This book plunges one right into the thick of the author's mania, indeed, I felt almost manic after reading the prologue. It was a quite harrowing read. It is a testament to the overwhelming need for better mental health care, finding the right doctors, therapists, medications, and support. As a mother with a son with his own mental health and addiction problems I found my sympathizing a bit with his father. It is hard to tell if the author's impressions are reality based or mostly based on paranoid delusions. His father may have been gruff and stand-off ish but he continued unfailing to give his son support--a roof over his head, money, time, effort etc. even during the repeated times when the author subjected the man to nothing but physical and verbal abuse.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I wish I had realized that this was a continuation of a previous book, The Winter Sea. While I found the mind reading psychometry parts a little hard to believe--I went with it for the sake of the story. I love reading about little known parts of history and since (Outlander) a history buff for the Jacobites. I also do a fair amount of "Royal Reading" primarily about the English monarchy. By far my favorite part of this book was the several paragraphs at the end where the author discusses her nonfictional characters and her research. --Sometimes in books there are simply too many plot devices thrown into one book and I think in this case a lot of the plot devices got short shrifted. It is a book in which events are strung together but nothing really happens. And by the end I thought Rob was a bit shady in his treatment of Nicola.
Of all the books in my "fire" category I had been looking forward to this one the most. Don't get me wrong this is a very readable book but I guess I have been down this particular pathway one too many times. I get it the dark ages are called the dark ages for very good reasons. This book read like a newpaper rag publication--flipping from one sensationalist gossipy historical tidbit to the next, the gorier, more gruesome the better. I did like learning more about Martin Luther and Magellean. And he has a good for further reading section at the end.
One of my reading projects is known as Book of the Month Club where my goal read a book with that particular month in the title for as long as the books hold out. I have also separated out these reading lists --each month has it's own category.
I'm chugging right along in my quest to read the alphabet and the books are getting longer. Finally got a little more back story involving one of Kinsey's exes. And if you don't like spoilers then stop reading now.
Kinsey get's almost blown up twice. And in thrown away plot devices--her ex husband is gay, incest factors into the mystery, and the perp ends up being a serial killer. No matter the ex hits the road, again and almost everyone else is dead. I guess I like a little more plot development than having random things thrown in at the end as "explanations".
Do I like these books--yes will I keep reading--yes.
Larry has a new female partner whom he is struggling to work with--mostly he doesn't like her because she's not his previous partner--Pete. Even though she is often right about Larry she is a bit of a ball buster. We also get a more of Larry's back story as one of his ex's rolls into town--she's a bit of a crazy nut job. Once again Larry "solves the case" by being at the right place at the right time. That's the thing about Larry and it certainly doesn't take away from my enjoyment as I fly through this series.
This is an Inspector Irene Huss investigation novel. Yet another series that I am reading out of order--this time the fault of a friend who supplies me with titles as she reads them--also out of order-when she gets them from her cousin. So far this has not been a problem as the author usually concentrates her writing more on the case rather than family back stories. Rather dark but it is Swedish Noir after all, a good tale. This one also featured a bit more family life and with no spoilers it was nice to finally read about the incident that caused her huband's difficulties and have one of her daughter's in tow for a few scenes.
This book is subtitled "A journey through the madness industry". It is a series of essays based on interviews with a variety of characters: actual pyschopaths, fake pyschopaths, pyschopath profilers, pyschopath hunters, etc. What exactly is a pyschopath and does he/she live next door?
One of my reading projects is known as Book of the Month Club where my goal is to read a book with that particular month in the title for as long as the books hold out. There is a category for each month as it makes things cleaner.
A swift little slice of Kinsey Millhone, same quibbles, and the quirk to this mystery is that her client is dead before we even get out of the first couple of chapters.
This is the second book I have read by this author, who is writing a series around the cases overseen by Detective Inspector Jooma Linna--Swedish Noir at its best.
One of my reading projects is known as Book of the Month Club where my goal read a book with that particular month in the title for as long as the books hold out. I have separated out my reads into each month as it just looks cleaner that way.
The cold depths of Sweden in 1717, blizzards, murders, evil priests, wolves, and a meddling newcomer make for a frigid read best done curled up in a blanket with a cup of something warm by your side. No spoilers but I am glad that the ending is as gray as the subject matter.
Once again reading this series out of order, but in my defence the sign Pisces does come after Capricorn. Turns out I am glad for two reasons, without giving any spoilers I'm definitely glad I have a heads up about some the happenings in the previous book. And two it is easy to keep up with the action as her books almost read as stand alone titles. This book makes me regret that I only have three more before I have to say goodby to Elizabeth Chase and that I am going to have to look elsewhere to complete this Zodiac themed category.
Book #4 in the Larry Macklin series. Larry is freshly back on the force and on the trail of a serial killer that has resurfaced after 15 years. Does Larry solve this or is it just another instance of accidently being the right place at the right time... Like these books regardless.
A book I wanted to like way more than I did. Don't get me wrong--it is vey readable--and an interesting story. I always like learning a little bit of history. In this case, the art thievery by Nazi's during WWII.
I love Anita Shreve. I used to read her books all the time but somehow she must have fallen off my radar. I am so glad to have found her again. This is a marvelous book and reading time well spent.
Elizabeth Chase is a reluctant psychic and a private eye. Another quirky single female ala Kinsey Millhone. There are at least four books involving Ms. Chase, all titled with a zodiac sign--but apparently the author stopping writing after 9/11. Here is hoping she sits back down at the typewriter as she is very good at her craft. Because it was January and Capricorn is my sign..I read this book out of order.
This book is part of the Gabriel Allon series (#5) and as usual I like these books. But apparently I am intent of randomly reading through this series, reading each one that randomly stumbles across my path, often years apart. Always think I'm going seek out and polish off this series but as yet I never have...
Slowly making my way through the alphabet. Each book I come more a part of the Kinsey Millhone fan club. May not always agree with or understand her but I like her and will read on...although my quibbles remain and the books are only getting longer.
A very unusual book. It travels from the United States to Italy and from the present day to WWII. From the horrors of the Holocaust, the plight of the Jews in Italy, to the weirdness of the human brain. I like a thriller with a history lesson thrown into the mix.
Kinsey is back for book #2. I'm getting into the Kinsey groove. Same quibbles I had with the first book remain a prevalent feature of the second...that being said these are enjoyable quick reads thus far.
Kinsey Millhone is a very quirky independent single woman, who I don't always agree with but...these mysteries are quickly read. I found the early titles a bit thinly constructed and mostly glued together with overly descriptive paragraphs about scenery and what not--that do absolutely nothing to further or give depth to the storyline. However, I think the author is growing into her craft, and these books get better over time. At least that is my hope as each book in the series is longer than the one that precedes it. Wish me luck I hope I make it to the end of the alphabet, even if Ms. Grafton sadly did not.
One of my reading projects is known as Book of the Month Club where my goal read a book with that particular month in the title for as long as the books hold out. I have separated out these books so they appear as separate months, it just looks cleaner that way.
One of my reading projects is known as Book of the Month Club where my goal read a book with that particular month in the title for as long as the books hold out. I have also separated out these reading lists so that they appear as separate months.
Stumbled across this series while scrolling GoodReads for November titles and I am ever so glad I did. I have become very fond of Larry Macklin and all the rest of the supporting characters, animal and human. I was equally pleased to know that I stumbled on this series late in the game. That while the author started with the month, November, he has already written a tale for each month. Lots of good reading ahead of me...although I just got to say...is it Larry solving the crimes or do they seem to solve themselves....with Larry being at the right place, right time?
I read this book at the request of my son. I had already watched the movie--so I knew the big reveal. The book is a very grim read and personally I am glad that my son stopped reading after a few chapters. I of course read to the bitter end.
An enjoyable fast paced read. Likeable characters. I often find "heroes" to be too self righteous for my taste and don't get me started on the bad guys bullets always miss and yet even rusty old operative's bullets alway hit their mark. Must the good guys ALWAYS win???
Loved this book. A book that switches back and forth in time. September 1911 and September 2011. Ellis Island, The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, and the collapse fo the World Trade Center towers. A book that has all the elements that make for well spent reading time.
I really enjoyed this book and will most likely try to read more by this author. At least try-- as she mostly writes historical romances and that just isn't my normal reading preference. But I must say this one had me hooked. I love books that switch back and forth in time, I love books about WWII and the London Blitz and books that have an intriquing mystery. The romance element in this instance was kept to a minimum so that worked well in keeping me reading.
I've had this memoir on my TBR shelf for awhile now. I'm glad I finally read it. It is a book that is hard to put down and her story continues to resonate with me and my own brain story. No need to go into details but I know what it is like to walk around in my daily life managing an undiagnosable (maybe) condition. I am definitely reading her next book.
I had previously read "The Girl on the Train" and really enjoyed it. I think I liked this one even better. I particularly enjoyed how she entangled her characters and wove many different elements into her plot. I will definitely read more from this author.
This is the first Celeste Ng book that I have read. I will read her other books and watch the Hulu miniseries based on this book. I particularly enjoyed the artistic element and the descriptions of how Mia developed her artwork for her photographs. I have a tendency to think other artists (I paint in watercolor) just slap paint down or take a random shot and these things turn out wonderously beautiful. It is nice to realize that it is not only me who struggles for their art.
Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking. Sounds like the pessimists dream read. Long story very short...my son had a very bad year...I could not read self help or non fiction or deep fiction. I could only tolerate reading murder mysteries and about serial killers. I powered through this one any way. I have the same problem with this book as I do with most self help books promoting happiness above all other states of mind. This mindset that the human right to happiness is a RIGHT--it says so in the constitution is causing a lot of problems. Happiness is a temporary fleeting moment and clinging to that moment means you might not enjoy the next one. I'm more about equanimity and eudaimonia--the condition that comes from flourishing and living well. Aristotle has a lot to say about this if you would like to read more as I am currently doing. (Yes my son is flourishing and starting a new chapter) So am I back to deeper reads of all sorts.
The tag line is: A guide to choosing your personal philosophy. Essays from fifteen leading philosphers in their respective philosophy that give the basic tenets as well as how they incorporate the philosophy into their modern lives. A very interesting introduction to a wide range of philosophies. Of course, it is still a little frustrating for me as I have yet to find one that it is a perfect fit. I always seem to like a little of this and little bit of that...
A book that had been on my radar for a couple of years. So when it appeared in the little book exchange box on my regular walking route...I finally got my chance. A good book and yes quite the twist at the end.
This is the second Slough House book that I have read, previously I read and really enjoyed Dead Lions. This one does not disappoint. I heard it is being made into TV series by one of the streaming services. I really want to watch that as well.
A good quick read. Second book I've read lately that revolve along the same type of plot line. It's getting a little been there...read that. Every mystery must have a big twist anymore...
Who could resist a book with this kind of title...not me. I really liked it and will definitely read more from this author. A very interesting take on vampire slaying.
I loved this book. The author portrayed the character of Yale so convincingly that he became almost a real person (especially in my heart). Of course it is about the AIDS epidemic so...
I wish the book had been just about Yale and his story but it was not and I didn't care as much for the storyline about the caregiving sister of Yale's best friend.
I am steadily making my way through my stack of aging and crumbly paperback books. A couple of decades ago I really loved this author but I just don't connect with her stories the way I once did which makes me sad.
I am rather late to the party on this book. My mom gave me her copy and I finally sat down and read it. Very good book--definitely lives up to the hype. I hope to catch up with the movie one day.
This book is modeled after one of my favorite books--Enchanted April. I liked it for what is was but it is a pale comparison to Elizabeth von Armin's classic.
This book is going on my forever shelf. A seemingly simple tale of one family's yearly end of summer vacation to the shore. A turning of the tide for the whole family. I wil definitely read more by this author.
I have a row of books that sit on a shelf beside my bed. I have stacks of unread books all over my home. Before I thought to read books by category, I would pick my next book by moving from stack to stack and reading the next one. A book by Jasper Fforde was at the beginning of the next stack, so I decided to combine practices and developed a category around the title. All these books surround characters who live very bookish lives.
Two books went on my shelf of favorites, that rarest of book--those that I would happily spend precious reading time to read again! These two books also happen to fall into my very favorite style of book--stories that are told through letters (84 Charing Cross Road and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society).
Sometimes a category will develop a deeper level of connection, this one in particular shares much deeper connections. Three of the books share England, book stores, and letters. All the books have an abiding and deep love of literature and most of these selections add an element of mystery. Two share the love of the all but forgotten author Charles Lamb, a quirky connection, but still.
After finishing the category entitled "The Wives Between Us", I thought to entertain myself by adding a dash of the male perspective and came up with my next category--Mr. and Mrs. I started with the cleverly transitional title "Mr. Emerson's Wife". It was an ambitious reading list that started April 2019 and finally finished in August 2019. I probably would have finished earlier but I had three late additions and plumped up the total read to sixteen books. Not bad!
I would like sum up by sharing some of the unintentional commonalities of my choices. I enjoyed the Mrs. titles way more than the Mr.'s but I do consider this a category well read.
Six of my choices featured war as a backdrop. Both Mrs. Dalloway and A Star for Mrs. Blake examined life immediately following WWI albeit from completely different perspectives and the authors Richard Feynman IRL, Susan MacNeal, and AJ Pearce all took very different looks at WWII. There is an element of more recent American wars in My Mrs. Brown.
Four real life histories and at least six books took past history as a back drop for their stories. Several were written and set in past decades such as 60's era London and 90's era United States. Three books were blasts from my reading past with mixed results, some books became favorites but some genres are perhaps best left back in the past.
The books featured a range of characters--from those who ran at the upper stratosphere of their selected societies all the way to a fairly large group of characters who definitely spent their lives skirting on the fringes.
War, death, murder, injury, poison, kidnapping, evil intent---all told violence in its many insidious forms was a near constant character in the vast majority of these reads. Indeed it is very hard to escape--it pervades society.
I treally liked this book, it had me hooked from beginning to end. I will definitely read more by this author.
I also loved it for providing this paragraph about why "I" read.
"Why do we read? In the beginning, as children, why do we love the books we love? For most, it's travel, a flight into adventure, into a dream that feels like our own. But for a few it is also escape, flight from boredom, unhappiness, loneliness, from where or who we can no longer bear to be. When I read, the words on the page replace the voice in my head and I cease, for a little while, to be me, or at least to be so painfully aware of being me. These are the real readers, the maniacs, the ones who dose themselves with fiction the way junkies get high..." David Gordon, The Serialist pg. 138.
I may not consider myself a junkie but I am a serial reader, soon as I finish one I pick up another...not to mention the fact that currently I am actually reading four.
Hi! I'm Debbie. Here at Categorically Well-Read I give an extra layer to the reading life. Learn more about me, check out my current category of books, submit your own suggestion, or check out my latest post.
