D.L.’s Comments (group member since Oct 23, 2021)

D.L.’s comments from the Around the Year in 52 Books group.

33. A book by an author you enjoyed but haven't gotten around to reading again for some time


34. A book title that could be a country song

I don't know what I'm going to read myself yet but I recommend Malice by Keigo Higashino to all of you. It's a great locked room mystery I read awhile back.

21. A book connected in some way to any collective noun for animals (raining cats and dogs)


22. A translated novel from Asia

18. A book set primarily in nature

12. A book by an Irish author

Good luck with your move!!

ATY 2024 Leftovers

1. A book by an author from Canada, Australia or New Zealand
✅ 2. A history or historical fiction book: The Proud and The Beast: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck (7/15/25)
3. A book connected in some way to any of the flavors of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream: (Sugar Plum)
4. A book by an author from an African country
5. A book related to Boats, Beaches, Bars, Ballads, or Jimmy Buffett: Honeymoon by James Patterson
6. A book related to the name of one of Snow White's seven dwarfs
7. Two books with similar covers: Book 1:
8. Two books with similar covers: Book 2
9. A book involving a wild animal or endangered species, in the content, title, or on the cover
10. A book with a touch of magic
✅ 11. A book with a senior citizen character: Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (5/22/25)
12. A book related to air

2025 ATY

44/52

✔ 1. A book with a cover that has an image of something that starts with A, T, or Y (thumb): The Hitchhiker by R.L. Stine (1/16/25)
✔ 2. A prompt suggestion for this year that did not make the list (A book that is number 2, 5, or 25 in a series): Trouble With a Capital T by Judy Baer (2/13/25)
✔ 3. A book connected to something mentioned in the Do Re Mi song: Run for Your Life by James Patterson (7/7/25)
✔ 4. A book set underground, under sea or in an underworld WILDCARD (A book told from multiple POVs): Kissing Christmas Goodbye by M.C. Beaton (10/4/25)
✔ 5. A book with a weird or intriguing title: The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets by Nancy Springer (10/2/25)

✔ 6. A book with a serpentine element on the cover WILDCARD (A book by an author with a short last name (4 letters or fewer): The Whisperer by Diane Hoh
✔ 7. A book by an author that uses 3 names: Spirit Seeker by Joan Lowery Nixon (1/10/25)
✔ 8. A collection of short stories or novellas, essays, poetry, or a mix of various brief writings: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (4/26/25)
✔ 9. A book that has been long-listed for the Tournament of Books in any year WILDCARD (A book whose title doesn't contain the letter "E"): Night Kills by Charlotte Hughes (3/12/25)

✔ 10. A book about witches, goddesses or nuns: Guardian Witch by Valia Lind (4/25/25)
✔ 11. A book set in a fictional location: Mary Anne's Bad-Luck Mystery by Ann M. Martin (5/24/25)
12. A book by an Irish author
✔ 13. A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family: Jessi and the Jewel Thieves by Ann M. Martin (2/2/25)
✔ 14. A science fiction or fantasy novel written by a woman: Trip the Light Phantasmic by Judith Sterling (8/6/25)

✔ 15. A book of secrets, lies, or deception: I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan (1/14/25)
✔ 16. A book that fits a prompt from the 2016 ATY list (5. A book with a title beginning with the 1st letter of your name): The Deadly Dance by M.C. Beaton (5/11/25)
✔ 17. A history or historical fiction book set prior to 1925: Promises to the Dead by Mary Downing Hahn (3/16/25)
18. A book set primarily in nature

✔ 19. A book with a cover that has a building or cityscape: Brothers in Arms by Paul Langan (7/19/25)
✔ 20. A book with an animal, vegetable (plant), or mineral in the title: News for Dogs by Lois Duncan
21. A book connected in some way to any collective noun for animals:
22. A translated novel from Asia

✔ 23. A book that involves art, music, dancing or acting: I'll Be Damned: How My Young and Restless Life Led Me to America's #1 Daytime Drama by Eric Braeden (1/3/25)
✔ 24. A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal: Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot (2/22/25)
✔ 25. A book with waves on the cover: Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea by Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark (6/22/25)
✔ 26. A book by an author with a common noun in their name: Candy's Cafe Box Set by Sadie King (5/5/25)
✔ 27. A book set in the winter: Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris (1/6/25)

✔ 28. Two books with a pair of opposites in their titles: Book 1 (Do): Til a Death Do Us Part by Stacey Alabaster (4/23/25)
✔ 29. Two books with a pair of opposites in their titles: Book 2 (Don't): Don't Forget Me! by R.L. Stine (8/3/25)
✔ 30. A monster book: The Haunted Mask: The Graphic Novel by Maddi Gonzalez (4/27/25)
✔ 31. A book with a coastal setting: Undercurrents by Willo Davis Roberts (5/20/25)

✔ 32. A mystery or true crime book: Poison in the Pastries by Susan Harper (3/2/25)
33. A book by an author you enjoyed but haven't gotten around to reading again for some time
34. A book title that could be a country song
✔ 35. A book from the NPR “Books We Love” lists (2016): The Widow by Fiona Barton (5/23/25)

✔ 36. A book with a common household object on the cover (knife): Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris (3/9/25)
37. A book featuring adult friendships
✔ 38. Two books with a connection from different genres: Book 1: Better Than Revenge by Kasie West (2/20/25)
✔ 39. Two books with a connection from different genres: Book 2: Podcast: Learn how to Stop Babbling & Start Podcasting Like a Pro by Mike Eiman (3/10/25)
40. A book you'd consider a comfort read

✔ 41. A book that involves digging up the past: Dawn by V.C. Andrews (8/3/25)
✔ 42. A book set in a manor, mansion, or estate: The Secret of Terror Castle by Robert Arthur (8/15/25)
✔ 43. A book whose title has ten or fewer letters: The Watcher by Lael Littke (1/23/25)
✔ 44. A haunting book: Haunted Lighthouse by R.L. Stine (8/31/25)

✔ 45. A book by an author whose publishing career spans at least ten years: Brenda at the Prom by Jack Weyland (1/28/25)
✔ 46. A book related to one of the traditional full moon names: Harvest Moon by Mel Odom (9/30/25)
✔ 47. A book relating to fire: The Fire Game by R.L. Stine (8/23/25)
✔ 48. A book with a character dealing with death: A Begonia for Miss Applebaum by Paul Zindel (1/8/25)

✔ 49. A book that deals with time travel, alternate universes, or alternate timelines: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (7/20/25)
✔ 50. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2024 or 2025 WILDCARD (A book whose author has published more than 7 books): The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
✔ 51. A book published in 2025: The Crash by Freida McFadden (2/6/25)
✔ 52. A book with a sunset vibes on the cover: Shakespeare's Trollop by Charlaine Harris (3/3/25)

2025 will be my third true attempt at doing the challenge. I get super close to completing it and then just get bogged down for some reason and choke near the finish line. Is it fear of success? Failure? Too busy? What? I don't know but I am hoping the third try will be the charm. Plus, there are some cool prompts this coming year which should inspire me.

June
1. b. A book written under a pen name (her real name is Marion Chesney): Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton (8/31/24)

2. a. A book written by someone over the age of 60 (he is 80): The Girlfriend by R.L. Stine (7/30/24)

3. b. A book that has been adapted into a movie or series: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (6/15/24)

4. a. A book with at least 4 colors on the cover:
Welcoming Seas by Lily Harper Hart (8/22/24)

August

1. c. A book set in a city: (Biloxi, Mississippi) The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson (8/8/24)

2. b. A book by a favorite author: Funhouse by Diane Hoh (7/7/24)

3. b. A book by an author whose initials appear in SCRABBLE: Twisted by R.L. Stine (7/27/24)

4. c. A book with a character in an educational setting: (high school) Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan (7/26/24)

June
1. National Ballpoint Pen Day
June 10th, the anniversary of the patent filing. Fun fact: the world's most popular ball point is the Bic Crystal, which sells on average 57 pens per second.
a. A book with a writing utensil on the cover
b. A book written under a pen name (real name is Marion Chesney): Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton (8/31/24)
c. A book about a writer, bookseller, or librarian

2. National Prune Day
June 15th. Fun fact: prunes, the dried version of plums, were originally from China.
a. A book written by someone over the age of 60 (he is 80): The Girlfriend by R.L. Stine (7/30/24)
b. A book with more than 400 pages
c. A book with purple on the cover

3. Let's Catch a Movie
The term 'blockbuster' was originally used to describe especially destructive bombs, and then came to mean shocking news stories. It's current use as a movie with huge box office returns is often attributed to producer Max Youngstein
a. Author's initials can be found in BLOCKBUSTER FILM
b. A book that has been adapted into a movie or series: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (6/15/24)
c. A book published in the last two years

4. Happy Birthday Paul Gauguin
Born on June 7th 1848 Gauguin was a French artist most known for his contributions to the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements. He lived in France, Peru, Martinique, Tahiti, and the Marquesas Islands.
a. A book with at least 4 colors on the cover
Welcoming Seas by Lily Harper Hart (8/22/24)

b. A translated book see FAQ
c. A book with a seven in the page count


July
1. Happy Birthday Satchel Paige
Baseball pitcher Leroy R. (Satchel) Paige (1906-1982) was the first African American pitcher in the American League. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.
a. A book whose author's initials appear in CURVEBALL
b. A book featuring a sport
c. A book with a black main character: Forged by Fire by Sharon M. Draper (7/9/24)

2. The Apollo Moon Landing
Apollo 11, the first manned landing on Earth's moon, touched down on the surface on July 20, 1969.
a. A book set in space
b. A book with the moon on the cover
c. A book published in the 1960s (1968): They Never Came Home by Lois Duncan (7/15/24)

3. Let's Go on a Hike
Fun fact: Yellowstone National Park averages 1 bear attack per year, and there have only been 8 bear-caused fatalities in park history. For perspective that is 1 bear attack per 26.2 million park visits.
a. A book with a cover of a nature scene without people
b. A book set in a rural area: Spring Break by Nicholas Pine (8/4/24)
c. A book with an element of survival

4. Dog Days of Summer
Fun fact: this phrase refers to the time when Sirius the dog star is visible in the sky.
a. A book with a dog on the cover
b. A book with a hot setting
c. An author's first book


August
1. The Destruction of Pompeii
Pompeii was a Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius on August 24, 79 CE sometime in the autumn, based on recent archaeological finds. Because of the particular method of its destruction it is extremely well preserved and offers a unique look at life in the ancient Roman Empire.
a. A book featuring an ancient civilization
b. A book with red on the cover
c. A book set in a city (Biloxi, Mississippi): The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson

2. Vacation Time
Fun fact: 60% of the Earth's lakes are located in Canada. Something to think about next time you're by a lake.
a. A book you've been meaning to read
b. A book by a favorite author: Funhouse by Diane Hoh (7/7/24)
c. A book set somewhere you would like to visit

3. Let's Play a Game
Fun fact: In Chile the Clue character Mr. Green is named Chef Lettuce.
a. A book with multiple points of view
b. A book by an author whose initials appear in SCRABBLE: Twisted by R.L. Stine (7/27/24)
c. A book in a series

4. Back to School Sales
Fun fact: in 2023 the average American household spent $890 on back to school shopping, according to an online survey. Ok, that one's not actually that fun.
a. A book borrowed from the library
b. A nonfiction book
c. A book with a character in an educational setting (high school): Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan (7/26/24)

Update:

Prompt(s) Filled:
ATY #18: A book with a botanical cover
Booklist Queen Challenge #21: 2023 Bestseller
Read Your Shelf #40: By "New to You" Author

Book:


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Update:

Prompt(s) Filled:
Booklist Queen Challenge #27: Your Favorite Genre
Read Your Shelf #5: Published in Winter (Dec-Feb)

Book:


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Update:

Prompt(s) Filled:
Read Your Shelf #26: Stand Alone Book

Book:


Rating: ⭐️⭐️

Update:

Prompt(s) Filled:
ATY #21: A book with a title containing 6+ words

Book:


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Update:

Prompt(s) Filled:
ATY #4: A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Booklist Queen Challenge #10: About Starting Over

Book:


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Update:

Prompt(s) Filled:
Booklist Queen Challenge #31: Ugly Cover

Book:


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

~~~~

Update:

Prompt(s) Filled:
ATY #11: A book with an X connection (GenX author)
Read Your Shelf #: 42: Published in Summer (Jun-Aug)

Book:


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

1. Captivated by the Cowgirl
*Booklist Queen Challenge #32: Set in a Small Town
*Read Your Shelf #44: By Female Author

2. A Song of Secrets
*ATY #: 42. A book with a sound-related word in the title
*Booklist Queen Challenge # 25. About Secrets
*Read Your Shelf #27: By "New to You" Author

3. Northanger Abbey
*ATY #50: A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2023 or 2024
*Booklist Queen Challenge #38: Classic by a Female Author
*Read Your Shelf #43: Two-Word Title

4. Welcome to Dead House
*Read Your Shelf #19: By Male Author

5. Sugar And Spice And Not So Nice
*Read Your Shelf #25: One You've Been Meaning to Get To

6. Danny the Champion of the World
*ATY #13: A book that is on a Five Books List (Best Roald Dahl Books)

7. 10th Anniversary
*Read Your Shelf #17: Published in Spring (Mar-May)

8. Curse of the Arctic Star
*ATY #25: A book involving a crime other than a murder
*Booklist Queen Challenge #41: Written Under a Pseudonym
*Read Your Shelf: #37: Chapters Have Titles

9. Haunted
*ATY #20: A book with a single word title
*Booklist Queen #19: One Word Title
*Read Your Shelf #34: Your Initials in the Title or Author's Name

10. Steal
*Read Your Shelf #38: 300+ Pages

11. Sea of Suspicion
*ATY #28: A book related to sea
*Read Your Shelf #35: Water on the Cover

12. Leap of Faith
*Booklist Queen Challenge #11: Author You Love
*Read Your Shelf #11: Blue Cover

13. Prom Date
*Booklist Queen Challenge #18: A Book You Couldn’t Put Down
*Read Your Shelf #41: Favorite Genre

14. The Graduates
*ATY #15: A book whose author’s name includes one of the 4 least used letters in the alphabet
*Read Your Shelf #32: People on the Cover

15. Death of a Gossip
*ATY #48: A second book that fits your favorite prompt (a cozy mystery)

16. In Paris With You
*ATY #30: A book set in a country bordering the Mediterranean Sea
*Booklist Queen Challenge #30: Set in Paris
*Read Your Shelf #36: White Cover

17. Ghosts
*Booklist Queen Challenge #22: Intriguing Premise
*Read Your Shelf #54: Animated Cover

18. Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell
*ATY #26: A book by an author known by their initials

19. The Matchmakers
*Booklist Queen Challenge #12: Flowers on the Cover
*Read Your Shelf #10: Flowers on cover

20. The Creepy Creations of Professor Shock
*Read Your Shelf #56: Male Author

21. Mister Hockey
*ATY #24: A book with a secondary color on the cover (orange, green or purple)

Update:

Prompt(s) Filled:
ATY #24: A book with a secondary color on the cover (orange, green or purple)

Book:


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5