IGGPPC : Iggle BookWorms discussion
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2020 geeky reading challenge
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Mod
1. something comforting - Discworld is my ultimate comfort series
2. a book about science or technology - This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor
3. a recommendation (from a penpal maybe, don't forget to write them back about it) - tbd
4. a book about crafts or arts - Snackable Science Experiments: 60 Edible Tests to Try and Taste or Quick Crafts for Parents Who Think They Hate Craft
5. a genre you never do - I rarely read poetry, so perhaps Clouds Cannot Cover Us
6. a book about space or time travel - Home, the first one was incredible so looking forward to the sequel
7. a non-fiction book about health, happiness or philosophy - tbd
8. a book about books, letters or stamps - I’ve just finished Inkheart, so maybe the sequel Inkspell next
9. a book by an LGBTQ+ or BAME author - tbd, right now I've got books by N.K Jemisin, Cixin Liu, Rivers Solomon, Karen Lord, Zen Cho, and Nalo Hopkinson on my pile, so one of those?
10. a book from the perspective of animals - might need help with this one
11. a book of fairy tales or fantasy - Tales from the Folly: A Rivers of London Short Story Collection
12. read a book in translation - Vagabonds or The Goldsmith and the Master Thief
Any suggestions for 7? It's not my type of thing, maybe a funny philosophy book?
Mod
Okay, for animals I got you:
- The Dalai Llama's Cat (also fits to philosophy a bit as it's about Buddism too)
- Black Beauty (yes a horse book... I don't particularly like horses, but this is more about how you treat others including animals and ofcourse it's a classic! btw, I got my copy from Indynerdgirl)
- The art of racing in the rain (about a dog and friendship and a bit of car racing (warning, you will cry))
- Chronicles of a traveling cat (about a cat and friendship written by an Asian author so this can also count as a translation (you will cry from this one too))
For non-fiction health, psychology and philosophy I got you:
- The happiness project (it reads like a memoir because it is someones project, but it's strong and she's got humor too)
I'm thinking so far of about six books-ish?? I'm super lost because this is my first time doing anything like this so I'm excited.1. Girl in Blue
2. The Sawbones Book: The Hilarious, Horrifying Road to Modern Medicine or Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything
3. Unsure!
4. Unsure!
5. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
6. Hitchhiker's Guide
7. Sawbones or Quackery
8. March: Book One
9. Unsure!
10. I'm going to check out Chronicles of a Traveling Cat as suggested above!
11. I'm cheating--I need to finish Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
12. Double Dipping with Chronicles again.
If you have any suggestions, please help me out!
I tried to read ‘Chronicles of a Travelling Cat’ in an airport once, I literally got a few pages in before I couldn’t cope with the feels and the sads, so I left it in the airport with a note saying it was free to anyone less emotionally fragile than me! haha
Rhiannon wrote: "I tried to read ‘Chronicles of a Travelling Cat’ in an airport once, I literally got a few pages in before I couldn’t cope with the feels and the sads, so I left it in the airport with a note sayin..."Oh no...maybe I can't handle it haha
Mod
Also funny to see that for the "science and technology" medical books are chosen. I would have never thought of that myself, but indeed medical science is also science!
So far that is the only book I know which one to read for, but thruth be told I haven't been giving what to read for my list much thought yet. I want to read either "Where wizards stay up late" or reread "Propeller Island". Or... both!
Let us know how you like the Travelling Cat! And since it is a recommendation, you could let it count for #3 too. And #9 since it is written by an Asian author. So that only leaves you with #4. ;-)
1. something comfortingBloodlust and Bonnets
2. a book about science or technology
or (sounds like it will be more philosophical but need to read it to find out!)
7. a non-fiction book about health, psychology or philosophy
Of Wolves and Men
3. a recommendation (from a penpal maybe? don't forget to write them back about it)
Volume 2 of Bitch Planet, Monstress, and Lumberjanes
4. a book about crafts or arts
Bibliophile an Illustrated Miscellany
5. a genre you never read (expand your comfort zone)
Lies My Teacher Told Me
6. a book about space or time travel
Binti
8. a book by an LGBTQ+ or BAME author (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic)
The wilds by Vita Ayala
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Maiden, Mother Crone: Fantastical Trans Femmes
9. a book about books, letters or stamps
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
10. a book from the perspective of animals
The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow
11. a book of fairy tales or fantasy
Spindle's End by Robin McKinley
12. a book in translation
I'm reading A World Between Two Covers. I'd like to choose one of the books mentioned by the author that catches my eye for this.
What genres do y'all stay away from? I typically don't read much nonfiction history. I don't know why as I've really enjoyed the history books I have picked up. Lies My Teacher Told Me is a book I've owned for several years but put off reading. Mainly because reading it makes me angry about all the bits typically left out in history classes in the US. I started reading it before the wave of protests began, but it feels especially timely to read concurrently.
My favorite is nonfiction history! If you need help hit me up!
Mod
Not trying to step on anyone's toes here but: YA... Most of the time I've tried it's not even because it's badly written, but it just feels... so immature. The depth it could have and I am apparently constantly expecting to be there on the next page keeps missing so it leaves me very unsatisfied. It's sad because I know they are great stories, it's just not me.
Riley wrote: "My favorite is nonfiction history! If you need help hit me up!"
I'll take one! I love history, and read a lot of historical fiction, but not really much nonfiction. I sometimes feel I've read/seen everything already, which I know isn't true. So I'm open to recommendations. :-)
Do you have a favorite subject or time period?
Mod
Yes! Are you interested in graphic novels?
Mod
I changed a few things— for comfort book I chose It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned VizziniI chose sawbones over quackery for medical science
For letters I chose memoirs of Catherine the Great
For animals I don’t wanna cry too much so the Dalai Lamas Cat
I’m reading A Discovery of Witches for my fantasy book cuz I just bought it
I also chose memoirs of a geisha for recommended
1. something comforting: tbd2. a book about science or technology: tbd
3. a recommendation (from a penpal maybe? don't forget to write them back about it): No Country for Old Gnomes because my husband will not stop asking me to read it.
4. a book about crafts or arts: tbd
5. a genre you never read (expand your comfort zone): The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America - I never ever read nonfiction.
6. a book about space or time travel: tbd - by some miracle I actually don't have anything scifi even on my tbr case.
7. a non-fiction book about health, psychology or philosophy: The Hero With a Thousand Faces
8. a book by an LGBTQ+ or BAME author (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic): Queen of the Conquered I think this book hits both LGBTQ+ and BAME.
9. a book about books, letters or stamps: The Library Book, Does that count?
10. a book from the perspective of animals: tbd
11. a book of fairy tales or fantasy: Norse Mythology - It's been on my list forever, and I think it counts!
12. a book in translation: tbd
Mod
1. something comforting A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost (finished 8/9/20)
2. a book about science or technology
Flavor: The Science of Our Most Neglected Sense by Bob Holmes (finished 8/18/20)
3. a recommendation
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor (finished 9/8/20)
4. a book about crafts or arts
Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art and Made History by Bridget Quinn (finished 8/19/20)
5. a genre you never read
Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle (finished 8/8/20)
6. a book about space or time travel
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams (finished 8/22/20)
7. a non-fiction book about health, psychology or philosophy
The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking (finished 9/27/20)
8. a book by an LGBTQ+ or BAME author
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor (finished 8/23/20)
9. a book about books, letters or stamps
10. a book from the perspective of animals
11. a book of fairy tales or fantasy
Grimoire Noir by Vera Greentea (finished 9/28/20)
12. a book in translation
@elizabethWebber 11. was such a magical story book read.
I totally agree. I really enjoyed it! There were some unique elements that were such a joy. I recommend it often now.
P.S. I'm sorry to everyone that my book covers took up so much space on here! I tried to do the links like I saw in other posts, but they ended up like this... *shrug*
Mod
Mod
I just reserved some titles at the library for the readathon.
1. something comforting
TBD
2. a book about science or technology
Already at by TBR-pile: Where wizards stay up late (about the start of the internet)
3. a recommendation (from a penpal maybe? don't forget to write them back about it)
TBD, I need to sort through my letters. Plenty of recommendations already!
4. a book about crafts or arts
I did read a book about a painting, but it was more a family drama, so this is still TBD.
5. a genre you never read (expand your comfort zone)
TBD, will be either YA or Romance (or a combination)...
6. a book about space or time travel
Halfway through, but taking a break: The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: trilogy of four
7. a non-fiction book about health, psychology or philosophy
Currently reading: Hygge by Meike Wiking
8. a book by an LGBTQ+ or BAME author (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic)
Ordered at the library: Heaven my home by Atticka Locke
9. a book about books, letters or stamps
Ordered at the library: The binding by Bridget Collins
10. a book from the perspective of animals
TBD
11. a book of fairy tales or fantasy
TBD
12. a book in translation
Already read: The caller by Karin Fossum (translated from the Norse language
So far I've completed:Something comforting (the Moomin stories by Tove Jansson)
Science/technology (The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard)
A genre you never read (Teen Titans Raven by Kami Garcia - I normally don't read superhero universe stuff)
Space/time-travel (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams)
In translation (The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong)
Mod
Updating with comments on what I have read!1. something comforting
Bloodlust and Bonnets: Wasn't what I expected but it was cute and I enjoyed her illustration style.
2. a book about science or technology
or (sounds like it will be more philosophical but need to read it to find out!)
7. a non-fiction book about health, psychology or philosophy
Of Wolves and Men
3. a recommendation (from a penpal maybe? don't forget to write them back about it)
Second volume of Lumberjanes (Liked this better than the first one!)
4. a book about crafts or arts
Bibliophile an Illustrated Miscellany: Essentially an illustrated book of book lists. I enjoyed it and added plenty to my TBR pile.
5. a genre you never read (expand your comfort zone)
Lies My Teacher Told Me: A difficult read in a good way with tons of excellent history that corrects for the stuff I was taught as a kid in school.
6. a book about space or time travel
Binti
8. a book by an LGBTQ+ or BAME author (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic)
The wilds by Vita Ayala: This was a bit tough since the pandemic theme hit a bit close to home. Artwork was gorgeous. I wished there was more of the story, could easily be a series IMO.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe: I loved the way Kobabe wove together bits of eir history.
Maiden, Mother Crone: Fantastical Trans Femmes: As per usual with a collection of short stories, I enjoyed some more than others. Love this collection for its mission.
9. a book about books, letters or stamps
Lost interest in my choice for this one. New choice TBD
10. a book from the perspective of animals
The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow
11. a book of fairy tales or fantasy
Prudence by Gail Carriger: *sigh* I love her books so much.
12. a book in translation
TBD
5.5/12 books read so far!
Mod
Here's my list, being stuck at home has definitely made me get through this a lot quicker than normal, I'll be slowing down now I'm back at work!
1. something comforting
Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett - Discworld is always my go-to comfort read, it's been ages since I've read one of the Witches series but my local bookclub is reading it this month so it was overdue a re-read. Just as funny as I remember it, though I'm curious what my bookclub will think of it as they don't tend to read fantasy.
2. a book about science or technology
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay - I was a bit worried this would be a bleak read, especially with what the NHS has been through over the last decade, but it was incredibly funny, especially to hear a bit about childbirth from the other side.
3. a recommendation (from a penpal maybe? don't forget to write them back about it)
Zoo City by Lauren Beukes - Lent to me by a friend when he heard I was trying to read more books by authors from around the world. Wish I'd enjoyed it more, an interesting premise (criminals gain a sort of animal familiar) but it was a bit of a slog to finish.
4. a book about crafts or arts
Snackable Science Experiments - Yum. My kid's too young for this book, but it'll stay on my shelf until he's old enough for it!
5. a genre you never read (expand your comfort zone)
Clouds Cannot Cover Us by Jay Hulme - a book of poetry. The author is a wonderful history geek and I first came across him in one of his history twitter threads. Short book, a handful of poems that I LOVED and none that I hated.
6. a book about space or time travel
Binti:Home by Nnedi Okorafor - I read the first one a few months ago so gave it a quick re-read then went on to this. A good sequel, Binti going home felt like the right next step for her.
7. a non-fiction book about health, psychology or philosophy
Humankind by Rutger Bregman - I'm half way though this now and loving it. With this year being what it is I needed to read something hopeful about humanity, and this did that job well. Stories from across history of people being decent to each other, and why we aren’t hardwired for evil. It sometimes felt like he jumped to a few conclusions, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
8. a book by an LGBTQ+ or BAME author (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic)
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo - I really wasn't sure if I'd like this or not, a novel written in verse, but it was a great read.
9. a book about books, letters or stamps
Inkspell by Cornelia Funke - I didn't find it as easy to read as Inkheart, it was interesting seeing the world but somehow not as fun.
10. a book from the perspective of animals
Breaking Cat News by Georgia Dunn - wonderful comics of cats reporting the news, think this is going to become a new comfort read for me.
11. a book of fairy tales or fantasy
Tales from the Folly by Ben Aaronovitch - I love the Peter Grant series and this was a fun collection of short stories filling in some gaps in the story.
12. a book in translation
Vagabonds by Hao Jingfang - a philosophical sci-fi novel about Martian colonists meeting with people from Earth a century after the Martian war of independance, I really enjoyed so many things about this book, both the tech and the social and political themes.
11.5/12 books read!
I just read Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence by Nick Bantock. This was a really neat book if you enjoy tactile reads, especially for letter enthusiasts! The entire book is the two main characters' correspondence via postcards and letters. The letters actually pulled out of envelopes and unfolded! It was a quick read and I did NOT see the ending coming. Definitely worth a read. I won't say any more for fear of spoilers.
I'm aiming high! All 12 books! I do have a few books in my TBR that will fit!EDIT: I will be adding a little review to my blog (see my profile for the link) and on my Instagram (@JemmaJH)
I updated mine but still done work to do!! I love reading challenges :)
IGGPPC : Iggle BookWorms
Books mentioned in this topic
The Grand Design (other topics)Grimoire Noir (other topics)
Wyrd Sisters (other topics)
Zoo City (other topics)
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Vera Greentea (other topics)Stephen Hawking (other topics)
Nnedi Okorafor (other topics)
Bridget Quinn (other topics)
Colin Jost (other topics)
More...
If you are not sure what to talk about, here are some possible subjects:
- How many books will you be reading for the challenge?
- Do you already have a list of books per challenge-subject? Or are you going to wing it along the way?
- What are your recommendations to other IGGLES, from books you have read in the past? (no, this doesn't mean re-reads don't count)
- What book have you just read for this challenge and what is your opinion of it? Also, is it a recommendation?
Happy reading everyone! And please let us know if and how you enjoyed this challenge!
The themes of the 2020 IGGPPC geeky reading challenge are, to read:
1. something comforting
2. a book about science or technology
3. a recommendation (from a penpal maybe? don't forget to write them back about it)
4. a book about crafts or arts
5. a genre you never read (expand your comfort zone)
6. a book about space or time travel
7. a non-fiction book about health, psychology or philosophy
8. a book by an LGBTQ+ or BAME author (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic)
9. a book about books, letters or stamps
10. a book from the perspective of animals
11. a book of fairy tales or fantasy
12. a book in translation
We encourage you to choose a wide range of books, with a diverse selection of authors and characters reflecting the world we live in. Unless otherwise specified they can be fiction or non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry, children's, YA or adult, and more. You can of course combine multiple themes to one book or do a book a theme, whatever you want!