On The Same Page discussion
2nd Annual Reading Challenge
>
***Michelle's 2023 Series Challenge the Sequel-List 3
message 51:
by
Michelle
(new)
Aug 08, 2023 06:50PM
I didn't even think about a third one. I can actually see following the characters a little further.
reply
|
flag
Enjoying more Jack Reacher with Echo Burning. A Psalm for the Wild-Built is checked out and next in line.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built completed! I can't say enough good things about this little gem.A traveling tea monk who brings comfort and care to others struggling with his own inner demons decides to go off road. He travels into wilderness territory and meets a wild built robot. The first robot seen by humans since the robots left civilization years before. The robot is just "checking in" on behalf of all robots to see if the humans want anything.
This story is like a warm hug. I strongly recommend reading it, preferably with a big mug of tea in hand. Becky Chambers manages to write so eloquently about the human condition even when her characters are not all human. I can't wait to read the next installment and anything else she decides to write. Lovely.
5 in desperate need of a tea monk stars.
Quotes I liked:
“We’re all just trying to be comfortable, and well fed, and unafraid.”
― Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built
“You and I -- we're just atoms that arranged themselves the right way, and we can understand that about ourselves. Is that not amazing?”
― Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built
Michelle wrote: "A Psalm for the Wild-Built completed! I can't say enough good things about this little gem.A traveling tea monk who brings comfort a..."
I really enjoyed her Wayfarers series, and glad to hear this is another good one. Time to shuffle the TBR (again)...and bring this one to the top. Thank you!
Ioana wrote: "Michelle wrote: "A Psalm for the Wild-Built completed! I can't say enough good things about this little gem.A traveling tea monk who..."
This is a good one Ioana and I wasn't kidding about the tea. You're going to need a big steaming mug of it when you sit down to read this one. Hope you enjoy them both!
Can't believe you're already half way done with the list too! My prediction is that by October, you'll need another list ;)Going back to The Hidden Palace, for me, that was a case of the author continuing to excel at storytelling. I love loved the first book, The Golem and the Jinni and this one came in quite close to that. Can't believe that there at least 6-7 years between the release dates. I will read whatever she puts out next.
*editing to say - just six books away from completing this list too! Yikes, lol
Lillie wrote: "Can't believe you're already half way done with the list too! My prediction is that by October, you'll need another list ;)Going back to The Hidden Palace, for me, that was a case..."
I was not disappointed in The Hidden Palace Lillie. I just felt it lacked a little of the magic of the first book. Still very well written and I was fully engaged throughout. I would probably read her next book as well. Her writing is top notch.
As for lists, NO. This is the last list of 2023. If any time is left over between the end of this list and the beginning of 2024 lists I'm going to use it to work on my ongoing President's challenge. Besides I have to have time to develop my list for next year don't I?
Echo Burning
done and done.While hitchhiking through Texas, Reacher accepts what seems to be a ride with perfect timing. In reality it is a ride that entangles him in a domestic dispute and the politics of small-town Texas. Look out baddies Reacher is coming!
I enjoyed this book but, I think it suffered from the not uncommon mid series slump syndrome. The story started out great with Reacher as usual stumbling into someone else's trouble and making it his own. But it quickly devolved into Reacher following his gut through some very implausible circumstances because he "just knew". Even finding the last bad guy by following his hunches. It just didn't quite work for me. What did work was the author's description of the Texas heat. Reading about the blistering heat while enduring a similar heat wave of our own here at the end of summer was strangely enjoyable.
3 Reacher all up in his feels stars
Quotes I liked:
“Life is endlessly capable of surprises, so he knew one day he would come face to face with his physical equal. With somebody who might worry him. But he looked and saw this wasn’t the day. So he just smiled and looked away again.”
― Lee Child, Echo Burning
Listening to Deadline by Mira Grant. Zombie, zombie, zombie (when you read that pretend you are listening to The Cranberries song, that is how it sounded in my head).
Deadline finished!Half the team may be only a ghost in Shaun Mason's head but the news goes on. He tries to keep the reporting network they started running long enough to avenge his sister's death. Unfortunately, the conspiracy keeps getting larger the more he uncovers. Now he and his crew of reporters are just trying to keep far enough ahead of the news to stay alive.
There is not a lot of direct zombie contact (that's a good thing as far as the characters are concerned) in this book but the story with its ever-growing conspiracy is entertaining. Sadly, book 2 does leave us with a lot on unanswered questions so on to book 3. Lightweight and somewhat predictable but a good time.
3 zombie mosquitoes stars
Quotes I liked:
“I just find it interesting that kids apparently used to cry when Bambi's mother died. George and I both held our breaths, and then cheered when she didn't reanimate and try to eat her son.”
― Mira Grant, Deadline
“I recommend Avon Skin-So-Soft. It’s a bath product. It smells like someone fed a Disney Princess through a juicer, but it works better than anything else on the market.”
― Mira Grant, Deadline
Mod
Deadline finished!Half the team may be only a ghost in Shaun Mason's head but the news goes on. He tries to keep the reporting network they started runn..."
I agree. I did like this more than 3 stars, but I totally get it. Wait til you read 3..... gee willikers. LOL
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Deadline finished!Half the team may be only a ghost in Shaun Mason's head but the news goes on. He tries to keep the reporting network ..."
I don't consider 3 stars a bad rating Alondra. I enjoyed the book. For me 3 stars just means that there was nothing exceptional about the book to push it up to 4 stars. 5 stars to me means it left me with that I wish this book would never end feeling or that I'm going to be thinking about this for a long time feeling. Deadline was fun and entertaining but I do think there could have been more zombies.
Mod
Deadline finished!Half the team may be only a ghost in Shaun Mason's head but the news goes on. He tries to keep the re..."
There could have definitely been more zombies. The zombies are only background amidst all the drama and character dynamics.
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Deadline finished!Half the team may be only a ghost in Shaun Mason's head but the news goes on. He tri..."
To be fair they did introduce zombie mosquitoes which is pretty cool. Maybe that deserves at least another half star.
Mod
LOL!! Omg.... :D
Winding this list down with
The Brass Verdict.The Lincoln is back on the road and Mickey is back in the game. He inherited a number of cases from a colleague including one very high stakes case. Unfortunately, the former colleague was murdered and if Mickey doesn't move carefully, he may be next. How can he win the case without any more casualties?
I enjoyed the second in the series as much as the first. Maybe even more. We got a little deeper into all the characters. There were plenty of twists and turns and an appearance by Bosch. I love that Mickey always defends his guilty clients but somehow justice is still served.
4 rigged jury stars.
Quotes I liked:
“Back when I was riding patrol, you know what we called a killing that came down to simple street justice?” “What?” “The brass verdict.”
― Michael Connelly, The Brass Verdict
“The Lincoln lawyer was back on the beat. The Lone Ranger was riding again.”
― Michael Connelly, The Brass Verdict
Michelle wrote: "Winding this list down with The Brass Verdict.The Lincoln is back on the road and Mickey is back in the game. He inherited a number of cases fr..."
I've enjoyed this series, too. Now I'm patiently waiting for the new one expected to be released in Nov.
You're not kidding...you're almost done. Should we get ready for a 4th list? I know you can 🤣🤣🤣
No fourth list Ioana but I think I've discovered the secret to finishing one. Serial Reading.
Michelle wrote: "No fourth list Ioana but I think I've discovered the secret to finishing one. Serial Reading."Whatever your method is, it's working and I'm impressed! I just wished I was as disciplined...oh well.
It seems that I can always squeeze in another book from a series. It's the heavier stuff that bogs me down.
Mod
Thanks Alondra! Honestly, I don't know what has gotten into me, but I do know I'm enjoying reading again and that's great. Reading now includes a lot more listening than it used to but whatever it takes.
Mod
I need to do that one day. My husband has audible and seems to enjoy it. Maybe, one day
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Thanks Alondra! Honestly, I don't know what has gotten into me, but I do know I'm enjoying reading again and that's great. Reading now includes a lot more listening than it used to..."Check out your local library Alondra and use the Libby app. Free books! No hassle, unless you count the dreaded hold list.
Sakes alive! Finished with High Five
Business is slow and to make ends meet Stephanie begins working for Ranger. On the side she is searching for her missing Uncle Fred. It gets complicated but Stephanie manages to bust a money laundering scam, find poor Uncle Fred and resolve a scary stalker situation. All with the help of her zany friends new and old. Also as things cool down with Morelli things heat up with Ranger. Good thing Stephanie always gets her man. Question is which one?
I do love this series. It's nothing but book candy but when I'm in the mood for fun it satisfies my sweet tooth. I think the side characters are as much fun as Stephanie herself. I hope some of the new ones in this book show up again. I don't know how I feel about ramping up the love triangle. I can't say that I'm team Morrelli or team Ranger. I guess I'll just have to keep reading until either Stephanie or I make up our mind.
3 Grandma Mazur fangirl stars.
Quotes I liked:
“Almost everybody I know has died,” Grandma said. “Bunch of wimps.”
― Janet Evanovich, High Five
“You gonna take the case?"
It's not a case. It's a missing person. Sort of."
You're gonna have a devil of a time finding him if it was aliens," Grandma said.”
― Janet Evanovich, High Five
Wow! The way you're going, I think you'll have time for another list. Or just pick a series and finish it.Then we'll crown you queen of the series and humbly bow 🤣
Ioana wrote: "Wow! The way you're going, I think you'll have time for another list. Or just pick a series and finish it.Then we'll crown you queen of the series and humbly bow 🤣"
No more lists for 2023. I'm going to join the rest of you extreme list makers and plan out 2024.
Michelle wrote: "No more lists for 2023. I'm going to join the rest of you extreme list makers and plan out 2024."I've never made one, but I'm considering it...unless I chicken out again. I know I would stray away after the 1st book...
Michelle wrote: "Only two more to go! Oh yeah!"Woohoo! You’re crushing it
Ioana wrote: "I've never made one, but I'm considering it...unless I chicken out again. I know I would stray away after the 1st book..."I really liked these smaller challenges personally. It seemed to be more manageable. I do like the big challenge but I’m thinking of restructuring it slightly. Also, my tbr list has become outrageously long again. Way too many of you reading good books, lol
Mod
I've never made one, but I'm considering it...unless I chicken out again. I know ..."
No way! You don't like the 12+4 because of its restriction. Wow. I was considering not doing it.
If you do decide to do it, we will support you every step of the way.
Mod
So awesome, Michelle!!
:):):)
Thanks, Ioana, Lillie and Alondra! I've really enjoyed these short challenges this year too. I think I finally figured out how to pick the books and how to keep myself coming back to the list. Maybe I can do it again in 2024. Either way its been fun!
Saving some of the best for last. Finished
Night of Miracles.This is the second in Mason series and a sweet follow up to The Story of Arthur Truluv. This book concentrates on Lucille and her final days but also introduces a whole community of new characters. Lucille knows that her days are numbered but continues with her cooking school reaching out to others. She takes on a new assistant and helps her heal. She sits with the boy next door whose mother is battling cancer and gives him comfort and hope. And all the time she bakes her perfect desserts.
Elizabeth Berg has written such a beautiful series. The story is a quiet one but the stellar writing speaks out loud and clear. It tells a story of hope, a story of love and a story of how reaching out to others can change lives. I love when a writer has the skill to take everyday life and highlight all the small miracles that it entails.
4 makes me want a slice of caramel cake stars.
Quotes that I like:
“You take one step of pure and good intention and the universe accommodates.”
― Elizabeth Berg, Night of Miracles
“When Lucille was a girl, a carnival came to town one summer and they had a ride called the Whirligig. You sat in some wooden contraption that jerked you here, there, and everywhere. One minute you’d be going forward, the next backward or sideways or tilted over so far you thought you might fall out. It was never still and you had no idea what might come next. That’s life. You’re born, and you get a ride on the Whirligig.”
― Elizabeth Berg, Night of Miracles
“There’s always hope when a kid—or an adult, for that matter—likes to read.”
― Elizabeth Berg, Night of Miracles
Congratulations on finishing and yay to finishing on a high note!!! You make a good case for picking up Elizabeth Berg again. I was on a reading spree of hers in 2016, I think I read 8 books of hers that year (I've read 10 total). I really enjoyed her work. I think my favorite is Range of Motion.
Lea wrote: "Congratulations on finishing and yay to finishing on a high note!!! You make a good case for picking up Elizabeth Berg again. I was on a reading spree of hers in 2016, I think I read 8 books of h..."
Yes I have read Elizabeth Berg before this series and I did enjoy her writing. I can remember parts of the story vividly but for the life of me I can't remember the title. I always enjoy quiet writers like her who have the gift of making the ordinary extraordinary. I don't know why it takes me so long to get back to their stories. I guess some of my other books are just too loud and they drown out gems like this.
I have one more book on the list to get all 16. It's been a good reading (or actually maybe listening as many of them are audiobooks) year.
Michelle wrote: "Elizabeth Berg has written such a beautiful series. The story is a quiet one but the stellar writing speaks out loud and clear. It tells a story of hope, a story of love and a story of how reaching out to others can change lives. I love when a writer has the skill to take everyday life and highlight all the small miracles that it entails."I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't read any of her books....
Ioana wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Elizabeth Berg has written such a beautiful series. The story is a quiet one but the stellar writing speaks out loud and clear. It tells a story of hope, a story of love and a stor..."No shame Ioana. The books are right there when you are ready for them.
Mod
Alondra wrote: "Congrats on finishing those last two!! Woot!"I still have one to go but thanks Alondra!
Getting ready to start When Clouds Touch Us. After this one I will have read all 16 on this list. What a fun year with all of these lists!
Final book! Final Challenge! Bring on 2024!Completed
When Clouds Touch Us This is a beautiful coming of age young adult book. The story follows the daughter of a refugee family as she transitions from childhood to her teen years while her family struggles to establish themselved in the United States.
The author uses poetry as prose in order to convey the difficulties and confusion this family faces as they adapt to a new country, a new language and a new way of life. It also very effectively captures the disconnect that often occurs between mothers and daughters as daughters enter their teen years. This was a really well written, well thought out book. A book that inspires empathy. It is written I think with middle schoolers in mind, but I would recommend it for anyone.
Quotes that I like:
“Life demands more than the present moment of comfort.”
― Thanhhà Lại, When Clouds Touch Us
I relinquish you to a world unknown to me.
― Thanhhà Lại, When Clouds Touch Us
Last words: everyone in junior high suffers from nerves of a plucked guitar; a few hide it better.
― Thanhhà Lại, When Clouds Touch Us
Contemplate on yourself until you’re a solid anchor, then ensure kindness to family then society then earth. All that from me? You start, pass to your children then their children, who might be positioned to direct fury. Just like Mother to swivel Mỹ Lai into a zen project for grandchildren I don’t have.
― Thanhhà Lại, When Clouds Touch Us
Congratulations, Michelle! I'm so happy for you. You've read some good books that I hope to also read some time. :-)
Lea wrote: "Congratulations, Michelle! I'm so happy for you. You've read some good books that I hope to also read some time. :-)"Thanks Lea! I've had a fun reading year.
Yay, congratulations! It's mid-Nov, I can't wait to see everybody's 2024 list. How many will you have next year?
On The Same Page
Books mentioned in this topic
When Clouds Touch Us (other topics)When Clouds Touch Us (other topics)
Range of Motion (other topics)
Night of Miracles (other topics)
The Story of Arthur Truluv (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Elizabeth Berg (other topics)Michael Connelly (other topics)
Mira Grant (other topics)
Becky Chambers (other topics)
Craig Johnson (other topics)
More...
