On The Same Page discussion
2025 Independent Challenge
>
Bill's Independent 2025 Reading Challenge
I adored Howards' End is on the Landing, hope you love it too, Bill. I should finish up The Blackhouse over the weekend. I've enjoyed the reread a lot. Burn Book looks interesting, I'll take a look at it. Happy reading in February!
I've never even heard of The Downloaded, but I've long wanted to read something by Sawyer. Have you read anything else by him?
Mod
I think I picked out a few I really like. LOL
Of course, I cannot start anything until I get at least one series done.
Mod
I think I picked out a few I really like. LOL
Of course, I cannot start anything until I get at least one series done."
Get to it then, Alondra! 😁
Lea wrote: "I've never even heard of The Downloaded, but I've long wanted to read something by Sawyer. Have you read anything else by him?"
This was my first book by Sawyer,Lea, but I have ordered The Terminal Experiment just to continue exploring his work.
Carolien wrote: "I adored Howards' End is on the Landing, hope you love it too, Bill. I should finish up The Blackhouse over the weekend. I've enjoyed the reread a lot. Burn Book looks interesting, I'll take a look..."
It's nice reading a book about books by an author who writes and reads books... and knows other authors. And I like the cover. I'm enjoying The Blackhouse, it's very well-written, Carolien
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is The Road: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Manu Larcenet
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is a new author for me, although my daughter used to enjoy her books, Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein
Mod
by Caitlín R. Kiernan, a horror / fantasy graphic. I have to find more of this series. Not sure how big it is. 3.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bill wrote: "My review of The Road: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Manu Larcenet 4.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is a new author for me, ..."
I keep promising myself to read The Road, and I get distracted....
I think that's because at some level I assume it's similar to The Long Walk. Lots of walking, not much action. Is it?
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is a new au..."
As I recall, there are some terrifying moments in the book, Ioana....
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next is a Harry Hole mystery, The Snowman by Jo Nesbø
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next is a Harry Hole mystery, The Snowman b..."
I hope you enjoy The Snowman. I loved it and gave it 4.5 stars, which was high for me, since I read it during COVID apparently. Ugh.
I love this character.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next is a Harry Hole mystery, [book:The Snowm..."
Harry is one of the greats, indeed, Alondra
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
Completed
(completed 6 books so far, 3 of them graphic novels, two of which are book adaptations)
1. Howards End Is on the Landing: A Year of Reading from Home by Susan Hill (non-fic) Susan wanders through her home checking out her bookshelves, talking about various authors. An excellent book for a book lover (4.5 stars)
2. The Road: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Manu Larcenet Adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's dystopic novel, The Road. Excellent adaptation, reflects the mood excellently (4.0 stars)
3. Alabaster: The Good, the Bad, and the Bird by Caitlín R. Kiernan I've enjoyed Kiernan's Tinfoil Dossier and looked forward to trying this horror graphic novel series. You've got hell, reincarnation, battles with witches, guhls... Most entertaining (3.5 stars)
4. The Chinese Alchemist by Lyn Hamilton A Lara McClintoch archaelogical mystery. Lara goes to China to buy some Chinese artifacts and adventures ensue (3.0 stars)
5. Calling Out for You by Karin Fossum An Inspector Sejer mystery. Norwegian man marries an Indian woman. She disappears on her way to live with him. Inspector Sejer investigates. Excellent Scandinavian mystery (3.5 stars)
6. Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson A graphic novel adaptation of Anderson's novel. Artwork by Emily Carroll. YA story dealing with rape and sexual assault in school. Strong stuff. (4.5 stars)
Currently Reading
1. Maigret and the Wine Merchant by Georges Simenon An inspector Maigret mystery. Murder of a philandering wine merchant. Simenon really understands his character and stories.
2. The Snowman by Jo Nesbø It's been awhile since I've read a Harry Hole mystery
3. The Blackhouse by Peter May Mystery set on the Isle of Lewis. First book in the Fin McLeod series. Enjoying his writing style.
4. Crime Machine by Giles Blunt The last John Cardinal mystery (well, the last one for me) set in Algonquin Bay, Ontario. Grotesque murder and now they are investigating.
5. Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein Author Naomi Klein discovers that she's been confused with another author Naomi Wolf. She reflects on that plus various other topics. Excellent writing and interesting story.
Possible Upcoming
1. Wycliffe and the Winsor Blue by W.J. Burley An Inspector Wycliffe mystery, one of my dusty books
2. When the Tripods Came by John Christopher The prequel to the Tripods trilogy, excellent Young Adult Sci-Fi series.
3. Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo New author, new series for me.
4. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson A Jackson Brodie mystery
5. The White Russian: A Novel by Tom Bradby
Enjoy the rest of your February reading. Happy Valentine's weekend.
Interesting choices as always, Bill. Speak is a difficult read. I worked in a residential facility facility for at risk youth and many had lived terrible situations. Heartbreaking. I need to read The Snowman soon.
Mod
I need to read..."
It was a very powerful story, wasn't it, Martha. I'm enjoying The Snowman right now. Glad to be visiting Harry Hole again.
Mod
by Charles Causley
Mod
1. Gun Honey: Collision Course by Charles Ardai 3.0 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. A Field of Vision by Charles Causley 4.0 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo (Chicago Saga #1)
Mod
It's been a very satisfactory month. Since mid Feb, I've completed 7 more books for a total of 13 books for the month. My yearly total so far is 24 books, 5 books ahead of my planned total of 120.
Completed since mid month
1. Maigret and the Wine Merchant: Inspector Maigret #71 by Georges Simenon (Maigret #71) 3.5 stars. (One of my dusty book challenge books)
2. Crime Machine by Giles Blunt (4.5 stars) This completed the John Cardinal series.
3. When the Tripods Came by John Christopher (4.0 stars) This completed the Tripod series of 4 books
4. Wycliffe And Winsor Blue by W.J. Burley (3.0 stars) Another book in my Dusty book challenge
5. A Field of Vision by Charles Causley One for my non-series challenge, a lovely book of poetry. (4.0 stars)
6. Gun Honey: Collision Course by Charles Ardai This part of my ongoing series challenge. I'm basically caught up but expect another maybe this year. Sexy, full of action graphic novel. 3.0 stars
7. The Blackhouse by Peter May the first book in the Fin McLeod, Lewis trilogy. I've had it for awhile and am glad I finally read it. 4.0 stars
Currently Reading
1. Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo Another book I've had for a couple of years, the 1st book in the Chicago saga (although only 2 books), partly horror and fantasy as I understand. I'll let you know.
2. The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin My next dust book, a Rebus mystery. I'm getting near the end of this too.
3. On Book Banning: Or, How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy by Ira Wells One I saw in my local book store that seemed appropriate these days.
4. Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie This will complete the Tommy and Tuppence series
5. The Snowman by Jo Nesbø (Harry Hole #7)
6. Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein It's been interesting but a slow burn so far
Possibles for next books
1. Dusty Book - Gideon's Power by J.J. Marric (Gideon #15)
2. Finish series - Domain by James Herbert (Rats #3)
3. Start a Series - A Question of Proof by Nicholas Blake (Nigel Strangways #1)
4. Continue a series - Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson (Jackson Brodie #4) I keep bypassing this but I will get to it.
5. Non-Series - The White Russian by Tom Bradby
Enjoy your March reading choices.
Bill wrote: "Completed The Blackhouse by Peter May (Lewis Trilogy #1), the 1st book in my start a series challenge (I need to get moving). Excellent read 4.0 starshttps://www...."
I am so glad you enjoyed this, I hope you continue the series. After reading this, I started another series of his, China Thrillers, and that's very good too. Need to go back and continue it.
Mod
..."
I have the first book in his Enzo Files that I'm looking forward to trying, now that I've tried and enjoyed The Blackhouse.
Mod
It's been a very satisfactory month. Since mid Feb, I've completed 7 more books for a total of 13 books for the month. My yearly total so far is 24 books, 5 books a..."
Great update, Bill, as always. I am SO GLAD you are back reading Rebus and Harry Hole. You started me on this Rebus journey, and I am so glad you did.
Kudos, Bill!
Great update, Bill! You are reading a lot of series books...I always want to start a new series after reading your threads. :-)
Mod
Then you definitely should, Lea.. 👍😁
Alondra wrote: "Bill wrote: "End February 2025 Reading Update
It's been a very satisfactory month. Since mid Feb, I've completed 7 more books for a total of 13 books for the month. My yearly total so far is 24 boo..."
Thanks, Alondra. It's so unfortunate that some series sort of sink to the bottom of the pile. I'm glad to get back to them as well.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next book is a dusty one, A Series of Murders by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #13)
Bill wrote: "My review of On Book Banning: Or, How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy by Ira Wells 4.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/revie..."
Excellent review Bill. You make so many great points about book banning. The one that stands out to me the most is the need to support teachers and librarian who are fighting against the banning. They are on the front lines of freedom. I looked for it on my library app but couldn't find the book. I'll have to keep my eye out in the bookstores.
Mod
https://www.goodre..."
Maybe they'll order it for you?
Bill wrote: "7. The Blackhouse by Peter May the first book in the Fin McLeod, Lewis trilogy. I've had it for awhile and am glad I finally read it. 4.0 stars"Great February reading month! I'm glad you read The Blackhouse and liked it. I found the whole series to be engaging.
Mod
Great February reading month! I'm glad..."
Now that I've tried one, I'm sure I'll keep going.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line a good old mystery set in Russia, The White Russian by Tom Bradby
Bill wrote: "My review of On Book Banning: Or, How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy by Ira Wells 4.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/revie..."
Interesting book, great review. It's not published yet, and I hope my library will get it when it gets released.
Mod
https://www.goodre..."
I think my local book store owner bought it at a book fair she attended. I hope it's released more widely.
Mod
by Caitlín R. Kiernan (ahem.... Alondra) 3.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A bit of Canadian indigenous dystopia next with The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Mod
It's been a very slow month. I finished 3 relatively short books, one of them being a graphic novel and gave up on one that I had started in January. Hoping the rest of the month is a bit better.
Completed
1. On Book Banning: Or, How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy by Ira Wells. I found this at my favorite local. The owner said she bought it at a book fair (if I remember correctly). Very interesting, short look at history of book banning and perspectives on it. 4.5 stars
2. Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein Sounded like an interesting story. Writer Naomi Klein discovers that another Naomi, Naomi Wolf, is now being confused with her. Similar political bents except Wolf is now a leading light in the conspiracy theory groups and a regular on Steve Bannon's podcast. After awhile, I just found this dive into propaganda and conspiracies and misinformation just too depressing to continue. DNF
3. Alabaster: Wolves by Caitlín R. Kiernan (Alabaster #1) After Doppelganger, I needed something cheerful so visited the world of demons and werewolves and their fight against Dancy Flammarion. Fun graphic novel. 3.5 stars
4. A Time to Keep Silence by Patrick Leigh Fermor combination essays and travel novel by Fermor, as he visited various Benedictine monasteries in the 50s. Surprisingly enjoyable. 4.5 stars
Currently Reading
1. The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin (Rebus #16) Rebus and Siobhan investigate a murder during a G-7 summit in Edinborough
2. Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo (Children of Chicago #1) Just getting into it but it seems like a play on the Pied Piper fairy tale.
3. The Snowman by Jo Nesbø (Harry Hole #7) Harry is investigating a series of missing women in Norway.
4. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (Marrow Thieves #1). Just about to crack it open. Dystopia anyways
5. Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie (Tommy & Tuppence #5). This will complete the series for me. Tommy & Tuppence retire from the spy game, buy an old house and while renovating discover a hidden message that revives their interest in investigation.
6. A Series of Murders by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #13). Aging actor and sometimes drunk, Charles Paris is acting in a TV series, playing a Police Desk Sgt and gets involved in investigating the murder of an unpopular actress.
7. The White Russian by Tom Bradby Murder investigaion in Russia (St Petersburg) in early 1900s
Next in Line?
1. Domain by James Herbert (Rats #3)
2. Gideon's Power by J.J. Marric (Commander Gideon #15)
3. A Question of Proof by Nicholas Blake (Nigel Strangeways #1)
4. Dorothy Parker: Complete Broadway, 1918–1923 by Dorothy Parker
Enjoy the rest of March
Bill wrote: "2. Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein Sounded like an interesting story. Writer Naomi Klein discovers that another Naomi, Naomi Wolf, is now being confused with her. Similar political bents except Wolf is now a leading light in the conspiracy theory groups and a regular on Steve Bannon's podcast. After awhile, I just found this dive into propaganda and conspiracies and misinformation just too depressing to continue. DNF"Oh noo, this sounded so interesting and I was hoping to read it soon. Maybe I should not rush....or ignore it all together? Too bad you didn't enjoy it, but I'm glad you did not feel the need to finish it.
Mod
I think you should try it. I think I wasn't in the mood to finish it. But she writes very well and it's an interesting subject.
The Welles book looks to be very interesting, how fortunate you were to get your hands on it. Too bad Doppelganger didn't work for you - I know someone who has a semi unusual name and lives in a small state...and another person in her state with her exact same name got arrested for embezzling. She gets so many people who mistake her for the other one, and it can be quite scary. I thought the book sounds interesting...so I may consider it...sometime when I feel strong enough to deal with propaganda like that. Hope the rest of March brings you some better books, Bill!
Bill wrote: "3. Alabaster: Wolves by Caitlín R. Kiernan (Alabaster #1) After Doppelganger, I needed something cheerful so visited the world of demons and werewolves and their fight against Dancy Flammarion."Best sentence ever! 😂
Hope the rest of March goes well
Mod
LOL! Thanks, Lillie
Lea wrote: "The Welles book looks to be very interesting, how fortunate you were to get your hands on it. Too bad Doppelganger didn't work for you - I know someone who has a semi unusual name and lives in a sm..."
My attention span seems to be shrinking, Lea. Or my patience? I keep putting aside some books to find something new and fresh. Not that Doppelganger wasn't new and fresh. i hope you try it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Bill wrote: "I think you should try it. I think I wasn't in the mood to finish it. But she writes very well and it's an interesting subject."It did sound like an interesting subject, that's why it's on my TBR. I'll keep it there, if you think I should, and I'll probably get to it someday.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is a graphic novel by Alan Moore, Lost Girls
Bill wrote: "My review of A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin Fred Fordham (Earthsea #1) 4.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/sho..."
I've read some good graphic books because of you, so I'm always watching what else you're discovering. This one sounds interesting.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.c..."
Wizard of Earthsea is excellent Ioana and I'm hoping to get Fordham's take on To Kill a Mockingbird.
Bill wrote: "Wizard of Earthsea is excellent"Thanks! And available at my library :-)
Mod
by Caitlín R. Kiernan (ahem.... Alondra) 3.5 starshttps://www...."
I already have 2 of her books on my TBR; including that Tinfoil Dossier, which looks good. Nothing like another graphic novel.
I hope you are enjoying The Snowman.
Mod
by Caitlín R. Kiernan (ahem.... Alondra) 3.5 stars..."
I'm enjoying the Snowman, Alondra but once again I'm starting to have too many books on the go. Trying to finish another so I can get back to it.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starting 1 Apr with The Abominable Man by Maj Sjöwall (Martin Beck #7)
On The Same Page
Books mentioned in this topic
Rogue Protocol (other topics)Rogue Protocol (other topics)
Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Canada's Greatest Spy (other topics)
The Siege Winter (other topics)
Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Canada's Greatest Spy (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Martha Wells (other topics)Martha Wells (other topics)
Ariana Franklin (other topics)
Jason Bell (other topics)
Jason Bell (other topics)
More...
I completed 11 books in January, 5 graphic novels. I got off to a bit of a slow start, 4 books in the 1st half, then 7 to finish off the month. I've already highlighted Gideon's March, Something is Killing the Children, Vol 2, Squire and Deadly Beloved. These are the books I read in the 2nd half.
a. Deadly Beloved by Jane Haddam, an entertaining Gregor Demarkian mystery set in Philadelphia. 4.0 stars
b. The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu an excellent Sci Fi graphic novel dealing with Androids, love, rivalry. 4.0 stars
c. Burn Book: A Tech Love Story by Kara Swisher Kara Swisher is a tech reporter who talks about her career the tech bros with whom she's interacted. Well written and interesting 4.0 stars
d. Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 3 by James Tynion IV Vol III continues the horror series featuring Erica Slaughter. This volume ends the events in Wisconsin. What's next? 3.5 stars
e. Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice The 2nd and final book in the Moon dystopic series. Evan and his daughter Nangohns lead an expedition south to try and find out if there is life still around Lake Huron. Excellent story and series (4.5 stars)
f. The Downloaded by Robert J. Sawyer Definitely my favorite book of the month. Sci Fi story set in Waterloo Ontario dealing with a team of astronauts who were placed in suspended animation and events that ensue. Oh and also a group of convicts also placed in suspended animation. Surprisingly good story, format is interviews with various characters (5.0 stars)
g. Pearl by Sherri L. Smith A quick graphic to finish off the month. Set during WWII, it follows Amy a Japanese American who is trapped in Japan after Pearl Harbor. Short but powerful (4.0 stars)
Currently Reading
So far holding to my pledge to keep to reading one book per challenge (5 of them) at a time.
1. The Chinese Alchemist by Lyn Hamilton Lara McClintoch archeological mystery finds Lara in China. My dusty book challenge
2. Crime Machine by Giles Blunt This will complete my John Cardinal crime series
3. The Blackhouse by Peter May The 1st book in the Fin McLeod mystery series, this story set in the Isle of Lewis. I'm enjoying the writing style.
4. Calling Out for You by Karin Fossum An Inspector Sejer mystery set in Sweden.
5. Howards End Is on the Landing: A Year of Reading from Home by Susan Hill I just started. A book about books and the life of Susan Hill. I'm already enjoying and want to set aside the other books to finish this.. LOL But I won't
Upcoming
a. Wycliffe and the Winsor Blue by W.J. Burley A Wycliffe mystery for my dusty challenge
b. When the Tripods Came by John Christopher (Tripods #0.5) will finish the Tripods series
c. Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo the 1st book in this series
d. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson Continuing the Jackson Brodie mystery series
e. Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein
Enjoy your February reading.