What I read

I'm going to start keeping better track in 2012.   And not be embarased by my enjoyment of "chic lit"!



"The Draining Lake" by Arnaldur Indridason  I really enjoy this mystery/crime writer with the books set in Iceland.  And since I've visited Iceland I can imagine the terrain and the descriptions of the homes and the city.  Not a "shoot em up" or a " scare you to death" kind of crime/mystery but a good story with engaging characters.  I like his books better than those of Henning Mankell although also read that series.


The Paris Wife by Paula McLain  This is our book club selection for February. I had a very difficult time getting started on reading it but once I finally got through the first 30 pages or so I enjoyed it.  I'm somewhat mystified that it was selected for the book club by this one particular member as she usually selects much deeper, more literary books.  I found this to be interesting but certainly not timeless literature.

Have started reading "Nineteen Minutes" by Judy Picoult.  Found it sitting on a shelf at the condo. Update:  Read it and found it much better than I anticipated when I first started. Did not try to demonize anyone, well maybe the bullies.  Had a realistic ending without having a made-for-TV script moment.  Wouldn't necessarily recommend it but didn't feel it was a waste of time.

Finished "This Charming Man" by Marian Keyes.  She usually writes classic "chic lit" but this one was funny, real, and satisfying.  Definitely not a waste of time.  Dealt with power, battered women, alcoholism in a realistic way.  Will look for some more of her books but won't admit it to my book club.

Starting on "Hard Times" by Sara Paretsky.  Good detective book.  Great as a beach read.

"Shining Through" by Susan Isaacs.  Found this one on the little library shelf here at the condo community center.  You find a strange collection of books there, many left as people close out their units and move (or die). This one was published in 1988 and has yellowed pages.  I really enjoyed it. Good descriptions of 1940's situations of women in the workplace then moves into the loveless marriage, and on to a spy thriller.  It does seem incredible that she does this so flawlessly that it all makes sense and holds your attention.  Just enough wry humor to keep it from being overbearing and, amazingly, doesn't read as a made for TV Lifetime movie. I'd recommend it for a good snowy or rainy weekend.