2019 TBR Cleanup Challenge

[Edwin]

Monica wrote: "Edwin wrote: "Done! 20/20."

I don't believe you!!! Show your work!!! ;-)"

Voila!

My final was #2, "a work of art."

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

John wrote: "can't resist. voting for thematic but wondering if you have to finish the whole book on the 22nd?"


I think I am going thematic, but I dont have nearly enough control of my reading to coordinate ending on the 22nd! o_O

^_^

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Per usual, I am behind in this challenge. But! I'm about to cross the halfway mark!

...and I'll have finished all the short books. This isn't looking good.

In progress:

4. Title is a question So You Want to Talk About Race
19. Words in Title in Alphabetical Order - Moon Over Soho


Finished:

2. Work of art - For colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf - still recommend
3. Novella or short story collection - All Systems Red
6. Has inspired other art forms - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - loved this one
8. A book recommended to you - Assassin's Apprentice - thank you for the rec!
11. Buddy read (do not need to participate) - Gardens of the Moon - unthank you for the rec
12. Book with a luck symbol - The Red Threads of Fortune
14. Last in a series - Alpha & Omega - ZOMG.
18. Get On the Bandwagon - Becoming
20. Graphic or illustrated novel - Welcome to Lovecraft

[Raucous]

It looks like I took the summer off from challenges so I've still got a ways to go. Finished since my last update:

✔︎ 3. Novella or short story collection: Organisms - Selected Stories (Came for the League of Peoples story. Stayed for the quirky Canadian humor, eh.)
✔︎ 8. A book recommended to you: Jackalope Wives and Other Stories (A wonderful set of stories that I picked up based on a buddy read/group recommendation. Don't trust Coyote.)
✔︎ 15. One Hit Wonder: The Last Unicorn (Even though the "other works" section in this classic goes on for pages and pages, this is the only thing I can ever remember when I hear the author's name.)

That takes me to 16/20 complete but with a few intimidatingly long books left.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

LOL. Your updates crack me up, Raucous. I believe in you! You can finish the challenge! (Or change a few of the remaining books out, I won't tell anyone ;-) )

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Allison wrote: "Per usual, I am behind in this challenge. But! I'm about to cross the halfway mark!

...and I'll have finished all the short books. This isn't looking good."

Lots of intense, year-end focus!

[DivaDiane]

I’m with you, Raucous. It appears I took the summer off, but really I didn’t. I’ve been working on one for this challenge, which is also for the Bookshelf challenge (Downbelow Station (initials in the title) For. Ever. I don’t know why it’s taking so long. Every time I pick it up and read I fall asleep about 2 or 3 pages later. I think I have to schedule some daytime reading in. So, I’m majorly behind on this challenge.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

colleen the convivial curmudgeon wrote: "Allison wrote: "Per usual, I am behind in this challenge. But! I'm about to cross the halfway mark!

...and I'll have finished all the short books. This isn't looking good."

Lots of intense, year-..."

But that's the time of year and the sort of focus I don't have!!! lol

I am trying to pound my way through Red Mars lickety split so I can move on with my daunting choices.

Diane, is it on audio? Sometimes I find snoozy books go better via audio.

[DivaDiane]

Yes, I might find Downbelow Station easier on audio, but alas, I have a paperback.

[Anthony]

I’m not surprised to hear that you are having trouble getting into Down below Station because as much as I loved it — and I really, really loved it — I also recognize that it’s written in an unusual style, which I could easily see as feeling a bit remote or impenetrable if it doesn’t work for you.

[DivaDiane]

Oh, I’m not giving up on Downbelow. There are parts that I like better than others, and I’ve read Cyteen and really, really liked it and it’s a similar style, naturally. It’s just that the only time I’m finding to read is before bed, which is not working well. And now, on top of it, I’m forgetting who certain characters are, because the POV changes so often and there are a LOT of POVs. I WILL finish this book. It’s not its fault that I’m having trouble. Just the timing, I guess.

[Jemppu]

I remain quite mystified how Downbelow Station was as good as it was. The start might have been a good setter of tone; allowed you to instantly tune to the required frequency of more pragmatic prose. Now, getting sense of the vast cast was indeed something that took couple repeats at first, however (though, somewhat eased by finding few favorites early on).

And I must agree with Allison on the benefits of audio; often greatly helpful, if at all possible.

[Chip]

Anthony wrote: "I’m not surprised to hear that you are having trouble getting into Down below Station because as much as I loved it — and I really, really loved it — I also recognize that it’s written in an unusua..."

I tried to read it years ago and gave up after the first third. Her grammar and punctuation felt so bizarre to me that it kept pulling me out of the narrative. Maybe I'll give it another shot sometime.

[Raucous]

Diane wrote: "I’m with you, Raucous. It appears I took the summer off, but really I didn’t. I’ve been working on one for this challenge, ... For. Ever. "

Yes! This is what initially happened to me too. I started my "intimidates you" book and then lost interest in it early on. Twice. I was at the page a day level which, for a thousand page book, is kind of a problem. Eventually I wandered off and read things that looked like more fun (T. Kingfisher marathon!) but mostly weren't in the challenge.

After that experience I moved my intimidating book to the end and am making progress on the rest again. If I'm still not done with it on December 31st I may have to take Allison's advice on changes (don't tell).

[Anna]

T. Kingfisher marathons are the best! ^_^ (I just reread the Clocktaur books on audio.)

[Lost Planet Airman]

Added 15. One Hit Wonder: Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë's only novel  

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Oh man great one! No fear that this might become untrue in the future lol

[Meredith]

I'm up to 17/20 reads, with one currently in progress. I made some swaps for some choices after I realized how many books I had pending for all my various reading challenges.

Recently read
9. A book that intimidates you: Switched pick to Kushiel's Dart.

15. One Hit Wonder: Switched pick to Magic for Liars, a standalone book.

[Lost Planet Airman]

Allison wrote: "Oh man great one! No fear that this might become untrue in the future lol"

Mike wrote: "Added 15. One Hit Wonder: Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë's only novel  "

Think I'll add one more, just to make some forward progress on the list. I just finished Four Ways to Forgiveness, and although there is not a luck symbol in the stories, the number four is considered bad luck in Chinese and Japanese cultures (according to Wikipedia, at least!)

[John]

John wrote: "01. updated 2019-09-06"
Update 2019-10-14

01. updated 2019-09-06 Oldest book: A Logic Named Joe 1946; done by to-read list sorted by pub date. Still going to read Joe but been on Sherlock Holmes binge which gets me to 1887 (extra credit?) for A Study in Scarlet
02. Work of art
03. Short story collection: see #4
04. Title is a question: Howard Who? - also counts as ugly cover and short story collection; cheating?
05. Ugly cover: see #4
06. Has inspired other art forms: Good Omens - currently on Amazon
07. Your initials are in the title
08. updated 2019-09-06 A book recommended to you: The Name of the Wind - daughter-in-law said to stop waiting for 3rd and that I would really like the series. have owned this for over 5 years.
09. added 2019-09-06 A book that intimidates you John Dies at the End this also gets me a Sixth Sense count but the title is past intimidate to scary as he**. gulp.
10. Updated 2019-10-14 Reminds you of a song NPC's --song from a game: The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone
11. Buddy read
12. Book with a luck symbol: Paradox Bound - more infinity but counts as 8
13. updated 2019-09-06 The 6th book Monster Hunter Siege
14. updated 2019-09-06 Last in a series The Magician's Land
15. One Hit Wonder
16. Updated 2019-10-14 Hidden Gem Tensegrity One of the Metatropolis stories with this lead: A science fiction detective story set on a living floating city.
17. Updated 2019-10-14 Someplace you want to go Just went to Washington, Oregon including some wineries in Willamette Valley. Started this series not knowing the location which is Pacific Northwest. Series mentions a wine backed security called "winos" and Pinot Noir grapes. Had some. Metatropolis
18. Get On the Bandwagon
19. Alphabetical Order
20. Updated 2019-10-14 Graphic or illustrated novel: Watchmen - currently reading, so score!. still going to read Watchman but discovered a graphic series by William Gilbson and had to read them Archangel series

[DivaDiane]

Watchmen is also on my TBR challenge. I haven’t started it yet though. Maybe now’s the time?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Nice, John!! You're trucking along!

[DivaDiane]

Oh, and Metatroplis is also on my list, although not this particular challenge. I actually have it on audio. But I love the Willamette Valley region. My husband and I toured about 6 wineries in one day! After the 3rd we decided we’d better slow down!!

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

I technically have, like, 5 pages left if one of these, but I'm gonna assume I'm finishing today...


Finished:

✔️ 1. Oldest book - Fever 1793
✔️ 2. Work of art - Artful
✔️ 3. Novella or short story collection - The Wanderer in Unknown Realms
✔️ 4. Title is a question - Who Killed Sherlock Holmes?
✔️ 5. Ugly cover (and please share it!) - White Trash Zombie Gone Wild

✔️ 6. Has inspired other art forms - Lethal White
✔️ 7. Your initials are in the title -A College of Magics
✔️ 8. A book recommended to you - Bite Club!
✔️ 11. Buddy read (do not need to participate) - Dragon Wing
✔️ 16. Hidden Gem - The Case of the Missing Moonstone
✔️ 14. Last in a series - The Shepherd's Crown
✔️ 15. One Hit Wonder - Jack of Shadows
✔️ 18. Get On the Bandwagon - A Discovery of Witches
✔️ 19. Words in Title in Alphabetical Order - The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter
✔️ 20. Graphic or illustrated novel - The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1: The Apocalypse Suite




Still to do:


9. A book that intimidates you - 11/22/63
10. Reminds you of a song - Masquerade
12. Book with a luck symbol - Juniper Berry
13. The 6th book - Carnival of Souls
17. Someplace you want to go - The Malice of Fortune

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

So close!!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

1. Oldest book - The Republic of Thieves
5. Ugly cover (and please share it!) A Dirty Job
7. Your initials are in the title - The Sudden Appearance of Hope
9. A book that intimidates you - The Library at Mount Char
10. Reminds you of a song - Troubled Waters
15. One Hit Wonder - Palimpsest
16. Hidden Gem - Beyond the Starline

In progress:

13. The 6th book - Midnight's Children - this one's on deck. My first Rushdie!


Finished:

2. Work of art - For colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf
3. Novella or short story collection - All Systems Red
4. Title is a question So You Want to Talk About Race
6. Has inspired other art forms - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
8. A book recommended to you - Assassin's Apprentice
11. Buddy read (do not need to participate) - Gardens of the Moon
12. Book with a luck symbol - The Red Threads of Fortune
14. Last in a series - Alpha & Omega
17. Someplace you want to go - Witches Abroad
18. Get On the Bandwagon - Becoming
19. Words in Title in Alphabetical Order - Moon Over Soho
20. Graphic or illustrated novel - Welcome to Lovecraft

[John]

Diane wrote: "Oh, and Metatroplis is also on my list, although not this particular challenge. I actually have it on audio. But I love the Willamette Valley region. My husband and I toured about 6 wineries in one..."

I listened to all 3 on audio and can recommend them. One of these days will get back to Watchmen but keep getting sidetracked by other challenges.

Was only able to make 3 wineries as we started later in the day. Our friends in the area drove so I was able to fully enjoy each.

[DivaDiane]

You guys!! I finally finished Downbelow Station, which was my selection for Initials in the Title. That took forever. So far I’ve done Nos. 1,6x2, 9, 14, 18 and just finished #7.

I’m on vacation and didn’t even think about the rest of my choices for this challenge and this didn’t bring one of them. I could choose one from my ebook TBR, though.

[~ Giulia ~]

18/20 done. Just 2 more!

Recently completed:
2. Work of art - A Darker Shade of Magic
As everybody knows, magic is the Art
4. Title is a question - C'è nessuno?
Child Giulia was right in refusing to read it. At least Adult Giulia was able to read it fast and not waste too much time.

Currently reading:
10. Reminds you of a song - The Old Man and the Sea
https://youtu.be/--tFFz44zvc

Books left:
15. One Hit Wonder - Embassytown
A standalone

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

OMG!! You're gonna make it!

[Monica]

Finally finished!! This is the only challenge I will end up completing this year so yay me! Results here

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Well done!! And with time to spare!

Looks like you had a year full of learning, too. Great picks :)

[Gabi]

Congratulations, Monica!

I fear I won't finish this year (and how I hate not finishing challenges!), but out of the 4 books that are still open I can't be bothered with 3 of them at the moment. ^^'

[Jemppu]

Gabi, I have same with (at least) one of my books. If this goes on I'll probably be hurriedly consuming it on New Year's eve <:D

Also, congrats, Monica!

[Jemppu]

Oh, and I wonder, if Anthony still has plans for joining the Luck in the Shadows tag team? Is there time put aside for that?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

AHH!! Yessss!

[Anna]

Gabi change the books! As long as they're off your TBR, it counts! It's not the 'stick to your first choice' challenge.

And yes to everyone reading Seregil! <3

[Jemppu]

Anna, that's certainly a tempting suggestion. ...been thinking if I'd dare do that myself; it wouldn't even change my "place you want to go" from "home" ^^'

[Anna]

Do it Jemppu! What's more important, finishing the challenge (and the year) feeling happy and accomplished, or sticking to your original choice?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I just switched one, too! Do it, all the cool kids are!

[Gabi]

Anna wrote: "Gabi change the books! As long as they're off your TBR, it counts! It's not the 'stick to your first choice' challenge."

But that feels like cheating! ^^'

[Anna]

It's not cheating! The challenge is to clear things from your TBR. It might be cheating if you filled all prompts with something you hadn't expected to read, but as long as they're from your TBR, it's all good!

[Jemppu]

All my life I've quite instinctively steered away from doing what the "cool kids" are doing, but I guess it's time for everything ...with such rebel act as this. You are such good bad influences *ha* XD

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Anarchy is the order of the day! ;-D

[Anna]

Yup, we're doing our very best to try and make everyone lie and cheat! I mean make these challenges fun, not stressful.

[Jemppu]

*hah*

[CBRetriever]

I had to change one as I found that I'd already read it the year before.

[Anna]

CBRetriever wrote: "I had to change one as I found that I'd already read it the year before."

That's hilarious! :D

[Meredith]

I’ve changed several, including a couple when I panicked in August that I wouldn’t be able to finish all the books I was committed to for the rest of the year. So I adjusted to books that could fit more than one challenge.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I just finished another, and started one more! I doubt I'll get them all done this year, but it'll be the closest I've ever gotten :D