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2022 Independent Challenges
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***Michelle's 2022 Reading Flow Challenge
#28
52 Ways to Walk: The New Science and Timeless Joy of How, When, Where, and Why You can walk in the city; you can walk in the country; you can walk in the morning; you can walk at night. This was the Dr Seuss of wellness books but in the midst of all the common sense there were interesting kernels of information. I might not have made it through all 52 (I was already aware that I should wear waterproof clothing when walking in the rain and take a flashlight when walking at night) except it was an audiobook and the reader reminded me of Mary Poppins. It just made me smile no matter what she was saying. I loved every minute of it. Audiobook. 3 left foot, left foot, left foot right stars. Nonfiction-Wellness.#29
The Maid First, this was not a bad story. Second, I did not love it. My biggest problem was the main character, Molly, a maid who was on the spectrum. Molly would have been great but she seemed to have a dark side at moments that didn't really fit. Also, I wasn't sure her actions at the end were plausible based on her actions earlier in the book. My other problem was the ending. It was sort of out of the blue. Did the author have someone else write the ending? Did she let the beta readers vote on the killer and then plug it in? ebook. 3 did not live up to the hype stars. Mystery.#30
The Book of Magic I enjoyed the series and I enjoyed getting closure. There was a lot of back and forth in the series and there were a lot of characters in this book. I confess to feeling slightly confused but happy with the outcome. Audiobook. 3 dazed stars. Current Fiction.#31 I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer
While I did think this was a good book, I think it would have been a top notch book if Michelle McNamara had been able to finish it. I thought the book lacked continuity. Where the book really shines, however, is not the true crime story itself but the insight into the sleuths who pursue these cases and the lengths they go to for justice. Audiobook. 3 super sleuth stars. Nonfiction-True Crime.31 books/4655 pages
Current:
Once Upon a Wardrobe Audiobook.
Daughter of Smoke & Bone ebook.
Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy paperback.
Great progress! Bummed to hear that about The Maid as I've been looking forward to reading it. I'll just go into it with lowered expectations and maybe end up loving it.
Lillie wrote: "Great progress! Bummed to hear that about The Maid as I've been looking forward to reading it. I'll just go into it with lowered expectations and maybe end up loving it."
That should work. It is also possible that I am being too harsh. I can take an obvious mystery or an inscrutable one. I just don't like disconnect and "magic" resolution.
Alondra wrote: "I really hope you enjoy Daughter of Smoke & Bone. It made me want to visit Prague."I did love it Alondra and you are right about Prague. It made me want to see it for myself. I love it when that happens with a book.
#32
Once Upon a Wardrobe This book was a delightful surprise. I expected a silly romance and got something that was so much more. A young woman approaches C.S. Lewis in order to answer some questions her dying younger brother has about his favorite books. Instead of answering his questions she answers some of her own. In addition to contemplating life and death and love, this book examines the value of reading and fiction in our lives. The words that come to mind when describing this book are sweet and lovely. Audiobook. 4 stars. General Fiction.#33
Daughter of Smoke & Bone This was another pleasant surprise. I can't believe I waited so long to read this one. I'm not even going to try to describe the plot. I'm just going to tell you it was truly unique and imaginative world building anchored in modern day Prague. I loved both the original fantasy plot and the real world depiction of Prague. I hope the next in the series lives up to the first one. I'm definitely reading it. ebook. 4 stars. Fantasy.
Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy The author draws history and current times together as he embarks on a journey to follow the travels of George Washington after he was elected President. My main takeaways from this book were: 1)Washington was extremely determined to bring the new states to consensus and see our brand new country succeed 2)many of the choices Washington made as president determined forever how we would view the role of president 3)the author thought his dog was a lot cuter than I did 4)I really need to read Travels with Charley: In Search of America the book that inspired the author. Audiobook. 3 stars. Nonfiction- President.#35
Run Rose Run I know I shouldn't read these Patterson collaborations but I am always fascinated by the combinations he manages to make. What I have learned is that the result of these combos is usually a really generic Patterson story that could have been (and may have been) written by anyone with a few flourishes that ring true for the celebrity partner. This was better than usual in that it had an authentic country music flavor that had to have come from Dolly. The story was good and the country music insider view sold it. ebook. 3 stars. Fiction/Thriller??35 books/5523 pages
Currently reading:
Fast, Feast, Repeat: The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don't Deny® Intermittent Fasting Audiobook. The latest in my wellness reading binge.
The School for Good Mothers ebook. Just started.
Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy Paperback. Taking it slow and savoring. Really great writing.
I loved Travels with Charley: In Search of America, I hope you can squeeze it in sometime and enjoy!
I'm so glad you liked Daughter of Smoke & Bone. Fantasy is hit or miss with me, and this one was a hit. Sadly, I waited too long before reading the rest of the series, which taught me to read such series back-to-back, while the details are still in my memory.
I'm going to have to check out Once Upon a Wardrobe. I heard someone praise Becoming Mrs. Lewis on a podcast a few days ago. I was skeptical of either being good, but appreciate hearing some positive reviews!
Ioana wrote: "I'm so glad you liked Daughter of Smoke & BoneDaughter of Smoke & Bone. Fantasy is hit or miss with me, and this one was a hit. Sadly, I waited too long before reading the rest of the series, which taught me to read such series back-to-back, while the details are still in my memory."I also enjoyed Daughter of Smoke & Bone but I read it when it first came out and then I never remembered to check on subsequent sequels. You’ve just confirmed for me that I should reread it and then the rest of the series right away because my memory is terrible and I’m sure I’ll miss significant details if I don’t reread it
Lea wrote: "I loved Travels with Charley: In Search of America, I hope you can squeeze it in sometime and enjoy!"I don't know when I'll get to it but it is definitely on the mental TBR now.
Patricia wrote: "I'm going to have to check out Once Upon a Wardrobe. I heard someone praise Becoming Mrs. Lewis on a podcast a few days ago. I was skeptical of either being good, bu..."I was skeptical too Patricia but OUAW was a really sweet book with some real food for thought. After listening to this audiobook I am interested in Becoming Mrs. Lewis too.
@ Ioana and LillieI know what you mean about reading sequels. Sometimes I end up dropping a series just because I lose interest while waiting to read the next installment. I don't really like rereading unless it is just something phenomenal.
Mod
This is one trilogy where I loved all 3 books. The consistency reminded me of the Lunar Chronicles (exccept for Cress, yuck). Things take such a dark turn in this trilogy. I really rooted for these guys; even though I am not a romance person; this just did it for me.
Great update
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "#33 Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) by Laini Taylor Daughter of Smoke & Bone This was another pleasant surprise. I can't believe I waited so long to read th..."I'm pretty sure that it was your steadfast endorsement that put this one on my radar Alondra. So, thanks! Thanks too for saying the rest of the trilogy is good. I'm in it now so I'm going to have to read them.
Have you read her other series, a duology Strange the Dreamer & Muse of Nightmares? I really loved it.
Lillie wrote: "Have you read her other series, a duology Strange the Dreamer & Muse of Nightmares? I really loved it."No but I've had my eye on Strange the Dreamer. Sounds like it's time to bump it up the list.
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🤗🤗🤗
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I need to read these as well. I actually have had the first book on my shelf staring at me, for 2 years. 🤦♀️🤦♀️
#36
Fast, Feast, Repeat: The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don't Deny® Intermittent Fasting Finally, the IF book I have been wanting to read. I have been interested in intermittent fasting but never found a book that actually told you what to do. (I know, I know but I wanted to follow the rules) This one also included the "science" in simple terms. A good one if the topic interests you . Audiobook. 4 how-to stars. Nonfiction-Wellness.#37
Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: Taking Control of Your Thoughts and Fears in the Middle of the Battle A good book about controlling the negative thoughts we all have circling around in our brains. Encouraging and kudos for the longest title ever. Also an excellent audiobook with extras that were actually interesting. Audiobook. 4 stars. Nonfiction-Christian.#38
Bewilderment After the death of his wife a man and his son struggle with grief and the hopelessness of current times. This was a really, really well written book and I wanted to give it more than 3 stars but in the end I just couldn't. I would encourage you to read it. It was excellent just keep the kleenex handy. Audiobook. 3 sad book stars. Contemporary fiction.38 books/5531 pages
Current:
The Guncle Audiobook. This one is a hoot.
The Cartographers ebook. Enjoying this one a lot.
Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy paperback. Not progressing much. Need more reading time.
We all need more reading time. :-)
Lea wrote: "We all need more reading time. :-)"We do! Wouldn't it be nice if we were all expected to spend so much time everyday reading. You know you need to exercise 30 minutes, eat 3 healthy meals, brush your teeth and read for no less than one hour everyday. I mean that's pretty much what I do but it would be nice if you could just say no I'm sorry this is my reading time and everyone would be like oh ok sorry good for you getting that done.
Michelle wrote: "We do! Wouldn't it be nice if we were all expected to spend so much time everyday reading. You know you need to exercise 30 minutes, eat 3 healthy meals, brush your teeth and read for no less than one hour everyday. I mean that's pretty much what I do but it would be nice if you could just say no I'm sorry this is my reading time and everyone would be like oh ok sorry good for you getting that done."Yes! It would be nice to have reading as a socially acceptable excuse not to attend something. It would be nice to just say, "Sorry, I would love to go to your child's piano recital, but that's the only hour I can get my reading done on Saturday, so I'm afraid I won't be able to attend this time." And have the response be, "Goodness, OF COURSE you should stay home and read. We totally understand and aren't offended at all. We'll drop by and leave some really great books we've already read on your front porch. We won't even ring the doorbell. We wouldn't want to disturb you." :-) :-) :-)
Or how about "You know you've been working really hard and you're looking a little stressed. It looks like you've been neglecting your reading time. Why don't you leave an hour early today and put in some time with a good book.
Michelle wrote: "Or how about "You know you've been working really hard and you're looking a little stressed. It looks like you've been neglecting your reading time. Why don't you leave an hour early today and put in some time with a good book."I love this. From your mouth to
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If ONLY! 😩😩
Michelle wrote: "Or how about "You know you've been working really hard and you're looking a little stressed. It looks like you've been neglecting your reading time. Why don't you leave an hour early today and put ..."AMEN TO THAT!!
I know right. I really do feel like reading contributes to overall wellness for me. I wish it was more widely recognized.
Michelle wrote: "Or how about "You know you've been working really hard and you're looking a little stressed. It looks like you've been neglecting your reading time. Why don't you leave an hour early today and put ..."Wouldn't that be nice??
#39
My Evil Mother: A Short Story Doesn't every teen aged girl think her mother is evil at some point? I loved how this short story by Margaret Atwood played on that theme. ebook. 4 stars. Contemporary Fiction.#40
The Cartographers I read Peng Shepherd's previous book The Book of M and I have to say I was not thrilled. Book of M was well written and started with a great premise but it had way too many characters and devolved into a hot mess at the end. This book also very well written showed more restraint. Overall I enjoyed this book very much. I liked the characters. I thought they mystery was intriguing and I enjoyed the maps and that portion of the storyline. There were some obvious flaws but overall a well written, enjoyable story. ebook. 4 stars. Mystery/Fantasy.#41
The Guncle Guncle (Gay Uncle) Patrick takes his niece and nephew for the summer and gets so much more than he bargained for. This book was sweet and pure fun. Great if you are looking for something light. Audiobook. 4 stars. Comedy.#42
One Italian Summer Reeling from the loss of her mother, Katie travels to her mother's favorite place and in a strange twist actually meets her mother of 30 years before. This was also a great light read and it will make you want to take an Italian vacation. Unfortunately this book was as close as I'm likely to come to that in the near future but I'll take it. Audiobook. 4 stars. Contemporary Lit/Time Travel.Disclaimer: Reading back I note that I labeled both of the last two books as "light". In fact both books do deal with the death of loved ones and with the way our choices affect our lives. That is not light and I didn't mean to imply that it is. I did find, however, that both books dealt with serious subjects in an uplifting way and had other parts to the storyline that were interesting and fun. Both books were well worth the read.
42 books/5963 pages
Current:
Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy Paperback. Yes, I'm still waiting for that snow and in no hurry.
Sea of Tranquility ebook. Enjoying this one so far.
Love Looks Pretty on You ebook. A little dip into poetry.
The Book of Cold Cases Audiobook. OK this one is creepy and I'm liking it a lot.
#43
Sea of Tranquility I really enjoyed this book by Emily St. John Mandel especially the parts about an author on "the last book tour on earth" which seemed almost autobiographical at times. The plot is difficult to explain but involved time travel, a pandemic and space colonies so what's not to like? This author's writing is top notch as always. ebook. 4 stars. Fantasy/Time Travel.#44
The Book of Cold Cases This one was great - suspensful and spooky! A woman who has an online website about unsolved cases gets to interview a suspected serial killer. Unfortunately she has to do it in the killer's haunted mansion. I'm not doing this one justice. It was good. I may have to check out more by Simone St. James. Audiobook. 4 stars. Suspense.#45
Four Aunties and a WeddingFour Aunties and a Wedding Love, love this series! The aunties are back for Meddy's wedding and they are as funny as ever. Seriously this series is far fetched but a hoot. Give it a try if you want some laughs. Audiobook. 4 stars. Comedy.#46
An American Life This one was for my president's challenge and was something of a disappointment. While it did give a good view of Reagan's personality, it was overall superficial. It covered all the major events there just wasn't any depth. I did enjoy the audiobook narration by Reagan himself. Audiobook. 3 stars. Nonfiction/Autobiography-President.46 books/6222 pages
Current:
Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy Paperback.
Northwind Audiobook.
Memoirs of a Geisha ebook.
Love Looks Pretty on You ebook.
Love your reviews! Am excited to read that you enjoyed The Cartographers and The Book of Cold Cases because they're both on my tbr list. Now the question becomes, do I move them up on the list?Ok, now a quandary, I don't love Emily St. John Mandel (thought Station Eleven was alright and hated The Glass Hotel - don't throw things at me!) but this book sounds like my cup of tea. Do I pick it up? Choosing what to read is hard, lol
Lillie,I can't help, but I too thought Station Eleven was alright and hated The Glass Hotel, so you're not alone.
Ioana wrote: "Lillie,I can't help, but I too thought Station Eleven was alright and hated The Glass Hotel, so you're not alone."
I thought I was the only one!!
Mod
Sea of Tranquility I really enjoyed this book by Emily St. John Mandel especially the parts about an author on "the last ..."I'll have to check out Sea of Tranquility.
I thought Station 11 was good, some boring stretches but excellent writing. I also hated The Glass Hotel. This one started oddly and then referenced The Glass Hotel and nearly lost me. I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. The rest of the book was right up my alley and I enjoyed it.
@Lillie I would encourage you to read both The Cartographers and The Book Of Cold Cases. I didn't have high expectations for either of them and ended up liking both of them a lot. Although maybe my lack of expectations had something to do with that.
Mod
I can't help, but I too thought Station Eleven was alright and hated The Glass Hotel, so you're not alone."
I third that.... (is that a saying?? 🤔) Anyway; I refused to read anything after Station Eleven.
Good luck... LOL
Time for an update#47
Northwind A nice YA adventure story. Think Hatchet for Vikings. Audiobook. 3 stars. YA-Adventure.#48
The White Mirror The second book in the Li Du series. I can't say enough good things about this series. Each one is like an Agatha Christie mystery reimagined in an ancient Asian setting, this time ancient Tibet. Great writing. Great characters. Audiobook. 4 stars. Mystery.#49
Ramón and Julieta Obviously this romance was a play on Romeo & Juliet. The traditional Mexican chef meets the son of the Taco King and things go pretty much as you imagine. It was a fun, easy read and the food descriptions were amazing. Audiobook. 3 stars. Romance.#50
Love Looks Pretty on You Poetry, not my usual but I was curious after reading a poem by this author on facebook. I connected with several of these poems. ebook. 3 stars. Poetry.#51
Argo: How the CIA & Hollywood Pulled Off the Most Audacious Rescue in History Not as much fun as the movie but lots of cool spy stuff. Audiobook. 3 stars. Nonfiction-Adventure/History.51 books/6484 pages
Currently:
My Heart Is a Chainsaw Audiobook. Loving this author.
Memoirs of a Geisha ebook. Good story but I'm having trouble getting any momentum going.
Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy Paperback.
You're storming through these! Some interesting ones on the list.
Thanks Carolien. I'm not sure about storming but I am enjoying.
Mod
#47
Northwind A nice YA adventure story. Think Hatchet for Vikings. Audiobook. 3 stars. YA-Adventure.#48 [bookcover:The..."
I'm looking forward to reading The White Mirror. Enjoyed the first book very much.
I think you will like it Bill good mystery excellent writing.
I'm glad you liked The White Mirror, I liked it too. Too bad Argo was not as much fun as it could have been. It's been on my list for some time.
Lea wrote: "I'm glad you liked The White Mirror, I liked it too. Too bad Argo was not as much fun as it could have been. It's been on my list for some time."Argo was different from the movie Lea, not as lighthearted but don't let that discourage you. When I said there was lots of cool spy stuff, I really meant it. There were a lot of wow moments when I was listening to this one and the Hollywood aspect of the Argo rescue plan was really - well, cool!
Michelle wrote: "Argo was different from the movie Lea, not as lighthearted but don't let that discourage you. When I said there was lots of cool spy stuff, I really meant it. There were a lot of wow moments when I was listening to this one and the Hollywood aspect of the Argo rescue plan was really - well, cool!"I haven't seen the movie yet. Sounds like I should read the book first and then watch the movie. Thanks! :-)
#52
My Heart Is a Chainsaw Loved this horror novel by Stephen Graham Jones. Horror movie classics and their final girl victims became the theme that the author played with in this novel. The final girl is a popular trope right now but this author's excellent writing kept it fresh. A little more gore than I would have liked but otherwise a good one. Audiobook. 4 stars. Horror.#53
American Dirt An excellent story. A thrill ride from start to finish. I actually read this some time ago but I listened to it on audio for my IRL book club this month. I thought the audioproduction lacked some of the intensity I felt when I read the print version but that could also be because I knew what was coming this time. Audiobook. 5 stars. Contemporary Fiction.#54
Memoirs of a Geisha The tale of a young girl sold into slavery who struggles to become a Geisha and then to live on her own terms. This was a slow start for me but once I connected I loved the story and the characters. A modern classic that I'm glad I finally read. ebook. 4 stars. Historical Fiction.#55
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty I will be thinking about this for a very long time. I had no idea how much of the Sackler's wealth was based on addictive painkillers or how far back their manipulation of the pharmaceutical industry extended. The revelation that Perdue Pharma had hard data on just which doctors, pharmacies and parts of the country were abusing Oxycotin but used the information for marketing purposes instead of alerting authorities is still upsetting to me. This was an excellent book for understanding the opioid crisis and current related events. Audiobook. 5 stars. Nonfiction.55 books/6970 pages
Current:
Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy Paperback. Still.
The Homewreckers ebook. Something lighter to counteract the above.
Michelle wrote: "#54 Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden Memoirs of a Geisha The tale of a young girl sold into slavery who struggles to become a Geisha and then to live on her own terms. This was a slow start for me but once I connected I loved the story and the characters. A modern classic that I'm glad I finally read. ebook. 4 stars. Historical Fiction."I’ve had this book on my shelves forever. I keep passing it over for my challenges. I don’t know why. Your review is making me rethink my hesitation.
Mod
My Heart Is a Chainsaw Loved this horror novel by Stephen Graham Jones. Horror movie classics and their final girl vict..."I debated about adding this, but recently did so. Now, it is a question of when I will attempt to read it. It seems like everyone has enjoyed it, so that helps my decision.
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LOL, love that!!!