May 2023 - Books with a key or keyhole on the cover

[Sandra, Moderator]

You are not limited to the two chosen books. You may read any book within the theme "Books with a key or keyhole on the cover" if you prefer.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book before or during May 2023.

2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read. Please elaborate on your thoughts on at least 5 of the following topics:
- Setting
- Characters
- Writing style
- Genre
- How the book made you feel
- Which parts stood out
- Did you/will you read more by the author
- Anything else related to the book you find worth mentioning

This can be done in one post after finishing the book, but preferably in a few posts while reading. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

[Janice, Moderator]

I'll be reading The Key: A Novel for the group themed read. I have to finish the book I'm currently reading and then I'll start.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Oh, that looks interesting. Cool key cover.

[Janice, Moderator]

I started reading my book yesterday. I'm struck by how action/thriller books about religious artifacts are violent, and at what lengths the church would go to protect it's secrets and prophesies. It seems to be a similar trope in this genre. This book concerns the prophecy around the sacrament being held at the citadel in Turkey.

This book is the 2nd book in the Sancti Trilogy. I read the 1st book several years back and have no memory of it. This has the feel of a standalone and I don't feel I'm missing back story.

[Janice, Moderator]

I have a couple hours left on my audiobook. I'll be happy to be finished with it. I'm enjoying the cat and mouse that is going on with one of the main characters. She's being hunted, so to speak. Other than that, I'm not really interested in the religious myths and prophesies.

[Kristie, Moderator]

That's disappointing, Janice. Seems like a large portion of the book is of no real interest to you. Hopefully, your next one will be better.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Thrillers' last part is usually the one with more action. Hopefully those couple hours left are entertaining, Janice.

[Lydia]

Hi I have started reading https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page which has a key on the front cover. Really enjoying it so far, really easy to read.

[Kristie, Moderator]

That looks good, Lydia. I'll be interested to see what you think of it. Great cover.

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished reading The Key: A Novel this afternoon. It did pick up in action as Sandra suggested. I gave the book 3.5 stars. It's not my favourite genre, and I imagine there are those who really enjoyed the book. I don't think I'll read the final book in the trilogy.

[Nistha]

I finished reading The Girls I've Been and I absolutely loved it! The thrill, the past, the characters were so good. I was wanting to read something about con-artists for a long time and this was such a treat. I am excited for Millie Bobbie Brown to play this role!

[Lydia]

I finished reading The Keeper of Stories, this was a really fascinating read and I got through it in record time. It appealed to me as I am a Keeper at a museum. This was a bit different but similar in that the main character Janice is a cleaner and collects other people’s stories, mainly those she cleans for. I enjoyed these glimpses into Janet’s unique access to her clients personal lives. The story line develops around Janice’s own story which she seems reluctant to share, but in a way needs to do so to move on. I thought the characters, particularly Mrs B an awkward but robust client who needs Janice’s help was a great vehicle for getting to know Janice better. In a way these two unlikely women become close friends and help free each other from their respective troubles. This book moved me, and the ending did not disappoint. It was well written but easy to read, humorous much if the time and felt like a comfort read.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Lydia. Here is the link for whoever wants to take a look at the book: The Keeper of Stories

[Sandra, Moderator]

Nistha wrote: "I finished reading The Girls I've Been and I absolutely loved it! The thrill, the past, the characters were so good. I was wanting to read something about con-artists for a long tim..."

This one is a GoodReads award winner of 2021. Best YA fiction. I'm glad you liked it Nistha.

[Nistha]

Sandra wrote: "Nistha wrote: "I finished reading The Girls I've Been and I absolutely loved it! The thrill, the past, the characters were so good. I was wanting to read something about con-artists..."

I actually did not hear a lot about this book before and stumbled across it when looking for covers with keys! I quite loved this one - well-deserved winner.

@Lydia, I added The Keeper of Stories to by TBR, sounds quite interesting

[Sandra, Moderator]

Hi, everyone! Remember to report your reading:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I plan to post badges on the weekend.