EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club discussion

If you had to chose one book and one book serie (everything more than one book, for example trilogy), what would be your favourite?

Mine:
Book: Haven't read many 'single' books: so easy:And Then There Were None
Book Serie: Hard to chose between Harry potter and Lord of the rings. I take Harry Potter Collectionbecause nostalgia, I grew up with the books and ofcouse: always

Right now:

Book: The Fault in Our Stars
I just loved it! Made me cry for days...I normally don't read these kinf of books.

Book series: The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices...the later is a spin-off of the first. I will never be able to decide. I just love the world Cassie created.

Currently:

Book: The Night Circus
Series: The Green Mile

I feel like this is asking me to choose a favorite child! (Thankfully I only have on actual child. ;)

Book - My gut says Neverwhere, but I could probably change this answer fifty times.
Series - I'm also going to have to go with Harry Potter, for nostalgia reasons. Though I think Hunger Games comes in a close second.

My favorite book ever is The Scarlet Letter, but if I was stuck with one, I would choose Shōgun since it's so much longer and I love it almost as much.

For a series, of course I love The Rings books and Harry Potter, but my all time favorite series is The Masters of Rom by Colleen McCullough which includes The First Man in Rome, The Grass Crown, Fortune's Favorites, Caesar's Women, Caesar, The October Horse: A Novel of Caesar and Cleopatra and Antony and Cleopatra.

Sarah wrote: "Currently:

Book: The Night Circus
Series: The Green Mile"

I read the Night Circus earlier this year and LOVED her imagery. Great book.

Kelly, YES!! Me too!! I'm always looking for more books like it, suggestions are welcome! I need to read it again, it's been awhile. It's just always stuck with me, I loved it so much.

Book: The Grapes of Wrath
Series: I have to agree with many others and say Harry Potter

Sarah, I was the same way and read All the Light We Cannot See afterward. It was a very different book, but it was also fantastic and had great imagery.

I loved The Night Circus too. It was such a visual story. I could see it so perfectly as I read.

Well that's easy :3

Book: David Copperfield
Book series: Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

Book: The English Patient or Cloud Atlas
Book series: also a Song of Ice and Fire, been waiting sooo long for the next one, still no sign of it being released anytime soon :(!

my all time favorite series is Throne of glass series by Sarah J Maas❤️❤️❤️ unending love😍

Hannah wrote: "Book: The English Patient or Cloud Atlas
Book series: also a Song of Ice and Fire, been waiting sooo long for the next one, still no sign of it being released anytime soon..."

Yeah, I thought about rereading every book before the next comes out, it's been a while :/

Hmm, the single one is pretty hard, what with all of that classics. But I'll go with Wuthering Heights.

And with the series, I'm torned between Potter's or Everdeen's, daaang. I am yet to read TID, Throne of Glass, A Song of Ice and Fire, and just all those other series I am so buzzed about (the hype is getting into me). Maybe I'll deal with that later, for now I choose Katniss Everdeen!

Annika wrote: "Hannah wrote: "Book: The English Patient or Cloud Atlas
Book series: also a Song of Ice and Fire, been waiting sooo long for the next one, still no sign of it being releas..."

Haha I've considered doing the same! But then I just ended up reading the summaries on wikipedia instead...

For bookseries... can never decide. Maybe by category? Constantly changes

Fantasy: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone hand's down
High Fantasy: right now, A Game of Thrones of Song of Ice and Fire as others have said
Sci-Fi: Unwind or The Hunger Games for different reasons
Young(er) Adult: The Screaming Staircase or Leviathan

Individual book? oh boy no idea

Favorite book: Santiago by Mike Resnick (I know there's a sequel, but I like to think of it a stand alone book)
Favorite series: Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. I'm finally on book 11. And even though the last three books have been kind of a pain, I still love the world that's built there.

My favorite book is The Great Gatsby. Others are up there like Crime and Punishment and The Kite Runner, but Gatsby is head and shoulders above every other book I've ever read. 6 stars.

I know it's a cliche but my favourite book really is To Kill A MockingbirdHarper Lee.
My favourite series is All the Discworld Novels by Terry Pratchett but if I have to be specific then the City Watch Series

Brady wrote: "My favorite book is The Great Gatsby. Others are up there like Crime and Punishment and The Kite Runner, but Gatsby is head and shoulders above every other book I've ever read. 6 stars."

I really like Gatsby too , interested to know if you find that the style of The Sun Also Rises is similar in places?

My favourite book of all time is Carlos Ruiz Zafón's 'The Shadow of the Wind'. If you've not read it yet, what are you doing?!

Carolyn wrote: "Brady wrote: "My favorite book is The Great Gatsby. Others are up there like Crime and Punishment and The Kite Runner, but Gatsby is head and shoulders above every other book I've ever read. 6 star..."

I absolutely see a similarity in the styles of the books. I have always been intrigued by the social connections of Hemingway and Fitzgerald and consider them two of my top 5 authors. (I also judge a library by its Hemingway and Fitzgerald collections.)

But yes, the styles are similar and I think it has to do so much with the history and the time period of the writers. Everything in the early half of the 20th Century culture was about conversation. Hemingway and Fitzgerald explore that almost exclusively in many of their writings. It was the entertainment of the time and so to turn that into literature was truly the art of its time. Conversation today, with the advancements of social media and technology, sometimes takes a back seat which makes me socially nostalgic when I read the art of these two and other authors of the time including Sherwood Anderson.

Series for me are so much easier to pick than a stand alone book.

My favourite series (excluding Harry Potter) has to be Outlander, followed closely by the YA 'Gone' series by Michael Grant. I'm only three books into the 'Outlander' series but it has renewed my passion for where I live (it's set in Scotland but actually written by an American). The detail in her writing is so beautiful it is hard not to fall In love with the world as well as her characters. At 900 pages a book though it's a lengthy series and perhaps why I'm struggling to get through them all!

Leesa I read the first Gone book - AMAZING I loved it.

same for me as in book series, mortal instruments was epic!
that whole world rocks.

but actually when it comes to fave series i would give to sarah maas for a court of thorns and roses, since mist and fury is my all time favourite book.

and a single book, that would be freedom from fear, non fiction and tiny but one of the ebst books ever written.
Lena wrote: "Right now:

Book: The Fault in Our Stars
I just loved it! Made me cry for days...I normally don't read these kinf of books.

Book series: The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devi..."

Carolyn wrote: "I know it's a cliche but my favourite book really is To Kill A MockingbirdHarper Lee.
My favourite series is All the Discwor..."

to kill a mockingbird was so nice, it is always my go to autumn book, it brings such summer feels during those months.

Kasey, I think the first Gone book is actually my favourite out of all of them, I loved that it can be a stand alone book and you don't have to read the others. If you enjoyed it though you should definitely read the others- it gets sooo good!

This is a hard question:

Favorite serie must be 2001: A Space Odyssey and the following or Au bonheur des ogres and the rest of Malaussène family.

Best stand alone: I can't name just one so I'll pass

Favorite book: either Huckleberry Finn or The Count of Monte Cristo

Favorite series: I can't decide. Like many others, I'm a big fan of Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Game of Thrones. I would probably have to go with the Forgotten Realms books by R.A. Salvatore. I've also really been enjoying the newest Stephen King trilogy. Mr. Mercedes was a really fun read.

My favorite book is The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. (Don't watch the movie- it has little similarity to the book.)

So many favorite series, but His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman is definitely in the top 5, and no one else seems to have mentioned it. (Starts with The Golden Compass- again, don't judge by the movie!) I also love HP, The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher and the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne (both urban fantasy, and I have read both series through twice).

Book: Slated
A dystopian like no other: realistic, but still moving. Not much heart-pounding action, but takes your breath away anyway and explains the meaning of life.

Book series: IDK

Well.... Slated can be amazing stand-alone novel, but is actually a trilogy so..... yeah sorry!

BOOK: A FAREWELL TO ARMS

BOOK SERIES: DENNIS LEHANE'S COUGHLIN SERIES, STARTS WITH THE GIVEN DAY.

That's a hard one for me.

My favorite book is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, but its part of a series. I liked the whole series, but A Wrinkle in Time is the only one I really loved so its not in contention for favorite series.
I don't really end up reading a lot of standalone books.

Favorite series is just as hard. So I'll do what Kasey did and go by category/genre:

Fantasy: Pretty much impossible to decide. Torn between Lord of the Rings and Michael J. Sullivan's Riyira series.

Sci-Fi: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Young Adult: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (The Mortal Instruments comes in a close second)

Historical fiction/mystery: The Brother Cadfael Chronicles by Ellis Peters (a former Crusader turned Benedictine Monk who solves mysteries & murders in medieval Shrewsbury, England)

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket will always be one of my favs. I enjoy the unique ideas and format used in his writing throughout the pages and he's very good at using writing that prompts the imagination and gets you wishing the kids to safety through their odd foster home experiences. My fav is the way he defines words throughout the book! I plan to re-read the series soon, it's been awhile! The movie does not do the books justice!

Sarah wrote: "A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket will always be one of my favs. I enjoy the unique ideas and format used in his writing throughout the pages and he's very good at using writing that..."

I haven't watched it yet, but there is a series on Netflix that stars Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf. Have you seen it?

Kandice, no I haven't because I think I've only ever read to book 7 before getting side tracked with other stuff. The series is on my summer list so that I can watch the series on Netflix. I'm looking forward to it, even though I'm starting to wonder why I watch the tv adaptations after reading books because they are usually very disappointing compared to the books.

Favorite Book: The two books I reread the most are Lirael by Garth Nix and Siddhartha. But between the two, I'd go with Lirael. Best library in the world!

Favorite Series: HP. Though Fablehaven: The Complete Series Boxed Set is also good (if young).

Book: Probably The Hating Game? Right now, anyway.

Series: Harry Potter!!

I've thought about this alot and the answer always changes but currently...

Book: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, probably the book i've read the most times tbh

Series: I mean i can't go a day without bringing up Harry Potter somehow so yeah i'm going for that

Carolyn wrote: "I know it's a cliche but my favourite book really is To Kill A MockingbirdHarper Lee.
My favourite series is All the Discwor..."

I completely agree with you- To Kill A Mockingbird surprised me with how much I loved it. One of my all time favourites.

Out of curiosity did you read Go Set a Watchman when it was released and if so what did you think?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone all the way. J.K. Rowling is just an amazing writer and I love all her books!

I've honestly never even considered reading Harry Potter but this thread is making me reconsider :)

Favorite series: Dark Tower by Stephen King, close second is the Girl Who Played with Fire series

Favorite book: Gone With the Wind

Vrenzy wrote: "same for me as in book series, mortal instruments was epic!
that whole world rocks.

but actually when it comes to fave series i would give to sarah maas for a court of thorns and roses, since mis..."

Who wrote Freedom of Fear?

it is hard to pinpoint a favorite book or book series. I grew up reading fantasy so the Shannara series, Harry Potter, and the Ranger's Apprentice come to mind. I love the suggestions here and cannot wait to read them as well.

Markita wrote: "I've honestly never even considered reading Harry Potter but this thread is making me reconsider :)

Favorite series: Dark Tower by Stephen King, close second is the Girl Who Played with Fire serie..."

I have listened to the Jim Dale audio version of the Harry Potter series MANY times. You should definitely give it a try!

Best book series (All Fantasy genre) that I’ve fallen in love & I tend to replay it in my mind with some minor changes (me being part of that world- yes, I create my own fan-fiction).

1) Codex Alera Series by Jim Butcher (Most fantasy readers I’ve know who are into Butcher’s style of writing recommend Dresden File. But this series that started of as a challenge for Butcher to begin a fantasy tale with theme of Pokémon and lost Roman legion, will grow on you. I did start reading Storm Front by Dresden files series though, it’s going well for me so far.

2) Kushiel's Legacy by Jacqueline Carey (The setting here in Terre d'Ange is an alternate version of Renaissance France with skewed worship of Jesus like character with his disciples. The series is full of political, sexual intrigue and sexual encounters are way better and somewhat shocking then trashy 50 shades of grey. It’s a good edge of your seat, heart stopping adventure read.)

3) The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson ( only 2 of 10 books written so far, what is left to say about Shardblades, Shardplate, sprens and bonds? And about Kaladin 😍😍! It’s interesting mix of characters, a unique world with awesome magic system. I swear by the faith I have in Brandon Sanderson when it comes to Stormlight Archive, you will not abandon the series half way through. So, please read the 2 books before the release of next instalment, “Oathbringer” and I’ll buddy read that with anyone.

4) A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin (I think Game of Throne Drama on HBO and it’s ever growing crazy fandom is enough recommendation for anyone. If you’ve never heard of this series, you probably don’t belong in any fantasy addict support groups such as this.)

5) Demon Cycle (The Warded Man) series by Peter V. Brett (Some hate and some like it. I loved it! Warning though: it has a very strong Middle Eastern (Arabic) flavour and for those who are are not used to it, you might fall into the haters category. The story revolves around strong men, women of both the Western world and middle Eastern world plus some unwanted intro into demon mating. Overall, a compelling read. Enjoy)

6) The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie (ho boy.. funny and totally unpredictable. I mean, it starts of like typical fantasy but trust me, it is not! Fascinating memorable characters like my absolute favourite Glokta (I love that crippled torturer) & Logen Ninefingers (I think, he’s a berserker with twisted split personality). Anyways, check it out and you will not be disappointed.

7) Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore ( All the fantasy loving ladies out there and men who wants something different, you should check out this wonderful trilogy. Each book have its own strong female protagonist that will not dissatisfy any of you. People in Graceling Realm have “Graceling” abilities similar to mutant abilities that’s shown by one having different coloured eyes. It’s a well written book, please do read it.)

8) Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott (It’s an epic fantasy in the lines of other great fantasy series out there. It’s full of intriguing characters, gripping plots and counterplots in a well built complex world of humans and non-humans fighting for share and power centred around the male protagonist Alain and the female protagonist Liath.)

9) The Hobbit
& The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R. Tolkien (if you haven’t read these yet, just go and do it first before you move on to any other fantasy books for the sake of your love for this genre)

10) Opel Cowan of Study series world (Glass) Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder (This series within the Study world is my favourite of all Maria Snyder’s series. Something about Opel, her relationship with others feels natural and satisfying. If you are a fan of Study series, many of its major characters appear in here as well. Opel is not all that powerful as Yelena but with her unique gift she’ll become the most feared as well as most wanted. I like Opel Cowan and Devlin, an addict who undergoes very short rehabilitation and tries to find redemption, some hate him and some like him)

11) The Magicians series by Lev Grossman

12) Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks

13) Abhorsen series by Garth Nix

14) Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton (please stop reading once protagonist starts her large scale sexual encounters - you’ll hate yourself for starting the series if you continue)

15) Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

16) Green Rider series by Kristen Britain

Well.. there’s a lot more but the above are good enough for now.

My favorite American Gods and Cloud Atlas can't decide which I like more. I own both of them :) .
From seriesThe Mortal Instruments

Favorite: Tuesdays with Morrie
Series: Women's Murder Club (or what I call the number books) 1st to Die