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Hi everyone..

12+4 Annual Read:

1.The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll 04/27/2024
2.[book:Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?|61796683] by Crystal Smith Paul 1/14/24
3.The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
4.Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
5.The Five-Star Weekend Elin Hilderbrande 06/29/2024
6.None of This Is True by Lisa Jewel
7.Holly by Stephen King 10/25/24
8.Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar 01/30/2023
9.The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 05/18/24
10. The Only One Left by Riley Sager
11. The Fraud by Zadie Smith
12.The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story

Extra:
1. The Deluge by Stephen Markley
2.The Future by Naomi Alderman
3.Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam 01/24/2024
4.What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Clare Jimenez 01/18/2024

Hey, Veronica!! 🤗

Hey there! Nice list so far! I have a copy of Holly, but want to read her story in If It Bleeds first. Just haven't gotten around to it. Happy Reading!

You're off to a great start. I have to read more of King's recent books. I kind of gave up on him a few years back.

Martha wrote: "I have a copy of Holly, but want to read her story in If It Bleeds first. "

Me too, still on the waiting list at the library. Hopefully early next year.

Holly is definitely on my tbr list. The problem is, I have sooooo many on my tbr list. Haha

Good start to your list! The Five-Star Weekend and None of This Is True will be on my 12+4 list if you want to do a buddy read on either. 😁 I soooo want to read Holly!
Can't wait to see the rest of your list.

Hi Veronica! I loved None of This Is True! I kept trying to go to bed and then waking up to read a little more. Can't wait to see the rest of your list!

You're off to a great start. Good luck.

I'm also planning on reading Holly this year. I can't wait to see the rest of your list. Many look like the GRC Award nominees that I was stalking and adding to my TBR earlier this morning. Happy reading! :-)

Hi Everyone.. I had to put in one Stephen King book.. I hope it's as good as the ratings states

Veronica wrote: "Hi Everyone.. I had to put in one Stephen King book.. I hope it's as good as the ratings states"

I haven't read Billy Summers yet; but I hear it is good. Usually, I am caught up with King, but not the last few years.

I still need to get Holly, too.

I have had the 1619 project forever and have yet to read it. I read the original document in the New York Times and downloaded it. It was excellent. Like the author; I had read Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America as a teenager, because black history was never taught (then or now). There are a ton of history books that support 1619, before it was a thing; so the backlash is ridiculous. Anyway; I hope you enjoy it. Also; there are a ton of YouTube videos of Nikole Hannah Jones discussing this book, as well as her earlier stuff.

Sorry for the long response.

omg SO MANY great books! I read and enjoyed Billy Summers and The Only One Left was decent- more people liked it than me haha

the others I have on my TBR so I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Alondra wrote: "Veronica wrote: "Hi Everyone.. I had to put in one Stephen King book.. I hope it's as good as the ratings states"

I haven't read Billy Summers yet; but I hear it is good. Usually, I am caught up w..."

I have Before the Mayflower in bookshelf. I read this in college.

Lets see how Billy Summers pan out

I enjoyed Billy Summers. The Five Star Weekend is also on my challenge for next year. Good luck with your challenge.

I love Elin Hildebrande. Makes me want to go to Sag Harbor or the South Hamptons in the summer.

Thank you. You 2

Veronica wrote: "12+4 Annual Read:

1.The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll
2.Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul
3.The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store b..."

Looks like a lot of the Goodreads Choice books on your list- some on mine too- and some I just put on my tbr shelf though not this challenge. I bet we have good reading years.

Yes I do. I was surprised a lot of my books made to the GR Choice Books list

I have to say I don't recognize any of these books... Well, maybe Billy Summers. I'll check your reviews next year. Enjoy.

Bill wrote: "I have to say I don't recognize any of these books... Well, maybe Billy Summers. I'll check your reviews next year. Enjoy."

Really.. A few were nominated for GR Best Choice. I know you heard of Holly by Stephen King

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

Ok, The first book of the year. It started off slow. It took about 2 weeks to complete.

This historical fiction is a history I know very well. African Americans passing. and crossing over. I love every aspect of my culture. Survival. Acceptance. Equality. This may not be an ideal way to obtain this. But it is about life or death for so many.. And not just in the African American culture.

Anyway this book took me awhile because I had a hard time connecting the past with the present. Kitty Karr's story was so much more intriguing. Overall to me this book read like a history book. I felt nothing for the characters. I felt they were there to teach the history. But not feel it

Side note - was a bit offended when one of the characters's changed their to one of the characters of Their Eyes Were Watching God. And another was like you can do that. No one will know because no one has read the book.... Umm Ive read it 3x.. Once in school. And now its a movie. Dont mind me. Very few things trigger me..That did

Now I am reading What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez..

Right up my alley... Very Brooklyn and Staten Island.. very NY. LOL.

Those that know me in this group know I can be silly and harmless

Veronica wrote: "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

Ok, The first book of the year. It started off slow. It took about 2 weeks to complete.

This hist..."

Great review. I get triggered by real life stuff, but not too much in novels. I think because real people should know better?? I don't know. I may just leave it alone though.

This subject you will be surprised. It’s on going in many cultures. Just because many think this is better for them.

What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez 4.0.

I loved this book. Now this the NY i know. The culture. The lingo.

But besides I love the story of sisters and mother/daughter relationship. Imagine your sister missing and seeing her on a reality show years later. What would you do as a sister? As a mother? This story is told in the POV of 2 sisters, the mother, and ultimately Ruthy. And the question is what happened to Ruthy Ramirez? You have to read to find out.

Leave the World Behind

I do not know what to say about this read. Its a book one could have a discussion for days. So many take aways. But watch the Netflix movie. The movie version is the reason why there was a massive recall on the Tesla.. The cars needed a reboot.

Veronica wrote: "What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez 4.0.

I loved this book. Now this the NY i know. The culture. The lingo.

But besides I love the s..."

Yeah, I already added this after your review ... LOL

Veronica wrote: "Leave the World Behind

I do not know what to say about this read. Its a book one could have a discussion for days. So many take aways. B..."

Watched it and liked it. Lots of questions. I don't think it was as bad as folk think. I do need a director BTS though; or just read the book.

Read the book. It is slightly different especially the end. And the change of characters.

Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Cizmar 5.0

I loved this book. I kept forgetting that this book was fiction instead of a real true crime. It is written so well you will forget. Oh I guessed the killer...Please read. You will be up all night.

You've been reading some very interesting books lately. The Boogeyman was already on my TBR, and I'm intrigued about the others, I need to check them out.

Read the Boogeyman. You will enjoy

The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll

This book was so difficult to read because of all the horrible characters. I almost stopped reading. However, its intentional Its about the ugly side of reality TV and the people involved.

The Covenant of Water 5.0

This book has to one of my most favorite book. I loved this book. The culture, the scenery and most of all the rich history of Southern India was so breathtakingly written. I had to take my time reading this one. It was like drinking fine wine.. You have to sip. Not gulp down. LOL

Veronica wrote: "The Covenant of Water 5.0

This book has to one of my most favorite book. I loved this book. The culture, the scenery and most of all the..."

This is on my TBR, thank you for the review. I loved his Cutting for Stone, and now I can't wait to read it.

Hi..

Hope everyone is doing well. Its been awhile since I posted a comment. Just been reading and striking off the books....

Just finished reading Holly by Stephen King, I feel I havent read one of his books this good in a long time. I loved and loved to hate all of the characters. Hope to read more about Holly and what she is up to next.

Veronica wrote: "Hi..

Hope everyone is doing well. Its been awhile since I posted a comment. Just been reading and striking off the books....

Just finished reading Holly by Stephen King, I feel I havent read one..."

Just now seeing this.

I have the book on my tbr and have yet to grab a copy. I am behind, per usual. Glad you enjoyed it, Veronica!

9 Down and only 3 to go!! Woot!!

Yes. LOL..

I have been so bad with posting this year. But I love to be able to come back and see what everyone is reading.

I have a spreadsheet ready for the new year 2025..

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store 11/15/2024

This book was not what I expected. I love every page, every word.

The story was so good.. I love the culture diversity. Very similar to where I live but on a bigger scale.

The characters are so realistic. Ms. Chona and her husband Moshe. The mysterious Isaac ( love him... love his gangster.LOL).. Dodo and Monkey Pants.. and Nate..

There were other characters you will love to hate.. Not going to say who..

But the history of Pottstown, Pa in the 1930s is something to read. The Jewish and African American culture mix is beautifully expressed....

Veronica wrote: "Yes. LOL..

I have been so bad with posting this year. But I love to be able to come back and see what everyone is reading.

I have a spreadsheet ready for the new year 2025.."

Not a spreadsheet, Veronica!! Not you too!! 😂😂

I think I want to keep adding a few series books to my list. I am not even thinking about doing the list yet.... well, sorta. 😬

LOL. I have so many books I want to read.

I want to read more series also

I'm looking forward to reading The Covenant of Water & also The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. My book club is reading that one in a few months. Glad to see your positive reviews on both.

I admire all of you who can do those spreadsheets! I just jot things down in notebooks. Not very efficient.

Happy Reading!

Veronica wrote: "Yes. LOL..

I have been so bad with posting this year. But I love to be able to come back and see what everyone is reading.

I have a spreadsheet ready for the new year 2025.."

Good for you... Re the spreadsheet that is.. :)

Veronica wrote: "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store 11/15/2024

This book was not what I expected. I love every page, every word.

The story was so good.. I love the culture diversity. Very similar to..."

My book club read this a few months ago, and we all enjoyed it. Loved the characters and their interactions. Glad you enjoyed it too.

Veronica wrote: "LOL. I have so many books I want to read.

I want to read more series also"

Same. I think I need to take my time making next years list.

Ioana wrote: "Veronica wrote: "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store 11/15/2024

This book was not what I expected. I love every page, every word.

The story was so good.. I love the culture diversity..."

Hi!!!!! How are you?

This would make a great book club read. I would re-read

Hello Beautiful ..

Finally I finished this book. It took me through a lot of emotions..Particularly a bit of betrayal for one of the sisters. The mother was a bit ridiculous with her daughters status in life. But she's old school and was not happy with herself. Without spoiling the book I was not understanding the acceptance of a situation.. And the weakness of another character( weak flaw)..at first..

In the end i realized this read is about grace and forgiveness. This book is about spirituality and being human. Also, it shows how people deal with life based on how they are raised with different personality types. And mental illness is real. Not an excuse.

This book was a lot to unpack and unravel. It felt good to read about characters that saw life for what it is. It made me feel that I am not abnormal after all.