Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
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January 2020 Monthly Reading Discussion
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Emily wrote: "In other news, I just finished Know My Name: A Memoir and it was AMAZING. Like... I know it's only January 14th and a bit early to be naming favorites, but this will definitely be t..."That is good to hear. I have a copy and have it on my list to read in the next couple of months!
Emily, on your shelf you can mark the audio books as read without adding a date. Then add a note (it is under your shelf setting if you are looking for notes). That way you have the finished date record but it those books will not be part of your GR challenge.
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I hadn't thought about adding a note! I have the start and finish dates saved on my spreadsheet, but I may go the notes route here.
Lizzy wrote: "Steve wrote: "3rd week check-in:So far this year, I've read 5 books. I'm well on my pace to my 65 goal! (Life will get crazier as the year goes on, so I have no intentions of maintaining my curre..."
This was my first TC Boyle novel. I enjoyed it and it as going to be 4-star book, but I didn't enjoy the use of nature to wrap up the plot at the end.
Checking in for the first time this year. I have done pretty well so far, as far as reading speed. I know I will hit lags throughout the year, either just times where I'm not feeling it, or times when I really don't have time to read, so I'm grateful to build in space early on.So far this year, I have read:
2. A book by an author whose last name is one syllable: You're Never Weird on the Internet by Felicia Day. I started this one in December, but didn't finish it until January, so I'm counting it.
4. A book set in a place or time you wouldn't want to live: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. I really liked this book a lot, and couldn't wait to read the sequel.
18. A book by an author you've only read once before: Cilka's Journey, also by Heather Morris. #4 was the first book I'd read by her, so I decided the follow-up would work nicely in this spot.
16. A book set in a rural or sparsely populated area: Old McDowell’s Farm by Linda Drugan. This book was just okay, with lots of typos and grammar issues, plus much of it was very predictable, but it was a nice story and a change from the heavy issues of the past two books I'd read. It was a Kindle book I won in a Goodreads giveaway, so I figured I might as well read it.
Currently reading:
51. A book with an "-ing" word in the title: Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel. This is an ARC I won in a Goodreads giveaway that won't be released until March 17th. I'm just a couple chapters into it, so we'll see how it goes. I actually had this slated for prompt 1 - a book without the letters A, T, or Y in the title, but I thought it was just called Rose Gold. Once I saw that it was Darling Rose Gold, that didn't work!
I might move things around as I go, as many of the books I have slated for certain prompts could fit in multiple places, so we'll see if these stay until the end, or if they get shifted. :)
First time posting here on the monthly and since this is the first year for reading challenges I feel I am way behind. The reading challenges I have joined: 2020 ATY in 52 Books Reading Challenge, PopSugar 2020 Reading Challenge, The 2020 Christian Fiction Readers Challenge that I downloaded from Chautona Havig's website, Brenda Novak's 2020 Reading Challenge, and GR's reading challenge of 250 books.
Cheryl wrote: "First time posting here on the monthly and since this is the first year for reading challenges I feel I am way behind. The reading challenges I have joined: 2020 ATY in 52 Books Reading Challenge, ..."Wow! That's impressive. You can do it! Still plenty of time to make up the lost days so far.
Alicia wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "First time posting here on the monthly and since this is the first year for reading challenges I feel I am way behind. The reading challenges I have joined: 2020 ATY in 52 Books Read..."Yes, I want to get back to my usual reading routine of minimum of 5 books a week!
Do you ever have a book where everything is 'right' but it's just not clicking? So frustrating! I started The Greyfriar yesterday and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it so far-good writing, good character development, it's a genre that I really like (steampunk/romance), and it's gotten good reviews etc. And yet, it's just not working for me, which is making me a bit bummed.
I think it may because it's a trilogy so I know the story is going to be drawn out (I usually avoid trilogies if possible), and then I have 13 or 14 library books on hand and another 2 holds that are ready to pick up, so I'm very distracted right now with all the other books I want to get through, sigh....
I think I'll return it to the library for now but not mark it DNF, since I do really want to read it at some point.
eta: I also just went through my library pile and I'm returning a few others un-read, just because I know it's not realistic to get through them in the next few weeks. They'll still be on my TBR list though, for later!
I think it may because it's a trilogy so I know the story is going to be drawn out (I usually avoid trilogies if possible), and then I have 13 or 14 library books on hand and another 2 holds that are ready to pick up, so I'm very distracted right now with all the other books I want to get through, sigh....
I think I'll return it to the library for now but not mark it DNF, since I do really want to read it at some point.
eta: I also just went through my library pile and I'm returning a few others un-read, just because I know it's not realistic to get through them in the next few weeks. They'll still be on my TBR list though, for later!
ZeeJane wrote: "Do you ever have a book where everything is 'right' but it's just not clicking? So frustrating! I started The Greyfriar yesterday and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it so far..."I have done that before. It all is great in my mind when I get the book from the library but I get distracted so easily that I end up returning and then get it at a later time when my mind and time is a little clearer!
I can also totally relate to return books to library due to time factor. I always get more than I can possibly read in the two weeks but I also know there may be time where I can breeze through a couple so fast I would be wishing I got more! You know what I mean?
Cheryl wrote: "ZeeJane wrote: "Do you ever have a book where everything is 'right' but it's just not clicking? So frustrating! I started The Greyfriar yesterday and there is absolutely nothing wron..."
Yes! It's like I'm afraid I'm going to run out of books, so I check out the whole library, LOL.
Yes! It's like I'm afraid I'm going to run out of books, so I check out the whole library, LOL.
dalex wrote: "
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
This. Book.
O my gee.
5 bright and sparkly stars.
Just. Wow."
I'm about halfway done and am absolutely loving it!
Finished two more, so I am at 4/52!17. A book with a neurodiverse character) - The Girl He Used to Know (4/5) thanks to the recommendations from you guys! I really enjoyed this book. I know there are mixed feelings about the end of the book, and while it was rushed, I thought it was a really good read (well listen)
3. A book that you are prompted to read because of something you read in 2019 - After the Storm) (3/5) I started reading Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series last year, and this one just hit from the library so I read it for that prompt. It was probably my least favorite of the series so far, but entertaining enough.
Now.... I feel I have bit off more than I can chew... but I am currently reading three prompts. I try to limit to one or two at a time, but I got a little overambitious when I started planning
1. A book with a title that doesn't contain the letters A, T, or Y - Fierce Kingdom
19. A fantasy - Wayward Son
And then Saving Meghan for the PS medical thriller prompt. I will try to find somewhere to use it. I was thinking maybe 22 (major theme of survival), but I will have to decide once I finish it. If not, I can use it for 51 (a book with an -ing word in the title)
Brooke wrote: "I'm about halfway done and am absolutely loving it!"I started it yesterday afternoon on a break at work and by the time I got home I was totally in "Y'all need to go away and leave me alone with this book!" mode. :lol: I devoured it.
Hi all. I don’t think I’ve checked in lately. I finished Very Far Away from Anywhere Else by Ursula K.Le Guin. I picked it up to use for prompt 14 A book by an author on the Abe list of 100 essential female writers. I used it for #9 A book that can be read in a day. That was the harder prompt for me. Finished Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori. I want to thank everyone that recommended this book. I used it for prompt#17 A book with a neurodiverse character. I didn’t have a book in mind for this prompt so this worked perfectly. Finished The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms. #2 A book by an author whose last name is 1 syllable. Currently reading Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy for #1 A book with a title that doesn’t contain the letters A,T,or Y. Also thank you for the recommendation for Long Bright River by Liz Moore. I will put a hold on it as soon as I free up space on my holds.
I also put a hold on Long Bright River in Libby after reading the above. Through my local library there was over a six month hold and I was bummed. Then I clicked over to the state library and the hold said available soon! Sweeeeet
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I really need to get on the hold list for long bright river! I started
today, not that far in. It's interesting but I'm not sure I'm that into it. Has anyone else read it?
I finished Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy. I used it for a book that doesn’t contain the letters A,T,or Y. It will also work for 1st book in a series you haven’t started. Book set in a rural or sparsely populated area. Book featuring an LGBTQIA + character.
Just finished
. I don't read enough non-fiction and this was just terrific. I knew so little about James Garfield beyond he had been assassinated, so it was interesting and educational at the same time. Highly recommend.
dalex wrote: "Brooke wrote: "I'm about halfway done and am absolutely loving it!"I started it yesterday afternoon on a break at work and by the time I got home I was totally in "Y'all need to go away and leave..."
I finished this morning! Oh my goodness - if I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Long Bright River might just be the first mystery I've ever read where I didn't try to figure out who did it because I was so absorbed in the writing.
This has been a good year of reading so far, as 3 of my 12 books read so far have been 5 stars! I hope this continues!
Sara wrote: "Just finished . I don't read enough non-fiction and this was just terrific. I knew so little a..."I’m glad you liked it! Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President is the non fiction book I always recommend to anyone wanting a non fiction book. I have read Candice Millard’s other books. The are good too but Destiny of Republic is still my favorite.
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I am NOT SURE about this lol. Has anyone read it and loved it?
Emily wrote: "I loaned my mom The Secrets We Kept, which I got in a Christmas book swap but haven't read yet (saving for the Billy Joel prompt). When she gave it back to me, she said she required..."I've read The Secrets We Kept and liked it. I don't think reading Doctor Zhivago prior is necessary. I haven't read it and don't feel like I missed any part of the story. I'm sure it would enhance the overall picture of TSWK, but you could just watch the movie. ;-)
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Emily wrote: "Haha my mom LOVES Doctor Zhivago, so I think she's just trying to get me to read it. I'll probably just watch the movie, though, because that's a long classic and I'm just not sure if I'm up to it."My mom does too! But I think she loves the movie...I don't think she's actually read the book. LOL
The movie is also long...even has an intermission. Still it is quite beautiful.
Chelsey wrote: "I really need to get on the hold list for long bright river! I started today, not that far in. It's interesting but I'm not sure I'm that into it. Has anyone else read..."I have read it and loved it. It's definitely quirky but has a lot of the things that I like in a story: secret society, main character who has lost their memory, super powers/fantastical abilities...If I remember correctly, it was a bit slow to get going. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Chelsey wrote: "I really need to get on the hold list for long bright river! I started today, not that far in. It's interesting but I'm not sure I'm that into it. Has anyone else read..."I enjoyed it! Although I read it before memory loss became a bit of an overdone trope, but I liked how she seemed like two different people. I haven't got round to the sequel yet.
I’ve read 6 books for January so far and I have 20 on my February tbr make it make sense
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Emily wrote: "I loaned my mom The Secrets We Kept, which I got in a Christmas book swap but haven't read yet (saving for the Billy Joel prompt). When she gave it back to me, she said she required..."I loved Doctor Zhivago also, but I was a lot younger when I read it. I am curious what I would think of it now. It didn't feel long to me then.
Emily wrote: "You do know that February is two days shorter than January, right? 😂"
LOL! I was doing the math too and was like Dang! That's definitely an epic monthly goal :)
LOL! I was doing the math too and was like Dang! That's definitely an epic monthly goal :)
Emily wrote: "You do know that February is two days shorter than January, right? 😂"my brain is aware of this but my desire to read all the things is not
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I probably should have just spent the time I was taking the quiz reading instead, but here we are.
(Here's the quiz, if you're interested: https://www.listchallenges.com/1000-b...)
Emily wrote: "I feel that hard. I was taking a quiz to see how many books I've read out of a list of 1000, and I had read 302, but had about 500 others on my TBR.I probably should have just spent the time I wa..."
Finally, a list with books that I've actually read! I've read 266, and many more are on my TBR. I can't quite figure out what the criteria was for which books were chosen to be on this list though.
Emily wrote: "I feel that hard. I was taking a quiz to see how many books I've read out of a list of 1000, and I had read 302, but had about 500 others on my TBR.
I probably should have just spent the time I wa..."
I've only read 131 books on the list and DNF'd 5 of them, eek! I really need to up my reading game, lol.
I probably should have just spent the time I wa..."
I've only read 131 books on the list and DNF'd 5 of them, eek! I really need to up my reading game, lol.
Emily wrote: "I feel that hard. I was taking a quiz to see how many books I've read out of a list of 1000, and I had read 302, but had about 500 others on my TBR.I probably should have just spent the time I wa..."
What a diverse assortment of titles! I have no idea how they picked them, but I do agree that it was nice to actually have read some on the list. My total is 273 and I own at least 250-300 more that I will get to one of these days. A few I honestly had no idea...some of the kids books I don't remember with certainty. And some like John Grisham I'm pretty sure I read at one point, but since it was before Goodreads and I've seen the movies, I don't know.
I counted 271, but honestly got befuddled trying to remember if I’d read certain kids’ books. Also thought I came across some duplicates in there. Nice varied list, though.
I have read 286 of the books on the list and there are a ton that are on my TBR list. I also liked how there was a diverse group of books on the list.
Sabrina wrote: "Emily wrote: "You do know that February is two days shorter than January, right? 😂"my brain is aware of this but my desire to read all the things is not"
I knocked off half of my library stack but I still have 9 left that are due by February 1st hahahaha
Emily wrote: "...I probably should have just spent the time I was taking the quiz reading instead, but here we are...."Or the amount of time we spend playing with our spreadsheets...
Tangentially related, I deleted the Facebook app off my phone yesterday to try to get myself to cut down on my screen time and concentrate on more productive/important things.
Steve wrote: "Emily wrote: "...I probably should have just spent the time I was taking the quiz reading instead, but here we are...."Or the amount of time we spend playing with our spreadsheets...
Tangentiall..."
Perfecting my spreadsheet is one of my life achievements! lol
316 for me, and yes should have spent the time finishing the novel I am reading...but lists are always fun.
I got around 179, but didn't include books that I started but abandoned, or books that I'm not sure if I read or not. 😅
@ Steve, I have timers set on certain apps on my phone. It gives me a reminder when I have 5 minutes left and then cuts me off when I reach 15 ( theres an option to continue but I rarely if ever use it). I barely pick up my phone anymore :-).Also, I have binge watched and caught up on every tv show known to man over the last year and a half, so there's nothing left for me to watch. I am getting a ton more reading done now and expect to finish more than one challenge this year.
Haven't started spread sheeting yet, but i'm so tempted.
I got 205...I had to keep stopping myself clicking them when I'd just seen the film! It does seem like an odd list until you notice they're all bestsellers. There are a lot that used to be on my TBR that I ended up donating to charity unread...
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Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Little Fires Everywhere (other topics)Night Shift (other topics)
Under the Dome (other topics)
Soulless (other topics)
The Word is Murder (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Candice Millard (other topics)Liz Moore (other topics)
Liz Moore (other topics)
Chautona Havig (other topics)
Brenda Novak (other topics)
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If we are being honest, I'll probably just not set a finish date and go back and input them at the end of the year.