Reading Recommendations

1072 Views 42 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Dasha, Sep 4, 2011

GreatEscape2004

Discussion Starter · Aug 21, 2009

I've noticed that there are quite a few folks on here who read, either a lot or even occasionally. I thought it would be nice to hear what people like, what the're reading now, something they read in the past and would recommend, etc.

For me, I like a variety of book/novel genre; detective stories, mysteries, spy stories, westerns, military technothrillers, things like that. I also like a biography if it is someone I find interesting (I've read biographies on Chuck Yeager, Gen. Norman Swartzkopf, Gen Colin Powell, recently read Doris Kearns Goodwin's excellent 'Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln' ). However, I am most partial historical novels; those books about real times and/or places with a fictional character to help tell the story. Those are the James Michener or Leon Uris type books.

I'll post this now to explain the topic in general, then I'll post another with my current readings. Feel free to post anything you want, whether to comment on a posting, or to talk about your own readings. Maybe you read to learn, maybe you read just for pleasure.

I hope folks enjoy the sharing. I love books (I have a hard time purging my own collections, much to my wifes chagrin), and have always been an avid reader, since I was little.

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Colleen

· #6 · Aug 22, 2009

I love to read too, and usually have a book going most of the time. I also agree that the book is always better than the movie. :thumb: Dave, I can relate when you say you have a hard time getting rid of books. I have boxes and boxes of them.

My favorite authors include: James Patterson, John Grisham, Stuart Woods, Patricia Cornwell, etc.
One of my favorite books of all time is: A Woman Of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford, and the sequel, Hold The Dream.
I used to get into Stephen King and Dean Koontz back in my younger days. I am always looking for recommendations on good books.

Recently read books include: The Shack, recommended by Dasha. Real good book. Also just read The Associate by John Grisham. It is about a young lawyer who is being blackmailed by something that took place back in his college days. Real good page turner.

I am currently reading: Swimsuit by James Patterson.

Btw, GREAT idea for a topic, Dave !!!

:thumb:
Edit:
Just finished Swimsuit. Awesome book !!! It starts out with this model being abducted and then she is eventually killed. This is apparent within the first few pages so I'm not giving anything away. It turns out that the guy who killed her is a serial killer. Fast paced and action packed. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Started it last night and finished it up tonight.

Now I'm going to read Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson. A love story. :thumb:

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Colleen

· #9 · Aug 27, 2009

Hi Dave :hi:

Please let us know how Andrew Greeley's series goes. I love it when authors carry characters throughout their books. Nice to hear that you are getting into James Patterson. I recall reading all of the books that you mentioned with the exception of Beach Road. Hmmm......how did I miss that one? I normally grab his books as soon as they hit the shelf. He has written a number of books with the Character, Alex Cross. I do have quite a few of his books that I have purchased but have not gotten around to reading yet. In my opinion, he is an exceptional writer. He grabs and takes hold of your attention often from the very first page. Not a good idea to read one of his books before bedtime unless you are not in a hurry to go to sleep. His books have often kept me up until the wee hours of the morning. :lol:

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Colleen

· #16 · Sep 20, 2009

Finished Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson a while back. This book is just so so. Not one of his better ones in my opinion. Took a break from reading in order to study for tax tests.

I am currently reading South of Broad, by Pat Conroy. Just started it ( on chapter 2) but I feel that this is gonna be a good one !! The setting is Charleston, SC, one of my favorite places.

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Colleen

· #18 · Sep 25, 2009

GreatEscape2004 said:
Colleen said:

Hi Dave :hi:

Please let us know how Andrew Greeley's series goes.

Click to expand...

Well Colleen, I finished the Andrew Greeley book a few weeks ago; I hate to have to report it, but I didn't enjoy it. I suppose it is a good book (was Book of the Month Club Main Selection when it came out), but it just wasn't what I thought it was. More like a Nora Roberts book, more romance than thriller. And he spent too much effort trying to write the West Irish accent. The female lead was from there, and the Chicago born Irish-American guy kept trying to talk like here throughout the book. I don't think I'll be reading any of the other 12 in this series.

.

Hate that for ya, Dave ! Guess it goes with the territory......we all get stuck reading books that are not up to par from time to time. I hope your next one is a good one!!!

I'm still reading South Of Broad by Pat Conroy. Haven't made much headway with it yet (on page 64 of 500....and tiny print), but from the sounds of our weekend weather forecast I should be able to knock a pretty good dent in it and possibly even finish it. We shall see.

Oh, and I must say that so far it is a very good book. :yes: I just haven't done too much reading this week.

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Colleen

· #19 · Dec 6, 2009

South Of Broad by Pat Conroy was one of the best books that I have read in quite some time. The book is centered around Charleston, SC, a place that I so love and enjoy visiting on a yearly basis. The streets and landmarks of Charleston and surrounding cities mentioned in the book are all familiar to me.

The book is about a group of close friends and their lives as children on through adulthood. This book and its characters totally engrossed me and I hated to see it end. It is 512 pages of very fine print. When it ended I was a little sad and hope that there is a sequel. The book contained a little bit of everything; action, mystery, comedy, romance…..
I would highly recommend this book. Dasha, I know that you will love this book. GE, I feel that you would like it too. If anyone decides to read this book, please let me know what you think.

Just finished the book Run For Your Life, by James Patterson. Very fast paced page turner about a serial killer. I thought it was very good. :thumb:

The book that I plan to read next is The Choice, by Nicholas Sparks. I will probably start it today.

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Colleen

· #24 · Dec 16, 2009

jonas1022 said:
jonas1022 said:

I have The Quickie, by James Patterson.

Two copies actually, one paperback and one hardback. I won't be reading them. Anyone interested? Give me a PM.

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ttt

They are free! Just pay the postage and packaging!

I already have that one Jonas, or I would sure take you up on it. I haven't read it yet though. At least I don't think I have.

Hopefully someone will take you up on this offer. Can't beat the price and James Patterson is an awesome writer. :yes:

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Colleen

· #38 · Dec 6, 2010

RobtRoma said:
I don't read books anymore... :wacko:

There was a time when I would knock out two books a week with no problem. I still see books by my favorite authors and I buy them but they remain unopened. I have always LOVED reading and need to get back into it again. Not really sure why I stopped except maybe I am spending too much time on Facebook games and E-C. :lol:

I guess it is a matter of budgeting time a little better. Maybe I will open one of those books this week.

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