Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2018 Weekly Checkins
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Week 8: 2/16 – 2/22
Hello from Brisbane Australia. It has cooled off a bit this week which is great after the heatwave we had in previous weeks.This week I finished:
All Fall Down (Local author from Brisbane). This is the third in a trilogy by this author about police corruption. I thought it was a great read and well researched.
Hounds and Hauntings (A book published in 2018) This was a fun YA read. It is the third in the series and I have enjoyed all of these books.
Pirates! (a book that takes place at sea). I thought this was also a fun YA read and I would recommend it.
Apple Tree Yard (a book with fruit in the title). I wasn’t sure about this book. I found it a bit dull in areas but it had a great ending.
Currently reading:
Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts (a book involving a heist). I know a few others are reading this for the challenge. I am half way through and finding this a fascinating read. What a character!
Fight Like A Girl (a feminist book).
I Am Legend (a book from a movie I have already seen) This is VERY different to the movie. So much so that I am not sure I can count it.
Purple Hibiscus (A book with my favourite colour in the title).
Next books on the list:
My Brother Jack (a book linked to your ancestry). My great grandfather served in both World Wars.
Seven Ancient Wonders (an author with the same last name as me)
Dark Side of the Moon (a female author that uses a male pseudonym)
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (a cyberpunk novel)
QOTW
I don't listen to pod casts. I have only just started listening to audiobooks so maybe podcasts are the next step.
Interested in reading what others access.
Happy Thursday😊Beside it being update day, which I always look forward to. I just got the call telling me I got a job I really wanted. So Hurrraayyyy for me :-)
This week I read
The Secret Life of Fat: The Science Behind the Body's Least Understood Organ and What It Means for You- a micro history. It was really good and really opened my eye. I can only recommend it to others. *****
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore - a book with a time of day in the title. This one didn’t really work for me. Had high hopes and It just didn’t live up to my expectations.
I am currently reading:
The Sword of Summer
The Taming of the Shrew
(Edit: got interrupted earlier so am now continuing my post :-) and since I am now on my Mac I can add the books. Still don't get why it is so hard to add that feature to the app.)
Qotw:
Have never tried podcast but been recommended it several times. Will look in to some of your recommendations, Sara, they look very interesting.
Hi Sara. I can't believe I'm the first poster, but I have to get this out of the way and get to work. I was selected for a jury duty case that will likely last all next week and possibly longer.I am so glad to hear I am not the only one that listens to audiobooks when I walk my dog. I am so glad I discovered the pleasure of audiobooks through this challenge.
This week I finished 3 books:
I listened to Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between not for this challenge but for Read Harder. I love Gilmore Girls, and as promised, she does talk fast so it was a quick listen. It was fun.
Next I listened to A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story for ATY challenge book about overcoming a hardship. It was the opposite experience of the previous book, but it was about overcoming hardship. At least it was short.
I also finished reading Sandstorm for the weather element challenge. I really liked all the science elements, couldn't care less about the politics and/or espionage part. My husband recommended this series. We have very different tastes, but I decided to keep going with the series, for now.
Currently reading:
The Snowman I already filled all the categories this could be applied to, but I waited so long for this book from the library, there's no way I'm not reading it. Maybe it can work for Read Harder or AtY.
Listening to The Ocean at the End of the Lane on audiobook. I have no category in mind for this book, but Neil Gaiman on audio was so highly recommended and this book was available from the library.
Still working on The Romanovs: 1613-1918 in hardcover.
QOTW
I am afraid to listen to a bookish podcast. I already spend so much time reading all the posts related to the challenges on Goodreads. I did discover other types of podcasts through Spotify.
I have finished a total of 7 books (1,519 pages) so far, which is really good for me considering what my life consists of. I can't remember which ones I have posted about so I will just post them all here.True Crime - Columbine finished on 1/15
A book about or involving a sport - Quidditch Through the Ages finished on 1/2/2018
A book by a local author - Through the Barren Trees finished on 2/21/2018
A book with alliteration in the title - A Christmas Carol finished on 2/10/2018
A book with song lyrics in the title - The Shape of My Heart finished on 1/29/2018
A book mentioned in another book - The Tales of Beedle The Bard finished on 2/18/2018
A book that involves a bookstore or library - Matilda finished on 1/1/2018
I am halfway through The next book in a series you started - New Moon
I am also about 2/3 of the way done A book by 2 authors - Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
I don't listen to pod casts at all, I get too bored with them and I don't really have time for it; I barely have time to read for the challenge each day.
Hello from a water-logged South Bend, IN, USA! 5.5 inches of rain over a 24-36 hour period will do that. Personally, our home and area are fine, but there are many around here who cannot say that.I've been slacking in the my check-in responsibilities lately so I'll update on the many books that I have read over the last several weeks:
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI (True Crime). Fantastic read. Not just a regurgitation of facts either. The author, while conducting research, actually found new evidence to make the FBI's case stronger (many years after the trial, of course).
Artemis (Book Involving a Heist). Liked it very much, but not as much as The Martian. Quick read. I knocked it out in three days and I'm a fairly slow reader.
Beartown (Involving a Sport). Loved it. Still sticking with me after a few weeks.
The Haunting of Hill House (Book with Alliteration in the Title). Meh. I was not into it at all.
Matilda (Childhood Classic I've Never Read). Fun book. I remember the movie well because it was one of my daughter's favorites when she was young, and it followed it pretty closely.
Dark Matter (Book I Meant to Read in 2017). Loved it. Kept me riveted and I powered right through. Great book, I don't care what Nadine says.
Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters (Book with Fruit or Vegetable in the Title) Wow, the effort the author must have put into this one! Should be covered in high school English classes.
Currently 12/50.
Currently Reading :
The Handmaid's Tale (Book Read by a Stranger in a Public Place). Only about 10% in and trying to stay awake. I assume it gets better?
The Complete Tales by Beatrix Potter (Book by an Author With the Same First or Last Name as You). Because, as I've said before, my real first name is Beatrix.*
*Still a lie, too.
QOTW: I don't listen to podcasts. If I were to start, which one should I start with?
Hello from a dreary Columbus! We had one amazingly warm day and now it’s cold and rainy. I can’t wait for spring!The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft, Vol 2, The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft, Vol 3, The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft, Vol 4, The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft, Vol 5. These weren’t for any prompt, I just added these to my overdrive holds list and listened as they came available. I really liked the narrator and these collections have some of my favorite stories. Anytime I revisit Lovecraft’s works, I wonder if all the “hahaha Cthulhu, amirite?” people are actually familiar with his work because of all the stories and all the creatures, Cthulhu was honestly probably the least interesting. Idk. Maybe I’m just weird.
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane was my pick for a book with an animal in the title. I had this in my TBR list but I can’t remember why. I’m glad I got to it though, it was a great book. Touching and one of those reads where all ends up well. But at the risk of spoilers: I wish people would spoil parts of books that deal with the death of kids. Particularly in the way this book handles that one part. That was brutal and “Surprise! Dead baby!” is my least favorite plot device.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles was a second pick for a book that’s been turned into a play. I already did S&S by Austen for this but I’ve been wanting to work in more classics so here we are. I’ve been avoiding this because, well, I knew it’d depress me and boy was I right. (And more sneaky child death, but I’m coming to accept that I just gravitate toward books that do that). Poor Tess, fuck men, fuck society, fuck everything. But it was beautifully written and I loved the role nature played in this book. I read this one in a day so I obviously enjoyed it but man, I’m glad I prepared myself for that because it’s a downer.
So that leaves me at 14/40; 0/10 with 27 books read this year.
I have no answer for this question of the week, my podcasting is limited to true crime stuff.
Well I thought I was the first poster at the time.I forgot one:
I also listened to We Should All Be Feminists for the feminist prompt. It was great. Very short, approachable, and just lovely to listen to.
Hello from Texas. We went from wet and almost 80 degrees to wet and almost 30 degrees - brrr!Books finished:
The Lightning Thief (2/20/18, A book with a weather element in the title) - I enjoyed starting this series. I love mythology and enjoyed this movie. However, as usual I realized how much the movie leaves out. It was refreshing to be surprised. I hope to continue the series.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2/20/18, A book set at sea) - another book I didn't read growing up. Throughout the years (including childhood) I've read some of this series. I loved the first two (chronologically) The Magician's Nephew & The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. This listen (audiobook) was cool as well. I can't add it to my list of favorites in the series, but it was still good. Again. I hope to continue/finish the series this year.
Cruel Crown (2/22/18, A book with alliteration in the title) - this was a nice, short read. It gave some good insight into other sides and characters of the Red Queen series. I plan to read Glass Sword next.
Currently reading:
I plan to start reading Snape: A Definitive Reading today. I think this will be a nice antihero book (#9). I'm also curious what channels had to be dealt with to write about another author's character. I might have to research that if the book does not mention it.
Question of the week:
Do you follow any bookish podcasts? And if so, what app do you use?
I do not follow any, but some of the suggestions seem great. I'm looking into them now - thanks!
Hi everyone! It is so gloomy here in Dallas...I need some sunshine! It has been raining since Monday and is supposed to continue until Saturday afternoon. Ugh. We needed rain, so I shouldn't complain, but it makes it so hard to get out of bed in the morning.This week I finished 2 more books for Popsugar, bringing my total for this challenge to 13/50.
Books I read this week:
For Popsugar
Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker for a book about mental health (16). I had this book slated for another prompt but changed my mind. This is a psychological sort-of thriller that is all about narcissistic personality disorder. It was a bit slow at times and the ending was underwhelming, but I enjoyed the rest of the book and trying to figure out what really happened.
Naked by David Sedaris for a book that is borrowed (17). This wasn’t my favorite Sedaris work, but it was still enjoyable. I read an essay every couple of days as sort of a palate cleanser.
For other challenges
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. I really enjoyed this. It took me back to my college days when I studied human biology & virology. So many questions on ethics and cell ownership have been raised because of Lacks’ story.
The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz. I really tore through this mystery/thriller. There are a lot of moral questions tackled in it, so this definitely won’t appeal to everyone, but Reisz does a great job navigating them.
I am currently reading:
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman for a book I meant to read in 2017 (37).
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng for the Around the Year challenge.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown for a book set on another planet (27).
QOTW: I haven't listened to any book podcasts, but one of these days I might. I have a feeling I would like the MMD podcast (but it would really increase my TBR which needs no help growing...).
This was a sad reading week for me. I hate DNFing books, but I couldn't get into two this week and I'm close to giving up on a third. My weekend plans are all about books, though, so maybe next week I'll have better news.Finished
Lucy in the Sky (a book with song lyrics in the title) - I was on the hunt for something fluffy and this fit the bill. I didn't rate it very highly, but I was happy to read something that didn't make me think too much.
DNF
Animals Strike Curious Poses - I thought this was absolute drivel. The author was just playing with words and not trying to tell a (nonfiction?) story.
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street - Maybe I didn't like the audiobook narrator? I just couldn't stay focused on the story.
Reading
The House of Velvet and Glass - I haven't made much progress in a week. It's a tough book for me to get into. I'm afraid it might be a DNF if I don't click with it soon.
Love, Rosie - I've had this audiobook forever and recently started listening. I'm glad I saw the movie first or I wouldn't know what in the world is going on. It's very tough to listen to an epistolary novel.
QOTW
I don't listen to literary podcasts. But I'm tempted to try Literary Disco. Both of my big pre-teen crushes have turned out to be pretty smart guys. I'm feeling justified in my giggly swooning over Rider Strong and Jonathan Taylor Thomas now. :D
Well, I thought we were getting an early spring here in Idaho, but I woke up this morning to snow. Guess the groundhog was right after all...Only finished two books this week, which is atypical for me:
On Stranger Tides -- for "a book set at sea." Yes, this is the book the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie raided for plot points. It was okay, but not great.
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer -- not for the challenge. Unexpectedly cute YA novel that should delight anyone who likes and/or keeps chickens. The ending is left wide open for a sequel, but I admit it's rare anymore to find stand-alone YA books...
Currently reading:
With Strings Attached, or The Big Pink Job -- for "book based on a real person" (in this case, the Beatles)
Steelheart -- for "book you borrowed or was given to you by another person"
Palimpsest -- not for the challenge
Lirael -- not for the challenge (on hold until I finish "Palimpsest," which is an Inter-Library loan and is due back sooner)
QOTW:
I don't listen to ANY podcasts, let alone book-related ones... maybe I should start.
There is a dusting of snow on the ground so 2 hour delay for school- the kids sleep in and mom can do a proper reading check in- it will be a good day. Finished:
Truevine: Two Brothers, a Kidnapping, and a Mother's Quest: A True Story of the Jim Crow South (True Crime)- well researched and I learned about circus sideshows
Beartown (a book involving sports and Feb. group read)- it was just okay for me, repetitive and cliche though it had heartbreaking scenes and good writing, I am not into overly philosophical writings about small towns and hockey
Currently:
Gods and Kings (a novel based on a real person)- based on the life of King Hezekiah, good easy read
Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes (read aloud)- it is Lent so we like to read stories about Christian heroes, I don't think it fits any prompts for the challenge.
Progress: 8/40 & 0/10
I was not able to do my regular library visit this last week so I am not entirely sure what is next. I have The Handmaid's Tale on audio waiting for me.
QoTW: I still haven't figured out where Podcasts can fit in my life right now. I try to listen to them while I am folding laundry but I guess I just haven't been folding a lot of laundry. I have listened to Read Aloud Revival because I love reading aloud to my kids. I also love Fountains of Carrots and they talk about books quite a bit with a Catholic flair.
Hi! As of this week, I'm at 18/52.I finished Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger, which I used as there #28 Song Lyrics in Title, there is a song Furious Love by Veridia.
I'm still working on my microhistory, Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea
QOTW: I don't have any bookish podcasts that I'm listening too, actually I've fallen out of the habit of listening to podcasts at the moment, but when I was listening it was through iTunes, either on my computer at home or my iPod in the car. I don't usually use my phone for things like that.
Mike wrote: "QOTW: I don't listen to podcasts. If I were to start, which one should I start with?"This isn't a book podcast, but my brother-in-law really likes StarTalk Radio https://www.startalkradio.net/
NPR also has a few good ones if that's something you might be interested in.
Good morning from Silicon Valley!Last week I finished Pachinko by Min Jin Lee for an author of a different ethnicity than you.
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman for a time of day in the title.
I enjoyed both books immensely. If you like family novels, Pachinko is a lovely bittersweet story told in straightforward prose. The story spans four generations of a Korean family struggling through life against the backdrop of colonial oppression.
The Backman is a short novella that I picked because I wanted to listen to a 90 page audiobook that made me sob during my commute. If you have lost someone to dementia, just read this.
QOTW
All my podcast time is taken up by audiobooks. I would appreciate a recommendation or two though. But be aware [rant] I find many of the young bookish youtubers insufferable and without critical merit. Just because one reads and knows how to make youtube videos, one does not necessarily have the critical chops to talk about a book. One of the most popular goodreads critics (that makes videos) panned Ali Smith's Autumn last year because it is non-linear and she didn't like that! It's okay to have opinions about books and to not like things that are not your taste. It is not okay to set yourself up as an authority on a subject and just have opinions. [/rant]
I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows which means I've finished my re-reads of the series which I started at the end of last year.I'm working my way through two books - nearing the end in both so I should have a good check in for next week.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - slogging my way through this. I have my audiobook copy back from the library so I've been listening to it during my commute. I've been reading this book for a month. Nearing the end and its finally picking up. I think I'll be glad when I can check this series off my list.
Moonshot is a new adult romance novel that greatly deals with baseball. I'll be able to finish this very soon and then I'll have completed the book involving a sport.
3/52 for the challenge and I've read 3 non-challenge books. Very slow start to the year but I've said it before - with my busy season at work and the puppy I'm sure I'll be able to pick up more books in the summer so I'm not worried about being this behind *yet*.
QOTW - I've never ventured into the world of podcasts!
Shamber wrote: "I'm also curious what channels had to be dealt with to write about another author's character. I might have to research that if the book does not mention it."I'll save you the trouble of wading through intellectual property and copyright law. :) There are no restrictions on writing nonfiction books, articles, essays, etc. about a fictional work or character if it's literary analysis. Every literature professor does this for their whole career. Most living authors are 100% behind this because it's giving attention to their novel. They might not be so happy if the literary analysis decides they're not good writers, etc. but there's not much they can do about criticism. It comes with being a writer. (Unless the criticism is libel, but that's rare.)
The reason JK Rowling filed a lawsuit against the person who wanted to put together a lexicon is because he was lifting huge portions of her writing and world-building ... and that's all he was doing. He wasn't doing literary analysis or writing a review or anything else to transform it. That's a violation of copyright law in most countries.
Hello all from northern Wyoming, where it has been in the -30's at night and -10's during the day. My feet haven't been warm since November. We've had 73 inches of snow this winter so far and my town is running out of places to put it. Haha.I only finished 1 book this week: Beartown by Fredrik Backman. This took me longer than I thought to get through. The first part seemed to drag a little and I had trouble picking the book back up and really getting into it. After a while, it got really interesting, but so heartbreaking that I had trouble picking the book back up because I didn't feel like being depressed or angry at the world. Even when I was reading it, I had to put it down after every couple of chapters and focus on something else. Very good book though. Currently using it for "book about sports" but I could move a few things around.
Working on:
The Cuckoo's Calling on audio (Male Pseudonym)
The Carnivorous Carnival aloud to my kid (not for a challenge)
The Sea of Monsters on audio with my kid (not for a challenge)
End of the World Blues (for the TRB Randomizer challenge, but will see if it works anywhere in Popsugar)
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (Country that fascinates me, or Time travel)
QOTW:
I have never listened to a podcast in my entire life.
Good afternoon from sunny, cold Copenhagen.It was a good reading week for me.
I finished Release by Patrick Ness - for LGBT. I recommend this to anyone who likes quirky YA. It also fits the death prompt.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. I might use this for Allegory, since I think it reads as such. I´ve really looked into the definition of allegory, and I´m not quite sure it counts, so I´ll see if I read something else that´s more 100% allegory later on. It also fits the Death and grief, and LGBT prompts.
William Wenton and the Luridium Thief by Bobbie Peers a Nanopunk book. Never heard of that genre? Well, neither had I, so I´m using it for Favourite prompt from POPSUGAR 2017 - A subgenre you´ve never heard about. Thanks to Nadine and Raquel for showing me the way to a new level of geekdom - the offspring genres of cyberpunk and steampunk.
I also read a couple of picture books for my picture book version of the challenge:
Myren (The ant) for Animal in the title and Stur stur nummer (can´t translate this - it´s something that clowns say) for Problem facing society. It´s about missing a parent who´s not there, and you hardly remember. And I think that´s a really huge problem in society from a child´s perspective.
Currently reading:
Norse Mythology (audiobook) and Bjørneby (Beartown).
QOTW. I don´t listen to podcasts, but I know a lot of people who do, so it´s one of those things I´ve thought: "I want to do that" but never really got down to it. Two of my acquintances make a podcast about children´s literature (in Danish) that I really want to listen to, though. https://bibliotek.kk.dk/tags/boernebo...
Happy Thursday! 16 of 50 down and the longest one should wrap up this weekend.@Sara – I’m very excited for Educated: A Memoir, which is on my to read shelf right now! I hope it lives up to expectations!
Completed:
Cat in a Jeweled Jumpsuit -- Nevada for a 50 states challenge and Elvis for a TN challenge. Not for Goodreads, but a 4 star read, nonetheless. Great research!
#19Double Whammy –On This Rockne and its tribute to the Fighting Irish football team could have worked here, but I’m stretching myself and reading about sport fishing. The subplot about improper development is excellent. I realize that this was written concurrently with the PTL scandal, but after almost 30 years, the plot still feels fresh.
Currently reading:
#41 The Burden of Proof – When I reviewed the best sellers from my graduating year of high school, 1990, I was surprised at how many I had already read! This one has taken some surprising turns – rather graphic ‘romantic’ escapades and a rebirth of the protagonist’s libido, which isn’t my thing. I am not enjoying it and, while I passed halfway on Saturday, am struggling to stay focused. I should have reread The Bourne Ultimatum instead.
Give Up the Ghost by Juliet Blackwell for a palate cleanser. It’s a silly cozy about a home restoration specialist that can see ghosts and keeps stumbling across murders.
QOTW Podcasts
None! I just haven’t jumped on the podcast wagon.
After the book club question a couple of weeks ago, my alma mater rolled out a continuing education book club, so I’ll be adding a reread in with my challenge. I adored The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks so it isn’t a drudgery.
I've started seeing spring flowers out which is a lovely reminder that winter isn't forever. However the UK is forecast a cold snap this weekend, so it's not quite over. In other news my laptop completely died, so I need to get it sent off for assessment and repair. Fortunately I can use my partner's laptop for blogging as I don't feel like typing on an iPad or phone!I have been trying to do a few Read Harder prompts lately, so not much progress on Popsugar. This week I finished:
The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin, I can't recommend this trilogy enough. I'm using it for an allegory (slavery and climate change).
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa for a book set in a country I'm fascinated by (Japan). It's partly narrated by the cat and is about saying goodbye. It would work for quite a few different prompts if you're interested in reading it.
Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood by Marjorie Liu + Sana Takeda for Read Harder's comic written or drawn by a person of colour. The artwork in this is so beautiful.
I'm currently reading Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood for Read Harder and The City of Brass.
QOTW:
I don't often listen to podcasts as I have the same problem as with audiobooks and I zone out. I used to listen to The Readers with Simon and Gav (and I was on one episode) but they moved on to other things. Not really bookish but I do like Welcome to Nightvale.
Heather wrote: "Shamber wrote: "I'm also curious what channels had to be dealt with to write about another author's character. I might have to research that if the book does not mention it."I'll save you the tro..."
Thanks Heather!
Sara wrote: "Hello and happy Thursday!We are getting a taste of spring here in Virginia which has sent my daughter’s allergies through the roof! I know winter isn’t done with us yet though. Sunset is getting ..."
I love By The Book. so funny. I love their husbands responses when they are complaining about how they are struggling. The struggle is real. Highly recommend.
Anabell wrote: "Happy Thursday😊Beside it being update day, which I always look forward to. I just got the call telling me I got a job I really wanted. So Hurrraayyyy to me :-)
This week I read
The secret life o..."
Congratulations, Anabell!
Anabell wrote: "Happy Thursday😊Beside it being update day, which I always look forward to. I just got the call telling me I got a job I really wanted. So Hurrraayyyy to me :-)
This week I read
The secret life o..."
Congratulations!!!!
Good morning! We got fake summer in Maryland as well... less than a week after a nasty snow/sleet storm. It's impossible to dress for this place.My reading struggles continue with no metro. I picked up my book club's pick a week ago and had to get the audiobook as well and listen to it on my commute or else I just wouldn't have been able to fit it in.
Finished: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (via audiobook while driving to keep my sanity in traffic). There are some prompts this could work for, but I haven't penciled it in yet... it was mostly an excuse to keep me "reading."
Sing, Unburied, Sing for book club and about 75% via audiobook (I went back and forth between the paper book when I could read and the audiobook while I drove... anyone else do this?). Using it for a book about death or grief.
Currently reading:
Grant (still). Turned in my library copy and picked it up from the other library system I have a card for... I will finish this!!
The Sound and the Fury, which I officially tabled a month ago because of time constraints and I really want to finish but need to be in the right mood. It's a celeb book club pick (Oprah) so I have a reason to push through!
QOTW:
Love, love, love What Should I Read Next. It's the only one I listen to weekly and my TBR also expands with every listen!
Happy Check-in Thursday! It snowed on Saturday, so I used that as an excuse to curl up in bed all day and read, so I made some fair progress this week too.
Finished
- After Perfect: A Daughter's Memoir - book by a local author -- the author was born and raised in the DC metro area. This book was so-so for me. I think the author's story was riveting and that's what kept me reading, but in my opinion, she tried so very hard to be reflective, pensive, and philosophical in parts that her sentiments fell flat and felt disingenuous to me.
- The Woman in Cabin 10 - book set at sea. Even though the main character, Lo, was not my favorite and was not the most sympathetic, I did really enjoy the mystery and the book. I haven't read Ruth Ware's other novels yet, but I will because I do think she creates a good story and thriller.
- Fierce Kingdom - book meant to read in 2017 but didn't. This was my Book of the Month selection back in August 2017, so it truly fits this category. A lot of reviewers said they could not put this book down, but I had to put this book down, because of how pertinent and terrifying it was. It's about a mom and a son at a zoo when an active shooter situation arises and takes place over the course of a few hours. It details all the actions the mom takes to keep herself and her son safe, and I can't judge what she did because I'm not sure what I'd do myself. There are some questions that are unresolved at the end that I wish the author had wrapped up, but otherwise a good, heavy read.
This puts me at 10/52 for the challenge.
Currently Reading
- The Heart's Invisible Furies - favorite prompt from the 2015 challenge: a book set somewhere you have always wanted to visit (Ireland, in this case). I've heard only the very best things about how good this book is and how much it tugs at your heartstrings. I'm about 1/4 of the way into this tome, but I can't put it down. Cyril is such a heartwarming protagonist and I want to read more and more about his life.
QotW
I don't listen to any literary podcasts or really podcasts in general, except when I'm with my boyfriend. I'd rather skim literary blogs to find books to read.
Crazy weather here, which is pretty much normal for the midwest. It felt very much like spring a couple days ago, complete with thunderstorms and mud, and today it's 32 degrees and our porch is covered with a sheet of ice. We've had a lot of busy evenings recently, but I've managed to fit a good bit of reading in, partly because audio books, and partly because I probably stay up too late reading on my phone... (Also, if you're impressed at the number of books I've finished, they were mostly short, or I'd gotten almost to the end the week before. I had way too many going and needed to finish some--but then of course, I started more. Sigh.)
Currently reading:
Castle of Wizardry I picked this back up last night. Still really enjoying it, but feeling pressured to finish some other books with more urgent deadlines.
The Art of War I started this because I can listen to it for free through the Audible app as an Amazon Prime member, and it's nice and short, plus it's a classic I started a long time ago and always meant to finish. My other audiobook is on CD which makes it less convenient to listen to at odd times.
You Must Remember This: Life and Style in Hollywood's Golden Age Feeling kind of meh about this. There are some interesting anecdotes, but mostly things I don't care about. It will, however, check off the song lyric prompt with a song I actually know.
The Nazi Olympics I'm toying with the idea of not finishing this. It's just kind of a dry writing style, and while I find the content interesting, the writer's opinions are often irritating, so I'm not moving through the book very quickly. (I started it thinking I could use it for the sports prompt.)
The Hawk and the Dove Trilogy A re-read of the childhood favorite that I was randomly feeling nostalgic for. I guess I can use it for animal prompt, assuming birds count as animals.
Shortcuts to Gourmet Cooking Encore A cookbook I got through NetGalley to review. So far I'm really liking it. It's like sitting down in the kitchen and watching an elderly relative cook--you get some random stories about people you don't know mixed in, and some of the advice makes you smile and nod with no intention of following it, but you also get a lot of really good ideas and information.
Warfare The sequel to one of the books I finished this week. Not for the challenge or anything, just because I couldn't resist.
Finished Reading:
Fairy Eyeglasses A free kindle book for middle graders (but felt even younger) that I'd started a while back, and decided I should finish. I was not impressed with the beginning, but I liked how it wrapped up. A very short, easy read.
The Splitting Second book in the Matsomoto YA trilogy. I used it for my book set an another planet. I enjoyed this one, and thought it was better than your average YA, though not quite top tier.
The Matsumoto Third book in the trilogy. I had a few more problems with this book than the second one, but overall a fun trilogy and I'm glad I read it.
Elizabeth Street This one was better than I thought it would be going in, though I think that has a lot to do with a good narrator on the audio book. I'm using it for my novel based on a real person, though I could switch it to true crime later if needed, since it deals with the early Mafia. Five stars because I didn't want it to be over and I miss the characters.
Perfectly Creamy Frozen Yogurt: 56 Amazing Flavors plus Recipes for Pies, Cakes Other Frozen Desserts Another NetGalley cookbook I reviewed. This is a good one! Basically kept me from throwing out my ice cream maker because it's good for something now.
Food Wars!, Vol. 2 Still has weird/awkward bits, but also still a lot of fun, and has actual cooking tips. I really love how the main character beats out expensive ingredients by knowing how to use cheap ingredients most effectively.
A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love This was a great little book. Very encouraging with lots of Scripture.
Huntress I think I'm going to use this for my death or grief prompt, though technically it's more about the afterlife than actually about death. I was a little weirded out by it being the teen novel version of heaven, but I liked the concept, and it got enough right that I'm reading the second book. I just hope the second book delivers more on the promise of cool fighting scenes instead of being two-thirds training and interpersonal stuff like the first book.
QOTW:
I dabble in podcasts, but MMD's What Should I Read Next is the only one that's stuck. Even then, I only listen to it every few weeks and skip the episodes that don't look as relevant to my interests. I listen on the 'podcasts' app that came on my IPhone.
Naina wrote: "Happy Check-in Thursday! It snowed on Saturday, so I used that as an excuse to curl up in bed all day and read, so I made some fair progress this week too.
Finished
- [book:After Perfect: A Da..."
I ADORED The Heart's Invisible Furies. Oh, Cyril. I just wanted to hug and protect that poor child...
Naina wrote: "- Fierce Kingdom - book meant to read in 2017 but didn't. This was my Book of the Month selection back in August 2017, so it truly fits this category. A lot of reviewers said they could not put this book down, but I had to put this book down, because of how pertinent and terrifying it was. "
Fierce Kingdom was a book I got from BOTM too, and it was one of my rare one-sitters because it made me SO anxious and I had to know how it ended asap. It took all my willpower to not check the back of the book lol. I have a three year old and all I could think about was how I would have never been able to keep him quiet. I still get anxious just thinking about it.
This week I finished Molly's Game: From Hollywood's Elite to Wall Street's Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker after seeing the movie recently (prompt 1). The movie was really fun, especially if you've ever played poker. I heard the book wasn't as good, but I thought her storytelling was fine. There were some important differences between the versions though, and I wondered if the book played up/made up the family issues that weren't in the book. If so, I assume the family would be upset about how the movie portrays them. I also read The Rules Do Not Apply: A Memoir (prompt 38), which was nice in the beginning, but became pretty painful. I think this book was written to help the author heal more so than for people to read it, but I appreciated her vulnerability.
I'm currently reading Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard which has a ton of great information for anyone working on big ideas (or in business). I'm reading The Da Vinci Code for a book club, and it's fairly cheesy, but if some of the random art and historical pieces are true, then I appreciate those drops of information. I'm also reading Have a Little Faith: a True Story because I'm hoping to soften the frustrations I've been having in regards to organized religion lately, and Mitch Albom is great at bringing out the feels.
QOTW: I get anxious about listening to podcasts because I feel like it takes away from audiobook time. I know that there's great information out there in them though, so I've been trying to work in about one a week. The Literary Disco one that Sara mentioned sounds fun, especially since Rider Strong was a family friend-of-a-friend when I was growing up, and meeting him/getting his signed photo at the peak of Boy Meets World was really exciting for my 12-year-old self. ;)
Hello group,One book to report for last week : The Eye of the World. U read it for another group monthly read but I realized it could perfectly fit the ugly cover prompt with my edition:
I am now reading
still for another group and I dont know if it will fit anything for the challenge here. The beginning is weird, but now I am really into it. I decided to start the serie on netflix to help me understand but it didn't help.QOTW: I used to listen to podcast when I was driving to work but not now. It was something in french about books on radio-canada. I really liked StarTalk and The Skeptics Guide to the Universe in non-bookish podcast.
Mod
This week I finished three and DNF'ed one. Two of the reads counted toward this challenge, I am now 20/50.
Finished:
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward - I had been really looking forward to reading this, my first book by Ward, because she's gotten so much praise. It was really well-written, effortlessly submersive (is that a word?), but it's also magical realism, which I wasn't expecting, and which I don't like. So, I loved the writing but not this book! I'll definitely read more from this author.
Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America by Jill Leovy - this is non-fiction that reads like a novel! Leovy has an agenda, and she's not shy about pushing it (and I'm not 100% sure I agree), but the story was so riveting that I was able to look past that. If you like police procedurals, I recommend this. I read this for "True Crime."
Descender, Vol. 2: Machine Moon by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen -this didn't blow me away like the first volume, because I knew what to expect, but I still really enjoyed it. I've decided to use this to check off "previous category: graphic novel."
DNF
White Teeth by Zadie Smith - wow. I've wanted to read this book for years, I had such high expectations! I could not have been more disappointed. I can't say this book was bad, but I can definitely say that I did not like it. It's sort of an over-the-top satire, and I never do well with that format.
QOTW:
Nope! All my "personal listening" time is spent with audiobooks I download from Overdrive. I am old and clueless about these newfangled things. Just last week I finally learned there is an app you can use to listen to podcasts.
I'll be taking notes from all y'all on what are good podcasts!
ETA: my daughter has corrected me: I DO have an app!! I just never use it... oops
Mod
Beside it being update day, which I always look forward to. I just got the call telling me I got a job I really wanted. So Hurrraayyyy to me :-)
This week I read
The secret life o..."
Congratulations!!! That's such a great feeling :-)
I was not able to get any reading done this week. That's Ok because I spent the week at Disney on a girls trip with three generations of my family. (My mother and her sister; my cousin, myself, and my sister-in-law; and my daughter and my niece). We had a great time and were at the parks from the time they opened to the time they closed each day so we are exhausted. I will be starting Punishment later today while I get all that vacation laundry done. I think I'm going to use it for a book that is a gift since I got it for free from Amazon as part of their prime free reads of the month. I'm hoping as I read it I can fit it somewhere else.
QOTW
I listen to podcasts while I am organizing the 66,000+ photos that are all jumbled up and unlabeled on my computer from a huge dump I had to do a few years ago because my computer was about to crash. (note to self - never again throw random unlabeled files onto an external drive)
The three podcasts I listen to and recommend are:
By The Book - Two comedians try to live by the rules of a self help book for two weeks. They are hilarious as they are usually so far out of their comfort zones and they usually have input from their husbands perspectives of living with them through the process.
All The Books - Two girls discuss the latest books coming out for the week. Be warned this will make your TBR pile grow enormously. They always seem to have something for everyone.
We Fact Up - (not book related) This podcast cracks me up. It starts with a weird question and then two hosts and a guest comedian try to figure out the answer without using google. Some of the things they come up with are just hilarious and they crack me up because they are usually cracking themselves up too. The podcast ends with a google search and the correct answer so you aren't left hanging. (I believe they are Australian and sometimes their accent alone has me laughing as an American.)
Thanks to some of your comments on here, I will now be adding the Disney Story Origin podcast to my list.
Mod
..."
LOL!!! At least we agree on Ella Minnow Pea. (Pssst I didn't like Handmaid's Tale either, but maybe you shouldn't listen to me since I hated Dark Matter!)
Diane wrote: "We Fact Up - (not book related) This podcast cracks me up. It starts with a weird question and then two hosts and a guest comedian try to figure out the answer without using google. Some of the things they come up ..."Seems like my cup of tea. I'll give this podcast a try.
Books that tick off promptsAmerican Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse. Using it for the true crime prompt. It's about a series of arson related fires in a small town/rural area. It was a quick, interesting read.
Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay. I'm using it for the movie you've already seen prompt. I was obsessed with the movie about ten years ago and I haven't seen it in awhile. The book was quite good as well.
Books that don't tick off prompts
Boy 21 by Matthew Quick. YA about mental health and friendship. I enjoyed it.
The Final Girls by Riley Sager. Enjoyable suspense.
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson. Suspense about a man who meets a woman in an airport and they plot to kill his wife. The ending though....
QOTW: I listen to All the Books and Get Boooked. They are both Book Riot podcasts. I listen on my old school iPod while I'm at the gym.
All the Books is about new releases and Get Booked is recommendations based on listener questions
Good morning! It's gotten cold here in San Francisco, but I can't complain (well I can, but I try not to!) because the chill won't last too long.The Immortalists - I read this for a book published in 2018, which worked with my in-person book club reading it. I wasn't huge fan, but several people in my book club really liked it.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - I tried the audiobook on this one and just couldn't stand listening to the narrator. I gave up very quickly and am now on the long library waiting list to get the ebook. I'm using this for a book from a celebrity book club (Reese Witherspoon).
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - I'm halfway through this and am enjoying it. It's very atmospheric but I'm not sure where it's going.
Question of the Week
My favorite bookish podcast comes out only once a month - the Slate Audio Book Club (Slate ABC). I absolutely love it! Each month three people (Slate book editor and other writers and editors, the cast varies) discuss a book for almost an hour. I always get so much out of listening! Often the books are current, but they've also done Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter. Here's the link: http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/th...
Some of the most recent discussions have been on Lincoln in the Bardo, The Handmaid's Tale, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, What Happened, Swing Time, Postcards from the Edge, Moonglow.
Theresa wrote: "Congratulations!!!!...."Diane wrote: "Congratulations!!!!...."
Nadine wrote: "Congratulations!!!! That's such a great feeling :-)"
Thank you :-) Much appreciated. I have been waiting for so long to hear those words. 'You got the job' I am still quite numb and can't believe it finally happened.... YES! best feeling ever!!!
Nadine wrote: "Happy Thursday!! We had a little heat wave here in NY, enough to melt most of the snow and my snowdrops (Galanthus) popped up - first blooms of the year :-) It's supposed to snow again later today...."I do love musicals, but The Greatest Showman is an instant favorite. It's honestly so good, and the music is perfect. And of course, Hugh Jackman ;)
Also, Black Panther is amazing. I am in love with Shuri and hope I can go see it again soon!
Today is a sad check in for me. I haven't finished anything, due to being busy and an Imagine Dragons concert, and barely made any progress with the one I had started. The Dutch translation of The Shadow of the Wind is just so dreadful, I am having trouble getting into the story. Such a shame, too, because I was so excited for this book! I am bringing it with me this weekend, though, so fingers crossed I can get some reading done. If not, I have Anna Karenina and The Handmaid's Tale on my iPad to start/read.This weekend I am heading to London for a Hannibal convention so while during the weekend itself there won't be much time for reading, I do have two 9 hour bus rides to entertain myself on.
I have read a few Black Panther comics, but that's all. It's been hard. At least the sun's shining again here in the south of the Netherlands! Just wish the temperatures would go up as well haha!
As for the QOTW, I have never listened to a podcast before, and honestly, I don't intend to. It's just not my thing, I prefer to read. I can barely watch youtube videos, oops. When I listened to an audiobook while reading along it went okay, but it was a struggle to keep my focus. I think it just doesn't work well with my brain heh
It was spring here all week. My allergies murdered me. I'm looking forward to the return of winter.I did get a few more books read. For the prompt A book with your favorite color in the title I read Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe which is an LGBT urban fantasy. I enjoyed it. Mr. Reed is an excellent author.
For A book that’s published in 2018 I read The Grave's a Fine and Private Place. I adore Flavia as a character but this wasn't my favorite in the series (though if you like historical mysteries and smart female leads, this is set post war England @ 1950)
In non-challenge reading I finished Bleach―ブリーチ― 67 Burīchi 67 man but this series is getting bad.
QOTW I don't follow too many. I mean there's http://www.welcometonightvale.com/ but that's not a bookish one, more so that it has books written in the podcast universe.
I do follow http://www.jeffandwill.com/biggayfict... Jeff and Will's Big Gay Fiction podcast which is exactly as it sounds, a podcast about LGBT fiction.
And I follow https://www.paganmusic.co.uk/podcast/ Druidcast which is sometimes about books, obviously pagan interest and/or history and mythology.
Good Morning!I'm taking an early lunch today, so I thought I'd get my weekly post...posted.
Finished:
After You for the next book in a series you started. I didn't love this as much as Me Before You. I had a lot of issues with a certain character in it that kind of made me not love the book.
Currently Reading:
The Chalk Man for a book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym. This is kind of a stretch for this category but the author does use the initials C.J., so I'm making it work.
The Grapes of Wrath for a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title. I'm listening to this on audio, so it's going to take some time to get through.
QOTW:
This one is right up my alley. I listen to a lot of podcasts and a number of them are book related.
All the Books - From Bookriot and it's weekly. It's new releases from that week.
Book Riot: The Podcast - This one is more general news related (about books).
Get Booked - From Bookriot, also weekly. It's a personalized book recommendation podcast.
Hey YA - From Bookriot and geared to YA books.
Levar Burton Reads - It is what the title says, Levar Burton reads a short story.
Overdue - Two guys switch off on reading books that you probably should have read by now. The one that read it talks about the book and the one that didn't read it will do research about the author. The guys are funny and I like hearing what others think about different books I've read.
Read or Dead - From Bookriot and a True Crime/Thriller/Mystery/Horror book podcast.
UNspoiled! Book Club! - Book club but in podcast form.
This week I finished:A Wrinkle in Time for the allegory challenge. Despite always hearing nothing but good things about it, I wasn't super fond of it? But I think a lot of that had to do with it being an audiobook and I really did not like the narration. I'm going to see the movie when it comes out and then perhaps read the sequels and see if that makes me more enthused about the novel.
Brooklynaire for a book published in 2018. I am a huge fan of Sarina Bowen's romance novels and had been anxiously awaiting the release of this one.
I'm currently reading:
Crazy Rich Asians for a book by an author of a different ethnicity than you. I'm listening to it as an audiobook and I'm loving every single minute of it.
I decided that for "time of day" challenge, I was okay with just going with "night" and am currently reading The Night Circus. It was recommended to me last year by a friend and I just never got around to it. It started off a little slow for me, but now I am totally hooked. I stayed up way too late this past weekend reading it.
QOTW: Of all the very many podcasts I listen to, none of them are book related. But I'm excited to check out of some of these people are mentioning!
Ashley wrote: "This one is right up my alley. I listen to a lot of podcasts and a number of them are book related."Hooray! I was starting to feel a little lonely with so many people admitting they don't listen at all! I will have to check out all these podcasts you listed!
I listen to podcasts and audiobooks, and they do not interfere with each other. I find I can listen to podcasts at work because they don't require as much attention as an audiobook. If I tried to listen to an audiobook at work, I would miss way too much, or I wouldn't get any work done. I do know people who can do it though. Depends on your job, I guess.
This week I finished The Art of Hearing heartbeats which I really liked and Off the Page which was alright. I’m still reading The Stranger Beside me and have to start Beartown.QOTW I listen to podcasts all day every day lol I have around 30 that I keep up with but only 1 bookish one Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. I listen to Witch Please but they haven’t released an episode in a couple months. Most of mine are True Crime or Paranormal. I also moderate a group here that’s a spin off of wine and Crime for true crime books :)
Happy Thursday! This week I finished three books, bringing my total to 8/50... right on track!21. A book with your favorite color in the title - Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl ★★
30. A book with characters who are twins - The Magician by Michael Scott ★★★★
6A. An allegory - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho ★★★★
QotW: I don’t listen to podcasts as they’re not my cup of tea, but I might try again after all of the suggestions. However, I do like to stream the Channels on the Audible app! The rest of my bookish listening time is simply audiobooks I own or check out from my local library!
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Air Awakens (other topics)Feed (other topics)
Feed (other topics)
Geschichte des Osmanischen Reiches (other topics)
Britt-Marie war hier (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Madeleine L'Engle (other topics)Pablo Neruda (other topics)
Stephen King (other topics)
Lindsey Tramuta (other topics)
Rhys Bowen (other topics)
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We are getting a taste of spring here in Virginia which has sent my daughter’s allergies through the roof! I know winter isn’t done with us yet though. Sunset is getting later which makes it easier for me to get my puppy out for a walk after work (hooray for more time to listen to audiobooks!).
Admin stuff: March starts in a week. The selected monthly read for March is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (book about feminism), and the discussion is being lead by Kenya. Remember this is an optional read-a-long so if you aren't interested in this book just keep reading whatever you want!
We still have an opening for a discussion leader for June. The selected book is Middlesex so if you are interested please let me or Nadine know!
For a list of the selected books you can go here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
On to the reading check-in!
Books finished:
The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story by Hyeonseo Lee. This was an eye-opening account of one woman’s escape from North Korea. All the detail of her life as an illegal in China as well as several encounters with the immigration laws in other countries in Asia was really interesting. Even though this takes place on the other side of the world from me, it helped me to gain a more personal perspective on the plight of immigrants worldwide.
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal. This book had good potential that it just couldn’t quite meet, in my opinion. The story of the main character, Eva, is told mostly from the viewpoint of people who encounter her through her life. It worked well for the first half of the book, but the latter chapters felt a bit more forced, like the author was struggling to continue his pattern.
The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner. Another true story, this one about a woman raised in a polygamist community in Mexico. Interesting stuff. Listened on audio.
Currently reading:
A Little Life – I’m enjoying this book, but I’m struggling to tote this large tome around with me. I wish my library had the ebook available. Hoping for a kindle sale to drop the price a little! Also, it's the type of book, I think, that is best read in large chunks so that you can really invest in the emotional side of it. I'm reading it mostly in bits and pieces which keeps me from feeling all the feels.
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. True story of a woman raised in a survivalist family in Idaho. When she decided to leave to attend college (against her family's wishes) she was stunned by all the information that she didn't know but all her classmates did (like the holocaust).
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala. Yet another true story (sensing a pattern here) about a woman who's entire family died in the 2004 tsunami (can it really have been that long?). I expect this will be another emotional read.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This one is a reread and is my bedtime book.
Question of the week:
Do you follow any bookish podcasts? And if so, what app do you use?
Podcasts are kind of like episodic radio shows. Each episode usually covers a particular topic, and most shows have an overall theme. You can listen to them on the web through the show's website or you can use a podcast app to subscribe to the shows you like.
I'm an android user, and my app of choice is Podcast Addict.
Here are some bookish podcasts I've been listening to:
What Should I Read Next - this is my favorite and the only book-related podcast I listen to routinely. On each episode, Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy) gives her guest book recommendations based on the following information from the guest: three books they love, one book they hate (or that's just not for them) and what they've been reading lately. It's so much fun to listen to, and my TBR list just explodes as I listen. https://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/p...
Harry Potter and the Sacred Text - this is a relatively new podcast for me. The two hosts deep dive into a chapter of one of the HP books in each episode. It's really interesting as they explore the psychological, social and cultural subtext within these books. http://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/
Disney Story Origin podcast - this is a fun one for me. The host basically does a compare and contrast between a Disney movie and the original fairytale or story. As a super Disney fan AND fairytales fan I just love this. He goes into the history of the legend, sometimes the background of why Disney changed certain elements. He plays clips from the movies and reads portions of original text. Lots of fun, especially if you love Disney. http://www.disneystoryoriginspodcast....
Launch - this is a new podcast put out by John August, a screenwriter who just released his first middle grade novel. Each episode explores a part of the book publishing process. I have only just started listening to this one. http://wondery.fm/launchhome
Literary Disco - Rider Strong (of Boy Meets World fame) and two of his grad school buddies discuss books. Sometimes they get a little high brow for me, and they often discuss books that I haven't read, BUT it can be a lot of fun if you know what they are talking about :) http://www.literarydisco.com/
By the Book - I haven't listened to this one yet, but it's two friends who test out various self-help books. Sounds like it will be fun. https://www.panoply.fm/podcasts/bythe...
I can't wait to hear about other podcasts you guys are listening to!