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2022 Annual Reading Challenge
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***Michelle's 2022 List of Lists Challenge
Alissa wrote: "Michelle wrote: "The audiobook on this one reminds me of Daisy Jones & The Six which makes it a win for me. ..."AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND ...requested lol Daisy Jones is my favorite au..."
I don't think you will be sorry. I don't know if I have a favorite audiobook of all time but I definitely love the mock documentary trope in an audiobook. It just lends itself to audio production so well.
I finished
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice several days ago but I'm just getting around to recording it here. After a small, northern community is cut off from the outside world the indigenous community members turn to tradition to survive. The biggest question is what to do with outsiders who come to them seeking shelter. The story centers around one small family and their efforts to keep their community safe in the face of an unspecified apocalypse.I loved this beautifully written apocalyptic tale which focused on community and connection as a means of survival rather than the brutal action typical in this genre. The author was able to communicate the desperation of the situation but also the quiet strength with which the characters faced the challenge. I also appreciated the use of a fictional apocalypse as a vehicle to discuss the treatment of indigenous tribes both in the past and today. Finally, I just loved Evan and his family. The loving relationships between family members was portrayed so sweetly.
5 stars for this strong, silent-type apocalypse novel.
Favorite Quote:
“Yes, apocalypse. We've had that over and over. But we always survived. We're still here. And we'll still be here, even if the power and the radios don't come back on and we never see any white people again.”
Mod
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice several days ago but I'm just getting around to my recording it ..."I already have this on my TBR. So glad you enjoyed it. Not sure how I came across it, but now I'm more excited to read it.
Great review; it piqued my interest.
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I finished Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice several days ago but I'm just getting around to..."I think you will like it Alondra. While there is violence in it, it lacks that violent tone that is prevalent in many apocalypse novels. It is quieter but still intense. There are so many more things going on in this one, I didn't miss the fleeing-from-zombies action. It was really just a very good book.
I completed another winner from this list: Firekeeper's Daughter
. A young indigenous woman assists the FBI in an undercover investigation into a local drug ring in order to help her native american community. As a result she suffers great personal losses and discovers some unpleasant truths about those she loves. She also discovers her own strenghth and purpose. I really enjoyed this book. I thought when it started that it would be your typical YA/romance. This book was so, so much more. It was about justice and prejudice and women's rights. There was a lot packed into this well written little mystery. I do think that there were a few unrealistic plot devices, i.e. would the FBI really use a teenager to go undercover on an investigation? On the whole, however, the book was well thought out and the ending was superb.
4.5 stars for this bad-ass indigenous Nancy Drew.
Favorite Quotes (I had so many for this one it was hard to select only a few):
“Inaction is a powerful choice”
― Angeline Boulley, Firekeeper's Daughter
“My girl, some boats are for the river and some are for the ocean.”
― Angeline Boulley, Firekeeper's Daughter
“Mazina’iganan mino-mshkikiiwin aawen. Books are good medicine!
(From the author's note)”
― Angeline Boulley, Firekeeper's Daughter
“I am so tired. The weight of my expendability is crushing.”
― Angeline Boulley, Firekeeper's Daughter
Michelle wrote: “4.5 stars for this bad-ass indigenous Nancy Drew."This sounds fabulous!
Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: “4.5 stars for this bad-ass indigenous Nancy Drew."This sounds fabulous!"
It is still YA Lillie if that bothers you but I really did enjoy it. I felt like the author had so much to say and she managed to get all into the story skillfully. No easy task.
Just checked out Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty I hope I can get through it before it returns to the libary. I've got a lot of other books ahead of it in the queue.
Michelle wrote: "Just check out Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty I hope I can get through it before it returns to the libary. I've got a lot of other books ahead of it in th..."Good luck, I loved it.
I started Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty today and already I can't believe some of this stuff.
Memoirs of a Geisha completed! This was the unforgettable story of a young girl sold into slavery, her struggle to become a Geisha, and her longing for something more. Wonderful writing and a wonderful depiction of the life of a Geisha from the depression era until after WWII.I have had this book on my mental TBR forever so I'm glad I finally read it. It did not disappoint. We see the growth of the main character who is sold into slavery at a young age and the wisdom she gains at each stage in her life. It was a moving portrait of the Geisha lifestyle and the limited choices available to these women. It was also a top notch story. Great characters. A well developed story arc. Well written.
4 graceful Geisha stars for this modern classic.
Favorite Quotes: (I'm going to try to limit myself.)
"We none of us find as much kindness in this world as we should.
Grief is a most peculiar thing; we’re so helpless in the face of it. It’s like a window that will simply open of its own accord. The room grows cold, and we can do nothing but shiver. But it opens a little less each time, and a little less; and one day we wonder what has become of it.
Adversity is like a strong wind. I don’t mean just that it holds us back from places we might otherwise go. It also tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that afterward we see ourselves as we really are, and not merely as we might like to be.
Hopes are like hair ornaments. Girls want to wear too many of them. When they become old women they look silly wearing even one.”
Finishing up Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty on audio. Wow, this just gets worse and worse. I can't believe these people.
Glad you liked Memoirs of a Geisha. If you want to read who the book was based on, Geisha, a Life is an interesting read. I have Empire of Pain on my list, I hope to get to it sometime this summer. I have heard that this book is truly one where truth is stranger than fiction.
Lea wrote: "Glad you liked Memoirs of a Geisha. If you want to read who the book was based on, Geisha, a Life is an interesting read. I have Empire of Pain on my list, I hope to get to it somet..."
I'm adding that one to the TBR Lea. Thanks!
I finished
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe. This book was full of information about the Sackler Family, Perdue Pharma, the role of both of those in the opioid crisis, and the litigation that has come from it. It is essential reading for an understanding of the current events surrounding the opioid crisis. It is also sad commentary on the fact that the very capitalist system on which our country is based, if not monitored and regulated, can lead to so much destruction and devastation. In this case, it allowed the upper and middle classes (not just the Sacklers but the Perdue Pharma employess, doctors, and pharmacists that either participated or turned a blind eye) to make an obscene profit on the backs of working people who depended on the system to regulate and safe guard pharmaceutical products.I read Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America some time ago and was astounded at the devastation of the opioid crisis and the fact that it could have been avoided. This book was equally disturbing, especially, the realization of how far back the family's history of manipulation of the pharmaceutical industry extended and how much of their fortune was amassed from dangerous and addictive pain killers.
5 eye opening stars for Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
Favorite quotes:
“In fact, more Americans had lost their lives from opioid overdoses than had died in all of the wars the country had fought since World War II.”
― Patrick Radden Keefe, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
“The Sacklers took the view that the same should go for OxyContin. To the degree that people are misusing the drug and overdosing, the blame lies with any number of potentially irresponsible parties—the prescribing doctor, the wholesaler, the pharmacist, the trafficker, the abuser, the addicted person—but not with the manufacturer. Not with Purdue. Much less the Sacklers.”
― Patrick Radden Keefe, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
“The saga of their lives and the dynasty they would establish was also the story of a century of American capitalism. The three brothers had purchased Purdue Frederick back in the 1950s. “It was a much smaller company, originally,” Kathe said. “It was a small family business.”
― Patrick Radden Keefe, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
“They’re going to regret fucking with a linguist,”
― Patrick Radden Keefe, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
Michelle wrote: "I finished Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by [author:Patrick Radden Keefe|19..."This sounds SO interesting! Added it to my TBR, thanks for a great review!
I loved Firekeeper's Daughter as well. Definitely more than I expected to.--I've been listening to Empire of Pain. A couple of hours left. It's amazing (and tragic) how people can blind themselves to others' pain.--Great reviews!
Alissa wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I finished Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by [author:Patric..."Thanks Alissa! It is well worth the read.
Patricia wrote: "I loved Firekeeper's Daughter as well. Definitely more than I expected to.--I've been listening to Empire of Pain. A couple of hours left. It's amazing (and tragic) how people can b..."Thanks Patricia! Sounds like we are reading from the same list. I have recommended Firekeeper's Daughter to so many people. Empire of Pain is indeed a tragic read. One of the facts that I found most upsetting was that Perdue Pharma had detailed sales data that revealed where the worst abuses were occuring but they used it to market the product not to help regulators identify the hotspots.
Michelle wrote: "I finished Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by [author:Patrick Radden Keefe|19..."Yes, a well worth 5 stars book, when reality is truly stranger than fiction. One of my best reads last year.
Ioana wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I finished Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by [author:Patric..."Shocking wasn't it? My Goodreads friends have led me to so many good nonfiction books in recent years. I used to read nonfiction only rarely but now I love discovering so many fascinating and amazing true stories that I never would have known about. Your reviews of this one are definitely what put it on my list. Great recommend!
Michelle wrote: "Ioana wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I finished Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by ..."So glad that you read it, and loved it too. I think in the past few years non-fiction became my most read genre.
I have been listening to North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. I have to say I wondered what everyone was talking about with this one at first but the deeper in I get the more attached to these characters I become.
I finished listening to North and South
by Elizabeth Gaskell last week and I'm just getting a chance to review it. This is the story of the unlikely romance of Margaret Hale and John Thornton. These two opinionated lovers thrown together by circumstances seem bound to forever misunderstand each other. Each judging the other without fully understanding the circumstances but finding themselves falling in love nevertheless. Of course, in the end both parties see their error and a happy ending ensues. The background of the story is equally interesting, contrasting the sophisticated city life and/or beautiful country life of the South of England vs. the fast-paced, factory oriented life of the North.This was the first time I have read Elizabeth Gaskell but I'm so glad I didn't miss this classic. I must say in spite of a slow start this book lived up to the hype from my Goodreads friends. Gaskell's characters are vibrant and compelling. They draw the reader into the story much like John and Margaret are slowly drawn together, almost unwillingly but then with great feeling.
4 classic romance stars
Favorite quotes:
“Oh, Mr. Thornton, I am not good enough!'
'Not good enough! Don't mock my own deep feeling of unworthiness.”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South
“He is my first olive: let me make a face while I swallow it.”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South
“I know you despise me; allow me to say, it is because you do not understand me.”
I'm glad you enjoyed North and South. It's one of my favorites. If you haven't watched the mini series, it's good too. Mr. Thornton is one of the only heroes in literature that tells off his mom when she oversteps herself into his relationship. :-)
Lea wrote: "I'm glad you enjoyed North and South. It's one of my favorites. If you haven't watched the mini series, it's good too. Mr. Thornton is one of the only heroes in literature that tell..."
Mr. Thornton pretty much tells off everybody and then Miss Hale tells him off. I actually loved his mother she was hardcore. I'll have to look for the miniseries.
I started reading Shoeless Joe over the weekend. Absolutely loving it! Maybe this is what I need to get back to this list. I don't know why I'm not reading this list more quickly. I have enjoyed every single book I've read. Shinier new books just keep getting in the way.
Michelle wrote: "I started reading Shoeless Joe over the weekend. Absolutely loving it! Maybe this is what I need to get back to this list. I don't know why I'm not reading this list more quickly. I ha..."Michelle~You are doing fine. I have enjoyed all the books on my list, too but we have others books we want to read. Read Shoeless Joe, and enjoy it. Then just try and get a book from this list in when you can. I still need to read 4 I think, to finish all 16.
Kristine wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I started reading Shoeless Joe over the weekend. Absolutely loving it! Maybe this is what I need to get back to this list. I don't know why I'm not reading this list m..."Thanks Kristine! You're right of course. It just always seems that as many books as I read I should finish these lists much faster.
Michelle wrote: "Kristine wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I started reading Shoeless Joe over the weekend. Absolutely loving it! Maybe this is what I need to get back to this list. I don't know why I'm not re..."Michelle~ 🤣 I Completely Understand. Wish there was a way I could read books while sleeping. I have joined so many lists and competitions. I am finishing them, but feel just like you.
To give some perspective, when people not very active on Goodreads see all the books I’ve read they are shocked. You are doing a great job.
I finally finished
Shoeless Joe. What a book! This book is the basis of the movie Field of Dreams. Fortunately, it has been so long since I have seen the movie that it didn't interfere at all with my enjoyment of the book. Ray Kinsella, former insurance salesman, failing farmer, baseball lover, dreamer, hears a voice telling him to build a baseball field on one of his cornfields. He listens to the voice rather than reason and begins a fantastic journey involving baseball, recluse writers and missing twin brothers. Each step of the journey affirming that family, faith and forgiveness are the truly important things in life. I absolutely loved this book. It is beautifully written and while I may not be a huge fan of baseball, I am a huge fan of the way in which this author used it to convey his concept of a life well lived. It is truly a magical book. Pick it up if you are in the mood for a feel good read and have a hot dog and a coke ready you're going to want them.
5 if you build it they will come stars.
Favorite quotes:
"God what an outfield,' he says. 'What a left field.' He looks up at me, and I look down at him. 'This must be heaven,' he says.
No. It's Iowa,' I reply automatically.
“Serenity is a very elusive quality. I've been trying all my life to find it.”
― W.P. Kinsella, Shoeless Joe
“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
[Eddie Scissons]”
― W.P. Kinsella, Shoeless Joe
“He pops a bat twice more on home plate, then tosses a ball in the air and swings. The crack of the bat sounds like a paper bag exploding, yet the sound is cold and lonely, too, like a hunter firing on an endless tundra.”
― W.P. Kinsella, Shoeless Joe
Michelle wrote: "I finally finished Shoeless Joe. What a book! This book is the basis of the movie Field of Dreams. Fortunately, it has been so long since I have seen the ..."Added to my tbr. Thanks, Michelle.
Always love to help someone pump up their TBR
Michelle wrote: "Always love to help someone pump up their TBR"If you build it, they will come.
If you review it, we will add it. :-)
Added to my TBR also.
Lea wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Always love to help someone pump up their TBR"If you build it, they will come.
If you review it, we will add it. :-)
Added to my TBR also."
I might feel a little bad if this book wasn't so good.
Michelle wrote: "I might feel a little bad if this book wasn't so good."Nah. If I think the book isn't good, you can question my taste. :-)
Michelle wrote: "I started reading Shoeless Joe over the weekend. Absolutely loving it! Maybe this is what I need to get back to this list. I don't know why I'm not reading this list more quickly. I have enjoyed every single book I've read. Shinier new books just keep getting in the way."I think we many of us fall for the shiny new books, lol. I know that it looks like I'm avoiding my list but I keep getting distracted.
Also, adding Shoeless Joe to my tbr list
Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I started reading Shoeless Joe over the weekend. Absolutely loving it! Maybe this is what I need to get back to this list. I don't know why I'm not reading this list more quickly. ..."You won't be sorry Lillie. Save it for when you need a feel good read.
Michelle wrote: "You won't be sorry Lillie. Save it for when you need a feel good read."Ok! It's going to have to go on to my 2023 for sure. I'm always up for a feel good book.
Michelle wrote: "I finally finished Shoeless Joe. What a book! This book is the basis of the movie Field of Dreams. Fortunately, it has been so long since I have seen the ..."I might have to look into this, I love that film and didn't realise there was a book too, although I do often get disappointed.
Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I finally finished Shoeless Joe. What a book! This book is the basis of the movie Field of Dreams. Fortunately, it has been so long since..."As I said above, it has been a really long time since I've seen the movie (maybe the 80's??? when did it come out??) but I found the book to be just as magical (if not more so) as I remember the movie being. There were some changes from what I remembered and probably more that I didn't remember but it was a really good story. I don't think you would be disappointed.
Mod
by Chinua Achebe. Time to get serious about finishing this challenge."I have to try this again. I remember starting it once.
I'm trying to get into it Bill. Fall activities are interfering with my fall reading plan.
I'm still reading Things Fall Apart. I have been listening to Personal Memoirs on audiobook and I finished volume 1 of 2. I'm taking a break between volumes but it is quite good.
I completed
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe over the weekend. I'm glad I finally read this modern classic. The story follows the life of one man and his tribe as he enters manhood, carves out a place of good standing within his tribe, is exiled, and finally, returns to the tribe which has changed in his absence. The main character's story runs parallel to the story of the early colonization of Nigeria which makes this also the story of colonization as it has been repeated throughout history.Achebe's style is sparse and direct but deeply poignant at times in spite of that. The main character is not particularly likeable, but the reader has sympathy for him, nevertheless. In spite of everything he lives by the principles of the tribe as he perceived them. His steadfastness should have been his greatest strength but in the face of swiftly changing times became his greatest weakness.
4 stars for wisdom passed through story.
Favorite Quotes:
“There is no story that is not true, [...] The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.”
“There was a saying in Umuofia that as a man danced so the drums were beaten for him.”
"Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness.
It was deeper and more intimate that the fear of evil and capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest, and of the forces of nature, malevolent, red in tooth and claw.
Okonkwo’s fear was greater than these. It was not external but lay deep within himself.”
Today I finished listening to
Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant: All Volumes. Lauded as one of the best presidential memoirs of all time. Grant was a larger-than-life character living in extraordinary times. This memoir discusses those times in a straightforward manner and in great detail while still giving the reader a picture of the type of man that Grant was. A man of action and strong opinions who could be generous of spirit when called for. A rugged, pioneer type of patriot who thrived in military life.Full disclosure. I listened to Volumes 1 & 2 of 6 volumes of this extensive memoir. These volumes began with boyhood and extended through his appointment as Lieutenant General of the Union forces during the Civil War or as Grant refers to it the War of Succession. These were the only volumes my library has on audiobook and for purposes of this and all other challenges I am calling it complete. I may one day go back and read the remaining volumes because it was interesting. The portion of the war covered in volume 2 centered around the part of the country that I live in and that made them even more interesting. However, I take back everything I said about Obama's memoir being too long. He definitely had precedence.
4 Union Jack stars for good old Mr. Grant.
Favorite Quotes:
But my later experience has taught me two lessons: first, that things are seen plainer after the events have occurred; second, that the most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticised.”
“The distant rear of an army engaged in battle is not the best place from which to judge correctly what is going on in front.”
Mod
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe over the weekend. I'm glad I finally read this modern classic. The story follows t..."Great review. My daughter hates this book and hisses whenever it's mentioned.... just sayin'.... bwahahhaha
11 down and 1 to go!!! Yay!
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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND ...requested lol Daisy Jones is my favorite audiobook of all time!