I already have almost 3 pages on the book list. I’ll give you till the end of the week to send me your favorite titles or what you’re reading now and then I will post the list. I think rather than having a distant date to remember, this will be better. I will continue the list until Friday, October 12, so please send your books in the comment section if you haven’t already done so.
I must say I am thrilled with the feedback from you gals – we can inspire each other to be better people. Small acts of kindness can change the world!
Two of my favorites over the years are:
“A Land Remembered” by Patrick D. Smith .. a historical fiction set in Florida covering the time period of
1858-1968.
“Tisha” by Robert Specht… a true story of 17-year old Anne Hobbs who went to the wilderness of Alaska in
the 1920’s to teach school.
I loved A Land Remembered also.
I would love to have a great book list! I used to get the goat gazette and read many books from your column.
One of my favorites is The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and I recently read The Round House by Louise Erdrich.
I read so many novels my list is too long! Here are some of my favorites:
“The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir” by Jennifer Ryan (set in WWI when choirs were usually made up of men)
“Daughter of Fortune” by Isabel Allende. I also like some of her other books.
Fannie Flagg is always a fun read.
I’ve enjoyed the Commissioner Brunetti series by Donna Leon. Brunetti is a police detective in Venice, Italy; if you’re interested in how Italian procedures and politics work, this is a fun way to learn about them.
My local quilting/book club has read several great books lately! The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah was about Alaska too and of interest to me since my son and DIL are dentists in Anchorage. Also just finished The Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet about the Japanese interment camps during WWII. I am reading Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine by Gail Honeyman. Also Us Against You. A great book about a hockey town and the turmoil after a young girl is raped by the star of the team. Guess I will send more titles later! This is gonna be fun!
Some of my favorites:
The Soldiers Wife, Margaret LeroY
The Kommandts Girl, Pam Jenoff
The Chaperone, Laura Moriarty
The Lost Wife, Alyson Richmond
BlackBerry Winter, Sarah Jio
The authors have written more, all excellent! I am now reading Shelter In Place by Nora Roberts.
I have been reading a series of books by Jacqueline Winspear. And enjoying them I might add. They are about a young British Woman who became a nurse and later an investigator during WWI and WWII. Lots of interesting characters and plenty of history and a bit of intrigue. They are about a young woman named Maisie Dodd. Here is a list of the books of which I am aware. I have read all but a couple, still looking for those.
Maisie Dobbs (2003)
Birds of a Feather (2004)
Pardonable Lies (2005)
Messenger of Truth (2006)
An Incomplete Revenge (2008)
Among the Mad (2009)
The Mapping of Love and Death (2010)
A Lesson in Secrets (2011)
Elegy for Eddie (2012)
Leaving Everything Most Loved (2013)
A Dangerous Place (2015)
Journey to Munich (2016)
In This Grave Hour (2017)
To Die but Once (2018)
I also love this series , thanks for posting..
I have read a couple of these and they are kind of addicting!
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Sempl
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Louise Penny’s mystery series with wonderful characters, but read them in order! You will love Inspector Gamache and all the Canadians.
A Gentleman in Moscow , one of the best books I have read in several years
Pachinko, and also Free Food for Millionaires, both by Korean American Min Jin Lee
Educated, a Memoir by Tara Westover
I am going to set aside time each day to read just like I do to quilt. Like many of your readers, I read at night right before bed. Sometimes it’s only ten minutes which is not enough. My favorite book of all time is
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee which of course, most people have read. I just finished ONE FOR THE ROCK by Kevin Major which takes place in Newfoundland. Other favorites are Ken Follett’s series:
THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH, WORLD WITHOUT END, AND A COLUMN OF FIRE. Also, by Follett is his series
FALL OF GIANTS, WINTER OF THE WORLD, AND EDGE OF ETERNITY. Of course, each is about 900 pages long, but so worth the effort:) Thanks, Mary, for doing this. My pile next to my bed has about 30 books so I will just add your list to my pile, live to be 1,000 yrs old, and finish them all:) PS About once a week, I have four young boys (about 10 to 14) who stop by my Little Free Library to pick out books. I love it!!
I just finished reading When the Men Were Gone by Marjorie Herrera Lewis. It’s about a woman who coaches a high school football team during WWII. Great for places where fall means football and football means hope. It’s brand new so your libraries may have it on order. Fiction, but based on a true story.
I tend to enjoy books in a series because the characters become like old friends. I have enjoyed the Maisie Dodd series by Jacqueline Winspear. The Chief Inspector Gamache series which begins with Still Life by Louise Penny is Excellent. It takes place in Quebec. Likewise for the Martin Walker series which begins with Bruno, Chief of Police about a policeman in France.
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright
Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto
2 books that I have recently read and liked.”Educated” by Tara Westover , and “The Great Alone ” by Kristin Hanna.
Has anyone mentioned Fredrick Backman’s books yet? I read A Man Call Ove, Britt-Marie Was Here, and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry. All good books. I haven’t read Beartown yet, but it’s on my list.
Also, they are making A Man Called Ove into a movie in the US (already made one in Sweden) and Tom Hanks is supposed to have the lead. I can’t wait to see it!
Love these. Am listening to Beartown right now. Kind of slow at the beginning,unless you love hockey, but getting better and better.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Redeeming Love by Francine Riverside
The Mitford series by Jan Karon
“John Adams” by David McCullough
“Once Upon a Town” by Bob Green
“Dogs Never Lie About Love” by Jeffrey Masson
I loved Once Upon a Town! I started my teaching career in North Platte, Nebraska and my dad was on one of the trains that stopped there during the war so that book was really special to me.
I would love to see the whole list. Have you made it yet? Where do I find it? Thanks so much.
I liked the Patrick Taylor series as well as the Mitford series.
A Woman in the Window. (A. J. Finn)
Before We Were Yours
The Cutious Charms of Arthur Pepper (Phaedra Patrick)
Picture Perfect (Jodi Picoult)
I really enjoyed these
I am reading The Rent Collector and it is off to a good start. About a woman who lives in a dump in Cambodia learning to read.
I love to keep track of books on a Pinterest board. Then I can easily check the list when @ the library, plus you know the author and have a synopsis. I will add your book list to my board. This is great Mary.
I am new to your blog but I love the idea on an online book club. I listen to audio books on my drive to and from work every day. I have listened to several series including Dorothea Benton Frank, Diana Gabaldon and Kate Morton. Here are a few of my favorites: The Husband’s Secret, The Secret Keeper, The Forgotten Garden, Gone Girl and most anything that is narrated by Caroline Lee, my favorite narrator. I’m looking forward to the new list.
Any of the mysteries by Sue Grafton
I just finished Flight Patterns by Karen White..I’ve liked everything I’ve read by her. Now I’m reading The Center of the World by Jacqueline Sheehan, so far pretty good. Love this idea!
I am currently reading A Prayer for Owen Meany.
I marvel at your enthusiasm Mary and am thrilled to join this “Blog Book Club”. I have, in my car, a book at all times, it is called “My coffee time book,” so when I go to breakfast,or Caribous coffee time, the book comes in with me as a am alone now.
I just finished the book: THE PRESIDENT IS A SICK MAN by Matthew Algeo
about Grover Cleveland secret surgery at sea in a small sail boat.
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS by David McCullough
how it all began, flying…..
MR. DICKENS AND HIS CAROL by Samantha Silva
a take off of the Christmas Carol story
RIVER OF DOUBT by Candice Millard
Teddy Roosevelt’s trip down the Amazon
( terrific book)
I marvel at your enthusiasm Mary and am thrilled to join this “Blog Book Club”. I have, in my car, a book at all times, it is called “My coffee time book,” so when I go to breakfast,or Caribous coffee time, the book comes in with me.
I just finished the book: THE PRESIDENT IS A SICK MAN by Matthew Algeo
about Grover Cleveland secret surgery at sea in a small sail boat.
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS by David McCullough
how it all began, flying…..
MR. DICKENS AND HIS CAROL by Samantha Silva
a take off of the Christmas Carol story
RIVER OF DOUBT by Candice Millard
Teddy Roosevelt’s trip down the Amazon
( terrific book)
Any books by Lorna Landvik,they are fun and light hearted.
I notice a few people have mentioned Fredrick Backman’s books … both my husband and I have read and liked them all: “A Man Called Ove”, “Britt-Marie was Here”, “Beartown”, and his latest, “Us Against You”, which continues the “Beartown” story. We saw the Swedish-made movie based on “A Man Called Ove” … it was quite entertaining.
Before We Were Yous by Lisa Wingate and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I loved The Lilac Girls and Before We Were Yours.
Also loved The Kitchen House and Yellow Crocus set in the civil was times.
I liked both of these as well.
So many books…so little time…especially as I love to both quilt and read! My favorite genres to read are Mysteries, and Historical Fiction.
My suggestions:
Any books by Kristin Hannah-most recent read Winter Garden and The Nightingale
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
I went to my local library today and came home with three books that have been suggested on this blog. Thanks ladies.
Some good reads:
Shiloh Autumn by Brock and Bodie Thoene can stand alone (it’s my favorite) but follows tree others of Shiloh Legacy series.
The Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell and actually most of Cornwell’ s books
Then my kids were in school and I wanted to read some of the Newbery Medal books:
Hatchet by Gary Paulson
A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck- Listened to the audio book of this. Very well done! That way I can sew and read!!
Some good reads:
Shiloh Autumn by Brock and Bodie Thoene can stand alone (it’s my favorite) but follows three others of Shiloh Legacy series.Loved the history during the Great Depression.
The Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell and actually most of Cornwell’ s books
Then my kids were in school and I wanted to read some of the Newbery Medal books:
Hatchet by Gary Paulson
A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck- Listened to the audio book of this. Very well done! That way I can sew and read!!
I like some of the same books everyone likes.
I like all books written by Adriana Trigiani
I really enjoy The Number 1Ladies Detective Agency by AlexanderMcCall Smith
I read a series of books about Louise Pearly It takes place during WWII. They are mysteries. When you read them it’s like an old Myrna Loy William Powell movie. They take place in Washington DC. They give you a look into the home front during the war. The first book is called…
Louise’s War by Sarah Shaber. I love the story and can’t wait for the next one.
She has written five I think. They are a fun read.
Lots more favorites but I am saving some for next time. Lee from North Carolina
Lee – I don’t know how to list the Louise Pearly books – is that a character or title?
The Essay: A Novel by Robin Yocum
Small Great Things, Jodi Piccolt
I really enjoyed “A man called Ove”, “Before we were Yours”, Donna Leon mysteries set in Venice, and just finished “Clock Dance” by Anne Tyler. Am enjoying hearing of everyone’s suggestions. Sounds like I should read some Kristin Hannah for sure. Like everyone else I lead a busy life in retirement, but I’ve vowed to try to spend an hour a day on each of these things: reading (during the day and before bedtime), sewing, and playing the piano. These are things that seem to get pushed to the side but things I want to do the most.
Book: Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
My very favorite book. I want to reread it.
Missing You by Harlan Coben
First book I read by him. Now
I want to read them ALL !!!
I love Ivan Doig’s books and especially Last Bus to Wisdom. Just read “The All Girl’s Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fanny Flagg. It was terrific!
So many books and so little time! But I’ve already noticed other people’s favorites are mine too. That being said, here are a few more suggestions:
Inside the O’Brien’s by Lisa Genova
The Distance Home by Paula Saunders
The Trouble With Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hildenbrand
Still Life by Louise Penny
I would like to recommend a few of my favorites. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen and (especially for quilters) Margaret Goes Modern by Frances O’Roark Dowell. These books have all earned a permanent spot on my “Favorites” bookshelf. Thank you for the book club!
I have 3 books for your list:
THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot
LAST TRAIN TO ISTANBUL by Ayse Kulin
THE KOMMANDANT’S GIRL by Pam Jenoff
Great reads…………
I love a good list of recommended book titles! Here are some of my favorites:
The Alice network – Quinn
The nightingale – Hannah
Our souls at night – Haruf
Lilac girls – Kelly
A fall of marigolds – Meissner
Damaged – Scottoline
The stars are fire – Shreve
Iris and Ruby – Thomas
The great Halifax explosion – Bacon
White chrysanthemum – Bracht
Summer hours at the Robbers Library – Halpen
Maya’s notebook – Allende
Hi Mary! I’d like to get my two cents worth for the Blog Book Club!
You can’t go wrong with Fredrick Backman’s offerings: A Man Called Ove and the rest of his.
I like Kent Haruf’s books: Our Souls at Night, Where you Once Belonged…
Elizabeth Berg, a favorite author: What we Keep; Never Change; Home Safe
And, Celeste Ng: Everything I never Told You.
All of these authors are such good writers!
Thank you for your efforts in this new endeavor! Excited!
Rules of Civility:
by Amor Towles
also A Gentleman in Moscow
same author
I just started reading A Real Doctor Will See You Shortly A Physician’s First Year by Matt McCarthy. This is doctor McCarthy’s memoir of his first year of residency. If anyone does read it be forewarned that the language in certain places might not be what you want to read in a book.
I started “Etched in Sand” and can’t put it down. It’s about a girl and her four siblings and the abuse their mom treated them with. I wonder how they survived. There’s a sequel that I will read as soon as I’m finished. Sad but unreal people live through all of the awful abuse.
I love Daniel Silva’s series, character is Gabriel Allon, an Israeli spy and art restorer, set in present day. Also love Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. I read a lot. Also loved Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas and Three musketeers series. I like adventure story themes and mysteries. Love reading classics, romance, mysteries, fantasy, historical fiction.. almost anything but sci fi.
I loved A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.
The book, The Great Alone by Jennifer Worth
Blue Highways
Cutting For Stone
Anything by Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine
Anything by Elizabeth George
Some favorite authors: Susan Wittig Albert, Donna Andrews, The Tradd Street series by Karen White, Ann B. Ross, Rita Mae Brown. Most of these have many books to their credit; I won’t list all of the titles. Mary, have you ever read any of Laurien Berenson ‘s Melanie Travis series. They are mysteries and always involve dogs. Last count, I think there are around eighteen titles.
One more mystery series I love is by Elizabeth Peters. Amelia Peabody id a detective, late 1800s to 1920, the family is involved with archaeology in Egypt. Fun and informative.