The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU
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<closed thread>What are you currently reading?
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures-Can't put it down-excellent reading
Finished:
- 4*,
- 4*,
- 4*Reading:
Last Train to Istanbul - Kindle
The First Man in Rome - A big (owned) book that may take me a while
The Little Beach Street Bakery – Jenny Colgan – 3***
This is a lovely chick-lit romance novel. Things don’t do smoothly for our heroine, but love will win in the end. It was a fast and enjoyable read full of colorful characters. First in a series set in the tidal coastal island off Cornwall coast.
My full review HERE
The House Next Door – Anne Rivers Siddons – 4****
This work of Southern gothic / horror fiction is a little slow to start but once it gets going it's riveting! I stayed up way too late a couple of nights "waiting for that other shoe to drop." It left me on edge and vaguely anxious; spooked by noises in the night (or in the daytime). A perfect Halloween read!
My full review HERE
Around the World In 80 Days – Jules Verne – 4****
One of the books in Verne’s series of “Extraordinary Voyages” begins when Phileas Fogg accepts a wager at his gentleman’s club. What a delight! I’ve seen movie adaptations, but the book is so much better. (Although, of course, there are some racial stereotypes that grate on the modern reader’s sensibilities.)
My full review HERE
Blackberry Winter – Sarah Jio – 2**
I had heard such good things out Jio and this book in particular, so I was looking forward to reading it. The premise is interesting, though I figured out the connection between Claire and Vera long before any of the characters did. But both these women just irritated me. The personal travails of these women held the story back, IMHO, forcing the reader to slog through all these personal dramas much as the people of Seattle slogged through piles of snow.
My full review HERE
Just finishedCrusaders: The Epic History of the Wars for the Holy Lands and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures-both very goodMoving on to The Cost of Courage and At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance--A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power
Bea wrote: "Finished: 
- 5*, 
- 4*I give 5* to books that impact my life. Wh..."
I love that you enjoy books that impact you & your life in significant ways. If you haven't already, I'd like to suggest you read 'Walden' by Henry David Thoreau. It emphasizes the beauty & value of the simpler things in life & has always helped center me amidst the common, present day pushes for career & financial success. Cheers for a lovely 2020!
I've recently completed the non-fiction book Solitary by Albert Woodfox & the fictional Like Lions by Brian Panowich, rating both 5* as they were very well written & compelling.Currently, I'm working on Tin Badges by Lorenzo Carcaterra & I'm thoroughly enjoying the storylines, wit & complex characterization.
Recently finished The Rats, classic old school British horror, fairly short book but non stop mayhem, here is my reviewhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Aliyah wrote: "I love that you enjoy books that impact you & your life in significant ways. If you haven't already, I'd like to suggest you read 'Walden' by Henry David Thoreau. It emphasizes the beauty & value of the simpler things in life & has always helped center me amidst the common, present day pushes for career & financial success. Cheers for a lovely 2020!"Thanks for the recommend, Aliyah. I haven't read Walden yet. Perhaps I am at a place in life that it will speak to me. Over the past year, I have been looking to live more ecologically. Quite an adventure in a modern subdivision!
Read A Feast For Crows, not the best in the asoiaf series but still many high points within the story.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Man’s Search For Meaning – Viktor E Frankl – 5*****
I first read this book when I was in college and it has remained with me ever since. This is both a memoir and an inspirational lesson in how to survive and thrive. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl relates his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and shares the experiences, too, of his patients, to show that, while no one can completely avoid suffering, we can choose HOW to deal with and process those experiences to find meaning and a renewed sense of purpose.
My full review HERE
Finished:
- 5*,
- 4*Reading:
Last Train to Istanbul - Kindle
The First Man in Rome - A big (owned) book that may take me a while
A Honeybun and Coffee - Kindle
Daughter of Fortune
Starting:
A Spell for Chameleon
Joy Comes In The Morning
The Silent Patient - Audible
I finished reading First Testby Tamora Pierce and starting A Mrs. Miracle Christmasby Debbie Macomber
Finished:
- 4*,
- 4*
Here Today, Gone Tamale – Rebecca Adler – 2**
First in a series, starring former big-city reporter Josie Callahan, who’s helping her Aunt and Uncle in their TexMex restaurant while trying to figure out her own next move. As cozies go, this is okay, but the plot is weak. I did like a number of the supporting cast, including her pet long-haired Chihuahua, Lenny. But I was irritated beyond words that the publishers and/or author didn’t bother to use the proper spellings / alphabet for Spanish words that are used – e.g. Senora vs Señora. That’s just lazy. And it lost a full star because of that.
My full review HERE
The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-Year-Old Man – Jonas Jonasson – 3.5***
The scenarios are every bit as ridiculous, outlandish, and unbelievable as in the first book, but I just love the way Allan just “goes with the flow.” It’s a fast, fun, romp of a novel that had me giggling in places.
My full review HERE
Finished:
- 4*,
- 4*Reading:
The First Man in Rome - 35%
A Honeybun and Coffee - Kindle
The Silent Patient - Audible
Starting soon:
Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Me & Emma
I, the Jury
There There – Tommy Orange – 4****
In his debut novel, Orange explores the world of today’s Urban Indian through the stories of twelve characters who are planning to attend the Big Oakland Powwow. Their lives are interwoven by coincidence, thin threads of DNA, circumstance, and/or proximity. They are in turn angry, desolate, hopeful, joyous, loving, confused, determined, generous or mean. Orange’s voice is unique and powerful. And I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
My full review HERE
Scent To Her Grave – India Ink – 2.5**
Beginning of a new series starring Persia Vanderbilt, who runs the local bath and body store in Gull Harbor, WA. I liked the basic premise and Persia's skill with scents and botanicals. I also liked the slow-burn potential romance. On the other hand, the mystery was a little weak IMHO and the ending seemed rushed.
My full review HERE
Finished reading The Shadow District, very entertaining detective mystery dramahttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
An Irish Country Doctor – Patrick Taylor – 4****
Taylor tells the tale of a young physician learning the ropes from an older, wiser, well-established practitioner in an Irish village, in the mid-1960s. I’ve heard this described as “James Herriot for people” and I think that’s a perfect description. Some scenarios are quite humorous, and others are tender and heartfelt. A very entertaining book.
My full review HERE
The Diva Haunts the House – Krista Davis – 3***
Book five in the cozy series featuring Domestic Diva Sophie Winston and her rival Natasha. There’s no lack of suspects, and plenty of costumed vampires around to confuse everyone from the police to the amateur sleuths. I like the decorating tips at the beginning of each chapter. And the recipes at the end were a nice addition. All told, an entertaining cozy mystery.
My full review HERE
Reading:The First Man in Rome - 46%
A Honeybun and Coffee - Kindle
The Silent Patient - Audible
Me & Emma
Soulless
Flight Behavior – Barbara Kingsolver – 4****
Kingsolver has crafted a story of one woman’s awakening, and simultaneously a warning about climate change. I found the story compelling from both perspectives. I know many people criticize Kingsolver for being preachy, but I did not find her message overbearing. Dellarobia Turnbow is a fascinating character. And her personal journey was what really elevated the book for me.
My full review HERE
Finished "A Mrs. Miracle Christmas" and starting The Wild Orchid: A Retelling of The Ballad of Mulan
Finished:
- 4*Reading:
The First Man in Rome - 58% (I plan to complete this month.)
A Honeybun and Coffee - Kindle
The Silent Patient - Audible
Me & Emma
Starting:
The Rabbi
Unlucky 13
Dance Upon the Air
Latinos In Milwaukee – Joseph A Rodriguez & Walter Sava – 3***
This is a short history of the various Latino immigrant populations in Wisconsin’s largest city. The authors interviewed many current residents, some whose families had been in the area since the early 20th century; and outline the various reasons and opportunities that brought these immigrants north.
My full review HERE
The Secret Footprints – Julia Alvarez – 5*****
This children’s picture book tells the Dominican Republic legend of the ciguapas – a race of extraordinarily beautiful people who live in caves beneath the sea and come onto land only at night. Fabian Negrin’s illustrations are rich and atmospheric, taking me straight to the tropics.
My full review HERE
The Milagro Beanfield War – John Nichols – 5*****
In a New Mexico valley the power is held by one man and his company; they own most of the land and virtually all the water rights. Until one day, Joe Mondragon decides to cut a trench in the irrigation ditch, diverting some of that water onto his late father’s beanfield. I've had this book on my TBR "radar" for a bajillion years and I don't know why I waited so long to read it. I really liked it a lot! The quirky characters, the message, the humor, the pathos, and the landscape all made this an especially moving book for me.
My full review HERE
The Woman In the Window – A J Finn – 4****
This psychological thriller (with a capital ‘P’ !) takes its inspiration from the classic films of Alfred Hitchcock. A trained psychologist, Anna Fox is now an agoraphobe, trapped by her own mind in a 19-century Harlem brownstone. When she witnesses (or thinks she does) a murder during one of her binge-drinking episodes no one believes her tale. A real roller-coaster ride of a thriller. I was engaged and entertained from beginning to end.
My full review HERE
Finished:
- 4*I had planned to give this book 3* as it was a good story but a bit predictable...and then I got to the end. Wow! Did not see that twist coming! Loved it. An easy 4*, after all.
Finished:
- 3*,
- 4*Reading:
The First Man in Rome - 66% (Slowly making headway.)
The Silent Patient - Audible
The Rabbi
Unlucky 13
Last Will - Kindle
Hannah’s Dream – Diane Hammond – 3.5***
This was a heartwarming story and I really enjoyed it. But then, if a book has an elephant in it, I’m bound to be a fan. I really liked Sam, his wife Corina, and Neva Wilson, the young zookeeper who comes to help care for Hannah. And I loved Hannah!
My full review HERE
There’s Something About Christmas – Debbie Macomber – 2.5**
It’s a Debbie Macomber Christmas story – cue the music and the snowflakes, grab some hot chocolate and enjoy the holiday romance. It’s a fun, fast read, if totally predictable.
My full review HERE
Finished:
- 4*
From Scratch – Tembi Locke – 4****
This is a wonderful memoir full of love and tenderness, grief and frustration, joy and a sense of belonging.
My full review HERE
The Story Hour – Thirty Umrigar – 5*****
Umrigar alternates viewpoints between these two women – an Indian immigrant and her African-American psychologist. I was completely engaged from page one through all the ups and downs of the story. I was anxious about how things would work out, sympathized with them when feelings were hurt, felt anger at some situations, and eagerly hoped for a resolution.
My full review HERE
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Opposite of Everyone (other topics)Small Wonder (other topics)
I, Alex Cross (other topics)
Fox & I (other topics)
On Gold Mountain: The 100-Year Odyssey of a Chinese-American Family (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Gill Paul (other topics)Elizabeth Peters (other topics)
Rainbow Rowell (other topics)
Liam Moiser (other topics)
Barbara Mertz (other topics)
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