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2025 Independent Challenge
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**Michelle’s Any Way You Want It That’s The Way You Read It Independent Reading
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"The morning sun baptizes both sinner and saint alike."-S.A. Cosby, King of Ashes
105 books
9132 pages
83 audiobooks
22 print
#102
The Dream Hotel An interesting dystopian tale set in the near future when tech companies watch everything even dreams and use algorithms to predict crime, removing potential criminals based on the probability that they will commit a crime. A young mother is sent to a retention center based on her algorithm and struggles to return to normal life. I had a few quibbles with this one, but it was such an interesting concept my hang ups did not spoil the book for me. 3 big brother is not only watching he is in your dreams stars. Speculative Fiction/Dystopia.#103
The Listeners Maggie Stiefvater's first adult book was a hit for me. Set in the early days of WWII the manager of a luxury hotel is forced to house political prisoners as guests. The writing was beautiful and the setting was captivating. 4 be careful if you drink the water stars. Historical Fiction.#104
King of Ashes S.A. Cosby never disappoints me. I have only one word for this book INTENSE. 4 everything burns stars. Fiction-Southern Grit Lit.#105
One Summer I usually enjoy David Baldacci so I jumped on the bandwagon when I saw my Goodreads friends reading this one. A mistake I'm sad to say. I also have only one word for this one TRITE. Not a bad story but everything was so contrived. This was like if your 90's Dad wrote a Hallmark movie. 3 no, I think it might even be too corny for Hallmark stars. Romance.Current:
Oona Out of Order Setting up for a nice time travel tale.
The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey I didn't imagine I could like this one as much as I do.
“Life is crazy and maddening and often makes no sense.”
― David Baldacci, One Summer
“To be a woman was to watch yourself not just through your own eyes, but through the eyes of others.”
― Laila Lalami, The Dream Hotel
“Even he, with all his life experience and his training, saw loveliness in these surroundings. Everything logical in him was unnerved; everything else swooned.”
― Maggie Stiefvater, The Listeners
Michelle wrote: "Current:
Oona Out of Order Setting up for a nice time travel tale."
I hope you continue enjoying it! I found it to be a much better time travel story than the one I read for book club this month, The Day Tripper
Mod
-S.A. Cosby, King of Ashes
105 books
9132 pages
83 audiobooks
22 print
#102
[book:The Dream Hotel|218..."I've only read The Scorpio Races by Stiefvater so far and thought it was great. I do have a couple of her books on my bookshelf. I need to try them.
Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Current:
Oona Out of Order Setting up for a nice time travel tale."
I hope you continue enjoying it! I found it to be a much better time travel story than the one I read for book..."
I haven't read The Daytripper but so far this is the best time travel tale I have read in a while. So good! I read Wrong Place Wrong Time a while back. Not bad but this one is so much better.
Bill wrote: "Michelle wrote: ""The morning sun baptizes both sinner and saint alike."-S.A. Cosby, King of Ashes
You should pick up The Listeners Bill. I think you would like it. Her Raven King trilogy is also good but I flaked out on the follow up series for that one.
Sorry you didn't love One Summer. I agree with your assessment, but I think I had lower expectations for the book. There were way too many convenient plot twists that made this book completely unbelievable. I heard it did make a Hallmark movie though. :-)
Lea wrote: "Sorry you didn't love One Summer. I agree with your assessment, but I think I had lower expectations for the book. There were way too many convenient plot twists that made this book completely unbe..."I hated that. I really do like Baldacci normally. I'm also glad to hear it made Hallmark. Maybe this was just bad timing for me. Also, I listened to the audiobook which was clearly one of the early audiobook productions. It was a VERY dramatic reading especially the letters. Complete with heartfelt background music. That didn't help.
Michelle wrote: "I hated that. I really do like Baldacci normally. I'm also glad to hear it made Hallmark. Maybe this was just bad timing for me. Also, I listened to the audiobook which was clearly one of the early audiobook productions. It was a VERY dramatic reading especially the letters. Complete with heartfelt background music. That didn't help."Yikes! Thankfully, I read the hardcover book versus the audio. It was a good escape read while I was on vacation, but it wasn't more than that. I did like the symbolism of the light house, but it bugged me that we didn't get to know what Jack's illness was. I do think he's better writing thrillers. I also think I'll skip the Hallmark movie though, as I've gotten enough out of the story. :-)
Michelle wrote: "This was like if your 90's Dad wrote a Hallmark movie. "You're not wrong lol
“Dogs and books, two excellent defenses against solitude and despair.”― Margarita Montimore, Oona Out of Order
109 books
9464 pages
86 audiobooks
23 print
I seem to be on a 4 star streak.
#106
The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey I could not have imagined how much I would enjoy this book. Author Rinker Buck and his brother drive a team of mules and a covered wagon over the modern-day Oregon Trail and their adventures are poignant, funny, and fascinating. Great audiobook production read by the author. 4 fans of Bill Bryson would love this one stars. Nonfiction-Living History.#107
Listen for the Lie Also better than I thought it would be. A woman accused of murder but with no memory of the event joins with a podcaster to learn the truth. This was just a lot of fun. 4 everyone in town is a suspect stars. Mystery.#108
Oona Out of Order I loved this unique time travel story. This one wasted no time on the how of the time travel and focused on the effect on the traveler and the people she encountered. Really endearing characters in this one. Also, a funny story. I had no intentions of reading this even though I do like time travel. My son gave it and another book to me for my birthday and said I want you to tell me if you like it. Turns out he used ChatGPT and my Goodreads read list to pick out two paperbacks for me. I haven't read the second book yet but based on my experience with this one - well done! 4 let's hear it for AI stars. Speculative Fiction-Time Travel.#109
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey My second president book by Candice Millard was as successful as the first. This book covered one of the final adventures of Theodore Roosevelt. After he was president he discovered, explored, and mapped an unknown river in the Amazon jungle. This was an exciting tale all by itself, but Millard managed to tell it in a way that revealed the character and personality of Roosevelt in a way that most biographies do not. 4 the crucible of adventure stars. Nonfiction-President ChallengeCurrent:
Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind so funny
The Phoenix Pencil Company I can't wait to see where this one goes
“I do not believe in organized religion, herbal remedies, yoga, Reiki, kabbalah, deep massage, slow food, or chicken soup for the soul. The nostrums of Deepak Chopra and Barbara De Angelis cannot rescue people like me. I believe in crazyass passion.”
― Rinker Buck, The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey
“I am not responsible for the fake version of me you created in your head.”
― Amy Tintera, Listen for the Lie
“Roosevelt had never allowed himself to fear death, famously writing, “Only those are fit to live who do not fear to die.” From a very young age, he had been prepared to die in order to live the life he wanted.
― Candice Millard, The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
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King of Ashes is already on the list. I have Razorblade Tears on my list for this year; so, I want to get that under my belt first.
They are making All the Sinners Bleed into a series on Netflix!! I can't wait!!
Alondra wrote: "Great updates, Michelle.King of Ashes is already on the list. I have Razorblade Tears on my list for this year; so, I want to get that under my belt first.
They are making [book:All the Sinners ..."
I'm right there with you Alondra. Something about S.A. Cosby and his gritty reads, I always go back for more. I'm looking forward to the Netflix series. I hope they don't mess it up.
Michelle wrote: "“Dogs and books, two excellent defenses against solitude and despair.”― Margarita Montimore, Oona Out of Order"
Yay! Happy to hear that you enjoyed Oona Out of Order. Read it about 5 years ago and I still remember it. May need to pick it up again.
About SA Cosby, when I see both you and Alondra raving about his books, I know I really need to buckle down start reading them. Just need to be in that dark and gritty mood. I've been reading a lot of popcorn reads this year (cozy mysteries).
I loved Oona! Great premise. Great character. You should try Cosby but make sure you're ready for grit lit when you do. I would recommend starting with Razorblade Tears.
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The author seems excited about it; so, I am hoping they treat it with the care that it deserves.
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I'm right there with you Alondra. Something about S.A. Cosby and his gritty reads, I always go back for more. I'm looking forward to the Netflix series. I hope they don't mess it u..."**fingers crossed**
"The most words"- Nate Bargatze, Big Dumb Eyes
112 books
9493 pages
89 audiobooks
23 print
#110
Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind Nate Bargatze always cracks me up and his book was no different. Having grown up in the same part of the country that he did, his stories of his childhood particularly resonated with me. 4 super funny and clean stars. Nonfiction-Comedy.#111
Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President I cannot for the life of me think why I put this book on my library hold list but when it popped up I said OK. The result was an audiobook experience that I cannot quite describe. Sometimes funny, sometimes stomach churning, ultimately a little inspiring and always stylish. I can only say after listening that these two octogenarians were well matched for the courtroom battle of the century. 3 what was that!? stars. Nonfiction-Memoir??#112
The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life A beautiful and inspiring book meant to spark the reader's creativity. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it but this is really a book to read and spend some time with. 3 would make a great gift book stars. Nonfiction.Current:
The Phoenix Pencil Company Still plugging away at this one but enjoying it.
Monday's Not Coming Working to finish my banned books challenge.
“It taught me that if you’re in conversation with the self, you can be in conversation with the world.”
― Suleika Jaouad, The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life
“I’m just reading.” “It’s one of the only times you look happy.”― Allison King, The Phoenix Pencil Company
116 books
10217 pages
92 audiobooks
24 print
#113
Monday's Not Coming Sad story of a missing girl and the friend who will not let her be forgotten. A really good book full of twists-some you see coming, some you don't. 3 a library book can be a cry for help stars. YA Fiction/Banned.#114
One Life: The True Story of Sir Nicholas Winton and the Prague Kindertransport A beautiful book if you are looking for a daughter's homage to a beloved father. A terrible book if you want to read about the Prague Kindertransport. The book unfortunately skimmed lightly over the historical events that I was hoping to read about. 3 yes, a nice man but what about those kids trying to escape the Nazis stars. Nonfiction-Biography.#115
The Phoenix Pencil Company A warm book about friendship, love, family and the stories we tell ourselves with a little magical realism thrown in. 4 charming and bittersweet stars. Speculative Fiction.#116
Burn Book: A Tech Love Story Kara Swisher writes about her 30 year career reporting on the tech industry. Since she was there from the early days until the present, her memoir gives a pretty good review of the rise and growth of the tech industry and it's leaders. I thought the subtitle of the book would actually have been the better title. She didn't pull any punches but she clearly admires the tech world. 3 Not too gossipy not too geeky stars. Nonfiction-Memoir.Current
The Enchanted Greenhouse Loving this one, my second by this author.
Going Home If you clicked the link. I know, I know but I just have a weakness for survivalist apocalypse stuff. Can't help it.
“Mondays are the best days! Like, aren’t you excited about the start of a new week? It’s like a new chapter in a book.”
― Tiffany D. Jackson, Monday's Not Coming
“How can you know when you’re young and sad and vulnerable how to choose someone to share your life with? And how can you know when you’re old and weak and vulnerable that someone will be kind to your granddaughter, long after you are gone?”
― Allison King, The Phoenix Pencil Company
“French philosopher Paul Virilio has a quote I think about a lot: “When you invent the ship, you also invent the shipwreck; when you invent the plane, you also invent the plane crash; and when you invent electricity, you invent electrocution…. Every technology carries its own negativity, which is invented at the same time as technical progress.”
― Kara Swisher, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story
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Bill wrote: "I thought Burn Book was ok as well."I was interested throughout Bill. She was astringent yet inciteful.
Michelle wrote: "#115 The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King A warm book about friendship, love, family and the stories we tell ourselves with a little magical realism thrown in. 4 charming and bittersweet stars. Speculative Fiction."Oh! This looks so good. Adding it to my list. Do you think it would be a good book club book? Starting to compile a list to share with book club for when we pick books for next year.
I think you would really like it Lillie. As for book clubs I don't know. I could see some great discussions about story telling and family relationships happening but there are elements of the story that some people might not appreciate. I'd say it depends on your book club. Mine would hate it. They don't appreciate Magical realism and they don't like anything touching on terminal or chronic illness.
“Words matter.” The right words could heal shattered glass. And hearts. And families. And lives.”― Sarah Beth Durst, The Enchanted Greenhouse
119 books
10601 pages
94 audiobooks
25 print
#117
Going Home by A American (28-Jul-2014) Paperback OK first thing: I do not recommend this book. As I said somewhere above I love apocalypse lit. I am particularly drawn to apocalypse tales that describe how the characters survive the immediate event. I especially like it if they have to travel to get somewhere and/or if they have to gather what they need to survive. This book satisfied that requirement. In fact, it satisfied to a degree that was pretty much unbelievable. The MC is in his car traveling for work. An EMP hits, no electricity, no car etc. He has to gather what he can from his vehicle and somehow walk 250 miles or so back to his family. Because he is a prepper, he gathers around 60 pounds of crucial survival gear from his car even having to discard some because he doesn't want to make his pack too heavy. Right. I'm sure I could gather 60 pounds of detritus from my car under similar circumstances but 0% of it would be useful for my survival which would be OK because if I had to carry a 60-pound pack I would keel over after about 500 yards. I am describing here the good part of the book. The rest was crude, gross, bloody and deeply biased. Oh yes, it was also poorly written. It seems to be a series, but I believe I can "survive" without the rest of it. 2 Country Boy Can Survive by Hank Williams Jr. kept playing in my head stars. Fiction (except for the survival gear, I'm sure you can find that in Cabelo's or somewhere).#118
The Enchanted Greenhouse The second in a duology by Sarah Beth Durst. I just loved both of these books. This was the epitome of cozy fantasy. Enchanted greenhouses, sentient plants, hot gardeners and endless mouthwatering descriptions of food, it all made me want to curl up in my reading chair and read for days. 5 peaceful and hopeful feel good stars. Cozy Fantasy.#119
An Incomplete Revenge I enjoyed this installment of the Maisie Dobbs series. Maisie puts old ghosts to rest both in her case and in her own life. Revealing a little more about her own past and clearing the stage for future events in the series. 3 deep cleansing breaths stars. Mystery.Current:
Silver Elite Just started but I'm intrigued.
Flowers in the Attic Almost done and I'm a bit nauseous.
“She felt like she fit within his arms, like a book properly shelved.”
― Sarah Beth Durst, The Enchanted Greenhouse
“You risked so much... And you barely know me."
"I did what I believed was right," Rijes said. "It's my duty--- in fact, I believe it's every person's duty, especially those in power--- to reject unjust laws. To choose kindness and empathy, whenever we can.”
― Sarah Beth Durst, The Enchanted Greenhouse
I just finished reading The Spellshop, so I'm excited to read The Enchanted Greenhouse. You called it a duology, but according to GR, there is a third book coming out July 2026, so that's exciting. Sea of Charms
I'm so happy to hear there's a third! I would love it if this series had a dozen books. Reading them is like wrapping up in your favorite blankie.
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― Sarah Beth Durst, The Enchanted Greenhouse
119 books
10601 pages
94 audiobooks
25 print
#117 [..."
I have to get back to Maisie. I've been neglecting her stories.
I wasn't sure how much further I was going to go with Maisie but this one renewed my interest. A nice mystery.
“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”― Heather Fawcett, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
122 books
10629 pages
97 audiobooks
25 print
#120
Flowers in the Attic I'm glad I finally read what has become a modern classic but I'll admit I found it a little sickening. I did admire how the author delicately handled descriptions of child abuse and incest. That took some writing skills. 3 well written but not the story for me stars. Fiction.#121
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries I was on hold for this book for a very long time, so I'm glad I finally got the chance to read it. It was amusing and I liked the main character's humor and independence. 3 I guess I'm up for the series stars. Fantasy.#122
What If I Never Get Over You A satisfying romance in the spirit of "An Affair To Remember". 4 vacation lovers and missed meetings stars. Romance.Currently:
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism So much toxic stuff going on here.
Silver Elite Romantasy with no excuses.
“There is no hate such as that born out of love betrayed- and my brain screamed out for revenge.”
― V.C. Andrews, Flowers in the Attic
“I knew you wouldn’t believe it. Just because you have a heart filled with the dust of a thousand library stacks does not mean everybody does.”
― Heather Fawcett, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Michelle wrote: "I wasn't sure how much further I was going to go with Maisie but this one renewed my interest. A nice mystery."This was my dilemma as well. Loved the first one but as I went on in the series, I started getting less and less interested. Ended up taking a 7 year break between book 9, Elegy for Eddie and book 10, Leaving Everything Most Loved. Glad I went back.
Yes. I think this is one of those slow series reads that you come back to when you need something dependably good.
“My mind involuntarily keeps repeating the John Updike quote “Celebrity is a mask that eats into the face.”― Sarah Wynn-Williams, Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
126 books
11167 pages
100 audiobooks
26 print
#123
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism An expose about Facebook from a former employee. I would like to use the word shocking to describe this book but in truth it wasn't shocking. Sadly, it was pretty much what you expect. I guess the better word is disappointing. 4 greed, excess, and flagrant moral disregard. Nonfiction-Memoir#124
Silver Elite A new romantasy series starts with a bang. A young woman hides her telepathic talents as she attempts to infiltrate an elite squadron of soldiers in hopes of avenging the death of her uncle. 4 hot and heavy Romantasy stars. Fantasy.#125
The Breakaway I'm a fan of Jennifer Weiner. Like many of her books what should be a light little romance is chock full of storylines and issues. A fun read with a lot going on. 3 biking through the countryside not the idyllic trip you were expecting. Romance.#126
Shunning Sarah A TV news reporter investigates the case of a murdered Amish girl. This one has been on my TBR forever and I'm not sure why. My fascination with Amish murder mysteries I guess. Anyway this was just OK. Ok story. Ok writing. Ok mystery. 3 mediocre stars. Mystery.Currently:
Moon Tiger Slogging along with this one at the moment.
The Marlow Murder Club This one has potential.
Water for Elephants I should have read this one sooner.
“Silicon Valley is awash in wooden Montessori toys and shrouded in total screen bans. Parents at work talk about how they don't allow their teens to have mobile phones, which only underscores how well these executives understand the real damage their product inflicts on young minds.”
― Sarah Wynn-Williams, Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
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― Sarah Wynn-Williams, Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Ideal..."
Have you watched the Marlow Murder Club TV series? We've been enjoying a lot.
No I'm holding off until I finish the book but as soon as I'm done that will be our next binge watch.
Bill wrote: "Have you watched the Marlow Murder Club TV series? We've been enjoying a lot. "Michelle wrote: "No I'm holding off until I finish the book but as soon as I'm done that will be our next binge watch."
Ha! Came on to ask the same, lol. It's been a fun show, the actresses are great.
I've been on hold for Murder on the Marlow Belle, the fourth book. 2 more weeks 🤞🏼
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Books mentioned in this topic
Murder on the Marlow Belle (other topics)Silver Elite (other topics)
The Breakaway (other topics)
Shunning Sarah (other topics)
Moon Tiger (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jennifer Weiner (other topics)Sarah Beth Durst (other topics)
Kara Swisher (other topics)
Nate Bargatze (other topics)
SA Cosby (other topics)
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"Current:
The Dream Hotel More oppression by the patriarchy but this time in the future."
Looking forward to what you think about this book. I have it on my list ..."
I did enjoy it Lillie. I'll write more later but it was frighteningly close to current reality. I can see us getting there if we aren't careful.