What Big Book Are You Currently Reading? > Likes and Comments

My first book in print for Big Book Summer is The Testaments by Margaret Atwood, a book I've been dying to read that was in my Big Book Summer stack last year! I was extra-motivated to tackle it for my first Big Book because I can't wait to see the new TV show! The TV adaptations of The Handmaid's Tale is one of our favorites.

On audio, I am listening to A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, a group read on Booktube for Meany in May. It's excellent so far!

I’m starting Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead today. I borrowed it from a sibling and it is also a part of another challenge for me on Goodreads. I’m also finally going to start Lonesome Dove. I wanted to read it when it was a group read in 2024 for BBSC but that didn’t happen. I like to read several books at the same time.

My name is Fern and my first Big Book for this group is A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith. It is a historical fiction coming in at 632 pages.
I'm also working my way through The Blue and The Gray by Henry Steele Commager which will take most of the summer. 1151 pages
One more I have just started is The Stripping of the Altars by Eamon Duffy which will also take most of the summer. 593 pages

I'm starting with "lonesome Dove" and I am hoping to get to "East of Eden" next. I have several others if finish both of those. I'll probably read several short books in between.

First Big book is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Kristin wrote: "I’m starting Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead today. I borrowed it from a sibling and it is also a part of another challenge for me on Goodreads. I’m also finally going to start Lonesome Dove. I wa..."

Good for you, being able to juggle multiple books, Kristin! Back in 2023 (I think?), Great Circle was the #1 book of Big Book Summer. And Lonesome Dove is outstanding! Hope you enjoy them both.

Pianomans wrote: "My name is Fern and my first Big Book for this group is A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith. It is a historical fiction coming in at 632 pages.
I'm also working my way through The Blue and T..."

Sounds like a great plan, Fern! I haven't read any of those yet. Enjoy!

Mary wrote: "I'm starting with "lonesome Dove" and I am hoping to get to "East of Eden" next. I have several others if finish both of those. I'll probably read several short books in between."

Hope you enjoy them both, Mary! Lonesome Dove blew me away!

Tashinka wrote: "First Big book is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton"

I enjoyed The Forgotten Garden - hope you do, too, Tashinka!

My first big book will be Conform by Ariel Sullivan. FANTASY from Jenna Bush’s brand new publishing company, Thousand Voices .

My first big book of this summer will be a reread of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flag. I’ll also rewatch the movie adaptation as part of the Book Cougars “book to screen adaptation” theme for the year. Im sure that tears will reappear as well - this story definitely tugs as my heartstrings!

I'm starting A Suitable Boy with the intent of finishing it at the end of the year and Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community