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.

Katrina wrote: "Prompt 5:
As I was reading this, it struck me that the "American Dream" and the search for what is was central to this story. Each of the families saw this concept differently. How would you define the "American Dream"? Is it possible to achieve it? Did any of the characters achieve it?"
I have never really liked that phrase. It is interpreted differently by each individual, IMO, meaning different things to different people. Natasha's family certainly didn't seem to thrive in this country, but rather just survive. While it was an immense disappointment to Natasha (and I believe her mother) to return to Jamaica, it seemed as if her father and brother were anxious to do so. The fact that Natasha's father was unsuccessful in his career of choice (acting) was very disappointing to him and his family, and as a result, their finances were very limited while living here. Whereas Daniel's family appeared to be doing fairly well financially and therefore the children had opportunities of which they could take advantage to further develop themselves, probably more so than in their home country.

I also believe that just being in the US provides an environment that may well be conducive to expanding a person's horizons beyond what may have been considered possible in their home country, so it's not just financial success, but also personal development and the freedom to make choices that might not otherwise exist in their home country.

Katrina wrote: "Prompt 4:
Nicola Yoon uses many different narrators over the course of the book, as I began this book it kind of seemed unneeded. They actually kind of got on my nerves. As I continued reading, they really enhanced my enjoyment of the story. How do you think these various narrators change the story being told? How would the story change if it were only narrated by either Natasha or Daniel?"
I was very impressed with this format from the beginning. I felt as if the other stories worked to expand upon Natasha and Daniel's relationship and to also demonstrate the interrelatedness of humans--those 'unintended consequences' of each and every interaction we have...

Katrina wrote: "Prompt 3:
"There's a Japanese phrase that I like: koi no yokan. It doesn't mean love at first sight. It's closer to love at second sight. It's the feeling when you meet someone that you're going to fall in love with them. Maybe you don't love them right away, but it's inevitable that you will." P 74 Daniel's inter monologue is thinking this as he struggles to answer Natasha because he is so struck by her. Natasha is against love in general but especially "love at first sight". After reading this , what are your thought on the idea of "love at second sight" or "destined love"."
Wow. In my two marriages, I have apparently experienced both of these to some degree. With my first husband it was immediate, but I was also only 20 years old. With my second husband it was more the "second sight" version. We immediately became best friends, going everywhere and doing everything together for 9 months before we even considered a more intense, stronger attraction that may lead to a more intimate relationship. I was also in my early 40s at that time. In my lifetime, I believe aging made a difference for me in this regard. Perhaps I was simply much more hesitant to establish an intimate relationship without the shared commonalities and friendship first... I certainly had no intention of ever marrying again in this lifetime...but he was going to have no health insurance and it was easy to sign a license and have him covered on mine. We lived together for 5 years before being legally married. If not for the insurance issue, we wouldn't have signed a paper.

Katrina wrote: "Prompt 2

In the family vignette (p15-16), there is a reflection on knowing who we are, where we are from, and what holds us together. It says that being an immigrant is "an act of faith". This got me thinking about the foundation of America and how it began as a place where people could be "free" to express themselves as who they are without judgment. It was meant to be a safe place for all immigrants. I was just curious what your thoughts were on this.."
It is an admirable and perhaps idealistic goal. If only we had been able to achieve it. While I do believe the MAJORITY of people living in the US are not only accepting, but also respectful, and even appreciative of immigrants currently entering this country, there are, unfortunately, still some prejudiced, discriminatory, and bigoted people here who refuse to do so. However, I do believe that eventually our society will evolve to be even more positive toward immigrants than we currently are. I am an optimist overall, since to believe otherwise is too depressing!

Katrina wrote: "Prompt 1
The book's prologue is a commentary on Carl Sagan's quote "if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." It ended with the thought "To make something as simple as an apple pie, you have to create the whole wide world." In reading this, I wondered why this was placed as the prologue. What significance do you think this will have in the themes of the book?"
My thoughts... Nothing is truly "simple." Everything happens within a context--a Universal context, if you will.

1. Why have you chosen to read this book?
I was thrilled this was selected for a Monthly Group Read since I have been meaning to read a Nicola Yoon for a couple of years!

2. What significance do you think the title has to this text?
Although the sun is very important it is just another star...some stars are more important to a specific planet than others?

3. What are you wondering about?
I am mostly wondering if I will enjoy Yoon's writing. I have a feeling I will...

LeahS wrote: "I read the book last month, and my memory's not what it was :), but I'd be happy to start off with a few general questions."
Would you, please, Leah? That would be great! I picked up a copy today and have started reading it, but since you've already read it, you are bound to have some really good questions. I might pop in a few as well!

Erica wrote: "I’d volunteer to lead but I’m on hold for a copy at my library and I’m not next in line. So don’t know if this will come in."
Hope it comes through for you soon!

Happy 2023 Week #8! ;) I am posting late this week, but at least it isn’t on Wednesday! LOL

I am so thrilled I was finally able to meet Paula McLain last Thursday! It ended up being a delightful event and she and I visited extensively while she signed the 6 books of hers I own, and have read all but one! I got a hug and she asked me to “send her a note,” which I will do. She is quite genuine and in my opinion, so very talented…and brave! Her life has been anything but stable as she and her two sisters were bounced throughout the California foster care system from the time she was 4 years old until 18 years of age. I am reading her autobiography Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses which is branded as “creative nonfiction.” Her degrees are in poetry and she started her writing career with poetry. It shows in the lyricism of her writing, particularly in her memoir, IMO.

I keep neglecting to update you-all regarding "Myrtle," my VW Jetta! I accepted reduced payment from my insurance company, retained her, and had my mechanic perform basic repairs other than body work. She required a new front axle, but nothing more than that to keep running. And...although the hood has a dent in it just above the latch, it still opens and closes just fine. She looks less-than-new, but like her owner, she's happy and okay with that! I just decided we've invested too much in her already to start all over again with another used vehicle! So far, so good!

This past week has been a very busy one for me and I’ve enjoyed my rest over this weekend!

ADMIN STUFF:
The February Monthly Group read is The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon!! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #43 A book that takes place entirely in one day. In honor of Groundhog Day, a North American tradition observed in the US and Canada on February 2! Katrina is the "knowledgeable navigator" who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you, Katrina! This discussion can be found in the Currently Monthly Group Read folder HERE
along with the thread to list the book(s) you’ve read to fulfill this prompt for February! I absolutely ADORED this book! So glad I read it! And now I need to read more of her writing and she is an author whose new releases will be must-reads asap!

I have added the two March Monthly Group Read discussions to the Current Monthly Group Read folder in anticipation of March 1 this next Wednesday! Sheesh! The time does fly! We will be reading The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #7 A book with “Girl” in the title in honor of Women’s History Month in Australia, UK, and US. I just realized I haven’t yet purchased a copy of this one, but emailed and should have one reserved for me at my local independent bookstore for a Tuesday pickup. Whew! Talk about cuttin’ it close! And…we still need a “fascinating facilitator” for this discussion! That might just be YOU!! ;) (Cuttin' it close for this as well! LOL)

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE! The final selection for the May Monthly Group Read is Bunny by Mona Awad! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #24 A book with a rabbit on the cover, in honor of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere when rabbits are aplenty! I do love bunnies, but I admit I will not be reading this book since it is labeled as “horror” and I just cannot do “horror”! But I trust you-all will enjoy it! And we're searching for a "literary luminar" to lead the discussion that month! Hmmmm...YOU?!? ;)

We are currently searching for two three monthly group read discussion leaders:
1) A “fascinating facilitator” to lead the March Monthly Group Read discussion of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #7 A book with “Girl” in the title In honor of Women’s History Month in Australia, the UK, and the US!
2) A “reading wrangler” to facilitate April’s Monthly Group Read discussion of Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes #1) by Travis Baldree! This book can be used to fulfill prompt #27 A #BookTok recommendation. In honor of April Fools! You might have thought this was still the 2022 Popsugar Challenge, but it is actually a prompt repeated from 2022 for the 2023 Challenge!!
3) See the announcement above regarding May’s Monthly Group Read above!
Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! :)

Just a reminder that the comprehensive listing of 2023 Monthly Group Reads can be found HERE

Question of the Week
What other bookish social media or blogs do you use regularly?
I occasionally visit the Facebook Popsugar page, but honestly don’t do much of anything on social media beyond Goodreads any more. I got turned off from it all in 2016 and now believe it to be a time-waster. I could be reading!! :)

While I was really enthused about my own blog and regularly visited other blogs, etc., for 4-5 years, I have become uninterested in blogging book reviews or reading other bloggers’ reviews. It took me forever to compose reviews and I finally realized, I would rather be reading during that time! There are just not enough hours in each day! LOL If only we didn’t need to sleep! :)

Popsugar: 31/50
Nadine’s Q1 Mini-Challenge: 7/10
AtY: 41/52
RHC: 10/24

FINISHED:
*Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #1) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi ✶✶✶✶✶ provided much fodder for good discussion at book club. Interestingly, Kawahuchi adapted this from a prize-winning play he wrote and It was intriguing to conjecture about what aspects of this book fit with staging a play. Such as the fact that there was only ONE chair where the occupant could time travel and other details. So glad I reread it before book club! And now I’m anxious to read the two further installments in the series…but there are February Buddy Reads and our February Monthly Group Read I need to complete first! ;)
POPSUGAR: #19-2015: prompt #44 Originally written in another language (Japanese), #31
ATY: #1-set in Tokyo, Japan, #2, #3-A book set in the workplace of at least one character, #5, #13-chairs, #36-Japanese to English, #37, #42, NEW #46, #52
RHC: #24-2015: A book published in 2015

*Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz by Coyne S. Sanders ✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶✶ was an absolutely compelling read and so very informative! Lucie Arnaz declared this to be an accurate depiction of her parents. Fascinating details of their life together and the creation, management, and eventual sale of Desilu studios. Amazing what these two people created!
POPSUGAR: #4, #6, NEW #11, #16, #19-2015: prompt #14 Nonfiction, #28, #31, #35
ATY: #3-A book from a genre that starts with any letter in your name—Nonfiction (Lynn), #4, #5, #11, #19-television/movie production, writing, directing, #26, #37, #38-Lucille and Desi are certainly “stars”!, #40
RHC: #24-2015: A microhistory

*Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball ✶✶✶✶✶ was a reread from 4 years ago. It was quite interesting to learn of Lucille’s perseverance and varied work experiences from frying burgers at the local amusement park to modeling expensive clothing in New York boutiques. The fact that she achieved all she did in show business/TV and was actually expelled from drama school for lack of talent! All our book club members enjoyed it! But then we are all I Love Lucy fans!
POPSUGAR: #4, #6, NEW #8, #16, #19: 2016: prompt #15 A book written by a celebrity, #28, #31, #36, #50
ATY: #3-A book club read (The book club I facilitate selected it for February 2023.), #4, #5, #11-rheumatoid arthritis, #12-Although Lucille loved live birds, she could not tolerate representations of birds in art, etc., #19-acting, television/movie production, directing, #26-Lucy refused to allow herself to be filmed without extensive makeup to camouflage her age as she grew older, #37, #38-Lucille is definitely a “star”!, NEW #44
RHC: NEW #19, #24-2018: prompt #1 A book published posthumously

CONTINUING:
*Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses by Paula McLain
*The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
*The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed
*Festival Days by Jo Ann Beard
*Mrs. 'Arris Goes to New York (Mrs. ‘Arris #2) by Paul Gallico
*Beloved by Toni Morrison

PLANNED:
February Monthly Group Read:
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
February Buddy Reads:
*The Darkest Evening (Vera Stanhope #9) by Ann Cleeves
*Wild Fire (Shetland Island #8) by Ann Cleeves
*Cross My Heart (#21) by James Patterson
*Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #2) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
*Before Your Memory Fades (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #3) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

This discussion thread is to mark your completion of the June challenge to fulfill prompt #22 A book with a queer lead. In honor of “Pride Month” as declared by US Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. (Also acknowledged in a tweet by Donald Trump.) Per Wikipedia this originated to commemorate the Stonewall Riots which occurred at the end of June in 1969. June is increasingly recognized as “Pride Month” (for all LGBTQ+/non-cisgender folks) outside the US. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_pride)

Please include the following information about this book:

Title:
Author:
Would you recommend this book?

This is the May Monthly Group Read discussion for Bunny by Mona Awad. This book can be used to fulfill prompt #24 A book with a rabbit on the cover. In honor of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere.

Since no "literary luminar" has volunteered to lead this discussion, it appears that anarchy reigns! I will not be reading this one since it is HORROR, but I'm certain there will be a good discussion amongst those anxious to read and talk about it!

Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read.

It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the location within the book noting your progress (chapter and/or page number) with the spoiler. That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...

TO ADD SPOILER TAGS:
Use this for spoilers, just remove the spaces:
< spoiler > write your spoiler here and close with < / spoiler >

Posts here should only be contributions to discussion about this book.

This discussion thread is to mark your completion of the May challenge to fulfill prompt #24 A book with a rabbit on the cover. In honor of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere when rabbits are aplenty!

Please include the following information about this book:

Title:
Author:
Would you recommend this book?

Shannon wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Did anyone else notice this week's discussion title is set to be July? I've been having trouble keeping track of what month I'm in already, so that threw me WAY...

Lol well that's embarrassing..."
It shouldn't be! You never know what I might do! LOL You should always be double-checking! ;)

Bea wrote: "My post is long, and I have lost it twice. So not only am I a day late...but I am frustrated and will be even later."

Goodreads sucks so much of the time for me. I began composing these posts in Word docs several years ago exactly so this would not happen to me. When it doesn't post and loses it, I just go copy and paste yet again!

Nadine in NY wrote: "You all are making me want to read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.

It's not really my kind of book. I've never felt like a freak and never thought..."
I thought this was a good book to better understand those who are unlike me. :) Though I have managed to 'mellow' myself to a great degree throughout the decades, my initial reaction is always right there and ready within a second! I have simply learned to squelch that unless it is appropriate to the moment and wait...be patient...allow other folks time and space. Definitely a worthwhile read, IMO! I also learned this in education classes for managing a classroom. It's unreal how instructors tend to reward those who are FAST with their comments, etc., and overlook students who require a bit more time.

Nadine in NY wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Did anyone else notice this week's discussion title is set to be July? I've been having trouble keeping track of what month I'm in already, so that threw me WAY off! XD

LOL no it's not, it's week 7. Your eyes saw that and thought "July" - you must be eager for summer :-) Unless Lynn just edited it , it says: "Week 7: 2/10 - 2/16""
Oh, my! I immediately scrolled back to the top to check...'cause I never trust myself. I agree that you must have seen the Week 7 and thought of July! :)

Nadine in NY wrote: "Happy Thursday!! We have also been having crazy spring-like weather. It was 65°F yesterday. I'm on my way out the door right now, taking my dog to the vet for her annual check-up. Poor baby had a UTI last weekend, so this is her third visit to the vet in two weeks. I think I'll bring her sister, too, for moral support."
Ugh. I've only suffered through one UTI in my life thus far, but it was a doozy and something I never hope to repeat. so I can empathize with her! :( Hope she recovered and is healthy and happy now!

"This week I finished 3 books, 2 for this challenge, so I am now 9/50."
Whoo! Whoo!

"Little Green by Walter Mosley- This was a return to the Easy of earlier books - I think when Mosley took a little break in writing this series, it re-energized him and I'm so glad, because the last few Easy books had been rather bleak. This was set in 1967 LA so I checked off "set in the decade you were born," (obviously it would also work for "color in the title") and in AtY this was my 20th century book for the "three centuries" categories."
I keep thinking I should give Devil in a Blue Dress a try!

"The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen - my daughter has been borrowing a bunch of graphic novels from our library; when I saw this one had been banned/challenged, I grabbed it from her pile and read it, and I LOVED this book. ALL the stars! It was gorgeous and deep and emotional and satisfying. And I checked off "banned book" (and "Asian diaspora author" in AtY)."
Cool! Glad she could help you with those! :) Though I'm not particularly a fan of graphic novels, this one is on my TBR and looks like one I would enjoy...

"Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet - another Tournament of Books read, and FINALLY I found one I LOVE!!! Five stars! This quiet little book really took me by surprise. I couldn't find a Popsugar category for it, but it is exactly 230 pages long, so I fudged a bit and checked off "less than 230 pages" in my Winter Challenge, and I checked off "birds bees and bunnies" in AtY, because the eponymous "dinosaurs" are the various birds the protagonist sees around him in his new Arizona home."
This looks like one I would enjoy as well! Glad you finally found one from ToB that worked well for you! YAY! :)

"And I DNF'ed one book:
Girls with Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier & - this was my book club's February pick, and I was excited to read it, because it's about high school girls competing for admission to Stanford (and possible murderrrrr), and I went to Stanford (for grad school, not undergrad, but whatever), so I felt some alum connection to it. Unfortunately I found this to be unbelievably stupid with ridiculous dialogue and clunky writing and I just could NOT with this book. I don't even care if someone was murdered. I think most of my book club loved this, they all said they loved the writing, so I'm wondering if I should drop out of my book club, because we are clearly not aligned."
But this was just one book. Have their been others where you agreed with them? I guess I always feel as if it is inevitable that there will be a book every now and then when you won't agree with the group. It just happens... But I'm sorry this didn't work for you! :(

"QotW

Yes! But this year I'm trying not to overload myself - it's hard, I start looking for books, and there are SO MANY BOOKS I want to read. So I've got a list of twelve likely reads for BHM, and I'm aiming to read about half of them"
At least you'll have plenty to choose from!
.
"Here's my list (that I also posted over in https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... ) - I actually have ALL of these (except one) currently borrowed from the library - yikes!!"
Thank you! I always get great suggestions from your lists! ;)

"Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo- I started this, and it's well written narrative non-fiction, but I've had difficulty making time to get back to it this month."
I find this happens with nonfiction sometimes... Glad to know I'm not alone!

"Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke - I loved the first book in this series so I'm looking forward to this one!"
Yeah, I really need to grab my copy of this and get it read! Agreed about the first installment! That ending... :)

"Little Green by Walter Mosley - I just finished this! I used it for "set in the decade you were born.""
I forgot Mosley qualifies! :)

"The Big Gold Dream by Chester Himes - it's been too long since I read a book in this series, so I really look forward to getting back in this world. "
I now have a copy of A Rage in Harlem! It's the first in this series! I hope I enjoy it as well!

"Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones - I'm probably not getting to this one this month."
This one is also on my TBR listing!

"Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland"
Sound like one I would either love or hate. Added it to my TBR listing!

"How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones - I'm currently reading this, and - surprise! - it's got a love triangle (I was NOT expecting that!) so it even fills a challenge category."
So much fun when that happens!

"Decent People by De'Shawn Charles Winslow- this was a last-minute inclusion, it just sounded right up my alley so I immediately put it on hold, because all the other books I already have are apparently not enough."
LOL Of course not! There is no such thing as TOO MANY BOOKS! LOL Wow. This author is new-to-me but definitely one I want to read!

"You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism"
I keep wondering about this one...

"Harlem Shadows: The Poems of Claude Mckay
Mercy poems by Lucille Clifton"
Fingers crossed that you enjoy these poems!

"And books I would recommend:
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America
White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide
Their Eyes Were Watching God
The Street
Homegoing"
I've read of 2 of these and own another one. The other two are definitely on my TBR listing!

"and finally
Dread Nation because I always love a good zombie book ;-)
Life on Mars because it's always nice to have a good book of poetry"
You are too funny!

Doni wrote: "Yay! QotW time!"
:)

"Finished: Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, Justice-Minded Kids in an Unjust World Good all-around parenting book!"
Oh, my! Wondering just how upset my sons and their wives might be if I sent them each a copy of this one! Though I want to read it first! Sounds like one I would loved to have had when raising my own children!

"Evil and the God of Love So good! Highly recommend for people puzzling over how God can be omnipotent and good AND for evil to exist in the world!"
That can be quite a dilemma for some!

"God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater re-read"
Glad for those who appreciate Vonnegut's writing. It doesn't work for me...

"Qotw: I started reading Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction for a fable book club, but it just didn't gel with me. I don't really like short stories."
Interestingly, the older I get the more I seem to appreciate such anthologies of short stories! (I never read them much when younger...) I always end up finding new-to-me authors whose books I then end up reading!

"But the social justice parenting book mentioned above is by a Black woman with bi-racial children, so it would count and it was a worthwhile read."
It sounds as if it is definitely worthwhile!

"I also re-read Michelle Obama's The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times in order to lead a bookclub. I enjoyed that one too."
Okay, I'm jealous! I have yet to read it the first time. I noted it topped Barack's list of favorite reads from 2022! (Along with a note that he might be just a tad bit prejudiced on that one!) :)

Harmke wrote: "Last Friday I went to my old city, Utrecht. It was such a strange experience! I’ve lived there for over 10 years and left it 5 years ago. Now it felt as a completely different country: all signs both in Dutch and English, English speaking personnel in restaurants only. It was a shock to me! I’m used to the local dialect and German, not English. My mind was running overtime processing it all and I was glad I was home again in the ‘far’ east of the country. I think I’m a country girl now, smile.
By the way, I had a very nice lunch with an old friend over there. It was 3 years ago we last met, so we had a lot to talk about!"
That sounds so fun! Amazing how quickly some places change, isn't it?

"Finished
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid ⭐⭐⭐
PS #11, a book about or set in Hollywood
It was ok. It reads easy, has a good tension arc and has everything to become a movie. But it just didn’t touch my heart. It was all too artificial in some way. The characters tick all the diversity boxes, it’s set in Hollywood, it’s a thriller and a chicklit, it’s just all too much to me. Having said that: Reid is an excellent writer and captivates you every page."
Ah, bummer that it wasn't more enjoyable for you! I think I loved it enough for both of us! And I agree regarding Reid. Definitely one of my all-time faves!

"Currently reading
The Time in Between by María Dueñas"
Interesting to see what you think of this one. It is on my TBR listing!

"QOTW
I don’t read specific books in honor of months, days, or whatever.
I did read Roots, mentioned in a post before, and I liked that one as well."
Great recommendation!

Katy wrote: "I finished The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America as a book I think my best friend would like. I enjoyed reading it, but I'm not sure how accurate it was. Especially in regards to HH Holmes."
This is one I keep meaning to read...

"I am now reading The Snow Leopard as a book I bought at an independent book store. I'm 1/3 of the way through it and it is just so boring and long and not at all what I thought it was going to be about (hint not a snow leopard). It's mostly about buddhism and hindusim, which isn't a bad thing, it's just not what I'm interested in."
That's too bad...sounds like one I might enjoy though! :)

"QOTW: I just read what I want to read when I want to read (except for doing prompts, of course).

I really liked The Book of Negroes and Roots: The Saga of an American Family. I probably don't have anything groundbreaking to recommend. I actually don't pay much attention to race or sex of authors."
You have a very solid plan! :) The Book of Negroes looks like a great read! Added to my TBr listing. And I have yet to get to Roots: The Saga of an American Family!