What Fiction are you reading this week, August 18, 2019?

[hermetic]

Let us be grateful to the authors who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~ Marcel Proust

O Jerusalem by Laurie R. King. I realize the author is renowned for making you feel like you are there. But this one really makes me wonder if her tale of finding old manuscripts might actually be true. Her knowledge of Israel and Palestine 100 years ago seems quite vast. The geography, politics, religion, food, clothing and daily living are all so incredibly detailed, it makes up for the plot seeming to just wander about as much as the characters do.

I’m also reading the wickedly funny Naked by David Sedaris, which I pick up and read a few pages from throughout the day. It’s the kind of book you can do that with.

What books are making you happy this week?

[Runningdawg]

1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

I don't generally read mysteries, but this one caught my interest. WOW great first effort from a new author, I will be looking for his next one.

A famous artist is tried and convicted of murdering her husband but she hasn't spoken since the incident, not even in her defense and sometimes acts out violently, so she is committed to a mental institution. The story is told from the perspective of a psychotherapist who is obsessed with her art and the murder and maneuvers himself into a position at the asylum where she is being held.

A quick read, with plot twists galore and an ending you won't forget.

[hermetic]

2. That DOES sound

quite good. Thanks for recommending it.

[matt819]

3. A bunch

Audio: Sarum, by Edward Rutherford. 10,000 year historical novel of England, focusing on the Salisbury area. Part novel, part history, part archaeology. Tedious at times. It’s okay, but I’m not sure I’ll finish it.

Audio: The Maltese Falcon, by Dashiell Hammett. Of course, I can’t help picturing Humphrey Bogart, Peter Lorre or Sydney Greenstreet as I listen. Definitely worth the time. Next stops: More Hammett and then onto Raymond Chandler.

Reading: Last Looks by Howard Gould. Mystery set in LA. Interesting characters so far. Not sure where the story is going, but it’s a fun read so far.

Reading: Killing with Confetti, by Peter Lovesey. The 19th in the Peter Diamond police procedurals. I’m hooked on the series and am sure I will enjoy this one. Set in Bath, England.

Finished last week, both on audio: The Chain, by Adrian McKinty. I assumed it would be another Irish novel. It wasn’t. It was a very creepy mystery with a very creepy premise, set in New England. No spoilers.

Bark of Night, by David Rosenfelt. The latest in the Andy carpenter series. Extremely light. Extremely formulaic, but good fun.

And I’m also reading, on and off, The Silent Patient, on kindle. Curious premise. I’m not a big fan of reading on kindle, so this is something if a gap filler between books. Just in first few chapters but looks good. Hope it stays that way.

[hermetic]

4. The Chain

certainly does sound intriguing and a bit different. This was just published.

And 2 votes now for The Silent Patient. That's a good sign.

[Runningdawg]

5. You won't be disappointed with the remainder of The Silent Patient!Looking forward to his next book.

[japple]

6. Still reading The Overstory by Richard Powers. It is a whopper. Might take me several

more weeks to finish, but I am thoroughly enjoying the journey.

Hope you enjoy Naked as much as I. There was one point where I think I nearly died from inhaling beer while reading a certain bit about a taste-testing. Let me know if you remember that part.

Happy reading and thanks, hermetic, for hosting the weekly thread.

[hermetic]

8. The Overstory

Coming more true all the time. Just saw that the Dolt45 wants to open the sequoias to logging. Do you know about Hyperion? Tallest tree on earth. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperion_%28tree%29

Haven't got to that particular chapter of Naked yet. I'll let you know when I do, and be sure I'm not drinking anything at the time.

[japple]

10. I think I remember hearing the story on NPR about a man who climbed the "tallest tree," but don't

remember much more. Will go in search of that story. I am enthralled with Richard Powers' writing. It just flows! With all of the destruction being rained down on Mother Earth at this time, I am not sure how one can be hopeful, esp. when I see huge pine trees ripped out of the ground in my area to make way for chicken houses, and fast food joints. It is very painful for me to see the Georgia piney woods that have been here for most of my life being torn apart for two-bit crappy development.

[ChazII]

7. The Robe by

Lloyd C. Douglas. My passed in 2001 and this was one of her favorites. Reading it for sentimental reasons.

[hermetic]

9. I remember seeing that

movie back when I was a kid. It had a pretty profound effect on me.

Sorry for your loss. I lost my partner in 2004 and still miss him terribly. His favorite book was The Wizard of Oz.