Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

Happy Thursday!!  I need to mow the lawn! There are just a few of us left in the neighborhood who are holding out and sporting shaggy lawns. Mine is the shaggiest. Today, I promise my neighbors, I will start working on it.

My furnace has given up entirely, so now I need to start clearing out some space in the basement to facilitate replacement (not an easy task!) and decide who to call to do the work, and then gather up the $$$ needed for the job.  Sigh. I am grateful that my ex managed to keep the thing going all winter, anyway.  For now, I'm running my space heater and baking a lot (for the warmth!).  It's not so cold that I have to worry about burst pipes, but I do find it so incredibly uncomfortable when it gets below 60 F indoors.  It's 54 F in here right now.  Have you ever gone camping in a cabin in early spring or late fall?  And when you first get up the fire in the wood stove has gone out and it is freezing in that cabin?   LOL I feel like I'm camping.

A lot of you use Libby, right?  Does anyone else get really annoyed when your home page lists the ebook you have currently borrowed (and are ACTIVELY reading) under "one good turn" with "1 person is waiting" - as if I should return it now, unfinished, just for that other person???   I currently have 2 ebooks and 1 audiobook borrowed, it's not like I'm hogging ALL the books.   That person who is waiting can go have another book and leave me alone.  I really resent the implication that letting them have the book would be "one good turn" - as if I am not good but evil for keeping the book and reading the book.



Admin stuff

**** We need volunteers to stop up and lead monthly discussions!!   We currently have NO discussion leaders for June or July. ****

It's fun! It's casual!  There are no rules and no expectations!  Give it a try!!

May's group read will be:  All Boys Aren’t Blue, and WE NOW HAVE A DISCUSSION LEADER FOR MAY!! Thank you Jai!!!

The Final Poll to choose July's group read is live: 

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...

Note: the nomination poll ended up with five top titles, and TWO of them were by  Tina Turner - in an effort to prevent Tina Turner votes from cancelling each other out, I included only her most recent book, My Love Story, on the poll. 





This week I finished 3 books, and all three filled Challenge categories.

One False Move by Harlan Coben- I always enjoy these Myron Bolitar mysteries, they make me laugh, and the mystery is good; this one got a little darker than they usually do, I guess Coben got tired of writing fun and silly mysteries.   I used this for "woman athlete" since the main character that Myron is working for in this book is a female pro basketball player.  I also checked off "book that is part of a series" in AtY.

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson - I did not like this at all and I think I might not ever read another book by Winterson after this ordeal.  I thought this would be a perfect memoir that explores queerness, but she didn't do much exploring of that aspect of her life, so it wasn't a good fit, but I read it specifically for that category, so I'm checking it off anyway.

Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin - I chose this for my "24 year old character" book - I was expecting a fun, light, and enjoyable read, but what I got was an overly earnest book chock full of annoyingly two-dimensional characters.  I did not enjoy this. Thumbs down!


Popsugar 72% 36 /50
Must Reads 60% 6 /10
AtY 58% 30 /52





Question of the Week
Do you have a favorite spot to read?


I do most of my reading sitting propped up in bed, but my IDEAL reading spot would be in a Lazy-Boy-type recliner!!  My mom has one and I LOVE reading in it!!   Someday I will get myself one ...  

Happy Thursday, everyone!

This week my cat had his annual check-up at the vet. He’s always been a very healthy boy, and the vet seemed pleased with his overall condition.

Despite his dislike for the experience, he did pretty well…right up until they tried to do blood work. The sounds I heard coming out of the lab were like something out of a horror movie; growls and full-throated snarls, followed by an absolute screaming fit. And they didn’t even get near him with a needle. He just didn’t want to be restrained and was making his displeasure known. They brought me back a rather ticked-off purrito, who was very happy to get back in his carrier without any prompting from me. We’re going to have to go back in a few weeks to get that blood work done, and I really hope he’ll be more cooperative then.

I did do a considerable amount of reading this week and, as a result, I am almost completely caught up on the Agatha Raisin series!

Here are my current challenge and TBR totals…

Goodreads Challenge: 178/200
Mount TBR Challenge: 82/150

📚Physical TBR: 49
📱Ebook TBR: 33
🎧Audiobook TBR: 0
TBR Checklist Total: 82

I did not buy any new books this week!

As it turns out, I was wrong about the total number of titles on my “New” Books list. I accidentally added an Agatha Raisin book to my list that doesn’t come out until June. Oops! 😅 I’ve made the correction, so I’m actually one book closer to finishing all of the titles of my list.

I currently have six days remaining until my book buying ban ends, and I will definitely be able to finish all of the titles on my “New” Books list before then. In fact, since I only have two books left to read, I’ve decided to end the buying ban this weekend, rather than wait until the end of the month.

“New” Books Bought in 2024: 92
“New” Books Read in 2024: 90

Finished Reading (Fiction):
This week I continued reading and enjoying the Agatha Raisin series. The books I read this week include…
~Hiss and Hers — This is the twenty-third book in the Agatha Raisin series. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book does include references to spousal abuse, as well as racism. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Something Borrowed, Someone Dead — This is the twenty-fourth book in the Agatha Raisin series. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book includes references to suicide and rape, as well as animal sacrifice. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~The Blood of an Englishman — This is the twenty-fifth book in the Agatha Raisin series. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book includes several references to sexual assault. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Dishing the Dirt — This is the twenty-sixth book in the Agatha Raisin series. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book includes references to the killing of a dog. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Pushing Up Daisies — This is the twenty-seventh book in the Agatha Raisin series. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ A minor character uses a racial slur. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~The Witches' Tree — This is the twenty-eighth book in the Agatha Raisin series. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book includes frequent references to rape. There is also some victim blaming. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~The Dead Ringer — This is the twenty-ninth book in the Agatha Raisin series. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book includes references to animal cruelty/killing, rape, and abuse. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Beating About the Bush — This is the thirtieth book in the Agatha Raisin series. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book includes a reference to a killer of pets, but the plot does not focus on this. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Hot to Trot — This is the thirty-first book in the Agatha Raisin series. 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I also read the following books…
~Sense and Sensibility — This book was a re-read for me, and is one of my favorite Austen novels. I really liked the narrator of this audiobook. 🎧: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Reading (Nonfiction):
None

Finished Reading (Manga, Comic Books, & Graphic Novels):
None

Finished Reading (Poetry and Drama):
None

DNFed:
None

Currently On A Break:
~The Complete Works of William Shakespeare — I am currently a few acts into King Richard II.📚

Currently Reading:
~The Arabian Nights: Tales of 1001 Nights, Volume 1 — I am currently 74% of the way through this book. 📚
~Down the Hatch — This is the thirty-second book in the Agatha Raisin series. I’m only a couple chapters into this book, but I’m enjoying it so far. 📚

QOTW:
I do most of my reading in the armchair in my family room. It has an ottoman, so I can prop my feet up, and it’s very comfortable. I also read in bed.

Last week was spring break, so our family took a trip to Cape Cod. It's a cute place, and shells were plentiful on the beach. Our hotel had indoor and outdoor heated pools and a hot tub, so the kids enjoyed a lot of swim time. Here are a couple of places for food that we enjoyed:

1. PB Boulangerie - My apple turnover was simultaneously one of the messiest and most delicious pastries I have had
2. Daily News diner - Some of the best eggs Benedict I have eaten

Questions of the Week (this week and last week):

Draycos from the Dragonback series and the armadillo from Minor Mage are two characters that are delightful to spend time reading about and would make for good company. I guess I'm a sucker for smart talking animals.

A comfortable chair and some music in the background are all I want for a reading setting.

Finished:

Taking Wing (reread, 4/5)

This tale of Captain Riker's first journey on the Titan and his diverse alien crew still entertains and delights.

Currently Reading:

Marvel Year By Year A Visual History New Edition

This goes from 1939-2021, and it strikes a great balance between being comprehensive and keeping a reading momentum going. You get summaries of some of the most important events of the Marvel Universe and the behind the scenes reasons for some of them. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes comics and the Marvel characters.

Happy Thursday!

Finished:
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna - 4 stars - for a book where someone sleeps for 24 hours. I really enjoyed this. It was cute and gave me a similar vibe to T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Lyorn by Steven Brust - 4 stars - not for the challenge. Another solid entry in the series, but definitely not the place to start. This one was fun, though, because it involved the main character hiding out in a theater that was rehearsing for a musical, and the author wrote lots of parodies of well-known Broadway songs.

Comics/manga:
Horimiya, Vol. 14
Horimiya, Vol. 15
Horimiya, Vol. 16
Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 2
Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 3
Komi Can’t Communicate, Vol. 29
Akane-banashi, Vol. 5

I am currently at 33/50 prompts for PopSugar (29/45 and 4/5).

Currently reading:
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier - not for the challenge (yet) - so far, I'm really enjoying it, and it's a fast read. It would fit for a book involving dragons.

Upcoming/Planned:
The library was generous with new releases...

Funny Story by Emily Henry - not for the challenge (yet)
Saint-Seducing Gold by Brittany N. Williams - not for the challenge (yet)
Blood Justice by Terry J. Benton-Walker - not for the challenge (yet)

QOTW:
I do most of my reading either in front of my computer (reading Kindle books during work breaks) or in my recliner.

Happy Thursday!

I'm checking in on time for once! It was a far less crazy week for me, I've been much more productive than last week, but it's been rather frustrating in its own way. So it goes.

Completed
Great Cities Through Travelers' Eyes
Tuck Everlasting - a PS Challenge read
How the Finch Stole Christmas!
The Mistletoe Murder And Other Stories

PS Challenge Completion - 42/50

Currently Reading
The Mark on the Door
Let it Snow
Ender’s Game

Edit: I'm off my game - completely forgot the QOTW! I'm a bit of a cliche as my favorite, coziest place to read is my bed.

Happy Thursday!

Have only 4 or 5 more story hours left. Yay! I'm concentrating on getting the stuff for SRP done like counting out 340 thumbtacks and bagging them to do dragon eggs.



And other such things. I did get a bunch of glittery duct and gems and strips of sticky gem strips for pool noodle light sabers.

I also figured out my last week. Horror. Cryptids to be exact. Now, I just have to find a cool craft to do for it.

The first responders have been busy this week. First, a fire and yesterday a little girl with a broken arm in the park. We all saw the ambulance in the parking lot on the south side of the building.

I've been too busy to prepping for SRP to see if any of the books I've read have fulfilled prompts. But it is all good.

Goodreads Challenge 270/400
Finished:
Story Hour:
Knock Knock

YA:
Song of the Six Realms -- NetGalley book. Sooo good. I've loved everything by this author. It's Xianxia. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Manga/Graphic Novel:
Lord Hades's Ruthless Marriage, Vol. 1
Lord Hades's Ruthless Marriage, Vol. 2
Freaking Romance Volume One -- loved. Want to read the next one.
The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King (Manga) Vol. 1

XXX Manga:
At the Mercy of the Emperor’s Love

Romance:
Under Study
Older Hotter Grumpier: an Age Gap Instalove Stalker Romance
Kingpin's Baby: A Mafia Marriage of Convenience Instalove Romance
His Model Student
Stalked by the Mobster
My Brother's Best Friend
Possessive Neighbor
Stranded with a Silver Vampire

Reading:
Sound the Gong -- This is also a NetGally book. It's the second in the duology?. It's inspired by The Romance of Three Kingdoms. It's also very good.

DNF:
Off With Their Heads This was a NetGalley book. I did not like the characters. They had no redeeming qualities. I got 30% through the book thinking that there was going to be something, but nope. It was an non-cohesive mess with time jumps that had no segues.

It also had very little description. There were some hair and eye colors and a few more details, but the world felt blank. for the first time I had no mental image of the surroundings. There was a tavern (no description of if it, if it had people in it, or anything). Caro went out the door. There was no time of day. if there was, I missed it.

I then skipped to about 70/80% and the characters were still awful. I skimmed to the end and it was just meh. I was sad because it was supposed to be an Alice in Wonderland inspired book with a sapphic relationship (lovers to enemies), but it was definitely not my cup of tea. But other people got something out of it that i didn't.

QOTW:

My chair in the living room. It's big enough to curl up in and big enough to have a fur-baby beside me. It has a lamp right over it so I get plenty of light to read at night.

Sadly, I need to find a new one because it is starting to fall apart and have poking metal bits come out.

Our car failed its MOT last week. Thanks to the Pothole of Doom the suspension was completely knackered. So while we had a weekend with no car, we made the effort to do things. On Sunday we got the train with our dog and went into Bournemouth before the no dogs on the beach period starts. Was lovely weather, even if it was a bit cold in the wind, and we discovered a new bakery.

I didn't really read much this week, just one book, but at least it ticked off a tricky prompt:

Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher for an author's 24th book. This was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a focus on plants. I just enjoy everything she writes and this was no exception.

I'm currently reading The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo and listening to A Power Unbound by Freya Marske.

PS: 18/50 | ATY: 19/52 | GR: 32/100

QOTW:
In winter my favourite place is snuggled up in bed. In summer I like to read in one of our moon chairs in the garden.

Brandon wrote: "A comfortable chair and some music in the background are all I want for a reading setting...."


Oh that's interesting and I didn't think to ask about sounds!! I like silence when I'm reading. I like it so silent that when I'm upstairs, I can hear a dog jump off the couch downstairs LOL



I always liked Cape Cod and I haven't been there in ages.

K.L. wrote: "The sounds I heard coming out of the lab were like something out of a horror movie; growls and full-throated snarls, followed by an absolute screaming fit. And they didn’t even get near him with a needle. ..."



lol you never know what you'll hear at the vet!! My dogs are usually so nervous they stay silent, but sometimes they won't walk. Sophie is TERRIFIED of the scale, will NOT go near it, so every time I have to pick her up and place her on it.

My old dog BIT the vet - vet was so chill about it, this was years ago, and he's retired now, and I'm STILL wildly impressed with complete lack of reaction to a dog suddenly chomping down on his forearm. (Rowdy did not draw blood. He took GREAT offense to the vet reaching around behind his head, and let him know by grabbing the arm and holding it. That dog never hesitated to advocate for himself lol)

We’re trying to make things as normal as possible for Eli after Monday’s horrific events. He’s doing okay, and the school has been amazingly empathetic and supportive. The perpetrator has been apprehended and poses no further threat, but there are still three children who’ve lost their parents and dozens of children (and school employees) who’ve been traumatized by the act of one man with a gun. I’m sad, and I’m angry.

2024 Reading Challenges: I’ve read 157 books so far this year with an average length of 329 pages and an average rating of 3.79.

52 Book Club: 37/52 (April Mini-Challenge: 3/3)
ATY: 33/52 (Spring Challenge: 8/12 + Bonus 5/5)
Booklist Queen: 35/52
Diverse Baseline: 12/36
Popsugar: 32/50
Robot Librarian: 37/52
ICYMI Backlist: 4/12

Recently Completed:

Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America: I’m not sure how Vince McMahon was involved in the “Unmaking of America,” but this was still a fascinating portrait of a pretty reprehensible human being… and professional wrestling. (52 Books #45 – chapter headings have dates/ATY Spring Challenge – a red cover) ★★★★

Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions NPR 2023 Books We Love. I didn’t love it as much as they did. Some interesting women were profiled, but the whole thing was kind of depressing… not hopeful at all. ★★★

Secretly Yours: It’s Tessa Bailey, so it’s an open door rom-com but still cute and quirky. (Booklist Queen #25 – about secrets) ★★★★

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England: This book was a hoot! I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. (52 Books #18 – apostrophe in title/Booklist Queen #34 – three books by the same author/Popsugar #10 – a self-published author) ★★★★★

You Exist Too Much (Diverse Baseline #11 – a SWANA author) ★★★

The Secret of Cooking: Recipes for an Easier Life in the Kitchen: Sure, there are recipes in this book, but it’s really more about cooking than doing it. There are some recipes I want to try, but the real value is in the reading. NPR 2023 Books We Love. (52 Books #48 - secret in the title/Booklist Queen #25 – about secrets) ★★★★

Role Playing: This was a Kindle First Reads selection. I’m finding that I really enjoy romance novels that feature older adults. (Popsugar #22 – video games) ★★★★



Currently Reading: I’m getting to the point where many of my choices don’t count for a prompt in any of my challenges.

The Princess of Thornwood Drive: Adventures Underground Book Club.
Shubeik Lubeik: NPR 2023 Books We Love (ATY Spring Challenge – purple cover)
Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments
Expiration Dates
A Better World
What We've Become: Living and Dying in a Country of Arms
Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs NPR 2023 Books We Love
Defending Jacob (Booklist Queen #42 – a legal thriller)
Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir NPR 2023 Books We Love (52 Books #50 – musical instrument on the cover)
Africaville
Little Fires Everywhere Reasonable Doubt Book Club
The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things: Stories (Robot Librarian Advanced #1 – a literary hoax)

QOTW: I used to read in the living room. We have a huge sectional couch with a chaise longue on one end. It’s so comfy. However, the little boys have completely taken over that room. I do most of my reading in/on my bed now… although I usually have a little visitor there too. Just not so many toys.

Hi all! Our lawn is also looking like it may never be tamed... Fortunately, we live in the boonies and no one gives a darn! Our mowers are being serviced today, so hopefully they'll be ready to go tomorrow.
Had our kiddo's birthday party last weekend and it was a blast!
Unfortunately, our dryer bit the dust yesterday, and we don't have the money for a new one atm. Guess I'll be hanging up laundry for the foreseeable future.

I finished Burntown for a book where someone dies in the first chapter. I liked it, it was twisty turny. But the more I think about it, the less sense the killer's motives make. (view spoiler)[ why kill your lover then spend the rest of your life trying to reconnect with her? And why threaten to kill the last remaining person who has the plans to build the machine so you *can* connect with your lover? You'll never get them if Necco's dead... (hide spoiler)] Anywhoo, if inconsistent psychopathic killers don't drive you nuts, this would also work for multiple POV.

Listened to some more of Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution. It's slowed down a little after the Freedom Rides, but I'm a chapter away from 1963, which is when Birmingham (literally) blows up.

Started The Drop for 24th book of an author. Decided I was in the mood for more murder and mayhem.

QOTW: I do most of my reading on the couch, but given the choice, I prefer to read outside. On my glider, in my hammock, on a blanket on the ground, any of it works for me.

Robot Librarian: 45/52
Ultimate: 2/25

I have to tell you guys about this Ultimate Reading Challenge! It's a book you buy and inside are 25 prompts with little envelopes, so each time you finish a prompt, you get a little reward. It's super fun!

Read: It's Kind of a Funny Story for RL prompt made into a show. This was very relatable.

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You There's three different versions of this book, one for adults, one for youth, and one for kids. This one was quite good.

Tuck Everlasting Re-read

The Uncommon Reader for RL & U prompt novella. Could also be used for satire.

Started: I was so undisciplined in my reading this week and started a whole bunch!

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder attended a virtual event for this. The book is amazing so far! He doesn't just sit around and feel sorry for himself, but turns the attack into literature.

The Weeding Handbook: A Shelf-by-Shelf Guide I got this in the hope that it would help me get rid of some books. I don't think it has accomplished the goal. But if you want a detailed guide to the dewey decimal system, this book also serves that purpose!

The Extraordinaries Gotta love me some TJ Klune.

Tree. Table. Book. U prompt went to an author event for this.

The Mister Rogers Effect: 7 Secrets to Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and Others from America's Beloved Neighbor I am bending this way lots and using it for RL novelization of a film because I hate this prompt so much!

But you see? Very undisciplined.

QotW: My favorite spot to read is in a chair outside in my backyard. I move it around to catch the sun or the shade depending on the temperature.

Ellie wrote: "Our car failed its MOT last week. Thanks to the Pothole of Doom the suspension was completely knackered. So while we had a weekend with no car, we made the effort to do things. On Sunday we got the..."



I see Brits use that term "MOT" for a variety of things. In the memoir I read, she mentions having her "baby MOT" like it's her original birth certificate? What does "MOT" mean? (I did google but I didn't find anything that explained it all.)

Good morning from a chilly Columbus! I missed last weeks check in and haven’t been reading at my usual pace, it’s been a hectic few weeks. I got a new kitten (both of my cats are named after magical creatures bound to help a magical main character; Mogget and Calcifer. I’ve posted a lot of pictures on their IG mogget.and.calcifer if anyone wants to ogle cute cats) but his breeder sent him home with a broken tail. My anxiety is at a 10/10 over this. The vet said worst case scenario, he’ll have to have half his tail amputated if the splint we’ll be applying tomorrow doesn’t help.

I feel guilty about taking a little trip but I’m going to Pittsburgh Saturday to see a Rembrandt, Vermeer and Monet exhibit at the Frick. I was an art major so this is a very exciting day trip.

Finished:
The Dark City for last years friend challenge. This was meh. I could barely pay attention to the story line so I couldn’t describe it to anyone who asked lol. It wasn’t terrible it just went in one ear and out the other.

Mistress of Mellyn was for the March classics challenge prompt. I love a good gothic novel and this hit all the right spots for me. Creepy yet beautiful home, eerie atmosphere, mysterious deaths, romance, a governess determined to get to the bottom of things.

The Bad Beginning not for a challenge, this is the new series my son has picked out to listen at bedtime. There are so many books in this series that I imagine we’ll be with the Baudelaire siblings for quite some time. I also love love love that the narration was by Tim Curry.

Before Your Memory Fades not for a challenge. This is the third book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. It’s kind of hard to keep these characters straight when I go so long between the books but each individual story is easy to follow and always tugs at my heart.

Currently Reading:
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Great Adventure Catholic Bible
The Reptile Room
Weiland; Or the Transformation
Leap of Faith

QOTW:
My favorite spot is probably in bed, I turn on an audiobook and mindlessly play games on my phone for a few hours or knit or do kinda craft. I also do a lot of listening in the car.

Challenges:
Popsugar - 10/45; 1/5
Read Harder - 10/24
Classics - 3/12
European Tour - 4/10
12 Friends - 12/12
Yearly Goal - 64/150

Once again I finished no books. I teach Advanced Placement classes and our test is coming up soon so I only read student essays right now.
Hoping to finish The Age of Innocence (62 pages remain) and A Truth Universally Acknowledged: 33 Writers....Why We Read Jane Austen (100 pages remaining) by the 30th.

Currently reading:

London
The Age of Innocence
The Annotated Arabian Nights
The Mists of Avalon
This Impossible Brightness
Dear California
Why We Read Jane Austen
The Direction of the Wind
Daisy Jones and the Six

Next up:
Huckleberry Finn
The Love of My Life (Rosie Walsh)
The Women

QOTW: I prefer to read at the beach or by the pool. But I actually do most reading in or on my bed because it's usually night time. Summer vacation in 6 weeks then 7 weeks of waterside reading (don't get me started on why we only have 7 weeks instead of an actual summer off....)

Aww... I'm sad. No more free summer audiobooks from Audiobook Sync. :'( They don't really say why they're not doing it anymore, other than audiobooks have caught on and people see them as "acceptable" forms of reading now, especially for teens.

https://audiofilemagazine.com/article...

On the plus side, I literally have *years'* worth of audiobooks I've gotten from them that I haven't gotten around to listening to!

I finished PopSugar 2024 this week! :D Whoo!

I still have two more challenges to finish (Robot Librarian and Extreme Book Nerd for my local library), but I'm gonna celebrate this milestone. Probably by stopping by my favorite independent bookstore tomorrow and stocking up, haha...

Also having a weird issue where Goodreads isn't letting me remove two books from my shelves... and only those two books for some reason. They're both books by an author I've since learned is controversial (faking being Latinx and possibly faking being trans), so I have no more desire to read them. If only Goodreads would let me take them off my shelves...

Books read this week:

I, Robot: The Illustrated Screenplay -- not for PopSugar. NOT the screenplay for the Will Smith movie, but one much truer to the book that was, sadly, never created. Man, I wish someone would adapt THIS one to the big screen.

Root Magic -- for “magical realism.” A family living in 1960s South Carolina deals with prejudice while passing down the art of rootwork to their children. I loved this and learned a lot about rootwork (also called conjuring or hoodoo), an African-American magical art that doesn’t get explored in fiction much.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous -- not for PopSugar. Ocean Vuong is an outstanding poet… less so a novelist. This was gorgeously written and gutwrenching, but the plot is a freaking mess.

The Ferryman -- for “book with a main character who’s 42 years old.” Good premise, I just wish the characters had been fleshed out more. The author had over 500 pages to do so but didn’t…

PopSugar Challenge -- FINISHED

Robot Librarian Challenge -- 31/32
Robot Librarian Advanced Challenge -- 9/10
Robot Librarian Non-Fiction Challenge -- 2/10

Extreme Book Nerd Challenge -- 35/50
Extreme Book Nerd Advanced Challenge -- 9/10
Extreme Book Nerd Non-Fiction Challenge -- 3/10

Currently reading:

Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
Godshot
Road of Bones
2001: A Space Odyssey

QOTW:

Probably at the kitchen table while having breakfast. It's just nice to have a moment of solitude in the mornings to read quietly.

Did a late check in last week, so not much to report.

Finished
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants Really great. I want to get a copy to hold onto, because I feel like I'll want to return to this a lot. I loved the blend of Indigenous knowledge and Western science, and the insights and information around us. It made me want to plant something - a little tough as I live in a condo, but maybe I'll pick up a planter box!

Currently Reading
The Abominable
Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table
Pulling the Chariot of the Sun: A Memoir of a Kidnapping
ASAP

QotW
Currently, probably in bed, on a weekend morning with nothing pressing to do. I snuggle up and get reading, and if I'm lucky, my cat joins me.

I do have a dream of getting one of those big somewhat enclosed outdoor chairs. Again though, condo.

Happy Thursday! A while ago, my friend found out that any California resident can get a library card from the San Francisco public library- and access to their Libby. The only catch is you have to go in person to pick up the card. So this weekend we had a little SF trip- visited a favorite bookstore, a popular bakery- best kouign amann I've ever had- and picked up our cards. As soon as I entered the new card, I got SO MANY emails from Libby about copies of books I'd marked as "notify me" that were now available. I now have 36 books on hold... why?? I went overboard, but it was very fun.

Finished:
The Serpent and the Wings of Night- honestly, this should have been your typical romantasy book, centered on a competition. But there was a scene with a side character that really affected me, and then I was fully sucked into the story, and now I need the sequel immediately.
-no prompt

Termush- a Danish book from the 70s(?) about the aftermath of some disaster, and there is a hotel that has been turned into a safe haven for a group of wealthy people. It was interesting, but not something I'll be recommending to everyone
-no prompt

Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam- a graphic novel memoir, about a family that immigrated from Vietnam. Maybe I'm just a little extra emotional, but I found this made me weepy. Really recommend this one
-15 A book recommended by a librarian

Currently reading:
Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 1-one of my friends is a big fan of this writer, so giving it a shot!

A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety-listening to this, it's very pleasant. Feels like being told the life story of a great uncle

QotW:
Definitely my little sofa. Under a pile of blankets.

Kenya wrote: "I finished PopSugar 2024 this week! :D Whoo!

I still have two more challenges to finish (Robot Librarian and Extreme Book Nerd for my local library), but I'm gonna celebrate this milestone. Probab..."



wow! congrats!!

Erin wrote: "Happy Thursday! A while ago, my friend found out that any California resident can get a library card from the San Francisco public library- and access to their Libby. The only catch is you have to go in person to pick up the card. So this weekend we had a little SF trip- visited a favorite bookstore, a popular bakery- best kouign amann I've ever had- and picked up our cards. As soon as I entered the new card, I got SO MANY emails from Libby about copies of books I'd marked as "notify me" that were now available. I now have 36 books on hold... why?? I went overboard, but it was very fun. ..."



wowwww!! super exciting to have all those titles become available!! it's hard to resist! Good luck juggling all your holds :-)

Everything is finally turning green where I am, or maybe it just seems more noticeable after a couple of particularly gloomy days.
The Library Passport program is winding down, but I'm hoping to make it out to a few more this weekend.

Finished:
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder - One of the perks of being a children's librarian is getting first crack at the new arrivals 😉
Dead Collections - (A LBGTQ+ Romance) This was kind of an odd one, but in a good way. The kind of book that kept me reading.

Currently reading:
In Buddha's Kitchen : Cooking, Being Cooked, and Other Adventures at a Meditation Center
Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City
Ribbon Dance
Sing Me Forgotten
Tales from Moominvalley
Mel the Chosen

QOTW: I never really thought about it. As long as I'm comfortable, I can read anywhere.

Laura wrote: "We’re trying to make things as normal as possible for Eli after Monday’s horrific events. He’s doing okay, and the school has been amazingly empathetic and supportive. The perpetrator has been appr..."




I am so angry, too. Some of those kids will have a lifetime of trauma now. I don't know what the answer is, but I have to keep hoping an answer will be found. I don't understand why the USA seems to just let it keep happening.

Nadine in NY wrote: "A lot of you use Libby, right? Does anyone else get really annoyed when your home page lists the ebook you have currently borrowed (and are ACTIVELY reading) under "one good turn" with "1 person is waiting" - as if I should return it now, unfinished, just for that other person??? I ..."

I noticed that with the book I just finished. I thought it was really annoying since I get 3 weeks with a library book, 4-5 weeks with interlibrary loans, and only 2 weeks with Libby. I feel accomplished when I can read a Libby book in 2 weeks. And all those people waiting - I probably had to wait on the book too.

Happy Thursday!

I finished a book. For some reason April has been the worst for reading time for me. I'm doing Camp NaNo - so I'm using my reading time to write. I had a birthday week - where I was out and about doing fun things instead of staying home reading. Then, I signed up for a Saturday morning dance class. Reading in bed Saturday mornings was a time I moved through a lot of chapters. So, TLDR - my life is great, but it's cutting into my reading time.

Finished:
The Westing Game
ATY prompt: A book that has been on your TBR for over a year
Popsugar prompt: Can't find one

Series - 3/12
Nobel laureates - 1/5
Mysteries/Thrillers - 5/13

ATY - 14/45
PS - 8/30

Currently reading:
The Inheritors - 40% done
Henderson the Rain King - 20% done
The Darkest Road- 5% done


Buddy Reads:
This Present Darkness - 50% done
Hollow City - 15% done

QOTW: That would be my bed. (Although the couch will do in a pinch.)

Happy check-in! I'll answer the QOTW here because I was reading outside on the chaise earlier. We have nice weather right now and no mosquitos. In the winter reading in bed is best preferably with tea.
@Nadine I don't find that feature of Libby to be upsetting. I can ignore it without feeling bad but it does remind me to return things I don't feel like reading right now.

Finished Reading:

The Inadequate Heir ⭐⭐⭐
Game of Thronesesque series without magic/dragons and aimed at women. Also not depressing.

The Old Man and the Sea ⭐⭐ (ATY sea)
It's about fishing and baseball, not my jam. Although the writing was nice but I got bored.

In the Kitchen With Miss Piggy: Fabulous Recipes from My Famous Celebrity Friends ⭐⭐
I got a few chuckles out of this but none of the recipes actually look worth making. Some recipes were gross or not really recipes, like eating pears with cheese.

Funny Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY published 2024)

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 20 ⭐⭐⭐
Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 21 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This series is pretty consistant but there are a couple of volumes that are filler and have no plot.

The Serious Goose ⭐⭐⭐
Good fundraiser.

PS 29/50
ATY 31/52
Goodreads 105/150

Currently Reading:

Against the Darkness
Black Beauty

I didn't finish anything this week due to my 7 day free trial on Apple+. Watched lots of interesting series (The Crowded Room, Manhunt, Shrinking) and movies (CODA, Napoleon). it's over now, but I found I had access to A Gentleman in Moscow and We Were the Lucky Ones, so little reading yet. I love all the book inspired content these days.

Goodreads: 15/100 (might have to lower this
Popsugar: 11/50

QOTW:
I usually read in bed because it is where I can be alone. Lately, if my mom is reading, I've been able to read in my recliner, which is nice.

Nadine in NY wrote: "Happy Thursday!!  I need to mow the lawn! There are just a few of us left in the neighborhood who are holding out and sporting shaggy lawns. Mine is the shaggiest. Today, I promise my neighbors, I ..."

On the Libby ... vent. I believe they post that to guilt those borrowers who read or listen to a book within 2 or 3 days of borrowing it but don't actively return it, just keep it out until it automatically returns --- 3 weeks later. There are a lot of people like that - I know people who do that. I had a conversation about it to a friend in Milwaukee where she has been waiting forever to get her hands on Murderbot - All Systems Red - a 144 page novella, which stays out the 3 full weeks on each borrow.

You need a thicker skin. These are generic posts, not targeted.

Nadine in NY wrote: "I see Brits use that term "MOT" for a variety of things. In the memoir I read, she mentions having her "baby MOT" like it's her original birth certificate? What does "MOT" mean?..."

It's a test of roadworthiness for cars. You can't legally drive a car in the UK without it (well after the first three years, they assume new cars are road safe). You have to have it done every year and if it fails you are only allowed to drive it between your home and a mechanic.

You can get minor fails which are things they think you should fix but these won't fail the whole MOT.

I guess people use it in place of saying a check-up for other things. I had to look up what it stood for, apparently MOT is short for Ministry of Transport.

I finished The Samurai's Garden. It's one of those books I can't decide if I liked it or not.

I am about halfway through 1421: The Year China Discovered America. Apparently it's a bunch of poppycock, but I started it so I'll finish it and the do further research.

QOTW: In the park on a bench under a tree (only in warm weather of course).

K.L. wrote: "Happy Thursday, everyone!

This week my cat had his annual check-up at the vet. He’s always been a very healthy boy, and the vet seemed pleased with his overall condition.

Despite his dislike ftr ..."

My last cat was weird. She was fine with pretty much everything at the vet (shots, blood drawing, thermometer up her butt), but freaked out every time they looked in her ears.

Happy Friday!

Not much going on in my life. Had therapy and went to the comic book store after, but that's really the only highlight of my week.

*****

My Book News:

Not much to report on my end. I haven't been reading much this month which is unfortunate. Sadly I've only read 3 books for the whole month of April. I just can't seem to focus on anything.

I've mainly been focusing on comics and graphic novels instead because my attention span has seemed better in that department.

I'm trying to get my TBR set for May, but that's proving to be a bit of a challenge since I don't know what I'm in the mood to read. I have a couple of books that I haven't finished so I don't even know if I want to get to those.

I do know I want to read some books for AAPI month so I'm hoping I'll be able to find something there.


******

QOTW:

Do you have a favorite spot to read?

Not particularly. I read just about anywhere. Though I suppose I do have a favorite room I like to read in and that's my home library.

I missed it was Thursday. Again. Oops.

Quick check in, because I'm still only reading fics. A Lot of them though! Also I'm currently in a virtual queue to buy a Funko. I got my password wrong (and I forgot to log in beforehand like some kind of newbie) and when trying to check out it kicked me into the queue. Fingers crossed!

Saw my food nutritionist lady yesterday and I lost another 0.6kg of fat! (1.3kg in weight, but the remaining 0.7kg was muscle loss and that's not something to celebrate haha) Slow and steady wins the race! Seeing progress truly helps in staying motivated, and I was so scared because after being sick I expected to have gained weight.

So yay!

My impossible puzzle is going well in the meantime, I'm about halfway-ish done I think! Sadly my left shoulder is starting to complain so I should probably take it easy for a while xD

QOTW
My bed! It's where I do most things. The couch is good, too, but I'm hardly ever home alone so there's just too much constant noise and distractions. Though, when I can do audiobooks, doing audiobooks while puzzling is great, which is done at the kitchen table.

Regarding the Libby reminders, I actually don't mind seeing the number of people waiting. It helps me prioritize what to read first and what I might be able to renew if no one is waiting for it.

TGIF! Been a crazy busy week and of course today has been a PITA. I finally did a bunch of overdue updates to my 1 year old laptop, many security related, and suddenly my built-in camera cannot be found. Fortunately for the zoom I had just now, I did not have to be seen, but I do at many, including virtual court appearances. After multiple troubleshooting and help and restarts not locating the camera. I'm giving up for the day. Sometimes these things cure themselves overnight. I do have a separate excellent camera I can set up but I really am trying to reduce the desktop clutter.

PS - 30/50, ATY - 43/52 - I need to start layering in the final 9 reads I've mostly identifed from my TBR into my monthly reading obligations. There is crossover too between PS and ATY.

Finished:
Soulless - no prompts
Ice Planet Barbarians - no prompts - pure alien smut - very dark at beginning but lightens and has a surprisingly interesting plot and characters. But it is absolutely alien steamy smut.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish - I needed a book with a fish on the cover for a challenge and had Seuss in mind -- perhaps because I needed a palate cleanser after alien smut?

I also read 6 different childrens picture books on Earth Day subjects like recycling, earth, earth day
The Lorax - 5 stars - continues the Seuss theme. What is rather chilling actually is how little has improved in reality since 1970 when this was published.
To Change a Planet - 5 stars - stunning frameable beautiful illustrations and a simple but important message - for young children - I will likely buy a copy of this for myself as the artwork is just so gorgeous.
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia - also a 5 star read - great story, great message, and lovely illustrations especially showing african textiles. @Nadine - might find some great tie-dye pattern inspiration!
I Had a Favorite Dress: A Picture Book - 5 stars - this one I absolutely plan to buy for myself - great messaging about altering and adapting clothes rather than automatically replacing them. Illustrations capture that feeling of DIY.

There were 2 I did not like - poorly done though pretty to look at:
Touch the Earth
Heal the Earth
There's a third but I didn't bother.

Currently reading - hope to finish this weekend:
The Silence of the Girls
The Winter of the Witch

QOTW: I read everywhere - commuting, standing in line, waiting for friends to arrive at restaurants, waiting for bank teller to finish my transactions, waiting for a zoom meeting to start, in bed, on my couch, while eating dinner. There's no limit to where I read. However my preferred position is lying down - always has been -- couch or bed no difference.

Happy Friday! We're back in Europe. And yes, Mr. Jetlag hit me hard yesterday. My stomach decided a complete reset, so I spent my night in the bathroom after already 2 nights gazing at the ceiling. Now (day 3) I feel in sync with time again.

Check-in for 2 weeks:

PS: 12/50
FNL: 18/40
Total: 22/52

Finished
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward⭐️⭐️⭐️
PS#35, FNL#18
Mississippi delta literature. We just drove through Mississippi, the story is better when you have seen the region with your own eyes.

A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ ⭐️⭐️
PS#14, FNL#15
African literature. Themes include poverty, corruption and politics, domestic violence and feminism.

Ik kom hier nog op terug by Rob van Essen⭐️⭐️
PS#11, FNL#21a
Dutch literature on time traveling. A bit like The Midnight Library, but darker and heavier.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro ⭐⭐⭐⭐
FNL #18
What a sweet story! It really made me look different to everything around me.

Currently reading
What You Did Not Tell: A Russian Past and the Journey Home by Mark Mazower
The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America by Timothy Snyder. We're watching 'Cold War' on Netflix, this book fits excellent.

QOTW
Anywhere where it's quiet and I have a comfortable chair or couch. So in other words: my chair, our outdoor sofa and my bed. And I loved the sun loungers at the hotel resort last week...

Jen wrote: "Regarding the Libby reminders, I actually don't mind seeing the number of people waiting. It helps me prioritize what to read first and what I might be able to renew if no one is waiting for it." I agree Jen. Sometimes when I have several borrowed with the same/similar due dates I will read the ones with holds/more people waiting first to move them along. Makes me feel like I did a good deed.....

Dubhease wrote: "my life is great, but it's cutting into my reading time..."

XD Same

Nadine in NY wrote: "A lot of you use Libby, right? Does anyone else get really annoyed when your home page lists the ebook you have currently borrowed (and are ACTIVELY reading) under "one good turn" with "1 person is waiting" - as if I should return it now, unfinished, just for that other person??? I ..."

I noticed that too! But I just looked at it again and does it only do that when you have more than one book? Because, I currently have only one and it just says "Where you left off" But this same book a few days ago, when I still had another book, said "one person waiting." I just remember thinking 'And so...? I waited for it too.'



Dubhease wrote: "I noticed that with the book I just finished. I thought it was really annoying since I get 3 weeks with a library book, 4-5 weeks with interlibrary loans, and only 2 weeks with Libby. I feel accomplished when I can read a Libby book in 2 weeks. And all those people waiting - I probably had to wait on the book too...."

That's confusing! No matter where/how I get my books I get three weeks.

Happy Friday! We finished week 1 of daycare and the little guy seems to be doing well and settling in.

Finished
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea: I'd recommend this to anyone who liked Legends & Lattes but wanted a little more plot. It's still pretty chill and cozy, but there's a little more going on.

Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Nuclear Disaster: Fascinating but sad

Currently Reading
Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery: well written and interesting memoir

Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia: only just started

QOTW I don't really have a favorite spot in this house...I gotta work on that I guess. I most usually end up reading on the couch or in bed. Occasionally at my desk when I'm in meetings, er I mean, when I'm on a break.

Happy Friday. Spring is here, the sun is out, and I've been able to go outside and read while soaking in all the vitamin D that I've been missing.😎😁

Stats:
PS: 20/50
ATY: 32/52
ATY Rejects: 9/25
ATY Rewind: 13/25
DBC: 23/36
GR Choice: 12/30
TBR: 6/10

Books I FInished:

Rizzio ⭐⭐⭐
PS: 3. A book about a 24-year-old. (Mary Queen of Scotts was 24 when this happened)
A historicle novella that was short and sweet and intense. I enjoyed it so much, I had to search out more from the author.

Three Fires ⭐⭐⭐
ATY: 30. A book set in a country bordering the Mediterranean Sea. (Italy)
I think I liked Rizzio more, but I was more familiar with the events that happened in this book.

♻️Nimona ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I just felt like a reread of this.

Dinosaur Sanctuary Vol. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was a dino obsessed kid, so having a book series that is about how Jurassic Park would work if things didn't go wrong is exactly my cup of tea.

♻️Bridge of Dreams ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Finishing off my reread of the trilogy.

Once & Future, Vol. 4: Monarchies in the UK ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I just love this series. I almost don't want to read the final book, because then it will be over.....

In Progress:
The Grief of Stones
Dance with Me
The Last Olympian

QotW

My absolute favourite place is on a lounge chair out on my deck, in the sun, when it's not too cold or too hot and the bugs aren't out, with a nice cold drink. Unfortunately, Mother Nature only gives me a handful of days each year where that's possible. My second favourite place would be on my couch, with my feet up, covered in a nice warm blanket with a nice drink.

Hello everyone! I have had a much more successful reading week. As I said last week I was only in the mood/head space for graphic novels and after reading the ones from last weeks haul in a few days I went back and got a bunch more. So far I've been able to find places for them in my challenges which is awesome.

Unfortunately, I have a couple books that didn't get renewed yesterday and now I have to finish it this weekend (I already started one) so back to reading a regular novel for a bit. I still have like five graphic to read so, I can hop back to those easily.

2024 Challenges:
Popsugar: 26/50
ATY: 39/52
Robot Librarian: 31/52
A to Z: 21/26
Physical TBR: 0/93
Kindle TBR: 1/111

Goodreads: 47/50

Book Clubs:
PS Monthly: 21/54
Reese: 30/94
Oprah: 11/101
Jenna: 7/65
OSS: 6/39

Finished:
6 finished, 4 Completed Popsugar

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel
ATY#5, AtoZ

Brooms
PS#39, ATY#29, RL#40 (Trans/Nonbinary character)
Totally recommend this graphic novel. It has so much representation and a kick ass group of characters.

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?
AtoZ
Meh…it was alright. The concept is a good topic but, something about this I just didn’t really like, probably the writing style or something.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
PS#6, ATY#28
A Graphic novelization of the movie.

Dragons Beware!
PS#23
Loved it! Might just go get the first one too (Giants Beware!)

The Tryout
PS#7
This was a cute story about the author's life when she tried out for cheerleading in the seventh grade.
-------
Currently Reading
The Quarter Storm
Zazen
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Back of Beyond
The True Love Experiment

On the Backburner
Libby

Physical Library Rentals
Shady Hollow
The Luminous Dead
The Infinity Particle
The Fox Maidens
The Secret of the Ravens
Song of the Sea: The Graphic Novel
This Was Our Pact
The Great Divide

Magazines: (10/143)
Read since last check-in: 3

Question of the Week: Do you have a favorite spot to Read?
I do most of my reading in my bed. But lately I have been getting a lot of reading done at pick-up time and also sitting in a chair outside while the kiddo plays.

I've hit a bad reading slump this month, having only read 3 books which is a complete disaster.

I ordered a couple of books today though so I'm hoping those will help get me out of it:

Under the Bridge - I normally don't read true crime books, however I'm watching the TV series on Disney+/Hulu and I'm really enjoying it. Knowing it's a book has me curious.

Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma - This one just came out in paperback. I read it last year when it was released and enjoyed it. Figured I would have at it again.

The medical saga continues, and had my biopsy yesterday so recovering still today. It was originally scheduled at 10am (which I specifically picked for the time since fasting was involved) well they called me at 8:30am the day of to let me know that they reviewed the images and wanted to do it via CT imaging instead of ultrasound, and that room wasn't available until 2:30pm. Silver lining was that at least I didn't take the day off work for nothing - and I could still get it done same day, but whew--- I was starving by the time I was done around 7:30pm. Now, waiting on the results that will take a week to get.

Challenges:
26/75 GoodReads Challenge
20/50 PopSugar Challenge

Finished:
1.) Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (#14 - Bookseller Rec) ⭐⭐⭐: Rich people problems book that wasn't executed as well as I hoped it would be.



Currently Reading:
1.) The House Across the Lake
2.) When We Were Bright And Beautiful



QoTW: Do you have a favorite spot to read?
Love reading in bed before I fall asleep, love a cozy reading chair, love the idea of reading outside or in a coffee shop.

Nadine in NY wrote: "Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin - I chose this for my "24 year old character" book - I was expecting a fun, light, and enjoyable read, but what I got was an overly earnest book chock full of annoyingly two-dimensional characters. I did not enjoy this. Thumbs down!."

yikes Nadine - I had this penciled in for this prompt, wondering if I should find something else...

Britany wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin - I chose this for my "24 year old character" book - I was expecting a fun, light, and enjoyable read, but what I got was an overly earn..."



Most readers really loved it, so give it a try.

Happy Saturday!
A cloudy, rainy day here, good for staying in, doing chores and reading,

Books finished this week-
It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs, for hoh prompt, surprised I really loved this book, generally not into non-fiction or memoirs.
The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree, cute, cozy mystery
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, sweet middle-grade book

Currently reading:
Agatha Raisin and The Perfect Paragon
An Unwanted Guest
The One and Only Ivan

My favorite place to read is my bed with a cozy blanket.

Today is Independent Bookstore Day so I went to my local indie. Got a couple of interesting books. One I won't mention because it is a book about my local area, but I also picked up this other one:

Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present

Ron wrote: "I've hit a bad reading slump this month, having only read 3 books which is a complete disaster.

I ordered a couple of books today though so I'm hoping those will help get me out of it:

[book:Unde..."

Reading is reading, don't beat yourself up.
I don't have Hulu, but the commercials for Under the Bridge looks like something I would like, I put the book on my TBR.

Britany wrote: "The medical saga continues, and had my biopsy yesterday so recovering still today. It was originally scheduled at 10am (which I specifically picked for the time since fasting was involved) well the..."

Ugh, what a pain. Glad they were at least able to get you in on the same day. Hoping for good results for you!!