Book Club

[leherissierm]

I think it would be great if we could start a book club via RJ Forums! Or at least a Book Review section. I read for pleasure often, but I never have anyone to discuss the books with!

Would anyone be interested in this?

[collie]

It sounds like a good idea to me, worth trying. I have been considering exploring Jose Saramago's "Blindness" - I picked up a book by Saramago on the coffee table of my cousin's house and was intrigued by what I read. Other than that I currently read murder mysteries, especially those with historical backgrounds ...

[collie]

What are you currently reading? I am almost done with Irish Tiger by Andrew Greeley - a mystery written by a priest. The exagerrated brogue the characters speak with is driving me crazy, a book I can walk away from too easily. Not one that I can't put down because I'm so interested. Don't think I'll read this author again. Have an old Maeve Binchy I'm going to read after that - read everything she ever wrote so hope it's not a repeat for me.

[Happy]

Collie, I've remember reading Andrew Greeley way back and have read every Maeve Binchy book. I don't usually read new books when they are in hard cover (unless I go to the library) but I received a gift certificate and picked up a new novel by Hillary Jordan called Mudbound. It is one of the best books I've read in a long time! It's set in the rural Jim Crow South in the 40s and deals with two families, their relationships and the bigotry of the period. It has romance, tragedy and suspense. I loved it! If anyone has book recommendations, I would love to hear them.

[Happy]

Oh Leherissierm (I'm trying to figure that name out), thanks for suggesting the book review/club idea. I'm for it!

[leherissierm]

I know, my name is a little difficult. its my last name, first initial...when I set up this account, I thought that was just going to be my log-in name and now I can't figure out how to change it!

Currently I am reading a book by Jodi Piccoult - "The Pact". Basically, its about a suicide plot gone wrong. Its a good book, but I think its probably more geared towards adolescents than adults. Generally, though, Piccoult is one of my favorite authors. I esp. recommend "My Sister's Keeper" (about sisters, one of which is dying from cancer) and "19 Minutes", which is her newest book, about a school-shooting.

I haven't read anything by the authors that Collie mentioned. I do like mysteries, but haven't really read that many of them. Let me know how you liked the book you reading now, and I'll give it a try.

Im going on vacation tomarrow, so I wont respond for a few days!

[leherissierm]

i have never heard of Maeve Binchy before...what genre does she write? Do either of you have a favorite by her (or him)?

[collie]

I think you're (way) younger than we are; Maeve Binchey is kind of beloved in the world of woman readers. But she is not a Danielle Steele. Not too explicit but loads of real life beautifully written. Explores the complexities of life, relationships ... I do her a diservice, I am sure, in my description. She is not at all boring. You could probably pick up one of books used for next to nothing at friends of the library. She is a proflific writer.
A good mystery writer you can also pick up used books is P D James.

[collie]

I've written down the information, leads on good books, authors you both provided. Hope to get to the Friends of the Library or the Library this week; it's the cheapest way.

[leherissierm]

I picked up "Lilac Bus" by Binchy...Ill let you know how I like it!

[MrsWho]

I've just finished "Whitethorn Woods" by Maeve Binchy and "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. Two good reads.