Book Nook Cafe discussion
Determination Lists & Challenges
>
JulieLill's Reading Challenge 2025
date
newest »
newest »
message 101:
by
madrano
(new)
Jul 19, 2025 08:04AM
Neat bio, Julie! Well done.
reply
|
flag
Night Train
Martin Amis
4/5 stars
Detective female Mike Hoolihan has seen it a lot of cases and now
she is taking on the death of Jennifer Rockwell. She doesn't want to do it but she has promised to look in on it. I enjoyed this book! 1997
I’ve only read one Amis novel but wanted to try another. Julie, you found it for me. Thanks, it sounds good.
Elphie: A Wicked Childhood
Gregory Maguire
This book is based on the childhood of Elphie who rose to fame as an adult witch. I thought this was quite good! Fiction
I hadn’t heard of this, although i recognize Maguire’s name. Neat that you liked it, Jill.
Deep Cuts
Holly Brickley
4/5 stars
Interesting book about Percy Marks who is into music but gives her own opinion about music. She ends up meeting Joe Morrow, a song writer. They end up becoming a partnership over the years but it is not an easy road between the two of them. I enjoyed this book. Fiction
Julie wrote: "Deep Cuts
Holly Brickley
4/5 stars
Interesting book about Percy Marks who is into music but gives her own opinion about music. She..."
Well done, Julie. I think it’s sometimes tough to read books about music because i don’t know enough about the topic.
Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II
Becky Aikman
5/5 stars
I loved this book about the 25 women fliers in World War 2 who risked their lives for their country. If you like women's history you will definitely like this book! Non-Fiction
Thanks for the title, Julie. If you are we near Sweetwater, Texas, make sure to see the museum dedicated to these women. Plenty of details, examples of their writing and stories they shared about their part in the war.https://www.waspmuseum.org/
Julie wrote: "[book:Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II|2173877..."
How interesting. I'll definitely have to put this one in my TBR notebook. I had no idea women flew fighter planes in WWII.
madrano wrote: Thanks for the title, Julie. If you are we near Sweetwater, Texas, make sure to see the museum dedicated to these women. Plenty of details, examples of their writing and stories they shared about their part in the war.https://www.waspmuseum.org/
."
Thanks for the museum link, deb. That is terrific that they are recognized with a museum.
My pleasure. One of my favorite contemporary poets, Ann Darr, was one of the pilots. In a couple of her poems she mentions it.
A Widow for One Year
John Irving
3/5 stars
This story surrounds Ruth Cole in three parts, as a child, then as an unmarried woman in 1990 and then we finally we see her in 1995. I liked this book, it is a bit too long but is still very interesting!
1998
Julie wrote: "A Widow for One Year
John Irving
3/5 stars
This story surrounds Ruth Cole in three parts, as a child, then as an unmarried woman in 1..."
My favorite John Irving book is A Prayer for Owen Meany
Sick Houses: Haunted Homes and the Architecture of Dread
Leila Taylor
4/5 stars
Interesting book on haunted houses! Non-Fiction
Wiseguys and the White House: Gangsters, Presidents, and the Deals They Made
by Eric Dezenhall
4/5 stars
Interesting book about the gangsters who want their help with the Presidents and what they wanted to achieve with their help. He writes about FDR, Richard Nixon, LBJ, Ronald Reagen, John Kennedy, Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Non-Fiction/ True Crime
Julie wrote: "Wiseguys and the White House: Gangsters, Presidents, and the Deals They Made
by [..."
Good selection for the prompt, Julie.
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
Stephen King
4/5 stars
Trisha was supposed to take a trail hike with her mother and brother. She ends up going off the trail when her mother and brother start fighting. She decides to use her favorite baseball player, Tom Gordon to keep us her spirits up. Will she hook up with her family or is she doomed? I really enjoyed this book! Horror
I haven't read the SK book. Though I do recall the title. Thanks for the reminder. I think I will put it in my TBR notebook for when I need a horror book for a challenge prompt. Thanks!
Ghost Ship: The Mysterious True Story of the Mary Celeste and Her Missing Crew
Brian Hicks
4/5 stars
Very interesting book about a ship that gone astray and the lengths they went to try and find this ship! Ghost Ship: The Mysterious True Story of the Mary Celeste and Her Missing Crew by Brian Hicks. I thought this was quite good. Non-Fiction
Julie wrote: "Ghost Ship: The Mysterious True Story of the Mary Celeste and Her Missing Crew
The story of the Mary Celeste acquired yet another twist in 2001, when a team of divers funded by novelist Clive Cussler located the wreck in a coral reef off Haiti.
That's cool that they found the wreck.
Julie wrote: "A Widow for One Year
John Irving
3/5 stars
This story surrounds Ruth Cole in three parts, as a child, then as an unmarried woman in 1..."
Irving was one of my mother's favorite authors. Somehow he didn't click with me, although a couple of films based on his works have. It's a pleasure to remember this through your comments, Julie.
Julie wrote: "Sick Houses: Haunted Homes and the Architecture of Dread
Leila Taylor
4/5 stars
Int..."
What a curious idea for a book. Who knew?
Julie wrote: "Wiseguys and the White House: Gangsters, Presidents, and the Deals They Made
by [..."
Another interesting,yet unexpected, topic. It's neat to see what topics authors explore. Thanks for sharing, Julie.
Julie wrote: "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
Stephen King
4/5 stars
Trisha was supposed to take a trail hike with her mother and brother...."
Neat premise for a novel, imo. Julie, i'm tickled to learn you liked it.
Julie wrote: "Ghost Ship: The Mysterious True Story of the Mary Celeste and Her Missing Crew
[author:..."
Intriguing topic, Julie. I know i've heard about the ship but cannot recall much at all. Thanks for sharing about it & your opinion.
Alias Reader wrote: "The story of the Mary Celeste acquired yet another twist in 2001, when a team of divers funded by novelist Clive Cussler located the wreck in a coral reef off Haiti..."I missed that Cussler was financing the project. He certainly used his money on interesting projects. Thanks for that, Alias.
Motherless Brooklyn
Jonathan Lethem
3/5 stars
This is the story about Lionel Lessrog who lives in a home for boys during the 1970's and has Tourette Syndrome. One his friends Frank is a hero to him and helps him out. But there is a lot of mischief and stealing. When Frank is knifed and killed. Lionel wants to help solve the crime and tries to solve the crime! 1999
Julie wrote: "Motherless Brooklyn
Jonathan Lethem
3/5 stars
This is the story about Lionel Lessrog who lives in a home for boys during the 1970'..."
I read this one a long time ago. Honestly, too long ago for me to remember the plot.
I remember reading & liking that book. But, for some reason, i had no desire to read more Lethem, nor even see the film. I'm thinking i didn't "like" it, as much as appreciated a different sort of character in a novel.Good selection for that year, Julie.
madrano wrote: "I remember reading & liking that book. But, for some reason, i had no desire to read more Lethem, nor even see the film. I'm thinking i didn't "like" it, as much as appreciated a different sort of ..."You have to admit, it's a terrific book title !
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection
John Green
4/5 stars
This fascinating book is about tuberculosis, which is one of persistent and deadliest infection in the world. Green tells the story of Henry who has TB. Well written and interesting! Non-Fiction
Julie wrote: "[book:Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection|220..."
I agree, Julie. I gave the book 5/5 stars.
Well done, Julie. I see you are moving right along on your list. I like the way you wrote it up, it's easier to immediately see your progress.
My Next Breath
Jeremy Renner
4/5 stars
This is the story of the actor Jeremy Renner who went out on New's Year Day when he was crushed by a fourteen-thousand-pound snow cat nearly killing him. This was a fascinating and scary tale about his will to survive. Biography
Julie wrote: "My Next Breath
Jeremy Renner
4/5 stars
This is the story of the actor Jeremy Renner who went out on New's Year Day when he was..."
I recall when that story was in the news.
I'm with Alias, i recall the story. I was unaware he wrote about it. Thanks for sharing, Julie. Good catch!
Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television
by Todd Purdum
4/5 stars 9/7/2025
Fascinating book about Desi Arnaz and his career in TV and Film.
Books On Film and Entertainment
Julie wrote: "Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television
by Todd Purdum
4/5 stars 9/7/2025
Fascinating book ..."
That's a perfect fit for the prompt, Julie.
He was very innovative with the cameras and the type of film used for a sitcom.
I love Lucy really has stood the test of time, IMO. I still enjoy it and laugh out loud.
Yes, i remember being awed when i learned the techniques he employed before any others. Neat.Good going, Julie.
The Museum Detective
Maha Khan Phillips
4/5 stars
Interesting story about a Museum Detective, Dr. Gul Delani whose niece has gone missing for 3 years. She has also undertaken a narcotics investigation in Pakistan. Will she find her niece? Books Off My Reading List
It always feels good to check one of the old reading list. Well done, Julie !
Book Nook Cafe
Books mentioned in this topic
The Museum Detective (other topics)The Museum Detective (other topics)
The Museum Detective (other topics)
Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television (other topics)
Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Maha Khan Phillips (other topics)Maha Khan Phillips (other topics)
Maha Khan Phillips (other topics)
Todd Purdum (other topics)
Todd Purdum (other topics)
More...
