Lori’s 2024 “Unfolding” Bingo COMPLETE 10-17-24

[Lori]

Thanks Terris! I’m happy with how it’s unfolded so far. I think you will love Chatterton Square. 🫶

Ive got to figure out a book recommendation from someone. Maybe I’ll take a look at your Japanese lit list and try something different? Hmmm…I could also read a slew of new authors I’ve been meaning to get to: Pym, Whipple, Maxwell…

[Terris]

Lori wrote: "Thanks Terris! I’m happy with how it’s unfolded so far. I think you will love Chatterton Square. 🫶

Ive got to figure out a book recommendation from someone. Maybe I’ll take a look at your Japanese..."

Oh my gosh, I just sat down and made a list of books/authors that I want to read! And I included several by Pym and Whipple, I also love Maxwell and would like to read more by him. Also, J.L. Carr, D.E. Stevenson, Elizabeth Taylor, and E.H. Young. I love those authors so much and can't wait to get back to them!


Regarding Japanese literature, I hope this isn't too much information. But it might be helpful to you starting off in this new genre.

I have read these:

Sayaka Murata - Convenience Store Woman (I loved this one!)

Yoko Ogawa - The Housekeeper and the Professor (This is one of my favorites!)

Michiko Aoyama - What You Are Looking For Is in the Library (I liked this one a lot!)

Toshikazu Kawaguchi - Before the Coffee Gets Cold (It's a good one and seems to be popular. And there are 1-2 more in the series, but I have not read them yet.)

Mieko Kawakami - Breasts and Eggs (I just finished this one -- I ended up liking it a lot, but it's a little different. Lots of women's issues but very credible.)

Kazuo Ishiguro - A Pale View of Hills; An Artist of the Floating World (I like a lot of his books! But as you probably know, most are not Japanese.)

Hiromi Kawakami - The Nakano Thrift Shop (good); Strange Weather in Tokyo (didn't love)

Banana Yoshimoto - Kitchen; Goodbye Tsugumi (these are fine, not my favorite)

Yu Miri - Tokyo Ueno Station (very sad)


I Want to Read:
Durian Sukegawa - Sweet Bean Paste

Makato Shinkai - She and Her Cat

Mieko Kawakami - Heaven

Mai Mochizuki - The Full Moon Coffee Shop (I have this from NetGalley - comes out 8-20-24)

Hope this information is helpful to you, Lori! Maybe you'll find something you like here :)

[Wobbley]

You're making great progress. I haven't read Mary Barton, but I'm in the middle of North and South. I do really enjoy Gaskell!

[Lori]

Wow!! Thank you Terris! Ask and ye shall receive!! I will definitely go through these and some I am already familiar with. So a huge thank you!!! It helps knowing which ones you recommend!!

Wobbley- I still have North and South to read which is exciting! I do enjoy Gaskell!

[Laurie]

Lori, I have read several of the books by Japanese authors that Terris recommended and I also highly recommend the first two in her list. Convenience Store Woman is quirky and possibly not to everyone's taste, but I enjoyed it. The Housekeeper and the Professor is incredibly good.

[Sara, New School Classics]

I can put in another vote for The Housekeeper and the Professor. I've read several on Terris' list and now I have to add the others. Oh my, you guys, you are killing me! I am also in love with the other authors mentioned here and Chatterton Square was a huge winner for me.

[Lori]

Thanks Laurie and Sara! I think I may reread The Housekeeper and the Professor. GR is telling me I have read this one the year I joined (2013) so I guess it’s true! However, I’d like to read this one since it’s been soooooo long and it comes highly recommended by all of you guys! I’m looking forward to it! Yay!

[Milena]

No one asked me, but I also vote for The Housekeeper and the Professor. I have read and liked many on Terris's list, but I just love that book.

[Lori]

Milena! It’s seeming a resounding victory for this lovely book! Thank you for your added encouragement to read this one. I can’t wait!

[Lori]

Ok, Terris, my Japanese shelf is now FULL! Ha ha! 😆 I look forward to diving into these sometime!

My husband and I have watched several Japanese tv shows which has put me in the mood to exploring literature. I can highly recommend watching Tokyo Vice on HBO Max which is based on a memoir by an American journalist in the 90’s.

And of course, we watched the new Shogun series which was soooooo good! Highly recommend. I remember my parents watching the original Shogun when I was little so I’m glad to have a modern version and this one is not overdone. The cinematic elements are fantastic and the actors are superb!

[Sara, New School Classics]

Shogun is just such a good story! I was watching the first one with your parents. Now I feel old. LOL.

[Kathleen]

Your doing great, Lori!

Talk about feeling old ... I didn't even know there was a new Shogun series, but glad it's good! I didn't see the original, but read the book when the old series was on. Since most of your life has passed since then, I think it's time for a re-read! 😉

[Terris]

Lori wrote: "Ok, Terris, my Japanese shelf is now FULL! Ha ha! 😆 I look forward to diving into these sometime!

My husband and I have watched several Japanese tv shows which has put me in the mood to exploring ..."

Well, I think you have enough book ideas to get started!! ;)
I have friends in Tokyo and visited them there (It was a trip of a lifetime!!), and they even visited me about a month ago!! It was wonderful :)
Anyway, I like to read these books to remind me of my trip and I also love thinking "Oh, I've been there! I remember that!" I recently read "Tokyo Ueno Station" (not one of my favorites) to remind me of the area and some of the famous subway stops before my friends came to visit. It took me down memory lane :)

I started Shogun a long time ago but did not finish. Now I think I'll try to get to it soon :)

I am interested in Japanese books that anyone else recommends here. It seems that Japanese literature is more prominent than it used to be. Not sure why, but I like it!

[Wobbley]

I really enjoyed The Sound of the Mountain by Yasunari Kawabata. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "I can put in another vote for The Housekeeper and the Professor. I've read several on Terris' list and now I have to add the others. Oh my, you guys, you are killing me! I am also in love with the ..."

Sorry, not sorry, Sara! I'm glad to be able to recommend books to you, as you do for me. And as is common knowledge, we all have "crushing" TBR lists!! But isn't it fun to have so many wonderful books to look forward to?! We'll never have the problem (like some of my friends) of walking into a library and thinking "I have no idea what to choose." I always know what I want to read (though it may be hard to choose between several!), and I'm usually at the library because I am picking up a book that I ordered. I rarely just pick up off the shelf (though that's not a terrible thing if it looks like a really good one!!).

Just keep reading and enjoying!!! ;)

P.S. Can't wait to read Chatterton Square!

[Lori]

I definitely want to read Shogun now! It’s a long one - maybe a good nominee for a long read in the future?

[Lori]

Terris that trip sounds amazing! I’ve never been to that part of the world before. I am sure it’s incredible and fabulous! And the food!!!! I LOVE Japanese and Thai food!!!

[Lori]

Wobbley thanks for this recommendation which I’ve added to the pile!!

[Terris]

Lori wrote: "Terris that trip sounds amazing! I’ve never been to that part of the world before. I am sure it’s incredible and fabulous! And the food!!!! I LOVE Japanese and Thai food!!!"

Yes, the food was definitely good!! ;)

[Terris]

Wobbley wrote: "I read enjoyed The Sound of the Mountain by Yasunari Kawabata. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968."

I will add this one to my list, Wobbley. It looks interesting. Thanks!

[Brian E]

Wobbley wrote: "I really enjoyed The Sound of the Mountain by Yasunari Kawabata. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968."

I did too, Wobbley. I gave it 5 stars. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My only reservation on recommending the book to others is the subjectivity favtor. I may have identified with the protagonist more than others may be able to. The protagonist is a 62 year old man and his 'status' in the aging process seemed quite similar to mine. (this was published in 1954 so it appears that age 71 may be the 'new' 62).
I really don't think that's much of an issue as my experience has been that most I've read with on here seem to appreciate any well-drawn protagonist. But I still thought it best to point out the possible subjectivity in my assessment of the book.

EDIT: I really enjoyed the recent Shogun miniseries. the production was first class. However, my wife stopped watching early on due to the subtitles giving her a headache and the gruesome moments, including ritual suicides. I told her that's just part of the culture as both of the two Japanese authors I had read the previous month had committed suicide.
Technically, while Yukio Mishima definitely committed suicide, Yasunari Kawabata's death by gassing is considered an 'apparent' suicide as some argue it was an accident.

[Karen]

I also loved "The Housekeeper and the Professor"! One of my all-time favorite books. I just finished Malice. Higashino is one of the most popular mystery novelists in Japan.

[Lori]

Thanks for another mystery crime recommendation, Karen and it’s another locked room mystery!!
I’m beginning to think this is a thing in Japan!

Brian- I’m sorry your wife missed out on Shogun. It was hard to watch those scenes. But it is cultural as you said. I’ve forgotten the term they used already. Interestingly this was a common practice in the other show that I mentioned but this one was set in the 1990s.

[Terris]

Karen wrote: "I also loved "The Housekeeper and the Professor"! One of my all-time favorite books. I just finished Malice. Higashino is one of the most popular mystery novelists in Japan."

That looks like a good one, Karen! I'm adding it to "the list" ;)

[Lori]

2024 BINGO is COMPLETE!!

I have neglected to keep up with my books here but not with the reading! So I'll list the last 10 books that I have read for the challenge here all at once.

B1 Classic Nobel or Pulitzer Lamb in His Bosom - Caroline Miller - 5 stars and one I'm glad to have read.

B4 Classic written before 1700 Young Women Love God Greatly Bible: A SOAP Method Study Bible

I spent from January until July of this year reading through the Bible with a group of ladies who wanted to complete a read through from Genesis to Revelation. I used the Bible listed above. I highly recommend doing this if you have never done it.

I4 Classic Prize winning female author Miss Mole - E.H. Young 4 stars
I read 2 books by this author this year and greatly enjoyed them both and look forward to more!

I5 Rec by a group member The Housekeeper and the Professor - 4 stars

Thank you Terris for the rec! I loved it so much!

N4 A classic of the sea The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway - 4 stars

Because we all should read this one in our lifetime.

N5 Literature class book - The Yearling - Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings - 5 stars

An easy favorite and one I want to revisit one day.

G2 21st Century potential classic Table for Two - Amor Towles - 5 stars

One of my favorite authors and an easy choice for this category! My favorite read so far this year.

O1 Classic begged, borrowed or stole Good Morning, Midnight - Jean Rhys - 3 stars

This was the last one I read for the challenge. I had Angela’s Ashes slotted for this one because I literally "borrowed" this from my mother in law decades ago and have never read it, so now it feels stolen!
However, I received Good Morning Midnight from Sara last year when I borrowed a book that got passed around to several of us which was Whose Names Are Unknown by Sanora Babb. To make a really long story short, I decided that Good Morning, Midnight would fit this category! Thanks Sara!

O2 Classic Children's Book Pollyanna - Eleanor H. Porter - 4 stars

Such a delight of a book!

O3 Classic found on Literature map.com The Dollmaker - Harriette Simpson Arnow
5 huge stars

I used John Ehle author of The Land Breakers as my search.

Whew! That does it for BINGO this year! It unfolded very nicely and now I can try to finish my New and Old Buffet challenge!!!

[Janelle]

Congratulations, Lori! Lots of great books there. 🎉🎉🎉

[Kyle Fitch]

Lori,

Super impressive!! Love that you read through the entire Bible with friends! I usually read a passage everyday from the One Year Bible myself. This Bingo thing looks fun! I hope to play it eventually!

[Lori]

Janelle wrote: "Congratulations, Lori! Lots of great books there. 🎉🎉🎉"

Thanks so much Janelle! I enjoyed this year’s reads overall!

[Lori]

Kyle Fitch wrote: "Lori,

Super impressive!! Love that you read through the entire Bible with friends! I usually read a passage everyday from the One Year Bible myself. This Bingo thing looks fun! I hope to play it ..."

Thanks Kyle! It was amazing to read larger chunks at one time - like 10-12 chapters. We had Zooms every other week to talk about what each of us gleaned from our readings. I loved it.

You should plan to do Bingo next year! It’s super fun!

[Sara, New School Classics]

Congratulations, Lori. You had some great books on that last list! I am itching to get my hands on the Towles...I do love him and you saying it is your favorite this year makes waiting impossible! (Glad Midnight fit in somewhere!)

[Kathleen]

Congrats, Lori, and what a lovely list! I'm inspired to read Towles, and may even read the Hemingway. :-) Looking forward planning for next year ...

[Lori]

Sara wrote: "Congratulations, Lori. You had some great books on that last list! I am itching to get my hands on the Towles...I do love him and you saying it is your favorite this year makes waiting impossible! ..."

Thanks Sara! I hope you get the Towles soon. I loved reading it! He is just so good. The stories are all so different just like his books.

[Lori]

Kathleen wrote: "Congrats, Lori, and what a lovely list! I'm inspired to read Towles, and may even read the Hemingway. :-) Looking forward planning for next year ..."

Thanks Kathleen! The Hemingway is short and quick if you need a spot to fill. Looking forward to seeing the bingo board for next year!

[Sara, New School Classics]

LOL. It tickles me how some of us hardly finish the 2024 board and start thinking about the one for 2025. I think we might be hard-core, Lori.

[Terris]

Congratulations on a great finish, Lori! You read so many wonderful books! I was so glad to read "Lamb in His Bosom" together. I got so much more out of it that way.
And I loved many others on your list. Glad you enjoyed "Table for Two" so much! So did I! I really enjoy Towles's writing .

And, now on to planning for 2025!!! Lots to look forward to ;)

[Lynn]

Congratulations on completing your Bingo! I see a couple of books in your list that I love! Mansfield Park is my favorite Jane Austen. I also liked Pollyanna and the Housekeeper and the Professor. I am glad you had so many 4 and 5* books.

[Shaina]

Congratulations, Lori! So many 4 and 5 star reads. Looks like you had a wonderful time reading these books. Chatterton Square is one of my favourites, and I'm glad you loved it, too. I see you read the first Phryne Fisher book Cocaine Blues. I recommend watching the series. It's short but very well made. I think I will continue reading the series in 2025 ;)

[Wobbley]

Wow, it looks like you enjoyed every one of those last 10 books. That's amazing, and must feel so rewarding! Well done completing your 2024 Bingo.

[Laurie]

Congrats, Lori! It looks like it was a great year reading your bingo books.

[Lori]

Thanks Laurie, Wobbley and Shaina!

Shaina, I have watched the Phrynne Fisher series years ago but only a couple of episodes. I can't find it anywhere to stream for free right now so I'll wait. Maybe in the meantime I'll read some more of the series - which was very different.

[Lori]

Thanks Lynn and Terris!

It's been a very fun year to let the Bingo unfold.

Terris, I won't forget Lamb in His Bosom. So glad we read it together too!

Sara, I may have been called hard-core at certain things in my life but never at reading and reading challenges. I think I like it!!

[Veronique]

Congratulations on completing the Bingo!

I also love The Housekeeper and the Professor.
And such a nice thing to be able to chat Dune with your husband :O)

[Cynda]

Congrats Lori. I agree that Pollyanna is a delight to read! There is a sequel Pollyanna Grows Up which is on my possibilities stack. If you are interested in that book too, let me know.

[Terry]

I’m glad you had s great year of reading, Lori!

[Sue]

Congratulations on your blackout, Lori! I was like you and didn't fill in all my reads until that last two months. I didn't have a lot of time to get on the computer and I hate updating Goodreads on my phone.