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100 Book Prompt Challenge -2023 > Lindseyโ€™s 100 Book Challenge - 2023

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message 1: by Lindsey (last edited Jan 01, 2024 04:28PM) (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments ๐Ÿ“š ๐Ÿ“š ๐Ÿ“š 100 Book Challenge for 2023 ๐Ÿ“š ๐Ÿ“š ๐Ÿ“š


โœ”๏ธ 1- A book adapted to the big screen.
A Man Called Ove

X 2- A book about slaves in the U.S. OR one about freed slaves.

โœ”๏ธ 3- A book by an author you've never heard of before.
The Push by Ashley Audrain

โœ”๏ธ 4- A book you chose simply because of its cover.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold

โœ”๏ธ 5- A book with a epistolary or diary format.
The Yellow Wallpaper

โœ”๏ธ 6- A book set on a farm or a ranch.
The Life She Was Given: A Moving and Emotional Saga of Family and Resilient Women

โœ”๏ธ 7- Told from the antagonist's point-of-view.
Freshwater

โœ”๏ธ 8- A book written in the second person.
The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters

โœ”๏ธ 9- A book recommended to you, whether you think you'll like it or not. Could be a recommendation from a person, review you read, podcasts etc.
A Man Called Ove

โœ”๏ธ 10- A debut novel or book
The Push

โœ”๏ธ 11-A book with a verb in the title.
The Push

โœ”๏ธ 12- A trilogy. Part of a trilogy. (You don't have to read all 3)
The Perfumist of Paris
Gwendy's Button Box

โœ”๏ธ 13- A book with an index
Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers

โœ”๏ธ 14- A comic novel or humorous book.
Yellowface

X 15- A book published in the 1950s.

โœ”๏ธ 16- A book translated into English from another language.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror

โœ”๏ธ 17 - Book set in your current city or hometown
Leaving Atlanta

โœ”๏ธ18 - Book based in a city youโ€™d love to visit
The Covenant of Water

X 19 - Book written by OR about a current or past First Lady

โœ”๏ธ20 - Book with a character that lives with a disability (or impairment)
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

โœ”๏ธ21- Book about Witchcraft, Monsters of any kind (real, historical or fictional/magical)- or - Book with fantastical creatures (dragons, fairies, etc) or- A book with magic in it.
The Magic of the Mirror

โœ”๏ธ 22 - Book about immigration or displacement
Beautiful Country

โœ”๏ธ 23 - Book about Nature/the environment
Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses

โœ”๏ธ 24 - Speculative Fiction or Dystopian novel
Lonely Castle in the Mirror

โœ”๏ธ 25 - Retelling of a Fairy Tale, fable, legend or ancient myth
Wendy, Darling

โœ”๏ธ 26 - Book about motherhood (or parenthood) fiction or nonfiction
The Push
All the Dangerous Things

โœ”๏ธ 27 - Book from Bill Gateโ€™s Favorite Book List: https://www.gatesnotes.com/Books
Klara and the Sun

โœ”๏ธ 28 - Book about inequality (financial, racial, gender or other)
Bad Feminist
Demon Copperhead
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

โœ”๏ธ 29-- biography, memoir or autobiography
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

โœ”๏ธ30 - Music, art, dance, theater, acting theme
Let Me Hear a Rhyme

โœ”๏ธ 31- A book published in 2023
Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir

โœ”๏ธ 32- A play
The Puppets of Spelhorst

โœ”๏ธ 33- Read at least 23 books in 2023

โœ”๏ธ 34- Read a fiction and nonfiction book on the same topic
Opioid Epidemic: This Is Your Mind on Plants & Demon Copperhead
Also: The Age of Fentanyl: Ending the Opioid Epidemic

X 35- A prize winning book that has a different prize then those listed in the other prompts.

โœ”๏ธ 36- A book about an animal(s) or nature fictional or nonfiction
Remarkably Bright Creatures

โœ”๏ธ 37- - The title has a word that begins with a B, N or C in it.
Book Nook Cafe :)
Hello Beautiful

โœ”๏ธ 38- A book about or set in a country you don't live in.
The Nesting Dolls
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

โœ”๏ธ 39- A book published before you were born
The Yellow Wallpaper

โœ”๏ธ40- A Young Adult book- YA- Fiction or nonfiction
Let Me Hear a Rhyme

โœ”๏ธ 41- Book with a name in the title
Demon Copperhead

โœ”๏ธ 42-A classic (modern or older)
The Yellow Wallpaper

X 43- A National Book Award

โœ”๏ธ44- Pulitzer Prize winning book
Demon Copperhead

โœ”๏ธ45- A Booker winner
Shuggie Bain

โœ”๏ธ 46- A book written by a Nobel prize winner- any topic or genre
Klara and the Sun

X 47-A book written about an author, novel, biography, criticism.

X 48- Contains the word "Wife" or "Woman" in the title.

โœ”๏ธ 49-A book about Native Americans OR a book written by a Native American.
Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses

โœ”๏ธ 50- A book about a Real Life Person you admire
The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines

X 51-A book about a Royal Person--any nation, any time period.

โœ”๏ธ 52-A book set in Asia. Fiction or nonfiction
Lonely Castle in the Mirror

โœ”๏ธ 53-A book set in Africa. Fiction or nonfiction
Freshwater

X 54-A book set in Australia/Oceania. -Fiction or nonfiction

X 55- A book set in South America. - Fiction or nonfiction

โœ”๏ธ 56-A book about Asians in the US. or a book written by an Asian American-- fiction or nonfiction
Crying in H Mart

โœ”๏ธ57-A Novel related to Classics, such as a character from Moby Dick with his/her own story/book.
Demon Copperhead

โœ”๏ธ58-Novela
Gwendy's Button Box

โœ”๏ธ 59- Book over 500 pages
Demon Copperhead

โœ”๏ธ 60- A book by Agatha Christie
The Secret Adversary

โœ”๏ธ 61- One word title
Freshwater

โœ”๏ธ 62- book on a modern-day problem/issue? (ie global warming, gun violence, etc.) - Fiction or nonfiction
The Age of Fentanyl: Ending the Opioid Epidemic

โœ”๏ธ 63- A book you knew nothing about beforehand. However something caught your attention. Cover, blurb, title. Tell us why.
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row - the cover pulled me in at first, then the blurb - I didn't realize prior to reading this that it's the same story from Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, but written from Ray's perspective (Just Mercy is written from his lawyer's perspective)

โœ”๏ธ64- a book out of your comfort zone, not a genre you normally read
All the Dangerous Things

โœ”๏ธ65- Concerning food or containing recipes
The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma's Kitchen

โœ”๏ธ66- A book where weather is involved. Fiction or nonfiction
A Children's Bible

โœ”๏ธ67- A book having to do with travel- fiction or nonfiction
Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution

โœ”๏ธ 68- Wild Card ! Any book you feel like recommending to fellow readers.
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row - It's only January, but I'm guessing this will be in the top 2 best books I read this year!!

โœ”๏ธ 69- A health, diet, exercise, fitness or wellness book
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity


โœ”๏ธ 70- About business, the economy or economics. (Personal, home or business)
Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity

โœ”๏ธ 71- related to science
This Is Your Mind on Plants
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

โœ”๏ธ 72- Book about racism
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

โœ”๏ธ73- LGBTQ+ character fiction or nonfiction
Freshwater

X 74- Read more books than you did in 2022
Not happening unfortunately! Maybe next year :)

โœ”๏ธ 75- Book you started but never finished
A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom

X 76- Book on a banned book list

โœ”๏ธ 77- Education or teaching profession or has teacher or student in story F or NF
Leaving Atlanta

โœ”๏ธ 78- book with maps or photographs in it
Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers

โœ”๏ธ 79- set in a country you have never visited
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell - Afghanistan.

โœ”๏ธ 80- set around a holiday
A Children's Bible

โœ”๏ธ 81- books about trauma or mental health issue- fiction or nonfiction
Freshwater
No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model

โœ”๏ธ82 Book with a 4 word title
All the Dangerous Things

โœ”๏ธ83- Famous author you've never read
Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar

โœ”๏ธ 84-A book whose author's last name starts with B,N or C
Gut Feelings: Healing the Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel by Will Cole

โœ”๏ธ 85- graphic novel
Brina the Cat #1: The Gang of the Feline Sun
by Giorgio Salati

โœ”๏ธ 86- WWI or WWII or any war - novel or nonfiction
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

โœ”๏ธ 87- Book about or set in, the state or country you live in
Demon Copperhead
Leaving Atlanta

โœ”๏ธ 88- an author who has published at least 5 books
Barbara Kingsolver (Demon Copperhead)

โœ”๏ธ 89- Author is under 35 years old
Beautiful Country

โœ”๏ธ 90- Thriller or mystery
What She Knew

โœ”๏ธ 91- Crime - fiction or nonfiction
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

โœ”๏ธ 92 - History
Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution

โœ”๏ธ 93- Disease - fiction or nonfiction
When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress

โœ”๏ธ 94- legal profession - fiction or nonfiction
A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom

โœ”๏ธ 95 - short story or essays
Bad Feminist

X 96- a leader whose country you don't live in (living or dead)

โœ”๏ธ 97- a color in the title
Hijab Butch Blues

โœ”๏ธ 98- historical fiction
The Nesting Dolls

โœ”๏ธ 99- spiritual or inspirational
How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self

โœ”๏ธ100- Romance
The Nesting Dolls

โœ”๏ธ 101- Bio or other NF about an Artist (paints, drawing, sculpture, i.e.), Author (poetry, books (F or NF) or an Architect.
Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity

โœ”๏ธ 102- Book (F or NF) written before the 1800s.
The Yellow Wallpaper

โœ”๏ธ 103- Book (F or NF) about Religion or Atheism.
Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir

X 104- A book published in the 1960s.

X 105- A sport related book - fiction or non fiction


message 2: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments First Book of 2023 has been logged and somehow fits 4 prompts! I could have added a 5th for "Thriller/Suspense" (which it's marketed as), but I didn't find it to be a thriller or suspenseful, personally.

The Push - 2 stars
Debut novel & "phycological thriller" by Ashley Audrain. This felt more like a book about motherhood with a twist - *only the "twist" was predictable and honestly kind of boring.


message 3: by John (new)

John | 1944 comments Unfortunately, there can be real stinkers out there! You tried!


message 4: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Lindsey, a four-for-one prompt achievement! Brava!

It's frustrating when promised a "twist" only to find it fairly predictable. This is why i trust Book Nook reviewers more than professional ones or others i do not know. Their new can be my ho hum.


message 5: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments madrano wrote: "Lindsey, a four-for-one prompt achievement! Brava!

It's frustrating when promised a "twist" only to find it fairly predictable. This is why i trust Book Nook reviewers more than professional ones ..."


I see what the author was doing (trying to make us doubt ourselves along with the main character) - it just didn't work well. This was her debut novel though, so I tried not to judge too harshly!


message 6: by Alias Reader (new)

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 29385 comments Lindsey wrote: "First Book of 2023 has been logged and somehow fits 4 prompts! I could have added a 5th for "Thriller/Suspense" (which it's marketed as), but I didn't find it to be a thriller or suspenseful, perso..."

Sorry to hear it wasn't a winner. On the other hand, it fit a bunch of prompts ! Onward.


message 7: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments True, re. debut novel slack cutting. :-)


message 8: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Bit of a slow start to the year... but finally finished Demon Copperhead which somehow fits 6 prompts: Over 500 pages, told from antagonist's point of view, author who's written over 5 books, name in the title, set in the country i'm in, and recommended to me by a friend. It also sort of fits "book about inequality" but I have several others that will fit that prompt, including another I'm still reading.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Barbara Kingsolver 's writing is just lovely and her ability to tell a story and keep a reader's interest past 500 pages is impressive. I also love stories like this (fictional yet built into reality) because they make me want to go read non-fiction books on the same topic (the opioid crisis for one).


message 9: by Alias Reader (new)

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 29385 comments Lindsey wrote: "Bit of a slow start to the year... but finally finished Demon Copperhead which somehow fits 6 prompts: Over 500 pages, told from antagonist's point of view, author who's written ove..."

Wow ! You hit the Prompt jackpot on this book !

I have it on my list to read. I'm glad it's a winner. I can't say I've read a book by Barbara Kingsolver that I didn't like.
The Poisonwood Bible is my fav so far.


message 10: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Well done, Lindsey! Your slow start paid off Big Time, as far as prompts go.


message 11: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments #37, #68 & #95 checked off by Bad Feminist written by Roxane Gay

This was outside of my typical book genre (mainly due to being a compilation of essays), but I really enjoyed it. Roxane Gay is such an amazingly non-judgmental writer (while harshly judging some of her subjects - she has an amazing way of doing both at once, I'm still trying to figure that out), while also being crystal clear about her opinions on everything from feminism to politics to pop culture. I didn't always agree with everything in her essays, but I always appreciated and respected her viewpoints.


message 12: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Bit of a slow start to the year... but finally finished Demon Copperhead which somehow fits 6 prompts: Over 500 pages, told from antagonist's point of view, author w..."

Thanks Alias! I remember loving Poisonwood Bible also, but I read it ages ago (in high school... so at least 20 years ago!) Maybe time for a re-read.


message 13: by Alias Reader (new)

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 29385 comments Lindsey wrote: "#37, #68 & #95 checked off by Bad Feminist written by Roxane Gay

This was outside of my typical book genre (mainly due to being a compilation of essays), but I rea..."



Good job on the prompts, Lindsey !


message 14: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments I like it when an author can express opinions with which i disagree without alienating me from the rest of her work. It keeps a reader on her toes and manages to entertain and inform, as intended.

Lindsey, you are off to a terrific reading year with achieving prompts. Congrats.


message 15: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Thank you both! Many of the books on my list going forward only fit one prompt, so things should taper off a bit. I'm already switching up some of my TBRs for the prompts as I see others logging theirs!


message 16: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments Lindsey wrote: "Thank you both! Many of the books on my list going forward only fit one prompt, so things should taper off a bit. I'm already switching up some of my TBRs for the prompts as I see others logging th..."

You got a lot of mileage out of the ones you've chosen so far.


message 17: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Lindsey wrote: "Thank you both! Many of the books on my list going forward only fit one prompt, so things should taper off a bit. I'm already switching up some of my TBRs for the prompts as I see others logging theirs..."

Same here, Lindsey. I feel like a thief in the night but still do it! This is also another reason i have posted what i "hope" to read for some prompts, in case others are having trouble coming up with titles. Several are quite challenging.


message 18: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Thank you both! Many of the books on my list going forward only fit one prompt, so things should taper off a bit. I'm already switching up some of my TBRs for the prompts as I see o..."

I have such a huge TBR stack that I went through mine and posted what I hope to read, too. I've changed a few, but only a few.


message 19: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I have such a huge TBR stack that I went through mine and posted what I hope to read, too. I've changed a few, but only a few...."

Last year few of the prompts could be found on my TBR, so i added some which were formed from my list. I'm hoping i can keep faithful to them, although thus far, not so. :-0


message 20: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments madrano wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I have such a huge TBR stack that I went through mine and posted what I hope to read, too. I've changed a few, but only a few...."

Last year few of ..."


I'm having trouble finding a book about parenthood I want to read, and also a romance. I don't read genre romances, so I've been searching for a literary novel that contains a romance. I don't know if that's being unfaithful to the prompt or not.


message 21: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "madrano wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I have such a huge TBR stack that I went through mine and posted what I hope to read, too. I've changed a few, but only a few...."

L..."


I never read Romance (unless it happens on accident). That's a clever approach to the prompt!

Although I'm a parent, I don't enjoy most "parenting" style books. I do like those based in psychology though. I think I'm going to read The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read or Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents.
Both seem sort of "self-help"-style, so I'm still on the hunt for something based a bit more in psychology.

Interested to see what you choose!


message 22: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Thank you both! Many of the books on my list going forward only fit one prompt, so things should taper off a bit. I'm already switching up some of my TBRs for the prompts as I see o..."

That's a great idea! I may try to do the same. I love grabbing inspiration from everyone's lists, although it's making my TBR completely unmanageable :)


message 23: by Alias Reader (new)

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 29385 comments Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: I'm having trouble finding a book about parenthood I want to read, and also a romance. I don't read genre romances, so I've been searching for a literary novel that contains a romance. I don't know if that's being unfaithful to the prompt or not.
.."


You totally decides what fits a prompt or not. No pressure. It's a challenge for fun.


message 24: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments I am not interested in childrearing any longer, so most of the books i have seen listed look boring. However, i was a fan of the late Erma Bombeck and may end up reading one of her collections of essays. She could be hilarious & i'd like to see if she holds up on this side of parenting. If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries What Am I Doing in the Pits? was my favorite but i think i'd like to read one i haven't yet tried.

While i don't think i'll reread The Child In The Family--Maria Montessori, i recall being intrigued by her ideas. I read this book over 40 years ago when i (unexpectedly) was pregnant. She gave me direction when i had none.


message 25: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments Alias Reader wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: I'm having trouble finding a book about parenthood I want to read, and also a romance. I don't read genre romances, so I've been searching for a liter..."

Thank you, Alias, and it is fun. I'm really enjoying it and love to read about the books everyone reads.


message 26: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Forgot to add this one a few days ago: The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

This is one of those books that literally every single person in our country would benefit from reading. Despite feeling like I've read a lot about our country's struggles with racism, I was still shocked by several things that happened to Ray (Anthony Ray Hinton) and learned a lot. His story is heartbreaking and enlightening and powerful. Some describe it as inspirational, and while I agree that Ray was an absolute inspiration and made the most of his circumstances - I was mostly just shocked and angered for what he endured.


message 27: by Alias Reader (new)

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 29385 comments Lindsey wrote: "Forgot to add this one a few days ago: The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

This is one of those books that literally every single person in our country wo..."


Thanks for the title and review, Lindsey. I'm not familiar with the book.


message 28: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Forgot to add this one a few days ago: The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

This is one of those books that literally every single person i..."


If you've seen the movie made from this book: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, you'll know the story. I didn't know Ray had written his own book (Just Mercy was written by the lawyer who took on his case).


message 29: by Alias Reader (last edited Jan 24, 2023 07:45AM) (new)

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 29385 comments Lindsey, I am familiar with the book, Just Mercy. However, I've not read it. Thanks for the heads-up that Ray also wrote his own book.

Did you prefer Rays book over Just Mercy ? If you could read just one, which would you suggest?


message 30: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Lindsey wrote: "Forgot to add this one a few days ago: The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

This is one of those books that literally every single person in our country wo..."


Wow, thanks for this title and your comments, Lindsey. I'm adding it to my TBR but moving it toward the top. Good selection!


message 31: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Alias Reader wrote: "Lindsey, I am familiar with the book, Just Mercy. However, I've not read it. Thanks for the heads-up that Ray also wrote his own book.

Did you prefer Rays book over Just Mercy ? If you could read ..."


I read Just Mercy over 5 years ago, and can't remember enough to give a great comparison. I do remember being moved by Stevenson's writing and the overall story.
If I had to suggest one, it would be Ray's own account. He focuses less on the legal aspect of things (although he does include some), and more on his actual time in Prison and on death row. The narrator for the audio book is fantastic as well.


message 32: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Forgot to add this one a few days ago: The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

This is one of those books that literally every single person i..."


I probably should have added that it was fairly difficult to read. The amount he suffered is unfathomable. But I'm glad I read it. And I hope he writes more in the future - he's a natural storyteller and has a lot to give.


message 33: by Alias Reader (new)

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 29385 comments Lindsey wrote: I read Just Mercy over 5 years ago, and can't remember enough to give a great comparison. I do remember being moved by Stevenson's writing and the overall story.
If I had to suggest one, it would be Ray's own account. He focuses less on the legal aspect of things (although he does include some), and more on his actual time in Prison and on death row. The narrator for the audio book is fantastic as well.
..."


Thanks, Lindsey !


message 34: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Lindsey wrote: "I probably should have added that it was fairly difficult to read. The amount he suffered is unfathomable. But I'm glad I read it. And I hope he writes more in the future - he's a natural storyteller and has a lot to give..."

I appreciate that addition, Lindsey. I had pretty much settled on reading Hinton's book because i've been trying to find books about this specific topic. Thanks for the comments.


message 35: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments madrano wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "I probably should have added that it was fairly difficult to read. The amount he suffered is unfathomable. But I'm glad I read it. And I hope he writes more in the future - he's a n..."

Absolutely. If you read any others that you love, please share!


message 36: by Michele (new)

Michele | 629 comments I admire you for taking this on, Lindsey. It's difficult to expose yourself to so much pain and suffering, especially when the systemic unfairness is overwhelming and intractable, and any help one can give seems inadequate to the task. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Michele


message 37: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments I agree with Michele, Lindsey. It must have been a very difficult and bleak read. Maybe, given the title more sad than bleak.


message 38: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I agree with Michele, Lindsey. It must have been a very difficult and bleak read. Maybe, given the title more sad than bleak."

Yes, sad and bleak are excellent descriptors. I found Ray (the author and innocently convicted man) to be a very positive, uplifting voice, but that made it all the more depressing in my opinion. The injustice is hard to fathom.


message 39: by Alias Reader (last edited Jan 25, 2023 06:05PM) (new)

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 29385 comments Lindsey wrote: Lindsey wrote: "Yes, sad and bleak are excellent descriptors. I found Ray (the author and innocently convicted man) to be a very positive, uplifting voice, but that made it all the more depressing in my opinion. The injustice is hard to fathom.

Sad and bleak. However, it's critical that we learn about these gross injustices so that hopefully we can correct them.


message 40: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Alias Reader wrote: "Sad and bleak. However, it's critical that we learn about these gross injustices so that hopefully we can correct them...."

True. First we will have to educate ourselves, then follow up with action. It's almost criminal that a justice system has done this so much over the years.


message 41: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments Lindsey wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I agree with Michele, Lindsey. It must have been a very difficult and bleak read. Maybe, given the title more sad than bleak."

Yes, sad and bleak ar..."


An injustice like that is hard to fathom, for the unjustly accused and for his loved ones.


message 42: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments I started The Pillars of the Earth, but I just never got around to reading it all.


message 43: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I started The Pillars of the Earth, but I just never got around to reading it all."

I love the Pillars trilogy! I didn't realize I actually read the "prequel" which isn't part of the trilogy, so I still have one book left. They aren't my type of books/genre at all, so I was surprised how much I liked them. Probably due to Follett's writing and ability to tell a story, especially as most of his books are 500-1000 pages


message 44: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I agree with Michele, Lindsey. It must have been a very difficult and bleak read. Maybe, given the title more sad than bleak."

Yes, ..."


Yes exactly - his mom, basically his favorite person (he was the baby of the family and lived with her) died while he was still imprisoned. I can't even imagine.


message 45: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments Lindsey wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I started The Pillars of the Earth, but I just never got around to reading it all."

I love the Pillars trilogy! I didn't realize I actua..."


I feel the same, Lindsey. I don't usually like books set in that time period, but I loved The Pillars of the Earth. I have not yet read the other two books. I think Follett is an amazing writer.

Yes. That man's mother must have suffered horribly, with him locked in prison for something he didn't do. It probably contributed to her death. I can understand a judge or jury getting it wrong sometimes, but when it becomes clear that a person is wrongly incarcerated, it's terribly difficult to get out of prison, and it shouldn't be that way. If someone in my family were wrongly incarcerated, I know I couldn't think of much else until the condition was righted, which can take months or even years. The court system here moves so slowly.


message 46: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey | 991 comments Kiki, I completely agree. So many people suffer when the courts make a mistake. This particular story was heartbreaking because the lawyers knew what they were doing. They knew he was innocent and didnโ€™t care. His own court-appointed lawyer intentionally didnโ€™t support him & ignored calls from the real killer, among other horrific injustices.
For that reason itโ€™s a good book to read if you want to understand the South USA, post Jim Crow laws.


message 47: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Lindsey wrote: "Kiki, I completely agree. So many people suffer when the courts make a mistake. This particular story was heartbreaking because the lawyers knew what they were doing. They knew he was innocent and ..."

Yes, that is tragic. The level of irresponsibility involved. As long as it's not their loved ones, right?


message 48: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I started The Pillars of the Earth, but I just never got around to reading it all."

I like the idea of this novel but have yet to attempt it. It's a whopping big book.


message 49: by Bella (Kiki) (new)

Bella (Kiki) (coloraturabella) | 5365 comments Thanks, Lindsey and Madrano.

It's a big book, Madrano, but the pages go by fast because it's so good.


message 50: by madrano (new)

madrano | 23670 comments Always a sign of good writing, imo.


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