Cozy Mysteries discussion

This list is curious for prequels, and it includes a book I read a lot of time ago, A Spell for Chameleon.

Strange list. To me, a book and it's prequel should be by the same author (the author writes a book, then goes back and sets book two before the action in book one, often touching on a backstory mentioned in the first book). Some of these aren't actual prequels per se, but another author stealing the first author's idea/world and writing their own rendering. Kind of like the craze of setting books in Jane Austen's P&P world. It really is difficult to find a true list of books and their prequels. For anyone who has not read them, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit would be good choices. For mysteries, I think Aunt Dimity's Death and Aunt Dimity and the Duke would be a good choice.

Yes, it's really strange but well....

2016 Ultimate Reading Challenge
1/1/16-12/31/16

Completed: 19/41

01. [X] A book based on a fairy tale UnEnchanted by Chanda Hahn 5/24/16
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [X] A book you haven’t read since high school Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling 2/26/16
05. [X] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)Lethal Friendship: A Mother's Battle to Put--And Keep--A Serial Killer Behind Bars by Sue Young 1/14/16

06. [ ] A book translated into English
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [X] A book set in Europe Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage by M.C. Beaton 4/26/16
09. [X] A book that is under 150 pages Candy For Christmas by Joanne Fluke
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller

11. [X] A book that is being made into a movie this year The Girl on the Train By Paula Hawkins 1/7/16

12. [X] A book recommended by someone you just met I Was Here by Gayle Forman 2/1/16
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [X] A book you can finish in a day The Walking Dead, Book Two byRobert Kirkman 3/3/16
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [X] A book from Oprah’s book club Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed 1/21/16
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [X] A graphic novel The Walking Dead, Book One by Robert Kirkman 2/23/16
23. [X] A book that is published in 2016 Devonshire Scream by Laura Childs 3/26/16
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [X] A book that takes place during summer Booked for Trouble by Eva Gates 1/27/16

26. [ ] A book and its prequel
27. [X] A murder mystery Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany 1/5/16
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan 8/17/16
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [X] A book with a blue cover The Cat Who Tailed a Thief by Lilian Jackson Braun 1/12/16

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [X] A book from the library Gossamer Ghost by Laura Childs 3/18/16
35. [X] An autobiography Destination Truth: Memoirs of a Monster Hunter by Josh Gates 3/30/16

36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [X] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar Suspendered Sentence by Laura Bradford 5/17/16
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [X] A book that takes place on an island Clammed Up by Barbara Ross 6/28/16
40. [ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy

The Her Royal Spyness Series has an e-book prequel Masked Ball at Broxley Manor that I will be using for my book with a prequel. It is listed as .5 edition of the series.
Fortunately I recently found it after I had started this Rhys Bowen series.

I just finished my first book. A science-fiction novel - The Martian

Lacey wrote: "Does anybody know a good political memoir to read for this challenge? I've never read anything of the sort and I don't particularly like politics either so I'm having a hard time trying to figure o..."

One of my favorites was Madam Secretary: A Memoir by Madeleine Albright

For a book and its prequel, I am going to read Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea

I had much fun with the 2015 Ultimate Reading Challenge, so I'll have a go. - 30/41


[X] A book based on a fairy tale - After Alice by Gregory Maguire ★ ★
[ ] A National Book Award Winner
[X] A young adult (YA) bestseller - Ripper by Isabel Allende ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book you haven’t read since high school - The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book set in your home state - Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[ ] A book translated into English
[X] A romance set in the future - Legend by Marie Lu ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book set in Europe - The Third Secret by Steve Berry ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book that is under 150 pages - Not to Disturb by Muriel Spark ★
[ ] A New York Times bestseller
[ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
[X] A book recommended by someone you just met - Murder on the Bucket List by Elizabeth Perona ★
[X] A self-improvement book - How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book you can finish in a day - Jackal Moon by Jeanette Battista ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book written by a celebrity - If You Ask Me by Betty White ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A political memoir - Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance by Leonard Peltier ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
[X] A book that’s more than 600 pages - Inkspell by Cornelia Funke ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book from Oprah’s book club - The Ladies' Room by Carolyn Brown ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A science-fiction novel - The Martian by Andy Weir ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[ ] A book recommended by a family member
[X] A graphic novel - Nina the Naughty Witch by Alan Gandy ★
[X] A book that is published in 2016 - Darkness Raging by Yasmine Galenorn ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book with a protagonist who has your occupation - The Hammett Hex by Victoria Abbott ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book that takes place during summer - The Island by Elin Hilderbrand ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book and its prequel - The Curious Case ★ ★ ★ ★ & Soulless by Gail Carriger ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A murder mystery - Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book written by a comedian - Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling ★ ★
[ ] A dystopian novel
[X] A book with a blue cover - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[ ] A book of poetry
[X] The first book you see in a bookstore - American Gods by Neil Gaiman ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A classic from the 20th century - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book from the library - The Pocket Watch by Ceci Giltenan ★ ★ ★ ★
[ ] An autobiography
[ ] A book about a road trip
[X] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar - The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
[ ] A satirical book
[X] A book that takes place on an island - Everyone Burns by John Dolan ★ ★ ★ ★
[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Inkheart by Cornelia Funke ★ ★ ★ ★

Charity wrote: "I just finished my first book. A science-fiction novel - The Martian"

That's the one I'm planning to read for this challenge! : )

I was certain I signed up; I made a shelf, and decided on some of the books.

Question: "A book at least 100 years older than you."

Does that mean the book was written 100 years before, or that it is set 100 years in the past?

Naomi wrote: "Question: "A book at least 100 years older than you."

Does that mean the book was written 100 years before, or that it is set 100 years in the past?"

I think if it is 100 years older, it existed/was written before you were born.

I think if it is 100 years olde..."

Thanks, that's what I thought. Off to go find one :)

BTW, Heather, thank you for the list about high school. I remember two books from high schools that I wouldn't read again (Últimas tardes con Teresa and Crónica de una muerte anunciada) but Animal Farm I read it and I haven't read it again since that moment).

Marisa wrote: "BTW, Heather, thank you for the list about high school. I remember two books from high schools that I wouldn't read again (Últimas tardes con Teresa and [book:Crónica de una muerte an..."


You're welcome! I'm glad some of the list links are helpful to people. I keep meaning to review my list of books read in HS and see which I still have that I would be interested in rereading. There are a few I've already reread in the past few years, but plenty of others I've not thought of since then.

01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)

06. [ ] A book translated into English
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [ ] A book set in Europe
09. [ ] A book that is under 150 pages
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller

11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [ ] A book you can finish in a day
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer

26. [ ] A book and its prequel
27. [ ] A murder mystery
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [ ] A book with a blue cover

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [ ] A book from the library
(Knowing that not everyone in this group has access to a public library, we will count books found at a local Little Free Library, purchased at a library used book sale, or found on a Goodread friend’s bookshelf)
35. [ ] An autobiography

36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [ ] A book that takes place on an island
40. [ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy

Two down, 39 to go . . .


11. [X] A book that is being made into a movie this year The BFG by Roald Dahl

18. [X] A book that’s more than 600 pages The Insider by Ridley Pearson

Sooo, I'm a keener. Winter's always a better reading time for me.

05. Roses Are Difficult Here A book set in your home state (or province/territory) (11-Jan)
06. Late Harvest Havoc A book translated into English (07-Jan)

08. Murder in the Mews A book set in Europe (04-Jan)

11. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon A book that is being made into a movie this year (05-Jan)

17. Around the World in 80 Days A book at least 100 years older than you (18-Jan)

27. The Flanders Panel A murder mystery (15-Jan)

30. Killing Bridezilla A book with a blue cover (14-Jan)
31. Book of Longing A book of poetry (09-Jan)

33. Brave New World A classic from the 20th century (16-Jan)

Count me in!

13 down, 28 to go

01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)

06. [X] A book translated into English The Bridal Wreath by Sigrid Undset
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [X] A book set in Europe The Witch Hunter's Tale by Sam Thomas
09. [X] A book that is under 150 pages The Stranger by Albert Camus
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller

11. [X] A book that is being made into a movie this year Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
12. [X] A book recommended by someone you just met Dog on It by Spencer Quinn
13. [ ] A self-improvement book
14. [X] A book you can finish in a day Written for You by Joseph Cognard
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [X ] A book at least 100 years older than you The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel

21. [X ] A book recommended by a family member Paw Enforcement by Diane Kelly
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist who has your occupation.
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer

26. [ ] A book and its prequel
27. [X] A murder mystery The Harlot's Tale by Sam Thomas
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [X] A book with a blue cover A Taste Fur Murder by Dixie Lyle

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [X] A book from the library The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly
35. [ ] An autobiography

36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [X] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [X] A book that takes place on an island The Legend of Sleepy Harlow by Kylie Logan
40. [ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy

[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Reap the Wind by Karen Chance (5 Stars)

First novel checked off my list!

Lacey wrote: "[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Reap the Wind by Karen Chance (5 Stars)

First novel checked off my list!"

I've been trying to figure out what book would be "guaranteed to bring me joy." Unless I consider one I've already read. That one is a tough one for me.

Erin wrote: "Lacey wrote: "[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Reap the Wind by Karen Chance (5 Stars)

First novel checked off my list!"

I've been trying to figure out what..."

For me I knew this book would bring me joy because it's the newest book in one of my favorite series' and it took about 2 years to come out. So I knew it would make me happy! (I hope that helps you a little... :/)

I have this challenge as one of my goals. Really looking forward to all the new books and authors I will be reading.

[X] A murder mystery - Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too by: Nancy Martin (4 stars)

Second novel down! Woohoo! I feel like I'm on a roll.

Lacey wrote: "Erin wrote: "Lacey wrote: "[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Reap the Wind by Karen Chance (5 Stars)

First novel checked off my list!"

I've been trying to fi..."

That does help. I'm still not completely sure which book to pick, but I have several series that I'm looking forward to reading the next book in. I'll have to make some choices.

15. Stories I Only Tell My Friends A book written by a celebrity (20-Jan) - I totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a book written by a celebrity. I've never been a Rob Lowe fan (nor am I not a fan, I'm not even sure I remember him in any role), but this book was super impressive for me and I like the man as a person. And I might have to dig up some of his work.

39. A Touch of Gold A book that takes place on an island (23-JAN)

12/40 complete

13. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up A self-improvement book (25-Jan)

This book was a little crazy, but it was a fun listen.

Angela wrote: "I just joined the group. This challenge looks like fun. I'm going to try it."


Welcome aboard, Angela!

Updated message 9.

A dystopian novel - The Scorch Trials

Re. 02 - National Book Award.

I'm not American. Instead, I will use the Governor General's Award list. It's been around since the 1930s + there are many great Canadian writers out there so I am currently overwhelmed with choices. Bonus: some fit in other categories so I can read many from the Award list for the Challenge list.

I'm also likely to substitute a different newspaper for the NY Times.

Susan wrote: "Re. 02 - National Book Award.

I'm not American. Instead, I will use the Governor General's Award list. It's been around since the 1930s + there are many great Canadian writers out there so I am cu..."

Oh, I like this idea! Thanks.

January update

I made a good start.

9/41
[X] A YA bestseller – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – 1/7/16
[X] A dystopian novel – Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins – 1/13/16
[X] A book with a blue cover – Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – 1/19/16
[X] A book set in Europe – From Bad to Wurst by Maddy Hunter – 1/14/16
[X] A book from the library – Always the Baker, Finally the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker – 1/20/16
[X] A romance set in the future – Naked in Death by J.D. Robb – 1/26/16
[X] A book of poetry – The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson - 1/26/16
[X] A science-fiction novel – Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein – 1/28/16
[X] A book you can finish in a day – The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley – 1/30/16

Have crossed three more criteria off the list:


04. [X] A book you haven’t read since high school: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (for this month's classic group read -- weirder and more depressing than I remembered)

24. [X] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation: Thread End by Amanda Lee (Retail, specifically in crafts industry)

27. [X] A murder mystery: Twisted Threads by Lea Wait


Progress: 5/41

This us what I have so far 21/40

1. Book based on a fairy tale Cinder
2. National book award winner
3. YA bestseller Scarlet
4. Book haven't read since high school
5. Book set in your home state Dead to the Last Drop
6.book translated into English
7. Romance set in the future
8.book set in Europe There Goes the Bride
9. Book under 150 pages Fairest
10. A new york times bestseller -Most Wanted
11. Book made into a movie this year Me Before You
12. Book recommended by someone you just met
13. Self improvement book
14. Book you can finish in a day- Deadly Fallout
15. Book written by a celebrity
16. Political memoir
17. Book more than hundred years older than you
18. Book more than 600 pages
19. Book from oprahs book club
20. Science fiction book Cress
21.book recommend by family member Secret Obsession
22. A graphic novel
23. Book published in 2016 Miller's Valley
24. Book with protagonist with your job
25. Book that takes place during the summer Nantucket Sisters
26. A book and a prequel No Place Like Oz Dorothy Must Die
27. A murder mystery - A Crafty Christmas
28. Book written by a comedian
29. A dystopian novel Station Eleven
30. A book with blue cover The Girls
31. Book of poetry Like A Child: A Collection of Original Poetry
32. First book you see in a bookstore 15th Affair
33. Classic from 20th century
34. Booknfrom library - Tricky Twenty-Two
35. Autobiography
36. A book about a road trip
37. Book with culture you are unfamilar with
38. A satrical book
39. Book that takes place on an island Geared for the Grave
40. Book gaurented to bring you joy. Killer Reunion

41/41
01. [X ] A book based on a fairy tale Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna
02. [X ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)Ramona and Her Mother
03. [X ] A young adult (YA) bestseller The Sword of Summer
04. [X ] A book you haven’t read since high school Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
05. [ X] A book set in your home state (or province/territory) Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

06. [X ] A book translated into English Treachery in Bordeaux
07. [X ] A romance set in the future Illusion Town
08. [X ] A book set in Europe Murder at the Vicarage
09. [X ] A book that is under 150 pages And Tango Makes Three
10. [X] A New York Times bestseller The Martian

11. [X ] A book that is being made into a movie this year Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
12. [X ] A book recommended by someone you just met The Flame of Olympus
13. [X ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc) Dealing with Diabetes Burnout
14. [X ] A book you can finish in a day The Ghost on Saturday Night
15. [X ] A book written by a celebrity Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man

16. [X ] A political memoir Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box
17. [X ] A book at least 100 years older than youThe Water Babies
18. [X ] A book that’s more than 600 pages The Aeronaut's Windlass
19. [X ] A book from Oprah’s book club As I Lay Dying
20. [X ] A science-fiction novel Cinder

21. [X ] A book recommended by a family member The Wee Free Men
22. [X ] A graphic novel A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel
23. [X ] A book that is published in 2016 Sweet Pepper Hero
24. [X ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation. Maeve's Times
25. [X ] A book that takes place during summer Haunting Jordan

26. [X ] A book and its prequel The Selection And the prequel The Queen
27. [X ] A murder mystery Ghost in the Wind
28. [X ] A book written by a comedian The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion
29. [X ] A dystopian novel The Elite
30. [X ] A book with a blue cover A Taste Fur Murder

31. [X ] A book of poetry A Pizza the Size of the Sun
32. [X ] The first book you see in a bookstore Beewitched
33. [X ] A classic from the 20th century The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
34. [X ] A book from the library The Mother-Daughter Book Club
35. [X ] An autobiography I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
36. [X ] A book about a road trip Amy and Roger's Epic Detour
37. [X ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar The Bonesetter's Daughter
38. [X ] A satirical book Feed
39. [X ] A book that takes place on an island A Watery Death
40. [X ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder

Lacey wrote: "Does anybody know a good political memoir to read for this challenge? I've never read anything of the sort and I don't particularly like politics either so I'm having a hard time trying to figure o..."

I REALLY enjoyed Madeline Albright's Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box. It is interesting how she used her pins that she wore to convey messages and such during her time as Secretary as State. I am not a fan of the genre either, so this was a perfect match for me. And, I was lucky that my library had a copy.

BTW. in case you need more ideas for the National Book Award...Wikipedia has a nice listing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...

Figured this one would work for 40. Bones of a Feather A book guaranteed to bring you joy (07-FEB)

Erin wrote: "Lacey wrote: "[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Reap the Wind by Karen Chance (5 Stars)

First novel checked off my list!"

I've been trying to figure out what..."

For me, it is going to be a book from a favorite author that I have been looking forward to reading. I figure just having it is going to give me joy...and, since the chances are pretty good I will love the story...I am going to choose that.

Today I was able to check another novel off this list:

[X] A book that takes place on an island - Nil by Lynne Matson (3 stars)

It was a good book, not great but good. So far that's 3 down and 38 to go!

Valerie wrote: "BTW. in case you need more ideas for the National Book Award...Wikipedia has a nice listing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..."

Thank you for the list, I've found one that I'm going to try to check: God & Golem, Inc.

This book was totally not worth it, but at least it filled a challenge spot.

18. Academ's Fury A book that’s more than 600 pages (08-FEB)

14/40

01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [x] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [x] A book set in your home state (or province/territory) Set in Michigan
06. [ ] A book translated into English
07. [x] A romance set in the future
08. [x] A book set in Europe
09. [x] A book that is under 150 pages
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller

11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [x] A book you can finish in a day
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [x] A book that is published in 2016
24. [x] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer

26. [X] A book and its prequel and Books shown in series order, book 3 and 3.5.
27. [x] A murder mystery
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [x] A book with a blue cover

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [ ] A book from the library
(Knowing that not everyone in this group has access to a public library, we will count books found at a local Little Free Library, purchased at a library used book sale, or found on a Goodread friend’s bookshelf)
35. [ ] An autobiography

36. [x] A book about a road trip
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [x] A book that takes place on an island
40. [X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy Langtry's writing always makes me laugh and smile.

No offense to those that came up with this, but way too many of these catagories will be too hard for too many people. As this is primarily a cozy mysteries group, very few of those can even fill this challenge. I do like to read a wide variety of books, but even I can't possible get close to reading a third of these categories. :(

To me, this belongs elsewhere. There are Goodreads groups that are devoted to challenges of this type. Let them have it. Ours should be more tailored for our specific group.

~Group Owner

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "No offense to those that came up with this, but way too many of these catagories will be too hard for too many people. As this is primarily a cozy mysteries group, very few of those can even fill t..."

I waited a day or so before I replied to this to get my thoughts in order. I want to start by saying that Briansgirl, this is your group and, as such, your opinion is the only one that counts. However, I did want to make a couple of comments.

First, I'm sure this was not how it was intended but I was insulted by your remarks that this was too hard. Just because someone likes to read cozies doesn't mean they are incapable of enjoying a challenge which requires many other genres to be read. I know this type of challenge isn't for everyone but some of us enjoy the, well, "challenge" of reading some genres outside our comfort zone and I resent and am insulted by the implication that just because I enjoy reading cozy mysteries, I'm incapable of doing a challenge like this.

Second, although primarily a cozy mystery group, this group has always acknowledged and encouraged reading of other genres, mainly through the fact that most challenges are not cozies only and the "When you're not reading a cozy" discussion thread. I enjoy reading and participating in discussions, not just about cozies but other genres as well and my TBR pile has increased significantly with recommendations from members of this group, both cozies and non-cozies. I looked through the categories in this challenge and found about half of them I could use cozies for if I choose to do so.

As I stated at the beginning, this is your group and in the end the only opinion that matters is yours but I wanted to post my thoughts.

Respectfully,
Teresa

Checked a fourth category off this list:

[X] A book set in Europe - At the Drop of a Hat by: Jenn McKinlay (5 Stars)

I've really been able to eat away at this list so far and I feel confident I can manage to get through it all by the end of the year. By the way Teresa, I agree with you 100%.

I have a question about a category. If you read a book by a 'celebrity' who happened to be more famous in a particular field would that count? Like a person famous for training horses or a well known doctor?

I think that's fair. :) If they are famous in their particular field, then they are a celebrity. :)

Lacey: What Kimberly said. :-)