SPRING 2024 READING CHALLENGE

[Rachel]

Please post any questions/comments/updates about the challenge in this thread. :)

The Spring 2024 Reading Challenge starts March 3rd and ends May 31st.

Rules of the challenge:
Read 3 books (or more)
Complete 3 prompts (or more)
Any genre okay
Rereads okay

This Spring complete 3 (or more) of the following:


1. Many talented authors have birthdays this season.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Sharon Bolton
John Boyne
Joy Harjo
Dan Simmons

2. The 96th Academy Awards (AKA The Oscars) will be televised on March 10th. The Academy honors what they consider to be the best performances and films of the previous year.

So this spring,

READ ANY BOOK THAT HAS BEEN ADAPTED INTO A FILM THAT HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR FOR BEST PICTURE (ANY YEAR).

3. As mentioned previously, The Academy Awards (Oscars) are on March 10th.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS O-S-C-A-R IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

4. Ripley is a limited series that will premiere on Netflix on April 4th. The series is set during the 1960’s in Italy. It follows Tom Ripley who is hired to convince a rich man’s son to return home. Unfortunately, Ripley is a sociopath or maybe a psychopath-(there seems to be a bit of a debate on the internet) so things get messy. It’s based on the Ripley novels by Patricia Highsmith. Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning star.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES A CHARACTER THAT APPEARS “NORMAL” BUT IS ACTUALLY DANGEROUS.

OR

READ ANY BOOK WRITTEN BY PATRICIA HIGHSMITH.

5. IF is set to premiere in theaters on May 17th.
It’s about a girl who realizes she can see everyone’s discarded or forgotten imaginary friends. She sets out to help them with the help of Ryan Reynold’s character (who can see them too). The IF’s are voiced by an all star cast.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “IF” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

OR

READ A BOOK THAT FEATURES A CHARACTER THAT CAN SEE THINGS THAT MOST PEOPLE CANNOT SEE.

6. A couple of spring new releases are the group reads.

So this spring,

READ ONE (OR BOTH) OF THE FOLLOWING AND DISCUSS IT WITH THE GROUP.

Murder Road by Simone St. James-March 5th
Clear by Carys Davies-April 2nd.

7. Random-This counts towards the challenge but isn’t inspired by the season.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH A TITLE THAT STARTS WITH THE FIRST LETTER OF YOUR FIRST NAME.


HAPPY SPRING, EVERYONE! :D

[Rachel]

Please note that in the early years of the Academy Awards, the award was for Outstanding Picture/Production which later got changed to Best Picture. They’re all good.

You can find every movie ever nominated for an Oscar on Oscar.org (Other websites also have this information if you use Google)

Also for the random-the words A, An & The don’t count towards the title.
So for example A dog’s purpose or The day of the triffids would count towards a book that starts with the letter D, etc.

[Danell]

Another fun challenge!
Thank you!!

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Thanks Rachel! I'll look over my options and post back soon.

Since I work at the movie theater, I'm naturally looking forward to the Academy Awards on Sunday. At my theater "Oscar Week" starts tomorrow, we'll be featuring Best Picture nominees and Oscar Nominated Short Films through March 10th.

Interesting about Patricia Highsmith. I recently watched film adaptations of The Talented Mr. Ripley and Carol for the first time and both starred Cate Blanchett, one of my favorite actresses.
I wouldn't mind reading either of those books.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I've found a number of titles that I plan to read this Spring. I've set my goal at 15. As usual, I'll focus heavily on the authors. I'm going to skip Dan Simmons, but try all the other three featured authors as well as Patricia Highsmith.

I'll be starting Dune tonight, the film adaptation Dune Part One was nominated for Best Picture.

I'm going to be re-reading Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh, the title has the letters O-S-C-A-R

Will post updates as I go along, starting DUNE tonight that's the first one.

Movie Recommendation: PERFECT DAYS (Japanese)
Nominated for Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "Another fun challenge!
Thank you!!"

You’re welcome, Danell! Glad you like it. :D

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Thanks Rachel! I'll look over my options and post back soon.

Since I work at the movie theater, I'm naturally looking forward to the Academy Awards on Sunday. At my theater "Oscar Week" starts tom..."

You’re welcome, Dustin! :D

I saw The Talented Mr. Ripley years ago but haven’t seen Carol. The new adaptation of Ripley looks good too. I’m finally going to read the book- not sure why I never picked it up.

Look forward to hearing what you think of the films. I’ve seen Barbie and The Holdovers. I liked them both. The holdovers reminded me of movies I used to watch when I was younger-a quiet film focusing on the characters and the situation they are in-not a superhero in sight ;)

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I've found a number of titles that I plan to read this Spring. I've set my goal at 15. As usual, I'll focus heavily on the authors. I'm going to skip Dan Simmons, but try all the other three featur..."

Look forward to hearing your thoughts. I want to read Dune one of these days. I don’t know why I’m so intimidated by it.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Rachel wrote: "I don’t know why I’m so intimidated by it."

Maybe because it's 800 pages :-)

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

The Holdovers was one of my favorite films of 2023. I watched it 6 times in the theater and now own a blu-ray copy, which I haven't watched yet.

Barbie was fun. I watched it 5 times, but it wasn't one of my favorites.

My #1 favorite last year was The Quiet Girl, which technically is a 2022 film, but my theater didn't get it until 2023, so I count it as 2023. The Quiet Girl was nominated for best Foreign Film at the Acadamy Awards last year (lost to All Quiet on the Western Front). The Quiet Girl is based on a short novella titled Foster by Claire Keegan. I read the book after watching the film. I watched the quiet girl 8 times in the theater and now own a DVD copy.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

As for Best Picture Nominees this year, I'm happy with any winning except Poor Things. I did not like that film.
My three favorite Best Picture nominees are The Holdovers, Anatomy of a Fall, and Zone of Interest.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "As for Best Picture Nominees this year, I'm happy with any winning except Poor Things. I did not like that film.
My three favorite Best Picture nominees are The Holdovers, Anatomy of a Fall, and Zo..."

Thanks for the recommendations. Always appreciated. :)

[Danell]

I read Arsenic and Adobo which works for
O-S-C-A-R. It was ok

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read Arsenic and Adobo which works for
O-S-C-A-R. It was ok"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D
Hope your next book is more enjoyable.

[Danell]

I listened to The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton which works for #1. I enjoyed it and will look forward to reading more from her.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton which works for #1. I enjoyed it and will look forward to reading more from her."

Glad you enjoyed it Danell. I’ve been thinking of trying this author for a while.

[Danell]

I listened to What If It’s Us, which works for #5. It was ok.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to What If It’s Us, which works for #5. It was ok."

Thanks for the update, Danell! Hope your next book is a good one. :)

[Danell]

I read This House is Haunted by John Boyne. Wow! I really enjoyed it. I have another book of his I’m hoping to read for the challenge.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Danell wrote: "I listened to The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton which works for #1. I enjoyed it and will look forward to reading more from her."

I am currently listening/reading The Craftsman! Just started today.
Great minds think alike. This is my first experience with the author Sharon Bolton. We'll see how it goes.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I've read two John Boyne short novels. They are classified as "Childrens" and feature children, but carry some heavy weight in subject matter which might be too much for some young people.
Stay Where You Are and Then Leave is more of a Childrens book than The Boy at the Top of The Mountain. I think The Boy at the Top of the Mountain could be classified as Young Adult since several years go by from childhood within the story.
I am still planning on a couple more John Boyne books, just gonna take a break for a bit.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read This House is Haunted by John Boyne. Wow! I really enjoyed it. I have another book of his I’m hoping to read for the challenge."

Thanks for the update, Danell! Glad you enjoyed it. :D

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I've read two John Boyne short novels. They are classified as "Childrens" and feature children, but carry some heavy weight in subject matter which might be too much for some young people.
Stay Whe..."

Thanks for the updates, Dustin! :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I've been enjoying the poetry, music, and memoirs of Joy Harjo. I'm behind on logging all my books but have read three Joy Harjo books: American Sunrise, Poet Warrior, and Catching the Light.

[Danell]

I read The Terror by Dan Simmons. First time reading the author’s work and I have Black Hills by him that I’m hoping to read for the challenge.
Overall The Terror was good, thick, 955 pages but I’m glad to have read it.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Yeah, I think I'll pass on Dan Simmons. Seems a bit much - 955 pages.

[Danell]

It was daunting. I haven’t read a book that thick in a few years. At least Black Hills looks to be almost 1/2 the size of The Terror

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I've been enjoying the poetry, music, and memoirs of Joy Harjo. I'm behind on logging all my books but have read three Joy Harjo books: American Sunrise, Poet Warrior, and Catching the Light."

Glad you’re enjoying her work. I don’t read a lot of poetry but I’m thinking of giving her a try.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read The Terror by Dan Simmons. First time reading the author’s work and I have Black Hills by him that I’m hoping to read for the challenge.
Overall The Terror was good, thick, 955 pages but I’m..."

Thanks for the update, Danell! Glad you liked it. :D

[Rachel]

I read the Wonderful Wizard of Oz which was nominated for an Oscar but lost to Gone With the Wind. The book is pretty dark. I preferred the book to the movie.

[Danell]

I read The Secret Book of Flora Lea which works for
O-S-C-A-R. It was good

[Danell]

I read Dark Corners which works for #7. I liked the book

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read Dark Corners which works for #7. I liked the book"

Thanks for the updates, Danell! :D

[Rachel]

I read The Talented Mr. Ripley. It was a liked it didn’t love it book for me. I found him interesting but not interesting enough if that makes sense. I think his character is more interesting to watch on screen than to read about. I saw the movie with Matt Damon a million years ago. I think I’ll probably check out the new series adaptation -love Andrew Scott and the trailer looks gorgeous. I love that it’s shot in black and white.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I am planning to read The Talented Mr. Ripley soon, as well as other Patricia Highsmith.
I really liked the film starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Cate Blanchett. I won't be watching the new series because I don't stream television or films.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I had never seen The Talented Mr. Ripley until this year. I was raised Mormon and watching rated R movies was discouraged. I watched the film because of seeing the film, Saltburn last fall and being told of the similarities between the two.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I am planning to read The Talented Mr. Ripley soon, as well as other Patricia Highsmith.
I really liked the film starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Cate Blanchett. I won't be watching the new serie..."

Look forward to hearing your thoughts. :)

[Danell]

I read Black Hills by Dan Simmons. It was ok

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I just finished The Talented Mr. Ripley and had a lot of fun reading the book. It seems Cate Blanchett's character in the film was added into the story as I didn't see her in the novel.

I am re-reading Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs, the title has the letters O-S-C-A-R.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

If I get around to them in the next month, I'll re-read a couple more "D" titles for the random first letter of first name task.
I've already re-read Dune Messiah, but looking at Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, Demon Seed by Dean Koontz, A Dark Matter by Peter Straub.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read Black Hills by Dan Simmons. It was ok"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I just finished The Talented Mr. Ripley and had a lot of fun reading the book. It seems Cate Blanchett's character in the film was added into the story as I didn't see her in the novel.

I am re-re..."

Glad you enjoyed it. :D

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "If I get around to them in the next month, I'll re-read a couple more "D" titles for the random first letter of first name task.
I've already re-read Dune Messiah, but looking at Dark Matter by Bla..."

Thanks for the updates, Dustin! :D

[Danell]

I finished another Sharon Bolton book, Daisy in Chains. I liked it.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I finished another Sharon Bolton book, Daisy in Chains. I liked it."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "The Holdovers was one of my favorite films of 2023. I watched it 6 times in the theater and now own a blu-ray copy, which I haven't watched yet.

Barbie was fun. I watched it 5 times, but it wasn't..."

I recently listened to the audiobook of the novella Foster by Claire Keegan and loved it. I’ll have to check out the film-Thanks for the recommendation. :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

So happy to hear you read Foster. I own a hardcover copy of that book and I should re-read it sometime. I've liked everything I've read so far by Claire Keegan.
The film is titled The Quiet Girl, when you seek it out. I own a DVD and have the movie poster hanging in my living room.

I've been reading and enjoying Patricia Highsmith. I've finished Strangers on a Train and am currently reading The Price of Salt (Carol).

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "So happy to hear you read Foster. I own a hardcover copy of that book and I should re-read it sometime. I've liked everything I've read so far by Claire Keegan.
The film is titled The Quiet Girl, ..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

What else have you read by Claire Keegan? I will definitely read more of her books-loved her writing.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Claire Keegan I've read:
Small Things Like These (another really short one like Foster)
Walk the Blue Fields, a short story collection that includes The Forester's Daughter.
I still need to read Antarctica

[Danell]

I read Murder Road. I thought it was ok. Not my favorite by her