I have been thinking lately how difficult it is to find really good books to read, books with characters that come alive for me.
The kind of book that when it ends I'm sad, because I don't want it to end.
In the last couple of years, I've only read two such books: "Water for Elephants", which Cliff is reading now and loves also; and "Peace Like A River".
Further back, "Green Mile" was a keeper, too. In fact, Water For Elephants reminds me of Green Mile.
When I finish such a book, I go hunting for something that sounds similar, but there's never anything close. I just have to wait until I accidentally stumble onto a good one again.
If you've read any of the above-mentioned books and think you know of a similar book I might like, please tell me in a comment.
Try the "Shack" it will take you somewhere if not there! Take care and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteKatie
I haven't read any of those but "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is the best book I've ever read (well, maybe). If you've never read it, do. It's incredible.
ReplyDeleteThe green mile was amazing. Have you read "The Stand" by Stephen King? It is my second favorite of his after The Green Mile. I read "The Host" not too long ago my Stephenie Meyer and was impressed with it. Another book I read was called The Lovely Bones-I forget the author right now but it was powerful. I'll have to check out Water for Elephants, thanks for the tip :) Jeff
ReplyDeleteI've read Water for Elephants and enjoyed it a lot.. I remember reading of things happening in the place he was living and since my brother was often in rehab/ extended care places, that they were sadly very true.
ReplyDeleteI haven't come across a "similiar" book. I've enjoyed many other books but if I were to choose ONE book to head the list it might well be "the Thirteenth Tale"
http://www.amazon.com/Thirteenth-Tale-Novel-Diane-Setterfield/dp/0743298039/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233833277&sr=8-1
Ken Follett has a couple of epic novels: "Pillars of the Earth" (one of Oprah's Bookclub selections) and "World Without End"
ReplyDelete"Pillars" was the best of the two. I listened to the audio version, which was over 40 hours. I, too, was sorry when it ended.
It takes place in 12th century England, which would not ordinarily be my cup of tea.... but it was most enjoyable. It has over 1300 reviews on Amazon.com, with a 4.5 star rating out of 5 stars. That is huge.
Also, Oprah's Bookclub are usually good.
"Where the Heart Is" by Billie Letts was a good read.
Pudge, I did read "Where The Heart Is" and enjoyed it very much. Sometimes Oprah's selections are top-notch, other times I don't care for them at all. Katie, I ordered "The Shack" thanks to your suggestion and the reviews I saw of it on the Barnes and Noble website.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out the other selections! Keep the suggestions coming.
I haven't read either of those books so don't know what to compare them to but I LOVED the Jan Koran series about the town of Mitford. Lots of wonderful characters and the books are clean as a whistle. I was sad every time I finished one as I wanted it to go on and on. You have to start right with the first one to have them make sense and to keep up with all the people.
ReplyDeleteI read both of those books, Anne having suggested the first.
ReplyDeleteI almost always suggest 2 books ~Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy & Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett. The 2nd being a follow up to the first, by Lucy's best friend, Ann.
Love your blog - I'm a horse-person also. I really liked Water for Elephants and Peace Like A River - did not read the Green Mile - but liked the movie. A couple that I've read this winter are: One Thousand White Women - Jim Fergus, The Virgin of Small Plains - Nancy Pickard and re-read The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd
ReplyDeleteMarcia in Wyoming
Donna, If you have a soft spot for Elephants. They are so abused. There is a good book called MODOC. I read it about 8 years ago. I liked it. Marlene
ReplyDeleteIt's not in the same vein as the others you mention, but I highly recommend The Color of Water by James McBride. Get the 10th anniversary edition if you can (there is a priceless update in the back).
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