On The Same Page discussion
2023 Independent Challenges
>
Bill's Independent Challenges for 2023 (Done like toast. Onward to 2024)
Mod
Completed 11 books (well, 10 completed, one given up on). My stats are available at this link
https://bill-booksbooksbooks.blogspot...
Top 3 Books
1. Five Little Indians by Michelle Good (5 stars)
2. Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (4.0 stars)
3. Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton (4.0 stars)
Currently Reading
1. 12 + 4 (End a Series) - Idoru by William Gibson (Bridge #2 / Sci-Fi)
2. Start a Series - Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong (Inspector Chen #1 / Mys). I've been working through this since November. I will focus on it in Feb.
3. Next in Series - The Cat Who Turned On And Off by Lilian Jackson Braun (Qwilleran #2 / Mys)
4. Non - Series (Finishing my Jan Focus, CanCon) - Hag-Seed: The Tempest Retold by Margaret Atwood
5. Decades Challenge (Feb will be 1900 - 1949) - The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Tarzan #2 / Adventure)
In the Hopper
1. Finish a Series - Ghost of the Well of Souls by Jack L. Chalker (Well World #7 / Sci-Fi)
2. Start a Series - The Penguin Pool Murder by Stuart Palmer (Hildegarde Withers #1 / Mys)
3. Next in Series - Summer Knight by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files #4 / Fantasy)
4. Non-Series (Feb Focus / YA - Children) - The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
5. Decades Challenge (Feb 1900 - 1949) - Murder by Matchlight by E.C.R. Lorac
Enjoy your Feb reading.
Nice start of the year, Bill. My library just acquired Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, so I need to get it and see for myself. Thanks for the recommendation.
Mod
If you try it, I look forward to your thoughts it, Ioana.
Bill wrote: "January 2023 Reading UpdateCompleted 11 books (well, 10 completed, one given up on). My stats are available at this link
https://bill-booksbooksbooks.blogspot...
Top 3 Books
1. Five Little Indians by Michelle Good (5 stars)
2. Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (4.0 stars)
3. Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton (4.0 stars)"
I'm glad you enjoyed the second Murderbot. It's such a fun series.
Mod
Completed 11 books (well, 10 completed, one given up on). My stats are available at this link
https://bill-booksbooksbooks.blogspot......"
Great update Bill!!
I think Murderbot #5 is my next??
Mod
Completed 11 books (well, 10 completed, one given up on). My stats are available at this link
https://bill-booksbooksbooks.blogspot...
Top 3 Books
1. Five..."
Alondra wrote: "Bill wrote: "January 2023 Reading Update
Completed 11 books (well, 10 completed, one given up on). My stats are available at this link
https://bill-booksbooksbooks.blogspot......"
I just ordered Fugitive Telemetry.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next new series is the Hildegarde Withers cozy mystery series, first book written in 1931, The Penguin Pool Murder by Stuart Palmer
I got on a Tarzan kick several years ago. Don't remember how many I read before I got tired of them/distracted.
Mod
I imagine they get a bit samey after awhile.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line if March: Book Three by John Lewis
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line, a bit of Sci-Fi with Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler
Mod
So love this series <3
Mod
So love this series <3"
It's excellent.
Bill wrote: "Finally finished the first book in my Start a Series challenge and I started it last November. It was worth the effort. My review of Death of a Red Heroine by [author:Qiu Xiaolong|915..."Glad you liked Death of a Red Heroine. I've read this series as I found the books, so haven't read this one, but should make an effort to tackle it from the start I think.
Look forward to your thoughts on The Penguin Pool Murder, it's been on my list for a while.
Mod
Light fluff so far.. 😀
Mod
by Margaret Atwood 3.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is my first book for my Feb Non-Series challenge (YA / Children)
by Kwame Alexander
Bill wrote: "My review of by Margaret Atwood 3.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is my first book for my Feb..."
I really enjoyed Crossover Bill. I have since read several by this author. I hope your experience is as good as mine.
Mod
by Margaret Atwood 3.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is my first bo..."
I'm enjoying so far.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead, (Ray Carney #1)
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
More poetry in my next book, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Bill wrote: "My review of a somewhat silly cozy mystery; The Penguin Pool Murder by Stuart Palmer, the 1st Hildegarde Withers mystery. 2.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/s..."
Thank you, at least I can remove one from the TBR!
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Murder by Matchlight by E.C.R. Lorac (Robert MacDonald #26)
Mod
I read 7 books in Feb so far; 4 of them below 250 pages.
1. Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong. This was a longish haul as I started it in November but it was worth the time spent. Excellent Chinese mystery 4.0 stars
2. The Cat Who Turned On And Off by Lilian Jackson Braun (Cat #3) A nice cozy mystery (4.0 stars)
3. March: Book Three by John Lewis Excellent powerful graphic novel about the life of a great American civil rights fighter. 5.0
4. Hag-Seed: The Tempest Retold by Margaret Atwood Interesting re-working of Shakespeare's Tempest 3.5 stars
5. The Penguin Pool Murder by Stuart Palmer (Hildegarde Withers #1) Very popular series back in the day but kind of disappointing to me. (2.0 stars)
6. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander Excellent graphic novelization of a Newberry Award winning novel about twin basketball playing brothers. 4.5 stars
7. The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan's 2nd book and yes, lots of action, entertaining adventure that travels from America to France, thru Algeria to western Africa. 3.0 stars
Currently Reading
1. Idoru by William Gibson Enjoying this Sci-Fi story so far.
2. Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler (Xenogenesis #2). Just getting started. Aftermath of nuclear war, aliens trying to help mankind get back on its feet again
3. Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead a new author for me. I'll let you know.
4. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo young girl growing up in NY, told in form of poetry
5. Murder by Matchlight by E.C.R. Lorac another new author for me.
Possible next books
1. Summer Knight by Jim Butcher bck to the Dresden files
2. A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie another new author, new fantasy series
3. The Cometeers by Jack Williamson if I finish Murder by Matchlight before end Feb.
Enjoy the rest of your Feb reading.
Bill wrote: "My review of a somewhat silly cozy mystery; The Penguin Pool Murder by Stuart Palmer, the 1st Hildegarde Withers mystery. 2.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/s..."
I recognize the title. A series of movies were made based on this series. They were silly, too.
Mod
https://www.goodreads..."
I watched part of the first one and changed channels as I recall. LOL
Wow, 7 books so far in February. This is shaping up to be a good month for you. So what if they are short books, February is a short month! I really liked The Poet X, I hope you have a similar experience. I'm eager to see what you think of Harlem Shuffle. I've heard a lot about it.
Mod
I'm enjoying so far. I'll keep you posted about Harlem Shuffle.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle
Bill wrote: "My review of The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (5.0 stars) Wow!https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Tamsin by [author:Pet..."
Glad you liked it Bill. It was a beautiful book.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Tamsin b..."
It was indeed, Michelle.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is The Cometeers by Jack Williamson
Mod
I read 7 books in Feb so far; 4 of them below 250 pages.
1. Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong. This was a longish haul as I starte..."
Great update, Bill.
I have A lIttle Hatred, but want to finish the First Law series (The Blade Itself) before reading it; which is another great series, and I am only on book 1.
Mod
by Alice Oseman
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
by Jack Williamson, the second book in the Legion of Space. 2.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starting March with books from 1950 - 1959;
by Charlotte Armstrong.
Mod
12 books read, 23 so far. 3,400 pages, 6,000 overall
Previously highlighted in my mid month update
1. Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong (4.0 stars)
2. The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lilian Jackson Braun (4.0 stars)
3. March: Book Three by John Lewis (5.0 stars)
4. Hag-Seed: The Tempest Retold by Margaret Atwood (3.5 stars)
5. The Penguin Pool Murder by Stuart Palmer (2.0 stars)
6. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (4.5 stars)
7. The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs (3.0 stars)
Since Then
1. Idoru by William Gibson. To me, Gibson is either hit or miss. The Bridge trilogy is definitely a hit. Futuristic Tokyo, romance between a musician and a hologram, Russian gangs, fan clubs, all put together in a fascinating story. (5.0 stars)
2. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Puerto Rican girl growing up in New York. Difficulties at school, difficulties at home, romance, poetry. Surprisingly excellent. (5.0 stars)
3. Murder by Matchlight by E.C.R. Lorac Police procedural set in London during the WWII bombings. My first exposure to Lorac. I'll continue to explore (4.0 stars)
4. Heartstopper: Volume Two by Alice Oseman Graphic novel. Teen romance. Gay relationship. Surprisingly good. Excellent art work. Finding its stride with this 2nd volume.
5. The Cometeers by Jack Williamson Early Sci-Fi space adventure. Would have made a B movie. Sort of silly but entertaining. (2.0 stars)
February Top Three
1. March: Book Three by John Lewis (5 stars)
2. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (5.0 stars)
3. Idoru by William Gibson (5.0 stars)
Currently Reading
1. 12 + 4 - Complete a Series - Ghost of the Well of Souls by Jack L. Chalker (Well World #7). Fascinating Sci-Fi series.
2. Start a Series - Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead (Ray Carney #1). A new author for me. Still feeling him out.
3. Next in Series - Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler (Lilith or Xexogenesis #2). A unique look at the future of the world.
4. Non - Series - February / YA - Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle. A coming of age ghost story? Kind of like Boy's World? We'll see. Enjoying so far.
5. Decades Challenge - 1950 - 1959. The Better to Eat You by Charlotte Armstrong. A new author for me. I'll keep you posted.
Possible next in line
1. 12 + 4 - A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers (Monk #2) I enjoyed the first book immensely. Hoping this is just as good.
2. 1st in Series - A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie (The Age of Madness #1)
3. Next in Series - Summer Knight by Jim Butcher (I keep shifting this but I will get to it. I need to get back to Dresden)
4. Non-Series - March. Mysteries Anywhere but US / Can / US. Small g: A Summer Idyll by Patricia Highsmith Such a unique mystery writer.
5. Decades Challenge - 1950 -1959. The House That Stood Still by A.E. van Vogt. A Sci-Fi author I've not tried before.
So there you go, folks. Enjoy your March selections.
Great month, Bill! 3 5-stars in a month is a rare event, well done!
Mod
Thanks, Ioana. I was thrilled with that.
Wow, you picked good for March. I hope you enjoy Summer Knight. For me, it was the book after that where the Dresden series took off, and I could not put down any of the books. I'm very impatiently waiting for the next in the series to come out!
Wow! February was good to you with 3 5 star books. Glad you enjoyed The Poet X, it was one of my 5 stars from last year. Just so good.Happy March reading!
Mod
Happy March reading!"
Thanks, Lillie. It was a pleasant surprise for me. A very enjoyable book.
Lea wrote: "Wow, you picked good for March. I hope you enjoy Summer Knight. For me, it was the book after that where the Dresden series took off, and I could not put down any of the books. I'm very impatiently..."
Thanks, Lea. I've been away from the Dresden Files world for much too long.
Mod
Mod
Such hardship when you have to choose between too many books, Bill! I've enjoyed every ECR Lorac I've read thus far. We went out to a small town in Wales last week to eat waffles at a small place with really interesting waffle choices. It turned out to be market day and they were busy so while waiting my daughter and I checked out every charity shop in the main street - she looked at the clothes and I bought a pile of books!
Mod
We went out to a small town in Wales last week to eat waffles at a small place..."
Waffles and new books. Sounds like a perfect outing. I'm heading off to the Rotary Club annual booksale this morning while the missus checks out the thrift shop. I hope I'm as lucky as you were.
Waffles and books sounds like a great idea for a book shop. It would smell amazing inside.
Michelle wrote: "Waffles and books sounds like a great idea for a book shop. It would smell amazing inside."Oh, my! That sounds wonderful indeed. I'm interested in the waffle choices there, and the waffle toppings too. Please share...
Just off the top of my head, how about the Bronte Banana Foster waffle
Mod
2. Start a Series - Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead .."
Okay, I have book 1 in the Well World series, and I just cannot get into Colson Whitehead. I tried Zone One and I couldn't get past the first 50 pages. I think I have Nickel Boys or something by him, around the house. Mmmmm
Great update Bill.
On The Same Page
Books mentioned in this topic
Artificial Condition (other topics)Artificial Condition (other topics)
Five Little Indians (other topics)
March: Book Three (other topics)
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Michelle Good (other topics)Eliot Pattison (other topics)
Peter S. Beagle (other topics)
Becky Chambers (other topics)
Alice Oseman (other topics)
More...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mysteries with cats is next in my Next in Series Challenge, The Cat Who Turned On And Off by Lilian Jackson Braun (Qwilleran #3)