Hooked on Books discussion

Karen ♐ wrote: "Thank you both, Alyana & Geri. I'm up to 6 books now! Yay!"

LOL You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy the books!

Karen ♐ wrote: "Alyana wrote: "Karen ♐ wrote: "Since I read the quest based story that Geri has listed, I'm going to try yours, Alyana. It looks good!"

If you decide to pick this one, let's BR it! For points! lol..."

I will request our BR thread :)

Hi Karen, this is our BR thread,

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I'm a little late coming into April - we had a family thing and I got behind in March! I'm in now though :) I'll be looking at your recommendations :)

I'm trying to think of a genre I don't often read - that sounds interesting.

Melissa wrote: "I'm a little late coming into April - we had a family thing and I got behind in March! I'm in now though :) I'll be looking at your recommendations :)

I'm trying to think of a genre I don't often ..."

No problem! Life can get hectic. Hopefully, the lists of recommendations do help.

I agree the genre swap is interesting. I checked my tbr to see what books stay on my tbr for years. Classics, literature, and historical fiction tend to stay on my tbr the longest. I tend to read mostly Mystery, Romance, or Sci-Fi/Fantasy. So I’ll try to read a Classic or Literature and Fiction or Historical Fiction for the next quarter challenge. It will be nice to get a few off my tbr!

How does the genre swap work? I wasn't able to follow when it was explained lol

It looks like it's just a genre that you don't normally read. I don't think there is a particular time when you have to read it either.

My daughter reads a lot of philosophy, so I went down a rabbit hole of what books I could get about space and philosophy and then ended up with a math book!

Well, that's certainly not my genre, but I'll give it a shot.

Yes!
These challenges help me to get books off of my TBR for sure! A good benefit.

Alyana wrote: "Hi Karen, this is our BR thread,

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/..."

When did you want to start it?

Alyana, looks like we're both reading Raiders of the Lost Heart. Want to BR this one too?

Sure! Can you request a thread for it? I'm not on my computer right now..

I was only able to find short books for this month, so scores on my end are not that helpful.

Alyana wrote: "Sure! Can you request a thread for it? I'm not on my computer right now.."

Yes, I’ll request it.

Alyana wrote: "I was only able to find short books for this month, so scores on my end are not that helpful."

No worries! Some months will be better than others for all of us. Just depends on the genre and what we can find.

Yes, no worries at all. I just love being introduced to new books :)

Karen ♐ wrote: "Alyana wrote: "Sure! Can you request a thread for it? I'm not on my computer right now.."

Yes, I’ll request it."

Thank you!

Melissa wrote: "Yes, no worries at all. I just love being introduced to new books :)"

Geri wrote: "Alyana wrote: "I was only able to find short books for this month, so scores on my end are not that helpful."

No worries! Some months will be better than others for all of us. Just depends on the ..."

Thank you ladies! 🥰

Okay, I believe we need to write about the genre we tried for the bonus points? I read "Why does e=mc2." I read it for space, and the math component was my challenge. It is still a challenge! I listened to the book, so that increased the challenge! One thing of the math that stuck with me is that "c" is the constant for the speed of light. (you may already know this). Making this a constant is not as easy as it sounds. We have to trust that the speed of light is the same everywhere in our universe. Another thing that was interesting is that it appears that everything is moving quickly away from us. But from every point in the universe it appears that everything is moving quickly away from them. 🤯

I would go from periods of head exploding thoughts to I have no idea what you're talking about thoughts. It was a good read, and I might read it again someday, but it did not open a whole new genre of mathematical reads for me.

I'll stick with fantasy :) which the author disses several times in the book! Oh well!

Alyana wrote: "I was only able to find short books for this month, so scores on my end are not that helpful."

I'm sure most times I'll be at the bottom of the points chart!

Melissa wrote: "Okay, I believe we need to write about the genre we tried for the bonus points? I read "Why does e=mc2." I read it for space, and the math component was my challenge. It is still a challenge! I lis..."

Melissa. What a creative way to fill the space exploration task. I probably would have been confused through the whole book, not just sometimes. LOL Yes. I see reviews on fantasy books dissing on the facts not being right. I always think Sci-Fi/Fantasy are works of fiction. Someone like me doesn’t care if the facts are right. I just want an interesting read. LOL

Geri wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Okay, I believe we need to write about the genre we tried for the bonus points? I read "Why does e=mc2." I read it for space, and the math component was my challenge. It is still a ..."

So true, Geri! I sometimes go to our sci-fi book club at our local book store, and there are a couple of people who are very particular about the facts being right. I have not reached that level of science / math to know! Maybe some day - with these challenges :)

Has anyone read a super good book lately?

I read Four Treasures of the Sky for the quarterly bonus. The book has been on my tbr since 2022. It’s a historical fiction book about a young girl from China who gets sent to America against her will and all the struggles she had to endure, and all the people and relationships that also helped her along the way.

I chose historical fiction and an immigrant story because I don’t often read a book like this. I add them to my tbr because I ‘aspire’ to read classics or more literary fiction. But I mostly choose something easier, like a mystery, fantasy or a romance. And this book wasn’t always easy to read. The MC did go through some terrible times, was raped and had to endure plenty of racism. But the writing was good, and I’m glad I read it. This would definitely be good as a book club read.

Melissa wrote: "Has anyone read a super good book lately?"

Floreana was really good. Good writing and an interesting setting.

The Strange Case of Jane O. was also great. If you like psychology and a little speculative fiction.

We Are Watching is my best mystery so far this year.

Here's our Buddy Read Thread, Alyana!

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Thanks Karen! 😀

Let me know when you'd like to start it.

🌟 May Book Quest: Courage & Resilience 🌟

📅 Monthly Theme: Stories of Strength
This month, we’re diving into tales of bravery—whether in the face of war, illness, injustice, or personal demons. Real or fictional, these stories remind us how resilience lights the darkest paths.

Reading Tasks:
📖 Read a book about overcoming disability or illness OR a character adapting to a major life change.
📖 Read a book set during wartime that highlights courage.
📖 Read about standing up to bullies/oppression OR a workplace/community rebellion (e.g., The Radium Girls).
📖 Read a book where a character overcomes great odds (e.g., poverty, discrimination, trauma).
📖 Read about a natural disaster/crisis OR a "rebuilding after tragedy" story.
📖 Read an underdog story (sports, career, or personal struggle).
📖 Read about social justice movements OR a courtroom/legal battle for change.
📖 Read a book addressing mental health challenges OR a character’s emotional recovery journey.
📖 Read about immigrant experiences (fiction or non-fiction) OR a diaspora cultural reconnection.
📖 Read a book where characters confront their biggest fears OR train for an impossible mission.

🎯 Bonus Genre: True Stories of Grit
Earn extra points for memoirs, biographies, or narrative non-fiction (e.g., Educated, Born a Crime, Hidden Figures).

📚 Q2 Mini Challenge: Genre Swap
Don't forget! Step outside your comfort zone! Pick a genre you typically avoid (excluding memoirs/biographies this month).

✨ Accommodations for Omnilegent Readers (For those who read widely!)
If you don’t "avoid" genres, use a workaround:
1️⃣ Genre Frequency: Pick a genre you rarely read (e.g., romance once a year).
2️⃣ Subgenre Exploration: Try a subgenre you’ve never touched (e.g., cozy mystery → noir).
3️⃣ Reader’s Choice + Justification: Any book that’s a stretch for you—just explain why! (Example: “I usually read thrillers, so this slow literary fiction is a change!”)

Points: 30 pts for completing + sharing insights (max 1 book/month).

🌠 FORMAL BUDDY READS WITH TASK PAIRINGS
I thought I would add some information on what tasks the May FBRs work for. These are always optional, but they count toward the buddy read bonus!

📔 The Bone Shard Daughter (Andrea Stewart)
✓ Revolution against oppression (Task #3)
✓ Overcoming political trauma (Task #4)
✓ Confronting legacy of parental abuse (Task #10)

📚 The Light Pirate (Lily Brooks-Dalton)
✓ Climate disaster survival (Task #5)
✓ Disability adaptation (Task #1)
✓ Rebuilding community (Task #9 immigrant/diaspora angle)

🔮 Shadow and Bone Trilogy (Leigh Bardugo)
✓ Wartime courage (Task #2)
✓ Underdog Grisha vs. Darkling (Task #6)
✓ Mental health allegories (Task #8)

🌙 A Witch in Wolf Wood (Lindsay Buroker) - Extended 1Q
✓ Small-town oppression (Task #3)
✓ Midlife career restart (Task #4)
✓ Magical fear-confronting (Task #10)

Happy reading, questers! May your TBRs be brave and your takeaways inspiring. 📚💪

And another book hunt begins 😅

Alyana wrote: "And another book hunt begins 😅"

LOL

I won’t be getting the MPG bonus this month. But I should be able to find a book for every task. And I have one for the quarterly bonus for those 30 points. Another historical fiction set in Russia this time.

Here I go again, trying to find books that fit! Lol

Ohh this is a tough one. I won't be getting any bonus books this month :S. But I will find books for all of them.

Geri, do you want to BR The Whistler? I haven’t read a John Grisham book in forever.

Geri!!! I want to read Great Big Beautiful Life too!!!

Alyana wrote: "Geri!!! I want to read Great Big Beautiful Life too!!!"

Sure! When do you want to read it? I will likely finish it around May 1st or 2nd. But I will make notes and can discuss it when you are done.

Karen ♐ wrote: "Geri, do you want to BR The Whistler? I haven’t read a John Grisham book in forever."

Great! I can get the book on Hoopla. So let me know when you want to start. I can start anytime.

I can start it before the month ends. I'll just finish the books for this month's tasks and I should be good 😊

BR thread for Great Big Beautiful Life
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

BR thread for The Whistler
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Thanks Geri 😀

Thanks, Geri! I love my library here. I already was able to get The Whistler.

Ooh! This looks interesting!
We just got back from vacation. I'll do some updates today and tomorrow :)

Melissa wrote: "Ooh! This looks interesting!
We just got back from vacation. I'll do some updates today and tomorrow :)"

Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed your vacation!

Melissa wrote: "Ooh! This looks interesting!
We just got back from vacation. I'll do some updates today and tomorrow :)"

Hope you had a great time!

Thank you! We took a vacation to Belize to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary :) A trip of a lifetime :)

Melissa wrote: "Thank you! We took a vacation to Belize to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary :) A trip of a lifetime :)"

How was Belize Melissa? We're thinking of going there via cruise but we are kind of concerned with the safety. Is it nice?

Melissa wrote: "Thank you! We took a vacation to Belize to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary :) A trip of a lifetime :)"

What a wonderful anniversary trip!

Melissa wrote: "Thank you! We took a vacation to Belize to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary :) A trip of a lifetime :)"

I'm sure it's was a fantastic trip! And congrats on your anniversary!

Oof. I didn't finish all of my books this month. Sorry about that! I thought I was going to read in Belize, but I didn't read much!

Alyana, I loved Belize! It is very friendly. I would say that Belize City itself could be sketchy - we didn't spend any time there. We were in Caye Caulker and then at an eco-lodge. Both were very amenable to tourists. I met a few people who had gone to Belize on a cruise, and then came back for a second vacation, so that's a good sign!

We went snorkeling, and then did some bird watching at the lodge. There were trips to caving - which seemed very popular.

Where have you gone that you have enjoyed?

Thanks for the congrats everyone!

This month, I am going to CONQUER all of the books!!