Book Nook Cafe discussion
100 Book Prompt Challenge -2023
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Lindsey's 2022 Reading 100 Challenge
Lindsey, what a neat compilation of books. I’m impressed by several but the list of continents books are super! Well done!
madrano wrote: "Lindsey, what a neat compilation of books. I’m impressed by several but the list of continents books are super! Well done!"Thank you! I've been challenging myself to get outside of my book-comfort zone. I'm really enjoying these prompts :)
Thanks for joining in, Lindsay. You have a nice selection of books. You are going to make my TBR book pile overflow !
Alias Reader wrote: "Thanks for joining in, Lindsay. You have a nice selection of books. You are going to make my TBR book pile overflow !"Thank you! My TBR has certainly grown going through everyone's lists :)
I hear that, Lindsey! I relish this book group but my Mt. TBR is double its original size since we started!
madrano wrote: "I hear that, Lindsey! I relish this book group but my Mt. TBR is double its original size since we started!""Mt. TBR" made me chuckle :)
Yes the pile is growing faster than I can keep up! I had a hard time finding books I truly enjoyed before joining GoodReads... now I have the opposite problem (which is great!)
Lindsay, many found our What I Read in the prior month Folder/thread helpful with book ideas.
The comments on that “What I Read” help clarify whether or not the book is really want, which is very useful, imo.
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsay, many found our What I Read in the prior month Folder/thread helpful with book ideas."I'll check it out, thank you!
madrano wrote: "The comments on that “What I Read” help clarify whether or not the book is really want, which is very useful, imo."yess thank you! I've been looking through posts now, already finding it so helpful!
I'm impressed with how far you've come starting so late in the year!
John wrote: "I'm impressed with how far you've come starting so late in the year!"Thank you! I just added what I've read so far this year to the existing list :) I've already bookmarked some TBRs from the prompts though. It's a great way to branch out from my go-to genres!
Lindsey, i suspect half the books i’ve read from the list are ones i wouldn’t have otherwise read. It’s truly been a challenge but also overall rewarding.
I'm glad you are enjoying this challenge. I'm thinking next year if people are up for a challenge, we can all submit prompts to create the new challenge.
Recent Additions: White Smoke - YA Horror/Thriller style with political & racial justice undertones (ie gentrification, jails, & more); I love the way Tiffany D. Jackson weaves just a generally great story idea with threads of political and racial justice. There's so much more to her books than meets the eye.
The Rose Code - Historical fiction at its finest. As a kid/pre-teen, historical fiction is all I read. I've ventured pretty far from it in recent years, but this was a nice trip back. The epilogue and authors notes at the end were particularly interesting; I loved how much truth the author tried to weave into the drama on even the smallest levels.
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good
This was a funny little book. Definitely not my typical genre or style, it's a good example of a book I never would have read without this list of prompts!
Currently Reading: Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
Non-fiction account of gender bias in our current world and its roots in our recent and not-so-recent history.
Great going, Lindsey. I liked theKate Quinn novel quite a bit. Indeed, i have thought of it again when i hear/read more about Bletchley.I had big smiles with the Helene Tursten stories. It’s different.
Thanks for sharing.
Well done, Lindsey !I'm glad that you enjoyed An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good. I've seen the title and was wondering if it was a good read.
madrano wrote: "Great going, Lindsey. I liked theKate Quinn novel quite a bit. Indeed, i have thought of it again when i hear/read more about Bletchley.I had big smiles with the Helene T..."</i>
Thank you! The Rose Code caught me by surprise - I hadn't expected to like it as much as I did. I'm also ashamed to say I didn't know anything about Bletchley beforehand, but I'd love to read more.
Have you read more from [author:Helene Tursten ? That particular book was such a quirky little read :)
Tureen has a police procedural series i began last year, the first of which is Detective Inspector Huss. I liked it and Huss is a straight forward officer, no quirks, just the work. So, when I heard about the Elderly Lady, i jumped on it. What a contrast. There is another, An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed but i haven’t read it yet.On Bletchley, The Imitation Game—Jim Ottaviani is the basis of the film and is mostly set there. I cannot recall the other book i read recently about it. We were fortunate to visit there a few years ago. There is still the machine, which they run hourly. It is loud!
madrano wrote: "Tureen has a police procedural series i began last year, the first of which is Detective Inspector Huss. I liked it and Huss is a straight forward officer, no quirks, just the work. S..."Added to my list, thanks so much for sharing those!!
Adding my most recent to the List:Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 3.5 stars rounded to 4
I enjoyed the information in this book but struggled to get through it. It was a bit dis-jointed and repetitive, although I learned a lot.
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life 3 stars
This is another I learned a lot from. I don't think I'm quite the intended audience (I have not worked my way up the ladder of success only to look back nostalgically on those glory days...), so I couldn't quite relate. But the social science stuff was intriguing. I chose this book after listening to a Rich Roll Podcast (interviewing the author, Arthur C Brooks) and enjoyed the podcast more... This was my attempt to read a book "By someone I disagree with" but this book would probably appeal to many, regardless of political opinions.
Circe 3 stars
I tried to get out of my comfort zone with this one... I don't generally enjoy ancient god/goddess stories, and although this was beautifully written and the story enticing, I still didn't enjoy it that much. But if you're into mythology, you'll probably love it.
Kindred 4 stars
I really enjoyed this one. I'm not into science fiction, but I absolutely love Octavia E. Butler 's writing style and found the story compelling.
Lindsey wrote: "Adding my most recent to the List:Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 3.5 stars rounded to 4
I enjoyed the information in this book but struggled to get through..."
I like Butler's books too!
Thanks for your comments, Lindsey. You are moving right along with your reading. I've wondered about Circe. I like mythology, so will probably get around to reading it next year.I like science fiction but even if i didn't, i find Butler's writing very good. I also enjoy the characters she creates and how she shares what they are thinking.
Lindsey wrote: But the social science stuff was intriguing. I chose this book after listening to a Rich Roll Podcast (interviewing the author, Arthur C Brooks) and enjoyed the podcast more... This was my attempt to read a book "By someone I disagree with" but this book would probably appeal to many, regardless of political opinions..."Well done, Lindsey, on the books and reviews.
I also listen on occasion to Rich Roll's podcasts.
madrano wrote: "Thanks for your comments, Lindsey. You are moving right along with your reading. I've wondered about Circe. I like mythology, so will probably get around to reading it next year.I like science fi..."
You'll probably appreciate and enjoy Circe then. There were lots of references to Gods and Goddesses that went right over my head. The narrator did a wonderful job on the audio book as well.
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: But the social science stuff was intriguing. I chose this book after listening to a Rich Roll Podcast (interviewing the author, Arthur C Brooks) and enjoyed the podcast more... This ..."Thank you!
I found his podcast years ago when I was starting to run more (& trying to be a healthier vegetarian/vegan), but I love that he's branched out a bit with his interview guests in the last few years. I've gotten a lot of book recommendations from his guests as well (he had Adam Grant on earlier this year, who wrote Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know and Johann Hari who wrote Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again ...I love a good non-fiction hah)
Lindsey wrote (he had Adam Grant on earlier this year, who wrote Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know an.."I gave a top rating to Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know---Adam M. Grant
#35) Tech involved - this one might be a stretch, but it's probably my only shot at reading a book about computers/tech: Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again
This is likely in my top 10 for the year. I love a great social science/non-fiction regardless, but really enjoyed the authors writing style and approach to tackling some huge issues.
This is another book I found via Rich Roll podcast.
54) Another stretch maybe? I don't read True Crime much/ever, but I feel like this one fits:
An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed
This is the second book following "An Elderly Lady is up to No Good." I enjoyed the first, but didn't love it. This one was better (or maybe I was just more prepared?). Either way, a great little read to sandwich between more serious/heavier books.
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote (he had Adam Grant on earlier this year, who wrote Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know an.."I gave a top rating to Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You..."</i>
If you liked Think Again, you'll probably enjoy this other one as well:
[book:Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again
Lindsey wrote: "#35) Tech involved - this one might be a stretch, but it's probably my only shot at reading a book about computers/tech: [book:Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Ag..."
This sounds interesting, Lindsey. Thanks for the title.
Also good job on fitting to hard to fit categories ! Well done.
Yes. I LOVED Think again by Adam Grant. I read the eBook. However, it's one book I think I may actually splurge and by a hard copy for my personal library.
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "#35) Tech involved - this one might be a stretch, but it's probably my only shot at reading a book about computers/tech: Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention- and How to..."</i>
I listened to the audio but have considered buying a copy as well! I did the same with [book:What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing.
I don't re-read books often, but probably will reread these.
Linsey, thanks for the update. I’ve stretched a couple of times on the topics for this challenge and I’m okay with that, as long as I feel fine about it. When i don’t, i try a different book. An example would be 22- Legal or featuring the legal profession. I read Marcia Clark, LA former DA ‘s, first novel, thinking it would be full of courtroom material. Wrong! So I’ve found another.
madrano wrote: An example would be 22- Legal or featuring the legal profession. .."Legal thrillers used to be my go to read. It's odd that I've still not filled in #22 on the challenge.
I don't think I'll be able to complete the challenge as it's already November. However, I am quite pleased that I have ticked off most of the prompts. I appreciate that it made me read outside my comfort zone.
I doubt i will get the full compliment but close.
It will be fun when we make a new list for 2023 with all of us contributing. Maybe we will see how many join. This year we have 4. So each could contribute 25. We also could do less than 100. Whatever you all decide. All that said....2023..... OMG... where do the years go?
madrano wrote: "Linsey, thanks for the update. I’ve stretched a couple of times on the topics for this challenge and I’m okay with that, as long as I feel fine about it. When i don’t, i try a different book. An ex..."I think that's a great way to do it. I've identified books that interest me for most of the categories going forward, but I'm afraid I'll run out of time before I get to them all. I've really enjoyed this challenge and looking outside of the books I'd normally gravitate towards.
Alias Reader wrote: "It will be fun when we make a new list for 2023 with all of us contributing. Maybe we will see how many join. This year we have 4. So each could contribute 25. We also could do less than 100. Whate..."I've really enjoyed this challenge. I also won't be able to finish it completely, but it absolutely did the job of getting me reading a larger variety of books.
I'm glad to hear that, Lindsay. I've enjoyed doing the challenge with you and learning about new books !
Recent Additions:2- Book with an animal as a character
I Am a Cat
DNF, but I feel like I read enough for it to count... This was a cute book, but so long. It's Japanese Satire, which I probably don't have enough of an appreciation for, but I thought it was beautifully written and clever.
21 - Politics
Prison by Any Other Name: The Harmful Consequences of Popular Reforms
Another DNF - I love non-fiction and appreciated the purpose of this book, but wow was it boring. No real "flow" - just an onslaught of information without enough anecdotes and quite dry. I also felt like the author was sort of dumping problems on the reader without giving much in the way of solutions.
99- Buddy Read
Her Body and Other Parties: Stories
Another rough read - I did finish this one, but it was definitely not my type of book. I enjoyed it for what it was - a creative, almost experimental type of writing, pseudo-retelling/inspired by ghost stories, with feminist undercurrents.
Lindsey, you have been quite the trooper, starting so late into the year.It's a shame that Maya Schenwar's book is disappointing, as it's an important topic. I see Michelle Alexander was quoted in the Goodreads write-up. Her book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness is on my 2023 personal Determination List. I hope it turns out to be one i can read & appreciate.
I'm glad you shared these titles with us.
madrano wrote: "Lindsey, you have been quite the trooper, starting so late into the year.It's a shame that Maya Schenwar's book is disappointing, as it's an important topic. I see [author:Michel..."
I hope you enjoy her other book! And hopefully I'm an outlier with this one... It's an important topic. And one I hope gets more attention, as the issues she brings up truly need to be addressed.
Lindsey wrote: "Recent Additions:2- Book with an animal as a character
I Am a Cat
DNF, but I feel like I read enough for it to count... This was a cute book, but so long. It's Japanese Satire, whic..."
I give you credit for even trying. I certainly think it counts.
Also these challenges are really for fun. No one is signing any contract in blood. :)
Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Recent Additions:2- Book with an animal as a character
I Am a Cat
DNF, but I feel like I read enough for it to count... This was a cute book, but so long. It's Japan..."
haha, good point. I'm glad I attempted several of these (many that I wouldn't have considered or even found without the prompts!), and most have turned out well.
I've really enjoyed getting outside of my comfort zone with this challenge - Thank you for creating it!
madrano wrote: "Lindsey, you have been quite the trooper, starting so late into the year..."Exactly !
When the year ends I'll post which prompts I've not gotten to.
Book Nook Cafe
Books mentioned in this topic
Long Division (other topics)Heavy (other topics)
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones (other topics)
A Christmas Carol (other topics)
A Christmas Carol (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Kiese Laymon (other topics)Kate Quinn (other topics)
Maya Schenwar (other topics)
Maya Schenwar (other topics)
Michelle Alexander (other topics)
More...
1 - Book you picked because of the cover
Yolk
2- Book with an animal as a character
I Am a Cat by Natsume Sōseki
3- Travel memoir
We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year
4- A classic
A Christmas Carol
5- Short story collection
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good
6- Historical Fiction
Mornings in Jenin
7- Biography, memoir or autobiography
The Glass Castle
8- A non fiction book
Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again
9- A book with a city or country in the title
The Secret Keeper of Jaipur
10- A book with a number or color in the title
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
11- A genre you rarely or never read
Circe
12- A book you already own
The Pillars of the Earth
13- A health, diet, exercise, fitness & wellness book
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
14- A book over 500 pages
The Goldfinch
15- A book under 125 pages- novella
Beast In View
---> 16- Music, art, dance, theater, acting theme
17- An audio book
I Live a Life Like Yours: A Memoir
18- A book about nature
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
19- sports related book
Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever
20- Romance
A Dowry of Blood
21- Politics
Prison by Any Other Name: The Harmful Consequences of Popular Reforms
---> 22- Legal or featuring the legal profession
23- About business or economy
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
24- Self- help
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
25- religious or spirituality
Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day
26- Mystery or thriller
The Couple Next Door
27- Current events
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Pérez
28- About Science or math
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
29- Humor
Anxious People
30- Celebrity book club pick
Circe by Madeline Miller
31- History
The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur
32- YA book
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
33- DIY, cooking, hobbies, craft book
Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen: Traditional and Creative Recipes for the Home Cook
34- Travel - (time travel?)
Long Division
35- computers / tech involved in the book
Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again
36- graphic novel
The Secret World of Arrietty Film Comic, Vol. 1
37- Literature - fiction
World Without End
---> 38- book about or set in outer space or astronauts
39- A story set during a war
The Things We Cannot Say
The Rose Code
40- bio of a U.S. President or leader of country you live in
The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur
---> 41- bio of President or leader of a country you don't live in
42- Book you DNF but want to give another chance
Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver
43- Book from the Banned Book list. (any year)
The Glass Castle
44- post apocalyptic story or dystopian novel
When No One Is Watching
45- a book by a debut author
A Place for Us
46- A book published in 2022
The School for Good Mothers
47- An award winning book
The Son of the House
48- A Pulitzer prize winning book or Nobel prize winning author
The Goldfinch
49- A beach read
Wish You Were Here
50- Book that has some illustrations, photos or maps
We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year
51- book you've been meaning to read but never got around to it
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
---> 52- book written in letters or diary- epistolary
53- Book about racism
White Smoke
---> 54- True Crime
55- Famous author you never read
The Evening and the Morning
56- book by author you disagree with
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
57- A top rated book that you were surprised by that doesn't fit another category.
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
---> 58- Booker Prize winner
59- Book about mental health
What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
60- Horror
White Smoke
61- book about philosophy
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
---> 62- poetry
63- A book published in the 1980s
The Pillars of the Earth
64- A book published in the 1970s
Kindred
---> 65- A book published in the 1960s
66- A book published before 1960
Beast In View
67- A book published before 1900
A Christmas Carol
---> 68- A book about medicine or someone involved with medicine
**TBR:** How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease
---> 69- A book about education or takes place in a school setting
70- A book set or about a country you would love to visit
The Secret Keeper of Jaipur
71- A book set in the future
The School for Good Mothers
72- A book originally published in a foreign language
Fresh Water for Flowers
73- LBGTQ+ book or protagonist
Her Body and Other Parties: Stories )
---> 74- A play
---> 75- celebrity memoir
76- Book made into a movie/tv show
Kindred
77- A book you think would be a challenging read for you
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
78- A book about a difficult topic
What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
79- Inspirational or motivational book
Manifesto for a Moral Revolution: Practices to Build a Better World
80- Read a book set on or about one of the continents -
Asia - The Secret Keeper of Jaipur
Africa - The Son of the House
N America - Raising Ollie: How My Nonbinary Art-Nerd Kid Changed (Nearly) Everything I Know
S America - Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver
---> Antarctica -
Europe - Fresh Water for Flowers
---> Australia -
Extra credit if you read one from each continent.
81- A book recommended by someone from Book Nook Cafe
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good
82- A book by an author who has published at least 4 books
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
83- A book you want to read because of a book review you read.
The Midnight Library
---> 84- A book that was recommended or mentioned in another book you read
85- adventure or espionage
The Rose Code
---> 86- A Western
87- Read at least 22 books in 2022
Check :)
88- Coming of age novel
Long Division
89- A book from your TBR list
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
90- A book from the 100 books everyone should read before they die https://www.businessinsider.com/100-b...
The Pillars of the Earth
---> 91- A book from Modern Library best 100 Fiction book list https://www.modernlibrary.com/top-100...
---> 92- A book from Modern Library best 100 Non Fiction book list https://www.modernlibrary.com/top-100...
93- A book that takes place during a holiday
A Christmas Carol
94- Read more books than you did in 2021
Yes!
95- Read a book that was published before you were born
Beast In View
96- A book whose title begins with the letter B, N, or C
Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever
---> 97- Read a fiction and nonfiction book on the same topic
**TBR:** Aké: The Years of Childhood
98- Book set on a plane, train or cruise ship
A Slow Fire Burning
99- A book you Buddy Read with someone
Her Body and Other Parties: Stories
100- A book with either a cop, detective or doctor character in it
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good