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2022 Reads & Personal Challenges
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Cathie's 2022 Reads & Challenges
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And just like that, 2022 is here! Cheers to a New Year!
Laurel wrote: "Happy Reading!"Thanks Laurel! Happy Reading to you too!
Tea of the Month {January}: Earl GreyRead: Crime and Punishment √
• Chinese black tea
— read a book with an unexpected twist
• Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey
— read a book that takes place in the 19th century
• Black tea: The traditional base for Early Grey, black teas can have a variety of flavor profiles, ranging from sweet and floral to rich and malty and everything in between.
— Read a book with a black or brown cover or read a book with flowers on the cover.
• Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey: The blend we know as Earl Grey was likely named after Charles Grey, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830–1834. During his term, slavery was abolished in the British Empire and the House of Commons was reformed, giving fairer representation and correcting abuses of the system.
— Read a book with a politician as a main character or read a book that takes place in the 19th century.
• Bergamot: The main flavoring in Earl Grey tea is bergamot, a type of orange grown commercially in Calabria, Italy.
— Read a book that takes place in Italy or read a book with a title beginning with "B."
• Chinese black tea: Black tea was discovered in China in the 17th century when tea leaves were accidentally laid out in the sun for longer than expected, causing oxidation. This turned the leaves dark red. Black tea in China is known as red tea.
— Read a book that is 17th on your TBR (sorted any way you choose) or read a book with an unexpected twist.
• London Fog: A preparation of Earl Grey that is currently popular is a London Fog latte, combining the citrusy tea with sweetened vanilla syrup and milk.
— Read a book that takes place in England or read a multi-genre book.
Cathie wrote: "Tea of the Month: Earl GreyRead:
• Black tea: The traditional base for Early Grey, black teas can have a variety of flavor profiles, ranging from sweet and floral to rich and malty and everythin..."
As it happens, my tea this morning is Earl Grey Creme.
Laurel wrote: "Cathie wrote: "Tea of the Month: Earl GreyRead:
• Black tea: The traditional base for Early Grey, black teas can have a variety of flavor profiles, ranging from sweet and floral to rich and malt..."
Ah, enjoy! If only there was a "👍" or "😉" button.
Enjoyed At the End of the Matinee! Sharing my review:At the End of the Matinee features a refreshingly simplistic and age-old storyline: boy meets girl, falls in love, loses girl, and finds girl again.
The ending ... is left to the reader.
This resonated for me for many reasons. It has made me take note of the research the author has done as well as think through the passages. I couldn’t help but root for them despite the path they were lead to – and if they just talked. Easier said than done, such is life.
I'm glad I selected this as my first read for 2022, and appreciate this wonderful translation.
I enjoyed After the Matinee very much. I’m a bit of a sucker for a well written work with enlightening, engaging discussion of music, especially classical music. Actually, discussions of any serious art are popular with me. I enjoyed the slower pace of this book. Even though the basic story structure is not really new, the treatment was thoughtful and fresh. I find that in some books I just don’t really care for the characters, but I liked these people very much and found myself wishing them well.
Steve wrote: "I enjoyed After the Matinee very much. I’m a bit of a sucker for a well written work with enlightening, engaging discussion of music, especially classical music. Actually, discussions of any seriou..."Thank you Steve for the comment. It's made me listen to classical guitar as I'm more of classical piano or symphonies, so some of the works mentioned I have begun to listen to.
I too was wishing them well! I found it frustrating to be witness especially to their falling out, wanting them to stay on track.
Wrapping up Crime and Punishment and adding a few notes from my post to the AAB discussion thread.Goodness how Dostoevsky writes about people going through psychological distress!
When one is in a morbid state of health, one's dreams are often characterized by an unusual vividness and brilliance, and also by an extremely lifelike quality.
So, what to say about The Auctioneer. This is compared to Shirley Jackson's The Lottery and Stephen King's Needful Things, both of which I have not read but watched the shows. However, it reminded me of Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon. They are set around the same time; but I enjoyed the gothic vibe of Harvest Home than the portrayal of this small New England farming town.
Nothing whatsoever of the writing - it's compelling in its slow burn of claustrophobia, angst, and despair. I really wanted to shake up the town, but the question I have to ask myself: would I have also been timid and in denial? Would I have been unable to take a stand?
I say we understood too damn much for too damn long and kept too damn quiet.
It has political themes of abuse of power, betrayal, and destruction.
Part of a GR group read, sharing a fellow readers' comment, and couldn't have said it any better:
I think the book is about how the power of an individual and the fears of individuals can work together to create awful circumstances for everyone but in different ways. Those who follow that individual are induced by fear just as much as those who are suffering. That can be the government as a whole, or an individual. I can think of one individual right off the bat.
Here's a link to an interesting article another GR reader shared: [Since links are disabled, search article titled "Joan Samson’s “The Auctioneer”: An Epic Work of Quiet Horror."]
The Auctioneer started as a ten-page short story. The Valancourt edition includes an Introduction from Grady Hendrix and an Afterword from her husband.
Like Harvest Home, it's dated; I didn't know how to react when I read the following:
And the child's as wild as a Chinese.
Re-read Moonlight Shadow which was part of Banana Yoshimoto's novel Kitchen,It was her intent to include the short story in this text.
My very short review with links here
So without realizing it, I ordered two poetry books posted from GR readers...that were from the same author. How did I not notice that?Finished September Love, but reading it again and again. Will then begin Love Looks Pretty on You which for sure will read again and again.
Quite lovely, quite raw.
Tea of the Month {February}: MatchaRead: The Little Prince √
• Song Dynasty
— read a book you meant to read last year
• Usucha or Koicha
— read a book with less than 200 pages
• Green tea: Black and green teas come from the exact same plant, the Camellia Sinensis. While black tea leaves are allowed and encouraged to oxidize, green tea leaves are not, resulting in a purer and less robust flavor. Matcha is made from the finely ground leaves of shade-grown tea.
— Read an author's debut novel or read a book with a green cover.
• Song Dynasty: During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), preparing tea from powder became the preferred method. Eventually, China abandoned this method, reverting back to steeping leaves in boiling water.
— Read a book with a multi-generational story or cast of characters or read a book you meant to read last year.
• Zen Buddhism/Japan: A Japanese Zen priest, Eisai, studying in China brought tea seeds and bushes home with him. He created a tea ritual and ceremony using matcha as a meditation ritual.
— Read a self-help book or read a book you heard about from a friend.
• Tencha: Before the leaves are ground into powder to become matcha, they are called Tencha.
— Read a prequel or read a book whose author's name (first or last) begins with "T."
• Usucha or Koicha: Usucha, or thin tea, is the preparation of matcha most people are familiar with. Koicha, or thick tea, has a higher matcha to water ratio, creating a thicker, more syrupy texture.
—Read a book with less than 200 pages or read a book with more than 500 pages.
My February planned reads:The Little Prince √
We Sold Our Souls √
Dark Across The Bay √
56 Days √
The Stranger
I have seen comments of "I don't know why I haven't read this until now." I envy those who had to read it for academia.Yes, I just finally read The Little Prince and although I didn't cry, in my heart I did.
The lens we look through in our childhood and adulthood switch before we realize it. As adults we get busy as we begin to take over our lives. We no longer question so much rather find our way through past experiences or with the relationships we have.
There is so much longing in this novella, you can't help but think back on your own life. What do you miss and what did you miss?
It speaks of death - the short span of relationships, of being left behind and leaving those behind, if you will survive to return to the place and things you hold dearly.
Okay, can't take it anymore. Before I update my status to read, will once again re-read this lovely story. And will re-read it again and again.
A gentle reminder for your inner child to once in a while come out and enjoy the ride called life, and find solace how far you've come. It's never too late.
You know ... when one is so terribly sad, one loves sunsets ...
Mod
Yes, I just finally read The Little Prince and although I didn..."
Love it Cathie! And beautifully said!
Greg wrote: "Cathie wrote: "I have seen comments of "I don't know why I haven't read this until now." I envy those who had to read it for academia.Yes, I just finally read The Little Prince and ..."
Thanks Greg! I had heard recent interpretations in some of the shows I've been streaming. So I thought why not read the novel?
For example, did The Prince love the rose or the fox?
Mod
Ha ha, love it! :)
Out of curiosity, what shows were you streaming that talked about the book? Were they good?
Greg wrote: "Cathie wrote: "For example, did The Prince love the rose or the fox?"Ha ha, love it! :)
Out of curiosity, what shows were you streaming that talked about the book? Were they good?"
There were two: Chinese romance drama & Korean BL series. Yes, interesting esp. those from manga novels.
Mod
Ha ha, love it! :)
Out of curiosity, what shows were you streaming that talked about the book? Were they good?"
..."
Thanks! :)
Gosh, what can I say after finishing We Sold Our Souls. I was introduced to Grady Hendrix through the Introduction he wrote for The Auctioneer. And here I was thinking, wow, I like his writing style! Then when I looked at his works, I saw I had this in my To-Read! I remembered then that last year when at an Indie bookstore the clerk recommended his novel. I have to confess I at times pick up a book for its cover - the one they had in the store was not one I would cherish on my bookshelves. The clerk advised the original cover is so much better.
When I finally saw the paperback version available recently, I snatched this bad boy up.
Reading this, I was reminded of a friend in high school who was a metal head, and she was Thai. Not to be stereotypical, with me being into punk and post-punk alternative. I didn't see her come across listening to Sabbath, Alice in Chains, Mötley Crüe.
Reading this, reminded me of someone I dated where I went to KISS' "farewell" concert, and seeing Iron Maiden.
Reading this, in all its mayhem, the songs listed and the lyrics was another language - belonging, believing.
Grady didn't disappoint in the writing. Those who are into metal a recommended read.
I will definitely bring this book with me on my trip to Vegas! I probably should have waited until July, but didn't realize this ended up with a trip to Vegas.
A black pyramid glowed on the horizon. The skyline got crowded with massive gold and silver slabs, the Eiffel Tower, the Stratosphere Tower, a cheapjack roller coaster on top of a hotel.
So ... if you have Spotify, find the playlist as reading and listening makes this dark read more intense.
Finished Dark Across The Bay and glad I waited to read this during the weekend. What a twisted ending! I expected but didn't expect what was happening. I was saddened by what transpired more so than the revenge that took place. A woman's wrath indeed.
If you are a fan of the author or are up to a horror (even Josh Malerman agrees!) read about betrayal, this is it. A great character study for a group read.
The author mentions this was her most difficult work to date. Just to keep that in mind.
Tea of the Month {March}: OolongRead: The Employees √
• Oolong
— read a book whose author's name begins with "O"
• Black dragon tea
— read a fantasy novel
• Oolong: Neither a black tea nor a green tea, oolong is its own tea variety characterized by its semi-oxidized state and its shape, which is twisted, rolled, or curled.
— Read a book with a twist in the plot or read a book whose author's name begins with "O."
• Miscellaneous Notes on Fujian: The first reference to oolong ("wulong") was in Shi Hongbao's Miscellaneous Notes on Fujian in 1857, though it is believed to have been cultivated as early as the 16th century. Qingcha, or dark green tea, and blue tea ("thé bleu" in French) are both other names for oolong tea.
— Read a book set in the 19th century or 16th century or read a book with a blue or dark green cover.
• Black dragon tea: The name "oolong" or "wulong" translates to "black dragon." The origin of oolong and its name are not agreed upon, but the name might have come from the tea's dark color, from the original cultivator who may have had dark skin, or from a black dragon symbol being pressed into tea cakes.
— Read a fantasy novel or read a book by a BIPOC author.
• Gongfu tea ceremony: The Gongfu tea ceremony likely originated in Fujian province, where oolong is primarily grown. It is a Chinese tea ceremony performed for any variety of Chinese tea, the goal of which is to brew tea that tastes good and satisfies the soul. Its focus is on proper water chemistry (spring water is preferred) and temperature, which varies based on tea type.
— Read a book that takes place in China or read a book with water on the cover or in the title. ("Water" includes any body of water.)
• Gaiwan tea pot: These special tea pots are used in the Gongfu tea ceremony. Resembling lidded bowls, Gaiwan tea pots were first used during the Ming Dynasty. While less popular than other styles of tea pots, such as Yixing teapots, they are favored for their versatility and control over the brewing and pouring of tea.
— Read a book with fewer than 1000 reviews on Goodreads or read a book that is considered a classic.
The Employees reads a bit like poetry. A space opera with a crew of humans and humanoids who find and take care of objects they have retrieved from New Discovery.
As things go awry onboard Six Thousand Ship, clean up is to be done and discussions to be had. A committee member is sent aboard to interview the crew members. The transcripts and recordings is what is shared.
I know you say I'm not a prisoner here, but the objects have told me otherwise.
I thought that line to be powerful.
Someone commented on their post: Human Resources is the best definition of the liaison’s job, but it is constantly blurred. Acting as a mental health professional sometimes or a friend. Which immediately gives the entire story dark undertones because HR is never there for the crew. They always serve the mandate of the employer.
A short novel, there is so much to take in and can trigger a philosophical discussion. (ie., phrenology; rank and file; what is it to be human?) Is this a workplace novel of the 22nd Century?
Inspired by the artwork:
Untitled (It's a small world but not if you have to clean it)
My April planned reads, for a start:The Stranger √
Just Haven't Met You Yet √
How High We Go in the Dark
My Annihilation
Tea of the Month {April): Pu-erh To read: We Are What We Eat: A Slow Food Manifesto
• Pu-erh
— read a book with punctuation in the title
• Shu cha
— read a book about food or that has a food professional as a main character
• Pu-erh: Pu-erh is a type of fermented tea that originated in China. It can be made from either black or green tea leaves and is characterized by its earthy flavor.
— Read a book with dirt or mountains on its cover or read a book with punctuation in the title.
• Sheng cha: Sheng cha is the raw form of pu-erh, in which leaves are heaped into piles to allow them to ferment. It can take 15 years or more for a raw pu-erh to ferment and achieve the flavor desired by pu-erh drinkers.
— Read a book from an author's backlist or read a memoir or biography.
• Shu cha: Shu cha is a cooked preparation of pu-erh that was invented in the 1970s to speed up production. This method allows the tea leaves to be ready in as little as 40 days.
— Read a book about food or that has a food professional as a main character or read a book published in the 1970s.
• Tea cake: Pu-erh tea leaves are often formed into cakes or bricks to make for easy transport. To make a cup or pot of pu-erh, a small amount of leaves must be gently removed from the brick and rinsed before they are ready to steep.
— Read a book that you see on someone's shelf or see someone else reading or read a book that is part of a series.
• Po-lay: In Cantonese, pu-erh is called po-lay. It is often served during dim sum meals, as it is believed to aid digestion.
— Read a book with a title beginning with "P" or "C" or read a book from your TBR that you'd choose after finishing a heavier read.
Finally finished The Stranger. Such immense, philosophical writing. Part One - it was so vivid what he was going through in his environment: the brightness, the heat, exhaustion. The numbness.
Part Two - his hindsights on his life, death and dying philosophical threads.
I enjoyed Just Haven't Met You Yet that I wanted to finish it in one setting.I was at times laughing so hard that my daughter who was napping beside me in bed woke up to my laughter. There are funny parts indeed.
A contemporary romance with many twists which surprised me.
Can't believe it's May! Was a busy April and didn't complete some monthly challenges. Will update on May planned reads. It's Asian American and Pacific Islander month! I'm celebrating!
All About Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Just Haven't Met You Yet (other topics)Just Haven't Met You Yet (other topics)
The Stranger (other topics)
The Stranger (other topics)
My Annihilation (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Josh Malerman (other topics)Banana Yoshimoto (other topics)
Word of the Year ~ #fighting
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2022 ~ Tea of the Month Challenge
Duration: January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
2/12
January ~ Earl Gray: Crime and Punishment √
February ~ Matcha: The Little Prince √
March ~ Oolong: The Employees √
April ~ Pu-erh:
May ~ Chamomile:
June ~ Rooibos:
July ~ Jasmine:
August ~ Sencha:
September ~ Masala Chai;
October ~ Yerba Mate:
November ~ English Breakfast:
December ~ White Tea:
Choose one challenge for each tea theme / lor
2022 ~ Travel Challenge
Duration: January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
4/5
1. At the End of the Matinee ~ Tokyo, Japan; Paris, France √
2. Crime and Punishment ~ St Petersburg, Russia √
3. The Stranger ~ Marengo (now Hadjout), Algiers √
4. Just Haven't Met You Yet ~ Jersey, Channel Islands; London, UK √
5.
Choose a country and either read a book where an author is from that region or the story is set there / bb
2022 ~ Reading Women of Color Food Writing Challenge
Duration: January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
0/3
1. Stealing Buddha's Dinner {Vietnamese}
2. A Tiger in the Kitchen {Singaporean}
3. Tiny Moons {Malaysian/Chinese}
Read a book about food, cocktails, tea, coffee, olive oil, cocoa beans, or anything else food adjacent. Making a recipe is encouraged but not required
2022 ~ The 105 Best Philosophical Novels Challenge
Duration: January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Unfortunately unable to post the link here; however, go to my 2021 Reads & Challenges where link is posted {msg. 60}. / ld
Honorable Mention
These books were cited by individual readers as their favorites within the genre but did not earn enough points on my rating scale to crack the top 105 books.
Read: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (1955)
Read: Middlemarch by George Eliot (1872)
The Black Tragicomedies
Read: The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (1967) {a favorite}
Read: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) {was not a fan of this read}
To-read: The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (1967) {planned a re-read of another translation}
The Portraits
Read: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (1927)
To-read:
The Cult Favorites
Read: White Noise by Don DeLillo (1985)
To-read:
The (Anti-)Establishment
Read: The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick (1963) {another favorite}
Read: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (2003)
To-read: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)
The Diamonds in the Rough
Read: Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)
To-read: Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)
The Fifteen-Minute Club
Read: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890) {another favorite}
To-read:
The Social Critiques
Read: Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945) {a favorite of mine in high school}
Read: The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin (1969)
To-read:
The Mindf*cks
Read: The Awakening by Kate Chopin (1899)
Read: Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut (1963)
Read: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut (1969)
To-read:
The Bestsellers
Read: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace (1996)
Read: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)
To-readRead: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943) √The Upenders
Read: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera (1984)
Read: 1984 by George Orwell (1949)
To-read:
The Magnum Opuses
Read: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)
To-readRead: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1866) √The Three Wise Men
Read:
To-read:
Comment: ...geez, I dunno ... ? glad I can ponder this for next year
Candide by Voltaire (1759); Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse (1922); Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche (1891)
The Undisputed
In the end, one book stood head and shoulders above the rest. Almost every list of philosophical novels included this title, which earned great popularity among readers, editors and authors alike.
To-readRead: The Stranger by Albert Camus (1942) √Camus’ famous tale of an ordinary man drawn into a senseless murder on an Algerian beach is approachable enough to reach a wide audience while still putting forth a coherent philosophical position, making it a clear-cut choice for the top philosophical novel.
2022 ~ One Book for Each Year Challenge
Duration: January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
2/10
1. 2012: Nudge: The Final Edition
2. 2013:
3. 2014: Crime and Punishment √
4. 2015:
5. 2016:
6. 2017:
7. 2018:
8. 2019:
9. 2020:
10. 2021: At the End of the Matinee √
Choose a book on my To-Read list that I added that year.