FALL 2020 READING CHALLENGE

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Just got a copy The Warmth of Other Suns. I didn't realize how hefty this book is, but I should be able to finish by end of November :-)
I was originally going to read Caste, but the wait at the li..."

I’m reading it now (actually listening to it)-It’s long but it’s been incredible so far. Look forward to hearing your thoughts about it. The audio is really good.

[Danell]

I listened to Shanghi Girls, which works for #7

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to Shanghi Girls, which works for #7"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Janet]

Just finished listening to 'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers.... another LOO! Not my usual read, but I needed to read a book with either a cyborg, robot, or AI for another challenge. Plus it was an audiobook so I listened to 90% of it on my drive to/from S. Dakota (BONUS). I really enjoyed it and will definitely try another by this author in y future.

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "Just finished listening to 'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers.... another LOO! Not my usual read, but I needed to read a book with either a cyborg, robot, or AI for another challenge. Pl..."

Thanks for the update, Janet! :D

I haven’t read it but have heard good things about The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

[Christine]

Dustin, are the fires in Colorado near you?

[Christine]

I finished It fits for a rural setting. I loved that it was set in Yellowstone. I was there in early March before everything shut down.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

The Colorado Fires are near where I live, there has been a lot of ash and smoke. Today we received a cold front and snow so that should help somewhat. I think Janet also lives nearby.

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "I finished It fits for a rural setting. I loved that it was set in Yellowstone. I was there in early March before everything shut down."

Thanks for the update, Christine! :D
How was Yellowstone?

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "The Colorado Fires are near where I live, there has been a lot of ash and smoke. Today we received a cold front and snow so that should help somewhat. I think Janet also lives nearby."

Hope the cold front helps. Stay safe.

[Danell]

I read Magic Lessons which works for #4 a prequel

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read Magic Lessons which works for #4 a prequel"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I finished Dean Koontz's newest novel today. I wasn't planning on using it for the Fall Challenge but since part of the story is told from the villain's Point of View, I'm going to go ahead and use it for Task 4.

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I finished Dean Koontz's newest novel today. I wasn't planning on using it for the Fall Challenge but since part of the story is told from the villain's Point of View, I'm going to go ahead and use..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

[Janet]

Danell wrote: "Finished another book that works for L-O-O, Coldbrook, great zombie book"

Wasn't Coldbrook good!?!?! A friend of mine recommended it, a unique Zombie scenerio.

[Janet]

I've been remiss in updates (been too busy reading LOL), so here goes:

Non- challenge books read:

Fall Challenge books: Great book! Definitely not for the squeamish. The haunting power of guilt and revenge. 5 stars. This was my choice going into my bookclub's extra October pick...and I was thrilled they chose it. Felt like I had won the lottery :)
good read! Great pick for the season. 4 stars

My current read is Another very brutal read that takes place in Stockholm in 1793. All I can say is....thank heavens civilizations have evolved over time! I love my toilet! hahahah. That aside, I am really liking it and hope the author's second book gets translated soon!

My bookclub meets this afternoon, cross your fingers that I can will the lottery twice in a row. It's my time to present, out of the 4 I am to bring, I'm hoping they choose I'm afraid it's length will scare at least 2/5 away from it, though. But I will fight for it!

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "I've been remiss in updates (been too busy reading LOL), so here goes:

Non- challenge books read: [bookcove..."

Thanks for the updates, Janet! :D

Hope they choose [bookcover:The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration|8171378]- it’s an incredible book. I’ve been listening to the audiobook-highly recommend it.

[Danell]

I listed to The Southern Book Clubs Guide to Slaying Vampires, which works for LOO

[Danell]

Janet, I agree with you Coldbrook was good! Glad I read it!

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listed to The Southern Book Clubs Guide to Slaying Vampires, which works for LOO"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Rachel]

Finished Anxious People for l-o-o

A mix of sad and sweet-sometimes silly, sometimes laugh out loud funny-I was always happy to return to the story. Really good on audio. If you enjoy stories about connections or just love stories with heart, I recommend it.

[Christine]

I can't believe that Halloween has come and gone! For a year that has most of us sticking close to home, it is literally zooming to its end, lol.

Rachel, you asked about Yellowstone. Its one of my favorite places on the planet, as is The Grand Tetons. I love the mountains. This last visit was in winter, my first time. It was magical, limited people, lots of snow and wildlife. Very cool.

Dustin, I'm glad that the fires are getting better. Its been a tough year for fires out here in the West.

Janet, what did your book club decide on The Warmth of Other Suns? I loved it. Are you meeting in person or via Zoom?

I finished last night. It was good but I got bored in the middle. I thought she repeated herself a few times in the middle. I loved the last 50-75 pages. Very sinister and inventive.

So many people are recommending . I'm definitely going to read it. I need a story with some heart. Thanks for recommending it.

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "I can't believe that Halloween has come and gone! For a year that has most of us sticking close to home, it is literally zooming to its end, lol.

Rachel, you asked about Yellowstone. Its one of m..."

Thanks for the update, Christine!
Yellowstone sounds beautiful.
Hope you enjoy ! :D

Before you blink it will be Christmas.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Danell wrote: "I listed to The Southern Book Clubs Guide to Slaying Vampires, which works for LOO"

You didn't read it with us in the Spring when it was a new release?
That was a fun one. I read it during the stay at home order and didn't even use an audiobook.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Janet wrote: "Fall Challenge books: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones Great book! Definitely not for the squeamish. The haunting power of guilt and revenge. 5 stars. This was my choice going into my bookclub's extra October pick...and I was thrilled they chose it. Felt like I had won the lottery :)."

I'm glad your book club chose The Only Good Indians and that you liked it. I know it may not be for everyone, so I was concerned it might not sit well with you :-) I know I like bizarre books and not everyone shares my enthusiasm for them.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Here's a book I'm nearly finished with re-reading. I wanted to read a John Saul novel for Halloween. The author's name works with one of the tasks and the book is unsettling. I started reading John Saul's horror as a teenager and I hadn't read or re-read one of his books in a while. He hasn't released anything new in over a decade.
Black Creek Crossing.

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Here's a book I'm nearly finished with re-reading. I wanted to read a John Saul novel for Halloween. The author's name works with one of the tasks and the book is unsettling. I started reading John..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Goodreads has entered the Semifinal Round of Goodreads Choice Awards. I voted THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS for Best Horror.

IF IT BLEEDS and The Southern Book Club's Guide to to Slaying Vampires are also nominees in this category.

Has anyone else voted? Most of the other categories don't feature books I've read, although The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is featured in Young Adult Science Fiction.

[Rachel]

I voted for and

[Janet]

I also voted THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS for Best Horror. I worship Stephen King, but I do believe TOGI squeaked by IF IT BLEEDS, if only because novel vs short stories. I did TERRIBLE this year in terms of reading Goodreads Choice candidates. Normally, I would have read several of the nominated thrillers by now, but between book club, this challenge, and the Popsugar challenge...they have just been stacking up. The only other category I have read a nominated book in is Fiction....so I voted for AMERICAN DIRT

I did it! Managed to convince my book club to pick And I finished it a couple of days ago! I really enjoyed it. I would give it 4 stars and not 5 - only because I felt there was quite a bit of repetition. I also think it would have benefited from some maps....at least of the routes taken by the three main characters. And pictures! Such an interesting part of America's history.

Read in anticipation of eventually seeing the movie. Enjoyed it. Guess it could count for a book in a rural setting? What do you think?

Currently reading a non-challenge book..

Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!

Dustin, how is the theater doing? I still haven't gone to a movie since this all started. I miss it SO MUCH.

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "I also voted THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS for Best Horror. I worship Stephen King, but I do believe TOGI squeaked by IF IT BLEEDS, if only because novel vs short stories. I did TERRIBLE this year in terms..."

Thanks for all the updates, Janet! :D

Glad you enjoyed . I’m almost done with the audiobook. There are a few pictures on the website-can’t recall if it’s the author’s website or a website dedicated specifically to the book.

counts as a rural setting. It’s funny you mentioned it because I always start planning the next challenge in advance and that movie has been on my radar for a while (and will probably be part of the winter challenge :)

[Danell]

I listened to Lord of the Flies which works for LOO

Dustin, I couldn’t get a copy of the Southern Book Club Guide to Slaying Vampires when the group read it. Better late than never

Hope everyone is doing well!

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to Lord of the Flies which works for LOO

Dustin, I couldn’t get a copy of the Southern Book Club Guide to Slaying Vampires when the group read it. Better late than never

Hope everyone ..."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D
How are you-are you getting better sleep?

[Rachel]

Finished - it took me some time to finish it as it would often rip my heart out but I highly recommend it. Loved the audiobook. The personal stories really set this book apart for me.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Janet wrote: "Dustin, how is the theater doing? I still haven't gone to a movie since this all started. I miss it SO MUCH.
"

Going great. They shorted the business hours so I'm never scheduled earlier than noon. They brought back movie classics for $5/ $3 for children and seniors. Once Regal decided to close all theaters across the country including 2 in neighboring towns Longmont/Louisville, we got customers that had never been to our theater before. What is really bringing people in is the Private Watch Parties - $99 for a private theater up to 20 people.

My favorite film since we reopened three months ago is LET HIM GO starring Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Lesley Manville.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Rachel wrote: "Finished - it took me some time to finish it as it would often rip my heart out but I highly recommend it. L..."

I haven't started. I've been putting it off and I think I've put it off too long to finish by end of month. Will likely be reading The Warmth of Other Suns in December at this point.

I have continued to add books to my Fall Reading Challenge though - books I didn't initially intend to use, but once I started reading I found many to be unsettling and some told from villain's perspective. The L-O-O titles have been easy to include too.

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Finished - it took me some time to finish it as it would often rip my heart out but I highly ..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I've increased my Fall Reading Challenge to 20.
I was planning to work at the movie theater for Thanksgiving Weekend, but my movie theater had to close due to county health mandates and I'll be finishing up my Fall Books instead.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Danell wrote: "I listened to Shanghi Girls, which works for #7"

I finally read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan this year, by the same author. Do you recommend Shanghi Girls? Snow Flower is the only book I've read by Lisa See.

[Danell]

Shanghai Girls is a great story with strong characters facing amazing hardships but it is lengthy. I listened to the audiobook. Good luck and congratulations on your reading challenge for the fall!

I’m halfway through The Lottery and other stories and struggling. It’s not the book, just not wanting to read, I hate reading slumps.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I would use an audiobook as well if/when I try Shanghai Girls.

I was wondering if anyone else was reading The Lottery because I hadn't seen people post much about it. I finally finished The Lottery and Other Stories this past week and wrote my review yesterday.
There is one story, Elizabeth, that was hard for me to get through. I felt it was too lengthy for what it delivered.
My favorites in the short story collection are: The Witch, The Tooth, Pillar of Salt and The Lottery

[Danell]

That’s were I am now in the book, Elizabeth

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Danell wrote: "That’s were I am now in the book, Elizabeth"

That's where I got stuck forever!

[Janet]

I'm currently reading The Lottery as well! Less than halfway, though. Took a little reading break while I started setting up my Bookworm Life Planner for next year.

These short stories really are timeless, aren't they!

Updated my challenge to 10 books! And here I thought I wouldn't read 5

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Janet wrote: "I'm currently reading The Lottery as well! Less than halfway, though. Took a little reading break while I started setting up my Bookworm Life Planner for next year.

These short stories really are..."

I don't know if you've met Elizabeth yet, but good luck with her :-)

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I have now increased my Fall reading goal to 25 books!
I just startedThe Personal History of Rachel DuPree
this morning. This book has a rural setting and the letters L-O-O in the title. I've had this book for about a decade and recently found an audiobook available from the Vail Library, but they only gave me 7 days to borrow so I'm going through it this weekend at full-speed.

[Janet]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I finished Dean Koontz's newest novel today. I wasn't planning on using it for the Fall Challenge but since part of the story is told from the villain's Point of View, I'm going to go ahead and use..."

Dustin, did you enjoy the new Koontz? I haven't read it yet

[Janet]

Rachel wrote: "Janet wrote: "I also voted THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS for Best Horror. I worship Stephen King, but I do believe TOGI squeaked by IF IT BLEEDS, if only because novel vs short stories. I did TERRIBLE this..."

Thanks, Rachel....I'll go check out that website for pictures and such.

I just want to say thank you, once again, for these challenges. I think this season has been my favorite - it's certainly the one I have read the most for. You picked the BEST books and came up with fun challenges. I can't wait for the next one!

[Janet]

Just finished THE LOTTERY..and I found it to be an amazing collection of disquieting short stories. Besides the iconic "The Lottery", I absolutely loved "Pillar of Salt" and "Flower Garden" and "Men with Their Big Shoes".

I found her use of the same name for several characters in different stories to be unsettling in itself. Very clever! A timeless collection, highly recommend.

And...I'm off to start as my 10th, and final book for this challenge. Just gonna squeak this one in!

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Janet wrote: "Dustin, did you enjoy the new Koontz? I haven't read it yet."

Yes, I sure did! Highly recommend Elsewhere :-) In my opinion it's his best stand-alone novel since Ashley Bell. I need to re-read Ashley Bell for a refresher to see how it stands up to Elsewhere.