Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

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2020 Weekly Checkins > Week 24: 6/5 - 6/11

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message 151: by Drakeryn (new)

Drakeryn | 708 comments Thanks for all the explanations, everyone! Based on the wikipedia description, I'm thinking it's probably not my thing, unfortunately.

Authorial reticence is the "deliberate withholding of information and explanations about the disconcerting fictitious world". [...] Explaining the supernatural world or presenting it as extraordinary would immediately reduce its legitimacy relative to the natural world.

I like magic systems explained! (Not every explanation has to be detailed on-page, but I want to feel that the author has a system of rules in mind and isn't just making stuff up as she goes)

[T]he reader must let go of pre-existing ties to conventional exposition, plot advancement, linear time structure, scientific reason, etc., to strive for a state of heightened awareness of life's connectedness or hidden meanings. Luis Leal articulates this feeling as "to seize the mystery that breathes behind things."

I also like conventional exposition and plot advancement! As for linear time structure, I don't mind stories being told out of order (e.g. Vicious flits between "last week" and "three years ago" and "now"), but I want a linear story to eventually emerge, unless there's cool time loop/paradox stuff going on.


message 152: by L Y N N (new)

L Y N N (book_music_lvr) | 4914 comments Mod
poshpenny wrote: "Lynn wrote: "poshpenny wrote: "Mary Robinette Kowal is beginning her Livestream narration for The Relentless Moon in 5 minutes! And I'm at work! ppfftt

https://youtu.be/0OJZZgj42mI"

Since I'm sti..."


Glad you could hear it as well. That is so much fun to listen to!


message 153: by L Y N N (new)

L Y N N (book_music_lvr) | 4914 comments Mod
Lilith wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I don't think these books are what you-all think of as "magical realism," but the book club I facilitate has some members who do not range far and wide in their reading preferences, so..."

I keep meaning to read more of Harris's books but just have not worked them in to my rotation yet! :)


message 154: by Erica (new)

Erica | 1269 comments To me it just seems magical realism is a term to sell light fantasy books to people who don't like fantasy. Anyway that's just my perspective because I read mostly fantasy/science fiction and things labelled magical realism tend to be nothing I want to read. Anyway Seanan McGuire writes constantly so if you read one thing by her and don't like it I wouldn't give up on her as an author. She has loads of ideas that may work for you. I loved the wayward children series because it seemed like she was answering an unanswered question from every fantasy book I've read. However I tried to read Middlegame it just did not work for me because of the constant change in perspective and heavy descriptions of alchemy. I think I needed the information laid out more directly to hold my attention.


message 155: by Laureen (last edited Jun 15, 2020 06:32PM) (new)

Laureen | 16 comments I think the description of Magical Realism in Message 151 by Lilith is a good one. This is not a genre that I try to find, but one of my all time favorite books comes under this genre: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. It is a beautiful story of multi generations and tells of their struggles during political revolution. It is definitely not Fantasy light and there is nothing Sci Fi about it (and don't bother with the movie. Even though it stars Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Antonio Bandera and Jeremy Irons, it just doesn't work like the book does). The magical elements are part of the story but the story is still the main focus. I highly recommend this book. 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is also magical realism, but I have not read that.


message 156: by Cheryl A. (new)

Cheryl A. (teddi1961) I managed 2 books this week - one was very short. I am not sure what prompt I will put them under but at least I read some!

I read Murder Most Maine (Gray Whale Inn Mystery, #3) by Karen MacInerney and Blueberry Blues A Gray Whale Inn Short Story (Gray Whale Inn Mysteries) by Karen MacInerney both by Karen MacInerney

The book I started next was Berried to the Hilt complete on 14th and then started Brush with Death by same author.

I will note them on next weekly check-in!


message 157: by L Y N N (new)

L Y N N (book_music_lvr) | 4914 comments Mod
Lilith wrote: " Stacey wrote:
I have seen both character info dump and magical realism done together in a way that I actually really enjoyed though in The Astonishing Color of After! I'm having a hard time pinpo..."


Is this Margot Berwin as in Scent of Darkness and Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire?

I'm always on the lookout for magical realism books! :)


message 158: by L Y N N (new)

L Y N N (book_music_lvr) | 4914 comments Mod
Lilith wrote: " Stacey wrote:
I have seen both character info dump and magical realism done together in a way that I actually really enjoyed though in The Astonishing Color of After! I'm having a hard time pinpo..."


And what are a couple of your favorite Alice Hoffman books?


message 159: by The Chapter Conundrum (Stacey) (last edited Jun 15, 2020 07:50PM) (new)

The Chapter Conundrum (Stacey) | 404 comments Shannon wrote: "This whole conversation about Seanan McGuire has made me really want to read her books--I *love* magical realism! I realize this has largely been about y'all finding others who aren't super into he..."

Aww I love it and I hope that you really enjoy them if you decide to pick them up! :D We definitely can't all have the same tastes in books and sometimes I find that reverse recommendations like that can really work out! :D

I'm someone who has almost always avoided horror as well (although have been looking into it a bit more lately). I guess in terms of whether you should brave McGuire's books or not it depends why you don't like horror? For me, I hate when the tone of the whole book is scary or when it's the type of story that I could easily insert myself into. For me, Every Heart a Doorway wasn't either of those things so it was totally okay. I will just include a small warning though that there are a couple of moments in the story that include a short description of some gore. They weren't really focused on or delved into in the book (you're reading about them through the eyes of teenagers) and I personally didn't consider them really vivid descriptions but they were definitely in there so if that type of thing is a very hard no for you then just be aware! :) I can't speak to the content of her other books but maybe you can find some trigger/content warnings or maybe someone else here will know! :)


message 160: by The Chapter Conundrum (Stacey) (last edited Jun 15, 2020 09:00PM) (new)

The Chapter Conundrum (Stacey) | 404 comments Drakeryn wrote: "This conversation is making me realize I don't really know what magical realism is! I usually think of it as "contemporary fantasy that's light on the fantasy elements" but I'm not sure if that's c..."

I'm not sure if I know the actual definition either, haha because the difference between low fantasy and magical realism isn't always clear to me but I always considered magical realism to be when a book has a real world or real world-like/mundane setting and introduces magical or supernatural elements but the characters either don't react to it or react to it as though it's more or less ordinary and those elements remain kind of minimal. In contrast, I think of low fantasy more as when you're in a real world setting but magic is very apparent and often reacted to and probably also includes a magic system of some kind.

So just as an example.. for me the bits in the Harry Potter series that take place in London, I would consider to be low fantasy. Even in those parts of the books, magic tends to be a prevalent thing and loads of characters react to it as it's happening (like the owls delivering all his entrance letters and the glass at the zoo and the Ford Anglia being spotted etc.)

For me I can see why Every Heart a Doorway would be considered as a low fantasy (because the idea of these portal worlds is brought up, it drives the book and everyone reacts to the mention of them and the kids experiences with them and because the subsequent books in the series include time in those portal worlds) but the first book specifically had way more of a magical realism feel to it.

Also, this whole chat is helping me realize why I didn't like The Night Circus either and why people who usually don't like fantasy usually still enjoy it! I think it often gets considered to be a low fantasy but has several aspects that feel a lot more like MR!

Also I just realized The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender (which is on my shelf) is MR and now I'm scared to pick it up (not that I had plans to any time soon anyways)..lol! Oh well, at least I didn't spend any money on it since my sister bought it, read it and then passed it on to me. :P


message 161: by The Chapter Conundrum (Stacey) (last edited Jun 15, 2020 09:11PM) (new)

The Chapter Conundrum (Stacey) | 404 comments Drakeryn wrote: "I like magic systems explained! (Not every explanation has to be detailed on-page, but I want to feel that the author has a system of rules in mind and isn't just making stuff up as she goes)

I also like conventional exposition and plot advancement! As for linear time structure, I don't mind stories being told out of order (e.g. Vicious flits between "last week" and "three years ago" and "now"), but I want a linear story to eventually emerge, unless there's cool time loop/paradox stuff going on"


Yess!! I also love a good hard magic system and a strong plot that keeps my interest! I too, don't mind if things happen a little out of order as long as a story emerges. It sounds like you and I might share some of the same preferences which seems so funny since we had vastly enjoyment of Every Heart! xD


message 162: by Jennifer W (new)

Jennifer W | 1840 comments Hi all, super late posting for me, been busy lately. I'm off work today, and planning on being lazy, reading, watching (last year's) baseball, napping, and maybe taking myself out for ice cream this afternoon! I needed a mental health day after the last few months!! The boyfriend is back at work, the kiddo is at the sitter's and I have a quiet and empty house for the first time in at least 3 months!!!

I haven't finished reading anything lately, but I'm making good progress in On the Laps of Gods: The Red Summer of 1919 and the Struggle for Justice That Remade a Nation. I had to put it down last night after reading about how the police and other powerful community members were repeatedly, brutally, whipping men and women to force confessions out of them. I just.... there are no words. How does this happen in this country??? At any rate, I plan to resume reading today.

Oh, I think I forgot to mention that my library has started limited lobby entrance pick ups and curbside pick ups! You can't go in and browse, but it's a start. Though I have plenty at home to read....

I think I prefer magical realism to straight up sci fi/ fantasy. To me, it's fun to have just a sprinkling of magic in a story. One Hundred Years of Solitude is a great read, and I highly recommend it, but get yourself a good family tree from wikipedia or something before you tackle it. Everybody has the same name!!


QOTW: The last book I got sucked into was Miracle Creek. I feel like I haven't had many books lately that grab me and won't let go, so I'll have to find some options from some other people's posts.


message 163: by Shannon (new)

Shannon | 552 comments Well, I'm off to add WAY more books to my TBR list! I enjoy fantasy, low fantasy, and MR. I think MR is my favorite, though. The House of the Spirits was so good! And last year, I really loved both Once Upon a River and The Sisters of the Winter Wood.

I don't know. Sometimes I have trouble defining my tastes. If I like it, I like it lol. I was going to say I don't really like realistic fiction, but it's more that I don't like adult realistic fiction.

Stacey wrote: "I'm someone who has almost always avoided horror as well (although have been looking into it a bit more lately). I guess in terms of whether you should brave McGuire's books or not it depends why you don't like horror?"

This is really helpful. It sounds a bit like Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in terms of horror levels. I was fine with that one, outside of (view spoiler) So I think I'll give Seanan a try! It'll have to wait for awhile, though haha.


message 164: by Elena (new)

Elena Johansen Week 24
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America - A book on a subject you know nothing about


message 165: by L Y N N (new)

L Y N N (book_music_lvr) | 4914 comments Mod
Jennifer W wrote: "Hi all, super late posting for me, been busy lately. I'm off work today, and planning on being lazy, reading, watching (last year's) baseball, napping, and maybe taking myself out for ice cream thi..."

I am glad for your day off and some solitude! Enjoy!

I really need to boost One Hundred Years of Solitude and Miracle Creek up on my TBR listing! And I didn't realize OHoS was magical realism so now I am even more interested!


message 166: by poshpenny (new)

poshpenny | 1916 comments Mary Robinette continues her audiobook narration Livestream

https://youtu.be/vaigLAYngCU


message 167: by Jennifer W (new)

Jennifer W | 1840 comments Lynn wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "Hi all, super late posting for me, been busy lately. I'm off work today, and planning on being lazy, reading, watching (last year's) baseball, napping, and maybe taking myself ou..."

OHYoS is very much magical realism, was probably my first real exposure to it.

Spent most of my day off napping, guess I needed it!!


message 168: by L Y N N (new)

L Y N N (book_music_lvr) | 4914 comments Mod
Jennifer W wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "Hi all, super late posting for me, been busy lately. I'm off work today, and planning on being lazy, reading, watching (last year's) baseball, napping, and maybe tak..."

Good for you! Napping sounds wonderful! :)


message 169: by Brandon (new)

Brandon Harbeke | 701 comments For those who may not go for Seanan McGuire's books as much, you might want to try a pen name of hers, Mira Grant. There, her work tends to be more sci-fi oriented, and she impresses me with her characterization and use of prose.

On the Seanan McGuire side, the only thing I've really connected with to date has been her work for Marvel Comics, particularly Ghost-Spider.


message 170: by Nadine in NY (new)

Nadine in NY Jones | 9757 comments Mod
Brandon wrote: "For those who may not go for Seanan McGuire's books as much, you might want to try a pen name of hers, Mira Grant. There, her work tends to be more sci-fi oriented, and she impresses me with her ch..."


I've read both. It's her writing style that doesn't work for me, so I didn't like Feed either - and I usually love zombie books and big government conspiracies! The plot was great, but I was very meh on the book.


message 171: by Lilith (new)

Lilith (lilithp) | 1086 comments Laureen wrote: "I think the description of Magical Realism in Message 151 by Lilith is a good one. This is not a genre that I try to find, but one of my all time favorite books comes under this genre: The House of..."

I really enjoyed The House of the Spiritstoo. The historical events are well developed as well as the personal events and attachments in the family saga - definitely well balanced, which isn't always easy. The story is well-rooted in a historical time and place while the magical elements enhance - and never overshadow - the "real". And thanks for the appreciation!


message 172: by Lilith (new)

Lilith (lilithp) | 1086 comments Lynn wrote:
Is this Margot Berwin as in Scent of Darkness and Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire?



"


Yes indeed! Hothouse Flower I the lighter of the two. The MC has a sense of fun and openness to new experience. She'll tell you why in the first chapter. I think you would really enjoy her journey.

I loved the Scent of Darkness, but it's "darker" than the first one. Not scary or horror, just that the sense of humor of the MC is less highlighted, and she is willing to explore things that might have been more esoteric for her. More of an internal journey for her.

I loved them both! Looking forward to a third book from Margot Berwin.


message 173: by Lilith (new)

Lilith (lilithp) | 1086 comments Lynn wrote: ": And what are a couple of your favorite Alice Hoffman books?


The Third Angel - This explores a family through different decades. The 60s in London are highlighted, and I could relate to all my wishful childhood dreams and all my teenage rock eperiences.

The River King The characters are amazing. I till think about Gus. It's a little sad, but it is balanced with hope.

Practical Magic - Long before it was a movie, there was the book. I HATED the movie! But the book was the start to my magical realism love. The book just took me to Western Massachusetts- such a sense of place - and the characters were - and are - brilliant.

I wasn't blown away by her early writing, but by Practical Magic, I was hooked. Loved the "middle years" of her writing. Her later books are more of an exploration of her personal and ancestral history. They don't grab me as much. But always a good thing to explore.


message 174: by L Y N N (new)

L Y N N (book_music_lvr) | 4914 comments Mod
Lilith wrote: "Lynn wrote: ": And what are a couple of your favorite Alice Hoffman books?


The Third Angel - This explores a family through different decades. The 60s in London are highlighted, a..."


Thank you!


message 175: by L Y N N (new)

L Y N N (book_music_lvr) | 4914 comments Mod
Lilith wrote: "Lynn wrote:
Is this Margot Berwin as in Scent of Darkness and Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire?
Yes indeed! Hothouse Flower I the lighter of the two. The MC has a sense of fun ..."


Cool! Thanks!


message 176: by Milena (new)

Milena (milenas) | 1203 comments Lilith wrote: "Lynn wrote: ": And what are a couple of your favorite Alice Hoffman books?


The Third Angel - This explores a family through different decades. The 60s in London are highlighted, a..."


Thank you, Lilith. I have only read Alice Hoffman from her personal and ancestral heritage period (The Dovekeepers, etc). Looking forward to exploring her magical realism works.


message 177: by Katy (new)

Katy M | 968 comments Lilith wrote: "Lynn wrote: ": And what are a couple of your favorite Alice Hoffman books?


[Practical Magic - Long before it was a movie, there was the book. I HATED the movie! But the book was the start to my magical realism love. The book just took me to Western Massachusetts- such a sense of place - and the characters were - and are - brilliant.."


The movie was so terrible. It left out the heart and soul of the book, IMO.


message 178: by Shannon (new)

Shannon | 552 comments Katy wrote: "Lilith wrote: "Lynn wrote: ": And what are a couple of your favorite Alice Hoffman books?


[Practical Magic - Long before it was a movie, there was the book. I HATED the movie! But the book was t..."


That makes me sad--I LOVE that movie! But I didn't even know until last year that it was a book. Now I'm scared to read the book because I'm worried it'll ruin the movie lol.


message 179: by Lilith (new)

Lilith (lilithp) | 1086 comments
That makes me sad--I LOVE that movie! But I didn't even know until last year that it was a book. Now I'm scared to read the book because I'm worried it'll ruin the movie lol.


If you loved the movie, you will adore the book! It has so much more to it.


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