Saturday, April 17, 2010

Book Report

Before I start talking about books, what do you think of this blog background? I think I like it, although I had to mess around with the HTML code for my own blog template to get the margins right. The right margin on the sidebar is still a little too far to the right, but I'm not sure what else to do, so it can just stay that way. It's readable, I believe. Is this background more ME do you think?

So, BOOKS. It tickles me that so many of you read and enjoy "discussing" books on my blog. As you know, I've been reading lately, and some of what I've been reading have been your suggestions. I really enjoyed The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It took me a little bit to get into it because the book starts with a bunch of background on Sweden's business and financial systems, but once I got past that, it was hard to put it down. In fact, I promptly ordered the next book, The Girl Who Played With Fire, and again it was hard to put down. I don't know why, but I didn't read the author bio until the end of the second book, and that's when I learned that Stieg Larsson, the author, died not long after turning in manuscripts for the first three books. Do you know what that means? I only have one more book to read and that's the end! Here in the U.S., The Girl Who Kicked a Hornet's Nest will be released in about a month, although it's been out in Europe for some months now. In fact, when I was sitting in the surgeon's waiting room the other day, a man came in carrying the book, and I had serious thoughts of mugging him to get it! If you enjoy reading and haven't read the first one yet, pick it up next time you're at the library or bookstore.

Another book I've enjoyed lately is The Unquiet Bones. I'm not sure how I found this one, but I think it might have been an Amazon recommendation. The book is set in medieval England and the main character is Hugh de Singleton, a younger son of landed gentry who must make his own way in the world. While studying for the clergy at Oxford, he becomes interested in surgery. Hugh continues studying on his own and then undertakes more formal surgical studies in France. Upon returning to Oxford, he opens a small practice. One thing leads to another, and he ends up investigating the death of an unidentified woman whose bones are discovered in the privy pit of a nearby castle. Some Amazon reviewers criticized the story as being unrealistic, but for those of us who enjoy mystery and history--especially English history--I think this is an enjoyable book. In fact, I've ordered the second book in the series, a Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel--it should get here before too long.

Because I belong to a book club that meets at my local quilt shop, I'm always on the lookout for quilt-related fiction. I came across this book on Amazon and saw that it had seven customer reviews and each reviewer gave the book five stars, so I ordered it.


Have you read it? The reason I ask is that I got to page 38 and put it down. I found I didn't really relate to the main character--I just kept wanting to slap her. As far as I could tell, the woman was suffering from depression and knew it but felt seeking treatment was somehow disgraceful. However, even that much wasn't entirely clear--there seemed to be several mysteries involved that the authors were trying to keep mysterous--to the point that I was just getting a little bored. I wouldn't really MIND picking it up and trying again if I thought there was a good reason to do so, and that's why I ask if any of you have read it. If you have, if you liked it, let me know.

Have YOU read anything new lately that you can recommend to the rest of us?

13 comments:

Shelley said...

I like this background but the important thing is Do YOU like it? It is very fresh and springy and gardeny. Interesting thoughts about the books.

Heckety said...

Definately this background is more you...well, if you wear frilly knicker elastic? Polka dots are a good thing!!

I like the sound of the Unquiet Bones, think I've seen it in the Library here. And Stieg Larsson I intend to read but haven't yet. Never come across the last one though. If you are into gardening, which you seem to be at present, Mom lent me The Gardener by Prue Leith and I'm enjoying it at present, not riveting, but just good.
Have a polka dot day!

Judy in Michigan said...

Hi - I like the polka dots but not-so-much the ivy. Maybe just more polka dots but I focus on your words which I enjoy immensely. Now, have you read any Sandra Dallas books? They have a quilt theme and are wonderful stories - Persian Pickle Club, Alice's Tulips, Buster's Cafe (not sure about the title but Buster is part of it). I have read almost all her books. I especially liked Prayers for Sale (her newest I think). Thanks for the other titles. I read the Tatoo book and had a hard time at the beginning but then couldn't put it down. Have a fun weekend.

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Hey - ms feeling like I have been hit by a truck- taking a moment to say eh., being paged - Gran, Gran, Gran ttyl

Anonymous said...

I loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the next and, I was lucky enough to read the Hornet's Nest. A friend at work is British and lent me her copy. My only advice, review the ending of #2 before you begin #3 (if you're like me with a faulty memory) as it begins immediately where the second finished. So sad that there will be no more from this author; he weaves a great story.
As to quilting theme books, I recently stumbled on Love Knots but can't remember the author's name. Light reading, very quiltly and fun.
Thanks for your blog Kim, I'm one of your faithful readers.
Sue

Anonymous said...

Book was actually The Lover's Knot by Clare O'Donohue
Sue

Denise in PA said...

Ooh, the Unquiet Bones sounds right my my alley. I must check that out. Thanks! I am currently reading A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick - VERY good so far!

Denise in PA said...

Oh, I also meant to say I like the background!

Anonymous said...

I like your new background, I think you should keep it for a while. I like reading too, I got a Kindle a few months ago and really am glad I did. I like seeing other people's suggestions for books too. I joined a local book club last year and went to 1 meeting and just didn't bond with the members so I dropped out. Right now I am re-reading the Mitford book series by Jan Karon, a nice little read for the train commute.

Quilting_Chris said...

I like the background very much. Thank you for the review of the Dragon Tattoo. I picked it up at Costco based on someones recommendation, tried reading it in the hospital the past fews days and was having trouble getting in to it. I will keep going to get over that part.

Chris

Kim said...

I just read two good books, The Postmistress (I forgot the author) and Unfinished Desires by Gail Godwin. I enjoyed both of the books. I am currently rreading Dan Brown's newest--Lost Symbols. So far it is as good as his others.

Brandie said...

Your way is great.
Thanks for the book reviews, I'll have to pick them up.

Denise :) said...

I agree...Heart for a Hero was a little slow to start, but I thought it did pick up and turned out to be a fantastic book. Of course, I also happen to know the author (she's a member of our guild) and read the book after she shared how her own life experiences effected the story, and perhaps I could relate to the main character because of that. There is some mystery solving, and it's handled fairly well (I mean, c'mon, it wouldn't be much of a mystery if they let you in on it *too* early in the book)!