SPRING 2024 READING CHALLENGE

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "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 ..."

Thanks for the info. :)

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read Murder Road. I thought it was ok. Not my favorite by her"

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

[Danell]

I listened to American Murder Houses which works for
O-S-C-A-R. I thought it was interesting

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to American Murder Houses which works for
O-S-C-A-R. I thought it was interesting"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Rachel]

I finished Clear-thought it was okay. I also read Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson for the random -always enjoy everything she writes.

[Danell]

I listened to American Sunrise by Harjo, I enjoyed it. First time author for me. I also read Rebecca by Daphne
Du Maurier, I enjoyed it also.

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

I'm currently reading Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo and The Dutch House by Ann Patchett.
Would be interested in reading Jaqueline Woodson again.

[Rachel]

Thanks for the updates! :D

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

For whatever reason, this Spring Challenge has had the least amount of participation in quite some time. There's really only three of us here in the discussion and the thread has only been viewed by 7 people.
I hope you won't give up Rachel. I've been introduced to many authors through these challenges over the years.

[Danell]

So far this challenge I’ve read 13 books. I love doing these challenges and appreciate the work that makes the challenges fun. Like Dustin said these challenges introduced me to new authors.

[Franzi]

Hello, I’m posting less on here but really loving the challenge, as ever. Was wondering how long I’ve been following and taking part the other day. I’m not sure but enjoying it so much. I read The Boy on top of the mountain by John Boyne the other day. I loved The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and wasn’t even aware of this other book. Thanks to you I read it and I could not put it down. Finished it at 2am on holiday last week. What a moving and sad and important book. Definitely not for kids.

I’ve read a couple of others for the challenge. I’ll give my usual update at the end of the challenge but will try and chat more with you guys to make sure this lovely challenge is going to stay :)

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

Thanks Franzi. I read my first John Boyne books this Spring including The Boy on Top of the Mountain and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I liked both books, but was surprised they were classified as children's books. Heavy subject material. Striped Pajamas was specifically written for children with the subtitle "A Fable." I found these John Boyne stories particularly interesting and timely after watching the Oscar-winning Best Foreign Film adaptation of The Zone of Interest.

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

I've read 17 Spring Chalkeng books so far. Exceeding my goal of 15. I will likely finish the two I'm currently reading by the end of the month. I'm reading Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo in print and using an audiobook for The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. The Dutch House is narrated by Tom Hanks, so is easy to listen to. Patchett has been getting famous actors to narrate her books in recent years which is really fun. Hope Davis narrated Commonwealth. Meryl Streep narrated last year's release, Tom Lake. Another thing I've noticed with Ann Patchett is the cover art she is choosing, at least for the original hardcover releases. I think it started with State of Wonder, which was the first Ann Patchett book I read. The cover for The Dutch House is particularly striking. The art choices for her memoir/essay volume, These Precious Days is also significant.

[Rachel]

Hey Everyone!

Loved seeing everyone post and getting positive feedback about the challenges. I really appreciate it. I’ve always loved this group-we’re small but we’ve been together a long time. :)

Franzi-I looked it up and you’ve been with us since the winter 2020/2021 challenge-glad you found us :D

The summer challenge will be posted soon! Looking forward to seeing you all there. :D

[Danell]

I listened to Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurine, which works for O-S-C-A-R.

[Danell]

I listened to An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed, which works for O-S-C-A-R. I enjoyed it

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed, which works for O-S-C-A-R. I enjoyed it"

Thanks for the updates, Danell! These elderly lady books sound fun-just put the first one on my tbr. Thanks for the recommendation. :)

[Rachel]

Finished Bits and Pieces: My mother, My Brother and Me by Whoopi Goldberg for Oscar in a title/subtitle.

Great on audio. Family stories that highlight the close bond she had with her late mother and brother. Recommend if you are a fan.

[Danell]

I know the challenge is over but I finished another John Boyne book, The Hearts Invisible Furies. I absolutely loved it! It was on my shelf for at least 3 years.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I know the challenge is over but I finished another John Boyne book, The Hearts Invisible Furies. I absolutely loved it! It was on my shelf for at least 3 years."

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Danell. Adding it to my tbr. Thanks. :D

[Danell]

Was ugly crying because of the book.