Book Nook Cafe discussion
2024- Book Prompt Challenge
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Lindsey's 2024 Book Challenge
Sorry !!! 🙃I just realized I made an error in prompt #43. Please Edit and copy paste the correction.
43 - Topic or a character has one of the 7 deadly sins or more! (pride, greed, envy, gluttony, sloth, wrath and lust) F/NF
Lindsey, I am glad that you too are back for another challenge year, and likewise looking forward to your picks and pans.
First two prompts of the year are in:5 - Historical Fiction
Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi
5/5 stars, Absolutely recommend (I wrote some thoughts in the Book Salon thread).
This fits a few different prompts, so I might move it around later, as I have other historical fiction on my TBR this year... we'll see.
It also fits #28 - takes place during a war, #42 - audio book & 56 - immigration.
*Recording these so I can look back later in the year if I haven't filled everything :)
And: #29 - Cosmology, space, astronauts, outer space
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel 3/5 stars; I'd only recommend to those who don't care at all about character developments, as that was my main complaint with this book.
This also fits prompt #39 for sci-fi, but I think I have something lined up for that prompt later in the year. There may be some maneuvering of prompts once I get my list firmed out a bit more.
Lindsey, congratulations on the first two of the year! (And, I think my thoughts about Sea of Tranquility are probably about the same as yours.)
James wrote: "Lindsey, congratulations on the first two of the year! (And, I think my thoughts about Sea of Tranquility are probably about the same as yours.)"Thanks James! I've heard others rave about Sea of Tranquility, perhaps the style is just not quite right for me :)
Alias Reader wrote: "Well done, Lindsey !"Thank you :)
Congratulations on completing two prompts already this year, Lindsey!I really liked Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven but when i tried the one you read, it didn't gel for me at all, so i just stopped reading it.
I'm glad you are off to a good start for '24, regardless.
Adding my recent completed prompts:#47: Translated into English
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
#4 in the series "Before the Coffee Gets Cold"
I adore this series. I gave this one 4/5 stars, only slightly disappointed as I'd thought we'd get more stories with the main characters.
In past books, we've gotten back-stories of the cafe owner, his cousin, daughter, friends, etc. But this one focused mainly on the 4 who went back in time in the cafe, and very little on the others.
Still a wonderful story.
#1: Memoir
A Living Remedy: A Memoirby Nicole Chung
5/5 stars, highly recommend.
#48: Book that takes place in a country you don't live in
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
5/5 stars, another highly recommend!
This book was absolutely charming. It took me a little bit to get into the story (maybe 2-3 chapters), but I'm glad I stuck with it. The audio was fantastic, and the story unraveled so thoughtfully. The chapters narrated by the fig tree were such an interesting way of adding different perspectives.
The Fig Tree offered a view from Nature's perspective, and we were able to counter it with the human perspective, which was strictly one of war, strife, heartache, etc. The tree's perspective was more vast, all-encompassing, and one that included nature and the consequences of our actions on Earth.
Overall - 3 wonderful books!
Well done. Not only did you complete the prompts but they were all books you enjoyed a lot. I told a friend about the series Before the Coffee Gets Cold and she enjoyed the first book in the series very much.
Alias Reader wrote: "Well done. Not only did you complete the prompts but they were all books you enjoyed a lot. I told a friend about the series Before the Coffee Gets Cold and she enjoyed the first ..."
I actually think I first heard of these books through this group - you maybe, or Deb?
Lindsey wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Well done. Not only did you complete the prompts but they were all books you enjoyed a lot. I told a friend about the series Before the Coffee Gets Cold and s..."
I actually think I first heard of these books through this group - you maybe, or Deb?
:) Could be.
Lindsey wrote: "Adding my recent completed prompts:#47: Translated into English
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
#4 in th..."
Nicely done on all three, Lindsey!
That brought to mind a show that I've enjoyed -- are you familiar with the Japanese anthology series Midnight Diner https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnigh... that streams on Netflix? It takes place in a late-night/early morning cafe in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, and revolves around the stories of the cafe's patrons and the meals served to them by the cafe's wise but mysterious owner/chef, known as "Master". Each show usually has a particular dish that Master creates for the character or characters (regular, recurring, or new) that the episode's story features.
I think it is enjoyable and low-stress, and though time-travel has not yet been involved, at least that I can recall, there are at times some fun elements of magical realism or "supernatural" events.
James wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Adding my recent completed prompts:#47: Translated into English
Before We Say Goodbye by [author:Toshikazu Kawaguchi|168..."
James - That sounds intriguing, I'll have to check it out!
Lindsey wrote: "Adding my recent completed prompts:#47: Translated into English
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
#4 in th..."
What a good list of books, Lindsey. How neat to like each of them. I didn't realize there were already four books in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. I really liked the first book but wasn't drawn to read further, as i felt it was perfect. Maybe someday.
Congratulations on enjoying the books you chose to complete the prompts!
James wrote: " Midnight Diner https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnigh... that streams on Netflix? It takes place in a late-night/early morning cafe in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, and revolves around the stories of the cafe's patrons and the meals served to them..."This sounds cool, James. Thanks for filling us in on it. You make me eager to get Netflix again.
Finished Tom Lake by Ann Patchett for a local book club and to fill prompt #12: Romance, Relationships, Love
This was definitely outside of my comfort zone/go-to genres, but I mostly enjoyed it. 3/5 stars, but again, likely a "me problem" (GR review avg is 4+ stars).
Many reviewers found the book to be slow, which I didn't actually mind. I liked the meandering pace and gentle way the story unfolded. This would be a good choice for anyone who enjoyed Hello Beautiful, or similar novels.
Lindsey wrote: "Finished Tom Lake by Ann Patchett for a local book club and to fill prompt #12: Romance, Relationships, LoveThis was definitely outs..."
I felt somewhat attracted to Tom Lake, Lindsey, but not enough to read it yet. I don't think I'd like Hello Beautifulat all, so I may skip this one. Congratulations on finishing it!
Congratulations, Lindsey. I've found that reading a book one doesn't necessarily like is helped by reading it in a group. Taking the time to think about it has helped me appreciate them more. Nice way to complete a prompt!
Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Finished Tom Lake by Ann Patchett for a local book club and to fill prompt #12: Romance, Relationships, LoveThis was..."
Well done on the prompt, Lindsey.
The prompt --12- romance, relationships or love. F/NF
will also be a difficult one for me too. It's not a genre I enjoy.
Probably because I associate it with chick lit.
Alias Reader wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Finished Tom Lake by Ann Patchett for a local book club and to fill prompt #12: Romance, Relationshi..."Yes - I agree, and also struggle getting into romance/chick lit (I know they aren't one and the same).
I'd originally had In Memoriam tagged for #12, but it also fits LGBT and Historical Fiction, so I'll use it elsewhere.
madrano wrote: "Congratulations, Lindsey. I've found that reading a book one doesn't necessarily like is helped by reading it in a group. Taking the time to think about it has helped me appreciate them more. Nic..."
You're absolutely correct! I do think I enjoyed it more because of the group setting.
Funny enough, the person who picked the book (who reads romance and chick lit), didn't love it. Too slow and not enough romance - probably the reasons I didn't hate it :)
Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Finished Tom Lake by Ann Patchett for a local book club and to fill prompt #12: Romance, Relationships, LoveThis was..."
Thanks Kiki!
I haven't read any others by Ann Patchett, but it seems some fans were let down a bit by this one. I enjoyed it for what it was and didn't mind the slower pace, but I can't say I'd recommend it.
Lindsey wrote: "Funny enough, the person who picked the book (who reads romance and chick lit), didn't love it. Too slow and not enough romance - probably the reasons I didn't hate it ..."LOL--i hear you on that front, Lindsey.
Lindsey wrote: "I haven't read any others by Ann Patchett, but it seems some fans were let down a bit by this one. I enjoyed it for what it was and didn't mind the slower pace, but I can't say I'd recommend it.."Patchett has been a mixed bag for me, so i don't automatically turn to her for good fiction. That written, i enjoyed Bel Canto very much.
madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "I haven't read any others by Ann Patchett, but it seems some fans were let down a bit by this one. I enjoyed it for what it was and didn't mind the slower pace, but I can't say I'd ..."I liked Bel Canto a lot, too. It's probably my favorite Ann Patchett book. I also like State of Wonder.
Just the thought of the Amazon had me wilting, so i wasn't tempted by State of. ;-)
Glad I got a head-start on my reading list this year, because I've had the flu the past 2 weeks and haven't read a thing!! Just finished Our Best Intentions by Vibhuti Jain for #22 - Debut Novel, and really enjoyed it.
4/5 stars
This does read a bit like a debut novel, in that it was good, but not *great*. The story was compelling, and I liked the nuance the author added to each character, making them feel like people I might actually know in real life. There were parts that felt a bit slow and repetitive, and a few ends weren't really tied up, but I enjoyed it overall.
Sorry to hear you had the flu, Lindsey. That can really knock a person down. :(Our Best Intentions certainly received some good recommendations! I also enjoy Celeste Ng.
Do you think that is a good comparison ?
I think I will add it to my TBR list. I was just thinking about the 2024 prompt today when I was going over the list. I decided to go with the play prompt. So I'm now reading Our Town. It's re-read for me. I last read it about seven years ago, so it's really a new read for me. LOL I needed a quick read as I'm next in line for another book from the library.
-------------
A Good Morning America Buzz Pick * NPR 1A Inaugural Book Club Pick * A 'Must-Read' by USA Today * Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize * Booklist Editor's Choice * CrimeReads' Best of the Year
A suspenseful drama about an immigrant family caught in a criminal investigation, perfect for readers of Celeste Ng's Everything I Never Told You.
Alias Reader wrote: "Sorry to hear you had the flu, Lindsey. That can really knock a person down. :(Our Best Intentions certainly received some good recommendations! I also enjoy Celeste Ng.
Do you t..."
I do think Celeste Ng is a good comparison. I've read two of hers and enjoyed both.
Interested to hear how you like Our Town. It was the central theme of Tom Lake, but not having read or seen the play, I wasn't able to connect it really.
Lindsey wrote:I do think Celeste Ng is a good comparison. I've read two of hers and enjoyed both.Interested to hear how you like Our Town. It was the central theme of Tom Lake, but not having read or seen the play, I wasn't able to connect it really.."
Thanks ! I do like Ng's books.
I didn't know that Our Town was a theme in Tom Lake Maybe I'll put it on my list.
I've read Our Town before. I'm probably at the midpoint. It's good but bit slow moving.
I see that there is a production of Our Town with Paul Newman 💞 on YouTube.
Our Town 2003 Broadway Production Paul Newman as Stage Manager
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc1o9...
Lindsey wrote: "Glad I got a head-start on my reading list this year, because I've had the flu the past 2 weeks and haven't read a thing!! ...This does read a bit like a debut novel, in that it was good, but not *great*. The story was compelling.."
I'm sorry to learn about your tango with the flu, Lindsey. Last year i benefited from head-start reading because at the end of the year, one book per month was the norm. Take care to keep healthy now that you are on your way!
Reading debut novels is fun for the reasons you mentioned. As a reader, when reading authors later in their careers, i find it informative to read their debut, marking progress. Or not, i suppose.
Thanks for sharing about this one. And congratulations on another prompt under your belt.
Alias Reader wrote: "So I'm now reading Our Town. It's re-read for me. I last read it about seven years ago, so it's really a new read for me...."I remember when you read it 7 years ago, Alias. I think i ended up rereading it, too, not long after that. I wonder if i'll do so again? It is a brilliant play, imo. The kitchen scene gets me every time! Remembering our mothers as young once upon a time. *sigh*
Lindsey, thanks for that info about Tom Lake. I didn't realize the connection. Ann Patchett has been a mixed bag for me but your comment moved it to my TBR. Thank you.
madrano wrote:Patchett has been a mixed bag for me, so i don't automatically turn to her for good fiction. That written, i enjoyed Bel Canto very much..."
Deb, FYI, Tom Lake is a Reese Witherspoon book club selection.
I guess that tacky sticker on the cover says it all, eh? How did you get that blown up to a decent size? I've tried and failed to get them that size for posts.
Deb & Alias - I guess I should have mentioned, I don't necessarily recommend Tom Lake. It was just OK. I gave 3 stars, simply because it wasn't really my "type" of book, but the writing was good and the story decent. It's an easy read, sweet story, and overall ok, especially if you like this genre/style of book.
madrano wrote: "I guess that tacky sticker on the cover says it all, eh? How did you get that blown up to a decent size? I've tried and failed to get them that size for posts."
I googled the title of the book. Selected Image. Then copy/paste.
Alias Reader wrote: "I googled the title of the book. Selected Image. Then copy/paste..."I didn't realize we are able to copy & paste images. Thanks!
Lindsey, thank you for that clarification. I'll feel better about stopping my reading if i find it isn't pleasing me. Knowing what you wrote will help in that. As i mentioned, Patchett is a mixed bag for me.
madrano wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "I googled the title of the book. Selected Image. Then copy/paste..."I didn't realize we are able to copy & paste images. Thanks!"
You have to use the HTML code when you copy the Image Link.
(see-- some HTML is ok-- for the code for images above the post box.)
Sorry, I should have been clearer. You copy the link for the image.
When I see a image I want to share. I click on the image. A drop down will say: Copy Image
Then I type the HTML and paste image code in the middle of the HTML.
Sorry, I fear my explanation is as clear as mud.
Oh, i already do that. It was the size which i was wondering about. Usually book cover sizes are small on GR. But you are saying you found a larger one & shared it.Btw, on the "Image Link", it used to say that only jpg worked but lately i've used another type (forgotten which) & it worked. Happy Day!
It took me awhile to figure the HTML out. For those who haven't been able to figure it out, you need to put
< img src =" NO SPACES, i added spaces because that's the only way i could get them all to appear in a post today. In reality, there is only one space, between img and src.
THEN the image code, which you then follow with
" / > NO SPACES. Again, i added spaces so it would show here.
Those quotation marks are what took me a long time to figure out. I suspect this will only confuse folks. lol
Catching up... Life has been hectic, but I've managed to read (& listen to) a few. Here are the books I've neglected to add the past month or so:
Prompt #42: Audio Book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Really enjoyed this one - another by Elif Shafak (I read and loved her The Island of Missing Trees earlier this year). I'd probably recommend the latter, although both were wonderful reads.
Prompt #44: Book with One Word Title:
Nugly
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is a middle-grade/upper elementary aged read; I read with my 6yos for their book club.
I would have given 2 stars to the first half of the book, but the second half really made it. A fun (& emotional) read for anyone into stories about animals and family.
Prompt#42: Topic has one of 7 Deadly Sins
(*this prompt might be a bit of a stretch - might find a better option later in the year, especially since this book fits Psychology too)
⭐️⭐️⭐️I was a little bit disappointed with this one. Perhaps because I've read so many in this genre - but there just seemed to be a lot of speculating and not as much science backing up claims. Still an overall enjoyable read.
Prompt #49: Short Story Collection
(*this book also fits #50: Indigenous Writer and #31 Horror/Scary, so I might move it around later.... I don't read many short story collections so we'll see!)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This was a surprising and fun read. It's a collection of short stories, all Indigenous ghost stores.
It definitely made me want to look up a few of these authors and read more of their work!
Lindsey wrote: "Catching up... Life has been hectic, but I've managed to read (& listen to) a few. Here are the books I've neglected to add the past month or so:..."
Thanks for filling us in, Lindsey. Is it odd that the last two novels i've read mention the theme from Scarcity? I'm not sure, as one is about a Native American and the other is about a...i think it was an AI or character the MC has created. (I'm still reading this one.)
Regardless, i liked looking at the topic in fiction.
The short story collection sounds good. I recognize only three of the contributors, which is exciting. Tommy Orange, Waubgeshig Rice and Kelli Jo Ford.
Again, thanks for the update.
madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Catching up... Life has been hectic, but I've managed to read (& listen to) a few. Here are the books I've neglected to add the past month or so:..."
Thanks for filling us in, Li..."
Oh interesting! I do find the topic of scarcity an intriguing one.
The audio for the short stories is fantastic as well!
Lindsey wrote: "Catching up... Life has been hectic, but I've managed to read (& listen to) a few. Here are the books I've neglected to add the past month or so:
Prompt #42: Audio Book
[bookcover:The Forty Rul..."
Very well done on the prompts, Lindsey !
With the flu last month and your hectic schedule, you are doing amazingly well on the challenge !
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Catching up... Life has been hectic, but I've managed to read (& listen to) a few. Here are the books I've neglected to add the past month or so:
Prompt #42: Audio Book
[bookcov..."
Thanks Alias!
Audiobooks have saved me this month. I only managed to read one "actual" book. The rest I listened while driving to/from work.
Lindsey wrote:Thanks Alias!Audiobooks have saved me this month. I only managed to read one "actual" book. The rest I listened while driving to/from work..."
They are great for a commute. It all good.
Lindsey wrote: "Catching up... Life has been hectic, but I've managed to read (& listen to) a few. ..."Nice catch-up, Lindsey, congratulations and thank you!
Book Nook Cafe
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El Deafo (other topics)
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Ken Follett (other topics)
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A Living Remedy: A Memoir
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 2- Business, economics, finance (personal, business or home) F or NF
Trust
By Hernan Diaz
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 3- Health, fitness or diet
Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 4- History
Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York's Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist
⭐⭐
✔️ 5- Historical fiction
Sparks Like Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 6- Humorous story, or comedian wrote it, or lighthearted fun read
Before We Say Goodbye
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 7- Legal or lawyer character F / NF
Behind Closed Doors
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 8- LGBTQ+ character F/NF
Under the Whispering Door
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 9- Medical or character related to topic F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 10- Mystery, Thriller, or suspense
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 11- Political, social science or governments F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 12- romance, relationships or love. F/NF
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 13- science F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 14--travel F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 15- philosophy, ethics, morality
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 16- Young adult book F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
(TBR: The Weight of Blood )
✔️ 17- Spiritual or inspirational F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 18- book that takes place during a holiday. Any holiday.
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 19- book with a relationship in the title (father, mother, daughter, son, sister or brother)
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 20- The Arts: Music, art, theater, acting, dance or poetry.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 21- Banned book or Challenged book
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 22- Debut novel
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 23- Award winning book or nominated for award
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 24- A play
⭐⭐
✔️ 25- A book published before you were born
✔️ 26- Published in 2024
⭐⭐
✔️ 27- Nature, environment or animals. F/NF
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 28- book that takes place in WWI, WWII, or other war F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 29- cosmology, space, astronauts, outer space- F/NF
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 30- Sports F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 31- Horror or scary
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 32- Self help or creative or How to
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 33- psychology
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 34- food mentioned in book, recipes or chef mentioned in book F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 35- about a disability or character has a disability F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 36- a book about one of your 5 senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste) F/NF
✔️ 37 - color in title
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 38- Weather related F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 39- Myth, sci fi, magical realism, or fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 40- Dystopian
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 41- Author last name begins with B, N or C
by David Brooks
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 42- audio book
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 43 - Topic or a character has one of the 7 deadly sins or more! (pride, greed, envy, gluttony, sloth, wrath and lust) F/NF
⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 44- Book with one word title
by M.C. Ross
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 45- A book over 500 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 46- A book with either an Index, Map, photographs or Glossary
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 47- Translated into English
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 48- Book that takes place in or is about a country you don't live in. F/NF
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 49- Short story collection Or Essay collection
✔️ 50- book written by a BIPOC author or character is BIPOC
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*****************************************************
Extra prompts from participants in the challenge.
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✔️ 51- Author not a native of the country in which the book is set.
by Eleanor Shearer
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✔️ 52- Book written by an Indie author or Indie press.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
53- Read 2 books by Vendela Vida
54- Read 2 books by Sara Gran,
✔️ 55- Crime, F/NF
TBR: We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America
⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️ 56 - immigrants/immigration F/NF