Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

Hello all! It's another fabulous Thursday check-in!

Admin stuff:

1. Polls are open for 2nd quarter group reads. Voting ends at midnight PST on 1/30.

2. February's group read is just around the corner. The chosen book is To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Reminder - you are not obligated to read this book. This is an optional activity, but if you are interested in reading it the discussion will open at the end of next week.

And now for the weekly reading check-in. I finished 3 books this week (and am sooooooo very close to finishing a fourth!)

The Call of the Wild - This was a buddy read with some friends. I could not remember if I had read this or White Fang as a child. As this book was not at all familiar I'm thinking it was the latter. This book is harsh with some heartbreaking moments. Overall, I did enjoy it and my friends helped bring out some highlights. I used this for my classics nostalgia book.

The Woman in the Window - This was my local book club's January read. I thought the book was ok. Thrillers aren't my genre of choice, and I think I would prefer this as a movie. I don't think it was poorly written, and I felt more attachment to Anna's character than I do for most characters in thrillers, but it just wasn't a slam dunk. Using for my book becoming a movie.

How to Find Love in a Bookshop - I adored this book! I needed something light and sweet after Call of the Wild and this was waiting on my Kindle. It was just the ticket, and I hope to read more books by Veronica Henry. I would recommend this for fans of Jenny Colgan. I'm using this for a book I think should be turned into a movie though obviously it will also work for a book with "love" in the title.

Currently reading:

By the Book by Julia Sonneborn. This is a fun, modern-day retelling of Persuasion. I like it because it isn't too strict of a retelling. It is its own story with the influence of Anne and Wentworth's story weaving through it. It's been a number of years since I read Persuasion so I'm probably missing some parallels (which means I now need to reread Persuasion!). I'm only a few pages away from finishing this book and will definitely polish it off tonight. It's been an enjoyable read.

Question of the Week:

Do you have a “Reading Buddy”? How did you find them?

I have a wonderful online book club with several members who have become close friends. I do a buddy read with various friends in the group fairly regularly. It adds so much to the experience of reading a book when you can discuss it in real time with your friends! We just make a little group chat on Messenger with the participants so that we can post thoughts, opinions, favorite quotes, photos and questions to each other. It's my favorite way to read now!

Hello,

I am spending my day at home today. Kids' school is close because of the freezing rain and my usual bus is so late that I won't be able to catch the train. Can't say I'm sad since my husband brought two graphic novels from work yesterday and I will be able to read them.

I finish:
L'Arabe du futur : Une jeunesse au Moyen-Orient, 1978–1984 for A novel based on a true story. It was a great book and I will be reading the next. I always like when bio are in graphic novel format.

We Are Legion - We Are Bob for A book set in space. I received this book from a secret santa on another Goodreads group. I loved it. Exactly my kind of science fiction with space exploration and funny character(s).

I Capture the Castle for A book you meant to read in 2018. I took it out from the library last year, but didn't read it. Finally I loved it too. Two 5-stars book in the same week.

QOTW: I don't have a reading buddy unfortunatly.

7/50

Finished:
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni for a book meant to read in 2018.

Love and Longing in Bombay by Vikram Chandra for a book with LOVE in the title.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery for a book about a family.

Currently reading:
Artemis Fowl
The Lying Game - Just started.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Reread

QOTW:
No, I don't have a reading buddy.

Is anyone else missing their "most read authors" link?

Question of the Week:
Do you have a “Reading Buddy”? How did you find them?

Unfortunately I don't have a reading buddy. I haven't met anyone in my area who likes to read as much as I do.
As for book clubs, I consider this group as a book club that I belong to. At times we read the same book (book of the month), but there is always the option of reading whatever the heck we like 😊 And there is constant discussion going on about books. I couldn't ask for more!

Evening all!

Back at work now so reading will slow.

Finished:
Of Mice and Men because I saw it at school and hadn't read it before. Not sure it can fit any of the prompts I haven't already done.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life which I really enjoyed. The author seems to value the same things I do but also made me question some of my behaviours. Shared a few quotes with a friend who really should read it too. prompt author with same 1st and last initial.
Artemis good but not as good as The Martian. Can't remember what prompt this was for, but oh well.
The Rosie Project loved the first half, did not like the second half. Celeb suggestion prompt.

Currently reading:
Severance since there seems to be some debate over whether it is any good, I want to see for myself. No idea if it will fit any of the prompts I haven't done.

Total: might be 15 or 16/53 can't remember which.

QOTW:
No not really. A few people who I talk books with but not really anyone who usually likes the same things.

I read three books this week, two were for PS which brings me to 5/55 (3/45, 2/10).


My first PS read was for prompt #21 by two female authors. I went for Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother and Daughter Journey to the Sacred Places of Greece, Turkey, and France, by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor (★★★☆☆). My review got kinda long, so I've put some of it under the spoiler tag. No real spoilers though! At 34, I am both too young to relate to Sue's stage of life and too old to do anything more than give a wry smile to the worries of Ann. I also really dislike books about what I inelegantly term as "rich people problems." Two reasons why I shouldn't have enjoyed this joint memoir of a mother and daughter over analysing their relationships and careers as they swan about historic sites in Greece and France. And maybe enjoy is the wrong word, but something kept me reading. (view spoiler)[ There's no denying that both authors are talented, and in particular I found Sue to make some incredibly beautiful revelations about aging, seeing your children grow and finding your place. Ann has a more grounded voice, and I found her chapters served as a palate cleanser between her mother's richer, more introspective ones. Because Sue goes deep. At first I felt stupid reading her chapters, inadequate because I don't wander through life seeing signs and signifies in every little thing, can't link things in my life to works of art or ancient mythology. But then I thought...it must be exhausting being Sue. Because I was getting brain ache just reading about it. It was revitalising to read Ann's chapters and realise that even her own daughter wasn't on such a maddeningly overanalysed plane of thought. Not to say that Ann's experiences weren't also coloured by a slight self-absorption, but she seemed to have a bit more self awareness about that. But a person's troubles should always be taken in context, and I suppose there is the argument that these two women with very comfortable lives are no less valid in their personal concerns than someone who writes a gritty memoir about their life on the streets. I'm glad I read this book, as there were some beautiful passages - I like to think that possibly this will be a book to turn back to as I read Sue's age, to find solace in the positive and comforting words she shares about aging. (hide spoiler)] The book gave me the chance to lose myself in travel of a sort that I doubt I'll be experiencing myself any time soon. And has made me realise that I really want a glass pomegranate charm...

My second PS read was for advanced prompt #3 "own voices", for which I read Heart Berries: A Memoir, by Terese Marie Mailhot (★★★★☆). It feels odd to call this memoir beautiful, because there is so much pain and darkness in it. But Mailhot creates an almost dream-like mist of confession and rawness that sweeps you along. My heart broke for her and her children a thousand times as I read. But I also felt hope and empowerment, because under all the hurt is clearly a strong and self aware woman. A woman who isn't afraid to examine and admit to those things she has been through and things she has done which so many other people would keep deep inside themselves. The Native American voice is one I have only come to this year, and after the incredible There There it was important to me that I read something from a female writer. This was such a perfect book to fill that space. As a woman, as a mother I could identify with much of Mailhot's revelations, but she weaves her Indian experience into those revelations. The result is a raw yet rich read which I think will stay with me for a long time.

I also read a book which only fits in to the Reading Women challenge - Running Like a Girl, by Alexandra Heminsley (★★★☆☆). This was a quick easy read - part-memoir part-guide about getting in to running. I've dabbled with C25Ks in the past and did a couple of charity 5ks, but running never grabbed me. To be honest, I thought a book about running would grab me even less. But I had to pick something for a reading challenge, and Running Like a Girl was where I landed. I'm glad I did, because I suspect I'm exactly who this book was written for. Hearing how Alexandra went from non-runner to marathoner was quite inspirational, and not least because she writes in such a down-to-earth way. I'll admit, the marathon parts were more interesting than inspirational though. It's just too big a leap for me! But Alexandra makes even marathons sound almost attainable. I wish there had been more of a focus on her early experiences, but even without those I've still been tempted to give C25K another shot this year. And the tips from the second part of the book will definitely come in handy then! I'll admit I skim read parts of that second half, because as a current couch potato they just weren't relevant to me. I did find the potted history of women in running quite a cool addition though, as well as the discussions around boobs, pelvic floors and periods in the context of running. But I think that second half of the book will be something to dip back into if/when my running bug ever actually does more than nibble at my shoe laces.


QOTW - Do you have a “Reading Buddy”? How did you find them?

No, not at all. None of my friends are really readers, and I don't read a lot of new books so even if they did it would be unlikely we'd be reading the same things. I suppose the closest thing I have is my husband, because we read in bed at night. But our tastes are very different. Though there are a few people at work that I can get book nerdy with, and that's probably enough for me. I'm a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to reading...most things, actually...so I don't know if I'd enjoy buddying up anyway.

Fannie wrote: "Hello,

I am spending my day at home today. Kids' school is close because of the freezing rain and my usual bus is so late that I won't be able to catch the train. Can't say I'm sad since my husban..."

I loved I Capture the Castle so it makes me warm and fuzzy when I see others loved it too!

Wow I can't believe another week has gone by!!! We are having crazy weather here: ice, snow, subzero temps, freezing rain, now regular rain, soon to become snow again. I feel like I've been reading and reading, but I haven't finished many books. I did check off two challenge categories, and I am now 10/50.

I finshed one novel and four graphic novels:
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man, by Brian Michael Bendis, Volume 1 written by Brian Michael Bendis
- after I saw the Spider-verse movie, I knew I wanted to read everything about Miles Morales. I researched, and this is the first full volume featuring Miles as Spider-Man. It was a lot of fun (but not as much fun as the movie)!

Batman, Volume 3: I Am Bane written by Tom King with art by David Finch - meh. I'm dedicated to reading the full Tom King run of Batman Rebirth. This one was the worst of the bunch so far. Bane is just so ONE NOTE.

Descender, Vol. 4: Orbital Mechanics & Descender, Vol. 5: Rise of the Robots written by Jeff Lemire with art by Dustin Nguyen - I'm using these for "favorite past Popsugar category (last year I used Descender volumes 2 & 3 for the same category). I love this series! It's so gorgeous. I'm still not sure why it's called "Descender" though!

The Witch Elm by Tana French - wow, this book. Just, wow. It's very slow, and rather different than what French usually writes, so I understand why it's getting mixed reviews. For me it was a full five star read. This masterfully details the slow unraveling of a socially-functioning sociopath. I love that sort of thing! But this did mess with my head, and I had to take breaks (hence, all the graphic novels)! I checked off "plant in the title." This was a good book for this category, because the tree plays a key role in the plot.


QOTW

Nope! But I'm curious to try it someday.

I finished From This Moment on by Shania Twain as my book written by a musician. It was OK, I guess.

I also read Where'd You Go, Bernadette as my book being made into a movie. I hated most of the characters, but I think I kind of liked the book. Still processing it. I literally finished it two minutes ago.

QOTW: No. Not even really sure what a reading buddy is. Do you read different books together in a room? Or do you read the same book separately and then discuss? Or do you just discuss whatever your reading? I do sometimes discuss what I'm reading with my mom. And sometimes I give her a book when I'm done with it and ask her to tell me when she's finished so I can ask her what she thought of it. But, that's about it.

On a side note to that, I absolutely hate it when people (besides my mom or sister) give or lend me books to read unasked. I will choose my own reading thank you very much.

Nadine wrote: "Wow I can't believe another week has gone by!!! We are having crazy weather here: ice, snow, subzero temps, freezing rain, now regular rain, soon to become snow again. I feel like I've been reading..."

I really liked The Witch Elm also, and felt like I was alone until I saw your comment. I love her series, but was not disappointed by this book at all.

Good morning from a cold and wet (and probably icy I haven’t gone out yet) Columbus! The weather here is bouncing between snow and frigid temperatures to rainy and pleasantly not freezing. We were able to make it downtown to see the Harry Potter in concert symphony on Saturday so at least the horrible road conditions waited until after then.

The Winter of the Witch I used this for a book published in 2019. I’m so glad I noticed overdrive was allowing holds a few months before the book was released, I was #4 out of a ton of holds. The third book in the Winternight trilogy (The Bear and the Nightingale is the first). If you’re unfamiliar with the premise, it takes place in medieval Russia and is a story involving Russian folklore, magic, and mythical beings. It wraps up Vasya’s quest to save her family and county from evil forces. I’m sad to see it end, even though I didn’t love this book the way I loved the first. I see myself revisiting the series again and again, Katherine Arden writes beautifully.

Under Wildwood not for the challenge, I just wanted to read the second book in the Wildwood series. This (and the rest of the series) would work for a book written by a musician. The series is about Prue and Curtis, two twelve year olds who end up adventuring in a magical forest with talking animals and all sorts of interesting folks. I didn’t love this as much as the first, and I honestly think it has a lot to do with the first book being narrated by Amanda Plummer (Honey Bunny in Pulp Fiction and Jesse’s mom in the Gilmore Girls are the two roles I associate her the most with) and the second being narrated the by author. Plummer’s voice was just such a nice, whimsical touch that really made the story that much more magical. Of course the author did fine but I think I was really looking forward to hearing Plummer and her funny voices again.

Sabriel speaking of books with narrators I love, Tim. Freaking. Curry. I love his voice. I love this book. I always get so bummed out when I remember why he hasn’t been doing any new work lately, I really hope he’s doing as well as can be. Sabriel is such a great fantasy book, I LOVED it in middle school, and almost named my daughter Sabriel (I was 17, don’t judge me lol). Anyway, this isn’t for the challenge, but I do have the latest book in the series picked for a prompt so I wanted to reread the previous books before getting to it.

I really could have fit more in this week but I was being a bit lazy with reading in my downtown while also being a bit busy this week.
6/40; 0/10 with 10 books read this year.

Only one book this week and I don’t think it fits with any challenge prompts I have left.

Swan Song by Robert McCammon. It took a minute to get into to it but once I got to the chapters about the bombs falling, I was into it.

QOTW:
My reading buddy is my niece. She usually gets my hand me down books and knows I’m always up for a run to the bookstore.

Hi everyone! This is my first check-in of the year, as life has been balls-out crazy. I'm happy to be having a work from home day and the slack to check in!

Sara wrote: "By the Book by Julia Sonneborn. This is a fun, modern-day retelling of Persuasion"



Finished

Fingersmith ~~A book that includes a wedding~~ I loved this so hard. I read most of it in one day (and it ain’t short!) I’m kind of obsessed with it right now - watched the Korean adaptation, The Handmaiden, and fixing to watch the BBC miniseries adaptation.

My Sister, the Serial Killer ~~A book with an item of clothing or accessory on the cover~~ This was really good too. Quite short, pretty disturbing (in a good way), with superbly drawn characters.

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue ~~An "own voices" book ~~ This was pretty good. I wish I had known it was historical fiction with a fantasy element, as it came across kind of jarring when magic entered the plot! I found the language and attitudes to be a bit anachronistic (not due to a biracial person living in English society or the existence of bisexual people in history, but because the people around them show an openness to logic and quick acceptance that seems highly influenced by our modern sensibilities), but not enough to ruin the story. I mean, it’s YA after all - I’m going to make allowances. And surely there were some straight people who were able to bend their minds around acceptance of queer loved ones, even in 1700s Europe.

Currently Reading

Jingo ~~A book you meant to read in 2018~~ liking it so far, and I think I managed to find a CD of the audiobook, which I’m excited about, since Nigel Planer IS the voice of these stories for me!

Jane Eyre ~~A book with at least one million ratings on Goodreads ~~ I mean, Audible GAVE me a version narrated by Thandie Newton. I’m not passing that up.

Mockingbird, Vol. 1: I Can Explain ~~A book revolving around a puzzle or game ~~ Finding my interest varies a lot based on the individual issue/story. But the explanation of the dominatrix outfit and the Corgi is worth the price of admission!

QOTW

Y’all are my primary book buddies, but I have a local friend who I swap recommendations and reviews with from time to time.

After a couple weeks of being too busy to read, things are finally quieting down. I'm thinking about making this weekend a stay home and read weekend. I haven't had one of those in awhile.

Finished
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Steve Brusatte (a book featuring an extinct or imaginary creature). I thought this book was interesting and accessible. Sometimes nonfiction science is over my head, but I followed this very well. My only criticism is that sometimes he anthropomorphized the dinosaurs too much.

I'm still listening to the second season of LeVar Burton Reads. This week I listened to Fantaisie Impromptu No. 4 in C#min, Op 66 by Carlos Hernandez. I didn't really care for the story, but it was okay. I liked Multo by Samuel Marzioli better.

Reading
Caliban's War by James SA Corey

QOTW
No, I don't have a reading buddy.

7/50

Happy Thursday everyone! It's been a great week - my team is going to the Super Bowl....AGAIN! Go Pats!

Completed Prompts:
One of Us Is Lying : I read this for the a book told from multiple POV prompt. I LOVED this book and I think so will anyone who is a fan of The Breakfast Club and/or Pretty Little Liars. I loved that I had no idea who killer was until it was revealed! I think this will be high on my favorite books of the year list.

My Lady's Choosing: An Interactive Romance Novel : Read for the choose-your-own-adventure prompt. I have put this here because I am DONE reading this book, even though I haven't read the whole thing. I went through about 7 or 8 options and have had enough. I mean I wasn't expecting the next great novel, but I know realize there's a reason I don't read romance novels. However, Fabian de Mangepoussey? That name alone is enough to tip the scales in the book's favor.

On my nightstand
Coming Home : I am still plugging along at this over 800-page novel for the a reread of a favorite book and am loving it as much as I did the first time I read it! (I love discovering new things about the plot line or characters when you read a book again.)

Red Rising: I'm not a science fiction kind of girl so I wanted to get this prompt of a book set in space out of the way early. So far, I am enjoying it.

QOTW:
I do not have a reading buddy. I do have one friend who I recommend books to and she does the same for me. So far, we have not steered each other wrong. But no one who reads the same book at the same time as I do. That's why I love being on here - to read everyone else's comments and descriptions of books. I have gotten the best recommendations from this group!

Happy Thursday!

Glad Nadine loved The Witch Elm by Tana French – I’m planning on that for my plant/tree book but want to get through a couple of harder categories first.

Completed:
#28) Loser Takes All by Graham Greene for my hobby read. It’s about gambling in 1960s Monte Carlo. There are some bloggers whom I adore who are honestly Graham Greene mega-fans. It was a perfectly fine read, don’t get me wrong, but it was not all out amazing. Of course, I’ll still have to read The Power and the Glory, the one most raved about – maybe that’s his masterpiece.
For my European challenge, I read Smoke Into Flame by Jane Arbor, a 1970s Harlequin. It was honestly adorable. This is the type of book I expect when I wandered into Young Adult. There is a little danger (Vespa accident, poor business investment), obviously romance, and a token mean girl. The quality of writing, though, is actually decent. That was a shock. Plus, it’s morally sound. The only down side of this read is that I couldn’t get it into my Pop Challenge and double up.

In Progress:
32.) Alexander Chee’s The Queen of the Night for my author from Asia. I had pretty high hopes for this one – Paris, opera, betrayal, rag to riches, rodeo trick riders. Doesn’t it sound good? Well, how about adding the definition sex slave to the mix? Yep. The female protagonist survives (at least so far – the book is a tragedy, so I don’t know how it will end) some pretty cruddy stuff. The author also loves, loves, loves to discussion fashion. I’m close to the end of this 561 page bohemeth, so I’ll finish, but I’ve been bored since she got her bail paid at jail and sent to work for the madame in the bordello.

45.) For this I’m reading Tony Hawk’s Playing the Moldovans at Tennis.

Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will by Gene Stowe is actually a book I’m reading for a work project. Oddly, enough I am in an information technology department but reading about an obscure trial in rural North Carolina.

QOTW
No, I don’t have any reading buddies. I do have people whose reading tastes I know and hand off books to them and vice versa.

Katy wrote: "Not even really sure what a reading buddy is. Do you read different books together in a room? Or do you read the same book separately and then discuss? Or do you just discuss whatever your reading?"

Good questions Katy! :) I'm sure different people do it differently, but in my group a reading buddy is just someone who is reading the same book as you at the same time. We are reading on our own, but we can chat about things we notice in the book, questions we have, research we might do based on what's going on in the book (like we were researching Jack London and his time in the Klondike, differences in how dog sleds were set up), etc. It's very casual and takes place as an ongoing discussion throughout the time we are reading the book. Because most of my reading friends are online we communicate through Messenger.

Good morning. I'm at 16 books read for this challenge this year.

Completed this week:
The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry for a non-fiction challenge

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal for the prompt of a character with a super power. This is my first graphic novel. I'll try some others before I decide if I like the format or not.

A Wrinkle in Time for a re-read of an old favorite.

Nutshell for a retelling of Shakespeare for ATY. It was ok- hard to read. But then I find Shakespeare hard to read also. At least it was short.

Dorothy Must Die for a retelling of a classic (for Popsugar). I liked this one very much!

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer for a book published posthumously. This was excellent!

Currently reading:

NOS4A2 This one is going to take me a while. Its been a while since I've read horror and now I remember why. I can't read it at night if I'm in the house alone. Means I have to wait for the weekends at the moment- so it might take me 1-2 more weekends to finish.

What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions Still working on this one. I am purposely taking a while for this and it seems to work well this way.

Accidental Thief Started this one this morning before work.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry Started this one midway through my commute this morning (once I finished Ill be gone in the dark). Listening to this one on my commute.

QOTW-

I do not have a reading buddy anymore. It's been a while since I have.

Finished

The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter - this had been on my shelf for ages, so I was happy to finally read it! A fun steampunk story with great quick pacing and a very capable protagonist. I used it for the item of clothing or accessory on the cover prompt. 4 stars.

Flight of Magpies - K.J. Charles writes my absolute favorite romance novels, and this book didn't disappoint! It's the last book in the Magpie trilogy, and it was definitely my favorite. I actually want to read the first two again now that I'm much more connected to these characters. Read for the favorite prompt from a past challenge prompt - LGBT protagonist. 5 stars.

The Green Mile - I love Stephen King and have read almost all his major works, so it's a bit surprising that I still hadn't read this one. I haven't seen the movie either, so the story was new to me. Honestly, I was blown away. Literary fiction on the highest level. I was crying by the end! Read for the book written by a musician prompt. 5 stars.

Currently Reading

Murder at the Vicarage - just started and loving it already.

QOTW

No official reading buddy, but my husband is always up for discussing books with me!

Currently reading:
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt - a book going to be a movie this year
Life by Keith Richards - a book by a musician
The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh - a book happening at a monastery

These books are a bit different, so it's nice to read a chapter each and then change.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden - not for the challenge, could be a book about a family. Let's see if I manage to read the book I decided to read for the challenge :-D (Buddenbrooks, rather heavy)
Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett - not for the challenge

Read this week:
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - a book happening at a campus (at least parts of it)

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry - not for the challenge

For Listopia challenge:
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
Stuart Little by E.B.White
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe

DNF
I started reading The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, but couldn't finish it. I hate Milo and I hate Norton Juster's writing.
I took up The Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Maas, but gave up. I simply can't stand the heroine.

Ketutar wrote: "I took up The Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Maas, but gave up. I simply can't stand the heroine. "

I completely understand. I will say, though, that you don't read this series for Feyre...you read it for Rhysand! All the heart eyes for him, I promise! But if you can't get over your dislike of Feyre I understand :) She does get better through the series, but she's not a favorite.

Hello good people!

This week I finished:
Ravnenes hvisken (Whisper of the Ravens) by Malene Sølvsten. Final book in the trilogy, and oh my what an action packed ending! This is one of those series I may reread one day (and I don´t do that often anymore).
EDIT: I forgot to write I am using it for "Based on mythology...", since the plot is based on Norse mythology and built around Vølvens spådom (translates to the Prophecy of Vǫluspá?) from the older edda texts (the prophecy is about Ragnarok).

Nattergalen (The Nightingale) by Hans Christian Andersen the original story with beautiful illustrations by Lars Gabel

Ørkenfeber (Desert fever) by Søren Jessen. A children´s book for review - but also a cli-fi, so slotting it there so far (I have a feeling I´ll read more cli-fi during the year).

At blive set: Korttekster (To be seen: short texts) by Bent Haller - grand old man in Danish children´s litt. For review - pretty heavy texts about life seen from children´s perspectives.

QOTW
I don´t have anybody I read with simultaneously. I have thought about it, but I can´t even seem to join the monthly reads here. I have so many other factors in play: Books for work (children´s book clubs + reviews and more), mood etc. that it doesn´t really fit. I have lots of people to discuss books with and share recommendations (both here and in real life), and really happy about that, we just don´t read the books at the same time.

So has anyone else read about the fuss and drama regarding the author of Handbook for Mortals? I like to keep up with book-related news and shenanigans, but I somehow missed this entirely. What a train-wreck... (For those who missed the news, this was an indie book that somehow made it to the New York Times bestseller list, only to be yanked from said list when it was discovered that the author had "bought" her own results by buying copies of her own book in bulk from bookstores... ouch...)

Books I read this week:

The Only Harmless Great Thing -- for "novel based on a true story." This one's based on both the "Radium Girls" incident and the public execution of a circus elephant at Coney Island, which took place about the same time. Short, weird, but devastatingly powerful and emotional.

Scythe -- for "book you think should be made into a movie." Interesting twist on YA dystopia that I'm shocked hasn't been adapted for film yet, though I felt like the obligatory romance was VERY forced.

A Monster Calls -- for "book about a family." Holy cow, what a raw and emotional book... I need something light-hearted now...

Dragon Teeth -- for "book published posthumously." Basically a Western with dinosaur bones in place of the usual gold/cattle. Not Crichton's best.

Hey, Kiddo -- graphic novel, not for the challenge (could work for "book about a family," though). The author/artist's memoir of growing up with an absent father and a mother addicted to drugs. Thoughtful and emotional.

DNF:

The $64 Tomato: How One Man Nearly Lost His Sanity, Spent a Fortune, and Endured an Existential Crisis in the Quest for the Perfect Garden -- was going to read this for "book with a plant in the title or on the cover," but it just wasn't as funny as I hoped it would be. Moving on...

Currently Reading:

A Discovery of Witches -- for "book set at a college or university"
Fevre Dream -- for "book recommended by a celebrity you admire" (how DID I end up reading two vampire novels at once when I'm not even fond of vampires?)
Damsel -- not for the challenge

Regular challenge -- 9/43
Advanced challenge -- 2/10
Non-challenge books -- 3

QOTW:

I dunno if I have a reading buddy per se, but I do have a co-worker whose reading tastes are similar to mine, and every once in awhile we'll end up reading the same book around the same time and go "have you gotten to this part yet? What'd you think of this part?" Which reminds me, I need to read Welcome to Night Vale here soon so I can loan him my copy...

I finished Gemina and I'm almost done with Obsidio. That means I would have started and finished this series in January! Which is great because I hate starting a series and then never getting back to it. So far I'm not using these in the challenge but I might shuffle them in to categories later in the year if I need to.

3/42, 0/10, 1 non-challenge book.

Hello! I'm 10/50 now having completed three books this week:

The Truths We Hold: An American Journey by Kamala Harris (a book published in 2019) - Very interesting. I'd like to learn more about Kamala Harris now that she's announced her presidential candidacy.

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (a book by an author from Asia, Africa, or South America) - Brutal. The reviews indicate that this novel is darkly funny, but I sure didn't get that. It was ugly. The writing is sharp (almost jerky at times), and the story was intriguing... but ugly. However, I also think that a gifted screenwriter could turn this novel into a compelling screenplay. Something like "Get Out."

One Day in December by Josie Silver (a book with no chapters, unusual chapter headings, or unconventionally numbered chapters) - I almost gave this one 4 stars... The payoff was there, but I really got bogged down in the middle of the book. There was a lot of book here for what was, really, a pretty typical romance novel. But I liked it. I did.

Currently reading The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory, The Paragon Hotel, and The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. I haven't decided where to put any of these... Any suggestions would be helpful!

QOTW: No, I don't have a reading buddy, but I participate in two book clubs (one with my sorority alumnae group and one at my local library).
1 like

Christine wrote: " watched the Korean adaptation, The Handmaiden, and fixing to watch the BBC miniseries adaptation. ."

There's a BBC adaptation of the Fingersmith? I've seen their adaptation of Tipping the Velvet but not Fingersmith. Also really enjoyed The Handmaiden. I saw the film before reading Fingersmith and didn't really the connection until about 20% in when I thought 'this plot is familiar'!

Good afternoon. This week I finished a book and made more progress on War and Peace which I'm determined to finish in the first quarter of this year.

Completed
Shadow of The Fox this was a YA fantasy based in Japanese folklore. I liked reading a fantasy that was a bit different but I found the characters and plot a bit dull and cliche. This would fit a few prompts but I'm going to use it for the astrology prompt because The Fox is a sign in the Celtic zodiac.

Currently reading
War and Peace

TBR
My quest to get The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is getting ridiculous! 2 books overdue, 2 on order, 1 in transit from inter-library loan. I will get it eventually!

If it doesn't come through in the next few days I will start Dalila instead

QOTW
Nope. I've done a few online buddy reads but no regular partner.

Sarah wrote: "I read three books this week, two were for PS which brings me to 5/55 (3/45, 2/10).


My first PS read was for prompt #21 by two female authors. I went for Traveling with Pomegranates: A Moth..." </i>

Thank you Sarah, for your lovely book reviews this week!Totally want to read [book:Heart Berries: A Memoir and There There now and not Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother and Daughter Journey to the Sacred Places of Greece, Turkey, and France.

We had a crazy weekend last weekend (our school was hosting a show choir competition and my husband and I are responsible for keeping the judges happy and tabulating the scoring- whoosh two days of set up, happy judges, and tear down). I thought I wouldn't get any reading done, then I have done nothing but read since Monday afternoon.

I read:
Promise Not to Tell- total escapism reading.
The Secret of Pembrooke Park- I just saw this at the library and decided to give it a try. It was fine, not great. It is also escapism reading- but she tried too hard for the "secret." I don't regret reading it, but I won't be reading anymore Klassen.
The Girls at the Kingfisher Club- I love Twelve Dancing Princesses and this was a good retelling.
Sweet Little Lies- which I honestly wouldn't have picked up if not for the challenge. I liked the book very much though, and am glad I read it.

QOTW: I don't have a reading buddy exactly. I am on a reading committee that helps narrow down current children's books for the Nebraska State Children's Choice Award (the Golden Sower). We narrow it down to ten books for the kiddos to vote on. We are all reading the same books and discussing them- but it doesn't feel like a reading buddy because our discussion is all about "Is there enough in the book to interest kiddos?" "Is this something that kiddos would really pick up to read?" etc. We do sometimes talk about different aspects of the books and characters- but our eye (even in those discussions) is always on the children.

My husband lets me talk at him about books all the time though- again, doesn't count.

Happy Reading!

Hi there!

I read Die Frau, die liebte: Roman which is The Wife of Martin Guerre in English. Used it for published before 1950 in AtY and for the book that includes a wedding in Popsugar. I liked it ok. It is very sparsely told and I think after reading I thought more of it than while reading. Still only 3 stars for me.

Der Gott jenes Sommers (author whose first and last name start with the same letter) a powerful book by German author Ralf Rothmann which deals with the last months of WWII in the Northern German plains and with a girl (12 years old) and what she experiences during those months. Even though, of course, this geographical area was not severely affected by bombings and the like, still it is fascinating how much Impact the war has on her and on her development. I read the predecessor in 2017 Im Frühling sterben, which dealt with two young men (17 I think) who were forced to join the armed forces (actually the SS) for the last months of war. This book is a good Addition to that one (the earlier one has been translated, too, if you are interested. It is very hard to swallow, though: To Die in Spring

Then I read a graphic novel and am using it for AtY book with a monster: Paper Girls, Vol. 2

Currently reading:
Der dunkle Mann Second in the series.
"Solange wir leben, müssen wir uns entscheiden.": Leben nach Auschwitz
Still listening to Becoming, didn't get many listening hours in this week.

QOTW:
No. Would like to join or start a book club, but somehow haven't done it, yet. Here in Germany, it seems there aren't so many book clubs, anyway...

Miriam wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I read three books this week, two were for PS which brings me to 5/55 (3/45, 2/10).


My first PS read was for prompt #21 by two female authors. I went for [book:Traveling with Pomegr..."

Aww, thank you. Heart Berries is definitely worth it. I feel bad I couldn't sell Traveling with Pomegranates very well, as I did like reading it. I just think it weighed a little too heavy on the side of privilege for me to fall for it...

Sarah wrote: "Miriam wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I read three books this week, two were for PS which brings me to 5/55 (3/45, 2/10).


My first PS read was for prompt #21 by two female authors. I went for [book:Travel..."

You did sell it, I think. But I actually feel the same about travel books and privileged problems. Especially since I have travelled widely myself, I don't necessarily want to read travelling memoirs anyway, unless I think they offer me new insights.

I've been off work with a stinking cold the last two days. I'm hoping I'm over the worst of it now though. Since I haven't been up to much activity, I have got a bit extra read this week.

Finished:
Red Snow by Will Dean for a book set in Scandinavia (and ATY related to the cold). I love the audiobook narrator, and I hope she does other things, although I might get confused and think she's Tuva.

From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon for a book with love in the title and I was a bit disappointed with it.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi which I thought was a great fantasy heist romp! I started it on audiobook as part of a Scribd trial but the sound quality was dreadful and the accents were getting on my nerves, so I went and bought the ebook. I think I'm using it for ATY's criminal character.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells. I'm finally on the Murderbot bandwagon! I thought the audiobook narrator was a good match for Murderbot and I'll be continuing the series. Using for ATY's bestselling genres.

Origins: How The Earth Made Us by Lewis Dartnell which was a NetGalley from last year that I finally got round to. Some interesting facts but felt a bit unfocused. I think I've read quite a bit covering the same topics over the last year so didn't feel that fresh to me. I'm using it for ATY's stumbled upon.

Currently:
Listening to I Was Born for This for a book I meant to read last year (is that Popsugar? I'm getting my challenges confused right now).

Reading Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata which doesn't appear to have chapters so I'll use it for that.

QOTW:
I feel oddly under pressure reading with someone. I often felt a bit like book club books were a chore to be got through, so I never really do buddy reads. There are usually enough bloggers that I chat to who read the same things as me, so there are people I can talk about books with, just not in a structured, readalong way.

Hi all! Another rainy day for me in NJ, alas. Perfect reading weather, though! Finished 2 books this week, both of which count for the challenge and leaves me at 10/50.

Finished:
The Ghosts of Belfast- (A ghost story) LOVED it! It was the perfect mix of thriller and paranormal for me as it followed the story of a former IRA killer who is (literally) haunted by the 12 people he killed.

The Ice Beneath Her- (A book set in Scandinavia) I spent two nights up late devouring this book. It seems like a straightforward crime novel, but boy oh boy did it twist by the end and left me going "wait, what?" as I frantically flipped back and reread passages differently in light of this new info.

Currently Reading:
The Kneebone Boy
The Cold Cold Ground

QOTW:
No, I don't have a reading buddy. I used to with my sister but our reading tastes have diverged since high school when we read the same books; now she tries to get me to read sweet romances or middle grade novels and I try to shove gritty thrillers or fantasy at her.

Happy Thursday! It's been a good reading week for me - I finished 4 books and I'm working on a couple more.

6/50 challenge books completed

Finished
Atonement This book started out sloooow, but I ended up really liking it. It's beautifully written and is an interesting exploration of choices and consequences.

The Louder Song: Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament (26. book published in 2019) This book was written by my friend and college roommate, so I can't be objective, but I did think it was really special. It's a book about lament and hope and waiting on God when nothing makes sense. It's personal and candid, but also solidly researched. I loved it.

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance (31. book about a family) I was inspired to read this after reading Michelle Obama's Becoming last year. Barack wrote it way back in 1995, before he entered political life, and you can tell. There are stories in here that I'm guessing he never would have told had he already been in the political sphere. I didn't love it as much as Becoming, but it was a solid read and I enjoyed learning about his background.

Gather Together in My Name This is the second of Maya Angelou's autobiographies. I love her, and this book was great. She lived a seriously jaw-dropping life.

Currently Reading
Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder (40. favorite past prompt)
Howl's Moving Castle (12. book inspired by mythology, legend or folklore)
The Wondering Years: How Pop Culture Helped Me Answer Life’s Biggest Questions (10. book with "pop" in the title)

QOTW
No reading buddies, but I'm interested in pursuing this. I am a part of a book club and love that.

Hey Everyone! With the snow this weekend in New England I was able to get a bunch of reading done.

Finished:
Crazy Rich Asians - I'm using this for prompt #9 - a book you meant to read in 2018. I had a hard time getting into this book because the first part was slow, but once part 2 started it picked up. I had already seen the movie which didn't help either, but I ended up liking it and gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

The Plotters - I'm using this for prompt #32 - a book written by an author Asia, Africa, or South America since Un-su Kim is from Korea. This isn't normally a book I would choose for myself, but I got an ARC from NetGalley. I enjoyed it and the writing was lovely, but it really wasn't my thing so I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

Me Before You - I finally finished the audiobook on my commute. I really loved this book, and I'm disappointed hearing the sequel doesn't measure up. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars, but as of now I'm not using it for the challenge.

The Nowhere Child - I received an ARC of this book and decided to use it for prompt #25 - a debut novel. This was a very interesting book that I would recommend if you like mysteries/thrillers. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Challenge Progress:

Regular Challenge - 7/40
Advanced Challenge - 0/10

Currently Reading:
One of Us Is Lying - I'm using this for prompt #19 - a book told from multiple characters POVs. I'm listening to this on my commute and love it already. It's The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars so what's not to love!

To All the Boys I've Loved Before - I just started reading this last night and will use it for prompt #29 - a book with "love" in the title. So far it's off to a good start, and I'm excited to get home to read some more tonight!

Forget You Know Me - as of now I'm not using this for a prompt unless I find somewhere that it fits. I just started it this morning though.

QOTW:
I don't have a reading buddy per se. I am in a book club so the other ladies are my buddies, and my boss and I discuss books, but I don't discuss with anyone online.

This week I read a huge amount (because it is cold and I didn't want to leave the house). But I only read one of the things I was currently reading last week. Oops.

Finished:
My Brother's Husband, Volume 1 by Gengoroh Tagame which somebody here recommended last week. I don't remember who, I should have made a note of it. But I really enjoyed it. I hope to read volume 2 soon. I'm using it for Manga (BookRiot)

Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris for choose your own adventure. It was charming and adorable and surprisingly easy to navigate in e-form. After a few runs though started at the front and read the bits I'd missed. For somebody who has had a mostly charmed life he seems to know this and is lovely about it. I enjoyed it.

Noir by Christopher Moore for humor book (Book Riot). I love Christopher Moor and I'm not as in love with the supernatural and the lot so lately his books while still fun and funny haven't been as great for me (because I think you have to be really well versed in a genre for satire of it to really be affective). This book was my favorite of his since Lamb. Set in post WWII San Francisco a send up of the Noir genre. Charming. Funny. Rediculous. All things I enjoy with Christophr Moore. Other reviewers haven't been as kind. Eh, can't win them all. I loved it.

Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole (epistolary, multiple POV) I enjoyed this. It was well written and told in two different time periods. The ending hinges though on a trope I personally hate and so the last 3rd or so was eh for me. But it is well written and given how much this trope comes up, my issue is clearly my own.

Saga, Vol. 9 by Brian K. Vaughan Broken. I am absolutely BROKEN by this volume.

And last but certainly not least The Leavers by Lisa Ko for book written by an woman or AOC that won an award in 2018 (Book Riot) The characters in this book are flawed and the story is told in bits and pieces between a mother and son. It is so well written and heartbreaking that I couldn't put it down even when I was genuinely upset by the choices people were making. The bad choices frustrated me but they were very much driven by the characters and their circumstances and the consequences of said choices were explored so it was very satisfying and again beautifully written. I would recommend.

Same currently reading as last week As You Like It by William Shakespeare and Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny which turned itself back into the library so will be a while before I get back to it.





QOTW: No reading buddy but I think it would be nice to read and discuss with somebody.

Hello everyone!! I’ve been extra tired lately with the winter weather but still managing to get some reading done.

finished

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys for a book with a plant in the title or on the cover. I really enjoyed the story, as I was completely unaware of the Baltic genocide beforehand. Sepetys even goes into detail about the connections to her family and her ancestry in her notes at the end which I found really interesting. Though I didn’t find the characters and actual meat of the story very compelling. It should have taken me a day or two to finish but instead took me over a week and a half.

Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham. I would really only recommend this to big fans of Graham or her work on Gilmore Girls and Parenthood. The content isn’t anything very groundbreaking, though she touches briefly on what it was like coming back to the set of GG for the Netflix reboot. For me it was lacking in any sort of wisdom/insight.

Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions. A letter to a friend on how to raise her daughter a feminist. This was beautiful, empowering, and such an important read. Men, women without children, etc should ALL read this.

currently reading

An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde.

question of the week

I have many good friends who read and we all recommend books to each other! There’s been a couple times we’ve group read a book at the same time. It’s fun to discuss things when it’s fresh in everyone’s memory!

Dani wrote: " I’m so glad I noticed overdrive was allowing holds a few months before the book was released, I was #4 out of a ton of holds...."

It depends on the library. That is my biggest frustration with my main library that they don't allow it. Great if you happen to be the very first to notice a new book is out, but it takes a lot of timing something just right and I rarely think to do it.

Then I subscribed to a little local library for the suburb next to mine (which isn't part of the county library system, whereas my local library is) and they allow you to request books and then if they get the book you are in line based on the order you requested the book. They buy way less books than my big county library but I've gotten earlier reads of some things and I don't have to be so vigilant about what days books are released. Also they don't count against your holds.

Hi Everyone!

It's rainy and icy here, but since I work form home, no snow days for me. but i get to work in slippers and wrapped in blankets, with cats around so it's not so bad. The 4 day migraine can go away at any time, though.

This week I finished:

The Left Hand of Darkness - This wasn't for a challenge, one of my online book clubs picked it. I read it a few years ago but couldn't remember that much, it was great re-reading it and thinking more deeply about it this time.

Faith, Volume 1: Hollywood & Vine - not for a challenge, just trying to get through some comic backlogs. This was pretty good, but I feel like I missed a group comic that she was intro-ed in, might need to look into ti.

The Life of Captain Marvel - This was interesting, it completely revamps Captain Marvel's origin story. Not so much the actual events, but the context of them. I enjoyed it. I'd like it if some of it made it into the movie, but I'm doubting not.

The Marrow Thieves - This was my own voices novel for popsugar, as well as book by an Indigenous person for Reading Women and ATY. I liked what it was doing, and the messages, but I didn't really enjoy it per-se. I didn't really connect with the main character, I found him to be a kinda annoying teenage boy (which he was, so i guess it's valid?)

Dead Beat - finally finished listening to this, only took the whole month.

Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship - This is my Read Harder children's book/Middle grade book that won a diversity award since 2009. This one won a lgbtq+ diversity award. I have a hard time rating a kid's book, since they're meant for an age group i'm far removed from, and I don't really have kids or work with them. However, I thought it was a sweet, if simple, story. It had really cute artwork, and I think it would serve as a good starting point for introducing the concept of gender identity to a child.

Meddling Kids - this is my popsugar amateur detective. I might count it as ATY's related to a tv show I enjoyed, since it's clearly an homage to scoobie doo, although scoobie was never my favorite as a kid. I watched it, but never LOVED it. I felt like I should have liked this book more than I did. It was scoobie doo meets evil dead/lovecraft, I was really excited. But the writing style was so weird. I felt like the author couldn't decide if he wanted straight horror or a horror comedy. It wasn't quite funny enough, or serious enough to fit into either. Also he randomly would break into play-like dialogue, with the person's name in front of each dialogue. But not all the dialogue, other would be written like normal. There was also some bits of 4th wall breaking during action scenes, but again not enough to be a zany deadpool-esque 4th wall breaking romp. Also the main romance was kind of uncomfortable. It felt very "going to love you until you love me back".

Currently reading:

The Blue Sword - This will be my ATY's something blue book. I don't know if works for anything in popsugar, maybe not.

QOTW:

Not officially, but I have many friends who like reading and we do talk books. One friend in particular, we sometimes try to read books at the same time/close to each other and we talk about them. It's hard though because our reading tastes are VERY different, so quite often books I love, she does not and vise versa. We always laugh when we both like a book. Station Eleven was one of those exceptions, she loved it and convinced me to read it right away and I loved it too.

I did a little better reading this week.

For Your favorite prompt from a past Popsugar Reading Challenge I read a mystery : Why Kill the Innocent by C.S. Harris and I recommend this whole mystery series set in the early 1800s. It's fantastic.

and while I might change this out at a later date, right now I have for A novel based on a true story Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol which is technically a graphic novel (but I'm not a fan of based on stuff, either give me fiction or non fiction. I'm not much on the mix.

And not for the challenge (but potentially for others) I read 僕のヒーローアカデミア 3 Boku No Hero Academia 3 [Boku No Hero Academia 3] by Kohei Horikoshi

フルーツバスケットanother 1 by Natsuki Takaya

QOTW Honestly I don't. Yeah I join in some buddy reads in my groups and I've read things recced by friends and family but buddy reading isn't really my thing.

hey all

Finished: (4/50)
Railhead (book in space) - A fun sci-fi adventure. More middle-grade than I was expecting, but the world was super imaginative/unique. It also has a lot of sweet visuals so I might end up switching it to a book that would make a good movie.

Coming up soon:
Vigilance is being released January 29, and it's about a gun violence reality TV show where the survivors get cash prizes. I'm planning to get this and read it for the January challenge about a puzzle or a game (it's not a solvable puzzle, but I figure reality TV counts as a game).

Progress: 4/10

Finished:
Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner
Ghosted by Rosie Walsh
Find Her by Lisa Gardner

None of these books are for the Popsugar Challenge. I don't know if that's good or bad. I'm still on track, so that's a positive.

Currently Reading:
The Ice Beneath Her by Camilla Grebe
The Witch Elm

The Ice Beneath Her is for the challenge and I'm almost finished. This week I"m also planning to read the book If We Were Villains as part of the Popsugar Challenge.

QOTW:
No 'official' reading buddies. Belong to one book club so at least every other month I'm guaranteed some sort of book chat. Plus two women I've befriended in my running group are avid readers (one of them told me about this challenge), so I can always chat with them about books during longer runs.

Good morning! We have piles and piles and piles of snow here finally! I didn't get much read this last week because I was so sick.
I'm at 6/50

This week I finished:
Forever Evil by Geoff Johns
Dream Country by Neil Gaiman
Both of those for ATY.

Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King for 2 word title. It was okay.

QOTW:
Over in the Reading Challenge group, I joined TBR Twins 2 years ago when I became active on goodreads again. I was paired with someone to read a book that month and we've been emailing and reading books together ever since!

Ugh! Ive been way too preoccupied to commit to reading anything. The most Ive done is pick up and put down The Book of M ( which from the beginning is fantastic, so I don't know why I can't get into more than 10 pages at a time), If I Could Turn Back Time, (Cute fluff but I'm still only 50 pages in) and I started about 5 pages of Tell Me Lies( not sure where to put it in the challenges?)


QOTW:
No book buddies here, just all of you :-)

Hello from rainy NYC! I am certainly not complaining though because a few days ago it was 5 degrees F and now it's 55! What a weird winter we are having.

Anyway, I finished 3 books this week:'

The House of Broken Angels was my first 5 star read of the year. I loved how real each character felt and it was perfect for the book about a family prompt.

All Systems Red - I joined the Murderbot bandwagon as well! I love the humor in this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

A Terrible Country started off slow but I ended up really enjoying this book. It was a very interesting look at modern Russia from a unique perspective. This could work for plants or trees on cover but I have others in mind for that so I may just keep it as a side read.

Currently reading:

Continuing with the ToB shortlist, I just started America Is Not the Heart and I have high hopes based on the little I've read so far.

Up next (i.e. out from the library now) is Warlight and Watching You.

QOTW: I do not have a reading buddy but I have gotten a lot out of group reads and random discussions about books with folks here and in other GR groups.

Hi everyone! I didn't have much going on this week, so I expected to get more reading done than I did, but I'm still happy with my progress thus far, at 8/50.

Two finishes:

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda which I'm using for a book with an item of clothing on the cover (for now. It also fits debut novel as well). I did love this. I was a little hesitant, as I have been enjoying YA as of late, but don't like YA that is specifically revolves around teenage life (the minutiae of day to day high school life, for example). Maybe I'm just too far past my own high school years! But I was determined to finish it, as I loved the movie, and by the time I was halfway through, I was devouring it. It wound up being a five star read for me - adorable happy ending and largely likable, quirky characters.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette for a book with a question in the title. I liked this one just fine, but it won't go on my list of all-time favorite reads or anything. It was entertaining all the way through and I did enjoy it, but it wasn't anything that made me run out and recommend it to everyone I know.

Currently reading:

City of Dark Magic on audio
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar
Not Your Sidekick

QOTW:
Yes, I have two! My spouse is one; this is our third year doing the popsugar challenge together, and while we do sometimes read different books for some of the prompts, there are many prompts where we do read the same book at the same time and discuss, and of course, we're constantly recommending books to each other. We also tend to always have an audiobook going that we listen to together (right now it's City of Dark Magic). As of last year, our friend joined us in the PS challenge, and all three of us will read the same book for many of the prompts and discuss. The three of us tend to do that a bit outside of the challenge, as well, which is fun.

This week I managed to finish two books, both of which aren't for the challenge.

The Cadaver King and the Country Dentist: A True Story of Injustice in the American South was my first finished read for the week. I didn't care for this book although I think the main story is something that needs to be presented and discussed. I feel like the two main cases they try to present get bogged down by other information in the book. I also wonder if it had been written by AOC it would have enhanced the reading experience. I still can't come to grasps that the Mississippi judicial system is still so biased and easily influential today as it has been for decades. The continued employment of Haynes and West reiterate this point throughout the book.

My second book was All the Light We Cannot See. I thought this book was just ok. I know it won the Pulitzer a few years ago and has a lot of people who love it but I'm not one of them. I found the short chapters didn't give me enough time to completely attach myself to any of the characters. I still don't understand the storyline with the stone besides our innate human need, for many, for longevity and power.

I'm also super close to finishing up two books.
Becoming , which I'm considering using for my "book about a family" because deep down her book is not only about herself but her family.

The Dreamers, which I'll be using for "a book you think should be turned into a movie". I imagine if the film rights haven't been snapped up they will be shortly.

QOTW:
I have participated in numerous Buddy Reads on Instagram and really enjoy the conversations that come out of them. I also participate in three different book clubs and I would consider those buddy reads since I usually talk with a few people within each book club about the book which enhances the reading experience. One of my book clubs definitely spends more time actually discussing the monthly selection than the others.

Ellie wrote: "I've been off work with a stinking cold the last two days. I'm hoping I'm over the worst of it now though. Since I haven't been up to much activity, I have got a bit extra read this week.

Reading Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata which doesn't appear to have chapters so I'll use it for that.

Oh, that's good to know. I'm still waiting for my copy from the library but didn't realize it would fit that prompt. Thanks. :)