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2022 Independent Challenges
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Alissa's 2022 Challenges
MAY RESULT13 Total Books read:
5 Books
4 Audiobooks
4 Ebooks
I'm pleasantly surprised with how my month was overall. Revisited an old favorite, as well as finally knocked off a book that's been on my TBR forever. Plus, I really only had one stinker.
1 star- 0
2/2.5 Stars- 1
3/3.5 Stars- 7
4/4.5 Stars- 4
5 Stars- 1
# of Books Completed Per Challenge:
12+4: 11/16
#1 in Series: 5/15
Continuing: 8/15, currently reading one
Library RorR- 1 quarter complete, may not get to the other ones as I only have 1 month left of the quarter, and the titles they sent me just aren't grabbing my attention at the moment
Nonfiction/Memoir: 6/30 , 1 DNF, 1 currently reading
40th Bday- 8/41, 1 currently reading
Best Book: My reread of To Kill a Mockingbird. Still so important.
Worst Book: We Are Called to Rise. Just no,
Biggest Surprise: The Matchmaker's Gift. Very heartwarming, and I hope some people pick up a copy when it comes out in September!
Currently Reading/Listening:
The Girls: An All-American Town, a Predatory Doctor, and the Untold Story of the Gymnasts Who Brought Him Down
Small Favor
Cold Mountain
On my June List:
Jar of Hearts
The Spanish Love Deception
Big Summer
Seven Days in June
Speak
The Huntress
Beach Colors
Mod
Great month of reading and it looks like your June reads will also be good reads.
May was a good reading month for you! Looking forward to our June reads! :-)
Glad your reread is still excellent for you. It's something I worry about when deciding to reread a much loved book.Great month!
Book #70- Small Favor by Jim ButcherAnother one off my Continuing Series list.
3 STARS
I love continuing the saga with Harry, Murph, Michael, Molly, Charity, Thomas, BOB (my favorite), Mouse, Toot-toot and all the shenanigans that happen when you're a wizard in Chicago and the forces of darkness keep things interesting.
This one ends in a dark tone as one of Harry's own almost falls and the repercussions that will happen because of it makes me scared to pick up the next one. But of course I will press on!
You're pretty close to Changes, which is where the series takes a sharp turn. Definitely press on until at least that book and see what you think. That's the part of the series that got gripping for me.
Mod
So far I have check lists ..."
Just stop... 🖐🛑
Alondra wrote: "Just stop... 🖐🛑..."::blows kisses::
Book #71: Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
3 STARS
Let me say this, this book was superclose to being a 4. I listened to the audiobook and I was so riveted. I loved Geo being an unreliable narrator and you just keep diving into what had happened on the night her best friend was murdered. The little pieces we are given (candy cinnamon-shaped heart pieces, if you will) throughout the book that finally leads up to the Night were delicious.
MY biggest problem? The Night happened about 85% into the book, and the last 15% I did not like. AT. ALL. I figured out the twist early but thought "Nah, the author wouldn't go there, its ridiculous". But she did. And that epilogue made me want to throw a shoe.
I totally get why people loved that twist and the ending but for me, I barely kept both shoes on. ;-) However I love this author and I just got Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier from Book of the Month so I cannot wait to get into it!
Book #72 from my memoir list, The Girls: An All-American Town, a Predatory Doctor, and the Untold Story of the Gymnasts Who Brought Him Down by Abigail Pesta
3 STARS
Trigger warnings- descriptive sexual abuse on minors
I do remember following the Larry Nassar gymnastics controversy in the news but I honestly had no idea how brazen this guy was with the abuse and how many years it had gone on for. This book was INFURIATING with how many times he was reported and the adults/police/schools did nothing. I'm so glad he was finally caught and justice was served but he ruined hundreds of women's lives. I so admire their strength and how candid they were.
Alissa wrote: "Finished another book off my Birthday list.Book #64: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
4 STARS
I'm pretty sure Ioana has been bugging me to read this for ye..."
I know I did, and I'm glad you liked it. One of my favorites.
Book #73, also from the memoir list,SPEAK: How to find your voice, trust your gut, and get from where you are to where you want to be by Tunde Oyeneyin
4.5 STARS
If you aren't a Peloton member you may not know about Tunde Oyeneyin, but don't let that deter you from this book. This memoir is glorious and motivational and I just loved it. American-born with Nigerian-born parents, Tunde dealt with lots of hard-hitting truths and heartbreak growing up in Texas, from dealing with being overweight and teased to having boys not want to date her because while she was pretty, her skin was too dark for them.
She goes into painful detail about losing some of her family members within short months of each other, as well as taking a big leap of faith and starting your life over when it seems to have stalled.
I read this book quickly and I hope she writes more. She is an amazing person.
Book #74: Cat and Nat's Mom Truths: Embarrassing Stories and Brutally Honest Advice on the Extremely Real Struggle of Motherhood by Catherine Belknap
3 STARS
I call this type of book a palate cleaner/ laundry listener (aka an audiobook I will mindlessly listen to as I fold the laundry). =)
I love Cat & Nat's mom videos so this seemed like a good one to listen to. I feel like I would have enjoyed it more had I listened to it when my kiddos were toddlers but it's still very relatable.
Why DO children come find you in the bathroom to ask you for a snack when they literally pass the other parent to do so????? ;-)
Book #75- Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
3 STARS
This one was a head-scratcher for sure. Don't be fooled by the cartoony cover. It's actually more of a murder mystery novel rather than the lovely chick lit that I am used to Jennifer Weiner writing/ I read this with my bestie and we both were a little confused on the plot as it felt like it was allllllllllll over the place. What started off as her usual chick lit with the bad ass plus-size main character like Weiner normally writes suddenly turned down a different path.
It's not that it was a bad book because it certainly wasn't!! There were definitely hiccups with the flow of the novel but overall it was a decent story about body positivity and how people can change/not change from high school.
I received QUARTER 3 of my Library Read or Reject books and I'm super excited bc I've never heard of any of these but they sound interesting!!1. Personal Effects: What Recovering the Dead Teaches Me About Caring for the Living by Robert A. Jensen- Nonfiction
2. Lies We Bury by Elle Marr- Thriller
3. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell- Historical Fiction
Book #76- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
2 STARS
A buddy read, and a hot mess. This book tried to mimick the hate-a-co-worker trope that
successfully was able to pull off, and failed miserably. I did not believe the relationship of Aaron and Catalina at all, and the main character... Guh. It got better once they arrived at Spain but only because we are introduced to her loud and brazen Spanish family. But no, Skip this.
Book # 77- Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
4 STARS
DON'T skip this one if you want an adorable rom-com (Please note, there are sex scenes in it that are graphic and.... phew!! ::fans self)
What I loved most about this was the open discussion on mental illness and being an anti-depressants and normalizing asking for help/ getting therapy. As someone who suffers from crippling anxiety and takes daily medication to function, this was wonderful to see.
Also, the main character guy is perfectly IMPERFECT. He does not have an 8-pack that can cut glass; in fact, he has a self-affirmed "dad bod" and actually is embarrassed to take off his shirt, which is so wholesome and even sexier. I loved this book.
Book #78- Claudia and the Bad Joke by Ann M. Martin
3 STARS
When I am angry/ devastated/ frustrated/ and want to scream and cry and punch things, I do two things- I meditate. and I comfort read. I needed a comfort palate cleanser read this week. I can always count on Ann M Martin for these.
I don't know how I missed your review of Marrying the Ketchups! Love the title and messy families. Will have to see if there's an audiobook.Also, Weather Girl sounds super cute. And perfect for summer reading.
Alissa wrote: "Book #78- Claudia and the Bad Joke by Ann M. Martin3 STARS
When I am angry/ devastated/ frustrated/ and want to scream a..."
I used to love reading those!
Read a Birthday challenge bookBook #79: Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
2.5 STARS
I recall seeing this movie way back when, and loved Renee Zellweger as the tough as nails mountain woman Ruby. She was still my favorite in this novel, but other than that I felt this novel was very linear. It could have been a bit boring due to the dull cadence of the narrator (which I think may have been the author. Oops lol) but overall there are way better books about the Civil War and its effects on soldiers.
Alissa wrote: "Read a Birthday challenge bookBook #79: Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
2.5 STARS
I recall seeing this movie way back when, and l..."
The title sounds familiar, I think I tried the audiobook and abandoned it. Issues with the narrator most likely...
Ioana wrote: "The title sounds familiar, I think I tried the audiobook and abandoned it. Issues with the narrator most likely..."Yeah his voice was the epitome of paint drying
Book #80- Sunset Beach by Mary Kay Andrews
3.5 STARS
I was in the book for a beachy read but I wanted to try an author I haven't much of her stuff- I've heard good things about Mary Kay Andrews, so I decided to give this one a try. It was the perfect combo of family drama, beachy goodness and a few whodunits.,
If you have any MKA recommendations, I'd love to hear them! =)
JUNE RESULT11 Total Books read:
3 Books
5 Audiobooks
3 Ebooks
My month was okay. We're dealing with some personal stuff over here (my 13 year old doggie is having some health issues) so overall it was a 'meh' month. Onward and upward.
1 star- 0
2/2.5 Stars- 2
3/3.5 Stars- 7
4/4.5 Stars- 2
5 Stars- 0
# of Books Completed Per Challenge:
12+4: 12/16 (1 currently reading)
2nd 12+4: 1/16 (2 currently reading)
#1 in Series: 5/15 (1 currently reading)
Continuing: 9/15
Library RorR- 1 quarter complete, 1 missed.
Nonfiction/Memoir: 8/30 , 1 DNF,
40th Bday- 8/41, 1 currently reading
Best Book: Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. One I will definitely pick up again and again.
Worst Book: The Spanish Love Deception- no clue how it got so popular. Nope.
Biggest Surprise: Weather Girl. Charming and utterly relatable.
Currently Reading/Listening To:
Book-The Innocent- #1 in series and I already know I will continue on with Will Robie. So good!
Ebook-Comes the Blind Fury- on my 12+4 and I believe this was an Alondra pick. Creepy as hell already lol
Ebook- Book Lovers- on my 2nd 12+4 and was psyched when it actually came in as this one's hard to get!
Audiobook- Summer Secrets- waiting for this one to come back in from library but it's oddly sad
Audiobook-The Good Daughter- just started. Karin Slaughter usually doesn't disappoint.
On my July Lea-Named Wack-a-mole List:
All the Pretty Horses
The Survivors
Dark Roads
The Heart's Invisible Furies
Relic
The Maid
The Yoga Store Murder: The Shocking True Account of the Lululemon Athletica Killing
Mod
Alissa wrote: " JMy month was okay. We're dealing with some personal stuff over here (my 13 year old doggie is having some health issues) so overall it was a 'meh' month. Onward and upward."I'm sorry to hear about your dog :( It's the worst when they're not doing well. Hopefully, the issues will resolve themselves. We've recently had to deal with dog related issues (will post on my page).
Thanks to you, I've put Weather Girl on my tbr :)
Alissa wrote: "Ioana wrote: "The title sounds familiar, I think I tried the audiobook and abandoned it. Issues with the narrator most likely..."Yeah his voice was the epitome of paint drying"
I don't remember details, and I just checked, it seems he narrated it himself? Rarely a good idea...
Sorry to hear you are having health issues with your dog too, it's a hard time.
Mod
Sorry about the pup! I hate when ours get sick or just not frisky. He's my baby.
I don't remember talking about it, but, I hint at stuff so much, who knows??? LOL (i probably did it..... i think, maybe... sorta)
Pick RELIC!!!
. Just look at that cover! Once you start this series, you will stay hooked. Pendergast is something else. We just haven't figured out what
Completed a #1 in series, Book #81: The Innocent by David Baldacci
3.5 STARS
This book was a wild ride. Part murder mystery, part FBI/government conspiracy novel. I can't remember why I added the Will Robie series to my TBR but I'm glad I did. I will definitely continue with this series.
Completed a 40th Birthday Challenge Book,Book #82: Book Lovers by Emily Henry.
4.5 STARS
This. Book. Was. ADORABLE! I absolutely loved this book. I loved the almost tongue-in-cheek stab at Hallmark movies that both made fun of and honored those movies. The love story in this one was both hilarious and touching, and steamy at times. Emily Henry writes couples banter so well.
For me though, what made this novel was the sister relationship between Nora and Libby. Their relationship was so special but I loved that Emily Henry shows the small cracks in their foundation, and their journey throughout the novel is just wonderful. Highly recommend!
Book #83: The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
3 STARS
Trigger warning: brutal description of rape of a minor
Karin Slaughter is one of my go-to authors when I need a taste of something dark and demented and twisty. This one definitely fits the bill. There are two storylines happening- a present day school schooling (which is extremely hard to read about given the current events here in the US) and a past history of two sisters, Charlotte and Samantha, who witness their mother's brutal murder and are forced into the woods by gunpoint. The story moves back and forth to tell the story of What Happened to Sam/ What Happened to Charlie.
Fair warning, this one was BRUTAL, esp since I mention the trigger warning above. I listened to it on audio, and even though I have a high tolerance on hard scenes, even I had to skip ahead for a bit because I was close to tears.
Mod
3.5 STARS
This book was a wild ride. Part murder mystery, par..."
I added this a long time ago after looking at best mysteries/thrillers on Listopia. It looks like the series gets progressively better, so I am looking forward to it.
Book #84: Comes the Blind Fury by John Saul
3 STARS
That cover is so deliciously 80s! This book was greatly outdated and lots of language and situations would be problematic here in the 2020s but overall it was like a fun revisit to an old episode of Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits or Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Book #85: Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens
2.5 STARS
This is the second Chevy Stevens book in a row which sadly did not work for me. It started out so promising, as it is loosely based on a real-life highway nicknamed the Highway of Tears, a highway located in Canada which has been the location of many missing and murdered Indigenous women beginning in 1970. Learning about this in the book was really interesting and in the author's note at the end I learned about the book Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. So, if anything, I found a new book for my TBR!
=)
Overall, this was just okay and sadly forgettable.
Book #86- The Good Luck of Right Now by Matthew Quick
4 STARS
I randomly chose this bc it was one of the oldest books in my TBR and I needed an audiobook so I thought "ehhh what the hell". This is the same author who wrote The Silver Linings Playbookand this book is so adorable. The audiobook was so charming!!
Its about a man named Bartholomew, and they don't say it outright but it's clear he has special needs, most likely high functioning autism. His mother, whom he lived with his entire 39 years, has just died of cancer and while hes cleaning out her room he finds this random mass-produced thank you letter from Richard Gere due to his charity work with Tibet. The book then becomes letters that Bartholomew writes to the actor as if they are friends and that he knew his mother, The MC is just so sweet, although there are some sad/poignant moments as well. The surrounding characters, especially fellow member of group therapy Max, are all so special in their own ways.
This was a pleasant surprise. Sometimes it definitely helps to go wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back on your TBR and dust ones off!
Mod
3 STARS
That cover is so deliciously 80s! This book was greatly outdated and lot..."
Sounds about right. When I read stuff from the 80s and earlier, I almost cringe. Most of the time, i just nod, because it's me. *facepalm*
Book #87: The Survivors by Jane Harper
3 STARS
I received this book as a BOTM choice months ago, but was finally able to read it as a buddy read with the lovely Lindsey =)
The book itself was fine, but I definitely don't think it's a good book club book/ buddy read book./ Mostly because, nothing really happens =) There is a story here- two mysteries in a small sea town in Australia and how they are connected- but this is a slow burn to end all slow burns and there's not a lot of action or things going on. The ending was pretty good, but don't go in expecting lots of action.
Book #88- The Maid by Nita Prose
4 STARS
I felt this was a fabulous debut! Molly is a maid at a higher-up hotel and gets shoved right into the middle of the death of a VIP of one of her guests. This book was equal parts whodunit and hilarity as Molly is a bit of a character. While it is never stated, she is most likely on the spectrum. She narrates the whole book and I loved seeing the world as she sees it (as well as be dismayed and saddened with how the world sees her). I loved the cast in this book and thought this was very well done!
Book #89: Isn't It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams
4 STARS
If you haven't started the
series yet.... what are you waiting for???? ;-) I highly recommend this series so much. It's so funny yet also really sweet and just overall made me feel so good. A big part that makes these so good is Vlad aka The Russian, an NHL player who cries a lot and has bad tummy issues (same Vlad, same). Every book in the series focuses on a particular member of the club and this installment was Vlad's turn. So so good.
Alissa wrote: "If you haven't started the [bookcover:The Bromance Book Club..."
✋� Guilty! Got it when it came out and never read it! Do you think more books are to follow?
Alissa wrote: "Book #89: Isn't It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams4 STARS
If you haven't started the [bookcover:The Bromance Book Club..."
I loved Vlad's book. Glad to see you did too.
〰️ٳ〰️ wrote: "Yes I think so! There are 4 right now and a holiday read is coming in October I believe
A Very Merry Bromance
Alissa wrote: "〰️ٳ〰️ wrote: "Yes I think so! There are 4 right now and a holiday read is coming in October I believe
A Very Merry Bromance"
Can't wait!
Another birthday book checked off. Book #90- All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
3 STARS
The descriptive writing is stunning!! The story, not so much haha. But I was here for the atmosphere of the novel, which is super important on a novel where there's a lot of talking and horse riding and not much else.
Book #91: Summer Secrets by Jane Green
2.5 STARS
This book portrayed one of the most realistic depictions of alcoholism and its affects on family and surrounding people that I have ever read. The actual storyline was strong at points but weak in others, and really the only reason it's getting a bit of a lower score is that nothing from it will stick with me after I finished it.
Book #92- Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
2.5 STARS
I'd hate to say anything about Colleen Hoover books because her fans are loyal and rabid (go see my review for
- them CoHo fans are not happy with me lolThis one was better but I still wasn't blown away by it. I did enjoy Verity by the same author but that was a thriller. CoHo romances just may not be my jam.
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2 STARS
The premise was SO promising, but too many characters and not enough characterization of them. Some of them felt very one-dimensional and wooden. The ending was also very sudden and felt forced. Not a good way to end the month! ;-)