Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

I'm thinking of reading https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7... as it's the very beginning of the Brontes' legacy. Can't wait!

I have many in my "To Read" list, but I think I'll read Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind or maybe Angels & Demons..

This may be the year that I finally read Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel

Good choice Ann!

Does a prequel count?
I was thinking of reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes for this.

Nicole wrote: "Does a prequel count?
I was thinking of reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes for this."

Yes, prequels are perfect for this prompt.

I plan to read a book that is set on or around New Years Eve/Day. This holiday often symbolizes a time for a new beginning. Currently considering:
1. White Teeth by Zadie Smith
2. Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
3. A long way down by Nick Hornby

Natasha, Oona Out of Order would also work for the New Years theme... every time she jumps in her timeline, it's when the clock strikes midnight on New Years.

1. What are you reading for this category?
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

2. How does it fit the category?
This was Lahiri's debut novel. I read her collection of short stories Interpreter of Maladies (which came out before this novel) last year and it's one of the best SS collections I've ever read so I'm dying to see what she's like in a longer form.

3. What are some of your goals for 2021?
To double/triple-up as much as possible across my 3 challenges (ATY, PS, Reading Women) to leave more room for mood/new/NetGalley reads.

4. What book would you recommend to others to read for this category? Other cracking debuts I've read in recent years - The House of the Spirits, The Thirteenth Tale, Ordinary Hazards, The Cutting Room, Under the Udala Trees, Saint X and The God of Small Things

Kathy wrote: "I'm going with one of these. Or more likely, I'll find something different that works. Lol!

The Garden of Small Beginnings - Abbi Waxman
A Start in Life - Anita Broo..."

I read The House of the Spirits this year and was blown away. Also, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is pretty good and is really good paired with her autobiography Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?.


Robin P wrote: "How about The Ten Thousand Doors of January, since it is the first month?

And then for "the end", I could read One Day in December."

Love this idea! Don't know much about the books though 🤣

Glad you loved The House of the Spirits, Sadie. I'm determined to read it in 2021. I read Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Winterson this year and loved it. So I can't wait to read Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit!

Kathy wrote: "Glad you loved The House of the Spirits, Sadie. I'm determined to read it in 2021. I read Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Winterson this year and loved it. So ..."

Hope you manage to fit them both in!

Natasha wrote: "I plan to read a book that is set on or around New Years Eve/Day. This holiday often symbolizes a time for a new beginning. Currently considering:
1. White Teeth by Zadie Smith
2. Bridget Jones’s ..."

Scarlet Feather runs from one New Year's Eve to the next. (It's pretty long though, I listened to it on a 2-day car trip and still hadn't finished, but I always enjoy Maeve Binchy.)

I'm taking this prompt to read the first in a series and I've plumped for A is for Alibi. I do have, off the top of my head, *at least* two more first books in a series kicking around my Kindle, so this will likely be a prompt I visit more than once.

I am sorry I came here. I had The First Mrs. Rothschild picked out. And since I want to use up my TBR list, not add to it, I am now trying to resist all these other luscious ideas. We need more hours in the day, people.

1. What are you reading for this category?
I have a few options of debuts written by women
Girl at War
Purple Hibiscus
Two Serious Ladies

2. How does it fit the category?
I got these options out of the list of 100 Debuts.

3. What are some of your goals for 2021?
To be honest, I am very anxious with 2021. There are lots of decisions to make and I am a bit nervous, but I would like to read more than the past years.

4. What book would you recommend to others to read for this category?
I know that Chimamanda is great, but I would suggest anyone to pick an easy reading to start the new year with peace and happiness.

I am going to read either A Deadly Education or A Discovery of Witches. Both are the first books in the series I am so looking forward to. I already own A Deadly Education but I an also very excited for A Discovery of Witches. I might end up reading both.

I never read The Chronicles of Narnia, so I’ve had that on my TBR list for a while. I think I may read The Magician’s Nephew for this prompt, and, if I enjoy it, I’ll read the next book for the second prompt.
Easy reads, I know, but just easing myself into the challenge seems like a way to avoid being overwhelmed with the challenge.

Chelsey wrote: "I think I'm going to read America's First Daughter."

This is the book I'm reading too. My book club is doing it in January so I thought it fit perfectly!!

Since I am new to this challenge, I am going ease my way into to things to start with. As a result, I will be starting with The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis.

I know it is a short one, but I was wanting to reread this series and this book happens to fit the prompt because it is not only the 1st book in the series it is also about the creation of a new world.

In terms of goals concerning this challenge, I am not sure if I will be able to read 52 books, but I would like to try. However, so that I don't stress myself out over trying to squeeze in 52 books, I am going to read at my own pace even if it means getting behind. My main goal is to enjoy reading new books and genres.

I do have a few suggestions for other people that would fit this prompt:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini (Beginning of a series and the beginning of a Quest)
A Dog’s Journey by W. Cameron Bruce (1st in a Series)
Hope Beyond Tears: A Contemporary Western Romance by Gary Darby (Author’s 1st Romance Novel)
Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (1st in a Series about the beginning of a quest)
A Star Rising by Gary Darby (1st in a series)
Façade of Shadows by Rick Chiantaretto (Author’s 1st Novel)

Betty wrote: "I never read The Chronicles of Narnia, so I’ve had that on my TBR list for a while. I think I may read The Magician’s Nephew for this prompt, and, if I enjoy it, I’ll read the next book for the sec..."

I have always loved this series. Enjoy!

1. Witch & Wizard by James Patterson
2. first in a series, I have managed to fit the rest of the series in to other prompts as well this year.
3. To finally finish one of these challenges!

1. What are you reading for this category?
I've decided to read Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey.

2. How does it fit the category?
This is the author's first novel, so it fits the category as a debut novel.

It's also a standalone, which appealed to me. I have a million first-in-a-series books on my bookshelf, but I am experiencing guilt over not finishing other series first, so I'm not keen to start a new one yet!

3. What are some of your goals for 2021?
As stated above, I'd like to finally finish some series I've started over the last couple of years. I am going to attempt to fit in the next book in some of these series into the prompts this year.

I know I will never read enough to finish a whole ATY challenge, but it's fun to get through as many prompts as I can.

4. What book would you recommend to others to read for this category?
To continue with my starting-series-without-finishing-them theme, here are the first books in series I still intend to complete, which would all fit this prompt:

Everless by Sara Holland - A surprisingly fun dystopian YA novel.
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer - I really recommend this one!
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin - the whole series isn't out yet (and who knows if it ever will be) but I recommend the books regardless.
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan - I have only read this first book and the rest of the 14-book series seems very daunting...but I have heard it's a classic in adult fantasy, and the first book was solid enough.

For me, it's the title that counts here. Though perhaps it's a bit on the nose, I'll be pleased to tick this one off on my Audible account.

Origin


I'm also thinking of The Magician's Nephew. It's been quite a while since I've read that one and I think its a part of the Narnia chronicles that gets sadly overlooked.

🌟I am doing a Low-Buy in 2021 as part of a year-long Financial Freedom Project. All book related purchases must fall (1) within my budget and (2) within my self-described low-buy rules. I'd ultimately like to fill as many prompts as possible from books I already own (any format) and purchase/acquire less than 5 new books to fulfill this challenge. 🌟

So excited to start the challenge tomorrow with this prompt. I have Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West on my bedside table just waiting for tomorrow!

Happy 2021 Challenge Day!

1. What are you reading for this category?
I've settled on The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. How does it fit the category?
It's the first part of The Lord of the Rings
3. What are some of your goals for 2021?
I'm doing a big Tolkien read, which involves rereading LotR, as well as reading a few other titles I haven't read before. I'm also planning to read some of the works that inspired him and The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. I also want to read more classics, including The Age of Innocence and Little Women. I also want to read a novel by each of the Bronte sisters. ALSO. I want to finally finish the remaining books in the Narnia series.
4. What book would you recommend to others to read for this category?
Well, since I've read it before, I can recommend The Fellowship of the Ring. :)

I'm planning to interpret this prompt to mean the beginning of my reading year. So, the book I pick up on the first of January will fill the slot. And that's going to be: Pet Cemetery by Stephen King.

Why that book?
Because I bought it recently and it's staring at me.

1. What are you reading for this category? I started You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington

2. How does it fit the category? It is about the first president and the beginning of the country.

3. What are some of your goals for 2021? I want to see if I can keep up the pace I set in 2020 of reading, even as things start to open up again (hopefully).

1. What are you reading for this category?

2. How does it fit the category? Its the first book in he series


3. What are some of your goals for 2021? to try and reduce by TBR list

I am going to read Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams. With both the words “Genesis” and “begins” in the title, it seems like a great choice.
To be honest, I started reading this book a few months ago and got about halfway through. I really liked it, but I got in a huge reading slump and didn’t pick up a book for a long time, and when I did, I wanted a fresh start, so I didn’t go back to any of the numerous books I already had going. So, my plan is to re-read/skim over the first part of it that I’ve already read to refresh my memory, and then read the rest of the book from there.

I already read Thirteen Storeys by Jonathan Sims, but that is recommended to anyone who likes horror. It's the author's debut novel.

I'll be reading Axiom's End by Lindsay Ellis, which is both a debut novel and, it seems, the first in a series.

I have gone for the start of a series for this and I'm reading Triptych, the first in Karin Slaughter's Will Trent series. I have MANY other books in my TBR pile that are also starts of series so I will be back to this one later in the year for sure.

1. What are you reading for this category? All Systems Red by Martha Wells

2. How does it fit the category? First in series.

3. What are some of your goals for 2021? Actually, to read less than 2020.

At first I thought I would take this prompt more literal, with beginning in the title...when I saw All Systems Red on the list I went with that because it’s the reason I started these challenges, to read books that I normally wouldn’t.

Outer space sci-fi is not my favorite most-read genre, but occasionally is good. The book was short and good story. I enjoyed reading it, but doubt I would read any more of the series.

Linda wrote: "1. What are you reading for this category? All Systems Red by Martha Wells


That is also the book I chose, thanks to seeing it on the list. I plan to start it later tonight.

I spent New Year's Day with Martha Wells' Murderbot. I read the first in the series last year, so I read #2 - Artificial Condition. Murderbot is trying to find out how they became Murderbot, so it's about their beginning. I'm only two books in, but I love this character so much.

Not really got any goals for this year, it doesn't seem like a good idea to plan at the moment. So I'll just be doing the book and film versions of the AtY challenge, and hopefully buying a sofa. Aim low for 2021!

I'm not sure what I'd recommend to anyone for this, I knew what I wanted to read as soon as the prompt was suggested so I didn't put anymore thought into it. There are a few series I love, so the first book of each of those - The Colour of Magic, Rivers of London, One for the Money, The Passage, Nightlife, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, and of course All Systems Red.

First prompt down! I read Truly Devious for first in a series. I liked that there were multiple mysteries going on, I remember seeing reviews saying nothing was solved, but I think one minor mystery was and I have the next two books, so it's less annoying when there's no wait!

My bookish goal is to review more of my books, I fell off the blogging bandwagon last year and I miss having a record of my thoughts.

1. What are you reading for this category?
The Beginning of Everything

2. How does it fit the category?
The title, and I think it is also her debut YA book.

3. What are some of your goals for 2021?
Prioritize my challenges better, read some of the series and authors that I've been meaning to read for a long time, and try to reach 200 books.

4. What book would you recommend to others to read for this category?
The Bad Beginning

From the Prompts for this week I was always going to read a Debut / Classic Children's or the start of a new series.
Non-fiction has to jump out and grab me

ATY Group Listopia

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Optional Questions:
1. What are you reading for this category?
I read The Push I got a copy from Netgalley. It has a lot of good reveiws but for me it was just missing something that would push it from 4 to 5 stars

2. How does it fit the category?
It is a debut novel - I read a lot so it is always good to find new authors that appeal. I think this is a very successful debut and I would read more from the author

3. What are some of your goals for 2021?

I just like to read I am part of a few groups and challenges. I have in the past pushed through books that have not really grabbed me - I want to stop doing that as I really want to enjoy my reading. I would like to finish some of several series I have on the go.

I am going to try not to get too far ahead in this challenge I want to focus on the discussion threads.

4. What book would you recommend to others to read for this category?

Its not often I categorise novels as Debut novels so I can't call to mind which of my great books are debut.

If you have never read any Jasper Fforde I can recommends all his series "Thursday Next" "Nursery Rhymes Crimes"

Books in the Ancient world I recently read The Gates of Athens I cannot wait for the next one

I'm reading Final Girls because it was Riley Sager's first book

I'm just joining the group today but I was glad that one of the books I have already read so far in 2021 fits for this weeks.

1. What are you reading for this category?
I read Heartstopper: Volume One
2. How does it fit the category?
I think it fits in two different ways. The first being that it's the first in a series by the author and the second being that it's the beginning of the development of a beautiful friendship.
3. What are some of your goals for 2021?
I have a goal of reading at least 200 books but want more. Last year I was able to read 175. I have several challenges I plan on working on to help me reach my goal and maybe go further past the goal too. Some I have found on Etsy and some on Goodreads.
4. What book would you recommend to others to read for this category?
I don't know. At first when I saw the topic I was thinking nothing would fit until I saw the description.

This is my first time doing this challenge and I am so excited to get back into reading! I am going to start with A Discovery of Witches after I finish the third book in the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson which I’m currently reading. I feel like this fits the prompt as it’s the beginning of a series and discovery is what leads to the beginning of anything:)

My goal is to get through all of the prompts this year. I am planning on reading some books with my sister who isn’t a huge reader so I’m excited to see where that leads.

I may twist it a bit and do a re-read of The Silmarillion or The Magician's Nephew. Both deal with the creation of those worlds. It is as back as to the beginning I can go. Or a book with a similar theme if I can find it. The beginning of the Old Testament might also work, but since I have been in a bad reading slump for the last couple of months I do not dare to attempt it. My reading slump make it difficult for me to plan a list because I am not excited about any book right now...

Ira wrote: "I may twist it a bit and do a re-read of The Silmarillion or The Magician's Nephew. Both deal with the creation of those worlds. It is as back as to the beginning I can go...."

I've got The Magician's Nephew on the brain as well!

I read Year One. It's a beginning of a series and the story itself deals with beginnings.

Today I started Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore for this category. It's purportedly about the lesser known early years of a certain religion-founder. It's rather silly so far (as expected), but I'm pleased that the author has done some historical research too.

For 2021 I would *love* to get my physical TBR shelf down significantly, and this particular book has been sitting on it since 2017. That said, I tend to lean hard into my library wishlist. Since library books aren't always available, nor do they always stick around, I feel more pressure to pick up a library book than the ones that don't leave my shelf.

As for recommendations, I was originally thinking of reading a first book in a series, or perhaps a coming-of-age story. My Brilliant Friend depicts the formation of a childhood friendship. David Copperfield is a fictionalized parallel to Dicken's own rise from child laborer to novelist. The Fifth Child is about the gothic horror that is giving birth and raising a child.

I readStorm Front by Jim Butcher, the first in the Dresden Files series. Been meaning to read it for a while, but finally am getting around to it.

Of course now I'll have to figure out how to make other books in the series work for challenge prompts. Or just keep them as side reads, as I try to alternate between comfort reads and more challenging reads

1. What are you reading for this category? The Grace Year
2. How does it fit the category? It is the about the beginning of a journey for these girls to rid themselves of magic and really to become women. It is also the first book I have read by Kim Liggett.
3. What are some of your goals for 2021? Pretty simple - to find books I enjoy reading and that fit the challenge goals.
4. What book would you recommend to others to read for this category? Last year I really enjoyed reading the Arc Of Scythe series (Scythe / Thunderhead / The Toll) so for the right person the first in this series would work.

1. What are you reading for this category?
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

2. How does it fit the category?
First in the series - also the author's first adult/non-YA book.

3. What are some of your goals for 2021?
This is my first year trying this challenge, so my goal is to participate, have fun, discover some great books, and read outside of my usual go-to's by following the prompts.

I finished Black Sun yesterday, the first in a new series - and it is also set in a pre-columbian fantasy version of North/Central America, so that seems "beginning-y" to me too. It was wonderful, can't wait for the second book in the series!

My goals this year are about the same as last - 150 books and completing 3 challenges (Popsugar and Read Harder in addition to this one.) I do sometimes overlap Popsugar reads with the other 2. I also plan to finish reading *most* of the Tournament of Books short list by March.

I am reading A Brief History of Time. I didn't think anything could be more appropriate for this prompt than a book about the literal beginning of the universe :)