WINTER 2020/2021READINGCHALLENGE

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

Franzi wrote: "Do I need to sign up for the challenge somewhere?"

Yes :-) Please do! You'll need to designate a shelf for the challenge. I use winter2021.
https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/...

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Do I need to sign up for the challenge somewhere?"

Look forward to seeing which books you choose for the challenge.
Happy Reading! :D

[Danell]

I listened toForce of Nature which works for #5

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened toForce of Nature which works for #5"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Franzi]

Goodreads seems to be down? I can't access that link?

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Goodreads seems to be down? I can't access that link?"

Goodreads seems to be having a lot of technical difficulties lately.

Dustin may have some ideas about how to fix the link but usually it’s a problem with the goodreads website which they hopefully will fix.

Of course you can still join us in the challenge-just post your goals and what you decide to read (and any questions you have) in this thread. You can also ask for or give any recommendations here as well.

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

Franzi wrote: "Do I need to sign up for the challenge somewhere?"

If the link won't work, somehow navigate to the group homepage and the challenge is listed there. I typically use my laptop for goodreads. Somethings look/work differently on the phone app. So I usually keep it old school and work with what I know.

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

Tonight I started reading The Devil in Silver by Victor LaValle.
This could be interesting :-)

[Rachel]

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! :D

2020 was a hot mess so hope this year is kinder. Stay safe!

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Tonight I started reading The Devil in Silver by Victor LaValle.
This could be interesting :-)
"

I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
I haven’t read him before but his books sound awesomely strange and interesting. Hope you enjoy it. :)

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

Happy New Year Reader Friends!

[Franzi]

Happy New Year
It worked on the laptop :) Hope you can see my shelf. I have added two books I read in December , hope thats ok. So 2/7 read, just purchased 3 of them as paperbacks and 2 are on my kindle already.

Happy Reading :)

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

That is Awesome Franzi! I will check your Challenge when I get to my laptop today :-) It's been a while since we've had this many people officially join the seasonal reading challenge.
We are very easy going here. Any book that matches the tasks in the Challenge and is read between Dec.7 and Feb 28 counts.
I am usually able to find the most books to work with the letters in the title books. The Fall Challenge was L-O-O which was extremely easy to find. The Winter Challenge is G-O-A-T which I've already finished 3 and planning on adding more by end of February.
The author birthday task is always a great one that introduces me to authors I probably wouldn't otherwise read.

[Franzi]

That's why I chose to join the winter challenge. I opened a thread in a Facebook book group asking for seasonal reading challenges and was recommended yours. I chose it, as it is more narrow than other challenges. Whereas popsugar etc do help diversify the reading lists, they're still pretty broad. Your winter challenge however did narrow it down much more with the authors birthday prompt for example. I've gone for mainly fiction still but never heard of some of the authors and might even venture into whole new genres come spring or summer :)

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

Thanks for joining us! We'll keep it real and keep it simple :-) Rachel, is really the one that has kept us going.
I think the Popsugar Challenge is too complicated for me, but I hope you'll find some books here that will cross over and help with Popsugar.
Happy Reading!

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

Franzi wrote: "Happy New Year
It worked on the laptop :) Hope you can see my shelf. I have added two books I read in December , hope thats ok. So 2/7 read, just purchased 3 of them as paperbacks and 2 are on my k..."

Well, I looked but couldn't see you listed. The challenge says 6 people participating, but I could only see 5 people's challenges. Goodreads has always been rather quirky :-)

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

I'm reading The Devil in Silver by Victor LaValle today. When I first started last night, I wasn't sure, but it's really getting my attention. My interest was such that I looked up some of the author's other works. Unfortunately his other books aren't as readily available on the old school audiobook CD format that I use in reading most books. Maybe someday I'll try another of his titles, not likely for this challenge, but maybe. In addition to novels, LaValle has written graphic novels, short stories and participated in collaborations. Very interesting.

[Christine]

Happy New Year to All!

Welcome to the group, Franzi!

[Janet]

Franzi wrote: "Do I need to sign up for the challenge somewhere?"

Welcome!

[Janet]

Franzi wrote: "That's why I chose to join the winter challenge. I opened a thread in a Facebook book group asking for seasonal reading challenges and was recommended yours. I chose it, as it is more narrow than o..."

So glad you found us!

[Janet]

Just finished another GOAT: A decent thriller by an author I've never read before

Need to veer off and read my bookclub's pick Black Sun

[Rachel]

Thanks for the updates! :D

[Danell]

I read News of the World which works for #4. Good book!

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read News of the World which works for #4. Good book!

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D
I need to read that book-Glad you enjoyed it.

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

Danell wrote: "I read News of the World which works for #4. Good book!

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!"

Currently reading News of the World :-)

[Janet]

Finished Black Sun...really enjoyed it! I would describe it as fantasy/sci-fi inspired by pre-columbian cultures. It's the first in what will be a trilogy (I think). Now I will be anxiously awaiting the next book!

I'm about halfway through I'm loving it so far. Great pick, Rachel!

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "Finished Black Sun...really enjoyed it! I would describe it as fantasy/sci-fi inspired by pre-columbian cultures. It's the first in what will be a trilogy (I think). Now I will be anxiously awaitin..."

Just saw your review-glad you enjoyed it! :D

I just recently started it so it’s still somewhat early in the story-but definitely enjoying it so far.

[Rachel]

Finished The Hound of the Baskervilles I listened to this on audio for a story set in the 1800’s.
I enjoyed it and would recommend it- It’s very atmospheric.

I listen to Sherlock Holmes stories to relax before I go to bed and this is one of my favorites of the collection so far.

[Franzi]

Finished Midnight Library and loooooved it!
Potential spoiler:












I think it could have left out some lives and focused a little more in depth on some of the first ones she was in but the ending made up for it, although it was somehow expected.

Nevertheless it has moved to my keep forever shelf as one of my five star reads :) Thanks for making me read it :)

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Finished Midnight Library and loooooved it!
Potential spoiler:












I think it could have left out some lives and focused a little more in depth on some of the first ones she was in but the ..."

Glad you enjoyed it, Franzi! :D

[Rachel]

I also finished The Midnight Library and really enjoyed it.

I love books that explore other possible lives and thought this book did a great job with that concept. Also appreciated the honest and compassionate way in which depression was handled in the story,

[Rachel]

Quick question for the group:

Favorite books of 2020?

[Christine]

Rachel wrote: "Quick question for the group:

Favorite books of 2020?"

My list of best books of 2020 are:







I'm about half way thru The Midnight Library and I think it will end up on my best of 2021 list.

[Christine]

one more to add to my best of 2020:

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

Rachel wrote: "Quick question for the group:

Favorite books of 2020?"

Published in 2020 or Read in 2020?

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

Been working weekends at the movie theater again.
News of the World is doing well, although I haven't seen it yet.

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Quick question for the group:

Favorite books of 2020?"

Published in 2020 or Read in 2020?"

Read in 2020.

[Rachel]

My 2020 favorites:

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
Man's Search for Meaning
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

My fave 2020 releases:
Before the Ever After It’s a middle grade book but in my opinion it’s a story for readers of all ages.
The Thursday Murder Club

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Quick question for the group:

Favorite books of 2020?"

My list of best books of 2020 are:



[bookcov..."

I have [book:The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue|50623864] on my tbr-glad to hear more good things-it makes me want to read it sooner than later.
Glad you’re enjoying The Midnight Library. :)

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "one more to add to my best of 2020:

"

I enjoyed this story too. I needed something uplifting and it definitely was.

[Janet]

Just popping in to say hi and let you know I'm still reading David Copperfield. It may take me a while, the archaic language really slows me down. Also started listening to Broken by Jenny Lawson during my road trip to South Dakota. I found it perfect for the drive! Will list my 2020 favs when I get home later this week.

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "Just popping in to say hi and let you know I'm still reading David Copperfield. It may take me a while, the archaic language really slows me down. Also started listening to Broken by Jenny Lawson d..."

Thanks for the update, Janet!
I’m a Jenny Lawson fan-look forward to your thoughts on the new book.
Safe trip! :)

[Christine]

I finished

I love, love, love this book! What an awesome message.

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

Christine wrote: "I finished

I love, love, love this book! What an awesome message."

I'm still waiting for a copy from the library :-)

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

I've read two Jenny Lawson books. Would love to read another. Thanks for mentioning the new book.

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

I finally watched News of The World at the movie theater yesterday. I enjoyed the film. There were some notable differences from the book.

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "I finished

I love, love, love this book! What an awesome message."

Glad you enjoyed it, Christine! :D

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I've read two Jenny Lawson books. Would love to read another. Thanks for mentioning the new book."

Broken

It comes out in April.

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

I guess I've gotta wait a few months, but added Broken to my to-read list :-)

[Rachel]

Dustin Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I finally watched News of The World at the movie theater yesterday. I enjoyed the film. There were some notable differences from the book."

Thanks for the recommendation-will have to see when it’s available to stream. I still have to read the book.