2015 Reading Challenge [Closed] discussion

Honestly, I picked The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson because it seemed like the only Pulitzer Prize winning book I would like... if I was lucky.

It started out with the Government speaking to its citizens through a loud speaker and I was hooked. This is far from any story I would normally read, but I'm enjoying it.

Now.. Last week I started to get burnt out on reading this. Why? Try the fact that this book, on audiotape, is 19.5 hours!! Oh my gosh. No wonder I'm burning out.

Picked this one too! I'll be starting it in a few weeks!

I just finished it yesterday. It's so far from what I normally read (murder mysteries), but I enjoyed it. I rated 3 stars, because I liked it, but didn't love it. I'm excited to hear what you think about it. Essentially, you're following the main character's life in a nation that is very much full of propaganda and where who you are told to be or told somebody is means much more than the truth. It was one of those books where I didn't think I was that interested in it, but I had an urge to finish the rest. The second part was slow for me... I only really appreciated the last 30 minutes or so of the audio. I'm a sucker for books that have loud speakers that spew propaganda, so it had me from the start lol. Please, let me know what you think!

I read this last year. Like you, it wasn't something that I would have picked up if it hadn't been for a challenge, but I ended up enjoying it. I thought that the propaganda bulletins really added to the story - they gave you a little more insight into the world that he lived in. Also added some humor. There were times that this book was confusing and/or a little slow, but overall I enjoyed it.

Absolutely agree!!

I recommend audio of "Orphan Master's Son" which I listened to last year (I've listened to much longer books).
For those who'd like to make one title count for a number of catagories, as another thread said was okay, you could use OMS to tick off "another country" (set mostly in North Korea, but also visits Japan and Texas)-- "scary" (based on apparently real things done by/in NK regime)--"funny" (there's a remark made in rainy weather that actor's tone on audio made especially hilarious) and "romance" (inspired by classic movie, which might also "make you cry" and smile seeing true love in action).

As idea of the Challenge is to discover and try different kinds of books than you usually read, I may post some more suggestions for other categories another time.

Honestly, I check off one box per book, even if it spans multiple categories. It allows me to venture out more and encourages me to read outside my box.

I do the same thing - 1 book for 1 category! It lets me be a bit more adventurous!

Anyway - I started this one a few days ago - about 15% in. I'm intrigued, but not loving it yet. We'll see how it goes!!

Wow! Are you enjoying it, or just a super quick ready?

Finished this one last night. It is so different than what I usually read, but I actually enjoyed it. The story was incredible. Really liked it!

I read this a while agi and was astonished by the world it describes. We get to be cut out from everything else in the world and really feel how the people have to follow rules and don't know anything else. The atmosphere is heavy. The extraordinary story of the main character is fascinating and allows to see the many aspects of the actions of the governement. I was just plain fascinated when I read it.

Mabomanji wrote: "I read this a while agi and was astonished by the world it describes. We get to be cut out from everything else in the world and really feel how the people have to follow rules and don't know anyth..."

I absolutely agree.