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2025 Independent Challenge
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Bill's Independent 2025 Reading Challenge
I cannot believe it is the last third of the year already. You had a great August. I always love to see what you are reading. :-)
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You had a great August. I always love to see what you are reading. :-)"
I enjoy your lists as well, Lea.
Great August progress!I've read The Girl With All the Gifts a few years ago when it was still a stand alone and I remember enjoying it. The 2nd one in the series, not so much...
I hope you'll enjoy Babel, I did.
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I've read The Girl With All the Gifts a few years ago when it was still a stand alone and I remember enjoying it. The 2nd one in the series, not so much...
I hope you'll enjo..."
it sounded interesting, Ioana. I'm looking forward to trying it.
What a great month! I'm looking forward to hearing about Babel because I go back and forth on whether to give it a try!
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It'll be awhile, I imagine. I still have to read the Poppy War first...
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Some non-fiction next, Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Canada's Greatest Spy by Jason Bell
Bill wrote: "Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (Murderbot #3) 4.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
Woohoo! You're back to reading this series :)
Bill wrote: "1. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey (The Girl with #1) Just started but a dystopic world where kids are zombies and adults are trying to cure them... But I may be totally wrong"
I still remember this book, read it in 2016. It was so good! I hope you continue to enjoy it.
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
Woohoo! You're back to reading this series :)..."
Thanks, Lillie
Bill wrote: "My review of The Siege Winter by Ariana Franklin 4.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Some non-fiction next, [book:Cracking the Nazi Code: The..."
This has been on my TBR for...wow, 10 years! I should get to it...
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Some non-fiction next, [book:Cracking the N..."
It was the same with me I think. LOL
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Cargo of Eagles by Margery Allingham (Albert Campion #19)
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I'm satisfied with my August reading. 9 books since my mid month update for a total of 15. Roughly 3800 pages for the month.
Completed
1. The Enemy by Charlie ..."</i>
Kudos on your progress, Bill.
Glad you are still enjoying Murderbot. The next Murderbot for me is #8; which comes out next year.
[book:Platform Decay !! I cannot wait!
Mod
4 books completed thus far with roughly 950 pages. Making progress on the others.
Completed
1. Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #3) My favorite of the month so far, the continuing adventures of Murderbot 4.5 stars
2. The Siege Winter by Ariana Franklin and her daughter. A standalone historical novel involving the wars between Empress Matilda and her cousin Stephen. Most enjoyable 4.0 stars
3. Imago by Octavia E. Butler The 3rd and final book in the Exogenesis trilogy. Such a great imagination 4.0 stars
4. Redhead by John Creasey (#2 in the Dept Z thriller series). Action, action, action. 2.5 stars
Books started in September
1. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (#2 in the Handmaid's Tales) It's been a long time since I read the Handmaid's Tale but it has been easy getting back into the flow.
2. Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Canada's Greatest Spy by Jason Bell True story about a Canadian spy during WWI & II. Easy to read and very interesting so far.
3. The Hyde Park Murder by Elliott Roosevelt (Eleanor Roosevelt #2). I enjoyed the 1st mystery in this series by the Roosevelts' son and I'm enjoying this one too.
4. Cargo of Eagles by Margery Allingham (Albert Campion #19) Campion is a bit like Poirot and lots of fun.
In the Mill... Maybe
1. The Doctor Digs a Grave by Robin Hathaway (Dr. Fenimore #1) A new series to check out
2. Maddie Hatter and the Timely Taffeta by Jayne Barnard The final book in a steam punk adventure series
3. Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by James Sturm I'm looking forward to reading this graphic novelization of Richard Adams' excellent book
Some New Books
Yes, I keep buying them
1. Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution by R.F. Kuang I've heard it's interesting
2. The Innkeeper's Song by Peter S. Beagle Took a chance on this. I enjoyed The Last Unicorn
3. The Knives by Ed Brubaker I liked his graphic novel Fatale
4. The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly I let my bookshop owner talk me into it.. Yup, not my fault at all. I also have Kelly's Hello Universe to read.
So there you go. Enjoy the rest of September. Anyone thinking of next year's challenges yet?
Haha! I love the section Some New Books. :-) I agree, I don't think I could list them all. And yes, I keep buying them too. And yes! Of course I've been thinking about next year's challenges! I've been working on it almost all year. There have been quite a few rearrangements. The struggle is real. :-)
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And yes! Of course I've been thinking about next year's challenges! I'v..."
I've made a couple of lists for potential challenges too, but nothing specific yet..
Bill wrote: "Mid September Reading Update4 books completed thus far with roughly 950 pages. Making progress on the others.
Completed
1. Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (Murderbot..."
I love Murderbot - can't wait to get to the new release in the series.
And yes, I've started playing with a reading list for next year, trying out some possibilities. I look forward to that every year :)
Mod
4 books completed thus far with roughly 950 pages. Making progress on the others.
Completed
1. Rogue Protocol by [author:Martha Wells|8730..."
It is part of the fun, eh? Lists are my friend.
I also am thinking through my challenges for next year!
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Fun, eh?
Bill wrote: "Anyone thinking of next year's challenges yet?"Not exactly in these words, but I'm trying to figure out how to select the next reads. It's getting harder and harder...
Lists upon lists! I should start with the books I meant to read this year & didn't. But, I probably won't. :)
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I was thinking of maybe doing a Sparkly New Book challenge, make a list on Dec 31st of the 16 newest books I purchased... to go in counterpoint with my Dusty book challenge...
Ioana wrote: "Bill wrote: "Anyone thinking of next year's challenges yet?"
Not exactly in these words, but I'm trying to figure out how to select the next reads. It's getting harder and harder..."
It's always a challenge for me of do I stick to my previous types of challenges or try something different.
Bill wrote: "Patricia wrote: "Lists upon lists! I should start with the books I meant to read this year & didn't. But, I probably won't. :)"I was thinking of maybe doing a Sparkly New Book challenge, make a l..."
I love the sparkly new book challenge idea Bill.
Mod
I was thinking of maybe doing a Sparkly New Book challe..."
It would all depend on the 16 books, wouldn't it, Michelle. :)
Bill wrote: "I was thinking of maybe doing a Sparkly New Book challenge, make a list on Dec 31st of the 16 newest books I purchased... to go in counterpoint with my Dusty book challenge...."Two challenges in one year? Need to see your sparkly new books :)
Mod
Two c..."
I'll sure I'll add a few more by end December. :)
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next is High Country by Nevada Barr (Anna Pigeon #12)
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by Elliott Roosevelt (Eleanor Roosevelt #2) 3.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bill wrote: "My review of The Hyde Park Murder by Elliott Roosevelt (Eleanor Roosevelt #2) 3.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
Wow - seems like such an interesting series based on your review. It must be quite difficult to find these books, yes?
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by Elliott Roosevelt (Eleanor Roosevelt #2) 3.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.co..."
I've found some on Abe Books but they can be expensive..
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Chris Mould's War of the Worlds: A Graphic Novel by Chris Mould
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starting my 1st horror book for October next, Red X by David Demchuk
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edited by Librarian Becky Siegel Spratford. Excellent book, some of the essays are quite harrowing, mind you... 4.0 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm delving into graphic novels next, with an adaptation of Richard Adam's Watership Down: The Graphic Novel
by James Sturm
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now onto my next October horror entry, The Girls in the Cabin by Caleb Stephens
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10 books completed in September, six since mid-month. Roughly 2000+ pages read.
Completed
1. Cargo Of Eagles by Margery Allingham (Albert Campion #19) Entertaining mystery of smuggling and other stuff (3.5 stars)
2. The Hyde Park Murder by Elliott Roosevelt (Eleanor Roosevelt #2) Eleanor Roosevelt once again involved in solving a mystery, nice historical setting. (3.0 stars)
3. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad Powerful, disturbing, distressing, thoughtful work of non-fiction (5.0 stars)
4. Chris Mould's War of the Worlds: A Graphic Novel by Chris Mould A graphic novelization of the classic Sci Fi work by H.G. Wells. Great art work and entertaining story (3.5 stars)
5. Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature by Becky Siegel Spratford A collection of essays by horror writers about their influences and what horror means to them. Most interesting and gave me lots of book suggestions. (4.0 stars)
6. Bring the Jubilee by Ward Moore Combination alternate history & time travel story. A slowish burn but excellent ending.. 5.0 stars
Currently Reading
Books started since last update
1. High Country by Nevada Barr (Anna Pigeon #12) Mystery set in Yosemite
2. Red X by David Demchuk Horror story set in Toronto focused on the gay community... (I think)
3. The Girls in the Cabin by Caleb Stephens Just about to start...
4. Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by James Sturm Graphic novel adaptation of the bunny story.
Coming Up
1. Our Love Will Devour Us by R.L. Meza
2. The Tindalos Asset by Caitlín R. Kiernan (Tinfoil Dossier #3)
3. Pound of Flesh (Wrath and Vengeance #1) by Sara Clancy
(Of course, subject to change)
Some New Purchases
1. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
2. North Is the Night: Deluxe Limited Edition by Emily Rath
3. The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson
4. A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews
5. Five Pieces of Jade by John Dudley Ball
6. The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld by William Cooper
Enjoy October everyone...
Wow, September was a great month for you. I hope October is great too. I love your section with your new purchases! I will read the Anna Pigeon series one of these days. It looks like something that I will love.
Mod
I will read the Anna Pigeon series one of these days. It looks like something t..."
Anna is a great character and you get to visit all of your national parks. What else could you want? 😎
Bill wrote: "Anna is a great character and you get to visit all of your national parks. What else could you want? 😎"Only more time in my day to read, Bill. That's really the main thing I want most. :-)
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Only more time in my day to read, Bill. That's really the main thing I want mos..."
LOL. I know that feeling, Lea.
Bill wrote: "6. Bring the Jubilee by Ward Moore Combination alternate history & time travel story. A slowish burn but excellent ending.. 5.0 stars"Great month Bill! Bring the Jubilee sounds like a great book. Adding it to my list.
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Great month Bill! Bring the Jubilee..."
It was interesting, Lillie.
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Star Shapes by Ivy Grimes
Bill wrote: "My review of Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by James Sturm. I loved rekindling my memories of the original story.. 4.5 starshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/sho..."
Glad to see you liked it as much as I did! I thought it was a terrific adaptation.
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https://www.goodreads.c..."
I've read a few adaptations of other books as well lately. It's been most enjoyable.
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Next in line is Our Love Will Devour Us by R.L. Meza
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Continuing Horror October with Hell House by Richard Matheson
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Glad you are still enjoying Murderbot. I think book 5 is the full length novel (or is it 4), and its not as good. I think she needs to leave the formula alone and keep these as novellas. It was still enjoyable though.
The Screwtape Letters is actually pretty good. Gave it 4 stars. I love a good classic.
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I'm satisfied with my August reading. 9 books since my mid month update for a total of 15. Roughly 3800 pages for the month.
Completed
1. The Enemy by Charlie Higson by Charlie Higson (Enemy #1) Dystopic future set in London where adults have either died or become zombiish creatures and all kids younger than 16 are now trying to survive. Good enough to make me want to continuer. One of my favs of the month 4.5 stars
2. Sleeping Planet by William R. Burkett Jr. Aliens want to conquer the Earth Federation by putting the people on the main 3 planets to sleep. Unfortunately, some didn't fall asleep. Enjoyed very much 3.5 stars
3. Young Dr. Kildare by Max Brand (Dr. Kildare #3) Medical drama with young doctor who is trying to figure out why a young lady tried to commit suicide. I used to watch the TV series 3.0 stars
4. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo (Singing Hills #1) Reminded me of the Monk and the Robot somewhat. A monk visits the old empress to get her story. My fav of the month 5.0 stars
5. Fatale Compendium by Ed Brubaker Graphic novel. Noir mystery meets Lovecraft. Interesting and well-drawn 3.5 stars
6. Murder is for keeps, by Peter Chambers (Mark Preston #1) 60's PI from California gets involved with mobsters and murder. Hard boiled crime fiction and enjoyable. 3.0 stars
7. The Big Payoff by Janice Law (Anna Peters #1) Industrial espionage involving oil producers and murder. It was ok 2.5 stars
8. The Red Mass by Rosemary Aubert (Ellis Portal #5) Legal drama set in Toronto. Most enjoyable series 3.5 stars
9. Dorothy Parker: Complete Broadway, 1918–1923 by Dorothy Parker If you're interested in the early years of Broadway as presented in articles written by a lady who writes so well, you might like to check this out. 4.0 stars
Currently Reading
11 on the go. I'll only highlight those I've started since my mid -month update.
1. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey (The Girl with #1) Just started but a dystopic world where kids are zombies and adults are trying to cure them... But I may be totally wrong
2. Redhead by John Creasey (Dept Z #2) a thriller from the 1930's
3. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad (Non Fic) Another I've just started, a look at the present....
4. Bring the Jubilee by Ward Moore An alternate future in NY where the South won the Civil War.
5. The Snow Queen by Joan D. Vinge (Snow Queen #1) I'm just about to start so not sure what it's about.. Sci Fi / Fan
6. Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #3) I'm enjoying getting back into this world.
Next in Line
1. Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Canada's Greatest Spy by Jason Bell (Non fic)
2. The Hyde Park Murder by Elliott Roosevelt (Eleanor Roosevelt Mysteries #2)
3. The Doctor Digs a Grave by Robin Hathaway Robin Hathaway (Dr Fenimore #1)
4. Cargo of Eagles by Margery Allingham (Albert Campion Mystery)
Some New Books
1. Babel by R.F. Kuang I bought it on the recommendation of the book store owner
2. Orlando by Virginia Woolf I'm currently reading her diaries and have this hankering to explore her work some more
3. The Fear by Charlie Higson #3 in The Enemy series
4. Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo The 3rd book in the Singing Hills series
5. A History of Canada in Ten Maps: Epic Stories of Charting a Mysterious Land by Adam Shoalts I can never know too much about Canada's history
6. The Dark by James Herbert A bit of horror from one of my favorite horror authors.
There you go. Enjoy your September reading. The last 3rd of the year..