You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Please read through the reporting thread carefully to ensure to report correctly to get your badge/s.

After you have read your chosen book(s) for this month's group theme read, please report in the thread below.

Please state what book you read (and link it), how it fits the theme, that you discussed it (and where), and briefly summarize what you thought of the book and/or link to your review if you have written one.

If you lead the discussion, please state this in your post.

Here is an example for how to report your read:

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and discussed it in the [Harry Potter/Buddy Read/Other books in theme] thread. I really enjoyed the book. I watched the film first so I already knew the story line but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book more as there was more detail involved. Plus I listened to the audio which was narrated by Stephen Fry who is a superb narrator. 4 stars.”

If you read more than one book which fits the theme, please report all your reads in the same post rather than in separate posts.

Please note, there are THREE different badges that can be obtained for group reads. Those reading and discussing one of the two chosen group reads will receive a colorful badge similar to those for previous group reads. Those reading and discussing any other book in the theme will receive a stamp. The discussion leader for the two chosen group reads will receive a badge stating they led the discussion. Maximum amount of badges you can receive for the group reads is TWO - one for the chosen group read/discussion leader and one for any other book in the theme.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. put your Wall of Fame Name at the beginning of your post as follows: WoF Name - Sandra
2. have read the book(s) before or during November 2025.
3. discussed it in the relevant thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
4. Report that you have read AND discussed the book.

WoF Pragya

I finished reading Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers and discussed it in the group.

I have read similar books recently and I wasn't a fan of the way it ended. So it was a 2 for me. Having said that, it could also be funny for those unfamiliar with Asian cultural parenting. It was a quick sunday read for me. The audiobook does a good job with narration.

WoF Jayme

I read Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto and discussed it in the group thread.

I thought this was a cute, silly cozy which had more of a strong "found family" theme than a mystery - even though there is a murder. It was a quick read and Vera did grow on me.
My one grip is why do they keep referring to this 60 year old lady as a "little old lady?" This 64 year old woman was a bit offended.

WoF Marnie

I read The Tainted Cup and discussed it in the group thread. This was a mix of fantasy plus mystery-crime fiction. I thought the characters were the strongest part, the world building accessible and the mystery compelling. Already have book 2 on my hold shelf. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WoF Alexandra

I read and discussed Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. It was quite cozy and I loved the mouthwatering descriptions of dishes and comforting family feasts. The mystery in this mystery lacked a bit, though.

WoFSharonBiskit

I read The Correspondent. I enjoyed the book. I was a bit disappointed that the author felt she had to make political remarks throughout. I find that date ps the book. I read to escape and that did nothing to help with that. I found it through me out of the story and lowered my enjoyment. That being said, I could identify with some things Sybil was going through.

WOF MAZZA Uk
I have read this book and posted in the thread. Although I am nto sure that I have joined enough in the discussion.
My review is here https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...

Marie's Review

Marie - your link takes a to an "edit review" page. It doesn't take you to your review.

n order to receive a badge you must:
WoF Name - Karin
I read this prior to this month
3. discussed it in the relevant thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
4. I've not only read the book, but I've discussed it (just added more now)

Since there are zero spoilers this was my review:

This is rounded up. It's not perfect and, to be frank, I thought that Vera Wong acted older than 60 and had to keep telling myself that Sutanto must be quite young. I have been putting off reading her Aunties books because there are just so many cozy series' out there and I've been inundated, but I will now.

It didn't hurt that once upon a time I lived in San Francisco for a few years and have been to Chinatown there (but mostly Vancouver's Chinatown) and that I have eaten real Chinese food although, truth be told, primarily Cantonese food, which ages me right there (in Canada Mandarin speakers have only overtaken Cantonese ones in the past 10 years or so so it's obvious this was in the 20th century.) In fact, all of my Chinese friends I had growing up were Cantonese Canadian (or, in one instance Peruvian born Cantonese) or else came from Hong Kong. It's fun to learn more about other types of Chinese food, but CONGEE ROCKS!!! It is the ultimate comfort food, so the part about congee (no spoilers here) was dear to my heart.

So, this "review" has managed to tell you squat about the marvellous characters and of course I don't want to tell you anything about them because those characters and how they interact are what make this book so wonderful, IMO.

Now I have to start reading Sutanto's Aunty series. But first, I need to buy some rice and make a pot of congee.

WoF Janice

Ooops - it looks like I forgot to report that I read (and was discussion leader) for The Tainted Cup. It won the Hugo Award for best novel 2025.

The discussion was in the designate thread.

I really enjoyed this novel and gave it 5 stars, one of the few 5 star ratings I've given this year. The world was very different from many fantasy worlds, and the mystery was quite intricate. Have recommended it to my grandson to read.