Play Book Tag discussion
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Trim 2020 Continuation - Announcement, Community, and Chit Chat Thread
I will set up the From Sand and Ash Buddy read thread on September 1st. Or second. The first is our anniversary.... The book is almost at the library....
Amy wrote: "I will set up the From Sand and Ash Buddy read thread on September 1st. Or second. The first is our anniversary.... The book is almost at the library...."Sounds good. I spotted one psychological. tag. I had to double check to make sure it wasn't my tag. It wasn't.
NancyJ wrote: "Amy wrote: "I will set up the From Sand and Ash Buddy read thread on September 1st. Or second. The first is our anniversary.... The book is almost at the library...."Sounds good. I spotted one ps..."
Found my copy ...ebook in Kindle App.
My # 11 is Odds Against by Dick Francis .... which I read in April!I'm currently listening to the audio for my # 22, and have # 6 and # 19 queued up next on audio.
Amy wrote: "I will set up the From Sand and Ash Buddy read thread on September 1st. Or second. The first is our anniversary.... The book is almost at the library...."Sounds good, Amy.
My # 11 is From Sand and Ash-have to see if my library has it.Just checked-had to order through inter-library, but should have it in a week or so-
I am in on the From Sand and Ash group read. I have not read anything by Amy Harmon and am looking forward to it.
I’m so excited for this buddy read group!
Oh! I have From Sand and Ash too! But realistically, not sure I will get to it. We just moved! and have much to accomplish in the next few weeks.
Shelly, moving is so exciting and fun! (Actually, I hate it.) We did a few fun things last time. We did a hokey sage ritual, to cleanse the house of whatever. We made up our own little prayer and ditties. Good luck with it and be nice to yourself. Focus on the priorities and let some things just wait.
Amy et al, I can read it anytime, but preferably not the first week. Let me know when you're starting.
I think I haven't updated my progress on this unofficial challenge.I have finished:
January # 12 - Thirteen Moons 5***** My review HERE
February # 9 - Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict 2** My review HERE
May # 21 - The Women in the Castle 3*** My review HERE
July # 15 - Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows 4**** My review HERE (read 12/30/2019)
August # 11 - Odds Against 3*** (read in April) - My review HERE
Yesterday I finished March's # 22 - But I haven't written my review yet. And I'm currently listening to April's # 6, and have June's # 19 queued up for my next audio.
Because I decided to try to get them all done this year, once I get these next two audios finished, I'll have only 11 left on my list!
I put too many long books on my list... I'm listening to Anna Karenina and I already own the Audible version of A Game of Thrones, thanks to hubby. That leaves The Stand which will keep me from beating my husband and my monthly competition which ever month I choose to read it.
January - 12. The Marriage of Opposites
February - 9. The Weight of Ink
✅ March 22. The Help (finished in April)
April - 6. The Stand
✅ May 21. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows
✅ June 19. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
July - 15. Incantation
August - 4. Anna Karenina
September - 11. A Game of Thrones
Charlotte wrote: "I put too many long books on my list... I'm listening to Anna Karenina and I already own the Audible version of A Game of Thrones, thanks to hubby. That leaves [book:..."
Maybe the competition should shift to number of pages not number of books?
I'm going to have to switch out one of mine. My #1 I've been wanting to read for so long, and it fits two challenges this month. I do have alternates for both challenges that I also want to get to, but I've already checked my #1 out of the library, so I will read it. My current #1 that I'll read this month anyway: Mew Is for Murder. I'll probably switch it for Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks.
Theresa wrote: "Maybe the co petition should shift to number of pages not number of books? ..."I suggested that and we just haven't switched. I'm going to have to push depending on which month I decide to read The Stand.
Finished my number 11, From Sand and Ash.
I finished my #11 A History of Loneliness by John Boyne.I was worried this would be too dark and depressing for me right now. And it was both dark and depressing, but in a way that only John Boyne can pull off. A very satisfying read!
I forgot to post this for AugustUnofficial Trim #4
Alaska - James A. Michener - 4 Stars
James Michener's books often follow the same format. His first chapter deals with the geology of the place, in this case, the crashing together of plates that formed the region into its mountainous terrain. Next, he introduces us to the animals that would have inhabited the region before humans moved onto the scene. Then come the people. Snapshots throughout time are shown of an area's culture, history, and civilization, always in an interesting way. While his books are fiction, they also provide a wealth of historical characters that interract with the fictional ones. Each chapter is like an individual novella.
The lack of memorable generational families and sometimes tedious descriptions made this difficult to read in many places. The most remarkable of Michener's characters were the women, who dominate the book by their strength and willingness to sacrifice in order to survive in the harsh climate.
Michener is a masterful writer who brings to life the rugged individualism it took to be a citizen of Alaska. The harsh realities of trying to live in the most northern places in the world, along with the social and cultural impacts of the first settlers and the differing groups that eventually move to Alaska.
I lived in Alaska in my early twenties and my daughter was born in Anchorage. I've only returned once but it still remains the most beautiful landscape I've ever seen. Even though there were chapters I struggled through, it was a lush, enjoyable reading experience, as well as an educational one.
Unofficial Trim #11 - September
From Sand and Ash - Amy Harmon - 3.5 Stars
This book begins with a prologue that reveals the hero and heroine are in serious danger, which left me interested in reading more to find out how they got to that point.
Raised together since they were children, Eva and Angelo have regarded each other as siblings, or at least cousins. They have always loved and supported each other, but once they become adults they realize their affections have become even stronger. They have major differences that affect their love. Angelo is an American and Catholic, while Eva is an Italian Jew in pre-World War II Italy so readers already know bad things are on the horizon. Despite their love, Angelo becomes a priest, leaving Eva to pursue her music. However, the years that pass do nothing to diminish their feelings for one another.
The author did a wonderful job of immersing the reader in Italian culture and Itaky in the 1940s. There was a great deal of attention paid to character development and the advancement of the plot, but for some reason, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Despite the death, heartbreak, grief, danger, intrigue and suspense, I felt like some of the interaction between the characters was overly dramatic. I did appreciate knowing more about the Catholic Church’s role in saving Jews in Italy.
From Sand and Ash was a solid historical fiction novel with major romantic elements that showcases a cruelty that is impossible to imagine. I think most fans of WWII historical fiction will enjoy it.
Mine is 'House of Leaves'. Like a lot of other things in 2020, trim hasn't gone according to plan for me...
Booknblues wrote: "16. Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's, #1)"Sounds like 2020 😂
Johanne wrote: "Mine is 'House of Leaves'. Like a lot of other things in 2020, trim hasn't gone according to plan for me..."
Oh, I loved that book!
But it is definitely polarizing.
Good for October I think.
My #16 is Monday's Not Coming, but I probably won't get to it because I am doing a horror read challenge. :(
Snowglobe by Amy Wilson for me.
@Meli, I think I'll like it but it seems like a commitment right now.
I've been hoping for this number to be called. My #16 is The Winds of War by Herman Wouk. I read it years ago and even bought the mini-series. I am going to do the almost 46 hour audiobook.
Olivermagnus wrote: "I've been hoping for this number to be called. My #16 is The Winds of War by Herman Wouk. I read it years ago and even bought the mini-series. I am going to do the almost..."Oh! that is one of my favorites of all time! I found the whole series packed away in the basement when I was searching for books in March. I left them out and plan to do a re-read-I love Pug and the family
My 16 is The Flight Attendant. And I have a little note next to it telling me it was a buddy read with Amy!
Amy - Let me know if you think you'll get to read The Flight Attendant this month and we can sync up.
I thought about switching it with something more palatable for the month, and the decided both that I better be legit, and remembered you! So the flight attendant it is. I see myself getting to it early to middle of the month. And I have it in my house so it’s easy to pick it up. But let’s definitely sync up and start it around the same time.But can I admit that I was hoping for either Ghostwriter or A Pidgeon and A Boy? I may read ghost rider anyway and substitute it with something on the TRim TBR. Because I want to read it for fall flurries. October is going to be a tough month for those of us who are doing all the challenges. Because we have the last of the poll ballot tally, unofficial Trim, fall flurries, animal tag, and bingo! Plus for me I could add that I also have my own local book club, and a couple of other priorities. But as many to most of you know, I am in outlander world! Listening to 44 hours of Voyager! Which I hear counts for Sailing!
Sally- would you like to read the Flight Attendant with Sue and I for Trim? Or did you make your own list with your own number 16?
Amy - Early October works for me. And no worries if you really want to swap out with another book. I'm an Outlander fan too - so happy listening!!
And Sally - by all means please do join us in The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian if it looks interesting to you. I don't know if you've read any of his books before. He's a little hit or miss for me. I have a couple of his book on my Favorites shelf and a couple others on my DNF shelf.
My #16 is The Secret of Santa Vittoria, a reread I have wanted to do for years. But it will have to wait...too busy to get to it until later in the year. I am so behind in reading for unofficial trim....but still plenty of time before year end.
Theresa wrote: "My #16 is The Secret of Santa Vittoria, a reread I have wanted to do for years. But it will have to wait...too busy to get to it until later in the year. I am so behind in reading for u..."I read that years ago and remember loving it. I think they also made a movie of it, that I saw.
Yes, just double checked, starring Anthony Quinn
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/17760/...
Booknblues wrote: "Theresa wrote: "My #16 is The Secret of Santa Vittoria, a reread I have wanted to do for years. But it will have to wait...too busy to get to it until later in the year. I am so behind ..."Yes! I am sure I watched it years ago.
Johanne wrote: "@Meli, I think I'll like it but it seems like a commitment right now."Yeah, it is not a short one!
# 11From Sand and Ash by Amy Harman
3 1/2 stars
This historical fiction book takes place during World War II in Italy. The story follows Eva and Angelo as they grow up together and where their lives take them as they become adults. They are in love, but it is war time and she is Jewish and he plans to become a Catholic priest. Their different faiths play a pivotal role in their futures. In the book Angelo tries to protect Eva and beyond that the novel includes the Catholic Church's role of helping protect Jewish Italians when German forces have taken over the country.
The author tells of sacrifices, war, loss and hope. The book is well written. Although it may be predictable at times, the main characters are likable and the reader wants them to survive all that is going on around them. Relationships between characters and family are important in this story and great risks are taken. From Sand and Ash is a quick read and I would recommend it for fans of historical fiction.
Finished Constellation of Vital Phenomena. Next is From Sand and Ash. I'm not sure where they are in my TBR so I'm just having my own private challenge.
Ooooooh I just read Amy's and Sue's posts. I love Bohjalian so YES. I would love to join you and read The Flight Attendant. I just have to get a hold of it. It takes ages to get books from the library. From Sand and Ash is the next one that I reserved that's available. I will try to order the Flight Attendant.
My # 16 is Friends Like Us by Lauren Fox Not sure I'll get to it this month, though, as I have two longish books for my F2F book clubs to fit into my reading schedule ... and I've loaded up my "animal" options ...
Ok I have just seen the second "middle of the road" review for From Sand and Ash -Got no time for middle of the road reads right now....going going gone from the TBR list alleast
#16Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova
4 stars
Author, Lisa Genova, has created a story that is about Huntington's disease and the O’Brien family who is dealing with it. Joe O’Brien was a police officer in his forties when he was diagnosed with Huntington’s and many aspects of his progression with the illness are shown. Genova tells of Joe's denial at first and also his fear of how this will affect his children. His kids each have a 50% chance of having the gene that causes it, and Huntington's will eventually lead to death.
The story is told both from Joe’s point of view and also from his youngest daughter’s side. Katie is a yoga instructor. She is very undecided if she wants to take the test to see if she has the gene that causes the disease. In addition she is hesitant to make choices about the future of her relationships with her boyfriend. Genova does a good job with showing emotions. She educates the reader on the difficulties of the patients and their families. She shows that the question of being testing is not an easy one. It is a very moving book.
#16 The RoadI will probably pass on this one for now, especially since I just got a copy of From Sand and Ash.
Amy and Sallys - I just got my copy of The Flight Attendant from the library.I'll set up a buddy read thread for us - join in when you can.
I can start this pretty soon. When we you both say...
Amy wrote: "I can start this pretty soon. When we you both say..."I read Chapters 1-3 on Amazon and will continue hard copy today.
#16 The Sweetest Thing - Jill Shalvis
3 stars
Tara and her 2 sisters have decided to renovate the Lucky Harbor Beach Inn they inherited and open it together. Tara is back in Lucky Harbor after 17 years not sure what to do with her life and taking things a day at a time. Lucky Harbor is also the place where she met and loved Ford Walker that summer 17 years before. He also is back. As they dance around each other and try to figure out their relationship her Ex shows up and another surprise visitor. Life becomes complicated. This was basically a good romance but I had trouble sympathizing with Tara and her continued push and pull with Ford. Not my favorite book in the series.
Play Book Tag
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I'm so glad there's another Amy Harmon fan here. I really loved
What the Wind Knows too. I sometimes listen to a bit of it at bedtime. I'm a sucker for Irish accents. (That reminds me to call my sil.) The beginning of The Bird and the Sword always makes me smile too. It's so lyrical. Where the Lost Wander also has good reviews.
I'm not really in the mood for a WWII book, but I'll probably feel differently once I start it. If not, it can wait. I've been in a funk too. I need a vacation, but it will have to be a virtual trip.