The holidays are, of course, long past us now, but the pile of books I received as gifts — and a few I picked up for myself 😉 — are now heaving on the edge of my bedside table, waiting, beckoning to be read. That, plus the fact that I had a birthday at the beginning of January and received a few more, means lots of new books come into my life around this time of year.
Which makes me wonder, what are you reading now? What new book has come across your radar that you’re loving, and want everyone to know about? 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? (Or, is there a book you’re excited to read that’s coming out later this year, as I am for Katie Arnold’s new book?)
I always love hearing what’s capturing your imagination. — Terrell
I'm about halfway through "All It Takes is a Goal" by Jon Acuff on Audible. He reads it himself, and is hilarious -- I love all the bonus stories. But I also like that he has a different take on how to set and accomplish goals than many of the other books on the topic.
i have recently purchased “inevitable revolutions: the united states in central america.” currently running the over/under on whether i finish it before 2030
I enjoy hearing about what others are reading 😊! I just finished a couple of really good audiobooks - Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (he wrote Martian as well) and There Is No Wall by Allie Bailey (she is a bad ass long distance endurance runner who overcame alcohol addiction). I’m currently listening to Colors Of Goodbye by September Vaudrey (timely given that my Mom passed away last week - everyone grieves in their own way). I do listen to audiobooks while running or strength training and my goal is to learn something new in 40 books for 2024. Does anyone else in this group set a goal on how many books they will read or listen to in a year?
Thanks to recommendations from this group, I listened to 5 of Lucy Foley's books, including The Paris Apartment. I enjoyed the writing style she uses of seeing bits of the story from different character's perspective until the entire story is told. It's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.
Just finished The Great Disappearance by Dr.David Jeremiah. GREAT read on the coming rapture and tribulation. Began reading Wounded Tiger by T. Martin Bennett. This is the true story about the pilot that led the attack on Pearl Harbor whose life was changed by an American prisoner and a girl he never met.
I’m currently rereading Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry. It’s a work of fiction and there’s a few others in a series centering the same town and community. It’s one of my favorites of his books and I find myself struck by something new every time.
Gosh, so many good books to choose from! Love it when you ask members what they are reading now. I always find something that is a good choice! Me, I'm re-reading Chi Running--again for the "nth" time.
So many things I need to practice everyday and have forgotten over time, Finished Running with Raven and wished I could run with him. . . Glad you pointed out Katie Arnold"s new book. She is a good author. . .could not fut down "Running Home" even though I took weeks to finish it!
Another rainy day here. Looks like we are in for it for the coming week. . .a good time to read! Upped my rowing to 40 minutes a day. . .read an article on a gentleman who does rowing several times a week. He is 93, Doctors running tests on him say he has the body and heartbeat of someone who is 43! Gotta keep this old chassis in shape! Take care! :)
The Dictionary People by Sarah Ogilvie. Interesting story about all the interesting “readers” who contributed to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), including several patients in insane asylums. Next up will be Colson Whitehead’s Crook Manifesto.
I listen to books on Audible while I run and drive. Just finished “The Color of Water” by Jane McBride. I had listened to his new best seller “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” a few months back. I don’t have a lot of spare time to read so this is a good way to get some good books in.
I belong to a book club and we just finished The Extraordinary Life Of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. I’ve read and listened to a number of his books but this one is totally different. Very good!!
Next up: Nina Totenberg's "Dinners with Ruth"--here's the "blurb" --Celebrated NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg delivers an extraordinary memoir of her personal successes, struggles, and life-affirming relationships, including her beautiful friendship of nearly fifty years with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
So many books - so little time! My stack runneth over. I have just about finished Sand and Steel - excellent in depth study of D-Day and the liberation of France. Also into The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict (fascinating story about Hedy Lamarr); The Rediscovery Of America by Ned Blackhawk (an excellent history of Native Americans); Starry Messenger by Neil DeGrasse Tyson; and Leadership by Henry Kissinger. And Finally, as an escape, the Murderbot series by Martha Wells.
My book pile is high. I start at the top and work my way down but because there are always new additions, the pile is always high. Right now I am reading "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang and it's a refreshing read....very engaging. But the best book anyone can read is my book, published by Koehlerbooks....."We Will Count Stars: Following Abraham." Just released this past December. It will infuse a renewed hope.
Read Hello Beautiful over Dec. since I have 3 sisters it was good in many ways.
Reread The Boys in the Boat and saw the movie
Highly recommended but read the book first. Runners- it’s kinda like Chariots of Fire in a boat.
My stack is high but never too many books. Currently reading Robert Parker’s Spencer detective novels for a fun change of pace. Next after that 1000Acres by Jane Smiley
I just saw 'The Boys in the Boat' movie and really loved it -- my mother-in-law has raved about the book for years, says it's in her top-five all-time. I've got to read it!
The book has much more back story on not just Joe Rantz but the other men as well. The movie didn't have time to show all of that . So much determination...
That's what my mother-in-law said as well. I'd remembered our conversations about it, and wondered when I watched the movie that the focus seemed to be mostly on Joe, but then I realized... to focus on them all would be like an 18-hour movie!
I am reading Ann Patchett short essays in This Is The Story of a Happy Marriage. Strangely I didn't love State of Wonder too much but this one is growing on me :)
It’s the true story of a boy that was completely conscious while trapped inside his unresponsive body. They thought he was brain dead but he was aware of everything happening around him yet unable to communicate it. It’s a beautiful story written by the very one they thought was brain dead.
Sorry Terrell, I haven’t finished the book, but I did see an interview with the writer on you tube and he communicates with others through a special computer. Please look up the interview and watch it It is so inspiring and he expresses himself in a very gifted way.
I just read 'The Baby on The Fire Escape: Creativitiy, Motherhood and the Mind- Body Problem' by Julie Phillips and am about to re-read 'Wintering' by Katherine May, in to ease me through the gloom of Scottish winter.
i'm reading Hello Beautiful by ann napolitano. she is a great writer...she also wrote Dear Edward. this is about 4 sisters and their relationships. she does a great job with character development. i'm enjoying the book.
I'm finally getting around to Killers of the Flower Moon! I missed it when you were reading David Gran books, and it's the selection for my in-person book club in February.
LOVED the book. Was a little disappointed by the movie, but it has gotten good reviews, so what do I know. I can say this for it. It is beautiful to look at, like a piece of art. Also, the less known actress overshadows the two big name actors in my opinion.
Also listened to Gran's Lost City of Z. He's a fantastic author.
I haven't yet. I wanted to read the book first since it's been on my to-read pile for years. I don't even want to know which people the big stars play because that might give me too many clues as to what happens! I don't want to spoil the ending.
"Vesper Flights", a collection of essay by Helen Macdonald. Blurb from People Mag says,"An eloquent call to get outside and share the wonder." I couldn't agree more.
I have that one on my bookshelf, Caroline -- I've only read a few of the essays, but I've loved them. Also have 'H Is For Hawk' on audiobook -- need to get to that this year!
I’m about to start chapter 30 of The Power Broker myself. I started it on January 1 and have been getting through sections while pausing for fiction fixes and to allow others who are reading to catch up. I have a few Knausgaards in my Tsundoku and recently read North Woods (despite the hype, I felt it was too contrived). After reading 90 books last year, my goal is to get to 52 given the Power Broker’s length.
I've heard amazing things about Knausgaard's books, but have yet to pick up one myself -- maybe this is the year that happens. (What is a Tunsdoku, by the way?)
This is the subject of my latest two newsletters! https://notestowardsolidarity.substack.com/p/favorite-books-of-23-part-ii?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
I'm about halfway through "All It Takes is a Goal" by Jon Acuff on Audible. He reads it himself, and is hilarious -- I love all the bonus stories. But I also like that he has a different take on how to set and accomplish goals than many of the other books on the topic.
i have recently purchased “inevitable revolutions: the united states in central america.” currently running the over/under on whether i finish it before 2030
I finished “Every man for himself and God against all: a memoir” by the filmmaker Werner Herzog. Now I am listening to “Doppleganger” by Naomi Klein.
I enjoy hearing about what others are reading 😊! I just finished a couple of really good audiobooks - Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (he wrote Martian as well) and There Is No Wall by Allie Bailey (she is a bad ass long distance endurance runner who overcame alcohol addiction). I’m currently listening to Colors Of Goodbye by September Vaudrey (timely given that my Mom passed away last week - everyone grieves in their own way). I do listen to audiobooks while running or strength training and my goal is to learn something new in 40 books for 2024. Does anyone else in this group set a goal on how many books they will read or listen to in a year?
My condolences. Lost my mom over 20 years ago and I still miss her. :)
I've heard a lot about 'There Is No Wall' -- really want to read it!
Thanks to recommendations from this group, I listened to 5 of Lucy Foley's books, including The Paris Apartment. I enjoyed the writing style she uses of seeing bits of the story from different character's perspective until the entire story is told. It's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.
I absolutely LOVED The Paris Apartment audiobook -- it was like a movie.
Just finished The Great Disappearance by Dr.David Jeremiah. GREAT read on the coming rapture and tribulation. Began reading Wounded Tiger by T. Martin Bennett. This is the true story about the pilot that led the attack on Pearl Harbor whose life was changed by an American prisoner and a girl he never met.
I’m currently rereading Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry. It’s a work of fiction and there’s a few others in a series centering the same town and community. It’s one of my favorites of his books and I find myself struck by something new every time.
Gosh, so many good books to choose from! Love it when you ask members what they are reading now. I always find something that is a good choice! Me, I'm re-reading Chi Running--again for the "nth" time.
So many things I need to practice everyday and have forgotten over time, Finished Running with Raven and wished I could run with him. . . Glad you pointed out Katie Arnold"s new book. She is a good author. . .could not fut down "Running Home" even though I took weeks to finish it!
Another rainy day here. Looks like we are in for it for the coming week. . .a good time to read! Upped my rowing to 40 minutes a day. . .read an article on a gentleman who does rowing several times a week. He is 93, Doctors running tests on him say he has the body and heartbeat of someone who is 43! Gotta keep this old chassis in shape! Take care! :)
The Dictionary People by Sarah Ogilvie. Interesting story about all the interesting “readers” who contributed to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), including several patients in insane asylums. Next up will be Colson Whitehead’s Crook Manifesto.
I listen to books on Audible while I run and drive. Just finished “The Color of Water” by Jane McBride. I had listened to his new best seller “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” a few months back. I don’t have a lot of spare time to read so this is a good way to get some good books in.
I belong to a book club and we just finished The Extraordinary Life Of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. I’ve read and listened to a number of his books but this one is totally different. Very good!!
Next up: Nina Totenberg's "Dinners with Ruth"--here's the "blurb" --Celebrated NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg delivers an extraordinary memoir of her personal successes, struggles, and life-affirming relationships, including her beautiful friendship of nearly fifty years with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
I'd like to get better with personal finance, so right now I'm reading Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche
Dune! Preparing for Part 2 of the movie coming out in a few months.
Differ We Must by Steve Inskeep; How Lincoln succeeded in a divided America/
That sounds like something we all should be reading!
So many books - so little time! My stack runneth over. I have just about finished Sand and Steel - excellent in depth study of D-Day and the liberation of France. Also into The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict (fascinating story about Hedy Lamarr); The Rediscovery Of America by Ned Blackhawk (an excellent history of Native Americans); Starry Messenger by Neil DeGrasse Tyson; and Leadership by Henry Kissinger. And Finally, as an escape, the Murderbot series by Martha Wells.
Thanks for the recommendations. I am looking forward to Harold by Steven Wright. But will add Katie Arnold to the list
My book pile is high. I start at the top and work my way down but because there are always new additions, the pile is always high. Right now I am reading "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang and it's a refreshing read....very engaging. But the best book anyone can read is my book, published by Koehlerbooks....."We Will Count Stars: Following Abraham." Just released this past December. It will infuse a renewed hope.
https://www.amazon.com/We-Will-Count-Stars-Following/dp/B0CJT7VFRT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NVNTDH2A99V9&keywords=we+will+count+stars+following+abraham&qid=1706281588&sprefix=%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1
Thanks so much for sharing, Linda! I'll have to go order it now 🙌
Wonderful!
Kissinger by Walter Isaacson.
Did you read his book on Steve Jobs? That's a great one too.
I have not. I've read his Da Vinci book, though. Excellent. Jobs or Ben Franklin are next on my list.
Read Hello Beautiful over Dec. since I have 3 sisters it was good in many ways.
Reread The Boys in the Boat and saw the movie
Highly recommended but read the book first. Runners- it’s kinda like Chariots of Fire in a boat.
My stack is high but never too many books. Currently reading Robert Parker’s Spencer detective novels for a fun change of pace. Next after that 1000Acres by Jane Smiley
I just saw 'The Boys in the Boat' movie and really loved it -- my mother-in-law has raved about the book for years, says it's in her top-five all-time. I've got to read it!
The book has much more back story on not just Joe Rantz but the other men as well. The movie didn't have time to show all of that . So much determination...
That's what my mother-in-law said as well. I'd remembered our conversations about it, and wondered when I watched the movie that the focus seemed to be mostly on Joe, but then I realized... to focus on them all would be like an 18-hour movie!
I am reading Ann Patchett short essays in This Is The Story of a Happy Marriage. Strangely I didn't love State of Wonder too much but this one is growing on me :)
Interesting, Minh! I'll have to check it out 👍
Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius.
It’s the true story of a boy that was completely conscious while trapped inside his unresponsive body. They thought he was brain dead but he was aware of everything happening around him yet unable to communicate it. It’s a beautiful story written by the very one they thought was brain dead.
Whoa! That sounds fascinating -- how does it end? (Or are you going to keep me in suspense?! 😃 )
Sorry Terrell, I haven’t finished the book, but I did see an interview with the writer on you tube and he communicates with others through a special computer. Please look up the interview and watch it It is so inspiring and he expresses himself in a very gifted way.
I just read 'The Baby on The Fire Escape: Creativitiy, Motherhood and the Mind- Body Problem' by Julie Phillips and am about to re-read 'Wintering' by Katherine May, in to ease me through the gloom of Scottish winter.
I think Katherine May also has a newsletter: https://katherinemay.substack.com/ Both of these sound really, really good, Hannah 🙌
I'm a keen subscriber to her newsletter, reading it is always a lovely moment of hope and calm midst the chaos of everyday life!
i'm reading Hello Beautiful by ann napolitano. she is a great writer...she also wrote Dear Edward. this is about 4 sisters and their relationships. she does a great job with character development. i'm enjoying the book.
Okay this sounds really interesting -- so is it anything like 'Little Women'?
meh. a little more up to date.
Classics A course in miracles, return to love, Neville Goddard’s out of this world
Is that this one, Paolo? https://www.amazon.com/Course-Miracles-Combined-Helen-Schucman/dp/1883360250
These all sound fantastic!
I'm finally getting around to Killers of the Flower Moon! I missed it when you were reading David Gran books, and it's the selection for my in-person book club in February.
LOVED the book. Was a little disappointed by the movie, but it has gotten good reviews, so what do I know. I can say this for it. It is beautiful to look at, like a piece of art. Also, the less known actress overshadows the two big name actors in my opinion.
Also listened to Gran's Lost City of Z. He's a fantastic author.
It's SOOOOO good, isn't it? Have you seen the movie yet?
I haven't yet. I wanted to read the book first since it's been on my to-read pile for years. I don't even want to know which people the big stars play because that might give me too many clues as to what happens! I don't want to spoil the ending.
"Vesper Flights", a collection of essay by Helen Macdonald. Blurb from People Mag says,"An eloquent call to get outside and share the wonder." I couldn't agree more.
I have that one on my bookshelf, Caroline -- I've only read a few of the essays, but I've loved them. Also have 'H Is For Hawk' on audiobook -- need to get to that this year!
Oh this is sounds brilliant. I'm going to add it to my library holds!
I’m about to start chapter 30 of The Power Broker myself. I started it on January 1 and have been getting through sections while pausing for fiction fixes and to allow others who are reading to catch up. I have a few Knausgaards in my Tsundoku and recently read North Woods (despite the hype, I felt it was too contrived). After reading 90 books last year, my goal is to get to 52 given the Power Broker’s length.
I've heard amazing things about Knausgaard's books, but have yet to pick up one myself -- maybe this is the year that happens. (What is a Tunsdoku, by the way?)
And you are a prolific reader! Ninety books last year?! That's amazing! Also, have you heard of the podcast/book club 99% Invisible is doing all year, as a read-along of The Power Broker? It's so, so good: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/breaking-down-the-power-broker/