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Saved by Grace's avatar

Thank you for these recommendations Claudia; I absolutely love reading and almost always have a novel and a non fiction book that I read alongside each other. I've never tried audio books and I can't say the thought of listening to a book appeals, but years ago I said I'd never want a kindle and I love mine now! I'll try an audio book and see how I get on. Have a great weekend and happy reading πŸ“š πŸ˜€

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Looking at the comments so far, it's interesting to see that many people haven't listened to audiobooks yet or don't like them very much. In my circle of friends and acquaintances, it's been so normal for years to listen to them while cooking, ironing or driving that I assumed I was the only one who wasn't interested in audiobooks at all. πŸ˜„ But then I don't like to do something else while reading anyway. I was really surprised how much I liked it though. Maybe it will depend on the situation or phase of life, but it can be a nice addition, if you find a narrator/voice that appeals to you. At least, that's what has happened to me lately. πŸ˜€ Have a great weekend, too, Karen, and happy reading! πŸ“š (By the way, what are you reading at the moment? Anything great like Raising Hare? That really was a lovely recommendation.)

Sara Barry's avatar

I just read the first Thursday Murder Club book and enjoyed it.

I tend not to read a lot of books by listening (audiobooks). It's often harder for me to focus, but I've found some books work better than others β€”Β and some activities while reading work better too (audiobooks and weeding the garden are a good pairing, though we are coming out of season for that).

Last book I finished that I really enjoyed was Sisters in the Wind by Angelline Boulley. If you haven't read her others, I'd read those too. They have related characters, but don't need to be read in order

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Wonderful, if you liked the first book of the series, then you have several more great ones to look forward to. There's a Netflix film adaption of the first one, too. I got pretty excited about it at first because of the cast, but wasn't so sure any more after watching the trailer. I don't have Netflix at the moment anyway, but would be interested if you've seen it and if you liked it?

I also suspected that it would be more difficult for me to concentrate and not get distracted. But since I wasn't doing anything else at the same time, but was lying in bed with my eyes closed, it went really well. ☺️

Thanks for the recommendation, Sara, I'll definitely check it out. πŸ™‚

Hedgerows & Hardbacks - Gina's avatar

Love these recommendations, thank you for sharing!

I've had Raising Hair on my TBR pile for so long now, I really must, must read it soon because so many likeminded folks seem to love it. I've heard a lot of praise for the author about how she retained respect for the hare being a wild animal. Definitely must read this one soon.

I haven't read any of Richard Osman's books, but I'm keen to try them as I do enjoy a good murder mystery. I did go to a small local cinema to see the Netflix film when it was released (I think certain independent cinemas got special permission to show it) and we did enjoy it, particularly because it was unexpectedly funny and was well cast. I couldn't compare it to the books just yet but I'm looking forward to giving them a try. Hope you're well! (:

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Thank you for reading, Gina, so glad you enjoyed my recommendations!

Raising Hare definitely is worth a read, but I know, there are so many wonderful books out there and we just can't read them all - and certainly not at the same time. ☺️ The first time, I tried to read it, I couldn't get past the prologue because I didn't like the approach and the point of view. But after someone who I trust when it comes to books recommended it to me again, I just loved it! (Not the prologue, but all the rest.) Sometimes with books you just have to wait for the right time or a gentle reminder. 😊

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Thursay Murder Club! The cast attracts me a lot to this film, but I felt at least the trailer made it look so silly, it put me off. The books are really funny, but silly is another matter. Or maybe it's just very subjective. πŸ˜„ As there are more films coming up on Netflix we'd like to watch at the end of the year, I will give Thursday Murder Club a try. Trailers can be misleading after all ... πŸ˜…

Dana β€” The Grounding Guide's avatar

Thank you for sharing your October adventures, Claudia! πŸŒ™ I can already see myself bookmarking a few of these titles for a quiet, reflective evening. I’ve never really gotten into audiobooks, but listening when I was ill felt almost meditative β€” like a grown-up bedtime story. Definitely something I’ll explore more this winter!

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts, Dana! πŸ’– It seems audiobooks are something several of us haven't tried yet or haven't particularly liked. Maybe there's a time for trying again and seeing if it suits us better in a different situation or phase of life - like you when you were ill, or myself in my "this world is too much right now, I need to retreat for a while" hibernation mode. Winter is a great time for exploring, I agree. Appropriately, I am currently listening to "Wild Winter: In Search of Nature in Scotland’s Mountain Landscape". β˜ƒοΈπŸ˜Š

Dana β€” The Grounding Guide's avatar

I think so too, Claudia. I can definitely see me listening more in the cold winter evenings that have been forecast. And yes... the audiobook you're currently listening to is very appropriate for this time of year! β„οΈπŸ˜Š

Lani V. Cox's avatar

OOooo. There's a new Thursday Murder book out? Yes. I am so ready to finish my current read, which is about 1000 pages, okay, maybe less, but it's a looonng one. I need something lighter, like murder πŸ”ͺnext.

You know, I was also thinking I needed to get in some nature reading, too. The Elegy for a River sounded good and after your description, I'm sold. Thanks, Claudia! πŸ“š

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Whoa, 1000 pages? What is this tome you are currently reading? πŸ˜…πŸͺ¨ Whatever it may be, the new Thursday Murder Club book is definitely a good and a lighter choice. Happy reading! πŸ“šπŸ˜„

Have you seen the Netflix film of the first Thursday Murder Club book? I’d love to know if it’s worth getting Netflix again to watch it … πŸ˜‡

Ha, great I could tempt you with some nature writing. 🌿 Let me know how you liked it! πŸ™‚

Lani V. Cox's avatar

Okay, I looked it up. Yes, it’s ~1000 pages depending on what version you’re reading. πŸ™ƒCentennial by James A. Michener is about the history of a β€˜fictional town’ in Colorado, but it’s basically a history book posing as a fiction novel. πŸ˜†

I haven’t watched The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix yet! I was going to ask you! πŸŽƒI think I’m afraid to … I’ve been watching The Great British Bake Off instead! πŸ₯§

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Interesting description! πŸ˜†

Well, maybe I'll give the film a go over Christmas or so. I'll keep you posted ... πŸ˜„ (I'm afraid, too, you know, film adaptions rarely match my expectations. Although there are exceptions like C.B. Strike or Harry Potter.)

Clare Louise Larkin's avatar

So many wonderful books Claudia! I have Raising Hare on my TBR pile, it looks a beautiful book. I am reading The Nature of Autumn by Jim Crumbly, it is the first of his I have read and am enjoying it. Thank you for a lovely list of reading to tempt me! πŸ™πŸ’•πŸŒ±

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

I thought Raising Hare might be something you’d like when I read your post In Search of Magical Beauty some time ago. I had just finished it, when I got to read your post. Serendipity. ☺️ I’ve mentioned it in a comment back then and I’m glad you already have it on your TBR pile. It’s such a beautiful book! Let me know how you like it!

Oh, Jim Crumley’s seasons books are on my reading list. I definitely have to start on them. Thanks for the reminder, Clare. πŸ’•

Clare Louise Larkin's avatar

A sign to begin it straight away Claudia. Lovely to chat books and I will let you know how I get on 🌱🌻

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Lovely, and yes, please! I'll go and look for Jim Crumley's books now ... 😊

Hilda Scheenstra's avatar

Thank you for sharing this beautiful and interesting books Claudia! I will add a few to my To Be Read list that is growing and growing... πŸ“šπŸ˜„

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

So is mine. πŸ“š πŸ˜„ Just so many wonderful books out there. 🩷 Thanks for reading, Hilda, glad you found something interesting. βœ¨οΈπŸ‚πŸ˜Š

Saved by Grace's avatar

I'm going to try an audible book to see how I get on, but when I'm reading, I do like to read and nothing else. I like doing cross stitch and listening to a podcast though, so I'll keep you posted. I saw the Thursday Murder Club film (I haven't read any of the books) and although it's very light hearted and a little bit silly, I did enjoy it. I'm about to start a book called Endling by Maria Riva, but one book I can recommend is One Woman Walks Europe by Ursula Martin; I followed Ursula on Facebook throughout her journey and I have so much admiration for her. It's the time of year to light the fire, light a candle and cosy up with a book πŸ€—πŸ₯°

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Thanks for the book recommendations, Karen. One Woman Walks Europe is actually already on my list, but I've also looked up Endling now which sounds so interesting, very different, very special. I'm quite curious and just have to put it on my (long) list as well. πŸ€—

Thanks for sharing your impression of the Thursday Murder Club film. Does sound nice and enjoyable! I'm just a little sceptical as to whether the film will live up to the β€˜film’ I had in my head while reading. But maybe that's just me. ☺️

I currently have a Spotify subscription, that's where I've enjoyed the audio books lately.

Saved by Grace's avatar

I'm on Spotify and I didn't know I could access audio books on there, so thank you!

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

I only found out in September myself. It's limited to 12 hours a month for Premium Individual, but you can add more if needed. I especially love the selection of nature writing. I'm currently enjoying Wild Winter: In Search of Nature in Scotland’s Mountain Landscape by John D. Burns. Beautiful!

Saved by Grace's avatar

I've just found out that I can read some of the books on my wishlist on Spotify, so I'm really grateful to you Claudia as it saves me buying books that have just been released!

Saved by Grace's avatar

That sounds wonderful! I'm feeling excited about winter now πŸ˜€

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Yes, let winter begin! β˜ƒοΈπŸ˜„ It's my hibernation mode, I already feel drawn to books about snow and winter. ☺️

Tony Mette Aamodt's avatar

Thank you for sharing Claudia. I felt attracted to the book Natures Ghost. I have it on my list now πŸ™‚πŸ™ Reading is really one of my favorite things to do. I have not tried Audio books yet but are tempted to try it

Claudia Kollschen's avatar

I'm so glad there was a book that resonated with you, Tony! Nature's Ghost is so great and addressed so many interesting topics and aspects. I couldn't possibly cover everything. It's definitely worth reading! Let me know how you liked it when you've read it. πŸ™‚

What are you reading at the moment? Anything good you'd like to share?

About audiobooks, always worth a try, I'd say. Maybe it turns out a great addition. Have fun trying! 😊