Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2022 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 45: 11/4 - 11/10
Congratulations Nadine!!Lynn hope you are doing okay. I can't even imagine hitting a deer. Although I have had a few close calls with cows (we have a wild herd on our road).
Ellie Wow that game is neat but hard! I got 10 of them and only 3 without slightly cheating (ie: Googling). I don't think I have the book knowledge to do this. I mean, The Bookseller of Kabul...never heard of it! And how is that other one not half of a yellow sun, hehe. (Nadine did you get the Colleen Hoover book? I know you don't read her...or do you?)
I started the audiobook of The House in the Cerulean Sea the other evening but ended up falling asleep! By the time I turned it off I was about 2 1/2 hrs into the book. The last thing I remember that was definitely from the novel was when he his boss told him he has been called to Upper management. Guess I will be starting this over! LOL.
2022 Challenges:
Popsugar: 49/50
ATY: 51/52
A to Z: 25/26 (Only letter left is Q)
Read Harder: 16/24
50 States:
2021…44/54
2022…22/54
2023…3/54
Goodreads: 135/150
Finished:
1 finished, 0 for Popsugar
The Five WoundsThe Five Wounds
This book was alright. I’ve noticed a common popularity recently…books that are super hyped or popular lately have been books that are basically just people’s day to day lives. While these stories are not inherently bad they’re just not really my favorite. And I keep finding myself reading them!
There was one thing about this book that just kind of… irked me, I guess. She constantly used this phrase “For serious” that mostly the daughter and her friends used but, is this a thing? Are people saying this somewhere? Cause I found it very weird and annoying. Maybe I’m just getting old.
Currently Reading
At First Light
While Paris Slept
The Quarter Storm
The House in the Cerulean Sea
On the Backburner
Overdrive
Speak, Okinawa
The Secret History
Physical Library Rentals
Cemetery Boys
Magazines: (61/178)
Read since last check-in: 5
Question of the Week:
I'm just trying to work on the books I have right now. But one of the books I have is a Non-fiction.
I am hoping to get more reading done this weekend though. I feel like I really need to catch up on some of them and I have a few that are due next week (some I haven't even started).
Mod
Oh no Lynn!!! I have never (knock on wood) hit a deer, but I've had several close calls. It's scary. My ex hit a deer a few years ago and I remember him complaining bitterly about the forms he had to fill out. And OUCH about your nose!!! Is it swollen and multicolored now? Maybe Tigger will calm down as she gets older? Maybe Tigger needs her own bedroom!"
It took 50 years which is rather amazing that I went that long without a deer jumping into my car considering all the miles I've driven in mainly rural settings! Just glad I wasn't hurt and the car is driveable!
I sometimes think Tigger needs her own house! LOL ;) But she's a real cuddler and overall a sweetheart. She just needs some downers! LOL
Nadine in NY wrote: "Doni wrote: "I want to know who the girl climbing the ladder is!!!"If you really want to know (and I needed to know in order to figure it out): [spoilers removed]"
Ohmigosh, I finally got it! Even with your hint, it took me awhile.
Nadine in NY wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "Heather L wrote: "I’m stuck at 13/20. 😐
..."
Twitter hints have been ESSENTIAL for me. There were two books I've just never heard of, and apparently there is a popular BBC..."
LOL — I still haven’t gotten the one that isn’t “Gone with the Wind.” I did get the other one and when I did it was a “Duh! Seen that one mentioned so much this year—including this group!”
I don't know why but your Duh moment made me realize what it was! So thanks.
Doni wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "Doni wrote: "I want to know who the girl climbing the ladder is!!!"If you really want to know (and I needed to know in order to figure it out): [spoilers removed]"
Ohmigosh, I finally got it! Even with your hint, it took me awhile..."
I still can't get it!
Mod
Yes! I do not read her books, but I've certainly heard of them, so that was one that popped right into my head.
There was one thing about this book that just kind of… irked me, I guess. She constantly used this phrase “For serious” that mostly the daughter and her friends used but, is this a thing? Are people saying this somewhere?
What year is this book set in? I feel like the phrase "for serious" may have been used in the early 80s - Because it sounds familiar, but I can't quite pinpoint it. Maybe it was said like "for certain serious" - anyone else remember that? "For real" was more popular and I think it's still used today (I say it, anyway!). My kids are teens they NEVER say this, so it's certainly not used by teens in NY today.
Well I am at zero.... in Caboodle. I need a fresh mind so will look at it again over weekend. I have not looked at any clues. I am however really ticked off that all my answers for the travel one have been wrong!
JessicaMHR wrote: "I don't know why but your Duh moment made me realize what it was! So thanks."You’re welcome! I still have four I’m puzzling over. 😟
Make that three. I finally got the yellow one. Argh! We were talking about that last week (or was it week before?), and I’ve read it a few times. So embarrassing.
Theresa wrote: "Well I am at zero.... in Caboodle. I need a fresh mind so will look at it again over weekend. I have not looked at any clues. I am however really ticked off that all my answers for the travel one h..."Just got 6 of them after eating dinner and stepping away.
For whoever wondered what does dog have to do with one clue...(view spoiler)
ETA: up to 9 and the one I just got was so obvious...I could kick myself.
Happy check-in, I'm lost to this book puzzle. I'm now at 11/20 but one doesn't count because it was spoiled in this thread.Anyway I've been shovelling this week and discovered how my arms were not ready for winter! One book left on the challenge, Daisy Jones & The Six isn't calling to me yet even though I am ready to be done the challenge.
@Lynn I've read a bit more in the Ceruelean Sea and is your cat Tigger like Caliope?
Finished Reading:
Loveless ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2022 ace character)
Thanks for the recommends for this prompt. I enjoyed this book even though Georgia's headspace is a little rough.
The Once and Future King ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rat Queens 7 with a new author but I didn't notice. The humour was good especially the evil unicorns. However, I have discovered that my library does not own the last volume of this series. Why?
I'm Glad My Mom Died ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've never read a book that goes into an eating disorder this heavily. I enjoyed Jennette's writing even though this was a tough memoire to read.
Storm of the Century : the Regina Tornado of 1912 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Interesting history that I thought I should finish for non-fiction November.
Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This series keeps getting better.
Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village ⭐⭐⭐
Have you watched a BBC detective/murder mystery show before? Then this book is for you. This was a short graphic novel/comic.
Ash Princess ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A middling ya fantasy book but it entertained me so it's a four. I needed a comfort read.
PS 2022 49/50
PS 2015 50/50 ✅
Goodreads 243/250
Currently Reading:
The House in the Cerulean Sea
Reputation
QOTW:
I don't read a lot of non-fiction but I had a few started that I pushed myself to finish because it's November. I've read 5 non-fictions so far.
I am having a tough time reading the past few days, so I'm switching the book I was reading to something else. I have too many books left in the challenge to get hung up because something doesn't appeal. But now The Crown Season 5 is out, so there's 10 hours of reading time gone.Finished
A Baffling Murder at the Midsummer Ball by T.E. Kinsey - 4 stars; PS #21 (musical group)
Last year I read the first book in this duology (so far anyway), and found it a funny little British mystery about a 1920s Jazz band. The second book was every bit as delightful.
Heartburn by Nora Ephron - 4 stars; PS #23 (book with recipe)
I was lucky to have two books that made me laugh often this week. The subject matter of a cheating spouse is serious, but this was written with a lot of humor. I don't think I've ever read one of her books before, but it was a fun experience.
DNF
Gilded by Marissa Meyer - I will read this duology someday, but it is too long when I'm trying to finish the challenge.
Goodreads: 77/90
Popsugar: 35/40, 7/10
QOTW:
I'm planning to read a few books for Native American Heritage Month
Fiction: Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
Nonfiction: Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
Childrens: Stolen Words by Melanie Florence
Challenge Progress: 45/50 only 5 to go!Finished:
Daisy Jones & The Six (PS musical group) 4 stars. I generally liked this book but it did take a bit to get used to the interview style format.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking (nonfiction nov) 5 stars. Excellent read. I read this book finding so many things that reflect in my own behavior. Literally every report card of mine in elementary school said, "she knows the material but doesn't talk enough in class". I also never really put into words how draining it is to have to wear an extrovert mask just to get by in life. I will definitely be reading this book again.
Currently reading:
The House in the Cerulean Sea (no prompt)
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels (PS victorian)
The Anthropocene Reviewed (nonfiction nov)
QOTW:
I finished a non fiction last week and started a new one this week. I'm trying to finish one a week in november.
I read a few things Finally finished Wildwood by Colin Meloy which felt twice it's 550 page length. It wasn't bad but by god it was as slow a middle grade read as I have ever read.Komi Can’t Communicate, Vol. 1 by Tomohito Oda definitely a not for me manga. It's not bad either but I'm just not into contemporary fiction.
QOTW Yes to all three. I finished A Haunted History of Invisible Women: True Stories of America's Ghosts by Leanna Renee Hieber & Andrea Janes for non-fiction (it's as much women's history as it is about ghosts), I'm working on the novella now. I'm not sure i'll get to my Native America author read in time with nano cutting into my time
Happy Thursday! It's been another crazy week! I'm very tired, but I have a friend visiting on the weekend, my apartment's a mess and I don't have time tomorrow to deal with it, so time for a late night cleaning session! After posting this of courseFinished:
This Savage Song- I really liked the characters in this. An entertaining read
-44. A duology (1)
Everything I Know About Love- really didn't like this one. Told my friend I wish I'd been reading a physical copy of the book so I could throw it across the room. Everything that was meant to be clever and funny I found really grating.
-17. A book becoming a TV series or movie in 2022
-Nonfiction November
Currently reading:
Iron Widow- read the first 100 pages back in April while waiting for BART to show up and really liked it. Then kept forgetting to finish it. Now is the time!
QotW:
I have a bunch of books to choose from, but probably won't get to as many as I'd like.
Books I own:
Text Me When You Get Home: The Evolution and Triumph of Modern Female Friendship- a gift from a friend
Crying in H Mart- I don't know if I can handle how sad this will be
We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled: Voices from Syria- ditto
Library loans:
An Immense World- waitlist is very long for this..
Reborn in the USA: An Englishman's Love Letter to His Chosen Home- I've been listening to the author's podcast and he's really funny.
Ten Steps to Nanette- another long waitlist, but she's so funny and Nanette was amazing, so I have high hopes for this
Perfect question Lynn!(PART 1)
Question of the Week:
Are you reading or planning to read any specific books in November for “Nonfiction November” or “Novellas in November” or perhaps (in the US) related to Thanksgiving or as I prefer to think of it, Native American Heritage Month honoring Indigenous People?
Definitely have a list for NAHM:
Books Read-
Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light: Fifty Poems for Fifty Years
Catching the Light
Currently Reading-
The Apache Wars: The Hunt for Geronimo, the Apache Kid, and the Captive Boy Who Started the Longest War in American History
Want To Read-
The Day the World Ended at Little Bighorn: A Lakota History
The Lakotas and the Black Hills: The Struggle for Sacred Ground
Reading But As Long History Books-
Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America
Indians in the United States and Canada: A Comparative History
(PART 2)Question of the Week:
Are you reading or planning to read any specific books in November for “Nonfiction November” or “Novellas in November” or perhaps (in the US) related to Thanksgiving or as I prefer to think of it, Native American Heritage Month honoring Indigenous People?
Given that all of the Indigenous books I've mentioned are nonfiction it's safe to say that I'm participating. Also participating with the nonfiction topics from the NonFiction November group: Border, Element, Record, Secret. I've read 6 in total so far.
I'm a mood reader but I also have a list of books that I plan to read on my TBR cart for Nonfiction November.
One book I was told about that I'm really looking forward to is The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture . This one is over 500 pgs so I'll be taking my time with it but I'll still count it even if I don't finish it because of how long it is. The average books I read are between 200 and 300 pages.
Lynn, what a dramatic week you had. I wish you a better one next week.Another busy week, another Friday check-in. I had a 2 day congress this week with other coworkers from municipalities all over our country. We talked and worked 2 days about creating better digital services for our residents. I got home with lots of new energy and inspiration! And a complete overstimulated respiratory system: apparently covid has left some damage there. Dry air and lots of talking & laughing was a bit too much.
PS: 18/40
Total 2022: 54
Finished
The Eight Mountains by Paolo Cognetti⭐⭐⭐
Not for PS
Usually, I don’t like hyped books. So I don’t read them. And eventually I do read them because I’m too curious. This book surprised me: it wasn’t that bad. Maybe I even kind of liked it.
Currently reading
When the Apricots Bloom by Gina Wilkinson
QOTW
Short answer: no.
Mod
(view spoiler) was the clue that did it for me, I figured it out based on that (and the picture).
Mod
If you really want to know (and I needed to know in order to figure it out): [spoilers remov...
Doni wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "Doni wrote: "I want to know who the girl climbing the ladder is!!!"
Ohmigosh, I finally got it! Even with your hint, it took me awhile..."
I still can't get it!"
Are you still stuck? (view spoiler) This one might be harder for younger people since she's not so popular now.
Mod
Good point!! I haven't been following this conversation closely. Everyone please use spoiler tags when talking about clues and answers to the Caboodle!!!
You all know how to do spoiler tags, right? Write "< spoiler >" before the item and "< / spoiler >" after it (with no spaces).
Nadine in NY wrote: "Are you still stuck? (view spoiler) This one might be harder for younger people since she's not so popular now...."She's had a bit of a resurgence thanks to (view spoiler), maybe that's why they chose to include her as a clue.
I only have 2 left and I am stumped. Need to just let them sit a bit. Same as crossword puzzles.What is funny for me is books I read and really liked, especially some time ago, are harder to guess. One book in particular I swore I never heard of, let alone read. Just looked it up. I read and loved it and was even discussing its plot this week. I just didn't remember the title at all.
Nadine in NY wrote: "Erica wrote: "Happy check-in, I'm lost to this book puzzle. I'm now at 11/20 but one doesn't count because it was spoiled in this thread. ..."Good point!! I haven't been following this conversa..."
Just went back and put in spoilers on one of mine.
Mod
She's had a bit of a resurgence thanks to [spoilers removed..."
Yes! (view spoiler)
Mod
What is funny for me is books I read and really liked, especially some time ago, are harder to gues..."
I think the hardest one for me was the books on the table. Of course I've read that book, but it just was not coming to me.
Mod
I didn’t realize you have to find the clues in the picture I just clicked the next button. Duh it’s called hidden book puzzle. Anyway I went on twitter for clues and only got one more the clues I’ve seen don’t help me.
Do they publish the answers at some point?
Thanks for the distraction, Ellie. So much for getting any work done today. I remember Ellie has posted this at least once before. Finished:
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing This was good, but way more talk of God than I was expecting.
The Dead Romantics This one was just OK for me.
Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love
Shrines of Gaiety
Currently reading:
Just One Damned Thing After Another
The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II
The Golden Enclaves
QOTW:
I read Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing for border and Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love for secret. I am currently reading The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II. I have lots of NF holds, so we'll see what comes in first.
Mod
Yes in January
Nadine in NY wrote: "Joanna wrote: "Do they publish the answers at some point?"Yes in January"
Oh man, that's a while to wait! Guess I'll keep working on it.
I need hints please. I have four clues left.1. The tie dye man standing in the crime section with a best seller in his hand.
2. The 2 big books of Life.
3. The travel books.
4. I can’t find that clue. I don’t have a next button.
Please use spoilers & thank you
Sherri wrote: "I need hints please. I have four clues left.1. The tie dye man standing in the crime section with a best seller in his hand.
(view spoiler)
2. The 2 big books of Life.
(view spoiler)
3. The travel books.
(view spoiler)
4. I can’t find that ..."
(view spoiler)
Mod
1. The tie dye man standing in the crime section with a best seller in his hand.
2. The 2 big books of Life.
3. The travel books.
4. I can’t find that ..."
Use one, or some, or all the clues (don't worry, none of these clues are the actual answer!):
Tie dye man:
clue 1: (view spoiler)
clue 2: (view spoiler)
clue 3: (view spoiler)
clue 4: (view spoiler)
Mod
1. The tie dye man standing in the crime section with a best seller in his hand.
2. The 2 big books of Life.
3. The travel books.
4. I can’t find that ..."
2. Life (view spoiler)
3. travel
clue 1 (view spoiler)
clue 2 (view spoiler)
clue 3 (view spoiler)
4. Leah answered that one while I was typing!
I can’t get beyond the fact that the lady is wearing socks in sandals. I know that’s on trend but like mullets I will never think they’re okay looks.
Mod
LOL that threw me off too!!! but the socks are not part of it at all. I probably would have gotten that one a lot sooner if I had not been thrown off by the socks. I don't know why they drew her with socks.
Nadine in NY wrote: "Sherri wrote: "I need hints please. I have four clues left.1. The tie dye man standing in the crime section with a best seller in his hand.
..."
*Groan* That's awful! Thank you for the help. I cannot wait until January to get the answers. I have 4 left. And no twitter account to get clues!
Nadine in NY wrote: "Sherri wrote: "I need hints please. I have four clues left.1. The tie dye man standing in the crime section with a best seller in his hand."
Thank you, Nadine, I finally got the tie-dyed man. I have the first book of that series in Mount TBR. I’m still missing two, Eve/sun girl and the table of books.
Doni wrote: "*Groan* That's awful! Thank you for the help. I cannot wait until January to get the answers. I have 4 left. And no twitter account to get clues.”Which ones do you have left? Maybe we can help.
Nadine in NY wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I only have 2 left and I am stumped. Need to just let them sit a bit. Same as crossword puzzles.What is funny for me is books I read and really liked, especially some time ago, ar..."
Same here and it is my FAVORITE from that author!
Mod
1. The tie dye man standing in the crime section with a best seller in his hand.
2. The 2 big books of Life.
3. The..."
the Eve/Suns lady is just not a good clue, I would never have figured it out without help from twitter. And I've never heard of the book, either. I never would have gotten that one without this help:
clue 1 (view spoiler)
clue 2 (view spoiler)
clue 3 (view spoiler)
The one on the table was the hardest for me!!
clue 1 (view spoiler)
clue 2 (view spoiler)
clue 3 (view spoiler)
Thank you, Nadine!Okay, I don’t think I’ve heard of that first one, but the second? OMG, I just reread that this year and it’s one of my favorites. (view spoiler)
Okay, now I can close that tab on my phone and return to normal life, LOL.
Mod
Okay, I don’t think I’ve heard of that first one, but the second? OMG, I just reread that this year and it’s one of my favorites. [spoilers removed]
Okay, now I can close that ..."
yeah the one on the table really stumped me. I was just thinking in the wrong direction, thinking of books like (view spoiler)
Nadine in NY wrote: "Heather L wrote: "Thank you, Nadine!Okay, I don’t think I’ve heard of that first one, but the second? OMG, I just reread that this year and it’s one of my favorites. [spoilers removed]
Okay, now..."
Books on table (view spoiler)
Mod
Okay, I don’t think I’ve heard of that first one, but the second? OMG, I just reread that this year and it’s one of my favorites. [spoiler..."
YES I tried that too!!!
I’m still struggling with the big life books and the travel books. Is there another hidden clue? I already had the one suggested.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Yellow House (other topics)Reserved for the Cat (other topics)
A Snake Falls to Earth (other topics)
A Mirror Mended (other topics)
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
John Carreyrou (other topics)Cate Lineberry (other topics)
Elly Griffiths (other topics)
Devon A. Mihesuah (other topics)
Paolo Cognetti (other topics)
More...
Finished:
My Best Friend's Exorcism - This one was so good. The drama, the 80s nostalgia, this book gripped me and didn't let go until the end. And one scene in particular will be etched into my brain until the end of time.
Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend - Not the first Zatanna origin story I've read, and just a decent one. I'm not sure if this is a standalone or a continuing series, but I don't really feel compelled to read any more if it is.
Dracula - I read this through Dracula Daily, which ended this week, so I'm not linking a book, but I am counting it.
The Last Wish - I'm not usually interested in high fantasy action series, but I'd heard good things about this one, so I gave the first book a chance. Generally I liked it, but I did kind of gloss over the action parts most of the time. And I didn't particularly care for one of the stories being broken up and woven through the other ones, since by the time a big duel happened, I'd completely forgotten the inciting incident.
Secrets of the Looking Glass - I got this one as an eArc, so I read the first one before starting it, but sadly the second doesn't have quite the charm as the first, if the amount of time it took me to read it is any indication. Too much time was spent with the mirror images being unlikeable, and the spins the author put on the Looking Glass world weren't as interesting as the ones he put on Wonderland.
Continuing:
The Priory of the Orange Tree
Humble Pi: A Comedy of Maths Errors
The Tiger Rising
Oksi
QOTW: This is the first year I've heard of Nonfiction November, and while I don't usually theme my reading (especially not in November), I just so happen to have a nonfiction audiobook that I plan to listen to this month.