Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2023 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 22: 5/25 - 6/1
Nadine in NY wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "Group read question: I've participated and lead a group read before. I like them. I don't really like how books are nominated. Though I'm sure it's much easier for the mods to do..."I will say that anytime I nominate something, if it wins, I *plan* on leading the discussion. Some of the earlier groups I was a part of had that as a nomination requirement.
Jennifer W wrote: "Carmen, I'm dying to know (but answer when you're up to it), did you get your wheelchair issue straightened out with Disney??I'm glad you liked The Little Mermaid. Is it OK for little kids? I want to take my 5 yo daughter and her 6 yo friend to see it in theaters. They've seen the cartoon version and it didn't bother them.
I have sent off the email last Sunday, so now it's a waiting game for a reply! Fingers crossed!
If they're not bothered by the cartoon version the live action should be fine, though it's a long one! I've heard several parents say their kids struggled with it being over 2 hours long. I personally didn't notice the length, but everyone's different, so just a head's up for that <3
Nadine in NY wrote: The Album of Dr. Moreau by Daryl Gregory - I picked this audiobook up on a whim to fill "takes place in one day" and I LOVED IT!! This book had not been my first choice for this category - that was Mrs Dalloway..."
That book is a delight! I discovered it when it was nominated for an Edgar. Talked my Feminerdy Book Club into reading it and they too loved it. Got me reading the classic Island of Dr. Moreau.
Finished:The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary (2022): Deluxe Edition by Dan Jurgens and company (4/5, reread of original story, not for a prompt)
Kiss-album Focus: Kings of the Night Time World, 1972-82 by Julian Gill (4/5, not for a prompt)
The Battle of Jedha by George Mann (4/5, not for a prompt)
Crisis on Infinite Earths by Marv Wolfman and company (3/5, reread, not for a prompt)
Overall, it was a pretty good reading week. I don't have too much to say about any of the books.
Question of the Week:
I have never gone into a book hoping I will dislike it. That happens often enough by accident!
Nadine in NY wrote: "Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade- this had been my first choice for "romance with a fat lead" and at first I loved it but then it completely fell apart in the middle, and annoyed me TO NO END and I now vow to never again read another book by this author.. "Exactly how I feel. I wondered if it was just because I'm not a fan of romance novels anyway, but glad to know I wasn't the only one.
Bea wrote: "Saturday found me attending a free showing of �80 for Brady� at the local library with my friend, Sharon. We used to go to a library lecture series as well as movies before Covid. I really enjoyed not only this very funny LOL movie but sharing it with her."I have been an unapologetic Brady fan for 20 years, so I was excited for this movie. I also went with a good friend, and we had a wonderful time laughing. And wishing we could go to a Super Bowl.
Happy Pride Month! My married gay neighbors brought us over a "Pride" bouquet of flowers. They are so bright and pretty! I've had a busy week, for me at least. On Saturday many of my family met at my dad's grave and hung out for a couple of hours. I hope we weren't too loud for anyone else that was expecting a very silent visit.
On Monday, I saw "Guardians of the Galaxy" Vol 3. My least favorite of the 3, but it was still fun.
Last night some friends and I went to a Bingo Night event. One of my friends loves Bingo Nights, so we gave it a try. It was quite entertaining. I figured it would be a lot of elderly people, but the age ranges went from 5 to the 80s. The last round of the night was a blackout round, and I only had one left. The grand prize was a two-seat kayak, and I started wondering what in the world I would do with it (and how would I get it home?). I was relieved when someone else yelled "Bingo." We had a great time and will go again.
Finished
Night: Memorial Edition by Elie Wiesel - 5 stars; PS #25 (only text on cover)
I was going to use this as "should have read in high school," which should have been required reading, but decided this might be harder to fill. Amazing book about his experiences in WWII concentration camps when he was 15-16. Read for Jewish Heritage Month.
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley - 4 stars; PS #48 (two languages).
I used The Firekeeper’s Daughter when we had this prompt previously, so it seemed like a good idea to fill this prompt with the sort-of sequel (many of the same characters about 10-11 years later). Not quite as good as the first book, but still very interesting. I learned a lot about cultural artifacts.
ŷ: 41/90
Popsugar: 32/50
Monthly Reads: I like the monthly reads and participate whenever it is a book I haven't read. I've been a discussion leader several times, but with my current health issues find it a little more stressful than I need. I don't really have any suggestions, though. We can't make people participate if they don't want to, I suppose.
QOTW: I can't think of a time that I HOPED a book would be bad. The only situation I can think of is for those who refuse to read popular books for some reason, and then are forced to do so by their kids or something. Perhaps they hope it is bad to prove to their friends that they were right all along. I don't play those kinds of games with books, myself, but I've had friends who have ("Harry Potter" comes to mind).
Happy Thursday! I had an excellent long weekend which I spent at home almost the entire time. It was glorious! I definitely needed to recharge from dealing with people. I had time to do a deep clean of the apartment and I made a key lime pie. Challenge Progress:
ATY 19/52
PS 22/50
Finished:
The Divorce Colony: How Women Revolutionized Marriage and Found Freedom on the American Frontier (PS book about divorce) 3 stars. I was not looking forward to the divorce prompt but nonfiction was certainly the way to go. I had never heard that people in the late 1800's would travel out to South Dakota to get divorces since the divorce laws were much more lax out there. This was an interesting book full of old-timey scandals.
This is How You Lose the Time War (PS friend recommended) 4 stars. Two agents from rival time travel factions start writing each other across a war. Most of this book is letters between the 2 protagonists. The authors of the book have a writing style that's so beautiful. I definitely recommend it.
Currently Reading:
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead (ATY author from continental Europe)
Artificial Condition (no prompt)
Daisy Darker (PS alliteration in title)
Coming up:
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau (no prompt)
Group reads: I have participated in a few group reads but generally only when the book was already on my TBR and if my library hold came in at the right time.
Question of the Week
I don't go into a book thinking it will be bad, otherwise why bother reading it?
Well, It's been a while since I checked in, but it's just too many books to post about, so I'm just posting this week's readingStats:
PS: 29/50
ATY+: 47/100
ŷ Choice: 14/30
TBR: 6/10
So, mostly I'm about 50% done, so I'm happy.
Books I finished:
Other Words for Home ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
ATY nominated for an award that starts with W (Walter Dean Myers Award)
Rebound ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
PS a book about a sport/athlete.
The Archive of the Forgotten ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
Reread.
Uncle of the Year: And Other Debatable Triumphs ⭐⭐�
ATY related to a Spice Girl personality (Baby on cover)
This Is What It Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
ATY related to science.
Currently reading:
The Cruelest Mercy
Group read questions
* Have you participated in one or more of our group reads?
I usually try to participate in 3 or 4 reads every year, but it depends on which books get picked. If the book doesn't interest me at all, I don't join in. And if it's my usual type of book, there's a good chance I've already read it...
* What do you like about the current set-up?
I have found a couple of books I really loved that I might not have read if I wasn't trying to join in on a group read (Cemetery Boys)
* What would you like to CHANGE?
I find that I read the book and then have to wait around for everybody else and then by the time the questions are posted, I've already moved on to other books and it can be hard to go back. So maybe either have a set date to finish, or post the questions in the beginning so I can fill them in while I read.
I will say, I sometimes struggle with second guessing what I have to say, so even if I don't post a lot, I am participating in my own way.
QotW
If I think I'm going to hate a book, I don't read it. And most of the time, if I'm hating the book, I DNF it. Sometimes I power through, because I don't want the book to win,😖 but I usually just end regretting it when I do that.
I'm a little late checking in because I got caught up in a book. A good reason to be late! I actually got a lot of reading done this week as work is always quiet at the end of the month. My new dog is moving in on Sunday, so there might not be as much reading in the next few weeks. PopSugar 22/50
ATY 22/50
Finished
The Fiancée Farce A sweet, funny read. For the queer lead prompt.
Kisses for Jet I picked this up because it looked interesting and as I started reading it I was sure it would fit the banned in 2022 prompt. It's about a trans teen coming to terms with his gender identity. I ended up using it for the main characters name in the title prompt.
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish I lost my copy and finally found a new one at a second hand store. So I used it for the purchased second hand prompt. More to the point, it fits the ATY prompt about returning home perfectly. As brilliant as I remembered.
Underground Another great graphic novel, this one about resistance to the Vietnam War in Australia. Not for any PopSugar prompt.
FTL, Y'all!: Tales From the Age of the $200 Warp Drive This was a lot of fun. It's about faster-than-light space travel that can be built by anyone. It's an anthology, and as with all of those, some stories are better than others. I'm using it for the vacation prompt.
Not all Black and White. Scott Hodges' life in Football and how it almost ended This is a memoir of an Australian rules footballer and explores his mental health. It was intense and very moving. For the book about an athlete prompt.
Currently Reading
I'm going to go back to Trail of Lightning
I'm also going to read Training for Both Ends of the Leash: A Guide to Cooperation Training for You and Your Dog in preparation for my new housemate.
I haven't joined in on the group reads because I haven't been interested in any of the books. Also, in the past where I have wanted to read them, I haven't been able to get a copy of the book in time. I think I'm just not very good at joining in, as well.
QOTW
I've never picked up a book hoping to hate it. I have expected to hate it, especially with school texts. Now that I don't need to write essays on Dickens, I prefer to only pick up things I want to read and I'm quicker to stop reading if I'm not enjoying a read.
Ashley Marie wrote: "When I picked up The English Patient, all I could remember was people saying how boring the film had been, so I confess I went into it with the hope of the book being equally boring so I could toss it aside and move along to the next; it was short, and I'd owned it for years, and had the feeling of just wanting to get it out of the way. To my astonishment, I found the book to be magnificent!"Ashley Marie, this is a book that has languished on my TBR for a LONG time. Maybe I need to give it a try!
Katy wrote: "So, then he went off on Pulitzer winners in general and brought it back to Lonesome Dove. Finally, I just said, "You realize I didn't write it, right? I don't really care if you hate it."."LOL!
I saw Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3. as well. I couldn't stomach it. I so badly wanted to walk out, but my mom was enjoying it.I did see The Little Mermaid. I liked it more than I thought I would. I don't know if I can compare it to the animated version because it's been a very long time since I saw that one. The live-action though was very fun. It was so vibrant and full of joy despite the heavy topics sometimes.
On a reading note, I have started two books:1.) Loving Fanfiction: Exploring the Role of Emotion in Online Fandoms
-I am always on the lookout for books related to fanfiction. Since I'm a fanfic writer, I find it fun reading books about it. This one came across on a random fanfiction book search.
It's more of an academic text which is what I had been looking for. Barely on the introduction, but already I like it. I think as I go along it will get even better.
2.) Unlikeable Female Characters: The Women Pop Culture Wants You to Hate
- Came across this one at BN. The title sounded fun as well as the description.
Hey everyone! This week was alright. This past Memorial Day weekend was so busy at work, tbh idk why people wanted to go to our museum during that weekend when the Intrepid is right there? I got really lucky for next week's work schedule because they are going to do inventory in my gift shop and I wasn't selected to do it. I am not staying till 11pm when i live an hour away from my job. I got my friend a job at the gift shop so i am excited to start working with him again this month. I got Friday and Saturday off again this week so I think my family wants to do something tomorrow (beach maybe?).This week, I read one book and it completed a challenge! Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen was so lovely. I was almost annoyed with the main character but then I understood the way she is about love later in the book. 4.5/5. This book completed the Popsugar challenge of "A title with alliteration."
QOTW: I have gone into books thinking I was just going to DNF it but I do end up loving it. Sometimes when I hear a male narrator in the audiobook, Idk why but i am more inclined to DNF it. Does this answer the question? idk
Mod
I used The Firekeeper’s Daughter when we had this prompt previously, so it seemed like a good idea to fill this prompt with the sort-of sequel (many of the same characters about 10-11 years later). Not quite as good as the first book, but still very interesting. I learned a lot about cultural artifacts...."
Wow you got that book right away!! I don't remember Pauline & Perry - were they in the first book?
I see some people are shelving it as "Fantasy" - what are the fantasy elements? Would you call it fantasy or is it more like magical realism?
And, more importantly: does Jamie show up?
Mod
I love romance novels!! Just not THIS one LOL. The characters are just not great.
Mod
WOW!! why did they make it so long??? Kids' movies are usually 80-90 minutes. No little kid can sit through a 2+ hour movie. Are they trying to appeal more to adults than to children?
I never liked the Little Mermaid story, I have always been appalled that this young teen defied her father, ran away from home, gave up her tail and her life and her family for some guy she barely knew. That's a tragedy, not a romance! So I hated the original Disney movie. Unfortunately for me, my kids LOVED it. They are very gung ho on seeing this live action movie but I just have NO interest.
Mod
I have this problem too! and it's why I rarely participate in the group reads. I just can't figure out how to pace myself for a buddy read. I do a lot better in book club situations, where everyone has read the book and the entire book gets discussed.
Nadine in NY wrote: "Carmen wrote: "If they're not bothered by the cartoon version the live action should be fine, though it's a long one! I've heard several parents say their kids struggled with it being over 2 hours ..."Yeah, that length of time makes me reconsider. The kiddos barely made it through Mario at 90 minutes. Maybe we'll wait for it on Disney+ and do a movie afternoon instead! Thanks for the heads up, Carmen.
I read the HCA story last year, and if all that wasn't bad enough, in the book version, Ariel is also in excruciating pain every time she uses her legs. I believe it said it was like she was constantly walking on broken glass. So yeah, feminist lit this ain't....
I didn't even realize The Little Mermaid was 2+ hours. I was having too much fun with it, but of course I'm an adult and I don't know what it's like to have kids (nor do I ever plan to find out). *
Nadine wrote: I never liked the Little Mermaid story, I have always been appalled that this young teen defied her father, ran away from home, gave up her tail and her life and her family for some guy she barely knew.
I honestly did not give it much thought as I was watching this. To me she was just like any teenager trying to be independent of her family. Granted in this case it was for a guy sure, but the independence part was there.
My main issue was the silence. Just because she didn't have her voice doesn't mean she doesn't have any value. Eric didn't recognize Ariel until she got her voice back which, as someone who rarely talks herself, I found quite insulting.
I saw the live action Little Mermaid last weekend, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It wasn't as good as the original, of course, but it fleshed out certain things, and the two leads just had amazing chemistry. The main reason it's so long (IMO) is because it adds so much to Eric's character, giving him more parallels to Ariel, and giving them more time to bond together.Ron wrote: "My main issue was the silence. Just because she didn't have her voice doesn't mean she doesn't have any value. Eric didn't recognize Ariel until she got her voice back which, as someone who rarely talks herself, I found quite insulting. ."
In Eric's defense, in both versions he was recovering from almost drowning and didn't get a good look at her. And not recognizing her didn't keep him from falling in love with her.
As for the group reads, I only joined this group about a year ago, and while I've read a few of the books, I haven't participated in the discussion, mainly because I'm concerned about getting spoilers for parts I haven't read yet. Maybe having a specific schedule for how far in the book can be discussed would help?
The Little Mermaid live action is rated PG so isn't actually geared towards the littlest of littles, which also helps explain the long runtime. I really enjoyed learning more about Eric! And I truly feel he fell in love with her, voice or not, but he never got a good look at her, so her voice was all he had. The one thing I do wonder is girl, you might not be able to talk, doesn't mean you can't COMMUNICATE. Their chemistry in this one was WHEW. I felt his confliction so much!
Ariel always wanted to be on land, Eric just happened to be the excuse Ursula used to 'help' her.
AS FOR THE ORIGINAL STORY, I've always wanted to read it, but since learning earlier this week about how it is most likely a queer analogy written by a heartbroken HCA??? Sign. Me. Up.
Carmen wrote: "AS FOR THE ORIGINAL STORY, I've always wanted to read it, but since learning earlier this week about how it is most likely a queer analogy written by a heartbroken HCA??? Sign. Me. Up..."Really?? I didn't get that at all when I was reading it, but I wasn't looking for it, either. I may have to give it another read!
Monthly book reads: I started out this year joining each as I was so excited to be participating in this group. But, after a few months, I just found that most of the books, although interesting and fun, just were too outside what I needed to be reading for other groups...and not for any prompts that I needed to fill...that, well, I just gave up.
Jennifer W wrote: "Really?? I didn't get that at all when I was reading it, but I wasn't looking for it, either. I may have to give it another read!"I don't think you can pick up on it without knowing? But yeah, he had unrequited feelings for his friend, and when said friend got married he fled to an island and wrote The Little Mermaid. HCA's the little mermaid, wishing he could be like the others, wishing he could be with the prince/friend, but ultimately losing him to another, a woman. It's why the original story is full of pain and has a sad ending.
Will be counting it for forbidden romance because it works on every conceivable level, haha!
Nadine in NY wrote: "Wow you got that book right away!! I don't remember Pauline & Perry - were they in the first book?I see some people are shelving it as "Fantasy" - what are the fantasy elements? Would you call it fantasy or is it more like magical realism?
And, more importantly: does Jamie show up?"
I did an Audible 30-day free trial and had two credits. Used one for this. The twins were briefly mentioned in the first book. They were 5 years old at the time and are Auntie Teddie's kids.
I wouldn't consider the book as fantasy at all, or even magical realism. The things that happen are not magical at all. Maybe they think anything from a different culture is magical? Not at all how I would define this book.
As for the Jamie question, (view spoiler)
Mod
WOW I never heard that!! After two seconds of very superficial googling, I've learned that he never had an official romantic relationship, and it was believed he was asexual but biromantic, and he had many infatuations with men and women, particularly his friend Edward Collin. (I think I'm spelling that name wrong.)
And I found this:
Mod
I see some people are shelving it as "Fantasy" - what are the fantasy elemen..."
Awwwww ... but thanks for the heads up, now I will know what to expect.
Nadine in NY wrote: "Carmen wrote: "AS FOR THE ORIGINAL STORY, I've always wanted to read it, but since learning earlier this week about how it is most likely a queer analogy written by a heartbroken HCA?..."WOW I n..."
Yeah what his sexuality was we'll never know for sure, but he was definitely queer one way or another! Edward was the one who inspired The Little Mermaid, or that's what we all believe anyways. Poor Hans. Can't have been easy back then.
Hello All, I read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Not for this challenge. 5 stars.Questions about the monthly group read.
* Have you participated in one or more of our group reads? Just once this year. I seemed to have already completed the prompts with other books. I participated in a few qroup reads last year.
* What do you like about the current set-up? I like having a group leader. I like the voting process.
* What would you like to CHANGE? Not sure.
Almost officially into summer mode here in Chicago. It's finally nice weather and I'm soaking into relaxation mode. Spending the weekend catching up on all bookish things and decompressing a bit.35/75 GoodReads Challenge
31/50 PopSugar Challenge
Finished:
1.) The Arrangement by Kiersten Modglin (#44-Self Pub) ⭐⭐⭐⭐: This was compulsively readable. The twists never stopped and since it was so short, it flew by. A great option for this prompt.
2.) Every Summer After by Carley Fortune (No PS Prompt) ⭐⭐�.5: Fun brain candy for the summer.
Currently Reading:
1.) The Count of Monte Cristo
2.) Everything's Fine
3.) Someday, Maybe
4.) Rabbit Cake
QoTW: Have you ever gone into a book hoping it will be bad? When are situations where you go into a book feeling one way or another about it, rather than neutral?
I've NEVER gone into a book hoping to hate it. I've been reluctant to read something because I knew I wouldn't like it - mostly romance tropes or sci fi for those and mostly because of reading challenges is the reason I do read them. The most recent read for this I had was The Idea of You and it surprised me in a good way. Don't get me wrong, it was VERY eyerolly but I did enjoy it more than I thought I would.
Participation seems to be dropping in the group reads, and it might just be the annual doldrums of summer, or maybe our format is not working for you all. Discussions don't seem to happen organically when there is no discussion leader, and yet there has been a lot of reluctance to volunteer as a discussion leader. So LET US KNOW, either right here in the check-in discussion, or by private message, whatever you prefer: * Have you participated in one or more of our group reads?
* What do you like about the current set-up?
* What would you like to CHANGE?"
This is such a tough one, I moderate another group on here and it's so hard to get discussion and participation in the group reads. I love the way we're doing things in this group and always try to participate if I can (or I lurk and read through the comments if I'm not reading it myself). Sometimes I get behind on my reading and don't want to participate until I can get my hands on the actual book, so as to avoid spoilers. Curious to see what other feedback you get, especially from those that don't participate but want to.
Mod
Life has struck again in my world. Not in good ways, but it could always be worse� I’m trying to just breathe through it all�
Car towed to the mechanic’s. Our youngest kitty still sick. Very sick. More meds and testing Wednesday. As my vet said, “We’re throwing everything we can at her and uttering a Hail Mary!� Quite a stubborn bacterial infection. And all my indoor kitties are strictly indoors, so who knows how she contracted it� :( Please send healing energy to my “Tigger�! She needs it!
Was able to borrow a vehicle from my son since the cheapest car rental available was $400 per week and my mechanic is backed up and probably unable to get to Myrtle until the 12th. Geeminy! Just grateful for his help!
Getting warmer here. In the 80s and 90s all this week.
And life goes on� And so fast! I cannot believe it is already JUNE!! I will be publishing a very short mini-challenge sometime this month. (HINT: think DIVERSITY!)
ADMIN STUFF
****The final selection poll for the September Monthly Group read is HERE! As usual, I am anxious to see which one is selected!
I will retain the May Monthly Group read discussion of Bunny by Mona Awad, as well as the thread to list the book(s) you’ve read to fulfill prompt #24 A book with a rabbit on the cover, in the Current Monthly Group Read folder HERE for a few more days.
The June Monthly Group Read of Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston can be used to fulfill prompt #22 A book with a queer lead. In honor of “Pride Month� as declared by US Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. (Also acknowledged in a 2019 tweet by Donald Trump.) Per Wikipedia this originated to commemorate the Stonewall Riots which occurred at the end of June in 1969. June is increasingly recognized as “Pride Month� (for all LGBTQ+/non-cisgender folks) outside the US. I loved this book when I first read it about 6 weeks ago and now have reread it and have posted some pre-reading questions and then will post questions to be answered once you’ve read the book, but not until this weekend. All of that can be found HERE in the Current Monthly Group Read folder! :)
In addition, we are currently on the lookout for two more monthly group read discussion leaders:
1) A “bubbling bibliophile� to lead the discussion of the July Monthly Group Read! The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley can be used to fulfill prompt #47 A book with a holiday that’s not Christmas. You may have heard of “Christmas in July�! But this is NOT Christmas in July! :)
2) A “fearless facilitator� to lead discussion of the August Monthly Group read, Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #30 A book that’s on a celebrity book club list. (Celebrities are ‘august�!) This was selected by Reese Witherspoon.
Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer for either or both! :)
Just a reminder that the comprehensive listing of 2023 Monthly Group Reads can be found HERE
Question of the Week
Have you ever gone into a book hoping it will be bad? When are situations where you go into a book feeling one way or another about it, rather than neutral?
I agree with you, Nadine, this is a very strange question! I cannot recall EVER hoping a book will not be enjoyable. I have been hesitant about reading some books that I was uncertain about, but never have I hoped one will be “bad.�
Though I admit I am more than ambivalent about Marquez� Love in the Time of Cholera, given that I actually DNFd One Hundred Years of Solitude because I abhorred it and was barely able to make myself finish Chronicle of a Death Foretold. But I am determined to give LitToC a chance yet this year! I would love to have the third book thrill me. But I am very doubtful that will happen�
As others have stated, having grave reservations about a book isn't the same (IMO) as hoping I hate it! :)
Popsugar: 41/50
Nadine’s Q1 Mini-Challenge: 7/10
AtY: 50/52
RHC: 13/24
FINISHED:
*2nd Chance (Women’s Murder Club #2) by James Patterson and Andrew Gross ✶✶✶✶� was an enjoyable read for me. This series has much more character development than the Alex Cross series, IMO, and therefore is more enjoyable to me. Lindsay’s father. Ugh�
POPSUGAR: #2, #19-2015: prompt #5 A book with a number in the title, #28, #29-Vera and Donna, #31, #46
ATY: #2, #3-A book involving friends, family, or a found family, #4, #5, #10-Scary, #12-Jill’s pregnant!, #14, #18, #28, #33, #37, #43, #45
RHC: #23, #24-2015: A book someone else has recommended to you (Vera/Donna)
*3rd Degree (Women’s Murder Club #3) by James Patterson and Andrew Gross ✶✶✶✶� was a solid mystery with much character development among these four women. I would have liked at least a sentence denoting the reason for Cindy ending her romantic relationship from the last book and there were (again) times when I couldn’t believe Lindsay would just barge in on her own� It seems I definitely appreciate the books co-authored with Gross.
POPSUGAR: #2, #19-2015: prompt #27 A book you can finish reading in one day, #28, #29-Vera and Donna, #31, #35, #46
ATY: #2, #3-A book involving friends, family, or a found family, #5, #10-Scary & Baby, #14, #18, #28, #33, #37, #43, #45, #46
RHC: #23, #24-2016: Read a mystery/thriller
*4th of July (Women’s Murder Club #4) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro ✶✶✶✶ was well-plotted and the trial felt pretty realistic, but I admit that the final solution was quite an eye-roller for me. It just felt sensationalistic and over-dramatized. But I’ll persevere with the series! I think the books with more of the women’s club in them will be more enjoyable to me.
POPSUGAR: #2, #19: 2015: prompt #29 A book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, #28, #29-Vera and Donna, #46, #47
ATY: #2, #3-A book about a “fish out of water,� #5, #10-Scary, Sporty, #14, #18, #22, #28, #33, #37, #39, #43, #45
RHC: #23, #24-2020: prompt #3 A mystery where the victim is not a woman
*Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston ✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶ was such a phenomenally enjoyable read for me!! Even this second time around! I love the diversity of the US families juxtaposed with the overly-controlled “Royal Family� in the UK! And the wedding cake scene will remain in my memory forever, I think! Fun and yet poignant!
POPSUGAR: #1, #4, #6, #9, #19-2022: prompt #37 A book about gender identity, NEW #20, #22, #28, #31, #35
ATY: #3-A book that has won a diversity award in the 21st Century (2001-present), #4, #5, #10-Posh, #14, #19, #24-Spy? (At least on political campaigns!), #26-the Queen’s, #29, NEW #30, #52
RHC: #3, #16, #24-2017: prompt #20 Read an LGBTQ+ romance novel
CONTINUING:
*Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
*Cross the Line (Alex Cross #24) by James Patterson
*The 5th Horseman (Women’s Murder Club #5) by James Patterson
*Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses by Paula McLain
*The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
*The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed
*Festival Days by Jo Ann Beard
*Mrs. 'Arris Goes to New York (Mrs. ‘Arris #2) by Paul Gallico
*Beloved by Toni Morrison
PLANNED:
Working on those above! I have a bit of a break from book club reads, etc. in early June!
Ashley Marie wrote: "books I ought to have DNF'd but for whatever reason decided to hang on purely for entertainment's sake and see how ridiculous things got (spoiler: very)."This made me chuckle! HAH
I'm currently reading these two:Unlikeable Female Characters: The Women Pop Culture Wants You to Hate -
Currently on page 51/305.
I can't determine if I like this one yet. These past 51 pages were pretty dry. They were like one long introduction and summary even though it talked about the history of unlikable women. It dragged on.
I'm hoping with the next chapters because it has titles like: B*h, mean girl, angry woman, s*t, trainwreck, and crazy woman, then it will hopefully pick up speed.
I have star-tabbed 8 sections so far so that's a good thing.
Loving Fanfiction: Exploring the Role of Emotion in Online Fandoms-
Currently on page 91/211.
This is a book I'm really liking so far. It's an academic text so it's supposed to be a dry book by default. That aside though, I like that it captures the emotional aspect of fanfiction, which is something people fail to take into account when it comes to either being a FF writer or an FF reader.
There's one particular part that I liked that stated (and this is me just short summarizing), how fanfiction writers are often stigmatized and shamed or made to feel ashamed for the emotional attachments that they have when it comes to the fandoms they write for.
I can't tell you how many times I've been called 'obsessed' over how much I love writing my fanfiction and how emotionally involved I get.
I've only star-tabbed two favorite sections, but they are good ones.
Sending all the good vibes for Tigger, Lynn <3
Just a short update for me this week since I didn't finish any of my books-in-progress. I did start another one, though, since I figured I could start listening to it driving to and from my hair appointment yesterday. I'm still at 24/40 and 4/10 for this challenge, and 57/75 for my overall ŷ Reading Challenge. Finished:
* nada
Currently Reading:
* The Buenos Aires Quintet by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, which I still have not touched;
* Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg, which is one of my book clubs' picks for June - I should finish it up by next weekend;
* Travels in Alaska by John Muir;
* The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler, which I should finish up by next weekend, too;
* Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi; and,
* Carrie Soto Is Back written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and narrated by Stacy Gonzalez, Mary Carillo, Patrick Mcenroe, Rob Simmelkjaer, Brendan Wayne, Max Meyers, Reynaldo Piniella, Vidish Athavale, Tom Bromhead, Heath Miller, Julia Whelan, and Sara Arrington. This is my other book clubs' pick for June -- I'm so excited to finally start listening to this one since I used one of my libro.fm gift credits for it.
Group Read Questions:
* Have you participated in one or more of our group reads? In the past, I have but I don't think I've participated in any this year so far. Usually, that's because I either read a different book that fulfilled the prompt, I didn't have time to read the group read (or maybe wasn't in the mood for the title), or the group read was something I read previously and it had been too long between my finishing it and the discussion. I do look at the threads even if I don't read the group read pick and check in on the "I'm Finished!" threads when I've read a book that fits that month's group read prompt.
* What do you like about the current set-up? I like that we get a chance to vote on the prompts for each month at the beginning of the year and the book titles throughout the year. I like the fact that there are two threads -- one to discuss the group's pick and one to note what you read for the prompt. I think the most effective discussion threads have been ones where a moderator divides up the book discussion for each week (i.e. week one covers chapters 1-x, week two covers chapters x-z, etc.) and provides a few questions to get the conversation started each week.
* What would you like to CHANGE? I like the current format overall, so I can't think of anything I'd do differently. Having the two threads usually gives me a chance to participate each month even if I don't read the group read. Personally, the thing that I'd like to change would be my ability to volunteer to moderate. I haven't been able to do that due to other commitments, but perhaps that will change in the future.
QotW:
Have you ever gone into a book hoping it will be bad? When are situations where you go into a book feeling one way or another about it, rather than neutral? I can't say that I've ever gone into a book hoping it will be bad. There have definitely been times when I might have had a preconceived notion about a book and felt a certain way about it. I'd say that's usually a case when it's a new book from one of my favorite authors or it was a very buzzy title that EVERYONE seemed to be reading and/or reviewing. I tend to avoid those buzzy books at the time because I feel like they don't often live up to the hype.
Mod
THANK YOU!
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THANK YOU!
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Totenberg has such a lovely voice, I hope she reads the audiobook, I can see that being an enjoyable book to listen to.
Mod
I hope your cat is doing okay. (And your car too!)
Mod
We are having a HOT week here in NY state, temperatures in the mid 80s F and we actually NEED rain at this point. It's supposed to go up to 92 F today, which is quite unusual for us in early June! I better make sure to water all my pansies to help them get through this heat!! It's actually been more than twenty degrees hotter up here north of Syracuse"
We have been getting intermittent light rains, but could use a bit more...
"Admin stuff
Our group read for JUNE is Red, White & Royal Blue. Our very own admin LYNN has stepped up to lead the discussion! You can join here:
/topic/show/..."
I felt bad about not jumping in for the May Monthly Group Read but I'm just not willing to risk nightmares! (Horror is sooooo NOT my thing! LOL) But hopefully members will read Red, White & Royal Blue and help enliven the discussion! We currently have 3 members reading and participating. I have posted some pre-reading questions and 8 others. I will probably post a few more for everyone's consideration. While this book was a quite humorous read for me, there is also much to unpack and consider, making it a good catalyst for reactions and discussion, IMO!
"The Final Poll to choose September's group read (for "retelling a classic") is here:
/poll/show/2..."
I always get so excited to see what is selected!
"If anyone is interested in being Discussion Leader for any of our group reads, step right up and let us know!"
It is fun! And we really appreciate your efforts!
"And I've got ***QUESTIONS*** for you all!!
Participation seems to be dropping in the group reads, and it might just be the annual doldrums of summer, or maybe our format is not working for you all. Discussions don't seem to happen organically when there is no discussion leader, and yet there has been a lot of reluctance to volunteer as a discussion leader. So LET US KNOW, either right here in the check-in discussion, or by private message, whatever you prefer:
* Have you participated in one or more of our group reads?
* What do you like about the current set-up?
* What would you like to CHANGE?
(Think about the discussion format or the selection process or the monthly themes or the group of books we select from or something else.) Of course different people prefer different things, so I can't guarantee we will make the changes YOU want, but we will take it all into consideration. These are YOUR group reads, so they should be set up the way YOU want them.
Some past changes we've made based on group input have been: changing how we announce the voting (we moved the announcements into this weekly check in post, to try to focus voting from only the people who will participate in the discussions), changing the polls we use (this was more for ease of use of the admins!), adding discussion leaders, and setting the rule that past group reads are not eligible."
As usual, Nadine, your summary and questions are superb! I hope we can get some input to improve the process or at least better understand the decreasing pariticpation! :)
"A Nail the Evening Hangs On poems by Monica Sok - meh. These poems were very political, and I am perhaps too ignorant to understand."I had to chuckle at this! I can't imagine you being 'ignorant' about much of anything! :)
"Flux by Jinwoo Chong - how cow this was WEIRD and I loved it! I need to read it again because I know I missed a lot. The protagonist is bixexual, so I used this for "book with a queer lead." (If anyone is interested, the author wrote a great article about books with "Endearingly Messy Queer Characters" ...)"
This looked a bit to "out there" for me...
"Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade- this had been my first choice for "romance with a fat lead" and at first I loved it but then it completely fell apart in the middle, and annoyed me TO NO END and I now vow to never again read another book by this author."
I just looked and one of my GR friends (and a fellow IRL book club member) read this and loved it! LOL Now I want to read it even more just to see! ;)
"Question of the Week
Have you ever gone into a book hoping it will be bad? When are situations where you go into a book feeling one way or another about it, rather than neutral?
I saw this question somewhere and it struck me as so funny! Like, why would you hope a book will be bad? I guess there could be a lot of reasons. If any of you have felt this way, I'd LOVE to hear about it!!
I have certainly "hate read" many books, but I've never started a book hoping it would be bad.
"
Agreed!
Excellent, The Rise and Reign of the Mammals: A New History, from the Shadow of the Dinosaurs to Us is now out in paperback.
Mod
Awww I'm flattered that you think that!!! But as it turns out, I don't know nearly enough about Cambodian history to be able to appreciate these poems.
"Flux by Jinwoo Chong -...
This looked a bit to "out there" for me...
Yes it was weird. You have to be prepared to read it and not know what is going on for the first half.
"Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade-...
I just looked and one of my GR friends (and a fellow IRL book club member) read this and loved it! LOL Now I want to read it even more just to see! ;)
..."
LOL A lot of people loved this book! But a lot of people disliked it for the same reasons I did - go, read it yourself, see what you think!
Saw this one at the bookstore yesterday and it's one I couldn't get out of my head so I went back for it:Without Children: The Long History of Not Being a Mother
@Lynn sending good vibes and love to you and Tigger!!
It's Black Lives Matter Month so I figured I would add in a book by a black author to my reading list this month:Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
I tried reading this before, but got distracted and my annotations got messed up so I got a new copy and am starting all over again.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Hunting Party (other topics)Love's Abiding Joy (other topics)
Love's Long Journey (other topics)
Love Takes Wing (other topics)
Love's Enduring Promise (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Toshikazu Kawaguchi (other topics)Katherine Morgan Schafler (other topics)
Manuel Vázquez Montalbán (other topics)
Taylor Jenkins Reid (other topics)
John Muir (other topics)
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i agree with you. i miss out on a lot of polls because i forget to check.
A lot of the time they are more literary type choices. sometimes there's something i want to read. I've added books for a variety, but most times i've either read the book or not interested in the ones chosen.