Read any good books lately?

@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
October 22, 2008 10:36am CST
I've been doing quite a bit of reading lately, mostly due to a bad outbreak of eczema on my hands which make it hard for me to use the keyboard. The book I am currently reading is a real page-turner. It is The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross, about a family who has to go into the witness protection program to elude a family of drug dealers. Crime fiction has been a favorite genre of mine for many years and I really love the suspense. This book was given to me by my daughter who purchased it last year. She said that she never seemed to have the time to finish the book. No matter what else I am involved in I try to take some time out of each day to do some reading, even if it's only a few pages. Are you reading anything right now? What is your favorite genre?
4 people like this
19 responses
@creematee (2810)
• United States
23 Oct 08
There's no way I can choose a favorite genre! There are just too many! I suppose, Children's lit (most teenage years) would hit me the best. Things like Harry Potter and Eragon being the two favorites out of that genre. I just finished the last book of the InkHeart series by Cornelia Funke. The first books is set with the main characters manage to READ characters out of the book InkHeart and into the real world. A fun and imaginative way to think about reading. The 2nd book, InkSpell, has the main characters read themselves into the story. There have been so many times I wish I could be part of the story. InkDeath, the 3rd book, is the end. Do they make it back to the real world? What happens to the villans? The major characters? Ooh... such a fun and entertaining read! Another book I've started reading (aloud to the kids) is called "The Fire Within" by Chris D'Lacey. It's about dragons... and squirrels! An odd combination, but we are all enjoying it. (Even dear husband!!!)
@creematee (2810)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I have a long list of of favorites from the genre. I'd be happy to share whenever you'd like. Another favorite is called "The Princess Academy." It's a coming of age book for teenage girls. I loved it! I've got my list of reading just from your responses. Good thing I know where my library and Amazon.com are located! Thank you for the best response.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Sounds like you are having great fun, creematee, and spending quality time with the family!I think that in general some people do not give children's books nearly enough credit. Some of my favorite books have been in this genre. You have ignited a fire within me to explore this further.
@austere (2812)
• Philippines
23 Oct 08
no.. i have not read any books for a long time now.. i have been busy with my money making sites and my wanting to really earn some bucks through the internet has been keeping me busy.. thus..all my spare time has been spent mylotting or in my other money making sites!!hehehe i want to read new books, but there are new books at home right now.. so maybe i'll wait until i can lend or get myself a new and interesting book to read that would keep me away infront of the computer!haahahaha
@austere (2812)
• Philippines
24 Oct 08
hehehe.. thanks for the reminder!:) i think i can be jack though.. jill coz i'm a she!hahaha kidding..:) have a happy stress free day to you my friend!:)
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Just remember that old saying, austere, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
@GardenGerty (157652)
• United States
22 Oct 08
I am not reading offline at all right now. I should be. I actually have more time than I used to have. The last real spell of reading I did of library books was historical fiction, like Arthur, the Saxons, Norsemen, etc. I could not even tell you the author right now, but I could find the books in the library. I actually talked about them in a discussion. The other thing I read is self help or crafting books.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157652)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I will put that name down. I know if I go back in my discussions I would find the author I am thinking of. I even know who I was discussing with. It would probably be easier to just go to the library, except for the fact that they are remodeling and they have 10,000 books in storage.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I love those kinds of books also, GG. Have you read anything by Marion Zimmer Bradley? She was one of the best of that genre.
1 person likes this
@rbailey83 (1428)
• Canada
23 Oct 08
machine gun kitty - machine gun kitty comment photo, love this photo with the animation, there are days i definately feel like this
i read a book the power of influence, and it goes on not only to talk about how we are influenced by authority but also in social settings. They go over different experiments that were done to see if anyone questioned the authorative figure such as a doctor, scientist, etc, and you'd be amazed at what people will do just because it is an authorative figure telling them to do it, kinda scary actually in some cases, great book and a great read.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Influence is a powerful force, rbailey. I had discussed this before in relation to a documentary that I saw on PBS. That is why it's such a great thing to be able to have freedom of thought and freedom of choice.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
22 Oct 08
Thanks for the info, will check that book out! I like suspense, and forensic mysteries. I've been reading a lot of Kathy Reichs lately. Almost done with her books, so will try Patricia Cromwell next. Has any one read her? ANy good?
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Gosh, catdla, I have so many favorite authors! While I am familiar with both Reichs and Cornwell, I've never gotten around to reading them. I think you would like Iris Johansen. Her novels featuring Dr. Eve Duncan, who reconstructs faces of murder victims are top-notch. She has also introduced a new character who has psychic gifts in some of her most recent books. There are so many excellent writers that I could happily spend most of my day reading, if only!
1 person likes this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Thanks for the Iris Johansen idea. Was just getting done with K. Reichs and looking for something to read next. I like authors that write several books, linking characters for and extended background story. Iris sure fits that bill. Great website too! Looks like she's going to the top of the list!
@23uday (2997)
• India
23 Oct 08
Hi to every one I were reading so many books lately.I like reading books any kind of books.My favorite books were so many some liking books were Mind and its control by swami vivekananda and my other was meditation and its method by swami vivekananda.I will read books slowly the lines in the book were slowly to understands our mind.So share your knowledge. and your favorite books.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
It's good to know that you are receiving some real benefits from your reading, 23uday! I don't do as much heavy reading as I once did. I prefer to read more for pleasure these days, but I will occasionally select a book that stimulates my brain.
• United States
23 Oct 08
I am currently reading The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I heard about it on the Oprah show and decided to add it to my list of books to read. When I was visiting a friend at a hospital I spied a used book sale. The book was purchased for 50 cents. That was 2 weeks ago. The book has almost 1,000 pages. I am truly enjoying this book. It is a historic novel. I am one to read romance or suspense novels. This is one book I would highly recommend for anyone to read.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I am familiar with that book, Elusive, but I have found it difficult to read Ken Follett in the past. I will lok further into it on your recommendation, however.
@shyamlal (3533)
• India
22 Oct 08
The last book I read was a classic and Considered by many as one of the very best novels of all time..Some say its even better than War and Peace...The name of the book is "The Bridge on the Drina" by Ivo Andric.. One of the very best books I ever read..
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
My list is growing, shyamlal, but I will try to find the book on your strong recommendation.
@Ithink (9980)
• United States
22 Oct 08
Im reading A Hole in the World right now. It seems pretty good, it is a true story about a boy and how he grew up without his mom. It is during the depression and so far like I said seems pretty good. I have lots of books that I have kept as they were so good and I also have bookshelfs of books that Im still hoping to read.. lol I love reading and I also take time out to read everyday. Normally it is in the morning before I have to get kids to school or after they go and before the babes wake up. I also get a little in after the kids go to bed. As for genre, I love almost everything but Im not big into romance at all. All the romance books seem to end the same.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Since most Romances end happily, Ithink, I love them! Many of the books I read are real tear-jerkers, so it's nice to change the pace from time to time.
• United States
22 Oct 08
I am currently reading a book on Pilaties and one on potty training. I just finished I Was a Rat which is aimed at a younger audience, but was pretty good. I love reading a huge variety of stuff. We bought about 500 "new" used books at a book sale back in July and have been having fun reading through them.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I think that's great, aiden! Like I always say, you never know what you'll learn if you don't pick up a book! It's nice that you "rescued" so many books. Enjoy!
• Philippines
23 Oct 08
Just so recently i bought Nights in Rodanthe just in time it is now showing in the Philippines. Actually i am just curious on how he writes his book this time. I read a couple of Nicolas Sparks books and its good. But this particular book for me it is like or more like the Bridges of the madison. It is very common unlike his other books that " a page turner" or cant simply put the book down because you want to finish it. Although , i would say it is a good book but not really great.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I have nothing against Sparks, ronacruz, but I tend to like books with more action or fantasy. Of course, there are many good writers who don't fit into my favorite category, but they have their own fan base.
@pam210 (344)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I love mysteries especially series. I love all of the Robert Parker books, Spenser, Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone, I just finished Sue Graftons T is for Trespass. Some of my lighthearted favorites are Diane Mott Davidson and Joan Hess. Currently I am reading the lastest Les Roberts book, The Holly Hop (I think). Les Roberts writes about a private investigator that lives in Cleveland. Since I live in a suburb of Cleveland it is really interesting and fun to read about your hometown. He is really accurate with things that happen around the city. My next book that I will be starting in a few days is Janet Evanovich. A few people at work are reading her books so I had to get in on it. So I will be starting One for the Money soon. I usually go to the library and get 4 or 5 books at a time and then just return them as I finish them. I have very little time to read but I make sure I find some time each day and I always have a book with me in case I have a few minutes waiting for one of my kids or to read at lunch.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I believe I read my way through more than half of Sue Grafton's series, pam, and I also like Diane Mott Davidson. I have read a couple of Evanovich's books also. I always feel that the time I spend reading is time well spent!
@korsan (14)
22 Oct 08
Yeah just read the hot zone by Richard Preston. It is amazing, the book is so good. I am recommedding to everyone who likes stephen king books. The book is absolutely a terrifying true-life thriller!!!!!
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Sounds like a great book, korsan! I will have to check this one out.
@Marie5656 (336)
• United States
23 Oct 08
The Blue Zone sounds interesting. I may have to check it out, sometime. I have been getting most of my reading material from the library these days, due to a lack of spending money for books. I have read many good books lately. Recently read an older book by Jonathan Kellerman called Over the Edge, it was quite good. Actually I have purchased a book recently..with a gift card. I bought Real Life by Dr. Phil. He talks about dealing with crisis that can come up in our lives. I have just started it, so have not really formed an opinion, but I think it will be good.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Actually, Marie, I was surprised when I finished reading the book to learn that he has co-authored many books with none other than James Patterson. His work is excellent and I can hardly wait to discover a new book by him. I have many books by Jonathan Kellerman accumulated over several years. I think he's great. I don't particularly care for the type of books written by Dr. Phil.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Oct 08
Yes I have and am lol.At the Moment I am reading Books by Susan Lewis and they are great and keep you reading My Favorites are crime Romance Suspense all mixed in one lol
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I'm so happy that you are reading, gabs! I always have thought that there is a book to suit every need. No matter how I'm feeling at any given time I have a good book that will suit my needs. I will look up Susan Lewis.
1 person likes this
@cblackink (969)
• United States
26 Oct 08
I'm still trying to get through the "Conversations With God" series by Neal Donald Walsch. I don't read a lot of fiction, mostly books on spirituality or "how to" books.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
22 Oct 08
I haven't read any books at all lately. I am not much of a reader. I do not have the time for it or the mentality to focus on reading. I work too much.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
That's a shame, stephcjh. I believe there is so much pleasure to be found in reading. I couldn't imagine more than a couple of days passing when I didn't pick up a book of some kind. You can gain something even from reading a children's book.
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
22 Oct 08
Fantasy is my favorite Genre. I just finished Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy. It is about a lawyer in New York who meets a Gargoyle? and is drawn into the the business of the Old Races (Gargoyles, Selkies, Vampires, Djinn, and Dragons) that no humans know exist. She had to defend the Gargoyle from a murder charge and stay alive amongst this very dangerous creatures of the night--and oh yeah, try to keep her normal life afloat. It was good. I like C.E. Murphy's work and I currently reading the second installment, House of Cards.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
Thanks for the recommendation, Aurone! I really like Fantasy too, but I am not familiar with the works of C.E. Murphy. I have made a note of it and will look it up when I visit my friends at Goodreads.com later today.
• Singapore
22 Oct 08
I read a lot of self-help books and recently my interest in finance grew. The last two book I read was authored by Suze Orman. She has appeared in Oprah a couple of times and I really like her direct no-nonsense apporach. She has inspired me to look into my financial standing more closely and try to bridge teh gaps as far as possible, within my budget.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
23 Oct 08
I used to read a lot of self-help books, Sydney, until I discovered that they really didn't help me at all. I guess I am what I am and Iretty much know the areas in which I need to make improvements.