The last few months it has been a struggle to keep up with book club! Still, I made a commitment so I work hard and read each book.
September: And the Mountains Echoed by Kahlid Hosseini
October: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
November: The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
It's been awhile and I don't really remember September's book. I think it was fine. Is that a glowing review?
I was surprised when the October book was not more popular! I chose it for the obvious theme of Halloween but several of the readers really disliked it. I'd read it before and I enjoyed it a bit more this time than last time. And I think I'll read it again.
This month, we read The Kitchen House. I really liked it. I can't say I enjoyed it. A book about slavery and substance abuse isn't exactly enjoyable, but it was a compelling book and I'd highly recommend it.
I also finally got a book I'd been on the waiting list for at the library Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman. Gavin had watched the TV show and people seemed to like the book. I did like the book. I do not like the author. Throughout the book I kept thinking, Oh, she's about to grow up! She's about to turn the corner and stop acting like a dolt about her decisions. Nope. No luck. I did find the first hand account of prison fascinating. Gavin and I also had several interesting discussions about the book vs the TV series. (Which apparently are not very similar!).
I'm not sure what's next on my reading list. Reading time is limited, but I much prefer reading or listening to watching netflix so if you have suggestions, let me know!
Is it a coincidence that we both read The Kitchen House for book club this month?? I just finished it; liked it too. My main complaint is that there was too much tragedy! Death, death, death, rape, death, alcoholism, abuse, death, opium addiction, death... and she didn't even end up with Will!! I did find the story to be well developed and compelling though!
ReplyDeleteWe also read Orange is the New Black last month, then met up to watch the series premiere. Felt the same as you about the book, and the show was meh (though many of my book club members really like the series).
Have you read The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh? It was recommended to me by a friend.. It's my favourite so far!!
xox
I just recommended Whore's Child by Richard Russo for the book club I recently joined (you are welcome to join if you'd like - it's mostly, but not exclusively, composed of current and former UCI law students.) While I have not read that book yet, I've loved everything I've read by him. Hopefully it wins this month. We are reading Robert Galbraith's (aka JK Rowling) The Cuckoo's Calling for this month. They've read LeGuin and Gaiman before I joined. A David Sedaris book was the first book I read with the group (not his best work).
ReplyDelete@Nathalie, it's less than a coincidence and more of a stalking issue. :) I agree, it was a lot of tragedy. And a lot of powerless women, which I always struggle with!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the Language of Flowers, but it sounds a bit less traumatic so I'll check it out!
@ Sabyl, when does your group meet and how many are there? Thanks for the recommendations, I'll check them out!
The people are great, but not the most organized/consistent. A vote is taken on when to meet. The goal is to meet the last week of the same month we are reading the book, but for October's book we met on the 2nd Sunday of November for brunch. There are 22 members, but I think 5-10 show for each meeting. I've only been able to make one meeting so far and joined for the September book knowing I could not make the September meeting. It's pretty laid back and democratic. I can send you an invite on Facebook. It's low pressure but would be nice to have you.
ReplyDelete