John's 2022 100 Challenge

[madrano]

I’m pleased you liked it, John. This is the only one of his books i’ve read thus far. How great that it was a three-fer!

[John]

A book about medicine or someone involved with medicine (68)

Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

He was a very intelligent, interesting guy; although, I wouldn't have wanted to be his guardian (as an orphan). Some of the explicit medical details were there as expected, but not overwhelming. Folks in medical field, or those aspiring to it, would be the target audience here.

[madrano]

It sounds fascinating, John. Thanks for the title and some tidbits.

Well done on your Challenge. You have found some remarkable books this year, John. I'm glad you've shared with us.

[Julie]

John wrote: "A book about medicine or someone involved with medicine (68)

Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by [author:Cristin O'Keefe ..."

I read that a few years ago and really enjoyed it.

[Rachel]

I am a newby to this challenge situation. How do we suggest topics?

[John]

madrano wrote: "It sounds fascinating, John. Thanks for the title and some tidbits.

Well done on your Challenge. You have found some remarkable books this year, John. I'm glad you've shared with us."

Many thanks for the kind words! I find members here to be incredibly interesting with thoughtful contributions!

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "A book about medicine or someone involved with medicine (68)

Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by [author:Cristin O'Keefe ..."

That sounds like an interesting book, John. I really appreciate the many off the beaten track titles you have shared with us.

Congratulations on another prompt checked off !

[Alias Reader]

Rachel wrote: "I am a newby to this challenge situation. How do we suggest topics?"

I will put up a thread next week, Rachel.

[Rachel]

Ok thanks.

[Alias Reader]

Rachel wrote: "I am a newby to this challenge situation. How do we suggest topics?"

Rachel, the thread is up now. It's a fun challenge. No pressure.

[Rachel]

Where would I find the thread?

[Alias Reader]

Rachel wrote: "Where would I find the thread?"

Folder: Determination Lists & Challenges
Thread: 2023 - Suggestions for 100 book challenge

[madrano]

Here's a direct link, Rachel.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Now, join the fun and suggest away!

[John]

Takes place during a holiday (93)

Crime at Christmas by C.H.B. Kitchin - main character invited to a large house gathering for the holidays in 1930s England. Two murders happen, with him involved with the discovery of each body. Probably best to read Death of My Aunt first.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Takes place during a holiday (93)

Crime at Christmas by C.H.B. Kitchin - main character invited to a large house gathering for the holidays in 1930s England. Two mu..."

Nicely done, John.

If I had more time I am sure there is one of those quick reads, cozy mysteries with a holiday theme I could have read. Oh well, I know now for 2023 I need to focus on the challenge starting January 1.

[Rachel]

madrano wrote: "Here's a direct link, Rachel.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Now, join the fun and suggest away!"

Thanks for the link.

[madrano]

Sure thing, Rachel. I look forward to reading your contribution.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Takes place during a holiday (93)

Crime at Christmas by C.H.B. Kitchin - main character invited to a large house gathering for the holidays in 1930s England. Two mu..."

Sounds entertaining for reading this month. Well done, John, on your list. You were clever to save a holiday book for the actual season. I read mine in March, i believe, and it was for Christmas. Silly me.

[Alias Reader]

You've done really well this year. I'm enjoying looking over your list.

John, I'm surprised that you haven't read a book published in 2022.

It's interesting to see which categories people found easy to check off and which gave people fits.

I have to brag. Today I finished a philosophy book. The author follows the stoics. I know that is a prompt that you and deb disliked. I'll post a review later this evening.

I do hope you are going to do 2023 with us. You've made all our TBR's explode ! :)

[John]

Published in 2022 (46), read earlier this year

Death and the Conjuror, a new first-in-series mystery story I liked quite a bit, and am pleased to see there'll be a sequel next year. Main character starts off as an older magician somewhat depressed feeling he's "past it" ... until he becomes a police consultant for a seemingly impossible (locked room) murder. I'd been holding off on this category for something I thought might interest others here more. Thanks for the reminder!

Congrats on the philosophy! I fully intend to be part of the next challenge, although this one has cleared out quite a bit of my TBR! Not just challenge, but overall, I'm impressed that members here take the time to give their thoughtful impressions on books!

[Alias Reader]

Thank you. I enjoyed the book on stoic philosophy quite a bit.

Well, done on clearing out your TBR. I think I will need to live to 100 to do that. Unfortunately, most of my books are in storage at the moment. So I have to rely on eBooks and audio books.

Next up for me a short poetry book to fit the challenge. I have the audio and the eBook. I plan on listening to it as I read along.

[madrano]

This is a neat idea for a mystery series, John. When you catch a mystery in the beginning, one can pace the reading, unlike binge reading of older series. The latter can drain a person, imo.

I'm impressed that your TBR has been diminished by the challenge this year. As soon as i read & delete one, another attaches itself to my list.

[madrano]

Alias, i'll congratulate you here for the philosophy book. As much as the Stoics fascinated me as a kid, as an adult, i'm surprised by how drastic they were.

Enjoy the poetry!

[John]

madrano wrote: "This is a neat idea for a mystery series, John. When you catch a mystery in the beginning, one can pace the reading, unlike binge reading of older series. The latter can drain a person, imo.

I'm i..."

There's still a bit of TBR left, and as with this year's challenge I'm open to buying a few books specifically to fut them in here.

[madrano]

I did that this year and eliminated three books from my TBR. Each had been on my list almost a decade. So, i understand what you are saying!

[Alias Reader]

Re: Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control

madrano wrote: "Alias, i'll congratulate you here for the philosophy book. As much as the Stoics fascinated me as a kid, as an adult, i'm surprised by how drastic they were.
!"

I follow Ryan Holiday online and his podcasts.
I now subscribe to his email. I have to say, I am finding the topic quite fascinating. For me, and my needs, I like the "no excuse, just do it" motivating kick in the butt.

The sentiment in a way is similar to someone like David Goggins (navy seal) , Joe De Sena( creator Spartan Races) or even in a more gentle way James Clear Atomic Habits author.

[madrano]

I can see why, as they are excellent motivation. Each offers an approach to follow, too.

[Alias Reader]

I almost put philosophy on the 2023 challenge list. However, I feared the rotten tomatoes that would be headed my way from you and John. :) LOL

[madrano]

Believe it, sister!*


*Great graphic, i must remember it.

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "I almost put philosophy on the 2023 challenge list. However, I feared the rotten tomatoes that would be headed my way from you and John. :) LOL

"

When I saw that philosophy is a requirement at Brooklyn College, I was glad I went to Queens instead!

[Lindsey]

Alias Reader wrote: "I almost put philosophy on the 2023 challenge list. However, I feared the rotten tomatoes that would be headed my way from you and John. :) LOL

"

haha I almost put it on my list of prompt suggestions too! But I figure I'll read few either way and opted to go with some prompts I might not read otherwise...

John - what are your favorite genres?

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "Believe it, sister!*

John wrote: "When I saw that philosophy is a requirement at Brooklyn College, I was glad I went to Queens instead!
"
Fortunately, I only had one required philosophy course. Though for that one I had to type a 25 page paper on Albert Camus' books for my final. We didn't even discuss the books in class. We were totally on your own !

[John]

Lindsey wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "I almost put philosophy on the 2023 challenge list. However, I feared the rotten tomatoes that would be headed my way from you and John. :) LOL

"

haha I almost put it on my l..."

Travel narrative and murder mystery, but history and some fiction are fine.

[Alias Reader]

Lindsey wrote: "John - what are your favorite genres?

John wrote: Travel narrative and murder mystery, but history and some fiction are fine.."


John, one of my friends is a huge fan of Paul Theroux She is always begging me to read his books.
I have a few I purchased used. However, they are now in
storage. I should read an eBook of one of them. Maybe for the travel prompt.

[Lindsey]

John wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "I almost put philosophy on the 2023 challenge list. However, I feared the rotten tomatoes that would be headed my way from you and John. :) LOL

"

haha I almos..."

I've been trying to get into murder mystery more! I'll have to keep an eye on your lists.
Any favorite travel narratives? I've only read maybe one...!

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "John wrote: "When I saw that philosophy is a requirement at Brooklyn College, I was glad I went to Queens instead!
"Fortunately, I only had one required philosophy course. Though for that one I had to type a 25 page paper on Albert Camus' books for my final. We didn't even discuss the books in class. We were totally on your own !..."

Oh no, that would be awful. I presume it was before the Internet, as well. The hours spent researching back then! Just physically getting places to begin the research.

[Bella (Kiki)]

Lindsey wrote: "John wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "I almost put philosophy on the 2023 challenge list. However, I feared the rotten tomatoes that would be headed my way from you and John. :) LOL

"
..."

Mysteries are my favorite genre. You can't go wrong with John Banville writing as Benjamin Black or Elizabeth George's "Inspector Lynley" mysteries.

[John]

And now we come to the end ...

Over 500 pages (14), meaning to get around to it (51) and Modern Library 100 (88)

Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West, which proved more of an ordeal than optimistically expected. Details in review to be posted in monthly roundup.

75 categories completed

[Alias Reader]

Really well done, John !

I thought the Modern Library list would be an easy one for me. Alas, I ran out of time.

It's been really fun doing the challenge with you and also learning of many new to me book titles. Thank you !

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "Really well done, John !

I thought the Modern Library list would be an easy one for me. Alas, I ran out of time.

It's been really fun doing the challenge with you and also learning of many new t..."

I'm amazed at how well you guys have done as well! Next year will be fewer books that qualify for multiple categories, so more of a challenge. But, it's all good!

[madrano]

Kiki wrote: "Mysteries are my favorite genre. You can't go wrong with John Banville writing as Benjamin Black or Elizabeth George's "Inspector Lynley" mysteries …”

Wait a minute! John Banville writes as Elizabeth George? I didn’t know. To add to my confusion, there is more than one author called Elizabeth George. I didn’t recognize Black’s name.

[madrano]

John wrote: "And now we come to the end ...

Over 500 pages (14), meaning to get around to it (51) and Modern Library 100 (88)

Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West, which prove..."

Outstanding, John! Congratulations on your steady work on our reading list. I love that you ended with a triple-header!

[Alias Reader]

Outstanding, John! Congratulations on your steady work on our reading list. I love that you ended with a triple-header!."

And those were hard categories, too.

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "
Outstanding, John! Congratulations on your steady work on our reading list. I love that you ended with a triple-header!."

And those were hard categories, too."

This was a great challenge, a lot of fun, especially the group read.

[Rachel]

I am looking forward to joining the challenge with you all next year. Happy, healthy and good reading for 2023.