Rachael | Booklist Queen’s Comments (group member since Dec 02, 2021)

Rachael | Booklist Queen’s comments from the Booklist Queen Reading Challenge group.

Literary fiction works contain serious literary merit. Instead of just entertaining, literary books focus on relationships more than plot and specifically set out to address major themes throughout the book.

They don't need to be highbrow literature, either. You can find literary fiction works throughout all genres.

What are your favorite literary books?

Explore my list of literary fiction at: https://www.booklistqueen.com/literar...

Go through your Goodreads to-read list and sort by oldest to newest because it's time to finally read one of the books that has been languishing at the bottom of your to-read list.

What books have you been meaning to read but haven't gotten around to?

Another way to diversify your reading is to choose books written by diverse authors. For this prompt, pick up a book by an author who is either an Asian American or a Pacific Islander. See how their heritage influences their story and notice the cultural similarities and differences from your own experience.

What Asian American & Pacific Islander authors do you recommend?

Let's go back a few decades and read a book set in the 1980s. Yes, the 1980s counts as historical fiction! Or if that makes you feel too old, go back and read some contemporary fiction from the 1980s.

What books set in the 1980s have caught your eye?

Part of the goal of the 2022 Reading Challenge is to diversify your reading. Reading books with diverse worldviews and different cultural, religious, and social viewpoints fosters better understanding.

What books with a Muslim protagonist are you interested in reading?

Picking a title for a book is an art. The best titles take a book to another level while poor titles get a book passed over on the shelf.

Name some great books with two word titles you think others should read for the reading challenge. Also, let us know which book you are reading.

William Shakespeare wrote 39 plays (well, maybe. Some of his work is under dispute). Feel free to go beyond the high school standards of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet to explore one of his other works.

Or reread one of the ones you read ages ago to see if it makes a lot more sense now that you aren't a teenager!

What are your favorite Shakespeare plays?

Break out from your reading rut and try something new. Instead of reading the same genre over and over again, pick up something you don't usually read instead.

What genres do you tend to avoid but are willing to try? Hopefully, some of the other commenters can give you suggestions.

Some books just seem to sell like hot cakes. Do they always deserve it? Not really. Often best sellers are way overhyped, but sometimes they deserve every ounce of praise.

Explore my list of the Best Books of 2021 at: https://www.booklistqueen.com/best-bo...

Which 2021 bestsellers are still on your to-read list?

While your book club is free to read anything it likes, you can't beat a book club book that sparks a vibrant discussion among its members.

What book club books have you read that resulted in fiery group discussions?

For my recommendations visit: https://www.booklistqueen.com/book-cl...

Instead of shop local, consider reading local. Pick up a book by an author with ties to your location (or one from your hometown).

Who are the best local authors where you live?

First Name. Last Name. Nickname. It all counts for this prompt.

What books would you suggest that have a name in the title?

Let's go back a decade and read a book published in 2012. Did it hold up to modern standards or is it showing its age?

What are your favorite books published in 2012?

One of my favorite plot devices is watching characters make a seemingly impossible choice and then pondering what I would have done.

What books do you recommend that feature a difficult choice?

Sometimes it's fun just to have a random prompt.

So comment with your favorite books with a bird on the cover for those who need suggestions!

What is speculative fiction?

Speculative fiction is an umbrella term for books that deal with topics that aren't outside the normal bounds of reality. Think time travel, imaginative worlds, the supernatural.

Science fiction, horror, and fantasy generally fall into this category, but so can works of contemporary and literary fiction.

What books would you suggest for readers needing to check off this prompt?

Twists and turns make for some exciting reading. And don't just think mysteries & thrillers, though they are the most prevalent source of unexpected plot turns. Some of my favorite twists have come from literary fiction and science fiction.

What are your favorite twisty reads?

I am not of the opinion that the book is always better (cough cough The Prestige or Runaway Jury) but it's definitely always way more fun to read the book first before watching the movie or tv adaptation.

What book becoming a movie (or tv show) do you plan to read?

Need suggestions? Check out my full list at: https://www.booklistqueen.com/books-t...

Goodreads lets readers vote for their favorite books in the Goodreads Choice Awards each year.

For the full list of winners, check out my post at: https://www.booklistqueen.com/goodrea...

Which of the 2021 Winners (or runners-up) are you going to read this year?

Let's start the 2022 Reading Challenge off with an easy one, a book by an author you love.

Who are your favorite authors?