What are you reading, Park Ridge? discussion

Share what you're reading in April here!

I just finished Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore. The opening scene is so vivid. I felt like I was right there with Glory and Mary Rose. It was tense! At times I felt angry, frustrated, and scared but also hopeful. It would make for a great book discussion!

I really enjoyed The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, which is gripping nonfiction about London and Churchill during the Blitz. It was a good, long, interesting read to sink into during stay-at-home. I've also been reading some Agatha Christie mysteries for fun- short, quick reads that keep you guessing.

I'm reading Ashes Under Water by Michael McCarthy and Book 3 of Zingerman's Guide to Good Leading: Managing Ourselves.

The Overstory
I just finished The Overstory and would love to discuss it with someone. Next up on my Kindle is Such a Fun Age...

I am reading Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light. It is the third and last book in her Wolf Hall series about Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell rose from nothing to become a very powerful player aiding Henry VIII. I wish I would’ve reread the first books as it takes a while to remember the cast of characters. The writing style is very unique-you feel like you are in Thomas stream of consciousness at times. The drama of Henry breaking away from the church to rid himself of his wives plays front and center. The first book won the Man Booker Prize.

Amy wrote: "The Overstory
I just finished The Overstory and would love to discuss it with someone. Next up on my Kindle is Such a Fun Age..."

Amy- I loved The Overstory! I became much more aware of trees after reading it, and interested in learning about them. What did you think? I also really enjoyed Such a Fun Age.

Cindy wrote: "I am reading Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light. It is the third and last book in her Wolf Hall series about Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell rose from nothing to become a very powerful player aidin..."

Thanks Cindy- these books have been on my list for a while, and maybe now that they're all out I should finally dig in.

Julie wrote: "I'm reading Ashes Under Water by Michael McCarthy and Book 3 of Zingerman's Guide to Good Leading: Managing Ourselves."

Thanks Julie! I hadn't heard of Ashes Under Water (or the tragedy it covers). How are you liking it?

I also just read Valentine and loved it. There are so many issues covered in it that would make for a great discussion: #metoo, immigration, etc. It was such a good book that I had to do what I call a “magazine cleanse” where I flip through the stack on my coffee table and read a few before starting a new novel.

Jennifer wrote: "I also just read Valentine and loved it. There are so many issues covered in it that would make for a great discussion: #metoo, immigration, etc. It was such a good book that I had to do what I cal..."
I like that - “magazine cleanse”!!! Yes, this one deserves time to consider after reading. I made the mistake of finishing it in the morning right before school (at home) started and so I had to hide out for a few minutes to get a grip (and dry my eyes).

So glad to see the love for Valentine. I'm about a hundred pages in and it's astonishing so far. It would make a great book club choice for sure.

So far, so good. There's a small element of engineering and business that I wasn't expecting but is fascinating to me. It was a tragic accident in Lake Michigan, and so close to home, that I'm a little surprised it never came up in any of my engineering or history classes.

Sarah wrote: "Julie wrote: "I'm reading Ashes Under Water by Michael McCarthy and Book 3 of Zingerman's Guide to Good Leading: Managing Ourselves."

Thanks Julie! I hadn't heard of Ashes Under Water (or the trag..."

Cindy wrote: "I am reading Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light. It is the third and last book in her Wolf Hall series about Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell rose from nothing to become a very powerful player aidin..."

Almost finished with Bring Up the Bodies and am glad I've only started reading the series this year since it's a lot of characters to follow! I am looking forward to the third but also sad it's the last one. She's a master of taking well known historical facts and humanizing it all. You know what's going to happen but are still wondering what's next anyway.

Gretchen- I’m nearing the end and slowing down. First I didn’t want the book to end- now I don’t want to read the ending cause it doesn’t end well.

Sarah wrote: "Cindy wrote: "I am reading Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and the Light. It is the third and last book in her Wolf Hall series about Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell rose from nothing to become a very powerfu..."

How do the books compare to the miniseries with Claire Foy? I'm not sure if I should read the books or watch the show first.

I haven’t seen it!! It looks like it just covers the first book.