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Happy New Year to all!

I'm working my way through the Victorian novel New Grub Street, but I feel it'll be necessary to pause a couple of times during its 18 hours.

I'm thinking of tackling Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind this year - anyone read it (audio or print)?

Happy New Year, everyone!

I was just looking for the new thread. Thank you, John!

Happy New Year! I finished 2024 with Camino Ghosts by John Grisham this afternoon. It's the 3rd in the Camino Island series and Grisham changed narrators. Whoopi Goldberg was certainly a surprise as the new narrator. I can understand why Whoopi did it, but I had some trouble making the distinction between characters when there was dialogue. All in all it was a decent listen.

John wrote: "Happy New Year to all!

I'm working my way through the Victorian novel New Grub Street, but I feel it'll be necessary to pause a couple of times during its 18 hours.

I'm thinking of ..."

Happy New Year!

I had a borrowed paper copy of Sapiens for a limited time. It was interesting, not just the information but his opinions. I skimmed parts of less interest to me due to lack of time.

I think the writing style would work for audio but keep in mind I usually do history, anthropology, archeology, etc. in print. If I do them in audio I try to have a print copy as well.

We really enjoyed listening to Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind while running errands on the car and intend to listen to it again someday. Right now our car audio is the author’s latest book, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, which is sort of all over the place.

On our long drive to visit grandchildren last week, we listened to Out of Istanbul: A Journey of Discovery along the Silk Road. It’s a great adventure tale, and was a free Audible Plus book. We bought the next two in the series in the big sale last month for about $3 each and will listen to the second book after spouse tires of Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, which will probably be soon.

I just finished First Frost from the Walt Longmire series and was disappointed to see that there are no more books out, This one ends with the announcement of a missing person, so the next one will have to follow directly after. This one is mostly the story of a road trip that Walt and Henry took in their twenties. Of course they get mixed up with drug deals, gangsters, and a historical murder scene. They seemed too much like superheroes to me, able to win fights against anyone, operate machines and vehicles they’ve never seen before, and function on little sleep or food, also with great powers of psychology and deduction. George Guidall was excellent, as always.

Now listening to A FAIR BARBARIAN by FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT. It’s a short book from the late Victorian period. This author is known for the children’s books A Little Princess and Little Lord Fauntleroy. In this adult book, a village in England is scandalized by the arrival of the American niece of one of the respectable maiden ladies. Her clothes, behavior and conversation are shocking!

Happy new year! I'll be starting things off with Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting tomorrow :)

Starting the new year listening to Mrs. Plansky's Revenge. Funny with a great reader. A nice way to ease into the new year.

So Long 2024!! Hello 2025!!

I’m finishing up Storm of Olympus (third in trilogy that started with Daughter of Sparta

And The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice just came in for me at the library (Libby)

I'm starting the new year with The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr and narrated by Jane Oppenheimer. The novel is billed as historical fiction about the Warsaw Ghetto uprising although the main character is fictionalized.

Fran wrote: "I'm starting the new year with The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr and narrated by Jane Oppenheimer. The novel is billed as historical fiction about the Wasaw Ghetto uprising althou..."

I’m listening to the same book. I can’t help but compare it to the excellent We Must Not Think of Ourselves by Lauren Grodstein which feels much less fictionalized and is more quietly dramatic.

My review of They All Fall the Same by Wes Browne

/review/show...

Happy New Year, everyone!

John wrote: "I'm thinking of tackling Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind this year - anyone read it (audio or print)? ..."

I did listen to the audiobook and had mixed feelings, but not because of the format. My review:
/review/show...

I am starting the year with another historical mystery: The Body in the Garden by Katharine Schellman. New author for me.

I actually began listening to The Will of the Many by James Islington, but had to snag a few books on Hoopla at the beginning of the month, so that one will have to wait.

Next up with be the sci-fi/fantasy/western Sunshield by Emily B. Martin. I'd love to hear from others about this one.

I'm still listening to The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Uncovering Secrets, Reuniting Relatives, and Upending Who We Are by Libby Copeland. Really enjoying the book. Just haven't had much listening time during the holidays. Got a couple hours in today though, happily enough.

Fran wrote: "Happy New Year! I finished 2024 with Camino Ghosts by John Grisham this afternoon. It's the 3rd in the Camino Island series and Grisham changed narrators. Whoopi Goldberg was certa..."
I got this in print for Christmas and am just beginning it now. I read all my Grisham on the page, so haven't developed any history with a narrator (except for The Testament, which is my all-time favorite Grisham title and I have read/listened to it - I liked that narrator.)

I'm starting the year with The House of Eve.

Finished first book of the new year.

The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free by Pete Hegseth | audiobook narrated by author | Review |

Not what I was expecting so a more thoughtful comments soon. Fair warning there is quite a bit of foul language peppered throughout if that’s a concern.

Jan Mc wrote: "Happy New Year, everyone!

John wrote: "I'm thinking of tackling Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind this year - anyone read it (audio or print)? ..."

I did listen to the audiobook and had mixed..."


Thank you! I like the Schellman series.

John wrote: "Happy New Year to all!

I'm working my way through the Victorian novel New Grub Street, but I feel it'll be necessary to pause a couple of times during its 18 hours.

I'm thinking of ..."

I am going through my second listen. It's good and there is a lot of information. I am just winding up and listening to the part about our future and technology. Recommend.

The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning A.J. Jacobs

I just finished this book for my UU bookclub. I liked it alright but it is hard for me to do government related reads. At least this one had a bit of humor.

Snuff Terry Pratchett

Now this is what one needs for post election blues. Disc World starts to make sense. I have listened to:

The Rincewind Books
The Death Books
The Witches and Lancre Books

And now I am listening to The City Watch Books. "Snuf" is the last book of the City Watch Books. The characters are charming, the plots well developed and the satire enjoyable.

There are 47 Disc World books. Here is the reading order that I am following:

I started the year off with a short children's book Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp by Jerry Stanley narrated by Fred Sullivan This is an older book that must have been re-issued, it's a children's book set in the migrant camp mentioned in Grapes of Wrath.


Now starting an early copy of A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall Narrated by Karissa Vacker Pub Date Feb 04 2025

I started the year with a comfort read: Jodi Taylor's short Lights! Camera! Mayhem!, wonderfully narrated by Zara Ramm.

Now I'm listening to an historical mystery set in 1919 Calcutta: A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee. I'm enjoying his overview of the setting (seen through the eyes of an English policeman).

My first audio for the new year was for entertainment! I enjoyed Insects, Ivy, & Investigations

3.5 stars to Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting, which I read for my IRL book club (even if I'll be missing this month's meeting). It was charming and cute, and every time I read something like this I'm reminded I should do more of it. I enjoy stories where the characters start out strangers and all end up friends.

@John

Apologies for off topic post but I didn't know where else to post this where it was likely to be seen. Delete if you wish.

Problem:
If you are not getting notifications check your profile to see if you are among those with profile showing last active October (sometimes November) 2024.

Solution:
Log out on all devices at same time then log in again. This usually corrects the date and you should soon start getting notifications.

The lack of notifications doesn't seem to happen immediately but weeks/months later so even if you are still getting notifications you may want to fix this.

L J wrote: "Solution:
Log out on all devices at same time then log in again. This usually corrects the date and you should soon start getting notifications.

The lack of notifications doesn't seem to happen immediately but weeks/months later so even if you are still getting notifications you may want to fix this."

Thanks! I fixed mine.

I read Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman but I was underwhelmed. I plan to continue the series though.

I'm one of the only people who has never read The da Vinci Code, so I am starting with book 1, Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. It is ok so far (50% completed), I am entertained.

L J wrote: "@John

Apologies for off topic post but I didn't know where else to post this where it was likely to be seen. Delete if you wish.

Problem:
If you are not getting notifications check your profile t..."

Thanks for the advice!

I'm listening to a YA book as part of a reading challenge. Hasn't been problem in the past, but I'm really struggling with Thirteen Reasons Why. Narration isn't an issue, it's the characters.

John wrote: "I'm thinking of tackling Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind this year - anyone read it (audio or print)?
"

Some 2 years ago read it in print. Read the whole thing, but in parts: during commuting (or at home while on the home trainer) etc. so it took me some months but it was very interesting. I had it from a friend, so no library issues having to read it in a short amount of time.

Specs wrote: "John wrote: "I'm thinking of tackling Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind this year - anyone read it (audio or print)?
"

Some 2 years ago read it in print. Read the whole thing, but in parts: du..."

Thanks! I plan to use an Audible credit to listen over a period of time (months probably).

My first book of the year was a bust.How to Sell a Haunted House lost me with the psyco puppet. I'm not a horror (ish) kinda gal.

Back to a Baldacci to get me back in my comfort zone with The Edge

Nora Goes Off Script was well done and entertaining. It's a romcom featuring a romcom writer so it plays with the tropes and there actually was a surprising twist near the end.

Hi everyone, happy New Year. I hope you all had a good New Year.

I have just finished listening to Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim I absolutely loved this book. The lady that was reading it was brilliant the way she changed the voices to the person that was talking. I am now going to start to listen to the next book, The Dragon’s Promise 🌷

Well ... I've finished Thirteen Reasons Why. Sometimes, it's better to remain in one's comfort zone. So much angst!

while i'm not excited to go back to the office, I am looking forward to having my commute audiobooks again

John wrote: "Well ... I've finished Thirteen Reasons Why. Sometimes, it's better to remain in one's comfort zone. So much angst!"
yeah, that book was pretty bad imho - but very on the nose for most YA books published around that time frame.

Jacqui wrote: "I have just finished listening to Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim I absolutely loved this book. The lady that was reading it wa..."

I read these last year - loved both the books in the series

A cozy? Yes? No? Maybe?
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Agatha Christie

I learned about the cozy genre in this forum and wanted to try one. So I asked, "What makes a cozy a cozy?" Seems like several factor and someone said "think Agatha Christie".

I had never read Agatha Christie so I asked what's the best Agatha Christie,. and I got strong recommendations for The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. It was good. Fast forward to now, and that book has been selected for next months UU read.

Which raises a question. Is that really a cozy? Seems like I find both yes and no answers via google. Perhaps the recommendations I got was in contemplation of amateur detective Mrs. Marple. The Roger Ackroyd mystery feature retired professional detective, Hercule Poirot. That seems to break the female protagonist and the amateur sleuth rules. Or is retired enough of an amateur and perhaps female isn't always required.

I don't know, so I ask youse guys. Is the Roger Ackroyd mystery cozy?

It certainly was worth the read and recommended. Looking forward to reading it again.

There are many definitions of cozy. Personally I think they have to be a totally amateur sleuth. Often it's a charming setting, small town bakery, library, beauty shop, etc. But some people call the series by Louise Penny cozy because of the small town. However the hero is a police detective and the crimes are often very dark.

Robin P wrote: "There are many definitions of cozy. Personally I think they have to be a totally amateur sleuth. Often it's a charming setting, small town bakery, library, beauty shop, etc. But some people call th..."

I wondered about Louis Penny. I read the first one in the Inspector Gamache series, "Still Life". What do you think about the "Thursday Murder Club" series. That's being described as "cozy", despite being a bit longer than the normal cozy novels.

Bill (Just a) wrote: "Robin P wrote: "There are many definitions of cozy. Personally I think they have to be a totally amateur sleuth. Often it's a charming setting, small town bakery, library, beauty shop, etc. But som..."

My friend just went through all The Thursday Murder Club books on Audible and loved them. I think I'm going to give them a go.

Listened to the thuisday murder club books in dutch (library), liked them so much, I'm now on #4 (def.better in english), bought at Audible. In a way they are very cozy because of all the humour and friendship.

I think nowadays the Agatha Christie's feel like cozies because they're old fashioned (in a good way!).

I also feel, it depends on your mood. If you're vulnerable or had recently bad times, all cozies may feel not a bit cozy at all.

Bill (Just a) wrote: "Robin P wrote: "There are many definitions of cozy. Personally I think they have to be a totally amateur sleuth. Often it's a charming setting, small town bakery, library, beauty shop, etc. But som..."

Yes, I think Thursday Murder Club is cozy because the sleuths are amateurs and also many things work out in a funnier and more positive way than they would in real life. Like bad guys being intimidated by an old lady, for instance.

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

The outstanding The Caretakers by Ron Rash

Christine wrote: "Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

The outstanding The Caretakers by Ron Rash [bookc..."

I love Ron Rash. [book:Serena|2815590] was amazing!

i would argue some of Christies are Cozy and others not - like I wouldn't call Poiriot a Cozy since he's an investigator but others would be

Here is a good list of Cozies that kind of gives more of an idea of what kind of books are considered cozy mysteries

/list/show/7...

I finished A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
Narrated by Karissa Vacker another great twisty thriller from this author! Pub Date Feb 04 2025

Now starting Trial by Ambush: Murder, Injustice, and the Truth about the Case of Barbara Graham by Marsha Clark, I am a big classic film fan and the movie I Want to Live has always stuck with me so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. Of course I will picture Barbara as Susan Hayward though.

Dark Hope

Possibly because of the rather long and detailed battle scenes (yes, more than one) the series story arc is somewhat lacking in detail. Probably just as likely it's on purpose and a surprise is coming in next book (view spoiler)[back in the Carpathian Mountains. (hide spoiler)]

I finished an interesting duology that's a mix of a western and a fantasy, Sunshield: A Novel and Floodpath: A Novel by Emily B. Martin.

I am finally back to listening to the fantasy The Will of the Many by James Islington, which reminds me so much of other series, especially "Red Rising."

Fran wrote: My friend just went through all The Thursday Murder Club books on Audible and loved them. I think I'm going to give them a go.

You won't be disappointed. I will be interested in what character you like best. They are full of good characters. Even the villains at times.

MissSusie wrote: "Here is a good list of Cozies that kind of gives more of an idea of what kind of books are considered cozy mysteries

/list/show/7..."

Thanks Ms. Susie. That is a fairly permissive list. I think I will present to book club as almost cozy. Even though Poirot series is on that list.