Week 2 1/8-1/14

[Juanita]

Within hours, week 2 will be in the books! I hope your reading fared better than mine. I have no progress to report (33 pages only harumph!).

Report your progress here!

[Tara]

Finished the crappy book I had to read for book club and reaffirmed my decision not to force myself to finish shitty books this year. I've modified the challenge and am doing only about 22 prompts that I like or will challenge me, and eliminated most of the repeats. The plan is to do the ones I've chosen plus about 10 more books so I'll add prompts if I need to and if I find myself forcing an unpleasant book just to fill a prompt, I'll replace that prompt with something else.

[Katherine]

Earlier in the week, I finally finished my first book of the year, The Way of Kings (600+ pages), and today I finished The Tragedy Paper (blue cover). My progress should be better for a bit, but I foresee myself reading another longer book very soon.

[Roxanne]

Two books down, 600 pages & book w/ a blue cover. Working on my dystopian book about 1/2 way through, & the fairytale book. I think I'm gonna do the " book you can finish in a day" tomorrow just to get a quick one out of the way. So hopefully if all goes as planned tomorrow I will have four books that applies to the challenge list.

[Roxanne]

The hardest thing about doing research on books to read is, I always find other book to add to my read list....... Arghhhh.

[Christophe]

Roxanne you are so right. That's the great thing with books! Not to forget Roubaud's principle: when browsing the shelves in a library or bookstore, the book you really need (bu didn't know you did) is right next to the one you were looking for...

Haven't finished any books this week; plodding through my 1700 pages 600+ and my "first book you see"; decided on the 100 years older and the autobiography... The next week should see more achievements than this one.

[Helen]

I have read the book to which I will read the prequel soon. So I have managed 1/2 a prompt this week!!!

[Nadine in NY]

Week 2 was better than week 1 for me! I just finished The Cuckoo's Calling for my Murder Mystery (and I really really loved it - isn't it nice when we go into a book unsure and end up loving it?!). I read Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir for Autobiography - this was clever, a graphic novel autobiography of one of the most well known comic writers, Stan Lee, and it was an easy read. And I finished The Rose Society for YA Bestseller; I really did not care for this book, second in a series (I didn't like the first book either), a big disappointment since I loved Marie Lu's first series (Legend).

For the upcoming week, I've started reading Jo Nesbo's Nemesis, a murder mystery in Oslo, which can fulfill any of four prompts: translated, set in Europe, murder mystery, or possibly a culture I'm unfamiliar with; I'll use it for either translated into English, or set in Europe. I wasn't expecting much from this book and wasn't planning to read it at all, it was a freebie ebook I got a while ago; he gets great reviews but I didn't think I liked "Nordic" mysteries. I started reading it just because I didn't have anything else to read at that moment where I was - and I am enjoying it!

[Emma's Things to Read]

Starting this week. just finished the new biography of Clementine Churchill which is a really interesting insight into the Churchills during WW2 - definitely worth a read if you like that sort of thing. Now on with the challenge!

[Eleanor]

I finished my "book you can read in a day" (a middle grade book my younger daughter recommended :) ) and my "book on a culture you're unfamiliar with"- Code Talkers. I'm in progress on 3 things now- a book I had on hold prior to starting the challenge on Joan of Arc (reserving judgement on whether it's interesting or not- if I finish, it will be my book set in Europe :) ), and my book of poetry (reading a short book of poetry by Maya Angelou) and my book set on a island- And Then There Were None.

[Eleanor]

Roxanne wrote: "The hardest thing about doing research on books to read is, I always find other book to add to my read list....... Arghhhh."

Yeah, that...plus I always get way too enthusiastic on checking out books- I currently have...six or seven? library books at home for the challenge, and one that just came in...I won't finish them all before they're due!

[Megan]

I finished my Political Memoir. I listened to it on audiobook to help ease the pain as this was not my cup of tea!

I'm working on my book from library and self improvement book. Both are very good so far.

[Cynthia]

I finished 3 prompts this week: translated to English (Ripper), under 150 pages (Ethan Frome), and a book I finished in a day (Octopussy & The Living Daylights).

I've knocked out most of the shorter prompts, so I expect my progress to slow down now.

[Bridget's Quiet Corner]

I didn't do too bad through this week. I participated in the #tbrtakedown during the week of 1/4-1/11 and finish a couple books this week as well.

Dogs Are Worth It! by Charles M. Schulz

Hello, Darkness by Sandra Brown

The Greatest: Muhammad Ali by Walter Dean Myers

Dog's Best Friend: More Citizen Dog Reflections by Mark O'Hare

Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum (I finished this one in a bind up I have)

The fact I finished that many, in such a short time, with as slow as I can read many times, I'm happy! :-)

[Cynthia]

Catharina wrote: "I'm very much lagging behind already, I'm still working on a Dance with Dragons at 1200 pages..."

My 600+ page book is almost 900 pages, and once I start it it's probably going to take me a month to read.

[Sara]

I haven't finished anything this week, but I have made some progress. I am 84% (pg 687 of 825 pp) through my reread of Written in My Own Heart's Blood for my 600+ page book. I'm doing a combination of audible and ebook.

I've dabbled in a few others making small amounts of progress. I should finish this book over the weekend which will free me up to devote more time to some of the other books!

[Cynthia]

Sara wrote: "I haven't finished anything this week, but I have made some progress. I am 84% (pg 687 of 825 pp) through my reread of Written in My Own Heart's Blood for my 600+ page book. I'm doi..."

I love the idea of combining reading/listening - that will help me knock out my longer selections a lot faster!

[Lindi]

I did much better than last week! I finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which was a re-read and already a favorite, for "Book with a blue cover."

I also read Dark Places by Gillian Flynn for "A murder mystery." I have mixed feelings about this book. Loved the Satanic Panic story, and I also loved how it touched on teenage puberty, awkwardness, peer pressure.. even if it was a little extreme.

Like all of Flynn's novels, I really hated the ending.

[Jillian]

I got four tasks completed this week.
12. A book recommended by someone you just met-Prudence by Gail Carriger 1/14/16
18. A book that's more than 600 pages- Winter of the World by Ken Follett 1/14/16
27. A murder mystery- The First Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders 1/10/16
30. A book with a blue cover-The Magician's Lie by Greer Macallister 1/8/16
I plan on reading The Guard today for my book you can read in a day. Since, my library loan ends today.

I'm getting quite a bit done this month since February is always a slow reading month for me.

[Miz]

I got finished only three prompts in this first 15 days of 2016.

A book under 150 pages: A Face in the Crowd 1/8/16
A book you can finish in a day: Anna Dressed in Blood 1/9/16
A book from the library: Anna Dressed in Blood 1/9/16

[Mike]

I am mere pages from finishing my 600+ page book, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.

Next I'll be looking to make some real progress with some shorter books:

Graphic Novel : Andre the Giant, Life and Legend by Box Brown

Oprah's Book Club: Night by Elie Weisel

[Cthulhu]

Read a memoir that I had trouble putting down because the style was so light and fun ( Romance is My Day Job) and I'm struggling through a volume of critical essays from the library - I know non-fiction is edifying, but it takes so long to read!

[Zach]

I started working on The Stand for my book over 600 pages category, and I love it so far. It's a beast to tackle, but it's a great read. The only drawback is that I find myself startled by the sound of a sneeze these days. ;)

[Juanita]

Zach: Which version are you reading: the original or the author's edition?

[Ashly]

I'm still reading, Knife Edge for 'A book set in Europe'.

[Thegirlintheafternoon]

Got through the audiobook of A Wild Swan: And Other Tales for "a book based on a fairy tale" - excellent and highly recommended! Also read The Hidden Blade for the prequel half of "a book and its prequel" - enjoyable though not my favorite of Thomas's works. Will probably tackle the sequel this week.

[Jessica]

Still working on The Casual Vacancy this week, I'm about 200 pages in. I slowed down a lot this week because I had to get back into routine with my work and school and the book just started out a little slow for me too. Thankfully it's picking up and I'm finding a bit more reading time within my busy full time school/part time work schedule. Fingers crossed next week will be a little more productive reading wise!

[Martha]

I finished "Eva's Eye" by Karin Fossum, a murder mystery set in Norway, so this book could be both my "set in Europe" and "translated from another language" prompt, or is that cheating? I've also finished "Margaret of Anjou" by Colm Iggulden, which is book 2 in a trilogy about the Wars of the Roses. That could work for my "set in Europe" prompt, but at any rate, two down, 63 to go (my personal goal is to read 65 books this year)!

[Tara]

Martha wrote: "I finished "Eva's Eye" by Karin Fossum, a murder mystery set in Norway, so this book could be both my "set in Europe" and "translated from another language" prompt, or is that cheating? I've also f..."

People decide for themselves if they are ok with doubling up books for prompts. There's no cheating in an individual challenge :)

[Patty]

I finished several books this week. I'm in the midst of my master's classes, so I try to plug in school reading where I can -

Legend - for romance set in the future (loved that it wasn't erotica - I had started a few others and the detail was too much
The Sword of Summer - for book about another culture - since it's mainly about Norse mythology that I know little to nothing about
Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith - for political memoir - I'm stretching this one since this book contained many biographies about Christians who impacted those in political power. If I have time, I might replace it, but it was a required read for school and took a lot of time!

I also finished Becoming Whole and Holy: An Integrative Conversation about Christian Formation for school with no category - boo!

I'm currently reading My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry - I don't know what category I'll use it for just yet.

[Fannie]

I just finish Howl's Moving Castle for the fairy tale prompt. I loved that book. I'll try to watch the movie now. I am starting Forever War for the science fiction book.

[Laura]

I didn't complete any books this week. But I did make a huge dent in my 600 pager, which is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I've got about 100 pages to go. I also got the first few chapters read in Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. I'm hoping to finish them both, and be started on The Poisonwood Bible by next Thursday :)

[Martha]

Patty wrote: "I finished several books this week. I'm in the midst of my master's classes, so I try to plug in school reading where I can -

Legend - for romance set in the future (loved that it w..."
"Howl's Moving Castle" could also be your YA novel prompt, if you wanted. I love Diana Wynne Jones and think I've read more of her books than my daughters!

[Nadine in NY]

Fannie wrote: "I just finish Howl's Moving Castle for the fairy tale prompt. I loved that book. I'll try to watch the movie now. I am starting Forever War for the science fiction book."

I saw the movie Howl's Moving Castle long before I read the book! My daughters and I have seen almost all of Miyazaki's movies, I just love his stuff. I had a big crush on Howl, and who could blame me, Christian Bale does his voice!!!

Be aware that the movie is quite different from the book. It's fantastic, but it doesn't follow exactly the same story line, has different plot twists, and Miyazaki is big on emphasizing human's negative impact on the environment. So what this means is you will get to enjoy it completely since you aren't spoiled for any of the plot!!

[Regan]

I started reading my first book for this challenge, The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, on the 13th. It's for the science fiction novel prompt. I haven't finished it yet, so I'm a bit behind on the challenge, but I'm sure I'll be able to catch up somewhere along the line. :)

[Marisa]

I'm now currently two prompts completed. I finished girl on a train for the book that will be a movie prompt. Currently reading go set a watchman for my blue cover prompt.

I loved girl on a train even if it was disturbing to read at times. Go set a watchman has yet to be a huge page turner for me but, I'm only a couple chapters in.

I went to the library today and took out the magicians lie and the night circus for my next prompts

[Fannie]

Nadine wrote: "Fannie wrote: "I just finish Howl's Moving Castle for the fairy tale prompt. I loved that book. I'll try to watch the movie now. I am starting Forever War for the science fiction book."

I saw the ..."

The movie was indeed different, but I loved it too. This is what I like about this challenge, it makes me discover books that I wouldn't have read.

[Carey]

I crossed off two more this week.
Book with a Blue Cover – Hopeless
Book recommended by someone you just met – Tragic

[Alex]

Science Fiction Book - Heir to the Empire - Done!
Book of Poetry - Tulips and Chimneys - Done!
First book you see in a bookstore - Doctor Sleep - working on it!

I'm really glad that I read The Shining about two years ago, because I didn't realize Doctor Sleep was a sequel.

[Kali]

Book translated into English: A Man Called Ove
Book on Oprah's list: Jewel
Started my 600+ page book: Under the Dome
Started my book that will be a movie this year: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Feeling good so far!

[Heather]

I finished a book that so far I'm putting in a book that takes place in Europe. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. I'm 3/4 of the way through my 600+ page book The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami.

[Sara]

Kali wrote: "Book translated into English: A Man Called Ove
Book on Oprah's list: Jewel
Started my 600+ page book: Under the Dome
Started my book that will be a movie this year: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculi..."

I'm considering reading A Man Called Ove for that prompt as well. I only just heard about it last week, but it sounds good.

[Cthulhu]

Finally finished my library book How Fiction Works which is a very good book but I find non-fiction very challenging to read.

Next up I'm reading A clockwork Orange for the book I haven't read since high school. Really looking forward to that!

I wanted to read my 600+ page book Gone with the Wind because that's our challenge prompt for this month, but ten days is nowhere near enough time for me to read that tome!

[Leigh Ann Jones]

I'm a little late posting but last week I was able to finish Yes Please. I also started my 600+ pager towards the end of the week which is East of Eden. Hopefully this snow storm coming my way will give me a snow day or two to knock most of this one out!