Grimsby Public Library Online Book Chat discussion

During these challenging and stressful times reading can be a form of escape. Now is as good a time as any to tackle that TBR (To Be Read) pile, take the GPL 2020 Reading Challenge or finally dive into that over 500 page book you haven’t had the time to read. It can also be a time to disappear into fantasy, or sci-fi, or travel back into historical fiction.

What are you reading? What books do you recommend? Are you reading more - or less - than usual?

Currently reading Dark Witch by Nora Roberts, because I was in the mood for a dramatic witchy fantasy romance. So far it's living up to that description.

I'm currently reading Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues, by Elijah Wald. . This book provides a revisionist take on the early blues period, by looking at blues as form of mass medium black popular music, as opposed to the version of the blues that was "invented" by white blues fans and musicians starting in the late 50s.

Currently I'm reading Race Against Time by Jerry Mitchell, he's an investigative journalist who works to re-open four notorious cases from the civil rights era. Jerry is that character you root for in fiction and here he is in real life, a fantastic storyteller fighting for truth and justice, I highly recommend.

Then on a complete 180 for when I need a lighter break, I'm also reading Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple. It's quirky, light and so far seems to be mainly written in emails, Dr bills and notes, which is great for my shorter attention span moments.

Just started "Lean Out" by Tara Henley. Subtitle kind of sums it up - 'A meditation on the madness of modern life'.

Now reading The Chilbury Ladies' Choir, actually listening to it.
Author is Jennifer Ryan. Narrated by a cast. Well done.
Takes place in a small village in England during WWII.

I just finished Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker. At times difficult to read but very compelling. The true story of an American family with 12 children - 6 of them diagnosed with schizophrenia and the hope to find a cure. If you liked The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloots, you will love this.

Looking forward to reading 'Hidden Valley Road' - on the wait list.
Thanks for your comment.

I am currently reading One Drum by Richard Wagamese, The Power of Now by Tolle and Five Wives by Joan Thomas. I recently finished The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley I highly recommend it. I left a review on Goodreads.

Just finished The Chilbury Ladies Choir by Jennifer Ryan. I, too, listened to the audio version - thank you, fir the suggestion, Kathryn. I couldn’t believe how much the cast of narrators added to the characters particularly Edwina and Kitty. I loved it!

Please feel free to send me a friend request. Im always happy to talk books. I am also wanting to know if we have a local writing group here in Grimsby.

I don't know of a writer's group that already exists in Grimsby. Hoping someone will speak up if they know of one. We'd be happy to host one at the library once we can get back to business.

Thank You Kathryn
I appreciate your reply. Ill keep looking. I have a writing mentor that lives in west Hamilton. Hope we can all get back to a better normal soon.

Yesterday I read Pygmalion and The Old Man and the Sea.
Today I have started reading The Goldfinch. The main character "Theo Decker' at this point (chapter one) seems to have a Holden Caulfield type feel to him.

Just finished reading The End of October by Lawrence Wright. It reads like an unfolding of the times we are currently living in. Uncomfortable to read at times for the same reason.

Finished the Goldfinch. Working on A Nearly Normal Family and A long Way Gone

Currently listening to the audiobook The Forest City Killer by Vanessa Brown. I had no idea there were so many murders of young children and girls in London, Ontario back in the 60's.

I just started The Library at Mount Char but it is a bit strange so I might not make it through that one on the first go especially since my hold just came in for the ebook 'Do Nothing- How to Break away from overworking, overdoing, and underliving'. That one seems just about perfect for right now so I may just jump into that one before finishing The Library at Mount Char.