1 year ago
Monday, September 3, 2018
I'M SO EXCITED
Yes, I am so excited, I just can't hide it. In fact I postponed my scheduled post and jumped to this one.
If you are not a reader, this will bore you and you are excused. See ya next week.
Some of you are purists and think the only real book is one you can hold in your hand, smell the pages as you flip them and enjoy the heft. Me too until a few years ago when I got my Kindle. Thanks Jan- that was the best-gift-ever. Then I became enamored with being able to easily hold 300 books in one hand.
As a Kindle devotee with a small budget, I was pretty much confined to reading first time authors that have their work offered by Amazon at the lovely price of FREE. I have been very lucky and have found some jewels which I have reviewed here.
Hey, Grisham was once a first time author. Besides, sometimes established authors will throw out an early book free for a while to hook you. Thus out of the over 400 books I have read on Kindle, there have been few clunkers and only a few books have I actually paid for.
This was working for me but for years now I have craved a service that seemed to be offered everywhere but in my tiny town. That was the ability to borrow a book electronically from Kindle via the local library. That really opens up the opportunities.
Then I read that the neighboring county's library just started this service and for $10 a year, I could join even though I didn't live in the proper county.
So I made the trip, paid my ten bucks and now have almost too many choices. Ordered my first book and in seconds it was snuggled into my Kindle where it will stay for 2 weeks if it would take me that long to read. I usually read a book every 3 or 4 days.
My first choice, well that was tough, so I chose a James Patterson "The Twelfth of Never". Would you believe I have never read that author. Most of the current best sellers I could put on hold. Finished James and also a Tess Gerritsen and am starting on a J D Robb in the week since I got the library card.
I am almost overwhelmed by all the choice for I still have Amazon's daily 100 free to choose from and yes I still check it every day.
Any suggestions of your favorite book of all time to help me with these decisions?? I like entertaining, humorous, medical, sports, animal or legal themes but will try most anything. I don't know if my library will have it or if it will be available in Kindle format but it will give me a direction.
My most favorite book of all time was The Last Whales by Lloyd Abbey. It is the story of two blue whales trying to survive as the world dies. No people, no dialogue, yet I was and still am haunted by it.
Thank you for any suggestions.
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I have so many favorites, Patt, but one that stands out for me is 'A Fine Balance' by Rohinton Mistry. I read it many years ago but still wonder how those fictional characters are doing as if I really knew them.
ReplyDeleteOut to pasture,
DeleteThank you, I am starting my list with A Fine Balance. I checked it out and it looks interesting.
I love my Kindle and my Fire. Love getting all the freebies and even when not free, they are cheaper than book form. I still love my physical books and still buy them, but love the fact that I can adjust the print size on my Kindle, much needed now as I approach 72.
ReplyDeletemxtodis123,
DeleteAren't they just the best invention. Most Kindle books you can adjust from text to speech and it will read to you in a slightly robotic voice.
I still go to the library every week and get books even though I have two Kindles. I do use the Kindle (and the older on I let my grandson use when he visits, but I am not madly in love with it as so many others seem to be. Sometimes I start to think about where those library books may have been, who has handled them. Then I appreciate the Kindle more.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
DeleteI know, some people seemed to think they could eat and read at the same time. Those suspicious smears were they blood or spaghetti?
I just went to the library website and tried to find that Abbey book, but it's not there. I guess it's Kindle only, so I'll find it there and download it. I prefer full size books but also put some on my Kindle Fire, which I love too. I enjoyed The Martian and have read it twice both times on my Kindle. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteIt is expensive as a pure Kindle buy. Maybe put it on your wish list at the library and they may get it for you. It is not a feel good book but to me it was powerful and lasting. I saw the movie Martian but heard the book was better.
I almost never take advantage of my local library's e-books. Last time I looked at the selection it was quite limited and didn't have what I was looking for. I have enough that's still unread on my kindle anyway, and in between each kindle story I read a real book.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteMy library has over 78 pages of e-books which is why I was looking for ideas. I have totally weaned myself off the real books.
My library has a program to borrow books on your Kindle but I haven't tried it yet. I really need to do that. I read magazines on mine and, same as you, a lot of free or nearly free books from Amazon.
ReplyDeleteJean R,
DeleteHey, those free ones can sometimes be real finds. The library opens up the options and the price is right.
My favourite freebies via Book Bub (Amazon) are the Forgotten Florida Coast series by Dawn Lee McKenna. Google Book bub ad sign up, they send you a selection daily via email, but you don't have to take any of them if you don't want to, some are free some aren't.
DeleteI'm am extremely lucky in that my 2 close friends all read constantly. One buys books from amazon and shares them with me and the other has all the kindles made (I believe) and passes the older ones down to me (fully loaded with tons of books). I also belong to Hoopla (local library digital program that lends books on my iPhone or computer). But today I read about the Patterson/Clinton book, "The President is missing" in the AARP magazine and am heading out to B&N to buy that. It sounded like an interesting project for them to collaborate on.
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteBetter than owning a Kindle is having a friend who gives you theirs. I have put The President is Missing on hold for the kindle version at the library. I am 3rd in line and they will email me when it is my turn.
You will enjoy The President is Missing!! Do you subscribe to The Fussy Librarian (everything is free) or Book Bub (some things free)?
DeleteFran,
DeleteI am on the waiting list. I will check out those free sites. Love the price.
I wish I had some titles to recommend. I stopped reading after I dropped out of a grad program in Literature. It killed my love for reading a good book. Replacing the pure appreciation of a good story with the hunt for themes, the underlying stories, character development, and contextual nuances. I often think about reading a good book again, but just can't do it. I envy you your literary passions!
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteWow, I can see how that could sour you on reading for pleasure. It would be hard to turn off the critical eye.
I read books almost exclusively on my Kindle. I need larger pint than a book has and my hands don't love holding books anymore. I buy eBooks from Amazon and have never explored the free list. Tom long ago tried getting eBooks from our library system but there were always issues. And usually it takes me longer than two weeks to read a book, since we have lots of other things going on and i also read real and electronic newspapers.
ReplyDeleteI get my reading list from recommendations from other bloggers and from friends and the newspaper literary section.
Right now I am reading Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill.
Linda R,
DeleteSorry you have issues with you e-book library. If I can't finish my book within the allotted time, I can return it then re-borrow it. I have found some real winners from the Amazon free list.
I tend to read books based on the size of the book, the thicker the better. It means I've read some really odd books. Currently I'm reading a Howard Fast book, "Being Red", too early to say how good it is.
ReplyDeleteI do like James Patterson, JD Robb, Lisa Jackson, but my favorite is Greg Iles. I do really enjoy biographies as well. Oh, and I've read a couple of Lawrence Hill- very good!
Eileen
Eileen,
DeleteWe like some of the same authors. I am reading a JD Robb now that is a futuristic serial killer. The only problem is that I don't have the first book in the series so some of the explanation is vague. Yes, I like Greg Iles also.
J.D.Rob is an alter-ego of Nora Roberts and her Eve Dallas/Roarke futuristic "In Death" series is as prolific as her romances. Book one is Naked In Death and is where Eve and Roarke first meet. I have about 30 of the J.D.Robbs, real books, and eight that are short story compilations with other authors.
DeleteRiver,
DeleteThat explains why I am a bit lost in Echo in Death. I found out that was her 44th book about Eve so I missed some of the build up. Guess I will try book one.
When does that woman sleep.
Congratulations on now being able to have access to library ebooks! I too am a Kindle lover. I can't hardly read paperbacks any more due to the tiny print but I love how you can adjust the font on Kindle. Have you tried Bookbub? http://bookbub.com It is a free service that helps you find free and very inexpensive ebooks suitable for Kindle and other platforms as well.
ReplyDeleteI read such a variety of books that I'm not sure I could recommend any in particular. I am a big fan of Stephen King but I also have many other favorite authors as well as the classics and poetry.
Enjoy your new book access!
Bonnie,
DeleteThanks for the link. I'll check them out. I have read a lot of King. Some I loved, some not so much. I really love all the choice I have now.
I think you can get Cadell's for free. I like Robert Crais and Peter Bowen a lot. Try those if you like mysteries. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteI thought you would have a few to check out. I did see Robert Crais in my library. Thanks for the ideas.
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ReplyDeleteLost my comment in cyberspace, so if this is duplicate, please remove.
ReplyDeleteI have five Kindles (including two Kindle Fire tablets and a Paperwhite) but I very much prefer to read a hard copy book. For all the reasons you mentioned, I truly appreciate my Kindle, especially this past year. So convenient with all the doctor appointments, waiting for tests, and the chemotherapy infusions. Not to mention the light weight and ability to immediately switch from one book to another or to poetry or short stories, etc. I rarely order the free books (except the Prime Lending Library) and I refuse to pay more than six dollars for an ebook. One thing I love about Amazon is that you can frequently add audio from Audible for a modest fee. That way I can download the audio to my iPod and listen when I go about other things. My favorite authors are Barbara Kingsolver, Kate Morton, Joanne Harris, and most of Kristin Hannah's books. I also love Wiley Cash, especially his first book "And a Land More Kind than Home." For a series I love Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache books (which need to be read in order). I find Fannnie Flagg humorous and like most of her books as well. Being from the south, it is pretty mandatory to read Pat Conroy. And I really do like most of his books.
Carolyn,
DeleteYeah me too on Fannie Flagg. You have given me many directions to go. Will look for Cash's book. Thank you.
Also love the Kindle when waiting. Beats years old magazines with who knows what germs on them.
Great service. I love James Patterson, though I think half of his books are not really all his. Generally his name in huge letters and underneath is tiny print of the "assisting author."
ReplyDeleteJoeh,
DeleteGood to see you here Joe. I thought I had finally bored you away.
My brother and I were just talking about Patterson today and his assisting author. Makes one suspicious.
I love my Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. I have found so many good authors that I probably would not have found otherwise. I read everything. Right now I am into psychological thrillers and detective stories, but I also love Jan Karon and her Mitford books that are just like going home when you read them. So many books. So little time. I read a lot of the James Patterson books years ago. He is prolific.
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteThanks I will check out Jan Karon. I know, I will never get read all the books I all ready have but it is a comfort to have them.
I love my Kindle with a passion. I rarely pay more than 99p (think that's just over $1) for a book. Thinking of my recent favourite books, they all seem to be quite British! I have just finished Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which I loved. That's quite quirky but my usual reading is quite dark psychological thrillers.
ReplyDeleteAround My Kitchen Table
Around my kitchen table,
DeleteI have read quite a few English Authors and have enjoyed them. I will look for Eleanor. I enjoy quirky.
Wow, I LOVE your post! So true that all authors have to write their first book. I am afraid I am going to miss my big city library. But maybe not! This is great information to have and I love a lot of the same authors you mention for the crime/law/mystery genre. I am sure you have read these, but I love the Louise Penny Gamanche series.
ReplyDeleteNawm,
DeleteThis service lets you access many library books and even if you don't have a Kindle, they will download it to several types of devices. You are only a few minutes away from good reading.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me about borrowing from the libraby to my kindle. I will check into that, I know they have it available here.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteIt really is convenient. In just minutes you can download your choice right to your Kindle. Opens up your choices.
How could I have forgotten Lee Smith? I know you would like her books. And for easy and often humorous reading, try Joan Medicott's Ladies of Covington series. Older women who defy life in the old folks home and decide to move and live together. Easy and relaxing bedtime books.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
DeleteYou really intrigued me with Joan Medicott for you now how I enjoyed Effie Wilder's work. Can't find it free but I will keep looking.
I like Robert Crais too, also Jim Butcher's Dresden series; lee Child's Jack Reacher series; Lee Weeks; Kathy Reichs; Dennis LeHane; Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series; James Patterson and so many more.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteI definitely will check out Stephanie Plum series. I have wanted to for a while now. I do like Kathy Reich and will check out the others. Thank you.
I download audio books for free from my public library. They keep me going. I listen while cleaning house, riding my exercise bike, walking, etc. I have saved thousands of dollars over the years. The advantage you have with downloading Amazon books is that you get more current publications, but I have so much catching up to do that I can wait. I download the books that I read on my Kindle and the audio books on my phone. All come from the public library.
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteHum, hadn't thought of audio books I will check into that. Thanks.
I just recently concluded that all the books that I've been purchasing through Amazon -- are available for free to read at our library. duh. Not smart on my part, since our library is just 2 blocks away... LOL. So I am in seventh heaven making my visits to the library and borrowing books these days. I like the physical book in my hand though, not so much kindle though I do have lots to read on there as well. I just finished reading The Hiding Place (again, where have I been all these years! lol) and it was a true blessing. I am now reading one called We Were The Lucky Ones. Seems good so far... I am a slow reader. Oh, did you read A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz? That one was great, especially if you love books about animals. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBobbie,
DeleteI read and really enjoyed The Hiding Place. Wonderful book. I read a lot of Koontz and he did love his Goldens and I remember that book. Thank you.
I'm one of those "die hards" that cannot stand to read via a Kindle. My granddaughter gave me one and I tried (even signed up for the lending library !) but I have been a voracious reader for years and find I need the feel of a book in my hands to make it work. PS: favorite all time book is "Watership Down"
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteI was that way till I moved and realized just how heavy books were. Watership Down was my second favorite book. Wasn't what I was expecting but I couldn't put it down.
River,
ReplyDeleteI will check out Book Bub. Free is my favorite price. Thanks.
Dear Patti, because of vision concerns, I now read only large print books and e-books for which I can adjust the type size. Our library has a terrific selection of e-books. I'm so glad for you that you've found a library that can help you get books to read and not have to pay for them.
ReplyDeleteAs to suggestions: I am a mystery reader. Some of my favorite authors are the following: Louise Penny (outstanding); charles todd; Martin Walker; Anne Perry; Alan Bradley (you would like her very humorous main character who's only 12 years old); P.J. Tracy (I think you would especially like the humor in Tracy's novels); Nicci French; Jan Karon (you would like her town of Mitford and the humanity of its inhabitants); and Linda Fairstein. That's just a few of the mystery authors I read, but if you read any of them and would like more names, I'd be happy to oblige. Peace.
Dee,
DeleteWow, have you been doing a lot of back reading of my blog. Thank you for all your lovely comments. You have given me a bunch more to check out and the 12 year old main character jumped out. Thank you for all the ideas.
For years I have struggled about using Kindle. Always loved holding a book, moving the bookmark, and closing the covers.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your experiences. I will give Kindle another chance. thanks!
Susan Kane,
DeleteThank you for visiting, commenting and following. Welcome to TNS. I guess the think I like best about Kindle is that I read in bed and when I fall asleep while reading, it automatically remembers my place. Hope you give it a real try and think you will enjoy. I use to be a real book person myself.
I guess I just like turning pages. I am currently rereading several novels from a British Novel class I had in college many, many years ago. I just finished Wuthering Heights. I wonder if I enjoyed it as much when I was very young as I did now. I have enjoyed your post and the oh-so-many comments.
ReplyDeleteChip Butter,
DeleteI know I have read books that were required in school and I enjoyed them so much more as an adult. I don't hesitate to reread a classic. Having to read and wanting to read makes a difference.
Glad you're enjoying your Kindle. There are so many books available and can have free access through so many libraries. There's just no beating being able to use those services.
ReplyDeleteI have Kindle app on my iPad Mini (which is not charging so I can't access my books now) but I only keep a few books there. What worked for me was to have them to read if I was going to be stuck waiting somewhere instead of having to carry a book. Otherwise, I still prefer the paper variety.
You probably know about this site, but I've been able to find a lot of books I want to read at very low cost, no shipping charges at Better World Books and I select only certain top quality used ones.
Joared,
DeleteDon't they make waiting rooms a breeze? The few times I have forgotten my Kindle for an appointment, I kick my self. I have ordered a couple of used books from them and haven't been disappointed.
Dear Patti, just wanted you to know that I finished the e-book of "Jerusalem Gap" last evening. i so enjoyed it and can understand why Pearson is Grisham's favorite author. My library doesn't have any of Pearson's books, but I plan on reading others he's written.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion in your recent posting. Peace.
Dee.
DeleteI was a bit surprised at some of the other books he has written. Of course I only got the Kindle versions and I don't know if it was the format but they seemed to be written in one loooooong paragraph. Not much fun. Try a sample before you get one.
Dear Patti, thanks for the tip! Peace.
DeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite. I love all the books by Fredrik Backman, especially A Man Called Ove. The Paperwhite is great because of the backlight and I can change the light settings so it won't keep me up if I read at night. There are so MANY wonderful books out there. And yes, I LOVE borrowing Kindle books from the library.
ReplyDeleteI can feel your joy. Sadly I can hardly read blogs now. I think I will have to try audio library using voice commands. It is already but I hesitate. Thanks for your visits to my rare posts.
ReplyDelete