John's 2024 Book Challenge

[madrano]

Neat topic, too, John. Congratulations on marking another prompt off the list. And thanks for the title, i've added it to my tbr, as it appeals to me.

[John]

Spiritual/Inspirational (17)

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

I'd never read this one before! Doesn't get more "inspirational" I'd say. Full of great ideas for avoiding, or resolving, conflict. I use some of the approaches already, but it was great seeing how Carnegie and others handled challenging
situations, not dated at all to me.

[madrano]

Neat, John. I remember hearing about that book all my life but haven't read it. That it isn't dated says much, too.

Congrats on another prompt accomplished!

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Spiritual/Inspirational (17)

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

I'd never read this one before! Doesn't get more "inspirational" I'd say. Full of g..."

Wonderful choice !

I purchased the paperback years ago. I think it was an amazon sale item.

I still recall the advice to use people names. People love to see or hear their own name. I should re-read or listen to it again.

Thanks, John. ;)

[John]

More than 500 pages (45)

Around Africa on My Bicycle by Riaan Manser


This was the pick up - put down book on my phone until I finished it yesterday, took quite a while. Amazing achievement, really appreciated all the kind people he met along the way.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "More than 500 pages (45)

Around Africa on My Bicycle by Riaan Manser


This was the pick up - put down book on my phone until I finished it yesterday, took quite a ..."

Sounds like a good one and also one I would read if it weren't 500 pages !

Well done on the prompt, John !

[madrano]

John wrote: "More than 500 pages (45)

Around Africa on My Bicycle by Riaan Manser


This was the pick up - put down book on my phone until I finished it yesterday, took quite a ..."

It's a biggie! But the topic must be absorbing. It's those entanglements with officials which would scare me most. What a neat achievement, though.

Congrats...and thanks for sharing the title with us.

[Alias Reader]

I just looked at Around Africa on my Bicycle GoodReads has it listed as 705 pages, Paperback ! Amazon says it's 831 pages on Kindle.

John does the book also include photos ? How about maps ?

Thanks !

[John]

Here's the thing ...

I owned a copy of the paperback, which is quite literally a square-shaped brick, door-stopper. Decided to read the ebook when I realized how difficult it'd be to hold the book itself in my hands!

The ebook had no pics or maps. Don't recall if the paperback did.

[Alias Reader]

Thanks, John.

That's too bad about photos or a map. :(

I, too, prefer eBooks especially when they are big tomes.

[John]

Short stories or essays (49)

A Left-Handed Woman: Essays by Judith Thurman

Overall, more ... intellectual than I might've liked. As with most essay collections, some interested me more than others. I wasn't really target audience, but almost all held my interest to some extent.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Short stories or essays (49)

A Left-Handed Woman: Essays by Judith Thurman

Overall, more ... intellectual than I might've liked. As with most essay collections, som..."

Well done on the prompt, John. I also appreciate you going a bit outside of your comfort zone.

[madrano]

Nice reach, John. Thurman's writing just doesn't call to me. I began her Isak Dineson: The Life of a Storyteller several times over the years but her writing didn't engage me. I suppose i should try this work again but there are so many others.

Regardless, congratulations on finishing this prompt.

[John]

Published in 2024 (26) and Country You Don't Live In (48)

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

My library had a copy of this Booker-nominated title on the New Books shelf, so I took it home with me. Will likely get four stars in my later review. It's one that's tough to comment on without spoilers, but here I'll say I'm glad I read it, can easily recommend the book to others.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Published in 2024 (26)

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

My library had a copy of this Booker-nominated title on the New Books shelf, so I took it home with me..."

Well done on the prompt, John. I just looked at your list of prompts and the green check marks. You are doing quite well on the challenge. Nice job !

I'm not familiar with the author or the title. I'll check it out on Amazon. Thanks !

[madrano]

John wrote: "Published in 2024 (26)

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

My library had a copy of this Booker-nominated title on the New Books shelf, so I took it home with me..."

Sounds intriguing, John. Thanks for the note about it.

And, congratulations on another prompt fulfilled.

[John]

Travel (14)

A Visit to Don Otavio: A Mexican Journey by Sybille Bedford

Really liked her essays in As It Was: Pleasures, Landscapes and Justice, so bought this one. Likely a four star review for the way she relates the farcical adventures.

[madrano]

John, i marvel at the books you read, grateful you share the titles and your thoughts about them. This one sounds very good. I've not heard of Bedford but can see she covered plenty of landscape, as well as intellectual "scape", so to speak.

Good choice for this Challenge prompt!

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Travel (14)

A Visit to Don Otavio: A Mexican Journey by Sybille Bedford

Really liked her essays in As It Was: Pleasures, Landscapes and Justice, so b..."

I see she passed away in 2006. (age 94)

She took this trip in the 1940s That's why I looked her up to see if she had done a more recent one.

Thank you for the title and this new to me author.

Well done on the prompt, as usual, John !

[John]

madrano wrote: "John, i marvel at the books you read, grateful you share the titles and your thoughts about them. This one sounds very good. I've not heard of Bedford but can see she covered plenty of landscape, a..."

Kind words from you both much appreciated. I'm quite impressed with how others handle the challenge as well. Mine are heavily skewed towards nonfiction, though I try to balance things as much as possible.

[Alias Reader]

I think both deb and I also enjoy non fiction more. That is one reason we enjoy your selections so much !

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "I think both deb and I also enjoy non fiction more. That is one reason we enjoy your selections so much !"

Exactly!

The titles you share with us are ones which often end up on my TBR, as a result.

[John]

Translated into English (47)

The Wandering Jews by Joseph Roth (from German)

I could've used another book for multiple including this one, but as it's relatively short, and I liked his The Hotel Years, I knocked off this TBR item.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Translated into English (47)

A masterpiece of twentieth-century history, only recently rediscovered in Germany, appears for the first time in English

Good selection, John. I see the blurb mentions Night That book left me speechless. I literally couldn't see the last few pages through my tears.

I used the Amazon Read Inside feature and see that Elie Wiesel wrote a comment at the start of The Wandering Jews.

I'm going to add this to my TBR notebook. Thanks !

Well done on the prompt. I looked over your challenge list. You are doing really well.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Translated into English (47)

The Wandering Jews by Joseph Roth (from German).."

Nicely accomplished prompt, John. Although it is a short book, it sounds deep.

I appreciate the introduction to the book and author, John.

[John]

Senses (36)

Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World by Gretchen Rubin

Textbook example of serendipity! I had (tentatively) selected another title for this one, though its mixed reviews gave me pause. Was at the library looking through the psychology shelves for that prompt when I noticed this book nearby! Not a bad choice at all as I'll explain further in my review.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Senses (36)

Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World by Gretchen Rubin

Textbook example of serendipity! I had (tentati..."

Neat, John. Alias Reader follows Rubin's videos and such, sharing bits with us. I hope you enjoy it as much as AR did.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Senses (36)

Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World by Gretchen Rubin

Textbook example of serendipity! I had (tentati..."

I'm glad you enjoyed the Gretchen Rubin book, John. I enjoyed it, too !

It's a perfect fit for the prompt.

[John]

Immigration (56)

Traveling Heavy: A Memoir in between Journeys by Ruth Behar

I had some qualms about this TBR book, but was looking to use some expiring Audible credit, so got it for this prompt. Came away with mixed feelings, another tricky review to write soon. For now, I'll leave it that I was left with doubts about her objectivity, nor was the material truly general interest to me; however, I want to be fair as it was well-written.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Immigration (56)

Traveling Heavy: A Memoir in between Journeys by Ruth Behar

I had some qualms about this TBR book, but was looking to use some expiring Audible cr..."

Well done on the prompt, John. Also nice to use your credits before they expired.

Sounds as if the book didn't meet your expectations. :(
I look forward to your review.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Immigration (56)

Traveling Heavy: A Memoir in between Journeys by Ruth Behar

I had some qualms about this TBR book, but was looking to use some expiring Audible cr..."

I've not heard of this book/author, however, this line from the GR blurb made me curious. "Behar calls herself an anthropologist who specializes in homesickness." This sounds like a unique approach. I look forward to your further comments on the book, John.

Congrats on completing this prompt.

[John]

Disabled character (35)

Carnival of Criminals by Evelyn James

Fourth in a series of 33 titles, but this is the last one available as an audiobook. Main character runs a detective agency in an era where women were not allowed to be on a police force (as in 99% of history). Her brother was wounded in WW I, coming home a parapalegic helping her with cases. In this story, he has his own case, a sub-plot separate from the main mystery.

[Alias Reader]

Well done on the prompt, John.

That sure is a long series ! It sounds good.

[John]

Humorous story (6)

Three Cheers for Lucia!: A New Mapp and Lucia Novel by Ian Shepherd

The original stories by E.F. Benson were written almost as farces of small-town British life between the Wars. After his death in 1940, there have been a few "updates" on the town published. This one gives closure as the postwar world approaches (QE II coronated in the book).

[Alias Reader]

Well done on the prompt, John.

I've not heard of this author before. Thanks for bringing him to my attention.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Disabled character (35)

Carnival of Criminals by Evelyn James

Fourth in a series of 33 titles, but this is the last one available as an audiobook. Main character..."

I'm pleased to learn about this "new" series, John. New to me, that is. This one sounds particularly intriguing.

Congratulations on fulfilling the prompt so nicely.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Humorous story (6)

Three Cheers for Lucia!: A New Mapp and Lucia Novel by Ian Shepherd

The original stories by E.F. Benson were written almost ..."

I appreciate your comments on the series, John. I've seen one of the tv presentations & wasn't impressed. Your explanation may explain that.

How neat that you found this one. Congrats on this book for the prompt.

[John]

Mystery/Thriller/Suspense (10)

The Fine Art of Uncanny Prediction by Robert Goddard

For soms reason I thought this would be a direct sequel to the first book, which it is not. The use of parallel timelines took some getting used to, but in the end worked to bring the story together. While the first was a solid thriller, this one seemed more procedural to me. I would read a third book featuring Wada, but if there isn't one, that's okay, too.

[Alias Reader]

Well done on the prompt, John ! I enjoy looking over your completed list. You are doing really well.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Mystery/Thriller/Suspense (10)

The Fine Art of Uncanny Prediction by Robert Goddard

For soms reason I thought this would be a direct sequel to the first book, which..."

Tonight i'm having problems with links, so i'll try to read more about the book tomorrow. The title sounds tempting, though.

[John]

Book published before you were born (25)

Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey (1949)

Used an Audible credit for this one based on tbe sample, excellent narration. The title was familiar as I recalled the main character's unusual name from the film listing at Masterpiece Theatre decades ago (never saw it myself). More to say in later review, as usual.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Book published before you were born (25)

Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey (1949)

Used an Audible credit for this one based on tbe sample, excellent narration. The title w..."

Well done on the prompt, John.

I see it was a TV movie in 1986.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090401/

Amazon has the kindle book for $1 and if you belong to Audible the audio is also just a $1.

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "John wrote: "Book published before you were born (25)

Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey (1949)

Used an Audible credit for this one based on tbe sample, excellent narration..."

I can recommend the Kindle book if you're interested.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Book published before you were born (25)

Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey (1949)

Used an Audible credit for this one based on tbe sample, excellent narration. The title w..."

I've read two Tey mysteries and thought both were fine. Neither was the "usual" mystery, though. If i try another, this will be the one. I can see why that first name would be one to remember.

Well done, John, on the prompt.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey (1949)

Used an Audible credit for this one based on tbe sample, excellent narration..."

I can recommend the Kindle book if you're interested..."

I never heard of the author Tey. I see my library has a bio of her
Josephine Tey: A Life by Jennifer Morag Henderson as well as other books by Tey.
and also some of her other books.

[madrano]

Tey's The Daughter of Time caught my interest because it was about her "Detective Grant", stuck in a hospital bed, pondering the history Richard III & whether he actually had his nephew's murdered. I liked the suppositions and such presented.

Last year i read her The Singing Sands because i was enchanted with the idea of sands on a beach singing. It was set in Scotland & i liked reading her words about the nation.

However, overall, i'm not necessarily pleased with her writing, i must admit. These two served their purposes for me but, as i mentioned earlier, the others do not call to me.

The biography you linked to has little info, right? Odd. Except it is introduced by Val McDermid, another British author i read last year. She is known for her mysteries, however, the book i read was nonfiction, Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime. Interesting that she wrote the preface (or whatever it was).

[John]

madrano wrote: "Tey's The Daughter of Time caught my interest because it was about her "Detective Grant", stuck in a hospital bed, pondering the history Richard III & whether he actually had his nephe..."

I like the Grant mystery series, but never planned to read those.

[madrano]

It's funny that i've read the Tey the way i have because usually i prefer to read a series In Order of publication. Not so hers.

[John]

The Arts (20)

Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman by Mark Cohen


As I grew up on Sherman's songs, added this one to my TBR a while ago. Interesting to learn of exactly how his dysfunctional childhood informed his material. There was no disguising the looming trainwreck of his later life as his success peaked at a relatively young age. His most well-known song was, I believe, "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah"; although, I would have thought "Sarah Jackman" myself.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "The Arts (20)

Overweight Sensation: The Life and Comedy of Allan Sherman by Mark Cohen


As I grew up on Sherman's songs, added this one to my TBR a while ago. Int..."

I didn't recognize the name until you mentioned the song "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah". I'm sorry to hear he had a dysfunctional childhood.

I see the book is part of a series I'm not familiar with. I need to check it out further.
Part of: Brandeis Series in American Jewish History, Culture, and Life (27 books)

I see a few of the 2 star reviews were scathing and questioned the scholarship. That is odd for a university press I would think. I don't know anything about Jewish history so I can't say if the review is valid. The reviewer is Jonker and titled, Kinda Sucky, if you are interested.

The Amazon sample I just read sounds interesting. So I am putting it in my TBR notebook.

Very nice choice for the prompt. Also doubly nice as it cleared off a book on the old TBR Mountain.