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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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Michelle wrote: "Karol wrote: "Hello, Michelle. I've been thinking about that Kate Burkholder series for a while and finally decided to try the series. Very excited that my local library several from this series in..."I have a few series where my interest waxes and wanes, too, so I'm glad there are so many to choose from. This year, I returned to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (by Alexander McCall Smith) series as well as the Inspector Gamache series (by Louise Penny) after a few years away. I enjoyed getting back into those stories and characters so much, it was hard to understand why I had ever set them aside.
Michelle wrote: "#145 All in Her Head The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today by Elizabeth Comen All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today You might say a lot of the things in this book are unbelievable unless you have ever been a woman who has gone to the doctor. 4 engrossing, enraging, enlightening stars. Nonfiction-Health."Of course this is on my TBR and I hope to get to it soon. So good to hear you found it interesting!
Karol wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Karol wrote: "Hello, Michelle. I've been thinking about that Kate Burkholder series for a while and finally decided to try the series. Very excited that my local library several fr..."I recently returned to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series also and I hope to get caught up. Such a calming series. I never got far into Louise Penny but maybe it's time for another try.
Ioana wrote: "Michelle wrote: "#145 All in Her Head The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today by Elizabeth Comen All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine..."Enjoy is not the right word for this one but I hope you enjoy it!
I'm listening to tons of audiobooks this year but I'm feeling good about my challenges. I've already finished 2 12+4 challenges and I just completed my Motley 2025 challenge. I only lack five states on my ongoing state challenge (Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah) which I'm really hoping to finish before year end. I'm even doing better on my lifetime President's Challenge. I have the idea in my head that I should read at least 5 books a year to stay on track with that but this is the first year since I started in I think 2019 that I will actually accomplish that.
Planet Earth isn’t a fair place. It’s unfair in a broad variety of different ways, some worse than others, but it isn’t fair. Not for anybody.”― Jim Butcher, The Law
149 books
12,691 pages
117 audiobooks
32 books
#146.
The Impossible Fortune The Thursday Murder Club is back in session and better than ever. All of my favorite characters were back in play and I felt like the plot was a little tighter on this one. 4 weddings, bombs and missing people stars. Mystery.#147
Yours Truly I loved this sweet romance. Second in the series as good as the first. This author doesn’t shy away from serious subjects but manages to keep it romantic and funny at the same time. 4 romantic letters and cupcakes stars. Romance.#148.
Heart Strings A nice story about exes reunited but it got a little too graphic for me. 3 leave something to my imagination please stars. Romance.#149.
The Law A short Dresden novella that takes place months after the last book. It was so good to read Harry again. I can’t wait for the next book! 4 Harry is back stars! Urban Fantasy.Current:
AlchemisedGood world building but slow.
Tokyo Dreaming Only a few pages in.
“Joyce thinks that perhaps bombs are women. Once they’ve exploded, that’s an end to it. Men are more like guns: they’re constantly reloading.”
― Richard Osman, The Impossible Fortune
“I’m beginning to think men are not sending us their best people.”
― Abby Jimenez, Yours Truly
But something deep down inside me stirred, like an old warhorse who hears the sound of trumpets”
― Jim Butcher, The Law
Michelle wrote: "#146. The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club, #5) by Richard Osman The Impossible Fortune The Thursday Murder Club is back in session and better than ever. All of my favorite characters were back in play and I felt like the plot was a little tighter on this one. 4 weddings, bombs and missing people stars. Mystery"Just read this one too and really enjoyed it as well.
On another note, I guess I really am going to have to start the Dresden series. You all keep talking about it and I have fomo
Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "#146. The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club, #5) by Richard Osman The Impossible Fortune The Thursday Murder Club is back in session and better than ever. All of my favorite..."Oh Lillie! You're in for a such a treat! Everybody loves Harry!
I do feel like I should warn you of a couple of things about the series though. This is very much a series where you can see the author grow as a writer. The first couple are fun but they may not blow you away. Keep reading though and I promise at some point you will be hooked. Second, I know you are an audiobook listener and according to what I have read on Goodreads the early audiobooks were read by an inferior narrator who was replaced at some point around the 5th or 6th book. So just be aware. I have read most of these because I just find them so much fun but the ones I have listened to on audio were later in the series and they were great. Definitely do start the Dresden series. It is so much fun!
Michelle, I agree with everything you said to Lillie about the Dresden series. I was not blown away with the first book, but fortunately, picked up a book that included books 1-3...and once I finished it, I wanted to read more. :-) I'm glad you enjoyed Yours Truly and The Law - me too. I need to squeeze in The Impossible Fortune very soon! :-)
Lea wrote: "Michelle, I agree with everything you said to Lillie about the Dresden series. I was not blown away with the first book, but fortunately, picked up a book that included books 1-3...and once I finis..."I've enjoyed the first two in the Part of Your World series. I plan to pick up the others at some point. This series has made me appreciate Abby Jimenez. It's not every writer who can deal with serious subjects like abuse and anxiety and still make the story funny and romantic. You definitely need to get to The Impossible Fortune sometime. I really felt like the author finally has his rhythm and his characters down for this series now and is getting into more interesting mysteries.
Mod
I echo Michelles sentiments, as well. Dresden starts off so tame; with his juvenile sense of humor, being gentlemanly to the point of nauseam, and very repetitive with the magic that dresden wields. If I read Forzare once, I read it a thousand times in the first 3 books. Just stick with it and make sure you read them. There are some character arcs that lay groundwork for later books. I believe her name is Susan.
Alondra wrote: "Lillie wrote: "On another note, I guess I really am going to have to start the Dresden series. You all keep talking about it and I have fomo.."I echo Michelles sentiments, as well. Dresden starts..."
Hell's Bells Alondra, you got that right.
Michelle wrote: "Hell's Bells Alondra, you got that right."Stars and Stones, Alondra and Michelle, I'm laughing so hard right now!
Michelle wrote: "Current:AlchemisedGood world building but slow."
I'm very curious about this one, I can't wait to see what you think of it. I've read very mixed reviews...
Michelle wrote: "I know you are an audiobook listener and according to what I have read on Goodreads the early audiobooks were read by an inferior narrator who was replaced at some point around the 5th or 6th book. So just be aware."I gave up on this series because of the narrator. If your version is narrated by James Marsters, stay away from it.
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Forzare! >>>>>>
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_/\_
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Stars and Stones, Alondra and Michelle, I'm laughing so hard right now!"
Bwahhahaha....
Ioana wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Current:AlchemisedGood world building but slow."
I'm very curious about this one, I can't wait to see what you think of it. I've read very mixed reviews..."
I'm still working on it. It's a long one. Right now, though, I have to say the story isn't bad it's just slow. Really, really slowly coming together. I'll let you know more when I've finished the whole thing.
Ioana wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I know you are an audiobook listener and according to what I have read on Goodreads the early audiobooks were read by an inferior narrator who was replaced at some point around the..."I strongly suggest that newbies read the first few books in the series in print. Even now when I am near the end of the series, I usually enjoy them more if I wait and read them in print. Harry is just better in my head.
Michelle wrote: "Ioana wrote: I gave up on this series because of the narrator. If your version is narrated by James Marsters, stay away from it."I strongly suggest that newbies read the first few books in the series in print. Even now when I am near the end of the series, I usually enjoy them more if I wait and read them in print. Harry is just better in my head
You all have convinced me to read the print versions of the first few! Will pick up the first the next time I'm in the library. Thanks!
“I think fairy tales might be more like cautionary tales than anything else. And fate is just an excuse for people to be inactive participants in their own lives.”― Julie Murphy, If the Shoe Fits
153 books
13321 pages
120 audiobooks
32 print
#150
Alchemised If you like your fantasy on the dark side, if you like the villain's POV, if you like star crossed lovers who are all out of good choices then this book is for you. I have to say none of those things are my personal favorites. The story was also long and slow moving. In spite of all the negatives though, I did not hate it. The world building was detailed and interesting and the characters were believable. The plot also begins at the end which made for an interesting format. 3 bloody with a high body count but solid writing stars. Fantasy.#151
We Dream of Space A middle school book that centers around 3 siblings and how they deal with the lead up to and the aftermath of the Challenger Disaster. 4 this book was like opening a time capsule stars. YA/Historical Fiction.#152
The Persian Pickle Club A group of depression era women gather regularly to quilt but so much more goes on than what appears on the surface. I love Sandra Dallas. I think this was one of her better books. 4 friendship, loyalty and murder stars. Historical Fiction.#153
If the Shoe Fits A romantic retelling of the Cinderella story. In this modernized version Cindy vies with the stepsisters for the prince on reality TV. 3 Jimmy Choos are the new glass slipper stars. Romance.Current:
The Treasure Hunters Club Just getting started.
Tokyo Dreaming Found this one at the Dollar Tree. I was curious about the author and couldn't walk away. Probably should have.
The Shelter Within: A True Story Short.
The astronauts on the Challenger trained rigorously for months to become the best explorers this nation had to offer, despite the risks, despite the possibility that the worst would happen. We owe it to ourselves, and to everyone, to offer our best to the world. To quote the words of one of the brightest people I know: The universe is waiting. So what are we waiting for?”
― Erin Entrada Kelly, We Dream of Space
"It was marrying that made women appreciate other women. We had our differences in Persian Pickle. “My stars, we’d be as dull as checkers if we didn’t,” Mrs. Ritter told me once. But when any one of us was in need, she got the support and understanding that a man never provided. There wasn’t anything we couldn’t share or a secret we wouldn’t keep."
-Sandra Dallas, The Persian Pickle Club
Michelle wrote: "Tokyo Dreaming Found this one at the Dollar Tree. I was curious about the author and couldn't walk away. Probably should have."Totally going to take your advice on this author. I keep thinking it might a fun series but I have so many other series going that I don't really need to add any more. Unless, of course, you'd enjoyed it.
"If I were a doctor, I'd prescribe books. They can be just as powerful as drugs."I don't know who to credit that quote to, but I love it. It's true. Wouldn't you love to go to the bookstore, describe your current state of mind and have them prescribe the perfect book? Take two of these and call me in the morning.
“It’s the climb that makes you appreciate the view.”― Emiko Jean, Tokyo Dreaming
158 books
14132 pages
123 audiobooks
33 print
#154
The Treasure Hunters Club An OK mystery surrounding a lost treasure and several generations of treasure hunters. I wanted to like this one more than I did. The author needed to tweak a few points and maybe be a little less obvious. 3 creepiest roommate ever stars. Mystery.#155
Where Coyotes Howl Sandra Dallas doesn't sugar coat it in this heart-breaking tale of a young couple trying to homestead. This book really brings to the forefront the hardships of life on the prairie, especially for women. 3 a western from the female perspective stars. Historical Fiction.#156
Tough Luck Continuing my Sandra Dallas binge. This one was a little more upbeat. A young girl travels west with her younger brother to find their father who has disappeared into the Colorado gold fields. The two meet an interesting cast of characters along the way. 4 conning the con man stars. Historical Fiction.#157
Tokyo Dreaming I said above that this one might not be worth the $1.50 I spent on it at the Dollar Tree but I'm going to take that back. I think I got my money's worth. It was definitely YA romance but once it got rolling it was sweet and entertaining. 3 why do book girls always choose dark, broody, and difficult over sunny, funny, and easy-going stars. YA/Romance.Current:
Wild Reverence Not loving it yet.
Rumble Fish For my state challenge. Goodreads claims this is Oklahoma. I'm not sure but I'm going to go with it.
Six of Crows Another discounted new book. This one just under $4. I'm just a few pages in so far. Is it going to be worth it?
“She would recall the glistening days when the sky was bluebird blue, when the dew at sunrise sparkled on the grasses, when there was just enough rain to make things grow.”
― Sandra Dallas, Where Coyotes Howl
Michelle wrote: ""If I were a doctor, I'd prescribe books. They can be just as powerful as drugs."I don't know who to credit that quote to, but I love it. It's true. Wouldn't you love to go to the bookstore, desc..."
Great quote. According to chatGPT it is attributed to Shane Parrish.
Ioana wrote: "Michelle wrote: ""If I were a doctor, I'd prescribe books. They can be just as powerful as drugs."I don't know who to credit that quote to, but I love it. It's true. Wouldn't you love to go to th..."
Thanks! A little more research and I would have figured that out. Either way it's a great quote. I think I would love to get a book prescription with my next Rx prescription.
Michelle wrote: "it's a great quote. I think I would love to get a book prescription with my next Rx prescription."I agree! Maybe instead of the Rx prescription :-)
“This is the beginning of the end, I thought. If heartless gods can be made soft by such love, we are all doomed.”― Rebecca Ross, Wild Reverence
161 books
14,278 pages
125 audiobooks
36 print
#158
The Shelter Within: A True Story I actually read this a bit ago but forgot to include it above so here it is. I enjoyed this essay by Stephanie Land on motherhood and being true to yourself. 3 trying not to sacrifice the most authentic self stars. Nonfiction.#159
Rumble Fish In this short novella by S.E. Hinton, a young man idolizes his troubled and misunderstood older brother. 3 misspent youth and the futility of life stars. Fiction.#160
Wild Reverence Rebecca Ross returns to the world of her Lettes of Enchantment duology. I enjoyed the duology and the world the author created but this prequel concentrated on the part of the world building that I least appreciated, the gods. While I understand that the author is trying to write those stories in a way that mirrors familiar mythology, I feel like those parts of the story come off stiff, stilted and somehow incomplete. That was most of this book so I wasn't really a fan. 3 I got it but I didn't love it stars. Fantasy.#161
People Watching This book was just way more than I wanted in every way. Too much inuendo, too much detail, too much small-town camaraderie, too many issues, too many chronic illnesses, too much glossing over the symptoms of dementia. It wasn't bad writing just not the right book for me. 2 so much too much stars. Romance.Current:
The Hallmarked Man I know it's not PC for me to like J K Rowling anymore but she's still a damn good writer.Well Met for my States challenge. So close!
“She pressed down on the key marked by I, then R. The M and the V. She watched in delight as the typebars swiftly responded, flying up to hit the ink ribbon.”
― Rebecca Ross, Wild Reverence
“California is like a beautiful wild kid on heroin, high as a kite and thinking she's on top of the world, not knowing she's dying, not believing it even if you show her the marks.”
― S.E. Hinton, Rumble Fish
Michelle wrote: "#160 Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross Wild Reverence Rebecca Ross returns to the world of her Lettes of Enchantment duology. I enjoyed the duology and the world the author created but this prequel concentrated on the part of the world building that I least appreciated, the gods. While I understand that the author is trying to write those stories in a way that mirrors familiar mythology, I feel like those parts of the story come off stiff, stilted and somehow incomplete. That was most of this book so I wasn't really a fan. 3 I got it but I didn't love it stars. Fantasy"Just saw that she'd written a prequel and put it on my list. But after having read your review and agreeing about the gods, I'll just kick it down the lane a bit. Still on the list but not an immediate read.
Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "#160 Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross Wild Reverence Rebecca Ross returns to the world of her Lettes of Enchantment duology. I enjoyed the duology and the world the author created bu..."It wasn't horrible Lillie. There just feels like a disconnect for me in those stories. I much preferred the world she created and use of magic there. I was generally disinterested in the gods.
“You will never remember the great if you do not remember the small.”― Nghi Vo, The Empress of Salt and Fortune
167 books
15208 pages
130 audiobooks
37 print
#162
Well Met Enemies to lovers at the renaissance faire. 3 Huzzah! stars. Romance.#163
Westering Women A wagon train of women cross the west to find husbands. Sandra Dallas writes westerns for women - hardship and child rearing instead of cattle drives and gunfighting. 3 sisterhood of women stars. Historical Fiction#164
The Empress of Salt and Fortune A short but beautifully written novella. 3 the history of the handmaiden to the empress stars. Fantasy.#165
The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold The newest in the Blonde Identity series. 3 fun frenemies spy romance stuff stars. Rom-Com.#166
The Hallmarked Man Robin and Strike try to solve a closed-door murder mystery and a case of mistaken identity. 4 mistakes and misunderstandings stars. Mystery.#167
Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries A deeply misrepresentative title and a mediocre plot with subpar writing and shallow character development. 2 Lakes are not beaches, there were no bungalows, and it was murder not burglary stars. Mystery.Current:
Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith For the final state (Utah) in my state challenge.
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands I can't decide if I like this series or I'm bored with it.
Six of Crows Didn't forget this one just put it on hold for a minute.
“Angry mothers raise daughters fierce enough to fight wolves.”
― Nghi Vo, The Empress of Salt and Fortune
“She had a foreigner’s beauty, like a language we do not know how to read.”
― Nghi Vo, The Empress of Salt and Fortune
“How often do you think there’s a murder case where both the killer and his victim were pretending to be someone else?”
― Robert Galbraith, The Hallmarked Man
“It is the great misfortune of the coward that he sees danger everywhere, and of the snob that he perpetually underestimates those he considers his inferiors.”
― Robert Galbraith, The Hallmarked Man
Mod
Yep! Another series but at least it's a short one.
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Books mentioned in this topic
Six of Crows (other topics)Well Met (other topics)
The Hallmarked Man (other topics)
Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries (other topics)
Westering Women (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Sandra Dallas (other topics)Stephanie Land (other topics)
J K Rowling (other topics)
S.E. Hinton (other topics)
Rebecca Ross (other topics)
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I hope you enjoy it, Karol. I have found it to be a reliable series. Usually a good mystery/thriller read with interesting characters. As I said above sometimes my interest in the series will wax and wane but the series is consistent overall.