Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

WVrambler wrote: "I managed to finish one book this week, the audiobook version of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, but it was a door stopper at over 32 hours! I read it fo..."

I really wish I could do audiobooks - it is a running joke in our family because when the kids were young we always listened to books on trips and I always fell asleep or just got distracted and NEVER kept up with the plot- used to drive the kids nuts!

I have tried doing it while cleaning, doing a puzzle etc etc but I just cannot stay focused. It's annoying, since it would help me get more books read.

@ Sarah - I don't remember him cheating! - I'm also no expert so I reached out to my daughter who IS haha and she says Hermione helps him with his homework sometimes, and in book 6 he ends up w Snape's old book of potions (but that wasn't Harry's fault! It was the old book that no o e else wanted!) which had handy shortcuts in it.

Welcome back, Juanita!!!!!!!! :-)

Errlee wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Johanne wrote: " ... @snow. I am wondering, all these snow days. What does it take for the schools to close?..."

When I was at school in the Scottish Borders, they had a two tier sys..."

Same here in Montréal. Often we hear that the school is closed, but only for the regular classes, the daycare is open. Weird! Too dangerous for the teachers to come but not enough for the children who spend their days in daycare? At the same school?

And welcome Juanita.

Juanita wrote: "Happy to be back here with you lovelies! Happy reading! Not sure what I'll read next but that's half the fun, right?"

Juanita! My book twin! So happy to see you back discussing our favorite pastime :) Much love to you and the family!

Nadine wrote: "@ Sarah - I don't remember him cheating! - I'm also no expert so I reached out to my daughter who IS haha and she says Hermione helps him with his homework sometimes, and in book 6 he ends up w Snape's old book of potions (but that wasn't Harry's fault! It was the old book that no o e else wanted!) which had handy shortcuts in it.."

As a big Potterhead myself I would agree with this. Hermione does provide a "homework corrections" service to the boys which you could argue doesn't teach them the hard lessons of improving your own performance, BUT it isn't quite the same as flat out cheating. They generally do their assignments. She just corrects
them before they are handed in. And the potions book - he gets the old textbook with revisions to the instructions written into the margins. He starts following those revisions and ends up becoming the #1 student (with Hermione fuming in the background). Again, not cheating exactly. Just improving on the textbook.

Nerding out session done :)

In Divination he and Ron just make a bunch of stuff up instead of actually looking up all the star charts and doing dream diaries and stuff. But I would say that's less "cheating" and more "phoning it in". Which I'm sure we've all done, especially in classes we think are pointless and don't affect our plans.

Errlee,

Good luck starting it up, if you go that route! It'd be especially nice in a bar with a separate room liek you mentioned. It WAS a bit noisy just out in the main tap room.

I love sci-fi and fantasy, so Into The Drowning deep is right up my alley. Pretty dark, but I'm ok with that :)

I finished 4 books last week.
Scrawl for a debut novel. It was really interesting even though there was one detail they didn't reveal that I was hoping.
Before the Larkspur Blooms for a book with a plant in the title or on the cover. It was a nice change of pace from the dark mysteries I read at the end of 2018, so I'm glad I found it on my Kindle app.
Mind Your Manors for a book with an amateur detective. It was a fun light-hearted mystery that I was able to read in a day.
Queen of Klutz - for a book with an article of clothing on the cover. It was also a fun light-hearted read. I finished it in just over a day during spare time at school.

I've finished 5/40 for the challenge already. Off to a great start, which is going to be important since my husband and I are in the process of buying a house and we'll have a baby in September. Lots of changes coming around here!

Next up: possibly Sweet Tea Tuesdays for salty, bitter, sweet or spicy in the title, or GAME: an American Novel for the book about a puzzle or game. That is unless I find something else that appeals to me in the school library.

QOTW: I don't know any authors.

Juanita wrote: "Hello friends! It's been a long time. I didn't do much reading last year but I'm hoping to get back in the swing this year. Whether or not I finish the challenge, I want to get back to enjoying rea..."

Welcome back!!

Sara wrote: "Nadine wrote: "@ Sarah - I don't remember him cheating! - I'm also no expert so I reached out to my daughter who IS haha and she says Hermione helps him with his homework sometimes, and in book 6 h..."

Yeah, its Hermione's anger that i remember from when he had Snape's book. I would've been the same!

This is my first time fully participating in this group, so I'm excited! So far just reading the discussions has motivated me to read more than I did last year.

Challenge Progress
1/40

Finished
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
(#2 - A book that makes you nostalgic)
I really loved this book as a kid. It was one of the few books that I read over and over again, but I haven't read it in more than 20 years. To read it again was so much FUN! The stories were just as funny and enjoyable as they were when I was a kid.

Currently Reading
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (#39 - A book revolving around a puzzle or game)
The Knife of Never Letting Go (#1 - A book becoming a movie in 2019)

QOTW
I do know an author. Her name is Jessica Ruddick. I'm a high school English teacher and we worked together before she quit teaching to write full time. I'll be honest and say that I've never read any of her books, but that's because they're Romance novels and that's just not my interest. I know that she's won awards and people I know who do like that genre have given her high praise, so if you're into Romance novels then definitely check her out.

Melanie wrote: "I finished 4 books last week.
Scrawl for a debut novel. It was really interesting even though there was one detail they didn't reveal that I was hoping.
[book:Before the Larkspur Blo..."

Oohh baby! Congrats :D (is that what you say? I honestly don't have any experience here xD)

Errlee wrote: "Trish wrote: "Errlee wrote: "I'm the same - I've had My Brilliant Friend out from the library a gazillion times, and even had a borrowed copy on my bookshelf for about a year and ye..."

There is just something about these books. My Brilliant Friend sat on my kindle for years, and I even started it a couple of time before I read it. Loved it. But then I bought the next one and again, delayed reading it, but finally did and loved it. This repeated 2 more times. Took me years to finish. But the final ending is a whopper.... i recommend you keep reading!

Hi all!! I'm a little behind in my check-in... I spend the day up in the mountains skiing all day and then work got in the way today.

I felt a bit distracted so I don't know that I got as much accomplished reading wise as I was hoping to this week....

Finished:
The Corpse Exhibition and Other Stories of IraqHassan Blasim - I read this for a culture challenge around Iraq for another group. It is a bunch of short stories written by the author. All are from the standpoint of a man in various positions either in Iraq or after fleeing to Finland. The author himself followed the same path so I feel like this book would be a good candidate for the 'own voices' prompt. It would also fit the written by someone from asia prompt.

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve - This was a super fun book!! My husband read it right after me and enjoyed it so much he immediately wanted to start the 2nd. We were motivated to read it thanks to all of the movie trailers for it at the end of last year. I'm always one to read the book either before or in place of watching the movie. It will fit the different POV prompt.

Currently Reading:

Still listening to the audio version of Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari. I've got just over 6 hours remaining and since I have to go into work everyday next week, I should finish it on Wed on my commute home.

Then I'll be able to get back to Becoming by Michelle Obama which I have been enjoying thus far and can't wait to get back to listening to it. The audio version is definitely where it's at!!Kristin Hannah

My right before bed, on the Kindle book that I'm reading is The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. It has been incredibly interesting and I'm about 30% into it.

The print book I'm reading is The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. I'm engrossed by it and I'm betting I'll finish it either tonight or tomorrow morning. I'm also ready Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, see below as to why...

QofW
I personally know two authors...
H.E. Goodhue and I lived on the same street early in our childhood. I remember running havoc around the neighborhood with him and all of our friends. I haven't been in touch with him in many years but am still in contact with his mom.

Steph Jagger who wrote Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery is probably one of the coolest people I know. I met her at an REI women's adventure about 18 months ago and she has been integral in my discovery of myself and my growth. I love her to death and can't wait to read the book that she currently has cooking. I'm in a group coaching that is book based with her and a bunch of other amazing women. Year of Yes is our Jan/Feb book that we are using for journaling prompts and triggering deep conversations.

I’m at 2/50 this week. Finished Unsheltered for book with a plant on the cover. I enjoyed it, although it isn’t my favorite Barbara Kingsolver.
I just started the The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle to join my first group read!
QOTW: I don’t really know any authors personally, although several friends have family members who are published novelists.

Charlotte wrote: "Hi all!! I'm a little behind in my check-in... I spend the day up in the mountains skiing all day and then work got in the way today.

I felt a bit distracted so I don't know that I got as much acc..."

I keep seeing Mortal Engines popping up on the boards - maybe because of the movie. I have a copy on my bookshelf but have never read it - maybe I'll give it a go.

I really enjoyed The Great Alone - especially the setting and decade (I read it last year for the prompt of a book set in the decade you were born). But a bunch of my book club members hated it, so I'm interested to see what you think.

Hi!
I have currently finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, most likely for the prompt of two female authors and American Gods by Neil Gaiman for the prompt of myths and legends. I really enjoyed both, and the Guernsey book was SO much better than the movie, but they always are.

I am currently reading The Light Between Oceans for the book about a family prompt. Not too far into it because there was a lot going on later this week when I started it, so we'll see.


I do know an author personally- the niece of a friend just published the book You May Never Be French about a little boy that wants to be French. She wrote it about her son, who loves France and can tell you almost anything about it. It is a kid's book, but she just released it last month and is doing local signings.

I've had a really good reading week this week, and I've been surprised at how many books I've read as it has been my first week back at school. My reading will probably start slowing down now though, as I'll have to write lesson plans and do marking.

Books read:

The Rosie Project for PS1, a book becoming a movie in 2019. I loved this book for the first 3/4, but then I felt one of the story lines became very predictable.

Billy Elliott for PS8, a book about a hobby. This book is based on the film that came out in about 2000. It has also been turned into a musical. I enjoyed it, but I thought it was a bit lacking in depth.

Everything I Never Told You for ATY 24, inspired by the wedding theme "Something New". I used this book as at the time I planned my list for ATY it was the last book I had bought. I liked it, but not as much as the author's other book Little Fires Everywhere which I read for ATY 21, a book from one of the polarising or close call votes (Cultural Appreciation Month). I've already recommended this book to 3 friends since I finished it a few days ago.

Before The Fall for ATY8, two books related to the same theme or topic (love triangles during the wars). I don't want to say too much about this book, except the ending took me completely by surprise! It wasn't a romance (really not my genre!) and it was quite gritty and a realistic look at life in the UK during WW1. Would definitely recommend this one.

Everything, Everything for RW 24, a YA book by a woman of colour. I really wanted to love this, and based on the description it sounded like the kind of book I would have loved, but for some reason I didn't. I think my expectations were just too high for this one, and so I was disappointed.

The God of Small Things for RW15, written by a South Asian author. This book didn't really stay with me. It was alright, but not more than that.

Currently Reading:

Still plugging away at Alexander Hamilton. It's going quite slowly, so I think I need to set myself a target of reading a chapter each day.

The Goldfinch and The Lady of the Rivers have had to take a back seat for the moment because of library holds coming in. I also like reading in bed before I go to sleep, and that's quite hard with such doorstopper books. I will have some time this weekend to get at least a good chunk of one of them read though.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle for PS39, about a puzzle or game. My library hold came in a couple of days ago. I'm about half way through and I really love it so far. It's probably not a book I would have picked up if it wasn't the group read, so thank you to whoever it was that nominated it!

QOTW - I don't know any authors.

I'm currently 1/50 for the Popsugar challenge.

I finished The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. It was an amazing debut! I used it for a book revolving around a puzzle or game.

I am currently reading The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I'm using it for a book set in an abbey, cloister, monastery, vicarage, or convent. I'm also listening to the audio version of The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton for the own voices book.

QOTW: I went to school with Erik Scott de Bie.

Happy week #2!
Current standing: 5/53
Regular prompts: 5/43
Advanced prompts: 0/10

This week, I completed:
In Parables: The Challenge of the Historical Jesus (prompt 10-book with pop, sugar, or challenge in the title)-UGH. Do not recommend. Dry, boring, and quite frankly, I am not a fan of how the author talks down to the reader. I'm not an idiot.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (prompt 39-book revolving around a puzzle or game) Excellent read. Kept my attention. I really enjoyed this.

Silence (prompt 32-Author from Asia, Africa, or South America)-Good book, especially for Christians. Made me really think about my own faith, and my potential judgment of the faith of others.

One of Us Is Lying (prompt 25-a debut novel)-Really enjoyed this. An easy read for me, but one that kept me entertained and engrossed.

The War of the Prophets-this was just for fun. Not using this for a prompt, but I am using the final book in this trilogy for prompt 20-a book set in space.

I also DNF'd The Child Finder-just freaking no.


I am currently reading several books, including:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire for prompt 9, A book you meant to read in 2018. I've read it several times, but I'm a big re-reader.

The Pillars of the Earth for prompt 50, book set in an abbey, cloister, monastery, vicarage, or convent,

Inferno for prompt 20, a book set in space.

I am planning to start either The World According to Garp for prompt 11, a book with an item of clothing or accessory on the cover (even though my library doesn't carry that particular copy, I'm cutting myself some slack and still counting it towards the challenge), or The Woman in Cabin 10 for prompt 23, a book set in Scandinavia.

I am also planning on jumping into The Butlerian Jihad as a prompt free read, just for fun.

QotW:
I actually do know an author personally. Springtime in Savannah by Gail Ann Warner. Mrs. Warner lives in the same area as I do, and we have frequented the same church functions for years. We both attend churches of the same denomination, so our paths cross frequently. Her husband is a retired pastor, and I've heard the Warners preach and sing several times. I haven't read her book, however, as it isn't really my kind of book.

I just finished Sea Foam and Silence, it was my first Kindle read, I felt like it helped me finish this book a lot faster. This book fits the Own Voices and also a Retelling of a Fairytale prompts, I still haven't decided which one would I count it for.
Also read a few more pages of The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared which fits the Book Set in Scandinavia prompt.

& Trying to read Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal as a Reread of a Favorite Book (only this time in Spanish whereas the first time I read in Hebrew.)

I am on vacation this week, which seems like it should have more reading time, but really has been more about sightseeing with my family. Definitely not a bad thing! I finished one book in this second week of the year and am working on some more.

Finished: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier which I am using for my book by an author with the same first and last initial. I considered using it as a ghost story, but there really is no ghost. Anyway, I really enjoyed it!

Currently reading: War and Peace, Crazy Rich Asians, Middlemarch

QOTW: The boy I sat next to in high school english for four years turned out to be a novelist. I don't really know him now, but I see him on facebook from time to time through mutual friends. I remember him as a nice guy and I think it's awesome that he got reviewed in Entertainment Weekly. His book is Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist.

Katee wrote: "This week I finished The Queen of the Night. This was for a buddy read on Instagram and it's been sitting on my bookshelves unread for almost 2 years. I really enjoyed the story alt..."

I feel ya on this. I work in criminal justice advocacy and have to read these heartbreaking and infuriating stories on a daily basis. It's not easy. :(

2/150 | 2/50

This week I read 2 books, those being Divergent and Insurgent.

Divergent (a book with at least 1 million ratings on Goodreads) - Because I'm like this, I accidentally put this book in the last week's check-in. So, I'll just copy/paste what I wrote as my thoughts on that because I can't be bothered to write any much more than I need to.
I thought I was either going to hate or love this one, but I 3-starred it. But honestly, the only good thing about this book is that it was interesting—I was hooked from the start. I didn't care for anyone, the only time I could relate with the MC is when she said she felt dead. I feel like I'm the only one who finds the romance insta-lovish?? And the worldbuilding...yeah, no.

Insurgent (a book with a plant in the title or the cover) - Another 3-star. Again, it was interesting—with the exception of the first 100 pages—but everything else, I didn't like. I just didn't care for the romance, they would make out with eachother in situations that really didn't need that, or argue endlessly. The MC made so many stupid decisions too, it was like she was trying to kill herself. Overall, this was "meh" but it was still a page turner so I'm not even sure anymore

Currently Reading: Allegiant (a book told from multiple POVs) - Somehow, the writing managed to get worse in this one. I've already accidentally spoiled myself (since Insurgent) but I'm finishing this because I don't DNF books. Anyway, I love how it's bizarre that there's a whole world outside their city, and yes I'm being sarcastic!1!1! The multi POVs are unnecessary, I keep forgetting who's talking because they're that similar. I'm only 18% in, and this is laughably horrible so that says something.

QOTW
I don't know any authors personally.

Back to normal this week after all the holiday craziness, so I don't have as much time to read :(

Finished:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - I read this for the "Read a book with an item of clothing/accessory on the cover." Absolutely loved it!! The plot is so interesting and I def did not see the little twist at the end coming!

Currently Reading
The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches - I decided on this one for the "Read a book with an amateur detective." I love the Flavia de Luce books, so I'm super excited to dive into this one!

Challenge Progress
1/40

QOTW Nope!!

Hi all.. back to work this week - really does get in the way!!!

...Books finished this week
The Knife of Never Letting Go - it was fantastic and I used it as a prompt for a book becoming a movie.
Mary Poppins - always a classic :) and I used this for a title with Pop, Sugar or Challenge in it.

I am currently reading
The Broken Girls
Bitin' Back

4/40

Weekly Question
I do know a Childrens author - Wenda Shurety

Errlee wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "Hi all!! I'm a little behind in my check-in... I spend the day up in the mountains skiing all day and then work got in the way today.

I felt a bit distracted so I don't know that..."

Definitely give Mortal Engines a go!! It's so much fun! Husband and I will probably purchase the 2nd tonight for him to start reading.

I'm LOVING The Great Alone so far! I'll probably use it for the Family prompt. It's even more fun because I can relate to it. The city that Leni and her parents live before moving to Alaska is Shohomish, WA which happens to be about 10 miles away from where I live now.

So this week I haven't finished anything still. It has been a very long week of teaching and trying to get all the grading done as Fri. 1/18 the term ends and been dealing with my anxiety being very high most of the week due to the end of the term and feeling like I'm drowning in all the work that I have. I am hoping this weekend to get some grading done but more importantly for this to get at least 1 book finished.

For the question asked, I know a few authors.

Books finished:

Atlas Shrugged for the prompt “A book I meant to read in 2018”

A Study in Charlotte for “a Book set on a Campus”

I still have to decide on my next book.. but for the February prompt “a Book with the word ‘Love’ in it” I think I’m going to re-read To Sir, With Love.

And as for the question of the week, no, I don’t know any author personally. But I guess I’d love to know one. :D

Ellie wrote: "Johanne wrote: "... and trains stopped by ponies? ..."

I live on the edge of the New Forest which has "wild" ponies (technically they are all owned but they are left to live as if wild). Sometimes..."

Sheep on the track was always an issue up on the moors. Usually just a delay though while they got shifted.

I just finished book 3 of the reading challenge. I'm jumping around on this list, so here are my books to date:
1. A book w/ no chapters, unusual chapter headings, or unconventionally numbered chapters: Snuff- Terry Pratchett. It was the 8th and final book of The City Watch story arc. I will miss Commander Vimes and the rest of the Night Watch.
2. A book inspired by mythology, legend, or folklore: Circe-Madeline Miller- very good. I remember encountering Circe while reading the Odyssey in 9th grade. I always wondered how Circe ended up on Aiaia and why she would turn men into pigs. I also learned that the gods are petty and a bunch of jerks, to put it nicely.
3. A book by an author whose first and last name begin with the same letter: Throne of Jade- Naomi Novik- pretty good. Laurence and Temeraire go to China in an attempt to keep from being separated and to help smooth things between Britain and China. I like that Laurence is able to acknowledge how dragons in China are treated as compared to how they are treated in England and France. Hopefully he helps everybody realize dragons are pretty awesome and not that (much) scary. I love how much Temeraire likes to learn and read. He is very much a bookwyrm.

Now, onward to book 4: a reread of a favorite book.

Errlee wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Johanne wrote: " ... @snow. I am wondering, all these snow days. What does it take for the schools to close?..."

When I was at school in the Scottish Borders, they had a two tier sys..."

Here the school only closes if a cyclone is coming (usually once every couple of years one is bad enough to close us) because we are a cyclone shelter and have to set up and buses driving in a cyclone is bad.
In WA they used to close the school if it got over 39C and the aircon wasn't working. Here it's tough luck suck it up but they will close if the water is out for over 4 hours or power for more than 6 (not much use as school is almost done by then).

Jen wrote: "Evening all.
It has been a crazy week as usual here with a couple of idiots trying to break in to my house on 2 occasions this week. Lucky they didn't have much backbone and when the crazy old lady..."

O.M.G. I can't believe you went through something like that!

Kenya wrote: "Happy Thursday, all!

Saw "Bohemian Rhapsody" this past weekend. Good movie. Now makes me want to binge-listen to Queen and/or find a memoir on Freddie Mercury to read...

Finished four books this ..."

OMG Kenya! So glad you discovered Anonymous Rex! Loved that series, appealed to my sense for the quirky, and was really sorry it did not continue beyond one or 2 more. I treasure my autographed first editions. In fact, in keeping with the QOTW, I actually met and even socialized with Garcia back when Anonymous Rex / Casual Rex first were published. He was a really odd guy.

I can't believe I forgot to mention some of my fellow college alumnae who are published authors - the ones I have spent time working and socializing with. A couple you might even have read:
Anna Quindlen
Tama Janowitz
Erica Jong
Martha Stewart

A poet Faith Paulsen

And now retired professors:
Richard Pious - expert on the American Presidency
Edward Said
Elaine Pagels

Also Cara Black - who writes the Aimee LeDuc detective novels set in Paris during the 1990s. I amd her Official Stand-in Stalker.

These with the ones I listed in my original entry are those authors that are more than mere acquaintances. Given my college background coupled with being an active alumnae and class officer,and my location and work in NYC as a real estate lawyer, I have been blessed to call many friends. What is funny: we talk about everything except their writing and current projects.

Kelly wrote: " 's very bad, it's gotten to the point where my household is on a first-name basis with "George". "What are you doing on your phone, honey?" "Oh, just checking on George." ..."

And here I thought my daily checking of his blog and website was bad!

I am toying with re-reading just A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons again this year in anticipation of TWOW being released [hope truly does spring eternal], and because I have only read each of those once. Only I would alternate chapters to read them in order. I bookmarked a guide published by one of his fan groups that serves as a guide.

Hello all!!
Pop Sugar Challenge: 1/40

Books Finished:
I finished two books but none of them were for Pop Sugar Challenge.
Is He Living or Is He Dead? by Mark Twain
(Finished on 6th of January)
A witty short story by Mark Twain. A very good satire about the society’s fake values. It funny and sad both how it also relates to today’s society. I listened to the short story in a podcast.

These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer
(Finished on 6tht of January)
3,5 stars rounded to 4 stars. I really liked G. Heyer's writing style and sense of humor. The characters, especially side characters, were a delight to read about. The weakest link seemed to be the romance aspect of it, I was not put off by the age or status difference but I did not feel connected to their relationship.

Currently Reading

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Challenge #2 A book that makes you nostalgic

I had read this in picture book when I was very little in elementary school, therefore this book makes me nostalgic. I am continuing with this tome and reading two chapters for a day. This way suited me a lot and I am really enjoying the story and the writing style. Translation is also very good.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Challenge #3 A book you think should be turned into a movie

I finished ¾ of the book and I think it has a wonderful writing style. The characters are described very well and the fairy tale atmosphere is felt throughout the book. It would be really good movie.
The plot is interesting but it contains my least favorite fantasy element, therefore it did not impress me as much as writing and descriptions but it is still good. I think it will be a four star book.

Question of the Week
As for the question of the week, I personally know some authors from my hometown but none of them are mainstream authors in Turkey.

Hello all hope your year is starting off to a great start.

Finished Books

#1) Snuff I read this one for "A book that takes place in a single day" This is 100% an adult read, it's by Chuck Palahniuk the same author who gave us the great Fight Club. I really enjoyed the read. I chose to do audiobook with this one.

#2) Once Upon a Dream this was for the "Retelling of a Classic" prompt. This is book two in a series that takes the classic Disney stories and changes them up. Book 1 in the series was "What if Aladdin never got the lamp?", this one was "What if the Sleeping Beauty never woke up?" I have really enjoyed the series so far and definitely plan to read more.

Currently Reading:

Right now I'm switching back and forth between two books:

#1) The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, I'm reading this for "Revolving around a puzzle or game" as well as for the monthly read. I'm about halfway through and it has me riveted, my second currently reading has been put on hold till i finish this on now.

#2) Micro This one is for "Published posthumously". I chose this one in particular because Michael Crichton is hands down my favorite author. I've read a good chunk of his bibliography already. I knew he had four books published posthumously but I couldn't remember which ones, and when I looked at the list I had already read and completed the other three :D, so this one is the book that won out this round.

Weekly Question:

Do any of you know an author personally?

I do not unfortunately, I really wish I could have met Michael Crichton before he passed away.

I’ve finished 2/40 and am currently on number 3.

I’ve read One hundred years of dirt by Rick Morton which I loved.

I’ve also read Sometimes I lie by Alice Feeney which I thought was amazing!!!

@Theresa, would you be willing to share that guide? Sounds like something I would love!

-

Also, Mary Poppins for ‘pop’ in the title! Thank you wonderful person who posted that! *writes it down*

Hey! I just decided to start this reading challenge this year! I have finished one book so far this year, Music, Love, Madness. I have to read the challenge prompts to figure out where it fits yet. :)
I do know one author personally. His name is Anthony G. Wedgeworth. He writes fantasy books and I am one of his beta readers. He actually gave me a wedding present where he redid the cover of one of his books to be a picture of me and my husband! It was awesome!

@Tracy, there is a prompt for 'read a book with love in the title' :)

Finished this week
I finished The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and Slaves this week. Not sure though if this last one fits an Popsugar or ATY prompt. It were my third and fourth book of 2019.

Currently reading
I'm currently reading Cress, The Book Thief, I'm Traveling Alone. Hope to finish them soon :)

QOTW
Nope.

Hello everyone!

I finished two books this week, which takes me to 2/50 for Popsugar and 2/70 for my Goodreads Challenge:

Butterface which I read for the prompt a book that includes a wedding. It was a shallow romance and unfortinately I didn‘t really like it.

Morgen früh, wenn du willst which I read for a book you meant to read in 2018. I really enjoyed this thriller - much more than I expected at first.

I‘m currently reading Verity and loving it!

QOTW:
I don‘t know any authors personally.

Well, life is finally settling down a tiny bit since the move and more reading time is opening up as a result. I’m filling out paperwork like it’s my new job though - got the oldest registered to go to kindergarten and am in the process of getting the paperwork to prove their citizenship. My husband was also accepted into a university program that starts spring semester. Lots of change!

I can’t recall if I mentioned Howl's Moving Castle at the last check in but man, I can’t believe I hadn’t read this already. I thought it was fun and quite funny. I used this as a childhood classic I hadn’t read before.

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women - while I didn’t love the writing or the narrator of the audiobook, the story of the Radium Girls and their fight for justice was just so compelling in its details that I really enjoyed this. I feel it’s a strong argument against capitalism, though the author doesn’t really make that leap. This was inspired by my read of The Only Harmless Great Thing, which was an amazing alternate history novella and handily fit into ATY as the book about an element.

You Have the Right to Remain Fat - part memoir, part introduction to the concepts of fatphobia, I thought this was really well done. She covers the topic with passion and insight. I used it as my book with a piece of clothing on the cover.

I’m currently reading Beggars Ride, which is good so far. I wish I’d read it a bit sooner after the second because it took me a bit to remember where the last book left off though.

QOTW: A guy I met on an archaeological excavation in Greece published a history book. I also have a friend who is pretty serious about self-publishing a series of memoirs. And another friend who is working at getting published and seems on the verge of signing with an agent, which is super exciting.

Hi, this is my first check-in, though I've been doing the challenge a few years now.

This week I read: Animal Farm. I was fairly sure I'd never read it before but parts of it seemed so familiar. I don't know if it's just because it is so well known in today's culture, or if maybe I really did read it long ago. It would have been well over 30 years ago, so I'm not counting it as a re-read.

But I did have two re-reads this week, two favorite Dick Francis books: Hot Money and Reflex. I don't normally count re-reads for the challenge, but I noticed that there are lots of other books with those two titles, so if I decide to do the advanced - maybe it can count as one of the books with the same title.

I've just started Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and it's slightly slow-going at the moment. But I like it.

QOTW: I do. My good friend Christina McMullen is an indie author, and I can legitimately recommend her (not just out of friendship). And another good friend is an academic author, Heather Pulliam.

In the US there can be no government banning of books or any printed materials because of the Constitutional First Amendment Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech. What can and does exist is non-government institutional banning. Religious organizations, libraries, schools can ban books from curriculums and library shelves, or publish banned book reading lists that their members or followers are not to read for a host of reasons relating to content that they find offensive. As others have said, 'challenged' is perhaps more accurate, but 'banned' is attention-grabbing.

Question- I have my first DNF since joining Goodreads (I just joined about 3 weeks ago so...). I’ve figured out how to make a DNF book shelf and how to make it exclusive. What I can’t figure out is how to keep that book from counting towards my Goodreads reading challenge total. Anyone know how to fix this? Thanks