2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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April's Reading Challenges
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2015 Reading Challenge
1. A book with more than 500 pages Gone with the Wind
2. A classic romance
3. A book that became a movie The Joy Luck Club
4. A book published this year A Spool of Blue Thread
5. A book with a number in the title Nineteen Minutes
6. A book written by someone under 30
7. A book with nonhuman characters The Hobbit
8. A funny book
9. A book by a female author
10. A mystery or thriller J is for Judgment
11. A book with a one-word title
12. A book of short stories
13. A book set in a different country
14. A nonfiction book
15. A popular author's first book
16. A book from an author you love that you haven't read yet. The Sins of the Mother
17. A book a friend recommended Gone Girl
18. A Pulitzer Prize-winning book
19. A book based on a true story Murder on the Orient Express
20. A book at the bottom of your to-read list The Secret Wisdom of the Earth
21. A book your mom loves Beautiful Joe (Summit Classic Collector Editions)
22. A book that scares you
23. A book more than 100 years old Wuthering Heights
24. A book you were supposed to read in school but didn't
25. A memoir Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
26. A book you can finish in a day The Great Gatsby
27. A book with antonyms in the title
28. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit
29. A book that came out the year you were born
30. A book with bad reviews The Catcher in the Rye
31. A trilogy Book1: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Book 2: The Girl Who Played with Fire Book3:
32. A book from your childhood The Scarlet Letter
33. A book with a love triangle Pride and Prejudice
34. A book set in the future
35. A book set in high school
36. A book with a color in the title The Color Purple
37. A book that made you cry
38. A book with magic
39. A graphic novel
40. A book by an author you've never read before Sisters of Shiloh
41. A book you own but have never read Twenty Wishes
42. A book that takes place in your hometown Deep Dish
43. A book that was originally written in a different language War and Peace
44. A book set during Christmas
45. A book written by an author with your same initials
46. A play
47. A banned book
48. A book based on or turned into a TV show
49. A book you started but never finished
50. A book based entirely on it's cover Fireworks Over Toccoa
1. A book with more than 500 pages Gone with the Wind
2. A classic romance
3. A book that became a movie The Joy Luck Club
4. A book published this year A Spool of Blue Thread
5. A book with a number in the title Nineteen Minutes
6. A book written by someone under 30
7. A book with nonhuman characters The Hobbit
8. A funny book
9. A book by a female author
10. A mystery or thriller J is for Judgment
11. A book with a one-word title
12. A book of short stories
13. A book set in a different country
14. A nonfiction book
15. A popular author's first book
16. A book from an author you love that you haven't read yet. The Sins of the Mother
17. A book a friend recommended Gone Girl
18. A Pulitzer Prize-winning book
19. A book based on a true story Murder on the Orient Express
20. A book at the bottom of your to-read list The Secret Wisdom of the Earth
21. A book your mom loves Beautiful Joe (Summit Classic Collector Editions)
22. A book that scares you
23. A book more than 100 years old Wuthering Heights
24. A book you were supposed to read in school but didn't
25. A memoir Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
26. A book you can finish in a day The Great Gatsby
27. A book with antonyms in the title
28. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit
29. A book that came out the year you were born
30. A book with bad reviews The Catcher in the Rye
31. A trilogy Book1: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Book 2: The Girl Who Played with Fire Book3:
32. A book from your childhood The Scarlet Letter
33. A book with a love triangle Pride and Prejudice
34. A book set in the future
35. A book set in high school
36. A book with a color in the title The Color Purple
37. A book that made you cry
38. A book with magic
39. A graphic novel
40. A book by an author you've never read before Sisters of Shiloh
41. A book you own but have never read Twenty Wishes
42. A book that takes place in your hometown Deep Dish
43. A book that was originally written in a different language War and Peace
44. A book set during Christmas
45. A book written by an author with your same initials
46. A play
47. A banned book
48. A book based on or turned into a TV show
49. A book you started but never finished
50. A book based entirely on it's cover Fireworks Over Toccoa
On to the next book for my list.
10. A mystery or thriller.
I've decided to read J is for Judgement by Sue Grafton. I have been reading her series, in order and couldn't wait to read the next one. I enjoy this series. They are easy reads and the lead, Kinsey Milhone, is a brave lady to read about. I call her brave because I don't think I could put myself in the situations she has so far.
This will be one of two books on my list that are by authors/series that I have been regularly reading. Not sure I'm going to be able to wait all year to wait to read the next one after this.
10. A mystery or thriller.
I've decided to read J is for Judgement by Sue Grafton. I have been reading her series, in order and couldn't wait to read the next one. I enjoy this series. They are easy reads and the lead, Kinsey Milhone, is a brave lady to read about. I call her brave because I don't think I could put myself in the situations she has so far.
This will be one of two books on my list that are by authors/series that I have been regularly reading. Not sure I'm going to be able to wait all year to wait to read the next one after this.
Took me a little longer to read J is for Judgment than I would have liked. That could have been due to the 5 day road trip and subsequent cold that I endured in the last couple of weeks.
I have read Sue Grafton alphabet series up to J and I must say that this was the hardest one for me to read. I didn't feel that it flowed as easily as the previous books.
I like mysteries that drop little clues along the way for you to try and figure out who did it. With Grafton, she doesn't seem to drop any hints or I'm missing them all. But I still enjoy reading her books.
For now, I will have to wait to read the next one as I try and continue to tackle my challenge list.
On to my next book:
32. A book from your childhood
When I was in middle school, we had to read The Scarlet Letter. I enjoyed reading it and wanted to reread it. I couldn't think of a better book for this category.
Happy Reading!
I have read Sue Grafton alphabet series up to J and I must say that this was the hardest one for me to read. I didn't feel that it flowed as easily as the previous books.
I like mysteries that drop little clues along the way for you to try and figure out who did it. With Grafton, she doesn't seem to drop any hints or I'm missing them all. But I still enjoy reading her books.
For now, I will have to wait to read the next one as I try and continue to tackle my challenge list.
On to my next book:
32. A book from your childhood
When I was in middle school, we had to read The Scarlet Letter. I enjoyed reading it and wanted to reread it. I couldn't think of a better book for this category.
Happy Reading!
Rereading the Scarlet Letter allowed me to see it through a different prespective. I remembered it as a favorite book, but had forgotten a lot of the details. I'm glad I took the time to read it again. It will still be considered a favorite and I encourage everyone to read it at least once.
On to the next book:
43. A book that was originally written in a different language
I've decided to tackle War and Peace. I've always been intrigued to read this and thought now would be a perfect time. However, I think it's going to be one of those books that takes me a little while to get through.
On to the next book:
43. A book that was originally written in a different language
I've decided to tackle War and Peace. I've always been intrigued to read this and thought now would be a perfect time. However, I think it's going to be one of those books that takes me a little while to get through.
Still trudging along in War and Peace. I've made it through two parts of the book. I have found that Tolstoy's writing style is a little difficult to get into, but I'm determined to finish this book. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, now that I have more time to read.
After several months, I finally finished War and Peace. This book was definitely not my type of book and I really struggled with getting through it. But I was determined to read it and not give up part way through.
Even though I won't finish my challenge for the year, I am proud of myself for sticking with it and finishing the book.
Even though I won't finish my challenge for the year, I am proud of myself for sticking with it and finishing the book.
I felt the same after reading Les Mis. That took me 5-6 months. I didn't finishmy goal that year buti was glad to get a huge book out of theway
Well finished up my next book on my list.
41. A book you own but have never read
I read Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
After all the time it took me to read War and Peace, it was nice to sit down with a book by an author I love to read. As usual Debbie did not disappoint.
Twenty Wishes follow a few more ladies that frequent Blossom Street. I enjoy reading Debbie's books, as she always seems to tie loose ends up in the end. Leaving the reader fulfilled instead of wanting to know what else happens.
On to the next book. Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
41. A book you own but have never read
I read Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
After all the time it took me to read War and Peace, it was nice to sit down with a book by an author I love to read. As usual Debbie did not disappoint.
Twenty Wishes follow a few more ladies that frequent Blossom Street. I enjoy reading Debbie's books, as she always seems to tie loose ends up in the end. Leaving the reader fulfilled instead of wanting to know what else happens.
On to the next book. Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
Checked off another book on my list:
25. A memoir Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
This book really opened my eyes to the oppression that women live through in other areas of the world. I have known of, and seen, women cloaked all in black. But I never let myself think further about what other things they had to endure.
It is heartbreaking to know that there are women in the world who do not realize how special they are and treated in a manner they deserve. The fact that these women, and the ones that came before them, are looked upon as only vessels to bring more male sons in the world is appalling.
I pray that things are improving, but am afraid that they are not. I applaud Sultana for having the courage to speak up, even though doing so could bring death to her door.
This book has touched me and moved me in a way that no other book has. I encourage everyone to read it.
25. A memoir Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
This book really opened my eyes to the oppression that women live through in other areas of the world. I have known of, and seen, women cloaked all in black. But I never let myself think further about what other things they had to endure.
It is heartbreaking to know that there are women in the world who do not realize how special they are and treated in a manner they deserve. The fact that these women, and the ones that came before them, are looked upon as only vessels to bring more male sons in the world is appalling.
I pray that things are improving, but am afraid that they are not. I applaud Sultana for having the courage to speak up, even though doing so could bring death to her door.
This book has touched me and moved me in a way that no other book has. I encourage everyone to read it.
I want to try and read my way around the world, and around the United States. I am aiming for stopping in every state and country along my way. I'm not going to set a time limit on this as I want to take a leisurely trip and enjoy my travels.
Departure: November 2015
So far I have visited
Russia in War and Peace
Saudi Arabia in Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
Washington State in Twenty Wishes
Can't wait to see where I travel to next.
Departure: November 2015
So far I have visited
Russia in War and Peace
Saudi Arabia in Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
Washington State in Twenty Wishes
Can't wait to see where I travel to next.
So I finished another book on the list:
4. A book published this year A Spool of Blue Thread
I have mixed emotions about this book. It was an easy read, like I was a fly on the wall of this normal family (of disjointed, not perfect people) but it felt disjointed and unfinished. Seems like I have read a couple of books this year, that didn't leave me with the feeling that I had spent my time well. Oh well, on to the next book. . .
Pride and Prejudice
4. A book published this year A Spool of Blue Thread
I have mixed emotions about this book. It was an easy read, like I was a fly on the wall of this normal family (of disjointed, not perfect people) but it felt disjointed and unfinished. Seems like I have read a couple of books this year, that didn't leave me with the feeling that I had spent my time well. Oh well, on to the next book. . .
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice was pleasantly enjoyable. Jane Austen unfolded the story in a fashion that did not seem to make the story drag. I must admit that the fixation that Mrs. Bennett seemed to have on marrying off her daughters irked me, I understand that it was just that way in that era.
As I was reading this, I could see in my own life and day-to-day dealings, that sometimes our pride (and our prejudices) can affect us in a way that may change our outcomes and prevent us from getting to know someone or something further.
I'm glad that I took the time to read this classic. As I feel it has enriched my life. Now I can check off #33 on my list, plus shade in another country on my world tour: England.
As I was reading this, I could see in my own life and day-to-day dealings, that sometimes our pride (and our prejudices) can affect us in a way that may change our outcomes and prevent us from getting to know someone or something further.
I'm glad that I took the time to read this classic. As I feel it has enriched my life. Now I can check off #33 on my list, plus shade in another country on my world tour: England.
Finished up Nineteen Minutes and boy was that a difficult book for me to read. Don't get me wrong, it was a good book. But being the mother of a teenage daughter, reading that book hit a little close to home. It made me think of things that no parent wants to. But overall, I am glad that I read it.
One more checked off my list (#5 A book with a number in the title) and checked off another state (New Hampshire) on my travels across the country.
One more checked off my list (#5 A book with a number in the title) and checked off another state (New Hampshire) on my travels across the country.
It felt good to sit and finish a book yesterday, one that started yesterday. Usually, it takes me a while to read a book, as I'm always overloaded with things to do and places to go. To be able to sit and find time to read in a day felt like such an accomplishment.
For my reading enjoyment, I chose The Great Gatsby. I had seen the movie many, many years ago. But did not remember it entirely, other than it starred Robert Redford (I think). So the movie did not really "ruin" the book for me.
I enjoyed reading Gatsby. It had an easy flow to it, that just made you keep reading on. There are many facets to this book. Gatsby's love for Daisy, and the lengths he goes through to show it, is very endearing. The wanting and loneliness one feels in a marriage can be a horrible feeling. But overall, I believe this book shows us that trying to recreate the past is not always the way to go.
For my reading enjoyment, I chose The Great Gatsby. I had seen the movie many, many years ago. But did not remember it entirely, other than it starred Robert Redford (I think). So the movie did not really "ruin" the book for me.
I enjoyed reading Gatsby. It had an easy flow to it, that just made you keep reading on. There are many facets to this book. Gatsby's love for Daisy, and the lengths he goes through to show it, is very endearing. The wanting and loneliness one feels in a marriage can be a horrible feeling. But overall, I believe this book shows us that trying to recreate the past is not always the way to go.
I just finished Wuthering Heights and it left me with a feeling of "Wow!" Even though it had a very dark theme and I often found myself trying to will the characters to make different choices, I could not get enough of it. I would have never guessed that as I came to the end of the book, I would be left feeling like I left behind someone. Heathcliff was the type of man that in today's time I would have run as far away from as possible, a man so twisted and cold it makes you wonder if he was even totally human. Emily Bronte truly wrote a masterpiece with this one.
On to the next book. . .
On to the next book. . .
So over the last 5 days I have read two books. The Color Purple and The Catcher in the Rye.
I enjoyed the Color Purple. It was interesting to read, although I've never been a big fan of the letter format in books.
The Catcher in the Rye was hard to read. Throughout the whole thing, I kept waiting for it to start. I can honestly say I understand why it got bad reviews. I feel like I wasted two days reading that book. Onto the next book, hopefully a good one.
I enjoyed the Color Purple. It was interesting to read, although I've never been a big fan of the letter format in books.
The Catcher in the Rye was hard to read. Throughout the whole thing, I kept waiting for it to start. I can honestly say I understand why it got bad reviews. I feel like I wasted two days reading that book. Onto the next book, hopefully a good one.
So just finished The Hobbit and I'm glad I'm through. I know that most people love this book and the books that follow. But as for myself, I have never been much into fantasy books and this didn't change my view of them. Don't get me wrong, it was a well written book that flowed rather easily. It just wasn't a book for me. So I don't think I will be reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy anytime soon.
On to the next book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
On to the next book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
April wrote: "So over the last 5 days I have read two books. The Color Purple and The Catcher in the Rye. I enjoyed the Color Purple. It was interesting to read, although I've never bee..."
Hi April, I came over here to comment about you review of the The Hobbit i felt the same way and abandoned it...maybe i will go back and finish it but it didn't really change my opinion of fantasy either.
As for The Catcher in the Rye. I felt the same way you did the first time i read it. I turned around and re-read it and found that it was infused with allusions to WW2. See https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
If there was something you remember just not getting see if there is a topic on it or message me a question and i will see if i can answer it in light of the way i am interpreting this book. I just wasn't satisfied with the conventional interpretation...too canned.
Finished up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and found I really enjoyed it. It had enough intrigue and mystery to keep me turning the pages. Looking forward to reading the next in the series. But before moving on to that, I decided to read Deep Dish. A friend suggested I read this author and I'm so glad I did. It flowed so nicely and I was wrapped up in the competition that I couldn't wait to see what happened.
Added bonus, I get to check off one country (Sweden)\ on my "Travel around the world" challenge.
Added bonus, I get to check off one country (Sweden)\ on my "Travel around the world" challenge.
Finished up the next book on my list. I'm slowly making my way through this challenge. Even though it was supposed to be a "2015" challenge, I'm pleased with myself for sticking with it. In doing so, I've been reading more classics and books I would normally pass over. I have a tendency to stick with the same authors over and over. With this challenge I'm opening myself up to new ones and some I'm very happy that I have discovered.
On to the next book completed:
17. A book a friend recommended Gone Girl
I can't remember which friend of mine recommended it, but overall it was a good book. It took me a little bit to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. I thought I had figured it out, but wasn't sure. It had me thinking it might be something totally different and that it was. However, for me the ending was very anti-climatic. It didn't leave me with a "this story is complete" feeling. Maybe there will be a sequel someday that will help with that. But nevertheless, I've checked off one more state on my "Travel around the US" challenge.
Onto the next book. . .
On to the next book completed:
17. A book a friend recommended Gone Girl
I can't remember which friend of mine recommended it, but overall it was a good book. It took me a little bit to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. I thought I had figured it out, but wasn't sure. It had me thinking it might be something totally different and that it was. However, for me the ending was very anti-climatic. It didn't leave me with a "this story is complete" feeling. Maybe there will be a sequel someday that will help with that. But nevertheless, I've checked off one more state on my "Travel around the US" challenge.
Onto the next book. . .
I have always heard such rave reviews about The Joy Luck Club that it made me want to read it. As a daughter and a mother, I could appreciate the things shared in that relationship. I enjoyed reading the diversity in upbringing that played out in traditions, beliefs and customs from the mothers to the daughters. How things change, not just from a being raised in a different area, but also by generational thinking. We may feel that our parents are old fashioned in their thinking, but it was how they were raised that affects how they go about things later in life.
This book smoothly moved from one person to the next and I feel portrayed the relationship between mothers and daughters quite well. I'm glad that I took the time to read it.
On to the next book...
This book smoothly moved from one person to the next and I feel portrayed the relationship between mothers and daughters quite well. I'm glad that I took the time to read it.
On to the next book...
Just reading The Sins of the Mother (16. A book from an author you love that you haven't read yet.) I love Danielle Steel, as she was the first "adult fiction" author I read as a teenager. While this book was good, it will not go down as one of my favorites. I enjoyed traveling through a year in the life of the Graysons, but it just didn't leave me satisfied for some reason.
After finishing, I decided to tackle my next challenge. Murder on the Orient Express. It's not often when I pick up a book that I can't seem to set it down. But that was completely the case this time. I had never read Agatha Christie before, but had always heard such good things. I'm glad I took the time to read it.
I was hooked from the first page. From being introduced to the cast of characters, discovery of the crime and the collecting of evidence, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure it out before it was revealed. Alas, I was not successful but enjoyed seeing it through to the end. I was surprised to learn that this case was inspired by the Lindburgh baby kidnapping. I will definitely be reading more of Christie's books in the future.
After finishing, I decided to tackle my next challenge. Murder on the Orient Express. It's not often when I pick up a book that I can't seem to set it down. But that was completely the case this time. I had never read Agatha Christie before, but had always heard such good things. I'm glad I took the time to read it.
I was hooked from the first page. From being introduced to the cast of characters, discovery of the crime and the collecting of evidence, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure it out before it was revealed. Alas, I was not successful but enjoyed seeing it through to the end. I was surprised to learn that this case was inspired by the Lindburgh baby kidnapping. I will definitely be reading more of Christie's books in the future.
I'm proud of myself because I finally sat down and read Gone with the Wind. Ok, so it took me 3 months to get through it, but considering it took me a long time to get into it, I don't think that's to bad.
GWtW wasn't to bad, but it wasn't my cup of tea. What made it difficult, in the beginning, was Scarlett's attitude. But as she aged and matured, she became a character that I came to admire.
But I must say that the ending was very anticlimatic for me. I don't see myself ever reading this a second time and not even sure I will watch the movie at this point.
But checked off another state on my travels across the US.
GWtW wasn't to bad, but it wasn't my cup of tea. What made it difficult, in the beginning, was Scarlett's attitude. But as she aged and matured, she became a character that I came to admire.
But I must say that the ending was very anticlimatic for me. I don't see myself ever reading this a second time and not even sure I will watch the movie at this point.
But checked off another state on my travels across the US.
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2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Secret Wisdom of the Earth (other topics)Fireworks Over Toccoa (other topics)
Sisters of Shiloh (other topics)
The Girl Who Played with Fire (other topics)
Gone with the Wind (other topics)
More...
I also decided that I am not going to reread books I have already read (unless the category calls for it) and to use a separate book for each category. I'm also going to aim to read more classics this year.
Wish me luck!
Edited 11/9/15: Moved this to Members Corners as I want to make this about all the reading challenges I am working on and just a place to share what I've read.