John's 2024 Book Challenge

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "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 w..."

I can't understand a two-star review at all. I'll probably give the book four stars, with no hesitation about recommending it.

[Alias Reader]

Thanks for the feedback, John. As I noted, the sample seemed good to me.

[madrano]

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..."

Neat book for the Prompt, John. I well remember Sherman, his music & his comic appearances on tv over the years. All that, but i never knew about his childhood. Thank you for reading & sharing about this one.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "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)..."

Interesting collection of books. Thanks for sharing about them, as i'm sure i wouldn't have otherwise found them.

https://brandeisuniversitypress.com/s...

[John]

Audiobook (42)

American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal by Neil King Jr.

At first, I wasn't sure whether this was the greatest choice for the category, as it would be just as good a read in print. However, the author mentions that his experience with Lyme Disease damaged his vocal cords, so it's awesome that they found a narrator who was an excellent fit for the material. Will explain on later review why I'm between four and five stars right now.

[madrano]

This sounds good & i'm surprised i knew nothing about it. The timing of his walk is important, it seems. Personally, of course, but politically, as well. Good idea to do this for himself, then share in a public way.

Congratulations, John, on completing this prompt. Your comments on the audio aspect are neat. The "fit" would be important in such a personal book.

[John]

madrano wrote: "This sounds good & i'm surprised i knew nothing about it. The timing of his walk is important, it seems. Personally, of course, but politically, as well. Good idea to do this for himself, then shar..."

I feel you are target audience based on his presentation of the history along the way.

[madrano]

We are looking at this the same way, John. I appreciate someone talking that long walk, in order to look at and see how things have changed now that we have "survived" Covid and are living in an increasingly polarized nation.

Thanks for adding that comment.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Audiobook (42)

American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal by Neil King Jr.

At first, I wasn't sure whether this was the greatest choice for the category, as i..."

Well done on the prompt, John.

I never heard that Lyme can damage your vocal cords. That's scary.

[John]

Historical fiction (5)

Loving And Giving by Molly Keane

Liked the books I'd read by her, but this one? Not so much. I suppose there was humor, but mostly a dark read.

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Historical fiction (6)

Loving And Giving by Molly Keane

Liked the books I'd read by her, but this one? Not so much. I suppose there was humor, but mostly a dark read."

Sorry this one wasn't a winner for you, John.

For me, it's the rare author who can consistently win me over.

Well done on another prompt !

[madrano]

John wrote: "Historical fiction (6)

Loving And Giving by Molly Keane

Liked the books I'd read by her, but this one? Not so much. I suppose there was humor, but mostly a dark read."

Thanks for the title & your reaction to it, John. I was unfamiliar with Keane but see she was beloved for her earlier novels about upper crust Ireland. Several GR reviewers mentioned the dark side of this one. I've made note of the name and hope to follow up on one of her earlier ones.

I appreciate that you shared with us. Good selection for the prompt, John.

[John]

Alias Reader wrote: "John wrote: "Historical fiction (6)

Loving And Giving by Molly Keane

Liked the books I'd read by her, but this one? Not so much. I suppose there was humor, but most..."

I had lower expectations based on comments, and it's one that I've been meaning to clear from my TBR.

[madrano]

Job accomplished!

[John]

Young Adult (16) and Indie author (52)

Sommerkamp by Greg Koren


This was a tough one for me. Greg was an online friend who supported me when I really needed it, sadly diagnosed with ALS two years ago. He did his best to remain positive, focusing on his achievable bucket items going forward, one of which was completing this story. He finished it with enough time to spare that his family could have it published before he passed away a year ago. I waited until now to tackle it for this challenge. Comments on the story itself in the future review.

[Alias Reader]

(((John)))

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. ALS is a horrible disease. I'm glad he was able to finish his story.

[Bella (Kiki)]

John wrote: "Young Adult (16) and Indie author (52)

Sommerkamp by Greg Koren


This was a tough one for me. Greg was an online friend who supported me when I really needed it,..."

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss, John. I've had a few health scares myself lately and losses, so I know the sinking feeling, the punch in the gut things like that bring, even if expected. One of my longtime, very good online friends was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has already metastasized to his bones, so no cure. He only hopes he can hold it back for as long as possible. He, too, is a writer.

I looked up Sommerkamp on Amazon, and it looks intriguing. I'm always trying to find good, new mysteries, so I've put it on my TBR list. I look forward to your review, and again, you have my deepest condolences over your loss. I lost my best friend from childhood to Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Both that and ALS are horrible diseases. I wish the book the best and hope you find consolation in the fact that he was given time to finish it.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Young Adult (16) and Indie author (52)

Sommerkamp by Greg Koren


This was a tough one for me. Greg was an online friend who supported me when I really needed it,..."

What a wonderful gift to give himself, his family and the rest of us. I am sorry to hear of this loss of someone dear to you, John. How nice that you could read it now, near Thanksgiving Day.

[John]

Science (13) and Psychology (33)

Me, Myself, and Why: Searching for the Science of Self by Jennifer Ouellette

Picked this one off the library psychology shelf for the challenge, which worked well

[Alias Reader]

John wrote: "Science (13) and Psychology (33)

Me, Myself, and Why: Searching for the Science of Self by Jennifer Ouellette

Picked this one off the library psychology shelf for ..."

Excellent pick for the prompts !

This looks like an interesting book. I'm going to add it to my TBR notebook. Thanks !

[madrano]

John wrote: "Science (13) and Psychology (33)

Me, Myself, and Why: Searching for the Science of Self by Jennifer Ouellette

Picked this one off the library psychology shelf for ..."

It sounds interesting, as she tried so many approaches to seeking answers about herself. Thanks for the title.

And congratulations on this choice for two prompts.

[John]

Myth, etc. (39)

Greek Mythology: A Traveler's Guide from Mount Olympus to Troy by David Stuttard


Personally disappointing, each chapter featured a re-telling of the focused story, negligible travel aspect beyond directions to visit the associated site itself. On a more positive note, I think 49/56 prompts a solid way to end the year.

[Alias Reader]

Very well done on the 2024 prompts, John! A solid way to end the year for sure. I really enjoyed the books you selected as many were off my radar.

Sorry the Greek myth book didn't work out. It seemed very promising. Too bad it wasn't more travel oriented.

[madrano]

John wrote: "Myth, etc. (39)

Greek Mythology: A Traveler's Guide from Mount Olympus to Troy by David Stuttard

Personally disappointing, each chapter featured a re-telling of ..."

I'm sorry to read it was a letdown. The idea sounds good.

Congratulations on an outstanding completions rate for the '24 Challenge, John. The breadth of your selections has been impressive. Your reviews and comments have added pleasure for the rest of us. As well as solid warnings. lol Well done!