Dan’s Comments (group member since Dec 19, 2020)

Dan’s comments from the 2021 Reading Challenge group.

I apologize that I have been non-existent on here the last month or so. We have some big life changes going on and reading, unfortunately, has been low on the priority list. Hoping to jump back in here shortly and catch back up!

I'll get this month started. The last few months I've struggled with consistently reading but after finishing Chelsea Cain's Archie Sheridan series, I've been on a roll (for me at least). I'm still a few books behind pace but I've read 21 so far this year which is the most I've ever read in a year since college, which was over 10 years ago.

I started with John Le Carre's "Call For The Dead". A decent start to a series that I've heard has so much promise. One of my all-time favorite movies is based on one of his books in this series, "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy". Looking forward to reading through this series as he is considered one of the best spy thriller writer's ever!

I next read U.S.S. Seawolf by Patrick Robinson. His best in the Arnold Morgan series so far. His writing is so raw emotionally and so detailed technically, it really is impressive how he molds the two together to create such riveting novels. His only hitch so far was H.M.S Unseen.

Into The Fire by Dakota Meyer and Francis Bing was an incredible account of bravery and courage in the face of an almost unbeatable enemy. Written in a very raw and unrefined way, it shows how strong individuals in our military really are when faced with lack of command support and an overwhelming enemy. A small account of why I believe we have the greatest military, not because of fire superiority, but because we don't see life as dispensable as some other cultures do, therefore lending to individuals like Dakota, doing seemingly impossible things without thought or care to thier own safety for the greater good.

Last, I read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Again, I'll say he's one of my favorite authors of all time. This story, full of science, math and physics that I'll never understand, created a beautiful picture of humanity willing to give itself up to a greater good (e.g. Dr. Grace). He wove an incredible story through what could've been a drudge of science and relativity, and created an incredible piece of art. Though space related to his other two novels this one was very different in style and cleanliness that I very highly recommend.

Jonathan, my Dad gave me Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies series for an early bday present. I know you like some of his works. Was going to read them next month, but I'd be glad to lend them if you're interested. Let me know and I can drop them by the bookstore.

I've been a bit absent but I set a goal for each remaining month to hit my goal.

I read the last two novels in Chelsea Cain's Archie Sheriden/Gretchen Lowell series. Kill You Twice was phenomenal. One of her best novels of the series. Let Me Go, the final novel, was awful. Not only the worst novel of the series, it was hokie and rushed and felt like an afterthought. It was also gratuitous in nature and quite graphic compared to the rest of the series. Rumour has it she has one more not released and I hope so, because it was a terrible ending.

Despite it being halfway through the month already, I have several reads in progress and plan on finishing 6 this month. If I can hit 6 each remaining month, I'll reach my goal

I wish I had more to add but I didn't read anything in April. Started two books but life has thrown me a lot of curve balls this month and I haven't taken the time. With that said, I plan to get back on track this month. Andy Weir's new book comes out on the 4th and I already preordered it, plus I'll be finishing one of my favorite Chelsea Cain series that I just got, so I plan on it being a good month. Congrats Jonathan! 10 is a solid month! I'll try to match pace with you this month to get back on track! : )

I read three books in March. All completed in the first week. After that, I didn't even start another one. Still about 3 books ahead of pace though. Rough month due to many things and I've struggled to find any desire to read. April is a new month! Sitting outside today in the sunshine reading The Outpost, which I've been saving and now seemed like the perfect occasion!

Heather: the Maze Runner is a great way to get out of a slump! They are quick and easy reads and help get back some momentum! I'm definitely curious to know your thoughts on the stories!

And Gavin, holy smokes man. I know you said you were doing some audio books, but 23! Keep at it man, that's awesome!

Sorry for the late response, I've had quite a lot of issues with the program and was finally able to get some of them fixed.

I ended the month with a total of 7 books read, which is more than I had planned. So far, that puts me about 6 books ahead of my pace for the year and, depending on how the next few months go, I will most likely increase my goal.

A big reason for the extra reads is because I read the entire Maze Runner series by James Dashner. Overall, the world he created and the themes present in the novel were quite compelling, but he missed out on so much, in my opinion. Had he spent more time developing his characters and adding more specific details to his story regarding WICKED, especially in The Kill Order, I might've enjoyed it more.

The best reads of this month were The Night Season by Chelsea Cain and Artemis by Andy Weir. Two of my favorite authors in their respective fields and they didn't disappoint. Can't wait for Andy Weir's next novel that comes out in May!

H.M.S. Unseen by Patrick Robinson was my biggest disappointment, but only because I had bigger expectations from what he has produced in other novels. The first half of the book was excellent and showed so much promise, but then it delved into more psychological elements, which is not Robinson's strong suit. However, Arnold Morgan the "hero" of these novels is one of my favorite characters ever created in any type of novel and he stayed strong throughout. The book ended quite blandly and didn't deliver on what could've been an exceptional stand-off between Morgan and the villain, Ben Adnam.

My goal for each month is 4 books, but I'm going to shoot for at least 6 in March.

I've read 4 books this month, so far, which puts me 3 books ahead of schedule. The first one was a short read, a collection of poems called Waiting for the Past by Les Murray. I know this counts, but it almost feels like cheating since it was so short.

I’ve also read The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Artemis by Andy Weir and I just finished The Night Season by Chelsea Cain. It is a toss up whether Artemis or The Night Season was my favorite read so far. Both books were so good and so well written and both authors are favorites of mine in their respective genres.

With just over a week left, I hope to get at least 1, if not 2, more books read which will keep me ahead of pace for my goal this year.

This month I read 5 books, totaling 5 books. A bit ahead of my goal for the year. January is one of my busiest months work-wise, so I am excited I was able to read 5 books. Now that January is over, I hope I can pick up the pace and increase my goal for the year.

My favorite book was Red Platoon by Clint Romesha. A true, first-hand account of the battle for COP Keating in Afghanistan. An incredible story of bravery when faced with insurmountable odds. I hope one day he decides to write other books because he is an exceptional writer. Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell was a very close second.

I typically read a lot of fantasy/sci-fi, classics or military fiction so I'm trying to branch out and read more biographies and non-fiction this year.