Lori Z's 2017 Homework

[Lori Z]

Part 1
Book: 10/12
Task #24 Name a place you’d like to visit. – Read a book set in that location.
My Answer: Hawaii
Book Read: Two to Mango
Reason: Book is set on Kauai, a Hawaiian island.
Fun cozy mystery, got to love the Hula Maidens.

[Lori Z]

Part 1
Book: 11/12
Task #49 What is your hobby? – Read a book that represents that hobby in some way.
My Answer: Reading, Scrapbooking
Book Read: Goodnight June
Reason: Since reading is my #1 hobby, I had a to find a book that represents reading and this one certainly does. June, the main character, inherits a children's bookstore from her great aunt. Where do I love to spend my time and money on my hobby? In a bookstore. Then there is a story within the story where her great aunt had a friendship with children's author Margaret Wise Brown and encouraged her to keep writing and gave her the idea for a book about the moon. Goodnight Moon. Who supplies the books I need for my hobby? Authors, so another connection there. Finally, June's great aunt sends her on a scavenger hunt in the bookstore where each clue is in a book. Every time I'm "gophering" for my next read I hope to find a "treasure" so I'm always on a scavenger hunt for my hobby.
I loved this book and the fictional account of how Goodnight Moon came into being, but it was so much more than that. It's about love, family, growth and forgiveness.

[Cherie]

What a great explanation and book to go along with your hobby question!

Goodnight Moon has been a family favorite for so many years. I don't know how many copies we have had. I will have to tell AmyK about Goodnight June.

[Lori Z]

Thanks, Cherie! I didn't plan on reading this book for that question but once I started it I thought it was a good fit.

[Cherie]

I have had several books already that I started reading and discovered that they would fit a task. It makes me think that one time I will not plan for any books on a challenge and see what happens. Unfortunately, I have too much fun gophering, so I probably will never do it. ^_^

[Lori Z]

Lol Cherie, I feel the same way. I don't think I could skip the gophering I enjoy it too much.

[Janice, Moderator]

I'm all about the gophering too. But I don't have any qualms about replacing planned books with read books that fit a task. I'll be doing that with Old Man's War. I had planned Ancillary Justice. But why wait?

[Cherie]

I agree, Janice. I used it for something I had already planned for too.

Now, I have to listen to a book that I have been waiting for two months for and already replaced with something else. Maybe it will work out for another. I don't want to send it back because I waited so long.

[Janice, Moderator]

Which book is that Cherie? Hopefully, it will fit somewhere.

[Cherie]

Oh it is called Hondo by Louis L'Amour. I had it picked out for black olives. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to it. I am not really a western genre fan, in general, but I loved John Wayne movies.

[Cherie]

Sorry to hijack your thread, Lori.

[Lori Z]

No problem, Cherie. :)

[Lori Z]

Part 1
Book: 12/12
Task #10 Are you right or left handed? – Read a book with that word in the title.
My Answer: right-handed
Book Read: The Kids Are All Right: A Memoir
Reason: the word right in the title.
I don't read a lot of memoirs but I thought this was a good one. It gave the perspective of four siblings and what they went through, losing their parents and their home and even each other over time. It was a real testament to their resilience that they did end up all right.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book: 1/12
Task #12 Do you have a pet? What is it? Don’t have a pet? Adopt a pet that someone in your immediate circle has (mother, brother, sister, friend, etc.) – Read a book featuring that type of pet. Or, read a book with that pet in the title.
My Answer: I have 3 cats
Book Read: The Cat Who Turned On And Off
Reason: the word cat is in the title and the main character's cats help solve the murders.
Another fun cozy part of a series I'm trying to kill off eventually.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book: 2/12
Task #30 Have you been to Europe? Where? – Read a book set in that location. If you haven’t been to Europe, read a book set in a European country you would like to visit.
My Answer: No
Book Read: The Deception at Lyme: Or, The Peril of Persuasion
Reason: the book is set in England which I would love to visit.
I really enjoy this series where Mr. and Mrs. Darcy solve mysteries and interact with characters from other Jane Austen novels.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 3/12
Task #9 What is your relationship status? – Read a book with that word in the title, or where the main character or author shares that status. Or…. Get creative. What kind of book will be representative?
My Answer: Married
Book Read: Waking Up Married
Reason: the word married is in the title.
This was an okay read, but very predictable.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 4/12
Task #6 What is your favourite book? – Read it again. Or, read a book that has the same title. Or read a book by the same author. If you can’t find the same title, or the author only has the one book, go to the book page and click on “Readers Also Enjoyed”. Select a book from the list.
My Answer: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Book Read: Unbroken
Reason: same title.
This was a quick, easy read.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 5/12
Task #41 Issue you are passionate about (abortion, euthanasia, animal rights… etc) – Read a book where this issue is prominent or is represented in some way. It may be fiction or non-fiction.
My Answer: Education
Book Read: Teaching Matters: Stories from Inside City Schools
Reason: I felt this book fit the task because the title sends a message to the politicians that want to cut school budgets and police the way our children are taught. They need to see that "Teaching Matters."
This was an interesting read offering inspiring ideas in how to deal with the challenges teachers face in today's schools.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 6/12
Task #19 What is your current desk top picture? – Interpret that desk top picture any way you like. Read a book that represents that interpretation. For example, mine is a magnified picture of a frozen soap bubble. I could interpret it as ice, or alien landscape, or bubble. I could read a book with “Ice” in the title, a book set on an alien planet, or has bubbles on the cover. The gophering could be endless on this one.
My Answer: Winter mountain scene
Book Read: Snow Mountain Passage
Reason: The title has the words snow and mountain which pretty much describes the picture on my desktop, plus even though it's hard to see on the edition I read there is a snow covered mountain on it, which is what was on my desktop.
This was an okay read for me.

[Cherie]

My daughter was fascinated about the Donner party and read several accounts of it. I do not see her name as having read this one though.

[Lori Z]

Cherie wrote: "My daughter was fascinated about the Donner party and read several accounts of it. I do not see her name as having read this one though."

She might have missed this one because its more about James Reed and his family, who were with the Donner party, but at least in this fictional account they were separated from them, but were still trapped too. Since I finished the book I've googled James Reed and the author was pretty accurate in this fictional account of his life.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 7/12
Task #31 If you could meet anyone famous, infamous, notorious… who would it be? – read a biography, autobiography, memoir, or historical fiction about that person.
My Answer: Matt Lauer
Book Read: The Morning Show Murders
Reason: I could not find a biography, autobiography, memoir or historical fiction book about Matt Lauer, so I chose this book because its written by one of his co-workers on the Today Show and a morning show very similar to the Today Show is featured prominently in the story.
I gave this 3 stars but not sure if I'll continue with the series. While it kept my interest, it really didn't grab me.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 8/12
Task #28 Do you prefer Classic or Contemporary? – If Classic, read a book published in 1800 – 1899. If Contemporary, read a book published in 2000 – 2017.
My Answer: Contemporary
Book Read: Turbo Twenty-Three
Reason: Book published in 2016.
Another great read from one of my favorite authors.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 9/12
Task #37 Who is your favourite author? – Read either a book by that author, or a book recommended by that author.
My Answer: James Patterson
Book Read: Kill Alex Cross
Reason: written by James Patterson
It's been awhile since I've hung out with Alex Cross but I'm glad I did. This series does not get old for me.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 10/12
Task #18 What is your favourite season? – Read a book with either the season in the title, or set in that season.
My Answer: Summer
Book Read: The Summer Cottage
Reason: the word summer is in the title and the book is set in the summer.
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it very much. It was interesting getting to know the family in the summer of 1973 and then seeing them reunite in 2003.

[Cherie]

When authors can make their characters feel real and really bring them to life, it is nice to have a chance to "re-visit" them sometimes. In the same book, even better. Nice find.

[Lori Z]

I agree, Cherie. This was one of those books that kind of sneak up on you. The whole way through I was thinking a good 3 star read and then at the end it was like awww and hit me in the feels and had to give it 4 stars.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 11/12
Task #17 What is your country of birth? – Read a book set in that country, or written by an author that was also born in that country.
My Answer: USA
Book Read: A Nose for Hanky Panky
Reason: Book is set in New England area of the USA.
This was an okay read, little reminiscent of the Lucy Stone mysteries.

[Lori Z]

Part 2
Book 12/12
Task #44 Do you prefer shoes or bare feet? – Read a book where your selection is on the cover or in the title, or get creative and find a book that represents your choice.
My Answer: Bare feet
Book Read: Saltwater Kisses
Reason: People on cover with bare feet.
This was okay, very predictable romance.

[Cherie]

Way to wrap up Part 2, Lori. ^_^

[Lori Z]

Thanks Cherie! I was able to fit in my toppler book for a task and then I finished my audio book today which wrapped up part 2. Love it when a plan comes together

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 1/26

Task #42 Would you rather explore in space or undersea? – Read a book in that setting.
My Answer: Undersea
Book Read: Shadow Divers
Reason: Undersea setting
This was a very interesting book, learned a lot about deep sea diving and I admire the tenacity of the 2 divers who were determined to solve this mystery.

[Cherie]

My daughter read Shadow Divers and really liked it too. We talked about it a lot.

The non-fiction book I had planned on reading for the same question turned out to be too short, so I am reading a fantasy book about a young mermaid and it is surprisingly good. I am amazed at the author's imagination! Who knew? It is called Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly.

[Lori Z]

Cherie wrote: "My daughter read Shadow Divers and really liked it too. We talked about it a lot.

The non-fiction book I had planned on reading for the same question turned out to be too short, so I am reading a ..."

Don't you love that you raised a reader and its something the 2 of you can share? I know I enjoy it with my kids.

I'm glad to hear Deep Blue is a good book. We have the first 3 of the series in our school library. I'm going to have to try to get to them someday. It's always good when I can give a personal recommendation.

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 2/26
Task #16 What is your favourite Ice cream flavour? – Read a book that either represents that flavour by the colour of the cover, or in the title. You may also chose a book that represents that flavour in some way.
My Answer: Chocolate
Book Read: The Chocolate Jewel Case
Reason: the word chocolate is in the title.
Another cozy series I enjoy, but have to recommend if you read these books have a box of chocolates handy, lol.

[Cherie]

I am really proud that all three of my daughters grew up to be readers. My youngest is really into audio books right now, and we always compare what we are listening to, or just finished. Last week, I told her that I was listening to The Black Tower and she gave me this raised eyebrow "look". She said "the one about Charles the 12th and the doctor? She said that she had just finished it and turned it. We figured out that I must have checked it out on the same day she turned it in. (We do live in the same Library Consortium district.) I had not gone looking for it, but it was recommended to me after I had placed another audio book on hold. We like the same narrators.

[Lori Z]

Too funny, Cherie, like mother, like daughter, as they say.

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 3/26
Task #27 Do you have a tattoo? – Read a book that represents your tattoo in some way. For example, if you have a tattoo of a rose, your book choice could have a rose on the cover, in the title, or a proper name of the author or character. If you don’t have a tattoo, read a book with a tattoo on the cover, or represents a tattoo that you would want if you were to get one.
My Answer: No
Book Read: The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend
Reason: I think the picture of the open book would make a great tattoo for any booklover. I might even add in some of those squiggly lines.
I enjoyed this book but was disappointed with the spoilers for different books mentioned, but I figure I'll either never read those books or it will be so long till I do that I will have forgotten the spoilers.

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 4/26
Task #25 What is your favourite genre? – Read a book in that genre.
My Answer: Mystery
Book Read: Gruel and Unusual Punishment
Reason: A mystery book
I really enjoy this series and I'm working my way through it.

[Cherie]

You are halfway through the series. Great titles! What kind of recipes are there in the books?

[Lori Z]

Cherie wrote: "You are halfway through the series. Great titles! What kind of recipes are there in the books?"

I'm actually over half way in the series. I accidentally skipped book 10 for some reason, so I was playing catch-up.

Well, in this one it was different recipes for grits. I can't really remember what was in the other books, although glancing through the next book I have to read, it looks like she tries to stick to the theme of the book.

[Cherie]

Oh, now you have me really intrigued. I like grits! I'm adding this one and will look up the others later. Thanks!

[Lori Z]

You're welcome! :)

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 5/26
Task #39 What is your birthstone using the US 2016 listing: (https://www.americangemsociety.org/en...) – Read a book with that gemstone on the cover, in the title, or the colour of that gemstone is the colour of the cover.
My Answer: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
Book Read: The Moonstone Castle Mystery
Reason: word moonstone is in the title. There was also a moonstone sent to Nancy as a clue in the book.
I enjoy spending time with Nancy and the gang every once in awhile.

[Cherie]

My mom bought my sister and me the first 20 Nancy Drew books. I remember the bright yellow covers lined up on our book shelf. I do not remember reading any after book 20 though. I should see if they are available at our library and finish them up.

[Lori Z]

Cherie wrote: "My mom bought my sister and me the first 20 Nancy Drew books. I remember the bright yellow covers lined up on our book shelf. I do not remember reading any after book 20 though. I should see if the..."

All the reading I did as a child I never read Nancy Drew. My first one was an audio book that I listened to with my kids on a road trip. Now I've been picking them up here and there, I find the series a treasure trove when looking for obscure challenge reads, lol.

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 6/26
Task #40 What is your favourite fruit? – Read a book with that fruit on the cover, in the title, or the colour of that fruit is the colour of the cover.
My Answer: Grapes
Book Read: Grape Expectations
Reason: Grapes on the cover and in the title.
Another fun mystery, which also happens to be part of a series I'm trying to kill off.

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 7/26
Task #48 Who is someone you miss? – Read a book that represents that person in some way. I miss my mother, so I could read a book with “Mother” in the title, a biography of Mother Theresa, where the main character is a mother, a book with a mother holding her baby on the cover, etc.
My Answer: My Mom. I still have my mom with me, just not physically, as she's 1500 miles away. At the time of the survey I was going through a rough time and was really missing her.
Book Read: My Mother's Secret
Reason: the word Mother in the title.
This was a quick, although not an easy read, since no book about the holocaust ever is. It was a fictional account of a mother/daughter team that hid Jews in Poland. I wish it would have been longer and I'd like to read more about these brave women. I'll have to see if I can find more about them.

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 8/26
Task #8 What is your favourite holiday? – Read a book that is about that holiday, set during that holiday, or has the name in the title.
My Answer: Christmas
Book Read: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Merry Christmas!: 101 Joyous Holiday Stories
Reason: A book of short Christmas stories
I enjoyed this collection of feel good holiday stories for the Christmas season.

[Lori Z]

Part 3
Book 9/26
Task #50 What language would you like to learn to speak? – Read a book that was translated from that language to one you do speak. Or, chose a book where a character speaks that language. For example, if you chose Gaelic, you could read any of the books in the Outlander series.
My Answer: German
Book Read: The Neverending Story
Reason: This book was originally written in German and translated to English.
I enjoyed this and may have to check out the movie.