What are you currently reading, how do you feel about it, and what's next on the list? Part 2

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The original thread is nearly full: Page 40 | What are you currently reading, how do you feel about it, and what's next on the list? | Mumsnet

So, here's another one to keep us going!

I've just finished Avocado Hotel by Bob Mortimer, which I hoped would be funny. It was actually a bit meh. I am now starting The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsover. I loved her Demon Copperhead, so I have high expectations.

"On the Calculation of Volume II" by Solvej Balle. I really enjoyed the first one with its surreal, haunting quality, but I thought I didn't want to read the others in the series as it was pretty good as a standalone. But I was in a bookshop and there it was*... It's more of the same, which is great but it's less rewarding because there is less to be revealed in this volume. I really, really don't need the third volume. Or the fourth. Famous last words, I expect...

Next up, "Forbidden Notebook" by Alba De Cespedes which is a recently redscovered thing from the 1950s. It didn't occur to me when I was buying it, but I'd be willing to bet it has a big Elena Ferrante vibe and that's why it's being published again. I was lured by the attractive cover...

*are other people completely unable to leave a bookshop with buying something?

I read "A Truce That Is Not Peace", a memoir by Miriam Toews last year; she's a very talented writer.

Just finished Birding by Rose Ruane. Well written and tackles very important issues but I found large chunks of it quite repetitive. One of the main characters goes round and round in circles agonising over a past incident for the entire duration of the book, endlessly repeating the same stock phrases. Quite jarring and I was really relieved to finish!

I’m currently rereading The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. I’m trying not to buy new books at the moment, so going through the books I haven’t read for years. I’d forgotten how good it is. I have the other books in the trilogy so will move on to those afterwards

I finished Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom yesterday. Should probably feel terrible saying this considering the subject matter but ... Ugh.
I could have just nipped to Tesco and read all the verses in the cards and it would have had the same effect :(

I am now reading The Witcher The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski.

I’ve just finished A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. Thought I needed to read a ‘classic’ but often struggled to fully understand the Russian influenced ‘Nadsat’ language used throughout the book.

Unsure on next book but have Perfection by Vincenzo Latronivo on my short list (depends largely on the this months theme decided by a book group I go to).

Just finished Marking Time by Elizabeth Jane Howard, am currently reading James by Percival Everett, and looking forward to City of Brass by SA Chakraborty.

I'm reading "The days of abandonment" by Eleanor Ferrante at the moment.

I hated "My Brilliant friend" so I was sceptical going into it, but it's really good. It's very intense and a bit weird but I'm enjoying it.

Next up might be "Cloud Atlas". I read a page to whet my whistle yesterday and it didn't grab me. I'm away at the moment and have brought Lionel Shriver's "We need to talk about Kevin" with me instead so it might be that.

Just finished reading Witch Trial by Harriet Tyce and really enjoyed it. The ending was very unexpected and I loved it.

I'll start What happened That Night by Nicci French is a day or two. I always like to leave a bit of time between books.

@FiveMetresUp I am about 350 pages into the Count of Monte Cristo and so far so good! A lot happens and it still only feels like the main story is only just about to kick off but it's really readable and you just want to keep going! It doesn't feel like you are ploughing through a classic and it's not daunting to pick up, other than literally as it's so big 😆

Love that everyone is reading The Cazalet Chronicles, they’re wonderful!

I just DNF’d Clare Mackintosh’s latest which didn’t grab me, might try again later. Now reading Heart the Lover by Lily King. So far I do not understand the hype.

I finished The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which I really enjoyed and I have reserved the next book in the series from the library.

I’m now reading Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett, which is not quite as twee as the title suggests. Cosy fantasy/ romantasy is a big thing at the moment in science fiction & fantasy publishing, and most of it is quite dull and predictable, but every so often you get something that has more of an edge.

Next book will be a Sweet Valley Twins graphic novel that my DD got from the library, which will be a nostalgic read!

Just finished James by Percival Everett and The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. The writing in James was miles better but I didn't really like either of them for very different reasons.

Now looking forward to City of Brass by SA Chakraborty.

I’m 3/4 of the way through The Safekeep and after a bit of a slow start I’m gripped.

Reading Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. Not bad.

Started Precipice by Robert Harris a few weeks ago - will probably go back to that next.

I have The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, but not sure about it.

I’ve just finished the Bee Sting, it was great but too long and the ending was frustrating. I’m now reading The Names, incredible book but had to pause a few times as it’s so upsetting.

I’m on Still Life by Sarah Winman. I’m about 1/3 of the way through and just not getting into it at all but will persevere.

Before that Hamnet, which weirdly I kind of wanted to hurry up and end, but then missed it when I finished.

Finished 'Theo of Golden' yesterday and then couldn't settle to read anything else. It's beautiful.

I've just started A Psalm for the Wild-Built, which I'm loving.

Both suggested on here, so thank you 😊

I finished City of Brass yesterday, which I enjoyed enough to reserve the sequel at the library. Have just started Independence by Chitra Divakaruni Banerjee. Am on holiday in India so am sticking to authors of Indian origin.

I couldn't love Still Life either. It was everything I like on paper but just couldn't connect to it.

Just finish Room Emma Donaghue which was an interesting and easy read. About to start Our beautiful mess Adele Parks

Beloved by Toni Morrison, read Sula before it and enjoyed that very much, beautifully written.

I’ve also got Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth 1 by Tracy Borman on the go, fascinating.

Next is A little life by Hanya Yamahaihara, late to the party with these books but the pause button has been employed during child rearing years and now menopause due to exhaustion/brain fog/ inability to focus or concentrate.
Im back amongst the living now so able to pick up my love of books.

A Column Of Fire by Ken Follet which is the third in the Kingsbridge “Pillars Of
The Earth series”

All great books if a little formulaic. Hamnet next I think, been on the list for ages and keen to read pre film!

I love Mitch Alborn but I guess we're all different. Maybe try one of his novels?