Ashley’s Comments (group member since Aug 03, 2022)

Ashley’s comments from the Hooked on Books group.

Hi Team! K.C. has been added to your team! Please welcome them!

danielle wrote: "For the task of "Read a book that’s been in the Goodreads Choice Awards finals or won a category", if a book description says it was nominated does that mean it was a finalist?

Book example: [boo..."

Yes!

working through Dungeon Crawler Carl, and finished The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and moved on to The Gate of the Feral Gods.

Read a quickie horror novella: Ring Shout⭐⭐⭐

And, knocked out one of the FRB's: The Henna Artist ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this book, more that I expected to, honestly. The characters were both interesting and, at times, frustrating, which might sound like a negative, but it actually made them feel more real. Relatable characters aren't always likable, and I think that's a strength in the writing.

That said, I actually thought things were wrapped up a little too neatly for the first book in a trilogy. It didn't leave me with that "I need the next book right away" feeling, though I am curious to see where the series goes next.

Overall, it was a compelling and satisfying read.



View all my reviews

Haven't picked a level yet, but maybe MEDIUM...
Easy: Complete any 5 tasks
Medium: Complete any 10 tasks
Hard: Complete all 15 tasks

October 2025: Catch-Up Month 🍂📚
A cozy month to tidy up your TBR and catch those lingering reads before the year ends.

• Finish a book you started but never completed
• Read the shortest book left on your to-read list
✅ Complete a book that fulfills a prompt from a year-long challenge - The Henna Artist, Read: 2-Oct-2025
• Try a new format (e.g., graphic novel, audiobook, or e-book)
• Read a book by an author you discovered this year
• Finish a non-fiction book you've been reading slowly
• Read a book with autumn themes or setting
✅ Complete the next book in a series you started - The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook, Read: 1-Oct-2025
✅ Read a book published in 2025 - Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, Read: 8-Oct-2025
• Tackle a classic you've always meant to read
• Read a book recommended by a friend or family member - If We Were Villains
• Complete a book that's been on your TBR for over a year
• Reread a favorite book from your childhood
• Read a book set in your hometown or current city
✅ Complete a book in a genre you usually avoid - Horror (I don't love it) - Ring Shout, Read: 2-Oct-2025

November 2025: Push Your Boundaries🌌📖
Time to stretch your reading muscles and dive into something challenging, unfamiliar, or wildly exciting.

• Read a book in a genre you've neglected this year
• Complete a book that intimidates you
• Read a book set in a country you've never visited
• Try a book by an author from an underrepresented group
• Read a book that won an award this year
• Complete a book that's been adapted into a movie or TV show
• Read a book written in a unique format or structure
• Tackle a long book (over 400 pages)
• Read a book about personal growth or self-improvement
• Try a book in translation if you haven't this year
• Read a book written by a local author
• Complete a non-fiction book on a topic you know little about
• Read a book published the year you were born
• Finish a book of poetry or essays if you haven't this year
• Read a book in a language you're learning (or a bilingual edition)

December 2025: Reflection and Completion ❄️📚
End the year strong! Reflect, wrap up unfinished business, and read the books that matter most to you.

• Read a book that summarizes or reflects on a topic you've explored this year
• Complete any remaining prompts from your year-long reading challenges
• Read a book about setting and achieving goals
• Finish the last book in a series you've been reading
• Read a book that challenges your worldview or perspective
• Complete the book that's been on your TBR list the longest
• Read a book published in December 2025 to close out the year
• Try a genre you've never read before or that you don't read often
• Read a book recommended by your favorite author
• Complete a book related to your career or a hobby
• Read a book that was frequently mentioned or recommended this year
• Finish a book you think will impact your goals for next year
• Read a book with a winter or holiday theme
• Complete a short story collection or anthology to maximize your book count
• Read a non-fiction book about a historical event

through Part 3: Chapter 13

Ooooof... that was a hell of a chapter.

(view spoiler)[I just can't even fathom having the conversation that was just had between Samir and Lakshmi.... (hide spoiler)]

Indian culture continues to fascinate me, especially this time period.

Radha - (((sigh))) the older I become, the more I find teens to be downright exhausting to read about. Radha is a lot. She is very headstrong and, honestly, a lot more audacious than you would expect.

Part 1: Thoughts

Lakshmi - I really like her. She's a survivor, and while I think she can sometimes be a tad manipulative, I don't feel any judgment towards her. She's surviving, and she's doing her best.

Henna - I knew henna was more than just... decoration. But I didn't realize how many things it is utilized for!

I am getting the sense that things could unravel at any moment...

So far, I'm enjoying this!

Just starting!

❡MaRisa wrote: "omg 🤯 You have no idea what power you have given me... 🤣"


I was FLOORED when I found it! Someone recommended it to me and I was so excited. I check it periodically to see what's been added. The covers are lovely too!

❡MaRisa wrote: "What if I read the book for the first time this month but end up recommending it after I read it? Does it count? Of course considering I won't recommend it the last week of the month so there's actually time to read it xD"

I mean, sure. lol

❡MaRisa wrote: "Frankenstein really surprised me when I read it for the first time, because I thought it would be just a monster story with a mad scientist. I never fully watched any show or movie before, and I'm ..."

I feel all of this in my soul. I often use: Standard Ebooks - it is a volunteer-driven project that produces new editions of public domain ebooks that are lovingly formatted, open source, free of U.S. copyright restrictions, and free of cost.

https://standardebooks.org/

Sammy wrote: "Ok, I've managed to find a copy of Neil Patrick Harris Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography, which I've been meaning to read for ages.

CYOA books aren..."

That's fine Sammy, they just have to be not USUAL

I am putting our Recommendations on the SS Dashboard (off to the right) for quick reference.

Risa - I saw you have this on the SS - there is a buddy read if you're interested: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

❡MaRisa wrote: "oof that edition though 😍"

I looooove it. So pretty!

I've been trying to buy physical copies of classics this year, just picking them up when I see an edition I like, because, sure they are free and all online, but... I think physical books are becoming more and more important.

❡MaRisa wrote: "Especially since the new movie is coming out soon and I really want to reread it before watching."

Me too! I think it looks really good!

PS - I have been searching for a fun edition of Frankenstein to have on my bookshelves, and I decided on this lovely one. It's so pretty!

My recommendation is:


Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

It's one of my favorite books, and it fits the October vibe (and bonus genre). I may also read it, because it's been more than 6 months since I've read it and I do so love it.

Also - it's FREAKING FREE - and that is great!

Ok Team - NO TOWEL THROWING -- let's start with ✨ New Quarter Bonus!
📚 Q4: Book Recommendations Exchange

Spread the love of reading in Q4! Each team member may recommend one book per month to another teammate. The goal: read and discuss each recommendation within your team.

It needs to be a book you've read, not a series, and you recommend it to the entire team. I don't see a downside to this. If no one reads the rec, no harm. If they do - extra points!

🎯 Points:
• Readers earn 20 points for each recommended book they read and discuss by the end of the month.
• Each team member can both give and receive a recommendation, so you can earn points for reading all your teammates’ recommended books.
• Maximum: 1 recommended book per teammate per month.

I think those were great Jenny!

Mixed-media / multimedia books – books that blend photos, drawings, documents, or typographical play. Example: S. by J.J. Abrams/Doug Dorst

Choose-your-own-adventure / interactive fiction – old-school CYOA books?

Epigraphic or play/script format – some scenes in script-like form, but you could also try a full-on play in book form.

Serial / episodic apps – like reading something on Wattpad, Serial Box (now Realm), or other serialized storytelling platforms.