Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. This is a must read for all people. I highly recommend it.
You might also like Guilty Wives by James Patterson. If you liked Killers of a certain age.
I am reading The Elements by John Boyle, an Irish writer, who weaves together four interconnected narratives, each representing a different perspective on crime: the enabler, the accomplice, the perpetrator, and the victim. I am enjoying it. It is very intriguing
Thank you, @Emily_C for the recommendation. Being Mortal has been one of those books I know I need to read, but stays quiet in the back of my mind. You’ve given me the impetus to pick it up.
I finished The Last Movement by Robert Seethaler about Gustav Mahler final days of reflection on his life. It’s a brief rather bittersweet story. The local symphony will be performing some Mahler early next year so that will complete my Mahler experience nicely and unexpectedly.
I also finished listening to Five by Ilona Bannister. She opens introducing 5 characters arriving at a subway platform, letting you know one will be killed by the next arriving train.
I just closed the book on Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford for the BB book club and am heading over there next.
Next up is The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters which I can tell will be a fast read about Indigenous workers from Nova Scotia in the Maine blueberry fields. The story centers around the disappearance of the family’s 4-year-old daughter and how they are treated. Has anyone read this one - it was published in 2023.
We live at the intersection of two interstates and have relatives in Chicago. We are annually a convenient stopover as they head off on vacations in other places. Unfortunately they are.not enamored with our dogs, which makes these visits especially stressful.when Golden Retrievers are so lovable and fail to understand when someone doesnʼt respond in kind. It takes away my energy and response time for Book Browse.
As we are freed of family obligations I have a number of books I want to begin. First I have to finish The Ascent of Rum Doodle and continue on with the online discussion of Chelsea Girls.
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How can anyone not be enamored with Golden Retrievers?! Give them a hug for me! 
I am reading Land by Maggie O’Farrell and find it haunting with lovely writing.
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Awwww. Thank you for your compliment- I would be lost without my boys—we lost the one on the right- Willie is the one on the left is 12 but still healthy. We also have a 2 1\2 year-old Bear- he was born with a bobtail which is rare but the other brings so much leaves in that I have to brush their tails. I still miss Bennett, the one we lost 6 months ago.
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I loved the beautiful writing and the haunting setting that was Land. I look forward to your thoughts @Donna_J.
I’m sorry for your loss. My 18 year old kitty passed away a few years ago, and I still miss him. They sure do leave a paw print on our hearts.
I finished Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead, a story about a female pilot clearly based on Amelia Earhart. Two timelines (actually more if you count the backstory) with the other timeline being about an actress who will play the role of the pilot. I enjoyed the book (mostly), but it was way too long—-650 pages and I lost interest at about page 400. What is it about authors who create interesting female characters, but then have them sleep with anyone, male or female who crosses their path? Do we really have to have so many sex scenes? I’m not a prude, but enough already. This book is going in my sell pile.
I really liked Great Circle except for the modern starlet storyline. If that had been cut it might have been about the right length for you.
I totally understand,
these creatures give us so much unconditional love. The lost of Bennett was so unexpected. He had a fun day of playing with his brothers then at 11:45 New Years Eve he collapsed on the kitchen floor. We put him on his bed and I held him in my arms- he was only 7/.5. I told him it wasn’t his time but after symptoms of an aneurysm he crossed the rainbow bridge at 12:40 New Year’s Day. The dogs and cats I have been blessed to be part of my life that have crossed the bridge will always be paw prints in my heart. Lisa, bless you for reaching out to me and sharing your loss.
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I started Whistler by Ann Patchett. I am reading more slowly, relishing it, because she is one of my fav authors. I am thoroughly enjoying it. I still think Bel Canto will be my all time favorite Patchett so far. (The opera star and the Japanese executive create such a powerful story - totally a personal inclination - not that Bel Canto is better than Whistler.)
Not sure what I’ll pick up next. If I want to be in the world of classical music, I did purchase a copy of The Last Movement by Robert Seethaler (also mentioned by Connie) as well as Restrung: A Memoir of Music and Transformation by Vijay Gupta. Or, maybe something completely different from that tower of previously purchased books waiting for me.
Better editing would have helped.
I think you’ll like The Last Movement. Although sad, it’s beautifully written.
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I read it about six years ago . It’s a book I think everyone should read.
I’m reading THE KEEPER by Tana French, one of my favorite authors. I love everything she writes.
@Sharon_G & @Emily_C, I agree with you that Being Mortal is one of those books everyone should read. It’s one of the few non-classics I’ve read multiple times and one of my most-recommended books. There aren’t many I’d categorize as truly life-changing, but this one certainly fit the bill for me. I think about it very often.
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