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Let’s Read Around the USA
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FINISHED: Karol's Reading Around the USA Challenge Comments OK
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I wasn't planning to participate in this challenge, but after having just read books that took place in Kentucky and Ohio I thought, well, why not? Especially since there is no specific time limit.
Mod
Good luck.
Mid-year 2023 update (I started this challenge in 2022):So far this year, I've read books 9 books for this challenge. They have taken place in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, and Washington D.C.
Basically, I'm paying attention to the states as I read for other challenges and try to skinny down my "to read" list. I think I will make a point of finishing this challenge in 2024.
Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert, 5 starsExceptional writing. The author focuses us on a group of people who, by no fault of their own, brought fear into the hearts and minds of others. I would have never thought a book about a "leper colony" - actually a combination prison/hospital for those with Hanson's disease - would be a story I'd enjoy. There were many terrible things that happened in this book, but there was also the beauty of the Hawaiian surroundings, and the beauty of the love for others, for heritage, and the land.
The author's descriptions helped me to see the whole story clearly in my mind's eye. The way he discussed everything made me feel many emotions.
All in all, an impressive novel with an emotionally moving story.
A Week at the Shore, by Barbara Delinsky, 2.5 starsThe setup and location for this book was great . . . but as it continued on I found myself just wanting the book to be done already. Too many twisted people having twisted relationships. Not my taste, but I admit the writing was decent.
Black Hills, by Nora Roberts, 3 starsThis is the first time I've read anything by Nora Roberts. It surprised me in a lot of ways. I didn't enjoy the romance aspect of it at all. But I did enjoy the description of life in the Black Hills, and the suspense element was certainly creepy and scary.
True Sisters, by Sandra Dallas, 3 starsReligiously fervent people travel on foot pushing small carts for 1,300 miles to get to Salt Lake City, Utah. I was surprised from the author's notes to find that people actually did that! Too poor to outfit horse and buggy - or they "gave" those funds to the Mormon elders for the benefit of the community.
The Brickmaker's Bride, by Judith McCoy Miller, 4 stars
Historical fiction/Romance/Christian. Takes place in West Virginia. Enjoyable post-Civil War story.
Dakota Born, by Debbie Macomber, 4 starsWhat is it about Debbie Macomber? Sometimes her books really grab me . . . and this book was one of those. Maybe its the "culture" of North Dakota farmers with towns barely hanging on. The deepness of the community is something I've experienced in small town living myself. Perhaps that is why I found the characters so believable and relatable.
I loved the book enough that I am adding the 2nd and 3rd books in the Dakota trilogy to my To Read list.
Ford County, by John Grisham, 3 starsThis was an interesting collection of short stories. I think I prefer Grisham's novels - but some of these shorts packed a punch.
Takes place in Mississippi.
I'm getting so close . . . hoping for a 2024 finish for this challenge!Unfortunately, my most recent read for this challenge was not exactly my favorite . . .
Simple Gifts, by Lori Copeland, 2 stars
This is a Christian fiction book that takes place in a small Missouri town. The main character (Marlene) is pulled in various directions by family - a clingy daughter with two kids who wants Marlene to spend all her time helping her, and an aged aunt who needs Marlene's care.
Throw in the complication of being the "normal" offspring of two mentally challenged adults and Marlene has had (and continues to have) a tough life. It all leads to Marlene becoming a bald-faced liar to cope with it all.
As the book winds through Marlene's challenges and how they mostly get resolved, there were parts of the book and a couple of side characters I liked. But for the most part, I very much disliked the main character and that made the book less than an enjoyable read for me. I also felt that several of the situations were entirely unrealistic (like when her aunt fakes paralysis).
It held my interest enough that I read it to the end, so I give it 2 stars for that.
Liberty, by Kirby Larson, 5 starsThis is a wonderful historical fiction book for middle grade readers.
I rarely read children's books because I'm rather old, and don't have grandchildren yet. When I do, I will make sure they read this one. It captures so well the concepts of World War, prisoners of war, racial division, cruelty to animals, and disability in a story that is engaging and somehow through all of this shows us the best that can be found in people.
I chose to read this book because I needed something from Louisiana for this challenge, and this seemed the most intriguing option from my local library. I chose well - I absolutely loved the story!
In the Shadow of Denali, by Tracie Peterson, 3 starsInteresting historical fiction in this book, but otherwise not all that remarkable. The villain was not too believable - too one-dimensional and lacking in depth. A more nuanced bad guy would have improved this novel.
The Icecutter's Daughter, by Tracie Peterson, 3 starsEnjoyable romance set in Minnesota during the late 1800's. Compelling main character. Christian viewpoint. Too melodramatic with respect to an important secondary character - otherwise I would have given it 4 stars.
Residue, by Michael McGarrityGreat police procedures, suspenseful plot, confusing (in a good way), and the people being investigated are believably greedy, selfish, and sick. The novel has complex relationships, an intriguing setting (New Mexico), and some unpredictability. To say "I couldn't put it down" is such a cliche but it was true for me.
Mod
I might have to add that McGarrity series, to my tbr.
You are almost done!
Alondra wrote: "Great progress, Karol!!I might have to add that McGarrity series, to my tbr.
You are almost done!"
Alondra, I'm hoping for a 2024 finished for this challenge! McGarrity has written the Kevin Kerney series, of which this is #13. I assume these are all along the same lines. Do you like J.A. Jance, and have you read her Joanna Brady series? I would liken the Kevin Kerney series to that but maybe a bit edgier.
He also wrote a Kearney Family trilogy that looks like it might cover more history of the area. I saw the 3 books at my library - they are tomes . . . and I am intrigued.
Dashing Through the Snow, by Debbie MacomberThis was a very light read that takes place during winter holidays in a small New Hampshire town. I enjoyed it. Quite clever and very fast-paced.
3.5 stars
Dodge City: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the Wickedest Town in the American West, by Tom ClavinClavin describes a history of Dodge City that is lively; the line between good and bad was certainly blurred as he inspected the lives of some of the folks who came through that town. The author also does a very good job describing the lives of Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterton, Doc Holliday, and other notables before, during, and after the time they spent in Dodge City.
There were quite a few stories within this book that I shared with my husband and son. In a way, as different people came and went in Dodge City, this was at times a collection of short remembrances of those people and events. I liked it all.
4 stars
The Printed Letter Bookshop, by Katherine ReayWonderful story with strong, female characters. Well worth reading. My only criticism is that there were so many complex things going on, all of which got tied up at the end just a bit to tidily for my taste. But I found a lot of wisdom in the story, and overall found it a great book to read.
Takes place in Illinois.
4 stars
The Promise of Palm Grove, by Shelley Shepard GrayThis is a typical Amish romance, but quite well done. It was an enjoyable read for me due to the location as well as some references to new order Amish - so I learned something!
Takes place in Florida.
4 stars
Hush Puppy, by Laurien BerensonLighter cozy mystery that I found quite enjoyable. I learned a little about dog shows and what it takes to "make" an animal. I might look for more in the series.
3.5 stars
Woman in Shadow, by Carrie Stuart Parks
Interesting thriller/mystery. Total mayhem at an isolated, very posh but rustic resort deep in the mountains of Idaho.
4 stars
Just one more to go! The moderator is changing this challenge, but being this close to the end there is no way I will change a thing at this point. So anxious to move on!
Lea wrote: "Good luck in your travels to Delaware!"Thanks! It was a quick trip, but an enjoyable one.
The Same Bright Stars, by Ethan JoellaWell-written family soap opera. I enjoyed it, mostly. There was just an awful lot of sadness - lost relationships, lost people - but the story did have a satisfying ending.
I enjoyed the author's intermittent "quotes" from what I assume was a fictional guide to Rehoboth Beach. Great descriptions that explain why so many people are drawn to the area.
3 stars
Mod
Congratulations, Karol! Are you the first person to complete this challenge? Very inspiring!
Mod
..and I am just now seeing your response in October; thanks Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ... ugh.
I do not read J.A. Jance; but I did based off of your rec and added to my tbr. Thank you. :)
Lea wrote: "Congratulations, Karol! Are you the first person to complete this challenge? Very inspiring!"It was a fun challenge and really not all that hard to find books to finish it out. Luckily I could search by the name of a state in my local library system which gave me many ideas. And through the process I found a new favorite author, Michael McGarrity. He wrote a classis western saga (which I am reading now) and also a detective/police procedural series which is what I read from for this challenge.
Alondra wrote: "Congrats, Karol!! ..and I am just now seeing your response in October; thanks Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ... ugh.
I do not read J.A. Jance; but I did based off of your rec and added to my tbr. Thank you. :)"
Well, I hope you like J.A. Jance. I started reading her based on a friend's recommendation, too.
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1. Alabama
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, by Fannie Flagg, 4 stars, 5/7/2023
2. Alaska
In the Shadow of Denali, by Tracie Peterson, 3 stars, 9/13/2024
3. Arizona
Wine, Dine and Christmas Crimes, by Maria Grazia Swan, 3 stars, 12/25/2022
4. Arkansas
Toward A New Beginning. by R. William Rogers, 5/15/2023, 2 stars
5. California
Rebecca Schwartz series by Julie Smith
a. Death Turns a Trick, 6/12/2022, 2 stars
b. The Sourdough Wars, 6/15/2022, 2 stars
c. Tourist Trap, 6/22/2022, 2 stars
d. Dead in the Water, by Julie Smith, 3 stars, 7/31/2022
e. Other People's Skeletons, by Julie Smith, 2 stars, 8/9/2022
6. Colorado
Daughter of Joy, by Kathleen Morgan, 3 stars, 6/13/2023
7. Connecticut
Hush Puppy, by Laurien Berenson, 3 stars, 11/16/2024
8. Delaware
The Same Bright Stars, by Ethan Joella, 3 stars, 11/22/2024
9. Florida
The Promise of Palm Grove, by Shelley Shepard Gray, 4 stars, 11/8/2024
10.Georgia
My Unscripted Life, by Lauren Morrill, 4 stars, 5/31/2024
11. Idaho
Woman in Shadow, by Carrie Stuart Parks, 4 stars, 11/20/2024
12. Hawaii
Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert, 5 stars, 6/23/2024
13. Illinois
The Printed Letter Bookshop, by Katherine Reay, 4 stars, 11/4/2024
14. Indiana
Murder Simply Brewed, by Vannetta Chapman, 3 stars, 2/8/2023
15. Iowa
The Baseball Whisperer: A Small-Town Coach Who Shaped Big League Dreams, by Michael Tackett, 5/15/2022, 4 stars
16. Kansas
Dodge City: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the Wickedest Town in the American West, by Tom Clavin, 10/21/2024, 4 stars
17. Kentucky
The Secrets of Crittendon County series by Shelley Shepard Gray
a. Missing, 4/29/2022, 4 stars
b. The Search, 4/30/2022, 4 stars
c. Found, 5/5/2022, 4 stars
d. Peace, 5/6/2022, 4 stars
18. Louisiana
Liberty, by Kirby Larson, 9/7/2024, 5 stars
19. Maine
The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon, 3/4/2024, 3.5 stars
20. Maryland
Publishable By Death, by A.C.F. Bookens, 9/10/2023, 4 stars
21. Massachusetts
It Ends with Us, by Colleen Hoover, 6/10/2022, 3 stars
22. Michigan
The Women of the Copper Country, by Mary Doria Russell, 5/28/2022, 4 stars
23. Minnesota
The Icecutter's Daughter, by Tracie Peterson, 9/23/2024, 3 stars
24. Mississippi
Ford County, by John Grisham, 8/30/2024, 3 stars
25. Missouri
Simple Gifts, by Lori Copeland, 9/6/2024, 2 stars
26. Montana
Land of My Heart, by Tracie Peterson, 5/29/2023, 4 stars
27. Nebraska
Zoo Nebraska: The Dismantling of an American Dream, by Carson Vaughan, 1/27/2021, 4 stars
28. Nevada
Elusive, by Sara Rosett, 4/17/2023, 5 stars
29. New Hampshire
Dashing Through the Snow, by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark, 10/1/2024, 3.5 stars
30. New Jersey
Wilde series by Harlan Coben
a. The Boy from the Woods, 6/30/2022, 5 stars
b. The Match, 10/2/2022, 4 stars
31. New Mexico
Residue, by Michael McGarrity, 9/27/2024, 5 stars
32. New York
The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles, 10/23/2022, 5 stars (also took place in Nebraska and Kansas, but the gist of the story was getting to New York)
33. North Carolina
The Body Farm, by Patricia Cornwell, 10/24/2022, 3 stars
34. North Dakota
Dakota Born, by Debbie Macomber, 8/24/2024, 4 stars
35. Ohio
The Lake Never Tells, by Alex Tully, 5/9/2022, 5 stars
36. Oklahoma
The Calling of Ella McFarland, by Linda Brooks Davis, 8/19/2024, 3 stars
37. Oregon
Road Trip of Delusion, by Jean Ann Williams, 4/12/2023, 3 stars
38. Pennsylvania
Designer Dirty Laundry, by Diane Vallere, 8/12/2022, 3 stars
39. Rhode Island
A Week at the Shore, by Barbara Delinsky, 7/23/2024, 2.5 stars
40. South Carolina
The House on Tradd Street, by Karen White, 6/5/2024, 4 stars
41. South Dakota
Black Hills, by Nora Roberts, 7/31/2024, 3 stars
42. Tennessee
Man in Black, by Johnny Cash, 6/4/2022, 4 stars
43. Texas
The Last Call, by George Wier, 1/4/2022, 3 stars
44. Utah
True Sisters, by Sandra Dallas, 8/2/2024, 3 stars
45. Vermont
A Friend In Knead, by Judith Jackson, 3/14/2024, 3 stars
46. Virginia
Outfoxed, by Rita Mae Brown, 11/10/2022, 3 stars
47. Washington
Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt, 10/22/2023, 5 stars
48. West Virginia
The Brickmaker's Bride, by Judith McCoy Miller, 8/14/2024, 4 stars
49. Wisconsin
Murder at the Filmore, by Zelda White, 1/5/2022, 3 stars
50. Wyoming
Where Leads The Heart, by Colleen Coble, 2/4/2023, 2 stars
51. Washington D.C.
The Presence, by T. Davis Bunn, 6/20/2023, 2.5 stars