All time Favorite Books

[MoonHarvest]

I know a thread like this appears often. But really can there be too many good things said about books? :biggrin:

So with summer in full swing and for some reading along with it... What are some of your all time favorite reads?

I'll start :smile:

One of mine is... The Velveteen Rabbit

Who's next?

What are some of your favorite books, and perhaps a brief reason as to why.

Happy Fourth of July:seeya:

[Circe]

Oh heavens.........there isn't enough room to even begin to list my favorites! But off the top of my head.........The Dark Tower books, by Steven King. IMO, the man is a great storyteller, and he makes me laugh and cry and care about the characters...........what more can you ask for?

[MoonHarvest]

Oh heavens.........there isn't enough room to even begin to list my favorites! But off the top of my head.........The Dark Tower books, by Steven King. IMO, the man is a great storyteller, and he makes me laugh and cry and care about the characters...........what more can you ask for?

I have not read his work, Circe. But if an author can do that he's done a good job (cheers) He is immensely popular.

I love when authors have lots of work or series writing. As there is more of their enjoyable work to read. It's especially enjoyable when you discover this kind of writing after a collection has been written. As one can voraciously read the whole set/compilation.

Here's to reading and discovering. :beer:

[5boxersmom]

A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss.

Just love the way she writes.

Also the first "novel" I read when I was in 6th grade. It is called April's Witches.

[Circe]

I have not read his work, Circe. But if an author can do that he's done a good job (cheers) He is immensely popular.

I love when authors have lots of work or series writing. As there is more of their enjoyable work to read. It's especially enjoyable when you discover this kind of writing after a collection has been written. As one can voraciously read the whole set/compilation.

Here's to reading and discovering. :beer:

I love a series........when I get involved in a good story, I never want it to end.......I want to know what happens after "and they all lived happily ever after."

I got my first library card at five........I was hooked early. :biggrin:

[justaguy]

one of my faves that is a book for tweens but adults wud love if u like dogs is "where the red fern grows". it won...watever awards books win. it is so special..and the ending is amazing. and i can't tell anyone about the book without crying lol.

[MoonHarvest]

I love a series........when I get involved in a good story, I never want it to end.......I want to know what happens after "and they all lived happily ever after."

I got my first library card at five........I was hooked early. :biggrin:

Oh Circe I understand.. I was so hooked early! At five, pretty darned good getting a card then. So many times I have wished that I still had my first library card. A library card is invaluable, imo. Who took you to get it?

In the summer I waited for the book mobile, I checked out as many books as my little arms could carry.

I found the library a quiet haven, and a place for any answers. I knew early the library was my place and a librarian my destination.

May you discover a new author this summer. :smile:

[MoonHarvest]

one of my faves that is a book for tweens but adults wud love if u like dogs is "where the red fern grows". it won...watever awards books win. it is so special..and the ending is amazing. and i can't tell anyone about the book without crying lol.

Hi Justaguy, I do love doggies. I'm going to have to place that one on my reading list. It made you cry...awww. Isn't it lovely when a book touches you like that and stays with you for so long.

[2-B]

Who could ever name just one favorite book? Isn't that a bit like asking for only one favorite song or one favorite food?

That said, these are four I could read over and over, and have . . .

Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men. If you only saw the movie, don't judge the book by the film. Penn was excellent in his portrayal of Willie Stark, but the movie only scratched the surface of this brilliant and complex work. Politics, murder, love, history, the murky heat of the old South, and the eternal human question of whether the ends justify the means. What more could any reader want? This ranks among the top 5 Great American Novels in my opinion.

John Updike's Rabbit Run. The entire Rabbit series, actually, but this one is a don't miss. Updike in general because he is the consummate observer of the human condition in the mid- to late-20th Century.

Anita Shreve's Fortune's Rocks. Shreve seems to get lumped in with a lot of lesser current writers. In many of her works, she's so much more. Fortune's Rocks isn't necessarily her most ambitious (The Last Time They Met or Weight of Water, both excellent, would probably fit that bill), but there's something that always draws me back to that New Hampshire coastline at the turn of the century as 15-year-old Olympia comes of age. Far more than a beach read with its backdrop of Franco-American mill workers and their struggles contrasted to Olympia's privileged upbringing. Some people may not like the love affair that develops between Olympia and a much older man, but it's a love story well worth following through to the end.

John Irving's Hotel New Hampshire. Trained bears riding in motorcycle side cars. Sorrow, the dog who was too old to be a dog. The oddball cast of characters Irving is so good at delivering. It's probably been 20 years since I last read this, but the images remain clear. Maybe I should go dig this out of my bookshelves and re-read it. . . .

[HansieDZ]

Well picking a "favorite" book is liking picking a favorite child lol!
All my favorites are close friends and it depends on my mood as to which is the "favorite"

Thus said,
I love my favorite series from childhood:
the Laura Ingalls Wilder books
and the Lucy Maud Montgomery "Ann of Green Gables" series.
For the most part,I only read non-fiction and the Classics.
One of my favorite books was written by a college psych prof called "Sweet Salt" which was a semi-autobiographical tale of his experiences as a Japanese POW in WWII. I've about worn the print off the pages of that book lol! R.I.P. Felix.

As much as I love the computer and Internet,I need to feel the pages of a book between my fingers...just reading on Kindle wouldn't satisfy me. A book is more than just reading; it's an experience and that encompasses many senses.

What a nice idea for a thread!

[Circe]

Oh Circe I understand.. I was so hooked early! At five, pretty darned good getting a card then. So many times I have wished that I still had my first library card. A library card is invaluable, imo. Who took you to get it?

In the summer I waited for the book mobile, I checked out as many books as my little arms could carry.

I found the library a quiet haven, and a place for any answers. I knew early the library was my place and a librarian my destination.

May you discover a new author this summer. :smile:

My parents.........you never saw either one of them without a book......as a result my house along with my sister and my brother have books literally everywhere.

I have my old favorites........but I always love finding someone new to me.........even if it's someone old. My mother introduced me to a series of mysteries written back in the forties, about a fisherman from Maine. THe name escapes me right now, but I totally loved them.

[Susan43]

I'm another one that started reading as a child. I would go to bed upstairs and put a blanket over the light or use a flashlight and read until I couldn't keep my eyes open.

There are a couple of books I read as a young person that I have reread over the years. Anne of Green Gables and A Girl of the Limberlost. I couldn't count the number of times I have read them and when the video of Anne of Green Gables came out on video I would cry through it too. It was so beautifully done.

I was lucky that my mom was a reader too and never censured anything I read, I was free to raid her bookcase.

And as a young adult I read a book that has not only stayed with me but that I have reread a zillion times, Five Smooth Stones about an interracial love story. It is just beautifully written, the characters become real people and the story just envelopes me. I was thinking of digging it out and rereading it just the other day.

[2-B]

I was lucky that my mom was a reader too and never censured anything I read, I was free to raid her bookcase.

And as a young adult I read a book that has not only stayed with me but that I have reread a zillion times, Five Smooth Stones about an interracial love story. It is just beautifully written, the characters become real people and the story just envelopes me. I was thinking of digging it out and rereading it just the other day.

Five Smooth Stones is one of the books I pulled off my mother's bookshelves when I was a teenager. Probably couldn't have pulled that out of my memory if you hadn't mentioned it, but I can even see the cover in my mind now that you've brought it up. It was right there, between the Pearl Buck books and the volumes of poetry . . . lol.

[Scampi]

Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Gone With the Wind - Margaret Mitchell

The Bridges of Madison County - Robert Waller

Every book written by Sidney Sheldon.

[MoonHarvest]

My parents.........you never saw either one of them without a book......as a result my house along with my sister and my brother have books literally everywhere.

I have my old favorites........but I always love finding someone new to me.........even if it's someone old. My mother introduced me to a series of mysteries written back in the forties, about a fisherman from Maine. THe name escapes me right now, but I totally loved them.

Oh please if you can remember any more info about the books in the forties, a fisherman, and Maine, please share with me. I'd be delighted to read those.

Imo houses spilling with books.. are quite special... awww ... Stories contained, to be read, re-read, and shared. My parents were/are readers too. My dad was a writer by profession.

What are you reading now?



Susan..another Anne fan here (wave)

[ABC]

A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss.

Just love the way she writes.

Also the first "novel" I read when I was in 6th grade. It is called April's Witches.
Tell you what, that is a terrific book and I still have a copy at home. I think its the Hawk and the Dove. Liked that a lot too. :thumbup:

[5boxersmom]

Tell you what, that is a terrific book and I still have a copy at home.:thumbup:

Which one? A Rose in Winter? I dig it out every once in awhile and read it again. :biggrin:

I like all of Kathleen Woodiwiss books but that is my favortie.

[Shelby1]

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith

The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Anything by Stephen King

[txsage]

AHHH....the Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. My first glimpse into World War 2, even if based in England. It's fabulous! I've read it so many times, I've worn out 2 paperbacks! Time to get a hardcover!

[MoonHarvest]

Our favorite books/choices even tells little stories about us. :seeya::)

[Susan43]

Five Smooth Stones is one of the books I pulled off my mother's bookshelves when I was a teenager. Probably couldn't have pulled that out of my memory if you hadn't mentioned it, but I can even see the cover in my mind now that you've brought it up. It was right there, between the Pearl Buck books and the volumes of poetry . . . lol.

My first adult book as a kid was Pavillion of Women by Pearl Buck. It was wonderful. Weren't we lucky?

[SavannahStar]

Pillars of the Earth
Water for Elephants
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The World According to Garp
Gone With the Wind
Mystic River
Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All
River God

Oh and a bazillion more. I am ALWAYS reading, go to the library at least once every couple of weeks (I'm another one who got her library card at a very tender age). I LOVE TO READ! :thumbsup:

[Susan43]

AHHH....the Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. My first glimpse into World War 2, even if based in England. It's fabulous! I've read it so many times, I've worn out 2 paperbacks! Time to get a hardcover!

I just love Rosamunde Pilcher. Every book she has written is wonderful and the Shell Seekers was one of the very best.

[Circe]

Oh please if you can remember any more info about the books in the forties, a fisherman, and Maine, please share with me. I'd be delighted to read those.

Imo houses spilling with books.. are quite special... awww ... Stories contained, to be read, re-read, and shared. My parents were/are readers too. My dad was a writer by profession.

What are you reading now?



Susan..another Anne fan here (wave)

Right now, "Angel of Darkness" by Caleb Carr.......it's an historical mystery set in late 1800's New York. The main character is an "alienist" as psychologists were called back then. There are two books with this character......the one I am currently reading (or I should say re-reading) and the first one called "The Alienist." Both wonderful books if you like historical fiction.

I've got one by Micheal Crichton that I've never read before..."Timeline"......waiting in the wings.

I wish I could remember the author of those books.......I know that they are no longer in print, and my library did a lot of inter library loans to find them for me. Oh well........if it goes like it usually does, it'll come to me at three in the morning!

[kitty1182]

one of my faves that is a book for tweens but adults wud love if u like dogs is "where the red fern grows". it won...watever awards books win. it is so special..and the ending is amazing. and i can't tell anyone about the book without crying lol.

I must check this one out...I love dogs..:smile:

[kitty1182]

Forget to add..
My Sister's Keeper is a good book...

[MercedesV]

Reading the thread it is funny the similarities many readers have. The love of books, the real thing not reading online. Although I do that as well. The smell, feel and touch are important. The library, the book store are some of my favourite places. Parents who read, books around us from an early age.

Favourites, how to limit them?

My all time favourite is probably Gone With The Wind.

Already mentioned, and among my favourites are the Little House series and The Shell Seekers. I loved the Nancy Drew books as a child, and Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates. Jack London's books like Call of the Wild. Have to list the Harry Potter series as well.

One that also stands out is The Thornbirds. I read that right before I had my first child. Feeling like a beached whale, it transported me and it was a beautiful story.

Favourite series include those by authors Peter Robinson, Michael Connelly, Elizabeth George and Stephen Booth.

[doctor_J]

Watership Down probably #1 even after all these years!

Interview With a Vampire

The Stand

The Merlin Trilogy

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

[Circe]

Watership Down probably #1 even after all these years!

Interview With a Vampire

The Stand

The Merlin Trilogy

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Ahhhhhhh..........I've read em all except Watership Down.

I love "The Stand"........I even have both versions!

[MoonHarvest]

Reading the thread it is funny the similarities many readers have. The love of books, the real thing not reading online. Although I do that as well. The smell, feel and touch are important. The library, the book store are some of my favourite places. Parents who read, books around us from an early age.

Favourites, how to limit them?

My all time favourite is probably Gone With The Wind.

Already mentioned, and among my favourites are the Little House series and The Shell Seekers. I loved the Nancy Drew books as a child, and Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates. Jack London's books like Call of the Wild. Have to list the Harry Potter series as well.

One that also stands out is The Thornbirds. I read that right before I had my first child. Feeling like a beached whale, it transported me and it was a beautiful story.

Favourite series include those by authors Peter Robinson, Michael Connelly, Elizabeth George and Stephen Booth.

Oh Mecedes.. I have to share, Nancy Drew: One summer I collected many of her books from the beginning, the middle, and the latest of the writing of Drew books, by different authors, during different time periods. It was so interesting comparing the different books and styles. I loved the artwork and the social manners in the early books. I had to watch the Nancy Drew movie with Emma Roberts, I think she played a good Nancy Drew.

I've been to Jack London's house in CA.. it's in a very quiet and serene area. A perfect spot for quiet reflections and writing.

[NatalieB]

The Holy Bible, preferably, the NIV version.

[kitty1182]

The Holy Bible, preferably, the NIV version.

The Bible is always a good choice....:smile:

[PoppySeeds]

Oh heavens.........there isn't enough room to even begin to list my favorites! But off the top of my head.........The Dark Tower books, by Steven King. IMO, the man is a great storyteller, and he makes me laugh and cry and care about the characters...........what more can you ask for?

Stephen King is my favorite. I first read him when I was about 8. My uncle pulled the insert of The Raft out of a girlie mag to shut me up on a road trip, and I was hooked.

My only problem with The Dark Tower series was it took soooooo long between books.
I did love the way Roland and Randall Flagg popped up in other stories, though.

[NatalieB]

The Bible is always a good choice....:smile:

Aside from the Bible, the most moving book I ever read was, The Diary of Anne Frank. It was many, many, many, years ago that I read it, but it's one that I have never, and I doubt, will ever, forget.

[5boxersmom]

Oh I forgot another one.

The Lovely Bones.


Years ago I got a book at the library. It was about a pioneer woman. It went through her life. All the cooking she did and all the work around the place. She was raped by two men and when they feel asleep or took off, I can't remember which she took their horses. She needed them for the farm. I got wore out reading that book and all the work that woman did.

Wish I could remember the name of it. :sad:

My dad has always been an avid reader also. My mom didn't read so much. My sister and I are both readers. :thumbup:

[kitty1182]

Aside from the Bible, the most moving book I ever read was, The Diary of Anne Frank. It was many, many, many, years ago that I read it, but it's one that I have never, and I doubt, will ever, forget.

Have you seen this? Cool..


http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=120&lid=2

[Circe]

Always and forever ........ To Kill A Mockingbird. :wub:

Oh .......... and 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'. I read them so many times they look like garage-sale rejects, but I still have them:)


"Mockingbird" is on my top 100 list.........I have wayyyyyyy to many to limit it to 10. I'm working on my fourth copy as we speak.

[Circe]

Stephen King is my favorite. I first read him when I was about 8. My uncle pulled the insert of The Raft out of a girlie mag to shut me up on a road trip, and I was hooked.

My only problem with The Dark Tower series was it took soooooo long between books.
I did love the way Roland and Randall Flagg popped up in other stories, though.

No kidding.......I about tore my hair out waiting for the next one to come out. But it ended up being worth the wait.

[MercedesV]

Oh Mecedes.. I have to share, Nancy Drew: One summer I collected many of her books from the beginning, the middle, and the latest of the writing of Drew books, by different authors, during different time periods. It was so interesting comparing the different books and styles. I loved the artwork and the social manners in the early books. I had to watch the Nancy Drew movie with Emma Roberts, I think she played a good Nancy Drew.

I've been to Jack London's house in CA.. it's in a very quiet and serene area. A perfect spot for quiet reflections and writing.

That's really interesting. My sister and I got new Nancy Drew books for holidays and birthdays growing up. So they were all from the same time frame basically. When we outgrew them, so we thought then, we donated them to a local school. A fourth grade teacher that we knew well kept them in her classroom. I hadn't thought about it much, but you are right about the social manners in those early books.

Haven't read London in years, but his writing was beautiful. He really transported you to the time and place. I'm not surprised his home is in a serene area.

[MercedesV]

Aside from the Bible, the most moving book I ever read was, The Diary of Anne Frank. It was many, many, many, years ago that I read it, but it's one that I have never, and I doubt, will ever, forget.

That was one of the most moving books I have ever read. With the anniversary of D day, my kids and I were talking and the Diary of Anne Frank came up. My son did some reading on the net and found information about her dad and how the book came to be published. She was an amazing young woman.

[2-B]

My first adult book as a kid was Pavillion of Women by Pearl Buck. It was wonderful. Weren't we lucky?

LOL. One of my favorites from that era, too. Were we yanking books off the same book shelf in some parallel universe?

One of the best gifts our mother gave my siblings and me was a love of reading. She's heading into her late 80's now and still reads a couple books a week! Her latest recommendation to me is something called The Outlanders, though I haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

[Circe]

Me too, I have a whole room with nothing but shelves filled with them ....... and a chair and lamp. My haven. There's no way I could limit them to 10 either, but those two I nearly memorized. :)

Ohhhhhhhhhh.........if I ever come to Canada, expect to see me, comfy reading clothes all packed and ready! :w00t:

[2-B]

Oh I forgot another one.

The Lovely Bones.



Haunting book. Such an innovative point of view for the narrator.

I'm glad others reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird. In a similar vein, does anyone remember a book called Member of the Wedding? The author's name escapes me at the moment, and I'm too lazy right now to look it up.

Oh, and that one reminds me of Anne Tyler--Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, The Accidental Tourist, etc.

[emdragon]

I know a thread like this appears often. But really can there be too many good things said about books? :biggrin:

So with summer in full swing and for some reading along with it... What are some of your all time favorite reads?

I'll start :smile:

One of mine is... The Velveteen Rabbit

Who's next?

What are some of your favorite books, and perhaps a brief reason as to why.

Happy Fourth of July:seeya:

OMG when I saw the thread I started making a mental list waiting for the page to load and #1 on my list is

"The Velveteen Rabbit" I adore it, I would make my aunt read it everytime she came over.

"The Pokey Little Puppy" I lived with my grandparents and this book was given to me by my dad.

"The Outsiders" S.E. Hinton

"The Stand" Stephen King

"Lord of the Rings"

"Calico Palace" Gwen Bristow-

The last 4 on the list I will read over and over and never get tired of them.

The first 2 I give to all the kids in my life.

[doctor_J]

Ahhhhhhh..........I've read em all except Watership Down.

I love "The Stand"........I even have both versions!

O O O, me too! Had to have that other 300 pages! One of the few novels I had to read more than once.

I get excited when I find someone who hasn't read Watership Down. It's something wonderfull and "once in a lifetime" that you have in your future. It's a true treasure. And if you have kids or grandkids..... even better!

The whole Brian Jacques Mossflower and Martin the Warrior series. There's about a dozen now but I read them all aloud to my son as soon as they came out. Perfect fantasy fiction. Great for adults too.

Boy I wish I had never read Watership Down. I would have something great for the weekend. I'm going to read the thread for ideas!!

[AbbyNormal]

one of my faves that is a book for tweens but adults wud love if u like dogs is "where the red fern grows". it won...watever awards books win. it is so special..and the ending is amazing. and i can't tell anyone about the book without crying lol.Great book! The author (Rawls?) has another book about a boy and his dog, "Summer of the Monkeys". Parts of it are laugh out loud funny :laugh:

[Circe]

O O O, me too! Had to have that other 300 pages! One of the few novels I had to read more than once.

I get excited when I find someone who hasn't read Watership Down. It's something wonderfull and "once in a lifetime" that you have in your future. It's a true treasure. And if you have kids or grandkids..... even better!

The whole Brian Jacques Mossflower and Martin the Warrior series. There's about a dozen now but I read them all aloud to my son as soon as they came out. Perfect fantsasy fiction. Great for adults too.

Boy I wish I had never read Watership Down. I would have something great for the weekend. I'm going to read the thread for ideas!!

AM I fogiven if I say that I've read "Shardik"?

I read my kids all the Narnia books, and Lord of the Rings.

Same here.......I'm running across a lot of old favs and some new things.

[PoppySeeds]

Goodness! Love this topic!

I have been told my house is in danger of collapsing from the weight of my books. I have hundreds...

Favorites..?

* For One More Day- Mitch Albom
* The Green Mile series- Stephen King
* Gerald's Game- Stephen King
* John Grisham's books
* Intensity- Dean Koontz
* Blackwater series- Michael McDowell
* Lewis Gizzard's books

My favorite Mitch Albom book is "The Five People You Meet in Heaven".
The Green Mile is wonderful, and it just goes to show the diversity of King. I also love the short story "The Body" that the movie "Stand By Me" was based on.
I read one Dean Koontz book that stayed with me for years, but I can't remember the title. One brother was a murderer, and brother was the hero, the twin sisters talked to cats and the parent/parents was a hermanphroditic woman who impregnanted herslef. It was weird and very strange, but I have loved his work ever since.

[doctor_J]

I read Shardik too. Not the same. This guy was a one hit wonder but WHAT A BOOK. Still makes me smile. Go get Watership Down, then I'll wait for my Christmas card,,lol.

I love Patricia Cornwell, all those murder mysteries like The Body Farm. She's good.

Elizabeth George is even better (with the serial killer genre).

I love anything by James Lee Burke, especially the Dave Robicheaux series. I get them as soon as they come out by reserving them at the library.

James Kellerman is pretty good for light entertainment, in the murder mysteries.

[emdragon]

Aside from the Bible, the most moving book I ever read was, The Diary of Anne Frank. It was many, many, many, years ago that I read it, but it's one that I have never, and I doubt, will ever, forget.

Have you ever read "The Hiding Place" By Corrie ten Boom ?

Savannah- I loved "the World According to Garp"

And while I read all the Nancy Drew books I liked the Hardy Boys much better- my uncles were Joe and Frank and they had the whole first edition series (which my grandmother sold at a yard sale to my horror)

Fanny by Erica Jong

and there is a romance novel set during the French revolution- it takes the heroine through the plague,the Bastille,etc. But I can not remember the name of it right now

[Circe]

I read Shardik too. Not the same. This guy was a one hit wonder but WHAT A BOOK. Still makes me smile. Go get Watership Down, then I'll wait for my Christmas card,,lol.

I love Patricia Cornwell, all those murder mysteries like The Body Farm. She's good.

Elizabeth George is even better (with the serial killer genre).

I love anything by James Lee Burke, especially the Dave Robicheaux series. I get them as soon as they come out by reserving them at the library.

James Kellerman is pretty good for light entertainment, in the murder mysteries.

OK, I'll find a copy.

I love Corwell also.......I love me a nice juicy murder mystery, and I have an especial fondness for the older ones.......Lord Peter Whimsey, Jane Marple, Poirot.......I just love them all. Elizabeth Peters is also good, I love that mix of humor and mystery.

[joolz]

Have you ever read "The Hiding Place" By Corrie ten Boom ?

Savannah- I loved "the World According to Garp"

And while I read all the Nancy Drew books I liked the Hardy Boys much better- my uncles were Joe and Frank and they had the whole first edition series (which my grandmother sold at a yard sale to my horror)

Fanny by Erica Jong

and there is a romance novel set during the French revolution- it takes the heroine through the plague,the Bastille,etc. But I can not remember the name of it right now


OMG Emdragon, are you talking about the "Angelique" books? I haven't thought about them in decades!:thumbup:

[doctor_J]

The Hunt for Red October and all the early Tom Clancy books but October would make my top 20 list

I gotta stop, I could go on forever, lol.

The Once and Future King.

[Circe]

The Hunt for Red October and all the early Tom Clancy books but October would make my top 20 list

I gotta stop, I could go on forever, lol.

The Once and Future King.

OK............have you been browsing my books when I'm not looking????

Also any of James Michener's books.......Centennial, Texas and the Hawaiians are my favs. Oh and the Shogun books.........James Clavell.

[doctor_J]

Right now, "Angel of Darkness" by Caleb Carr.......it's an historical mystery set in late 1800's New York. The main character is an "alienist" as psychologists were called back then. There are two books with this character......the one I am currently reading (or I should say re-reading) and the first one called "The Alienist." Both wonderful books if you like historical fiction.

I've got one by Micheal Crichton that I've never read before..."Timeline"......waiting in the wings.

I wish I could remember the author of those books.......I know that they are no longer in print, and my library did a lot of inter library loans to find them for me. Oh well........if it goes like it usually does, it'll come to me at three in the morning!

I really enjoyed The Alienist. I didn't know about Angel of Darkness -- I wil try to find that one immediately. So is Angel the sequel or the prequel?

I loved Michael Crichton too. Didn't he die recently, very young?
?

[MercedesV]

The Hunt for Red October and all the early Tom Clancy books but October would make my top 20 list

I gotta stop, I could go on forever, lol.

The Once and Future King.

Loved The Hunt For Red October, which also made me remember The Eye of the Needle by Follett which was great as well.

[doctor_J]

OK............have you been browsing my books when I'm not looking????

Also any of James Michener's books.......Centennial, Texas and the Hawaiians are my favs. Oh and the Shogun books.........James Clavell.

Oh yeah, all of the above.

And Dune, forgot about the Dune series. The only sci-fi genre I ever got into.

[Circe]

I really enjoyed The Alienist. I didn't know about Angel of Darkness -- I wil try to find that one immediately. So is Angel the sequel or the prequel?

I loved Michael Crichton too. Didn't he die recently, very young?
?

"Angel" is the sequel......takes place about a year or so after the "Alienist". TR makes a "guest" appearance. You'll love it......it's told from Stevie Taggarts point of view. I'm praying that Carr writes another.

Yep, Crichton died fairly recently.......within the last five years or so, I think.

[Susan43]

LOL. One of my favorites from that era, too. Were we yanking books off the same book shelf in some parallel universe?

One of the best gifts our mother gave my siblings and me was a love of reading. She's heading into her late 80's now and still reads a couple books a week! Her latest recommendation to me is something called The Outlanders, though I haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

LOL I kind of had the twilight zone theme song whispering in the back of my mind when I read your post about the bookcase too. :biggrin:

There was another book I loved as a girl, about the boy who had the fawn and I'll be darned if I can remember the name. But I'll just bet someone here knows what I'm talking about. It was wonderful.

[Circe]

LOL I kind of had the twilight zone theme song whispering in the back of my mind when I read your post about the bookcase too. :biggrin:

There was another book I loved as a girl, about the boy who had the fawn and I'll be darned if I can remember the name. But I'll just bet someone here knows what I'm talking about. It was wonderful.

The Yearling.

[ttcRider]

I always tell people, if you are only going to read one book in your life time, read A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. It truly changed my out look on life and my fellow man. I have probably bought over 20 copies since it was released because I never get it back!! :thumbup: I sent a copy to my 91 year old grandmother who loved it and sent it around her nursing home!

[ttcRider]

LOL. One of my favorites from that era, too. Were we yanking books off the same book shelf in some parallel universe?

One of the best gifts our mother gave my siblings and me was a love of reading. She's heading into her late 80's now and still reads a couple books a week! Her latest recommendation to me is something called The Outlanders, though I haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

I just finished reading The Outlander by Gil Adamson. It was a wonderful story that takes place in 1903. Could that be the one she meant? It was a great story by the way. :smile:

[joolz]

I really enjoyed The Alienist. I didn't know about Angel of Darkness -- I wil try to find that one immediately. So is Angel the sequel or the prequel?

I loved Michael Crichton too. Didn't he die recently, very young?
?


Love Caleb Carr's books. Anyone ever read his very first novel called Casing the Promised Land? I think he was only in his mid-20s when it was published.

Once and Future King
Anne of Green Gables
Prince of Tides
All of the Tales of the City books by Armistead Maupin
:smile:

[Susan43]

OK............have you been browsing my books when I'm not looking????

Also any of James Michener's books.......Centennial, Texas and the Hawaiians are my favs. Oh and the Shogun books.........James Clavell.

I loved the Mitchner books and went out of my way to find and taste scrapple (sausage) after reading one of his books. He's another author that can transport me away to other times and places. Clavell too.

My son wasn't much of a reader as a teen. He was waaaaay more interested in girls then anything else. But one day after a trip to the used book store I brought home a John D. McDonald, one of his Travis McGee books. Before I knew it we had the whole series and I had a livelong reading son, who now reads everything. Lately we've been rereading the W.E.B. Griffin books, right now, about the Corps.

I was so mad a McDonald for dying, he owed us another book because he'd (Travis) had just met his daughter. And I'm also a little miffed at Dick Francis, I've enjoyed his books so much over the years.

[Susan43]

The Yearling.

That's it!!! Thank you, it was driving me nuts. I loved that book.

[ttcRider]

OMG when I saw the thread I started making a mental list waiting for the page to load and #1 on my list is

"The Velveteen Rabbit" I adore it, I would make my aunt read it everytime she came over.

"The Pokey Little Puppy" I lived with my grandparents and this book was given to me by my dad.

"The Outsiders" S.E. Hinton

"The Stand" Stephen King

"Lord of the Rings"

"Calico Palace" Gwen Bristow-

The last 4 on the list I will read over and over and never get tired of them.

The first 2 I give to all the kids in my life.

my bolding - For work one Christmas I asked everyone to buy their favorite childrens book and I picked The Pokey Puppy!! haha We all got together for pizza lunch and each got a turn to tell why that was their favorite book. Then we donated all our books to a nursey school for single moms. It was a huge success!

[doctor_J]

I have a very ragged and yellowed piece of notebook paper I keep in my wallet for the monthly trip to the library. These are the authors that are good enough currently that I wait for their next book.

James Lee Burke

Carol O'Conner -- the Mallory series

Jeffery Deaver

Patrica Cornwell

Elizabeth George

Ian Rankin

Jonathan Kellerman

John Sandford

Michael Connelly --the Bosch series and The McCaleb series

[2-B]

I just finished reading The Outlander by Gil Adamson. It was a wonderful story that takes place in 1903. Could that be the one she meant? It was a great story by the way. :smile:

Yes, this is the one. She kept telling me it takes place in 1903 (she repeats herself sometimes these days, lol, God love her). So now I have two recommendations for it! Luckily, I still have some cash left on my Barnes&Noble gift card from Christmas. Guess I'm gonna have to get that one. Thanks!

[MercedesV]

I have a very ragged and yellowed piece of notebook paper I keep in my wallet for the monthly trip to the library. These are the authors that are good enough currently that I wait for their next book.

James Lee Burke

Carol O'Conner -- the Mallory series

Jeffery Deaver

Patrica Cornwell

Elizabeth George

Ian Rankin

Jonathan Kellerman

John Sandford

Michael Connelly --the Bosch series and The McCaleb series

So nice to see someone else who likes the Mallory series, what a different protaganist. And such great writing. I also love Michael Connelly. You should try Stephen Booth, he is a Brit writer. Very good series.

[joolz]

I loved the Mitchner books and went out of my way to find and taste scrapple (sausage) after reading one of his books. He's another author that can transport me away to other times and places. Clavell too.

My son wasn't much of a reader as a teen. He was waaaaay more interested in girls then anything else. But one day after a trip to the used book store I brought home a John D. McDonald, one of his Travis McGee books. Before I knew it we had the whole series and I had a livelong reading son, who now reads everything. Lately we've been rereading the W.E.B. Griffin books, right now, about the Corps.

I was so mad a McDonald for dying, he owed us another book because he'd (Travis) had just met his daughter. And I'm also a little miffed at Dick Francis, I've enjoyed his books so much over the years.


I just reread some of the Travis McGee books and enjoyed them all over again. Also a great fan of the late Ross MacDonald's Lew Archer mysteries set in Santa Barbara.

[ttcRider]

I have a very ragged and yellowed piece of notebook paper I keep in my wallet for the monthly trip to the library. These are the authors that are good enough currently that I wait for their next book.

James Lee Burke

Carol O'Conner -- the Mallory series

Jeffery Deaver

Patrica Cornwell

Elizabeth George

Ian Rankin

Jonathan Kellerman

John Sandford

Michael Connelly --the Bosch series and The McCaleb series

Hey Doc! I just picked up Jeffery Deaver's Roadside Crosses, have you read it yet?? Its pretty good, Im about 100pages in...

[NatalieB]

I see so many saying, To Kill a Mockingbird is their favorite novel. My kids both read it last year as it's part of the curriculum for juniors in our HS. It is a fabulous book. To that there is no question. I however found it equally as interesting to research Harper Lee. This was her first novel and she had little expectation from it, but then goes on to win a Pulitzer. Unfortunately for all of us, it would be the only novel she would ever write.

[doctor_J]

So nice to see someone else who likes the Mallory series, what a different protaganist. And such great writing. I also love Michael Connelly. You should try Stephen Booth, he is a Brit writer. Very good series.

Isn't Mallory a hoot!! I wish O'Conner was a little more prolific.

Thanks for telling me about Stephen Booth.I'm excited to find a new author to check out and hopefully a new series to read!!

[NatalieB]

Have you seen this? Cool..


http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=120&lid=2

I would LOVE to go there.....just once.

Have you ever read "The Hiding Place" By Corrie ten Boom ?

snip

No, but I think I've heard of it. I'll have to check it out, thanks!

[doctor_J]

Hey Doc! I just picked up Jeffery Deaver's Roadside Crosses, have you read it yet?? Its pretty good, Im about 100pages in...

A NEW ONE, great.!! Now I've got a new author and a new book by Deaver to check out. Thanks.

[justaguy]

just reading his bio is fascinating IMO: http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/au-conroy-pat.asp


probably best remembered as the author of "the prince of tides". even those that didnt care for the movie...take a look at the book. probably 90 percent of it didnt make it into the film. the twists and turns in the book...phenominal.

his phrasing is literally poetry..IMO and of the reviewer. he has the ability to make your heart soar..and to break it. also an incredible book is "the great santini"...which was made into a good film with robert duvall. almost all of his films take place in the south. i truly treasure each one of his novels.

[Circe]

Hey Doc! I just picked up Jeffery Deaver's Roadside Crosses, have you read it yet?? Its pretty good, Im about 100pages in...

I love the Lincoln Rhyme books......I'm not so hot on his others.

For sci fi/fantasy fans, two of my all time favs......."Silverlock" by John Myer Myers.......the main character ends up in a place called the "Territories" where he runs into such literary characters as the Man of LaMancha and Beowulf........the other is the Gaea series by John Varley.......about a living planet that is a fan of old movies and TV. It's a load of fun digging out the literary and tv/movie references in both books. The Gaea series is three books.......Titan, Wizard and Demon.

[Circe]

I see so many saying, To Kill a Mockingbird is their favorite novel. My kids both read it last year as it's part of the curriculum for juniors in our HS. It is a fabulous book. To that there is no question. I however found it equally as interesting to research Harper Lee. This was her first novel and she had little expectation from it, but then goes on to win a Pulitzer. Unfortunately for all of us, it would be the only novel she would ever write.

It's a wonderful book, and semi-auto biographical. THe character of Dill is based on her cousin...........the man who wrote "In Cold Blood" Truman Capote.

I love the movie, but the book is so much richer in detail.

[magythekat]

Aside from the Bible, the most moving book I ever read was, The Diary of Anne Frank. It was many, many, many, years ago that I read it, but it's one that I have never, and I doubt, will ever, forget.


Me too NatalieB....I read the Diary of Anne Frank when I was 16 and laying in the hospital after a vehicle accident, couldn't get out of bed for about a month. One of the Nuns in the hospital brought me that book and I read it over and over while hospitilized. It was amazing, and brought a lot home to me about what the Jewish people went through. It was sad and wonderful at the same time, and at that young age, made me realize what the human being is made of....strength and hope.

[magythekat]

just reading his bio is fascinating IMO: http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/au-conroy-pat.asp


probably best remembered as the author of "the prince of tides". even those that didnt care for the movie...take a look at the book. probably 90 percent of it didnt make it into the film. the twists and turns in the book...phenominal.

his phrasing is literally poetry..IMO and of the reviewer. he has the ability to make your heart soar..and to break it. also an incredible book is "the great santini"...which was made into a good film with robert duvall. almost all of his films take place in the south. i truly treasure each one of his novels.


Yes indeed...Prince of Tides was/is a terrific book for sure. Guess I need to find it among my mountains of book shelves and read it again. Thanks for reminding me. :smile:

[magythekat]

Aside from the Bible, the most moving book I ever read was, The Diary of Anne Frank. It was many, many, many, years ago that I read it, but it's one that I have never, and I doubt, will ever, forget.


Me too NatalieB....I read the Diary of Anne Frank when I was 16 and laying in the hospital after a vehicle accident, couldn't get out of bed for about a month. One of the Nuns in the hospital brought me that book and I read it over and over while hospitilized. It was amazing, and brought a lot home to me about what the Jewish people went through. It was sad and wonderful at the same time, and at that young age, made me realize what the human being is made of....strength and hope and perseverance.

[Themis]

To Kill A Mockingbird is probably my all time favorite but there are just so many good ones, it is hard to choose just one. That's because Hawaii and Watership Down are right up there.
So, I'll add a couple of authors that I have enjoyed and not seen mentioned so far.

Frederick Forsyth: starting with Day of the Jackal
An English author meticulous with research.

Daniel Silva: particularly his Gabriel Allon series
While each book stands alone, it is best to start with the first one.

Janet Evanovich: the Stephanie Plum series for very light reading but zany humor. Could there be a more inept bounty hunter?


P.S. MoonHarvest, you and Circe might find the linked website interesting. The fictional books listed here are set completely or partially in real or imaginary places in the state of Maine.

http://librarybooklists.org/mybooklists/setinmaine.htm

[Circe]

To Kill A Mockingbird is probably my all time favorite but there are just so many good ones, it is hard to choose just one. That's because Hawaii and Watership Down are right up there.
So, I'll add a couple of authors that I have enjoyed and not seen mentioned so far.

Frederick Forsyth: starting with Day of the Jackal
An English author meticulous with research.

Daniel Silva: particularly his Gabriel Allon series
While each book stands alone, it is best to start with the first one.

Janet Evanovich: the Stephanie Plum series for very light reading but zany humor. Could there be a more inept bounty hunter?


P.S. MoonHarvest, you and Circe might find the linked website interesting. The fictional books listed here are set completely or partially in real or imaginary places in the state of Maine.

http://librarybooklists.org/mybooklists/setinmaine.htm

Thanks Themis...........I checked it out, the trouble is that I can NOT for the life of me recall the author and the books are long out of print. And my mom has passed, so I can't ask her. :cursing:

[doctor_J]

What's Hawaii? I've missed that one but seen it mentioned here by several.

[InstaGator]

To Kill A Mockingbird is probably my all time favorite but there are just so many good ones, it is hard to choose just one. That's because Hawaii and Watership Down are right up there.
So, I'll add a couple of authors that I have enjoyed and not seen mentioned so far.

Frederick Forsyth: starting with Day of the Jackal
An English author meticulous with research.

Daniel Silva: particularly his Gabriel Allon series
While each book stands alone, it is best to start with the first one.

Janet Evanovich: the Stephanie Plum series for very light reading but zany humor. Could there be a more inept bounty hunter?


P.S. MoonHarvest, you and Circe might find the linked website interesting. The fictional books listed here are set completely or partially in real or imaginary places in the state of Maine.

http://librarybooklists.org/mybooklists/setinmaine.htm

Yep, I was just going to post about Harper Lee's great novel To Kill A Mockingbird. I'm re-reading it now.

I love the older stuff and am also reading some Tennesssee Williams plays. Cat On A Hot Tin Roof is a great play and movie. And I just finished Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. That one isnt for everyone - its a bit depressing but it speaks to her talent as well as her troubles.

[Circe]

What's Hawaii? I've missed that one but seen it mentioned here by several.

A James Michener book about Hawaii. There was a movie made of it called the "Hawaiians" staring Charlton Heston, IIRC.

[Citygirl]

I probably should have read the thread first..these may have been mentioned already..but they are my favorite of all time..

Master of the Game..Sidney Sheldon..
Memories of Another Day..Harold Robbins..
both were wonderful and listed in order of my personal preference..
also the Borne Series be Robert Ludlum..great work..

[Themis]

Thanks Themis...........I checked it out, the trouble is that I can NOT for the life of me recall the author and the books are long out of print. And my mom has passed, so I can't ask her. :cursing:
You're welcome, Circe; it is frustrating isn't it? Your original post intrigued me so I've done some googling and found this female current day author who writes mysteries based in Maine. Perhaps you and MoonHarvest will want to check her out. I just put Linda Greenlaw on my list of books to be on the lookout for:

http://lindagreenlawbooks.com/books/books.asp

She has written 6 books with one of them being a recipe book.


P.S. Could it be author Elizabeth Ogilvie?? There are actually six novels in the series. The three were written during the 1940's. The first one or maybe the first 3 were about a Portuguese fisherman.
High Tide at Noon 1944
Storm Tide 1945
Ebbing Tide 1947
How Wide the Heart 1959
Answer in the Tide 1978
Summer of the Osprey 1987

Another author I can recommend if you are into legal / courtroom books is Steve Martini

[Noahs ARK]

My 2 favorite books are "The Rich Are Different" and "Sins of The Fathers" - written by Susan Howatch. I've read them both dozens of times.

My family room and office have bookshelves that are overflowing with books.

Sidney Sheldon, Lawrence Sanders, Ann Rule, John Sanford, Jeffrey Deaver, James Patterson, Lisa Gardner, Lee Child, Harlan Coben, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Janet Evanovich, Jonathan & Faye Kellerman....the list goes on & on.

[SavannahStar]

My 2 favorite books are "The Rich Are Different" and "Sins of The Fathers" - written by Susan Howatch. I've read them both dozens of times.

My family room and office have bookshelves that are overflowing with books.

Sidney Sheldon, Lawrence Sanders, Ann Rule, John Sanford, Jeffrey Deaver, James Patterson, Lisa Gardner, Lee Child, Harlan Coben, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Janet Evanovich, Jonathan & Faye Kellerman....the list goes on & on.


Oh I loved those Howatch books!!! Also, Pennmaric? Another couple she wrote very early. I didn't like her later books so much.

[EKate23]

Anything by Ann Rule or Sue Grafton.

[Citygirl]

Anything by Ann Rule or Sue Grafton.


Woo Hoo..another alphabet series lover I see..I have em all and loved each one..I think the new one comes out in Dec. I have already asked for it for Christmas..my son has gotten me all of them except the first two that I bought..love her a bunch..I have the best picture of Kinsey in my head..wonder if she will get married again in the last one?

[Circe]

You're welcome, Circe; it is frustrating isn't it? Your original post intrigued me so I've done some googling and found this female current day author who writes mysteries based in Maine. Perhaps you and MoonHarvest will want to check her out. I just put Linda Greenlaw on my list of books to be on the lookout for:

http://lindagreenlawbooks.com/books/books.asp

She has written 6 books with one of them being a recipe book.


P.S. Could it be author Elizabeth Ogilvie?? There are actually six novels in the series. The three were written during the 1940's. The first one or maybe the first 3 were about a Portuguese fisherman.
High Tide at Noon 1944
Storm Tide 1945
Ebbing Tide 1947
How Wide the Heart 1959
Answer in the Tide 1978
Summer of the Osprey 1987

Another author I can recommend if you are into legal / courtroom books is Steve Martini

No,these were about a Maine fisherman,who was an amateur sleuth.....I remember they called him something like the Haddock Holmes. They were written in a rather witty style that had me laughing out loud more than once.

[ttcRider]

No,these were about a Maine fisherman,who was an amateur sleuth.....I remember they called him something like the Haddock Holmes. They were written in a rather witty style that had me laughing out loud more than once.

Its not Tintin is it??

[Circe]

Its not Tintin is it??

I just can't remember!!! :crying:

It's going to drive me nuts for the next three days, I just know it!!

[ttcRider]

I just can't remember!!! :crying:

It's going to drive me nuts for the next three days, I just know it!!

I think Tintin had a buddy named Haddock Holmes.... :confused:

My apologies Circe - his buddy was Captain Haddock. Sorry..

[Circe]

I think Tintin had a buddy named Haddock Holmes.... :confused:

My apologies Circe - his buddy was Captain Haddock. Sorry..

De nada........like I said before, I'll probably remember at about three in the morning!!

Getting old sucks........

[emdragon]

OMG Emdragon, are you talking about the "Angelique" books? I haven't thought about them in decades!:thumbup:

Don't think so the one I'm thinking of was a single book... Heroine was the ward of a Compte (who is very short and ugly) and he made her his courtesan, she gets pregnant there is the black plague her baby dies..it was jam packed french history...


I also loved the Dragon Riders of Pern series by Anne McCaffery

[Dells]

I haven't seen anyone mention this yet, but my all time favorite series is the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. There is a new book that is supposed to come out in this series in september. These are the best books that I have ever read in my life.

I also like reading series and some of my favorite authors include: Faye Kellerman, Sue Henry, Sue Grafton, Patricia Cornwell, and Jonathan Kellerman.

Such a great thread! :smile:

[MoonHarvest]

No,these were about a Maine fisherman,who was an amateur sleuth.....I remember they called him something like the Haddock Holmes. They were written in a rather witty style that had me laughing out loud more than once.

Oh Circe these are sounding better and better.:thumbsup:

[MoonHarvest]

You're welcome, Circe; it is frustrating isn't it? Your original post intrigued me so I've done some googling and found this female current day author who writes mysteries based in Maine. Perhaps you and MoonHarvest will want to check her out. I just put Linda Greenlaw on my list of books to be on the lookout for:

http://lindagreenlawbooks.com/books/books.asp

She has written 6 books with one of them being a recipe book.


P.S. Could it be author Elizabeth Ogilvie?? There are actually six novels in the series. The three were written during the 1940's. The first one or maybe the first 3 were about a Portuguese fisherman.
High Tide at Noon 1944
Storm Tide 1945
Ebbing Tide 1947
How Wide the Heart 1959
Answer in the Tide 1978
Summer of the Osprey 1987

Another author I can recommend if you are into legal / courtroom books is Steve Martini

Thanks for the tips, Themis. :thumbsup::smile:

[doctor_J]

This is just great. NOW I've got to visit Amazon and check out any of these recommendations that I've missed reading!

[MoonHarvest]

To Kill A Mockingbird is probably my all time favorite but there are just so many good ones, it is hard to choose just one. That's because Hawaii and Watership Down are right up there.
So, I'll add a couple of authors that I have enjoyed and not seen mentioned so far.

Frederick Forsyth: starting with Day of the Jackal
An English author meticulous with research.

Daniel Silva: particularly his Gabriel Allon series
While each book stands alone, it is best to start with the first one.

Janet Evanovich: the Stephanie Plum series for very light reading but zany humor. Could there be a more inept bounty hunter?


P.S. MoonHarvest, you and Circe might find the linked website interesting. The fictional books listed here are set completely or partially in real or imaginary places in the state of Maine.

http://librarybooklists.org/mybooklists/setinmaine.htm

YaY..Yippee.. Yay ... a big happy dance. :smile::smile: Thank You~

[MoonHarvest]

This is just great. NOW I've got to visit Amazon and check out any of these recommendations that I've missed reading!


:thumbsup::lol: We have a little reading party going on here.

[InstaGator]

This is just great. NOW I've got to visit Amazon and check out any of these recommendations that I've missed reading!

i order all my books from Amazon. :biggrin:

[IaNsSyAlNuE]

Way too many favorites to list. Many genres. Many Authors over time.

But here is some that come to mind right now:

The Gammage Cup

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings

Watership Down - I used to love rabbit stew until I read that book...I sure hope he doesn't write about macaroni and cheeze!

Dracula

Death of a President

Helter Skelter

Sherlock Holmes (complete works)

Watergate

Dragons of Pern

Any Harlan Ellison work

The Robot Novels by Azimov

The early works of Stephen King:
- 'Salem's Lot
- The Shining (scariest book I've ever read)
- Pet Semetary

Atlas Shrugged

I have to stop now...there is really too many to list

:biggrinjester:

Great books was typing out a few of the same titles myself. I would like to add to that one of my all time favs:

A Prayer for Owen Meany is a novel by American writer John Irving, first published in 1989

[MoonHarvest]

Have you ever read "The Hiding Place" By Corrie ten Boom ?

Savannah- I loved "the World According to Garp"

And while I read all the Nancy Drew books I liked the Hardy Boys much better- my uncles were Joe and Frank and they had the whole first edition series (which my grandmother sold at a yard sale to my horror)

Fanny by Erica Jong

and there is a romance novel set during the French revolution- it takes the heroine through the plague,the Bastille,etc. But I can not remember the name of it right now

OMgosh.. I love love love Corrie ten Boom.:seeya::thumbsup:

This is so much fun :lol:

Emdragon the romance novel sounds good too.

[MoonHarvest]

I always tell people, if you are only going to read one book in your life time, read A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. It truly changed my out look on life and my fellow man. I have probably bought over 20 copies since it was released because I never get it back!! :thumbup: I sent a copy to my 91 year old grandmother who loved it and sent it around her nursing home!

On my list right now. :smile:

[MoonHarvest]

my bolding - For work one Christmas I asked everyone to buy their favorite childrens book and I picked The Pokey Puppy!! haha We all got together for pizza lunch and each got a turn to tell why that was their favorite book. Then we donated all our books to a nursey school for single moms. It was a huge success!

Oh that was soooo sweet. :wub:

I apologize everyone if I'm posting to many posts here. I'm just so passionate about the subject. :laugh:

[doctor_J]

Now if we're gonna talk kiddie books we'll have to start a new thread!!

If you can only give your kid ONE FUN BOOK, it has to be Thidwick the Good-Hearted Moose by Dr. Suess. Not as well known as some others but our fav.

[emdragon]

OMgosh.. I love love love Corrie ten Boom.:seeya::thumbsup:

This is so much fun :lol:

Emdragon the romance novel sounds good too.

I was lucky enough to get to hear Corrie ten Boom speak it was amazing and inspirational-Got to hear Marie Von Trapp and David Wilkerson He wrote "the Cross and the Switchblade" another great book.. that was so many life times ago..

Yesh the Romance was great (not my kind of genre normally but that one always stuck with me- well clearly everything but the Title stuck with me lol)

[AnniePie]

I know a thread like this appears often. But really can there be too many good things said about books? :biggrin:

So with summer in full swing and for some reading along with it... What are some of your all time favorite reads?

I'll start :smile:

One of mine is... The Velveteen Rabbit

Who's next?

What are some of your favorite books, and perhaps a brief reason as to why.

Happy Fourth of July:seeya:

I know there are often threads like this MH, but thank you for starting this one! I love to know what everyone else is reading. I also love to know what to put on my To Be Read list.

Thank you for starting this thread!!

[AnniePie]

I love a series........when I get involved in a good story, I never want it to end.......I want to know what happens after "and they all lived happily ever after."

I got my first library card at five........I was hooked early. :biggrin:

Me too, Circe. I don't know exactly what age, but I was definitly hooked when I was a little kid.

I was the Mother Hen of the neighbourhood and I would take all the little kids with me on my library treks. Everyone would choose his books and then when we got home, I would read all of the books to the children! LOL

[AnniePie]

one of my faves that is a book for tweens but adults wud love if u like dogs is "where the red fern grows". it won...watever awards books win. it is so special..and the ending is amazing. and i can't tell anyone about the book without crying lol.

That was a wonderful book, JAG! I had it in my library for many, many years until it fell apart.

[Scampi]

To Kill A Mockingbird is probably my all time favorite but there are just so many good ones, it is hard to choose just one. That's because Hawaii and Watership Down are right up there.
So, I'll add a couple of authors that I have enjoyed and not seen mentioned so far.

Frederick Forsyth: starting with Day of the Jackal
An English author meticulous with research.

Daniel Silva: particularly his Gabriel Allon series
While each book stands alone, it is best to start with the first one.

Janet Evanovich: the Stephanie Plum series for very light reading but zany humor. Could there be a more inept bounty hunter?


P.S. MoonHarvest, you and Circe might find the linked website interesting. The fictional books listed here are set completely or partially in real or imaginary places in the state of Maine.

http://librarybooklists.org/mybooklists/setinmaine.htm


Themis, you have reminded me of Frederick Forsyth, I also loved his writing...The Day of the Jackal was exceptional.

That category of book reminded me of how wonderful the books of Dr. Rodney Whitaker, pen name "Trevanian" were, especially Shibumi.

I also have to add "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers which I forgot from my original list.

Thanks everyone, I have some excellent recommendations thanks to those posting this weekend.

:read:

[Circe]

Me too, Circe. I don't know exactly what age, but I was definitly hooked when I was a little kid.

I was the Mother Hen of the neighbourhood and I would take all the little kids with me on my library treks. Everyone would choose his books and then when we got home, I would read all of the books to the children! LOL

My best friend and I used to take her little sister with us......she was about three or so. I remember that she just loved a series of books called "The Ant and the Bee". Just some cute little picture books but she just loved em. We used to check out the Oz books........the library in my home town had them all......and read them to her.

[joolz]

:lol::lol:I searched, I found. . .

http://www.worldofangelique.com/bbb.htm

After reading a bit about the novels, I don't think I will be returning to my adolescent guillty pleasures anytime soon!:scared:

[ABC]

Me too NatalieB....I read the Diary of Anne Frank when I was 16 and laying in the hospital after a vehicle accident, couldn't get out of bed for about a month. One of the Nuns in the hospital brought me that book and I read it over and over while hospitilized. It was amazing, and brought a lot home to me about what the Jewish people went through. It was sad and wonderful at the same time, and at that young age, made me realize what the human being is made of....strength and hope.
"Sarah's Key", currently out in the big book paperback, is amazing too. Its a can't put down book and Sarah will stay with you for a long time.
I am also a fan of Daniel Silva but not of Forsyth or the Bourne series. Lee Child, Elizabeth George, Anne Perry and the Monk Series and Thomas Perry (Butcher Boy and Sleeping Dogs are a few of my favorites authors, with Nelson DeMille (Catherdal and By the Rivers of Babylon are superb) and Carol OConnor 's Mallory series. Love Nora Roberts "Dallas" series too.

[FurthurBB]

A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss.

Just love the way she writes.

Also the first "novel" I read when I was in 6th grade. It is called April's Witches.

Wow! I think I would like to read A Rose in Winter. It sounds really good. I also read April's Witches when I was a little kid and liked it. Another book I read when I was a kid that I loved was I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg. It is the true story of a 16-year-old girl and her battle with Schizophrenia. I always liked true stories like this, I read every book about the holocaust that I could get my hands on since I was little. Another favorite of mine is The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory which is a great book even though the movie was disappointing to say the least. Also, I have been a huge Jane Austin fan since I read Pride and Prejudice when I was 9-years-old. IMO

[FurthurBB]

one of my faves that is a book for tweens but adults wud love if u like dogs is "where the red fern grows". it won...watever awards books win. it is so special..and the ending is amazing. and i can't tell anyone about the book without crying lol.

Is it for tweens? It was required third grade reading for all my children. IMO

[Citygirl]

Don't think so the one I'm thinking of was a single book... Heroine was the ward of a Compte (who is very short and ugly) and he made her his courtesan, she gets pregnant there is the black plague her baby dies..it was jam packed french history...


I also loved the Dragon Riders of Pern series by Anne McCaffery

Em..here's a great one for you..The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis..
wow..talk about a good book with lots of interesting history..
a wonderful book..I could hardly put it down..it was a present from my daughter..she has such great taste in literature and I am so thankful..she buys lots of books and passes them to me when she if finished..

[FurthurBB]

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith

The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Anything by Stephen King

Oh A tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of my absolute favorites and one of the very first books I ever read. I gave all my children a copy for easter when they were about 10. I actually like that book, I cannot remember the name, by Laura Ingalls Wilder about the girl that goes to live with her family on an Island off the coast of Maine. Also, Little Women, another childhood favorite that I shared with my children. I also loved the short story that Louisa May Alcott wrote about her family call Transcendental Wild Oats. American authors were so interesting then, how they all knew each other and lived together on and off. IMO

[Bonzo]

the Earth's children series by Judith Auel (Clan of the Cave Bear, The Mammoth Hunters and several others). also Jodi Picoult's books are good (and as mentioned above My Sister's Keeper has just been made into a movie). Jodi's stories are always interesting as they deal with really off beat (yet heart wrenching) subjects.

my interests usually run to true crime (Ann Rule, well,....RULES!!!) but once in a while a fiction story will turn out to be really good.

sadly too many books (fiction anyway) tend to become bogged down in the same story modes since publishers know what sells. too formulaic for my taste. it's almost like you could be reading anyone's story, same plot, same twists, just different character names. it's what turned me off about most fiction books. when i do come across an author who doesn't allow their publisher to dictate the story line i often end up being pleasantly surprised.

the authors i've mentioned are definitely not following the formulas and i love that.

bonnie

[Dunlurken]

My all time favorites are the ones written by Diana Galbadon. She time travels back to Scotland into the 12th century. The first one is called Outlander. Then she travels back to the current time. Fantastic books. About 1,000 pages long each one of them. We have a "cult" following her books. :thumbsup:

[MoonHarvest]

:smile: Good Morning fellow "Bookies" .........:lol:

[desmom]

Favorite all time - Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon and Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough

I a huge fan of the Plum Series by Janet Evanovich. The family knows when a new Plum book is released, the world stops in this household. College Son bought me a 'Plum Crazy Babe' shirt for Xmas one year.

Also a fan of Fannie Flagg, both Kellermans, James Patterson, Stuart Woods, Lisa Scottoline, Catherine Coulter, John Sandford and all cozy murder mysteries...

My favorite book to give to children The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

[5boxersmom]

Wow! I think I would like to read A Rose in Winter. It sounds really good. I also read April's Witches when I was a little kid and liked it. Another book I read when I was a kid that I loved was I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg. It is the true story of a 16-year-old girl and her battle with Schizophrenia. I always liked true stories like this, I read every book about the holocaust that I could get my hands on since I was little. Another favorite of mine is The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory which is a great book even though the movie was disappointing to say the least. Also, I have been a huge Jane Austin fan since I read Pride and Prejudice when I was 9-years-old. IMO

You are the only other person I have ever "known" to have read April's Witches. I ordered me a copy a few years ago and read it again. I have a collection of my favorite books and I wanted a copy to keep. My niece is 9 and I want her to read it this summer.

I will check out the books you mentioned.

[Mimi428]

The whole Brian Jacques Mossflower and Martin the Warrior series. There's about a dozen now but I read them all aloud to my son as soon as they came out. Perfect fantasy fiction. Great for adults too.


Omigosh - I'm another one who really has enjoyed the Red Wall series. I was not familiar with it until my grandsons started reading it more than 10 years ago.

Another one that is good for both children & adults is the Hank the Cow Dog series - & if you ever have reason for getting books on tape - those are thoroughly hilarious.

[AbbyNormal]

Love this thread!

Favorite authors - Maeve Binchey, James Herriot, Orson Scott Card, Wilson Rawls, Michael Criton, John Grishom, Louisa May Alcott, Laura Ingles Wilder, Jane Austin........

So many books! So little time

[justaguy]

Yes indeed...Prince of Tides was/is a terrific book for sure. Guess I need to find it among my mountains of book shelves and read it again. Thanks for reminding me. :smile:

hi ms kat. or go to used bookstore. i promise u, you will enjoy the great santini and the lords of discipline.

[doctor_J]

Omigosh - I'm another one who really has enjoyed the Red Wall series. I was not familiar with it until my grandsons started reading it more than 10 years ago.

Another one that is good for both children & adults is the Hank the Cow Dog series - & if you ever have reason for getting books on tape - those are thoroughly hilarious.

Red Wall was the name of the series I couldn't think of. Weren't all those great! We'd wait impatiently for him to write the next one and for the bookstore to call. He must have been only about 5 when I started reading them him the first. Always make us so hungry with those humogous feasts, lol. He's in grad school and he still gets the new ones when they come out. I never dreamed there would be so many. Those were some of our favs, along with Watership Down and Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling that I read aloud. I still love to read them too.

[justaguy]

Great books was typing out a few of the same titles myself. I would like to add to that one of my all time favs:

A Prayer for Owen Meany is a novel by American writer John Irving, first published in 1989

wow..u are the first person i ever knew who read owen meany..was amazing...uplifting and devastating.

[ortiga]

For some reason I always had my nose in a book, when I was a teen, I fell in love, long distance, with Africa. I read all the Robert Ruark "Something of Value", "Uhuru", those 2 about Kenya and the Mau Mau uprising, and "the honey badger". Then there was Wilbur Smith, the early ones (Shout at the Devil, etc) were heart tearingly romantic adventure novels based on the history of southern africa....and recently the Poisonwood Bible which I read 3 times. Even now I'd read that novel that was just a movie, Blood Diamonds, if I could find it. Then, there were other faraway lands that drew my romantic mind....Far Pavilions, Shangrila, Green Mansions, and one I read a few years ago about forbidden love between castes in India, I can't remember the name, something like "smallest love", I wish someone could remind me, I'd go read it again. Then, there was Dr. Zhivago, all the explorer true stories like "Endurance", and all of James Michener's books like Hawaii. Really, lol, talk about getting away from it all.

Of course before that it was Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey Twins, the Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames Student Nurse, the Worldbook Encyclopedia, in fact every year at the local library in our very small town I had more reading stars than anyone else. My folks couldn't believe it, I'd load up my bike basket with a bunch of books and scarf them down.

Aside from those, as an adult I read every single Louie L'Amour written, and every single Agatha Christie...right up to "Curtains".

lol Thanks to whoever started this thread.

[ortiga]

hi ms kat. or go to used bookstore. i promise u, you will enjoy the great santini and the lords of discipline.

OMG thanks, I forgot all about those.

[ABC]

Just started a little homicide paperback called "Angel's Tip" by Alafair Burke(???). It is really well written, good dialogue, interesting characters, which is sometimes hard to find.

[Susan43]

For some reason I always had my nose in a book, when I was a teen, I fell in love, long distance, with Africa. I read all the Robert Ruark "Something of Value", "Uhuru", those 2 about Kenya and the Mau Mau uprising, and "the honey badger". Then there was Wilbur Smith, the early ones (Shout at the Devil, etc) were heart tearingly romantic adventure novels based on the history of southern africa....and recently the Poisonwood Bible which I read 3 times. Even now I'd read that novel that was just a movie, Blood Diamonds, if I could find it. Then, there were other faraway lands that drew my romantic mind....Far Pavilions, Shangrila, Green Mansions, and one I read a few years ago about forbidden love between castes in India, I can't remember the name, something like "smallest love", I wish someone could remind me, I'd go read it again. Then, there was Dr. Zhivago, all the explorer true stories like "Endurance", and all of James Michener's books like Hawaii. Really, lol, talk about getting away from it all.

Of course before that it was Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey Twins, the Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames Student Nurse, the Worldbook Encyclopedia, in fact every year at the local library in our very small town I had more reading stars than anyone else. My folks couldn't believe it, I'd load up my bike basket with a bunch of books and scarf them down.

Aside from those, as an adult I read every single Louie L'Amour written, and every single Agatha Christie...right up to "Curtains".

lol Thanks to whoever started this thread.

Ortiga, I know exactly what you mean. It was a wonderful way to travel the world wasn't it? I've read so many of the same books as you have.

And Louis L'Amour? The first time I ever went to Reno NV I made some remark about it being so dry considering it's altitude and someone told me it was high desert and I finally knew what Louis was talking about. I love his books. He was another one that annoyed me when he died, as far as I'm concerned he wasn't done writing yet.

And of course Agatha Christie. Are you aware that PBS is showing some new Hercule Poiret shows? Miss Lemon isn't in them but it is still David Suchet and he is, of course, the perfect Hercule.

Michael Crighton wrote an autobiography, Travels that is terrific partly because he discusses his trip to Thailand. There is one part that made me just laugh out loud and I still chuckle to myself whenever I think of it. It's just about time to reread it. :biggrin:

[emdragon]

Em..here's a great one for you..The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis..
wow..talk about a good book with lots of interesting history..
a wonderful book..I could hardly put it down..it was a present from my daughter..she has such great taste in literature and I am so thankful..she buys lots of books and passes them to me when she if finished..

Thanks I'll check it out for sure.

[Susan43]

I can't remember if anyone has brought up Sara Paretsky and although she usually writes about a female PI she has written a book that is just terrific, Bleeding Kansas.

It was gifted to me by one of my favorite posters here and it is just a gem.

http://www.amazon.com/Bleeding-Kansas-Sara-Paretsky/dp/0399154051

[Citygirl]

Favorite all time - Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon and Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough

I a huge fan of the Plum Series by Janet Evanovich. The family knows when a new Plum book is released, the world stops in this household. College Son bought me a 'Plum Crazy Babe' shirt for Xmas one year.

Also a fan of Fannie Flagg, both Kellermans, James Patterson, Stuart Woods, Lisa Scottoline, Catherine Coulter, John Sandford and all cozy murder mysteries...

My favorite book to give to children The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.


Hey Des..for what age range would you say The Giving Tree is best?

[PoppySeeds]

<green highlight in your post...mine>




Sounds wonderfully weird.... just how I like them! :biggrin:
If you think of the name please PM me.
I'd love to read it.
TIA


The Bad Place!!! It took me forever to remember this! This is uber creepy, but oh so good!

[Noahs ARK]

The Bad Place!!! It took me forever to remember this! This is uber creepy, but oh so good!

That was a good one! Maybe I'll read it again.

[daniel green]

Water for Elephants
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The World According to Garp
Gone With the Wind
snipped:

Hello, Savannah! I LOVE those books!

Some of my other all-time favorites are:

A Prayer for Owen Meany
Beach Music
The Great Gatsby
A Separat Peace
Reading Lolita in Tehran

[ttcRider]

For some reason I always had my nose in a book, when I was a teen, I fell in love, long distance, with Africa. I read all the Robert Ruark "Something of Value", "Uhuru", those 2 about Kenya and the Mau Mau uprising, and "the honey badger". Then there was Wilbur Smith, the early ones (Shout at the Devil, etc) were heart tearingly romantic adventure novels based on the history of southern africa....and recently the Poisonwood Bible which I read 3 times. Even now I'd read that novel that was just a movie, Blood Diamonds, if I could find it. Then, there were other faraway lands that drew my romantic mind....Far Pavilions, Shangrila, Green Mansions, and one I read a few years ago about forbidden love between castes in India, I can't remember the name, something like "smallest love", I wish someone could remind me, I'd go read it again. Then, there was Dr. Zhivago, all the explorer true stories like "Endurance", and all of James Michener's books like Hawaii. Really, lol, talk about getting away from it all.

Of course before that it was Nancy Drew, the Bobbsey Twins, the Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames Student Nurse, the Worldbook Encyclopedia, in fact every year at the local library in our very small town I had more reading stars than anyone else. My folks couldn't believe it, I'd load up my bike basket with a bunch of books and scarf them down.

Aside from those, as an adult I read every single Louie L'Amour written, and every single Agatha Christie...right up to "Curtains".

lol Thanks to whoever started this thread.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy??
Another great book that takes place in India is called Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Its a whopper of a book that you will not put down. Its awesome. I have tons of books that take place in India if you want any other recommendations pm me. :)

[daniel green]

Handmaid's Tale
The Blind Assassin

[daniel green]

Prince of Tides

All the books by David Sedaris, particularly Me Talk Pretty One Day and
Barrel Fever

[daniel green]

Hey, Jan! Pat Conroy is my favorite writer. Did you read Beach Music?

Disobedience, by Jane Hamilton is far and away my favorite book I have read in the last decade.

[daniel green]

wow..u are the first person i ever knew who read owen meany..was amazing...uplifting and devastating.

I have read it several times, at different times in my life. It's a totally amazing book.

[emdragon]

Handmaid's Tale
The Blind Assassin

I really liked the Handmaid's Tale.

[AnniePie]

I'm just jumping in here, so this book might have already been mentioned. I read "Water for Elephants" last summer and I laughed and I cried all the way through it. Hubs and I were camping and he was witness to my changing moods (outside of my regular changing moods :scared:, but by the time I'd finished this book, he wanted to read it himself. I had read him different passages at different times, and he he was hooked. He loved it as well.

I would recommend this book to anyone. I will reread it this summer when we're camping again. There are lots of different websites that talk about Jacob in this book and there are ideas out there that made my head swim.

This is a great book!

[AnniePie]

AHHH....the Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. My first glimpse into World War 2, even if based in England. It's fabulous! I've read it so many times, I've worn out 2 paperbacks! Time to get a hardcover!

That was a good book, tx sage! I got that book from the library, and once I'd read it I bought a hardcover copy to keep. I'm selfish that way! If I love a book, I need to have a copy of it for my ever-increasing library! :rolleyes:

[AnniePie]

Pillars of the Earth
Water for Elephants
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The World According to Garp
Gone With the Wind
Mystic River
Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All
River God

Oh and a bazillion more. I am ALWAYS reading, go to the library at least once every couple of weeks (I'm another one who got her library card at a very tender age). I LOVE TO READ! :thumbsup:

Me too, SS. I got my first library card when I was just a little girl and it was like a door opened that exposed me to anything I wanted out of life. To the chagrin of all the little neighbour kids (who I dragged to the library once a month) I became addicted.

When I was older and had my own children, we went to the library at least once every two weeks. Each child (I had three sons) was allowed to take out eight books, so that we had twenty-four books (not including the ones mom took out for herself) when we left the library.

We went home, mom got a big glass of water, and we all sat on the livingroom floor while mom read all twenty-four books. We all LOVED it! (My own mom asked me how on earth I could stand it! LOL I loved it!) During the next week or so we (or my hubs with the kids) would re-read the books as often as we had time to do it.

To this day two out of my three children just love to read! The one that doesn't love to read loved it when he was little, but he's just not into it now. Hopefully that will change.

Thank you for letting me reminisce. Those are some of the most precious memories of raising my boys. "Mommy, will you weed me a towey?" Sigh.

[AnniePie]

Reading the thread it is funny the similarities many readers have. The love of books, the real thing not reading online. Although I do that as well. The smell, feel and touch are important. The library, the book store are some of my favourite places. Parents who read, books around us from an early age.

Favourites, how to limit them?

My all time favourite is probably Gone With The Wind.

Already mentioned, and among my favourites are the Little House series and The Shell Seekers. I loved the Nancy Drew books as a child, and Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates. Jack London's books like Call of the Wild. Have to list the Harry Potter series as well.

One that also stands out is The Thornbirds. I read that right before I had my first child. Feeling like a beached whale, it transported me and it was a beautiful story.

Favourite series include those by authors Peter Robinson, Michael Connelly, Elizabeth George and Stephen Booth.

This is so true, MercedesV. They can come out with any electronic version of a book that they like, but it will never (in my mind) take the place of a good, paperbound book that you can hold in your hands and just savour every written word.

The feel of the book, the smell, the experience is something that you cannot explain to a person who just doesn't "get it".

People who don't get it, don't get it! I'm just glad that I'm one that does. :smile:

[AnniePie]

Ahhhhhhh..........I've read em all except Watership Down.

I love "The Stand"........I even have both versions!

I read "The Stand" probably 25 years ago, and it's still the hands-down scariest book that I've ever read!

[RedSocksFan]

Aside from all the classics listed, I like mystery books and started with Nancy Drew books early on. Still like mystery, but now love the true crime books.

I just read Judge Judy's book, "Don't Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining". Great insight from her years of experience. I never watched her court show on TV, but the book was great and offers an honest look at many of todays problems from someone who has dealt with them in family court for years. Real eye opener and I didn't expect that from a tv judge.

[desmom]

Hey Des..for what age range would you say The Giving Tree is best?

B & N's website recommends 4 - 8 year olds, but in the Synopsis calls it A classic book for all ages—for mothers and fathers! I have included it in baby shower gifts. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Giving-Tree/Shel-Silverstein/e/9780060256654/?itm=1

If you have a child that does not like to read, you might want to check out the rest of Silverstein's books. My son discovered Silverstein when he was forced to check out a book when 15 years ago when he was in grade school. My son's favorites were the books of funny poems.

P.S. When I said something about Silverstein to him yesterday, he recited one of Silverstein's poems. My son is a senior in college. :lol:

[Circe]

I read "The Stand" probably 25 years ago, and it's still the hands-down scariest book that I've ever read!

You should read "The Shining". Large empty buildings are creepy all on their own........but then imagine being trapped inside of one with somethng lurking behind closed doors...........along with a man going slowly nuts. :scared:

[Carol25]

"The Man" by Irving Wallace. It's about the first black president who became one of the most successful presidents we've had ever had if not THE most successful. This was the first real book I read growing up. A terrific read.

[PoppySeeds]

You should read "The Shining". Large empty buildings are creepy all on their own........but then imagine being trapped inside of one with somethng lurking behind closed doors...........along with a man going slowly nuts. :scared:


I am STILL scared to go into strange bathrooms at night. I have been known to open the shower curtains at friends houses to make sure there is no one in the tub.
I saw an interview with Stephen King several years ago, and he said he never goes into his bathroom in Bangor with the lights off, because that tub is where the dead woman was "born".

[ortiga]

You should read "The Shining". Large empty buildings are creepy all on their own........but then imagine being trapped inside of one with somethng lurking behind closed doors...........along with a man going slowly nuts. :scared:


REDRUM

:biggrin:

[AnniePie]

Thanks for the tips, Themis. :thumbsup:

Hi everyone! :seeya:

I just love this thread! As I'm reading your suggestions, I'm making myself a list for next time I can't think of anything good to read.

You all have some awesome recommendations! :smile:

[ortiga]

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy??
Another great book that takes place in India is called Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Its a whopper of a book that you will not put down. Its awesome. I have tons of books that take place in India if you want any other recommendations pm me. :)

Yes, thank you. It was "The God of Small Things".

[AnniePie]

Oh that was soooo sweet. :wub:

I apologize everyone if I'm posting to many posts here. I'm just so passionate about the subject. :laugh:

I can only speak for myself MoonHarvest, but I don't think anyone can ever post too much on these boards can they? :tongue: I'm loving all your posts!

[ortiga]

This is so true, MercedesV. They can come out with any electronic version of a book that they like, but it will never (in my mind) take the place of a good, paperbound book that you can hold in your hands and just savour every written word.

The feel of the book, the smell, the experience is something that you cannot explain to a person who just doesn't "get it".

People who don't get it, don't get it! I'm just glad that I'm one that does. :smile:


I'll be the last one to use Kindle or anything like it. Nothing like curling back the pages in a book and reading until you fall asleep. More than once I've read so long into the night that I was woken by the book falling on my face from where I had it propped!

[ortiga]

You should read "The Shining". Large empty buildings are creepy all on their own........but then imagine being trapped inside of one with somethng lurking behind closed doors...........along with a man going slowly nuts. :scared:

I think the most bloodcurdling part of that movie was when she tiptoed up and saw what he had been typing all that time.

[AnniePie]

My all time favorites are the ones written by Diana Galbadon. She time travels back to Scotland into the 12th century. The first one is called Outlander. Then she travels back to the current time. Fantastic books. About 1,000 pages long each one of them. We have a "cult" following her books. :thumbsup:

I agree, Dun! I read the first one and when I got into the second one I got too bogged down with the history of Scotland. That was before I was on the Internet where that information is now at my fingertips. I am going to reread that first book and then the rest of them with my computer near by side.

[AnniePie]

You should read "The Shining". Large empty buildings are creepy all on their own........but then imagine being trapped inside of one with somethng lurking behind closed doors...........along with a man going slowly nuts. :scared:

Oh yes, I've read that one as well... and I've seen the movie. Scary! :scared:

[ortiga]

Carter beats the Devil (for a very DIFFERENT kind of book)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Sometimes a Great Notion

White Fang, Call of the Wild, the Sea Wolf, and How to Build a Fire.

[ortiga]

All the sea-faring Patrick O'Brian novels, especially the Aubrey Maturin series.

(This is the source of that wonderful little movie with Russell Crowe, the one where they were at the Galapagos. Master and Commander, Far side of the World. Also a sound track).

[Circe]

I am STILL scared to go into strange bathrooms at night. I have been known to open the shower curtains at friends houses to make sure there is no one in the tub.
I saw an interview with Stephen King several years ago, and he said he never goes into his bathroom in Bangor with the lights off, because that tub is where the dead woman was "born".

Oh, "Psycho" did that for me.........I refuse to take a shower if I'm by myself. Forget it.........I'll stay dirty and offend! :scared:

[ABC]

Oh, "Psycho" did that for me.........I refuse to take a shower if I'm by myself. Forget it.........I'll stay dirty and offend! :scared:
When traveling late at night, we say "We don't want the Bates Motel".

[doctor_J]

I like to spend my free time reading for entertainment, so I read novels. But 3 of my favorite non-fiction reads are:

The History of The Civil War, in 3 volumes, by Shelby Foote

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

The Theory of Everything by Stephen Hawking

[Noahs ARK]

Hey Des..for what age range would you say The Giving Tree is best?

I'm 55 and I still have that book! Wouldn't let any of the kids take it when they left home. :sneaky:

[AnniePie]

I haven't read this yet, but it's being shipped to me by Amazon.com as we speak. It's called "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. A friend told me it's the best book she's read in a long time and that she didn't want it to end.

I don't know if I'm allowed to copy and paste one of the reviews from Amazon.com so I won't, but if you're looking for a good book it might be worthwhile to check this one out. Some people are saying this will be the best book of the year.

[daniel green]

I really liked the Handmaid's Tale.

Such an amazing book.

[PoppySeeds]

I don't know if this one has been listed, but The Shack by William P. Young.

http://theshackbook.com/

It is a very moving and strangely uplifting story.

[AnniePie]

I don't know if this one has been listed, but The Shack by William P. Young.

http://theshackbook.com/

It is a very moving and strangely uplifting story.

Oh yes. It was very moving for me as well.

I would read a certain part that hit me hard and then have to put the book down for a day or two to muse upon it. I'd highly recommend that one too.

[ExArkie]

I guess Stephen King is my favorite author - writing today - even though his last 2-3 books have been awful!:rolleyes:

Love "To Kill A Mockingbird."

Most readable book ever written (IMHO) has to be "Gone With The Wind."

Anyone read "No Country For Old Men" and/or "The Road" by Cormack McCarthy? "The Road" is a masterpiece IMHO - Right up there with Steinbeck!:thumbsup:

Favorite classic - "A Tale Of Two Cities." And, almost anything else by Dickens. Prefer "Jane Eyre" to "Weathering Heights - which means I have no taste - according to the critics!:tonguewag:

[Susan43]

I think the most bloodcurdling part of that movie was when she tiptoed up and saw what he had been typing all that time.

IMO The Shining was the scariest book I've ever read...ever. And I was really teed off that when they made the movie they made it all about Jack Nicholson and not about the little boy. I hated the movie, but still love the book. Stephen King is just a master storyteller.

[Susan43]

Carter beats the Devil (for a very DIFFERENT kind of book)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Sometimes a Great Notion

White Fang, Call of the Wild, the Sea Wolf, and How to Build a Fire.


I loved Sometimes a Great Notion and the movie was one of the few movies that not only followed the book but had great stars in in. Paul Newman, Henry Fonda and Lee Remick. Just a fabulous film.

After reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I couldn't watch the movie. I have no idea why, but didn't want to see it.

And of course with Kesey...The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test.

And I think all kids should read Jack London. :biggrin:

[daniel green]

My very favorite book, ever, is Pride and Prejudice.

[ttcRider]

I think the most bloodcurdling part of that movie was when she tiptoed up and saw what he had been typing all that time.

OMG YES!! All work and no play... Yikes :scared: The Shining was the very first SK book I read and I got it for our car trip across Canada when I was a teenager. I was terrified!!

[MercedesV]

I loved Sometimes a Great Notion and the movie was one of the few movies that not only followed the book but had great stars in in. Paul Newman, Henry Fonda and Lee Remick. Just a fabulous film.

After reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I couldn't watch the movie. I have no idea why, but didn't want to see it.

And of course with Kesey...The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test.

And I think all kids should read Jack London. :biggrin:

You liked Jack London too? I see you mentioned Paratesky upthread. A favourite of mine as well.

Is anyone a Marcia Muller fan? I think her writing is wonderful. And her husband Pronzini is good too. They have combined on several books which have been fun to read. His Nameless Detective and her Kinsey. I love how her characters have grown and developed. Not remained static.

[daniel green]

More faves:

ANYTHING by Lee Smith.

The biographies of English kings and queens by Allison Weir.

[ttcRider]

I guess Stephen King is my favorite author - writing today - even though his last 2-3 books have been awful!:rolleyes:

Love "To Kill A Mockingbird."

Most readable book ever written (IMHO) has to be "Gone With The Wind."

Anyone read "No Country For Old Men" and/or "The Road" by Cormack McCarthy? "The Road" is a masterpiece IMHO - Right up there with Steinbeck!:thumbsup:

Favorite classic - "A Tale Of Two Cities." And, almost anything else by Dickens. Prefer "Jane Eyre" to "Weathering Heights - which means I have no taste - according to the critics!:tonguewag:

I read both of those Cormack McCarthy books. I have to admit the movie was better for No Country For Old Men but I LOVED The Road. I hear a movie is in the works for that one as well.

[ttcRider]

I recently read a series of books by Lisa Lutz, the Spellman Series, there are 3 so far. It is a very funny read about a young woman who's family runs a detective agency. She is a private investigator and the cases are hilarious. Its a light read and full of laughs. I got hooked after the first book and quickly bought the next 2.
Great summer reading.:thumbsup:

[Circe]

IMO The Shining was the scariest book I've ever read...ever. And I was really teed off that when they made the movie they made it all about Jack Nicholson and not about the little boy. I hated the movie, but still love the book. Stephen King is just a master storyteller.



There's very little that he's written that I didn't care for. I even loved his book "Danse Macabre" and "On Writing."

He does have such a way with a story..........like an old time oral storyteller, he just kind of draws you in.

[MercedesV]

My all time favorite book is the oldie, My Cousin Rachel by Daphne DuMarier. In fact I love all her books. For many years I have only read true stories, bios, history, etc. But once in a while I read My Cousin Rachel again and again.

I loved Rebecca.

[ExArkie]

I read both of those Cormack McCarthy books. I have to admit the movie was better for No Country For Old Men but I LOVED The Road. I hear a movie is in the works for that one as well.

I heard the movie is finished and was supposed to be released last winter; but, for some reason, it is now scheduled for this fall. Hope that doesn't mean they screwed it up!!!:angry:

[ttcRider]

I haven't read this yet, but it's being shipped to me by Amazon.com as we speak. It's called "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. A friend told me it's the best book she's read in a long time and that she didn't want it to end.

I don't know if I'm allowed to copy and paste one of the reviews from Amazon.com so I won't, but if you're looking for a good book it might be worthwhile to check this one out. Some people are saying this will be the best book of the year.

Thanks Annie its on my Indigo Wish List now. :wub: Hint Hint, for those who don't know what to get me this Christmas. Wink Wink

[cassidy]

I read "The Stand" probably 25 years ago, and it's still the hands-down scariest book that I've ever read!

One of my very favorites of all times. Stephen King at his very best.

[ExArkie]

You liked Jack London too? I see you mentioned Paratesky upthread. A favourite of mine as well.

Is anyone a Marcia Muller fan? I think her writing is wonderful. And her husband Pronzini is good too. They have combined on several books which have been fun to read. His Nameless Detective and her Kinsey. I love how her characters have grown and developed. Not remained static.

I suggested Jack London to a 12 year old and he looked at me as if I had lost my mind - his Mom said JL was too "hard" and too "violent" for children. I read it when I was less than 12. IMHO, it is a masterpiece - I'd give a year of my life to be able to write something half as good as the last page of "Call of the Wild!":crying:

I'll have to look up Marcia Muller.

[Susan43]

You liked Jack London too? I see you mentioned Paratesky upthread. A favourite of mine as well.

Is anyone a Marcia Muller fan? I think her writing is wonderful. And her husband Pronzini is good too. They have combined on several books which have been fun to read. His Nameless Detective and her Kinsey. I love how her characters have grown and developed. Not remained static.

I've loved Paratesky's books, she's brought me lots of pleasure over the years. I was particularily taken with the direction she took with her new book Bleeding Kansas. I hope she writes some more "serious" books.

I'm not familiar with Muller but we have a good local author that writes about Seattle and sometimes Arizona, J.A. Jance. I couldn't remember her name and when I went to look it up it turns out she has a website.

http://www.jajance.com/jajance.com/Welcome.html

There is no way I can possible say that one author or book is my all time favorite. There are just too many great books.

[ttcRider]

I read "The Stand" probably 25 years ago, and it's still the hands-down scariest book that I've ever read!

Was that the one with something down the street drains?? :scared:

[Barbara2]

"In Cold Blood", Truman Capote.

[Susan43]

I loved Rebecca.

LOL I was about to add that I loved Dinner at Antoine's too. And then it dawned on me that it might not have been written by Daphne. And it wasn't, it was written by Francis Parkenson Keyes. I think it was one of the first mysteries I ever read, a zillion years ago. I always hoped that one day I would dine at Antoines.

[PoppySeeds]

Was that the one with something down the street drains?? :scared:


No that one was IT, about a group of childhood friends who fight Pennywise the Clown..The Stand was about a man made plague that almost totally destroys USA, and a demon who tries to finish the job.

[Circe]

No that one was IT, about a group of childhood friends who fight Pennywise the Clown..The Stand was about a man made plague that almost totally destroys USA, and a demon who tries to finish the job.

Ironically......it was a strain of the flu.

[Susan43]

I suggested Jack London to a 12 year old and he looked at me as if I had lost my mind - his Mom said JL was too "hard" and too "violent" for children. I read it when I was less than 12. IMHO, it is a masterpiece - I'd give a year of my life to be able to write something half as good as the last page of "Call of the Wild!":crying:

I'll have to look up Marcia Muller.

To violent? You have to be kidding? Have you seen some of the video games the kids are playing?

I was about 12 or so when I read it too. And you're exactly right...it's a masterpiece. This is a very sad commentary on the state of kids these days.

That's an interesting thought...if I could write, who would I like to write like. Michner maybe. But I sure wouldn't mind being able to write like London.

[ttcRider]

No that one was IT, about a group of childhood friends who fight Pennywise the Clown..The Stand was about a man made plague that almost totally destroys USA, and a demon who tries to finish the job.

Ohhhh right! yes, now I remember that one, thanks PoppySeeds

[PoppySeeds]

Ironically......it was a strain of the flu.


Captain Tripp, and I hope to never meet that particular bug.

[Susan43]

"In Cold Blood", Truman Capote.

Ohhh, that book was terrific. And so different from anything else he'd ever written. I loved "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

[Circe]

Captain Tripp, and I hope to never meet that particular bug.

Same here..........99% communicability and mortality. Yikes!!!

[ttcRider]

For those who liked The Stand, Swan Song is frightening and similar story line. The author is Robert McCammon. :thumbsup: Its more twisted scary.

[MercedesV]

I've loved Paratesky's books, she's brought me lots of pleasure over the years. I was particularily taken with the direction she took with her new book Bleeding Kansas. I hope she writes some more "serious" books.

I'm not familiar with Muller but we have a good local author that writes about Seattle and sometimes Arizona, J.A. Jance. I couldn't remember her name and when I went to look it up it turns out she has a website.

http://www.jajance.com/jajance.com/Welcome.html

There is no way I can possible say that one author or book is my all time favorite. There are just too many great books.

I've read Muller for awhile now, I bet you would enjoy her. She does a series and some standalones. Her books are mostly based in California. You should give her a try.

I've read Jance for years as well. Both series, just read one of her latest in the Brady series and it was so good. Funny how she does Seattle and Arizona so well.

And you and I are in agreement on Paretsky. Bleeding Kansas was great, and such a different book than her series which I love as well.

[Barbara2]

Ohhh, that book was terrific. And so different from anything else he'd ever written. I loved "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

I'm reading that one now.

[PoppySeeds]

Same here..........99% communicability and mortality. Yikes!!!


It has always made me paranoid about the CDC. :w00t: Do we REALLY know what they are cooking up in their labs...LOL..

[Circe]

It has always made me paranoid about the CDC. :w00t: Do we REALLY know what they are cooking up in their labs...LOL..

Yuppers.........somewhere out there is a sample of smallpox virus. Now that one REALLY scares me,cause it's been YEARS since anyone got shots for that. And it was very very nasty.

[Susan43]

This was one of the best threads ever. It's just so nice to be surrounded by readers.

Thank you so much to Moon Harvest for starting it. :thumbsup:

[Circe]

This was one of the best threads ever. It's just so nice to be surrounded by readers.

Thank you so much to Moon Harvest for starting it. :thumbsup:

Absolutely......I can talk books forever.

[FallenAngel♥]

Today i went and bought some new books.

The Lost Tomb, Crusader Gold, and Atlantis all three by David Gibbins.

and i bought Does this clutter make my butt look big by Peter Walsh. It looks cute lol

[AnniePie]

I recently read a series of books by Lisa Lutz, the Spellman Series, there are 3 so far. It is a very funny read about a young woman who's family runs a detective agency. She is a private investigator and the cases are hilarious. Its a light read and full of laughs. I got hooked after the first book and quickly bought the next 2.
Great summer reading.:thumbsup:

Goodie Gumdrops! I'm into some light summer reading. I'll check my library here in Nowheresville for these. :mad:

[AnniePie]

Thanks Annie its on my Indigo Wish List now. :wub: Hint Hint, for those who don't know what to get me this Christmas. Wink Wink

I have a great plan when it comes to shopping. I'll buy you what you want, and then you buy me what I want, and then I won't tell my hubs that I bought you anything just that you bought me something and he won't know I spent any money on anything. Wanna?

[AnniePie]

Was that the one with something down the street drains?? :scared:

Oh geez, I can't remember that part.

Does that mean I'm going to have to read it again? :scared:

[AnniePie]

This was one of the best threads ever. It's just so nice to be surrounded by readers.

Thank you so much to Moon Harvest for starting it. :thumbsup:

I completely agree. Is there any way we could ask to make this a permanent thread? It would be wonderful to know what new books everyone is reading. :smile:

[ttcRider]

I have a great plan when it comes to shopping. I'll buy you what you want, and then you buy me what I want, and then I won't tell my hubs that I bought you anything just that you bought me something and he won't know I spent any money on anything. Wanna?

LOL works for me!! :thumbup:

[AnniePie]

Today i went and bought some new books.

The Lost Tomb, Crusader Gold, and Atlantis all three by David Gibbins.

and i bought Does this clutter make my butt look big by Peter Walsh. It looks cute lol

We were at a used bookstore yesterday and I bought, "What's So Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancey. I haven't started it yet, but I've heard good things about it.

Right now I'm reading Elizabeth Berg's new book, "Home Safe". I have only read one chapter, but I know it will be delicious. Every book Elizabeth Berg writes speaks to the hearts of women.

And I just finished "Charley's Web" by Joy Fielding. A great summer read if you like mysteries.

[ortiga]

To violent? You have to be kidding? Have you seen some of the video games the kids are playing?

I was about 12 or so when I read it too. And you're exactly right...it's a masterpiece. This is a very sad commentary on the state of kids these days.

That's an interesting thought...if I could write, who would I like to write like. Michner maybe. But I sure wouldn't mind being able to write like London.


I read all those JAck London books before I was 12. I think you've got to let kids explore a bit, not be so protective. I never had anyone looking over my shoulder, if I knew it was something forbidden I would just use the flashlight under the covers and hide the book in the daytime. I was WAY ahead of where my folks thought I was, lol.

[justaguy]

I have read it several times, at different times in my life. It's a totally amazing book. i have read everything that i know of that conroy wrote, most three to four times. his prose and his amazing storylines make my heart swell...and break. have u noticed how many...ministories he always has going in his novels...most authors would not be able to pull that off. he makes even minor characters fascinating and real.

and owen meany...that book really got to me. all the foreshadowing...it was like the whole book and all of owen's life was spiraling inward to one significant event. it truly haunted me. i love garp..and most all he writes but that one ..i wanted immediately to go out and find someone else who had just read it to talk to..almost like therapy.

[justaguy]

I suggested Jack London to a 12 year old and he looked at me as if I had lost my mind - his Mom said JL was too "hard" and too "violent" for children. I read it when I was less than 12. IMHO, it is a masterpiece - I'd give a year of my life to be able to write something half as good as the last page of "Call of the Wild!":crying:

I'll have to look up Marcia Muller. call of wild..reminds me of on of my all times kid's authors: jim kjelgaard he wrote "Big Red" ..the adventure of an irish shepherd. he also wrote about 25 other books almost all dealing with dogs or other animals and the outdoors. my PERSONAL favorite is Snow Dog and its sequel . sadly many of his books are out of print. here is a link to them, if it works that is.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1246850641/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&rs=&rh=n%3A%211000%2Ci%3Astripbooks%2Cp%5F27%3AJim%20K jelgaard&page=1

[AnniePie]

i have read everything that i know of that conroy wrote, most three to four times. his prose and his amazing storylines make my heart swell...and break. have u noticed how many...ministories he always has going in his novels...most authors would not be able to pull that off. he makes even minor characters fascinating and real.

and owen meany...that book really got to me. all the foreshadowing...it was like the whole book and all of owen's life was spiraling inward to one significant event. it truly haunted me. i love garp..and most all he writes but that one ..i wanted immediately to go out and find someone else who had just read it to talk to..almost like therapy.

That's exactly how I felt after reading A Thousand Splendid Suns! I had to join a book club after reading that one! I would highly recommend that one.

[fizzle]

just reading his bio is fascinating IMO: http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/au-conroy-pat.asp


probably best remembered as the author of "the prince of tides". even those that didnt care for the movie...take a look at the book. probably 90 percent of it didnt make it into the film. the twists and turns in the book...phenominal.

his phrasing is literally poetry..IMO and of the reviewer. he has the ability to make your heart soar..and to break it. also an incredible book is "the great santini"...which was made into a good film with robert duvall. almost all of his films take place in the south. i truly treasure each one of his novels.


I adore this book and have read it over and over again. You are absolutely right, the movie doesn't even begin to tell the story and his words are like music. I re-read it whenever I am having a tough week. It is a wonderful, albeit tragic story, but the way Pat Conroy writes just makes it so lovely. :wub:

Beach Music is good too, but not as good as The Prince of Tides.

[ExArkie]

........snip............

That's an interesting thought...if I could write, who would I like to write like. Michner maybe. But I sure wouldn't mind being able to write like London.

I LOVED Michener's "Hawaii!" Especially, the chapter on the Chinese - little did I know that I would have an ethnic Chinese DIL - who I love as my own DD.:wub: I'll have to find a copy and read it again!!:w00t:

[SavannahStar]

wow..u are the first person i ever knew who read owen meany..was amazing...uplifting and devastating.

Oh my gosh, I read it and LOVED it.

[SavannahStar]

I adore this book and have read it over and over again. You are absolutely right, the movie doesn't even begin to tell the story and his words are like music. I re-read it whenever I am having a tough week. It is a wonderful, albeit tragic story, but the way Pat Conroy writes just makes it so lovely. :wub:

Beach Music is good too, but not as good as The Prince of Tides.

Prince of Tides was SO SO SO depressing to me, I read it so long ago but the part about what happened to him as a kid (I won't give a spoiler here) was heartbreaking because I have a son. It made me cry so bad. But the book and movie were wonderful.

I picked up Beach Music a time or two but couldn't get into it. However, based on some recommendations on this very thread, I got it again today at my library.

[SavannahStar]

That's exactly how I felt after reading A Thousand Splendid Suns! I had to join a book club after reading that one! I would highly recommend that one.


A Thousand Splendid Suns was wonderful!!! I didn't think I'd like it because as a general rule, I don't get too much into books that take place in other countries. However, there was so much hype to the book I did get it. I loved it!!!!

[SavannahStar]

You liked Jack London too? I see you mentioned Paratesky upthread. A favourite of mine as well.

Is anyone a Marcia Muller fan? I think her writing is wonderful. And her husband Pronzini is good too. They have combined on several books which have been fun to read. His Nameless Detective and her Kinsey. I love how her characters have grown and developed. Not remained static.


I used to read a lot of Marcia Muller. She hasn't had a new book in some time, though, has she? I didn't know about her husband.

[SavannahStar]

My all time favorite book is the oldie, My Cousin Rachel by Daphne DuMarier. In fact I love all her books. For many years I have only read true stories, bios, history, etc. But once in a while I read My Cousin Rachel again and again.

Now I'm going to have to get that one! I loved Rebecca and had read it more than a couple of times in my life.

Anyone read Forever Amber? That's an older book which I just loved, read it also more than once.

How about King's Row? My mother introduced me to that, years and years and years ago. Wonderful book.

[MercedesV]

I used to read a lot of Marcia Muller. She hasn't had a new book in some time, though, has she? I didn't know about her husband.

She has been publishing regularly. This is a list of her Kinsey books, from a great website:

Sharon McCone, a legal investigator and private eye, in San Francisco, California:


Edwin of the Iron Shoes (1977)

Ask the Cards a Question (1982)

The Cheshire Cat’s Eye (1983)

Games to Keep the Dark Away (1984)

Leave a Message for Willie (1984)

Double (1984)
[with Bill Pronzini, includes the Nameless Detective]

There's Nothing To Be Afraid Of (1985)

Eye of the Storm (1988)

There’s Something in a Sunday (1989)

The Shape of Dread (1989)
Finalist 1990 Shamus Award for Best Novel

Trophies and Dead Things (1990)

Where Echoes Live (1991)
Finalist 1992 Shamus Award for Best Novel

Pennies on a Dead Woman’s Eyes (1992)

Wolf in the Shadows (1993)
1994 Anthony Award for Best Mystery
Finalist 1994 Edgar Award for Best Mystery
Finalist 1994 Shamus Award for Best Novel


Till the Butchers Cut Him Down (1994)

A Wild and Lonely Place (1995)
Finalist 1996 Macavity Award for Best Novel

The McCone Files (1995) [SS]

The Broken Promise Land (1996)

Both Ends of the Night (1997)

While Other People Sleep (1998)

A Walk Through the Fire (1999)

Listen to the Silence (2000)
Finalist 2001 Shamus Award for Best Novel
Finalist 2001 Anthony Award for Best Mystery

Dead Midnight (2002)

The Dangerous Hour (2004)

Vanishing Point (2006)
Finalist 2007 Shamus Award for Best Novel

The Ever-Running Man (2007)

Burn Out (2008)

Locked In (due October 2009)

http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/M_Authors/Muller_Marcia.html

Her other books are listed on that page. You can use the website to check out mystery authors and their books. Or check by character if you can't remember an authors name.

Pronzini is also a very good author, but he hasn't published as much as Muller has.

[SavannahStar]

She has been publishing regularly. This is a list of her Kinsey books, from a great website:

Sharon McCone, a legal investigator and private eye, in San Francisco, California:


Edwin of the Iron Shoes (1977)

Ask the Cards a Question (1982)

The Cheshire Cat’s Eye (1983)

Games to Keep the Dark Away (1984)

Leave a Message for Willie (1984)

Double (1984)
[with Bill Pronzini, includes the Nameless Detective]

There's Nothing To Be Afraid Of (1985)

Eye of the Storm (1988)

There’s Something in a Sunday (1989)

The Shape of Dread (1989)
Finalist 1990 Shamus Award for Best Novel

Trophies and Dead Things (1990)

Where Echoes Live (1991)
Finalist 1992 Shamus Award for Best Novel

Pennies on a Dead Woman’s Eyes (1992)

Wolf in the Shadows (1993)
1994 Anthony Award for Best Mystery
Finalist 1994 Edgar Award for Best Mystery
Finalist 1994 Shamus Award for Best Novel


Till the Butchers Cut Him Down (1994)

A Wild and Lonely Place (1995)
Finalist 1996 Macavity Award for Best Novel

The McCone Files (1995) [SS]

The Broken Promise Land (1996)

Both Ends of the Night (1997)

While Other People Sleep (1998)

A Walk Through the Fire (1999)

Listen to the Silence (2000)
Finalist 2001 Shamus Award for Best Novel
Finalist 2001 Anthony Award for Best Mystery

Dead Midnight (2002)

The Dangerous Hour (2004)

Vanishing Point (2006)
Finalist 2007 Shamus Award for Best Novel

The Ever-Running Man (2007)

Burn Out (2008)

Locked In (due October 2009)

http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/M_Authors/Muller_Marcia.html

Her other books are listed on that page. You can use the website to check out mystery authors and their books. Or check by character if you can't remember an authors name.

Pronzini is also a very good author, but he hasn't published as much as Muller has.


Oh my gosh, I have missed MANY of her books.....haven't read her in a long time. Thanks for the info!

[MercedesV]

Oh my gosh, I have missed MANY of her books.....haven't read her in a long time. Thanks for the info!

You're welcome. Sounds like you have some good reading ahead.

[ExArkie]

I read all those JAck London books before I was 12. I think you've got to let kids explore a bit, not be so protective. I never had anyone looking over my shoulder, if I knew it was something forbidden I would just use the flashlight under the covers and hide the book in the daytime. I was WAY ahead of where my folks thought I was, lol.

I well remember the first "adult" book I ever read - when I was about 13. It was "The Sheik" by E.M. Hull and published in 1921 - don't look for it at the library because it's considered light pornography. My neighbor had it and I took it by stealth and read it under the covers. In fact, I found a copy on ebay and purchased it just last year! Harmless, fluff; but, still......my Mom would have had a fit!!:flamemad:

[ABC]

I well remember the first "adult" book I ever read - when I was about 13. It was "The Sheik" by E.M. Hull and published in 1921 - don't look for it at the library because it's considered light pornography. My neighbor had it and I took it by stealth and read it under the covers. In fact, I found a copy on ebay and purchased it just last year! Harmless, fluff; but, still......my Mom would have had a fit!!:flamemad:
OMG, me too. Have not thought about that in years. What a guy. I read it IN the library.

[ExArkie]

OMG, me too. Have not thought about that in years. What a guy. I read it IN the library.

One "fun" fact you may not know - E. M. Hull is/was a woman!!!:w00t:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Maude_Hull

[Janz]

For those who liked The Stand, Swan Song is frightening and similar story line. The author is Robert McCammon. :thumbsup: Its more twisted scary.

I also loved his book, Gone South. A must read!!

[Zenyatta]

You should read "The Shining". Large empty buildings are creepy all on their own........but then imagine being trapped inside of one with somethng lurking behind closed doors...........along with a man going slowly nuts. :scared:

"The Shining" is my favorite Stephen King book.

I think anyone who liked that would like this recent release. One of the best "ghost stories" I've read in a long time:

"The Little Stranger"
by Sarah Waters

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Stranger-Sarah-Waters/dp/1594488800/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248404028&sr=1-1


"The Boyfriend From Hell" by Avery Corman is in the same vein too, and pretty creepy:

http://www.amazon.com/Boyfriend-Hell-Avery-Corman/dp/0312349785/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248404095&sr=1-1