julie

Hi Ali I'm glad you like Stephen King so much . I know he has a huge following of fans. I didn't mean to sound as if the beginning ones were better. I read few back then,because maybe my tastes in books was a little different then . He is definitely talented and I do like the way he connects with his fans. I love watching his interviews. He sounds like such a very nice guy with a really neat sense of humor . I've seen many people have The Stand listed on their all time favorite books ,so it must be really good .

Runner Yep,I agree, libraries are full of treasures and we are very lucky they have free books available ! I like your avatar-- very cute .

Michelle Yes,I'd say Bag of Bones was good . Really different than the early ones I read , I think it was Salem's Lot for one .....I really never kept very good track of my books read . I can't think of the one with the guys in the woods, I think maybe hunters ...maybe aliens or some such thing ,I can't even recall . I also liked Green Mile but hated the ending .I don't guess most of his stories have happy endings though . I have heard Under the Dome was good too . I tend to like thick books, so the thicker the better .

Hi all I don't want to read thru previous posts yet . I'm working my way through the book ,so don't want to read any spoilers. I'm never good at figuring out the WHODUNNITS,so the crime has happened, but I am clueless as to who the bad guy is . Will wait til I'm done to go back to the beginning of the posts to respond more.

Hi Michelle Sounds good ! I'll be watching when you all fnish up to see how you liked it. I think I wanted to read it because it's an unusual topic for Stephen King to take on . He doesn't usually write books that are connected to many serious historical topics . I haven't read nearly all of them,mainly because I'm not a huge horror fan. I did read some of his really early ones,back in my younger days . I think I read Bag of Bones, the ghost -type story ,then one about some guys in a cabin in the woods -- can't recall any more than that . I have a copy of Lisey's story,but have to admit, I bought it for the cover. It was so pretty .

Kell~~ :haha:

Hi Bobbly and Busy I'll be watching for your opinions myself. Still patiently waiting for my copy of the Kennedy one to arrive . It will be quite interesting to see what different takes we have on it from here and over there. I think some famous figures seem to hold the same fascination for all of us, like I love anything about your royal family --we just gobble that up over here,as I'm sure there are people over here that you all just can't get enough of . It really will be interesting to see how this book takes place. when I first saw he was writing about that subject, it seemed so out of character from what he usually writes, so it will be fun to see what he does with it . I'm old enough to remember Kennedy and the day he was killed. I was only 5,but remember it being on tv constantly for days on end .

Sounds great,Bobbly and Michelle -- I should have ordered it one of those ways-- Much faster . I ordered the book ,though since I ordered a couple books for my grandson for Christmas,so just added this book onto that same order .

Bobblybear ! I am so jealous ! how'd you get the Stephen King book so quickly ? I ordered it last week and it isn't released yet,so I am waiting to get it .I think it is due to be released in another week or so .. I thought it sounded like quite an interesting subject and can't wait to see what type of spin he puts on it !

Hi Bookman I'm guessing you are talking about the cowboy-type westerns (?) ,so I'll have to chime in and say Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry is the best western I have ever read. There are others which go with this series -Lonesome Dove I think is part 2 . It was hugely popular. I remember when they made the tv miniseries of it .I went up to the bookstore to buy a copy to re-read the book,and a whole group of others were also buying it,everyone talking about who their favorite character was . I think it may take a little more digging,but you can still find Western books . There are some who are fairly new ,but lots of the old ones are still some people's favorites . Another favorite of mine was Little Big Man ,which was a movie long ago . I loved the book .Very good story ! I also have some nonfiction about people who were kidnapped by the Indians ,and there are several types like those available on the kindles ,regarding the settling of the West, etc . Good luck,and if you haven't yet read Lonesdome Dove, RUN .... get a copy It is so well worth the read ! I'd definitely say that they were much more easy to locate back in the 50's and 60's . Lots of tv shows on then that were Westerns . Good luck in your search .

Hi Ireader I have a Kindle too .I actually prefer books over kindles most of the times,but sometimes the Kindle comes in handy if you want a book quickly and don't want to drive a long ways to get it . I'm glad you found a book you like . I agree that reading is a wonderful way to keep your mind off your worries.

Hi there Sofia ! Thanks for the welcome,and good to meet you .

Hi Sally I'll call you that for now,since that's what name you listed I'm pretty new too .This is a really nice group . I have also dealt with some depression issues in the past myself,so I know what it's like,and agree, it is so very hard to concentrate on a book during bad times like that. Hopefully you are getting some help either medication wise or counseling . Sometimes life just piles up on you and you need a little help to get through it . This group is wonderful,everyone seems so very friendly and helpful.There are lots of areas to check out ,so something may trigger an interest for you to get back into reading . I love Wilkie by the way ! ( I think I like him and Dickens so much because they were both so long-winded .... like me .I'm quite a chatterbox and talk to everyone,whether I know them or not .

Our library has played a big part in my life for many years, but I'd say I don't use it much any longer. I'll occasionally give in and bring a stack home ,but rarely end up reading them,since I have such a huge pile here of my own to read . Our libraries are free ,unless your book is overdue then you have to pay 5 cents per day .Our state has had lots of cuts in library funding .Oddly, our LAST governor was a big "OHIO READS" supporter,but when funding in the state got rough,the libraries were the first thing that got cut . They all had to shorten their hours of operation, buying of new books, etc . They also had a nice inter-library-loan program,so we could order books from a very wide part of the state. They still provide that service, but it isn't nearly as useful now,since funds were cut, there are fewer new books to be shared,so it's easier to buy a book if you want it anytime soon . They have a fairly new service called Express Reads ,where you have the book for 7 days .These are all the newer books,but something about a 7 day deadline bothers me, I really don't like reading under a time frame ,so rarely use it . I've met people online before from other states where they have to pay a yearly fee to be a library user . I wouldnt be surprised if they make that rule here someday .

Morning folks I read The Help" a few months back .It was good ,but I can't say it's the best book I 've ever read about Civil Rights . There seemed to be something missing in the book for me that made me "connect" with any of the characters . A nicely done story,and great idea, telling it in the way it was and the time frame, as it would have taken place when I was growing up in the 60's . I actually preferred 2 others that seemed to show more of a connection between how important the relationships can be between a white family and an African American ,who is in some way a big part of the family . One was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd . The other was Angel's Rest by Charles Davis . Both of those books seemed to show what a close connection and important part the"help" played in the family's life . Both top notch book, highly recommended !

Hi there Bill I'm awake. Not sure what time you posted this,but I'm pretty new here myself. Joined up a few weeks back. I'm Julie from Ohio . I've heard many retired people say they are busier after retirement than when they worked . That's really interesting that you were a doctor . I was an LPN in my younger years,but haven't worked for many years .We had all of our kids in one short span of time, so I chose to put the career aside until they were older. I always planned on going back,but never did,and when you are out of the medical field for that long, you don't keep up to date on the newest drugs,treatments,etc . I'm like you about reading, I need to have quiet to concentrate on a book . I used to be able to read with everyone home,the tv on,while cooking supper,but I guess as we get "over 21 " we may lose that ability to multi-task . I tend to like some of the same type books as you . I seem to prefer nonfiction more lately for some reason . I love Dickens, but haven't read Bleak House . I need to give it a shot one of these days . I believe this month's group discussion book is a Christie book, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd .I had planned on getting to it, but lately, my wheels seem to be stuck in quicksand and I'm not getting much accomplished in the reading area .I need to improve on that . Anyhow, welcome, from one "newbie" to another !

Morning Frankie Thanks for the note about the true crime section of the boards. I never even thought to look for it ! There is so much here that I havent gotten to see yet ! I agree with you on the Helter Skelter book,that it will definitely be pretty graphic .I'v seen the photos and know it was a horrible violent event . Bugliosi does tend to write a lot about the trial part -- at least that is what I have found with his book called "And the Sea Will Tell". It's probably one of my all time favorite true crime books,but it does have quite a long section telling about the trial,and parts of it get a little dry at times . Gonna go check out the true crime area !

Bobblybear I have a Kindle too,and have to agree with you, I could totally go without the typing area below with the letters. Kinda useless for me . To tell the honest truth,when I first got it, I was so excited to have one,but have found that I still prefer a book to a kindle .Not sure quite why,maybe the FEEL of the book ? The only time I like having a Kindle is if there is a new book coming out that I REALLY want. Our libraries in our state have had many cuts in funding,so new books aren't as easily available as they once were. I put myself on a waiting list for one, but I was number 138 ..... I wont live long enough to wait that much time ! So, I do like it to get a brand new book quickly .We live in the sticks,so a new bookstore is quite a jaunt from here .

HiFrankie Thank you for the welcome ! No, I haven't read the Helter Skelter (Manson ) book,although I have it .I usually like the true crimes where you start them and really don't know what will happen to who, or if they get off with it or found guilty . The Helter Skelter one, you already know the story,so I haven't yet read it. I did read the Ann Rule's Bundy book a really long time ago.It was quite interesting. He was a real charmer and sharp-looking,so didn't fit the "mold" of what you picture in your mind as a serial killer would look. He was also educated and fooled a lot of people for a long time. What type books do you like ? Good to meet you !

Pixie I completely understand about your pile of books .I'm getting an awfully large pile myself .I need to stop bringing more home, but that's easier said than done .

Hi all I thought some of you might enjoy this little "adventure " I had a few weeks ago about the above book . I was on the way to the store and saw a sign for a garage sale. I stopped at this one,and here stands a very elderly man in his driveway . His sale was very small . I immediately saw a really thick book laying on one of the tables .Walked straight to it, asked how much ( ONE DOLLAR) ,and gave him 5 . He proceeded to tell me that he had been in WW 2 ,"met up with" another old fellow a few towns away,who gave him the book many years ago . This elderly man had served in WW 2 ,so was greatly interested in reading this book. He began reading it awhile back,but his vision started going. Got worse, and came to find out he was slowly going blind. He is now legally blind and can no longer read ,so decided to part with the book . I know some of you may think I sound like a fruitcake,but I picked the book up, and it felt like I was holding something very important... not like a normal book,but like someone's LIFE was in my hands . I originally bought it for my husband,since he loves reading books about WW 2 . I bring it home, rub my hands over the cover and still feel this same odd URGE about the book. I started leafing through it, looking at some of the photos .Notice it had someone's name written in front, and on the other side ,a name and address sticker . While leafing, I opened it up to a page called Battle of Coral Sea. On this page, there was a very small photo clipped from a newspaper and placed on this page.It had been there so long, it has left a permanent yellow "square" where the photo has been. All it had on the bottom was a last name . ( DETWILER ) SO ... being ME , I drove back over to the little old man's house to ask him if he knew anyone by that name,and he said no . Then I asked if the name in the front of the book was his,and NO, again . The name was the man's who he got the book from originally . So I asked him where this other man lived (the one whose autograph was inside). He told me the town,so I got in the car, drove to that town library.Asked if they had a resident by that name in their town. They had one listing of a LADY with the same last name . They gave me her address, so I drove out in the country to her house and asked if her last name was the one written in the book and she said yes .Asked if she knew anyone with the first name JACK . She replied yes, that her father and grandfather were named John,but her grandfather had used the name Jack. Asked if he was still alive,and sadly, he had died in the 90's . She did give me her dad's phone number ,so I called him .He said yes, the name and address were his father's and he HAD served in WW 2 ,as had his 4 brothers.They all came back safely . I asked him if he knew of anyone named DETWILER who his dad may have known. Come to find out, this DETWILER boy was from their same small town ,had served in the war , was the ONLY child in his family, and had died ,age 21 at Coral Sea. The picture is of a young,slim,handsome ,smiling soldier . This man told me that after this boy died, his parents died soon after .Seems he was their whole world,and they both gave up on life when they no longer had him . He is buried in their small town cemetery . I plan on going over to visit his grave soon . I thought maybe some of you would find this interesting .I know it sounds freaky, but when I picked that book up, it FELT in my hands like something magical was inside, or something I needed to do .. hard to describe. I'm not a fruitcake,although it may sound as if I am ..... I just strongly believe in things happening for a reason,and sometimes in life, you need to folow those odd feelings you get . Never know where it will take you . as a short PS ----- I offered to give the book back to the man's son who originally owned the book ( the name in front ) . He asked what I bought it for, and I told him for my husband to read . He said after he is done with it, he'd love to have it as a keepsake to pass along to HIS son . Very ODD,but this fellow lives about 5 minutes from my house ! TRUE STORY !!!

Pixie I'll definitely second you on this book .It was SO good ! I read it a long time back and didnt even remember it til you mentioned it here . I don't keep the books I read,and also have never kept a reading list of any kind,so some books just float off someplace in the dusty corners of my brain til someone mentions them,and then I remember, oh yea, I read that !!! It really was a wonderful book. Only one of his I've ever read , though !!

Good morning Honey I haven't heard of the book you are reading ,but there are many that others mention that I haven't heard of,probably just due to the fact that I live so far from most of you and I don't keep up with the popular books from overseas .Is your book like a memoir ? I like reading them,also history, and true stories. I like fiction, but usually like a book that can teach me something about life .I think as I've gotten older, my taste in books has changed somewhat .