On The Same Page discussion

2024 was a good reading year, and I reached my goal to read more sci-fi and fantasy. Most importantly, I enjoyed them. And still, the most read genre was again, unplanned, non-fiction.
I decided not to fight this anymore, and plan to read more non-fiction in 2025. Why not? I have a huge list to pick from.
I failed terrible in the series category, and I think I've only finished 1 series the entire year. Unless I finish 0 series in 2025, I can only improve there.
I just checked earlier, I still have 36 books I've added to my TBR in 2010. It's been to long, I need to read some of them, because I don't want to just take them off.
So...non-fiction, series and old TBR books. I think I'm good 😀

Edit to add: I knew I had a lot of NF books to pick from, but I had no idea how many. I was thinking of just going through the list, reading them in order I've added them to my spreadsheet/TBR....but I just counted them, they're over 1500....it will take me 20 years of reading nothing else but NF....I guess I need a different approach and to be more selective. Hmmm...

1. Verity 1.5*
2. Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife 3*
3. Emergency Skin 3.5*
4. The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements
5. She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement 3*
6. Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life 2.5*
7. The Broken Girls 2.5*
8. American Born Chinese 4*
9. Dead Man Walking: The Eyewitness Account Of The Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate 4*
10. The Boyfriend 3*
11. When We Had Wings
12. The First Excellence ~ Fa-ling's Map 3*
13. The God of the Woods 4*
14. King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa 4*
15. The Return of Ellie Black 3.5*
16. The Marriage Portrait 4*
17. Sugar
18. The Children on the Hill
19. Take My Hand 4.5*
20. The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook 4*
21. All the Colors of the Dark
22. Silent Spring 4.5*
23. The Killer Inside Me 3*
24. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness 4*
25. The Chickenshit Club: Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives
26. Don't Cry for Me
27. Black Death at the Golden Gate: The Race to Save America from the Bubonic Plague 3*
28. Kissing Girls on Shabbat: A Memoir 4*
29. Young Stalin
30. Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic 4*
31. Suttree
32. On Wings of Eagles 4*
33. By Thomas M. Campbell II The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implicat 3*
34. The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks 2.5*
35. Under the Skin
36. Crossing to Safety
37. To the End of the Land
38. Taking Turns: Stories from HIV/AIDS Care Unit 371 4.5*
39. Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions 3.5*
40. The Lost Bookshop
41. There are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America
42. Blood Over Bright Haven 4*
43. Playground

Grant County
#2. Kisscut 3.5*

Peter Ash
#3. Light It Up 3.5*

The Midwife Trilogy
#2. Shadows of the Workhouse 4*

Asian Saga - Completed
#6. Whirlwind 4*

Detective D.D. Warren
#9. Find Her 3*

Daughter of Cambodia - Completed
#3. Lulu in the Sky: A Daughter of Cambodia Finds Love, Healing, and Double Happiness 4*

Plantagenets
#3. Devil's Brood

Rogue Team International - Completed
Burn to Shine 2.5*

Eilis Lacey - Completed
#1. Brooklyn 3.5*
#2. Long Island 2*

Will Trent
#7. Unseen

Something is Killing the Children
#1. Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 1 3.5*
#2. Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 2 4*
#3. Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 3 3*

Dave Pelzer
#2. The Lost Boy 4*

Saga - Completed
12. Saga, Volume 12 2.5*

The Demon Cycle
#1. The Warded Man 2*

4MK Thriller
#2. The Fifth to Die 4*

That sounds like a plan! Why fight it?? I stopped and just read the crazy stuff that I like.

Good luck and happy reading, as always. ☺️

Ioana wrote: "2024 was a good reading year, and I reached my goal to read more sci-fi and fantasy. Most importantly, I enjoyed them. And still, the most read genre was again, unplanned, non-fiction.
I decided n..."

Hey Lady!

Man. I've been so busy and wrapped up into my own head that I haven't read as much as I used to.. But like you, I am not fighting it. I am setting my reading goals a little lower and just go with the flow.

Always read what you love Ioana! Besides you are my Nonfiction spirit guide. I look forward to checking out this challenge in 2025 so I know what nonfiction to add to my reading list.

Veronica wrote: "I've been so busy and wrapped up into my own head that I haven't read as much as I used to.. But like you, I am not fighting it. I am setting my reading goals a little lower and just go with the flow"

I did the same in 2024 and enjoyed the more relaxed pace. I'll set a lower goal again in 2025, because you know, big books. Let's see what happens.

Michelle wrote: "Always read what you love Ioana! Besides you are my Nonfiction spirit guide. I look forward to checking out this challenge in 2025 so I know what nonfiction to add to my reading list."

I have so many NF books I want to read, and I'm very excited about them. Hopefully you'll find some interesting, too.

Alondra wrote: "That sounds like a plan! Why fight it?? I stopped and just read the crazy stuff that I like.

Good luck and happy reading, as always. ☺️"

Thank you, I have a god feeling about 2025.

The majority of my reading tends to end up revolving around one series or another. I have been deleting some from my TBR lists because there are just too many... of course also adding more... *Sigh* I need to read more non-fiction. I was happy with the books I read in 2024 and I'll keep an eye on your selections for more ideas....

*you might want to change your title to Ioana's 2025 challenge*... They don't call me Capt. Pedantic for nothing you know.

Bill wrote: "*you might want to change your title to Ioana's 2025 challenge*... They don't call me Capt. Pedantic for nothing you know.."

LOL, Mr.Pedantic, title changed! Thank you. And I'll keep an eye on your reads, not that I need more ideas...but you know.

Old TBR books is a great challenge idea...I know I have books on my TBR from 2010 too.

Linette wrote: "Old TBR books is a great challenge idea...I know I have books on my TBR from 2010 too."

I will not get to read all 36 of them, but If I manage 5 I'll be happy. I know I'll want to read a lot of other newer books.

"and I can't fight this feeling anymoreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

Embrace what you love, girl!!

Yes! Read what you love! Like Michelle, I look to you for all the good nonfiction suggestions! I am struggling with reading the old TBR books too. I don't know why I never get to them, but I'm hoping to make some progress in 2025. We'll see. Happy reading!

Alissa wrote: ""and I can't fight this feeling anymoreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

Embrace what you love, girl!!"

Wise words, Alissa! This should be a good year.

Lea wrote: "Yes! Read what you love! Like Michelle, I look to you for all the good nonfiction suggestions! I am struggling with reading the old TBR books too. I don't know why I never get to them, but I'm hopi..."

I have a huge list of NF suggestions, so stay tuned.
My current read is from the "on TBR since 2010" category, and happy to report, it's a very good one. Give it a try, you might be surprised 😉

I make myself read nonfiction at times & usually enjoy it. Just harder to get into sometimes. Anyway, always looking for good recommendations, so I'll look forward to seeing what you read & hearing your thoughts.
Happy Reading!

Totally solid plan! I'd like to start reading more non-fiction so I'll be keeping an eye out for your reviews.

Happy reading in the New Year.

Thank you, Patricia and Lillie.
I have a huge list of NF books I want to read, and I'm not sure how many I'll get to. I read 30 NF books in 2024, and I wasn't even trying :-)
So maybe 25 for 25 is an attainable goal. We'll see.

I knew I had a lot of NF books to pick from, but I had no idea how many. I was thinking of just going through the list, reading them in order I've added them to my spreadsheet/TBR....but I just counted them, they're over 1500....it will take me 20 years of reading nothing else but NF....I guess I need a different approach and to be more selective. Hmmm...

You better get crackin'! lol

Alissa wrote: "You better get crackin'! lol"

LOL, I'm working on it. I need a few more lives ;-)

Verity. I had started this last year, but finished it today so it counts as a 2025 read.
My first Colleen Hover, and my last. If this is her best book, I don't want to read any other. The plot was weak, I've guessed the twist (actually both twists) very early on, but they were both stupid and unrealistic. (view spoiler)[ Verity was faking the coma (how can medical professionals not see it???) and she lied when writing the manuscript. Really? (hide spoiler)] 90% of the book revolves around (the imagined) sex life of Jeremy and Verity, with way too explicit sex scene, which is what I think brings in the high ratings. But this book is categorized as a thriller...and it is not that. Characters are all undeveloped, unidimensional with lots of plot ideas started and unfinished. Good thing it's a short book, I wanted to see how it ends, but not worth the effort. 1.5 stars, rounded down.

I would say Verity is Colleen Hoover's worst book Ioana but I think I'm in a minority. As far as I'm concerned 1.5 stars is about right. I have enjoyed other books by her.

Ioana wrote: "Verity. I had started this last year, but finished it today so it counts as a 2025 read.
My first Colleen Hover, and my last. If this is her best book, I don't want to read any oth..."

Yikes! I guess I won't be reading that. Of course, I've never wanted to read Colleen Hoover anyway. Mmm

Michelle wrote: "I would say Verity is Colleen Hoover's worst book Ioana but I think I'm in a minority. As far as I'm concerned 1.5 stars is about right. I have enjoyed other books by her."

After this traumatic experience, I am not curious to find out more. There are so many other books out there, and so many new authors that I want to try, I'm done with her.
I'm glad you enjoyed other books by her, there is still some hope then, but at least for now I'm not interested anymore.

Alondra wrote: "Yikes! I guess I won't be reading that. Of course, I've never wanted to read Colleen Hoover anyway. Mmm"

LOL, definitely not your kind of book 🤣

Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife. Born and raised in a fundamentalist Mormon family, the 13th of 31 children. The 2nd of the 10 wives of Verlan LeBaron, with whom she had 13 children. These are just numbers, but the life of this indoctrinated, brain washed woman was horrific. Pain, poverty, neglect, all for some religious exaltation. Actions that we can't understand or approve of, are explained by her upbringing: she gave up a monogamous life for a plural marriage; over and over again she forgave her husband, and continued to accept his new wives and the polygamous life. A lot of the dialogue feels too scripted, the premonitions, dreams and psychic encounters hard to believe, and in the end she manages to break out only after her husband dies. And then she trades her old religion for a new one, she becomes a Born Again Christian.... while she can still defend and try to explain polygamy. 3 stars

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements I loved chemistry in school, so I found this interesting. But so, so dry....I don't think it was the book, but the narrator.

Kudos on your progress. Glad you enjoyed Emergency Skin; I liked that one too. I should have added one of NK Jemison's books to one of my challenges.

Kisscut the 2nd in the series, and as disturbing as any other Karin Slaughter book. Child abuse, child pornography, incest, rape, genital mutilation....this book has it all. What's different, a completely unsatisfying ending. Why, why Karin???

I haven't read Karin Slaughter before but my mystery club is scheduled to read one of hers in October. I might have to skip it if it's anything like the one you just read!
Congrats on your progress!

Ioana wrote: "Kisscut the 2nd in the series, and as disturbing as any other Karin Slaughter book. Child abuse, child pornography, incest, rape, genital mutilation....this book has it ..."

It's a great series. I recall enjoying it immensely

Patricia wrote: "I haven't read Karin Slaughter before but my mystery club is scheduled to read one of hers in October. I might have to skip it if it's anything like the one you just read!
Congrats on your progress!"

They are not easy reads. No cozy mysteries, that's for sure.

Bill wrote: "It's a great series. I recall enjoying it immensely"

I'll definitely continue it, but I hope for a regular ending: (view spoiler)[ cops get the bad guys, justice is served. (hide spoiler)]

Ioana wrote: "Bill wrote: "It's a great series. I recall enjoying it immensely"

I'll definitely continue it, but I hope for a regular ending: [spoilers removed]"

Slaughter likes to keep you on your toes, if I recall...

Bill wrote: "Ioana wrote: "Slaughter likes to keep you on your toes, if I recall.."

True, true...maybe that's why I come back again and again.

American Born Chinese. 3 beautifully intertwined stories with monkeys, men and Chinese gods, all about identity, relationships, fitting in and making friends, when you are "different". I loved the way the 3 stories converged in the end. Great graphics too. 4 stars.

Ioana wrote: "American Born Chinese. 3 beautifully intertwined stories with monkeys, men and Chinese gods, all about identity, relationships, fitting in and making friends, when you are "different"..."

I keep hearing about this one. I may have to check it out.

Ioana wrote: "American Born Chinese. 3 beautifully intertwined stories with monkeys, men and Chinese gods, all about identity, relationships, fitting in and making friends, when you are "different"..."

I enjoyed this graphic as well, Ioana. As you say, great story and wonderful artwork.

Michelle wrote: "I keep hearing about this one. I may have to check it out."

I've read it because someone (Denise?) mentioned it on your post. I have no idea why this one was banned, I honestly don't see any reason for it. Yes, it exaggerates stereotypes, but if anything, it's a perfect place to start a discussion about being from a different place, speaking with an accent and looking differently.

Bill wrote: "I enjoyed this graphic as well, Ioana. As you say, great story and wonderful artwork"

Lots of the graphic art books I've read lately were based on your recommendations. Keep them coming!

Ioana wrote: "Bill wrote: "I enjoyed this graphic as well, Ioana. As you say, great story and wonderful artwork"

Lots of the graphic art books I've read lately were based on your recommendations. Keep them coming!"

I'll do my best. :0)

Dead Man Walking: The Eyewitness Account Of The Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate Such a sad book, another case where inadequate legal representation resulted in the death of an incarcerated man. Written and narrated by a nun who got to know the death row inmate, and was a witness to his death.
It's a traumatic experience, and she promises herself she'll never do it again. But she's a nun, and when asked again to be a death row's inmate spiritual adviser, she accepts.
Lots of good information and statistics on death penalty, and who are its recipients. 4 stars

Light It Up 3rd in the series, a very solid thriller. Peter Ash is a complicated character, with his issues, PTSD and severe claustrophobia, but a good man and efficient ex-military Afghanistan vet, now helping friends in difficult situations.
This time, the story moves to Colorado where cannabis is legal, and a company providing security to a cannabis business is being attacked. Interesting story, and I will continue the series. 3.5stars, rounded up.

The Boyfriend Everybody seems to read this, and I had to, for my book club. Not a book I would've picked otherwise, and that would've been just fine. It is a fast read, but the characters are all flat, the main one - Sydney - is just self-absorbed in search of a guy, and there are so many moments when you roll your eyes in disbelief, lots of actions with no consequences, lots of loose ends....where were the cops when all these murders happened? And the ending...(view spoiler)[ after years of medical school, this weird doctor who likes to see people bleed, drops off everything he's ever worked for just to follow a murderer, and live happily ever after?? When police knows their identities? (hide spoiler)] Crazy.

Shadows of the Workhouse The 2nd book in the series, several stories of the poor and the orphans of East London in the 1950s. The common thread is the narrator, Jennifer Worth, a midwife who witnesses and treats them. Very interesting, emotional, happy and sad encounters, and very informative. 4 stars.

The First Excellence ~ Fa-ling's Map One of the oldest books on my GR TBR, from 2011, probably one of the free or 99 cents books I used to get back then.
Set in communist China, there are 2 major stories: the state following and killing members of the Falun Gong religious group, and a group of Canadians who are adopting Chinese orphan girls. The 2 threads intersect at some point, and while some actions are not really believable, it was a good read. 3 stars

Ioana wrote: "Shadows of the Workhouse The 2nd book in the series, several stories of the poor and the orphans of East London in the 1950s. The common thread is the narrator, Jennifer Worth, a mid..."

I've read the first. Don't know why I haven't continued the series because I did enjoy it.

Bill wrote: "I've read the first. Don't know why I haven't continued the series because I did enjoy it."

That's exactly how I felt, I've read the 1st one in 2013, so more than 10 years ago. I just hope it won't take me another 10+ years to read the 3rd :-)

Whirlwind The last in the Asian Saga series. It's about a group of (mostly) British helicopter pilots in Tehran, in the weeks and days right before the Iranian revolution. Some have Iranian wives, and they all have connections with the Iranian society, the Americans, some have connections with the Azerbaijan society. There's a lot of action, social and political commentary.
The operation to take out the helicopters is brazen and full of risk, but in the end successful. Unfortunately, not without human casualties, but overall, a huge success. People lives were changed and will never be the same as before.
I really enjoyed all the books in this series, and I'm both happy and sad that it's over. 4 stars