You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
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March 2017 REPORTING - Bubble and Squeak
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I read Ma cousine Rachel. I absolutely loved that book, maybe even more than Rebecca. I loved the story, I loved the writing, I loved the atmosphere, ... and I just saw that a movie is coming in June, with Sam Claflin ;)I hoped to finish it during the Toppler for the Oscar task but I didn't finish it in time...
Scoring!
Why did you start the book?: 4 points
When did you start the book?: 1 point
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017?: 276 pages - 3 points
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?: 3 points
Bonus Points: 0
Total: 11 points
First off the ranks! Grats!
And thanks to you, I didn't feel bad anymore for not having finished it during the Toppler ;) Great idea!
I finished The Fallen. I believe I originally started it in October, 2016 for no reason other than it sounded interesting and I had acquired it through a book swap site I'm a member of. When I started listening to the book the first time, I must have simply not been in the mood for a mystery / crime-drama because I enjoyed the book greatly this time. What originally intrigued me about this book is that the main character has synesthesia - he sees people's words as colored shapes. Of course, he is a detective so this is a very handy trait to have since he sees lies as red squares.
I gave the book 4 stars. It was a pretty interesting who-dun-it mystery with enough personal back story for the main character to make me care about him. I got a little bogged down in some of the procedural parts of the book. I don't need to detail of each individual you called following up on a specific lead and what they said, that could easily be compressed into a couple of paragraphs instead of multiple pages. But I suppose some people enjoy those details, just not me.
I was really surprised to see this book was published in 1980 originally. With the exception of no smart phones, it could easily have taken place now. Nothing in particular dated this book as taking place in the 1970's or 1980's. Actually, I'm really quite impressed by this. I don't know that I've ever read a book that I was so far off on understanding the time period it takes place in. Good job T. Jefferson Parker!
Scoring:
Why did you start the book?:
1 point - Other
When did you start the book?:
2 points - 2016
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) : 369 pages / 5 discs = 74 pages read originally. 369-74=295
3 points - 201-300
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Bonus Points: 0
Total Score: 10 (Better than I expected)
I read The Language of Threads for the Bubble and Squeak March challenge. This book is a continuation of a previous book, which I haven't read. I now recall that is why I stopped reading it the first time. There are many references to the previous book, which would have added much to my understanding of events in the second book. As a stand-alone, it was still a good story, even though it was clear I was missing past detail.The story takes place in Hong Kong, from the 1930s, through the WWII Japanese occupation, and to the 1980s. It follows the life of main character, Pei, and the young orphan she has assumed the care of. The most interesting part, to me, was the loving, respectful, relationship that developed between Pei and the British expat she worked for prior to the war. I have given the book three stars.
My bookmark was at page 46 of 276; I started the book from the beginning because I couldn't recall what I had read previously.
Why did you start the book?:
1 point - Other (I started this book prior to joining YLTO)
When did you start the book?:
4 points - 2014 (added to my shelf in 2014, and that would be my best guess re when I started it the first time)
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017?
3 points - 201-300 (230 pages to finish)
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Bonus Points:
None
Total 12 points
TrudyAn - I had to look up your book title because the name of the author was bothering me, and as soon as I read the summary, I understood. I read the first book last year for my Geo Challenge and gave it 4 stars. It is definitely worth reading, if you get a chance.
Cherie wrote: "TrudyAn - I had to look up your book title because the name of the author was bothering me, and as soon as I read the summary, I understood. I read the first book last year for my Geo Challenge and..."I wish I had searched for it first. I'm glad you liked it - I'll add to my list of books to look for.
I read Lab Girl.Why did you start the book?:
5 points - YLTO Year Long Challenge
When did you start the book?:
2 points -2016
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
290-31 (the page where I stopped last time) = 259
3 points - 201-300
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Bonus Points:
3 points - Canberra Day: I get a long weekend. 3 points if your book references your home county, region or state.
My book talks about plants that grow in Arizona.
3 points – Women's History Month: Your book mentions a woman who has made a significant contribution to history or contemporary society. Give us a run down too, as I can't google everyone.
Hope Jahren, whose autobiography this is, is a botanist. Her bio:
HOPE JAHREN is an award-winning scientist who has been pursuing independent research in paleobiology since 1996, when she completed her PhD at UC Berkeley and began teaching and researching first at the Georgia Institute of Technology and then at Johns Hopkins University. She is the recipient of three Fulbright Awards and is one of four scientists, and the only woman, to have been awarded both of the Young Investigator Medals given in the Earth Sciences. Currently, she is a tenured professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where in 2008 she built the Isotope Geobiology Laboratories, with support from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health.
Interesting facts I picked up about her in the book: She was one of the first (and at that time only) women to get tenure at Johns Hopkins. Over the course of her career (up to when she wrote this book) she built three different labs from nothing as she moved between schools. She is able to convey the excitement she feels about her discoveries and her work. In alternate chapters (in between bits of her life story), she talks about plants and trees from the plant's point of view, such as the long odds a seed faces when it has to pick a spot and put down roots. After reading this book, I now look at trees very differently, and with more respect.
The book made me happy. I wouldn't go so far as to say overwhelmingly happy, so I won't claim Day of Happiness Points, but it is cheering to read about someone who has so much enthusiasm for what she does, and the plants she studies. She was making her way in male-dominated field and succeeding at it. Stories like that make me happy.
Total points: 20
Just finished: White Nights and Other StoriesI am a huge fan of Dostoyevsky but for some reason this book just wasn't hitting me right (why stopped 4 pts) when I started it in late 2014 (4 pts). So, i was really happy to have this challenge give me the motivation to finish the meager 140 pages or so (5 pts) that I had left. I started the book just as filler between my other books that I was reading for challenges ( 1 point) which is something I often do with shorter books or books that don't fit anywhere but that I pick up along the way. I think I got the kindle version of this for free and I'm so happy to have it off my list finally! In the end, I still didn't enjoy it. Not sure if it's just not the right time or if my tastes have changes. I still love The Idiot, The Brothers Karamazov, and of course Crime and Punishment as well as many of his shorter works.
I finally just finished The Once and Future KingReview: 2 stars
As a great fan of Arthurian Legend I was really looking forward to reading this classic that so many people rave about and honestly I must say I was left dissapointed.
I throughly loved the beginning of the book dealing with young Arthur and his exploits and adventures with Merlyn. It was a strange but charming tale. I was enjoying the high fantasy take on the story.
But when it reached the point of Arthur as king I found the pace of the story came to a screeching halt and the story took a direction that at times was strange beyond any comprehension. I was amused by the episodes dealing with the Questing Beast but there were scenes in which I had no idea what the author's intention was.
I also found the book to be a bit too preachy in the way in which the author was hammering the reader over the head with his own philosophical ideas.
Scoring:
Why did you start the book?
Other (statred for a group read with another group) 1pt
When did you first start the book?
2015 - 3pt
How many pages you had to finish as at 1 March 2017
150 or less - 5pt
Why did you stop reading this book before this challenge?
I really was not enjoying the book I was glad this challenge gave me the motivation to finally finish it. - 5pt
Bonus Points:
Ash Wednesday - 3pt
Total Points: 17
I finally finished Tipping the Velvet.I am glad I finally finished it and am looking forward to reading another one of this author's books, when I get a chance.
Why did you start the book?:
1 point – Other Buddy Read
When did you start the book?:
3 points – Nov 13, 2015
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
2 points - 301-400 336
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Nov 21 - I put it down to start another buddy read book which was The Bat by Jo Nesbo.
Nov 24 - After racing through the Nesbo book, I read 2 more chapters and quit again – apathy.
Bonus Points: = 0
Updated score Total = 10 points
CLR 3/31
The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoyWhy did you start the book?:
4 points - YLTO Toppler
When did you start the book?:
5 points – 2013 or earlier
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
3 points - 201-300
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Bonus Points:
Half or a little more than half of the book is set in the USA, my country. (Texas and a small portion in California)
3 points – Ash Wednesday: Your book has a religiously devout character in it.
(view spoiler)
3 points – International Day of Happiness:
Actually this book did give me joy while I was reading it and a sense of happiness upon completion. I was surprised because I kept pushing the book to the end of my tbr list because it did not appeal to me the first time I started it. (view spoiler)
22 points
Connie (Ava Catherine) wrote: "3 points - Canberra Day: I get a long weekend. 3 points if your book references your home county, region or state.Half or a little more than half of the book is set in the USA, my country. (Texas and a small portion in California)
Connie, it's your home county, region or state, not country. Does it still fit?
Sorry, it is confusing to try and convey the same meaning across multiple different countries who have different ways of defining their geography.
And I'm glad the book made you happy!
Rusalka wrote: "Connie (Ava Catherine) wrote: "3 points - Canberra Day: I get a long weekend. 3 points if your book references your home county, region or state.Half or a little more than half of the book is set ..."
I am so sorry; I must have been distracted by something shiny! I will go back and correct it immediately.
(I did grow up in Texas and carry Texas in my heart!)
Connie (Ava Catherine) wrote: "I am so sorry; I must have been distracted by something shiny! I will go back and correct it immediately.(I did grow up in Texas and carry Texas in my heart!) "
All good, don't apologise. I actually had to double check I hadn't written country, as they are so close and very easy to confuse.
Can take the girl out of Texas, hey? I have a lot of friends who absolutely love Texas, so I may have to visit one day.
I read The Princess Bride for this challenge.Why did you start the book?:
1 point - Other
When did you start the book?:
2 points -2016
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
5 points – 150 or less
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Total Points = 12
I decided to read Bitterblue for this challenge. It took me most of the month, as I haven't had much reading time and it's a bit of a chunkster, but it was worth it. I wish I had finished reading it back in 2013, so the two previous books were fresher in my memory.Why did you start the book?:
1 point - Other
When did you start the book?:
5 points – 2013 or earlier
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
1 point – 401+
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
2 points – I had to pick up a challenge, toppler, monthly read and never got back to it.
Bonus Points:
none - My book left me happy because I finally read it and it was fun to visit with some old characters that I Ioved, but I wouldn't say I was "overwhelmingly happy".
Total: 9 points
I finished Dragon House - it was a blah read. Why did you start the book? Other = 1 pt
When did you start the book? 2014 = 4 pts
How many pages read prior to March 1? 151-200 = 4 pts
Why did you stop reading the book previously? Shinier books beckoned me = 1 pt
Total = 10 pts
I read The Essex Serpent
SCORING:
Why did you start the book? - Other - 1 point
When did you start the book? - 2016 - 2 points
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017 (no matter how many you actually read this month)? - 151-200 (171pp) - 4 points
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge? - The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own - 4 points
Bonus Points:
Ash Wednesday: Your book has a religiously devout character in it. Not lip service, actually devout. - One of the main characters is a vicar - 3 points
International Day of Happiness: Your book leaves you overwhelmingly happy. No points unless you explain why - This book made me really happy pretty much right out of the gate because it was so beautifully written and had some really interesting and likeable characters. Also, (view spoiler) - 3 points.
TOTAL - 17 points
I read T is for Trespass and I started it on March 11, 2012. I think it is funny that I start it again in March.My bookmark was at page 34 of 388. I started the book from the beginning because I couldn't recall what I had read previously.
Why did you start the book?:
1 point - Other
When did you start the book?:
5 points - 2013
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017?
2 points
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
5 points – The book was terrible. I couldn't stand the characters and it was extremely slow. It took some doing to finish this book which is unusual in this series.
Bonus Points:
None
Total 13 points
I read What the Body Remembers.4 pts - I started the book for a YLTO Toppler (Feb 2013)
5 pts – I started the book 2013 or earlier (Feb 2013)
1 pts – I had 450 pages to finish. I only read the first 60.
4 pts – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time.
3 pts – Ash Wednesday: Many devout characters - Sikh, Muslin, Hindu. The entire book was infused with the beliefs and customs of all three religions. Many people and several characters died as a result of their religion.
Total: 17 points
I finished reading ValentineWhy did you start the book?:
1 point - Other (I had about 40 pages to read before the toppler started.
When did you start the book?:
1 point - 2017
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
5 points – 150 or less
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
2 points – I had to pick up a challenge, toppler, monthly read and never got back to it.
9 points
I wasn't terribly impressed with this one. That's why it took me so long to get back to it, plus I had to get it back from our inter-library loan system. It was pretty predictable. It led the reader in different directions for the suspect of the killer, but I knew there'd be a big "surprise" when the killer was finally revealed. I also knew exactly how the surviving, stalked, victim would almost be killed.
I've finally finished Black Swan Green
Why did you start the book?
5 points - YLTO Year Long Challenge
When did you start the book?
2 points -2016
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017?
3 points - 201-300
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Bonus Points
3 points – Women's History Month: Your book mentions a woman who has made a significant contribution to history or contemporary society.
Margaret Thatcher - First female prime minister of the uk and still a very controversial figure.
I'm glad I finally read this book. It was the wrong time to read it first time round, I wasn't well and the storyline wasn't strong enough to keep my attention. Each chapter is an episode in the life of a young boy growing up in England in the 80s over the ciourse of a year. I enjoyed being reminded of the era and the things you got up to as a young teenager. The author's writing style is excellent.
4 stars and 17 challenge points
I read The HistorianWhy did you start the book?: 1 point - Other: (before I discovered Goodreads)
When did you start the book?: 5 points – 2013 or earlier
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) : 1 point – 401+: My bookmark (the Christmas present label from my grandfather who passed away 5 years ago, and I think gave me this book about 10 years ago) was at page 162, and my version was 642pp long.
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.: I think I was beginning to think the 5 pointer it was a bad book, when I blamed myself not the book. I should have blamed the book. But it was honestly not why I put it down.
Bonus Points:
3 points – Ash Wednesday: Your book has a religiously devout character in it. Not lip service, actually devout. : So. Many. Monks.
International Day of Happiness: Your book leaves you overwhelmingly happy. No points unless you explain why (with spoiler tags as required) : I was so happy it was done, but not overwhelmingly happy. So close! (no points).
Total: 14 points
I finished Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell on 26 Mar.Why did you start the book?:
5 points - YLTO Year Long Chunkster Challenge - Voluminous Volumes and Miniature Matchmakers
When did you start the book?:
4 points - 2014
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
1 point – 972
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
14 points
It still was difficult to get through. Perhaps if I were interested in historical Napoleonic Wars? I was not interested in either of the magician's biographies, which is what this felt like it was supposed to be.
I read You, which was abandoned by JaniceWhy did
1 point - Other
When did
3 points - 2015
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
5 points – 150 or less
Why did
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Bonus Points: 0 points
Total: 13 points
Hi Rusalka - I updated my score in message 12. I had the wrong reason for why I had quit. I wrote the correct reason, but used the wrong point score. A shinier book beckoned me the first time I quit, but the second time was apathy.
Thanks Cherie. Good work getting through on time number 3
I read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke.Scoring:
Why did you start the book?: 1 point - Other
When did you start the book?: 2 points -2016
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? - 2 points - 301-400
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge? - 4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
Total: 9 points
Lynn wrote: "I read You, which was abandoned by JaniceWhy did you she start the book?:
1 point - Other
When did you she start the book?:
3 points - 2015
How many pages you had to finish the ..."
I forgot I'd helped you with this workaround. What did you think of the book?
Janice, not a fan. My short review was: "Despite the controversial subject I was just bored ...... and sometimes irritated. Not for me."
Yes, it wasn't for me either
Janice wrote: "Yes, it wasn't for me either"I thought I had given my copy away, but I just found it. Maybe I should put it in the pile.
I just noticed that the year for this challenge says 2016. Rus, you might want to fix that. Ooops!
That's Debra. Will fix it up.
Cherie wrote: "I love the badge!"Me too. It's really unusual.
Glad you guys like it. It was a hard one to badge!Grats to Connie for the Top Score, and to our 3 glue stick recipients.
Let me know if I have missed anyone
You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
You (other topics)Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (other topics)
You (other topics)
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (other topics)
The Historian (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Susanna Clarke (other topics)Margaret Thatcher (other topics)
Sarah McCoy (other topics)
T. Jefferson Parker (other topics)
The couple of days after a Toppler is sort of similar. Looking at those leftover books you didn't finish in the week or weekend like the limp roast veggies in your fridge, and wondering when you will ever get to them again.
Well fear not! Here is the challenge to deal with those half finished, cast aside, leftover reads you have never gotten back to.
Pick a book that you have started for some reason and cast aside. You may start again if you need, but you need to remember (sometimes roughly depending on time passed and whether you had a bookmark) where you got to the first time for points. So mark that page number down, pick up where you left off, or start again as you have no idea what is going on. But finish that book. Finish it!! I have just remembered a heap of books I forgot about while writing these four paragraphs, so hope you do some shelf cleaning too!
Edit: If you legitimately do not have a book you have ever left unfinished, there is a work around in Message 42. But I expect this to be literally a couple of people.
General Rules:
1. The book may be in any format - paperback, ebook, audiobook.
2. The book may be in any genre.
3. The book may NOT be combined with the Year Long Survey Challenge.
4. The book must be read between 1 – 31 March, 2017 (based on your own time zone).
5. The challenge is for one book. You may read more books if you chose, but only the highest scoring book will apply.
6. The book must be 175 pages or more determined by the issue you read. If reading eBook or audiobook page numbers will be determined by the issue that comes up first on a Goodreads search.
Scoring:
Why did you start the book?:
5 points - YLTO Year Long Challenge
4 points - YLTO Toppler
3 points - YLTO Monthly Challenge
2 points - YLTO Group Read
1 point - Other
When did you start the book?:
5 points – 2013 or earlier
4 points - 2014
3 points - 2015
2 points -2016
1 point - 2017
How many pages you had to finish the book as at 1 March 2017? (no matter how many you actually read this month) :
5 points – 150 or less
4 points - 151-200
3 points - 201-300
2 points - 301-400
1 point – 401+
Why did you stop reading the book before this challenge?
5 points – It was a terrible book. I am finishing this book now as I am happy to sacrifice my principles for points and a possible badge.
4 points – The book just wasn't what I needed to read at the time. Whether that was the book's fault or my own.
3 points – I ran out of time, as it was for a timed challenge.
2 points – I had to pick up a challenge, toppler, monthly read and never got back to it.
1 point – I put it down and forgot I was reading it (possibly as I read 10 books at once, possibly as I am like Rusalka and am distracted by shiny things)
Bonus Points:
3 points - Canberra Day: I get a long weekend. 3 points if your book references your home county, region or state.
3 points – Women's History Month: Your book mentions a woman who has made a significant contribution to history or contemporary society. Give us a run down too, as I can't google everyone.
3 points – Ash Wednesday: Your book has a religiously devout character in it. Not lip service, actually devout.
3 points – International Day of Happiness: Your book leaves you overwhelmingly happy. No points unless you explain why (with spoiler tags as required)