Michelle’s Comments (group member since Dec 08, 2021)

Michelle’s comments from the On The Same Page group.

Two lists down. Congratulations Lea! You give me hope for 2023.

Martha wrote: "Mid-December update ... 4 books read and a total of 27,471 pages so far this year.
79. Murder With Puffins Donna Andrews 12/6/22
3 stars ... not quite as good as the ..."

Glad you liked Fairy Tale. I felt almost exactly the same way about it. Such a good dog that Radar.

I'm usually OK reading across genres but I did drop a few of the categories here either because I don't enjoy them or because they didn't have any nominees I was particularly interested in. For the same reason I didn't do a winners only challenge. There just weren't enough of the winners that I was really interested in reading. These are books that interest me and were some of the most read on Goodreads in 2022 so hopefully I will be able to complete the list. *Fingers crossed*

Kindred and Yiddish Policemen both great books. Good luck!

Way to go Lindsey!

Thanks Bill! I'm depending on the goodreads voters for this one. Hope they chose well.

I know how did I miss them? Time to correct that.

Nice list Jami! I can't wait for your reviews.

Jackie wrote: "I have 5 of these on my tbr. Good luck!"

Thanks! We'll have to compare notes.

Thanks Jackie!

Ioana wrote: "While it works in some cases, this is not (and should not be) a "one fits all" formula. Case in point, The Golem and the Jinni, that IMHO did not need any sequel. Same for To Kill a Mockingbird, an..."

I totally agree with you about all those books. I do differ with you slightly about page numbers though. I don't think 1000 pages should be allowed for most books, series or not. Huge books are also the trend now, and it is the rare story that really demands that many pages. I feel like most books published today could do with some pretty ruthless editing. If you can't tell it in 500 pages or less maybe, you need to rethink it. Whether you split it into several books or cut out some of the backstory, your reader will probably appreciate it more. Also there is always the danger that you will just have that 8 book series with 1000 pages each - see Game of Thrones.

Alissa wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Just for discussion. Why are all books a series these days? Seriously there are no standalone books anymore. I love series they are like comfort food but it seems like every book p..."

That's a great observation Alissa. And I'm the world's worst complainer when I get through the final season of my current Netflix binge watch. I do think though that some stories should be left as is, even some of the really exceptional stories. Maybe especially the really exceptional stories.

Vikki wrote: "I've read a lot of books in both the Kinsey Milhone and Lincoln Lawyers series' and definitely recommend both.
Good luck with your challenge"

Thanks Vikki! I've heard so much about both of those series. I'ts time to check them out.

〰️Beth〰️ wrote: "The only one I have read was The Golem and the Djinni and I enjoyed it. I think you’ll crush this one since many are continuing in a series."

I'm looking forward to that one Beth. Based on comments here it might have to be first on the list.

Alondra wrote: "The amount of series that you are starting!! bwahahhaa..... Michelle!

You're digging a deeper hole for yourself. Join me in the depths of series purgatory!! Muahahhaha... >:D"

I know right? Oh well in for a penny in for a pound. I will never again be without potential reading material.

Thanks Alondra! I'm counting on a lot of winners. Surely GR readers can't be wrong.

Lea wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Thanks, Lea! I've heard so many good things about Thursday Murder Club. I can't wait to give it a try. I love the Li Du series so far so I feel sure I will like City of Ink. I like..."

Yep! Thank goodness I listen at hyperspeed when I blast out accidentally it takes people a little time to register what they heard. Usually I can high tail it out of there by then.

Pam wrote: "I thought about doing a 2nd list also and I’ve never come close to finishing this challenge! Thanks for the motivation. Good luck w both of your challenges!"

Thanks Pam! I think this second list is just an acknowledgement that I've never finished one of these challenges and I never will. So what the hey!

Ioana wrote: "Michelle, this is serious! I'm proud of you and worried about my TBR.
As full series, I've only read Wayfarers and The Lincoln Lawyer, and enjoyed them both.
The Golem and the Jinni is excellent, ..."

Thanks for your concern Ioana! I've probably gone off the deep end. I blame everyone who starts talking about next year's list in July. The moderators need to start cracking down on that stuff.

Also, I don't think I really ever finish any series I just get new ones. So if you completed two then you're my hero.

Your assessment of the Golem and Jinni series is just what I would like to talk about here. Yes, I know more books means more money for everyone. I'm also not opposed to series. But. Some books really don't need a sequel. Some books are so good they should be left alone. Some stories should be sacred left untouched by sequels written more than 20 years later (I'm looking at you Handmaiden's Tale). Sometimes there is a series like Harry Potter that you don't want to end and somtimes there is a beloved book that has become iconic like To Kill A Mockingbird that should be left as it is. I'd love to hear about books that others think should be left alone or series that should never have been written.

Pam wrote: "The 2 books I voted for were Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and I Must Betray You. I recommend both of them! Hope the rest are really good and not over rated!"

I'm looking forward to both of those Pam. Glad to hear that you enjoyed them.