I just finished an interesting short book by Stephen King called Elevation. It’s only 146 pages, so it’s more like a short story. It’s an idea that only King could come up with. Not a spoiler but it’s basically about a man who is losing weight at a rapid pace no matter how much he eats. The numbers on the scale go down but he looks exactly the same. The story is about much more than that and is mesmerizing. I highly recommend it and you can read it in a couple hours.

Another more lit’ry type vs. hot bestseller is HEIR TO THE GLIMMERING WORLD, by Cynthia Ozick. She is “ An American.master “. ‘A post WW 11 ‘grand romantic novel of desire, fame, fanaticism and unimaginable reversals of fortune.’ Google books. My book club who also can enjoy some “hot bestsellers “ gave it a big thumbs up.

‘Ida, so happy another loved Edgar Mint. Sable, I can’t find A New Life. How sad .

So I finished The Story of Arthur Truluv first thing this morning. It was so engrossing and I am so relieved to be back among the reading. Not sure what will be next but looking forward to deciding! So many interesting suggestions here. Edgar Mint, Glimmering World...

I finished Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. I did not like it because the characters were very unlikeable and it had too much sex for my prudishness. She is a talented writer because I was compelled to finish the book, but I didn’t enjoy it. Wife deserts the family, husband fills time with a hook-up app, narrator discovers motherhood is hard and she misses her college self. It gets 4.05 stars on Goodreads so obviously many people enjoyed it, but I wasn’t one of them.

Salonva - Berg wrote a sequel to Arthur Trulove called Night of Miracles. I own it but haven't read it yet. I hope it's as good. My Library has it so yours might too.

I loved Arthur Trulove, so am glad to learn of a sequel. Thanks, Skibby!

as I seem to do better lately with shorter books, I took Dedtired's recommendation for Elevation. Requested on kindle from the library and I just started reading it. So far so good. Truth be told, this is my first Stephen King.

salonva, my first and only Stephen King book was 11/22/63. I couldn't do his other books, but that one I loved. I'll be interested in what you think of Elevation.

Oh Bunny, yes, 11/22/63... What a fine, fine novel. Stephen King is definitely not my genre, but somewhere I read a rec for this book and went over to Amazon to check the reviews. Raves, and especially for people who don't like horror. I don't read horror and am not interested in time-travel, but I read it anyway and also loved it.

Very highly recommended!

Elevation sounds quite similar to Thinner, which King wrote in the mid-80s under his Bachman pseudonym. Did anyone read both?

I just finished The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo. It's a great, sweeping, domestic tale and I really loved it.

I finished Wuthering Heights-this time in original, hooray-and of course I loved it just as much if not more-and I guess I'll never stop wondering about how the hell she even wrote it..how does genius work?

I'll also never stop wondering when somebody arrives and at last makes a good ecranization of the book -or gives up the attempts already.

I'm yet to see the movie that really captures it, without taking false notes-and I do check, from time to time.

I also read Mazel by Rebecca Goldstein (that was in June though?)-and I found it, in general, being beautifully and strongly written..some parts are stronger than others. They really linger. I probably do recommend if one's okay with many many Yiddish/Hebrew words sprinkled throughout the book. To me, there were a few minor inconsistencies -but oh well, what do I know.

I finished Wuthering Heights-this time in original

April, I've never read Wuthering Heights, but I've been meaning to for years. I assume you are saying that you read it in English this time? If you've read it in another language(s), how did they compare.

I read it in Russian before, of course-several times, as I like to re-read some books-as I get older and get different perspectives-I don't remember how old I was when I read it first, my guess is pretty young. I enjoyed it back then tremendously-and then each time I reached for it. And of course the older I become the more I understand (or think I do) still. I re-connect to it in lots of different ways. It has infinite layers to it-one doesn't get bored, one continues to figure things out.

We did have some amazing translators when I was young-so made it very easy to appreciate the book right away.

Now when I was reading in English, me knowing the book so well helped of course-I mean especially old Yorkshire dialect used by some in the book, especially Joseph's tirades.

By the way I did a quick Google search now-and found "The Reader's Guide to Wuthering Heights" -they translate it to modern English there)) have a chapter dedicated to it.

Usually I get my library books via the hold list. Two are going to be a bit of a wait so today I stopped at my local branch and found on the shelves Arthur Trulov, Wuthering Heights (in English), and The Diary of Anne Frank, none of which I've ever read before.

As for the Yorkshire dialect, when I first read Lady Chatterley's Lover (under the covers, in 7th grade), I could not figure out the dialect. It's set in Nottinghamshire and the dialects are virtually the same. Then I lived in Yorkshire for 6 years, and it all made perfect sense. People really do talk like that.

Ida, I did read Thinner as well as Elevation. The main character in Thinner was not so likable but the main character in Elevation was someone you liked. The stories are very different other than the topic of involuntary weight loss. King can really weave a great tale. No horror in Elevation.

I just finished Arthur Truluv and about half a box of kleenex. Wow. Thanks so much to Olychick, Skibby, and Salonva for recommending it. I'm sticking it on my virtual bookshelf of all-time favorites. Even before the story begins, the author includes this foreshadowing quote from Alexander Pope: "Act well your part, there all the honour lies." Amen.

Bunny I am so glad you felt the same about Arthur Truluv! I finished Elevation which was a very good read and maybe will entice me to read more Stephen King. It was actually kind of sweet ( I seem to be on a roll here with sweet and it's fine by me).

I am now starting The Happiness Project which I have had on my "want to read" list and no idea how I found it. I think it will either grab me and consume me or I might just browse through it and get some ideas as it seems to be a self help inspirational book.

Salon va, glad you liked Elevation. It’s charming in its own odd way.

Wanted to say that I did not enjoy Before We Were Yours. I just don’t like to read about the suffering of children, although the backstory is interesting and horrific.

One of my friends came for a weekend visit and finished her book, so left it for me. It's Calypso by David Sedaris (his latest, I think) and is absolutely wonderful. I love his writing anyway, but this book especially. It's very funny, as well as a bit more poignant than some of his writing. I laughed out loud several times and shed a tear or two. If you're a fan, This American Life on NPR had a great segment on him this past weekend. Really worth a read and a listen.

Only, was that the segment about him living in Paris? That was great. Actually the one I heard was a repeat from way back, but still very entertaining.

I just finished Calypso by David Sedaris too, and also especially loved this book. I spent a week keeping my mom company in the hospital and we laughed together as I read out loud to her.

Yes, it was Ded...at least I think so...I came in on it after it started, then had to leave before it finished. But it sounded like he was mentioning reactions to him speaking French and some of the shopkeepers he encountered. I have to go back and listen to the whole thing again.

I read Calypso while walking on the treadmill, and truly laughing out loud, at a new-to-me gym. I think everyone wondered “who’s the new, crazy lady?”

One of his sentences that I added to my favorite sentences list (he was writing about a tv show on interventions for addicts):

The authors of the letters often cry, perhaps because what they’re written is so poorly constructed.

I finished A Man with No Face by Peter May, a Scottish writer of mysteries. This was a re-release of a novel he wrote 40 years ago. It was ok but he clearly has developed his talent for writing in the years since. His more recent novels are much better.

I just finished a vacation at the beach and didn’t get to read as much as I liked-too busy entertaining visiting family, darn it ;) SIL recommended an Irish writer she likes and while looking her up on Amazon noticed one of her books was on 99 cents. The Lost by Claire McGowan. It was a perfect beach read - mystery set in Northern Ireland. The ending was a bit overdone, but I liked it enough that I will read more. Coincidentally, I noticed her latest novel is one of the July freebies on Amazon First Reads so I downloaded that one but haven’t started.

I finished listening to Commonwealth by Ann Patchett on my drive back. I think I might have preferred to read a hard copy of this one. While the narration was good, there are so many characters and the chapters go back and forth in time as well as character that I had a difficult time keeping them all straight. A decent book but not one I’d necessarily go out of my way to recommend.

I’m now reading The Storyteller’s Secret by Sejal Badani, set in India during British occupation.

Just finished Mrs. Everything, which I read about here. Took me awhile to get into it, but I really enjoyed it in the end!

Just started When Christ and His Saints Slept, Sharon Kay Penman

The title to the book are the real words spoken when Thomas Becket died.

I'm on her fifth book, all almost 5 stars, and all are exceptionally long. This one is almost 800 pages. It is not a romantic historical fiction like most people think, but this book is the beginning of the Plantagenet's, after the civil war between Maud and King Stephen. And the beginning of Henry II and Eleanor of Acquitaine. They don't come into play until later.

You can read all of her books out of order. This is the first book in her series and I've already read the rest.

If you love medieval history like I do, read this book.

Oakley, thanks for recommending When Christ and His Saints Slept. Goodreads gives it a 4.3, usually a very good sign.

ETA: I see that you just started it, so will look forward to hearing your review.

I love historical fiction and may have done WWII to death. I'm awaiting the last of the Shardlake series that takes place in Tudor England, also super long books. Going back a ways to the Plantagenets may just be what I need.

Next to science, history was my worst subject in school. Now I can't get enough of it.

I just finished a great breezy summer book, Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis. Essays by a very funny Southern born writer who lives in NYC now. I really enjoyed them and actually pool-tested this volume yesterday so I can authoritatively report they are perfect for reading in short bites between dips on a hot summer afternoon LOL.

I also finished the latest Miss Julia book last week. As much as I've loved this series and the characters, both seem to be getting a bit worn. For one thing the plots are about 99% cozy and 1% mystery the past few editions. And, perhaps reflecting current political schisms and the lessening of restrictions on what people feel comfortable espousing, Miss Julia's AKA the author's political leanings are being more sharply shared and they aren't especially palatable. The last book centered on a NIMBY crusade against a homeless children's shelter and this one includes a specific mention of Miss Julia as a staunch Fox News fan. Hmmmm.....

I just picked up the new Daniel Silva Gabriel Allon book The New Girl. Will probably dive into that tonight. I've come to eagerly anticipate a new story in this series each summer, and it's become one of my summer rituals to read about all the spies, the babies, the Italian meals and the transcontinental shenanigans that this author weaves so well!

I just finished The Diary of Anne Frank. I can't believe I made it to 74 (!) and had never read it.

I somehow had the notion that they were all in a small window-less attic, and so was surprised to learn that the annex spanned several floors and rooms. But it was Anne herself who was the revelation. She was so real and vibrant, sassy and funny and complex the way teenagers eternally are. She was so full of life. Her witty, insightful writing took my breath away. What would she have become and what would she have thought of Kitty (her diary) in the world as her legacy?

I didn't realize that Italy fell as early as 1943. You'd think by the time the eight of them were discovered and taken away, with the Allies closing in, that the Germans would have had better things to do than arrest eight Jews and the ordinary citizens who protected them.

Bunny, if you haven't yet, watch the very understated yet chilling Argentinian movie "The German Doctor". You'd think somebody hiding from justice on a different continent under a different name in the aftermath of war would dial down his passion for horrible experiments on people, even for his own safety which he apparently cares about ..but he never does, he continues to wreck lives wherever he goes, leaving behind dead babies, incredibly sick children, and grieving families,..and no, he doesn't get caught.

I do believe he's a special case ..of a great passion. He never doubts his cause or actions. Nothing gives him as much of a blink, nothing gives him a pause. He has a very different compass-and he follows it to the end.

Where vast majority of people need special environment and circumstances risen, to act in a way such and such-this guy does just great being himself to the fullest..

April, that’s one of my favorite movies. Yes, chilling is the right word. How a neurotic, crazed, crazy leader can instill this cold passion in his followers to create the sonnenmenschen!

Bunny, all of her books have at least 4 Star reviews from hundreds of reviewers. Each book is better than the last if that's possible. However....I find "When Christ and His Saints Slept" a bit boring at the moment because it begins with King Stephen stealing Maude's (rightful heir to Henry I) throne.

The book is moving fast so it can get to Henry II & Eleanor's beginning. The 2nd and 3rd books in the series had me at "hello." lol

I read "Here Be Dragons" which isn't part of the series, but it's about King John's daughter born out of wedlock (they say bastard throughout the book) and he married her to Llewellyn the Great of Wales. Another great book.

Why did it take me all these years to find these books? I ordered most of them used.

I mentioned this book back in December. Bunny, this was Susan Kay Penman's first book and it's about Richard III. It was so good I deliberately took my time reading the end.

The Sunne in Splendour

Thanks Oakley!

I read Elevation last night and enjoyed it very much, although in a bittersweet way.

I've just finished rereading The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver. I read it years ago and loved it then, but apparently I have a failing memory, because other than the child called Turtle, I didn't remember much about the story at all. It was good to revisit it after so many years, as it seemed mostly new to me. Too, the aspect of the tale surrounding the immigrants from Guatemala was especially poignant, considering what's taking place in the United States today. I also didn't remember the book being so funny, but it's wonderfully written and I enjoyed immersing myself in it for a second time.

Reserving Southern Lady Code - that sounds delightful thank you running!

I appreciated The Happiness Project, but after a few chapters felt that I was over it. Still, very worth reading but I feel (maybe too hastily ) that it just kind of went on. It's a very readable self help /social psychology book.

Just started The Night of Miracles (the Arthur Truluv follow up I think) and it's got me hooked.

There's a follow up to Arthur Truluv? The more I think about it, the more I love that book.

Yes Bunny-- Skibby posted above that it's a sequel. and so far--- so good!! (but oh so tearful).

I already shed plenty of tears for Arthur.

Oh gosh, sorry to say that I thought Arthur Truluv was pretty awful. It felt like she was trying to get on the Man Called Ove train but just was phoning it in. And I love me a good comfort read...

Not loving anything I’m reading right now so need to wade into some of your suggestions!

I completed the most recent Dan Silva, The New Girl. It wasn't my favorite but I am a little sad that I need to wait another year for the next one. I read the whole series over the last year and got pretty comfortable with reaching for one when I didn't have something else lined up to read!

I started Calypso by David Sedaris and am thoroughly enjoying it.

Just finished The Library Book by Susan Orlean. This was a selection for my book club, and I enjoyed it more than I expected to. It's about the devastating Los Angeles Central Library fire in 1986 and the very strange story surrounding the main suspect, but also a human interest tale that stretches back to long ago and provides a very interesting look at the history of the library and libraries in general. I think anyone who loves books would find it fascinating.

I'm about to get into Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver, which is also a book club selection. I love her writing, but the reviews are somewhat mixed on this one.

For book club, I read The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck. It’s his story of retracing the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon pulled by mules. It was good but, at times, too much back information. There were also at least two times I thought “boy, is he obnoxious!” The parts I enjoyed kept me reading along but I would only rate it 3 out of 5 mules.

Moments ago, I finished The Book that Matters Most by Ann Hood. It’s just awful with ridiculous and predictable characters and situations. Husband leaves her for another woman, she gets into a book club she’s been hoping to join but then doesn’t seem to read the books, troubled daughter is in Paris falling into being a heroin user and kept woman, need I go on? And those aren’t even the most ridiculous and predictable things in the book. I’d rate this 1 heroin needle.

IdaClaire, I listened to The Library Book as an audio book, and thought it was WONDERFUL. Just loved all that rich history. I also read Unsheltered, and went to listen to Barbara Kingsolver soon after when she spoke here in Houston. I didn't love Unsheltered though I have loved other books of hers. But she is a dynamite speaker. So witty, and funny and humble.

Annie--- me too- I never read it as a kid (or seen the movies, tv shows, nothing!!!) and a few years ago someone posted about it I think on one of these threads. I read it and thought Wow what a great book- one of those where you say no wonder it's always mentioned. I read something else by her which now I can't remember - it was not an AOGG book and loved it as well. Anne with an E. So sweet. Anne of Green Gables

And, Hhireno--- the light bulb just went off and I believe we are in the same book club. ( I am in 3 or 4)--I did not read the Oregon Trail so did not go to that meeting lol- but that's a pretty uncommon book.... In fact, I just realized who you are. I will message you so no worries.

What a small world.

I am about 70% into Night of Miracles and adoring it.

Second half of July.

The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith: Very much enjoyed this tale that goes back and forth between 17th century Holland, 1950s NYC, and present day Australia. There was one bit that I could have done without but overall a good book. 4 stars

The Road by Cormac McCarthy: Another good one. I almost put this down a couple of times towards the beginning (another post-apocalyptic... do I need this?). I'm glad I didn't. It is a well written, moving novel. 4 stars

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach: Originally titled These Foolish Things, it was renamed after the movie came out. I was looking for something a bit humorous. It was okay. I haven't seen the movie but was able to accurately guess which actors played some roles (typecasting?). 3 stars

Open Secrets by Alice Munro: Finishing out the month with this book of short stories by one of my favorite authors. Being able to pick up an older book by one of my favorites that I haven't yet read always makes me glad that I don't binge read authors. Will probably be 5 stars

The computer system of the county library system I use was attacked (reportedly by ransomware) a few weeks ago. The online catalog is not working and no interlibrary loans are going through (I have several requests that are in limbo until this is straightened out.). A bit frustrating but, as a library worker said to me last week, it has resulted in a return to the old practice of browsing the stacks. That is why my last few books (and the one up next) are all by authors with last names beginning with "M". I knew I wanted one book by an "M" and chose other books in the same aisle that I thought I'd like (with a bit of online/Goodreads referencing). We adapt. Happy reading!

Finished Night of Miracles. It was almost as good as Arthur, really quite good but maybe a touch more sappy. Still shed many a tear and walking around with a lump in my throat.