Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

For 2025, I'd like to stick with completing just one prompt per week until October with the goal of finishing in December. I have not decided yet if I want to do the Anniversary side challenge.

I'm also planning on reading the shortlist of the Tournament of Books and some from the longlist. (I'm starting this before 2025)

I'd also like to continue to write a few sentences review of the books I read for the challenge.

6. A book with a serpentine element on the cover-
The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
30. A monster book-
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon
or
The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon
39. Two books with a connection from different genres: Book 2
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

2025 ATY

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

✔️1. A book with a cover that has an image of something that starts with A, T, or Y (Tree)-
Paradise Lost by John Milton 5/1/2025 ⭐⭐
✔️2. A prompt suggestion for this year that did not make the list- (fungi)
The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft 1/7/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️3. A book connected to something mentioned in the Do Re Mi song-
Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky 1/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️4. A book set underground, under sea or in an underworld-
The Truffle Underground: A Tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and Manipulation in the Shadowy Market of the World's Most Expensive Fungus by Ryan Jacobs 6/11/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐

✔️5. A book with a weird or intriguing title-
How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing by K.C. Davis 1/4/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6. A book with a serpentine element on the cover
✔️7. A book by an author that uses 3 names-
Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino 1/17/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️8. A collection of short stories or novellas, essays, poetry, or a mix of various brief writings-
The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck 1/17/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔️9. A book that has been long-listed for the Tournament of Books in any year- (shortlist 2025)
Someone Like Us by Dinaw Mengestu 1/10/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️10. A book about witches, goddesses or nuns-
The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo 3/10/2025 ⭐⭐⭐
✔️11. A book set in a fictional location-
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle 6/6/2025 ⭐⭐⭐
✔️12. A book by an Irish author-
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy 4/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✔️13. A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family-
Renegades by Marissa Meyer 6/10/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️14. A science fiction or fantasy novel written by a woman-
The Grief of Stones by Katherine Addison ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️15. A book of secrets, lies, or deception-
Colored Television by Danzy Senna 1/4/2025 ⭐️⭐️
✔️16. A book that fits a prompt from the 2016 ATY list (42. A top 100 fantasy novel) -
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein 2/12/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✔️17. A history or historical fiction book set prior to 1925-
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon 1/11/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️18. A book set primarily in nature-
North Woods by Daniel Mason 8/9/2025 ⭐⭐
✔️19. A book with a cover that has a building or cityscape-
Storm Front by Jim Butcher 2/13/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️20. A book with an animal, vegetable (plant), or mineral in the title-
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick 7/11/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✔️21. A book connected in some way to any collective noun for animals- The Searcher by Tana French 4/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️22. A translated novel from Asia-
We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida 6/5/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️23. A book that involves art, music, dancing or acting-
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras by J. Michael Orenduff 7/20/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️24. A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal-
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah 2/16/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

✔️25. A book with waves on the cover-
Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross 8/15/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️26. A book by an author with a common noun in their name-
Out Of Range by C.J. Box 7/5/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️27. A book set in the winter-
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice 7/16/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️28. Two books with a pair of opposites in their titles: Book 1- Awakening
Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America by Heather Cox Richardson 5/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✔️29. Two books with a pair of opposites in their titles: Book 2- Sleeping
The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Mary Higgins Clark 5/22/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
30. A monster book
✔️31. A book with a coastal setting-
Sealed Off by Barbara Ross 6/11/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️32. A mystery or true crime book-
How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin 2/8/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔️33. A book by an author you enjoyed but haven't gotten around to reading again for some time-
Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett 7/28/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️34. A book title that could be a country song-
Never Meant to Stay by Trisha Das 6/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️35. A book from the NPR “Books We Love” lists (2024)-
Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham 1/13/2025⭐⭐⭐
✔️36. A book with a common household object on the cover (coffee cup)-
Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle 5/25/2025⭐⭐

✔️37. A book featuring adult friendships-
Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom 6/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️38. Two books with a connection from different genres: Book 1-
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester 7/29/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
39. Two books with a connection from different genres: Book 2
✔️40. A book you'd consider a comfort read-
The Magic of Recluce by L.E. Modesitt Jr. 6/27/20025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✔️41. A book that involves digging up the past-
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods 6/10/2025 ⭐⭐⭐
✔️42. A book set in a manor, mansion, or estate-
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw 7/1/2025 ⭐⭐
✔️43. A book whose title has ten or fewer letters-
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar 1/14/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️44. A haunting book- The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo 3/9/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

✔️45. A book by an author whose publishing career spans at least ten years-
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher 3/8/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️46. A book related to one of the traditional full moon names-
Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice 8/3/2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️47. A book relating to fire-
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley 7/25/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️48. A book with a character dealing with death-
Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi 1/9/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔️49. A book that deals with time travel, alternate universes, or alternate timelines-
A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor 5/30/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️50. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2024 or 2025 (2024)- Homecoming by Kate Morton 5/24/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️51. A book published in 2025-
The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth 6/26/2025 ⭐⭐⭐
✔️52. A book with a sunset vibes on the cover-
No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack 7/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

THE ANNIVERSARY LIST

✔️2016: A book originally written in a language other than English-
The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami 6/29/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️2017: A book whose title doesn't contain the letter "E"-
Liars by Sarah Manguso 1/1/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️2018: An author's debut book-
Olivetti by Allie Millington 6/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐
✔️2019: A book related to one of the elements on the periodic table of elements (silver)-
Babel by R.F. Kuang 8/28/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️2020: A book with an emotion in the title- How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith by Mariann Edgar Budde 2/21/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️2021: A book related to a codeword from the NATO Phonetic Alphabet (Yankee)-
How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America by Heather Cox Richardson 3/3/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✔️2022: A book that uses all five vowels in the title and/or author's name- You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue 1/30/2025 ⭐️⭐️
✔️2023: A book whose author has published more than 7 books-
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher 2/25/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️2024: A book that has been on your TBR for over a year (on TBR since 2016)-First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones 5/2/2025 ⭐⭐⭐
✔️2025: A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family-
Archenemies by Marissa Meyer 8/1/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tournament of Books

Shortlist https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/the...

✔️Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino 1/17/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are looking for a sci-fi book this one is definitionally not sci-fi despite the tags. Adina was born in the 1970s, during this time she would not be diagnosed as “neurodivergent”. This creates a feeling of being alien and she truly believes that she is from a different planet. This a good story about her success and challenges she faces as a person who doesn't feel like she is from this world.

✔️The Book Censor's Library by Bothayna Al-Essa 12/30/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I think, I had the perfect timing when reading this book. The audio version was excellent. I loved the modern Fahrenheit 451 feel with the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass twist.

✔️The Book of George by Kate Greathead 12/30/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

George fits the mold of an unlikable character. I really enjoyed the book despite George's imperfections. He felt like a well developed character. I also enjoyed Jenny. She brought a balance to George. I liked how each chapter was broken down into a screenshot of a few years.

✔️The Book of Love by Kelly Link 12/19/2024 ⭐️⭐️

Interesting magic elements. The beginning started out strong. Then it turned into really long repetitive teen drama story. I didn’t care about any of the characters. The ending was slightly interesting, but by then I just wanted the book to end.

✔️Colored Television by Danzy Senna 1/4/2025 ⭐️⭐️

I didn't enjoy this book. I found it boring and repetitive. It got tiring listening to the main character being so negative and lying. I also disliked how she described her son's possible autism diagnosis, "the problem".

✔️The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft 1/7/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed this book. It was different and I'm sure many people will dislike it. I really liked the "translators" footnotes. The book kinda made me think of the movie Clue. Several slightly eccentric people trying to solve a mystery.

✔️Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham 1/13/2025⭐⭐⭐

This book was fine.

✔️Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel 12/29/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was really more of 3.5 stars book rounded up to 4 stars. There were just too many boxers for me. The first half of the book was better. So much time was invested in all 8 boxers yet half of them were eliminated in their first round. Then by the semi-finals and final round there wasn't much to add. I also thought the final chapter didn't fit. (view spoiler)[ We go from a girl's boxing tournament to thousands of years later on alien planets with girls just discovering boxing. (hide spoiler)]

✔️The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck 1/17/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Highly recommend the audio. I'm definitely not a fan of short stories and this one was excellent. The stories are woven together so that you now how they fit. There still is the element that you want to know more.


✔️James by Percival Everett 12/11/2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed the audio-book version of James. It was a good retelling.

✔️Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe 12/25/2024 ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this book and felt for Margo’s troubles. It deals with serious topics and adds just the right amount of humor. Really good character development.

✔️Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar 1/14/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I only like that last 20% of the book.

✔️Orbital by Samantha Harvey 12/9/2024 ⭐⭐

I'll preface my review that I don't generally enjoy literary/sci-fi. This book also was heavy on the literary and light on the sci-fi. There were beautifully written sentences. But, it felt like the author wrote beautiful sentences about space and then placed them in a jar and pulled them out at random to create a book. I'm sure there was some deeper meaning to the book; I didn't get it.

✔️Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte 12/25/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book of short stories was just weird. I can’t say I liked it, but I think that is kinda of the point. The characters all are pretty cringy.

✔️Someone Like Us by Dinaw Mengestu 1/10/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed the story and Mamush journey. I liked how the story switched times and was not told in a linear way.

The play-in round

✔️All Fours by Miranda July 12/27/2024 ⭐️⭐️

The main character starts out unlikable and as the story progress she becomes more and more unlikable. She was so self absorbed and didn't care how her actions affected anyone else. I kept hoping to see some character growth.

✔️Liars by Sarah Manguso 1/1/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was basically a long vent of someone who was in a terrible relationship. Despite all the red flags, she came up with excuses and thought she was in the best marriage possible. Jane was lying to herself about how wonderful John was, and John was a straight up liar. I also really disliked how their son was referred to a the child (or the fetus).

✔️The Wedding People by Alison Espach 12/22/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

These are my type of quirky characters. The story is definitely over the top, but I enjoyed it.

Longlist https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/the...

✔️The Husbands by Holly Gramazio 12/5/2024 ⭐⭐⭐

The book started out really good and intriguing. Then about half way it got really boring a repetitive, and I started disliking the main character.

✔️Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky 1/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Excellent book! It was both dark and beautiful. I listened to the audio version and the narrator enhanced the listening experience.

✔️Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon 1/11/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It took some time to get use to that author narrating the book. Ultimately, I enjoyed the narration though his Irish accent was initially confusing since this book is set in Syracuse, Sicily (Italy, 412). It is great book and I'm really glad to have read it.

✔️You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue 1/30/2025 ⭐️⭐️

I listened to the audio version and found it hard to follow. I had no idea who most of the characters were (based on other reviews several characters go by multiple names). What I did get wasn't very interesting. I wish I could DNF books because this is one that I should have.

2016 list

Not starting this year.
(view spoiler)[
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

1. A book you meant to read in 2015, but didn't
2. A book set in a different continent
3. A book from the Goodreads Choice Awards 2015 (winner or nominated)
4. A book by an author you discovered in 2015
5. A book with a title beginning with the 1st letter of your name
6. The highest rated on your TBR
7. A book about books
8. A classic book with less than 200 pages
9. A book that was mentioned in another book
10. A book by an author you feel you should have read by now
11. A book from the Rory Gilmore challenge
12. A childhood classic
13. Reader’s Choice
14. A book with one of the five W’s -or H in the title (Who/What/Where/When/Why/How)
15. A book set in the past (more than 100 years ago)
16. A book from the top 100 mystery novels
17. A book with a beautiful cover
18. A book on a summer/beach reading list
19. A non-fiction book
20. A book with a first name in the title
21. A book from the Goodreads Recommendations page
22. The first book in a new to you series
23. The next book in a series you are reading
24. A "between the numbers" book of a series (0.5, 1,5, 2.5, etc.)
25. A book whose main character is in a profession that interests you
26. A book everyone is talking about
27. A book with a beautiful title (in your own opinion)
28. A biography, autobiography, or memoir
29. A book by an author who writes under more than one name
30. A fairytale from a culture other than your own
31. A work of young adult fiction
32. A historical fiction book
33. The 16th book on your TBR
34. A book about mental illness
35. An award winning book
36. An identity book - a book about a different culture, religion or sexual orientation
37. A book that you've seen the movie of but haven't read
38. A book about an anti hero
39. A previous suggestion that did not make it into the list (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...)
40. A novella from your favorite genre
41. A book about a major world event (fiction or non-fiction)
42. A top 100 fantasy novel
43. A book about a thing that goes bump in the night
44. A book you're embarrassed to read in public
45. A book related to a hobby or passion you have
46. A crime story
47. A book with a type of food/drink in the title
48. A dystopia
49. A book with a great opening line
50. A book originally written in a language other than English
51. A short story from a well-known author
52. A book published in 2016 (hide spoiler)]

Priority books:

The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
✔️ Homecoming by Kate Morton
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Still Life by Sarah Winman
The Olympian Affair by Jim Butcher
The Dark Tower by Stephen King

January Plans:
As of 1/21/2025 updated on ATY listopias

2. A prompt suggestion for this year that did not make the list-(fungi)
The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft 1/7/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed this book. It was different and I'm sure many people will dislike it. I really liked the "translators" footnotes. The book kinda made me think of the movie Clue. Several slightly eccentric people trying to solve a mystery.

3. A book connected to something mentioned in the Do Re Mi song-
Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky 1/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Excellent book! It was both dark and beautiful. I listened to the audio version and the narrator enhanced the listening experience.

5. A book with a weird or intriguing title-
How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing by K.C. Davis 1/4/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I particularly liked how the author focused on how to think of cleaning. How something is phrased can make all the difference.

7. A book by an author that uses 3 names-
Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino 1/17/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are looking for a sci-fi book this one is definitionally not sci-fi despite the tags. Adina was born in the 1970s, during this time she would not be diagnosed as “neurodivergent”. This creates a feeling of being alien and she truly believes that she is from a different planet. This a good story about her success and challenges she faces as a person who doesn't feel like she is from this world.

8. A collection of short stories or novellas, essays, poetry, or a mix of various brief writings-
The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck 1/17/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Highly recommend the audio. I'm definitely not a fan of short stories and this one was excellent. The stories are woven together so that you now how they fit. There still is the element that you want to know more.

9. A book that has been long-listed for the Tournament of Books in any year- (shortlist 2025)
Someone Like Us by Dinaw Mengestu 1/10/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed the story and Mamush journey. I liked how the story switched times and was not told in a linear way.

14. A science fiction or fantasy novel written by a woman- The Grief of Stones by Katherine Addison ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

15. A book of secrets, lies, or deception-
Colored Television by Danzy Senna 1/4/2025 ⭐️⭐️

I didn't enjoy this book. I found it boring and repetitive. It got tiring listening to the main character being so negative and lying. I also disliked how she described her son's possible autism diagnosis, "the problem".

17. A history or historical fiction book set prior to 1925-
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon 1/11/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It took some time to get use to that author narrating the book. Ultimately, I enjoyed the narration though his Irish accent was initially confusing since this book is set in Syracuse, Sicily (Italy, 412). It is great book and I'm really glad to have read it.

35. A book from the NPR “Books We Love” lists-(2024)
Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham 1/13/2025⭐⭐⭐

This book was fine.

48. A book with a character dealing with death-
Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi 1/9/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I didn't connect as much with this book as some of the others in the series.

43. A book whose title has ten or fewer letters-
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar 1/14/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I only like that last 20% of the book.

2017: A book whose title doesn't contain the letter "E"-Liars by Sarah Manguso 1/1/2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was basically a long vent of someone who was in a terrible relationship. Despite all the red flags, she came up with excuses and thought she was in the best marriage possible. Jane was lying to herself about how wonderful John was, and John was a straight up liar. I also really disliked how their son was referred to a the child (or the fetus).

2022: A book that uses all five vowels in the title and/or author's name- You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue 1/30/2025 ⭐️⭐️

I listened to the audio version and found it hard to follow. I had no idea who most of the characters were (based on other reviews several characters go by multiple names). What I did get wasn't very interesting. I wish I could DNF books because this is one that I should have.

Still need to write review- I've spent Feb and March sick so writing reviews has gone out the window. Maybe once I'm feeling better I will try and write short reviews again,

Feb reads

16. A book that fits a prompt from the 2016 ATY list (42. A top 100 fantasy novel)- Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein 2/12/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

19. A book with a cover that has a building or cityscape- Storm Front by Jim Butcher 2/13/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

24. A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal-
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah 2/16/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

32. A mystery or true crime book-
How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin 2/8/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

2020: A book with an emotion in the title-
How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith by Mariann Edgar Budde 2/21/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2023: A book whose author has published more than 7 books- Fool Moon by Jim Butcher 2/25/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

March reads

10. A book about witches, goddesses or nuns- The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo 3/10/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

44. A haunting book- The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo 3/9/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

45. A book by an author whose publishing career spans at least ten years- Grave Peril by Jim Butcher 3/8/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2021: A book related to a codeword from the NATO Phonetic Alphabet (Yankee)- How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America by Heather Cox Richardson 3/3/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Side read
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher 3/25/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

April reads

12. A book by an Irish author- Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy 4/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

21. A book connected in some way to any collective noun for animals (Murder of Crows)- The Searcher by Tana French 4/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

May Reads

1. A book with a cover that has an image of something that starts with A, T, or Y (Tree)- Paradise Lost by John Milton 5/1/2025 ⭐⭐

28. Two books with a pair of opposites in their titles: Book 1- Awakening
Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America by Heather Cox Richardson 5/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

29. Two books with a pair of opposites in their titles: Book 2- Sleeping
The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Mary Higgins Clark 5/22/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

36. A book with a common household object on the cover (coffee cup)-
Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle 5/25/2025⭐⭐

49. A book that deals with time travel, alternate universes, or alternate timelines-
A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor 5/30/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐

50. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2024 or 2025- Homecoming by Kate Morton 5/24/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

2024: A book that has been on your TBR for over a year- First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones 5/2/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

Side reads
Death Masks by Jim Butcher 5/8/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2025 Summer Reading Challenge Prompts

Chips and Dip - 100 points (500 points)

1a. A book in a series-
Something Blue by Emily Giffin 6/17/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

1b. A book with water on the cover-
Sealed Off by Barbara Ross 6/11/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

1c. A book released in 2024 or 2025 (3/18/2025)-
The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth 6/26/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

1d. A book by a new to you author-
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle 6/6/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

1e. A humorous book-
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras by J. Michael Orenduff 7/20/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Drinks Station - 200 points (1000 points)

2a. FRESH-SQUEEZED LEMONADE-
Hangman's Root by Susan Wittig Albert 7/12/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2b. UNSWEETENED ICED TEA-
Never Meant to Stay by Trisha Das 6/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2c. ROOT BEER SODA-
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley 7/25/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2d. FRUIT PUNCH-
Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett 7/28/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2e. SPARKLING WATER-
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice 7/16/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Burger and Hotdog Toppings - 300 points (1500 points)

3a. Ketchup: A book with red on the cover-
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden 7/8/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3b. Relish: A book by a favorite author-
The Magic of Recluce by L.E. Modesitt Jr. 6/27/20025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3c. Mustard: A book with a military character (serving, retired, or adjacent)-
Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs by Luis Elizondo 7/15/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3d. Pickles: A book title that includes a word starting with the letter P-
In Plain Sight by C.J. Box 7/6/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3e. Cheese: A sentimental book-
Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom 6/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Desserts - 400 points (2000 points)

4a. A book with a child main character- (Ernest is 12 years old and is listed in the synopsis)
Olivetti by Allie Millington 6/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

4b. A book with a wedding-
No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack 7/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

4c. A book that has been nominated for an award- (Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for History & Biography (2021))
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed 6/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

4d. A book with a cafe, bakery, or restaurant as an important setting-
No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly 6/16/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4e. A book originally written in a language other than English- (Japanese)
The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami 6/29/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Sides - 500 points (2500 points)

5a. Potato salad - A book with more than one point of view
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods 6/10/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

5b. Mac n' cheese - A book by an author with 10 or more books-
Out Of Range by C.J. Box 7/5/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5c. Corn bread - A book originally published before 1900- (1847)
Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë 7/20/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5d. Deviled eggs - A book with challenging subject matter- (mental health)
We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida 6/5/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5e. Watermelon - A book over 500 pages-
Renegades by Marissa Meyer 6/10/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

June Reads

4. A book set underground, under sea or in an underworld-
The Truffle Underground: A Tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and Manipulation in the Shadowy Market of the World's Most Expensive Fungus by Ryan Jacobs 6/11/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐

11. A book set in a fictional location-
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle 6/6/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

13. A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family-
Renegades by Marissa Meyer 6/10/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

22. A translated novel from Asia
We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida 6/5/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

31. A book with a coastal setting-
Sealed Off by Barbara Ross 6/11/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

34. A book title that could be a country song-
Never Meant to Stay by Trisha Das 6/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

37. A book featuring adult friendships-
Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom 6/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

40. A book you'd consider a comfort read-
The Magic of Recluce by L.E. Modesitt Jr. 6/27/20025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

41. A book that involves digging up the past-
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods 6/10/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

51. A book published in 2025-
The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth 6/26/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

2016: A book originally written in a language other than English-
The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami 6/29/2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2018: An author's debut book-
Olivetti by Allie Millington 6/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

side reads

No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly 6/16/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed 6/18/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

Something Blue by Emily Giffin 6/17/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

July reads

20. A book with an animal, vegetable (plant), or mineral in the title-
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick 7/11/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

23. A book that involves art, music, dancing or acting-
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras by J. Michael Orenduff 7/20/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

26. A book by an author with a common noun in their name-
Out Of Range by C.J. Box 7/5/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

27. A book set in the winter-
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice 7/16/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

33. A book by an author you enjoyed but haven't gotten around to reading again for some time-
Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett 7/28/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

38. Two books with a connection from different genres: Book 1-
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester 7/29/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

42. A book set in a manor, mansion, or estate-
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw 7/1/2025 ⭐⭐

47. A book relating to fire-
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley 7/25/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

52. A book with a sunset vibes on the cover-
No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding by Catherine Mack 7/4/2025 ⭐⭐⭐

Side reads

In Plain Sight by C.J. Box 7/6/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hangman's Root by Susan Wittig Albert 7/12/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë 7/20/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

August reads

18. A book set primarily in nature-
North Woods by Daniel Mason 8/9/2025 ⭐⭐

25. A book with waves on the cover-
Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross 8/15/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

46. A book related to one of the traditional full moon names-
Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice 8/3/2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2025: A book involving a "group" with at least 4 members that's not a family-
Archenemies by Marissa Meyer 8/1/2025⭐⭐⭐⭐

2019: A book related to one of the elements on the periodic table of elements (silver)-
Babel by R.F. Kuang 8/28/2025 ⭐⭐⭐⭐