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.

Denise wrote: "Thanks for the link to authors' fave books! I have a challenge asking to read a fave author's fave book as a prompt! I'm going to read A Doll's House soon and it is one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's fav..."
Glad someone got some value from one of those lists!

K.L. wrote: "QOTW:
I have a really hard time choosing a favorite book for the whole year, especially since I’ve had so many 5-star reads this year. But if I absolutely had to choose one, I’d probably go with Emma, by Jane Austen."

But at least you were able to name just one! Good for you!

Jen W. wrote: "Currently reading:
Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal - for a book written during NaNoWriMo. I'm enjoying it so far."
Thank you so much for mentioning this! I had totally overlooked this book as a way to fulfill prompt #37! Whoo! Whoo!

Apologies for my delay in posting today! I, who am rarely on the internet much have been glued to my laptop since Sunday’s political announcement in the US. Sorry about that!!

I attended an author event with Meg Shaffer and Andrew Shaffer at my favorite local used bookstore on Sunday and all I can say is, “WOW!!” If you ever get a chance to attend an event with both of them, do yourself a favor and just go! I had read and enjoyed Hope Never Dies and Hope Rides Again in 2018 and 2020 respectively. But now that I have read Feel the Bern, that book is now my favorite of the three! Our book club discussed Meg’s The Wishing Game. All of us enjoyed it and had much to say regarding the characters we most connected with, etc. One member stated that some reviewers were doubtful of Lucy’s devotion to Christopher and her wish to be his adoptive (or even just foster) mother! WTH?!? None of us understood that interpretation, but each reader has their own unique take on any one book! Having just begun The Lost Story at the time on Sunday, all I could say was that it certainly started off with a bang in the Prologue! I honestly don’t know how long the Shaffers spoke to us and then answered questions, etc., but it seemed like only 10 minutes and I think we all would have happily stayed another 30 minutes to an hour beyond the event’s ending! So very glad I took advantage of this opportunity!

Here is a listing of 18 recent and upcoming titles of books to read during this South Asian Heritage month which began July 18! These books are by and/or about people with roots in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
https://harperstacks.com/blogs/blog/s...

Book Riot’s “Which Queer Book Should I Read Next?” listing:
https://bookriot.com/?p=573481

26 Favorite Authors’ Favorite Books:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainme...
I am always up for learning what authors are reading!

Kids’ Book with Cats:
https://twitter.com/BookRiot/status/1...

ADMIN STUFF:
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson!!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #6 A book about pirates. Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19! John Baur and Mark Summers created this international day in 1995.
One of you must be the ”vivacious volunteer” needed to lead this discussion! Message either Nadine or myself to secure your spot!! Having never read this classic, I'm pumped to do so this year!

THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #8 A book written by a blind or visually impaired author.
October is White Cane Awareness Month! White Cane Awareness Day is October 15!

The two top vote-getters are:
The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club #1)
From Blood and Ash

VOTE FOR ONE OF THESE HERE!! This poll is only available through Tuesday, July 30!

THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Tea Dragon Society (Tea Dragon #1) by Kay O'Neill!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that features dragons. National Lizard Day is August 14! And who might be the "official organizer" willing to lead this discussion? Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! My copy arrived and I somehow missed that this is actually a graphic novel! Very cute illustrations, etc.!

THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner!! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #44 An autobiography written by a woman in Rock ‘n’ Roll. Erin is the “savvy superstar” who has graciously volunteered to lead July’s group read!! Thank you for the interesting questions you've already posted, Erin! 😊 Join the discussion HERE! I had no expectations, but really enjoyed this book, as well as Zauner's writing style!

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
***
Question of the Week:
What is your favorite read in 2024 thus far? Why?
I can’t believe I am asking this question! You all know how difficult it is for me to select just ONE book!!

Honestly, as I scroll through my list of books read this year, there are only one in every 3-4 books that I simply could NOT justify as a “best of” pick!

But I will simply state that the two books I am currently focusing on finishing, *The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer and *Wool (Silo #1) by Hugh Howey are bound to be favorites for me when I finish them!!

I know the rest of you are much better at this than me, so let’s hear your favorite(s)! 😊

2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 33/50
Around the Year (AtY): 50/52
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 42/52

FINISHED:
*The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐for an IRL book club meeting this Sunday was amazing, IMO! A would classify this as a “modern-day fairy tale”! I has a feel-good ending and just so much love, trepidation, and poignancy!! We had an amazing turnout for book club and everyone agreed they truly enjoyed this book!
POPSUGAR: #2, #11-Romance, #14, #35, #17, #23
ATY: #3-A book about or featuring a landmark, #24-Orange, Green, Purple, #27, #28, #33, #36, #44, #49
RHC: #20, #24-2017: prompt #3 A book about books
52 Book Club: #4, #5, #9, #14, #24, #30, #31, #43

*Feel the Bern by Andrew Shaffer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐for an author event this Sunday. I enjoyed this a bit more than I did the Obama/Biden mystery books. Perhaps because I feel as if I don’t “know” Bernie Sanders nearly as well as I “know” Obama and Biden? I connected with the humor in this book so very well! It was very enjoyable! And especially now that I “know” the author! Well, have met him in person at least!!
POPSUGAR: #2
ATY: #3-A book related to X marks the spot, #9-1,876 ratings, #17, #23, #24-Orange and Green, #27, #28, #29, #31-Doc’s “golden” maple syrup, #33, #34-Doc, #37. #40-Champ, #48, #49, #52
RHC: #14, #16, #23, #24-2015: prompt #6 A book written by a person whose gender is different from your own
52 Book Club: #9, #30, #32, #43

CONTINUING:
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer for an author event this Sunday
*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
*All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely starts with a bang! Just as I would expect!
*Wool (Silo #1) by Hugh Howey for the July meeting of the IRL book club I facilitate Oh, my! This book is sooooo good!!
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*11th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #11) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Theresa wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "I received an email message on July 13 regarding a previously unscheduled added-at-the-last-minute author event at the Carmel Clay Public Library in Carmel, IN, at 6PM yesterday! Th...

Oh, LYNN< so excited you got to go to Kamali's release event! I'll have to see if/when she's in NYC. I loved her Together Tea and The Stationery Shop.

There's currenty a giveaway for The Lion Women of Tehran and I entered!"
The excerpt she read was amazing!

I love author events!

I am currently reading Meg Shaffer's two books: just finished The Wishing Game which was kinda a modern-day fairy tale, IMO. I loved it! Now starting her newest release, The Lost Story. She and her husband, Andrew Shaffer, will be at an author event at my favorite local used bookstore on Sunday. I read and enjoyed his two books, Hope Never Dies and Hope Rides Again, the Obama Biden mysteries. And hope to also read his newest release, Feel the Bern before the event this Sunday! 😁👍

Denise wrote: "All the check ins about miserable hot humid and/or rainy weather make me so grateful that I live in a Mediterranean climate in SoCal. Rarely above 80. Rarely below 60. Again, gratitude!"
Ah, yes, I spent a few days in SoCal. I loved La Jolla!! That weather!

I'd be willing to move out and live with you there, Denise! Ha! Ha! 😁😃👍

I received an email message on July 13 regarding a previously unscheduled added-at-the-last-minute author event at the Carmel Clay Public Library in Carmel, IN, at 6PM yesterday! The author is Marjan Kamali. Her newest release is The Lion Women of Tehran, published on July 2, and included as a Book of the Month Club option in June. I had wanted to read her other two books, The Stationery Shop and Together Tea, but especially this newest one! I attended and it was very interesting! Kamali is an excellent speaker, IMO, and an intriguing person! I was rather disappointed that they were only selling copies of the most recent release...

The Goodreads 2024 Reading Challenge is planning an I SPY Team Readathon August 2-11. You can sign up HERE until July 25!

Both of these listings from The Atlantic contain books I had never heard of before. I am not necessarily interested in reading all of them, but felt they contain some titles that might be new-to-you and prove to be interesting to you!
Seven Books That Will Make You Rethink Your Relationship to Nature (msn.com)
https://www.theatlantic.com/books/arc...

Nine Books That Push Against the Status Quo (msn.com)
https://www.theatlantic.com/books/arc...

And I was unfamiliar with all 5 of these!
Five Books for People Who Really Love Books (msn.com)
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/m...

ADMIN STUFF:
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson!!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #6 A book about pirates. Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19! John Baur and Mark Summers created this international day in 1995.
One of you must be the ”vivacious volunteer” needed to lead this discussion! Message either Nadine or myself to secure your spot!! Having never read this classic, I'm pumped to do so this year!

THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #8 A book written by a blind or visually impaired author.
October is White Cane Awareness Month! White Cane Awareness Day is October 15!

The two top vote-getters are:
The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club #1)
From Blood and Ash

VOTE FOR ONE OF THESE HERE!! This poll is only available through Tuesday, July 30!

THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Tea Dragon Society (Tea Dragon #1) by Kay O'Neill!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that features dragons. National Lizard Day is August 14! And who might be the "official organizer" willing to lead this discussion? Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! My copy arrived and I somehow missed that this is actually a graphic novel! Very cute illustrations, etc.!

THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner!! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #44 An autobiography written by a woman in Rock ‘n’ Roll. Erin is the “savvy superstar” who has graciously volunteered to lead July’s group read!! Thank you for the interesting questions you've already posted, Erin! 😊 Join the discussion HERE! I had no expectations, but really enjoyed this book, as well as Zauner's writing style!

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
***
Question of the Week:
Do you like to read fairytale retellings? Recommend your favorites!
I loved both of Alix E. Harrow’s Fractured Fables: A Spindle Splintered (Sleeping Beauty) and A Mirror Mended (Snow White).
I adored Susan Wilson’s Beauty, retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
I really enjoyed T.J. Klune’s In the Lives of Puppets which is a retelling of The Adventures of Pinocchio!
The Ghost Bride is Yangsze Choo’s retelling of various Chinese folklore tales. Though I am unfamiliar with the original folk tales, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! This was a buddy read.
Where the Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda are “feminist retellings of traditional Japanese folktales.” Another Buddy Read that surprised me! In a good way! Also unfamiliar with the original tales…

I’m anxious to finally read Vaishnavi Patel's Kaikeyi, a retelling of a Ramayana epic from ancient India. I think the one-word title of such an unusual-to-me word has me enthralled!

2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 33/50
Around the Year (AtY): 50/52
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 42/52

FINISHED:
*If This Were Fiction: A Love Story in Essays by Jill Christman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for a workshop this Tuesday. This was one of the very best essay collections I’ve ever read. I think the fact that I have shared quite a few life experiences with the author helps me identify a bit more closely with the topics. I particularly appreciate her own self-musings as that type of thought process echoes my own…
POPSUGAR: #2, #4
ATY: #3-A book that is a collection of short stories or essays, #9-67 ratings, #15, #17, #21, #24-Green, #25, #27, #28, #33, #36, #44, #45, #46, #48
RHC: #14, #24-2015: prompt #18 Read a book that someone else has recommended to you
52 Book Club: #10, #14, #24, #30, #31, #43, #49-Muncie, IN, #51

*Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the Persephone Book group’s July monthly read. Although I got a bit bored about midway through, the last 1/3 and ending of the book definitely more than redeemed my overall reading experience of this one. I believe if you are a “romance” fan you would enjoy this! And perhaps, like me, even if you aren’t particularly enthralled by much of the romance genre, you would still find it enjoyable. Of course, there are some bits and pieces of dialogue that are reflective of the 1930s that would be identified as racist in the current times. Though it seems a bit strange to read such language now, it was considered to be common and unchallenged in that time period…
POPSUGAR: #2, #11, NEW #24, #31
ATY: #1, #3-A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book, #10-Historical Fiction, #17, #19-Coffee in front of the fire at the end, #21, #25, #33, #36-Guinivere was a governess, #46, #48
RHC: #24-2015: prompt #4 A book published by an indie press (Persephone)
52 Book Club: #9, #26-Classic/Historical Fiction/Romance, #32, #51-Miss LaFosse’s lifestyle seemed extremely WILD to Miss Pettigrew!

CONTINUING:
*The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer for an IRL book club meeting this Sunday
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer for an author event this Sunday
*Feel the Bern by Andrew Shaffer for an author event this Sunday
*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
*All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely starts with a bang! Just as I would expect!
*Wool (Silo #1) by Hugh Howey for the July meeting of the IRL book club I facilitate Oh, my! This book is sooooo good!!
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*11th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #11) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

A political pundit on NPR today was being interviewed about Vance. He was describing politicians who demonstrate their willingness to change horses in midstream (so to speak) just to be included in a political ploy that will benefit them. As he was describing Vance's 2016 and prior rants about being a "never Trumper," the interviewer then asked whether he felt Vance would ever demonstrate this trait. His reply? "He already has." So, in other words, he, like so many, will declare himself aligned with whomever he feels may benefit him the most! I would agree.

And if you're interested in a rebuttal (of sorts) to Hillbilly Elegy, I would recommend What You Are Getting Wrong about Appalachia.

The thing is, the press just builds upon stereotypes so much...it makes it difficult to remember that the variation within members of any size group will always extend the full range from one extreme to the other and everything in between!

Vance ingratiated himself to Mitch Daniels here in Indiana not long after his book was published. I assumed right then he was going to enter politics. There was a book that was published in response to his work as I recall. I am on my phone headed home from the gym so can’t link a book but I think the title is what you’re getting wrong about Appalachia or something like that.

Ron wrote: "Well, things have gotten a bit crazy. My mom got Covid so she's in the hospital. She's doing slightly better, but don't know when she'll be discharged. My sister and her two boys were gonna stay ov..."

Ugh. Positive energy to you all!!

Nadine in NY wrote: "Ok who among you has read Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis? What was your opinion?"

I have. While I enjoyed his writing style, I disagreed with him vehemently at the end when he claimed social support programs, such as those of which he took advantage, should not exist. (Especially the financial assistance so he could attend college.) Then admitted he had no answers as to what should exist in their stead. Evidently nothing... You can read my review...

Heather wrote: "I can't figure out how to quote on mobile -- is that even possible?? -- but this is a reply to Nadine asking what happened. (Why is this app SO BAD!?)"
You would think Amazon could and would fix it to work much better, wouldn't you?!? Ugh...

Nadine in NY wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "From the NYT 100 Best Books of the 21st Century listing:

I have read 22 of them, another 50 are already on my TBR listing, and I ended up adding 17 to my TBR listing as a result of...

WOW so you are DEFINITELY vibing with the NYT choices!!"
I know! Weird... 😁

From the NYT 100 Best Books of the 21st Century listing:

I have read 22 of them, another 50 are already on my TBR listing, and I ended up adding 17 to my TBR listing as a result of reading through this. I’m not sure if I should thank you or not, Nadine!! LOL

I didn't track it, but I think there were about 20 that I was not familiar with already...

Some notes about the books I have read:

1. Bel Canto—I remember at a book club meeting several years ago one member walked in holding the book high above her head and said “This book destroyed me!” That’s how I felt about this one! I just knew it was gonna end like that!
2. On Beauty—I had to laugh when I saw this listed. I read it in 2017. Here is my review:
Ack! Good writing, but another depressing read about a man who refuses to keep his pants zipped, then thinks everyone should be "okay" with him afterward, including his partner of 30 years. Sheesh!! Really? Just because someone offers themselves up to you, doesn't mean you must dive right in, as it were! Have some real balls and stick up for yourself and those you love and just "say No!" Poor Kiki. And their 3 childrOlive Kitteridgeen. ☹ ‘Nuff said…
3. An American Marriage—Excellent and IMO necessary read!
4. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow—LOVED IT! It felt so real to me…
5. Olive Kitteridge—The book club I facilitate read this in 2016 (as I recall) Here is my review:
Of the 10 or so people in my book club who read this about 2 years ago, only 2 -3 even liked it. Olive is a complex person, as are we all, and although she is NOT the main character in each story, we still get to know her fairly well. Not certain I would have awarded a Pulitzer to this work, but each person has their own unique opinion about such things, and about each book they read! Although it was an interesting read for me, most of our book club members despised "Olive" so passionately, it appeared to jade their opinion about the book overall.
6. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness—My review from 2016 evidently never posted as this was still listed on my “Currently Reading” shelf. But it is, in my opinion, a must-read, especially for us white folks…
7. The Friend—After reading Mitz: The Marmoset of Bloomsbury for an IRL book club I just had to FINALLY read The Friend! I read it this past May and here is my review:
This was as poignant as I expected, but not overly so, IMO! So many truisms in this book! I adore the way Nunez sneaks in bits of pieces of trivia and facts in her writing!

Yes, I believe animals are way smarter than we give them credit for being and it is we humans who are not smart enough to know how "smart" they are!

Definitely recommend this! I loved the unexpectedly gentle ending!
8. The Great Believers—FINALLY read this last December! Ended my review with Please, please, please! Read this!
9. Middlesex—Read this 7 years ago and loved it! I feel for those estimated 137,000 intersex folks in the U.S. as of 2002. That can’t be easy.
10. The Complete Persepolis—Typically not a fan of graphic novels, but this one blew me away!
11. The Goldfinch—The IRL book club I facilitate read this loved it!
12. Small Things Like These—This was selected as a “December” read for one of my IRL book clubs and while most everybody considered it to be depressing, I found it to be hopeful and a celebration of what each of us CAN do as a positive contribution! I want to read more of Keegan’s writing!
13. H is for Hawk—An excellent read, IMO!! Loved it!
14. Between the World and Me—just read it!! It is relatively “short” yet powerful, IMO! Here is my review:
Every single person should read this book, especially those of us who have been taught to refer to ourselves as "white"! As Coates notes there is no "white" without "others" who are subservient and oppressed has taken me a while to incorporate into my understanding of the world. It is so true... We are all just human. There should be no “colors” to be considered… For that only exacerbates divisiveness, negativity, discrimination, and prejudice. Period. Whether any one individual can or will recognize this as truth, it is still true...
15. Sing, Unburied, Sing—Read this almost 6 years ago. My review:
Wow. I love Ward’s writing! This book is dark, and yet, by the end it appears to be a bit more hopeful. There’s a bit “Of Mice and Men” in it. There are some rather grisly details, but overall I found this to be an excellent read. It definitely provides much fodder for discussion, as proven in our book club meeting today! I love the magical realism! I would say if you’re at all interested, you should definitely try it!
16. The Overstory—10 STARS! I loved it! I adore independent story lines that are woven together by the book’s end…
17. Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity—This book should be required reading in the U.S. Part of my review:
India contains 1/3 of this planet's poor and 1/4 of those on this earth suffering from hunger. Those stats alone speak volumes! So much to be done...and where to start? Better yet, how to follow through with genuine improvements for as many as possible?

Do yourself a favor and persevere to read this book to learn just how bad it is for millions of others with whom we share this planet. It is a tough read, but so worth it!
18. Pachinko—Adored this book! Not an easy read, but well worth it!
19. The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao—I read this before joining Goodreads. Part of my review:
The first thing I would always state to Borders customers who might ask about this book was that you needed to make sure "bad language" wouldn't bother you, since this book contains plenty of that, at least compared to most literature I read. Then when I had the honor of listening to Diaz speak at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, I was rather delighted to learn that "bad words" are in his day-to-day vernacular! A man after my own heart. (I'm uncertain exactly who created the listing of "bad" words, but I believe it be a senseless pursuit...) I totally recommend this book as an immersion into what for me, at least, was a very different "voice."
20. Gilead—I read this in 2018! I adore Robinson’s writing! Here is my review:
Although I read Robinson's Home first, I would recommend reading Gilead first, then there is some historical perspective for the characters in Home. In my opinion, Robinson is one of the most talented classically lyrical writers of all time. Her writing does not just flow, it "sings"... Though the topics and issues forming the basis for her narratives are deeply emotional, the text is subtle yet extremely powerful. In my opinion, this was soooo deserving of the Pulitzer...truly a classical benchmark in American literature.
21. Never Let Me Go—Just reading this title in the list made me gasp aloud! Here is my review:
Ishiguro's writing is, IMO, excellent for this story arc. Definitely believable, though no less scary... This is totally possible with current technology...and that is what makes it scary...
22. The Underground Railroad—Not posting my review again here. Though I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I got a bit political in my rant of a review! LOL

Nadine in NY wrote: "The NYT finished their top 100 list, they just published the last 20 titles! I have not read the #1 book (nor do I want to) - has anyone read it? Thoughts on it being #1? [spoilers removed]"

I want to read it. I keep meaning to read it. I did finally get a copy and it is here somewhere... LOL 😊

1.Michelle talks about how she loves going to H-Mart and finding the products she can't get anywhere else. Are there any specialty grocery stores that you like to go to, or any that you'd like to visit?
I love to go to International or other smaller independent grocery stores. There used to an "Asian" grocery store in a nearby town when my children were young and they loved going in there and seeing all the different foods. I would stop to get several items I couldn't find elsewhere every once in awhile after receiving a "Chinese" cook book as a gift! And I stop once in awhile at an "International" grocery store to pickup a few items and always get something that is new-to-me to try!

2.Michelle has a lot of family memories associated with certain foods and recipes. Do you have any recipes that remind you of home or your childhood?
Many of them. I was fortunate to live with my grandmother (who really was my main caregiver, especially as a preschooler) who cooked everything from scratch! I learned so much about cooking from her. My mother worked full-time and was on the road 2 hours every day commuting to and from her job, so not much time to cook...

3. She talks about how her family bonded over food more than books or music. Is there something specific you feel like you bonded with your family over?
Definitely food as well since my grandmother did all the cooking. She loved to cook and did so every day! I had fresh-squeezed orange juice every morning with toast, bacon, and eggs! Yum!

Kathy wrote: "1) What overall theme do you 'take away' from reading this book?
I agree with the take away of learning about and respecting other cultures. It was so interesting to imagine the different characters and how they would behave and work with each other."
It certainly was! Even the furniture, to accommodate tails, etc.!

2) How does it resonate for you in your daily life? Or does it not at all?
To me, this solidifies the need for all of us to learn about other cultures and to realize that our ways may not be others. It stresses the need for patience and understanding in the world.
Couldn't have stated it better!

"3) Were your opinions, attitudes, or insights changed at all by reading this book? (e.g. toward AI, technology, society/culture...)
It really made me think about how we should all be mindful of others cultures and respect each other especially as the world is becoming more and more connected."
Yes, at least we should feel as if we are all more connected. Unfortunately, some people still seem 'stuck' and unable or unwilling to learn much of anything...about themselves...about other people...etc.

"4) Do you want to read more of Chambers' writing? Why or why not?
I would like to read more. I really enjoyed her writing and character development."
I don't think you would be disappointed by reading her other books!

The BBC World Book Club did use my recorded questions for the Kevin Kwan interview they made available on July 6 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3c...). And…ugh. I despise my speaking voice. Always have. And although I had practiced what I wanted to say at least 10 times I sound exactly as if I was reading it directly from written text for the very first time! Yikes! (Okay, I was reading it, but not for the first time! It should have sounded much more natural!) And my voice is just as awful-sounding as I believed it to be and I sound so STIFF and FORMAL and just…ugh! But they used my questions and he was brilliant in the interview. They used my first question in the first 15-20 minutes or so and then my second question at the end. If you’ve read and enjoyed Crazy Rich Asians or the whole trilogy, I think you would find his comments very interesting! And you can laugh at how awful I sound!! I’m sure it would have been better for me to call in and participate live, but my husband had appointments! LOL If that’s the worst embarrassment I suffer in this lifetime, I can live through it! LOL At least the questions weren’t so bad they wouldn’t include them! There is that positive note. 😊

I am sitting in the hospital parking lot posting this today. My husband is in Physical Therapy and I have had quite a frustrating time of it over the past 36 hours. But I refuse to go into detail since it is literally just too bizarre! I hope everyone else is not experiencing an inordinate amount of frustration in your life. Fingers crossed that your lives are much more mundane!👍😁

ADMIN STUFF:
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson!!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #6 A book about pirates. Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19! John Baur and Mark Summers created this international day in 1995.
One of you must be the ”vivacious volunteer” needed to lead this discussion! Message either Nadine or myself to secure your spot!! Having never read this classic, I'm pumped to do so this year!

THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #8 A book written by a blind or visually impaired author.
October is White Cane Awareness Month! White Cane Awareness Day is October 15!

If you do not see the title you would like to nominate, please write it in. Please add in the comments what the author's visual impairment is, so we can be sure the book will fulfill this category.

Nadine checked the authors of the first few books she grabbed from our Listopia to start this poll:
* Richard Osman was born with nystagmus, an eye condition that significantly reduces his vision.
* Alice Walker was injured in her right eye from a BB gun, and she eventually became permanently blind in that eye.
* Helen Keller became blind and deaf after a childhood illness.
* Homer was too long ago to know for sure, but legend says he was blind and recited his poems as he traveled from one place to another.
* Jennifer Armentrout has retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes gradual retinal degradation leading to blindness.

Also please check that book's eligibility first! Only books that have NOT been discussed within the past two years (2022-present) are eligible. Remember to consult the listing of these books that are NOT eligible for this month HERE before nominating! :) There is an alphabetized listing by title as well as a chronological listing.

NOTE: This is the NOMINATION round, which is step one. This poll will be open for two weeks. We will select the top results from this round to create a new poll for a Final Vote to select ONE book for the October 2024 group read.

Books nominated thus far:
The Color Purple
Blind Spot
The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club #1)
The Story of My Life
Flood
The Illiad
From Blood and Ash
The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight
Villette

This represents quite a variety of genres, etc.!

VOTE FOR OR NOMINATE A BOOK HERE!! This poll is only available through Tuesday, July 16!

THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Tea Dragon Society (Tea Dragon #1) by Kay O'Neill!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #23 A book that features dragons. National Lizard Day is August 14! And who might be the "official organizer" willing to lead this discussion? Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! My copy arrived and I somehow missed that this is actually a graphic novel! Very cute illustrations, etc.!

THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner!! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #44 An autobiography written by a woman in Rock ‘n’ Roll. Erin is the “savvy superstar” who has graciously volunteered to lead July’s group read!! Thank you for the interesting questions you've already posted, Erin! 😊 Join the discussion HERE! I had no expectations, but really enjoyed this book, as well as Zauner's writing style!

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
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Question of the Week:
Have you ever read a book based on current events?
This is not just referring to a nonfiction book, but any book that is somehow related to current events. For example, one of my IRL book club facilitators has selected these books for the group to read in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel and the resultant war:
Salt Houses
Minor Detail

Both of these books are fiction but detail Palestinian life in the re… They are both eye-opening and definitely provided much motivation for discussion amongst us!

I just wondered if any of you have ever selected books to read due to current events. 😊

We were complimenting these selections at Tuesday’s meeting since we appreciated receiving more information about life in this part of the world.

2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 32/50
Around the Year (AtY): 50/52
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 42/52

FINISHED:
*The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers #1) by Becky Chambers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a reread after 5 years and not only held up, but I appreciated it even moreso the second time around! This is just such a perfect read for me! I love every aspect of these characters, but especially their unique aspects and their resulting interactions. Hooray for mutual respect, acceptance, and appreciation.
POPSUGAR: #2, #10, NEW #18, #19
ATY: #1, #3-A sci-fi novel, #14, #17, #19-real coffee, #21, #25, #27-controlling land for the exploitation of natural resources, #29-breathable air must be created and circulated in space vehicles, #31, #33, #34-Doc—Dr. Chef!, #35-Science Fiction, #37, #40-Ohan, #48
RHC: #24-2015: prompt #12 Read a sci-fi- novel
52 Book Club: #7, #9, #12, #14, #24, #31, #36, #43, #45

*Minor Detail by Adania Shibli ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for an IRL book club meeting Tuesday. I expected this to be intense...and was it ever! Though I’m uncertain what I just read… Discussing this with other people helped, as usual! I cannot imagine living that way with constant threat of violence/death, unable to travel at all without encountering multiple ‘checkpoints’, etc. Unbelievable that we humans treat each other so miserably. It would be akin to feeling ‘hunted’ all the time, IMO…
POPSUGAR: #14, #29
ATY: #3-A book you could read in 24 hours, #10-Historical Fiction, #17, #25, #27, #28, #30, #33, #41, #44, #48
RHC: #8, #10, #24-2021: prompt #3 A non-European novel in translation
52 Book Club: #5, #24, #31, #32, #33

*Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ All I keep thinking as I read is that I do not miss my mother. She was much like Michelle’s mother—always criticizing every single thing I did (or didn’t do). Though our situations are very different as her mother was her only U.S. connection to her Korean heritage…and I am glad for their mutual understanding before her mother’s death. (Though admittedly, I am a bit jealous!) Erin, our "savvy superstar" discussion leader, has asked some very interesting questions!
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, NEW #44
ATY: #1, #3-A biography, autobiography, or memoir, #4-Saying “I love you,” #14, #15, #17, #23, #29-air travel, #33, #42, #45, #49
RHC: #24-2018: prompt #12 A celebrity memoir
52 Book Club: #9, #14, #19, #24, #25, #30, #43, #44

CONTINUING:
*All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely starts with a bang! Just as I would expect!
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*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…
*Wool (Silo #1) by Hugh Howey for the July meeting of the IRL book club I facilitate Oh, my! This book is sooooo good!!
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*11th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #11) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Erin wrote: "Some questions about the start of the book- no spoilers, I'm only around page 50

1.Michelle talks about how she loves going to H-Mart and finding the products she can't get anywhere else. Are ther..."

Great questions! Hope to answer them either tonight or tomorrow!

I'm 30 pages in and enjoying Zauner's writing. Interesting to me since my mother was very much the same way--always a criticism to offer, never a recognition of accomplishment or encouraging words... But our perspectives are probably quite different since her mother was her only U.S. connection to her Korean heritage...