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Sunday, January 03, 2016

Turning a page into 2016

Day 3 - What are you reading?




Books I'm listening to on Overdrive, on my iPhone:

- Something Blue, Emily Giffin
- The Big Fat Surprise, Nina Teicholz (I've listened 5 times so far, so much great info)
-The Brain Maker, David Perlmutter, MD (2nd time)

Books I've listened to since August 2015:

- Something Borrowed, Emily Giffin
- Mean Streak, Sandra Brown
- Baby Proof, Emily Giffin
- Heart of the Matter, Emily Giffin
- Only Time Will Tell, Jeffrey Archer (Waiting for 2nd book, will read the series)
- Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand
- The One & Only, Emily Giffin
- A Cold and Lonely Place, Sara J. Henry
- Can You Keep a Secret?, Sophie Kinsella
- The Friday Night Knitting Club, Kate Jacobs
- "A" is for Alibi, Sue Grafton (I won't read the rest, way too long winded.)
- All the Agatha Raisin books, M. C. Beaton  (They are fun, quick, witty)
- Where'd You Go, Bernadette, Maria Semple (I really enjoyed this book - well written.)
- All the Hamish MacBeth books, M. C. Beaton (Hamish is a great character, simple plots, easy read.)
- The Pearl, John Steinbeck (My mom's favourite, so I had to read it. Loved it.)
- By Stone, by Blade, by Fire, Kate Wilhelm 
- The Best Defense, Kate Wilhelm
- The Undomestic Goddess, Sophie Kinsella
- Death Qualified, Kate Wilhelm
- The Prince of Silence, Kate Wilhelm
- The Shadows, Jacqueline West
- The Shopaholic Series, Sophie Kinsella (I never thought I'd like Chicklit, but Kinsella rocks it.)
- Remember Me?, Sophie Kinsella
- Twenties Girl, Sophie Kinsella
- Open and Shut, David Rosenfelt
- Play Dead, David Rosenfelt
- New Tricks, David Rosenfelt
- The Silent Sister, Diane Chamberlain 
- The Good Father, Diane Chamberlain
- The Escape Artist, Diane Chamberlain
- Dog Tags, David Rosenfelt
- First Degree, David Rosenfelt
- Don't Tell a Soul, David Rosenfelt
- Down to the Wire, David Rosenfelt
- The Deepest Water, Kate Wilhelm (I have really enjoyed Kate Wilhelm's books - suspense heavy.)

I like having a book on the go. I do "read" books as well, though lately I am reading technical manuals and have little time to pick up a book for leisure purposes.

Audiobooks are perfect for when I'm in my car, doing dishes, standing in line, winding down the evening, or when eye fatigue (from reading technical papers) takes over. I would never have ploughed my way through the above list of books in 4 1/2 months if I was turning a page - I'm a slow reader.

I recommend all the books I've listened to. I've taken some out of the library for my mom to read, she really enjoyed Kate Wilhelm's writing, along with Kate Jacob's book, The Friday Night Knitting Club.

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Visit Order Of Books, this site is amazing. It gives the order books were written in so you don't ever miss a book penned by your favourite author. It was helpful for reading M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin and Hamish MacBeth series in order, as well as many others.

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I'm giving a quick shout out to Maxine, from England. We met while I was in a Microsoft store getting acquainted with my new Surface 3 computer. She has recommended a few titles which I am going to pass on. As she is a fan of M. C. Beaton (a good sign) I am looking forward to adding her suggestions to my "Must Read List".

- The New Rector, Rebecca Shaw
- Murdoch Mysteries, Maureen Jennings

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2016 is looking good in the reading department. I'm always open to a good recommendation, so, if you have a title/author you'd like to share, please leave it in the comment area.


WHAT'S ON YOUR READING LIST? 

PAST AND PRESENT - ANYTHING GOOD?


Cheers,  Jenny

25 comments:

  1. Have you read any of Heather Gardner's books? She's a really good mystery writer.
    Maybe I'd read more if I tried audio books...

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    1. I haven't read Heather Gardner - but now that you've put her name out here I'm going to check her out. I like a good mystery, that's for sure, that's what I found in Kate Wilhelm's books. If you haven't read her she's definitely worth a look.

      As to audiobooks - the link at the top, to Overdrive, will give you a look at how the app works on your phone. You can access the app directly from your phone (Android or iOS) it's free. All you need is a library card, which you add to the Overdrive app and away you go.

      I really like the ability to having a book on the go when my hands are busy doing mundane things. I guess I could have music on just as easily but having a book read to me, with all the voice intonations that the reader does, it's like watching a live performance, only the performance is in my head. :) :) I'm sure you get what I'm trying to say.

      Let me know if you give it the whole audiobook thing a go.

      Happy New Year to you as well - I hope life is good to you.

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  2. Great ideas. I'm currently reading Wab Kinew's The Reason we Walk and 15 Dogs. The best book I read last year was Ru.

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    1. The Reason You Walk is not available on my Overdrive as an audiobook, so I'm going to order it direct from the library. It sound interesting - I just read the reviews. Thanks for sharing it.

      This will make you laugh - I just went to VPL to see if I could get Fifteen Dogs - I'm 286 on 25 copies. Hahahahah - oh well, in the meantime I will plough through my list until it comes available.
      On the first book, The Reason You Walk, I'm 180 on 23 copies.

      I will see if I can get them on my Kindle - I don't mind paying for books either. And as my son-in-law gave me an Amazon GC I have no excuse.

      Even though these books are available on the Overdrive app, on my phone, I don't "read" books on my phone as the screen is too small.

      As for Ru - I'm 9th in line, on 1 copy - so looks like it will be the first book I'll read from the library.

      Thanks for these - I'm stoked, and even though I will have to wait for them I know it will be worth it.

      I hope you've had a great start to 2016! Also, I enjoy your tweets out there in Twitterland! :)

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  3. That's an impressive list. I used to listen to audio books on trips, but haven't in many years. Last one I listened to was when I still had a cassette player in my vehicle. Now that I take more cross country trips I really should consider going the audio book route.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    Replies
    1. I discovered the Overdrive app back in July and haven't looked back. It is easily added (free of charge) to any phone (Android or iOS) and is pretty straight forward to use. You only need a library card then you can access your local library via the Overdrive app and pick and choose from literally thousands of books.

      I have linked to the Overdrive website so you can read a little more about it, and how it works.

      If you are in your car a lot, it is really worth it. I have a $29 hands free phone holder (from Walmart) which let's me hear the story without difficulty. I can also plug it into the speaker jack (my car is 2012) and can have it come through the car speakers. Definitely a bonus.

      At home I use a glass bowl and rest the phone in it and it magnifies the sound perfectly. Or, one can spend a small fortune for fancy speakers for their phones - but the bowl works as well.

      Let me know if you look into it.

      I hope 2016 is smiling at you, Lee - I know the next little while things will start getting busy with the A-Z fast approaching.

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    2. Overdrive sounds kind of cool. I'll have to check it out. Recently my wife bequeathed her old smart phone to me after she bought an upgrade. I'm starting to like what I swore I'd never get for myself.

      Lee

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    3. Oh yeah, it gets us every time. I swore up and down, and sideways too, I didn't need all the bells and whistles. Well, I jingle and toot with the best of them now.

      I know the Overdrive app works on earlier models of smart phones so you should have no problem getting yourself sorted out. Go Team!!!

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  4. Hi Jenny - not driving long distances and still being of the mind that I enjoy the noise of the outside ... I've never got in the habit of audio listening ... I'm sure I will.

    I've got some good books to read ... but I research a lot - so am constantly on the look out for reference sources ...

    Enjoy the reading and Happy New Year .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary - I do like silence and at times prefer to drive with no noise, radio, book or anything else cluttering up the air. Sometimes I wished I lived a little closer wilderness, where one can really escape and listen to nature.

      Like you, I research authors, and though I read review, I don't let them really influence me too much. I sort of go with the vibe I get from the cover and the brief writeup.

      If you haven't read The Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacob, I highly recommend it. There was such a twist in it that I was overwhelmed by it. Totally unexpected. She writes well, the words easily flow along and the characters are believable and diverse. Let me know if you give it a read.

      In the meantimes, I'm sending my best wishes for a very happy and healthy 2016. With smiles. xxoo

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  5. I'm actually reading "Plainsong" by Kent Haruf. It's pretty good and gives off a "To Kill a Mockingbird" vibe. Except the "Scout" character is pregnant. Soooo...
    I've also been reading the Century Trilogy by Ken Follett. It's VERY good. Lotta war and nudie scenes. Bonus.

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    1. I've googled both the books your reading - man, you go all out for the epic storytelling. I'll be giving Plainsong a closer look, adding it to my reading list. Thanks.

      How's life in your neck of the woods? Hopefully 2016 is being easy on you and letting you sleep in. :) :)

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    2. I highly recommend Plainsong.
      2016 has started out serenely enough. I'm sure that will change.
      For example, the A-Z Challenge is right around the corner.

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  6. I hang my head low when compared to the # of books you have read. I have never listened to audio books and only have a tape cassette in my car(1998 Honda:))

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    1. I'm a fast listener - hahaha! So don't hang your head.

      Up in the reply I left for Arlee Bird I go into detail about the Overdrive app and how it works. If you have a relatively newer phone (Android or iOS) the app is free and is very handy.

      I know all about cassette decks in Hondas because I just gave up my old Honda about 2 years ago. If you drive, or are out and about a lot, or your home with busy hands the audiobook option is the thing to look at.

      I don't watch TV, so reading is important to me. Since I'm busy reading technical books during the day, I love lay back and letting someone read to me - feels rather decadent. Ahhhh, lifestyles of the wannabe rich and not so famous! LOL

      I hope 2016 is starting off with smiles and happy thoughts. All the best to you and your family. xxoo

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  7. Best book I read in 2015 was "A Boy's Life" by Robert McCammon.

    I just recently finished
    Bazaar of bad Dreams by Sk
    Lovely Death by Brandon Meyers.
    Also Abominable by Dan Simmons
    Into the Wild - John Krakauer
    Into Thin Air - John Krakauer
    Lost In Shangri-La -Mitchell Zuckoff
    Certain Dark Things - M.J. Pack

    I'm starting "Take Me With You" by Catherine Ryan Hyde

    Pretty slow year for me

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    1. For a page turner you've done pretty good. Let's factor in all the other stuff that occupies your time and I'd give you a gold star for that list.

      I'll be giving those titles a going over and adding quite a few to my reading list (aka listening list).

      Been thinking about you and your girls and hoping they're both doing well - and that you're keeping out of mischief by massaging feet! LOL

      All the best, Bushman - may 2016 be THE year.

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  8. I wish I could listen to audio books, but my attention wanders.

    I'm currently reading The Color Master by Aimee Bender - a collection of short stories, some brilliant, some a bit um... not.

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    1. Hi Annalisa - I've added your current read to my list. I like collections!

      I wonder why your attention wanders, hmmm... I find having a book on as background while I'm fiddling in the kitchen is great. I certainly like it when driving, beats the radio any day. Oh well... it would have been a fun option if it worked for you.

      I'm on the second book of the Clifton Chronicles, by Jeffry Archer. I'm really enjoying this series.

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  9. Wow you really have been busy with audio books. My problem is that I drift off in my mind. I do have the app downloaded and will definitely use it on any long road trips. So glad you're having a good start to the year!

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    1. Hey Barb - how's it going? It's taken me forever to get back here and reply - knee deep in my new job with little time for anything else.

      I'm loving my audiobooks even more now that I'm on the road with my job (Mon/Tues/Wed I'm training at spas) and listening on the road keeps me calm and relaxed.

      I hope life at the beach is grand - I think of you all the time! Hugs xo

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  10. I enjoy Sophie Kinsella as well and have read most of her books. A lot of Chick Lit tends to be formulaic and repetitive but hers go beyond that. I'll have to try Kate Wilhelm as I enjoy suspense.

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    1. Sophie Kinsella rocks the Chick Lit scene for sure - glad you like her too. I like her stand alone books, though I did also have a good time with her Shopaholic series.

      Yes, give Kate Wilhelm a try, Mom and I really liked her writing style.

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  11. I'm currently reading my way through Roughing It by Mark Twain. :-)

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  12. Hope you're having a good year so far!

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.