Erica’s Comments (group member since Apr 05, 2019)
Erica’s
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from the Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge group.
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Happy check-in! We got to celebrate my grandmother's 98 birthday last weekend with her favourite chocolate cake. Now for Thanksgiving weekend. Does anyone think there's a better store bought pumpkin pie than Cosco?Finished Reading:
Thief of Night ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PS last sentence)
Duology ender for Holly Black's adult urban fantasy about a world where shadows can be sentient and controlled. I definitely enjoyed this more than the first book and I'm a little sad it's over.
Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer: The Lost Summers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Two short stories one set during season five of the show where the gang goes to New Orleans for summer vacation, and the second following middle aged Buffy who is a watcher now.
Goth Parenting: The Dark Joys of Raising Baby Bats ⭐⭐⭐
Lots of cute puns in this comic.
Worth Fighting For ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mulan retelling set in modern day, where Mulan must assume her father's identity to partner with a whiskey company that's in financial trouble.
Mate ⭐⭐
Well Ali Hazelwood is always too funny not to read her books but I did hope for the main character to die quicker from her terminal illness.
Goblins in the Castle ⭐⭐⭐
A cute middle grade to cheer up from all the dark books that have come in from the library.
PS 47/50
ATY, Anniversary, Summer Completed
Goodreads 239/250 Bookmarks 4/12
QOTW:
Poetry. I hated it in school when you had to find the meaning line by line and weren't allowed to not like it.
I've realized that poetry that follows a rhythm like song lyrics are preferable.
Happy check-in! I was very happy for the new bookmarks/lists to open on Wed. QOTW: It's going to take intentional reading instead of mood reading to accomplish these but that's okay, I pushed to finish my ATY challenges knowing there would be new bookmarks.
Spine Tinglers - The Hollow Places looks like the best option, I've read the other Kingfisher on the list.
I'd recommend Ring Shout or The Girl in Red
Heart Warmers - I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons is on hold at the library.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and Book Lovers are all faves.
Fiction Faves - Atmosphere and My Friends are on hold at the library.
Homegoing, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Where the Crawdads Sing, and The Henna Artist were five star reads.
Memorable Memoirs - I'm not sure about this one yet. I have a lot of books on the maybe list.
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood and I’m Glad My Mom Died were five star reads.
Finished Reading:
Baba Yaga's Assistant ⭐⭐
I did not like the artwork and the characters were nothing special. I did like the old stories the mc's grandmother had told her as a child.
Quicksilver ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really enjoyed this romantasy book dealing with alchemy.
Siksikaitsitapi: Stories by the Blackfoot People ⭐⭐⭐
This wasn't exactly what I thought it was when I borrowed it from the library. I expected a children's book with more story, and this was more about showcasing language.
Solo Leveling 3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The mc gets earns a job classification.
But Not Too Bold ⭐⭐⭐ Goodreads bookmark Hispanic Heritage
A good take on the Bluebeard story in this novella. Don't read if you don't like spiders.
PS 46/50
ATY, Anniversary, Summer completed
Goodreads 233/50 Bookmarks 4/12
I’ve read the first Smoke & Bone, but it’s been awhile. I definitely want to finish off that series.
Happy check-in! Two weeks worth of books. I finished the ATY and ATY Anniversary lists last week. 🥳 I also squeaked in the last bookmark before the new set became active. Finished Reading:
Something Like Home ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Middle grade novel in verse about a girl who ends up in kinship care.
Cat + Gamer Volume 6 Cat + Gamer Volume 7 Cat + Gamer Volume 8 ⭐⭐⭐
This series is cute and made me want to play all the video games. It works well for the happily single woman.
Lunar Boy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY NPR)
This was top of the list of brand new bought books on overdrive and it mentioned NPR best books in the blurb. Cute graphic novel about a trans boy who is adopted in space and then comes to live in a blended family on Earth.
A Vicious Game ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY best book of the month)
Meant to read this last year so I'm very happy to finally get around to it. This was an interesting way for the mc to find sobriety. Now on to book four of this fantasy series.
Akia: The Other Side ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Inuit history and poetry inspired by it.
To Kill a Badger ⭐⭐⭐
The amount of stuff that happens in this series is hard to explain.
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London ⭐⭐⭐ (PS left-handed character)
A bit of a disappointment. I'm either too old or too young for the references from the 80s to be magical. It doesn't help that Sabriel is my favourite book.
Night of Cake & Puppets ⭐⭐⭐ (ATY anniversary NATO)
A creepy weird little novella about a first date involving cake and puppets.
Houseplants and Their Fucked-Up Thoughts: P.S., They Hate You ⭐⭐⭐
After managing to only grow one zucchini this year before all the plants died, this seemed like the book for me. I got a few chuckles from this.
The Inheritance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY anniversary author +7 books)
My favourite author's newest book. SFF happiness.
The Summer War ⭐⭐⭐
A good story but I didn't connect with the characters so much. Reads like an old fairytale.
A Business Proposal, Vol. 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series over.
Glorious Rivals ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'm a little annoyed that snakes showed up in this but they're not on the cover. The puzzles are fun to try and solve, but the insta love is silly.
The Sheep Pig ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love the movie Babe so I had to read the book that came first.
PS 46/50
ATY 52/52 Anniversary 10/10 Summer 25/25
Goodreads 228/250 Bookmarks 3/12
OTW:
I like SFF and most of the off shoots.
QOTW:Snake on the cover has been challenging. The listopia suggests many books I've already read or books that don't look appealing. It doesn't help that this prompt was basically repeated for the aty list. I can read the newest Hunger Games but I don't know if that'll happen. I keep hoping to accidentally accomplish this one.
The last line prompt is just annoying. I never read the last line until I've read the rest of the book, so my sister gave me an option that was already on my tbr but I just haven't wanted to read it yet.
Oldest author on your tbr is also annoying.
Haha what uproar? I saw the change it seems minor to me. I’ve found if I don’t feel like reading the book when my hold comes in I send it on and make a new hold when I feel like reading it again. I tried using the send me this after a specific date and it’s show up and I’d just wouldn’t be motivated to read it then either.
Cheater. ;)Yeah I debated that with the last set because the list of books published this year that were popular was short, and I had already read seven off of it.
I’m glad the first two lists are quite long and I’ve got a few things on the tbr already.
New set of bookmarks started today for those wanting to try them out. Only 5/12 are open right now.
Happy check-in! I've been steadily reading for the ATY read-a-thon. I managed to finish a book for the final remaining goodread bookmark with 5 days left in the challenge. whewFinished Reading:
Chaos Reigning ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Re-read. I definitely liked books two and three in this series better in re-reading than the first time through.
Patina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ghost was such a good book, which I read for the running prompt, that I had to continue the series.
Ballad for Sophie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A good historical fiction memoir in graphic novel form. A young reporter goes and interviews a famous pianist about his life, living in France.
Chosen by a Horse ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The author's memoir about rescuing a horse from abuse and learning to heal from all the abuse she had endured. Some upsetting bits, but the author was a really funny writer.
Cat + Gamer Volume 5 ⭐⭐⭐
The Undefeated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A poem with illustrations.
The Floating World ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A retelling of the Celestial Maidens myth.
Julie Chan Is Dead ⭐⭐⭐ (ATY published 2025) Goodreads bookmark Debut
I finally finished it and received the last bookmark. This is a rollercoaster of a book! I listened to an interview with the author on the CBC and I still was not prepared for where this book went. Julie Chan overtakes her twin sister's life stepping into her successful influencer lifestyle.
The Concierge At Hokkyoku Department Store, Vol. 1 ⭐⭐ (ATY anniversary periodic table)
A manga series in a department store with human employees that cater to animal clients only.
PS 45/50
ATY 50/52 Anniversary 8/10 Summer 25/25
Goodreads 213/250 Bookmark 9/9
QOTW:
I too want punctuation.
I dislike when it's first person and we get detailed thoughts until things need to be hidden to make the plot happen/take longer. (Sookie Stackhouse series)
Main characters that are strong because the other characters tell us so, despite the main characters whining and crying all the time and not doing anything.
@K.L. The bookmarks aren’t really set up so you can plan what to read. I too find I’ve read things off of the lists they use so they can be hard to achieve.
There’s one set of bookmarks that run the whole year. One for reading a book each month and three that can only be achieved come December and involve your reading challenge goal.Then there are other bookmarks that involve list articles that goodreads puts out. These are the ones that have shorter terms to achieve.
Happy check-in! I'm looking forward to the ATY read-a-thon starting this weekend. Maybe I'll actually finish The Night Tiger this time, although I can't even remember what year I started reading it and how many read-a-thons I was going to finish it during. ;)Finished Reading:
Small Things Like These ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY 2nd book opposite in title) (GR Bookmark Lightning Round)
A quick read set in 1980s Ireland. It's about standing up for what's right not what is easiest.
I Hope This Doesn't Find You ⭐⭐⭐
A novella following I Hope This Doesn't Find You, a ya rom-com.
Fearless ⭐⭐ (ATY anniversary emotion) (GR Bookmark Chart Toppers)
The Red Queen dystopian series is better and very comparable. This whole book is about a secret affair that the couple puts no effort into hiding yet that's all they talk about. It's kinda funny in its ridiculousness.
Aurora Blazing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Re-read of a sci-fi romance.
PS 45/50
ATY 49/52 Anniversary 7/10 Summer 25/25
Goodreads 203/250 Bookmarks 8/9
QOTW:
It happens regularly, but only three one star reads this year.
Happy check-in! This Labour Day Weekend looks like it's going to be great weather. I'm not ready to let go of summer even though September means pumpkin spice comes back. I have three books I'm currently reading and each one works for a different GR bookmark. Hopefully I can stay on task and finish them.
Finished Reading:
That Ain’t Witchcraft ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY SFF written by a woman)
I loved how the main character just decided to adopt a brother. Anyway I'm only 7 or 8 books behind in this series.
The Invisible Parade ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY anniversary 5 vowels in author name)
Leigh Bardugo co-created a picture book and it was awesome.
Warrior Princess Assassin ⭐⭐
This is almost a 1 star read. The author really wanted to write a throuple and the fantasy world and plot were ignored.
Lazarus, Vol. 1: Family ⭐⭐
Nothing special dystopian with a engineered regenerative human.
Shadow & Flame ⭐⭐⭐
Duology ender of a ya fantasy.
PS 45/50
ATY 47/52 Anniversary 6/10 Summer 25/25
Goodreads 199/250 Bookmarks 6/9
QOTW:
For sure, although I still read popular things because if a lot of people liked it, why wouldn't I? I also want to know what the hype is about.
The Lemony Snicket series majorly upset me as a kid because I was so offended that the author wrote a 14 old girl that dumb! 🤣
Watchmen, The Great Gatsby, The Outsiders, Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic and T. Kingfisher is hit or miss. I also don't understand the appeal of Stephen King and James Patterson as writers, I know they had good story ideas because I've enjoyed the movies/tv shows.
@Nadine the book came first in 1985 in Japan. Maybe you’ve got a gift idea for your daughter now.
Happy check-in! The summer has been pretty great weather until a couple days this week where it was 30+ humid days and not cooling off at night. The weather couldn't have waited a few days until we got the windows repaired so they could actually be opened and closed from inside the house. Oh well it was cool for the window repairers so it all worked out. It's the little things in life.Finished Reading:
Three Shattered Souls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series ender to a Korean mythology inspired fantasy epic. This series is a rollercoaster for sure. Many povs from great characters, and lots of secrets and lies.
Spy x Family, Vol. 14 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The first time a book in this series hasn't been a five star read for me. It just was a little boring compared to the other volumes.
Silver Elite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PS silver)
I rounded this up to five stars because in the last couple of chapters the main character did stupid things to make plot happen, but not in the way I thought so it ended okay. This is labeled as romantasy but to me it's just sci-fi no fantasy.
The Deviant Vol. 2 ⭐⭐⭐
Duology ender I think but the origional murders weren't solved?
Kiki's Delivery Service ⭐⭐⭐
Very cute group of short stories. Maybe I'll watch the movie now.
QOTW:
Nope to self-help genre.
Happy check-in! I'm really happy with the new list for the goodreads bookmark that was revealed today.Finished Reading:
The Deviant Vol. 1 ⭐⭐⭐
I spotted a fave author had a horror series with a serial killer who dresses as santa and a comic author interviews the man arrested for the murders for his new book. Anyway the artwork is gruesome but the story plotting is awesome.
Accomplice to the Villain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PS non verbal character)
Well this series isn't a trilogy like I thought it was going to be. I'm good with that.
Fence, Vol. 7: Challengers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yet another book that fits left handed character when I'm holding firm on reading my copy of The Left-Handed Booksellers of London for the prompt. This series is as cute as ever.
Frost Burned Dramatized Adaptation (Mercy Thompson #7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now back to being impatient for the next in the series to be published.
The Turn of the Screw ⭐⭐
A short book published before 1900 to finish the ATY Summer Challenge. Yeah it was not good like many have ranted in this thread, but now I can read the good version by Ruth Ware.
PS 44/50
ATY 45/52 Anniversary 5/10 Summer 25/25
Goodreads 189/250 Bookmarks 6/9
QOTW:
First thing that comes to mind was The Westing Game having a character named turtle linked to another book from a different genre. I can't really think of any other books that fit the question but I have been surprised by how many books I've read this year that fit chronic pain, left-handed character and the cult prompts.
I was starting to worry about the two open bookmarks and the on the hasn’t been revealed yet. I picked a book for each bookmark and had requested them both but I don’t k ow if they’ll show up in a month. Cue me going through the lists and putting ebook, audiobook and physical book holds at the library on anything that looked remotely interesting. Not 15 later a skip the hold showed up on Libby for one of my original picks. lol
Happy check-in! Saw the Superman movie this past week and I really enjoyed it. I've been reading so much that last couple of years that I haven't been watching as many movies.Finished Reading:
A Queen This Fierce and Deadly ⭐⭐⭐
Series ender. The whole series was good but nothing special in the romantasy genre.
Wolf Girl ⭐
Really awful. Seemed like a good and unique idea but no such luck. Adult characters were written like middle grade age with all the insta emotions, but (view spoiler) I have other books by this author on my tbr but now I'm not sure that's a good idea.
Uglies ⭐⭐⭐
Ya dystopian series started. At 16 you have plastic surgery to become pretty to avoid a society of differences.
The Girl in the Green Silk Gown ⭐⭐⭐ (ATY serpentine element)
This relied on Greek Mythology so I should have enjoyed this more, but I just don't care about the Americana nostalgia of highways, truck stops, and diners.
Saga, Volume 12 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PS anticipated 2025)
This is still awesome and clever.
PS 43/50
ATY 44/52 Anniversary 5/10 Summer 24/25
Goodreads 185/250 Bookmarks 6/9
QOTW:
As a big SFF reader I need to read The Lord of the Rings and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. I also really love Greek Mythology and have not read The Iliad or The Odyssey.
Summer and Xingu by Edith Wharton were really good. Xingu is a short story about a book club for those feeling like they should read her stuff.
Happy check-in! Finished Reading:
Once Bitten ⭐⭐
I love this author's Grave Witch series so I finally got around to reading book one of her first series thanks to Hoopla. It was disappointing. I don't know if I'll read the other two books or not but I don't like not finishing series. On the bright side Kalayna Price improved in her writing for one of my favourite series.
Bloom ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bonus pick on Hoopla. A cute picture book about environmental activist jellyfish. Come the end of the year I can use this for the aty prompt that has a collective noun for animals in the title.
Arcana Academy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Her books keep showing up here and there and my library bought her newest book. This is romantasy dark academy and it uses tarot like magic cards. It was something different I want the next one now.
Solo Leveling, Vol. 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My newest manwha series I'm working through. Great artwork and fun concept.
Britt-Marie Was Here ⭐⭐⭐ (PS soccer)
I love how the author used soccer to sew connection between characters. I struggle with Backman's repetitive writing style.
PS 42/50
ATY 44/52 Anniversary 5/10 Summer 24/25
Goodreads 182/250 Bookmarks 6/9
QOTW:
I'm too worried about losing a library book and then having to pay for a book I don't have a copy of to ever take it on vacation.
I’ve noticed for the bookmarks they always have the lists they choose to promote be released just before the bookmark opens.The award list was very hard for me but I completed it by finally getting to Yellowface which got me two bookmarks. If they hadn’t included the Goodreads I don’t know what I would have read. I’m hooped if they make a self help bookmark.
