August 2024 - Reporting

[Jayme, Moderator]

Please read through the reporting thread carefully to ensure to report correctly to get your badge/s.

After you have read your chosen book(s) for this month's group theme read, please report in the thread below.

Please state what book you read (and link it), how it fits the theme, that you discussed it (and where), and briefly summarize what you thought of the book and/or link to your review if you have written one.

If you lead the discussion, please state this in your post.

Here is an example for how to report your read:

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and discussed it in the [Harry Potter/Buddy Read/Other books in theme] thread. I really enjoyed the book. I watched the film first so I already knew the story line but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book more as there was more detail involved. Plus I listened to the audio which was narrated by Stephen Fry who is a superb narrator. 4 stars.”

If you read more than one book which fits the theme, please report all your reads in the same post rather than in separate posts.

Please note, there are THREE different badges that can be obtained for group reads. Those reading and discussing one of the two chosen group reads will receive a colorful badge similar to those for previous group reads. Those reading and discussing any other book in the theme will receive a stamp. The discussion leader for the two chosen group reads will receive a badge stating they led the discussion. Maximum amount of badges you can receive for the group reads is TWO - one for the chosen group read/discussion leader and one for any other book in the theme.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. put your Wall of Fame Name at the beginning of your post as follows: WoF Name - Jayme
2. have read the book(s) before or during August 2024.
3. discussed it in the relevant thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
4. Report that you have read AND discussed the book.

[Sharon]

WoFSharonBiskit.

I read At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities. I have read and discussed the book. I have read two other books by this author and enjoyed those. I enjoyed this one as well although the plot seemed to bog down in places. I really liked the ending although some of it was predictable. The author has a lovely way of tying things up. I gave this book 3.5 stars.

[Jayme, Moderator]

WoF Jayme

I read and discussed Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
This book started out actually quite wonderful and the premise is brilliant. I enjoyed the first 2 chapters. They were emotional and touching, but then it fizzled. The writing is a bit jarring and I'm not sure if that is because something was lost in translation, or because it was originally written as a play - it couldn't make the novel leap. Also, the book ended abruptly leaving many unanswered questions.
I don't regret reading the book, but probably will pass on the series.

[Janice, Moderator]

WoF - Janice

I read and discussed At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities. I am the discussion leader for the book.

I was disappointed with the book overall. It started out well with the quirky names for pets and places of businesses. I loved the characters she gave to the pets and young children. In fact, they stole the show.

[Pragya]

WoF Pragya

I read and discussed Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

This premise seemed promising but the book did not live upto my expectations - neither the plot, nor the pace or writing. It was easy to read so I dragged on instead of abandoning it. I will not be continuing with the series.

[Marnie]

WoF Marnie

I read At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities and discussed it in the group thread. It started out cute and quirky but by the end I was ready for the book to be over. Still glad I read it as it was my first by this author.

[Kristie, Moderator]

WoF: Kristie

I read A Tempest of Tea and discussed it in the general theme thread. This is the first book I've read by this author and I didn't care for the writing, which is really disappointing because the idea behind the story was so good. I ended up giving it 2.5 stars and probably won't read the second book.

I also read At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities and discussed in the group thread. This has been a middle of the road read for me. Overall, I thought it was a sweet story, but she tried to include some things that weren't necessary and IMO didn't work in the story. 3 stars from me.

[Jayme, Moderator]

Grainne wrote: "WoF Grainne

I enjoyed the back and forth dialogue between the characters just like one would experience in a real coffee shop. It's an interesting concept about time travel. I liked the philosophi..."

Grainne, can you post which book you read?

[Jayme, Moderator]

Grainne wrote: "@Jayme I hadn't realized that I hadn't mentioned the book. I edited the original post."

No worries. Thanks!

[Katrisa]

I read Before the Coffee Gets Cold and discussed in the thread. This was a reread for me so I already knew that I enjoyed the book. I got the next book from the library too. I think my favorite thing about these books is how each of the characters goes through changes even though part of the rules of the cafe is that nothing you do when you travel back in time will change the present. It also makes for interesting thought experiments where I wonder who I would travel to see and what circumstances might make that something to do. I gave the book 4 stars.

[Margo]

WoF margo

I listened to Before the Coffee Gets Cold. This one has been on my radar for so long that I was really happy to finally get but I found it disappointing. So many questions left unanswered. I don't need everything to be wrapped up neatly in order to enjoy a story but in this case there isn't enough to intrigue me.

I thought the characters were underdeveloped and the plot (?) was very much tell, don't show. Even allowing for cultural differences, I found the characters behaviour and reactions to each other bizarre. This was not the story I was hoping for.

[Ayacchi]

I read The Diva Serves High Tea and discussed it in the thread. The plot was more complicated than I expected, and the story developed to the direction I prefer. I'm thinking of reading the next book in the series soon.

[Kristie, Moderator]

I edited my original post (#7) to include my group read. Just finished it today.

[Nistha]

WoF Nix

I read The Mysterious Affair at Styles and discussed it in relevant thread. It was a fun, quick AC read! I feel always proud when I am able to guess it haha

[Heather]

I read Before the Coffee Gets Cold and discussed it in the thread. I really liked the premise, and didn't mind the perfunctory writing, noting that this book was first a play. There are other books in the series, but at this time I'm not really inclined to read them. I gave the book 2 stars, as I thought it was just OK. A quick read, though. Perfect for a book challenge!

[Jayme, Moderator]

Ayacchi wrote: "I read The Diva Serves High Tea and discussed it in the thread. The plot was more complicated than I expected, and the story developed to the direction I prefer. I'm thinking of rea..."

Ayacchi - what is your Wall of Fame name? Do you have a wall of fame to post your earned badges?

[Jayme, Moderator]

Badges and stamps have been posted on walls. Let me know if I missed anyone :)