Anne’s Comments (group member since Dec 26, 2014)

Anne’s comments from the 2017 Reading Challenge group.

Annerlee wrote: "Yes. thank you for all your hard work Anne. It takes a lot of energy keeping a GR group going I know. This is the first group I joined on Goodreads and a great introduction to the community. You ma..."

Thomas wrote: "Thank you so very much for everything you've done with these lists over the past few years, Anne!

I didn't make a list this year, because I had a feeling it would be a down year reading-wise. I r..."


You're welcome! Thank you both for your kind words! I'm glad to know I made a difference for a lot of people, and getting people to read more is a big part of my job as a librarian!

What I've learned over the last few years is I enjoy putting the list together, but when it comes to finishing the challenge I lose interest part way through! I originally hoped to read 100 books this year, but changed to the more manageable goal of 75 when it became clear I wasn't going to get to 100. I'm sitting at 76 with a month left in the year, so I will probably make to 80 (or more!).

Here's the 2018 Pop Sugar challenge:

https://www.popsugar.com/entertainmen...

Cyndy wrote: I wish I had the energy. :-)"

I hear ya!

Here's the Pop Sugar challenge:

https://www.popsugar.com/entertainmen...

No energy needed - haha!

I think I'm just going to set a number of books to read next year, and go with that rather than trying to read in categories. There are just so many things I want to read!

Hello everyone!

I'm sure you're wondering if there will be a new challenge for 2018. I hope there is, but unfortunately it won't be me putting it together this year. I've just got a bit too much on my plate right now.

I encourage you all to create one of your own, or go back to using one like Pop Sugar's challenge (I'm assuming they'll do a new one for 2018).

I'm happy that you've found enjoyment with this group, and that it's carried on as long as it has so far.

Cheers!!!

Cyndy wrote: "Will there be a 2018 version? Thanks!"

Hi Cyndy! Thanks for asking about a 2018 challenge. I am not up for putting one together this year, but I encourage everyone else to go for it. I suppose I should make a proper post about it.

Thanks for asking and reminding me!

Fly Me ~ Daniel Riley

Southern California, 1972... stewardesses, drug trafficking, highjacking.

Unlikeable characters and a really crappy ending. It could have been much better!

Thomas wrote: "Cherie Priest writes some interesting steampunk books."

I was just going to recommend her books!

Black Dahlia - Rick Geary

Another in the "Treasury of XXth Century Murder" series of graphic non-fiction by Geary. Always interesting, even if you're not a big fan of true crime. I recommend all of his books.

One of the Boys - Daniel Magariel

A short and somewhat brutal story of two brothers at the mercy of their manipulative, abusive, drug addicted father. Not an easy story, but well written and I felt so badly for them and the predicament they were in. Told from the point of view of the younger brother, a 7th grader.

Miniatures - John Scalzi

This is a collection of VERY short stories by John Scalzi. Most are humorous. Great if you're looking for some light reading that can be done in short bursts.

Insects of Surinam - Maria Sibyl Merian

This is a beautiful reprint of a book of scientific drawings originally published in 1705! Includes an introductory section with an in-depth history of Merian's life and work. Quite amazing for the times.

Beautiful art, and for the most part scientifically accurate.

Binti - Nnedi Okorafor

Great sci-fi novella about a young woman who is the first of her community to leave earth to attend university on a far away planet - if she can get there alive...

Clay's Ark - Octavia Butler

Butler has been on my radar for a while, and when in a used bookstore recently I found this book, part of her Patternist series. Fortunately it doesn't matter if you read the books in order, as this is third chronologically in the series - I just learned today.

Anyhow, it's the story of an small group of people infected with an alien microbe who live isolated in the desert. They try hard to keep the microbe from spreading, but are also driven by the microbe to infect others. Slightly dated (published in 1984), but still a good read!

Joanna wrote: "Outlander
I wasn't prepared for this to be over 800 pages, but I really enjoyed the descriptions of Scotland during the 1740's. Claire's 1946 eyes take everything in through her lens a..."
Great choice for this category! I loved this book, but admittedly did not continue with the series. It's definitely popular.

The Sellout - Paul Beatty

Funny, thought-provoking, and prose that flowed almost poetically at times. I happened to listen to the audiobook while driving around in my car, so probably missed little bits here and there (I concentrate on my driving, thank goodness). The reader had a lovely voice perfect for the book.

Lots of swearing, so if that bothers you be warned.

Stephanie wrote: "The graphic novel Best of Ray Bradbury. I happen to be one of the biggest Ray Bradbury fans of all time, and so I was really looking forward to this. However, I came away sorely disappointed. while..."

How frustrating! It's bad enough to find a typo or two, but sloppy cutting is horrible.

The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains

I would call this a fantasy folk tale I suppose. A short story by Neil Gaiman, and illustrated heavily by Eddie Campbell. A picture book for adults.

Sarah wrote: "hi, im trying to complete the 2017 reading challenge. im currently. reading French Lessons Adventures with knife, fork, and corkscrew by Peter Mayle and im not sure which category would be best"

It looks like it could fit into several categories! Humor, memoir, travel, an interesting title...

I'd pick the category you're least likely to read another book in!

Have your published a book? Do you write a book review blog? Share your links here.

Roni wrote: "Thank you, Anne. These challenges are so much fun for me, and I appreciate your taking the time to work a new one up for us. This will be fun. Thanks and happy new year!"

have fun!