2025 Reading Challenge discussion

After several years leaving books behind, for 2021 I wanna push myself and aim to 51.
In order to keep myself motivated, I've started following several challenges from different groups I'm part of, and since I'm kinda of an organization freak I created a tracker to follow and record my progress: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hgeY3X8yE8RL8aWUikfiQJsyXMMbNqbRj1fxiOTt44I/edit?usp=sharing

Can't wait to start! Good luck to everyone for your personal challenges!

1/51

Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh



Poetry. This is honestly the first thing that comes to mind after reading the first few pages of this novel, where the life of the Wood and its inhabitants are depicted with such gentle and fresh words that the reader feels engulfed in a world so familiar and yet so distant from reality. What this story lacks in plot and characterization, is well enough regained with the atmosphere the autor is so good at depicting: Emily Tesh opens the doors to both a dream and a nightmare, making us lose concept of our reality: everything and everywhere is Wood. A lot happens, but we are never really involved. It's a story that entrances, but does not suscitate strong feelings. What is happening isn't happening to us, is not affecting us, almost as if we, readers, are not worthy enough to share the same experience of the characters. Our only role is to listen to the tale (yes, a tale, not a poem nor a novel or a legend; a tale written in the modern world, but ancient as the world itself) that the Woods has decided to share.
The ending leaves with that bitter-sweet sensation commonly felt after finishing a poem: it is unclear what we were able to discern from such a tale, and even if we were in fact able to discern anything at all. But the sounds are still echoing, and even though the book is now closed, the tale still goes on and on, trapped in a bubble outside space and time. And I know that even while I'm on this train, writing my review, somewhere in the Woods the Wild Man is sitting, surrounded by dryads, silently sharpening his knives.

2/51

As Good as New by Charlie Jane Anders



Light and fluid, I had high hopes but the end left me disappointed. While the author manages to explore a deep and depressing theme such as the Apocalypse in a simple and almost funny way, the plot lacks direction. (view spoiler)[ The emotional journey of the main character is interesting and easy to follow, and her inablity to act and even grieve make for a believable and realistic portayal of the "only survivor". But the story revolves around the choice she has to make, and when she finally does so everything is a bit too simple... (hide spoiler)] In a word: underwhelming.

3/51

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett



Loved it. Written in such with such a simple and yet deep style, it made me feel like a child reading their favourite book all over again. Reading this book became my everyday relaxing exercise, worked like a charm.
(view spoiler)[ The only disappointing part was the ending, I felt like since every other event in the book was discussed at lenght, only a few pages were dedicated to the final big moment. (hide spoiler)] But other than that, I recommend this book to everyone who wants to lose themselves among flowers, magic animals and the laughter of children.

4/51

A Study in Emerald by Neil Gaiman



I really enjoyed this retelling of a well known story. With a world full of absurd yet entrancing details and an unexpected ending, this read left me with a twisted feeling: surprise and horror mixed stirred together in my guts.

5/51

And now his Lordship is Laughing by Shiv Ramdas



Sharp and pungent, a short story to remember humans' inclination to cruelty. A tale of laughter that leaves you holding back tears.

6/51

You Perfect, Broken Thing by C.L. Clark



Loved it. A breathless read that leaves you waiting for more.

7/51

We Who Will Destroy the Future by Margaret Killjoy



Nice and intense. A short story that manages to briefly outline a whole (not so new) world (I apologise for the Disney reference) and a strong main character.

Look at you go do you have a standout favorite yet?