Week 2: 1/3 - 1/9

[Denise]

Carmen wrote: "Speaking of the LA fires, which I ofc forgot in my initial post, I am so devastated by all of it.

I've seen people laugh at celebrities losing their homes and it disgusts me. Sure, they can rebuil..."

I now personally know someone who has a lost a hon=me in this fire, and many of colleagues and some students are evacuated, and they are far from rich. We work at a school.

I am also disgusted by the people making fun of the celebrities. A lot of them have children...I done care how rich you are, how do you tell your child their house is gone? I am safe from the fires due to topography but the 5 year old in my house is terrified our house is going to burn down...she is 5, she doesn't understand topography. Imagine the terror of those evacuated...again, money is not going to prevent that terror. At least 22 schools have burned down and almost 6,000 kids have no school now....again, money does not make it easier to say "your school is gone and you can't go to school or live next to your friends anymore."

It's going to turn out that most of these fires were started by people...not necessarily as arson, but certainly carelessly given the wind conditions. Do we have to live our lives making decisions such as where to live based on the possibility that someone will do something stupid?

[Lilith]

Happy New Year, and happy reading everyone!

I haven't been on this board in couple years due to disability and health issues, but I've read whenever I could! I did finish both the Pop Sugar Challenges of 2023 and 2024, plus a few IRL challenges, which was wonderful. But between pain challenges and full-time work, and then the laptop dying, it just took to much out of me to log on and write.

I hope that everyone is safe from all the snow, sleet, ice , and of course, hoping all of you and any loved ones who live in the LA area are safe from the wildfires!

I finished:
Small Things Like These

This was such a gem! So many recommendations from so many reader friends, and this was a beautiful way to start the new year.
Claire Keegan's writing is spare and beautiful, and I felt like I was in mid-80's Ireland. This hit hard too. The Magdalene Laundries and the way that young, unmarried pregnant girls were treated in Irish convents was little to close to what happened to people like my mother and others forced into Indian residential schools. I cried, but it was healing, too.

I'm working on an IRL challenge in which we have 2 months to read 6 books from 6 geographic areas of the world, so this works for Europe. Not sure what prompt I might use this for in PS 2025, but I can see at least three that would work.

QOTW:

Good question. I tend not to read books that are recently published. My preferences and "buzzy" books don't really mesh.
The only books I wanted to read anbd ran out of time for are some by Angela Y. Davis and Paul Tremblay.
There was a blind date/ Secret Santa event at our local library, and I did receive a new book by Paul Tremblay, so I am just going to have to find time to fit it in.

[Laura Ruth]

I finished John Steinbeck's The Moon Is Down (book about a politician), and Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat (book that takes place on or near a body of water).

I picked up an Anne McCaffrey book, Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern, because her Pern books remind me of my childhood. Turns out it's about a pandemic - not what I'd have chosen right now, but I still love the world she created.

[Sasha]

Carmen wrote: "I can't even imagine, it's my worst nightmare. I genuinely lie awake sometimes at night thinking about how I can safely get the pets out if a fire breaks out. Preferably safe with me, but if that's not possible, I'd rather they run away with a chance of me/them finding them/me again, than watching them die for sure. My anxieties have led to my parents finally keeping a key by the front door, though! They were like 'what about burglars?' and I was like 'well they're already inside if they can reach that key so I think that's a non-issue' xD."

Fire is my nightmare, too, and I've had that exact same argument with my husband. Fortunately we don't live in a high-risk area for fires, although a wildfire did claim a house in another suburb last year. I follow several athletes who have LA connections and have been posting about the fires, so it has been on my mind. I hope you and your pets stay safe.

[AF]

Read for PS challenge so far this year:

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle. This was for prompt #47- interconnected stories. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I found myself rereading parts of the earlier stories to remind myself of the connections within the three stories.

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper for prompt #43- a nonverbal character. I am participating in the monthly group read, too. This book has been on my physical TBR for such a long time. I'm glad I finally read it.

Persuasion by Jane Austen for #39 the classic. I like reading a classic each year, otherwise I might never read them. This one was okay.

Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis for #3 space tourism. I think it could work for the interconnected stories prompt as well. It didn't feel like a story, but more like a whole bunch of things happening that were vaguely connected. I'm glad I'm done with it. I did not enjoy it. I knew I wouldn't enjoy any other space tourism book so I stuck it out and finished this one.

Currently reading:
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson for prompt #42 a title the starts with Y.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Princeby J.K. Rowling for prompt #45- a left-handed character. Apparently Neville Longbottom is left handed.

Why am I starting with the advanced challenge prompts? I honestly don't know how that happened.

QOTW: I read The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory last year and really enjoyed it. Light and fluffy with humor thrown in. I wanted to read the rest of the series, but managed to slot book #2 The Proposal for the first prompt this year. I will read the rest of the series after I finish the PS reading challenge.

[Ron]

Deleted most of my social media apps. With TikTok ending I just don't see the point.

I'm still gonna use GR, Fable, and Discord for the book community, but I'll admit I'm one of the ones that thinks it sucks that TikTok is coming to an end. Not only has it been a great outlet for the book community, it's also been a great outlet for my mental health. As someone who struggles with verbal communication at times, I didn't feel judged for it on that app.

I'm just glad I found all of my 2025 new releases because other than GR and a couple of other websites like BookRiot, how else am I supposed to get book news or discover new material? I'm sure as heck not going to check the new release sections every week at in-person bookstores. Sure I could check the new release section on the BN website, but where's the fun in that?

[Tania]

L Y N N wrote: "QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Is there a book you meant to read in 2024 that you have not yet had the opportunity to read?
Oh, my, yes! I just realized the other day that I have yet to read Now or Never (Stephanie Plum #31) by Janet Evanovich! This was released November 19, 2024, and I cannot believe I have yet to acquire and read it! I usually try to read the newest installment as soon as possible after its release, but definitely got sidetracked with book club and challenge reading at the end of 2024! ..."

I intended to catch up on all my Evanovich reading last year, and sadly did not, so I'd say 25 - 31 are all on that list. And my sister is threatening to spoil all the books for me if I don't do it, lol, because she has caught up.

2024 was an odd reading year for me - lots of stops and starts and way too much time reading reddit so as a result I didn't meet any of my reading goals. Also I haven't done a check-in in months!

2025 has started strong, though, as of today I'm at 6/50 for the challenge (all 6 books I've read so far this year have matched a prompt!). I've also been surprised that many of these books fit multiple prompts, good sign perhaps? Below are some that I recommend and where I slotted them, plus what else they could fill

#25 - a book where a character is an immigrant - Sing, Wild Bird, Sing by Jacqueline O'Mahony (if you are doing ATY and need an Irish author, this also fits that requirement).
Also works for #10 A book you got for free (if it was your First Reads pick that month), #12 A book about a roadtrip, and #16 a book set in or around a body of water

#2 - a book you want to read based on the last sentence - Look Out For The Little Guy! by Scott Lang. I intended for this to be my first book of the year, but it ended up being my second.
Also works for #8 Under 250 pages, #26 Adult changes careers, and #28 Unlikely friendship

#6 - prompt from 2015, chose to read a memoir - Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
Also works for #8 Under 250 pages, #28 Unlikely friendship and #40 chosen family

[Tania]

Carmen wrote: "Speaking of the LA fires, which I ofc forgot in my initial post, I am so devastated by all of it.

I've seen people laugh at celebrities losing their homes and it disgusts me. Sure, they can rebuild/rebuy easier than others, but their things are still gone? Anthony Hopkins has now lost TWO houses to fires (his London home in 2000), can you imagine what he's lost?..."

I agree with this completely. Money doesn't erase trauma, and so much of a home is irreplaceable. I can't imagine laughing at anyone's misfortune, I'm having to avoid the topic on social media because of this.

[Tania]

Lilith wrote: "Happy New Year, and happy reading everyone!

I finished:
Small Things Like These..."

I read this at the end of last year and it was heartbreaking! We just finished watching the first season of 1923 which deals with the American Indian / Native American boarding schools (no idea if that's what I'm supposed to call them so no offense meant) and it hit even harder after having read about the Irish laundries and knowing that both situations are horrifyingly true.

[JessicaMHR]

Hello everyone!

I know...it's already Monday! I came on here a few days a go and tried to post but my sister was like 'we gotta go' so here I am now.

Not much read this week. I seem to be finding ATY prompts and not PS so far. Lets hope that changes.

As for trying to read my owned books and not really going to the library well...that already failed, LOL!! I hit up the library last week and came out with like 8 books!!! I still have a few from previous hauls to read. I always do this to myself, what can I say I like reading and I like the library.

2025 Challenges:
Popsugar: 0/50
ATY: 6/52 & 0/10
A to Z (Kindle edition): 0/26

Goodreads: 3/150

Physical TBR: 0/98
Kindle TBR: 0/123
TBR Goal: 0/221

Book Clubs:
PS Monthly: 27/61
Reese: 34/102
Oprah: 13/103
Jenna: 10/71
OSS: 7/39

Finished:
3 finished, 1 Completed Popsugar

Lessons in Chemistry
ATY #24
I used this to fulfill one of the 2024 Popsugar prompts. Now I just have one more.
For most of the novel it was just okay, but it gets a little better towards the end. I have to say I love her DGAF attitude throughout. Although sometimes it came off as ignorance, I think it was meant more as someone who is maybe neurodivergent.

My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, Vol. 1
ATY #30
This was way more graphic than I expected and also not what I was expecting. It deals with a lot of taboo and horrific topics. Trigger warnings: murder, death, rape, explicit sex, sex trafficking, and talks about the Holocaust.

The Cuckoo's Calling
It took me a long time to finish this mostly because of its size and having to read other things that were due. I want to continue this series but not right now, I’ve got too many other things I have to read.

-------
Currently Reading
While We Were Dating
Never Whistle at Night
The Society of Shame
My Favorite Thing is Monsters Vol. 2
Island of the Blue Dolphins

On the Backburner
Libby

Physical Library Rentals
Homicide II
Is This Normal?
How to Be Old
Weird Kid
Vacationland
Cult X
Out of my Mind
Silver Bay
Mutant Message Down Under
Bunnicula
Bunnicula Graphic
The Night We Lost Him
Sink or Swim
Just Roll With it
Buzzing
Pucking Around

Library Holds

Magazines: (0/152)
Read since last check-in: 0

Question of the Week:Is there a book you meant to read in 2024 that you have not yet had the opportunity to read?

Ummm...yeah. Like ALL my books in my closet. LOL! I had really wanted to get to Where the Crawdads Sing but, it is still sitting on my nightstand. I also wanted to catch up on the Nicholas Sparks books I have but have not read.

[Nadine in NY]

JessicaMHR wrote: "The Cuckoo's Calling
It took me a long time to finish this mostly because of its size and having to read other things that were due. I want to continue this series but not right now, I’ve got too many other things I have to read...."


If you like audiobooks, these are great. Robert Glenister is VERY pleasant to listen to!! I eventually quit this series because the books were just getting too long and I just got the ick with the author and couldn't continue. But I miss listening to Robert Glenister! It's a shame that all the books he reads are books I'm not interested in.

[Sasha]

Ron wrote: "Deleted most of my social media apps. With TikTok ending I just don't see the point.

I'm sorry, Ron. Losing TikTok does suck for people who do better with a non-text-based format. I imagine some of the creators will go (back, in some cases) to Instagram or YouTube, but with one of those owned by Meta and the other by Google, I know they don't necessarily feel safe either. I'm kind of the opposite to you, I have trouble processing auditory input and rely more on text. I know I would be horrified if my favourite text-based apps went away, so I can imagine that you're feeling similarly.

I hope you find a good solution to your new releases problem.

[Heather]

The name of the fitness challenge app is The Conqueror Challenge. They have two different Lord of the Rings bundles, or you can buy each challenge on its own. They also have a Harry Potter and Game of Thrones challenge, and probably some others I didn't recognize. They also have a lot of real world challenges, like walking the Silk Road.

I'm enjoying the challenge/reward aspect of it a lot. I'm motivated to go to the gym more often so I can put in miles and get stories and postcards and watch myself move along The Shire map.

[JessicaMHR]

Nadine in NY wrote: "JessicaMHR wrote: "The Cuckoo's Calling
It took me a long time to finish this mostly because of its size and having to read other things that were due. I want to continue this series but not right ..."

If you like audiobooks, these are great. Robert Glenister is VERY pleasant to listen to!! I eventually quit this series because the books were just getting too long and I just got the ick with the author and couldn't continue. But I miss listening to Robert Glenister! It's a shame that all the books he reads are books I'm not interested in


I Do! Maybe I'll see if they are available on Libby after I finish my current audiobook.

[Carmen]

Sasha wrote: "Fire is my nightmare, too, and I've had that exact same argument with my husband. Fortunately we don't live in a high-risk area for fires, although a wildfire did claim a house in another suburb last year. I follow several athletes who have LA connections and have been posting about the fires, so it has been on my mind. I hope you and your pets stay safe."

Luckily our only 'fear' is a house fire, either of ours, or our neighbors. Which means chances are small, but never zero. Reading about how people in LA couldn't go and evacuate their pets (as they were at work when the mandate came and they couldn't get back in), and how others couldn't get their pets to come out of hiding and barely making it out themselves on time, made me so anxious last night, I had to stop reading. I cannot possibly imagine making that choice.

[Jennifer W]

I was just watching a story that at least one of the Humane Societies out there is holding pets for people who can't safely take their pets with them at this time. They're also holding "strays" for much longer than usual so people can come looking for them. And they said they don't need food, litter, etc type donations as they are totally stocked! So that warmed me a bit.

[Carmen]

Jennifer W wrote: "I was just watching a story that at least one of the Humane Societies out there is holding pets for people who can't safely take their pets with them at this time. They're also holding "strays" for..."

Oh that is so good to hear!! I still worry for the pets who never got to be taken out of their homes, but each safe pet is a safe pet!

[Carmen]

Heather wrote: "I started a new fitness challenge last week. Since the theme is bookish, it feels right to mention it. The idea is that I’m walking with Frodo on the quest to destroy the One Ring. There’s a distance tracker on the Middle-earth map and reels and such connected to the story along the way. I only signed up for the Shire challenge to see how I like the app. So far, so good."

This gave me the push to finally try out the app! I saw it so often on facebook ads but always thought it was a scam. I'm currently 15% into the Paris challenge (starting small due to chronic illness) after three days and seen so many posts of people with medals, AND I have had friends tell me they did them. I am already eyeing so many challenges, like the Shire - Mordor one, and the Game of Thrones ones! But first I need some 'instant gratification' from a small challenge, to know I can do it!

So thank you!!

[Heather]

Carmen wrote: "This gave me the push to finally try out the app! I saw it so often on facebook ads but always thought it was a scam. I'm currently 15% into the Paris challenge (starting small due to chronic illness) after three days ..."

Woohoo!! I'm glad you found a challenge.

I have chronic illness and pain too, so I understand what a challenge it can be to commit to something like this and how daunting some of the distances are. Good luck with your Paris adventure and wherever you go next!

[K.L.]

Heather wrote: "The name of the fitness challenge app is The Conqueror Challenge. They have two different Lord of the Rings bundles, or you can buy each challenge on its own. They also have a Harry Potter and Game..."

I love the Conqueror Challenge so much! I've done virtual distance challenges and virtual 5Ks through a few different online companies, and Conqueror is definitely my favorite. I've done all of their Lord of the Rings Challenges, and I'm currently doing Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. They've also got Star Trek and Star Wars challenges, which I'd like to do at some point.

[Carmen]

Heather wrote: "Carmen wrote: "This gave me the push to finally try out the app! I saw it so often on facebook ads but always thought it was a scam. I'm currently 15% into the Paris challenge (starting small due t..."

Thank you!!

I bought the new challenge that dropped today (ancient Rome), to start when I finish Paris. So excited! Currently 25% done with Paris :D

[Carmen]

K.L. wrote: "Heather wrote: "The name of the fitness challenge app is The Conqueror Challenge. They have two different Lord of the Rings bundles, or you can buy each challenge on its own. They also have a Harry..."

I want to do the Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings ones as well! The Harry Potter ones look amazing, but I would not feel comfortable doing them knowing they're officially licensed. JKR has fully tarnished HP for me.