Book Nook Cafe discussion

I checked off a few prompts. A few others I probably could squeeze in but since it's only Feb. I am going to wait for a better fit.


✔️ 37- - The title has a word that begins with a B,N or C in it.
Book Nook Cafe :)
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup


61- One word title
✔️Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine


✔️70- About business, the economy or economics. (Personal, home or business)
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

✔️79- set in a country you have never visited
Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World


✔️81- books about trauma or mental health issue- fiction or nonfiction
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture


✔️ 91- Crime - fiction or nonfiction
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

Great going!

What an accomplishment, Alias. Isn't it neat to post so many at one time? I feel terrific when i do so.

Yes, it does deb. :)

I was able to check off two prompts with my latest read.


✔️64- a book out of your comfort zone, not a genre you normally read
Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going Rate 3/5

I know zero about cosmology or astrophysics.

✔️71- related to science
Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going Rate 3/5

Well done, Alias. Another two prompts off the list. Hurrah!

You're moving along faster than I am, Alias. Great going!

Thanks !

Wow - you're really rolling along! This month has been slow for me.

Glad to see you, John. I was concerned when I didn't "see" you around.

It takes me a long time to finish books compared to many here. I always end up looking this up on the internet as I read and going down rabbit holes. For me, that's part of the fun. I'm in no rush.

I found I did well with last years challenge just going at my own turtle pace. :)

I think many of us go in spurts. At least i know i do.

madrano wrote: "I think many of us go in spurts. At least i know i do."

I also write up notes to most of the non fiction books I read. I'll also add in definitions and other material I find online. So that takes me awhile to do.

Today for Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going I must have spent 2 hours writing up my book highlights, adding definitions, and looking up other stuff (read going down rabbit holes) . For me, I don't mind spending time on a non fiction book to help me understand and hopefully remember a little bit.

I did recall this critter from the Tyson book when it was a Jeopardy question recently.

Tardigrade- AKA moss piglet or water bear
Personally it creeps me out.



~~~ Wiki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade

Alias Reader wrote: "Glad to see you, John. I was concerned when I didn't "see" you around.

It takes me a long time to finish books compared to many here. I always end up looking this up on the internet as I read and..."

Life had interfered some, so it's slower reading progress. But, I've chosen my titles largely on what other thoughtful members here would appreciate

I understand. Hope things get back on track for you. You were missed !

John wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Glad to see you, John. I was concerned when I didn't "see" you around.

It takes me a long time to finish books compared to many here. I always end up looking this up on the i..."

That's very nice of you to choose that way, and I missed you, too.

Alias Reader wrote: "Tardigrade- AKA moss piglet or water bear
Personally it creeps me out..."

Alias, i recall the first time i saw this creature. I must have been very into science fiction because my first thought was "someone should create a movie alien that looks like this!" It's remarkable, isn't it? I didn't know the AKAs, which are easier to remember but i kinda like Tardigrade, as it sounds alien. :-)

As for note taking, how cool that it appeared on Jeopardy! to help you with your recall! I am tickled when that happens. I'm with you on creating those notes for nf and am glad i have them.

John wrote: "Life had interfered some, so it's slower reading progress. But, I've chosen my titles largely on what other thoughtful members here would appreciate..."

It's bothersome when Life interferes with our reading, but often it's on a positive note, at least.

It's quite generous of you to keep us in mind as you select your books. I know i've read quite a number of books you've shared opinions about. And authors--i'm using Penelope Fitzgerald's Offshore for one of our Prompts this year. I doubt i would have known her without your comments on the boards here, John.

madrano wrote: "John wrote: "Life had interfered some, so it's slower reading progress. But, I've chosen my titles largely on what other thoughtful members here would appreciate..."

It's bothersome when Life inte..."

I love Penelope Fitzgerald's writing.

We sang her praises last year, Kiki, when we read her The Bookshop as a group. While we were iffy on aspects of the story itself, we liked her writing.

madrano wrote: "We sang her praises last year, Kiki, when we read her The Bookshop as a group. While we were iffy on aspects of the story itself, we liked her writing."

I haven't read that particular book, but I do love the books she's written that I've read.

Offshore is the Booker prize winner selection i made for our 100 Challenge. I went through the list of winners & this was the only one which appealed to me that i hadn't already read. There i am!

madrano wrote: "Offshore is the Booker prize winner selection i made for our 100 Challenge. I went through the list of winners & this was the only one which appealed to me that i hadn't already read. There i am!"

I usually read all the Booker winners, Madrano because I find I really like them, but that one got by me somehow.

It's quite old, Kiki. https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booke...

I see it's from '79 and is the shortest Booker winner. Leave it to me to find the shortest.

Getting this thread back on track, I was able to check off prompt #19.

✔️19 - Book written by OR about a current or past First Lady
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times Rate: 3/5

madrano wrote: "It's quite old, Kiki. https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booke...

I see it's from '79 and is the shortest Booker winner. Leave it to me to find the shortest."

Short books can be terrific. Right now, I'm wishing The Books of Jacob were about 200 pages shorter, but I'm close to finishing now.

Alias Reader wrote: "Getting this thread back on track, I was able to check off prompt #19.

✔️19 - Book written by OR about a current or past First Lady
[book:The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times|61355..."

Nicely done, Alias. Congratulations.

Great going, Alias. That is one prompt that I'm going to have trouble with.

Alias Reader wrote: "Getting this thread back on track, I was able to check off prompt #19.

✔️19 - Book written by OR about a current or past First Lady
[book:The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times|61355..."

Good job! I'm not one of those who is clamoring for Michelle to enter politics, but I've been truly impressed at her ability to give inspirational speeches.

John wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Getting this thread back on track, I was able to check off prompt #19.

✔️19 - Book written by OR about a current or past First Lady
[book:The Light We Carry: Overcoming in ..."

I'm not one who wants Michelle to enter politics, and I don't think she will, but I do like and respect her very much. I like former President Obama very much, too.

Has she given any hint that she wants to enter politics? I've read she was anxious for Barack's second term to end so they could be a "normal family," away from the public eye.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "John wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Getting this thread back on track, I was able to check off prompt #19.

✔️19 - Book written by OR about a current or past First Lady
[book:The Light We Carry: O..."

There are some online who post in various forums that she should run as she polls well as a popular figure.

John wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "John wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Getting this thread back on track, I was able to check off prompt #19.

✔️19 - Book written by OR about a current..."

Thank you, John. I think she is very popular, but from all I've read, she would not like to be in politics. I don't know her inner thoughts, however, so maybe she's changed her mind, especially now that her daughters are grown. Time will tell.

John wrote: "ood job! I'm not one of those who is clamoring for Michelle to enter politics, but I've been truly impressed at her ability to give inspirational speeches."

Thanks, John. She has said she has zero interest in running for office. Hopefully, she can do good work doing things outside of politics. She is very inspirational.

I lean toward John's wishes, too. She would be an effective representative but i've heard & read her declare that she has zero interest in politics. And who can blame her, given the trash thrown her way when she was First Lady?

One presumes she's decided she can create as good, if not better, inspiration as she is now doing. Whether she made that decision herself or not, she is a model of good citizenship, imo.

madrano wrote: "I lean toward John's wishes, too. She would be an effective representative but i've heard & read her declare that she has zero interest in politics. And who can blame her, given the trash thrown he..."

I agree with that, Madrano. I think Michelle Obama is a wonderful model of good citizenship, and, I would add, good parenting, and being a good wife and all round good person.

✔️ 43- A National Book Award
Intimacies Rate 2/5

This book was long listed for the National Book Award.
That's about as close as I'll probably get to this prompt.
I'm checking it off. It I read another later in the year, I'll
switch it to another book

I have one or two like that. It'll work out nicely, as i'll get more from my TBR list but also what i've noted here on GoodReads.

It's amusing that i have numerous options for some prompts (such as color in title) but zero for so many others, not an inkling. Through the year, though, i know more will arise.

Alias Reader wrote: " ✔️ 43- A National Book Award
Intimacies Rate 2/5

This book was long listed for the National Book Award.
That's about as close as I'll probably get to this prompt.
I'm checking it..."

I've thought about long-list finalists that don't win. Checking off those is why this is a friendly group, not a competition following strict rules. The Romance book I'm considering has that in the blurb but not primary focus.

John wrote: "I've thought about long-list finalists that don't win. Checking off those is why this is a friendly group, not a competition following strict rules. The Romance book I'm considering has that in the blurb but not primary focus.."

For me, as long as there is some type of of romance/relationship in a book that counts. I prefer if the romance is not the main point of the book.

Me, too. John, i think you made a great point, it need not be the primary focus. For me, i wanted to give Romance another try after last years disappointment. Still not for me.

Alias Reader wrote: "John wrote: "I've thought about long-list finalists that don't win. Checking off those is why this is a friendly group, not a competition following strict rules. The Romance book I'm considering ha..."

I'm not fond of genre romances, either or books in which the romance is the main plot strand.

We're all in agreement re: romance novels it appears. I accidentally fulfilled that requirement last month with The Nesting Dolls, but there was enough historical fiction to balance it out.

That's the key, Lindsey.

I want to say that romance novels, while we aren't finding defenders, per se, can be a gateway route to a broader range. While i knew her, a friend of mine went from strictly Romance novels to historical fiction and from there she dipped her toes into history. She hasn't left any genre behind totally but is aware there's more.

That’s such a wonderful point Deb!

Thanks. I wouldn't have thought of it had i not witnessed it. I should note that i saw the change in the 8 year span we lived on the same street. She doesn't write to me about the books she's reading, unfortunately.

I checked off 3 prompts with Turtles All the Way Down


✔️ 20 - Book with a character that lives with a disability (or impairment)
Turtles All the Way Down Rate 4/5

✔️35- A prize winning book that has a different prize then those listed in the other prompts.
Turtles All the Way Down
Michael L. Printz Award Winner

✔️ 40- A Young Adult book- YA- Fiction or nonfiction
Turtles All the Way Down

Well accomplished, Alias! I liked the poetry you shared from the book in our poetry thread. Interesting title, too.

Alias Reader wrote: "I checked off 3 prompts with Turtles All the Way Down


✔️ 20 - Book with a character that lives with a disability (or impairment)
Turtles All the Way Down Rate 4/5

✔️35- A prize w..."

You sure got a lot out of those turtles! Good going!

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "You sure got a lot out of those turtles! Good going!.."

lol

I check off a few more prompts

✔️17 - Book set in your current city or hometown
The Beauty of Dusk Rated 5/5
The author, Frank Bruni lived and worked in NYC for the vast majority of the book.


✔️29-- biography, memoir or autobiography
The Beauty of Dusk
This was a memoir.
Biography, memoir and autobiography are one of my favorite genres. I'll know I'll read more in this category but for now I'll fill this prompt with this book.

✔️93- Disease - fiction or nonfiction
The Beauty of Dusk -deals with stroke/blindness

Look at you, Alias! Good work on finding a good book which covers three prompts!