What Fiction are you reading this week, Nov. 1, 2020?

[hermetic]

Just finished Louise Penny's All the Devils Are Here. That is quite an intense and convoluted tale that keeps you guessing who can be trusted, or not. A real page-turning thriller, it is interspersed with moments of sweetness. And what she does with those beginning words and then the very final ones just blew my mind. Genius! I cried. I'm not going to tell you; you have to read it for yourselves.

Speaking of devils, that old devil moon sure lit up my back yard this morning. When the cats woke me up at 5:30 (they don't get the DST concept) I thought some fool had driven onto my lawn. But no, it was just la lune.

Next up is Michael Connelly's Fair Warning that I just got from the library as they were closing down again for only call-ahead curb-side service. Stalwart journalist Jack McEvoy tracks a serial killer who has been operating completely under the radar. I'm so glad I now have several books checked out that will keep me entertained for a good while. When this library is on lock down they get a lot less picky about books being overdue.

For the sake of my sanity I'm listening to The Cat Who Saw Stars.by Lillian J Braun. Sure, it's a murder mystery but it's also light, playful and soothing to listen to.

I don't think I have ever been so stressed. I already voted so it's not that. But Tuesday is our nation's IQ test and we’re about to find out if America is too stupid to live. I'm not feeling much optimism right now. Just so you know, I love you all and will stand in solidarity against whatever devils we may now face.

[cilla4progress]

1. Love your post, H

came at a needed time.

I am still reading The Evening and The Morning! 600+ pages in to this 900 page book.

It is set in 1000 AD England, but clearly the author tapped into contemporary currents when he wrote it in 2020 (publication date). It is about corrupt power - church and state, which were one at that time.

I didn't know the publication date at 1st, and this is the 1st of Follett's that I've read. It is a prequel to his Kingbridge series. I have no idea what the other books in the series are about! I'm enjoying it, even though it's not high art. I understand he researches thoroughly and it's a fast, easy read.

I'd already discovered he wrote it in 2020, but when I came across the following line, it dropped me in my tracks: in dialogue, a character says to another (words to the effect): "I've been making trouble. GOOD TROUBLE."

Total giveaway....

[hermetic]

2. Thanks, c

Yeah, some things never change. And some things really need to. Hope we can make it happen.

[The King of Prussia]

3. The Anatomy of Murder by the Detection Club

Writers from the Golden Age recount true crime stories. It's ok.

England is back in Lockdown from Thursday. They aren't closing the schools and universities so it won't work.

I'm thinking of all the decent people in the US and wish you all well.

[hermetic]

4. I saw on the news they were doing that

Immediately thought of you. Surprised they didn't close the schools, though.

Thanks and wish you the same.

[Timewas]

5. Right now

The Sentinal,a Lee Childs apparently done in colaberation with his son whom I understand is taking over the reacher series.. Have been re-reading a lot of books I first read 10-15, years ago,and some older yet,..just because not enough new stuff to keep me occupied with all the home time I now have..

[hermetic]

6. The 25th Jack Reacher story

The co-author, Andrew Child, is Lee's younger brother. Fans mostly seem okay with him taking over. He's sure got some big shoes to fill, though.

[Timewas]

9. Yes Brother

My bad, had read that but didn't remember it was brother not son..so far I see some differences but remains to be seen whether that will matter much...He does indeed have some large shoes to fil here

[SheltieLover]

7. So glad to hear Reacher will continue!

Ty for sharing!

[SheltieLover]

8. Rereading Body Movers

For lack of anything better that is appealing. 😏

[hermetic]

11. Well that's not pleasant

not having anything to read. Want me to send you my list? There's probably close to 1,000 titles on it. Ever read Laurie R. King's Mary Russell books.? Sharyn McCrumb? Charlotte Hughes? Ruth Ware? Tammy Hoag's Oak Knoll series? Louise Penny? Louise Erdritch?
I could go on....

[SheltieLover]

14. Ty!

I'll take a look at these!

Btw The Cat Who Saw Stars is amazing! Super ending, too!

[Binkie The Clown]

10. "Grapes of Wrath" for the third time in 60 years. nt

[hermetic]

12. Some stories

are timeless.

[efhmc]

25. I hated that book when I read it when I was young. It made me want to slit my wrists.

(Not really) Too much empathy is probably not a good thing.

[Ohiogal]

13. In Pieces

by Sally Field

[hermetic]

15. This is popular

"This autobiography is beautiful, sometimes hilarious, and haunting all at the same time. Five stars out of five." The audible edition is supposedly great. I will look for that.

[Ohiogal]

16. Do you know if she reads her own book, hermetic?

[hermetic]

18. Yes

She does.

[masmdu]

17. I am one of you forever. Fred Chappell

"Wonderfully funny and also deeply touching, I Am One of You Forever is the story of a young boy's coming of age. Set in the hills and hollows of western North Carolina in the years around World War II."

Written by my neighbor down the block.

[hermetic]

19. Neat

Your neighbor has written quite a few books, some in the genre of Suspense, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, and Horror. I wouldn't mind having a neighbor like that.

[masmdu]

20. Dragon is next on my list by him

Nice guy. Gives out poetry to kids for Halloween (with candy).

[pscot]

21. Hi Hermetic

I just finished Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen. Multiple plot lines and a contrived ending; not his usual form but a blessed relief from the roar of election noise. I'm halfway through Conn Iggulden's Wars of the Roses. No panting bodice ripper, just a sordid tale of Medievals being beastly towards each other. Iggulden sticks close to history, of which I approve. And since I've never read Edward the VI I splurged on the Complete Shakespeare for kindle; $0.99 at Amazon.

[hermetic]

22. Hi pscot

Good to see you. Happy reading!



(Ye gods I hate DST changes)

[northoftheborder]

23. The Time Cellar, Marc Emory

French wine from the 1800's, Thomas Jefferson at home, time travel, antique coins, a modern day scientist with an electronics hobby in his basement -- all weave together in a delightfully funny and implausible tale! Just what you need for a stressful few weeks!

[hermetic]

24. That sounds like a rolicking good time

Will for sure be on the lookout for it. Thanks.