JennH’s Comments (group member since Nov 17, 2023)

JennH’s comments from the 2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge group.

Whew! Didn't think I had time this weekend to read much for the readathon. But I just managed it!

I loved reading about all your local events. Cider and apple picking, a trip to the Globe Theatre (wow!), screenings of old movies (I loved being able to watch Pride & Prejudice for their 20th anniversary this year), village flea markets, Scarecrow Fest and Cranberry Fest all sound like so much fun!

To all the first timers, I hope you had fun! So much so that you'll join in when we have the team readathons, too!

Thank you for another great readathon, Theresa!

Sarah wrote: "Hello I am Sarah, I am from England (near Reading)
I love to read but this is my first book club!
I enjoy Dystopian, mystery and Romantasy reads but nothing too dark (the world is dark enough).
My ..."

Hi Sarah! Welcome to the group! We're so excited to be your first book club! I hope you come to love it as much as the rest of us.

Dystopian, mystery and romantasy are a great mix! I understand you on wanting nothing too dark. Reading is an escape for me!

Aiming for 52 books in 2025 is fantastic! Looking forward to seeing what new favorite authors and books you read! Happy reading!

Baukje wrote: "Hi, I'm Baukje and I'm from Veldhoven, the Netherlands.

I enjoy reading urban and epic fantasy and historical fiction, as well as spiritual and non-fiction books. I actually read everything ;-)

I..."

Hi Baukje! Welcome to our group! It's great to have you here! It's awesome that signing up for a reading challenge at a Dutch bookstore led you to us! We're so glad you found us!

It's great to see such a diverse range of reading interests - from urban, epic fantasy and historical fiction, to spiritual and non-fiction books.

We have challenges of various lengths and themes — monthly, quarterly, and yearly — as well as opportunities to read together for discussion with TBR Twins, Buddy Reads, or Group Reads. Take a look around and join in whichever activities that inspire you. Happy reading!

Kieran wrote: "Hi, I'm from Central Scotland. I've been doing the challenge, and getting on well.

I generally read crime, thriller, murder type books, but looking for some suggestions for something a bit more of..."

Welcome to the group, Kieran! We're glad to have you here. It's so good you've been doing the challenge and getting on well.

If you enjoy crime, thriller, murder type books, you might like to check out one of our yearly challenges, Magical Mystery Tour. It is a challenge based on reading crime fiction. It's never too late to join. And if you do, you can count crime books you've read since January 1, as long as they fit the prompts.

As for something more of an easy read and lighthearted, have you tried cozy mysteries? May I also suggest the Murderbot series (science fiction) by Martha Wells, The House in the Cerulean Sea (fantasy) by T.J. Klune, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (science fiction) by Douglas Adams or Crazy Rich Asians (contemporary) by Kevin Kwan? You can also look at our buddy reads to see what some of the members are reading.

Happy reading!

Sarah wrote: "Hi everyone I’m Sarah from the Midlands UK and I am 1 book off this years goal but I’ve only just realised there are groups to join even though I’ve been on Goodreads for over 2 years now!"

Hi Sarah! Welcome to the group! It's fantastic that you're discovering the social side of Goodreads, and we're thrilled to have you join us! We're so impressed that you're only one book off from this year's goal. We're excited to see you achieve it.

We have so much to do from various challenges, TBR Twins, Buddy Reads, Group Reads to even Readathons. Look around and join what looks fun. Happy reading

Theresa wrote: "JennH wrote: "So you mention that the individual readathons are not as strict.... Graphic novels are generally excluded from the team readathons, but can they be read for this one?"

Yes, you may i..."

Thank you, Theresa! I shouldn't have just skimmed the general info. 😊

So you mention that the individual readathons are not as strict.... Graphic novels are generally excluded from the team readathons, but can they be read for this one?

Aved wrote: "Hi guys, I am Aved Vella, from Ohio, but I recently moved to Florida! Still getting used to the weather here haha. I enjoy all kinds of books but gravitate towards romance or thrillers. I plan on r..."

Hi Aved Vella! Welcome to our group. So nice to meet you! It's great that you enjoy all kinds of books, but romance and thrillers are always a good choice! We hope you smash your reading goal of 100 books this year. We'll be rooting for you! Happy reading!

Carolyn wrote: "Update to message #75

I have had to drop some books. I have had to go away and spend time with my family as my dad died suddenly. so I am now reading 14 books instead of 18.

Finished so far 12/14"

Carolyn, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Please sign me up for 12.

HERE'S TO FEARS
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2025

16/12

🔎 1. Fear of the unknown
Read a book that involves secrets, or where someone ventures into a unknown place or territory.
Urn Burial by Kerry Greenwood 10/17/25
📖 2. Gripped by fear
Read a book where fear controls someone's decisions, or where a character holds onto something or someone for dear life.
A ​Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas 10/19/25
🧊 3. Paralyzed with fear
Read a book about a someone with a disability, or where a character faces a difficult decision.
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa 10/4/25
⚡ 4. Struck with fear
Read a book involving a natural disaster, or where a character's choices affect the rest of the story.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia, #2) by C.S. Lewis 11/9/25
🧠 5. Fear is the mind-killer (Dune)
Read a sci-fi or speculative fiction book, a book that involves any sort of training, or a book that involves murder.
The Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette 10/3/25
🏚️ 6. Live in fear
Read a book where a character is threatened, or a book that features a house on the cover or in the title.
Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen 10/21/25
💪 7. No fear
Read a book with a character who shows no fear, or a book with a negative in the title.
Solo Leveling, Vol. 2 by Chugong 11/1/25
🎭 8. Instill fear
Read a book where someone is controlling or being controlled, or a book with a weapon on the cover or in the title.
Weyward by Emilia Hart 10/2/25
🙏 9. Fear and trembling
Read a book where someone is not in control of their actions, or a book where someone is scared.
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo 10/21/25
🗡️ 10. Strike fear into the heart
Read a book where a character is feared by others, or with a body part on the cover or in the title.
NYPD Red 7: The Murder Sorority by Marshall Karp 10/14/25

⛪ 11. Put the fear of God into someone
Read a book about religion or spirituality or lack thereof, or read a book that features a religious leader (priest, rabbi, preacher, etc.).
🎖️ 12. There’s nothing to fear but fear itself
Read a book where a character overcomes an obstacle, or a book with a repeated word in the title.
Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil 10/6/25
👁️ 13. Fear rears its ugly head
Read a book where something or someone resurfaces after a time, or a book with an adjective in the title.
Deserts, Driving, & Derelicts by Tonya Kappes 10/9/25
🥶 14. Frozen with fear
Read a book set in a cold place, set in winter, or with wintry elements on the cover or in the title (snow, ice, frost, etc.).
F is for Fugitive by Sue Grafton 10/27/25
⚖️ 15. A healthy dose of fear
Read a book about medicine or healthcare, a character that works in those fields, or a book that celebrates life.
📺 16. Fearmongering
Read a dystopian book, a book involving politics, or a book about influencing others.
💀 17. Fear for one’s life
Read a survival story, a thriller, or a book that involves a death.
Stitches and Witches by Nancy Warren 10/23/25
🌒 18. Fear casts a long shadow
Read a horror book, a book set at night or in a dark place, or a book that involves trauma.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 2 by Sui Ishida 10/5/25
🏃 19. Driven by fear
Read a book involving any mode of transportation, or where emotions influence a character's decision.
Waistcoats & Weaponry byGail Carriger 10/27/25
🛑 20. Out of fear
Read a book where a character makes a morally gray choice because they were afraid, or read a book with fear or similar words (e.g. scared, terror, panic, etc.) in the title.

Please sign me up for 10.

14/10

WHAT’S YOUR FEAR FACTOR?
Duration: October 1 – December 31, 2025

What are you afraid of?

Horror or thrillers filled with suspense, monsters, and shadows
- Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 2 by Sui Ishida 10/5/25
- King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo 10/21/25 - Darkling
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving 10/24/25
- Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 3 by Sui Ishida 10/26/25
- What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher 10/28/25
- Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 4 by Sui Ishida 10/28/25

Books that reflect common phobias and personal anxieties (can count if they include a fear or phobia in the cover art, title, or theme)
- Weyward by Emilia Hart 10/2/25 - witches
- The Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette 10/3/25 - water/cats
- Archenemies by Marissa Meyer 10/4/25 - "villain" called Phobia who manifested into their opponents worse fears
- Urn Burial by Kerry Greenwood 10/17/25 - drowning
- A ​Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas 10/19/25 - fire
- Stitches and Witches by Nancy Warren 10/23/25 - black cat
- The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 13 by Kousuke Oono 10/28/25 - dogs
- Solo Leveling, Vol. 2 by Chugong 11/1/25 - arachnids

Please sign me up for 7.

VERY SUPERSTITIOUS
Duration: October 1 - October 31, 2025

7/7

1. (Un)Lucky Numbers: Read a book with 3, 4, 7, 8, or 13 in its title or series number. Each of these numbers is considered lucky in one culture while unlucky in another.
NYPD Red 7: The Murder Sorority by Marshall Karp 10/14/25
2. Don't Walk Under a Ladder: Read a book in which someone purposefully walks, hikes, or climbs.
Archenemies by Marissa Meyer 10/4/25
3. Find a Four-Leaf Clover: Read a book set in Ireland or a book with a green cover.
Weyward by Emilia Hart 10/2/25

4. Find a Horseshoe: Read a book that includes horses, or a book with a door on the cover.
Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire 10/7/25

5. Have a Lucky Wedding: Read a book featuring something old, something new, something borrowed, or something blue.
6. Don't Break the Mirror: Read a book where a mirror is used as a plot device, or with something broken on the cover.
7. Knock on Wood: Read a book with a tree on the cover, or a book including a carpenter or builder.
Tea with Jam & Dread by Vicki Delany 10/31/25
8. Don't Let a Black Cat Cross Your Path: Read a book with a cat on the cover, or involving witchcraft.
The Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette 10/3/25

9. Lucky Penny: Read a book about making money, or with a unit of currency in the title.
10. Don't Spill the Salt: Read a book featuring a cook, or with the letters S-A-L-T in the title.
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa 10/4/25
BONUS: Don't Swim After You Eat: After reading all 10 regular prompts, read a book about swimming or one that is set on the water.

Susan wrote: "1.) How are your reading challenges going so far? Are there books you are excited about for this readathon? Which one(s)?

I've blown my reading goal out of the water! The reading challenges provid..."

Wow, another Halloween baby! The Fall Time Bookstore Crawl sounds cool. Wish we had something like that here.

Sudha, congratulations on hitting your goal! Yay! Hope you are enjoying your 2025 reads!

I'm just waiting for my library hold for A ​Court of Silver Flames to come in. I started at #80. 🤦🏻

Yeah, same here. I'm still working on my challenges. We have 3 months left in the year! But I've more or less given up on Popsugar. I'm pretty sure I was doomed from the beginning.

Congratulations on smashing your goal, Terry! Fantastic! And to think you started the year in a slump!

I've been also reading Fruits Basket Collector's Edition, Vol. 1. Such a cute and fun series.

Woohoo! Congratulations on smashing your goal, Ursula! I hope you are enjoying your 2025 reads!

I still have yet to read A ​Court of Silver Flames. I've had it on hold from the library for quite a while. I'll sit here patiently waiting...

La Mariane, congratulations on hitting your goal of 26 books! I hope you were able to meet your goal of 8,000 pages as well!

Sara, I love seeing your progress! Looks like you're enjoying some great books.

Tonka, hope you’re getting closer to your goal and enjoying your 2025 reads! That's too bad your August books didn't land for you. Hope your September books make up for it.