meets second Tuesdays at 7 pm.
September 14 at 7 pm
A Quiet Belief in Angels by R. J. Ellory
Everyone is welcome!
Our book club has been meeting for several years and we have read some very interesting books. Not everyone has liked the selections but that always makes for good discussions. As a rule the books are very popular and other bookclubs choose to read them.
Our discussions are quite informal but always lively. Though we have a solid group of people who have been attending for years, we always welcome drop-ins who have read the book. At the end of each meeting we vote on the next selection so we are often reading the very latest popular titles. We always select paperbacks.
Linda, the book club coordinator, is adding comments at the bottom of this page. You can reply to her comments or add your own comments very easily. I hope you will let her know what you think.
Here are some of the titles that we have enjoyed:
Click on the title to see more information about the book, including reviews.
ISBN-13: 9781439169018 Availability: Not Currently Available Published: Scribner, 06/01/2010
This book was quite strange and the reaction to it was mixed. Some really did not like the book and others liked it a lot. Most could not put it down though. Reading about a obsessive compulsive person was very different for me but many thought he was the most normal character in the story.
None of us were certain what the author meant by the title- what exactly she was referring to with her reference to symmetry. Many were horrified at the end when Elspeth proved herself to be quite selfish- can't say more because it will give it away. Anyway, it was a strange but fascinating read and certainly fodder for a great discussion.
ISBN-13: 9780307278258 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Vintage, 04/01/2009
Bookclub says: Most of us do not read short stories but we like this author. Each set of characters was so interesting that we were not happy that the story ended and we had to leave the characters. We wanted more about the various people who inhabited this unaccustomed earth.
ISBN-13: 9780375714368 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Vintage, 01/01/2010
I'm really glad Cutting For Stone is now in paper. This book is what I think of as a saga. It's the story of twin brothers who grow up in Ethiopia. The author has created memorable characters, people you care about. While the political situation in Ethiopia is the backdrop for most of the action, this is most definitely a story about people you won't easily forget. I hope you get the chance to read it then come in and talk about it. I love to talk about books. I can even talk to you right here on this page. I'd love to hear what you have enjoyed reading recently. Linda
ISBN-13: 9781565129771 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 01/01/2010
Most of the 11 attending the meeting liked the book. There were notable exceptions though. We spent a good deal of time on the main characters. Most felt that they were not very likable people. One member found the plot predictable.
There was one comment that the novel had no literary value.
Personally, the book was page turner for me. I found it entertaining. I really am happy when there is give and take in a book discussion. It spices things up. What do you think?
Linda
Diane liked the book but thought it obviously was written by a man- ask her to explain this- when you see her.
ISBN-13: 9780385343039 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Delta, 08/01/2009
Rana says: This story shows the mystery of memories, and how bigotry can twist anything. Olivia Harker Cross does not understand why certain families in town hate her and are killing the wolves brought in by her Grandfather. The family secrets nearly get her and her friends killed, too. Once I started reading this story, I could not put it down until I found the answers.
Linda says: Olivia Harker Cross lives on a mountain in rural Kentucky. Life has not been easy, but Oliver gets by. She operates a small general store to support herself, her grandson, and her mentally unbalanced mother. When someone starts hunting the wolves on her mountain, she must unravel the secrets of the past to understand the events of the present.
Bookclub says: Everyone present liked the story and the way it was written. We spent some time trying to pinpoint just when the story took place, but that proved to make the novel more interesting--did the author intensionally make it vague?
ISBN-13: 9780307454546 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Vintage, 06/01/2009
Diane says: I never thought I would be drawn to read a book about a 24-year old pierced and tattooed genius hacker but this one led me on a merry chase around Sweden. Maybe the locale was the draw for me but the mystery quickly captured my attention. This book, part family saga, part love story, part financial intrigue, shows the dark and seedy side of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden. It is a sensation in Europe and is likely to be one here too. (That was an understatemnt!)
This triology is very popular and once you read the first one, you can't wait to read the next two. Too bad that the author died and we won't be getting any more novels from him.
ISBN-13: 9780061624773 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Harper Paperbacks, 09/01/2009
Linda says: Once I started to read this novel, I hated having to put it down. The main character, Towner Whitney, is unique and appealing. The story moves with ease between the events of the past and their results in the present. It is a haunting story set in contemporary Salem, Massachusetts where witches have become a tourist attraction. It's a real page-turner.
Diane says: I loved it also. The ending was a surprise and that made the book even better.
According to the book, witchcraft is a tourist industry in Salem and after reading the book, I definitely want to visit and see for myself. What a great book for discusssion!
ISBN-13: 9780451226815 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: NAL Trade, 05/01/2009
Linda says: This novel, set in the 1970's, beautifully captures the heart and soul of the characters who inhabit this city on the verge of revolution. They are young people coming of age in a climate where brutality and fear are facts of life. The appealing characters and vivid sense of time and place make this a terrific read and a great book club choice.
Diane says: Mahbod, a local author, has written a wonderful love story that takes place in a tumultuous time in Iran. The 17 year old protagonist has a pure and lasting love for the girl next door who just happens to be promised to another. Of course bad things happen during this time of the Shah so politics comes into the mix to make the story interesting to men and women alike.
Book clubs will enjoy discussing this book and learning more about the Iranian people. The author is available to visit book clubs in this area.
ISBN-13: 9780345485557 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Ballantine Books, 12/01/2008
Diane says: I enjoyed this book and the opportunity to meet the characters who divided up Mesopotamia into Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Through the eyes of Agnes Shanklin, a naive spinster schoolteacher, we meet Winston Churchill, Gertrude Bell, and T. E. Lawrence, otherwise known as Lawrence of Arabia. The author has made up interesting portraits of each of these participants in the Cairo Peace Conference and a colorful travelogue for the area. The characters were well researched by the author but it did lead me to Wikipedia to learn more.
Isn't that what novels are about- teaching you something or leading you to learn more on your own?
ISBN-13: 9780452295292 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Plume, 04/01/2009
The story takes place during the siege of Leningrad when two unfortunate guys are given the impossible of finding a dozen eggs in a city cut off from all supplies and suffering unbelievable deprivation. If they can produce the eggs, needed by a powerful colonel whose daughter is getting married and wants a wedding cake, they will be released from prison and probable execution.
The story is fast-paced with plenty of action as the two young men come together and form a bond. They try to survive behind enemy lines in the face of the abuses of war and carnage and the deprivations in the civilian population.
Diane says: This coming-of-age story was surprisingly good though not for the feint-of-heart. The siege of Leningrad is an interesting subject and I would recommend The Madonnas of Leningrad for those who would prefer a little less graphic take on the war. Or try The Skeletons at the Feast for an even more brutal look at the the flight of Germans east as the Russian army advances on Germany. I really enjoyed them all.
ISBN-13: 9780767931113 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Anchor, 05/01/2010
Readers of The Shadow of the Wind will enjoy another visit to the Cemetery of Lost Books even though this is not a sequel. This dark Faustian story that will keep you up far into the night. But is is worth the loss of sleep for this thriller.
Well, some members of the book club did not like this book and a few couldn't finish it. The magical realism seemed to throw some readers and others just didn't like it. A couple of us liked the language and the imagery but others would have liked more description and history of Barcelona.
The twists and turns were confusing to some and the ending was not at all satisfactory for most of us.
A small group met to talk about Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The novel is set in Barcelona in the early part of the Twentieth Century. There is a dark, Gothic atmosphere. The story asks the question "How far will a writer go to succeed in his craft?"
Generally the group felt that there were aspects they liked but some they didn't. The criticism most heard was that it was confusing--hard to tell what was real and what was not. The discussion was lively because the readers reacted in different ways to the elements of the story.
Our next selection is Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger.
Brunonia Barry wrote a book called The Lace Reader. I really liked the novel and its main character. Didn't see the twist at the end coming.
The Map of True Places is also set in New England. The main character, Zee Finch,a therapist, returns home to recover after the suicide of one of her patients. She finds her elderly father's health has deteriorated. He has separated from his long-time partner and refuses to discuss the situation. Zee stays to care for her father, but is drawn back into the life of her mother, a woman who also committed suicide. The wonderful characters and compelling story make this one another winner.
Just finished reading the imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. This book is on the hardcover fiction list right now. I really enjoyed reading it. Each chapter is preceded by a headline from a newspaper. In fact I'd say the newspaper is a character in the book.
The chapters follow the stories of each staff member and end with a segment on the history of this paper as it begins, grows and finally declines. Tom Rachman has crafted a highly enjoyable read. The story of this paper represents the changes in the world of journalism and gently examines the lives of a group of people who have given so much of themselves to this calling and now find that all the rules have changed. I found it particularly interesting in light of the changes going on in the book world right now.
Carolyn Parkhurst's new novel unfolds from the point of view of Olivia Frost, successful novelist and mother of rock star Milo Frost. As the story begins, Olivia is in New York City to deliver the manuscript of her new book. She feels it's a literary breakthrough. She has come back to each of her other published works and rewritten the ending. While standing in Times Square, she reads a new headline which states that her son has been arrested for murdering his girl friend. Though Olivia and Milo had been estranged for years, she flies to San Francisco to support him.
The book is riveting. We are drawn into the murder mystery but equally captivated by the story of Olivia and her son. The author uses the new manuscript to reveal the history of this relationship. It is an extremely well written novel, due out in hard cover this month.
The Passage is due out today, June 8. This book has been generating a lot of talk in book circles. Justin Cronin is a well respected novelist. He usually writes what is described as literary fiction. This book, while still well written, is a departure for him.
The plot takes place in the not so distant future. In seeking a deadly new weapon for the war on terror, the U.S. genetically engineers a soldier that is not only difficult to kill and capable of quickly healing any damage done to it's body. Where this project goes terribly wrong is in using prisoners from death row as test subjects. These creatures with incredible power escape into the world with devastating consequences.
The book grabs your attention from the start and holds it to the last page. I imagine lots of people will be reading and talking about this one.
Last night was our discussion of Lisa See's Shanghai Girls. This novel is about Chinese sisters. Before WWII, they led a carefree life style. They were beautiful and were frequently photographed for calendars and advertising. It follows them through the Japanese invasion and a new life in America.
The book club generally enjoyed the book and we found lots of different aspects to talk about. Those of you who were not able to join us were missed. We also welcomed 3 new readers to our circle.
Our selection for next month is Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. This one is set in Barcelona in the early 20th Century.As always, I can't wait to hear what all of you think.
David Mitchell writes what is described as literary fiction. His new book continues that tradition. It is a historical fiction that should appeal to both men and women.
Jacob arrives in Japan as a young clerk assigned by the Dutch East India Company to edit their books and uncover the fraud which runs rampant through their operations. He is quite naive--the son of a minister with a strict ethical code. He is immediately at odds with most of the company.
Set in the years 1799-1817, it is a story rich with historical details and peopled with lively, fully realized characters. This book was a real pleasure to read.
Just finished reading the imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. This book is on the hardcover fiction list right now. I really enjoyed reading it. Each chapter is preceded by a headline from a newspaper. In fact I'd say the newspaper is a character in the book.
The chapters follow the stories of each staff member and end with a segment on the history of this paper as it begins, grows and finally declines. Tom Rachman has crafted a highly enjoyable read. The story of this paper represents the changes in the world of journalism and gently examines the lives of a group of people who have given so much of themselves to this calling and now find that all the rules have changed. I found it particularly interesting in light of the changes going on in the book world right now.
Ariana Franklin has set her novels in England during the reign of Henry II. The protagonist is Adelia Aguilar, a Sicilian woman who has studied medicine at that country's famous medical school.
Adelia has become an expert in examining dead bodies to find the clues to how they died. She is called "the Mistress of the Art of Death." She was sent to Henry by his cousin who is the king of Sicily to help find a serial killer. She does so well, Henry decides to keep her. At this time in England, a woman practicing medicine would be branded a witch and executed. Adelia has to pretend to be an interpreter for Mansur,an Arab who grew up in Sicily with Adelia. They pretend that he tells Adelia what to do. Few people know the truth.
There are now 4 books in this series, each blending fictional characters with those historical figures who populated this time period, including Henry's wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
1. Mistress of the Art of Death
2. The Serpent's Tale
3. Grave Goods
4. A Murderous Procession (this one ends is a cliff-hanger!)
Christopher Fowler write a series featuring two detectives who work The "peculiar crimes" division. Not unlike X-Files, Mr Bryant is open to explanations that go beyond the physical world. His partner Mr May is detail orientated. He follows the physical evidence to arrive at the solution to the crimes. Both men are well passed the age of retirement which adds another difference to these stories.
In A Full Dark House we first meet the two men. After an explosion at headquarters,Bryant is missing. May goes back in his mind to the first case the two worked on, that one during the London Blitz.
The Water Room they investigate a series of bizarre murders that may have a connection to an ancient Egyptian deity.
If you're looking for something different, give these two detectives a try.
Sometimes I like quirky kinds of books. I've recently read books in two series that are unusual.
M.J. Rose writes mystery stories about a group of people who are dedicated to proving that reincarnation happen regularly. Because of this, the stories take place both in the present and in times past. There are recurring characters--those trying to find proof of reincarnation--and characters featured in just one of the three novels.
The first novel is The Reincarnationist. We first meet the recurring characters, members of the Phoenix Foundation, mostly psychiatrists. The character featured is a journalist who has been experiencing flashback to Ancient Rome and the temple of the Vestal Virgins.
The next book is The Memorist. This one is set in Vienna and features a young woman whose visions take back in time to the Indus Valley and the creation of a bone flute once hidden by Beethoven because of its dangerous ability to transport listeners to their past life.
The most recent title is The Hypnotist. The contemporary story takes place in New York. There are two character with flashbacks, one a girl of 7, the other an FBI agent. Their stories take them back to Ancient Greece then to Persia, to a statute of the Greek God Hypnos. The ownership of this statue is also an important part of the present day story-line.
I have enjoyed all of the books. I also think the books have become more interesting as the story continues to unfold.
Since I'm spending more time at home, I thought I share some of the titles I've really liked in my reading. There are lots so I'll just start with some series I enjoy.
Laurie King writes a series featuring Sherlock Holmes and his wife(!)Mary Russell. San Ramon/Danville picked her Locked Rooms as it's city read a couple of summers ago so lots of you may already be familiar with this series. I discovered it years ago and have watched it evolve into something I always look forward to reading.
The Language of Bees is the follow-up to Locked Rooms. The couple is once more at home in England but have no time to enjoy their homecoming. A visit by a young painter launches them into just the kind of puzzle Holmes and Russell enjoy solving. All of the action takes place in Britain but the detectives take diverse tracks. The conclusion find both of them in the Orkney Islands. Don't want to spoil the ending, but I will say it ends with a cliff-hanger.
The God of the Hive is the sequel and takes off right where the last book left off. Once more they are on separate paths but both find danger, new allies and a very dangerous new enemy! I stayed up late reading--this mystery does not disappoint. I was glad to read that Laurie King is working on a new Holmes and Russell novel.
We had a terrific discussion of Little Bee. What Makes me say that is the fact that the discussion was lively and everyone participated. Most had mixed feeling about the novel; there were things that members liked and thing that members criticized. Our next selection is Shanghai Girls. We will discuss this Lisa See work on Tuesday, June 8th at 7 PM. Please join us at the San Ramon store.
I'm home recuperating from surgery on my foot. I mostly stretch out on the couch and read. I miss being in the store and talking to you about books. It would be great to have an online conversation with you. How about it? Set up a user name and password and we can get down to some good discussions.
Hi Linda,
I guess you are enjoying the time to read. I know you will have lots of new ideas for us to read. I just finished Shanghai Girls and I really enjoyed it. I think the book really gets into the Chinese psyche and shows us the importance of family, tradition and keeping one's culture. I had never heard of "paper sons" before and found that quite interesting.
The sacrifices made for family were quite amazing and I wonder how many people of today would be willing to make the same sacrifices. And best of all, I think we learned a lot about the history of our country through this book. I can imagine that many people today live in the same kind of fear that was evident in this book. Hopefully lots of people will read it and I am excited to hear that maybe there is a sequel- I am certainly going to read it.
I have started The Coral Thief and I think that I will like it. It takes place in 1815 Paris- so what is there not to like? So far it is quite mysterious and definitely a literary thriller- at least so far.
I am listening to The Private Patient by PD James and I don't know if I like it or not. I love hearing the author's voice- and accent but the story hasn't grabbed me yet- but it is starting to do so.
I'm always happy when the book club members like the selection for the month. Denis Lehane's novel proved to be just such a book. Everyone found things to talk about--the characters, the events which took place in Boston at that time, and the way the author combined historical events with fictional onesin a way that truly worked. Has anyone out there read this book? Let me know what you think.
There are several books I've recently finished reading. Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin is a book about a woman living in Rwanda who has a business baking cakes at her home. Her cakes are quite famous and she really enjoys her work. I was expecting this to be light reading but it has more substance. It's a book I feel could be a good selection for book clubs.
Where the God of Love Hangs Out by Amy Bloom Is a collection of short stories about love in its many guises. There are 2 story lines that have more than one work with the same character but most stand alone. I can't say enough about Amy Blooms writing. I really enjoyed this book.
Has anyone read anything new? As I've said, I love to talk about books, but I also like to hear what you've been reading. After our book club discussions, I ask everyone what else they have been reading. I get lots of good recommendations that way.
Our book club met last Tuesday to discuss A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. There were 11 of us and most of us liked the book. There were notable exceptions. We spent a good deal of time on the main characters. Most felt that they were not very likable people. One member found the plot predictable. There was one comment that the novel had no literary value. Personally, the book was page turner for me. I found it entertaining. I really am happy when there is give and take in a book discussion. It spices things up. What do you think?
I'm really glad Cutting For Stone is now in paper. This book is what I think of as a saga. It's the story of twin brothers who grow up in Ethiopia. The author has created memorable characters, people you care about. While the political situation in Ethiopia is the backdrop for most of the action, this is most definitely a story about people you won't easily forget. I hope you get the chance to read it then come in and talk about it. I love to talk about books. I can even talk to you right here on this page. I' love to hear what you have enjoyed reading recently.
There are so many really good books out now or coming soon. While I recommend paper backs when you are in the store, I do read a lot of hard cover titles. I have found some very good books and look forward to the day they come out in paper so I can recommend them to you. One I have just finished is called Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin. It is historical fiction that looks at the friendship between the child Alice Liddell and Charles Dodgson,who wrote under the pen name Lewis Carroll. I really enjoyed the story and found the character Alice very appealing. This is one book groups will love to discuss when it is available.
People often ask me to recommend a good book. I usually ask them what they read that they liked. Taste in reading is highly subjective. I believe that being in a book club exposes me to many different types of stories and has helped me to grow as a reader. Before I recommend anything I need to find out what kind of books you like and try to recommend something similar. I don't like to recommend books I haven't read because I take my recommendations seriously. If you ask me, I promise I will not suggest anything I didn't like. If you ask about something I haven't read I'll tell you so and pass along any comments I've heard. Stop in and talk books with me sometimes. I like hearing about what you've been reading, too.
We have been reading good books for quite a few years now. I always look forward to our meetings. After we discuss the book, we talk about other titles members have read. I've heard about some very good reads that way. Our meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 7 PM. We choose the next selection at the end of our meeting so we can always choose something that is popular at the moment.
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July Discussion
A small group met to talk about Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The novel is set in Barcelona in the early part of the Twentieth Century. There is a dark, Gothic atmosphere. The story asks the question "How far will a writer go to succeed in his craft?"
Generally the group felt that there were aspects they liked but some they didn't. The criticism most heard was that it was confusing--hard to tell what was real and what was not. The discussion was lively because the readers reacted in different ways to the elements of the story.
Our next selection is Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger.
Linda
The Map of True Places
Brunonia Barry wrote a book called The Lace Reader. I really liked the novel and its main character. Didn't see the twist at the end coming.
The Map of True Places is also set in New England. The main character, Zee Finch,a therapist, returns home to recover after the suicide of one of her patients. She finds her elderly father's health has deteriorated. He has separated from his long-time partner and refuses to discuss the situation. Zee stays to care for her father, but is drawn back into the life of her mother, a woman who also committed suicide. The wonderful characters and compelling story make this one another winner.
Linda
the imperfectionists
Just finished reading the imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. This book is on the hardcover fiction list right now. I really enjoyed reading it. Each chapter is preceded by a headline from a newspaper. In fact I'd say the newspaper is a character in the book.
The chapters follow the stories of each staff member and end with a segment on the history of this paper as it begins, grows and finally declines. Tom Rachman has crafted a highly enjoyable read. The story of this paper represents the changes in the world of journalism and gently examines the lives of a group of people who have given so much of themselves to this calling and now find that all the rules have changed. I found it particularly interesting in light of the changes going on in the book world right now.
Linda
The Nobodies Album
Carolyn Parkhurst's new novel unfolds from the point of view of Olivia Frost, successful novelist and mother of rock star Milo Frost. As the story begins, Olivia is in New York City to deliver the manuscript of her new book. She feels it's a literary breakthrough. She has come back to each of her other published works and rewritten the ending. While standing in Times Square, she reads a new headline which states that her son has been arrested for murdering his girl friend. Though Olivia and Milo had been estranged for years, she flies to San Francisco to support him.
The book is riveting. We are drawn into the murder mystery but equally captivated by the story of Olivia and her son. The author uses the new manuscript to reveal the history of this relationship. It is an extremely well written novel, due out in hard cover this month.
Linda
The Passage
The Passage is due out today, June 8. This book has been generating a lot of talk in book circles. Justin Cronin is a well respected novelist. He usually writes what is described as literary fiction. This book, while still well written, is a departure for him.
The plot takes place in the not so distant future. In seeking a deadly new weapon for the war on terror, the U.S. genetically engineers a soldier that is not only difficult to kill and capable of quickly healing any damage done to it's body. Where this project goes terribly wrong is in using prisoners from death row as test subjects. These creatures with incredible power escape into the world with devastating consequences.
The book grabs your attention from the start and holds it to the last page. I imagine lots of people will be reading and talking about this one.
Linda
June book club discussion
Last night was our discussion of Lisa See's Shanghai Girls. This novel is about Chinese sisters. Before WWII, they led a carefree life style. They were beautiful and were frequently photographed for calendars and advertising. It follows them through the Japanese invasion and a new life in America.
The book club generally enjoyed the book and we found lots of different aspects to talk about. Those of you who were not able to join us were missed. We also welcomed 3 new readers to our circle.
Our selection for next month is Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. This one is set in Barcelona in the early 20th Century.As always, I can't wait to hear what all of you think.
Linda
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoot
David Mitchell writes what is described as literary fiction. His new book continues that tradition. It is a historical fiction that should appeal to both men and women.
Jacob arrives in Japan as a young clerk assigned by the Dutch East India Company to edit their books and uncover the fraud which runs rampant through their operations. He is quite naive--the son of a minister with a strict ethical code. He is immediately at odds with most of the company.
Set in the years 1799-1817, it is a story rich with historical details and peopled with lively, fully realized characters. This book was a real pleasure to read.
Linda
the imperfectionists
Just finished reading the imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. This book is on the hardcover fiction list right now. I really enjoyed reading it. Each chapter is preceded by a headline from a newspaper. In fact I'd say the newspaper is a character in the book.
The chapters follow the stories of each staff member and end with a segment on the history of this paper as it begins, grows and finally declines. Tom Rachman has crafted a highly enjoyable read. The story of this paper represents the changes in the world of journalism and gently examines the lives of a group of people who have given so much of themselves to this calling and now find that all the rules have changed. I found it particularly interesting in light of the changes going on in the book world right now.
Linda
Historical Series
Ariana Franklin has set her novels in England during the reign of Henry II. The protagonist is Adelia Aguilar, a Sicilian woman who has studied medicine at that country's famous medical school.
Adelia has become an expert in examining dead bodies to find the clues to how they died. She is called "the Mistress of the Art of Death." She was sent to Henry by his cousin who is the king of Sicily to help find a serial killer. She does so well, Henry decides to keep her. At this time in England, a woman practicing medicine would be branded a witch and executed. Adelia has to pretend to be an interpreter for Mansur,an Arab who grew up in Sicily with Adelia. They pretend that he tells Adelia what to do. Few people know the truth.
There are now 4 books in this series, each blending fictional characters with those historical figures who populated this time period, including Henry's wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
1. Mistress of the Art of Death
2. The Serpent's Tale
3. Grave Goods
4. A Murderous Procession (this one ends is a cliff-hanger!)
Linda
Another quirky series
Christopher Fowler write a series featuring two detectives who work The "peculiar crimes" division. Not unlike X-Files, Mr Bryant is open to explanations that go beyond the physical world. His partner Mr May is detail orientated. He follows the physical evidence to arrive at the solution to the crimes. Both men are well passed the age of retirement which adds another difference to these stories.
In A Full Dark House we first meet the two men. After an explosion at headquarters,Bryant is missing. May goes back in his mind to the first case the two worked on, that one during the London Blitz.
The Water Room they investigate a series of bizarre murders that may have a connection to an ancient Egyptian deity.
If you're looking for something different, give these two detectives a try.
Linda
more series
Sometimes I like quirky kinds of books. I've recently read books in two series that are unusual.
M.J. Rose writes mystery stories about a group of people who are dedicated to proving that reincarnation happen regularly. Because of this, the stories take place both in the present and in times past. There are recurring characters--those trying to find proof of reincarnation--and characters featured in just one of the three novels.
The first novel is The Reincarnationist. We first meet the recurring characters, members of the Phoenix Foundation, mostly psychiatrists. The character featured is a journalist who has been experiencing flashback to Ancient Rome and the temple of the Vestal Virgins.
The next book is The Memorist. This one is set in Vienna and features a young woman whose visions take back in time to the Indus Valley and the creation of a bone flute once hidden by Beethoven because of its dangerous ability to transport listeners to their past life.
The most recent title is The Hypnotist. The contemporary story takes place in New York. There are two character with flashbacks, one a girl of 7, the other an FBI agent. Their stories take them back to Ancient Greece then to Persia, to a statute of the Greek God Hypnos. The ownership of this statue is also an important part of the present day story-line.
I have enjoyed all of the books. I also think the books have become more interesting as the story continues to unfold.
Linda
What I've been reading
Since I'm spending more time at home, I thought I share some of the titles I've really liked in my reading. There are lots so I'll just start with some series I enjoy.
Laurie King writes a series featuring Sherlock Holmes and his wife(!)Mary Russell. San Ramon/Danville picked her Locked Rooms as it's city read a couple of summers ago so lots of you may already be familiar with this series. I discovered it years ago and have watched it evolve into something I always look forward to reading.
The Language of Bees is the follow-up to Locked Rooms. The couple is once more at home in England but have no time to enjoy their homecoming. A visit by a young painter launches them into just the kind of puzzle Holmes and Russell enjoy solving. All of the action takes place in Britain but the detectives take diverse tracks. The conclusion find both of them in the Orkney Islands. Don't want to spoil the ending, but I will say it ends with a cliff-hanger.
The God of the Hive is the sequel and takes off right where the last book left off. Once more they are on separate paths but both find danger, new allies and a very dangerous new enemy! I stayed up late reading--this mystery does not disappoint. I was glad to read that Laurie King is working on a new Holmes and Russell novel.
To be continued...
Linda
May discussion of Little Bee
We had a terrific discussion of Little Bee. What Makes me say that is the fact that the discussion was lively and everyone participated. Most had mixed feeling about the novel; there were things that members liked and thing that members criticized. Our next selection is Shanghai Girls. We will discuss this Lisa See work on Tuesday, June 8th at 7 PM. Please join us at the San Ramon store.
Linda
Check in
I'm home recuperating from surgery on my foot. I mostly stretch out on the couch and read. I miss being in the store and talking to you about books. It would be great to have an online conversation with you. How about it? Set up a user name and password and we can get down to some good discussions.
Linda
Lucky You- having time to read!
Hi Linda,
I guess you are enjoying the time to read. I know you will have lots of new ideas for us to read. I just finished Shanghai Girls and I really enjoyed it. I think the book really gets into the Chinese psyche and shows us the importance of family, tradition and keeping one's culture. I had never heard of "paper sons" before and found that quite interesting.
The sacrifices made for family were quite amazing and I wonder how many people of today would be willing to make the same sacrifices. And best of all, I think we learned a lot about the history of our country through this book. I can imagine that many people today live in the same kind of fear that was evident in this book. Hopefully lots of people will read it and I am excited to hear that maybe there is a sequel- I am certainly going to read it.
I have started The Coral Thief and I think that I will like it. It takes place in 1815 Paris- so what is there not to like? So far it is quite mysterious and definitely a literary thriller- at least so far.
I am listening to The Private Patient by PD James and I don't know if I like it or not. I love hearing the author's voice- and accent but the story hasn't grabbed me yet- but it is starting to do so.
Happy Reading,
Diane
April discussion of The Given Day
I'm always happy when the book club members like the selection for the month. Denis Lehane's novel proved to be just such a book. Everyone found things to talk about--the characters, the events which took place in Boston at that time, and the way the author combined historical events with fictional onesin a way that truly worked. Has anyone out there read this book? Let me know what you think.
Linda
Latest Books
There are several books I've recently finished reading. Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin is a book about a woman living in Rwanda who has a business baking cakes at her home. Her cakes are quite famous and she really enjoys her work. I was expecting this to be light reading but it has more substance. It's a book I feel could be a good selection for book clubs.
Where the God of Love Hangs Out by Amy Bloom Is a collection of short stories about love in its many guises. There are 2 story lines that have more than one work with the same character but most stand alone. I can't say enough about Amy Blooms writing. I really enjoyed this book.
Linda
books, of course.
Has anyone read anything new? As I've said, I love to talk about books, but I also like to hear what you've been reading. After our book club discussions, I ask everyone what else they have been reading. I get lots of good recommendations that way.
Linda
Reliable Wife discussion
Our book club met last Tuesday to discuss A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. There were 11 of us and most of us liked the book. There were notable exceptions. We spent a good deal of time on the main characters. Most felt that they were not very likable people. One member found the plot predictable. There was one comment that the novel had no literary value. Personally, the book was page turner for me. I found it entertaining. I really am happy when there is give and take in a book discussion. It spices things up. What do you think?
Linda
Cutting For Stone
I'm really glad Cutting For Stone is now in paper. This book is what I think of as a saga. It's the story of twin brothers who grow up in Ethiopia. The author has created memorable characters, people you care about. While the political situation in Ethiopia is the backdrop for most of the action, this is most definitely a story about people you won't easily forget. I hope you get the chance to read it then come in and talk about it. I love to talk about books. I can even talk to you right here on this page. I' love to hear what you have enjoyed reading recently.
Linda
What I've read lately
There are so many really good books out now or coming soon. While I recommend paper backs when you are in the store, I do read a lot of hard cover titles. I have found some very good books and look forward to the day they come out in paper so I can recommend them to you. One I have just finished is called Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin. It is historical fiction that looks at the friendship between the child Alice Liddell and Charles Dodgson,who wrote under the pen name Lewis Carroll. I really enjoyed the story and found the character Alice very appealing. This is one book groups will love to discuss when it is available.
Linda
Good Book
People often ask me to recommend a good book. I usually ask them what they read that they liked. Taste in reading is highly subjective. I believe that being in a book club exposes me to many different types of stories and has helped me to grow as a reader. Before I recommend anything I need to find out what kind of books you like and try to recommend something similar. I don't like to recommend books I haven't read because I take my recommendations seriously. If you ask me, I promise I will not suggest anything I didn't like. If you ask about something I haven't read I'll tell you so and pass along any comments I've heard. Stop in and talk books with me sometimes. I like hearing about what you've been reading, too.
Linda
book club
We have been reading good books for quite a few years now. I always look forward to our meetings. After we discuss the book, we talk about other titles members have read. I've heard about some very good reads that way. Our meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 7 PM. We choose the next selection at the end of our meeting so we can always choose something that is popular at the moment.
Linda