I agree with you about the flower information being incredibly interesting. It was! I think what I objected to was the way the ending of the book seemed so “pat” and predictable. When an ending disappoints me so profoundly, I just can’t recommend the book!

Thanks for the suggestions, Mary. Hope you have a great vacation in Maine!

Thank you, thank you for your timely post! I’ve just downloaded several of the titles to my Kindle as I head to Maine tomorrow for a week’s vacation at the lake.

For my suggestions, I can second Shelly’s recommendation for Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s The Shadow of the Wind. Exquisite.

And, I’ll add The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James. Some may find it slow going initially (I didn’t), but it is well worth sticking with — an engrossing tale, thoughtful and well researched. Did not want it to end. I’ll be re-reading Jane Eyre this summer, too!

best,
Mary

Yes, I’ve read some Paul Theroux before and really enjoyed it. Haven’t read the Lower River, though. Will put it on my list for the summer!

Paul Carnes – carnes4432@aol.com

Yes, reading is an EXCELLENT way to relax. I tend to spend most of my holidays reading. In the summer, I’ll sometimes read a book a day for a week or more!

I must confess, I’ve never read any PD James before. NOT that Pemberley would make we want to read another….But, to be fair, I think I should give one of her mysteries a try.

Thanks for your list, I await them eagerly ! I don’t read the whole list but do like to know what writers are reading. Our local PBS station, here in Boise, has a program dedicated to just that topic, once a year, when they interview local (Idaho) authors on their own picks for summer reading. It is one of my favourite editions of Dialogue.

I was amused and a bit surprised to see Death Comes to Pemberley on your list, though it is about the Jane Austen characters, and written by P.D. James. I was eager to read this book, but as I began the first chapter, decided to switch to the audiobook version. It was too long to just sit with, I have too much “other stuff” to do at the same time.

I was disappointed in several ways, first, by the reader – her voice grated on my ear – of course this just reflects a personal preference for well modulated “alto” voiced readers rather than a high-pitched “girly” voice. The story line was not up to P.D. James’ good writing of years gone by, at all. It seemed shallow and almost “whiney” in tone, too much pointless hysteria and repetition of “the issues” of the tale.

As a result, when I reached the end, I thought “What was the point?” I really wish Ms James had not left us with this dreadful thing in her name. She is one of my favourite mystery writers, and this one is such a departure from what she does (used to do) so very well.

Ah so, it’s just my opinion, but…..

I have been a reader for years.

About 40 years ago my family had a cottage on a pond in Goshen Conn. Because my grandparents, Mom and I would stop and grab a bag of books every week during the season very small library that loved us, as larger their readership, the more books they could get.

Of course, there was not a lot else to do while there besides enjoy nature and fishing (there was no phone, TV, or even radio allowed or wanted).

Even with work, volunteering, editing a newsletter, etc., I still read 1-2 books a week. I find that reading is a great way to relax, especially out on the porch with a good cigar and a glass of scotch.