Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

Use this thread to discuss how you finished July, what your plans are for August, and your progress throughout the month!

I finished #52 this evening and now I don't know what to do with myself. I have a whole stack of recently-purchased unread books I should really get to... maybe I should just go in alphabetical order.

Congrats Katie! I'm one away from finishing and I'm both incredibly excited and so disappointed because I don't know how I'll pick books for the rest of the year.

Katie wrote: "I finished #52 this evening and now I don't know what to do with myself. I have a whole stack of recently-purchased unread books I should really get to... maybe I should just go in alphabetical order."

Congrats!

How about the seasonal challenges?

I had an unfocused July and reading wasn't a priority for me. I DNF'd 4 or 5 books and finished 6. I did enjoy the 6 I read but they were mostly unplanned books. I finished 1/3 countries (Singapore) and I'm still working on the country books from June. Countries for August are Latvia, Thailand and Brazil. I'm taking recommendations. I do have Sightseeing for Thailand on my Kindle.

Today I awoke to news of the potential of reading abundance. The Booker Longlist books were announced as well as the finalists for the Booktube Prize. Book of the Month Club released their picks for the month and I have 3 books from the library to pick up of highly anticipated books for August. I hope my motivation to read picks up.

I have 8 books left for the ATY challenge. Some of the above mentioned books will fit those prompts.

The Seven Sisters is a dual timeline historical romance by Northern Irish author Lucinda Riley. Mysterious Pa Salt adopts baby girls from around the world and names them after the stars in the constellation Pleiades. This is the story of eldest daughter Maia’s journey to reclaim her heritage. Here is my review

July was very random as I was helping an ailing family member and did not get to read as much as I usually would when I'm off work for the summer.

I completed two books for bookclubs: The Gifted School and Lessons in Chemistry. I read The Sun and Her Flowers, My Name is Lucy Barton, and Slouching Towards Los Angeles: Living and Writing In Joan Didion's Light as they are all short and I could read small amounts while caregiving

In August, even though I'm about to go back to work, I hope to finish To Paradise, which I wanted to read in July. I am also reading the Marriage Portrait. The Collected Regrets of Clover, and Killers of the Flower Moon

You Sound Like a White Girl – Julissa Arce – 3.5***
Arce came to the USA from Mexico as an eleven-year-old. She learned English, excelled at school, finished college, and was hired by Goldman Sachs. But she never felt that she fit in. Her take on this is that the white people in power will never allow brown and black people to actually assimilate in the USA culture. Arce gives many examples of ways in which white people have harmed indigenous populations, but the tone of her arguments was so angry and uncompromising that it turned me off. She has some valid points to make in this book, but in the end, I think “she doth protest too much.”
LINK to my full review

Great Expectations – Charles Dickens – 3.5***
Decades ago, I read a children’s classic abridged version; I’ve also seen at least one of the film adaptations; I figured it was time to get to the original. It’s typical Dickens in that there are many characters and many hidden relationships between them, which will eventually be revealed and explain the seemingly “random” encounters. I enjoyed watching Pip mature from a child to a young man, and I loved his brother-in-law Joe Gargery. On the other hand, I thought Dickens gave too little attention to the women. Miss Havisham and Estella would be ideal main characters but were relegated to supporting roles.
LINK to my full review

The Case of the Missing Servant – Tarquin Hall – 3.5***
This debut novel was just delightful! Puri is a marvelous character, and I want to follow the series just to get to know him better. But the supporting cast is also wonderful. As Puri and his team travel from the swanky Gymkhana Club to the slums of Dehli, and from a desert oasis to a distant mine, the reader gets a view of modern-day India that is colorfully vivid. I’ll definitely read more from this author.
LINK to my full review

I’m planning to spend August finishing books that I’ve started including David Copperfield, The Many daughters of Afong Moy, and hopefully one of my Latin American reads.

Ali and Nino by Kurban Said is a love story set mostly in Azerbaijan between Muslim Ali Khan and Georgian Christian Nino, emphasizing the differences between their cultures and heritage. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ here is my review

Wide Sargasso Sea by Dominican author Jean Rhys is a retelling of Jane Eyre, giving Mr Rochester’s mad wife her own story with some humanity and explanation. It takes place in Jamaica and Dominica in the 1830s after the end of slavery. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ here is my review

Rachel wrote: "Ali and Nino by Kurban Said is a love story set mostly in Azerbaijan between Muslim Ali Khan and Georgian Christian Nino, emphasizing..."

Wonderful book!

The Queen Of the Tambourine – Jane Gardam – 3***
This slim novel is written in epistolary style, as Eliza Peabody writes letters to her former neighbor. The novel won Britain’s Whitebread Award for Best Novel of the Year in 1991, but it missed the mark for me. I liked it but didn’t love it.
LINK to my full review

Royal Flush – Rhys Bowen – 3***
Book number three in Bowen’s “Royal Spyness” series of cozy mysteries, starring Lady Georgiana Rannoch, thirty-fourth in line to the throne. I like this cozy series. Georgie and her best friend Belinda are quite the pair. And I like the historical background that Bowen weaves into her plots as well.
LINK to my full review

Candy Cane Murder – Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine and Leslie Meier – 2.5***
Three short novels make up this anthology. Candy Cane Murder (Fluke), The Dangers of Candy Canes (Levine) and Candy Canes of Christmas Past (Meier).
The first is a typical Hannah Swenson cookie cozy. I didn’t like the second at all. The last was light on the mystery but still a charming holiday tale.
LINK to my full review

Her Christmas Cowboy – Jessica Clare – 3***
Caleb is painfully shy around women, and not all that open even around his brothers. But the moment he saw new local school teacher Amy, he knew she was the woman for him. Of course, there’s at least one jerk in the picture, and Amy, recovering from a bad divorce, is vulnerable. But Caleb is just so sweet and considerate and it’s inevitable that they’ll get together and the sex will be incredible for both of them. Well, what did you expect? It’s a Christmas Cowboy Romance … capital ‘C’ and capital ‘R’. Fun to read and a great escape.
LINK to my full review

The Stolen Lady – Laura Morelli – 3.5***
A work of historical fiction with a dual timeline – 1939 in France as the Germans are invading; and 1479 in Florence, when Leonardo da Vinci is commissioned to paint a portrait of Lisa Gherandini. In both cases one woman takes it upon herself to ensure that the portrait remains hidden away in order to protect it. Between the two storylines, I clearly preferred the World War II one. I wasn’t sure that this novel needed the 15th century story line. I really appreciated the extensive author notes / interviews and historic photos of the Louvre staff moving these treasures.
LINK to my full review

The Sandalwood Tree – Elle Newmark – 3.5***
A good historical fiction tale framed by the British leaving India as that country gained its independence. Newmark captivated me with this dual story line of relationships and the difficulties two people might have as a result of different cultural backgrounds, family expectations, and emotional trauma suffered by one or both of the parties.
LINK to my full review

I finished one book, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy, which I started in July. I still have at least 6 books I’ve started that I had hoped to finish but instead I’m starting a new book - Victory City by Salmen Rushdie. I won a hardback copy but am starting with the audiobook. I’m sure I will switch over to print. It’s very interesting and well written!

The Adventure Of the Christmas Pudding – Agatha Christie – 3***
This is actually a collection of short stories, in which Hercule Poirot addresses a variety of cases, and Miss Jane Marple solves the final case. Agatha Christie is one of my go-to authors when I want a break from everyday life and heavier, more literary reads. I just plain enjoy them. I’m also a fan of short stories, and this fit the bill nicely for winter evenings … one story per night.
LINK to my full review

Secrets of a Summer Night – Lisa Kleypas – 3***
This is the first in the “wallflower” series featuring four young women of marriageable age but who are at risk of becoming spinsters if they don’t find a suitable mate. In this first outing, the girls decide to pool their resources to ensure that Annabelle (who is the oldest and most in need of a husband) snags her man. This is a typical regency romance with plenty of heaving bosoms, devastatingly handsome men, one or two scoundrels, and a clash between the classes. The plot may be predictable, but it’s still great fun to read. A lovely escape!
LINK to my full review

Homecoming is a thriller by popular Australian author Kate Morton. It is a riveting atmospheric read, set in the Adelaide Hills in 1959, that gradually uncovers many dark and hidden secrets. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ here is my review

The Runes of Destiny by Swedish English author Christina Courtenay is a timeslip historical romance where our heroine suddenly finds herself in the 9th Century captured by Vikings as a slave. ⭐⭐ here is my review

Buried In a Good Book – Tamara Berry – 3***
First in a new cozy mystery series featuring Tess Harlow, a mystery-book author, who leaves Seattle for the Northwoods cabin she inherited from her grandfather. But before she can settle in a loud explosion results in a rain of dead fish and body parts. There’s no shortage of suspects, including “Bigfoot,” to keep both Sheriff Boyd and Tess busy. A fun, fast read.
LINK to my full review

I thought Symphony of Secrets was going to end up being my best book of the month (I know we're not even halfway through August), but then I picked up Shark Heart and that blew me out of the water. Seriously. If this book is anywhere on your radar READ IT.

I am still reading in order, although I am weeks behind (and despite that I have read 80 books this year already!). In July I read prompts 21 - 25: Klara and the Sun (A book by an Asian diaspora author); Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 (A book with a faceless person on the cover); Wide Sargasso Sea (A book with a body of water in the title); The Good Soldier (A character that might be called a Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, or Spy); and Homegoing (A book with a tropical setting).

In August, so far, I have read prompts 26 - 28: The Guncle (A book related to pride); The Son and Heir: A Memoir (A book by an author from continental Europe); and Gods of Jade and Shadow (A book that is dark). I am currently reading an ARC of Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop, to be published October 10 (29. A book that is light); and I hope to get through prompts 30 - 34, at least, so that I will be nearly caught up. Those books are: Rook (30. a book related to a chess piece); A Long Petal of the Sea (31. A book found by inputting a favorite author on https://www.literature-map.com); Beautiful World, Where Are You (32. A book set in a UNESCO City of Literature); The Only Woman in the Room (33. A book by an author with a first name popular in 1923); and Lucy (34. A novella).

I recently finished The Optimist's Daughter which I was going to use for the Novella prompt, but decided instead to use it for a book about returning home, as it fits perfectly. Welty's writing is fantastic. I'm not really a fan of character studies, so the "story" as it was was underwhelming to me, but her characters, sense of place, and backstories were very well done. I rated it 4*.

Megan wrote: "I thought Symphony of Secrets was going to end up being my best book of the month (I know we're not even halfway through August), but then I picked up Shark Heart an..."

Glad to hear that about Shark Heart! It's such an interesting premise. I heard about that while looking at BOTMs.

My last two reads from BOTM were kind of duds: Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo was underwhelming, Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong was just terrible and had to DNF it.

Barbara wrote: "I am still reading in order, although I am weeks behind (and despite that I have read 80 books this year already!). In July I read prompts 21 - 25: Klara and the Sun (A book by an A..."

I also try to read in order, I'm way behind and still I've read 48 books. I'm always participating in too many challenges and even though I thought I was very clever this year and could use almost all the titles for several different challenges I'm still hopelessly behind.

Well, I do have ME/CFS which drains my mental endurance and ability to concentrate which is such an obstacle and very boring. This month I've decided to finish reading books I've started in April and books I started in February, one in June and one in July and when I've finished all those then I'll start fresh from that week whichever week it will be. Now I'm finishing 1Q84 Book 1 by Haruki Murakami for prompt 1. A book set in a location starting with A,T or Y and Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family by Thomas Mann for prompt 16. 3 weeks, books set in three different centuries. Both two long for me to finish within a week.

Miss Aldridge Regrets is a murder mystery by English author Louise Hare set in the 1930s jazz clubs and onboard a glamorous cruise liner. Here is my review

Nike wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I am still reading in order, although I am weeks behind (and despite that I have read 80 books this year already!). In July I read prompts 21 - 25: Klara and the Sun..."

Well, you have taken on some challenging books that take a while to read!

Nike wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I am still reading in order, although I am weeks behind (and despite that I have read 80 books this year already!). In July I read prompts 21 - 25: Klara and the Sun..."

I am very impressed with both of you and for anyone else who reads in order. I only tried that once, and quickly failed at it.

I finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo yesterday and can't stop thinking about it. It's so worth the hype. TJR really makes her characters feel like real human beings.

More power to those that read in order. I tried that one year and quickly gave up on the challenge. I’m thinking next year though I might do the challenge twice for the hell of it

So sad to hear that about Immortal Longings. It’s on my shelf also… hoping that it hits better with me than with you 🫠

@Ana AZ - I loved Evelyn Hugo. So glad you did too! 🥰

Megan wrote: "More power to those that read in order. I tried that one year and quickly gave up on the challenge. I’m thinking next year though I might do the challenge twice for the hell of it

So sad to hear t..."

I did the challenge twice in the year a couple of times during pandemic. Now I have other challenge groups that are more demanding/specific so I just fill in ATY as it fits during the year. But even when I was mainly doing ATY, I rarely planned ahead what I would read for each prompt, or when I did, I would change my mind!

Planning ahead is one of my favorite things to do, even if I rarely follow it 😂 maybe I should look for a second challenge as well to keep me directed with my reading. It’s hard to figure out what I want to read after the challenge is over sometimes.

The Last Chance Library – Freya Sampson – 3***
This was just lovely. June’s growth throughout the book is wonderful to see. I also like how initial impressions of people are sometimes proven quite wrong, and how the various relationships / friendships developed. The cast of supporting characters give a sense of community to the novel. It was a charming diversion from everyday life – perfect for when you want a cozy read with a happy ending.
LINK to my full review

Megan wrote: "Planning ahead is one of my favorite things to do, even if I rarely follow it 😂 maybe I should look for a second challenge as well to keep me directed with my reading. It’s hard to figure out what ..."

Yesss, me too. I see planning my ATY challenge as a totally different activity from reading for the challenge.

Gaudy Night – Dorothy L Sayers – 2.5**
Book # 10 in the Lord Peter Wimsey series focuses not on Peter, but on Harriet Vane. She is attending an event as an alumnae of Shrewsbury College at Oxford, but what promised to be a pleasant, if awkward, homecoming, turns decidedly ominous with a series of destructive “pranks” and malicious, vile graffiti. Harriet does her best, but has to call in Lord Peter to solve the case. I found it slow-moving and dull.
LINK to my full review

Ana AZ wrote: "Megan wrote: "Planning ahead is one of my favorite things to do, even if I rarely follow it 😂 maybe I should look for a second challenge as well to keep me directed with my reading. It’s hard to fi..."

Definitely a whole different activity.

Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson – 3.5***
A classic coming-of-age adventure tale set in the 18th century. Shiver me timbers, but this was good! There are intrigues, dangers, plots, mutinies, battles, and double-crosses galore to keep the reader engaged and turning pages. And if danger isn’t enough, there are the added lures of the tropics and of treasure. If the story line is somewhat farfetched, well, who cares. It’s fun and exciting.
LINK to my full review

(And ... if "X marks the spot" ever gets in as a prompt this would be perfect... just sayin'...)

Katie wrote: "I finished #52 this evening and now I don't know what to do with myself. I have a whole stack of recently-purchased unread books I should really get to... maybe I should just go in alphabetical order."

Go again!
Since I read about 70 books a year, my plan for when I finish is to do a rainbow challenge-- a book for each of the colours.

I’m thinking about reading the modern French classic Zazie in the Metro by Raymond Queneau. It looks like a fun book and there is a movie adaptation also! And, it’s short, which appeals to me right now.

Just finished number 300 of the year 🥳
Bittersweet (Susan Cain) ⭐️⭐️⭐️

After a pretty slow reading month in July for one reason and another, I've picked up my game in August! I've finished 12 books so far (including two started in July) and I'm hoping to finish five more before the end of the month, which will bring all my challenges up to date (still some NetGalley titles to catch up on, though!).

Currently reading
Close to the Bone by Stuart MacBride (I love this series!)
The Botanist by M.W. Craven (winner of the 2019 CWA Gold Dagger for crime writing)

Hoping to read by end of August
The Double Bind by Loraine Peck (loved the first in this series!)
The Truth about the Accident by Nicole Trope
Black Valley Farm by Sheila Bugler

The Undesired is a standalone Nordic Noir by Icelandic author Yrsa Sigurdardottir. In a gripping, atmospheric story Ódinn is tasked with investigating the Króker Boys Home which took in juvenile delinquents in the 1970s. He soon discovers the mysterious deaths of two of the boys, and as he does so more and more secrets are uncovered. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ here is my review

Requiem for a Mezzo – Carola Dunn – 3***
Book number three in this delightful cozy mystery series set in 1920s England. Daisy may be “to the manor born,” but she is fiercely independent. She’s also observant, intelligent and an astute judge of character. There are plenty of suspects including other performers, jealous lovers, a long-suffering sister, and a possible anarchist. It’s a fast read with a satisfying resolution. I’ll keep on with this series.
LINK to my full review