Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2024 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 33: 8/8 - 8/15
Happy Thursday!No more school! At least not for a little while. Still need to set up my schedule for next term, but for now I don't have any classes. What a relief.
Other than school I just had to handle the infant (my nephew) so I'm helping out in those areas. Now that I have free time though I can focus on some reading and hopefully start writing fanfic again which I'm excited for.
******
Book News:
Went to the bookstore yesterday because I needed a break from the infant so I picked up a few good ones.
Finished:
Can't remember what books I mentioned from last week, but in the mean time...
Twilight- Took me only 3 days to do a reread of Twilight which was awesome. It may seem like I rushed through it, but I didn't. I annotated the heck out of it. Still a 4-star read for me.
*****
Currently Reading:
Fall of Civilizations: Stories of Greatness and Decline
- I keep telling myself that I'm going to expand on my history and look into reading something that is not US history. I came across this one at the bookstore yesterday and I've started it. It's actually pretty good and I'm liking it.
New Moon
- Since I finished Twilight it's on to my next read in the saga, I plan to read them all again. New Moon is my second favorite book and this time around it's not disappointing (it never did before). I'm annotating it like I did with 'Twilight'. And I love it even more than before!
*****
Question of the Week
Do you ever buy print copies of books you borrowed, listened to, or read in ebook format so you can keep them?
Absolutely! This is why I don't go to the library. I just know if I check out a book that I like I won't want to return it so it's just much easier if I get the copy myself.
Mod
No more school! At least not for a little while. Still need to set up my schedule for next term, but for now I don't have any classes. What a relief.
Other than school I just had..."
Wow, school is just STARTING next week for both of my college kids! (I cannot believe I have TWO college kids now.)
Absolutely! This is why I don't go to the library.
LOL we are opposites, I get EVERYTHING I can from the library, that's how I can feel comfortable taking risks and trying new authors and new genres - if I hate it? no problem! dnf and return to library!! Also, I could never afford to buy all the books I read, AND I would have to have sooooo many bookshelves to hold them all.
Happy Thursday! The weather has cooled, so we're having highs in the 80s. It's glorious!2024 Reading Challenges: I’ve read 302 books so far this year (and 27.1% of my ever-growing TBR) with an average length of 337 pages and an average rating of 3.72.
52 Book Club: 49/52 (Summer Challenge 24/24 – Complete!)
ATY: 42/52 (Summer Challenge 35/36)
Booklist Queen: 47/52
Diverse Baseline: 24/36
Popsugar: 42/50
Robot Librarian: 47/52
ICYMI Backlist: 8/12
Recently Completed:
The Wilds (Robot Librarian #29 – a car, plane, train, motorcycle, or bicycle on the cover or in the title) ★★★
Day One ★★★
Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her Voice: Goodreads Giveaway. (52 Books Summer #8c – a memoir or biography about an Olympian/Popsugar #7 – about women’s sports or a woman athlete) ★★★
Sun of Blood and Ruin: This was fun! A reimagining of Zorro featuring a heroic warrior sorceress, Mesoamerican mythology, and Mexican history. (Diverse Baseline #24 – a retelling or re-imagining by a BIPOC author) ★★★★
Ink Blood Sister Scribe: NPR 2023 Books We Love. (ATY June #1a – writing utensil on the cover) ★★★★
Kaikeyi (ATY August #1a – featuring an ancient civilization) ★★★
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story (ATY #12 – on your TBR for more than a year/Diverse Baseline #23 – anthology by BIPOC authors) ★★★★★
The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother (Diverse Baseline #22 – by a biracial or mixed race author) ★★★★
Britt-Marie Was Here: Backman bores me. If I want to read about unusual, prickly characters, I’ll go back to Olive Kitteridge. (52 Books Summer #7c – set in a country that won a 2024 Olympic gold medal in volleyball: Sweden) ★★★
Butcher & Blackbird: I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. There was so much hype! It wasn’t as graphic, either sexually or horrifically, as I’d imagined. The audiobook was great! (52 Books Summer #5c – a book that made a splash) ★★★★
Currently Reading:
Women Without Kids: The Revolutionary Rise of an Unsung Sisterhood
Shades of Grey (ATY August #2b – by a favorite author)
Dreadful
The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby
Hijab Butch Blues: NPR 2023 Books We Love. (52 Books #43 – about finding identity/Popsugar #41 – memoir that explores queerness)
All This & More
Pearl (52 Books #42 – author’s debut published in second half of 2024)
On Earth as It Is on Television: Adventures Underground Book Club.
Never in a Hurry: Essays on People and Places: Reasonable Doubt Book Club.
The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?
QOTW: Yes. I've done this many, many times.
Mod
LOL I'm not a fan either! But I didn't like My Name Is Lucy Barton so I guess I'm not a fan of Elizabeth Strout either.
It's not that I dislike quirk characters, but I just don't like either of those authors. I can't put my finger on why not.
Nadine wrote:I would have to have sooooo many bookshelves to hold them all
I know what you mean. When my sister moved out of the house I took over her old room and converted mine into a personal library. I love it!
When I get my own place, the dream would be to get either a 3 bed room house or 3 bedroom apartment, one specifically for a library.
In the mean time I love my home library here at my parents house. Even though I have my bedroom, the library is kind of like my personal space since I'm the one who mostly hangs out in it.
Happy Thursday!Finished:
The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 4 by Natsu Hyuuga - 4.5 stars - Big things are happening.
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis - 4.5 stars - for Popsugar's book set in space. I loved this and can't wait for the next one.
Comics & manga:
Chihayafuru, Vol. 1
Chihayafuru, Vol. 2
Tamon's B-Side Vol. 3
I am currently at 48/50 prompts for Popsugar (43/45 and 5/5). Two more to go!
Currently reading:
The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton - Not currently for a prompt. Between this and Crash Landing which I just finished, we're clearly in the space heist portion of my yearly reading. Purely by coincidence.
The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 5 by Natsu Hyuuga - not for a prompt. These are like candy - easy to read, and I just can't stop.
Upcoming/Planned:
Valor's Choice by Tanya Huff - for Popsugar's book that was published 24 years ago (2000) and Robot Librarian's book about/taking place during a war that is not WWI or WWII. I know I read this back when it first came out but it's been so long I barely remember it.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - for Popsugar's book that was turned into a musical and Robot Librarian's book that has been adapted into a TV show or streaming series.
QOTW:
I do, if it's a book I really loved then I will probably want to own a hard copy at some point. I still read the digital copies, but I'm also aware of the fact that "owning" an eBook can be nebulous.
I also like getting favorite books signed by the authors when I can which you can't really do with digital copies.
Hi all! Still busy around here. I had my infusion this week (which is giving me a headache now), and my dad wanted to take my kiddo to a play of Beauty and the Beast, so I killed 2 birds with one stone and had him take her overnight so I could rest after my infusion and they could go to the play. She managed, but she's so nervous/homesick about staying someplace else. Anyone have any advice? This weekend and next weekend she has birthday parties to attend, and the next weekend is Labor Day and then she's back to school!!!! (not that I'm counting down or anything.... ;)I've started meeting with a job coach (advisor? not sure of her title) to help me find very part time work that I might be able to handle with my health limitations. I'm very pessimistic (who me??), but it's worth a shot. She's coming later this afternoon to help me work on my resume. It looks like my disability cases won't be resolved until the end of the year and I'm out of money. :/
Nadine, I was wondering if your girls were headed to school. I'm noticing more traffic in Ithaca again (ugh), so our kids are coming back.
I finished The Frozen River for a book set in snow. Excellent historical fiction! Highly recommended!
Also listened to some more of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, really liking that as well.
QOTW: All the time! I have 3 rules for buying books: 1)the library doesn't have a copy. 2) the library has a copy, but it's a massive book that I won't finish before it's due. 3) I've read and loved the book and would want to read it again (though, like Nadine, I rarely do!)
Some that I've collected over the years:
The Gargoyle
The Thirteenth Tale
The Gift of Rain
The Book Thief
The Pact
Happy Thursday, it’s been so long since I checked in the last time. Been in a reading slump lately, haven’t read in all almost a month now, but I did pick up Red Rising again, planning to finish it by the weekend. It’s for the pop sugar prompt 18- book set in space. The other book that I am reading right now, is Monday's Not ComingCan you guys give me few recommendations on what got you out of reading slump??
QOTW: do you ever buy print copies of books you borrowed, listened to,or read in e-book format, so you can keep them?
Yes, yes, yes, a big time, YES!
Pop sugar reading challenge - 37/50
Jennifer W wrote: "Hi all! Still busy around here. I had my infusion this week (which is giving me a headache now), and my dad wanted to take my kiddo to a play of Beauty and the Beast, so I killed 2 birds with one s..."Will keep you in my prayers..
Ron wrote: "Nadine wrote:I would have to have sooooo many bookshelves to hold them all
I know what you mean. When my sister moved out of the house I took over her old room and converted mine into a personal..."
To have a 3BHK with a library is a dream!!!
Vaish wrote:To have a 3BHK with a library is a dream!!!
It truly is. That's why I am so lucky, and thankful to my parents, that they allowed me to convert my bedroom into a library. It's my favorite place in the house.
Vaish wrote: "Happy Thursday, it’s been so long since I checked in the last time. Been in a reading slump lately, haven’t read in all almost a month now, Can you guys give me few recommendations on what got you out of reading slump??..."
Read something totally different than your usual preferences. If it stinks then it's because it's not something you usually like (definitely NOT because you're in a reading slump, wink wink!). If it's awesome, then you're out of your slump!
Thanks for your prayers, things will work out, they always do!
Greetings! I have a birthday on Monday - which definitely livens up August for me! I have a busy weekend and tons of work to get through in the next couple of weeks, but since I celebrate my birthday as long as anyone wants to celebrate it with me, the partying will not be diminished!I discovered by accident this week that I had read earlier this year a book that fit the prompt for set during 24 hours or whatever that poorly phrased prompt is. That means I am PS 46/50 - only need 4 more books to finish! I have them all lined up too.
Finished - none for PS alas:
The Housekeeper and the Professor - wonderful
Bollywood Confidential - I really need to watch some Bollywood films
Aunty Lee's Delights - should come with the warning: Food descriptions make you constantly hungry!
Taken at the Flood - a Christie I somehow have never read before!
Currently reading:
Mr. Mercedes - prompt author deaf or hearing impaired.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
Whose Body?
The Night Tiger - set in 1931, 24 years before I was born - appropriate reading for my birthday month I think.
QOTW: I remember suggesting this! I absolutely have been known to buy a book after reading it in ebook. One was The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century and in part because I just adore that cover (I am easily seduced). Also Where the Crawdads Sing.
Most often it happens with Christmas books -- like Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days - because I do re-read Christmas books.
I also carry a list around of hardcovers I'd like to find for books OOP and now only to be found in ebook and I want to own them -- The Silver Pigs the first Flaco mystery is one of those. I do occasionally wander into used bookstores or annual sales at libraries and churches. I find having a few books I'm actively looking for keeps me from being overwhelmed, and avoid sensory overload while trying to grasp both how organized and what I want to look at.
Happy Thursday!3 books finished this week
Finished
The Kingdoms Promising start, but it didn't really work for me. All the different timelines got to the point where I wasn't really keeping track, and one of the MCs did some truly unforgiveable stuff, that I think was supposed to be in service of a greater plan, but it wasn't made clear how that was so all I was left with was (view spoiler).
Not for a prompt.
Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life A friend recommended this earlier this year, and while normally not something I would be particularly enthused to read, I figured I could fit in it to the genre you normally avoid (financial advice). His basic thesis is to plan your finances so you have just enough to live out your life on, but don't oversave for retirement. His point is valid that left over money isn't going to do you any good after you're gone, so it just represents wasted time that you worked to accrue it. He admits as much, but it's advice for a fairly slim segment of the population (one of his examples is a buddy who meant to retire once he had 4 million I think, but worked til he had billions - although he still retired at 38). Like, those aren't numbers I'm getting anywhere near! Despite that, I liked the idea of being more intentional in thinking about what I should save for retirement rather than saving on autopilot, and giving myself permission to make some bigger purchases now that will enrich my life in other ways. Although he did answer a lot of the questions I had at the start in terms of how and why to die with zero, he didn't answer one big one - what are you supposed to do if you plan for that, get it wrong, and run out of money?
Vroom with a View A lot of fun, travel memoir of an Australian riding his Vespa from Milan to Rome, with lots of stops on the way. Heard about this book a long time ago, when I was backpacking in Italy, and it definitely made me want to return! No PS prompt, but used for both ATY regular (Australian author) and summer challenge (book I've been meaning to read awhile / set somewhere I want to go).
Currently Reading
The Big Book of Modern Fantasy
Masters of Death
Kafka on the Shore
Reading slump question
For me it almost always happens when I'm reading stuff I "have" to, but it feels like I'm trudging through, so I'm just never inclined to pick it up. So for me, the answer is usually to give that a rest and go lighter - read a couple romance novels, or some favorite fanfics. But sometimes, I just have to wait it out a bit.
QotW
I haven't, but I could. Like some other people have said, my current set up is to get library books, and then only if I really love it, add it to a buy list. It's just that the majority of the time, as long as it's an option, I get library books as hard copies rather than e-books, as that's how I prefer to read. So it hasn't happened yet that I've read an e-book that made it to my buy list. (I also think that because I don't e-reading as much it can impact my enjoyment of the book, so it becomes less likely to make my good enough to buy list).
I think if I happened to own an e-book that I read and liked, I probably wouldn't also buy a hard copy, unless it was like my new absolute favorite, or to complete a set that I already had hard copies of the others or something like that.
Library TBR: 3/7Purchased TBR: 2/24 Uuggh... I'm making negative progress here, folks!
Finished: Novelist as a Vocation This made me like Murakami more as a person.
Buzzing about a kid with OCD. As usual, I probably missed a lot of the visual cuing in the graphic novel format.
Started: Moral Sentiments And Material Interests: The Foundations of Cooperation in Economic Life It's all right. Don't read if you're not looking for something academic.
Creative Nonfiction: Researching and Crafting Stories of Real Life I've had this book since high school and am just getting around to reading it now. It's pretty good. Was already inspired to write an essay from reading it.
QotW: I do occasionally do this, but then I don't necessarily read the book again, at least not right away. Books I can think of doing this with are The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life, Evil and the God of Love, and I want to purchase Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative
Vaish wrote: "Can you guys give me few recommendations on what got you out of reading slump??.."Honestly, my first advice to you is to do something fun other than reading. If you don't feel like reading, don't force it. You're more likely to come back around more quickly. When you do feel like reading again, don't force yourself to read anything, including for Popsugar challenge. Read a few pages of each book until you find something that you just can't stop reading. Reading is supposed to be a "get-to" not a "have-to," at least when you're not in school!
Happy Thursday! I’ve got 2 weeks without work ahead, whoohoo! It’s been pretty humid this week here, so I did absolutely nothing except working in a climate controlled office. Until the climate control broke: there is literally water pooring out of the ceilings in some rooms. Not in my room, but in the meeting rooms. Not to mention the smell coming out of it. And the humidity… I was gasping like a dog (that’s why they call it ‘Dog Days’ I guess). I don’t like to breath with my mouth open, it looks stupid and I just hate it when I have to. My lungs will be very happy with the fresh mountain air they will get when we arrive in the Alps this weekend. I just have to 'rob the library' tomorrow (there's no such thing as too many books on vacation) and I'm all set.
PS: 17/50
FNL: 31/40
Total: 44/52
Finished
El libro negro de las horas by Eva García Sáenz de Urturi⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to visit Vitoria! And although I always say ‘I don’t like thrillers’, I seem to do like this kind of thrillers with an historical backgrond and old legends.
Currently reading
Jerusalem: The Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Matilda's Secret by Corina Bomann
QOTW
I did once, Germany: Memories of a Nation. It is such a beautiful reference book on the history and culture of Germany that I wanted to have it on my bookshelf.
Another slow week. I did finish one, not for the challenge but if you need one for published in 24 it would work. It's a black powder fantasy that I mostly enjoyed though the middle is pretty murky. Seeker by Samuel GriffinI'm down to only needing 5 books, two I was really looking forward to but the ones I have for them turned out to be meh (but hey, it'll get them off my tbr pile)
QOTW
Rarely but yes I do it. I'm not a rereader. Mostly I'll do it if I end up getting the rest of the series signed by the author so I want the whole series on the shelf.
Happy Thursday! I actually posted on Thursday!Finshed:
The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 2: Dallas (PS 24 years before you were born) 4 stars. Whoever recommended that Wikipedia last week for books set in a certain year is a genius. This was time travel to 1963 but only part of the novel is set in 1963. Awesome!
The Tea Dragon Society (PS cozy fantasy) 4 stars. Very cute graphic novel. The artwork was beautiful. I plan to finish the rest of the series.
Normal People (ATY Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor - Dublin Mudslide) 3 stars. This was a case of a very well written book but not entirely my cup of tea. If you enjoy deep dives into 2 peoples personalities and relationship with each other, then this book is for you.
Currently reading:
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (ATY going for gold)
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures (ATY prompt didn't make final list - mushrooms)
QOTW: Yes, I do do that. I read a library book and if I really loved it I will buy a copy for myself. And then it sits on my shelf because I haven't read it again lol.
Things have cooled down a little around here, which is most welcome at night. It's so nice to be able to turn off the AC and just open a window.Now that summer reading is over, it's time to start planning programs for the fall, though thankfully we won't have any big projects going. Our new director starts next week, so that'll be interesting.
Finished:
Ashes - This was interesting, and a little weird. I didn't really vibe with any of the characters, but I enjoyed following them on their journey.
The Wild Robot - All the ads for the movie during the olympics finally convinced me to check this book out.
It was nominated for a local book award a few years ago, and I completely understand why. Very readable, and a good message about community. Hopefully the movie is just as good.
Currently reading:
Total Olympics: Every Obscure, Hilarious, Dramatic, and Inspiring Tale Worth Knowing
SubZero Vol. 1
The Spellshop
The Husbands
QOTW: Very rarely, but a. I'm not a big rereader and b. I don't buy a lot of books in general.
Happy Thursday, all!School starts next week... and I do not feel ready. I also feel like I wasted my summer, despite the fact that I took a fun vacation and did a lot of writing over the summer. Ah well.
Books read this week:
I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons -- I’ve waited YEARS for this book -- it was supposed to be published in 2004 but was canceled. I’m so glad I finally got to read it.
Island of the Blue Dolphins -- a nostalgic read from my childhood.
Currently reading:
Ascendant
Under Fortunate Stars
The Last Rabbit
A Royal Guide to Monster Slaying
QOTW:
I will generally only buy a copy of a book I've already read if I loved it enough to re-read it.
Nadine in NY wrote: "Laura Z wrote: "Britt-Marie Was Here: Backman bores me. If I want to read about unusual, prickly characters, I’ll go back to Olive Kitteridge...."LOL I'm not a fan either! But I didn't like [bo..."
Have read other Elizabeth Strout? I usually really like her but I did not like My Name is Lucy Barton at all, I'm still not sure what its point was.
Happy Thursday.Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (that answers the QOTW!
I took Saturday and Sunday off before I started my book organizing. Well, I ended up with some sort of flu starting with a sore throat on Monday. Fever and cough on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then a stuffy nose on Thursday (which is why i didn't check in or did do a big check in) and Friday.
Then Saturday, my dog, Ziggy, passed in my arms. My brother, John, is the biggest asshole. Actually, that's an insult to assholes. He's a self-centered, selfish mofo. A few minutes before he died, I thought I could get him help. So my mom called my brother and he literally yelled at my mother about how he couldn't drive (drank a 40 oz beer. Then called back to explain that, but he was unfeeling about it. Prick.
So, I took this Monday off to and came to work on Tuesday.
And that brings us up to today. I'm doing okay. Reba, our other dog, seems to be doing okay too. She got super depressed when Cajun died, but she seems doing better this time around.
So I didn't read last week and this week has been nothing but fast, cheap, easy romances that don't take a brain cell.
Happy Thursday!I just finished my first readathon Sunday night. It was fun but it was also the first week I went back to work after summer vacation...which means I didn't do much work and am now already behind in grading and planning. Then, maybe I'd also be less behind if they didn't change my schedule 3 days before school started....
Despite the readathon I only finished 3 books (I only read 5 for the readathon due to the previously mentioned job, but that's more than I pledged. One was a re-read
If Cats Disappeared From the World by Genki Kawamura
re-read, previously used for challenges
Erasure by Percival Everett : I saw American Fiction a year or so ago and thought it was the rare occurrence when I movie did a decent job worth a book. It was missing a few things but still got the essence the book. And Jeffrey Wright was perfect.
PS: n/a
52: n/a
ATY: single word title
Robot Librarian: satire or parody
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. I thought this was boring as a kid, but reading it as an adult....I loved it! I will definitely dive into the other 7 books
PS: n/a
52:n/a
ATY: botanical cover
Robot: consecutive author initials
QOTW: Until recently all of my books were purchased, most of them at the $1 used bookstore my daughter used to work for. If you love reading, you should not have a relative who needs a ride home who works at a $1 bookstore. Then last year I bought 3 books in a row for a book club that I detested, and I bought a Kindle and got a library card for the first time since college.
I have done the reverse...I am purchasing books on the Kindle that I owned, mostly classics that are a few dollars, so I can start getting rid of books. I found all 8 Anne of Green Gables books for I believe .99 cents and donated the 3 titles I owned.
IF I find a library book or Kindle unlimited book I love and know I'll re-read I'll buy it on Kindle
Happy Thursday!Today is a good day! Yesterday I had my other wisdom tooth removed, and last time it took four whole weeks for me to be able to eat normally again, so I was really scared. This one came out in mere minutes and I could chew on that side today!! (Not that I'm actively doing so, not until I'm allowed to swish again, but it's nice to not want to die of pain when you accidentally bite on something xD) I am so relieved. Sunday next week I'm off to Disney for World Princess Week to try all the snacks, and it would have sucked if eating was so painful still.
AND I gained 100 grams in weight, BUT my fat percentage went DOWN and my muscle mass went UP so even though the number is 0.1 higher, I actually lost fat all the same WOOOPP! And I thought I was gonna gain, due to CFS and depression wreaking havoc. Gives me more hope for next time, haha!
AND Zira and Crowley both gained weight again!
Just watched the 5 Emily in Paris episodes that dropped today, and as fun as brainless entertainment can be, I kind of really hope this is the last season; unless they come up with an amazing storyline that is not the same storyline we've already been watching all this time.
I feel like I'm forgetting something but ....
So let's get to the true surprise!!
Read
The House at the Edge of Magic
I READ A BOOK!!!! I have no idea if it works for any prompts at all, but this was cute. I think I would have enjoyed it more in print, but either way I don't think I'll be continuing the series. I only would if I could do so for free.
QOTW
I have! Ironically the very first time I got an ereader I had the first two House of Night books on it, pirate style, and I enjoyed them so much I looked up the bookstore's stock, and went and get them the same day, and I collected the entire series in print after that.
If I really enjoy an audio, I might get it in print as well, to reread and properly remember.
Hi all!It's been one heck of a week and it's likely to be a busy weekend too. We've had rain all day today with storms likely tonight; I'm just hoping the power stays on.
Finished
Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children: Charming tales of wealth and entitlement for tots who were simply born better: very funny satire
The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean: interesting but honestly I think I would have preferred this coming from a scientist or someone more involved in deep ocean exploration rather than a journalist
The Lamplighters: DNF. I wasn't super loving it and I was at the 40% mark when I got the notice that it was due soon. I checked some reviews and it doesn't seem like it changes or picks up the pace at all, so I'm calling it quits on this one.
QOTW
Yes, but only if I thought I'd reread it. I don't think I've purchased any that are just "shelf trophies"
Happy ThursdayI finished two books. I made some progress on the Odyssey. I got the new Ruth Ware book. (Riley Sager, Lucy Foley, and Ruth Ware in the same month - Oh My!) And I started the last book I need for my summer reading challenge,
I am trying to enjoy the last bit of summer because the fall is going to be complicated.
Finished:
The Midnight Feast
ATY prompt: A book published in 2024
Popsugar prompt: A book set in the future
(It's set in June 2025 - not far in the future, but it is still the future)
El Deafo
ATY prompt:A book with a sound-related word in the title
Popsugar prompt: A book by a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing author
Series - 7/12
Nobel laureates - 4/5
Mysteries/Thrillers - 9/13
ATY - 33/45
PS - 20/30
Summer - 10/12
Currently reading:
The Odyssey -65%
One Perfect Couple - 30%
Something Wicked This Way Comes - Just started
Buddy Reads:
Hollow City - 60%
QOTW: Yes - but only if I thought I'd re-read it or read it with my kids (when they were little).
Mandy wrote: "Happy Thursday.Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (that answers the..."
So sorry to hear that! :( Take care of yourself.
Happy check-in! It's hot and smoky here again with humidity. I'm still expecting the Olympics to be on tv. I went and saw Twisters and The Fall Guy in theatres and loved them both. To get out of reading slumps I let myself dnf things and pick a fave to reread.
Finished Reading:
A Promise of Peridot ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PS pirates)
This is a weak pick for the pirates prompt but I want to be done PS. Anyway this is a fun romantasy series and now I have to wait until October for the final.
Mr. Villain's Day Off 04 ⭐⭐⭐
Cuteness manga.
Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very interesting that Robin's mom brought them to Alabama from South Korea.
The Door of No Return ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY historical fiction)
YA poetry. The start to a family saga in Ghana. Kwame Alexander always knocks it out of the park for me.
PS 41/50
ATY 50/52
ATY Summer 34/36
Diverse Baseline 28/36
Goodreads 186/250
QOTW:
Lately I'm only buying things I've read before.
Jennifer W wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Happy Thursday.Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (th..."
thanks!
Howdy from Columbus. I missed last weeks check out, the summer really just blew by and sometimes it’s Sunday before I realized I’ve missed Thursday lol. I’m currently at a bowling work party, sipping on a fishbowl margarita admiring how my nails and hair glow under blacklight.Anywho, here are the last two weeks:
Finished:
The Skull a kinda spooky mostly cute picture book with that’s based on a folktale. It had really nice illustrations.
Middle of the Night for a book that came in a ‘24 year. Riley Sager always keeps me on my toes, that’s for damn sure. I never know what to expect from his endings and the anxiety his books give me is palpable. Since this one focuses on figuring out what happened to a kid that disappeared from a tent in a suburban backyard 30ish years ago, it had my mom sensibilities in a tizzy. As always, thoroughly enjoyed and eager for his next book.
The Vile Village still working my way through this series with my son.
The Ink Black Heart not for the challenge, but just rereading the series before I read the latest book. Love this series 100/10
The Story of My Life for the blind author prompt. My daughter seeing me read this prompted her to tell me it’s a thing among her Gen z peers to think that Helen Keller was either not real or just committing fraud. So I looked it up and wow a lot of people really do think that lol. I can’t tell if it’s a meme like birds aren’t real, or just their generations Marilyn Manson ribs urban legend.
Funny Story not for the read just enjoying me yearly Emily Henry summer romance
The Weekenders for the 24th book by an author prompt. A fun, breezy beach read that takes place on a Carolina coast island and involves murder, family drama, and romance. I’d probably read more for this author next time I’m on vacation.
Pax for a book from an animal pov prompt. I actually bought this book years ago for my daughter and decided to use it since I had it sitting around. A little heavy for a middle grade novel but I enjoyed it.
What Happened to Nina? not for a challenge. I actually can’t remember when or why I placed a hold on this book, and must have seen someone recommend it somewhere. This is very obviously based on the Gabby Petito case, but had significant enough changes to the story that it wasn’t just a retelling with new names. Obviously this is a heavy book but I devoured it in two sittings because I needed to know what happened.
Thornhedge for the 24 sleep prompt. A twist on sleeping beauty where maybe the princess is cursed for a reason. Not my favorite T Kingfisher but it is really short and I did I like it
Currently Reading:
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Great Adventure Catholic Bible
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love
QOTW:
Yes, usually for favorite authors, very well loved books, pretty covers or because I think my boyfriend would like to read it but he only reads physical books.
Challenges:
Popsugar - 19/45; 3/5
Read Harder - 15/24
Classics - 6/12
European Tour - 7/10
12 Friends - 12/12
Yearly Goal - 105/150
I haven't really felt like reading much this week. I went through the games I've got in bundles over the years and found Bear and Breakfast. It's cute and low effort, so perfect for my current meh mood.Finished Key Lime Sky by Al Hess for neurodivergent character. This was a cosy sci-fi with an autistic main character who reviews pies, and reluctantly tries to save their small town from a slow, and surreal alien invasion. It's a bit slow - more character focused than action - but it was cute.
Currently reading Apprentice to the Villain and still listening to The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love.
QOTW:
I'm not much of a library user so most the books I read I've bought or I got for review. I sometimes buy a fancy edition of a book I liked, but I don't have much space, so have to limit. When I feel like rereading Terry Pratchett I do tend to buy the collector editions, because I did borrow a lot of those books when I first read them. I guess if I had the money and space I might just buy them all in one go.
Mandy wrote: "Happy Thursday.Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (that answers the..."
I'm so sorry for your loss.
@Mandy: I am sending lots of good vibes your way. What a tough week.
Ron wrote: "Vaish wrote:To have a 3BHK with a library is a dream!!!
It truly is. That's why I am so lucky, and thankful to my parents, that they allowed me to convert my bedroom into a library. It's my favo..."
Sweet! I miss my old bedroom.. I actually take back few of my physical copies back there from time to time. I have a very small bookshelf in the place I'm currently staying.. 😔😔
Doni wrote: "Vaish wrote: "Can you guys give me few recommendations on what got you out of reading slump??.."Honestly, my first advice to you is to do something fun other than reading. If you don't feel like ..."
Will try that.. I feel like it might actually work. Thanks a lot
Mandy wrote: "Happy Thursday.Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (that answers the..."
Oh god! So sorry for your loss
Happy Friday, y’all. I have been on a bit of withdrawal, staying home, not writing my usual daily post, just reading. I am not really sure why…maybe because I am a bit bored. Maybe because I am looking for some change in my life but not sure what it is I am wanting.
Anyway, I find that some of the books I have been reading lately have no challenge. I don’t even understand how I ended up with them on my reading list! Were they for a past reading challenge? Did I plan them for a current one and forget to flag what for?
My recent library find is that they now have jigsaw puzzles to take. The idea is that you take it and then bring back another one. I used to enjoy doing these, so I took one. I haven’t started it yet, partly because I am nervous that it will take up all my time!
Finished:
A Tale of the Secret Saint (Light Novel) Vol. 1 – ATY Summer challenge. 4*. I didn’t know what a light novel was until I looked it up online. It is a Japanese YA designation. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure into fantasy. This one finished the challenge.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics – ATY #31. 4*. I enjoyed this history. It made up for missing some of the daytime Olympic events.
Six Crimson Cranes – ATY #32. 4*. Loved. Quick read. Will definitely read the next book.
Have His Carcase - No challenge. 4*. Have no idea why I was reading this but did enjoy the interaction between Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane. She’s still holding out on his marriage offers!
Currently Reading:
Good Poems – PS #27 (genre I avoid). 72%
A Year In Provence – PAS, ATY #33. 80%. Will finish this one today.
Gallows View – No challenge. 35%
Just Starting:
Tress of the Emerald Sea – PAS, PS #38 (cozy fantasy)
Coraline - PAS
The Man Who Played with Fire: Stieg Larsson's Lost Files and the Hunt for an Assassin – Kindle. No challenge. 35%. Nonfiction. CONTINUING THIS ONE. GOAL: 50% by check-in
On Deck:
Black Hills - ALCM, PAS
PS 26/50
ATY 32/52
GR 131/200
QotW:
I don't often buy books or do re-reads. In fact, my goal right now is to rid my home of read books...and work on reading those I have left!
Thanks for all the love. I appreciate it.
I devoted last weekend to rest and relaxation. I got all of my cleaning/chores/errands done on Thursday and kicked off the weekend with Friday game night with friends. We've discovered Guild of Merchant Explorers, and we're obsessed. I started a pretty paint-by-numbers picture my mom got me for my birthday. I didn’t get it finished so I’ve been working on it after work. It's soooo relaxing after a long day in front of the computer.I DNFed a couple of books this week so nothing finished this week. I wasn't making much progress, which usually means I’m not really enjoying the book. I started a new book that I'm enjoying much more.
Reading
Ouroboros
Junkyard Dogs
Victory of Eagles
DNF
The Rise and Reign of the Mammals: A New History, from the Shadow of the Dinosaurs to Us. I just don't think I'm in a nonfiction headspace right now. I might come back to this later.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Bored out of my mind at 20%.
QOTW
Yes, I’ve done this with books I loved and want to see on my bookshelf.
Mandy wrote: "Happy Thursday.Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (that answers the..."
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mandy wrote: "Happy Thursday.Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (that answers the..."
very sorry for your loss
Mandy wrote: "Happy Thursday.Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (that answers the..."
I'm so sorry for your loss, Mandy.
Mod
Your daughter is still so little, she'll get braver about sleepovers as she grows up. Mine were pretty clingy at that age, too. I always vowed to go get them in the middle of the night if they called, but - thankfully - it never happened. (And a good thing too because i probably would have slept through the call anyway.)
I just took Lily down to Binghamton yesterday (so I'm only now catching up on yesterday's posts), she's all moved in to her apartment, which is right in the middle of Bing's tiny downtown, she's got taverns and cafes and the Salvation Army soup kitchen all just steps away from her front door. In fact, we had fantastic burgers and beer at the place across the street, so I sipped my beer while staring at her living room window. The tavern even had shelves of games, and I said I was going to drag her father down there and he & I would camp out and drink beer and play Yahtzee all day and spy on her hahaha.
Mod
I've never had a serious reading slump, but I think if I did, the cure would be to just read something fun, not anything I was "Supposed to" read for a challenge. I love a good "cotton candy" read that is sweet and simple and easy to race through and just as easy to forget when I'm done.
Mod
Happy birthday!
Mod
Apologizing in advance for the cursing.
I had the shittiest week. It was supposed to be a stay-cation where I read books and downsized my massive book collection (that answers the..."
Oh no, I am so sorry for your loss. It is such a huge sadness to say goodbye. Grieve as long as you need to, remember all the good times, and know that your dog was loved and loved you in return and lived the very best life with you.
Mod
I'd been curious about that book, but yeah my main question is: how do you decide where the finish line is? My mom is nearly 80 and as healthy as ever, I've got immediate ancestors who lived til almost 100 and others who died in their late 70s, and my paternal grandmother died at 53 (I've ALREADY gone past that line) so I have no way of knowing how long I'll live. But if his examples include "don't bother saving 4 million" ... well, I'm all set there LOL!!
Mod
LOL I'm not a fan either! ...
Have read other Elizabeth Strout? I usually really like her but I did not like My Name is Lucy Barton at all, I'm still not sure what its point was."
I have not!! I disliked Lucy so much (and the book was beloved by so many others) that I decided "well! clearly THIS author is not for me!" I never considered reading another book by her. Are they not all like that?? Maybe I will give her another try someday.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Eclipse (other topics)Breaking Dawn (other topics)
The Thursday Murder Club (other topics)
The Tea Dragon Society (other topics)
Before the Coffee Gets Cold (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Liu Cixin (other topics)Geoffrey Trousselot (other topics)
Robert Louis Stevenson (other topics)
Percival Everett (other topics)
Kay O'Neill (other topics)
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I won another book from Goodreads Giveaways! Hum by Helen Phillips. I'll get to it just as soon as I finish the pile of library books I've got next to my bed. That's two giveaways I won this year, and in prior years I'd won none at all, so I'm having a lucky year.
Admin stuff
The August group read is ongoing, here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
The final poll to choose a book by a transgender or nonbinary author for our November group read is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/3....
As always, let us know if you'd like to lead any of our group read discussions. ALL of the upcoming months have openings for discussion leaders!
This week I finished 1 book.
Water, Water: Poems by Billy Collins - this collection of poetry will be published in November, but I got an early copy through NetGalley, and I read them while I was on vacation. Collins is true to form, finding gentle humor in everyday events. If you still need to read a collection of poetry, consider one of his books (but not this one, unless you want to wait until November!)
Popsugar 100% 50 /50
Must Reads 60% 6 /10
AtY 94% 49 /52
2024 pub 66% 33 /50
NetGalley ratio 67%
Question of the Week
Do you ever buy print copies of books you borrowed, listened to, or read in ebook format so you can keep them?
This week's question was suggested by Theresa a long time ago! (or maybe a short time ago - I don't remember.)
And my answer is: yes! I have at times purchased books to own that I previously read from the library, because I loved them so much and knew I'd want to revisit them again.
Books I can think of:
Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America
Cosmos
March box set
The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy box set
The Broken Earth Trilogy box set
But ... have I opened up any of these books that I bought? NOPE!
The reverse is true, though. I own the entire set of Gene Wolfe's Solar Cycle as paperbacks, purchased one by one over the course of many years - but I have no idea where most of the books are. So when I saw a good deal on the ebook version of the New Sun series (which is the first part of the Solar Cycle), I bought it, and THAT is what I read when I am re-reading these books LOL because I always know where my ebooks are!