The Because Show discussion

Have you read any of the books we've talked about on the podcast? ALSO - what books can you suggest for us to read!?

I read The Leftovers based on a recommendation from the podcast. It wasn't my normal type of read but I liked it. For some good chick-lit I would recommend anything by Jill Mansell. Also the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series is so fun. HBO made a series based on it though it only lasted 1 or 2 seasons.

I read the Stephen kings book, 11/22/63, solely on jerilyns recommendation as I would not normally pick up any Stephen king book. It was really really good! It took me a good long while to read it and that was a fun project. Sadie bugged me more than life itself - mostly because I pictured a very masculine bony tall woman (like a man in drag) and she didn't fit the picture of a romantic love interest for the main character. Ultimately, I am fascinated by the time 60's and what a smart way to tell the story of LHO.

I also just read a book Susan recommended ages ago called, A Vintage Affair. Cute, sassy little book. I finished quickly so definitely a quick read. The plot twist was believable enough and for some reason reminded me of Sarah's Key without the brutality of Sarah's Key.

Amy, I remember hearing that you like to listen to the Savage Love podcast. Have you read 'The Kid' by Dan Savage? It's the story of how he and his boyfriend decide to go and get pregnant. Very quintessential Dan Savage book.


One last note, I have A LOT of books I've read (check out my profile page) but the ones really like are Americana, homestead-y memoirs about people living simple back to land lives. Interested in those books? If so, I can give much more detailed recommends.

I'm planning to read the first book of the Gone series. Never heard of it until it was mentioned on the podcast.

It's great because if you like the first one then you can look forward to reading the next four books, it's an ongoing saga!

Loved 11/22/63 and am so looking forward to his next book 'Joyland' coming out this spring! 'Joyland' is supposed to be SCARY though, like early Stephen King books so it may not have the broad appeal that '11/22/63' had!

I haven't read The Kid and I want to. I'll put it on my list...for when I can actually go to the library again.

As far as the Americana homestead-y books go, you might want to try "The Wilder Life" by Wendy McClure. It's non-fiction- about a woman (Wendy) who goes on a quest to see how Laura Ingalls Wilder really lived and who she really was. Full disclosure- Wendy is a friend of mine. But the book is great! She's an awesome writer. Really funny and honest, and the whole thing is set against the backdrop of Wendy's mom dying, so it becomes really personal for her, reconnecting to her childhood and whatnot. If you decide to read it, let us know what you think!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Wilder-Life...

I just started reading Gone. It was only $2.99 to download! So far it reminds me a bit of the YA novel The Maze Runner. Anyone read that series?

Who is the author of Gone? There are several books with this title

Michael Grant is the author of the 'Gone' series - can't wait for the next in the series!!!!
@Ashley - haven't heard of The Maze Runner. am going to have to check it out!

I finally had time to read today. Gone is GOOD. Still reminds me of The Maze Runner.

Just finished 11/22/63 a couple of days ago, and really enjoyed it. I thought the characters were so rootable (I think I just made up that word), and that it was a great story all around. I'd definitely recommend it.

I want to read that. I'm saving it for summer when I have more time to read. I know it's long.

I got it on my Kindle. I didn't realize it was long until I was about 1/2 way through and I glanced at the % left. Haha! It took me about four days, which is about twice as long as an average book.

Jerilyn,
I was always picture in Elizabeth Banks as Amy from Gone Girl. And Bradley Cooper as Nick. Zoey Deschanel as Nick's sister

Shannan, I can definitely see Zooey Deschanel in that role. I didn't know Gone Girl was being made into a film.

Jerilyn,
I'm down for that game.

I think one of you suggested The Light Between Oceans so I read it. It was ok, 3.5 out of 5 stars. A bit on the sappy side but it showed the love of a mom and what length she will go through to get her child back. It's probably a good beach read.

I just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain, for my book club. It was one of those predictable fluffy, feel good books, but I still enjoyed it. The narrator was a dog, which didn't work for some people, but I thought it was a nice change of pace. Good book for the beach (which is where I read it), but get it from the library or get it on sale, like I did.

I just finished Wild by Cheryl Strayed for my book club...it's been a LONG time since I read something I loved as much. Smart and heartbreaking and inspiring and so well written. Highly recommend.

I want to want to read Wild, but one of my pet peeves is when people attempt hiking/skiing/climbing/whatevering when they aren't properly trained/fit/experienced/equipped. Then they get in trouble and the search and the public has to fund search & rescue for them. I know that's not what ended up happening here, but heard one of the early interviews on NPR with her and she talked about ow ill-prepared she was. And so I got mad and haven't been able to get over it!

We Are Water
Hi all
Just restarting this after a break, Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors so this was must to buy
Will update with review Hopefully
I am reading slowly
Cheers

A few podcasts ago - Amy recommended her top list of books. Anyone write down that list?

It might be on Facebook?

I havent read this one but it's on my to read list..
Dancing with Danger, the painted girls
By Cathy Mary Buchanan
Looks great
and its set in Paris

I had never heard of The Phantom Tollbooth before Amy talked about it so highly, so of course I bought it right away. I was amazed it had never been introduced to me before, it was so wonderful! It was beautifully written. I loved all of the funny word play and little lessons taught in every chapter. I cannot wait to read it to my future kids!

The Debt Free Spending Plan Audiobook is so good. It may not be for everyone but the author makes sense and he sounds exactly like the character Data from Star trek.
I mean it makes the topic more interesting!
I really thought it made alot of sense in a new way to look at stuff