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.

Happy Thursday, all! Happy Hannukah for those who celebrate! Weather here has been a bit colder, but lots of sunshine! Love that sunshine! Been a bit sluggish this morning and then Goodreads kept pulling its trick and jamming up, so it has taken me multiple tries to post this and include the links! Seriously, more than 45 minutes! Ugh. I apologize for our late start!

Let me start with yet another book list!! YAY!! I personally love historical fiction and here is an Off the Shelf listing of their 12 Most Anticipated Historical Fiction books of 2024: https://offtheshelf.com/2023/12/most-...

ADMIN STUFF:
First and foremost, the December Monthly Group Read of Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0) by Travis Baldree is HERE! This book could be used to fulfill 2023 prompt #32 A book published in the last half of 2023. And the thread to list a book you have read that fulfills prompt #32 is HERE!

Nadine has graciously created two more polls!

Poll #1 is a nomination poll for the February Monthly Group Read. 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!) 😊
If you do not see the title you would like to nominate, simply write it in. But please check that book's eligibility first! Only books that have NOT been discussed within the past two years (2022-present) are eligible. Please 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 for your reading enjoyment! 😉
There are currently two books listed for your consideration:
Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor
(Okay, I had to laugh at myself. I have no idea who Queen Noor is! I'll have to Google! LOL) Edited to Add: Thanks to Wikipedia, now I know!
Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker
And my own write-in vote for Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon (Meg Langslow #4) by Donna Andrews. I own the first couple of books in this series and intend to read them in 2024, so I will be reading this anyway.

Poll #2 is for the final selection of the January 2024 Monthly Group Read! Here are the books to be considered:
All Systems Red (Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0) by Suzanne Collins
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers #1) by Becky Chambers
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

VOTE HERE! GO VOTE! 😊

The comprehensive listing of 2024 Monthly Group Reads resides HERE for your perusal and reference throughout 2024!

Question of the Week:
Do you ever peek at the ending?
Very easy answer for me. NO! NO! NO! NO! Never! Although I have read some books where I’ve known the ending, typically, I want to learn of the ending all on my own! This would just be heresy! A betrayal of my life as a reader!!! LOL 😉 Particularly since I read so many mysteries!!

Popsugar: 46/50
Nadine’s Q1 Mini-Challenge: 7/10
AtY: 52/52 DONE!
RHC: 14/24

FINISHED
Hopefully I’ll find some time to complete this documentation, though I had one IRL book club meeting this week, followed by another two over the next 5 days, so must read those books! LOL *sigh* So little time…and so many…books!

*The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was very well written and felt like a realistic depiction of some of the challenges newly released prisoners may face when dealing with the everyday realities of life outside an institution. This is a subject near and dear to my heart. We incarcerate such a vast percentage of our population and then offer virtually no support to them upon release. In fact, just being charged with a crime can render you ineligible for many of our social support programs that would help former prisoners. When I heard Bryan Stevenson (Just Mercy) speak he stressed the need for such programs and encouraged people to become involved. There was much more to this book than this general overarching theme. Truly a good read, IMO!
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*System Collapse (Murderbot Diaries #7) by Martha Wells ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was Murderbot! What’s not to like?!? And now he is recruiting other Sec Units… I adore this series!
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*The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was outrageously stupendous!! Honestly, I know there are just too many books out there for me to ever read even a small portion of what I want to read, but this book deserves any and all accolades and I strongly encourage you to read it! So much more than just AIDS…Makkai delves into the interrelationships of these characters on so many levels! Remarkable! Now I really want to read her newest release I Have Some Questions for You as well as her backlist!
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CONTINUING:
I finished these first two, but have yet to review them!
*White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
I have decided to reread this every year or two. I need reminders of just how invasive our culture is for those who are NOT white-skinned.
*Next Year in Havana (Perez Family #1) by Chanel Cleeton
Though I made significant progress in both of these two books below needed to finish 2023 Popsugar, I still have a significant number of pages to read in order to complete them both…but I am determined to do so by 12MIDNIGHT on December 31, 2021, if not before! 😊
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer
*Watership Down (Watership Down #1) by Richard Adams
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
This one will definitely need to wait until 2024!

PLANNED:
*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 for an IRL book club
*Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum #30) by Janet Evanovich

And, finally, I feel as if this question will forever be debated among readers: In what order would you recommend these books be read?
Would you recommend reading them in publication order (L&L then B&B) or sequential order (B&B then L&L?

Rackham of Rackham's Ravens. Was he what you would expect?

How about Varine? What were your initial and then final impressions of this necromancer?

Iridia the head Gatewarden. She definitely had a specific impression of Viv from the beginning... How did that end up?

Gallina is an interesting (Perhaps somewhat annoying?) character in her own right. Your thoughts about her?

Let's discuss Zelia Greatstrider! I just laughed when I read that name!

How about "Satchel"? How would you react to this character?

What did you think of Fern and Potroast? (I don't think they can be separated! LOL)

I was going to post a question regarding which character was your "favorite" one in this book, but there is no way I could pare it down to just one!

As with L&L I just loved them all in their own way. Okay, maybe not (view spoiler)[the necromancer or the man in the gray suit, (hide spoiler)] but all the others!

So let's discuss some of them.

How about Maylee? Your thoughts?

I love the final thought:
...Viv was grateful for all the wrong times that had led to this right one.
This really made me think...about life...about my life in particular...

I was a bit hesitant about this book, given that all I knew was Viv had been a "fighter" in her previous life. (I do not delight in reading of a character or characters simply killing to kill.) But after the first chapter, we were immersed into yet another world populated by various 'species' who must interact and cooperate, or not!

I was just as enamored with these characters as with the ones in L&L, maybe even just a bit moreso... And the setup in the epilogue was so well done, IMO! Though I admit to tearing up while reading it!

Ashley Marie wrote: "Pitts cracked me UP :D"
Agreed!

Separate posting required!

Popsugar: 45/50
Nadine’s Q1 Mini-Challenge: 7/10
AtY: 52/52 DONE!
RHC: 14/24

FINISHED
There are more, but those will wait until next week! 😊
*This Winter (Solitaire #0.5) by Alice Oseman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was quite sweet and cute, yet covered some issues related to mental health struggles, not only for the person suffering, but also from the perspective of family members, friends, etc., trying to “help” or at least cope and not make the situation worse. It can definitely be a challenge for others as well as for the patient. Definitely want to read more in this series.
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*Miss Bianca in the Antarctic (Rescuers #6) by Margery Sharp ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was one of my favorite installments in this series! M.B. and Bernard are stranded in the middle of the Antarcic sea!! But fortunately, they discover an abandoned wreath! It is all very lucky for them!
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*Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was one of my three sons’ favorite books when they were young. Not only is this a poignant coming-of-age story, but there is a rather detailed description by Manolo of the torturous pain a bull must endure as he bleeds out slowly. I think it is important that people understand this process from the animal’s perspective so they can make a better-informed decision regarding their own participation.
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*The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was quite a unique and poignant “holiday”/”Christmas” story. Can’t imagine this man writing anything I wouldn’t LOVE to read!
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*Miss Bianca and the Bridesmaid (Rescuers #7) by Margery Sharp ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was yet another charming book and story within this series. I adore the way Sharp uses “big” words and describes rather simple (lever and fulcrum) scientific concepts using the correct wording. I am convinced that exposing children to actual scientific activity will provide them with practical depictions of scientific concepts for easy reference as they learn of such things when they are older.
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*The Call of the Wild by Jack London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was an enthralling read, though disturbing. I can appreciate London's skill in illuminating Buck's primordial dreams to foreshadow his eventual abandonment of "civilization" and "humans." I just find it to be so disturbing to read of the violent realities of 'pack' behavior. Though it is a demonstration of "survival of the fittest" as depicted by Darwin, it is rather depressing to me... This was an unexpectedly excellent read for me in the end, just not particularly an enjoyable story arc. Quite unique, IMO, and highly recommended! Just be prepared…
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*Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0) by Travis Baldree ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was stupendous!! I admit to being a bit hesitant, concerned that this one might just describe all Viv’s battles in her previous life, but it wasn’t like that at all! Baldree hit all the right notes for me regarding poignancy and characterization. I admit to tearing up at the end… Now I believe I’ll reread Legends & Lattes soon. Just because… Plus, it will fulfill 2024 prompt #38 A cozy fantasy book!
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CONTINUING:
*The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer to fulfill my longest book prompt (Glad to know I am not quite alone in leaving this one to the last month of the year!)
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
This one will definitely need to wait until 2024!

PLANNED:
*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
*Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey for an IRL book club
*Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum #30) by Janet Evanovich
*System Collapse (Murderbot Diaries #7) by Martha Wells

Our weather has been cooler with quite a few drizzly and rainy days lately. (Not particularly enjoyable weather for osteoarthritis sufferers, trust me! LOL) We are definitely experiencing much illness here. COVID, RSV, and other viruses, etc. One workout buddy has walking pneumonia and another a seemingly undiagnosable virus which has persisted into its third week! Sending healthy energy out to everyone!!

I am participating in the AtY Team Readathon this week and have spent much more time today than I should have on planning for 2024 Popsugar! (Thanks for this particular QotW, Nadine! I’m blaming you for derailing me from read-a-thon reading today!! LOL 😉) I am posting the books I’ve read and will document them later… (This is always my challenge with these team read-a-thons!!) 😊

ADMIN STUFF:
Whew! As Nadine said, there is sooooo much!! LOL That said, I am absolutely thrilled with the 2024 listing!! I already had so much FUN matching prompts to specific months for the 2024 Monthly Group Read list since the 2024 prompts were so much more unique and interesting to me than those on the 2023 list! I had multiple prompts for so many of the months! It was fun to have to narrow it down!

But, before 2024…there is the December Monthly Group Read of Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0) by Travis Baldree. This book could be used to fulfill 2023 prompt #32 A book published in the last half of 2023. Surely there is a “cool captain” out there amongst you-all who is just dying to facilitate this discussion! Please message either myself or Nadine to volunteer! I was so excited for this one that when no one stepped forward to lead this discussion, I just picked up the book and read it! I adore Baldree’s writing!! So come on over if you wish to lurk and/or participate! That discussion is HERE!

As Nadine mentioned, we have the nomination poll for the January Monthly Group Read posted and live through Tuesday, December 12, HERE! I would encourage you to vote! There are 4-5 books bunched up at the top separated by only 1-2 votes! Then next week we will have the January 2024 final selection poll posted! And of course we will follow-up with February and March monthly group read polls each week thereafter to get a jump-start on 2024!

Question of the Week:
Which topic on our new list are you most excited about? Which topic are you dreading?
Oh, boy! You know I have been avoiding the urge to “plan” for the 2024 challenge and here ya are, asking such a question BEFORE January!! 😊 But it’s okay since I have quite a few books I’ve been meaning to read that fit so many of these prompts! And the others I’m excited to research! I already had so much FUN matching prompts to specific months for the 2024 Monthly Group Read list since the 2024 prompts were so much more unique and interesting to me than those on the 2023 list!

I’m so happy to see some nonfiction prompts for 2024! And just in general the creativity and specificity of so many of the prompts! YAY! There is #41 A memoir that explores queerness! Uncertain what book I will read for this but am excited to do the research! And #42 A nonfiction book about Indigenous people! There are quite a few I really want to read that would fulfill this prompt! And nonfiction! YAY AGAIN! And then #44 An autobiography written by a woman in rock 'n' roll! Although I have no innate interest in a specific female rock ‘n’ roll star, I am excited to read about one!!

There are just so many that I really really really like!
I like all the “24” prompts:
#3 A book about a 24-year-old
#16 A book set 24 years before you were born
This may prove to be a bit of a challenge, but I’m excited to research it! (In case you’re wondering they did have printing presses and books were actually published WAY BACK THEN!! LOL)
#21 A book published in a year that ends with "24”
#24 A book that takes place over the course of 24 hours
Dammit! I am determined to FINALLY read Mrs. Dalloway!!
#25 A book that was published 24 years ago (2000)
I’m sure I own several published then that I meant to read in years past!
#28 A book with a main character who's 42 years old
I had to chuckle when I read this one! Clever! Reversing 24!
#47 A book with 24 letters in the title
Though I initially had some doubts about following this prompt exactly, after seeing some of the discussion regarding options, I am confident I’ll be able to locate a book with exactly 24 letters in the title to fulfill this one!
#48 A collection of at least 24 poems
I don’t often read poetry but am always grateful for a poetry prompt to force me to look for poetry collections I might enjoy!
#49 The 24th book of an author
I love series and the more I consider, the more I believe I will continue with the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series since I am ready for #18 The House of Unexpected Sisters and the 24th installment From a Far and Lovely Country was just released this year!
#50 A book that starts with the letter "X"
Rather limiting, but I think that makes it more fun!

#4 A book about a writer because I have a biography of Maeve Binchy I’ve been wanting to read: Maeve Binchy: The Biography.

I admit when I first read #5 A book about K-pop, I wrinkled my nose and immediately thought, “What?!?” Given my “advanced” age and lack of “watching” much of anything, I do at least know what K-pop is. (And yes, I am rather proud of myself for that!) But that is as far as it goes! Definitely relying on recommendations from that discussion thread and the Listopia!

I love the visually and hearing impaired prompts! Those are #8 and #9. As well as the neurodivergent prompt #29! And #39 A fiction book by a trans or nonbinary author! I am determined to FINALLY read All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders next year! And I am thrilled with #45 An LGBTQ+ romance novel since I now own the last two Bright Falls novels written by Ashley Herring Blake: Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail and Iris Kelly Doesn't Date. I adored Delilah Green Doesn't Care!

And #36 the incarcerated or formerly incarcerated prompt! I just finished a book that would work—The Connellys of County Down! But I suspect I will use a nonfiction book for this prompt! I always think of Bryan Stevenson and his excellent work with those prisoners unjustly accused and convicted. I was lucky enough to attend an IRL event where he spoke and he emphasized the need for services for released prisoners since there are very few resources for them and they are heavily discriminated against when it comes to housing, employment, etc. Many, if not most, of the social safety net programs we have in the US exclude those identified as criminals who have been incarcerated…people who are in desperate need of just such support!

Immense creativity and imagination to create #30 A book with a one-word title you had to look up in a dictionary AND #31 A book with a title that is a complete sentence!

#38 A cozy fantasy book! I guess I’m very excited for this one since I just finished reading Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0) and LOVED it so very much!! I may just reread Legends & Lattes as well as this one for this prompt in 2024! Unless Baldree writes fast enough to have another installment published in 2024!! (Hint! Hint! LOL)

*sigh* So, okay, as you all know by now, I refuse to read HORROR, so #40 is definitely my least favorite prompt. However, I do own a copy of Percival Everett’s The Trees and had wanted to read it this year, but that won’t be happening, so I will definitely read it for this prompt since it is “social horror” and is as close as I’ll get to HORROR. Otherwise, it would have been a thriller for this prompt.

Okay, so now I have a substantial beginning on my planning for the 2024 Popsugar challenge!! That felt good!! And at least partially satisfied my itch to plan!!

Listing of books to follow in another posting!

After finishing this book, I believe one of the things I most respect and enjoy about Baldree's writing is his ability to incorporate the day-to-day human qualities into rather bizarre characters not even of the human species!

Ashley Marie wrote: "I forget how many chapters I got through on the audio, but from what I remember Viv had [spoilers removed] She's so wholesome, I love her. Hoping to dive back into my library copy tonight!"
Ashley Marie wrote: "I forget how many chapters I got through on the audio, but from what I remember Viv had [spoilers removed] She's so wholesome, I love her. Hoping to dive back into my library copy tonight!"
Yes! I loved that description. It is in Chapter 7. Her willingness to help and yet her obvious lack of (view spoiler)[woodworking skills, especially given the fact that she was physically impaired due to the inability to use one leg to much advantage. I think this is one thing that Baldree does so well, describing Viv's indecision and/or hesitation in certain situations directly contrasted with her drive to help others, no matter what. And it was obvious that Pitts doubted her ability to accomplish the boardwalk repair. (hide spoiler)] That made me chuckle! I had faith in Viv!

Looks as if I'll go for XOXO for this one. And that would take care of the "X" prompt unless I opt to reread Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone #24 book. Of course, that would also fulfill the 24th book prompt! I'm lovin' this! LOL

@Kendra Actually, it looks as if we’ll both be using it for a gold prompt! LOL

I love the pictures at the beginning of each chapter. As I recall, I believe he did that in L&L as well!