by Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team
Member since:
February 19, 2008

Coffee Break Moments Chat Tonight @ 9PM ET: Books You're Surprised You Love

November 12, 2008 04:44 PM EST (Updated: November 12, 2008 05:14 PM EST)
views: 306 | rating: 10/10 (31 votes) | comments: 226

Have you ever read a book you were surprised you loved? We want to hear your book suggestions! Grab a cup of coffee and join us for a live chat on this topic in our Coffee Break Moments Hour, tonight 9-11 PM ET.

Tonight discuss books that you were surprised you enjoyed

  • Have you ever read a kids or young adult book that entertained you?
  • Did the critics ever dismiss a book that you found was a great read?
  • What are your guilty pleasure books that you're surprised you enjoy?
  • Any books out there you hate to love?

Gather will draw one participant from 9-11PM ET tonight to receive a Coffee-Mate coupon and 500 Gather Points ™. If you can't make the chat time, leave your comments in the field below.

Tip: You'll need to continually REFRESH your browser to see new comments appear

 

Don't forget to share your Coffee-and-a-Book photos for the chance to win great gifts!

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Comments: 226

Sarah (is happy to be near a T.V.) G. Nov 12, 2008, 4:49pm EST
Awesome! I hope I remember!
I will try to be there!
Jerry M. Nov 12, 2008, 5:10pm EST
I suppose I should bring coffee.
Anne Marie A. Nov 12, 2008, 5:16pm EST
Sounds like some interesting discussion possibilities
Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Nov 12, 2008, 5:25pm EST
I hope I can be there!
Lori Cee (rest in peace, jJack.) Nov 12, 2008, 5:26pm EST
Have you ever read a book you were surprised you loved?


every book i read in high school english lit.
Crystal R. Nov 12, 2008, 5:47pm EST
I hope I can make it. Sounds like an interesting discussion topic.
Mary M. Nov 12, 2008, 5:51pm EST
I doubt I'll make it. Hubby is off work tonight.

So far I am surprised that I am enjoying "The Five Love Languages of Teenagers" by Gary Chapman. Our school requires us parents to earn "involvement hours" each year and this is one way to earn them -- read the book, then take a comprehension test on it. It's worth 2 "hours" towards our annual required 40. It's giving me encouragement and ideas on reaching my middle schooler, who is drifting a bit lately.
Angela A. Nov 12, 2008, 5:53pm EST
I've never actually read a book and had been surprised that I loved it..
But, I was very surprised after I saw the title for a book. I had thought it was an adult romance, until I got the book and read the inside...
Then, once I found out that the book was a teen novel, I thought I wouldn't like it..
But, I was wrong.
ann c. Nov 12, 2008, 5:53pm EST
Won't be here but I loved "Deep End of the Ocean", thought I wouldn't cause it was an Oprah pick and I often do not like the books she chooses.
ann c. Nov 12, 2008, 5:54pm EST
Also "The Shack", I was prepared not to like it cause everyone said I should read it. It was fabulous!!!
Apryl Just Apryl Nov 12, 2008, 6:17pm EST
I look forward to it
Diana Raabe Nov 12, 2008, 6:22pm EST
Oddly, I enjoyed a talk Yann Martel gave that I attended, but the book - not so much!

I had heard great things about Martel's Life of Pi, but was surprisingly bored and disappointed (I know! I know!). We listened to an audio version while traveling by car and that might have had something to do with it.
Elizabeth V. Nov 12, 2008, 6:28pm EST
I have to get up at 5 tomorrow morning, but I'll make every effort to participate from 9 to 10. Now I'm going to look through my bookcase to remind myself which books I thought I'd hate that I liked. I can think of a couple like that I borrowed from the library, but I forget their titles. :-(
Valerie Roars Nov 12, 2008, 6:32pm EST
This should be an interesting topic :)
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 6:42pm EST
I'm on it! I'll be around all evening! yay for books! :)
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 6:46pm EST
I will try and make it back. sounds fun.
☀ Aunt Shanny Nov 12, 2008, 6:52pm EST
* Have you ever read a kids or young adult book that entertained you?- Several of them. I enjoy fantasy fiction geared toward teens. For example: The Inheritance Cycle

* Did the critics ever dismiss a book that you found was a great read?- All the time. The critics tend to ignore most fantasy fiction and this is my favorite genre.

* What are your guilty pleasure books that you're surprised you enjoy?- I've been reading books by Sherrilyn Kenyon that I am surprised I like. They have way too much romance for my taste and they are incredibly formulaic but I still like them.

* Any books out there you hate to love?- Any books considered "chick lit" such as most of the books by Diana Gabaldon or some of Jodi Picoult's stuff.
I'll try to remember to come back and do this.
Sandy M. Nov 12, 2008, 7:01pm EST
thanks. this sounds interesting.
David S. Nov 12, 2008, 7:07pm EST
Too bad that these things always happen when I'm not available to join in the conversation. You should consider doing a chat during the day every now and then.
Sophie S. Nov 12, 2008, 7:13pm EST
I have the perfect book for this discussion.
Heather W. Nov 12, 2008, 7:31pm EST
Leaving a cookie trail to find my way back :0)
☆ ƒåitĥ ☆ Nov 12, 2008, 7:33pm EST
I don't think I'll be able to make it but Heather's cookie trail is tempting. She better watch out or I'll eat it and she won't find her way back.

;o)
☆ ƒåitĥ ☆ Nov 12, 2008, 7:35pm EST
Unfortunately for me since I have 3 kids (all boys, crazy ones at that!) I don't have time to read books. Now give me a good family/home magazine and I'm thrilled. That's about as long as I can sit still ... my guilty pleasure is anything celebrity gossip!
I hope to remember about this one. I completely forgot about the one ya'll did last week.
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 8:01pm EST
I think as far as kids or young adult books that entertained me- I'd have to say the Harry Potter series, and the Chronicles of Narnia. I still read Chronicles of Narnia, although I read them as a child. Neither of those series are in my favored genre either. :)
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 8:04pm EST
My guilty pleasure books- hmm, probably the silly little Harlequin and similiar romance novels. Those are for when I'm feeling really emotional and need a good cry over something silly, or when I want something MINDLESS to do! LOL
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 8:05pm EST
Usually enjoy a good magazine like Health or House and Garden, birds n blooms etc. However now that life has changed some and i have free time now and then i would love to give a good book a try. Would love some suggestions. My daughter loves to read. I havn't read a good book forever. I am not a real fast reader and i will need a somewhat easy read for this first book. Don't like scarey.
Pamela K. Nov 12, 2008, 8:14pm EST
I will try and be back.
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 8:29pm EST
Hmmm... books I hadn't thought would be very good... or didn't expect to like:
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen- 10 years ago I hated the idea of reading anything like this, just because.

The Cry for Justice (An Anthology of the Great Social Protest Literature of All Time) by Upton Sinclair- this one is really heavy reading, so it's slow going, but I find myself enjoying it.

Oh, and Shakespeare. I didn't think I would enjoy his plays- my Freshman Highschool English teacher changed that. :)
Amanda C. Nov 12, 2008, 8:37pm EST
A book that I really enjoyed that I have read was Fortune is a Woman.
I thought it was a really great book, and wasn't sure when I first was given the book what I would think about it.

will have to think about some other ones that I can add to this..
Ava's Mom (formerly known as Robiyah) Nov 12, 2008, 8:47pm EST
Now Shannon, how am I supposed to make fun of those that come in before the time posted and answer the questions if you're doing it too? Huh?
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 8:56pm EST
lol. I'm gonna be made fun of Robiyah??? :D
Jeana Hamilton Nov 12, 2008, 9:00pm EST
am i first
Jeana Hamilton Nov 12, 2008, 9:00pm EST
i was i was
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:00pm EST
Hello to all
Jeana Hamilton Nov 12, 2008, 9:01pm EST
well i kept seeing reviews for water for elephants on here and read that book and loved it!
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:02pm EST
What was the last good book you have read?
Jeana Hamilton Nov 12, 2008, 9:02pm EST
i dont really read much anymore, with school, kids and all else i can not find time. And when i start to read a book i tend to "forget" everything else that is going on around me, and do not acomplish anything untill the book is done
Donna D. Nov 12, 2008, 9:03pm EST
I'm looking in tonight to find a good book to read!
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:03pm EST
Will have to put that one on my list, thanks Jeana
Karen G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:06pm EST
I have been reading Duma Key by Stephen King. I like it alot.
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:07pm EST
Water For Elephants that sounds interesting.
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:08pm EST
Stephen King is that a scarey one?
Karen G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:09pm EST
It was a good book.
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:09pm EST
I absolutely LOVE the Christine Feehan Ghostwalker series.
Elizabeth V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:10pm EST
I have a good story: in the early 1990s I divorced my husband. He didn't want the divorce. Shortly after that, Oliver North was in town (San Diego) to do a book signing of One More Mission. Keith went to the book signing and got one for me and one for himself. While I was at work the next day, he came over and left it in my backyard. Shortly after that I flew to Michigan for Christmas with my family. I read that book on the plane, expecting to dislike it. But it was so good I was actually disappointed when my plane landed in Detroit because I hadn't quite finished the book yet. (By the way, Keith and I are remarrying Monday.)
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:11pm EST
Hmmm, i am not sure about scarey.
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:12pm EST
How cool is that. Awesome. Congrats. Best Wishes.
Karen G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:12pm EST
I like scary
Elizabeth V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:13pm EST
We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families by Philip Gourevitch--I borrowed that book from the library because I didn't think I'd like it, and I hate to spend money on books I don't like. I was surprised, then, that I did like it, a true book about the genocide in Rwanda.
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:14pm EST
Will have to check that out.
Lori Cee (rest in peace, jJack.) Nov 12, 2008, 9:14pm EST
that is a great story, elizabeth. congratulations!
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:15pm EST
That sounds very sad but interesting book
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:16pm EST
Will put that on my read list.
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:16pm EST
My all time favorite author is a local girl here called Rene Gutteridge. She is amazing.
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:16pm EST
Thanks for all the suggestions
Denise E. Nov 12, 2008, 9:16pm EST
I hated to love "Black Like Me." It was so sad that white people didn't know what was going on with black people at the time, and it was even sadder to see the mental and emotional anguish he was put through. At the same time, it was liberating to know that his writing was putting it out there in the light, and giving people something to think about.
Side note: I'm so glad we've found a better way to straighten hair. "Konk" sounds like torture!
Lori Cee (rest in peace, jJack.) Nov 12, 2008, 9:17pm EST
i thought any book that i had to read in high school english lit was going to be crappy but i ended up enjoying them. books like "jane eyre", "the great gatsby" and "the catcher in the rye" are classics and some of the best stories ive ever read.
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:17pm EST
She is one that really takes you into the book and the characters. You feel like you are part of the story. Everyone should check her out.

She writes fiction suspense type stuff.
Elizabeth V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:17pm EST
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand--my father kept nagging me to read that book, but I had heard that Ayn Rand was a nut so didn't until I needed some book to read on the plane ride back to California once. He insisted I borrow his copy of that book. I read it but thought I'd dislike it and did at first. But after a couple of chapters I knew i was reading a great book and bought my own copy when I got home.
I'm not sure how many books have really surprised me. I'm sure there have been some, but I read a lot of books, and generally only get surprised when I dislike a book I wanted to read. That's when I'm disappointed, too.
Ang, inspired by good, G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:18pm EST
Hi everyone, I just arrived and trying to read over all the comments.
Diane H. Nov 12, 2008, 9:18pm EST
I can not wait to get started reading again. I am excited. Thanks everyone. :)
Ang, inspired by good, G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:18pm EST
Don't you hate that Heather?
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:19pm EST
Just Lori - I never had to read any of those in high school but have wanted too. I have seen Jane Eyre though and really enjoyed it.

I remember trying to read the Great Gatsby and at the time it was hard to understand. I guess I should try again.
Denise E. Nov 12, 2008, 9:19pm EST
Just Lori Cee - I loved Jane Eyre too! Creepy, and very unpredictible, like Poe, you never knew where the story would end up!
Ang, inspired by good, G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:19pm EST
As soon as this semster of school is over, I'm gonna just sit and read something I want to read. School books are so boring.
Ang, inspired by good, G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:20pm EST
Aubrey, the Great Gatsby is a great book, you should try to read it again.
Karen M. Nov 12, 2008, 9:20pm EST
I was so surprised how MUCH I loved reading

Water for Elephants....

It was amazing !
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:20pm EST
I'm reading quite a few books right now. It's hard to keep up with all of them but I do love to read.
Karen M. Nov 12, 2008, 9:21pm EST
Did someone say Gatsby??? ooh...a great classic !!
Denise E. Nov 12, 2008, 9:21pm EST
I loved Romeo and Juliet and didn't really expect to. Julius Ceaser was a good one too, once the language and symbolism and history were explained.
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:21pm EST
I will look into it Ang.

I just went to the library today. I guess I will make another trip soon.

I can't get enough of the library. It's such a great resource.
Ang, inspired by good, G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:21pm EST
Steve Berry is a good author if you like Mystery/History together.
Karen M. Nov 12, 2008, 9:21pm EST
Has anyone read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen?
It is my favorite Austen book, but so unknown compared to her others...
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:22pm EST
Denise - I really like Romeo and Juliet too. It's been a long time since I read it.
Elizabeth V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:22pm EST
The Innocent Man by John Grisham--I really do not like Grisham's novels. This book is a true story, so I read it out of curiosity but didn't think I'd like it any better than I did his novels. But this is his one very good book, the true story of a man unjustly convicted of murder.
Ang, inspired by good, G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:23pm EST
Aubrey, my local library just loves me because I always forget to turn my books in on time. I probably funded quite a few of the books there. Haha!
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:23pm EST
Karen - I have a sister who loves reading Jane Austen - I haven't read anything of hers though.
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:23pm EST
Ang, I'm with you on that. I'm not always so good myself.
Denise E. Nov 12, 2008, 9:23pm EST
I haven't read that one, but I do love Jane Austen. Sence and Sensability was great. So many perspectives in one book is so unusal and hardly seen these days.
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:23pm EST
I loved the Catcher in The Rye... didn't expect to like that one at all...
Cyndi B. Nov 12, 2008, 9:24pm EST
I really was surprised by how much I really enjoy Mystery books - my favorites right now are by Thomas Perry, but I also like the Cat Who series :)
Karen M. Nov 12, 2008, 9:25pm EST
Aubrey...start with Northanger Abbey and Emma.....Pride and Prejudice is good, but not the BEST of her writings as critics would have you believe!
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:25pm EST
I read a lot of religious books. Like right now I'm reading - The Power of a Praying Wife and Woman, Breaking Free and Some daily devotions as well.

I love to do bible studies too.
Elizabeth V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:25pm EST
Ang, I remember the thing I liked best about graduating from college was all the time I had to read anything I wanted.
Karen M. Nov 12, 2008, 9:25pm EST
What about "Of Mice and Men"....The ending to that made me cry !! Although I loved it
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:25pm EST
Karen - I'll check with my sister. I believe she has them both.
Tabitha M. Nov 12, 2008, 9:26pm EST
I've been surprised recently by how much I've enjoyed some autobiographies (or would they be biographies?). I read Barbara Walters and Tatum O'Neal last month, as well as Sister Antonia's. All given to me by my grandmother. I thought they'd be booooring, but were all good reads in different ways.
Denise E. Nov 12, 2008, 9:26pm EST
LOL! Cat Who's are great! I read "The Cat Who Moved a Mountain" I really didn't expect to like that. It sounded like it would be really lame, but was surprisingly smartly done.
Aubrey :) Nov 12, 2008, 9:26pm EST
Mice and Men was good and made me cry as well. I remember feeling really bad for the character that killed things.
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:26pm EST
Jane Austen is awesome!!! :)
Ava's Mom (formerly known as Robiyah) Nov 12, 2008, 9:27pm EST
Elizabeth--I read that book also! I used to date a guy that was from Rwanda that watched his parents and grandparents be killed in the genocide (he was 11) while him and his brother hid and then escaped. It was a real eye-opener that's for sure!
jessie voigts Nov 12, 2008, 9:27pm EST
i just finished a YA book i thought for SURE i would not like, as it is a survival story, and i am so not into those. but this one - life as we knew it, a YA book by susan pfeffer, REALLY hooked me in, and i could NOT put it down!
Ang, inspired by good, G. Nov 12, 2008, 9:27pm EST
Elizabeth, I just started College, I still have a ways to go before that time comes!
Samantha V. Nov 12, 2008, 9:27pm EST
I don't guess I've read of Mice and Men... Gonna have to put that one on my list...

I loved Emma...
Ava's Mom (formerly known as Robiyah) Nov 12, 2008, 9:28pm EST
I actually started reading a book about Sociopaths, not expecting that it would be as great as it is!