Monday, March 20, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (03/21/2017)


I currently am reading The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens, which is about a college student, Joe, who decides to interview a man convicted of rape and murder for a class assignment. The subject of his paper is a war hero, having served in Vietnam. Could he really be a cold blooded murderer too? As Joe digs deeper for his assignment, he also must deal with his own present day drama--an alcoholic mother and an autistic brother who demand his time and energy as well.



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.

I remember being pestered by a sense of dread as I walked to my car that day, pressed down by a wave of foreboding that swirled around my head and broke against the evening in small ripples. There are people in this world who would call that kind of feeling a premonition, a warning from some internal third eye that can see around the curve of time. I've never been one to buy into such things. But I will confess that there have been times when I think back to that day and wonder: if the fates had truly whispered in my ear--if I had known how that drive would change so many things--would I have taken a safer path? Would I turn left where before I had turned right? Or would I still travel the path that led me to Carl Iverson?

Every Tuesday, Ambrosia from The Purple Booker hosts Teaser Teaser at which participants grab their current read, open to a random page, and share two or more sentences from that page while avoiding any spoilers.


Teaser from page 67 of The Life We Bury:
"He didn't do it," Vigil [sic] snapped. "He pointed to the phone number on his card. "You call me. We'll talk."

What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

I could not help but wonder what would cause our main character to doubt his choices in that opening paragraph. It certainly hooked me instantly.

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 Top Ten Books Read In One Sitting Theme. It's rare that I have time to read a book in a day anymore. It's been rare for years now. Not for lack of wanting to, but because, well, life. In the spirit of today's theme, I went with the shortest books I've read in the last four years that certainly could be read in one sitting, even if you lead a busy life.

1.

Monstress, Volume One: Awakening by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda ~ I haven't posted my review of this one yet, but it was awesome. It is a graphic novel, so perfect for when you have an hour or two to spend reading.

2.

Rebecca Chastain's gargoyle series make perfect bite sized reads if you are short on time. And there are three of them (Magic of the Gargoyles, Curse of the Gargoyles and Secret of the Gargoyles)! I have only read two so far, but I have the third ready to read soon.

3.

While not exactly a quick read, if you want something short, beautiful and sad, I highly recommend The Story of a Brief Marriage by Anuk Arudpragasam.

4.

The Ocean At the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman has a nice mix of mystery, horror and fantasy. It was impossible to put this one down when I started reading it.

5.

Rebecca Walker's Adé: A Love Story is beautifully written and unforgettable.

6.

Paradise Drive by Rebecca Foust is a collection of interconnected poems. I not only read this once in one sitting--but twice. It was that good.

7.

Duke City Split by Max Austin is a fun crime fiction novel that is action packed from the start, and doesn't let up until the end.

8.

If I Stay by Gayle Foreman was a surprise hit for me. I didn't except to like it as much as I did.

9.

The Wanderer in Unknown Realms by John Connolly was my first taste of the author's work and what a taste it was! Horror is a genre I can be very picky about and this story won me over instantly.

10.

Royal Enchantment by Lia Davis ~ A romantic fantasy novel that swept me off my feet from the start.

What are some short books that would make perfect one sitting reads?


© 2017, 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.

56 comments:

  1. Oooh, Monstress and The Ocean at the End of the Lane are really good reads! I'll have to check out The Wanderer in Unknown Realms - that sounds good and I love the cover!

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    1. Eustacia - The Wanderer in Unknown Realms was my first Connolly. I really enjoyed it! I hope you are able to read it!

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  2. I'd keep reading ... that opening leaves so many questions!

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    1. Beth - I am enjoying it quite a bit. Work is interfering with my reading time though. ;-)

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  3. I found the opening paragraph of your TT read intriguing - how are you getting on with it? I love the subject of this week's Top Ten reads - and you're right, it's hard to take time out and just sit and read... Like you, I read the Neil Gaiman in one sitting. This is my TT - https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/teaser-tuesday-21st-march-2016/

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    1. Sarah - It definitely pulled me in. I am enjoying the book so far. At this point, I have no idea what direction the story will go.

      I wish there was more time to read. I make it where I can, although I probably could do better.

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  4. Yes, keep reading - you won't be disappointed!

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    1. Kathy - I wish my lunch breaks were longer. I hate having to set the book aside. :-(

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  5. The Life We Bury sounds intriging.

    Mine this week is from a Michael Connelly Harry Bosch police procedural: https://wp.me/p3Nz8P-1fv

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  6. I agree, PD Workman. The Life We Bury has been added to my TBR list.

    I must say that If I Stay was a great story as well. It wasn't something I was sure I'd like when I first started reading it, but it quickly grew on me. And the ending was excellent!

    Here is my <a href="http://www.longandshortreviews.com/miscellaneous-musings/read-in-one-sitting/>TTT</a>

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    1. Astilbe - I hope you do get a chance to read The Life We Bury.

      I was very hesitant at first to give If I Stay a try, but I'm glad I did. And I agree about the ending! It's one of the reasons I haven't read the sequel. I like where the first book ended and don't want to spoil that. :-)

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  7. Monstress is so good. I am excited about book 2 later this year. :)

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    1. Kelly - Yes! I loved it. I can't wait until the second volume comes out either.

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  8. Your current read sounds like it could be harrowing. The idea of a college-age student doing that kind of interview is a scary proposition.

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    1. Catherine - It does, doesn't it? Right now it's mostly just a puzzle being put together, but the opening does give that sense. It's good so far.

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  9. The Ocean at the End of the Lane and If I Stay are definitely one day reads!

    My Top Ten Tuesday

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  10. The Life We Bury sounds interesting. I wonder about people who interview convicted murderers and how uncomfortable or nervous they must be. The excerpt you included is intriguing.

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    1. Jenclair - I think you might like it, Jenclair. I think I would be more uncomfortable or nervous than Joe is interviewing Carl. I think he's more excited then nervous.

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  11. Yes! I considered Ocean at End of Lane and If I Stay for my list, too!! Brief Marriage sounds worth it and possibly Ade. Very interesting list!

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    1. Lisa - I really liked the list you shared. Brief Marriage and Ade are not fast-paced per say, but they are short reads and quite compelling. I thought anyway. :-)

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  12. The sense of foreboding is one I have felt...and it chills me. Now I must read more!

    Here's mine: “BRIDGES: A DAPHNE WHITE NOVEL”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - I felt the same way reading the opening! It's worth reading, if you get the chance.

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  13. I'm not sure I was that keen on the intro of The Life we Bury but I liked the intro so would keep reading.

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  14. Wondering what Vigil knows. I'd read on. My Teaser is from Southern Fried by Tonya Kappes.

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    1. Laura - I know what he knows. :-) I am really enjoying The Life We Bury so far.

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  15. Great opening with lots of foreshadowing. This sounds like a book I'd enjoy.
    My Tuesday post features The Boys in the Boat.

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    1. Sandra - Yes, there's definitely a sense of foreboding there. I am about half way through now and looking forward to seeing how everything comes together--or unravels, as the case may be.

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  16. I need to read more graphic novels, including Monstress. They're quick and I like reviewing them, I just haven't read as many lately. Nice list here. Hope you have a great Tuesday. :)

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    1. Greg - I don't read nearly enough graphic novels either. I have quite a few on my shelf--mostly graphic memoirs. I hope you have a great Tuesday too!

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  17. Have just added 5 more titles to my TBR list, including The Life We Bury. Thanks! ;) Right now I'm in the middle of A Piece of The World by Christina Baker Klein which I'm really enjoying. Happy Reading!

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    1. Lark - These lists are hard on our wish lists. :-) I hope you do get a chance to read The Life We Bury. I am glad to hear you are enjoying A Piece of the World. I've read another of her books and really liked it.

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  18. I really like the writing in that first paragraph. ". . . see around the curve . . ." Makes me want to keep reading.

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    1. Margot - I like the writing in this one too. It's worth it to keep reading. :-)

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  19. The first paragraph is definitely one that makes you want to keep going to see the flashback of what happened. I would probably keep reading. I also agree with you on The Ocean at the End of the Lane. What a great book. I also read it in one sitting. Have a nice week.
    Laura :)
    My FPFC Tuesday

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    1. Laura - I love Neil Gaiman. Someday I may actually read all his books. :-)

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  20. There's lots of Neil Gaiman on these lists, and I'm kicking myself for not thinking of him, too. He's fantastic!

    My TTT: https://booksbeyondmeasure.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/top-ten-books-to-read-in-one-sitting/

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    1. Books Beyond Measure - I imagine with Gaiman, there would be a lot of options for quick reads. I love what I have read by him.

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  21. I do remember liking The Ocean at the End of the Lane but don't remember how long it took me to actually read it. I need to get around to reading If I Stay soon as well.

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    1. Carole - I may not have read most of these in a day, frankly, the way my schedule is, but I'm sure I could have had I had the uninterrupted reading time. I hope you like If I Stay if you decide to read it.

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  22. Sounds like an interesting premise. I hope you're enjoying it. Here's my intro/teaser for this week: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-1w6

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    1. Ms. M. - I am enjoying it so far. I hope to finish it soon!

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  23. Oh Wendy, I do hope u like that Eskens book as much as I did.

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    1. Diane - I hope to finish it by this weekend. I hate having to put it down when I'm reading it. That's a good sign!

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  24. The Life We Bury sounds interesting for sure!

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  25. The Life We Bury sounds intriguing. I've seen it around a while back but didn't think much about it. I guess I'll have to add it to my wishlist.

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    1. Melody - I don't really remember hearing about it before, but I probably am just forgetting. I am glad to be reading it now though.

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  26. I read The Life We Bury and although I had some quibbles with it I was definitely hooked. I would certainly read more by the author. I hope you enjoy it. I should read some "quick" books to feel like I'm making progress! :)

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    1. Iliana - I had to stop reading this morning at a rather inopportune moment this morning because I had to leave for work. It's at a tense moment. I am enjoying it so far.

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  27. Magic of the Gargoyles sounds interesting since I want to read more about gargoyles. Are there actual gargoyles in it? Sometimes books are weird and don't even have the creature mentioned in their title lol. Royal Enchantment looks good too!

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    1. Kristen - Yes! There are gargoyles in the novel--and not as romantic interests, which seems to be a thing these days. Haha

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