Drama’s Comments (group member since Feb 21, 2024)

Drama’s comments from the FAH Reading Challenge group.

Melissa wrote: "Where the Shadows Lie (Fire and Ice #1) by Michael Ridpath
Audiobook
Completed 1/31/25
95. Book that features any elements of a “foreign” language - Magnus..."

In Where the Shadows lie, does the reader of the audiobook use Icelandic phrases? I feel stupid for not even knowing if I'd recognize what Icelandic even sounded like. That would be really interesting to hear. :)

Melissa wrote: "Theatre of the Unimpressed by Jordan Tannahill
Audiobook
Completed 1/21/25
6. Book you would recommend to Snob (or a book ..."

You had me at hello with the title Theatre of the Unimpressed. :)))). What a great connection and find! I had to add it to my "want to read" list, and not just because I know precious little about modern theatre in Canada. :)

Donatella wrote: " Come neve che cade by Kristin Hannah - Book you would recommend to Gerald (or a book you envision would be on his bookshelf)
It's the story of two sisters and the relationship with..."

What a great connection to the character! :)

Melissa wrote: " Belfast Noir (Series: Akashic Books: Noir) Adrian McKinty, Stuart Neville (Eds)
Audiobook
Completed 1/13/25
21. Book written by a North Irish author (or set in Nor..."

Hi Melissa,

These look really good! I apologize for not getting them in the Facebook post, but will definitely add them for the next one!

Too bad that Belfast Noir didn't live up to the expectation. I would have been similarly disappointed. :(

January was a good reading month - woo hoo! Maybe I'll make the 2025 goal! :)

Middlemarch
8 - Book you would recommend to Anne Flanagan (or a book you envision would be on her bookshelf)

Well, this book confirmed for me that no book should ever go over 800 pages. Dear heavens. It was a long, meandering mess of characters finding "love" and experiencing relationships. Had Charles Dickens and George Eliot ever gotten together, they could have written a book that involved every name in a telephone directory.

Anne would probably be disappointed in my not savoring the richness of this character development and giving the book its proper due. I think it'd be better placed to use smashing small house bugs. ;)

The Body in Question
15. Book you would recommend to a character not mentioned here ... Detective Moran in "When Irish People Can't Speak Irish"

This was a short novel, which was a necessary breath of fresh air. The author did a beautiful job of connecting details from a crime that a juror was hearing to her own choices in marriage. She uses metaphors without walloping you over the head with them or making them too literary - you could choose to ponder them later or just take the story at face value. Either way, it felt like a book that could gain a large audience.

The crime was horrific, but the author pulled back from some of the graphic details that she could have used. It was a brilliant strategy because I think that made it even more horrific in a sense with our imaginations filling in some of those blanks.

As Detective Moran was asking his Irish suspect some basic questions, I thought he might be the type to unwind with a novel about crimes in other countries. He would have to relive some of his childhood experiences, however. Hopefully he'd pay better attention than he did when he was a student in his Irish classes. ;)

These Violent Delights
16. Book written by a Chinese author (or set in China)

So many people had looked forward to reading this book. Their enthusiasm encouraged me to hurry and read it. Now I wish they would hurry and read it - so I can understand what I missed. It was a clever re-telling of Romeo and Juliet (kind of), but set in Shanghai. Aside from that, I don't understand the hype. Juliet certainly has more backbone here; she's essentially spearheading her family's gang activities. It didn't compel me.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter
35. Fiction

This novel was emotionally gripping. A husband makes a terrible, split-second decision that will affect him and his marriage irrevocably. All of the female characters felt like they were victims of his abuse, and that really bothered me. (Have you ever wanted to scream at a character and tell them to fix their mess? That was this book.).

The Devil Behind the Badge: The Horrifying Twelve Days of the Border Patrol Serial Killer
36. Nonfiction

While I don't live near an international border (not really), this novel really struck close to the bone. A border patrolman attacked several women in his area. Fortunately, he didn't torture or prolong their deaths, but that is the only positive thing that could be said. As a strong advocate for gun control, I had a hard time envisioning why nations allow so many to carry these weapons. The instantaneous nature of guns - both in pulling the trigger and in the bullets' damage - concerns me. It is also difficult to read about people in positions of authority who abuse their power. I wish people could just play nicely with each other and seek help if/when they need it safely.

Tess of the D’Urbervilles
42. Classics

Why do I keep reading classics, and why oh why are they so epic in length? :). I remember reading this for the first time when I was a teenager. My response was similar - how could you not feel sorry for Tess? She was victimized. When she finally has the opportunity to move past her trauma, the nutball she "marries" is a spineless jerk. Hardy certainly empathized with women's rights. She was so pure and honest in so many ways, though, I think it almost proved her downfall. The subtext with that is interesting to consider in today's time. (A modern re-telling/re-enivisioning: Tess Carries a Handgun.... Spoiler: It ends differently.). Ha. :). (kidding!!!!)

The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway
44. Shórt story (or collection)

Why did I do this to myself? One may have a personal limit, however, in how many "manly men doing manly things" stories one can read in a lifetime. I still love Hemingway, but this was a rough trudge.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
45. Young Adult

Originally, I never made it past the first novel or movie. In the most bizarre plot twists of the century, I am playing a character (no, I am not an actor - you can see how bizarre this gets) in an upcoming Harry Potter creation. It seemed like a great opportunity to go back and read all the books and watch all the films. They really are great books. I don't know why I struggled so much the first time around. ... The caveat about book length remains the same, though. (currently, I'm in book 4). Write more books, not longer ones. Sigh. :)

The Love of Thousands: How Angels, Saints, and Ancestors Walk with Us toward Holiness
48. Religious theme (or religious text)

Thís concept really spoke to me this year. The author explores the nature of angels, saints, and ancestors. Each section touches briefly on her personal experiences and beliefs, snippets from religious texts, and practice ideas or meditations. The idea that death might not be a permanent end and that "communication" or connection to people past is possible is a beautiful one. Whether or not any of that would be true, I really like the idea of the connectivity of all life. On some level, we are walking roads that our ancestors did so they do "live on" through us.

The Ghost Writer
73. Book about or by a politician

A writer is asked to ghost write a politician's memoir. The politician should not always be trusted (shocking). This was one of those rare times when I could easily say the movie was better than the book. Also, very thankful for having seen the movie so I knew what was going ON in the book. It was messy at times.

Grand total for January ... 10! Hooray!

Your recommendations and reviews are filling up my "to read" lists - thank you for the great conversations and recommendations. Happy February ahead!

_inbetween_ wrote: "These days so many premises with promise don't get the execution they would need.
ETA: have you read it? Or "After the Silence" (that already drags from the start and I don't know if to go on)?"

It is disappointing indeed when the dust jacket summaries sound like the book will hold great promise, but the writer loses the thread or trails off in a bizarre direction. I don't mind losing the money on a book, but the hours wasted on the read upsets me. I wish the agent or literary manager would steer the author sometimes, especially when the writer is talented.

Melissa wrote: "I'm behind posting my progress, but I'll start today.
Just so people know, I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I read daily, but very slowly. Audiobooks help me enjoy books I wouldn't otherwise experi..."

_inbetween_ wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Just so people know, I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I read daily, but very slowly. Audiobooks help me enjoy books I wouldn't otherwise experi..."

It's great that they work for yo..."

Reading is reading, whatever your preference. :)))). With a great narrator/actor, the audio experience can really make you feel engaged in the story.

What did you think of Tana French?

I'm sorry your plans to see FAH in Iceland didn't happen - that sounded like a perfect combination. Where in Iceland will you visit? What do you most want to see?

Ruwanthi wrote: "
11. Book you would recommend to Mrs. Geraghty (or a book you envision would be on her b..."

Ruwanthi wrote: "
11. Book you would recommend to Mrs. Geraghty (or a book you envision would be on her b..."

Ruwanthi wrote: "
22. Book written by an ancient Roman (or set in ancient Rome)
Title: Vespasian - Tribune of Rome
Author: Robert Fabbri

I’m trying to partly step out of my comf..."

Your reviews are great fun to read! Mrs. Geraghty's "book" was a great choice. "Not in the Miss Marple kind of way" was a brilliant phrase. :)

Thís sounds fascinating! :)

Hi All,
Thank you! I’m sorry for the 6-7 posts in Facebook. I couldn’t get the list to print in one post and had to separate it out - in case any new members didn’t have it already.

Hi again!

That was initially complicated by the fact that I have to use my phone. Every time I log in on a computer, I realize I forgot my password. Dear heavens, I hope I get it together in 2025; 2024 was miserable.

There is now a Facebook group called 2025 FAH Reading Challenge. I set the privacy to "private" only to avoid spam, but I can change that.

I'm struggling with Tumblr, but also made a 2025 FAH Reading Challenge group there as well. The privacy is different; only members can comment on posts. ... Looking for a public image to decorate that and Facebook without violating copyright laws. I could take a picture of the books in the basement, but it's horrifying. :)

If anyone has suggestions or wants another community, etc., please let me know how to facilitate. I can also try to do what Lisa did with the Facebook monthly posts to see if that might inspire more to join. Those posts were always great fun and made me add a ton of books to "to be read" lists! :).

I don't want to overstep. If I'm doin g something you don't like, please let me know. No offense will be taken.

Happy New Year!

Hi Donatella,
Someone on Facebook mentioned Tumbler, which I downloaded but don't have a lot of familiarity with. If Lisa had a page on Facebook for the reading challenge, I can try to open a page as well and see if it lets me. If Facebook didn't let you do this, I might run into the same problem, but I'll give it a go and report back ...

Thank you to everyone for creating this fun space and sharing great ideas and books! Should I post something in Facebook - were other people interested in participating?

Happy holidays to everyone!

Hi All!

Here is the 2025 Reading Challenge List! If you'd prefer a cleaner copy, please let me know how to send it to you. :)

Recommendations:
1. Book you would recommend to Foil
2. Book you would recommend to Arms
3. Book you would recommend to Hog
4. Book you would recommend to La Bullshat (or a book you envision would be on his bookshelf)
5. Book you would recommend to Oisín (or a book you envision would be on his bookshelf)
6. Book you would recommend to Snob (or a book you envision would be on his bookshelf)
7. Book you would recommend to Barry Kiernan (does he have a bookshelf?) ;)
8. Book you would recommend to Anne Flanagan (or a book you envision would be on her bookshelf)
9. Book you believe would be Anne Flanagan’s current guilty pleasure read
10. Book you would recommend to Richard Chandley (or a book you envision would be on his bookshelf)
11. Book you would recommend to Mrs. Geraghty (or a book you envision would be on her bookshelf)
12. Book you would recommend to Tiernan Callaghan (or a book you envision would be on his bookshelf)
13. Book you would recommend to Gerald (or a book you envision would be on his bookshelf)
14. Book you would recommend to Influencer Dad or his son (or a book you envision would be on their bookshelf)
15. Book you would recommend to a character not mentioned here - or one you would envision would be on that character’s shelf

Immigration Sketch-Related:
16. Book written by a Chinese author (or set in China)
17. Book written by an Austrian author (or set in Austria)
18. Book written by a Swedish author (or set in Sweden)
19. Book written by a Welsh author (or set in Wales)
20. Book written by a Polish author (or set in Poland)
21. Book written by a North Irish author (or set in North Ireland)
22. Book written by an ancient Roman (or set in ancient Rome)
23. Book written by an Indian author (or set in India)
24. Book written by an Australian author (or set in Australia)
25. Book written by a New Zealand author (or set in New Zealand)
26. Book that features a Star Wars, science fiction, or Tolkien-inspired/type character
27. Book written by an author from the US (or set in US)
28. Book written by a Spanish author (or set in Spain)
29. Book written by an Italian author (or set in Italy)
30. Book written by a German author (or set in Germany)
31. Book that features an immigration or emigration scene/situation
32. Book about travel or one that involves a character who travels
33. Book written by an author from a place that you wish FAH would do a sketch about (or set in that location)

Genres from Books Throw a Party sketch:
34. Autobiography
35. Fiction
36. Nonfiction
37. Fantasy
38. Diary
39. Self-Help
40. Cookbook
41. Flip-book (or childrens)
42. Classic
43. Book that features a used book (or a book that IS used or borrowed)
44. Short story (or collection)
45. Young Adult
46. Comic book
47. Joke/comedy book
48. Religious theme (or religious text)
49. Audiobook

FAH Wild Cards:
50. Book that makes you think of Foil or one of his characters
51. Book that makes you think of Arms of one of his characters
52. Book that makes you think of Hog or one of his characters
53. Book that makes you think of Duck
54. Book that makes you think of an online skit FAH has performed - or a potential one you hope they cover one day
55. Book that makes you think of a live skit FAH has performed - or a potential one you hope they cover one day
56. Book written by a comedian or about comedy
57. Book that is about writing or about a book (metafictional)
58. Book written by an Irish author (or set in Ireland)
59. Book written by an author from a location you hope FAH performs in one day (or set in that location)
60. Book written by an author from a location that YOU hope to visit one day (or set in that location)

Settings:
61. Book that features an educational setting
62. Book that features a setting in space (or future)
63. Book that would be considered a “period piece” - any time period
64. Book that features an Irish setting
65. Book that features a festival setting (any type - comedy, arts, crafts, holidays, etc.)
66. Book that features a theatre, film, or television setting
67. Book that features a nightclub or comedy club setting
68. Book that features a supermarket or store setting
69. Book that features a prison
70. Book that features a country in which FAH have a large fan base
71. Book that features the idea of a start-up business or a corporation
72. Book that features a fast-food location (or restaurant)

General Character-Related:
73. Book about or by a politician
74. Book about or by a farmer
75. Book about or by a news reporter
76. Book about or featuring a narcissist (or influencer)
77. Book about or by a religious character
78. Book about or featuring an alcoholic
79. Book that features an older character
80. Book that features three generations
81. Book that features a millenial
82. Book that features an LGBTQplus character
83. Book with a character named Sean
84. Book with a character named Conor

Guest Appearances or Smorgasbord:
85. Book that features cars or driving (or involves an important scene with a car)
86. Book that features a holiday party
87. Book that features a family visit
88. Book that features technology or problems with it
89. Book that features St. Patricks Day or any holiday (or has a holiday reference somewhere within in)
90. Book that features a famous musician
91. Book that features an architect or artist
92. Book that features an engineer or is related to any branch of engineering
93. Book that features a scam or game
94. Book that features celebrity or fame
95. Book that features any elements of a “foreign” language

Covers and Titles:
96. Cover with an animal (duck, hog, etc) that connects to FAH or a character
97. Cover with a character in a costume
98. Cover or title that references luggage
99. Cover or title that references an interview
100. Cover or title that references music
101. Cover or title that references a theatre
102. Cover or title that references a body part - it doesn’t have to be “arms”
103. Cover or title that references friendship
104. Cover or title that references comedy or laughter

These are great!!! To give people more time if they had other ideas, I could have a list ready in another week. Is that enough time? Thank you everyone!

Hi! Which types of challenge posts were the most challenging? Which ones would you like to keep from last year?

I have a very rough draft of possibilities. I’ve added books you’d recommend to certain characters (those that repeat often) - is that a good idea? Are those the “free choice” ideas you found easier or is that more restrictive?

When do you want to have a final list decided upon?

Hi! Thank you, Lisa, for giving us such a great opportunity and for your dedication! This has been so much fun. Here is a new thread (hopefully) for everyone’s ideas for the next challenge. 🥳

Lisa wrote: "Hello,
how are you? Hope everything is good. I was thinking about what to do next year with this challenge. I haven't prepared anything yet and honestly I don't think I will be able to do it (I hop..."

Hi Lisa,

I'd be happy to take it on, if no one else has proposed an interest. I could continue with the same format or do the one you propose - whatever people want.

What did you think of The Dead? Would you try Joyce again or was once enough? :)

How amazing to read a work by someone you know! :).