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What book are you currently reading?

Thought this would be a good place to share your taste in literature! What books have you read recently, what are you reading now and how would rate them? Would you recommend anything to a fellow Silverhairs friend?


Do you use a Kindle or similar or do you prefer a real book to hold?


I have just finished reading the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, which my youngest daughter is studying for ‘A’ Level. It is a devastating, masterful and painfully honest story … it tells the gripping account of a boyhood friendship destroyed by jealousy, fear, and ruthless evil.


The Kite Runner is an astonishing, powerful book that had me riveted from the first to the last page. It is a story of fierce cruelty and yet redeeming love, as well as of an intimate account of family and friendship.


I found it compelling and disturbing and opened my eyes to how evil reigns in the Middle East. Next on my list is A Thousand Splendid Suns written by the same author.


How about you?


Created By on 04/10/2012

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destry
30th Oct 2019 00:22:18
0
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Currently I am reading a psychological thriller which has a Rosemary's Baby feel to it, called "Lock Every Door" by Riley Sager. It's not bad...an easy read. On audiobook, of which I am addicted to because I can "read" while I paint or do chores, I just started another psychological thriller called "Someone We Know" by Shari Lapena. I flip between thrillers and sci-fi usually. Even better when they are sci-fi thrillers. lol Just finished Stephen King's latest " The Institute" on audiobook. Wasn't too bad. Not his best, but not his worst either. Binge listened, so not boring.
CaroleAH
19th Sep 2017 11:24:55 (Last activity: 28th Oct 2019 17:48:05)
0
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I have recently finished "The Miniaturist" a debut, best-selling novel by Jessie Burton. It was the choice of our U3A book group - one friend said that it was the worst novel she had ever read and another said that it was her best so it was with some trepidation that I started it. I have to say that I didn't enjoy its themes of homosexuality (terrible punishment for those caught in 17C Amsterdam), racism, oppressive religion and bigoted class system all interwoven with the actions of the enigmatic miniaturist who seems to be a clairvoyant. Has anyone else read this novel and what did you think about it?
Response from CaroleAH made on 28th Oct 2019 17:48:05
HI Marypoppins,
I didn't watch the TV adaptation of the book as I really didn't enjoy it. Some of the members of my book group, like you, thought that the novel and the TV programme were brilliant and want us to read "The Muse" which is Jessie Burton's second novel.
Pottop
4th Oct 2019 19:39:22
0
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I've enjoyed The Salt Path by Raynor Wynn. As well as enjoying this I felt that by buying it I was contributing to her in some very small way. However, it did awaken something within me especially as I was looking after my Mother 24/7 at the time of reading and I vowed that when she died (she was 99 at the time) I was going to leave home and run away (except I did it already at 17)! Ha.

She has since died, sadly and I am now thinking about that "grand walk". Raynor Wynn's fault, but it was such fascinating reading. I didn't realise that it could be possible except her circumstances dealt her such a blow in life that there were very little options in life other than to "go for a walk".
CaroB4
2nd Aug 2019 15:19:36
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I am currently reading "Force of Nature" by Jane Harper...which is keeping me guessing as yet!

I also enjoy Patricia Gibney's DI Lottie Parker series...have just finished the latest one. I like the way the private lives develop and intertwine with the story from the beginning. I made sure I read them in order.
wampus
12th Jan 2018 18:32:13 (Last activity: 2nd Aug 2019 15:13:49)
0
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Hi have just finished reading the last of the Harry Bosch detective series. I have lived nr Los Angeles and the series is very authentic and we'll written, if you like Jack Reacher you will like these,
Response from CaroB4 made on 2nd Aug 2019 15:13:49
My husband read all the Harry Bosch Jack Reacher novels during his period of illness ie the last two years to 3rd June...and he got a lot of pleasure from them. A nurse at the hospital asked him why he liked Jack Reacher so much..."Because he is naughty" was his response! Naughty indeed! I am not sure the nurse fully understood what "naughty" meant in this case!
Topsie
22nd Oct 2018 13:26:43 (Last activity: 3rd Jan 2019 19:21:43)
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I have just finished reading The Girl Who Wanted To Belong by Angela Hart. This book gives an insight to the problems Carers have to cope with. I have read all of her books also Casey Watson who is also a Carer. These two ladies have had extra training to cope with really difficult children who have not known the love of parents. All their books are good and interesting. The difference they make to a child is amazing.,
Response from Topsie made on 3rd Jan 2019 19:21:43
I agree with you. I have read all of Cathy Watson, and Angela Hart books. Also Cathy Glass but she hasn't had the extra training for really difficult children. It is a real and disturbing insight to how some children are treated by their biological parents. It is interesting to read how the Foster Parents gradually help these children to have a normal childhood and are then either moved to a long time Foster Carer or adopted.
CaroleAH
22nd Oct 2018 15:50:14
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Our U3A Book Group has just read "The Keeper of Lost Things" a first novel by Ruth Hogan. The majority of us (9 out of 11) thought that the book was brilliant and this is the report which I put on our website:
We had an interesting debate with many diverse opinions. Comments ranged from “the worst book I have ever read” and “boring” to “wonderful”, “clever plot, loved it” and “just as appealing second time round”. Most of us had great empathy with the Down’s Syndrome young woman, Sunshine, who was very much in tune with everyone’s feelings, spoken or unspoken, and who had an often quirky way of expressing herself; she always described herself as being “dancing drome”. The verdict of the majority was that this was a super first novel which left us feeling good!
Scores out of 10 ranged between 2 and 10 with an average score of 7.
I would be interested to hear if you have read it and what you thought about it.
jeanmark
30th Mar 2018 14:45:19
1
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Just finished reading A Force to be Reckoned With - a History of the Women's Institute by Jane Robinson. I may be a WI member, but it is an interesting read for those who still believe it is an organisation made up of elderly ladies making jam and singing Jerusalem. Even if you do remember the Calendar Girls and the slow handclap for Tony Blair.........
JeriD123
29th Mar 2018 18:05:08 (Last activity: 29th Mar 2018 23:14:21)
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I'm reading "Future Home of the Living God" by Louise Erdrich. It is almost a sci-fi/post apocalyptic tale. Almost. It is much more a story of hope amid hopelessness. At least it is so far!
Response from 9blackbird made on 29th Mar 2018 23:14:21
At the moment Im reading one of Philippa Gregorys novels ‘ The taming of the Queen ‘ Its not my usual kind of book but I read one and couldn’t wait to read another. I alternate between reading on kindle or paperback depending on the price.
clutterstuff
12th Jan 2018 09:59:37 (Last activity: 6th Mar 2018 16:49:59)
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Im reading the Clifton chronicles by Jeffery Archer.. started as a trilogy now seven books !!! riveting reading. Want to get back to my Lee Child thrillers though !!
Response from 9blackbird made on 6th Mar 2018 16:49:59
I’ve also read most of the Clifton chronicles on my kindle and I enjoyed them but after a long gap I tried to read the next one but had forgotten what had happened in the previous books so I gave up! At the moment I’m hooked on Philippa Gregory novels about the Tudors. Although I don’t usually read historical novels I’m finding them a riveting read.
jeanmark
4th Nov 2017 15:32:34
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Just finished a feel good book called The Two Pound Tram by William Newton. I found this a gentle oddity that I couldn't help but enjoy.
Lyndaw
31st Oct 2017 21:47:30
0
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Home Going by Yaa Gyasi

Has anyone else read this novel? If so, do you think it lived up to the reviews?
Lyndaw
30th Oct 2017 19:38:36
0
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I've just finished reading The Underground Railroad by Collin Whitehead. It is the story of 2 slaves, Cora and Caesar in the southeastern United States in the 1880's. They make a bid for freedom using the Underground Railroad. It's a harrowing but riveting read. I highly recommend the novel.
Sal3591
30th Sep 2017 06:03:03 (Last activity: 30th Sep 2017 14:58:45)
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My Absolute Darling, by Gabriel Tallent. A gripping novel I could not put down. Reading on my kindle I wasn't even aware it had got dark until a noise outside made me look up.

I see I have The Minaturist in my kindle library so will give it a go next.
Response from CaroleAH made on 30th Sep 2017 14:58:45
Will be interested to hear what you think about The Miniaturist and I shall make a note of the book you are currently reading.
Lyndaw
19th Sep 2017 21:41:31 (Last activity: 19th Sep 2017 22:57:25)
1
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It is since quite a while since I read 'The Minituarist' and that with in a book group. As I recall, we were all a little disappointed with the novel, it did not live up to the hype.
Response from CaroleAH made on 19th Sep 2017 22:57:25
That's what most of our group felt as well (eleven members). Our marks out of ten ranged from four to eight with an average score of six. One of our criteria for judging a book is whether we would recommend it to a friend and our resounding answer was No!
Lyndaw
18th Sep 2017 21:20:12
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Sorry it should be Elly Griffiths!
Viv1947
7th Jul 2017 16:48:30 (Last activity: 18th Sep 2017 19:24:03)
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I'm reading A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton I've read quite a few of her books (that I am going to reread) but never read this one. I'm starting from this one and going to go right through the Alphabet
Response from jeanmark made on 8th Jul 2017 13:03:26
I've never read any of hers, are they good?
Response from jeanmark made on 18th Sep 2017 19:24:03
Well Viv, X have just finished 'X ' and enjoyed it. I try to buy most of my books in Charity Shops and that was the only one I found. I'll certainly try others as I see them so thank you.
Lyndaw
18th Sep 2017 10:52:04 (Last activity: 18th Sep 2017 19:21:22)
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I've just finished reading a series of novels by Ely Griffiths. Thee are set in Norfolk and although they are "crime' they feature an archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway. The same characters appear in each book, and what I enjoyed was the way in which the author developed the characters throughout the series. At present I am reading 'Carte Postales' by Victoria Hislop.
Response from jeanmark made on 18th Sep 2017 19:21:22
I've not read any of these and will search them out to try. Thank you.
Lyndaw
18th Sep 2017 11:00:41
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I read the 'Kite Runner' several years ago. It was a 'word of mouth' book at that time. It was a devasting read but I knew nothing about Afghanistan prior to the Russian invasion and the Taliban so I learned a lot. I've also read 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khalid Hosseini which is well worth reading.
[deleted]
11th Aug 2017 22:44:25
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