Cheryl’s Comments (group member since Jan 04, 2017)

Cheryl’s comments from the Challenges from Exploding Steamboats group.

Some magical creatures also have beaks -- I was thinking particularly of Buckbeak here.

I had mentally written this prompt off, but I just got a book from my sister-in-law, so I will likely count that one.

I was gifted Amreican Dirt for Christmas -- I think it qualifies

Thanks for the list -- I was not sure where to start on this one

For those who like non-fiction, Ruth Reichl's books are excellent.

It actually had not occurred to me that I could use one of the "recipe mystery" books for this, but I have a pile of those on my shelf, so I might.

This is interesting info, as I have had that book sitting on my shelf for a number of years without being tempted to attempt it. I figured I would give it a try for this challenge.

Yeah, my classics shelf is at least half TBR, so I have a wealth of titles to choose from.

I did the "river" prompt in 2020 with the only book I had.

But for those double-dipping, I saw A River Runs Through It on the 50 States list

I started the year off reading a book at the request by my internship supervisor and waiting for Stina to post the list. I was so excited to get the list and then to see that the book -- The Body Keeps the Score -- which I have to read is a NYT #1. I am about halfway through and it is VERY good for anyone interested in psych topics.

I was excited to see The Five on this list as I got it for Christmas from a friend. Enjoying it so far.

Oh, thanks for the link
I have on my TBR The Memory Keeper's Daughter, The Fault in Our Stars, My Antonia, A Separate Peace, Hillbilly Elegy, My Sister's Keeper, and My Story, as well as Educated, which I would count for a different prompt.

Nice to know I have so many choices.

One of my friends gave me a book by her college roommate a couple years ago that I have been meaning to read. Turns out it is on one of these lists: Educated.

I haven't read that one -- only a few in that series at all, but she is a very strong writer.

My friend told me that she is the Russian Scarlett O'Hara -- it has not increased my desire to read the book. GWTW was a slog and War and Peace was worse, so a cross between them . . . .

I liked Devil in the White City better than Poisoner's Handbook, because it was all linked to a single event, fwiw

I have the same issue. Perhaps our copies are somewhere on a beach together -- they deserve it.

I see that Mindhunter by John E. Douglas was published in 1995. It would cover you for true crime, but it is graphic. It will include many of the same stories in the fictionalized tv series of the same name. I have read it 3 or 4 times, but I am into that stuff.

I know that you love mysteries. If you have not read The Mermaids Singing by Val McDermid, I highly recommend. It was recommended to me twice in 2 days by total strangers in England when I went for the Oxford Convention (one BCer and one non-BCer). Only book by this author I have read, and the first in the series which helps orderly people like you.

Sherman Alexie is problematic in the MeToo era, but Reservation Blues was lovely.

Are you into Anne Perry? I have a 2fer of hers which are Christmas crimes that I got from eponine38. Not sure where they would fit in her series, but I haven't read her in order anyway, only jumped around based on the ones I found.

LMK if you are interested, though, and I will move it up on TBR and send it to you.

That is usually the true crime that I recommend to non-true-crime folks. I am trying to think if there was anything else I can suggest to you that might appeal.
The Devil in the White City -- not a page turner, but interesting, and not solely focused on Holmes.
Tears of Rage by John Walsh, although it will break your heart
I'll Be Gone in the Dark was amazing, but not sure if a non-true-crime person would enjoy as much
Several on my personal shelf labeled "true crime" involve the forensic investigator or even coroner perspective, which might be more up your alley.

I completed my first book in this challenge with Gingerdead Man, a Christmas-time cozy mystery. When in doubt, Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere is in the winter, so that is a good way to go.