What are You Reading Now?

Tony&Cheri · #1 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 02:06 PM

We love to read. Reading is probably our only true addition other than Survivor (oh, and 24). One of the few things that's a problem here in Mexico is the lack of newly published English language books. Lucky for us, people often leave behind their recently read paperbacks at the hotel. And when we go to the States, we always take one empty suitcase that we always fill with books to take back. We're always looking for new authors, series, genres and just plain ole good reads that other people recommend. So, if you're reading something that you think is really great or you think stinks and want to warn people away from, post it here.

T&C

I'll start:

I'm reading the latest Rumpole of the Bailey novel by James Mortimer called "Rumpole Misbehaves." Rumpole is an elderly British Barrister who spends his time at London's criminal courts defending the downtrodden and unjustly accused. He does never-ending battle with the prosecutors, the judges, the lawyers in his own chambers (law firm) and his long-suffering wife Hilda, whom he refers to as "She Who Must Be Obeyed." The books are funny and consistently thought-provoking and challenging. There are a couple of volumes of short stores and three or four novels. And of course the wonderful BBC series which is out on DVD.

In the latest, Rumpole Misbehaves, Rumpole defends someone accused under the new British Anti-Social Behavior laws which allow the government to accuse someone of misconduct and then jail them without ever allowing them the chance to defend themselves. Can you imagine such a thing?

But don't worry, Horace Rumpole is on the job. If you like mysteries or have any affinity for London or England, these books are for you.

Papa T

Jillian · #2 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 03:47 PM

I used to read ALOT, not much time anymore except for vacation maybe. When I do get to read I love a murder mystery and I also love all Nora Roberts books.

MWC · #3 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 04:06 PM

Santa brought me "The Discovery of France", so that will be first.
He also brought me "Sudoku for Dummies", which I am completely engrossed in.

Cuff · #4 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:08 PM

I haven't been able to find the quietness of mind for sometime to read anything...I'd be reading the words but they would have no impact.

Soon though, I'm sure.

Maureena5 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:17 PM

I'm reading Lalo of Chemuyil, by Barbara Khidirian. It's about Lalo of Oscar and Lalos. It's really entertaining and very interesting historically speaking about the area.

I'm also just starting The Darkest Evening of the Year, by Dean Koontz. Dean always features a dog in each of his books. This book is primarily about a Golden Retreiver Rescue/Shelter.

bufante · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:44 PM

T and C you will be glad to know I just finished The Prince of Tides not to long ago.

Tony&Cheri · #7 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuff

I haven't been able to find the quietness of mind for sometime to read anything...I'd be reading the words but they would have no impact.

Soon though, I'm sure.

You just need some Playa time.

Papa T

Tony&Cheri · #8 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bufante

T and C you will be glad to know I just finished The Prince of Tides not to long ago.

Excellent. Conroy is one of the greats and that novel is his materpiece...IOHO.

banzoomba · #9 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 06:18 PM

I just finished Bill Bryson's "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" about growing up in the 50's in Des Moines, Iowa. He has a great style of story telling, with slightly unique sense of humor .

MsRubio · #10 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 06:19 PM

I haven't started reading it yet...but Santa brought me "It's All About Him...Finding the Love of My Life"...Denise Jackson...all about her marriage and turmoils with Alan Jackson...I have seen him in concert 4 times...love his music.

...hoping this will be an interesting insite into his real life not the fairytale life that is always portrayed.

melliedee · #11 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 07:57 PM

I just started The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson. It has a very long subtitle: "The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World."

It's about the outbreak of cholera in the 1850's. Very engaging, Dickenesque beginning; I'm still on the first chapter...

maliasma · #12 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 10:03 PM

I haven't really read much since the summer when I read the entire Harry Potter series in less than a week (I was even one of the lucky who had 33 blank pages in the last book

).

Nicholas Sparks is my guilty pleasure - anything by him is a quick, easy read.

Jennifer Weiner has my heart as well.

Right now, I'm thinking maybe tomorrow I'll head to Barnes & Noble and pick up "Eat Love Pray"...I think that's what it's called. I've head good reviews about it.

I'm one of those who would rather own the book than borrow it from the library.

PlayaLove · #13 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 10:14 PM

Just started Eat Pray love so far so good,everyone I know who has read it says it's a great book. Hubby is ready Confessor by Terry Goodkind the last book in a series of 12 book The Sword of Truth series...this is a great read

maliasma · #14 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayaLove

Just started Eat Pray love so far so good,everyone I know who has read it says it's a great book.

That's what it is...I knew I got the title mixed up.

Rissask · #15 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 12:46 PM

Just finished 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini last night.

Wonderful wonderful wonderful book.

I think I liked it even better than his 'The Kite Runner', which was also great. I cried through the entire last Part 4.

The book made me want to go down to the nearest forces recruitment offcie and sign up to go to Afghanistan and kick some Taliban butt.

banzoomba · #16 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 01:14 PM

I just started "Roasting in Hell's Kitchen: Temper Tantrums, F Words, and the Pursuit of Perfection" by Gordon Ramsay it is an autobiography so far it really gives great insight to who he really is and what made him the way he is....most of his stories are told with great candor and in a conversation style....a very easy read .......I just finished the part where he slept with his first employer's wife

melliedee · #17 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rissask

Just finished 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini last night.

Wonderful wonderful wonderful book.

I think I liked it even better than his 'The Kite Runner', which was also great. I cried through the entire last Part 4.

The book made me want to go down to the nearest forces recruitment offcie and sign up to go to Afghanistan and kick some Taliban butt.

I liked it better than The Kite Runner as well, though both were terrific. I agree with you about the last section, SO sad and beautifuly written.