Book Nook Cafe discussion

This the thread for general book discussions for December 2023 ☃️

Well, we've come to the end of another year. I want to give a huge Thank You to all who participated here at Book Nook Cafe. You all make it a special safe place. 💞

Tell us what you just read, are currently reading or plan to read. Tell us about your favorite author. Have you read some book news? Share it with the group. Anything related to books and reading, we want to hear all about it !
:)

What books are you starting December reading ?

I'm starting off December with two books that will work for our 100 Reading Challenge.

95 - short story or essays
The Neighbor by Dean Koontz


75- Book you started but never finished
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

One terrific thing about eBooks from the library is that even though you have returned the book, your highlights still are there for you if you take the book out of the library again !

I started this one back in July of 2021. So I'm going to have to start over from the beginning. However, it will be fun to see what I highlighted the first time.

Alias Reader wrote: "One terrific thing about eBooks from the library is that even though you have returned the book, your highlights still are there for you if you take the book out of the library again ! ..."

I agree. It took me awhile to figure that out, though. I used to take the time to copy & paste favorite passages before returning books i had yet to finish. Now i know i needn't do so.

For most of November, i barely read a few pages. While i am liking Madonna in a Fur Coat--Sabahattin Ali, i am just not progressing at all. Blame me, not the book. So, my sole book goal this month is to complete this relatively small novel. Anything else will be gravy!

So Shall You Reap by Donna Leon

In this addition to the 'Commissario Guido Brunetti' series, the Italian policeman investigates the murder of an immigrant from Sri Lanka.

Great setting in Florence. 3.5 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Alias Reader wrote: "I'm starting off December with two books that will work for our 100 Reading Challenge.

95 - short story or essays
The Neighbor by [author:Dean Koo..."

I didn't realize notes were saved to library ebooks - yay!

Curious to hear how you like it. Meditating is one of those things that seems truly beneficial, but I haven't given it much time.

Starting December with Hello Beautiful, which I've seen everywhere, but knew nothing about before starting. I'm listening to the audio and it's ok so far.



I've also started a hard-copy of A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom, which I started to read last year, but put down. It's one of those depressing, completely true stories that I need to be in the right frame of mind to read.

I'm working on Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent right now. Might finish it this weekend, but not sure. It's my birthday on Sunday. Tonight we're going out to dinner, then tomorrow I'm going down to San Antonio for the day (it's my BF's weekend with his son).

Lindsey wrote: "Curious to hear how you like it. Meditating is one of those things that seems truly beneficial, but I haven't given it much time.
.."

I've done it in the past and thought it quite beneficial. I do want to get back into it. Maybe it would make a good New Years resolution for me

It does take time to get the knack for it and teach your brain to settle down. After a few weeks I think many would see the difference it can make.

One Free app that I find helpful is, Insight Timer. It has over 200,000 tracks to listen to. It has everything from guided meditations, discussions, music to a timer.

Lindsey wrote: "Starting December with Hello Beautiful, which I've seen everywhere, but knew nothing about before starting. I'm listening to the audio and it's ok so far.
[bookcover:Hello Beautifu..."

I had this on my library hold list forever and I kept delaying getting it. Finally, I dropped it from my hold list. I'll probably read it at some point. The reviews online seemed mixed.

~*Kim*~ wrote: "I'm working on Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent right now. Might finish it this weekend, but not sure. It's my birthday on Sunday. Tonight we're going out ..."

Hi Alias -- typo in the year of this thread?

James wrote: "Hi Alias -- typo in the year of this thread?"

Thanks ! A bit of Back to the Future there. :)

Well, I won't say that I've never had an idle thought or two about what it would be like to turn the clock back . . .

I've often thought of that, too, James. I wouldn't mind going back to a younger age if I could know what I know now.

I've just enjoyed The Long Game, the first of Aussie author Simon Rowell's series featuring Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer. Her new service dog, Harry, is helping her get back in harness herself after a bad bout of PTSD.
My review of The Long Game(Detective Zoe Mayer #1)

Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Starting December with Hello Beautiful, which I've seen everywhere, but knew nothing about before starting. I'm listening to the audio and it's ok so far.
[bookcove..."

I kept delaying my library delivery of this one too! I'm not even sure that it fits any of our 100 book prompts, which has me wondering why I didn't push it to 2024...

Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Curious to hear how you like it. Meditating is one of those things that seems truly beneficial, but I haven't given it much time.
.."

I've done it in the past and thought it quite ..."

I think I've heard of that App... I'll try it out, thanks for sharing!

Barbara wrote: "So Shall You Reap by Donna Leon

In this addition to the 'Commissario Guido Brunetti' series, the Italian policeman investigate..."

I must have read reviews by you & others, Barbara, about this series, as it has been around that long. This written, i do not recall it at all. It sounds neat & i need to make a note.

In the comments section of your post, i see you mentioned many characters. Is this the sort of thing where you've "met" them in previous books of the series, or are there that many newbies? Just curious whether or not i need a tad more concentration than usual when i read this.

Lindsey wrote: "Starting December with Hello Beautiful, which I've seen everywhere, but knew nothing about before starting. I'm listening to the audio and it's ok so far.
[bookcover:Hello Beautifu..."

Two very different books for the new month. I like that. May they live up to your expectations.

~*Kim*~ wrote: "I'm working on Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent right now. Might finish it this weekend, but not sure. It's my birthday on Sunday. Tonight we're going out ..."

Well, enjoy your special day, Kim! Take it as easy as you dare!

Alias Reader wrote: "I've often thought of that, too, James. I wouldn't mind going back to a younger age if I could know what I know now."

LOL! There are novels written about that, eh?!

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "I've just enjoyed The Long Game, the first of Aussie author Simon Rowell's series featuring Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer. Her new service dog, Harry, is helping h..."

This is a tempting new series, Patty. Thanks for the review & comments. I clearly must give it a try.

The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith

In this addition to the series, private detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott are hired to extricate a young man from a cult.

Lot's going on in this book. 3.5 stars.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

madrano wrote: "Barbara wrote: "So Shall You Reap by Donna Leon

In the comments section of your post, i see you mentioned many characters. Is this the sort of thing where you've "met" them in previous books of the series, or are there that many newbies?

Madrano, there are a lot of recurring characters, which makes things a bit easier. Still, the book requires concentration, in part because of the unfamiliar (to me) Italian police ranks and names.

Re: Insight Timer App

Lindsey wrote:

I think I've heard of that App... I'll try it out, thanks for sharing!

..."

You're welcome !

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "I've just enjoyed The Long Game, the first of Aussie author Simon Rowell's series featuring Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer. Her new service dog, Harry, is helping h..."


If I'm listening to an audio book, for me, it needs to be linear and also not a lot of characters.

Barbara wrote: "The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith

In this addition to the series, private detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacot..

This is the 7th book in Robert Galbraith's (aka J.K. Rowling) series
."

I didn't know she wrote under that name. For some odd reason whenever I hear the name Galbraith, I always think of the economist, John Kenneth Galbraith.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ke....

Alias Reader wrote: "Barbara wrote: "The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith

This is the 7th book in Robert Galbraith's (aka J.K. Rowling) series.

I didn't know she wrote under that name. For some odd reason whenever I hear the name Galbraith, I always think of the economist, John Kenneth Galbraith.."

He was a good-looking guy but I think J.K. Rowling is prettier. 🙂

Barbara wrote: "He was a good-looking guy but I think J.K. Rowling is prettier. 🙂."

:)

Barbara wrote: "The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith

In this addition to the series, private detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacot..."

Over 900 pages long? Nope, not for me. The story sounds good but, given what you shared, i can see why it's too long. Pity.

Still, i'm glad you shared, as we learned a bit. I don't think we should be surprised that Rowling would create a 900+ mystery.

Barbara wrote: "Madrano, there are a lot of recurring characters, which makes things a bit easier. Still, the book requires concentration, in part because of the unfamiliar (to me) Italian police ranks and names..."

I didn't even think about that rank/name aspect of the story. Such things have muddled stories for me in the past, as well. I've barely dipped into Italian mysteries but when i did i was bewildered with the ranks.

I am looking for children's non-fiction recs for my bookworms for over the holidays:

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

Alias Reader wrote: "Barbara wrote: "He was a good-looking guy but I think J.K. Rowling is prettier. 🙂."

:)"

I remember all the fuss that was made when she was discovered to be writing under a pseudonym.

James wrote: "I am looking for children's non-fiction recs for my bookworms for over the holidays:

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1..."

It would help to add ages and interests, although I imagine you'd like to stretch them a bit beyond their current interests.

Good biographies written for kids are a great way to introduce them to history and famous people. Some of the stories I remember best from childhood were actually historical fiction. They would spark my interest into wanting to know more about them. With so many easy research tools, a story these days can lead them to find some non-fiction themselves.

Happy hunting!

I've liked all of the P.J. Tracy Monkeewrench series, but my favourite so far is #7, Cold Kill (aka The Sixth Idea. Suspenseful (plausible!) threat to today's world. Great read.
My review of Cold Kill - The Sixth Sense

James wrote: "I am looking for children's non-fiction recs for my bookworms for over the holidays:"

The link has some good perennial selections. The Guinness World Record book is a good one. Both my children loved reading about what some people accomplished.

PattyMac has reviewed many bios for children, written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Many sounds outstanding with wonderful art work as part of the package.

Children absolutely Delight in Knock, Knock and Joke books. I can see why they relish them. However, having been compelled (?forced?) to listen to the jokes for the first month after getting them, i think they should come with a warning. I love my children & their voices but there were times i wanted to scream if i heard one more corny joke, read from those books! Consider this a WARNING, if you will be the one living with said children!

Finally, when my children were young (80s-90s), there were few books which somewhat echoed adult books the way the list indicates. For instance, Margot Lee Shetterly's Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race or Becoming: Adapted for Younger Readers, apparently from Michelle Obama. I think these are a good idea.

Have fun selecting choices, James!

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "I've liked all of the P.J. Tracy Monkeewrench series, but my favourite so far is #7, Cold Kill (aka The Sixth Idea. Suspenseful (plausible!) threat to..."

Patty, i am trying to figure out why i haven't read any books in this series. You write about them so well, that i am tempted. I may just skip ahead to this one as a first choice, as it sounds perfect for me.

Thank you for writing about this series and others. It's neat to read, from you, about their development.

Cocktails & Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong

Time-traveling Edinburgh police detective Mallory - who was transported from 2019 to 1869 - gets involved in a criminal incident in the past.

Fast-moving novella. 3 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Reese's December book club selection is---
Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman
A summer in Greece for three best friends ends in the unthinkable when only two return home in this new novel

Jenna Bush's December book club selection is---
We Must Not Think of Ourselves: A Novel by Lauren Grodstein
Inspired by a little-known piece of history—the underground group that kept an archive to insure that the lives of Jewish occupants of the Warsaw Ghetto in World War II were not lost to history.

James wrote: "I am looking for children's non-fiction recs for my bookworms for over the holidays:

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1..."

Put in the Amazon search engine: 100 Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime

Barbara wrote: "Cocktails & Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong

Time-traveling Edinburgh police detective Mallory - who was transported from ..."

Interesting idea. In such a series, a detective could work her way to a number of historical settings. Cool.

Thanks for the sharing of this one, Barbara.

Alias Reader wrote: "Jenna Bush's December book club selection is---
We Must Not Think of Ourselves: A Novel by Lauren Grodstein
Inspired by a little-known piece of history—the undergrou..."

This one appeals to me. I remember reading that such a group existed and this is why we have fragments and fuller stories of some of the daily lives of those in that Ghetto.

The Berman novel didn't call to me at all, despite the setting in Greece. I appreciate being kept informed, Alias.

Alias Reader wrote: "Put in the Amazon search engine: 100 Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime..."

Good tip.

I liked that list but these were fiction (some of my favorite kid's fiction, i must add), not the non-fiction i think James wanted. Actually, i was kinda disappointed that there were only fiction. When i tried Nonfiction Kids books, i got a list of learning books, such as alphabet & words. However, there were 75 pages of them, which included science and such, as well.

Alias Reader wrote: "Jenna Bush's December book club selection is---
We Must Not Think of Ourselves: A Novel by Lauren Grodstein
Inspired by a little-known piece of history—the undergrou..."

I saw this one somewhere else and added it to my wishlist. It looks good.

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei

In this science fiction mystery novel, an all-female crew on a starship traveling to a distant planet has to root out a saboteur.

Interesting story. 3.5 stars

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Barbara wrote: "The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei

In this science fiction mystery novel, an all-female crew on a starship traveling to a distant plan..."

Neat premise of all-female and requirement to get pregnant. The book sounds good to me, Barbara. I'm signing on. ;-)

These are Science News’ favorite books of 2023

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/s...

madrano wrote: "PattyMacDotComma wrote: "I've liked all of the P.J. Tracy Monkeewrench series, but my favourite so far is #7, Cold Kill (aka The Sixth Idea. Suspensef..
Patty, i am trying to figure out why i haven't read any books in this series. You write about them so well, that i am tempted. I may just skip ahead to this one as a first choice, as it sounds perfect for me.

Thank you for writing about this series and others. It's neat to read, from you, about their development.."

P.J. Tracy is now just the daughter of a mother/daughter writing team, and their Monkeewrench series has been popular for a long time. GR friends tempted me with their reviews, and I'm glad they did. I think they're better if you start from the beginning and watch the characters develop.

Happy reading!