OK---I know we have some readers on the site. What books are you reading now, or have read in the past? Let's hear about them. What did you like about the story? What did you NOT like? Would you recommend the book to others? Was it made into a movie, or do you think it would make a great movie? To start off the thread, for all you readers who have been following Jean Auel's Earth's Children series, the 6th (and from what I understand, LAST!) book will be released in March of 2011. There was talk of 7 books in the series, but it doesn't look like it now. But then, who knows. Anyone read the series?
cougarnurse wrote:OK---I know we have some readers on the site. What books are you reading now, or have read in the past? Let's hear about them. What did you like about the story? What did you NOT like? Would you recommend the book to others? Was it made into a movie, or do you think it would make a great movie? To start off the thread, for all you readers who have been following Jean Auel's Earth's Children series, the 6th (and from what I understand, LAST!) book will be released in March of 2011. There was talk of 7 books in the series, but it doesn't look like it now. But then, who knows. Anyone read the series?
I love the books by John Sanford that feature Lucas Davenport - also known as the "Prey" book. It's best to read them in order so you can follow the character development. I am currently working my way through Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. I love a good murder mystery - also good true crime. Historical fiction is fun too - I have degree's and history and Lit as well as nursing.
Anyone here read books more than once? On average I read a book up to three times and some books are just old friends! My husband thinks this is weird but he only reads technical manuals..... go figure.
I tend to read some books over and over and over...... Yes, even when I can remember quite a bit of the story and quote the dang thing. Lord Of The Rings trilogy....have loved that since 6th grade.
I like Carlos Luis Zofon's 'Shadow of the Wind'. It's pretty decent, and has a plot like one of those Russian stacking dolls. It's a Gothic murder/mystery type story set from the '30's to the mid '60's in Spain. I am not sure if a movie can do this story justice, with all the twists and turns. As for Jean Auel's book, I will wait for it to come out in paperback. I had heard the same story (7 books, now 6). I also read where she stated LAST YEAR that there will be 7 books. Maybe something is going on with her? Plus, look how long it took her to get the last book or two out! Much speculation on what this book is going to encompass.
Just Finished "Without Fail" by Lee Child - another Jack Reacher story - This character is the epitome of Oscar Wilde's quote "Good men sleep peacefully in their beds at night knowing rough men stand ready to do violence on those who would do them harm"
I love to read. What I have bought in the last several weeks have been geared toward advancing my knowledge in management. It must peak an interest for me to read and then I go "crazy" on that particular topic and then move on.
I check out books from the library first [if they have them] then I buy them I love to reference things.
Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynly(sp?) series is good. I actually started reading the series in the middle, so to speak, with Deception on His Mind. She (George) is an American, writing about England, and the differences between Lynly and Barb Havers is something else. He is a titled Lord, she is 'working class'. Of course, in England, there is that 'distinction' between classes. The whole series is dang good. Just finished This Body of Death, and the curves that have been thrown throughout the series! It seemed to me that Barb would eventually (somehow?!) end up with Azhar, but.....not sure now.
I have read Elizabeth George, too. She is pretty good. I just found out that Louise Cooper died; she wrote alot of Fiction that is no longer available here in the States. Guess she died last year from an aneurism. What a shock.
The pen is mightier than the sword and, apparently, it can also be more offensive. Many of us have read the most commonly banned and challenged classics, including "The Great Gatsby," "The Catcher in the Rye," "1984" and "Catch-22." Some of the other titles on the list of banned and challenged books may surprise you.
"Captain Underpants"
Some folks had their underwear in a bunch over this children's book series by Dav Pilkey. The "Captain Underpants" series -- about two fourth-graders and their superhero of a principal -- was one of the top 10 most frequently banned and challenged books for 2002, 2004 and 2005. The books were said to contain offensive language, to be sexually explicit and to be anti-family.
"The Lord of the Rings"
J.R.R Tolkien's book was burned, not in the fires of Mount Doom, but outside of a church in Alamogordo, N.M., in 2001 because it was viewed as "Satanic."
Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary
When it comes to banning books, even the dictionary gets no respect. The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary was pulled from the shelf of a school in Menifee, Calif. The offending term in the dictionary? "Oral sex." The entry references of the dictionary also included cunnilingus and fellatio, which were not cited as the reasons for pulling the dictionary off the shelf. Merriam-Webster has been publishing language reference books for more than 150 years. They were bound to offend someone along the way.
"Fahrenheit 451"
Could a book about censorship really be banned? Absolutely. Enter "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury. The book has been banned by the Mississippi School District (1999). It's also No. 69 on the American Library Association's list of top banned/challenged books from 2000 to 2009.
Harry Potter series
One of the most surprising banned books sits at the No. 1 spot on the ALA list. It's not even a book. It's the entire Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The Harry Potter series is to teens what "Star Wars" was to an entire generation of now-40-somethings. The series has been challenged for occultism, Satanism, violence, being anti-family and having religious viewpoint. The series is No. 1 on the ALA's most challenged book list for 2000 to 2009.
"The Grapes of Wrath"
John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" is not just another classic on the list. The book was originally banned in California due to obscenity, but the catalyst behind the banning was based more in embarrassment: The people in the region did not like how their area and the workers' situation was portrayed in the novel.
"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"
Most parents of kids under 5 have seen Eric Carle's art accompanying the book by Bill Martin. The Texas Board of Education banned the book, in January 2010, because it thought the book was written by the same Bill Martin who penned the nonchildren's book "Ethical Marxism: The Categorical Imperative of Liberation."
"James and the Giant Peach"
Author Roald Dahl is no stranger to being banned. His book "The Witches" is on the ALA's 100 most frequently challenged books for 1990 to 1999 for its depictions of women and witches. But what about James and his peach? Was there witchcraft at work? James was disobedient and there was violence in the book.
American Heritage Dictionary (1969)
The American Heritage Dictionary of 1969 was also banned in 1978 from a library in Eldon, Mo., because of 39 objectionable words. The dictionary continued to cause trouble as far away as Alaska, where it was banned by the Anchorage School Board in 1987 for its inclusion of slang words, including "balls."
Grimm's Fairy Tales
Fairy tales have always held a precarious place in children's literature. On one side, readers have fairy-tale purists who lament the morals lost in fairy tales that have been too cleaned up. Others object to any violence in fairy tales. A couple of California school districts found a whole new reason to ban Grimm's Fairy Tales in 1989: misuse of alcohol. Little Red Riding Hood's basket for her grandmother includes wine. Maybe it wasn't a California red.
I have my same med surg book from nursing school circa 1992. I had to get a new peds book because who knows what happened to the original one in all my moves since I was in school. I love to go browse in the nursing section at bookstores but a lot of the enthusiasm has worn off in recent years. I bought two books on differential diagnoses. Now those I find interesting! They fuel the hidden Dr. House in me! Not much for fiction lately. Have run out of Stephen King novels. Other books that are similar don't seem to hit the mark with me. I finish the book thinking that I wasted money on another paperback.
I had a bit of an argument over the Harry Potter b0oks. My 8 year old loves them and has read them all. But when he brought one to school (Small private Christian) he was told he could not have it on campus. I went to the principal and said "Wait a minute, my kid is excited about reading a 300+ page book and you have a problem with that." The principal commented that the book was not in keeping with the Christian way of life. I then pointed out that the books were purchased at the school book fair so if it was ok for the school to make money off it, it should be ok for the kid to read it!
hppygr8ful wrote:I had a bit of an argument over the Harry Potter b0oks. My 8 year old loves them and has read them all. But when he brought one to school (Small private Christian) he was told he could not have it on campus. I went to the principal and said "Wait a minute, my kid is excited about reading a 300+ page book and you have a problem with that." The principal commented that the book was not in keeping with the Christian way of life. I then pointed out that the books were purchased at the school book fair so if it was ok for the school to make money off it, it should be ok for the kid to read it!
Peace and Namaste
Hppy
The schools should be happy the kids are reading. Heck, if you think about it, ANY book is going to pee the be-jeebers outta someone over something. The age of reason is 7 years old, and kids should know fact from fiction, truth from make-believe by then, riiiiight? And if you really want to goe technical, how much of the Bible has been lost in translation? I went to a parochial school myself, did a Comparative Religions course, etc., and know the arguments.
Just to add more good mysteries here: Diane Mott Davidson (sp?). The stories revolve around Goldie's catering business, and there are some decent recipes in these books! I haven't tried any yet, but the books have one or two drool marks on them.
Currently working on 61 Hours by Lee Child. Another in the Jack Reacher series. I swear I chewing up two novels a month with my insomnia. I have to buy them because I've read everything in the local library.
Do any of you have a Kindle? Someone suggested I get one - but so much of my reading experience comes from the feel of the book in my hands. I don't know if I could get used to something so technical.
Hey, I just got back from B&N; I can't get used to the idea of Kindle or Nook. I, too, like the feel of a good book. I am happy for a while. In another week or two, they'll be cranking the spooky music. :evillaugh:
Lord of The Ring satanic?! WTF?! I did my Senior paper on that series, and desPITE what some people may claim, Tolkien alludes to alotta Catholisism there. The lembas could be akin to communion, if you think about it. Mordor could equal Hell, and the twisted dominions..... Wasn't Suaron (sp) the head of the wizards, but had fallen from grace, so to speak? Pretty heady stuff to wrap your mind around.
I have the same issue with the Narnia series - Lots of Christian symbolism there but many fundamentalists sects insist on seeing something evil there. I read the whole series as an adult before I let my son read them - I found them very empowering...... I think some people are just to uptight about these things.......
suebird3 wrote:OK, who has read Echo Heron's books? You know, Condition Critical? Yeah, THOSE books. I just remembered them. BOy, does she tell it like it is.
What kind of stories -- ie plotline are we talking about - I like mysteries, crime, historical fiction......
At one time I really liked Robin Cook books - but I don't read stories about nurses and doctors anymore - too close to my real life - I read for relaxation and escape.
10 Greatest Novels for Nurses, February 23rd, 2011, Nursingschools.net:"One great way to escape the pressures and stresses of nursing school or work is to read a great novel. These literary works, featuring nurses and health care facilities, will provide you with a much-needed dose of fun and fantasy while reminding you why you chose the profession in the first place. So if you want to re ignite your passion for nursing or just spend a wonderful evening kicking back, check out one of these amazing novels." http://www.nursingschools.net/blog/2011/02/10-greatest-novels-for-nurses/
nursinghumor wrote:10 Greatest Novels for Nurses, February 23rd, 2011, Nursingschools.net:"One great way to escape the pressures and stresses of nursing school or work is to read a great novel. These literary works, featuring nurses and health care facilities, will provide you with a much-needed dose of fun and fantasy while reminding you why you chose the profession in the first place. So if you want to re ignite your passion for nursing or just spend a wonderful evening kicking back, check out one of these amazing novels." http://www.nursingschools.net/blog/2011/02/10-greatest-novels-for-nurses/
I was an English major with a degree in 19 and 20th century English and American Lit and have read many of these titles. They are all great books. Personally when I am destressing I stay away from medical stories - though I did enjoy the Robin Cook novel "Nurse" . I like to read a good murder mystery or historical fiction, Sci Fi and Fantasy. I am currently working through the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. This character is a no-nonsense tough as nails Ex-Mp who goes about righting wrongs with his wits and his fists. Every Single on on the books is a great read.
As for me haven't been doing that much reading lately. Found that I hardly read any more as well. Have to say do have times like this and others don't. Guess it depends on the book itself as well.
I Was a Dancer, Jacques d'Amboise
Finished reading
Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far, Bristol Palin and Nancy French
It was definitely worth the purchase and read.
This is taken from another thread and/response that I have done regarding Bristol's mother and Tripp's grandmother.
What is/are Sarah Palin stance/s on family leave act (maternity, paternity, etc)? The reason why I'm asking this here because she didn't bring up in neither of her books. In my opinion this should be a paid one. It should also nation and worldwide as well.
Is there anyone else on here besides whom are getting beyond tired of her still being in the spotlight? That also goes her putting her husband, kids, rest of her family, and friends being in the spotlight and etc. Even though I'm still like her as a person then a politician.
She should just go back to her husband and kids. Instead being in the spotlight. Do feel sorry for her kids and the rest of family and everyone whom is associated with her. Because politics have truly ruined her and her husband for sure. Yeah I could be wrong about this.
Finished reading these few books a few mo back.
The Lost Girls: Three Friends. Four Continents.: One Unconventional Detour Around the World, Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett, Amanda Pressner. It was worth the read. Especially, returning the hardcover because found it was little worn. Had to wait until the paperback was released to read it.
Mountain of Crumbs: A Memoir, Elena Gorokhova a week ago. It was worth read. Especially, since found I learned more about the former Soviet Union then what I already knew about before reading your memoir. Can't wait to read more of Ms Gorokhova's life and/or her mothers life now.
A Father's Love: One Man's Unrelenting Battle to Bring His Abducted Son Home, David Goldman. WOW what a memoir this was and thank you, Mr. Goldman for writing about your ordeal to get Sean back home.
I got Kindle for PC on my computer and have been downloading free books from Amazon through a website that compiles them. Most of the fare is light reading and some of it is poorly written, but it takes up enough of my energy when I want to get sleepy. Right now I'm in the middle of a book called "Blue", about a fantasy world that turns out to be real for a teenage girl.
mybodymyself wrote:Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far, Bristol Palin and Nancy French
It was definitely worth the purchase and read.
This is taken from another thread and/response that I have done regarding Bristol's mother and Tripp's grandmother.
What is/are Sarah Palin stance/s on family leave act (maternity, paternity, etc)? The reason why I'm asking this here because she didn't bring up in neither of her books. In my opinion this should be a paid one. It should also nation and worldwide as well.
Is there anyone else on here besides whom are getting beyond tired of her still being in the spotlight? That also goes her putting her husband, kids, rest of her family, and friends being in the spotlight and etc. Even though I'm still like her as a person then a politician.
She should just go back to her husband and kids. Instead being in the spotlight. Do feel sorry for her kids and the rest of family and everyone whom is associated with her. Because politics have truly ruined her and her husband for sure. Yeah I could be wrong about this.
Deer in the Headlights: My Life in Sarah Palin’s Crosshairs, Levi Johnston
Finally decided its time to look into this memoir because I’m interested knowing his side of the story. Even though I’m not that crazy about him or all the others. Still its worth the read.
Of the latest Lee Child thriller "The Affair". Love that Jack Reacher character. Also re read all the "Cave Bear" books by Jean M Auel this summer.
I read primarily for entertainment when I'm not reading and researching on the political stuff.
Looking for something good to curl up with for cool winter days in front of the fire - I like action, suspense, crime mysteries ........I can usually digest about 400 pages in two to three days. Any suggestions
mybodymyself wrote:Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far, Bristol Palin and Nancy French
It was definitely worth the purchase and read.
This is taken from another thread and/response that I have done regarding Bristol's mother and Tripp's grandmother.
What is/are Sarah Palin stance/s on family leave act (maternity, paternity, etc)? The reason why I'm asking this here because she didn't bring up in neither of her books. In my opinion this should be a paid one. It should also nation and worldwide as well.
Is there anyone else on here besides whom are getting beyond tired of her still being in the spotlight? That also goes her putting her husband, kids, rest of her family, and friends being in the spotlight and etc. Even though I'm still like her as a person then a politician.
She should just go back to her husband and kids. Instead being in the spotlight. Do feel sorry for her kids and the rest of family and everyone whom is associated with her. Because politics have truly ruined her and her husband for sure. Yeah I could be wrong about this.
mybodymyself wrote:Deer in the Headlights: My Life in Sarah Palin’s Crosshairs, Levi Johnston
Finally decided its time to look into this memoir because I’m interested knowing his side of the story. Even though I’m not that crazy about him or all the others. Still its worth the read.
Again, it was worth the purchase and read. Even though it took time to consider it. Have to say that I believe Levi’s side of the story and I’m starting to like him. Not Bristol and Sarah’s side of the story like I did before I this. Starting to not like both of them.
Well, I'm reading "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell. I watched the movie for several times, and it was great! So I think reading the book may bring me another feeling.
I am really into the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. Just read another one. Also anything by John Sanford. Rereading a favorite old Classic "White Fang" by Jack London that my son bought for me. I know it sounds weird but I usually have at least two books going at a time. Every book I read at least three times in succession. Maybe I need some of those OCD drugs we give the consumers.
Spent about 3 hours at Barnes and Noble today. Read the new Carlos Ruiz Zafon book 'Prisoner of Heaven' front to back in one sitting. Of course, one has to have read 'Shadow of The Wind'. 'The Angels Game.....eh!
Just finished reading the Hunger Games series - interesting social message about what happens when people turn their lives over to a "loving and nurturing government"
I'm reading a lot of teen and juvenile fiction these days as my son who is 10 going on 21 wants to read them so I can help explain what he is reading.
Waiting for the new "Jack Reacher" story by Lee Child but honestly if you are a fan how do you feel about Tom Cruise playing Jack in the movies "Sheesh"
malenurse354 wrote:someone recommended the book entitled "the secret"...I'll will start reading it this weekend...
Tell us a bit about it later.
Did 'hear' that Elizabeth George will have a new Inspector Lynley book out next year. I remember that Believing the Lie came out around this time last year.
sure! I'll still have to uncover "the secret" yet!All I know is that this is an inspirational book! By the way, it's written by Rhonda Byrne! Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with those books...i'll google them later!
With 537 pages and 150 photographs, "Anatomy of a Hospital" chronicles the history of the nation's oldest hospital for orthopedics, from its beginnings in a doctor's home to help destitute children with disabilities to the premier hospital it has become today. From its founding during the Civil War to the present, the book's history of the hospital parallels the history of medicine, of New York City and of the nation during that time period. Some might be surprised to learn that Hospital for Special Surgery, a world-renowned hospital for orthopedics, was founded when a kindhearted doctor opened a 28-bed hospital for destitute children in his private New York City residence on Second Avenue, just below 6th Street. Seeking to rescue young street beggars with severe disabilities, Dr. James Knight opened the Hospital for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled, as it was called, in 1863.
So begins the story of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). It was the middle of the Civil War and, as the book states, disease, poverty and unemployment were rampant in New York City. Most people were poor and had little access to medical care.
In "Anatomy of a Hospital," Dr. David B. Levine tells the extraordinary story of how the nation's oldest orthopedic hospital grew to become a world leader in its specialties of orthopedic surgery and rheumatology. The book chronicles the hospital's challenges and successes over a century and a half of growth. At the same time, Dr. Levine details medical advances over that time period, showing how medical care emerged from the "Dark Ages" to become modern medicine as we know it today.
As New York City expanded to become a leading financial, cultural and social force over 150 years, Hospital for Special Surgery grew into an international leader in musculoskeletal treatment, education and research, building a reputation as a pioneer in joint replacement, spine surgery, rheumatology research and other areas. Famous patients included John F. Kennedy, who had several surgeries to correct a back injury he had sustained during World War II, and Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican artist, who also had spine surgery.
The Hospital for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled was the first hospital in New York City to create a public school within a hospital. Since many children with crippling diseases remained as inpatients for years, school classrooms were provided and Manhattan PS 401 was established in the hospital.
Other interesting facts:
1887: The hospital established the first orthopedic residency program in the United States and a house staff as we know it today.
1907: The polio epidemic brought an increased number of patients to the hospital not only from the city and suburbs, but from upstate New York.
1910: The hospital, at its second location on the corner 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, sold the property it was on to the New York Central Railroad for 1.35 million dollars, and in 1912, moved to its third location at 321 East 42nd Street. Grand Central Terminal was built adjacent to the hospital's former location.
1971: Dr. John Marshall organized the first Sports Medicine Clinic at HSS, believed to be the first such clinic in New York.
Today, Hospital for Special Surgery, located at 535 East 70th Street (near the FDR Drive), is consistently ranked as a leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation. Sports fans know HSS as the team doctors for the Mets, the New York Giants, New York Knicks and the New York Liberty, among others.
Dr. Levine, emeritus attending orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery and professor emeritus of clinical orthopedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, spent eight years writing the book. A spine surgeon at HSS for 28 years, he served as director of the Scoliosis Service and was later director of Orthopedic Surgery.
A history buff, Dr. Levine has been the hospital's "self-appointed archivist" since 2003
.
He had an extraordinary amount of material on which to base his book, including every annual report from HSS dating back to the 1800s. The hospital also has managed to preserve patient records dating back to the day it opened on May 1, 1863. Dr. Levine also located photos from as far back as 1887 to feature in his book, which he calls "a labor of love." Other HSS staff contributed various chapters, including the history of anesthesia, how x-rays and other diagnostic tools changed the face of medicine, and current challenges to the modern-day health care system.
Today, Hospital for Special Surgery has 205 patient beds and nearly 4,000 employees. With 35 operating rooms, more than 27,000 surgical procedures were performed last year. There were more than 300,000 outpatient visits to rheumatologists, physiatrists, orthopedic surgeons and other specialists affiliated with HSS last year. The hospital receives millions of dollars in research grants annually from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations.
Recently discovered free download reads from Amazon. Unfortunately, most of these free "books" aren't even long enough to last over a three day read and are not necessarily very good. So I have to spend a little more time to find something worthwhile.
Thanks a heap! You just reminded me to check on the final book in Carlo Ruiz Zafon's 'Cemetery...' series. The book is out, so I guess I'll have to make a pit stop at B&N to check it out.
I need to take up reading again too. Was doing a lot at my former easy job. Now I would have to carve out the time somewhere. Want to start visiting the local library as I find the cost of paperbacks to be somewhat of a waste, just like buying Starbucks heavy price coffee!
