SUMMER 2024 READING CHALLENGE

[Rachel]

Please post all questions/comments/updates in this thread. :)

The Summer 2024 Reading Challenge will begin June 1st and end August 31st.

Rules of the challenge:

Read 3 books (or more)
Complete 3 prompts (or more)
Any genre ok
Rereads ok

This Summer, complete 3 (or more) of the following:

1. Many authors have birthdays during the summer.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

David Baldacci
Sharon M. Draper
Joyce Carol Oates
Anna Quindlen
Richard Russo
John Wyndham

2. The Nebula Awards annually recognize the best works of science fiction or fantasy published in the United States. The awards will be presented on June 8th.

So this summer,

READ A NEBULA AWARD WINNER.

3. Watchers will be released in theaters on June 14th. A woman gets stranded in a forest in Ireland. When she finds shelter, she unknowingly becomes trapped with three strangers that are watched and stalked by mysterious creatures each night. Dakota Fanning stars.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK IN WHICH A FOREST/THE WOODS/TREES PLAY A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE STORY.

OR

READ A BOOK SET (AT LEAST IN PART) IN IRELAND.

4. Tuesday will be have a limited release in theaters on June 14th. A mother and her teenage daughter must confront death when it arrives in the form of a talking bird. Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK IN WHICH AN ANIMAL PLAYS AN UNUSUAL ROLE IN THE STORY.

OR

READ A BOOK WITH A DAY OF THE WEEK IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

5. Never Bean Better Day is August 22nd. It’s in celebration of a famous therapy dog named Bean. It’s a day to celebrate the unconditional love of dogs and to encourage us to live in the moment like they do.

So this summer,

READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS B-E-A-N
IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

6. Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay will be published June 11th. It’s the group read.

Bonus Group Read-
James by Percival Everett (Available Now)

So this summer,

READ ONE OR BOTH BOOKS AND DISCUSS WITH THE GROUP.

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

Do you have any books you’ve meant to read for a while now but for whatever reason have put off?

So this summer,

READ A BOOK YOU’VE BEEN MEANING TO READ FOR A WHILE.

HAPPY SUMMER, EVERYONE! :D

[Franzi]

Thanks so much for another great challenge 😍
I’ve finished the first two books for it already this weekend. The first is a German teachers memoir called : In den Ferien fahren wir in the Bredouille (roughly translates to : we’re going to dilemma this summer, a pun that’s hard to translate to English) a funny account of many stories of a high school teacher. It’s covering the B-E-A-N prompt :-)

The second - and I’d like to thank you it - is Blended by Sharon M Draper which I’ve listened to all weekend and could not stop. I’d never have found her without your challenge ❤️ what a lovely and yet thought-provoking and important read. Isabella really reminded me of my oldest who’ll be turning 11 too this summer. But the things she has to battle are so very different because of her skin colour 😢 a perfect read for PRIDE - month.

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Thanks so much for another great challenge 😍
I’ve finished the first two books for it already this weekend. The first is a German teachers memoir called : In den Ferien fahren wir in the Bredouille..."

You’re welcome, Franzi! :D
Thanks for the updates.
I’ll have to check out the Sharon M. Draper book. :)

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

I'm currently reading Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher.
The books was a Nebula Award Winner in 2022

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'm currently reading Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher.
The books was a Nebula Award Winner in 2022
"

Thanks for the update, Dustin! Look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. :D

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

I have watched The Watchers six times (so far) at the movie theater between June 6 and June 19th. I'll be starting the book once I finish Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher (very good, btw). If I like The Watchers book, I'll read more by the A. M. Shine - including The Watchers sequel to be published later this year.

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

I'm currently reading Still Life With Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen (featured author in task #1). This is a short one around 250 pages. Will finish by tomorrow.

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

This week, I read James by Percival Everett. I hope to read Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay a bit later this Summer.

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

I'm currently reading A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher, a title containing the letters B-E-A-N.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I have watched The Watchers six times (so far) at the movie theater between June 6 and June 19th. I'll be starting the book once I finish Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher (very good, btw). If I lik..."

I really want to see The Watchers-had no idea it was based on a book.
I’m assuming you’re recommending the movie :)

I still have to read T. Kingfisher.

[Rachel]

Thanks for all the updates, Dustin! :D
What did you think of James?

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

Yes. I do recommend The Watchers movie. I'm going to start the book tomorrow. My paperback copy of The Watchers has a recommendation quote from T. Kingfisher: "A dark, claustrophobic read."
As far as James, I thought it was a fine short book, well-written and engaging enough to keep me interested. I don't think I'm a huge Huckleberry Finn fan. At first, I thought about maybe reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn for context, but I don't think I'm that interested or invested in reading the source material.

[Danell]

I’ve never read Huckleberry Finn but I have James on hold from the library, audiobook. I’m looking forward to listening to it.

[Rachel]

I know I was supposed to read Huckleberry Finn in high school. I don’t remember much about it but I do remember not being a fan of the book. I am interested in the retelling-especially the audiobook. I think it will be more interesting than the original.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I’ve never read Huckleberry Finn but I have James on hold from the library, audiobook. I’m looking forward to listening to it."

Look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Hope you enjoy it. :D

[Rachel]

I listened to Mr. Penumbra’s 24 hour book store for b-e-a-n in the title/subtitle. This is my second Robin Sloan book and I enjoyed it. Quirky, fun story. Great narrator.

[Rachel]

I read Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link which is a collection of stories. The title story won the nebula for best novella-I think in 2005 but forgot to write down the date. I liked the title story and one or two others but mostly these weren’t for me. I never thought a story collection would be too bizarre for me but this one was lol.

[Danell]

I’ve had Mr. Penumbra’s 24 bookstore on my shelf for 9-10 years. I may read it. In a reading slump.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I’ve had Mr. Penumbra’s 24 bookstore on my shelf for 9-10 years. I may read it. In a reading slump."

It’s a fun book. Hope you enjoy it if you decide to pick it up. :)

I’m in a reading slump too. Hope it passes soon for both of us.

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

Rachel wrote: "I listened to Mr. Penumbra’s 24 hour book store for b-e-a-n in the title/subtitle. This is my second Robin Sloan book and I enjoyed it. Quirky, fun story. Great narrator.

I love that book. Was introduced to Robin Sloan through one of these seasonal reading challenges. I'll be re-reading Mr. Penumbra's 24-hr Bookstore sometimes within the next year. I re-read Sourdough this year.

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

Danell wrote: "I’ve had Mr. Penumbra’s 24 bookstore on my shelf for 9-10 years. I may read it. In a reading slump."

Highly Recommend :-)

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

I will be reading Tremblay's new book soon. The anticipation of a new book, got me interested in using some of his earlier books for Task #7 - I have been intending to explore more Tremblay and until recently only read The Cabin at the End of the World when the movie came out. I have already read Disappearance at Devil's Rock, currently reading The Pallbearer's Club (I like this one even better than Devil's Rock) and will read A Head Full of Ghosts after Horror Movie. I need to make Horror Movie a priority because I borrowed it from the library and it's a popular new release that I will not be able to renew.

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

I'm making progress with Watchers by A.M. Shine (Task #3). I ended up watching the film 6 times while it ran at my movie theater.
I think I will read more by this author, including the sequel to The Watchers, Stay in the Light.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "I listened to Mr. Penumbra’s 24 hour book store for b-e-a-n in the title/subtitle. This is my second Robin Sloan book and I enjoyed it. Quirky, fun story. Great narrator.

I love tha..."

I think we all read Sourdough for the group read a long time ago. I should reread it.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I will be reading Tremblay's new book soon. The anticipation of a new book, got me interested in using some of his earlier books for Task #7 - I have been intending to explore more Tremblay and unt..."

Look forward to your comments-hope you enjoy. :)

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'm making progress with Watchers by A.M. Shine (Task #3). I ended up watching the film 6 times while it ran at my movie theater.
I think I will read more by this author, including the sequel to Th..."

I’m interested in the book but this is one time where I don’t want to read the book before seeing the movie.

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

There were significant changes between the book and film versions of The Watchers. I love both - it's just interesting to see the changes.
Much like I felt with the book versus film adaptation of Ready Player One. I enjoyed both versions of Ready Player One but found it curious that the film went such a different direction from the source material. I felt that way again recently experiencing the book and film of All of Us Strangers. All of these depart from their source material, and I feel each book and film stands well on their own.

[Danell]

I read a book. It didn’t count for the challenge and my next one isn’t either but I’m just happy to start reading again.
Hope everyone is doing well!!

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

Doing Well Danell!
This past week, I read two new to me authors featured in the Summer Reading Challenge.
Memory Man by David Baldacci
Empire Falls by Richard Russo

[Danell]

Great to hear from you Dustin! I’ve been in a slump and slowly coming out of it. I met someone whose favorite Stephen King book is Needful Things so I’m giving that a shot. I’m not very far in and am enjoying it.

[Rachel]

Glad you both checked in! I’m doing okay. I’ve sort of been in a reading slump too although I’m still reading just slower and not as much as usual. I have been enjoying some recent reads thankfully.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Doing Well Danell!
This past week, I read two new to me authors featured in the Summer Reading Challenge.
Memory Man by David Baldacci
Empire Falls by Richard Russo"

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
Do you recommend them?

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "Great to hear from you Dustin! I’ve been in a slump and slowly coming out of it. I met someone whose favorite Stephen King book is Needful Things so I’m giving that a shot. I’m not very far in and ..."

I’ve never read Needful Things-look forward to hearing what you think of it. Hope you enjoy it. :)

[Danell]

After getting 60 pages into Needful Things my Libby hold for James became available. So I read James. I liked it. It’s certainly not lacking in adventure. Now back to Needful Things

[Rachel]

Some updates:

I read Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe-for an animal that plays an unusual role in the story. It’s a children’s book about a cat who’s worried the family’s new pet bunny is a vampire. Cute story that makes you laugh.

Also finished The God of the Woods by Liz Moore for #3. I almost picked this one for the group read then decided to go with Horror Movie instead.
Always go with your first instinct. I couldn’t finish Horror Movie but really enjoyed the Liz Moore book.

Finally I read Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. A short, quiet book with emotional impact. I love her writing. Look forward to the adaptation when it is released here. It’s set in Ireland during the 80’s.

[Danell]

I read The Night Boat which works for B-E-A-N. Good book

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read The Night Boat which works for B-E-A-N. Good book"

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

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

Rachel wrote: "Memory Man by David Baldacci
Empire Falls by Richard Russo"

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
Do you recommend them?
."

They were both well-written, but honestly, I only read them for the Summer Challenge and I probably won't be seeking out more by either author.

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

Rachel wrote: "Finally I read Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. A short, quiet book with emotional impact. I love her writing. Look forward to the adaptation when it is released here. It’s set in Ireland during the 80’s."

I didn't realize a film adaptation had been made. I will be watching for this and will have to read the book again.

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

Rachel wrote: "Also finished The God of the Woods by Liz Moore for #3. I almost picked this one for the group read then decided to go with Horror Movie instead.
Always go with your first instinct. I couldn’t finish Horror Movie but really enjoyed the Liz Moore book.
"

I'm planning to read The God of the Woods also, but might not finish it by end of the month. It's a long book and I don't have an audiobook to assist me.
I really like Liz Moore's HEFT and THE UNSEEN WORLD, I hope I enjoy The God of the Woods equally as much.

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

I recently read a collection of weird short stories.
Animals play an unusual role in the stories.


Zombie Sharks With Metal Teeth

[Danell]

I read Eaters of the Dead. It’s been on my shelf for several years. Before the challenge is over I hope to read a few more that have been on my shelf.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Finally I read Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. A short, quiet book with emotional impact. I love her writing. Look forward to the adaptation when it is released here. It’s ..."

I’m not sure when it will be released or if it will go to one of the streamers or the theater. I think it was filmed in Ireland. Cillian Murphy stars.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Also finished The God of the Woods by Liz Moore for #3. I almost picked this one for the group read then decided to go with Horror Movie instead.
Always go with your first instinct. ..."

I hope you like it. Look forward to hearing what you think of it. I really have to read the unseen world. It would work for the random for me.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I recently read a collection of weird short stories.
Animals play an unusual role in the stories.


Zombie Sharks With Metal Teeth"

I had to add this for the title alone lol. Thanks for the recommendation. :D

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read Eaters of the Dead. It’s been on my shelf for several years. Before the challenge is over I hope to read a few more that have been on my shelf."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Danell]

I finished another book I’ve been meaning to read which works for task 7, Mr. Penumbra’s 24 hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan. If I remember correctly I believe this was a group read a few years ago. I’ve had it on my shelf for probably 8 years and am glad to finally read it.
It’s been terribly hot and I was and still am battling heat exhaustion. I’m grateful that the heat has moved out and my apartment is no longer 85 degrees. As always I’m looking forward to the next challenge but hope to read more books I’ve been meaning to read for this challenge.
Happy reading!!!

[Danell]

I read The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, it works for a book I’ve been meaning to read. I bought the book at the library book sale a couple of years ago. It was ok.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I finished another book I’ve been meaning to read which works for task 7, Mr. Penumbra’s 24 hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan. If I remember correctly I believe this was a group read a few years ago. I..."

We read another of his books, Sourdough, for the group read a while ago. Glad you liked Mr. Penumbra’s 24 hour Bookstore. :)

This heat sucks.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, it works for a book I’ve been meaning to read. I bought the book at the library book sale a couple of years ago. It was ok."

Thanks for the update! I felt the same way about this book.