MJ's 2018 Challenge List

[Tracy]

I laughed out loud reading Catch 22 😂

[MJ]

Thanks for responding Marina, Jody, and Tracy. Usually, I read the book's description before I decide to read it. With this one, I didn't. I chose it because not only because it's on the prompt's list, it's also on the Rory Gilmore Challenge. And I should read it because it's a classic. Basically, I HAVE to read it eventually.

I liked the first few pages that I read. I think though, that I'm going to pick up a used copy (the copy I have is from the library) for when I'm off the grid for two months doing field work this summer.

Decisions, decisions!

[MJ]

I also have three other books waiting at the library. I thought they were all side reads (I've been waiting for all of them for quite a while), but it turns out

The Alienist works for
10. An author's debut book (their first book to be published)

I think I will try that instead and put Catch-22 on my "find a used copy" list for reading in the field.

I also have
Dragon Teeth
and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness waiting.
Not sure where they'd fit in my challenge or if I'll even read them right now.

Haven't touched Ulysses since last week-end.

[Jody]

Dragon Teeth could be the body part book, and then you could move In Cold Blood over to narrative non-fiction.

[MJ]

Jody wrote: "Dragon Teeth could be the body part book, and then you could move In Cold Blood over to narrative non-fiction."

I like it. I've spent too much time planning, I think. I just want to read.

[MJ]

A book just got handed to me so i am going to read it now because it's so short:
Black Water

28. 4 books linked by the 4 elements: Book #3 Water

[Tammy]

MJ...just wanted to chime in on the Catch-22. I was probably reading it while you were talking about it. It was my 5th book of the challenge and I listened to the first half on audio...which was EXCELLENT and really helped me get used to the absurdity of it all. After the first half I decided the audio was taking too long so I read the last half of the book. I thought it was well worth the time and very funny. It was my 3rd try on the book and I'm happy that I've finally read it.

Looks like you are going at a nice pace! Hope you are having fun. I am!

[MJ]

Tammy wrote: "MJ...just wanted to chime in on the Catch-22. I was probably reading it while you were talking about it. It was my 5th book of the challenge and I listened to the first half on audio...which was EX..."

Thanks, Tammy. I DO intend on reading it. I think I just need to be in the mood for it, or not have other longish books on the go. I have yet to try an audio book, and maybe I should try the same thing as you did with this one?

I am glad that I'm a little ahead of schedule right now, and Black Water is so quick, I'll probably finish it today or tomorrow. I am sure to fall behind when I hit my long 800+ books later in the year! Yes. I am having fun!

[MJ]

Finished Black Water. I found its repetition annoying, even though I understood the reason for it. Glad I read it.

5/52 on the group homepage the number only reads 4.

[MJ]

Life has gotten crazy busy, and of course (along with sleep and exercise) my reading challenge has fallen to the wayside.

I DID manage to read Love Comes Softly for 50. A book with a warm atmosphere (centered on family, friendship, love or summer)

and I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed it. A simple story that my mushy, overworked, overtired brain could focus on.

[MJ]

My reading is all over the place, and I'm not reading at all, hardly.
for 8. an "own voices" book, I am trying to read Shetani's Sister

[Tracy]

MJ wrote: "My reading is all over the place, and I'm not reading at all, hardly.
for 8. an "own voices" book, I am trying to read Shetani's Sister"

I haven't been doing much reading either MJ, sometimes life just gets in the way I guess

[MJ]

Finished Shetani's Sister. It was... educational. And disturbing. Not sure I'll venture back into the street lit genre soon.

[MJ]

Currently trying to read:

28. 4 books linked by the 4 elements: Book #3 Water
Into the Water

AND

39. A book with a form of punctuation in the title
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

I will be thrilled if I finish both in March.

[MJ]

Ha. This is becoming a thread about my intentions. I am drowning in work, and books! This book just arrived after me being on a hold list for ages. Maybe I'll get it read? At least it's short!!!

43. A book with a title that is a whole sentence
See You in the Cosmos

[MJ]

I still have not finished Stiff or Into The Water, but my hope was to finish both by the end of March. I am making progress on both, at least!

[MJ]

I finished Into The Water!!!

[MJ]

I am exhausted, but I finished Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers for:
39. A book with a form of punctuation in the title

Only one book behind schedule!!!

[Jody]

Yay!! That’s awesome work. 😀

[MJ]

finished my field season a few days ago. I got some reading in but not as much as I would have liked.

24. A book with a map
A Game of Thrones

A reread.

[MJ]

27. A book about surviving a hardship (war, famine, major disasters, serious illness, etc)

The Stand by Stephen King. The uncut version.

Not my original selection for this prompt, but this one has been on my reading list for ages.

[MJ]

Just finished To a God Unknown and I'm having trouble deciding which prompt it should go to:

It's a short book (another prompt) for which I'd really like to get myself to read Pnin. On the other hand, it also goes with:

4. 4 books linked by the 4 elements: Book #1 Earth (in title, cover, content, setting, author...)

And I already have a book sitting on by bedside table for it. What a silly thing to waffle over! I think I will go with 4. I can always do a side read (because it isn't always about the challenge :D )

I was in a remote field camp and a coworker recommended that I read this. It was in the camp's library. I was sceptical, because Steinbeck is SO DEPRESSING. This one though? My favourite so far. So glad I read it.

Oh, and the book is about the main character's connection to the land.

On to the next!!

[MJ]

Aaaand, starting The Back of the Turtle for
9. A book with a body part in the title (heart, bones, teeth, skin, blood, etc)

[MJ]

For 52. A book published in 2018
The Flight Attendant

Two stars. I expected better from this author. At least it was a quick read.

[MJ]

Finished The Back of the Turtle
for 9. A book with a body part in the title (heart, bones, teeth, skin, blood, etc)

It was excellent. Original.

I'm looking at and wanting to read books that don't seem to fit into the challenge. Sigh.

[Bana AZ]

MJ wrote: "...I also have 368 books on my TBR list (as of Dec 31, 2017) I'd like to greet 2019 with fewer than that! Is that possible???..."

No. Not to be mean, but no.

If you really love reading, I'm sure your TBR list will keep growing. BUT definitely aim for a TBR list that will keep changing, meaning you've read the books that have been there before, and there are always new ones being added, not just have it as a static list.

I know my TBR list keeps up with my "Read" list. When I've read 100+ books, there were 100+ books in my TBR. Now I've read 400+ books and I also have 400+ in my TBR. It's a bittersweet feeling.

[MJ]

Ana A wrote: "MJ wrote: "...I also have 368 books on my TBR list (as of Dec 31, 2017) I'd like to greet 2019 with fewer than that! Is that possible???..."

No. Not to be mean, but no.

If you really love readin..."

Haha. I saw the word “mean” and was bracing myself for who knows what! You are absolutely right. I have added so many books since that comment, and that’s okAy. I am an avid reader and i also happen to work in the library field, so a lot of interesting material passes through my hands. I also feel compelled to read beyond my comfort zone so that I can maintain an awareness of what other people read. In short, the list will grow, and occasionally I will cull from the list what I definitely won’t get to. I also pick up books that aren’t on my tbr, so...

[MJ]

31. A book set in a country you'd like to visit but have never been to
September

So, I really wanted to read I Am the Chosen King after having read its precursor last year. I meant to read a Russian classic for 31, but it was either scratch that one, or read I Am the Chosen King as an aside. I'm so behind!!!

I'd like to visit England. Back in 1979 I was briefly in the Heathrow airport (is that how you spell it) with my family as we raced for a flight that we were close to missing. That doesn't count. I was little.

[MJ]

Reading this next:

15. A book with an unique format/writing structure
Dear Committee Members

Not terribly impressed. Perhaps if I was an academic, I'd appreciate it more.

[MJ]

Done Dear Committee Members.

I had such high expectations for this one, and I was really looking forward to reading it. So disappointed. Two stars. Pretty sure this will be my least favourite of the year.

[MJ]

5. A book about or inspired by real events
Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City

I am crying as I update this thread. This is such a difficult and important book to read.

[Anastasia]

"Dear Committee Members" is on my list. Your rating is making me rethink reading it though.

[MJ]

Anastasia wrote: ""Dear Committee Members" is on my list. Your rating is making me rethink reading it though."

It’s a very quick read, and many people gave it a higher rating. I think I was expecting something really different. Maybe you’d have a better or different opinion of it?

[MJ]

It's the time of year when everything on my planned reading list (made in December) does nothing for me. Also realizing that I will NOT be finishing this challenge. Again. I'm starting a second job next week, meaning I'll be working more than full time. Blargh.

That said, I am currently sick in bed with my bottle DayQuil and lemon ginger tea.

I am starting a book for
46. 4 books linked by the 4 elements: Book #4 Air
Late Nights on Air

Originally, I had planned to read Sirens of Titan for this, but that's not gonna happen.

[Tracy]

MJ wrote: "5. A book about or inspired by real events
Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City

I am crying as I update this thread. This is such a difficult an..."

Added it.... I need to read this for the indigenous prompt next year.

I doubt I'll be finishing the challenge this year either, I just don't have it in me ...too many other things going on.

Hope you feel better soon MJ

[MJ]

Tracy wrote: "MJ wrote: "5. A book about or inspired by real events
Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City

I am crying as I update this thread. This is such a d..."

Thanks!
I’ve got a whole lot of indigenous reads in my tbr. How readily available is a Canadian published book on indigenous issues in the US?

[Tracy]

MJ wrote: "How readily available is a Canadian published book on indigenous issues in the US?


Im not sure, I'll have to look into it.

[MJ]

Just finished Short for Chameleon for
30. A short book

Not my original pick, but I read this one because a YA book is about what I can get through these days and it had to fit somewhere!

[MJ]

Next up:
22. A book you have high expectations or hope for
Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness

This one is waiting for me at the library!

[MJ]

Done Time's Convert!

The next book waiting for me at the library does not fit anywhere in this list. I might have to delay it until... next year?

[MJ]

Just picked up
Hunt For Red October for the prompt:
An author's debut novel,

The Bell at Sealey Head for
A book with the letters A, T & Y in the title

and
Artemis.
For I don't know what! I have to figure out if I can make it fit... I have it in for next year, but I couldn't help myself!

I have four of the next five days off and I am going to do some READING!

[Tracy]

Enjoy your time off MJ :-)

[Anastasia]

Enjoy your reading time. With 1.5 jobs you deserve it.

[MJ]

Four days off this week-end and I managed to read a 640 page Tom Clancy novel (Hunt For Red October). At some time on Saturday I wondered why I hadn't chosen something nice and short. I could have finished maybe three instead of just one.

Worth it though. I've wanted to read it for a while. A bit too technical for me, but I still liked it. Different, of course, from the movie. That should not have surprised me, but it did.

Up next is The Bell At Sealey Head.

And at work, (and for work) I am reading Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples It's probably going to be counted as a side read. I haven't looked at where it might fit into ATY.

[MJ]

Finished The Bell at Sealey Head for
1. a book with a t and y in the title

If you've never read anything or even heard of Patricia A. Mckillip,
I recommend her. Her writing is gorgeous. Her book, The Forgotten Beasts of Eld has always been one of my favourite.

I have a book waiting at the library, but I am too tired to go get it. I have Andy Weir's Artemis beside me, but it doesn't fit into my remaining prompts. :(

[MJ]

Turns out, Artemis might fit for:

25. A book with an antagonist/villain point of view

Not a side read after all? I can't really afford side reads if I want to make a dent in my challenge!!

[MJ]

Finished Artemis and was disappointed with it. About 30 pages is and I was already disappointed.

Anyhooooo...
2. A book from the first 10 books added to your To Be Read list
Winter Study

I have read a bunch of Nevada Barr's books over the years, but I've kinda moved on... or read my fill... or something. This one has been on my tbr since the beginning of my time here on goodreads, and I thought it might be time to revisit her mystery series.

I also expect it to be a pretty easy read. I'm plugging away at my list, going from top to bottom - except for

The Bear and the Nightingale, which is waiting at the library for me. It is for:49. A book from one of the Goodreads Best Books of the Month lists (link)

and I've selected a book The Women in the Castle for
3. A book from the 2017 Goodreads Choice Awards (link)

It might take a while to get a copy from the library. I tried (tried!!) an audio version of it tonight, and that last about 3 minutes. I was playing solitaire while listening, and I couldn't focus on either. And then I got frustrated because I was distracted. And then I got further distracted by my distractedness, and I abandoned the audiobook. Paper copy has been requested.

[MJ]

Finished The Bear and the Nightingale, and I want to read the next book in the trilogy NOW.

But, I gotta stick with my list until the end of the year. I have fit book number two into next year's challenge. So now, I will read

The Women in the Castle for :
3. A book from the 2017 Goodreads Choice Awards (link)

I also have Just So Stories for
51. An award-winning short story or short story collection.

The last one should be a quick one. I am going to try audio again with that one.

[Anastasia]

MJ I love the Just So stories. You can find them online at storynory. If not there I hope you can find the old Disney version.It is fun to listen to.

[MJ]

Anastasia wrote: "MJ I love the Just So stories. You can find them online at storynory. If not there I hope you can find the old Disney version.It is fun to listen to."

I borrowed Just So Stories from the library on audio... no idea if it is the same one you describe - it was a delight to listen to on my morning drive to work. It's read by someone with a British accent.... perfect!