2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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February Challenge: Times Gone By
4. Read a book that takes place between … 0 A.D. to 700 A.D.Legionary by Gordon Doherty (376 AD)
Progress 5/5
For the same time period I have also finished Goths which is an excellent non-fiction introduction and a good companion to Legionary (above), in fact I enjoyed it a lot more than the latter.
I think I might be able to read some other history books before the end of the month, we'll see
Kiwi wrote: "4. Read a book that takes place between … 0 A.D. to 700 A.D.Legionary by Gordon Doherty (376 AD)
Progress 5/5
For the same time period I have also finished Goths w..."
Congratulations! You smoked this challenge. Definitely let me know if you fulfill any other challenges and I will put it in the results for you.
Thank you Stephanie, I love this challenge :)
3/3. Just finished The Sun Also Rises. My first Hemingway. Now I don't know if it's just a boring yarn, with shallow characters or if Hemingway was being exceptionally clever in reflecting how boring, shallow and repetitive drunks really are (especially if you are the only sober one in the group). I didn't enjoy it, and blasphemy probably wouldn't read another Hemingway based on this. Having read that this is considered one of the finest first novels ever written in the USA, my thoughts are then first novels in the USA must really be poorly written or the assessment is way off mark. I think the second. 2 stars.
Completed my second book9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century. 1945 to 2000 - Bastard Out of Carolina
2/3
Challenge completed! :)6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D
The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers
8. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars.
1914 to 1945
The Auschwitz Escape
9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century.
1945 to 2000
11/22/63
3/3
Stephanie (A-R) - no it didn't include reference to Eleanor at all. But thank you for drawing my attention to her, I will seek more info about her now. (My eldest daughter is an Eleanor's). No Scott is quite focused on the Jewess Rebecca, and I got the impression he was not happy with the discrimination against Jewish people...whether of the time he was writing about, or having a dig at discrimination in his own time. It's not overt in his writing, but definitely could be seen as a sub text imho.
Sorry Stephanie (R-A) - slight dyslexia when I am not paying attention.
Updated #22. 8. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars.1914 to 1945 - The Nightingale ✔
I LOVED this book, it made me cry so much! Wonderful.
COMPLETED: 2/2
Finally finished my first book. This one could fit into a lot of categories, but I think this is the one it works with best:7. Far East before Communism
The Years of Rice and Salt - February 20
3 stars
1/3
Yay finished my 2 :-)6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D. Dodger by James Benmore ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
"After five years in an Australian penal colony, the Artful Dodger returns to London in search of a hidden fortune. Unaware of the fate that befell Twist, Fagin and Sikes, Dodger revisits the criminal underworld of Dickensian London to seek out his old comrades, any of whom might possess the key to the treasure".
9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century.
1945 to 2000 Fatherland by Robert Harris ⭐️ ⭐️
"Fatherland is set in an alternative world where Hitler has won the Second World War. It is April 1964 and one week before Hitler's 75th birthday. Xavier March, a detective of the Kriminalpolizei, is called out to investigate the discovery of a dead body in a lake near Berlin's most prestigious suburb". Its set in a time of a cold war between Europe and America.
Congrats to everyone who's finished recently!I've updated message 5, I'm now overshooting 6/5!
4. Read a book that takes place between supposed time of Jesus (start of Christianity) and the supposed time of Muhammad (start of Islam). about 0 A.D. to 700 A.D. - Pompeii by Robert Harris. It takes place over four days just before and during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. A fantastic narrative of the events told from the perspective of the aquarius (engineer of the aqueducts). I very much enjoyed it!
Update: 3/3 -- Challenge complete!Task 8 - Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars (1914 to 1945)
Euphoria by Lily King (5 stars)
This book takes place in the 1930s.
Congratulations to everyone who has completed their challenge!Janine, I'm right behind you :D
5. Read a book that takes place during the Dark or Middle Ages.
about 700 A.D. to 1500 A.D.
Life in a Medieval City by Frances Gies, Joseph Gies
I gave this non fiction book a 4 stars
progress: 6/5
Wow! You guys are doing awesome! I have been SUPER sick and so I hadn't updated. Hopefully I caught everyone who updated. Do me a favor and double check that I have your stats right- suffering from the flu/strep throat/bronchitis and my brain isn't all here. I did manage to finish "The Witches: Salem, 1692" this weekend despite being in delirious pain and you guys were right- nothing to write home about. Now that I am actually recovering, hoping to speed through some books at the end of this month. Happy reading everyone!
Sorry to hear you've been sick, I hope you'll get well soon Stephanie, **healthy vibes** on your way
Stephanie (R-A) wrote: "I have been SUPER sick and so I hadn't updated."Ugh. Glad you're on the mend. Wishing you a full, speedy recovery!
\n
Sending get well wishes your way, Stephanie!
Thanks everyone! The antibiotics seem to be working. Still in a degree of pain, but normal pain meds are doing the trick now (I really hate the narcotics). So, yay for progress! The positive vibes are working :)
I hope you continue to improve and feel better soon, Stephanie!I've updated message 5, I've fulfilled a 7th challenge.
6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world. - The Witches: Salem, 1692
I've managed challenges 3-9 and I think that'll be it for me this month. Interestingly, the next book I've started takes place during the 1800s so would also fit challenge 6. Here's hoping it's better than The Witches as that was an underwhelming read!
Janine wrote: "I hope you continue to improve and feel better soon, Stephanie!I've updated message 5, I've fulfilled a 7th challenge.
6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world..."
Thanks for the well-wishes, Janine. :) I was also underwhelmed with Witches. It just goes to show you- you can't always believe the hype. However, it was a great book for me to read before my last book "A Discovery Witches" which imagined one of Bridget Bishop's descendants in the modern day, so it worked out for me. Hopefully you move onto bigger and better things too.
Stephanie (R-A) wrote: "Thanks for the well-wishes, Janine. :) I was also underwhelmed with Witches. It just goes to show you- you can't always believe the hype. However, it was a great book for me to read before my last book "A Discovery Witches" which imagined one of Bridget Bishop's descendants in the modern day, so it worked out for me. Hopefully you move onto bigger and better things too. "I'm glad there was a positive outcome! Interestingly I've picked up Conversion to read in the next couple of weeks. It's set at a school in modern day Salem village (Danvers) where some of the students start to show similar symptoms to the bewitched girls back in the 17th century. I don't know a huge amount about it, but I thought it'd be fun to read after The Witches!
Janine wrote: "Stephanie (R-A) wrote: "Thanks for the well-wishes, Janine. :) I was also underwhelmed with Witches. It just goes to show you- you can't always believe the hype. However, it was a great book for me..."I love to read books that relate to each other, but not necessarily for the reasons you would think! Cool. It actually looks really interesting. I think I am going to have to put it on my ever-growing to-read list :)
I finished my challenge!3 Read a book that takes place during the time after homo sapiens existed but B.C.E. (Before Common Era). A Midsummer Night's Dream 04-02-2016
4 "Read a book that takes place between supposed time of Jesus (start of Christianity) and the supposed time of Muhammad (start of Islam). This does not have to be religious, just in that time era.
about 0 A.D. to 700 A.D." The Winter King 23-02-2016
9 Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century. 1945 to 2000 The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle 03-02-2016
I'm still working on a book for item 6 and 8
I thought I could read Anna Karenina for my item 7, but Russia isn't the Far East.
Angelique wrote: "I finished my challenge!3 Read a book that takes place during the time after homo sapiens existed but B.C.E. (Before Common Era). A Midsummer Night's Dream 04-02-2016
4 "Read a book t..."
Congratulations! You are awesome! Bummer about Anna Karenina (I have a feeling we could have fudged for you, we tend to do that- the intention was there), but it's great that you found another option. The goal of the group is to encourage you to read more, not be overly strict.
I just finished "Schindler's Ark" by Thomas Kenneally. I am now 3/5. I will probably finish this challenge without changing my goal now. Very excited. :) I would have been so embarrassed if I had to change it, since I am leading. Haven't done it yet, but I have a lot more confidence in myself now. :)
Ariel wrote: "Update to Post #17, please. 2 of 2 read; finished."
Congratulations! I will be reading up to the wire, so kudos to you for finishing with so many days to spare!
Update Message 82/3 Read
5. Read a book that takes place during the Dark or Middle Ages
2. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco - 2/26/2016 3 Stars
Setting is Medieval Italy --1327
Completed the challenge 3/36. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world (about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.)
Lord Jim
This book could also fit in category 7. Far East before Communism
Updated message 4Books read for this challenge:
✓ 4. Read a book that takes place between supposed time of Jesus (start of Christianity) and the supposed time of Muhammad (start of Islam). This does not have to be religious, just in that time era.
about 0 A.D. to 700 A.D. Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth read 2/13/2016
✓ 5. Read a book that takes place during the Dark or Middle Ages.
about 700 A.D. to 1500 A.D. World Without End read 2/2/2016
✓ 6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D. Burial Rites read 2/10/2016
✓ 8. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars.
1914 to 1945 Corelli's Mandolin read 2/17/2016
9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century.
1945 to 2000 Necessary Lies read 2/25/2016
5/5
Challenge completed!
[2/1]6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world. (about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.) The Witches: Salem, 1692 (★★)
8. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars. (1914 to 1945) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (★★★★)
/NN
4. Read a book that takes place between supposed time of Jesus (start of Christianity) and the supposed time of Muhammad (start of Islam). This does not have to be religious, just in that time era.about 0 A.D. to 700 A.D.
The First Muslim: The Story of Muhammad - February 27
6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.
Love in the Time of Cholera - February 24
7. Read any book that takes place in the Far East before Communism.
up to about 1950 A.D.
The Years of Rice and Salt - February 20
3/3
Thank you for leading, Stephanie!
Stephanie (R-A) wrote: "Ultrajbk wrote: "Ok, I am now, 2/3 having just completed Ivanhoe. Who doesn't love a good medieval romp? It was good to see that while Scott valued beauty in women (both the female leads were of co..."If you haven't already, read Sharon Kay Penman's books on the Plantagenet's starting with When Christ and His Saints Slept. Lots of Eleanor!
Gretchen wrote: "Stephanie (R-A) wrote: "Ultrajbk wrote: "Ok, I am now, 2/3 having just completed Ivanhoe. Who doesn't love a good medieval romp? It was good to see that while Scott valued beauty in women (both the..."Thank you! I will definitely check it out.
First off, congratulations to everyone who finished! You are all rock stars and I admire you greatly. I personally just finished my 4/5, "The Man in the High Castle" by Philip K.Dick- a book that screams the 60's and might be the closest I've ever been to on drugs. Interesting though. Probably worth reading at leas once if you haven't. I might have a second go in a few years just due to how mind-bending it is. That said, onto the 5th.
(I'm going to finish it, guys. I promise).
I'm gonna stick with 3 books. I didn't have much time to read this month, and I won't have enough time to read a whole book before Monday, so I'm done.
Gabriella wrote: "I'm gonna stick with 3 books. I didn't have much time to read this month, and I won't have enough time to read a whole book before Monday, so I'm done."Sounds good! Three is pretty impressive. Congratulations on finishing!
This month I have also read Gold A Pictorial History of The Australian Goldrush, 4 stars (overlaps #6) and currently reading Belle (falls outside the time periods) so my total remains 6/5.I wanted to thank you Stephanie for leading this challenge and the encouragement
Hi,I managed to read an extra book, this time for 6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world. about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.
The Ribbon Weaver
4/3
Update to Message 8CHALLENGE COMPLETED
3/3 Read
6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.
3. The Alienist by Caleb Carr 4.0 Stars
Setting is 1896 New York
This was a good historical fiction and psychological thriller that effectively showcased New York of the 1890's. Also it had Teddy Roosevelt.
Thanks for the challenge as it got me to read a few books I might not have gotten to on my own. Apparently I chose exactly the amount I could complete as well as I came in just under the wire.
Angelique wrote: "Hi,I managed to read an extra book, this time for 6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world. about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.
The Ribbon Weaver
4/3"
Awesome! I will make known on the front page. Everyone going above and beyond on this challenge is really impressive to me. I am struggling to get through my last book today. I still have 80%
to go! Kudos to you, though. Your excellence is duly noted :)
Yvonne wrote: "Update to Message 8CHALLENGE COMPLETED
3/3 Read
6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.
3. The Alienist by [auth..."
Congratulations! "The Alienist" looks super fascinating. I will have to check it out now. Glad you enjoyed the challenge, too. I find that for myself these challenges are some of the best ways to get out of my reading comfort zone. Way to go picking an obtainable number too. I could learn much from you. I am still reading my last book. :) I will finish it, but it will be closer to tonight when it happens. Darn Oscar Party yesterday got in the way.
Kiwi wrote: "This month I have also read Gold A Pictorial History of The Australian Goldrush, 4 stars (overlaps #6) and currently reading Belle (falls outside the time periods) so..."You're too nice! No problems. I am glad I did it, as I would have never even thought to do it unless Kadijah had asked me. It seemed a mite too far out of my comfort zone, but it was a lot of fun. Now I am just feeling the pressure to finish the challenge :) I always seem to over-estimate, but I can't lead the challenge and not finish. It feels so wrong.
However, "The Good Earth" has not been an easy book for me to get into (much like the Salem Witch Trial one, really) because I get annoyed at the patriarchal opinions of Wang Lung and then I can't move past an annoying thing he thought or said. I will do it, though, and then I can sound more intelligent than I really am because it is an Oprah Book Club book. I am using that (and this challenge) as my motivations. Here's hoping I don't wimp out :)
I just thought I'd pop in to say well done to everyone who recently completed and to those of you who are attempting to finish off a book today; good luck, you can do it!Thanks Stephanie for leading this challenge, I enjoyed myself so much and very much appreciated the encouragement (and book recs!) from you and others on the thread :)
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption (other topics)Library of Souls (other topics)
Library of Souls (other topics)
Belle (other topics)
Gold A Pictorial History of The Australian Goldrush (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Laura Hillenbrand (other topics)Caleb Carr (other topics)
Caleb Carr (other topics)
Stephen King (other topics)
Umberto Eco (other topics)
More...
Did the story involve Eleanor of Aquitaine at all? She was Richard and John's mother and had a HUGE influence on Richard particularly, but John sent her on important diplomatic missions as well. In fact, Richard often let his mother rule in his stead when he was off in the Crusades. I am super interested in Medieval literature/history so I know a fair amount about it and Eleanor is probably the most fascinating woman from that time. This book is on my To Be Read list already, but I might get around to it sooner if Eleanor is involved...