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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

What We're Reading #3 and a Giveaway!


Hello!  And welcome to our 3rd What We're Reading Linky Party!
Ricki Jill from Art @ Home and I are happy to have you join in our Reading party this month.

I feel like I cut way back on my reading in April, mostly because I'm spending more time outside.
But I did read a few books I want to tell you about.
While working out I listened to another Stuart Woods book - Kisser
This was one of the more ridiculously crafted Stone Barrington novels.  Normally these involve a pretty good caper and intriguing characters.  Lately Stone's doing very little work because he's being seduced by numerous insatiable women.  Lucky guy, I guess.  I don't recommend this one.  Earlier Stone Barrington novels are better.


I also listened to this story on my iPad and I'd characterize Barefoot as a good Beach Read. 
Engaging story about two sisters and a friend who arrive on Nantucket for a summer.
Infidelity, parenting woes, cancer, job loss, and new love are woven together in a story that ends up being a satisfying, albeit not too challenging, read. 

I tried to read Jennifer Egan's The Keep (reviewed here) but couldn't get into the story.  I enjoyed A Visit from the Goon Squad much more.  The story jumps from decade to decade and back in seemingly unrelated tales but are all connected in a way to Sasha, an assistant at a music production company.  Loved, loved, loved the Powerpoint slide chapter - made me think of my youngest son.  This book is popping up on numerous 2010 "must read" lists.

Tea Obreht's debut novel, The Tiger's Wife, has been receiving great reviews.  I liked her writing style and will definitely read more by her. 
The New York Times listed her as one of their "Top 20 under 40" to watch.
This story is based in the present day in a Balkan country (most like Obreht's native Croatia).  The story is about a young doctor and her deceased grandfather, also a doctor.  The tale weaves together strands of seemingly unrelated stories that the reader can't be sure are myth or truth. 
I'm sure we'll be hearing about this author a lot in the years to come.


And finally, over Spring Break I read The Man Who Planted Trees.  David was given this book at a work conference and shared it with me.  It's a short fable about a man in Provence who planted 100 acorns/day in order to reforest his community.  Even 2 World Wars didn't interfere with the farmer's progress.  It's a quick read that offers up hope and compassion.  I enjoyed it.  A friend in Seattle sent me a link to the play that the local community theater is putting on based on the story.  I'd love to see it!

So, now I'd love to share The Man Who Planted Trees with you! 
Please leave a comment or send me an email if you would like to receive this book. 
I'll draw a name on the 25th!

So now it's your turn!
What are YOU Reading?

Link Up below!




9 comments:

Ricki Treleaven said...

One of my book clubs read Barefoot a couple of years ago, and I like it. I have not read Tiger Wife yet, but it is on my wish list. Thanks for co-hosting, Bonnie :D

xoxoxo,
Ricki Jill

Ricki Treleaven said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LindyLouMac said...

Hi there calling by to link up and then I will be off to visit the other participants. You have certainly had a busy reading month, I had never heard of any of these titles before.

Solshine said...

Bummer to see Stuart Woods book isn't all that. :( I've loved his books, some more than others, but since we tend to rate books the same on Goodreads I'm afraid I might not like this one either.

Never heard of Jennifer Egan but love those that move back and forth in time. Katherine Neville's "The Eight" is my all time favorite like that.

I just finished an old Tami Hoag book. A friend loaned me "Deeper Than Dead" and I liked it so I'm going back and listening to her older books.

Just starting "Mistress Shakespeare" which looks to be a good read.

Love the links you posted yesterday. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hey!...I'm newest follower,I linked up and so happy too,I'm visiting from our blog buddy Ricki Jill.
Hope you will follow back!
~Jo
Lazy on Loblolly

gsandoval said...

I'd love to read this book! I recently read Sarah's Key, such a great book, highly recommend. It takes place during the holocaust and the present, switching chapters to past and present. I normally don't like the past/present thing but this one totally was worth it!

Laura said...

Sounds very interesting! The Tiger's Wife is also in my queue at the library.

EPF said...

Wow, I kinda new to blog land and have not see any reading blogs. I LOVE IT!

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