Joanna’s Comments (group member since Dec 27, 2013)

Joanna’s comments from the CPL's Book a Week Challenge group.

Rekesha wrote: "I think I'll read Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks, and Gangstas in the Public Library (020.92) by Don Borchert for this month's Dewey Challenge.

Oh! I second Jennifer. That looks really interesting.

Wow. It looks like everyone is off to a great start this year! So exciting. :)

Vivian wrote: "Looks like we are going to have lots of fun this year! Can't wait to try out the mini challenges!

We're very excited about the mini-challenges, too! We hope you enjoy doing them.

Ingrid wrote: "I didn't even think to get Felicia Day on audio! Great idea!"

I second Julie- Felicia Day's book is wonderful! While I didn't listen to the audio, I did watch a video of her reading from the book. It was hilarious. Based on that, I'm sure the audio is amazing.

I'm so excited to see everyone embracing something new in this new year.

I'm still trying to find something. My reading is all over the place so generally I've picked up a book from most areas by the end of the year. But historical non-fiction, especially centered around war, may be a weak point so I might try either Unbroken or The Monuments Men.

The Dewey Decimal system is a classification system used by libraries to organize materials, primarily non-fiction materials. Items are placed, based on topic, into one of ten main classes (0-9) which can be further subdivided by ten. These classes and subdivisions are called call numbers. For example- 600, 600.1, 600.15, 601, 601.1, and so on.

The more numbers after the decimal point, the more specific the topic. For example, 595 is “Other Invertebrates,” 595.7 is “Insects,” 595.78 is “Lepidoptera,” and 595.789 is “Butterflies.” Dewey allows items about similar topics to be placed near each other, making it easier for you to find materials!

Now that you know how Dewey works, it’s time for the challenge! We’re going to read a book each month from one of the main classes of Dewey.

January’s challenge is to read a book from main class 000: 000 to 099. This class is referred to as the “Computer science, information & general works” class. Interesting subdivisions include:
000- Computer science, knowledge & systems
020- Library & information sciences
030- Encyclopedias & books of facts
070- News media, journalism & publishing
080- Quotations
090- Manuscripts & rare books

In picking out your book, come to any library and walk around the section. You can pick any book that jumps out at you. Or, feel free to ask any of our friendly librarian staff for suggestions.

I will be reading Rare Books Uncovered: True Stories of Fantastic Finds in Unlikely Places.

Happy hunting!

Ah, January of a new year. It's time to make those resolutions and stick to them. Which we all know is easier said than done. But while you try to create a new you, why not try a new read?

January's challenge is simple- read a book from a genre that you would not normally pick up. For example, if you love romance, try science fiction. Or if you go for historical fiction, try a horror novel. Or if you read only non-fiction, try a fiction book. Or vice versa. The point is to step out of your comfort zone and try something new in the new year!

Make sure to comment below with your book choice and why you chose it!

Welcome, everyone, to the 2016 52 Book Pick Up! We are so excited to play host to you as we all attempt to read 52 books this year (one book every week).

Official registration begins on January 23rd (a link will be provided)- which is also our day of marathon reading! Join us at any library or from your home as we read from 12:00 to 4:00.

This year we will be doing three mini-challenges a month. There will be a general genre challenge, a Dewey Decimal challenge, and a Cooking challenge which will be hosted by our new moderator, Jennifer! Now, don’t feel like you have to do all of them. Mix and match. Do all three if you would like. Just do one. Or two. Or none. And feel free to mix them up every month.

There will also be a poll posted at the beginning of each month. Make sure to go vote and join in the poll discussion the first week of the following month.

And don't forget to join us every week for our weekly discussions on what we are reading.

So what is everyone reading this first week of 2016? My reading is all fantasy- Mirrored, Wendy Darling, and Whoniverse.

Again, a warm welcome to everyone and I look forward to tackling this challenge with you!

Julie wrote: "I did it! I just finished book number 52, now I just have to log almost all of them in the library system. :D"

Woo hoo!!! Congratulations! So excited that you made the goal! :)

Jennifer wrote: "I didn't get any books for the holiday - but that is okay because I have my trusty Library Card :)

There is nothing better than that trusty Library Card. :)

Chris wrote: "actually I just finally finished it tonight. what a slog. around chapter 18 I gave up reading it and switched to the audio book to push through to the end. it felt like the book that just wouldn't ..."

Congratulations on finishing it (you deserve a prize for that)! I completely understand what you mean by "slog." It's too bad as I think the book had a lot of potential.

Enjoy Name of the Wind. I have heard nothing but good things about it.

And so we come to it at last, the final days of the 2015 52 Book Pickup Challenge! To everyone who completed the challenge or met their own personal reading goals, congratulations! To everyone who is still reading, you can do it!

Remember- you have until 11:59 pm on December 31st to log your books!

If you made the 52 book goal, make sure you come into any Chesapeake Public Library branch to pick up your participation prize- a free book!

The grand prize winner will be announced after the start of the new year.

At this moment, there are plans to have a 2016 52 Book Pickup Challenge. So tell your friends and tune in next week for more information on registering, brand new discussions, monthly mini-challenges, and more!

It has been a pleasure getting to know you all and discussing books. I look forward to "seeing" you all next year!

What is everyone reading in these final days of 2015? I'm currently working on It Ended Badly: Thirteen of the Worst Breakups in History, Mirrored, and Animal Maddness.

Happy reading and Happy New Year, everyone!!

I apologize for letting this thread lapse and not posting any updates in a month. I will be an honest- I have sort of given up on American Gods. I just could not get into it. Based on comments I've seen, I feel I'm not the only one.

Did anyone finish it? If not, why do you feel that you couldn't finish this particular book? For me, I just felt like it was going nowhere and while the plot was mildly interesting, it wasn't enough to hold my attention.

Jennifer wrote: "I'm thinking I will have a great ending to my reading year as I have surpassed my old record of 109 and I'm not at 112- woo hoo go me - and go everyone else whether you have completed the challenge or are still working on it - you can do it!."

Woo hoo! Congratulations! That is exciting. :)

Ann wrote: "I am continuing my Monk marathon: I finished Sins of the Wolf, Cain His Brother, and Weighed in the Balance, and am now reading The Silent Cry (and next is A Breach of Promise- one of my favorite)...."

Enjoy your Monk marathon! What kind of book are you writing?

Julie wrote: "I have three more books to read to finish the challenge! Also, I just realized I think I need to record almost ALL of them on the library site... oops!"

I'm right there with you. I think I stopped recording mine back in August. At least we have a week to get them all on there. Lol

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful week with family and friends.

Is anyone doing any reading this week? Did anyone receive any books as presents? If so, let us know what books you received and/are reading. If not, know we wish you a safe and joyous holiday season and we'll see you back next week.

Happy Holidays!

Julie wrote: "I'm having a terribly time finishing American Gods, so I might not finish it this year after all."

I completely understand. I made it about 200 pages and then I just stopped. So don't feel bad if you don't finish it. Also, Felicia Day's book was great. I love her. I'm tempted to get the audiobook as well because she reads it.

Jennifer wrote: "I did all that this weekend and walked/ran a 5K with my daughter :)."

Congratulations on meeting and exceeding your reading goal! And congratulations on finishing a 5k. That is an awesome accomplishment. :)

I apologize for getting this thread out late. I've been a bit caught up in the holiday season. What is everyone reading this week? I'm still working on Carry On and Sword of Summer.

Happy reading!

Ann wrote: "I've logged in 111 books so far, and my personal goal was 100 books."

Congratulations on finishing your personal goal for the year! It is always exciting to reach and then exceed the number of books you wanted read in a year. :)

It is hard to believe that December is here and that we are almost halfway through it! Lights are up; trees are decorated, garland is strung; candles are lit; and preparations have begun for the visits of family and friends.

How is everyone doing with the challenge? You still have time to complete your reading goals- remember, you can log books until 11:59 pm on December 31st.

What is everyone reading this week? I just finished Career of Evil. I enjoyed it but did not find it quite as good as the previous books in the series. I'll be working on Carry On and The Sword of Summer next. I've been looking forward to them for quite a while so I'm excited to jump in and read.

I am posting this thread a bit early as I will be at Walt Disney World this coming week. Going to Disney has made me think of my childhood. Books were a big part of my youth. I read a lot, especially books about dinosaurs or whales. I also had a love affair with Dinotopia, Nancy Drew, and Star Wars.

What were your childhood books? Was there one in particular that impacted you? Comment and share!

Important: As of right now, our potluck get-together on December 7th has been cancelled. I will keep you posted as I learn more. I am so sorry, everyone!

*Edit* Important: As of right now, our get together on December 7th has been cancelled. I will keep you posted as I learn more. I am so sorry, everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with friends and family.

What will you all be reading over the holiday? I'm still working through American Gods and Career of Evil.

Happy Thanksgiving!