Dare to Dream discussion
Seasonal Reading Challenges
>
SPRING 2022READINGCHALLENGE
Just a quick note on the challenge. Karin Slaughter’s books are popular with many thriller fans but they have been described as very graphic with regards to the violence depicted. Just wanted to give you all a heads up.
HelloYet again such an exciting challenge! Brilliant prompts but my favourite has to be the "City" one as I treated myself to Crescent City book 1 today and I cannot wait to get Started. Its my first Sarah J Maas and looking at popular opinion , I’m in for a treat :)
Perfect timing to escape from the current madness. Stay safe everyone x
Hooray! a new challenge! As Franzi said, "perfect timing from the current madness". Thank you Rachel!
Franzi wrote: "HelloYet again such an exciting challenge! Brilliant prompts but my favourite has to be the "City" one as I treated myself to Crescent City book 1 today and I cannot wait to get Started. Its my fi..."
Glad you like it Franzi! Hope you enjoy your new book. :)
Stay safe. xoxo
Christine wrote: "Hooray! a new challenge! As Franzi said, "perfect timing from the current madness". Thank you Rachel!"
You’re welcome, Christine! Glad you like it. :)
I can’t believe we’ve been doing these challenges together since 2012. Just glad you still enjoy doing them with me. xoxo
Mod
Here are some books I'm looking at for Spring:
1. Author Birthdays. I've never read any of these authors. I'm going to skip R.F. Kuang, but try two from each of the other authors.
Nicci French - House of Correction and The Other Side of the Door
Claire North - The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August and The Sudden Appearance of Hope
Rebecca Roanhorse - Black Sun and Race to the Sun
2. I'm going to try two from Karin Slaughter. I don't think I've read any of her books. Pieces of Her and False Witness
3. The Lost City. I don't currently have any books planned for this task. I might skip it.
4. I'll read Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
5. P-E-T in the title/subtitle
I have four different books on my physical to-read shelf at home. I don't have audiobooks available to help me on these, which is why I've put them off. I'll plan to read at least one this Spring.
6. I'll plan to read two out of the three Group Read Titles
7. I own a copy of Betty White's "If You Ask Me . . ." (2011). I've read this before and will plan to re-read this Spring.
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Thanks for continuing the seasonal reading challenges, Rachel.Here are some books I'm looking at for Spring:
1. Author Birthdays. I've never read any of these authors. I'm going to skip R.F. Kuan..."
You’re welcome, Dustin! :D
That’s quite the list-look forward to hearing your thoughts on them.
That Betty White book is fun on audio.
Thanks for creating this group Dustin. :)
Mod
Ten Years! This Dare to Dream Group was created in March 2012. Let's keep it going :-)
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Thanks for creating this group Dustin. :)"Ten Years! This Dare to Dream Group was created in March 2012. Let's keep it going :-)"
Sounds like a plan. :D
Mod
Yes, indeed. Stick around. We're just getting started :-)
Mod
Next, I plan to read Betty White's short book first published 11 years ago.
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'll finish my first book this weekend. I'm re-reading Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King. I first read the book two years ago, when the author A.S. King was featured during a seasonal reading c..."Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
Thank you for another great challenge! I hope to complete 3 prompts. Such a great group! Thank you everyone for making this group fun!
Mod
Danell wrote: "Thank you for another great challenge! I hope to complete 3 prompts. Such a great group! Thank you everyone for making this group fun!"
xoxo
I just finished
Its a book set in Asia. Its the best book I've read in 2022 so far. Its a compelling story told from two points of view. I think that its why the story is so interesting, both women are Indian but there perspectives are different?????
message 19:
by
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
(last edited Mar 15, 2022 08:05PM)
(new)
Mod
I'm also currently reading a trilogy of prelude to Dune books. I've read about a dozen Dune books since seeing the film last November. The film is nominated for ten Academy Awards including Best Picture. The House Trilogy deals with multi-generational aspects more than any Dune books I've read. These three books introduce readers to ancestors of main characters in the first book going back 2-3 generations and setting the stage for the epic original Dune book that started it all.
Mod
Its a book set in Asia. Its the best book I've read in 2022 so far. Its a compelling story told from two points of view. I think that its why the story is..."That's a pretty high recommendation. I'll take a look at it now.
Finished
for p-e-t in the title/subtitle. I really enjoyed it. It’s told through emails, texts and other paperwork. I read a lot of this genre so appreciated the unique way the mystery was presented.
Christine wrote: "Just added The Appeal to my hold list on Libby. Thanks for the recommendation."Hope you like it, Christine! It seems to be one of those books readers really love or hate the way it’s written. Look forward to hearing your thoughts when you get to it. :)
I listened to The Lost City Z. Works for 3. Now if I could just figure out how to add a bookshelf on here.
Danell wrote: "I listened to The Lost City Z. Works for 3. Now if I could just figure out how to add a bookshelf on here."Thanks for the update, Danell! :D
Mod
Mod
The book works for the Spring Reading Challenge because it has the letters P-E-T in the title!
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Since The Lost City is featured with our Spring Challenge, I thought I'd mention how much I enjoyed the new movie. I've watched The Lost City twice at the theater so far and hope to watch it more. ..."I really want to see it- Glad you enjoyed it. You gotta love Sandra Bullock (and yes she does look amazing).
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'm currently reading The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley. This was a title that was being considered as one of our new-release featured group reads and it sounded so good, I put a hold at the librar..."Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
message 31:
by
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
(last edited Apr 11, 2022 07:28PM)
(new)
Mod
I'm currently reading my first Nicci French novel, The Other Side of the Door. I'm enjoying this first one and have House of Correction lined up next. If I like that one, I'll be getting more Nicci French books from the library. They have an 8-book series, but I'm trying some standalones first.
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Nicci French - this author is a husband and wife writing duo. I'm currently reading my first Nicci French novel, The Other Side of the Door. I'm enjoying this first one and have House of Correctio..."
I’ve heard good things about them. I do want to try their series at some point.
Hope you enjoy your books-look forward to hearing your thoughts.
I’m currently reading
(works for hidden past) and enjoying it so far.Also started
-not sure how I feel about it yet. It’s still early.I have
on hold. I can’t wait to read it-I love her writing.
Mod
I read The book of cold cases. It was good. My 95 year old grandma passed away and my son and I made a trip to Nebraska. My mom was filling in at the library. It was nice visiting my childhood library where my mom and grandma worked and I had a limit on the books I could check out.
Mod
My 95 year old grandma passed away and my son and I made a trip to Nebraska. My mom was filling in at the library. It was nice visiting my childhood li..."
Are you from Nebraska? How long did you stay there for this visit and what was your book limit at the library?
95 is a good long life. You're lucky to have had your grandma with you for so many years. Both of my grandmas died in 2005 and my grandfathers all died in the 80's.
Danell wrote: "I read The book of cold cases. It was good. My 95 year old grandma passed away and my son and I made a trip to Nebraska. My mom was filling in at the library. It was nice visiting my childhood li..."
Sending hugs, Danell.
Was she a librarian?
I’m originally from Nebraska, Hooker co, one town in the county, Mullen. My grandma and mom both filled in at the library from time to time when the librarian would need off. I even filled in twice I believe. I can’t remember what the limit was, I just recall being a kid and having to choose which treasures to take home. As a teen I sat in the back of the library and read books on occasion. I was very fortunate to have my grandma for so long. She was awesome! I have many fond memories of her. The nursing home where she lived is closing and she was the last person to find new residence, which would be an hour and a half away from mom, her only child. She hadn’t eaten in a month and her health declined. She had Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Thank you friends for listening and hugs!
Danell wrote: "I’m originally from Nebraska, Hooker co, one town in the county, Mullen. My grandma and mom both filled in at the library from time to time when the librarian would need off. I even filled in twice..."Alzheimer’s is such a heartbreaking disease. Glad your Grandma is at peace and that you have many good memories to hold on to.
Your childhood library sounds wonderful.
I finished
. I liked it-it was definitely a page turner. The thing I’m finding with many mystery/thrillers is that they’re fun to read in the moment but don’t necessarily stand out from other books I’ve read in the past.I miss Gillian Flynn. I hope she writes another book.
So my question for the group is what mystery/crime/thriller novels old or new have stood out to you that you would recommend.
Whether it’s great writing, fabulous characters or just a really memorable twist, etc.
If you enjoy twisted characters I’d recommend Samantha Downing. You never know what’s going to happen because her characters are capable of anything. I always have fun reading her books. My Lovely Wife
For Your Own Good
If you prefer fun lovable characters I can’t recommend the Thursday murder club series enough. The third book is coming out later this year.
If you want something thought provoking I remember really liking Defending Jacob
. It’s been years since I’ve read it but I still remember being really surprised by it. Finally I recently read The Appeal
-I just loved the unique way this mystery is told (through emails, texts, newspaper clippings, interviews, etc. ) it won’t be for everyone because of the format but that’s what set it apart for me. There are also a lot of characters but you’re given a list of everyone at two different places in the book to help you keep track. It also helps that they have distinct personalities.
I read A Discovery of Wild Places, which works for the P-E-T part of the challenge. Really enjoyed it, right book that captured my attention and let me forget about reality.
Correction. The book was A History of Wild Places. I’m not a fan of the Goodreads app. I can’t see the books that some of you post and can’t figure out how to edit my previous post to fix my mistake with a wrong book title. Maybe I’ll have to see if I can get my tablet to work and try Goodreads from that device instead of my phone. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Easter or whatever you celebrate!
Happy reading!!
Danell wrote: "Correction. The book was A History of Wild Places. I’m not a fan of the Goodreads app. I can’t see the books that some of you post and can’t figure out how to edit my previous post to fix my mistak..."Thanks for the update, Danell. The goodreads app sounds awful.
Have a Happy Easter! :D
Mod
That's why I usually use my laptop for Goodreads :-)
message 45:
by
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
(last edited Apr 18, 2022 08:50PM)
(new)
Mod
Whether it’s great writing, fabulous characters or just a really memorable twist, etc."
My go-to authors are Dean Koontz, Blake Crouch and Dan Chaon, who coincidentally all have new releases this Summer!!!! (hint, hint, feel free to include them in the Summer Group Read because I am for sure reading and buying myself copies too!)
Recently, I enjoyed The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley and I'm going to try two more of hers in the near future: The Hunting Party and The Guest List.
Mod
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "So my question for the group is what mystery/crime/thriller novels old or new have stood out to you that you would recommend.Whether it’s great writing, fabulous characters or just..."
Thanks for the recommendations!
Upgrade
is going to be one of the summer group reads. :D
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I've finished two Nicci French novels. I enjoyed them both so much that I've requested more Nicci French from the library."Glad to hear you enjoyed these authors-I’ve been thinking about picking up one of their books for a while now.
Mod
I'm too oldschool for ebooks and haven't yet tried audible.
Even if Upgrade doesn't have audiobook, Blake Crouch's more recent books have been real page turners (Dark Matter and Recursion)so I should be good.
It was easy to choose Upgrade by Blake Crouch for one of the summer reads because how could I not lol.
I’d like to feature an additional book-preferably something that’s already been released but I’m having difficulty deciding on a title. I feel like I need to feature another book because upgrade doesn’t come out until July and who knows how long the wait list at the library will be. I’m looking forward to it though.
Dare to Dream
Books mentioned in this topic
Girl, Forgotten (other topics)Pieces of Her (other topics)
The Good Daughter (other topics)
Pieces of Her (other topics)
The Good Girl (other topics)
More...
The Spring 2022 Reading Challenge will begin March 1st and end May 31st.
Rules of the challenge:
Read 3 books (or more)
Complete 3 tasks (or more)
Any genre ok
Rereads ok
1. Many talented authors have birthdays this season.
So this spring,
READ A BOOK BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Nicci French
Claire North
R.F. Kuang
Rebecca Roanhorse
2. Pieces of Her is a limited series that will premiere on Netflix on March 4th. After a violent incident, a daughter pieces together her mother’s hidden past. It’s based on the book by Karin Slaughter.
So this spring,
READ ANY BOOK BY KARIN SLAUGHTER.
OR
READ A BOOK IN WHICH ONE CHARACTER LOOKS INTO ANOTHER CHARACTER’S HIDDEN PAST.
3. The Lost City will be released in theaters on March 25th. An author who writes romantic adventure novels set in exotic locales gets kidnapped. Her cover model sets out to rescue her.
So this spring,
READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “CITY” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.
OR
READ A BOOK IN WHICH ONE OF THE CHARACTERS IS AN AUTHOR.
OR
READ A BOOK SET (AT LEAST IN PART) IN AN EXOTIC LOCALE.
4. Pachinko is a multi generational drama series that will premiere on Apple TV on March 25th. It’s about the hopes and dreams of a Korean family who move to Japan. It’s based on the book by Min Jin Lee.
So this spring,
READ THE BOOK.
OR
READ A BOOK SET (AT LEAST IN PART) IN ASIA.
OR
READ A MULTIGENERATIONAL NOVEL.
5. May is Chip Your Pet Month.
So this spring,
READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS P-E-T IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.
6. I always enjoy including a group read. Sometimes I feature two titles. This time there’s three because I just couldn’t decide lol. Two are being published this spring and the other is already available.
So this spring,
READ ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AND DISCUSS IT WITH THE GROUP:
THE BOOK OF COLD CASES BY SIMONE ST. JAMES (MARCH 15th).
THE OVERNIGHT GUEST BY HEATHER GUDENKAUF (AVAILABLE NOW).
SEA OF TRANQUILITY BY EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL (APRIL 5th).
7. Random task-This counts towards the challenge but isn’t inspired by the season.
Betty White died in December shortly before her 100th birthday. I’ve always been a huge fan of hers-the Golden Girls is easily my favorite tv show of all time. She was a television icon and a dedicated animal advocate. She also loved games and was often a celebrity contestant on game shows.
So this spring,
READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “GIRL” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.
OR
READ A BOOK WITH AN ANIMAL ON THE COVER.
OR
READ A BOOK IN WHICH A GAME IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE STORY.
OR
READ A BOOK WRITTEN BY OR ABOUT BETTY WHITE.
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND SAFE SPRING. XO