75 Books...More or Less! discussion
Archive (2019 GR Completed)
>
Amy J's Reading Plans
message 1:
by
Amy J.
(new)
Dec 30, 2018 08:32PM
I'm planning on completing 3 reading challenges this year: the read harder challenge (designated H; 24 books), the popsuar challenge (designated P; 50 books) , and the Reading women challenge (designated W; 26 books). I'm looking to get overlap between the 3 lists so I'm thinking it'll be between 75 and 80 books rather than 100.
reply
|
flag
Read Harder Challenge ListRead 24/24 CHALLENGE COMPLETE
1. An epistolary novel or collection of letters: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Finished 1/17/2019
2. An alternate history novel: The Woman Who Died a Lot by Jasper Fforde Finished 4/27/2019
3. A book by a woman and/or AOC (Author of Color) that won a literary (Edgar Award) award in 2018: Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke Finished 3/14/19
4. A humor book:Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling Finished 2/20/19
5. A book by a journalist or about journalism: Talking Back: . . . to Presidents, Dictators, and Assorted Scoundrels by Andrea Mitchell Finished 9/24/19
6. A book by an AOC set in or about space: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor Finished 3/16/19
7. An #ownvoices book set in Mexico or Central America: Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Finished 8/13/19
8. An #ownvoices book set in Oceania: House of Many Gods by Kiana Davenport Finished 5/29/19
9. A book published prior to January 1, 2019, with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads: Infected by James Schannep Finished 1/1/2019
10. A translated book written by and/or translated by a woman: Madame de Villeneuve's The Story of the Beauty and the Beast: The Original Classic French Fairytale by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve Finished 8/27/19
11. A book of manga: My Brother's Husband, Volume 1 by Gengoroh Tagame Finished 1/2/2019
12. A book in which an animal or inanimate object is a point-of-view character: Mort(e) by Robert Repino Finished 6/24/2019
13. A book by or about someone that identifies as neurodiverse: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion Finished 4/12/2019
14. A cozy mystery: Tea with Milk and Murder by H.Y. Hanna Finished 2/16/19
15. A book of mythology or folklore: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Finished 8/10/19
16. An historical romance by an AOC: Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins Finished 1/23/2019
17. A business book: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt Finished 9/29/19
18. A novel by a trans or nonbinary author: All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders Finished 4/13/2019
19. A book of nonviolent true crime: The Library Book by Susan Orlean Finished 3/26/2019
20. A book written in prison: Fanny Hill, or Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure by John Cleland Finished 7/17/2019
21. A comic by an LGBTQIA creator: Blue Is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh Finished 4/30/2019
22. A children’s or middle grade book (not YA) that has won a diversity award since 2009: Bloom by Doreen Cronin Finished 1/8/2019
23. A self-published book: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire Finished 4/30/19
24. A collection of poetry published since 2014: Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson Finished 3/16/19
Popsugar Challenge List50/50 Challenge Complete!!
1. A book becoming a movie in 2019: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Finished 7/23/2019
2. A book that makes you nostalgic: Becoming by Michelle Obama Finished 6/12/2019
3. A book written by a musician (fiction or nonfiction):The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave Finished 7/21/2019
4. A book you think should be turned into a movie: The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood Finished 7/26/2019
5. A book with at least one million ratings on Goodreads:The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Finished 1/17/2019
6. A book with a plant in the title or on the cover: Fate of the Fallen by Kel Kade Finished 11/9/19
7. A reread of a favorite book: The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen Finished 4/16/19
8. A book about a hobby (tennis/sport): Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I've Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes by Billie Jean King Finished 4/6/2019
9. A book you meant to read in 2018:The Woman Who Died a Lot by Jasper Fforde Finished 4/28/2019
10. A book with POP, SUGAR, or CHALLENGE in the title: The Challenge of Entail by Jann Rowland Finished 8/25/19
11. A book with an item of clothing or accessory on the cover: Scythe by Neal Shusterman Finished 4/4/2019
12. A book inspired by myth/legend/folklore: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Finished 5/17/19
13. A book published posthumously:Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton Finished 11/17/19
14. A book you see someone reading on TV or in a movie (from Gilmore Girls):Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach Finished 4/3/19
15. A retelling of a classic:Circe by Madeline Miller Finished 11/15/19
16. A book with a question in the title: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling Finished 2/20/19
17. A book set on college or university campus: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire Finished 4/30/19
18. A book about someone with a superpower: The Institute by Stephen King Finished 10/20/19
19. A book told from multiple POVs: Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly Finished 5/12/19
20. A book set in space: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor Finished 3/16/19
21. A book by two female authors:The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare Finished 2/4/19
22. A book with SALTY, SWEET, BITTER, or SPICY in the title: Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks Finished 11/1/19
23. A book set in Scandinavia: The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup Finished 10/13/19
24. A book that takes place in a single day:A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare Finished 5/17/19
25. A debut novel: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Finished 8/10/19
26. A book that's published in 2019: The Testaments by Margaret Atwood Finished 9/16/19
27. A book featuring an extinct or imaginary creature: Blood Debt by Nancy Straight (Centaurs) Finished 5/13/19
28. A book recommended by a celebrity you admire (Pres. Obama): Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson Finished 3/16/19
29. A book with LOVE in the title: Must Love Dukes by Elizabeth Michels Finished 5/29/19
30. A book featuring an amateur detective:Tea with Milk and Murder by H.Y. Hanna Finished 2/16/19
31. A book about a family: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones Finished 5/13/19
32. A book author from Asia, Africa, or South America:Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard by Kiran DesaiFinished 9/25/19
33. A book with a zodiac sign or astrology term in title:House of the Rising Sun by Kristen Painter Finished 6/30/2019
34. A book that includes a wedding: Married By Christmas by Scarlett Bailey Finished 7/12/2019
35. A book by an author whose first and last names start with the same letter: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare Finished 3/11/19
36. A ghost story: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James Finished 10/5/19
37. A book with a two-word title: The Outsider by Stephen King Finished 10/5/19
38. A novel based on a true story: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris Finished 1/4/2019
39. A book revolving around a puzzle or game
Origin by Dan Brown Finished 11/25/2019
40. Your favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading challenge(Next book in a series from 2017): High Voltage by Karen Marie Moning Finished 1/20/2019
41. A "cli-fi" (climate fiction) book: Dune by Frank Herbert Finished 6/9/2019
42. A "choose-your-own-adventure" book (so exited about this category): Infected by James Schannep Finished 1/1/2019
43. An "own voices" book: Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Finished 8/13/2019
44. Read a book during the season it is set in: Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins Finished 6/27/2019
45. A LitRPG book: Succubus: A LitRPG Series by A.J. Markam Finished 1/13/2019
46. A book with no chapters / unusual chapter headings / unconventionally numbered chapters: The Girl Before by Rena Olsen Finished 1/3/2019
47. Two books that share the same title: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison Finished 6/11/19
48. Two books that share the same title: The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells Finished 5/15/19
49. A book that has inspired a common phrase or idiom: The Tempest by William Shakespeare (in a pickle) Finished 9/30/19
50. A book set in an abbey, cloister, monastery, vicarage, or convent : Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers Finished 1/6/2019
prompt 6:
prompt 11:
Reading Women Challenge List: CHALLENGE COMPLETE26/26
1) A mystery or thriller written by a woman of color: Tea with Milk and Murder by H.Y. Hanna Finished 2/16/19
2) A book about a woman with a mental illness: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Finished 3/26/2019
3) A book by an author from Nigeria or New Zealand: Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor Finished 3/18/2019
4) A book about or set in Appalachia: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons Finished 5/20/2019
5) A children's book: Bloom by Doreen Cronin Finished 1/8/2019
6) A multigenerational family saga: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Finished 2/9/2019
7) A book featuring a woman in science: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier Finished 7/31/2019
8) A play: Top Dog Under Dog by Suzan-Lori Parks Finished 3/9/19
9) A novella: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor Finished 3/16/19
10) A book about a woman athlete: Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I've Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes by Billie Jean King Finished 4/6/2019
11) A book featuring a religion other than your own: Faithfully Feminist: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Feminists on Why We Stay byGina Messina-Dysert Finished 7/17/2019
12) A Lambda Literary Award winner: Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado Finished 6/11/2019
13) A myth retelling: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Finished 5/17/19
14) A translated book published before 1945: Madame de Villeneuve's The Story of the Beauty and the Beast: The Original Classic French Fairytale by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve Finished 8/27/19
15) A book written by a South Asian author: Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard by Kiran Desai Finished 9/25/19
16) A book by an Indigenous woman: House of Many Gods by Kiana Davenport Finished 5/29/19
17) A book from the 2018 Reading Women Award shortlist: Everyone Knows You Go Home by Natalia Sylvester Finished 6/21/19
18) A romance or love story: Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins Finished 1/23/2019
19) A book about nature: The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms by Amy Stewart Finished 8/2/2019
20) A historical fiction book: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris Finished 1/4/2019
21) A book you bought or borrowed in 2019: Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson Finished 3/16/19
22) A book you picked up because of the cover: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Finished 5/13/19
23) Any book from a series: High Voltage by Karen Marie Moning Finished 1/20/2019
24) A young adult book by a woman of color: Pride by Ibi Zoboi Finished 3/24/2019
BONUS:
25) A book by Jesmyn Ward: Men We Reaped Finished 8/1/2019
26) A book by Jhumpa Lahiri: The Lowland Finished 9/23/2019
Mod
Mod
Elyse wrote: "I stopped doing the bigger challenges this year because I felt too stressed. But in 2019 I'm picking up the Mount TBR Challenge. I hope to get back to Popsugar and Book Riot's Read Harder challenge..."Picking out books is one of my favorite parts of doing these challenges. It's especially fun this year as I try to find books that will fit prompts in at least 2 of the three challenges. I even have a couple of books that will work on all three!
Hope wrote: "Hi there. I happened to notice we're both doing the Read Harder challenge. We even have some of the same books in common! Would you be interested in doing a buddy read of any of these:- Binti
- D..."
I'd love to buddy read all or some of those books with you, Hope. I don't have my hands on a copy of them yet, but we can plan for February and beyond.
@ Joanne and Andrea:It's my first year doing both the pop sugar and the reading women task. I completed the Read Harder challenge last year. It was my first time participating and while it was frustrating at times (when there were books so far out of my comfort zone that I was uncomfortable), I guess I enjoyed myself enough that I not only wanted to do it again but that I also went out and sought more big, year-long challenges.
1. Infected by James Schannep(P, H)I decided to start my year of reading off with the book prompt I was most excited about: A chose your own adventure book for adults. I loved this genre as a child, but I haven't read one in several decades. This was an optional prompt for the popsugar challenge, but I also used it for the read harder prompt of a book published before 2019 that had less than 100 reviews. That's another reason why it was on my list for an early read: it was already at 89 reviews and I didn't want to risk it getting over 100 before I read it.
Even though zombie books aren't usually books I enjoy, I did love this book because of the format. There were three main story lines. I discovered the first two easily, but the third was harder to find. It was, however, the most enjoyable.
Overall, my success rate for surviving the zombie apocalypse was quite high, with most of my deaths being the result of trying to find the third story path.
It's hard to know when one has "finished" this type of book, which reportedly has 50 different endings. I know I didn't read all 50, but I'm sure that I read over half. And I read multiple endings for each of the 3 story paths so that's good enough for me. I still have the book on my kindle so, it's possible that I might go back and read some more stories down the road, but for now I'm moving on.
The problem is that I've moved on to another chose your own adventure story by the same author SUPERPOWERED: Are YOU a Superhero or Supervillain?. It's day 2 of 2019 and I'm already reading off list! Yikes.
2. My Brother's Husband, Volume 1 by Gengoroh Tagame (H)Book one came from the prompt I was look forward to the most; Book 2 is from one of the most dreaded prompts. Although I've never read manga prior to this collection, graphic novels are not my particular cup of tea. I picked this particular manga collection because it was available at my college's library.
What I liked: the collection gave me a glimpse of what it would be like to come out as non-hetro in Japan. It think it dealt really well with the this issue. I liked the juxtaposition between the daughter's easy acceptance and the father's culturally-influenced reluctance. Hate/prejudice is not something that comes naturally to children. It is taught by contact with cultural forces. That theme is very evident in this collection.
What I didn't like: I realize the things I didn't like say more about me than this collection. I come to this as a westerner, who feels no reluctance toward accepting same-sex relationships/marriages. Because of this I frequently felt that frustration with the main character's reluctance to accept/discomfort interacting with Mike. It sometimes made me feel like the collection was directed at a younger audience (maybe the age of the daughter in the story). There were elements of the story that seemed redundant.
Overall: This collection probably fills a much needed niche within Japanese culture, but as an outsider I am probably not equipped to assess or understand it's importance.
3. SUPERPOWERED: Are YOU a Superhero or Supervillain? by James SchannepI enjoyed the first CYOA book so much that I went out and borrowed a second one. Not only did superpowered not disappoint, but I actually liked it better than Infected. I mean, being a superhero/villain is a lot more fun than just running from zombies, right? Well at least to me it was.
Once again, I'm declaring myself done even though I'm sure I didn't read all 50 endings. But I feel like I read more than I did with infected. Once again there were 3 story paths, but each path had two ultimate success endings: one for villains and one for superheroes. I found all six of those endings, plus many more. I had more difficulty avoiding death in this book than I did in infected. I had more times when I had to go back and try another route. Most of the time the best I could say was "at least I died quickly".
One cool thing about the book was the presence of easter eggs. One of the storylines was a direct tie in to Infected. There was mention of a second easter egg (perhaps to the second book in the series) but I never came across it.
I'll probably seek out more CYOA later in the year, but for now I'm moving on and back to my lists.
4. The Girl Before by Rena Olsen (P)I actually started this book back in December (< 50 pages in), the night before I started putting together my reading challenge lists. When I discovered that one of the Popsugar challenges was a book with unconventional chapters, I set this book aside so I could use it for the prompt. There aren't chapters per say. The story alternates between the past (sections designated "Then") and present ("Now").
The setting of the makes it a difficult and frequently controversial read. I know that there are some people who have hated this book, but I found the story very engaging and it made me feel sorrow and pity. There were times when I actually teared up a bit and I'm not a cryer.
Many of the novel's critics had stated that they found the MC hard to believe. They can't by into the idea that a person could be as naive/willfully ignorant of what it happening around them. They didn't believe that this story could happen in real life. Well, it is fiction after all. I didn't have any problem suspending my disbelief. From a psychological perspective it makes some sense. If your whole life is jacked up from the start, if your normal is completely abnormal, how are you supposed to judge and understand actions from broader society's perspective. (view spoiler) The hardest part for me to believe was how quickly she acclimated to societal norms once she was freed. And how kindly she was treated by the police officers. This last bit may have been more wishful thinking on the author's part. I think they treated her appropriately (in a way that would allow her to heal and adjust), I just don't know if that's really how they would have handled her.
5. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris Read by Richard Armitage(PW)I started this audiobook on the drive back to Kansas from my family's christmas celebration on New Year's day. I started the book because I was driving with my sister, who likes WWII/Holocaust fiction. I figured if I could get her to listen to an audiobook with me I'd escape from having to 6 hours worth of topics to talk about. She grudgingly allowed it for the better part of the drive. :)
First off, let me start by saying how amazing the narrator was. I don't think I've listened to anything else read by Armitage, but I loved the sound of his voice. I think I could listen to him read just about anything.
The story was a surprising treat; a love story set in a concentration camp. I loved listening to their story unfold, but I was left wanting for suspense. I knew going in that this novel was based on real life and that (view spoiler). That lessoned the dramatic tension and diminished a bit of my enjoyment. It was a touching story (but, thankfully, not a tear inducing one) and a really solid listen.
I have read some reviews that question whether the novel should be able to say that it's "based on a true story" because the author changes what actually happened for dramatic effect (i.e., putting the characters together in situations where they were really separate). I guess I don't have a problem with her doing so, she is, after all, marketing this as a work of fiction inspired by real events, rather than a memoir.
Mod
This book, specifically audiobook, is in my TBR! Richard Armitage has a wonderful voice. *sigh* lol. Glad you liked it!
Mod
It's my first year doing both the pop sugar and the reading women task. I completed the Read Harder challenge last year. It was my first time participating and while it was fru..."
I can totally understand that Amy. I really enjoy challenges too. I think once I get my own books down to a reasonable amount I will so more challenges. Right now I'm totally focused on just reading what I already own.
6. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers(P)I didn't originally envision reading this book right now, but I had it on hold through the library and it became available, so here it is.
Although the book was not what I expected (an assassin nun going around poisoning a bunch people) I still really enjoyed it. It's defiantly a YA novel that focuses more on the love story than it does on the assassination of political enemies/the investigation to figure out who those enemies are. In that strain it was a bit frustrating. If I'm going to be reading a romance, I'd like to read about the romance. This book had the tendency to stop right when things got good. I guess that's because it was YA?
I found the reveal of the traitor to be anti-climatic. I had the person picked out from almost the very start. I also figured out that character's MO long before the big reveal, but I didn't figure out the motive behind the character's actions, which when revealed were believable.
Although the main plot of the book was wrapped up nicely, there are enough questions that remain in the larger story that I'll probably want to continue the series at a later point.
Mod
I didn't originally envision reading this book right now, but I had it on hold through the library and it became available, so h..."
I enjoyed this trilogy!
7. Bloom by Deborah Diesen Both the read harder and the reading women challenge included prompts to read a children's book. WTF? I mean it was a quick (<2 min) read but what am I supposed to get from completing it. Read harder specified that it need to have won a diversity award since 2009 and for the reading women challenge it just needed to be from a female author. That's how I ended up with my selection, which was the 2017 winner of the Amelia Bloomer Winner for fiction.
Update: I read the wrong book by mistake. I didn't pay enough attention to the author listed on the Amelia Bloomer award winner list.
Amy J. wrote: "7. Bloom by Deborah Diesen (HW)Both the read harder and the reading women challenge included prompts to read a children's book. WTF? I mean it was a quick (<2 min)..."
On closer examination, in thinking about the Amelia awards, which are for feminist content, I realized I read the wrong book for the read harder challenge. You'll see the correct book located in a subsequent post. Oops.
8. Bloom by Doreen Cronin (HW)This was a much better book than the one that I read by mistake. It still seems weird that 2 of the big challenges required a children's book. This Bloom book took a total of 10 minutes to read, rather than the other Bloom book that I read.
I really liked how this book focused on how an "ordinary girl" can make a big impact.
Mod
4/50
1. A book becoming a movie in 2019
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
2. A book that makes you nostalgic
Becoming by [author:M..."
I am (softly) participating in the popsugar challenge as well (meaning I haven't officially declared my participation). I started filling the categories and like some of your choices (as they were already on my TBR).
9.Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett Finished 1/13/19OMG! I know that there are people who are going to disagree with my opinion but I can't stand Terry Pratchett's writing style/books. Now I know my sample size is small; I've only read 3 of his books, but all of them have been painful for me. This one was worse than most. I had to make myself read 100 pages a day just so I could complete it. And it was hard. There were days I didn't read because I would have to read this book. And quitting a book just really isn't an option for me in most cases. The only time I don't finish a book is when I find its content offensive. Carpe Jugulum isn't offensive, it's just tedious and unenjoyable. I wonder if the app I used might bear some of the blame. I used an app called Libby. The app is great because it makes it easy to search and checkout books from several libraries. However, the formatting might have been an issue. I know that Pratchett doesn't use chapters in many of his books, but if my memory can be trusted there seems to be more white space to indicate a change in perspectives. And THAT is what was missing from the app version. This lead to abrupt, unexpected shifts in the narrative and it made it hard to understand. That might by why this book is 1 star and others were 2 or 3. I don't really know why I hated this book so much. But I really, really did.
Mod
OMG! I know that there are people who are going to disagree with my opinion but I can't stand Terry Pratchett's w..."
That actually sounds terrifying, lol. I have also slugged through books and know exactly what you're talking about "not wanting to read that way because it meant I'd have to read that specific book".
Mod
OMG! I know that there are people who are going to disagree with my opinion but I can't stand Terry Pratchett's w..."
Yes, the book formatting on the Libby app is not as it should be on say, the Kindle app. Or even the Overdrive app. So that could definitely be partly to blame! I don't know if I'm going to enjoy Pratchett, as he is English and I'm just not good with their humor and style of writing. It's why I don't like Douglas Adams and some Neil Gaiman.
10. Succubus: A LitRPG Series by A.J. Markam(P) Finished 1/13/2019Going into this book I had no idea what to expect. Before I saw the pop sugar prompt requiring me to read a Lit RPG book, I had no idea that this genre existed. Basically, LitRPG is a book that involves immersion in video game or virtual reality. The characters go on adventures or quests and there's discussion of leveling the characters up. Once I understood that I was interested in reading this genre. I read and enjoyed Ready Player One, which is LitROG lite, a couple years back.
So this book involves a character that gets stuck in the video game world for an extended period of time and his struggle to adapt to life in this culture. The most interesting aspect of this was how the character adapted and came to terms with being a slave owner. He was forced to play the game as a warlock and that race's special power was to summon and control demons.
There were times when the writing got tedious. The pacing wasn't always even. I became tired of the male gaze and the lazy descriptions of the succubus's assets. But there were redeeming qualities and I am interested in how the rest of the series will play out. As long as I can get the other books in the series through Kindle Unlimited I'll probably continue to read.
Elyse wrote: "Amy J. wrote: "9.Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett (P) Finished 1/13/19OMG! I know that there are people who are going to disagree with my opinion but I can't stand Terr..."
I adore Gaiman and Adams. They are two of my favorite authors. So I feel like I should like Pratchett too (all three have that dry British humor) but I just don't. I hope you have better luck with Pratchett than I did.
Amy J. wrote: "9.Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett (P) Finished 1/13/19OMG! I know that there are people who are going to disagree with my opinion but I can't stand Terry Pratchett's w..."
It's ok, you don't have to love Terry Pratchett- I'll love him enough for both of us ;)
11. Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds Finished 1/17/2019I was doing my office hours in the library today because the library is understaffed and I volunteered as tribute!
So while I was holding down the fort, I noticed this graphic novel adaptation of some of Poe's stories and poems. I read it between checking books in and out. This was an off challenge short and simple read.
Overall, I was happy with it, although there were some stories that I don't think did justice to the original works.
12. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky(HP)I selected this book because it works as an epistolary novel for the read harder challenge and as a book with over one million reviews for the pop sugar challenge.
At first I was bothered by the format of the book. I was consumed with trying to figure out to whom Charlie was writing. But I was able to get over that quickly enough that it didn't detract from the rest of the book.
Instead I spent the book feeling very sorry for Charlie. From the beginning I started questioning if he was on the spectrum. Up until the epilogue I was really convinced he was. But with the final reveal I feel like most of his personality quirks could be explained by these other factors. I wish the revel had come sooner and that more of the book would have been devoted to Charlie and his family dealing with the fallout. It was all very abrupt. But I guess in a way that makes sense given the format of the book. Given all that he was going through and the turmoil the family was experiencing, Charlie understandably wouldn't have had time to write to his "friend". That said, I can't help but to believe that the most interesting part of Charlie's story got so little attention.
13. High Voltage by Karen Marie Moning (PW)This was a really strange book (like a seriously STRANGE plot and HEA?) and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I read it over the course of a single day, but I can't decide if that's because it was good or because it was like coming up on the scene of an accident and I couldn't look away. I don't want to divulge any information on the plot, in case someone who wants to read it stumbles on to this post... I wish the Dani and Ryodan story had been a little less "whatever the hell that was"
I've had this book hanging around my house for well over 6 months, which is somewhat surprising; I used to devour this series. The first 5 books (the first main story arch) are my favorite adult series.
I'm glad I found a way to make it fit into two of the reading challenges. For the reading women challenge it fits the "Any Book from a series" prompt. And for the popsugar challenge it's my "Your favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading challenge", which is from the 2017 challenge (Next book in a series 17). Lol
After 10 books, I'm still invested in the series and I intend to see it through until the end, but I'm hoping that the end comes sooner rather than later.
Mod
This was a really strange book (like a seriously STRANGE plot and HEA?) and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I read it o..."
I haven't read this series yet but it sounds like what happened with the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. The books were awesome till the first real filler book, Micah, and then they just became about how many men Anita could sleep with, the preternatural hunting and necromancy took a backseat :/ Super disappointing.
Mod
Not sure if you guys have already done this or if you even want to, but we can create a buddy read discussion book for any of the books you choose for everyone to see. You might have more people join you if that's what you'd like :)
That would be fun. we haven't made any definite plans, but I hope to soon.
Mod
Great!
14. Revival by Stephen KingAnother off list read for me. I was shocked to find a Stephen King book that I had never even heard of before, especially since it's not a new release; it came out in 2014. How did I miss it for so long?!
It's a supernatural horror novel that's actually quite fresh. Although there are some classic Stephen King elements (e.g., a minister who's lost faith) it doesn't seem to be a retread of previous works (the way Buick 8 seemed too similar to Christine for my tastes). It did remind me a lot of Salem's Lot, even though there weren't any vampires.
Although I loved most of the book and the ending was creepy af (before I read it I heard some people describe it as his most horrifying ending ever- so I was a bit let down by the actual ending) there were places where the story was really sloggy. Hence I gave it 4 stars rather than 5.
Growing up SK was my FAVORITE author and this book proves why he still makes it on my favorite author list. He writes great characters and compelling stories. Jaime and Charlie don't disappoint.
Mod
Another off list read for me. I was shocked to find a Stephen King book that I had never even heard of before, especially since it's not a..."
Oh no, not his most horrifying ending ever but yes very creepy and super of the blue! I read this one last year.
Mod
Another off list read for me. I was shocked to find a Stephen King book that I had never even heard of before, especially since it's not a..."
I like your insights. I actually own this book and haven't gotten around to reading it!
15. Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins (HW)I read this book for both the Read Harder's "historical romance by an author of color" prompt and the Reading Women challenge's "A romance or a love story" prompt.
I'm so glad that I was introduced to this series and this author by these challenges. I just adored this story and this family. It was a very sweet romance interspersed with just the right amount of stream. There were a few eye-rolls at the early fights of the couple, but I figure that's par for the course with romance novels. I don't mean that in a bad way really. Romance novels are a not so guilty pleasure of mine. I do love a HEA.
I appreciated that there wasn't a lot of unnecessary drama for drama's sake. Like when the author feels the need to throw a useless fight towards the end simply to up the drama level. Lol. There was some drama at the end, but not between our couple and it was a necessary resolution to something that happened in the books beginning. Not to address it would be to leave a huge unresolved storyline. The very end of the epilogue was strange.
I look forward to continuing the series.
16. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare (P)Uggg... I got stuck in a book I wasn't really wanting to read but felt I had to because I had it on hold on and felt I had to read it then. Except I wasn't in the mood for it. So I wasted time not reading it (or anything) then ended up returning it early and putting it back on hold. I was making me stress out.
I wanted something a bit light and fluffy. Nothing too serious and this book fit that bill nicely. I wasn't all sunshine and rainbows but it wasn't "serious literature" either.
The world building was interesting I was worried that it would feel like a retread of HP. I was expecting a straightfoward story of a young wizard who has to battle a more mature evil wizard. Happily I was wrong. and the story took some unexpected turns.
Not my favorite from either author, but not bad either.
Mod
Uggg... I got stuck in a book I wasn't really wanting to read but felt I had to because I h..."
Oooh the dynamic duo! This series is in my long-term TBR.
17. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (W)This was a non-challenge specific book recommendation I found on Book Riots website prior to the challenges that even came out. I was thrilled that the book would work for the Reading Women Challenge
I'll start by stating that I love'd this book it was really beautifully written and I found myself captivated and engaged in each character's story. The only thing about the story that I was disappointed about was that the each of the stories was only about 20 pages long. So just when I felt like your were really getting to know the characters it was over.
It was beautiful but it was also disturbing and infuriating. Throughout the book you get to witness the effect of colonialism across the lives of many generations. The times might change, but the effects feel similar and progress feels nonexistent.
18: The Awakening by Kate ChopinI read this book because it's my best friend's favorite novel. After having read it, I think I need to find a new bestie. j/k but I do have trouble understanding how she can love it so much. This is not a book that speaks to anything inside me.
The best thing about this book is it created a conversation with my BFF. It was her first "feminist" book and she can relate to the MC because she sometimes feels that her husband sees her just as her role of "wife".
The surprising thing was that I didn't see this as feminist at all, I read it more as a cautionary tale of the negative consequences that would befall a woman who throws of her traditional roles and tries to find meaning outside her assigned sphere.
I felt no joy; just resigned despair.
Mod
I selected this book because it works as an epistolary novel for the read harder challenge and as a book with..."
That's an interesting observation!
19. Tea with Milk and Murder by H.Y. Hanna (HPW)I finished this book a couple of days ago, but I forgot to post about it until today.
This is one of the few books I found that I could fit onto all three lists as it is a cozy mystery written by a female author of color that features an amateur detective! Score!
This is the second book in the series. I read book one last year for the 2018 read harder challenge. Although it's not my favorite series, it's light hearted and fun. I do enjoy the characters and I appreciate that the M.C. isn't a total spaz. I enjoy many of the supporting characters, especially the love interests.
All in all, a solid read.
20. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling (HP)This book wasn't originally on my list of books to read, but I inherited a copy from a friend who was moving NYC and I noticed it fit prompts from both the read harder challenge (humor book) and the pop sugar challenge (question in the title). It got slotted in when I realized the book I intended to read for the humor prompt (Stephen Fry's Victorian Secrets) was not the least bit funny.
I love Mindy Kaling, I know her best from her show "The Mindy Project". This book was clearly written before that showed debuted because it's never mentioned. Instead I got to read all about "The Office" which is a show I despise. Despite that, I really enjoyed the book. Mindy's a very funny lady and I loved hearing all of her anecdotes and stories about growing up. Some of them made me LOL, which is really how I judge the humorous content of "humor books", which are not my favorite genre.
Mod
This book wasn't originally on my list of books to read, but I inherited a copy from a friend who was m..."
Love her and her books! They're fabulous on audio with her narrating. She does have a second book and I recall her covering The Mindy Project in it. Which was a great show!
"The Office" which is a show I despise" *gasp* But-but-but HOW!? :( Sad days. lol.
Elyse wrote: "Amy J. wrote: "20. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling (HP)This book wasn't originally on my list of books to read, but I inherited a copy from a f..."
I just have never found the office (American or British) the least bit funny. My family loves it, so there are frequently episodes playing in my presence, but I've don't think it's ever made me laugh. I just don't get it.
Mod
This book wasn't originally on my list of books to read, but I inherited a..."
I couldn't stand the British one. I don't like dry British humor. lol. But I love the American one! I will never stop watching it!
Mod
This book wasn't originally on my list of books to read, bu..."
I watch The Office (American version all the time). I love Martin Freeman in the British version though.
75 Books...More or Less!
Books mentioned in this topic
Etiquette & Espionage (other topics)Etiquette & Espionage (other topics)
It Can't Happen Here (other topics)
It Can't Happen Here (other topics)
Dark Triumph (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Gail Carriger (other topics)Gail Carriger (other topics)
Sinclair Lewis (other topics)
Robin LaFevers (other topics)
James Patterson (other topics)
More...
