Penny's Passion: Thinking Out Loud Thursday - February 18, 2016

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Thinking Out Loud Thursday - February 18, 2016

Last week we had our first ever neighbors supper club and I'm still thinking about how much I enjoyed getting together with this group of ladies.  As the evening progressed, our conversation turned to talking about books we've recently read, books we wanted to read and books people are talking about.  So you know what I'm Thinking Out Loud about today?  You guessed it -- Books!!

Lately I've been doing all my reading on my Kindle.  Reading before I go to bed is one of my favorite things to do.  The Kindle makes it so nice to be able to read without having a lamp on.  Just read until you fall asleep and the little gadget will turn off all by itself.  Love it!  Do you read on an electronic device or paper book?

I have a confession to make -- I owned my Kindle for probably a year and a half before I ever loaded a book on it.  Now I have 34587 many books just sitting there waiting for me to begin reading them.  I'm psyched about Eric and my upcoming trip to Spring Training so I will have a bit more time to do some page turning.

Today I thought I'd share some books I read long before I started blogging so I didn't have a change to share them with you.  They are oldies, but goodies.  Have you read any of them?  (The reviews are copied from other sources.)


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“A tender and satisfying novel set in a time and a place lost forever, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet gives us a glimpse of the damage that is caused by war--not the sweeping damage of the battlefield, but the cold, cruel damage to the hearts and humanity of individual people. Especially relevant in today's world, this is a beautifully written book that will make you think. And, more importantly, it will make you feel." 
-- Garth SteinNew York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain
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Praise for The Art of Racing in The Rain: 'The Art of Racing in the Rain is the perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs; that compassion isn't only for humans; and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. Every now and then, I'm lucky enough to read a novel I can't stop thinking about: this is one of them.' Jodi Piccoult 'The Art of Racing in The Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and--best of all--the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach to us about being human. I loved this book.' Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants 'The Art of Racing in the Rain takes you on an unforgettable journey through another kind of mind, through the eyes -- and nose -- of a dog. I found it fascinating.' Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation "I savored Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain for many reasons: a dog who speaks, the thrill of competitive racing, a heart-tugging storyline, and -- best of all -- the fact that it is a meditation on humility and hope in the face of despair. Since finishing this engagingly unique novel, I've found myself staring at my own dog, thinking, Hmm, I wonder ..." Wally Lamb, Author of She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True Praise for How Evan Broke His Head: "An engrossing family drama." Publishers Weekly "A powerful story!" Seattle Times "A compelling tale." Seattle Post-Intelligencer "Funny, bewitching, observant." Portland Oregonian

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Denver Moore grew up in Louisiana in the 1960's, working on a plantation as a modern-day slave. Ron Hall is an international arts dealer who moves between upscale New York galleries and celebrities. It seems unlikely that these two men would meet under normal circumstances. Until Deborah Hall, Ron's wife meets Denver and sees him through God's eyes of compassion. When Deborah is diagnosed with cancer she charges Ron with the mission of saving Denver. From this request, an extraordinary friendship forms between Denver and Ron, changing them both forever. A remarkable true story of friendship and unconditional love!

Do you have any old books on your bookshelf that you just loved?  Please share!  

So that's what I'm thinking out loud about today.  Now it's your turn!  Vanessa over at X-tremely V and I would love to hear from you.  Link up below and share with us what you're thinking out loud about today.




Enjoy more Thoughts for Thursday at

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17 comments:

  1. I have not read any of the above books you mentioned. I had heard of The Art of Racing in the Rain and not find myself more than curious to read it :) I have recently read & LOVED, The Gift of Friendship by Dawn Camp and Roots & Sky by Christie Purifoy. I shared about them both on my blog. This is my first time here & I am definitely going to browse around a bit :) Your site is delightful.I am glad we were neighbors at Thursday Favorite Things today!

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  2. The Art of Racing in the Rain is easily one of the top 5 books I have ever read. I remember staying up way too late the night I finished it and then sobbing. Fantastic book!

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  3. Forgot to add: The Red Tent is also in my top 5. I've read it more than once!

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  4. Those are three of my favorite books too! We must have similar taste! :)

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  5. Great reviews Penny. Do me a favor...I would love to feature these on next week's Tuesday Talk as my theme is Book Reviews. Link this up before Saturday so I can include it in my post. Then stop back on Tuesday to see yours and other reviews I'm doing. Thanks!

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  6. I am a book lover and reader and love to find what everyone else is reading! Thanks for the great reviews and the fun link up. I will have to do this one sometime!!!

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  7. I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain but it made me cry and cry!

    I can read two to three books on the kindle before I need to hold a real book. My preference will always be the real deal. I'm a big library girl!

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  8. I love books and unfortunately my circle of friends do not. Some even wonder how and why I can still go to the library - its like really? So maybe one day when life is smoother I can join a book club but until then I'll just keep reading for me :)

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  9. Same Kind of Different ... sounds like a fascinating book. I'm going to have to add that to my soon to read list! Thanks for hosting! I'm visiting from Grammie Time.

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  10. I adored my kindle but have had two charger ports crap out on me!! Not the best :/

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  11. I love reading on my Kindle! My husband goes to bed early because he wakes up at an unGodly hour so this works for me. I love the no lights part! I haven't read these books but they sound interesting!

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  12. I always crave good book recommendations. Thanks for this one! You won my heart when you included "Same Kind of Different as Me." I need to read it again.

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  13. I like the title of Same Kind of Different. This one sounds like one that needs to be read. Thank you for sharing.

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  14. I would love to have a supper club in our neighborhood. It always sounds so fun! I also love book recommendations so thank you!

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  15. I don't use my Kindle that often (I'm more of an audiobook kind of gal), but I have come to prefer reading on the Kindle over books because I can adjust the print size...

    An "older" book on my bookshelf that I absolutely love is Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigianni.

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  16. I went through a Kindle crazy phase and totally stopped. You got me wanting to pick it up again. I'm going on a trip (solo) in March - I should bring my Kindle.

    I haven't read any of these! *taking notes*

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    xoxo

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  17. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop

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