Book Nook Cafe discussion
2024- Book Prompt Challenge
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John's 2024 Book Challenge
Sorry !!! 🙃I just realized I made an error in prompt #43. Please Edit and copy paste the correction.
43 - Topic or a character has one of the 7 deadly sins or more! (pride, greed, envy, gluttony, sloth, wrath and lust) F/NF
John, glad to see you back in for 2024, and I'm looking forward to seeing your choices and reading your reviews.
Business (2), Ethics (15)Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love by Fran Hawthorne
Been on my TBR list for a while, fearing it might not be for me after all? Yes ... and no. I'm not really concerned about these issues personally as a determining factor (for the most part), but the author did a good job with her intention to see whether the companies were as ethically "pure" as their reputations imply. Average verdict: for the most part, yes. More to come in upcoming formal review.
John wrote: "Business (2), Ethics (15)Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love by Fran Hawthorne
Been on my TBR list for a while, fearing it might not..."
Interesting topic to explore. In the past, i tended to just trust their claims. I no longer do so, therefore, it would be good for me to look at this book.
Thanks, and congratulations, John.
madrano wrote: "John wrote: "Business (2), Ethics (15)Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love by Fran Hawthorne
Been on my TBR list for a while, fearing..."
The book is a decade old, but I think it makes a larger point well. You might find it interesting.
John wrote: "Business (2), Ethics (15)Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love by Fran Hawthorne
Been on my TBR list for a while, fearing it might not..."
Interesting topic. I'm glad to hear for the most part they are what they say.
John wrote: "Business (2), Ethics (15) Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love by Fran HawthorneBeen on my TBR list for a while, fearing it might not..."
Congrats on the prompt, John, and thanks for your comment on it being a decade old but still speaking to a larger point, as I was initially curious about whether the book felt dated to you.
Legal or lawyer character (7)The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey
Technically, it's part of the Inspector Grant series, but he has only a couple of brief (cameo) appearances in the story. Told from the point of view of the defendants' solicitor as he works to clear them of the absurd charges. There are a couple of courtroom scenes as well. More to say in future review ...
Well done on the legal prompt, John.I used to read a lot of legal thrillers back in the day. I haven't read one in ages.
Nice job, John, on this prompt. When i read Tey's The Daughter of Time, i didn't realize it was part of a series. It was given to me as a time travel novel. lol I read & liked it but never followed up with any more in the series. I look forward to your fuller review.
John wrote: "Business (2), Ethics (15)Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love by Fran Hawthorne
Been on my TBR list for a while, fearing it might not..."
Agree with you 100%. I will speak of what I know. I don't see Apple as a company that is more ethical or even more cool. They just had much, much better products than Microsoft or Dell or any other competitor. No crashes, no viruses, no fire walls needed, and aesthetically pleasing as well. They looked and felt well-made, not like plastic junk. They protected users with software that was secure, and created a friendly environment in which all your electronics worked together. But if they didn't work better, it wouldn't make any difference whether they were ethical--and what does ethical mean in this context anyway?
Apple section seemed to concentrate on how the employees were treated primarily as I recall.
Michele, i agree with your comments about Apple and the impression they cared.John, it makes sense that the way Apple treated employees would be a part of this particular book. I recall being initially impressed with the way employees seemed to be treated.
My late brother-in-law worked for Microsoft and the same was true for them in the beginning. Less so, later, but still, when he died, there was a good turnout of employees present who had met him on their travels with the company in the "early days", they called it. They praised the company highly.
B, N, or C author (41)The Mighty and Their Fall by Ivy Compton-Burnett
Well, I managed to get through another book of this author's eccentric style. The characters all speak in an indirect manner, where they understand the point of the conversation, but readers are left to infer what they can. At least here, we were spared a pre-schooler conducting a 'funeral' for a dead mole ...
Oh my goodness. I'm happy that scene, or similar, wasn't in this book, John. I'm surprised you were willing to read another by her.I like the cleverness of using an author with both C & B in both parts of her last name for the prompt!
Congratulations on fulfilling this prompt. Did you have a drink while reading this one, John?( I'm referring to your review of the earlier ICB novel you read, The Present and the Past.)
John wrote: "B, N, or C author (41)The Mighty and Their Fall by Ivy Compton-Burnett
Well, I managed to get through another book of this author's eccentric style. The characters ..."
Well done, John, You are doing great with the prompts.
I looked at the Amazon sample. There seems to be a lot of dialogue. That's something I like. Thanks for the title/author.
Her books are almost entirely dialogue, more like a play. No drink, but I read it at a chapter a day, which helped.
John wrote: "Her books are almost entirely dialogue, more like a play. No drink, but I read it at a chapter a day, which helped."
Interesting.
John wrote: "Her books are almost entirely dialogue, more like a play. No drink, but I read it at a chapter a day, which helped."
Reading a chapter a day is a good idea, John. I was toying with that idea, as i have three long books (for the prompts) that i've been thinking of reading that way. One is a craft book, another a history book and i've forgotten the other. My thinking is that any one would drive me crazy, were i to read straight them through, but bits at a time might help me persevere. We'll see.
History (4)Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World by Mary Beard
From reading others of her books, I knew the material would be excellent, but had doubts at first about her reading her own work, which was no problem. She makes it clear that this is not a series of biographies. Rather, she uses episodes from their lives as examples of specific points (such as:"Where, exactly, did the Emperor actually reside?"). I wouldn't start here with Beard, perhaps The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found instead?
John wrote: "History (4)Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World by Mary Beard
..."
I'm reading that now, too! About 100 pages left, and I'm really enjoying this wide-ranging look at what the life of the Emperor of Rome (and those around him) actually was like during roughly the first 250 years of "one-man rule".
John wrote: "History (4)Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World by Mary Beard
From reading others of her books, I knew the material would be excellent, but had doubts ..."
My husband liked her SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, going on to read another. I cannot recall which he read next. Regardless, The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found is the one i most want to read.
What a remarkable coincidence that you & James are reading this book. Enjoy, folks!
John wrote: "History (4)Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World by Mary Beard
From reading others of her books, I knew the material would be excellent, but had doubts ..."
After reading your post I went to Amazon to hear her narration. I thought it sounded good. Nice and clear.
I've not read any of her books but was tempted by her SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome but I decided to go with something a bit more basic when I get around to reading about that topic.
Nice job on the prompt, John !
Medical (9)One Doctor: Close Calls, Cold Cases and the Mystery of Medicine by Brendan Reilly
Cleared this off my TBR, lots of likes from reviewers, but probably three stars from me. Not exactly sure who would be the target audience here? Not enough memoir angle for that alone, so either folks into medical details, or like to read about inside stories of professions?
John wrote: "Medical (9)One Doctor: Close Calls, Cold Cases and the Mystery of Medicine by Brendan Reilly
Cleared this off my TBR, lots of likes from reviewers, but probably ..."
Good job on the prompt, John.
Isn't it the editors job to help the author reach a clear target audience? I'm not sure. This seems to be an issue with quite a few books.
I think many readers were okay with it as a "day in the life of a doctor" insight. I guess I saw it as much as a book about him as about medicine in general.
John wrote: "I think many readers were okay with it as a "day in the life of a doctor" insight. I guess I saw it as much as a book about him as about medicine in general."Got it. Maybe it's similar to
Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych E.R. by Julie HollandI read this one back in 2014. Good Grief ! 😮 Where do the years go? I gave it 3/5 stars. That is, met my expectations. Good.
John wrote: "Medical (9)One Doctor: Close Calls, Cold Cases and the Mystery of Medicine by Brendan Reilly
Cleared this off my TBR, lots of likes from reviewers, but probably ..."
First of all, congratulations on finding this book for that prompt, John. It sounds like a good one, if one wants to know more about being a physician.
The subtitle hints that it might be for those who like mysteries, as that is where my mind went when i saw "cold cases". Yet the ŷ blurb makes it sound more like the writer couldn't let an old case go.
Regardless, i think you did well to find this book for the prompt.
Wartime book (28)Murder in the Bookshop by Anita Davison
I wasn't going to mention this cozy mystery, until I realized it fulfilled a tricky category for me. I know that folks find wartime stories heroic, inspirational, etc. However, like dystopian stories, they are generally depressing to me. Decided to finish this one once I'd started as I was interested in the murder, liking the characters. Glad I did so, but won't be reading more of these World War 1 mysteries.
This sounds good to me, John. The WWI setting is one i don't often read, so i've made note of it. Thanks.A hearty commendation for fulfilling this prompt in a neat way, too.
Well done, John. I haven't read too much on WWI either. Perhaps because so many focus on actual battles. I'm more interested in the people.Maybe that is part of the reason I like Mrs. Dalloway-Virginia Woolf That was a post WWI novel and its effects on people.
Book with index and photos (46)Loneliness and Time by Mark Cocker
(subtitled: British Travel Writing in the Twentieth Century)
Another one cleared off my TBR pile. Unfortunately, much skimming involved as I don't find Arabia or Tibet interesting destinations, nor was I engaged by the writers discussed. I believe the target audience is at a more ... intellectual level than works for me. I get that it was written as a look back at the past 50 - 100 years, even so the material came across as horribly dated.
John wrote: "Book with index and photos (46)Loneliness and Time by Mark Cocker
(subtitled: British Travel Writing in the Twentieth Century)
Another one cleared off my TBR pil..."
Great going clearing it off your TBR stack, James, but I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it. I loved Nepal when I was there and have to assume Tibet is much the same. Have also been to Saudi Arabia, and Riyadh was a nice city, but I'm not a city person myself. Greatly prefer the countryside and small villages.
John wrote: "Book with index and photos (46)Loneliness and Time by Mark Cocker
(subtitled: British Travel Writing in the Twentieth Century)
Another one cleared off my TBR pil..."
Sorry it wasn't exactly what you were looking for, John.
Though it's always nice to clear one off the TBR pile and you filled in a prompt too.
John wrote: "Book with index and photos (46)Loneliness and Time by Mark Cocker
(subtitled: British Travel Writing in the Twentieth Century)
Another one cleared off my TBR pile..."
One completed prompt and another book off the TBR--it sounds like a Red Letter accomplishment, to me. Well done, John!
There are places i don't care to read about either. This is why your suggestion of (& my subsequent reading of) A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush was such a glorious surprise. I commend you for reading the Cocker at all.
Memoir (1) and Features food (34)My Kitchen Wars: A Memoir by Betty Fussell
Her husband was famous for writing about WW II, although I read his book Class: A Guide Through the American Status System years ago. Put it on my TBR because of that, and well ... foodie reader. Sexism limited professional options in the post-war era, so she channeled her enthusiasm into culinary matters. Review later, but here I'll say I liked it enough I'm considering a copy as a gift for my mother, just a bit younger than Betty.
John wrote: "Memoir (1) and Features food (34)My Kitchen Wars: A Memoir by Betty Fussell
Review later, but here I'll say I liked it enough I'm considering a copy as a gift for my mother,..."
Well, that is high praise if you would give it as a gift.
Well done on the prompt !
John wrote: "Memoir (1) and Features food (34)My Kitchen Wars: A Memoir by Betty Fussell
..."
Thanks for putting that on the radar, John, it looks intriguing -- and nicely done on the prompt(s).
John wrote: "Memoir (1) and Features food (34)My Kitchen Wars: A Memoir by Betty Fussell ..."
Doubly good, John. This sounds neat. I look forward to your review. How fortunate to find a book your mother will like.
Congratulations on this accomplishment, John.
Holiday (18), Color in title (37), Weather-related (38)Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon
Dropped an Audible credit on this story featuring a set of train passengers stranded at a nearby mansion over Christmas owing to a blizzard. Took a long time for the "mystery" angle to really kick in, but well-done narration made it a great choice for background listening. Review to follow ...
Nicely done, John. Glad you enjoyed the audio.
John wrote: "Holiday (18), Color in title (37), Weather-related (38)Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon
Dropped an Audible credit on this story featuring a set of train ..."
Congratulations, John, on completing this prompt. I am paticularly grateful because i thought i'd read this one but didn't see it on my Books Read List. Why? I misnamed it, calling it "Mystery in Winter"! Thanks for that correction.
I liked the old fashioned story but, like you, i couldn't figure out the mystery angle. What was it? Clever, in the end, i suppose, but i ended up liking the cover more than the story.
I thought you had mentioned it. Pacing here was very strange indeed - a lot of nothing, and then, wham-o!
Political/social science/government (11)In the Dragon's Shadow: Southeast Asia in the Chinese Century by Sebastian Strangio
I dropped an Audible credit on this book a while ago, probably as spending for a promotion. So, finally got around to listening this year. Reminded me of textbooks when I was an International Affairs student years ago. In this case, wonky material keeps me from recommending it for general interest. A bit dated (covid pandemic situation appears in the Afterword as recent event), but worthwhile for those with a strong interest in Chinese foreign affairs. Narrator did a solid job with the not-that-exciting text.
John wrote: "Political/social science/government (11)In the Dragon's Shadow: Southeast Asia in the Chinese Century by Sebastian Strangio
I dropped an Audible credit on this b..."
A very nice fit for the prompt, John.
I often find a good narrator will bump up my rating and enjoyment of a book.
Speaking of audio books, I recently listened to the Read Well podcast. The guest was an audiobook narrator. They discussed how read for yourself like a narrator.
Read Well is on YouTube or you can listen whenever you listen to podcasts. For example, I use Spotify.
The host of Read Well is an advocator for slow reading not just speed reading just to say you read a book. His day job is in accounting.
Learn to Read Like an Audiobook Narrator | EP 39
Here is one show where he discusses why reading fast might not be the best idea. Perhaps if you need to read quickly for work then it might be useful. Personally I read to learn new things and for pleasure. So I am not in a race to read quickly.
Here is one show where he reacts to another author / podcaster's goal of reading quickly. He is the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
***Warning, Manson, like the title of his book he does throw around the F word.
Reacting to Mark Manson's Video: How to Read Faster
Personally, I am a big highlighter and depending on the book, I will also make notes. Even if I never look at the notes again, I do feel it helps me to retain a bit more. Also if I am making notes, I will then realize if I don't really understand something and I can review that part again or use YouTube or Google to help clarify things for me.
I think I will cross-post this to the audio book thread. So it will be easier to find the links in the future if needed.
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My Kitchen Wars: A Memoir
✅️ 2- Business, economics, finance (personal, business or home) F or NF
Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love
✅️ 3- Health, fitness or diet
Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight
✅️ 4- History
Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World
✅️ 5- Historical fiction
Loving And Giving
✅️ 6- Humorous story, or comedian wrote it, or light hearted fun read
Three Cheers for Lucia!: A New Mapp and Lucia Novel
✅️ 7- Legal or lawyer character F / NF
The Franchise Affair
✅️ 8- LGBTQ+ character F/NF
Less
✅️ 9- Medical or character related to topic F/NF
One Doctor: Close Calls, Cold Cases and the Mystery of Medicine
✅️ 10- Mystery, Thriller, or suspense
The Fine Art of Uncanny Prediction
✅️ 11- Political, social science or governments F/NF
In the Dragon's Shadow: Southeast Asia in the Chinese Century
✅️ 12- romance, relationships or love. F/NF
Less
✅️ 13- science F/NF
Me, Myself, and Why: Searching for the Science of Self
✅️ 14--travel F/NF
A Visit to Don Otavio
✅️ 15- philosophy, ethics, morality
Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love
✅️ 16- Young adult book F/NF
Sommerkamp
✅️ 17- Spiritual or inspirational F/NF
How to Win Friends & Influence People
✅️ 18- book that takes place during a holiday. Any holiday.
Mystery in White
✅️ 19- book with a relationship in the title (father, mother, daughter, son, sister or brother)
Death of His Uncle
✅️ 20- The Arts: Music, art, theater, acting, dance or poetry.
Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman
21- Banned book or Challenged book
✅️ 22- Debut novel
The Other Side of Mrs. Wood
✅️ 23- Award winning book or nominated for award
Less
✅️ 24- A play
Long Day's Journey Into Night Abridged edition by O'Neill, Eugene Gladstone (1956) Paperback
✅️ 25- A book published before you were born
Brat Farrar
✅️ 26- Published in 2024
The Safekeep
✅️ 27- Nature, environment or animals. F/NF
Outlandish: Walking Europe’s Unlikely Landscapes
✅️ 28- book that takes place in WWI, WWII, or other war F/NF
Murder in the Bookshop
29- cosmology, space, astronauts, outer space- F/NF
30- Sports F/NF
31- Horror or scary
✅️ 32- Self help or creative or How to
Embrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity
✅️ 33- psychology
Me, Myself, and Why: Searching for the Science of Self
✅️ 34- food mentioned in book, recipes or chef mentioned in book F/NF
My Kitchen Wars: A Memoir
✅️ 35- about a disability or character has a disability F/NF
Carnival of Criminals
✅️ 36- a book about one of your 5 senses ( touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste) F/NF
Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World
✅️ 37- color in title
Mystery in White
✅️ 38- Weather related F/NF
Mystery in White
✅️ 39- Myth, sci fi, magical realism, or fantasy
Greek Mythology: A Traveler's Guide from Mount Olympus to Troy
40- Dystopian
✅️ 41- Author last name begins with B, N or C
The Mighty and Their Fall
✅️ 42- audio book
American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal
✅️ 43 - Topic or a character has one of the 5 deadly sins or more! (pride, greed, envy, gluttony, sloth, wrath, and lust) F/NF
The Cook of the Halcyon
✅️ 44- Book with one word title
Less
✅️ 45- A book over 500 pages
Around Africa on My Bicycle
✅️ 46- A book with either an Index, Map, photographs or Glossary
Loneliness and Time
✅️ 47- Translated into English
The Wandering Jews
✅️ 48- Book that takes place in or is about a country you don't live in. F/NF
The Safekeep
✅️ 49- Short story collection Or Essay collection
A Left-Handed Woman: Essays
✅️ 50- book written by a BIPOC author or character is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color ) F/NF
One People
✅️ 51- Author not a native of the country in which the book is set.
One People
✅️ 52- Book written by an Indie author or Indie press.
Sommerkamp
✅️ 53- Read 2 books by Vendela Vida
The Lovers and Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name
54- Read 2 books by Sara Gran,
✅️ 55- Crime, F/NF
Tokyo express
✅️ 56 - immigrants/immigration F/NF
Traveling Heavy: A Memoir in between Journeys