On The Same Page discussion
2022 Annual Reading Challenge
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Lillie's Reading Group Challenge
Lillie, welcome, so glad you're here! I've read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, Wolf Hall / Bring Up the Bodies (if you make it through those you may as well go for it - I thought The Mirror and the Light was the best of the trilogy - but maybe that's because I finally learned how to read the books in third person limited present tense...when in doubt, HE almost always refers to Cromwell!), and Mudbound. I'm eager to see what you think of the other books, I've been itching to read several of the others. :-)
Mod
I have a few of these on my tbr; per usual. Wolf Hall is right up my alley; but, I have yet to read it.
Good luck and happy reading, Lillie!
Mod
Thanks Lea, Alondra and Bill.Lea, when you say you've read those books, I'm hoping you're saying that you liked them. Right?
Alondra, I've put off Wolf Hall for so long because it seems enormous and intense. But 2022 is the year!
Bill, did you read Snap? How did you like it?
Mod
Lea, when you say you've read those books, I'm hoping you're saying that you liked them. Right?
Alondra, I've put off Wolf Hall for so long because it seems enormous..."
No, just Rubbernecker and Blacklands
Lillie wrote: "Lea, when you say you've read those books, I'm hoping you're saying that you liked them. Right?"My average GR rating is 2.89. What can I say, I'm a grumpy old lady. :-) :-) :-)
That said, I LOVED Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. 5 stars from me. I'm almost afraid to say this because you might expect too much out of the poor book.
The Yiddish Policemen's Union - Part detective story, part alternative history, the plot was really interesting. I tend to prefer more concise writers like James M. Cain, so it felt a bit like it was overwritten at times for me. I don't think you'll be disappointed though - it's a very unusual premise and the writing is solid. 3 stars from me.
Wolf Hall / Bring Up the Bodies was a 2 star read for me BUT the problem was me, and not the book. I wasn't prepared for the writing style and I was super annoyed at the author for making me have to work so hard. I already knew the story of Cromwell too, although that is a fabulous story, I already knew what was going to happen. Each book in the series got better for me and I think that's because I finally got smarter and figured out how to read a book in third person limited present tense. Not a skill I had before. I was sad to finish out The Mirror and the Light this year, and that book earned 3 stars. That said, lots of other readers were smarter than me and not bothered by the writing style.
Mudbound - I hope it isn't a spoiler to say that this book is a tear jerker and very difficult to read. It's good, but I can't say that I enjoyed it. I think it is important to read. 3 stars from me.
Hopefully that helps. I think you have made good choices that you'll like! Just because I'm a grumpy old lady doesn't mean you have to be. :-)
Mod
Lea, when you say you've read those books, I'm hoping you're saying that you liked them. Right?
Alondra, I've put off Wolf Hall for so long because it seems enormous..."
I put off for the same reason. Reviews from folks I trust made me want to read it.
Lea wrote: "My average GR rating is 2.89. What can I say, I'm a grumpy old lady. :-) :-) :-)"🤣 too funny Lea! I have no idea what mine is but it’s probably a bit higher only because I’ll stop reading books if I hate them. Unless they’re on my challenge lists and then it all becomes hairy.
I’ll take 3s as good ratings. If you had said anything lower and I’d have to question my whole list. Look at what happened when you said Rule of Four was not such a great read.
Alondra wrote: "Lillie wrote: "I put off for the same reason. Reviews from folks I trust made me want to read it."I’ve got to tell you, I get slightly anxious when I look at that book. I flipped through it and my copy has really tiny print. This is where a kindle would come in handy. 😬
Purple Hibiscus is a book I would like to read, so I look forward to your thoughts when the time comes.
Mod
Yes. That is a good idea. Maybe, I should find a kindle version for those books; but the cost can be too much. I'm too cheap.
Alondra wrote: "Yes. That is a good idea. Maybe, I should find a kindle version for those books; but the cost can be too much. I'm too cheap"Same! This is why we have libraries, right? For those of us who prefer the cheap seats. Even though I bought the book years ago, maybe I should borrow the large print from the library 😂
Many great books here :) Happy reading.
Mod
Same! This is why we have libraries, right? For those ..."
I love libraries, but I can't keep the book, unfortunately! LOL
I love to collect and keep books.
I love Terry Pratchett. Always entertaining. Have fun with your challenge.
Alondra wrote: "I love libraries, but I can't keep the book, unfortunately! LOLI love to collect and keep books."
I don't think I was discriminating when I used to buy books. I have something over 1500 books in the house. Clearly I need to go through them and give a bunch away. But, at the moment, I don't have anymore space to buy new ones, lol
Alix wrote: "I love Terry Pratchett. Always entertaining. Have fun with your challenge."
Good to hear about Terry Pratchett. After I finish Lisa See's Flower Net, I'm going to read The Color of Magic.
Mod
I love to collect and keep books."
I don't think I was discriminating when I used to buy books. I have something ov..."
Okay; I am not that bad..... yet! I think I am about 500 or so. I am trying to stay within my current shelf limits. I have about 9.5 book shelves. Mmmm
Book #1
Flower Net 2 starsUnfortunately, this didn’t work for me as a mystery. The premise sounds interesting, a murder that brings together investigators from both China and the US to try to solve them. The investigators were, of course, former lovers & hadn’t seen each other in years. I didn’t care. The manipulations of the governments were annoying too. Is that how governments operate? Probably and I didn’t care. What should’ve intrigued me, left me wanting more. This is my first Lisa See book but I’m not sure I’ll pick up another by her in the near future. Took me way too long to read cause I never wanted to pick it up. Didn’t hate it. It was meh.
Book #2
The Color of Magic 3 starsI think I must’ve read this book a long time ago because most of the story seemed so familiar. A good fantasy series start. I didn’t love it but I’m interested enough to read another book in this very long series. I just need to decide if I’ll read it in order or jump around by the mini-series groupings I saw listed recently. Is there one people recommend over others?
Book #3
Wolf Hall 4 starsThis book's been sitting on my shelf for a number of years. I had no intention of ever buying it but I found it at a used bookstore for $2 so a no brainer. Started with the print version but switched over to the audiobook. Definitely a good decision. Why didn't anyone tell me how gossipy, how soap opera-y it was?? At first I was overwhelmed at how detailed it was but then I let myself go with it. Yup, a fun book.
So glad you loved Wolf Hall! You can feel accomplished by finishing that book - what a bargain for $2!
Lea wrote: "So glad you loved Wolf Hall! You can feel accomplished by finishing that book - what a bargain for $2!"New book prices are a bit too much for me now, and I usually borrow from my library but every once in a while I have an urge to buy a book (also have to limit how many I buy cause of space). I couldn't pass up $2 🤷🏻♀️ 🤣
So many good books on your list! 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 all excellent. I can't wait to see your reviews for the rest. You've already added The Color of Magic to my TBR and now I'm considering Wolf Hall. This is a very dangerous list.
Michelle wrote: "So many good books on your list! 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 all excellent. I can't wait to see your reviews for the rest. You've already added The Color of Magic to my TBR and now I'm considering Wolf Hall. T..."I love getting feedback on my list! Now I’m even more excited to read the ones you mentioned, especially Kindred, which I started and then left behind at my sister’s. Luckily she said that she’s put it in the mail.
Book #4 Mom & Me & Mom 4.5 starsA love story from Maya Angelou to her mom. What a powerhouse Vivian Baxter was! Such a strong and complex bond they had. Made me smile and tear up reading about their relationship. As always with Ms Angelou’s work, I walk away from this book full of admiration.
Lillie wrote: "Book #4 Mom & Me & Mom 4.5 starsA love story from Maya Angelou to her mom. What a powerhouse Vivian Baxter was! Such a strong and complex bond they had. Made me smile and tear up reading about their relationship. As always with Ms Angelou’s work, I walk away from this book full of admiration."
Yes, I felt much the same way about this book. Two very strong and different women, able to appreciate one another.
Mod
Wolf Hall 4 starsThis book's been sitting on my shelf for a number of years. I had no intention of ever buying it but I found it at a used boo..."
The book is huge, hence why I keep putting it off. It stays on my list, because I really want to read it. Glad you enjoyed it!!
#5
Remarkable Creatures 3.5 starsWent into this hesitantly because I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it all. The first few chapters didn't help in that regard, very slow going. But once more time was spent on developing both Elizabeth Philpot and Mary Anning, it moved quite quickly. Elizabeth and Mary are from different worlds but come together as fossil hunters where they (Mary) find dinosaur bones. Set in the 1800s, their work was undervalued as they faced both misogyny and classism. This is their fight for recognition.
#6
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History 3.5 starsI'm not sure I'm going to retain all the information in this non-fiction but all the facts were truly fascinating. The author described the previous 5 extinctions and predicts that the sixth has already started in her opinion. I thought we were going to get a lot of information regarding climate change but though she considers that one factor, she was focused more on the current wave of animal and tree extinctions. Love that she included photos/drawings in the book.
Great list and what progress you are making!! You make me want to try Wolf Hall again. I had to give up on it a few years ago, but I know many love it so I think I must have been missing something.
Thanks Martha! I had a couple of false starts with Wolf Hall so I switched over to the audiobook, which kept me interested. Good luck on your next try :)
Book #7
Mudbound 2 starsThis book took way too long to read as I kept putting it down and never wanting to pick it up again. The friend who gave it to me, had said that I would love it, I didn't. Again, my expectations vs what I experienced tripped me up. In the end, the writing didn't pull me in. It was ok.
I checked your list only now, I'm not familiar with most of the books so I ended up adding two books to my TBR :D can't wait to see what you think of the rest Lillie
Lillie wrote: "Book #7 Mudbound 2 starsThis book took way too long to read as I kept putting it down and never wanting to pick it up again. The friend who gave it to..."
I was like that with a few bookclub reads- and found I should have stuck with my initial (several chapters) reactions. But every once in a while it's timing for me and I love a book I gave up on earlier
Mod
Mudbound 2 starsThis book took way too long to read as I kept putting it down and never wanting to pick it up again. The friend who gave it to..."
I think this is a time where the movie is better than the book; so, i've heard..... I have no interest myself. HA!
Alondra wrote: "Lillie wrote: "Book #7 Mudbound 2 starsThis book took way too long to read as I kept putting it down and never wanting to pick it up again. The friend..."
Pretty sure I won't be watching the movie either. Luckily there are so many other books/movies to be consumed 🤷🏻♀️
Bonnie wrote: "I was like that with a few bookclub reads- and found I should have stuck with my initial (several chapters) reactions. But every once in a while it's timing for me and I love a book I gave up on earlier."So true! I guess we're not going to like every book. Oh well.
Also true about timing. I've gone back to books I've hated but upon a reread (a listen through audiobooks), I'm pleasantly surprised
Faouzia wrote: "I checked your list only now, I'm not familiar with most of the books so I ended up adding two books to my TBR :D can't wait to see what you think of the rest Lillie"
Hopefully you'll enjoy the ones you've added 🤞🏼
Book #8
Rosemary and Rue 3.5 stars Really thought this one was not going to go well for me. One, I wasn't in the head space for a fantasy and two, it took so darn long to get to the action. But now I'm invested. I want to know what's next for October (Toby) Daye. I want to delve more into her fae world. It helped that it takes place in San Francisco, a city I feel I know a bit. And, it helped that she's a PI in a fantasy world. Looks like it's a total of 17 books so far. 1 down 16 to go.
Mod
Rosemary and Rue 3.5 stars Really thought this one was not going to go well for me. One, I wasn't in the head space for a fantasy and t..."
Okay, I added it. Sounds like some Dresden stuff.... mmm
Alondra wrote: "Okay, I added it. Sounds like some Dresden stuff.... mmm"From the discussions I’ve seen about Harry Dresden, I think it sounds similar. Interested to see what your impression is if you end up reading it
Book #9
That Old Cape Magic 2 starsUnfortunately, this book held no magic for me. Probably because I was expecting a family drama in Cape Cod and what I ended up reading was about a very unsympathetic narcissistic middle aged man who couldn’t understand why his marriage was on the edge of collapsing. I could’ve told him in a matter of pages why 🙄
Whatever. It’s off my bookshelf now. Moving on to hopefully something better.
Hilarious...no doubt you COULD have told the unsympathetic narcissistic man why his marriage was on the verge of collapsing...you've basically told me everything I need to know as to why it wasn't working. I feel like Russo books are very polarizing, so I keep steering clear of them. You either like them or you don't, and I'm so afraid I'd be on the don't side. I hope your next book is better, Lillie!
Book #10
Games Without Rules: The Often Interrupted History of Afghanistan 4 starsI'm so glad I came across this author several years ago with his book Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes. I enjoy his writing. He puts forth serious information but in a way that can be consumed without falling asleep ;)
Thought the history was comprehensive which surprised me. I don't know why I didn't think he would include information about the Taliban. Idk. I would've liked more information about the 1970s but that may be because that's when I lived there. I, also, would've loved to see him delve into the different ethnicities that have lived there (at least 12 distinct groups called Afghanistan home plus a little bit about the Silk Road) but maybe that would be covered better as it's own book. Hint hint author!
Lillie wrote: "Book #10 Games Without Rules: The Often Interrupted History of Afghanistan 4 starsI'm so gla..."
Lillie~sounds really interesting. I love to read non-fiction with history about other countries. This book definitely sounds like it’s worth reading.
Lillie wrote: "Book #10 Games Without Rules: The Often Interrupted History of Afghanistan 4 starsI'm so gla..."
And just like that, 2 more books have been added to my TBR... Thank you! I think...
Kristine and Ioana, I hope you do get to read it at some point. Like I said, it's not perfect but it is interesting and not too dry.
*Reviews reposted from Independent Challenges*Book #11
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil 3.5 stars print bookA gossipy book of non-fictional events that took place in and around 1981. A New York author decides to live part time in Savannah, GA and meets all kinds of quirky characters. It captures all the racism, classism, snobbery and homophobia as it unfolds the story of the murder of a young man who had been in the employment of an older art dealer and the subsequent trial. Liked that it was told by an outsider who slowly met and interacted with the different characters.
Book #12
Purple Hibiscus 3.5 stars print bookA converted highly religious Nigerian man has demons that he needs to fight while his family try to survive. Trigger warning for abuse. Had I known how much it contained, I would've never picked it up. Told by the teenage daughter, it's a slow awakening of her precarious position in the world. Of how little freedom she had and of the conflicting emotions she had for her father. I didn't love it but felt compelled to finish it.
On The Same Page
Books mentioned in this topic
The Eight (other topics)The Yiddish Policemen's Union (other topics)
Kindred (other topics)
Kindred (other topics)
Kindred (other topics)
More...
12 : (completed)
✔1. Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. Purple Hibiscus 3.5 stars 9/17/22
✔2. Ansary, Tamim. Games without Rules: The Often-Interrupted History of Afghanistan 4 stars 9/11/22
✔3. Bauer, Belinda. Snap 2 stars 9/26/22
✔4. Berendt, John. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil 3.5 stars 9/16/22
✔5. Butler, Octavia E. Kindred 4.5 stars 12/20/22
✔ 6. Chabon, Michael. The Yiddish Policemen's Union 3.5 stars 12/22/22
✔7. Chevalier, Tracy.Remarkable Creatures 3.5 stars 4/3/22
✔8. Kolbert, Elizabeth. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History 4 stars 4/4/22
✔9. Mantel, Hilary. Wolf Hall / Bring Up the Bodies 4 stars 3/3/22
✔10. McGuire, Seanan. Rosemary and Rue 3.5 stars 7/25/22
✔ 11. Pratchett, Terry. The Color of Magic 3 stars 2/23/22
✔ 12. See, Lisa. Flower Net 2 stars 1/19/22
+4 : (completed)
✔1. Angelou, Maya. Mom & Me & Mom 4.5 stars 3/6/22
✔2. Jordan, Hillary. Mudbound 2 stars 5/26/22
✔3. Neville, Katherine. The Eight 4.5 stars 12/31/22
✔ 4. Russo, Richard. That Old Cape Magic 2 stars 8/27/22