C’s Comments (group member since Dec 12, 2024)

C’s comments from the Hooked on Books group.

Holy cow, I just realized this game also ends at the end of November. 😭 I was hoping we'd build a hotel or something before it ended lol. I think we can put any remaining logged books into the retirement plan when the game is ending, so nothing goes to waste. 💖

Just did our turn. We landed on Post Modernism, which wasn't owned yet, and our task was to Read a book that mixes genres or styles (e.g., combines sci-fi and literary fiction). Our smallest book on the log was from Mrsgeo, with MPG Sports and MPG Western, so I used that! To me, that's a random genre blend lol, not just a regular genre blend. Not that we get points for creativity, but I liked it nonetheless. ;)

Team Historical Holdings
Starting Bank Account Balance: $3983
Money Paid: $60 to bank
Money Earned: $70
Ending Bank Account Balance: $3993

*Turn Complete*
On to you, LLD!

Team Historical Holdings
Starting Bank Account Balance: $3983
Rolled: 4
Landed on: Post Modernism
Timestamp: 11/2/2025 1:02:44
72-hour Deadline: 11/5/2025 1:02:44

Plan: purchase

My book was a psychological thriller, with murder mystery and paranormal vibes, where the house is maybe cursed. So Jayme's book was dreams, and my book was nightmares. 😂

Week: 7
Book Title: Death on the Island
Author: Eliza Reid
Page Count: 336
Reflection: reminds me of another island locked-room murder mystery, that I can't remember the title for, but which was way better done

Woohoo! I'll get my next book posted then. I think the prompt was a book that reminds you of something else, but be sure to check because I could be missing parts of it.

No worries, Claire! Magical Realism is just not my genre, so I have no ideas lol.

I agree with Julia, though. I might stumble into a Magical Realism book, but I probably won't be getting many genre bonuses. :( I'm always just happy to find books that fit prompts lol. I know some genre bonuses I could have gotten in previous months, but the book I read didn't fit a prompt. 🤷🏼‍♀️ It won't do the team any good if I end up slumping because I'm just not feeling the genre. It happens. Not everything works for everybody. I write reviews even though I hate doing that in order to boost the points. :)

Completed: 7/24

F
I
S
H

🐠 Flow and Fortune
• A story about personal transformation or reinvention
One Night on the Island
• A book featuring water, rivers, or the ocean
The Witch at the Edge of the Wood
• A character who rebuilds or changes their fortune
Merry Mazes and Mistletoe Magic
• A plot where luck or chance plays a key role

🐠 Depth and Discovery
• A book with hidden meanings or secrets revealed
The Odd Sisters
• A character who faces inner turmoil or emotional growth
• A story set underwater or near the sea
• A book that explores grief, healing, or rebirth
Evil Thing

🐠 The Koi’s Journey
• A character who defies the odds
• A story centered on resilience or endurance
• A book inspired by Asian folklore, mythology, or culture
• A protagonist striving toward a dream or ambition

🐠 Ripples of Prosperity
• A book where kindness or generosity changes lives
Poisons, Potions, and Parasols
• A story about community, family, or support systems
A Twisted Tale Anthology
• A plot involving success, fortune, or financial themes
The Pub Owner’s Proposal
• A book where actions have far-reaching consequences

🐠 Scales of Balance
• A story that explores balance or moral choices
The Extra
• A book with dual timelines or mirrored storylines
• A character torn between two worlds or identities
Losing Wendy
• A story with themes of renewal or transformation

Oh okay. I don't think I have notifications on for QA. But yeah, I'm here and sticking with it. :)

Claire wrote: "Anyone has recommendations for next month?"

I can't think of anything off the top of my head. Especially in Magical Realism; not my genre. I have some books on the more indie side that might work. At the Core, Falling Like Leaves, Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice have fall vibes, but I haven't read them so not sure where they totally fit. And I have no idea how available they are: the first I bought direct from author, and the latter two were at my local bookstore, and all three are new releases I think.

Same. If I can't find a second source on something Hal says and Hal isn't super sure, then I assume it's wrong. :P

Lol I am not looking at devils the same way again. *magnifying glass out to see if someone in graphics goofed and actually made it a water devil lol*

Anastasia, isn't that a pitchfork? Although now I'm questioning whether the difference between a pitchfork and a trident is based on what creature is holding it...

Y'all, ChatGPT is not always right. I asked it about books for other tasks, and it said yes but then said no. 🤣

The Wicked Ones was me! *stares down the spreadsheet since I don't remember lousing that up*

I'm cool with continuing! Is that for 2026 since December is the end of this challenge?

Yay, Claire, glad you enjoyed it!! Thrillers have been a bit of a struggle bus for me this month, so I remember that book fondly lol. The one thriller this month I was vaguely impressed with was You Better Watch Out by James Murray. It was a lot of morally grey characters though, and that's a struggle bus for me. William by Mason Coile was good and short.

I need to check what the prompts are since I'm still in October mode. I don't think I'm getting a Halloween book done though, but at least I found books for the other prompts.

Prompt # / Name: 65: ENIAC
Book: Mother Knows Best
Author: Serena Valentino
Date Read: 10/30
Pages: 400
Task: Read a book with a strong female lead.
How it Fits: the FMC Gothel is a strong female

No worries Michelle! :) I messed up a couple turns in the beginning since I was learning too. 🤪 We try to use short books for rent/purchase/penalty tasks, and use the big books for salary/reward prompts. Some behind the scenes shenanigans, but that's the basic premise. It's a really fun challenge once you get the hang of it. :)