Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2018 Weekly Checkins
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Week 51: 12/13 - 12/20
Question of the WeekWhich 2019 challenge category do you think you'll read first?
I'm also really excited about the "choose your own adventure" prompt as I've never read anything like that before, and it sounds like a lot of fun. But my first book will probably be the January Read. I've also never joined in with the monthly reads before, so looking forward to that too!
Hello. Another mixed week here. Meant to be the wet season and hasn't rained at all so is feeling more like the build-up than the wet. I am dreading Christmas and can't wait for it to be over and hopefully to have survived it. First one without a furbaby in 15 years.
This week I finished 3 books.
Dying to Tell Me by Sherryl Clark which was a pleasant surprise and my favourite of the week
The Folk of The Faraway Tree which I had not read since I was a little kid and was perfect for the mood I was in that day.
How The Brain Works which was one I had been attempting to finish all year and was my last for A to Z based on the cover item. The pictures were nice so I gave it 1* the psych was out of date and at times just plain wrong eg confusing psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives. It also promoted Prozac through most of the book which makes me think there may have been sponsorship somewhere. Prozac has its time and place but can't fix everything.
Currently reading
I am Malala
Why We Sleep
and The Australian Book of Disasters
I'd like to finish all 3 by the end of the year as I have been trying to for 2 months but just can't focus.
QOTW
I am probably looking forward to the same as Nadine but doubt I will have a copy by then as the library doesn't have it so I will have to buy it online when I have the cash.
I'll probably start with Dracul since I started it waiting at the doctors a month or so ago, realised it fitted the Abbey prompt and put it to one side so I could read most of it next year.
I'm not planning my reading so much this time as life is very uncertain right now and I don't even know what is happening next week or tomorrow. If I plan and can't stick to it I will be frustrated so until my friend is OK, I'm not planning. Friends are more important.
Nadine, Life of Pi is actually pretty good if you just go with it. Not the best I've ever read but certainly not anywhere near the worst. There are moments where I wondered what the author had been taking though.
QOTW: I'm going to read my reread of a favorite, David Copperfiedl. The reason is that while on vacation, I'm going to rad a Christmas book or 2 and finish the Destiny and Power (best biography I've ever read, btw), and then start on the challenge, so I need a long book to make sure I don't finish before the first. Yep I'm cheating. Send the reading challenge police after me.
Good evening from the Beach. I think we’re getting your wet season over here Jen. My home town of Lithgow (Mountains house) has had a few massive storms over the last couple of days with a lot of localised flooding and the one this afternoon was particularly destructive. Quite a few buildings lost their roof and a number of trees were blown down. We’ve had some big storms here every night too. One just went through actually. The farm and the Outback houses have been similarly hit. A bit of rain is fine. It’s when the wind gets nasty and the hail stones are the size of golf balls that it starts getting ridiculous. I’m not looking forwards to Christmas by any means. This year just feels like a burden. It’s all just getting too hard. We only have our daughter home this year.
This week I have been so tired and have only finished one book and one short story.
Wundersmith by Jessica Townsend (hardcover) brilliant second instalment of the series featuring Morrigan Crow. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Future of Work: Compulsory by Martha Wells (on line) a short Murderbot prequel. I love Murderbot.
Currently reading
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. (Paperback) Started this today to try and knock over the True Crime prompt.
The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells (iPad) started this on the plane on the way back from Italy but haven’t finished it yet.
And a number of others that I’ll get around to finishing.
QOTW
No idea actually. I haven’t even looked at it.
Good morning from a dreary Columbus. It’s been pretty warm the last few days but snow is forecasted for Christmas this year! I don’t have high hopes, if anything it’ll be some gloppy wet snow and just end up muddy. We NEVER get white Christmases. Oh well, maybe one of these years we’ll go get a cabin somewhere snowy for the holiday. Frankenstein not for the challenge. I put holds on this and Dracula hoping I’d get them for around Halloween but that didn’t work out lol. Just like Dracula, I enjoyed reading this classic. It was not at all what I imagined it would be and even with being so familiar with pop culture Frankenstein, the book was fresh material. I ended up reading up on Mary Shelley and just her Wikipedia biography was enough to exhaust me. I don’t know if I could make it through any actual biography of hers. Sis had an eventful and seemingly stressful life. That said, I probably will read a biography and end up regretting it because of who I am as a person.
Double Dexter not for the challenge, I’m working my way through the Dexter books and I just started rewatching the series. The series was my jaaaaam even though the last few seasons were pretty ridiculous. These books aren’t *amazing* but they are entertaining. Dexter is very funny and is interactions with Doakes crack me up. I’m currently reading #7 and am very disappointed in the lack of Doakes presence.
The Dinner List this was one of my book of the month picks. I saw Audrey Hepburn in the description and that was all I needed to pick it. I feel like I keep seeing people say they didn’t like this book, and while I realize I have no ability to be critical of practically anything, I really enjoyed this short book. It’s based on the premise, “If you could invite any five people—dead or alive—to dinner, who would you choose?”. For Sabrina’s 30th birthday, she shows up to her celebratory dinner to see that her list has come to dinner. Her best friend, admired professor, absent father, Audrey Hepburn, and the love of her life. The book goes between flashbacks of her relationship and the events at dinner. She’s basically making peace with her past and letting go so she can move on. I thought it was melancholy and sweet. Brief, but enough depth to tug at your heartstrings.
Marina my final pick for bookriot’s challenge! I was really in awe of how beautifully this book was written. I looooove gothic tales and this did not disappoint. Set in Barcelona, 15 year old Oscar meets mysterious Marina and together they uncover a very creepy mystery. Graveyards, tragedy, love, and horror all come to play in this book. I immediately put many more of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s books on hold because I enjoyed Marina so much.
Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn did I mention that I love Audrey Hepburn? I know it’s the most stereotypical basic white girl thing to admit but yes, I unashamedly love anything to do with Audrey Hepburn. And yes, I read this book while wearing Ugg boots and leggings, and drinking my Starbucks peppermint mocha. I’ve read so many books about her and this was another to add to that collection. Nothing new here, but I think the author had some background in theater and film because he included a lot of analysis on the movies she was in and her roles. I also wouldn’t be at all surprised to find out he’s a practicing Catholic with the reverent way he wrote about A Nun’s Story. I can see he wrote many biographies of big names in classic film so I will be sure to check out his other works.
So I’m still at 39/40; 9/10 for popsugar and I finally finished bookriot, 24/24! 203 books read this year!
QOTW: I alwags start at the top/whatever holds checkout first. There are many books I’m very excited for though.
Good afternoon. Not much to report this week. I'm reading three books at the moment so none of them are going quickly but at least two of them will be finished by the end of the year (I'm not expecting to finish War and Peace soon!)Currently reading
War and Peace
The Green Road - I didn't realise how much I was going to absolutely love this
Circe - I need to get a move on with this to catch up with the group read
QOTW
I think I will probably start with the puzzle prompt as that book is the only group read that I am interested in so far. Hopefully it will become available from the library in time. Interestingly in the UK the title is The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. I don't know why she gets an extra half a death in the US!
Finished:Captain Marvel, Volume 1: Higher, Further, Faster, More
The Royal Wedding: A Short Romance
Captain Marvel, Volume 2: Stay Fly
Clara's Soldier: A Retelling of the Nutcracker by Brittany Fichter
All my above reads were on my kindle app.
Short stories I read from the Literary Advent Calendar:
The First Christmas of New England
A Kidnapped Santa Claus
Last week I didn't mention the short stories:
The Gift of the Magi - reread
The Burglar's Christmas
A Worn Path
Currently reading:
A Court of Mist and Fury
QOTW:
I'm not sure.
I'm off work this week but that hasn't really translated into more reading. We've had some very wet weather so dog walks have turned into a muddy experience, even short ones "round the block". It's sunny today, though the sun is so low I can't really see where I'm going! Hoping to have a walk round town later to see everyone's xmas lights, as it's been too rainy to do this earlier.I finished How Long 'til Black Future Month?, lots of great stories and recommend if you like SFF short stories.
I'm still listening to The Silent Companions as I haven't had my usual 2 hour listen a day on my commute. I did listen to a bit today but this is likely to stretch over the whole holiday.
I started Kingdom of Ash today so that should also keep me going a while.
QOTW:
It's quite likely to be a book published in 2019 just because I have had a pile of review copies come in. I can't really say what I'll feel like reading in advance.
Jess wrote: "Interestingly in the UK the title is The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. I don't know why she gets an extra half a death in the US!"It was to avoid confusion with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, though I don't see how adding half a death really helps if people are that easily confused! There's even a book called The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna coming out next year. I think I spot the next big title trend...
Nadine, winter solstice is one of my favorite days also because it means the days start getting longer again. I always thought I was weird.This was my first full week challenge free. I still read a lot. I thought I would watch more Netflix.
Finished:
Black Order Not my usual type of book, but I started reading the series on my husband's recommendation.
Uprooted I didn't love this book as much as I expected to, but I still liked it a lot.
One Day in December came in at just the right time to be a seasonal read. It was nothing special, but also no stress. I read it in 2 days.
The Boy in the Suitcase Previewing some Nordic Noir for next year's Scandinavia challenge. Plus I just like Nordic Noir.
Currently reading:
Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened I went to the library looking for some graphic novels. Their collection is very poor, so this is what I ended up with.
Bury Your Dead in paperback. I normally read on Kindle, but there was a hold for this and I have the book.
Nine Perfect Strangers Reading this in bed on my Kindle, so I don't have to turn on the light.
Meet Me at the Museum An audiobook that's only six hours, so I should be done with it quickly.
QOTW:
Probably The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle since I have it on my Kindle waiting for me, so I can join in the group read, although it may not end up being for the same prompt. I have a lot of good books waiting on my Kindle. I have been hoarding them for the 2019 challenges, and have the wifi off on my Kindle. I have other books coming in in the meantime, but I have 3 Kindles, there's even a very old fourth one if I get desperate.
Nadine wrote: "Happy Thursday, on Winter Solstice Eve!..."Really?? Yay!! I was just wondering yesterday and meaning to look up when Winter Solstice is. It is SO dark around here, LOL. Kiddos are getting home from school and its nighttime. I am so tired.
Nothing to report. Still haven't finished a thing. I picked up His Majesty's Dragon again last night and managed another 25 pages. I should probably move on to Force of Nature, which I think will be a quicker read. Its my last book to finish ATY. And the rest of this Temeraire book. I am just struggling with it :/
QOTW: I have so many challenges planned I don't even know where to start. I always concentrate on ATY as my main challenge. Book Riot isn't grabbing me this year. I'm having difficulty with one category in particular. I think I may just pick and choose the books I'm most excited from each of the challenges and not worry about finishing this coming year...so sort of do the challenges, but not really?? Theres so many books I want to read, but I just haven't felt like reading lately. Also, I have to figure out whats available from my library because I chose a ton of books for next year that I don't even own. Way to go chipping away at the old TBR!!!!
This week I didn't really know what I wanted to read, so I have been trying to finish some books that I received as giveaways, knowing that that they were not in my reading plans for next year.Finished:
Relic of the Damned!: Short, quick, and fun. Not a great book, but it was good and over before I knew it.
Comorbidity: Expressions of Love: This was my first book of poems, I must say that I was not a fan of this one. Hopefully next time it will be better. One thing that bothered me about this book, is there was no capitalization.
The Nephilim Called Hane: Not my usually choice, but not bad. I did not like the ending.
Big Mushy Happy Lump: I really enjoyed this one.
Currently Reading:
Wisconsin Vamp: Still meh. I am reading this for an Advert Calendar, so I am reading 2 chapters a day. At this point I just want to finish.
The Tao of Pooh: Ok
Cleaning is Murder: Cozy mystery type (if cleaning is cozy). So far good.
QOTW:
I am planing on reading the ATY challenge in kind of order, so according to the plan, "a book recommended by a celebrity" will be first. I am going to read The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
Hi All!I can't believe we are so close to the end of the year! We had guests most of last week so the majority of my days this week were filled with visiting and entertaining them. They were our last set of visitors for the year so I'm anticipating a lot of reading for the next two weeks.
This week I finally finished off Jackaby, which was a bit of a struggle for me to keep interested. As luck would have it, I managed to find it on audio when I was about halfway through and that helped me knock this one out. I was glad I finished it but it really only got 2 stars from me at the end.
When I finished Jackaby I was able to move onto The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row which Lauren recommended to me. I wasn't nearly as invested in the beginning of the book as I eventually was once he got into prison. Holy moly. I must have cried 6 different times while reading this book. Ray Hinton really has a way with words. He had me crying away even at the death of a KKK member (which is something I never saw coming). I can't imagine myself being so compassionate if I went through the same thing.
Question of the Week
Which 2019 challenge category do you think you'll read first?
It's officially getting to that point where I really want to start knocking out books for the challenge again. I got a little overzealous at the library and came home with 8 books, all of which would probably work for some prompt or another. I don't think I can wait 2 weeks though.
If I had to choose something off the list that I'd like to finish first ignoring all of the book I just brought home (they would knock off the easier prompts) then I think I'd like to tackle Cli-fi. This is the one I think is going to place me in my least liked genre of dystopian settings. Might be nice to strike off the one I'm dreading the most and an advanced prompt first.
It's been an exhausting week... preparing for family to descend upon the house this weekend, plus Christmas prep on top of it. Looking forward to a day when I can finally just get some sleep (or at least some uninterrupted reading time).Finished a handful of YA/kids books this week:
Inkling -- the premise is adorable, and if you're a graphic novel fan you might enjoy this. (view spoiler)
The Third Mushroom -- sequel to The Fourteenth Goldfish, and just as cute and fun.
Saving Winslow -- not as good as it could have been, but still a sweet little book. Also, miniature donkeys!
Creature Tech -- graphic novel. I like Doug TenNepal's work, and even if this one gets a little preachy at times it was still a wild and enjoyable ride.
Currently Reading:
Sewer, Gas and Electric: The Public Works Trilogy -- I picked the wrong time of year to pick up a complicated 450-page book with dense type. But I'm halfway through and gonna power through this thing...
Neverwhere
QOTW:
I think I'm actually going to pick an advanced prompt to start off -- "read a book in the season it's set in" -- because I'm really looking forward to the book I picked for it (The Blue Fox). Off the regular list, probably "book with over a million Goodreads ratings," because it's about time I read The Book Thief.
Kenya wrote: "It's been an exhausting week... preparing for family to descend upon the house this weekend, plus Christmas prep on top of it. Looking forward to a day when I can finally just get some sleep (or at..."Kenya, the audiobook of The Book Thief is excellent, if you do audiobooks.
I finished the Pop Sugar Challenge this week, all 50 prompts (52 books because I did all 3 years for the prompt about a previous year's challenge). Very excited to also be finished with my goal of 150 books read this year!3 books this week:
Walking Between The Raindrops by Paul and Mary Roland - really good nonfiction memoir on the ordeal and aftereffects of a kidnapping, used for the prompt of a weather element in the title
Wynter's Bride by Christine Sterling - romance novella, good character development for the size of the book
Provoke by Olivia Ryann - romance novella, disappointed that the hook in the book description doesn't even take place in this book, and based on where it left off I wonder if it's like those movie trailers where they cut a scene from the movie but leave it in the preview
I still have a few more challenges I'm trying to finish before the end of the year, but it's a long shot on those. I'm very happy with where I'm at, though, I always overreach.
QOTW: I always like the first book of the year to be something amazing, so I'm thinking about starting with "A book you meant to read in 2018." I have several on my shelves that I've been anticipating, and I think would be perfect as the first book of the new year.
Hello from an unseasonably warm Omaha, Nebraska. I have discovered the dark is not quit as bad when it isn't freezing outside. Still, I am very much looking forward to longer days again.This week has been an incredibly slow reading week. I think the problem is Circe. I waited and waited for this book. I really looked forward to it. Now I will do anything not to have to read it. What is wrong with me that I can't appreciate this book that everyone likes? I have avoided it for the past three days, after four days of reading and trying to like it, so I have decided to let this one go.
I did read Sneak Thief and really enjoyed it. This is a middle grade reader and it was done well. A little bit of a rosy way to solve the problem, but absolutely appropriate for this age group.
QOTW: I am not sure what my very first book will be, that depends on the book haul I make at Christmas (I think three of my kiddos bought me books! Hooray!). Lined up on my Kindle I have a LitRPG book that I am tempted to start with immediately just to get that prompt out of the way.
Happy Reading!
I didn't finish any books this week. My audiobook was longer than my drive on Sunday, and now that I'm home for Christmas, there are lots of people to see and things to do with them. Reading
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey
QOTW
I hadn't really thought about which prompt I'll read first. I usually think about which book I want to read next. I'll probably read Murder in Mesopotamia on New Years Day since I have that on my shelf at home, and I've wanted to read it for awhile. Maybe that's my "meant to read in 2018" book.
Hello all. Trying to read a several fat books at once, which is resulting in me finishing only one this week (and that was an audio I could listen to on my commute).Finished:
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall- loved it! I should probably stop constantly being amazed at how good classics are- if they stuck around this long, there's probably a reason for it!
Currently reading:
Red Seas Under Red Skies
A Dragon of a Different Color
The Arabian Nights
QOTW:
I've been a bit too ambitious with the piles of books I've brought home from the library (there's no way I'll read them all before the year's end), so I'll probably do first whatever categories these books will fit into.
9. A book you meant to read in 2018- Dead I Well May Be, A Concise History of Ireland, or any of the below
19. A book told by multiple POVs- The Black Lung Captain
20. A book set in space- Nyxia
40. A favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Challenge (2018 The next book in a series you've already started)- In the Galway Silence
I only finished one book - The Boy Is Back. This isn't a challenge read but it does conclude the Boy Series which is always a goal of mine (to finish up series).Currently reading two.
~ Listening to Grey. I was making good progress but then I had to unexpectedly take two days off of work for illness and I lost my listening time during my commute to work.
~Reading Saints for All Occasions. I've tried many of books for the ancestry category and this is the only one I have stuck with. However, there is a nun as a main character and I did contemplate putting it aside to use for the next year challenge but since I've already struggled enough I'm just going to read it now.
Still wanted to read two other books for my goodreads challenge but as the days of the year dwindle down this is becoming more and more unrealistic with lots of Holiday commitments coming up. But I'm not giving up yet - I'll have to read 100 pages per day from now till the end of the year to make it and I tried to pick two contemporary books that I can fly through.
QOTW Really not sure what I'll start with. I've been so consumed with finishing up this years reading goals that I haven't really put much effort in to next. Especially with working with library loans - not sure what will be available to me right away. Can't wait though. After spending a year with this list I'm ready for a fresh start.
Last check-in before Christmas! And I am far from ready for the big event...I read one book this week, and have nearly completed my reading list for 2019's challenges (PS, ATY and Reading Women. I decided not to try Read Harder!).
I read The Female Persuasion, which I was looking forward to as the subjects of feminism, finding your place in the world and female friendships all appeal to me. I've read Meg Wolitzer before and remember enjoying it, and I heard good things about this. And it was nice. I can't say anything more passionate than that though, as it all felt a bit bland. A bit safe. Which is funny, because I thought the character of Greer was named after (the problematic and quite frankly vile) Germaine Greer, and so was expecting some feist and controversy to her character. But none of the characters have that, they're all very plain. The story unfolds nicely (that word again) and does have some dramatic moments, but the feminist content doesn't exactly push the envelope and I just wanted something richer. Still, it was a good story about female relationships if nothing else, and I do enjoy Wolitzer's writing. Enjoy this for what it is, but don't expect a rally cry why you're at it.
Which 2019 challenge category do you think you'll read first?
I'm using PS as my main challenge and then slotting my choices in to ATY/RW as much as possible. I do have some books which don't cross between the challenges though, and I'm going to try and read in ATY order so my first two actually don't fit any PS prompts. My 3rd read of the year will be my first PS, to fit the prompt A book by two female authors.
I'm excited for the solstice as well! So sick of it being dark by late afternoon.This week I finished The Overstory which I enjoyed more than I expected to. I wasn't quite sure what to expect based on the description but it came recommended it has definitely opened my eyes to how important trees are to our world. I kind of wish it was nicer weather so I can commune with nature more!
I also read Burial Rites which was beautifully written and often heartbreaking. I couldn't help draw comparisons to Alias Grace but the characters and stories were quite different.
Finally, I read A Christmas Carol for the first time! It was lovely to finally read the iconic story that inspired so many adaptations.
I'm currently listening to Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly which is excellent. I was a fan of his cooking and his show so I'm glad to be hearing this in his voice. I originally planned to wait until January for this (to use for the food prompt in the ATY challenge) but since I have several other options for that category, I jumped on it when it became available.
Also reading Lord of the Flies, another book I'm glad to finally be reading and Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders.
Question of the Week
Which 2019 challenge category do you think you'll read first?
I honestly don't know but it looks like my hold on Kafka on the Shore will become available right before New Year's so I may go with that. I just need to figure out which prompt to use it for.
I have literally 75 minutes left in one audiobook to finish the Popsugar Challenge, and I am in such a hardcore reading slump that I CAN'T MAKE MYSELF FINISH IT, even though I like it!So that's where I am.
Happy check-in! I only have one and a half days of work left. After Friday I am off until after new years! I so need this break. I am hoping to have lots of reading time over the next two-ish weeks.I finished one book this week:
Snowflakes Over Holly Cove - it was a cute story. Girl runs away from the city to recharge her batteries. Girl meets grouchy boy who ends up not really being grouchy. Girl gets mixed up in small town life and family drama. Happy endings all around :)
Currently reading:
A Breath of Snow and Ashes - working my way through this reread on audio.
Scythe - I was planning to read this in 2019, but it was available at the library so I'm jumping in now!
QOTW
I will probably read The Woman in the Window first since it's looking likely that my book club will be choosing it for January. That would be the "book becoming a movie in 2019" prompt. Much can change between now and January though!
Anne wrote: "Hello from an unseasonably warm Omaha, Nebraska. I have discovered the dark is not quit as bad when it isn't freezing outside. Still, I am very much looking forward to longer days again.This week..."
I felt the same about Circe. It really didn't grab me at the start and I didn't know what was wrong as it's loved my many and the type of book I normally love. But now I'm 20% through and I suddenly can't put it down. So maybe it just takes a bit of time to get going.
Mod
Completed PromptsThe next book in a series you started: Cherry Ames, Senior Nurse is the second book in the series that I started.
A book by two authors: I read The Royal We for this challenge. I just recently read The Heir and the Spare which was almost exactly the same book. I think I preferred that one - a little more mystery and intrigue.
On my nightstand:
I have 3 prompts left to finish the challenge.
A book about death or grief - I am going to read The Thing About Jellyfish.
A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place - A patient of mine was reading Johnny Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, the American Story at our office. I have started and will hopefully finish over the holidays.
A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym - My last prompt and I have nothing for it. I will see what I can get at the library if I have time. I think this will be the one that I can't complete.
Question of the Week
I was going to try to go in order this year. But I decided that won't work because inevitably I read a book and then move it to another prompt if I find something else. so I think I will start with:
A book with at last one million ratings on Goodreads: I am going to read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for this. I have NEVER read it, and my kids have a copy of it at home, so it is easily accessible for a quick start in the new year.
A book with a plant in the title or on the cover: I am going to read The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck. I've aleady ordered it and received it so I can't wait to read it.
A reread of a favorite book: I have already started rereading Coming Home as it is a looooong book. We will be well into the new year by the time I finish so I am going to count it.
I finished 1 more book this week and have 1 remaining in the 2018 challenge.Read:
Diamonds & Dirt: A Small-Town Cozy Mystery Romance - for the published in 2018 prompt. It was really good, and I needed a feel-good story last week & this week. The stress of helping students pass their classes was really getting to me and it was nice to relax and read a happier book.
Working on:
Harry Watt Bounty Hunter for the another planet prompt. It's not bad so far, and I'm determined to finish the challenge so I will finish it in the next week!
QOTW: I will probably start with a book written by a musician. My husband loves country music and my parents got him the latest Garth Brooks Anthology book, plus I got him the new book by Charlie Daniels. I'll be swiping at least one of those to read early in the new year. :)
Hi everyone!Books I read this week: 6 total
The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter LOVED this one! 5 stars for me
The Christmas Pearl kind of cheesy but cute for Christmas and I knew it would probably be that way
One Day in December such a perfect meet cute kind of book for the holidays. Had to go with 4 stars but overall really enjoyed it!
Snow in Love really didn’t love any of the stories but 1...but I’m usually not a fan of short stories.
The Christmas Train 2 stars and honestly either I was over the Hallmarks channel Christmas stories or this one just wasn’t for me..
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue So torn here because i LOVED the beginning. Middle was awful and the ending was great so overall just 3 stars.
Currently reading: Without Merit and not my favorite Colleen Hoover book so far but just started so that may change.
Question of the Week
Which 2019 challenge category do you think you'll read first?
I’m going to try to simplify my TBR this coming year by making things work IN the week we are in so I don’t forget to check in, and I am so excited about the Group book, The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and planning to start with The Woman in the Window
I only finished three books this week. Meg Wolitzer's The Wife was the best of them. I thought John Grisham's Skipping Christmas was uneven and I thought the ending was a copout so I only gave it 2 stars. My other completed book was MO Walsh's My Sunshine Away. I'm also more than halfway through The Outlander. There are now 6 of my 2019 reads sitting on my bedside table. I'll probably start with 11/22/63 (written by a musician), then go for something shorter like Something New.Tales of a Makeshift Bride (featuring a wedding, obviously), before moving to A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl (about a family) and Unsheltered (plant on the cover). Then other two (Relish and The Proposal) are for other challenges - although The Proposal might work for a book that should be turned into a movie. Anyone else cheating and starting early? The week after Christmas is a prime reading week for me so I'll make a start on 11/22/63 and pace myself so I don't finish it until 2019.
Hi everyone. I had so much to do today and I have done none of it! Whoops...This week I finished Artemis. I really enjoyed this one. Just when I thought I knew where the book was heading, it kept surprising me. My original heist book was a very iffy fit so at least now I can switch it out with an actual heist.
Currently reading Scythe. I've wanted to read this for so long but my library only just got it in. It looks all new and shiny so I think I might be the first person to borrow it
QOTW: I'm reliant on the library for 90% of my reads so it'll be whatever hold comes through.
Serendipity wrote: "I only finished three books this week. Meg Wolitzer's The Wife was the best of them. I thought John Grisham's Skipping Christmas was uneven and I thought the ending was a copout so I only gave it 2..."I'm starting books now and just not finishing until the new year. I was on the way home from work and unexpectedly finished a book. The only other thing on my Kindle was Little Women. It actually works wonderfully for now, because it starts around Christmas. If I only read a little at a time, I should still have more than half left for 2019.
I only "read" one book this week, I skimmed through the last half. It was a historical romance with a fossil hunting heroine and it was kind of boring. I guess I expected to like it more because of the fossil hunting heroine but I did not really care about any of the characters. I also don't remember the name of it. QOTW: I'll probably tick off meant to read in 2018 first with Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine. I've been carrying the book around with me for a bit but I haven't been in a reading mood all week.
Also: I just wanted to take a second to say THANK YOU to the mods who work so hard to make this community so enjoyable! Even when I don't have anything to contribute, it makes me happy to check in on others' reading lives, and I know that's not an easy thing to keep running.
I am leaving town tomorrow morning, and I am determined to finish grading exams before I leave so I do t have to take them with me. At least, I’m determined in theory... in practice, it has been slow going.I did finally finish a book this week, Britt-Marie Was Here on audio. It was very good! There are just 5 books left on my list for the year, to finish out all 3 challenges I’m working on. Im feeling confident, even though one of them is “a book you hated”: Lord of the Flies.
QOTW: I’m doing popsugar as a side challenge next year, and not really planning most categories. I will be sure to read The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle in January though, for the group read of a book with a puzzle.
Well, I think this year’s challenges are a bust. I’ve only read one book in the past week I did, however, pack up the house and we are on day two of a three day drive to Canada. Three hours to Chicago!
Sabrina - I requested this when I read it was the only graphic novel nominated for an award and then forgot all about putting a hold on it. I was a bit dubious at the beginning but I ended up finding it really fascinating.
QOTW: No idea! I’m switching library systems, so I’m not really sure how good my access will be yet.
Ellie wrote: "Jess wrote: "Interestingly in the UK the title is The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. I don't know why she gets an extra half a death in the US!"It was to avoid confusion with ..."
I must be one of the people they changed the title for because I 100% thought they were the same book...
Sarah wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Jess wrote: "Interestingly in the UK the title is The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. I don't know why she gets an extra half a death in the US!"It was to avoid confusion with ....."
I am really more confused by the same book changing titles... I almost had a meltdown at work today, looking for the mortal engines series. The first 2 books were translated to Danish a while ago, and recently republished with another cover. I was trying to get an overview of the books we had at our library, in Danish and English. Well, not only has the books changed titles from first to second Danish edition, the serie´s title also changed, AND the series also has several serie titles in English....
And there are prequels...
Had to check across different sources to be sure.
Just two books read this week:Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman: I liked this a lot. It was really interesting learning about the obstacles this movie faced in production and why it was so impactful at the time.
And that was the last book I needed for my 2018 Popsugar Challenge! I don't know why 'time of day' took so long to get filled.
Paper Girls, Vol. 1: I was not at all into this. Just not for me.
QOTW: I usually wait until about 20 or 30 books into the year before I start filling books into prompts, so I won't know which prompt any given books is ultimately going to fill for quite some time. However, I think one of my first books of the year will be The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle.
I'm having the "I haven't done enough for Christmas" panic today. I need to let it go. I read two books this week:
A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, & The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote
Because of the author's parents' issues, he lived with other family members frequently while growing up, and these are short stories about his memories during the holidays. They didn't exactly put me in the holiday spirit, but they did cause me to be grateful for my family.
The Reckoning by John Grisham
This was my final book for ATY (legal thriller). I was really invested in Parts 1 and 2 of this book. Part 1 was the crime. Part 2 was the backstory (including some really interesting stuff about being a POW in the Philippines in WWII). Part 3 was the motive, and it fell flat. I've been an avid Grisham reader since the beginning, but his latest stuff isn't amazing.
GoodReads Challenge: Completed (104/90)
Popsugar: Completed
ATY: Completed
QOTW:
My first book for the PopSugar Challenge 2019 will likely be The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown (#35 - author first and last names are same letter). I'm going to make an attempt to use the unread books I own this year as much as possible, and this seems like a good one to start a new year. And then I'll break that rule immediately afterwards by borrowing from the library to read the monthly challenge book The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (#39 puzzle or game).
Nadine wrote: "Once I get eaten by zombies, I'll browse my list to pick out what I'm LEAST excited about, and read that, so it's not lingering. That's probably going to be Life of Pi. "What category are you using for Life of Pi? It is one of my bookshelf books that I should read this year.
Mod
The year I read that book for the Challenge, I started it in December because I knew it would take me a long time!! (I think I finished it in April!) I count books that I've FINISHED in the year of the Challenge, so I don't consider it "cheating" to start now.
Mod
hahaha you know the book is really dull when you've already forgotten the title!!!
Mod
Monkiecat wrote: "Thegirlintheafternoon wrote: "Also: I just wanted to take a second to say THANK YOU to the mods who work so hard to make this community so enjoyable! Even when I don't have anything to contribute, ..."
well thank you! but actually you all make it really easy!! I love this group!!!
Mod
What category are you using for Life of Pi? It is one of my bookshelf books that I should read this year."
For "over one million ratings" - it is actually the ONLY book on my TBR list that has over one millions ratings on GR.
I will be so happy when this week ends - work is just so insane, but I know that most businesses I am dealing with are closed all next week, so I just have to endure a couple days more...and then it's break for Christmas!Finished:
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry - collection of essays about astrophysics and the cosmos. Pretty fast read, but it did not trigger a sudden abiding interest in all things space or astrophysical. It's actually written in a pretty entertaining way, although I was not overly enamored. Might have done better as an audiobook as I kept hearing it in my head.
A Holiday by Gaslight - a girl has to get her fill of Christmas historical romance -- and balance out the astrophysics! Basic premise is young woman needs to marry money to save impoverished family. But there are twists, it is set at Christmas the year Prince Albert dies, and gaslight -- as in the implements that provide light, not the era-- plays a role.
Military K-9 Unit Christmas: Christmas Escape\Yuletide Target - the previous novels in the series were not good, but these 2 shorts were just fine -- great dogs, sweet romance, and some serious suspense, although you do have to suspend disbelief just a tad - or more.
Currently reading:
The Joyous Season - the author of Auntie Mame brings us more satire set mid-20th Century amongst upper crust NYC. I find myself wanting to laugh out loud in public.
Season for Desire - last of a quartet of regency Christmas romance.
Snowed Inn - cozy set in winter at an Inn hosting a mystery weekend - and inn is mystery themed as well (think Poirot suite).
A Christmas Party - her mid-century (20th) mystery Envious Casca re-issued to take in the Christmas loving readers.
QOTW: Easy - Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk for book set during a single day. I plan to read it on New Year's Day, which is the same as the book. Already have it on the bedside table waiting for me.
Brittany wrote: "Hi All!I can't believe we are so close to the end of the year! We had guests most of last week so the majority of my days this week were filled with visiting and entertaining them. They were our ..."
I'm glad you connected with The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row! I think I also remember the beginning being a tad slow, so I'll remind the ladies in my book club to keep reading, since it's my selection for April. I hope it works for them too!
Dani wrote: "Good morning from a dreary Columbus. It’s been pretty warm the last few days but snow is forecasted for Christmas this year! I don’t have high hopes, if anything it’ll be some gloppy wet snow and j..."I felt the same way after The Shadow of the Wind and read almost all of the author's other books soon after. I just saw there's a more recent one out - The Labyrinth of the Spirits... can't wait to read it!
I just finished The Heart's Invisible Furies and wow, what a story! I highly recommend it. 5 stars <3I also finished the kindle version of Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff, which I liked, but luckily my home isn't nearly as bad as what the author described, so that's good news I guess? I saw multiple people write that the book made them cry, but I didn't get that until the second-to-last chapter. Now I know how that could happen... 3 stars for me
I listened to Commonwealth, and it was also an interesting multi-generational family story. 4 stars
I'm about to listen to How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice From White People, which hopefully distracts me from the pain of today's wisdom tooth removal. Getting a lower one pulled is a much bigger ordeal than the upper ones. :(
QOTW:
I might start with An Odyssey: A Father, a Son, and an Epic for the mythology prompt, since one of my book clubs is reading it in January, but something else might come up on my library holds sooner.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
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Admin stuff
Two weeks left in the
monthyear! Our December read (Circe) is ongoing, and Chrissy has volunteered to lead the discussion for our January read (The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle). If you would like to lead discussion for Feb (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) or March (Where'd You Go, Bernadette), let us know.This week I read 5 books plus seven short stories.
Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent - this was unlike any psychological thriller I've read before. Maybe "thriller" isn't the right word, there's no edge-of-your-seat tension, the murder takes place on page one and you know who did it. I look forward to reading something else by this author.
Soldier of the Mist by Gene Wolfe - my last book for the Around the Year Challenge! Woohoo! I read this for "one of the first ten on your TBR list" category. This was a re-read for me, and I almost decided not to reread it (I'm not a big re-reader) but I'm really glad I did. No one else writes like Wolfe. I'm going to start book two in the series ASAP (maybe as a "reread of a favorite"!), and then I look forward to reading book three (which will be a first time read for me).
The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Beatriz Williams, & Lauren Willig - the was fun.
Superwoman, Volume 2: Rediscovery graphic novel written by K. Perkins - a little confusing but still interesting enough that I plan to read volume 3 also. Maybe I should save that for next year's "person with super powers"!
Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett - I didn't like this
Shorts this week:
13. Night's Slow Poison by Ann Leckie - good
14. A Kiss With Teeth by Max Gladstone - good
15. God Product by Alyssa Wong - flash fiction fragment
16. Our Faces, Radiant Sisters, Our Faces Full of Light! by Kameron Hurley - another flash fic
17. The Perilous Life of Jade Yeo by Zen Cho - fantastic!
18. The Devil in America by Kai Ashante Wilson - absolutely wrenching
19. Blue is a Darkness Weakened by Light by Sarah McCarry - good
I'm excited about the Solstice tomorrow, because after that the days get longer again, so I'm in "looking forward" mode. So this week's question is a planning question ...
Question of the Week
Which 2019 challenge category do you think you'll read first?
I'm not 100% certain, myself! But right now I'm most excited about the choose-your-own-adventure category. I've got the book on hold at my library, so if I get the book in time, I expect I'll be reading Can You Survive the Zombie Apocalypse?on January 1st.
Once I get eaten by zombies, I'll browse my list to pick out what I'm LEAST excited about, and read that, so it's not lingering. That's probably going to be Life of Pi.