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100 Book Prompt Challenge -2023
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John's 100 Book Challenge - 2023
Set around holiday (80)Dr Potter's Private Practice: A Vita Carew Mystery set at Christmas in Cambridge
I hadn't realized this story was specifically touted as a Christmas mystery when I bought it, but who am I to look a challenge gift horse in the mouth? Read the series in order if you like, but definitely don't start here.
You are off to a nice start, John !
Great start! First day, first book!
John wrote: "Set around holiday (80)Dr Potter's Private Practice: A Vita Carew Mystery set at Christmas in Cambridge
I hadn't realized this story was specifically touted as a Christmas myster..."
The title appeals to me, so i appreciate the warning, John.
Congratulations to a good start for your 100 Challenge.
Set in a city you'd like to visit (18) and a National Books Award winner (43)Tokyo Ueno Station by Miri Yū
I truly disliked this grim, depressing story. Technically, it was well-written, and obviously others liked it, which I accept, but will never understand. I'd like those four hours of my life back, but it doesn't work that way.
John wrote: "Set in a city you'd like to visit (18) and a National Books Award winner (43)Tokyo Ueno Station by Miri Yū
I truly disliked this grim, depressing story. Technica..."
Congratulations on a great start, John! Sorry, I repeated myself.
Bummer, John. I'm going with a mystery i began years ago, which was post War & a tad grim. Tokyo Year Zero--David Peace. However, now that i know in advance, i shall give it a try for one of the prompts.I appreciate your comments.
John wrote: "Set in a city you'd like to visit (18) and a National Books Award winner (43)Tokyo Ueno Station by Miri Yū
I truly disliked this grim, depressing story. Technica..."
I toyed with reading that one. However, I didn't think the ghost story element would be for me.
Well done on knocking another one the challenge !
Novela (58)The Suitcase by Sergei Dovlatov
Wasn't sure if a work of nonfiction could be a "novela" but apparently, yes. So, this 128 page book qualifies. Some of the entries seemed greatly exaggerated (fictional?) to me, but I suppose he lead an ... interesting life.
John wrote: "Novela (58)The Suitcase by Sergei Dovlatov
Wasn't sure if a work of nonfiction could be a "novela" but apparently, yes. So, this 128 page book qualifies. Some of th..."
It sounds very interesting, John. I want to read the two Trevor's you recommended but I missed first, though. I don't like to miss anything Trevor wrote.
John wrote: "Novela (58)The Suitcase by Sergei Dovlatov
Wasn't sure if a work of nonfiction could be a "novela" but apparently, yes. So, this 128 page book qualifies. Some of th..."
Well done, John.
You all are leaving me in the dust ! I started the year with a 600 page book and I've only read around 100 pages so far. I usually only read about 50 pages a day, depending on the book. So like you said, it's a 365 day challenge.
These are relatively easy ones for me, Alias. I have plenty of qualifiers that are longer and only count for one category each.
John wrote: "These are relatively easy ones for me, Alias. I have plenty of qualifiers that are longer and only count for one category each."That's okay. :) After I finish The Lincoln Highway I'll catch up.
As to Lincoln Highway, I'm enjoying it quite a bit. The writing and plot are good. I hope it continues to hold my interest over the long haul.
John wrote: "Novela (58)The Suitcase by Sergei Dovlatov
Wasn't sure if a work of nonfiction could be a "novela" but apparently, yes. So, this 128 page book qualifies. Some of th..."
I didn't realize that but it's good to know. Thanks for that info, John, and congratulations on moving right along. It seems a good plan to start off with a number of shorter works. Well done.
Alias, good to know Lincoln Hwy is going well and entertaining you.
Set in Oceania/Australia (54)On Fiji Islands by Ronald Wright, travel narrative of author's visits around the country, perhaps dated from 40 years ago, but contains background on who the Fijians are.
Well done, John. The titles you are picking are spot on for the challenge.
John wrote: "Set in Oceania/Australia (54)On Fiji Islands by Ronald Wright, travel narrative of author's visits around the country, perhaps dated from 40 years ago, but contains..."
Excellent, John. I enjoy seeing what nations and parts of the world you visit via books. This is a goodie.
John wrote: "Set in Oceania/Australia (54)On Fiji Islands by Ronald Wright, travel narrative of author's visits around the country, perhaps dated from 40 years ago, but contains..."
Sounds intriguing, John. Happy reading!
Index (13), First Lady (19) and History (92)Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
I chose this as I've been long fascinated by the only "foreign" first lady (until recently, I have no interest in the next one). Her life proved an interesting look at a woman not prepared for future events, using her resources to get through them. Audio narration added to the story.
John wrote: "Index (13), First Lady (19) and History (92)Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
I chose this as I've been long fascinated by the only "foreign" first lady (until recentl..."
Well done, John ! Amazon shows the book at 504 pages. Is it that long or does it have a big index, bibliography and notes at the end? I'd be interested in the book but I rather it be less long.
If I read another 500 page book I will never catch up to everyone on this challenge !
C-SPAN had a wonderful series on the first ladies with authors and historians. From that show I read
Martha Washington: An American Life by Patricia Brady
Alias Reader wrote: "John wrote: "Index (13), First Lady (19) and History (92)Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
I chose this as I've been long fascinated by the only "foreign" first lady (..."
I have another book I am planning for 500+ (also an audiobook, which is less daunting to me). I listened to the audiobook, but looked at it a library copy once where the index, etc. brings the text well under 500 pages. If I read another bio, I might try Lou Hoover, who seems an interesting person to me.
John wrote: "Index (13), First Lady (19) and History (92)Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
I chose this as I've been long fascinated by the only "foreign" first lady (until recentl..."
Sounds good, John. I chose another Mrs. Adams, Abigail because the book was already in my TBR stack.
Kiki wrote: "John wrote: "Index (13), First Lady (19) and History (92)Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
I chose this as I've been long fascinated by the only "foreign" first lady (..."
When Louisa arrived at Quincy, it was President John Adams who made her feel welcome. Louisa and Abigail did not get along well until later. I'd be interested what Abigail's bio may have to say about Louisa.
John wrote: "I listened to the audiobook, but looked at it a library copy once where the index, etc. brings the text well under 500 pages. "..."Thanks ! I'll add it to my TBR.
John wrote: "Index (13), First Lady (19) and History (92)Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
I chose this as I've been long fascinated by the only "foreign" first lady (until recently, I have no interest in the next one)...."
Nicely done, John. Hers must have been a fascinating life with all sorts of comparisons with earlier life & that as First Lady. (Love your parenthetical comment. Agreed!)
I also agree that Lou Hoover is the First Lady who most intrigues me.
Contrats on your accomplishment!
madrano wrote: "JI also agree that Lou Hoover is the First Lady who most intrigues me...."
I do have to give a shout out to first lady Michele Obama. Becoming by Michelle Obama. It was excellent.
I agree on that, Alias. Her work and life is identifiable in many ways, which that book illustrates.
Debut novel (10) and B, N, C word(s) in title (37)The Body, the Diamond and the Child ⭐⭐
Rather than go into details, I'm going to say this idea, in the end, I found poorly executed, requiring too much suspension of disbelief. Became a chore to get through it.
At least it was a twofer, John. On a personal note, i'm sorry you completed #37, as i misread it. I thought the author's name had to begin with a B, N, or C. Duh.
madrano wrote: "At least it was a twofer, John. On a personal note, i'm sorry you completed #37, as i misread it. I thought the author's name had to begin with a B, N, or C. Duh."
That's #84.
Ah ha! So, my brain hasn't gone haywire. Thank you, John.
John wrote: "Kiki wrote: "John wrote: "Index (13), First Lady (19) and History (92)Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
I chose this as I've been long fascinated by the only "foreign"..."
I'll let you know once I read the book, John. I find the two Mrs. Adams very interesting.
John wrote: "Debut novel (10) and B, N, C word(s) in title (37)The Body, the Diamond and the Child ⭐⭐
Rather than go into details, I'm going to say this idea, in the end, I found poorly execu..."
Sorry you hit upon a bad one, John. Still, you seem to be on quite the reading roll.
Hadn't heard of the author before (3), Booker Prize winning title (45), and Published in the 60s (104)Something to Answer For by P.H. Newby
The first Booker book proved quite an exhausting adventure! Newby was an expert at scene-setting, but the plot ... was there one? Following the unreliable narrator careen through a chaotic environment made me long for the end well before it arrived.
John wrote: "Hadn't heard of the author before (3), Booker Prize winning title (45), and Published in the 60s (104)Something to Answer For by P.H. Newby."
Sorry you didn't enjoy the Newby book. I don't recognize his name either.
At least you knocked off 3 prompts.
John wrote: "Newby was an expert at scene-setting, but the plot ... was there one? Following the unreliable narrator careen through a chaotic environment made me long for the end well before it arrived...."How unfortunate. On the upside, you've achieved three prompts. I think this is the gamble with the prompt for not recognizing the author's name. I don't know him either, btw.
Well done, John.
It wasn't so much a bad story, but long. Wrapping it up at 2/3 that length would've helped!
John wrote: "It wasn't so much a bad story, but long. Wrapping it up at 2/3 that length would've helped!"I usually think that about a lot of books.
John wrote: "Hadn't heard of the author before (3), Booker Prize winning title (45), and Published in the 60s (104)Something to Answer For by P.H. Newby
The first Booker book..."
I've never heard of that author, either, John. I do like unreliable narrators, though.
John wrote: "It wasn't so much a bad story, but long. Wrapping it up at 2/3 that length would've helped!"I cannot begin to tell you how often i feel that way, John. Then there are authors such as James Fenimore Cooper, whose work i'm presently reading, which go way overboard on descriptive detail. Usually, however, i do not mind it as much as i do with contemporary authors. Possibly because more is unfamiliar, so i appreciate the details.
Color in title (97)I bought The Case of the One-Penny Orange by E.V. Cunningham during an Audible sale, and finding this category difficult to manage via my TBR pile, it goes here. I'd read an earlier one so had an idea of what to expect ... and got that. Los Angeles setting the best part, along with secondary characters. Unfortunately, I was aware while reading that it was a Caucasian writer's idea of (an ethnic) Japanese detective. That angle as written, and the story in general, struck me as dated. Japanese-American narrator did a good job, as that's his strong suit.
John wrote: "Color in title (97)I bought The Case of the One-Penny Orange by E.V. Cunningham during an Audible sale, and finding this category difficult to manage via my TBR pil..."
Sorry to hear the book was dated. Still, you got a difficult prompt taken care of.
It is disappointing to see that this story is dated in that manner. What really surpised me is that Cunningham is a pseudonym for respected Howard Fast and even served a 3-month prison sentence for not cooperating during the McCarthy era hearings.
madrano wrote: "John wrote: "It wasn't so much a bad story, but long. Wrapping it up at 2/3 that length would've helped!"I cannot begin to tell you how often i feel that way, John. Then there are authors such as..."
I like a lot of detail as long as something is happening as well. It doesn't have to be a lot, but I do need something to happen.
Book recommendation (9)Technically, it was the author who was recommended in a book discussion at another site, I chose A Five Year Sentence by Bernice Rubens to start with her. Rubens reminds me of Jane Gardam, with the ending here ironic as it was in Gardam's Old Filth, though this one was much darker a plot. I have another purchased Rubens title on my TBR, which I'm looking forward to for comparison to this one.
John wrote: "Book recommendation (9)Technically, it was the author who was recommended in a book discussion at another site, I chose A Five Year Sentence by Bernice Rubens to s..."
I would probably love her. I love Jane Gardam's writing, and have Old Filth on my challenge, I think. It will be a reread for me.
Gardam was a genius. I liked her non-Filth The Queen of the Tambourine as well as story collections.
John wrote: "Gardam was a genius. I liked her non-Filth The Queen of the Tambourine as well as story collections."I haven't read that one, John, but I'll put it on my TBR list. I love her writing.
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The Remains of the Day
2- A book about slaves in the U.S. OR one about freed slaves.
� 3- A book by an author you've never heard of before.
Something to Answer For
✅️ 4- A book you chose simply because of its cover.
Dope
✅️ 5- A book with a epistolary or diary format.
Swansong 1945: A Collective Diary of the Last Days of the Third Reich
✅️ 6- A book set on a farm or a ranch.
Harvest: An Adventure into the Heart of America's Family Farms
✅️ 7- Told from the antagonist's point-of-view.
Swansong 1945: A Collective Diary of the Last Days of the Third Reich
8- A book written in the second person.
� 9- A book recommended to you, whether you think you'll like it or not.- Could be a recommendation from a person, review you read, podcasts etc.
A Five Year Sentence
� 10- A debut novel or book
The Body, the Diamond and the Child
� 11-A book with a verb in the title.
Leaving Home
� 12- A trilogy. Part of a trilogy. (You don't have to read all 3)
The Forger
� 13- A book with an index
Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
✅️ 14- A comic novel or humorous book.
Jeeves and the King of Clubs
✅️ 15- A book published in the 1950s.
Someone at a Distance
� 16- A book translated into English from another language.
So it Goes: Travels in the Aran Isles, Xian and Places In Between
17 - Book set in your current city or hometown
� 18 - Book based in a city you’d love to visit
Tokyo Ueno Station
� 19 - Book written by OR about a current or past First Lady
Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
✅️ 20 - Book with a character that lives with a disability (or impairment)
Touch and Go
✅️ 21- Book about Witchcraft, Monsters of any kind (real, historical or fictional/magical)- or - Book with fantastical creatures (dragons, fairies, etc) or- A book with magic in it.
The Murder Wheel
22 - Book about immigration or displacement
� 23 - Book about Nature/the environment
The Wild Places
24 - Speculative Fiction or Dystopian novel
25 - Retelling of a Fairy Tale, fable, legend or ancient myth
� 26 - Book about motherhood (or parenthood) fiction or nonfiction
Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism, and Love From His Extraordinary Son
� 27 - Book from Bill Gate’s Favorite Book List: Why We're Polarized
28 - Book about inequality (financial, racial, gender or other)
✅️ 29-- biography, memoir or autobiography
Miss Ella of Commander's Palace
✅️ 30 - Music, art, dance, theater, acting theme
Picture
✅️ 31- A book published in 2023
The Murder Wheel
32- A play
✅️ 33- Read at least 23 books in 2023
A Short Walk in Williams Park
34- Read a fiction and nonfiction book on the same topic
✅️ 35- A prize winning book that has a different prize then those listed in the other prompts.
Wild Coast: Travels on South America's Untamed Edge
✅️ 36- A book about an animal(s) or nature fictional or nonfiction
A Single Swallow
� 37- - The title has a word that begins with a B,N or C in it.
Book Nook Cafe :)
The Body, the Diamond and the Child
✅️ 38- A book about or set in a country you don't live in.
Time After Time
✅️ 39- A book published before you were born
The Present and the Past
✅️ 40- A Young Adult book- YA- Fiction or nonfiction
I'll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip.
� 41- Book with a name in the title
Monica: A Life of Monica Dickens
� 42-A classic (modern or older)
Madame Bovary
� 43- A National Book Award
Tokyo Ueno Station
44- Pulitzer Prize winning book
� 45- A Booker winner
Something to Answer For
� 46- A book written by a Nobel prize winner- any topic or genre
The Remains of the Day
� 47-A book written about an author, novel, biography, criticism.
Monica: A Life of Monica Dickens
48- Contains the word "Wife" or "Woman" in the title.
49-A book about Native Americans OR a book written by a Native American.
50- A book about a Real Life Person you admire
51-A book about a Royal Person--any nation, any time period.
� 52-A book set in Asia. Fiction or nonfiction
The Teardrop Island
� 53-A book set in Africa. Fiction or nonfiction
The Pharaoh's Shadow: Travels in Ancient and Modern Egypt
� 54-A book set in Australia/Oceania. -Fiction or nonfiction
On Fiji Islands
✅️ 55- A book set in South America. - Fiction or nonfiction
A Little Luck
56-A book about Asians in the US. or a book written by an Asian American-- fiction or nonfiction
57-A Novel related to Classics, such as a character from Moby Dick with his/her own story/book.
� 58-Novela
The Suitcase
� 59- Book over 500 pages
Travels
✅️ 60- A book by Agatha Christie
Cards on the Table
� 61- One word title
Monica: A Life of Monica Dickens
� 62- book on a modern-day problem/issue? (ie global warming, gun violence, etc.) - Fiction or nonfiction
Why We're Polarized
� 63- A book you knew nothing about beforehand. However something caught your attention. Cover, blurb, title. Tell us why.
Madam, Will You Talk?
✅️ 64- a book out of your comfort zone, not a genre you normally read
Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Complete Guide to Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Cures and Qi Gong
� 65- Concerning food or containing recipes
One More Croissant for the Road
✅️ 66- A book where weather is involved. Fiction or nonfiction
Touch and Go
✅️ 67- A book having to do with travel- fiction or nonfiction
The Gran Tour: Travels with my Elders
✅️ 68- Wild Card ! Any book you feel like recommending to fellow readers.
The House on Vesper Sands
✅️ 69- A health, diet, exercise, fitness or wellness book
Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Complete Guide to Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Cures and Qi Gong
70- About business, the economy or economics. (Personal, home or business)
✅️ 71- related to science
Medieval Bodies: Life and Death in the Middle Ages
72- Book about racism
✅️ 73- LGBTQ+ character fiction or nonfiction
I'll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip.
74- Read more books than you did in 2022
✅️ 75- Book you started but never finished
One Nation, Under Gods: A New American History
76- Book on a banned book list
� 77- Education or teaching profession or has teacher or student in story F or NF
The Road Out: A Teacher's Odyssey in Poor America
✅️ 78- book with maps or photographs in it
Jewels: A Secret History
✅️ 79- set in a country you have never visited
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead
� 80- set around a holiday
Dr Potter's Private Practice: A Vita Carew Mystery set at Christmas in Cambridge
✅️ 81- books about trauma or mental health issue- fiction or nonfiction
On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety
� 82 Book with a 4 word title
Madam, Will You Talk?
� 83- Famous author you've never read
The Remains of the Day
� 84-A book whose author's last name starts with B,N or C
The Teardrop Island
85- graphic novel
✅️ 86- WWI or WWII or any war - novel or nonfiction
Swansong 1945: A Collective Diary of the Last Days of the Third Reich
✅️ 87- Book about or set in, the state or country you live in
Harvest: An Adventure into the Heart of America's Family Farms
✅️ 88- an author who has published at least 5 books
The Hotel Years
� 89- Author is under 35 years old
Lyme Light: A Memoir
✅️ 90- Thriller or mystery
The Fine Art of Invisible Detection
91- Crime - fiction or nonfiction
� 92 - History
Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
� 93- Disease - fiction or nonfiction
Lyme Light: A Memoir
94- legal profession - fiction or nonfiction
� 95 - short story or essays
Travels: Collected Writings, 1950-1993
96- a leader whose country you don't live in (living or dead)
� 97- a color in the title
The Case of the One-Penny Orange
� 98- historical fiction
The Remains of the Day
✅️ 99- spiritual or inspirational
Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises from the Power of Now
✅️ 100- Romance
A Dreadful Splendor
✅️ 101- Bio or other NF about an Artist (paints, drawing, sculpture, i.e.), Author (poetry, books (F or NF) or an Architect.
Monica: A Life of Monica Dickens
� 102- Book (F or NF) written before the 1800s.
Letters of Lady Mary Wortley Montague, Written During Her Travels in Europe, Asia, and Africa: To Which Are Added Poems by the Same Author
✅️ 103- Book (F or NF) about Religion or Atheism.
One Nation, Under Gods: A New American History
� 104- A book published in the 1960s.
Something to Answer For
105- A sport related book - fiction or non fiction