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R12: SS Team 11 - Eleventh Heaven
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LaurLa
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Nov 20, 2020 04:37PM
I'll be going for #2 again, I have lots right now. Probably Starry Montana Sky since I'm starting it now and I need the horse on the cover for another challenge.
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Completion Post ~~ Week 10Spot: 82
Book: Starry Montana Sky
How it fits: #2 Montana Sky
Date Read: 11.21 ★★★
Review:
This was just okay. It was interesting to read about the miniature horses featured in the book. The hero frustrated me because I felt like he was unjustified in his initial irritation with the heroine. But it worked for the story. The overall 'moral' was prejudice, both social and racial. It was indicative of the time but I wonder if it would have been so easily overcome as it was in this book. Of course this is a romance and fiction not a book to make a statement on those things, so I felt the author handled it well enough for the purposes of the book. This is the third in the series I've read (prequel, 1 and 2). The writing and character development continues to be so-so. Not sure if I'll continue. The next book sparks my interest a little as it's been set up in both books 1 and 2, so maybe...
I am less happy than LaurLa about the continued 2s, but I found one! I'll be reading Cookies and Scream because I also need a food that starts with C. The things I read to complete challenges.... :)
Selection post:week 10Book:Rich Dad, Poor Dad 2: Cash Flow Quadrant - Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom
Author:Robert T. Kiyosaki
Page:320
How it fits: second book in series
Selection Post: week 10Book: either Harry Potter and the Cursed Child if that counts otherwise from Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
How it fits: 8th book of a series
Completion Post - Week 10 ReviewSpot: 82
The Mongoliad 2 (The Mongoliad Cycle, Book 2) by Neal Stephenson, Erik Bear, Greg Bear, Joseph Brassey, and Nicole Galland
Publication Date: 25 September 2012
464 pages
Qualification: Second book in series
Dates Read: Friday, 20 November 2020 to Thursday, 26 November 2020
3- Stars
The writing has improved since the first book. Although there are many writers, this second book reads more uniformly. I was disappointed with the beginning part of the book. The first book left off with Raphael, Roger, (I hate it when books authored by native English speaks have numerous characters with names that begin with the same letter—it’s confusing. It’s okay, I guess, for a TV show or movie in which the audience can see the physical difference, but not in a book), Perceval, and Vera-one of the Shield Maidens in catacombs about to enter a fight, perhaps to the death. The second book starts off with completely new characters in a completely new and different setting. I wasted a lot of time checking to make sure that I had the correct book and the correct series. We don’t catch up to one of the main groups of characters until chapter 4. That’s a long time to know that you’re reading the correct book. The don’t get resolution to the cliffhanger until chapter 6. That’s way too long to wait.
Although the writing has dramatically improved, I only gave it three stars. If I hadn’t read the first book and wasn’t following all the previous plot threads, I would have rated the book higher. Because I did read book one, I was irritated. If I hadn’t been in this challenge, I would have stopped reading the book. That’s a HUGE flaw. It doesn’t matter that the writing is better if no one reads the book.
My recommendation is to skip Book 1. You won’t be missing much, and the authors do a fairly good job of adding in backstory as needed. Book 2 (this book) is the stronger of the two.
Completion Post ~~ Week 10Spot: 82
Book:
How it fits: #2 in Baker Street Mysteries
Completed:11/25/20
Review: I'm not really a cozy mystery fan, but they are just so darn helpful for a quick read that fits a bunch of challenges that I end up reading more than I'd like. This one was better than a lot I've read -- the MC is likeable and actually sort of had a reason to be involved in the case, the setting is cute, and there is the necessary love potential for down the road. I won't rush back to the series, but then next time I need a cozy for a challenge, at least I know this series is not a bad choice.
Book: From Dead to Worse By Charlaine HarrisCompleted 11/26
How it fits: book number 8 in the Sookie Stackhouse series
Rating 4
I actually really enjoyed this book and all the mythology that was involved in it. The ending of the book was also really good and for the first time in a long time in the series I am l looking forward to reading the next book. I do think they threw a lot of plot at us in one book with this one, and I wasn't really expecting that so it threw me off. That being said the amount of plot made the book far more interesting than some of the previous ones. This book made me really look forward to reading book 9
Completion post: Week 10 Book:Rich Dad, Poor Dad 2: Cash Flow Quadrant - Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom
Author:Robert T. Kiyosaki
Page:320
How it fits: second book in series
Review: Spectacular book!
It changed many of my core concepts about financial investment and made me re-think about my approach.
From a young age, we are told to study, get good grades and secure a job. What does that job provide us: security.
We should lead our life towards financial freedom but most of us are stuck in achieving financial security.
Another misconception most of us have is we value others' opinion and blindly follow it, especially, in finance.
Facts, not opinions, is the way for investment!
Instead of "play it safe. Don't take risk" strategy, we should focus on "play it smart. Learn to manage risk."
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to manage their finance.
4 stars!
No, I think Carmen just hasn't been around yet to do it.
Natalie wrote: "Has everyone posted their review?"I think we have everyone except Carmen. She has until midnight CT to put hers in. If it gets past that time, we could use the free pass, and go ahead and roll. I'm east coast (and old) so I will not be up that late, but I can check in the morning and do it then if we still haven't heard from her.
Maybe she told Denise that she was skipping this week? I’m okay with you rolling in the morning. I’m also on the East coast and it’s already past my bedtime. I need all-the-sleeps. Thank you for volunteering to roll if we need it.
Mod
Denise wrote: "I have heard nothing from Carmen, and the deadline has now passed. I suggest one of you rolls with the free pass without waiting any longer. Has anyone tried to reach Carmen via pm?"I'll get the roll and check in done now. I haven't messaged Carmen yet because it never occurred to me that she wouldn't check in. I'll PM her after I check us in -- hopefully its nothing serious,
Week 10Roll: 6 + 4 = 10
Previous Space: 72
New Space: 82
Can read series #8 or #2 ~ Alternate: 82. Cover Item: Building
Ann ~ Review Post
Carmen ~ Free Pass
LaurLa ~ Review Post
Natalie ~ Review Post
Pallavi ~ Review Post
Stacey ~ Review Post
Bonus:
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate lists. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
Week 11Roll: 5 + 6 = 11
New Spot: 93
Series #9 or #3 or alternate 93: Asia
Ann ~
LaurLa ~
Natalie ~
Pallavi ~
Stacey
ETA:
I didn't use any of our points -- I thought a 9 or 3 would be easier than 9 or 8? And this way we should definitely be able to get over 100 next week -- Ann, you haven't read any alternatives, correct? That will give us 6 bonus points if I'm counting right.
Stacey,I was just about to PM you that this is week 11. I didn't realize that you were just reposting last week.
If I had realized that we had to roll by the end of the day on Friday, I would have suggested that you just roll.
Is Carmen okay?
Okay, I've got some silly questions about the alternate.* Does this book have to be specifically about Asia (the continent as a whole), or can the book take in a country (China, India) that's in the continent?
* So for example, could I read The Mahabharata because it takes place in India and the author is Indian?
* Could I read a BWAM (Black Woman Asian Man) romance because the hero/love interest is an Asian man?
* I know that we can't read manga, but could I read a light novel written by an Asian author that's at least 140 pages?
* Could I read historical (fantasy, romance) fiction where an Asian culture is clearly the basis of the book?
* Could I read alternative-history that includes an Asian country, like The Man in the High Tower OR would the alternative-history need to take place on Asian soil?
Thank you for any clarification you can give me?
I am so doing more challenges next year. I'm also going to start using my computer rather than my phone. I can't see anything with the app on the phone. It doesn't scroll inside the messages. I've been missing about 75% of what's been happening on the website and in the Challenge Factory group.
Mod
For any of the "continent" alternates, the book needs to be at least partially set somewhere on that continent.
I'll just take these in order:
* Does this book have to be specifically about Asia (the continent as a whole), or can the book take in a country (China, India) that's in the continent?
As long as part of the book is set somewhere in Asia, it'll work.
* So for example, could I read The Mahabharata because it takes place in India and the author is Indian?
Sure! The setting it what's important.
* Could I read a BWAM (Black Woman Asian Man) romance because the hero/love interest is an Asian man?
Only if they're actually in Asia at some point during the story.
* I know that we can't read manga, but could I read a light novel written by an Asian author that's at least 140 pages?
Provided it's set in Asia, yes, a light novel is fine.
* Could I read historical (fantasy, romance) fiction where an Asian culture is clearly the basis of the book?
A fictional setting based on an Asian culture won't work. A setting in actual Asia with fantasy elements will.
* Could I read alternative-history that includes an Asian country, like The Man in the High Tower OR would the alternative-history need to take place on Asian soil?
Part of it would need to take place on Asian soil, doesn't have to be the whole book.
Let me know if you have any further questions. :)
Just FYI - I have not read for any of the alternatives and I don't plan to this week, so that bonus should come into play.
Mod
I'll add it to your tally!
Denise thank you, that clears up a lot. Much appreciate!
I'll be reading THE WIDOWS OF MALABAR HILL (A Perveen Mistry Novel, Book 1) by Sujata Massey.
I will be reading Dead and gone book 9 Sookie Stackhouse series. Yes that means I have read no alternAtes
Way to go Ann! 💃🏾(This is my happy dance! 😂)
Completion Post Week 11Spot: 93
The Widows of Malabar Hill (A Perveen Mistry Novel, Book 1) by Sujata MasseyPublication Date: 20 November 2018
432 pages
Qualification: Story takes place in India (alt. Asia)
Dates Read: Saturday, 28 November 2020 to Tuesday, 1 December 2020
5- Stars
This book was an amazing read. I’m sorry it had to end, but grateful to have discovered an author that I love.
The story takes place in colonial India during 1916 and 1921. It gives an interesting look into life at that period in time in India. Ms. Massey has a nice balance of information. She gives enough to explain behaviors so that the reader understands the characters actions. We also have lush descriptions of locales, buildings, clothing, food, customs. This doesn’t even take into account the mystery itself. The ending is satisfying, yet comes too quickly. Not because the pace is rush, but because you don’t want the story to end. Ms. Massey doesn’t skip on characterization either.
I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates good literature, but definitely to a mystery lover. I look forward to reading more Perveen Mistry stories.
Update on our current status. :) I PMed Carmen and have not heard back from her. Denise has as well, but it appears she hasn't been on Goodreads in over a week, so the hope that she got a little too caught up in holiday festivities is probably not the case and we will keep our fingers crossed everything is okay. We are one of 4 teams that will most likely go over 100 with this week's roll. Once you hit 100 its a sprint to finish books first to see who wins. I confirmed with Denise that assuming Carmen doesn't return and have a book read, we will not be able to roll until midnight Friday -- or more likely early am Saturday as I am no longer up that late. That puts us probably a full day behind the other teams, and my best guess is that at least one of them will finish sometime on Friday.
Soooo, depending on our competitive spirit we can either:
1. have a short book 1 or standalone ready for Saturday (I'll use bonus points to keep us somewhere in the 10- range), and if possible finish this week's book Thursday on the hope that Carmen makes in back
OR
2. Finish this week's book, congratulate ourselves on a challenge finished and call it a day.
Oh, and hope everyone is okay with me kinda taking over??
Mod
If another team member is available to roll at midnight, it's fine for them to do so, with whoever is acting captain taking care of posting to the Post Your Spot thread later. :)
Completion Post ~~ Week 11Spot: 93
Book:
How it fits: #3 in Tracy Crosswhite
Completed: 12/2/20
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I usually have trouble with men trying to write female leads -- either they are too bitchy or they are just silly and the men around them have to come save the day. But this author does this MC well. She's interesting and real and a badass without offending everyone around her on a regular basis. She's just good at her job. And I love the reader doing the audiobooks, so that makes listening that much more interesting. Looking forward to the next book.
Oh hey guys....Carmen's husband passed suddenly on 11/25/2020. I should have let you guys knows so you weren't left in a lurch. Didn't think about it until I was posting my completion in my team thread today.
Completion postBook: Dead and Gone
Author: Charlaine Harris
How it fits: 9th book in Sookie Stackhouse series
Rating 2
In this book the weres and shifters come out. You think this would be good but like everything else it was a disaster. I think I didn't care for this book because there was way to much going on that it was hard to follow. It was exciting but at times felt like there were two main plots which made things difficult.
Completion Post ~~ Week 11Spot: 93
The Bluest Eyes in Texas
Book: The Bluest Eyes in Texas
How it fits: #3 Lone Star Cowboys
Date Read: 12.03 ★★★
Review:
This was an okay read. There was a lot of skipping forward without much action, as in 'over the next few weeks, Nancy...." We didn't get to see much of the development of a relationship between the MCs, just that they 'got closer' type of language. A little disappointing. The parts about hippotherapy were interesting. Like I said, just okay but not horrible either.
Plethora wrote: "Oh hey guys....Carmen's husband passed suddenly on 11/25/2020. I should have let you guys knows so you weren't left in a lurch. Didn't think about it until I was posting my completion in my team th..."OMG, that's awful. So sad. Godspeed to her and her family.
Plethora wrote: "Oh hey guys....Carmen's husband passed suddenly on 11/25/2020. I should have let you guys knows so you weren't left in a lurch. Didn't think about it until I was posting my completion in my team th..."Well that's terrible. I was getting afraid it was something bad. Thank you for letting us know.
I had DM her and didn’t get a response. This is terrible. She and her family must be devastated.
Pleathora thanks for letting us know. That is so terrible and devastating. I will keep her family in my thoughts.
If we are stopping right now where we are, I’m okay with that. Just let me know.If we aren’t we should check in with Pallavi. I haven’t seen a completion post from her, and if she told Carmen, we won’t know.
completion post: Spot 93 Book:Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India
Author:Amish Tripathi
Page:352
How it's fits: Takes place in India
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Review: Another brilliant book by Amish Tripathi.
Only he can mould Indian mythology into amazing stories with beautiful morals.
The message he subtly conveys through his books stay with you for a long time.
King Suheldev, a forgotten hero and devotee of lord Shiva, is willing to sacrifice his life for his motherland.
Humongous armies of Turks invade India. They look for weaknesses and they find it. Seeing how the country is divided, they strategically attack villages and Kingdom. Their barbaric attacks on the North India, leads to rise of a warrior, Suheldev and his fearless army.
King Suheldev is a fierce, charismatic and patriotic leader.
His guerrilla tactics and warfare strategies are truly magnificent.
The book touches various impending issues that has pulled back the country for a long time like caste, religion, cultural beliefs and gender inequality.
As long as we hold on these issues, the country can't progress and it becomes an easy target.
Looking forward to reading more books by the author
Plethora wrote: "Oh hey guys....Carmen's husband passed suddenly on 11/25/2020. I should have let you guys knows so you weren't left in a lurch. Didn't think about it until I was posting my completion in my team th..."That's truly terrible.
Thank you for letting us know.
My heartfelt condolences
Natalie wrote: "If we are stopping right now where we are, I’m okay with that. Just let me know.If we aren’t we should check in with Pallavi. I haven’t seen a completion post from her, and if she told Carmen, we..."
Since we have already come so far, can we please continue?
Week 12Roll:4 + 4 = 8
Old Spot: 93
New Spot: 101
Series #1 or #0 or standalone book
or
Alternate 101: Four or more words in Title (excluding A/An/The)
Ann ~Review
LaurLa ~Review
Natalie ~Review
Pallavi ~Review
Stacey ~Review
Pallavi, thank you for posting and doing the roll. That’s way past my bedtime.I think a lot of us were shocked by news of Carmen. It’s crushing. It’s also sobering. I know how that kind of loss feels at a time when there’s celebration. I don’t how well everyone knows Carmen, but I wanted to respect that possible pain, and voice the choice and the option of not continuing.
I think this the last round. We’ve broken 100, and we’ve got great numbers for choosing a book. We have a number of bonus points to adjust things if we need to. It’s a great way to enter the home stretch.
I’m good with the roll. I’ve got books on the shelf that fit this. How about everyone else?
Let's go ahead and finish what we started. I don't really care about winning but we all worked hard to keep us moving forward, I don't think finishing it out is disrespectful. I am working on a #1 right now and should finished sometime today.
I'm good with finishing it out. Plenty of 1 and 0s in my TBR. :)Thanks for rolling for us Pallavi.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
The Salaryman's Wife (other topics)Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India (other topics)
The Bluest Eyes in Texas (other topics)
In the Clearing (other topics)
The Widows of Malabar Hill (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Amish Tripathi (other topics)Robert T. Kiyosaki (other topics)
Robert T. Kiyosaki (other topics)
Michael Phelps (other topics)
Etaf Rum (other topics)
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