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Reading Room:  What Have You Been Reading?  |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 19 2014 : 7:02:42 PM
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I love to read! And I love hearing what other book lovers are up to. I didn't see a recent post on this subject, so let's get chatting!
Does a good fiction novel and a cuppa something yummy tickle your fancy?
Or do you spend your downtime with nonfiction, learning all you can absorb?
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand has to be my favorite book I have read this year, it will probably be on my top 5 list for life.
I also found a new fave historical fiction author, Ann Tatlock.
Joyce Magnin writes quirky, fun Christian fiction, so I was pleased to read her latest, Maybelle in Stitches! A quilt theme set on the home front during WW II.
I could go on...but I want to hear from you all! Let's talk BOOKS!
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47 |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2014 : 7:52:12 PM
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I have started reading through the Elsie Dinsmore book series again. Love them! I generally read Christian historical fiction and any of the Christian martyr books. Janette Oke's "Love Comes Softly" series is also a favorite!
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2014 : 9:39:19 PM
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| I have never liked fiction, though I have written some and enjoyed the experience -- go figure! Give me history, philosophy, biographies and social analysis. Yesterday, I bought Matthew Stewart's fascinating new book, Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic. I've only had time for about half of the first chapter, but oh my! Fascinating. |
Edited by - Rosemary on Jul 19 2014 9:43:59 PM |
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2014 : 12:10:27 AM
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I like to read quite a variety.
The last book I finished was Orlean Puckett, the Life of a Mountain Midwife, 1844-1939. It's a traveling book here at MJF, written by a MJF farmgirl, Karen Cecil Smith. It is currently making the rounds and should be available soon. I think I was #8 or so, fun to have shared it with others here.
I have read just about every book written by Jodi Picoult, the most recent was Plain Truth, about a murder on an Amish farm. It was chilling but in her usual style, the interplay of characters from the the view of each was fascinating.
I'm joining a book club with a political theme in August and have the book already. It is A Fighting Chance, by Elizabeth Warren.
Unbroken is high on my list of books to read. I think it will be the next one I start. Rosemary, I looked up the Matthew Stewart book and that sounds interesting too!
Susan
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Mary Oliver |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2014 : 12:57:52 AM
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I've been reading Wendell Berry's New Collected Poems. He's a poet/farmer who lives in Kentucky along the Ohio river.I especially enjoy his poems about the "mad farmer". I still haven't finished reading "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau on my Nook. And I want to get a copy of Mary Oliver's "Dog Songs".
Cindy
"Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free; And stand where the peaks meet the sky and the rocks reach the sea.Where the rivers run clear and the bracken is gold in the sun. and cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done"--Loreena McKennit
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2014 : 06:05:16 AM
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Susan, I had my hand on Elizabeth Warren's book, the last autographed one from a book signing she did at the store shortly after it came out. When I go back Monday evening for Stewart's talk (and to have him sign my copy), it might still be there. So much for the budget this month!
We're quite an eclectic group! |
Edited by - Rosemary on Jul 20 2014 09:49:26 AM |
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princesspatches
True Blue Farmgirl
431 Posts
arttie
iron mountain
michigan
USA
431 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2014 : 09:28:51 AM
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I read a wide variety of books. I just finished reading Stephen King's Dr. Sleep. Since that was pretty intense, I am reading "beach smut" to relax. I generally like mysteries. But also like historical fiction and classics. I do not like romances at all.
Arttie |
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sonshine4u
Chapter Guru
1205 Posts
April
New Prague
MN
USA
1205 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2014 : 06:27:46 AM
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Shannon~ I'm reading through the Elsie Dinsmore series too! I'm reading them aloud to my daughter. We are really enjoying them.
Just finished reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd for a merit badge. It was an interesting read.
I've been reading a ton of Minnesota history books of late. Those have been fascinating and a lot of fun.
Happy summer reading!
Farmgirl Hugs!
~April
River Valley Farmgirls
Chapter Leader
~Playing in the Sonshine~
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2014 : 06:53:56 AM
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April, who w=knew there were a ton of Minnesota history books? That's my kind of reading -- not about Minnesota, necessarily, but histories that tap the culture around me and help me understand what came before.
I tried reading The Secret Life of Bees and just couldn't get into it. As I said earlier, novels aren't my thing. I love the book cover's design, though. If only it were REALLY about the secret life of actual bees....LOL
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9092 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9092 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2014 : 07:32:04 AM
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Well there are so many, but here are a few.
TallGrass by Sandra Dallas
North River by Pete Hamill
All the Rosamunde Pilcher books
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette walls
All the Fannie Flagg Books
World made by Hand by James Kunstler.
I could keep going but here are just a few.
Nancy Jo
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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sonshine4u
Chapter Guru
1205 Posts
April
New Prague
MN
USA
1205 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2014 : 08:04:30 AM
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Rosemary ~ I wasn't sure how the whole bee thing was going to be incorporated when I first started reading it, but it's definitely part of the story once you get going. It doesn't give a ton of information about bees in the book, but it for sure gives a starting point on them and how they take care of them and extract honey.
Farmgirl Hugs!
~April
River Valley Farmgirls
Chapter Leader
~Playing in the Sonshine~
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Lavender Rose
True Blue Farmgirl
1979 Posts
Brenda
Jackson
MI
USA
1979 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2014 : 08:59:32 AM
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Recently I finished reading When We Were Strangers by Pamela Schoenewaldt copyright 2011. Here is the write up on the back of the book. Hope it is alright to post it here.
Too pour and too plain to marry, and unwilling to burden what family she has left, twenty-year old Irma Vitale sees no choice but to flee her Italian mountain village. Risking rough passage across the Atlantic and the dangers facing a single woman in an unfamiliar land, Irma boldly pursues a new life sewing dresses for gentlewomen.
Swept up in the crowded streets of nineteenth-century America, Irma finds not only workshop servitude and miserable wages, but also seeds of friendship in the raw immigrant quarters. When her determination to find a place for herself leads at last to a Chicago shop, Irma blossoms from the guidance of an austere Alsatian dressmaker, sewing fabrics and patterns more beautiful than she'd ever imagined. Then tragedy strikes and her tenuous peace is shattered. From the rubble, and in the face of human cruelty and kindness, suffering and hope, Irma prevails, discovering a talent she'd never imagined and an unlikely family patched together by the common threads that unite us all.
This was a great book and I love to read books with unexpected turns in the story. Pamela did a lot of research for this wonderful book.
Happy Reading,
Brenda
Each day we add to our legacy-good or bad. Our Daily Bread |
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churunga
True Blue Farmgirl
3931 Posts
Marie
Minneapolis
MN
USA
3931 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2014 : 11:31:19 AM
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I am currently reading Orlean Puckett: The Life of a Mountain Midwife by Karen Cecil Smith and The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling. The grade school at which I volunteer will be doing a play based on Jungle Book next school year and I will be helping out. Also on my bedside table are the following:
Pocket Posh Sewing Tips
Instant Sewing Handbook: A Complete Guide for the Home Sewer (copyright 1972)
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Early Irish Myths and Sagas
Part of the Pride: My Life Among the Big Cats of Africa by Kevin Richardson
Mary Jane's Milk Cow Kitchen
Science Fiction is my first love and I am very picky about what I read. There is just too much trash. I also love reading children's books. I have recently reread The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I want to read her other books too. I usually do not buy books. I go on the paperback exchange to see what I can get for free, although they usually do not have anything I want, or I find books in free boxes in the alley. It's all good.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
Edited by - churunga on Jul 30 2014 11:32:01 AM |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2014 : 2:54:02 PM
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What a great selection, ladies!
I do love biographies too!
I just finished Beyond the Storm quilts of Love Series #1 by Carolyn Zane
Great summer read
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47 |
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notathreatinsight
True Blue Farmgirl
626 Posts
Erin
Monroeville
IN
USA
626 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2014 : 07:08:47 AM
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I love to read!! I want more posts in this thread!
I am currently reading:
Madame de Pompadour : A Life by Evelyn Lever - A Doctor Who episode featuring Madame de Pompadour inspired me to read about her. Her story, and just the history of France at the time, is very interesting.
The Harry Potter series - I missed that trend, and had no interest in it until this year. I am enjoying it. I'm on book four.
How to Tutor by Samuel Blumenfeld - This book will serve as my main curriculum for homeschooling this year. The book has lessons for phonics, arithmetic, and handwriting.
Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales and The Brothers Grimm - I am working through a book that has all of these stories together. I started with the Snow Queen. After watching Frozen with my kids, I saw that it was "inspired by" this fairy tale, so I decided to read it. The only similarity is that both stories have a snow queen. I really enjoyed the Anderson version. What saved them in the story **spoiler alert** was The Lord's Prayer. I mean, how awesome is that? Frozen was fine I guess, for a Disney movie, and it has catchy songs, but when is Disney ever going to have an ending like that? I plan on making the Anderson story into a mini unit study for the kids for this school year.
Any one else have any awesome books they're currently reading??
Erin
Farmgirl #3762
May my heart be kind, my mind fierce and my spirit brave. - Kate
Forsyth
http://www.etsy.com/shop/femmepostale/
http://www.pinterest.com/femmepostale/ |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2014 : 6:42:13 PM
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Erin, I will have to find the Snow Queen! What a wonderful story!
I read The All Girl's Filling Stations last Reunion by Fannie Lagg this summer. Another great fiction to feed my WWII fancy. Bonus in this book is the fact that it opened my eyes to the WASP - women's air force service pilots. Very interesting, and Fannie Flagg always entertains.
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47 |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2014 : 6:53:57 PM
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April - Have you ever read the series before? My oldest daughter (almost 11) and I read through the first twelve books quite frequently! I received the rest of the series for Christmas and have yet to start them. I am on book ten right now, and must finish through twelve before I can start the rest of the series, lol.
Brenda - I really like the sound of "When We Were Strangers." I might have to see if I can find a copy of it and give it a read :)
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2875 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2875 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2014 : 7:38:16 PM
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Bonnie
I love Fannie Flagg, but have never actually read any of her books. I am on the road so much with work, that I have listened to several on CD, and Fannie herself reads them. I LOVE HER. All Girls Filling Station was so much fun, and SO informative. Her characters are so relatable. Her voice on the CD's adds that extra level on all that is Fannie. If anyone out there is looking to be amused on a long trip, pick of one of her books on CD. YOu will be hooked.
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
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auntjenny
True Blue Farmgirl
277 Posts
Jenny
San Luis Obispo
CA
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2014 : 07:36:41 AM
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So fun to see that alot of my favorites are also on all your reading lists as well! I love to read fannie Flagg, Jodi Picoult and so manyof the books you all mentioned. Next o my list are the newest book in the Diana Gabaldon book from the moment the outlander series, which I loved, Written in my Own Hearts Blood. Just havdnt got to it yet. Now I really want to read that Orlean Puckett book-sounds real good! I go in spurts it seems of reading alot more and then not so much. I have been in a reading mood lately but mostly just reading Milk Cow Kitchen, and a canary health book.
Inside me there is a skinny girl crying to get out, but I can usually shut her up with cookies. |
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notathreatinsight
True Blue Farmgirl
626 Posts
Erin
Monroeville
IN
USA
626 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2014 : 11:19:27 AM
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Bonnie - that book sounds awesome. I love historical fiction! I'm going to add it to my library hold list.
I just got a book yesterday on MAIL ART! I was inspired to get this book from the monthly mail art swaps :)
Erin
Farmgirl #3762
May my heart be kind, my mind fierce and my spirit brave. - Kate
Forsyth
http://www.etsy.com/shop/femmepostale/
http://www.pinterest.com/femmepostale/ |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2014 : 3:44:01 PM
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Oh Lisa, I bet the audiobooks are a hoot! Hmmm do I dare explore the world of audiobooks and risk getting hooked on something new? :)
Erin, if you like historical fiction, let me introduce you to my new favorite author, Ann Tatlock! The first book I read by her, was A Room of My Own. Another eye opener that spans the time period from just before WWII to 1960's civil rights. That one is still my favorite by her, but out of the 3 or 4 I have read she does not disappoint.
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47 |
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notathreatinsight
True Blue Farmgirl
626 Posts
Erin
Monroeville
IN
USA
626 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2014 : 06:26:06 AM
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I am currently reading...
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. This book is all about vulnerability, and how no one wants to be vulnerable, but it's the key to meaningful relationships and wholehearted living. I was introduced to her through a TED talk and I'm reading this for a book club. I highly recommend it. Some of what she says about relationships is sort of no-brainer, but it's the way she says it that really drives it home.
Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince- about to start this one. I'm holding off on it because I know the minute I pick it up, that's all I'll do til I finish it.
Austenland by Shannon Hale - I watched the movie, and didn't realize it was a book. Just started this one today. My Austen obsession is getting out of hand, much like the star of the story. It's scary. When I'm done with these three I plan to read Pride and Prejudice again, or Northanger Abbey, which I know is everyone's least favorite but I really like it!
Anyone else reading anything good right now?? :)
Erin
Farmgirl #3762
"Autumn ~ a second spring when every leaf is a flower. " - Albert Camus
http://www.etsy.com/shop/femmepostale/
http://www.pinterest.com/femmepostale/ |
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Reading Room: What Have You Been Reading? |
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What Have You Been Reading?
