Chapter Adventure Reading Challenges (Formerly GXO) discussion

APRIL Key Words:

"Last, Watch, Save, Girl, Sun, Tell, Garden, Tomorrow"

--- Comment below with ---
(1) The name and author of the book you're reading for the challenge,
(2) CHALLENGE COMPLETE if you've finished reading the book.
(3) Did you like the book? What did you love (or not love) about it?!

My book pick is

If you’re looking for a quick read, check into The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I read it years ago, and while I don’t remember much, I do remember I found it heartfelt, touching, and even funny at times.

Kimberly wrote: "My book pick is "

Me too! I love his Naturalist and Jessica Blackwood series.

The book I’m reading for April is The Memory Watcher by Minka Kent. I’m using “Watcher” as an expanded version of “watch.” I went ahead and started it tonight, but the majority of it will be read in April.

My choice was by Andrew Mayne. Went with "Girl" for the keyword. Actually started at the end of March, but finished in April. (Still qualifies, right?) Was a fun read, have always enjoyed mysteries by this author. See my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I chose The Last One by Alexandra Oliva. I liked it as the premise was unusual and the story kept me interested all the way through.

Cecil wrote: "My choice was by Andrew Mayne. Went with "Girl" for the keyword. Actually started at the end of March, but finished in April. (Still qualifies, right?)..."

Definitely qualifies (and is a pretty smart move :-)

Challenge Completed!

Title: The Secret Garden
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Other Categories: Classic, Banned Book

This book was a great read. It was therapeutic, especially since it was read as the first signs of spring started to emerge. Many people find this book boring because they aren’t interested in gardening, so keep that in mind. Personally, I loved reading about the character development and time in the garden.

This book was about the power that ideas, as well as influence of nature. I definitely enjoyed it more than the movie. I didn’t think it was fair to ban this book - it was banned for racist comments made in the beginning, in two paragraphs, but the comments did not continue throughout the book.

In the last few chapters, I felt the focus on “magic” was tiring,but I understand the author’s purpose behind it. The last chapter was beautiful, and left me feeling grateful for vchoosing this book for my April keyword challenge read.

The sun will be dark this month with Black Sun

Challenge complete. Read "Girls of Glass" by Brianna Labuskes for the word "Girl". Pretty good book, and I usually can guess who-done-it, but this one kind of surprised me.

Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
Challenge complete!
I loved this book. Best book I’ve read this year and the one I’m currently telling everyone to read. I heard about if from a friend years ago and am so sad I waited so long to pick it up. I love a book that challenges the reader to examine their own relationships and recognize the importance of enjoying this life, sharing your love openly and fixing communication before it’s too late.

Challenge complete--Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. When in doubt, go with a classic! This novel has all the hallmarks of a great Hercule Poirot novel--the mixed group of strangers, the English vacation getaway, the victim who caused discomfort and anger. wherever she went. Christie is the reason why I love British crime/detective fiction today.

CHALLENGE COMPLETE - by June Hur

This mystery about a missing father/detective takes place in 15th century Joseon (the last dynasty of Korea) on the island of Jeju. This is a time period I'm not too familiar with, so I really enjoyed learning about its customs and traditions. You can tell June Hur did her research and is truly invested in its history. Plus, anything involving Jeju has me sold.

Laura wrote: "CHALLENGE COMPLETE - by June Hur

This mystery about a missing father/detective takes place in 15th century Joseon (the last dynas..."

Have you tried The Island of Sea Women? The story's about a group of haenyeo on the island of Jeju from the time of Japanese colonization to after the Korean War, and it's a magnificent read. I was breathless during much of it, and I wasn't the one diving.

Suzanne wrote: "Laura wrote: "CHALLENGE COMPLETE - by June Hur

This mystery about a missing father/detective takes place in 15th century Joseon (..."

Yes, I have! It's actually what got me into the history of Jeju and I've been hooked ever since!

Laura wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "Laura wrote: "CHALLENGE COMPLETE - by June Hur

This mystery about a missing father/detective takes place in 15th ..."

Are there any other books you'd recommend?

Their Eyes Were Watching God By Zora Neale Hurston
Challenge Completed
I wanted to read this book for ages, I even started it a couple of times but every time I was slowing down when reading the dialogs and not enjoying it as it deserved. Until a Litsy member mentioned the audiobook read by Ruby Dee so I gave it a try. What a revelation! The way she brings to life all the words I was struggling with and Janie's story it's simply amazing! I loved it!

I read Sunny days and sea breezes, It was a nice book, romantic, and the setting n the Isle of Wight made for some good beach scenes. It's not my favourite by this author though, I like some of her other books better. Challenge complete

Suzanne wrote: "Laura wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "Laura wrote: "CHALLENGE COMPLETE - by June Hur

This mystery about a missing father/detective takes ..."

There's The Mermaid of Jeju, although it is set roughly around the same time period as the Island of Sea Women and it's tough not to compare the two. Pachinko is phenomenal although a lot of it does take place in Japan.

Ok, thanks!

April: Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge
Key Word: Girl
Title: The German Girl
Author: Armando Lucas Correa
Challenge Complete
I found the book tiresome and depressing. I can understand holding a grudge but this family seems to have chosen to live in misery versus making the best of what you have or fighting to rise above the pain and suffering. The book is about life and how it can throw you a curve ball at anytime.

Challenge Completed
Key Word: Last
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Fair. Not my type of read. 3 stars at best.

(1) City of Girls
(2) CHALLENGE COMPLETE! (Just in the nick of time!)
(3) I had started this book a while ago (but finished during April so decided it counted) and struggled with the middle of the story. The beginning and ending are good, but I found the middle of the story to bog down a bit. The characters are compelling and the story of coming of age during a time when the expectations of women were very different is good. I just found some of the story a little long winded. To be fair, I have read others by this author and felt similarly. But it was definitely worth the read and I would recommend it to others.

I chose Kiss the Girls and Make them Cry by Mary Higgins Clark.

Challenge Complete!

I liked the book very much. It was an awesome Thriller! I’m not sure there isn’t a book that I haven’t liked yet, especially thrillers 😊

My april key word: Save the queen by Terry Toler and Last seen alive by Claire Douglas.

My pick for April was


It was a great book! I want to read more diverse books like this!