2026 Reading Challenge discussion

Happy Reading!

Hi Leah, hope you are well.
I've had a look at books we have in common and wonder if you would like to read any of the following

Fourth Wing Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing

The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles

Project Hail Mary Andy Weir
Project Hail Mary

Demon Copperhead Barbara Kingsolver
Demon Copperhead

If none of those work, please suggest a few others.

Have a great weekend.
ER

Hi ER! I’m glad to have you as my tbr twin for August. I have The song of Achilles and Demon Copperhead at hand so I prefer these 2 out of the 4 you mentioned. Either one is Ok for me. And would you like to discuss while reading or after we both finish the book?

Great to hear from you Leah. I think the Song of Achilles because Demon Copperhead looks gut wrenching and I've read a few sad books last month.

I'm happy to discuss throughout or at the end. If I like the story or conversely dislike or have questions, I will be highlighting, sharing quotes and random thoughts on my activity timeline in GR anyway. See you in the comments.

"I understood why his father did not let him fight in front of the others. How could any ordinary man take pride in his own skill when there was this in the world?"

I am enjoying this already

I just started reading it today. There are so many names to remember, which is quite challenging to me! I’m on chapter 3.

Yes, there are a lot of names and the very fact that they all have meanings makes me wish I knew Latin!

I'm on Chapter 16. I don't think this is a spoiler but I have removed the quote from my note.

From the start, this book has made me consider the distinct difference between fate and destiny and their entwined nature.

In this world, Gods' determine your role and as much as you rebel against prophesy, ultimately it must be fulfilled.

Apart from setting the scene with several characters, what has been your other observations?

Hey Leah, hope you had a nice weekend.

I have finished the book and really enjoyed it.

I feel a little deflated because obviously it's a Greek tragedy and there's sadness mixed with the joy, but well worth it.

Come September, I will be picking up something else from this author.

Let me know your thoughts at any point during the book or at the end

Hi ER! I had a nice weekend thank you for asking. I can’t read as fast as you because English isn’t my first language and my job gets in the way. So thanks for bearing with me!

I’m on Chapter 8 and I’m not sure whether Patroclus “like like” Achilles or just “he is amazing I’m confused” that kind of like, haha.

You brought up the distinct difference between fate and destiny which is quite intriguing and something I haven’t thought about before. Perhaps I will have thoughts after I finish. But I do believe in the grand scheme everything is written.

Also, I have read Circe by the same author, I enjoyed it very much! I hope you will like it too.

I’m half way through and it’s finally getting interesting! The first 50% is clearly about how they built up their strong relationship but imo could be condensed at least to 25%. Sometimes I get bored 🥱 … Now the epic battle is about to begin and I know it’s going to be very intense and sad, but somehow very excited.

Hey Leah, thanks for your update. If you thought that the first 50% was slow going, you have yet to find out how long the Trojan war takes. I won't spoil that for you.
I always think of war as a battle and then am reminded that each confrontation is just that. An event in a series. Each doesn't mean a decision has been made and the conflict is over. It is part of a progression towards the end.

I have finished the book. I’ve been dreading to read the ending since I kinda already guessed why Achilles must kill Hector in the end. But I haven’t guessed that Patroclus would end himself in such tragic and valiant way.

In my understanding, fate and destiny are synonyms but also very different. When one accepts one’s fate it means one has surrendered to life. When one says, “ it’s my destiny”, one actually believes the cause and is willing to follow it through. I’m trying my best to convey my thoughts on this, don’t know if I’m being clear.

And I hate the gods in all the stories. They come and go leaving nothing but ruins and they are manipulative and paranoid and pathetic, bound by the curse of eternity and lies.

Thanks so much for the buddy read, Leah. I really enjoyed sharing this one with you. Your distinction between fate and destiny makes perfect sense. I also agree the gods are incredibly capricious; their interference reinforces just how crucial fate, destiny and prophecy are in this world.

Thanks for encouraging me to think more while reading! It was a great experience with you in the lead. I hope we can buddy read again in the future!

You're welcome Leah. It would be great to read again, we still have unread books in common.

I find talking through a book or even reading reviews makes me consider a book in a different way, because I often focus on things that personally resonate and not main themes.

Enjoy your next read.

If you want to read another book with me I'm totally for it! I suggest "The Picture of Dorian Gray" or " I Who Have Never Known Men". I think these two will provoke a lot of thoughts.

Both sound great but I will go with The Picture of Dorian Gray if that's okay. I have the version that has The Original 1890 uncensored edition and the expanded and revised 1891 version. For some reason that shows on Kindle but not on Goodreads.

I will probably read both to see what the differences are, that's a personal preference and you don't have have to. I don't have many books planned for September so that fits in well. Thanks Leah for the invite. See you in September. Happy to continue sharing updates here or somewhere else?

I’m fine with using this group for our second reading because I’ve tried with another book friend before and it’s convenient. I only have the Chinese version of the book so I’ll just go head and read that! Will check in when I have some thoughts.

Hi Leah, happy September. Thanks for the friend request. I think that might be better than trying to find this link which is now archived. I can find it on my phone but not on my laptop.

I won't be starting The Picture of Dorian Gray for a little while as I'm trying to catch up with my NetGalley ARCs which I am way behind with. I forgot about that when I said I didn't have much to read this month!

Please read at your own pace and I will catch up with you in activity notes or here.

Take care,
Ennie