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Starting off the month with a 20 hour nonfiction that should seem daunting: The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England. However, the glowing reviews are right, as he reads the material so that it's interesting! I know the name Eleanor of Aquataine, but am now learning exactly who she was.

John wrote: "Starting off the month with a 20 hour nonfiction that should seem daunting: The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England. However, the glowing reviews are right, ..."

Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of my favorite historical individuals! This sounds fantastic John!

I just finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Great story and a really nice audio production.

I just finished The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell last night and I am starting a re-read of The Time Keeper today.

i have some pretty severe audiobook ADD going on right now - so I have like 3 books in progress...

The Purity of Vengeance
To the Gorge: Running, Grief, and Resilience & 460 Miles on the Pacific Crest Trail
Desperation in Death

I also just grabbed The Briar Club which came in for me at the library after being on hold for 6 months

Magic Shifts Dramatized Adaptation
by Ilona Andrews

I re-read Kate Daniels World 2 or 3 years ago. I've read the GraphicAudio versions as they came out. GraphicAudio of Magic Shifts was, to me, one of the best things I've listened to in some time. I really enjoyed the way the characters were voiced.

I have really enjoyed Jack Campbell's space opera series The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier. I read books one through four last month and I am halfway through book five, Leviathan now, the final book in this part of his overall sci-fi drama. It is read nicely by Christian Rummel.

Listening to Haruki Murakami's new novel, The City and Its Uncertain Walls, but I'm reminded again of why I don't usually like to listen to his novels... they are much better read in hard copy...

Now I have my Feb credit in my hot little hands and trying to decide what book to buy next. Any recommendations? Mostly like to listen to memoirs/biography/non-fiction (science/health), but if a story is gripping enough, I'll listen to literature/fiction as well!

Thanks!

Arielle wrote: "...Now I have my Feb credit in my hot little hands and trying to decide what book to buy next. Any recommendations? Mostly like to listen to memoirs/biography/non-fiction (science/health), but if a story is gripping enough, I'll listen to literature/fiction as well!..."

My favorite memoir is Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood, which was narrated wonderfully by the author, Trevor Noah and my current favorite nonfiction is Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, which had great science and was just fascinating. I would highly recommend both.

I just finished Ginny Moon. I really liked this book. The story reminded me of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The only part that didn't fit for me, was ** spoiler alert ** (Ginny's lack of ability to understand that her baby sister had gotten older in the 5 years since she had seen her.) I didn't think that Autism usually caused intellectual disabilities. And it seemed like she would have been able to understand that after it had been explained to her. But I suppose she could have multiple disorders. Anyway, I still liked the book, it was very refreshing to hear a story from a different perspective than usual. The audiobook narrator did an excellent job and was really able to portray the voice of a 14 year-old autistic girl in an honest yet compassionate way.

Kristie wrote: "Arielle wrote: "...Now I have my Feb credit in my hot little hands and trying to decide what book to buy next. Any recommendations? Mostly like to listen to memoirs/biography/non-fiction (science/h..."

Oh I love the science of sleeping and dreaming... thanks!

Donna wrote: "I just finished Ginny Moon. I really liked this book. The story reminded me of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The only part that didn't fit for me, w..."

Thanks for the rec - I loved the Curious Incident... will check this out!

I finished The Time Keeper and have started The Phoenix Crown.

If you want to reflect on your current life, you should listen to Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl

Finished The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom by, Shari Franke. still don't understand why the dad was never charged with anything and Ruby was an awful person before she met Jodi, Jodi just reinforced her darkest thoughts.

Now starting The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth Narrated by Ina Barrón Pub Date Mar 18 2025

John wrote: "Starting off the month with a 20 hour nonfiction that should seem daunting: The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England. However, the glowing reviews are right, ..."

This sounds very interesting indeed.

I was listening to Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection and had to stop about 70% through.
I've enjoyed Duhigg's work in the past but his earnest attempts to showcase how certain communication techniques can get diametrically opposed groups like Gun Control Advocates and 2nd Amendment Supporters to have constructive dialogues to be hopelessly quaint in today's political climate.

I enjoyed Quarter Share, even though (or because) nothing much happens. Orphaned at 18, a young man with the nautical name of Ishmael Horatio Wang joins the crew of a commercial spaceship. There are no aliens, no battles, not even much tech. He works in the kitchen and they make all the food the old-fashioned way. There are drills for fires, evacuations, etc. but no actual emergencies come up. The author based the story on his real-life experience in the Coast Guard, but I doubt it was always this positive. There is no hazing of the new guy and there are no mean characters! People are recognized for their talents and are encouraged to advance.

This could be considered "cozy" or "slice of life" sci-fi. It's very soothing and I think I'll continue the series. But if you looking for adventure, this isn't it.

John wrote: "Starting off the month with a 20 hour nonfiction that should seem daunting: The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England. However, the glowing reviews are right, ..."

Just added it to my TBR list.


Currently listening to two audios, not my normal listening habit: The Best American Essays 2024 edited by Wesley Morris and a short fiction book, Rental House by Weike Wang

I started the companion series for Jack Campbell's The Lost Fleet series, The Lost Stars, Tarnished Knight, which tells a part of the story from the pov of the enemies, but realized that the change in narrator from Christian Rummel to Marc Vietor was going to take getting used to. I had to stop and restart two chapters in but I decided to press pause and read a dime western by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone instead for a break. Anyone else read fluff westerns? I enjoy the change of pace. Catfish Charlie is a story that touches on a subject close to me, catfish fishing which I used to really love to do at 3am when I was younger. It's a formulaic dime western story so far, the sort I'd often find in Kindle Unlimited, not stellar but just light.

I am in the midst of listening to Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, the third and final book in the ridiculously popular series of romantasies with magic and dragons. The incentive to read these reminds me of the "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" series, etc., where the quality isn't as important as the desire to see what all the fuss is about.

I'm gonna need something a little more Jodi Taylor next...

Jan Mc wrote: "I am in the midst of listening to Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, the third and final book in the ridiculously popular series of romantasies with magic and dragons. The incentive to ..."

That has actually been turned into a five book series now. I'm really hoping that Onyx Storm ends in a good stopping place though. I was only prepared for a trilogy, not another long series. I'll be interested to see what you think of the end.

I just listened to Guardians of the Galaxy - Annihilation: Conquest, an adaptation of some of the comics featuring the characters made familiar by the films. It was amusing if forgettable.

My Review - /review/show...

I finished The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead. To me it's a great example of what speculative fiction can do. Or literary fiction for that matter. Narrated by Peter Jay Fernandez.

I've started Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes. Not at all something that would usually hit my radar, but credit must go to someone on goodreads. Entertaining so far. Excellently narrated by Simon Vance and Neil Patrick Harris in some very well-chosen casting.

Unfortunately I wasn't a big fan of The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth Narrated by Ina Barrón I was pretty confused throughout.

Now starting The Teller of Small Fortunes by, Julie Leong narrated by, Phyllis Ho

Kristie wrote: "Jan Mc wrote: "I am in the midst of listening to Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, the third and final book in the ridiculously popular series of romantasies with magic and dragons. Th..."

Oh no! 5 books? I just started listening to Onyx Storm and I feel like I'm over it. I'm not sure I'll make 5 books.

I could barely make it through Fourth Wing, but I guess I am not the target audience.

Yes, I really like Yarros's writing, but Iron Flame felt long to me. I have Onyx Storm, but I'm not in a hurry to get to it. I don't think I'll make 5 books either.

RE: Yarros's Onyx Storm. I had no idea there were more books planned, but I definitely won't continue after this third book. I certainly hope the ending of this one is good enough.

Meanwhile, I have started The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal by Jodi Taylor and am enjoying it very much.

I've started listening to a true crime story: Vanished in Vermillion: The Real Story of South Dakota’s Most Infamous Cold Case - anyone here familiar with the book? Rave reviews, but I'm not grabbed by the beginning.

My first book of the month was Dirrayawadha by Anita Heiss. It is narrated by Tamala Shelton. The book is a historical fiction set in the early part of the 1800s. The British government is shipping prisoners - violent and political - to Australia. The book was excellent, and the audio was very well done as well.

I'm listening to Overclocked: Stories of the Future Present, it has a variety of narrators and I'm enjoying the Black Mirror-ness of it so far.

I'm still listening to The Phoenix Crown, but I'm almost done. I'm also starting Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice today.

Kristie wrote: "I'm still listening to The Phoenix Crown, but I'm almost done. I'm also starting Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice today."

How did you like Phoenix Crown?

MissSusie wrote: "Kristie wrote: "I'm still listening to The Phoenix Crown, but I'm almost done. I'm also starting Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice today."

How did you like Phoenix Crown?"

I'm not quite done, but I'm enjoying it a lot. It's a little different than the other books I've read by the same author. It seems a little lighter somehow, maybe because the others I've read are set during wartime.

I've been on vacation and haven't had stable or free wifi to post any updates. Here goes.

I'm very interested in John's listen - The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England. Thank you for that!

Since the end of January until now I've finished:

A Death in Cornwall by Dan Silva. I'm a fan of the protagonist, Gabriel Allon, and the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini. 4*

The Thursday Murder Club which was recommended in this group and by a friend. The narration was well done, but I occasionally got lost in the twists and turns. That's when I think a book is better read than on audio no matter how good the narrator is. It didn't help that I was jetlagged and had to keep rewinding. 3 1/2*

The Women by Kristin Hannah. I haven't read or listened to a Vietnam War novel for at least ten years. Of the historical fiction novels on the war that I have read, The Women certainly adds to the canon. In no way do I want to detract from those who served in Vietnam, but Hannah's writing only touched on the complex issues of the war through the emotional relationships of the protagonist. It's still solid historical fiction about the unsung heroes, the women nurses, who served. 4.5*

Now I'm listening to The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander and am really enjoying it. The narration is really, really good.

I'm in need of some advice for a short list of highly recommended historical fiction novels. This group is definitely more trustworthy than a 'best list' I discovered. Does anyone have an opinion on the following books (either read or on audio):

A Traveler in Time
Hamnet
The Regeneration Trilogy
The Book of Night Women

On Hamnet, many people loved it but I thought it was very overwritten, making its points (mostly depressing ones) over and over. The Regeneration Trilogy is very powerful, dealing with WWI and its physical and emotional effects on soldiers, also the fate of those who resisted serving in it.

A Traveler in Time is a children's book and looks like great fun, though I haven't read it.

When I finish up my current reads, I have a couple more slated as my next reads"

for book club: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
because my son is reading it and I like to read with him: Kindred

Fran wrote: "I've been on vacation and haven't had stable or free wifi to post any updates. Here goes.

I'm very interested in John's listen - [book:The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made Engl..."

My mom read The Women for an upcoming book club discussion, seeming to have appreciated it.

Fran wrote: "I'm in need of some advice for a short list of highly recommended historical fiction novels...."

I thought Hamnet was wonderfully written, although the story is sad. The audiobook narration was terrific. I would definitely recommend it.

I ended up DNF'ing The Briar Club - it just wasn't working for me, even with speeding up the narration (more than my normal 1.1).

I finished up To the Gorge: Running, Grief, and Resilience & 460 Miles on the Pacific Crest Trail - which bounces back and forth between her running the Oregan portion of the PCT (aiming for fastest time) and her mom's fight with cancer - very well done but also so sad in places

currently listening to Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage - which seems very appropriate right now with a lot of the historical achievements of women/minorities not being discussed and/or covered up - many of these woman were unknown in history until recently - and i'd never heard of operation petticoat but it was anger inducing

I just listened to Luck and Judgement, 3rd in a series of modern police procedurals set in a small town in England. They are just that, procedural, no superhuman heroics - in fact, the middle-aged main character wonders if he can even pass the required physical. There is lots of unglamorous investigating which pays off. The banter within the station is very dry and British.

Robin P wrote: "I just listened to Luck and Judgement, 3rd in a series of modern police procedurals set in a small town in England. They are just that, procedural, no superhuman heroics - in fact, ..."

sometimes those are the best books - the ones where the crime doesn't wrap up in 50 pages - that shows the tedious nature etc

Starting The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore Narrated by Brittany Pressley & Xe Sands

I am just curious to know why I am not receiving any more notifications from this groups and others from good reads. Has anything changed since New Year?

Sara wrote: "I am just curious to know why I am not receiving any more notifications from this groups and others from good reads. Has anything changed since New Year?"

you have to go back in and reenable all notifications - when they got rid of the emails related to notifications/pm's - they screwed up the notifications as well

Sara wrote: "I am just curious to know why I am not receiving any more notifications from this groups and others from good reads. Has anything changed since New Year?"

Your profile shows last active October 2024. Log out of Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ on all devices at same time then log in again. You should soon start receiving notifications again.

I am 32 hours into James Clavell's Noble House with 23 hours to go. It is loooong. I am enjoying it though. I am 7 books ahead on my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ challenge at this point so I thought I would get a long book off my TBR pile. Narrated by Ralph Lister. I used my last Audible credit on this one, I'm waiting for my next 2 credits coming up soon.

Doug wrote: "I am 32 hours into James Clavell's Noble House with 23 hours to go. It is loooong. I am enjoying it though. I am 7 books ahead on my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ challenge at this point so I thought I w..."

Enjoy the ride. The entire Asian saga is thoroughly enjoyable.

Robin P wrote: "On Hamnet, many people loved it but I thought it was very overwritten, making its points (mostly depressing ones) over and over. The Regeneration Trilogy is very powerful, dealing with WWI and its ..."

Jan Mc wrote: "Fran wrote: "I'm in need of some advice for a short list of highly recommended historical fiction novels...."

I thought Hamnet was wonderfully written, although the story is sad. T..."

I just bought Hamnet! Thank you!