Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

Last month of the year! Use this thread to discuss books that you are reading to finish out the year, celebrate holidays, or just because you feel like it.

I am still working on a few dark books for Halloween. Yep, I was greedy when checking out books from the library.

I have several audiobooks checked out for Christmas. Most of them are short, so hopefully I can make it through all of them before the New Year. Thank you to everyone who suggested some dark holiday stories. BTW most of these are due in 15 days, so I will be listening to audiobooks instead of Christmas music.

The Horror Of Christmas: Collection of the Best Ghost Stories, Supernatural Mysteries & Gothic Horrors by Robert Louis Stevenson ( my classic)
Snowball: A Christmas Horror Story( a nod to elf on the shelf)
Horror Stories from Denmark (It is short stories. One has a snowman)
The Christmas Heist
The Twisted Christmas Trilogy
Small Things Like These
Murder on the Christmas Express ( My hubby mentioned the title reminded him of The Polar Express)
I have Secret Santa on my wish list as a ebook.

Wow, I am not sure if I will get through all of those by the end of the year. 🤣

I'm still reading Doctor Zhivago because I can never seem to finish 600-700 page books in one month.

I just started Pardon Me, You're Stepping on My Eyeball as my unusually titled book.

When I'm done these, I'll allow myself to read what ever I want, which will probably be mysteries/.thrillers. (TBD based on library availability)

I'm working on the last book in the challenge (recipe word in title) and then I'm going to reread a few books. I just started rereading the Beartown trilogy. This is a no-pressure month of reading for me.

I am reading a few classics (group and buddy reads in another GR group):

The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester (audio)
Mercier and Camier by Samuel Beckett
The Palace of the Peacock (Book #1 of the Guyana Quartet) by Wilson Harris

I'm also reading 2 contemporary books:
Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty
Apple: Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth

I'm hoping I can at least finish the classics this month! I might push the other 2 off to 2024.

I just finished The Hexologists, and it was my first 5 star book in over a month! I recommend it for people who like magic - some great characters, imaginative events, and good pacing. It’s the start of a series, so there are some loose ends left.

I am finished with the ATY challenge. Woo hoo. But I have two books left for my #20BooksByIndigenousWomen challenge. I am reading one of them now: The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. I'm not very far into it, but so far, I am really enjoying it. My last book will be: A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair.

I also challenged myself to read 12 Stephen King books this year, and I have one left. I think I am going to read: Bag of Bones.

I read The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang last month, and I am reading the series with my oldest daughter. She is on book 2, so I am going to start that one when I am finished with my current audiobook.

I would also like to read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. My middle daughter is reading it now, and I'd like to be able to discuss it with her when she comes home from college for break.

I usually use December to finish up some series that I started earlier in the year. This year that includes Call of the Bone Ships, The Bone Ship's Wake, The Blood Gift, Grey Sister, Holy Sister, and A Fire Endless.

I also have two books left on my ATY challenge (Emma and Cackle).

And if I have time, I'd love to get to some seasonal reads. Options include In a Holidaze and The Kingdom of Sweets.

A very casual several thousand pages, no big deal.

Amanda wrote: "A very casual several thousand pages, no big deal."

LOL! We feel ya sister. :)

Misty wrote: "I am finished with the ATY challenge. Woo hoo. But I have two books left for my #20BooksByIndigenousWomen challenge. I am reading one of them now: The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. I..."

Congrats on finishing the ATY challenge!!!

I really enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing. Hope you and your daughter like it!

I just finished Us Against You by Fredrik Backman, Book 2 of the Beartown series. As usual with Backman, it was heartbreakingly beautiful.

Oh Bana, just wait until The Winners. It was my favorite of the trilogy.

So far I’ve started a few fluffy and forgettable holiday books, but these two books are excellent.

Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein - very smart, part personal story, part cultural story, it’s enlightening.

Open Throat by Henry Hoke - short, told from the pov of a Mountain Lion living in the park near the Hollywood Sign. It’s on the tournament of books shortlist.

Oh Open Throat is one that I'm excited to read!

@NancyJ - Doppleganger and Open Throat are both on my list. I’m not surprised though, since our TBRs tend to be pretty similar. Glad to hear you enjoyed both!

Sad to see the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah yesterday, aged 65. Sad also that I haven’t seen much acknowledgement of it here in the UK.

Joyce wrote: "Sad to see the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah yesterday, aged 65. Sad also that I haven’t seen much acknowledgement of it here in the UK."
I only found out via a friend's review of Dread Poets Society film. Very little news about him

Joyce wrote: "Sad to see the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah yesterday, aged 65. Sad also that I haven’t seen much acknowledgement of it here in the UK."

I didn't really know who he was until yesterday but I've seen loads about him since. I guess he's being acknowledged in certain circles.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/gal...

I'm finishing Parable of the Talents for my last prompt (3rd century, 21st)

For another challenge I will read Before We Say Goodbye and Normal People

Sorry, in advance, for the dump of titles / reviews. First I had guests over thanksgiving then we left town for two weeks. I'm so far behind!

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood – Howard Pyle – 3***
A friend loaned me her copy of the “Great Illustrated Classics” edition, adapted by Deborah Kestel. It’s a fast, fun adventure with lots of fighting, competition, disguises, and more than a few near misses. Most of the characters I remember are here, including Friar Tuck, Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But Maid Marion is mentioned only once. I imagine the middle-school audience would enjoy this legend of adventure and derring-do. I wanted more depth to the story, though I doubt I’ll try to go back and read the original.
LINK to my full review

A Corner Of the Universe – Ann M Martin – 4****
This is a wonderful book written for middle-school-aged children. Set in about 1960, it focuses on Hattie Owens and her family, and the summer her Uncle Adam came home. There are some serious issues dealt with in this novel, but Martin handles them deftly, honestly and with compassion. Hattie is a bright girl, curious and resourceful. As Hattie pieces together the truth about her uncle she comes to understand that it is better to “lift the corners” and peek at what is hidden rather than try to forget about what is unpleasant or uncomfortable. She learns, too, that being different does not make you a lesser person.
LINK to my full review

Black Powder War – Naomi Novik – 4****
Book number three in the marvelous series featuring Captain Will Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire. Following their exploits in China (book two), they’ve received special orders to escort three precious dragon eggs purchased from the Ottoman Empire from Istanbul back to England. I love this series and this episode has more of the aerial “dog fights” that first entranced me in book one. Temeraire is a marvel; intelligent, fluent in multiple languages, an astute observer and a skilled warrior. He is also devoted to Will and their relationship is an important part of the series.
LINK to my full review

Dial A for Aunties – Jesse Q Sutanto – 3***
This was really ridiculously implausible, but still quite fun to read! The aunties steal the show at every opportunity, but I mostly liked the relationship between Meddy and her Ma. I’m glad I finally got to this book which so many of my book-loving friends have enjoyed. It was the perfect escapist light read during this time in my life.
LINK to my full review

You, Again – Kate Goldbeck – 2.5**
This is a retelling of the very popular (and brilliant) film, When Harry Met Sally. Ari is a wannabe stand-up comic, making do while she waits for her big break. Josh is a chef from a wealthy family who definitely does NOT want to follow in his father’s footsteps and take over the famous deli he runs. I really disliked these two characters. Ari, in particular, is a hot mess, while Josh is kinda full of himself. Well, you’ve seen the movie, so you know what’s coming. Do yourself a favor. Skip the book and re-watch the movie.
LINK to my full review

Book Concierge wrote: "Sorry, in advance, for the dump of titles / reviews. First I had guests over thanksgiving then we left town for two weeks. I'm so far behind!"

That is to say .. I've been reading, just not posting...

Ramón and Julieta – Alana Quintana Albertson – 3***
This is a retelling of Shakespeare’s most famous couple, set in San Diego’s thriving Mexican-American community. Ramón Montez is the scion of a family fast-food empire. Julieta Campos is a celebrity chef who is determined to save her sea-to-table taqueria from closing. Of course, these star-crossed lovers will find a way to join forces despite the bad blood between their families. It was a fast, fun read that made me hungry for Mexican food.
LINK to my full review

Tiger Honor – Yoon Ha Lee – 3***
This is a fast-paced space opera adventure tale. Lee has built a fantasy world that includes various shape-shifters, interplanetary travel, military jargon, and various magical elements. It’s the kind of book my nephew would have loved when he was about 10-12 years old. I haven’t read the first book in the series, so was a little lost in terms of the world-building. Still, it held my attention and I was intrigued enough that I’ll probably read more from this author.
LINK to my full review

I put a bunch of books on hold for 2024 but unfortunately they are coming in much earlier than expected!! The ebooks I’m selecting “deliver later” but the physical books I’m having to check out. I started one that seems like it will be really good! Mr. Texas by Lawrence Wright. A 2nd one that I have to pick up by Dec27, so it may be a Jan read, is the 2023 Booker prize winner Prophet Song by Paul Lynch.

I had the same problem, Pam. I ended up checking out 8 books from the library that I all plan on reading in January or February. There's not a long line on the February ones I want to read so I'm hoping those holds get filled with other copies and I can renew without penalty.

Emily - I think what happened to me is that the library ordered more copies of some of the books. And, also, other people probably did the same as me and are now pushing their delivery dates out! I also have 2 ILLs I’m waiting on. I really went crazy! Excited for 2024 reading to start!

In my library, people can put their holds on suspension, if they aren't ready to read them for whatever reason. When they take the suspension off, they go back to where they were in the queue. There is a number showing, like 43 holds, 20 active on 10 copes, etc. It's quite possible that with the holidays, people postponed or canceled their holds.

Last night I finished listening to Alison Larkin Presents: A Christmas Carol.
I was hoping for some social commentary on "what if Scrooge were a woman?", but this is just the same A Christmas Carol as Dickens wrote. Of course, the original is a beloved classic, and I liked the narration well enough, but I don't know that I gained anything by the change in gender.

Off Season – Anne Rivers Siddons – 3***
Lilly Constable, reeling from the sudden death of her husband, decides to go to her family’s Maine cottage to regroup and reflect on her marriage to the love of her life, Cam McCall. I thought this would be a book about her marriage, but at least half of it was about Lily’s first love, at the tender age of eleven. Siddons kept me turning pages, but it was far from memorable.
LINK to my full review

The Letter Writer – Dan Fesperman – 4****
When a body is found floating in the Hudson, newly arrive detective sergeant Woodrow Cain accepts the help of an odd duck - Danzinger looks like a “crackpot” but he is clearly educated and has means. The question is whether he is helping Cain solve a murder, or ensnaring him in a clever espionage plot. A great historical thriller!
LINK to my full review

Anyone else feel the pressure to read all the books right now but also feel like life is SO BUSY that you really have no time?

Meanwhile I'm posting on here instead of reading...

Emily wrote: "Anyone else feel the pressure to read all the books right now but also feel like life is SO BUSY that you really have no time?

Meanwhile I'm posting on here instead of reading..."

Ha! Yes. But sometimes it's nice to chat rather than read!

Emily wrote: "Anyone else feel the pressure to read all the books right now but also feel like life is SO BUSY that you really have no time?

Meanwhile I'm posting on here instead of reading..."

I often wonder how many more books I could read if I didn't spend so much time on GR! But that would cut out half the fun/

I'm so close to finishing the challenge! But it's so busy right now...why do I still have to work haha?? We should just shut down all companies for the last two weeks in December.

Once Upon a December – Amy E Reichert – 3***
This is a delightful holiday rom-com set in a magical Julemarked in Milwaukee (my home town). Besides the wonderful fairytale at the heart of this story, I really enjoyed all the references to my city. Reichert is something of a foodie and an unabashed Milwaukee booster, so it’s no surprise that she takes her readers on a little culinary tour of Milwaukee. Good think I was out of state when reading it, or I would’ve been venturing forth to sample all those goodies she mentioned.
LINK to my full review

Book Concierge wrote: "

Off Season
– Anne Rivers Siddons – 3***
Lilly Constable, reeling from the sudden death of her husband, decides to go to her family’s Maine cottage to regroup and..."

BTW .. this would fit the prompt of "related to ghosts, spirits, phantoms"

Emily wrote: "Anyone else feel the pressure to read all the books right now but also feel like life is SO BUSY that you really have no time?

Meanwhile I'm posting on here instead of reading..."

My problem is I have a bunch of books I want to read, but they're for next years challenge, so I have to wait. (I don't start next years challenges until Jan. 1st.)

Jackie, today is my last day of work until January 5th and I am very, very excited lol.

Kendra, I have the same problem!! I even have some out from the library already, just waiting...

Bana AZ wrote: "I really enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing. Hope you and your daughter like it!"

Thanks!

I am starting the book tonight. She is still at the end of it, but says she'll finish now that I'm starting it. LOL. She's a slow reader and is also in college. Now that she's on break, she is spending a lot of time hanging out with her friends. :)

Oh my goodness. I have had such a good year in books...... until now. Gah. I read The Poppy War trilogy with my older daughter. I absolutely loved the first book. The second book was okay. The third book is one of the worst, most stupid and idiotic books I have ever read. It was so bad that I am actually sitting here angry that I spent so much time with it. (yea, yea, irrational - I know, I know) If I would have had a physical copy, I probably would have thrown it at the wall. Ugh. Luckily, I have enough days left in the year to read something good. :)

The Christmas Dare – Lori Wilde – 2**
Two immature people with lust in their hearts, but somehow think this is love. There are some nice steamy sex scenes to distract from all the drama of Kelsey’s unhealthy relationship with her narcissistic mother. I think Wilde was trying too hard to be “relevant.” Just give me schmaltz (and sex)… that’s all I’m looking for when I pick up books such as this.
LINK to my full review

I just finished Mr. Texas by Lawrence Wright. I really enjoyed it and appreciated the humor and the relevance of the political issues. 4 stars

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch just came in so I'm going to start it next!

I bought 13 books from the library book store yesterday. I don't know what I was thinking but I did it so I'm going to make a point of reading them! I plan to read one of them this month - The Man Who Died Twice and read The Bullet That Missed, which I also bought, in 2024 for the cozy mystery prompt.

The Santa Klaus Murder – Mavis Doriel Hay – 3***
This is a classic locked-room mystery. There are plenty of suspects, not only family members, but two male guests, as well as Sir Osmond’s private secretary and other staff members. It moves a bit slowly by today’s standards for the genre, but I was engaged and interested throughout.
LINK to my full review

The Garden of Evening Mists – Tan Twan Eng – 5*****
What a marvelous book! Poetic writing. Complex characters. Atmospheric descriptions. Eng brought right into this world. I felt the peace and serenity of the garden, and the terror of guerilla attacks. I could smell the jungle, feel the humid heat, hear the rain.
LINK to my full review

My choir gave me a Barnes & Noble gift certificate! I feel so loved. :)

What to buy..... what to buy......

And they have a 30% off all hardcovers if you go in store for the next couple of days!