Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2021 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 26: 6/24 - 7/1
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Mod
Sounds like Beverly is DEFINITELY on a Very Important Case!!! I'm picturing her wearing a little plaid sweater. Did she have a little plaid sweater?
Mod
I LOVED the TV show, but I loved the book even more. Maybe part of why I loved it is because I wasn't expecting much from it, but now that I keep raving about it, I've ruined any surprise.
Been awhile since I checked in. Currently I've completed 20/50 for PS & 22/52 for ATY challenges.Finished reading the following:
PS #3: Crier's War by Nina Varela
ATY #9: The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason
PS #28: The Removed by Brandon Hobson. Could also work for PS#16: book by an indigenous author.
ATY #28: Ice Hunt by James Rollins
ATY #32 & PS #46: To the Last Man: A Novel of the First World War by Jeff Shaara
ATY 42 & ATY #49: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.
Completed but no clue where to put it:
The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry.
Currently reading:
Fire Ice by Clive Cussler. Not sure where to put this one.
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789 by Joseph J. Ellis.
Mod
Let it stay up! That might intrigue the neighbors even more! LOL 😁 I delight in doing things to make my neighbors wonder... I figure it's their fault if they don't have anything better to occupy themselves with than wondering about me!
"It was a HOT and busy week for us in northern NY. The news keeps talking about how hot it is in the northwest, and we sympathize, because it's been in the 90s here, too, which is very unusual here. I hope everyone is staying safe and as cool as you can be."
I did read a brief article the other day about the heatwave in the northeast as well! So someone was reporting it!
"Luckily on Friday it was only in the upper 80s for our high school graduation. (Now my daughter is a high school graduate!!) We get a lot of rain here, so I think our hot and cloudy day counted as good weather. Then the real heat started on Saturday for her party - I mean, at least it didn't rain? I guess? It's been pretty much nonstop heat and humidity ever since, with plenty of thunderstorms to keep the air feeling soupy."
"Soupy" is certainly not my favorite weather! Has your newly graduated daughter decided about college?
"Admin stuff
Q4 polls are finished! Our final three group reads will be:
October (locked room mystery): Anxious People
November (indigenous author): a TIE* between There There and Firekeeper's Daughter.
December (published in 2021): Malibu Rising
* I've set up a TIE BREAKER VOTE for November's read! I'm leaving the votes visible as the poll goes, so you all can see what's what and break any tie that forms. Theoretically."
This is so exciting!
"I didn't get much reading done since I've been so busy. This week I finished one book. But it was a great book!!"
You have other priorities right now! Understandable...
"We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen - I LOVED this book!!"
I'm so glad the one book you finished was a good one!
Question of the Week
What is your favorite setting for a summery book?
Note: this doesn't necessarily mean a book you read in summer, just a book you associate with summer for whatever reason, whether it's because it's set in summer or you read it in summer or it just reminds you of summer.
I go to the NJ shore every summer, so I LOVE reading books set on the ocean, any ocean, doesn't have to be New Jersey. New England, Long Island, Outer Banks, California, Mediterranean ... it's all good!
"Beatriz Williams is really good about setting a lot of her books on a coast, even if only part of the plot takes place there. Maybe that's why I like her books so much!!
Cocoa Beach - Florida"
I own this one and didn't realize it is a second installment in what is now A Certain Age series! I loved A Certain Age! 👍
"And of course TJR's new book, Malibu Rising."
TJR rocks, IMO!
"I always eye Barbara Delinsky's books because they have such gorgeous beachy covers, but I've never read one, because when I read the blurb it doesn't really sound like my thing. But the hydrangeas on the cover of Blueprints!! that is such a gorgeous cover.
Blueprints by Barbara Delinsky"
I feel the exact same way about Delinsky's books! In fact, as I look, I don't have a single one of her books on my TBR listing!
"Karen White's books catch my eye for the same reason. I've got The Sound of Glass on my TBR. I love seaglass! How can I resist that cover?!
The Sound of Glass by Karen White"
I have several of hers on my TBR listing, but I don't own any...
Mod
I've always assumed Lisa Gardner's writing would be too creepy for me...
"I'm about 3/4 of the way through The Last Tudor as my book with a family tree. I love PG even though she might not be THE most historically accurate novelist. She's also not the worst."
Accuracy isn't always the utmost priority with historical fiction, IMO! There are many who read her books!
"QOTW: Probably the beach. I can only take the beach in small doses. The sun's too bright, it's too hot, I always get burned, the salt messes my hair up, I get sand in my bathing suit. But, if I'm just reading about it, no problem:)"
Your description made me smile! It is true that we can enjoy vicariously through books without all the mess! LOL 😊
Natasha wrote: "Happy Thursday. I made it! Barely! I'm back in NYC and along with about 5000 of my neighbors decided to hit up Orchard Beach for the 99 degree day Wednesday. It actually didn't get crazy crowded ..."
I read Galatea this past week as well. I too wanted more. It was still good. Hercules Bow seems to be in special editions of Song of Achilles. I was sad to find out her next book isn't Greek mythology inspired but Shakespeare inspired. I still probably read it and love it.
Mod
So glad you joined us this week! I hear you about summer school...
"Of course, on the day I check in I have nothing to report. I am only eight books away from finishing the challenge but am in a little bit of a reading funk."
I hope you're able to pull out of that!
"I do have three books started, so I am currently reading:
Midnight Blue- prettiest cover"
That is a pretty cover!
"The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America- DNF on TBR (not my DNF, I got it off the list here. Thank you, thank you to whoever had that stroke of genius because I just couldn't face one of my own DNFs.)"
This is one I keep meaning to read...
"They Came to Baghdad- chosen at random off TBR list."
I don't know if I've ever heard of this Christie title! Thanks for mentioning it!
"I hope I get all three finished this week so I have something to report next week."
Even if you don't manage to finish all three, hopefully you'll be able to make some progress toward that goal! 🤗
"QOTW:
I am just happy to have summer reads. I like them set by water of any kind. The ocean, lakes, rivers- just give me water!"
Water is good! 😁
"Happy Reading!"
To you as well!
Lynn wrote: "Katy wrote: "I finished The Neighbor, my book with an ugly cover. Really liked it."I've always assumed Lisa Gardner's writing would be too creepy for me...
"I'm about 3/4 of the way through The L..."
Even just reading about all the sand in the house in Malibu Rising stressed me out. But I guess much like dog hair, you either learn to live with it, or clean like a maniac.
Nadine wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Nadine wrote: "always eye Barbara Delinsky's books because they have such gorgeous beachy covers, but I've never read one, because when I read the blurb it doesn't really sound like..."I have Blueprints in my TBR...different cover though!
I should read it too.
They Came to Baghdad is one of Christie's non-poirot and non-marple or other repeat character books. I have always liked it.
Mod
Glad I'm not alone in that feeling!
"We had a good time camping Tuesday evening even with the heat wave and the rain; our cabin had a small covered porch so we were able to stay out of the wet and still enjoy nature."
I love to sit outside (on a covered porch, etc.) and watch/listen to it rain/storm! One of my favorite things!
"How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective - 4 stars. A lot of good, important stuff here."
This looks like a good one!
"Dear Martin - 4 stars. Finished this in a day on our camping trip. Hard-hitting.
Dear Justyce - 5 stars. Somehow better than book one?? I love this duology."
How exciting! I loved Dear Martin and will definitely read Dear Justyce!
"Currently:
Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent - For my summer reading challenge and also my Radical Reading summer group read. Isabel Allende's introduction was marvelous."
Added to my TBR listing. Thanks for mentioning it!
"The Jasmine Throne - Still early bc I've been distracted, but I'm loving the India-inspired setting."
This looks like one I would enjoy as well!
"QOTW: What is your favorite setting for a summery book?
I don't feel particularly drawn to summery books, mostly because I don't read a lot of contemporary fiction. I do appreciate historical fiction in tropical settings, like Brennert's Moloka'i duology."
I've looked at this a few times, but finally added it!
Mod
LOL sand in the house to me means we've had a great day at the beach! I also have dog hair in every niche and cranny of my house, no one will ever accuse me of being tidy.
Mod
Fortunately, we've had several days of more normal temperatures between a couple days of 90+.
"Finished:
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala for set in a restaurant. This was cute, the right level of cozy crime tempered with some seriousness and so many delicious sounding dishes. Very much about friendships and family as well as the mystery and food. I'll definitely be grabbing the second book next year."
Oohhh...definitely gotta try this one!
"QOTW:
I don't feel I read particularly summery books in summer but looking back at recent reads I'd say I like summer camp and island settings."
I had kinda forgotten about summer camp settings!
Mod
I am so glad to hear she is recovering well! Definitely lots of heat to go around this summer...
"Books read this week:
The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America -- I loved The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation and The Perfect Horse: the Daring U.S. Mission to Rescue the Priceless Stallions Kidnapped by the Nazis by the same author, and this book -- about Annie Wilkins, a woman who rode a horse from Maine to California in the 1950s -- is a delightful read, one that shows America on the cusp of change and celebrates one woman’s grit and determination."
Oohhh...added all three of those!
"Currently Reading:
Project Hail Mary"
Can't imagine I won't enjoy this one!
"QOTW:
I... don't really save certain books for summer or any other season. I do like books set in small towns, though -- for whatever reason they have a summery feel to me."
That's interesting. I guess I usually think of a small town in terms of warmer weather as well!
Mod
Plenty of heat to go around!
"One For The Blackbird, One For The Crow by Olivia Hawker. 3 stars. Western, historical fiction,magical realism. I read it for my face to face book club. I thought it was a little long. Good story."
Looks like this might end on a hopeful note!
"The Last Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave. I borrowed the book & wanted to return it. 5 stars. I read it in a day."
I thought this sounded interesting. Already had it on my TBR listing.
"Question of the Week
What is your favorite setting for a summery book? Coastal towns."
Well, there ya go! Perhaps that's one reason I immediately thought of
The Bookshop at Water's End
Erica wrote: "Natasha wrote: "Happy Thursday. I made it! Barely! I'm back in NYC and along with about 5000 of my neighbors decided to hit up Orchard Beach for the 99 degree day Wednesday. It actually didn't ge..."
I hadn't heard that. Could be good, but I really know so little about shakespeare. Seems like there's a lot of Shakespeare inspired fiction lately. OK, well, just this an Hamlet. But, still. Haha.
Nadine wrote: "Sounds like Beverly is DEFINITELY on a Very Important Case!!! I'm picturing her wearing a little plaid sweater. Did she have a little plaid sweater?"She will always be wearing a little plaid sweater in my heart. Also a Sherlock Holmes hat, as all scottie dogs should come equipped with at all times.
Mod
I don't believe these severely high temperatures are expected in that region. That probably makes it even worse...
"Finished:
Malibu Rising I have reached that point where I am having trouble fitting books I want to read into remaining prompts."
Did you like this?
"Just Last Night Can't for the life of me remember why I requested this book from the library."
I thought it looked like an enjoyable read...
"Currently reading:
The Bad Muslim Discount
Stonewall
Cleopatra: A Life
War and Peace
The Thursday Murder Club on audio"
Wow. A wide variety there! Enjoy!
"QOTW:
Greek isles, Hawaii, any island really. I like to read about the beach, not so much experience it in real life. I rarely go on beach vacations."
I had to laugh! You are the second person who has mentioned a preference for reading about the beach rather than being there! LOL 😊
It’s been a week of ridiculously hot temperatures and pouring rain, which has made it a perfect week to stay inside and read. POPSUGAR: 27/50
Beat the Backlist: 38/52
Goodreads: 178/200
Finished Reading:
~The Time of Contempt
~The Vanishing— “the shortest book (by pages) on your TBR list"
If you’d like to read my thoughts about this book, you can find them at https://theunapologeticbookworm.com/2....
~The Convergence
~The Return
~The Case of the Missing Marquess
~The Case of the Left-Handed Lady
Currently Reading:
~Baptism of Fire
~The Hobbit and Philosophy: For When You've Lost Your Dwarves, Your Wizard, and Your Way
~The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets
QOTW:
To be honest, I don’t really have a favorite “summery” setting.
Lynn wrote: "Milena wrote: "Happy Thursday! It's not getting into the 90s today! I feel bad even saying that. Yesterday was 94, but that seems mild compared to the temperatures that have been happening in the N..."Yes, I liked Malibu Rising a lot.
It's a super busy time at work right now (Deadline for Democracy weeks of action), so big events Thursday, Friday, and yesterday meant I couldn't get to this check-in until now. I get a little break from rallies until next weekend at least. This/last week I finished:
Fulfillment: Winning and Losing in One-Click America Yikes, I already knew Amazon is epitome of evil, but this really drives it home with individual stories and other details. Yes, I have guilt about using this platform (Goodreads is owned by Amazon), but I make sure to not click any ads or purchase books from the site to prevent them from making money off my participation in book conversations. ;) 4 stars
Pop Song: Adventures in Art & Intimacy This was decent, but it didn't pull me in as much as most memoirs do. Although I was intrigued by the Taos parts since I'm about to go there for work. 3 stars
Holding Still For As Long As Possible This was entertaining, but I couldn't really find any "why" behind the story, like what questions the author was exploring. 3.5 stars
¡Hola Papi!: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons Very fun memoir! 5 stars
Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir Wow, I read a lot of memoirs this week. Also a good one here, but pretty dark. 4 stars
Anxious People The first half of this I was a tad annoyed by the writing, but then you learn there's a reason behind that and the ending was excellent. Backman really knows how to pull on the heartstrings of readers. 5 stars
Currently reading: Klara and the Sun in print and listening to Filthy Animals.
QOTW: Sadly, I no longer love summer since I live in Central Texas and it's just too dang hot to enjoy outdoor activities. I still like "summery" settings for books though, whether it's about a summer vacation, camp, beach trip, etc. Malibu Rising definitely felt like a nice light summer read.
Happy 4th of July if you celebrate!I don’t, my extended family doesn’t, but we do celebrate and honor our veterans, our warriors, anyone who places themselves between us and danger.
And I’m missing that ceremony ☹ I had hoped to be in Maine this weekend, but I’m reaaaally sick with the flu, and I reaaaally don’t want to make my nephew, or anyone else, sick. I hope it’s not COVID. *shudders*
Finished:
Moccasin Square Gardens: Short Stories
Reading Richard Van Camp is almost as good as going home. Pretty much every story here is a gem. “Aliens” may be the most beautiful romance story I’ve ever read. “Super Indians” made me laugh and reminds me of every small town in Aroostook (with heavy NDN population) I’ve ever visited or lived in. There are a couple sci-fi stories that use some of our shared mythology, and have a message about global warming.
Book by an Indigenous writer (obvs)
Blue Pills: A Positive Love Story: I read this for my IRL challenge. A beautiful, unsentimental, honest and mature love story, involving serious health challenges. Medical status is just no match for love at its best. Very touching memoir.
Fits my favorite Pop Sugar prompt: 2018, book with your favorite color in the title.
The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love Nice dose of body positivity. If this is your first venture into the realm, this is probably a good beginning book. I’ve read in this genre, and I think it’s part of a qallunat worldview. Repetitive writing, but definitely passionate. I wanted to like it, but I don’t think I am the target audience. Hence, kind of meh for me, but YMMV.
Book about body positivity
Currently Reading:
Before the Coffee Gets Cold Enjoying this quiet novel/ set of linked stories. The second story had me ugly crying on a bus across Boston loaded with strangers. Not even done, and I'm sobbing, recommending it to strangers.
QOTW:
Summer is my least favorite season. I’m a cold weather woman! Yet I love love love flowers and cool quiet woods or forests! A good summery book will have lots of flowers, meaningful flowers, like anything by Sarah Addison Allen, or Alice Hoffman. Or even Tasha Tudor. Woods and forests are an absolute plus.
Mod
I'm not going to say summer is my favorite season, because it's not. But ... FRESH SUMMER TOMATO!!! UNLIMITED FRESH BASIL!!
Summer is totally my favorite season. I’ve been out running, kayaking, hanging out outside. Going yo watch Independence Day on a screen in my backyard from our inflatable pool because we can. Also fireflies are out!
I'm slumping along-- only read 3 books this entire month-- that's the worst reading month I've had in years... I need to get back on track!23/40 PopSugar
6/10 Advanced PopSugar
32/80 GoodReads
Finished Reading:
1.) Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (#20-BLM) ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Short and concise- split into three sections and told in a letter to his son about the world as he has lived it.
Currently Reading:
1.) Les Miserables
2.) What Color Is Your Parachute? 2020: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers
3.) People We Meet on Vacation
4.) Her Last Breath
QoTW: What is your favorite setting for a summery book? Summery books--- ooh, I picture a blue or flowery cover, maybe a cozy porch or a rocking chair.
I love anything near a body of water- ocean, river, lake, boat!
Mod
Yes to fireflies! There seem to be so many this year! Are there more, or is it just all the weed trees around my deck got bigger this year so there's more places the fireflies like right near my slider so I see them?
It never occurred ot me to watch Independence Day on the 4th. Oh well. Maybe I'll think of it next year!
Sarah wrote: "Pegasus is my favourite Disney character so I'm glad he got a lot of page time."MINE TOO!!! I may have to add this one. 😉
Alex wrote: "Also: yesterday I met a miniature scottie dog whose name was Beverly and her fur was long enough that you couldn't see her stubby little legs so it looked like she was gliding around the farmer's market and I am 90% sure she is a detective and solves mysteries on the side and did I mention her name was BEVERLY. This has been your Very Important Dog update."This had me giggling!! Love this story Alex and very much hope for more Beverly stories soon. I have a little Cairn Terrier, and his fur is also longer so I can just picture it!! He gets constantly compared to the footstool from Beauty & The Beast.
Melissa wrote: "Hello! Late check in for me because my husband and I are on the road. We got up at 4 this morning and drove 13 hours. We're in Oklahoma City tonight and got to see my husband's brother and sister f..."I hope you enjoyed Fort Worth!! That's where I live and I love it here, so I hope you did too! :)
Shannon wrote: "I hope you enjoyed Fort Worth!! That's where I live and I love it here, so I hope you did too! :)"We did! We used to live in Saginaw, and we had a lot of fun driving around to see everything that's changed since we moved a few years ago. That area has really taken off. Plus we got lunch at Rosa's, which was almost my entire motivation to visit. :) I mean, I had fun visiting with friends and my husband's family, but it was also about Rosa's taco plate.
Melissa wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I hope you enjoyed Fort Worth!! That's where I live and I love it here, so I hope you did too! :)"We did! We used to live in Saginaw, and we had a lot of fun driving around to see..."
That's awesome! What a small world. And I 100% understand about Rosa's--it's so dang good! It's the only thing close to Mexican fast food that I'll eat.
Mod
Ugh. Sorry. Hope it improves!
"Finished:
The Bad Beginning for A book that was published anonymously. Yep, really not getting what all the fuss is about here!"
Neither did I...
"Started:
Wolf Hall for A book with a family tree. This is already turning into a bit of a slog, and I'm not even halfway through yet! I think I would be getting on with it better if I wasn't so tired from work at the moment - although equally, being tired wouldn't be so much of a factor if the book was easier to read! Still, I shall persevere!"
You are a brave and determined soul! 😁👍
"QOTW:
I don't consciously search out 'summery' books, or have any that I particularly associate with summer. But if I am reading a book set in summer, I enjoy it when it's some kind of British coastal setting (e.g.Cornish coast or little Scottish island)."
I would agree with that.
Mod
Whew! Sounds hot to me!
"Finished:
How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain - a book on a topic you're passionate about. This was truly fascinating!"
Sounds like it!
"Up Next (I haven't technically started anything yet but plan to today):
Piranesi - I'm really excited for this and have actively avoided reading anything that's been said about it in these weekly posts. 😉"
I do that sometimes, too! Avoid reading others' opinions until I have a chance to read a book...
"Crazy Stupid Bromance - I plan to listen to this on my drive to my parents' this weekend."
Sounds like a fun title!
"QOTW:
I don't have a preferred setting, really. I do avoid anything that takes place in a cold climate when it's hot out (and vice versa). I do tend to read more realistic fiction in the summer (unless I'm trying to work on the challenge and just need to get some books done). The other three seasons just seem (in my head) to be better settings for magical things. HOWEVER, I will plan to read any fantasy/folktales that take place in hot climates in the summer (like Arabian Nights).
I just want it to match up with the weather where I am, I guess"
That made me laugh! I guess I've never even considered that! 😋
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Her Last Breath (other topics)Les Miserables (other topics)
Between the World and Me (other topics)
People We Meet on Vacation (other topics)
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2020: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Ta-Nehisi Coates (other topics)Sarah Addison Allen (other topics)
Richard Van Camp (other topics)
Alice Hoffman (other topics)
Tasha Tudor (other topics)
More...
I have same reaction. She has been writing contemporary romances since 1980 and has been a top seller the whole time. I read quite a lot of her early books ...in the 80s ... but not many since as I moved back into mysteries and thrillers. I have read a few in last few years and liked them. Her style has evolved a lot. Try the Crosslyn Rise trilogy which I seem to have archived on my Nook meaning I read them and liked them enough to archive and not delete. Perfect summer vacay at tbe shore read..."
good to know! I'll definitely give one of her books a try! Maybe I'll start with Blueprints for those gorgeous hydrangeas though ;-)