On The Same Page discussion

I love having a thread that records my year in books: thoughts about what I have read; thoughts about reading in general; thoughts about my love of the written word and the thoughts of my Goodreads friends about my books or anything else they might have on their mind. What I don't like is the thought of adding another challenge to my life right now. So this year is a Non-Challenge. I'm going to count the books and rate them but I have no goals for how many books, pages, or stars the year should bring. I'm going to make my usual short review and commentary, a few sentences on each book but no requirements about genre or audio vs. print or classic vs. trash. Just reading and recording. For fun I'm going to try to include with each update one or more quotes. Quotes from the books I am reading as well as quotes about books or reading. Feel free to add some of your own if you feel inspired.

A few quotes that mirror my feelings about reading to kick off the year.

“She read books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.”
― Annie Dillard, The Living

“She had always wanted words, she loved them; grew up on them. Words gave her clarity, brought reason, shape.”
― Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient

“To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.”
― W. Somerset Maugham, Books and You

I don't want to set any expectations for this but I do want to keep up with what I have formerly referred to as my Decade (or longer) American Presidents Challenge. Because 2024 is a non-challenge year I'm going to record my reads here but rename it.

My Reading through the Presidents Activity

1. George Washington 1. The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon completed 3/16/20 2. Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy completed 3/31/22
2. John AdamsFirst Family: Abigail and John Adams completed 8/6/20
3. Thomas Jefferson
4. James Madison
5. James Monroe
6. John Quincy Adams
7. Andrew Jackson
8. Martin Van Buren
9. William H. Harrison
10. John Tyler
11. James K. Polk
12. Zachary Taylor
13. Millard Fillmore
14. Franklin Pierce
15. James Buchanan
16. Abraham LincolnTeam of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln completed 9/25/20 And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle completed 4/18/23
17. Andrew Johnson
18. Ulysses S. Grant Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant: All Volumes Volumes 1 & 2 only completed 10/11/22
19. Rutherford B. Hayes
20. James Garfield
21. Chester A. Arthur
22. Grover Cleveland
23. Benjamin Harrison
24. Grover Cleveland
25. William McKinley
26. Theodore RooseveltThe Rise of Theodore Roosevelt completed 11/15/21
27. William H. Taft
28. Woodrow Wilson
29. Warren G. Harding
30. Calvin Coolidge The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge: Authorized, Expanded, and Annotated Edition completed 12/30/21
31. Herbert Hoover
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II completed 11/7/23
33. Harry S. Truman
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower
35. John F. Kennedy
36. Lyndon B. Johnson
37. Richard M. Nixon All the President's Men completed 6/9/23
38. Gerald R. Ford
39. Jimmy CarterHis Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life completed 1/5/23
40. Ronald ReaganAn American Life completed 4/28/22
41. George H. W. Bush 41: A Portrait of My Father completed 12/27/24
42. Bill Clinton
43. George W. Bush
44. Barack ObamaA Promised Land completed 2/17/21
45. Donald TrumpThe Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir completed 4/6/21
46. Joe Biden

I love your non-challenge challenge. I've done it many times, and it is the best! Have fun, enjoy, and I can't wait to see what you're reading and talking about. I love your comments and mini-reviews. Happy reading!

Enjoy your non-challenge. I will keep checking on what you are reading!

Thanks Jackie and Ioana! I hope you will check back in throughout the coming year. I love reading your comments and comparing books with you.

Michelle wrote: "I love having a thread that records my year in books: thoughts about what I have read; thoughts about reading in general; thoughts about my love of the written word and the thoughts of my Goodreads..."

I love this idea and the quotes too!

No-pressure reading is the best. ☺️☺️

Enjoy your non-challenge challenge! Looking forward to your quotes and mini-reviews :)

Thanks Alondra and Lillie!

Starting off the first book reviews with a quote for the new year:

“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”
― Taylor Swift

#1 Silver in the Bone This was a Goodreads Choice nominee and is the first book I completed in 2024. I would like to say I loved it but I really can't get that excited about it. A young woman travels with some of her cohorts to the legendary Avalon of Arthurian legend in hopes of curing her brother's curse. It gets very complicated from there. I eventually came to like the characters, but it took some time. I found the plot to be many faceted and unnecessarily complicated. It was pretty good fantasy but as a YA book it was held back by the requisite amount of angst and immature emotion. Kudos for being able to include witches, werewolves and zombies in the Arthurian legend in a somewhat believable manner. 3 maybe I'm finally too old for YA stars. Audiobook. YA-Fantasy.

#2 To Be Taught, If Fortunate I loved this novella by Becky Chambers. A group of space exploring astronauts travel the universe adapting to different ecosystems as needed. The only real challenge they cannot overcome is what is happening back on Earth. Like all of Chambers writing this is both charming and thought provoking. 4 great writing, great SciFi stars. Audiobook. SciFi.

2 books

Current:
Weyward Audiobook.
The Confession Club ebook.
Bookshops & Bonedust Paperback.

I should close this post out with a quote from one of the books above but the quote that kept running through my head while listening to To Be Taught, If Fortunate was this one:

"Space the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its five year mission to explore strange new worlds to seek out new life and new civilizations to boldly go where no man has gone before." -Captain Kirk, Star Trek Intro.

Once a Trekkie always a Trekkie I guess.

Great start of the year, Michelle. To Be Taught, If Fortunate is on my TBR for 2024, and I hope to get to it soon. I love Becky Chambers.

Let's hope things will not change and you will continue to read good books.

Nice start to the new year, Michelle. I will definitely be checking out Becky Chambers. I did read The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, and loved it. Just need to catch up.

@Ioana &Alondra Thanks guys. I think you would both enjoy To Be Taught. It is a short book but Chambers packs a lot into it. I really enjoy her work. Her writing is always quiet but impactful.

Michelle wrote: "Starting off the first book reviews with a quote for the new year:

“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”
― Taylor Swift

#1 [book:Si..."

I thought the Becky Chambers was excellent as well. Looking forward to the Wayfarer series next.

Michelle wrote: "Starting off the first book reviews with a quote for the new year:

“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”
― Taylor Swift

#1 [book:Si..."

I love it!

The Wayfarer series was terrific. Enjoy Bill!

Thanks Jackie!

“Fiction became a friend as well as a safe harbor, a cocoon to protect her from the outside world and its dangers.”
― Emilia Hart, Weyward

#3 Bookshops & Bonedust I loved this prequel to Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes. I enjoyed getting some of Viv's backstory and I felt like this was a pretty good tale all on its own. An oversized paperback fantasy book, a blanket and a warm cup of tea, a cold winter rain outside. That's a perfect weekend as far as I'm concerned. 4 Hygge Fantasy stars. Paperback. Fantasy-Cozy

#4 Weyward I didn't love this one as much. Multiple timeline historical fiction followed the lives of three women from the same family line. All had similar experiences. Sometimes multiple timelines just don't work for me and I was bored with the overarching theme of the book. You don't have to beat me over the head with it in three time periods. Otherwise it was a decently good book with a conclusion that brought it all together nicely. 3 spiders and crows stars. Audiobook. Historical Fiction.

#5 Hell Is Empty Probably my favorite of the Longmire series so far. The sheriff pursues a band of escaped convicts through a snowstorm with only an elusive Indian guide to help. 5 maybe the best of the bunch stars. Audiobook. Mystery.

5 books

Currrent:
Poverty, by America Audiobook. Wow!
The Confession Club ebook. Love Elizabeth Berg.
The Running Grave Hardback. Can't help it if she's not politically correct. J.K. Rowling is still a darn good writer.

“Life is like that.” He flipped through a few more limp pages. “You collect things as you go—the things you think are important—and soon they weigh you down until you realize that these things you cared so much about mean nothing at all. Our natures are our natures.” He grunted. “And they are all we are left with.”
― Craig Johnson, Hell Is Empty

“This is who we are: the richest country on earth, with more poverty than any other advanced democracy.”
― Matthew Desmond, Poverty, by America


#6 Poverty, by America This is difficult to review because there was so much packed into this brief book and because some of the concepts I agreed with and some I do not. Suffice it to say that this book has me thinking about the problem of Poverty in our country. Like the author I think that poverty is a state that compounds making it difficult for individuals to break free from it. Like the author I think that the solution will out of necessity involve nationwide changes in government and will be painful for all. Where we disagreed were his proposed solutions. I am not sure that his numbers were entirely right or that some of his proposals would have the desired effect. This book is well worth the read no matter how you stand on the issue. Only through discussion and opening our mind to new ideas will the problem ever be solved. 4 tough read but good brain exercise stars. Audiobook. Nonfiction-Political.

#7 The Keeper of Hidden Books Mixed feelings about this one. I thought the characters and some of the plot fell flat but the dramatization of history and the discussion of the importance of books to individuals and free societies was excellent. 3 somewhere in the middle stars. Audiobook. Historical Fiction.

#8 The Confession Club The final installment of Elizabeth Berg's Mason series wraps up the story for many of our favorite Mason characters. Berg's writing as always steals the show. 4 beauty in the ordinary stars. ebook. Contemporary Fiction.

#9 Seven Up Stephanie Plum is always a wonderful way to forget your troubles for a while. I'm giving this one 3 stars because I'm not sure I liked the reader. The book was still a lot of fun. 3 just another day in "the berg" stars. Audiobook. Mystery.

9 books

Current:

The Running Grave Hardback. A brick but I can't stop reading!
Lady Tan's Circle of Women Audiobook. I didn't think I was going to like this one but the story is drawing me in now.

“It whispered to her in the silence, a promise only a book can make to a reader, to offer a journey unique to them, tailored to the path that life had led them.”
― Madeline Martin, The Keeper of Hidden Books

Michelle wrote: "“This is who we are: the richest country on earth, with more poverty than any other advanced democracy.”
― Matthew Desmond, Poverty, by America


#6 [book:Po..."

I just read it this month, too. I agree 100%.

So much in one small book Ioana. Not an easy read but I'm glad I read it.

Didn't realize I had missed that you had read Bookshops & Bonedust. Looks like we had a similar reaction to it. Can't wait till the next one's out.

Since I generally agree with your take on books, I'm going to push Weyward down the list for a much later date.

Lillie wrote: "Didn't realize I had missed that you had read Bookshops & Bonedust. Looks like we had a similar reaction to it. Can't wait till the next one's out.

Since I generally agree with you..."

Ditto to Bookshops and Bonedust. I can't wait to read the next installment. I hope it comes out as quickly as this one did. Love that series! Weyward on the other hand. It wasn't a horrible book but it didn't blow me away either. I could have lived without at least one of the three timelines.

“It’s dangerous to make a cult of your own unhappiness. Hard to get out, once you’ve been in there too long. You forget how.”
― Robert Galbraith, The Running Grave

#10 The Running Grave Robert Galbraith AKA J.K. Rowling knocked it out of the park with this one. I have enjoyed the entire series but I would say this book was easily the best. Robin goes undercover in a cult to help rescue a client's son while Strike on the outside runs the agency and struggles with his true feelings for Robin. In the final pages Strike delivers a line which might become as well known as the Harry Potter's series' "Always" - “she knew I was in love with you.” 4 kept me reading like it was Harry Potter stars. Hardback. Mystery.

#11 Lady Tan's Circle of Women Another winner. I have to be honest the first third of the book I found only mildly interesting but when the story kicked in it really kicked in. In addition to being a great story from that point on, it was also meticulously researched and the information about ancient China varied from Huh! (small pox innoculation) to Eeeww! (foot binding). In short I would strongly recommend this one. 4 ancient Chinese remedy stars. Audiobook. Historical Fiction.

#12 Strange Sally Diamond Well, strange at least was the right word. The entire story was just that - strange. While I admit to a little tabloidesque fascination with the story, my overall feeling was one of extreme discomfort. Every single relationship in the book had a tone of wrongness. I am not sure why this particular topic needed to be explored in fiction. The whole book just had a strange POV. 2 I'm just not comfortable with all that stars. Audiobook. Contemporary Fiction.

12 books/1622 pages

Currently reading:
Homecoming ebook. Liking this one just need reading time.
The Invisible Hour Audiobook. Wow! Love Alice Hoffman.

“There’s nothing deader than dead love.”
― Robert Galbraith, The Running Grave

“Books may well be the only true magic.”
― Alice Hoffman

I really loved that first Cormoran Strike book; but like always, I put the series on the back burner and go read something else. Ugh

Kudos on all of your progress. I finally picked up Legends & Lattes real cheap at a UBS. I was so excited. I think I should read it really soon.

Definitely move L&L to the top of the list Alondra

“Words were magic, that was all he knew.”
― Alice Hoffman, The Invisible Hour

“Real life is unbelievable. Souls are snatched away from us, flesh and blood turn to dust, people you love betray you, men go to war over nothing. It’s all preposterous. That’s why we have novels. To make sense of things.”
― Alice Hoffman, The Invisible Hour


#13 The Invisible Hour This book was magical! I always enjoy Alice Hoffman but I truly loved this book. A young girl raised in a cult finds her path to freedom at the library, through one special book. This had all Hoffman's regular trademarks magical realism, bittersweet love story, the heroine has to save herself, and beautiful writing. This story just hit the perfect note with me. 5 now I have to reread the Scarlet Letter stars. Audiobook. Contemporary Fiction/Magical Realism.

#14 The Frozen River This book blew me away! It was so much more than I expected. This was not just the colonial historical fiction novel that it appeared to be but a stellar mystery with modern sensibilities. A midwife is called on to observe a body found frozen in the river and declare cause of death. Soon, however, not only is she determined to prove who murdered the man but her family and her work as a midwife all become entangled in the outcome. And the ending? Wow! I won't give a hint of a spoiler you'll just have to read it for yourself. Nice audio production on this one as well. 5 taking justice into your own hands stars. Audiobook. Mystery/Historical Fiction

14 books/1630 pages

Current:
Homecoming ebook. Great story just need reading time to finish.
The House of Unexpected Sisters auddiobook. Trying to get back to Mma Ramotswe


“Memory is a wicked thing that warps and twists. But paper and ink receive the truth without emotion, and they read it back without partiality. That, I believe, is why so few women are taught to read and write. God only knows what they would do with the power of pen and ink at their disposal.”
― Ariel Lawhon, The Frozen River

My reading seems to be leading towards stories involving midwives and puritan values lately. I'm going to break that up a little (hopefully) with No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #18 but these last few books have added to my TBR. I definitely want to reread The Scarlet Letter now and I put some more books by Ariel Lawhon on my TBR list. She's an author I would like to read more from. I also added another Alice Hoffman book that was hinted at in the book above- The Red Garden. All sometime in the future like my TBR doesn't have hundreds of books to choose from. I do like it though when one book seems to lead to another with a little bit of a theme. Entirely accidental in this case but fun.

Michelle wrote: "Definitely move L&L to the top of the list Alondra"

Yes, ma'am! 🤗

The Frozen River This book blew me away! It was so much more than I expected. This was not just the colonial historical fiction novel that it appeared to be but a stellar mystery with modern sensibilities."

Michelle, I just reserved this one from my library. It sounds wonderful and definitely right up my alley.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did Karol.

Michelle wrote: "#14 The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon The Frozen River This book blew me away! It was so much more than I expected. This was not just the colonial historical fiction novel that it appeared to be but a stellar mystery with modern sensibilities."

On my TBR now....what's another book, right?

That's the spirit!

Ioana wrote: "On my TBR now....what's another book, right?."

Poor, Ioana! That tbr just keeps getting longer... and longer... and longer!! 😂

Alondra wrote: "Poor, Ioana! That tbr just keeps getting longer... and longer... and longer!! 😂"

At least somebody understands me 😄

No sympathy here. You both increase my TBR daily.

You've had some great reads already for the year! I want to read The Frozen River as well. I heard the author on a podcast last month. I don't know when I'll get to it.
And, so glad you liked the latest Cormoran Strike book. I have The Ink Black Heart ready to go. I know when I start it, I won't want to put it down.

Hope you enjoy them both Patricia. Happy reading!

Ioana wrote: "Alondra wrote: "Poor, Ioana! That tbr just keeps getting longer... and longer... and longer!! 😂"

At least somebody understands me 😄"

((hugs)) LOL

Michelle wrote: "No sympathy here. You both increase my TBR daily."

Do you hear that, Ioana!?? LOL

Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "No sympathy here. You both increase my TBR daily."

Do you hear that, Ioana!?? LOL"

I do....I just pretend I don't. Her time will come, and there will be no sympathy here either. 🤣🤣🤣

You can take comfort Ioana in the fact that you are personally responsible for most of the nonfiction on my library TBR and a good bit of the fiction.

LOL, we make a great team. That's why this group is so wonderful.

Ioana wrote: "Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "No sympathy here. You both increase my TBR daily."

Do you hear that, Ioana!?? LOL"

I do....I just pretend I don't. Her time will come, and there will be no sympat..."

LOL

This group is why my to be read list never seems to go down, lol. I would visit threads daily if I weren’t scared of that list growing to ginormous proportions

So for all of us bemoaning our expanding TBR's I'm going to share one of my favorite book quotes.

“If you don't know the exact moment when the lights will go out, you might as well read until they do.”
― Clive James

I consider that a goal so if you look at your TBR with that in mind you can be thankful for your Goodreads friends and their help growing your TBR. There is little danger of any of us running out of good books before the lights go out.

Michelle wrote: "So for all of us bemoaning our expanding TBR's I'm going to share one of my favorite book quotes.

“If you don't know the exact moment when the lights will go out, you might as well read until they..."
Michelle~keep adding those books. I do everyday find more. Love Your Quote. 📚💕

Thanks Kristine! Keep reading:)

Michelle wrote: "If you don't know the exact moment when the lights will go out, you might as well read until they do.”
― Clive James”

Great quote! :)