2025 Reading Challenge discussion

I hope to read 30 books again this year but try to align my choices more closely to the themes offered for the yearly challenge.

This will be my third year participating. This challenge is an inspiration for me.

good luck

Good luck with your reading challenge!

This is my favorite quote of all time! I hope it brings you luck with your reading in 2020!

Wishing you the best of luck, Pat! May you discover some fantastic books in 2020.

Book 1: Lab Girl I just re-read this book for the 2nd time and I loved it just as much if not more. Jahren tells her story as a scientist, a lab partner, a professor, a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a person living with mental illness all against the backdrop of a female scientist making her mark in the scientific community. This is a poignant, profound, and endearing read.

Book 2: The Dutch House Patchett pulls the reader into the dynamics of a suburban Philadelphia family in the 1950s. The journey takes some members of the family around the world while others stay behind and make their way in life going back and forth between Philadelphia and New York City. The "Dutch House" that this family lives in becomes a main character among a cast of strong characters in the book with a serious impact on the future. I listened to the Audible version and can say that Tom Hanks added a considerable dimension to the story through his reading. It was an enjoyable listen for Ann Patchett fans.

Book 3: Beneath a Scarlet Sky Sullivan offers us a rare perspective into World War II via Milan, Italy. The reader experiences the war with the Lella family. The sons are sent away to a boys camp in the mountains to escape the bombing in Milan. There Pino, the eldest is drawn into the war by Father Ray, the camp's leader. The parents stay behind in Milan to channel intelligence for the allies. Through this family, the reader experiences the intense challenges and raw emotions that such events elicit. Pino Lella demonstrates both strength and sensitivity as he tries to do his part and fulfill the demands of the people around him. Grounded in real events, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a poignant picture of the long arms of World War II and how everyday people responded. A must-read for World War II enthusiasts, historical fiction lovers, and realistic fiction readers who enjoy strong characters and shared emotions.

Book 4: the odyssey The opening of Wilson's translation provides a wealth of information for the novice reader of Homer's stories. Relationships, hierarchies, and contentions are explained however, keeping all the names straight is a major challenge especially for listeners of the Audible version. Wilson also provides explanations and reasons for her word, timing, and writing choices. This made a difference in the reading of her translation of the poem. Friendly language and iambic pentameter also make this version accessible to the contemporary reader. I am not sure if the explanations are better before or after reading the translation, or maybe both. Overall, a good choice as an entry to the world of Homer.

Book 5: Into the Raging Sea: Thirty-Three Mariners, One Megastorm, and the Sinking of El Faro Rachel Slade, in her book Into the Raging Sea, explores the maritime history, politics, and economics against the backdrop of one of its biggest disasters. In the fall of 2015, El Faro, an aging ship built in the 1970s and retrofitted for containers, was scheduled for a Florida to Puerto Rico run. Between the aging equipment and the weather forecasting systems, the captain and crew were at odds about the route to take so they would avoid an impending hurricane. Ultimately the captain's orders lead the ship and crew directly into the hurricane and one of maritime's biggest disasters. A must-read for those with interests in the maritime industries.

Book 6: Golden Boy Max is the "Golden Boy". He is easy-going, happy, beautiful and liked by everyone at school and at home. His dad is running for Parliament and his mom keeps the family life functioning like an oiled machine. From the outside, this looks like the perfect family. From the inside, secrets are tearing the family apart. How will the world react to Max's secret? Increasing feelings of loneliness and desolation push Max to share his secrets with a friend. Does this help or hurt? Read Golden Boy to find out.

Book 7: Assassination Vacation. Vowell presents an interesting review of history centered around 3 assassinations (Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley). She weaves her personal life, history, and political commentary into an entertaining trip to historical landmarks, and not so much of a landmark but more like just placks. Readers will like the history in this book but some may be put off by her snarky take on some events. Note: This is a historical expose so there may be material that some may find offensive. Overall, Vowell presents a well-balanced perspective on the events and the participants. This is a good read for those who appreciate her sense of humor and like history.

Book 8 Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers Who Helped Win World War II. Mundy offers a comprehensive view of how women changed the face of the government and the military through their involvement in cryptology from WWI through WWII. The stories of the women and men and their lives at those times show how the groups working on coding could be both very collaborative and very competitive. This treatment also reveals the intensity and complexity of the work involved. Like Hidden Figures, Code Girls is full of brilliant women looking for a place where they could use their intellect in a time when men governed. While I was a little overwhelmed by all the names and the details, this account of women shining during our country's time of need is well worth the read.

Book 9: Our Harlem: Seven Days of Cooking, Music and Soul at the Red Rooster. Travel through time and Harlem with chef Marcus Samuelsson and the people he views as the heart of Harlem. I listened to the Audible Version and it was like actually being around the table with them. The story highlights 7 days of recipes and beverages in relation to the history of Harlem as it evolves from the great migration and other mass migrations of people that land in Harlem. The passion is infectious around the history and the cultural impact on music and food as it moves through time from the early 20th century to now. I suggest buying both the audible version and the printed version so you get the joy from listening and have ready access to the recipes through the print (NOTE: Audible also offers the recipes vis pdf). After reading/listening to this, you will want to cook, break bread, and toast the people around you and celebrate your heritage and culture.

Book 10: Enrique's Journey. This is not a new read. yet it is still (and sadly) timely, relevant and eye-opening to the mass migrations that are happening today. This one specifically focuses on Central America and Mexico and the horrors faced by the young and older that try to make their way to the United States for a better life, more money, or just to reconnect with family. Despite the incredible and difficult journies they made to get to the US; the sadness of leaving family members knowing they depend on their success in the US, and the struggle to make it in the US in the face is ICE, many often think they will return to their home countries (at least for the first few years). Everyone should read this, especially today. It overs insights we could not possibly know otherwise.

Book 11: The Sisters. Amazingly well-developed murder mystery for a short novel. Two sisters sharing a very small apartment work to build their careers on different sides of law enforcement. One sister is working her way up the Guarda ladder while the other is vying for recognition and forward advancement as a new Barrister. Their work lives meet over the case of a murdered woman. How does it impact their relationship and their careers? This is a really good listen and short listen - in one sitting.

You're off to a great start! It looks like you've had some great reads so far this year.

Book 12: Wolf Hall. What's not to like about a novel about the Tudors? I listened to the Audible version which was well produced and performed. Cromwell was a great catalyst for the story. If you like a good epic and the Tudor time period, you will enjoy Wolf Hall. Readers will have to go all-in because the audio version is 24 hours packed full of royalty, scheming, and glimpses into inside and outside of court life.

Book 13: All We Ever Wanted If you like reading realistic fiction about real things, then you will like this book. Giffin skillfully develops her characters, their emotions, and reactions. The focus of this particular title is hugely relevant to today and the increased use or rather misuse of social media in the lives of teenagers. Teens and adults alike will be drawn into the social interweavings of the haves versus the have not and how it all boils down to just being a good person and doing the right thing.

Book 14: Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe. Norton manages to pull off a realistic fiction book that contains almost every element of young adult fiction in one work without it feeling contrived, sappy, or too much. Somehow it all works. I laughed out loud, I cried, and I empathized and I am a high school librarian. So if you like books that dive into what it is like to be in the true high school melting pot, then you will like Neanderthal. I think it is a must-read for every high school student and staff member. If you don't walk away from reading this and feeling endearment for Neanderthal, you don't have a heart.

Book 15: Finders Keepers Stephen King shows his flexibility as a writer in this second book in the Bill Hodges trilogy. I am not typically a series reader. I tend to read the first book and stop. This time I found myself compelled to keep reading the second book of the series. It picks up with some foreshadowing to the first book and then carries the reader along the trail of clues. I find I want to finish off the series (unusual for me). Stephen King also shines as a mystery crime writer.

Book 16: Little Fires Everywhere The title is the perfect metaphor for the world - especially now. Celeste Ng paints an amazing portrait of lives juxtaposed and intertwined all at the same time. You will find yourself nodding agreement or shaking your head in frustration while meandering through the maze of social issues and everyday life in the planned community of Shake Heights with the Richardsons and the Warrens. Be careful of what you wish for.

Book 17: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup. This story challenges the reader's sense of what is real. It becomes a page-turner because the reader is pushed to find something in the story that will ground them to reality. Does that ever come? Carreyrou's research on this story and topic is top-notch and still, you may find yourself questioning the reality that Elizabeth Holmes, a 22-year-old dropout from Standford, could deceive so many people of renowned intelligence and business savvy. You will have to read this for yourself to believe it.

Book 18: The Ocean at the End of the Lane. A man returns home, after a long stay away, for a funeral. Instead of attending the funeral and all that awaits there, he takes a walk down memory lane to a time when he was 7 and the world was full of mystery. A little girl named Lettie Hempstock, mature beyond her years (11) and a little out of place, befriends this young boy taking him on some unique adventures. Lettie and her matriarchal family do their best to set right the outcomes of the adventures and to help the young boy move forward in life. Of course, that only leads to more intrigue. If you are a reader who enjoys mysticism, other realms, parallel universes, and a solid story based on what it means to be human, then you will enjoy "The Ocean at the End of the Lane". Mr. Gaiman does not disappoint.

Book 19: Circe. I listened to the audible version of this title and while I am certain the story stands strong alone for reading; the performance made this story come alive for me. Most everyone should know some elements of the story because it involves the gods and goddesses we have all read about. Circe's perspective was refreshing and revealed what it was like to be an outcast among the glorified. I am not a big reader of mythology nor do I portend to be an expert on the stories but I truly enjoyed viewing the stories through Circe's eyes. Anyone who enjoys the stories of the gods will thoroughly enjoy this telling - especially the audio version. These stories are meant to be told orally and the reader did a phenomenal job. Highly recommended. Now I have to go and read or listen to the Iliad to complete my experience.

Book 20: Code Name Verity. This was a compelling WW II story. Two strong women at the core of the story, serendipitously find friendship and an unbreakable bond through the WAF. Their unique skill sets, especially as women, land them in startling situations. Code names and intelligence protect their identities but not their person. Their overwhelming need to serve and do their part push them both to the limits of the War and their lives. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction and strong women characters.

Book 21: The Doll Factory. Macneal drops the reader back in time to Victorian London. The looming opening of the Great Exhibition and the pre-Raphalite art is at the forefront of the city buzz. Two sisters toil every day at a doll shop to help the family survive. Both sisters have ambitions but a chance encounter sets the sisters apart. Will Iris achieve her dream of being a painter or will an obsessed admirer change her course forever? Lovers of historical fiction and mysteries will enjoy their time in the early 1850's London.

Book 22: The Vanishing Half This story follows the lives of twin sisters who are light-skinned black girls from a small Louisiana town. What was life like for them as young girls in a town that doesn't readily accept the darker-skinned? How do they internalize these differences and themselves both as identical twins and as individuals in the deep south where they could be viewed as white? Read this well written and interesting perspective of a small southern town since the 1960s.

Book 23: Code Name Hélène Did you like Beneath A Scarlett Sky? Then you will like this book too as it is also based on true accounts during WW II in Europe. It has a strong female protagonist who loves little dogs, a good drink, her man, and France. She can't just sit and watch the war go by; she has to help. This is a must-read! It is a compelling fictional account of real-life events that will amaze you. Only AFTER you read this book should you do your research on Nancy Wake, one of the most decorated women of WW II.