Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2018 Challenge - General
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Popsugar wants to know your favorite challenge book!
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge:Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin SloanPrompt you used it for: Book involving a bookstore or library.
Two to three sentences on why you loved it:
This book was pure magic. I loved how the history of literature brought the older and younger generations together for one common goal.
My surprise best book was "A Man Called One" by Fredrick Bachman
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. I read this for a book recommended by someone else taking the challenge.This book was very different than I expected, and so beautiful! It's much more than a dystopian novel; I loved the way the characters were interconnected and touched one another's lives even when they didn't know it.
“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg | Category: A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place This book was a breath of fresh air. I learned so much and can’t wait to put some of these lessons into use. Not only that, this is the type of book you know you’ll re-read several times over the course of your life. “Habits, scientists say emerge because the brain is constantly looking for ways to save effort.”
Favorite non-fiction: Pursuit of Endurance by Jennifer Pharr Davis I read it for "new release for 2018", but it could have fit in the sport or micro history prompt. I loved it because it pulled together the "why" and "how" for most of the record-setting thru-hikers of the Appalachian Trail. It inspired, educated, and made me laugh and cry.Favorite fiction: Before the Fall by Noah Hawley. I read it for the sport prompt because learning to swim and swimming to survive were such key points. Such an interesting way to tell a story! So many twists and turns, it kept me guessing until the end. Well done!
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge:A Pleasure and a Calling by Phil Hogan
Prompt you used it for: villain/anti hero
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: This book had a little bit of everything. Humor, creepy parts, crazy people, vigilante justice, love, betrayal.
I'm almost finished with the challenge so this was NOT easy.Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch
Prompt you used it for: A book recommended by someone else taking the PopSugar Reading Challenge
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I love urban fantasy but it's not often you come across a biracial main character so that was a win. It was different and creative and I just loved the characters.
I'm going to have to go with The Eyes of the Dragon, by Stephen King. The prompt was a book published the year you were born. I thought I was going to have a hard time finding a book that interested me that was published in 1987, so I was happy to see this listed. It's one of the few King novels I had read yet, and his only true "fantasy" book. It was fantastic and I would recommend it!
My favorite book so far this year is from the advanced reading list. the prompt was: A book by an author with the same first or last name as you.
The night the lights went out by Karen White
The reason I loved this book: I really enjoyed this book, it touched and moved me, it made me laugh and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Some books combine all of those elements, like this one did, but few of them hit all of these notes with perfect pitch and harmonizing, quite like this book did. Karen White has the southern setting trademark down, there is just something about a story told with a modern day southern flair that pronounces everything, from the food, (cookies in this case), to the scenery, to the dialogue. Karen White has that flair down to a science and this novel is no exception, in fact, it’s exceptional.
EDIT* I just read my new favourite book of the year today -September 8th- and it blew my last choice out of the water, hands down, no questions asked!!The Siren by Kiera Cass (the iUniverse edition, NOT the revision by HarperTeen) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
used for 25) A Book Set At Sea
I was already excited to read this book after reading The Selection series earlier this year but it exceeded my expectations and hopes! This book is possibly the most emotionally powerful one that I have read ever let alone this year. It took me from grinning ear to ear to grabbing the box of Kleenex and back again (which is not typical of me as a reader)! One of the best love stories I have ever read but with so much else to appreciate along the way!
If you enjoyed the 2012 film The Vow (with Channing Tatum & Rachael McAdams)...this book is a bit like that story on steroids (but with so much else too) with a fantasy angle and a few twists. SO GOOD!
I loved this book so much I want to get my hands on the 2nd published version with changes and reread it just so I can experience it all over again!
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
used for 24) A book with a weather element in the title
I actually didn't expect to really like this book based on the synopsis but I had read several other books by See that I've liked so I knew I should give it a proper chance and boy am I glad I did!
Not only is this book an immersive experience into 19th century China but it's also a wonderful reminder that multiple perspectives on the same scenario can vary so wildly! It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
I have about six five-star books for the challenge so far, but I’ll go with Peter Darling by Austin Chant. I used it for the LGBTQ+ character prompt. I thought it was a beautiful, inventive take on a classic story, and I like when stories about marginalized people are about more than just trauma and struggles. I feel like I need to read it again!
Title/Author: Beartown by Fredrik BackmanPrompt: A borrowed book
Reason: This was a beautifully written story about a hockey team, but so much more. It tackles a really tough issue in a way that’s horrifying, but also unfortunately, all too realistically.
Title/Author: Autoboyography by Christina LaurenPrompt: A book by two authors & A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist
Reason: I cannot put into words how much I loved this book. The characters are brilliant and so is the story. Autoboyography is an emotional rollercoaster but I enjoyed the book.
Sara wrote: "The wonderful people at Popsugar are asking us to contribute some feedback on our favorite book from the challenge this year. With more than 4 months left of the year, I believe this question is coming far too soon.
The Night Circus by Erin MorgensternPrompt you used it for: A book with a time of day in the title
I usually hate circuses, but I loved this one. The atmosphere created in this book is just phenomenal. It could have not worked at all and the all the "description" of how people and things look, feel, smell etc. could have been boring, but it was amazing.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: favorite author - Celeste Ng, I read both her books Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You for Prompt you used it for: A book set in the decade you were born and Previous Goodreads Award winner
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I very much like her writing style with the microscopic precision of the description of characters, places and relations and how she can describe even the unsaid undercurrents running between people and members of families (many times dysfunctional families) in their relations.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott LynchPrompt you used it for: A book involving a heist, A book involving twins, (A book with an alliteration in the title, though it wasn't the only one)
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: Well-built characters, great plot twists, amazing dialogue. All characters have depth, various facets and they make you question your own morals. Totally got me hooked! If it weren't for the challenge and the need to diversify my books, the whole series (what appeared anyway) would have been done by now.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (pseudonym of Seanan McGuire)Prompt you used it for: A book set at sea
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: Seanan McGuire is one of my favourite authors, so that helped. I also really loved the fresh take on mermaids and the amount of research that obviously went into creating this book's version of them. Last but not least there is the autism rep - my heart was just full to bursting reading about an autistic protagonist who is non-stereotyped and just gets to be a complex, well-rounded character. 😭❤
I Still Dream by James SmythePrompt: a book with song lyrics in the title
Emotional, thought-provoking and a book I could connect with at every level, I loved it. It's a story for my generation, growing up at the same time technology does, and so much about Laura resonated with me. It explores themes of memory and artificial intelligence, and feels incredibly relevant to the modern day.
I loved Before We Were Yours]. I used it on the prompt for a past Goodreads Choice Awards winner.The story has you running the entire spectrum of emotions. It is a great story, well told, and even better when I found out it was based on something that was actually happening. Even though the story and the children in it are fictional, much of it is based on real people.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Children of TimePrompt you used it for: Different Planet
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: It's completly crazy future idea where humans are headed but rooted in the course we are currently taking as a species. Its super well written and just inspiring.
Tara wrote: "Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Animal Dreams by Barbara KingsolverPrompt you used it for: Book with an ugly cover
Two to three sen..."
I love Barbara Kingsolver's writing - I will look this one up. Have you read Flight Behaviour or The Prodigal Summer? I loved those...
Lo wrote: "Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge:Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin SloanPrompt you used it for: Book involving a bookstore or library.
T..."
YES! I read this last year and absolutely loved it.
A Book made into a movie you’ve already seen: The Mouse that Roared/ L. Wibberly.Reason: Book- small country (think Luxembourg) goes to war with US- and WINS! Fun humor and thought provoking nicely woven together.
Movie- Peter Sellers as a Duchess (and several other roles).
This was hard to pick just one favorite but I pick The Outsider by Stephen King. I used it for a book recommended by someone taking the popsugar challenge but could have used it for a book published in 2018.The reason I picked it is because from the very first page it sucked me in. The mystery and suspense of the story were so intriguing to me. It’s the only book I’ve read this year that I could not put down, I read 300 pages of it in one sitting.
I'm going to pick A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. I used this in my book recommended by another person taking the challenge prompt.
The character of Ove touched my heart. It reminded me of the pain my grandfather felt when my grandmother passed away. The way the community unknowingly saves him from his despair and brings joy back into his life was simply touching.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: The Power by Naomi AldermanPrompt you used it for: A book from a celebrity book club
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: Strong women, fascinating plot. Had me absolutely riveted - read in once sitting.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Pachinko by Min Jin LeePrompt you used it for: A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: I learnt about a time in history, and a culture, which I didn't really know much about. It follows one Korean family over several generations in time, with the last generations being born and growing up in Japan. I really enjoyed the different perspectives. It was a great read.
Paradise of the Blind by Dương Thu HươngSet in a country that fascinates you.
This book has such a sense of place - I visited Hanoi about six years ago and the descriptions in this book recalled the sights and sounds of that visit really vividly. Her writing is really beautiful as well. But I think the best aspect for me was that the book introduced me to a part of history I hadn’t been aware of, the Vietnamese workers who went to Russia to work in factories in the post-war years. And in general, it was interesting to read a book that was set in the aftermath of the war, rather than only covering what happened during it. I’m so glad I discovered this gem.
Title and author of my favourite book of this challenge: Six of Crows by Leigh BardugoPrompt: a book about a heist
Why I loved it: I love all the characters because they are all very fierce and strong and fighters. I also liked how the (amazing) backstories were intwined with the story, and after each backstory the new information influenced the story a bit.
Tough to choose.Favorite book: The Fighter by Michael Farris Smith
Prompt: Book about or involving a sport
Great character development and sense of place (Mississippi). I struggled to find a book for this prompt. While I couldn't see liking a book about cage fighting, Smith is an awesome story teller and took a chance. And yes, I loved the book.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh BardugoPrompt you used it for: Heist
Two to three sentences on why you loved it: Amazing book! I didn't think I'd really like it. I was so wrong. The fact that the author was able to show multiple points of view and maintain an easy to follow story line and give real development to all the characters really says something. Absolutely my favorite book from the challenge, and very close to my favorite of all time.
Emanuel wrote: "Alvorada Vermelha- book set on another planet; favourite colour on title."
That was very close to being my choice, too. I was absolutely obsessed after the first one and had to find ways to fit the rest of the series in to the challenge, lol
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBIPrompt: True Crime
I learned so much from this book as well as a fascinating story.
A Town Like Alice by Nevil ShutePrompt: A book set in the decade you were born.
I loved this book! Reasons: set in Australia, it's a story of war (WWII) and the aftermath. There is a very strong and interesting woman lead character, and an equally strong and interesting man, with a wonderful love story that could only happen in war. Did I mention Australia? And the Outback no less! Shute's writing flows with ease and I was captured from the first moment. It was also the first book of his that I have read, so I have many more to look forward to!
Jen wrote: "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBIPrompt: True Crime
I learned so much from this book as well as a fascinating story."
This was one of my top books too. Agreed that I learned a lot.
Looking through my list of books read (I only have two prompts left), I only gave one 5 stars.Title/author: Bad Boys: Brett by Melissa Foster
Prompt: A book with alliteration in the title
Why I loved it: I love all of the books in this series and this one didn't disappoint. I enjoy books that help me decompress from work days and the family, friends, and sexy times kept me interested. Plus, I read it multiple times.
Mod
Title/Author: Moxyland by Lauren Beukes
Prompt: cyberpunk
Why: I read a lot of women authors and I've read quite a bit of cyberpunk, but I'd never read cyberpunk written by a woman, so that made this stand out right from the start. But if you've ever read anything by Beukes, you know that her books tend to be just a little bit edgy and different and not quite like anything you've ever read before; this book was no exception. Beukes was a journalist, and this was (I think?) her first novel, and it really reads like something that could almost have been real in the news, except of course it's set in the future so it's obviously not real! ... yet.
The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasPrompt: past goodreads winner, Author of a different ethnicity
I loved this book. The protagonist had an original and believable voice and the story was compelling.
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African ChildhoodThis book is fantastic. Read for an author of an ethnicity different than you.
Diane wrote: "I'm going to pick A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. I used this in my book recommended by another person taking the challenge prompt.
The character of Ove to..."
This book was my pick too! And I used it for the same prompt. Although reading Beartown first for the monthly read helped me discover this wonderful author.
Why I love A Man Called Ove - This story is incredibly heartwarming and I loved the main character. And the ending is just perfect.
Kym wrote: "I love Barbara Kingsolver's writing - I will look this one up. Have you read Flight Behaviour or The Prodigal Summer? I loved those... "The only Kingsolver books I've read are Animal Dreams and The Poisonwood Bible, but I loved both, so now I plan to read everything by her. And she has a new one coming out this fall!
A surprise great book for me was "A Man Called Ove" by Frederick Beckham
Book: White Oleander by Janet FitchPrompt: A book about mental illness
Why: The language was really beautiful, but this book spoke to me on a few different levels. I also had a parent in jail when I was a child (though I didn’t have to go through the foster system), and the way narcissism in the mother was portrayed was chillingly realistic. Astrid felt so real, and fragile yet tough as she grew up.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge:A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Prompt you used it for: A book with the time of day in the title
Two to three sentences on why you loved it:
Family and social tension set during the dark and dangerous Cold War, right as the Berlin Wall is built, dividing the city, and the protagonist's family is split by the wall overnight, with part in the West and part in the East. Each chapter is tense - neighbors spy on neighbors, dissenters disappear in trucks, apartments are bugged. Her family must find the courage to survive and somehow make it to the West ... but with the Wall in the way, will they ever be reunited?
True Crime - Killers of the Flower MoonThis was a part of history with which I was unfamiliar and I found this book sad, but intriguing. It was well written and documented. I found the use of early investigative techniques by the new FBI fascinating.
The Berlin Stories: The Last of Mr Norris/Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwoodread for #13- A book that is also a stage play or musical-
I enjoyed Isherwood's style...and I liked contrasting the characters from the familiar stage and screen depictions.
Title/author of a favorite book you read for this year's challenge:
Unter Fremden by Jutta Profijt - lit. translation: Among StrangersPrompt you used it for: A book about a problem facing society today
Two to three sentences on why you loved it:
This mystery about refugees in Germany helped so much to better understand what these people are really dealing with, which kind of trauma many of them survived in her home country and on their way out of war. The main character a physically disabled young women had to make this journey by herself and only the help of a young man (acting against everything their culture teaches) made it possible she reached their destination at all. After this young man dissapeared and it appeared like nobody cares Madiha started to search for him - in a forein country without support.
Since many of this author's book were translated to English there's a chance this one (her very best) will be as well sometime in the future.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens AgendaPrompt: LGBTQ protagonist.
This book hooked me SO HARD from the very first line. I stayed up till 4am reading it. :)
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For the LGBTQ+ protagonist prompt.
I love it because of the beautiful way the author has described political happenings in India in the background of a warm and heartening story about the hope which drives the Indian people. But most importantly, she gives voice to trans people who are a marginalized and often overlooked section of the society. <3