Trim Challenge 2023 – Community Announcement and Discussion Thread

[Meli]

NancyJ wrote: "I loved Sula too! I started Beloved many times over the years, and never got past the very beginning. I put it on one of my Subdue lists, but didn't repeat it on the next list."

That worries me a little in terms of trying again because I've heard that from others. It's just so damned confusing!

[Booknblues]

My #8 was How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Amy]

As tomorrow is the 14th, I just want to get very clear on the Trim Picking for August and the rest of the year. Nancy will pick for August.

The Choices that remain are: 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11.

The Day you announce your pick of these five numbers is the day Anita announces the Tag for August, (after the announcement) usually will be around July 21st. You can look at the buddy reads as a guide in case there is one you might be interested in. You can pick the number that calls to you, or you can randomize. But either way, its pretty simple. We wait until after the tag, because sometimes that helps us choose something on our lists that match. Have Fun.

If memory serves, Pam put up a Trim List at some point. If I can find this to be true, then she is our Trim Picker for September. If that is not true, we will randomize the remaining numbers until the end of the year. Unless a new member posts a new list - and then automatically that person also gets to pick next.

Thoughts on the next Cycle.....

AFTER Anita and BooknBlues announce the yearlong challenges, certainly the winning ones, I will be ready to post our design and ongoing thread for the next cycle. As usual, I trust we will have a pretty quick turnaround to be able to start January 1, 2024. The next cycle will run for two years, 2024 and 2025, 24 books, with of course the option to change them at any time, but certainly by years end. If we have 23 participants, we will randomize the names for the pickers established in advance. If a person drops out, or there are no new members or new joiners to fill in and/or complete the cycle, we will randomize the final months or the missing months. Guys, this isn't Rocket Science, and we have done this successfully now for two more two year cycles and four years since the yearlong challenge. Is that time account right? So no worries. The Trim train keeps on moving. In December I will help us organize, and as always, our main focus should be on the amazing yearlong challenges our mods put together. This is just the happy extra. I for one, am excited to see what kinds of new buddy reads we form and what new books catch our eyes.

Thank you guys for allowing me to post a mid year report - Nancy have fun picking and we will see you on the 21st.

[Amy]

Trim Mid Year Check In -

Who has:

1) Read all of their Trim books (at least one for the month if you doubled up) for each of the months in 2023 and on time?

2) Who has read them all and is caught up, but not quite on time (by the end-ish of the month)

3) Who feels like they are not near the goal, but are having fun and have read a few here and there?

[Sue]

I'm doing really well with my Trim list this year - all caught up, all read on time.

I've done a little more work organizing my reading this year, which has helped.

[Theresa]

I am behind 3 plus this month. One of the 3 behind I am halfway through or slightly more. It is a collection of food columns from 1922, so something you read a bit at a time. Another I am behind is similar - a collection of New Yorker essays from WWII. The third is a busty one and work just isn't conducive.

This month's book I swapped my #8 and #9 so I could read the christmas set book for Christmas in July.

I do expect to finish them all by end of December.

[Amy]

A few of us are reading 9 for 8 - so we could read the Forty Rules of Love. But I knocked off my #8 early.

[Joanne]

This has been my best year ever! I have read my book for every month! I know you cannot believe it, and neither can I 😉 Not one DNF!!!

[Theresa]

Joanne wrote: "This has been my best year ever! I have read my book for every month! I know you cannot believe it, and neither can I 😉 Not one DNF!!!"

Hurry - someone double check those figures! JoAnne read every one and not a single DNF so far??? Hell has truly frozen over!😘

[Heather Reads Books]

I’m behind a few but I am trucking along. I don’t know if I’ll get through everything this year but I’m still trying to give it a decent showing.

[Jen K]

I've been somewhat managing 2 every other month to catch up. Currently behind needing to read June and July, may creep into August but I will manage soon.

[Booknblues]

I'm up to date in my reading, but April was a DNF and May I read beforehand so substituted another book.

I consider both of those a plus. Sometimes you just need to know that a book isn't worth hanging on to and reading 2 books instead of 1 cannot be bad.

[Book Concierge]

I was doing so well until June and my reading schedule fell apart ... Just started my June book today (audio); will get to July after that. But, like last year, I'll get them all read before end of year.

[Robin P]

Book Concierge wrote: "I was doing so well until June and my reading schedule fell apart ... Just started my June book today (audio); will get to July after that. But, like last year, I'll get them all read before end of..."

Well, not being able to see is a reasonable excuse!

[Kelly]

I am caught up with my TRIM books this year.

[LibraryCin]

I still need to read by Trim book for this month, but the others are caught up.

[Amy]

Caught up!

[Book Concierge]

Robin P wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "I was doing so well until June and my reading schedule fell apart ...

Well, not being able to see is a reasonable excuse!..."

My doc said she would take full responsibility for my not meeting my reading goals this year. I am holding her to that.

[Sallys]

I’m caught ip

[Hayjay315]

I finished my January book but then started my MBA, which claimed all my time. I also read my #5, Lager Queen of MN, in January as part of the buddy read, but I have yet to get my thoughts or review for that one posted. I hope to get caught up by the end of the year, and it may happen even earlier as there has been a mad rush at my library for Nora Goes Offscript, which is amongst my next Subdue books. If my train ride must be halted, I can turn my attention to Trim and Candles!

[Theresa]

#8 - The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay


5 stars

Wealthy, controlling, cantankerous Sir Osmond has once again demanded his family gather and dance attendance on him at Flaxmere for Christmas, and of course they all do as staying in his good graces is important. Of course they only one of his children who openly defied him in the past is the only one who could actually be said to love him. Sir Osmond is old-fashioned by design and to a fault. As part of the ceremonies this year, he's set up an entire scene where the young man he approves for his youngest daughter to marry - and whom all dislike - will dress up as Santa Klaus to hand out gifts to all including the servants in the servant hall. Alas, while merriment ensues after present opening, and with the sound of crackers going off, some murders Sir Osmond in his study behind a locked door.

Yes, we have here a vintage classic from the mid-1930s, that is a locked room mystery set at Christmas in a country manner. Only thing missing was snow, and there is even a comment that Sir Osmond was quite disappointed that there was no snow for his 'perfect' Christmas celebration with Santa Klaus. The cast of characters are a delight and I did not guess the murderer until the reveal even though I should have done so. The author tells the story from different viewpoints that have been set down in report style by the various characters. There's a map! There's a cast of characters! There's a Postscript! The style and format here is so fresh and so brilliant, it's hard to believe this fell out of print until Poisoned Pen Press and Briish Library Criem Classics (BLCC) brought it back with a fresh engaging cover. The author only wrote 3 or 4 mysteries, all having been brought back via BLCC.

I am still behind 3 books -- though two-thirds through the collection of essays. I still expect to finish all by end of December though.

[Linda C]

I am waaaaaay behind but plan on finishing by the end of the year. Got sucked into a high level reading challenge that had no overlap with my list. But it ends with July and I'll be catching up on everything that has been slighted.

[NancyJ]

Hey there, I got to pick the number this month, and I picked #3. Happy reading everyone!

[Amy]

I found it on page one! My #3 is the Stranger In the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom. It’s also on my subdue list. Which means it’s under 300 pages. And yet another one that I will have Red but I’m not that concerned I’m gonna finish the list by the end of the year anyway. But reading the synopsis, it’s clear there might be a moral dilemma in there. So that would be a good match.

[Booknblues]

My #3 is Dear Mrs. Bird. I have a notation that it was a buddy read with somebody, but I'm not sure if that is still the case.

[Sue]

Somehow I read #3 in April when everyone else was reading #6. Not sure what was going on for me there!

So I'll be reading the book I should have read in April Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?.

[Joanne]

My # 3 is Where the Drowned Girls Go

[Joanne]

My # 3 is Where the Drowned Girls Go, and I hope to get to it-it is not that long so I probably will keep up my first ever unofficial trim with no DNF's and everything being read🌞

[Heather Reads Books]

My #3 is either Wolf Hall (finally!! I've heard many polarizing things about this one!) or A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavril Kay. I'm not sure which I'll prefer, but I put both on hold at the library. I've got a vacation coming up and am planning for lots of reading time so we'll see what happens.

[Book Concierge]

My # 3 is One of Ours by Willa Cather.

[Hayjay315]

Booknblues wrote: "My #3 is Dear Mrs. Bird. I have a notation that it was a buddy read with somebody, but I'm not sure if that is still the case."

I am part of this buddy read and if my memory is correct Theresa is as well. I took a pause with my MBA so I can start it at whatever time we decide on.

[LibraryCin]

My #3 (I have no idea where I got this book, nor any recollection what it's about, but I've had it a LONG time!):

13 Ways to Kill Your Community / Doug Griffiths, Kelly Clemmer

[Booknblues]

Hayjay315 wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "My #3 is Dear Mrs. Bird. I have a notation that it was a buddy read with somebody, but I'm not sure if that is still the case."

I am part of this buddy read and ..."

Good to know. Think about when you would like to start and will connect up once we hear from Theresa.

[Theresa]

Hayjay315 wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "My #3 is Dear Mrs. Bird. I have a notation that it was a buddy read with somebody, but I'm not sure if that is still the case."

I am part of this buddy read and ..."

Yup, your memory is correct - we have a buddy read! I own the book so can start it anytime after I finish my read for Feminerdy Book Club - hmmm- and I'm not sure when we are meeting in August ... Let's figure I can start around the beginning of the 2nd week of August. How does that work for all?

I'm really happy to get to this one!

[Jen]

Amy wrote: "Trim Mid Year Check In -

Who has:

1) Read all of their Trim books (at least one for the month if you doubled up) for each of the months in 2023 and on time?

2) Who has read them all and is caug..."

I have read at least one of my picks for each month this year (except I haven't completed July yet since I got a bit distracted reading "adventure") but I didn't finish 2 of last years months even though I did do 13 books. I plan to finish them by the end of this year as it wasn't the books that were at fault but my brain being unable to focus due to life getting in the way and sucking big time.

[Jen]

My August choices are 3) Ararat/The Secret Garden/ The Boy Who was Raised As a Dog Aug 23

I think I'll read Ararat now since it sounds like exactly what I'm in the mood for and I just finished Deep Descent (Andrea Doria). I'll leave my July to do in August since I'm not 100% in the mood for any of the options. One of the July TRIM options definitely fits the August tag without much shoe-horning.

[Jen K]

Hayjay315 wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "My #3 is Dear Mrs. Bird. I have a notation that it was a buddy read with somebody, but I'm not sure if that is still the case."

I am part of this buddy read and ..."

Me too! I'm a bit behind on my Trim reads but will try to catch up.

[Joy D]

Finished July #8 (buddy read with the lovely JoAnne):

The Escape Artists: A Band of Daredevil Pilots and the Greatest Prison Break of the Great War by Neal Bascomb - 4* - My Review

Narrative non-fiction of the escape from Holzminden prisoner of war camp in Germany during the First World War. The author begins with context. He describes the basics of the war itself, the technology available, the first usage of planes in wartime, and the harsh realities of imprisonment. Bascomb dives deep into the background and personalities of the people who were ultimately involved in the escape. There is a handy list of dramatis personae, which will be useful in referring to the many individuals. We learn how each man was captured, and their various early attempts at escape, ending in recapture and eventual imprisonment in Holzminden. All this takes place in the first two parts of the book.

In the last two parts, we learn how the band of men came together to plan and execute an escape. They bring a diverse mix of talents to the project. The commandant of the prison, Karl Niemeyer, had been very proud that he was in charge of an “escape-proof” prison. He flouted it to the prisoners, making them even more determined to achieve their goal. It is a difficult task full of dangers and near misses. The book is slow in developing, but once the account reaches the planning and execution of the Holzminden escape, it becomes a riveting page-turner. It is an appealing mix of action, adventure, and history. The Epilogue summarizes what ultimately happened to each of the men.

[Booknblues]

Theresa wrote: "Hayjay315 wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "My #3 is Dear Mrs. Bird. I have a notation that it was a buddy read with somebody, but I'm not sure if that is still the case."

I am part of th..."

The second week of August sounds good. I'm pretty open at this point.

[Theresa]

Booknblues wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Hayjay315 wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "My #3 is Dear Mrs. Bird. I have a notation that it was a buddy read with somebody, but I'm not sure if that is still the case."
..."

Whoever cracks it open first to read can open the buddy read. Looks like Feminerdy is meeting on August 5th so I will be free to start it right after.

[Hayjay315]

Theresa wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Hayjay315 wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "My #3 is Dear Mrs. Bird. I have a notation that it was a buddy read with somebody, but I'm not sure if that i..."

I am off work the whole second week of August and will look forward to starting my break with this buddy read!

[Kelly]

Amy - I have 'The Stranger in the Lifeboat' also. I'll go with it fits the monthly tag of moral dilemma too!

[Amy]

Finally a read with Kelly!!! Nice to see you and read with you!

I am going to start it right at the beginning of the month.

[Sallys]

I will continue with the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante. Inning #2

[Sallys]

I’m on #2

[LibraryCin]

Still haven't gotten to July's book, but August is now done:

13 Ways to Kill Your Community / Doug Griffiths, Kelly Clemmer
3.5 stars

The author (Griffiths) of this book is a politician (and former teacher) representing a rural riding (at least he was when he wrote the book). He expanded a speech he often does to help rural communities revitalize their towns. It’s a bit of a reverse psychology thing similar to what he once used with his high school students, so the “ways to kill your community” is obviously not what he’s really getting at, but the opposite. He uses examples of things that people do that do prevent communities from growing.

The topic is not really my interest (though I grew up in a small town, so it was somewhat interesting from that perspective), but I think for what it does/recommends/suggests, it is a good book. I think it’s a worthwhile read, particularly for people who live in rural areas, whether they are “leaders” in those communities, or business owners, or just the people who live there (assuming they do not want their communities to die).

[Jen]

LibraryCin wrote: "Still haven't gotten to July's book, but August is now done:

13 Ways to Kill Your Community / Doug Griffiths, Kelly Clemmer
3.5 stars

The author (Griffiths) of this book is a poli..."

Ditto have done my August TRIM but not started my July. Ah well so long as we TRIM the pile.

[Joanne]

We are a trio-Although I did not think I would get to August either, I am about to finish it, with Julys' still gathering dust on the pile

[Meli]

I finished my #8, Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw, review below.
I liked this a lot more than most readers apparently...

I am shocked at the low ratings for this book :(
I enjoyed it quite a bit. Spooky house, kind of an unreliable main character, friendship drama, strange happenings, disturbing imagery... and it was kinda funny (view spoiler)[ that the white guy is the only one who dies considering the characters understanding of how horror works. (hide spoiler)]

The only reason I rated it 4 and not 5 is there were some words and references that totally went over my head. And not even the Japanese words, English words (LOL). This is a me problem, not so much a Cassandra Khaw writing problem.

Beautifully written and dealing with a lot more than just a haunted house. Interesting and flaw characters, disturbing imagery. If that sounds like something you like give it a shot. It's only 125ish pages!

[LibraryCin]

Jen wrote: "Ditto have done my August TRIM but not started my July. Ah well so long as we TRIM the pile...."

True! I just need to read by July book while at home with easy access to wifi, because I'll be reading it while online. I've been reading a few fat books that way, as well, so trying to fit it in...! (That is, I'm reading the fat books at home because I don't want to carry them with me on transit.)