You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
Challenges: Monthly
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Dec 2021 Report - Toes Dipped So Long They Pruned
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KatrisaI read Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor.
I listened to the audiobook. The paperback is 256 pages.
This book was ok. I think I need to try another Flannery O'Connor.
WoF CherieThe task I picked was #1. Read a book where the author's last name begins with O and an apostrophe.
The book I read was The Road to Samarcand: An Adventure by author Patrick O'Brian. The edition that I read was an ebook, but the most current pb version is 269 pages.
I really enjoyed the story. I think this book was an attempt by the author aimed at a younger audience than his Master and Commander stories. The story followed a young teen boy, named Derrick, who's missionary parents have died and he has been in the care of his Uncle Sullivan, the Captain of a sailing schooner called the Wanderer. They sail through a typhoon and manage to make it to the China coast town where they meet up with his other Uncle, who is an elderly archology Professor. They all want Derrick to go to school, but before he does, they all go on an overland journey, through China, Mongolia, and into Tibet. They are supposed to be going to Samarkand (whick I think is in Afghanistan) , but they never get there. The journey is fraught with difficulties, but everyone pulls together and they manage to overcome numerous difficulties.
Derrick makes friends with a young Mongolian boy. The professor seems to be able to pick up and speak many languages, and can read and write in Chinese characters. Mr. Ross, the first mate, and the Captain's friend, one of the sailors, Olaf, and the ship's cook, also go along on the journey. It was quite the story. O'Brian has a great knack with dialogue and can be very funny with his characters. Some of scrapes that they got into were on the wild side, but I loved it.
WOF BethDid location task
On the Come Up Title starts with O.
I did the audio book but 464 pages.
I love Angie Thomas' books. This was great on audio because there was a bunch of hip hop that was fun to hear performed. This is YA but definitely a great read for adults. This is a coming of age novel that addresses race and class issues. It's very wonderful and affirming.
WoF Sandra from PAI did the Location task: author's last name begins with O and an apostrophe.
I read The Violent Bear It Away by Flannery O'Connor. Last name starts with O'.
The paperback edition I read has 243 pages.
I liked the book and rated it 3 stars. I think it was more intense and with more symbolism than I was expecting, but I'm glad I finally read something by O'Connor. I will probably try her short stories next.
WoF AyaI read One of Us Is Next for Location task: title starts with O.
I didn't expect much from this book but turned out loved it. The characters from the previous book are also mentioned and getting roles, so I'm pleased. This one is a bit more complicated, so I gave it 4.5 stars. Sadly, I'll need to wait 2 years for the #3 book.
WoFSharonBiskitI read Open Carry which is 304 pp.
This book fits task 1 as the first word in the title begins with the letter O.
I enjoyed this book about a Federal Marshall who has transferred from Florida to Alaska. It had plenty of action and twists and turns that keep you thinking. I gave it a solid three stars as it is very good but not exceptional. I give four stars for exceptional and five stars to “I want to own it because it changed my life”. This was a very good, solid read with a mystery to solve and bad guys to catch.
Wof Anna MI read The Dead House by Billy O'Callaghan, 202 pages
Task #1 author's last name begins with O and an apostrophe.
It's very well written and atmospheric ghost story but it lacked eeriness. I was more grabbed by nature description and the story made me wish to visit Cork and Cornwall.
Lots of O'Authors finding their way into the challenge.
WoF ShirleyTask: Location. Read a book where the first word of the title begins with "O", and not preceded by an article.
Olga. This book's title begins with "O" and is not preceded by an article.
I loved this story about the life of Olga, born in the late 19th century. The author has depicted her as a fully rounded and realistic character, that I came to care about.
WoF JaymeI read Outlawed by Anna North.
Task: read a book where the first word of the title begins with "O", and not preceded by an article.
This was a 2 star read for me. I don't mind reading books in the alternate history genre if they are written well and the history makes sense, but this book was all over the place. The Handmaid's Tale meets Billy the Kid - sort of. It didn't work and the ending was rushed. Would not recommend.
Jayme wrote: "WoF JaymeI read Outlawed by Anna North.
Task: read a book where the first word of the title begins with "O", and not preceded by an article.
This was a 2 star re..."Thanks for your review, Jayme, I’ll be striking this off my TBR lists.
WoF CamillaI read Wife in the North by Judith O'Reilly for the location task "Read a book where the author's last name begins with O and an apostrophe". I read the kindle edition, PB 352 pages. I gave the book three stars; although it was at times funny, I think the author whined about her situation way too much.
I noticed that this book would have worked for a few tasks in next year's challenge:
- site 4: pair of boots on the cover
- site 14: epistolary style
- site 25: direction in the title
- site 28: originally published between 2002 - 2010
- site 30: less than 572 ratings
I especially mourn wasting the boots...
WofF TrudyAnI read The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill; writer's last name begins with O'.
This novel was definitely not for me. The book has been compared to The Night Circus (which I loved), but I fail to see any similarity. The sexual abuse began on the first page, and carried on from there. I didn't care for any of the characters, the story, or the writing style. Two stars for me.
WoF Name - LanelleI read One Thread Pulled: The Dance With Mr. Darcy, which starts with an 'O', no article.
I read the ebook; first paper version has 456 pages.
As you can tell from the title, this is a fan fiction of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Now I know that fanfic books veer away from the original story line, but this was more of a roller coaster. It veered, it looped back around, it went upside down, found the original story line, and did some more swooping. It was painful.
And at 457 pages, it didn't even finish the story! :(
WoF - JaniceI read Oracle because the title starts with O.
The book kept me guessing right to the end, and I was wrong on all accounts. I liked the supernatural horror aspect of the story, and I loved Joshua Jackson's narration.
WoF - OdetteI read the The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje because the author's last bame starts with "O"
This beautifully written book was an enjoyable read. I loved the descriptions of the sea voyage and got caught up in the adventures of the 3 boys. However it started to drag a little for me towards the end. Due to the timelines switching suddenly and a whole cast of characters who appeared to me to be elusive. I am pleased to have read this thought provoking book.
Odette wrote: "WoF - OdetteI read the The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje because the author's last bame starts with "O"
This beautifully written book was an enjoyable read. I lov..."
I'm sorry to tell you that this doesn't meet the task.
Read a book where the author's last name begins with O and an apostrophe such as "O'Hara, O'Malley"
WoF - JennLocation - Author's last name is O'Leary
The Flat Share
"Tiffy and Leon share a bed, Tiffy and Leon have never met" I had thought that it would be a nice fluffy read, totally mistaken. It took a deep dive into love on many levels, (view spoiler) It had a lot of levity, and in such an excellent way it covered a lot of heavy subject matter too. Four stars didn't seem to do it justice, great read.
Janice wrote: "Odette wrote: "WoF - OdetteI read the The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje because the author's last bame starts with "O"
This beautifully written book was an enjoya..."
I was going to read a book with title starting with O, Then switched without checking to O author as a free good used copy came my way which I could not resist! I was interested to read about the sea voyage in the 1950s through to Suez to England.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the book, Odette. That in itself is a win. You still have time to read another book.
Janice wrote: "I'm glad that you enjoyed the book, Odette. That in itself is a win. You still have time to read another book."Not sure if I will have enough time, especially over the next couple of days. The only book which fits and have a copy readily available is Orlando. It is quite a short read just over 200 pages, but maybe not a great holiday read.
WoF:AshleyI read When We Believed in Mermaids
I chose the location task: the authors last name is O’Neal
The book wasn’t quite what I expected. It was more of a romance than I thought it would be. I was thinking it would be more mystery/drama. It was a bit sappy in some parts but overall I enjoyed it.
Wof Christina After changing directions a couple times.. I read
for Souvenir- feather(s) on the cover.I enjoyed this book so much. The relationships in this book really touched me and I gave it 5 stars.
Side note- I wouldn't read if I was wanting a romance because there isn't much romance in it.
WoF Almeta1. Location: Read a book where the author's last name begins with O and an apostrophe such as "O'Hara, O'Malley", OR, read a book where the first word of the title begins with "O", and not preceded by an article.
I read One Boy, No Water with a title that begins with "O".
The story was an unusual fantasy. I enjoyed the Hawaiian setting, the native vocabulary and folklore. I gave it 5 stars
Oh...and a wonderful cover captured my eyes every time I picked the book up!
WoF: Laura (Lclwags)Task: Souvenir, read a book with one or more feathers on the cover.
I read
The book seemed to do more introducing the characters and having the main character learn about the world and the other societies, than actual story. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen with the main character or her love interests. It's a series, so I might continue and hope there is more action in the next one.
WoF - LynnTask: read a book where the first word of the title begins with "O"
Book: Only Mostly Devastated
A m/m retelling of Grease! It was so cute and fun, but with a lot of heart. Loved it.
WoF PeggyJust in time! I had to go on a 8 km walk to finish my book. I read Hamnet for the Location task, as the author's last name is O'Farrell.
It took me quite a long time to finish, but I did really enjoy it. I loved the writing and also the narration was very well done. I never got distracted, whenever I was listening it had my full attention.
WoF EmmaI read One Thousand and One Nights by Hanan Al-Shaykh for the Location task since the first word of the title begins with "O".
This book is a retelling of the ancient stories. It was an okay book and I enjoyed some of the stories, but I had some trouble with the writing style.
WoF - Lori ZI read The Switch by Beth O'Leary for Task #1. Location: Read a book where the author's last name begins with O and an apostrophe such as "O'Hara, O'Malley", OR, read a book where the first word of the title begins with "O", and not preceded by an article. The book fits because the author's name starts with O and an apostrophe.
I read the ebook, paperback is listed at 330 pages.
I enjoyed this book, especially the premise of 2 generations switching places. It wasn't a magical switch, they literally switched places and the interaction they had with each other's contemporaries was such a learning experience for both of them and the people around them. The romance portion of the book, however, was a little obvious, but overall I enjoyed this book and gave it 3 stars and will probably read more of hers in the future.
WoF: KristieI read Opal Fire for the task -
1. Location: ...Read a book where the first word of the title begins with "O", and not preceded by an article.
I thought the book was good, but I didn't love it. It had a bit of a love triangle, which I'm never a fan of. I'm not really sure how to express my thoughts because it's very middle of the road. I liked the story well enough and I didn't dislike the MC, but she wasn't really my favorite either and (view spoiler) Sorry... couldn't explain my issue without a spoiler. The gist of the spoiler is that the author used a tactic in the story to make certain things easier to figure out or explain and I didn't appreciate it. I probably won't continue with the series, but if one of the books works for a challenge I wouldn't completely avoid it either.
WoF VickiTask 1: Read a book that starts with O
Overdose: Heartbreak And Hope in Canada’s Opiod Crisis
This was an interesting deep dive into the opioid crisis. Most of the information wasn't new, but some concepts really resonated with me like how at the root it's a pain epidemic and also how being on prescription alternatives reduced crime as users didn't need to fund the street price for drugs. Also depressing were the stats of overdose rates among people recently released from prison and anyone who had been to a detox center as they are more vulnerable due to decreased tolerance.
There really wasn't as much hope as the title implies. Other than the author being a conservative and an advisor to the Harper government having a complete change of thinking and now advocating for the decriminalization of all drugs and multi faceted response to the issue. And the fact that organizations are setting up safe injection sites that are still illegal, in defiance of the government's inaction on the issue. I thought the writing was good, it was interesting and easy to follow. I think I will read his other book on human trafficking in Canada.
Sounds like an interesting read Vicki!
Badges are posted! Please let me know if I've missed anyone. :)
You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
Overdose: Heartbreak And Hope in Canada’s Opioid Crisis (other topics)Opal Fire (other topics)
The Switch (other topics)
One Thousand and One Nights (other topics)
Hamnet (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Beth O'Leary (other topics)Hanan Al-Shaykh (other topics)
Michael Ondaatje (other topics)
Michael Ondaatje (other topics)
Michael Ondaatje (other topics)
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I need to know:
1. Your Wall of Fame Name (WoF)
2. The task you picked.
3. A link to the book you chose and how it fits the task.
4. Some comments about your experiences with the book.
As a reminder:
The challenge for December will be to pick one of the three tasks below and read a book that will fit the task.
1. Location: Read a book where the author's last name begins with O and an apostrophe such as "O'Hara, O'Malley", OR, read a book where the first word of the title begins with "O", and not preceded by an article.
2. About: Read a book with a spear on the cover or the word is in the title.
3. Souvenir: Read a book with one or more feathers on the cover. They may not be attached to a bird, though they may be disembodied feathers or attached to a headdress, a horse mane, a tomahawk, or some other article. If attached to something, they must be an adornment.
General Rules:
1. The book may be in any format - paperback, ebook, audiobook.
2. The book may NOT be combined with the Year Long Challenge.
3. The book must be read between December 1 and December 31, 2021 (based on your local time zone).
4. The challenge is for one book. You may read more books if you chose but you may only report one.
5. The book must be 175 pages or more determined by the issue you read.
In the case of ebooks & audiobooks, use the hardcover or paperback edition to determine page length. From the book page, select “all editions”, then select the first paper edition as your guide. If reading an ebook and there is no paper edition, the ebook book must be at least 250 pages. If reading an audiobook and there is no paper edition, your book must be a minimum of 6 hours long.