Hooked on Books discussion

Discovering Destiny I think works for either Read a book featuring multiple generations of a family. or Read a book about love between humans and animals. Maybe even across cultures.

I'd love to do a buddy read for that one.


I left lgbt category open, to fit any buddy reads we come up with.
And I have 2 books I see another team has already set up buddy reads that I'll join.
To Catch a Firefly and Orientation

Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "I think I might have found 2 that might work for that week.
City of Ashes I found on a list. It does feature a new group of friends close knit. and a childhood friendship.
I think it..."

I think Wolfsong would be a great group read. How do people feel about using it for Strong Family Bond?

Wolfsong is a favorite book of mine. I absolutely love that series.

I'll wait to see how MsGeo feels. If she's happy, we'll group read Wolfsong by T.J. Klune

Jessica wrote: "Potential Group Reads for February:

Read a book about love between humans and animals. The Call of the Wild by Jack London 102 pa..."

I would prefer To the Moon and Back as I have that already & don't use KU.

Looking at the scoring, all of us reading the same book earns us 2 points each, whereas an informal buddy read post gets us 5 points each.

This means it would be better to have many small buddy reads instead of 1 group read.

I will create a buddy read for Wolf Song but you don't need to join if you don't want to.

If you decide to read the same book as another team member, please let me know and I'll request more buddy reads and post the links when available.

How many points do we get for reviews?

Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "How many points do we get for reviews?"

5 points for each review over 200 words

Trying to make sure I get those points.
200 words is sometimes a little rough for if a book is mediocre, but I'm pushing myself to them. Seems like one of the easiest of the ways to get extra points.

Does anyone want to come play The Bachelor? We need two more people to make the teams even. One would be for my team. It's 1 romance book a week requirement

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

All my books now read. 2 days left to produce 10 reviews. Should be able to do that.

Jessica wrote: "Does anyone want to come play The Bachelor? We need two more people to make the teams even. One would be for my team. It's 1 romance book a week requirement

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

Added my name but I'm probably too late.

Mrsgeo wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Does anyone want to come play The Bachelor? We need two more people to make the teams even. One would be for my team. It's 1 romance book a week requirement

https://www.goodreads.c..."

Aww, I'm sad you weren't added to my team but at least you're with Darkness.

Will you have a look at the points for my books, please? There definitely seems to be a problem with The Lights on Knockbridge Lane but it may be true of others.

All my reviews done. It wasn't as hard to write 200+ words as I thought but I still don't like doing them.

Mrsgeo wrote: "Will you have a look at the points for my books, please? There definitely seems to be a problem with The Lights on Knockbridge Lane but it may be true of others."

I have asked Ashley to have a look. line 39 and 41 definitely aren't correct.

Buddy Reads

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

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

Mrsgeo wrote: "All my reviews done. It wasn't as hard to write 200+ words as I thought but I still don't like doing them."

Your sacrifice is appreciated Mrsgeo 😭 🎊 I also don't like doing them but hiding them behind spoilers makes me feel better. I will try and do all my books in Feb.

I am sorry this month was a flop for me - it started out positive and then I kind of fell in a slump. I promise I'm out of it though for February. :)

You know how you read a book that you're not super into and you feel stuck because of that? That would be me this month.

Ariel wrote: "I am sorry this month was a flop for me - it started out positive and then I kind of fell in a slump. I promise I'm out of it though for February. :)

You know how you read a book that you're not s..."

No worries Ariel! Some month's tasks will be easier than others, and theres no pressure to read a certain amount.

I'm hoping for a Tortoise and the Hare situation where some of the top teams will start to lag and we'll stay steady. Hopefully you have better books this month 😄

I'm making this note for myself. So I don't read books in the wrong week.

Week 2 (February 12-18): Don't start these til that week.
To Catch a Firefly
Wolfsong
Orientation
City of Ashes
Trusting Tanner

My planned buddy read links
Orientation buddy read
IBR-Orientation
Firefly buddy read
IBR-Firefly
Wolfsong buddy read
IBR- Wolfsong
Hurricane
IBR-Hurricane Reese
Trusting tanner
IBR-Trusting tanner


Hoping to find one more book that fits either theme week or buddy read or both

adding
: IBR - Robbie by Ella Frank

Sorry, I had to make myself a note.
I already screwed up and read Counting Daisies right off. Should have waited til the theme week, as it fits.

But I was at the hospital for the whole day, and didn't check my plan, was just worried about starving off the boredom of the hospital.

4th time the kid YAWNED and dislocated his jaw.
He does it about once a year.
We were at the ER from 8:30am and got home at 5:30pm.
He's okay. Feel bad this keeps happening to him. It's not an easy thing to get relocated.

When we picked him up from his friends to take him to the ER.
He walks up, mouth stuck in the open position.
My husband says to him- "Why do you look so surprised to see us? We told you we were on our way."

No wonder my kids have such a warped sense of humor. It's rubbed off on me too.

Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "Sorry, I had to make myself a note.
I already screwed up and read Counting Daisies right off. Should have waited til the theme week, as it fits.

But I was at the hospital for the ..."

Omg Skye! That sounds horrendous. I hope he's okay.

I thought we needed to wait for the theme week but while I was nosing about I did see people who claimed the bonus for all their January books. I think I'll check with Ashley.

I've checked the other team sheets and the people who claimed the bonus for all 10 books did read all their books within that week, but I've asked Ashley anyway.

Not to worry if so 😄

📜 Book Quest Adventures: MOD UPDATE POST! 🗺️

Greetings, brave Book Questers!

The first chapter of our grand adventure—January—has come to a close. I hope your reading journeys were filled with thrilling discoveries and epic tales. As we turn the page to February, don’t forget to make any final updates and additions to your January quest logs.

Your January sheets will be LOCKED on February 5th, so ensure your progress is recorded before the gates close!

Skye, thanks for the timely reminder about the bonus week. I had completely forgotten about it.
I had to check back in the Q&A about friendship, to remind myself what I needed to consider. I'm reposting Ashley's answer to Jessica's query about friends-to-lovers books in case anyone else needs it. (My memory is terrible!)

"I would consider that a romance, so let's stick to friendship. it's ok if there is romance in the book, but not the main focus, that should be friendship."

On that basis, I think only one of my books so far will qualify. Or maybe I'll just have to try and read all of them next week, just in case.

Since we pretty much read all romance...and the fact that the books should all be MPG Romance, it's kinda hard not to have some friends to lovers romances...and she said it's okay if there is romance in the book.

So I'm thinking the friendship element has to have a big part of the book. Not just they were friends a while before the romance.

Otherwise how do you read a MPG romance, without there being a romance?

Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "Since we pretty much read all romance...and the fact that the books should all be MPG Romance, it's kinda hard not to have some friends to lovers romances...and she said it's okay if there is roman..."

That was my feeling, too. I'm thinking that if the two MCs have a friends to lovers relationship, there could also be a strong friendship outside of that with a secondary character.

AHHH!
I just got my computer back from the shop last Thursday.
Just got off the phone with support, and it's going back in the shop.
New issue. Every few minutes it turns it self off.

Glad I broke down and bought a cheep laptop last time it was in the shop. It's not a very good one, but at least it will keep me from going crazy for 3+ weeks.

Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "AHHH!
I just got my computer back from the shop last Thursday.
Just got off the phone with support, and it's going back in the shop.
New issue. Every few minutes it turns it self off.

Glad I broke..."

Technology is wonderful ........ until it's not! Hope they can fix it properly for you this time.

I've finished my 10. But I have 1 more day for the theme read. I might swap out one for a friendship theme book.
I've had a horrendous day. Maybe a friendship book would cheer me up? worth a shot.

whoo. I got 1 more friend done this morning. I started another one. Hoping to finish it before bed time, and the buzzer.

or not

I tried. Didn't make it.
But I am still gonna change books

Has anyone read these?
Can you tell me if I'm right.

I think each of these books in this series are set in different countries. (not the whole series, but these ones)

2. Conscious Decisions of the Heart Denmark Sweden

3. The Bridge of Silver Wings 513pg set in Russia

4 This Other Country 503pg set in England

5 The Bruise-Black Sky 479pg New Zealand

7 Enduring Night 480 pg Longyearbyen Svalbard, Norway

That is a whole lot of pages--but it's cool they are all in the same series,
But I wouldn't want to try to attempt it and find out I'm wrong about one of the countries.

Okay, that was way unrealistic. No way I could read all of those in 1 week.
But it is cool that the series covers so many countries.

I did compile a list of books that look interesting that are both mystery and cover multiple countries.
Hopefully some of them will fit categories, and maybe someone might want to buddy read a couple with me.

🌟 March Book Quest: Secrets and Lies! 🌟

Welcome to March, adventurers! This month, we’re diving into the shadowy world of Secrets and Lies—where mysteries unravel, truths are hidden, and nothing is as it seems. Get ready for twists, turns, and thrilling revelations as we explore the darker side of storytelling.

📅 Monthly Theme: Secrets and Lies
This month, challenge yourself with books that keep you guessing. Here are your reading tasks:

📖 Read a book that involves a significant secret that changes the course of the story.
📖 Read a book with an unreliable narrator.
📖 Read a book where a character has a hidden identity.
📖 Read a book featuring government conspiracy.
📖 Read a book about keeping family secrets.
📖 Read a book where lies lead to major consequences.
📖 Read a book with plot twists and surprises.
📖 Read a book about uncovering historical secrets.
📖 Read a book featuring espionage or spies.
📖 Read a book where social media secrets are exposed.

🎯 Bonus Genre: Mystery/Thriller
To earn extra points, choose books from the bonus genre of Mystery/Thriller!

🌍 Themed Reading Week: Books Set in Different Countries
From March 19-25, embark on a literary journey around the world! Read books set in diverse locations to immerse yourself in different cultures and perspectives.

📌 How It Works:
> Read books that fit the Books Set in Different Countries theme.
> Earn 15 points for each book read during the themed week.


Important Announcement for Teams
As I was updating spreadsheets, I noticed a few teams have members who haven’t read anything this month. I’m happy to help find replacement players for missing members, but I can’t keep track of everyone on my own. If your team is missing a member and you’ve tried to contact them without success, please let me know ASAP so I can find you a replacement.

For teams that have a period of time where a replacement can’t be found, I’m allowing MOD books to keep the team afloat. This ensures your team stays active and competitive while we work on filling the gap.


Happy reading, adventurers! Let’s uncover the mysteries and lies hidden within the pages of our books this March. 📖✨

Does anyone have any interest in a couple buddy reads for March?
None of my choices on the spreadsheet are set yet. Just looking for options for the theme week, before I narrow that list down to what looks the most interesting.

I really wish I could read Liar City but it hasn't been long enough for me.

Damn GR stopped sending me updates for this thread! I wonder if it's done the same for all of us?

Sorry I haven't responded Skye. The John Wiltshire books are a bit too long for me, especially with all the books I need to read in March, but I'm hoping Stealing Mexico works for one category, and that's set in Mexico.

I'll also join you in reading The Kite. Does anyone know if The Bait is set over 50% in Thailand?

I'm going to look for a book set in Russia, maybe a mafia book that will work for the family secret task.

I'm reading Pretty Pretty Boys by Gregory Ashe and A Forgotten Mistake by Alice Winters but apart from being mystery, don't know if they will work for any of the tasks.

Jessica wrote: "Damn GR stopped sending me updates for this thread! I wonder if it's done the same for all of us?

Sorry I haven't responded Skye. The John Wiltshire books are a bit too long for me, especially wit..."

It's a while since I read The Bait but from a quick chapter reminder just now most of the book is set in Bosnia. But I can't use it. Forgot to check the publication date and sadly, it was only 5 months ago.
So, probably not much point in my reading The Kite either as it isn't set at least 50% in one country, I don't think. Bummer!

Mrsgeo wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Damn GR stopped sending me updates for this thread! I wonder if it's done the same for all of us?

Sorry I haven't responded Skye. The John Wiltshire books are a bit too long for me..."

I will ask if we can use books that are set at least 50% in countries that aren't our own, rather than 1 particular country.

I thought The Kite was set mostly in Australia

Does it need to be 50% or significant amount of time?
I hate trying to figure out the percentages.
I'm gonna ask before I start scanning to figure out how much percentage is in each book.

One of mine...both countries they are in, aren't mine.
But I want to use for New Zealand. I think it's more 40% or more in New Zealand and maybe 50% in England...and not sure might have a little in another country. I didn't scan for exact percentage, because I don't want to read portions to figure it out.

Jessica wrote: "Mrsgeo wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Damn GR stopped sending me updates for this thread! I wonder if it's done the same for all of us?

Sorry I haven't responded Skye. The John Wiltshire books are a bit ..."

No, it starts off in Spain, crosses to Morocco, then Algeria. They are flown to Yemen, then they drive to Oman. By boat to Pakistan, then by air to Thailand. The last few chapters are in Australia.

Checked the Q&A - One Q was "Can we still use books where characters are travelling through multiple countries, none of them being our own?" The reply was 'yes' but 1 country needs to be chosen for the book. So I will read The Kite after all.

I was referring to The Bruise-Black Sky
Starts in England and Ben goes to New Zealand for s lot of the book. They return back to England about 85% or so.

I think it's okay from her response to Jessica
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Confirmed Buddy Reads:

The Kite
Conscious Decisions of the Heart
The Bait

Potential Buddy Reads:

Stealing Mexico (released 6th March 2025)

I could read The Bait after 28th March & get the points for the buddy read but not for the themed week. If only Ms Walker had published it 3 days earlier!

Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "Does anyone have any interest in a couple buddy reads for March?
None of my choices on the spreadsheet are set yet. Just looking for options for the theme week, before I narrow that list down to wh..."

I wouldn't mind doing Conscious Decisions of the Heart with you.

Mrsgeo wrote: "Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "Does anyone have any interest in a couple buddy reads for March?
None of my choices on the spreadsheet are set yet. Just looking for options for the theme week, bef..."

That would be great.


I'm interested in Stealing Mexico maybe.

I think I have 10 different countries...but I know I can't read all 10 in that week, so now I'm gonna go pick a few without thinking about countries.