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50 Book Challenge 2017 Part Four

984 replies

southeastdweller · 05/03/2017 13:59

Welcome to the fourth thread of the 50 Book Challenge for this year.

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2017, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. Any type of book can count, it's not too late to join, and please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read.

The first thread of the year is here, the second one here, and the third thread here.

What are you reading?

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5
CoteDAzur · 08/04/2017 18:42

"I have never had an Aperol Spritz. Do I want to?"

Whaaaat?!?! Shock

Of course you want to. Trust me on this. You want to have a cool and delicious Aperol Spritz (or three) very soon.

CheerfulMuddler · 08/04/2017 18:43

What is it?

Tarahumara · 08/04/2017 18:49

  1. The Food of Love by Amanda Prowse. Chick lit dealing with the topic of anorexia. Realistic and a page turner.

  2. Hons and Rebels by Jessica Mitford. I adore Nancy Mitford's novels and I've also read a couple of Mitford biographies, but I hadn't read Decca's autobiography (up to her early 20s) before. First published in 1960, it was an exciting time in her life and an interesting period in history too (the lead up to and early days of WWII). I thoroughly enjoyed this.

  3. Nora Webster by Colm Toibin. Nora has just been widowed, and this book follows her life and her relationships with family and friends in the three years after her husband's death. It's a calm, understated book with a gently meandering plot - reminds me of an Irish version of Anne Tyler. I thought it was better than the other Toibin I've read, The Blackwater Lightship.

  4. The Tidal Zone by Sarah Moss. The narrator Adam's teenage daughter goes into anaphylactic shock and nearly dies (not a spoiler as it happens right at the beginning of the book). The book is about the family adapting to the 'new normal' of her condition, interspersed with snippets about the building of Coventry cathedral after it was destroyed in the blitz, as the narrator is writing a book about this while being a SAHD. I love Sarah Moss, and she is on top form here. Really enjoyed this.

CoteDAzur · 08/04/2017 18:50

Aperol Spritz

BestIsWest · 08/04/2017 19:03

I want one NOW!

CinnamonSweet73 · 08/04/2017 19:08

Delurking to say I had my first Aperol Spritz in La Rochelle last year - loved it and would LOVE one now!
(I am still reading but due to a manic phase at work haven't updated but will do soon!)

CluelessMama · 08/04/2017 20:16

Photo make Aperol Spritz look like Irn Bru??!!
13. Humble By Nature by Kate Humble Listened to the audiobook, wouldn't recommend it. Some interesting excerpts but mostly a bit dull, and towards the end feels increasingly like an advert for her business which, it turns out, has the same name as the book.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2017 20:22

Looks pretty and I like Prosecco, but what's the orange stuff? As far as I'm concerned, nothing can beat a Margarita, but I will taste an Aperol Spritz ASAP to see how it measures up.

CoteDAzur · 08/04/2017 20:34

Orange stuff is the Aperol, Remus Smile

Friends, I feel for you. It's bad enough that you live in a cold place without sun for +300 days of the year, but... but... no Aperol Spritz? What? Shock

VanderlyleGeek · 08/04/2017 20:48

Cote, I live in a cold(er) place, and I'm well acquainted with the glories of the Aperol Spritz. And now you know something about me...BlushGrin

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2017 20:57

Yes but what IS it and what does it taste like? It looks like Lucozade.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2017 20:57

And I'll have you know that we've had proper sunshine today, so there!

VanderlyleGeek · 08/04/2017 21:02

Remus, it's an aperitif that's citrusy, somewhat herbal, and nicely bittersweet. Refreshing in the warmer months.

CoteDAzur · 08/04/2017 21:13

Actually, just now I saw the photo of 2 friends in the UK holding Aperol Spritzes so it does exist somewhere around you no doubt Smile

CoteDAzur · 08/04/2017 21:14

That's s very good description, Vanderly.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2017 21:19

It definitely exists around here; I've just never had it. I will rectify this.

whitewineandchocolate · 08/04/2017 21:22

Here here to Aperol Spritz, I only discovered it this year, have just bought a bottle back from Italy and plan on having it all summer. I've just joined a second book group (!!!!) so will also need to read a bit more.

Am currently struggling through The Improbability of Love and really not enjoying it at all, surprised at all the positive reviews on Amazon.

SatsukiKusakabe · 08/04/2017 21:24

I'm going to get right on this too Smile I've also never had a margarita

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2017 21:26

Satsuki - Margaritas are the second best drink in the world, after Earl Grey. You must address your failings and get thee to a cocktail bar pdq.

CoteDAzur · 08/04/2017 21:30

We should do a 50-Book meet-up at a cocktail bar Grin

VanderlyleGeek · 08/04/2017 21:36

It seems that I've started (along with a friend) a new book club at a coffee shop/bar. Our first meeting will feature a brief talk from the bourbon guy on staff. It goes well with our first book.

boldlygoingsomewhere · 08/04/2017 21:39

That aperol spritz does look very nice! Supposed to be a very warm day in my neck of the woods tomorrow. May have to see if I can find some to accompany my planned lounging in the garden. Grin

SatsukiKusakabe · 08/04/2017 21:46

Yes! We could recognise each other by carrying a book - now if only we could all agree on which one...Wink

I'm on antibiotics this week, but I am going to make it my mission toot sweet remus. My top two are PG Tips and Southern Comfort, so I'm coming from a less refined place.

vanderley like the idea of matching a drink to a book. As long as it's not Fiesta; it would turn you into an alcoholic.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/04/2017 21:52

Love Southern Comfort - the third best drink!

VanderlyleGeek · 08/04/2017 21:54

I don't know Fiesta. Would you recommend it, Satsuki?

The book is Heather O'Neill's The Lonely Hearts Hotel, which is set in 1920-30s Montreal, where there was booze galore! Grin