2021 Big Book Summer Reading Challenge discussion

Use this Discussion to post and share when you've finished a Big Book. If you review it, you can share that here, too, or just tell us what you thought of it!

I finished “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb. Quite liked it.

Barbara wrote: "I finished “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb. Quite liked it."

Wow, Barbara! That was quick! Must have been a good one :)

I've been wanting to read it for a while - have heard great things.

I finished Child of a Mad God by R. A. Salvatore. (I started it on Thursday - couldn't wait to get started on this challenge) At 496 pages, it's not the longest book on my list. If I didn't have so many other big books I want to read, I would probably start right in on the next in the series. You can read my review here.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Barbara wrote: "I finished “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb. Quite liked it."

Congratulations. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone looks like a fun interesting read!

Cheriee wrote: "I finished Child of a Mad God by R. A. Salvatore. (I started it on Thursday - couldn't wait to get started on this challenge) At 496 pages, it's not the longest book on my list. If..."

Congrats on finishing your first Big Book, Cheriee!

I hear you - so many good (Big!) books and so little time ...

I've just finished Cockroaches by Jo Nesbø and have realised it's over 400 pages. This is sort of weird because a) the edition I had referenced (incorrectly) was less than 400 pages b) I started the book on May, 22 which was before the challenge began.

Whether it qualifies or not (I honestly think it shouldn't), my review is here.

Looking forward to starting The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, which is officially my first big book of the challenge! Also will be sharing my "shorter" list for this year on my blog tomorrow Sunday!

Elinor wrote: "I've just finished Cockroaches by Jo Nesbø and have realised it's over 400 pages. This is sort of weird because a) the edition I had referenced (incorrectly) was less than 400 pages b) I started th..."

Oooh, can;t wait top see the short list you narrowed down, Elinor! Yeah, May 22 is probably a but too early to count but glad you enjoyed it! I need to try Nesbo, for sure.

Enjoy Pillars of the Earth - it's very compelling!

I finished my first Big Book of the summer last night, End of Watch by Stephen King. Excellent, as always with King novels - gripping!

Now, I need to read a shorter book, my last book group selection for the summer, then it's back to the Big Books!

My first big book finished. This is a perfect book to get lost in as you sitting the sun!!
Here is my GR review:
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


As I started this epic novel I wasn't sure it was going to live up to all the recommendations I read. It was a bit slow in the beginning but all of a sudden I just couldn't put this down. Marian Graves
survives a ship disaster as a baby along with her twin brother. They are raised by their uncle given free reign to wander and along with their friend Caleb they explore the world around them. Marian sees barnstormer team and knows that flying is in her heart. Maggie Shipstead shows us persistence, courage, finding who you are heart and soul. Her writing is so, so vivid. I will think about these characters forever.



View all my reviews

I finished my second big book: Becoming by Michelle Obama.

After finishing this I sat down with my partner to talk about the successes and failures of the Obama presidency. I wish they could have accomplished more for ordinary people. Was it their Blackness or the fact that they were Democrats that made the Republicans so opposed to everything they wanted to accomplish?

I was mostly fascinated by Michelle Obama's story of growing up and achieving her goals. While her parents might not have been wealthy, they were a loving family who supported their children and let them know that they had high expectations.
It was interesting to find out that Michelle actually wanted nothing to do with politics. I liked that Barack and her went to couples therapy to learn how to address their differences.

I will never truly understand how Americans went from the Obamas to the Trumps.

Deb wrote: "My first big book finished. This is a perfect book to get lost in as you sitting the sun!!
Here is my GR review:


Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As I started this epic ..."

Congrats on finishing your first Big Book of the summer, Deb! It really sounds amazing - I guess all the hype was right!

Cheriee wrote: "I finished my second big book: Becoming by Michelle Obama.

After finishing this I sat down with my partner to talk about the successes and failures of the Obama presidency. I wis..."

Congratulations on finishing another Big Book, Cheriee! So glad you enjoyed Becoming, too. Like you, I was fascinated by Michelle's childhood and upbringing and wonderful family - she's just a year older than me, so I could really relate to her experiences in those decades.

I agree - what a shame that our political system has degraded to not even considering things on their merits but only whether they come from your own political party. It's a horribly divisive system and nothing gets accomplished that way! I miss the days of compromise, consensus, and at least some bipartisism.

Just posted my review of Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells and you can find my review here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2021/06/1...

My second big book was a Mother's Day present from my daughter Cait! Here is my review:
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


One of my wonderful Mother's Day presents from my daughter. She knows me well!! Historical fiction, Women coders, suspense and Bletchley Place. I could not put this book down. We meet Beth, Osla and Mab all assigned to a specific department in Bletchley place encrypting messages during the war. There is also romance, betrayal and unending friendship. Great summer read!!!



View all my reviews

Davida wrote: "Just posted my review of Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells and you can find my review here https://tcl-boo..."

Congratulations, Davida! You can add your review link to the 2nd links list on the challenge page so that more people can find it:

https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/p/202...

Deb wrote: "My second big book was a Mother's Day present from my daughter Cait! Here is my review:


The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my wonderful Mother's Day presents from my dau..."

Congratulations on finishing another Big Book, Deb! Books make the best gifts :) I still haven;t read any of Kate Quinn novels, but I want to! I hear such great things about them.

I finally finished Great Circle. It took me 2 full weeks. I ended up giving it 3.5 stars because the beginning of the book seemed "too busy." I wasn't turned off by it, but it didn't grab me either. I, however, did read the last 200 pages in one intense session. That part really grabbed me. Effusive writing. A LOT of research had to be done for this book. I learned a lot.

About a week ago I finished Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander #8) - 814 pages. Whew! I loved this one as much as the previous 7, now I have to wait until November for the #9 to be released.

Today I finished Big Book #2, This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger - 450 pages - which included the author's note at the end. Could not put this one down. Sad, funny, heartwarming, a bit of a surprise toward the end. Highly recommended.

Linda wrote: "I finally finished Great Circle. It took me 2 full weeks. I ended up giving it 3.5 stars because the beginning of the book seemed "too busy." I was..."

Sorry it didn't fully grab you, Linda, but it sounds like the end was compelling!

I was just reading an article about the author and the novel in BookPage - you're right about the research. Sounds fascinating!

Pam wrote: "About a week ago I finished Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander #8) - 814 pages. Whew! I loved this one as much as the previous 7, now I have to wait until November for the #9 to be released..."

Oh, my gosh, Pam, you are FLYING through The Outlander series!! I can;t believe you've finished book 8 already! I've still only read the first 2. I did include #3 on my Mother's Day list for Big Book Summer, but I got another one on my list, Anna Karenina, instead. That will keep me busy!

And you finished another, too! Congrats! You are rockin' Big Book Summer!

Miss you :)

I finished The Searcher by Tana French. My first big book. My reading schedule for 2021 is sparse because of my crazy schedule, but I felt this one was slow. Next up is Adam Silvera Infinity Reaper

Allen wrote: "I finished The Searcher by Tana French. My first big book. My reading schedule for 2021 is sparse because of my crazy schedule, but I felt this one was slow. Next up is Adam Silvera Infinity Reaper"

Congratulations on finishing your first Big Book of the summer, Allen! That was the Tana French stand-alone, not in the Dublin Murder Squad, right? I absolutely love her Dublin Murder Squad but didn't enjoy The Witch Elm (another stand-alone) as much.

Adam Silvera is always good - enjoy!

I had a chance to write my review of my first Big Book, End of Watch by Stephen King:

https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2021/...

I finished The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers last night. 512 pages.

Hi! Finished three big ones in the last few weeks.
This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell finished on 5/31 -- enjoyable O'Farrell style -- family is an important center.
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen by Alison Weir finished on 6/4 -- though often laborious I am enjoying this series of Tudor queens with few minute facts known and thus an interpreted life by Weir.
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker finished 6/15 -- started this one over a year ago and thought I'd give it a try again. The plot is enjoyable but the book just was okay. Doubt I'll read the next book in the two book series.
Currently reading The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow.
Like to read which big books everyone else is reading.

Linda wrote: "I finished The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers last night. 512 pages."

Congratulations on finishing a Big Book, Linda! I enjoyed your latest video this morning :) Feel free to share the links to your Big Book Summer updates here.

Rose wrote: "Hi! Finished three big ones in the last few weeks.
This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell finished on 5/31 -- enjoyable O'Farrell style -- family is an important ..."

Wow, Rose, way to go! That's a lot of Big Book action in a short period of time. Enjoy the next one!

Suzan wrote: "Feel free to share the links to your Big Book Summer updates here.

Thanks for the suggestion to share the link... here's the link to the video I posted today:

The Masterpiece! ...and the Big Book Summer Reading Challenge

I finished Big Book #2 Last night. Brief review here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I just finished Full Circle by Maggie Shipstead. I liked Marian's storyline better than Hadley, who I just couldn't connect with but enjoyed the book overall. It did keep me engaged throughout the 608 pages.

Linda wrote: "Suzan wrote: "Feel free to share the links to your Big Book Summer updates here.

Thanks for the suggestion to share the link... here's the link to the video I posted today:

The Masterpiece! ...an..."

Thanks for sharing the link, Linda! I always enjoy your videos.

Sue wrote: "I finished Big Book #2 Last night. Brief review here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Congrats on finishing another Big Book, Sue!

Deb wrote: "I just finished Full Circle by Maggie Shipstead. I liked Marian's storyline better than Hadley, who I just couldn't connect with but enjoyed the book overall. It did keep me engaged throughout the ..."

Congratulations on finishing your Big Book, Deb! Glad to hear you enjoyed Full Circle - seems like THE book of the summer!

I finished my 2nd Big Book (this one on audio), The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna by Juliet Grames, and posted my review ...

Engaging, richly-described family history, covering two countries, a hundred years of history & multiple generations, though quite dark and disturbing.
My full review:
https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2021/...

Deb wrote: "My second big book was a Mother's Day present from my daughter Cait! Here is my review:


The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my wonderful Mother's Day presents from my dau..."

I adored this one!

Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (nonfiction)
Worth reading. There are A LOT of "characters" and the author includes the "cast" of characters as well as maps to help keep things straight. There were some characters where my opinion of them changed by the end and I recommend listening if not reading this book. The biggest villain is not obvious until one reads the book.

Erion wrote: "Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (nonfiction)
Worth reading. There are A LOT of "characters" and the author includes the "cast" of characters as well as maps to help keep things straight...."

Congratulations on finishing a Big Book! This one sounds fascinating, Erion!

Erion wrote: "Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (nonfiction)
Worth reading. There are A LOT of "characters" and the author includes the "cast" of characters as well as maps to help keep things straight...."

Thanks for the heads up. I've added it to my list.

I finished my third big book, In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner. This is a Netgalley title and I am in the process of writing a review which I will post here later. It is a gloriously stunning read. I cried a few times.

Cheriee I hope you enjoy Chernobyl when you get to it. My son made me read it. LOL (my reading project reading books he's read and thinks I should read)
Higginbotham did a great job.

Just finished my second big book...

Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson - here's my review

Cheriee wrote: "I finished my third big book, In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner. This is a Netgalley title and I am in the process of writing a review which I will post here later. It is a glorious..."

Congrats on finishing your 3rd Big Book, Cheriee! I love a book that can make my laugh or cry - FEEL. Can't wait to read the review.

Linda wrote: "Just finished my second big book...

Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson - here's my review"

Congratulations on finishing another Big Book, Linda!

I finished Caste today - Big Book #3.

It's a very different book from The Warmth of Other Suns, so it's very much worth reading both for a close-up and a wide view of how we got where we are today, and where we might go.

I've got a pile of not so big books to get through, but I think I'll try for one more biggie before Labor Day!

I finally finished The Pillars of the Earth my first big book this year on Sunday.

Check out my review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Now I’ve already started my second big boom this year: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Good stuff!

Sue wrote: "I finished Caste today - Big Book #3.

It's a very different book from The Warmth of Other Suns, so it's very much worth reading both for a close-up and a wide view of how we got where we are toda..."

I really want to read both of those books, Sue - glad to hear you found them so enlightening.

Enjoy your shorter books and your next big book!

Elinor wrote: "I finally finished The Pillars of the Earth my first big book this year on Sunday.

Check out my review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Now I’ve already started my second b..."

Woohoo! Congrats on finishing The Pillars of the Earth, Elinor! Now THAT is a Big Book! As you know, it was also the book that gave me the idea for Big Book Summer, so it is close to me heart.

The Hate U Give is SO good! Very powerful story. I listened to it on audio. In spite of its Big Book-ness, I think you will find it to be a quick read, especially after your last one!

I finished my 3rd #BigBookSummer book - The Lost Time Accidents by John Wray. it's a unique (OK, weird) novel that combines science, history & family drama into a time-twisting plot. Complex, but lots of fun! Read my full review and listen to an audio sample here:

https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2021/...

I finished my second: The Hate U Give - really enjoyed it! You were right Sue, it made for lighter reading.

Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And my challenge update:
☑ The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett ★★★
☑ The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas ★★★★★
❸ The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne - starting today!
❹ The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
❺ Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
❻ The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
❼ The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
❽ Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Wondering how many I’ll manage 😅