Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2019 Weekly Checkins
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Week 6: 2/1 – 2/7
I finished two books this week and seem to be back in a reading groove. I need all the distractions I can get as I'm in the middle of having a bunch of medical tests done for my various conditions. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
I really enjoyed this book about a group of people who are competing with each other to solve the clues left by the murder victim in order to inherit his fortune. Using for the puzzle/game prompt.
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
A friend recently read this favorite book from her youth, and her review made me want to read it. This is a more grown-up novel than Anne of Green Gables, and I quite enjoyed it. It actually hit a little close to home in many ways. Romance novels are not my thing, and this one ended in a way that typically sets my teeth on edge, but this was cute enough to overcome that. I think I'll use it for the should be a movie prompt, since it would easily be as good as anything on the Hallmark Channel.
GoodReads: 8/90
PopSugar: 6/50
QOTW: I've never received an advanced copy of anything, even though I've put in for many, many GoodReads Giveaways. I'm terribly unlucky that way.
Read the book calling out to you -- sounds like The Binding -- figure out which library books can easily be renewed or have a short wait list and return them, the ones you have waited a really long time for, put those as a priority. You can always easily reborrow the library books that don't have a long hold. Ignore ARCs for now. That's my advice.
I've read 4 books this week, 1 counting for the challenge.I finished off The Lord of the Rings with The Return of the King. I like LotR well enough, it is wonderfully written and I can see why it inspired so many fantasy novels, but the ending kind of makes me sad.
I read The Donovan Legacy and decided to use it for the superpower prompt. It might be replaced later, but for now, even though it is magic, it is still superpower enough to count.
I also read the next one (technically book 4, since the above is a trilogy in one book), Enchanted and I didn't count this one for the challenge. This was a fun series, I do like reading Norah Roberts and seeing everyone fall into place.
And then I read The White Fox Chronicles just for fun. It is a bit cheesy, but one of my faves from childhood. A post apocalyptic set in the future adventure story.
Right now I don't have any currently reading, though I dug out a bunch of 'how to write books' and am debating between starting Gotham Writers' Workshop: Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide From New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School or Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish tonight. I'm also going to start Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder tomorrow.
QotW: I've never really gotten any ARCs. I think I've only entered a couple of Giveaways and have never won.
A much more productive week for me reading wise. I finished Unmarriageable (loved its overt feminism), The Fifth Season (I enjoyed it more than expected given its not really my genre, and the earthquakes didn’t give me PTSD - although I did feel one while reading which was a little disturbing), Career of Evil and Lethal White. All were great four star reads. But the undoubted star of my reading week was Where the Crawdads Sing. I absolutely loved it, couldn’t stop reading (even when I was afraid of what might happen) and finished it in a day. 5 stars. I read it for ATY but am considering also using it for the PS book you think should be made into a movie. (I believe Reese Witherspoon is). But I normally prefer books to movies and I’m afraid they’ll ruin it. No ARC’s for me - another downside to living in a small country at the bottom of the world😉
I can't believe it's February either! It's been a bit since I've checked in, so catching up, here's what I've been reading over the last month:Wildcard for RPG prompt. this was good, but I liked Warcross better. There were just too many twists that I felt it almost was too predictable. My husband was a big fan, I think he's a big fan of these virtual reality gaming books.
The Alice Network/Kate Quinn for a book I meant to read last year. I really wanted to like this book, the concept sounded so interesting, but I found myself more annoyed. I think I could have shipped this one, but want to find something maybe with less romance and more historical on the network of women spies in France in world war I. If anyone has recommendations, I'd love to have them.
Love comes softly/ Jeanette oak for book with love in the title. this was a re read and had me nostalgic about when I read with my mom in middle school. I think I'm going to do more of the series for the nostalgia prompt.
My hold for The seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle finally came in, and I flew through this book and loved it. This is the type of mystery that is right up my alley. I loved the time and multiple viewpoint perspective. I'd love to find more mysteries like this! I'm using this for book that takes place in a single day since I used Warcross for the puzzle/game prompt.
I found a copy of Where'd you go Bernadette at the airport yesterday on my way home from a business trip and have started in with hopes to be able to join the discussion next month. So far not what I expected, and a bit of a slower read than I hoped, so it's a good thing I'm giving myself plenty of time to finish.
QOTW: I've never received an advance for of a book, though I'd love to! I've entered some Goodreads giveaways when I've had PC access, but have never been lucky enough to get one.
Hi all!Two books finished for me this week:
In the Country We Love: My Family Divided for a book with love in the title for February. I loved this; I could hear Diane Guerrero's voice while I was reading it. She tells her story with such honesty an vulnerability; I definitely teared up a bit at points. This is a great reminder of the way political policies affect real people.
A Princess in Theory not using this for any PopSugar prompts, but it did fit for something in Reading Women. I've read some great discussions lately about capital-R romance and how people tend to be dismissive of it so I'm trying to be more open minded and branch out a bit. I loved the premise of this, with the heroine Ledi receiving emails from an African prince claiming she was his betrothed. She dismisses these as an obvious scam but it turns out they're true! This dragged a bit for me as it went along; I think I still prefer my romances to be a little more grounded and less secret-princess-y (I tore through The Wedding Date last year) but Cole's writing is good and it was a fun, light read.
Currently reading:
Rereading Sense and Sensibility. I've been itching to reread some Jane Austen lately (it hit me on the way home today that 10 years ago I was in the midst of writing my thesis on her, so the urge suddenly made a lot more sense) and the Novel Predictions podcast picked this for their February read. I'd forgotten how sharp and snarky S&S is, and it's been really delightful to reread so far.
QotW
Yes, I won The Dreamers in a giveaway in December. I was really excited to get that one since I loved Karen Thompson Walker's first book and this was high on my TBR. When I realized it was an ARC I felt really special and made a point to read and review it before the official publication date. #supernerd
Wow! Thanks to audio books, I've finished FIVE kindle/audio books this week and one print book, putting me at 17/52. Not bad for the first week of February. I think I'd better slow down now, if I want to get more things accomplished...Finished:
#1 Call of the Wild by Jack London. I had it on my kindle, but never read it. And then I read that it's scheduled to come out as a movie this year...
I also finished one of Jeff Wheeler's Muirwood trilogies. I read/listened to the first in the series last week, and polished off the second two this week: The Blight of Muirwood and The Scourge of Muirwood which I'm using for #4 book that should be made into a movie and #18 a person with super powers (not superman, but controlling fire, language control and a dozen others seems pretty much like super powers to me...) Enjoyed the series.
My one print book:
Random Acts Of Heroic Love for #29, Book with love in the title. Enjoyed the writing and the story. This is a book with two stories/voices, so works for that prompt as well. Also a debut novel.
In the Market for Murder for #30, book with an amateur detective. Read the first in the series last year. Well done, and many humorous touches.
and last (and least exciting) Gemini Rising for #33 a book with a zodiac sign or an astrological term. Also happens to be my Zodiac sign... It was pretty short, but I found the ending a bit anticlimactic and rushed through. BTW, there are dozens of book with this title, so it could also work for that prompt.
QOTW
I belong to several writers groups, so I've read a few advance copies of books I was given to critique, and also participated in a group that got free books in exchange for reviews, and in a friend's launch team.
I only finished one book this week. I've been having a really busy work week, plus I had an emergency dentist appointment, two sick cats, a broken car, and construction in my house. Ugh. But I've picked up some books for my reading list this week and I'm getting ready for a lot of reading over the next 2-3 weeks with the long weekend coming up and a lot of train travel.I am at 6/40 and 3/10 in my challenge. This week I finished Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire which was lovely. So poetic. I used it as my book featuring an extinct or imaginary creature. Vampires seem imaginary to me. I can't wait to read the next one, but there is a little bit of a wait at the library.
I am still reading War and Peace and Middlemarch. I am also still reading Bringing Down the Colonel: A Sex Scandal of the Gilded Age, and the "Powerless" Woman Who Took on Washington which is an amazing story and which I expect to finish this week. I'm using it as my past popsugar prompt for 2018's book about feminism prompt. I just got home from the library where I got a few things and I plan to start Looker later tonight.
I don't think I've ever received an advance copy, but I don't really feel the need to do so. I'm happy to wait until the book has been reviewed enough so that I can decide if I'm interested before I read it.
Hi everyone!Another reading week for me with only one finish, as I've had so many other things taking up my attention. I've got a stack of library books staring at me right now, though, so hopefully I can pick up the pace this next week. I'm at 10/50 for the challenge.
Finished:
Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir. I loved Furiously Happy, which I read I think for the 2017 challenge (?) and I loved this one just as much. I'm trying to figure out where to slot it, though. I saw it had been suggested as one that might fit the hobby prompt (taxidermy) but that feels like a bit of a cheat / stretch to me, because there's actually very little taxidermy mentioned in the majority of the book - except for a couple chapters in the very beginning and a couple at the very end. I might use it for a book I meant to read in 2018, or I suppose, since she talks about her wedding, it could be a book that contains a wedding as well. We'll see. I've been shifting books around and changing categories quite a bit.
Currently Reading:
City of Dark Magic on audio. I was really enjoying this, but haven't listened in a couple weeks, I don't think. Need to get back to it before I start forgetting and have to go back to the beginning!
QOTW: I've actually received a handful of books through Goodreads giveaways, but only one of them was an actual ARC: SINthetic, which was... meh. Parts of it I liked, parts of it I really didn't. I haven't really felt the need to put in for too many ARCs as I have so many backlist books to tackle, but may try for more in the future.
This week I finished Love Letters to the Dead for the book with the word Love in the tittle. I am now reading Becoming for the book recommended by a celebrity you admire.
I am currently 5/50 for the challenge and I am on track.
QOTW No.
Hi everyone! The past couple weeks, I feel I've gotten a bit offtrack with reading. I'm doing a great job with my audiobooks, but the actual sit-down-and-read has required a bit more effort to get in. Hoping to focus more on that with the coming week.I'm in Tampa, and we've reached the low 80's a couple times this week. I wouldn't mind a little more vortex, but I'm certainly not complaining. ;)
Progress: 8/50
Finished:
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals- read for prompt #7
Vinegar Girl- read for prompt #15
Currently reading:
Big Little Lies
QOTW: I've never received an advanced copy of a book.
A little bit of progress this week....I read Rosencratz and Gildenstern are Dead (retelling) and found it a very tedious 126 pages indeed. All of the clipped circular dialogue and tragicomic musings would vastly improve as a part of an actual performance. As it was, I was only too happy to see Ros and Gil give up the ghost. Or maybe I wouldn’t be a fan of absurdist meta theater in any form. 1 star.
I also read I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life (hobby) and found it a quick delightful read. I like books about books and Anne Bogel’s warm gentle personality. 3 stars.
DNF- Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World (plants). The book’s introduction was so poorly written I almost quit right away. I persevered however, until the fifty page mark and the writing slightly improved. I appreciated the general sentiment but didn’t think it offered much insight or depth.
QOTW- In the past I have won books from the Goodreads giveaways. I started to change my mind about reading a couple of them so I stopped requesting as it didn’t seem fair to the giveaway sponsors.
Good afternoon from the Farm. Came up so that I could be moral support for my daughter when she gets braces later today. And to get my car registered for the next year. Thought I had it perfect but apparently it needs 4 new tyres before it can be passed. Another $500 that I didn’t budget for. So many posts already. Reading them all will take a fair bit of time.
I’ve been running around with my father in law and my daughter so much I’ve only finished one book (if you can call it that as it’s only short) this week.
Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience by Rebecca Roanhorse I listened to it on LeVar Burton Reads. Quite liked it. Bit twisted.
Currently reading
Somewhere between 8 and 11 books that I’m sure I’ll get around to finishing soon.
QOTW
Nope no ARCs.
Mod
LOL!! I'm an engineer, and let me tell you, there are some HUGE engineering blunders in some books. Like, no that would not happen, no that would not fail like that, NO that design would never work, NOOOO no one would do that ... etc. Sometimes I can shrug it off and sometimes it ruins the book for me.
For example, in the The 5th Wave series, there were some ... unlikely things that happened, from an engineering pov. But there were unlikely things happening ALL OVER that book, so it was clearly the kind of book requiring significant suspension of disbelief. I acknowledged that it was ridiculous, and I still loved the series.
And in The Fifth Season (just a coincidence with the fifths!!), the world is full of earthquakes, and building materials are constantly mentioned, and ... nope, NO ONE would build a house with concrete or stucco in an earthquake-prone area. That is seismic idiocy. But I loved the book anyway.
And in Snow Crash, he mentions "Freon" dripping on people's heads and OMG NO THAT NEVER HAPPENS BECAUSE FREON IS A VAPOR AT STANDARD ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, IT DOES NOT DRIP - it would hiss. This is SUCH a common mistake and it drives me crazy. I had mixed feelings about the book overall, but not because of that mistake in particular.
Good evening, all! I'm either not as quick as most people here, or I just don't have enough time to read as much, but I finished my sixth book of the year, Artemis. As long as I can keep the pace, I'm on track to get to all 50! I really liked Artemis. I was worried I wouldn't based upon the reviews, but I was able to get past how he wrote the main character and really enjoy the story. It's my first sci-fi novel, and I think I may have found a new favorite genre!
I also bought six books today. I'm reading more, yet my to-be-read pile is getting bigger. Does this happen to everyone when they start reading more?!
For the QotW, I have never received an advanced copy.
Serendipity wrote: "A much more productive week for me reading wise. I finished Unmarriageable (loved its overt feminism), The Fifth Season (I enjoyed it more than expected given its not really my genre, and the earth..."I think you're the first person I've seen in one of these groups that loved Where the Crawdads Sing as much as I did. I've barely seen anyone talk about it.
Interesting point about the earthquakes. It didn't bother me when I read the book, but I live in New York. I do get anxiety, so if I lived in a place more prone to earthquakes I probably wouldn't have liked it.
Hello everyoneThis week I finished 4 books for the challenge, bringing me to 15/50. I have just realised all 4 of my books are Australian, so a very Aussie week for me.
I finished:
Batavia for a novel based on a true story. This is about a Dutch shipwreck on the Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia in the 1600s. This is an absolutely brutal story, it is horrific to think that these things actually happened. I think it gives a lot of insight into human nature. Fortunately, the heroes do win in the end. I do recommend this book, it has a lot of interesting history.
A Diamond in the Dust I wasn't going to use this book in the challenge, but I ended up ticking off the book that makes me nostalgic! This is an autobiography of a woman who has suffered greatly and still achieved great things.
Working Class Boy for a book by a musician. Jimmy Barnes is a household name here in Australia, I had no idea that he had such a rough childhood which he shares in this book.
Storm Boy for a book becoming a movie in 2019. This is an Australian children's book, it is a good quick read. It is quite sad for a children's story!
Currently reading Dracula
QOTW
I did win an ARC from a local bookstore from a Facebook competition, it made me feel really special to read a book before everyone else! After I received it I discovered it was the second book in a series, so I had to quickly read the first book so that I could still read the second one prior to its release!
This week I've finished In Strangers' Houses for prompt #30 - book featuring an amateur detective. I found it an interesting book with a plot that kept you going, as a good mystery should. Lena was like a bloodhound on the case of her missing friend, Timea. I also finished Night of the Twisters, which I read for prompt #2 - a book that makes you nostalgic. It might be a strange book to be nostalgic about, but I read it as a middle schooler, and with my fascination with tornados, it fit the bill (this was just after the film Twister came out!). I'm also a Midwestener well-versed in dealing with tornados.
Lastly, I finished Fragments of the Lost for prompt #46 - a book with oddly number chapters, etc. I met the author, Megan Miranda, at a local young adult author's conference, and I was really intrigued by the book's premise. Needless to say, I've ripped through it the last few days, as I was hooked. I definitely recommend it.
I'm working on The Light Over London (book published in 2019), There There (debut novel), and That Churchill Woman (novel based on a true story).
QotW
I haven't gotten an ARC before, but I'd love to get on it and review books. I've considered starting a blog about the books I've read/am reading, as it's becoming a more important hobby again with this reading challenge the last two years.
Wow, I'm realizing I had an amazingly productive reading week! I've been slammed at work, so I'm not really sure how that happened, except that I've started mixing in some audiobooks, which is not my normal habit.I've been focusing more on finishing the Tournament of Books contenders before that starts in March, and I am not using many of those for the Popsugar challenge. So I'm still at 6/50 for this challenge.
Finished:
The Dictionary of Animal Languages - It's a little hard to get into because it jumps around a lot in place in time, but I wound up enjoying this a lot. For TOB.
A Terrible Country - I didn't love this because I was mad at the narrator most of the time. I think the author did that intentionally but it didn't work that well for me. Also for TOB.
Number One Chinese Restaurant - Using for prompt #25, a debut novel. My book club is also discussing this at our next meeting. I was not really a fan, as the characters were all very flat and not particularly likable.
The Golden State - I really enjoyed this. I have heard some people who read it in print struggled with the unconventional punctuation. I listened to the audiobook and the reader did an amazing job conveying the racing thoughts of the book's narrator/protagonist. For TOB.
Currently reading:
Where the Crawdads Sing - I was on an extremely long library hold list for this, so I hadn't used it for a prompt, but based on what I have read so far I think I am going to use it for #4, a book you think should be turned into a movie.
Census - For TOB
Question of the Week
I have only received an advanced copy of a book once, a long time ago and I think somewhat by accident. I interviewed one of my childhood favorite authors for my self-published zine (in the olden days before blogs were common), and I think I wound up on her media list or something because I randomly received an advanced copy of her new book like a year or so later.
I am curious to know the secret of actually winning Goodreads giveaways!
It's been a whirlwind of a past few weeks for me between getting engaged/wedding planning and then fracturing part of my foot/getting outfitted with a boot and crutches so this is a two week check in.Has anyone else had any themes developing with the books they are reading? I seem to be gravitating towards novels featuring late elementary/early teen heroines!
Completed:
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde- This novel was my second Fforde and I was able to follow the plotline much better than I think I would have had this been my introduction to him. His writing style is distinct and one that readers seem to either love or dislike. The story follows Thursday Next, a fearless and whip smart heroine who is a literary detective tracking the villain behind the kidnapping of characters from books.
Prompt: An alternate history novel (Read Harder)
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente- Loved it just as much this second time around as I did upon the first reading! September is whisked away into Fairyland where she is joined by a group of quirky characters on her journey through the realm while trying to foil the Marquess. This is a book that mixes a fairy tale tone with whimsy and wisdom and produces a delightful tale!
Prompt: A reread of a favorite book (Popsugar)
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne- As a child I watched numerous hours of the adventures of those in the Hundred Acre Woods but do not recall ever reading the book. Reading this was like returning to old but beloved friends.
Prompt: Reminds you of your happy place (Booked 2019 Seasonal Challenge)
Prompt: A book that makes you nostalgic (Popsugar)
Currently Reading:
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Reading Next:
Pygmalion
One Piece: Romance Dawn
Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
If on a Winter's Night a Traveler
QOTW:
I have not due to not having a Kindle or anything like that as I prefer to hold the book in my hand while reading it. I've tried to enter the Goodreads giveaways but have been unable to figure out how to actually enter.
I was only able to finish one book this week...To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han for book with love in the title. I'm currently at 9/50.I'm currently reading:
-The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah for my reread
-The Wolf and the Watchman by Niklas Natt och Dag for a book set in Scandinavia
QOTW: The Wolf and the Watchman is actually my first/only advanced copy that I've received. It will be released on March 5th.
Didn’t finish anything this week. Still working on (and enjoying) The Essex Serpent (mythical/extinct creature) and White Teeth (debut novel; two-word title). Looking forward to Gypsy Boy (becoming a movie this year).
I don't know how you ladies and gents read so many books but color me impressed. Feel free to share your tricks! I so wish we had public transit in Vegas. lolI have completed nothing this week. Not even my picture book for ATY (my hold at the library has not come through yet). Boo!
4/40 Regular
2/10 Advanced
Currently Reading
I started this for Barnes and Noble Book club which I was going to attend with my best friend. She cancelled the morning of which killed my motivation to burn through it so now I am slowly working my way through. It is really good so far though
Listening to the audio book. Pretty sure it's like 14 hours long
Read a chapter and since ignored to focus on woman. I stink
QotW:
Have you ever received an advance copy of a book? Commonly these are acquired through Goodreads giveaways, Net Galley, Launch Teams, etc.
Nope! I did win a copy of The Library Book last month on Instagram but that wasn't advanced.
Pretty good week for me; I got three books done. The Westing Game: I had never heard of this book before people starting mentioning it in the puzzle/game prompt thread; thanks a million you guys I loved it. It's so bizarre that this completely slipped my radar up until now; it's so absolutely my kind of thing.
On a Sunbeam: a graphic novel about a young woman who joins a team that travels to abandoned space buildings and remodels them and then gets this team to help her track down her long lost high school sweetheart. I love the characters in this and the spacey setting. I'm probably going to end up slotting this in the "set it space" prompt because large parts of the book are actually set in space, and not on a planet. Another 5 star read.
The House That Pinterest Built: Boooooo. 1 star. So little of this involved pinterest in any way that one is forced to wonder if she was paid to force it in. On top of that, her house is incredibly unbelievably ugly. She has really stark, bland taste to the point of asceticism.
QOTW: I've entered lots of goodreads giveaways and finally won one last month. Sadly the book was not very good. I finished it and reviewed it just because I've heard (a probable myth) that if you don't review the books you win, it decreases your chances of winning. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hello everyone!Completed
Carry On - 19. A book told from multiple POVs
My first Rainbow Rowell book. Definitely a fun read. I adored the characters in this, especially Baz, but there was something about the writing style I wasn't too fond of.
Why Dust Shall Never Settle Upon This Soul - ATY 40, BR 24
Found this one randomly at my library, because it was by a trans author. I'm not big into reading poetry collections like this. It was okay.
Paper Girls, Vol. 5 - non challenge read
How to Train Your Dragon - non challenge read
How to Be a Pirate - non challenge read
Progress
PS - 6/52 | ATY - 10/52 | BR - 7/24
Currently Reading
The Humans
The Marvels
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
QOTW
Nope. I've never received an ARC and I've only recently entered a giveaway on goodreads.
After a bit of a slump last week, I ended up reading/ listening to 5 books this week, four for PopSugar and one for ATY. 2. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. I haven’t read this book in probably over 20 years, and forgot how sad it ends. It’s a good thing I was alone when I finished it, because I ended up crying at the ending!
49. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Ok book, and I do plan to read Mockingjay, also.
30. Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers. Somewhat dated, but still an ok mystery novel.
1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I came very close to DNFing this book. It just seemed so slow and at times, preachy to me. Still I did finish it.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxleyfor ATY “a prompt inspired by Shakespeare.” Not an easy book to read, but it was interesting how much Huxley seemed to predict about current society.
Currently reading
11. Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers. Once again, a bit dated, but interesting story. I have about 1.5 hours left in the audiobook.
QOTW:
Nope, have never had an advanced copy of a book. I’ve put in for various Goodreads drawings, but no luck with them yet.
Evening all!Late again for me. Can't believe we have been back at school for 2 weeks already. Still worrying about my friend who has fallen off the face of the planet and struggling to concentrate on work or reading due to the worrying.
Only finished 1 book this week:
John Marsden The Journey. Not my favourite of his but still a nice coming of age story which covered both an actual journey and a psychological one.
19/53 for PS
Currently reading:
They Both Die at the End Which is also ok but nothing to rave over (yet?)
QOTW:
Don't think so. Did get a couple of giveaways before GR stopped doing them in Aus but don't think they were advanced copies.
Have been given a bunch of science text books and theses to preview/check before final print but don't think that counts.
Kristin wrote: "Good evening, all! I'm either not as quick as most people here, or I just don't have enough time to read as much, but I finished my sixth book of the year, Artemis. As long as I can..."Try The Martian. so good!
I just finished The Woman in the Window and now I can't wait for the movie release!!! This reminded me of Vertigo meets Rear Window (both with Jimmy Stewart) with a twist. Great read!The other book I'm reading is I Am Watching You. This book is a great read as well! I love how Driscoll keeps you hooked by getting you all excited and then going back to a different person's POV. I'm all excited about finding out what happened to Anna.
The third book I just started is Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust. This is a review copy I received from Edelweiss+. It is my very first ARC.
Theresa wrote: "I think it depends on what you wanted to get out of reading it. I revel in beautiful writing, I don't need positive endings or upbeat stories, and if the story told requires unsympathetic characters, sad endings, or even no one likable, I'm ok so long as it serves the story. The ending was pretty much inevitable if, like me, you have dealt with small self-governing communities and have watched time and again where everyone closes ranks against the newcomer trying to do something without following the unspoken but critical path of currying political favor and assuaging egos. Plus, between that image in the first paragraph about the eel and seagull, and the fact that I actually more or less knew how it ended as I knew a lot of people liked it but still found it depressing, (and I'd seen the trailer for the movie made from it), the ending was foretold.
I saw it as more a village story than just a story about Florence. Wasn't the failure as much the village's as Florence's?"
I definitely approached it the wrong way, expecting something different, but I need more than beautiful writing. The problem is that my autism just doesn't see those kinds of things. I know everyone looks down on Dan Brown and I just don't see why. If a book does not have a clear story, I wonder what the point is. With an ending as The Bookshop I strongly wondered. Imagery completely goes over my head; it needs to be very obvious, or mentioned to me beforehand, for me to notice. I had no idea about the ending, and just wondered why I spent time with this story, with this woman who I was rooting for so much. (view spoiler) But I agree, it was definitely at least as much the village's fault.
I guess literature just isn't for me- my brain just doesn't get it. That's probably why I love middle grade so much; they're not trying to show how sophisticated and beautiful their writing is, how many hidden stories and subtexts it contains. They're just telling a story to entertain, nothing more and nothing less.
This is also why I would suck at book clubs, and why I can get easily influences by other people's reviews.
Theresa wrote: "Kelly wrote: "A World of Ice and Fire - For the "unconventional chapters" prompt. I've been on a big Game of Thrones kick since Season 8 promos were released, so I thought it was time to take the p..."He told them the ending though, so even if the path towards it is different, the ending should still be the same! However, I've got to admit, at this point I'd prefer it if it were different. It would make it so much easier to see the books and show as two completely different entities.
Theresa wrote: "Read the book calling out to you -- sounds like The Binding -- figure out which library books can easily be renewed or have a short wait list and return them, the ones you have waited a really long..."Thanks! I work at the library so renewing beyond the limits is easy to do for me, though I would never do that with a book that's put on hold by someone, so I was already thinking of doing just that. It just makes me feel bad haha! I can't return books unread- it's a thing. I can't do it, but man do I wish I could. It would make things so much easier.
I just finished my physical book and will be putting on an audiobook in a minute while puzzling on my laptop (it's also a book I have upstairs from the library so that'll be another one down!) and might just get to The Binding next, just because I am weak heheh. It all depends on the cold that finally broke through last night anyways.
As for the ARCs, they make me feel guilty, but as they're ebooks I read them when I can't listen to audio or read a physical book, so while slowgoing, there's usually some progress.
Thanks so much, though. Your advice made me feel a whole lot better!
Hello and Happy February! I’ve been on a minimizing/decluttering binge and read two books related to this, not for the challenge:
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo, which I loved, and The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker, which discusses embracing minimalism.
For the challenge, I finished The Silent Patient(5 stars!!! So good, kept me intrigued and I didn’t guess the ending twist) for the “published in 2019 prompt” and The Wedding Date (a lot steamier than I was prepared for but a cute, February appropriate read, for the “includes a wedding” prompt.
Started The Wedding Date and am still working on finishing up The Witness.
8/40 1/10
QOTD: after leaving a review for the above mentioned The More of Less, someone from the Becker team reached out to me to offer me his new book and asked me to review it. That was a first! Otherwise, I have won a couple of giveaways to receive some ARCs.
Hey ppl! A pretty busy week; plus my birthday's coming up, which tends to throw me into a funk. Started many books this week but I finished only one:✅37. A book with a two-word title: Amos Oz, Chers fanatiques .
This book actually has a subtitle: Chers fanatiques, trois réflexions ("three thoughts"). The English translation has a similar setup, with a quite different subtitle: Dear Zealots: Letters from a Divided Land. The Hebrew original also has a subtitle, similar to the French one. ("שלוש מחשבות"). But hey, those subtitles are in a pretty fine print, so let's say it is a two words title.
And by the way it is a two-words title in most translations. I had doubts about the use of the world "zealot" instead of "fanatics" by the English language publisher, but is coherent with the Hebrew title: Qanaim seems to be both the name of the actual Zealot sect and a generic word for fanatics - but as a beginner in Hebrew I can't be sure of anything. The original: "שלום לקנאים" (Shalom Qanaim) also uses the highly polysemic word "Shalom", both "geetings" and "peace", which makes perfect sense here.
Anyway, this short book is made of three essays written by Amos Oz in his last years, about current events in Israel but also about the apparent global raise of bigotry and intolerance. The first essay is on that subject; it is fine, but not really new: fanaticism being the unability to accept any different worldview, etc. It reminded me of André Gide: "Assassins are people deprived of imagination".
The second essay ("not one light but several") was much more interesting to me; it's about the inherent diversity of wolrdviews inside judaism. The third one was devoted to current affairs in Israel; it is a defense of the "two-state solution" even though it is going through a rough stretch. Quite different from the perspective we could have from abroad; another reason why this book was worth reading!
I also did some reshuffling:
✅25. A debut novel: Vanessa Barbara, Les Nuits de laitue
It got a prize here in France for "best debut novel from abroad", so it does fit into this prompt. It used to be for 6. A book with a plant in the title or on the cover, where it is replaced by:
✅6. A book with a plant in the title or on the cover: Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, Le rouge vif de la rhubarbe
which fits the prompt since rhubarb is as much of a plant as lettuce! It takes place in Iceland, and I originally used it for the Scandinavia prompt; but since some people take exception with Iceland being included in Scandinavia, I prefer to stir aside from this controversy - and also, books taking place in Scandinavia are easy to come by.
QOTW It happened once: a friend who's working for a publisher gave me an advance copy of a romance book she liked: Pas si simple (the cover was blank since it hadn't been designed yet). It was pretty enjoyable!
I read Eat, Pray, Love and listened to The Sun Is Also a Star. I was disappointed with Eat, Pray, Love; I enjoyed The Sun is Also a Star.I started reading A Piece of the World for the book I meant to read last year prompt.
I started listening to Circe to fulfill the book inspired by mythology prompt. So far, I love it. I NEVER would have even considered this book; I'm so glad I decided to do this challenge!
QOTW: I've never had the opportunity to read an advance copy of any book.
Carmen wrote: "... I work at the library so renewing beyond the limits is easy to do for me, though I would never do that with a book that's put on hold by someone, so I was already thinking of doing just that. It just makes me feel bad haha! I can't return books unread- it's a thing. I can't do it, but man do I wish I could. It would make things so much easier...."Everything in this sentence is so me! The library work, renewing without limits, unless there are holds, not being able to return books unread even though I cannot in any way read them all in any acceptable timeline (I have around 80 library books at home, and even though about half of them are picture books and graphic novels, you know, just too many...). So, I totally relate.
Our library technically has due dates, but they have done away with late fines, so I guess technically you can just keep them forever. Maybe after a certain point they won't let you check out any more? I mean, you're only allowed to have so many out in the first place, but maybe if you have one that is a year over due they wouldn't let you check out a second one? IDK. I intend to honor the due dates, fine or no fine.I know that when I was checking to see what was in for the becoming a movie prompt it was mid-January and Woman in the Window said it was due back December 24th.
And, this has nothing to do with that, but The Nightingale was supposed to be in but wasn't on the proper place on its shelf, so I figure, OK, it got returned recently and hasn't been reshelved. It's still not there. 11/22/63 and Firestarter are also supposed to be in, but have not been in their proper place for at least two weeks. so, I suspect there may be a book thief. How low do you have to be to steal from a library when you can read the books for free anyway?
So this was a light reading week for me. I went out of town with a group of people last weekend so couldn’t even listen to my audiobook. Because of that I’ve only finished 2 books in the past week: The Spaewife's Secret. This was a really well written story and book. I read it for an ATF prompt. While the story was good, I struggle to stay engaged with books that change viewpoints every chapter. I do better with multiple viewpoint books that stay longer in each time or person. This book follows a man at 2-3 points in his life. Changing between them each chapter.
Accidental Warrior. I read this one just because. I had read the first in the series for the prompt of a LitRPG book and enjoyed it. I wanted a lighter book so I picked this one.
I am currently reading:
What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions- still! My goal is to read little bits of it each day and finish with it in March for the March Challenge. I’m on track for that and really enjoy the absurd questions with the serious, scientific answers.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before for the February challenge- I’m about half way through with this but I’m struggling with it. It’s a book I would have enjoyed in middle school and my guess is that’s its intended audience. I’ll finish it only because I’ve decided not to DNF any of the monthly reads I chose to read.
Connections in Death. I’m reading this just because. I started it to take a break from the book above and should finish it today.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. This is my current audiobook and I should finish it today also. The story is well written and engaging but I don’t like the author much. It’s an autobiography and I’m reading it for a story about a journey (I think it’s for ATF. Can’t remember if I have it plugged in for a Popsugar prompt also- I’ll have to look at my spreadsheet).
Educated. I’ll start this audiobook as soon as I finish the other. I had it on hold at the library and it became available 2 days ago so I checked it out. Probably start it on my commute home or tomorrow morning.
QOTW- I have not had the opportunity to have an ARC although I got an email from an author yesterday asking if I’d like to be considered for one for her new book. Since I’m not a blogger and haven’t done reviews before I may not be chosen but I can always hope!
Katy wrote: "Our library technically has due dates, but they have done away with late fines, so I guess technically you can just keep them forever. Maybe after a certain point they won't let you check out any m..."I had that happen when I wanted to read A Discovery of Witches. Catalog said 3 in - 0 on the shelf. Like 3 copies don't just get misshelved, the librarian said they were likely stolen. Like really? It's free, borrow it and read and return and buy a used one off thriftbooks.
Elizabeth wrote: "Katy wrote: "Our library technically has due dates, but they have done away with late fines, so I guess technically you can just keep them forever. Maybe after a certain point they won't let you ch..."One of our subscriptions (the most expensive, because yes, we pay for the library) has no late fees, and kids under 14 don't have them either to motivate them to read and not let the pressure of returning them ruin it for them. If it takes too long however they get an email to remind them I think and if that's not heeded they can no longer check out. However, I've never had anyone who had that issue. Most people just heed the return dates, but want the freedom of being able to be a day or so late for whatever reason. I'd love that, and the no fees for DVDs, but alas it's too expensive.
Books get stolen here too, but at least it makes a bit more sense as it costs money to be a member and it's quite a bit of money. If it's free though, why would you do that?? It's one thing if you forgot you had it, but it'd be checked out then so uuughh. People.
Johanne wrote: "Carmen wrote: "... I work at the library so renewing beyond the limits is easy to do for me, though I would never do that with a book that's put on hold by someone, so I was already thinking of doi..."
We are only allowed to check out 15 at a time, though since I work there, I could circumnavigate that. But I try not to. It's too much as it is! I had to force myself earlier to not order the second book in a series because I still have 13 unread ones!
I am so glad I am not alone in these struggles however!
Carmen wrote: "One of our subscriptions (the most expensive, because yes, we pay for the library) has no late fees, and kids under 14 don't have them either to motivate them to read and not let the pressure of returning them ruin it for them. If it takes too long however they get an email to remind them I think and if that's not heeded they can no longer check out. However, I've never had anyone who had that issue. Most people just heed the return dates, but want the freedom of being able to be a day or so late for whatever reason. I'd love that, and the no fees for DVDs, but alas it's too expensive...."We used to have a three day grace period of no fines, which I thought was pretty reasonable. but, for some reason they decided to get rid of the fines altogether. And, yeah, I think they still send remind emails when it's getting close.
As for the books getting stolen, I'm wondering if it's at least by people who can't get a library card for free. you have to have a valid in-town address. And there are two bordering towns with no libraries. Plus, homeless people may like to read. I just wish they would bring them back after they've read them. They're probably afraid of getting caught, but I doubt the library would do anything about returning stolen books. They would want to encourage that.
The other thing they could probably do would be to leave them out in the open at the post office, or even throw them in a mail receptacle and I'm sure someone at the post office would return them. It's practically next door.
My library, at least, has an outdoor drive-up return. It's all hours. If someone want to return it without worrying about being "caught" they could just pop it in there. I'm guessing even if there were cameras or something, no one would be too fussy about investigating a book that was returned, that they don't have to replace
I find review copies less stressful than library books! I only use my library for digital services because knowing I have to read a book in two weeks makes me feel under pressure. And then I don't have much opportunities to get to the library in person so I'd annoy other people waiting for the book, whilst racking up fines that'll probably end up more than I could have bought the book for!The worst I get with a review book is an email asking if I'm planning on reviewing it. No one has ever minded if I have changed my mind or am going to be late.
Sheri wrote: "My library, at least, has an outdoor drive-up return. It's all hours. If someone want to return it without worrying about being "caught" they could just pop it in there. I'm guessing even if there ..."I wasn't even thinking about that. We have an outdoor drop for after hours returns also. OK, there definitely is no excuse for this.
PopSugar Challenge- 11/40 GoodReads Challenge- 14/60
Finished this Week:
Novel Based On A True Story Beneath a Scarlet Sky while it took me a while to really immerse myself in this book it was captivating and heartbreaking. Horribly fascinating what humans can do to and for others. I strongly suggest you read this book at one time.
Zodiac Sign In The Title The Scorpio Races I listened to this book and I must say I truly enjoyed it. It was a nice easy read after a lot of dark books. I really enjoyed the water horses/kelpies. Interested in reading others from this author even if they are Young Adult.
Debut Novel Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine I read this as an ebook. It took a while to get into it. It was alright... not one of my favorites but the last 30% did sink its hooks in me.
Currently Reading:
Book With A Plant On The Cover An American Marriage Reading this as a physical book. I must say that I am not really enjoying the writing style of this one. Sometimes it is hard for me to follow. However I like the story line. I hope it gets a better.
Book You Think Should Be Turned Into A Movie All the Light We Cannot See I am listening to this as an audiobook. I am really enjoying the writing style. It is so descriptive I feel like I am there with the characters. It could actually fit a bunch of the prompts but I really think this would be great as a movie.
Non-prompt book The Tattooist of Auschwitz I am reading this as an ebook. I have barely started it but it does sound captivating.
Question of the week:
Have you ever received an advance copy of a book? Commonly these are acquired through Goodreads giveaways, Net Galley, Launch Teams, etc.
I wish I could get advanced copies but I have not been lucky in that regard. But that might be my fault because I am not sure how that works.
Katy wrote: "Our library technically has due dates, but they have done away with late fines, so I guess technically you can just keep them forever. Maybe after a certain point they won't let you check out any m..."I honour the due dates in the way that I renew the books. I just do it many times... And I do return books unread if there are holds. And yeah stealing from the library is low.
So many different library systems. In Denmark you can get a library card without having an address in the country... As long as you have a passport (not many know this and is not often used, but it´s a possibility).
I’m always shocked by libraries with low limits and take a minute to be excited mine doesn’t (though we do pay for holds, which I know many libraries don’t charge for) We always have 80-100+ books out at a time! That’s like 20 for me to mood read through, plus 60-80 picture books and early readers. We utilize two shelves (one for me and one for the kids) in my bedroom and the books have to return there and mostly read in the bedroom so they don’t wander and get lost!
Katy wrote: "Our library technically has due dates, but they have done away with late fines, so I guess technically you can just keep them forever. Maybe after a certain point they won't let you check out any m..."Ours has no fines, but if you don't return it you eventually get charged for the cost of replacing the book. Theoretically that happens at two weeks overdue, but really that's just when they sent the letter about it, and they don't charge your account for another six weeks or so. So you have plenty of time to get the book back without fees if something happens to keep you from returning it on time.
I do try to honor the due dates anyway, but it's nice to not have the stress of fines if something weird happens. like I come down with the flu right before my books were due, or, (to pick a random example) a polar vortex happens and I'm not comfortable leaving the house for several days.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Witness (other topics)The Wedding Date (other topics)
The Silent Patient (other topics)
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own (other topics)
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Pascal Mercier (other topics)Emily Grayson (other topics)
Sarah Woodbury (other topics)
Gaston Leroux (other topics)
Volker Kutscher (other topics)
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Ooh, good to know! I bought this with a Christmas gift card...and not read it yet. I'm feeling a little ambiguous about seeing the end of the series on HBO - I almost don't want to watch it to see it end because GRRM has not finished writing the series as he wants it told! However, I'm sure I'll get over it by the time it airs in April.
A Thousand Acres - For the "retelling of a classic" prompt. My first 5 star read since... I don't remember! Jane Smiley is a
Oh man I hated this book! Still makes me angry 20+ years later! I am very familiar with King Lear, and that was not my issue. My issue was the serious defects in the legal structure and estate planning vis. the farm that led to the entire conflict. I know all about it being fiction and all that, but it was just so incredibly wrong legally (as in based on the opposite of what legally would happen), that I just could not accept it. I've not read Smiley since, as a matter of fact.
I should probably mention I'm a lawyer...these things bother me.