernell Pierre.
John Clark
PLAYING GOD by Kate Flora (Five Star Books). Set in Portland, Maine, this police procedural is as slick and gripping as any I've read in years.
Michelle
THE LOVELY BONES, a very powerful book.
Michelle Kellar
THE MEANING OF NIGHT by Michael Cox
PJ Apostel
STILLNESS by Richard Mahler
Solitude is, by far, my most unwinding time. Richard has the best suggestions on where to find it, what to do when you are alone, and the health benefits of solitude. Great story as well.
Elise Devlin
THE THIRTEENTH TALE
It is even better than the hype! I loved the story within a story, as well as the setting. Great writing!
Edna King-Miller
THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger.
Nancy
PRETTY BIRDS by Scott Simon
Dorothy Gordon
THE EYRE AFFAIR by Jasper Fforde is a very clever and entertaining alternate history/fantasy. This is the first of a quartet of stories featuring Thursday Next, an intrepid female literatec, whose job is to keep anyone from altering the contents of written works, especially classics. Very well written and entertaining.
Jeanie
There are three books that I have read recently that I love!
- ME AND EMMA by Elizabeth Flock: a moving story of 2 girls in a dysfunctional family, with a great ending.
- WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen: This is a wonderful story of the circus trains of the 1920s and the odds and ends of people that work for them. It was very entertaining!
- THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS by John Boyne: It is a haunting story of the friendship between two boys during Hitler’s reign of terror. I would recommend all three. Sorry I can’t pick just one, I love them all!
Anne Knaack
HONEYMOON WITH MY BROTHER by Franz Wisner
Linda M. Johnson
Marley and Me
Marie M. Esterline
Lisa Jackson’s SHIVER
Marie
KISSING FROGS IN CALIFORNIA by Carolyn Franklin
Candy
THE GHOST ORCHID by Carol Goodman
Rita Cameron
My Sister’s Keeper
Kayce Crews
BAKER TOWERS by Jennifer Haigh. A multi-generational, well written book that held my attention throughout.
Barb Broberg
CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN by Fanny Flagg
R. W. Honey
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen
Meg Seff
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
This book is very well done and hard to put down.
Jane Haase
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen. My second choice would be THE EMPEROR'S CHILDREN by Claire Messud.
Peggy Clayton
Wow, mine would have to be ECHOS by Erin Grady --- that is 1 out of the 10 books that I have read in the past few months. Also, just a little tidbit --- she is also a very wonderful person....
P J Stuckey
DISPATCHES FROM THE EDGE by Anderson Cooper
Terri Dobson
MR. PERFECT by Linda Howard. A friend was going through a low point and I gave her this book, telling her, "You need to read a fantasy and just laugh."
Well, she so LOVED the book that she passed it on. That person called me and we laughed some more, then she passed it on again. The book has been passed on 4 times that I know of --- and it’s still traveling. We've had "girls night" and the book comes up and we share favorite scenes, lines, etc. Thank you, Linda Howard, for giving the gift of laughter and joy to so many. So many of us could relate to it, even though we are all 50-somethings. It just brightened our day.
Sandi Lewis
All of the Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. They are simply fantastic!!
Valerie
THE KITE RUNNER is the last great book I’ve read. When I’m asked for a good book, I always suggest this one.
John Stover
TEAM OF RIVALS: THE POLITICAL GENIUS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN by Doris Kearns Goodwin: I read this book with some trepidation, believing Ms. Goodwin to be a Lyndon Johnson apologist and questioning her motives in writing this book. I was pleasantly surprised, and found her view of Lincoln through the eyes of his rivals --- whom he courageously and wisely named cabinet members --- to be the most enlightening depiction of Lincoln since the novel many years ago by his law partner, William Herndon, entitled HERNDON'S LIFE OF LINCOLN.
Judy O.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen is the best book that I have read all year. It’s about the inhabitants of a circus train in the 1930s. I have also recommended THE GIRLS by Lori Lansens. Ruby and Rose are conjoined twins who have a good life in Canada. Fascinating fictional account.
Peggy
SNOW BLIND by P.J. Tracy. This writing team rates a perfect 5 star for their books. They came out of nowhere and created a unique group of characters in a part of the country we seldom read about. When I see their names on a list of coming books, I just can’t wait to get it in my hands because I know, without a doubt, it’s going to be a fantastic adventure.
Andi
MOCKINGBIRD: A PORTRAIT OF HARPER LEE --- a very well written, fine example of a biography. Writing about a living but private person --- one of our most brilliant writers --- isn’t easy. It doesn’t answer all questions, but it’s worth reading for everything that is in it.
Jodi
Of Rice and Men
Linda Nash
ANNIE FREEMAN’S FABULOUS TRAVELING FUNERAL by Kris Radish.
Jill Chadek
THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD by Jackson Tippett McCrae. Fabulous book! Its quirky main character is so well developed that I could see and hear him in my mind. This is hilariously funny and heartrenchingly sad. It easily belongs in my top 10 favorites.
Barbara Kirch
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen and THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak
Rosalie Sambuco
THE EXPECTED ONE by Kathleen McGowan
Karen Barash
SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN by Lisa See - this novel takes place in 19th century China but is timeless in its portrayal of women.
J. Ross
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
Marlene Nese
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
Gail Cornell
The Mephisto Club
Deborah Montuori
PASSION: A NOVEL OF THE ROMANTIC POETS by Jude Morgan.
Carol I
THE RUINS by Scott Smith
Jennifer Rapfogel
THREE FALLEN WOMEN by Amy Guth: I just finished it. So beautifully written.
Amelia Rand
THE TWELVE LITTLE CAKES by Dominika Dery is a memoir of her years growing up in Czechoslovakia during the Russian occupation. Ostracized in her neighborhood, school and ballet classes, she is so determined she rarely takes no for an answer. What a wonderful story of a child rising above these obsticles.
Glenda York
STANDING IN THE RAINBOW by Fannie Flagg
Jen
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
Lynn Ketelsen
There are two books that I have been "talking up":
THE ALPHABET SISTERS by Monica McInerney and DIGGING TO AMERICA by Anne Tyler.
Penashe
I have two:
ORDINARY WOLVES by Seth Kantner
THE CONJURER’S BIRD by Martin Davies
Angela Grogan
THE RUINS by Scott Smith
Kim
THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER --- What an amazing book! You do NOT know the paths it will take and it keeps you wanting turn those pages!
Marion Miller
I loved SMALL ISLAND by Andrea Levy. It was very intriguing. It takes you into a world of prejudice that is seen from many views.
Barbara Jed
THE DARLING by Russell Banks
A very unique political-historical thriller that is very thought provoking for anyone who lived through the 60s, 70s, or 80s as young adults. It hits home with the clash of races and cultures. A must read.
Liz Mulholland
THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards
Suzanne
Morrigan's Cross
J. Lev
Stars of David
Robin Kall
Sweet Ruin
Alex
Pride and Prejudice
Mary Schreiner
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen: I never thought the history of the circus could be so interesting, but I could hardly put this book down.
Melanie
THE KITE RUNNER - It is definitely the best book our group read this year.
Lori
Beneath the Marble Sky
Jinx
I have read all three of Kris Radish's books, beginning with ANNIE FREEMAN’S FABULOUS TRAVELING FUNERAL. They just kept getting better and better. I’ve told all my friends about the books, and I’ve lent them to my daughter and anyone who had the time to read. They are funny, contemplative and spiritual; they are close to home. And, she has a new one coming out soon...hurrah!!! Keep writing, Kris.
Dorothy Distefano
THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield
Ann Bowen
I have been telling all my friends about ANNIE FREEMAN’S FABULOUS TRAVELING FUNERAL by Kris Radish. It’s a story of women finding each other and finding a sense of peace. I love it.
Susan
The Thirteenth Tale
Carrie
I love BEEN THERE, DONE THAT by Carol Snow. It’s laugh-out-loud funny with a little mystery, as well!
Rosalie A. Ciardullo
FULL OF GRACE by Dorothea Benton Frank.
Dorothy Cowling
AT THE END OF THE SPEAR by Steve Saint
anne knaack
HONEYMOON WITH MY BROTHER by Franz Wisner
Darlene Arden
SMALL DOGS, BIG HEARTS
With all of the celebrities carrying small dogs around as if they were accessories, this book is a must have for people who think they want a small dog or already have one and have discovered it’s a real dog. Now what do they do?!
Jean Utley
ALL MORTAL TRUTH by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Diana Flanary-Bray
That would have to be Mitch Albom’s FOR ONE MORE DAY. I read this book, and passed it on to my mother, who is then passing it on to my sister.
I purchased another copy for my daughter-in-law, and have recommended that she pass it on to her mother after she has finished reading it.
This is a book that every thinking person should read. It not only helps one to appreciate those they love, it also helps them to appreciate life. It makes you count your blessings......
Barb
SNOW BLIND by P. J. Tracy or THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak
Dianne
THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS - I had not even read it yet and was already telling people they should pick it up when it came out in September. I have since finished it, and passed it on. The hype was not wrong. What an endearing read! And I heard about it here first.
Harriet Stay
LOST by Michael Robotham. This was originally published in UK and Australia in 2005 and was voted the Crime Book of the Year by CWA of Australia. I also read his first book, SUSPECT, and loved both. Fantastic writing. Great stories.
Linda M.
THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards
Ann
I absolutely loved THE RUINS by Scott Smith! I could not put it down. I wanted more like it, so I read a SIMPLE PLAN by the same author. It was also excellent.
Michelle Stein
I tell everyone I know who loves to read about Diana Gabaldon’sOutlander series.
Patty Blackwell
JUDGE AND JURY by James Patterson and Andrew Gross is the book I’ve been talking up recently. It’s wonderful. The bad guy is REALLY bad! It’s very action packed and I had a really hard time taking a break from it. I had to quit reading bits and pieces at lunch and read the whole thing in the evening because I couldn’t put it down.
Ronna Lord
Some of the paperback books that my book groups have enjoyed reading and discussing are MY SISTER’S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult and THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards. Some of us have thoroughly enjoyed everything written by Ted Dekker and Joel C. Rosenberg. I’ll also include THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield as an upcoming "must read" for my groups and friends. Lastly, a little publicized book that came to me as an advanced reader book, but has not been much in the news is a upcoming as a "winner" for my groups, THE SLOW MOON RISING by Elizabeth Cox. She is a new author that reminds me of a top favorite author for us all, Jodi Picoult!!
Melinda
GIRLS OF TENDER AGE by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith is a book that grabbed me recently. It is a memoir with alternating chapters about the author’s life and the murder of a childhood friend. It is both funny and disturbing. It is a story of growing up in the 1950s.
Sue Rooney
THE THIRTEENTH TALE - this is a book that I feel even tops REBECCA! A great novel.
Marilyn Shoemaker
Roxanne St. Claire’s The Bullet Catcher series, THRILL ME TO DEATH and KILL ME TWICE.
Kathie
Jonathan Stroud's trilogy - although it’s meant for older kids and teens, as an adult, I loved it!
Ray Palen
THE RUINS by Scott Smith
Debi Ellsworth
WIDOW OF THE SOUTH by Robert Hicks
Lynda East
For my f2f book group, October is MARCH by Geraldine Brooks. Her first novel, YEAR OF WONDERS was one of our favorite reads, so this tome has been highly anticipated. The idea of taking a marginal character from a classic and featuring him in a new novel is certainly not unique. Still, with Ms. Brooks’s mesmerizing writing, this tome holds great promise.
Ramona Pierce
The three part series by Scott Westerfeld: UGLIES, PRETTIES, and SPECIALS. This wonderfully written futuristic novel really focuses in on the teen dilemma of being like others, to fit in. What lengths will a society go to, to bring unity to its young people? Read this and find out.
Ramona Pierce
A STUDENT OF LIVING THINGS by Susan Richards Shreve. A fast intriguing mystery. Why is Claire Frayn still alive when her brother, who was standing next to her, is gunned down? How does life go on? Was it personal? Does she try to avenge her brother’s seemingly random death? Find out!
Ramona Pierce
PUCCINI’S GHOST by Morag Joss, CWA Silver Dagger Award Winner. The novel comes alive with historical ambience, although set in 1960, featuring Scotland, the opera Turandot, and a young girl on the brink of womanhood. Reviews call it "a collision between fantasy and reality..." with suspense thrown in.
Sue Vogan
The Flip
Miselle
The Tender Bar
Bonnie Cooper
IS THERE REALLY A HUMAN RACE? by Jamie Lee Curtis
This book is illustrated for children, but the message enlightens both adults and children alike. It's truly a "complete family" book. I LOVED it!
Pat Burdick
THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS written by John Boyne
Lesley Scher
THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. It’s by far the best book I’ve read all year, if not ever. Outstanding!
Margaret Smith
I have just read MY SISTER’S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult and thought it was a great book in every way.
Carolyn
THE DEVIL’S FEATHER by Minette Walters. She’s always great, but she’s outdone herself now. A gutsy heroine, the Iraqi war, an English country cottage, eccentric neighbors... what more does it take to keep you up all night?
Debra Sue LeBarron
Debbie Macomber’s books, they are great.
Mary Mullin
The Stolen Child
Judy S.
The Shadow of the Wind
Karen Terry
I really enjoyed reading EUREKA by William Diehl. It was a great book. It started off slowly, but once you got into it, it begin to grab you and hold you until the last page.
Gail Perryman
Water for Elephants
Jana Harver
THIRTEEN MOONS by Charles Frazier
Nancy Elder
Anything written by Jodi Picoult
Sharon Russell
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Diana Fahy
I just read 18 SECONDS by George D. Shulman. It was the most intense book I have read in a long time. Its plot and characters were unique and very imaginative. I do hope that others will try it, and find it as enjoyable a read as I did. I also understand that another will be coming out next year, and I am looking forward to it.
Dianna
ANONYMOUS LAWYER by Jeremy Blachman
I don’t thnk that I have talked back to the dialogue so much. How could someone with so much power be so stupid! I could not decide whether to loathe him or feel sorry for him.
Diana Fahy
I have just finished reading Cody McFadyen’s first novel, SHADOW MAN. I sat on the edge of my seat reading a fascinating and intriguing book. The characters were unique, and it offered not a perfect lead, but a human and flawed one that is strong enough to overcome and survive. It was a new concept and storyline, and I look forward to more from this gentleman. I look forward to his next book, and having these characters brought back will keep me reading his work for a long time to come.
Linda Martinek
ALL MORTAL FLESH by Julia-Spencer Fleming. I have been waiting anxiously for this book. I finally got it and I am savoring every moment.
Judy Stein
THE FALLEN by T. Jefferson Parker
Debbie Lockledge
HADASSAH: ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olson. I was disappointed to see that this had been omitted from your "books to movies" section since One Night With The King just opened this past weekend. The book was really good, and the movie is on my list of "must sees."
Kym Lucas
DON'T LOOK DOWN by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer. It's a lot of fun, and they have a hilarious website and blog to back it up.
www.crusiemayer.com
They spoke at a luncheon here in Medina County and were really funny!
Terry Plummer
FRANKENSTEIN MAKES A SANDWICH by Adam Rex
TEAM OF RIVALS by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Hugh Simpson
PARADIGM by Robert Taylor. He is a Nobel-nominated author who has a REAL Code in his new fast-paced international suspense thriller. I read about it in Business Week magazine who called it THE DA VINCI CODE for the Wall Street set.
Lizzie
The Thirteenth Tale
Joan
Stars of David
Laura Lee Fitzpatrick
ABUNDANCE: A NOVEL OF MARIE ANTOINETTE by Sena Jeter Naslund. I love historical fiction and this was one of the best, up there with THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL.
Mary Jane Weishar
THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Nancy Riggins-Hume
Confessions of Super Mom
Michelle Kellar
DARK ANGELS by Karleen Koen. Her first book, THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY was one of my all-time favorites, so when I found out there was a recently released prequel, I could not wait to get my hands on it. I was so delighted to discover Koen again as it had been so long between publications that I was not even sure she was still alive --- let alone writing. I am quite immersed in the book and enjoying it ever bit as much as THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY.
Jen
THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards. An excellent book that keeps you reading at every spare second. When I do that, the book is a page turner.
Sharon Ryan
BROKEN FOR YOU by Stephanie Kallos
Leslie Blanchard
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sarah Gruen
Carol A. Michels
Lost Hearts In Italy
Frankie Edenzon
SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Toy Thomas
THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield
Vicki
One of the books I’ve most enjoyed recently is Anna Quindlen’s RISE AND SHINE --- this is her best yet, and the characters and their situations are so on target with our times, struggles, and issues. I love it! Also really enjoyed Jennifer Weiner’s collection of short stories, THE GUY NOT TAKEN.
Robin Barton
DANSE MACABRE by Laurell K. Hamilton
This is not for the faint of heart --- there’s lots of steamy sex and violence. It kind of makes you wonder what is going on in Laurell K. Hamilton’s head, but I am addicted to the storyline.
Joan
I just finished reading THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BRIDGE by Mary Lawson. A great book! Her first book, CROW LAKE, was good also.
Liz Goldstein
The Shadow of the Wind
Kellie
There are 2:
BASTARD OF OUT CAROLINA, which was published years ago, but I just got around to reading it as part of a bookring. I loved it!
THE KING OF LIES is the other one. This was fantastic. The author is a local writer (from Salisbury, NC) and there was an article in the newspaper about him and my mother mentioned it to me. I am so glad I read this. Can’t wait for Hart’s next one!
Toni
THE KEEP by Jennifer Egan
