Book Nook Cafe discussion

A start to a my 2024 Reading Challenge!

2024 Reading Challenge

1. 1980- Whispers by Dean Koontz 4/5 stars 1/25/2024
2. 1981- Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez 4/5 stars 3/2/2024
3. 1982- Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski 4/5 stars 4/12/2024
4. 1983- The Summer of Katya by Trevanian 4/5 stars 5/1/2024
5.1984- The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks 3/5 stars 5/19/2024
6. 1985-Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind 4/5 stars
7.1986- A Dark-Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine 4/5 stars 6/17/2024
8. 1987- The Door by Magda Szabó 4/5 stars 7/18/2024
9. 1988- The Swimming-Pool Library by Alan Hollinghurst 3/5 stars 8/7/2024
10. 1989- Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer 4/5 stars 8/27/2024

Whidbey Island Saga by Elizabeth George
11. The Edge of Nowhere 4/5 stars 2/6/2024
12. The Edge of the Water 4/5 stars 2/28/2024
13.The Edge of the Shadows 4/5 stars 3/19/2024
14.The Edge of the Light by 4/5 stars 3/31/2024

Favorite Mystery Authors
15. Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight by Janet Evanovich 3.5/5 stars 1/30/2024
16. The Burnt House by Faye Kellerman 4/5 stars 4/6/2024
17. Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman 4/5 stars 4/28/2024

A Dozen Film and TV Books
18. Learning to Live Out Loud by Piper Laurie 4/5 stars 1/9/2024
19.Gracie: A Love Story by George Burns 4/5 stars 2/13/204
20. Giant: Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, Edna Ferber, and the Making of a Legendary American Film by Don Graham 4/5 stars 2/17/2024
21. Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens by Eddie Izzard 4/5 stars 4/3/2024
22. Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong by Katie Gee Salisbury 4/5 stars 4/15/2024
23.What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life by Billy Dee Williams 4/5 stars 4/23/2024
24. Still Here: The Madcap, Nervy, Singular Life of Elaine Stritch by Alexandra Jacobs 4/5 stars 5/21/2024
25. This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett 4/5 stars 5/23/2024
26. The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts by Tom Farley Jr. 3.5/5 stars 9/9/2024
27. The World Is Yours: The Story of Scarface by Glenn Kenny 3.5/5 stars 9/18/2024
28. The Spamalot Diaries by Eric Idle 4/5 stars 10/31/2024
29.Cocktails with George and Martha: Movies, Marriage, and the Making of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Philip Gefter 4/5 stars 11/28/2024

One Last Ruth Reichl Book and 8 Biographies
30. Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs by Jennifer Finney Boylan 4/5 stars 2/21/2024
31. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner 4/5 stars 2/28/2024
32. Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune by Anderson Cooper 4/5 stars 4/25/2024
33. The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl 4/5 stars 7/26/2024
34. My Mama, Cass: A Memoir by Owen Elliot-Kugell 4/5 stars 8/31/2024
35. White House Wild Child: How Alice Roosevelt Broke All the Rules and Won the Heart of America by Shelley Fraser Mickle 4/5 stars 9/6/2024
36. You Never Know: A Memoir by Tom Selleck 4/5 stars 9/8/2024
37. The Madwoman and the Roomba: My Year of Domestic Mayhem by Sandra Tsing Loh 4/5 stars 10/11/2024
38. Will by Will Smith 4/5 stars 10/25/2024

Horror Novels
39. The Elementals by Michael McDowell 4/5 stars 3/13/2024
40. The Haunted Forest Tour by James A. Moore 3.5/5 stars 9/13/2024
41. What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson 4/5 stars 10/3/2024

Beverly Cleary Books
42. A Girl from Yamhill by Beverly Cleary 4/5 stars 1/16/2024
43. My Own Two Feet: A Memoir by Beverly Cleary 4/5 stars 1/24/2024

A Banned Book
44. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson 4/5 stars 5/4/2024

Sports
45. Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League by Lyndsey D'Arcangelo 3/5 stars 5/13/2024
46. 56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number in Sports by Kostya Kennedy 3/5 stars 9/24/2024

10 Non-Fiction Titles
47. Random Acts of Medicine: The Hidden Forces That Sway Doctors, Impact Patients, and Shape Our Health by Anupam B. Jena 4/5 stars 3/8/2024
48. Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Sluts and Shrews Who Shaped America by Therese Oneill 4/5 stars 5/72024
49. James Herriot's Dog Stories by James Herriot 4/5 stars 6/14/2024
50.Who Cooked the Last Supper: The Women's History of the World by Rosalind Miles
4/5 stars 8/22/2024
51. Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States by J. Albert Mann 4/5 stars 9/3/2024
52. The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II by Buzz Bissinger 4/5 stars 10/7/2024
53. My Beloved Monster: Masha, the Half-wild Rescue Cat Who Rescued Me by Caleb Carr 4/5 stars 10/18/2024
54. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson 3/5 stars 11/1/2024
55.The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel that Scandalized the World by Sarah Weinman 4/5 stars 11/15/2024
56. Operation Mincemeat: How a Dead Man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and Assured an Allied Victory by Ben Macintyre 4/5 stars 11/15/2024


The Country Girls Trilogy and Epilogue by Edna O'Brien
57.
58.
59.

Science Fiction
60. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar 2/5 stars 6/21/2024
61.Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 3/5 stars 6/26/2024
62. Recursion by Blake Crouch 3/5 stars 7/4/2024

Books Off My Never Ending Reading List
63. Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally 4/5 stars 3/25/2024
64. The Little Liar by Mitch Albom 4/5 stars 6/1/2024
65. Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley 3/5 stars 7/6/2024
66.The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters 4/5 stars 7/15/2024
67. Friends of My Youth Stories by Alice Munro 3/5 stars 7/29/2024
68. Thornyhold by Mary Stewart 4/5 stars 8/13/2024
69. What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley 4/5 stars 11/18/2024
70.Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown by Anne Glenconner 4/5 stars 11/22/2024

Miscellaneous Books
71. The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki 4/5 stars 12/1/2024
72.Bride of the Tornado by James Kennedy 3/5 stars 12/6/2024
73.Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea 4/5 stars 12/14/2024
74.A Fatal Inheritance: How a Family Misfortune Revealed a Deadly Medical Mystery by Lawrence Ingrassia 4/5 stars 12/21/2024

71/74

Happy Reading, Julie !

We all look forward to the titles you select. You always seem to come up with different and interesting titles.

Julie wrote: "2024 Reading Challenge

1. 1980-
2. 1981-
3. 1982-
4. 1983-
5. 1984-
6. 1985-
7. 1986-
8. 1987-
9. 1988-
10. 1989-

..."

I think this year by year Challenge is a great start. It would eliminate quite a few off my TBR of long-standing. Clever list, Julie. We look forward to your progress next year!

Learning to Live Out Loud
Piper Laurie
4/5 stars
I knew about Piper Laurie, the actress but I don't think I ever saw her in many films but I going to check out some of her older films. She was the mother in the horror film Carrie (which I did see). She also lived quite an interesting life. I really enjoyed her autobiography. She just recently died in 2023 at the age of 91.
A Dozen Film and TV Books

When she died i read her obituary with pleasant appreciation of her life. You are right, Julie, what an interesting life. Thanks for sharing this with us.

I'm not sure I know who she is.

I'm glad the book was a 4/5 star winner for you, Julie.

A Girl from Yamhill
Beverly Cleary
4/5 stars
This is one of two biographies written by Beverly Cleary. This is the first one and it details her life growing up in Yamhill, Oregon. This is a juvenile biography but I really enjoyed it and I think adults will really enjoy this book. I am going to read her second book My Own Two Feet and am looking forward to that one also! Beverly Cleary Biographies

Julie wrote: "
A Girl from Yamhill
Beverly Cleary
4/5 stars
This is one of two biographies written by Beverly Cleary. This is the first one and it..."

I enjoy YA nonfiction books. They usually give me just enough info. If I want more I can always read an adult book on topic or person.

Julie wrote: "
A Girl from Yamhill
Beverly Cleary
4/5 stars
This is one of two biographies written by Beverly Cleary. This is the first one and it..."

Oddly, i have read My Own Two Feet: A Memoir but not the first memoir Cleary wrote. Much as i liked the one i read, i was certain the first would be better. Thanks for the review and reminder, Julie.

Hi, Julie. I am just getting around to reading all the determination lists and challenges, starting with yours. I am impressed with the length of your list and the specificity of some of the categories. I'll be checking back to see how you're doing and grab some new TBR books for myself. Good luck!

Michele wrote: "Hi, Julie. I am just getting around to reading all the determination lists and challenges, starting with yours. I am impressed with the length of your list and the specificity of some of the catego..."

Thanks! I like to mix up my categories so that I am not reading the same genres.

Good idea. It's something i really like about Challenge Reading--there's plenty of variety!

My Own Two Feet: A Memoir
Beverly Cleary
4/5 stars
This is the second memoir from Beverly Cleary, writer. The book starts with her college years during the depression including WWII, working at a library and ends with the publication of her first book. I really enjoyed this book too! I am surprised this is a Juvenile book but it is definitely a book adults will enjoy! Beverly Cleary Biographies

I agree with your comment about the audience for this book, Julie. I read it not realizing it was considered for children. The prose and story are straight-forward.

Whispers
Dean Koontz
4/5 stars
This is a very suspenseful novel about a woman and filmmaker, Hilary Thomas who is being stalked by a mad man named Bruno Fyre. When he has been found dead, she is relieved, but he is still haunting her from the grave or is someone else terrorizing her. I enjoyed this book. 1980

Julie wrote: "
Whispers
Dean Koontz
4/5 stars
This is a very suspenseful novel about a woman and filmmaker, Hilary Thomas who is being stalked by a mad man na..."

I don't remember if I read Whispers. I know I read his Watchers which was a real page turner. I can't recall if I read it in the 1980s or 90s.

Looking over his very long list of books, I think I also read Strangers

Julie wrote: "
Whispers
Dean Koontz
4/5 stars
This is a very suspenseful novel about a woman and filmmaker, Hilary Thomas who is being stalked by a mad man na..."

This scenario sounds frightening. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Julie.

The Edge of Nowhere
Elizabeth George
4/5 stars
This is the story of Becca, who's on the run from her stepfather and ends up with a family friend who knows what is going on. In the meantime, she meets a nice, young man, Derric from Uganda. Unfortunately, he is found at the bottom of a hill and is in a coma. There is a suspect, but Becca is not sure that he was the culprit. Whidbey Island Saga

Good job on another prompt, Julie.

I continue to be intrigued by the fact George is better known for her Lindley series but also has this one set in the western states. You will be quite an expert on the series by year's end, Julie.

Gracie: A Love Story
George Burns
4/5 stars
Written by the actor George Burns, he talks about his life and his love for his wife and partner Gracie Burns. He talks about his adopted children since Gracie couldn't have children and he also goes over their roles in entertainment including films, radio and television. Very entertaining! A Dozen Film and TV Books

Julie wrote: "
Gracie: A Love Story
George Burns
4/5 stars
Written by the actor George Burns, he talks about his life and his love for his wife..."

On one of the oldie cable channels you can catch their show.

This sounds good, Julie. Thank you for telling us your impression of it. She seemed like such a precious person.

Giant: Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, Edna Ferber, and the Making of a Legendary American Film
Don Graham
4/5 stars
I have seen this film years ago and highly enjoyed it. The author did a nice job of relating the history of the making of this film and the events around the actors lives in that time period. I am definitely going to re-watch it. A Dozen Film and TV Books

I'm sure after reading the book you will enjoy the film even more.

Nice edition to your completed list, Julie. I remember seeing the movie, too, but wonder what made it book worthy. Did Giant author Edna Ferber play a part in the making? I've read a couple of her novels but not this one.

madrano wrote: "Nice edition to your completed list, Julie. I remember seeing the movie, too, but wonder what made it book worthy. Did Giant author Edna Ferber play a part in the makin..."

I don't believe she had a part in the making of the film but was on the set to see some of the filming.

Neat. I know i would want to keep an eye on things, particularly those actors. LOL!

Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs
Jennifer Finney Boylan
4/5 stars
This is the autobiography of Jennifer Finney Boylan who talks about her life when she becomes a transgender. She also writes about her love of her dogs and what she learned from each of them. Nicely written. Biographies

Julie wrote: "
Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs
Jennifer Finney Boylan
4/5 stars
This is the autobiography of Jennifer Finney Boy.

a memoir of the transformative power of loving dogs..."

That sounds interesting. I'll add it to my TBR list. Thanks, Julie !

I'm glad you shared about this book with us, Julie.

The Edge of the Water
Elizabeth George
4/5 stars
This is the second book of the Whidbey Island Saga series. Becca returns in this novel, but there is also a story of a girl who won't speak and an island mystery about a seal who returns yearly to the Island. Whidbey Island Saga


Crying in H Mart
Michelle Zauner
4/5 stars
This was a wonderfully written autobiography about the rock musician, Michelle Zauner. She writes about her life as a musician, and her Korean family but she also talks about her mother's cancer diagnosis and the effect it had on her family. Highly recommended! Biography

Nice job on your prompts, Julie.

You liked Crying in H Mart a bit more than I did. I gave it 3/5.
I read it back in 2021. If I recall correctly, something about Michelle turned me off.

Congratulations on your continued progress, Julie. I like reading the tidbits you share about Whitbey Islands.

Like Alias, i read Crying and liked it as much as you did. Although, coincidentally, i have not been back to the H Mart since. Hmm

Chronicle of a Death Foretold
Gabriel García Márquez
4/5 stars
This is the story of a young woman, Angela Vicario who married but than was returned to her family because her new husband thought that she slept with another man. Her brothers want to kill the new husband for her dishonor. 27 years later, a man returns to look into the incident. Who is to blame? 1981

Glad you enjoyed it, Julie.

For me I tried to read his One Hundred Years of Solitude multiple times and could not do it. One time I made it to around page 250 before I threw in the towel. And I'm one to rarely DNF books.

So many people rave about it, including Oprah and President Clinton. I really dislike magical realism so that is a big part of my issue.

Anyway, that experience sort of burned all bridges for me ever reading one of his other books.

Alias Reader wrote: "Glad you enjoyed it, Julie.

For me I tried to read his One Hundred Years of Solitude multiple times and could not do it. One time I made it to around page 250 before I threw in the tow..."

This book is about 120 pages so if you want to still read him this is probably the book to read!

Julie wrote: "This book is about 120 pages so if you want to still read him this is probably the book to read!"

Good to know. Thanks ! That does make a difference.

Julie wrote: "
Chronicle of a Death Foretold
Gabriel García Márquez
4/5 stars
This is the story of a young woman, Angela Vicario who ma..."

This sounds good, Julie. Thank you. And thanks for the note that it is a slender book, too. I've liked what i've read from Márquez but sometimes, as Alias noted, there is a mountain to cross in reading him.

Thanks for sharing about it, too.

Random Acts of Medicine: The Hidden Forces That Sway Doctors, Impact Patients, and Shape Our Health
Anupam B. Jena
4/5 stars
The title pretty much explains it all. It was a fascinating look at healthcare and poses questions that the researchers worked on. One chapter focused on who is a better doctor, a seasoned veteran doctor or someone who just graduated. Is it ever a good time to have a heart attack? Another chapter was why kids with summer birthdays are more likely to get the flu. Non-Fiction Books

Good title with a strong subtitle. Thanks for telling us about it, Julie.

That sounds interesting, Julie.

I've heard that, if it's possible, don't get operated on a Friday.

I can see why. Spending a weekend in a hospital is awful! Even the joys of having just had a baby doesn't compensate for a weekend stay at a hospital, imo.

madrano wrote: "I can see why. Spending a weekend in a hospital is awful! Even the joys of having just had a baby doesn't compensate for a weekend stay at a hospital, imo."

I think the reasoning was the top docs don't work weekends. Possible also support staff would be reduced.

Yup. None of which makes it better. No tests, unless it's an emergency, no PT, and longer waits for my beloved chopped ice! 😆

The Elementals
Michael McDowell
4/5 stars
This is a haunted house story revolving around the McCray and Savage families. Matriarch Marian Savage has died and the family has escaped to their summer homes for respite. There are three homes but only two are livable. The third home is sinking and is uninhabitable. The family members are scared of the third home and rarely enter it until this summer when unexplained things are happening to the home and the family members. Horror Novels

Julie wrote: "
The Elementals
Michael McDowell
4/5 stars
This is a haunted house story revolving around the McCray and Savage families. Matriarch Mar..."

Well done on another prompt, Julie !

Sounds good for the genre. I'm glad you shared with us.

The Edge of the Shadows
Elizabeth George
This is the third book in the Whidbey Island Saga. Becca is still hiding out from her stepfather on the island. However, now someone is setting fires! Who is it? There are couple of suspects. There is one more book left in the series! Whidbey Island Sage