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Seasonal Reading Challenges > SPRING 2023 Reading Challenge

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message 1: by Rachel (last edited Mar 06, 2023 04:08PM) (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Please post any questions/updates/comments about the spring 2023 challenge in this thread. :)

The Spring 2023 Reading Challenge will begin March 1st and end May 31st.

Rules of the challenge:

Read 3 books (or more)
Complete 3 prompts (or more)
Any genre ok
Rereads ok

This spring, complete 3 (or more) of the following:

1. Many talented authors have birthdays this season.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Becky Chambers
Rachel Howzell Hall
T. Kingfisher
Barbara Kingsolver

2. March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS P-I-G IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

3. A remake of Children of the Corn will have a limited run in theaters beginning March 3rd. It will also be available to stream in March. As I’m sure you all know, it’s based on the King story involving creepy kids in a cornfield.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES A CREEPY KID(S).

OR

READ A BOOK IN WHICH A CORNFIELD PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE STORY.

4. A Good Person will be released in theaters on March 24th. It’s about a woman whose life falls apart after she’s involved in a fatal accident.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK IN WHICH AN ACCIDENT PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE STORY.

5. National Root Canal Appreciation Day is on May 10th.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “TOOTH” OR “TEETH” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

6. Lone Women by Victor LaValle will be published on March 28th. It’s the group read.

So this spring,

READ THE BOOK AND DISCUSS IT WITH THE GROUP.

Bonus Group Reads:

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin (May 2nd)
Maame by Jessica George (Available Now)

7. Random- This counts towards the challenge but is not inspired by the season.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH AN EMOTION IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SPRING, EVERYONE! :D


message 2: by Rachel (last edited Feb 25, 2023 04:48PM) (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Just a reminder to check out the suggestions for the bonus group read that I posted in the winter challenge thread (message86). I’ll add the bonus group read after everyone has a chance to respond. Thanks everyone! :)


message 3: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
Thanks Rachel.
Your reading challenges always introduce me to new authors. I'm going to look at the authors featured and see who interests me. Will report back soon on what I find.

I have a few books in my reading lineup that will work with the Title/Subtitle categories of Spring Challenge.

P-I-G in title/subtitle: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
Emotion in the title/subtitle:
The Ghost in Love by Jonathan Carroll
The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown The Ghost in Love by Jonathan Carroll The Lonely Hearts Hotel A Novel by Heather O'Neill


message 4: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Thanks Rachel.
Your reading challenges always introduce me to new authors. I'm going to look at the authors featured and see who interests me. Will report back soon on what I find.

I have a few b..."


You’re welcome, Dustin. Always look forward to seeing which books you choose to read for the challenge. :)


message 5: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
T Kingfisher looks interesting. Going to try a couple of her books that are available from the library. What Moves the Dead and The Hollow Places
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher


message 6: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "T Kingfisher looks interesting. Going to try a couple of her books that are available from the library. What Moves the Dead and The Hollow Places
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher[bookcover:..."


She’s another author I haven’t read but have heard good things about. Look forward to hearing your thoughts if you pick those books up. Hope you enjoy them. :)


message 7: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments I think I’m going to read demon copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I’ve never read David Copperfield but have heard it’s not necessary to enjoy this retelling.


Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver


message 8: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments I might try a book by each of these authors-will have to see.


message 9: by Franzi (new)

Franzi | 74 comments Another fabulous challenge, thanks so much.
I’ve started a bit early with a few minutes in - P-I-G as I started a new audio yesterday - The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex. So far so good- based on a true story I find really creepy (three lighthouse keepers disappearing, two clocks in the lighthouse stopped at the same time on the night of their disappearance and the table was set with two meals (when there were three on the job) … looking forward to find out where it’s going.

I will also attempt These Toxic Things by Rachel Howzell Hall for prompt #1 That will be my next audiobook.
I haven’t read any book by any of the authors featured so I’ll see if I like it and if not move on. :-)

Can’t wait to make my other selections and look forward to seeing what will be the group pick. :-)

Happy Reading, and yes - lovely group 😍❤️


message 10: by Christine (new)

Christine | 798 comments Thanks for another great challenge.

I will be reading Demon Copperhead too. Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors.

Creepy kids or a cornfield has me stumped, lol?????


message 11: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Franzi wrote: "Another fabulous challenge, thanks so much.
I’ve started a bit early with a few minutes in - P-I-G as I started a new audio yesterday - The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex. So far so good- based on a ..."


You’re welcome, Franzi! Glad you like it. :)
Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the books you choose. Hope you enjoy them.


message 12: by Rachel (last edited Feb 28, 2023 10:06PM) (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Christine wrote: "Thanks for another great challenge.

I will be reading Demon Copperhead too. Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors.

Creepy kids or a cornfield has me stumped, lol?????"


You’re welcome, Christine! :D
I’ve never read Barbara Kingsolver before. Looking forward to reading Demon Copperhead.

The cornfield is a hard one. I can only think of the King story and Clowns in a Cornfield.

There are quite a few creepy kid books. Goodreads has a list and google brings up a bunch of titles.

Here’s a few:

The Other by Thomas Tryon
The Bad Seed by William March
Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson


Clown in a Cornfield (Clown in a Cornfield, #1) by Adam Cesare


message 13: by Christine (new)

Christine | 798 comments Thanks for the recommendations. I remember seeing the movie, The Bad Seed, as a kid. It still creeps me out. My favorite Barbara Kingsolver novel is Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver if you like Demon Copperhead, I suggest reading that one next.


message 14: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Christine wrote: "Thanks for the recommendations. I remember seeing the movie, The Bad Seed, as a kid. It still creeps me out. My favorite Barbara Kingsolver novel is Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver if you like De..."

Thanks for the recommendation! :)

I can’t remember if I saw the bad seed movie. I did see the omen when I was a kid and that gave me the creeps. I think that’s a book too.


message 15: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Please note that 2 bonus group reads have been added to the challenge.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin and
Maame by Jessica George


message 16: by Christine (new)

Christine | 798 comments Thanks Rachel!


message 17: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Christine wrote: "Thanks Rachel!"

You’re welcome, Christine! :D


message 18: by Franzi (new)

Franzi | 74 comments It’s international womens day today and I got to treat myself to a book. :-) I chose Demon Copperhead as it sounds so good (even though I’ve never read anything by Barbara Kingsolver) and as it was announced as nominee for the woman’s prize for fiction last night . I wanted to treat myself to the hardcover and had no idea what I’d receive. It’s probably the most beautiful book I’ve ever held in my hand. Sprayed edges and gold details on the cover. I hardly dare touch it! Can’t wait to start it :-)


message 19: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
Rachel wrote: "I think I’m going to read demon copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I’ve never read David Copperfield but have heard it’s not necessary to enjoy this rete..."

I am almost finished with Demon Copperhead. It's the first Barbara Kingsolver book I've read which happens to be the author's latest and highest rated work. Some of the language is a bit dirty for my liking, but the book is impressive and has grown on me. I think I will try more Kingsolver this Spring.

I also haven't read David Copperfield.


message 20: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
Franzi wrote: "It’s international womens day today and I got to treat myself to a book. :-) I chose Demon Copperhead as it sounds so good (even though I’ve never read anything by Barbara Kingsolver) and as it was..."

Yes. I also noticed and like the book cover :-)
The book cover seems at the same simplistic and complex. Red, White and Blue representing The United States of America - different scenes and story elements represented. I think the designer might have went a little heavy on the mushrooms.


message 21: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
Prodigal Summer looks like a good second Kingsolver novel to read.


message 22: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Franzi wrote: "It’s international womens day today and I got to treat myself to a book. :-) I chose Demon Copperhead as it sounds so good (even though I’ve never read anything by Barbara Kingsolver) and as it was..."

I hope you enjoy it! I’m looking forward to reading it too. :)


message 23: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "I think I’m going to read demon copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I’ve never read David Copperfield but have heard it’s not necessary to ..."

Look forward to your review. :)


message 24: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Dustin-

T. Kingfisher has a new book coming out soon that sounds good. I think I’m going to get it from the library- A House With Good Bones.

A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher


message 25: by Danell (new)

Danell (danellbookworm) | 685 comments I read What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher,!which works for #1. I recommend!


message 26: by Danell (new)

Danell (danellbookworm) | 685 comments I read Lone Women and enjoyed it!!


message 27: by Rachel (last edited Mar 18, 2023 06:58PM) (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Danell wrote: "I read What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher,!which works for #1. I recommend!"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :)
Maybe this is the Kingfisher book I should start with. Going to add it to my tbr. Thanks!


message 28: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Danell wrote: "I read Lone Women and enjoyed it!!"

Glad you enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading it soon.


message 29: by Franzi (new)

Franzi | 74 comments I started Demon Copperhead last Sunday and only continued today because I need peace and quiet to read it … and there’s a lot to stomach. I love every minute of reading it though. Very powerful. I hope you all have a great Sunday!


message 30: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Franzi wrote: "I started Demon Copperhead last Sunday and only continued today because I need peace and quiet to read it … and there’s a lot to stomach. I love every minute of reading it though. Very powerful. I ..."

Glad you’re enjoying it so far. Happy Reading! :D


message 31: by Christine (new)

Christine | 798 comments A bunch of Libby books have hit my shelves and that has sidetracked me from the challenge One of them is Maame by Jessica George and I start that today. I'm enjoy seeing what everybody is reading. I can't wait to start Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Everyone's comments have intrigued me. Is anyone going to read or re-read David Copperfield?????

We had a couple of days of spring like weather. I loved the sunshine. Back to gray and drizzle this morning.


message 32: by Danell (new)

Danell (danellbookworm) | 685 comments I read Crying in H Mart which works for 7


message 33: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Christine wrote: "A bunch of Libby books have hit my shelves and that has sidetracked me from the challenge One of them is Maame by Jessica George and I start that today. I'm enjoy seeing what everybody is readin..."

Thanks for the update, Christine! :D
I’ve never read David Copperfield-probably not going to anytime soon if I’m being honest. Have you read it?


message 34: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Danell wrote: "I read Crying in H Mart which works for 7"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D
I’m hoping to finally read that one soon-I’ve been meaning to read it since it came out.


message 35: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
I don't have any plans to read David Copperfield :-)


message 36: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
Becky Chambers - Highly Recommend
I've only read one of her books so far, but plan to read more this Spring. To Be Taught, If Fortunate - very short and worth the read.
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers


message 37: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Becky Chambers - Highly Recommend
I've only read one of her books so far, but plan to read more this Spring. To Be Taught, If Fortunate - very short and worth the read.
[bookcover:To Be Taught, If ..."


Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
Glad you enjoyed it. I’m going to add it to my tbr. Thanks! :)


message 38: by Christine (new)

Christine | 798 comments Demon Copperhead is supposed to be a reimagining of David Copperfield. Some reviewers have suggested reading David Copperfield as a companion read to Kingsolver's book. Its been years and years since I read it. As many of you know, reading Dickens can be a chore. I am looking forward to the upcoming series of Great Expectations starring Olivia Colman as Miss Havisham. Not sure where we will be able to watch it in US


message 39: by Christine (new)

Christine | 798 comments Danell wrote: "I read Crying in H Mart which works for 7"

I loved that book! I've read it twice.


message 40: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Christine wrote: "Demon Copperhead is supposed to be a reimagining of David Copperfield. Some reviewers have suggested reading David Copperfield as a companion read to Kingsolver's book. Its been years and years sin..."

It would be interesting to compare the two books but I don’t think I could cope with reading Dickens lol. Fortunately from what I’ve heard, this is an enjoyable retelling even if you aren’t familiar with the classic. Are you planning to reread it?


message 41: by Christine (new)

Christine | 798 comments Am I going to reread David Copperfield? I don't know. I have it somewhere in my stacks. I guess it depends on Demon Copperhead. I'm definitely reading that. If it gives me the nudge to do it, I will.


message 42: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
I'm currently reading my second T. Kingfisher novel, The Hollow Places. I really like this book, personally I prefer it over What Moves the Dead. The story opens with a quirky setting reminiscent of Gravity Falls. Did anyone else watch that animated show?
The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher


message 43: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
Since the film, A GOOD PERSON, is part of the Spring Reading Challenge, I'll drop a few lines of recommendation. I just saw the film today starring Morgan Freeman and Florence Pugh. I cried all the way through the film and luckily the movie was showing right next door to the employee break room because I snuck in there for 30 minutes after the movie to recover.
A GOOD PERSON deals with several heavy subjects including trauma, broken relationships, death, drug and alcohol addiction.
At the theater where I work, we had our first shows last Thursday and the film has been very well-received. Well-acted, great soundtrack including musical performances by Florence Pugh.


message 44: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'm currently reading my second T. Kingfisher novel, The Hollow Places. I really like this book, personally I prefer it over What Moves the Dead. The story opens with a quirky setting reminiscent o..."

Glad you’re enjoying it so far. :)
I haven’t seen Gravity Falls.


message 45: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Since the film, A GOOD PERSON, is part of the Spring Reading Challenge, I'll drop a few lines of recommendation. I just saw the film today starring Morgan Freeman and Florence Pugh. I cried all the..."

Sounds really powerful.
Thanks for the recommendation. :)


message 46: by Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado (new)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl (dustpancrazy) | 2897 comments Mod
Another film currently in select theaters and which was nominated for best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards is THE QUIET GIRL.
I think this film is ending it's run at the theater I work at after three weeks. I have watched the film seven times so far. The Quiet Girl is based on a book called Foster by Claire Keegan. The film is Celtic/ Irish with some English and subtitles throughout, rural 1960's setting, pretty short and simple about an hour and a half.
Foster by Claire Keegan Foster by Claire Keegan Foster by Claire Keegan


message 47: by Christine (new)

Christine | 798 comments Thanks for the film recommendations. I loved Foster by Claire Keegan . I didn't know the movie, The Quiet Girl, is based on that. I will definitely see it.

I finished Maame by Jessica George Loved it!


message 48: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Another film currently in select theaters and which was nominated for best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards is THE QUIET GIRL.
I think this film is ending it's run at the theater I work at after ..."


Thanks for the recommendation! :)


message 49: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Christine wrote: "Thanks for the film recommendations. I loved Foster by Claire Keegan. I didn't know the movie, The Quiet Girl, is based on that. I will definitely see it.

I finished [bookcover:Maame|60784605..."


Glad you enjoyed it! :D


message 50: by Rachel (last edited Mar 28, 2023 07:41PM) (new)

Rachel | 3524 comments Finished Lessons in Chemistry which works for #4. This may be a bit of a reach but I think it works for the challenge.

I wasn’t sure this book would be for me despite the many good reviews so I was on the fence about reading it. Then Christine said it was one of her favorite books that she read last year so I knew it was time to give it a try. I loved it. Thanks Christine! :D

I also read Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. This has also gotten great reviews. That said -it was a liked it but didn’t love it book for me. This also works for #4.


Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin


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