L Y N N’s Comments (group member since Nov 10, 2018)

L Y N N’s comments from the Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge group.

Another month, another monthly group read! My copy should arrive within 3-5 days. Since I'll be reading it, I'll post some questions. To get us started...

1) Was this book already on your TBR listing?

2) Are you reading this book for the express purpose of fulfilling the 2025 Popsugar prompt #31 A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline. (World Music Therapy Day is March 1, 2025!)

3) Do you find the title of this book to be particularly interesting?

4) What about the cover image? Does it attract you to the book?

5) Do you typically read books in this genre/subgenre? The top 6 classifications per Goodreads: Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Adult

6) What is your best guess as to whether you will enjoy reading this book?

Theresa wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Happy Thursday! I'm just so grateful and appreciative to be able to live my life today! 😃👏👏👏👏👏👏

Wow. It seems as if so much has happened in just these past few days. Last night was..."
You and I are much alike behind the wheel. I was debating whether to literally take my foot off the accelerator to try to force the car behind me to pass me. I had done that miles earlier to another vehicle. I don't understand drivers sometimes! 🙄

Doni wrote: "Finished: The Promise"
It has been so very long since I read The Chosen (I was 13.) that I really need to reread it, and then maybe this one as well.

"Started: Weathering intend to use for one of two books with same title. This is a beautiful book about a geologist-turned-therapist, but I'm having a hard time reading it. It feels like one of those books you dip in and out of, slowly savoring, rather than a page turner."
I encounter quite a few books like that any more, typically nonfiction. I love the subtitle on the cover: How the earth's deep wisdom can help us endure life's storms. I wonder if perhaps our current political climate is much worse than just a "storm," however...

"The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present, and Future of Trump's America I want to be informed on what's going on, but not sure exactly what to read. This one is a slow go too because it's so upsetting. I'm reading broadly, but not finishing much of anything right now."
I'm having trouble sleeping. I lie down and immediately begin thinking of all the people who are/will be hurt or dead as a result of political decisions. I may be one of them if Social Security and/or Medicare is gutted. *sigh* Time will tell.

"QotW: I feel like I've already mentioned this, but the adaptation that really stands out for me is Wicked the musical. It is one of my favorite musicals. But I didn't even make it through the book, I disliked it so much."
I never read that. My former Borders coworkers who read it said I wouldn't like it. I can almost always trust them to know my preferences.

K.L. wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Happy Thursday! I'm just so grateful and appreciative to be able to live my life today! 😃👏👏👏👏👏👏"

I'm so glad to hear that you were able to avoid getting caught in the collision! Th..."
No kidding! The closest I've ever come to such danger on the road!

LeahS wrote: "You did very well, Lynn."
I was honestly shocked at how calm I remained while evaluating whether I'd rather be hit by a semi going fast to the left or a passenger vehicle going much slower to the right. I opted for the vehicle on the right and fortunately, that driver was able to stay in their lane as well!

Doni wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Happy Thursday! I'm just so grateful and appreciative to be able to live my life today! 😃👏👏👏👏👏👏

So glad you're safe, Lynn!."
Thank you! No moreso than I! 🙂

K.L. wrote: "Happy Thursday, everyone!

I don’t know about you all, but I am ready for some warmer weather. I woke up this morning to snow for the second time this week, and I am so done with it. It’s very pretty, but I just dread the thought of having to shovel the driveway again. I’m not sure how long the snow is supposed to last today, but I’ll probably wait to shovel until tomorrow."
Agreed! Winter weather sucks and I sure wish I lived in a more temperate climate...

"This has also been a really good week for reading. I’ve been splitting my time pretty equally between reading TBR books and new releases, and I’m really pleased with my progress on both lists."
You are so organized! 👍😃

"~Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales — This is the third book in the Emily Wilde series, and was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I thought it was a really good continuation of the series. 📚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐"
this is a series I intend to get to...

"~Parable of the Sower — A good friend of mine is going to be buddy reading this book with me over the next several weeks. I’ll be starting it this afternoon. 📚"
I hope you and your friend enjoy this as much as I did. Well, "enjoy" may not be an accurate term. I "appreciated" it! 😁 I have been reading Parable of the Talents a bit at a time since it seems so very likely in our world right now...scary!

"QOTW:
There have been a few book adaptations that I actually liked better than the original novel, but the one that really stands out to me is The Princess Bride. I couldn't get into the book, but absolutely adore the movie adaptation!"
Huh. I don't know why, but I'm not really drawn to either the book or the movie! LOL

Nadine in NY wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Happy Thursday! I'm just so grateful and appreciative to be able to live my life today! 😃👏👏👏👏👏👏

Wow. It seems as if so much has happened in just these past few days. Last night was...

Phew!! So glad you escaped unscathed!!! Amazing how emergencies like that can really CLARIFY our brains, slow down time, keep us from panicking, and allow us to remember alllll the details. I've been driving on snowy roads a lot lately too. This is a good reminder to slow down as much as you need to, and keep plenty of space in front of you!! and yea it is SO annoying when fellow drivers take advantage of that needed space and cut me off. That truck driver should have known better."
All the rest of the way home, I kept wondering what had possessed that driver! I can only imagine that person was hopefully uninjured, but to know you had caused others to be injured and their vehicles disabled. That would be a ton of guilt, IMO. It honestly felt as if I was driving in some video game. I just stayed focused on doing whatever I could to get through it and almost felt disassociated from the reality of it! LOL

Happy Thursday! I'm just so grateful and appreciative to be able to live my life today! 😃👏👏👏👏👏👏

Wow. It seems as if so much has happened in just these past few days. Last night was the first time (in almost 69 years) I have been driving on icy roads and was involved in a multiple-vehicle collision. Before you panic, by “involved” I mean I barely escaped colliding with another vehicle in an accident I can only assume involved at least 4-5 vehicles, at least one of which was a semi-truck. It was a surreal experience and I am so grateful that the universe aligned to allow me to safely exit the scene without being hit or hitting another vehicle. That sight and sound of vehicles colliding will stay in my mind forever, I am sure…

I was traveling in the rightmost/’slow’ lane when a semi decided to cross my lane from the middle lane at the very last minute to access an exit ramp. I was absolutely stunned that I was able to NOT panic and simply keep braking and trying to select a clear path forward, when I noticed another semi barreling down the inner ‘extra’ lane directly to my left, where I was headed. I started out in the rightmost/slowest of 3 lanes. The original semi was in the closest lane to my left just barely ahead of me, when its right turn signal suddenly flashed on as the truck was just as suddenly crossing my lane to get to the exit ramp to my right. Fortunately, I knew better than to slam on my brakes since the roads were icy and snow-covered, so while gently braking, I gradually guided my vehicle to the left since I had been studiously watching traffic and was aware the lane to my immediate left was unoccupied. (How fortuitous!) Then as I was approaching the ‘fast’ lane, I observe that I am headed directly into another semi’s path and that truck was going fast! So I gently corrected direction, noting that another vehicle was approaching on my right, exactly where I was headed, so I attempted to remain in the lane where I was, allowing the other two vehicles to pass me on both sides. And…it worked! I was so relieved. I felt badly about not stopping, but honestly, I feared that if I stopped I might not be willing to get back on the road. I was about 15 miles from home. I’m fairly certain that one of the vehicles I saw collide with that first semi which caused the whole problem, was the one that had been following me way too closely. I can only assume that driver had no time to react...especially if they were not paying attention.

Between that and a rather dramatic encounter at the gym earlier, I was absolutely fried when I arrived home. And so very grateful to BE HOME and not in the hospital or dead without an operable vehicle. Life can drastically change within an instant. I was so very lucky...

ADMIN STUFF:
THE APRIL MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that is considered healing fiction
World Health Day is April 7, 2025: https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Nadine thoughtfully provided a definition:
Healing fiction describes stories about ordinary people, set in ordinary places (such as cafes, bookshops, laundromats, and convenience stores), who are struggling with real, common problems like heartbreak or loneliness.
And while that may be the "official" description, I also would define some of the fantasy I read as "healing fiction." But that's just me... 😁
Vote HERE! This poll will run through February 25!
The three books under consideration:
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop
Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1)

THE MARCH 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS…Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. This book could be used to fulfill prompt #31 A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline. World Music Therapy Day is March 1, 2025! Surely there is a “musical muse” who will volunteer to lead this discussion! Message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!

THE FEBRUARY 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #14 A book about a nontraditional education. World Thinking Day is February 22, 2025. Erin is the “crafty chronicler” who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much, Erin!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏😃👍

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Has the adaptation of a book ever proven to be much more enjoyable for you than the book itself?
Yes! I was amazed by this happening to me for the first time. It was many years ago, in my 30s. I went to the movie theater with a friend to watch The Horse Whisperer. (Robert Redford was all the motivation I needed to watch a movie!) I had just gotten to the point that my children were old enough I was finally able to begin reading for my own enjoyment (not for knowledge, per se—think nutrition, child psychology, parenting, etc.) and meant to read the 1995 book of the same title authored by Nicholas Evans before watching the movie, but ran out of time. I enjoyed the movie immensely (Did I mention it starred Robert Redford?!?) and was anxious to read the book, which I managed to do within a few days after watching the movie. And boy, was I ever disappointed. The movie ending was so very different from the book ending. I felt as if Evans was up against a deadline writing the book and selected an ending that was quick to write, but for me, was beyond unsatisfying and in effect, unrealistic.

How about you?

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 29/50
Around the Year (AtY): 46/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 9/10
Read Harder: 13/24
52 Book Club: 38/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*Death on Eat Street (Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #1) by J.J. Cook ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a bit more intense than I expected. I particularly enjoyed the diversity of characters… However, I did solve the ‘mystery’ early on, which is unusual for me. But I plan to continue with the next two installments.
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #14, #20, #24, #26, #28, NEW #29, #40, #43
ATY: #1, #2, #5, #13, #15, #16, #24, #26, #32, #36, #37, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #4
52 Book Club: #22, #36, #41, #43, #45, NEW #48, #51

*Gator Bowl (Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #0.5) by J.J. Cook ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a quite nice prequel to this series, IMO! No mystery, but a sweet depiction of the beginnings of the biscuit bowl rage!! 😊
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #8, #23, #24, #26, #28, #29, #43
ATY: #1, #2, #15, #16, #20, #26, #37, #40, #41, #43, #45
RHC: #21
52 Book Club: #5, #13, #45

*The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a reread for an IRL book club meeting last Sunday. Unfortunately, I ended up not going. It was snowing and cold and I just didn’t feel like driving 40 miles round trip to participate that day. I think I enjoyed this even a bit more the second time around! And romance is not my typical genre of choice! I want to also read The Dead Romantics, which I believe was her debut novel.
POPSUGAR: #2-The love always stays, and so do we., #6, #20, #24, #26, NEW #35, #40
ATY: #2, #3, #5, #13, #15, #16, #23, #26, #38/#39, #40, #41, #48, NEW #49
RHC: #16, #19, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #7, #22, #33, #37, #51-336 pages

CONTINUING:
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca
Solnit
*Parable of the Talents (Earthseed #2) by Octavia E. Butler
*Shift (Silo #2) by Hugh Howey
*Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
*The Trees by Percival Everett (#40)
*Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (#42)
*Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
*Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking has me thinking so very much that I have delayed reviewing it until I can finalize my thoughts…
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*21st Birthday (Women’s Murder Club #21) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*22 Seconds (Women’s Murder Club #22) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23rd Midnight (Women’s Murder Club #23) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23 1/2 Lies (Women’s Murder Club #23.5) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*The 24th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #24) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

No wonder I’ve been so drawn to juvenile literature last week and this week! The first week of February is Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week!! Though honestly, I believe it is more an action of escapism from the dismal aspects of political leaders and their actions right now…especially in the U.S.

A list! Harper Collins Bookperk: https://link.harpercollins.com/view/5...
I discovered quite a few intriguing titles in this listing!
How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund? by Anna Montague which involves a ROAD TRIP!

ADMIN STUFF:
THE APRIL MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that is considered healing fiction
World Health Day is April 7, 2025: https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Nadine thoughtfully provided a definition:
Healing fiction describes stories about ordinary people, set in ordinary places (such as cafes, bookshops, laundromats, and convenience stores), who are struggling with real, common problems like heartbreak or loneliness.
And while that may be the "official" description, I also would define some of the fantasy I read as "healing fiction." But that's just me... 😁
Vote HERE! This poll will run through February 25!
The three books under consideration:
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop
Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1)

THE MARCH 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS…Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. This book could be used to fulfill prompt #31 A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline. World Music Therapy Day is March 1, 2025! Surely there is a “musical muse” who will volunteer to lead this discussion! Message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!

THE FEBRUARY 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #14 A book about a nontraditional education. World Thinking Day is February 22, 2025. Erin is the “crafty chronicler” who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much, Erin!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏😃👍

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
If you had an opportunity to lead a literature class for teens (ages 16-18), which books would you put on the curriculum?
I would definitely begin with discussion regarding literature. What is it? What are the different “genres”? Including specific discussion of adult vs. YA ‘literature’. Students would list books they have read, or if they’ve not read any, books that interest them.

My class would be setup so that everyone read 5 or 6 of the same books and then students could self-select another 2 books from another listing and participate in online small-group discussions regarding those books. Journaling would be required to be submitted intermittently for comments by the instructor.

One of the first that comes to mind is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

Other than that, this is such a tough question for me, because, as usual, there are so many from which I would need to choose!
Parable of the Sower (Earthseed #1) by Octavia E. Butler
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz #1) by L. Frank Baum
Read and compare with the movie adaptation project.
Emily of New Moon (Emily #1) by L.M. Montgomery
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Wonder (Wonder #1) by R.J. Palacio
Stargirl (Stargirl #1) by Jerry Spinelli
Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi
Ready Player One (Ready Player One #1) by Ernest Cline
Hatchet (Brian's Saga #1) by Gary Paulsen

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 27/50
Around the Year (AtY): 45/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 9/10
Read Harder: 13/24
52 Book Club: 37/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*Bernard Into Battle: A Miss Bianca Story (Rescuers #9) by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Leslie Morrill ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a quick and delightful reread that is the last book in this series. And it has a snake on the cover!!
POPSUGAR: NEW #5, #6, #8, #20, #23, #24, #40
ATY: #2, NEW #6, #14, #16, #33, #36, #37, #40, #42, #45, #48
RHC: #24
52 Book Club: NEW #21, #42

*Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for an IRL book club that met Tuesday. I enjoyed reading this, perhaps moreso since I had read The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro and enjoyed it so much. This ending felt more realistic, but not nearly as satisfying as that of The Shape of Water. In addition, this book was more complex and complicated in the interrelationships of the characters, etc, than was TSoW. Very few attended the book club meeting, which was disappointing. One member mused whether the creature actually existed… An interesting consideration.
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #8, #16, #20, #28
ATY: #2, #14, #15, #16, #23, #24, #30, #31, #37, #43, #45, #48
RHC: #6, #12, #16, #21, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #3, #13, #21, #22, #33, #35, #36, #37, #42

*We Had Fun and Nobody Died: Adventures of a Milwaukee Music Promoter by Amy T. Waldman with Peter Jest ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a truly enjoyable and compelling read! Surprisingly so! I selected this as my “freebie” from my favorite local used bookstore when making a purchase. (They keep a small shelf of ARCs and complimentary/review copies they have received for customers to select one when they purchase something…) I selected this one strictly based upon the title, We Had Fun and Nobody Died! I mean, what a title! Am I right?!? 😉 I found it to be an intriguing and compelling read and would highly recommend it for the ‘nontraditional education’ (#14) or the ‘music plays an integral part of the storyline (#31) prompt. Jest is an amazing example of someone using their passion/obsession to create a successful entrepreneurial space for themselves. Now I would like to meet him! 😊
POPSUGAR: #6, #8-224 pages, #10, #14, #20, #31
ATY: #1-ticket, #2, #3, #5, #16, #19, #23, #26, #34, #36, #37, #40, #47, #48
RHC: #4, #17, #24
52 Book Club: #33, #35

*The Penguin Who Knew Too Much (Meg Langslow #8) by Meg Langslow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was yet another excellent addition to this series!
POPSUGAR: #6, #20, #43
ATY: #2, #3, #5, #15, #16, #20, #32, #40, #41, #42, #45, #46, #48
RHC: #4
52 Book Club: #2, #7, #41

*Cockatiels at Seven (Meg Langslow #9) by Meg Langslow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ had Meg in more dangerous situations than usual. I found this installment to be particularly humorous! And Meg and her father have discovered yet another relative! (Proving the nut usually doesn't fall far from the tree! LOL)
POPSUGAR: #6, #43
ATY: #2, #15, #16, #20, #23, #32, #41, #42, #45, #48
RHC: #4
52 Book Club: #1, #2, #7, #18, #28/#29, #36, #41, #51

CONTINUING:
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca
Solnit
*Parable of the Talents (Earthseed #2) by Octavia E. Butler is so true to what we are witnessing today! Unbelievably so!
*Death on Eat Street (Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #1) by J.J. Cook has me intrigued thus far...
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca
Solnit is a valuable read in the present atmosphere in the U.S.
*Shift (Silo #2) by Hugh Howey
*Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
*The Trees by Percival Everett (#40)
*Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (#42)
*Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
*Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking has me thinking so very much that I have delayed reviewing it until I can finalize my thoughts…
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*...And Ladies of the Club by

Doni wrote: "A Short Walk Through a Wide World used for prompt about an immigrant. Really enjoyed this. Had an "Addie LaRue" vibe because the MC lived so fiercely."
Kinda on the fence about this one...

"QotW: I do research in order to find books about a certain topic, but once I've found them, I often go by the title alone rather than read a bunch of reviews or some other evaluation means."
That's interesting. Titles can be quite revealing...

Laura Z wrote: "QOTW: I don't think much about it. I read the blurb, scan a couple pages, and make a decision. I'm absolutely a mood reader. I used to do a lot of searching and investigation if I was making a book club selection, but now my book clubs ask each member to suggest/pitch three books and then we vote. I really like this system. It's less stressful... Because we vote, I feel less responsible for any terrible selections."
When the book club I facilitate restarted post-COVID, I instituted a system whereby each member selects a book for us to read during their "birthday month" and that has worked out so well! Everyone gets to select a specific book once a year and then we compile a listing of selected books on which we vote for the following year's selections covering the 6 months without birthdays. It provides a bit of both worlds and everyone seems to like it. I have always felt it beneficial to vote for selected books since it does seem to eliminate a feeling of responsibility if some members do not enjoy a book... 😃

"Happy Thursday! My four-day respite in Key West was amazing! Warm breezes, bright sun, delicious food… It was quite the insult to arrive home just in time for the Tri-Cities’ first snowfall this winter."
I am so jealous you got a total break from daily routine in a tropical location! Good for you!!

Happy Thursday, folks!! We had one day at 62 degrees and then the next day the high was only in the 30s. Ah, well, such is life! Honestly, compared to the chaos, confusion, and abuse of humanity in the world such temperature fluctuations are minor considerations. I have immersed myself in “childrens” literature as of late. When I taught and ran “library classes,” this was my specialty and I doubt I will ever not be enthralled by this genre/subgenre! I also started reading Death on Eat Street (Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #1) by J.J. Cook for the food truck prompt and it is piquing my interest. I’m hoping it ends up being a book I really enjoy by the end!

In case you missed them last week…since I posted so late…
BBC Best Books of 2024:
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/2...

Simon & Schuster’s listing of new releases: https://www.simonandschuster.com/p/ne...

And another new one!
Some interesting staff picks from Powell’s: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscr...

ADMIN STUFF:
THE APRIL MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS ONGOING!
Nominate a book for the April 2025 Monthly Group Read! This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that is considered healing fiction
World Health Day is April 7, 2025: https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Nadine thoughtfully provided a definition:
Healing fiction describes stories about ordinary people, set in ordinary places (such as cafes, bookshops, laundromats, and convenience stores), who are struggling with real, common problems like heartbreak or loneliness.
And while that may be the "official" description, I also would define some of the fantasy I read as "healing fiction." But that's just me... 😁
Vote HERE! This poll will run through February 11!

THE MARCH 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS…Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. This book could be used to fulfill prompt #31 A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline. World Music Therapy Day is March 1, 2025! Surely there is a “musical muse” who will volunteer to lead this discussion! Message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!

THE FEBRUARY 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #14 A book about a nontraditional education. World Thinking Day is February 22, 2025. Erin is the “crafty chronicler” who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much, Erin!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏😃👍

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
How well do you “research” a book before deciding to read it?
In considering what question I might pose I recalled a discussion from an IRL book club meeting that occurred at least 15 years ago… I cannot remember the book we had read, but I mentioned that as usual, I did very little “research” prior to picking it up and reading it. Another group member piped up and berated me for not knowing more about the book before reading it. I let her finish her little tirade (She was shockingly belligerent!) and then followed up by noting that once I finish the book I will do further reading about it and/or the author if I am curious. As we all know by now, I am likely to just pick up a book at random and read it. I feel as if this works for me because I typically really enjoy most books I read—it seems I may be a reader who is easier to please than most. Anyway, this prompted my question for today. How about you? How much do you need to or want to know before reading a book?

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 26/50
Around the Year (AtY): 44/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 9/10
Read Harder: 13/24
52 Book Club: 36/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*The Girl with the Dragon Heart (Tales from the Chocolate Heart #2) by Stephanie Burgis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was amazing! Silke’s storytelling skills saved the day! And she finally discovered what “family” truly means…and that you might just well have more than one! 😊
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #16, #18, #20, #23, #25, #40
ATY: #2, #11, #13 #14, #15, #16, #19, #20, #24, #40, #41, #42, #45, #47
RHC: #4, #5, #16
52 Book Club: #2, #18, #22, #28/#29, #38, #42, #43

*The Princess who Flew with Dragons (Tales from the Chocolate Heart #2) by Stephanie Burgis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a cute ending to the trilogy. (I would definitely read more books set in this world!) I especially appreciated the emphasis on education and Sofia’s ability to lecture the aggressors for four hours straight, eventually building a consensus for peace. If only that would work in our modern-day world!! 😊
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #16, #18, #38, #23, #28
ATY: #2, #5, #11, #14, #15, #16, #20, #24, #28, #40, #45, #46, #47, #48
RHC: #16, #21, #24
52 Book Club: #18, #28/#29, #38, #42, #43

*The Capture (Guardians of Ga’Hoole #1) by Kathryn Lasky ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ had a bit of a slow start during which the characterization was a bit shallower than I might like, but certainly picked up about ¼ of the way through and ended up being quite enjoyable, IMO! Enough that I am anxious to continue the serious and learn more about this world.
POPSUGAR: NEW #7, #8, #14, #20, #23, #28, #43, #44
ATY: #2, #3, #11, #13, #14, #15, #16, #18, #26, #40, #41, #43, #45, #48
RHC: #21, #24
52 Book Club: #13, #18, #19, #22, #24, #38, #42

*Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ felt very realistic in the depiction of a foster child/foster children entering a rather isolated island community. Very heartwarming while simultaneously exposing the complexity of human relationships, especially within families, both biological and “found.” Such a worthwhile read!
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #16, #20, #23, NEW #31
ATY: #1, #2, #3, #5, #15, #16, #23, #25, #26, #31, #33, #36, #40, #41, #43, #45, #48
RHC: #24
52 Book Club: #2, #7, #10, #13, #19, #22, #33, #36, #41, #47

*The Journey (Guardians of Ga’Hoole #2) by Kathryn Lasky ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was even a tad bit more enjoyable for me than was The Capture, the first installment in this series! I have owned this book for quite a few years, but decided I should read the first one first. And I am so glad I did! Definitely looking forward to continuing with the series in the future!
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #14, #16, #20, #23, #28, #40
ATY: #1, #2, #11, #13, #14, #15, #16, #18, #21, #23, #26, NEW #27, #34, #40, #43, #45, #46, #47
RHC: #16, #21, #24
52 Book Club: NEW #9, NEW #12, #13, #18, #19, #22, #28/#29, #38, #43, NEW #45

CONTINUING:
*Parable of the Talents (Earthseed #2) by Octavia E. Butler is so true to what we are witnessing today! Unbelievably so!
*Death on Eat Street (Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #1) by J.J. Cook has me intrigued thus far...
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca
Solnit is a valuable read in the present atmosphere in the U.S.
*Shift (Silo #2) by Hugh Howey
*Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
*The Trees by Percival Everett (#40)
*Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (#42)
*Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
*Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking has me thinking so very much that I have delayed reviewing it until I can finalize my thoughts…
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*21st Birthday (Women’s Murder Club #21) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*22 Seconds (Women’s Murder Club #22) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23rd Midnight (Women’s Murder Club #23) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23 1/2 Lies (Women’s Murder Club #23.5) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*The 24th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #24) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

I keep waiting to post this and I’m not sure why! 😊 This past week was very busy with a lot of driving, etc., so I was worn out by the time I arrived home on Saturday after treating my good friend to lunch. She had some very good news this week from her cardiologist! Her heart is now operating at 100%! She has struggled mightily throughout the past 2½ years to regain her heart health so this was quite an accomplishment!

BBC Best Books of 2024:
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/2...

Simon & Schuster’s listing of new releases: https://www.simonandschuster.com/p/ne...

ADMIN STUFF:
WE HAVE A NEW NOMINATION POLL FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION!
Nominate a book for the April 2025 Monthly Group Read! This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that is considered healing fiction
World Health Day is April 7, 2025: https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Nadine provided a definition:
Healing fiction describes stories about ordinary people, set in ordinary places (such as cafes, bookshops, laundromats, and convenience stores), who are struggling with real, common problems like heartbreak or loneliness.
Vote HERE!

THE MARCH 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS…Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. This book could be used to fulfill prompt #31 A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline. World Music Therapy Day is March 1, 2025! THIS POLL IS SET TO RUN THROUGH TUESDAY, JANUARY 28!! GO VOTE! 😊
Station Eleven beat out The Violin Conspiracy by merely one vote! Surely there is a “musical muse” who will volunteer to lead this discussion! Message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!

THE FEBRUARY 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #14 A book about a nontraditional education. World Thinking Day is February 22, 2025. Erin is the “crafty chronicler” who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much, Erin!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏😃👍

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Do you follow authors on social media?
Only on Goodreads! There are some authors whose newsletters I receive regularly via email, but like Nadine I am rarely on Facebook any more, I now have no interest in Twitter/”X” and I refuse to download another app!! LOL I believe social media can be just as negative and dangerous as it could be a positive force in our society, therefore I stay away except for this app. I have only stayed on Goodreads because it is literally my “bible” for my reading life and I greatly enjoy the social interactions in this group and others…otherwise I would have disengaged from it as soon as Bezos/Amazon purchased it… I try my best to avoid anything Amazon.

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 24/50
Around the Year (AtY): 42/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 9/10
Read Harder: 13/24
52 Book Club: 33/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*Parable of the Sower (Earthseed #1) by Octavia E. Butler ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was even more amazing the second time around on a reread! This book is quite complex but fortunately also sooooo relatable! Everyone at the book club meeting felt it was a good read and there was so much fodder for discussion! It seemed as if Butler was so very prescient! It really felt so believable and pertinent in today’s world in the U.S. (Unfortunately...)
POPSUGAR: #6, #14, #20, NEW #25, NEW #26, #28, #40, NEW #49
ATY: #2, #3, #5, #13, #14, #15, #16, #24, #26, #36, #37, #44, #47, #48
RHC: #4, NEW #5, NEW #12, NEW #15, #21, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #14, #22, #32, #37, #38, #42, #43, #51

*The Women by Kristin Hannah ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was absolutely amazing, IMO! Of the 6 book club members, only one didn’t truly enjoy reading it. I can’t imagine Hannah writing anything I wouldn’t enjoy. This is the 6th book of hers I have read, and I really need to read her entire backlist! Such an accurate reflection of the times in most every way. Though I admit it did make me realize just how much I and my immediate family (my mother and her mother/my maternal grandmother) were fairly isolated from much of the information contained in this book. Though it was a much different time. No cell phones. No computers. No internet. Comparatively, information was only available from radio, TV, or newspapers.
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #16, #26, NEW #32, #40
ATY: #1-tree, #2, #3, #15, #16, #18, #23, #24, NEW #31, #33, NEW #35, #37, #41, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48
RHC: #12, #17, #21
52 Book Club: #2, #10, #13, #18, #22, #33, NEW #36, #38, #39, #43

*The Quilter's Apprentice (Elm Creek Quilts #1) by Jennifer Chiaverini ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a lighter, yet quite enjoyable read for me this week! Definitely plan to continue with the series.
POPSUGAR: #6, #14, #23, #25, #28, NEW #33, #40
ATY: #2, #3, #13, #15, #16, #23, #36, #37, #40, #41, #42, #45, #46, #48
RHC: #24-2015: prompt #18 A book someone else has recommended to you
52 Book Club: #2, #7, #22, #24, #36, #43

CONTINUING:
*The Girl with the Dragon Heart (Tales from the Chocolate Heart #2) by Stephanie Burgis
*Parable of the Talents (Earthseed #2) by Octavia E. Butler started out much differently than I expected. Pleasantly so…
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca
Solnit is a valuable read in the present atmosphere in the U.S.
*Shift (Silo #2) by Hugh Howey
*Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
*The Trees by Percival Everett (#40)
*Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (#42)
*Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
*Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking has me thinking so very much that I have delayed reviewing it until I can finalize my thoughts…
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*21st Birthday (Women’s Murder Club #21) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*22 Seconds (Women’s Murder Club #22) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23rd Midnight (Women’s Murder Club #23) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23 1/2 Lies (Women’s Murder Club #23.5) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*The 24th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #24) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Erin wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "February starts on Saturday and we still do not have a discussion leader for this book - let us know if you're interested. Otherwise, ANARCHY AWAITS!!!.."

If we still need a d..."

You are amazing!! Thank you so much!

Nadine in NY wrote: "honeyfolds wrote: "Also before I forget, NYC was brick AF omg. It felt like razors hitting my face and all the cold wind caused me to have a headache. ..."

LOL I have never heard this term "brick" before! I googled and apparently it is NYC-local slang?"

And here I just assumed it was a typo or something!! Thanks for educating me! 😉

Ron wrote: "Well this is cool, I found out that my local BN is going to be doing a book release party for Sunrise on the Reaping . Had to go in person to pre-order my copy and reserve my spot...."
Have fun! I was working at Borders for two of the Harry Potter release parties!!

Nadine in NY wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Ooohh...some lists!!
A Powell’s list of Scribner books: https://www.powells.com/featured/publ......"

Cool!

Ooohh...some lists!!
A Powell’s list of Scribner books: https://www.powells.com/featured/publ...

Powell’s Booksellers’ Best of 2024 listing:
https://www.powells.com/featured/book...

I’ve been immersing myself in reading and will need to continue doing so to help distract me from the carnage imposed by political leaders… I am currently rereading Parable of the Sower (Earthseed #1) by Octavia E. Butler for an IRL book club meeting this coming Sunday and then will finally read Parable of the Talents (Earthseed #2) next week. (I’ve been meaning to read the sequel ever since I read PotS 2½ years ago.) I am so glad I chose to reread this before book club! I had forgotten quite a few of the pertinent details!

I am also reading The Women by Kristin Hannah for an IRL book club meeting next Tuesday. I just started it and at only 10 pages in realize yet again that Hannah is absolutely a favorite author for me. She never ceases to draw me right in! I have read 5 of her books and really should concentrate on the remainder of her backlist!

I am reading The Quilter's Apprentice (Elm Creek Quilts #1) by Jennifer Chiaverini for Popsugar prompt #33 A book featuring an activity on your bucket list. Since I have completed various crafts during my lifetime, I was always drawn to quilting but assumed I could tackle that as a retiree. Unfortunately, arthritis in my hands, especially in my fingers, is preventing that from happening. But it was an activity I always had planned for when I was older. This is my first Chiaverini book but will certainly not be my last! The 23rd installment in this series is scheduled to release this April! So another series!! YAY!!

I read the introduction and first chapter in Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca Solnit and feel as if it will be a good antidote for me to the crass, hard-hearted, and damaging political times we are experiencing and must endure in the immediate future.

Interestingly, since I hit about age 50 I have been reading multiple books in tandem, switching back and forth among them until I’ll finally sit down with one and just finish it. Prior to that, I always read one book at a time. Once in a while I will still read just one book until it is finished, but not too often any more. And I enjoy reading truly diverse books at the same time! LOL 😊

ADMIN STUFF:
THE JANUARY 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS...Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #43 A book that includes a nonverbal character!
National Dress Up Your Pet Day is January 14, 2025
Thank you to Jennifer W who volunteered to facilitate this discussion! 😊
You can find it HERE
I loved this one!

THE FEBRUARY 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #14 A book about a nontraditional education. World Thinking Day is February 22, 2025! I’m really hoping there is a “crafty chronicler” who will volunteer to lead this discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! (This is a book I do not intend to read…)

THE MARCH 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS HERE! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #31 A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline. World Music Therapy Day is March 1, 2025! THIS POLL IS SET TO RUN THROUGH TUESDAY, JANUARY 28!! GO VOTE! 😊
There are four books from which to choose:
The Cellist of Sarajevo
Daisy Jones & The Six
Station Eleven
The Violin Conspiracy
There are currently two front-runners with only one vote separating them!

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What one challenge prompt do you believe will be difficult for you to fulfill in 2025?
You know, you read the prompt and then realize you cannot think of a single title to fulfill it. Or perhaps your jaw literally drops and your mind goes blank! LOL 😊 Consider this your opportunity to solicit suggested titles! And it doesn’t have to be from the 2025 Popsugar challenge! You can list a prompt from any challenge in which you are participating… (I always think it is very interesting to compare prompts across challenges. Sometimes they can include ones so very similar, if not actual duplicates across various challenges!)

Hmmmm…I guess for me it would be Popsugar #9 A book that features a character going through menopause. And I was thrilled when perusing the Listopia that a new book written by Joanne Harris, Broken Light, was listed! I now have a copy on its way to me. I really enjoyed Chocolat!

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 20/50
Around the Year (AtY): 40/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 9/10
Read Harder: 10/24
52 Book Club: 32/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50
Yes, I realize I have 2 1/2 books to finish the 2024 challenge, but this month I'm having so much fun just reading whatever I pick up! And right now some excellent books for IRL book club meetings this month!

FINISHED:
*The Case of the Missing Moonstone (The Wollstonecradft Detective Agency #1) by Jordan Stratford, art by Kelly Murphy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was quite clever and entertaining! I think I enjoyed the historical notes in the back almost as much as the book! Having read Wilkie’s The Moonstone made it even better!
POPSUGAR: #2-“We’re going to need more crime.”, #6, #8-240 pages, #14, #28, #43
ATY: #2, #5, #15, #16, NEW #17, #19, #24, #32, #40, #42, #45
RHC: #16, #24
52 Book Club: #5, #41,

*Renegade Magic (Kat, Incorrigible #2) by Stephanie Burgis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was close to a 10-star read for me! I adore Burgis’ writing. This middle grade/YA series is just such fun to read, although there are some philosophical considerations and controversies included…
POPSUGAR: #6, #14, #20, #23
ATY: #2, #5, #10, #14, #15, #16, #17, #32, #40, #41
52 Book Club: #2, #27, #38, #43

CONTINUING:
*Parable of the Sower (Earthseed #1) by
Octavia E. Butler
*The Women by Kristin Hannah
*The Quilter's Apprentice (Elm Creek Quilts #1) by Jennifer Chiaverini
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca Solnit
*Shift (Silo #2) by Hugh Howey
*Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
*The Trees by Percival Everett (#40)
*Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (#42)
*Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
*Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking has me thinking so very much that I have delayed reviewing it until I can finalize my thoughts…
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*Parable of the Talents (Earthseed #2) by Octavia E. Butler
*21st Birthday (Women’s Murder Club #21) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*22 Seconds (Women’s Murder Club #22) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23rd Midnight (Women’s Murder Club #23) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23 1/2 Lies (Women’s Murder Club #23.5) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*The 24th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #24) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

I use a Word document that I setup for each challenge every year: Popsugar, AtY, 52 Book Club, Read Harder, Diverse Baseline, African Bingo... Then I list them on the Goodreads posting.

Although I am not impressed with StoryGraph overall and am choosing not to use it, it sounds as if it might be useful for challenges... I stick with Goodreads for the community, certainly NOT because it works well overall from a technical viewpoint!