Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2019 Weekly Checkins
>
Week 32: 8/2 – 8/8
I finished Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch as my book with no chapters. Very funny.I started The Leopard as my book that takes place in Scandinavia. A few years ago my mom gave me this and The Snowman for Christmas. I read the Snowman last year for my Nordic noir and it was way too gruesome, so I have a feeling this will be a bit much for me also, but at least they'll both be off my shelf and I won't need to worry about them any more.
QOTW: I like paperbacks best and then hardbacks. To me an audiobook is not reading, plus I have the audio attention span of a butterfly so I doubt I could even follow an audiobook and I figure I spend too much time looking at screens as is.
I was right and I have hit a reading slump. I have even been housesitting for a week with extra free time, and I just can't.This week I finished:
Hide and Seek: This book was okay, but read a bit too much like a sequel to me. Too much backstory that's only half explained.
Currently reading:
Next Girl to Die: There is nothing wrong with this book, but it just isn't capturing my attention they way it should.
The Stranger Beside Me: Ted Bundy: The Shocking Inside Story: This book is just way too long. The version I'm reading is updated and is almost 600 pages. Also it isn't told chronologically and bounces around which I don't like.
Question of the week:
What is your reading format preference? (hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook, etc)
Depends on the book. Some books (I'm looking at you Harry Potter) I want to hold the book in my hands. I prefer hardback books. Paperbacks don't hold up well over time and and the print is too small. They aren't comfortable for me to hold for a long time either. In general, I prefer ebooks now. They have so much info readily available, and I like to switch back and forth between books and it is easy to do that on my kindle.
Mod
My library news: the library catalog is FINALLY back up and running after three and a half weeks down. Holds are finally coming in, however, I still cannot access my account (other people can, so I’m not sure why I can’t). I can put books on hold but I can’t see my list of holds or items checked out.
The one book I finished:
The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin - this was great, and I’m happy to have finished the series. I’m a little sad that some of my questions weren’t answered, though.
QoTW
I like all the formats!! I have a slight preference based on situation, but I will consume any format in any situation. Paperbacks are preferred on the beach, ebooks when traveling, audiobooks when driving, and so on.
I went on a bookshop crawl in Bath at the weekend and came back with 13 books, most of which are useless for my remaining challenge prompts! Bath is such a lovely city to visit.I finished The Heartland: Finding and Losing Schizophrenia for an A in herbology for NEWTs. This is so good, the audiobook is read by Nathan and dispels so many myths about schizophrenia. It's also incidentally about wider mental health concerns and how fixing them requires society to change.
I'm currently listening to The Priory of the Orange Tree for NEWTs. I started off with the ebook (which helped with all the names) and I wanted to switch between audio and ebook to get through it quicker, but whispersync isn't syncing to the right places.
I started reading Authority, also for NEWTs (but I think I'll also use it for ATY's connected to a TV show/movie prompt).
PS 37/52 | ATY: 39/52 | GR: 81/100
QOTW:
It depends on the situation. I think I overall prefer UK B-format paperbacks (these are larger the US mass market but smaller than trade, it's a Goldilocks thing) or a demi-sized hardback without a dust cover (image wrap, printed board or clothbound are all great). I realise this is more specific than what you were asking but I really hate unwieldy, oversized paperbacks. I'm much more likely to get a 800 page book in ebook, it's just easier to read. Although I am also a sucker for a fancy special edition, even if that makes it harder to read...
For commuting I used to prefer ebooks but last year I got into audiobooks. Whether I get audio depends on the book and the narrator and I'm more likely to listen to non-fiction or contemporary fiction this way.
I had a great reading week. I read a whole book on Saturday, plus I finally finished my latest Wheel of Time book. I only have six prompts left on the challenge, and I finally found a book I want to read that takes place in one day. So, things are feeling pretty great.I finished:
Turbulence by David Szalay. It was interesting, but it felt more like a fun writing exercise than a good book. It just didn't really have a point. But it was short and an easy read, so I read it. I didn't use it for a prompt.
The Autobiography of Gucci Mane as my book written by a musician. I enjoyed this book. It read quickly and actually told a chronological story, unlike some autobiographies by musicians. Gucci Mane and I definitely had very different childhoods and life experiences. So, seeing the world through his eyes was very interesting.
A Crown of Swords for my book about someone with superpowers. I figure that Rand al Thor counts as someone with superpowers. He is the dragon reborn after all, and he is ta'veren and he can use saidan without going crazy, so I'm going with it. I love the Wheel of Time series. I can only read one a year because they're so long and involved, but I love this epic fantasy and I can't wait for the TV show that is coming.
QOTW: I think I prefer hardcover. I get a majority of my books from the library and that's what most of them are, so I might just be more used to hardcover. But I like the weight of it, and I like that it's easier for them to stay open if I put them down and want to read while I'm doing something else. Having said that, I read in every format, hardcover, paperback, kindle, audiobook, podcast book, whatever. Like many of you, I just love reading. So the format isn't super important.
It was wonderfully cool this morning in New York. Very humid, but cool. I also cannot wait for fall.Finished:
Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines for ATY.
The Feather Thief for Read Harder book of non-violent true crime. I love true crime books. This one was fascinating.
Currently reading:
The Secret History for book set on a college or university campus.
Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery audiobook for book set in space.
QOTW:
My favorite formats are ebook and audiobook. Audiobooks for walking, driving, and household chores. Ebook for train commuting, in bed, and any other free time. I really like non-fiction and mysteries on audiobook. I've also gotten through some classics on audio that I may have given up on if I had stuck with the written version.
Happy Thursday! 45/50School is almost upon us and that means everything is starting back up. I was shocked to see that I had a Women’s Club meeting tonight. I thought the volunteering stuff could wait until September! The children’s class I teach kicks on next Wednesday. And I have a lecture I'm eager to attend on the 17th. I don’t even take my ‘summer’ vacation (defined as not teaching VBS) until October. How is everything starting?
I've done some heavy lifting in my European reads and need to target some of my Pops. I only have 5 left.
@Nadine, call you friendly librarians. They'll get you straight!
Completed:
20.) For set in space, I read a dated science fiction novel entitled The War in 2020 by Ralph Peters. The writing was decent. The author was off by 4 years on the first African American President, which was pretty interestinThe Last House Guestg, but missed cell phone technology -- that was especially interesting because car phones did exist when the book was written. Sci fi just isn't my cup of tea.
For fun, I’m got Megan Miranda’s on E-Audio. I just need more reprieve as I wrap up some tough European countries. It’s been my summer of Nazis, Socialist revolutions, Armenian genocide, and Serbian powder kegs. It was what you expect from Miranda -- a girly suspense thriller with a protagonist set up to take a fall. I kind of thought I had already read in about a quarter in.
A Time of Miracles by Anne-Laure Boudroux was a book for my European trip – Georgia, complete with peaches. I figured out the twist quickly, but thought it was an interesting tale nonetheless.
In Progress
The Big Four by Agatha Christie is terrific. It’s not set in Belgium though. Still loving it! (And don’t judge when I pull out a Nancy Drew.) Yes, Hercule Poiroit s a pompous jerk, but he was one of the first pompous jerks in the medium.
Odessa Sea by Clive Cussler is a light read set in the Ukraine.
QOTW Preference
I am a hard cover book fan 1000%. I read everywhere. I worry about the paperbacks when they are getting tossed about in my purse, tote, etc. A hardcover resolves that! I also love books on CD for travelling. What’s better than hearing a book? It sure beats entertainment news!
Happy Thursday, y'all.Our library is finally joining up with the area consortium of libraries, which means we'll get access to their collections and our patrons will be able to borrow books from those libraries and not just ours. Whoo. Though this does entail a LOT of work on our end -- we've actually had to close a few days to re-barcode all our books in order to use the new system. Hopefully it's worth it...
Books read this week:
Heart-Shaped Box -- could work for the “ghost story” prompt. Joe Hill was definitely walking in his famous father’s footsteps with this first novel, but despite feeling a little derivative it’s still an intense and well-written read. And kudos for being one of the few books to actually give me nightmares. Brrr…
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom -- maybe Cory Doctorow’s writing just isn’t for me, because this is the second book of his that I’ve read and haven’t really cared for (the first being his graphic novel collaboration In Real Life). It wants so badly to be a clever cyberpunk book -- even referencing Snow Crash at one point -- but doesn’t make the cut.
The Book of Useless Information -- exactly what it says on the cover. Just a collection of random facts, sort of like the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader books but quite as clever. Still interesting, though...
Cheshire Crossing -- graphic novel, and a fantastic collaboration by Andy Weir and Sarah Anderson! I remember seeing bits of this while it was an online webcomic, but it’s nice to see it revamped with much better artwork. If you’re a fan of Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, and/or Alice in Wonderland, I’d recommend this book.
DNF:
The Enchantments of Flesh and Spirit -- I tried, I really did. I’d heard this was a revolutionary book in the LGBTQ fantasy/sci-fi community… which may have been true in the ‘80s when it first came out. Now it just reads as incredibly cringe-worthy, treating gays like fetish objects instead of people. Also, the Wraeththu feel like vampires in all but name, and given how tired I am of vampire fiction in the first place… no thank you. The bad writing and the way no one has any other character trait than “pretty” is tiresome as well.
Ravenwood -- YA fantasy, which I normally love… but this one just wasn’t holding my interest. Also, there are better ways to give a tree-dwelling civilization its own culture and idioms without resorting to endless tree puns, I feel...
Currently Reading:
The Habitation of the Blessed
Sh*t My Dad Says
QOTW:
I tend to prefer physical books, though I don't necessarily have a preference between hardback and paperback. Unless we're talking pocket-sized mass-market paperbacks -- those aren't my favorites. They don't feel as substantial as a bigger book to me.
Happy Thursday! It's been another hectic week for me so I only finished two books and neither were for the challenge. I was supposed to go away this weekend, but that trip was cancelled so maybe I'll be able to get some reading done!Finished:
Daisy Jones & The Six - I listened to this on audio because that format was recommended. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it so it was a three star read for me.
Winter Flower - I had an ARC of this from BookSirens. It was very good. I definitely recommend it.
Challenge Progress:
Regular Challenge - 35/40
Advanced Challenge - 6/10
Total - 41/50
Currently Reading:
China Rich Girlfriend
Circe
The Perfect Wife - this is a new addition to my current reads. So far it is not what I expected, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm sticking with it a little longer though.
QOTW - What is your reading format preference? (hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook, etc)
I love them all and feel like each format works for where I read them, but nothing beats curling up with an actual book. If I have to pick, I'd say hardcover is my favorite.
FinishedThe Long-Lost Home
I loved this series. It was campy and though listed as middle-grade, there is a lot here for adults.
A Wrinkle in Time
Reread of a book from my childhood. I did not remember how it had ended and was glad to reread it.
Currently Reading
Contact
The City in the Middle of the Night
Parable of the Sower (Cli-fi)
Home (Set at University)
QOTW
I'm a very slow reader so I like audio books. I usually listen to audiobooks at 1.5x and can get through a book in a day or two. It takes me a week or more for a text book. However, some books I need to read rather than listen to. For example, the narrator for Home has an accent which made it hard to listen to. So I'm reading it in print form. One thing I really enjoy is that my library has a good selection of audiobooks on Overdrive.
As far as e-books vs print books are concerned, I like e-books because it is easier to look up a word I don't understand or to find a section I previously read. However, since I read e-books on my phone, print books are easier on my eyes.
Happy Thursday all,Pretty quiet week for me really. Went to the beach on Sunday which we haven't done in a while (and really there are no excuses - I live on an island and the beach is only 10 or so blocks away). I was able to get a little reading done there. Finished off 4 books this week. Nearly made it to 5 but didn't end up reading after work yesterday.
The Library Book which is about the arson of the Los Angeles Public Library in the late 80's. This book actually made me tear up at several parts. I got so emotionally caught up with my love of libraries and actually got really sad about the thought of this happening to my own library (or anyone's beloved library really). Honestly, this book made me want to be a librarian that much more and it made me love libraries and what they do for communities more too. Frankly, I was surprised at how much I liked this book. It's not for everyone (are any books?) but it really hit me in the feels so to speak.
I started 2 books around the same time and they actually had quite similar premises. Both were about women who had longtime crushes on family friends from childhood and both women were remodeling homes. Fix Her Up I listened on audiobook and while I enjoyed the beginning about partway through I switched to my hardback version of 99 Percent Mine. I think that the writing/plot in 99 Percent Mine might have impacted my feelings regarding the first book. In Fix Her Up the love interest is kind of a bad boy (which is usually my preference) and 99 Percent Mine the love interest is the most kind and caring man ever (which I usually find boring to certain degree). I ended up much preferring 99 Percent Mine and it's 'perfect' man and found the male character in Fix Her Up just kind of obnoxious. If you are looking for a more racy story pick up Fix Her Up. Way more sexy scenes than the other book.
And finally, I ran across Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives which wasn't as groundbreaking as it could have been had I read it 5 years ago. I've been reading many books on various biases, like those against women or blacks so a lot of the content and studies mentioned in this book I was actually already aware of but it still covered quite a few things that surprised me. I have a few people who I think would benefit by reading just the conclusion of this book.
Currently reading: Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen I'm not usually a memoir fan but really enjoying this one!
QOTW: I'm quite happy with most book formats but I think my favorite would be Hardback. I enjoy being able to hold and physically see my progress and the fact that the book is so sturdy. Paperbacks I get a little concerned about damaging (although if I'm traveling they tend to be lighter so I like to choose them). Someone, on here i think pointed out that for some people like those with visual disabilities, audiobooks is how they read. That really changed how I thought about audiobooks. Now I'd say about 30% of the books I read are audio.
Sara wrote: " open door romance, ..."What is an 'open door romance'?
Also @Sarah- you are right about China Rich Girlfriend. The 3rd in the serious was the best znd strongest I thought, but you needed the middle one to be able to fully appreciate the 3rx.
Milena wrote: "It was wonderfully cool this morning in New York. Very humid, but cool. I also cannot wait for fall.Finished:
Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines for ATY.
[book:The Feather Thief|..."
Glad you liked Feather Thief. I loved it and I don't really like true crime!
Mod
And yes I did ask my library for help, they said I should just keep trying. If I still can’t access my account by Saturday I’ll ask them for help again. I know they are super busy right now dealing w fallout.
Theresa wrote: "Milena wrote: "It was wonderfully cool this morning in New York. Very humid, but cool. I also cannot wait for fall.Finished:
Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines for ATY.
The..."</i>
I've been reading a lot of true crime this year. I have [book:Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts up next on audiobook.
Sunday afternoon I made good progress on my slow reads while waiting 2 ½ hours for Triple A to show up and change my dead battery Finished:
Where the Crawdads Sing I enjoyed this book. The chapters were short, and the story was intriguing. It was an easy read. This book would cover PS #6- A book with a plant on the cover (if you count a tree.) and PS#25 – A dubut novel. This was the author’s first novel, she had previously written nonfiction. It also had a duel timeline plot (an ATY prompt.)
The Library Book– nonfiction about the Los Angeles Library fire in 1986. Very interesting. If I ever visit LA, this library would be on my list of places to see.
Currently reading:
Recursion for a BOTM pick, could turn out to be a very interesting story.
My Lady's Choosing: An Interactive Romance Novel for PS #42 – choose your adventure. I really enjoyed this type of book as a child, but have not read any as an adult. This book is a historical romance, not my favorite, but its “cute” reading. – Completed two story lines.
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong – for 1001 BOTM
I Owe You One by Stophie Kinsella – BOTM, half way through this book. Now I remember that Kinsella is not one of my favorite authors.
I Heart Vegas – BOTM for the I Heart series – audiobook.
Currently slow reading:
Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen – ATY challenge #20 (featuring indigenous people) 58% complete
Frankenstein – on audiobook. 40% complete
QOTW: My preferred format is a book, mostly hardcover (and from the library.) I tried the Kindle and did not really like it. Then I got an iPad and downloaded the Kindle app, Overdrive and a couple of others that the library uses. I now read a lot of the books as e-books and audio because of how easy it is to get them, or that may be the format that is available from the library. I prefer audio for the hard reads, such as Frankenstein.
When traveling for vacation it does help to carry (just) two books and the iPad loaded with a dozen more. For the last vacation I packed 10 books and had to rearrange because the suitcase was too heavy.
I didn't feel like reading very much this week. The one book I finished, I finished last Friday. I don't think I've read anything since then. I like the books I'm reading, but I've gotten sucked into a Heartland marathon on Netflix. I might have to force myself to take a break after I finish this season. Finished
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann. The true events chronicled in this book are horrific. This is what evil looks like. Common people filled prejudice and greed and way too many people willing to look the other way. The writing was wonderful and compelling.
Reading
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Trailer Park Heart by Rachel Higginson
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
QOTW
I prefer trade paperbacks. I like to curl the cover around without breaking the spine. Trade paperback is just about the perfect size for that. I'm okay with hardback as long as the book isn't too big. I don't want my hands and shoulders sore after reading. I'll read ebooks if it's the only format available or significantly cheaper than other options, but it's not my favorite. I love audiobooks. I always have one going.
Happy August. I missed my check in last week as I was on vacation up in New England.I think I've read 3 books since I last checked in.
Herding Cats: I read this for an ATY prompt, but didn't really enjoy it. It reminded me of the old Cathy cartoons, but not as entertaining.
Not a Girl Detective: This showed up to buy on BookBub and I thought it would perfectly fit the prompt of a book featuring an amateur detective. Definitely not a favorite read, but it was a quick read.
Ask Again, Yes: Saved the best for last! This has been my favorite book of the year!!! I read it for the prompt of a book that's published in 2019 and didn't want it to end. Would also work for the prompt "a book about a family"
QOTW:
I prefer an actual book over an e-reader. And I guess if I had to pick I would choose a hardcover book.
Happy Thursday! It's been a bit of a week for me. I'm having car issues and wont be able to get in until next Friday to have it looked at, which sucks. But at least I've got some good books to get through.
Finished:
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books for book set on college or university campus. I liked it. There were a lot of names and stories to keep track of and I felt like I was lost during some parts of the story. I do think it's an interesting time period and an interesting read.
Ghosted for a book you think should be turned into a movie. I also liked this but didn't love it. I didn't guess the reason our lead got ghosted (so points for that). But it was all too improbable. It was still a good read.
Currently Reading:
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World - Not for the challenge but I've heard so many good things about it that I wanted to read it. It's pretty fun so far.
A Nearly Normal Family for book a set in Scandinavia. I'm not too far into it yet but I like it. The chapters are really short. I haven't decided if that's a good thing for a bad thing yet. I do like the concept that the three different parts of the book are going to be told from three different people's perspectives.
Northanger Abbey for a book set in an abbey, cloister, monastery, vicarage, or convent. This is on my tablet, so I just started re-reading it last night. I've read this story before years ago and really liked it. I'm excited to do a re-read of it.
QOTW:
I have a tablet but don't love reading on it. If I had an e-reader that might be a different story. Paperbacks are my favorite, they are usually small and light. I subscribe to Book of the Month so I have a lot of hardbacks. I also listen to audio since I have a bit of a drive to get to work every day. I'm honestly not that picky when it comes to how I get my book intake.
Epic fail at reading from the NT. It has been a pants week with another family death and it looks like my relationship is done for. Guess I'll have heaps of time to read next week. Finished: nothing except students essays. Who knew Shrek would make an excellent character analysis from a humanistic perspective? That kid proved me wrong.
Not far ahead on my challenges anymore so will have to start putting some effort in.
QOTW
I am reading my first ebook atm. Don't like the format or the book but it is not available in other formats and I have to read it as it was a students choice for their character analysis.
I like paperback or hardback and am just an old fashioned old lady I guess.
Good morning all! Everyone's talking about humidity, which we don't really have where I live. However, I went over the mountain last weekend and it is so dry, it feels about 15 degrees hotter than it does at home, even though it's the same temp. And the grass is literally crawling with grasshoppers. So. I'm staying home the rest of the summer.I'm at 43/50! Since the last update I read
Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple for set in 1 day
Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine for one of the books that has the same title as another
Working on:
Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon- not for the challenge
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste- aloud to the kid, not for challenge
Watership Down by Richard Adams for seen someone reading on TV (seen on Lost)
Warcross by Marie Lu for LitRPG
Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine- not for challenge
From Hell by Alan Moore- for ATY challenge
QOTW:
I don't really have a preferred format to read. I listen to audio books in the car or when I go on walks or clean. I always have a book on my phone to read when I'm out in public and don't have a physical with me. I do prefer hardcover over paperback though. They are easier to lay on my desk and read.
Nadine wrote: "An open door romance has explicit sex scenes. And yes I did ask my library for help, they said I should just keep trying. If I still can’t access my account by Saturday I’ll ask them for help ag..."
Thanks! I had not seen that expression used before. But I also only found out a year or so ago that 'sweet' when used for romance means no explicit anything, just a warm kiss at most.
And I read a lot of romance.
Ahoy ahoy! I'm so stressed out right now that I'm finding it hard to settle down to enjoy a book. I look forward all day to a chance to read, but then I can't decide what to read or I can't focus!Finished
I did finish The Wife Between Us, flipping between ebook and audiobook (at 1.5 to help me get through it). It was pretty meh. The thing I found most interesting is my library has 44 copies of the audiobook and 75 copies of the ebook - why???
I also finished The Wild Dead, which I like better and better the more I reflect on it. I definitely recommend the Bannerless series for the cli-fi prompt if you're looking for something a little different.
DNF
My friend recommended The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1: The Apocalypse Suite, and I like the show so far, but man I hated the comic. The objectification of women's bodies put me right off (that cover - ugh!), and I found the art confusing and the tone a bad mix of action and goofiness.
Currently Reading
Revival, Vol. 1: You're Among Friends - I'm very intrigued, and I even gasped at one point!
QOTW
I love my Kindle Paperwhite. It's portable, it's incredibly easy on my eyes, it's superior to a paper book when I'm reading at bedtime because only the bare minimum illumination is involved, and no blue light. It also reduces my clutter problems! And of course it's easy to look up words and highlight passages.
I do find myself reading more and more short stories on my phone - if I find something online at Tor or because it's public domain, I send it to my Instapaper account, and I can dip into that store when I'm out and about and need something to read.
Happy Thursday, all!Finished reading (31/50):
Seven Blades in Black (published in 2019, author with same initials (Sam Sykes), superpowers, imaginary creatures) - A swords-and-sorcery tale of revenge. Sal the Cacophony was betrayed by her former allies and left for dead, and now she's hunting them down one by one. After a slow start, this turned out great. Sal is fantastic - her swagger/wit/sarcasm help to balance out an otherwise dark storyline - and I also really liked both of her companions.
Currently reading:
The Promised Neverland, Vol. 1 - A group of kids lives happily at an orphanage...until they discover the ~dark secret~ behind the orphanage and their existence. Seems pretty interesting so far. I read a free preview online, trying to decide if I'm going to buy the series or not.
QotW:
E-books are my favorite and I'm not really sure why. Maybe because I'm so used to reading off screens. I just know the last time I bought a hardcover book, it sat unread for months while I kept reading e-books instead.
I've never tried audiobooks, but I feel they wouldn't work for me because I'm so bad at listening to things. Even with TV shows, I miss stuff unless there are subtitles.
Christine wrote: "Ahoy ahoy! I'm so stressed out right now that I'm finding it hard to settle down to enjoy a book. I look forward all day to a chance to read, but then I can't decide what to read or I can't focus!..."
Yes, I love my Paperwhite for all those same reasons. And it's just so light and easy to hold and operate with one hand. Great when you need your other hand to hold on on the subway.
Hi all! The past 2 weeks at work have been quite stressful, and it's exhausting. Some nights, I get home, take care of the kiddo, and once she's in bed, I'm right behind! Other nights, I'm desperate for an escape and make some significant progress in a book. Last week I finished Between the Lines for a book by 2 female authors. Definitely YA, approaching Middle Grade. It was cute and an easy read, good for summer. I didn't expect it to end up where it did, but it wasn't so jarring that it was a problem.
Right now I'm reading too many books at once, but, it's what I do! I'm working on Summer, Love in the Time of Cholera, Mortal Heart in book form and in audio, I checked out Born to Run on cds from the library, but then got the e-audio version of Pachinko back on my tablet. Whoops. All of them are good, and it works depending on what mood I'm in.
QOTW: If I have a choice, I prefer trade paperbacks. I guess I like the feel and that they're lightweight. I'll read anything, but I would say ebooks are probably my least favorite. I like being able to see how many pages I've read and how many I have left. 40/400 or 10% just doesn't quite do it for me.
Funny story (well, to me) about ebooks. When I was a kid, maybe 8 or so, my parents told me that someday books would be on TV screens (we barely had a desktop computer; laptops, cell phones, and tablets were not even in the imagination yet, for you whippersnappers! ;). I was so bummed about this because how would I be able to read before bed if the book was on TV and I wasn't allowed to watch TV past 7?? lol
Theresa wrote: "Sara wrote: " open door romance, ..."What is an 'open door romance'?
Also @Sarah- you are right about China Rich Girlfriend. The 3rd in the serious was the best znd strongest I thought, but you ..."
Nadine already popped in with the answer, but to confirm open door romance is fully explicit sex scenes (the kind that might make you blush if you are reading in the same room as your mom...*shudder*). A partly open door may give you some details but stays vague on some of the juicier bits. Closed door would indicate that sexy time is happening, but usually no more detail than kissing, etc.
And I've heard that about the third book in the Crazy Rich Asians series! I'm looking forward to reading it! Thanks!
Hello everyone and happy Thursday! First let me say @Jen I am thinking of you. Your post sounded so blue and unlike your other weekly posts I wanted to send a few positive thoughts your way. That doesn't help much, but it is all I can do from Omaha, Nebraska.
I have been busy the last week with guests here, so not much reading time. I am also in a mini reading slump as I have some things I'm worried about, and those thoughts will naturally get in the way.
I read: The Huntress- I was expecting a twist in this book and it never came. 530 pages later it was just what I saw at page 35, yet I still really liked the book.
QOTW:
I really struggle with audio books and e-books. I want to like them and really see how useful they are, but nothing beats the feel (and smell) of a print book in my hand. I have no preference between hardback and paperback, reading lots of both formats. Give me a physical book every time.
Happy Reading!
Has anyone read Super Sad True Love Story? It is a world where everything is digital. An older man is dating a much younger woman. She comes into his house for the first time and is disgusted by the smell. It's books. No one her age reads paper books anymore. They're not outlawed or anything, just kind of out of favor. This book made me so sad when I first read it, but this was before I got a Kindle myself. Now I read 95% digital and it's funny to think back to my outrage at that book.
I haven't had too many five-star reads lately, but luckily I had two this week!The first one was American Spy for camp ToB. I loved this since I'm a sucker for cold war/African history, the story was engaging, and Bahni Turprin is my favorite narrator.
I also really enjoyed Heads of the Colored People as something different. A collection of unique short stories that were all connected in small or big ways. The last story was especially powerful.
I listened to The Accidental as I'm slowly making my way through the past ToB winners in time for next year's "tournament of the tournament winners." Unfortunately this didn't really work for me like it did for others. It felt overwritten and more complicated than it could have been. Oh well.
I also finished my hard copy of Uncensored after I met him and got the book signed at the Texas Book Festival last year. Wow, his story is intense and I was on the edge of my seat through a lot of it. I appreciate what he's been through and what he has been working on as an adult, but I had a little frustration with the unfairness of the situation with his dad. That poor man was working 3-4 jobs to send Zach to fancy private schools where he could have better academic opportunities. As someone who started working at 14 and worked/took out loans to get through college since my parents didn't have a lot of money, I'm confused about why he didn't work (or take out his own loans) to help with tuition costs. I know he wanted to spend all of his time reading and learning (trust me, I get this), but his dad was killing himself to cover those costs. :( Ok, rant over. I still found his story fascinating and like that he's trying to bring people out of their comfort zones to inspire change. 4 stars
I'm currently reading Franny and Zooey (paperback), The Woman I Kept to Myself (paperback), and Fruit of the Drunken Tree (audio).
QOTW: I usually have one or two of each format going at a time so I can go to what works for my current mood and situation (driving, cleaning, or sit-down reading time, etc.). I used to do pretty much all ebooks and audiobooks for a while to avoid bringing more "things"/books into the house (and it was cheap since I got almost everything from the library). But I picked up a bunch of hardcover books at the book festival last year that I've been slowly making my way through, and I've been on a "supporting local bookstores" kick lately, so I'm trying to get through more paperbacks right now. My kindle is taking a little breather, but not for too long. ;)
Happy Thursday All, I'm excited that it's Thursday and tomorrow I'm traveling to Maryland to visit my partner after not seeing him for almost 4 month, Needless to say I'm excited. I finished one book this week All Systems Red for my IRL sci-fi book club. I decided to use it for prompt # 20 instead of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet which we plan on reading later this year. I thought it was a fun quick novella. It was full of action and suspense surprisingly.
Currently Reading:
My Soul to Keep This is my online book club book that we just started a few days ago and so far I'm intrigued by the whole premise. We've had a few lively discussions so far surrounding immortality, be African American and surviving certain traumas. It's been deep and I'm interested in how the rest of the book goes as well as the series.
Mockingjay for prompt# 5 A book with at least million ratings on Goodreads. I hadn't read the last installment of the series so I decided to listen to this for the prompt. So far it's okay but my excited for the series is gone.
The Lost Girls of Paris I haven't really picked this up since last week. I'm using it for prompt #26. I like historical fiction so i'm sticking with it.
QOTW
I prefer paperbacks. I like anything that could fit into my purse and I can take it out and read when need be.
I've got some reading done finallyFor the prompt A book with an item of clothing or accessory on the cover I readBlood Dreamsby Kay Hooper. It had a bloody chemise on the cover.
For the prompt A book by an author whose first and last names start with the same letter A Demon Inside by Rick R. Reed. It's gay horror and I did enjoy it though I occasionally wanted to slap the protagonist.
QOTW I prefer paper over ebooks. I don't care if it's hard or soft cover. Ebooks give me migraines but I do read it more and more. I don't really have time for audiobooks. If I'm on the computer I'm working and in the car I find them too distracting.
Hello. I finished a few books this week. I'm still 35/50 for the challenge.The Call of the Wild/White Fang by Jack London - a reread, I've found that although as a child I preferred White Fang, as an adult I actually enjoyed The Call of the Wild more. Either way, they are both worth revisiting.
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff - this would work for a novel based on a real person, as it was based on one of Brigham Young's plural wives. It weaves her story alongside a modern day story about another plural wife, and it was a real page turner. I really liked the format too - some chapters were traditional, some written as letters or diary entries, some written as research reports, etc.
Batman: Year One by Frank Miller - Batman's first year gives us a hero as anxious to serve as he is fearful that he's not ready, and it parallels Gordon's first year on the force in Gotham as well
On the Good, Red Road by Blake Crouch - a short story in the horror genre, it really sucks you in
QOTW: I prefer paperbacks, then hardbacks, then e-books. Paperbacks are just so easy to curl up with, and feel so familiar. Audio books really don't work for me, I always find myself tuning out and getting totally lost.
Kenya wrote: "Happy Thursday, y'all.Our library is finally joining up with the area consortium of libraries, which means we'll get access to their collections and our patrons will be able to borrow books from ..."
I read Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom earlier this year and I felt the same. It came across as the author trying to impress the reader all the time and it had the opposite effect.
How is it Thursday already?!I've read a bunch of books this week, thanks to my insane desire to get as many NEWTs done as I can. Am I an achievement junkie? Probably, but I doubt it's fixable.
A City Inside: Basically a short story of a graphic novel, or even maybe a poem. Short, but sweet.
Herding Cats: a Sarah's Scribbles collection. I like her comics, but I had seen most of these before online.
Winter Of Discontent: a cozy from one of my go-to series, not one of the more memorable additions, but enjoyable.
High Fantasies: This is the 4th in this series, and it felt like the author didn't have a plan for it. There was no main plot. It was fine, but I'm not going to continue onward.
The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act: I loved this! The whole concept just really captured my imagination. Can't wait to grab more
Smaller and Smaller Circles: murder mystery set in the philippines with two jesuit priests helping the police find a serial killer. Very good, would recommend.
Fictitious Dishes: An Album of Literature's Most Memorable Meals: Boooo. 1 star. Boring and not even well done.
The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York: Do you like narrative nonfiction and true crime? Do you like Eric Larson's books? Then you will probably like this. I listened to the audiobook version of this because I had to drive way out into the countryside of Wisconsin....to adopt my dog from a shelter! His name is Porter, he's a black lab, and he's a sweetheart (with some separation anxiety).
QOTW: I appreciate the benefits of different formats and use them accordingly, but all else being equal, I'll go with a paperback.
Hi everyone. I'm feeling tired out this week. Maybe because my little nephew's been staying with us for a few days and he's a little bundle of energy!This week I finished 3 books! That's a lot for me when I'm not on holiday by the pool! First up was The Call of the Wild. I think I saw the film of this as a kid but I don't remember it being so brutal.
I also finished The Last of the Mohicans. This was awful! I had to keep checking to see if I'd missed a paragraph because it would jump so rapidly from one thing to another and all of the characters seemed to have three different names so I spent most of the novel confused. I should've heeded @Nadine's warning!
Finally I finished William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope. This book was up and down. In some places it was hilarious, in others tedious (Luke's whining soliloquies). The illustrations were gorgeous throughout but I wasn't happy when he had Han and Greedo shoot together. We all know Han shot first :D
Currently reading: The Witch of Salt and Storm. I seem to be reading a lot of witchy books this year
QOTW: I am a paperback fan. I mostly read on my commute so something light and small enough to fit in my work bag. I hate it when my library only has a hefty hardback copy of a book. Audiobooks aren't for me and I don't have a kindle etc. I can read ebooks through ibooks but I prefer not to.
Hello - no updates this week for me. I'm about 70% through American Gods but I've just been so tired lately that I keep falling asleep. I really wanted to finish it for this check in. Next week i'll have it done! I'm also almost done with listening to the audio book of Hidden Figures. I only have an hour left to go. Also thought I would finish it by this check in but it will definitely be done by next week. QOTW: I like paperbacks the most. I like being able to see the progress through the novel as you work your way from front to back. Seeing the % done is nice on a kindle but it's just not the same. But the kindle is so much more convenient for reading when I'm laying in bed. I can get into more comfortable positions and don't need to worry about shinning a light.
It's been a lovely rainy day so far, although the sun and blue sky has just popped out. A nice break from the upper 90s weather we've been having ("but at least it is a dry heat"). Everything looks clean and new outside my office window. I finished three books this week:
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers; 3 stars
Used for PS #20 [set in space], ATY #14 [astronomical term]
I didn't love this book as much as many others, but it was still worth reading. It had some beautiful moments.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens; 4 stars
Used for ATY #6 [dual timeline]
I had no idea what this book was about prior to getting the audiobook. I just knew that many people in my life love it. It was completely unexpected, and I enjoyed it very much. I had a few quibbles about the ending (view spoiler) but overall I really liked it.
Three Act Tragedy by Agatha Christie
The next in my goal of reading her books in publication order. This one was Poirot light, since he wasn't around for most of the book. Interesting characters, and while I figured out the murderer, I was completely wrong about the motive. Her books just make me happy.
GoodReads: 47/90
PopSugar: 30/50
ATY: 40/52
QOTW:
I'm happy to read in all formats, honestly. A paperback is easier for my aging hands to hold than hardcover. I've learned to love audiobooks the past few years. And just last week I got my hands on an Amazon Fire so I can try ebook reading (I haven't enjoyed it on my phone as it is too small). But however I can do it, I will.
Happy Thursday. I haven't been in much of a reading mood lately, so of corse all my books came in from the library this week. Books I finished:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz - So I wasn't in a reading mood, but then I just raced through this one. The writing just made it really easy to sink into it. It is tough subject material, but I enjoyed it.
First Grave on the Right- This was okay. The world building and plot was interesting, but the writing style was a little much sometimes and.... but it was funny. I'll probably have to check the next book out sometime.
Books I made progress on:
City of Golden Shadow
QOTW
There is a Buffy quote about how paper books are better then digital and it ends with "Books should be smelly" and that's sorta how I feel. With real books, you get the tactile feel of the paper, the weight of the book, the sound of the paper as you turn a page, etc, where as a ebook gives you none of that. I do appreciat using overdrive for library books, because then I don't have to worry about due dates and late fees, but I still prefer a real book, and I do prefer hardcovers, although they are a bit of a pain to drag around. Audiobooks don't really work for me, because I get distracted too easily when I'm just listening.
Sara wrote: "The Bride Test - very open door romance, but I'm enjoying it. I should finish this one soon"Not being a romance reader, I had no idea what an open door romance meant and had to look it up. For others like me, it basically means the bedroom door is open and you get to look in. Should I blush?
Edit: Looks like this was previously answered. Glad to see I wasn't the only one unfamiliar with the term.
Happy Thursday! I feel like I haven't read much at all this week, but I did manage to finish two books and a novella. I've been so exhausted at night that I try to read before bed but end up unable to keep my eyes open too long! However the NEWTs readathon has motivated to get some of these prompts checked off! First I finished The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen, which was my Muggle Studies "e" for a book set in the real world. I enjoyed this! Dessen books follow very similar formulas, but they are so comforting to me. Even though this is her newest release, it was almost nostalgic for me to read?
Next, I finished You're the Earl That I Want by Kelly Bowen, which was Muggle Studies "a" for a book with a photo element on the cover. I liked this! The plot was really intense and almost a little too fantastical for me, which I didn't love. I mean I like plot in romance novels, but this was a bit too much for me. Still like Bowen's writing and characterization a lot.
Finally, I finished A Lady's Guide to Skirting Scandal by Kelly Bowen, a novella/short story, which is my Divination "e" a short story or short story collection. This was cute and fun but there's only so much you can get from a romance novella. But I liked that Viola got some growth and a happy ending.
QOTW: Right now I prefer ebooks because I can have them anywhere just by logging onto my phone. I love audiobooks and paperback and hardbacks, but ebooks right now win for me because of the convenience! Honestly, I'm not fussy. I'll read in any format (unless I don't like the audiobook narrator)
This is my first full week at my new job, back to full time. I've also been tackling dating so I can hopefully get more comfortable with the concept. Unfortunately, it's led to me dating two guys at once! I am very overwhelmed at the moment. I hate hurting people and I've definitely set myself up to do just that...All that to say, I've done almost zero reading. My friends and I also went to the lake over the weekend, so I didn't do any reading there, either.
Finished:
Nothing *weeps*
Currently Reading:
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle: I hope to have this done next week. I like it so much and I'm so intrigued!
The Grey Fairy Book: I'm pretty close to the end of this one as well, but since I only read a story at a time, it might be awhile longer.
QOTW: I'm not all that picky, to be honest. I have a Kindle, and I like that for traveling, but I also have a huge collection of physical books. I love hardbacks because of the look and sturdiness of them, but the books I don't care as much about, I'll get the paperback version. And like someone else said, I mostly like audiobooks for mysteries and classics, for some reason.
Hi everyone!This week has been crazy trying to get the last details of our big renovation done, with all new levels of setbacks. so woo! and argh!
Been working on a monster book so not much accomplished. I finished:
The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited! - my husband's super into the podcast, I don't like their voices at all. but he so wants me to share his love so he keeps encouraging me to read the books as they come out. I thought the first one was just ok, but this one was pretty interesting.
Batman, Volume 1: The Court of Owls - mostly read this to get it off my ipad to clear space, it's big. it was just ok.
Currently reading:
Fall, or Dodge in Hell - this book is almost 900 pages, so only about half through. Reamde I can manage to plow through, it's an "easier" read for me, possibly because i'm already pretty familiar with video games and gold farming and the like. I'm less familiar with brain scanning and cryogenics and the concepts of human consciousness uploading into the internet, so it's a bit more slow going. I really like it though, I'm a huge Stephenson fan. Love me some info dumps <3
QOTW:
I like the smaller form paperbacks and my e-reader best. I love the feel of a good paper book, and the smaller paperbacks generally fit in my purse pretty well and are easy to wander around with. It also makes it easier to flip back and double check something if you're confused and need to clarify or remember something. I also like the visual indicator of how far I am, and feeling the pages shift from one side to the other. However e-books are just so easy in terms of borrowing from the library and them auto returning, not taking up space, easy to take around and travel with, easy to read in low-light conditions without messing with reading lights etc. However it is annoying managing power charge, wifi, and jumping around is much more difficult.
I don't love hardcovers even though they're pretty, they are pointy and heavier and are just harder to lug around and curl up with.
Audio books are at my bottom, they just don't really fit in with my life flow much. I work from home so don't commute much, and I don't like wearing headphones while running. Takes too much concentration to listen to so I can't listen while I work unless it's something I'm already familiar with. I have to make a point of finding time to listen so it's not my preference.
I'm happy to say I finished off a couple of the more difficult prompts for PS and AtY! And discovered a new to me contemporary romance writer who was excellent.Finished:
Cocaine Blues - for the PBT August Australia expand your horizons challenge -- I loved it. Of course, I'd seen the series adaptation on tv. Glad finally to delve into the written source material.
Meant to Be - first of the Anchor Island series with a heroine who always makes decisions not that will make her happy, but will make those around her happy. Ultimately she meets a man who helps her stand up for what she wants -- and of course fall in love with him, although they do not have a smooth road. I actually read so that I can read the second in the serious which will fill a PS prompt. Definitely need to read these in series order.
Guy in Real Life - Hallelujah - I found and read something for the dreaded PS LitRPG prompt! This is YA about a couple of teens, their involvement in an online role-playing game (he) and being dungeonmaster for a D & D gaming group (her) and how they meet and intersect. Not great, not terrible either. Opening section was quite bad actually and almost drove me a way. But it got better, I liked the heroine, some sections were quite fun. No big info dumps like Neal Stephenson is inclined to do (thank goodness). And please I hope I never have to read one of these types of books again.
The Summer He Came Home-excellent romance featuring a rocker and a woman on the run. I used it for PS book read in season set - summer. Author does not do anything conventionally and I can't wait to read more of her books. Using my newly learned vocabulary - thanks Nadine and Sarah - this is definitely an open door book.
Between the World and Me - used for AtY #48 - book that won a National Book Award - 2015 Non-fiction. There is a certain irony to reading this just when 2 more hate driven mass shootings - El Paso and Dayton - happen. Not an easy or terribly accessible read, but I did find that his ideas don't just fit racism against blacks, but also women, other minorities.
Currently Reading:
Up to the Challenge - for PS book with 'challenge' in title. Second in the Anchor Island series and quite fun.
Malevil - this is for PBT August Trim my TBR
Snowdrift and Other Stories - the August read-along in the Georgette Heyer GR group.
In the wings:
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
The Master and Margarita
and Proust -- my Proust reading group starts in September so need to get on the first volume - Swann's Way.
QOTW:
Looking around my apartment, I clearly prefer hardcovers and trade paper these days for print books. But I read at least as many, possibly more, ebooks too. I like the convenience of ebooks - being able to read anywhere in any lighting. Being able to adjust the print size. Truth is, I'll read any book in any format (except audio) if I want to read the book. Really heavy hardcovers I tend to avoid any more because they are too hard to hold.
I don't really like audiobooks and only listen to them if I'm driving long distances. And then they have to be a book I have already read. Since I live in NYC and use public transportation, I rarely listen.
Hello All, I finished one book for the week. Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death & Hope in a Mumbai Undercity byKatherine Boo. I read it for the final prompt I needed to finish the BR read harder challenge. A book by a journalist or about journalism. I liked the book but it wasn’t what I expected. Not sure now what I expected. I’ve been wanting to read this book since it came out. QOTW I only read ebooks. I got a kindle at least 6 years ago. When I got the kindle I dedicated myself to only read ebooks. Simple.
I finished several short books this week, mostly because of the Dewey's Readathon last weekend. Now that I'm done with Popsugar I'm working on NEWTs, catching up on ATY and Back to Classics, finishing of the ATY summer challenge, and looking at working on this month's Readathin and #dragonmonth19 on Instagram. Possibly and unreasonable number of challenges?For NEWTs I'm going for Hogwarts Professor, one of the few I *can* go for after not paying enough attention to my OWLs. (Can I just say that I love the immersive, almost role-play aspects of this particular challenge?) I'm going for a double focus of Defense Against the Dark Arts and History of Magic (because competition seems to be fierce fo the DADA post, so I figured I should have a fall back option. ;-) )
Finished Reading:
Misfit City Vol. 1 If someone had described this story to me I would have predicted I would love it, but it was just okay in execution.
In Real Life A nice intro to gold farming and video game economics, but kind of basic and simple if you already know about those things.
Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters Very entertaining!
Alvin Fernald, Superweasel Revisiting a favorite childhood series, since the only one I knew existed at the time was Alvin's Secret Code. Suffered a bit from reading it as an adult, but it was still a fun story, and I'll probably dip back into the series from time to time.
The Shadow Land Audio. Wow! There were quite a few slow parts in the beginning, but by the end it was emotional and very good. Hard to describe without giving spoilers but recommended for anyone who likes historical fiction and/or interested in Bulgaria.
Currently Reading (too many at once, as usual--these are the ones I'm actively reading):
Voice of PowerAudio. Shaping up to be solid 4 star YA fantasy. I'm liking the themes about the power of words and the quasi-dystopian aspects. Will probably use this for Herbology A-audiobook in NEWTs.
The Phantom of the Opera It's really hard to say what I think of this as a book, because I can't help constantly comparing it to the musical. So far it's mostly holding up better than I thought it would... Using this for psychological thriller for ATY, book from recommended high school reading for ATY summer challenge, and possibly tragedy for Back to Classics.
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael Good so far, but something I'm going to need breaks from as I go.
The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful So far I LOVE her approach in theory, but in the first couple chapters there has been no actual how-to advice.
I also read most of The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate & Live Well, which had a ton of good tips, but was occasionally annoying in tone/style. (Imperfections are fine as long as they don't involve synthetic fabrics or plastic hangers, and she doesn't seem to realize that some living rooms are too small to keep the furniture off the walls.) I'd still recommend it for those who need some basic, practical advice in decorating, and can ignore the stupid bits.
QOTW:
Just for reading experience, I'm totally a paperback girl. I'll read in any format, depending on what's easily available and the circumstances, but paperbacks are just the best for curling up with on the couch.
I love the convenience of e-books (instant availability, portability, low price) and started off reading on my very old Paperwhite-before-they-called-it-that. (It's about 6 years old now, I think. My husband got it for me for Christmas back in the early years of our marriage when the very cheapest Kindle was a huge splurge. <3) Once I got used to e-books in general I've found that I've also been able to read on the Kindle app on my phone, which is really handy for unexpectedly needing reading material.
I still don't love audio books as a way to take in reading, but it's better than not getting to experience books at all while I'm washing dishes, cleaning, cooking supper, folding laundry, etc., so I've learned to absorb stories by listening. (I started with mostly non-fiction audio books.)
Hardbacks are probably my least favorite, but as long they're not too big and unwieldy I don't actually mind them. And if I'm wanting a print book it's just whatever comes when I put it on hold at the library--I'm not that picky about it.
Kenya wrote: "Happy Thursday, y'all.Our library is finally joining up with the area consortium of libraries, which means we'll get access to their collections and our patrons will be able to borrow books from ..."
I haven't read Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, but my husband, who loves Cory Doctorow, and I both found In Real Life to be only okay. For the Win was a good book though!
Theresa wrote: "Nadine wrote: "An open door romance has explicit sex scenes. And yes I did ask my library for help, they said I should just keep trying. If I still can’t access my account by Saturday I’ll ask t..."
I learned about 'sweet' romance meaning non-explicit last year sometime, and it was helpful to realize it was a code word, because otherwise I wouldn't think sweet was something I was looking for in a story. :-)
I often feel like I'm in some weird middle zone for story content because I don't like explicit anything (sex, gore, etc), but I don't typically want light/sweet/cheesy stories either (except in certain moods). I want stories that take me through real, hard challenges, but without forcing me through all the worst details of everything unless it's absolutely necessary, and preferably with a hopeful tone.
The Shadow Land is actually a great example of that balance, now that I think about it...
Hey everyone! I finished one book this week (Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders). I used it for a ghost story so I'm now 38/50!Currently reading:
Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy
Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Pötzsch
QOTW: I prefer reading hardcover because I like to turn the page and I feel more accomplished when it's a long book, but I don't have to struggle to keep the book open like I do with some paperbacks (I have a neuromuscular disease so I don't have a lot of physical strength). I enjoy books across all formats though.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Kingdom of Ash (other topics)Tower of Dawn (other topics)
Fall; or, Dodge in Hell (other topics)
Reamde (other topics)
Dragonfly in Amber (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Colin Cotterill (other topics)Wendy Heard (other topics)
Vaseem Khan (other topics)
Ann Cleeves (other topics)
Anita Diamant (other topics)
More...
Check-in for this week:
Finished:
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory - Book #2 in the Wedding Date series. I liked this one a lot. I might have even liked it more than the first one. I have book #3 on hold at the library. Semi-opened door romance if that's your thing!
China Rich Girlfriend - Book #2 in the Crazy Rich Asians series. I didn't love this one as much as the first. I feel like this was a transition stage for many of the characters leading into events that I expect will occur in the next book.
Currently reading:
The Bride Test - very open door romance, but I'm enjoying it. I should finish this one soon
The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny - Book #5 in my reread of the Louise Penny series.
Question of the week:
What is your reading format preference? (hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook, etc)
My preferred format is trade paperback (NOT mass market). Lately life has been so easy I’m mostly reading audiobooks and ebooks. I like the flexibility of all the formats, but there’s nothing quite like curling up with a flexible paper copy of a good book!