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Happy Thursday! It's November. All the leaves are gone from my trees. It hasn't snowed yet, but it will soon. It IS snowing now. Also, for some reason my furnace is not working this morning. And my furnace is working again! Great.


Admin news:

* November’s group read has begun; the group chose Challenger Deep. I have not read this one, but it seems very popular!

* Tomorrow is Admin Sara’s birthday!!! Happy Birthday!!

* we eagerly await the new list for 2020. In the meantime, Tara is posting “teasers�� over in the dedicated FB group: POPSUGAR Book Club
.



This week I finished 2 books.
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai - basically, I hated this, mostly because the heroine acted like a tantrumming child.
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich - this was amazing! It was complex and rambling and beautiful.

And I DNFed one book:
The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South by Michael W. Twitty - I listened to the audiobook, which was a mistake, because the author reads his book, and he does NOT have an engaging speaking style. I found this book so boring, I just didn’t want to pick it up again. It is NOT a journey through African American Culinary History, it is a memoir in which Twitty goes into exhaustive detail about alllll the geneology and DNA test results he's had. Dude. This matters more to you than to anyone else. Of course, I did not finish it, so maybe the rest of the book was better. I got 60% of the way through it.

I’ve got a bunch of books in progress, but I’m moving so slow, and my library loans are expiring before I can finish the book. This is the downside of reading new library books as soon as they are released - I can’t renew because other people are waiting!




Question of the Week

The first round of ŷ������ Choice Awards just opened this week. (I’m not sure if they did this on purpose, but voting opened on Election Day in the US.)
Did you write-in any books? Do you have any particular favorites you are rooting for?!







Here’s my list of what I wrote in:

Fiction - American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson - this book was sooo good and it’s not getting enough love

Debut - American Spy

SFF - The True Queen by Zen Cho

Romance - Ice Cream Lover by Jackie Lau

non-fiction - How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi - I was surprised this book wasn’t on the list!

YA SFF - Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers

Picture books - Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman

And for mystery, I really loved The Lost Man by Jane Harper, which was already on the list, so I voted for that.

Oh no, no heat! I couldn't cope - I have to stay at my parents' house a few nights each week just now and it is the coldest place ever. I have about a million layers and sit close to their open fire!!

Snow is meant to come to Scotland this week, but not where I am. It felt the right weather for it this morning though.

I finished two books this week, one for PS which saw me complete the advanced challenge!. I’m now at 46/55 (36/45, 10/10), so getting close. I’d finished PS by this time last year I think, but this year I have ATY and Reading Women in the mix!

My PS read was for advanced prompt #5 Lit RPG. I was not looking forward to this prompt, it didn’t appeal to me at all and neither did the options I saw. I already read Ready Player One last year, so I was at a bit of a loss. But I figured a graphic novel might make it go down a bit easier, so thankfully I found In Real Life by Cory Doctorow (illustrated by Jen Wang). It was ok, though I need to start with some caveats. First, this is the only graphic novel I’ve ever read. Second, I’m not a gamer. And third, I’m not YA in either age or typical genre choice. Therefore I’m probably not the primary audience for this story or best placed to critique it - this is just my tuppence-worth. I really enjoyed the visuals of this book, particularly the depictions of the female avatars which weren’t overly sexualised as I’ve noticed women in games tend to be. There was a strong female-positive slant to this whole book, which I really valued. I also valued the strong ethical message, though I’m not quite sure about how the story played out in that respect (I don’t want to drop a spoiler, but let’s just say that there was a slight tinge of privilege sweeping in to save someone else’s day). But what I found really interesting was that the issues in the book are actually issues in real life. I don’t mean just the poor working conditions or treatment of low-paid workers, as we (should) all know those are sadly reality for many. But the “Gold Farming�� that takes place �� I had no idea this is something that actually happens, and will be something I’ll talk to my gamer son about and be mindful as his younger brothers become more interested in gaming. Who knew that even computer gaming can be subject to ethical considerations (or at least, those beyond whether you play games with problematic themes)?!

My second book was for ATY only, and it was Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. I’ve read a couple of classic stories this year, stories that I thought I was familiar with as they are so prominent in pop culture. This was one of them, and like the others it was completely removed from what I expected. I was expecting an evil scientist cackling as he summoned the power of electricity on a dark and stormy night, lab assistant Igor hobbling about with his hunchback and saying yessss massster, and the emergence of a green monster with a bolt through his head. Spoiler, but basically none of that happens in this book. It’s more the case of an over ambitious student pieces together body parts, reanimates them (the details of which are fluffed over) and then promptly cacks his pants when he realises what he’s done. He then spends the rest of his life paying for, repenting for and seeking vengeance for the outcome of that misguided experiment. Oh, and throwing a lot of pity parties and fainting quite a bit. No judging, I would need the smelling salts too if a hideous beast of my own creation decided to torment me and harm anyone I ever loved. My struggle with this book is that Frankenstein - for all his hand wringing he isn’t a very effectual or empathetic character. He feels bad when bad things happen, but doesn’t really take responsibility for them in a tangible way or extend that despair to anyone half as long as he wallows in it for himself. I found his “monster�� to be a much more human character, and actually felt very touched by his struggles. He holds a mirror to the monstrous behaviour of his creator and those who judge him at first sight, how we are conditioned to see the physical first without considering the person within. That message is still so pervasive today, so I like to think that it isn’t just the pop culture references which keep this book alive. I don’t think this book will make my favourite classics list, but I’m glad it gave me much more than the trope we’re all so used to.


QOTW - Did you write-in any books? Do you have any particular favorites you are rooting for?!

I voted for a couple, but as I’m focused on clearing my backlog of IRL TBRs I don’t often read a lot of books in the year they’re published. Hopefully that will change (I’m down to 150ish on my shelves from over 300 when I started in 2017, though my Kindle list is growing��), but as it stands the only nominees I’d actually read were The Testaments by Margaret Atwood and Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield. I voted for them both in their categories (OUAR was in historical fiction, and I think Testaments was in fiction), as I really enjoyed them both and feel they (and their authors) are worthy of a vote. Last year I think I could only vote for one title, so I’m up on that! There are some really interesting looking nominees, and quite a few I’ve heard feature on podcasts etc, so I’ll definitely be revisiting it for 2020 prompts that I can’t fill with my own stash.

QOTW: I don't usually read many new books. I've only read two that were published this year, so I don't write in and I don't vote.

Complete

Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl (book seen somebody reading in a movie or on tv ATY?) from You've got Mail. Well, this book was delightful. I kept laughing out loud. And pretty impressive from a man whose life didn't have to be one that made you laugh, plenty of tragedy to be had in that story.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen which is 2 female authors but I read for psychological thriller (ATY?). I caught most of the major twists well before they were revealed so from that respect it was a bit of a yawn, but it didn't piss me off, I'd read their next book... but I don't NEED to read their next book.

Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden (Pop, Sugar, or Challenge in the title) a lot of coincidence and needless tragedy on this one, but I liked the characters and would consider reading the next book at some point. I'd certainly read more from this author.

Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar (book I stumbled upon (ATY?)) Ona Judge is absolutely fascinating. The amount of time this book spent telling me how she might have felt about things and what was served at the dinner parties that the Washingtons' had and what Ona Judge felt about it? Less so. Read the interviews she gave or a different book about her, but she's TOTALLY worth knowing. And the Washington's history in general is worth knowing I'm just saying there was a lot of needless dinner party discussion that didn't add to the book... and I say this as somebody who loves a dinner party (in theory...I'm an introvert, I don't like to go out... but I'd be great at having a dinner party... if I could host it... and cook... at somebody elses house so that I could also, you know, leave on my own terms).

currently reading
Watchmen
Between the Lines

QOTW
I have voted in cateogories where I have read 2 or more books but not in categories where I have read none or even just one. I didn't write anything in.

I finished the challenge this week! Now I'm eagerly awaiting next year's list.

Finished Bitten for a re-read of a favourite. I probably wouldn't 5 star it for the second read because I clearly care more about how Elena treats Philip now I'm older. I was also a bit put off by Clay's behaviour until I realised he didn't know she had actually broken up with him and had another relationship, so it's all bad behviour on Elena's part. She's a better person in the rest of the series though, so I wouldn't be put off re-reading the rest.

I listened to The Warehouse (ATY rejects - Monopoly) which was a bit cheesy in places but overall an enjoyable thriller with a topical subject.

Currently reading The Secret Chapter for review and listening to The Toll.

QOTW:
I like to write in for lesser known books in the first round, even though I know their chances are slim. There are a few pre-selected ones I'm happy to vote for though so I think I'll be able to vote for something in all the rounds.
This Green and Pleasant Land by Ayisha Malik (Fiction)
The Familiars by Stacey Halls (Historical and Debut)
Red Snow by Will Dean (Mystery/Thriller)
Sanctuary by V.V. James (Fantasy)
The Heartland: Finding and Losing Schizophrenia by Nathan Filer (Nonfiction)
War Doctor: Surgery on the Front Line by David Nott (Memoir)
Heartstream by Tom Pollock (YA)
Other Words for Smoke by Sarah Maria Griffin (YA Fantasy)

I also voted for The Flatshare, Wakenhyrst and To Be Taught If Fortunate.

I've had a very busy week with doctors appointments and tests, so I had a good amount of waiting room reading time. But switching the clocks back this week really messed up my sleep cycle, so I haven't had much energy to read at other times.

Finished
Blameless by Gail Carriger. Still loving this series. I'm not sure the upsetting ending to the last book is ever adequately resolved, but this series doesn't take itself too seriously so there was never going to be a really serious conversation about it. I'm taking all the characters at their word that things have been resolved and reading on.

Reading
Before We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak

I'm going to start Heartless today, and I've been meaning to start Heart Berries for a couple days. Maybe today is the day.

QOTW
Unfortunately, I didn't read too many standout new releases this year so voting was kind of anticlimactic. The only book I was really enthusiastic about voting for was The Turn of the Key. I had one write-in vote for Storm of Locusts.

UPDATE: my ex stopped by and fixed my furnace. He’s a goddamned hero. :-) (Also, it turned out to be something simple that he could fix quickly. The thermocouple had some schmutz on it and had to be buffed off so it could sense the flame properly.)

Happy Thursday!

It's been a few weeks since my last check in. Vacation than back to real life...now I'm in a reading slump.

On Vacation the books I remember reading:

I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi. I enjoyed it.
Sunset Beach by Mary Kay Andrews. I was going to the beach so it fit the vacation mood.
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center. I went into this book not knowing the plot. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

This week I finished The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. This book was so funny I was laughing out loud. It earns my comedy best book of the year.

Currently Reading
Challenger Deep - My last PS book for the challenge!
Cat's Eye
The Turn of the Key
Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!
I Heart Christmas

QOTW
No, I didn't write in any books. I voted in about four categories.

Sarah wrote: "Oh no, no heat! I couldn't cope - "

Sarah, your review of Frankenstein mirrors my own thoughts on the book. I haven't previously read many classics, and it's this reason of pop culture view vs. the real book that will keep me reading a few more.

I haven't checked in since the summer! But spent part of Monday going over ALL the prompts I have left for all of my challenges since it's getting down to the wire ... I think I will have to read a book every 2 days to finish all 4 (ATY, Popsugar, Book Riot and Reading Women) so not sure that's going to happen but I should be able to get ATY and Popsugar done, which was always my goal, with the other challenges there to help me read a bit more diversely. The time change has actually been helpful to me this week in terms of reading, since I have been waking up WAY TOO early and getting in an extra hour or two of reading ... but I'm seriously exhausted. Would they please just stop with the clock changing already?

And it is currently snowing her ... it's that first pristine snow that is so pretty - until you have to shovel it and it starts turning grey and slushy. But I'll admire it for now.

Finished:

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou - this was my third time having it out of the library this year and finally finished it - I found the last half of the book went much more quickly than the first. SO crazy how she got so many politicians and business people to invest SO much money in something that didn't even exist. This was for the STEM prompt for ATY.

Feed by Mira Grant - this was for the ATY prompt of being connected to a tv show or movie. It's a zombie apocalypse book and I am a big Walking Dead fan so figured it would work. It was an interesting take on the whole thing - both how the epidemic started and also a lot of it is about news and truth telling etc. All in all pretty decent and I plan to read the other 2 in the trilogy at some point (but not until next year at the earliest since, you know, so many prompts to get through and so little time left).

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman - and this is why I do these challenges. I would never have picked this book up otherwise and I loved it. I didn't even realize until after I read it that the author wrote some books my kids read growing up (The Schwa and Antsy books). I just found the perspectives so interesting and I really felt like I got a lot out of it - I'm now encouraging my 16 year old to read it.

In Progress:

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim - just started this last night so only a few pages in but it's had good reviews and I've been waiting for it from the library for months. I think I'm using it for a book set in Appalachia for Reading Women, although I'm not quite sure it is?

QOTW: I haven't looked at the ŷ������ list - not even sure where to find it? So clearly I also did not write in or any of that - I have been pretty absent since the summer so hoping to remedy that as the winter sets in.

Hello everyone :)
This is our first fall in our new house, and I'm loving it. It's the first time we've had a yard totally to ourselves and it somehow it makes me enjoy each season that much more.

This week I read 3 books and I'm a couple hours into an audiobook.
The Dutch Wife I really couldn't put this book down and truthfully I approached it unsure that I really wanted to read another holocaust-related book. But, wow, this one is really powerful, and it approaches the topic from different perspectives than I've previously encountered.

The Likeness I definitely liked the first book in this series, enough that I immediately bought the second, but I thought this second book was SO much better. I loved it. Now I looked up which detective is the main character of the third book and I feel a little apprehensive about him, but overall I think it is pretty cool how each book is from the perspective of a different cop.

The Field Guide I try to read some of the books my kids recommend to me, and my nine year old son just started the Spiderwick Chronicles. This first book was pretty good! The illustrations are great too.

I'm about two hours into listening to The Ten Thousand Doors of January and so far I like it. I think the narrator is one of my favorite things about the book so far, so I'm glad I'm listening to it.

QOTW - Did you write-in any books? Do you have any particular favorites you are rooting for?!
Besides The Ten Thousand Doors of January, which I'm currently listening to, I haven't read a single other book on the list of releases from this year! I can't really afford to buy hardcovers/new releases, and I rely heavily on interlibrary loan (which takes a while) and used books, so I'm usually about a year behind on new releases. I like to look through the choice awards nominees for ideas for next year's reading list, though.
But, honestly, I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable voting if I hadn't read over half of the books in a particular category. I wonder sometimes if the choice awards end up being more about popularity than how good the different books actually are, which makes me sadder than it probably should lol

Happy Thursday, y’all!

Slow reading week this week. I'm having a hard time getting into my current books, and I've got a stack of holds that have come in from my local library staring at me. Maybe it's time to DNF and move on, though I hate DNFing a book when I'm halfway through it. Guess I press on...

Books read this week:

Waking Gods -- second in the Themis Files trilogy. I don’t think I liked this one as much as I enjoyed the first volume, partly because it has a LOT more action scenes and the format in which it’s told (letters, journal entries, recorded conversations) doesn’t translate well to action scenes. But I’m emotionally invested enough in the story and characters to read the final book, so�� I persist.

The Tea Dragon Society -- this graphic novel was just so danged CUTE! I want a tea dragon now and I don’t even drink tea!

Currently Reading:

The Best of Planet Stories 1
Prototype D
Night Watch

QOTW:

I voted in all the categories I've read books for (so roughly half), but didn't write in any votes. I ALMOST wrote in Cheshire Crossing for "best graphic novel" but ended up voting for Pumpkinheads instead. Sorry Andy Weir, but "Pumpkinheads" was really adorable and sweet...

Michelle wrote: "Hello everyone :)
This is our first fall in our new house, and I'm loving it. It's the first time we've had a yard totally to ourselves and it somehow it makes me enjoy each season that much more...."



Ohhh Frank Mackie in Faithful Place was my favorite detective!! And yeah I m always apprehensive when I start a new book in that Dublin Murder series, because I become so attached to the detectives in the previous book. (I’m listening to The Secret Place right now!)


And yes, I think the ŷ������ Choice Awards are 100% a popularity contest. Theoretically, only good books become popular, but ... not always.

What happened to autumn? So cold so fast... and the indoor track at my gym is closed this week for refinishing. It's going to tough to get 20,000 steps. Oh well, more time for reading!

Challenge Progress: 49/50

Completed:
All In: So the prompt for a book set in Scandinavia was just driving me crazy... I just haven't been in the mood for the dark, cold, murder-y thing most of these books seem to be. But this? A Swedish contemporary romance? Very unusual and enjoyable. There was more depth to it than so many American romance novels... An actual plot! No silly nicknames! Some people might complain that it was a little dry and that the characters were a bit stiff, but I felt these characteristics were true to the setting and didn't detract from the story itself. (A book set in Scandinavia) ★★★★

Down Among the Sticks and Bones: While it was interesting to learn Jack and Jill's backstory (they were first introduced in Every Heart a Doorway), I'm not sure I really learned anything new. Still, the Wayward Children series is inventive and original, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of Seanan McGuire's work. ★★��

Evvie Drake Starts Over: Romantic, but not cloying, with adult characters who really act like adults. They argue, they have misunderstandings, they make up... And not one character is perfect. It was great reading a romance that was about more than just sex and attraction. ★★★★��

Currently Reading: One of Us Is Lying (a book read during the season it's set in), The Girl with the Sweetest Secret (a book with a title that contains salty, sweet, bitter, or spicy), The Nightingale

QOTW: I didn't write in any other titles, but I was pleased to find that I'd read at least one book in nearly every category. The Fantasy category was particularly difficult for me... so many good books! (But I'm rooting for The Ten Thousand Doors of January. I loved it so much!)

Good morning from Columbus! I braved the Starbucks crowd and got my free reusable red cup this morning! Starbucks holiday drinks really put me in the mood for the holidays 🥰
I didn’t get a ton of reading done, I was dealing with a migraine over the weekend, had junior finals (I got a 98 and 100 on the two written exams and a 100 on my practical 😍), and was working my way through a Brontë which is never something I can speed read.

Villette for the back to the classics challenge. I love the Brontë sisters and I love gothic novels so this was right up my alley. Took a damn near full week to finish this though lol

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for marisha pessl’s challenge. A cute short book that makes me want to read the rest in the series but then I realized there’s like 12 and I don’t know if Ill ever actually make that happen.

I’m at 154 books read this year. 37/40; 7/10 for popsugar, 17/24 for book riot, 7/12 for back to the classics, and 27/37 for marisha pessl.

OMG Villette took me MONTHS to read!!! I think one week is speed reading that tome. It was so slow.

Hope your furnace gets fixed soon. And happy birthday Sara

Still in an incredible reading slump with zero books read this week.


QOTW I did vote but for the first time in a long time most of my usual categories had books I hadn't read and I had nothing I felt deserved written in

Yay! We're officially in Thanksgiving season (which all the stores around here have completely skipped over!)

I only finished 1 book this week, Red, White & Royal Blue. I waited for that book for months from the library and finally got it. I LOVED it and read it in a day and a half!

Currently reading The Princess Bride, The Immortalists (which I am LOVING), and There There, which I'm reading for a book club that my college's alumni association started.

QOTW:
I voted but missed that I could write in books. I was disappointed to not see Where the Crawdads Sing on any of the lists. Probably my favorite book this year. I did also really enjoy Ask Again, Yes and gave that a couple of votes.

Thank you for the birthday wishes! I LOVE BIRTHDAYS so I'm excited for mine! And it's a big round number this year too :)

Books finished:

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren. I liked this book. I didn't love it as much as Josh and Hazel, but it was good. I plan to read The Unhoneymooners soon because I've heard nothing but good things about it! @Linda I'm glad you liked it!

Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl. This was my second Reichl book this year. She's a fun writer, and I really loved reading about the elaborate steps she took to maintain her anonymity as she visited the various restaurants. The food descriptions were great although it solidified my opinion that I'm not made for fancy food. :)

Currently Reading:

The Bromance Book Club - First rule of book club - don't talk about book club. A group of macho guys gets together to read romance novels because it is helping them to improve their relationships with their wives and girlfriends. I'm so excited to read this book! It just came out this week. It sounds almost cheesy, but I like that the author is leaning into the cheese a little.

Finding Dorothy - I'm getting ready to start this one as a buddy read with a couple of good friends. I started it on audio a few months ago but it wasn't working for me. Trying again in paper.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson- now this book is currently wrapped up in controversy because apparently Jojo Moyes's new books The Giver of Stars has an eyebrow raising level of similarity to Book Woman. I am trying not to have an opinion on this especially since I haven't read both books. I want to believe it's just a coincidence because both are written about a very unique piece of history that probably has a limited number of resources. If you are interested to know more about the literary scandal you can read up here:

QOTW
I voted on a couple of categories, and I wrote in for one. I think the one I wrote in was A Better Man by Louise Penny for the mysteries category. I could not believe it wasn't on that list. I don't find the voting very reliable because so many people (myself included) have only read a couple of books per category. So they vote on the book they know. Meh, it's still fun to peruse, but it won't influence my reading at all.

Good morning! I had an okay reading week but I did not finish any books. I'm not too worried though because I had a phenomenal October as far as reading goes and I only have 3 books left for the challenge, two of which are in progress. In my infinite wisdom, I decided to read a Christmas book for the prompt "read a book during the season it's set in" so now I have to decide, when does the Christmas season officially start?

QOTW: When I looked at the ŷ������ Choice Nominees, I realized I have only read one of them! I read On the Come Up and loved it so it's the only one I voted for. I didn't even know you could do write-ins but I don't think I've read many new releases. I'm going to try and fix that for next year.

I haven't had a great week with reading, but I finished one book. I don't think I'll get much reading done next week either because I'm going on vacation.

Finished:
Landline - this was a cute read. I listened to it on audio. I've had this same narrator, Rebecca Lowman, for a few books, and I enjoy her. I also like Rainbow Rowell's writing style so this was an easy read. 3.5 stars

Currently Reading:
Next Year in Havana - I picked this back up after my month of thriller/Halloween themed books last month. It's been a slow read for me, but hoping to get more done today.

Looking for Alaska - I wanted to read this before watching the Netflix movie. I should finish it tonight.

The Death of Mrs. Westaway - I'm going to start listening to this today.

QOTW - The first round of ŷ������ Choice Awards just opened this week. Did you write-in any books? Do you have any particular favorites you are rooting for?

I voted for a few categories - The Whisper Man for mystery/thriller, Pumpkinheads for graphic novels/comics, The Silent Patient for debut, and Two Can Keep A Secret for YA. I didn't write any books in.

Happy Chilly Thursday Everyone!

There was a very thin layer of snow on my car this morning. I don't hate it, I just wish I would have realized there was snow before I took my dog out and then didn't have time to change out of the flats I was wearing and the fall coat.

I only have two remaining PS prompts!! Both are books I've been wanting to read so, I should get them complete in the next couple of weeks (since both books are a bit longer).

Finished:

The Night Tiger for a book with a zodiac sign or astrology term in title. I really enjoyed this. I loved the characters, the actual plot kept moving and kept me wanting more, the magical realism was lovely. I want more from this author and this world!

Ayesha at Last for an "own voices" book. Much like The Night Tiger, I want more from this author and this world. This would have been five stars from me if the Lizzie character didn't trust the Wickham character. No matter what re-telling I read, the Lizzie always trusts the Wickham...it shouldn't still bother me but it does.

Currently Reading:

Fangirl - This is a just because. Just because I haven't read it yet and I have Carry On on hold from the library and I should probably read this first. I'm almost halfway through it and am enjoying it. I see so much of my college self in Cath, it's kind of crazy.

Mr. Rochester for a retelling of a classic. I'm still really early in this book, so I can't judge it yet. But so far it's interesting and I've been wanting to read it for awhile.

The Starless Sea for a LitRPG book. I just picked it up last night from the library, so I haven't technically started it yet but I plan on it tonight. I also don't know if it is a LitRPG book. I saw it mention in a GR message-board that it was, so I'm going to stick with it.

DNF:

Imaginary Friend - I just couldn't get into it. I'll probably try picking it up next year at some point but for now it's going back on my TBR.

QOTW;
I voted but didn't do any write-ins. Well I tried to write-in The Chestnut Man but it wouldn't let me. I guess because it came out in other countries last year.

I was excited to see Red, White and Royal Blue and Furious Hours nominated.

Hi everyone! Does it seem to everyone else that the Christmas season starts earlier each year? Retailers went ALL IN this year on the 1st, which is fun for a while but I know I’ll suffer burnout before the holiday actually gets here. I will (and have) take advantage of some of the big sales, though�� 😊

Wow �� looking back at the last week it looks like all I did was read. But really, several of the books I read I was halfway through at the start of the week and a couple of them were short. I did read more last week than the previous several, but that is because I was in town all week for the first time since mid-September.

47/50 for Popsugar
51/52 for Around the Year

Books I finished:
A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher (Mannegren: A book set in a post-apocalyptic world) This is the first book I think I've read where the author writes before chapter one to not tell any spoilers to other readers. I thought the story was just okay. It felt a bit long and repetitive, although I'm not sure either is actually true.

The Whisper Man by Alex North. I really liked this one.

The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death: Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia, and Laser Hair Removal by Laurie Notaro. Just something fun in between some dark thrillers.

The Death of Bees by Lisa O’Donnell (Mannegren: A book involving music) This made me angry at times and sad for the girls at others. I loved this book. It was gritty and real and each of the 3 POV characters had very distinct voices.

Front Page Fatality by LynDee Walker (Mannegren: A book featuring organized crime) I love a strong female main character, and this series opener kept me hooked. I'll definitely read the next book soon.

Molly's Game by Molly Bloom. I've avoided watching the movie for the last 2 years because I wanted to read this first. It was really interesting, but I feel like it was rushed and skipped over bits.

Sleep Like a Baby by Charlaine Harris. I liked this and can see why Hallmark developed this series.

Little Lovely Things by Maureen Joyce Connolly. This was pretty good. Darker than I expected, though.

I am currently reading:
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (Reading Women: A multi-generational saga)
After the End by Clare Mackintosh.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill (Mannegren: A gothic fiction)
Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan (Reading Women: A book a south Asian author)

QOTW: I haven't voted yet! I'm still trying to decide what to do. I've read quite a few of the mystery/thriller nominations and a handful of others that are listed in various categories, but I need to go through the books I've read to figure out if I want to write in titles.

So I got a lot of reading time in early this week because I was with my mother while she was in the hospital (for a knee replacement) but my reading in the next couple of days will be limited almost exclusively to audiobooks (although I should get through a couple of those). I’m traveling this afternoon to the funeral of a cousins husband. First person of our generation to go (and we’ve only lost one person in our parents generation (my dad- 20 years ago).

This week I finished:

Dead Girl Haunting was a self published book from someone in one of my Facebook groups and was released on Halloween so I decided it would be my Halloween read. It was a fun, quick read.

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance was last weeks audiobook and it was an enjoyable book to listen to.

News of the World. Not my typical type of book- a historical western- but it was a really good book. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between the 2 main characters. (An older man after the civil war and a 10 year old girl).

Challenger Deep. Very good book. Written in a way I typically don’t like (1-3 page chapters changing perspective each chapter) but it was very effective in relaying the mood. This wasn’t always an easy read but it was a very respectful and good approach to a difficult topic.

The Pros of Cons another enjoyable book - a little too much teenage angst initially but it pulled it together as it went.

Two Can Keep a Secret. Didn’t see that twist coming at all. I knew there was one coming but I had someone else tagged as the killer.

Currently reading:

Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City. This weeks audiobook. I should finish it on my drive today.

How Far Can You Go. This is the audiobook that I will start on todays drive when I finish the one above.

To Be Taught, If Fortunate- I want to be able to vote for it in the ŷ������ awards so I need to read it (so far I like it).

The Test so this is a short book and interesting but I saw the twist coming before it was shown in the book.

QOTW- so this is my first year on ŷ������ so my first time through the voting process. I found that I’ve read very few of the nominees and in some of the categories I want to vote against the books I’ve read because I disliked them so much! I voted in categories where I’ve read a book that I really enjoyed. I will admit that my TBR list has expanded. Oh well.

Good Morning from Santa Fe! We have had a couple snows, which melted right away, and it is definitely fire/hot tea weather here!
It has been so long since I checked in..both my son and daughter are getting married (one Dec., one Jan.) so I have been busy! I will just start at the beginning of November: I finished 4 books since Nov. 1...

City of Bones I have never this series and enjoyed the first book, although at times it read a bit "young" for me. I liked it enough to continue the series. This wasn't for a prompt.

The First Girl Child...this wasn't for a prompt but had been sitting on my TBR since it was released. Oh, I loved this book...Amy Harmon writes great fantasy books!! I had read The Bird and the Sword and had to read this one!

This Earl of Mine..again, not for a prompt but I was in the mood for a historical romance. Kate Bateman is a new to me author and I enjoyed this one!

There There...this was for prompt #43 - an "own voices" book under the advanced challenge. Though it started out a bit slow for me, once the individual characters started having their stories blend together, it was a good read!

Currently reading:
Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile...for prompt #44 - read a book during the season it was set in. I am such a football fan and just started this so am looking forward to reading it!

Daisy Jones & The Six...finally, I am sitting down with this :) This is for prompt #28 - book recommended by a celebrity you admire and the ATW prompt #33 - a book you have owned for at least a year. I am about 70% done and would recommend this to anyone!

My goal is to start The Priory of the Orange Tree this week because I know it will take a while to read!

QOTW: I have looked at the ŷ������ Choice awards but am going to wait to vote since I feel I haven't read enough of them to make a fair choice! I am rooting for The Huntress and Daisy Jones & The Six under Historical Fiction and Things You Save in a Fire under Romance!

Happy Thursday. I've only got 5 more challenges to complete for the year, but I keep getting sidetracked by other books.

Books I Finished:

Dead People Suck: A Guide for Survivors of the Newly Departed - I'm far enough removed from dealing with my grandparent's deaths and hopefully far away from having to deal with my parent's so I was able to laugh my way through this.

The Library of the Unwritten - I really liked this. It dragged a little at points, but the character's really popped.

Iron and Magic - I wasn't planning a reread of this but then it came in from my library.

Chimes at Midnight - Now that I've read the most recent book in this series, I noticed things that might point to future story reveals.

Books I Made Progress On:

Shadow of Night

QOTW

I question how the selected books were chosen, and I think the whole thing ends up being biased towards books that came out early in the year or written by well known authors. I ended up writing in for Polaris Rising for sci-fi, Firefly - The Big Damn Cookbook for cookbooks and The Unkindest Tide for fantasy. Fantasy ended up being hard because there were several books that were already nominated that I loved, and several that I loved that I could have written in, so I kind of wish that we could write in for more than 1 book in the first round.

Happy Birthday, Sara!!

The weather just became wintry here again today, just in time for me to fly out to Savannah, GA to visit my best friend! It'll be weird coming back, though, since the day I fly back it's supposed to be in the 40s...

I haven't made much reading progress. Between a sprained ankle, a Halloween party, a trip to Six Flags, and packing for my trip, I've been exhausted, so when I do sit down to read, I end up asleep. BUT, I'm hoping to get some good reading in on the plane and during my visit (my bestie and I both love to read, and since I'll be with her for 6 days, I imagine we'll have at least one chunk of time where we both just hang out and read).

Currently Reading:
Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language: for a book published this year

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business: This is one I'm reading for work so I can help students with their goal-setting. It doesn't hurt that I am also looking to work on building some new habits...Sadly, this doesn't fit into any of my open prompts.

About to Start:
Make Your Home Among Strangers: This will be my "own voices" book. I had a different one picked out, but after the ridiculous reaction from students who had to read it at Georgia Southern, my office decided it would be a good group read/discussion (since we work in higher ed). I got it from the library and I'm really looking forward to it!

QOTW:
I didn't write any in. I don't usually vote because, like many others, I don't often read that many books that are new releases. I did vote for Once Upon a River, even though I haven't read any others on the Historical Fiction list, simply because I LOVED that book SO MUCH.

Hi everyone!

Happy birthday Sara!

Woke up to snow this morning, not cool. I know it's Michigan, but it think the snow should politely wait until December. Jerk.

This week I finished:

Every Which Way But Dead - continuing on the Hallows re-read

Where the Crawdads Sing - books & brew read, I liked it pretty well, but think i would have liked it more if I read it earlier in the year. Now that it's winter, i just want to wallow in fluff. I still enjoyed though.

currently reading:
The Wreath - still poking at. I don't even know if i care enough to finish at this point. Certainly not reading hte rest of the triollogy at this point.

A Fistful of Charms - more hallows re-read

QOTW:

I went through them, but as usual I haven't read many of the selections. A lot are on my to-read list, but I just don't buy a lot of brand new books. I think Middlegame is the one i'm pushing for. I loved it, and I acutally did buy it brand new and hardcover because I love Seanan McGuire so much and it was a really unique book in general.

a few others I actually do have, just haven't gotten to them yet. Maybe I'll take a break from my re-reads and try to get through afew in time to vote. I own The City in the Middle of the Night, The Future of Another TimelineOne Word Kill and A Memory Called Empire, I just haven't read them because they didn't fit into challenges when i got them and I then got caught up in the hallows re-read. So maybe now's a good time to play some catch up.

I generally don't do write-ins because again, i don't read a ton of brand new books so I don't know what i'd even write in.

Shannon wrote: "Happy Birthday, Sara!!

OTW:
I didn't write any in. I don't usually vote because, like many others, I don't often read that many books that are new releases. I did vote for Once Upon a River, even though I haven't read any others on the Historical Fiction list, simply because I LOVED that book SO MUCH. ..."

That's what happens with me. I'll have read one book that's nominated, and then wonder if I can/should vote for it since I'm not really comparing it to the others. I just happened to read it and liked it.

oof it's cold out. My mom thoughtfully sent me a text this morning reminding me to bundle up. Thanks Mom!

Finished reading: (41/50)

The Hundredth House Had No Walls - A very cute fairytale about narrative agency. Also the title is so good in context.

Currently reading:

Carter & Lovecraft ("love" in the title)


QotW: I was pleasantly surprised to see that The Twisted Ones made the opening round! Very cool even though it's destined to be steamrolled by the Stephen King book. (Not knocking the Stephen King book, it's on my TBR)

This year I've read a lot more new releases than usual. Probably because I'm on this site all the time and everyone is always shouting about new releases and ARCs, haha. My write-ins:

Fantasy: Seven Blades in Black (swords & sorcery revenge story. Sal the Cacophony is my favorite book character of 2019)
Young adult fiction: The Boy Who Steals Houses (#ownvoices for autism)
Middle grade & children's: A Wolf Called Wander (wolves are the best)

Happy Thursday everyone and Happy birthday to me(and Sara)
it's a pretty rainy day here in Northeastern Ohio and I'm at work ready to leave. I have a mani/pedi appointment after work then I'm flying out tomorrow morning to spend the weekend with my girlfriend.

I read 2 books this week
A Sick Life: TLC 'n Me: Stories from On and Off the Stage which I read for prompt #3 A book written by a musician. I absolutely loved listening to this audio book. It brought back so many memories of listening to TLC growing up. It also gave me a glimpse into the music business and stardom.
Tionne/T-boz endured so much in her life and she's an aspiration. I'd heard she had sickle cell but never really understood it until now. Listening to her talk felt like she was talking directly to me telling her story.

V for Vendetta My IRL book club read this graphic novel because we met on November 5th (A reference in the book)
IDEAS ARE BULLETPROOF!

V for Vendetta is a sci-fi classic set in a dystopian England mostly centering around two characters V and Evie. Evie is a young teen girl when V rescues and meets her. V is a man set on revenge and to fix the horrible government that has pretty much eradicated every person that's not heterosexual and white. Even though this book is fiction this could happen sadly. Some people complain how "political" this story is but they'll probably be the same people turning a blind eye when atrocities happen. My only issue with this was that the wording in the book was kinda small and confusing but I started to enjoy the old comic book style and design.

QOTW: I only voted for 2 categories but i didn't write in any votes

Quick update - as work is pressing!

Finished a bunch of light reads:

Elements of a Kill - excellent first in series about a murder in Prudhoe Bay with an Inupiat detective solving the death of one of the oilmen.

Walking On Air - western historical romance but a really good story about a gunslinger finding redemption and a second chance at life. Set at Thanksgiving and Christmas so nicely seasonal.

The Chili Queen - heists and scams in 1880 NM involving a bordello, madam, and bank robber among others - and I loved both how the author interweaves quilting into her stories and learning all about the Chili Queens of San Antonio - never knew they existed.

Cold Turkey - this was a reread of a novella set at a charity race at Thanksgiving when a murder occurs. Very light, part of a series of cozy mysteries I read fondly.

Currently Reading:

Proust - Mdme Swann at Home which is book 1 of Within the Budding Grove.
A Front Page Affair

All to be tossed aside once I get home tomorrow night to spend my weekend reading: The Starless Sea. Attended an event last night where Erin Morgenstern was signing --- and I have my beautiful stunning signed copy waiting for me. I just know once I start that I will be reading compulsively, so no starting until I get through my work week. It does have a great first line...I did look.

QOTW: I did not write any in. Instead I took the unusual path of voting for books in each category that I really want to read because inevitably some challenge will have a prompt to read one of the GR choice winning books ... and if I've read them or have zero desire, interest or will to read them, it will make the prompt impossible. My strategy won't work of course, but I will feel like I tried!

Has much of a hard time as I've been having picking up paper books lately, Erin Morgenstern sure cured that! Hopefully the habit will stick when I move back to my old book.

49/50

Finished:
The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick - I was loving this, but the longer it went on the more the author's bias became a distraction. And her clear lack of knowing stuff. To the point that I started wondering if things were facts or if she was just angry and projecting. It's at least as much about her search for Milicent that about the lady herself. I still enjoyed it, but it could have been better.

Uncle Dynamite - Bedtime Wodehouse

Finishing Today:
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats

Currently Reading:
The Starless Sea - I'm at Book IV but had to hold to actually start my book club book. Since book club is tonight. 2 hours of audio left then back to this beauty! The American jacket is so dull to me but the actual book is gorgeous.

Cocktail Time - Bedtime Wodehouse


QOTW:
I haven't voted yet but I do need to write in The Calculating Stars! It wins the Hugo and Nebula and is awesome, and doesn't even get nominated here? Clearly these aren't for the best books, just the most popular, no matter what they claim. Harumph!

Hi all! Anyone else doing Nanowrimo? I do it every year and love it but it definitely cuts into reading time. This week I read:

The Lathe of Heaven: I'll have to read this again at some other point. I felt like I wasn't paying attention closely enough to it to really grasp what was going on. I do love Le Guin, so this is one I'll keep around.

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows: aww, this was fun. Definitely a feel-good book.

One Child: The Story of China's Most Radical Experiment: wild. I didn't know anything about the one-child policy and this book was a great introduction.

Into the Woods: A Five Act Journey Into Story: this was great! I've been struggling with structure for a loooooong time and this book finally helped clear some of that up for me. Highly recommend if you're a writer.

Artemis: ugh. Definitely not as good as The Martian. I was pretty with it until there were two entire chapters about welding!! The science was neat but I completely lost the thread of the story at that point and could not remember why anyone was doing anything.

Currently reading:
Signal to Noise
What Happened (audio)

QOTW: No, I didn't write any books in. I'm lazy!!! I just voted for whatever I liked best but skipped the categories where I'd read nothing, or where I'd read a few books but didn't like any of them. I do have to wonder how some of those books made it into the lineup in the first place, though.....

Poshpenny, I think The Calculating Stars isn't in the polls this year because it was published in July 2018. I remember seeing it in last year's polls, though!

Happy early birthday Sara!

This week I listened to Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, and Advice for Living Your Best Life. After absolutely loving the movie "Always Be My Maybe" I put a hold on this without even reading the description. I probably should have, since I should have guessed there would have been a lot of motherhood stuff in there that's not for me (I'm one of those rare women who has zero interest in pregnancy/babies). Even though those parts weren't my favorite I loved the rest of it so much that it was still a 4-star read overall. The Asian food commentary was great, and I think she's just a fun person to listen to.

I also listened to An Orchestra of Minorities. Beware - don't read the ŷ������ comments on this book before reading it. Someone had a short review that didn't have spoiler tags when it should have and it tainted the reading experience a bit. I kept waiting for that situation to happen but I was happy that it ended up being slightly different than I expected from that spoiler. Ultimately I found the story very interesting and well-written. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 :)

After seeing the Choice Awards options I wanted to finish a few more of the nominees on audio over the next few days so I have more choices to consider. I was able to finish Magic for Liars in about a day and I enjoyed the experience. The narration is kind of detached and raspy (? not necessarily the voice of the narrator but more the feeling?) and it just worked well for this story. I really enjoyed the first half, became a little less interested around the 3/4 mark, but then I appreciated the ending. Sometimes I wonder how many books use unnecessary romantic relationships/interactions as part of the plot. I think there are too many books that would be stronger if they just left that out. :/ Otherwise I liked it though. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Ida B. Wells: Discovering History's Heroes was probably a middle grade book, so I was not their intended audience... I haven't read a lot of middle grade books so I don't know if all of the writing feels kind of flippant and insulting for important subjects like Ida B. Wells, but that kind of got to me with this one. The content was good otherwise though. 3 stars

I'm about to finish How We Fight For Our Lives (another Choice Awards nominee) and I'm getting back to Brownsville: Stories in print. Does anyone else wish there were a short stories category for the awards?

QOTW: I was excited to see the awards come out and I've read nine of the nominees so far. I'm trying to squeeze in two more before the end of the first round. And yes, now my TBR list has grown by about 20 books. Oops!

So far I voted for The Tradition for poetry, My Sister, the Serial Killer for mystery & thriller, and On the Come Up for YA fiction. I might write in Cantoras for historical fiction but plan to listen to The Night Tiger in the next two days in case that one also blows me away. I'll probably vote for How We Fight For Our Lives after I finish it tonight. And I haven't decided if I should vote for Magic for Liars or Dear Girls for their categories since I gave them four stars (and I usually only vote for my five-star reads). We'll see.

Bree wrote: "Poshpenny, I think The Calculating Stars isn't in the polls this year because it was published in July 2018. I remember seeing it in last year's polls, though!"

See, this is why I haven't voted! I haven't stopped to look at stuff yet

Checking in two weeks in a row! Wonders never cease.

This week I finished:
What difference do it make? for question in title
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich for takes place in a day

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail for ATY-- journey
The Poet X for ATY-on NPR list

Currently reading:
The Sparrow for set in space--about 50% complete
Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything for ATY
Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey
Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune for ATY

Next up:
Gaudy Night for amateur detective (at the library for me to collect)
The Alcatraz Escape for puzzle (requested from library, next on list)
And those will complete my challenge, so I hope it comes in soon!

QOTW: I did not write in any votes. I did vote for Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love

We had a really cold snap of weather but it has warmed back up nicely. Hopefully I won't need my coat again for a week or two.

I read two books this week. I've forcing myself to get at least one each week that fits a prompt, or I'll never finish by the end of the year. I really have a wandering eye lately.

The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie; 4 stars - not for challenge
I'm reading one of her books each month. This was to be my September read, but the library hold didn't come in until now. I had recently watched the BBC miniseries on Netflix, so this was one of the few times I already knew the ending going in. Still found it quite good.

Romeo and/or Juliet: A Chooseable-Path Adventure by Ryan North; 3 stars - PS #42 Choose Your Own Adventure
Prior to this year's list coming out, I had never heard of choose-your-adventure books. I picked this one as I love Shakespeare, and it was fun and weird and silly. Not a terrible way to pass a couple of hours.

GoodReads: 75/80
PopSugar: 40/45, 8/10
Around the Year: 49/52

QOTW:
I have never written in a book before, and I've never actually even thought about doing so. I am usually too busy seeing how many of the books listed that I've read or adding books to my TBR list. There are several categories that I don't vote in, and wouldn't have options to write in anyway (such as Horror, Food/Cookbooks, Picture Books).

Edit: I sorted my books by publication date to see if there were any from this year that I felt I should write in. Almost all of them were already on the lists, and the ones that weren't don't deserve a write-in. I read fewer new releases than I thought. What have I been reading then?

Lauren wrote: "Happy early birthday Sara!

This week I listened to Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, and Advice for Living Your Best Life. After absolutely loving the movie "Always Be Maybe ..."


Haha that's the exact reason I'm interested in this book too!! I'd never heard of her before, but I really enjoyed that movie (okay fine I enjoyed the part where Keanu eats at that ridiculous restaurant with her and starts crying). I've got the audiobook on hold but it's a 6 month wait. So I won't be reading it this year!!

It is cold outside, and I am getting over a cold inside. Yuck. Wake me up when it's summer again.

Books I read this week:

A Well-Timed Murder: a well-done sequel. I didn't enjoy the setting of this one quite as much as the first, but there was a lot less angst, so that evens out.

The Mysterious Benedict Society: not really my thing. I'd heard people compare it to the Series of Unfortunate Events, but this is a sad, pale wanna-be to those books.

Blind Descent: The Quest to Discover the Deepest Place on Earth: I finally got in my 2nd book of two books with the same title! This one is nonfiction about expedition caving, as opposed to the other Blind Descent I read, which is a murder mystery involving a caving "accident". Both very evocative of the setting.

Books I DNF'd this week:

Unseen City: The Majesty of Pigeons, the Discreet Charm of Snails & Other Wonders of the Urban Wilderness: I got bored and decided this just isn't for me. I don't really care to be reminded of the glories of nature via the observational powers of a preschooler. The writing style and format just weren't my thing either.

Single Malt Murder: I'm discovering that I'm an incredibly picky reader of cozy mysteries, and that I'm 100% done with "feminist" protagonists who never wear makeup, never brush their hair, and are dismissive of women who do.

QOTW: I wrote in a couple books, but it's hard to feel like that matters. I mean, has a write in ever won its category? If not enough people have read it for it to be one of the first 15 nominees, how is it going to get enough votes to win? I appreciate that we *can* write things in, but I wish they would adjust the awards schedule to give us all time to read more of the nominees before we vote.

That said, I put in a dozen requests for nominees to my library, and 10 of them have all come in at once! Send help! And snacks!

Jackie wrote: "QOTW: I wrote in a couple books, but it's hard to feel like that matters. I mean, has a write in ever won its category? If not enough people have read it for it to be one of the first 15 nominees, how is it going to get enough votes to win? ..."


Yeah those are my thoughts too, but I tried anyway! My write-ins never make it to the second round.

Is anyone else confused as to how Erin Morgenstern’s Starless Sea got on the list already? It came out the day the lists came out, or day before at best. How could anyone but reviews/arc readers vote for it, unless you’re voting based on loving the Night Circus? I mean I’m excited, but it just seems a bit early to consider it on a best of list.

Sheri wrote: "Is anyone else confused as to how Erin Morgenstern’s Starless Sea got on the list already? It came out the day the lists came out, or day before at best. How could anyone but reviews/arc readers vo..."

Yeah, that's the thing: the cutoff date for eligibility is in the middle of the second round, so you end up with books that have only been published for a couple days on the list. Plus they take into account the number of times a book is put on people's Want To Read lists in addition to how many people have actually rated it (in selecting the 1st round nominees).

I felt this way about Becoming last year; it's a great book, and well-deserving of the recognition, but how many people were able to read it before the voting ended?

That just seems so weird! I mean I’m excited about it but I don’t think I’m going to get to it before voting ends for this round

Hey group!

This week it seems I am reading only books that are very meta about the process of reading and writing books/novels: I finished The Memory Police (by Yōko Ogawa, tr. Stephen Snyder) and am about halfway through Northanger Abbey (Jane Austen), and have made a little progress on Lost Children Archive (Valeria Luiselli).

Earlier in October, I finished the stunning The Dragonfly Sea (Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor�� I'm going to need to read everything she's ever written, for real, please check this one out) and the deliciously spooky Mr. Splitfoot (Samantha Hunt).

I opened Julio Cortázar's Rayuela a few months ago, but have found it too daunting to make much headway. I need a better Spanish dictionary for it.

Currently at 45/50 for the year, which includes two that I read twice each (well, I read digital versions first and then listened to the audiobook later, because one shouldn't let those months-long Libby holds go to waste, am I right?): The Westing Game (Ellen Raskin�� a perennial favorite) The Unwinding of the Miracle: A Memoir of Life, Death, and Everything That Comes After (Julie Yip-Williams—the rare nonfiction book on my list this year).

QOTW: I took a brief glance through the nominees and didn't see many I have read this year... if The Dragonfly Sea is not on there, I will write it in!

Happy Thursday everyone!

Finished
Where the Crawdads Sing - 25. A debut novel
I was really enjoying this for the first half, but it started to lose me a bit towards the end.

Daisy Jones & The Six - ATY 3 Author's name with A T and Y
I had high expectations for this book, since I loved Evelyn Hugo so much last year. I was not disappointed. This book was great!

A Wrinkle in Time ATY 31 Children's classic

Progress
PS - 44/52 | ATY - 45/52 | BR - 20/24

Currently Reading
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Redwall
One Good Story, That One
People Like Us

QOTW
I've never written in a book before. I did vote for a few books, but there are some categories that I haven't read any of the books nominated.

Hello and Happy November. I missed check in last week. My world has been in chaos so I have been trying to get that together. I have finally found some stable footing and got a good deal of reading done this week. Woohoo.

32/40 Regular
5/10 Advanced

Finished:

#7. Reread of a favorite.
I did the audio and the narrator wasn't the greatest. Also, the book was more pretentious than I remembered and while I still think it is a valuable piece of literature I did not love it.

Cute. Nothing special or revelatory. My parents gave it to me as a birthday gift with the new Jason Reynolds which I am stoked to read.

# 36. A Ghost Story
Kind of a stretch on the prompt but not terribly so. I love her poetry. It is so beautiful and haunting.

Currently Reading


Finally got the audio back from the library! So excited to finish this.

QotW:

Did you write-in any books? Do you have any particular favorites you are rooting for?!
I didn't write any in. I didn't read more than 1 in any category. There is one I don't want to see win which is terrible but it was awful imho and is so popular because of how good the first book was. The Bride Test. I absolutely, 5 star, loved The Kiss Quotient but the sequel took all the charm and flushed it down the toilet I need to read more! (Don't we all)

Nadine wrote: "UPDATE: my ex stopped by and fixed my furnace. He’s a goddamned hero. :-) (Also, it turned out to be something simple that he could fix quickly. The thermocouple had some schmutz on it and had to b..."

Schmutz...it is always schmutz. And that is such a downstate word!

Nadine wrote: "OMG Villette took me MONTHS to read!!! I think one week is speed reading that tome. It was so slow."

Took me something like 4 or 5 days, and I am a fast reader. But I loved it!