Jan O’Cat’s 2020 Perfect Vision of a D-List

[OMalleycat]

✅READ 5/16/20 1. I Was a Dancer by Jacques D’Amboise

2. Prodigal Son by Edward Villella.

3. Bloomsbury Ballerina: Lydia Lopokova, Imperial Dancer and Mrs John Maynard Keynes by Judith Mackrell.

4. The Gate by Francois Bizot.

5. After I'm Gone by Laura Lippman.

6. Alligator Candy: A Memoir by David Kushner.

7. Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer.

8. A new-to-me author’s first book. A Beautiful Place to Die by Malia Nunn. I think this was recommended by Shomeret so it could have fit two categories.

9. A book set in a different country than you live in. The Places in Between by Rory Stewart. The author walked/hitchhiked across Afghanistan shortly after the 9/11 attacks.

10. A book that is a different genre than your usual. The Martian by Andy Weir. Dreaded Science Fiction is always an easy pick for this category. 😁

11. & 12. Two books from a series you haven’t completed. Live by Night and The Given Day by Dennis Lehane. Not sure I’ve got the right two titles of this three book series. I haven’t read the second and third, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to go back and reread the first one anyway.

13. A book that comes out in 2020. Lou Berney has a book due in Fall 2020. I don’t know a title yet. Ann, this reminds me that you posted asking about the Lou Berney event I attended recently. I keep forgetting to answer you, but at least you now know he’ll have a book in 2020.

14. A book that was recommended to you. All the Beautiful Lies by Peter Swanson. I really wanted to read the second Cormoran Strike for this category but this one is on my TBR and I’m sticking to my resolution. :::gritting teeth:::

15. A book you meant to read in 2019 (and every year since about 2010). Columbine by Dave Cullen. When our group first moved to Goodreads this author visited our board touting his book. It looked interesting and I’ve had it ever since.

16. A book that came out before you were born. King Lear by William Shakespeare.

✅READ 1/17/20 17. A book with multiple authors. Baltimore Noir edited by Laura Lippman.

All except one of the Lehanes and #17 are from my print TBR. The first three are from my extensive collection of ballet biographies some of which I’ve had forever. I tend to skim and look at the pictures and never really read them. We can all look forward to seeing more on next year’s list!

I’ll get a print copy of Berney’s new one, but read it right away (what a novel idea!) so I’ll eliminate 14 from the TBR mountain and one will never make it to official TBR status. Not as many as I want to eliminate, so watch for another post with another resolution!

[Ann]

Ms. O’Cat Lol! “Dreaded science fiction” - I predict you will love The Martian and I would be happy to recommend the second Cormoran Strike book to you and save your tooth enamel on #14!
Great line-up you’ve got here! Ballet biographies- how interesting! And thank you for the heads up on the upcoming Lou Barney book! Hey, I can use it on my Determination list #14 recommended book.

[Shomeret]

The Gate by François Bizot is very interesting, Jan.

Yes, I did recommend Malia Nunn's series.

[Carol/Bonadie]

I'm impressed that you have planned out your list instead of leaving them to be filled in as you go, like some of us (ahem).

[OMalleycat]

Ann wrote: “I would be happy to recommend the second Cormoran Strike book to you and save your tooth enamel . . "

Ann, I’m eager to read more of Galbraith’s series and hope to get to at least one more soon. The length of the books is one deterrent plus, this year, with two Determination lists plus board group reads plus F2F group reads, I’m thinking I won’t have much time for “free” reading.

[OMalleycat]

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I'm impressed that you have planned out your list instead of leaving them to be filled in as you go, like some of us (ahem)."

Carol, I find I do a lot better when I choose the books in advance and keep them separate from the rest of my books where I can constantly see them and see the progress (or not) that I’m making. If you can find the time, maybe just pull out two or three to stay ahead. If it were me, I’d be discouraged by the task of having to look for a book and end up taking the path of least resistance, reading The Next Big Thing instead.

I find it motivating to read books from my TBR because they’re all books I’ve wanted to read, sometimes for decades. I find it hard to limit myself to the iconic and sacred number 17.

[Carol/Bonadie]

OMalleycat wrote: "Carol, I find I do a lot better when I choose the books in advance and keep them separate from the rest of my books where I can constantly see them and see the progress (or not) that I’m making. ..."

There is wisdom in what you say Ms O'WiseCat!

[Donnajo]

I have The Martian in print too maybe I should read it too. Get it not off shelf but out of bag I think. I’m not into SF either hopefully it isn’t scary.

[Ann]

Jan O'Cat: Yes, the Galbraith books are hefty sized, but read fast once you get started. You have F2F group reads too! How exciting!

OMalleycat wrote: Ann, I’m eager to read more of Galbraith’s series and hope to get to at least one more soon. The length of the books is one deterrent plus, this year, with two Determination lists plus board group reads plus F2F group reads, I’m thinking I won’t have much time for free reading."
Ann wrote: “I would be happy to recommend the second Cormoran Strike book to you and save your tooth enamel. "

DJ: Tension filled, not horror scary. ;)

Donnajo wrote: "I have The Martian in print too maybe I should read it too. Get it not off shelf but out of bag I think. I’m not into SF either hopefully it isn’t scary."

[Donnajo]

Good to know