For the record, I really, really, really wanted to love this book. It was the book I was most excited to read this summer and I even recommended that we read it in my book club this past month.
However, I just couldn’t get into it! Don’t you just hate that?! It’s gotten the most amazing reviews and, while it is incredibly well written, I just couldn’t get into the story itself. As for book club, we really didn’t have the best discussion on it as I didn’t like it, Ashley loved it and Becca didn’t read it. Sigh. Instead, we ate the muffins I baked (used all the summer squash from my CSA bag instead of zucchini and they turned out great!) and drank Ashley’s champagne punch.
I mean, isn’t book club sometimes just an excuse to drink wine during the day and gossip with your girlfriends?
No?
Oops.
I don’t want to not recommend the book to you though, especially since Ashley apparently thought it was the best thing since the iphone kindle app. It was very “folksy”, which usually I love but this time couldn’t seem to sink my teeth into. On my way out though, I grabbed this and haven’t put it down since. I love all of Jodi’s books and thought I read every single one in the summer of 06 when I was stranded in a cubicle on an internship. I don’t know how I missed this one! It’s a real gem and the perfect summer-can’t-put-down read.
What are you reading right now? I need a good book to take to the lake next weekend!
Jen
June 27, 2011 at 1:44 pmRight now I’m reading “A Visit From the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan, which is a national bestseller, and apparently the author is a Pulitzer Prize winner. I’m not super thrilled with it so far, but I’m only about 40 pages in. Before this book, I read “A Friend of the Family” by Lauren Grodstein and I really liked it. Ah, summer is the best for pleasure reading! I just need some of your baked goods to go along with my books.
Jen
June 27, 2011 at 1:47 pmBy the way, I don’t know if you’re into culinary books, but if you are, I recommend “The Sorcerer’s Apprentices” by Lisa Abend. It’s about the restaurant El Bulli, and the stagieres that worked there. I’m almost finished with it, and I’ve found it to be really interesting!
Kelly J. R.
June 28, 2011 at 5:30 amAnother good culinary read is “The Last Chinese Chef” by Nicole Mones.
Sarah
June 29, 2011 at 10:35 amI just finished that book!
Although this post may be against everything the book talks about by way of me sponsoring the book- I LOVED it. It did start a little slow though.
Kim @ Life Analytical
June 30, 2011 at 2:53 pmI haven’t read “A Friend of the Family”, but I really liked Grodstein’s “Reproduction is the Flaw of Love” when I read it about five years ago!
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique
June 27, 2011 at 1:44 pmCheck out my latest reads: http://chicagocuisinecritique.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20Club
All chick lit, but all good. 🙂 I hope that helps. You always give me new book ideas. Thought I would return the favor.
Alissa
June 27, 2011 at 1:45 pmHave you read “Secret Daughter” or “The Help”? Both very, very good:))
Kacy
June 27, 2011 at 1:46 pmI’m reading A Million Nightingales by Susan Straight right now. Not sure what I think yet though..
I love Jodi Picoult too! I’ll have to check that out!
julie
June 27, 2011 at 1:47 pmJenna, I just read “left neglected” by Lisa genova. Insanely awesome read. I read it front to back on my kindle over a weekend!
Pamela
June 27, 2011 at 1:47 pmMy favorite is “Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller.
Aggie
June 27, 2011 at 1:48 pmI’m finishing up The Girl Who Played with Fire… and will hopefully work on something more beachy next…I have Beachcombers (Nancy Thayer) checked out and overdue from library so will hopefully get into it quickly!
I think that might of been one of my first JP books that I read! It’s a good one!!
BB
June 27, 2011 at 1:49 pmI just finished Bossypants by Tina Fey. That was a great read!
Kim @ Life Analytical
June 30, 2011 at 2:54 pmI want to read this! I love Tina Fey.
Krissy @ Shiawase Life
June 27, 2011 at 1:49 pmUnbroken – Laura Hillenbrand (http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World-Survival-Resilience-Redemption/dp/0739319698)
The BEST book I have read this year! History, war, RUNNING & great relationships – doesn’t get better than this!! =)
Karen
June 27, 2011 at 4:39 pmI second this pick… amazing book!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
June 27, 2011 at 5:52 pmi’m reading it now!! it’s great!
Kait
June 28, 2011 at 4:07 amUnbroken is my favorite book ever! If you loved The Help, you’ll love this!
Cait's Plate
June 27, 2011 at 1:49 pmI’ve heard AMAZING things about “Cutting for Stone” and I just read “How to Bake the Perfect Life” which was a nice, light read.
I love your book reviews – I get so many great ideas from them! 🙂
Lesley
June 27, 2011 at 6:32 pmI loved Cutting for Stone!
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
June 27, 2011 at 1:50 pmHave you read House Rules by Jodi? It’s my fave.
Ali @ Ali Runs
June 27, 2011 at 3:17 pmI loved House Rules too! I loved the mystery of it.
Sarah@The Flying ONION
June 28, 2011 at 4:39 amI agree…so good! 😀
Kimberly @ TheSweetRunner
June 27, 2011 at 1:51 pmI’m currently reading In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson. I love travel documentaries, though, and have enjoyed everything he has written.
Kelly J. R.
June 28, 2011 at 5:35 amI like Bill Bryson’s books too. Have you read any books by Colin Angus? He’s witty like Bryson and has been on some amazing adventures. “Amazon Extreme” is great. I also just finished “Shooting the Boh” by Tracy Johnston which was a good read.
Kimberly @ TheSweetRunner
June 28, 2011 at 8:03 amI have been looking for writers similar to him forever (as I’m starting to re-read his books all over again). I will definitely check out Colin Angus and Tracy Johnston. Thanks so much!
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
June 27, 2011 at 1:52 pmI’m reading Anthony Bourdain’s book, “Kitchen Confidential.” So funny and so Bourdain!
I love the idea of muffins and champagne punch. Even better than scones and tea 🙂
Alexa @ Simple Eats
June 27, 2011 at 1:55 pmI’m re-reading all of Ruth Reichl’s books. I’m in love!
Baking 'n' Books
June 27, 2011 at 6:51 pmI have a couple of her books but haven’t started them yet – good to know they’re good!
Kristen @ Not-So Domesticated
June 27, 2011 at 1:56 pmHi Jenna! I’m a new reader to your blog, and I’m already loving it. I made your yellow cake the other day… keep the recipes coming! =)
For pleasure, I”m reading Jane Green’s “Promises to Keep” and I’m really enjoying it. And then I just got Jeff Galloway’s “Book on Running” in the mail today. I’m training for a 10k and half-marathon, so I’m hoping to pick up some useful tips and strategies! =)
Taea
June 27, 2011 at 2:02 pmHi,
I am reading the Tiger’s Wife right now as well. I found it really hard to get into in the beginning too. I actually started it a few months ago and got bored, so I put it down and read Little Bee (which I loved!). But I picked it up again recently and it really does get better about halfway though. I reccommend you give it another shot. If you can get past the vague confusing beginning it will lead to a really great story!
Oh and I second the Secret Daughter, probably they best book I have read this year.
grace b
June 27, 2011 at 2:04 pmCurrently challenging myself to read 50 books before I move to CALIFORNIA in September (Berkeley to be exact–any tips??). So I will be gleefully looking up any and all suggestions!
Elizabeth
June 27, 2011 at 2:06 pmI’m currently reading Little Bee by Chris Cleave but I just finished Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (saw it on ELR) and I LOVED it!
Cindy
July 3, 2011 at 9:28 amI liked little bee up until the ending.. honestly i was so confused and disappointed in the author!
Karoline
June 27, 2011 at 2:14 pmCutting for Stone. I’m in the middle right now and it’s a bit slow, but the beginning was amazing and I think it will start to pick up again. Also, are you on Goodreads (www.goodreads.com)? If not, try it!
Emily
June 27, 2011 at 6:51 pmHaha – I am totally going through these suggestions and adding them to my “To:Read” shelf on Goodreads!!
Kirstin
June 27, 2011 at 2:18 pmI will second the recommendation of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, which I finished reading last month. It makes one think about grace and forgiveness.
My last book was Silas Marner by George Eliot. I liked it. I’m catching up on classics that I never read in school.
Hadley@HadleyHolistics
June 27, 2011 at 2:19 pmI just finished ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls — I loved it! I didn’t want it to end. I’m sure the movie won’t do it justice, so be sure to check out the book first.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
June 27, 2011 at 2:20 pmI went through a summer where I read about 10 Jodi Picoult books. Loved Vanishing Acts!
Samantha
June 27, 2011 at 2:21 pmI’m currently reading the Alchemist, It’s pretty good and an easy quick read. I recommend it! =)
Kath
June 27, 2011 at 2:23 pmYou and me both having trouble getting into books!!
TanyaS
June 28, 2011 at 7:00 amThanks for mentioning the Anita Shreve book you read awhile back, I’ve now read 3 of hers and can’t get enough.
Robin @ our semi organic life
June 27, 2011 at 2:26 pmI love Jodi Picoult! Her stuff is great. Right now I’m reading The Gursney Literary Society and Potato Peel Pie Society! It’s great!
Kamaile
June 28, 2011 at 12:01 pmThe Gursney Literary Society and Potato Peel Pie Society was a good book!
I’m reading “A Vintage Affair” by Isabel Wolff, half way through and it’s good so far.
Yolie @ Practising Wellness
June 27, 2011 at 2:26 pmI find it so hard to read fiction right now, I’m not sure why…there’s too much poor quality chicklit on the shelves nowadays that I find it hard to see the wood for the trees. Which is why I love your suggestions of great reads, as they help me tease out all the good books in the store, and give me direction! My absolute favourite book is a non-fiction one called “Bringing Yoga to Life” by Donna Farhi. It’s amazing <3 xyx
Aimee
June 27, 2011 at 2:30 pmI’m actually reading An American Wife based on your review. I love it so far.
I also love Jodi Picoult’s books. I had the pleasure of seeing her speak at Mt. Holyoke College in the spring. She was promoting her new book “Sing You Home.” She was delightful and so likable.
I love your book posts because it gives me lots of ideas of new books to read. Thanks.
Adriana
June 27, 2011 at 2:31 pmI just finished reading Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand. I love all of her books and her new one did not disappoint. It was the ultimate beach read!
alex
June 27, 2011 at 2:32 pmsounds like my book club…such great food and a little discussion of the book! I agree with another reader, One Day was one of my favorite books in a long time. Our book club has just selected Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet for next month!
LizAshlee
June 27, 2011 at 2:38 pmI just finished reading The Beauty Detox Solution (almost) and I just started Must Have Been Something I Ate…loving all the good information!!
Kristina
June 27, 2011 at 2:38 pmI’m reading Kafka on the Shore – literally just started it so I can’t endorse or un-endorse it yet, but I’ll get back to you 🙂
jen @ taste life
June 27, 2011 at 2:41 pmWell, I picked up The Tiger’s Wife from the library Saturday. I haven’t cracked it open yet, but hopefully I like it more than you did!
Kelly
June 27, 2011 at 2:46 pmI am reading Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Very, very good book. I highly recommend it!
Moni'sMeals
June 27, 2011 at 2:49 pmthanks for sharing, I have heard great things. 🙂
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
June 27, 2011 at 2:50 pmOh bother. I put that one on my E-book Wish List at the library…patiently awaiting my turn. I did just finish a Lisa See novel, on your recommendation, which I loved. Ya win some and you lose some. Sigh. Nevertheless, champagne punch looks AMAZING fab. Could go for some right now.
Kari
June 27, 2011 at 2:54 pmI am reading the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It is a futuristic fiction novel about a strong female character who overcomes amazing odds to win a game of survival. I HIGHLY recommend it!
Marie
June 27, 2011 at 3:47 pmi agree, this is an amazing book! it’s actually a trilogy. i just started the 2nd one and i can’t put it down!!!
Carla
June 28, 2011 at 10:38 amLoved this series! I had to read all three back-to-back. They’re casting the movies now too!
Heidi
June 27, 2011 at 2:55 pmHi Jenna. I just started reading your blog last week and enjoy it very much! I also am obsessed with reading. Two books that I’ve read recently and thoroughly enjoyed are The Book Theif and An Object of Beauty. Also, Water for Elephants was surprisingly very good ( wanted to watch before the movie).
Jess
June 27, 2011 at 3:03 pmAlthough I am not doing much reading myself these days (I’m a 3rd yr medical student and just started my surgical rotation), I HIGHLY recommend Still Alice. Not sure if you have read it yet, but trust me, it’s a good one. I read it in 2 days!
TanyaS
June 28, 2011 at 6:59 amLeft Neglected by the same author is awesome too.
Sonia (the Mexigarian)
June 27, 2011 at 3:10 pmIf you don’t mind an intriguing adult book that plays with the idea of vampirism, (no twilight here!) then check out The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It came out in 2005. I have read it, like, four times since I bought it back in 06 or so, and really do enjoy it. 🙂 Other than that, I have been reading my basic urban fantasy novels ^_^
Maura
June 27, 2011 at 3:13 pmYou will love Vanishing Acts. Granted there are very few Jodi Picoult books I didn’t love (House Rules being one of them).
Ali @ Ali Runs
June 27, 2011 at 3:14 pmI just started Hunger Games, the first in a 3 book series. I am loving it so far and have not been able to put it down!
Ali @ Ali Runs
June 27, 2011 at 3:15 pmPlus, it’s $5 for Kindle. It doesn’t get much better than a good book for a good price! 😉
Gina (Yogattude)
June 27, 2011 at 3:15 pmHm, a good lake read…I’d say any of the Jennifer Weiner books. They’re perfect girly summer vacation reads…a little raunch, enough to get the point across, but not a total romance novel…very easy to read and I must admit they totally suck me in. I bought Fly Away Home to read on my July 4th vacation to the river, but already finished it…oops!;-)
But if you are looking for a bit less of a girly read, Cutting for Stone, as another commentor suggested, was amazing!
amy walters, aDESIGNdock
June 27, 2011 at 3:17 pmLovely Jenna!
Diana@mymarblerye
June 27, 2011 at 3:17 pmLucky by Alice sebold…if you’re into darker books
chickster
June 27, 2011 at 3:25 pmIn the middle of Cutting for Stone and hope it picks up again, because right now I’m bored and trudging through it. I finished all 3 Hunger Games books in the blink of an eye because they are so SO good!
Molly @ RDexposed
June 27, 2011 at 3:29 pmI’m reading My Name is Memory by….um, the auther who wrote Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I just finished her other book, The Last Summer (of you and me) and loved it. Good, quick read.
kaila @ healthy helper!
June 27, 2011 at 3:36 pmmuffins make up for everything 😉
Trisha
June 27, 2011 at 3:43 pmMuffins cure any bad read. Seriously. I’m reading My Grandfather’s Blessing. Definitely a keeper!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
June 27, 2011 at 3:44 pmA book to take to the lake? Sounds like a fun trip in store!!
“I mean, isn’t book club sometimes just an excuse to drink wine during the day and gossip with your girlfriends?”–
100% yes!!!!!!!
There is another thing I have done in the past called Stitch ‘n B*tch. You bring your craft projects over to your gf’s house and you all sit around working on crafts and b*tching about whatever is on your mind, drinking wine, and 2 hrs later every one feels much better:)
Katie
June 27, 2011 at 3:47 pmHey Jenna,
I’ve noticed that we seem to have the same taste in books so I thought I’d share a few that I’ve read and loved. Two of my all time favs are Purple Hibiscus and Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I also love Room by Emma Donahue. It’s a bit disturbing but the writing (told from the perspective of a 5 yr old boy) is incredible.
Love your blog!
R. Chandra
June 27, 2011 at 3:51 pmThe Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake!! SUCH an interesting, beautiful, poetic story. give it a shot!!! i adored it. 🙂
HilaryJo
June 27, 2011 at 4:11 pmI just read “Two Part Invention” it is the story of madeliene l’engles (probably spelled all that really wrong, sorry–she is the author of “a wrinkle in time”) marriage–it was a beautiful book. a really beautiful marriage. Also sad, but something great to read as I think about my own marriage.
And…..of course Im a nerd: Lord of the rings, the hobbit, chronicles of narnia, harry potter, all the classics 😉 Slightly different type of book than the ones you have been reviewing!!
Lisa
June 27, 2011 at 4:14 pmI felt exactly the same way about the book!! It was well written, but it just felt so cold and sterile, I couldn’t muster any affection for the characters. It was also so disjointed and vague I just got tired of “working” so hard to read it. I don’t mind being challenged by a good book, but eventually I realized i didn’t even care how it ended so i stopped reading it. I recently finished The First Husband, definitely not a book you have to work at, but I enjoyed it, a nice summer read. I am a bit chagrined to admit I have gotten hooked on Game of Thrones…I picked up my son’s copy while bored one afternoon, and gosh darn it now I can’t put it down.
Kyla
June 27, 2011 at 4:35 pmHave you ever read Sabriel by Garth Nix? Uh.Freaking.Amazing. The story is about a girl who keeps the dead “dead” by binding them in the gates of death. Her father disappears and she must save the Old and New Kingdom from being overrun with evil, dark spirits. There are two more books after Sabriel; Lirael and Abhorsen.
Courtney @ girlinthepink
June 27, 2011 at 4:37 pmI love Jodi Picoult! I am just starting her newest book Sing You Home. Have you read it yet?!
Tammy
June 27, 2011 at 5:41 pmThe book was great you’ll love it!!!
meghan
June 27, 2011 at 4:38 pmI just read “Elizabeth Street”, it was pretty good.
Baking 'n' Books
June 27, 2011 at 4:47 pmGood Lord – I could talk about books forever.
Not a fan of Jodi Picoult generally – but have you read “Sister’s Keeper” – I bawled my heart out.
Hmm…have you read “Spoon Fed”, “Garlic and Sapphire”…Anthony Bourdain has a new book called “Medium Raw”… – but I don’t know actually if you read “Foodie-type” books? – do you?
Recently read blogger’s Charlotte Hilten Andersen’s book “The Great Fitness Experiment” – but not a real fan for a number of reasons.
I’m going to be a loser and admit I want to read “Unlimited” by Jillian Michaels though…;)
Nichole (eat & be pretty)
June 27, 2011 at 4:53 pmWe Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates. I’m reading it right now and it’s had me hooked from the beginning. I lovee Jodi Picoult too; dunno if you’ve read The Pact or Mercy but those are my two personal faves of her. Let me know how this one is though, I’ve yet to read it.
Kim @ Life Analytical
June 30, 2011 at 2:57 pmI’ve heard so many great things about the Oates book, but I just couldn’t get into it at all!
Kathryn
June 27, 2011 at 4:55 pmI just finished Midwifes Confession by Diane Chamberlain (good read) and I am now onto Fly Me Home by Jennifer Weiner.
Jenn
June 27, 2011 at 4:56 pmSorry you didn’t get into your book. I’ve heard it’s really good. LOVE all of Jodi’s books! That one is great. I’m reading now Save me, Shanghai Girls (your recommendation), and Something Borrowed (Something Blue is next).
Keep giving our recommendations! Love them! I think my fav my have been The President’s Wife!!
Jenn
Lizzie
June 27, 2011 at 5:07 pmI just finished reading Sarah’s Key – fictional characters based on a real event (that I had never heard of despite loving history in high school and college). Movie is coming out soon (which is where I cottoned onto the book), so I figured the trailer looked intriguing, maybe the book actually is. It was my companion on the bus/subway for a total of 3 days (would have been 1/2 a day if I didn’t have to work!! :)).
Katie
June 27, 2011 at 5:11 pmUgh, I just finished the Tiger’s Wife and couldn’t get into it either! Too many story lines, I just couldn’t connect with it. Boo.
However, I just started ‘Cutting for Stone’ and am loving it – an epic story.
Tracy
June 27, 2011 at 5:27 pmCutting for Stone!!!!!!!!! Read it.
Keely (Sky Blue)
June 27, 2011 at 5:33 pm“Seabiscuit” by Laura Hillenbrand! It’s an amazing nonfiction story about a racehorse who is actually from Ridgewood Ranch in Willits if you are familiar with that area (not sure where you are in Northern California exactly but it is in Mendocino County). You’ve probably heard of this book but if not I really recommend it I’ve been loving it so far.
Keely (Sky Blue)
June 27, 2011 at 5:34 pmOh it’s the book the movie from a few years back was based on by the way.
Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
June 27, 2011 at 5:35 pmAh, I hate when I start a book I really, really want to love, and then totally cannot get into it. I always feel obligated to finish a whole book, but sometimes i just have to give up if I reaaally can’t get into it.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
June 27, 2011 at 5:37 pmVanishing Acts is incredible – as is every single book that Picoult writes.
I just read Girl In Translation which I think you would really like – it’s about a Chinese girl and her mother who come to America from Hong Kong. In fact, I know you would like it!!
Meghan @ StruggleMuffins
June 27, 2011 at 5:39 pmOoo good to know! Just finished Born to Run (awesome) and The Kitchen House (even awesomer but I know you read it b/c I’m pretty sure I got the recco from this blog). I tried to start A Mercy by Toni Morrison and it was a big swing an’ a miss for me so now I’m taking a crack at Love in the Time of Cholera. Ahh books are magical!
Michelle
June 27, 2011 at 5:41 pmI just finished The Weird Sisters (I forget who it’s by.) it’s about 3 sisters returning home to their Shakespeare obsessed father and cancer stricken mom. SO good.
Sylvia Black
June 27, 2011 at 5:48 pmAhhh, I know the feeling when you really want to love something but just can’t. So frustrating! I can’t say I have any really good fiction recommendations right now, but I jsut finished “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell which was totally fascinating.
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
June 27, 2011 at 5:58 pmi just finished “the love goddess cooking school” by melissa senate. it’s about a woman finding love & finding herself after she inherits her grandmother’s take-out italian restaurant/cooking school business. so sweet!
Dana
June 27, 2011 at 6:01 pmI LOVED A Visit From the Goon Squad, it was truly wonderful. So is Freedom, Jonathan Franzen and ROOM by Emma Donoghue. Good stuff. I like Amazon’s Best Books of the month!
Amalfi Girl
June 27, 2011 at 6:09 pmThat glass photo is gorgeous!
Errign
June 27, 2011 at 6:23 pmI feel like I (not so secretly) love Jodi’s books because they’re set in New Hampshire and I have so much love for my home state.
Right now, I’m reading Fortune’s Rocks on your recommendation, so I’m afraid that doesn’t help you. Next on my list is The Kitchen House. I recently finished My Enemy’s Cradle which was a WW2/Nazi historical fiction. Reminded me of the Kommandant Girl, etc. It was good.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
June 27, 2011 at 6:29 pmI’m reading my Life in France by Julia Child right now. LOVE it so far. It makes me want her life even more than I did before!
Caroline
June 27, 2011 at 6:41 pmThe Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli is phenomenal! Highly recommend it.
jaimegirl1799
June 27, 2011 at 6:46 pmJust finished “The Likeness” by Tana French(really good, almost as good as “In The Woods”). Am now re-reading “Josie and Jack” by Kelly Braffet, which is good for a lot of reasons, but mostly because it’s unlike any other book. Def not cookie-cutter reading.
Natalie @ Adventures in Jackson
June 27, 2011 at 6:54 pm-Vanishing Acts is such a great,easy read. I read it on vacation and could not put it down!
Next, I want to read “Freakonomics,I hear its good.
Also anything by Peter Mayle is good!!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
June 27, 2011 at 7:13 pmWine during the day with girlfriends? I think that’s a mandatory part of life. Just sayin..
I’m currently rereading all of Emily Giffin’s books. LOVE her.
Tammy
June 27, 2011 at 7:39 pmI agree! Just read three of her books, and they were all great!
Jackie @ That Deep Breath
June 27, 2011 at 7:15 pmI love Jodi! I really need to start a new book. It’s so hard to find the time!
Mary
June 27, 2011 at 7:16 pmHave you read anything by Jhumpa Lahiri? She is AMAZING! The Namesake was excellent, and her short story collections Interpreter of Maladies and Unaccustomed Earth are awesome. I also love Geraldine Brooks, especially her novel People of the Book.
jess
June 27, 2011 at 7:23 pmYou’re right – Tiger’s Wife was really difficult to get into – but I finished it and liked it okay. Not sure it was worth all the hype it got, though.
I just finished a book called “House of Prayer No. 2” by Mark Richard. I is his memoir of being a “special child” growing up in the South. Interesting point of view and really poignant. I liked it a lot.
Dani
June 27, 2011 at 7:23 pmI just finished The Help and The Confession. Very different books but both very good.
Tammy
June 27, 2011 at 7:38 pmIf you’re a dog person, and probably even if you’re not, “A Dog’s Purpose” was absolutely phenomenal. One of the best books I’ve ever read. I cried like 5 times.
kate
June 27, 2011 at 9:06 pmA co-worker who I have nothing in common with except a love of dogs recommended this to me, too! I wasn’t sure I could take his word for it. Good to hear a 2nd recommendation. Glad you shared – I’ll have to check it out now 🙂
Laura
June 27, 2011 at 7:40 pmIf you haven’t read Loving Frank by Nancy Horan that is a must! It’s about Frank Lloyd Wright’s real-life affair with a woman, however, the details are imagined by Horan based on journals, letters, etc. It’s a very moving book about an iconic man and the unknown, yet brilliant woman he shared much of his life with.
Laura @ Cookies vs. Carrots
June 27, 2011 at 7:43 pmI’m reading The Help. Apparently I am the last woman on the planet to read it, hehe. I’m loving it so far!
kristin @ wounded fawn
July 1, 2011 at 4:40 amI haven’t read it yet! You’re not alone!
Annie-Rose
June 27, 2011 at 7:49 pmI’m reading State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. I’m not really far into it, but I really like it so far. I love hearing your book reviews – I’ve read a few great books you’ve recommended!
http://www.amazon.com/State-Wonder-Ann-Patchett/dp/0062049801
Katie @ peacebeme
June 27, 2011 at 8:00 pmI just finished “The Hunger Games”, which they are making a movie of right now, and now I am on to a new series! 🙂
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy
June 27, 2011 at 8:05 pmRight now I’m reading Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury. It’s part of the Redemption series…all of the books in the series have been good so far!
Michelle
June 27, 2011 at 8:06 pmI am currently reading The Paris Wife )(awesome!) and would also say that the Hunger Game series is one not to miss!
Sarah
June 27, 2011 at 9:40 pmI was debating whether or not The Paris Wife would be a good pick for my book club. Good eh? Umm…and yes, on book 3 of the Hunger Games trilogy. Can’t get enough! I have to agree with you on this.
Caroline
June 27, 2011 at 8:56 pmI’m also reading Vanishing Acts! When it was first released, the story didn’t appeal to me for some reason. When I saw a copy at the library book sale earlier this year I picked it up. I finally got around to starting it when my hold on Sing You Home came in, and I decided to read that one first. I feel like this is an unpopular opinion, but I’m just not really digging Jodi much anymore. 10 years ago she was without a doubt one of my favorites but to me her later work doesn’t even compare to her early novels. I didn’t care for Sing You Home that much at all. So far I am enjoying the characters of Vanishing Acts so and am interested to see how the kidnapping story unfolds.
Jessica Taylor
June 27, 2011 at 9:21 pmI LOVE all your book recommendations, it’s one of my fave parts of the blog! Right now I’m reading “Inside a Dog” by Alexandra Horowitz. So far so good, as I try to understand why my border collie toes the lie on lunacy! I just finished one you recommend, “Pictures of You’ which was great. Keep the great writing coming!
Sarah
June 27, 2011 at 9:38 pmI have the most amazing book club. We go by, “The Coral Society” and have our logo and everything. Dorks, yes we know! Anywho….we just finished up the entire series of the Hunger Games trilogy. Wouldn’t have thought I’d be into them considering most of us are in our 30’s, but very entertaining! Some of my top picks are: The Help, Water For Elephants, and I’m currently reading Life of Pi. Hope you get a good one!
Jill
June 27, 2011 at 9:58 pmI just finish Secret Daughter. Loved it.
I’m almost finish with The Secret Life of Bees. I’m loving it.
Also anything be Emily Giffin should be good.
sally kate
June 27, 2011 at 10:37 pmi agree with your motto about book club being an excuse ,to drink wine during the day and gossip with girlfriends, as is life 🙂
befilledup
June 28, 2011 at 4:04 amVanishing Acts was a great read! I am reading The Paris Wife now as you recommended!
Molly
June 28, 2011 at 4:25 amMy favorite book is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Luiz Zafon. It is a little dark but he is a great writer.
Chestnutfarm
June 28, 2011 at 5:39 amI am reading….”and I shall have some peace there – trading in the fast lane for my own dirt road” by Margaret Roach. Great read so far!
Kaitlyn
June 28, 2011 at 5:53 amI just started “Vision in White” by Nora Roberts after a bunch of girl friends recommended it to me.
It is Book 1 of a four book series, The Bride Quartet.
I just started it last night before I went to bed, so I didn’t get very far, but I am already hooked! I love the characters she has introduced and usually more feminine stories do not keep my attention! Im sure I’ll blog more about it as I get further through it!
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove
June 28, 2011 at 5:56 amIt’s so frustrating to read a book you just can’t get into. Sometimes, I’ll put it down, pick up another and then go back to that first book once I’m done. It does help.
Those muffins look yummy. We always have zucchini and squash so I may need to try the recipe!
Yolanda
June 28, 2011 at 6:06 amI stumbled upon your blog and am so pleased that I did, you and I eat, live and run! 🙂
The book on my night stand currently is a true story by Ginger Millermon, “Grace Thus Far”.
And I plan on making your trail granola bars soon!
Hope to hear from you and I’ll be back!!
jenna
June 28, 2011 at 6:10 amhas anyone ever read the piano teacher? is it good?
Mary Collette
June 28, 2011 at 6:12 amI am trying to slog through the end of Tiger’s Wife too: thought I’d love it and sadly am bored by it. Favorite read of the year so far: Lost in Shangri-La, a true story from the Pacific theater of WWII.
Lynn
June 28, 2011 at 6:14 amWhat I’m reading right now , The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand. Good summer time book!
Sarah@sarahssweetlips
June 28, 2011 at 6:50 amJenna,
You have to read The Wilder Life by Wendy McClure. It’s all about a woman/author who recreates experiences right out of Little House on the Prairie.
TanyaS
June 28, 2011 at 6:55 amI finished Left Neglected last week and immediately went and got Still Alice, both by Lisa Genova. The first about brain injury bringing life into perspective and the second about early onset alzheimers. Tears are welling in my eyes.
marian
June 28, 2011 at 6:59 amyou have got to read Little Bee by Chris Cleave – it is SO beautifully written and such a gripping story.
Christy
June 28, 2011 at 7:01 amMy book club read The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom last month and we all loved it!
Brindi
June 28, 2011 at 7:20 amRight now I’m reading Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen). It’s my absolute favorite book and i read it every summer! But I’m also getting ready to start Shania Twain”s From This Moment On.
Carrie
June 28, 2011 at 7:38 amI’m reading “Half Broke Horses” by Jeanette Walls. I loved her memoir “The Glass Castle” and this memoir of her grandmother (told in first person) is fabulous as well!
ashmastandrea
June 28, 2011 at 8:28 amOK, I’m glad it’s not just me. I really tried to like “The Tiger’s Wife” too but it just didn’t happen!
I’m reading Tina Fey’s “Bossypants.” It has it’s funny moments while telling the story of women in comedy! It’s a collection of essays, so may make a good read for a trip when you’re in and out of a book! 🙂
Lauren
June 28, 2011 at 9:26 amI’m reading “Townie” by Andres Dubus III. It’s a memoir, and is fascinating so far. If you haven’t read “The House of Sand and Fog” (also by him) I’d recommend that too.
I recently finished a good portion of Anais Nin’s diaries. She was so incredibly smart and passionate about life, art, and love. Such an interesting read!
Jackie @ MomJovi
June 28, 2011 at 9:39 amI’m about halfway through “The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morten, and I CANNOT put it down. In fact, I’m pretty bummed that I’m at work today because the only thing I want to do is sit home all day and finish it. It’s a perfect vacation book.
E
June 28, 2011 at 11:10 amI loved that Jodi Picoult book – definitely one of her best. Right now, I’m reading the whole Left Behind series. They’re kinda good, but after 9 of them, I’m getting ready to be done with the set!
Bonnie
June 28, 2011 at 11:20 amI just finished My Name is Mary Sutter and Cutting for Stone. Both very well written and interesting stories. I also read Secret Daughter and thought it was so-so.
Kathleen
June 28, 2011 at 12:44 pmYou must must must read The Violets of March. I couldn’t put it down. Best book I have read since The Help and Sarah’s Key! If you like Jodi Picoult you will adore this book. Its a great love story with an intriguing family mystery twisted in. http://www.amazon.com/Violets-March-Novel-Sarah-Jio/dp/0452297036
kim
June 28, 2011 at 2:39 pmI’m reading A Stopover in Venice, about a woman who is sad and tired of her current situation (read: her marriage) and just gets off the train in Venice, leaving her husband and old life behind. so far, so good!
Emily
June 28, 2011 at 5:35 pmOh boy, I have to stop reading all these comments, I already have too many books to read!
I just posted my reviews of the books I’ve read in the last 3-4 weeks. http://professorsarmchair.blogspot.com/2011/06/well-have-us-little-book-barbecue-in.html
The standout was definitely The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Right now I’m in the middle of Band of Brothers, The Sound and the Fury, and Secret Daughter. (Wow, is my nerd showing?)
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Karen
June 28, 2011 at 5:50 pmI am racing through The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Tragic. Simply lovely. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Meg
June 28, 2011 at 7:02 pmA great book is “If you could see me now” by cecelia ahern. She is an Irish writer and by far my favorite. Love your blog.
marie
June 29, 2011 at 4:05 amYou have probably read this, but if not, go pick up Time Traveler’s Wife NOW!!
jen
June 29, 2011 at 6:54 amI just finished two cooking/memoirs that I loved: Blood, Bones and Butter and My Life from Scratch. If you’re looking for a laugh out loud book, read any of David Sedaris’ books.
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola
June 30, 2011 at 1:10 pmOh I’m glad to hear what you thought about The Tiger’s Wife because I was JUST browsing it on Amazon today. I think I’ll skip this one. And oh, I’m going to have to pick up that other book! I just read her Jodi’s House Rules and it was amazing! Also, I just reviewed it on my blog, but have you read Room? I thought it was fantastic and I could not put it down!
read this! — Eat, Live, Run
June 30, 2011 at 1:55 pm[…] was recommended to me by a blog reader! I love reading the comments on book posts to see what y’all are reading now. I get all my ideas from you! For […]
Brooke
June 30, 2011 at 3:42 pmI am just reading The Help right now. I am trying to get it read before the movie comes out.
I would recommend The Book of Negroes (if you haven’t read it already). Its a heavy read but so amazing! It is one of my all time fave reads!
Elisabeth
July 7, 2011 at 12:26 amIf you’re looking to read The Book of Negroes, it was published in the US as Someone Knows My Name (by Lawrence Hill) 🙂
Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble
June 30, 2011 at 4:50 pmI know that my friends’ book club is all about wine and snacks. I don’t even read the books and I always get the invites. Who turns down a smorgasbord board and an excuse to drink in the afternoon? Not this girl!
Angie
June 30, 2011 at 7:29 pmI, too. found this book to be a let down. I’ve been trying to read it as I sit on the bench or bleachers at various summer activities for my children. I thought perhaps its was the disjointed spurts of reading here and there that was causing me to lack interest so I forced myself to sit and read, but still no go. I mean when you have to force yourself that’s a sign, right? Glad to see I’m not the only one. I’ve put it in the archives until later–maybe a long winter day with a good snowstorm will inspire me, but not the summer days of beach reading!
Chelsa
July 1, 2011 at 4:00 amI’m reading One Day. It’s one that I can’t seem to put down.
vegan blueberry almond tart — Eat, Live, Run
July 6, 2011 at 3:07 pm[…] really like you a lot. You make me smile when I’m feeling blue and give me really good ideas on what to read next (which reminds me—I have two amazingly awesome book reviews coming your […]