The 52 Book Club: 2025 Challenge discussion

WEEKLY CHECK-IN
February 26, 2024 -- Week 9

Our second month of 2024 is drawing to a close! We're starting week nine of our challenge, and we'd love to hear how it's been going this month!

- Are you on track with your personal reading goals?
- What was your favorite February read?
- Any other reading (or personal) highs or lows this month?

I'm sort of on track with my reading goals. I'll have finished 10 of 52 tomorrow. As for my favorite read this month...Lessons in Chemistry, The Dragon Knight's Beloved #1 (series - I've managed to read 1-4), Cursed Princess Club Volume Three: A WEBTOON Unscrolled Graphic Novel, Thin Air, Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 4, Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 5,and The Garner Files: A Memoir. I had a lot of good ones so can't really pick a favorite as they're all so different.

I am ahead of schedule on my reading goals, so that's good. I had two favorite reads for February The Code of the Woosters byP.G. Wodehouse and Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson. Both were 4-star reads and very entertaining.

The majority of the month, I read It by Stephen King, and it was a long slog that could have been reduced by 25% (he was definitely on drugs with some of those scenes). Then I read Animal Farm and started 1984.

While I wish I had read the February mini-challenge books, I'll work on those in March.

I finished four books this week:

My bondage and my freedom - Frederick Douglass (loved that one and will read more of his work. Finished as part of the mini challenge)

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams (do I NEED to say anything about this one?! Finished as part of the mini challenge)

The Everlasting Man - G. K. Chesterton (audiobook that I wish I had read in paper form. Very dense and it would have been good to be able to stop and ponder. Will read it again some time, this time properly)

The Mystery of the Blue Train - Agatha Christie (a snack for in between, low stakes with little excitement)

Semi-on track with my reading goal. Unfortunately I hit a reading slump for the month of Feb. so I didn't read anything., but I have my TBR set for March so I'm hoping things will pick up.

I'm currently ahead on my reading goals, which is nice. I read a lot this month so I'm limiting my list of favorites to only those I rated 5 stars:
Hollow by Shannon Watters, a graphic novel "sequel" to Sleepy Hollow.
The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake, the final book in a dark academia trilogy.
Girlfriend on Mars by Deborah Willis, this was my sleeper hit; I was not expecting it to be as good as it was, but I loved it. A close to modern sci-fi book about a woman who joins a reality show where the contestants compete to be the first man and woman to live on Mars.

Lucilla wrote: "I'm currently ahead on my reading goals, which is nice. I read a lot this month so I'm limiting my list of favorites to only those I rated 5 stars:
Hollow by [author:Shannon Watters..."

Girlfiriend on Mars was really good. I definitely don't see it being talked about.

I'm about 1 book ahead on my reading progress for the year, so that is good. Last year at this time I was already a few books behind. I spent February mostly catching up on series books, so I'm not sure which one would be my favorite. Probably The Goodbye Man, which is book 2 in Jeffery Deaver's Colter Shaw series. I also read One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall, which was an interesting book that I really don't know how to classify. For this one, I found the premise of the plot really intriguing, but the book overall was just MEH,

I don't really have any goals, so that wasn't hard to meet. I did read a couple of interesting books that I wouldn't have picked up if it weren't for this challenge: If You Could Be Mine for one of the mini-challenges, and The Mad Scientist's Daughter for #36.

I am definitely on track with my reading goals. I completed the February Mini- Challenge and 4 main challenge prompts. So far I have used all books that were on my shelves. I was having difficulty finding a book for the Read It, Watch It Challenge, but found a book to use although I already completed the Hybrid Genre using another book. I had three 5-star books this month. My biggest surprise wasThe Knockout Queen, which has been on my shelf for years.

I'm well ahead on my challenge goals: finished 12 last month and 6 this month.

My favorite books this month were the two nonfiction, Hidden Figures and Killers of the Flower Moon. The book I had the longest struggle with was The Famished Road by Ben Okri. I chose it for the February minichallenge as by a black author in one of my favorite genres, magic realism. This was extreme magic realism. I rate it a 5, but it is not easy to read.

Two other challenge books I read this month were The Lost Bookshop and Neil Gaiman's graphic poem What You Need to Be Warm - both of them also rate a 5.

Finally there was That Month in Tuscany, chosen because I don't usually read romance novels. I enjoyed it.

I absolutely loved Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow despite it's problems. The way it focuses on women of the family and domesticity. Something matriarchal was awaken with this book. So far I'm on track with most of my goals, I still have to meet one until February ends but yeah, we'll see.

If we're counting re-reads, my favorite book of February has been Six of Crows. If we're only counting new reads, though, then it would have to be Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O'Clover. I'm a little bit behind in my personal reading goals, but I also moved this month, so I'm not surprised by that. Hopefully with things finally settling I can keep up with my reading a bit better

I am far ahead of my challenge goals, I have read 37 books so far this year. Not all of them are the 52 Book Challenge (January 12, and February 6, so far)

My favorite read was by far Legendborn. I picked it up as the February mini-prompt A Black author in your preferred genre. I LOVED this book.

I had two choices for prompts which I DNFed. Black Sun was above my squick threshold, I am sure the book would have been fine but I can't do graphic injuries. That's a me thing, nothing against the book. On the other hand Assistant to the Villain, that was the book was terrible thing. I will have to find another book to satisfy the Palindrome on the Cover prompt.

Pick a book without reading the blurb Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf was not as terrible, but it was firmly "meh" I am never ever reading a book without reading the blurb.

The rest of the prompts:
A character-driven novel Gwen & Art Are Not in Love It could have been better but it wasn't terrible
Lowercase letters on the spine Mort Discworld, need I say more?
Self-insert by an author Just Stab Me Now So much fun how she translated the YouTube shorts to a proper book.
A yellow spine The Secrets of Wishtide Don't love mysteries but it was still fun. Liked the main character a great deal.
A musical instrument on the cover Lucky Leap Day Charming romp, the perfect cleanser after Assistant to the Villain. I probably wouldn't have given it as high of a rating (5 stars) if I wasn't coming off such a disappointment.


Still working through:
A revenge story The Count of Monte Cristo it's long and it triggers my anxiety even though I know what is going to happen
Published in 2024 - Frostbitten reading in small chunks because triggers my anxiety. I love the Deep Ops series but suspense is not my normal genre
Set in a landlocked country The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu and Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts reading in small chunks because triggers my anxiety. I recognize this is a true story that happened in the past, but tell that to my anxiety.

I'm actually ahead on my personal reading goal for once! I just finished 13/52 for the challenge, mostly because I've been able to listen to the audiobooks while doing other things. My favorite read for February was probably Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas which was for prompt 40.

This month had a varied set of books. Most were good, some a little dense, some just a little weird. I am ahead on all my challenges:
20/52 - 52 Book Club
16/52 - Around the World in 52 Books
10/45 - PopSugar
13/32 - Robot Librarian
56/250 - Goodreads

My favorite this month was a duology - An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good and An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was not what it was. I liked the short chapter story format and the main character, Maud, is awesome.

I'm ahead of my reading goals right now and I've actually extended them. My favorite February read was The Spectacular by Fiona Davis. One thing I'm proud of this month is that I've had stories featured in three major author blogs/newsletters this month!

- Are you on track with your personal reading goals?
On my overall reading goal, I’m at 20/100. Slowing down now as I am on vacation and very busy every day with little time to read.

- What was your favorite February read?
All the Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay, a novel that takes place in an alternative world based on Renaissance Italy. So glad I read it before my current trip to Italy—so many things resonate more now that I see some of the places in person!

- Any other reading (or personal) highs or lows this month?
The Last Emperox by John Scalzi was also a good read this month—final book of the Interdependency trilogy. Not the best book of the 3, but still very good.

I’ve completed 8 books so far this month: half for the challenge, half just because. I’m currently reading (and hope to finish before month’s end) two for the challenge.

Completed:
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry (5 stars)
The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of US History by Ned Blackhawk (3 stars)
This Other Eden by Paul Harding (2 star)
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (5 stars)
Summer Frost by Blake Crouch (4 stars)
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (5 stars)
The Last White Rose: A Novel of Elizabeth of York by Alison Weir (3 stars)
Go As A River: A Novel by Shelley Read (5 stars)

In Progress:
The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis (54% complete)
The Queen of Sugar Hill: A Novel of Hattie McDaniel by ReShonda Tate (just began today)

Year to Date Stats: 26 books for the year complete; 14 of them for the challenge.

- Are you on track with your personal reading goals?

I'm well ahead of where I should be.

- What was your favorite February read?

The month still has a couple of days left, so I'll hold off on this answer until the bitter end.

- Any other reading (or personal) highs or lows this month?

Since this is Valentine's month, a couple of prompts called for what is rapidly becoming my most loathed genre, romance. Let's say I found both of the books I read from the genre not worthy of the time and effort it took to read them.

At the other end of the spectrum, I've been pushing myself to read more non-fiction than I normally do, from one maybe every year or two, to at least one per week. Maybe I got lucky with my choices, but I was really impressed with most of the non-fiction I read this month. I relied on the Obama recommended reads list for which ones to try. Thanks, Obama!

I’m ahead in all my reading. For 52 week challenge locking in some categories but just tapping some as they could fill more than 1 so waiting it out. But great headway. I’ve read 30+ books this year so far.
And just found out i have some corneal erosion AGAIN but they assure me reading is fine, just drops drops drops

Best… I’ve read 6 Sharon Sala books.. yes kinda quick reads but she is always a good time. Also knee deep in The Moonstone Brooch and loving it.
Audio listening to Remarkably Bright Creatures - struggling a bit and might be the audio part, also have an indigenous book on the go that is not really progressing

Considering my read life is sporadic I'm behind on my goals but I know there will be time to catch up.
My favorite February read was The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, and Get Stuff Done by Kendra Adachi

I don't set specific goals, but I've had a really good reading month again.

I'm 18/52 so far for this challenge - still managing to fill prompts by accident rather than having to target my reading. That might not last that much longer though!

I've had several 5 star reads this month (as well as a bunch of 4 star very honourable mentions). I've tried to read around the world, and seem to have notched up a lot of virtual air miles.

The 5 star reads were:
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Honor
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

My absolute high for this month has been Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I did have some issues with it but the writing was so good and the depth of character and voice so fine that I felt it deserved at least 4.8 stars, if not quite five.

For work-related purposes I re-read Animal Farm and read (and later watched the theatre performance of) The Doctor, both of which I gave four stars.

My other reads from this month have been a little disappointing.

My favourite Feb read currently is House of Flame & Shadow for my 5 star read this month, but i had alot of other 4 star near 5 star favs I have read.

I am currently ahead of my reading challenge, and working my way through the prompts for the book journal as well.

I haven't read as much as I did in January, with were I started a new job but I never put pressure on myself to read so many books, also it was my birthday month and got so many new amazing books to add to my TBR.

February 52 Book Club Challenge: , , , , . Favorite: Under the Whispering Door. Least fave: Anna K. Currently reading: .

February round-up

1. The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ prompt 8
2. The Rise by Ian Rankin ⭐️⭐️
3. The Herbalist's Secret by Annabelle Marx ⭐️⭐️⭐️ prompt 48
4. Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin by Hannah M. Lynn ⭐️⭐️⭐️ prompt 37
5. The Guestbook At Willow Cottage by Holly Martin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Feb mini challenge prompt 2
6. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
7. The Stranger in her House by John Marrs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ prompt 52
8. Forbidden Friends by Anne-Marie Conway ⭐️⭐️ prompt 4
9. I Know You by Claire McGowan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
10. Regency Romance Collection by Christina Courtenay ⭐️⭐️⭐️

- Are you on track with your personal reading goals? I am ahead of my personal goal of 90 books this year. I have read 28 books so far.
- What was your favorite February read? I had a lot of good reads this month. Two were five star reads: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store and King: A Life.
- Any other reading (or personal) highs or lows this month? No lows. I read all Black authors this month except for the last book, which I just finished: a biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Read some really good fiction and non-fiction. In addition to those five-star books, all but one of the twelve books I read in February were four-star books: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019, River Sing Me Home, Becoming, Silver Sparrow, Harlem Shuffle, Crook Manifesto, and The Mayor of Maxwell Street. Outstanding month!

- Are you on track with your personal reading goals?

I only track my goals by the year so it's hard to say. I'm a teacher so i read a lot more during vacations and less when grades are due. We have had 2 three day weekends this year...but grades were due after one of them. The long breaks to catch up on reading are in July, November and December
- What was your favorite February read?

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

- Any other reading (or personal) highs or lows this month?

The library came through with 2 books far ahead of expectations so I have been trying to finish those to return them, causing me to fall behind in a few books I had started and expected to progress in. And that someone complained about the book I recommended for my classic book club due to content that is offensive to today (but not when it was written.....despite the fact we read books with content that is offensive today all the time, its a pitfall of classic literature)

Denise wrote: "- Are you on track with your personal reading goals?

I only track my goals by the year so it's hard to say. I'm a teacher so i read a lot more during vacations and less when grades are due. We ha..."
I agree with your stand on books that may be offensive now but weren't when written. I think it is important to continue to read those offerings and discuss the changes in society since they were written. It is just the reverse on TV in my opinion. Shows from the 60s were much less controversial than shows produced today: less violence, rough language, etc. But, there is the issue of diversity (or lack thereof) in early TV. I still watch Holiday Inn every Christmas and if I have any young people watching it with me, we discuss the blackface scene and how it was portrayed. Laura Ingalls Wilder recalled an incident from her childhood regarding Native Americans. Are her memories to be discounted? I just ran across a similar incident in the book Laddie: A True Blue Story by Jean Stratton-Porter and I have to think that these incidents are not made up but are from recollections of pioneers/settlers. Another great door to discussion of how indigenous people have been treated.

AngieA wrote: "Denise wrote: "- Are you on track with your personal reading goals?

I only track my goals by the year so it's hard to say. I'm a teacher so i read a lot more during vacations and less when grades..."

Thank you for expressing this so well. I think the person's issue is that the group targeted in this latest is a group HE belongs to...but we've read so many misogynistic books without complaint it's not even funny! But another member of the targeted group has given his blessing and agrees it is a great way to open discussion on changes in society

I'm on track with my reading goals but I've definitely been slowing down with my reading. I'm in my final year in college so all of my assignments and tests are priority at the moment. I'm not reading as much as I'd like to, but I squeeze it in whenever I can.
My favorite book that I read in February was Nestlings by Nat Cassidy. I loved his other book (Mary: An Awakening of Terror) and had high hopes for his new book, which he delivered.
In March, I plan on reading more books that pertain to the challenge, rather than picking whatever I want to read. A lot of books that are on my TBR match different prompts, so I'd like to try to keep March solely to books for this challenge.

This has been the most I’ve read back to back in a long time! I am still very excited in where this challenge is going to take me. I completed 4 books this month. I love how some of these books have series or movies to go with them. It gives me something to talk about. I am very excited to read my first Jane Austen! Thank you for this challenge. My favorite book for the month of February was Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. In fact, this month has taught me a lot historically as I chose my hybrid genre and my indigenous culture. Boy… we have come a long way but still have so much to learn.

As a children's librarian I read a lot of middle-grade fiction. My favorite book of the month was from Canadian author Polly Horvath, Pine Island Home. Orphans on their own in Canada, it ticked so many of my boxes. Alas, it did not meet any of my unused prompts.

A close second was the ultra-violent, Razorblade Tears I used it both for, A Revenge Story, and the Black History Month Mini-Challenge.

By the end of February, I've checked-off 23 of the prompts. Most of them were fairly low-hanging fruit. I suspect my percentage will drop rapidly as the months go on, and I need to seek out specific books for narrower prompts. I'm looking forward to it. I like to do do the mini-challenges and the Read-it, Watch it and make them fit within the time-frame given. I'm hoping for March prompts, as I had so much fun with Februrarys.

Amazingly, I am on track and a book ahead. I read The Henna Artist trilogy in February and I think the first book (The Henna Artist) is my favourite, although they all are great.