You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Please read through the reporting thread carefully to ensure to report correctly to get your badge/s.

After you have read your chosen book(s) for this month's group theme read, please report in the thread below.

Please state what book you read (and link it), how it fits the theme, that you discussed it (and where), and briefly summarise what you thought of the book and/or link to your review if you have written one.

If you lead the discussion, please state this in your post.

Here is an example for how to report your read:

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and discussed it in the [Harry Potter/Buddy Read/Other books in theme] thread. I really enjoyed the book. I watched the film first so I already knew the story line but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book more as there was more detail involved. Plus I listened to the audio which was narrated by Stephen Fry who is a superb narrator. 4 stars.”

If you read more than one book which fits the theme, please report all your reads in the same post rather than in separate posts.

Please note, there are THREE different badges that can be obtained for group reads. Those reading and discussing one of the two chosen group reads will receive a colourful badge similar to those for previous group reads. Those reading and discussing any other book in the theme will receive a stamp. The discussion leader for the two chosen group reads will receive a badge stating they led the discussion. Maximum amount of badges you can receive for the group reads is TWO - one for the chosen group read/discussion leader and one for any other book in the theme.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. put your Wall of Fame Name at the beginning of your post as follows: WoF Name - Peggy
2. have read the book(s) before or during July 2021.
3. discussed it in the relevant thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
4. Report that you have read AND discussed the book

WoF - Janice

I opted to read a book of my choice for the themed read this time around. I read Spring Tide which was set in part on a beach. The story was a murder mystery about an unsolved case of a woman murdered on a beach in Sweden. I discussed the book in the thread for themed reads.

I really enjoyed the story and would love to continue the series but the remaining books don't seem to be easily available. While there were long chapters, they were broken into sections from different characters. I found that a bit annoying at first because there are a lot of characters. After I got to know the characters better, I didn't mind the changes all that much. There seemed to be about 3 different storylines and I wondered how they would all be tied together and if they could be tied together. But the story finished with a nice big bow, and a hint of what future stories could be about.

I read Allie and Bea and discussed it in the thread. The start of the book was a bit on the rough side for me, but I ended up enjoying it more as it went on. Overall it was a sweet book and I am glad to have read it.

WoF: Kristie

I read Allie and Bea and was the discussion leader in the group read thread. I agree that is had some issues early on, particularly some problems with believability for me and character personality traits that I didn't find particularly likable. However, I ended up enjoying the story overall.

WoF Silver

I read Allie and Bea and discussed it in the thread dedicated to the book.

I found it to be quite an enjoyable and charming story. I loved the scenery of the story and the important role the setting played to the story. I found the characters while not always completely likable to be compelling. I love a good road trip with a cast of misfits, odd balls and quirky people.

WoF SharonBiskit

I read Allie and Bea and discussed it in the thread.

At times, the book disturbed me so much, I was not sure I could finish it. I think I was just in the mood for a light read as August has been a difficult month so far. Nothing earth shattering, but just wanting something a little lighter. (Think beach read) This was not a light read.

At first, I did not like Bea at all. Allie’s situation was very hard to read about and I felt as if I were living it too. So, at that point I gave the author kudos. However, as the book progressed and both Allie and Bea began to find common ground and experience life together, it almost took on the tone of a hero’s journey, and I felt as if I were along for the ride.

I did have to suspend disbelief in some areas. I found her parents to be irresponsible at the very least, but alas, I know this can happen too. The ending, although a good one, was rather abrupt and a bit pat. Overall, I am glad I read the book, certainly glad it lightened up a bit and am always happy for a good ending.

WoF Aya

I read Sunburn - Bayangan Maut and discussed it in the thread. I enjoyed it from the beginning and even pushing myself to finish it fast last night. There are absurd scenes but didn't hold me to give it 4 stars. I like the dramatic scenes the author put in each chapter and didn't think it was too much. It's beyond expectation so I'm quite satisfy with it.

WoF Peggy

I read Remarkable Creatures and gave it 3.5 stars

It was interesting to learn a bit more about Mary Anning and fossils and this time in history. If you're really into the scientific side of it you're better off reading something else, but this was enjoyable as an easy reading introduction. At times it was a bit slow and I never really felt the urge to pick it up, but did enjoy it while I was reading it.

Wof- Christina

I read Remarkable Creatures and discussed it in the thread. I gave it 5 stars, I think it was the right book at the right time for me.

I enjoyed all the finds for Mary Anning and enjoyed complaining about all the men in the book with my fellow readers.

WoF Cherie

I read Remarkable Creatures and participated in the discussion thread.

I enjoyed the story very much. I have read several of the author's books and I have not found one I did not like yet. I liked the women who were the main characters in the book and the way that they were written. I enjoyed reading about the fossils and the male characters who were collectors, but not finders, like Mary Anning. The period of time in which the book takes place was a difficult one for women, and it was interesting reading about their attitudes and feelings regarding their status and how it affected them.

WoF margo

I read Remarkable Creatures. I enjoyed this fictional story based on real life events of fossil hunters Elizabeth Philpot and Mary Anning. It gave me a fascinating glimpse at the beaches of Lyme Regis and the lives of some pioneering woman in the life sciences in 18th century England. It was a quiet story, nothing life altering happen during the course of the book, the women just kept on doing what they did best and mostly letting the male scientists take the credit for their painstaking labours. The one thing I didn't like about this was its abrupt end which took me completely by surprise.

I listened to the audio version narrated by Hattie Morahan. The reading definitely enhanced the story.

WoF Shirley
I read Dreamland

and discussed it in the thread.
I chose this book for the beach scene on the cover.
I loved everything about the book.

WoF Linkinn

I read Allie and Bea and discussed it in the thread. Did enjoy the easy read, a bit sad at times, but at the end I'm happy to have read this one.

WoF Lori W

I read Allie and Bea and discussed it in the thread. I enjoyed the story. The characters felt real and they grew and had new experiences throughout the story. The story shows how easy it is for people to fall into hard times.

WoF - Jenn (if I am not tooo late? - No pressure, I really just like to log that I read something :) )

I read Remarkable Creatures, and have (also a little late) offered a few thoughts in its thread.

I had difficulty with this one at the start as I found it a bit thin as a straight up fiction, but liked it far better when I realized that it was a slightly fictionalized real story of a couple of very interesting women, doing unfeminine things in a decidedly male dominated world. I found myself regularly stepping sideways for a bit of research on the actual people and events.
I found it very interesting how poorly received these finds would be because of the questions that were raised about this new possible timeline of the world and evolution, and how it differed from the rigorously held religious views of the time.
Very interesting book.

It took a while, but badges have been posted!

Thank you, it is lovely