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2024- Book Prompt Challenge
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Lindsey's 2024 Book Challenge
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Lindsey wrote: "Finally updated my Prompt List!Only 7 more prompts to fill. I got a bit off-track and read several books that won't apply, but I'm going to look through everyone's lists and see if I can get some ..."
Terrific, Lindsey. I like reading your thoughts on your selections. I've added two to my TBR, as a result. I'll comment on the last book because i read & liked it very much too. I hope another of his books will be translated soon, as this one was "sweet", pun intended.
Lindsey wrote: "Finally updated my Prompt List!Only 7 more prompts to fill. I got a bit off-track and read several books that won't apply, but I'm going to look through everyone's lists and see if I can get some ..."
Well done, Lindsey ! It's great so see that your recent prompt reads were all ones you enjoyed.
I read and also enjoyed Sweet Bean Paste
madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Finally updated my Prompt List!Only 7 more prompts to fill. I got a bit off-track and read several books that won't apply, but I'm going to look through everyone's lists and see if..."
It was so sweet! I too would love to read another by this author.
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Finally updated my Prompt List!Only 7 more prompts to fill. I got a bit off-track and read several books that won't apply, but I'm going to look through everyone's lists and see if..."
Thank you!
Completed 2 prompts this past week:#30- Sports F/NF
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
4 stars; my thoughts in the August Book Salon.
#38 - Weather Related F/NF
The Inheritance
4 stars; also shared in the Book Salon
Well done, Lindsey. I still have to do the weather prompt.
I can't tell from the synopsis what the weather event was in Inheritance. Sorry if you mentioned this already. I must have missed it. Thanks !
Lindsey wrote: "Completed 2 prompts this past week:#30- Sports F/NF
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
4 stars; my thoughts in the August Book Salon.
#38 - Weather Related F/NF
[book:The ..."
Congratulations, Lindsey! They both look like winners. The praise for Inheritance is very favorable, i'm tempted to read it.
Thank you for sharing & continued success to you!
Alias Reader wrote: "Well done, Lindsey. I still have to do the weather prompt.
I can't tell from the synopsis what the weather event was in Inheritance. Sorry if you mentioned this already. I must have missed it. T..."
I failed to mention - The book was a murder mystery first & foremost but took place on an island during terrible Scottish storms. The storm wasn't the main focus but supported the murder (as well as the cover up and other twists and surprises along the way).
madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Completed 2 prompts this past week:#30- Sports F/NF
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
4 stars; my thoughts in the August Book Salon.
#38 - Weather Related..."
Thank you!
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed The Inheritance. Both for the genre as well as it being the author's debut novel.
Lindsey wrote: I failed to mention - The book was a murder mystery first & foremost but took place on an island during terrible Scottish storms. The storm wasn't the main focus but supported the murder (as well as the cover up and other twists and surprises along the way).
..."
Got it ! Thanks for the quick reply.
Lindsey wrote: "The book was a murder mystery first & foremost but took place on an island during terrible Scottish storms...."What a perfect setting for a murder mystery, imo.
Popping back in to add my most recent additions:✔️ 4- History
Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York's Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist
⭐⭐
I SO wanted to love this one. Maybe my expectations were too high? But it was so dry and the person reading the audio gave the characters bizarre accents and I just couldn't get past it. DNFd at around 30%.
✔️ 25- A book published before you were born
This was a re-read (From probably middle school!)
I was a little surprised at just how little I remembered of this book. Mainly, I remember how I *felt* (I recall loving it). Of course, it didn't live up to its original magic, but I didn't really expect it to. It was still a wonderful story and I'm even more impressed with how well this book has aged over the years. Other than a few "older" expressions & words, it's totally relevant for kids to read today.
Lindsey wrote: "Popping back in to add my most recent additions:✔️ 4- History
Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York's Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist..."
Thanks for keeping us in mind, Lindsey. And particular thanks to you for the comments on Jennifer Wright book. What a disappointment.
I wonder if you would have liked it better if it weren't an audio book? Sometimes i wonder about that, as many here have written about how audio enhances books.
How neat to know the Madeleine L'Engle stands up time. It was a favorite of my daughter. While i liked it, too, of course, she loved it.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Lindsey wrote: "Popping back in to add my most recent additions:"
Thanks for sharing, Lindsey.
I've never read A Wrinkle in Time but I always see it mentioned on lists, Lindsey. I also recall that on the TV show The Big Bang Theory Leonard was reading it in one episode. :)
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Popping back in to add my most recent additions:"
Thanks for sharing, Lindsey.
I've never read A Wrinkle in Time but I always see it mentioned on lists, Lindsey...."
I must have missed that episode! (or just missed that he was reading it). I used to love the Big Bang Theory :)
I'm not sure I'd recommend A Wrinkle in Time to most adults now. It was definitely a nostalgic read. I could see kids today enjoying it though. I imagine it made for a good movie (I haven't seen it personally).
madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: You may be right about the audio for this one. Though I fear it would still have been a bit dry.
I've definitely listened to some audiobooks where the narrator really made the book come to life. Ken Follett 's Kingsbridge Series is a good example of this. His audio reader is fantastic.
Lindsey wrote: I must have missed that episode! (or just missed that he was reading it). I used to love the Big Bang Theory :)."I recall it's an episode where there are on a train traveling somewhere and he is reading it. I don't think it's even mentioned. I just always look to see the titles on books. ;)
Alias Reader wrote: "I recall it's an episode where there are on a train traveling somewhere and he is reading it. I don't think it's even mentioned. I just always look to see the titles on books. ..."Sign of a true book nerd, eh? I do the same thing. For me, it's one of the regrets of e-books, you cannot know what other people are reading on mass transit. Sad.
lol
madrano wrote: "Sign of a true book nerd, eh? I do the same thing. For me, it's one of the regrets of e-books, you cannot know what other people are reading on mass transit. Sad..."Also with eBooks you can't browse a book shelf in someone's home. Heck, many won't even have a book shelf.
James wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Catching up... Life has been hectic, but I've managed to read (& listen to) a few. ..."Nice catch-up, Lindsey, congratulations and thank you!"
I listen to audiobooks when I exercise and I love them.
Rachel wrote:I listen to audiobooks when I exercise and I love them...."
I wish my gym didn't blast their music. Almost everyone wears headphones at the gym. So their blasting music only makes everyone turn up the volume on their phones to an unsafe level. It's crazy. I've complained but nothing is done. :( They even have the music in the dressing room ! There are days I just can't listen to my audiobook as the music is too loud.
I only mention this as it seems there is hardly anywhere one can go where there isn't ambient noise. I know I'm sensitive to noise. I say noise others may say the radio, music or TV. LOL. Anyway, rant over.
Alias Reader wrote: "I only mention this as it seems there is hardly anywhere one can go where there isn't ambient noise. I know I'm sensitive to noise. I say noise others may say the radio, music or TV. LOL. Anyway, rant over..."Not so fast, Alias! I, too, want to rant. lol
When dining out, we try to frequent local eateries. We are amazed at the number of locally-owned restaurants that pump up the volume for dining. Not tv, just music. In some places, the acoustics are bad enough without the added sounds.
We've mentioned this to the owners, to no avail. (Possibly they just think it's old people, complaining.) At this point there are four restaurants (& not huge ones), we no longer frequent, for that reason alone. To be fair, if we Really Liked the food, we would probably order take out but it isn't worth that effort, imo.
I agree, deb. It's everywhere. Restaurants, gyms, grocery stores etc. . What is wrong with silence ? There are many restaurants that I simple can not hear the people I am dining with without shouting. It defeats the whole purpose of eating out with friends.
I think that is why some people don't like to read. They don't like the quiet reflection of their own thoughts.
madrano wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "I recall it's an episode where there are on a train traveling somewhere and he is reading it. I don't think it's even mentioned. I just always look to see the titles on books. ..."I'm always the weirdo who asks what someone's reading if I can't see the cover/if it's on a tablet :) I've gotten some interesting titles from strangers!
Alias Reader wrote: "I agree, deb. It's everywhere. Restaurants, gyms, grocery stores etc. . What is wrong with silence ? There are many restaurants that I simple can not hear the people I am dining with without shou..."
That's an interesting thought Alias.
I've often wondered if the increase in music volume at restaurants is simply because many aren't actually holding conversations anyway. They're eating and looking at their phones!
When my mother comes to town, we chose restaurants based on noise as much as the food.
Lindsey wrote: "I've often wondered if the increase in music volume at restaurants is simply because many aren't actually holding conversations anyway. They're eating and looking at their phones!"So true. Phone addiction is a real thing. :( Also the constant doom scrolling. It's not healthy.
Even at family gatherings after a while I see people taking out their phones. In fact, it's the rare place I don't see people pull out their phones.
I also hate phones at a dinner table or in restaurants.
Finished my second-to-last prompt!I actually read two for this one, both books I found on group members' 25-Prompt Lists (thank you!)
✔️ 36- a book about one of your 5 senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste) F/NF
El Deafo by Cece Bell
Very cute graphic novel that I read with one of my daughters. It's about a young girl who loses her hearing around age 5 and her struggles with fitting in as a result.
And:
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
I really enjoyed this one. The reimagining of Nathaniel Hawthorne and his Scarlet Letter was very creative.
Lindsey wrote: "I'm always the weirdo who asks what someone's reading if I can't see the cover/if it's on a tablet :) I've gotten some interesting titles from strangers..."Weirdo or smarto? I think it's neat to be asked what i'm reading. But i seldom get up the nerve to ask. Elsewhere on this Book Nook Cafe board, we were discussing cruises. I will say here that i have no trepidation in asking those on ships what they are reading. First of all, many have borrowed books from the ship's library, meaning i may be able to get my hands on a copy later. lol
The other reason is because we generally have plenty of time to talk about books. And it seems we readers like to seek one another out!
Lindsey wrote: "many aren't actually holding conversations anyway. They're eating and looking at their phones!..."Good point, Lindsey.
The worst meal we ever had in San Antonio wasn't because of the food. Cousins from Ohio were visiting my then-80-year-old in-laws. They selected a restaurant from an online source, which only mentioned the food highly. The disaster was that we could not carry on a conversation, due to the acoustics--3 TVs going, as well as music on the system. That, plus the challenges of talking to older people ruined the experiences. It was only later that we all agreed we liked the food but would never recommend the place.
Lindsey wrote: "Finished my second-to-last prompt!I actually read two for this one, both books I found on group members' 25-Prompt Lists (thank you!)..."
Congratulations, Lindsey. The Bell graphic novel sounds very good & i've written down the title.
Like you, i found the novel that features Hawthorne very appealing. It's neat to know there are several of us on the board who liked it.
Lindsey wrote: "Finished my second-to-last prompt!I actually read two for this one, both books I found on group members' 25-Prompt Lists (thank you!)
✔️ 36- a book about one of your 5 senses (touch, sight, hear..."
✔️ 36- a book about one of your 5 senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste) F/NF
El Deafo by Cece Bell
Very cute graphic novel that I read with one of my daughters. It's about a young girl who loses her hearing around age 5 and her struggles with fitting in as a result.
That sounds like an excellent book to read with a younger person. Books like this I think encourage empathy.
Good job on the prompt !
madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "I'm always the weirdo who asks what someone's reading if I can't see the cover/if it's on a tablet :) I've gotten some interesting titles from strangers..."Weirdo or smarto? I thi..."
I've only been on one cruise, yeaaars ago. It does seem like the perfect time to enjoy a few books (& find other fellow readers!).
I'm always on the hunt for readers in my neighborhood to swap books with :)
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Finished my second-to-last prompt!I actually read two for this one, both books I found on group members' 25-Prompt Lists (thank you!)
✔️ 36- a book about one of your 5 senses (to..."
Very true! It brought up some great discussion (especially when kids in the book were rude or mean, or thought they were being kind but weren't).
Thanks!
Lindsey wrote: "I'm always on the hunt for readers in my neighborhood to swap books with ..."Good luck with that, Lindsey. My daughter lived in Phoenix for a few months earlier this year. Her neighbors had one of those "Little Free" libraries in their front yard. While looking at the books they had on offer, she met another neighbor, so they talked books awhile. From then on, whenever she ran into the woman (both were the walking sort), they asked on another about what they were reading. Neat.
I've not had success finding readers near me but, at the present, since we seldom stay in one rental longer than 10 weeks, i don't much try. However, my husband, who walks further & faster than i do, has run into readers on his adventures. He's a loquacious man, so this may explain that. I get the vicarious pleasure of learning about other books this way. :-)
madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "I'm always on the hunt for readers in my neighborhood to swap books with ..."Good luck with that, Lindsey. My daughter lived in Phoenix for a few months earlier this year. Her nei..."
How fun! I adore the Little Free Libraries in my neighborhood. I'm in the middle of the city, so we have at least 20 within a short walk's distance. Spoiled with all of the free book offerings!
I can't say I've ever met someone at one. Although I tend to only approach when no one's there and pass by if someone is... I'm not quite the social butterfly that it sounds like your husband is :)
Lindsey wrote: "I can't say I've ever met someone at one. Although I tend to only approach when no one's there and pass by if someone is... I'm not quite the social butterfly that it sounds like your husband is ..."I'm like you. Indeed, i would specifically visit one of those "Free Libraries" when no one was around.
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Yellow Wife (other topics)Hester (other topics)
El Deafo (other topics)
Hester (other topics)
El Deafo (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Cece Bell (other topics)Laurie Lico Albanese (other topics)
Ken Follett (other topics)
Madeleine L'Engle (other topics)
Jennifer Wright (other topics)
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Only 7 more prompts to fill. I got a bit off-track and read several books that won't apply, but I'm going to look through everyone's lists and see if I can get some inspiration for my final few.
I won't list every single book I've just added, but here are a few standouts from my recent prompts:
#11 - Political, social science or governments F/NF
How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This novel is set in a small village somewhere in Africa (country unnamed). American pipelines are poisoning the water and killing children, but the local government cares more for money and power than they do for the villagers' wellbeing. Both heartbreaking and beautifully written, it's "fictional" but all too true.
#10 Mystery, Thriller, Suspence
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don't read much mystery/thriller but was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. Strange story, well-written, and kept me listening (audio narration was very good.)
22- Debut Novel
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This definitely doesn't read as a "debut" novel. The author's writing is just beautiful and so raw, full of emotion. Set in E Oakland, this story follows Kiara as she and her brother navigate life without their parents, trying to pay rent and make ends meet. Kiara has to make decisions that no one should ever have to face and brings to light some real issues few of us have had to deal with.
35- about a disability or character has a disability F/NF
Almond by Sohn Won-Pyung
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Translated from Korean, Almond is about a young boy named Yunjae who is born with a condition called Alexithymia. This condition makes it hard for him to feel emotions such as anger, fear, sadness. It's a short, sweet novel following Yunjae's life as he struggles to fit in and navigate a world he doesn't quite understand.
47- Translated into English
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a Hoopla (audio library) referral that popped up in my App. I'm so glad it did - it's such a wonderfully sweet novel full of the nuances of humanity.
Translated from Japanese (& set in Japan), we meet Sentaro, a disillusioned middle-aged man with a criminal background who runs a dorayaki shop. An elderly woman, Tokue, enters his life and changes everything.
Highly recommend if you still need this prompt filled!