Two Can Play at This Game

[Jannene]

OMG! This is the first time I’ve been on a team with Almeta.

[Jannene]

Hi all!!

I’m reading Scythe. It fits for the Gryffindor task below.

Relic/important item associated with: goblin-made ruby encrusted sword - Read a book with a sword or other weapon prominent on the cover

[Carol]

I’m at a basketball game out of town but planning to start The Housekeeper and the Professor, for The translated fiction task, tonight.

[Laura]

Hi Jannene! Enjoy it!

Carol, that is a dynamite book. I hope you love it as much as I did.

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "OMG! This is the first time I’ve been on a team with Almeta."

It's about time! Looking forward to it!☺

[Almeta]

Been gone for most of the day. Debra and I went to our yearly movie marathon event, which began today and we will be gone again next Saturday for the conclusion. We spend all day at the theater viewing the Academy Award Nominees for Best Picture.

BlacKKKlansman was excellent.

Looks like everyone is off to a good start.

Beginning my first task now.

[[deleted user]]

Almeta wrote: "Just set up the reporting thread for our team here:
Team Two Scored!"

Many thanks Almeta!

[Carol]

Almeta wrote: "Been gone for most of the day. Debra and I went to our yearly movie marathon event, which began today and we will be gone again next Saturday for the conclusion. We spend all day at the theater vie..."

I loved BlacKKKlansman, too!

[Carol]

I switched books to The Last Cut, one in an historical mystery series I love that takes place in 1920s Egypt. It’s not a fast read but I’m quite happy. Oh, this is for the task where a murder takes place.

[[deleted user]]

We're doing really well everyone! 30 points so far. I am hoping to finish my first read tomorrow.

[Laura]

Omg I can highly recommend the book I just finished, which two good friends here recommended to me. A v fast read too!

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

And it works for the book where someone was discriminated against. M/c has a club foot. Terrific middle grade fiction, WWII, and heartwarming. This is the first of a series and I heard the second is also great. The title for that one is in yellow so I'll read that next.

Not sure if I'll be able to get three books read in this busy work week, but I'm good for two at least, good lord willin' and the crick don't rise. 💙😎

[Carol]

Laura wrote: "Omg I can highly recommend the book I just finished, which two good friends here recommended to me. A v fast read too!

The War that Saved My Life by [author:Kimberly Brubaker Bradl..."

Sounds fab, Laura. I'm hoping to finish my first book tonight, and I've enjoyed it immensely, too.

[Laura]

I love it when toppler tasks lead to great reads! :D

[Almeta]

Sounds as though some good books are being read. I hope that is true for everyone.

How's everybody doing?

[Almeta]

Carol wrote: "I’m at a basketball game out of town but planning to start The Housekeeper and the Professor, for The translated fiction task, tonight."

I was very impressed by this book. Hope you are enjoying it.

[Carol]

Almeta wrote: "Carol wrote: "I’m at a basketball game out of town but planning to start The Housekeeper and the Professor, for The translated fiction task, tonight."

I was very impressed by this b..."

I think I will be, Almeta - but I needed to slip something easier to read in the car with the radio and other family members chattering - so it's up after this one. I read a dozen or so Japanese novels each year and have read all of Ogawa's other novels except this one, her most famous. Bah! starting soon....

[Carol]

Almeta, what did you think of Brother? I read it last year as part of a really great group read, but was conflicted. Started out 5, dropped to 3. Thoughts?

[Almeta]

Carol wrote: "Almeta, what did you think of Brother? I read it last year as part of a really great group read, but was conflicted. Started out 5, dropped to 3. Thoughts?"

That was actually TrudyAn's book. I haven't read Brother.☻

[Carol]

Almeta wrote: "Carol wrote: "Almeta, what did you think of Brother? I read it last year as part of a really great group read, but was conflicted. Started out 5, dropped to 3. Thoughts?"

That was actually TrudyAn..."

My bad! Must have mis-read the reporting thread.
@Trudy An?

[Jannene]

I ended up adding Scythe as a series that I want to continue. Luckily it is only two more reads and that includes the one anticipated to come out this year.

[Jannene]

I’m now reading Everywhere That Mary Went for Slytherin - Characteristic: cunning and shrewd - Read a book with an attorney as a main character.

[Almeta]

I am reading An Absolutely Remarkable Thing , with a yellow title .

This one will "win" for me a second badge for the Movie Mania challenge....so bonus!☺

[Jannene]

Almeta wrote: "I am reading An Absolutely Remarkable Thing , with a yellow title .

This one will "win" for me a second badge for the Movie Mania challenge....so bonus!☺"

BONUS!!!

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "I’m now reading Everywhere That Mary Went for Slytherin - Characteristic: cunning and shrewd - Read a book with an attorney as a main character."

Sounds pretty creepy!

[Almeta]

Carol wrote: "......My bad! Must have mis-read the reporting thread.
@Trudy An? ..."

It is probably because I repeat everyone's message with an added reward of a quote and a picture.

Since graphics are too crippling for some devices, I am trying to use "one line" text pictures. They just don't have the same effect!☻

[Trudy]

Carol wrote: "Almeta, what did you think of Brother? I read it last year as part of a really great group read, but was conflicted..."

Brother was good. It dealt with issues that are as timely today as they were 40 years ago, its themes being immigration, racism, and poverty. I thought the character of Michael’s mother was particularly well-developed, the other characters less so. I had a strong emotional reaction to her struggles and the manner in which she dealt with grief. The book held no surprises, though, and I doubt this will be a story I’ll remember.

I’ve given it three stars, which is what you rated it, Carol. What were your thoughts, and reasons for feeling conflicted?

[Trudy]

Almeta wrote: "I am reading An Absolutely Remarkable Thing , with a yellow title .

This one will "win" for me a second badge for the Movie Mania challenge....so bonus!☺"

This being only mid-February, already achieving the second badge in the annual challenge is an absolutely remarkable thing!

[Jannene]

Almeta wrote: "Jannene wrote: "I’m now reading Everywhere That Mary Went for Slytherin - Characteristic: cunning and shrewd - Read a book with an attorney as a main character."

Sounds pretty creepy!"

It is pretty creepy. I’m 50% in and still have no clue what is going on and the MC is in a state of panic.

[Jannene]

Almeta wrote: "Carol wrote: "......My bad! Must have mis-read the reporting thread.
@Trudy An? ..."

It is probably because I repeat everyone's message with an added reward of a quote and a picture.

Since graph..."

I did notice my sword you gave me. It was fantastic. ;)

[Carol]

TrudyAn wrote: "Carol wrote: "Almeta, what did you think of Brother? I read it last year as part of a really great group read, but was conflicted..."

Brother was good. It dealt with issues that ar..."

The girlfriend, what in the world was that character other than a plot device? It got off to a strong start notwithstanding said GF, but that Chariandy was unsure where he wanted to take it. It seemed to drift from the party with Michael’s mom to the end, without a clear purpose. It’s interest because the folks reading the Canadian Reads books are generally way more wowed than I was, although I wanted to be. Your comments totally make sense to me.

[Carol]

Almeta wrote: "Carol wrote: "......My bad! Must have mis-read the reporting thread.
@Trudy An? ..."

It is probably because I repeat everyone's message with an added reward of a quote and a picture.

Since graph..."

I love your pictures, almeta!

[Trudy]

Carol wrote: "TrudyAn wrote: "Carol wrote: "Almeta, what did you think of Brother? ...."

Yes, the beginning of the book was definitely the strongest. I see what you’re saying about the plot drifting,

I haven’t read all of the Canada Reads contenders, but this isn’t the first one I haven’t loved!

[Poongothai]

Hi Team. Hope you all are having fun.
I was busy attending a wedding this weekend.


I'm of to gopher books. I think I will read two books for the toppler.

[Almeta]

Poongothai wrote: "Hi Team. Hope you all are having fun.
I was busy attending a wedding this weekend.


I'm of to gopher books. I think I will read two books for the toppler."
☺

Looking forward to seeing what tasks you choose.

[[deleted user]]

Laura wrote: "Omg I can highly recommend the book I just finished, which two good friends here recommended to me. A v fast read too!

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradl..."</i>

<i>Laura wrote: "Omg I can highly recommend the book I just finished, which two good friends here recommended to me. A v fast read too!

[book:The War that Saved My Life by [author:Kimberly Brubaker Bradl..."

I've added to my TBR Laura.

I'm aiming for 2 books too. I would love to do more, but with work and home commitments, it can be difficult to make the time. By the time I get home from work, I am so tired I rarely have the energy to read.

[[deleted user]]

Almeta wrote: "I am reading An Absolutely Remarkable Thing , with a yellow title .

This one will "win" for me a second badge for the Movie Mania challenge....so bonus!☺"

That's great Almeta!

[[deleted user]]

Poongothai wrote: "Hi Team. Hope you all are having fun.
I was busy attending a wedding this weekend.


I'm of to gopher books. I think I will read two books for the toppler."

Hi Poongothai!

I hope you enjoyed the wedding?

[[deleted user]]

I'm currently at work - should be working, but catching up on here instead. I am really hoping to finish my first book tonight. I think I only have 70 or so pages left and with it being middle grade, I should be able to do it.

[Laura]

Are you enjoying it Anna? I was wondering how it's going as I may pick it up soon.

I'm glad you added War, and the second book is promising to be as good as the second!

Almeta, I love your pictures. Your little foot was so cute. You're multi-talented! I can't believe how fast you read. 💪🏻💙❤️

[Laura]

Nice to see you Poongothai, and I hope you enjoyed the wedding 😀

[Jannene]

I’m onto Slytherin - House Ghost: The Bloody Baron: He killed the grey lady, then himself - Read a book that involves a murder or suicide. Frame Up

I said that I would read 1-2 books. I may or may not finish this one.

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "I’m onto Slytherin - House Ghost: The Bloody Baron: He killed the grey lady, then himself - Read a book that involves a murder or suicide. Frame Up

I said that I would read 1-2 books. I may or may not finish this one. ..."

You can do the one more!☺

[Laura]

Good luck, Jannene. I said the same, and hoping I finish the second one too. It helped that they are a series and both children's lit. And excellent five star reads! So I'm hoping for two.

The War that Saved My Life
The War I Finally Won

[[deleted user]]

Laura wrote: "Are you enjoying it Anna? I was wondering how it's going as I may pick it up soon.

I'm glad you added War, and the second book is promising to be as good as the second!

Almeta, I love your pictu..."

I didn't manage to read anything last night ;-(

I am enjoying it but I must admit I keep finding myself comparing it to Harry Potter and really, I don't think it's right to. There are similarities but enough differences too. So far, unless something amazing happens at the end, (or something awful), this is a firm 4* read and I definitely want to read the next one.

[Laura]

Well, that's good enough for me! Are you past halfway?

[Almeta]

Good Morning! c[_]

Only a short time left.

How's everyone doing?

I've gotten all my shorter books out of the way. Now left with the ones of larger length, so I'll be slowing down.

I also will be gone on Saturday to view 4 more Best Picture Academy Award Nominees.

[Laura]

Almeta, how do you read so fast?! You're amazing.

I'm hoping to finish my second book. It is riveting and reads fast but work is slammed right now. I'd say I have a 75% chance of being able to finish it, if that helps for planning.

Enjoy your films!

[Almeta]

Laura wrote: "Almeta, how do you read so fast?! You're amazing.

I'm hoping to finish my second book. It is riveting and reads fast but work is slammed right now. I'd say I have a 75% chance of being able to fi..."

I really don't think I'm a fast reader. ☻It helps to do audio AND to have lots of time!

[Laura]

Do you speed up your audiobooks?

[Almeta]

Laura wrote: "Do you speed up your audiobooks?"

Yes...usually 1.5 speed. Sometimes only 1.25. 2.0 is way too fast for me to follow!

I think 1.0 would be too slow for me now that I'm used to faster speeds.