June 2023 - Reporting

[Jayme, Moderator]

Please read through the reporting thread carefully to ensure to report correctly to get your badge/s.

After you have read your chosen book(s) for this month's group theme read, please report in the thread below.

Please state what book you read (and link it), how it fits the theme, that you discussed it (and where), and briefly summarize what you thought of the book and/or link to your review if you have written one.

If you lead the discussion, please state this in your post.

Here is an example for how to report your read:

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and discussed it in the [Harry Potter/Buddy Read/Other books in theme] thread. I really enjoyed the book. I watched the film first so I already knew the story line but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book more as there was more detail involved. Plus I listened to the audio which was narrated by Stephen Fry who is a superb narrator. 4 stars.”

If you read more than one book which fits the theme, please report all your reads in the same post rather than in separate posts.

Please note, there are THREE different badges that can be obtained for group reads. Those reading and discussing one of the two chosen group reads will receive a colorful badge similar to those for previous group reads. Those reading and discussing any other book in the theme will receive a stamp. The discussion leader for the two chosen group reads will receive a badge stating they led the discussion. Maximum amount of badges you can receive for the group reads is TWO - one for the chosen group read/discussion leader and one for any other book in the theme.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. put your Wall of Fame Name at the beginning of your post as follows: WoF Name - Jayme
2. have read the book(s) before or during June 2023.
3. discussed it in the relevant 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, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
4. Report that you have read AND discussed the book.

[Jayme, Moderator]

I read by Emily Henry and am currently discussing it in the dedicated discussion thread. I really like Henry's writing and read her new book every year. I liked the friendships, the banter, and the nuggets of wisdom in this book, but the ending made my head spin. Maybe my 61 year old self shouldn't be judging a fictional 30 something's decision, but... 3 stars

I also read by Fredrik Backman. This was a five star read for me. It was the third book in a trilogy and it just gutted me. You knew going in that it was not going to end well for several people and when the dam breaks, so does your heart. Bachman doesn't hold back about the cost of love and friendship and violence and the idea that being human is simply complicated.

[Fiona]

WoF Fiona

I read and discussed Happy Place. Ever since I found out about it, I was very excited to read this book. The beginning of the book confused me a little bit and I was pretty sure that I won't like the male lead. But as the story progressed, I found myself liking it quite a lot. Especially the dynamic of the friend group was very realistic. I do agree with Jayme about the slightly weird ending but I ended up giving it 4.5 stars. I will continue to discuss the book in the thread.

[Janice, Moderator]

I read The Ruin for the June group themed read, and I am the group discussion leader.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery, I felt the style was similar to Tana French. There were many questions at the beginning that kept me turning pages to get to the answer. There were some surprises at the end of the story. I intend to read more in the series.

[Sharon]

WoFSharonBiskit

I read The Ruin and discussed it in its designated thread.

I enjoyed this book. I haven’t read anything from this author before. As this was first in the series, I plan on reading the second as well. The book opened well. By the end of the first chapter, I was drawn in to the story. There were a couple of places where I felt a little overwhelmed by events, but all soon became clear. There were red herrings aplenty. I found the topics realistic and not always tied up in a pat manner. The ending was a bit of surprise but made sense. All in all, I thought it was a strong book.

[Marnie]

WoF Marnie

I read both The Ruin and Happy Place and discussed both in the threads.

The Ruin- now I have a new series to continue. A well written mystery that touched on some tough subjects but not gratuitously. On to book 2 I go.

Happy Place was a fun and thoughtful book from an author I’ve read before and enjoyed. She is consistently good.

[Kabrada]

WoF Kabrada

I read and discussed The Body on the Island, a crime novel and book #6 in the DCI Craig Gillard series I am currenly gobbling up. The book starts with splash in the River Thames (which is pictured on the cover) and takes the reader on a wild ride after that.
I gave the book a solid four stars and especially enjoyed the narration by Marston York.

[Kay]

WoF Kay

I read Happy Place and have commented on the thread and am still following the thread. I really struggled with this style of book. I found the interactions shallow and the characters cliche. The decisions and actions taken by the characters to make little sense. I rated the book 1/5.

[Anna KR]

WoF: Anna's ReadingLife

I read Happy Place by Emily Henry and discussed it in the applicable thread. Romance isn't a genre I tend to read but this wasn't too bad. I loved the characters and the premise of the story, although some of it was a bit far fetched for me anyway. I gave this 3*s.

[Katrisa]

I read and discussed The Ruin. I really enjoyed it. There were definitely some surprises and I am looking forward to reading more in the series! I gave the book 4 stars.

[Sandra, Moderator]

WoF: Sandra from PA

I've read The Edge of the Earth and discussed in the thread. I was a very good historical fiction novel, and I gave it 4 stars. The story is interesting, and it was a great sense of time and place. The characters are well developed. In the overall a great, quick read.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Just realized that I didn't report my read yet.

WoF: Kristie

I read Happy Place with the group and am the discussion leader. I really enjoyed the story even if it is a little unbelievable at times. I thought it was a fun read and I liked the witty banter between the characters.

[Nistha]

I read Happy Place and discussed in the thread. I love Emily Henry and her witty dialogues. I also liked that the problems were quite relatable. I did not quite like with the ending, but I had a fun time!

[Lydia]

I read Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley, this book was all about Cece’s story as one of the Seven Sisters and set in Australia mainly, it was a really great read with twists and turns for the characters. I thought it was great how her dyslexia is turned on it’s head when she realises her super talent is her art handed down to her by her birth family. Love these books despite how thick they are, I never struggle to get through them.

[Lydia]

WOF: Lydia

Sorry I meant to put that on my previous post. I also read another book with a body of water on the front which was God Unbound theology in the wild by Brian McLaren. This was a wonderful book that took you on a journey to the Galápagos Islands and explored the animals of land and sea, the amazing Iguanas, tortoises and turtles. Along with fish, star fish and sea lions. The main idea running through the book was the amazing creation and creatures in our world. The second part of the book looked at Darwin and his theories around survival of the fittest, or at least the best able to adapt and how his biological discoveries challenged his strong religious faith. There is plea for us to co-exist in harmony with our fellow creatures and be respectful to the delicate balance around us. It is really warning us to check our attitudes to nature to ensure our own survival, to harmoniously cooperate alongside our fellow animals, rather than destroy their habitats and our own. It is a new eco theology!

[Jayme, Moderator]

Badges and Stamps have been posted. Let me know if I missed anyone.