Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2021 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 11: 3/12 - 3/18
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Mod
I am so very sorry.
Mod
It is my understanding that both "sneaked" and "snuck" are always correct, but most people see "sneaked" as the preferred form. So it's funny that you hated that usage!
Mod
I'm sorry to hear you've been the hospital for so long, I hope things get better for you.
It's been my experience that non-comic writers almost always flub it when they try their hand at writing comics. Their comics seem to be popular, due to name recognition I guess. There are exceptions, of course.
Cornerofmadness wrote: "I've been hospitalized for weeks so I haven't been able to update. Also having to change up some of my books due to lack of access to my TBR pile.definitely not the book I planned on for this pro..."
I'm sorry you've been in the hospital! I hope things are going better for you.
Also, I agree with you about Ellie in Elatsoe. I also liked how much love there was in her relationship with her parents.
K.L. wrote: "It has been a really hard couple of weeks. I think many of you know that my mum was admitted to hospice about two weeks ago… Her doctor and nurses were able to regulate her medication so that she w..."I am so sorry to hear this news. It is true; you can be prepared, but you are never ready for this loss.
Wishing you and your family peace, comfort, and the warmth of good memories in the days ahead. Lots of virtual hugs.
Hey all. I don't feel like crap this week? It may or may not have something to do with barely seeing my boss. More Women's History Month reading woohoo
Finished:
Who Is Maud Dixon? - So much publishing. So many secrets. Enjoyed.
The Space Between Worlds *- Cool world. Lots of intrigue.
The Soul of a Woman *- Feminist AF
No One Is Talking About This - twitter, the novel. So weird.
Miller's Field Guide: Art Deco - Does what it says on the tin.
For BookTube Prize:
The Next Great Migration: The Beauty and Terror of Life on the Move *
These Fevered Days: Ten Pivotal Moments in the Making of Emily Dickinson
I've finished my judging group books! Woohoo!
Currently Reading:
Firekeeper's Daughter *- Now THAT is a cover
The Liar's Dictionary - Loving this enough that I keep picking up a physical book every few days! Mighty praise lately.
More about covers. I tend to prefer the UK covers most of the time. I ordered this book from there months before it published here. I like the cover. Then it published here and I also like this cover. Maybe a little more? It figures a book I happened to get a UK edition of anyway is one where I would have been happy with a US edition haha
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QOTW: Favorite characters I've read this year
Check, Please!, Book 2: Sticks & Scones *- Bitty! Eric Bittle. He's such a sweetheart. He's very caring and I love his enthusiasm. In this book I like that he both acknowledged the needs of his boyfriend and also recognized and communicated his own.
A Dead Djinn in Cairo *- Fatma el-Sha’arawi. I like the little we got to see so far, but my favorite thing so far, let's be honest, is her style.
Fleabag: The Scriptures - Priest from series 2. (AKA Hot Priest) I like that he got to be an actual, imperfect, human person. Also in the show he was played by Andrew Scott and who doesn't love Andrew Scott? My favorite thing about him is that he saw her. He really saw her.
*denotes BIPOC author
Lynn, how miserable for your husband (and you, I'm sure!). Hope he finds relief soon.
KL, I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to find peace at some point in the grieving process. Take your time with reading, social media and us. We'll be here when you're ready to see us again!
I'm going to leave this basket of hugs and hot cocoa over by the window for everyone who needs it.
Hi all! What a week! I'm back to work full time, all that mess has been sorted out. It's extra tough to get going in the mornings, and my energy still isn't what I'd like, but I'm doing OK. My coworkers and clients have all been so happy to have me back! Although it's been an especially weird week because the director of my program quit over the weekend! My immediate supervisor is filling in, so my goal is to just jump back in feet first and try not to cause stress for her! Oh! I get my first shot tomorrow, too. I'm hoping not to have any bad reactions! Fingers crossed!I did manage to finish a book this week, too! (two weeks past the due date, but fortunately my library is fine free, so we're good!) A Time to Kill I'm using this as a best seller from the 90s. Though I know the book was initially published in 88. But I read several places that it didn't do well until after the second book came out. It says NYT bestseller on the cover, but I couldn't find it on any list. Tough. I'm using it anyway. The book itself was decent. I wouldn't say I now have to go read everything Grisham's written, but I would read more of his stuff based on that.
I read a little more of Chlorine Sky this week, too. It's coming together a little bit better.
I also took out an audio book of On Beauty for the Women's Prize winner. I don't know if I would have gravitated towards that one on my own, but it's also on the 1001 books to read before you die list. Any time I can take a bite out of that list, too, I jump on it.
QOTW: Oh man, totally Lou from Serpent & Dove. I love her independence and quick wittedness, when neither was appropriate for a woman, but mostly I loved how she pushed right up to the edge of acceptability with Reid and those around him. Made me chuckle every time.
Just showing face so I don't get behind on checkins. Only 2 books finished this week. Reading rate is not getting any better than last year.Transcendent Kingdom - I don't know how much, if any, of this book is based on real life but it reads like memoir. Very affecting. I liked the ruminations on religion - I'm not religious myself, never actively practised any faith, but I do believe in... something bigger than us, I guess. I think it's arrogant for humans to presume we're the pinnacle of life in the universe. And I certainly believe in the concept of holiness. There's a great passage about that in Transcendent Kingdom:
(view spoiler)
The King Must Die - Interesting take on the Theseus myth. I enjoyed the rather clever ways the story was altered in order to make it more-or-less realistic - what was done with the Minotaur especially. Had a couple of "yikes" moments though, I guess due to being a product of the 50s. Granted, the ancient Greeks weren't exactly PC but I think the passages about black people specifically were injecting modern prejudices into an ancient setting. 😬 (Also, to get nitpicky about this, there's a certain racial term used at one point that's actually a Spanish word... yeah, I doubt Theseus knew much Spanish.)
Anyway that stuff is only in one or two chapters, and apart from that, I liked the book. There's something about writing from the first half or so of the 20th century, an oldfashionedness, that seems to lend itself to retellings. It's comfortable. (At least, until it's suddenly really not.)
Currently reading Exciting Times. Less than 50 pages in so far but I quite like it. It's definitely raised a smile once or twice.
QOTW: I guess Maia from The Goblin Emperor. He's a neglected kid suddenly thrust into a position of immense power that he doesn't want and has no idea how to handle, going straight from near-total isolation to having to navigate the social politics of an imperial court when all he wants and needs is one genuine, close friend. I really felt for him! And at the same time admired how he managed to think on his feet, keep his head above water and grow into the role of emperor.
Really looking forward to the sequel/companion novel. :)
While I am not quite done with it yet, I'm counting the book I'm finishing tonight as "finished" for this check-in and using it for a prompt. That will bring me to 9/40 and 1/10 for this challenge, and to 19/100 for my overall Goodreads Reading Challenge.(Essentially) Finished:
* Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey, which I decided to use for "a genre hybrid." One of my book clubs will be discussing it tomorrow :)
Currently Reading:
* Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews, which I plan to use for "a book that's published in 2021."
QotW:
Name at least one of your favorite characters from books you have read thus far in 2021. What did you specifically like about them?
Since it was hard to narrow this down, I decided to go with three categories of favorites.
Two Characters I Already Know and Love:
*Maggie Hope from The King's Justice by Susan Elia MacNeal -- this is one of my favorite mystery series and I adore Maggie! While she is in a dark place in this installment, I've loved watching her evolve over the course of the series and I enjoyed the exploration of female rage and her disillusionment in this one. She is brilliant and brave, even when she is bitter.
* Perveen Mistry from The Satapur Moonstone by Sujata Massey -- while there are only two books in this series so far, Perveen is already a favorite character of mine. She's based on the first female attorney in India, and is equally whip-smart and unconventional for the era in which she lives. I love that she is a self-made woman with strong family ties who always stays true to herself. I can't wait to revisit 1920s India with Perveen when the third book comes out this summer.
Two New-to-Me Characters:
* Detective Perry Dart and Dr. John Archer from The Conjure-Man Dies: A Harlem Mystery: The first ever African-American crime novel by Rudolph Fisher -- I loved both of them and their witty banter as they investigated murders in Harlem. These are characters I would have loved spending more time with over the course of a series, but the author passed away shortly after this novel was published. I'm glad that the novel's been republished because it is a gem.
And Two Real People (ok, not "characters" but I loved both of these books and learning about both of these amazing Americans):
* John Lewis from his memoir Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement. How lucky this country was to have had this champion of civil rights amongst its citizens. I felt like he was speaking directly from the pages and was struck by his quiet leadership and strength. His grace, tenacity, and perseverance were evident from the first page to the last. Inspiring and uplifting.
* Virginia Hall from the biography A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell. What an amazing woman! Her fearlessness and brilliance cannot be understated. It is criminal that she did not get the full recognition she deserved during her lifetime. While she did not crave attention, she deserved so much credit for her part in liberating France during WWII. I can't help but wonder if she would've become the first female head of the CIA if she'd lived during a different time.
Cendaquenta wrote: "Just showing face so I don't get behind on checkins. Only 2 books finished this week. Reading rate is not getting any better than last year.Transcendent Kingdom - I don't know how..."
Maia was such a great character!
Erica wrote: "The Song of Achilles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2021 Women's Prize for Fiction)I loved this so much. I need to get my own copy to reread it. Why did I let Circe put me off reading this? I might have read it again when I finished had the library not clawed it back minutes later. So I watched Troy instead and I had forgotten how much I loved that movie."
I was going to watch Troy after I read this as well, but I forgot to do it. Never too late . . .
K.L. wrote: "It has been a really hard couple of weeks. I think many of you know that my mum was admitted to hospice about two weeks ago… Her doctor and nurses were able to regulate her medication so that she w..."K.L., so sorry to hear about your mother. That is so hard! Take all the time you need to take care of you, and don't let anyone tell you how or how long to grieve.
Cornerofmadness wrote: "I've been hospitalized for weeks so I haven't been able to update. Also having to change up some of my books due to lack of access to my TBR pile."Sorry you have been ill. I hope you are doing better now.
This has been a tough week for too many of our group, and too many in the world. Sending love, healing, and peace to everyone.
Work has been way too much lately, so I missed yesterday's check in. Super tired - sending hugs to those going through tough times. I'm at 38/50 for the challenge. I keep getting distracted by new books coming out this year instead of sticking with ones that fit the prompts. Oops!
This week I finished:
The Secrets We Kept This was fun. I wanted to read Doctor Zhivago first to get the full appreciation, but ran out of time since we're discussing the Prescott novel in one of my book clubs on Monday. 4 stars
Infinite Country Very moving story about the devastation of immigration policies in the U.S. 5 stars
Riot Baby It's rare that I finish a book and immediately want to read it again, but that happened here. Wow. 5 stars
The Remainder This wasn't always easy to follow, but I'll probably enjoy any book that takes place in Chile. 4 stars
We Can Only Save Ourselves Interesting idea. The execution of it was mixed for me. 3 stars
Real Life Sad book, but worth reading. 4 stars
I'm currently listening to An Untamed State and reading The Mixquiahuala Letters in print.
QOTW: Hmm plenty of great characters just from this week's reads!
I enjoyed "the typists" as an effective plural POV character in The Secrets We Kept. Pretty unique there.
I connected with pretty much all of the characters in Riot Baby and Infinite Country. They felt realistic and I was moved by their stories.
K.L. wrote: "It has been a really hard couple of weeks. I think many of you know that my mum was admitted to hospice about two weeks ago… Her doctor and nurses were able to regulate her medication so that she w..."I'm so sorry about your mom. Taking time for yourself and your family sounds like a solid plan.
Cornerofmadness wrote: "I've been hospitalized for weeks so I haven't been able to update. Also having to change up some of my books due to lack of access to my TBR pile.definitely not the book I planned on for this pro..."
I'm hoping that your ability to check-in is a sign that health is improving. Get well soon.
I agree about Black Panther, Vol. 1: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1 not being good. I read on anyway and the they kept getting better. This first volume was so disjointed for me but all of Ta-Nehisi Coates's ideas made sense in the sequels.
I also loved Legendborn so much. I can't wait for the next one.
Just one book finished this week, putting me at 13/50 for the challenge. Finished
The Power by Naomi Alderman. This was for the Women's Prize for Fiction prompt. There were some aspects I really liked, and others I really didn't. Nearly a week after finishing it, I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. I gave it three stars in the end.
Currently Reading
Fahrenheit 451 and Special Topics in Calamity Physics. I haven't read far into either, but enjoying so far.
QOTW
Ooh, hard one. I think I liked Brother Francis in A Canticle for Leibowitz the best. He was humble and a bit bumbling and just always accepting of his fate, whether it was no one believing his story or getting stuck as a novitiate for far longer than he should have been. Yet, he was also stubborn and let himself find ways to stick to his guns. And when it was really important, he was willing to stand up to others. He was possibly the only really likeable character in the book.
I also liked Gavin from The Bromance Book Club. I know the whole point of heroes in romance novels is for me to fall in love with them, but Gavin is a stand out. A lot of personality, believable faults, and a willingness to fight for his marriage.
Cornerofmadness wrote: "I've been hospitalized for weeks so I haven't been able to update. Also having to change up some of my books due to lack of access to my TBR pile.definitely not the book I planned on for this pro..."
The hospital is not a pleasant place, but I hope your admission was helpful and you continue to improve. Be well!
Sorry to hear about your husband, Lynn. Sending good thoughts your way! This week I finished 2 books!
1. Queen of the Owls by Barbara Linn Probst for the Quarantine Book Club and prompt #38 a book about art or an artist. I gave this one 3 stars because I liked it enough to finish it, but didn't really like it or love it. This book focused on the artist Georgia O'Keeffe, and while her paintings are lovely I've never really had a passion or interest in her art. I would recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy reading about Georgia O'Keeffe.
2. None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney for my YA book club. I gave this one 5 stars, and finished it in one day. It was page turner about two teenagers being temporarily hired by the FBI to help interview & understand juvenile serial killers. It leads them to an active serial killer case, and the page turning ensues!
Currently reading:
Send for Me
The Song of Achilles
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
House of Leaves
Tough Mothers: Amazing Stories of History's Mightiest Matriarchs
Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History
Question of the Week
Name at least one of your favorite characters from books you have read thus far in 2021. What did you specifically like about them?
Maverick in Concrete Rose because of how he overcomes huge challenges as a boy, which causes him to figure out what it really means to be a man.
Shay in Dear Edward because she decides to stick by Edward throughout his struggles. She could've easily decided to ignore or unfriend him when he was pushing her away, but she persevered and this changed Edward's life.
Tom Cullen in The Stand because (without giving too much away) of the role he plays in this story. He has a mild learning disability, but is still able to play a major part in the outcome of the ending.
Howdy all. I'm late again, but I blame The Song of Achilles. I was so busy reading it I lost track of time and didn't get around to posting until now. Finished
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I loved this book. I wanted to reread even before I finished it. I loved the characters and story. I have to say it surprised me a few times.
Mario (Games On!) by Paige V. Polinsky. This is the last book in the series and I really enjoyed learning about Super Mario Brothers games. I loved playing Super Mario Brothers. I remember playing Super Mario Brothers when we got our first Nintendo. It was nice to remember the game and the fun I had.
Star Wars Rebel Jail Volume 3 by Jason Aaron. This is an great graphic novel read, it was just over too soon.
John Adams: 2nd U.S President (Presidents of the United States Bio-Graphics) by Joeming Dunn. This graphic novel about our 2nd president was interesting and made me think back to the men that started this country.
Ulysses S Grant: 18th U.S. President (Presidents of the United States Bio-Graphics) by Joeming Dunn. This is a great graphic novel about Grant.
Richard Nixon by Joeming Dunn:37th U. S. President (Presidents of the United States Bio-Graphics) by Joeming Dunn. I learned a lot about Nixon I didn't know.
Ronald Reagan: 40th US President (Presidents of the United States Bio-Graphics) by Joeming Dunn. This was an interesting read as I thought I knew more about Reagan then I did the others and found out that I didn't.
Bill Clinton: 42nd U. S. President (Presidents of the United States Bio-Graphics) by Joeming Dunn. This is the last of the series. I hope they do another series of this, as I would like to see one for every president.
Jo: An adaptation of Little Women (Sort of) by Kathleen Gros. This was a fun graphic novel. I really liked it's modern setting. I've not read Little Women, so I can't say if it's anything like it. I really enjoyed it.
Currently reading
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. I'm loving this book. I'm almost finished.
I have 3 Blaze and Billy books to read.
Mooncakes
QotW
Bailey and the twins (Poppet and Widget) from The Night Circus. Bailey for standing up for himself with his father and deciding to do something a bit risky. The twins were sweet and creative, they were strong and probably knew more than needed to, but they were able to help others.
Patroclus from The Song of Achilles. He was loyal to Achilles and tried to be with him all the time. He was sweet and caring even though he wasn't treated the best.
I have to add John Lewis to this list even though he is a real person from March Book Two and Book Three (I read book one last year). He fought for what he believed in and didn't let people stop him. I was amazed at what he went through and still held to his beliefs. He inspired me.
I finished 2 books this week. I am now 13/40 for this challenge. :)The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - I really liked this book. I listened to it on audio, and the narrator was fantastic. The relationship between Achilles and Petroclus was the sweetest ever. I like this interpretation of Achilles so much more than other versions. I was, at first, reluctant to read this book, but in the end I was so glad I did. This book was for the Women's Prize for Fiction prompt.
Stars Above by Marissa Meyer - I love this series. With the completion of this book, I am also completing the series. Which makes me a bit sad, honestly. I thought this was a fun twist on the fairy tales in a sci fi/fantasy way. This was for the diamond on the cover prompt (I adapted "diamond" to an actual diamond rather than a deck of cards diamond.)
Currently reading:
The Dinner by Herman Koch - I was pleasantly surprised that it was translated from Dutch. I love everything Dutch. Probably because I am the daughter of a Dutch father. I'm only about 10% in and love it. The narrator for this audio book is very fun to listen to.
What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly by Arianna Davis - I'm going to have to speed read this book. It's interesting, but I think it's a little too drawn out. I do enjoy looking up the works of art as they are mentioned in the book. I think Frida Khalo is very inspirational, which is why I chose this book, so I'm surprised I am not liking the book right now.
Question of the Week:
I looked at the books I've read so far this year, and not one main character is really jumping out at me. Except for maybe Lihn Cinder from the Lunar Chronicles. But I couldn't articulate why she is standing out, so maybe she isn't?? Maybe it's because she's been with me for a couple of years as I read the series over time?
AF wrote: "I finished 2 books this week. I am now 13/40 for this challenge. :)The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - I really liked this book. I listened to it on audio, and the narrator ..."
Have you read Iko's two graphic novels that take place after Winter?
Nadine wrote: "For some reason, in the last few weeks, audiobooks have been the only books that hold my attention. I listen to them while I drive the car, while I wash dishes, while I do logic puzzles on Saturday morning ... All of my other novels have been languishing. Why can't I focus?"Welcome to my world.
The only physical books I've been able to read lately are very visual, like graphic novels or photographs. I just looked at my spreadsheet from last year. Oh dear. Out of 227 books, THREE were text-only physical books. Two for book club (Jan and Feb) and a 127 page novella (May). Three. Books. All. Year.
Right now I am very slowly reading a physical book. Basically the only way I've been doing it at all is watching videos on YouTube of people reading. I've discovered reading sprints. They chat for a while then read for a while. Chat, read, chat, read. I am on page 80.
Otherwise it's jigsaw puzzles, match 3 games and audiobooks.
THANK YOU AUDIOBOOKS!
Erica wrote: "AF wrote: "I finished 2 books this week. I am now 13/40 for this challenge. :)The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - I really liked this book. I listened to it on audio, and th..."
No! But I'm going to look them up right now! Thanks.
Mod
I really must reread this one. I felt the same way upon finishing it the first time many years ago. When I reread Beloved many years later it gelled much better for me. It's interesting how that can happen...
"Qotw: Lucy from Child from the Sea, maybe. She knew how to just roll with the punches. More or less. I feel like I haven't liked a lot of characters this year."
I hope you encounter much more likeable characters in the remainder of 2021! :)
Mod
I think I'm going to reward myself and start reading Anxious People today, because there is no doubt in my mind that I will absolutely love it."
Ah, yes! Backman! I love that man! Well, his writing... :) I'm jealous! :)
"QOTW:
I find that I generally connect a lot with supporting characters. They really make or break stories sometimes. Some of my favorite characters in the Discovery of Witches trilogy were relatively small in their roles, but because I read so much and so fast, I often don't retain as much from books as I would like (such as character names). I focus on how the book makes me feel when reading it. The easiest example is Peaches from The Hidden Oracle, because I just finished the book this morning. Peaches brought so many fun, light moments and I enjoyed everything about that character."
I feel that way many times as well!
Mod
That is not what I would term "out of control," but just SUPER AWESOME! :) Good for you!
"I got a Kindle this week! Smartphones and a Kindle all in the span of a month. Is this the 21st century?"
I had to laugh at that! You are a techie, right?!? :)
"I finished 5 books this week!"
Jealous! But glad for you all at the same time! LOL
"Exit Strategy - the Murderbot obsession continues"
I loved the first book and have the second book but haven't had the opportunity to read it yet! So glad everyone here recommended the series so highly! I might not have otherwise read them!
"QOTW: Name at least one of your favorite characters from books you have read thus far in 2021. What did you specifically like about them?
I love Anden in the Green Bone Saga books (Jade City/War), because he's been raised in this family and knowing how to use jade and he still finds the courage to follow his own path and be his own person."
I just finished The House in the Cerulean Sea and felt the same way about Linus. :)
"All three women featured in The Rose Code: Mab, Osla, and Beth -- they're totally different people who build a strong bond of friendship, are torn apart, and find their way back together again. Friendship seems like such an underrated relationship, and it gives me warm fuzzies every time I see strong friendships in books."
I agree wholeheartedly! Friendships are paramount IMO!
"Similarly, Tavia and Effie in A Song Below Water, because teenage friendships are just as important as adult ones."
Yes, they are, IMO!
Lynn wrote: "Qotw: Lucy from Child from the Sea, maybe. She knew how to just roll with the punches. More or less. I feel like I haven't liked a lot of characters this year."I hope you encounter much more likeable characters in the remainder of 2021! :)..."
Almost 1/3 of the books that I had read up to the beginning of the week were nonfiction. So, that cut down on character count. I actually did really like the main character of the book I just read, Pompeii. He was honest. He was smart, He was caring. And he did some stupid things, but in a good way.
Gah! One of my goals this year was to be more consistent with these check-ins. Alas, this is yet another two week update.Completed:
The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux- Sophie cooks with her heart and developed her interest in culinary arts at the side of her French grandmother Odette who she spends summers with until she turned 13 and her mother prevented her from returning. Now, Sophie is working at a 2 star Michelin restaurant and has her sights set on being one of the few female chefs in a 3 star restaurant. When a fellow chef, jealous of her talent, ruins her reputation and causes her to get fired Sophie becomes despondent. She also learns of her grandmother's failing health and decides to return to the chateau of her childhood. When she returns, she finds the chateau transformed to a luxury vacation spot containing two restaurants and a vineyard. As circumstances continue to change, Sophie is faced with the choice of staying on or returning to New York. The setting, descriptions of food, and secondary characters were wonderful. The main character spent too much of the first part of the book wallowing in misery which reduced the charm this could of had.
Prompt: A book about do-overs or fresh starts (Popsugar)
Prompt: Set somewhere you haven't visited (ATY)
A Thousand Beginnings and Endings- Bringing a group of 16 best selling authors together and issuing the challenge to retell Asia's most known and beloved fairy tales, myths and folklore editors Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman (who also contributed stories), have compiled an overall outstanding volume that was a fantastical journey in to Asian culture.
Prompt: An SFF Anthology edited by a POC (Read Harder)
Mistletoe and Mr. Right- Lana Montgomery has been appointed heir apparent to the corporate group built up by her parents. Lana, however, has never felt more home than when she is in small town Moose Springs, Alaska. When Lana seeks to head a condominium project that will help revitalize the town she receives opposition from the townsfolk who view her as an outsider. She then determines to win their favor by catching the elusive Santa Moose- destroyer of lights and lawn decoration. When Lana accidentally tranquilizes Rick, local pool hall owner, their acquaintance deepens and an attraction is formed. A quirky story that had too many sides trails in the middle portion and lengthened what should have been a much shorter book.
Prompt: A love story (ATY)
Winterhouse- When orphan Elizabeth Somers learns her Aunt Purdy and Uncle Burlap are taking a trip over the Christmas holiday while she is being sent to the famed Winterhouse hotel she is not sure what to think. The precocious 12 year old and voracious reader soon finds herself enthralled by all the wonders and activities of the hotel. When she uncovers an unusual book in the library containing a set of puzzles she sets off a series of mysterious events involving guests at the hotel, proprietor Norbridge Falls and even things related to herself. As she begins to put the pieces together she realizes there is more to the family history of the Falls than what meets the eye and that she is connected to the hotel. I loved this one!
Prompt: A book with a family tree (Popsugar)
Prompt: Book you associate with a certain season or time of year (ATY)
Currently Reading:
Archaeology from Space: How the Future Shapes Our Past
Jada Sly, Artist & Spy
Cogheart
The Great Alone
K.L. wrote: "It has been a really hard couple of weeks. I think many of you know that my mum was admitted to hospice about two weeks ago… Her doctor and nurses were able to regulate her medication so that she w..."I'm so sorry to hear about your mom KL. Death is something we can never ever be prepared to handle when it comes. Sending you strength and peace to you and your family as you start to heal and sit in your faith. Looking forward to welcoming you back when you are ready.
I'm posting so late that there's really no point, but here I am! I miss being able to really participate in these weekly discussions.My prayers go out to all of you dealing with personal challenges right now. It's been a rough time, and having to deal with personal crises alongside the global crises...it's a lot.
I still haven't been reading (so another reason it's kind of silly for me to check in!), but I kind of feel a little like spring. A little bit of sprouting starting up and hope that I'll open back up to life soon. (That was cheesy haha!)
Currently Reading:
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-first Century
QOTW:
I've only read a few books this year, but I do have two characters!
The girl (I'm not sure if we learn her name--she narrates the story) from The Magic Finger. She tries to control her magic, but there are some things (like hunting without purpose) that get her so angry that she has to take action. I like that--we all have to control our emotions, but it's a good reminder that there are times when we have to say "enough is enough" and stand up for what we believe in.
Also Armpit from Small Steps--he's stuck with all these expectations of who he should be, but he wants something different. Everyone around him expects the worst from him and he faces a lot of bias and pressure. He's purposefully seeking a better future, but doing so when nobody believes in you (and your best friend is...manipulative) is so hard. The book wasn't as good as Holes, but spending more time with Armpit and learning his story was really great.
Hayjay315 wrote: "When Lana accidentally tranquilizes Rick, local pool hall owner, their acquaintance deepens and an attraction is formed. "This is how you win a man? No wonder I've never married. I went about it all wrong. :D
Shannon wrote: "II still haven't been reading (so another reason it's kind of silly for me to check in!), but I kind of feel a little like spring. A little bit of sprouting starting up and hope that I'll open back up to life soon. (That was cheesy haha!)"I love cheesy!
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Weekly checkins are fun for all, and reading everyone's posts is always interesting, whether or not they've finished any books that week. So I'm glad you posted!!
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Magic Finger (other topics)Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-first Century (other topics)
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity (other topics)
Small Steps (other topics)
Holes (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Barbara Linn Probst (other topics)Ellie Marney (other topics)
Ta-Nehisi Coates (other topics)
Susan Elia MacNeal (other topics)
Alexandra Andrews (other topics)
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So sorry for your loss. May you and your family find comfort in her memories.