On The Same Page discussion
2023 Independent Challenges
>
Lea's 2023 Filling in the Gaps Independent Challenge
Bill wrote: "Good for you on almost completing the Anne books. I've got a few to go still. Will you check out the Emily of New Moon books or have you already read them?"I did read the Emily of New Moon books (during the pandemic). This year, Carolien and I are reading The Blue Castle by Montgomery. Maybe next year, I'll try Jane of Lantern Hill. I think I read them when I was younger, but I forgot what happened.
April Month End ReportBooks Read: 10 books this month and 48 so far this year. 17,581 pages.
Books from Filling in the Gaps: 36/100; 2020 Books 0/1, 2022 Books 2/11, 2023 Books 34/82
Books from 12+4 Challenge: 10/16
Previously discussed:
Rainbow Valley
The Inheritance Games
The Call of the Wild
Rasco and the Rats of NIMH
Recently finished:
A Day of Fallen Night - This is the sequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, and I did not love it. The story felt unwieldy, too many storylines, too many details, not enough tying together of the stories in each world. At the end of the audiobook, there was an interview of the author by another author, and they were talking about the tears they shed reading this book. I feel as though I am a professional level crier. If a commercial is too heartwarming, I have tears in my eyes. I don't even have to know someone to cry at a funeral. But, yet, I can safely say that I've never once had watery eyes in a Samantha Shannon book. I don't feel connected to her characters. I have concluded that we are not a match. I wish I were. Her books are very well written and so much of the plot is cleverly designed. 2 stars
Dead as a Doornail - Sookie Stackhouse seems to be a good palate cleanser for me, even though her books are not nearly as cleverly designed and written. I was entertained by this one, but the lack of attention to details is annoying. 3 stars
The Camel Club - After a tough start, this book finally got going. I felt like I understood where the plot was headed, and I underestimated David Baldacci. He has various twists in his books, of varying degrees of sophistication. There were still one or two surprises for me, and things that I had flagged as being out of character for characters in the early part of the book were later explained to my satisfaction. I'm looking forward to reading this entire series - the rest of the books are shorter. 3 stars
Sea of Tranquility - Unpopular opinion alert. Emily St. John Mandel and I aren't a match. I rated Station Eleven. The plot sounded interesting to me, and it's good writing, but the execution didn't hit for me. I avoided The Glass Hotel, because it didn't sound interesting to me. However, when Sea of Tranquility won the GRC Choice Award for Sci Fi, I decided to give Mandell another try and it wasn't for me. In fairness to her, I'm not a fan of time travel and I did not (and will not) read The Glass Hotel, which has many cross over characters. I know I'm in the minority on her, so many of you will enjoy this book. It's short, at least. 2 stars
The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms - Another controversial opinion here. I love aphorisms. I don't have to agree with what they say, I like how they make me think. So, this book was a lot of fun for me, but I can see how others might think it is a lazy and overrated book, filled with Tweets and fortune cookie sayings. "If you want people to read a book, tell them it is overrated." :-) 4 stars
Rilla of Ingleside - This was a re-read, and part of the Anne of Green Gables series that I love so much. I rated it 4 stars versus 5 stars from before. I still very much enjoyed it, but there were some parts to the book that definitely struck me differently. I still think this is a very important book, one of the few books ever written contemporaneously with WW1 from the women's perspective. 4 stars.
Currently reading:
David Copperfield - I just started this book. There's no chance that I'll finish this enormous book before month end. It's a tough book. I am in Copperfield's childhood and I had to stop listening to it last night, because I was getting so sad about how this kid was treated.
Definitely Dead - A lot of times when I read a book that is super upsetting, I have another, less intense book on the go as well. This is that book.
RT, Margaret And The Rats Of Nimh - This is the weakest book in the trilogy. I have several issues with this book.
A Touch of Dead - This is a compilation of side short stories in the Sookie Stackhouse series, and is on hold at the moment, because I need to read the next two books before I will be in sequence to continue with this book.
Progress on the Whack-a-Mole Series Situation –
Series Completed this year (for the moment...):
1. Crescent City (1)
2. Heartstopper (1)
3. It Ends with Us (1)
4. Beartown (1)
5. The Space Between Worlds (1) :-)
6. Wanderers (1)
7. The Roots of Chaos (1)
Series Started This Year with Books Remaining:
1. The Inheritance Games (2)
2. The Camel Club (4)
Series Started Last Year with Books Remaining:
1. Sookie Stackhouse (8)
Series That Added Books This Year with number of books I still need to read in that series:
1. Alex Stern (1)
2. Xanth (41)
3. Zoe Washington (1)
4. The Princess Diaries (1)
5. The Jaipur Trilogy (1)
6. You (2)
Series That Added Books Last Year with number of books I still need to read in that series: (so you can see how I really made no progress!)
1. Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez (9)
2. Jake Brigance (1)
3. The Miniaturist (1)
4. Comoran Strike (4)
5. Stephanie Plum (8)
Abandoned series:
1. Blade Runner
Mod
Lea wrote: "April Month End ReportSea of Tranquility - Unpopular opinion alert. Emily St. John Mandel and I aren't a match. I rated Station Eleven. The plot sounded interesting to me, and it's good writing, but the execution didn't hit for me. I avoided The Glass Hotel, because it didn't sound interesting to me. However, when Sea of Tranquility won the GRC Choice Award for Sci Fi, I decided to give Mandell another try and it wasn't for me. In fairness to her, I'm not a fan of time travel and I did not (and will not) read The Glass Hotel, which has many cross over characters. I know I'm in the minority on her, so many of you will enjoy this book. It's short, at least. 2 stars"
Good reading month Lea. Haven't read any of the ones you read this month but agree with you on a couple of the authors. I was not a fan of Samantha Shannon's first book and based on your review, she's not for me.
As for Emily St John Mandel, I tried but I didn't connect with her writing. Did read Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel. Station Eleven got a reluctant 3 stars and The Glass Hotel a 1 star. Highly doubt I'll pick up her latest even though I do enjoy a good time travel.
Happy May reading!
I don't know if you're in the minority, but I loved Station Eleven & enjoyed The Glass Hotel. I just think her writing isn't for everyone. David Copperfield is a tough one as are most (all?) of his books but worth it, I think. I also enjoyed the PBS series that starred a young Daniel Radcliffe and Maggie Smith.
Happy Reading!
Mod
Books Read: 10 books this month and 48 so far this year. 17,581 pages.
Books from Filling in the Gaps: 36/100; 2020 Books 0/1, 2022 Books 2/11, 2023 Books 34/82
Books from..."
I am so glad I am not the only one who doesn't fit with Emily St John Mandel. The hype surrounding Station Eleven got me so excited, but the book was such a let down. I think I got hate mail after reviewing. LOL
Bill wrote: "I don't recall enjoying The Camel Club. You're really progressing with the Sookie Stackhouse books. I don't know if I've asked before but did you ever watch the True Blood series?"No, I never did watch the True Blood series. I was anti-Vampire until my niece persuaded me to read the Twilight series, which was not my favorite, but I will agree that the series is probably better written than the Sweet Valley High books I was devouring when I was younger. I want to watch the series, but I will do so after I finish reading the books. I understand that the books and the series do not have the same ending, so it will be interesting to see which is a better storyline. We'll see if I read all of the series. I think I can because it is so different from the other books I'm reading, I find myself looking forward to the silly as a palate cleanser from some of the sadder things that are happening in the other books I'm reading. If I remember correctly, you abandoned the book series, but finished out the TV series, right?
Lillie wrote: "Good reading month Lea. Haven't read any of the ones you read this month but agree with you on a couple of the authors. I was not a fan of Samantha Shannon's first book and based on your review, she's not for me.As for Emily St John Mandel, I tried but I didn't connect with her writing. Did read Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel. Station Eleven got a reluctant 3 stars and The Glass Hotel a 1 star. Highly doubt I'll pick up her latest even though I do enjoy a good time travel.
Happy May reading!"
Lillie, I'm both sorry and glad that you have found Shannon and Mandel aren't a match for you either. I know all books are not all things for all people, but it always makes me wonder why I didn't read a book/author right when I find that it isn't for me, and it is nice to have a sanity check. Since you gave The Glass Hotel one star, that sticks the nail in the coffin right there. I'm not going to be reading that book, it clearly isn't for me. Onward to better books!
Patricia wrote: "I don't know if you're in the minority, but I loved Station Eleven & enjoyed The Glass Hotel. I just think her writing isn't for everyone. David Copperfield is a tough one as are most (all?) of his books but worth it, I think. I also enjoyed the PBS series that starred a young Daniel Radcliffe and Maggie Smith.
Happy Reading!"
Thanks, Patricia. Because Mantel's books have very high ratings (the average rating on Sea of Tranquility is 4.12, with over 150k people rating it, and Station Eleven is 4.07 with over 465k people rating it), I feel that most people love her work. It just doesn't work for me, but I'm really glad it does work for you and so many other people. I agree that her writing isn't for everyone, I wish I enjoyed it more.
David Copperfield has been a journey. I'm 65% the way through and it's been a long haul. I'm enjoying it though. I didn't enjoy Great Expectations when I read it in high school and I'm wondering what I might think of the book now. I might reread it, but it is so hard to think of rereading it when there are so many other Dickens books I have never read.
Alondra wrote: "I am so glad I am not the only one who doesn't fit with Emily St John Mandel. The hype surrounding Station Eleven got me so excited, but the book was such a let down. I think I got hate mail after reviewing. LOL"There are so many authors that have such supportive fans, and I think that is awesome...but not every book hits everyone the same way. Last time, I went right down the middle with 3 stars, but this time, I had to be real. The book was just OK for me. It was well written, it had a good premise. It just was OK. So 2 stars. And no review. I'll just hide out here and hope that Mandel's rabid fan base doesn't find me. LOL :-)
Mod
No..."
I did finally abandon the series; in fact I've stopped reading the Midnight Texas trilogy too. I have to say I really enjoyed her Harper Connolly books and Lily Bard series. The TV series was much darker
Bill wrote: "I did finally abandon the series; in fact I've stopped reading the Midnight Texas trilogy too. I have to say I really enjoyed her Harper Connolly books and Lily Bard series. The TV series was much darker"I will look into the Harper Connolly and Lily Bard series, they look good. Kind of reminding me Meg Cabot's Mediator series, that I enjoyed as well as her more famous Princess Diaries series. I will keep in mind that the TV series goes darker, that helps a lot when I figure out when to watch it. Nothing but light and fluffy happy shows an hour before bedtime. :-)
May Mid Month ReportBooks Read: 5 books this month and 53 so far this year. 18,799 pages.
Books from Filling in the Gaps: 38/100; 2020 Books 0/1, 2022 Books 2/11, 2023 Books 36/82
Books from 12+4 Challenge: 10/16
Recently finished:
Charleston: The Brief History of a Remarkable City - This book was picked up at a tourism bureau and was a quick read. While I'm not persuaded by everything the author was trying to say, I do think that there are more than one side to every story and this book brought up a few sides that I had not previously considered, some of which are very plausible. I wish it was a bit more tightly written with a little bit more material, but overall, was glad I read the book. 3 STARS
RT, Margaret And The Rats Of Nimh - And here's where I got to be a big old grump bucket. But seriously, this book is pretty much glorifying the older sister being a bully and also stating a very implausible cure for some serious health issues. Do yourself a favor and forget this book exists. I disliked this one. 1 STAR
The Housemaid - I really thought the previous book was going to be the stinker of the month, but I thought this book was pretty bad too. I know. This is a very popular book with an average rating of 4.36 and most people love it. But I'm a grumpy old lady. The writing and plot was so lazy. It felt like a cheap version of Gone Girl. Obviously, I don't mind books about unlikeable people, but apparently I do mind books where we want all these unlikeable people to get away with all sorts of awful and heinous things, in retribution for what they themselves suffered. And worse, if you think too hard about the plot, I am not sure it even makes sense. I kept thinking to myself that was the way the author was heading and then talking myself out of it, thinking I must be wrong because it didn't quite hang together. 1 STAR(view spoiler) Never say never, but I currently do not see the need to continue this series.
The Battle for Las Vegas: The Law vs. The Mob - This should have been more interesting than it was. I was bored. 2 STARS
Definitely Dead - The Sookie Stackhouse books get weirder and weirder. I cannot even give a summary of what this book involved. I was reading David Copperfield and Homegoing and it was a nice ridiculous palate cleanser from the seriously awful things that happened in those books, so I can say that. 2.5 STARS
Currently reading:
David Copperfield - I'm 78% of the way through this book, but it is a very long book. I'm enjoying this more than Great Expectations but less than A Christmas Carol. I'm hoping to read more Dickens, maybe one Dickens a year until I've read all of the main books?
Homegoing - This is not an easy book, but an important book. It's a multi-generational story of two half-sisters and their progeny, one sister got sold into slavery in America and one sister stayed in Africa. It's very well written. It's heartbreaking, yet hopeful. I find myself rooting for all of the many characters, and devastated when things do not work out them. I'm 81% of the way through.
Type Talk: The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work - I was given this book 13 years ago, and still haven't read it, so added it to my list. It's mainly about the different Myers Briggs personality types. I haven't gotten invested in the book yet, it usually takes me a bit before a book grabs me in. This one hasn't yet.
The Hawthorne Legacy - This is book two in The Inheritance Games series. I'm less than halfway in, and I'm liking it, but not loving it. It is an easy book for me to pick up and set aside.
A Touch of Dead - This is a compilation of side short stories in the Sookie Stackhouse series, and is on hold at the moment, because I need to read the next two books before I will be in sequence to continue with this book.
Progress on the Whack-a-Mole Series Situation –
Series Completed this year (for the moment...):
1. Crescent City (1)
2. Heartstopper (1)
3. It Ends with Us (1)
4. Beartown (1)
5. The Space Between Worlds (1) :-)
6. Wanderers (1)
7. The Roots of Chaos (1)
Series Started This Year with Books Remaining:
1. The Inheritance Games (2)
2. The Camel Club (4)
Series Started Last Year with Books Remaining:
1. Sookie Stackhouse (7)
Series That Added Books This Year with number of books I still need to read in that series:
1. Alex Stern (1)
2. Xanth (41)
3. Zoe Washington (1)
4. The Princess Diaries (1)
5. The Jaipur Trilogy (1)
6. You (2)
7. Camp Half-Blood Chronicles (1)
8. Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez (10)
Series That Added Books Last Year with number of books I still need to read in that series: (so you can see how I really made no progress!)
1. Jake Brigance (1)
2. The Miniaturist (1)
3. Comoran Strike (4)
4. Stephanie Plum (8)
Abandoned series:
1. Blade Runner
2. The Housemaid
Having a good month so far! I started Homegoing a few days ago while taking a road trip. I still need to finish a couple of library books, but I will catch up! She's a good writer, and I easily got caught up in the story.Happy Reading!
Patricia wrote: "Having a good month so far! I started Homegoing a few days ago while taking a road trip. I still need to finish a couple of library books, but I will catch up! She's a good writer, and I easily got caught up in the story.Happy Reading!"
Yes! I'm so glad that you started Homegoing, it really is well written and so important. I'm for sure going to try and finish the book this month, I think it will be my uncontested book of the month, unless I pick up anything else that is as awesome as it. Even David Copperfield is going to have to fall behind Homegoing...unless it takes a severe left turn in the last few chapters. :-)
What a great month you've been having, even if you are a grumpy lady lol
Mod
Mod
Books Read: 5 books this month and 53 so far this year. 18,799 pages.
Books from Filling in the Gaps: 38/100; 2020 Books 0/1, 2022 Books 2/11, 2023 Books 36/82
Books from 12..."
5 books already, sounds like a good time.
I feel like we had the Emily St john Mandel convo before; but I complain so much about it, that no telling. LOL
Charles Dickens is a fav, but there are so many doorstoppers. Of course, I was hooked with Bleak House. So many stories within stories.
Kudos on your progress.
Alissa wrote: "What a great month you've been having, even if you are a grumpy lady lol"I'm not complaining, especially since I've got some good books in progress, but the beginning of the month was a little lackluster. It very likely was me and not the books. But then again, I'm not sure. :-) :-) :-)
Bill wrote: "I hope you enjoy the books you read for the rest of the month, Lea. Harris is at least a fun read."Thanks, Bill. Yes, I might be giving Harris a little more latitude because her books are silly. When the author appears to be serious about something, I may be a bit more harsh on them when things aren't right. I'll have to give it some thought. :-)
Alondra wrote: "5 books already, sounds like a good time.I feel like we had the Emily St john Mandel convo before; but I complain so much about it, that no telling. LOL
Charles Dickens is a fav, but there are so many doorstoppers. Of course, I was hooked with Bleak House. So many stories within stories.
Kudos on your progress."
I think we've had the Mandel discussion before, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one that doesn't get excited about her work.
I also think we've talked about Dickens before, and as it sits right now, a future list that I may or may not be already working on will have Bleak House on it. I've always been intimidated by it, but your description of the book and my enthusiasm this year for tomes has pushed me over the edge. :-)
Mod
It was daunting initially, but as I read it, I became pleased with the pacing. Some of the characters are more interesting than others; but they are all good. Just a crazy mish-mash of everything. One of my faves.
Great progress!! I've stepped away from David Copperfield for awhile. I agree his childhood is so sad. I do need to get back to it.
Lea wrote: "I loved Alexander Hamilton. I just finished another 880 page fantasy book myself, and it was a lot. I do want to read some more books by Chernow, I have to find time to squeeze them in. How are you liking it?"I was on vacation and AH was not quite a vacation book. The library took it away, so I need to get it back. I think I've only read 100 pages or so, really interesting.
Lillie wrote: "As for Emily St John Mandel, I tried but I didn't connect with her writing. Did read Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel. Station Eleven got a reluctant 3 stars and The Glass Hotel a 1 star. Highly doubt I'll pick up her latest even though I do enjoy a good time travel."Phew! That's exactly how I felt about those 2 (DNF The Glass Castle), and I do enjoy time travel books, too. Sea of Tranquility is not on my TBR.
I thought I was missing something, those books were both well rated...but I guess we all like different things.
Ioana wrote: "I was on vacation and AH was not quite a vacation book. The library took it away, so I need to get it back. I think I've only read 100 pages or so, really interesting."Yes, AH isn't quite a beach read. :-) Sometimes I'm good with difficult books on vacation (long flights where I can't sleep), but sometimes I just don't want to think that hard. I hope you can get back to AH at some point, but definitely a good move to transition to something that you were bound to enjoy better while on vacation. I hope you had a fantastic time!
Ioana wrote: "Phew! That's exactly how I felt about those 2 (DNF The Glass Castle), and I do enjoy time travel books, too. Sea of Tranquility is not on my TBR.I thought I was missing something, those books were both well rated...but I guess we all like different things."
Ioana, Alondra, and Lillie, let's make a "Wish we liked Mandel books but we really don't" club. It would be small, but mighty. :-)
Ioana, I think you made the right call by not adding Sea of Tranquility. I read it, so all of you don't have to. :-)
Lea wrote: "Ioana, Alondra, and Lillie, let's make a "Wish we liked Mandel books but we really don't" club. It would be small, but mighty. :-) Ioana, I think you made the right call by not adding Sea of Tranquility. I read it, so all of you don't have to. :-)"
I'm in! I tried, I really tried but 🤷🏻♀️ Luckily, there are so many other authors/books to pick up.
Also, thanks for taking it for the team ;)
Lillie wrote: "I'm in! I tried, I really tried but 🤷🏻♀️ Luckily, there are so many other authors/books to pick up.Also, thanks for taking it for the team ;)"
Yes, that's the truth. They are way more books that are more to my taste than I'll ever get a chance to read, so I think calling it quits with Mandel will not unduly impair our abilities to have four books on the go at all times for the rest of our natural lives. :-) :-) :-)
Lea wrote: "Ioana, I think you made the right call by not adding Sea of Tranquility. I read it, so all of you don't have to. :-)"You are the best, thank you! Mrs. Mandel got 2 chances, and I agree with Lillie, there are so many other authors/books to pick up.
Mod
Hilarious!! ... but it could be done.. Mmmmm.
LOL
May Month End ReportBooks Read: 12 books this month and 60 so far this year. 21,365 pages.
Books from Filling in the Gaps: 43/100; 2020 Books 0/1, 2022 Books 3/11, 2023 Books 40/82
Books from 12+4 Challenge: 12/16
Previously Discussed:
Charleston: The Brief History of a Remarkable City
RT, Margaret And The Rats Of Nimh
The Housemaid
The Battle for Las Vegas: The Law vs. The Mob
Definitely Dead
Recently finished:
The Hawthorne Legacy - This is the second book in the Inheritance Games series and I didn't think it was as strong as the first one. I can't really describe it without spoiling it, but basically, it is the sequel to a story about a teenage girl who is left a fortune from a complete stranger, but has to live in a house with her benefactor's four sons for one year. His sons are very competitive and play a lot of games. I was entertained, but it definitely is a YA read. It's important not to think too closely about some of the action. :-) 2.5 STARS
Homegoing - So this book was a buddy read with Patricia and Alissa, and I loved it. It traces 300 years of history from the multiple viewpoints of the descendants of two half-sisters. I was worried going into the book. I typically don't gravitate to books with too many different viewpoints, but this book really worked. I was also worried that it would break my heart too many times, and it did...but it was well written and it truly spoke to me. I was rooting so hard for all the characters. I loved the book and would highly recommend it, it is very well written. If you are worried about the multiple viewpoints and are listening to the audiobook, google "Homegoing Family Tree" and keep that at hand while you are reading. I found it quite helpful. 5 STARS
David Copperfield - This is a book that has almost made it on a lot of my challenges, but I never think I'm up to finishing 882 pages. I now regret not having it on my challenge, because I decided to read it. The early years of his life were a tough read, but not nearly as tough as Homegoing. Ultimately, a classic coming of age story with a lot of interesting characters. So far, I've read four books by Dickens and they have each earned a different number of stars. Great Expectations was 2 stars, A Tale of Two Cities - 3 stars, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - 5 stars, so David Copperfield was 3.5/4 stars. I'm almost scared to read the next one, what if I think it is only 1 star? I'm sure it won't be though, Dickens is a very skilled writer. :-) 3.5 stars
Sparring Partners - This is advertised as #4 in John Grisham's Jake Brigance series, but really only 1/3 of the book is about Jake Brigance. There are two other stories in the book that don't relate to Jake at all. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't recommend it to those who aren't familiar with Grisham's works, since I don't think it is his best. 3 STARS
Herefordshire: the spirit of England's most rural county - I finally read a book that a friend gave me. It has sat on my shelf for years. Lots of beautiful photography of the English countryside. 3 STARS
The Collectors - This is the second book in the Camel Club series, and I did not like it nearly as much. There were some new characters that were introduced, and they aren't my favorite. In addition, some of the characters in the first book were changed by the time the second book came around. I was disappointed. 2 STARS
The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia - This was a buddy read with Carolien and I was not disappointed with this one. I received this book years ago from a friend who has stopped asking me if I liked it, since I took ten years to read the book, so I was so glad to read it, and tell her how much I loved the book. It's based upon Esther Hautzig's personal story, growing up in Poland before WW2, and her family getting arrested by the Russians for being capitalists and being sent to Siberia. It was an excellent primer on the changing political positions taken by Russia during this period, written in very easy language. It is, after all, a children's book. I learned a lot reading it and felt for Esther and her family and all the troubles they endured. I really liked this book and would recommend it. 4 STARS
Currently reading:
Demon Copperhead - Well, I actually finished this one in June, so I'll include it in my June mid-month review, but ultimately, I think I've got to stop getting so excited about Barbara Kingsolver books. I've read four of them and they are all 2 or 3 stars. This was very cleverly written and I can see why other people like it so much. It's a retelling of the David Copperfield story (that I just read) and also a fictional story of the opioid crisis. I liked it, but did not love it. I have quibbles. 3 STARS
Type Talk: The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work - I'm determined to finish this, but I already have quibbles.
The Island of Dr. Moreau - H.G. Wells classic about a shipwrecked man on a Pacific Island. I haven't gotten to the horror bits yet, but the setup is promising.
The Final Gambit - The third book in the Inheritance Games series, and a GR Choice Award Winner for YA. It is the last book in this series for a breath of time; I've just learned that the next book is due out late August/early September. I'm not far enough into it to have an opinion.
A Summer Affair - A buddy read with Alissa and Denise. I'm about 10% in and I already dislike the main character, so we'll see how this goes. I have a love/hate relationship with Hilderbrand and her books.
A Touch of Dead - This is a compilation of side short stories in the Sookie Stackhouse series, and is on hold at the moment, because I need to read the next two books before I will be in sequence to continue with this book.
Progress on the Whack-a-Mole Series Situation –
Series Completed this year (for the moment...):
1. Crescent City (1)
2. Heartstopper (1)
3. It Ends with Us (1)
4. Beartown (1)
5. The Space Between Worlds (1) :-)
6. Wanderers (1)
7. The Roots of Chaos (1)
8. Jake Brigance (1)
Series Started This Year with Books Remaining:
1. The Inheritance Games (2)
2. The Camel Club (3)
3. Nantucket (3)
Series Started Last Year with Books Remaining:
1. Sookie Stackhouse (7)
Series That Added Books This Year with number of books I still need to read in that series:
1. Alex Stern (1)
2. Xanth (41)
3. Zoe Washington (1)
4. The Princess Diaries (1)
5. The Jaipur Trilogy (1)
6. You (2)
7. Camp Half-Blood Chronicles (1)
8. Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez (10)
9. Fractalverse (1)
Series That Added Books Last Year with number of books I still need to read in that series: (so you can see how I really made no progress!)
1. The Miniaturist (1)
2. Comoran Strike (4)
3. Stephanie Plum (8)
Abandoned series:
1. Blade Runner
2. The Housemaid
Book of the Month: Homegoing
Worst Book: There was a lot of competition for this award this month, but RT, Margaret And The Rats Of Nimh was the clear winner/loser
Biggest Surprise: The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia
Greatest Accomplishment: David Copperfield
Ioana wrote: "You are the best, thank you! Mrs. Mandel got 2 chances, and I agree with Lillie, there are so many other authors/books to pick up."There are so many great books out there to pick up. I have such a hard time picking my next book, I want to read them all!!! :-)
Alondra wrote: "Hilarious!! ... but it could be done.. Mmmmm.LOL"
There have been clubs founded on far sillier themes.
(At the library a couple of years ago, one of the rooms had been reserved for a group entitled the "Toilet Texters." I'm still unclear about the agenda of that group, but was also curious why they needed a regular room reserved, seems like they might have been able to conduct their meetings in the restroom??? But maybe their weren't enough stalls or toilets???)
Lea wrote: "At the library a couple of years ago, one of the rooms had been reserved for a group entitled the "Toilet Texters." I'm still unclear about the agenda of that group, but was also curious why they needed a regular room reserved, seems like they might have been able to conduct their meetings in the restroom??? But maybe their weren't enough stalls or toilets???"I was going to comment on Homegoing and David Copperhead, but I'm laughing too much 🤣🤣🤣
Ioana wrote: "Lea wrote: "At the library a couple of years ago, one of the rooms had been reserved for a group entitled the "Toilet Texters." I'm still unclear about the agenda of that group, but was also curiou..."Too funny! I can't believe you didn't attend one of their meetings just to find out what that was about.
Glad you were able to get through David Copperfield & enjoyed it. On the other hand, sorry you didn't like so much Demon Copperhead. I am looking forward to reading it, but I've also not been as big of fan of Kingsolver as others. I really liked her first books the most, but they're not what made popular. (The Bean Trees & Pigs in Heaven). Anyway, my library book club voted to read Demon for next year, so I won't be reading it for awhile.Also glad we were able to read Homegoing together!
Ioana wrote: "I was going to comment on Homegoing and David Copperhead, but I'm laughing too much 🤣🤣🤣"My job here is done. :-)
And I'm so glad to see you type David Copperhead, because I now know I'm not the only one. I could not keep track of David vs. Demon or Copperfield vs. Copperhead for the life of me.
Michelle wrote: "Too funny! I can't believe you didn't attend one of their meetings just to find out what that was about."Oh, I wanted to. Or at least come back and see who was in the room as part of that group (the library rooms you can reserve have all glass walls). Too bad, the timing wasn't convenient.
However, I did take a photo of the reservation notice. I am the type of person that likes to take photos of funny signs and that one hit my funny bone. :-) :-) :-)
Patricia wrote: "Glad you were able to get through David Copperfield & enjoyed it. On the other hand, sorry you didn't like so much Demon Copperhead. I am looking forward to reading it, but I've also not been as big of fan of Kingsolver as others. I really liked her first books the most, but they're not what made popular. (The Bean Trees & Pigs in Heaven). Anyway, my library book club voted to read Demon for next year, so I won't be reading it for awhile.Also glad we were able to read Homegoing together!"
I think it will actually help if there's a space in between reading David Copperfield and Demon Copperhead, you won't be comparing the two, like I was. (I checked to see if I mixed up the names again twice, should probably just do the link to be safe...)
And OF COURSE, you listed the two Kingsolver books that I haven't read yet that I really want to read...so I won't take them off my TBR. I really like her writing style, but struggle with some of the subject matter, so there's good potential there for me to like something. That's what keeps me coming back.
I'm glad we read Homegoing too, it's one of those books that I kept setting aside until the buddy read made me prioritize it.
Lea wrote: "And I'm so glad to see you type David Copperhead, because I now know I'm not the only one. I could not keep track of David vs. Demon or Copperfield vs. Copperhead for the life of me.."Oh well, I'm bad with names, bad with numbers, have bad memory and I am very good at making excuses. 😄
In any case, I love Kingsolver and I've read almost all her books. Top favorite was and still is The Poisonwood Bible.
The only one I could not get into was The Lacuna, but I will probably give it another try someday.
Ioana wrote: "Oh well, I'm bad with names, bad with numbers, have bad memory and I am very good at making excuses. 😄In any case, I love Kingsolver and I've read almost all her books. Top favorite was and still is The Poisonwood Bible.
The only one I could not get into was The Lacuna, but I will probably give it another try someday."
No! Don't say that your bad with names numbers and memory! If I'm doing the same as you, you are going to ruin my delusion that I've got a great memory!! :-) :-) :-)
I think my favorite has been The Poisonwood Bible too, but I did only give it 3 stars. I'm sure I found something to quibble about, but I don't remember what the big problem was. I've also read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life and Demon Copperhead and enjoyed both of those as well - 3 stars. I did not care for Flight Behavior as much, that's the 2 stars book for me. I always think I'm going to like Kingsolver's books better than I actually do. Bummer.
Both the The Poisonwood Bible and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life were 5 stars for me. I'm getting less generous with my stars as I age, so Animal, Vegetable would probably be a 4 stars today.DC was also 4 stars.
I haven't read Flight Behavior yet...
Ioana wrote: "Both the The Poisonwood Bible and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life were 5 stars for me. I'm getting less generous with my stars as I age, so Animal, Vegetable would probably be a 4 stars today.DC was also 4 stars.
I haven't read Flight Behavior yet..."
Have you read The Bean Trees yet? That is the Kingsolver book I keep looking at, and then changing my mind. Patricia has put them back on my radar. :-)
Lea wrote: "Have you read The Bean Trees yet? That is the Kingsolver book I keep looking at, and then changing my mind. Patricia has put them back on my radar. :-)"Yes, I have, and enjoyed them both. I've read The Bean Trees before GR, so before 2008, and Pigs in Heaven in 2008. At the time I thought these were both stand alones, even though they shared a main character, but I see now that they were mushed into a series.
As I said, bad memory, if there was any continuation, or lack of it, I did not notice 😉
Ioana wrote: "Yes, I have, and enjoyed them both. I've read The Bean Trees before GR, so before 2008, and Pigs in Heaven in 2008. At the time I thought these were both stand alones, even though they shared a main character, but I see now that they were mushed into a series.As I said, bad memory, if there was any continuation, or lack of it, I did not notice 😉"
Good to know. I am not really sure what makes a book a series book. Sometimes there are "series" here on GR that I don't see as being connected and other times there are two books that clearly have connections but aren't listed as a series. Who knows what the criteria is? All right, all right, I won't give up on Kingsolver. I will wait a bit and then see what I think about those books too. :-)
Lea wrote: "Ioana wrote: "Yes, I have, and enjoyed them both. I've read The Bean Trees before GR, so before 2008, and Pigs in Heaven in 2008. At the time I thought these were both stand alones, even though the..."You guys are really messing with my head now. I read Poisonwood Bible and hated it. A lot. I very hesitantly read the Bean Tree books and enjoyed them both. I was leery of Demon Copperhead but everyone on Goodreads raved about it. So I put it on my TBR. Now Lea sort of hated it so...... Kingslover to read or not to read?
Michelle wrote: "You guys are really messing with my head now. I read Poisonwood Bible and hated it. A lot. I very hesitantly read the Bean Tree books and enjoyed them both. I was leery of Demon Copperhead but everyone on Goodreads raved about it. So I put it on my TBR. Now Lea sort of hated it so...... Kingslover to read or not to read?"I three starred it, which means I liked it. I didn't love it. I think I didn't love it for two reasons:
1) I read David Copperfield two weeks before, so the original story was fresh in my head
2) I tend to like Kingsolver's writing better than her content.
My vote would be to read it, I think it is a good book.
Lea wrote: "Michelle wrote: "You guys are really messing with my head now. I read Poisonwood Bible and hated it. A lot. I very hesitantly read the Bean Tree books and enjoyed them both. I was leery of Demon Co..."O.K. I think but I'm definitely not going to rush into it.
On The Same Page
Books mentioned in this topic
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (other topics)The Covenant of Water (other topics)
Cutting for Stone (other topics)
Homegoing (other topics)
The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Shelby Van Pelt (other topics)Yaa Gyasi (other topics)
Axie Oh (other topics)
Fredrik Backman (other topics)
Maggie O'Farrell (other topics)
More...
Oh, yay, I loved Alexander Hamilton. I just finished another 880 page fantasy book myself, and it was a lot. I do want to read some more books by Chernow, I have to find time to squeeze them in. How are you liking it?