Monday, July 04, 2016

Where Is Your Bookmark? (07/05/2016)

[If you haven't already, I hope you will take time out to vote in my July TBR Poll to help me decide what to read next!]

It's time! The Fireman Read-Along began the first of July, and while I got a little late start, I have began Joe Hill's latest. I thought I would share the first paragraph and a Teaser here with you today.

Per Goodreads, this is a
. . . a chilling novel about a worldwide pandemic of spontaneous combustion that threatens to reduce civilization to ashes and a band of improbable heroes who battle to save it, led by one powerful and enigmatic man known as the Fireman.




Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a book they are reading or thinking about reading soon. It is also where I share my first impressions about the book I am sharing.

Harper Grayson had seen lots of people burn on TV, everyone had, but the first person she saw burn for real was in the playground behind school.

Every Tuesday, Jenn from Books And A Beat hosts Teaser Tuesdays at which time participants grab their current read, open to a random page, and share two or three "teaser" sentences from that page while avoiding any spoilers.


Teaser from page 6% of The Fireman:
Harper was in the shower when she saw the stripe on the inside of her left leg.
She knew what the stripe mean in one look and her insides squirmed with hear, but she wiped cool water from her face and scolded herself. "Don't start with me, lady. That's a goddamn bruise." 

What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

One of my worst fears is burning to death and so this book plays right into that. I am looking forward to reading more.

What are you reading at the moment?  Is it anything you would recommend?


Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

This week's  Top Ten Tuesday is Top Ten Books I Enjoyed That Have Under 100 Ratings On Goodreads (at least as of 07/01/2016).  I love this topic because it gives us readers a chance to shine light on great books that might not be on many people's radars. Of course, many of these I talk about ALL THE TIME, and so they may sound familiar. All of these books received 4 or above paws/stars from me.


1. Erased by Liz Strange
Ratings of Goodreads: 6
An excerpt from my review:
Erased is a nonstop action, extremely intense novel, featuring a heroine that is kick-ass in every way.


2. In the Wake of a Boatman by Jonathon Scott Fuqua
Ratings of Goodreads: 10
An excerpt from my review:
In the Wake of the Boatman is a study into the human psyche, about how our lives are shaped by our life experiences. Jonathon Scott Fuqua’s novel moved me. In his acknowledgements, he mentioned that he hoped his story would inspire, and I definitely feel that it does; at least it did this reader.


3. Wet Silence: Poems about Hindu Widows by Sweta Srivastava Vikram
Ratings on Goodreads: 19
An excerpt from my review:
The poems in Wet Silence speak of grief of all kinds, including that of love lost and of lost opportunities. The poetry I like the best is the kind that speaks to me on an emotional level, and Sweta Vikram's poetry did just that. There was not a poem in this collection that did not work for me, that did not draw out my emotions in some way.


4. Paradise Drive by Rebecca Foust 
Ratings on Goodreads: 23
An excerpt from my review:
As I read, Foust's voice wound around me, enveloped me, and I was lost in its beauty and thoughtfulness.


5. Losing Touch by Sandra Hunter 
Ratings on Goodreads: 24
An excerpt from my review:
Sandra Hunter has written a poignant but quiet novel that touches on life's disappointments and regrets, about generational gaps, and the complexity of the human condition. The writing is beautiful; the characters are realistic and their plight is one I think many will be able to relate to.


6. Last Words (Coleridge Taylor, #1) by Rich Zahradnik 
Ratings on Goodreads:39
An excerpt from my review:
One of the aspects I loved most about this novel was the sense of time and place. I felt transported back to 1975, right to the streets that time period. The political, economic and social climate of the era feels palatable. I saw parallels between now and then, particularly for the newspaper business. In 1975, newspapers were suffering because of the popularity of television, forced out of business and merging to survive. Today it is the internet.


7. Tales From a Child of the Enemy by Ursula Duba 
Ratings on Goodreads: 39
An excerpt from my review:
The prose is simple, the stories quick to read, and yet each poem, each story in Ursula Duba’s book, share a piece of Germany’s darker history. [. . . ] Ms. Duba’s book is thought provoking and conscience raising. This is a book I think would serve a good purpose as required reading in school. It not only reminds us of the horror of the Holocaust, how a civilized society can become barbaric, but also, that the Germans are struggling to overcome their dark history as well.


8. A Fresh Set of Eyes (David Lloyd Investigations, #2) by Liz Strange
Ratings on Goodreads: 59
An excerpt from my review:
I like the way the author portrays David and his partner’s relationship as well as their struggles. It’s very natural and realistic. You don’t often come across a mystery novel where the protagonist is gay, and I find it refreshing. David and Jamie’s relation is one of the highlights of the novels, their very different personalities and areas of expertise playing well off each other. It’s obvious the two men love each other very much.  
The personal story never overshadows the actual mystery. Rather, it compliments it. Especially given how David enlists the help of his family and friends to help him with the investigation, always conscious of their safety. Like with her first book, Liz Strange puts David through the expected motions of a more realistic P.I. as he canvases the neighborhood, conducts interviews , does a lot of research, and calls in favors of friends on the force. It’s a traditional mystery in every sense. And I love that about the book.


9. On the Road with Del and Louise: A Novel in Stories by Art Taylor 
Ratings on Goodreads: 60
An excerpt from my review:
When I first began reading On the Road with Del and Louise, I expected a lighthearted and funny collection of short stories, only loosely tied together. Art Taylor's novel is so much more than that. It's the story of a couple, Del and Louise, who meet, fall in love, face difficult times and must make hard decisions. There is quite a bit of humor mixed in with many more thoughtful moments. I genuinely loved Taylor's writing style. He makes it seem so effortless, drawing out the lives of these two characters on the page, bringing them to life.


10. Hidden (Nicole Jones, #1) by Karen E Olson 
Ratings on Goodreads: 99
An excerpt from my review:
I really liked everything about this novel, from the island setting to the small close-knit community and the people who live there. I ended up reading the book in a day; not because it was one of those fast-paced-every-second-is-a-thrill type novels, but because I just couldn't stay away. The writing drew me in immediately, and I could not help but connect with the characters. The reader gets a good feel for the life Nicole had been leading all those years in hiding and just what is at stake when all of that is threatened. The intensity increases as the story unfolds, each new twist raising the stakes.

Have you read any of these books? What books would make your top ten list of books with under 100 ratings on Goodreads?


© 2016, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

72 comments:

  1. That first excerpt is chilling, seeing someone burn at school. I'm curious what's causing a combustion thing like that- and I've heard a lot of good things about this book. I'd keep reading. :)

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    1. Greg - I can imagine how terrifying that would be to see in perrson. I'm still not far in, but like it so far. :-)

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  2. For some reason, I thought of Fahrenheit 451, although the premise sounds completely different! Can't wait to read your review!

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    1. Eustacia - You are not too far off to think of Fahrenheit 451.Y You would not be the first. :-) I haven't read too many books like this, but I do enjoy Joe Hill and am excited to be reading this one.

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  3. I want to read THE FIREMAN soon. I'm hearing good things and also reading about a few 'hat tips' to THE STAND (one of my favorite books). Oh, and I want to read HIDDEN. Know there is a second book in that series out already so I need to get going.

    By the way, love your new 'look'!

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    1. Kay - I hope you are able to! I have heard the references to The Stand. From what I've heard, the author pulled from several influences to write this one.

      I haven't yet read the second book in the Olson's series, but I would like to. I highly recommend Hidden.

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  4. Your current read sounds a little too creepy for me, but I hope you enjoy it.

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    1. Catherine - I imagine his books aren't for everyone. They do tend to be more horror on the thriller spectrum.

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  5. I don't think I can read Joe Hill ... I'm guess it's scary (horror)??

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    1. Beth - Yes, his books definitely lean more toward horror. It's not a genre I read often, but occasionally I can't help myself when I come across a book that sounds especially good.

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  6. I'd have to keep reading so I'd know what that stripe was!

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  7. I think I'd have to set this one aside. Unfortunately, my cousin died in a fiery crash due to a drunk driver, so it's kind of a trigger.

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    1. Charlie - I'm so sorry, Charlie. I can understand why you wouldn't want to read a book like this then.

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  8. Oh yes, I really liked this one - keep reading Wendy.

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    1. Diane - I plan to. :-) I am glad you liked it so much!

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  9. I have been hearing lots about The Fireman. I'll have to give it a try one of these days. My teaser this week comes from the thriller Dark Road Home by Anna Carlisle. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - I haven't read all of Joe Hill's books, but what I have read, I've really enjoyed. Happy reading to you too!

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  10. I am very curious about Joe Hill, but haven't yet read him. Books about frightening things that could take over the world always put me off a bit. Maybe I would rather not think about disasters. LOL.

    It does sound like a good story, though, and the excerpt caught my interest.

    Here's mine: “MUST LOVE DOGS: NEW LEASH ON LIFE”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - I understand. There are plenty of real threats to our world out there. I don't read a lot of disaster oriented books (but I generally enjoy them when I do).

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    1. Melissa - He's such a good storyteller. I enjoy his books. :-)

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  12. The Fireman sounds interesting, as does your top ten list. Happy Reading!

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    1. Heather - Thank you! I'm enjoying The Fireman so far.

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  13. I read Hidden and am eagerly awaiting book #2! I recommend it also. I haven't read the other books but am now thinking of checking out Last Words, as I went to high school in the '70s and know it well. Thanks!

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    1. Rita - I am eagerly awaiting the second book too. :-) Last Words is really good. I hope you will give it a try.

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  14. Yikes, you're so brave to read this if you have a fear of burning. Here's Mine

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  15. A wonderfully unique list! :-) I'm glad you enjoyed these books.

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    1. Chrissi - Thank you! It is rather diverse. I guess it's not surprising poetry is not rated often on Twitter. People are missing out though!

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  16. I might keep reading The Fireman if I was in the right mood. Girl Who Reads

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    1. Donna - It's a big book, but such a compelling story!

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  17. I haven't read ny of these. I would recommend Bones of Grace as a poignant literary novel of life and love. http://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-spotlight-bones-of-grace-by_29.html

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    1. Harvee Lau - I will look for Bones of Grace. It sounds good!

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  18. I really need to start The Fireman soon. I love the cover of A Fresh Set of Eyes. I haven't seen many of these but several look interesting.

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    1. Barb - Liz Strange's mysteries are really good. I hope you get to read The Fireman soon!

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  19. That is a fabulous Top Ten Tuesday prompt! So many good books in this list. I have only heard of a couple so I need to look into the rest. That would have been a somewhat difficult list to put together!

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    1. Athira - I thought it was a good idea too. :-) I was surprised some had so few ratings.

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  20. I haven't heard of any of these, but Hidden looks really interesting! Great list :D

    Here are my Top Ten!

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    1. Tracy - Hidden is a great book. I've been putting off buying the second, but I'm sure I won't be able to resist much longer.

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  21. If I had the book in hand, I'd read more, If nothing else, I'd like to know the connection between a red strip and burning.

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    1. Alice - It's a good one so far! Hopefully it will carry on in that vein. :-)

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  22. I like the first paragraph - it got my attention. I'd keep reading.

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  23. 'Tales From a Child of the Enemy' sounds excellent. I'd never heard of it until now, but I'll definitely be picking it up in future I think!

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    1. Heather - It's really good. I think more people should read it. I'm surprised it's not more well known.

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  24. I'm quite enamored with Joe Hill so I'll definitely be picking this one up! Quite a few of your Top Ten ones, too :)

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    1. Karen - He's such a great storytell, isn't he? I love his books.

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  25. In the Wake of a Boatman sounds very interesting, especially after I have read your review of it.

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  26. I should be doing The Fireman read-along, but just too much else going on this month. Hope you have fun!

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    1. Kelly - I understand. I'm not quite sure how I'm managing it. If I will, completely. It'll be fun trying!

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  27. Hmm, not too sure The Fireman appeals to e but as you know, once started, I have to finish a book.

    Loving that GoodReads meme. Such interesting choices.

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    1. Tracy - I understand. Not every book will appeal to everyone. Thank goodness there are lots of choses out there.

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  28. Yep, I'd keep reading that Fireman book. I can't decide if the leg streak is blood poisoning or some other scary thing that belongs to the story.

    Some of these other titles sound intriguing! More for my pile...

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    1. Jean - The Fireman is quite intense. I was hoping to make more progress in it this week, but I caught my daughter's conjunctivitis, and it's made reading difficult.

      I hope you are having a good week!

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  29. Oh my goodness that Hill novel sounds so scary! You've got to keep us posted on how it continues. By the way, I'm loving your new page design. So cute.

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    1. Iliana - So far I haven't had any nightmares. :-) I am glad you like the new design. Thank you!

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  30. I can't say I have heard about any of these books. A Fresh Set of Eyes apeals to me though. :) Great list.

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    1. Annemieke - A Fresh Set of Eyes is a great mystery. I hope you will give it a try!

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  31. Readalong is fun, but to me it's also a motivation to tackle a thick book with great company. :) I only started the first two chapters but it was engrossing so far. Can't wait to find out how the story goes!

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    1. Melody - Yes, reading a thick book with others is great motivation. :-) I am glad you are enjoying it so far too!

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  32. So many of these sound good! A surplus of possibilities--and I love that these are books that haven't yet received the recognition they deserve.

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    1. Jenclair - I thought it was a great topic, spotlighting underrated books. I've enjoyed seeing what's made other people's lists as well.

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  33. I haven't read any of your choices. I like your new look.

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  34. Creepy first paragraph. Thanks for visiting my teaser!

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    1. Heather - It is creepy, isn't it? I would have been so scared.

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  35. Great list of books with under 100 ratings! I haven't heard of any of those but a few look right up my alley. I'll have to check out Erased soon. It looks pretty interesting.

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    1. Samantha - Thank you! I hope you like Erased if you give it a try!

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  36. What a great top ten Tuesday! Were you surprised to find that books you really enjoyed were so little known?

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    1. Lisa - Some I was surprised to see on the list, but not so much others. I don't think a lot of people read poetry and so those were no surprise.

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