SUMMER 2022 READING CHALLENGE

[Rachel]

Please post all comments/questions/updates about the Summer 2022 Challenge in this thread. :)

The Summer 2022 Reading Challenge will begin June 1st and end August 31.

Rules of the challenge:

Read 3 books (or more)
Complete 3 tasks (or more)
All genres ok
Rereads ok


This summer, complete 3 (or more) of the following:

1. Many talented authors have birthdays this season.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Lauren Beukes
Larry McMurtry
Siddhartha Mukherjee
Sayaka Murata
Lisa Scottoline

2. June is National Soul Food Month.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS S-O-U-L
IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

3. There’s a new Jordan Peele movie! Nope will be released in theaters on July 22nd. The information and the trailer for the film are intentionally vague. The trailer definitely grabs your attention but doesn’t give too much away.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK THAT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. (Pick up a book based on the title, cover or from an author you love or have wanted to try. Don’t read the synopsis or reviews that discuss the plot.)

4. Bullet Train will be released in theaters on August 5th. An assassin wants to change his life but is convinced to do another job. Unfortunately, he’s not the only assassin on the train. Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock star.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “TRAIN” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

OR

READ A BOOK ABOUT A CRIMINAL THAT WANTS TO QUIT BUT IS CONVINCED TO DO ANOTHER JOB.

OR

READ A BOOK THAT IS SET (AT LEAST IN PART) ON A MODE OF TRANSPORTATION (PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES, ETC.).

5. I posted the first reading challenge in the summer of 2012. So glad you still want to do this with me. I adore this group.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK PUBLISHED IN 2012.

OR

READ AN ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF A BOOK.

6. Upgrade by Blake Crouch will be published on July 7th. It’s the group read.

So this summer,

READ UPGRADE AND DISCUSS IT WITH THE GROUP.

BONUS GROUP READS:

THIS TIME TOMORROW BY EMMA STRAUB (AVAILABLE NOW)

THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL & NEV BY DAWNIE WALTON (AVAILABLE NOW)

7. Random task-This counts towards the challenge but is not inspired by the season.

The limited series Severance premiered on Apple TV last February. It’s about a group of employees who agree to a medical procedure that severs their memory so that when they’re at work they have no memory of their home life and while home they have no memories of their work life. They work at a company called Lumon Industries and they really have no idea what their work entails. It’s probably no surprise, Lumon is not a great place to work. Things happen, the employees become restless and have to figure out their next move. I can’t really say too much more without giving anything away. I can say it’s strange, it’s unsettling and it’s fabulous. The season finale was so fricking suspenseful-haven’t seen anything this original or mind bending in a long time.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES AN INNOVATIVE MEDICAL PROCEDURE.

OR

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES A SHADY/SECRETIVE COMPANY/ORGANIZATION.

WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER. :D

[Franzi]

Im in planning heaven! Thank you so much Rachel! Another fabulous challenge! Picked lots of my reads already and can’t wait to get started . Will give you a final list once I’ve finished it 🤩

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Im in planning heaven! Thank you so much Rachel! Another fabulous challenge! Picked lots of my reads already and can’t wait to get started . Will give you a final list once I’ve finished it 🤩"

You’re welcome, Franzi! Glad you like it. Look forward to seeing which books you pick. :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Thanks Rachel! I'm looking forward to Jordan Peele's Nope and Bullet Train. Fun to see Sandra Bullock and Brad Pitt working together.

[Franzi]

Hello again
Here’s my (current ;-)) list ;

1.
Lisa Scottoline - Eternal (or Look Again)

2. READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS S-O-U-L
IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

People Like Us - Louise Fein

3. READ A BOOK THAT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT.

I treated myself to a book advent calendar last year and received 24 paperbacks of which I hardly read any so far :) so I’ve just gone and picked one with a pretty cover - it’s a German crime novel called Shadow Bay by Eric Berg… no idea what it’s about :)


4.READ A BOOK THAT IS SET (AT LEAST IN PART) ON A MODE OF TRANSPORTATION (PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES, ETC.).

The Girl at the back of the bus - Suzette D Harris

5.READ A BOOK PUBLISHED IN 2012.

Happy Anniversary :)
I had a look if you had a group pick in 2012 and wanted to read that but think you started that only later?

Ive chosen I am Malala off my huuuge TBR pile.

6. I’ll try to read all three group books this time

Upgrade by Blake Crouch

THIS TIME TOMORROW BY EMMA STRAUB

THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL & NEV BY DAWNIE WALTON

7. Random task

Severance sounds soooooo good!
I’ll be reading Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

:) Happy Reading and Happy Summer

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Thanks Rachel! I'm looking forward to Jordan Peele's Nope and Bullet Train. Fun to see Sandra Bullock and Brad Pitt working together."

You’re welcome, Dustin! :D
I want to see both of those films-look forward to hearing what you think of them.

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Hello again
Here’s my (current ;-)) list ;

1.
Lisa Scottoline - Eternal (or Look Again)

2. READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS S-O-U-L
IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

People Like Us - Louise Fein

3. READ A B..."

That’s an impressive list, Franzi! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them. :)

The group read didn’t start until later and even then it wasn’t every season. These days, I just really enjoy including it. I also can’t seem to pick just one book lol. I think I might read all 3 books too.

Severance is a crazy show in the best possible way. I still can’t believe that season finale.

I read Flowers for Algernon years ago and have never forgotten it. It’s definitely a classic.

Happy Reading! :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Way to go Franzi! I still need to look over the Summer Challenge and figure out what I plan to read :-)

[Danell]

I was thinking of reading Flowers for Algeron also. Matter of fact I just (clears throat, downward glance) bought 7 used books from ThriftBooks and Flowers for Algeron was one of them. I read that book in High School, um, well many years ago and remember how it bothered me but spurred my love of reading.

[Franzi]

It’s almost another group read then, Flowers for Algernon .
It was recommended to me when I asked about the medical procedure prompt and like you say, Danell, she’d read it years ago and it stick with her. Exactly what I was after !

Hope you have a good day. Just saw what happened in Texas :,( I’m heartbroken and don’t really have any words. My thoughts are with you all. ❤️

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Count me in. I'll read Flowers for Algernon too!

[Danell]

Will it be a reread for you Dustin?

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I dont remember ever reading the book. If I did it was in the nineties. Maybe I watched a film adaptation?
This will be good for me. If I did read the book in high school, reading the book now will unlock fragments of my mind that have been closed off. Maybe I read Flowers for Algernon in a parallel reality, maybe its the Nelson Mandela effect. At any rate, this will be good because any connection and recollection I have to Flowers for Algernon is vague and just below the surface of memory.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I was thinking of reading Flowers for Algeron also. Matter of fact I just (clears throat, downward glance) bought 7 used books from ThriftBooks and Flowers for Algeron was one of them. I read that ..."

We all deserve to treat ourselves sometimes. Enjoy your book haul. :)

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "It’s almost another group read then, Flowers for Algernon .
It was recommended to me when I asked about the medical procedure prompt and like you say, Danell, she’d read it years ago and it stick ..."

These school shootings are always horrifying. Unfortunately they keep happening. Wish things would change.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I dont remember ever reading the book. If I did it was in the nineties. Maybe I watched a film adaptation?
This will be good for me. If I did read the book in high school, reading the book now wil..."

There are 2 film adaptations so you might have seen one. :)

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I dont remember ever reading the book. If I did it was in the nineties. Maybe I watched a film adaptation?
This will be good for me. If I did read the book in high school, reading the book now wil..."

I thought it was the butterfly effect. ;)

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Yes, that could be right.

I own that movie and watch it occasionally - The Butterfly Effect :-)

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Yes, that could be right.

I own that movie and watch it occasionally - The Butterfly Effect :-)"

That movie was crazy. Haven’t seen it in years.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Might be time for a rewatch.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Might be time for a rewatch."

I was just thinking the same thing. :D

[Christine]

Count me in for the Summer Reading challenge. Lots of great prompts. Looks like there are going to be lots of good books to read this summer. Thank you for putting it all together.

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "Count me in for the Summer Reading challenge. Lots of great prompts. Looks like there are going to be lots of good books to read this summer. Thank you for putting it all together."

You’re welcome, Christine! Glad you like it. :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I'm currently reading my first book for the Summer Challenge.
Task #4 A Criminal who wants to quit, but is convinced to do another job. This is a title I've wanted to read for over a decade. I recently obtained an audiobook and I'm really enjoying the story.
The Terror of Living by Urban Waite

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'm currently reading my first book for the Summer Challenge.
Task #4 A Criminal who wants to quit, but is convinced to do another job. This is a title I've wanted to read for over a decade. I rece..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
I’ve never heard of this title-it sounds good.
Look forward to your review. Glad you’re enjoying it so far.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

The Terror of Living was Urban Waite's first novel. The sequel is titled Sometimes The Wolf.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I've read my second book for the Summer Challenge. Jennifer McMahon's newest novel, The Children on the Hill works for task #7 featuring an innovative/controversial medical procedure (somewhat similar to Flowers for Algernon). I'm still waiting for my audiobook to arrive from the library for Flowers for Algernon, but was recently able to rewatch the movie.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I've read my second book for the Summer Challenge. Jennifer McMahon's newest novel, The Children on the Hill works for task #7 featuring an innovative/controversial medical procedure (somewhat simi..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Movie Recommendation: Brian and Charles, a quirky movie set in Wales. Brian builds a robot (out of a washing machine among other things) to have a friend to play darts with. I've seen the film three times so far and hope to catch more.

Top Gun Maverick is doing extremely well. It was very popular for Father's Day. This next weekend will be Maverick's fifth week.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Movie Recommendation: Brian and Charles, a quirky movie set in Wales. Brian builds a robot (out of a washing machine among other things) to have a friend to play darts with. I've seen the film thre..."

Thanks for the movie recommendation, Dustin. Always appreciate it.

I finally saw the lost city-really enjoyed it. :)

[Rachel]

I read This Time Tomorrow . It was another liked but didn’t love book for me. I had a hard time connecting with the main character. It’s not a bad book -I just never really got invested in the story.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

There is a long library wait list for This Time Tomorrow, so it might be an end of Summer Read for me.

I have pre-ordered the DVD for The Lost City, it will be released next month.

Happy Summer Solstice!

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I re-read Firestarter by Stephen King (task 7) and Until It's Over by Nicci French (letters S-O-U-L in title - task 2).

[Christine]

Under the ranking of "liked but didn't love" books, I have to add. It counts as my S-O-U-L book. That were some things that were a bit odd and it made it hard to connect with the main character. If you are looking for a book that will take you to a different place, I would definitely recommend this book. The author's descriptions will transport you to the Amalfi coast.

How's everyone doing? We still have the remodel going on but its getting closer to the end. Staying home without the workmen for the 4th of July weekend. I'm looking forward to hanging out in my jammies past 6am, lol. Our aging dog has lost most of her hearing so it will be a less stressful holiday. Poor thing gets so upset by all those big bangs. Grilling some yummy food and hanging out with friends are at the top of our list! Happy 4th. Stay safe and hopefully cool unless you live in the PNW like me and you are dying for warm weather.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I saw Janet at the movie theater today watching Jurassic World, so that was fun.

I am currently reading Flowers for Algernon

[Danell]

I listened to You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me which works for S-O-U-L

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I re-read Firestarter by Stephen King (task 7) and Until It's Over by Nicci French (letters S-O-U-L in title - task 2).
"


Thanks for the update, Dustin! :)
I’ve never read Firestarter but did see the movie with Drew Barrymore back in the day.

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "Under the ranking of "liked but didn't love" books, I have to add. It counts as my S-O-U-L book. That were some things that were a bit odd and it made it har..."

A friend of mine recently read this too and pretty much felt the way you did-she loved how it transports you to Italy with the wonderful descriptions of places and food but didn’t connect with the main character. I can’t decide if I want to read it or try Hotel Portofino to get my Italy fix. .

Glad the remodel is coming along. Are the plumbing problems fixed?
Hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend. Pretty laid back here this weekend-can hear the fireworks as I’m typing this.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I saw Janet at the movie theater today watching Jurassic World, so that was fun.

I am currently reading Flowers for Algernon"

That’s awesome that you saw Janet-hope she feels up to joining us in the challenges soon.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts on Flowers for Algernon.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me which works for S-O-U-L"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :)

[Christine]

It sounds like WWIII here tonight. Hard to sleep with all the noise. Its a good time to read. I finished I did not realize how steamy it was. I guess that's all you can do in a small town in Texas, lol. It was good. I really loved the characters. Its what McMurtry does so well.

Rachel, I am watching Hotel Portofino on PBS. The scenery is beautiful. I want to go there now. I think its a better way to get your Italy fix, lol.

Fingers crossed the plumbing issue is fixed. We won't know until its not. It was fine for the first 8 years we lived in the house so hopefully it will be fine for next 8 years. Then I'm moving, lol.

[Rachel]

Christine wrote: "It sounds like WWIII here tonight. Hard to sleep with all the noise. Its a good time to read. I finished I did not realize how steamy it was. I guess that's ..."

Glad you enjoyed The Last Picture Show.
I’ve been meaning to read Lonesome Dove for a long time-just intimidated by the length of it. I own the audiobook-I think it’s thirty or maybe even forty hours.

I really need to watch Hotel Portofino-I wonder if the book is any good.

Plumbing problems really are a nightmare. Fingers crossed. :)

[Christine]

Lonesome Dove is so worth the read. You won't be sorry.

[Danell]

I read West With Giraffes which works for #4. The story of two young giraffes that survived a hurricane and was transported from New York to San Diego by truck in 1938.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read West With Giraffes which works for #4. The story of two young giraffes that survived a hurricane and was transported from New York to San Diego by truck in 1938."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Danell]

Another sleeplessness night another book finished, Flowers for Algeron. This was a reread for me and I found that I connected better with the emotions and story as I aged. One of my favorites!

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "Another sleeplessness night another book finished, Flowers for Algeron. This was a reread for me and I found that I connected better with the emotions and story as I aged. One of my favorites!"

Thanks for the update, Danell! Glad you enjoyed your reread. :D

I’ve always considered this book a favorite too but I’ve only read it once many years ago. Thinking it might be time I reread it.

[Danell]

I read Upgrade by Blake Crouch. He is an excellent writer! Never been disappointed by any of the books I’ve read. Sci fi isn’t my genre but I don’t struggle understanding the techie parts of the story. He writes in a way that is easy to follow

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read Upgrade by Blake Crouch. He is an excellent writer! Never been disappointed by any of the books I’ve read. Sci fi isn’t my genre but I don’t struggle understanding the techie parts of the st..."

Glad you enjoyed it! :D
I’m waiting for it to be available from the library-looking forward to it.

[Rachel]

Finished life ceremony by Sayaka Murata . It wasn’t for me.

I think this author may have been a one hit wonder for me. I really enjoyed Convenience Store Woman - it’s quirky and strange and has really interesting social commentary. Recommend it. Then I tried Earthlings but that ended up being much darker and upsetting than I expected so I didn’t finish it. Finally this set of short stories just really didn’t appeal to me. It had all the weirdness but felt like it was missing something. Many of the stories were just off putting. I think I enjoyed maybe one of the stories out of the whole collection.