SPRING 2025 READING CHALLENGE

[Rachel]

Please post all comments/updates/questions about the spring 2025 challenge in this thread. :)

The Spring 2025 Challenge will begin March 3rd and end May 31st.

Rules of the challenge:

Read 3 books (or more)
Complete 3 prompts (or more)
Any genre okay
Rereads okay

This spring, complete 3 (or more) of the following:

1. Many talented writers have birthdays in the spring.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WRITTEN BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Bernardine Evaristo
Ruth Ozeki
Freida McFadden
Karen Thompson Walker

2. Night of the Zoopocalypse will be released in theaters on March 7th. A meteor unleashes a virus that turns zoo animals into mutants. The surviving animals set out to stop the virus and save their zoo.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK IN WHICH A VIRUS IS PART OF THE STORY.

3. Desert Road is expected to have a limited release in April. After a car crash in the desert, a photographer finds herself trapped in a time loop.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “ROAD” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

OR

READ A BOOK SET (AT LEAST IN PART) IN THE DESERT.

4. April is National Frog Month.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS F-R-O-G IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

5. The Edgar Awards will be celebrated on May 1st. The Edgars are presented by the Mystery Writers of America and honor the best in mystery fiction, nonfiction, tv, film and theater published or produced the previous year.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK THAT HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR AN EDGAR AWARD (ANY YEAR).

6. A bunch of interesting titles are being published this season.

So this spring,

READ ONE (OR MORE) OF THE FOLLOWING GROUP READS:

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami -March 4th

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green-March 18th

My Friends by Fredrik Backman-May 6th

Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson-May 13th

7. Random-This counts towards the challenge but isn’t inspired by the season.

So this spring,

READ A BOOK WITH A BUG/INSECT ON THE COVER.

OR

READ A BOOK WITH A BUG/INSECT IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

HAVE A HAPPY SPRING, EVERYONE! :D

[Danell]

Thank you for another fun challenge!! That’s three animals in a row on the letter part of the challenge!!
S-L-O-T-H
W-H-A-L-E
F-R-O-G

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "Thank you for another fun challenge!! That’s three animals in a row on the letter part of the challenge!!
S-L-O-T-H
W-H-A-L-E
F-R-O-G"

You’re welcome, Danell! :D
I’ll see how long I can include animals for the letter part of the challenge. There are a bunch of observances/holidays celebrating them so maybe I can keep it going (at least for a while).

[Rachel]

Just an FYI

All the Edgar Award nominees and winners (all years) can be found on the website

Edgarawards.com

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Glad to hear about a new book by Kevin Wilson.
Have enjoyed many of his other books.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Kevin Wilson's book is late in the challenge.
I might look into John Green's since it's published this month

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I'm a big fan of Ann Patchett, already been reading (or in most cases re-reading) many of her books this year. I'm hoping to re-read Truth & Beauty soon which has insects on the cover.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'm a big fan of Ann Patchett, already been reading (or in most cases re-reading) many of her books this year. I'm hoping to re-read Truth & Beauty soon which has insects on the cover.
[bookcover:T..."

Thanks for all the updates, Dustin! :D

I know Kevin Wilson’s book isn’t coming out till mid May but really wanted to include it. I think the John Green one will be good.
I’m hoping to try all 3 of the group reads.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

F-R-O-G should be a fairly easy task to find titles for with only 4 letters. I'll plan to read a good amount of FROG titles this Spring. I've set my challenge goal at 15 - may increase if I can find more books that work.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "F-R-O-G should be a fairly easy task to find titles for with only 4 letters. I'll plan to read a good amount of FROG titles this Spring. I've set my challenge goal at 15 - may increase if I can fin..."

Look forward to seeing which titles you choose. :)

[Rachel]

Is there a way to report goodreads glitches?
My profile page says that last time I was active on the site was in December.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Rachel wrote: "Is there a way to report goodreads glitches?
My profile page says that last time I was active on the site was in December."

That's one Goodreads Glitch I've never experienced.
It's been a while (pre-Amazon) since I tried to contact GR about any issue.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

My first book completed for the challenge is re-reading Recursion by Blake Crouch. The story takes place partly in the desert of Arizona.


I am currently re-reading Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel.
A virus is a significant part of the story.


I am currently reading my second ever Jonathan Carroll novel, a F-R-O-G title, From the Teeth of Angels.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "My first book completed for the challenge is re-reading Recursion by Blake Crouch. The story takes place partly in the desert of Arizona.


I am currently re-reading S..."

Thanks for the updates, Dustin! :D

I’m glad to hear Recursion works for the challenge-I’ve been meaning to give that book another try. I put it down quickly when it first came out but I think it just may not have been what I was in the mood for at the time.

I’ve also been thinking about rereading Emily St. John Mandel. Maybe Station Eleven and/or Sea of Tranquility. I love her writing.

[Franzi]

Another brilliant challenge 😍 Thank you Rachel!

I've already finished two... Tackled the FROG first :) - The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom has been on my TBR for ages and I wish I'd read it sooner. Loved it.

I also had Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo at home already, found it in the library a few weeks ago and really liked that, too.
I'm struggling to find any for the Edgar award one but will keep looking... Also need to do some research for the virus, insect and road. I'll check my shelf as I've bought so many books lately... I really need to stop and read what I've got.

[Rachel]

Franzi wrote: "Another brilliant challenge 😍 Thank you Rachel!

I've already finished two... Tackled the FROG first :) - The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom has been on my TBR for ages and I wish I'd read..."

You’re welcome, Franzi! Glad you like it. :D
Thanks for all the updates! :)

[Rachel]

Hey everyone-

I’m adding an additional group read

My Friends by Fredrick Backman which will be released May 6th.

[Rachel]

Reread Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel for story featuring a virus. Loved it even more the second time. Great story, great writing.

[Rachel]

So I’m not sure when the new Fredrik Backman novel is coming out. Originally I thought it was coming out in late May which is why I didn’t include it, then I saw early May so I added it. Now it depends on the source with some saying late May others saying early May :0

If it comes out in late May I’ll make it a bonus group read next season. Just an fyi- the summer group read is going to be Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you use the library and are interested in reading it, I would try to get on your library’s waiting list asap. It’s going to be a popular title.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Rachel wrote: "Just an fyi- the summer group read is going to be Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you use the library and are interested in reading it, I would try to get on your library’s waiting list asap. It’s going to be a popular title."

Thanks for the heads up! I'll be watching to see if my library adds an audiobook on CD or Playaway. Right now, they only have the book on order.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I am currently reading A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.
I am enjoying the book immensely - the best book I've read so far this year. Each year, I vote on a My Top 5 Reads poll and I've currently placed A Tale for the Time Being as #1. I'm fairly confident this book will stay in My Top 5 for 2025. Unfortunately, my library doesn't have many of her books on audiobooks, but I'm glad I found this one.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Just an fyi- the summer group read is going to be Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you use the library and are interested in reading it, I would try to get on your library’s wai..."

You’re welcome! :)

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I am currently reading A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.
I am enjoying the book immensely - the best book I've read so far this year. Each year, I vote on a My Top 5 Reads poll and I've curr..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! Glad you’re enjoying it. :D

[Danell]

I read The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf, which works for an Edgar. It was good.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf, which works for an Edgar. It was good."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :)

[Rachel]

Listened to The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallet for f-r-o-g in the title/subtitle. She writes her books using texts, emails, etc which is a nice change of pace. She went a little crazy with the emojis in this one 😂 but it was still enjoyable.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Danell wrote: "I read The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf, which works for an Edgar. It was good."

I remember reading that book in 2010. Been a while.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I'm currently reading Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.
I like it enough, but don't love it. I probably won't pursue more books by this author, but I do want to read more by Ruth Ozeki. Maybe My Year of Meats since the library has an audiobook CD of that one.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'm currently reading Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.
I like it enough, but don't love it. I probably won't pursue more books by this author, but I do want to read more by Ruth Ozeki. M..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :)

[Danell]

I listened to The Coworker by Freida Mcfaden. First time author for me but will be reading more of her.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I had to set the Bernardine Evaristo book aside for a while, but I will finish it this week. While I was taking a break from Girl, Woman, Other, I read a book by Karen Thompson Walker titled The Age of Miracles. I'm planning to read another book by her soon, have requested it from the library.
My favorite of these authors featured is by far Ruth Ozeki.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Danell wrote: "I listened to The Coworker by Freida Mcfaden. First time author for me but will be reading more of her."

I am planning to read one of her books called The Wife Upstairs.
I have never read a book by Freida McFadden

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to The Coworker by Freida Mcfaden. First time author for me but will be reading more of her."

Thanks for the update, Danell! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I had to set the Bernardine Evaristo book aside for a while, but I will finish it this week. While I was taking a break from Girl, Woman, Other, I read a book by Karen Thompson Walker titled The Ag..."

Thanks for the updates, Dustin! :)

[Rachel]

Listened to The Strange Case of Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker.
I enjoyed it overall but wish the ending would have explained further. There is an answer but would have preferred her to provide further information.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

FROG title I'll be starting later this week: Anne of Green Gables.
I loved watching the Disney television series Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea growing up, but have never read any of the books.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "FROG title I'll be starting later this week: Anne of Green Gables.
I loved watching the Disney television series Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea growing up, but have never read any of the ..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :)
Look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

I am currently reading Anne of Green Gables as a FROG title and highly recommend the book. This FROG is even green! I plan to continue with this series and rewatch the television series.

[Rachel]

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I am currently reading Anne of Green Gables as a FROG title and highly recommend the book. This FROG is even green! I plan to continue with this series and rewatch the television series.
[bookcover..."

Thanks for the update (and recommendation), Dustin! :D

[Danell]

I read The Humans by Matt Haig which was nominated for an Edgar. I really enjoyed it.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Danell wrote: "I read The Humans by Matt Haig which was nominated for an Edgar. I really enjoyed it."

I like that author. I've read two books so far by Matt Haig. I might read this one.

[Danell]

Actually while I was reading it it made me think that you would like the book. I’ve read a few of Matt Haigs books and have enjoyed them.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Danell wrote: "Actually while I was reading it it made me think that you would like the book. I’ve read a few of Matt Haigs books and have enjoyed them."

I can get an audiobook from the library so I will probably pursue this. The other two Matt Haig books I've read are The Midnight Library and A Boy Called Christmas.

[Danell]

I liked Midnight Library. I’ll have to try A Boy Named Christmas. Thanks!! I read Reasons to Stay Alive and that was a difficult book but well written.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I read The Humans by Matt Haig which was nominated for an Edgar. I really enjoyed it."

Thanks for the update and recommendation, Danell! :D

[Danell]

I listened to The Teacher by Frieda McFadden. I really enjoyed it.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to The Teacher by Frieda McFadden. I really enjoyed it."

Thanks for the update, Danell! Glad you enjoyed it. :D

[Danell]

I listened to The Locked Door by Freida McFadden. I enjoyed it.

[Rachel]

Danell wrote: "I listened to The Locked Door by Freida McFadden. I enjoyed it."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :D

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado]

Rachel wrote: "Listened to The Strange Case of Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker.
I enjoyed it overall but wish the ending would have explained further. There is an answer but would have preferred her to provide fu..."

I think that's the way she leaves all her books at the end. I've now read two: The Age of Miracles and The Dreamers both involve quite mysterious events.