You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
Challenges: Monthly
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October 2015 Cryptogram Challenge REPORT THREAD
That sounds like a great book, TJ. Apparently pigs make good pets and are very intelligent. One more added to the out-of-control wishlist.
Tejas Janet wrote: "The book I read for this challenge to complete my assigned task #5 was
[book:The Good Good Pig: The Extraordinary..."Yep, there is another added to my ever-growing TBR list!
I had task #2, and read Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. He seems to have been mentioned in a number of other books I have read recently so I decided I needed to check him out. It was definitely an odd book. I hated it for about the first 1/3, but as I got my head around what was going on I found I enjoyed it much more. It feels like a book that you need to read more than once to really get the most from it, and I will most likely read it again at some point. I can't decide if it was uplifting, depressing, or both.
I read Book of Numbers by Joshua Cohen for task #2.This was a challenging novel. It made me feel I was engaging with a writer of near-genius ability. I was impressed with his skill in construction, and I felt like he had something to say. However, I didn't enjoy it very much, probably I've recently exhausted myself with the theme of electronics in our lives. I had to immediately follow this with a Trollope novel, where there are no smart phones or texting, only letters.
@Amanda. I haven't read anything by Vonnegut yet either. I think I've seen the movie based on this book.@Sharon. Phew, that does sound like a challenging book.
Tejas Janet wrote: "Joan wrote: "I read Joan of Arc: Her Story for task #1 - my name is Joan too. I learned that in truth she was Joan Darc not Joan D'Arc.I love non-fiction history, I prefer books with ..."
Thank you
Jessica wrote: "I read From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava for the challenge. I was given task #4 & I love dogs so I read this book about a Marine who brought a dog home f..."This is one of the books I read that eventually led to our adopting a dog from Iraq. I became focused on wanting a dog to save from that region but the strays go to the soldiers however we were able to adopt a retired working dog.
I read
for task 3 which was to read a book with a cover that is beautiful to me. I have loved this cover from the first time I saw it and have been wanting to read it for some time now. This task was the perfect opportunity.
While I thought the book was generally good, it only got 3 stars. I think I expected more from it than it delivered. I didn't really connect with the characters but I think it was the dual timeline that distracted me. I also felt it ended rather abruptly. The cover is still beautiful to me though. love it.
I read
for task #4. It fits the theme because I'm definitely a dog person. I loved this book, gave it 5 stars. I have an 11 year old dog and we always joke about wondering what she thinks, how she would sound and what she would say if she could talk. It's a shame she can't. It was so perfect seeing life and the world through Enzo's eyes. Funny at times, and then so insightful at others. I'm definitely going to be talking to my dog, Latka, differently from now on. I find myself telling her where I'm going and I'll be back, hoping she won't get upset or anxious. She probably just goes back to sleep on her chair.
@Tasha. I have this book to read. It was a selection for my real life book club and I wasn't able to attend the meeting so I didn't read it - yet.@Roz. I'm glad you enjoyed the book. I talk to my cat all the time and tell her to guard the place when I'm gone. I've even asked her to get me a cup of coffee and she gives me "the look".
Oh, I'm familiar with the look took. When we tell Latka to guard the house she reminds us that she's off duty once it gets dark. We love her anyway.
Funny. I tell my birds to watch the house when I leave. They are in cages, what are they going to do? Tim always says "OKay" though. When he feels like it he tells me "bye".
Aw, that's sweet, Cherie. I talk to our dog and five cats about all kinds of things. And I believe the cats are pretty good about knowing what I'm telling them. Sheeba, too. But I know it's probably they pick up on other cues :)
Tejas Janet wrote: "Aw, that's sweet, Cherie. I talk to our dog and five cats about all kinds of things. And I believe the cats are pretty good about knowing what I'm telling them. Sheeba, too. But I know it's probabl..."Cats know, but they ignore.
I too talk to my dog, cat and goldfish! They always just listen.The cheapest therapist there is!
I read for task #1. I read The Tilted World by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly. I chose this book because Fennelly and I share a common name, Ann. I gave the book 3 stars. It was beautifully written, with lots of historical referencing of the flooding of the Mississippi River in 1927. However, there was just too much jumping around in time for my liking and I felt it interfered a bit with the advancement of the plot.
I read/listened to The Hound of the Baskervilles for the cryptogram. It fit as my category 4 was - the book being about dogs if you love dogs. I have not read any Sherlock Holmes books in the past. I'm not really a detective book lover. However, it was an interesting read that occurs on the Moors of England. I had a google search look at those moors. I can see how they could be a spooky place and strike fear within those living there. Throw in a murder would cinch it. I enjoyed the weaving of many different story lines to the mystery.
I read The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet for task #5. I live in the US and this takes place there, split between California and New York. I really enjoyed it; however, I had previously watched the Lizzie Bennet Diaries and loved it. It's pretty necessary to either watch the webseries or read The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet (or both) to have a real sense of Lydia's mental state throughout the book. It was interesting to watch Lydia develop and heal yet maintain her unique personality. I highly recommend it (and the other book) if you are interested in a Pride and Prejudice retelling that makes Lydia sympathetic and likable.
I read The Glass Castle for task #1. It has been on my "to read list" for a while and quickly made its way to the stop when I discovered the oldest daughter in the story is Lori. Here is my review:
A amazing story of the determination of three children to leave a life of poverty. What an inspiring story for anyone who wants to improve their life and circumstances!!! They lived a life that many of us can never even imagine. They suffered and endured conditions of hunger and exposure to the elements in a land of opportunity where this should not occur. And why did this happen??? Because the parents had no motivation to improve the quality of life they could provide their children. They simply would not be responsible. They chose to live this way. They were able to work but would not do it. They preferred to live, in filth, without--heat, food, proper clothing and a decent shelter--what most of us would consider necessities.
But amazingly, three of their four children made decisions that gave them a productive life...much better than what their parents considered to be good enough. They made good grades in school, they worked at any job they could find, they saved their money and they made plans for a future.
They were not products of their circumstances. They were products of their own decisions!!!
Thank you Jeanette Walls for sharing your story. In its telling you may be the instrument providing a fragment of hope, a glimmer of confidence, which begins a journey for others out of poverty. May your story help others realize they can make decisions that will change the direction of their lives.
I was impacted by The Glass Castle as well, Lori. It's very thought provoking.
1. I read
2. I was given task number 1: Has your first or last name in it. It may be the author's name or a character's name.
My name is Lynn and the MC's friend / psychologist / matchmaker is called Lynn.
3. Unfortunately I was pretty disappointed with this one. I really didn't like the writing style and didn't really connect with the characters. Gave it 2 stars.
I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your challenge read more, Lynn.
1. I ended up reading My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry for this challenge.
2. I had task #3 and the more I look at the above cover the more I like it. There is something about the simplicity of the scene, the view ahead of the girl, and just a girl with her dog that is beautiful. Also, I don't know why, but I like pictures of people that face away from you, as if they are going somewhere.
3. I really enjoyed the book. When I first started reading it, there was a lot of time spent discussing the fairy tale world that the grandmother made up and I didn't think that I was going to enjoy it. The fairytales were somewhat detailed, discussing the different places, creatures, and battles. I thought it was going to be a bit too 'out there' for me. However, I quickly became engaged in the story. I ended up really enjoying the different people though and I liked how the fairytales ended up relating to the real world in the book. I gave it 4 stars.
The cover makes me feel a bit nostalgic. I think it's prefect for the title.
I had task 5 and read When Everything Feels Like the Movies written by Canadian Raziel Reid. It was one of five books on Canada Reads this year which is a battle of the books type show in Canada. (I've never watched it but I like seeing what books are featured every year)I gave it five stars! It's about young openly gay man. He's ridiculed. He's abused. He doesn't apologize. He copes with the bullying by dreaming of being rich and famous. By treating everyday like he's starring in his own reality show. That everyone is playing their assigned roles. It's very graphic. Explicit language and sexual content. It was a rush. A very emotional read.
Here's the 50 sec "trailer" for the book put on by our oh so talented national broadcasting corporation LOL
Canada Reads Trailer
Lori wrote: "I read The Glass Castle for task #1. It has been on my "to read list" for a while and quickly made its way to the stop when I discovered the oldest daughter in the story is Lori. Here..."
Lori, nice review - I know she and 2 of her 3 siblings survived but I think really refusing food/shelter/safety for their children was just child abuse. And I wonder how different Maureen's life would have been if she had received some help.
1. I read The Girl in the Spider's Web.2. I had task #2 and this book fits the task because the author is male and new to me.
3. I enjoyed the story, and even though the author had most of the original characters from the Millennium Trilogy that they were based on, it fell flat for me. It was an interesting plot and well explained and detailed and the writing was easy to read, it did not have the same level of shock and suspense and that Steig Larsson was able to portray. It is not enough just to have the old characters in the story, they needed to connect and I did not feel it. I admire the author for trying but I could only give him 3 stars.
Janice wrote: "Tejas Janet wrote: "Aw, that's sweet, Cherie. I talk to our dog and five cats about all kinds of things...Cats know, but they ignore. "
So true more often than not, Janice. Yet they have me working for them ;)
I had task 2 and read The Oncoming Storm by Christopher Nuttall, an author I had not read before, though I own other books of his.I enjoyed his writing, which mostly stayed with a couple of key characters, bit did occasionally highlight other characters' PoV. The book is science fiction and takes place in a far future when earth has been destroyed and humanity is spread across space. The bad guys are from a culture of religious extremism and intolerance that forceably takes over planets and makes everyone follow their religion. The good guys are from a consortium of planets that is led by one and has class issues along with a UK-style of government. The main character is a noble-born young woman who has spurned her wealthy family to join the (space) navy. When she is promoted early, it turns out her father has pulled strings to get her into place.
I liked the way that the main character is very aware of the ramifications of her situation, as well as the complexities given that war is expected, but information is limited. The main secondary character is someone who has to reevaluate his opinions and expectations throughout the book as events occur.
I didn't like the fact that in this futuristic universe, women are still sex objects, and even in the more enlightened consortium they are socially constrained and judged differently and more harshly than men. Yes, women can serve in the military, but many civilian fashions still imply sexual availability due to men's preferences. Ugh.
I read Trapped, book 5 in the iron druid chronicles (I'm on my phone, will link when I'm on a computer).I read it for task 4, for which I chose dogs. I like cats too, but dogs more. When I was a kid we had a couple of dogs (not at the same time though.
The book fits because Oberon, the dog, plays a big role in the book. I enjoyed it, but a little less than the previous one. I think it is because I got confused sometimes with all the gods and realms and creatures and I didn't remember every detail of what happened before. Still 4 stars though!
Janice wrote: "I was impacted by The Glass Castle as well, Lori. It's very thought provoking."That's the great thing about these challenges!! It gets you to read something that you probably wouldn't decide to read "right now". And, it was a great story. I think it is one of those books everyone should read!!!
Joan wrote: "Lori wrote: "I read The Glass Castle for task #1. It has been on my "to read list" for a while and quickly made its way to the stop when I discovered the oldest daughter in the story is..."I agree Joan, without a doubt, the neglect they endured was child abuse. Interesting though, Maureen was offered the same opportunity the other three had seized with vigor. She "escaped" earlier than the other three yet she had no motivation to improve herself. This same scenario plays out in siblings that do not suffer this sort of neglect. Children who have all the comforts and advantages in life still do this same thing. They would rather barely scrape by. They are intelligent, have been educated, had parents who expected them to succeed yet....they choose not to. Just like Jeannette's parents they would rather do without the basics than work.
I read Icefields by Thomas Wharton.The task I had was task #5, which was both set in my country (Canada) and was also written by a Canadian Author.
My overall impression of the book was that it was a blend of dreamlike and reality... The premise being to find out what was glimpsed in an ice crevice of a glacier - while monitoring the rapidly melting glacier and trying to halt developers from bringing the railway and roads into that area. I ended up taking a lot of screenshots of passages I liked, which is how I usually measure the success of a book after it's completed (by how many notes or quotes I've copied, or google searches it led me to do, or screenshots of pages to preserve). This one ranked up pretty good.
:)
Tracked to here. The toppler must be over. It was quiet in this thread this last week.
1. I read
by Trenton Lee Stewart2. This book fits the task #2 as the author is male and is new to me.
3. It was an interesting read with great characters and intriguing puzzles.
The chacterization of the four remarkable children made the first half of the book a solid 5 stars. The second half was not upto the first. Constance Contraire’s irritability and Kate Wetherall’s red bucket were the main attractions in the book.
I enjoyed the book and its a 4 star for me
Sounds like a fun read, Poongothai!
1. I read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden for task number 2. I have never heard of Arthur Golden before reading this book.Unfortunately, I will probably not read any more of Arthur Golden. This Historical Fiction novel had such great potential. It did open a path to discover Japanese Culture of the time of WWII for women, but every single character of the book was irritating. Even the main character, Chiyo, who we are supposed to be connected with and care for just completely disappointed me towards the end. It is a loved novel by many, unfortunately not for me. :(
Lori wrote: "Joan wrote: "Lori wrote: "I read The Glass Castle for task #1. It has been on my "to read list" for a while and quickly made its way to the stop when I discovered the oldest daughter in..."The youngest sister did not choose do fail - she had medical needs that her parent's neglected.
I wonder if with adequate support the author would have become a standout journalist like Barbara Walters or Nora Ephron. Her experience could also be compared to Paul Ryan - whose family accepted help and look how far he has come.
I read The Art of Racing in the Rain for task # 4. I love all animals, but since I became owned by my dogs, I have a very special love for dogs. "Racing" is told from the POV of a very intelligent dog named Enzo. I fell in love with this little mixed-breed dog and his entire family. Enzo tells us the story of his life and that of his family. Even though parts of their life story are very sad, the book is filled with a sense of hopefulness. And parts of the story had me grinning from ear to ear.
I absolutely loved this book and am so glad this month's challenge finally convinced me to get a copy and read it!
I'm glad you enjoyed it KimeyDiann. I have it on my wishlist.
For task 2, I read Chokeby Chuck Palahniuk. My first Palahniuk, and boy, what a ride! I listented to the audio, read by the author- He is one weird dude. The story is about a sex crazed con man, Victor. He goes around to different places and pretends to choke, just so he can get people to feel sorry for him and possibly get money. It's sick and twisted and I really liked it. Does that make me dirty?
1. I read The Dalai Lama's Cat.2. My task was #4, and this book fit the task because it is about a cat.
3. The reader learns the basic concepts of Tibetan Buddhism through the daily life of the Dalai Lama's cat. This cat is the main character and begins the book as an outcast kitten saved by the Dalai Lama from an uncertain fate. She becomes a part of his household in Dharamsala and grows into a beautiful Himalayan, worthy of her various names including His Holiness’s Cat (HHC), Rinpoche, and Snow Lion.
HHC describes her daily life in the temple complex and the surrounding community in which various characters are impacted by the wisdom of the Dalai Lama. She becomes familiar with the Buddhist teachings on mindfulness, meditation, love, and compassion. HHC applies these lessons herself becoming a better meditator and overcoming fear. leading her to romantic love.
This is a lovely book for cat lovers, and I enjoyed it. I usually read dog books, but I am glad I opted for this cat book because it was so different.
Joan wrote: "Brittany,Do you recommend The Night of Wishes as a gift for 2-4 year-olds? I am a stepgranny and always on the lookout for gift books."
Sorry it took me so long to reply; it's been a crazy month here!
I'd actually recommend The Night of Wishes for a slightly older audience...a child able to read it aloud to you would probably be a good bet. I also feel I should throw a disclaimer in that it's one which may need to be previewed first. I'm a Christian and didn't have a problem with the content, but I know that some of my other religious friends would. The main premise of the book is that two witches are making a last desperate attempt to stave off "foreclosure" on their souls by the devil.
As with any kids' book, I suppose, this one should be read by an adult first just to make sure it fits with your family's values.
@Liz - sounds like a wild ride indeed!@Connie - that book has been on my wishlist. I may have to break down and get it.
For Task 3, I read
. I found it by wandering the shelves at the library. The story takes place in the northeast U.S. during World War I. The main character is a young woman from a "hyphenated American" family of German descent trying to find her place in the world.
I read The Maze Runner for task #2. I haven't read anything by this author before but love dystopiasI rated this book 3 stars, not the best dystopian but interesting enough to read the rest of the series. I found it difficult to love because there isn't a lot of back story but I think it is the type of series that may evolve as it continues-- lol at least I hope
Susan wrote: "For Task 3, I read . I found it by wandering the shelves at the library. The story takes place in the northeast U.S. during World War I. The mai..."Tell us a little more about yourself. Why does this cover appeal to you? Did it make you think of a particular time of event in your life.
Tell us a little more about yourself. Why does this cover appeal to you? Did it make you think of a particular time of event in your life.Sorry, I was trying so hard not to give away what the Cryptogram clue was...
I picked the cover because it made me think of endless possibilities, of standing out on your own looking off into the horizon. There's a whole world out there just waiting to be explored and experienced. I was having a tough week when I found the book and that wide open space just caught my eye.
You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
A Guide to the Birds of East Africa (other topics)Library of Souls (other topics)
The Girl in the Spider's Web (other topics)
The Girl in the Spider's Web (other topics)
The Glass Castle (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
David Lagercrantz (other topics)Lori Wilde (other topics)
Robert Galbraith (other topics)
Ransom Riggs (other topics)
Juliet Marillier (other topics)
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Author Sy Montgomery, fellow American, shares her story about the life and times of Christopher Hogwood, who she and her husband adopted as a wee runt of a pig and showered with love for the rest of his natural life. Her tale is set in the US, in rural New Hampshire, so it fits for task five in that way as well actually.
I loved this very touching book that I think is one that most animal lovers would enjoy. Besides one enormous, pampered pig, there is a cast of other animal friends - a smart, Frisbee-loving border collie named Tess and numerous, endearing chickens, "the ladies," as the author refers to them. But there's more to this memoir than cute, touching animal-anecdotes though it has plenty of these. It's also very much about the author and her life, both personally and professionally, and it left me feeling replenished as well as grateful for this challenge since it led me to this book.
One of the final paragraphs is my very favorite in the whole book, and speaks volumes about why I loved it and gave it 5 stars. I'm going to quote it here in its entirety, and while I don't believe it would spoil the book to read the quote if you haven't yet read the book, I realize that there are those who might disagree. So don't click the spoiler below if you would prefer to have the story unfold fully before reading the book's closing words that sum up what makes Christopher Hogwood such a special creature to the author.
(view spoiler)[ Christopher Hogwood knew how to relish the juicy savor of this fragrant, abundant, sweet, green world. To show us this would have been gift enough. But he showed us another truth as well. That a pig did not become bacon but lived fourteen years, pampered and adored till the day he died peacefully in his sleep -- that's proof that we need not "be practical" all the time. We need not accept the rules that our society or species, family or fate seem to have written for us. We can choose a new way. We have the power to transform a story of sorrow into a story of healing. We can choose life over death. We can let love lead us home. (hide spoiler)]