2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Samantha (AK): 50 Books in 2016
Great idea linking your corner to your personal page.
Thanks! (I figure I can't lose them both... >.>`)
------------------------------------Book #1/50
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Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
Rating:3/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 867 pages
Challenges: January: Extremes, Popsugar Reading Challenge 2016
Review HERE
Notes:
First book I've read by Neal Stephenson. Wow he's verbose. I like hard sci-fi, don't get me wrong... but WOW.
The first two parts were wonderful, if somewhat dry. Between the length and the number of pages dedicated to orbital mechanics, I would definitely not recommend this to anyone outside the genre.
There are some technical issues in the third act--characterization, worldbuilding, etc.--along with the atrocity that is the Cradle. *eyeroll* (but at least he's aware of the problem, there.)
That said, the third act does have one of the more disconcerting human observations. (view spoiler) but this is never further explored. (Not sure how it could be, at that point. So many pages...)
N.S.'s author's notes in the acknowledgements implies he might want to return to this 'verse in the future. I'd probably be willing to read it, but not until my brain takes a very long break. ;)
------------------------------------Book #2/50
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Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
Rating:3/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 290 pages
Challenges: Around the World in Books, Popsugar Reading Challenge 2016, #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
Yeah, I half-did the review on this one. I need to be more careful with my genre-whiplash. Going from hard sci-fi to this was trying.
It's a good book, I can tell that much. I don't read a lot of books aimed at the YA audience anymore. Some, but they're in the minority.
Well-done, and it was interesting, but I had a lot of trouble connecting with it. (Doesn't make it a bad book. Like I said, genre-whiplash. Should have given myself a day for air.)
The one thing I need to point out, pseudo-autobiographical though this book is, is that Kimberly Chang's success was in large part predicated by her talent and intelligence, coupled with her hard work. This is the type of immigration story that I see the most of in YA novels, which often fail to address that most people will not have this story. To her credit, Jean Kwok does address some of this through the characters of Matt and Vivian, but it's a side note.
Congrats on finishing your first books in 2016! I had the same issue with a Stephenson book I read - really heavy, interesting, but long. Good luck with your challenge!
Thanks! Overall, I did like Stephenson, but he requires some decompression... I have to do the same thing with Philip K. Dick, albeit for different reasons.
I love your review format, Samantha. It seems like you're on a roll already, despite genre-whiplash. :) Good luck achieving your reading goals!
Thanks, Jackie! Luckily, the year started on a weekend. ;)
------------------------------------Book #3/50
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Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Rating: 5/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 264 pages
Challenges: #ReadWomen2016, January: Extremes
Review HERE
Notes:
Octavia Butler was recommended to me some time ago, but I hadn't read any of her work until now. Why on earth did I wait so long?!
This book is fantastic, with a genre-crossover appeal that should prevent most people from getting hung up on the details.
At times it was almost too-simple, but there's a tightness to the narrative that makes sure no detail is left behind. It's a neat book, briskly paced, and I enjoyed it. Would I have liked greater insight into some of the characters heads? Maybe... but I don't think it would have come off as well as it did had Butler gone that route.
Despite the framework, Butler is careful not to sensationalize the events of the book. They happen. They have consequences. She presents them without flinching.
Unfortunately, this is also one of those books that's hard to talk about without spoilers, because everything I want to discuss/praise about it ties directly into key plot points. (Particularly the dynamic between Kevin and Dana, and Rufus and Dana, and how those tie-in together.)
You have a lot of order too! (I sneaked in your corner) ;) Good luck!
Winter wrote: "You have a lot of order too! (I sneaked in your corner) ;) Good luck!"Thank you!
------------------------------------DNF #1
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Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Rating (Provisional): 2/5
Format: Hardcover
Progress: 199/336 pages (59%)
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
I don't like abandoning books, but every once in a while I get a lemon. Sometimes it's not to my taste, and sometimes it's just a bad book.
This is mostly the former.
The book isn't really about the events surrounding the Collapse. I actually appreciate what St. John Mandel was trying to say.
Unfortunately, just because your setting isn't terribly relevant doesn't mean you can skip the research. And my brain wouldn't shut up long enough to enjoy the book.
Might give it another go, someday, but it's just not for me.
There is nothing wrong with a DNF! I find that I DNF the popular-most-spoken-about books more often than just poorly written unknowns.
------------------------------------Book #4/50
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2061: Odyssey Three by Arthur C. Clarke
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 282 pages
Challenges: 2016 Popsugar Reading Challenge
Review HERE
Notes:
A very smooth read. If your click on the review, you'll be treated to an embarrassing amount of gushing, but here...
Clarke belongs to the old school of hard science fiction writers. As we learned more about celestial bodies, he retconned his own books to bring them into line with modern science, and that's something--once I got over a minor fit regarding 2010--that I deeply appreciate.
Personally, I think this book is way above its immediate predecessor. Actually, as much as I hate to say it (because I loved 2001) the writing here is markedly improved.
And that ending. O.O
Needless to say, I'm requesting 3001 from my library now. ;)
Jackie B. wrote: "There is nothing wrong with a DNF! I find that I DNF the popular-most-spoken-about books more often than just poorly written unknowns."I know, Jackie. My experience has been much the same. XD
I don't really feel guilty about abandoning them anymore, but I try to at least give them a fair shake. 50 pages... usually doesn't feel like quite enough. By 100 pages, though, I've generally got a good idea. Sometimes I push further, but that's just my stubborn streak.
That's good that you don't feel guilty. I often get 100 pages in and decide "I'm too far in to turn back now!"; that is most often what catches me. Also, I sadly didn't know 2001 was a series! I must read them now. :)
Yeah, there's a total of four "Odyssey" books. So far, it's been fun.To be fair, Clarke didn't intend to write a series when he started out. It just kind of happened. ;) If you get a copy with the author's notes/preface/etc., din't skip them! They're actually kind of amazing. (Especially in the millenial editions).
Fair warning, 2010 contains some pretty major retcons. 2061 wasn't nearly as jarring. I'll get back to you on 3001.
I look forward to your review! :)
------------------------------------Book #5/50
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Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 224 pages
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
Read this as part of my catechumenate. Very good for that purpose. Provides a clear, concise description of Eastern Orthodox thought on other belief systems--mostly other branches of Christianity, but with some notes about prominent non-Christian religions in the last chapter, as well as some very helpful appendices.
If you're not Orthodox, this book might be more difficult to approach, but could still be a valuable resource from a perspective little-heard in the United States.
------------------------------------Book #6/50
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The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
Rating: 5/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 274 pages
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
Philip K. Dick is what I generally call a "context critical" author. The more you understand about the times in which he was writing (generally) and about his life (specifically) the more sense his books will make.
The Man in the High Castle does not subscribe to the "evil Nazis vs. noble Allies" paradigm. Just about everyone is terrible, and it's brilliant.
Don't have many non-review notes for this one. Just read it. XD
Samantha (AK) wrote: "------------------------------------Book #6/50
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The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
"
That's actually a great review! I love this. Lately, I've been really into books where evil is more ambiguous-- and where everyone is a bit of a good guy and a bit of a bad guy. It feels so much more real. I'll definitely add this to my TBR.
Thanks, Samantha!!
I definitely recommend it, Jackie. Just remember to take your time (esp if it's your first PKD book). He's a Let me know what you think of it.
------------------------------------Book #7/50
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Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster by Svetlana Alexievich
Rating: 3/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 236 pages
Challenges: February Buddy-Read, #ReadWomen2016, Around the World in Books, Popsugar Reading Challenge
Review HERE
Notes:
Probably the most difficult book I've ever read. Important, yes. Deserving of praise? Hell yes. Important to take breaks so you don't get stuck in your head over it? Umm.... yeah. See full review.
------------------------------------Book #8/50
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Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise by Gene Luen Yang
Rating: 3/5 - 3.5/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 240 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge
Review HERE
Notes:
First comic/graphic novel of the year. I jumped straight into nostalgia-land with this one. Short version? I enjoyed it. Interesting insight on the after-effects of colonialism... but of course we're all just there for the Gaang. ;)
In all seriousness, it was a little cheesy at times (I'm a little beyond the target audience) but it still addressed larger issues (colonialism, reconstruction, appropriation, etc.) that tend to be left ignored in its genre.
------------------------------------Book #9/50
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China Mountain Zhang by Maureen F. McHugh
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 313 pages
Challenges: #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
This is one of those odd books that grows on me more the longer I've been away from it. It's kind of the opposite of Fridge Logic; instead of realizing there's a plot hole, I find myself realizing some events were more connected than I noticed on first reading.
There's some good stuff, here. The writing's pretty chilly, for the most part, but it works. It's not perfect, of course (there was one scene that really bugged me on a personal level), but the good far outweighs the bad.
A very human novel.
------------------------------------Book #10/50
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3001: The Final Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
Rating: 2/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 263 pages
Challenges:
Review HERE
Notes:
I wish I could say that I enjoyed this book. The plot was... ok. Nothing outstanding. Most of the book was taken up by Arthur C. Clarke's perspective on religion. Not going to rehash the review. Disappointing.
------------------------------------Book #11/50
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Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture by Ytasha L. Womack
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 213 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge, #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
Picked this up in Chicago-O'Hare and read on the way to Portland. Recommended. See review.
------------------------------------Book #12/50
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Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor
Rating: 3.5/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 306 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge, Around the World in Books
Review HERE
Notes:
This is the other book that I picked up in Chicago-O'Hare, it just took me a little longer to get around to it.
Nnedi Okorafor... I've never disliked her writing, but I was a little let-down by Who Fears Death last year. It wasn't bad, but I'd hoped for more given the strength of the critical response. (More fool me, eh?)
Much to my delight, Lagoon was beautiful. It's a celebration of Lagos, and of humanity. There's something about it that's more folklore than novel, which I enjoyed. (Right up to the people-eating road).
Oh! And be sure to read the post-chapter. ;)
------------------------------------DNF #2
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My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares
Rating (Provisional): 1/5
Format: Hardcover
Progress: 54/324 pages (16%) and a bit of skimming after
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
No. Just... no on so many levels. By the time I finally pearl-ruled the book, I had a resounding "nononononono" mantra going in my head. I hated this thing that much.
People love this book. I don't understand why.
This is not a love story. This is the story of a guy who stalks a woman for 1500 years because he accidently killed her once and he thinks he's in love with her.
Near as I can tell, he's not. He's just obsessed. She has no idea who he is (because she doesn't remember her past lives, unlike him) which just ups the creep factor by that much more.
This is not romantic. This is at best eyeroll-inducing and at worst nauseating.
Did not finish. No regrets.
------------------------------------Book #13/50
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Elysium by Jennifer Marie Brissett
Rating: 5/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 208 pages
Challenges: #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
Holy crap. If you can handle a non-linear narrative, you need to go read this book.
(...unless you're a minor. I'll give fair warning that there are a couple of explicit scenes. Not a lot of detail, but they do happen.)
------------------------------------Book #14/50
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So Long Been Dreaming: Postcolonial Science Fiction and Fantasy Edited by Nalo Hopkinson, Uppinder Mehan
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 304 pages
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
Beautiful collection. One short story that didn't work for me, a couple of excerpts from books I actually read a while back that work better as part of their larger works, but overall something I can highly recommend.
------------------------------------Book #15/50
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The Executioness by Tobias S. Buckell
Rating: 3/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 102 pages
Challenges: Around the World in Books, Popsugar Reading Challenge
Review HERE
Notes:
Quick and concise. Worth noting this is actually one of a collaberative pair of novellas between Tobias Buckell and Paolo Bacigalupi, so I still need to pick up the other one. Could have been expanded into something more than it is, but works well for a quick afternoon read. Illustrations are beautiful.
------------------------------------Book #16/50
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Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 320 pages
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
Octavia Butler's writing is as beautiful as always. I really struggled with the character of Doro, though. We have some hints of redeemability toward the end, but... *shudder*... I really don't like him. Good character writing. The book as a whole is a great piece of commentary for the real world.
------------------------------------Book #17/50
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The Coyote Kings of the Space-Age Bachelor Pad by Minister Faust
Rating: 2/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 531 pages
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
Wanted to give this more than two stars, because I truly did enjoy the writing. However, the plot was subpar at best.
------------------------------------Book #18/50
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The Alchemist by Paolo Bacigalupi
Rating: 3/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 95 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge
Review HERE
Notes:
Short and sweet. Bite-sized novella.
------------------------------------Book #19/50
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Arctic Rising by Tobias S. Buckell
Rating: 3/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 299 pages
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
Never read an eco-thriller before. Excellent cast, so-so plot. Not bad, but not particularly innovative.
------------------------------------Book #20/50
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Rating: 3.5/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 309 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge, #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
I am officially in the process of rectifying the fact that I've never read or watched this series. Although this was enjoyable--and it was, Rowling has a great sense of humor--it was a bit rushed. Had I read it younger, I probably wouldn't have noticed. As it stands, we'll call this 3.5.
------------------------------------Book #21/50
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 341 pages
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
Enjoyed this more than SS/PS. Cute, funny. Still a distressing lack of responsibility from "adults." Not happy with Dumbledore.
------------------------------------Book #22/50
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Conservation of Shadows by Yoon Ha Lee
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 333 pages
Challenges: Around the World in Books
Review HERE
Notes:
Agreeing with someone else on the review page that this is a terrifying collection. Not in the sense that it's horror, but in the sense that it's so well done.
Every story has something to say, and even when I don't identify with the specific message, I appreciate the story.
Recommending to everyone on the sci-fi/fantasy borderlands.
------------------------------------Book #23/50
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Yesterday's Kin by Nancy Kress
Rating: 2/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 192 pages
Challenges: #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
I am glad that this was short, because someone Did Not Do the Research.
We use the term "spores" to describe a cloud of "viruses" whose behavior we theorize by comparing to malaria (disease caused by a parasite)... and that's my small complaint.
Lack of research aside, the writing (characters, narrative arc, etc) wasn't horrible. I enjoyed the choice of protagonist and the family dynamics, but on the whole I can't recommend this.
------------------------------------Book #24/50
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Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Rating: 4/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 198 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge, #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
Good, but rather melancholy. Technically brilliant, but not necessarily my preferred reading material. Still recommended.
------------------------------------Book #25/50
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Into the Wildfire: Mourning Departures by Noor Shirazie
Rating: 3/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 48 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge, Around the World in Books, #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
Very good. Could be better, but still very good. I don't read a lot of poetry, but I did enjoy this.
------------------------------------Book #26/50
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Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger
Rating: 3/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 276 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge, Around the World in Books, #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
Great YA novel about a highschooler reconnecting with her Sikh heritage post-9/11
------------------------------------Book #27/50
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Filter House by Nisi Shawl
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 276 pages
Challenges: #ReadWomen2016
Review HERE
Notes:
First book by Nisi Shawl--picked it up at the library while I was waiting for Everfair to come in. ;)
Nisi's got a great voice... or great voicees. I look forward to reading more of her work.
(usually I have more non-review notes, but I forgot to write this until now, so... just go check it out.)
------------------------------------Book #28/50
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Everfair by Nisi Shawl
Rating: 4/5
Format: Hardcover
Length: 381 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge
Review HERE
Notes:
Absolutely stunning. I recommend patience, and a willingness to google the history of the Belgian Congo. ;)
Will be a crime if this isn't shortlisted for at least one award.
------------------------------------Book #29/50
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Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee
Rating: 5/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 317 pages
Challenges:
Review HERE
Notes:
My brain broke. This is beautiful. My brain is still broken.
OK, so Yoon Ha Lee has no problem throwing you in the deep end--there's more than a little bit of a learning curve to be had, but this was still awesome.
I want to see this win awards. I want even more for the rest of the trilogy to be just as awe-inspiring as this.
Peeps who want to see more of Shuos Jedao after reading this, check out The Battle of Candle Arc (If you can't find it anywhere else, it's also included in Conservation of Shadows)
------------------------------------Book #30/50
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The Penultimate Truth by Philip K. Dick
Rating: 4/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 239 pages
Challenges: Popsugar Reading Challenge
Review HERE
Notes:
Belatedly realized I'd only read one PKD book this year, and that just couldn't stand. ;)
The Penultimate Truth is one of 3 novels PKD published in 1964 (He drafted others, but they were published later). This was a period of seriously frenzied writing activity.
You can see the full review through the link, but I'm honestly surprised this isn't listed in with his major works. Yes, it's a little dense (especially at the beginning), but I think it's aged well.
------------------------------------Book #31/50
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Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Rating: 3/5
Format: Paperback
Length: 90 pages
Challenges: N/A
Review HERE
Notes:
Short and sweet. Entertaining, but fundamentally flawed. Good as a breath of fresh air.
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Elysium (other topics)Saga, Volume 2 (other topics)
Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why (other topics)
Shake Loose My Skin: New and Selected Poems (other topics)
The Abolition of Man (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jennifer Marie Brissett (other topics)Sonia Sanchez (other topics)
C.S. Lewis (other topics)
Fiona Staples (other topics)
Brian K. Vaughan (other topics)
More...
Looking forward to reading with you all!
My Corner
2016 Book Roundup