Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2018 Weekly Checkins
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Week 10: 3/1 - 3/8
Ah British weather. In the space of a week we've gone from Siberian winds, snow and freezing rain to a balmy spring sunshine. The weather at the weekend was a bit distracting and I didn't get much reading done. I've also spent a lot of time faffing around with my laptop, which came back from hardware repairs only to have Windows get its knickers in a twist because of failed updates. Argh!I finished Rebel of the Sands for a past Goodreads Choice winner. It was a good choice for commute reading as was easy just to pick up and get back into straight away. I'll probably read the rest of the trilogy, although I need a little break from djinn based fantasy.
I also read Sal and I just didn't like the narrative voice, so for a short book it took me ages.
Currently reading The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, which seems to be all over Twitter right now. I'm assuming I can use it for my book about death or grief, but I've only read a few pages so far.
Every month on my blog I run an international giveaway for books I have reviewed the previous month (a brand new copy, not the one I read). As I'm doing this challenge, there's going to be some on there that fit prompts if any of you are interested!
13/50
QOTW:
I might read one or two, especially if a lot of people I know are talking about it (and I trust their judgement) or it's a favourite author. Generally I know my own taste and it doesn't always align with what the masses want. I don't usually have many options when it comes to Goodreads Choice Awards, which is probably a sign I'm not reading the popular stuff!
Greetings from a rainy Netherlands!I had to laugh at "I hope you are all enjoying your current reads" because I am on the second book in a row that I am just not loving. The previous book I struggled so much with, that I read another book in between. I really hope that my next read will be one I at least like, and can just read without feeling as if it's a chore. I joined this challenge because I wanted to read more, expand my horizon; not to make reading a chore, so fingers crossed I can enjoy it again soon! And if that means I have to read a non-challenge book, or some fanfiction (which I haven't read since the start of this year oops), then so be it, no matter how much my brain will rebel at it.
So yes, Books finished
The Shadow of the Wind - book with a weather element in the title
I DID IT. I finally finished it! Safe to say I didn't love it. Part of it was because I had issues with the translation, but mostly it was the story/writing itself. For example, the way Daniel views/thinks of women really the struck a wrong cord with me. On top of that, it was incredibly predictable, and not in a good 'I KNEW IT' kind a way. I've heard this was Zafón's first book for adults, and not YA, and that that influenced his writing, and that the second book of the series/his other works are better, so I'll give the sequel a chance, just not any time soon haha!
The Handmaid's Tale - book about feminism
Technically I haven't finished this yet, but as it's only a 100 pages left to go I am determined to do so today (just need to stay away from Candy Crush. Downloading that again was a big mistake xD). This book is messing with my mind, because so many people love it, including people whose opinions I value, so I feel a kind of pressure to like it, at least, but so far I just- don't. I have multiple issues with it in terms of Narrator/Offred's character and the writing style, making it hard for me to read. Such a shame, too, because I was really excited about this one. I guess it's 1984 all over again; great premise that I love, with the book itself being a letdown. But, as I said, I still have a 100 pages to go, so hopefully that'll change my mind a bit, as the storyline has finally picked up the pace a bit. I'll keep y'all posted haha!
(I was so tired last week and recovering from the con that I didn't keep up with the week 9 check-ins, so if I missed anything please let me know. Goodreads should really have a tagging/replying/notification system like facebook/twitter/tumblr/instagram have, so we can at least be notified if someone interacts with us.)
13/42 and 2/10
(I also finally have a book that was being read by a stranger in a public place! I may have stretched it a little, but the people around me all agreed it counted so wooohh! My first Terry Pratchett book, here I come!)
Currently reading
Well, obviously, The Handmaid's Tale, but up next I plan to read Cross My Heart by Carmen Reid for same first name author. Apparently I read her personal shopper books (the ones that were out then) in 2011, so it'll be nice to go back to an author I know, even if it's a totally different genre and age group. The premise also really pulled me in, so fingers crossed this will be a good read!
QOTW
Nope. Not because everyone is talking about them, anyways. I may keep an eye on them, see if people whose opinion I trust, or just friends of mine, read it and love it. Sometimes I'm hyped for it, but it has nothing to do with general consensus. I find that it's tricky to read a book 'everyone loves', because it usually fails to live up to the hype people have created. Overselling it to yourself because of it happens to me often, just look at The Handmaid's Tale.
Luckily I don't spend a whole lot of time keeping up with what's coming out and what is 'the next big thing'. I usually don't find out about such books way after they've come out anyways, and then I decide whether or not I want to give them a try.
Greetings from my germ riddled plague house!! My kids have had coughs and stuffed noses since about Christmas but it really took a turn about 3 weeks ago! We’ve been sick with flu after flu! It’s a godawful season and I can’t wait until spring!!Anyway books! I finished the Stranger Beside me last week maybe, I can’t remember for sure if I checked in there. This week I finished Beartown which I liked.
I started The Radium Girls but my copy isn’t in so my bff has been sending me screenshots of pages so I can read it lol the copy I’m on the waitlist for is due back tomorrow so fingers crossed. I also started a Stranger in the house. I’m not doing great at sticking with prompts because I’ve been really into the darker and true crime ones but I’ve checked off a few. I’ve also managed to check a few off for my kids challenge.
QOTW depends. I only have a few irl friends who have similar tastes to mine so I’m more likely if it happens to be a group read or recommendation here. Sometimes if one clearly works for a prompt then I’ll be like well I’ve seen it around and everyone’s read it so I guess I’ll go for it!
I've been on an amazing reading streak! I loved the last few books I read, which is always motivating! However, I also feel like I have been neglecting all of the more difficult prompts so I worry I am going to hit a challenge wall here pretty soon. This week I finished:
Seven Days of Us that I have not figured out a prompt for (at least an unfilled prompt), but I liked it nevertheless!
#6 - Book about a Real Person - The Paris Wife by Paula McClain. I enjoyed it! I listened to it on audiobook so it took a little while, but it was good entertainment while I was scrubbing my house and driving to work. Made me very interested in Hemingway and the whole "Lost Generation."
#19 - Book about or involving a sport - Bear Town by Fredrik Backman. I wish I had been able to get this from the library in time to join the February discussion! I burned through this book in two days. I really liked it!
Currently Reading:
#15 - Book about feminism - I chose the YA book Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu. Just started this one last night, so I'm only a few chapters in. Waiting for it to pick up! I chose this one because I am always looking for empowering books to add to my class library. (I teach middle/high school ELA.)
#18 - I'm listening to Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan right now. I am feeling pretty lukewarm towards it, but I am more than halfway through so I will push through to get the prompt completed!
Current Challenge Update:
19/40 and 1/10 finished
QOTW:
I admit that I definitely tend to gravitate towards what is popular. I follow Reese Witherspoon's book club and read (and enjoy!) a lot of her picks. I also find myself reading the "popular reads" two or three years after their peak. I won't lie - I LOVE a lot of the books that are universally loved. I loved The Help, The Time Traveler's Wife, etc. I don't think this is a bad or shallow thing. I think it speaks to the universal nature of those texts and how the author is able to capture something so deep and true for so many people.
With that being said, I'm interested in finding and reading some more obscure books that I might miss out on otherwise. I would LOVE some less popular recommendations! Throw 'em at me!
Mod
This week I finished six books, three of them count for this Challenge, and I am now 23/50.
The Unmaking of the President 2016: How FBI Director James Comey Cost Hillary Clinton the Presidency by Lanny J. Davis - this was incredibly detailed and well-written. Much respect to Lanny Davis. I listened to the audiobook (because the ebooks wasn't available yet on Overdrive) and it was well-done.
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole - a great historical romance (if you like that sort of thing, and I do) set during the Civil War, the heroine is a freewoman who goes deep undercover as a slave for a Virginia Senator to gather info on Confederate troop movements and feed information back to President Lincoln. The romance is fictional, and the names are changed, but the main characters are all based on real people (to my amazement) so I ended up using this for "based on a real person."
Supergirl, Volume 1: Reign Of The Cyborg Supermen by Steve Orlando - I've been working my way through the DC Rebirth comics, and I hated this one. 1 star.
The Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov - book #3 in the "Robots" series - I was really disappointed in how sexist these books are, the first few I dismissed it since they were published in the 50s, but this book was published in 1983 and he should have done better. I'm reconsidering my plan to read / re-read all of Asimov's Robot/Empire/Foundation books. (But I will be reading the next Robot books, because it was a best seller the year I graduated high school!) I had really admired Asimov as a person, but I think my vision was not clear. Anyway, this book was set on another planet, so I checked that box.
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi - this was a very weird book, and I loved it! I didn't plan for this to be a Challenge read, it just looked interesting, but it turns out to be about mental health, so I checked that box. (This year 50% of my challenge reads have been unplanned, which is very unusual for me!). This book could also be used for: published in 2018 or LGBTQ+ or possibly an author of a different ethnicity (the author is Nigerian and Tamil).
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo - I read this just because I like superheroes. This was disappointing. It's solidly "YA" with a very simplistic writing style. Parts of it were good; if only all the exposition and repetition and clunky descriptions could be edited out, this would be a fun, non-canon Wonder Woman story. (Because it is definitely not canon for Wonder Woman to be a teenager in the 21st century, and yeah that bugged me.) I had planned to read all four books in this "DC Icons" series, but I was so disappointed in this, I deleted the other three from my TBR list.
QOTW - I used to avoid anything popular, because I am a contrarian at heart, but lately I've found that I do enjoy reading the "It' book that everyone else is talking about. My relatives know I read, so they always ask about it, and it can be nice to be able to talk to them about a book they know when we get together. And when I see a book mentioned in this group over and over, I like to know what's what with it. It's been quite a surprise for me to discover that sometimes I DO like doing what everyone else is doing!! (Though I often don't like the book, but that's beside the point here.)
A slow reading week for me! Im traveling to Japan next week, which means I have two 15 hour flights and a 5 hour flight in my near future, plus a few train rides, so I expect I will knock out at least 4-5 books on this trip.Books Finished
In the Heir - bought and read this one in an evening because I have the 2nd and 3rd books in the series as ARCs to review. 3 stars
Matilda - Read for Prompt 36: A book set in the decade you were born (1980s). I listened to the Kate Winslet narrated audiobook and she is FANTASTIC. 5 stars.
Only for You - read for A7. A book by an author with the same first or last name. One of the 5 romances (10% total) I am allowing myself for this challenge and a quick read to "catch up." 4 stars.
Currently Reading
Love, Life, and Elephants: An African Love Story - loving this so far! Not sure yet which prompt I will use it for (elephant in the title or country (Kenya) that fascinates you).
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer - listening to the audiobook to fulfill prompt 2.True Crime
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - reading for the mental health prompt.
Question of the Week
Yes, but I usually add it to my TBR list and then end up reading it 6 months after the peak hype of a book. There are a few books (such as I'll be Gone in the Dark) that I am reading as soon as it's released.
Hi everyone!I've been pretty busy with all kinds of stuff, but feel fortunate that I've still been finding time to enjoy my current reads :) In fact, I really enjoyed the ones I finished this week - especially loved my Nordic Noir pick.
That brings me to my two finishes for this week (putting me at 18/50):
I'm Traveling Alone for my Nordic Noir, which I LOVED. I do really enjoy Nordic Noir, but I'm also very picky about it. I had tried a few others for this category that weren't holding my attention, then found this and couldn't put it down.
Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet for a book that you saw someone reading in public. It was on my TBR, so after I saw someone reading it in the park last week, I eagerly ran out and bought it. I enjoyed it.
Currently reading:
I still have My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry in progress on audio, but it's kind of been paused for a couple (few?) weeks because I haven't been doing anything where I can easily listen to an audio book. Hopefully I'll get back to it soon.
I started Sexing the Cherry yesterday for my book with a fruit or vegetable in the title.
QOTW:
I do pay a little bit of attention to which new books are generating a buzz, but not a lot, and I don't read them just because of that. In fact, for a number of years I avoided mainstream bestsellers because I found for some reason I often didn't enjoy them... perhaps because for me, they often didn't live up to the hype? Because I'm a contrarian? I don't know. Now I will read them, but not solely because they're "it" books. I'll read them if they look really interesting to me, if they're written by a favorite author, or if they're recommended by family/friends. Actually, I've been reading quite a few as of the last year or two, as they've been so highly recommended by people I know.
I finished Wuthering Heights and actually liked it better than I thought even though I was not fond of the characters: Heathcliff, Catherine, Hadley, Linton, etc. The ones I did like were Nelly, Mr Lockwood and young Catherine. I did feel bad for Edgar & Isabella though. I gave it 4 stars. I originally had it slotted in for the male pseudonym prompt but may change it to the anti hero prompt as I now want to read more of the Bronte sisters. I also finished A Wrinkle in Time and while reading it, saw the library had this A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel and read along with both copies. What a nerd I am! I liked it but thought the ending was quite rushed. I read this for a book club but may try to fit it in a prompt. Not sure which one yet. I wanted to give it 3.5 stars but will settle for 4.
Yesterday I started The Handmaid's Tale for the feminist prompt/monthly read.
Carmen, I feel the same way regarding The Handmaid's Tale as I was so excited to read this and I'm not liking it so far. I'm only 40 pages into it and was hoping it got better but from the sounds of it, probably not. Oh well, I will finish it.
QOTW: I have never read an 'It' book as I like to wait to see if it really does live up to the hype. I also rarely agree with the public. My taste in books is much different than the public's. The only new release I will buy will be The Winds of Winter as I have long been awaiting it's arrival. LOL I
17/50Completed Prompts
A book set on a different planet: All right, all right. I know technically the moon is NOT a planet, but it is a planetary body, so I think this book qualifies. I read Artemis and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I am not into science fiction, so I wanted to get this out of the way early in the year, but there's a long waiting list for it and I finally got it.
A past Goodreads Choice Award winner: I read My Not So Perfect Life and was not disappointed. I am a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella so I was excited to see one of her books on the list. As usual, her character finds herself in a bit of a jam and it gets harder and harder to keep the lie going.
On my nightstand:
We are going away for a long weekend, so I hit up the library yesterday. I'm working on Catch Me if You Can for a book made into a movie I've already seen; Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters for an allegory; The Ice Twins for a book with characters who are twins; and The Night Circus for a book with a time of day in the title. I am also finishing up The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories for the prompt a book with my favorite color in the title. Let's see how many I can get through.
QOTW: I don't necessarily try to read the new "It" books. Sometimes I stumble across them by accident - like going into the library and reading the book jacket and deciding I will give it a try. If a friend recommends it, I'm more likely to read it. I usually end up reading them a year or so later.
Hi everyone! This is a 2-week check-in for me due to business travel and technical difficulties. One of the downfalls of working from home is that there isn’t an IT department down the hall to help out when you suddenly can’t use most of the programs on your computer. So frustrating!Since last check-in I only finished 1 book for Popsugar, but I have made good progress on 3 more so I should have a better PopSugar week next week. I’m now at 14/50.
Books I finished:
For Popsugar
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman for a book I meant to read in 2017 (37). This book had a lot of hype, which I’m afraid it didn’t live up to for me. It was very dreary and depressing.
For other challenges
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. Her novels are always quick reads and enjoyable. I find it amazing how entertaining and well-crafted her stories are despite the fact that most of them take place over a short period of time (a day or two) and how they are mostly dialogue trying to solve the crime. I read this before seeing the movie so the ending wouldn’t be ruined.
P.S. from Paris by Marc Levy. I could easily picture this book as a Hallmark movie or a 90’s rom-com with Meg Ryan or Tom Hanks. Predictable but cute, yet sometimes frustrating because the characters refuse to acknowledge their feelings.
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James. This was hard to put down. There are 2 stories being told about 60 years apart, both compelling, and they slowly link together. It has just the right amount of creepiness and suspense. This is for any fans of a good thriller mystery or Jennifer McMahon books.
I am currently reading:
Red Rising by Pierce Brown for a book set on another planet (27). I had to pause reading this one due to library holds coming in, but I should be able to pick it back up before next check-in.
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen for the Around the Year challenge.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah for a book set in the decade you were born (36). The majority of this book takes place in the 1970’s in a very remote part of Alaska. Loving this so far.
The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton for a book that involves a heist (4). So far this is better than I expected!
QOTW: Like Nadine, I am a contrarian at heart, so if all the blogs, book sites and bookstores are talking about or promoting a novel I will refuse to read it. HOWEVER, I will probably buy it when I can find it at the used bookstore in good condition and wait to read it until the hysteria has died down. I do tend to read the books everyone in this group (and a couple of other GR groups) talk about, though, because for some reason it doesn't feel like hopping on a major bandwagon.
Good Morning and happy Thursday!Finished last week
A book involving a heist: Artemis by Andy Weir
Oh no, I didn't like that one little bit. I didn't like the characters, didn't like the plot, didn't like the ending. Mostly, I didn't like the writing.
2015 prompt: Book that became a movie: Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Finished this last night and I'm letting it sink in. Reminded me of 2001: A Space Odyssey in many ways, but way creepier. I enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars.
I'm 24/50 or 52, whatever.
QOTW
Well, I read Artemis :-|
^joke
Not really, but sometimes. I tend to follow book awards rather than buzz, but awards cause buzz. I don't follow bestsellers, Dan Brown is a hack but is #1 in the USA right now. I read the Man Booker prize short list every year, along with a few on the long list.
Elizabeth wrote: "Seven Days of Us that I have not figured out a prompt for (at least an unfilled prompt), but I liked it nevertheless!"I have Seven Days of Us on my TBR list for a book from a celebrity book club. If I could only remember whose.......
Elizabeth said: "With that being said, I'm interested in finding and reading some more obscure books that I might miss out on otherwise. I would LOVE some less popular recommendations! Throw 'em at me!"
I'm not sure what kind of books you like, but my all-time absolute favorite book is The Vanishing Point. If you like historical fiction, you will love it. I have recommended this to everyone I know who likes to read, and I haven't been told yet that someone didn't like it.
This week I finished Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams (prompt 22), which was pretty scary. I'm glad there's a ton of scientific evidence behind my claims that getting less than seven hours of sleep a night is unhealthy, but the dangers are scarier than I thought. I wish more people would read this... I finished Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard (prompt 18) which had some great ideas on how to create change. While a few of the examples annoyed me, it was helpful information overall.
I finally finished Have a Little Faith: a True Story, and it was a great story, but didn't make me cry for some reason (Mitch Albom's book almost always cause waterworks, in case you haven't tried them yet).
I also completed Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America (prompt 8) which was a shocking and repulsive story from Florida's history. It's pretty much what happened to Emmett Till, times four, and spread out over decades. This book is heartbreaking but important to read.
I'm at 25/50 prompts completed for the challenge.
I'm currently reading Atonement, Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America, and When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.
QOTW: I do like to keep up with popular books, unless they're pulp fiction/romance. I love talking about books, so the more opportunities for that the better. This is pretty dependent on availability at my library though. I try to buy books only when the library isn't an option since my budget could never cover purchasing the amount of books I read. The popular ones usually have a longer waitlist at the library, but it generally moves quickly enough. I'm always grateful for the free option.
Hi Everyone!Back to snow, snow and more snow after a week or so of nearly spring. Luckily I went to Chicago last weekend. It might not have been warm, but all the snow missed them so it was at least a break from that!
Due to the Chicago trip, I didn't have much reading time. We flew in, so it was only a 45 minute flight, and then we hit the ground running and were busy from wake up to sleep time.
So I only have one finish this week, The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. which is my book with two authors. I liked it overall, but i was a little disappointed. I love Stephanson in general, not familiar with his co-author. I'm used to 1000 + page books from him, so under 800 seemed like it should be easy. Something about it just was so hard to get through. It's not like I really hated reading any one part, but I think the diary/forum/messaging type format allowed for too much side information that detracted from moving the plot along. It's not so much info dumping, which I know he's famous for. It felt like a lot of conversations and such were included JUST for showing that the character is unlikeable, or casual, or whatever, and not because the information was vital to the plot. It might have been interesting, but it just made me feel exhausted by the time I finished. (Also counting it for alternate history for ATY, this could also work for book about time travel)
Currently reading: Mary Poppins for my childhood classic I never read, which will also work for Read Harder's childhood classic written before 1990.
this puts me at 22/50 finished
QOTW:
I'll occasionally read an IT book if I look at the description and it seems like something I actually want to read. Otherwise I tend to wait until people I know actually like/recommend them, whose opinions I trust. Even then it doesn't always work out. Everyone I know raves about Beartown, and I ended up DNFing it. ( Although I think some of that is the blurb-writer's fault. I was completely blindsided by the sexual assault, which I was NOT expecting in a small town sports book. I read it at a bad time for me where I'd just read another book that really shook me, and all the me too stories were floating around and I just couldn't' do it)
Hello from a depressingly snowy Columbus. We were getting some lovely weather days and now... snow. Anyone else seeing A Wrinkle in Time this weekend? I think me and my daughter are going tomorrow. Mansfield Park idk if this is going in a category. I accidentally put a hold on this instead of Sense and Sensibility so when it showed up in my overdrive account I just went with it. This wasn’t my favorite Austen. I didn’t find it nearly as captivating but it was over all still lovable.
The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft, Vol 6 is another that isn’t going in any category. I wanted to revisit this collection of Lovecraft (the narrator is perfect). This volume is just At the Mountains of Madness. A good story, I’d still love it Guillermo del Toro’s plan to make it into a movie happened but I think he’s more or less given up on that project.
A Short History of Nearly Everything was a pick for a book I meant to read in 2017. December of 2016, I asked for some audiobook recommendations and a very good friend of mine said this was his favorite book. He ended up dying unexpectedly a few days later, and I didn’t have the heart to visit the book he told me to until just now. I really enjoyed this, I love science when it’s presented in an easy to understand fashion. It kept me interested from start to finish and I learned some new things.
So I’m at 17/40; 0/10 with 34 books read this year.
QOTW: sometimes yes, sometimes no. Lame answer but there it is. I wouldn’t have read books like Commonweath and Fates and Furies if I hadn’t seen them on the best sellers shelves but when everyone was reading Hamilton I had no desire what so ever to read that.
I didn't get to anything I meant to finish this week because I discovered how much I love the Saga series and then The Hate U Give finally came in from the library and I basically dropped everything to read those. lolCompleted
Long Way Down - Read for ATY
Saga, Vol. 2 to Saga, Vol. 4 - Not for any challenge. My holds on the rest need to come in asap. I need the rest of the story!
The Hate U Give - 14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
Could not put this one down!
Regular: 16/42
Advanced: 2/10
Currently Reading:
My Lady Jane (almost finished)
Welcome to Night Vale
Bog Child
QOTW:
Generally, no, but it depends on the book. I won't read something just because everyone is talking about it. If it sounds interesting, I'll probably stick it on my TBR and get to it eventually.
My plan for the whole day just changed when I realized the movie A Wrinkle in Time comes out this weekend. I haven't read the book since I was a young girl. I recognized parts of the book from the preview, but want to reread before I go to the theater. Now I just need to find my copy of the book.This has been another busy reading week for me, but again most of my books were for young people. I hope my reading and sharing is helping those of you with children who like to read recent releases. I read:
Lone Stars by Mike Lupica- this man is well loved for his sports books and this one is no different. If your child likes football they will probably enjoy this book.
The Eternity Elixir- which is the first book in a series about a young potion dram's adventures. It is set in modern times- so it is kind of fun to think that magical powers exist today. It was a well written book.
I Love You, Michael Collins- a girl writes letters to the astronaut Michael Collins before he goes to the moon and waits in the ship for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrich. There is some good historical information in this book about a little known person who did a great thing. Through it all Mamie is having her own crisis. I thought it was a great book. It is kind of a quiet read without a huge twist, but is very well done.
Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson is a well done short book of verse. I liked Brown Girl Dreaming better, but Locomotion is quite good.
The Wizard's Dog- Merlin's dog has great adventures and finds Arthur while trying to rescue Merlin from a kidnapper. I am ready to have scorn poured all over me, but I don't like the Camelot story so I didn't love this book. Kiddos will probably like it though.
A Crack in the Sea- has several story lines (and timelines) that all end up coming together but I've heard some people have a hard time following the story lines. I didn't, and I really enjoyed this book (which is set at sea, btw). I do wonder if it is a children's book written more for adults.
And finally, a book I read for me: The Cuckoo's Calling- I enjoyed this book but would have enjoyed it more had there been less language. I don't swear at all so reading so much of it was a little overwhelming.
QOTW: I read some 'it' books. I just pick up the books that look good to me or have been recommended by a reliable source whether people are buzzing about them or not.
Happy Reading this week!
Margaret wrote: "If a natural history book ever becomes a big news topic in the future, I'm going to make a point of grabbing a copy and reading it right away! ..."Tis a shame you're not in the UK, our national bookselling chain has Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness as book of the month at the moment! I've been waiting for this in paperback since I first heard about it and the bookseller yesterday was pretty interested in reading it too despite it "not being his thing".
Johanna wrote: " I have Seven Days of Us on my TBR list for a book from a celebrity book club. If I could only remember whose.........."
It was included in the Radio 2 book club in the UK:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/artic...
I had a great reading week thanks to the horrible weather.Books finished:
The Alienist by Caleb Carr. I enjoyed this much more than expected. I'd say the historical detail and description of late 19th century NYC allows this book to transcend the crime thriller genre. Also smart characters who do not succumb to stupidity for plot purposes raises this to a higher level.
A Wrinkle in Time. I wish I had read this as a child as I think I would have loved it but as an adult it did little for me. I think this is one of those rare occasions where a film, if done well, can improve upon the book since there is a lot of potential for visual storytelling.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah was wonderful. She does an amazing job of setting the scene of Alaska in the 70s and the story was devastating but in many ways beautiful.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. I've read and enjoyed other Christie books but I now understand why this is the one most people talk about and why this is on the 1001 books everyone should read list. Brilliant.
Currently reading:
The Power by Naomi Alderman, I figured this was a good one to start on International Women's Day.
Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House
I Am America for a little comic relief.
QOTW: I tend to wait until the buzz is very loud and people that I trust are talking about it. Reading The Nightingale a couple of years ago turned me on to the author Kristin Hannah so there are perks to going along with the crowd sometimes, I think.
It will be a lovely rainy day in Oregon today. I have been steadily reading one book a week with many many picture books in between for my Kindergartner who has recently read her first book! It was Happy Pig Day! and you have to say it in a really excited voice. Finished:
On the Road with Francis of Assisi: A Timeless Journey Through Umbria and Tuscany, and Beyond (a book set in a country that fascinates you)- it was good and informative, I wish it had better quality pictures and a timeline
Progress: 10/40 & 0/10
Currently:
Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes (read aloud)- we haven't made much progress as my girls have not been behaving during bedtime so hopefully we can get back to this soon
Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God (Lent reading could count as two author prompt)- not progress here either but it is short so if I have any extra time
The Handmaid's Tale (feminism and March group read)- I am about half way done. I enjoy it but not greatly. I feel left with many more questions than answers.
QotW: It is hard for me to even know what the "it" book is as I just don't pay enough attention. I like to think the Group reads here help me at least become aware.
Taking a quick break from an urgent work project that I'm attempting to make an organized fire drill rather than full-on goat rodeo. I need a bit of a breather!Finished
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - using it for *a book tied to your ancestry*, since Stevenson is probably one of the most famous Scottish authors in history.
DID YOU KNOW JEKYLL RHYMES WITH TREACLE? Evidently this is the correct pronunciation that Scots use - we all say "Jeckull" because that's how Spencer Tracy said it in the movie. Mind. Blown.
(Also it's a good story and a quick read - check it out!)
Currently Reading
Chugging away on Explain Pain - it's really fascinating and talks a lot about how factors other than pure injury or nerve signals create our experience of pain.
Still working through The Lies of Locke Lamora - at around 30% progress, I'm growing tired of them setting up the chess pieces. It also seems pretty obvious who the Mysterious Figure is. I'm so not entranced - just keeping on knowing how many people LOVE it, so it must gain momentum once we embark on the main conflict, right?
QOTW
I don't tend to read trendy books necessarily, but if it's in one of my favorite genres, I'll definitely check it out. For instance huge buzz around Magpie Murders here got my interest and it was great!
Happy Thursday! 19 of 50 down. Insane work week (both last weekend and this current weekend I’ll be going in. Yea, my team as we put in from Feb. 26 through March 16 (19 days in a row) without a break because of the incompetence of others!)Completed:
Educated: A Memoir for a different challenge. That said, this could be a great published this year for someone or recommended by someone here (me!) or mental health. This is the memoir of a young woman who grew up in an extreme home. Her parents were devoutly Mormon and home-schoolers. (For the record, I am incredibly pro-Mormon and pro-home school – this is one of those horrible situations where poor parenting supercedes the wonderful opportunity of home schooling and misunderstandings of teachings leads to a corruption of faith.) In spite of blatant abuse, she is able to escape the system and go to college. Amazing story of personal drive!
The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star is also for a different challenge. Fluff, but it was a fun 1930s period piece that had a dare devil flying circus intertwined in the mystery.
Currently reading:
City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II's Kraków for number 7: a country that fascinates me. I have visiting Poland on my bucket list. Between the pierogi, the strong faith, the ability to peacefully overthrow communistic rule and the years behind the Iron Curtain, I am mesmerized! This is a travel style history, which I adore! World War II Krakow.
The Liars' Club , a memoir for a different challenge, but it probably could have worked for mental health, if I hadn’t read that rotten We Were LiarsWe Were Liars instead.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks as a quick reread. My alma mater is doing a continuing education book club. Fun!
QOTW - IT books
If the “IT” book is a genre I enjoy, I’ll read it. I love suspense and thrillers, so those are generally on my new book reads as are biographies of unique individuals (I loved Educated: A Memoiror The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks(above) but you couldn’t pay me to read What Happened (although some of the spoofs of that look hysterical.
Larissa wrote: "It will be a lovely rainy day in Oregon today. I have been steadily reading one book a week with many many picture books in between for my Kindergartner who has recently read her first book! It was..."Larissa -- that Saint Francis book sounds wonderful!!
This week wasn't so great for my reading. I feel like I'm headed for a reading slump. So much of what I've been reading lately has felt heavy. I'm not used to that. I spent some time searching for an upbeat, page-turner and saw a familiar author on a "Fun Science Fiction Books" list. I'm going to hit pause on everything I'm reading right now and spend the weekend with All Systems Red. I hope that does the trick! Finished
The House of Velvet and Glass (book you meant to read in 2017) - This was a slog. The book was just so boring. I don't know how a book about witches and the Titanic can be boring, but it was. Thanks to a snow day, I can cross off this category.
Reading
The Handmaid's Tale - This one is also hard to read, but for different reasons. I'm about 50% done. The other 50% will have to wait until next week.
QOTW
I have a complicated relationship with "it" books. I used to be a contrarian, but I missed out on some really great books because of that. For example, I didn't read Harry Potter until 2005 and only then because a friend nagged me endlessly about it. Now my copies are so well-loved the spines are falling apart. But I've also gone through spurts where I read "it" books and felt let down by too many of them.
I've learned to trust my own judgement. I try to ignore the buzz around a book entirely now. I still rely on good reviews, but not the all-caps, gif-riddled, exclamation point-abusing ones. If someone is over-the-top raving about a book, I almost certainly will not read it. But a high rating and a lot of praise doesn't scare me off anymore.
Mod
I spent one day in the hospital for a minor procedure this week, and one day recovering, so I got a good amount of reading in on those days, even though it was all light reading. I also finally got my currently reading list down to a reasonable number!
Currently Reading:
Shortcuts to Gourmet Cooking Encore I really need to finish this up. I went to work on it the morning before my procedure, but decided it wasn't a good time to read a cookbook while I wasn't allowed to eat or drink. :-P
Refresh: Embracing a Grace-Paced Life in a World of Endless Demands My current audiobook, recommended by my husband's parents. Only a couple chapters in, but so far it seems really good.
Carpe Diem, Illinois I'm interested to see where this one will go--so far it's intriguing.
Finished Reading:
Not Pregnant: A Companion for the Emotional Journey of Infertility Used this for my book with two authors. It was worth reading, and I probably would have appreciated it even more if I'd read it a few years ago.
Followed by Frost Book with a weather term in the title. I ended up really loving this one, which means I need to read everything by Charlie N. Holmberg now, because I also loved her The Paper Magician series.
Curiouser and Curiouser I mentioned last week that this was darker than I'd anticipated going in, but I ended up appreciating the way the darkness was handled. I wouldn't recommend it to sensitive readers, but I gave it 4 stars.
A Tailor-Made Bride Christian romance isn't my typical genre, but this one was recommended by niece, and the writing was better than average for the genre. It ended up being perfect for my day in the hospital because it was interesting enough to keep me distracted, but not too intense to mind putting it down when a doctor or nurse came in.
The Hawk and the Dove Trilogy Wow, I'd forgotten how intense this got at the end. Used for animal in the title.
Beauty and the Beast I liked how different this take on the story was.
QOTW:
I'm more likely to read a book because of how one person describes it, but I will go take a look at a book if a lot of people mention it, just to see what it's all about. I won't actually read it unless I find it personally appealing in some way though.
For example, a lot of people have been mentioning Educated: A Memoir and I've been partly intrigued and partly concerned that it would make me unhelpfully angry, but Anne's summary a few posts above makes me think I could appreciate this book even as a pro-homeschooler.
I'm more likely to look into a book if a personal friend or two recommend it than if a bunch of strangers do.
Another huge donation coming into our library -- boxes and boxes of books from a book-loving patron who passed away and wanted to have his collection donated to us. Sorting through his books makes me realize that even if I only knew this guy from his trips in to get books and talk airplanes (he loved military planes), I'm going to miss him. :(Books I finished this week:
The Bear and the Nightingale -- for the "book set in a country that fascinates you" prompt (Russia). So many people have raved about how good this one is that I was a tiny bit worried it wouldn't live up to the hype... well, it lived up to the hype. WONDERFUL book, and I hope to pick up the next in the series soon!
The Time Traveler's Wife -- for the "book about time travel" prompt. The story was good, but ultimately I found the two lead characters to be fairly unlikable, and there's some uncomfortable racist imagery in parts of the novel.
Lirael -- not for the challenge. Not quite as good as the first book in the series, Sabriel, but not bad enough to put me off from reading the rest of said series.
Why Are You Doing This? -- graphic novel, not for the challenge. A surprisingly gripping film noir story that would do Hitchcock proud... if Hitchcock made films starring cartoon animals. Better than it sounds.
Currently reading:
The Poisonwood Bible -- for the "book about twins" prompt. Halfway through, and it's actually really thought-provoking and interesting so far.
Steelheart -- for the "book you borrowed or was given to you as a gift" prompt (gift from my sister). I'm slowly chipping away at this one... please tell me it gets better, someone...
Mogworld -- not for the challenge. Who knew Yahtzee Croshaw (the guy who does the "Zero Punctuation" videos online) could write? And WELL, to boot?
QOTW:
I usually steer clear of "IT" books until the popularity has died down somewhat. Partly because the surest way to turn me off of reading something is for everyone and their dog to scream "oh, you HAVE to read this, it's so good!" and partly because all my favorite authors (Catherynne M. Valente, Cherie Priest, Tony James Slater, etc.) are very much NOT mainstream authors.
The one exception to this rule is Andy Weir -- I happened to accidentally pick up and read The Martian just as it was getting popular. Glad I did, though...
Super busy work day but just popping in to say that I finished two books and started another.Finished Surprise Me. Not my favorite. There were twins in the book so that's what I'm going to use it for.
Finished Everything I Never Told You. I wasn't over the moon in love with this book. But it was on my mind days after finishing. Using for different ethnicity as me.
Started (an almost done) with They Both Die at the End. I'm enjoying this as an audiobook.
I have 5 done for the regular challenge, 1 for the advanced, and 4 non challenge books read.
Rachelnyc wrote: "Books finished:The Alienist by Caleb Carr. I enjoyed this much more than expected. I'd say the historical detail and descr..."
I am watching the TV series of this book at the moment, though I am currently two episodes behind due to a con and recovery from said con, and I really love it. The characters are quite complicated and not simply good or bad, and I put the book on my TBR as soon as I finished the first episode back then. I also have the audiobook, just in case, but I am excited to read it, and am glad you enjoyed it! Gives me hope heheh
I'm home with a sick kid today so hoping to get some good reading in.Finished
The Bell Jar (16. A book about mental health) I was surprised at how much I liked this book. I really didn't know what to expect at all, other than that it would probably be super depressing. But I found it to be really engaging, well written, heart-breaking, and at least a little bit hopeful. However, I would absolutely not recommend this book to anyone that is struggling with self harm or suicidal thoughts as I imagine it would be highly triggering.
Strength to Love by Martin Luther King Jr. This is a non-challenge book for me. I've been struggling lately with loving my enemies. I believe Jesus was serious when he gave us that mandate, but oh my goodness it feels impossible sometimes. Like, how can you "love" someone who hates and oppresses people you love. That was my question, and I thought, "If MLK can figure out how to love his oppressor, then I should be able to do it too." So I read Strength to Love, which is a collection of his sermons and essays that he chose to publish in 1963. It is excellent, and did help me in my journey to learn how to love the unlovable.
Currently Reading
Speaking of MLK, I'm still working on At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years 1965-68 (3. Next book in series). I'm going kinda slow because it's a dense, detailed read, but also because I know how this one ends, and I'm not in a hurry to get there. :'(
I'm also planning to read We Should All Be Feminists today (15. A book about feminism).
12/52 completed
QOTW
I don't always read the "it" book, but sometimes my FOMO gets the better of me and I do, but only if it interests me. I also work with teenagers and I'll sometimes read books or book series that are super popular with them so I can see what all the fuss is about.
This week I finished The Ice Princess for nordic noir. I liked it. had a surprising twist at the end. I also read Apple Turnover Murder by Joanna Fluke. it's one of those cozy mysteries. I finished Spycatcher by Matthew Dunn, not very good. And finally, I finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I gave this 4 stars but it took me a while to get I to it but it parts were fascinating and it was all interesting to me. Currently reading Born to Pull about sled dogs for the sports prompt and The Comic Book History of Beer, for the microhistory prompt.
Carmen wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "Books finished:The Alienist by Caleb Carr. I enjoyed this much more than expected. I'd say the historical detail and descr..."
I am watching the TV series of this ..."
I decided to hold off on the series until I finished the book but I watched the first episode the other day. Production values look good and I'm hoping the setting continues to live up to the book's description. I have to say I much prefer book Sara to the show version so far but hopefully that will improve. Glad to hear the show is good and I hope you love the book!
Happy Thursday everyone! After a week of brisk sunny days it's finally back to rain here in Seattle.Finished:
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman for a book with an ugly cover. Beautiful writing. Beautiful, albeit a bit heartbreaking, story. I read this so I could watch the movie first, and was actually pretty disappointed key (for me anyway) ending scenes were left out. Loved the book, liked the movie. Would recommend for a book with a LGBTQ+ protagonist.
Currently Reading:
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay. If the pace keeps up, this will become my new feminist bible. I'll save my full thoughts for next week when I finish!
Still Me by Jojo Moyes. I'll admit I was pretty skeptical about a third book in this series. I didn't even think it needed a second. But I'm loving this so far, and I have no idea where the story is going!
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld. Whenever I get in a reading rut I crave a good mindless romance. Not sure if this will fit in under a prompt, but I'm shamelessly devouring it anyways.
I also still have The Great Alone and Outlander on the back burner. I'll get to them eventually when I'm done with my nasty habit of starting a million books.
Question of the Week:
I've actually been trying to read more "it" books. Maybe not every fad book, but the ones with great reviews. I always put them on my list and get to them years later.
Lindi wrote: "Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman for a book with an ugly cover. Beautiful writing. Beautiful, albeit a bit heartbreaking, story. I read this so I could watch the movie first, and was actually pretty disappointed key (for me anyway) ending scenes were left out. Loved the book, liked the movie. Would recommend for a book with a LGBTQ+ protagonist.."I've got good news for you, I think! They left out those scenes because there is a sequel in the works to explore those properly! It might take forever to get there, as it took a long time for CMBYN to be made, but it's happening. I do hope, secretly, they change the ending to a happy one because they deserve it, but even if they stick to the book, it'll be an emotional movie for sure.
Happy International Women’s Day!I finished three books this week, which didn't fill any open prompts for me so I am still
18/50
The Fifth Season - My first N.K. Jemisin. It was fine. I figured some stuff out fairly early, which always annoys me. I'll probably continue the series, but maybe not.
Underground Airlines - I enjoyed this one. It has some very real things to say.
The Refrigerator Monologues - All those girlfriends of superheroes that die in the first act to motivate him tell their stories. Karis A. Campbell went all out with the audiobook narration.
Currently Reading:
I have a pile of books I am finishing from Black History Month and some I put aside for it, but some overlap nicely into Women's History Month as well.
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors, whom I was very excited to see on the Oscars. She was one of the ten activists on stage during the performance of “Stand Up for Something” from Marshall.
Miss Kopp's Midnight Confessions - The continuing adventures of groundbreaking female deputy Constance Kopp.
QOYW: I never did before, but since I read so much more lately, I will grab one if it strikes my fancy.
Hi all.It's been a very dull week because of the bad weather - haven't been able to risk venturing further than the local supermarket. Fortunately the snow is melting now so things should get back to normal... i.e. me being a hermit without an excuse rather than with one...
Finished 3 books this week:
Dreams from My Father - This was just... really great. Found it fascinating, felt like I learned a lot, definitely plan to read Obama's second memoir, The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream.
Red Clocks - Not a book I can really say I enjoyed, simply because of the very serious subject matter, but I do think it was good, and well-written. Particularly liked the Mender's chapters.
The Invisible Child and The Fir Tree - This was just... cute. Very sweet little children's book. The Moomins series rather passed me by when I was young, but I'm going to seek them out now as an adult.
Red Clocks fulfilled Advanced prompt #9, "a book about a problem facing society today". The Invisible Child and The Fir Tree fulfilled the Read Harder Challenge task #15, "a one-sitting book".
Currently reading The Choice. I am not quite sure what I think of it yet. I'm finding the memoir section gripping but suspect I won't get on with the psychological/self-help parts nearer the end.
QotW: Do you try to read the "It" books that everyone else is talking about?
I don't specifically try to - I won't seek out a book just because it's popular - but I end up doing so a lot of the time anyway because I get a lot of recommendations from Booktube videos, and many Booktubers do talk about the latest hyped books. There has to be something in the plot summary that interests me too, though.
this week I finished hidden figures, for book made into a movie you have already seen. I was surprised by how much it different from the movie, allot of character collapsing and shifting of events went into rewriting this for the screen, but enjoy both in their own right. This book is the type of history I love, with a compelling story which I'm surprised isn't part of common knowledge. currently reading the emerald mile for the microhistory prompt, it's slow going but a rich and interesting history of the Colorado River, it's role in development of the conservation movement, the fight of ideals between engineers and environmentalists, and the fastest boat ride down the river in flood stage. slow going, but I'm so glad to have found this gem of history.
QOTW: I typically don't get into it books, I often run the other way, until someone in my circle convinces me if their merit outside their fandom. I hated water for elephants, and have never been convinced to try Harry Potter beyond the movies, which didn't impress me. I did get pulled into hunger games and twilight saga, and did enjoy those, and I have been enjoying a number of Goodreads choice award winners lately.
Hey guys. I haven't been too active in the check-ins the past couple of weeks. I decided to take a small break from the PopSugar challenge and work my way through a 6 book series that I had been meaning to get to and the final book came out just last month. But I am back and better than ever. I was able to finish 3 PopSugar challenges this last week.Finished:
Immortal Reign - a book published in 2018
I was originally going to wait until the end of the year to fill out this prompt, but when I realized this one was coming out and I wanted to go back through the series, I decided to use it. I was a pretty decent end to a series, but I felt like the ending was just a little too easy, everything was wrapped up a little to quickly and neatly.
One of Us Is Lying - a book with song lyrics in the title
I don't remember where I got the recommendation (either here or on Facebook) but I was glad to use this book for the song lyric prompt. It was a quick easy "thriller/mystery" with definite Breakfast Club vibes. The book is basically, 5 kids go into detention, 1 doesn't make it out alive...who dun it??? I really enjoyed it.
Wonder Woman: Warbringer - a book with alliteration in the title
Ok...I am soooooo not a DC comic fan, I think Superman is pathetic for being taken down by a rock, and I think Batman is just a bored rich boy with daddy issues (which is funny because the same could be said for Marvel's Ironman, and I LOVE him). I had no intention of reading this one at all, but then my family saw the Wonder Woman movie and it wasn't too bad and I decided "what the hell". It was actually a pretty good book. It definitely had its moments of making my laugh and like usual, I liked a couple of the side characters much better than I liked the main characters.
Progress:
7/42 regular challenge
2/10 advanced challenge
Currently Reading:
Batman: Nightwalker - ?????
not sure what I am going to use this one for, I just decided to pick it up since I liked the Wonder Woman book in this series
The Librarian of Auschwitz - a book about or involving a library
In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex - a book set at sea
Stillhouse Lake - a book by a local author
The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt - a book about feminism
All Our Wrong Todays - a book about time travel
QotW:
I will only read an "IT" book if certain people are talking about it and if the synopsis sounds like it is up my alley. For example, I have still not read Gone Girl The Girl on the Train or the Fifty Shades of Grey series. I have picked them up from my local library numerous times and just can't bring myself to read them. I guess I was just raised with the phrase "if everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?"
Last week I finished:Seabiscuit: An American Legend for a book about sport. I really enjoyed it, and learned a ton about the history of horse racing.
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts this would work for a book about a library, but I've already read two for that category this year! (seems to be my theme). I found it fascinating. Part history of Timbuktu, part history of ancient manuscripts, part documentary of how Islamic extremists invaded Timbuktu and part the great heist to protect the manuscripts. A quick read that is informative!
Currently reading: Eating Pomegranates: A Memoir of Mothers, Daughters, and the BRCA Gene
The Spymistress
My Life on the Road (on audio)
QOTW: I don't usually read the latest talked-about books unless recommended by someone I highly trust. I like my books to stand the test of at least a year or two and have some recommendations from friends behind them before I pursue them. My TBR list is too long to add all the latest hits.
Hello from Montréal under the snow.I am always amazed as how many books you guys finished in a week. I have usually only one or maybe two if I put my hand on a comic book or a graphic novel.
So, last week I read In Cold Blood for the true crime prompt. It was pretty good and I really liked it. The way it was written, I forgot at times that it was based on real events. I will have to watch again the movie Capote now.
I am now starting Timeline for the time travel prompt. I read Jurassic Park many years ago and loved it so I am anxious to start that one.
QOTW: I don't read the IT book mainly because I don't buy books a lot. I go to the library and by the time it's available (or translated), it's not the IT book anymore.
Thursday already! It's been a pretty good reading week for me, and I'm now 21/50 in the challenge:This week I finally finished Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea by Charles Seife, which I read as my microhistory - it was interesting, but I read it in spurts so it felt like it took a long time.
Heist Society by Ally Carter - this was my book about a heist, a fun and fast read
Good Behavior by Blake Crouch - I've been wanting to read this short story collection because I love the TV show so much - I just got caught up on the show so I took time out to read the stories. I loved this volume, would love to read more about Letty, especially if the show is cancelled. I wasn't able to fit this into a prompt, though it would fit the heist prompt if I hadn't just read another book for that.
Up next:
Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol by Ann Dowsett Johnston - I'm using this for the mental health prompt
QOTW: I'm usually knee deep in a stack of TBR, so usually even if I grab an IT book right away, it doesn't get read right away. I have nothing against them if they catch my attention, though I'm more likely to pay attention if it's a book that my friends or Goodreaders have gone crazy over than just the general public/critics. Critics and I don't always have the same taste.
I have made about zero progress this week. I spent my weekend in California which was lovely and somehow warmer than Las Vegas. I wish I was still there.11/52
I didn't finish anything this week.
Boooo!!!
Currently Reading
Reading to my daughter
For Bookclub
Rereading before checking out the movie
Audiobook during workouts
QotW
Do I generally read the "IT" books?
As a whole I have generally avoided super buzzy books. I recently joined the BOTM club which opens me up to those types of books a little more. I don't really have any rhyme or reason to the way I choose books. I have in the past ACTIVELY avoided super popular books but now I'm just reading what interests me despite where or how I came across it.
Tania wrote: "Thursday already! It's been a pretty good reading week for me, and I'm now 21/50 in the challenge:This week I finally finished Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea by Charles Sei..."
Because of you I now really know what heist means. Since I saw that prompt, I thought it meant heir. No wonder I was confused when people chose Artemis for that prompt.
Thanks.
This is my first post, as I've only joined the group two weeks ago. I've finished 3. The next book in a series you started: A Symphony of Echoes: Chronicles of St. Mary's. The books are a fun read. They could be better written, but I've enjoyed the first two in the series.
I'm currently reading Americanah. This is just a great book about the struggles of immigration, of being a minority. I've also found my "book mentioned in another book": Brideshead Revisted.
QOTW: I read books my friends and husband recommend, not necessarily the "it" book. To be fair, I don't tend to know what the "it" book is until somebody tells me.
Tara wrote: "I'm home with a sick kid today so hoping to get some good reading in.Finished
The Bell Jar (16. A book about mental health) I was surprised at how much I liked this book. I really did..."
Tara, in response to your MLK book- let me recommend The Book of Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu. It is life altering.
Hi everyone!Finished:
"A book made into a movie you've already seen": The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Loved the movie and love the book too. They actually go well together, the movie did a good job of telling a story that was much more a sort of introspection in the book.
"A book about a villain or antihero": Preacher, Volume 1: Gone to Texas. If you're not put off by violence and crude language, this comic is amazing! Different from anything I know.
"A book set at sea": The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. Captivating thriller even if I was waiting for a stronger twist.
"A book about mental health": La Différence invisible by Julie Dachez. This is a French comic (not translated unfortunately) about a girl who's felt different her whole life and how she learned she was Asperger. It really struck a cord with me.
Currently reading:
"A book with characters who are twins": Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Rebellion, Vol. 1 Eeeep, I managed to put some Star Wars in this list, yipee! The first collected issues don't actually involve Leia & Luke but all the issues from the 2013 SW story do.
QOTW:
I don't have anything for or against the "IT" books and I don't really get how there is a stand to take. Sometimes you may just want to get in on the conversation and it's a good reason as any to read a book. Otherwise, just see if it appeals to you or not? Most-talked books are super various in genre, everyone can be at least intrigued by some of these books, it seems to be shame to pass on a book you might love only because it's a "IT" book, even if the hype might be disappointing. Obviously I mean that if you're following new releases etc. it's a complete valid option not to do it. I actually learn about the latest (...and older) "IT" books around here and so far it made for great reading experiences! It does put even more weight on the TBR but isn't that the fate of readers, sigh...
Anne wrote: Tara, in response to your MLK book- let me recommend The Book of Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu. It is life altering. Thank you Anne. I will definitely read that.
Juliet wrote: "A book about a villain or antihero": Preacher, Volume 1: Gone to Texas. If you're not put off by violence and crude language, this comic is amazing! Different from anything I know."Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I am in love with the TV show and I wanted to read the comics, but forgot to add them to my TBR on here!
This past week was our 24th anniversary and my husband surprised me with a weekend cruise to the Bahamas. The bigger surprise was that he took the time to try to find 3 local bookstores and hired a car to take us to them. The stores turned out to be more for text books with an aisle or two of current novels. (There are no real bookstores in Nassau.) Because the island has to have everything shipped in, the prices for novels were about $15 more than the cover prices. Even I didn't want a book that bad. I do try to find a novel by a local author when I travel so I chose one from the middle school required reading (Beyond the Tall Grass - Author's Notes - DVD (text only): Author's Notes). Although I wasn't able to purchase many books, the day was a great adventure. I haven't finished any books this week but I started The Crow Girl. It was a rough start because there seemed to be a lot going on with a lot of different people but I'm about a quarter of the way in now and I'm liking it so far. I will be reading it for Nordic Noir but I have a question for everyone. Apparently this was a trilogy in Sweden but the english version combined all 3 into 1 book. At 784 pages, I'm thinking of counting it as 3 books. So far I only fit it into nordic Noir but when I start the second and third sections I was going to see if those sections/books could fill other prompts. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I am still at: 8/18 GR - 8/50 PS
QOTW
I tend to shy away from the book of the moment. I would much rather choose a book from an indie list that no one has heard of. Case in point - my nordic noir choice. So many people were reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or something by jo nesbo so I tried to find something different. I don't really know why I do this because I have nothing against those books or the people that read them. Sometimes I end up reading them years later when the hype is gone.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Mr. Mercedes (other topics)Our Man in Havana (other topics)
The Mirage (other topics)
The Lost World (other topics)
Vergessene Welt (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Virginia Woolf (other topics)Daniel Silva (other topics)
Attica Locke (other topics)
Mary Higgins Clark (other topics)
Tayari Jones (other topics)
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***March discussion is up if you would like to participate in the group read of The Handmaid's Tale: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Nominations for quarter 3 group reads will close soon so if you want to add your nomination do so very soon! https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
Books finished:
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood- This was one of the few celebrity memoirs I actually enjoyed. The audiobook is especially good!
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - continuing my reread of the HP series for bedtime listening. After many rereads of the series this one has become my favorite...I think ;)
Currently reading:
A Little Life - I’m about 200 pages away from finishing. I’m really loving this book. It’s deep, emotional, painful and hopeful, but it has simply taken me a long time to get through it. I needed a nice, long quiet weekend to dig in, and I never really got it.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky - only just starting this book on audio.
Question of the week:
Do you try to read the "It" books that everyone else is talking about?
In general I do not. I don’t care at all about the latest and greatest bestseller simply because it is being talked about everywhere. I do start to pay attention when my inner circle of reading friends starts to rave about a new book. Their reading taste holds far more weight with me than the general public :)