Book Nook Cafe discussion

This the thread for general book discussions for May 2024.

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 !
:)

Like many readers, I enjoy Erik Larson's books. His latest The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War (unwieldy title!)

There was an horrendous and nasty review of this book in the New York Times. I could not believe what I was reading! Not surprised that a reviewer did not like that book, but her vitriol was excessive, IMHO.

Here's the review if you have a subscription........headline was "Maybe Erik Larson Should Have Left the Civil War Alone"

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/bo...

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Like many readers, I enjoy Erik Larson's books. His latest The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War (unwieldy title!)

There was ..."

Thanks for the review, JoAnn.

Interestingly, the author of the review wrote a book that Deb, liked. You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington by Alexis Coe

I also read the Washington book and just gave it 3 stars. I thought is was okay.

As to the review, it seems overly harsh for sure. Even to the point of insulting the readers who enjoy Larson's books.

I'm sure the book will do well. There are only a few reviews on Amazon but all seem positive.

I'm starting May with Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel. I loved Wolf Hall, so I think I'll love this book, too.

I'm starting May reading and enjoying very much
Table for Two by Amor Towles

This is a wonderful collection of short stories. Towles is simply a master of the English language.

What book are you starting off the month of May reading ?

Alias Reader wrote: "This the thread for general book discussions for May 2024. Tell us what you just read, are currently reading ..."

Finally reading No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy. 3/4 of the way through, no question it is going to be a five stars for me.

James wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "This the thread for general book discussions for May 2024. Tell us what you just read, are currently reading ..."

Finally reading No Country for Old Men by [au..."

It's great to start the month with a 5 star read, James.

Alias Reader wrote: "It's great to start the month with a 5 star read, James.."

It so is, and thanks, Alias.

Ah - a couple of goodies from the #NeverTell short story collection.

Both are about women in the desert in very different, life-threatening circumstances. Deserts lend themselves to mystery, I think. One woman is a crook, while one is a tattooist.

This one is the crook:
Scorpions by Rachel Howzell Hall

My review of Scorpions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

This one is the tattooist
Jackrabbit Skin by Ivy Pochoda

My review of Jackrabbit Skin

A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

During the struggle for civil rights, a Black handyman is accused of killing a white couple in Virginia. But in 1968, Black people don't get fair trials in this state.

Good courtroom drama. 3.5 stars

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

Barbara wrote: "A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

During the struggle for civil rights, a Black handyman is accused of killing a white ..."

Nice review, Barbara.

I'm starting May with The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church. I'm not too far into it yet, but it's been pretty good so far.

Barbara wrote: "A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

During the struggle for civil rights, a Black handyman is accused of killing a white ..."

Sounds like good courtroom, drama, Barbara. I like courtroom drama. The best I've ever read is in Mississippi Blood by Greg Iles. That book is not a stand-alone, though. It's the final book of a trilogy, but all three books are terrific. And the courtroom drama comprises about half of the third book, if memory serves me correctly. But, if anyone hasn't read the first two books, Natchez Burning and The Bone Tree, he would she would be lost reading Mississippi Blood. Each book is about 800 pages, but for me, they just flew by. Men, I think would love this trilogy and women who love crime and courtroom drama set in the South.

Alias Reader wrote: "Interestingly, the author of the review wrote a book that Deb, liked. You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington by Alexis Coe

I also read the Washington book and just gave it 3 stars. I thought is was okay...."

Weird, i do not recall this book at all and it's not on my list of Books Read. So, i searched our group posts & learned that JulieLill (as she was then), read and liked it. I see i commented on it, though, which may have muddled things, as i mentioned the GW bio i read.

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Like many readers, I enjoy Erik Larson's books. His latest The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War (unwieldy title!)

There was ..."

I am sorry to read that, JoAnn. I am one who has liked Larson's work but i was planning to pass this one, at least for now. We've visited so many Civil War sites, i just have had my fill for now.

Is anyone here planning on reading it, given this review?

Alias Reader wrote: "I'm starting May reading and enjoying very much
Table for Two by Amor Towles

This is a wonderful collection of short stories. T..."

Nice start, Alias. I hope you like the bulk of the stories.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I'm starting May with Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel. I loved Wolf Hall, so I think I'll love this book, too."

I don't know if my husband has read this or not. He likes Mantel's books, though.

Btw, i had no sense of the woman until she was the "award" portrait sitting in the first British National Portrait Competition. I liked her & her attitude.

I hope the book lives up to your expectations, Kiki.

James wrote: "Finally reading No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy. 3/4 of the way through, no question it is going to be a five stars for me...."

For use of language alone, it is worthy, imo. I didn't love the novel, as i recall, but can no longer find my notes.

Happy for you, James.

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Ah - a couple of goodies from the #NeverTell short story collection.

Both are about women in the desert in very different, life-threatening circumstances. Deserts lend themselves to mystery, I thi..."

Thanks, Patty, for sharing these two stories. I also like that Barbara added her endorsement of Pochoda's Sing Her Down.

The idea of living in a container house fascinates me. In the desert?!

Barbara wrote: "A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

During the struggle for civil rights, a Black handyman is accused of killing a white ..."

Good set up for the book, Barbara. What a time to explore with this topic. Thank you for sharing this.

~*Kim*~ wrote: "I'm starting May with The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church. I'm not too far into it yet, but it's been pretty good so far."

It sounds good to me. I've not read any of her novels. I hope the book maintains it's place with you, Kim.

Alias Reader wrote: "What book are you starting off the month of May reading ?"

I am a few chapters into What Stars are Made of: The Life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin--Donovan Moore. This biography is about the woman who figured out that aspect of the stars, against male prejudice that she could be correct. Thus far, covering her British education, the story has been interesting.

Fi: A Memoir of My Son--Alexandra Fuller just arrived, too. I've liked reading Fuller's memoirs about growing up in Africa but this one sounds different. And sad. Whether i'll try to read both at once, i do not know yet.

~*Kim*~ wrote: "I'm starting May with The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church. I'm not too far into it yet, but it's been pretty good so far."

That sounds interesting, Kim. I used to live near a catholic church run home for unwed mothers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_G...

madrano wrote: Weird, i do not recall this book at all and it's not on my list of Books Read. So, i searched our group posts & learned that JulieLill (as she was then), read and liked it. I see i commented on it, though, which may have muddled things, as i mentioned the GW bio i read...."

Sorry !! I thought that was you, deb. My memory is really horrid.

I read the Alexis Coe book in 2020. I also read in 2013 the book you listed in your challenge. Washington: The Indispensable Man by James Thomas Flexner by James Thomas Flexner

madrano wrote: "I am sorry to read that, JoAnn. I am one who has liked Larson's work but i was planning to pass this one, at least for now. We've visited so many Civil War sites, i just have had my fill for now.

Is anyone here planning on reading it, given this review?
."

I plan on checking it out at some point. I think Erik Larson proven track record trumps one negative review from someone I would say wishes they were as popular as Larson.

madrano wrote: "I am a few chapters into What Stars are Made of: The Life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin--Donovan Moore. This biography is about the woman who figured out that aspect of the stars, against male prejudice that she could be correct. Thus far, covering her British education, the story has been interesting.
-------------------

How many times have women be looked down upon to the detriment of us all when it comes to science, medicine, math etc. Let's hope STEM is changing this attitude.

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Fi: A Memoir of My Son--Alexandra Fuller just arrived, too. I've liked reading Fuller's memoirs about growing up in Africa but this one sounds different. And sad. Whether i'll try to read both at once, i do not know yet...."

I've enjoyed her memoirs, too.
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood
Scribbling the Cat

Alias Reader wrote: "Sorry !! I thought that was you, deb. My memory is really horrid..."

Ditto, which is why i'm grateful for the service of looking up old posts. I feared i'd read AND forgotten it. However, i well remember the Flexner bio of GW. While i read the very abridged bio by him, i think his original was 3 or 4 books long.

Alias Reader wrote: "I plan on checking it out at some point. I think Erik Larson proven track record trumps one negative review from someone I would say wishes they were as popular as Larson..."

Thanks for the reply, Alias. You make an interesting point about the reviewer. There are a couple of Larson's books i've yet to read but, again, i doubt this will be one, but for a different reason.

Anyone want to try to diagram (parse) that last sentence? I just ramble, i don't parse!

Alias Reader wrote: "
I've enjoyed her memoirs, too.
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood..."

I think we read this around the same time, although i don't think it was literally together. I also read & enjoyed her Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness.

madrano wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I'm starting May with Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel. I loved Wolf Hall, so I think I'll love thi..."

Thank you, Madrano. It is living up to my expectations. Mante;'s writing is so good, it's hard to believe she wrote three books this wonderful.

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Like many readers, I enjoy Erik Larson's books. His latest The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War (unwieldy title!)

There was ..."

I saw that review and was pretty surprised at how savage it was.

Alias Reader wrote: "madrano wrote: "I am a few chapters into What Stars are Made of: The Life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin--Donovan Moore. This biography is about the woman who figured out that aspect of the stars, aga..."

I read Don't Lets Go to the Dogs sometime ago. It is a great title.

Brotherless Night

This is a great, if very sad book. I have thought many times that all books about war are antiwar books. This one is no exception.

Rachel wrote: "Brotherless Night

This is a great, if very sad book. I have thought many times that all books about war are antiwar books. This one is no exception."

Interesting thought, Rachel. I think it's true.

I'm starting May with a roll-over from April, Tigana. I'm enjoying the story and characters. It's just that its a long book and is taking me some time to finish.

Petra wrote: "I'm starting May with a roll-over from April, Tigana. I'm enjoying the story and characters. It's just that its a long book and is taking me some time to finish."

Sounds like you are starting May off well, Petra. I hope you continue to enjoy Tigana.

Rachel wrote: "I read Don't Lets Go to the Dogs sometime ago. It is a great title...."

Isn't it? I also like the title of the one i mentioned--Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness. How perfect is the Tree of Forgetfulness at cocktails? ❤

Rachel wrote: "Brotherless Night

This is a great, if very sad book. I have thought many times that all books about war are antiwar books. This one is no exception."

What a nice and thoughtful review, Rachel. Your point is well taken. Thank you for sharing this with us, as i was not familiar with the title or author, V.V. Ganeshananthan.

Petra wrote: "I'm starting May with a roll-over from April, Tigana. I'm enjoying the story and characters. It's just that its a long book and is taking me some time to finish."

I think you are smart to take time to savor the book, as you are enjoying it, Petra.

Rachel wrote: "Brotherless Night

This is a great, if very sad book. I have thought many times that all books about war are antiwar books. This one is no exception."

In Switzerland, my neighbor was a Sri Lankan refugee who had married a Swiss. Your thoughtful review was very interesting to me on several levels, Rachel. Thank you for bringing this important book to our attention.

madrano wrote: "JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Like many readers, I enjoy Erik Larson's books. His latest The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War (unwi..."

Deb, the topic of this Larson book does not interest me at all, but I have read and loved most of his books.

madrano wrote: "~*Kim*~ wrote: "I'm starting May with The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church. I'm not too far into it yet, but it's been pretty good so far."

It sounds good to ..."

Yes, it does sound good. I just got the Kindle edition for $1.39 (I had digital credits)

I remember the Florence Crittendon homes....there was one in my hometown. I met a woman a few years ago who was sent to one and her baby was adopted. Just after I met her, her grown son found her! He came to visit she and her family. The next day, her 8 year old shared this at Show and Tell!!!

madrano wrote: "JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Like many readers, I enjoy Erik Larson's books. His latest The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War (unwi..."

I just left a fairly nasty comment on Coe's Instagram account where she posted that shameful review.

Deb, Fi: A Memoir of My Son sounds like a terribly sad addition to Fuller's memoirs. We had a niece who died at 32....she got out of bed and fell on the floor. Gone, just like that. And like Fuller, there was never a medical explanation, despite many tests that were sent all over the country by her family, most of whom were in the medial field.

I am starting May by reading Mike Lawson latest book, Kingpin. I have read all of his 17 (?) books - they are thrillers, I guess you would say. All interesting and starring Joe DeMarco, who is a "fixer" for the corrupt Speaker of the House.

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "I am starting May by reading Mike Lawson latest book, Kingpin. I have read all of his 17 (?) books - they are thrillers, I guess you would say. All interesting and starring Joe DeMa..."

Seventeen ! Wow. You are a super fan. :) Enjoy !

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "madrano wrote: "JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Like many readers, I enjoy Erik Larson's books. His latest [book:The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War|..."

I went to Alexis Coe insta account but don't see an article on the Larsen book review . Under what story did you put your comment, JoAnn ?

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "madrano wrote: "~*Kim*~ wrote: "I'm starting May with The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church. I'm not too far into it yet, but it's been pretty good so far."

It..."

These types of homes may need to make a comeback with the diminished reproductive rights of the present day.

Alias, I put my comment in the "highlights" section....it was one of the first places where the review showed up. I clicked on the circular HIGHLIGHTS "button" under the photo of Coe in a red dress.

But Instagram does not show the comments, just allows you to write and submit one.