2025 Reading Challenge discussion

Last year I challenged myself to 24 books and managed it handily. This year I'm bumping up to 30.

Congrats on passing last year's goal and good luck with this year!

What have you started the year with?

Thanks, Megan!

Jodi- I just finished "Princesses Behaving Badly"

To make the record official:
1)Princesses Behaving Badly by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie

2)The Religion of the Ancient Celts by J.A. MacCulloch

3) Season of Our Dreams by John Ringer & Van Allen Plexico

Good luck with your challenge, Emily Grace! You're off to a really great start.

4) Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney

5) Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

6) The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 1 by Shelby Foote

7) The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett (reread)

8) What If? by Randall Monroe

9) The Palace Job by Patrick Weekes

10) Marathon: The Battle That Changed Western Civilization by Richard A. Billows

11) Clariel by Garth Nix

12) Civil War: A Narrative Vol. 2 by Shelby Foote

13) The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

14) The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

15) Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

16) Surgeon in Blue by Scott McGaugh

17) The Martian by Andy Weir

Emily Grace wrote: "17) The Martian by Andy Weir"

What did you think about the book? Are you going to watch the movie when it's released?

I loved the book! It explained some really technical concepts in a clear & entertaining way. The protagonist was immediately likeable. I definitely plan to see the movie!

Emily Grace wrote: "I loved the book! It explained some really technical concepts in a clear & entertaining way. The protagonist was immediately likeable. I definitely plan to see the movie!"

So glad you liked it! It was one of my favs from last year!

18) The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley

Emily Grace wrote: "18) The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley"

That was one of my favorite books when I was a kid!

I've read a couple of books by Robin McKinley. I always enjoy them & this was not an exception! It sounds like there is a sequel or more books set in this world? Have you read it?

Emily Grace wrote: "I've read a couple of books by Robin McKinley. I always enjoy them & this was not an exception! It sounds like there is a sequel or more books set in this world? Have you read it?"

Yes, they're good, but Hero and Crown is my favorite.

19) I Must Say by Martin Short

20) Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

21) Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

22) The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

23) Washington's Spies by Alexander Rose

24) Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell

25) Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle

26) Welcome to Nightvale by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor

Emily Grace wrote: "26) Welcome to Nightvale by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor"

What did you think of this, EG? Are you familiar with the podcast?

Jackie- I love the podcast! It's how I heard about the book. I also really enjoyed the book. It's definitely in keeping w the tone of the podcast. Have you read the book?

27) Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan

28) The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III by Ian Mortimer

You're doing a great job with your challenge! I'm sure you'll be able to finish.

I have Welcome to Night Vale on hold at my library. I haven't listened to the podcast, but I have a friend who's a big fan. I'm looking forward to my introduction to Night Vale and I'm curious to compare my opinions of the book to someone who is already familiar with the podcast.

29) Deeds of the Disturber by Elizabeth Peters

30) The Secrets of Mary Bowser

31)The Royal We