frazzled,
I really like Margaret Atwood’s work and will look for Blind Assassin. Haven’t read her in a long time and in the mood.
I’ve just started her “Alias Grace.” Looking forward to getting into it this weekend.
Kentucky Derby Dreams, nonfiction. This book follows Taylor Made, an enormous family farm near Lexington raising top class Thoroughbreds. The writer spent eighteen months following the foals born in 2009, documenting their births, growth, vet issues, training and sales drama at Saratoga and Keeneland auctions. Three year olds now, with stars among them.
I read “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed in April and was unimpressed. As TatinG notes it’s spends way too much time on her drug use and less time on hiking. I was hoping for something closer to Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods”. I’m a serious hiker and was hoping for something better. Also disappointing that she wrote this 15+ years after the trip.
Downloaded onto my daughter’s Kindle for a 12 day round-the-world business based on a review a friend sent me. Thought it would fade into oblivion, so I was quite shocked to see it on a best sellers list, then realized all the attention came from Oprah.
I loved “A Walk in the Woods” also. It is humorous, laugh out loud in places but he also discusses the history, ecology, etc.
Like you nj2011mom, I am (aspiring at least) to be a serious hiker.
Yes - I have done several sections of the AT in NJ & NH over the years and was hoping Wild would be to the Pacific Coast Trail what WITW was for the AT.
For a fun book on hiking the AT, try AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller. Not as funny as “A Walk in the Woods” but a nice narrative. Only about 3.00 on Kindle.
I am planning on hiking the John Muir Trail next summer. Maybe I will write a book!
Speaking of “A Walk in the Woods” I’ve been waiting for the movie to come out for a long time…where is it already??
I am really enjoying 'Wolf Hall" and “Bring Up the Bodies” by Hilary Mantel, about Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII, and his first few wives. Cleverly written, detailed historical fiction, and you can’t beat the storyline.
A little more than halfway through Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Historical fiction that alternates between France during WW2 and the 2000’s. This book grabbed my from the start and I am having a hard time getting anything else done. [Amazon.com:</a> Sarah’s Key (Special Gift Edition) (9781250004215): Tatiana de Rosnay: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Sarahs-Key-Special-Gift-Edition/dp/1250004217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347127695&sr=8-1&keywords=sarah’s+key]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Sarahs-Key-Special-Gift-Edition/dp/1250004217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347127695&sr=8-1&keywords=sarah’s+key)
Enjoyed “In the Woods” by Tana French and am now enjoying “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
Just read “One Mississippi” by Mark Childress. A great find…funny, painful, and true. “Georgia Bottoms” is up next, and there’s also one with Alabama in the title.
Stumbled across them while looking for a Jack Reacher novel I hadn’t read. Lee Child wasn’t far from Mark Childress… 
Having trouble with Gone Girl. Just not holding my attention. I don’t like ANY of the characters. 
I did not like Gone Girl either. And I really didn’t like the ending.
Oh well - better luck with my next read!
Sew happy-I am having the same issue with Gone Girl.
^^ lol, cool title, though.
I’m actually listening to “Gone Girl” and the narration may hold attention better than the printed word. One of my favorite narrators is reading Amy’s sections. I think the narrated format also better points out the vastly different ways Amy and Nick experienced the same things. That is what I am finding interesting - that my feelings about them swing wildly depending on the point of view. I’m nowhere near the end though so we’ll see if it holds my attention.
Thanks for that recommendation, cottonwood. It sounds like something my mom would love so I’ve ordered it for her for Christmas.
I’m currently reading The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obrecht, beautifully written- I recommend