Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2020 Weekly Checkins
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Week 10: 2/28 – 3/5
Super quick check-in before running to work!Finished: Murderbot!
All Systems Red
Artificial Condition
Rogue Protocol
Exit Strategy
Currently Reading:
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption - book cub tonight, don't know if I'll finish in time
Hurricane Child
Psmith in the City - bedtime Wodehouse
I finished Obsessive Genius: The Inner World of Marie Curie as my book by or about a woman in STEM. It was pretty interesting. I knew almost nothing about Marie Curie.I read Partners in Crime as my book that takes place in the 1920s. Cute. Nothing to write home about.
Now I'm reading Buffalo Girls as my Western. Not very far into it, but I like it so far.
QOTW: I mostly stick to adult books. 2 years ago when doing the childhood classic you've never read prompt, I realized how many childhood classics I've never read, so I'm trying to read one a year to catch up. This year I read Anne of Green Gables. I will read the occasional YA novel, but usually just if it hits such popularity that everyone is talking about it. I'm going to be reading the Book Thief and The Fellowship of the Ring later this year.
Starting Today:Need a new audio so either The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper about the Ripper's victims, Actress from the Women's Prize long list or Melted into Air by Sandi Toksvig. whichever I can hear better at work this morning I guess.
QOTW:
I do read a variety of age groups. What I very rarely read are board books and chapter books. I love a good picture book and lots of middle grade! I don't read a ton of YA but I usually have a few. Then of course plenty of adult. I have gone through phases where it's mostly middle grade, but right now I seen to be mostly adult.
This week has been a whirlwind, but I've found several pockets of time to read, so it's been a good whirlwind.Finished:
The Treason of Mary Louvestre - 3 stars. The story dragged for at least the first half of the book, but I was determined to finish it. The latter half was what I'd been expecting of the whole thing; perhaps that says more about my expectations than the book itself. Book with a 20-letter-or-more title
Deathless Divide - 4.5 stars. An excellent sequel to Dread Nation. The resolution wasn't what I was hoping for, but I suppose with a zombie storyline everything's not going to be tidy in the end. Book published in 2020
Finishing today:
The Girls of Murder City: Fame, Lust, and the Beautiful Killers who Inspired Chicago - A bit flat, all things considered. The narrative jumps around and seems to focus more on the reporters than the murderesses, but I can easily see the inspirations for Chicago, one of my favorite musicals. A book featuring one of the seven deadly sins
20/50
Currently reading:
Now I Rise Still loving this book!
QOTW: Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
I seem to have gotten away from middle grade (although I need to catch up on my Rick Riordan backlog) but I do love YA books as much as adult books - there's so much imagination in those pages!
Still endless rain here on the south coast of England. Finished:
Chilling Effect for upside down image (she is mostly upside down so I'm counting it for now). I thought this was fun, but I did sometimes find it hard to keep up with all the new aliens being introduced. I liked the crew's relationship so I would consider reading more.
Monstress, Vol. 4: The Chosen for ATY (collaboration), artwork still as gorgeous as ever and I love Kippa.
The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken for a subject I don't know much about. The UK justice system is in a bit of a depressing state, but I thought this was mostly important information to have.
The Andromeda Strain for medical thriller and it was not thrilling. I love reading about contagious diseases, so I don't know how this ended up so dull. It hasn't aged well in my opinion.
I'm currently reading Grief Angels but my review copy of The City We Became just arrived so I'm itching to start that instead!
QOTW:
I mostly read adult and the older end of YA (sci-fi, fantasy and UKYA contemporary). I might occasionally read something aimed at younger readers, depends what it is about or who the author is.
Current Status: 12/50I missed the week 8 and 9 check in posts as we have been busy trying to buy a house so this is my update since week 7.
Finished
16. A book that has a book on the cover - The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. I read this with my local bookclub and we meet on Monday to discuss it. I think everyone has generally enjoyed it. I know I really liked it. Nina reminded me of myself in someways with some of her quirks. It was interesting seeing her navigate life and meet her new family. I was so happy with how it ended for her and that she realized she can let people into her life and still be happy.
Advanced Prompt: 7. A book with more than 20 letters in its title - Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells. I liked this one but it is not a favourite. Some parts were long and I spent a lot of time disliking the characters. I read this for the challenge I gave myself this year to read the 10 oldest books on my TBR and I am glad to have finished it.
I also finished Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. I didn't have this one down for a prompt but read it for an online form i participate in. It was a solid 4 star for me. Some parts annoyed me. Mostly becuase it was YA I think but I liked the mystery and that cliffhanger. I must read the next one soon to see what happens.
We read One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid for an online bookclub this month as well and I really liked this one. There were times that the main characters frustrated me and I didn't agree with their decisions or logic but in the end I was happy with how it all came together.
Currently Reading:
I am not reading any books for a prompt at the moment but am reading I See You by Clare Mackintosh for my local bookclub and am really enjoying it. I think one of the small twists happened at the chapter I ended on last night and I can't wait to continue this evening.
It is also time to potty train my 2 year old before baby number 2 arrives in May so I am reading/listening to Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right by Jamie Glowacki. She really has some great methods and I think it is going to make the whole process go much smoother.
Question of the Week:
Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
*Middle grade is usually designated as ages 8-12 or so (also including classic children’s literature). YA covers about age 13 up into the early 20’s
I will read anything. I don't tend to read a lot of middle grade but when I see one that interests me I do pick it up. I would say the rest is a pretty even split between YA and adult.
I didn’t love any of the books I read this week. That’s a bummer. I’ve just started the next Outlander book, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’ve heard The Fiery Cross is not the best in the series, though, so we'll see.Finished
The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession by Susan Orlean (a book on a subject you know nothing about). This was too rambling for my tastes. It was more like a collection of essays about orchids than one story about an orchid heist.
The Wolf in the Whale by Jordana Max Brodsky (a bildungsroman). This was a tough book to read because so many terrible things happened. It lost me in the final quarter of the book. Ragnarok could have worked as an allegory (Inuit gods defeat Norse gods, so Vikings leave North America and never come back), but that’s not what happened. Instead ... racism! Ugh. I wish I’d read some of the low star reviews before picking this up.
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole (a book by a WOC). I like the concept of the book and the writing, but there were some plotting problems. The characters are spies during the American Civil War. They’re supposed to be collecting information for the Union while undercover in the South, but their romance gets in the way of that mission.
Reading
The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (a book by or about a woman in STEM)
QOTW
I stick mostly to adult books. I stopped reading YA a few years ago because I found that I didn't connect with the characters anymore. I've never really liked middle grade books. My exception is childhood classics I haven't read before. Somehow I missed some really great books growing up. I've enjoyed the experience of reading them now.
I feel like this week has just flown by and now it's Thursday already. I've been so busy, I've hardly had any time for reading. I finished one book this week, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. It was cute and easy to read. I liked the writing style and enjoyed the story. I'm currently reading Frankenstein and really enjoying it. I also just started This Tender Land and so far it seems pretty good.
QOTW: I mostly read adult books, but I'll read the big YA series. I don't really read middle grade at all, except for an occasional nostalgic re-read of an old favorite.
Good Morning. I read 3 books for the week. All 3 for Pop Sugar. Normal People by Sally Rooney. Advanced prompt an author that wrote a book in their 20s.
All Systems Red. The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. Book with robot,cyborg,or AI character.
Girl Code Gaming,Going Viral, and Getting It Done by Andrea Gonzales &Sophie Houser. I double dipped on this one. Book about or by women in STEM. Book involving social media.
QOTW Do you read different age groups? I do. Not so much middle school. I read that for challenges. But I read adult, YA and picture books. I have grandchildren.
Beautiful weather here in Santa Fe! Highs in the 50s... I've got to find out when planting season is here.Challenge Progress: 22/50
Completed:
The Lucky One: I was excited to read this one because I really enjoyed Little Pretty Things, but I ended up being pretty disappointed. While the main story about Alice and the truth of her kidnapping was interesting, there was a lot to do with the construction company that was just unnecessary or so jumbled that it detracted from the main story. There are some plot strands that I still don't really understand, but I'm not interested enough to go back and figure out what I missed. ★★
Greed and Glory: How Doc Gooden, Donald Trump, Lawrence Taylor, Ed Koch, Rudy Giuliani, and the Mafia Ruled New York in the 1980s: As Gordon Gekko said, "Greed is good," and (for the most part) so is this book. Incredible account of the greed, dirt, drugs, and deceit that apparently ran rampant throughout New York City in the 1980s. It jumped around quite a bit and then came to a rather abrupt halt, but I'm still glad I read it. (A book featuring one of the seven deadly sins) ★★★
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: I avoided this book for the longest time. I kept confusing this one and The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. Such similar titles for two books released at nearly the same time! But I loved Daisy Jones & The Six, so I finally decided to take the chance. Why did I wait so long!? Reid is a fantastic writer. Her characters are imperfect, complicated, and entirely sympathetic. I loved it! (A book with at least a four-star rating on Goodreads) ★★★★★
Currently Reading: Royal Holiday, Sorority (a favorite past prompt: 2019 - a debut novel), Little Fires Everywhere (a book with a three word title), Mostly Void, Partially Stars, She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement (a book with only words on the cover, no images or graphics), A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America, Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope, The Goldfinch (a book with gold, silver, or bronze in the title), and The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here (a book by or about a woman in STEM)
QOTW: I read a fair amount of YA. I really got into the habit of it when I was teaching high school math. Teachers in my building posted what they were reading on their classroom doors so kids could see that reading was an enjoyable lifetime activity. We don't really get a chance to talk about what we think or feel in math class (unless it's specifically about math), so I really enjoyed using books as a way to connect with my students.
I've been struggling for time to read and have had a few things go back to the library unread. I also put down a couple of things I'd started that I wasn't really feelingFinished
Golden Son by Pierce Brown - book with gold in the title. Not sure what I think about this series. I enjoyed it but think I'll have a break before finishing off.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson - may use this as bildungsroman. I enjoyed this but had been hoping to read this for a while and it was nothing at all like I was expecting.
Currently Reading
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - picked up for a real life book club but am going to use for book with a map
Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life by Anne Bogel - book with pink cover. I love Anne Bogel and am keen to read anything she puts out.
QOTW
I don't often read middle grade books unless I get the urge to reread something from childhood. I mostly read adult books but am open to picking up whatever appeals to me regardless of if it's YA or otherwise.
Happy Thursday! :) It's so weird for me to read that everyone is excited about/experiencing spring in the last couple check-ins because this was the view from my couch yesterday morning (in Canada; central Ontario)...based on the fact that the great lakes are not frozen right now (= more lake effect snow for me), I know that I'm going to be seeing some snow well into April if not May but at least the sun is out some days and it hasn't been stupid level cold yet this year. :) I had a slow reading week and only finished 1 book since last check-in.
Current Progress
PS: 14/50 | HP: 18/56 | ATY: 18/52 | GR: 18/100
Finished This Week
Looking for Alaska by John Green - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 Stars rounded up. I've read other John Green books that I didn't particularly like all that much so I was pleasantly surprised at this one. I really liked that bits and pieces of it were very thoughtful despite how easy it was to read.
Used for: PS - 39. Read a banned book during Banned Books Week *Feb 23-29, 2020 was Freedom to Read week in Canada which is our equivalent of Banned Books Week so I chose to do this prompt then*
HP - 13. Read a book that includes a troublemaker
ATY - 40. A Book with a place name in the title
Currently Reading
The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls..yup still! haha
QotW
I definitely read a mixture of Adult, YA & Middle Grade! I looked at my 2019 reads and they were basically like 50/50 adult/ya with the odd middle grade book thrown in but in other years I definitely have steered more towards Adult.
Hello all,I only finished a couple of books this week.
“Upside down image”- Number One Chinese Restaurant- I didn’t care for this at all. The writing was stiff and the characters were unlikable, uninteresting, and sometimes grotesque. Finishing this was a chore. 1 star.
“Meant to read in 2019”- The Tempest- I have read this play in the past, but hadn’t listened to an audio production before, which was fun. 3 stars.
QOTW- I usually only read a handful of YA a year, and maybe a middle grade or two. I have been particularly stepping back from YA in the past few years. There seem to be a lot of very enthusiastic YA fans on GR. Unfortunately, those high ratings don’t always translate to books that I like. I am kind of difficult to please though. As my sister says, a three star book for me is a four star book for everyone else.
Mod
It’s been a slow reading week, I finished two books this week, neither for the Challenge:
On the Bus With Rosa Parks poems by Rita Dove - this was really great; it’s the first collection I’ve read by Dove, and I will definitely make a point of reading more.
A Fighting Chance by Elizabeth Warren - the biography parts of this were very engaging, but alllll the details on bankruptcy laws and mortgage regulations were a bit too much. A good start to Women’s History Month! Not for the Challenge.
QOTW
Yes! I’d guess about 10% of the books I read are YA. I actively follow some YA authors and I also pay attention to new releases by new authors that sound good. MOST of my YA reading is SFF. I used to read some middle-grade, too. I don’t read much middle-grade now that both of my kids are teens, because I was mostly reading it to share good book with my kids. But the YA I read for me (it’s just a happy coincidence that I can now serve as a very reliable recommender of books to my teens! What’s that word for a person who can say: “if you liked this book, you might like this other book”?)
Happy Thursday, y’all.Books read this week:
The Green Man: Tales from the Mythic Forest -- for “anthology.” A collection of stories about wilderness spirits, specifically the “green man” of European mythology. Like many anthologies, some were better than others, though there were some memorable and beautiful stories in this collection. Still don’t know why a random “Jack and the Beanstalk” retelling was in here, though…
Quest for a Maid -- for “book with a great first line” (“When I was nine years old, I hid under a table and heard my sister kill a king.)” I started this book as a child but never finished it… I’m very glad I found it again and gave it another chance. The author takes actual Scottish history and adds witchcraft, adventure, humor, and a touch of romance to make a delightful read.
Milk and Honey -- not for the challenge. Figured it was about time I read this poetry collection… and while there were some powerful emotional moments, I didn’t like it quite as much as others did. Maybe I’m just old-fashioned and prefer poems with rhyme and meter, or at least more poetic language, but at times this felt more like pithy Twitter posts than actual poetry.
The Story of Diva and Flea -- not for the challenge. An adorable and sweet children’s chapter book about a pampered pet dog and a stray cat and the friendship they form. Helps that it’s by one of my favorite children’s book authors (Mo Willems) and illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators (Tony DiTerlizzi).
Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story -- graphic novel, not for the challenge. I identify so much with Debbie Tung’s struggles to fit into a world of extroverts, and how she learns to cope with her anxiety and social awkwardness. I think all introverts need to read this, if only to find a kindred spirit.
Regular challenge -- 20/44 (split the last prompt into five)
Advanced challenge -- 1/10
Not for challenge -- 16
DNF:
The Silver Witch -- was going to be for “book with gold, silver, or bronze in the title.” Just could not get into this. It doesn’t help that the author writes in huge paragraphs that really need to be broken up, and includes a huge amount of detail that really doesn’t need to be in there.
Currently Reading:
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea -- for “book with ‘twenty’ in the title”
I Sing the Body Electric! & Other Stories -- for “favorite prompt from 2018” (book with song lyrics in the title)
Dogsbody -- for “book with a pun in the title”
QOTW:
I read a wide variety of books, from children's picture books to adult novels to YA and Teen books. Nothing is safe from me, muahahaha...
So I haven't checked in for several weeks, been too busy reading (plus had a pretty bad head cold). So I added four more books to the Popsugar Challenge:Book about something I know nothing about: "The Genius of Birds" by Jennifer Ackerman
A Western: "Riders of the Purple Sage" by Zane Grey. This was my Grandmother's favorite book of all time. It was a bit dated, but very good.
A book recommended by an Online Book Group: "The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris" by Jenny Colgan. This was the February BOM for an Facebook Group I belong to. While I don't usually read romances, this one was pretty enjoyable.
A Bildungsroman: "Gods of Jade and Shadow" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This was a TERRIFIC book. I didn't pick it up intending it to be for the challenge. But when I finished it, I realized that it was a coming of age story for the main character. She goes from being a timid and repressed servant in her Grandfather's home to a strong and independent woman who travels to the Mayan Underworld and faces down demons and giant bats.
So now I'm reading "Dead Wake" by Erik Larson. Again, not one that I picked up deliberately for the challenge. But it fits the prompt of a Book by a Journalist.
I've been dealing with some life disappointments this past week which has made me not really want to read, but I sat down and finished two of the books I'd been working on yesterday (ended up staying awake past my bedtime for one of them!)Finished:
How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why It Happens by Benedict Carey: A book with no images on the cover, only words. Only one of the editions fits the prompt, but that's the edition I read, so I'm counting it. It was really interesting and will definitely help in my job doing academic counseling!
Descendant of the Crane by Joan He: A book published the month of your birthday (April). The story in this is really fascinating; I enjoyed the world-building and culture. The writing is lacking, however, and I can't put my finger on it. I just never felt very connected to any of the characters, even though I was invested in the plot. This is the one I stayed up late for--I needed to know what happens! Pro-tip--if you don't like an open ending, skip this book! From what I read, the author doesn't have plans for a sequel, either.
Honestly, I think she may have unraveled everything in the world TOO much. I have no idea how all of it could be resolved.
On Hold:
The Prodigal Tongue: Dispatches from the Future of English
Up Next:
The Map of Salt and Stars: For whatever reason, I thought this was March's group read, even though I know June is Pride month...anyway, I have it from the library, so I'm going to go ahead and read it!
QOTW:
I read a LOT of middle grade fiction (well, the good stuff anyway). I've finally started getting in to more adult fiction as I've learned what I like and what to avoid. YA is hit or miss for me. It's odd--I don't enjoy adult realistic fiction, but I really enjoy middle grade and YA realistic fiction. Maybe it's because I've lived through the ages in those but haven't hit the phase in my life that really connects with most adult fiction.
Unfortunately, the main genre that reflects much about single 30-somethings is rom-com stuff. I love rom com movies but not books, for some reason.
Mod
Ugh! One of my pet peeves, shared by apparently no one else is when The Giants are called a New York team. The Giants have been playing in NEW JERSEY since 1976. They are The New Jersey Giants and I will die on this hill. NYC can have The Jets, NJ doesn’t want them. I mean, it was bad enough when NYC moved the border so that the Statue of Liberty was suddenly in NYC, not NJ, but they have to keep pretending The Giants are a NYC team, too?? If they want them, they should build a stadium for them in NY. Poor NJ, gets all the ridicule and none of the glory...
(Yes I’m just joking. Sort of. )
Good morning fellow readers!!! Hope everyone is doing well this week. I had a little family staycation last weekend and have fallen into Voltron: The Legendary Defender (awesome show) with my daughter which has taken some reading time. That's cool though #balance.15/40 Regular
2/10 Advanced
Currently Reading
🎧
QotW:
Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
*Middle grade is usually designated as ages 8-12 or so (also including classic children’s literature). YA covers about age 13 up into the early 20’s
I used to only read young adult. That is not entirely true anymore as challenges have branched me out a bit. I still find myself in the ya section every visit to the bookstore/library.
Middle grade I have never been really big on as an adult. I just saw a new Wayside School Boxed Set book has come out on instagram so I will probably read that. I also bought The Unteachables which I intend to read this year along with Matilda. This is more forced on my part.
I try to read a bunch of picture books every year which is good to help find presents at Christmas time for my neices and nephews and my book clubs kids.
Nadine wrote: "NYC can have The Jets"Ahaha when I first read that I was like wait a minute..The Winnipeg Jets aren't moving again are they? and then I remembered oh yeah...there's a football team named The Jets too. I guess I'm just a typical Canadian when it comes to sports; Hockey on the brain. XD
Hi! We are skipping right over spring and headed into the 80's today, although I hear we have at least one more cold snap headed our way. We have a lot better luck with fall weather down here than we do with spring, lol. Spring is mostly just a dream that summer will hold off a little longer (it rarely does).This week I finished 2 books, both were on difficult subjects but absolutely amazing in their execution. Both were easy 5 stars for me. It's quite a coincidence that they tie into the QOTW this week, since one was YA and one was middle grade.
Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea by Sungju Lee - nonfiction YA (used for the Book Riot prompt), the true story of a young man's escape from North Korea. Most of the story deals with his life in North Korea, not revealing the details of his actual escape until the end and including a prologue to summarize his life after leaving. Lee shares details about imprisonment and abuse that could be triggers, but nothing is gratuitous and his story is very powerful.
Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D Williams - a middle grade novel, used for the prompt "A book by a WOC." The story tackles difficult subjects such as bullying, abuse, addiction, peer pressure, racism, and self-esteem issues. It's heartbreaking to watch the main character struggle through so many hardships on her own, but there's a hopeful note as well. Friendships and familial relationships are explored; so is a sense of self and the potential for teens to quickly descend into destructive thinking and self-hatred. I consider it a must-read, and not just for middle graders.
QOTW: I enjoy mixing in middle grade and YA books (and even children's books) along with adult books. I don't prefer one over the other, I think all the categories have incredible offerings.
Being away last week on skiing holiday I missed to check in and I did not get that much read as well so this check in will count for the last two weeks. Finished
A Judgement in Stone. I liked this story a lot eventhough you knew what would happen from the start. It was very well written and I had not read this author before and will probably read more. Four stars from me
Used for PS prompt Read a book with a great first line "Eunice Parchman killed the Coverdale family because she could not read or write"
Status
PS: 6/50
ATY: 4/52
Goodreads: 9/52
Currently reading
The Lightning Thief reading aloud for my son
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire reading aloud for my daughter
The Keeper of Lost Causes will use for originally published the month of my birthday
Question of the Week:
Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
I read mostly adult books but the occasional YA slips in. I do read som middle grade as well though as I still read aloud for my kids and I count them as well as my read books.
Progress:Popsugar - 24/50
ATY - 18/52
Goodreads - 32/100
Finished:
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord Prompt. Bird On Cover 4 Stars. Cute and quick read. Two teens get into Twitter spat for their parents respective restaurants. Pepper and Jack go to school together and do not know they are at war with each other. I just read 27 days and there are several similar themes. Pepper's mom is a workaholic and not around much. Same with the girl's mother in In 27 days. Jack's parents own a deli that he works and much of their family life is involved in the deli. Same with the boy from In 27 Days. In 27 Days was a heavier book dealing with suicide and depression. Tweet Cute is a light romantic book.
The Huntress by Kate Quinn ATY - Book between 400 - 600 pages. 5 Stars. Really enjoyed the read. There were three different story lines, Jordan young woman in Boston living with her father who wanted her to marry. Ian a former journalist from the war that is hunting Nazi's for war criminals. Annalese immigrant woman with a child living in Boston. The story unfolds through multiple timelines and kept me listening late into the night. I happened to be reading this at the same time as watching "The Hunters" on Amazon Prime (not at the same time but same week). Wow did my story lines get confused haha. Really enjoyed both and bummed they are both done now.
Currently Reading:
Away from the Dark by Aleatha Romig
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Prompt. Book meant to read in 2019
QotW: I usually read a mixture of adult and YA books. Most fantasy/dystopian books are YA and don't realize it until I find them at the library in the YA section. I would say I might listen to 2 or 3 middle-grade books a year. Traveling in the car with kids I find these are good books to listen to. I don't have any middle-grade books planned for my prompts this year.
Morning all.Finished reading: (9/50)
War Girls (cyborg/robot characters, passes Bechdel test, vision enhancement (mechanical eye with infravision), on a subject I knew nothing about (the Nigerian Civil War)) - A futuristic re-telling of the Nigerian Civil War from the points of view of a Biafran child soldier and her little sister. Still mulling over what I think of this...I liked it overall, but I strongly disliked the little sister, which put a damper on things.
If you're going to read this book, and (like me) you aren't familiar with the Nigerian Civil War, I recommend briefly going to Wikipedia to learn about the history. The book itself doesn't explain much; it's clear the Nigerians and the Biafrans are at war, but not much more than that.
QotW: My reading is generally split between YA/adult, with maybe an occasional MG book thrown in. So far this year, I've read 3 YA books and 6 adult.
I never read teen books as an actual teen -- at the library, I would just beeline for the (adult) fantasy section -- but over the past few years I've come to like YA a lot. I like the quick pacing, and I also like the characters. (Adult fiction often does this thing where everyone is boring and unlikable. YA fiction generally doesn't; characters have their flaws, of course, but there's still someone to root for, which matters a lot to me.)
Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?*Middle grade is usually designated as ages 8-12 or so (also including classic children’s literature). YA covers about age 13 up into the early 20’s
I read everything! I'm actually very proud of the fact that the first thing I read is the description, and don't bother figuring out the age group until I'm actually interested. I mean, some books are obviously in one category or another! But I've found that really good books are usually in that in between.
READ
Rich People Problems A book featuring one of the seven deadly sins – 3.5 stars
Fun, as always! Kwan’s talent for dragging you right into the decadence of what seems like a fairytale land of the ultra-rich is, as always, in constant battle for his absolute majestic power to make you salivate when talking about food. Good god, he needs to write menus. That being said, the stakes were a lot less intense this time around. I don’t feel the same connection with Tyersall Park that Nick does, so his fight to save it didn’t interest me. BUT KITTY PONG!!!! If there was ever a character you just MUST love, it’s Kitty. She’s not saint, she’s no kind maiden, but she’s smart and vicious, and won’t take anyone’s BS. I’m so glad that in the end she’s not turned into a villainous character, it would have broke me.
The Best of Edgar Allan Poe - An anthology - 3.5 Stars
Rating anthologies is really unfair, because some of the stories bring out so much enjoyment and others are just not up to the cut. So instead I'll list my favorites from the book.
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Masque of the Red Death
The Raven
Anabell Lee
The Fact in the Case of M. Valdemar
The Black Cat
The Bells
The Pit and the Pendulum
The Fall of the House of Usher
The Gold-Bug
READING
Gods of Jade and Shadow
My Lady's Choosing: An Interactive Romance Novel
Finished:The Familiars for Your favourite prompt from a past POPSUGAR reading challenge [2019 - A novel based on a true story]. This was going to be for the bird prompt, but I shifted it to make way for...
The Way of All Flesh for A book with a bird on the cover. I had hoped this was going to fit the 'main character in their 20s' prompt, but annoyingly the male main character was 19, and the female main character's age was undisclosed - so I had to do a bit of shuffling! I did really enjoy the book though, and have added the next one in the series to my TBR list for a later date. I did manage to work out who the villain was fairly early on though - although I'm not sure whether that was because of a flaw in the writing/plotting, or because I'm just getting better at figuring these things out!
Started:
Last Day - I'm hopeful this might fit A book that passes the Bechdel test but otherwise it would fit A book that's published in 2020, so we'll see!
QOTW:
I guess I mostly read adult, with the occasional foray into YA (sometimes by accident - I hadn't realised the Grishaverse was supposed to be YA until I read somewhere that it was, but once I did, it made sense that it was!). Middle grade I don't tend to read, unless we're talking about re-reads of things like Harry Potter or Narnia.
After this week's reads I'm now at 33/50 for the challenge. I finished A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier which was of course difficult and depressing, but the author is very matter-of-fact about everything rather than dwelling on how terrible his situation was, which made it a bit easier to get through. Still tough stuff to read about though. I'm interested in learning more about how the Truth and Reconciliation process has been in Sierra Leon since I'm familiar with the South African version. 4 stars
I listened to Lab Girl (woman in STEM) which wasn't always what I expected, but still very good. A nice chance of pace after the child soldier story... 4 stars
I also finished The Map of Salt and Stars (book with a map) and I think the idea of it was incredible. The delivery wasn't always on track with what I was hoping for, but still an important story. 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 on GR)
I listened to Her Body and Other Parties and as most short story collections are, it was a mixed bag. I found the first story very predictable, but still meaningful. Strong in-your-face symbolism there, but it worked for me. The SVU story was my least favorite, but there were some other strong ones in there too. Overall too much sex for my taste, but still an important collection of ideas. 3.5 stars (rounded down to 3 on GR)
I'm currently reading a few books in print that are taking longer to finish. And I just started listening to Life After Life.
QOTW: I read mostly adult books, with the occasional YA and very few middle grade books mixed in. There were a lot that I loved growing up though, so it might be worth revisiting some of those. I plan to read a Goosebumps books for the 20+ series prompt. Looking forward to that. :)
Sadly, I only finished one book this week. I like the other books I'm reading. I just haven't had a lot of time to focus on my reading. Hopefully I can get some done this weekend. Finished:
Cinderella Cowgirl - I used this for prompt #37 - a Western. Yes, I took some leeway with this prompt, but the book is described as a Western so I'm counting it! I'm just glad I got this prompt done because I was not looking forward to it. This book is a retelling of Cinderella set on a ranch in Montana. It was a quick, cute read. 3 stars
Challenge Progress:
Regular Challenge - 11/40
Advanced Challenge - 3/10
Total - 13/50
Currently Reading:
Well Met - I'm using this for prompt #34 - a book you meant to read in 2019. It's a very cute story. I should finish it either tonight or tomorrow.
You Are Not Alone - I'm really enjoying this one. I loved An Anonymous Girl by the same authors so was really excited for this to come out. I might use it for the book published in 2020 prompt, but I had something else in mind for that.
Less - I'm using this for prompt #8 - a book with an upside-down image on the cover.
QOTW - Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
I read a mix of YA and adult books. I'm beginning to think I'm getting too old for YA though. The last few I've read, I just haven't loved.
Hello everyone! This week was an excellent reading week for me in terms of the Popsugar Challenge and the Book Riot challenge and I went to the library and got a whole bunch of books for challenges, pleasure, and work related. I'm still currently reading Live and Let Chai although since it is a book that isn't for any of the challenges, I do find myself reaching for it less and putting it on a backburner, I have about 100 pages left.
I started Romancing the Duke today actually for the Book Riot task of a book with a main character with a disability. Everyone that I tell both in person and online that I'm reading this book raves about it and Tessa Dare in general. I'm only at the third chapter but I'v already swooned countless times over Ransom.
For books that I finished,
I finished Blitzedfor Book Riot's task of reading the last book in a series. Although I didn't love this book as much as I did the first two, I'm still upset to see the end of the Playbook series which has become my favourite sports romance series and I'm already awaiting a new Alexa Martin release.
I finished With the Fire on High for the bildungsroman challenge and while I was expecting to like it, I had no idea I was going to love it as much as I did and how quickly I would speed through it.
And lastly I read The Black Tides of Heaven for the book by a trans or non binary author. It was my first time reading a silkpunk book and I greatly enjoyed it. I recommend it if you're still looking for a book that fits that challenge or if you like politics in your high fantasies because the political parts of this book were the best parts.
Question of the Week:
Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
*Middle grade is usually designated as ages 8-12 or so (also including classic children’s literature). YA covers about age 13 up into the early 20’s
I like to think of myself as mainly an adult reader although L.M Montgomery is my favourite author and she's famous because of her children's books. I do read a fair amount of YA and there are some middle grade books on my TBR list so while I enjoy adult more than anything and I'll read whatever sounds good.
Good Morning all! The skies area beautiful blue, temps are rising, but the wind is howling in the Rockies. After reading so many great books 2 weeks ago, last week was a dud for me. I finished one book this week. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’m really in the minority on this one. I was looking forward to reading it, as it nicely fits the prompt a book with more than 20 letters in the title. I forced myself to finish as I found it repetitive and boring. I felt the story had merit, but dragged on in places. I gave it 3 stars.
I’m currently reading The Sandcastle Girls. I’m also listening to an audiobook Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman.
QOTW
For myself I read adult books. Since I volunteer as a reading aide in our local elementary, I read many 8-10 YO books every week. As I tell the children, I learn something new reading with them, every week.
Shannon wrote: "Hello all,I only finished a couple of books this week.
“Upside down image”- Number One Chinese Restaurant- I didn’t care for this at all. The writing was stiff and the characters..."
I felt exactly the same way about Number One Chinese Restaurant. I have never encountered anyone else who has read it.
A one book week again.Not for any prompts
The Holdout by Graham Moore. Contemporary fiction. A jury from a controversial trial reunites after 10 years and one of them ends up dead.
This was a quick, fun read. I would watch the heck out of a netflix series.
QOTW:
I teach middle and high school English so I read a lot of middle grade and YA in addition to "adult" books.
Finished: Life Isn't Binary: On Being Both, Beyond, and In-Between Could be used for book by trans or non-binary person. This book had some interesting insights on how to expand the non-binary perspective beyond gender and sexuality.The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma This book was difficult to read because of the descriptions of trauma. Read because a friend recommended it to me. It's taking me a lot longer to read, probably because it's such heavy reading, so feels more like homework than pleasure reading.
Will probably finish The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma today. It surprises me in re-reading kids' series how inconsistent the quality is between books. I enjoy the series over all, but the second one didn't seem all that good to me. This, the third, was pretty good. And the fourth was my favorite!
Started: Peacemaking Circles: From Crime to Community
QotW: I usually read adult non-fiction and middle-reader fiction. I am pleasantly surprised when I come across an adult fiction that I actually enjoy. Last one I can think of is Ducks, Newburyport
It's been a few weeks since I've checked in, but here are my recent reads:Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers Who Helped Win World War II for the prompt of a book about or featuring women in STEM. I learned A LOT about the history of women code breakers and their extraordinary work. Amazing.
A Gentleman in Moscow for the prompt of a book set in the 1920s. I know it isn't all set in the 1920s, but a bulk of the opening is. I really enjoyed it, despite the slow going at first. The count's sense of humor and how he experienced life from the Metropole was warm-hearted and spot on.
Followers for the prompt about or featuring social media. The book gave me the chills at times when I stop to consider what will become of our digital world ... eventually. Really recommend it for this prompt!
Working currently on The Great Alone (for a book I meant to read last year), Less (upside down image on the cover), and All Among The Barley (author with flora/fauna in their name - Melissa Harrison).
Question of the Week:
I'm a former middle school language arts teacher, now social studies teacher, so I'm always raiding our school's library for books I'm interested in. The kids also share their favorites. We were just having a discussion about Ruta Sepetys's Between Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea, Cinder and Red Queen. They are great for recommending books for the challenge! In between those books, I'm all about picking from the grown-up section. ;)
I am in the middle of a lot of sci-fi right now and have not finished anything this week.QotW: I do not seek out YA or middle-grade reading, but I do not dismiss it if it pops up in recommendations, either.
Hi everyone!This week has been feeling like it might just be spring, but being Michigan...snow tomorrow.
I finished:
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books - I had such mixed feelings about this. It was a really eye opening look into what it was like as a woman in Iran to go from having reasonable freedom to suddenly being forced to wear the veil under threat of physical harm or death, and finding yourself shunted to the side. it also showed how those who were even younger had such problems finding identities when their entire culture was trying to hide and erase them. However the way it was written was so meandering and all over the place, I had trouble following the timeline and getting any real narrative out of it. At one point she mentions that she knew as she married her husband she'd get a divorce, and her dad helped her ensure she got it, but then her husband was mentioned repeatedly. It wasn't until the last quarter that i finally figured out that she remarried, that the husband being mentioned wasn't the same one mentioned before. Counted it as my book about a book club.
Harleen - needed a break after that last one, and I have been itching to get into this anyhow. Loved it so much, hoping he's working on the next. Or rather i know he's WORKING on it, I just don't know how official it is that it's getting published, or if it is reliant on sales numbers from this. He wasn't sure if even all three issues would get published for this one, it was going to depend on the sales of the first, and then the second. It's the story of Harleen Quinzel, narrated by her, and how she got the position at Arkham and just how she found herself falling for the Joker in spite of knowing what he was. The art is also lovely <3
Black Cat Vol. 1: Grand Theft Marvel - More comic binging, I'd never really read Black Cat. I thought it was a nice, fun romp! Some good lines, fun story. Also I appreciate that while she's drawn very sexily, in a skintight shiny suit...she's wearing flats!
Once & Future, Vol. 1 - interesting take on the Arthurian mythos. I enjoy Kieron Gillen so I'm generally willing to read anything he writes.
Magnificent Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Stormranger - caught up on ms marvel, enjoying the new storyline too.
Also read some scattered other individual issues.
Currently reading:
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep - Was hoping this would be a good way to get back on track with reading, but it's not quite the quick read I expected. Feeling my lack of Dickens knowledge! At least the narrator also is lacking, so we can be vaguely clueless together. I'm enjoying it, just a bit more work to read than I expected. Going to be my book with a book on the cover. Technically it's not "a" book, it's many shelves of books. Counting it anyhow.
The Count of Monte Cristo - read a few more pages, still very slow going. Once I get some more library books tucked away, i'll try to make another push.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School - saw this in my daily deals so picked it up on a whim. I loved these books as a kid! been reading a story here or there. Might use it as a favorite previous prompt, re-read of a childhood favorite.
QOTW:
I do read all age ranges! Although generally it's only if something particularly recommends one. Like I heard good things about Percy Jackson so I checked it out, and now I read all his books. and Rick Riordan has a "Rick Riordan Presents" line, so I read the first Aru Shah based on that. I'll read YA if something jumps out at me, although I get annoyed at typical YA tropes real fast. If I sniff a love triangle, I'm likely to nope out. But if i'm at the library or bookstore browsing, I don't deliberately go to the YA or Middelgrade sections.
Happy Thursday!I am absolutely having a reading flow! I finished my 8th book this year, never read so many books in so little time.
Finished
In the Midst of Winter Well, Allende obviously is through her enchanting stories. Hope her latest book won’t be another disappointment. It is a story about two 50-something people finding love where they didn’t expect it anymore. The book is flashing back and forward in time through the lives of the 3 main characters. It just flashed too much I guess...
Prompt: book with a 3 word title (title in Dutch has 3 words: De winter voorbij). Also: book by a woman of color.
Currently reading
Starting tonight: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Qotw
I don’t read middle grade books. Although I have planned to read Anne of Green Gables for PS as a Canadian classic because we are visiting Canada this summer. Sometimes I read YA, but most books I read are adult books. YA books are very often fantasy or science fiction or something like that. That are exactly the genres I don’t like.
I finished 3 books for the challenge this week and am at 13/40 so far.A Berry Murderous Kitten for "book with a great first line." Can't remember what it was, but it was a line of dialogue in a scene with 2 guys competing to see who could eat the most of a terrible cook's food. Cozy mystery and I have enjoyed the series so far.
Everything My Mother Taught Me for "with a bird on the cover." I'm glad it was a free Kindle Unlimited read because I felt like a bunch of the story was missing.
Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life for "book with a pun in the title" though I could change it to "book with a pink cover" if necessary. It was really interesting and a nice change of pace from the cozy mysteries I've been reading.
In progress:
The Empty Nesters for "published the month of your birthday (August)." So far its really fun to read about 3 Army wives and an older widow going on a crazy road trip in her RV.
I've got several others on my Kindle for various prompts - medical thriller (ugh), 4-star rating on Goodreads, social media, 3 word title, and book club, plus I have Last Man Standing in hard copy for the "unrelated TV show/movie with the same title" prompt.
QOTW:
I read a lot of YA literature because I work in a high school so that's what is available in our library most of the time and I like to read without buying a ton of books, especially for prompts that stretch me as a reader and I may need to DNF a book or two before completing the prompt.
Hi from Columbus! We’re having such a sunny day, I love it. But how is it already March? Wild. Still busy, still not reading a ton but making decent progress. Illuminae for a book with an AI character. Sci-fi usually isn’t my thing but this was easy enough to follow. I might read the next book in the series if it’s available while I’m waiting on other library holds. I did quite enjoy the AI character.
You not for the challenge I just wanted to read the book before I watched the series. I liked this, but it was a lot less unsettling than I was told it was. Idk maybe I’m just really desensitized by all my true crime. It’s nuts that I found myself rooting for Joe sometimes.
So I’m at 36 books this year, 26/40; 0/10 for popsugar. 2/24 for book riot. 0/12 for back to the classics.
Qotw: I love books for younger audiences. Picture books for small kids with lovely illustrations and whimsical stories included. I’m working through some middle grade and ya series right now. They’re a great palate cleanser.
Yes, spring is imminent. I'm starting to get shoots of flowers coming up and the birds are moving back in. I feel like winter didn't even happen!Finished 8/50
Lent started for us on Monday and the first week is so busy, I barely had time to read anything.
You Want Stories? The JordanCon 2019 Anthology for "an anthology". It's a collection of stories (sci-fi and fantasy) written by authors who attend JordanCon (a convention for Wheel of Time fans). It was ok. Some stories were good, some were bad, most were in the middle. I realized I'm not a short-story person. It just felt too dizzying going from one to the other so fast. I'm glad it's done.
Currently Reading
Stranger Moon for "book that passes the Bechdel test". I don't actually know if it passes that test or not, but based off of what I know of the author's previous stories and what I read on the back, I'm fairly certain it will. We shall see. It's a fast read, so if it doesn't, I hopefully won't have lost any time.
Father Arseny, 1893-1973: Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father for my church's Lenten book club. I'm reading this at a slower pace to match the club. So far it's both depressing and inspiring. I suppose that's Soviet Russia for you!
The Wilderness Journal: 365 Days with the Philokalia for "book with title that caught your attention". Yep. Still here.
QotW
I read the whole gamut now that I have a daughter! She's only 2, so I read at least 3-5 toddler books a day to her. I probably dabble in YA the least, enjoy middle grades, but adult & scholarly are probably my favourite.
This week I finished A Long Way Home for my real life book club. I also finished Slay and I should be finishing Pet this evening. I am currently 11/50 for this challenge. I am on track and I am excited and proud of myself. Question of the Week:
Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
*Middle grade is usually designated as ages 8-12 or so (also including classic children’s literature). YA covers about age 13 up into the early 20’s
I read books from all age groups. I read what interests me regardless what age group it is from. I do read a significant amount of YA, although I read less middle grade age group.
Happy Thursday.Books I finished:
Red Glove - I had to struggle to finish this one. I normally love Holly Black, by but this one was just not quite my cup of tea. The MC was to whiny and filled with self pity and not much actually happened. My sister assures me the 3rd book is much better, so I will finish the series.
The Life and Times of Call the Midwife: The Official Companion to Season One and Two - I used this for the past prompt A book your Mom loves. It was interesting behind the scenes stuff about the making of the show.
Here Comes a Chopper to Chop Off Your Head: The Dark Side of Childhood Rhymes and Stories - I used this for A book with a bird on the cover. It was a bit of a disappointment. It was sitting out at the library and caught my eye, and I was hoping for more info rather then just a list of gruesome fairy tales and rhymes. 
Victoria & Albert: A Royal Love Affair - After multiple visits to the library where I'd close my eyes and pick at random, I FINALLY found a book I actually wanted to read. And this was mostly just a history book about Victoria and Albert with little tidbits from the making of the show, which satisfied me after a few disappointments.
Chaos Choreography - This was a reread. This time the setting is backstage at a reality tv dance competition that was clearly modeled off of SYTYCD. QOTW
Not counting rereads, I do mostly read adult books - but my sister still loves YA so if she finds something that she thinks is really good she'll let me know and I'll give it a try. I do read picture books to my niece, but I don't really count those here.
Stacey wrote: "Happy Thursday! :) It's so weird for me to read that everyone is excited about/experiencing spring in the last couple check-ins because this was the view from my couch yesterday morning (in Canada;..."That view is so pretty! I want some snow!
Finished:King's Cage 5 Stars
Continued rereading this series.
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! 3 stars
This is the fault of this book club. You mentioned Dr. Suess in the checkin, so when I saw a Suess I had not read in Cosco I had to read it.
Slaying It 4 Stars
A novella from a beloved series.
Three to Get Deadly 3 stars
I thought I was done with this series but I owned this book and it fit a PS challenge. I liked this one the most so far in the series and now I want to read #4.
Scythe 2 Stars
Cool sci-fi idea, somehow it was boring. My YA Addict book club read the third in the series for a monthly read so I thought I'd give it a shot.
Currently Reading:
Ninth House Seeing How I didn't like Deborah Harkness's series you would think this book wouldn't hold my attention, but so far so good.
PS 2020 23/50
PS 2016 11/40
I read a lot of YA; not much middle grade.
Hello everyone. It is so cold today but still no snow. Boooooo! It is world book day today in the UK and my nephew went to school dressed as the very famous book character....Sonic the hedgehog! All the book characters in the world and he picks Sonic the hedgehog? Not sure he understood the concept lolThis week I finished Galapagos. This book was less than 250 pages but it seemed to take forever to get through.
Also finished Straight On Till Morning. I was dreading the book club prompt but this book was my unexpected saviour! Wendy is invited to a "literary salon." That's close enough for me! This series is pure fluff but it was just what I needed. I do feel a bit conflicted about this latest instalment. Tinker Bell was pretty well written (and she is one of my favourite Disney characters) but Peter Pan wasn't introduced to the story until about 100 pages from the end. (view spoiler)
Currently reading: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World. I love me some dinosaurs!
QOTW: I read a handful of Middle Grade and then the rest is split pretty evenly between adult and YA. From what I've read this year so far it seems pretty consistent to that. Two middle grade and then six each of YA and adult.
I had a real issue trying to read 'A Knife in the Fog' as this was a hardback from the library but the letters were as small as most Multimedia Paperbacks! I will be buying the audio so that I can read this because I have wanted to read this since early last year! When I found there was a way I could borrow, it took over 3 months to get a copy from the Interlibrary program, and I cannot renew (rules.) Counting pennies now. lol I will have this read for next week along with, hopefully, 2 other books from the library.***I broke down and purchased the audio from Amazon so I can start listening/reading A Knife in the Fog by Bradley Harper! Very excited as I have been waiting to do this for so long.
March goals:
A Knife in the Fog by Bradley Harper
Eggs in Purgatory by Laura Childs
Eggs Benedict Arnold by Laura Childs
QOTW: Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
Although I read various Mystery genre and Romance genre, I mainly stick with the subgenre of Cozy Mysteries. However, I do have some YA and middle grade genres on my Kindle TBR list.
Oof, I was up all night looking after my dog and taking him to the emergency vet because he has a UTI, which apparently is very rare in boy dogs, but that's my boy, marching to the beat of his own extremely expensive drum. He's resting comfortably now so I have a free moment, and hopefully this check-in will make sense.Finished this week:
Broad and Alien is the World (picked because of the title): I found this on the 1001 books to read before you die (updated) list, and it richly deserves to be there. It's so good, y'all. It takes patience to get through and it is a gut punch, but oh my goodness. Take the time for it!
An Ember in the Ashes (book with map)
Currently reading:
Rebecca (great first line): I've been meaning to read this one for ages, and I'm already in love with it.
Spinning Silver (silver in the title)
QOTW: For the most part, I stick to adult and YA, mostly adult. I think I got the impression as a kid that children's lit was something you used to get to a level where you could read adult lit, and then you stopped. It's only through reading message boards like this that I realized I was making that assumption, so I've read a couple of middle grade books in the past few years. My reaction was mixed--I like some florid, difficult language, and that's not common, but I found some really great stories and characters. I think I'll continue dabbling occasionally in middle grade.
Milena wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Hello all,I only finished a couple of books this week.
“Upside down image”- Number One Chinese Restaurant- I didn’t care for this at all. The writing was stiff an..."
It was recommended by a new bookish podcast I've been listening to. I should have paid attention to the very low average goodreads star rating!
Happy Thursday everyone! I felt like I read a decent amount this week, but I've only finished one book.Finished:
So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson --- a book about social media
After many weeks slowly working through this book, I finally finished! The book is an investigation into public shaming, its history, its repercussions, and our own accountability as perpetrators in this evolving culture of shame. The interview portions of victims of public shamings is by far the most interesting part. Ronson has an affinity with people that really shines through his interactions with others. The investigations into the reasons behind shame and the aims to explain this culture felt like they dragged a bit and didn't always work seamlessly into the topic. But overall it was an interesting read that I would recommend to someone that finds the topic intriguing, but I don't think it'll interest those who have no interest in "cancel culture."
Currently Reading:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak --- no PS prompt
I'm reading this for another book challenge I'm doing with my sister. I've put off reading this for so many years because I've never felt I was in the right mood. So far, I have enjoyed it; Zusak uses a distinct format for the book though it sometimes feels a bit choppy with how often there are time skips and perspective changes.
QOTW:
My list for the PS challenge actually has quite a variety of middle grade, YA, and adult books. Like many other people, I have been drifting away from YA in recent years, but I try to keep up with what's popular and see if anything catches my interest or if an author I read in the past releases something new. Middle grade books are often easier (in terms of reading difficulty) and quicker reads, so I like to pick them up, especially after a heavy read. Adult books are what I have the least familiarity with; I find it difficult because I'm not familiar with the adult genre to pick something to read. Ever since I joined this challenge, I have been skimming what other people read to try to branch out and explore a bit more.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Dread Nation (other topics)I Am a Cat (other topics)
Lab Girl (other topics)
The Sun Down Motel (other topics)
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Lisa Jewell (other topics)Laurie Halse Anderson (other topics)
Matthew A. Cherry (other topics)
Neil Gaiman (other topics)
Jesmyn Ward (other topics)
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Admin notes:
Polls are open to collect nominations for quarter 3 group reads. The polls will close at midnight EDT on March 10th/11th. Voting polls will be set up to be open by the next weekly checkin.
Please keep in mind, before you submit a book title, that previous monthly reads are not eligible. I have posted a list of all previous group reads and added a link to that list at the top of each nomination poll. Below are the relevant links:
Nomination polls
List of previous monthly reads
Also, the March group read of My Sister, the Serial Killer is open if you would like to join in the discussion here.
On to the reading check-in!
Finished:
If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen. This is a disturbing book. It is the true story of Shelly who seemed to make it her life’s mission to destroy the lives of everyone around her. She mentally, emotionally and physically abuses not only her three daughters but also several acquaintances that got sucked into her web through her initial charm. This book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited. Using (unfortunately) for a book published the month of your birthday.
Under the Trestle: The 1980 Disappearance of Gina Renee Hall & Virginia’s First “No Body” Murder Trial. by Ron Peterson Jr. – This is a true crime story set in the college town where I went to school (almost two decades before I got there). It was eerie to hear familiar landmarks and locations talked about in relation to a violent crime. Using for a book on a subject I know nothing about.
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow – Sequel to Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow which I read in 2018. This series is so highly rated by many of my bookish friends, but the first book didn’t really click with me. It’s a well-written story so I can’t quite put my finger on why it doesn’t really engage me. I decided to read book 2 when a friend offered it to me. I finished it, but it’s clear now that this is not the series for me. Using for a book with a made-up language. It may be stretching it a little, but it’s an entire made-up world with lots of original words. That’s enough for me!
Currently Reading:
Legacy by Linda Govik – I’m rereading this debut novel before I dive into the sequel that came out a few months ago. The main protagonist, Emily, has overcome a traumatic early life in a brothel to become a talented portrait artist. Her 8-year-old son, a result of her one and only “client” in the brothel, has drawn the attention of his father, who is seeking a way to secure his heritage. Emily finds herself forced into marriage with the father of her child (this is jacket copy) when an opportunity comes for her to paint a portrait of Josephine Bonaparte. Emily takes this chance to reestablish herself as a portrait artist and seek escape from her cruel husband and hope for a better life. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Secrets, but I realized quickly I needed to refresh my memory on the events of the first book (it's been several years since I read it).
The Eye of the Elephant: An Epic Adventure in the African Wilderness by Delia Owens. This is a nonfiction wildlife/travel memoir from Delia and her husband Mark. Delia of Where the Crawdads Sing fame. Back in the 70s and 80s she and her husband were wildlife biologists living in Africa. This book covers a few years in the mid-80s. It’s interesting so far!
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier. Second middle grade book for the month of March. I've only just started this so I don't have much to share yet.
29 books total for the year
24/50 for Popsugar
Question of the Week:
Do you read books from a variety of age groups (middle grade, YA*) or do you stick with mostly adult books?
*Middle grade is usually designated as ages 8-12 or so (also including classic children’s literature). YA covers about age 13 up into the early 20’s
While most of my books are adult, I do usually read a handful of YA and middle grade books every year. This year, I am trying to embrace what’s been dubbed “Middle Grade March”. I have a list of books I want to focus on reading this month. We’ll see how it goes.
Some of my favorite middle grade books include:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Secret Garden
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Anne of Green Gables
Daddy-Long-Legs
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and the rest of the series (OF COURSE)
Mandy
Though I’ve read a fair amount of YA, most of them aren’t favorites. I think A Court of Thorns and Roses series is the only one I loved enough to reread.