Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2024 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 34: 8/16 - 8/22
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Yikes, Lynn! Glad you're home safe after all that.Happy Thursday! I'm going to see the touring musical of Peter Pan tomorrow, so looking forward to that. :)
Finished:
The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 5 by Natsu Hyuuga - 3.5 stars - not for a prompt. This volume was kind of slow, and the epilogue of this one was weird and off-putting. Going to keep reading anyway.
Comics & manga:
Rainbow Days, Vol. 11
Akane-banashi, Vol. 7
Chihayafuru, Vol. 3
I am currently at 48/50 prompts for Popsugar (43/45 and 5/5). Two more to go!
Currently reading:
The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton - Not currently for a prompt. The middle lagged a little but it seems like it's picking up again. Hoping to finish this over the weekend. This would work for a book set in space or a queer romance.
The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 6 by Natsu Hyuuga - not for a prompt.
Upcoming/Planned:
Valor's Choice by Tanya Huff - for Popsugar's book that was published 24 years ago (2000) and Robot Librarian's book about/taking place during a war that is not WWI or WWII. I know I read this back when it first came out but it's been so long I barely remember it.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - for Popsugar's book that was turned into a musical and Robot Librarian's book that has been adapted into a TV show or streaming series.
QOTW:
My childhood comfort authors were Robin McKinley (The Hero and the Crown was THE book I read over and over) and Mercedes Lackey (Vanyel!). Even though I haven't been keeping up with Lackey's stuff, I still feel like I can pretty much pick up any book of theirs and immediately be comfortable with the writing.
I would say Seanan McGuire and T. Kingfisher would probably be my current comfort authors. I feel like, even when terrible things happen in their books, it won't be gratuitous and there's still going to be hope.
Library TBR: 5/8Purchased TBR: 5/24
Finished: Creative Nonfiction: Researching and Crafting Stories of Real Life
The Reveries of the Solitary Walker, Botanical Writings, and Letter to Franquières This started a whole project of reading Rousseau and Rousseau-adjacent books for a newsletter article I'm publishing. I had never paid much attention to Romantic thinkers before, but now my interest is piqued!
Too Bright to See This was an excellent middle reader that included a ghost story and a character coming to terms with his trans identity.
Started: Gender Euphoria This one's just all right. I like the concept more than the implementation.
QotW: I would say it used to be Joan Bauer, but I haven't read her books in a long time, mostly because I think I've read them all!
Happy Thursday! We are having wonderful days here in Switzerland. Weather didn’t start too well, correction: it was great reading weather! Today we had nice sunny weather with moderate temperatures, so we did an easy hike in the mountains.PS: 18/50
FNL: 35/40
Total: 47/52
Finished
Matilda's Secret by Corina Bomann⭐⭐⭐⭐
PS #43, second-chance romance.
Mathilda was the character I related most to in this series.
Jerusalem: The Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly recommended if you want to learn about everything that’s going on in Israel/ Palestine/ Jerusalem. Sebag Montefiore shares all the juicy stories in an eloquent style. Spoiler: today’s conflict is business as usual. Peace is something very rare in this city.
Solveigs Versprechen by Corina Bomann⭐⭐�
#3 in the series. This one was like the horse-books I used to read as a teenager. Sigh.
Currently reading
The Shadow Sister by Lucinda Riley
Project 'finish series I started' continued.
QOTW
My comfort reads are feelgoods like I’m reading these weeks. So my answer would be Corina Bomann, Charlotte Roth, Kristin Hannah, Lucinda Riley�
Mod
This week I tried really hard to read read read. I was moderately successful, and I managed to finish 3 books.
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava - this was another NetGalley book, a contemporary romance between two Native characters in Oklahoma. Sadly, I did not like it at all. The heroine was completely unlikeable. I'll give this author another try, the writing was good, I just didn't like Ember's constant lies.
Escape Velocity by Victor Manibo - I basically read this because the cover is so cool. Choosing books based on the cover art is not always a good idea, and this is the perfect example of that. This supposed "thriller" was a complete slog. This goes on my "authors I never want to read again" shelf.
You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Q. Sutanto - what a thrill ride!! I LOVED this book! And what a joy it was to find a thriller that was truly thrilling! This was another NetGalley read, that I managed to finish exactly on publication day. I inhaled this one. Five stars. It's out this week, go read it!
Popsugar 100% 50 /50
Must Reads 60% 6 /10
AtY 94% 49 /52
2024 pub 74% 37 /50
NetGalley ratio 74% (it WAS up to 77% a few days ago, but then I went and requested more books ... No regrets!!)
QotW
Definitely!! There are LOTS of authors that I almost always enjoy. For comfort reading, I'd look for romance more than thrillers. For example, I've loved every adult book I've read by Emily Henry, so I guess I'd name her.
I also like to relax with a reliable audiobook. Louise Erdrich, Elizabeth Peters, Gail Carriger, David Baldacci, Vince Flynn, and Harlan Coben are all go-tos for me. I even have a tab on my spreadsheet called "audio for fun" where I jot down ideas, so when I want something that's just fun and relaxing, I know exactly what to look for on Libby.
Mod
Fortunately, Nadine reminded me this was THURSDAY!! And then I had to post this several times before ŷ worked! Yikes!!
My 40-mile drive from the gym last night ended up taking over 3 hours! You might be wondering how that could happen� I had a flat tire on the interstate, so pulled over and called AAA..."
omg what a terrible adventure - so exhausting!
Mod
Oh yes, how could I forget Kingfisher??!! I've loved every one of her books that I"ve read (and she's SO prolific, I have LOTS left to read still ...)
Oh, the end of August! Eli starts first grade on Tuesday, I’m celebrating my 60th birthday this weekend, Todd starts a new job, and Ashley starts an associate degree program� This is my favorite part of the year. Rationally I know it’s the end of summer, the end of the growing season, but this time of year has always felt like the beginning to me. There’s so much to look forward to!2024 Reading Challenges: I’ve read 312 books so far this year (and 28.8% of my ever-growing TBR) with an average length of 336 pages and an average rating of 3.72.
52 Book Club: 50/52 (Summer Challenge 24/24 � Complete!)
ATY: 42/52 (Summer Challenge 36/36 � Complete!)
Booklist Queen: 47/52
Diverse Baseline: 24/36
Popsugar: 43/50
Robot Librarian: 47/52
ICYMI Backlist: 8/12
Recently Completed:
On Earth as It Is on Television: I enjoyed this much more the second time around. It’s still odd, but I really got into the rhythm of the story this time and appreciated how all the pieces fell together. Adventures Underground Book Club. ★★★★
The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? ★★�
Dreadful ★★★★
Shades of Grey: A re-read before I start Red Side Story. It was just as great the second time around! (ATY August #2b � by a favorite author) ★★★★�
Hijab Butch Blues: NPR 2023 Books We Love. (52 Books #43 � about finding identity/Popsugar #41 � memoir that explores queerness) ★★★★
Women Without Kids: The Revolutionary Rise of an Unsung Sisterhood: Previously I read Without Children: The Long History of Not Being a Mother by Peggy O’Donnell Harrington. This one’s SO much better. ★★★★�
Pearl (52 Books #42 � author’s debut published in second half of 2024) ★★★★
The Faculty Lounge: As a former high school teacher, it felt familiar, and while it hit notes of nostalgia, I didn’t feel like there was anything new about it that would make it special. ★★�
All This & More: Very confusing. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure novel, but the gimmick doesn't work here. I understand what the author was trying to do here, but I’m not sure it really added to the experience. I was a bit disappointed because I’d really enjoyed The Cartographers. ★★�
The Remains of the Day: I read this for the 52 Book Club’s Read It, Watch It challenge. It’s a wonderful character study of an aging butler and his relationships with other staff and his loyalty to his employer. I’m looking forward to watching the movie once the DNC is over. ★★★★
Currently Reading:
True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between (ATY #51 � published in 2024/Booklist Queen #46 � 2024 new release)
One Big Happy Family (ATY #34 � related to one of Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs)
Northanger Abbey: Jane Austen Book Club.
The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home (Robot Librarian #31 � a building on the cover or the word house, castle, tower, or other building in the title)
The Quiet People (ATY #8 � an author from Canada, Australia, or New Zealand)
Tess of the D’Urbervilles (Robot Librarian #15 � mentioned in a film, TV show, or streamed series: One Day)
Much Ado about Nada: NPR 2023 Books We Love. (ATY #1 � title ends with A, T, or Y)
Never in a Hurry: Essays on People and Places: Reasonable Doubt Book Club.
Elon Musk (Robot Librarian Advanced #8 � a biography of someone you are NOT a fan of)
The Probability of Everything: NPR 2023 Books We Love.
QOTW: So much of my reading is by female authors, but I love reading Tom Perrotta and Jonathan Tropper.
Happy Thursday!I only finished one book this week cuz...work.
The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie
PS: nope
ATY:nope
52: published in year of the dragon (1928)
Robot librarian: nope
Born To Run: pretty much done just need to assign prompts so I'll cover it next week
The Catcher In the Rye: same
Consider the Fork
Sociopath: A Memoir
A Hitch In Time
Coming up:
Wide Sargasso Sea
Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century
Eats Shoots and Leaves
QOTW:
As a kid I re-read the Little House books over and over, and Trixie Belden mysteries
Today I re-read The Hitchhiker's Trilogy, Little Women, or Jane Austen
Ugh! I typed out a wonderful post and just before I finished it, clicked on something while editing and POOF! all gone. So you are getting bare bones instead. I have too much going on to write it again - my break is over!PS - 47/50
Finished:
Mr. Mercedes - prompt author deaf - King is in one ear
Whose Body?
Currently reading - too many but the main one right now is Murder at the Vicarage.
QOTW: loads but a brief list covering authors in the various genres I tend to fall back onto - historical mystery and romance, cozy mystery, light fantasy and even scifi:
Andrea Penrose
Ashley Gardner
Stephanie Laurens
Barbara Metzger
Georgette Heyer
Martha Wells
T. Kingfisher
Agatha Christie
Charlotte MacLeod
Laura Z wrote: "Oh, the end of August! Eli starts first grade on Tuesday, I’m celebrating my 60th birthday this weekend, Todd starts a new job, and Ashley starts an associate degree program� This is my favorite pa..."Happy Birthday! And good luck to the rest of your family starting new adventures! My kiddo starts 1st grade in just under 2 weeks. :)
Theresa wrote: "Ugh! I typed out a wonderful post and just before I finished it, clicked on something while editing and POOF! all gone."I hate when that happens! Now I keep a document on my laptop called "Popsugar Weekly Check-In." I edit it whenever I finish (or start) a book, so when it's time to post, I just copy and paste.
Hello...it's me. remember me LOL...it's been a LONG crazy month. I haven't caught up on the past many weeks that I missed yet, so I hope everyone has been well.We are finishing off our third week back in school and finally settling in to a groove now. It's easier now that my sister FINALLY put my nephew on the bus. I have to get him up and out earlier but, it's been ok so far.
I was reading pretty heavily but the past two weeks I think I only finished 3 books. It didn't help that I got REALLY into my nephews Farm Simulator game, LOL. It's more addicting than you think. My sister was teasing me about it but, she's the one been playing Xbox with her boyfriend everyday, so she's one to talk.
Since my last check in I've read quite a bit of books but, have been still not really reading things that fit prompts so, that's been a little frustrating. Because there's so many I'm just gonna list them below.
2024 Challenges:
Popsugar: 42/50
ATY: 51/52
Robot Librarian: 44/52
A to Z: 25/26
Physical TBR: 0/95
Kindle TBR: 1/120
ŷ: 159/100
Book Clubs:
PS Monthly: 22/56
Reese: 31/95
Oprah: 12/101
Jenna: 9/68
OSS: 7/39
Finished:
20 finished, 1 Completed Popsugar
That's Life: Humourous And Meaningful Quotes on Life RL#1 (000’s)
Heartstopper: Volume Three
Heartstopper: Volume Four
Pawcasso ATY#16
Crush
Enemies
Smile
Sisters
Guts
Squished: A Graphic Novel
Forest Hills Bootleg Society
Trashed: A Graphic Novel This was surprisingly fun.
The Eyes and the Impossible
Ghost Book
Gothikana PS#30
Heartstopper: Volume Five
What Happened ATY#17
Cardboard
My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life
-------
Currently Reading
The Quarter Storm
While We Were Dating
The Covenant of Water
Crying in H Mart
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology
The House on Biscayne Bay
On the Backburner
Libby
Physical Library Rentals
My Friend Dahmer: A Graphic Novel
Squire & Knight
Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening
Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood
Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven
Global
Red, White & Royal Blue
Solitaire
Nick and Charlie
This Winter
Magazines: (12/150)
Read since last check-in: 0
Question of the Week:
I have a few go-to author's that I will put other books aside to read: Elin Hilderbrand, Craig Johnson and Emily Henry.
L Y N N wrote: "Welcome to another Thursday!!Fortunately, Nadine reminded me this was THURSDAY!! And then I had to post this several times before ŷ worked! Yikes!!
My 40-mile drive from the gym last night ended up taking over 3 hours! You might be wondering how that could happen� I had a flat tire on the interstate, so pulled over and called AAA...
I once spent 5 hours roasting in a parking lot waiting for a tow truck so, I can relate.
Hi all! Much slower around here this last week! Gymnastics, a birthday party and back to school shopping. Otherwise, I'm looking for the perfect job that I can do to bring in a little money until my cases get resolved. Ugh, it makes me want to throttle people! I can't *look* for work without getting exhausted, how the heck am I supposed to actually GO to work?? But to hear my insurances tell it, I'm just fine... This weekend is supposed to be beautiful out, so my kiddo and her cousin are going to tie dye some t-shirts! I haven't done it in ages, and I'm hoping to try out some patterns. If I get it to work (and then can get the technology to work), I'll try to post a picture here next week!
Didn't finish anything this week. I'm about halfway through Giovanni’s Room and really enjoying it. The writing is superb! I'm buddy reading it with a couple of other friends and it's providing good topics for conversation.
Also about halfway through The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I know Christie is up to something, I just can't figure out what yet...
Read a little bit more in Turn Left At The Trojan Horse: A Would-Be Hero's American Odyssey. It's not that great tbh, but it's not bad, either. But if ever a book needed a map(s), don't you think a road trip book across the US might be it??? I've got just over 2 weeks to finish it, which should be doable, I just have to make some time.
QOTW: Nicholas Evans He only wrote like 5 books and passed away a few years ago, though, so I'm stuck with rereads, but his books hold up for me, so that's OK!
Can't believe it's Thursday already!What a week. I got Covid last month and still was dealing with issues. Coughing, headaches, and other symptoms. I just figured it would go away on its own, but once the headache levels started reaching pains of 7 and 8, I finally agreed with my mom to go back to the doctor. They told me there that what I was experiencing was lingering Covid symptoms. The coughing is easing up with the medication they gave me. It's tolerable anyway and the headaches are now at a 5 or 6.
My mom was looking up stuff and apparently there's research out now that says people who have mental disorders like depression or anxiety (both of which I have)- their Covid symptoms will last longer so that was interesting. I'm gonna do more research on it as well.
*
Book News:
This past Saturday I went to a bookstore in town and picked up a few books which was fun. Also got to meet an author (won't say who though since it will give away my location).
This week the final manga issue (vol.4) of Fangirl was released finally! I've been collecting these books for the past 4 years, but haven't read them yet. I didn't see the point in reading one a year, not until I had the whole story. That's one of my favorite YA novels. It's about a girl who goes to college and studies English. She's an introvert, keeps to herself, and write's fanfiction. That's my whole life! I got my degree in English, always been the introvert, and I started writing fanfic when I was 12.
I also picked up a couple of other books: Contact - which I've been dying to read for a while, but never get around to. Hoping to in September.
I'm currently reading Jurassic Park and so I figured I might as well pick up the sequel The Lost World which I'll probably read in September also.
Finished Reading:
I've lost track in terms of days/weeks, but I've been reading the Twilight Saga this month. It takes me roughly 3 or 4 days to finish each book. Pretty quick, but I'm also highlighting/annotating/tabbing these books so with that in mind I could probably finish these books in 2 days if anything.
Twilight- 4 stars. This is my 3rd favorite book in the series.
New Moon- 4 stars. My second favorite book in the series.
Eclipse- 3 stars. Holy crap, the first time I read these books I was 18, so now I see them with much older eyes and I did not realize how many red flags there are in this one! I normally don't tab red flags/cringe scenes in my books, but the ones in this book are hard to ignore now.
Currently Reading:
Breaking Dawn- So far still holding up as a 4 star and my favorite book of the series.
Jurassic Park- OMG this book is awesome! I'm obsessed with the JP/JW movies, but my whole life I have never read the book (total shame.) It's slow the first 80 pages or so, but I don't mind all of the science talk. I'm intrigued. So much better than the movie, though the movie has better casting.
Question of the Week:
Do you have any favorite author(s) whose writing you can be certain to enjoy and work as comfort reads for you? Tell us about one, please!
I don't know about that, but one author I read every book he's written is Nicholas Sparks. I've read every book of his, including his memoir (but that one I don't own since memoirs don't interest me). They're good reads, despite often depressed endings. Still though, I've been reading his work since I was 12 years old (so for the past 23 years) and I already have his new novel on pre-order.
Happy Thursday! It's starting to feel like the summer is winding down. Fall is my favorite season even if it never seems to last that long. I went camping down on the cape this weekend. The campground was just down the road from the beach. I'm not a big beach goer but it gave me the chance to read. I'll have to go again next summer but bring more books lol.Finished:
Book Lovers (PS enemies to lovers) 3 stars. This is well written and an easy read. I'm not really the biggest romance fan but I liked it well enough.
Currently reading:
Just Another Missing Person (PS 24 letters in title)
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (ATY going for the gold)
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures (ATY prompt that didn't make final list - mushrooms)
QOTW: My favorite comfort read from childhood is The Phantom Tollbooth. I really enjoy T.J. Klune's books nowadays. They always feel like a warm hug.
Happy Thursday all!Had to deal with some friend drama this weekend, and now trying to get back in the groove of college. I always seem to slack off over the summer and then end up feeling overwhelmed when classes start up again... bleh. Hopefully I can find my groove soon and not feel like every spare moment is eaten up by work and school.
Books read this week:
The Last Rabbit -- cute middle-grade read based on Irish mythology. The illustrations are very nice too.
Unico: Awakening (Volume 1): An Original Manga -- great art style, and it makes me want to check out the original manga and/or anime adaptation.
Ascendant -- pretty good dragonrider-fantasy novel. I loved Ash and Holt, and now I’m going to have to find the rest of this series to figure out what happens to them next!
Under Fortunate Stars -- an entertaining space opera involving a Firefly-esque group of ragtags and a bit of time travel. Very fun.
Currently reading:
A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying
How to Leave the Mormon Church: An Exmormon’s Guide to Rebuilding After Religion
The Circus Infinite
When Among Crows
QOTW:
I can usually count on T. Kingfisher to be good to excellent, both under her Kingfisher name and her actual name of Ursula Vernon.
We got pummeled by rain this weekend, but the rest of this week has been beautiful, and, even better, cool! August isn't over just yet, though, and things are supposed to heat up again next week.The director at my library is retiring at the end of the month, so her replacement started this week. So far, he seems like a good guy, but time will tell. (I'm still haunted by the director who stayed for exactly one year, but in that one year upended almost everything in the library.)
Finished:
Leftstar and the Strange Occurrence - One of those books that drops you into a world and leaves you to suss out what's happening as the plot progresses. At least it's an interesting world, but I can't say I enjoyed it very much.
Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 13 - Closing in on the end of the series (I already know some spoilers though).
Currently Reading:
SubZero Vol. 1
Total Olympics: Every Obscure, Hilarious, Dramatic, and Inspiring Tale Worth Knowing
The Husbands
The Spellshop
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness: A Graphic Novel
Happy Thursday! (ish. it's 12 minutes past midnight as I start this xD)What. A. Week. As I'm sure I mentioned (but maybe not who knows) I had my other wisdom tooth pulled last week. Painwise it went great, but I kept getting this foul taste in my mouth, and eventually this ache (not that bad, but present all the same) wouldn't go away even with painkillers. So back to the dentist I went. And it was all fine! Which was a huge relief, of course. I can go to Disney this Sunday feeling comforted in that. I of course am now feeling a bump in a completely different spot and I am trying not to worry xD
That was yesterday (Wednesday) though. Earlier in the week I had one of my mysterious stomach cramps again, and for the first time it had been lingering all day making me feel unwell but not overly badly, until it truly started it's regular 6-8 hour bout at night. So fun.
And then on Tuesday night I out of nowhere, like at the drop of a hat, went from my regular exhausted to EXHAUSTED�. My entire skin felt clammy, my hands and fingers were wet with sweat, I felt like I could throw up; but my heart rate was normal, I wasn't nauseous. It was really scary, but I talked through it with my dad until it ebbed away and I felt I could move again without throwing up and crumbling.
So safe to say I'm exhausted, haha!
So, updates! Dutch National Geographic started airing the Behind The Pirate show, which has been great so far. Dreamlight Valley had an update yesterday so I've been playing a lot and having a good time, but due to exhaustion am not up for grinding yet. Which is fine, making it last a bit longer, haha!
BUT BUT BUT besides the 191k fic I read...
Read
The Color Purple
I FINISHED THE COLOR PURPLE. FINALLY. Watching both movies was enough to kick my butt into gear, and when my readathon's Game Weekender was happening last weekend, I picked it back up and finished it.
Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White
And then I read this! The start was slow as I was trying to remember what happened in book 1 (February seems like 12 years ago), but then it got easier to read as things came back to me. Really enjoyed this duology!
The Secret Lives of the Nine Negro Teeth of George Washington
A short story I had open in my tabs since 2021 because someone in this group recced it for a prompt back then. I can't remember what it was, but I finally got to close that tab xD
No idea for prompts; I decided not to bother looking as I won't finish the challenge regardless.
Currently Reading
Twelve Kings in Sharakhai
A reread. This is one of my favorite series ever, though few people know about it, and I never got to finish it for several reasons. I owned books 2-5 (first one I read in Dutch from the library back in January 2018) so I bought book 1 to restart and hopefully continue. Then I noticed that in 2022 the final book came out, so of course that's on its way too. I just really want to read these books, I don't want it to go the way of another favorite series of mine, where I've read book 1 like 4 times, book 2 twice and book 3 never, only a third of it. My brain, man! So fingers crossed! Currently 100 pages in and Dreamlight Valley update and Everything That Happened means it's slowgoing, but it's going so!!
QOTW
I find this question tricky, because every time I found an author I thought fit the bill, I also ended up finding a read I didn't love. So while there are authors who might be instant-buy, and absolute favorites, I will never say again any are guarantees for good books.
Having said that, reading the first two chapters of Twelve Kings felt like coming home, like a warm hug. It was SO GOOD to be back in Sharakhai again after all these years. This series and The Waking Fire (book 1 of Draconis Memoria and the trilogy I mentioned before) definitely fit this bill, though who knows, maybe the books I haven't read yet won't, haha! Anthony Ryan however is one of my favorite authors. I've read multiple books by him and enjoyed them a lot.
Then there are T.J. Klune (Cerulean Sea is one of my biggest comfort books, though I'm aware of the controversy, and Whispering Door is a book so close to my soul. Lightning-Struck Heart wasn't my favorite, but I wonder if I just wasn't in the right mood for it. The Extraordinaries series (YA) was also a lot of fun!) and Ross Welford. Time Travelling with a Hamster completely took me by surprise and ever since I've been buying all the books he's done. I might be behind at the moment, but of the ones I have, only one remains unread at this moment due to Brain�. So wonderful!
Another series that will always feel like home is the Stravaganza series, starting with City of Masks.
Happy Thursday! This weekend my friend and I went to a local bookstore that was doing a Romance Books Day event- it was really fun! They had a scavenger hunt about quotes, and then gave lots of clues when we needed help- got a copy of Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop, which looks perfect for Halloween. They'd clearly put a lot of work into the event, and it was so fun! Finished:
One Hundred Shadows- this was a bleak read about the people who get forgotten when progress or gentrification comes through an area, with an added bit of magical realism where shadows start acting odd. I liked it, but it made me sad
-no prompt
Fall for Him- a contemporary romance about two neighbors who are forced to room together when the ceiling between their two apartments caves in. I loved this, I really like Andie Burke's books
-no prompt
Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics- so good! A memoir told through her songs- the audiobook was such a good time, she's so charming
-no prompt
Currently reading:
No Place to Bury the Dead- this is another book about a bleak topic-plague, refugees, corrupt officials- but I like how it's written so far
QotW:
There are authors who I know I will always add to my TBR when they come out with something new, but I wouldn't consider them comfort reads. I think for books I turn to when I need something easy and uplifting I usually try to pick up a romance, since I know it'll probably have cute moments and a HEA. So maybe someone like Tessa Dare, KJ Charles, or now Ali Hazelwood and Andie Burke. I might not mark their books 5 stars, but I'll always have a good time.
I'm not sure if I'm having a much better week than Lynn. However, I did finish one of my 4 books this week. I really enjoyed it and I actually found a prompt for it.Finished:
One Perfect Couple
ATY prompt: A second book that fits your favorite prompt A book related to Boats, Beaches, Bars, Ballads, or Jimmy Buffett
Popsugar prompt: A book with a neurodivergent main character (psycopathy)
Series - 7/12
Nobel laureates - 4/5
Mysteries/Thrillers - 9/13
ATY - 34/45
PS - 21/30
Summer - 10/12
Currently reading:
The Odyssey -85%
Something Wicked This Way Comes - 20%
A House Like a Lotus - 30%
Buddy Reads:
Hollow City - 65%
QOTW: Ironically, Ruth Ware and other mystery/thrillers are my comfort reads. (I also love House MD and Bones - and will eat when they're on.)
Sorry for the car trouble, LynnI've had a bad week so nothing finished here
QOTW
Hmm eventually I do tire of a series and I've never liked every book from anyone but ones I often enjoy (more so than not) C.S. Harris who does historical mysteries, Leanna Renee Hieber who does gaslamp paranormals and the mangaka Hiromu Arakawa
Hello everyone! Thank you for your suggestions last week on how to get out of reading slump, I managed to finish four books this week.
making happy squealing noises
READ:
Red Rising- The starting is a bit slow, ngl. But by the end of the book I was completely into it. I stayed up late to finish it. This bought back some nostalgia from my first time reading of the most awesome series, The Hunger Games
Remarkably Bright Creatures- I wanted to try and read something new so I was checking out the listopia for PS prompt#12 because I had no idea what to read for that. And I settled on this book. I switched to audiobook midway and Michael Urie does a phenomenal job as Marcellus, the octopus.
I went to aquarium near by to just look at octopuses. Haha, Its so weird I know.
Monday's Not Coming- Oh boy! This book is just heart breaking. I never expected that twist near the end. Extremely touching.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the chapters titles but other that that.. this book is just WOW!
Throttled- I started this while unpacking my stuff from a trip I took last week. And then, I started cleaning my closet a little bit so it was playing in the background..
I didn’t hate the book, but I wasn’t super in love with it either.
Question of the Week:
Do you have any favorite author(s) whose writing you can be certain to enjoy and work as comfort reads for you? Tell us about one, please!
Emily Henry
I personally like her books cuz I think she writes compelling characters w real life issues combined with funny and interesting dialogue. Her books never fail to elicit that warm and fuzzy feeling. Happy place is my all time fav..
PS 44/50
Laura Z wrote: "Oh, the end of August! Eli starts first grade on Tuesday, I’m celebrating my 60th birthday this weekend, Todd starts a new job, and Ashley starts an associate degree program� This is my favorite pa..."Happy birthday!!
I don't know where this week has gone. I had a phone interview, so that's something at least, and I spent a ridiculous amount of time picking up the tomato plants in the garden. It's been super windy and they are heavy with fruit at the moment, so no the best combination.Finished Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, not for any prompts. Not as good as the first, there was too much miscommunication, but it was still loads of fun.
QOTW:
Another vote for T. Kingfisher, Emily Henry and Seanan McGuire. I'd also say Becky Chambers but she seems to have stopped writing new stuff? 😭
Happy Friday, y’all. So this week, I have signed up again for the USCA Extension Learning courses (Sept-Nov) as well as the Aiken Library Let’s Talk About It movie/book discussion program (Sept � Mar). I do the Let’s Talk About It program with my friend, Sharon.
In addition, I have completed a survey to be considered for a learning-to-read tutor program to be done at the Aiken Library. It will include a training session and a commitment to meet weekly with my pupil (adult) for 24 weeks. I think my boredom is coming to an end!
OH! I also signed up to attend one of the book clubs at the library this month. I have always been a bit shy about participating in a book club; but this month, this club is reading and discussing Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, which I have read and enjoyed. I thought it would be fun to see what others thought.
I started the jigsaw puzzle. And, yes, it is addictive. I walk away to do other things but constantly come back to look for just one more piece! Three quarters done…just the grassy parts and a bit of edge to do.
I got a letter! One of the members of this group has chosen to be a pen pal with me. We exchanged a couple of letters initially, but I had begun to think that that was all it would be…when I got another letter! It is amazing how delightful it is to find a letter in the mailbox…one just for me. What fun this letter writing is!
Finished:
A Year In Provence � PAS, ATY #33. 4*. I enjoyed this ex-pat story of a couple who moved from Britain to Provence. The author bio indicates that he and his wife continue to live in Provence. Almost makes me want to do the same in Scotland.
Gallows View � No challenge. 4*. A bit convoluted with three crimes going on: peeping tom, burglary, and a death. Still it comes together neatly…and a bit surprisingly.
Coraline � PAS. 4*. I was sure that I had read this before but GR did not give me any credit for it. So…I read it again as it was short. Another Neil Gaiman book. Still enjoyed it as much as before.
Good Poems � PS #27 (genre I avoid). 3*. I can’t believe that I finished a 400+ page book of poems! What an achievement…and, for the most part, enjoyable.
Tress of the Emerald Sea � PAS, PS #38 (cozy fantasy). 4*. An adventure in a new fantasy world of Brandon Sanderson. Fully fun and believable.
Changeless � PAS. 4* A continuation of a series that I had forgotten about. Another paranormal love story set Victorian England and Scotland. Steampunk.
Silence Fallen � PAS. 4*. Another continuation of a series already started. This one jumped via a person-napping from the US to Italy and Prague…and worried me a bit that the basic premise of life in the US with werewolves and coyote were being ditched for a way to rid the story of coyote. No way. Love wins, albeit in a very dangerous and threatening way…still all the good guys came out of it intact.
Currently Reading:
The Man Who Played with Fire: Stieg Larsson's Lost Files and the Hunt for an Assassin � Kindle. No challenge. Nonfiction. GOAL: 50% by check-in. Reached! New Goal...75% next check-in.
Cold Mountain: 20th Anniversary Edition � This is for the movie and discussion group I joined. I have read this before (2017) and don’t do rereads, but I will be sharing this book and thought a review (ie, reread) was in order for the discussion before giving the book to my friend to read. 11%. GOAL: Finish by Sunday.
Just Starting:
Hana Khan Carries On � PS #3 (24y/o)
On Deck:
Black Hills - ALCM, PAS
When Gods Die � ALCM, PAS
Parable of the Sower � reread for book club (initially read 2022) on Tuesday
Journey to Munich - ALCM
PS 28/50
ATY 33/52
GR 138/200
QotW: Do you have any favorite author(s) whose writing you can be certain to enjoy and work as comfort reads for you? Tell us about one, please!
I agree with L Y N N about Alexander McCall Smith for the same two of his series, so I will chose another author ~ Nora Roberts. For me, it isn't a particular series as it is her paranormal romance trilogies.
@Doni:The Reveries of the Solitary Walker, Botanical Writings, and Letter to Franquières looks interesting to me. I added it to my "Friends Recommend" shelf. Thanks.@ L Y N N: What a long commute! So glad you made it home safely.
@ Theresa via Laura Z: I do the same...keep a document that gets updated on my computer and then copy and paste to the thread each week. I started that after my own experience of repeated losing my typing before saving it.
@JessicaMHR: Thanks for listing Gothikana. It looks right up my alley and has made it to my "Friends Recommend" list.
@Ron: Jurassic Park has been on my Wishlist for a long time, but I have been a bit nervous about starting it...so it remains there.
Hi all! The baby is teething which means no one in our house is getting a good night's sleep. Deep unhappiness all around. Finished:
Nothing. But I DNF'd some stuff that had been hanging around on my tbr for ages, and that's kind of a win.
QOTW:
My definite answer is Agatha Christie. Otherwise I'm not sure I have an author I'd call a comfort read.
Mod
..."
My sympathies. Teething seems to last forever. I think my kids were soaked in drool for YEARS. (not really. it just felt like years. no bib could contain the drool.)
Happy Friday!I'm in a big wanting to acquire / start books phase but not doing so well with the follow through, oops.
Slightly annoyed because I put in a Thriftbooks order for Bryony and Roses, which I want to read as my 24th book of an author, and neither library I have access to has it. Since I was getting that, I decided to pop some other books in as well, but they were definitely the add-ons. Just checked my order status last night and they canceled and refunded that one - the purpose of my order! And didn't send me anything letting me know that they were going to do that or why. It's still listed, so I'm tempted to try another order, but probably won't in case the same thing happens. I really don't want to have to figure out another book for that prompt though!
Finished
Masters of Death Enjoyable characters, but not the book to read if you want a strong plot! But I got sucked in enough by the characters to enjoy it. Wasn't planning on it for a prompt, but then I read that Olivie Blakie is a pen name. Woot!
True Biz For my deaf author. Really enjoyed it - one of those books that I was sad when it finished because I wanted to spend more time in the world.
Lightless To finish my ATY summer prompt as a book set in space. I feel like I wanted there to be more going on than there was - I was always thinking that things had hidden meanings, when for the most part it was a pretty straightfoward presentation of events. Enjoyed it enough that I plan on picking up the sequel at the library today, though.
Currently Reading
The Big Book of Modern Fantasy (Yeah, it's been going a while, I know)
Kafka on the Shore
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
How to Say Babylon
The Terranauts
QotW
For me, L.M. Montgomery. Books that I've loved from childhood til now, happy endings even though bad things can happen. Lots of faves beyond Anne: the Emily series, Jane of Lantern Hill, Kilmeny of the Orchard, The Blue Castle.
All done with the Twilight books!Just finished Breaking Dawn today. Only took me 3 days.
It's taken me 3 days for each book which is crazy considering how I've been taking my time annotating/highlighting/tabbing my books.
Since the burn I got in June has healed, I feel comfortable going to the gym again. I’ve never liked exercise or sports, but since coming back from some physical injuries that took the option away from me, I've started to see it as a privilege. I'm really happy I can get back to that. I lost some of my endurance from sitting on the couch for a month, but knowing I can gain it back because I got there in the first place is nice.I’m listening to a Longmire book as my gym audiobook. That's an interesting combination. George Guidall's slow, high plains drawl keeps my pace steady on the rowing machine at least.
Finished
Victory of Eagles. Five books in, and I still adore this series.
Reading
Ouroboros
Junkyard Dogs
QOTW
There are a few authors in that category. Naomi Novik, Sarah Addison Allen, Agatha Christie, Simone St. James (these are not exactly comforting, but they do distract me from everything else.)
Laura Z wrote: "I hate when that happens! Now I keep a document on my laptop called "Popsugar Weekly Check-In." I edit it whenever I finish (or start) a book, so when it's time to post, I just copy and paste."I do that too. Mine is a Google doc so I can update it on my phone too. I've lost one too many posts to type too much directly onto the site.
Quick check in since this is probably the only time I'll get to check in this weekend. I'm looking forward to going to the National Book Festival tomorrow (first time since the pandemic!) and seeing some great authors. Should be a great day! I haven't finished anything, so no movement on my totals. I'm at 20/45 and 2/5 for this challenge, and 62/100 for my overall ŷ Reading Challenge.
Finished:
* nothing
Currently Reading:
* The Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries edited by Michael Sims;
* Havoc by Deborah J. Ledford, which is my latest ŷ Giveaways win;
* Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith; and,
* The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, which is one of my book clubs' picks for September. I'm hoping to see him tomorrow at the National Book Festival -- keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be able to get a seat!
QotW:
Do you have any favorite author(s) whose writing you can be certain to enjoy and work as comfort reads for you? Tell us about one, please! I'd probably put Louise Penny at the top of my list. I love her writing and the characters who inhabit the Three Pines universe. I always feel like I'm reconnecting with old friends, even though murder and crime is afoot. If I needed a lighter comfort read, I'd probably pick up a Stephanie Plum book by Janet Evanovich or perhaps a Noodle Shop Mystery by Vivien Chien.
Happy Friday! I feel like I haven't checked in for ages, although it's probably only been a week or so. We finished Othello last weekend, so I'm taking some much-needed ME time (which is good, because my currently-reading stack is teetering dangerously). We start rehearsal for a reading of Antony and Cleopatra in September and in the meantime I've got plenty to keep me busy! Finished this week:
Mansfield Park - 4.5 stars. Easily top 3 Austen books for me, possibly top 2. And of course it's the last one I read! Surely someone could have told me to read this earlier because they know me and know I would've loved it?! I need better friends LOL
Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex - 5 stars. I can't recommend this highly enough. I don't read many anthologies but this essay collection is incredible. Written by an (formerly) incarcerated person
PS 37/50
ATY 45/52
Mount TBR 22/48
Currently:
Defy or Defend - I don't adore Dimity, but I was pleasantly surprised by Preshea's book so I'm reserving judgment until I finish!
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame - I was all set to dive into this, and in fact had, and then...
The Pillars of the Earth came available. Two massive books centered on medieval cathedrals? Gothic Girlie Autumn is HERE!!
Tricks for Free - Poor Antimony, languishing for weeks alone and unread and unloved T.T
QOTW: Do you have any favorite author(s) whose writing you can be certain to enjoy and work as comfort reads for you? Tell us about one, please!
Tamora Pierce's Tortall books absolutely fall into this category! And Gail Carriger too, because she writes historical Victorian romancey books that don't skimp on the comedy :)
Happy Friday. It' another 2 week check in for me. I mean to check in, but then I get busy and say I'll do it tomorrow, and then next thing I know it's Thursday again. Stats:
PS: 39/50
ATY: 46/52
ATY Rejects: 21/25
ATY Rewind: 22/25
DBC: 29/36
GR Choice: 21/30
TBR: 11/10
Books I Finished:
Dictionary of Fine Distinctions: Nuances, Niceties, and Subtle Shades of Meaning ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ATY Rejects: A book related to truth.
I laughed my way through this, and it was funny how many of the questions have popped up in my real life recently.
Frank Herbert's Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 3: The Prophet ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ATY Rejects: A book with a warm or heated atmosphere.
I love the original book, and the artwork is gorgeous.
Mr. Villain's Day Off 04 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I just really love this sweet little series.
The Brothers Hawthorne ⭐⭐⭐⭐
After reading The Grandest Game I wanted to go back and reread this one because I couldn't remember the Grayson parts very well. After reading it again, I'm not surprised I forgot them. Still, the game/puzzles where top notch.
Almost American Girl ⭐⭐�
I liked the artwork, but it was just a pretty standard memoir.
New Moon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is my least fav of the series. Bella's mental breakdown is just kinda hard to take sometimes.
The Black Bird Oracle ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ATY Rewind: 4 books inspired by the wedding rhyme: Book #2 Something New.
I didn't realize there was going to be a new book in this series until it was published. Now I can't wait for the next one.
Mooncakes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
PS: An LGBTQ+ romance novel.
This was a sweet little fantasy romance about a witch and a NB werewolf working to stop a demon. Also works for second chance romance and deaf author.
In Progress
Eclipse
Not in Love
QotW
Seanan McGuire, Ilona Andrews, Jane Austen or Jill Shalvis are all go to comfort reads for me.
Last Weeks QotW
In a perfect world I would have the money and space for every book I rate 4 or more. I love to reread, but there is no guarantee that the library wont cull one of my favs or even just have it on hand when I'm feeling like a reread.
Ron wrote: "Holy crap, the first time I read these books I was 18, so now I see them with much older eyes and I did not realize how many red flags there are in this one! I normally don't tab red flags/cringe scenes in my books, but the ones in this book are hard to ignore now."My sister says the same thing and she read them for the first time when she was in her late teens. I was in my mid 20s when I read them the first time, so the experience hasn't really changed for me. Actually, this read through, I'm realizing that the red flags I actually remembered the red flags as worse than they actual are.
Happy check-in!Finished Reading:
Clockwork Boys The Wonder Engine ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PS Nanowrimo)
This is one story split into two books, the first was written during nanowrimo. Fantastic Kingfisher set in the same world as Paladin’s Grace.
Sanctuary ⭐⭐⭐⭐� (PS self published)
They published this weekly online except for the epilogue. It was great to get to read it all in one go.
Spy x Family, Vol. 12 ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
Hark! A Vagrant ⭐⭐�
Strange Planet ⭐⭐�
Mooncakes ⭐⭐�
It was cute, but a little boring. It read more middle grade but I think all the characters were adults.
PS 43/50
ATY 50/52
ATY Summer 35/36
DBC 28/36
ŷ 194/250
QOTW:
Ilona Andrews, Ali Hazelwood, and Christina Lauren.
Starting a new book this week once it arrives:Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs
I've heard of this author as he was one of the whistle blowers who worked for the Pentagon and claims that UFOs/UAPs are not of Earthly origin.
I haven't had much time this year to focus on my UFO studies like I normally do since I've been side tracked by other stuff, but this book randomly entered on one of my IG feeds so I knew I had to get it.
I downloaded the audiobook because Elizondo does the narration (and I'm not an audiobook person) but given that he's the one doing it and not someone else I was very interested.
This will be the last book I read for the month.
I was in a bit of a reading slump the last few weeks and really didn't have much to update on. I have been in Charlotte for a full month already, and spent 10 days of that in San Diego for back to back work conferences. Finally feel like I'm getting back into a better routine here and we go back to office 3x a week starting the first week of September (why am I dreading it so much?) I used to go into the office all 5 days a week but since working remotely the last 4 years, this is something I am not at all looking forward to.Challenges:
66/75 GoodReads Challenge
37/50 PopSugar Challenge
Finished:
1.) Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (#44 Rocknroll Memoir) ⭐⭐⭐✨: The food writing was incredible, and I loved the way she associated dishes with her childhood memories.
2.) The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (#20 Snow) ⭐⭐⭐⭐: I wished I loved this more than I actually did - read more like 3 stars, but the author's note bumped it up entirely for me.
3.) The Veins of the Ocean by Patricia Engel (No Prompt) ⭐⭐⭐✨: I liked this much more than I thought I would - writing was a little looser, but so many themes that made this a strong standout for me.
Currently Reading:
Nothing
QoTW: Do you have any favorite author(s) whose writing you can be certain to enjoy and work as comfort reads for you?
I would go with Taylor Jenkins Reid and Kristin Hannah.
Britany wrote: "Finally feel like I'm getting back into a better routine here and we go back to office 3x a week starting the first week of September (why am I dreading it so much?) I used to go into the office all 5 days a week but since working remotely the last 4 years, this is something I am not at all looking forward to. ..."I'm in the same boat. We were fully remote for 2 years and praised for how our quantity and quality of work never dropped. Then, they made us going in 2 days a week. Now they are shifting to 3 days in September. It serves zero purpose. We have one team day where our entire team goes in, but the other one (or other two) everyone picks what suits their schedule and I drive downtown just to sit on Zoom calls during the day.
It doesn't matter that I used to do 5 days in the office. With the 2.5 hours I saved commuting, I started sleeping 1.5 hours more. And I devoted 30 minutes a day to reading. So, they are stealing my sleep time and reading time. So, I'm annoyed.
Finished reading Jurassic Park.It was a good book. 4-stars. I was annoyed with some characters, but I didn't like them in the movie either. They were worse in the book.
Still, despite it being very slow it was a good read and I loved the science.
Dubhease wrote: "I'm in the same boat. We were fully remote for 2 years and praised for how our quantity and quality of work never dropped. Then, they made us going in 2 days a week. Now they are shifting to 3 days in September. It serves zero purpose. We have one team day where our entire team goes in, but the other one (or other two) everyone picks what suits their schedule and I drive downtown just to sit on Zoom calls during the day.It doesn't matter that I used to do 5 days in the office. With the 2.5 hours I saved commuting, I started sleeping 1.5 hours more. And I devoted 30 minutes a day to reading. So, they are stealing my sleep time and reading time. So, I'm annoyed."
Completely agree - I know I'll get acclimated to it, and I should feel lucky that I can still do 2x a week, but the commuting and the exhaustion will be on a different level. I'm going to try to reinstate some boundaries - like leaving my laptop in the office or not logging back on once I'm home.
Here's a different view. For me, home is the place I don't work. It's a place where I can reload and relax. Working at home has really ruined that, so I was very happy when I could go back to the office. My commute is about 20 minutes (by car) or 50 minutes (by bike), so I know I'm lucky, but I also really need the commute to switch off.
Britany wrote: "Dubhease wrote: "I'm in the same boat. We were fully remote for 2 years and praised for how our quantity and quality of work never dropped. Then, they made us going in 2 days a week. Now they are s..."I agree. I lost my job last year and I had a bunch of interviews where they asked if I wanted dto be remote or work in the office and I alway ssaid at the office. My best friend works from home and she thinks I'm nuts. But, home is home and work is work and I don't want the two to meet on a regular basis. (If I had to work from home occasionally due to weather or illness, I wouldn't mind, just not all the time).
Mod
I fully understand!! I never thought I wanted to work from home, until we were all sent home, and I realized "I like this! I have so much more time in my day! I don't have to wear shoes! my dogs love having me home! I can make toast!" (we never had a toaster in the kitchenette at work, and sometimes you just want toast ...) So when the push started to come to go back to the office, I just ... didn't. Especially for the situation I had, my team was all in another state, what was the point in going into the office just to sit there alone? And then when I got laid off (hahah perhaps because I refused to go into the office! although that's not what they said) I couldn't bring myself to apply for jobs where I'd have to go into the office every day. So I've been unemployed for a long time now. But I think I just found a job that will be 100% remote, I just need to apply!
I loved working from home when the pandemic hit, but... I was definitely less productive. I was actually one of the first ones sent back to the office, but my office was a satellite office, so I was pretty much by myself anyway. Companies forcing people back to the office when remote work was just as productive is one of those things that really irritates me. If there weren't so many social issues going on right now that truly *terrifies* me, I'd be spending my advocacy efforts on letting people decide what works for them.
Nadine in NY wrote: "Britany wrote: "I was in a bit of a reading slump the last few weeks and really didn't have much to update on. I have been in Charlotte for a full month already, and spent 10 days of that in San Di..."The worst part about going back to work when schools reopened was...shoes! For 17 months I only had to wear proper shoes on the treadmill or hiking trail, with occasional flip flops to get groceries and such. Now its shoes every damn day...
The shoes!!! You're so right Denise - my feet blistered immediately when I pulled out the wedges I used to wear. It took 10 days for them to recover.Starting back tomorrow 3x a week - send positive vibes, I'm still rolling my eyes about it all!
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Jurassic Park (other topics)The Veins of the Ocean (other topics)
The Frozen River (other topics)
Crying in H Mart (other topics)
Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Michelle Zauner (other topics)Ariel Lawhon (other topics)
Patricia Engel (other topics)
Ali Hazelwood (other topics)
Ilona Andrews (other topics)
More...
Fortunately, Nadine reminded me this was THURSDAY!! And then I had to post this several times before ŷ worked! Yikes!!
My 40-mile drive from the gym last night ended up taking over 3 hours! You might be wondering how that could happen� I had a flat tire on the interstate, so pulled over and called AAA. Someone arrived 35 minutes later and worked for 25-30 minutes trying to get the wheel off and was ultimately unsuccessful� Neither he nor I had ever had that happen, so we were both flummoxed. I ended up having to wait another 1 ½ hours for a two truck to show up and haul both me and Myrtle home. *sigh* I am trying to decide what to do next! Geeminy! Life just gets too strange sometimes�
I trust you-all are having better days than me right now!
ADMIN STUFF:
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Tea Dragon Society (Tea Dragon #1) by Kay O'Neill!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that features dragons. National Lizard Day is August 14! I have posted some final questions HERE! I posted several more questions and am anxious to hear what other members think of this one! I adored it!
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson!!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #6 A book about pirates. Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19! John Baur and Mark Summers created this international day in 1995.
One of you must be the ”vivacious volunteer� needed to lead this discussion! Message either Nadine or myself to secure your spot!! Having never read this classic, I'm pumped to do so this year!
THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club #1) by Richard Osman!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #8 A book written by a blind or visually impaired author.
October is White Cane Awareness Month! White Cane Awareness Day is October 15!
THE NOVEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #39 A fiction book by a trans or nonbinary author
There are three finalists:
Light from Uncommon Stars
Nimona
One Last Stop
Vote HERE!! This poll will be active through Tuesday, August 27!!
The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
***
Question of the Week:
Do you have any favorite author(s) whose writing you can be certain to enjoy and work as comfort reads for you? Tell us about one, please!
One of my all-time favorite authors is Alexander McCall Smith. Two of his series are absolute favorites for me:
The No. 1 Ladies� Detective Agency
Isabel Dalhousie
2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 33/50
Around the Year (AtY): 50/52
Read Harder: 17/24
52 Book Club: 42/52
I’ve not had time to document other books read this week, so will work to catch up over the next couple of weeks from the I SPY readathon!!
FINISHED:
*Murder Past Due (Cat in the Stacks #1) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐� proved to be an excellent read and now I fully intend to read all in the series!! (It just missed being a 10-star read for me!) Adored the subtle humor throughout as well as the twists and turns in the mystery’s resolution!
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, #13
ATY: #3-A book with at least 247 pages (294), #11, #14-Azalea and Kesha, #15, #17, #24-Orange and Green, #25, #33, #36, #37, #48, #49, #52
RHC: #20, #23, #24-2015: prompt #6 A book written by someone whose gender is different from your own
52 Book Club: #4, #6, #14, #24, #32, #33, #43
CONTINUING:
*Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
*Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking has me thinking so very much that I have delayed reviewing it until I can finalize my thoughts�
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer
PLANNED:
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*11th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #11) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin