Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2021 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 10: 3/4 - 3/11
This week I finished: So You Want to Talk About Race: BLM list; I'm glad I carefully selected a book for this. I researched and changed my selection at least 3 times. I found plenty to learn from this book and I enjoyed the audiobook version.
Loves Music, Loves to Dance: bestseller from 90s; After a disappointing MHC book last week, this one came through for me. It was much more in line with what I've come to expect from her writing. I figured out the twist, but I still enjoyed it.
Broken Things: Scorpio birthday; I enjoyed this one a lot. I had trouble selecting something for this prompt and this was a good choice. Again, I figured out the twist, but it was still a nice read.
Currently reading:
Nothing, but I finally finished watching Supernatural last night, so it should be a good weekend for reading, if the weekend ever gets here.
QOTW:
Not yet. I've always thought about giving it a try, but I don't have a lot of patience with my creative process.
Hi everyone. Its my nephew's birthday tomorrow so I'll be spending today making him a cake. The sun is shining and I have five days in a row off work so I'm in a good mood :DThis week I finished The Duke and I. I cringe at anything too corny so I almost skipped this book based on some of the reviews but I actually really liked it. I will probably read the others at some point. I felt like book-Daphne came across very different to TV-Daphne but not enough to spoil it.
I also finished Piranesi. I felt totally immersed in this world the author had created but felt cheated by the ending. I still enjoyed it, but it just didn't align with my expectations so maybe I should've known more going into it.
Currently reading: To Be Taught, If Fortunate. I really loved Becky Chambers' Wayfarers series but I'm finding it hard to get into this one. I might put it down for a couple of days and come back to it.
QOTW: In the loosest possible sense of the word, I am. I'm very much an amateur and have much to learn but I enjoy it and I have a good network of online writer friends who make it even more fun. I do Nanowrimo each year for a bit of extra fun/pressure.
I finished The Child from the Sea as my book with something broken on the cover.I'm now reading Song of Solomon as my book on a BLM reading list.
Qotw: Years ago I had an idea for a book. I wrote about a chapter. then a friend of mine and I wathed the movie Julie and Julia, and I got the idea to write a fan fiction story for every episode of a certain tv show to get into the habit of writing. they were not good. I have given up my novel idea.
It's Thursday again!? How did that happen? I feel like I'm reading so slowly this month, even though I'm enjoying the books I'm picking up. I guess because the weather has been nice at the weekends, we've gone on longer walks, and then I'm tired when we get back.Finished:
The Edge by James Smythe for a book about forgetting. Always mind-bending, this is the third in the Anomaly Quartet and I hope there isn't such a long wait for the final instalment.
The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal for ATY (more than 2 people on cover). My brain has attached MRK's voice to Elma so I was a bit confused going into the audiobook that it was Nicole talking not Elma. This one runs in parallel to The Fated Sky, covering what's going on on the Earth and moon at that time.
Currently reading Klara and the Sun.
QOTW:
Sometimes I think I'd like to, but then I don't have enough time to do everything else that I want to do, so it never happens. I used to write a lot of pony stories as a kid, just for fun, and I am a bit sad that no one ever said to me that writing could be a career choice (and I know, most authors don't make a living wage out of books, but I did photography at university so I don't think they were thinking that way).
Happy Thursday! It's getting closer and closer to spring and I'm really excited about it. Yesterday, it got warm enough that we had to turn on the A/C! Spring is my favorite season and I can't wait for the trees to start budding and to start seeing daffodils. I finished one book this week, which was Winter's Heart, the ninth book in the Wheel of Time series. I love the Wheel of Time, but the last two books were real snoozers for me. I really enjoyed this one. My understanding is that many people think this one and the next one are some of the most boring parts of the series, but I'm hoping that, since I enjoyed this one so much, the next one will also catch my fancy.
QOTW: I used to want to be a novelist. I got my BA in English with a creative writing focus. I took lots of workshops and I wrote all the time. I wanted to be the new John Irving. But, ultimately, fiction writing just wasn't for me. So, I turned my energy to legal writing and now I'm a litigator focusing on motions practice, which is basically all writing. So, I consider myself a writer in that sense.
no prompts this week
A Pretty Mess by Carla Caruso. Contemporary romance/mystery. A professional organizer solves a mystery. I love those Hallmark Mystery and Movie movies about a woman in a random job that solves mysteries. This was not a great example. The mystery was meh. The love interest was not great. There was a lot of slut-shaming and talking down about other women which I don’t like. The texts were immature and at one point the love interest says he can’t be friends with a pretty woman which is also gross. Would not pick up the others in the series.
Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollet. Memoir. Book about the lead singer of Airborne Toxic Event. He was born into a cult, his parents left when he was young but they split up and he was raised for many years by his mentally ill mother. It was honest and vivid and I really enjoyed it and his openness about his childhood trauma. I also just finished a re-read of The Glass Castle and I appreciate how honest hey both are about growing up with mentally ill parents
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. Two stories, one about a woman taking her anniversary trip to London alone in the present day and investigating a bottle that belongs to an apothecary from way back. The other story is about the apothecary who will brew poisons to kill men who have wronged you in some way. Honestly, the Nella/Eliza story about the apothecary was the better of the two but I really enjoyed this book.
Aurora Burning by by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. YA sci-fi. 2nd in the series. . It was okay but not great. But that may just be because it is a bridge book.
Happy Thursday, y’all. Not much to report, moving straight on to the reading wrap-up.Books read this week:
Carolina Sunshower -- for “book with an oxymoron in the title.� The writing isn’t the best, but the story -- a memoir of a girl growing up in the mountains of North Carolina -- is both heartbreaking and uplifting. If you liked Educated, you might like this.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle -- for “book with a black and white cover.� Weird and creepy, but good! Now need to read The Haunting of Hill House
Abducted - Escape From Kraile -- for the advanced prompt “book on your TBR list with the ugliest cover.� You know, I really wanted to like this� but just because someone’s writing a kids/YA book doesn’t give them an excuse to go lax on the writing.
The Last -- not for the challenge. Great YA fantasy read, and it’s nice to see a fantasy novel that doesn’t fall back on the same old elf/dwarf/orc/dragon mix of creatures. A subtly done message about environmentalism and racism as well.
Thirsty Mermaids -- graphic novel, not for the challenge. Colorful art and a fun story about rowdy mermaids, spells gone awry, and the strength of family bonds (even and especially the families you make yourself).
Challenge stats:
Regular challenge books -- 19/45
Advanced challenge books -- 6/10
Not for the challenge -- 17
Currently Reading:
Bradbury Stories: 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales -- for “longest book on your TBR list�
American Gods -- for “book everyone has read but you�
Bunny -- for “dark academia�
Mr. Adam -- not for the challenge
QOTW:
I write quite a bit... mostly fanfiction at the moment, haha. I'm bouncing between different novel ideas as well, mostly fantasy. Need to buckle down and get one of my many ideas fully written and ready to publish...
Well, it's been a rough week and today it's rainy and dreary. The kids at school have been nuts all week probably because it's almost spring break. And then when we get back it'll be about time for state testing season to begin. Yay...Anyway. I did finish a couple of books this week. One for the challenge. I read Concrete Rose for a book with a rock, gem, or mineral in the title. I know this is a stretch because concrete isn't technically a rock because it's man-made, but I'm willing to make that compromise. I really enjoyed this and I want Angie Thomas to make a book for everyone in the Carter family. I want to get in each family member's head now. She's such a strong writer.
I also read Drawn Together for my school reading challenge. This was a nice picture book about a grandson and grandfather who struggle with a language barrier until they realize they have another way to communicate.
I read Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag. This is another children's book that helps introduce children to the fight for gay rights. I just wish it had more about Harvey Milk's life in it, because it's categorized as a biography.
QOTW:
I do consider myself a writer. I mostly do Young Adult because that's what I love to read the most. I'm not published or anything though. I haven't written much since my brother died a few years ago, but I'm always hoping to get that drive back. I think, eventually, I'm just going to have to push through the block.
Hi everyone, Had some lovely near-spring weather this week! Thing it's getting cold again next week, but enjoyed while it lasted.
This week I finished:
The Leavers - this was just ok for me, had ups and downs. Parts were interesting, others i kept skimming through. I don't think the time jumping helped in this case. I formed a fairly unfavorable opinion of both Polly/Peilin and Demming/Daniel based on the jump ahead. Even after getting their stories, still didn't really help. I felt bad about their situations while still not particularly caring about the characters themselves. Counted as my book set in two countries, plus ATY book involving an immigrant, book nerds author i've never read before.
A Phoenix First Must Burn - book of short stories that were all by Black women, mostly centering Black women characters, science fiction and fantasy. I am always all over the place with short stories, I don't know if I've ever read a collection where I really liked every single story. But I think this one overall was stronger than some collections. I at least reasonably enjoyed most of them, several i want to read more of the authors. counting for Read Harder's SFF story collection edited by a person of color, Book Nerds book of short stories, Reading Women's book with a cover designed by a woman.
currently reading:
What's Mine and Yours - almost finished with this, will probably finish later today. I'm enjoying it ok so far. But I think i'm identifying that while I like multiple perspectives, and usually i don't mind meandering timelines, I don't really like those two combined. It just gets confusing trying to keep track of what year it currently is, and which character the point of view is. Sometimes it seems like it shifts mid page too. I think it's still well written, and I definitely want to finish, but it's just making it hard to really connect with anyone in the story. Will be my book published in 2021, this was an ARC I won from my library's winter reading challenge, it's coming out for real this month if it hasn't hit already.
1Q84 - only read a few pages, but still on the list.
QOTW:
I have a novel I've started over at least 5 times in the last 10+ years, I have a notebook full of plot ideas for a children's book, I have an Ipad folder full of character info/sketches for a comic I want to make. I have lots and lots of ideas rattling in my head, I just have a really hard time finding the time/energy/concentration to really get them down and finalize them into anything I'm happy with. I go in bursts of productivity. Right now it's March of Robots and I've been sticking to the characters I want to eventually make the kids book around in the hope that I can take this momentum into actually making progress on that front.
Weather really can't decide what it wants to do here today! One minute sunny, the next black clouds and downpours! Oh, and now we have hail...Only finished one book this week - my reading mojo seems to have been a bit AWOL for the last few days, but things seem to be improving now!
Finished:
My Family and Other Animals for A book set somewhere you’d like to visit in 2021. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would (having really liked the TV show). I got the whole trilogy fairly cheap, but I'm not sure whether I'll go on to read the other two books...
Started:
The Once and Future Witches for A book from your TBR list you meant to read last year but didn’t. My lack of reading mojo meant that this wasn't really grabbing me to start with (which worried me, as I loved The Ten Thousand Doors of January), but around the 40% mark things started clicking, and I'm enjoying it now.
QOTW:
Not a writer. In a past life, I wrote fanfiction, but that's it!
Wow, it's already Thursday?? I'm doing all BIPOC authors for the challenge this year and it's going great. I'm at 35/50 and many of those are 4 and 5-star reads. This week I read:
Sharks in the Time of Saviors I listened to this after reading it in print last year and I just love this book with all my heart. Highly recommend. 5+ stars
Breath, Eyes, Memory Very sad book about Haitian women, but the ending was strong enough to keep it from being too depressing. 4 stars
His Truth Is Marching on: John Lewis and the Power of Hope This book also made me sad, more than it was supposed to. I have complicated feelings about nonviolent responses to the terror of white supremacy in the U.S. So heartbreaking.
Detransition, Baby Wow, this book is a lot. So much to talk about. I hope it makes the list for the next Tournament of Books so I can discuss with other readers. 5 stars
I'm listening to My Brilliant Life and reading The Remainder in print.
QOTW: Oh, one of my questions! I just started focusing on creative writing a little less than two years ago, but it's been really fun. I love the community aspect of it, as I've taken a ton of classes and workshops, and have a few different writing groups now. Even with all of them currently being virtual, it's still a great source of entertainment and connection. I write poetry, short stores, short nonfiction pieces for The Sun Magazine, and I'm working on my first novel. I couldn't do any of this writing without the connections and events with other writers, so I highly recommend that route if anyone likes to write but feels lonely with it. I definitely couldn't write the novel I'm working on without my Saturday workshop for it. I'm at the one third mark of my first draft and it's been really fun.
Also, for anyone who's unsure about calling themselves a writer... if you write, you're a writer! It doesn't matter if you've been published, if you only write for work, if you only write X, or if you don't get paid for what you write. It's more about the practice of it than the achievements associated with it. ;)
Just wanted to post this quickly here, I will come back later for my update.I got a notice through one of the authours I follow that today only Romancefreereads.com is offering up to 400 e-books for free so if you are a romance fan, or just like free books you might want to check it out.
Disclaimer: I have not checked it out yet, as I am at work, so I have no idea what books are available.
Rapid-fire updates this week!Finished:
Demons by J.M. Dillard
Specter of the Past by Timothy Zahn
I recommend both of these books.
Currently reading:
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (middle of Chapter 9)
Vision of the Future by Timothy Zahn
The Tears of the Singers by Melinda Snodgrass
Scourge by Jeff Grubb
Question of the Week:
I am not an author or writer. I can write well enough when the circumstances demand it, but doing it for money does not really appeal to me. If I can craft a good one-liner or dad joke from time to time, then that is all the writing satisfaction I need.
Good Morning,It's been a few weeks since I've been able to update. I'm so happy to be back on this thread!
Finished:
Beneath the Sugar Sky for a magical realism book. I enjoyed this, not as much as the last two in the series but enough that I want to continue. I even picked up the next two books in the series from the library a few days ago.
The Recent East - I got the eARC of this from NetGalley and it was a solid 3.25 stars for me. I thought the characters were interesting and it was well written. There were parts that could have been condensed but all in all a really solid debut.
The Last Time I Lied - I enjoyed the ending of this one. I did not enjoy that it felt like an adult man wrote teenage girls. The characterizations just felt off with the teen girls, as well as the main character. I loved Final Girls when it came out, I read Home Before Dark when it came out last year and was really underwhelmed by it and this one was just okay overall. I do plan on reading Survive the Night when it comes out later this year but if that one is only okay for me, I'll probably not pick up anymore of his books going forward.
Currently Reading:
Anna Karenina for a book that’s been on your TBR list for the longest amount of time. I'm still working my way through this with the Reddit group r/yearofannakarenina. I'm really enjoying it, way more than I thought I would.
At First Sight - Another eARC through NetGalley. It's a romance and I'm enjoying it. I really like both the lead characters.
The Fifth Season for an Afrofuturist book. I'm listening to this on audio and loving it. I plan on finishing out the series at some point this year. I was unsure when I started it because of the second person perspective but don't let that throw you off.
Luster - I started this last night and am already halfway through the book. It's really good. The author doesn't use a ton of dialog, which is interesting. I'm so interested to see where this goes, I'm hoping to finish it up tonight.
QOTW:
I have so many nuggets of ideas of books I want to write but I haven't moved forward on any of them. My minor in college was journalism and I could bust out articles (and papers) so easily but I've really lost that skill since I haven't really used it since college. I really want to get back into writing.
Happy Thursday! Sunny but cold in the PNW and my car pooped out yesterday so its at the mechanic - hopefully not too bad. I think my car wanted some attention because I keep thinking of buying a new car. Maybe now I will have to!Finished:
Finally finished Migrations even though it took me longer to read it than it normally would have it was beautifully written and I highly recommend.
Currently Reading:
Working my way through A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara on audio. I sped it up to 1.4x because the narrating is a little slow and with 800+ pages I don't want it to lag and get bored. It is an interesting story but could have used a little more editing.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley. I am intrigued by this one and can't wait to finish it.
QOTW:
I used to write stories as a kid - I think my mom still has one. I used to write about big families and adventures they would go on. They were short stories and nothing ever came of them.
Sarah wrote: "Hi everyone. Its my nephew's birthday tomorrow so I'll be spending today making him a cake. The sun is shining and I have five days in a row off work so I'm in a good mood :DThis week I finished ..."
The last bit of To Be Taught, If Fortunate is incredible, definitely worth finishing!
Hello! Work is super busy, as it is every year at this time. Next week is the next milestone in my spring project, so I'm trying to get everything ready on time. I also got some new responsibilities in the past year that I didn't have last March, so it will be interesting to balance those with what already felt like too much in March. We'll see. I didn't get much reading done.Finished This Week:
Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers. Book four in the His Fair Assassin series, first in the new duology. I didn't like Genevieve, the new character, and found the choices she made confusing and inconsistent. I enjoyed the Sybella parts, but wished there had been more for her. And the chapters are too short. Those aren't chapters, those are scenes. But book five is on the way to my library, so I should get it soon. Not for prompt, although I'm debating if I want to stretch to call it a black and white cover.
PS: 14/50 RH: 3/24 RW: 5/28 ATY: 20/52 GR: 31/100
Currently Reading:
Ink in Water: An Illustrated Memoir by Lacy Davis. A graphic memoir about the author's battle with anorexia and compulsive exercising. I'm about halfway. Using for #19, Body Positivity, but would also work for #38, About an Artist.
Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrams. Got it back from the library. Probably only need an evening to finish, so need to get to that.
QOTW: Are you also a writer, in addition to being a reader? If so, what type of books do you write?
I wrote fanfiction when I was in college, and tried to take some classes on writing while there, but the teacher I had wasn't that good, and I couldn't get into the good writing class as a history major. After college, a friend told me about this new thing she'd heard of, National Novel Writing Month, and we agreed to give it a try. I've been doing NaNo every since, and winning NaNo every year since 2005. That's a lot of first drafts of novels. Some I quite liked (Emily, Riska, Clara, Bria, Lillith, Ana) and others were good learning experiences (Lyra, Tory, Leah, Anissa, Megan). The genres have changed over the years: romance, historical fiction, mystery, chick lit, romantic suspense, high fantasy, and urban fantasy. One was a retelling of a historical figure I'd just learned about, and another was a novelization of the backstories of my and my husband's video game characters. It usually ends up being whatever genre I'm reading the most of at that time.
I had a writing group probably ten years ago, but it broke up and then I moved away. I haven't reconnected with the writing community since moving back. Every year I claim I'm going to do some writing in a month not named November, but every year I don't. Some of those novels have real potential with editing and cleanup (Emily, Riska, Clara, Bria, probably Ana), but I never take the time to work on them. I even have two books on editing checked out right now, but haven't even opened them.
So yes, I'm a writer, but only in November.
Hello All. Another beautiful day in Virginia. I completed one book for the week. Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman. I used it for a book set in multiple countries. I love the series. I gave the book 5 stars. I’m currently reading My Name is Red by Orhan Pemuk. This is for a book club. I’ll use it for a book about art or an artist. I’m not enjoying this book. I don’t know if I’m not getting the flow of the book because it’s translated. It’s slow & boring at the moment.QOTW: I’m not a writer.
Remember the QOTW about pet peeves? I had such the pet peeve experience this week! I started The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse, and she starts with a historical note at the beginning, which ends with referring to the "77 edicts" Martin Luther nailed to the door at Wittenberg. I was immediately like, wait what? He nailed something other than the 95 theses to the door? Was this before or after? How can they be edicts when the whole point was he wasn't speaking as the church? So I went down a massive internet research rabbit hole, only to confirm that her information was just wrong. Flames, flames on the side of my face! I will not be reading your historical fiction about the Reformation in France if you can't get the starting act of the Reformation correct, THANK you very much! I thought this group in particular might appreciate my struggle, thank you for coming to my TED talk.Finished this week:
Anil's Ghost: It lost the plot a bit in the last third, but came together at the end.
A ​Court of Silver Flames: Sarah Maas does it again! I enjoy everything she writes.
Etiquette & Espionage: Very fun and silly. I particularly enjoy Bumbersnoot.
Currently reading:
The Conductors: I got this in my Unplugged Book Box, and I'm really enjoying it so far. It starts very much in the middle of the action, so some context is mysterious, but I like that.
The Italian: Ann Radcliffe is another writer who I just love everything she writes.
Memento Mori: This is my first book by Muriel Spark, and it reminds me of Barbara Pym. That is to say, I'm enjoying it very much. The audiobook narrator is excellent.
QOTW: I wrote a lot as a child and teenager, but all of my adult writing energy has been funneled into work. I would like to write a novel for myself, and I work on it occasionally, but it always seems to go to the bottom of the to-do list.
Mod
LOL and there's just no excuse for that sort of mistake in this day and age of Google All the Things
Nadine wrote: LOL and there's just no excuse for that sort of mistake in this day and age of Google All the Things"Right? I'm disappointed in the author for writing it, and in the publisher's team for not fact checking it sufficiently!
Finished: Boy! Another week where I haven't finished anything. And I haven't been reading anything for the challenge either. I was so excited when it first came out and have 19 books under my belt. Now I'm not making any progress.Started: The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr. This one is quite well-written and I am enjoying it. Most of the research I've been reading lately focuses on the positive aspects of our engagement with current-day technology, so it was nice to get exposed to a flip-side of the argument that wasn't inflammatory.
Qotw: Yes, I'm a writer, although not as much as I used to be. I've self-published a biography of my grandpa. Other things published were not books. I've gotten a selection of poetry and an article on gender roles and parenting published. I also used to perform as a slam poet.
Good afternoon! It's a bright blue sky here and very windy but the field through my window is green as all the snow has melted. I'm sure there are still big snow piles in spots but at least the park looks green through my window. I hope we don't get more snow!! I also saw some tiny white flowers blooming on some lawns. Snowdrops maybe?? The heads are hanging downwards.
Anyway this week I only read 1 book for the popsugar challenge as I was concentrating on my other challenges more.
Popsugar: 58/100
March spelling: 5/6
March Scavenger: 3/10
Giant panda: 7/20
The Memory Theater
book published in 2021 ... This was the first 2021 book I've read this year and truthfully it was kind of strange, dealing with multiverse. It reads like a fairytale too. Catacombs
I really loved this sequel to Catalyst! It's an exciting adventure story with cats, a giant snake and stuff from ancient Egypt. I do wish the author had written more books about the Barque Cats. The Dolphins' Bell
this one was ok but I wasn't hooked or anything. I think I had rated it 3 stars. I just couldn't get into the characters and I didn't feel like I knew who they were. It's about the dolphins on Pern.Witches of Ash and Ruin
I lived this exciting thriller that was about a serial killer and two covens of witches. Great story! I had actually gotten dark lord vibes from the baddie in here...Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre
another great, exciting book! Six families are trapped in a very isolated spot when Mount Rainier erupts and they can't get out. Then horrible creatures come and start terrorizing them: sasquatch! Fun story!Baggage: Confessions of a Globe-Trotting Hypochondriac
I just loved reading about the author's experience of all the places - including many national parks - and the animals he has seen. Plus I could relate to his stories of anxiety. I wasn't too sure what OCD was but after reading this I think I understand it better (as before I had thought it was only when people count stuff)... A wonderful book and there's full color photos at the back too.Elsewhere
another great book! This one was a fast moving adventure story too and it also deals with the multiverse. The threats in here is much higher. Lots of danger and surprises. I wasn't totally happy with the ending as I thought the author didn't explain something well enough, but overall I did enjoy it. 4 stars. Currently Reading:
The I Inside
this is the last book I need to read to complete my March spelling challenge. 😠So far it's a intriguing story about computers, an AI that makes huge decisions for the world, it's a murder mystery too plus there was a scene with some aliens! The Outside
this is my Ugly Cover book for the month in the one group I'm in..I hope it's a good one! Question:
I've written tons of stuff. I've had nonfiction articles published in children's magazines and I've written a ton of fanfiction in many different fandoms. Some of the fanfiction was novel length. I still on occasion get attacked by plot bunnies that revolve around various characters from one fandom meeting another. It's very entertaining. I haven't written anything in a long time though. Also for some time there I didn't have access to a computer so I had to put that on the back burner. The writing of fanfiction was my way of dealing with stress.
I've had ideas for original stuff but I've never really gotten anywhere with actually writing it. I guess I prefer to borrow characters from shows or movies.
Happy Thursday everyone!I’ve missed check-in due to work � getting used to *not* working from home. I have to do physical therapy and take a very hot shower to be able to walk, so I’m getting up super early, and getting home late. No disability hearing in sight, but we live in hope.
Finished:
The Mueller Report. The longest (and densest) book on my TBR. Just like Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, this was fantastic, and led me down so many pathways. I read it with my eyeballs, so I could read every footnote, every appendix, every legal references. I had my Lexis-Nexis open on my laptop � so thankful I had my creds still available!
This gave me all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I felt like screaming, I felt like going to law school.
I laughed: Don McGahn clearly has not dealt with a misbehaving 4-year-old child, or has had to be Mom and the voice of reality. I felt for him, and I understand his impatience, but his character was hilarious.
I cried: Jeff Sessions and I will likely never agree on anything, except for this: Bulling. Is. Bad. I cried when I read that he carried around his resignation letter almost every day of his life, after being asked to resign very early in the administration.
I felt like screaming: Bob Mueller laid out the most meticulous reasons for Congress to be able to move forward with impeachment and why he could not prosecute. He laid out molecular dissections of The Constitution to substantiate his claims. He laid out, in infinitesimal atomic detail exactly what happened and when, where, with whom, and even reasons why. Wanted to scream at the senators who did not read the opus.
I felt like going to law school: Bob Mueller and Bryan Stevenson are as responsible as my clinical forensics mentor.
Sounds dense and boring? Nah, it’ll give you the feels. Your politics do not matter. The characters and the drama are fantastic. Solid 10 stars.
Unreal. I won this poetry volume through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. Really gorgeous poems that focus on duality of female and male, dominance and submission, night and day. Great imagery. Not technically astounding, but enough rhythm, assonance and slant rhyme to make me happy. Really enjoyed.
Possibly for my ugliest cover. Love the drawings of flowers but looks too robotic
Divorce in the 70s, written in the 80s, based on the author’s own experiences. It was funny in places, but was more “radical� when it was published. For me, it was meh, but it may be for you.For a book with a heart on the cover.
QOTW:
Yes, I write � less so during the pandemic, unfortunately. I’ve been published in some literary journals that have small circulation. I had more luck in the UK, and worked with more formal poets, so I’ve been published by, and do performances with, Sexton Ming and all sorts of wonderful people. Mostly, I write poetry, but I’ve also written BDSM-focused fiction/erotica � from the point of view of the Domina. There’s just not much for the Female Dominant out there! So, I wrote my own. I need an agent, but I’m shopping my first novel
Christy wrote: "Remember the QOTW about pet peeves? I had such the pet peeve experience this week! I started The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse, and she starts with a historical note at the beginning, which ends w..."I was just talking about another pet peeve with my family last night! When an author writes, "Blah, blah, blah!" Either you have something to say or you don't. Don't waste my time with filler, indicating that what your writing isn't worth paying attention to!
Lol, I came up with another pet peeve myself this week. I finished an audio book which was part 1 of a trilogy, and I immediately went to look for the second book on audio and I had a moment of stomach sinking worrying that the readers might be different people for the next book- fortunately it's the same readers! Whew. But that has happened to me before, and it's aggravating!
Doni wrote: "Christy wrote: "Remember the QOTW about pet peeves? I had such the pet peeve experience this week! I started The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse, and she starts with a historical note at the beginni..."Hard agree! I also dislike the flip side: "It should be noted that..." JUST SAY IT. I will take your deciding to include it in the book as enough indication I should read it.
I absolutely detest DST! I see no point to it, at all. Messes me up for weeks - and my sleep patterns, which are worse than ever due to pandemic, are seriously affected. On the plus side, since I'm still mostly WFH, I can be sitting in PJs unshowered and half asleep on my computer working and no one will know. Might be the smoothest transition ever from a work POV. I finished 2 books this week:
Scat - one of Hiaasen's YA and not for challenged. Adored it - great little relief read.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - prompt magical realism. LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! If interested, my review is here: /book/show/5.... If you are looking for typical fantasy this is not it - this is literary fiction IMHO applying myth and legend in contemporary fiction along the lines of Circe.
Currently reading:
A Brief History of Seven Killings - suspended while my buddy reader catches up. I'm about 2/3rds through it.
Cold Wind - mystery set in Alaska
QOTW: Nope I am not a writer, except to the extent I write as a lawyer. No real desire to be a writer either. But I can count many clients and friends and acquaintances who are writers.
Somehow I forgot to check in last week. I was going to just post both here but the list is kinda long so I'll pop over and add to last week's thread too. The Depression has been making me feel physically vaguely yucky lately. I've been battling it by listening to books and doing too many jigsaw puzzles.
Women's History Month woohoo!
Finished:
Good Girl, Bad Blood - This is probably my favorite YA series. Good stuff.
Women and Other Monsters: Building a New Mythology - Non-fiction about female monsters of myth, and what makes them so (spoiler: usually non-conformity) and how that relates to modern women. Not bad.
A Thousand Ships - Fiction pairing with above. The Trojan war from the perspective of the women. My favorite bits were Penelope's letters to Odysseus as he failed to return home in a timely manner.
The House in the Cerulean Sea - Mental health re-read. Righteous!
For BookTube Prize:
Mozart: The Reign of Love
Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America
Currently Reading:
Miller's Field Guide: Art Deco - Wee thing I got for a buck
The Space Between Worlds - Enjoying this
The Soul of a Woman - Isabel Allende - I'm only 27% in but it's quite short. Perfect for WHM!
The Liar's Dictionary - In print! LOVING this cheeky thing so far
The Next Great Migration: The Beauty and Terror of Life on the Move - for the prize
QOTW:
Sometimes I think about writing but the depression loves stamping out me doing... nearly anything. There was a period in a fandom where I was known for writing recaps of events. At a get-together, someone I didn't know asked a mutual friend to introduce us because of it. Those were fun times. Now I struggle to recap the book I just read. *sigh*
Lynn wrote: "Here is a listing of suggested nonfiction books to read in honor of Women’s History month. I hadn’t seen any mention of many of them before� And as so many replied to the Question of the Week last ..."Hi Lynn, the link to nonfiction books for Women's History month didn't work for me. Could you try posting it again? Maybe it's just me, though. Was it a list you made?
Hi all! It's so gorgeous out there, we have red wing blackbirds, too! And I found some crocuses blooming in the yard! I think it's supposed to be back in the 30s this weekend, but live in the present, Jen! So I finally heard from all parties and I'm going back to work on Monday! I'm very concerned that my low energy levels will kick my butt, but I won't know until I try.
I finished a book this week! I loved Serpent & Dove on audio book that I got for free last summer from the Sync Audiobook program (). I might use it as a free book, I dunno. I gave it 5 stars. That might be a bit high, but Ioved the main characters, really loved how the author tied together so many of the secondary characters, managed to balance the comical and serious moments, and best of all, was a yummy bit of brain candy for these tough, stupid times.
I'm still currently working on The Magic Mountain and A Time to Kill. I have made progress in them both, under 300 pages in Mountain and under 200 pages to go in Time. While I like them both, I'm eager to get to some of my new library books. Does anyone else do that? Get antsy about starting the next book, even though the other ones aren't finished yet? I have been mentally fighting with myself to stay away from something new! Especially when it comes to Time, I have to finish it this weekend to return it to the library! I could get it if I wasn't into these books, but I am liking them. Anyway....
QOTW: Yes and no. I participated in Nano twice years ago. The first book I hit the 50k word mark, but I never finished the story. The idea was a thought I had once, what if a kid went to a Narnia-type land and came back talking about it? Adults would think the kid was mentally ill. The other Nano I did I hit 50k and finished the story, but I feel like it needs a lot of editing and I don't know how to tackle it. It was an adult story based on a real woman who conned millions out of banks. I have no poker face, so I would have a hard time getting away with millions!
As my medical leave comes to an end, I am again strongly pulled to want to write for pay, but I haven't touched either of these stories since before my daughter was born and she turns 3 next month....
I also have to write progress notes on my clients, and it often forces me to "show not tell". I know my client was furious at me, but I'm not allowed to be subjective, so I have to show that they were furious at me. I have coworkers who are scandalized that I put F bombs in my notes, but as long as I put it in quotes, that's what the client said..... :)
Mod
Here () is a listing of suggested nonfiction books to read in honor of Women’s History month. I hadn’t seen any mention of many of them before� And as so many replied to the Question of the Week last week regarding Women’s History month, I include this as more of some suggested reading than books to only read during March! 😊 I think it’s great that so many of us do read female authors on a regular basis! Of course, there are many more female authors published now than in the past, making it easier.
What do you think of the decision of the Dr. Seuss’s estate administrator(s) to discontinue publication of six of his books? Here () is the New York Times article regarding the decision made by administrators of Dr. Seuss’s estate to discontinue publication of six of his 42 books. As some mentioned last week, this created some challenges for libraries, etc. I admit I have some reservations. There was an interesting discussion on NPR this morning on my commute to work that included a great-granddaughter/administrator of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s estate. Although Fitzgerald’s books contain anti-Semitic content, etc., they have not elected to pull any of his work from future publication. Nor have they altered the books in any way. Naturally, this discussion mainly centered on literature written for “children� versus literature written for “adult� readers, as well as other more peripheral issues. I think it’s rather sad to see the books pulled since they are of historic value, yet I can see the value of not having them in the hands of children� I just found it interesting to consider these issues and then to realize that some politicians are trying to make this a political issue when it was a decision by estate administrators and no one else! Although that exploitation is sad rather than funny, no matter who is doing it, I can’t help but chuckle and shake my head� 😊
Admin Stuff:
Here is the link to the monthly group read discussion for The Song of Achilles. Erica has posted some questions to get the discussion started!
And here is the link to list the book you read to fulfill prompt #8 A book that won . I think I’ll be tackling Bel Canto for this one. I have been putting off reading this book for several years. I’m just not sure I’ll enjoy it…but it I time to “get over it� and “just do it�! LOL
We are still looking for a discussion leader for May: #24 A book by a Muslim American author (Islamic holiday Eid al-Fitr on May 13, 2021) Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin. This is one I am very excited to read. Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!
Question of the Week:
This week's question is from Lauren:
Are you also a writer, in addition to being a reader? If so, what type of books do you write?
I keep telling myself I need to make time to write, but I never do� I have considered topics within historical fiction, mystery, and literary fiction for starters, but have yet to actually WRITE anything!!
Popsugar: 29/50
ATY: 40/52
RHC: 5/24
Reading Women: 4/28
Only added one this week! 😊
FINISHED:
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸ was amazing on so many levels for me! I loved this book. I was a bit concerned at about 33 pages that this would be total “fluff,â€� but Rowell did not disappoint. So many issues covered in depth and yet not so intensely that I felt overwhelmed--simply and easily through each character…I particularly appreciated (view spoiler) But I especially appreciated Levi. He is the “perfectâ€� boyfriend, IMO! I want a do-over with a Levi of my own! LOL
POPSUGAR: #21-Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, #27, #30-Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, #38-Cath is a writer, #39, #40-From 2016 POPSUGAR Challenge-prompt #5 A YA fiction book, #46
ATY: #3-warm woolen mittens, #6, #7-A book whose title starts with the same letter as its genre-Fiction, #8-Nebraska, #15, #19-Cath must deal with past trauma, her twin sister's present addiction and betrayal by her "writing partner" to have a brighter future, #23- Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, #27-Justice, Lovers, #34, #38-DO: Regarding her final project of a short story—Just DO it!, NEW #43, #49, #51, #52- Hopefully the end of Wren's addiction, their father's refusal to deal with his mental health challenges, and Cath and Wren's alienation from each other.
RHC: #22
Reading Women: #16
Ready Player Two (Ready Player One #2) by Ernest Cline âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸ was a bit more philosophical than Ready Player One, but no less entertaining, IMO! I admire Cline for attempting a second book since I felt Ready Player One was such a phenomenal story and I couldn’t imagine how he could possibly keep that up! But he did! And I had the added bonus of recognizing and interpreting The Catcher in the Rye references!! This book completes my February Buddy Reads! On to the March Buddy Reads!
POPSUGAR: #4, #7-Wade works at filling his days since he is one of the richest human beings on earth! Now that’s my “dream job� for sure! LOL, #18-empathy, #22-Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Young Adult, #27, #33, #34, #38-Kira was an artist, #40-From 2015 POPSUGAR Challenge-prompt #16 A book from an author you love that you haven’t read yet, #43
ATY: #6, #7-A book that fits a category from another challenge, #14, #20, #23-Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Young Adult, #27-The Lovers, Justice, Death, #34, #49, #51, #52-Launching the Vonnegut in case of the end of earth as a habitable planet.
A Dead Djinn in Cairo () by P. Djeli Clark âï¸âï¸ is a short story available on Tor.com. (The title is linked directly to it.) I don’t remember exactly why I wanted to read it, but I think to try the author. This is NOT what I would typically read. The only thing I truly enjoyed was the bit of characterizationâ€� ‘Nuff said. Not counting toward any challenges.
CONTINUING:
Just started Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man by Mary Trump for a March Buddy Read.
Eva Luna by Isabel Allende to fulfill the 2020 Reading Women prompt #26 A book written by Isabel Allende.
Paradise by Toni Morrison to fulfill the 2020 Reading Women prompt #25 A book written by Toni Morrison.
Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence (Classsics, Literature) Annotated |56605996]. Still�
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Excellent writing! It really flows.
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Excellent so far! I love Reynolds' humor!
Learning Race, Learning Place: Shaping Racial Identities and Ideas in African American Childhoods by Erin N. Winkler
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
PLANNED:
March Buddy Reads:
The Secret Place (Dublin Murder Squad #5) by Tana French
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Magpie Murders (Susan Ryeland #1) by Anthony Horowitz
And always lurking in the background for me--The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman. My very special gift!!
Hi everyone! Man, it sure warmed up today. It's nice, as I'm a dog-walker, and the cold weather was getting a little old.Finished
The Kill Club by Wendy Heard. SO GOOD!
Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark. ALSO SO GOOD!!! Oh my, everybody please read this!
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall. This was great, a super important read. I learned a lot.
The Dark Vault by Victoria Schwab.
Currently Reading
The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus by Richard Preston (90's bestseller). Every time I think I'll take a break with these pandemic books, they pull me back in.
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins (current or dream job--dog walker). This is so good! And so relatable! I also walk dogs in super fancy neighborhoods, so the whole first chapter had me cracking up.
Hot Protestants: A History of Puritanism in England and America by Michael P. Winship. I'm listening to the audiobook for research purposes, but it's actually pretty enjoyable. Good narration, and the chapters aren't so dense that I want to fall asleep lol
QotW
It's so funny that this is today's question, because I literally just finished my novel this morning! I've written five-ish books (I've started and abandoned many more). I'm not published yet, but my most recent two have some potential to sell, so I'll be querying agents after a round of editing. I've wanted to be a writer ever since I was little. In fact, my reading is often more of an analytical experience so I can learn how to get better. I hope one day I'll have a published book to share will you all!
It is GORGEOUS out today! 75 degrees, we have all the windows open, I took my daughter to the park....I mean it's not going to last, but we're soaking it up while we can!!And yes, I too, hate DST. Pick a time and stay there. All this switching back and forth is annoying and unhealthy!
Finished 6.5/50
Half of a Yellow Sun for "book that won the Women's Prize for Fiction". I actually really liked this. I didn't know anything about Biafra, and I felt this book really taught me some good, African history from a native voice.
Currently Reading
The Philokalia, Volume 3: The Complete Text for "longest book on your TBR". Getting there!! Only one more volume after this!
Darkness Is As Light for "DNF book on my TBR". Ha, so, I helped write this book, but I never actually finished reading everything the other authors wrote, so I'm making this my Lenten read for the next month! Gonna read EVERYTHING.
QotW
Yes! As of last year, I'm an official published author! I coauthored both Darkness Is As Light and Letters for Pilgrimage: Lenten Meditations for Teen Girls. It's very exciting to have finally smashed through that glass ceiling of authorship! These books are mainly religious (Eastern Orthodox Christianity) devotionals, but I also write fantasy and fiction. Writing has been my passion since I was young, and though I don't get to do it as much as I'd like now that I'm an adult, I'm so happy to finally have something I wrote in print for the world to see! If you're interested, you can buy either book at or wherever books are sold or request it from your local library!
Mod
It was 67F here yesterday! It felt wonderful!! Raining and about 60F today, but that's okay. The memory of yesterday lingers still... ;)
"I finished five books this week! NONE of them are for the challenge (perhaps this is why it feels like I haven't finished anything?) so I remain 16/50."
I am impressed! YAY YOU!
"The Sirens of Mars: Searching for Life on Another World by Sarah Stewart Johnson - I had meant to read this last year (a challenge category I've already filled!) but I wasn't able to find time for it - I borrowed this THREE times from my library, and I am really glad I finally found the time to read it, because it was fantastic. Five stars! If you like to read about sciencey stuff, especially space or planetary exploration, geology, or women in science, read this! (This would have been perfect for last year's "women in STEM" category.)"
This looks so good! Thanks for mentioning it!
Ack, put me in the basket with the other "it's Thursday already?!" folks.The weather has been getting sooo nice, I'll give the universe that. But I'm still so tired all the time. VERY much looking forward to hopefully getting shot appointments on 3/24 - that will feel like such a milestone, it might pep me up!
Finished:
Binti - really liked it - will read the next one, even if the answers were a bit pat and rushed
Started/DNF:
Bel Canto - ugh, I hated this. Not with passion, just with boredom and disappointment. How do you make a hostage-taking dull?
Started/Ongoing:
House of Leaves - getting on board with Literally Dead and doing a re-read. I like it but I'm so unused to reading physical books! My wrists are tired, LOL!
Small Island - my replacement for Bel Canto, to fill the Women's Prize prompt. So many prize-winning books seem to be built on dead-ass depressing topics and awful things happening to the characters. That, or they're "sweeping" (i.e., Christine finds them dilatory and bloated). But this has promise. Just in the first two chapters I've said, "Oh noooo!" in a very bless-your-heart way to both Hortense and Gilbert. I honestly can't wait to see how this develops. In her place, I'd be like, "So long, heading back to Jamaica!"
QOTW:
Nope, I get my writing urges fulfilled by crafting (hopefully useful if not always amusing) reviews here, and cracking jokes on Facebook! I'm in awe of people who gather their spoons to create a whole book!
Mod
So You Want to Talk About Race: BLM list; I'm glad I carefully selected a book for this. I researched and changed my selection at least 3 times. I found plenty to learn from this book and I enjoyed the audiobook version."
This looks like it would be a good one!
"...it should be a good weekend for reading, if the weekend ever gets here."
There are those weeks that seem interminably long... ;)
"I don't have a lot of patience with my creative process."
Had to chuckle at that! :)
Mod
That is so cool! Enjoy the cake and the time off!
"Currently reading: To Be Taught, If Fortunate. I really loved Becky Chambers' Wayfarers series but I'm finding it hard to get into this one. I might put it down for a couple of days and come back to it."
Sorry this one is working as well for you.
"QOTW: In the loosest possible sense of the word, I am. I'm very much an amateur and have much to learn but I enjoy it and I have a good network of online writer friends who make it even more fun. I do Nanowrimo each year for a bit of extra fun/pressure."
That's great! Good for you!
Mod
But you did it! Good for you!
Lynn wrote: "Katy wrote: "But you did it! Good for you!."
Actually, I decided to do this during Season 5 of this show. It went up to season 15, and I mostly crapped out at halfway through Season 7. Still more than I was expecting to do though, LOL.
Mod
Thursdays just sneak up on us sometimes! Glad for the longer walks and nicer weather!
"Finished:
The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal for ATY (more than 2 people on cover). My brain has attached MRK's voice to Elma so I was a bit confused going into the audiobook that it was Nicole talking not Elma. This one runs in parallel to The Fated Sky, covering what's going on on the Earth and moon at that time."
That would be a bit confusing...
"QOTW:
Sometimes I think I'd like to, but then I don't have enough time to do everything else that I want to do, so it never happens. I used to write a lot of pony stories as a kid, just for fun, and I am a bit sad that no one ever said to me that writing could be a career choice (and I know, most authors don't make a living wage out of books, but I did photography at university so I don't think they were thinking that way)."
Time is what we lack most!
I know it's early March, but I'm already pretty positive I won't be finishing PopSugar this year. I've not completed a book since January. It's bad. Two of the books I'm reading are meant to be spaced out over time (one you do a chapter a week, the other I'm reading for a work book discussion, which I help lead, so I'm trying to stick with only reading the chunks we'll be discussing next. But I'm still struggling to even WANT to read.I don't know what's wrong with me.
But I got my first dose of Pfizer vaccine yesterday, so YAY!!!!!!!!
Finished:
Nada
Currently Reading:
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-first Century
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland
QOTW:
I guess? Based on Lauren's very kind definition, I guess I am a writer, but I do it very rarely. I mostly dabble in poetry for children, although I've had an idea for a trilogy for many years. However, I also have no real desire to actually WRITE said trilogy.
I guess we'll see, though, since I'm going on a writing retreat in October (I'm doing that more because it's a trip to Ireland, and that's the only place in the world I've always wanted to go--my best friend is a writer, so she's my excuse for being there). And this Artist's Way thing supposedly reignites your inner artist, so...we'll see what happens!
Mod
I love the renewal of spring as well! The A/C? Wow. We're not there yet! :)
"I finished one book this week, which was Winter's Heart, the ninth book in the Wheel of Time series. I love the Wheel of Time, but the last two books were real snoozers for me...but I'm hoping that, since I enjoyed this one so much, the next one will also catch my fancy."
I hope so!
"QOTW: I used to want to be a novelist. I got my BA in English with a creative writing focus. I took lots of workshops and I wrote all the time. I wanted to be the new John Irving. But, ultimately, fiction writing just wasn't for me. So, I turned my energy to legal writing and now I'm a litigator focusing on motions practice, which is basically all writing. So, I consider myself a writer in that sense."
There are many types of writing, not just fiction! That's so cool! You found your niche!
Mod
This sounds so good!
Lynn wrote: "What do you think of the decision of the Dr. Seuss’s estate administrator(s) to discontinue publication of six of his books?..."I think it's unfortunate, actually. Dr. Seuss has always been a controversial author for me because of all his pro-war propaganda. But that doesn't mean there isn't value in his works, which are amazing at building the skills of beginning readers. He also advocated for some ethical positions that I DO value such as his environmental message in The Lorax or even standing up for the little guy in Horton Hears a Who. Maybe the books the publisher is pulling don't have as much value as some of his more famous ones. But my pastor was supposed to read to a class on Dr. Seuss Day. She decided to read Snowy Day by Ezra Keats instead of a Dr. Seuss selection because of the controversy. I think this is going too far. Sure, Snowy Day has value, but the day was supposed to be a celebration of Dr. Seuss. If this controversy makes people avoid Dr. Seuss' work in general, then that is not a good thing!
poshpenny wrote: "The Depression has been making me feel physically vaguely yucky lately..."Sounds like you've been having a rough time lately. Here's hoping that with more sunlight and warmer weather, you'll perk up a bit. Though as I write this, it is snowing big, heavy flakes where I am!
Mod
Ooohhh...I love her writing! Hadn't seen this series before though! Thanks for mentioning!
"QOTW:
I write quite a bit... mostly fanfiction at the moment, haha. I'm bouncing between different novel ideas as well, mostly fantasy. Need to buckle down and get one of my many ideas fully written and ready to publish..."
That is so exciting!!
Mod
Springtime always seem like the worst time for classroom management!
"I read Concrete Rose for a book with a rock, gem, or mineral in the title. I know this is a stretch because concrete isn't technically a rock because it's man-made, but I'm willing to make that compromise. "
Ha! Ha! It is your challenge!! I keep meaning to read The Hate U Give!
"QOTW:
I do consider myself a writer. I mostly do Young Adult because that's what I love to read the most. I'm not published or anything though. I haven't written much since my brother died a few years ago, but I'm always hoping to get that drive back. I think, eventually, I'm just going to have to push through the block."
Maybe if you wrote something about your brother that would get the 'creative juices' flowing again? Just a thought... Having no siblings, I do not know what it would mean to lose one, but I can imagine it could be heartbreaking. I am sorry for that loss.
Mod
currently reading:
"What's Mine and Yours - almost finished with this, will probably finish later today. I'm enjoying it ok so far."
This looks as if it could be fascinating reading! Thanks for mentioning.
"QOTW:
I have a novel I've started over at least 5 times in the last 10+ years, I have a notebook full of plot ideas for a children's book, I have an Ipad folder full of character info/sketches for a comic I want to make. I have lots and lots of ideas rattling in my head, I just have a really hard time finding the time/energy/concentration to really get them down and finalize them into anything I'm happy with. I go in bursts of productivity. Right now it's March of Robots and I've been sticking to the characters I want to eventually make the kids book around in the hope that I can take this momentum into actually making progress on that front."
That sounds amazing!
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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I am surprised to see I finished so many books this week!Ìý I thought sure I was going to check in and say "I didn't finish anything this week."Ìý But, no!Ìý I finished five books this week!Ìý NONE of them are for the challenge (perhaps this is why it feels like I haven't finished anything?) so I remain 16/50.Ìý Ìý
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed - this is a coming of age book set in 1992 Los Angeles - I don't usually like coming-of-age books, but I really enjoyed this one,
although I didn't think it did a great job of capturing the time period.Ìý I look forward to reading what Reed writes next.
Ìý
The Sirens of Mars: Searching for Life on Another World by Sarah Stewart Johnson - I had meant to read this last year (a challenge category I've already filled!) but I wasn't able to find time for it - I borrowed this THREE times from my library, and I am really glad I finally found the time to read it, because it was fantastic.Ìý Five stars!Ìý If you like to read about sciencey stuff, especially space or planetary exploration, geology, or women in science, read this!Ìý (This would have been perfect for last year's "women in STEM" category.)Ìý Ìý
Chew, Vol. 3: Just Desserts & Chew, Vol. 4: Flambé written by John Layman with art by Rob Guillory - I've decided to finally get around to reading this series of graphic novels this year, and the more I read, the happier I am with that decision.Ìý These are so weird and so much fun!Ìý
Ìý
When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole- I've loved her romance novels, but unfortunately this didn't live up to my expectations.Ìý It's a bit of a farce; I expected a serious suspense thriller and it took me a while to realize I was not going to get that.Ìý ÌýÌýIf you go into this book expecting it to be a farce, you will enjoy it.
Question of the Week:Ìý Ìý
This week's question is from Lauren (I think you suggested this last year! do you still remember?)
Are you also a writer, in addition to being a reader? If so, what type of books do you write?
I've always thought it would be neat to write a book, but I never have.Ìý So, no, I am not a writer (yet)!