What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? Please share! We’d love to know.
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I am reading “G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century” by Beverly Gage and loving it right now, but it is long. Last week’s “Combee” almost killed me. I hope someone enjoys it more than I did.
@Anthony_Conty I’m ashamed to admit I hadn’t heard of Combee, even though it won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for History. When you say it almost killed you, what do you mean? Was it slow, or was it just a painful account? Hoping for more info before I commit to buying it. (Although now that I’ve looked it up, it’s $27.99 on Kindle!)
G-Man sounds really interesting!
I finished Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Bathwaite and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I like pondering the question of the curse: Is it real, or does it only impact the women of this family because they think it’s real, and they sabotage their relationships because of it? Looking forward to the discussion.
For my end-of-the-year fun reads (since some folks seem to be following my adventures in unplanned reading), I began with We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, which was a really cool gothic drama. Then I wandered into On the Calculation of Volume, Book I, by Solvej Balle, immediately followed by Book II. It’s a different take on the “Groundhog Day” plot, where a person is stuck in a time loop. But unlike other books like this, the protagonist isn’t trying to break the loop, she’s trying to understand what living within its confines means. It’s really fascinating. I wouldn’t call it a page-turner - it’s definitely more contemplative and philosophical in nature - but I’m enjoying it enough to start Book III tomorrow. The author’s style reminds me a little of Samantha Harvey’s in Orbital.
I’m regretful that I didn’t find something totally trashy and quick, but there you go. Too many good books to choose from.
I did finish The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephan Graham Jones in audio version, and there was a lot about this book that I thought was top-notch. There are many, many parts that I’ll think about for a long time (in a good way). There are also some scenes I wasn’t happy with that concerned animals and children that were harder to listen to. But there were several aspects of this book that I thought were exceptional, especially the author’s incorporation of historical elements into what is basically a vampire story. It had its flaws (damn, I want to write a full review of it!) but if you can handle a little gore it’s a really great horror novel. (And nothing happens to either of the cats in the book.)
Next up in audio format is Niall Williams’ This is Happiness.
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It was incredibly slow and it since it was about a tragedy I felt bad for not enjoying it.
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I’m so glad to know someone else is reading the Calculation series @kim.kovacs I find it really interesting to think about that character being alone in her version of Nov 18. It changes significantly in book III.
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I’m reading an old book from my shelves The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki. I think it’s going to turn out to be too long for my liking but I curious so I continue.
I’m listening to Broiler by Eli Cantor. It’s about a kidnapping. It’s ok for an audio diversion.
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“Class Clown” by Dave Barry–too much going on so needed a nice, light read.
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I finished Cursed Daughters* a few minutes ago and am looking forward to the discussion. My retro-reading adventure is Catcher in the Rye**. The Land in Winter awaits.***
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I am currently reading 
the newest title by Cameron Kent, a former local Newscaster in Winston Salem NC. He is now a full time Author/Writer.
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Leviathan Wakes is my current read and listen. This is the first in James S A Corey’s Expanse series and it has been a welcome break from earthbound reality.
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If you like This is Happiness, I strongly recommend the sequel of sorts, Time of the Child. It was my favorite of 2024 and perfect for the holiday season.
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I am reading Cat by Rebecca van Laer (and Mittens and Solstice approve!) I read The Gathering by Anne Enright last week, and next up is Train Dreams by Denis Johnson.
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I just finished The Star Society by Gabriella Saab - historical fiction - dual time line - WWII Netherlands and Hollywood during the Red Scare.
A VERY good mystery/thriller I read a week ago is Make It Out Alive by Allison Brennan.
This book is good too: A Knock At the Door by Peter Rowlands.
So many more to name as well. 
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I just finished a very interesting book. It’s a memoir written by Ron Ringsrud called The Hardness of Emeralds. It’s about his experiences in the world of emeralds over 4 decades. Some of what he went through, including stories about Pablo Escobar, is really eye-opening.
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I finished The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. It was the first book of hers that I’ve read and I’m not sure if I’ll read any more. I’m currently reading Zorrie by Laird Hunt. It was a 2021 National Book Award Finalist and I can definitely understand why. There is such a quiet beauty and strength about it much like the writing of Willa Cather and Marilynne Robinson.
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That’s actually how I ended up with This Is Happiness, @Evonne_Benedict. I had already purchased Time of the Child, but then saw an article that said one should read This Is Happiness first. So Time of the Child is absolutely next on my list. Loving Williams’ writing. So much subtle humor embedded in it! It’s a real joy to read.
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Reading The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry. So far a great read and it will a great book discussion
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Reading Giving Up is Unforgivable by Joyce Vance. Political, some historical context from the Founding Fathers. She’s succinct, inspiring and provides actionable ways to engage politically within the community.
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I went the other way around (didn’t realize Time of the Child was a sequel) - I still loved them both. You’ll have to let us know how you like the ‘real’ part two!
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