Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2020 Weekly Checkins
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Week 29: 7/9 - 7/16
This week has been super tough. I'm just feeling very unhappy. I just want to go to a movie or go out to dinner with friends or go walk around a crowded mall or anything that feels normal. But, instead I only go to work and home and I wear masks all the time and I'm just really hating the new normal this week. I'll get over it soon enough, and I really have been pretty fortunate during this crisis, but I feel like we all need to take time to wallow in our unhappiness about these things sometimes.I finished three books this week.
A Burning, which everybody seems to be talking about, and rightly so. It was really good. It's the kind of book that I would have given my mom to read after I was done and then we would have talked about it a lot. She would have really liked this book.
Meet Cute was just a cute little rom-com. I wish it had a trigger warning about parental death, because it really went into the feelings about having your parent(s) die. And I'm super in the thick of those feelings these days. But the story was nice, even if the lawyer stuff wasn't the most accurate. Like, if he was an entertainment lawyer, why was he in court all the time? And how did he get an offer to be a partner in a trusts and estates practice? But, those are just small details. Overall, I liked it.
Twice in a Blue Moon, which I really did not like at all. I was reading it for the summer prompt for a book that takes place the summer before high school/college. The first 1/3 of the book fits the prompt, so that was good enough for me. If I hadn't wanted to fill that prompt, I would not have finished this book. It just didn't do it for me.
QOTW: The most unsual or exotic place I've read a book? I read everywhere and I always have a book. So, probably the most unusual was reading a book while waiting for a helicopter to take us to a glacier in Alaska. Just sitting in the little hangar with all my gear on, reading a few quick pages. I had to leave the book behind when we got on the helicopter.
I only listen to audiobooks in the car or, if I'm trying to finish one, very occasionally while I'm playing a video game or doing a puzzle.
Nadine, that must have been so frustrating to know the problem but not be able to fix it! In NC, air conditioning is so vital, I can't imagine it conking out during July/August. For what it's worth, I'm also feeling gaslit by my fellow Americans, where I'm still pretty locked down, but a lot of people just . . . aren't? Anyway, I'm on a 2-week news fast because it's been getting me down.
I still haven't finished anything, but I'm making progress. I decided to concentrate on plowing through the rest of Lagoon, even though I'm not enjoying it anymore. The setup was great, but there's basically no plot. The book is just "aliens show up in Lagos; everyone loses their got-damned minds; chaos ensues." I do like getting a view into Lagos from someone born in America but with strong ties to the city. So that's worthwhile, even if it's just a series of odd vignettes at this point!
QOTW
I'm not very adventurous - I'd say the closest answer is on a quiet lifeboat deck on a cruise ship, or listening to spooky stories while walking on trails through October woods. :)
So yeah, any situation where I'm not sitting down, and my brain is relatively free, I'll listen to audiobooks! Cleaning and cooking are prime targets. Books take the drudge out of drudgery.
Mod
I really wanted to love that book, and I just didn't. I think that was the book that caused me to finally decide "ya know, I just don't like her writing, no matter what the story is."
I will say, it's been 2 years since I read it, and I still remember the talking road.
I finished another book this week, yay! The weather on the south coast of England has been a bit grey lately but the weekend forecast is looking good. We have fruits coming on the fig tree for the first time and our veg garden is getting to the point we can eat things out of it. Some days I just want to go do something, anything, but I didn't have a very exciting social life before the pandemic. I rarely go anywhere I need a mask but I got some silly ones, Pikachu and a big custard cream, and they seem to cheer people up who see them.Anyway, I read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the Hunger Games prequel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I went in with fairly low expectations though, but I liked seeing it from the other side and it explained the evolution of the games. I'm using it for a book about a world leader and ATY's 2020 release.
I'm currently reading Again Again which is very Lockhart.
QOTW:
1. Tunisia. I'm trying to remember if I read on the coach when I went to the Sahara desert, but I might have just stared out the window. I definitely read on the beach with camels and Arabian horses going past.
2. In the woods. I don't often go for walks by myself these days though, but when by myself (or just with the dog) I would listen to audiobooks when walking places.
Happy Thursday! It's been crazy hot and humid in Massachusetts too. Saturday and Sunday were so hot I didn't even want to leave the house, but I had things to do so sadly I had to! I didn't get to post last week so I'm posting for two weeks today. I feel like I'm reading a lot, but not finishing much. I guess I'm reading slower this month. Finished:
East Coast Girls - I was excited for this book since I'm from the East Coast, but it kind of fell flat at times for me. The characters all had flaws and weren't really that likeable. There was a small mystery involved that I actually didn't really like which is a surprise for me. The writing was good though. 3.5 stars
Open Book - I've been listening to more memoirs recently and heard good things about this one so decided to give it a go. I tend to give memoirs 5 stars since these people are sharing their lives, but this one was a 4 star read for me. It was like a really long gossip column which I would normally love, but it felt a bit drawn out to me.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - I really enjoyed this Young Adult mystery. It was fun having a high school student play detective. I liked the main character and how strong she was to be able to solve this murder that was supposedly already solved. I'm looking forward to the sequel. 4 stars
The Paris Hours - this is an interesting book. It's set in 24-hours during post-WWII in Paris. There are four main characters whose lives are very different, but come together in the end. I liked how there were some famous people intertwined in the story like Ernest Hemingway, Josephine Baker, and Gertrude Stein. It was definitely an original concept which I enjoyed. I listened to the audiobook, but think I would have preferred the physical book. 3.5 stars
Challenge Progress:
My challenge progress hasn't changed so I'm still at 33/50. I'm doing a summer reading challenge in my Facebook book club that has taken my focus away from this challenge. I'll get back to it though.
Currently Reading:
All the Stars and Teeth - I'm reading this as a read along in my Facebook book club. I didn't think it would be my kind of book, but I'm really enjoying it.
The Second Home - I have an ARC of this, and it's honestly taking me a long time to get through it. I thought the premise sounded interesting, but it's just so slow.
Mexican Gothic - this was my main pick in Book of the Month this month. I'm not too far into it yet so no real opinion.
The Wives - I'm finally reading this one. I've heard really good things about it. I saw people used this for the medical thriller prompt. I'm not that far into it since I started it yesterday, but not seeing how it works for that yet.
QOTW - I'm going to answer last week's question as well as this week's since they sort of go together!
You get to take a 2-week vacation into the book of your choosing. Where are you going?
I always answer Hogwarts for these type of questions. I honestly would love to go there, but when I saw this was a question I thought how fun it would be to go to Ikae in All the Stars and Teeth. It's glamorous and fun and I love the way the people dress.
We are on a virtual trip again this week!
Part 1: What is the most unusual, different, or exotic place you have read a book?
Part 2: where do you listen to audiobooks that you would never read a print book?
Part 1: I don't read in a lot of unusual places, but I have read sitting in a cabana in Cancun so that's the most exotic place I've read.
Part 2: I listen to my audiobooks in the car and while exercising. I would not read print books in these two places.
Nadine, I deeply agree - I'm in a dilemma bc I'm supposed to be in my best friend's wedding at the end of August, but as far as I'm aware it's an indoor venue and both families are large. Planning on wearing my facemask and ignoring anyone who doesn't, but we'll see what happens. I'm skipping out on bridal showers, though; I can mail things just as easily as show up.I finished four books this week! (I use 'books' loosely, bc comics, but they count!)
Die, Vol. 1: Fantasy Heartbreaker - 4 stars. Crossing my fingers for this one to win the Hugo award, and looking forward to reading Vol 2 this coming weekend. The artwork is absolutely stunning. Book with a robot, cyborg, or AI character
Shuri, Vol. 2: 24/7 Vibranium - 4 stars. I hope we get more Shuri books! I loved this one.
The Stone Sky - 4 stars. I've never read anything like this series before, so naturally, I want to reread it all immediately.
The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother - 4 stars. A beautiful memoir.
40/50
Currently (and forever, it seems):
Hild
The Poisonwood Bible
Reticence
Question of the Week
We are on a virtual trip again this week! This question is a two parter, from Theresa:
Part 1: What is the most unusual, different, or exotic place you have read a book?
Hotel rooms, I suppose? I don't venture out to many "unusual" places, but whenever I go anywhere I always pack at least one book. I specifically remember taking Trail of Lightning on an overnight trip for a friend's wedding a few summers ago.
Part 2: Where do you listen to audiobooks that you would never read a print book?
At work lol
I finished the challenge yesterday!! It still feels a little surreal that I finished in July. I think that’s down to the stay at home orders. I read a lot more while at home, and I listened to more audiobooks while working than I could have in the office. I’m not doing any other challenges. I’m going to spend the rest of the year reading whatever I want and making progress on some series.Finished
A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton (a book published in the 20th century). I didn’t like this book at all. I hate Kinsey and everything she stands for. The mystery was boring too. Nothing happened for most of the book. I’ve wanted to give this series a try for a long time, and I have. Now I can cross it off my list and move on.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon (a book with more than 20 letters in the title). This was much better than the previous book in the series and convinced me to keep reading. I liked a lot of the storylines, and I’m not sorry (view spoiler). I think the books will be better for it, if that plot point sticks. They don’t always between books in this series.
Death Game by Jo Graham (a book from a series with more than 20 books). A perfectly good Stargate tie-in with a Hunger Games elements. Sometimes the characters didn’t sound like themselves, but I enjoyed the unusual character pairings and developing friendships.
Reading
Star-Crossed by Minnie Dark
QOTW
I don't really read in unexpected places, but I can answer the second part of the question. I listen to audiobooks while driving and working (if the work that day allows for it). I would say I also listen while exercising, but I've been known to read a physical book while on the stationary bike.
Hi everyone, I feel you on being frustrated with everyone. I WANT to go do things, and shop without worrying, and go out to eat or to the bar or hang out with friends. But I'm not because it's not actually safe. I mean I do admit I've had contact with parents, doing some lunches or drinks, but it's been outside, distanced, lots of hand sanitizer and they're also being very careful. I honestly can't believe amusement parts opened this week. Screaming in your hearts isn't enough, in the US, you need to just stay home.
This week I finished:
Showtime at the Apollo: The Epic Tale of Harlem’s Legendary Theater - graphic novel history of the Apollo in Harlem. It was really interesting, also sort of was a music history lesson too.
The Dinner - this is my book set in a city that hosted the olympics, Amsterdam. I did not like this, at all. It was presented as a thriller, but really it was a "how wealthy white people help their children get away with terrible things" and generally just about people being awful. Maybe there's something I didn't "get" but thought it was bad.
Such a Fun Age - liked this, read it because i kept seeing people talk about it. Reading it as a white woman, I did kind of cringe recognizing things I've thought/done in the past as white people trying to be 'woke' but go about it all wrong. I've been working to get better, but never easy seeing stuff you know you've done/thought highlighted.
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America -finally finished this, an excellent if hard read/listen. I always have trouble saying I "like" stuff like this, because it wasn't fun, I didn't enjoy it. But I recognize it's important to do so, and re-educate myself on stuff that was taught in school. Counted it as my book about a subject I know nothing about, since so little of this was taught in school.
The Bluest Eye - wanted to read some more Morrison, i liked it overall. Kind of a hard read, too.
currently reading:
Untamed - kept seeing buzz about this and my library had it digitally so I thought I'd try it. It's alright, and I'm recognizing truth in a lot of what she says, but I find myself being kind of put off by some of the overly...flowery? language. Feels very woo to me, and that's just not my thing. Like I can recognize "stop breaking off pieces of yourself to fit into society's mold" and say yeah that's great. Loses me with "everyone has a snowglobe that they keep shaking so you can't see the dragon within".
Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights
- book that has twenty in the title. I heard this isn't one of the best Salman Rushdie books, but I like Djinni, so went with it. Only an hour into it, like it enough so far. I just wasn't feeling most the options I was finding for titles with twenty in it.
I just need one of my women in STEM books to come in from my digital holds, and finish my currently reading, and I'll be done!
QOTW:
I don't really read often in exotic places, if i'm there I tend to be doing stuff. I guess you could count the deck on a cruise ship, or one time I did read in the Ferrari museum in Italy because there's only so long I can pretend to be interested in cars.
I don't listen to audio books in situations were I could be reading. I tend to listen to them while i'm working, cross stitching, drawing, cleaning etc. If i COULD be reading, I'd be reading my physical book.
Hi All. Hot here too. Next week in the 100’s. I completed 2 books for the week. Neither for this challenge. Me & White Supremacy: Combat Racism,Change the World,& Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad. This is for both my face to face book clubs. I liked the book but only gave it 3 stars. It has kept me thinking about what I see & hear daily. I finished the book 7/9 & I’m still calling things out & explaining why. The second book was Listen,Slowly by Thannha Lai. This is a middle grade book not set in the USA or UK. it is about families, finding your roots, & growing up. I liked it but again 3 stars. I’m currently reading Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker. Wow! Let me start off by saying this book is about a family with 12 children & 6 of the boys have schizophrenia. This is nonfiction. The book is a DARK,sad,frustrating read. Frustrating because of the way mental illness was treated 1960’s into today. There has to be all sort of triggers in this book so thought I’d warn you. The last 2 children were girls so you know they were victimized & brutalized by all the older boys but especially by the 6 boys with schizophrenia. I’m almost finished but I’m not sure anything good is coming for the mentally ill boys. I really like the book & will give it 5 stars but it’s a roller coaster.
Mornin' All! We finally got some rain in my neck of the woods, which cooled everything down a bit. I'm sure this wont last for long but since the AC isn't working in my car it's been a nice change.
Finished:
How Long 'til Black Future Month? for an anthology. The writing in this was great and I really enjoyed some of the stories in it but...I just don't love short story collections (or non-fiction essay collections). I like a longer story and I wish I could have delved more into some of these stories the Jemisin wrote. If you do like short story collections, this should be right up your alley though.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz - I listened to this on audio and it was great. I enjoyed the story and loved having it read to me by Richard Armitage. I did feel the ending felt a bit too rushed but it didn't detract from the overall story (for me at least).
Currently Reading:
Mexican Gothic - I'm not too far in the book yet but I like it so far.
Beloved - This is my new audiobook for the week. I've never read Toni Morrison before and am excited to dig in. She's reading the audio and she's got such a calming voice but it also makes it a bit hard to hear when you're driving on a noisy highway on the way too and from work. I'm really liking it so far, it's so beautifully written.
QOTW:
1. No place unusual or exotic. I did do a lot of reading on a road-trip two summers ago through the mountains of Alabama. That's not really exotic but it is pretty beautiful.
2. I do most of my audiobook listening while I'm driving to and from work, it makes my commute so much better. I will also listen to an audiobook while I'm walking my dog at night.
Mod
That IS a dilemma. I really feel for people who had been planning to marry this year, but at the same time, I think it's far too soon to be holding big weddings. When I was in college, a friend of mine (secretly) got married at the courthouse, because they wanted family housing in grad school. Then they had a big family party months later. That's what everyone should do!
Mod
I started reading this series back in the 80s, and I loved them back then. I took a few years off from the series (ok, more than just a few years). I read W is for Wasted this year as my "book in a series of 20 or more books" and I had the same reaction you had! I didn't like Kinsey (at all!! she was so judgey!!!), I didn't like her ideals, and the mystery was a bit boring.
I'm only two books away from finishing the series, so I know I'll get to X and Y eventually, just for completion, but I won't expect to love them like I used to.
I finished Death of a Red Heroine as my book that takes place in a country that begins with C (China). It wasn't the murder mystery I was expecting, but it was really good. it had a lot about Chinese culture, history and politics. I read The Bible as History as a book that was published in my birth month. Really interesting.
I have started The Brothers York: An English Tragedy as a book published in 2020 (US anyway). Only a few pages in, so no opinion yet.
QOTW: 1. I'm not sure what counts as exotic (I was informed that word is offensive, btw). I've read in Australia.
2. I don't listen to audio books.
Happy Thursday! My dislike of summer is offset by having baby cucumbers, tomatoes, and jalapeno peppers.I can't believe I finished 4 books this week. I am at 42/50, so close to finishing.
Finished:
Home Before Dark
A Gentleman in Moscow for book set in the 1920s. Some of it was, anyway. I loved it!
Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World for anthology. Very good, if anyone is still looking for ideas for anthology.
Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre
Currently reading:
Party of Two
A Town Like Alice
The Count of Monte Cristo
QOTW:
1. I read anywhere, movie theaters while waiting for a movie to start, on line at stores, on long escalators, drive-thru pharmacy, while waiting for someone in the car, waiting for a meeting or lecture to start (in the before times, now I can read during meetings). Those places are not exotic, maybe just unusual to see a person reading at. Most people would be on their phone, I just bring my Kindle everywhere.
2. Anywhere that uses my body, but leaves my mind free. Driving, walking the dog, laundry, gardening, cooking, chores, getting dressed, etc.
Mod
LOL that's definitely not the book for me!
Yeah I feel you with the wedding stuff. My friend's having a baby, and I just got a shower invite. I think I might go though, because a note was included stating it'll be outdoor, tables will be well spaced a part and distance between parties, and the food will all be individual boxed lunches. I might check with just how many people are invited, just to get a gauge of how many people are expected so I can decide if I think the group's too large to hope to distance. So frustrating to keep having to weigh all these decisions while watching people have huge parties with no masks, or distancing.
This week I've read a lot of books after participating in a readathon over the weekend (which also means I have now completed my Goodreads challenge!) so here we go!Finished reading:
A Monster Calls (no prompt): Such a beautiful book and story, and it got me emotional yet again!
The Terrible: A Storyteller's Memoir (no prompt): A re-read, I wasn't as blown away as reading it the first time but I guess that's because I've read it before! Still a fantastic story though.
My Past Is a Foreign Country (no prompt): A fascinating insight into Zeba's life in Saudi Arabia, India and the UK.
A Murder of Quality (no prompt): A slow start but the pace got quicker towards the end, really enjoyed this.
Tithe (no prompt): I liked the fantasy element of this, but I don't think I was taking in all of the detail so didn't completely enjoy it.
Currently reading:
All the Light We Cannot See (a recommendation from favourite podcast): This kept being mentioned in the What Should I Read Next? podcast so I added it to my list, and I ended up receiving it in a lucky dip bundle from a secondhand bookshop that's near me! I don't think I'm reading the detail of this properly, after trying to speed through books for the readathon at the weekend. Other than that, really enjoying this so far.
Mod
I did think about that before posting!! And it's possible that my take on it is offensive since maybe I'm being a clueless white American, idk.
But "exotic" in this case is describing a location, and it means "far from home and very different from home" - if someone lives in a small town on the cost in Italy, then Times Square in Manhattan, NYC, would be exotic, right? And vice versa, if someone lives in Manhattan, then a small town on the coast in Italy would be exotic.
It's always offensive to refer to a person or a person's appearance as exotic, however.
Well, I'm still bunkered down in my apartment, working from home, getting curbside grocery delivery every couple weeks. Been doing more drawing and not a lot of reading lately.Finished reading:
Juice Like Wounds - Short story by Seanan McGuire featuring Mockery/Moon/Lundy. It always bugged me that we never got to see any of their adventures in In an Absent Dream so it's pretty cool she decided to write this.
Currently reading:
chaos;child (set in Japan, has a map, meant to read in 2019) - This is a paranormal set in Shibuya, about a high school journalism club that sets out to solve a series of bizarre murders around town. (It's also a "visual novel"/interactive fiction, which I guess is why it's not on Goodreads.) I started reading this last year and temp-DNFed it because the early parts are so slow, but my friend who enjoyed it convinced me to pick it back up again.
Question: Do you guys think a high school journalism club counts for the journalism prompt?
QotW: As a kid, I used to bring books literally wherever, including the playground as well as the garden store where Dad liked to shop for plants (and got dirt on Dad's books SORRY DAD).
I don't listen to audiobooks because I'm really bad at processing things out loud, and also it would bug me not knowing how any of the names are spelled. (Not knocking them! I just don't think they'd work for me personally.)
Nadine wrote: "I started reading this series back in the 80s, and I loved them back then. I took a few years off from the series (ok, more than just a few years). I read W is for Wasted this year as my "book in a series of 20 or more books" and I had the same reaction you had! I didn't like Kinsey (at all!! she was so judgey!!!), I didn't like her ideals, and the mystery was a bit boring. "I think this is a case of the book not aging well. I think I've seen all of this so much in fiction - the insurance fraud story, the woman who is strong because she's alone and harsh, etc. - that the book felt dated and stale. I might have liked this series a lot in another time when these things were all fresh takes.
From what you've said, it sounds like the more recent books didn't evolve with the times, but I also would finish the series if I was that close to the end.
Nadine wrote: "I did think about that before posting!! And it's possible that my take on it is offensive since maybe I'm being a clueless white American, idk.But "exotic" in this case is describing a location, and it means "far from home and very different from home" - if someone lives in a small town on the cost in Italy, then Times Square in Manhattan, NYC, would be exotic, right? And vice versa, if someone lives in Manhattan, then a small town on the coast in Italy would be exotic.
It's always offensive to refer to a person or a person's appearance as exotic, however."
This was the exact thought process I went through when I read Katy's comment. I never thought of the word itself as offensive, but just a couple weeks ago someone described an actress as "exotic-looking enough" to play a Persian woman in the 1400s and I was very 😬
Mod
confession: I am actually an engineer for an air conditioning company, but I don't work on residential stuff or anything that involves air or a fan, so while I knew immediately that the problem was the fan, I had NO IDEA where the fan was. Also, I thought it looked like a room fan with big blades, and I thought one of them had broken off - it does NOT look like that. Also, the proper HVAC term is "blower" and I'm demonstrating my ignorance by calling it a fan. Also, I need to buy some room fans for the next time our a/c dies.)"
I so admire your honesty and integrity! I believe many engineers do not have hands-on knowledge for such everyday repairs. I seriously doubt you are alone, in fact, that probably represents the majority! (BTW, I sent you a GR FR. It's time, doncha think?!? lol)
Mod
I agree with you, Sara. Every once in awhile I just need to bemoan the fact that I still cannot do some of those things I most want to do, just like "in the old (pre-pandemic) days." *sigh*
Mod
Huh. I loved Binti and plan to read the other two in that series. But now I'm curious about Lagoon! :)
Nadine wrote: "But "exotic" in this case is describing a location, and it means "far from home and very different from home" - if someone lives in a small town on the cost in Italy, then Times Square in Manhattan, NYC, would be exotic, right? And vice versa, if someone lives in Manhattan, then a small town on the coast in Italy would be exotic."That's my take as well (as a clueless Chinese-American).
I don't think I would have ever thought to describe a person as exotic. I was reading a book review on this site. The book took place in Syria and he described the location as exotic. Someone told him to stop using that word because it evoked colonialism.
Mod
I can see that argument. I'm sure a person living in Syria might get tired of Americans describing their hometown as exotic. And I doubt that someone in NYC would care if someone described THEIR hometown as exotic. And maybe no one ever describes NYC as exotic, maybe "exotic" has come to be code for "place where non-white people live" and I just haven't noticed. I'll keep that in mind.
Mod
I didn't like Binti either, so if you liked it, you should absolutely read more books by her!!! The only book I liked by Okorafor was Who Fears Death. She wrote a "prequel" to that (The Book of Phoenix), and I still plan to read that book, but I think after that I'll stop expecting to love Okorafor's books.
Things are not awesome for me lately but hey, at least there's books. Most of my reads were just OK this week, but I can't honestly say if that's me or them.Finished:
The Silver Arrow - Cute middle grade for people who like animal facts and trains.
For Every One - A poem/letter from Jason Reynolds
The Future of Another Timeline - Story was OK but I had a really hard time with the narrator. Glad it's over.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water - Meh
Highfire - *shrug* It was something to listen to, and better then the thoughts in my own, tired head this week.
Currently Reading:
Money for Nothing - Still occasionally playing this at bedtime.
QOTW:
1. I think I pretty well established previously, if I am someplace other than where I am usually, I'm not reading, I'm looking out the window. Let's see... interesting places I have read... Hmmm...
I've read while protesting. Theme parks. I've lived in both Anaheim and Orlando. Annual pass + knowledge of the quiet, peaceful corners = nice places to read. Probably my favorite that I can think of right now is reading Beverly Cleary. I read about Henry Huggins digging for worms in Grant Park while sitting in the Beverly Cleary sculpture garden in Grant Park. I really enjoyed it and now would love to read more books in the place where they're set.
2. I listen in many places I would also read print, but print and I have been complicated lately. I guess where I listen but couldn't read is at work. Part of my day (well, at least it used to be. Not much currently and who knows what's to come.) I am stocking and such, which is a good time for listening if I can.
Mod
I feel you on being frustrated with everyone. I WANT to go do things, and shop without worrying, and go out to eat or to the bar or hang out with friends. But I'm not because it's not actually safe. I mean I do admit I've had contact with parents, doing some lunches or drinks, but it's been outside, distanced, lots of hand sanitizer and they're also being very careful. I honestly can't believe amusement parts opened this week. Screaming in your hearts isn't enough, in the US, you need to just stay home.."
While I have ventured out some, I agree that we really just need to remain in place for now, as much as possible. Amusement parks? Are you kidding me?!? I passed by the local pool yesterday and saw kids playing together just as if there was no pandemic. And while I realize children are especially vulnerable with so little social interaction...I was scared for them! Glad I do not have young children right now. It would be tough, I think!
"Such a Fun Age - liked this, read it because i kept seeing people talk about it. Reading it as a white woman, I did kind of cringe recognizing things I've thought/done in the past as white people trying to be 'woke' but go about it all wrong. I've been working to get better, but never easy seeing stuff you know you've done/thought highlighted."
Wow. I'm preparing to read this next month and didn't realize it may be a real eye-opener. Good to know! And kudos to you for reading it and learning!
"Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America -finally finished this, an excellent if hard read/listen. I always have trouble saying I "like" stuff like this, because it wasn't fun, I didn't enjoy it. But I recognize it's important to do so, and re-educate myself on stuff that was taught in school."
Ah, yes, well, at least in US schools, we were inundated with the "conquerors'" history, the "white-male-centric" version. I am always amazed at just how prejudicial our typical public-school "knowledge base" is... :(
"The Bluest Eye - wanted to read some more Morrison, i liked it overall. Kind of a hard read, too."
I read this years ago and realize I really need to reread it. I find Morrison's writing typically requires me to reread to really feel as if I'm "getting it."
You really have read some tough books lately! If I were you, I would definitely read a light "fluffy" book now! ;)
Drakeryn wrote: "Well, I'm still bunkered down in my apartment, working from home, getting curbside grocery delivery every couple weeks. Been doing more drawing and not a lot of reading lately.Finished reading:
..."
Oh my gosh I need to find that story! I felt cheated that we didn't get to see Lundy's adventures in the Goblin Market, so this sounds fantastic.
Mod
When I was in college, a friend of mine (secretly) got married at the courthouse, because they wanted family housing in grad school. Then they had a big family party months later. That's what everyone should do!"
This is exactly what I did the first time around, little secret ceremony with best friend couple and a JP, then a big family party!
The second time, just us with a JP, and I didn't even tell anyone except a couple of best friends for years! We've now been together 20 years. I don't remember how long since we 'signed the paperwork' as I refer to the "marriage." My husband always remembers, but it doesn't really matter to me, except for the legal implications...
Happy Thursday, y’all.Watching the pandemic get worse has been stressing me out, especially since it's been affecting my hours at work and my mom is worried about schools starting again in August (she's a school nurse). So of course I shut down by retreating into my private worlds of fanfic, YouTube videos, RP with friends, and reading...
Books read this week:
Dying to Get Published -- Ugh. Looked like a kinda-cute mystery at first glance, but ineptly written. And I wanted to slap the main character throughout.
The Deep -- I really wanted to love this one, and it does have something powerful to say about remembering the past without being devoured by it. But at the same time, I didn’t feel like it was the masterpiece a lot of people feel it is. Given that it’s a novella based on a song, I suppose it’s okay enough.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde -- Figured it was about time I read this classic. Interesting to note how the original story differs from the many adaptations, though the language is a bit dry.
A Conjuring of Light -- Finishing up the “Shades of London” series. Satisfying ending, though there are a few plot threads I’d hoped to see resolved. I guess I wait and see if the author’s planning on coming out with more in this universe…
To Be Taught, If Fortunate -- Started off slow, but oh my gosh I loved this one! Bittersweet but fascinating.
Book Love -- Comic collection. I think I liked the artist’s other collection better (Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story), but this one was still cute and a must-read for all readers. You’ve probably seen many of these comics floating around on social media and various websites.
DNF:
Nuns with Guns -- Not as fun as it sounds. Got through one chapter and decided it wasn’t my thing.
Becoming Human (a.k.a. Genesis Code -- it seems to have switched titles at some point) -- Man, I wanted to like this, but the writing was clunky as heck and the worldbuilding felt cliche and boring. Ah well.
Currently Reading:
Four Past Midnight
Alexandria
A Closed and Common Orbit
QOTW:
I take a book absolutely everywhere I go, so if there's a wait or a quiet moment or I just need an escape, I have something to do. So I've read in grocery store lines, at orchestra concerts, on airplanes, at the beach, and a plethora of other places.
The most "exotic" place I've ever read a book is probably while waiting in line for Weird Al Yankovic's autograph at a convention. When you sit in line for a few hours for a signature (I got there early to ensure I got there before they capped the line), excitement and chatting with other line sitters will only carry you so far. XD
Mod
"I started reading this series back in the 80s, and I loved them back then. I took a few years off from the series (ok, more than just a few years). I read W is for Wasted this year as my "book in a series of 20 or more books" and I had the same reaction you had! I didn't like Kinsey (at all!! she was so judgey!!!), I didn't like her ideals, and the mystery was a bit boring."
I am not 'judging' your reactions, but I wanted to weigh in on this discussion since I have adored this series since I read the first one in early 2000's. I admit there were a few installments later in the alphabet that I wasn't as enthralled with, but overall this is one of my favorite series and Grafton one of my favorite writers. (I plan to reread the series beginning sometime next year, one book per month.) That said, I can see where others might not like them as well as I do. :) For one thing, I mainly read for characterization much of the time, which is probably a bit different from most who read in the 'mystery' genre. I guess we all are sorry when we see books we really connect with do not hold that same fascination for others. :) But it's okay...we all react uniquely to each book!
Ditto to all the exhaustion. I'm tired of being annoyed with people and I'm tired of thinking "I just don't get it" when someone thinks the pandemic doesn't apply to them.I think I can now safely say I'm dealing with some executive dysfunction. I'm having a LOT of trouble getting things done, particularly those things I need for self-care (like going to bed on time, reading, talking to friends). As much as I enjoy Animal Crossing, I find myself playing it even when I don't really want to, because it just seems like the easiest way to fill time that's not staring off into space (which I do from time to time, as well lol). I'm hoping I'll get past this soon--I'm getting further and further behind on so many things!
Finished:
To Be Perfectly Honest: A Novel Based on an Untrue Story by Sonya Sones: A bildungsroman. I love Sones books and this was the first one I genuinely thought I was going to get rid of after I finished it. Then I got to the end and it was not at all where I thought it was going (in a good way) and I loved it!
Currently Reading:
A Gentleman in Moscow: Part of my brain knows I really like this book and part of my brain has no desire to keep going with it. I think I'm having trouble because I'm also kind of on house arrest...but I don't have the luxury of chatting with interesting people, eating at a wonderful restaurant, or looking back on a fascinating life.
Victorian Fairy Tales
QOTW:
I haven't been anywhere all that different/exciting/exotic. The most unusual place I've read in was at a Texas A&M football game. This is before I learned to appreciate college football.
I mostly listen to audiobooks on trips and that's about it, but in an effort to get more books in, I've been listening while doing chores, cross stitching (when I can actually get myself to cross stitch), and sometimes while exercising.
Finished: Love, Stargirl Really not worth it.The Book of Longings I enjoyed this one. I kept expecting Ana to become Jesus's chronicler, which she never did, which was better, I think, because the book was focused on her and the women around her instead of just vetting Jesus. I loved the author's audacity at putting a different spin on historical and religious literature.
Started: The Philosopher Kings Not enjoying this as much as the first book in the trilogy... not feeling as fresh of an idea.
The Lightning Thief re-read
Theatre of the Oppressed More philosophical and less pragmatic than I expected.
A Call for Revolution: A Vision for the Future I keep trying to read words from the Dalai Lama, but they never really resonate with me. I feel like anybody could be saying them.
QotW: I read A Suitable Boy while in Puerto Rico, so now Puerto Rico and India are forever enmeshed in my head.
I've started listening to audiobooks in Spanish as I fall asleep. Can't say I'm making much progress...
I have not finished anything this week. Almost done with Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, still working on The Yellow House by Sarah M Broom for book club, and I had started All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr a couple weeks ago before I had to return it. I just got it back, so I'll be finishing that this upcoming week.
With having to move all my classes online in case we're not face to face has sucked me dry. I have no spoons left over to read.I did manage one. For the prompt of A book with only words on the cover, no images or graphics Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich. The series in general has a lot of covers like this and parts of it is fun. This one is well the 20th book and it shows. It wasn't that good.
QOTW Hmmm, good question I guess reading in an Inn in Wales that dates back to the 1400s and was once a morgue counts.
I don't really listen to audio books much and if I do it's in the car
God bless whoever invented A/C. I used to live in Florida and eternal summer is NOT for me. No thanks man. I am over it.I finished nothing. Again. But I made lots of progress!
Currently Reading
The Way of Kings for "book with a made up language". I'm ACTUALLY over halfway, can you believe it??? In one week I read over 600 pages. Even I'm impressed!
On Living Simply: The Golden Voice of John Chrysostom for "book featuring one of the seven deadly sins". I'm so close to being done. It's so wonderful. I'll miss it.
The Wilderness Journal: 365 Days with the Philokalia for "book whose title caught your attention". 29th verse same as the first. XD
QotW
1. Honestly the entire world of The Way of Kings is really exotic and unusual! I'm amazed at Sanderson's world building. Even the plants are different!
2. I don't like listening to audiobooks. So. There you go. XD
Hello everyone! I'm there with everyone in the sadness and exhaustion. I've been working on just letting myself feel sad and scared lately, and fortunately it has helped me to move on from those feelings rather than just low-grade overwhelmed all the time. My cousin is getting married in three weeks with only immediate family there, and I'm just really sad I can't wish her well in person, but there will be an after, and in that time we can celebrate.Finished this week: Rogue Protocol (not for challenge): such good pacing and descriptions of fights. Hopefully someday they'll make Murderbot into a TV show and they'll do it really well. I would watch the heck out of that.
Currently reading: Ash and Quill: very silly and fun. The main character did describe looking at his own twin with whom he grew up as disorienting, though, which is pretty inexcusable. Twins are familiar with being twins, dude, it doesn't weird them out.
QOTW: I always bring a book backpacking, which some people regard as Sacrilegious Extra Weight, but I find delightful. I love being cozied up in my tent at night and reading a book in the wilderness. Please note it is never, ever a book about being lost in the woods or things that go bump in the night.
I like to listen to audiobooks while doing jigsaw puzzles. I can keep that up for hours!
Hi everyone. After three and a half months being furloughed, I just had to work ten days straight and I am wiped out! Really ready for a lie in tomorrow.This week I finished Two on a Tower. This started out so promising even if the premise was a little contrived (Were Victorian men really so distracted by women that they couldn't have a scientific career if they married? Sounds like BS) but the ending was so ridiculous and infuriating it brought the whole book down. I'm guessing Hardy had some issues with women because this is the third book I've read of his and in all of them, the female character gets a bum deal.
Currently reading: Every Heart a Doorway but The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy just got delivered today so I might switch to that
QOTW: I normally have a book with me everywhere I go so pretty much any country I've ever been to. Cities, mountains, beaches The only place I remember getting weird looks was at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
I don't listen to audiobooks. The only one I've made it all the way through (because it was a challenge prompt) I listened to at work
I'm on board with everyone who is just sick and tired of the pandemic and how differently everyone is behaving in the face of it. My husband and I obviously want everyone to behave like us - which is to follow the restrictions, limit exposure, etc., but it's such a mixed bag. It makes it impossible for us to relax what we're doing because so many people are walking around like there's no pandemic. And while I'm trying not to judge other people, I really want people to just avoid me if we're not on the same page with this one.I haven't checked in a few weeks, but I have finished some books. I'm now 29/50 for the challenge.
Merchants of Menace (A Mystery Writers of America Classic Anthology Book 5) Edited by Hillary Waugh - used for anthology prompt, its quite the collection of terrifying tales
Southern Spirits by Angie Fox - used for an author with flora or fauna in their name, ended up being better than I thought; I started it several months ago and put it back down because I couldn't get into it, so I'd say it's a slow starter.
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers - used for published in the 20th century, it was interesting to meet the original Mary Poppins, but I'm too spoiled by Julie Andrews (and even Emily Blunt) to be completely won over. Ultimately I'll rewatch the movies many more times, but I doubt I'll ever reread the book.
Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician by Lesa Cline-Ransome - this was a really quick audiobook, and a great way to meet the famed Katherine Johnson.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan - used as something I meant to read in 2019, it was one of the best WWII-era books I've read in a while. Focused on the lesser written about front in Italy, and based on true events,
QOTW:
1. I think I've read on many of our vacations, usually when there is down time and the scenery isn't changing. I don't know what would be considered exotic though. I've read on cruise ships, and in theme park lines (when I'm solo, since my DH doesn't ride a lot of the rides), and on the beach in Nicaragua.
2. I don't listen to audiobooks very often, but when I do it's usually driving, while scrapbooking, or while doing the dishes. You really just can't read while you do any of those things, lol.
Christine wrote: "Nadine, that must have been so frustrating to know the problem but not be able to fix it! In NC, air conditioning is so vital, I can't imagine it conking out during July/August. For what it's wor..."
I loooooooooved the cover for Lagoon but the story was meh
Two week check-in and only one book read.It doesn't fit any of my remaining prompts. I think I only have 4 or 5 left.
The Shadows by Alex North. Thriller. A man returns home after being away for decades. There was a tragic murder during his youth and he returns home to take care of his ailing mother. I liked this more than The Whisper Man. Would watch a netflix series based on it.
Happy St. Swithin's Day all! I don't know anything about the day's origins, or the saint, but there is something about the weather today that predicts future weather - like 40 days of rain if it's raining. Or similar. Also, it's a good synonym for "whenever I get around to it", as in: "My father says he'll fix the porch on St. Swithin's Day".Finisshed:
Going to War with All My Relations: New and Selected Poems by Wendy Rose. I really enjoy Wendy Rose's poetry. She's a Hopi woman who always speaks truth to power, and she inspires me to keep going in these unusual times.
Just for joy and comfort! But.... you could use it for book by a WOC or book with flora in the author's name.
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. Really enjoyed the truth to power in this book as well. OK, it was a project that was a *leeetle* like class tourism, and it would seriously wind up Jarvis Cocker. But then, she had her heart and soul in the right place and has fought for a living wage for decades. I've worked every one of those jobs, and someone had to break the news to Americans living in prosperity. My favorite quote:
“When someone works for less pay than she can live on — when, for example, she goes hungry so that you can eat more cheaply and conveniently — then she has made a great sacrifice for you, she has made you a gift of some part of her abilities, her health, and her life. The 'working poor,' as they are approvingly termed, are in fact the major philanthropists of our society. They neglect their own children so that the children of others will be cared for; they live in substandard housing so that other homes will be shiny and perfect; they endure privation so that inflation will be low and stock prices high. To be a member of the working poor is to be an anonymous donor, a nameless benefactor, to everyone else.”
QOTW:
1. Unusual place - reading a book in English in Venezuela in a hospital bed. Probably not so unusual except for the surprise of the people around me, and it's hard to travel there now.
I lived and worked with my family for 2 years in the mid 90s, and primarily spoke Spanish. I surprised my coworkers for being in hospital and reading in English. They wanted to know where I'd learned it.
2. I've made honest tries at audiobooks, and I don't do them now. Not my jam.
I have been so bad this year with checking in. Also, somehow, during quarantine I more or less stopped reading, and caught up on household things and learning related reading, but now I've been catching up. Now we're going through our second wave here in Israel too. Although so far most people seem to be reporting milder symptoms, there are way many more cases, so that the numbers alone are pretty spooky. Especially frustrating since with things looking so much better, I was actually considering a trip to the States for the wedding of my much beloved niece. I am an optimistic pragmatist, so while chances of my going have dwindled, I'm still hoping the situation will improve in the next month...
But, back to reading!
In the past two weeks alone, I've finished 10 books, and caught up with my reading goals!
1. Opium and Absinthe which would work for a medical mystery, but since I filled that with another book by the same author (which I enjoyed much more than this one), I used this for the book with a character who has a vision impairment or enhancement.
2.
which I really enjoyed. This one has a book on the cover and deals with several issues that I had never heard about before (the blue people of Kentucky, Roosevelt's Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, etc.) A good book also for people who love books...3.
Fun read which I enjoyed. This is set as a book about a cyborg, android, etc, although I'm not sure it strictly qualifies.4.
I didn't use this for the challenge, mostly because I had other books for all the categories that this book could have worked for (Bechedel, something I didn't know about before, previous prompy (translated book). I enjoyed the read, maybe I'll be reading some more of Marc Levy...5.
Another mostly light read, and yet a lot of the insights ran awfully close to a lot of issues that we were discussing in a women's ADHD group I belong to (although the issues in the book revolved around adoption, family and illness and not ADHD, I shared several quotes from the book with my group). 6.
This is a topic I read a lot about. Both my parents survived the Holocaust, and yet I'm always struck by how unique each person's experience was. This book deals with the author's memories and details of his family and how they survived the war through luck and ingenious hiding places. 7.
I'm wondering if I can use this book as a book with a pun, because the very principled Maggie M is actually a school principal with principles. This is another book that I read because I enjoyed another book by the same author
, but found this book didn't work as well for me. (BTW, CABC obviously works for the book club prompt, but one of the main characters is a chemist, so she's also a woman from STEM). All this was last week. I haven't managed so many books in one week for a very long time!
Last weeks question was about what place I've read about that I'd want to spend a two week vacation in (do I remember correctly?). I might be tempted to risk a trip to the far past in ancient Israel, although most of the books I've read about that time period don't sound like fun times to live through... Of course a trip to Hawaii or Ireland might be nice too... But in addition to everything else, I'm also a Gemeni, so hard to decide!
This week, more modest, but also all wins:
1.
I listened to this book while I drove and while I was working in the kitchen. The book introduced me the Nyonya/Baba culture (people of Chinese descent in Malaysia), and I loved the voice. I think this also qualifies as a book written by a WOC.
2.
(not the edition I read, but I couldn't find it). Written in the 20th century and by an author who wrote more than 20 books... And also an Agatha Christie that I've never read before...and last but not least, a book that will stay with me for a while...
3.
I think this is my new favorite book. I enjoyed everything about it: the writing, the characters, the story. Such lovely style and humor! And the skill: the story is set in one hotel over decades, and yet is so full... I'm sorry, I just can't find the words to do it justice. I finished it this morning, and I think I may have to wait until I can pick up another book...
This weeks question: Most exotic place? Probably everyone's exotic is something else. Hmm, by waterfalls? Riding through the streets of Jerusalem? A few lines on the Staten Island Ferry or a boat cruise around Manhattan? Basically, almost wherever I've been, since like many others here, I read almost wherever I am: bathrooms, buses, planes, trains, on line at tourist destinations sometimes, at natural springs in Israel, travelling in Italy and Slovakia.
And during my first challenge, I learned to listen to books. And although it took me some time to get used to it, now I enjoy listening to books while I drive and while I fold laundry, do embroidery, or cook in the kitchen. Which reminds me, I better head for the kitchen and get a move on more of the same...
Mod
That sort of thing happens to me sometimes with the books I read on business trips! I read a big chunk of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks in a hotel room in Charlotte NC, and I forever think of that hotel room when I think of that book. And I read Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances at breakfast every morning during another trip to Charlotte, so I associate those, also.
Lynn wrote: "Nadine wrote: "Heather wrote: "... A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton (a book published in the 20th century). I didn’t like this book at all. I hate Kinsey and everything she stands for. The mystery was..."No judgment, but finding myself agreeing with Lynn about the series. I *love* Kinsey, and love my visits with her and Henry Pitt, and Rosie & William. I'm easily driven by character, though I love plot, and as an introvert with dysfunctional family, I could relate to Kinsey in some ways.
I also loved that the series stayed true to the motifs of the 80s, since it takes place over a few years in the mid to late 80s.
Thank goodness there are so many authors writing diverse books for all our varied tastes!
Mod
That's Willis Carrier, the Father of Air Conditioning!!
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
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This pandemic has been very confusing. I still want to stay sheltered at home, but everyone else seems happy to GO OUT and MEET PEOPLE and I'm just internally screaming "nooooo ..."
We had continued hot HOT and humid weather in upstate NY, interspersed with a much-needed rainstorm that knocked my tomato plant over (it's okay, I found an old tomato cage in the basement and propped up my plant - the six tiny green tomatoes are still holding - but the other blossoms had dropped without fruit, as I had feared, due to the heat last week). I had an air conditioning EMERGENCY that my ex fixed after work Tuesday (the air conditioner still works, but the fan had popped off of its shaft and was banging around in the fan box, so we couldn't run the a/c - confession: I am actually an engineer for an air conditioning company, but I don't work on residential stuff or anything that involves air or a fan, so while I knew immediately that the problem was the fan, I had NO IDEA where the fan was. Also, I thought it looked like a room fan with big blades, and I thought one of them had broken off - it does NOT look like that. Also, the proper HVAC term is "blower" and I'm demonstrating my ignorance by calling it a fan. Also, I need to buy some room fans for the next time our a/c dies.)
Admin stuff:
The results of our polls are in!!!
Fourth quarter group reading choices are:
October (seven deadly sins): Daisy Jones & The Six
November (women in STEM): Where the Crawdads Sing
December (published in 2021): The Vanishing Half
Let us know if you would like to volunteer to lead a monthly discussion for one of these books!!
I took a vacation day and had a three-day weekend, and I'm reading some really good books, and I have some other really good books on deck, so I thought I'd get a lot of reading done this week, and I have, but I have not finished ANYTHING. So at this point, I leap directly to the Question of the Week.
Question of the Week
We are on a virtual trip again this week! This question is a two parter, from Theresa
Part 1: What is the most unusual, different, or exotic place you have read a book?
Part 2: where do you listen to audiobooks that you would never read a print book?
I'm not very exotic, so I haven't read books in any really unusual places.
But I can answer part 2!! I listen to audiobooks while driving and mowing the lawn and washing dishes and cooking and just general household chores that have me walking around, using my hands, but my storybrain is free to follow a wonderful story even though I can't look at a book. Of course, now that I'm working from home, there isn't any solo driving. And lately my kids have kept trying to talk to me while I'm washing up or making dinner, so I have not been listening then either.
I also like to listen to audiobooks while doing pictorial & numerical logic puzzles (I think everyone knows Sudoku? There are several others, such as kakuro, hitori, and my favorite: hashi. And there are also some types that make a picture when you fill in the right blocks, they have all different names like pic-a-pix, griddler, fill-a-pix, etc.) And when I run out of the free weekly puzzles on conceptis-dot-com, I start coloring while listening. It's my weekend ritual!