Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

My heart and love go to all the people in this world at danger due to "war"... It is heartbreaking and nonsensical, IMO, that we humans can't simply get along. SMH 😢 The few true aggressors endanger us all... On to brighter thoughts...

I arrived home from the gym at 11:15PM just after realizing tomorrow is the Carmel Clay Library Guild’s Guilded Leaf luncheon and book/author event (https://carmelclaylibrary.org/guilded...) so I’ll need to be up and ready to leave my house by 8:30AM tomorrow morning. I’ve been staying up until 1-2AM and then getting up 10-11AM. Tomorrow morning will definitely bring a large change to this routine! YIKES! (There could be a nap in my future tomorrow afternoon! LOL) The dangers of being retired from full-time work outside the home! Typically my good friend accompanies me to the two annual such events in the Indianapolis area and she just picks me up on her way through and delivers me on her way back. But tomorrow I will be missing her. She has a new supervisor and had to work at the last minute. Unlike me she is too nice to be honest with this person and admit she had scheduled herself off for a specific event, etc. But so be it. I purchased this ticket months ago. I will persevere even though it would be more enjoyable to spend time with her than not…

I will be thrilled once I arrive! I love meeting authors and discussing their books! 😁👍

Therefore, I am posting this in the very early morning of Thursday, October 19! Just before I head to bed!

ADMIN STUFF:
The October Monthly Group Read discussion for The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman is posted in the Current Monthly Group Read folder HERE. This book can be used to fulfill prompt #18 A book that’s been banned or challenged in 2022. Banned Books Week is October 1-7, 2023! Website: https://bannedbooksweek.org/#:~:text=... Still waiting for my copy to arrive! Jennifer is the "official organizer" who graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! THANK YOU, JENNIFER! 👏👏👏👏

The November Monthly Group Read will be The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern! (I and the IRL book club I facilitate LOVED this book so much!) This book could be used to fulfill prompt #41 A book written during NaNoWriMo! We are now searching for a “marvelous manager” to lead this discussion! Please message either myself or Nadine to volunteer!

The December Monthly Group Read will be Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0) by Travis Baldree. This book could be used to fulfill prompt #32 A book published in the last half of 2023. I’m certain there is a “cool captain” out there amongst you-all who is just dying to facilitate this discussion! Please message either myself or Nadine to volunteer!

Just a reminder that the comprehensive listing of 2023 Monthly Group Reads can be found HERE

Question of the Week:
Is there a movie based on the book that you like more than the book?
Definitely! The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans! I read the book BEFORE I saw the movie, which is something I always try to do. As I finished the book I was rather confused and very disappointed by the ending. It felt soooo rushed and soooo inadequate to the story arc! I very much preferred the ending created by the three writers for the film, which included Mr. Evans! So perhaps he envisioned a different (better?) ending after the book was published…

Popsugar: 44/50
Nadine’s Q1 Mini-Challenge: 7/10
AtY: 52/52 DONE!
RHC: 13/24

FINISHED:
*Murder at the Merton Library (Wrexford & Sloan #7) by Andrea Penrose ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I absolutely adore this series. I can imagine I'll be binge-reading through the whole thing prior to the 8th installment being released! I've only done that with one other series, Harry Potter! Though I may also do that with Murderbot since the 7th installment, System Collapse is due to release November 14!
POPSUGAR: #19-2022: prompt #9 A book about a “found family,” #31, #32, #34, #36, #46-Harper!, #48-Latin and English, #50
ATY: #2, #3-A book from your favorite sub-genre: Historical Fiction Mystery, #5, #6, #10-Scary, #13-library bookshelves, #14, #18, #19, #22, #24, #26, #27, #37, #43, #45, #51
RHC: #23, #24-2016: A book of historical fiction set before 1900 (Regency: 1800-1836)

*Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha (Mrs. Pollifax #7) by Dorothy Gilman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ while tense and somewhat poignant, also demonstrated Mrs. P’s determination and fortitude.
POPSUGAR: #1, #16, #19-2017: prompt #32 A book about an interesting woman, #28, #36, #39
ATY: #3-A book including a justice-impacted character or person, #5, #10-Scary, #14, #24, #33, #37, #43, #45, #52
RHC: #10, #23, #24-2020: prompt #3 Read a mystery where the victim is not a woman

*Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle (Mrs. Pollifax #8) by Dorothy Gilman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was yet another immensely enjoyable installment in this series! I obviously just can’t get enough of Mrs. P! She was immersed in the jungle during much of this adventure and discovered some missing persons as well as an unknown-to-her coworker!
POPSUGAR: #9, #16, #19-2017: prompt #14 A book involving travel, #28, #36, #39
ATY: #1-Thailand, #3-A book set during a revolution or uprising, #5, #6, #10-Scary, #14, #24, #25, #37, #43, #45, #47
RHC: #23, #24-2015: A book that takes place in Asia-Thailand

*Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish (Mrs. Pollifax #9) by Dorothy Gilman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ brings yet another child into the plot, as well as a Sifu spiritual leader. I do love the culturally specific details! And that unknown-to-her coworker actually saves Mrs. P’s life as well as that of her other friends/accomplices.
POPSUGAR: #16, #19-2017: prompt #47 A book with an eccentric character, #28, #31, #36, #39
ATY: #3-A book set during a revolution or uprising, #5, #10-Scary, #14, #24, #33, #34, #37, #43, #45, #52
RHC: #23, #24-2017: prompt #11 A book that is set more than 5,000 miles from your location

*Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief (Mrs. Pollifax #10) by Dorothy Gilman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐included some recurring characters as well as brand-new characters and some romance!! Rossiter and Farrell and Franca and Vica!
POPSUGAR: #16, #19-2019: prompt #34 A book that includes a wedding, #28, #36, #39
ATY: #3-A cultural book that depicts a place or time and its culture, #5, #10-Scary, #14, #18, #19, #33, #37, #45
RHC: #23, #24-2018: prompt #23 A book with a female protagonist over the age of 60

CONTINUING:
* The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

PLANNED:
*The 9th Judgment (Women’s Murder Club #9) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

What the heck, it's already Thursday?! How did that time go by so quickly? I saw this new thread and I thought 'hey, that can't be right'. So I look at my calendars and sure enough it is. Crazy!

*****

Well didn't finish any books, but for one good reason. I was waiting for a new book arrival. On the 17th this book was released and I got it on the 18th. I've waited two months for it since it was a pre-order.

The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution

I'm starting chapter 2 and already I am enjoying it. The authors don't chose sides in terms of the right or the left. They have so far remained neutral.

I'm usually good at determining if I'll like a book right at the first couple chapters or so, and reading this I get the feeling this might just be my favorite book of the month.

*****

Next week I'll end up having a massive book haul. I'll share them with you guys. With NFN coming up and then wanting to get my winter reads picked, I've got several that will be for those tbr's.

*****
QOTW:

Is there a movie based on the book that you like more than the book?

Can't say that there is. Usually I find the books better than the movies. If anything I'm kind of hoping that the upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon movie will be better than the book. I loved the book and it was detailed, but I think the Scorsese film will add a better visual to it.

Early check-in this week and here was me thinking I might finish two books today and have more to report on, but I'll leave them for next week.

Because we kept being too tired to do date nights, we've implemented date days and the weekend was my turn to pick something. So we went out for tacos followed by crazy golf at the seaside, which ended up loads of fun. They have a pirate themed course with lots of water that looked like it had lots of stray balls in. It was a surprisingly warm day for October, but the weather has turned stormy since, so I'm glad we went out and made the most of it.

Finished:
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary. It's a Christmas rom-com, it's cute and I can see it being adapted into a film, which they had better film in the New Forest... Because yes I read a book set locally to me! Which is a sure fire way to make Popsugar make that a prompt for next year and then I will have read it already. It really had me laughing at one point because there is a bit where their replacement bus for the train is cancelled and I was at the station and an announcement came on about how they are short of replacement buses. So I felt she'd actually spent some time here, rather than just picking a pretty location.

I looked up the male audiobook narrator, as I was interested to know if his Brazilian accent was real and it turned out it was the creepy kid from the Eyrie in Game of Thrones, but all grown up! Where has time gone? And he's British Brazilian so I'll trust his accent wasn't too off.

QOTW:
I liked Jurassic Park well enough but I have no desire to reread the books, but I'll watch the film over and over again and never get tired. And sorry Dickens, but Muppet Christmas Carol is more enjoyable than A Christmas Carol. I also gave up on the Game of Thrones series at the second book and just watched the show.

I like different things in different media though, so I have a long list of things for which I would generally just go for the film version in the first place, and not bother with the book.

Happy Thursday!

*flops down*

I am exhausted. Four Disney trips in four weeks really took it out of me. As expected, so I'm all good, but yeah. Can we all collectively ask Disneyland Paris to never plan things like this around my birthday again? I'd like to survive longer, hahah!

A huge shout out to my dad, though, who went above and beyond this week to get my sister to Disney and home. Mom was supposed to join us, and be our driver, but she suffered from two migraine attacks very close together so she didn't dare take the risk. Which left us without a way to get to Disney 2 days before leaving.

So dad said he'd drive us there and pick us back up.

Keep in mind it's a 4,5 hour drive on average. One way.

He was home from work due to his back causing problems again but of course the day before leaving his work scheduled a check up for the day he was taking us to Disney. When you're home sick you can't say you can't make it to such an appointment (unless you can prove you have a medical appointment at that time) so ... he had to go to work on Monday.

Which meant: Getting up at 1:45am to leave at 2:30am, drive us to Disney (we got there at 7:15am), wait with us until the park opens at 8:30am (so he could get a fresh coffee and something to eat), and then drive back home. He got home at 1:45pm, and was planning to go to bed, but the square we live on had lots and lots of noise so he got nothing more than a bit of dozing on the couch. Left at 8:30pm for work, was home at 6:45am. At 7:15am he and mom left for Disney (Mom was supposed to drive so dad could nap and take over if needed, but he decided he felt well enough to drive so he did). They got there at 1:40pm, we were home at 6pm (Mom drove home), after which dad went to get food. He was swaying on his feet, feeling dizzy and everything he was so exhausted (I mean staying awake for 31 hours at 55 will do that), and sadly instead of a day off today as would have been normal, he had an extra day at work today so he had to leave again at 7am this morning.

If only his work hadn't scheduled that check up, he would have just joined us at Disney, or at least taken a nap or some rest before going back home. I am in awe of his insanity, but of course very very grateful.

Our next trip is now hesitantly scheduled for early December, but at the moment I can't even think about it, hahah!

Read
No books yet, but I've read some massive fanfics and I've been itching to pick up an audiobook with my puzzle game so maybe next week I'll have a book to report!!

QOTW
Undoubtedly. It happens sometimes, after all. For me Coraline comes to mind. I enjoyed the book, but the movie just made it so much more! I haven't read/watched both, but I know that often the consensus is that Stardust and The Princess Bride are both better movies than their books. I didn't love Stardust when I read it so I've been hesitant to watch the movie, and I actually didn't love The Princess Bride as much as I expected to so I've been hesitant to pick up the book, hahah!

I am very excited to read everyone's answers and go OH YEAH THAT ONE TOO

Happy Thursday, y’all! It has been a nice week.

Accomplishments this week:
Went to a coffeehouse per the local theater. They have 4 a year. This one, in addition to open mike, featured a dulcimer player, Matthew Dickerson…really talented and good. He is a National Champion of the Hammer Dulcimer. Beautiful instrument and skillful playing.

Did a 3 mile, group led hike on Saturday. Thankfully it was a cloudy day as there was very little stopping for pictures/rest or admiring the scenery of the prairie grasses. The leader kept a quick pace, and I was flagging by the end. I was beat for the rest of the day!

Caught up to current month on ATY reading in order. Awaiting books for rest of planned reading for weeks 2-4 of October.

Yesterday, I went on a bus trip with USCA to Camden SC to learn about the Camden Revolutionary Battle and visit the battle ground. It was fantastic, but then I love actual historical places. We were told a “ghost story” while there. Seems a psychic visited the site along with the military history speaker we were listening to. He reports that the psychic met? saw? a young man who identified himself by a first name and wanted the psychic to follow him to a ridge to see where he lay. She did not have the right clothing or shoes on so the military guy said no. Later it was discovered that of people with his first name from his regiment (3), only one was unaccounted for as the other two survived the battle. (PS...I even finished a book on the bus ride!)

Finished:
Listening Woman – ATY #39. Another Tony Hillerman book. I enjoy his stories of Navajo life. 4*

Pudd'nhead Wilson – ATY #34. 3*. A good story but easy to put down.

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk - #40 ATY. 4*. A delightful story of a 10+ mile walk on NYE in NY City…as well as a ramble through a life-time. I am not sure that I could have accomplished this long a walk in one night. I mean, that 3 mile hike did me in! And this character is 10 years older than me! Still her meandering pace would have fit me well.

[EDIT: I just realized that this book also fits PS #43 (takes place in one day). Well, actually it takes place (the walk) in one night! Just knocked another prompt off! Yay!]

Against All Enemies –PS #49. FINISHED! Definitely a feat for this year. A good story about spies, drug cartels, and protecting the USA. Just not exactly my cup of tea. 4*

The Girl Who Reads on the Métro – Other challenge. I read this book for a translation, and I was a bit thrown at times in remembering where this was occurring. For that reason, I gave it 3*. Still a delightful story!

Currently Reading:
The Beginner's Photography Guide: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Manual for Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera – PS #2. 27%. Started reading this as part of my photography learning plan.

Blind Tiger – Audiobook. 63%. Enjoying this audiobook so much that I listen outside the car also.

In a Gilded Cage – Other challenge. 33%

Cress – Other challenge.

Magic Breaks – PS #23. It has a map in the front. Yes! Seems I have been reluctant to get The Cartographers for this prompt.

Dreams and Shadows –Kindle. 13%. Weird book. On hold

On deck:
Bone Deep – Old challenge.

PS 36/50 (72%) and 7/10 (70%) for Nadine’s Challenge
ATY 40/52 (77%) and 6/12 (50%) for Spring Challenge, Fall Challenge 1/10 (10%).
GR 205/200

QotW: Is there a movie based on the book that you like more than the book?
I don't really watch many movies unless it is streaming on FireTV, and I usually prefer to see movies after reading the book...long after. Can't really think of any that I saw and compared to a book that I had read, since I do not watch or read them close enough together to remember the details precisely.

Ron wrote: "The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution

I'm starting chapter 2 and already I am enjoying it. The authors don't chose sides in terms of the right or the left. They have so far remained neutral...."


Oh I don't know about that! The term "cancel culture" is a loaded term used by the right to denigrate the left, and if they are using that - in the title no less - then they are indeed taking sides. Also, the label "cancel culture" is new, but the phenomenon certainly isn't.

Happy Thursday, everyone!

At the end of last week, I finally managed to get an appointment to get the new Covid shot and my flu shot. I didn’t have any significant side effects with either vaccine, but did end up napping for most of the afternoon.

I also had a chance to go and see Taylor Swift’s The Eras Concert at my local movie theater, and it was fabulous! She put on an amazing show! I’m really hoping it will eventually be released on DVD, because I totally want to see it again!

My yearly Halloween Horror Movie-thon also continued this week with the following movies: Crimson Peak, Friday the 13th (1980), Garfield’s Halloween Adventure, House of Wax (1953), The Village, The Invisible Man (1933), The Mummy (1999), and Casper. I also watched more of Stranger Things and Treehouse of Horror.

As far as reading is concerned, it ended up being a really good week. I was able to finish several titles from both my TBR and “New Books” lists, and was even able to read a couple of library books!

The FrightFall Readathon is currently in its third week, so I am continuing to read mostly horror, mysteries, and thrillers. I did add some paranormal romance to this week’s reading though.

Here are my current challenge and TBR totals…

Goodreads Challenge: 742/400 (Challenge Complete!)
Mount TBR Challenge: 150/150 (Challenge Complete!)

📚Physical TBR: 300/634
📱Ebook TBR: 22/236
🎧Audiobook TBR: 12/13
TBR Checklist Total: 334/883 (37.8% complete)

I did pick up a couple of new releases this week, including Spy x Family, Tome 10, by Tatsuya Endo; and Love's in Sight!, Vol. 4, by Uoyama.

The next book I'm interested in getting doesn't come out until November 7th, so I'll be taking a break from buying books for a while...which is probably a good thing.

“New” Books Bought in 2023: 422
“New” Books Read in 2023: 399/422 (94.5% complete)

Here are the books I finished this week…

Finished Reading (Fiction):
~The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel: A Story of Sleepy Hollow — This book tells the story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow from Katrina’s perspective. This was a fabulous book! I was really impressed with the storytelling and characterization. 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Raising the Horseman — I kind of walked away from this book with mixed feelings. I thought the story was pretty good, but I really wasn’t a fan of the author’s writing style. I found her descriptions really repetitive, especially near the beginning of the book, and I was not a fan of the text message conversations that occasionally showed up in the chapters. If you’re looking for a really good sapphic Sleepy Hollow story, I actually would recommend Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow instead of this book. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ There is a tremendous amount of gaslighting in this book. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide — While this story ended up being really interesting, it started out very slow. It took me about half of the book to get really invested in the plot and characters. I am glad I didn’t DNF it, because I did like the ending, but I don’t plan to continue this series in the future. 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Reading (Nonfiction):
~Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife — Overall, I thought this was an interesting book. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book does include references to experiments involving animals, which do not turn out well for the animals. (hide spoiler)]📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Reading (Manga, Comic Books, & Graphic Novels):
~Camp Midnight Volume 1 — I borrowed this book from the library for the FrightFall Readathon. It was a fun graphic novel. I really liked the story and artwork. 📱: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Stranger Things: The Other Side — I also borrowed this book from the library for the FrightFall Readathon. This comic book follows Will’s story during the first season of Stranger Things. I really liked the artwork in this book. 📱: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Spy x Family, Tome 10 — This was a great continuation of the series. I’m looking forward to the release of the next volume. 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Love's in Sight!, Vol. 4 — I really enjoyed this book! I can’t wait for the next volume to be released! 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Reading (Poetry and Drama):
None

DNFed:
~My Immortal Highlander — I just could not get into this story. I will not be counting this book toward my TBR total. 📚

Currently Reading:
~Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy: The Footprints of a Gigantic Mind — This book is from the Pop Culture and Philosophy series. I have completely stalled on this book. I think I'm going to have to start reading it while I'm on the exercise bike, or I will never make any progress. 📚
~My Planet: Finding Humor in the Oddest Places — This collection of essays has been really good so far. I've done a lot of laughing. 📚

QOTW:
I prefer Disney’s animated adaptations of Robin Hood and The Sword in the Stone to the original books.

I also loved the movie adaptation of The Princess Bride, and actually ended up DNFing the book when I tried to read it.

Ellie wrote: "Early check-in this week and here was me thinking I might finish two books today and have more to report on, but I'll leave them for next week.

Because we kept being too tired to do date nights, we've implemented date days and the weekend was my turn to pick something. So we went out for tacos followed by crazy golf at the seaside, which ended up loads of fun. ..."



Tacos and crazy golf by the seaside sounds like a PHENOMENAL day!!!!

Carmen wrote: "Happy Thursday!

*flops down*

I am exhausted. Four Disney trips in four weeks really took it out of me. As expected, so I'm all good, but yeah. Can we all collectively ask Disneyland Paris to

... Keep in mind it's a 4,5 hour drive on average. One way. ..."




I had wondered how far it was, since you go so often!!! That's about the time it would take for me to drive to NYC (assuming no heavy traffic).

Your father must be exhausted!!! He's a dedicated dad!!

I finished The Stewart dynasty. It was OK.

I'm reading The Death of Mrs. Westaway. Not very far into it, but enjoying thus far.

QOtw: Yes. the Wizard of Oz, Bridget Jones' Diary, the three Musketeers. and I can't decide for My Sister's Keeper]and the Lovely Bones. there are aspects of both the movies and the books that I like better.

Happy Thursday!

My college kid is home for Fall Break and my high school kid has a Marching Band activity almost EVERY day this week so I feel like we are very very busy here!! Sadly the weather looks awful for the band show on Saturday, which means it might be moved indoors, which sucks.


This week I finished 3 books

Slow Lightning (Volume 106) poems by Eduardo C. Corral - nope, not for me. I have been so frustrated lately with all the new poetry I've read. I think it's time for me to go back to the classics for a while.

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz - this was fantastic!! This is the second book I've read by Cruz (first was Dominicana) and I have LOVED both of them, and I think it's time for me to start working my way through her backlist. You know how some people say they won't read plays because plays are meant to be seen rather than read? THIS book is meant to be listened to. I highly recommend the audiobook format for anyone considering reading this. It's like a series of telephone calls from your favorite rambling auntie, or your best friend.

The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown - this was very meh. It wasn't different or inventive or particularly thrilling. There were plot holes. I don't know if the author thinks of this as fanfiction, but it reads like Alien fanfiction.




Popsugar 100% 50 /50 DONE
Must Reads 75% 9 /12
Nay's Winter 70% 7 /10
AtY 100% 52 /52 DONE






QotW


Yes, actually! USUALLY the book is better, but every once in a while that's not the case. (Honestly I'm a little surprised at how many books I just came up with that were not as good as the movie.)


Fight Club - the book was good, but Edward Norton and Brad Pitt just took it to another level in the movie.

American Psycho - all praise to Christian Bale, he brought some sort of humanity to Patrick Bateman. I actually DNFed the book because I was so repulsed.

Brokeback Mountain - the book was good, but just like with Fight Club, Ang Lee, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal brought so much to this movie, they added a lot of emotional depth.

Lust, Caution - I actually didn't even like the book much! The movie was fantastic. Eileen Chang wrote for a Chinese audience, so there was a lot of nuance that went right over my American head. Ang Lee included A LOT of details and historical background that were needed for the American audience to understand and empathize. Clearly, Ang Lee is a master at taking a "good" short story and turning it into an amazingly powerful movie. (I haven't read The Ice Storm and I haven't seen Life of Pi, but I won't be surprised to discover that those movies are better than the books, too.)

Grifters - the book was really good, but maybe I'm just not the hugest fan of Jim Thompson, because I liked the movie w/ John Cusack & Annette Bening A LOT more than the book.

The Umbrella Academy - do graphic novels count? I've been loving the Netflix series, but I found the graphic novels to be just okay.

I Am Legend - I'm not saying the movie was great, but it was better than the book!! the book was SO BAD. I could film a Super 8 movie starring people in my neighborhood and it would still be better than the book.

Fantastic Mr. Fox - I mean, the book doesn't have George Clooney. Is it any surprise that I enjoyed the movie more?

Let the Right One In - the movie was fantastic! The American remake was also great! I DNFed the book.

Like Water for Chocolate - the movie was dreamy and magical; the book was also dreamy and magical but in a way that meant I hated it.

The Princess Bride - the book is actually really good!! But it's one of my favorite movies, so I think I like the movie a little bit better than the book. The movie has such an amazing cast!!!

Stardust - the movie and the book are quite different experiences (as one might expect!). But the Stardust movie is a bit better than the book - it's got Robert DeNiro, after all! Hard to beat that!!

Question of the Week:

The Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings movies are adaptations that I like even more than the source material, even though I also like Tolkien's work a great deal.

The other one that came to mind was Rebecca. I haven't read Mary Poppins, but from what I have heard of the book, the movie is going to win that battle.

Finished:

Star Wars: Midnight Horizon by Daniel Jose Older (3/5, not for a prompt)

There are some great ideas and characters in here, but the overall story left me feeling a little blah.

Currently reading:

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

The latest mystery prompt on the Kindle reading challenges for the 4th quarter is a mystery or thriller. Over 60,000 titles qualify, so I scrolled through the mystery section until I reached one that I owned and have not read before.

Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Spider-Man No More (collects #39-53 and Annuals #3-4) (reread)

This has the introduction of the Rhino, Shocker, and Mary Jane, among other notable events. You also get John Romita Sr. starting on the title as the penciler.

Star Trek: Fusion by Kirsten Beyer (reread)

It's a wild adventure in the Delta Quadrant that makes good use of Voyager's history and characters.

Happy Thursday y'all.

The world is a frightening place right now... and the cruelty of people never ceases to astound me, in a bad way. :(

Not much to report this week. Just work, school, and binge-watching the "One Piece" anime with a friend after the Netflix series got us re-invested in it. (Fair warning, while the Netflix series only has eight episodes, the anime has over 1000 episodes and counting! Be prepared if you're going to dive in...)

Books read this week:

Desdemona and the Deep -- a lyrical and poetic read about a girl’s journey into the land of Fae and goblins… coupled with a bit of social justice and trans acceptance.

Unicorn for a Day: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure -- another Phoebe and Her Unicorn collection. I’m still not tired of these…

Even Though I Knew the End -- angels, demons, magic, private sleuthing in 1940s-era Chicago, and sapphic main characters -- who could ask for anything more?

The Monster Who Wasn't -- just okay. Interesting concepts but the “boy raised by creepy creatures” concept was done better by Neil Gaiman in The Graveyard Book.

DNF:

War for the Oaks -- bland. I'd heard this was the book that kickstarted the urban fantasy craze, but it's actually fairly dull. The War of the Flowers had the same basic premise but was much better.

Currently Reading:

Fourth Wing
Time Travelling with a Hamster
Camp Sylvania
A Kind of Spark

QOTW:

As much as I'm a fan of "don't judge a book by its movie," I have to admit there's a few movies I enjoyed more than the books they're based on. This includes:

The 101 Dalmatians
Howl’s Moving Castle
How to Train Your Dragon
Kiki's Delivery Service
The Princess Bride (blasphemy, I know...)
Holes
The Flight of Dragons (the movie is actually a mashup of this book and The Dragon and the George, and maybe it's my childhood nostalgia talking but I think the movie does a good job of tying the two plots together)

Then there's The Last Unicorn, where I think the book AND the movie are great and I'd be hard-pressed to decide which one is better. It helps that A) the author of the book also wrote the screenplay and B) Christopher Lee, who voiced the villain, read the book and demanded that the script be rewritten because he felt his character's best lines had been left out.

Kenya wrote: "As much as I'm a fan of "don't judge a book by its movie," I have to admit there's a few movies I enjoyed more than the books they're based on. This includes:

The 101 Dalmatians
Howl’s Moving Castle..."


Oh yes!!! Howl's Moving Castle is one of my favorite movies (yet again: props to Christian Bale) but the book was just okay.


TBH, I don't really get the big appeal of Diana Wynne Jones - I've read two of her books, and they were both okay. Maybe I'm just too old?

Happy Thursday!

It’s been an interesting week. I will go in depth when get to work.

I'm at work now. I woke up Tuesday with a sore throat and when I swallowed not only did it feel like glass shards it hurt my ear too. I texted my boss and coworker that I was sick. Then my boss proceeded to text me twice and actually called my house. My mom took the call and I was barely conscious enough to hear her on the phone. She had the audacity to want to know if I was coming into work on Wednesday.

I mean I have a month's worth of sick leave accumulated. I could fake a week's worth of illness if I wanted.

I came to work Wednesday because I felt well enough to do so. I think I have mild cold or something cuz I still feel a bit stuffy.

Other than that, I'm just going to throw the typhoid babies under the bus. They got me sick. They came down on Saturday. My baby girl looks utterly cute in her little pony tail atop her head. She says hi now.

Alex is being three. During a facetime call with mom, he climbed on a chair when he was just told not to do that. Of course, he fell off. He was more scared than hurt.

The eclipse was fabulous. We had 90% coverage. Thankfully the cloud cover dissipated enough to see it at it's zenith at 9:30. The eastern half of the country will have their turn in April.

Popsugar: 30/50
Finished: None
Reading: None that I’m aware of

Aty:39/52
Finished:None

Reading: None that I’m aware of

Goodreads Challenge 562/400
Finished:
Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers (Light Novel) Volume 1
If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love, Vol. 1 (light novel) (Volume 1)
Shiver Me Timbers
The Italian's Price
My Best Friend's Daddy
She's Mine
Daddy's Best Friend
Ariel's Duke
Rock My Girl: Rock My World

Reading:
Rising from Ashes: My Dear Emperor, You’re Putty in My Hands! Vol.1
Gabriel's Redemption
Fourth Wing

QOTW:

The one movie/book i can think of off the top of my head would be A Walk to Remember. I watched the movie, cried my eyes out, recorded it on vhs, sent it to my sister (on vacation with the parentals) with a packet of tissues and a letter.

It said she would need them, a blankie, and pillow, and her stuffed toy to cuddle (since her dog was with me at the house). Later, I got a phone call from California that started out with "I hate you!" before being reamed out by said sister on the phone because she cried.

I read the book and I was disappointed by the book because it was in the 50s with a dad that wasn't Peter Coyote.

Happy Thursday:

I not only finished two books, but thoroughly enjoyed them. One was a prequel that I enjoyed more than the series. A witch had a friend who was a librarian who talked to ghosts, and this was the friend's story.

Daisy Darker was a 5 star read for me. It was "And Then There Were None" (which was a 5 star read) with a dysfunctional family instead of a group of strangers.

I have technically finished ATY because I only said I was doing 40 prompts and now I've done 41. However, like PS, I'm keeping on reading until the end of year and see how many prompts I can find.

I haven't kept up with my ATY movies as we've been watching Halloween-y movies instead.

Finished:

Like a Charm
ATY prompt: A book related to a ghost, spirit, phantom, or specter
Popsugar prompt: Can't find one

Daisy Darker
ATY prompt: A book with a full name in the title
Popsugar prompt: A book you wish you could read for the first time again

Series - 14/15
Series Completed: - Lying Games, Bronwyn the Witch, Divergent, Millenium, Heather Wells, Mortal Instruments

Nobel laureates - 6/7
Random books - 6/7

ATY - 41/40
PS - 35/30
Nadine's 23 challenge - 10/10 -Completed!
Summer challenge: 12/12 - Completed!
Around the year in 52 movies - 41/52

Currently reading:

The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life - 45% done
The Final Girl Support Group - 20% done

Buddy Reads:
The Horse and His Boy - up next

QOTW: The only book I can think of is "Shrek". It's a picture book, with terrible illustrations, and very little story. How someone read a book for preschoolers with about 75 words in the book and saw a 4 film franchise, I don't know.

I haven't made any further progress with PS prompts - still holding at 42/50 - but I have 2 in the wings as soon as I finish my current read.

Finished:
Out of Istanbul: A Journey of Discovery along the Silk Road
Grumpy Monkey Party Time!
When Gods Die - such a great series!

Currently reading:
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books

Up next:
A Free Man of Color - prompt - holiday - Mardi Gras
Water for Elephants - prompts - NaNoMoWri or whatever that one is
The Time in Between

QOTW:

Why yes, The movie Pride, Prejudice & Zombies was far far far superior to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies which was like a case of that game where you just add 'and zombies' to the end of everything. Movie made something interesting and original.

Happy Thursday!!! This is going to be a 2-week check-in for me.

Read:
The Fall of the House of Usher I thought I'd read or listened to this before but listening to this made me realize that I hadn't and I got it mixed up with another book. I gave it 2 stars

War Comes to Willy Freeman I decided to read this because it was on the banned book list. I needed to figure out WHY it was on the list. From what i understand it was because of the word sl*t and the use of the n-word. I gave it 4 stars

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents a Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo This book was on the banned book list as well. I gave it 5 stars

The Couple Next Door I used this for prompt #36 A book you think your best friend would like. My bestie isn't much of a reader but she did suggest one book and I couldn't get in to it so when my book club read this, I said to myself I think my bestie would read it. I think I gave this 2-3 stars. It wasn't what I expected at all.

CURRENTLY READING:
The Davenports and Our History Has Always Been Contraband: In Defense of Black Studies

QOTW:

Is there a movie based on the book that you like more than the book?
Yes! A few come to mind...
Coraline Even though it was the graphic novel version I didn't like the story line. I was mad because Wybie isn't even in the story in the book.

The Hellbound Heart The movie, Hellraiser, was more flushed out and scarier than the novella.

Lovecraft Country The HBO producers did a better job. The actors that played the characters made them come alive on screen, while the book just made them more flat as individuals

Night of the Living Dead The book made it seem like the main character was fighting vampires.

Finished: Ban This Book
The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World I enjoyed this one quite a lot!
The Commercial Theater Institute Guide to Producing Plays and Musicals There was really only one section that was helpful with example budgets and diaries.
All Who Are Weary: Easing the Burden on the Walk with Mental Illness Re-read for book club. We had a good discussion!
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything HATED this one. I'm not going to floss one tooth! I'm not going to feel good about flossing one tooth!
Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics Got the basic gist of this, but not much else.

Started: Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum
Animal Liberation

QotW: I can't think of a single book where I liked the movie more. However, I LOVED the musical Wicked and HATED the book. Also, I liked Never Ending Story the movie and His Dark Materials the show as much as the books.

Happy Thursday! We've all come down with some sort of crud. I've got congestion in my chest (Mucinex is helping), Ewan has a snotty nose, and Eli has a fever. He's very disappointed that he doesn't get to go to school today. But nobody's violently ill... just uncomfortable.

Challenge Progress:
Popsugar: 49/50 (Nadine's Mini-Challenge: 10/10)
ATY: 52/52 (ATY Fall Challenge: 10/15)
52 Book Club: 52/52 (October Mini-Challenge: 2/3)

Completed:
Sisters of the Lost Nation ★★★★
Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original (ATY Fall Challenge 14 - a book featuring an athlete) ★★★★★
The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch (ATY Fall Challenge 15 - a book published in October) ★★★
This is How You Lose the Time War (Popsugar 6 - a book about a forbidden romance) ★★★★
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe ★★★★
Her Fearful Symmetry (52 BC October Mini-Challenge 3 - a book that has a graveyard scene) ★★★
Moon of the Crusted Snow (52 BC October Mini-Challenge 2 - a book related to the phrase "it was a dark and stormy night") ★★★★
Wreck the Halls (ATY Fall Challenge 4 - a book that feels cozy) ★★★★
Attack of the Black Rectangles: What a great book! Given today's "Book Banning" climate, if I had a middle grade age child, I would highly recommend this book. It tackles censorship in such a relatable way. ★★★★★



Currently Reading:
I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan
Gallant (ATY Fall Challenge 12 - a book featuring a found family)
Happily: A Personal History-with Fairy Tales
Ghosts of the Orphanage: A Story of Mysterious Deaths, a Conspiracy of Silence, and a Search for Justice
The Vaster Wilds
The Children on the Hill
Boneshaker (52 BC October Mini-Challenge 1 - a steampunk book)

QOTW: "The Shawshank Redemption" is vastly superior to the Stephen King novella.

It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the challenge)

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly, a fun mystery

Half Bad by Sally Green a YA urban fantasy that was a bit slow and predictable

Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa volumes 11-13

QOTW Yes there have been but few are coming to mind. Definitely How to Train Your Dragons (other than the title there is little comparison) Howl's Moving Castle I love both but they're very different

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Man, I'm not in a good place for consistent reading right now - every time I sit down I want to start a new book, rather than continue what I'm already in. Only one book finished this week.

Finished
Stormsong Didn't enjoy it as much as the first, but enough that I just picked up the final book of the trilogy from the library.

Reading
Dreamsongs, Volume II Still plugging away at this and enjoying the stories, some more than others.

The Mysterious Flame Of Queen Loana As I said last week, this is really just an extended list of things the author saved from his childhood. The parts around his descriptions of the things he's going through are just interesting enough to keep me going.

The Bear and the Nightingale Enjoyable, but I also wish more was happening, or faster. I like the contrast between (view spoiler)[Anna as a character who sees the spirits and fears then and Vasya as the characters who sees them and make friends, I hope that gets developed. (hide spoiler)]

The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race My second book club just picked this for our next read, so I've set myself at least a chapter a day, so I don't get overwhelmed. Just a few chapters in, but so far the writing is quite engaging and it's the easiest read of anything I have going, oddly enough.

Hmm, just realized that nothing I'm reading is in service of any challenge prompt. Maybe that's why, despite the number, I still feel a little restless / wanting to start something else.

Up Next
And I will be starting something else before finishing everything, because my original book club is discussing Pageboy this weekend, and I just finally got it from the library today, so that will take priority.

QotW
Agree with The Princess Bride and The Shawshank Redemption. Stardust and Bridget Jones' Diary are oof, I couldn't choose between them.
And I'd also mention Arrival - the story was great, but I don't think any description can match the visuals of the alien language.

Happy Thursday!

Finished:
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow - 5 stars - I loved this so much. Atmospheric and creepy without being too scary (for me at least). The main character's voice was great, too.

Comics & manga:
Horimiya, Vol. 1
Akane-banashi, Vol. 1
My Happy Marriage 04
The King's Beast, Vol. 11
The Apothecary Diaries 05
The Apothecary Diaries 06
The Apothecary Diaries 07
The Apothecary Diaries 08

Currently reading:
Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire - continuing my catch-up (re)read of this series

Upcoming/Planned:
The Undetectables by Courtney Smyth

QOTW:
I agree with the suggestion of The Princess Bride, but otherwise I can't think of anything else.

Laura wrote: "Currently Reading:
I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan..."


I just love her and this is on my TBR!! How are you liking it?

Cornerofmadness wrote: "It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the challenge) ..."


I'm sorry, that's not news anyone wants to get. This is a time for comfort reading!! Take care of yourself.

Joanna wrote: "Man, I'm not in a good place for consistent reading right now - every time I sit down I want to start a new book, rather than continue what I'm already in. Only one book finished this week. ..."


I have been the same way! I have read the first few pages of six different books (only two that I've actually listed as "currently reading") - I'm not usually so fickle in my reading! It's because most of the books I'm currently reading are slow or just not grabbing me. And, yeah, if they were for a challenge category I'd probably feel a little more dedicated, since at least I knew I'd get to check a box when I finished.

@Cornerofmadness I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Nadine in NY wrote: "Laura wrote: "Currently Reading:
I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan..."

I just love her and this is on my TBR!! How are you liking it?"

I'm almost done, and I love it! I'm an even bigger Katie Porter fan now.

Nadine in NY wrote: "I had wondered how far it was, since you go so often!!! That's about the time it would take for me to drive to NYC (assuming no heavy traffic).

Your father must be exhausted!!! He's a dedicated dad!!"

Yeah it's not too bad, really! I live closer than a huge part of French people living in France, haha!

But yeah he is completely done for, the dedication is unreal!!

Cornerofmadness wrote: "It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the challenge)

[book:Snow ..."

So sorry for what you are going through. Sending hugs and positive thoughts.

LeahS wrote: "So sorry to hear about your diagnosis."

thanks

Theresa wrote: "Cornerofmadness wrote: "It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the..."

thank you

Jai wrote: "@Cornerofmadness I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis."

thanks

Nadine in NY wrote: "Cornerofmadness wrote: "It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the..."

thank you

Brandon wrote: "I haven't read Mary Poppins, but from what I have heard of the book, the movie is going to win that battle.."

OHRIGHT man I hated Mary in the original book oops hahaha!

Indeed, so many books & movies I forgot about! How To Train Your Dragon definitely ranks up there, and while I enjoyed the Kingsman graphic novels, it's not got that same oomph the movie does! (I mean Colin Firth church scene alone ..)

And I found out after seeing the movie that 'The Bad Guys' is a children's book series and while I also enjoyed that, it's a bit like Shrek. How they got a full amazing movie out of that is insane!

I am so so sorry, @Cornerofmadness. Sending huggles and strength!

Cornerofmadness wrote: "It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the challenge)

[book:Snow ..."

I'm so sorry. :( Sending lots of good vibes and hugs.

I haven't posted in one of these threads in a long time, but the QOTW made me need to chime in! I liked both the book and the movie Crazy Rich Asians, but the mahjong scene in the movie was just so good! I liked the way the movie ended more.

Cornerofmadness wrote: "It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the challenge) ..."

So sorry to hear. I hope the oncologist gives you some helpful options. Sending peace and strength your way.

Carmen wrote: "I am so so sorry, @Cornerofmadness. Sending huggles and strength!"
thanks

Jennifer W wrote: "Cornerofmadness wrote: "It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the..."

thank you. Hoping it'll be a one and done with the surgery

Happy Thursday! Yes, I feel you about war. Nothing good ever comes from it except furthering hurt, anger, and destruction.

Finished 39/50

The Redemption of Althalus for "a book you read more than 10 years ago". This was one of my favourite books i high school. I still like it, but it's definitely not as good as other books I've read since.

Currently Reading

The Struggle for Virtue: Asceticism in a Modern Secular Society for "book by an author with the same initials as you." I am SO CLOSE to finishing this! I like it a lot so far!

The Sunlit Man for "book you bought from an independent bookstore". I had another book here but switched it to an Advanced prompt. Last secret project! I can't wait to dive into it!

QotW

Yes, definitely! The War of the Worlds movie that came out in the late 2000s is WAY better than the book. The book is rather depressing and has some anti-Semitic messaging. Also, surprisingly, I didn't like The Princess Bride book nearly as much as the movie. And Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is just plain AWFUL. I haven't even seen the musical, but I'll bet good money it's WAY WAY better than the book.

Cornerofmadness wrote: "It was a rough week. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and I'll be seeing the oncologist tomorrow. So yeah, didn't read a whole lot this week but finished (not for the challenge)

[book:Snow ..."

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Sending good vibes your way.

Jen wrote: "Happy Thursday!

Finished:
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow - 5 stars - I loved this so much. Atmospheric and creepy without being too scary (for me at least). The ..."

The anime for Apothecary Diaries starts tomorrow on Crunchyroll! So excited!!

Hi all! I am doing a happy dance! My lawyer filed my appeal for disability and sent me a copy of it. He did NOT mess around!! I could fly out to Chicago and hug this guy! They have 90 days to decide, so it could be January before I hear back, but if they rule in my favor, they have to pay me going back to July, so that would be a good chunk of change (even after I pay the lawyer).
Otherwise, I've had some weird ear and throat thing that is making me feel blah. The kiddo also seems to have a cough. None of us are sick enough to be down for the count, just yucky. If the weather holds tomorrow afternoon, maybe we'll go get a pumpkin.

I didn't finish anything. I read more in The Complete Maus, but I need to pick up the pace.
I also did some listening to The Bonfire of the Vanities and finally something happened (chapter 4, 4 hours in if anyone is counting!). But I'm canceling my subscription to audible for this weekend, and as that was "free" on there, I won't be able to listen any more and will have to switch to reading. And I've got a perilously tall pile of library books, so I might actually have to *start* reading....

QOTW: There's quite a few. Princess Bride and Last Unicorn are in mine, too.
Watchmen and V for Vendetta for graphic novels (V is one of my favorite movies, and the 5th of November is coming up!!).
How to Make an American Quilt is another one of my favorite movies. Book, not so much.
When I was in college, I tried to read Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe and couldn't get through it. I tried again about 10 years later and decided I loved the book as much as the movie.
Oh, and the play A Few Good Men isn't as good as the movie.

Chrissy wrote: "I haven't posted in one of these threads in a long time, but the QOTW made me need to chime in! I liked both the book and the movie Crazy Rich Asians, but the mahjong scene in the m..."




oh I like both of those equally!! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the movie

Ron wrote: "What the heck, it's already Thursday?! How did that time go by so quickly? I saw this new thread and I thought 'hey, that can't be right'. So I look at my calendars and sure enough it is. Crazy!"
Hey, I am old and spacey on occasion, so probably a good idea to always check the calendar to be sure! LOL 😂👍

"Well didn't finish any books, but for one good reason. I was waiting for a new book arrival. On the 17th this book was released and I got it on the 18th. I've waited two months for it since it was a pre-order.

The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution

I'm starting chapter 2 and already I am enjoying it. The authors don't chose sides in terms of the right or the left. They have so far remained neutral.

I'm usually good at determining if I'll like a book right at the first couple chapters or so, and reading this I get the feeling this might just be my favorite book of the month."
That sounds very interesting! It's great when you truly enjoy a book!

"Next week I'll end up having a massive book haul. I'll share them with you guys. With NFN coming up and then wanting to get my winter reads picked, I've got several that will be for those tbr's."
Exciting!

"QOTW:

Is there a movie based on the book that you like more than the book?

Can't say that there is. Usually I find the books better than the movies. If anything I'm kind of hoping that the upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon movie will be better than the book. I loved the book and it was detailed, but I think the Scorsese film will add a better visual to it."
There's one I need to read. Sooner rather than later!

Oh, my gosh! I can't believe I neglected to mention The Wizard of Oz in my Question of the Week answer! I finally read the book and was...soooooo underwhelmed. It just didn't work for me at all. I believe the people who made the movie were fantastic at taking what I felt to be a boring book and making it soooooo cool! I loved that movie and watched it many times...