Week 6: 2/1 – 2/7

[Lauren]

Rachelnyc wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "I forgot to check in last week so I'm including books I read over the last 2 weeks, all for ToB:

America Is Not the Heart (debut novel) - I really ..."

Thanks for the reminder that I need to get to "American Prison" soon! I just added it to my library holds list. :) So far Texas Tough: The Rise of America's Prison Empire has been the book that I learned the most from for my job (and it helps that I work on Texas prison issues specifically). It might be too dense/detailed for someone not in this field of work, but you're welcome to check it out.

And funny enough, right after I posted about "The Mars Room" yesterday it became available from my library. We'll see how it goes...

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

Jessica wrote: "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. lol

I have completed nothing this week. N..."

We had a conversation in another weekly thread recently about how people have different life circumstances that allow for different amounts of reading time, but as far as actual tips and tricks, here's what made the biggest difference for me:

Use your free time for things you actually enjoy! If you'll enjoy reading more than scrolling Pinterest or binging Netflix, find a way to remind yourself to read instead. If you actually enjoy those other hobbies, then don't feel bad about doing those instead of reading, just make it an intentional choice.

Audio books. I don't think I could listen while driving like some people here do, but I do listen while I'm doing chores, and occasionally while I'm doing light puzzle phone games and such.

Give up on books you don't like and read books you really enjoy. I will stick with books I'm not enjoying if I have some reason to read them (certain non-fiction books where the information is more important than enjoyment for example), but if it's a book that supposed to be for fun I don't see the point in forcing myself to read it when it's not actually fun. Similarly, I do stretch outside my comfort zone, but I happen to like YA sci-fi and fantasy a lot, so I often read a lot of it, and fly through the books because they're light and I'm really enjoying them.

[Carmen]

@Raquel, I really need to learn to DNF books, but my brain won’t let me. I’ve started quitting TV shows, though, so maybe books are next? I hope so!

[Lauren]

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..."

Yes, the more I read (and explore group discussions like this one that give me a bunch of recommendations) the larger my TBR list becomes. I guess it's a good problem to have though - we're never short on things we want to read! :)

[L Y N N]

Heather wrote: "I had an interesting reading experience this week that convinced me I’ve reverted to a print reader. While I was reading on my Kindle, I couldn’t sit still, felt exhausted, and decided to DNF every..."

I think this is much of the reason I also do NOT enjoy reading an e-book for pleasure!

[Megan]

I had a busier than expected reading week and finished four books. I'm only using one of them for this challenge right now, but three of the books checked off prompts for the other challenges I'm working on this year. I'm at 8/40 and 1/10 for this challenge, and have read 15/100 for my overall Goodreads Reading Challenge.

Finished:
* Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston, which I used for "a book published posthumously." I listened to the audiobook version, which really brought the story alive for me -- the narrator was excellent!
* An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole, which I used for the three other challenges I'm also working on this year (BookRiot Read Harder, Modern Mrs. Darcy, and AACPL Reading Challenge). I probably could've found a PS prompt for this one, but I have other titles in mind for the prompts that probably would have worked best. I haven't read much in the romance genre, so I knew this BR prompt would push me out of my comfort zone -- and I'm so glad it did! I loved the heroine (Elle), historical research and details, and the pacing -- it was such a fun read!
* Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, which was one of my book club's picks for February. I'm looking forward to discussing it over the weekend.
* Saga, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples. My brother loaned me the first seven volumes, so I may decide to use them together to check off another prompt.

Currently Reading:
* A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal by Ben Macintyre, which is my other book club's pick for February.

QotW:
Have you ever received an advance copy of a book? Commonly these are acquired through Goodreads giveaways, Net Galley, Launch Teams, etc. I've been very fortunate to win several advanced copies of books, primarily through the Goodreads FirstReads giveaways. I've also won a few directly from authors (via Facebook, Twitter, and newsletter giveaways) and was a member of the "Street Team" for The Kizuna Coast by Sujata Massey. One of the author giveaways was done via Net Galley, so I've received one title that way -- I have only requested one additional title since getting an account, but haven't received a copy of that one. I'll keep trying though :)

[L Y N N]

I only finished one book this week, They Were Sisters. This was exactly my idea of "classical writing" with much of the focus on characterization and 'slice of life' passages. It was unique for it's time (1943) in that it described emotional domestic abuse by a partner (male, of course!) Three sisters and three very different marriage relationships. It is a Persephone reprint and was an excellent read! Prompt #31-book about a family. I guess this could be used for #6 though the Persephone reprint doesn't have the trees on the cover as does the edition pictured in Goodreads. I'm sure it could fit some past Popsugar prompt for #40. (ATY: #4-Goeffrey, #19, #29, #39, #42-Geoffrey, #50)

I will finish Less this weekend and get it to my good friend to read for our book club. At 45 pages in I am not as impressed as I thought I might be. Hoping it becomes more impressive as I continue reading! Then perhaps Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance or something else. Not sure. I'll be caught up for book clubs for a week or so. :)

I have read quite a few ARCs since I worked at Borders for almost 5 years. I did once read an ARC and then the final version of the book and found little difference, though it could just be with that one book... I rather prefer to read an edition already released just to make sure I am reading the truly edited version. Most of the books I've won via Goodreads have been released editions, not ARCs.

[L Y N N]

Brittany wrote: "Hi All!

Man this week flew by for me. Really looking forward to the weekend, I think the weather is supposed to be fairly nice so my husband and I are going to do some long overdue yardwork.

I f..."

So glad to see you enjoyed The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet since I plan to read it for the set in space prompt!

[[deleted user]]

Happy February all! It's ridiculous cold here In Oklahoma the last couple of days but I'm sure our 5th false spring of the season is right around the corner :)

This week I finished:

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon which I loved but it also made me a little anxious towards the end! I will admit peeking a few chapters ahead because I was worried things would take a bad turn!

Grounded by G.P. Chingwhich I finished in a day (lazy cold Saturday). I liked this one as a light read. It's part of a series that I think I'll keep in mind when I need to cleanse my palette a little.

If I Ran the Rainforest for the prompt about a celebrity recommendation. This is supposedly Dave Grohl's favorite Dr Seuss book and I hate to say I didn't love it.

I started Unholy Alliance (book with 2 authors) and Divergent (reread of a favorite). So far I'm
15/50 for the PS Challenge if I decide to double up on books!

Have a great week!

[Milena]

I was just outside and noticed that my daffodils are coming up through the soil. Is this a bit early for New York? Will they die in the cold that's expected the next few days?

[Nadine in NY]

Some daffodils push up early, they probably won't come up more than an inch. They'll be fine if the temps drop and/or it snows. Early bulbs have antifreeze in their cells, so freezing temperature doesn't kill them. Getting buried in snow will crumple what's up so they might look a little bedraggled later, that's all.

[Theresa]

Heather wrote: "Lauren wrote: "What type of Kindle do you have? I have the paperwhite and refuse to get the "smarter" ones that have more computer-like screens because I also need it to feel like a book and my eye..."

Nothing wrong with print books! I actually have really enjoyed switching back to reading print books I already own but have not read to fulfill challenge prompts. I do find myself trying to swipe rather than turn pages...and I've also wondered sometimes why I can't read the page when I'm in bed and turn out the light...

But that passes.

[Milena]

Theresa wrote: "Heather wrote: "Lauren wrote: "What type of Kindle do you have? I have the paperwhite and refuse to get the "smarter" ones that have more computer-like screens because I also need it to feel like a..."

Swiping to turn pages reminds me that when my office moved to a new building 2 years ago, the new office has automatic flush toilets. The first few weeks I used to stand in front of my toilet at home waiting for it to flush on its' own. Sorry for the visual.

[Katy]

Milena wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Heather wrote: "Lauren wrote: "What type of Kindle do you have? I have the paperwhite and refuse to get the "smarter" ones that have more computer-like screens because I also need i..."

That made me laugh. In my town the walk signs tweet when it's time to walk. I went to my old hometown to run some errands and was waiting to cross the street. The walk sign came on, but there was no tweeting. So, I just stood there for a few seconds. I feel like Pavlov's dogs. LOL.

[Milena]

And at the mention of Pavlov's dogs. My dog is still baffled about where to take his treats, even though the Christmas tree which scared him away from his usual spot has been gone for almost a month.

I am obviously very bored today.

[Theresa]

Drakeryn wrote: "I'm an anomaly - I find it much easier to read Kindle books than physical books. (I don't have an actual Kindle; I either use the phone app or the desktop app.) I guess since I spend so much time a..."

I have friends with severe vision problems (diabetes related) for whom ebook reading has made reading so much easier and more pleasurable. I like being able to read in bad lighting, adjust the size of the font, and having an endless supply of books to read at my fingertips when I travel which all come with ebooks. Oh and I love that so many books long out of print, especially the genre series that were published only in paperbacks, are being brought back by ebook publishers like Open Road.

And it is way easier to read a heavy 1000+ page doorstopper as an ebook.

On the other hand, there is a tactile satisfaction to holding and reading a print book, and I love instantly knowing where I am in the book, being able to just flip back to the list of characters or map while keeping my finger on the page I am reading...

I still am seduced by many print books and always will be. My life is filled with both and will always be.

[Theresa]

Mary wrote: "I am at 15/50.

This week I finished:
Frankenstein: I managed to read the entire thing out loud and really appreciated it.

After: This book was so awful and a huge..."


good for you reading it aloud! It's something that takes a bit to get into the rhythm, but so fun.

[SarahKat]

Wow I am amazed at some of your local libraries. I can't even imagine having 80 books out at once. My library has a 2-week due date. If it's a physical book, you can easily renew it if there are no holds on them. If it's an e book or audio book from the apps, there is a 2-week due date and they return themselves automatically.

I hate that because audios usually take me a while to get through since I don't have a long commute or anything and sometimes I have to wait a month to finish a book I'm halfway through because other people put holds on it and it goes to them after it expires.

Also, they DO enforce their due dates and I know this for a fact because one time I returned a book at 4pm that was due that day at 5pm and I guess they didn't check it in until the next day because they charged my account.

But, really, how much complaining can you really do about being able to read hundreds of books a year for free?

[Theresa]

Trish wrote: "I enjoyed a quick Aunt Dimity book: one of my favourite series for curling up in a blanket on a cold day. This one was Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch, which was a pleasantly murder-free treasure hunt...."

Another Aunt Dimity fan! I managed to hook both my sisters on that series, so we constantly swap them around.

[Theresa]

Karen wrote: "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. ..."

The Nightingale - stock up on the boxes of tissues and have a fluff read ready for the end.

[Theresa]

Nadine wrote: "Theresa wrote: "... 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 struc..."

I knew there were others like me out there!

I actually pick up on some of the engineering -- and architectural -- impossibilities too as I read specs and blueprints prior to writing construction contracts...

I also think my reaction to the Smiley was in part based on being one of 3 sisters set to inherit the family farm...and growing up on that farm... I had a very adverse reaction to the family portrayal. {we still own the farm together with no issues and my father lived out his life on that farm while we were co-owners}. In truth if Smiley had done her homework and written the legal background correctly, it still could easily have created the situation she needed -- the crucible so to speak -- for the Lear story.

[Theresa]

Carmen wrote: "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 unsympa..."

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 t



If I had entered into reading it cheering on Florence, I too would have been depressed, upset. But I entered it expecting something different. I still would have liked it though. But that's just me. :-) I have a cynical streak, and often a very dark humor.

I suspect what you mostly have difficulty with are reading books that are satires, cynical, wry, metaphorical - where what is being said is not straightforward and often the opposite. I do believe you would not have trouble reading a beautifully written straight-forward book like Circe where the imagery is about nature and simply creates a mood.

There are plenty of books I don't 'get' -- The Catcher in the Rye springs immediately to my mind! Gone Girl is another. Yet they are beloved by many.

And there is nothing wrong with needing a little guidance to 'getting' some aspects of a story. I did a buddy read of The Weight of Ink last year and until one of the others reading it mentioned the repeated imagery of the river and of flowing ink and how they interlocked and moved the story along, I had completely missed it! Like totally! Then as soon as she talked about it, I was like 'duh!' so obvious!

The point is to just read, read a variety, read a lot. Some you will like, some will puzzle you, some you will hate -- all have value. There can be real pleasure in discussing a book that you had a completely opposite reaction to from anyone else. I sometimes read reviews and discussions about books I have just read in order to figure out some things about them.

Plus never apologize or question your liking certain books that others seem to think not worth the time. Heck, I read cozy mysteries, regency romances, and contemporary chick lit -- most of my favorite romance authors write under Harlequin imprints and talk about being denigrated! Yet they are often very well written and deal with some pretty serious issues - right now I'm reading a cowboy romance published by Harlequin that is in large part about 2 people coping with PTSD after serving in Afghanistan - the romance part is a tad boring and predictable, but the rest is not and in fact pretty powerful at times. There is also a suspense element that I like involving a stalker/kidnapper.

And I loved Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and even Angels & Demons - they both had an intense sense of place and interesting puzzle/mystery/suspense. I did hate his The Lost Symbol - and have not read the others as a result. I thought it was just phoned in. But I read John Grisham even though he often ticks me off - they still are entertainment.

Never ever be afraid to own your opinion.

[Theresa]

Carmen wrote: "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 ti..."

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.


Up until now, from about the 3rd Season forward, I've actually been able to accept them as being different entities. I think what's bothering me is that it is an ending and whatever guesses or conclusions there are going to be to the series, it's now going to be known and the only questions are 1. how does he get there in the books and 2. all the side stories that were cut out of the series.

GRRM has always said the ending will be bittersweet ... and I think I've figured out what that means, and I'm not really sure I want to have my hypothesis confirmed in the HBO series rather than in the books.

But as I said, I'll get over it! There is so much more to the books to look forward to.

[Sherri]

Finished 2 books this week. Read Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer. A book with a plant in the title or on the cover. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. A debut novel,A book written by an author from Asia, Africa,or South America, A book about a family, A book told from multiple character POVs, A book that includes a wedding, A book by an author whose first & last names start with the same letter. I also read it for both of my face to face book clubs.

[Jess]

This week I didn't have as much time to read but I managed to finish Beartown. This was my book set in Skandanavia for the PS reading challenge.

I was surprised how much I loved this book! I kept hearing it was a must-read, and I must say, I agree. It is disguised as a book about ice hockey but is really a study of community behavior in times of crisis. I don't think any other writer captures humanity quite the way Backman does. His books take the worst sides of human nature and explores how we react to them.

Currently reading:
The Likeness by Tana French
I should finish it today. It took me a while to get into this one. I think it is just due to all the distractions in my life right now. This book is probably best read when you have time to really immerse yourself in the story. Now that I am almost finished, I do really like it!

QOTW:
Yes, I read advanced copies quite often. I am a member of NetGalley and always have several e-ARCs in my queue. I'd say I read approximately 25 per year via NetGalley. Every so often I will get a physical copy in advance through Instagram or Litsy, but it is rare.

[Kelly]

Theresa wrote: "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..."

That's so funny, because I'm a paralegal and didn't even notice anything was amiss! Although, I don't work in estate planning.

[nat]

3/150 | 3/50

I finally finished a book this week: This Adventure Ends (read a book during the season it is set in). And it was GOOD. Good enough to be a new favorite, and the first of this year. (Not like there was competition with the Divergent trilogy, anyway...) The relationships were great, as well with everything else. It was so cute and funny, I just loved it so much. Definitely going to be reading more of this author's books, but it's so sad she doesn't have that much out—I guess I'll be doing a lot of rereading this year.

Current reads

Here Lies Daniel Tate (a book with no chapters/unusual chapter headings/unconventionally numbered chapters)
This is so compelling. I've been aching to read this ever since I read the synopsis a few months ago, and so far I'm not dissapointed! I'm looking forward to see where this one goes. Will I be terrifed? Maybe. Will I be glad, if so? Yes.

I'm also reading something else, but for the millionth time, it's required reading, so I won't bother.

QOTW
Nope, I haven't. Though I do envy those with pretty much every relevant ARC in existence, if that counts for anything.

[Theresa]

Milena wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Heather wrote: "Lauren wrote: "What type of Kindle do you have? I have the paperwhite and refuse to get the "smarter" ones that have more computer-like screens because I also need i...
the new office has automatic flush toilets. The first few weeks I used to stand in front of my toilet at home waiting for it to flush on its' own. Sorry for the visual.
"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Best laugh all day! Thanks, Milena!

[Teri]

Carmen wrote: "@Raquel, I really need to learn to DNF books, but my brain won’t let me. I’ve started quitting TV shows, though, so maybe books are next? I hope so!"

I made a shelf called Did Not Finish and tag any book that I didn't finish because I convince myself that I will read it eventually. I check out more from the library than I can read, so this is the only way I can manage. And I do often go look at the shelf when deciding what to read next. I'm trying to use those books for the prompts as much as possible.

[Teri]

Lauren wrote: "Yes, the more I read (and explore group discussions like this one that give me a bunch of recommendations) the larger my TBR list becomes. I guess it's a good problem to have though - we're never short on things we want to read! :) "

My TBR list is out of control. I can't remember the last time I ever wondered what to read next. Instead, it is choosing from a multitude of choices. It is why I like doing the challenge - helps me more easily pick "what's next."

[[deleted user]]

Carmen wrote: "@Raquel, I really need to learn to DNF books, but my brain won’t let me. I’ve started quitting TV shows, though, so maybe books are next? I hope so!"

My children taught me, years ago, that life is too short to finish a bad book.

[Baroness Ekat]

I got one done this week

A book with a zodiac sign or astrology term in title: The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence it was fun

I have been working on 2 others and enjoying them

[Rachelnyc]

Lauren wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Rachelnyc wrote: "I forgot to check in last week so I'm including books I read over the last 2 weeks, all for ToB:

America Is Not the Heart (debut ..."

Thanks for the recommendation. I will take a look but if it's too dense, it probably won't be a good fit. The most inspiring and enlightening book I've read, and it's more prison adjacent material, is Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.

Looking forward to hearing what you think of The Mars Room.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

Teri wrote: "Carmen wrote: "@Raquel, I really need to learn to DNF books, but my brain won’t let me. I’ve started quitting TV shows, though, so maybe books are next? I hope so!"

I made a shelf called Did Not F..."

It's funny because most of the time my DNF shelf serves the opposite purpose: so I don't accidentally pick up a book again because I forget I didn't like it the first time.

I do makes notes in my review though if it's meant to be a temporary DNF, or I think it might just be my mood. I did even went back to try Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet again after DNFing the audio. (Reading it myself was better, but I still didn't love it.)

[Shannon]

Monkiecat wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I read Rosencratz and Gildenstern are Dead (retelling) and found it a very tedious 126 pages indeed. ..."

Oh no! It's one of my favorites... we're definitely NOT reading twins :D"

Aww, now I feel bad for dissing one of your favorites! Well, the world would be a boring place if everyone had the same taste. :)

[Jen]

Carmen wrote: "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 unsympa..."

I didn't get The Bookshop either. It is on my 1* shelf. It was suggested by my Mum who also got me On Chesil Beach which was another 1* for me. I guess we all just like different books wand want different things from them.

[Shanna]

This week I finished:
The Westing GameI thought it was OK, but seemed a bit dated.
Art MattersA super quick read. A reminder to keep pursuing what you want in life.
She Lies in WaitA good mystery
Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a BookOk

Started:Slayer Hope it lives up to the awesomeness of the show.

QOTW
I haven't ever received advance reader copies.

[Jen]

Johanne 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..."

Our library is connected to the high school I work in. So the school book scheme is also through the library. Kids can take out textbooks for a semester if they have paid the deposit (returned when the books come back or rolled to the next year). They can also borrow from the community section of the library the same as the general public. 5 books at a time for 2 weeks, plus up to 2 interlibrary loans at a time.
For teachers we can take out as many textbooks as we like (sometimes we need a class set for an activity) and theoretically have the same rules as everyone else for the community section. Since I am in there twice a week supervising the kids at lunch break they are kind to me. I get to take out more because in the holidays there is no way 5 is enough for 2 weeks and since the loans come through quite slowly they let me order the next 2 as I collect the first 2. But they do see me twice most weeks so they can chase anything I forget easily. Plus here if the libraries aren't busy enough they lose funding for staff so having all my loans on record keeps them in a job.
You are meant to have a card but mine has been missing for at least 3 years. Again they know where to find me so let me borrow anyway.

[Jen]

Carmen wrote: "@Raquel, I really need to learn to DNF books, but my brain won’t let me. I’ve started quitting TV shows, though, so maybe books are next? I hope so!"

I can't quit either. Not always a good thing as I have stayed in toxic friendships and relationships because I don't give up on anything. My bestie did warn me I needed to be more of a quitter and to stop hoping I'm wrong and things will improve.

[Rachel]

Another very productive week!

- Finished the last 1/3 of Crooked Kingdom for my book involving organized crime/the mob for my Modified Mannegren challenge
- Fowl Language: The Struggle Is Real for my book with an animal on the cover for the Bookish 2018 challenge
- The People at Number 9 for my book with a number in the title for Bookish 2018
- Flat-Out Celeste for a self-published book for my Modified Mannegren Challenge
- About a quarter of Hearts Unbroken for my book written by a Native American author for Bookish 2018

QOTW:
I won Blood Sisters and Fat Girl on a Plane from Goodreads giveaways. When my mom worked at the library, she sometimes managed to snag ARCs of a few books, so I got Allegedly and Love & Other Carnivorous Plants that way, and probably a few others. To be honest though, I'm not such a fan of getting ARCs because I always worry they'll be very different from the final version.

[Jen]

Theresa wrote: "Heather wrote: "Lauren wrote: "What type of Kindle do you have? I have the paperwhite and refuse to get the "smarter" ones that have more computer-like screens because I also need it to feel like a..."

Haha brilliant!

[Carmen]

@Jen, I hear you. With books I feel like I made a commitment to the book by starting it and I must therefore finish it. Life is indeed too short to read a bad book, but if someone could tell my brain that while reading, convince it to stop, that’d be very much appreciated!

I have a DNF shelf, there is one book on it, and it’s a shelf for books I will absolutely never pick up again. All other books I have not yet finished for whatever reason are still in my TBR because I do intend to finish them. To be fair, none of the ones that come to mind were put aside because they were terrible. One is even the last book of one of my favorite trilogies/series but other books (read library books) have been getting in the way for half a year now and I’m still only 36% in 😂 I might have to start from the beginning again though I remember quite a lot still. That one is still in my Currently Reading shelf and haunting me haha!

[Berna]

It was a slow reading week but I still managed to finish one book.
Pop Sugar Challenge: 6/40

Books Finished:
Aylak Adam by Yusuf Atılgan
I did not read this book for any challenge. It was a Turkish novel for my book club. I did not really enjoy it very much but it got better towards the end and I gave it three stars.

Currently Reading:
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Challenge #2 A book that makes you nostalgic
I had read this in picture book when I was very little in elementary school, therefore this book makes me nostalgic. I am continuing with this tome and reading two chapters for a day. This way suited me a lot. I feel like I am watching a soap opera. As of today, I read 70% , and I am really enjoying this classical revenge story.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Challenge #31 A book about a family
I am halfway through the book. It is bittersweet story taking place in Alaska. I had read Night Road by the same author and so far I did not like this book as much as Night Road. It is still an emotional book and I am glad that I am reading it.

From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne
Challenge #20 A book set in space
My audiobook. I am really in the beginning so I cannot be sure how I would feel about it. So far, it reads like a non-fiction and having hard time identifying with the characters.

Question of the Week
I have not acquired any advanced copy of a book.

[Errlee]

Average reading week here.

Finished:
The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner for the astrological term prompt, and also because I am trying to make my way through the Booker shortlist for 2018. I see a few other people have read it/are reading it. I found it pretty bleak, and a lot darker than Orange Is the New Black, which I read years ago when it first came out and I think some people referenced. Also, it was fiction not a memoir so different in that way too, although I read that the author is a big researcher and she spent 10 days in jail as part of it. I liked it overall but found some of the childhood stuff so depressing, and I thought it was a bit uneven - not sure I got why she even had the dirty cop's chapters in there - the teacher's were ok, but I found the diary excerpts from the Unabomber weirdly out of place too. But she does have such a good way with words I thought, and characters.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid for the clothing on the cover prompt. I liked this one too but a very different book from The Mars Room! It was entertaining - but I found it dragged a bit in the last 1/3 of the book (except for the big ending of course) - I mean how many times (view spoiler)[ can they keep entering into fake marriages and doing the same thing over and over again? I could have done with a few less. (hide spoiler)]

Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler - technically I finished the last bit of this Friday morning, so after the check in but I'm just going to put it here. Read this for the inspired by Shakespeare prompt for ATY. It's part of the Hogarth project of reworking Shakespeare, and it's a reworking of Taming of the Shrew. I didn't love it - it was fine but felt artificial to me and like the author just phoned it in, if you know what I mean. It was cute but totally forgettable I thought. This is the second Anne Tyler I've read and I have to say I don't think I'm a big fan, although I liked the first one I read a bit more (Breathing Lessons). I know she is well loved though.

Currently Reading:

Popular Music from Vittula by Mikael Niemi - this is my book club book for next week and I'm also going to use if for the Scandinavia prompt. But I have so say I'm about 50 pages in and really NOT liking it so far. I am not a fan of magical realism, and I don't like the main character's voice at all, and from what I've read there is going to start being a lot of sex coming up, from this weird guy's perspective and I'm not looking forward to it really. If it wasn't for book club, I would DNF it (which I don't do lightly but will do on occasion). And I still might if it doesn't get much better

The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morten - just started this last night for the ATY monthly read, fitting the dual timeline prompt. I've never read any of her books and it seems good so far (only a couple of chapters in). But I am 500 on the hold list at my library so could only get it on express eBook, which only gives me 7 days and it's pretty long. I'm hoping to snag a physical express book copy in the next week or so because we get those for 2 weeks, and I prefer physical books anyways and only read eBooks when it's the only way I can get a book - so just need to keep stalking my library site until I find a copy near me.

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King. Started this morning, for the "love" prompt, since I just couldn't bring myself to read a YA teen romance for the monthly read (sorry to all those who enjoyed it, just not my thing). I enjoy a good Stephen King book, and so far this one seems pretty readable.

QOW - Nope. Too many books to read as it is.

In terms of the library discussion, our library lowered their fines but still have them, and also used to limit renewals to 3 times (so 3 weeks x 3) provided there's no holds, but now its unlimited. So as long as no one else wants the book, you can have it out indefinitely as long as you remember to renew though (which you can do online). A couple of times a year I flub the dates and end up racking up fines (because I often have 15 or so books out at a time for various family members so even a day or two late adds up) ... but I figure $40-$50 a year in fines is a small price to pay for how many books I get to read.

[Abbie]

Errlee wrote: "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King. Started this morning, for the "love" prompt, since I just couldn't bring myself to read a YA teen romance for the monthly read (sorry to all those who enjoyed it, just not my thing). I enjoy a good Stephen King book, and so far this one seems pretty readable."

I loved this book; I think it's one of the Stephen King books that has actually scared me the most. I love to hike and after reading that I thought I might never go in the woods again lol.

[Lorna]

17/50

I'm slowly whittling down the number of books I have out from the library and the best part is I've been able to make them fit into the prompts! I definitely have been a little bit liberal about where some books go, but that's okay!

I'm currently working on Fire & Blood, The Castings Trilogy, and My Husband and I: The Inside Story of 70 Years of the Royal Marriage for various prompts plus another book for book club that doesn't fit any of the PopSugar challenges. It's a lot of reading!

[Fatima]

Finished
Sea Prayer for a book based on true story
Children of Blood and Bone for book meant to read in 2018
Just For Clicks for a debut novel

[Kate]

Ok so I feel like I’ve got a pretty strong start on the challenge this year... so for I’m:

8/40- Regular Challenge
0/10- Advanced Challenge
0- Non-challenge

Here’s what I’ve read so far:

1) The Nightingale By: Kristin Hannah- this checks off the ‘book becoming a movie in 2019’ category. I highly recommend this one

2) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone By: JK Rowling- this checks off the ‘book that makes you nostalgic’ category.

3) Hindsight: And All the Things I Can’t See In Front Of Me By: Justin Timberlake- this checks off the ‘book written by a musician’ Category. I recommend this if you are a JT fan. It’s a quick, fun read.

4) The Tattooist of Auschwitz By: Heather Morris- this checks off the ‘book you think should be turned into a movie’ category.

5) The Thing About Love By: Julie James- this checks off the ‘re-read of a favorite book’ category.

6) The Book Thief By: Markus Zusak- this checks off the ‘book with at least one million ratings on Goodreads’ Category.

7) The Alchemist By: Paulo Coelho- this checks off the ‘book you meant to read in 2018’ category. Actually just finished this one today!

8) The Time Traveler’s Wife By: Audrey Niffenegger- this checks off the ‘book with an item of clothing or accessory on the cover’ category.

Now I’m going to snuggle on the couch with my pup and crack open Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Happy Reading everyone!!

[Sherry]

Hello all,

Right now I am enjoying the wonderful super cold weather that all the east was experiencing a week ago. It ended for you and came west. But it is nothing out of the ordinary and it would not be winter in Alberta if we didn't get at least one good cold snap. We have been so lucky so far this year as winter up to this point has been mild.

Since I have seen a kindle discussion come up. I have had both a Kindle and a Kobo and I love my Kobo mainly as it has a back lighting setting that you can remove all "blue light" (the light that they say keeps you up all night) and it makes it so much nicer to read on.

I am checking in for two weeks as I try twice last week but kept getting interrupted before I could finish my post.

I have finished a few books:

The Ark For the prompt set in space, It was a good read, quite a few twists to the story and well written. In one part of the book it talks about the main character traveling out in a space pod and the disorientation the character felt, I was almost putting my head between my legs to stop the spinning feeling. Very well done. It could also be used for the amateur detective prompt as they have been travelling through space for 250+ years and the last major crime (an art theft) happening 6o years ago.

I also read the last 4 of the Locke and key graphic novels.Crown of Shadows, Keys to theKingdom, Clockworks, Alpha & Omega. I really enjoyed the book series and have used all four for the prompt A book about family as it is about a family just a really messed up one.

Currently reading The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future starting looking in to this system as I heard a few ladies talking about it in one of the threads in this group and decided to check it out.

I had one DNF Three Simple Rules I was looking for a quick fun read, only got about 1/3 way in and realized it was all sex no real meat to the story which got tiring quickly.

QOTW

No I have never won an advanced copy but I did once win a copy of Casual Vacancy. I was not very impressed by the book and only made it halfway through.

Cheers everyone
Happy reading.

[Carmen]

I am so impressed with people reading the books in order of the prompts! It seems so organized!