Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

Around the Year is 52 Books
The 2017 List
✅1. A book from the Goodreads Choice Awards 2016--Small Great Things - READ 1/28/2017
✅2. A book with at least 2 perspectives (multiple points of view)--The Poisonwood Bible - READ - 3/24/2017
✅3. A book you meant to read in 2016--Endangered Species - READ 1/16/2017
✅4. A title that doesn't contain the letter "E"--Still Missing-READ 2/11/2017
✅5. A historical fiction -- The Invisible Bridge- READ 3/18/2017
✅6. A book being released as a movie in 2017 -- I Am Pilgrim--READ 8/11/2017
✅7. A book with an animal on the cover or in the title--The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time--READ 7/4/2017
✅8. A book written by a person of color -- The Secret of Magic by Deborah Johnson- READ--3/10/2017
✅9. A book in the middle of your To Be Read list -- Obstruction of Justice -READ-5/31/2017
✅10. A dual-timeline novel: / Winter Garden-- READ 6/8/17
✅11. A category from another challenge -- 1st Book in a Series You Haven't Read Before: Only Time Will Tell - READ 1/12/2017
✅12. A book based on a myth -- American Gods-READ 2/20/2017
✅13. A book recommended by one of your favorite authors -- A Drink Before the War (Lisa Regan gave this one 5 stars)]-READ 4/12/2017
✅14. A book with a strong female character -- Retribution-READ 2/6/2017
✅15. A book written or set in Scandanavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland) -- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo--READ 9/16/17
✅16. A mystery -- All That Remains--READ 4/23/2017
✅17. A book with illustrations--In the Shadow of Blackbirds - READ --1/30/2017
✅18. A really long book (600+ pages) -- Cutting for Stone--READ 5/13/2017
✅19. A New York Times best-seller -- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children--READ 5/22/2017
✅20. A book that you've owned for a while but haven't gotten around to reading -- The Surgeon-- READ 7/13/2017
✅21. A book that is a continuation of a book you've already read -- Dr. Eunholder's Device--READ 5/15/2017
✅22. A book by an author you haven't read before -- The Last Days of Night--READ 4/29/2017
✅23. A book from the BBC "The Big Read" list (link)--Rebecca - READ 9/24/2017
✅24. A book written by at least two authors--Relic--READ 4/15/2017
✅25. A book about a famous historical figure -- The White Queen--READ 8/8/2017
✅26. An adventure book -- The Doomsday Key-- READ 3/31/2017
✅27. A book by one of your favorite authors -- The Devil Crept In -- READ 5/16/2017
✅28. A non-fiction -- A Child Called "It" -READ 3/2/2017
✅29. A book published outside the 4 major publishing houses (Simon & Schuster; HarperCollins; Penguin Random House; Hachette Livre) - check all the editions -- Farthest House - WriteLife publishing--READ 10/21/2017
✅30. A book from Goodreads Top 100 YA Books (link)--Divergent--READ 9/3/2017
✅31. A book from a sub-genre of your favorite genre -- The Lady of the Rivers (Historical Romance)- READ 8/1/2017
✅32. A book with a long title (5+ words, excluding subtitle) -- The Secret Daughter of the Tsar--READ 12/12/2017
✅33. A magical realism novel -- The Golem and the Jinni--READ 7/1/2017
✅34. A book set in or by an author from the Southern Hemisphere -- Daughter of Fortune - READ 1/8/2017
✅35. A book where one of the main characters is royalty -- The Red Queen -- READ 10/21/2017
✅ 36. A Hugo Award winner or nominee (link) -- The Man in the High Castle -READ 1/10/2017
✅ 37. A book you choose randomly--Rules of Prey--READ 4/04/2017
✅ 38. A novel inspired by a work of classic literature -- The Flight of Gemma Hardy (Jane Eyre)-READ 8/04/2017
✅39. An epistolary fiction -- Reconstructing Amelia READ 1/19/2017
✅40. A book published in 2017 -- Girl in Disguise-READ 9/2/2017
✅41. A book with an unreliable narrator -- A Head Full of Ghosts - READ 1/17/2017
✅42. A best book of the 21st century (so far)-Middlesex -- READ 12/30/2017
✅43. A book with a chilling atmosphere (scary, unsettling, cold)-Pretty Girls--READ 6/28/2017
✅44. A recommendation from "What Should I Read Next" (link)--Defending Jacob--READ 4/07/2017
✅45. A book with a one-word title -- Pirate- READ 11/13/17
✅46. A time travel novel -- The Rose Garden--READ 10/5/17
✅47. A past suggestion that didn't win (link)-- The Snow Child (based on a fairy tale)- READ 1/3/17
✅48. A banned book -- East of Eden-- READ 8/31/2017
✅49. A book from someone else's bookshelf--Burial Rites --(I took it from the bookshelf at work!)--READ 4/16/2017
✅50. A Penguin Modern Classic - any edition -- The Heart is a Lonely Hunter-READ 11/26/17
✅51. A collection (e.g. essays, short stories, poetry, plays) -- Twisted: The Collected Stories-READ 12/03/2017
✅52. A book set in a fictional location -- Neverwhere--READ 1/01/18

Nice list so far :) Defending Jacob looks interesting; I'll have to see if I can find it.

Middlesex is wonderful! I've since read The Virgin Suicides too, and I've definitely decided I love his writing.

Thanks Saara and Jody. I'm trying to load my list with all books I currently own. It's sometimes hard to pick which book to read next when I have so many options. This will hopefully help with that.

Katie wrote: "The Poisonwood Bible is a wonderful choice, Tracy, as is The Book Thief. Happy reading!"
Thanks Katie, I'm really looking forward to reading them both!

Is The Snowman being made into a movie? I didn't know that. I love the books about Harry Hole, but weird if they only make one book from the series into a movie. I've been thinking about rereading all of the books, so maybe we can have a chat about The Snowman later in the year :-)

I read Daughter of Fortune this year. It was my first book by Isabel Allende and I really enjoyed it. If you like magical realism I think you'll enjoy this one. I'm planning on reading The House of the Spirits and maybe Portrait in Sepia next year. They should all be part of the trilogy and somehow connected.

Neverwhere is on my TBR for 2017 as well :-)

The Nightingale and The Book Thief are some of my favorite books read, so I hope you'll enjoy them.
They are both on my to-reread list so maybe I'll read them next year.

Saara wrote: "Nice list so far :) Defending Jacob looks interesting; I'll have to see if I can find it."

Tracy wrote: "Around the Year is 52 Books
The 2017 List
[✓]1. A book from the Goodreads Choice Awards 2016--Small Great Things - CURRENTLY READING
2. A book with at least 2 perspectives (multiple..."

Defending Jacob is SO GOOD! i would highly recommend it :) It's not just another mystery or thriller type....the story is different and unique-the parents perspectives on their potentially problem child is something I'd never read before. It keeps you wondering throughout the entire book and the ending is really great.

Marina H wrote: "Is The Snowman being made into a movie? I didn't know that. I love the books about Harry Hole, but weird if they only make one book from the series into a movie. I've been thinking about rereading ..."
Marina;
I'm not sure how widespread the movie will be as it looks like it will be a British Film, but hey....still coming out in 2017, so I'm good! (and anxious to read my first Harry Hole novel).

The Snowman is an upcoming British crime drama film directed by Tomas Alfredson and written by Matthew Michael Carnahan, based on the novel of same name by Jo Nesbø. The film stars Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, and Charlotte Gainsbourg. Principal photography began on 18 January 2016 in Norway. The film will be released by Universal Pictures on 13 October 2017.

[✓]47. A past suggestion that didn't win (link)-- The Snow Child (based on a fairy tale)- READ 1/3/17
****
Really liked this story of a couple who moves to Alaska's wilderness in the early 1900's and discover a mysterious child living in the woods. Very descriptive and I will definitely be checking out this authors next book.

~One down and 51 to go~

[✓]34. A book set in or by an author from the Southern Hemisphere -- Daughter of Fortune - READ 1/8/2017
***-1/2
This book was fascinating mostly for it's look at the San Francisco Gold Rush. For me, the first half was slow. Once the MC made it to San Francisco, it was a much more interesting book for me.

Tracy wrote: "[✓]34. A book set in or by an author from the Southern Hemisphere -- Daughter of Fortune - READ 1/8/2017"

What did you think of it?

I gave it four stars. It would be 3.5 stars for me, but I rounded it up. It got off to a very slow start, but then took off and hooked me in. I am a fan of historical fiction though, and I enjoyed learning more about the gold rush of 1849 in California that brought so many immigrants in search of a better life.

I felt the same. It took a while to get into the story. I'm planning on reading some of Allende's other books. I've heard that The House of the Spirits should be one of her best books, so I'm looking forward to try that one.

[✓] 36. A Hugo Award winner or nominee (link) -- The Man in the High Castle - READ 1/10/2017
**
Hard to get into. I tried. It was a short book so I soldiered on. The premise was good, but the way most of the characters spoke was annoying. Also the little twist at the end was very meager. If you blinked you would have missed it.

[✓]11. A category from another challenge -- 1st Book in a Series You Haven't Read Before: Only Time Will Tell - READ 1/12/2017
****
This one was a page turner, but also a cliff hanger! I hate when an author does that! I do own the second book but it's not on this list so I wont be reading it anytime soon.

The Giver is life changing!
American Gods and Neverwhere are also amazing. You're going to have an awesome year! Happy reading!

Thank you Ali! I'm looking forward to those books, although I wasn't aware that American Gods was so lengthy until I just ordered it from Thriftbooks. It's good to know that it will hold my interest.

Marina H wrote: "I felt the same. It took a while to get into the story. I'm planning on reading some of Allende's other books. I've heard that The House of the Spirits should be one of her best books, so I'm looki..."
I have heard that House of Spirits somehow hooks together with Daughter of Fortune, but I'm not sure exactly how.

✅3. A book you meant to read in 2016--Endangered Species - READ 1/16/2017
I am reading the Anna Pigeon books in order from start to finish. This one is #5 in the series. There is something about mysteries that were written in the 90's that make me laugh. It's a modern tale, but there is no use of cell phones which seems strange when we think about it from today's standards. As usual Anna gets to solve a mystery in a state park. I was hoping there would be more about the sea turtles which feature prominently on the cover of the book, but, unfortunately they only got a small mention. So far, this book was better then the ones before it, but most of the time I just enjoy the settings of these books as each one is set in a different national park.

✅41. A book with an unreliable narrator -- A Head Full of Ghosts - READ 1/17/2017
****
Great book about what might happen if reality TV meets the Exorcist. Mostly we are left to wonder is the teenager who is supposedly possessed by a demon faking it, mentally ill, or is she truly possessed. The possibilities make this a page turner.

Wow you have been busy!!! I am really looking forward to small things been patiently (or rather impatiently) waiting in the library queue!!!

Ha Kelly, yes. My reading speed is proportional to how good the books are that I'm reading. I've been reading some good ones! I generally read two books at once also. (usually one kindle and one paper). My kindle book right now is Small Great Things.
I'm about 1/4 of the way through with it. So far it's pretty good.

7/52


✅39. An epistolary fiction -- Reconstructing Amelia READ 1/19/2017
****
I plowed through this book at a breakneck speed. It probably helped that this book had quite a few pages full of facebook posts and text messages so as to make the pages go quicker. Its about a mother trying to piece together her daughter's death. The police called it a suicide but mom has a hard time agreeing after she gets a text from someone saying "Amelia didn't jump" and then starts looking through her daughters phone and facebook accounts.

Thanks Katie...I should be finishing up two more this weekend.

Tracy wrote: "6/52


✅39. An epistolary fiction -- Reconstructing Amelia READ 1/19/2017
****
I plowed through this book at a breakneck speed. It probably helped that this book had quite a few pa..."

I remember speeding thru that book as well when I listened to it a year or so ago. It was really good!

✅1. A book from the Goodreads Choice Awards 2016--Small Great Things - READ 1/28/2017
~Thoughts to Follow~

✅17. A book with illustrations--In the Shadow of Blackbirds - READ --1/30/2017

10/52

✅14. A book with a strong female character -- Retribution-READ 2/6/2017

I think we have similar literary tastes, Tracy! I plan to read The Snowman, The Snow Child, Middlesex, The Red Queen, The Poisonwood Bible, and The Invisible Bridge for various challenges this year as well. And there are several on your list that I've read. I absolutely LOVED The Nightingale, and A Drink Before the War was excellent. In fact, I loved that entire series. Happy reading!!

Thank you Brooke! It does seem that we have a common book interest! I checked out your profile and you've recently read "The Man in the High Castle" as well, and I was shocked you rated it exactly the same as I did. Great minds think alike. Maybe we can buddy read one of those books, although I am currently reading The Poisonwood Bible and I am having some trouble getting into it.

Tracy wrote: "Thank you Brooke! It does seem that we have a common book interest! I checked out your profile and you've recently read "The Man in the High Castle" as well, and I was shocked you rated it exactly ..."

I would be up for a buddy read!

✅4. A title that doesn't contain the letter "E"--Still Missing-READ 2/11/2017

Brooke wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Thank you Brooke! It does seem that we have a common book interest! I checked out your profile and you've recently read "The Man in the High Castle" as well, and I was shocked you rat..."
I think Middlesex or the Invisible Bridge would be good. Just pick the time. I already own both books, so I just need a time to start reading :)

Tracy wrote: "Brooke wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Thank you Brooke! It does seem that we have a common book interest! I checked out your profile and you've recently read "The Man in the High Castle" as well, and I was ..."

I own both of them as well! I started Invisible Bridge, but I'm only on pg. 40, so maybe we do that one?

Brooke wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Brooke wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Thank you Brooke! It does seem that we have a common book interest! I checked out your profile and you've recently read "The Man in the High Castle" as we..."
I can start Invisible Bridge this weekend. I'm reading American Gods currently and The Poisonwood Bible which I am admittedly inching my way through! I want to at least finish one before I get into another chunkster. LOL.

No worries! I'll keep at other books and wait to hear from you. I can't wait to hear what you think about The Poisonwood Bible. I've had so many friends highly recommend it, but for some reason it remains in my TBR pile. :/ Hopefully I'll get it read this year. It is slated for one of the prompts, but who knows...

✅12. A book based on a myth -- American Gods-READ 2/20/2017

Brooke wrote: "No worries! I'll keep at other books and wait to hear from you. I can't wait to hear what you think about The Poisonwood Bible. I've had so many friends highly recommend it, but for some reason it ..."
Ready to take on The Invisible Bridge!
I've read about the first 30 pages so far....I've set up the buddy read in the books listing under I.

Tracy wrote: "Brooke wrote: "No worries! I'll keep at other books and wait to hear from you. I can't wait to hear what you think about The Poisonwood Bible. I've had so many friends highly recommend it, but for ..."

Looking forward to it!

✅28. A non-fiction -- A Child Called "It" -READ 3/2/2017

14/52

✅8. A book written by a person of color -- The Secret of Magic by Deborah Johnson- READ

15/52

✅5. A historical fiction -- The Invisible Bridge- READ 3/18/2017

✅2. A book with at least 2 perspectives (multiple points of view)--The Poisonwood Bible - READ - 3/24/2017

Tracy wrote: "✅2. A book with at least 2 perspectives (multiple points of view)--The Poisonwood Bible - READ - 3/24/2017"
Did you like it? I read it a few years ago and loved it! One of those books that just sticks with you over time!

Tracy wrote: "✅12. A book based on a myth -- American Gods-READ 2/20/2017"
I am struggling thru this one now... really not my cup of tea... but trying to get thru it.

Kelly wrote: "Tracy wrote: "✅2. A book with at least 2 perspectives (multiple points of view)--The Poisonwood Bible - READ - 3/24/2017"
Did you like it? I read it a few years ago and loved it! One of..."
Hi Kelly,
I must say that I struggled with the beginning of The Poisonwood Bible; but once I hit about pg. 125-150 things really started to pick up and I found it to be much more interesting. After that, I could understand why the first 125 or so pages were the way they were and made sense to the story as a whole.
I liked American Gods, even though I generally am not into fantasy. It kept me entertained throughout. Keep on trucking with it, you will (I hope) begin to like it overall once you finish.

Glad you stuck with and enjoyed it! I can't remember if i struggled with the beginning it was awhile ago. But I am about 1/2 way thru AG and really not sure where it's going. Fantasy is my least favorite genre so maybe I am biased against it. But I will finish it! ;) I am stubborn like that! Lol

I've American Gods lying on my bedside table, but ever since I picked it up at the library I feel like I've seeing more and more bad reviews. And it's somewhat of a doorstop so I'm starting to feel a bit intimidated.
I do enjoy Neil Gaiman's book but it sounds like this isn't his best.

✅26. An adventure book -- The Doomsday Key-- READ 3/31/2017

✅ 37. A book you choose randomly--Rules of Prey--READ 4/04/2017