I just started. It is intriguing. He just rented the apartment. Its too early to get an idea of what his secrets are. I love the description of the town. Its a place i would like to visit.
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Ok, just added Lilac People to my TBR list.
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I think you’ll like it, Holly. It’s WWII fiction but it covers a bit of history I knew very little about. Definitely not a fluffy book - kind of like This Here Is Love. My favorite historical fiction books are those that don’t sugarcoat the era, that teach me something new, and that leave me thinking about them. These two definitely are like that.
Appreciate the feedback on 33 Place Brugmann, Lynne. It has been on my list and I was thinking about starting it sooner than later. My local library did Elizabeth Berg’s “prequel” to Arthur Truluv in December for our monthly book discussion - Earth’s the Right Place for Love. Bit of an odd title, but it is borrowed from a Robert Frost poem. Like so many talented authors, Berg appreciates poetry.
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+I hope you enjoy HOW TO READ A BOOK, Carol. Our book club just talked about it today and we loved it. Great characters. We all rated it 10s, which is our highest rating for any book.
I loved “The Story of Arthur Truluv” so much, as did everyone I recommended it to when I worked as a readers advisory librarian. Same for the second book in the series, “Night of Miracles”. Elizabeth Berg is an extraordinary author.
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I finished The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones last night. In an earlier post someone asked me what I thought of the story. As promised, here’s my reaction.
Make no mistake this is a story about vampires in which one of the main characters, Good Stab, hunts and drinks blood of people and animals. He seeks revenge on the buffalo hunters especially; however, his thirst does not exclude others, including native people. Good Stab is battling another much older vampire as well as an essential character, a religious leader in Miles City, Montana. The story’s time setting is mostly 1912 although does link to 2012.
I don’t like horror stories, and yet, why was I compelled to read this book to the end? If I don’t like a book, I just close it down. I asked myself what about this story was of “interest?” There were two main factors.
- My grandparents were living in Miles City at this time. Gpa built houses and planted, tended and sold produce from his huge garden. My dad was born there; however, I assure you I never head revenge stories such as this which is the creative imagination of the author.
- The author’s use of Pikuni tribal language was intriguing. Animals and human names were unusual, e.g. rats were “dirty faces.” There were sufficient references to tribal cultural customs that kept my attention.
Initially, I thought the story was presented as a myth or native legend. After many descriptive episodes about Good Stab’s experiences, the vampire story took hold.
If you like horror plots then this book is for you; maybe a bit long. The author has won awards for his work often within the Horror category.
If you’ve read the book please let me know you opinion.
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Hi @NanK - I’m with you; Buffalo Hunter Hunter was outside my normal genre but it was nonetheless intriguing. There was definitely plenty of horror! I enjoyed the historical fiction and thought that aspect was exceptionally well done
I was a bit disappointed with the sections set in the modern day. I feel like the author could have found a better way to frame the narrative - maybe leave the modern section out entirely and stick with historical fiction all the way. The ending was appropriate, but it felt rushed and a little nonsensical.
I would have rated it a 4.5 or 5.0 until the end. At that point, it sunk to a 4.0. (I’m a pretty easy grader, LOL.)
Currently continuing Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre which has been taking more brainpower than I think I have these days during my lunch break, but I’m enjoying it so far. I’ll have to take it slow. Otherwise, I just started None of This is True by Lisa Jewell yesterday for an in-person book club! So far, so good for that one.
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That is the reason I haven’t read it.
Just finished Heart the Lover by Lily King. This is a sweet book about young love and young aspirations. We follow 3 college students in a love triangle that ultimately ends but the bonds of friendship do not. The ending is beautifully written and heart-breaking but hopeful. I loved all the references to literature and philosophy- especially Wittgenstein-who I studied in graduate school: .A cerebral and romantic read.
I’ll be re-reading John Boyne’s book for our upcoming book club meeting: All the Broken Places. A heartbreaking perspective from the view of a surviving German girl whose father was a Nazi leader convicted and hung after the war.
Thanks for posting your review of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. I’m the reader that wondered about it. I’m still not sure I’ll read it. Maybe give it a try and walk away if it’s too much.
That’s a wise plan. You’ll know if it’s too much.
I read “How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood recently and really enjoyed it! I’ve recommended it to friends and I’m surprised when I learn that they haven’t heard of it.
I just received a copy of Cursed Daughters. Oyinkan Braithwaite has done a great job with grabbing attention right away. I’m already a few chapters in. It usually takes me some time to get into a new read.
I just started reading, Heart the Lover, by Lily King. It pulled me in immediately. I’ve truly enjoyed her other books, and after the acclaim this one has received, and my initial experience, I think this one will be fantastic as well.
Regarded the Alex Michelides books, like you I found The Silent Patient delicious mystery read, so cleverly plotted. The Maidens had none of that I’m sorry to say. I’ll be curious to see what you think.
I finished listening to The Women by Kristin Hannah which I thought was above average.
Now am li1stening to Theo of Golden. It is an unusual, humanity story which is unfolding like a flower and I look forward to getting back to it each day.
I am reading Before The Fall by Noah Hawley. Catching up on some older books that were on my list but never got to! I am enjoying the writing and story.