What Are You Reading?
Discuss the books that inspire you. Share recommendations and discover new reads from fellow writers.
Ten minutes and 38 seconds in this strange world
by Elif Shafak
How does this author do it? She creates such realistic, flawed and damaged characters who nonetheless you wish you had met and befriended. The main character here is one that will stay with me for a long time. Far longer than her allotted ten minutes.
How to Lose Your Mother (audiobook)
by Molly Jong-Fast
The author and narrator, Molly Jong-Fast, is the only child of Erica Jong, feminist writer, who penned, among other books, The Fear of Flying. (Full disclosure: I am not a feminist, and I never read it.) Molly Jong-Fast’s book, though, I find fabulous. Her voice will not be for everyone, so if listening to a stereotypical New York City accent (a bit nasal and whiny with syllables drawn out a la: “Ohhhh myyyyy gawwwwwd!”) grates on your nerves, then opt for a Kindle or paperback version, instead. As a New York Jew myself – albeit an Upstate rather than “on the island” variety…and definitely NOT whiny – I have to admit, I found it endearing. But whether you listen to this book or read it, Molly’s writing remains smart, savvy and tremendously engaging. I love the way she interweaves the vignettes from the prickly-yet-co-dependent relationship she has with her mother in their early years to the daily tragedy it becomes for them later, due to her mother’s Dementia. There is much self-discovery, but it’s offered up with amusing, self-deprecating language that makes Molly seem relatable and interesting, rather than a rich-and-clueless Nepo-baby. She gave me much to think about long after the final sentence, and for that, I highly recommend this delightful book.
From the Ashes (A Dirk King FBI Suspense Thriller Book)
by Katie Rush
I have a membership to Chirp Audiobooks, and every week, they have Freebie Fridays – books you can download for honest-to-gawd free. This was one of those offerings, but it falls under the heading of “I Got What I Paid For.” It was a masterclass example of how NOT to write: lame dialog, lifeless, ANNOYING characters, and adverbs, flowery, unnecessary descriptions and similes ad nauseum and infinitum. I found it so atrocious that I couldn’t even finish it. Worse, I feel as if I lost IQ points having listened to it for as long as I did. Oy! Definitely DO NOT recommend this one!!
On Writing
by Stephen King
I’ve never been a Stephen King fan. Decades ago – I’m serious – I read a short story of his entitled “The Tiger” about an escaped tiger lying in wait in the boys’ bathroom of an elementary school. I never read anything so horrific in all my days, and it cured me of reading anything by him ever again. But then, two weeks ago at lunch, my friend, Patty, who’s also a voracious reader, suggested I read his book, On Writing. Also like me, she listens to audiobooks. “He reads really well,” she said, “and I think you’ll like it.” I trust Patty’s judgment implicitly. We’ve been friends for over thirty years. So, I ordered it from Chirp, my trusted site for all audio offerings, and had to concur. My friend’s assessment was spot on. His voice is engaging and lively, and his advice is offered in a friendly, conversational manner. Nothing pedantic or tutorial whatsoever from this pro. He gives tremendous examples and motivations behind all his offerings and packs so much into this rather short book. The last half hour or so is a Q & A with his son, also a popular horror writer, before what sounds like a large, enthusiastic audience. Very fun, indeed. I would highly recommend this book…though I still won’t be reading any of his novels or short stories!
Earthly Possessions
by Anne Tyler
Do you like the characters in this book? I am finding it hard to connect to any of them or care about them much.
Test Book
by Test Author
What did you think about this book?
Test Book
by Test Author
What did you think about this book?
Test Book
by Test Author
What did you think about this book?