Since it's slow: pick my next book

[aurora]

I'll probably finish my current read (The Red Queen) by Philipa Gregory this weekend.  What should I read next?  These are some of the selections on my shelf that I've been mulling over.

[charlatti]

I really loved State of Wonder, but it's had some less stellar reviews from others on this board. If you like Ann Patchett's other stuff, you'll probably like it.

[aurora]

Feb 21, 2013 16:02:31 GMT -5 charlatti said:

I really loved State of Wonder, but it's had some less stellar reviews from others on this board. If you like Ann Patchett's other stuff, you'll probably like it.

I've only read Bel Canto but I really liked it, so that's why I picked up State of Wonder when I saw it at our used book store.  I haven't read any reviews on it, though.

[aurora]

Feb 21, 2013 21:38:53 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Anything but State of Wonder. I couldn't even finish that book.

This is shaping up to get interesting, then, between you and charlatti.

[dorothyinAus]

I voted for State of Wonder, only because I am considering reading it. I never read reviews before I read a best-seller, but I find it interesting that the board is a bit divided on that one.

[charlatti]

Feb 21, 2013 23:29:40 GMT -5 aurora said:

Feb 21, 2013 21:38:53 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Anything but State of Wonder. I couldn't even finish that book.

This is shaping up to get interesting, then, between you and charlatti.

Fight! Fight! Fight!

I'd guess it's similar to the Barbara Kingsolver discussion from a few weeks ago. State of Wonder is similarly character driven, with a good bit of social commentary, even a little bit of the ugly American idea.

[duckduck]

Haha!

The only two on the list that I've read are Gone with the Wind and Anna Karenina. I loved Anna, but I voted for Gone with the Wind because I give the edge to it for entertainment value.

[writingwithheld]

I haven't read any of them, but if I were choosing I'd probably go with Gone With the Wind. It seems like something I should read, just because it is so influential to the culture of America.

[mollymoe]

I didn't like State of Wonder either. I never finished it. Anna Karenina was ok but be prepared to be bored by long discussions of farming. Sorry, I'm no help!

[aurora]

For the record, I've been doing some light reading lately so I'm OK with something heavier or requiring more concentration. But, I'll need at least a tiebreaker vote since I can't focus enough to keep track of 3 books at once!

[ChillyMcFreeze]

I voted State of Wonder because it's high on my "to read" list. I just finished Anna Karenina, which was good, but ditto mollymoe--I could have done with less farming and hunting.

[aurora]

Thanks all for your input! Since it's tied I'll be flipping a coin this afternoon between State of Wonder and Wolves of the Calla but will read the other one second.

[aurora]

charlatti - at the risk of AW-ing I just wanted to let you know I started State of Wonder last night and am already loving it! Obviously who knows what the rest of the book will bring but first indicators are that I should take book advice from you.

[BookLover]

I voted for Gone With the Wind. I loved it! It is quite different from the movie. I finished it in about 4 days.

[secretlyevil]

Reading Gone with the Wind always makes me happy.

[aurora]

OK - Gone with the Wind is my next read, then.

[charlatti]

Yay! I'm glad you like it.

[Deleted]

If you liked State of Wonder you might like Audrey Niffenegger's Her Fearful Symmetry as well. They're both sort of quirky but really well written.

[aurora]

Mar 24, 2013 11:34:36 GMT -5 @lcap said:

If you liked State of Wonder you might like Audrey Niffenegger's Her Fearful Symmetry as well. They're both sort of quirky but really well written.

Thanks - I'll add it to my list.