WINTER2021/2022READINGCHALLENGE

[Rachel]

Please post all comments/questions/updates about the challenge in this thread. :)


The Winter 2021/2022 Reading Challenge begins December 1st and ends on February 28th.

Rules of the challenge:

Read 3 books (or more)
Complete 3 tasks (or more)
Any genre ok
Rereads ok

So this winter, complete 3 (or more) of the following:

1. Many talented authors have birthdays this season.

So this winter,

READ A BOOK BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Tananarive Due
David Mitchell
Helen Oyeyemi
Brandon Sanderson

2. The Unforgivable will premiere on Netflix on December 10th. I believe this will also have a limited release in theaters soon.

It’s about a woman, newly released from prison after serving a 20 year sentence for a violent crime. She wants to find and reconnect with her little sister whom she had been raising and had to leave behind when she went to prison. She has more than a few obstacles in her way as many find her crime unforgivable. Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis star.

So this winter,

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES A CHARACTER WHO’S AN EX-CON.

OR

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES A CHARACTER DOING SOMETHING IN THE PRESENT TO ATONE FOR A PAST MISTAKE.

3. The Lost Daughter will premiere on Netflix on December 31st. It will also have a limited release in theaters. A middle aged woman on vacation/holiday becomes obsessed with a young mother and her daughter. It’s based on the novel by Elena Ferrante. Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson star.

So this winter,

READ ANY BOOK BY ELENA FERRANTE.

OR

READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “LOST” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

OR

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES A CHARACTER ON VACATION/HOLIDAY.

4. Next Level Chef is Gordon Ramsay’s latest cooking competition show. It will premiere on January 2nd.

So this winter,

READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS C-H-E-F IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

5. The Afterparty is a murder mystery comedy series that will premiere on Apple TV in January.
It’s about a high school reunion that ends in a murder. It features an ensemble cast of many funny people including Tiffany Haddish.

So this winter,

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES A REUNION (ANY KIND OF REUNION IS FINE).

OR

READ A MURDER MYSTERY THAT HAS HUMOR.

6. Soon it will be a new year but wanted to feature two more 2021 releases for the group read.

So this winter,

READ UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR BY TJ KLUNE AND DISCUSS IT WITH THE GROUP.

HARLEM SHUFFLE BY COLSON WHITEHEAD IS THE BONUS GROUP READ.

7. Random task-This counts towards the challenge but isn’t inspired by the season.

So this winter,

REREAD A CHILDHOOD FAVORITE.

WISHING YOU ALL GOOD THINGS IN THE NEW YEAR.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY WINTER, EVERYONE! :D

[Franzi]

Do you realise my heart skips a little happy beat once a quarter when I see there’s a new thread in the seasonal reading challenges? :)
Thanks so much for the amazing prompts ! Off to choose my books now, will share with you later :-)

[Franzi]

Here’s my current list:
1.
Tananarive Due - The Black Rose
2.
The 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Read
3.
Kristin Harmel - The Book of Lost Names
4.
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyne Hardcastle
5.
The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman
6.
UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR BY TJ KLUNE
7.
Nesthäkchen und der Weltkrieg by Else Ury (It’s a series about a little girl growing up in the early 20th Century)
I got the books from the library at least three times a year and have now bought them all myself

This is a book the author published later and is set during WW I

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

Happy Happy Joy Joy. I'll look over this tonight and find some selections. Thank you!

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Do you realise my heart skips a little happy beat once a quarter when I see there’s a new thread in the seasonal reading challenges? :)
Thanks so much for the amazing prompts ! Off to choose my bo..."

Thank you for the kind words, Franzi. :D
Glad you like it.

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Here’s my current list:
1.
Tananarive Due - The Black Rose
2.
The 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Read
3.
Kristin Harmel - The Book of Lost Names
4.
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyne Hardc..."

Look forward to hearing your thoughts on all of these.

I really enjoyed and the next book in the series .

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Happy Happy Joy Joy. I'll look over this tonight and find some selections. Thank you!"

You’re welcome, Dustin! Look forward to seeing which books you choose. :D

[Rachel]

I think I’m going to read both and .

I have to read something by Judy Blume for the childhood favorite.

I also want to read something by Tananarive Due- I read years ago and really enjoyed it. I’m thinking of picking up .

Not sure what else-I’m definitely a mood reader so will have to see what works.

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Here’s my current list:
1.
Tananarive Due - The Black Rose
2.
The 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Read
3.
Kristin Harmel - The Book of Lost Names
4.
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyne Hardc..."

I just saw that The Black Rose is about Madam CJ Walker so had to add it to my tbr. A while ago I watched a limited tv series on Netflix about her and enjoyed it-had no idea there was a book. :)

[Janet]

Oh Boy! So excited to see the new challenge! Been out of pocket the last few days as I drove up to South Dakota for Thanksgiving with my daughter and granddaughters. Looking forward to spending some time picking books, will post my selections in the evening. Thanks again Rachel for all you do in setting this up each quarter!!

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "Oh Boy! So excited to see the new challenge! Been out of pocket the last few days as I drove up to South Dakota for Thanksgiving with my daughter and granddaughters. Looking forward to spending som..."

You’re welcome, Janet! :D
Look forward to seeing which books you choose.

[Christine]

Looks like another great challenge. The only books I know I will read for sure, are the two books you chose for the group read. I hope to read both. They are already on my shelves just waiting for me to get started.

Thanks again and happy reading everyone!

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "Looks like another great challenge. The only books I know I will read for sure, are the two books you chose for the group read. I hope to read both. They are already on my shelves just waiting for ..."

You’re welcome, Christine! :D
Happy Reading.

[Danell]

Thank you for making the challenges fun and exciting!

I LOVE this group so much! Although I didn’t finish the fall challenge due to being in a slump I’m looking forward to the winter challenge. I treat myself to Book of the Month subscription and one of the books I chose a few months ago was Harlem shuffle, so I will be reading that.

I haven’t been to the movies since the last Star Wars film but want to watch House of Gucci. I love Jared Leto’s music, 30 seconds to Mars. I also enjoyed his performance as the Joker in Suicide Squad.

Look forward to seeing what all my friends are reading for the challenge.

Happy reading!
Stay safe!

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

Danell wrote: "I haven’t been to the movies since the last Star Wars film but want to watch House of Gucci. I love Jared Leto’s music, 30 seconds to Mars. I also enjoyed his performance as the Joker in Suicide Squad."

I recommend Mr. Nobody (2009) starring Jared Leto :-)

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

Jared Leto is unrecognizable in House of Gucci, he plays a funny quirky Gucci family member. The film has a fantastic soundtrack, which for me is always a big factor.

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

I've set my Winter Reading Goal at 10 books.
I'm glad David Mitchell is featured. I've never read one of his novels, but ever since seeing the film Cloud Atlas, I have wanted to, so I'll read a couple of his books this winter. I'm planning on Slade House and The Bone Clocks.
I'm going to read both Under the Whispering Door and Harlem Shuffle.
I've got three titles with the letters C-H-E-F so far. (pretty easy if you find a title with the word OF) One of these is a book I bought to read last year for a seasonal reading challenge and never got around to : The Warmth of Other Suns - the subtitle has lots of letters :-)
I'm not sure which childhood favorite I'll re-read but that should be an easy one. I can also probably easily find a Murder Mystery with Humor.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "Thank you for making the challenges fun and exciting!

I LOVE this group so much! Although I didn’t finish the fall challenge due to being in a slump I’m looking forward to the winter challenge. I..."

You’re welcome, Danell!
I love this group too. :)

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I've set my Winter Reading Goal at 10 books.
I'm glad David Mitchell is featured. I've never read one of his novels, but ever since seeing the film Cloud Atlas, I have wanted to, so I'll read a cou..."

I’ve never read David Mitchell either but his books sound interesting. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on them.
I really enjoyed the audiobook of .

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

I'll be experiencing the audiobook of The Warmth of Other Suns soon! Glad to hear high praise :-)

[Janet]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'll be experiencing the audiobook of The Warmth of Other Suns soon! Glad to hear high praise :-)"

It;s a very good book..enjoy!

[Janet]

Here's the plan (subject to change, of course!):

Task 1: I'll read either Tananarive Due or OR Brandon Sanderson 's 1st book in The Mistborn series (a couple members of my bookclub rave about this series). I've read a couple of David Mitchell's already and am not particularly interested in any of his others. I read Helen Oyeyemi's The Fox and I determined her style isn't my cup of tea.

Task 2: no clue yet

Task 3: I have a couple with LOST in the title..will probably go with or

Task 4: I have TONS of C-H-E-F books and hope to be strong enough to pick an old TBR rather than recent purchases.

Task 5: Well if a mystery with humor works, I have a couple old ones....if not, I think I will go with Franzi's pick

Task 6: I am going to read both and

Task 7: I don't have a lot of my childhood books..but there's one by Irene Hunt that my grandmother gave me in 1967. I think I'll reread that one.

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

That is Awesome Janet!

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "Here's the plan (subject to change, of course!):

Task 1: I'll read either Tananarive Due or OR Brandon Sanderson 's 1st book in ..."


Look forward to hearing your thoughts on all of these.

I’m looking forward to reading Tananarive Due again -glad you’re thinking of giving her a try-I’ve only read one of her books but I really enjoyed it. I’ve also heard nothing but good things about Brandon Sanderson from those who love the fantasy genre.
As stated previously, I really adore the Thursday Murder Club series-hope you enjoy it if you decide to pick it up.

Happy Reading! :D

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

I've completed 2 books toward the Winter Challenge so far.
Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman has the letters C-H-E-F
I Thought You Were Dead by Pete Nelson features a reunion and atonement for past mistake.

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

Funny, I just realized they both have the word "Dead" in the title, which has nothing to do with the challenge :-)

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

Well, running on the Reunion theme, I think I'm going to go ahead and use my re-read of Where The Crawdads Sing. The main character is reunited with at least two other characters after years of not communicating with them.

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

Watched a couple of new movies yesterday that I would recommend.

Being The Ricardos - starring Nicole Kidman as Lucille Balle

Don't Look Up -Political Satire regarding Science features Meryl Streep as President of the United States (she clearly had fun playing a female version of Donald Trump)

I haven't seen West Side Story yet. Spiderman hits the theaters on Thursday.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I've completed 2 books toward the Winter Challenge so far.
Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman has the letters C-H-E-F
I Thought You Were Dead by Pete Nelson features a reunion and atonement ..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Well, running on the Reunion theme, I think I'm going to go ahead and use my re-read of Where The Crawdads Sing. The main character is reunited with at least two other characters after years of not..."

I think I’m the last person on the planet who hasn’t read Where the Crawdads Sing. I keep meaning to but just never seem to get around to it.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Watched a couple of new movies yesterday that I would recommend.

Being The Ricardos - starring Nicole Kidman as Lucille Balle

Don't Look Up -Political Satire regarding Science features Meryl Stre..."


Thanks for the recommendations. I’m definitely interested in Being the Ricardos. I wasn’t sure about Don’t Look Up-so glad to hear good things about both films.
Also looking forward to hearing your thoughts about West Side Story. :)

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

This is my second time reading Where the Crawdads Sing. Read it last year. I recommend the book.

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

I veiwed Don't Look Up as a cautionary tale for global climate change. Very relevant, the film has an excellent cast.

[Rachel]

Finished for the childhood favorite and
for character atoning for a past mistake.
Enjoyed both.

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

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
I don't think I actually ever read that classic :-)

[Janet]

Finally starting a book for the challenge (The Between by Tananarive Due). Not sure how I am going to do this quarter..my husband passed away unexpectedly on the 9th. And, if that wasn't enough, I am moving my mom from Canada to here mid-January. Reading is my escape and solitude, and has always been there for me. I wish I could just crawl into my Grannie cave with a stack of books and not come out.

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "Finally starting a book for the challenge (The Between by Tananarive Due). Not sure how I am going to do this quarter..my husband passed away unexpectedly on the 9th. And, if that wasn't enough, I ..."

I’m so sorry, Janet. Sending love.

[Rachel]

Janet wrote: "Finally starting a book for the challenge (The Between by Tananarive Due). Not sure how I am going to do this quarter..my husband passed away unexpectedly on the 9th. And, if that wasn't enough, I ..."

Please always feel free to post in this thread even if it’s just to chat, vent or whatever. If our group can provide even just a small distraction I hope that helps a little. I know there aren’t adequate words-just want you to know we’re here. xoxo

[Danell]

So sorry to hear of your loss Janet. Hugs! I hope you find a beautiful book that helps take your mind off things.
This is such a wonderful group! Grateful for the bonds and friendships that are formed! If I ever won a big jackpot in the lottery I would get us all together in person. Unfortunately I very seldom buy a lottery ticket and when I do I don’t win.
I hope you all have a peaceful Holidays!

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

Best Wishes to you, Janet. I hope you can find peace in the New Year.

Danell wrote: "If I ever won a big jackpot in the lottery I would get us all together in person. Unfortunately I very seldom buy a lottery ticket and when I do I don’t win.
I hope you all have a peaceful Holidays!"

Great Idea Danell :-) Keep Dreaming!

[Christine]

Janet, I'm sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you! Sending you lots of hugs.

[Franzi]

Oh Janet I’ve only just seen this :,( I am so so sorry for your loss. Came here to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. Sending my thoughts to you Janet , let’s hope the new year is a happier and healthier one x

[Rachel]

Happy New Year, Everyone-Thank you for being a friend.
xoxo

[Christine]

Happy New Year! I am taking a break from putting decorations away and decided to check in with you all. Its been a nice holiday season. My kids were home with their spouses and all their dogs, 8 adults and 6 dogs. We even got snow for the holidays, rare for the PNW.

I finished my yearly challenge nine shy of my goal. I still read a lot so I'm not too bummed. I got the first one done for 2022 and one book done for our winter challenge. I am looking forward to some down time for the next few weeks. Nothing big is on the schedule for January!

I read The Search for Delicious for a re-read from my childhood. It didn't feel as magical as I remember, lol.

Dustin, how did the fires in CO affect you? I know you live in the Boulder area. I hope you are safe.

I hope we all have a better 2022! Hugs to all.

[Josh]

Hey everyone! It's been a LONG time since I last even checked in with the group. I don't know, I kinda let work get to me to be honest, and since I had a bad break up and moved, I've been trying to get back to doing things that gave me joy in the past. I also think I stopped posting because the phone app kinda sucks and for a long while I didn't have a computer after my last one died.

I am currently reading The Shining by Stephen King. I think it might fit into the vacation? I mean they're working but they're also in a hotel away from all human contact. I might be trying to hard to make it fit. lol.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King fits character that does something to atone for the past assuming the movie had a similar plot to the book.

I've been wanting to finish reading Elantris by Brandon Sanderson so why not after Doctor Sleep?

I would also like to finish reading Fool Moon by Jim Butcher somewhere between any of the other books so that fits mystery with humor.

If I get a chance for a 5th book I may reread a book by Darren Shan my favorite childhood author! =D


PS The app still sucks. I had written all of this and it wouldn't post it on my phone so google docs was awesome copied it there and used my computer to copy and paste from google docs to here. Such an annoyance.

[Rachel]

Josh wrote: "Hey everyone! It's been a LONG time since I last even checked in with the group. I don't know, I kinda let work get to me to be honest, and since I had a bad break up and moved, I've been trying to..."

Josh, so great to see you post! You’ve been missed. :)

I’ve never used the phone app so haven’t had to deal with it but you’d think gr would make it easier to use.

All of the books sound great. is definitely a stretch but why not lol. Definitely a vacation from hell.

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "Happy New Year! I am taking a break from putting decorations away and decided to check in with you all. Its been a nice holiday season. My kids were home with their spouses and all their dogs, 8 ad..."

Glad you got to spend the holidays with your family. :)

101 books is fabulous -congrats!

Also hoping 2022 is kind to all of us.

[Danell]

I listened to I’m not your Perfect Mexican Daughter. It works for #4 in the challenge.

[Danell]

I finished Under the Whispering Door. I enjoyed it! My mind wandered somewhat but overall a great read! Looking forward to everyone else’s opinion.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I finished Under the Whispering Door. I enjoyed it! My mind wandered somewhat but overall a great read! Looking forward to everyone else’s opinion."

Thanks for the updates, Danell! :D
Glad you enjoyed .