I am very particular about the books I read. Bottom line: they have to be good. But good for me may not be good for you. A good read for me is usually an historical fiction that is believable. Case in point and one of the best: "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". That is one of my all time favorites and I have read it twice already and will likely read it again.
I do enjoy a mystery now and again and if it's also historical fiction, even better. A recent example of such is The Conjurer's Bird". That one had me spellbound and I didn't figure it out ahead of time. Another one that can fall into the mystery category is a series by Alexander McCall Smith featuring a lady detective in Botswana. I've read those twice now and thoroughly enjoy them all.
I also pick up non-fiction titles from time to time. The last one I read was about Warren Jeffs of polygamy fame and presently serving prison time for the rest of his life. The book "Prophet's Prey" was a look into the life of the Mormon cult he led and his capture and trial.
I've just returned from the library but with none of the books I went looking for. I keep a running list of books I hear about from friends and from interviews on NPR. I should just go online to the library to request these titles and will do that next time. I did come home with three unknowns: "The Sheen of Silk" by Anne Perry (a mystery with historical bent), "Mutiny" by John Boyle (historical fiction), and "Love on the Line" (not sure what category). Don't know which one I'll read first but I won't finish "White Oleander" that someone gave me. I was desperate for a book and started that one but got only so far before deciding this was not for me.
What books are you reading? Any good reads lately?
I don't really like mysteries. I do love historical fiction or nonfiction but not mysteries. Right now I can't say that I am reading a thing. I never seem to have time to read anymore though I have started several books. One of those is The Dome by Stephen King. (He does not do anything historical but The Dome fell in my realm of interests.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Becky. I'm not a fan of scary so have never read Stephen King. When I'm home alone at night I don't need more ideas as to "what was that noise?"
ReplyDeleteEvery few months I get on a book-reading mission. Thanks for the recommendations. We seem to like the same sort of books.
ReplyDeleteHave just found your blog... I love Anne Perry. Our little library has quit carrying her and sold her books in their last sale, so I have several on my shelves now. She has a PAST, you know!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". Have you read any of the Maisie Dobbs mysteries by Jaqueline Winspear. All set in the UK after World War I and delightful. Also, I enjoyed The Invisible Bridge" by Julie Orringer...World War II in Hungary. Another book that is not fiction but the biography of Louis Zamparini..."Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand...very compelling. I just finished "Aftertaste" by Meredith Mileti which I thoroughly enjoyed. So many books...so little time!
ReplyDeletePatricia - I really enjoyed the Maisie Dobbs series, read every one and introduced my daughter to them.
ReplyDeleteUnbroken was riveting. My husband read it first (he's nonfiction all the time) and recommended it to me.
Haven't heard of the other two so will add them to my list. Thank you.
Mary Ann - welcome. Haven't tried the Anne Perry yet. Did read some of hers years ago about the female detective in Victorian England.
Jean - I hope you get to read some time soon. I know it was a summer activity only when I was teaching.