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.

There are three paperback copies available on Better World Books for $6.51 each. I might break down and get a copy, but probably not until mid-month or later...

Participation in the Heated Therapy Pool classes I teach has been way up lately! I had 20 students last night! Typically I have 5-10! LOL It kinda makes me feel as if I am accomplishing more when there are more students! Interestingly, there have been 3-6 new students in this week’s classes and when I asked their opinion of the class afterward, they looked at me and said, “You don’t come to play, do you?” This seems to be a recurring theme among new students. I guess they have to decide whether they want to be challenged or not! LOL Because they are correct—I come to work out hard and bring them along on that journey! Though I am always very careful to encourage people NOT to perform certain movements if it hurts, but instead to modify the movements for their own comfort level. This is especially pertinent for those who are dealing with or rehabbing from injuries, surgeries, etc. One student just turned 90 years old a month ago and is still living on her own, driving, and participating in my High Intensity classes on Mondays and Fridays. She keeps moving and just doing what she can, but I admire her spunk and determination! All of this makes it more fun for me! Plus it encourages me to create new and sometimes more difficult movements to challenge those who attend regularly! 😉 Need to keep them on their toes!

A list! A new award! The inaugural Nero Awards have been announced! Here is the website and listing of winners, etc.: https://nerobookawards.com/category-w... The mission: Each year, we’ll highlight great authors and outstanding reads across four categories: Children’s Fiction, Fiction, Debut Fiction and Non-Fiction. You’ll be able to take your pick from a collection of 16 books, written by authors based in the UK and Ireland.

Both AtY and 2024 Reading Challenge have upcoming readathons in February! Whoo! Whoo!

***
ADMIN STUFF:
The January 2024 Monthly Group Read of Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is wrapping up! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #19 "A book set in the future." Discussion of this book is ongoing HERE! Thanks to Nadine for jumping in to lead the discussion on this one! You will also find the thread to list a book you have read to fulfill this specific prompt HERE!

And since this is the 1st day of February… The February Monthly Group Read is Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker!! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #1 A book with the word "leap" in the title. (Since “Leap Day”/February 29 does occur in February!) 😊 The discussion thread is HERE! Hooray for Kimberly Barker, the “leaping literary luminar” who has volunteered to lead this discussion! Standing ovation!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏 You will find the thread to list the book you read for prompt #1 HERE!

The March Monthly Group Read is Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #48 A collection of at least 24 poems. World Poetry Day is celebrated on March 21!
The search is on for a "marvelous manager" to lead the discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! I am looking forward to this one! And I’m not even a huge fan of poetry!

APRIL FINAL SELECTION POLL!
The April Final Selection poll for the Monthly Group Read is live HERE!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #29 A book with a neurodivergent main character. April is Autism Awareness Month!
These are the books to be considered:
The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) by Nita Prose
The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1) by Graeme Simsion
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan
This poll will be open through Tuesday, February 13!

Nadine and I have noted that keeping these polls open for two weeks, rather than only one week, does appear to encourage and/or enable more members to participate and vote. We will plan to continue the two-week voting period for the future. And thank you to those who do participate!

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
***
Question of the Week:
Would you rather read one long (900ish-pages) book or three shorter (300-ish pages) books?
I feel as if the shorter books read “faster” somehow. Perhaps it just feels that way since I can count THREE books read rather than just ONE! 😊

2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 14/50
Around the Year (AtY): 33/52
Read Harder: 6/24
52 Book Club: 23/52

FINISHED:
*Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for a Buddy Read and Popsugar prompt #22 A book that centers on video games. While I found this to be an intensely emotional read, it also felt very REAL to me—as if I was living in that world and experiencing the same things… I’m convinced there are many ways to “love” others and each of us does not necessarily “love” any two people in the same way… I appreciate the game creation and business details as well! I definitely want to read Zevin’s backlist! My book club very much enjoyed The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry when we read it almost 6 years ago!
POPSUGAR: #2, NEW #22
ATY: #3-A book 400-600 pages long, #10, #15, #17, #24-orange, green, #33, #36, #49-Sam’s grandparents, #50
RHC: #24-2015: prompt #18 Read a book that someone else has recommended to you
52 Book Club: NEW #6, NEW #10, #14, NEW #16, #19, #24, NEW #26-Historical Fiction/Romance, #31, #33, #43, NEW #44

*As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for a Buddy Read. If you are at all in doubt about people choosing to be “smuggled” into other countries or if you don’t believe their fears to be real or whatever it is that might prevent you from understanding and/or sympathizing with the refugee experience(s)—read this book. Please! Though the subject matter/theme is dire, Katouh’s excellent writing skills make it readable and personal. Every lemon will bring forth a child, and the lemons will never die out.
POPSUGAR: #2, #17-Syria, NEW #33, NEW #35
ATY: #3-A cultural book, #10-Historical Fiction, #14, #15, #17, #18. #21, NEW #23, #25, #27-Syria=homeland, #28-escape via boat on the Mediterranean Sea, NEW #29-watchhing up in the air for planes/missiles/snipers, NEW #30-Syria, #33, #34-Dr. Zaid-Salama’s mentor and father-figure, #36-Salama was a pharmacy student, #41, NEW #44, #46-Layla’s painting, NEW #48-FAVORITE PROMPT: #3 A book that fits a suggestion that didn’t make the final list--A book related to “civil rights” or “human rights” (also Dismantling Racism)
RHC: #24-2015: prompt #11 Read a YA novel
52 Book Club: NEW #2-I swear I could smell the lemons!, NEW #5, #6-Salama was in pharmacy school, #14, #19, #24, #26-Historical Fiction/Romance, #44

CONTINUING:
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer
A priority for February!
*Quicksand by Nella Larsen for my Harlem Renaissance challenge
*Passing by Nella Larsen for an IRL book club
*Emily Climbs (Emily #2) by L.M. Montgomery
Almost done with this and anxious to read the last of this trilogy!

PLANNED:
*Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum #30) by Janet Evanovich
*10th Anniversary (Women’s Murder Club #9) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*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: "This one’s available on hoopla, and none of the other “leap” books are grabbing me, so I’m in for the group read!

Let’s see if I actually finish on time! I think it’d be a first!"
Good for you!! :)

Laura wrote: "Happy Thursday! Well, the bitter cold is gone, but now we're left with a fog that never lifts. However, I’m catching a red-eye to Key West this evening. It'll be a nice change from the gloom of the PNW. Looking forward to warm breezes and sunshine!"
Excellent! I am jealous! I'll just live vicariously through you! LOL

"2024 Reading Challenges: I’ve read 36 books so far this year with an average length of 309 pages."
Wow. That's great!

"QOTW: Yes, we have an unconscionable number of copies of Neil Gaiman's American Gods (including the graphic novels). We also have a beautiful leather-bound collection of "The Sandman." I absolutely admit to buying books just because they're beautiful."
I don't blame you for liking their beauty!!

Nadine in NY wrote: "Happy Thursday!

My informal walking program has already shown results, I can walk faster and more easily now than I could a month ago! I still have age-related aches and pains, but they are improved. I did not expect to see results in only one month! Now I'm motivated! (and my dogs are also MOTIVATED - I thought walking at a different time every day would throw them off and they would not have expectations ... hahahaha NOT SO!! They have expectations!) so that got increased to 6 days a week, but of course the weather is the final decider in how many "rest days" I take. My goal is to be walking 3 or more miles each day by June. Based on my achievement so far, this should be no problem. I like to set goals I know I can reach!"
I am so very happy for you!!! YAY!!! 👏👏👏👍😁

"And I DNFed
My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due- the dog dies in chapter one (and it's kind of gruesome), and the protagonist didn't even care, and then I learned (view spoiler) so this is clearly not the book for me. I wish more reviews made it clear that the dog dies, if I had known, I never would have picked this up. I really hate the way Due handled that, and I wasn't super impressed with the writing, so I may not ever pick up another book by her."
Of course I never would have tried this one since it is HORROR, but still! Ugh. I just don't understand the appeal....

"QotW
No, not really. Two or three times, I have purchased box sets of books I had previously borrowed from the library and read and loved, and I sometimes purchased copies of books (often used) when I want them for my kids and I can't find my old copy, but that's about it."
Thank you for being someone else who can't always locate a book!!! LOL

Kenya wrote: "QOTW: I rarely buy books of any kind, let alone special editions. The perks of working at a library, heh..."

Definitely!

Nadine in NY wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "I apologize for being soooo late to post today! (I was rather surprised Nadine hadn’t texted me to ask if I was going to do this or not today! LOL) I was busy in the kitchen when it hit me that tod..."

LOL I thought about it!! When I was out walking the dogs I decided I'd contact you when I got back. But by then you had posted :-)"

Glad you were out walking the dogs! Good for you!

Dani wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Happy Thursday!
We were awakened at 3am by the local police running up the driveway and yelling to each other. They appeared to have apprehended someone who we’re pretty certai..."
Wow. All of that is so scary!

Dani wrote: "Good morning from Columbus! The weather has been a touch unhinged this last week, it’s certainly kept me on my toes. Saturday I took my 9 year old to Cleveland to see their natural history museum, the things they had out on display were really cool (they have Balto!) but I guess I didn’t realize when the website said they were renovating so some things were off display that it actually meant basically only the lobby was open. We ended up at my favorite place, the art museum for the rest of the day so overall the trip was well spent."
I love museums! Especially art museums!

Joanna wrote: "QOTW: I very rarely buy books these days, but I have backed a couple of graphic novels on Kickstarter and gone for the higher tiers to get the extra content/swag."
That's so cool!

Ashley Marie wrote: "QOTW: Do you ever buy special editions of books you already own or have read?
Not so much anymore, I don't have nearly enough disposable income for this hahaha.

However, in the past I've done this with the HP books a few times (1. I fell in love with the British cover art, 2. I updated my main series to the newer paperback set so as not to continue destroying my original much-loved copies, 3. French editions, 4. a few of the illustrated editions)
...and I bought the alternate (possibly UK version?) Hunger Games set where the covers are black with just the logo in color, because I thought those were awesome. (Not awesome enough, apparently, as I no longer have them.)

And a few different LOTR editions.

A friend of mine has a gazillion copies of Pride and Prejudice, so I live vicariously through her collection.."

Enjoy Arizona. At least you will be there in the winter, not in August as my mother and I were! Sheesh! What was my mother thinking when she planned that?!? LOL

Living vicariously through another reader sounds like a great plan!!

Doni wrote: "QotW: Hardly ever. The only exceptions are I wanted to get The Dark is Rising series as one book which I found in Canada, and I wanted to get a copy of The Amber Spyglass to match the other ones in His Dark Materials. But it was a mass market paperback, so it's not like I'm getting expensive collectible copies. Which is good. I already spend enough money on books as is!"
You and me both! LOL

Katy wrote: "I'm still working on Suite Française. I've been sick and coughing since last Tuesday. I start mynew job next Monday. think I'll be OK by then."
I sure hope so! Sending you healing energy!!

"QOTW: Nope. I only buy books from tag sales and used book stores for the most part. No pricey books for me."
I hear ya!

I apologize for being soooo late to post today! (I was rather surprised Nadine hadn’t texted me to ask if I was going to do this or not today! LOL) I was busy in the kitchen when it hit me that today is THURSDAY!! Yikes! 😯

Our weather went from deep-freeze COLD to rather mellow-into the 40s and 50s. And my arthritic body is so confused it has just decided to give up and ache!! LOL 😒

I have not had much time to read this past week but the coming week should provide much more “me” time! YAY!!

***
ADMIN STUFF:
The January 2024 Monthly Group Read of Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah has begun! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #19 "A book set in the future." Discussion of this book is ongoing HERE! It’s amazing to see some first-time monthly group read participants in this first 2024 discussion! You will also find the thread to list a book you have read to fulfill this specific prompt HERE!

The February Monthly Group Read is Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker!! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #1 A book with the word "leap" in the title. (Since “Leap Day”/February 29 does occur in February!) 😊 Hooray for Kimberly Barker, the “leaping literary luminar” who has volunteered to lead this discussion! Standing ovation!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

The March Monthly Group Read is Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman! YAY! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #48 A collection of at least 24 poems. World Poetry Day is celebrated on March 21!
The search is on for a "marvelous manager" to lead the discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!

ONGOING NOMINATION POLL!
Nadine has posted the nomination poll for our April Monthly Group Read HERE! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #29 A book with a neurodivergent main character. April is Autism Awareness Month!
Just one word of caution, before writing in a nomination, please check out the listing of books that are NOT eligible (those selected and discussed within the past two years-2022 and 2023) HERE! (Though I am pretty sure we've not had a poetry book selected before...) This is the nomination round, which is step one.
These are the books currently being considered:
Convergence of Desire by Felicity Niven
The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) by Nita Prose
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan
The Kiss Quotient (The Kiss Quotient #1) by Helen Hoang
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1) by Graeme Simsion
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Act Your Age, Eve Brown (Brown Sisters #3) by Talia Hibbert
Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt
Quite a variety of titles and genres! But if there is one you wish to add via write-in and it is not on the ineligible listing, go for it! I admit I had no idea the Percy Jackson series included a neurodivergent main character! I have yet to read the third book in the Don Tillman series, but that trilogy is on my list for this year! I loved the first two installments… This poll will be open through Tuesday, January 30! Thanks for your help with these selections!

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
***
Question of the Week:
This question came from Theresa and echoes last week’s question a bit… Do you ever buy special editions of books you already own or have read?
Easy answer for me. No. I do not have the money to spend on such extras. I’m just thrilled to own a used copy of a book! 😊

2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 11/50
Around the Year (AtY): 29/52
Read Harder: 6/24
52 Book Club: 15/52

FINISHED:
*Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (Finlay Donovan #1) by Elle Cosimano ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ is another reread for an IRL book club! I adore this series and am waiting with bated breath for the fourth installment to release March 5th!
POPSUGAR: NEW #4, NEW #15, #31, NEW #47-EXACTLY 24!
ATY: #1, #2, #3-A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book, NEW #7, #25, #33, #37, #49
RHC: NEW #9, #23, #24-2020: prompt #3 A mystery where the victim(s) is not a woman
52 Book Club: #33, #40-Halloween

*Big Tree by Brian Selznick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was just as AMAZING as I expected it to be! This man… Such talent! Do yourself a favor and read this one! I would strongly encourage reading it to and/or with children. I can only guess just how it might spark their imaginations!
ATY: #3-A book that is between 400-600 pages (528), #15, #24-Orange, NEW #27
RHC: #16, #24-2015: prompt #20 Read a graphic novel, a graphic memoir, or a collection of comics of any kind
52 Book Club: #24, #30

CONTINUING:
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer
Interestingly, I am still somewhat angry about this one and haven't overcome that to pick it back up. But I will... 😃
*Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin for a Buddy Read and Popsugar prompt #22 A book that centers on video games
This one is right up my alley! Character-driven!
Emily Climbs (Emily of New Moon #2) by L.M. Montgomery
I just couldn’t resist picking this one up to read 10-20 pages each night just before bedtime. I love this series!

PLANNED:
*Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum #30) by Janet Evanovich
*10th Anniversary (Women’s Murder Club #9) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*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

This MLK Day (Monday, January 15) was supposed to be special for me since my best friend at the gym had given me a copy of Roland Martin’s White Fear: How the Browning of America is Making White Folks Lose Their Minds and then invited me to join her at his presentation on January 15 at the Madame Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis, Indiana! I had also just reread White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo and finished Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America by Joseph Barndt. (Definitely a theme there!) Unfortunately, she fell as she left the gym on Friday evening and ended up with head and knee injuries. Fortunately, no concussion and no broken bones. We’ll see how her knee recovers… We were both bummed, but it was so damn cold out I wasn’t going by myself. I despise this deep-freeze cold air. My whole body hurts! Ugh. So much for our lucking out weather-wise from last week! Below zero and wind chills are unacceptable!! If I wanted Alaskan weather I would live in Alaska!! 😒

MORE LISTS!!
There are several Publishers Weekly Lists HERE: https://pubwkly.omeclk.com/portal/pub...
Including Starred Reviews Releasing January 22-28, 2024: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/r...
And The First Books You Should Read in 2024: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...
And finally from THE MILLIONS—The Great Winter 2024 Preview: https://themillions.com/2024/01/most-...

Lastly, but by no means least, Off the Shelf’s New in Paperback: 10 January Releases for Easy Page-Flipping:
https://offtheshelf.com/2024/01/new-j...

I just don’t want to be the only person with an enormous and outrageously long and comprehensive TBR listing!! LOL 😉
***
ADMIN STUFF:
The January 2024 Monthly Group Read of Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah has begun! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #19 "A book set in the future." Discussion of this book is ongoing HERE! It’s amazing to see some first-time monthly group read participants in this first of 2024 discussion! Since Nadine had read it before, she has helped post questions to start discussion! You will also find the thread to list a book you have read to fulfill this specific prompt HERE!

The February Monthly Group Read is Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker!! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #1 A book with the word "leap" in the title. (Since “Leap Day”/February 29 does occur in February!) 😊 I trust there is a “leaping literary luminar” willing to lead this discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!

POLL RESULTS!
Drum roll, please!! The March Monthly Group Read is Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman! YAY! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #48 A collection of at least 24 poems. World Poetry Day is celebrated on March 21!
The search is on for a "marvelous manager" to lead the discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!

NEW NOMINATION POLL!
Nadine has posted the nomination poll for our April Monthly Group Read HERE! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #29 A book with a neurodivergent main character. April is Autism Awareness Month!
Just one word of caution, before writing in a nomination, please check out the listing of books that are NOT eligible (those selected and discussed within the past two years-2022 and 2023) HERE! This is the nomination round, which is step one.
These are the books currently being considered:
Convergence of Desire by Felicity Niven
The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) by Nita Prose
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan
The Kiss Quotient (The Kiss Quotient #1) by Helen Hoang
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1) by Graeme Simsion
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Act Your Age, Eve Brown (Brown Sisters #3) by Talia Hibbert
Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt
Quite a variety of titles and genres! But if there is one you wish to add via write-in and it is not on the ineligible listing, go for it! I admit I had no idea the Percy Jackson series included a neurodivergent main character! I have yet to read the third book in the Don Tillman series, but that trilogy is on my list for this year! I loved the first two installments… This poll will be open through Tuesday, January 30! Thanks for your help with these selections!

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
***
Question of the Week:
Do you ever judge books by their covers?
As long as I am truly interested in reading a book the cover is of no consequence to me. It just doesn’t matter. Some of the used hardcovers I purchase no longer have a dustjacket, so basically no cover image. And I’m fine with that as well. I feel as if I might miss many books I’ve truly enjoyed reading if I only used a cover image to determine my interest.

I will say, though, after working in a bookstore for 5 years I really did get to the place where many times I could categorize a book from the cover image alone. And I was almost always correct. I could tell whether it was a mystery, nonfiction, fantasy/science fiction, literary fiction, western, horror, romance, etc. But I don’t believe that is being judgmental, only trying to determine the type of book contained within rather than my interest in possibly reading it… Very rarely do I not at least read the synopsis of a book before determining whether I want to read it. Perhaps the only time I don’t do that is when I am considering a book at a library or other sale that is only $1-2. Then I figure it isn’t enough of a financial investment to consider it too intensely!

I agree with many who have mentioned that a title is perhaps more of a factor in considering a book…

2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 8/50
Around the Year (AtY): 27/52
Read Harder: 5/24
52 Book Club: 15/52

FINISHED:
*Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America by Joseph Barndt ⭐⭐⭐ was not an overwhelming great read for me. Honestly, I expected better. Having rejected organized religion many years ago, the emphasis on that in this book was ‘wasted space’, IMO. I feel ‘religion’ is just another way to discriminate and agree with Christopher Hitchens regarding the negativity organized religion has injected into our world. But I digress… Barndt is correct. We white folks should change our societal and cultural foundations to eliminate the underlying racism. But we’ve managed to kill our natural world and can’t even face up to real-life challenges such as that, so IMO we have definitely proven we are incapable of true progress. And we humans think we are so superior! LOL
POPSUGAR: 31
ATY: NEW #1, #2, #3-A book involving politics, public service, or publicity at any level, NEW #9-41 ratings, NEW #12, NEW #15, #21, #25, NEW #45
RHC: NEW #16, #24-2021: prompt #2 A nonfiction book about racism
52 Book Club: #24, #30

*Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ is a reread for an IRL book club and still holds up for me almost 18 months later! I love this book. It provides much fodder for discussion and every book club member really enjoyed it to loved it! Though one member did feel that Tootie was a bit too good to be true… Not me. I loved Tootie and wish I had the money to be more like her!
POPSUGAR: #2, #31
ATY: #1, #3-A book where at least one character is trapped, #4-green trees and flowers, NEW #6, NEW #10, NEW #14, #17, #24-Green, #33, NEW #34-Happy, #49-Mrs. Odell
RHC: #24-2016: prompt #19 Read a nonfiction book about feminism or dealing with feminist themes
52 Book Club: NEW #9, #14, #24, NEW #33, NEW #43,

The Memory Shop by Ella Griffin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I picked up three different books on a whim and read 20 pages of each to see which one might catch my attention enough to keep reading and it proved to be this one! Interrelated characters are always my jam, as well as in-depth characterization and interactions, and the plot was also well done, particularly for a romance novel. I also felt this was at least partially historical fiction as well. Definitely up for reading more of Griffin’s writing. But...where the hell are the editors?!? There were so many grammatical errors and places with missing words, it was distracting! Ugh...
POPSUGAR: NEW #11, #17-Ireland, NEW #34
ATY: #3-A book that features at least three generations of a family, #6, #11-Ex-spouses/Ex-partners, NEW #16, #25, NEW #28, #33, #34-Happy
RHC: #24-2015: prompt #13 A romance novel
52 Book Club: NEW #7, #14, #24, NEW #38, #43

CONTINUING:
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer
*Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin for a Buddy Read and Popsugar prompt #22 A book that centers on video games

PLANNED:
*Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (Finlay Donovan #1) by Elle Cosimano is another reread for an IRL book club! I adore this series and am waiting with bated breath for the fourth installment to release March 5th!
*Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum #30) by Janet Evanovich
*10th Anniversary (Women’s Murder Club #9) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*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

Trish wrote: "Happy Thursday.

Love the Powells lists, LYNN. Are you a Portlandian? I'm a regular visitor to the city, despite living in London, and Powells is one of my favourite bookshops. The Top Five one loo..."
I am not a Portlandian, but not by choice. I would definitely be living in that general area if I had the money to relocate, etc.! :)

I have been lucky enough to have visited Powells and needless to say, I spent HOURS in there! Fortunately I was with a very understanding friend who patiently waited . :)

Ron wrote: "Welcome 2024!

Another week has gone by. That's crazy. Time continues to slip."
Yes. And as you age, it seems to go faster and faster! 😊

"As for me, my main focus has been on therapy. I'll be getting evaluated for autism soon so I'm a bit nervous, but at the same time I know I need it, if anything just to bring some clarity on certain things. It'll be nice to possibly get that "official" diagnosis.

I know some of you hear have stated that I seem autistic, I've had people in group tell that to me, my mom believes it, and my therapist has said it as well so I'm guessing there must be some truth to that. Still though with what everyone is saying, I have to believe there could be some truth to it so I'll find out tomorrow.

Other than that things have been going rather smoothly."
I, for one, am jealous of your having a therapist in whom I assume you have confidence and with whom I assume you have a good relationship. I haven't had a therapist for 5 years or so now and miss that!! However, being retired from full-time work has helped alleviate stress immensely! I can understand about wanting an "official" diagnosis. I hope all turns out well for you either way!!

I always feel that "official" western medicine diagnoses can sometimes allow for people 'falling through the cracks' and just missing an "official" diagnosis by a miniscule amount. IMO that shouldn't discount some who obviously display certain symptoms from being aware and provided with resources and tools to try to better their life! It sounds as if you and those close to you have already determined areas where you might be able to improve your life in the future. You are obviously a very smart, informed, and thoughtful person who will work to move toward a more satisfying lifestyle, regardless of a "diagnosis." I'm sure we all can relate to varying degrees to this scenario, but I (and I imagine those of us here) have tons of faith in you!! You are awesome!!

Now onto my book news:

"In Mad Love and War

Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light: Fifty Poems for Fifty Years"
Poetry is not necessarily my thing, but both of these look intriguing.

"Northanger Abbey"
I read this last year and wasn't overly-impressed though I did appreciate the coming-of-age vibes...

"Soundtrack of Silence: Love, Loss, and a Playlist for Life - Barely at the start of this book (8% in), but already I love it."
Oh, my! This looks to be intriguing!

"Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us- This one has been amazing!

Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of “Latino” - Liking this one so far."
Wow. You always manage to blow up my TBR listing even more! And, you are one of my main motivations to increase my consumption of nonfiction in 2024!

"On another note, I discovered the Diverse Baseline Challenge which I am absolutely loving. While I want to focus on the PS one, at the same time this challenge is my high priority.

I love being able to focus on BIPOC authors. I was disappointed with my numbers last year so I'm hoping this challenge will help to make things better."
Wow. That is one heck of a challenge. While I am intrigued, I am trying to be realistic. I will track my 2024 reading against this list of prompts to see just how diverse my reading is... This would definitely be beneficial to add diversity!!

"QOTW:
What is the first book you have finished reading or are currently reading in 2024? Does it fulfill a 2024 Popsugar prompt? If so, which one(s)?

What a way to start off the new year. I've read 9 books so far. Only 2 are with the PopSugar challenge though. I do want to get to some others which I will come February.

For the PS one I've gotten these:

In Mad Love and War- Collection of at least 24 poems

Knowing Why: Adult-Diagnosed Autistic People on Life and Autism- Neurodivergent m.c."
Just because you aren't using books for this specific challenge, that doesn't diminish them! At least IMO! :)

Welcome to the SECOND week of 2024!! Whoo! Whoo! 😁👍🎉🎊 (Or the first FULL week! However you wish to count it!)

Not much reading done since I allowed myself to plan for the 2024 reading challenges! I can spend hours doing that…and did!! So. Much. Fun!!

We have lucked out here weather-wise with just some rain and a few snow flurries with no accumulation, though I admit the colder weather gets to me a bit more every winter!! But it could always be worse!

Here are some listings of books I found to be interesting... Just in case you need more books on your TBR!! 😁👍

Powell’s list of bestsellers from 2023! https://www.powells.com/bestsellers?u...

Powell’s Staff Top Five from 2023! https://www.powells.com/staff-top-fiv...

AND PROBABLY THE BEST LISTING OF UPCOMING 2024 RELEASES I’VE SEEN!
African Book Addict’s blog posting—the annual collage of new books due to release in 2024: https://africanbookaddict.com/2024/01...
This includes “121 new African, African-American, Black-Brit, and. Caribbean books that look very promising.” It will take me awhile to peruse this listing in detail!
***
ADMIN STUFF:
The January 2024 Monthly Group Read of Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah has begun! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #19 "A book set in the future." Discussion of this book is ongoing HERE! I am gratified to find several who have never posted in these discussions willing to participate this month! YAY! You will also find the thread to list a book you have read to fulfill this specific prompt HERE!

The February Monthly Group Read is Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker!! This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #1 A book with the word "leap" in the title. (Since “Leap Day”/February 29 does occur in February!) 😊 I don’t plan to read this one…since I want to read the mystery series that includes Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon (Meg Langslow #4) by Donna Andrews! I trust there is a “leaping literary luminar” willing to lead this discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!

NEW POLL!
The final selection poll for the March Monthly Group Read is continuing through this week!. This book could be used to fulfill 2024 prompt #48 A collection of at least 24 poems. World Poetry Day is celebrated on March 21!
There are 5 books from which you can select:
Dog Songs: Poems by Mary Oliver
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Shakespeare's Sonnets by William Shakespeare
milk and honey by Rupi Kaur
Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman
VOTE HERE! This poll is scheduled through Tuesday, January 16!

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!
***
Question of the Week:
What is the first book you have finished reading or are currently reading in 2024? Does it fulfill a 2024 Popsugar prompt? If so, which one(s)?
Enquiring minds want to know!!
I have finished Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon and was pleasantly surprised to discover it fulfills prompt #2 A bildungsroman!

2024 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 5/50
Around the Year (AtY): 16/52
Read Harder: 3/24
52 Book Club: 10/52

FINISHED
2024 Challenge prompts
*Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was excellent in so many ways! These characters were quite relatable for me, especially Lana! Oh, my! My mother was so much like her, though fortunately without the same financial resources, otherwise, she would have been totally unbearable! I could relate to Beth’s feeling that the only “control” she could exert over her mother’s rantings was “silence.” Yep! Been there, done that! Though for Beth and Jack’s sakes, Lana does become more humane toward the end of the book. I’m hopeful for a sequel or even just more writing from Simon and her mom! Well done!
POPSUGAR: ALL NEW! #2
ATY: ALL NEW! #2, #3-A book featured on a list for a media or celebrity book club-Reese’s Book Club, #4- At the end of the book Beth and Lana tell each other specifically, “I love you.”, #33, #46, #49
RHC: ALL NEW! #24-2017: prompt #2 Read a debut novel
52 Book Club: ALL NEW! #7, #14, #30, #41

*An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed (Elderly Lady #2) by Helene Tursten, translated by Marlaine Delargy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for an IRL book club meeting this past Tuesday. This was the sequel to An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good and I enjoyed this one a bit more. It felt a bit more in-depth. I loved the ending! All 11 people who attended this meeting would love a third book in this series!! I do plan to read at least one of Tursten’s mystery novels…
POPSUGAR: NEW #14, NEW #17-Sweden/Africa, NEW #31
ATY: #2-read the first installment in 2023, #3-A book you could read within 24 hours, NEW #17, NEW #18, NEW #21, NEW #24, #33, NEW #36, NEW #37, NEW #40-African safaris, #49
RHC: NEW #8-Sweden, NEW #23, #24-2015: prompt #19 Read a book that was originally published in another language
52 Book Club: #14-Sizi, NEW #15, NEW #22, NEW #24

*An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good (Elderly Lady #1) by Helene Tursten, translated by Marlaine Delargy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I reread this to refresh my memory for the second installment above! I am so glad I gave this a quick reread prior to the IRL book club meeting! I had forgotten some things! Both of these books were good solid reads, but I think I prefer the second one since it ends on a much more positive note, IMO!
POPSUGAR: #14, #17-Sweden, NEW #27, #31
ATY: #2-A reread from 2023, #3-A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book, #4-“The dark sacred night,” NEW #11-Gustaf, Maud’s EX-fiancee, #17, #21, NEW #25-stealing, identity fraud, #33, #36-Maud is a retired teacher, #37, NEW #41, #46, #49
RHC: #8, #23, #24-2015: prompt #19 Read a book that was originally published in another language
52 Book Club: #15, NEW #23, #24, NEW #29-2013, NEW #31-Charlotte, NEWChristmas

CONTINUING:
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer
Although 2023 Popsugar prompts were perhaps not the most challenging or inspirational, I am very glad to have had motivation to reread this book!
*Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America by Joseph Barndt

PLANNED:
*Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman is a reread for an IRL book club
*Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (Finlay Donovan #1) by Elle Cosimano is another reread for an IRL book club! I adore this series and am waiting with bated breath for the fourth installment to release March 5th!
*Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin for a Buddy Read and Popsugar prompt #22 A book that centers on video games
*Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum #30) by Janet Evanovich
*10th Anniversary (Women’s Murder Club #9) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*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

I am thrilled to see some first-timers to Monthly Group Read discussions as well as others who are interested and hoping to get the book in time!

We run the fist-of-the-year polls as soon as possible, but unfortunately, that doesn't leave a whole lot of time to get a copy...

Looks as if you-all have a good start!!

Irene wrote: "Hi @Lynn, this year there are actually only 5 advanced prompts. Everything through prompt #45 is regular, and then there are advanced prompts #1-5 (so #46-50 if you're numbering them together with ..."
Yes. Sorry. I never even looked at the actual website listing! Nadine straightened me out though! 😁