2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Megan's 123 in 2023
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Ninety-eighth read in 2023 - Goodbye Earl by Leesa Cross-Smith. I really wanted to like this book, but it was just ok for me. I liked The Chicks references and all of the 90s and 00s pop culture stuff. The friendship between the four MCs was great! However, the plots dragged in parts, was sewn together in a disjointed way, and felt a bit overwrought for me. 3 stars Personal challenges: 2023 GR Choice
Contemp Fic
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
Ninety-ninth read in 2023 - A Match Made for Thanksgiving by Jackie Lau. This was fun and spicy! It had a good amount of character development for a novella! And the premise is hilarious! Worth reading! 4 starsChallenges: I Spy
Personal challenges: Personal serial
Contemp Fic
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundredth read in 2023 - The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse by Louise Erdrich. I love this author’s writing and the way she thinks! I appreciate that she conveys her culture throughout. She is unflinching in her depictions of the genocide and destruction wrought by white supremacy, but she does so in a straight-forward manner. She focuses on her character’s lives and history rather than the colonizers. Truly masterful! Definitely worth reading! 5 starsChallenges: Piled High
Historical fiction
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred first read in 2023 - I have never read a boring Agatha Christie - until this book! The whole book was just mired in middle-class conversations and roundabout niceties and comments on Poirot’s shoes. It lacked wit and zeal and overall plot movement. I don’t know what happened or how this book bears any relation to the recent movie released, but this is one to skip! 2 starsPersonal challenges: 2023 Book adaptations
Mystery
One hundred second read in 2023 - The Black Hand: The Epic War Between a Brilliant Detective and the Deadliest Secret Society in American History by Stephen Talty. This was fascinating! I loved the narrative of the story, and I learned a lot! There was a touch of repetition in the middle, but overall, this was incredibly entertaining! Even better that it’s a true story! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 starsChallenges: I Spy
Personal challenges: 2023 Book adaptations
Nonfiction
One hundred third read in 2023 - Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata, translated by Ginny Tapley Takimura. This is a fascinating and uncomfortable short story collection! The author plays with cultural celebrations and specifically female stereotypes. So much to absorb with each story! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 starsChallenges: United
Lit Fic Short Stories
Author: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+
Characters: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+
One hundred fourth read in 2023 - The Black God's Drums by P. Djeli Clark. Wow, I am so incredibly impressed with this novella! To manage to fit an alternative history universe fully-realized within 112 pages with interesting characters and an action-packed plot is just genius! I want an entire series in this universe - loved it soooo much! Definitely worth reading! 5 starsChallenges: I Spy
Sci Fi/Fantasy
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred fifth read in 2023 - Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. I really enjoyed this book! I loved the high fantasy world with its normal, everyday issues! I also loved not having to learn an entire universe, but just this one lovely story about a group of people trying to do good. Enjoyed the writing too! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 starsPersonal challenges: Personal serial
Fantasy
One hundred sixth read in 2023 - We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman. I appreciate that the author used this book as a way to relate her own story of losing her best friend. The emotions came through powerfully. However, this book has issues. There were continuity issues with details in the story. It was hard to keep the characters separate, and the narrative had holes in it. And the main character almost had two different personalities. Good effort but issues with execution. 3 starsPersonal challenges: WPB Women's Book Club
Lit Fic
One hundred seventh read in 2023 - The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei. I’m so incredibly impressed by this book! It was a wild, entertaining ride from start to finish, with a quiet backdrop of philosophy about the world. I loved the characters! I cannot believe this is a debut! Definitely worth reading! 5 starsChallenges: PopSugar
Personal challenges: 2023 GR Choice
Sci Fi
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+
One hundred eighth read in 2023 - Sexy/Dangerous by Beverly Jenkins. I enjoyed this installment in this contemporary series. It was not as dated as some of the earlier books, and I really appreciated some of the discussions around gender equality. Liked the MCs too. There are some far fetched bits, but it did not affect my enjoyment of the read. 3.5 starsChallenges: I Spy
Contemp Romance
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred ninth read in 2023 - Mrs. Roosevelt’s Confidante by Susan Elia MacNeal. I enjoyed this installment in the Maggie Hope series! Loved the discussion of racism in the US and UK during the 40s - so important to analyze that in history! Definitely worth reading! 4 stars Challenges: PopSugar
Personal challenges: Personal serial
Historical fiction
One hundred tenth read in 2023 - The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. I enjoyed this locked-boat mystery! Clear writing! I’m not a huge fan of the unreliable narrator trope, I did really appreciate the vociferous argument made to demystify mental health meds. Worth reading! 4 starsChallenges: I Spy
Personal challenges: 2023 Book adaptations
Mystery
One hundred eleventh read in 2023 - Hide With Me by Sorboni Banerjee. This is an interesting YA novel presenting perspectives not often discussed. I appreciate that the author shows through the story how the cartels are not just a Mexican problem, they are a regional problem involving Americans and Mexicans alike. The bad guys are from both sides. And while the central relationship has some teen angst, it’s not too much given the story. Worth reading! 4 starsYA contemporary fiction
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred twelfth read in 2023 - Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M. Lopez. This was excellent! I loved all the character development, the community that is widening in this series, and all of the culture imbued into the story. I particularly liked the introduction of brujas and La Llorona! My favorite so far! 5 starsPersonal challenges: Personal serial, 2023 GR Choice
Contemporary Romance
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred thirteenth read in 2023 - Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I struggled with this one a lot and finally decided that this book was just not for me. There was a lot of words but very little happening in the story. And while the author wrote lyrically, it was not really in service to anything. DNFChallenges: PopSugar
Personal challenges: Past group read, personal serial
YA Sci Fi/Fantasy
Author: BIPOC
One hundred fourteenth read in 2023 - A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone. This was a lot of fun! And under the fun and gooey romance and open door scenes, there are interesting topics addressed. Great characters! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 starsPersonal challenges: Personal challenges
Contemporary Romance
Characters: LGBTQIA+
One hundred fifteenth read in 2023 - Maame by Jessica George. An impressive debut! “For some reason, at night, when you’re meant to be sleeping, your brain wants answers to everything.“. At times, this book made me uncomfortable, as I identified with so many of the struggles the main character has - identity, purity culture, sexism. Layered with that are the other issues the MC deals with, like being a first-gen in an immigrant family and white supremacy with micro aggressions. It made me very glad to NOT be 25! I really liked the use of google searches! Definitely worth reading! 5 starsPersonal challenges: 2023 Book adaptations, 2023 GR Choice
Lit Fic
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC, LGTBQIA+
One hundred sixteenth read in 2023 - Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. First, the legal aspects of this book are wrong. I’m not sure whom Picoult is consulting for criminal defense attorney information, but it’s mostly wrong. Not only does it provide incorrect information on the criminal system that is already not understood by the average person, but it makes it so hard to stay with the story for those who know that info is incorrect. Ok, now that I have that out, the remainder of the story was heartbreaking and wonderful! The writing is cohesive, and but for the specific info being related, it does not seem written by two separate authors. “He is right; you don’t ever recover from losing someone you love – even the ones you leave behind because you’re better off without them.“ if you’ve read previous Picoult novels, this one follows her usual pattern, but that did not dim my enjoyment. I’m so glad Boylan was able to collaborate on this and being these important issues to the forefront. With the above caveats, I recommend this book! 4 starsPersonal challenges: WPB Women’s Bookclub
Contemp Fic
Author: LGBTQIA+
Characters: LGBTQIA+
One hundred seventeenth read in 2023 - Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola. Overall, I enjoyed this book! I appreciated the college culture the author created, blending in different backgrounds and languages, into one beautiful supportive group. And I liked the characters but they were not college students as written. They were much too self-aware and experienced to be 20. That disconnect made it difficult to reconcile the characters with the setting. Loved the side characters and would read a book for each of them! Worth reading and I look forward to what this author will do in the future! 3.5 starsContemp romance
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred eighteenth read in 2023 - The Difference a Dare Makes by Alyssa Clarke. This was a fun story! I appreciate the issue at the center of the story. And I really loved the MC, though her repeated thoughts were a bit much towards the end. There were also some continuity issues. Overall, fun! 3.5 starsPersonal challenges: personal serial
Historical romance
One hundred nineteenth read in 2023 - Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. I absolutely loved the writing! Cheeky yet truthful, omnipotent yet not, so good! This story presents a slice of life, what would a family and an older couple do in the face of the scary unknown. I loved the ending, as I anticipate I’ll be pondering the questions for days! Definitely worth reading! 5 starsPersonal challenges: 2023 book adaptations
Lit Fic
Author: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred twentieth read in 2023 - A Christmas to Remember by Beverly Jenkins. This was a nice return to the community of Henry Adams! It took me a minute to remember what happened with all the characters from the previous books. It was delightful and full of good people doing their best, with a little romance thrown in for fun! 4 starsPersonal challenges: personal serial
Fiction
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred twenty-first read in 2023 - Snow Place Like LA by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone. Fun and sexy and adorably heartfelt! A perfect little novella for Luca and Angel! Definitely worth reading! 4 starsPersonal challenges: personal serial
Characters: LGBTQIA+
One hundred twenty-second read in 2023 - The Woman in Me by Britney Spears. Incredible story of resilience and courage! It’s not a memoir for the faint of heart. It’s terrible that she was put through so much, but not surprising in this sexist system. It’s written in her voice, and Michelle Williams does an admirable job in performing the audiobook. Highly recommend! 4.5 starsPersonal challenges: 2023 GR Choice
Memoir
One hundred twenty-third read in 2023 - The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange. Overall, I enjoyed this story of redemption and family. I appreciate a positive story about someone coming out of prison for a second chance. However, I wish the author would have acknowledged her MC’s inherent privilege, being an attractive white woman, and how that gave her a leg up to a better outcome. Still, worth reading! 4 starsPersonal challenges: 2023 GR Choice
Fiction
One hundred twenty-fourth read in 2023 - Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments by Carell Augustus. Highly recommend this photo book!!! Gorgeous photos reimagining iconic Hollywood moments by placing black actors front and center in the images. Showing what should have and could have been and should be going forward - great concept! Definitely worth reading, gifting, and owning! 5 starsPhotography
Author: BIPOC
Subjects: BIPOC
One hundred twenty-fifth read in 2023 - Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance by Zora Neale Hurston. Loved this collection! The audiobook version is good, but the introductory chapter is a bit long. Perhaps read that in print, than switch to audio for stories. I loved each story, told with the author’s signature style! Definitely worth reading! 5 starsShort stories/Fiction
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred twenty-sixth read in 2023 - Winds of the Storm by Beverly Jenkins. As always, the author’s thorough research in her historical romances brings to light time periods and heroes that are not often included in history books. I really liked the MC, Zahra! She’s a great, independent character! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 starsPersonal challenges: Personal serial
Historical romance
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred twenty-seventh read in 2023 - Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree. How did a book about an orc, books, and bad timing weasel into my heart and destroy me? It’s this author and his low stakes, high fantasy genre that just got better in the prequel. I loved this book, and I cannot wait for the next one! Definitely worth reading! 5 starsPersonal challenges: personal serial, 2023 GR Choice
Fantasy
Characters: LGTBQIA+
One hundred twenty-eighth read in 2023 - Sacred Wounds: A Path to Healing from Spiritual Trauma by Teresa B. Pasquale. Interesting discussion about religious trauma. I appreciate the author’s mission to not force her religious views on others and also to affirm that trauma can come from any number of religions. That slips a bit in the 12 step chapter. Overall, good discussion and good things to mull over. Worth reading. 3.5 starsNonfiction
Author: BIPOC
Subjects: BIPOC
One hundred twenty-ninth read in 2023 - Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher. Ended up really enjoying this book! The characters were unique misfits, particularly the main character, Maara. She’s not your typical hero, and I loved that! The writing is great too! My biggest issue was the first three chapters or so - I struggled to get into the story and world. Glad I stuck with it, as the plot seemed to finally snap into place after that. Definitely worth reading! 4.5 starsPersonal challenges: WPB Women's book club
Fantasy
One hundred thirtieth read in 2023 - A Second Chance Road Trip for Christmas by Jackie Lau. Such a fun holiday romance! Sweet, earnest MCs that overcome their issues to reunite. Worth reading! 4 starsPersonal challenges: Personal serial
Contemp romance
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred thirty-first read in 2023 - The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff. Love this book! Great writing, interesting characters, and an important point to the story. “This was the version of her who had survived, and there was no sense in apologizing for being a survivor.“ I learned a lot from this book! And it’s a great reminder that we are all part of taking care of each other. “The unfortunate status quo is that it is tough for women, everywhere, and female friendships are what will carry us through the darkness and absurdity of life. Such connections, however, are not always easily forged in a world, keen to divide, mark, and label as ‘other’.“ So, essentially, you can be a friend and ally or you are siding with the oppressors. Definitely worth reading! 5 stars
Challenges: I Spy
Personal challenges: 2023 GR Choice
Contemp Fic
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
One hundred thirty-second read in 2023 - The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict. Overall, I enjoyed this locked room mystery. It was over-the-top, which ultimately became a bit too much for me. I enjoyed the characters. Worth reading! 3.5 starsMystery
One hundred thirty-third read in 2023 - A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone. This was so much more than I anticipated! I’ve never read a fiction book that so clearly exposed the fallacies of purity culture and the hypocrisy of inspirational media! And the writing was great with fantastic characters! “It was captivating, infectious. It made me want to be more like him, both easier and more eager; living in the moment, but also not needing the moment to bear the impossible weight of perfection." I received this book as a giveaway in exchange for my honest review. Definitely worth reading! 4.5 starsPersonal challenges: 2023 GR Choice, Personal serial
Romance
One hundred thirty-fourth read in 2023 - I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. This is not a memoir for the faint of heart, particularly in audio format. It’s read by the author and she delivers in almost a monotone unless she’s portraying her mother. It’s raw and so full of abuse. I came away from every listening session incredibly mad. But it’s important to read this! 4.5 starsPersonal challenges: WPB Women’s Book Club
Memoir
One hundred thirty-fifth read in 2023 - Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins. This was a fun read with serious issues at the heart. I enjoyed the characters and the writing. There was a lot of discussion about weight, so if that’s a sensitive issue, know that going in. Worth reading! 4 starsFiction
One hundred thirty-sixth read in 2023 - Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. Completely understand why this book has been so popular and ruffled so many feathers! Writing is really good, and a brilliant example of an unreliable narrator. It definitely kept me thinking and would be a great book club read! I received this book as a free giveaway in exchange for my honest review. Worth reading! 4 starsPersonal challenges: 2023 GR Choice
LitFic
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Yellowface (other topics)Yellowface (other topics)
Now That You Mention It (other topics)
Now That You Mention It (other topics)
I'm Glad My Mom Died (other topics)
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Personal challenges: Personal serial
Middle-grade fantasy
Author: BIPOC
Characters: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+