Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2021 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 7: 2/12 - 2/18
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Nadine wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Carmen wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind This was interesting, but there were some parts I took issue with. Since I listened to the audio version (and was ..."Ha, yes. That sounds about right! I also noticed a different tone in the second half, compared to the first.
Hey everyone! I hope you’re all managing to stay warm!POPSUGAR: 8/50
Goodreads: 95/200
Finished Reading:
~Venom by Daniel Way: The Complete Collection
If you’d like to read my thoughts about this book, you can find them at https://theunapologeticbookworm.com/2....
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 7
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 8
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 9
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 10
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 11
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 12
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 13
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 14
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 15
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 16
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 17
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 18
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 19
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 20
~Assassination Classroom, Vol. 21
~The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century
If you’d like to read my thoughts about this book, you can find them at https://theunapologeticbookworm.com/2....
~Zombies Vs. Unicorns - “a book whose title starts with ‘Q,’ ‘X,’ or ‘Z’”
If you’d like to read my thoughts about this book, you can find them at https://theunapologeticbookworm.com/2....
Currently Reading:
~The Silmarillion
~The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
~Gil's All Fright Diner
QOTW:
I frequently ignore my responsibility to get a decent night’s sleep because of books.
Lynn wrote: "Theresa wrote: "It's snowing here in Manhattan! Woot! And I have to go out in it in a few minutes because I'm getting my 2nd Dose Vaccine today! Fortunately I only need to go about 10 blocks and ca..."@ Lynn - I read Swine and Punishment through Kindle Unlimited, which I am trying out. Not that I checked but I remembered thinking that this might be an ebook self-published through Amazon's program - hence why full series in Kindle Unlimited. Definitely enjoyed and plan to read full series before I give up Kindle Unlimited.
@Lynn - A Brief History of Seven Killings is an incredibly ugly read that is also beautiful, powerful. Not for faint at heart.
Since my last check-in, I've finished The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty for the prompts in both PS & ATY for a book with a Muslim character or written by a Muslim-American author & Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself by William W. Li for a book by a blogger/ book that was borrowed.Currently have on my stand, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett & Revolutionary Founders: Rebels, Radicals, and Reformers in the Making of the Nation by Alfred F. Young.
This is our busy season at work, plus I have other commitments right now, so I hardly have any reading time. It's taken me an embarrassingly long time to get two-thirds of the way through I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. I'll catch up later.As for the question, one time I got so engrossed in The Picture of Dorian Gray while riding the bus that I completely missed my stop and ended up several miles away from home.
Progress 8/20 <- (I halved the challenge for myself)
This week I didn't pump out as much as I wanted to because it was total chaos here. I had finally scheduled some important doctor's appointments since Covid cases are down in the city, but the giant super storm made roads too terrifying to drive on. On top of that, I had three separate interviews for a role. Cross your fingers for me!
QOTW
I have definitely been totally consumed by a book before. In fact, once in elementary school, I had to serve a detention for reading straight through math time. I don't remember that book but I remember it being about a girl with a pet lizard. A few years ago I got fully sucked into The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabriele Zevin. (If you wanted a Zevin book for the forgetting prompt (11), Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac was a fun time when I read it back in high school).
Completed This Week
How to Find Fulfilling Work - This guy was slowing my progress because it's got all these great workbook-style prompts and activities. I did all of them and really enjoyed it. I feel like it made me get a better handle on some of my strengths and worries in my job search. Really loved creating the ad for myself; it was a confidence booster in a strange way. Finished just in time for three rounds of job interviewing this week.
Robert Moses: The Master Builder of New York City - A quick read but nothing particularly spectacular. I like to use graphic novels/comics when there is a prompt about a book being less popular (A book with under 1000 reviews). Felt like it didn't have a fully drawn point of view on its subject. Even though I'm lukewarm on this, it won't stop me from loving Nobrow's publications.
Currently Reading
Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America - Hopefully will finish by next posting. It's very dark and therefore hard to "binge"-read.
Never Split the Difference - I decided to stick with this one. It's nothing revolutionary but has some solid techniques for communication and persuasion. I'm enjoying it on audiobook when I do chores.
Mod
Binti- for "afrofuturism." I really liked this one, but it was so short it was over too quick! Will definitely have to pick up the next books."
I felt the same way!
"Parable of the Sower- for "bestseller from the 90s." This was another really good one, but way more brutal than I was expecting. I've been trying to read before I go to sleep-instead of being on my phone. But with this book I had to stop, because all the terrible things that happen or are described would have given me some pretty terrible dreams"
Fair warning. This is one I want to read, even though I realize it will probably be more brutal than I typically like...
"QotW:
The one that sticks out the most was when I was reading Sadie. I was at the airport flying home after a trip, and I was at a really intense part of the book, and looked up and realized I was one of the only people in the waiting area. Hadn't heard them announce that they were boarding the flight at all. So I nearly missed my flight after showing up 3 hours early."
Oh, my. That would have been awful to miss the plane after all that time, but I can certainly relate!
Mod
I am through Chapter 3, and I am intrigued by what is going to happen and what already did happen to Anna."
I thought this looked like a good one. I have yet to read one of her books.
"Question of the Week:
I mostly remember a couple of books that grabbed my attention so much that I chose to stay up and finish them, even though it meant less sleep. The books were Vision of the Future and Big Little Lies."
Yep! Although I am old enough now I simply can't stay up very late!
Mod
From what I've read Texas was warned in 2011 they needed to make many changes to their energy grid to avoid just what happened...
"Aaaand let's just pretend there's a smooth transition here to talking about books..."
LOL
"Finished this week:
The Mask of Mirrors (a book about an artist--a CON artist, get it??)"
Ooohhh...I love your creativity! I doubt I would have thought of that!
"QOTW: I vividly remembering receiving Relic in my Christmas stocking one year, and staying up until 3 a.m. reading it. I was sitting in a beloved comfy wing chair in my mom's house, and I knew I had to go to bed when I leaned forward to peer around the wings to see if monsters were lurking."
Ha! Yeah, that's probably when you should go to sleep! :)
Mod
Glad the weather improved and sorry about another migraine! :(
"This week I finished:
The House in the Cerulean Sea-this was so good, but I'm 100% going to get a print version before my book club discusses it. They didn't have it when I put it on hold, got it right after I already started the audio."
This is my book club book for March. Anxious to read it! Glad you liked it!
"QOTW:
I can't think of a specific time where reading made me forget to do something important. I obviously sometimes (often) read when I "should" be doing something else like sleeping or cleaning (or sometimes work if it's really slow and I'm dragging my feet looking for busywork). But I don't think I've ever missed something with a deadline or that NEEDED to be done because of reading something too engrossing."
Sounds as if you are lucky in that regard! (Or just more responsible than me? LOL)
Lynn, probably more that I have anxiety so I get SO WORRIED I’ll miss something. So if I’m reading before I need to go somewhere I’ll be reading a sentence and then checking my watch, reading another, check watch etc.
Mod
Well, it works for you. I, on the other hand, would probably finally check my phone or the oven clock (which is visible from my 'reading chair', and immediately launch to my feet and race to go wherever, since I'm probably 5-10 minutes behind schedule... ;) I have a friend who never used an alarm clock. That was due to the fact that her anxiety virtually kept her awake most of the night when she had to get up earlier than usual in the morning... :( No fun!
I get that too, but I must use an alarm clock because what'll generally happen is I'll be up most the night fretting, and then I'll finally pass out far too close to my get up-time and will plow right through it if I don't have an alarm set. Makes for a very exhausting next day
Mod
Glad your snow is gone! Sure wish that front had gone easier on Texas.
"Continuing:
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. I thought the snowfall over the weekend was a good time to pick up this book. It takes place on a shipping boat sailing from Greenland down to Antarctica. Pretty good so far - the writing is excellent."
Oohhh...that looks like a good one!
"The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. I started this one early (was going to read in March for the Women's Prize for Fiction). I am struggling through it. Circe is such an amazing book (I read it twice) but I am struggling with this one. It's slow but I am hopeful it will pick up."
I sure hope The Song of Achilles picks up for you. IMO, these books are very different from each other. Neither is something I would typically be overly-interested in reading, but I very much enjoyed each one. (I was particularly motivated to read each after attending an author event with Miller.)
"QOTW:
Just recently I was reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and I ended up ordering dinner in because I didn't want to "waste" time cooking when I could have been reading! I fell deep into that book and I loved it! This is basically true for most books that I really love. I just forget about the world and focus on reading. Once the book is finished and I emerge from my cocoon I realize all the stuff I have been putting off (cleaning, laundry, showering...)"
Ha! I never "order out" since I live in the boonies, but I would definitely be tempted to do so if I was in an urban location. :)
Mod
I had to chuckle at this! I no longer drink coffee, but I do have one cup of black (Darjeeling) tea upon arising in the morning. I have had to really concentrate some times when trying to read the thermostat first thing in the morning or the middle of the night! :)
QOTW:
I can't think of an instance at the moment other than choosing to read instead of sleeping. Most of the time I can say to myself the book is not going anywhere and I can make myself go to bed. Some books just won't let you. I too recall being useless because of reading Harry Potters immediately upon attaining a copy."
It's nice when you are still able to do that. In my old age I am unable to stay awake! :)
Mod
It can be annoying and disruptive when it occurs in locales that are accustomed to it, but if unprepared, it can be scary and life-threatening! Ugh.
"📚Books read this week: 7
❤️Favorite Book this week: I can’t decide! So many good ones
The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, #1) by Sarah J. Maas Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo"
So cool when that happens! :)
"✔️Week 7 Finished: (2/11-2/17)
4. Real Men Knit ⭐️⭐️⭐️"
This looks like a fun read!
"📚Further Reading Plans: (Week 8)
The Four Winds"
I have loved every Hannah book I've read!
"❓Question of the Week:
Has there been a time that the book you are reading has consumed you to the point of totally overlooking a responsibility or commitment? What book was that? What did you neglect to do?
💬AOTW:
Definitely! I could not put Finlay Donovan Is Killing It down and it completely consumed me."
It's kinda fun when that happens, isn't it? :)
Mod
Cool!
"QOTW:
Has there been a time that the book you are reading has consumed you to the point of totally overlooking a responsibility or commitment? What book was that? What did you neglect to do?
Sort of...I have read a lot of books instead of doing house work, but I have never been so engrossed in a book that I missed anything important. (Unless you count sleep. I have been known to keep reading to the wee hours of the morning.)"
What?!? What is...housework? LOL
Mod
So when I Google "United We Read" I get a ton of hits and it looks as if this may be a local activity/event?
"Love in English This one was also good and I cried at the end. Her bilingual poems scattered throughout the book were pretty amazing, a commentary on learning different languages and trying to understand social situations in a foreign country."
That sounds really interesting!
"Started: Homelessness, Housing, and Mental Illness"
I bet that will be heartbreaking but informative.
"QotW: I read Love Lettering in two days across Valentine's Day and President's Day. So I sorta/kinda neglected some responsibilities such as cleaning out the fridge, but nothing with a deadline!"
Good for you!
Mod
It is so sad!
"QOTW: This happens to me a lot - not necessarily missing a commitment or appointment, but definitely not getting stuff done that I was supposed to do. Mostly I forget to sleep, I'll finish the book and look at the clock and think "shoot, I have to get up in 3 hours..." But recently I also forgot to go to the grocery store and post office because I was so wrapped up in the book I was reading. I saw someone mention they almost missed a flight, and that's actually something I worry about - that I'll be reading a book in a waiting area and not hear my name called or an important announcement. That could definitely happen.
Yep! I could easily imagine myself doing the same!
Mod
I'm glad someone is enjoying cold weather! :) I didn't mind it until I got older. :)
"Finished
Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley ⭐⭐⭐
Prompt #20, a book on a Black Lives Matter reading list. Also fits #29, a book set in multiple countries, #33, a book featuring three generations, #34, a book about a social justice issue
A universal story about finding your roots, the power of oral history and telling stories and the pursuit of freedom and happiness. And a story about slavery: the inhumane actions, the racism and the effects on nowadays offspring of former slaves."
I admire you for reading this tome! I know it is probably an excellent read. I remember the television mini-series. It was excellent, IMO! :)
"Currently reading
Secrets of a Charmed Life. A kind of a ‘have I read this before’-experience. It was a QOTW last year. I couldn't remember one, but here it is."
LOL
"QOTW
The last time I was totally consumed by a book was The Labyrinth of the Spirits, about 3 years ago. I completely lost track of the world outside the book, it was a shock closing the book. I don’t remember if I forgot anything, but oh, I was completely absorbed by it.."
Ooohhh...this is the fourth in his Cemetary of Forgotten Books series, isn't it? I read the first two that were translated into English and now need to read the next two. It's interesting, that type of writing is not my typical reading preference, but I loved his writing!
Mod
Definitely!
"Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai Inside Out & Back Again - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (May get bumped up to a 5 star later)
My sister told me I need to read this and I'm so glad I listened. I joked that it lost a star for ending. It was so sweet and it really came alive for me. PS - A book with an oxymoron in the title. (Inside Out) & ATY - A book involving an immigrant."
I really want a copy of this to read and then forward to grandchildren!
"The Martian by Andy Weir The Martian - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'd forgotten just how much I loved this book. I know I love the movie too. I've been meaning to reread this, and I needed a physical book to read, so I picked it up, and then couldn't put it down."
Though I'm not much a rereader, I could see myself rereading this one!
"Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Before the Coffee Gets Cold - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Another one that might get bumped up to 5 stars)
I'd seen this mentioned for a couple of prompts here, and it looked okay, so I borrowed it and figured I'd give it a try (I'm usually not that big on things that get the magical realism tag). It blew me away. It did take a little to get into the story, but once I did, I really couldn't stop. It left me in tears. PS - A book set in a restaurant. & ATY - A book with an ensemble cast."
I like magical realism and I didn't even consider that this would be set in a restaurant! (Duh!) Cool!
"QOTW
When I get really into a book, I ignore everything, including my own body, So sometimes I'll finish up and realize I've been sitting in a bad position and my back is screaming at me. Or I'll have a head ache because I've forgotten to eat.... And I have learned that pulling an all nighter to finish a book takes a lot longer to recover from then when I did it as a teen. Getting older sucks!"
Yep! As my former mother-in-law used to say, "It ain't for sissies!" :)
Mod
Wow. That sounds like a lesson learned the hard way! Good that you have such a thoughtful friend! :)
Mod
Glad things weren't too bad for you. We ended up working remotely Monday and Tuesday...a mixed blessing.
"Finished
Billions & Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium by Carl Sagan (longest on my tbr). Loved it, but it's so frustrating to see how few problems we've managed to solve in the twenty-four years since this book came out. He was so hopeful that America would start taking climate change seriously in the coming years. I mean, better late than never, but still..."
I just hope we aren't TOO late.
"These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong. This was a DNF for me. I just couldn't get into it. There was a lot of set dressing but very little actual...plot. I see almost exclusively rave reviews, however, so I'm afraid it must just be me."
But there is no one book written that everyone will love, so don't hesitate to be honest. At least that is my opinion... :)
"Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus by Bill Wasnick and Monica Murphy. This was decent. It focuses a lot on the myths and legends that rabies inspired--werewolves, vampires, zombies--and less on specific outbreaks. I was hoping more for a history of the disease (I know, I'm an oddball lol)."
Well, if you're an oddball for that preference, so am I! :) I love scientific/historical details!
"Currently Reading
Spinster: Making a Life of One's Own by Kate Bolick. This is a memoir of a woman who chose singleness over married life, and she analyzes the female writers who influenced her toward that life. I'm a proud, happy thornback (unmarried past the age of 27) myself, so I'm relating well to this."
Cool! Each of us has the right and should make their own decisions about their life! I have a good friend who is now 41. She and her husband made a life decision to not have children. And they're fine! :) Though they do have 3 dogs! :)
"The Dark Vault by Victoria Schwab (something broken on the cover). This is one of Schwab's earliest works, so it's not as amazing as her later stuff. That said, it's still extremely well written and engaging. It's cool to see her earlier works and watch her development as an author. Addie LaRue totally blew me away in its amazingness."
It is interesting to explore an author's earlier works. Sometimes I can see a real progression and other times I feel as if they just knew how to write well from the beginning!
"QotW
I think my anxiety and OCD keep me from fully engaging in reading (or any activity) in such a way that I accidentally lose time while reading. However, I've had books where it was so good I decided I would finish no matter what. The last book for me was The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman."
That is so much fun! I love it when a book totally enthralls me!
Mod
I had inadvertently scrolled past your name and just started reading this post and then checked, 'cause after reading this first paragraph my thought was, "Oh, I bet that's poshpenny!" And I was right! It was a traffic jam up there. I know the UAE flight/landing was also successful. And I think there was a third country planning to land a mission on Mars either last week or this week. Crazy!
"It happens that I am feeling like not reading books about slavery and struggle for Black History Month this year. I've been mostly reading about adventures and joy and mysteries. I'm going to try keeping it up all month. It's been an extra challenge trying to find happy black books, or at least books about just, stuff."
I would agree it's not easy, however, there are some now and I feel certain more will be on the way in the very near future!
"Finished:
A Dead Djinn in Cairo - MOAR! Annoyed this isn't in print."
I printed this but have yet to read it.
"QOTW I missed my bus stop on the way to work several times while reading The Phantom of the Opera"
Oops! :)
Late check in this week. Read 8/50
Finished
Terra Nullius by Claire G. Coleman. And I finished it just days before Hugh Jackman was on Twitter recommending it! This was for prompt #34, a book about a social justice issue. It's about colonialism in Australia (though there is a big twist). I found it a bit slow at the beginning, but the second half was very powerful. It did exactly what a book like this should do: made me examine my own prejudices and assumptions. 4 stars.
Currently Reading:
How Long 'til Black Future Month?. I'm really enjoying this. Pushing to get it finished before the end of the month.
The F*ck It Diet: Eating Should Be Easy Only just started this, but enjoying it so far.
QOTW
The responsibility I avoid is usually sleeping. I actually stayed up well past my bed time finishing Terra Nullius last week. Now that I work from home, I also find myself shifting deadlines around, or dropping work altogether, for a good book. My lunch breaks have grown longer since I started reading N.K. Jemisin.
Lynn wrote: "Ooohhh...this is the fourth in his Cemetary of Forgotten Books series, isn't it? I read the first two that were translated into English and now need to read the next two. It's interesting, that type of writing is not my typical reading preference, but I loved his writing!"
Yes, it is the 4th. And the best, a real 'grande finale'. So sad there won't be anymore of Záfon's excellent writing for he is not with us anymore.
Lynn wrote: "Melissa wrote: " Other memorable ones were when I read the first four Harry Potter books in a single day. (Also not recommended.)"Wow. My eyes couldn't handle that much reading in one day!."
My house was getting new siding that day, so as the workers moved to different parts of the house, I would move accordingly to get away from them. The biggest takeaway, other than the siding, was how much I missed by reading all four so quickly. In the final confrontation of the first book, I completely missed the whole two faces part. The chapter is even called the man with two faces. I think it took the movie for me to realize it.
I'd say I read more carefully now, but that wouldn't be true. I try to read more carefully now. :)
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The F*ck It Diet: Eating Should Be Easy (other topics)How Long 'til Black Future Month? (other topics)
Terra Nullius (other topics)
Robert Moses: The Master Builder of New York City (other topics)
How to Find Fulfilling Work (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
William W. Li (other topics)Alfred F. Young (other topics)
S.A. Chakraborty (other topics)
Ken Follett (other topics)
Bill Bryson (other topics)
More...
Oh, I hope they're all okay. This has really affected me even though I don't really "know" much of anyone still living in Texas. To have this weather when it is so unusual and to know that many of these homes are not prepared for it, I just really feel for everybody affected.
"Work has picked up, like I knew it would, and I don't have the energy in the evenings to read heavy (literally or figuratively) books, so the history books will have to wait. I've also put all of my holds on ebooks at the library on pause until mid-April."
Boo, work! Interfering with reading! Ugh. :)
"Currently Reading: Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrams. Book club wanted to read it, but I feel like I'm the wrong target audience for it, not being a person of color. About a third of the way through."
I was amazed by this book! I didn't really feel that it was specifically targeted for people of color, but that's just me. I was blown away by her spreadsheet of life plans! I really want to read her most recent release from last year. I just respect the hell out of this woman. She took what could have been a totally overwhelming defeat and turned it into opportunity to help make sure as many people as possible are not only properly registered to vote but also follow through and vote! Wow. Gives me goose bumps! It's such an important issue!
"QOTW: Has there been a time that the book you are reading has consumed you to the point of totally overlooking a responsibility or commitment?
All the time. I would routinely stay up until 3 or 4 (or 7) in the morning to finish a book. It was easier as a teenager and in my twenties, but it's much harder now that I'm older. There's a book I still associate as the one I stayed up until 4 to read the night before I had a six hour road trip. (Note: not recommended.) Other memorable ones were when I read the first four Harry Potter books in a single day. (Also not recommended.)"
Wow. My eyes couldn't handle that much reading in one day!
"When I started dating my husband, he tried to encourage me with a "stop reading at 11" rule that mostly worked. (I think he forgot about it when we moved and lost the security light setting that turned the lights off at 11.) I don't stay up all night reading anymore, mostly because I like to go to bed at the same time as my husband. These days, working from home, it's far too easy to bring my lunch book back to my desk with me and keep reading instead of getting back working. In fact, I did that yesterday with Tricks for Free, because I was at the point when they were figuring out what was going on."
When I was working remotely I purposefully would read in a less-than-comfortable setting while eating lunch and leave the laptop in the comfortable place. Some days it was difficult to leave the book and return to work... :)