Even though I’m now (way, way) past my school years, I still think of the year the way I used to when I was in high school and college. Which means, fall is the beginning of the year, spring is the end, and summer is my break when I get to read whatever I want.
This summer I’m looking forward in a big way to escaping with some great books — like Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, which we’re reading in our member summer book club, and finally getting around to David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon. I’ve also got several John Grisham books I’m planning on reading, as I’m just finishing up Sycamore Row.
What are you planning on reading this summer (that isn’t on the internet!)? I’d love to know what’s on your list, as you guys always give me such fantastic ideas on so many things. 😃 — Terrell
Ernest Hemingway’s bathroom reading, which I snapped a picture of when I visited his home just outside Havana, Cuba, a few years ago.
I’m trying-reading Tuesdays with Morrie. It’s the cutest little quick read about a sweet little old man and his relationship with his student, to the end. I cried and laughed last time and am again now. Also reading Stay by Anjuli Paschal and Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, both chik books (kinda like chik flicks right?) but more self helpish. I recently read Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Also listened to the audiobook, read by himself. Made it more interesting! He likes bumper stickers and is very VERY transparent. I also have The Art of Racing in the Rain and Elton John in my queue.
Saw a crazy story this morning. 21 runners died in a 62 mile ultra marathon in Gansu Province in China. They were running up a mountain to 6500 feet above sea level when a storm struck. It said that they were dressed in tee shirts and short and had to endure freezing rain, hail and high winds. Some of the runners who lost their lives were the best in China... I can't imagine what they must have gone through.
I am reading Daring Greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent and lead by Brené Brown. The best message from the book so far is that "I am enough". For me, these 3 words took away all of the pressures (e.g. to do lists) that I have a tendency to self-impose. Thanks for this topic, Terrell. I will be making a note of the titles mentioned in this post as it is a great source of "what to read next".
If you enjoy alternate reality, mystery, and clever twists to a plot, read the Invisible Librarian series by Genevieve Cogman. The first book came out in 2016. I thought I had finished all of them, but looking in our library catalogue, she must have gotten bored. There are two new ones that were published in 2020 that have equally good recommendations.
Somewhere in this thread Stephen King was mentioned. I'd never read any of his books until last March. Not his usual I think, but 11/22/63 was a great listen on a solo road trip from Florida to NC. Love that time travel stuff!
I listen to books while I run... They usually last about 7 to 9 hours so I go through a couple a week... Mostly are mature relationship stories that have a twist or two. I just finished my 7th novel and working on my third book of my "Temple Garden" series about an over 55 development. My first two won awards so I'm hoping this one will also win something... I finished my first thriller end of last year... An Eye For An Eye... my editor said I do evil really well so I tried my hand at it... I think its came out vey well. I enjoy writing... as I tell my wife... I've got all these stories in my head that need to be put on paper...
Cool! Writing is a fascinating hobby. Seems to me I wrote a lot of fiction in my teens and did the illustrations. Loved the illustrating more than the writing!!
Later on in life, I wrote the last page of a Hindu magazine for several years. There was a lot of research involved and search engines were not what they are today, nor were web sources.
It as fun while it lasted. I'm sure glad it didn't because it took a lot out of me and was noticeable how little time I had left for my family.
I don't have summer reading planned. Summer has always been the season where I can get out and DO things that I love. Reading, for me, is a winter sport where I can curl up with a book and a cuppa tea.
Maybe if the library opens again soon, I'll go pick up a thriller. . . we'll see! :)
WOW! What a wonderful topic! I will be looking back at this thread a whole lot for future ideas! Thanks!
I know you said not to include on-line stuff, but since it was your suggestion that took me there, I have to say that I killed about an hour (not sorry) reading the Quarantine Frasier Twitter posts 2 days ago. I literally did LOL!
I am an avid detective mystery lover. The current series I am listening to is the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. As far as the mysteries themselves go, they are not twist endings or "didn't see that coming", but there are several reasons why I LOVE these. First, they are so well written. She sneaks in poetry through her characters, and it not off putting. Secondly, they have quite a bit of humor. Her characters are very quirky and have really good one-liners. Third, art plays a big role in all the books. I am really not artistic, but my husband is and this is a good way for me to learn about it without really trying. Last, but most importantly is that it is set in a small town in Quebec Province, Canada, a few miles north of the US border. I hardly give our Northern neighbor a second thought, but now I want to go!!!!
At the same time, I am also reading (actual book), A History of God, by Karen Armstrong, a former Catholic nun. It is a fascinating if difficult read. Can't listen to that while doing anything else. Need to concentrate!
Thanks for reminding me about Flowers of the Killer Moon. I’m going to read that next. I’m reading This Tender Land, an adventure of four orphans who flee their school. It’s along the lines of Where the Crawdads Sing, if you liked that. I was in need of reading a “storybook” and it fit the bill. Love all these recommendations!
I listen to books when I run.... It puts me in a calmer frame of mind and I don't think about what I'm doing... especially on Sunday when i do my long run...
I've heard books that I swear were just a narrative of people's lives. It give me a chance to do two things I love to do at the same time. The only books that I can't run to are HEAVY stories that you really need to listen to and follow closely...
Terrell!!! I've just recently discovered Erik Larson. He writes non fiction . I'm currently reading Devil in the White City, about the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. Fascinating!! I also read In the Garden of Beasts, set during the Hitler era. Too historical can bore me sometimes but these books are gripping! Looking forward to my next. Check him out. You won't regret it.
I’m planning on alternating Bill Bryson books with Nevada Barr mysteries. Just finished his In A Sunburned Country and her Blind Descent. Bouncing from light-hearted escapades by Bryson to the intense mysteries by Barr that are set in our national parks is an adventure.
I'm planning to finish the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy! In light of all that is happening in the world, I want to do some reading that is lighter and more fun.
I just started Alexander McCall Smith's latest in his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, How to Raise an Elephant. The stories take place in Botswana; the background and culture remind me a lot of Kenya, which I have some attachments to. The series is lighthearted and a good escape from the daily grind. Next up will be Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Any novel that has been on the bestseller list for that long must be worth reading.
Ruth I love that series. I forgot that I have not read that story yet. Thanks for the reminder. Crawdads is a GREAT story. Pay attention to the little details. Lots of foreshadowing!
I am so far behind on my reading it's pathetic! During calving I get so tired that if I open a book it's an invitation to Snoreville. But, with life getting back to normal I have a ton of books, including the last Dreisden File book (by Jim Butcher) and a CJ Cherryh I haven't read yet. I'm a SciFi junkie, so I'm really looking forward to them.
Just read THE ATTRIBUTES (by Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL) about the 25 hidden drivers of optimal performance. Also finished THE TALENT CODE (by Daniel Coyle) earlier this week and started his book THE CULTURE CODE. I’d heartily recommend all three…if you are interested in growing as a person, recognizing what it takes to develop talent (deep practice), and how some organizations perform so much better than others due to their culture. Interestingly, you—Terrell—have captured the essence by establishing “belonging” within this group. The three skills—build safety, share vulnerability, and establish purpose—are the sections of his CULTURE CODE book. Thanks for what you do, Terrell!!
That's about the greatest compliment I could imagine receiving, Howie -- thank you so, so much!!! I really appreciate that. But know that it would be nothing without you (and everyone else here) -- otherwise it would just be me, typing to myself 😃
I am definitely going to look up those books -- they sound really intriguing.
Honesty moment. I would love to read some books to just "take me away." Meaning, taking a break from those great books which are centered on professional or personal development. I mean, those are excellent tools. I just would like a break, it seems. I am now inspired to enjoy the summer, with a book. Thanks for this post. It's OK to take a deep breath, and not feel as if you're escaping. Am I off?!? Please, feedback welcome.
I haven't done it in a few years but I used to select escapist books for the summer , as long as the titles contained words like Summer, Beach, Vacation, Lake house, etc. Light light reading.
I love to read about places I want to visit... My wife is a white knuckler and hates to fly so it limits where we go... this summer I want to go to Nantucket ....
OK, I've got one for you. Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club. It is a hilarious mystery with some touching parts mixed in. I finished it a few weeks ago, and get a smile just looking at it sitting on my shelf.
You will not be disappointed taking some time for yourself with a book. If you can’t find big chunks of time maybe download an audio book. A good reader allows you to get into the characters, intonation, their accents and moods. Can’t go wrong with John Grisham or James Lee Burke. Good luck. Dive in.
Not at all! I've been taking a class that meets every Tuesday night for about 2 hours, and coaching my son's soccer team, plus working, so I've had a lot of time during the week I've been needing to be "on," you know? I'm looking forward to just escaping into as many books as I can this summer.
Terrell you will NOT be disappointed with Flowers of the Killer Moon. Fascinating story. I am finishing Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys, Why we Swim is up next since I have been doing more swimming than running these days, Hannah’s The Four Winds, and some historical fiction Destiny of the Republic. I mostly listen to books these days, especially when I swim and run.
Totally got it! I absolutely LOVED his Lost City of Z book -- it's one of my top 2-3 all time favorite nonfiction books, so I'm really excited to dig in to Killers of the Flower Moon. I heard him interviewed on a podcast by John Grisham, actually, and the way Grann describes the book, I was hooked.
You will be fascinated with how rich the Osage Indians became, the start of the FBI, how clever the white people of the town were in trying to get their way with the Osage, etc. Martin Scorsese just started filming. Yeah!
I just finished Anxious People by Fredrick Backman a couple days ago. Fantastic! A lot of discussion about mental health and suicide. It's the third book I've read by Backman and have enjoyed every one of them.
And, just to jump on the Asian thread here, I'm planning on rereading Tai-Pan for at least the 3rd time.
Greg, Anxious People has been the book I have been recommending when people ask what they should read next. If you haven’t read Beartown and it’s sequel I highly recommend.
Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series always makes me laugh. I stumbled onto Leonard Goldberg’s Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series this year & love it! Also found Elizabeth Peter’s Amelia Peabody series that’s fun. (I have a stack of that series ready to read!) Sheila Connelly has several good series as well. Gayle Leeson, Katherine Hall Page, Jill Churchill, Diane Mott Davidson, Joanna Carl, Laura Childs, Anthony Horowitz, & Victoria Thompson are also some of my favorite authors. I am always reading something!
Just finished Carli Lloyd's (2015 & 2016 FIFA World Player of the Year, USWNT) book "When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World" and next on my list is "One Life" by Megan Rapinoe (another soccer player). Finally getting back into reading after years of not finishing a book post-graduate degree!
Love that! (And I can imagine how you'd want a break from reading during all that school!) Have you seen Ted Lasso yet? We're getting into soccer more in our house too -- will have to check those out.
YES! We adore Ted Lasso. What a wholesome character!
Carli's book is like Carli - very matter of fact and straight to the point. She's a Jersey girl, after all! It's a look behind the scenes at all the hard work she put in.
Rapinoe's book I know has a youth version; I suspect this is because she's more outspoken and addresses some complicated topics. I think your kids are fairly young, yes? So I might caution you on that one! But I can also follow up after I actually read it :)
I actually had a book come out this year--it's a fantasy book called The Unbroken (by C.L. Clark), the first in a trilogy, and it would make pretty great summer reading if I say so myself. But I'm reading The Lost Art of Running and The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri (another fantasy book; I got an early copy) and it's amazing! It's about a princess who wants to depose her brother the emperor and a handmaiden who is secretly trying to bring down the princess's empire in an India-inspired world.
It is, actually, though I've been publishing short stories for a while. It was inspired by my work in post-colonial theory and the colonial relationship between France and North Africa. I started it back in 2012, and it took a lot of time and discipline, but it finally happened!
Good for you and I will check out your book. Not usually a fantasy reader but our running thread makes me feel as though we are all close friends who support one another. I will spread the word.
Haha, thanks. To be honest, it's a lot like running--you start out doing it like you've always done because anyone can start. Then you realize you're missing some pieces, so you have to do some research, study some craft, maybe take a class or two; and all the while you just keep writing the story. Eventually, the words add up just like mileage. Publishing...that's a bit more difficult and it depends on if you'd like to self-publish your story or go traditional publishing. Would you write a fiction book, or one about running/life? Good luck either way!!
What is fascinating is the variety of books out there. We are all reading something different. Its wonderful there is a story out there for everybody. I have recently become interested in Japanese history through historical fiction. I read Shogun, Memoirs of a Geisha, and am now reading Cloud of Sparrows.
I totally agree, Jeff. My wife just read Memoirs of a Geisha, by the way, and LOVED it. She's been talking about it for the past couple of weeks -- it really takes you inside the mind of the main character in a way few books do. What's "Cloud of Sparrows"? I'm going to have to look that one up...
Good morning everyone. I'm a teacher so would then be a reader as well, particularly in the summer. I'm a fan of Sci-fi/Fantasy and, as I do not get to read all that much, just started reading a new Terry Goodkind trilogy series - the Nicci Chronicles [new to me - haha] which I'm hopeful of getting thru this summer] which is an off-shoot from some of his prior books dealing with the Sword of Truth.
Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. By Isabel Wilkerson. I am only 32 pages into it but so far it is extremely well written nd documented. It is guaranteed to be thought provoking and will be uncomfortable for those who are in the upper Caste in the US.
I've just Googled that one and it sounds like a book every American ought to be reading right now. Wow. I will add it to my list -- thank you for sharing that 👍
To show you how popular it is: I was #1045 on the wait list for it with my public library. This book is not making headlines but it is being absorbed by many in our upper Caste (which is a good thing IMO). If you want to add heartache to your list, watch the Prime tv show called "The Underground Railroad." I could not finish the second episode because it was so difficult to process, but will get back to it when I can.
I've made it about a third of the way into the book, so if it's the scene I'm imagining, then I can understand why it would be. I'm gripped by the book so far, but I can see why some scenes would be tough to watch.
I've been reading the sci-fi trilogy "The Three-Body Problem" by Cixin Liu, & I'm currently on the final book. It's so good. It infiltrates my dreams nearly every night.
omg what is in that jar in his bathroom lol. one great thing about covid is i have really gotten back into reading! have read a ton of great books. my highlights have been the language of flowers (vanessa diffenbaugh), finishing the stephen king trilogy of the mr. mercedes books, circe (madeline miller) and right now i'm reading sanatorium ( sarah pearse). get on goodreads if you aren't already for awesome ideas and selections and you can hook up with friends and see what they are reading as well! have a great weekend all!
I know! After I posted this picture, I took a closer look at it myself and wondered "what IS in there?" I wish I knew 😃 On Stephen King, I got on a huge King kick several years ago, read The Shining for the first time -- it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck, I'm not exaggerating. I do need to be on Goodreads -- I've browsed it before, but haven't signed up. Do you get more when you sign up there?
i think they send a weekly email about the latest books that are out and then also lets you know what your friends are reading. and you can save books you want to read. if someone tells u about a book u just add it to your online list and that way it is all in one place...no remembering needed!
I am reading the book Wild Swans. It is an amazing read about three generations of women from China. I realized I never really learned Chinese history starting around the 1890s. Its a long book but I can't put it down. Have a wonderful weekend!
marie i just finished pachinko by min jin lee. it is fiction but the history between korea and japan was true and i found it really interesting. a good book to read if you haven't already!
Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson. It's a hefty autobiography, and not for the squeamish. Concurrently, I'm also reading Usain Bolt - Fast as Lightning. Balance is a must!
You'd love it there... not a typical tourist destination... Stopped there on a cruise a couple of years ago... My travel agent said it was the safest place on Earth... No one there wanted to screw it up by doing anything to anger a tourist... The food was good, the people were friendly and for the first time in forever, no one was begging for money or trying to get you to buy a Tee shirt... Were scheduled to go back before Trump put the kabaush on traveling there ... then covid hit... wanted to do the marathon there,,,
Thanks! I actually went with my mom back in 2017. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken -- highly, highly recommend if you can make it there. (I think it's harder to go now, though we'll see if those rules get relaxed.) I was actually thinking of sharing some of that here -- I took so many photos that I still go back to.
It really was! We'd never gone on a trip before, just the two of us (we'd always done vacations with the whole family, never just us two). It was great.
I’m trying-reading Tuesdays with Morrie. It’s the cutest little quick read about a sweet little old man and his relationship with his student, to the end. I cried and laughed last time and am again now. Also reading Stay by Anjuli Paschal and Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, both chik books (kinda like chik flicks right?) but more self helpish. I recently read Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Also listened to the audiobook, read by himself. Made it more interesting! He likes bumper stickers and is very VERY transparent. I also have The Art of Racing in the Rain and Elton John in my queue.
Currently rereading one of my favorites, A Confederacy of Dunces - it’s amazing. After that, The Double Life of Bob Dylan.
Saw a crazy story this morning. 21 runners died in a 62 mile ultra marathon in Gansu Province in China. They were running up a mountain to 6500 feet above sea level when a storm struck. It said that they were dressed in tee shirts and short and had to endure freezing rain, hail and high winds. Some of the runners who lost their lives were the best in China... I can't imagine what they must have gone through.
I am reading Daring Greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent and lead by Brené Brown. The best message from the book so far is that "I am enough". For me, these 3 words took away all of the pressures (e.g. to do lists) that I have a tendency to self-impose. Thanks for this topic, Terrell. I will be making a note of the titles mentioned in this post as it is a great source of "what to read next".
I love that book too! And you're most definitely welcome 😃
If you enjoy alternate reality, mystery, and clever twists to a plot, read the Invisible Librarian series by Genevieve Cogman. The first book came out in 2016. I thought I had finished all of them, but looking in our library catalogue, she must have gotten bored. There are two new ones that were published in 2020 that have equally good recommendations.
Not reading, running in absolutely stunning location - Krzyslofa Arciszewkiego road in South Słupsk this morning, about 58 Deg F.
Amazing! Had to look it up, as I knew it was in Eastern Europe. My brother spent some time in those countries. Are you racing?
Where is that?
Northern Poland. About 2 hour drive west of Gdansk. Up near the Baltic.
How cool!
Somewhere in this thread Stephen King was mentioned. I'd never read any of his books until last March. Not his usual I think, but 11/22/63 was a great listen on a solo road trip from Florida to NC. Love that time travel stuff!
I listen to books while I run... They usually last about 7 to 9 hours so I go through a couple a week... Mostly are mature relationship stories that have a twist or two. I just finished my 7th novel and working on my third book of my "Temple Garden" series about an over 55 development. My first two won awards so I'm hoping this one will also win something... I finished my first thriller end of last year... An Eye For An Eye... my editor said I do evil really well so I tried my hand at it... I think its came out vey well. I enjoy writing... as I tell my wife... I've got all these stories in my head that need to be put on paper...
Cool! Writing is a fascinating hobby. Seems to me I wrote a lot of fiction in my teens and did the illustrations. Loved the illustrating more than the writing!!
Later on in life, I wrote the last page of a Hindu magazine for several years. There was a lot of research involved and search engines were not what they are today, nor were web sources.
It as fun while it lasted. I'm sure glad it didn't because it took a lot out of me and was noticeable how little time I had left for my family.
I don't have summer reading planned. Summer has always been the season where I can get out and DO things that I love. Reading, for me, is a winter sport where I can curl up with a book and a cuppa tea.
Maybe if the library opens again soon, I'll go pick up a thriller. . . we'll see! :)
WOW! What a wonderful topic! I will be looking back at this thread a whole lot for future ideas! Thanks!
I know you said not to include on-line stuff, but since it was your suggestion that took me there, I have to say that I killed about an hour (not sorry) reading the Quarantine Frasier Twitter posts 2 days ago. I literally did LOL!
I am an avid detective mystery lover. The current series I am listening to is the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. As far as the mysteries themselves go, they are not twist endings or "didn't see that coming", but there are several reasons why I LOVE these. First, they are so well written. She sneaks in poetry through her characters, and it not off putting. Secondly, they have quite a bit of humor. Her characters are very quirky and have really good one-liners. Third, art plays a big role in all the books. I am really not artistic, but my husband is and this is a good way for me to learn about it without really trying. Last, but most importantly is that it is set in a small town in Quebec Province, Canada, a few miles north of the US border. I hardly give our Northern neighbor a second thought, but now I want to go!!!!
At the same time, I am also reading (actual book), A History of God, by Karen Armstrong, a former Catholic nun. It is a fascinating if difficult read. Can't listen to that while doing anything else. Need to concentrate!
Thanks for reminding me about Flowers of the Killer Moon. I’m going to read that next. I’m reading This Tender Land, an adventure of four orphans who flee their school. It’s along the lines of Where the Crawdads Sing, if you liked that. I was in need of reading a “storybook” and it fit the bill. Love all these recommendations!
And to everyone who is too busy to read... Me too!! Thank goodness for Audible and drive time entertainment with unabridged books.
I listen to books when I run.... It puts me in a calmer frame of mind and I don't think about what I'm doing... especially on Sunday when i do my long run...
Me too! I even listen to books when I swim! The narrators are usually spot on with the diction and inflections of the characters don’t you think?
I've heard books that I swear were just a narrative of people's lives. It give me a chance to do two things I love to do at the same time. The only books that I can't run to are HEAVY stories that you really need to listen to and follow closely...
Terrell!!! I've just recently discovered Erik Larson. He writes non fiction . I'm currently reading Devil in the White City, about the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. Fascinating!! I also read In the Garden of Beasts, set during the Hitler era. Too historical can bore me sometimes but these books are gripping! Looking forward to my next. Check him out. You won't regret it.
I loved Devil in the White City.
Erik Larson is the best! His new book about Churchill was very good although I couldn’t keep track of all the names at first!
The Devil in the White City is bone-chilling! I read it years ago and it still haunts me
I love his books too! I’ve read Isaac’s Storm (and started Devil in the White City, which I still plan to finish someday!).
I’m planning on alternating Bill Bryson books with Nevada Barr mysteries. Just finished his In A Sunburned Country and her Blind Descent. Bouncing from light-hearted escapades by Bryson to the intense mysteries by Barr that are set in our national parks is an adventure.
I love Nevada Barr. Does she have a new book out since 2019 do you know?
Not that I know of. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she does!
I'm planning to finish the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy! In light of all that is happening in the world, I want to do some reading that is lighter and more fun.
Such a fun read!
Right there with you! Dumb question—is the trilogy connected to the movie that came out a few years ago?
Yes it is! Crazy Rich Asians is based on the first book
Currently reading How to be an Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X Kendi and Premonition by Michael Lewis. Both very good and informative.
I want to read both! Saw Premonition in a bookstore this week — looks really interesting.
I just started Alexander McCall Smith's latest in his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, How to Raise an Elephant. The stories take place in Botswana; the background and culture remind me a lot of Kenya, which I have some attachments to. The series is lighthearted and a good escape from the daily grind. Next up will be Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Any novel that has been on the bestseller list for that long must be worth reading.
Gotta look this up!
I haven't read #1 Ladies in a while. Love the series. Also Crawdads was a good read. Enjoy
Ruth I love that series. I forgot that I have not read that story yet. Thanks for the reminder. Crawdads is a GREAT story. Pay attention to the little details. Lots of foreshadowing!
Thanks for the tip!
I am so far behind on my reading it's pathetic! During calving I get so tired that if I open a book it's an invitation to Snoreville. But, with life getting back to normal I have a ton of books, including the last Dreisden File book (by Jim Butcher) and a CJ Cherryh I haven't read yet. I'm a SciFi junkie, so I'm really looking forward to them.
A classic and decades old (1949) sci fi book is Earth Abides. Pandemic tale. Fascinating despite being older than we are!
Love SiFi !!!
Just read THE ATTRIBUTES (by Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL) about the 25 hidden drivers of optimal performance. Also finished THE TALENT CODE (by Daniel Coyle) earlier this week and started his book THE CULTURE CODE. I’d heartily recommend all three…if you are interested in growing as a person, recognizing what it takes to develop talent (deep practice), and how some organizations perform so much better than others due to their culture. Interestingly, you—Terrell—have captured the essence by establishing “belonging” within this group. The three skills—build safety, share vulnerability, and establish purpose—are the sections of his CULTURE CODE book. Thanks for what you do, Terrell!!
That's about the greatest compliment I could imagine receiving, Howie -- thank you so, so much!!! I really appreciate that. But know that it would be nothing without you (and everyone else here) -- otherwise it would just be me, typing to myself 😃
I am definitely going to look up those books -- they sound really intriguing.
Honesty moment. I would love to read some books to just "take me away." Meaning, taking a break from those great books which are centered on professional or personal development. I mean, those are excellent tools. I just would like a break, it seems. I am now inspired to enjoy the summer, with a book. Thanks for this post. It's OK to take a deep breath, and not feel as if you're escaping. Am I off?!? Please, feedback welcome.
I haven't done it in a few years but I used to select escapist books for the summer , as long as the titles contained words like Summer, Beach, Vacation, Lake house, etc. Light light reading.
I love to read about places I want to visit... My wife is a white knuckler and hates to fly so it limits where we go... this summer I want to go to Nantucket ....
OK, I've got one for you. Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club. It is a hilarious mystery with some touching parts mixed in. I finished it a few weeks ago, and get a smile just looking at it sitting on my shelf.
I love a book like that!
You will not be disappointed taking some time for yourself with a book. If you can’t find big chunks of time maybe download an audio book. A good reader allows you to get into the characters, intonation, their accents and moods. Can’t go wrong with John Grisham or James Lee Burke. Good luck. Dive in.
Not at all! I've been taking a class that meets every Tuesday night for about 2 hours, and coaching my son's soccer team, plus working, so I've had a lot of time during the week I've been needing to be "on," you know? I'm looking forward to just escaping into as many books as I can this summer.
Terrell you will NOT be disappointed with Flowers of the Killer Moon. Fascinating story. I am finishing Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys, Why we Swim is up next since I have been doing more swimming than running these days, Hannah’s The Four Winds, and some historical fiction Destiny of the Republic. I mostly listen to books these days, especially when I swim and run.
I meant Killers of the Flower Moon 🌚
Totally got it! I absolutely LOVED his Lost City of Z book -- it's one of my top 2-3 all time favorite nonfiction books, so I'm really excited to dig in to Killers of the Flower Moon. I heard him interviewed on a podcast by John Grisham, actually, and the way Grann describes the book, I was hooked.
You will be fascinated with how rich the Osage Indians became, the start of the FBI, how clever the white people of the town were in trying to get their way with the Osage, etc. Martin Scorsese just started filming. Yeah!
I just finished Anxious People by Fredrick Backman a couple days ago. Fantastic! A lot of discussion about mental health and suicide. It's the third book I've read by Backman and have enjoyed every one of them.
And, just to jump on the Asian thread here, I'm planning on rereading Tai-Pan for at least the 3rd time.
Greg, Anxious People has been the book I have been recommending when people ask what they should read next. If you haven’t read Beartown and it’s sequel I highly recommend.
I love reading mystery books. I have a stack to read this summer!
Me too! Who are your favorites?
Who are your favorites?
Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series always makes me laugh. I stumbled onto Leonard Goldberg’s Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series this year & love it! Also found Elizabeth Peter’s Amelia Peabody series that’s fun. (I have a stack of that series ready to read!) Sheila Connelly has several good series as well. Gayle Leeson, Katherine Hall Page, Jill Churchill, Diane Mott Davidson, Joanna Carl, Laura Childs, Anthony Horowitz, & Victoria Thompson are also some of my favorite authors. I am always reading something!
Daughter of Sherlock Holmes!?!? How is it possible I never heard of it!? Thank you.
Goldberg does a great job with the characters & plot. Plus there are several in the series!
Just finished Carli Lloyd's (2015 & 2016 FIFA World Player of the Year, USWNT) book "When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World" and next on my list is "One Life" by Megan Rapinoe (another soccer player). Finally getting back into reading after years of not finishing a book post-graduate degree!
Love that! (And I can imagine how you'd want a break from reading during all that school!) Have you seen Ted Lasso yet? We're getting into soccer more in our house too -- will have to check those out.
YES! We adore Ted Lasso. What a wholesome character!
Carli's book is like Carli - very matter of fact and straight to the point. She's a Jersey girl, after all! It's a look behind the scenes at all the hard work she put in.
Rapinoe's book I know has a youth version; I suspect this is because she's more outspoken and addresses some complicated topics. I think your kids are fairly young, yes? So I might caution you on that one! But I can also follow up after I actually read it :)
I actually had a book come out this year--it's a fantasy book called The Unbroken (by C.L. Clark), the first in a trilogy, and it would make pretty great summer reading if I say so myself. But I'm reading The Lost Art of Running and The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri (another fantasy book; I got an early copy) and it's amazing! It's about a princess who wants to depose her brother the emperor and a handmaiden who is secretly trying to bring down the princess's empire in an India-inspired world.
How awesome is this?! Here's the link for anyone who's interested: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/54467051-the-unbroken
Is this your first book? What's the story behind it?
It is, actually, though I've been publishing short stories for a while. It was inspired by my work in post-colonial theory and the colonial relationship between France and North Africa. I started it back in 2012, and it took a lot of time and discipline, but it finally happened!
Good for you and I will check out your book. Not usually a fantasy reader but our running thread makes me feel as though we are all close friends who support one another. I will spread the word.
Thanks so much, Susan!! I mostly lurk around here, but I couldn't resist a discussion about books.
Wow! Okay you are my hero now -- that's always been a dream of mine, but one I've put on the back burner. How did you get it done?
Haha, thanks. To be honest, it's a lot like running--you start out doing it like you've always done because anyone can start. Then you realize you're missing some pieces, so you have to do some research, study some craft, maybe take a class or two; and all the while you just keep writing the story. Eventually, the words add up just like mileage. Publishing...that's a bit more difficult and it depends on if you'd like to self-publish your story or go traditional publishing. Would you write a fiction book, or one about running/life? Good luck either way!!
What is fascinating is the variety of books out there. We are all reading something different. Its wonderful there is a story out there for everybody. I have recently become interested in Japanese history through historical fiction. I read Shogun, Memoirs of a Geisha, and am now reading Cloud of Sparrows.
Great books!!!
I read Memoirs of a Geisha years ago and still think of it. Sticks with you, doesn't it?
Yes it does. Just so different than Western Culture, it shocks us, but it was quite logical and normal to them.
I totally agree, Jeff. My wife just read Memoirs of a Geisha, by the way, and LOVED it. She's been talking about it for the past couple of weeks -- it really takes you inside the mind of the main character in a way few books do. What's "Cloud of Sparrows"? I'm going to have to look that one up...
Good morning everyone. I'm a teacher so would then be a reader as well, particularly in the summer. I'm a fan of Sci-fi/Fantasy and, as I do not get to read all that much, just started reading a new Terry Goodkind trilogy series - the Nicci Chronicles [new to me - haha] which I'm hopeful of getting thru this summer] which is an off-shoot from some of his prior books dealing with the Sword of Truth.
Good morning, Stan! The trilogy sounds really interesting! Are you planning on reading them all this summer?
Hoping to - allows me to get away without getting away! Ambitious goal that just needs quiet time...
Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. By Isabel Wilkerson. I am only 32 pages into it but so far it is extremely well written nd documented. It is guaranteed to be thought provoking and will be uncomfortable for those who are in the upper Caste in the US.
I've just Googled that one and it sounds like a book every American ought to be reading right now. Wow. I will add it to my list -- thank you for sharing that 👍
You are welcome!
To show you how popular it is: I was #1045 on the wait list for it with my public library. This book is not making headlines but it is being absorbed by many in our upper Caste (which is a good thing IMO). If you want to add heartache to your list, watch the Prime tv show called "The Underground Railroad." I could not finish the second episode because it was so difficult to process, but will get back to it when I can.
I've made it about a third of the way into the book, so if it's the scene I'm imagining, then I can understand why it would be. I'm gripped by the book so far, but I can see why some scenes would be tough to watch.
I've been reading the sci-fi trilogy "The Three-Body Problem" by Cixin Liu, & I'm currently on the final book. It's so good. It infiltrates my dreams nearly every night.
Okay, it sounds like this one I have to check out! Googling now... 😃
There's a free sample on the Amazon listing, I believe. The first 2 pages were confusing and I almost gave up, but then it grabbed me.
omg what is in that jar in his bathroom lol. one great thing about covid is i have really gotten back into reading! have read a ton of great books. my highlights have been the language of flowers (vanessa diffenbaugh), finishing the stephen king trilogy of the mr. mercedes books, circe (madeline miller) and right now i'm reading sanatorium ( sarah pearse). get on goodreads if you aren't already for awesome ideas and selections and you can hook up with friends and see what they are reading as well! have a great weekend all!
I know! After I posted this picture, I took a closer look at it myself and wondered "what IS in there?" I wish I knew 😃 On Stephen King, I got on a huge King kick several years ago, read The Shining for the first time -- it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck, I'm not exaggerating. I do need to be on Goodreads -- I've browsed it before, but haven't signed up. Do you get more when you sign up there?
i think they send a weekly email about the latest books that are out and then also lets you know what your friends are reading. and you can save books you want to read. if someone tells u about a book u just add it to your online list and that way it is all in one place...no remembering needed!
Good Morning!
I am reading the book Wild Swans. It is an amazing read about three generations of women from China. I realized I never really learned Chinese history starting around the 1890s. Its a long book but I can't put it down. Have a wonderful weekend!
marie i just finished pachinko by min jin lee. it is fiction but the history between korea and japan was true and i found it really interesting. a good book to read if you haven't already!
Oooo I’m going to check it out!!! Thank you
I read Pachinko last summer right at the start of the lockdown. You might also like The Mountains Sing and The Space Between Us.
Good morning, Marie! ☀️ How long is it? It sounds really interesting -- you have a wonderful weekend too!
507 pages!!! I had to check...( I am at page 150 so I have a way to go!!!)
Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson. It's a hefty autobiography, and not for the squeamish. Concurrently, I'm also reading Usain Bolt - Fast as Lightning. Balance is a must!
I'm a huge Usain Bolt fan -- this sounds like a really good one 👍
Good Morning Terrell. I am a terrible reader but I hope to be a few months into "what to expect when your expecting".
How awesome is this, Brian?! When is your baby due?
No due date yet but we are trying.
Good luck with that. Trying sounds like it should be fun but so many people don’t understand how stressful it really it! Keep us posted!
PS- Very jealous to have been to Cuba.
You'd love it there... not a typical tourist destination... Stopped there on a cruise a couple of years ago... My travel agent said it was the safest place on Earth... No one there wanted to screw it up by doing anything to anger a tourist... The food was good, the people were friendly and for the first time in forever, no one was begging for money or trying to get you to buy a Tee shirt... Were scheduled to go back before Trump put the kabaush on traveling there ... then covid hit... wanted to do the marathon there,,,
Thanks! I actually went with my mom back in 2017. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken -- highly, highly recommend if you can make it there. (I think it's harder to go now, though we'll see if those rules get relaxed.) I was actually thinking of sharing some of that here -- I took so many photos that I still go back to.
Cool mother and son trip!
It really was! We'd never gone on a trip before, just the two of us (we'd always done vacations with the whole family, never just us two). It was great.
You are an ambitious reader, John! I love that.