2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion
ARCHIVE 2017
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Joy's 52 in 2017
Completed January 7, 2017: Book 1 of 52Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission by Hampton Sides
Review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction
Mini-review: Describes a heroic rescue of Allied prisoners of the Japanese in the Philippines during WWII. Contains many graphic descriptions of brutalities, which were very difficult for me to read.
Completed January 14, 2017: Book 2 of 52The Muse by Jessie Burton
My Review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical fiction
Mini-review: Basically a mystery involving two time periods, London in 1967 and Spain in 1936, linked together by a painting, with enough twists not to be given away to soon.
Completed January 16, 2017: Book 3 of 52The Sugar Men by Ray Kingfisher
My Review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical Fiction
Mini-review: Engrossing story of a woman who survived the Holocaust as a prisoner in Bergen-Belsen who returns to Germany to confront her horrifically painful past. Quick read for those who enjoy historical fiction of WWII.
Completed January 20, 2017: Book 4 of 52The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro
My review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical fiction
Mini-review: A young female artist disappeared in 1940. Her niece, in current times, is trying to solve the mystery. I found the pacing uneven, and difficult to maintain interest.
Completed January 26, 2017: Book 5 of 52The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
My review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Romance
Mini-review: I thought this was historical fiction, but it is primarily a Christian romance. I was interested in finding out the various stories behind the wearers of the wedding dress, but found the characters to be rather one-dimensional.
Completed February 7, 2017: Book 6 of 52The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
My review (5 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Literary fiction
Mini-review: Basically about the psychology of loss and grief. Interesting plot. Memorable characters. Unexpected twists. Gives a glimpse of what it is like to live with PTSD.
Completed February 16, 2017: Book 7 of 52Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Mystery/thriller
Mini-review: Page-turner of a mystery/thriller. Not a happy story. The plot is intricately conceived and masterfully executed. Characters are mainly narcissists and sociopaths. Explores the dark side of human nature.
Completed February 20, 2017: Book 8 of 52Dancer by Colum McCann
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical fiction/biography
Mini-review: Biography of Rudolf Nureyev, covering his life from a small child in Russia to his decline in health due to AIDS. It does not pull punches, describing both his positive and negative personal traits. As a lover of the arts, I found it very interesting.
Completed March 3, 2017: Book 9 of 52America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: HIstorical fiction
Mini-review: Based on Martha "Patsy" Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson and their extended families. Transported me to a prior time and made me glad I didn't live back then. Loved the history part, didn't care for the interjected and surmised romance.
Completed March 12, 2017: Book 10 of 52Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
My review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction / biography
Mini-review: Covers the interesting life of Louis Zamperini, Olympic runner, with emphasis on his survival story during WWII. I found it very reliant on memory and wonder how many of Louie's personal anecdotes could be independently corroborated. Contains graphic violence.
Completed March 15, 2017: Book 11 of 52Daughters of the Dragon by William Andrews
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical fiction
Mini-review: Fictionalized life of a "comfort woman" (sex slave) to the Japanese military during WWII. Compelling read and learned more about Asian history, but was difficult to read about rape and battery of these women.
Completed March 17, 2017: Book 12 of 52Descent by Tim Johnston
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Mystery/thriller
Mini-review: Not your typical thriller. Girl goes missing and family members react to this traumatic event. Made me think about such things as randomness vs. design, good vs. evil, and the nature of heroism. The characters are well-developed and I cared what happened to them.
Completed March 19, 2017: Book 13 of 52In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction
Mini-review: Fascinating true story of the whale ship Essex, the inspiration behind the book Moby Dick, and what happens to the crew after the whale sinks their ship. It's an engrossing tale told well.
Completed March 25, 2017: Book 14 of 52My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
My review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical fiction
Mini-review: Story of a friendship between 2 girls in Naples in the 1950's and 1960's. For me, the downside was that it was rather dull and uninteresting. On the upside, the author has a fluid writing style that I enjoyed.
Completed March 28, 2017: Book 15 of 52The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
My review (5 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical fiction/Music
Mini-review: Told by Music, talented guitarist & singer Frankie Presto interacts with many of the notable names in music history. As the title suggests, contains elements of magic. Creative and powerful account of how music influences our lives.
Completed April 1, 2017: Book 16 of 52In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction
Mini-review: Interesting true story of the American ambassador to Germany just after Hitler became chancellor of Germany. The author has a knack for bringing history to life, showing why the Nazi agenda was largely ignored and shedding light on events occurring simultaneously in the United States.
Completed April 4, 2017: Book 17 of 52Eruption: The Untold Story of Mount St. Helens by Steve Olson
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction/natural disasters
Mini-review: Documents the scientific, ecological, political, and financial factors leading up to the volcanic eruption of Mount Saint Helens in 1980. Provides glimpses into the lives of victims. Learned a lot about the history of the Northwestern U.S.
Completed April 8, 2017: Book 18 of 52Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert by Patricia Cornwell
My review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction/True Crime
Mini-review: Attempt to use modern forensic methods to solve the notorious as Jack the Ripper case. The author makes a compelling case based on circumstantial evidence. A but disorganized and repetitive. Contains grisly details of murder scenes.
Completed April 14, 2017: Book 19 of 52The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
My review (5 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical fiction
Mini-review: An opera in the form of a novel. A beautifully written, sweeping epic. Plot is complex and intricately woven, filled with political intrigue, liaisons, and betrayal. Explores the timeless themes of freedom, fate and chance.
Completed April 20, 2017: Book 20 of 52Swing Time by Zadie Smith
My review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Literary fiction
Mini-review: Protagonist searches for her place in life, through a story focusing on her mother, a close friend, and her pop star employer. Beautifully written, giving a sense of time and place through vivid descriptions, but the story itself was not particularly engrossing and the character showed little growth.
Completed April 23, 2017: Book 21 of 52An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical fiction
Mini-review: Based on the true story of Dreyfus affair in France in the late 1890's. Riveting first part unravels the threads of the weak evidence, leading to conclude that Dreyfuss was innocent. Second part focuses on the fallout, which was interesting but not quite as engrossing.
Completed April 24, 2017: Book 22 of 52Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident by Donnie Eichar
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction/mystery
Mini-review: Author's attempt to figure out what happened to the 9 college students who died while hiking in the Ural mountains in 1959. Why did these experienced hikers abandon their tent at night in sub-zero temperatures without their boots and warm clothing? Riveting account, although it could have gone provided more information on why his ultimate resolution was best.
Completed April 25, 2017: Book 23 of 52The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
My review (2 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Mystery/Crime
Mini-review: Story about a college student assigned to write about the life of an older person. Subject is a convicted murderer. Interesting potential for character interactions that unfortunately devolved into a formulaic detective story. Contains graphic violence and rape scenes.
Completed April 26, 2017: Book 24 of 52The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction
Mini-review: True story of a man who left society behind to live in a tent in the woods of Maine for 27 years. Explores why he chose to do so and challenges he faced. Includes research on why people become reclusive. Ponders the nature of solitude, and how it is sought out by some and feared by others, which I found extremely interesting.
Wow, I'm impressed that you have reviews for everything! I'm making a goal for myself to write more reviews as I go along. Any books in particular that stood out to you the most so far?
Yes, Jennifer, I find it much easier to write the review as I go or else I'm sure I would forget :-)My top rated (5 stars) so far are:
The Goldfinch byDonna Tartt
The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
I think I'll start including the star rating and a brief summary of my thoughts for each.
Joy D wrote: "I think I'll start including the star rating and a brief summary of my thoughts for each."That's really kind of you! I've appreciated and enjoyed your reviews so far. Thanks for making my TBR list even longer. :D
Thanks, Nik. I went back and included the stars and a mini-review. I'm glad to know my reviews are being read. Thanks!
Completed April 29, 2017: Book 25 of 52The Midnight Watch: A Novel of the Titanic and the Californian by David Dyer
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Historical Fiction
Mini-review: This book is the author's explanation, based on research, of why the Californian (the closest ship) did not go to the Titanic's aid. I enjoyed reading the history, but didn't care as much for the fictional reporter. The focus is the Californian, so if you're looking for Leonardo and Kate, this is not it .
Completed May 2, 2017: Book 26 of 52Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Joan Druett
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Non-fiction
Mini-review: This book is the true story of two shipwrecks on the Auckland Islands in the mid-1860’s. In addition to what happened to these crews, it a lesson on the importance of ingenuity, teamwork, and leadership. I found it an amazing account of little known events in maritime history.
Completed May 3, 2017: Book 27 of 52Identity Crisis: A Mystery with More Twists and Turns Than an Old Country Road by H. E. Rodda
My review (1 star):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Genre: Mystery
Mini review: I thought this was going to be an updated version or retelling of The Prince and The Pauper. It wasn't. It contained crudeness, vulgarity, unbelievable situations, thin characters, a plethora of convenient plot devices, clichés, misogyny, stereotypes, and a lack of adequate proofreading.
Completed May 4, 2017: Book 28 of 52The Chosen One https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... by Rafael Shamay https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Genre: Fantasy/Mystery
My review (1 star):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: The concept is intriguing. Unfortunately, it was almost unreadable. It switches randomly between present tense and past tense, contains many awkward phrases, and has not been formatted correctly. I cannot recommend it in the present state.
Completed May 6, 2017: Book 29 of 52The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story by Douglas Preston
Genre: Non-fiction
My review (4 stars): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: First hand account of a team that locates the legendary White City. The jungle come to life in the author's narrative. Contains elements of archeology, science, and mystery. A few dry parts but overall, I found it interesting and compelling.
Completed: May 8, 2017: Book 30 of 52The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann
Genre: Non-fiction
My review (4 stars): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
Mini-review: The author follows the path of Percy Fawcett Harrison, an explorer seeking El Dorado (code named "Z") in 1925, whose party disappeared in the Amazon. Combines history, geography, and mystery, along with the many perils of the jungle. I found this true, well-researched tale of adventure both intriguing and educational.
Completed May 12, 2017: Book 31 of 52Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson
Genre: Non-fiction
Shelves: Adventure, Exploration, Mysteries, WWII
My review (4 stars): (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: Conveys, in vivid detail, what it is like to deep sea dive into a shipwreck. Full of adventure, exploration, historical research, and a slowly-building mystery. Two chapters were diverted from the divers' search, and I found my attention wandering. Other than minor issues, I was riveted. Contains a great deal of crude language which may be offensive to some.
Completed May 14, 2017: Book 32 of 52All the Things We Never Knew: Chasing the Chaos of Mental Illness by Sheila Hamilton
Genre: Non-fiction
Shelves: Memoir, Psychology
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Mini-review: It is the author's goal to educate and help others spot the indicators of bi-polar disorder. It must have been painful to write such a book and I applaud the author for attempting to de-stigmatize mental illness, and help people get the assistance they need. Contains triggers for suicide and infidelity.
Recommended to: Those who are living with someone with bi-polar disorder (or suspect it), and to those interested in brain science or mental health issues
Completed May 17, 2017: Book 33 of 52The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain
Genre: Historical Fiction
Shelves: Europe, Friendship, Music, WWII
My review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: This book takes the form of a sonata in a 3-parts. It follows two friends, Gustav and Anton, from age 5 to about age 60. From my perspective, it lacked action, and the primary character was a bit dull. I enjoyed the author's fluid writing style.
Recommended to: those who enjoy stories about relationships
You're off to a great start Joy :) I really enjoy reading your thoughts and reviews and appreciate that you've added a "genre" :)
Keep it up. Happy reading :)
Thanks, Lisa! Happy reading to you as well
Completed May 24, 2017: Book 34 of 52The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan by Robert Kanigel
Genre: Non-fiction
Shelves: Biography, Brain-related, Mathematics
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: Biography of S. Ramanujan and, to a lesser extent, Trinity College professor G.H. Hardy. Covers their collaboration, which advanced the field of mathematics, but proved disastrous to Ramanujan’s health. Brought to my attention a genius who overcame significant barriers. A bit repetitive, with unnecessary levels of detail, and possibly inaccessible to a person not well-versed in math.
Recommended to: Those interested in the history of mathematics and biographies of geniuses.
Completed May 26, 2017: Book 35 of 52A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Genre: Historical Fiction
Shelves: Europe, Literary Fiction, Russia
My Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Mini-review: Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest to be served in Moscow's Metropol Hotel. Wonderfully well-written and engrossing novel, full of memorable characters, a well-developed storyline, and an infusion of philosophical observations. Contains just enough Russian history and politics.
Recommended to: Those interested in historical fiction, literary fiction, Russian history, philosophy, and interpersonal relationships.
Completed May 31, 2017: Book 36 of 52The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Genre: Non-fiction
Shelves; Adventure, Exploration, Extreme Cold
My Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Mini-review: Account of Scott’s Second Antarctic Expedition written by one of the participants. Immerses the reader into what it was like to be an Antarctic explorer during the early 1900s. Very detailed & lengthy. Numerous formatting issues in the Kindle edition. Photos referenced but not included.
Recommended to: Those who enjoy detailed first hand accounts of explorations
Favorite quote: “Polar exploration is at once the cleanest and most isolated way of having a bad time which has been devised”
Completed June 2, 2017: Book 37 of 52Imagine Me Gone by Adam Haslett
Genre: Literary Fiction
Shelves: Family dynamics, Psychology
My review (4 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: Well-written, traumatic story of a family dealing with mental illness, told from 5 five perspectives. Well-drawn, realistic characters. Each voice distinct. Filled with regret, guilt, sadness, and turmoil. Contains triggers for depression, anxiety, panic attacks and suicidal tendencies.
Recommended to: Those interested in the psychology of mental illness and related family dynamics (and do not mind a great deal of sadness/tragedy)
Quote: “His shadow seemed darker than no light at all, because when there was no light there was nothing to compare the darkness to.”
Completed June 4, 2017: Book 38 of 52The Pitch That Killed by Mike Sowell
Genre: Non-fiction
Shelves: North America, Sports
My review (3 stars):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: Story of the tragic death of Ray Chapman after being hit in the head by a pitch thrown by Carl Mays, as well as the 1920 pennant race. Included interesting differences between baseball past and present. A straight-forward telling of what happened and not much of a personal connection. Didn’t care for the style of the author, which is an individual taste.
Recommended to: Those who enjoy detailed stories of the history of baseball
Completed June 6, 2017: Book 39 of 52Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
Genre: Non-fiction
Shelf: Biography
My review (2 stars): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: Attempts to set the record straight regarding the life of Cleopatra, portraying her as a capable, smart leader as opposed to a manipulative vixen. Includes an inordinate amount of detail, much of it only peripherally related to Cleopatra. Inferences were made without much in the way of explanation, causing me to doubt whether her conclusions were valid. I found it a chore to read and almost didn’t finish it.
Recommended to: I cannot recommend it but if you think it could be to your taste, you may want to borrow rather than buy it.
Completed June 8, 2017: Book 40 of 52Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Genre: Historical fiction
Shelf: North America
My review (4 stars): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: Tells of Willie Lincoln's death during the American Civil War. Willie's spirit gets stuck between life and death. Format is unusual and not for everyone. Chapters contain quotations from actual articles or ghostly characters speaking. Very creative style. Provided ideas on acceptance, letting go, slavery, freedom, and change.
Recommended to: Readers of historical fiction that are open to unusual formatting
Completed June 12, 2017: Book 41 of 52Alone on the Ice: The Greatest Survival Story in the History of Exploration by David Roberts
Genre: Non-fiction
Shelves: Adventure, Biography, Exploration, Extreme Cold, Survival
My review (4 stars): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: True story of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE), led by Douglas Mawson, a key contributor to the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration that is not as well-known as others of the era. Covers Mawson’s miraculous survival in the wake of the death of his two companions and a great deal more, including the background and context of the expedition. Very enjoyable reading.
Recommended to: Readers interested in survival stories and the history of polar exploration.
Completed June 14, 2017: Book 42 of 52Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him by Luis Carlos Montalván
Genre: Non-fiction
Shelves: Animals, Memoir, Politics, Psychology, War
My review (4 stars): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: Author returned from 2 tours in Iraq suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), agoraphobia, and physical issues. Tells how he found healing in a service dog named Tuesday. Lots of info on training of service dogs, war in Iraq, and PTSD. Not for young children due to war-related violent content. Good amount of repetition. Overall, a positive story about how animals can soothe emotional scars and improve the quality of life for people living with physical or psychological disabilities.
Recommended to: Those interested in bonds between humans and animals, the psychological impact of war on veterans, and training of service dogs.
Completed June 16, 2017: Book 43 of 52Human Acts by Han Kang
Genre: Historical Fiction
Shelves: Asia, Group Reads, Literary Fiction
My review (4 stars): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mini-review: Important testament to the 1980 Gwangju Uprising in South Korea. Portrays the military's brutal suppression of a student uprising. Includes graphic violence. Touches on universal themes using an eloquent, fluid style. Employs variety of perspectives, and narrative jumps quickly from one topic to the next. Superbly written and memorable. Not an easy to read due to the horrific subject matter, but an important story that needed to be told.
Recommended to: Readers of historical fiction and non-fiction
2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Child Finder (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Nicole Krauss (other topics)Gabrielle Zevin (other topics)
Gabrielle Zevin (other topics)
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Update: As of July 24, 2017, I have completed the challenge.
2017 Year-end Stats (as of 12/31/17)
110 - Books Read
41,421 - Pages Read
Genre
40 - Non-Fiction
35 - Historical Fiction
21- Contemporary Fiction
4 - Science Fiction
10 - Literary Fiction
By Total Pages:
2 - <200
75 - 201-400
29 - 401-600
4 - 601-800
0 - 800+0
By Stars:
5 - 11
4 - 60
3 - 33
2 - 4
1 - 2
By Author:
59 - Male
49 - Female
2 - Multiple/Other
Top 23:
1. The Nix by Nathan Hill
2. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
3. The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee
4. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
5. Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford
6. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
7. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
8. Remember Ben Clayton by Stephen Harrigan
9. The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
10. The Ice House by Laura Lee Smith
11. News of the World by Paulette Jiles
12. Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
13. The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
14. The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn
15. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
16. The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld
17. Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland
18. Charlatan: America's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam by Pope Brock
19. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
20. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
21. Time and Again by Jack Finney
22. The Race for Timbuktu: In Search of Africa's City of Gold by Frank T. Kryza
23. Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival by Peter Starkle to read one per week.