Over the holidays, I received an armful of books as gifts (and, of course, picked up a few for myself when I was at the bookstore looking for gifts for others 😉). And after that, I had a birthday when I received a few more, which means my cup is overflowing with things to read now.
If you’re like me, and this time of year brings a bunch of new books into your life, what are you reading now? Even if you haven’t picked up anything new and are turning to books you’ve loved and read in the past, what are you reading right now?
I always love hearing what’s capturing your imagination. — Terrell
i'm reading greenlights by matthew mcconaughey. it is so good! he writes like he talks and it is just an interesting story of how he grew up, his family life and becoming famous. it is also peppered with great life lessons and smarter ways to think about life. i'm really enjoying it.
Very cool! I think I saw him give an interview about his book back during Covid -- he did an interview with John Grisham, I think, and they talked about the making of ‘A Time to Kill.’ I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for the rec 👍
Just finished Mad Honey, Jodi Picoult's newest book (excellent); just starting Everything I Never told you, by Celeste Ng. AFter that, Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead.
Well, Terrell, you now have a reading list! Such a great community that actually reads books!
Our library is fantastic! I requested Diamond Eye yesterday morning. . . it is on its way and will be ready for pick-on Monday morning. Too bad people don't use the library more. Saves a lot of space around the home that is taken up by books that are normally read once!
Great book recommendations to meet my new year resolution of reading 20 books, thanks everyone! I am currently reading Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal, Medicine and what Matters in the End. It’s a deep and moving account about aging and dying. Ive bene avoiding reading it after buying it some years back. Having lost my mom to Parkinson’s a few months back and now realizing how my own body is slowing down over time, I can relate to everything in this book and wish I’d picked it up earlier. But will need a fast paced mystery thriller after this one for sure! The next two on my list is Tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow and Good for a girl
I recently read Janet Evanovich’s, Going Rogue, and Richard Osman’s, The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery. Love both of those authors! (Those were my Christmas books.) Right now I’m reading Something Missing, by Matthew Dicks. So far, I like it! We’ll see! I love reading. Thanks for asking us about books!!!
Sounds like happy belated birthday is in order? ;) mine is coming up and ughhh the big 50 yuck!
For audiobooks, I'm jumping between Born To Run 2 and A Song for You, which is about Whitney Houston written by her best friend. I LOVE Whitney. What an AMAZING woman, beautiful in every way. For hardcover, I’m still trying to finish Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
I like hearing what others are reading and what they recommend. Thanks for starting this thread!
I just received The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin-music producer. He is one of the most revered music producers in the industry. He doesn’t play a single instrument and actually started Def Jam years ago out of his dorm room in college. He was just on 60 Minutes this past weekend and discussed how he produces music by simply sitting, eyes closed and listening to the artist. Fascinating…..My husband grabbed it before me so I will read it after him. I’ve been struggling through The Secret History by Donna Tartt….really slow start and now that I’m in about 200 pages I’m committed!🙃
Just finished The Three Body Problem (Cixin Liu). Currently reading Desert Solitaire (Edward Abbey), Born to Run 2 (Christopher MCDougall), and Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott). On deck: Of Wolves and Men (Barry Lopez).
To be honest, I was skeptical, but so far it's really well done, and I think it is going to be good for a (much needed) mental and physical re-set. It starts with a reminder of Caballo Blanco principles from the first book ("Easy, Light, Smooth, and on the fast days, Fast"), and goes from there into practical exercises, etc. And it's full of great and joyful photos - I don't think I've found a single shot where the runner isn't smiling.
I listen to books when running. One of the very best books ever is The Boys from Biloxi by Grisham- all 18 hours of it!! I live in the Panhandle so that made it even better! It’s definitely one of Grisham’s best!
First 3 books of the year have been Last Night in Montreal (Emily St. John Mandel), The Diary of a Bookseller (Shaun Bythell) and The Violin Conspiracy (Brendan Slocumb). Two works of fiction sandwiching a year in the life of a Scottish used bookstore owner.
I read "Range" by David Epstein a few months ago. It was great, I'm sure you'll love it. I recently finished "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Garbrielle Zevin. It was definitely my favorite fiction book of the past few years. I just started the Tiger Woods biography "Tiger" by Jeff Benedict and it already has me hooked!
The Rock Warrior's Way :) I'm learning to climb and that book inspired the people whose books and adventures inspired me, so I figure I should finally read it :)
I always love this discussion. I end up finding some new gem. My most recent reads are The Diamond Eye (fictionalized history about female Russian sniper during world war II, fascinating.) Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and now in the early pages of The Nazi Conspiracy (to assassinate Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin in one fell swoop)
My stack of books keeps getting taller! :) I great problem to have though, I LOVE reading and running. I just finished 26 Marathons by Meb K and Good for a Girl by Lauren F. Starting The Alchemist now. Thanks for sharing your books here as well. I love adding to my book list.
oh my gosh! That is amazing! I met him too. I was in tears. He is so kind and generous with his time. It sounds like you had a similar experience as me. That is so wonderful. I also got a photo with him and it will be in my next book which I'm excited about. :) He's story is so inspiring.
It was awesome. It was at the gasparilla run.( I had run the half marathon and he stands out on the course high-fiving everybody. Super motivating) Afterwards, he and I and two of my friends were the only ones in the VIP tent,
other friends were running the 8K. So we chatted. We were too starstruck to ask for a photo, but he suggested it and we took him up on it.. He was warm and friendly and gracious and down to earth.
Well, first I need to find a cozy corner in this new place, which is nearly impossible. . .the re-modelers took out all the cozy and left grey walls and plastic floors. . . interior decor changes to the advantage of the land lords--high rent, low quality! So it goes. . . :) Fortunately, I did luck out with a beautiful view, trees and grass all around, and plenty of birds!
As to reading, I've started Born to Run 2 (Orton & McDougall) It is good. . . different from the first one, so it takes some time to get used to it. I've raided the library and have the Oxygen Advantage coming. This one was highly recommended by GMB, who has a website of body weight exercises I love doing. Of course, I had to find out more about Eric Orton, the running trainer in Born to Run 2, so I have The Cool Impossible on hold. It should be here in a few days.
No fun stuff. I have several kid's books on hummingbirds that I am dying to read, but will pick the up soon.
Beautiful day out. Cool and dry this week. Looks like Spring is around the corner
Went on a classic binge in my 20s. Read Lord of the Flies then. My favorite authors were Mark Twain and Kipling. . .Especially loved Roughing It (Mark Twaing) I can't remember when I have laughed so hard! And don't forget Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes!
Oh well, lots of different tastes and books. The ones I had were from the SUU library, signed originals, so I guess they were special. . . same for all the others including Doyle. Libraries have such different things! :)
I am visiting our 10 year old Granddaughter who asked me to read one of her current books so we can discuss together. The book: Wildoak by C.C. Harrington. The introductory quote by Jane Goodall I love:
Just finished these four: Partnering (Jean Oelwang); Breath (James Nestor); The Captain Class (Sam Walker); Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss). Next: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (20th Anniv ed., Pat Lencioni); The 8 Types of Working Genius (Pat Lencioni); The Power of Change (TBR 14 Feb, Craig Groeshel).
It wasn't that long ago that I heard Chris Voss on a podcast, talking about his book -- sounded really, really interesting. I may have to get that one!
Big Grisham fan here too -- I read 'The Guardians' and 'The Partner' last year and really enjoyed both. 'The Science of Stuck' -- I'll have to look that up -- all of these sound fascinating!
Wow, interesting (and eclectic) selection! I was a big Clancy fan back in his heyday -- I love thrillers and suspense too. How was 'The Harder They Fall'?
The Harder They Fall was very good. I kind of new the story but it was still a fun read.
Over the past 2 years, I've finally gotten back into reading so I am playing a bit of catch up. I feel like if you like Clancy stuff you'll like Jack Carr's The Terminal List series (which I read last year).
My wife got me a few books for Christmas. I am reading two right now: "Cinema Speculation" by Quentin Tarantino and "The Love Prescription" by John and Julie Gottman of the famed Gottman Institute. The latter is a short book but it is PACKED with valuable tips and tools to optimize one's relationship with one's spouse/significant other. I am a lifelong cinephile and I am DEVOURING the Tarantino book. Tarantino's childhood and my childhood were very similar. We both had parents/step parents who took us to movies in the late 60's/early to mid 70's that we may have been too young to see, but the exposure to many of these films was a life-changing experience for him, obviously...and me. His essays on that period in movie history are incredibly thoughtful and insightful. I don't agree with every opinion he offers up in the book, but I sure love reading them!
Tarantino is such an interesting character -- I actually find what he has to say about movies really, really interesting too, more so than his actual films, though of course I get why so many people love them. (I see what's fresh and interesting and original about his movies; I think it's the violence that turns me off, though of course all of them aren't like that.) I would love to check out the Gottman book -- I read it when I first got married and it helped IMMENSELY. Great stuff.
Yes! This time of year brings a lot of new books! I don’t know if it’s the spirit of the new year or the cold and cozy weather, but I do a lot of reading this time of year. Most recently I read the three book A Discovery of Witches series, Younger Next Year for Women, Unf*ck Your Health, Miracle Mornings for Entrepreneurs, Atomic Habits, and I’m currently reading Blue Skies by James Barnett. I have about five more books in my pile that I’m excited to get to! A mix of fantasy, business, self-help, and parenting. Do you ever listen to audio books while you run? I do sometimes. It’s a great way to multitask if you’re in a safe place to run :)
Occasionally! Mostly I listen to podcasts and music -- I have an Apple Watch and Spotify will download a few things to the watch so you don't have to carry your phone. I wonder if an audiobook would be too large a file size to download? An audiobook Iistened to last year on the treadmill a lot was 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley, which was FANTASTIC as an audiobook. (Even better than print, I think.)
i'm reading greenlights by matthew mcconaughey. it is so good! he writes like he talks and it is just an interesting story of how he grew up, his family life and becoming famous. it is also peppered with great life lessons and smarter ways to think about life. i'm really enjoying it.
Very cool! I think I saw him give an interview about his book back during Covid -- he did an interview with John Grisham, I think, and they talked about the making of ‘A Time to Kill.’ I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for the rec 👍
Just finished Mad Honey, Jodi Picoult's newest book (excellent); just starting Everything I Never told you, by Celeste Ng. AFter that, Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead.
I'm reading Running While Black by Alison Mariella Desir & am loving it! It is hard to put down!
That’s another one I really want to read! I remember seeing a few articles around the time it published; will pick it up this week!
Well, Terrell, you now have a reading list! Such a great community that actually reads books!
Our library is fantastic! I requested Diamond Eye yesterday morning. . . it is on its way and will be ready for pick-on Monday morning. Too bad people don't use the library more. Saves a lot of space around the home that is taken up by books that are normally read once!
I recently started reading Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor, a crime thriller mixed with family saga set in Delhi, India.
I have this on hold at the library!! Can't wait!
So I’ve been seeing things about this book I feel like everywhere I look -- it must be a sign from the universe!
It must be a sign!
Great book recommendations to meet my new year resolution of reading 20 books, thanks everyone! I am currently reading Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal, Medicine and what Matters in the End. It’s a deep and moving account about aging and dying. Ive bene avoiding reading it after buying it some years back. Having lost my mom to Parkinson’s a few months back and now realizing how my own body is slowing down over time, I can relate to everything in this book and wish I’d picked it up earlier. But will need a fast paced mystery thriller after this one for sure! The next two on my list is Tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow and Good for a girl
I've heard nothing but fantastic things about 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' -- let me know how it is!
I'm reading Francine Prose's "Reading Like a Writer." Would definitely recommend if you love writing and literature!
Also -- what a fortuitous last name, for a writer of a book like that! 😉
Now that’s one I think I need to read! Googling now…
I’m reading “Tough” by Terry Crews. He has some great perspectives on people’s behavior.
My picture with him is my screensaver on my phone!
I recently read Janet Evanovich’s, Going Rogue, and Richard Osman’s, The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery. Love both of those authors! (Those were my Christmas books.) Right now I’m reading Something Missing, by Matthew Dicks. So far, I like it! We’ll see! I love reading. Thanks for asking us about books!!!
I read Going Rogue, too. I haven’t read anything by Osman... I’ll have to check that out.
His Thursday Murder Club books are great!
Sounds like happy belated birthday is in order? ;) mine is coming up and ughhh the big 50 yuck!
For audiobooks, I'm jumping between Born To Run 2 and A Song for You, which is about Whitney Houston written by her best friend. I LOVE Whitney. What an AMAZING woman, beautiful in every way. For hardcover, I’m still trying to finish Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
I like hearing what others are reading and what they recommend. Thanks for starting this thread!
I’m turning 50 this year, too! I’m really looking forward to aging up to the next group for races 😀
Happy early birthday to you! Actually 50 is great -- I just turned 52! Tell me more about 'A Rock and Hard Place' -- who is it by?
Demon Copperhead. Like it a lot so far.
I just received The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin-music producer. He is one of the most revered music producers in the industry. He doesn’t play a single instrument and actually started Def Jam years ago out of his dorm room in college. He was just on 60 Minutes this past weekend and discussed how he produces music by simply sitting, eyes closed and listening to the artist. Fascinating…..My husband grabbed it before me so I will read it after him. I’ve been struggling through The Secret History by Donna Tartt….really slow start and now that I’m in about 200 pages I’m committed!🙃
I started The Secret History too a couple of years ago — it’s fantastic but dense; I want to pick it back up again. I loved The Goldfinch by Tartt!
I read some real life stories in Russian Times. . . it did look really good. It's on my list!
Just finished Out of Thin Air about Ethiopian running and how they train. Excellent book. I will get a copy of Born to Run 2 next....
Interesting! Who is that by?
Michael Crawley. He went to Ethiopia and ran with them for a bit. He is a scottish top 10 runner himself. Great book
Just finished The Three Body Problem (Cixin Liu). Currently reading Desert Solitaire (Edward Abbey), Born to Run 2 (Christopher MCDougall), and Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott). On deck: Of Wolves and Men (Barry Lopez).
How is "Born to Run 2"? I just picked up a copy a week or two ago.
To be honest, I was skeptical, but so far it's really well done, and I think it is going to be good for a (much needed) mental and physical re-set. It starts with a reminder of Caballo Blanco principles from the first book ("Easy, Light, Smooth, and on the fast days, Fast"), and goes from there into practical exercises, etc. And it's full of great and joyful photos - I don't think I've found a single shot where the runner isn't smiling.
Yes, beautiful photography and runners. . . maybe I'm missing something in the text.:) The videos on YouTube are pretty good with Eric Orton.
I listen to books when running. One of the very best books ever is The Boys from Biloxi by Grisham- all 18 hours of it!! I live in the Panhandle so that made it even better! It’s definitely one of Grisham’s best!
Like you, I listen to books while running and around the house.
First 3 books of the year have been Last Night in Montreal (Emily St. John Mandel), The Diary of a Bookseller (Shaun Bythell) and The Violin Conspiracy (Brendan Slocumb). Two works of fiction sandwiching a year in the life of a Scottish used bookstore owner.
Those all sound really interesting, Jim.
I read "Range" by David Epstein a few months ago. It was great, I'm sure you'll love it. I recently finished "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Garbrielle Zevin. It was definitely my favorite fiction book of the past few years. I just started the Tiger Woods biography "Tiger" by Jeff Benedict and it already has me hooked!
I can't wait for "Range"!
The Rock Warrior's Way :) I'm learning to climb and that book inspired the people whose books and adventures inspired me, so I figure I should finally read it :)
How cool! I'll have to check it out too.
I always love this discussion. I end up finding some new gem. My most recent reads are The Diamond Eye (fictionalized history about female Russian sniper during world war II, fascinating.) Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and now in the early pages of The Nazi Conspiracy (to assassinate Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin in one fell swoop)
'Diamond Eye' does look really interesting!
Been meaning to read Diamond Eye. . .Thanks for the reminder!
My stack of books keeps getting taller! :) I great problem to have though, I LOVE reading and running. I just finished 26 Marathons by Meb K and Good for a Girl by Lauren F. Starting The Alchemist now. Thanks for sharing your books here as well. I love adding to my book list.
I loved 26 Marathons. Was inspired to read it after I met the man in person.
oh my gosh! That is amazing! I met him too. I was in tears. He is so kind and generous with his time. It sounds like you had a similar experience as me. That is so wonderful. I also got a photo with him and it will be in my next book which I'm excited about. :) He's story is so inspiring.
Wow! What was meeting him like?
It was awesome. It was at the gasparilla run.( I had run the half marathon and he stands out on the course high-fiving everybody. Super motivating) Afterwards, he and I and two of my friends were the only ones in the VIP tent,
other friends were running the 8K. So we chatted. We were too starstruck to ask for a photo, but he suggested it and we took him up on it.. He was warm and friendly and gracious and down to earth.
Thanks Nilima. The Goodall quote may work better for the youngsters but I appreciate your deep knowledge of sources.
Thank the Hummingbird Society. . .it is their motto!
Well, first I need to find a cozy corner in this new place, which is nearly impossible. . .the re-modelers took out all the cozy and left grey walls and plastic floors. . . interior decor changes to the advantage of the land lords--high rent, low quality! So it goes. . . :) Fortunately, I did luck out with a beautiful view, trees and grass all around, and plenty of birds!
As to reading, I've started Born to Run 2 (Orton & McDougall) It is good. . . different from the first one, so it takes some time to get used to it. I've raided the library and have the Oxygen Advantage coming. This one was highly recommended by GMB, who has a website of body weight exercises I love doing. Of course, I had to find out more about Eric Orton, the running trainer in Born to Run 2, so I have The Cool Impossible on hold. It should be here in a few days.
No fun stuff. I have several kid's books on hummingbirds that I am dying to read, but will pick the up soon.
Beautiful day out. Cool and dry this week. Looks like Spring is around the corner
I am currently reading "The Protagonist's Journey," by Scott Myers.
Been finding myself reading more classic fiction this year - I am reading Lord Of the flies
Went on a classic binge in my 20s. Read Lord of the Flies then. My favorite authors were Mark Twain and Kipling. . .Especially loved Roughing It (Mark Twaing) I can't remember when I have laughed so hard! And don't forget Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes!
I read Mark Twain when I was small, couldn't say I love it :p Sherlock Holmes should be on my list though, I have enjoyed reading series
Oh well, lots of different tastes and books. The ones I had were from the SUU library, signed originals, so I guess they were special. . . same for all the others including Doyle. Libraries have such different things! :)
Here is another theme and quote from the book: “Be gentle with yourself. It’s hard being human.”
I haven’t read it but will put it on my list.
Blood & Ink: the scandalous jazz age double murder that hooked America on true crime. Good read, halfway through
Ooooooh that sounds interesting! A little like 'Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson, maybe?
What kind of podcasts do you listen to ? Right now I am into Knowledge project , what should I read next , the Drive .
I am visiting our 10 year old Granddaughter who asked me to read one of her current books so we can discuss together. The book: Wildoak by C.C. Harrington. The introductory quote by Jane Goodall I love:
“Only if we understand, can we care
Only if we care, will we help.
Only if we help, shall all be saved.”
Or the real Quote :)
In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” Baba Dioum 1968
That is beautiful.
Love this, Clark! I'll have to get this for my 9-year-old.
Another quote & theme from this book I love: Be gentle with yourself. It’s hard being human.”
Just finished these four: Partnering (Jean Oelwang); Breath (James Nestor); The Captain Class (Sam Walker); Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss). Next: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (20th Anniv ed., Pat Lencioni); The 8 Types of Working Genius (Pat Lencioni); The Power of Change (TBR 14 Feb, Craig Groeshel).
It wasn't that long ago that I heard Chris Voss on a podcast, talking about his book -- sounded really, really interesting. I may have to get that one!
Books- just like potato chips, you can’t eat just one.
I keep 3 piles:
My craft pile currently has: Your Story Matters ( Leslie Leland Fields), The Last 50 pages( James ScottBell) and Seven Drafts( Allison Williams)
Fiction pile: Neverwhere ( Neil Gaiman),Brood(Jackie Polzin), APainted House( John Grisham)
Non-Fiction: the Science of Stuck( Britt Frank)
Big Grisham fan here too -- I read 'The Guardians' and 'The Partner' last year and really enjoyed both. 'The Science of Stuck' -- I'll have to look that up -- all of these sound fascinating!
Just finished The Harder they Fall by Brad Schulberg (Kindle) and my annual reread of Atomic Habit by James Clear (Audible)
Currently Range by David Epstein (Audible), and Without Remorse by Tom Clancy (Kindle)
On Deck - Here all Along by Sarah Hurwitz (Kindle) and The Original by Brandon Sanderson (Audible)
Reuben--I love James Clear's newsletter. But still haven't read the book. Next up....
This was my third reading the book is fantastic.
Wow, interesting (and eclectic) selection! I was a big Clancy fan back in his heyday -- I love thrillers and suspense too. How was 'The Harder They Fall'?
The Harder They Fall was very good. I kind of new the story but it was still a fun read.
Over the past 2 years, I've finally gotten back into reading so I am playing a bit of catch up. I feel like if you like Clancy stuff you'll like Jack Carr's The Terminal List series (which I read last year).
My wife got me a few books for Christmas. I am reading two right now: "Cinema Speculation" by Quentin Tarantino and "The Love Prescription" by John and Julie Gottman of the famed Gottman Institute. The latter is a short book but it is PACKED with valuable tips and tools to optimize one's relationship with one's spouse/significant other. I am a lifelong cinephile and I am DEVOURING the Tarantino book. Tarantino's childhood and my childhood were very similar. We both had parents/step parents who took us to movies in the late 60's/early to mid 70's that we may have been too young to see, but the exposure to many of these films was a life-changing experience for him, obviously...and me. His essays on that period in movie history are incredibly thoughtful and insightful. I don't agree with every opinion he offers up in the book, but I sure love reading them!
Tarantino is such an interesting character -- I actually find what he has to say about movies really, really interesting too, more so than his actual films, though of course I get why so many people love them. (I see what's fresh and interesting and original about his movies; I think it's the violence that turns me off, though of course all of them aren't like that.) I would love to check out the Gottman book -- I read it when I first got married and it helped IMMENSELY. Great stuff.
Yes! This time of year brings a lot of new books! I don’t know if it’s the spirit of the new year or the cold and cozy weather, but I do a lot of reading this time of year. Most recently I read the three book A Discovery of Witches series, Younger Next Year for Women, Unf*ck Your Health, Miracle Mornings for Entrepreneurs, Atomic Habits, and I’m currently reading Blue Skies by James Barnett. I have about five more books in my pile that I’m excited to get to! A mix of fantasy, business, self-help, and parenting. Do you ever listen to audio books while you run? I do sometimes. It’s a great way to multitask if you’re in a safe place to run :)
I love audio books. But I find that when I'm running I zone out and miss a lot. So now I only do audio books driving or walking.
Occasionally! Mostly I listen to podcasts and music -- I have an Apple Watch and Spotify will download a few things to the watch so you don't have to carry your phone. I wonder if an audiobook would be too large a file size to download? An audiobook Iistened to last year on the treadmill a lot was 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley, which was FANTASTIC as an audiobook. (Even better than print, I think.)
Sounds really interesting!