Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
2019 Plans
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Miriam's 1st ATY challenge
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Second finishWhat Belongs to You. Beautiful writing. Intense subject matter of obsession, possession and fear. The inclusion of the back story strengthened the entire story.
Third finish: Silver Sparrow. Really enjoyed this book. Each of the daughters have a distinct voice. I felt the meeting of the two families a little rushed and heavy-handed, but overall a well-written page turner.
Fourth finish: The Silkworm This was grittier than the first Cormoran Strike novel, but so well written and kept me guessing.
February finishes (so far):Fifth finish=Twelfth Night I am endeavoring to read more classics including Shakespeare. The humor in Twelfth Night is incredible, but I still am not a huge fan of reading Shakespeare--I'd rather see the play.
Sixth finish=Refugee told in three time periods of three different refugees with the stories being loosely tied together in the end. I appreciated this story capturing the obstacles and the losses of refugees in a manner that is accessible to younger readers.
Seventh finish=Trafficked for the theme of human trafficking. This book was frustrating and heartbreaking and important. I kept wanting to scream at the protagonist to not be so naive...but that was part of the point, that it was her naivity that led to her accepting the job as a nanny that led to her enslavement.
Eighth finish: Before We Were Yours which was fictional account of a very real past of a Tennessee Children's Home which used illegal activity and schemes to acquire and place children for adoption. Made me angry (I was a foster care social worker in past life) and made me sad for both the characters and for the real people who were damaged by this home.
Ninth finish: The Paris Wife The story of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife Hadley Richardson. The writing was lovely, and she created a sense of place that made Paris (and Spain) almost a character unto themselves. But I found it difficult to like Hemingway or Hadley, so only 3.5 stars rounded up.
Tenth finish: I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life I love Modern Mrs Darcy and What Should I Read next, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it didn't really add any new insights to her reading life or mine.
Eleven-Fourteen:11. Career of Evil Love, love, love the Cormoran Strike series. This one felt abrupt at the end, but still a solid story.
12. Theres a Sheep in My Bathtub: Birth of a Mongolian Church Planting Movement This is a book about the start of the Christian church in Mongolia. I appreciated his honesty about what worked, what didn't and his attempt to really understand the culture. Nice read (used in the Bible curriculum for home school).
13. The Map of Salt and Stars: I loved this book. Found it magical. The writing is lyrical and beautiful and holds the reader entranced.
14. White Houses I enjoyed this book. I wanted to love this book, because I have long admired Eleanor Roosevelt. But I could never find a reason to like Hick, and so the book fell flat in the end. Well written, I read in 2 sittings, but was not amazed.
15. My Brilliant Friend I thoroughly enjoyed the book, felt like I was in Naples.(haven't decided on a book 16 yet)
17. The Golem and the Jinni Loved, loved, loved this book read for speculative fiction. Outside my normal reading genres but such well-developed characters and captured the neighbourhoods in NYC. Hope she will write more.
18-20 current reads
21. Carry on, Jeeves for book whose author is from an island (close-call round 2). I enjoyed the book. I enjoy British humor so it worked for me, but I did not love it the way I expected from the recommendations of trusted friends.
Book 16: Flight of Dreams interesting speculation of the flight of The Hindenburg. I enjoyed it. Book 18: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup fascinating. Incredulous at times that this company founder could get so many believe the too-good-to-be-true claims.
Book 19: Amy and Isabelle. Elizabeth Strout is quickly becoming one of my favourite writers with her ability to bring ordinary characters to depth.
Still reading book #20Book 22: 13 Little Blue Envelopes Very cute YA read, fun to laugh along with a first-time European traveler about the little things that do not make sense to the non-traveler.
Book 23: First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen I loved this book. It was my first Charlie Lovett book, but will not be my last. It was predictable at times, but the characters were fun to either cheer for or against.
Finished #20: Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two which was well written YA that told a story of WW2 that most of us were never taught. My daughter had read it for a school project and loved it. I'm glad I took her recommendation and read it.#24: The Story of a New Name Loved this book and series Elena Ferrante has a way of building the characters that is a slow-burn, but leaves you satisfied. Right up until the end I was loving the book but unsure if I would read book #3. Then the last paragraph settled it that I would indeed read the third book, sooner rather than later. Evocative writing that makes me want to see Naples.
#29: Middlemarch Another 'classic' that I can say I've read. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Having lived in England and being able to picture the type of village and estates described definitely helped me.
Currently reading books 24 and 25.
#25 The Invisible Library I am not usually a fan of fantasy, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in an alternate London. Will look forward to reading the second book in the series. #26 The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard This was a beautiful book with a simple message about hospitality.
#27 Lord of the Flies I finally read this book, after not having to read it in high school. I'm assigning it to my HS Senior next year and thought it prudent to read ahead. It was disturbing and frustrating, as I expected. Nothing seems to change in human nature. Glad I read it, but I won't revisit it.
#28 is in process#30 Bettyville This was a sweet memoir about a son caring for his elderly mother with dementia and the things that had been left unsaid or unresolved. It was well-written and well-paced and I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially since I recognized so many of the places he was describing.
#32 Tricks Written in verse about five teenagers from different backgrounds, geographic locations and personalities and how they ended up being teenage prostitutes. Hard to read, difficult to acknowledge that this is reality for some, and frustrating because you want to shout at their naive responses because you know what is going to happen. But, it is also important YA writing that is very well done.
#28 Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I loved this book about a lifelong friendship between girls/women in China. Learned much about the life of women in that that time period.
Book #31: The Star of Kazan I was fretting about what children's classic to read, when my daughter said "Mom I cannot believe you still haven't read any Ibbotson books." So I took her at her word and read this. Loved it. As an adult I saw a lot of the foreshadowing that a child might miss, but it was beautifully written with depth of characters. So glad I listened to my fourteen year old.Book #33: Evangelical Christian Women: War Stories in the Gender BattlesWell researched look at what it means to be woman called to ministry in evangelical circles. Tough for me to read since I am acquainted with some of the stories.
Book #34: Inheriting Edith Started this book at 930 at night to clear my head with something light. Finally put it down at 1AM saying I would get up early and finish it (which I did). Delightful characters, doesn't flinch at hard topics but doesn't preach or shove them down the readers' throats. Was a surprise.
Book #35 The Paris Diversion. I like Chris Pavone's books, and enjoyed this one as well; but was able to spot the reason for the diversion fairly early in the story.
Book #38 Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks Delightfully snarky, sometimes laugh aloud funny, occasionally sweet. I enjoyed her letters to books.
#36 The Pearl Thief interesting prequel to one of my favourite YA books Code Name Verity. Started slow but built the characters. Enjoyable!#37 Rush set in a sorority house at Ole Miss. poignant, great characters. I thought the ending was too quick and neat but thoroughly enjoyed the book.
#39 Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World Amazing prose, beautiful phrasing, made me want to go back to Rome.
#40 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was on the banned book display at my library. Having lived in Spokane and never really being aware of the reservation, this hit home as to what the reservation was like. Made me angry and sad and frustrated. #41 The Book of Essie I loved this book from page one! Could not put it down. Well written, sympathetic charactes, and compelling.
#42 A Monster Calls Easy to read and engaging look at facing fears#43 How to Bake Pi: An Edible Exploration of the Mathematics of Mathematics Fun book for this math nerd.
#44 Meddling Kids A serious nod to Scooby Doo, a fun parody of the kids in the show with a strong dark side. I enjoyed this immensely.#47 Hope Was Here A Newbery Honor book set in a diner with a teen finding herself while helping with a political campaign. Pulls the heart strings in the right places. I liked the book.
#49 On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous This book is raw emotion. The writing, especially the poetic sections, is gorgeous. But, for me, it was just too raw. I don't think I will find myself recommending it, but I'll probably be thinking about it for weeks to come.
#46 Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived I always enjoy Rob Bell's books. I don't always agree with his conclusions, but I love that he makes me think about what I really believe. More importantly, he asks the questions that many people wonder about and don't ask. I'm glad I read it.
#48 The Poet X I'm beginning to like stories that are written as poetry. This was totally engaging. Could not put it down. Amazing for a debut.
#50 A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail Bill Bryson can be funny, introspective, perceptive. His walk along the Appalachian Trail taught me some things. It was great to vicariously walk it with him because it is something I would never actually do myself.#51 Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune I picked this book up on a whim. The cooking and culture aspects intrigued me. I don't love magical realism, but was willing to risk it, and I'm glad I did. Fun, light and a great palate cleanser after some heavier reads.
#52 Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything A fun, informative look at how we can improve memory.
#45 The Japanese Lover One of my favorite reads of the year! Just enough magical realism, without it being overwhelming. I love Allende's work, and this is my favorite of her books I've read. A solid five star rating!Challenge completed! 27 November 2019
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Japanese Lover (other topics)The Japanese Lover (other topics)
The Japanese Lover (other topics)
Natalie Tan's Book of Luck & Fortune (other topics)
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (other topics)
More...
2. A book with one of the 5 W's in the title (Who, What, Where, When, Why) What Belongs to You, finished 1/7/19
3. A book where the author’s name contains A, T, and Y Silver Sparrow
4. A book with a criminal character (i.e. assassin, pirate, thief, robber, scoundrel etc) The Silkworm
5. A book by Shakespeare or inspired by Shakespeare Twelfth Night
6. A book with a dual timeline Refugee
7. 2 books related to the same topic, genre, or theme: Book #1 Trafficked (topic=human trafficking)
8. 2 books related to the same topic, genre, or theme: Book #2 Before We Were Yours (topic=children trafficked for adoption)
9. A book from one of the top 5 money making genres (romance/erotica, crime/mystery, religious/inspirational, science fiction/fantasy or horror) Career of Evil
10. A book featuring an historical figure The Paris Wife
11. A book related to one of the 12 Zodiac Chinese Animals (title, cover, subject) Theres a Sheep in My Bathtub: Birth of a Mongolian Church Planting Movement
12. A book about reading, books or an author/writer I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
13. A book that is included on a New York Public Library Staff Picks list White Houses
14. A book with a title, subtitle or cover relating to an astronomical term The Map of Salt and Stars
15. A book by an author from a Mediterranean country or set in a Mediterranean country My Brilliant Friend
16. A book told from multiple perspectives Flight of Dreams
17. A speculative fiction (i.e. fantasy, scifi, horror, dystopia) The Golem and the Jinni
18. A book related to one of the elements on the periodic table of elements Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
19. A book by an author who has more than one book on your TBR Amy and Isabelle
20. A book featuring indigenous people of a country Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two
21. A book from one of the polarizing or close call votes Carry on, Jeeves
22. A book with a number in the title or on the cover 13 Little Blue Envelopes
23. 4 books inspired by the wedding rhyme: Book #1 Something Old First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen
24. 4 books inspired by the wedding rhyme: Book #2 Something New The Story of a New Name
25. 4 books inspired by the wedding rhyme: Book #3 Something Borrowed The Invisible Library
26. 4 books inspired by the wedding rhyme: Book #4 Something Blue The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard
27. A book off of the 1001 books to read before you die list Lord of the Flies
28. A book related to something cold (i.e. theme, title, author, cover, etc.) Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
29. A book published before 1950 Middlemarch
30. A book featuring an elderly character Bettyville
31. A children’s classic you’ve never read The Star of Kazan
32. A book with more than 500 pages Tricks
33. A book you have owned for at least a year, but have not read yet Evangelical Christian Women: War Stories in the Gender Battles
34. A book with a person's name in the title Inheriting Edith
35. A psychological thrillerThe Paris Diversion
36. A book featured on an NPR Best Books of the Year listThe Pearl Thief
37. A book set in a school or universityRush
38. A book not written in traditional novel format (poetry, essay, epistolary, graphic novel, etc) Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks
39. A book with a strong sense of place or where the author brings the location/setting to lifeFour Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World
40. A book you stumbled upon The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
41. A book from the 2018 GR Choice Awards The Book of Essie
42. A book with a monster or "monstrous" character A Monster Calls
43. A book related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) [fiction or nonfiction] How to Bake Pi: An Edible Exploration of the Mathematics of Mathematics
44. A book related in some way to a tv show/series or movie you enjoyed (same topic, same era, book appeared in the show/movie, etc.)Meddling Kids
45. A multi-generational saga The Japanese Lover
46. A book with a (mostly) black cover Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived
47. A book related to food (i.e. title, cover, plot, etc.)Hope Was Here
48. A book that was a finalist or winner for the National Book Award for any yearThe Poet X
49. A book written by a Far East Asian author or set in a Far East Asian countryOn Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
50. A book that includes a journey (physical, health, or spiritual)A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
51. A book published in 2019Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune
52. A book with a weird or intriguing titleMoonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything