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July's Hottest Mysteries & Thrillers
Posted by Cybil on July 10, 2017
This July, readers are clamoring for a good thriller. A quick glance at the month's most popular books shows that the mystery & thriller genre is dominating both what you're reading…and what you want to read.
Here are this month's eight hottest new mysteries and thrillers according to Goodreads' readers. For this list, we looked at the data including both early reader reviews and the new releases most added to Want to Read lists.
From Rachel Caine's Stillhouse Lake (this first book in a new series has a 4.13 reader rating and has been added 29,500 times to Want to Read shelves), to the followup to B.A. Paris' Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown (with a 4.10 average rating and 38,000 adds to Want to Read lists), you'll find a twisty tale great for the beach or for reading far past your bedtime.
Add your favorite suggestions to your Want to Read list. And tell us what mysteries and thrillers you'd recommend this month.
Posted by Cybil on July 10, 2017
This July, readers are clamoring for a good thriller. A quick glance at the month's most popular books shows that the mystery & thriller genre is dominating both what you're reading…and what you want to read.
Here are this month's eight hottest new mysteries and thrillers according to Goodreads' readers. For this list, we looked at the data including both early reader reviews and the new releases most added to Want to Read lists.
From Rachel Caine's Stillhouse Lake (this first book in a new series has a 4.13 reader rating and has been added 29,500 times to Want to Read shelves), to the followup to B.A. Paris' Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown (with a 4.10 average rating and 38,000 adds to Want to Read lists), you'll find a twisty tale great for the beach or for reading far past your bedtime.
Add your favorite suggestions to your Want to Read list. And tell us what mysteries and thrillers you'd recommend this month.
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14 Favorite Book Sidekicks to Celebrate on Dr. Watson's Birthday
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on July 07, 2017
Is there any hero as under-appreciated as the noble sidekick? Providing sturdy emotional support, comic relief, and brain power, some so-called assistants and companions seem just as qualified, if not more qualified, than the main characters they so fearlessly follow. (We're looking at you, Samwise and Hermione.)
Today is the birthday of one of literature's most beloved and long-suffering sidekicks, Dr. John Watson. A war veteran as well as an accomplished writer and detective, Watson gives Sherlock Holmes much-needed backup and friendship, all while enduring less-than-complimentary observations about his character. "You have a grand gift for silence, Watson," Sherlock says at one point. "It makes you quite invaluable as a companion."
To celebrate the good doctor's birthday, we asked you on Facebook and Twitter to share your favorite book sidekicks. Check out some of the most popular answers below and add your own in the comments!
Dr. John Watson
from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes books
Sherlock's friend, roommate, biographer, crime-solving partner, and on-hand physician
Ron and Hermione
from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books
Harry's fellow Gryffindors, friends, partners in managing mischief, frequent rescuers (mostly Hermione), and family
Grace
from Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books
Precious Ramotswe' secretary-turned-detective, confidant, business partner, and friend
Sevro
from Pierce Brown's Red Rising books
Darrow's loyal follower, protector, leader of the Howlers, bawdy comic relief, and brother in arms
Bess and George
from Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew books
Nancy's best friends, classmates, crime-solving companions, and feisty support in bad situations (mostly George)
Reepicheep
from C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia
Caspian's faithful soldier, leader of his Talking Mice, fellow adventurer, and preventer of calamities
Lula
from Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books
Stephanie's clerk-turned-partner, outrageous comic relief, FTA (Failure to Appear) expert, and gun-toting backup
Jenks
from Kim Harrison's The Hollows books
Rachel Morgan's pixie pal, partner at Vampiric Charms, electronics expert, and protector
Hastings
from Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot books
Poirot's assistant in murder investigations, scrupulous friend, chronicler, and occasional "muscle"
Grover
from Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians books
Percy's satyr best friend, guide to Camp Half-Blood, quest companion, and psychic-connection sharer
Windsor Horne Lockwood III
from Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar books
Bolitar's billionaire buddy, fellow taekwondo enthusiast, morally ambiguous sounding board, and defender
Samwise Gamgee
from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books
Frodo Baggins' gardener, brave companion, protector, encourager, chef, and provider of piggyback rides
Did we miss your favorite book sidekicks? Share them with us in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
The Year's Best Audiobooks
July's Best Books of the Month
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
(Top image credit: Sherlock l Canva)
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on July 07, 2017
Is there any hero as under-appreciated as the noble sidekick? Providing sturdy emotional support, comic relief, and brain power, some so-called assistants and companions seem just as qualified, if not more qualified, than the main characters they so fearlessly follow. (We're looking at you, Samwise and Hermione.)
Today is the birthday of one of literature's most beloved and long-suffering sidekicks, Dr. John Watson. A war veteran as well as an accomplished writer and detective, Watson gives Sherlock Holmes much-needed backup and friendship, all while enduring less-than-complimentary observations about his character. "You have a grand gift for silence, Watson," Sherlock says at one point. "It makes you quite invaluable as a companion."
To celebrate the good doctor's birthday, we asked you on Facebook and Twitter to share your favorite book sidekicks. Check out some of the most popular answers below and add your own in the comments!
from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes books
Sherlock's friend, roommate, biographer, crime-solving partner, and on-hand physician
from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books
Harry's fellow Gryffindors, friends, partners in managing mischief, frequent rescuers (mostly Hermione), and family
from Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books
Precious Ramotswe' secretary-turned-detective, confidant, business partner, and friend
from Pierce Brown's Red Rising books
Darrow's loyal follower, protector, leader of the Howlers, bawdy comic relief, and brother in arms
from Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew books
Nancy's best friends, classmates, crime-solving companions, and feisty support in bad situations (mostly George)
from C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia
Caspian's faithful soldier, leader of his Talking Mice, fellow adventurer, and preventer of calamities
from Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books
Stephanie's clerk-turned-partner, outrageous comic relief, FTA (Failure to Appear) expert, and gun-toting backup
from Kim Harrison's The Hollows books
Rachel Morgan's pixie pal, partner at Vampiric Charms, electronics expert, and protector
from Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot books
Poirot's assistant in murder investigations, scrupulous friend, chronicler, and occasional "muscle"
from Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians books
Percy's satyr best friend, guide to Camp Half-Blood, quest companion, and psychic-connection sharer
from Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar books
Bolitar's billionaire buddy, fellow taekwondo enthusiast, morally ambiguous sounding board, and defender
from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books
Frodo Baggins' gardener, brave companion, protector, encourager, chef, and provider of piggyback rides
Did we miss your favorite book sidekicks? Share them with us in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
The Year's Best Audiobooks
July's Best Books of the Month
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
(Top image credit: Sherlock l Canva)
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on July 04, 2017
Need another excuse to go to the bookstore this week? We've got seven! Bulk up your Want to Read shelf with these brand-new standalone titles.
The Reason You're Alive
by Matthew Quick
You should read this book if you like: Fiction, poignant character studies, The Silver Linings Playbook, family sagas, looking for the good in people
Check out Quick's book recommendations here.
Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook
by Christina Henry
You should read this book if you like: Fantasy retellings, Peter Pan, horror, misunderstood villains, pirates and monsters, deadly games
Don't Close Your Eyes
by Holly Seddon
You should read this book if you like: Psychological thrillers, twin sisters, spying on your neighbors, inner demons, shocking twists and turns
Woolly: The True Story of the Quest to Revive One of History's Most Iconic Extinct Creatures
by Ben Mezrich
You should read this book if you like: Nonfiction, thrilling scientific endeavors, woolly mammoths, Jurassic Park, genetics and cloning
After Anatevka: A Novel Inspired by Fiddler on the Roof
by Alexandra Silber
You should read this book if you like: Historical fiction, Fiddler on the Roof, epic love stories, Siberia, political turmoil, unofficial sequels
The Disappearances
by Emily Bain Murphy
You should read this book if you like: YA fiction, fantastical mysteries, small towns with big secrets, literary clues to untangle, strange mothers
Together, Closer: The Art and Science of Intimacy in Friendship, Love, and Family
by Giovanni Frazzetto
You should read this book if you like: Nonfiction, the intricacies of human behavior, mixing storytelling and science, understanding relationships
BONUS: The wait is over—check out three of the buzziest sequels coming out today!
Wired
by Julie Garwood
The thirteenth book in the Buchanan-Renard romantic suspense series
(Start off the series with Heartbreaker)
Coming Up for Air
by Miranda Kenneally
The next book in the Hundred Oaks YA contemporary series
(Start off the series with Catching Jordan)
Everything We Left Behind
by Kerry Lonsdale
The second book in the Everything We Keep mystery series
(Start off the series with Everything We Keep)
What are you reading this week? Let's talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
July's Poetry Contest Winner: If the Sky Speaks of Anything
12 Things Readers Really Want Nonreaders to Know
Readers’ Favorite Books of 2017…So Far
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on July 04, 2017
Need another excuse to go to the bookstore this week? We've got seven! Bulk up your Want to Read shelf with these brand-new standalone titles.
by Matthew Quick
You should read this book if you like: Fiction, poignant character studies, The Silver Linings Playbook, family sagas, looking for the good in people
Check out Quick's book recommendations here.
by Christina Henry
You should read this book if you like: Fantasy retellings, Peter Pan, horror, misunderstood villains, pirates and monsters, deadly games
by Holly Seddon
You should read this book if you like: Psychological thrillers, twin sisters, spying on your neighbors, inner demons, shocking twists and turns
by Ben Mezrich
You should read this book if you like: Nonfiction, thrilling scientific endeavors, woolly mammoths, Jurassic Park, genetics and cloning
by Alexandra Silber
You should read this book if you like: Historical fiction, Fiddler on the Roof, epic love stories, Siberia, political turmoil, unofficial sequels
by Emily Bain Murphy
You should read this book if you like: YA fiction, fantastical mysteries, small towns with big secrets, literary clues to untangle, strange mothers
by Giovanni Frazzetto
You should read this book if you like: Nonfiction, the intricacies of human behavior, mixing storytelling and science, understanding relationships
by Julie Garwood
The thirteenth book in the Buchanan-Renard romantic suspense series
(Start off the series with Heartbreaker)
by Miranda Kenneally
The next book in the Hundred Oaks YA contemporary series
(Start off the series with Catching Jordan)
by Kerry Lonsdale
The second book in the Everything We Keep mystery series
(Start off the series with Everything We Keep)
What are you reading this week? Let's talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
July's Poetry Contest Winner: If the Sky Speaks of Anything
12 Things Readers Really Want Nonreaders to Know
Readers’ Favorite Books of 2017…So Far
July's Best Books of the Month
Posted by Cybil on July 05, 2017
Every month, Goodreads editors comb through our data to find which of the latest new releases are resonating with readers. Then we select the fiction and nonfiction that meet the bar of 'best of the month.' For July, we're highlighting a creepy thriller, a heartfelt debut about a young woman caring for her ailing father, and a memoir that serves as a love letter to both teaching and reading.
You can read more about July's new releases, exclusive author interviews with B.A. Paris (who has the month's most-anticipated book with The Breakdown) and Michael Connelly (who is kicking off a new series with The Late Show), plus book recommendations from your favorite writers here.
Be sure to add the books that spark your interest to your Want to Read shelf.
Final Girls
by Riley Sager
In this thriller that reads like a scary movie, three survivors of separate mass killings—dubbed “The Final Girls” by the gore-obsessed media—find themselves in danger.
Goodbye, Vitamin
by Rachel Khong
A young sonogram technician quits her job to take care of her father who has Alzheimer’s. Sounds depressing? Well, get ready for a sparkling and heartfelt comedic debut.
The Life She Was Given
by Ellen Marie Wiseman
Set in the lurid world of a Depression-era traveling circus and coming full circle in the 1950s, this novel unravels long-held family secrets (literally kept in the attic).
Reading with Patrick: A Teacher, a Student, and a Life-Changing Friendship
by Michelle Kuo
This is a memoir of a friendship between a young teacher and her gifted student, jailed for murder in the Mississippi Delta. In turn, this is also a love letter to literature.
Sons and Soldiers: The Untold Story of the Jews Who Escaped the Nazis and Returned with the U.S. Army to Fight Hitler
by Bruce Henderson
In 1942, the U.S. Army formed elite groups of German-born Jews to interrogate German POWs and help win WWII. This history tells the tale of these “Ritchie Boys.”
Daughter of the Burning City
by Amanda Foody
This YA fantasy takes readers to the infamous Gomorrah Festival, where all dreams and desires are catered to. There a young illusion worker finds her creations may be mortal.
The 'Best Books of the Month' list debuts each month in our general newsletter. Missing out on our general, romance, or young adult newsletters? Be sure to sign up.
Check out more recent blogs:
July's Poetry Contest Winner: If the Sky Speaks of Anything
12 Things Readers Really Want Nonreaders to Know
Readers’ Favorite Books of 2017…So Far
Posted by Cybil on July 05, 2017
Every month, Goodreads editors comb through our data to find which of the latest new releases are resonating with readers. Then we select the fiction and nonfiction that meet the bar of 'best of the month.' For July, we're highlighting a creepy thriller, a heartfelt debut about a young woman caring for her ailing father, and a memoir that serves as a love letter to both teaching and reading.
You can read more about July's new releases, exclusive author interviews with B.A. Paris (who has the month's most-anticipated book with The Breakdown) and Michael Connelly (who is kicking off a new series with The Late Show), plus book recommendations from your favorite writers here.
Be sure to add the books that spark your interest to your Want to Read shelf.
by Riley Sager
In this thriller that reads like a scary movie, three survivors of separate mass killings—dubbed “The Final Girls” by the gore-obsessed media—find themselves in danger.
by Rachel Khong
A young sonogram technician quits her job to take care of her father who has Alzheimer’s. Sounds depressing? Well, get ready for a sparkling and heartfelt comedic debut.
by Ellen Marie Wiseman
Set in the lurid world of a Depression-era traveling circus and coming full circle in the 1950s, this novel unravels long-held family secrets (literally kept in the attic).
by Michelle Kuo
This is a memoir of a friendship between a young teacher and her gifted student, jailed for murder in the Mississippi Delta. In turn, this is also a love letter to literature.
by Bruce Henderson
In 1942, the U.S. Army formed elite groups of German-born Jews to interrogate German POWs and help win WWII. This history tells the tale of these “Ritchie Boys.”
by Amanda Foody
This YA fantasy takes readers to the infamous Gomorrah Festival, where all dreams and desires are catered to. There a young illusion worker finds her creations may be mortal.
The 'Best Books of the Month' list debuts each month in our general newsletter. Missing out on our general, romance, or young adult newsletters? Be sure to sign up.
Check out more recent blogs:
July's Poetry Contest Winner: If the Sky Speaks of Anything
12 Things Readers Really Want Nonreaders to Know
Readers’ Favorite Books of 2017…So Far
12 Things Readers Really Want Nonreaders to Know
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on June 30, 2017
Every reader has friends or family members who just don't get it. "Why do you read so much?" they might ask, staring at your overflowing bookshelves or your Reading Challenge on Goodreads. "I haven't read an entire book in years."
Oh, those poor, unfortunate souls… Haven't they heard about the very real scientific benefits of reading—like stress reduction and improved sleep? We asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter to share one thing about the comfort, joy, and importance of reading they wish nonreaders could understand. Check out some of our favorite responses below!
1. "Best therapy money can buy…or borrow for free with a library card. Reading helps me sleep, helps me forget about the day, and helps me relax in general." -Sarah
2. "Opening a beer when you get home will reward you for an hour. Opening a book when you get home will reward you for life." -Douglass
3. "Reading teaches you empathy, and it really gives you a chance to examine all the grey areas of life. You get to think about and see things from other perspectives—it's awesome!" -Nyeisha
4. "I feel like I have friends all over the world, through space and time, who I can visit whenever I need a break from my own life." -Kat
5. "Books are better than the movie. There is so much going on in the minds of the characters that movies can't show. To really understand the movie characters you love, read the book." -Linda
6. "The smells of books, whether they're new and old, are enjoyable and pair well with tea or coffee. People who are loathe to read are missing out on smell-o-vision." -Ian
7. "It's one of the ultimate escapes. You can forget where you are and who you are. There have been times I've gone to Middle-earth and Hogwarts and Narnia in my head just to survive… Everyone should have that blessed escape." -Ruby
8. "The more I read the easier it is to express what I am thinking or feeling. Thanks to books, I have the words." -Melanie
9. "You will always have friends. Real life doesn't always hand you the right people. But a book is the perfect place to find your people whenever you need them." -Gillian
10. "Don't give up on reading just because you tried one or two books that didn't do it for you. Keep trying, and I'm sure you will find your niche or genre. When you do, you'll be so glad you did!" -Wes
11. "Reading to me is like unconditional love. I always feel like I'm home when I read a book." -Susan
12. "Used correctly, a book can transport the reader on an instant mental vacation with no jet lag, TSA, or dysentery!" -Todd
Tell us how you share your love of books with nonreaders in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
Readers' Favorite Books of 2017…So Far
Goodreads Hack: Your Guide to Book Giveaways
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves Today
(Top image credit: The Princess Bride)
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on June 30, 2017
Every reader has friends or family members who just don't get it. "Why do you read so much?" they might ask, staring at your overflowing bookshelves or your Reading Challenge on Goodreads. "I haven't read an entire book in years."
Oh, those poor, unfortunate souls… Haven't they heard about the very real scientific benefits of reading—like stress reduction and improved sleep? We asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter to share one thing about the comfort, joy, and importance of reading they wish nonreaders could understand. Check out some of our favorite responses below!
1. "Best therapy money can buy…or borrow for free with a library card. Reading helps me sleep, helps me forget about the day, and helps me relax in general." -Sarah
2. "Opening a beer when you get home will reward you for an hour. Opening a book when you get home will reward you for life." -Douglass
3. "Reading teaches you empathy, and it really gives you a chance to examine all the grey areas of life. You get to think about and see things from other perspectives—it's awesome!" -Nyeisha
4. "I feel like I have friends all over the world, through space and time, who I can visit whenever I need a break from my own life." -Kat
5. "Books are better than the movie. There is so much going on in the minds of the characters that movies can't show. To really understand the movie characters you love, read the book." -Linda
6. "The smells of books, whether they're new and old, are enjoyable and pair well with tea or coffee. People who are loathe to read are missing out on smell-o-vision." -Ian
7. "It's one of the ultimate escapes. You can forget where you are and who you are. There have been times I've gone to Middle-earth and Hogwarts and Narnia in my head just to survive… Everyone should have that blessed escape." -Ruby
8. "The more I read the easier it is to express what I am thinking or feeling. Thanks to books, I have the words." -Melanie
9. "You will always have friends. Real life doesn't always hand you the right people. But a book is the perfect place to find your people whenever you need them." -Gillian
10. "Don't give up on reading just because you tried one or two books that didn't do it for you. Keep trying, and I'm sure you will find your niche or genre. When you do, you'll be so glad you did!" -Wes
11. "Reading to me is like unconditional love. I always feel like I'm home when I read a book." -Susan
12. "Used correctly, a book can transport the reader on an instant mental vacation with no jet lag, TSA, or dysentery!" -Todd
Tell us how you share your love of books with nonreaders in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
Readers' Favorite Books of 2017…So Far
Goodreads Hack: Your Guide to Book Giveaways
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves Today
(Top image credit: The Princess Bride)
July's Poetry Contest Winner: If the Sky Speaks of Anything
Posted by Cybil on July 03, 2017
Every month, Goodreads and the ¡POETRY! group host a poetry contest. It's a great way to discover and support the work of emerging poets. Join the ¡POETRY! group where you can vote to select the winning poem each month from among the finalists. Aspiring poets can also submit a poem for consideration.
Congratulations to Amanda Arbuckle, who is our July winner with this poem:If the Sky Speaks of Anything
Posted by Cybil on July 03, 2017
Every month, Goodreads and the ¡POETRY! group host a poetry contest. It's a great way to discover and support the work of emerging poets. Join the ¡POETRY! group where you can vote to select the winning poem each month from among the finalists. Aspiring poets can also submit a poem for consideration.
Congratulations to Amanda Arbuckle, who is our July winner with this poem:
If the Sky Speaks of Anything
by Amanda Arbuckle
If the sky speaks of anything
It speaks of rain
An anxious whispering of the wind
The dark clouded brow of sky
A chance raindrop before its time
Surely, these are auguries if anything is.
Thunder reverberates overhead
Through the backyard
Through my soul
My actions are a tumult of hurry
Feed the dogs
Bring them in
Stow the lawn chair cushions inside a weather-proof bin
Watch for the wind
Preparations before the rain.
I did not know for sure it would rain
It was a guess, a conjecture
Instinct told me more than the weatherman could
And when it came, there was no mistaking it
That glorious onslaught against the window panes
Rain like the patter of children's feet
Like soldiers' drums
Like lovers' voices, rising and falling through the dark.
Thunder like a parent's voice, low and reproving
Welcoming even if it heralded lightening.
I was glad.
Sometimes, there is something oddly comforting in a storm
But then again, I watched from the inside, not from within the torrent
Perhaps it is no different than letting yourself fall into a reverie
Letting it take full control
Castles crumble to dust
And are rebuilt in a day
Dragons are faced
Villains confronted
Friends lost and gained
And even a thunderstorm can be braved.
Imagination, such a fascinating place to visit
I wouldn't live there though
I'd never completely abandon this world for that other
Or venture out now into that storm
What storm?
Gone.
As brief as a memory of a dream
Bells from the neighboring church
Fill the newfound silence
The sun glistens on newly bedecked leaves
Strung with raindrops as with pearl necklaces.
When it is my time to leave the world behind
I want to exit as this rain has
Quietly
Leaving splendor and beauty behind
Perhaps regretfully
But knowing each thing has its place and time.
Sun and rain cannot exist long together
One must acquiesce, eventually
They are not enemies though
Rivals perhaps
But there is no bitterness between them
The sun and rain are perhaps not so unlike life and death
Life submits to death
Death gives way to life
Can there be life without death
Or death without life?
Can one truly live if one never dies?
Though it's sunny here
It's raining somewhere
And the sun speaks promises of another life
Read More Poetry
Check out more recent blogs:
Goodreads Hack: Your Guide to Book Giveaways
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
20 Years of Harry Potter: Goodreads Members on the Magic of J.K. Rowling's Books
Nina LaCour's Ultimate Pride Month Reading List
If the sky speaks of anything
It speaks of rain
An anxious whispering of the wind
The dark clouded brow of sky
A chance raindrop before its time
Surely, these are auguries if anything is.
Thunder reverberates overhead
Through the backyard
Through my soul
My actions are a tumult of hurry
Feed the dogs
Bring them in
Stow the lawn chair cushions inside a weather-proof bin
Watch for the wind
Preparations before the rain.
I did not know for sure it would rain
It was a guess, a conjecture
Instinct told me more than the weatherman could
And when it came, there was no mistaking it
That glorious onslaught against the window panes
Rain like the patter of children's feet
Like soldiers' drums
Like lovers' voices, rising and falling through the dark.
Thunder like a parent's voice, low and reproving
Welcoming even if it heralded lightening.
I was glad.
Sometimes, there is something oddly comforting in a storm
But then again, I watched from the inside, not from within the torrent
Perhaps it is no different than letting yourself fall into a reverie
Letting it take full control
Castles crumble to dust
And are rebuilt in a day
Dragons are faced
Villains confronted
Friends lost and gained
And even a thunderstorm can be braved.
Imagination, such a fascinating place to visit
I wouldn't live there though
I'd never completely abandon this world for that other
Or venture out now into that storm
What storm?
Gone.
As brief as a memory of a dream
Bells from the neighboring church
Fill the newfound silence
The sun glistens on newly bedecked leaves
Strung with raindrops as with pearl necklaces.
When it is my time to leave the world behind
I want to exit as this rain has
Quietly
Leaving splendor and beauty behind
Perhaps regretfully
But knowing each thing has its place and time.
Sun and rain cannot exist long together
One must acquiesce, eventually
They are not enemies though
Rivals perhaps
But there is no bitterness between them
The sun and rain are perhaps not so unlike life and death
Life submits to death
Death gives way to life
Can there be life without death
Or death without life?
Can one truly live if one never dies?
Though it's sunny here
It's raining somewhere
And the sun speaks promises of another life
Read More Poetry
Check out more recent blogs:
Goodreads Hack: Your Guide to Book Giveaways
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
20 Years of Harry Potter: Goodreads Members on the Magic of J.K. Rowling's Books
Nina LaCour's Ultimate Pride Month Reading List
Readers’ Favorite Books of 2017 … So Far
Posted by Cybil on June 29, 2017
Posted by Cybil on June 29, 2017
We're halfway through 2017, and we thought it was high time to look back at the year and see what new books have been a hit with Goodreads' readers.
For this list, we took a look at readers' ratings (to be included, each book had to have a least a four-star average). Then we factored in the number of reviews each book has garnered, plus how many people have added the books to their Want to Read shelves. We then plucked out a good sampling of the books that have been trending on the site this year.
What books published this year are you recommending to your fellow readers? Tell us in the comments. And if you're feeling inspired, add some of 2017's top-rated books to your Want to Read list.
For this list, we took a look at readers' ratings (to be included, each book had to have a least a four-star average). Then we factored in the number of reviews each book has garnered, plus how many people have added the books to their Want to Read shelves. We then plucked out a good sampling of the books that have been trending on the site this year.
What books published this year are you recommending to your fellow readers? Tell us in the comments. And if you're feeling inspired, add some of 2017's top-rated books to your Want to Read list.
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Goodreads Hack: Your Guide to Book Giveaways
Posted by Cybil on June 28, 2017
Posted by Cybil on June 28, 2017
Here's a question for you: Do you like books? Well, of course you do. Here's a followup question: Do you like FREE books? OK, I think you'll see where we're headed with this.
Every year Goodreads readers win thousands of free books through our popular Giveaways program. In fact, more than 400,000 books were given away last year alone. Publishers and authors offer the giveaways to build buzz for their books. Not only do you have the chance to win a free book, but many of the books are months away from publication so you'll be one of the first readers to discover and review them.
Insider Tips for Giveaways:
New Kindle giveaways:
We have good news for everyone who loves to read Kindle books. Our Kindle ebook giveaways program is rolling out of beta and more publishers are being added, which means you can enter for the chance to win even more books. Another perk? You'll get the Kindle books right away instead of waiting up to six weeks for a physical copy of the book. You just need to make sure your Goodreads account is linked to your Amazon account so you'll get the book. You can do that here.
Choose either print, Kindle ebooks, or both:
When you're on the giveaways page, you can specifically filter for Kindle or print books at the top of the page.
Find out about giveaways for books on your Want to Read shelf:
We'll let you know when there’s a giveaway running for a book you have on your Want to Read shelf—it’s another reason to keep updating your shelf with new and noteworthy books as you hear about them.
Filter to find your perfect book:
You can browse book giveaways by most requested, popular authors, recently listed, or ending soon. You can also search for giveaways by your favorite genres. So, go right ahead and search for books ranging from science fiction novels to the latest memoirs.
Ready to try your luck with a Goodreads giveaway? See which books tempt you here. Want some suggestions? How about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Electric Michelangelo (P.S.), Finding Claire Fletcher, A Column of Fire (The Pillars of the Earth #3), and The Revolution of Marina M.
Check out more recent blogs:
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
20 Years of Harry Potter: Goodreads Members on the Magic of J.K. Rowling's Books
Nina LaCour's Ultimate Pride Month Reading List
Every year Goodreads readers win thousands of free books through our popular Giveaways program. In fact, more than 400,000 books were given away last year alone. Publishers and authors offer the giveaways to build buzz for their books. Not only do you have the chance to win a free book, but many of the books are months away from publication so you'll be one of the first readers to discover and review them.
New Kindle giveaways:
We have good news for everyone who loves to read Kindle books. Our Kindle ebook giveaways program is rolling out of beta and more publishers are being added, which means you can enter for the chance to win even more books. Another perk? You'll get the Kindle books right away instead of waiting up to six weeks for a physical copy of the book. You just need to make sure your Goodreads account is linked to your Amazon account so you'll get the book. You can do that here.
Choose either print, Kindle ebooks, or both:
When you're on the giveaways page, you can specifically filter for Kindle or print books at the top of the page.
Find out about giveaways for books on your Want to Read shelf:
We'll let you know when there’s a giveaway running for a book you have on your Want to Read shelf—it’s another reason to keep updating your shelf with new and noteworthy books as you hear about them.
Filter to find your perfect book:
You can browse book giveaways by most requested, popular authors, recently listed, or ending soon. You can also search for giveaways by your favorite genres. So, go right ahead and search for books ranging from science fiction novels to the latest memoirs.
Ready to try your luck with a Goodreads giveaway? See which books tempt you here. Want some suggestions? How about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Electric Michelangelo (P.S.), Finding Claire Fletcher, A Column of Fire (The Pillars of the Earth #3), and The Revolution of Marina M.
Check out more recent blogs:
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves This Week
20 Years of Harry Potter: Goodreads Members on the Magic of J.K. Rowling's Books
Nina LaCour's Ultimate Pride Month Reading List
7 Great Books Hitting Shelves Today
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on June 27, 2017
Need another excuse to go to the bookstore this week? We've got seven! Bulk up your Want to Read shelf with these brand-new standalone titles.
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
by Mackenzi Lee
You should read this book if you like: YA historical fiction, romps around Europe, touches of magic, pirates, impossible crushes, manhunts
Check out Mackenzi Lee's book recommendations here.
The Fourth Monkey
by J.D. Barker
You should read this book if you like: Thrillers, elusive serial killers, Chicago, devious clues, Silence of the Lambs, gripping page-turners
Spoonbenders
by Daryl Gregory
You should read this book if you like: Extraordinary family sagas, avoiding the CIA and the mafia, superpowers, humorous and heartfelt high jinks
Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge
by Becky Aikman
You should read this book if you like: Behind-the-scenes Hollywood history, Thelma & Louise, exclusive interviews, feminism, underdog stories
The Witchwood Crown
by Tad Williams
You should read this book if you like: Epic fantasy, elvish foes, the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, old allies, the promise of war
Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our Digital Futures
by Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson
You should read this book if you like: Nonfiction, emerging technologies, thriving in the evolving digital world, business, predicting the future
The Confusion of Languages
by Siobhan Fallon
You should read this book if you like: Literary fiction, American military families, evocative prose, worlds colliding, poignant and powerful narratives
BONUS: The wait is over—check out three of the buzziest sequels coming out today!
Use of Force
by Brad Thor
The sixteenth book in the Scot Harvath thriller series
(Start off the series with The Lions of Lucerne)
The Sweetest Burn
by Jeaniene Frost
The second book in the Broken Destiny paranormal romance series
(Start off the series with The Beautiful Ashes)
Now I Rise
by Kiersten White
The second book in The Conqueror's Saga YA fantasy series
(Start off the series with And I Darken)
What are you reading this week? Let's talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
20 Years of Harry Potter: Goodreads Members on the Magic of J.K. Rowling's Books
Nina LaCour's Ultimate Pride Month Reading List
How to Get Inspired by Dreadful Movies: An Octavia Butler Origin Story
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on June 27, 2017
Need another excuse to go to the bookstore this week? We've got seven! Bulk up your Want to Read shelf with these brand-new standalone titles.
by Mackenzi Lee
You should read this book if you like: YA historical fiction, romps around Europe, touches of magic, pirates, impossible crushes, manhunts
Check out Mackenzi Lee's book recommendations here.
by J.D. Barker
You should read this book if you like: Thrillers, elusive serial killers, Chicago, devious clues, Silence of the Lambs, gripping page-turners
by Daryl Gregory
You should read this book if you like: Extraordinary family sagas, avoiding the CIA and the mafia, superpowers, humorous and heartfelt high jinks
by Becky Aikman
You should read this book if you like: Behind-the-scenes Hollywood history, Thelma & Louise, exclusive interviews, feminism, underdog stories
by Tad Williams
You should read this book if you like: Epic fantasy, elvish foes, the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, old allies, the promise of war
by Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson
You should read this book if you like: Nonfiction, emerging technologies, thriving in the evolving digital world, business, predicting the future
by Siobhan Fallon
You should read this book if you like: Literary fiction, American military families, evocative prose, worlds colliding, poignant and powerful narratives
by Brad Thor
The sixteenth book in the Scot Harvath thriller series
(Start off the series with The Lions of Lucerne)
by Jeaniene Frost
The second book in the Broken Destiny paranormal romance series
(Start off the series with The Beautiful Ashes)
by Kiersten White
The second book in The Conqueror's Saga YA fantasy series
(Start off the series with And I Darken)
What are you reading this week? Let's talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
20 Years of Harry Potter: Goodreads Members on the Magic of J.K. Rowling's Books
Nina LaCour's Ultimate Pride Month Reading List
How to Get Inspired by Dreadful Movies: An Octavia Butler Origin Story
