Looking for Book to Read

[Davonu]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:

[Boomer]

May I suggest Erik Larson. I have seen a review that called him “the master of narrative non-fiction.”

Larson somehow weaves a “story” in with his non-fiction topic. His research is meticulous, but he makes non-fiction read like a novel. (He, of course, includes an extensive bibliography of his reference sources.)

The one I read was The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America. (pub. date 2003)

Serial killers and true crime are not my thing to read about, but I could not put this book down. Set in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair, Larson tells the true story of a psychopath, but most of the book is about the fair itself and the people who planned it — and the human nature of the crowds who attended.

That is the only Larson I have read, but Mr. Boomer has read almost all of them. His recent read was the newest one by Larson, The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz. (pub. 2020) When he starts reading a book by Larson, he finishes it fast.

Thunderstruck (pub. 2006) is about Marconi along with the story of what the synopsis calls “a very unlikely murderer.”

Isaac’s Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History (pub. 1999) is about the hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900.

In the Garden of the Beast: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin (pub. 2011)

Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania (pub. 2015)

I included the publication dates because you might be able to find a “gently used” copy at a good price — if you are into book-books. :) (I have become increasingly into Audible and Kindle but know many others who like a book in their hands.) The Fruitland Park branch of Lake Co. Public Library used to have a nice store, but I have not been in for a while.

You can learn a lot of history from Larson, but there is nothing dry about the way he writes it.

Marian Boomer

[thelegges]

The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel. The original Seven

True story, have read it three times. To read the thoughts of these 7 brave women, who endured more than the public would ever know. The bond they formed to support each other, mostly without help of NASA.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I am old school science fiction, Asimov, Heinlein, Haldeman, et al.

I made a couple exceptions and love Harry Potter and Hobbit/lord of the Rings.

[Bogie Shooter]

Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett.
If you enjoy this one, there are many more.

[retiredguy123]

If you can find it, try Condominium by John D. MacDonald published in 1977 and 2014. A novel, but very similar to what recently happened in Florida

[Boomer]

If you can find it, try Condominium by John D. MacDonald published in 1977 and 2014. A novel, but very similar to what recently happened in Florida


I just ordered it from Audible. On Amazon it is available only on Kindle and Audible. But maybe the library has it.

It’s a biggun — an almost 19 hour listen, but I can put in my Airpods and get some other things done. The Kindle description said 588 pages.

This will be my first John D. MacDonald. I am looking forward to it. Thank you, retiredguy123.

Boomer

[raynan]

The Rose Code

[JohnN]

All of these are great, not necessary to read 'em in order but it helps.

Mark Greaney - Gray Man series
Philip Kerr - Bernie Gunther series
Robert Crais - Elvis Cole series

easy ones are
Jack Reacher by Lee Child,
Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly
Spenser by Robert B. Parker
Joseph Finder (mostly standalone novels)

[Dahabs]

All of these are great, not necessary to read 'em in order but it helps.

Mark Greaney - Gray Man series
Philip Kerr - Bernie Gunther series
Daniel Crais - Elvis Cole series

easy ones are
Jack Reacher by Lee Child,
Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly
Spenser by Robert B. Parker
Joseph Finder (mostly standalone novels)

Know most of these authors and enjoyed reading them. Might I add a few more:

Christopher Reich
Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp series)
Brian Haig

[gypsycaravan]

"A Land Remembered". A favorite of both my husband and myself. An historical novel of the early settling of Florida with a great story of settler ranchers and Seminole Indians. Gave us an entire new picture of Florida.

[J1ceasar]

For an easy fun read , Valerie Plum. It takes place in a seedy town of New Jersey she is a - well I won't say what that's half the fun of it and there's a large series of her books. They actually made a movie out of one of them. It's not what I call fine literature just a fun read

[asalesky]

American Dirt by Cummins
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
The Round House by Erdrich
Defending Jacob by Landay
Where the Crawdads Sing by Owens
Suspect by Crais (great for dog lovers too)

[Malsua]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:

While I primarily read science fiction, some of the best books I've read are from Robin Hobb which are not SF. The FarSeer trilogy is the first three of 12 great books, each trilogy can stand on it's own however. Try Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb, you will like it.

It's a Fantasy series and while there is magic and sorta has dragons(it's complicated), it's a lot deeper than all that.

My wife and I loved the books so much we named our dog after the main character, Fitz. Who was the illegitimate child of one of the princes and became an apprentice to the king's assassin. It turns out the there are two magic lines in this universe, Wit and Skill. They are both joined in Fitz although he is pretty much unaware of this for much of his early life.

By the end of books, you will absolutely adore Fitz, The Fool, Burrich and specially Night Eyes.

[gator68]

I can’t find this book. I really want to read it as my name was Valerie Plumb and I am from New Jersey. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Donaz1]

"A Land Remembered". A favorite of both my husband and myself. An historical novel of the early settling of Florida with a great story of settler ranchers and Seminole Indians. Gave us an entire new picture of Florida.

One of my favorite books. A great read about a family escaping the War between the states. It is remarkable of their survival with the help of the Seminoles.

[Debbraham]

Maybe books by Janet Evanovich?…although I think her character was Stephanie Plum?

[Corvettegal]

John Grisham and James Patterson books are all good reads. Patterson books move fast and you can be finished reading a book in one or two days. Grisham books take a little bit longer to finish. Hope that helps

[Annie66]

I normally stay away from this type of book, but I picked up the Brad Meltzer/Josh Mensch book "The First Conspiracy - The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington". I found it as an e-book on the Sumter County Library system. I'm almost through with it, and it has grabbed my attention.

[richs631]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:

You should join one of the many book clubs. They are a great resource and you will meet a lot of new people with common interests

[chuckpedrey]

Jonathan Cahn has 2 books that I found to be sooo spellbinding that I have read them both a second time. “The Harbinger” and “The Harbinger II”. The word harbinger is another word for “warning”. Be amazed.

[lynnschindel]

Anything by Nelson Demille, especially The Gold Coast. His books are full of adventure and fun. He's my favorite.

[MandoMan]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:

Try the Florida comic novelist Carl Hiassen. All of his novels are delightful and outrageous and the essence of Florida. If you like fishing, read his “Double Whammy”, which is about high level bass fishing in our part of Florida. So much fun.

[GailBecker]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:
If you're up for something a little different, I heartily recommend"The Bookshop of Yesterdays" by Amy Meyerson. I'm almost at the end and it's been a real page turner.

[Idaholady]

Anything by Michael Connelly.

Also “The Professor and the Madman” by Simon Winchester about the amazing collaboration to compile every word in the English language — pre-computer or even typewriter — for the first ever Oxford English Dictionary. It is also a great movie currently on Netflix.

[seetshaw]

Sarum by Edward Rutherford is historical fiction. It follows several families throughout centuries in England, beginning in time when the island was still connected to the mainland. I read it after a visit to England, when all the sights were still strong in my mind, and this book explained the why’s, who’s, and how. He’s a wonderful story teller and paints beautiful pictures for your mind. He has many other history fiction also.
Another old author is Wilber Smith. Exciting, historical fiction.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Any books by

Malcolm Gladwell
Michael Lewis

non fiction reads. . .

[Jerry101]

… how about the Bible!

[NiteTera]

It's Stephanie Plum, the author is Janet Evonavich, they are a great fun & funny read. Try to read in order as the characters become more developed as the series progresses. I've embarrassingly laughed out in a crowded waiting room.

[EMill28]

I enjoy reading Mary Higgins Clark books. All are mysteries.

[Joorn59]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:

Lee Child
Also try ‘West with Giraffes’ based on true story of giraffes traveling from NYC to Cal.in the 30s

[Joorn59]

Any Janet Evanovich book They’re all numbered. Start at the first

[JanetMM]

BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK
by Kim Michele Richardson

Of course, OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

[JanetMM]

"A Land Remembered". A favorite of both my husband and myself. An historical novel of the early settling of Florida with a great story of settler ranchers and Seminole Indians. Gave us an entire new picture of Florida.

Absolutely! Really enjoyed this. The author really did some research.

[Ron Miller]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:


The Spirits of Cimbri, Attack on Cimbri, and The Flames of Cimbri on Amazon.com, Like "Game of Thrones" and "The Three Musketeers rolled into one. Strong personal stories and outstanding battle scenes. Each is a stand alone , but each follows one another

[Ron Miller]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:

If you're looking for for a different interesting read, then"Chasing Shadows", by Ron Miller at Amazon.con. Great historical murder/mystery with an unusual twist. High drama and surprise ending.

[kathyspear]

I can’t find this book. I really want to read it as my name was Valerie Plumb and I am from New Jersey. Any suggestions? Thanks

I think the poster meant STEPHANIE PLUM. Author is Janet Evanovich. Book #28 will be out in the Fall.

kathy

[Dwest135790]

It’s the Stephanie Plum series …the Author is Janet Evanovich

[TesaA]

For a fun read ... mindless entertainment, Janet Evanovich series featuring Stephanie Plum. Fairly comical with a bit of mystery and suspense thrown in.

Serious mystery but not gruesome, books by Louise Penney regarding Inspector Gamache. New one is coming out in August. I have read all the existing ones.

[TesaA]

Yes, it is Janet Evanovich the author and Stephanie Plum the character. Book number 28 is arriving November 8.

[airstreamingypsy]

"A Land Remembered". A favorite of both my husband and myself. An historical novel of the early settling of Florida with a great story of settler ranchers and Seminole Indians. Gave us an entire new picture of Florida.

I was going to say the same thing. It was such an interesting insight to the history of Florida.

[Heytubes]

I would recommend “Requiem For The Dead” by Victor Alvarez. This is a military murder mystery thriller written in the same manner of James Patterson and Tom Clancy. He has another even more intriguing book with the same characters being released in September called “The Theseus Conspiracy.”

[rsibole]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:

“Love Wins” by Rob Bell . . . . . . short quick read that will have a profound and lasting affect on your life.

[shermdogny]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:


Tales from the Eerie Canal: 22 Stories of the Delightfully Dark and Creepy. 5-star Amazon reviews. Amazon.com (https://bit.ly/TalesfromtheEerieCanal)

[Betty Wagner]

The Outlander series. And Greg Iles.

[easydog]

"Pegasus One" by Ed Wingham
available at Lulu (http://www.lulu.com)

This historical fiction is about an NSA employee who is a brilliant computer architect and partially responsible for a predictive analysis program to keep tans on America's enemies. Access to the super-secret program is compromised as Iran and Israel vie for supremacy. Please respond if interested......

Ed Wingham

[C-Pet]

The Hail Mary Project by Andy Weir. If you liked The Martian, this is even better. I love the way he poses problems for his characters and has them work through the solutions.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. An interesting take on how life can change based on the decisions one makes.

[jojo]

May I suggest Erik Larson. I have seen a review that called him “the master of narrative non-fiction.”

Larson somehow weaves a “story” in with his non-fiction topic. His research is meticulous, but he makes non-fiction read like a novel. (He, of course, includes an extensive bibliography of his reference sources.)

The one I read was The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America. (pub. date 2003)

Serial killers and true crime are not my thing to read about, but I could not put this book down. Set in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair, Larson tells the true story of a psychopath, but most of the book is about the fair itself and the people who planned it — and the human nature of the crowds who attended.

That is the only Larson I have read, but Mr. Boomer has read almost all of them. His recent read was the newest one by Larson, The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz. (pub. 2020) When he starts reading a book by Larson, he finishes it fast.

Thunderstruck (pub. 2006) is about Marconi along with the story of what the synopsis calls “a very unlikely murderer.”

Isaac’s Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History (pub. 1999) is about the hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900.

In the Garden of the Beast: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin (pub. 2011)

Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania (pub. 2015)

I included the publication dates because you might be able to find a “gently used” copy at a good price — if you are into book-books. :) (I have become increasingly into Audible and Kindle but know many others who like a book in their hands.) The Fruitland Park branch of Lake Co. Public Library used to have a nice store, but I have not been in for a while.

You can learn a lot of history from Larson, but there is nothing dry about the way he writes it.

Marian Boomer

The Splendid and the Vile is a favorite for me. Highly recommend. Churchill was masterful creating a sense of fearlessness in Great Britain. Fascinating accounts of wartime in Britain and the Nazi propaganda machine that counter each other's perspectives.

[KellyMemories]

Delia Owens wrote “Where the crawdads sing”. I thought it was a wonderful read.

[jojo]

One of my favorite books. A great read about a family escaping the War between the states. It is remarkable of their survival with the help of the Seminoles.

I too liked A Land Remembered. Another book about Florida history that I found most interesting is Bubble in the Sun by Christopher Knowlton (2020). Subtitle is: The Florida Boom of the 1920s and How It Brought on the Great Depression." The era was one of excess and describes the developers of Coral Gables, Boca Raton and Miami. The chapters on Addison Mizner, an architect who designed and built the great mansions in Palm Beach (including Mar-a-Lago) were intriguing. He held court at a cocktail hour daily with the rich and famous. There are several descriptions of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and her environmental efforts to save the Everglades.

[Dahabs]

Anything by Nelson Demille, especially The Gold Coast. His books are full of adventure and fun. He's my favorite.

I think I've read everyone of Demille's books. Particularly enjoyed the John Corey series. Great dry humour from the Corey character.

[Dahabs]

The Outlander series. And Greg Iles.

Greg Iles is awesome. Highly recommended.

[2newyorkers]

The Alex Delaware books by Jonathan Kellerman and the Virgil Flowers books by John Sanford.

[paulat585]

You folks gave me such great feedback in my Looking for TV Series to Watch thread I figured I'd do the same regarding my search for a good book to read...

I read quite a bit and of course have my favorite authors and such, but I'm very interested in what all you readers out there consider your favorites. I like mysteries, thrillers, science fiction on occasion, but I'm absolutely open to all genres. Guess I've said enough. Can't wait to 'hear' what you have to 'say'. :icon_wink:

You are in luck! The Writers League of The Villages' Beach Book Bonanza starts Sunday, July 18 and runs through 7/25. You can download free books, shop all of your favorite Villages authors, buy books for the holidays and more, all at Writers League of The Villages – Helping Writers Tell Their Stories (https://writersleagueofthevillages.com/)

[Aloha]

You may want to listen to a FREE audiobook on YouTube. Here is an excellent murder mystery :
BLACK SCREEN SLEEP- 8 PERFECT MURDERS - YouTube (https://youtu.be/EXt2mJOp4Cc)
I like the free audiobooks so as to not strain my eyes.

[GSheer]

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate - plus anything she writes.
Anything by Mary Clearman Blew

[Charlene Widmer]

I think she might be talking about "One for the Money" Stephanie Plum is the main character, series by Janet Evanovich. I read all of them, Cute, easy reading

[kathyspear]

Delia Owens wrote “Where the crawdads sing”. I thought it was a wonderful read.

My sister raved about this book. I started to read it ... most depressing book I have come across in a long time. Returned it to the library.

FWIW.

k.

[retiredguy123]

My sister raved about this book. I started to read it ... most depressing book I have come across in a long time. Returned it to the library.

FWIW.

k.
I hope you return all books to the library.

[Boomer]

If you can find it, try Condominium by John D. MacDonald published in 1977 and 2014. A novel, but very similar to what recently happened in Florida


retiredguy123,

It has been several weeks since I took your advice to try Condominium by John D. MacDonald, and I want to say thank you.

I had never read anything by MacDonald before. I had no idea what to expect. But now I know that MacDonald is a truly gifted writer.

I listened to the book on Audible -- which I use when I walk or am doing jobs around the house. But after hearing MacDonald's words, I had to actually see some of them in print, too, so I ordered the paperback.

It is especially interesting to look at this book from the perspective of now. Because of the 1977 copyright, it is fun to hear the money talk about the prices of those condos and the numbers in the shell games the weasels play. Money-talk numbers sure have changed in the past 44 years. . .

MacDonald has a perfect grasp on human nature and all that entails. He makes his characters come through in a way that is just as relevant in 2021. Of course, human nature, unlike condo costs, never changes. There are only so many different types of us -- in fiction or in real life.

As a bonus, the intro to Condominium was written by Dean Koontz who compares it to what Arthur Hailey did with Hotel and Airport -- which I think I will download next. I think those two books are even older than Condominium, but it is nostalgic to revisit the 70s -- the 1970s when we boomers were so daggone good lookin'. (sigh)

Speaking of Hotel, a book was recommended to me by a hotel desk manager I happened to meet. The book is Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality by Jacob Tomsky. . .

That book is nowhere near the quality of writing that we get from John D. MaDonald (or even Arthur Hailey) but it most certainly is an enlightening read. :shocked:

Anyway, thanks again, retiredguy123, for introducing me to John D. MacDonald.

Boomer

[ROCKMUP]

My recent favorites are

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It - Chris Voss/ Tal Raz

Interesting info on negotiating.


The Dark Secrets of SHTF Survival: The Brutal Truth About Violence, Death, & Mayhem You Must Know to Survive
- Selco Begovic

Written by a man that survived the Balkan War, great read on modern survival when society goes south. It doesn't look like you think it would and it shows you what matters and what doesn't.
Look for the first edition, its a much better read than the later releases.