On The Same Page discussion

In 2025, I had a "Priority Reads" challenge of 5 books that were either books I'd been meaning to get around to for a while, or newer ones (to me) that I was quite anxious to read. That ended up being my favorite challenge of the year. So, this 2nd list is basically an expansion of my Priority Reads for 2026:
1. The Story of Arthur Truluv, by Elizabeth Berg Finished 2/19/2026
2. The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown Began and finished 1/1/2026
3. DNF The World Played Chess, by Robert Dugoni
4. DNF Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen
5. The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón Finished 3/13/2026
6. Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet, by Will Hunt Finished 6/2/2026
7. The Chilbury Ladies' Choir, by Jennifer Ryan Finished 2/26/2026
8. The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club, by Helen Simonson Finished 7/15/26
9. They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei Finished 2/18/2026
10. Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard, by Joan E. Strassmann Finished 5/25/26
11. The Woman in Suite 11, by Ruth Ware Finished 8/27/2028
12. The Last Battle of the Revolution: Daniel Boone and the War for American Independence on the Kentucky Frontier, by Jeff Winstead Finished 7/21/26

Plus 4:
1. The Grey Cells of Mr. Poirot (Annotated and Illustrated): 23 Hercule Poirot Short Stories, by Agatha Christie
2. DNF 1898: Prelude to a Century, by John A. Corry
3. The Berlin Letters, by Katherine Reay
4. Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s, by B. Dylan Hollis Finished 1/22/2026

I've enjoyed The Wild Robot, Water for Elephants and They Called us Enemy, all for different reasons. Quite different stories. You seem to have a wonderful mix of books. Enjoy.

This is a great mix! And a good idea. I think putting books on a new list (besides our out of control TBR) helps to put them in the forefront of our mind and get them read. Several of these I've read & enjoyed. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on them as well as those I haven't read yet--but would like to!

Patricia wrote: "This is a great mix! And a good idea. I think putting books on a new list (besides our out of control TBR) helps to put them in the forefront of our mind and get them read..."

That's what I'm hoping, Patricia! My To Read list gets pretty unwieldy at times and some books have a tendency to get a lost. I'm excited about all the ones in this new 12+4 challenge, so it should help make 2026 a great reading year for me.

The Shadow of the Wind is such a beautiful book! Reading is a gift, and this list is fabulous. Hope you enjoy these titles in 2026.

Kdbrand wrote: "The Shadow of the Wind is such a beautiful book! Reading is a gift, and this list is fabulous. hope you enjoy these titles in 2026."

Thank you! I agree that reading is a gift . . . I'm looking forward to seeing your challenge list when you pull it together.

Going to second The Shadow of the Wind love. It’s one of my all time favorites. Such beautiful writing. I hope it speaks to you in the same way.

Read some of the other books (Water for Elephants, The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club, and the Hercule Poirot short stories collection) and enjoyed them all. Several of the other books look interesting. Happy 2026 reading!

Lillie wrote: "Going to second The Shadow of the Wind love. It’s one of my all time favorites. Such beautiful writing. I hope it speaks to you in the same way.

Read some of the other books (Water for Elephants, ..."

Thanks, Lillie. Based on your feedback and others on/off Goodreads, I'm going to give The Shadow of the Wind a higher priority. I'm moving it from the +4 into the list of 12 . . . and moving "Baking Yesteryear" to the + 4 instead.

Karol wrote: "Thanks, Lillie. Based on your feedback and others on/off Goodreads, I'm going to give The Shadow of the Wind a higher priority. I'm moving it from the +4 into the list of 12 . . . and moving "Baking Yesteryear" to the + 4 instead."

Can’t wait to see what you think of it!

The Shadow of the Wind is excellent. I recently read one of the in-betweeners (#2.5) and it reminded me of how good book 1 was.

Good luck on your 2nd list.

Hi,

The Shadow of the Wind is amazing.

The Woman in Suite 11 is on my list also.

My first read of the year, from beginning to end today:
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown

This is a children's book, but a good story is a good story - and this definitely is one.

Karol wrote: "My first read of the year, from beginning to end today:
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown

This is a children's book, but a good story is a good story - and this definitely is one."

Woohoo, off to a great start :)

I'll have to add this on my list. I haven't read a lot of children's books but I'd like to.

Karol wrote: "My first read of the year, from beginning to end today:
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown

This is a children's book, but a good story is a good story - and this defin..."

The whole trilogy is great. The movie was also excellent.

Bill wrote: "Karol wrote: "My first read of the year, from beginning to end today:
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown

The whole trilogy is great. The movie was also excellent."

Thanks, Bill. I just might look at the other two books in the trilogy.

I will add to the love for The Shadow of the Wind! Enjoy your challenge.

What a fantastic idea, Karol! I'm hoping to make a dent into Agatha Christie books this year. I've read Water for Elephants and The Shadow of the Wind. I didn't realize that The Woman in Suite 11 is the series to The Woman in Cabin 10. I will have to think about that one. Happy reading!

Finished one from my "Plus 4": Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s

I actually read this cover to cover. It's great! For the author, a young You-tuber, the recipes were new. For me, being a bit older, I remember some of the oldest recipes as being very similar to what my grandmothers baked . . . and a couple of the later decades in the book I remember seeing similar creations during those times. Great recipes, and lots of humor, too.

Hi Karol,

Your list is great. I have read a few. I added The Wild Robot and Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s to my TBR. When I saw the title, I thought the word "yesteryear" felt a little like a jab at some of us of a certain age. Yikes. Maybe it's funny? Looking forward to reading that one. I also try to have a "priority list" in my head for what to read next. It doesn't always work for me. Have fun!!

Karen wrote: "Hi Karol,

Your list is great. I have read a few. I added The Wild Robot and Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s to my TBR. When I saw the word "yesteryear" felt a little like a jab at some of us of a certain age. Yikes. Maybe it's funny?..."

I don't think the author intended a jab at older folks . . . since the "newest" recipe in this book dates to 1989, I guess that counts as "yesteryear". However, the author is extremely young so what seems old to him is different that what seems old to me, for sure!

Karol wrote: "Karen wrote: "Hi Karol,

Your list is great. I have read a few. I added The Wild Robot and Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s to my TBR...."

OK, thanks for clarifying. I do think it will be a fun read.

They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei

This was my first graphic novel, and I loved it. Thanks, moderator Bill, for the recommendation. My 5-star review:

This is the first graphic novel I have read, so I don't have others to compare it to for purposes of this star rating. However, the storytelling in this graphic novel was fantastic and brought out a broad range of emotions. The author shared very personal details of his experience as a child in the Japanese interment camps of the 1940's. He did a masterful job describing the pain and internal conflict his parents experienced that he can now interpret with adult eyes. This is a chapter in our American history that we dare not forget, and I am appreciative of George Takei's willingness to take the bandage off the emotional wounds for us to be able to see and understand.

Karol wrote: "They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei

This was my first graphic novel, and I loved it. Thanks, moderator Bill, for the recommendation. My 5-star review:

This is th..."

It was a fascinating story, Karol. I'm glad it worked for you. Like any book, graphic novels can be hit and miss but there is such excellent variety out there, something to please anyone.

Karol, Thanks for your review. I agree, it was very moving. I appreciate that George Takei was brave enough to take those bandages off.

Bill wrote: "Karol wrote: "They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei

It was a fascinating story, Karol. I'm glad it worked for you. Like any book, graphic novels can be hit and miss but there is such excellent variety out there, something to please anyone."

Indeed. I am looking forward to exploring this format more!

Karen wrote: "Karol, Thanks for your review. I agree, it was very moving. I appreciate that George Takei was brave enough to take those bandages off."

Yes, Takei is brave to put his story out there. Why is it so hard, sometimes, to tell others about the reality of the dark times we go through? In this graphic book, Takei does it with honesty and grace.

The Story of Arthur Truluv

I absolutely loved this story. "Friends are the family you choose," my brother told me years ago and I have heard that expression elsewhere since then. Friends who become our chosen family often help us through the darkest times in our lives. This book is a wonderful story of how that can work out.

Karol wrote: "Bill wrote: "Karol wrote: "They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei

It was a fascinating story, Karol. I'm glad it worked for you. Like any book, graphic novels can be..."

If you want to continue Takei's journey, you should check out It Rhymes With Takei

Karol wrote: "The Story of Arthur Truluv

I absolutely loved this story. "Friends are the family you choose," my brother told me years ago and I have heard that expression elsewhere since then. F..."

Beautiful book. Glad you enjoyed it. The others in the series are good too.

Michelle wrote: "Karol wrote: "The Story of Arthur Truluv

Beautiful book. Glad you enjoyed it. The others in the series are good too.."

Hard to imagine a series . . . but I might look into it. Thanks for the recommendation.

Bill wrote: "Karol wrote: "Bill wrote: "Karol wrote: "They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei

If you want to continue Takei's journey, you should check out It Rhymes With Takei"

Thank you Bill. I will work on finding that one.

The Chilbury Ladies' Choir, by Jennifer Ryan

I loved this book . . . and actually I resisted reading it at first because I've read so many books taking place during WWII over the years. This was unique, though, in several ways. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience of this epistolary novel.

The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Epic novel. There were so many layers in this book and they all worked together well for me. The story pulled me along in its grasp from beginning to end, bringing out a variety of emotions as it did so.

Karol wrote: "The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Epic novel. There were so many layers in this book and they all worked together well for me. The story pulled me along in its ..."

I love this book so much!

I really want to read the Shadow of the Wind!

Karen wrote: "I really want to read the Shadow of the Wind!"

I highly recommend!

Kudos on all of your progress, Karol!! Woot!

Alondra wrote: "Kudos on all of your progress, Karol!! Woot!"

Thanks, Alondra.

Karol wrote: "The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Epic novel. There were so many layers in this book and they all worked together well for me. The story pulled me along in its ..."

I know I replied on your other thread about this book but it's like when I see Tom Holland's "Umbrella" lip sync battle video, I have to stop and watch it for the 200th time. In the case of this book, I have to comment on it again, it's one of my favorite books ever :) Glad you enjoyed it.

Lillie wrote: "Karol wrote: "The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

I know I replied on your other thread about this book but it's like when I see Tom Holland's "Umbrella" lip sync battle video, I have to stop and watch it for the 200th time. In the case of this book, I have to comment on it again, it's one of my favorite books ever :) Glad you enjoyed it."

I totally agree, Lillie - can't pause to think about and talk about this book too often!

Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard, by Joan E. Strassmann

Great book for bird lovers who want to do more than just find and identify. The author gives tips for creating and finding bird-attracting environments, and behaviors to watch for with several bird species.

Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet, by Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet

I loved the description of underground places and why people have gone there. For my taste there was a bit too much content on what I'd call "spiritualism", but otherwise very much worth my time to read.

Karol wrote: "Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet, by Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet

I loved the description of underground p..."

I have had this on my TBR since it published. I definitely need to make a priority list of non fiction next year. Nice to see you liked the book.

〰️Beth〰️ wrote: "Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet, by Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet

I have had this on my TBR since it published. I definitely need to make a priority list of non fiction next year. Nice to see you liked the book"

I do hope you enjoy it, Beth!

Yikes - 8 finishes so far this year, but three DNFs.

Well, I've got 5 books left on the list to read. I'm confident that three of them I will like well enough to finish. The other two, I'm not at all sure.

I'm also not sure I should start with the ones I'm confident I'll like . . . or the other two . . .

There's hope that I will complete this challenge (despite 3 DNFs). I read and enjoyed both The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club and The Last Battle of the Revolution: Daniel Boone and the War for American Independence on the Kentucky Frontier this month.

That makes 10 read year-to-date. I just need to like 2 of the remaining 3 titles well enough to finish them . . .

Karol, you are doing great, and you're consistent. We still have 4+ months left. good job :)

Alondra wrote: "Karol, you are doing great, and you're consistent. We still have 4+ months left. good job :)"

Thanks, Alondra. At least I am getting a look at books I was strongly interested in (whether I finish them or not). Rather than keeping them buried in a "To Read" stack.

11 of 12 completed . . . 3 DNFs from the list this year. Gives me 2 chances to read a book that will complete a challenge. The Hercule Poirot probably will not be an option, as I have a friend who has borrowed that book. She has had it for a very long time and I'm not sure I will actually get it back before the end of the year - altho' I'm sure it will be back in my hands eventually. (It's a situation where I don't feel comfortable asking about it.)

So that leaves The Berlin Letters as my best hope . . .

I personally would count DNF's as part of your challenge totals. You started them in good faith, they just didn't work for you.