ŷ������

Happy Thursday, all! Wait! I’m having an episode of déjà vu! Didn’t I just post a weekly check-in? Oh…yes, I did! Just yesterday, in fact! I didn’t want to be a whole week behind! LOL

We’re having spring-like weather with the temperatures in the 60s followed immediately by highs in the 30s and back and forth! Ah, well, at least it’s not boring! :)

My life has been consumed with real-life practical tasks as of late. Anxiously anticipating more "me" time!!

ADMIN STUFF:
The February Monthly Group read is The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon!! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #43 A book that takes place entirely in one day. In honor of Groundhog Day, a North American tradition observed in the US and Canada on February 2! Katrina is the "knowledgeable navigator" who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you, Katrina! This discussion can be found in the Currently Monthly Group Read folder HERE
along with the thread to list the book(s) you’ve read to fulfill this prompt for February!

���Ǵdz�����another POLL! It is time to make the final selection for the May Monthly Group Read! Vote HERE! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #24 A book with a rabbit on the cover. In honor of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere when rabbits are aplenty! I do love bunnies! My sons raised some for 4H projects and learned there are some that are super-friendly and others that…aren’t! ;)

We are currently searching for two monthly group read discussion leaders:
Are YOU one of these fabulous volunteers?!?
1) A “fascinating facilitator�� to lead the March Monthly Group Read discussion of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #7 A book with “Girl�� in the title In honor of Women’s History Month in Australia, the UK, and the US!
2) A “reading wrangler�� to facilitate April’s Monthly Group Read discussion of Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes #1) by Travis Baldree! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #27 A #BookTok recommendation. In honor of April Fools! You might have thought this was still the 2022 Popsugar Challenge, but it is actually a prompt repeated from 2022 for the 2023 Challenge!!
Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer for either one…or both! :)

Question of the Week
February is celebrated as “Black History Month�� in the Canada and the US. Any books and/or authors you are planning to read for this month or to add to your TBR? Or even better, what books/authors could you recommend to others?
Here is the very helpful Popsugar discussion thread that Nadine created: /topic/show/...
Here is a listing provided by ŷ������ to help��
/blog/show/2...
Another listing from Off the Shelf:

And 8 Black History books listed by Off the Shelf:


I am enjoying The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones and The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed. Both so informative and intriguing. So many details and historical aspects of which I have been ignorant during these past almost 67 years of my existence! I should have much more reading time for both of these in March!

I could definitely recommend��
Nonfiction Titles
The Souls of Black Folk
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir
Are Prisons Obsolete?
Between the World and Me
Until We Reckon: Violence, Mass Incarceration, and a Road to Repair
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
Fiction
Red Island House
The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson
The Ever-After Bird
Their Eyes Were Watching God
The Water Dancer
Uncle Tom's Cabin
James Patterson's Alex Cross series
Claire O’Dell’s Janet Watson Chronicles duology
Octavia Butler’s
Bette Green’s Beth Lambert series (younger readers)
Leah Johnson’s You Should See Me in a Crown and Rise to the Sun (YA)
Anything authored by
1) Jason Reynolds, especially Long Way Down and the Track Series
2) Jacqueline Woodson, especially Brown Girl Dreaming
3) Toni Morrison--I don't necessarily find her books enjoyable or easy reads, but I do believe they are necessary...

Popsugar: 30/50
Nadine’s Q1 Mini-Challenge: 7/10
AtY: 41/52
RHC: 10/24

FINISHED:
Love and Ruin by Paula McLain ✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶ Oh, my! Hemingway was such an asshole! In so many ways! I have read just one of his books and I do plan to read more, but really! HE WAS SUCH AN ASSHOLE! Ugh. Everything had to be HIS way. Everyone had to kow-tow to him and his whims! I am just glad Martha Gellhorn was able to continue her life’s work as a war correspondent and journalist regardless of her relationship and abrupt end of it with him! Okay, I guess I should have some compassion for him since he was obviously not emotionally healthy (or he would not have committed suicide��) and he was definitely an addict (alcohol, the LEGAL drug), but…whew!
POPSUGAR: #1, #17, #19-2015: prompt #19 Based on a true story, #28, #31, #34, NEW #35, #46
ATY: #3-A cultural book that depicts a place or time and its culture, #5, #6, #19, #22, #25, #26, #28, #37, #52
RHC: #24-2019: prompt #5 A book by a journalist or about journalism

When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain ✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶ was quite a departure for McLain. This book is a mystery and so very well done! I’m truly hoping this may be the start of a series or we will at least have a sequel to follow-up on some of the unresolved aspects of this story. I will definitely be asking tonight, unless she somehow addresses it in her talk beforehand!
POPSUGAR: #1, #19-2022: prompt #25 A book about a secret, #31, #34, #46
ATY: #3-A book about the environment or nature, #5, #7, #12-the raven, #13-trees, #14-Caleb, #19, #38, #43, #45, #52
RHC: #23, #24- 2021: Read a book featuring a beloved pet where the pet doesn’t die

The Island Stallion (Black Stallion #4) by Walter Farley ✶✶✶✶�� was a bit of a disappointment to me, but only because I felt the dialogue was a bit simplified and stilted, which, I can imagine, would be absolutely fine for the target audience of younger readers. Other than that I truly appreciated the story the dilemma of leaving a pristine site as is or exposing it to the world and exploitation.
POPSUGAR: #1, #3, #19-2020: prompt #35 A book with a 3-word title, #23, #28
ATY: #1-Azul Island, #2, #3-A book related to first contact, #5, #22, #25, #26, #37, #45
RHC: #24- 2015: A book written by an author whose gender is different from your own
Nadine’s Q1 Mini-Challenge: NEW #1 (Steve is concerned about the genetic inheritance that would affect the band of wild horses depending upon the leading stallion.)

CONTINUING:
IRL Book Club reads:
*Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #1) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
One book that I am very anxious to reread!
*The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
*The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed
*Festival Days by Jo Ann Beard
*Mrs. 'Arris Goes to New York (Mrs. ‘Arris #2) by Paul Gallico
*Beloved by Toni Morrison

PLANNED:
IRL Book Club reads:
*Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #2) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
*Before Your Memory Fades (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #3) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
*Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball
*Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz by Coyne S. Sanders
February Buddy Reads:
*The Darkest Evening (Vera Stanhope #9) by Ann Cleeves
*Wild Fire (Shetland Island #8) by Ann Cleeves
*Cross My Heart (#21) by James Patterson

book about divorce
Really good actually by Monica Heisey. A year or so in the life of a woman after she and her husband separate. I really enjoyed this.

no prompts

Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews. The last in the
Hidden Legacies series. I've loved everything they've done but this one fell flat for me and based on the reviews, I was basically the only one to feel so. The buildup led to a rushed final confrontation. There was barely any romance in the book. And there was some weird random paragraphs about like the etymology of ciao or the importance of a quick marinade that had nothing to do with character or plot development and it was just odd.

The Writing Retreat by Julie Bartz. Thriller. A group of writers are invited to a writing retreat hosted by a super famous author and people die. This is another one that I feel like I'm on the other side of the reviews because I really enjoyed it. Is it great literature? No. Was it an enjoyable ride? Yes. But the BOTM facebook group apparently hated this book.

White Out by Danielle Girard. Mystery. I think this was a free book with Prime and it took me awhile to get through it. It really picked up at like the 70% and if it had that pace the whole way through, I probably would've loved it. It was okay but not enough to get me to pick up another.


QOTW:
I’m not actively seeking out black authors to read this month although my tbr is mostly black authors, gay authors, romance and lit fic as I've managed to curate my booktok to just be that.

Lit fic that is 5 stars The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett.
I would also recommend Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.

YA- Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Finished:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (3/5, a book with a map)

This one just narrowly avoids a 2-star rating because I cared enough to finish it. The setting is great, and I liked some of the romantic parts. I am baffled by the amount of people reading the book in the first place and then giving it high ratings. There is a lot of really gross stuff, both in torture/combat and interpersonally, especially for something that is trying to be a romance.

I would have preferred a series where Feyre and Lucien explore the seven main Courts in seven books (she has better chemistry with him than Tamlin or Rhysand).

DNF:

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl (a celebrity memoir)

After reading the first chapter and some reviews, I don't think it is something I care to read all of. I'm not into his bands or writing style that much. I have other choices for this prompt, and I have already read a book that counts if I double dip.

PS 2023 progress: 20/50

QotW: I do not have any planned reading for the month beyond continuing to read challenge prompts and some Star Trek stories. If I see anybody mention a book that I have read and would also recommend, then I will chime in with a comment.

I finished The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America as a book I think my best friend would like. I enjoyed reading it, but I'm not sure how accurate it was. Especially in regards to HH Holmes.

I am now reading The Snow Leopard as a book I bought at an independent book store. I'm 1/3 of the way through it and it is just so boring and long and not at all what I thought it was going to be about (hint not a snow leopard). It's mostly about buddhism and hindusim, which isn't a bad thing, it's just not what I'm interested in.

QOTW: I just read what I want to read when I want to read (except for doing prompts, of course).

I really liked The Book of Negroes and Roots: The Saga of an American Family. I probably don't have anything groundbreaking to recommend. I actually don't pay much attention to race or sex of authors.

Last Friday I went to my old city, Utrecht. It was such a strange experience! I’ve lived there for over 10 years and left it 5 years ago. Now it felt as a completely different country: all signs both in Dutch and English, English speaking personnel in restaurants only. It was a shock to me! I’m used to the local dialect and German, not English. My mind was running overtime processing it all and I was glad I was home again in the ‘far�� east of the country. I think I’m a country girl now, smile.
By the way, I had a very nice lunch with an old friend over there. It was 3 years ago we last met, so we had a lot to talk about!

PS: 9/50
Total 2023: 9

Finished
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid ⭐⭐��
PS #11, a book about or set in Hollywood
It was ok. It reads easy, has a good tension arc and has everything to become a movie. But it just didn’t touch my heart. It was all too artificial in some way. The characters tick all the diversity boxes, it’s set in Hollywood, it’s a thriller and a chicklit, it’s just all too much to me. Having said that: Reid is an excellent writer and captivates you every page.

Currently reading
The Time in Between by María Dueñas

QOTW
I don’t read specific books in honor of months, days, or whatever.
I did read Roots, mentioned in a post before, and I liked that one as well.

Yay! QotW time!

Finished: Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, Justice-Minded Kids in an Unjust World Good all-around parenting book!

Evil and the God of Love So good! Highly recommend for people puzzling over how God can be omnipotent and good AND for evil to exist in the world!

Started: Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done re-read

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater re-read

Qotw: I started reading Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction for a fable book club, but it just didn't gel with me. I don't really like short stories. But the social justice parenting book mentioned above is by a Black woman with bi-racial children, so it would count and it was a worthwhile read. I also re-read Michelle Obama's The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times in order to lead a bookclub. I enjoyed that one too.

Happy Thursday!!�� We have also been having crazy spring-like weather.�� It was 65°F yesterday. I'm on my way out the door right now, taking my dog to the vet for her annual check-up. Poor baby had a UTI last weekend, so this is her third visit to the vet in two weeks. I think I'll bring her sister, too, for moral support.

This week I finished 3 books, 2 for this challenge, so I am now 9/50.

Little Green by Walter Mosley- This was a return to the Easy of earlier books - I think when Mosley took a little break in writing this series, it re-energized him and I'm so glad, because the last few Easy books��had been rather bleak.�� This was set in 1967 LA so I checked off�� "set in the decade you were born,"�� ��(obviously it would also work for "color in the title") and in AtY this was my 20th century book for the "three centuries" categories.

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen - my daughter has been borrowing a bunch of graphic novels from our library; when I saw this one had been banned/challenged, I grabbed it from her pile and read it, and I LOVED this book.�� ALL the stars!�� It was gorgeous and deep and emotional and satisfying.�� And I checked off "banned book" (and "Asian diaspora author" in AtY).

Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet - another Tournament of Books read, and FINALLY I found one I LOVE!!!�� Five stars!�� This quiet little book really took me by surprise.�� I couldn't find a Popsugar category��for it, but it is exactly 230 pages long, so I fudged a bit and checked off "less than 230 pages" in my Winter Challenge, and I checked off "birds bees and bunnies" in AtY, because��the eponymous "dinosaurs" are the various birds the protagonist sees around him in his new Arizona home.

And I DNF'ed��one book:
Girls with Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier & - this was my book club's February pick, and I was excited to read it, because it's about high school girls competing��for admission to Stanford (and possible murderrrrr), and I went to Stanford (for grad school, not undergrad, but whatever), so I felt some alum connection to it.�� Unfortunately I found this to be unbelievably stupid with ridiculous dialogue and clunky writing and I just could NOT with this book.�� ��I don't even care if someone was murdered.�� I think most of my book club loved this, they all said they loved the writing, so I'm wondering if I should drop out of my book club, because we are clearly not aligned.


Pop: 9/50�� ��
Winter: 1/10�� ��
AtY: 10/52�� ��
2023 must-reads: 1/12�� ����



QotW

Yes!�� But this year I'm trying not to overload myself - it's hard, I start looking for books, and there are SO MANY BOOKS I want to read.�� So I've got a list of twelve likely reads for BHM, and I'm aiming to read about half of them
.
Here's my list (that I also posted over in��/topic/show/... ) - I actually have ALL of these (except one) currently borrowed from the library - yikes!!

Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo- I started this, and it's well written narrative non-fiction, but I've had difficulty making time to get back to it this month.
Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke - I loved the first book in this series so I'm looking forward to this one!
Little Green by Walter Mosley - I just finished this!�� I used it for "set in the decade you were born."
The Big Gold Dream by Chester Himes - it's been too long since I read a book in this series, so I really look forward to getting back in this world.��
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones - I'm probably not getting to this one this month.
Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland��
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert��
A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley��
How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie ��Jones - I'm currently reading this, and - surprise! - it's got a love triangle (I was NOT expecting that!) so it even fills a challenge category.
Decent People by De'Shawn Charles Winslow- this was a last-minute inclusion, it just sounded right up my alley so I immediately put it on hold, because all the other books I already have are apparently not enough.
��You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism
Harlem Shadows: The Poems of Claude Mckay
Mercy poems by Lucille Clifton



And books I would recommend:
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America
White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide
Their Eyes Were Watching God
The Street
Homegoing

and finally
Dread Nation because I always love a good zombie book ;-)
Life on Mars because it's always nice to have a good book of poetry

Happy Thursday once again! I was anxiously waiting to post this morning..i'm starting to look forward to Thursday's. I didn't finish anything this week. I've been tired and distracted with the ups and down of the weather in NE Ohio my allergies have been kicking my butt.
READING: There's Something Wrong in Morrington County I'm reading this for the self published prompt and it finally came a few days ago. My internet friend wrote this! I'm so excited for him!! I became a fan of his Horror podcast last year and when I found out about his Kickstarter I had to participate.
I'm a little over half way finished with this short story compilation and I've been so happy reading it. I've also laughed out loud at a few funny parts.

Question of the Week
February is celebrated as “Black History Month�� in the Canada and the US. Any books and/or authors you are planning to read for this month or to add to your TBR? Or even better, what books/authors could you recommend to others?

For actual goal for the year is to fill all my prompts with Black Authors. I'm being very deliberate in reading black stories that Black authors wrote.
I have specific authors that I recoomend:
Octavia E. Butler
Jesmyn Ward
Toni Morrison
Audre Lorde
Feminista Jones
Namina Forna
Ianna A. Small
Ryan Douglass
Colson Whitehead
Tananarive Due
Jasmine Manns
Elizabeth Acevedo

Happy Thursday! It’s closing weekend for The Children’s Hour, and while I’ve enjoyed it and the new friends I’ve made, I’m ready to be done and looking forward to the next project. Rehearsals for BASKERVILLE should start in April, so we’ll have auditions in a few weeks and then some time off, aside from the first production meeting. I also have a first meeting for a new D&D group lined up for Monday. (What’s “time off��, exactly?)

Has anyone else ever used HipCamp? Like AirBnB but for camping/cabins :) Husband and I love it. We stayed overnight at a local farm where they had brand-new baby goats (plus some cats, a sheep, one surviving chicken, and a few dogs). It was so cozy and adorable.

Finished 3 books this week:
The Crown Conspiracy - 2.5 stars. Wasn’t a huge fan of this one, although there were a few characters I loved. The writing felt inconsistent, with stilted dialogue. And LONG chapters. Glad the book itself wasn’t massive. Book with a map

leftover ribbon - 5 stars. A small book of poetry that a friend of mine published recently. Highly recommended for moms, parents, and anyone who struggles/has struggled with PPD.

Cinderella Is Dead - 3 stars. A decent retelling, and delivers well on the drama and romance.

Currently:
Transcendent Kingdom
The Count of Monte Cristo

QOTW: February is celebrated as “Black History Month�� in Canada and the US. Any books and/or authors you are planning to read for this month or to add to your TBR? Or even better, what books/authors could you recommend to others?
I deeply appreciated Annette Gordon-Reed’s The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family, and I’m currently listening to Count of Monte Cristo + reading Transcendent Kingdom. I love Jai's idea of filling all the PopSugar prompts with Black authors' works.

Happy Thursday! And I didn't go into the office, so I can actually check in on Thursday for a change.
I have completed 15/50 prompts for Popsugar. I think that means I have no life.

Finished:
Friday I'm in Love for song lyrics. This is a YA romance by a black author, so works for QOTW. It was just very average, maybe too juvenile for me. Although there were some serious issues discussed in the book.
The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories
The Witch's Heart for Nadine's challenge book based on Norse Mythology. I enjoyed it.

Currently reading:
My Name Is Asher Lev
I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories
The Tale of Genji
When Women Were Dragons on audio

QOTW:
I usually like to, but I was so bad at planning this year. Luckily, Friday I'm in Love came in from the library, so I read at least one book.
Looking through my recent reads, I would recommend:
Kindred
Razorblade Tears
Emma Djan mysteries by Kwei Quartey
The Trees
Hell of a Book
Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?
Seven Days in June
The Vanishing Half
The Death of Vivek Oji
Also romances by Talia Hibbert and Jasmine Guillory
Everything I have read by N.K. Jemisin, especially the Broken Earth trilogy that starts with The Fifth Season.

Happy Thursday!

I feel really relieved this week. We got our storage items moved to the new storage place, and now we just have to finalize cancelling the old one. I just feel like a heavy weight is off my shoulders now that it's all done.

Finished:
The Wedding Date - 3 stars - a book written during NaNoWriMo. This was really just okay. Nothing special, but nothing horrible, either.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea - 4 stars - I really enjoyed this. The writing was good and the story was solid. There was a little insta-love in the romantic arc, but not too bad.

Comics & manga (not for prompts):
Wonder Cat Kyuu-Chan, Vol. 7
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Vol. 12 - .Dear Side Stories

I am currently at 10/50 for Popsugar (5/40 and 5/10). I am also at 4/10 for Nadine's Mini-Challenge #1.

Currently reading:
The Afterward - for a book with a queer lead. Not too far into it yet, but the main character is a thief so I am already here for this. (I have a soft spot for thieves and rogues in fantasy fiction.)

Planned:
Nick and Charlie: A Heartstopper Novella
The Wicked Bargain

QOTW:
I try to read diverse authors all year round. This month so far, I've read books by Jason Reynolds and Jasmine Guillory.

Specific reads I would recommend include:
Long Way Down
Kindred
You Should See Me in a Crown
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Anything by N.K. Jemisin

Brandon wrote: "I am baffled by the amount of people reading the book in the first place and then giving it high ratings. There is a lot of really gross stuff, both in torture/combat and interpersonally, especially for something that is trying to be a romance....."


there is a whole subgenre of books like this, and they are often wildly popular, and I'm not sure why. I don't know what the subgenre is called, perhaps grimdark fantasy romance?

There's Maas's books, and Anne Bishop's The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness series, and Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Dart series, J.R. Ward's Black Dagger series, and - to a lesser extent (YA so not explicit) - the Alice in Zombieland series & The Young Elites.

Happy Thursday!

I’ve been home with a head cold since Tuesday. Mom’s been fighting it longer. I think the wee ones gave it to her because they visited and were sick a few days later.

So I haven’t been reading much. Just a headache for the last couple of days with semi stuffy nose and a sore throat for a day.

I’ve been watching more tv than reading. I finished all but one series in the C.B. Strike series. I’ve watched Black Summoner: Volume 1 series in English and started Raven of the Inner Palace (Light Novel) Vol. 1 in English. I’ve watched both in the original subtitle language. I recommend both light novels.

Popsugar:7/50
Finished: None

Reading:
I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss, Vol. 2 ps 46

Aty: 7/52
Finished: None

Reading: None

Nadine's Mini Challenge 7/10
Finished:None

Reading: None

ŷ������ Challenge 111/400
Finished:
Black Torch, Vol. 1
Greymist Fair
I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss, Vol. 1
Otomen, Vol. 1
Raven of the Inner Palace (Light Novel) Vol. 1
Queens of Wonderland

Reading:
I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss, Vol. 1

Mount TBR:
21/150 Ebook
15/150 Physical

QOTW:

Not really. I just read whatever I want.

Happy Thursday, everyone!

It’s been a pretty good week. Now that I’m finally over my cold, I’ve managed to get back into unpacking mode in my new house. I still have a considerable amount left to do in the kitchen, but the rest of the house is coming together nicely. To be honest, I’m just pleased that I managed to make some progress this week.

Although I am currently reading quite a few books, I wasn’t able to get through nearly as many as I had planned this week. The reason? My copy of Hogwarts Legacy arrived in the mail. I’ve been devoting most of my free time to playing it, and I am hooked!

ŷ������ Challenge: 116/400
Mount TBR Challenge: 86/150 (Climbing Mount Olympus)

📚Physical TBR: 74/634
📱Ebook TBR: 6/236
��Audiobook TBR: 6/13
TBR Checklist Total: 86/883

I did not purchase a single new book this week!

“New�� Books Bought in 2023: 40
“New�� Books Read in 2023: 25/40

Here are the books I finished this week��

Finished Reading (Fiction):
~The Wishing Spell �� The first book in The Land of Stories series was a really fun read. 📚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
~Robin Hood: The Complete Series 1 �� I really enjoyed this audiobook, which was a novelization of the first four episodes of the BBC Robin Hood series. I especially liked the fact that after each episode, Richard Armitage talked about what it was like to film the series. This audiobook series does not seem to have continued, however, so the “Complete Series�� title is unfortunately misleading. ��: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
~Doctor Who: The Resurrection Casket �� This was a great audiobook! David Tennant is the ideal person to narrate books about the 10th Doctor. ��: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
~Doctor Who: The Nightmare of Black Island �� This was another great audiobook, which was read by Anthony Head (who played Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer). ��: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
~The Secret Diaries Of Miss Miranda Cheever �� This is the first book in the Bevelstoke trilogy. I really enjoyed the story and liked the female lead. I didn’t care much for the male lead, however. 📚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
~The Enchantress Returns �� This is the second book in The Land of Stories series. I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. 📚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Finished Reading (Nonfiction):
None

Finished Reading (Manga, Comic Books, & Graphic Novels):
None

DNFed:
None

Currently Reading:
~H.H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil �� I only read about ten pages this week. I’m starting to consider the possibility of DNFing this one. 📚
~The Count of Monte Cristo �� Over the past week I have continued to read three chapters per night, and I’m currently on chapter 34. 📚
~What Happens In London �� This is the second book in the Bevelstoke trilogy. I’m only a couple chapters into the story, but it’s been good so far. 📚
~Doctor Who: Winner Takes All �� I’m really enjoying this Doctor Who audiobook. This one is narrated by Camille Coduri, who played Jackie Tyler (Rose’s mum) in the television series. ��
~A Grimm Warning �� The third book in The Land of Stories series has been great so far. I should be finishing it this afternoon. 📚

QOTW:
My top priority right now is reading the titles that are currently on my TBR, so I’m not planning to read any books specifically for Black History Month.

I highly recommend checking out Dawn, by Octavia E. Butler.

I didn't manage to finish any books this week and I started one more.

I hit my first snag with using book prompts as movie prompts. Finding debut books to read is easy. Finding debut movies to watch is hard because most A-listers made TV movies or obscure movies you can't find. And this is how I ended up watching "Leprechaun", the least scary horror movie ever.

I have a 4 day weekend starting tonight! So, I might have a book finished by next week.

Series - 3/15
Series Completed: 2 - Lying Games, Bronwyn the Witch

Nobel laureates - 0/7
Random books - 1/7

ATY - 7/40
PS - 7/30
Nadine's 23 challenge - 5/10
Around the year in 52 movies - 8/52

8. An actor or director's debut movie - Leprechaun (Jennifer Aniston)

Currently reading:

A Ballet of Lepers: A Novel and Stories - 65% done

The History of Rome, Vol 1: The Period Anterior to the Abolition of the Monarchy - 55% done

Allegiant - 60% done

Survive the Night - 40% done

QOTW: I rarely follow special months and I'm not reading any black authors this February.

I do recommend Lawrence Hill Both The Book of Negroes and The Illegal were excellent.

I am exhausted this week and I have no idea why. Might just be the winter blues...

Books read this week:

No-No Boy -- for the PopSugar prompt “historical fiction�� and the Extreme Book Nerd prompt “book from a genre you don’t normally read.�� A heartbreaking but powerful account of a “no-no boy�� -- a young Japanese-American man who spent time in the internment camps during WWII and who refused to sign up for the draft and so served prison time as a result.

Victories Greater Than Death -- for the PopSugar prompt “book with a queer lead�� and the Extreme Book Nerd prompt “book with a purple cover.�� Sometimes I think science fiction has forgotten that it can just be FUN and not have to tackle serious concepts. This space opera is very light on science, but it’s wild and entertaining and was just FUN. And that in itself made it enjoyable.

The Goblin Emperor -- for “book with two languages�� (a prompt on both challenges). An intricately plotted and fascinating fantasy novel, helped by having a sympathetic main character. It can be slow at times, but I thought it was worth sticking through. Plus the audio version is superb.

Magical Boy Volume 2: A Graphic Novel -- graphic novel, not for the challenge. Just as fun as the first volume, and gives a unique look at one young man and his struggle to be recognized as a man.

DNF:

This Is Not the Jess Show -- knowing the plot twist ahead of time really spoils one’s enjoyment of the story. Maybe it would have been better if (view spoiler)[ the publishers hadn’t compared this book to “The Truman Show�� in the cover blurb (hide spoiler)]. Even without that, though, I found the ��90s references forced and the characters obnoxious.

Currently Reading:

Grace Is Gone -- for “favorite prompt from the 2019 challenge (a novel based on a true story)��
The Calculating Stars -- for “book written during NaNoWriMo��
Dreadnought -- for “book banned or challenged in any state in 2022��
Disrupting the Game: From the Bronx to the Top of Nintendo -- for “book you think your best friend would like��

QOTW:

I'm not actively seeking out books by Black authors this month. Octavia Butler is one of my favorite Black authors, though.

Survived my first week in new job (since I'm doing a four day week) and I'm exhausted! Consequently I haven't read much.

Finished:
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner for first time author and ATY (debut). I enjoyed this loads, the pacing was a little uneven but it has likeable found family and a god of white lies. I will definitely be continuing with the rest of the trilogy when it comes out.

QOTW:
I have no specific books planned at all this month, I'll just be happy if I read anything. I do recommend the Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin, Far from the Light of Heaven, The Changeling, A Master of Djinn, and for YA I've really enjoyed Joya Goffney's books. Not really history related though!

Another rainy and overly warm winter Thursday in NYC. My laptop died earlier this week; a new one is being delivered tomorrow. Made working tricky but still doable until my internet went kaput. Seems to be an equipment problem. Tech coming in a few hours but in meantime only device I have for work and internet access without wifi is my phone. It is nearly impossible to do what I need to do without both working internet and working computer. I am going to do the housework I was planning for this weekend and then just read. No doubt I will be working on Saturday as the tech will be solved by then.

Always happens before a holiday weekend.

PS - 16/50. ATY - 19/52

Finished:
A Line To Kill PS - divorce prompt. ATY - 2nd book in favorite prompt - with a murder
Thomas by Grace Burrowes - PS main character name in title. ATY - Grace was popular 1st name in Canada in 1923
Murder at Kensington Palace -ATY chess piece Rook= chatacter nickname - Charlotte/magpie plus urchins Hawk and Raven. Partially set in London rookeries of the regency
The Autumn Bride - PS - book with pet character - kitten named Max
ATY - character with disability - Daisy with her limp

Currently reading:
The Casual Vacancy
The Turn of the Screw
Partners in Crime
The Marlow Murder Club

QOTW: Nope. No reading planned for Black History month.

Hi all! It was near 70 yesterday. I cleaned out my car and the kiddo played outside for an hour. Today it's in the 40s and tomorrow it might snow. It's been a great April in NY... oh, waittttt.

I finished 2 books this week. Which tricks my brain into thinking I can read ALL the things, so I went to the library and overloaded (more on that in QOTW).

I finished 67 Shots: Kent State and the End of American Innocence which I'm using for alliteration with Sixty Seven. Kinda feels like cheating though, so I might move it if I find something better. Fascinating book. It was balanced and unsentimental without being dry. I learned several things and then had an interesting conversation with my dad who was a teenager at the time. Though I had a SMH moment when I only realized for the first time in my life that my parents lived through this (duh). I asked mom, but she was a little younger and didn't remember specifics like dad did.

I also finished Secrets of the Nile. It was a fun mystery. Nothing spectacular, but I was engaged and would read this author in the future.

I made more progress in When Christ and His Saints Slept, but I accidentally posted a spoiler to my buddy read this morning (I thought my buddy was farther along than she was) and I feel crummy about it. Fortunately it was only 1 chapter ahead and there's much more to read.

I just got notice that my hold of Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story came in from the library, so that'll interrupt other reading when I go pick it up next week. Guess I have to try to cram in reading this weekend.

QOTW: My goal for the month is to finish Dear Justyce.
But my trip to the library sent me home with:
Gospel of Freedom: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and the Struggle That Changed a Nation
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime
By Hands Now Known: Jim Crow's Legal Executioners

I'd recommend
Dear Martin
Song Yet Sung (especially on audio)
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev (also on audio)

White authors:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,
Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock,
On the Laps of Gods: The Red Summer of 1919 and the Struggle for Justice That Remade a Nation
The Lynching: The Epic Courtroom Battle That Brought Down the Klan
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights

Jennifer W wrote: "I finished 2 books this week. Which tricks my brain into thinking I can read ALL the things, so I went to the library and overloaded ..."




I laughed so much at this, because I keep doing the same thing!!! And then I feel all this stress because I can't read all these books before they are due back!

Then I remind myself of that one time that our library system was taken down by hackers and we could not borrow books for weeks. Good thing I maintain an overabundance of books JUST IN CASE

Happy check-in. I've read a lot this week but I'm only part way through a few books. It was like spring for a few days and now winter is back, which means everywhere is ice.

Finished Reading:

God of War ⭐⭐��
God of War Volume 2: Fallen God ⭐⭐
These caught my eye in the library because I loved this video game.

Rebound ⭐⭐⭐⭐�� (PS about a family)
This series is great. You can read The Crossover and Booked out of order but you do need to read The Crossover before Rebound.

PS 15/50
ATY 9/52
Mini 6/10
ŷ������ 32/200

Currently Reading:

Cursed Fates
Strange the Dreamer
The Accidental Pinup

QOTW:
I'm mostly a mood reader but I do often borrow a few things from library shelves promoting Black History Month or Indigenous Storytelling Month, which is February in Canada.
Kinauvit?: What's Your Name? the Eskimo Disc System and a Daughter's Search for Her Grandmother or author Kwame Alexander would be my recommendations right now.

I read three books for the week.
1. Maame. 5 stars. Not for this challenge.
2. Memphis. 5 stars. # 15 A book with a song lyric as its title.
3. Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent. 5 stars. #50 A book with alliteration in the title.
QOTW: I will list the books I have read so far. They were all 5 stars.
1. Giovanni's Room.
2. Memphis. I really loved this book. So far it's my favorite of the year.
3. The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother.
4. Black Cake.
5. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home. Now I'm thinking this may be my favorite book of the year so far. I didn't know anything about this book but I love the cover.
6. Maame.
I have two more I want to read before the end of February.
1. White Tears/Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color.
2. The Violin Conspiracy

Hello! It has been the week of the all the service people. The guys working on our bathroom remodel are mostly done, and will return when the correct size shower door is delivered (estimated mid-March). (They put up a shower curtain and rod so we can at least use the new shower.) Once they finished, our new dishwasher was installed on Wednesday, which was very efficiently installed. On Tuesday, someone from our home security system was supposed to come out to fix a flood sensor the bathroom guys broke, but no one showed. I had to call to complain, and someone did show up today. He was here for over an hour because the security panel was acting up, but it seems to be all fixed now. No one is coming tomorrow (that I know of) and I will celebrate by remaining in my pajamas until noon.

Finished This Week:
The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale. This was fun. It wasn't a culture I had any prior knowledge of, but I liked that you could still enjoy the plot anyway. I'm not sure I entirely bought the motivation of the guy (or anyone's family), but it was a light read that I needed. Using for PS #50, Alliteration in title.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells. Felt like Valentine's Day was the perfect day for a Murderbot reread.

PS: 10/50 RH: 0/24 ATY: 10/52

Currently Reading:
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews. Audiobook reread of the first Kate book. I forgot how young Derek was, and I have absolutely been mispronouncing Saimon and Mahon all this time. Halfway!

The Stars Undying by Emery Robin. Retelling of Caesar and Cleopatra, In Space! I was not super knowledgeable about their life together, but Wikipedia tells me that is doing a pretty faithful retelling of Alexandria in Egypt, including a great library and Alexander the Great's body being there. Biggest changes are Cleopatra's brother is a woman, as is Marc Antony. I know what's going to happen, but I'm intrigued to see how the author gets there. Halfway so far. No idea on PS prompt.

The War That Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 by Margaret MacMillan. Inspired by K.L.'s recommendation to try the Mount TBR Challenge, I pulled one of the many non-fiction books off my shelves that I've never read. This one is over 700 pages with tiny print and thin pages, so perhaps I shouldn't have started here. Still very early. No idea on PS prompt.

QotW: February is celebrated as “Black History Month�� in the Canada and the US. Any books and/or authors you are planning to read for this month or to add to your TBR? Or even better, what books/authors could you recommend to others?
I find it difficult to read according to monthly themes, especially in Feb/March/April, when work is so busy. So I have not managed any Black History month reading yet. Wait, when did I finish Bloodmarked? Nope, last month.

Recommendations: Legendborn & Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn. A fantasy series set on University of North Carolina campus about a Black girl who infiltrates a secret society because she thinks they had something do with her mom's death. Lots of deep stuff about being Black in the South, generational trauma, the legacy of slavery, being the only Black girl, and what you inherit from your ancestors. Some parts are tough to read and they'll be with you for a while. It's also a YA with a love triangle, and there had better be a book 3 with that ending.

For something that's still amazing, but not set somewhere you can visit, check out Raybearer and Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko. The series is fantasy set in alternate world Africa. The duology also has generational trauma, but focuses more on the silencing and removal of women from history, and if you can be something other than what your parents want you to be.

(In the meantime it's Friday for me but.. I finished my puzzle and made great progress on Dreamlight Valley, so score! I'm glad I wrote this beforehand, haha!)

Another Thursday, another week!

Things seem to be slowing down a bit, but we’re not in the clear yet (see the bunnies topic) so fingers crossed! Today is the day Disney Dreamlight Valley updates again so reading already wasn’t great this month, and will not improve for the foreseeable future, haha! I blasted through the last update in mere days, save for the timelocked stuff, so maybe it won’t be so bad. But then.. I also bought a puzzle.

A 40.320 pieces puzzle.

When finished, it’ll be 6,8 by 1,92 meters, and the whole box weighs 21 kilos. The box reaches above my hip. Ravensburger says it takes about 600 hours to assemble, so you bet I’ll be timing to see if I can beat that, haha! And of course how many audiobooks I managed in the meantime. (Now here’s to hoping my brain will allow audiobooks and the ones I want are available to me).

But first I have to finish the puzzle I started a while back, but left as it was harder than I expected it to be. Brought it downstairs last night and made great progress, so that’s good! But yeah. Dreamlight Valley is coming so fingers crossed I’ll get to find a balance xD I also said I wouldn’t start a new book before the update, but �� being cold and having to wait for your fitbit to charge before you can sleep means a new book was started last night anyways. Oops. I also got approved for the Wolfsong eARC, which means I’ll have to read it after being hesitant for years; I am so over werewolves, but it’s Klune and queer. Being approved for this was the universe telling me to read it, so wish me luck!

Weather: It’s been sunny and nice out for a few days which was lovely, but now we’re back to rain and chillier temperatures.

Bunnies: Ezra has been back home with his new hopefully girlfriend for a week now, and I am still not entirely sure. They are pretty much glued to each other whenever I check the camera, but a few days ago when Mickey and/or Mia came too close when I was getting hay they immediately started fighting. So making the decision to put them outside is too daunting for me right now. On top of that, Mia is still too mean to Mickey, and now Mickey has a weird wet patch on the side of his face, on his cheek, so we emailed the vet to ask about it. I foresee a trip to said vet in the near future. Fingers crossed it won’t be too bad.

Read
In the Lives of Puppets for published spring 2023
A MIRACLE I KNOW. But the night after posting last week’s update, I picked it back up again. I eventually ended up reading the final 60% in one go, haha! This was not my favorite Klune book. It almost feels like betrayal to not give a Klune book 5 stars, given how Cerulean Sea and Whispering Door are books so close to my heart, but alas. Not that 4 stars is a bad rating, haha! I still really enjoyed it, I just thought it had some pacing issues. But the characters? 500 stars! This was also basically a WinterIron Pinocchio AU, and Klune is a legend for giving it to us. (WinterIron is the ship between Tony Stark and Bucky Barnes)

Popsugar: 23/50
ŷ������: 17/50
Q1 challenge: 8/10

Currently Reading
Moby-Dick
Still ahead of schedule; haven’t missed a day yet, though one day especially it got close. But I persevered! Still thinking this needs editing. No way this needs this many words.

The Jealousy of Jalice
I got approved for this eARC on April 2nd 2020. It is the 23rd on the list from old to new of unread eARCs which is why it was my next eARC (thanks Nadine!). It will also work for alliteration in the title (I think. J of J should work, right?) but who knows what else I’ll find after reading. I went in completely blind, so let’s see what happens! I’m 11,5% in now.

QOTW
I don’t really read for specific months as me reading at all is precarious enough as it is. Forcing myself to read for specific months is a one way trip to disaster and slumps. I also believe in trying to read as diversely as possible throughout the year and not just during months (as many do). But then I also never pay attention to the author, so I am usually clueless in that regard and have to google. It's also sad how much harder books by BIPOC authors are to get. All the books I want to read, are only on audible. It's so frustrating!

I finished:

These Fleeting Shadows: Not for the challenge: This was outside my usual genres, and I didn't love it, but it kept my interest.

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music: Celebrity memoir: I didn't know what to expect from this, and I'm not a Foo Fighters fan, but I really, really enjoyed this audiobook. He had great stories and it had a sense of fun and message that I responded really well to. I gave this 5 stars, no question.

The Last Thing He Told Me: TV Series or movie: I thought this was fine. I read it really quickly, but I didn't see anything special about it. The dynamic between stepmom and daughter ended up being sweet, but overall this wasn't as good as the reviews led me to believe it would be.

Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey: Same initials: This is obviously middle grade/YA and it is written as such, but I thought it was really good and as someone who works with teenagers, there was a genuineness to the writing that I really enjoyed. A fast read about difficult topics.

The Love Hypothesis: Fanfic: I started this book once last year and decided it wasn't for me at the time, but I made a note to try it again later and I'm glad I did. I could definitely sense the fanfic of it all, but I got quite invested in the story, and the tropes were well-executed.

Summer's Edge: Not for the challenge; Sometimes when I listen to audiobooks, I don't pay as close attention to the details, and I was thinking that was my problem with this book, because I kept feeling so confused. After finishing it, I understand why I was confused now and without spoilers, I no longer blame myself, but rather an idea borrowed from others that was not as well-executed.

Currently Reading:

Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology: Hollywood: This book has turned into a slog for me and I'm having trouble getting through it.

One True Loves: Love triangle: Even though this is giving me a strong nostalgic feeling for the movie Pearl Harbor, I'm still enjoying it. i just wish the overall story was a bit more original. Character development will always get me though.

QOTW:
I don't normally do themed reading for the different months, but for anyone that does, I would recommend The Vanishing Half, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, and The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row off the top of my head.

Nadine in NY wrote: "J ..."Then I remind myself of that one time that our library system was taken down by hackers and we could not borrow books for weeks. Good thing I maintain an overabundance of books JUST IN CASE..."

Good thing we can justify our addiction! ;)

So far, all but one of my February reads have been by a Black author:
Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families—and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World by Dorothy Roberts
Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Cover Her Face by P.D. James
and I am currently reading The Cherokee Rose: A Novel of Gardens and Ghosts by Tiya Miles, which I won in a ŷ������ giveaway!

Progress in all challenges:
PopSugar 16/40; 1/10
ATY in 52 Weeks: 9/52 (I am reading these prompts in order)
52 Book Club: 21/52
Read Harder: 7/24
Also doing The Open Library, which is set up differently

Happy Thursday! Last week I was talking about the work trip to New Zealand I was supposed to go one- but then cyclone gabrielle rolled through! So the trip was cancelled, and this week has been work as usual. (There was a second there where it seemed like my bosses were going to try and push through with the trip, which sounded like a very bad call, but then all flights were cancelled.) Hopefully there will be another trip on the horizon- I would really like to travel for free!

Finished:
We Had to Remove This Post- this a novella about content control and how easy it is to get sucked into conspiracy theories. It was interesting, but then it just ends! So abruptly!
-1 A book you meant to read in 2022 (I've been putting off my hold from the library for months)

Yes Please- highly recommend listening to this on audiobook. I really enjoyed it.
This is the second book I've read recently that was written pre-MeToo movement, and praises men that have now been revealed to be pretty terrible. It's funny how quickly things can change
-36 A book you think your best friend would like

The Guest Cat- I was a little disappointed. It was fine, but I'll probably be passing my copy on to someone else. (Should have been more cat!)
-46 A book with a pet character

Currently Reading:
Exhalation- short story collection by Ted Chiang. So far, really liking it

Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower- listening to this on audiobook

QotW:
I didn't really have anything planned- mainly cause I've lost all sense of time. Right now I'm reading Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower. And I have Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan from the library, which looked like the most interesting book listed on the "book about divorce" page

Ooh, I just remembered I have The Violin Conspiracy waiting on Libby for when I'm done with my current audiobook. Not having read the book yet, I always forget the author is black.

It's been a week of bouncing weather but I did get good news from the vascular surgeon. the stents they used to save my leg are still doing good so I'm fine for another 6 months.

I read Everybunny Loves Magic by Aaron Reynolds for the prompt A book with a rabbit on the cover. It is the third in a trilogy but it's a simple plot, middle grade book so that wasn't really a problem. It was so-so, certainly didn't make me want to read the other two. Imagine Sherlock and Watson if they were 11 years old and Sherlock wasn't nearly as smart as he thinks he is....

I am not one who reads or cares about celebrity book lists so I dreaded the prompt A book that's on a celebrity book-club list so soon after the last time we had that one. However, I do follow Lou Diamond Phillips and he's always reccing Craig Johnson and Chris Bohjalian so I remembered I wanted to read Hell and Back by Craig Johnson so I got that.

THis one is a strange mystery. For one you absolutely have to read the Longmire book that immediately precedes it for this to make any sense. Then it's much more X-File/Twilight Zone than Longmire mystery. It's weird. I liked it.

I also read a couple graphic novels that I could have read for prompts but decided against it as I have books I was excited to read for at least one of them and the other only tangentially fit.

M Is for Monster by Talin Dutton is a Frankenstein inspired graphic novel would work for the family prompt. It was good.

The Night Eaters, Vol. 1: She Eats the Night by by Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda, the duo who brought us Monstress. It might have worked kinda for forbidden love but that wasn't the focus. Loved this horror graphic novel, want more.

QOTW
In general I don't plan books to match whatever history the month is celebrating. That said I read diversely and have a few I've already read this year (I think both the first two are now out but maybe not, I had arcs)

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker, a YA urban fantasy with ethnically based magic and a lot of drama (almost too much)

Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood

One I have on my list for later is Bloodmarked by Tracy Deon (and the first book in the series Legendborn) I loved the first book in this urban fantasy

And of course there's The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin (or anything by her) which is going to become a tv series soon I believe.

QOTW:

February is celebrated as “Black History Month�� in the Canada and the US. Any books and/or authors you are planning to read for this month or to add to your TBR? Or even better, what books/authors could you recommend to others?

Well I read Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You . I've also been reading Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America . This one has been taking much longer becasue of the book length, but I am still counting it.

I do wish I had more time to read more BHM authors and books, but unfortunately, I have not had the time. I've had so much reads going on, plus I've got school too so that's been taking a lot of time.

Crazy that we're into the end of another week already! It feels like Christmas was just recent so how is it that we are near the end of February already?!

Things for me have been going good I guess. Just focused on school at the moment and when I'm not doing that work I'm either binge watching Dawson's Creek (ah my good ol' teen years) or I'm reading.

Okay my book news:

I've been reading Unwell Women: Misdiagnosis and Myth in a Man-Made World . I'm on page 33, but it has been such an eye opener. I knew a little about the history of how women have been treated in the past, and by little I mean just a grain of sand. What's surprising is still how women are treated when it comes to medical care.

I'm liking this book and will most likely rate it a 4 star. I have a good eye when it comes to rating early and usually by the end of the book I'm right.



On another note, I've really been hitting a stride with my books. My goal for the year was 25, but I'm already at 17, so hitting that number will be easy.

I always keep it at a low number because I never know how much time I'll have. Anything above 25 is a bonus. If I could beat previous numbers in the years then even better.

I started keeping track of how many books I read at the start of Covid. I try not to challenge myself by keeping score because in the end it doesn't matter, but sometimes it's fun to do that.



An upcoming book I've got going on is Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole . I normally don't follow Oprah's book club because she mainly chooses, but this time around I am so in.

I've read this book twice already so it will be fun reading it a third, especially since there is a quiz in it and I'm curious as to how my score will be different compared to the first and second time. The book overall though is amazing. I keep giving it a 5-star and it really deserves it. I can't wait to dive into it again.

Did anyone else notice this week's discussion title is set to be July? I've been having trouble keeping track of what month I'm in already, so that threw me WAY off! XD

I want to thank everyone for their kind words last week about the loss of my grandpa. As it goes with grief, some days are better than others. He was in his 90s and really lived a full life, so most of my grief is based in knowing I won't be able to see him again and what feels like a final loss of childhood. My grandparents were such a staple that no longer having them really does seem like a transition in life.

Now I'm just focusing on getting my new house ready for move-in next Friday. I'm also procrastinating HARD on packing because packing is the worst lol.

Finished:
Heidi - A book where the main character's name is in the title.

I can't actually remember when I finished this so I figured I'd list it in case I didn't last week. It was very sweet. Saccharine. I enjoyed it but that was a very...sweet is the only word I can come up with.

Cryptid Club - A book with mythical creatures.

I needed an easy win since Heidi is the first book I've finished this year. This was so fun! I love Sarah Anderson.

Currently Reading:
The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter

QOTW:
I'm barely reading anything these days, so focusing on things for BHM just isn't on the table for me this year.

Ron wrote: "Crazy that we're into the end of another week already! It feels like Christmas was just recent so how is it that we are near the end of February already?!

Things for me have been going good I gues..."

Ron, you are really making me want to read Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole.

Milena wrote: "Ron, you are really making me want to read Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole

Nice! I've read it twice and going on a third soon. It's an amazing, soft, and wonderful book. I just love how Susan is with the words, you can see how contemplative she is. That's something we tend to take for granted I think, finding joy in those sad and bittersweet moments. Susan does a good reminder of that.

But then there's also the fact that I'll recommend anything she writes.

Her first book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking is among my top 5 all-time favorite books. I finally felt seen and understood with that book. I have multiple copies of it and want to get another. It's just one of those books where every time you see it, you want to get it again (which I often tend to do. LOL!)

Ron wrote: "Milena wrote: "Ron, you are really making me want to read Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole

Nice! I've read it twice and going on a third soon. It's an amazing, soft, and wonderful..."

Being an introvert myself, I have been meaning to read that ever since it came out.

Milena wrote: Being an introvert myself, I have been meaning to read that ever since it came out.

Awesome. In that case, I recommend it even more. I can't praise that book enough. It makes so much sense and it made me feel like less of an awkward freak.

She even has a YA one that explains what it's like for introverts as kids. It's called Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids . Sure wish I'd had this book growing up. It would have made school a lot easier.

Teachers (and myself I suppose) always considered me shy and quiet. No one thought to use the word introvert. As a result of my "shyness", I was often getting in trouble in school because I would not talk or participate.

My post is long, and I have lost it twice. So not only am I a day late...but I am frustrated and will be even later.

Ron wrote: "Milena wrote: Being an introvert myself, I have been meaning to read that ever since it came out.

Awesome. In that case, I recommend it even more. I can't praise that book enough. It makes so much..."

I agree! I also felt seen in ways I'd never experienced before. It's probably been almost 10 years since I read that book and I still remember parts of it that made me realize I am "normal".
The funny part is that my boss at that time was as extroverted as I am introverted. It also helped me understand him and why he and I butted heads so often.

Anyone else having trouble with ŷ������ today? Everything is so slow.

Jennifer W wrote: I agree! I also felt seen in ways I'd never experienced before. It's probably been almost 10 years since I read that book and I still remember parts of it that made me realize I am "normal".
The funny part is that my boss at that time was as extroverted as I am introverted. It also helped me understand him and why he and I butted heads so often

That's what I loved about the book too. I try to read it every year. It's a great reminder at just how "normal" I am.

The weird part is that I've never been around any introverts. I've only been around extroverts my entire life. You'd think I'd be used to that, but I'm not. It would be nice to have some introverts in my life that I could connect to.

At least the book helps though, it helps me see that there's nothing wrong. That it's okay to be different. It's a book I recommend to anyone. Even those who are not introverts, just so they can understand people like us.

Shannon wrote: "Did anyone else notice this week's discussion title is set to be July? I've been having trouble keeping track of what month I'm in already, so that threw me WAY off! XD

I want to thank everyone fo..."



LOL no it's not, it's week 7. Your eyes saw that and thought "July" - you must be eager for summer :-) Unless Lynn just edited it , it says: "Week 7: 2/10 - 2/16"

Carmen wrote: "When finished, it’ll be 6,8 by 1,92 meters ..."


You must have a REALLY BIG table!!!


I've never heard of the WinterIron ship. I can't see those two together. Bucky & Steve Rogers? yeah I can see it. Or even Tony Stark & Steve. But not Bucky & Tony.

Milena wrote: "Ooh, I just remembered I have The Violin Conspiracy waiting on Libby for when I'm done with my current audiobook. Not having read the book yet, I always forget the author is black."



The book is basically about how difficult it can be at times for a Black violinist in the predominately white world of Classical music. So it's a good choice for BHM.

Happy Friday.

Stats:
PS: 10/50
ATY: 16/100
Nadine's Challenge: 6/10
Tarot: 11/22
ŷ������ Choice: 3/30
TBR: 3/10

Books I finished:

And When She Opened the Closet, All The Clothes Were Polyester: A FoxTrot Collection ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What it is: The last volume of the comic strip FoxTrot
Prompt: ATY: W 5 Question words in title.
I had forgotten how funny these comics were.

Hell Bent ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What it is: Book 2 in the Alex Stern dark fantasy series.
Prompt: PS: Rabbit on cover.
I thought book 1 was only okay, but I thought the story had promise, and I'm glad I stuck with it because this was so much better. It didn't get bogged down in backstory like the first, kept things moving, had more time to focus on the secondary characters, and just left me excited for book 3.

The Sun Is Also a Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What it is: A YA romance. (And the monthly group read)
Prompt: PS: Takes place in one day.
I read Frankly in Love last year and wanted to compare it to one of his wife's books this year. It took a while for my library hold to come in, but once it did, I couldn't put it down. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a good romance. I think I still give a slight edge to Frankly in Love for which I like more. but they were both good.

Hospital Station & Star Surgeon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What they are: The first 2 books in the Sector General series, a scifi series about a space hospital.
Prompt: ATY: Author with a name popular in 1923 & ATY Reject: the second or third book in a series.
I found Beginning Operations (The first 3 books bound together) at a book sale and I couldn't remember if I had read them before or not. I don't think I had. As these were first published in the 60's, they are a bit more dated than the later books, but the basics of the story were still there, and I love them just as much.

Bunnicula ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What it is: A classic Middle Grade story about a vampire rabbit, as told by the family dog.
I loved these books as a kid, but I hadn't reread them since. It was fun to go back and revisit it.

Books I made progress on:

Major Operation
The Dressmakers of Auschwitz: The True Story of the Women Who Sewed to Survive
Be the Serpent


QotW

I don't plan my reading and I just read whatever I feel like reading, regardless of what month it is. And I can't think of any recs that haven't already been mentioned.

Cornerofmadness wrote: "I wanted to read Hell and Back by Craig Johnson so I got that.

THis one is a strange mystery. For one you absolutely have to read the Longmire book that immediately precedes it for this to make any sense. Then it's much more X-File/Twilight Zone than Longmire mystery. It's weird. I liked it...."



that sounds really interesting!! I have never read a Longmire mystery - are they all like that, with supernatural stuff? or just this one?

You all are making me want to read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.

It's not really my kind of book. I've never felt like a freak and never thought I needed a book to tell me about how awesome it is that I'm introverted. I thought it was more aimed at Extroverts telling them to back off. I suppose it would have been really nice if my mom had stopped pushing me to be friendly and participate in stuff when I was little, but ... that ship has sailed.

Bea wrote: "My post is long, and I have lost it twice. So not only am I a day late...but I am frustrated and will be even later."



It's super frustrating when that happens!!! I write my posts in another platform now (I use gmail, but anything would work), so if I lose it, I only lose my last-minute edits, and I can go copy it and paste it in again.

Happy Friday! I started a lot of books this week but only had time to finish one. It's been in the 60's which is great for me because I hate winter. I also made a big batch of buffalo chicken dip in the instant pot. So delicious!

Challenge Progress:
ATY 6/52
PS 5/50

Finished:

A Man and His Cat, Vol. 2 (PS book with pet character) 3 stars. This is such an adorable series. An older widow adopts a cat and he basically becomes the best cat dad around.

Currently Reading:

A Game of Thrones (PS book read more than 10 years ago)

Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts (no prompt)

Project Hail Mary (ATY book by author read in 2022)

A Court of Thorns and Roses (ATY suggestion that didn't make 2023 list)

QOTW:
I'm planning to read Binti but I might not get to it this month. I would definitely recommend How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America. I listened to the audiobook last year and it was very powerful.

Nadine in NY wrote: "You all are making me want to read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.

It's not really my kind of book. I've never felt like a freak and never thought..."

Lol, it's not that I felt like a freak perse, but exactly like you said, people were constantly pushing me not to be "shy" (which I also was) and to put myself out there. I even had a professor comment on my (ugh, major brain cramp! can't think of the real word for the college version) 'report card' that I demonstrated a firm grasp of the material in my written assignments but needed to show I understood it by contributing more in class. That always made me mad- if my homework demonstrated that I understood it, then I understood it and don't need to blab my mouth to show it.

I think it was meant to tell all of us to back off. Even introverts have been trained to expect people to jump up and take the lead, enjoy going to the bars on weekends, engage in small talk (UGH!). When I read it, I was old enough to know myself better that I wasn't going to enjoy those things, but I didn't necessarily know why. Like I said earlier, too, for me it was very helpful to better understand extroverts.