Book Nook Cafe discussion

✅️ 1- YA book (young adult)
Thirteen Reasons Why

✅️ 2- Takes place during a holiday or about a holiday. Any holiday.
Christmas Pudding

✅️ 3- A banned or challenged book
Bridge To Terabithia

✅️ 4- STEM ( any field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) or a character who works in or is involved with any STEM area.
Liquid Rules: The Delightful and Dangerous Substances That Flow Through Our Lives

✅️ 5- A book about a world leader or notable person(s) (living or dead)
Do Let's Have Another Drink!: The Dry Wit and Fizzy Life of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

6- A book from your TBR list or a book you own but never read.

✅️ 7- A book published in 2025
10 Marchfield Square

✅️ 8- A book that was nominated for a prize or won a book award prize. (any year, any prize)
A Journey Into Russia

✅️ 9- A book involving the Arts or character involved in the Arts
(dance, music, painter, theater, drawing, architecture, film, photography)
The North Light

✅️ 10- Animal, vegetable or mineral
Salt: A World History

11- Re-read a book you read before

12- History, Current event, or historical fiction

✅️ 13- A book that takes place in or is about a country you don't currently live in
The Tunnel

✅️ 14- ...OLOGY --- Any field of study that ends in the suffix ology. For example: psychology, sociology, archology, cardiology, dermatology, zoology, ecology, oceanology, biology, zoology etc.
Can be non fiction or a fictional character that is involved in that field.
Culture of the Fork: A Brief History of Everyday Food and Haute Cuisine in Europe

✅️ 15- A book dealing with mental health, physical disability or other health related issue
No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality

16- Author's Last Name begins with R, E, A or D.

✅️ 17- Self help, motivational, inspirational, spirituality, mindfulness, or communication.
By Jon Kabat-Zinn Wherever You Go, There You Are : Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

✅️18- Biography, autobiography or memoir
Myself and Strangers: A Memoir of Apprenticeship

✅️ 19- Mystery, thriller, suspense or true crime novel
Wordhunter

20- novella, short story collection, essays collection, or play.

21- (for 2025) Select a book that was published at least 25 years ago.

✅️ 22- A book that was translated into English.
Beware of Pity

✅️ 23- Travel or a journey (could be literal or spiritual)
Isolarion: A Different Oxford Journey

24- Bildungsroman - Coming of age

✅️ 25- (for 2025) A book title with at least 5 words in the title. Bonus if it is exactly 5.
Don't Try This At Home: Culinary Catastrophes from the World's Greatest Chefs

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Bonus prompts or substitution
NOT required to complete the challenge!
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✅️1- humorous or funny book
Beyond the Devil's Teeth: Journeys in Gondwanaland

✅️ 2- fantasy, magical realism or science fiction
The Librarian of Crooked Lane

✅️ 3- A book that features water. (ocean, swimmer, lake, ship/boat or has picture of water on cover)


✅️ 4- Romance or love 💖
An Exhibition of Malice

5- A book with a female detective

Romance (bonus 4)

An Exhibition of Malice by Emily L. Finch

The first book in this series was fairly suspenseful (thriller), the second was okay though the main characters were headed towards romance. Here, that was played up strongly enough that for me it overshadowed the murder investigation. So, might as well give myself "credit" for this prompt.

A nice start to the 2025 challenge, John !

Credit accepted, John. I like the way you think!

Young Adult (1)

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Oy! Here YA seemed to mean Teen Angst. I'll try to be fair in my review, but don't feel the story could have been realistic, though my YA years were decades ago.

This sounds like a heavy choice for YA but there are young adults who have had to face a friend, family or acquaintance suicide. One hopes the novel you read provided thought for them, if not a better understanding of why a person would take such action.

When i read YA, i sometimes feel a bit of a disconnect because i'm well past those years. When they strike chords, though, it opens my own eyes to a memory or two of my own, helping put them in context. It's as though i never understood, prior to that revelation. I like that.

I'm not sure this is odd or not. When i read YAs set in the '50s, i feel more nostalgic for those years, which i never experienced. They seem more hopeful than i thought they would. But, also, those set in large cities, seem to aim to help readers realize a neighborhood can be as large or as small as a person wants. I like that, from a YA perspective.

But when they are contemporary, i'm sometimes quite lost with the music, video games and popular culture references. No surprise, i guess. :-)

Congrats on this selection. It sounds as though it was a mixed bag, but at least it's another off the Challenge List.

John wrote: "Young Adult (1)

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Oy! Here YA seemed to mean Teen Angst. I'll try to be fair in my review, but don't feel the story could have been..."

Well done on another prompt, John ! Sorry the book wasn't a winner. For YA, I highly recommend John Green

madrano wrote: "This sounds like a heavy choice for YA but there are young adults who have had to face a friend, family or acquaintance suicide. One hopes the novel you read provided thought for them, if not a bet..."

My students love 13 Reasons Why, both the book and the Netflix series. It does strike a chord with them because they know people who have at least contemplated suicide. Fortunately I have never in 29 years had a student take their own life (attempts, yes). Being killed in gang violence though I've had too many...

Denise wrote: "Fortunately I have never in 29 years had a student take their own life (attempts, yes). Being killed in gang violence though I've had too many......"

I'm sorry to learn this, Denise. It must be devastating trying to cope yourself, while being present for your students, as well.

The first time i knew about suicide was my own second day in a new school, sophomore year. She, too, was new to that school, so i identified with her circumstances. We never know, which is why John's selection sounds good to me.

Thank you all. I'm going to stress that I wasn't the target audience, but some reviewers disliked the story, so I don't feel it was just me. My experience with teen suicide was a neighbor boy I did not know (two houses away) decades ago.

Sometimes, those more distant suicides haunt us more than those we knew. It's why the high school sophomore at my school still lingers in my brain.

Mindfulness (17)

By Jon Kabat-Zinn Wherever You Go, There You Are : Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

I'd been curious about the author, so decided to try this title - overall decent though I came away continuing to believe that traditional (formal) practices aren't for me.

John wrote: "Mindfulness (17)

By Jon Kabat-Zinn Wherever You Go, There You Are : Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

I'd been curious about the author, so decided to try this title - over..."

That sounds like an interesting title, John. I think I need to stop and be more mindful of the beauty of nature around us, and spend less time reading the news!

John wrote: "Mindfulness (17)

By Jon Kabat-Zinn Wherever You Go, There You Are : Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

I'd been curious about the author, so decided to try this title - over..."

Good choice, John. I've not read it, but how can one go wrong? Although i'm with you on thinking more formal practices are not for me. The idea is strong.

Congrats!

John wrote: "Mindfulness (17)

By Jon Kabat-Zinn Wherever You Go, There You Are : Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

I'd been curious about the author, so decided to try this title - over..."

Well done on the prompt, John.

I read one of his books decades ago. It was when Book Nook Cafe was on the AOL message boards. All I recall, it contained numerous types
of mediations. I know he is very popular. However, for whatever reason, it didn't resonate with me.

Health issue (15)

No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox


I'd been meaning to read his story for a long time, as my Dad died with advanced Parkinsons. This one exceeded my expectations, kept looking for a ghost writer credit, but Fox wrote it himself apparently. Optimistic ending after a couple of serious challenges. Glowing review ahead ...

John wrote: "Health issue (15)

No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox


I'd been meaning to read his story for a long time, as my Dad died wit..."

John, I listened to his other book, Lucky Man. I appreciated his honesty.

His foundation does good work.

https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/489...

Sorry your dad had this debilitating disease.

John wrote: "Health issue (15)

No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox


I'd been meaning to read his story for a long time, as my Dad died wit..."

John, your comment is welcome, coming from someone who has seen the disease firsthand. Thank you for sharing.

Congratulations on completing this prompt, which is often a puzzler for me.

John wrote: "Health issue (15) No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox

I'd been meaning to read his story for a long time, as my Dad died wit..."

Thanks for the notice, John, and looking forward to your review.

John wrote: "Health issue (15)

No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox


I'd been meaning to read his story for a long time, as my Dad died wit..."

I don't think I knew that Michael J Fox had a book - my fav movie is Back to the Future and it's been so hard watching him with his journey, but also so inspiring to see him keep living his life. Will definitely need to add this one to my list!

John: No Matter Where You Go, There You Are
was the motto on my office coffee cup for at least 15 years. It is one of my favorite ideas.

I have a poem found on a card years ago that you might enjoy. I've put in on the bulletin board behind my computer where I can see it every day.

Under a line drawing of an odd woman dressed for a cocktail party, the caption reads.

" This is not the exact location at which I stand, neither is it the place I wish to be. How fortunate, then, that I'm elsewhere."

Michele

I'm not John, but i liked the quote. Thanks for sharing it with us, Michele.

Always great to hear from you. That right there is why I put names on my comments. I was responding to John's post, I'm sure. Why it went to you, I have no idea. I hope it makes its way to John at some point!

Michele

Michele wrote: . I was responding to John's post, I'm sure. Why it went to you, I have no idea. I hope it makes its way to John at some point!.."

This is John's challenge thread. He will read it.

Michele wrote: "Always great to hear from you. That right there is why I put names on my comments. I was responding to John's post, I'm sure. Why it went to you, I have no idea. I hope it makes its way to John at some point! ..."

Michele, i suppose i am a bit notorious for "listening in" on posts directed toward others. YOU did nothing wrong, i just felt compelled to reply. lol

I'm always pleased to see comments in my thread, whether specifically directed to me or not.

Thanks, John.

Mystery/thriller (19)

Wordhunter by Stella Sands

Recommended in a book thread I follow, and my library had the ebook available, so I checked it out. Kind of mixed feelings here, with a solid premise, but the protagonist lives in such a ... dysfunctional world where I had trouble relating to that, as well as being a downer; it's why I strongly avoid dystopian stories. However, it's seemingly written as the start of a series where I'd be interested in a sequel.

Yay for checking off another prompt!

I struggle with protagonists who are downers too. I think that’s why I didn’t love A Man Called Ove as much as others.

This book calls to me, John, so i thank you for sharing with us. The depressing part will be a bump to an easy read, but the idea of using words & body language as a detective appeals enormously. It says something that you are still interested in a sequel, John.

Congratulations on completing this prompt with such an interesting novel. And, again, thanks.

John wrote: "Mystery/thriller (19)

Wordhunter by Stella Sands

Recommended in a book thread I follow, and my library had the ebook available, so I checked it out. Kind of mixed ..."

Well done on the prompt, John.

The blurb for this book sounds intersting. It says it's a detective story. I'm adding it to my TBR and also sharing the title with a friend that I think would enjoy it too. Thanks !

Thanks, folks. I understand the story has been picked up for both a sequel and a film option.

It's a crime story, but read as much like a novel to me.

John wrote: "Thanks, folks. I understand the story has been picked up for both a sequel and a film option.

It's a crime story, but read as much like a novel to me."

I like when a crime story reads more like a novel, it's deeper reading, i think. Not that i don't like cozies, just often want meatier book fare.

Neat about film options, i must add.

Arts (9)

The North Light by Hideo Yokoyama

Architect designs a highly acclaimed home for a couple. However, instead of moving in they disappear. As a semi-spoiler, his personal life becomes somewhat related there. Middle featured digression that made the story longer than necessary; I had to return to finish it later. Otherwise, good choice for those interested in things Japanese.

John wrote: "Arts (9)

The North Light by Hideo Yokoyama..."

Nicely done on the prompt, John, congratulations.

John wrote: "Arts (9)

The North Light by Hideo Yokoyama

Architect designs a highly acclaimed home for a couple. However, instead of moving in they disappear. As a semi-spoile..."

It sounds interesting, John. I'm surprised to see that book is almost 400 pages. I'm used to Japanese books being brief.

I also like the blue cover.
Amazon is showing a brown mustard cover and it's not as appealing to me.

Well done on the prompt !

John wrote: "Arts (9)

The North Light by Hideo Yokoyama

Architect designs a highly acclaimed home for a couple. However, instead of moving in they disappear. As a semi-spoile..."

What a great selection for this prompt, John. I've added it to my TBR.

Alias, thanks for pointing out the cover differences.

Thanks, folks! I stopped for a bit, returning to the second half later.

-OLOGY (14)

Culture of the Fork: A Brief History of Everyday Food and Haute Cuisine in Europe by Giovanni Rebora

It seems that food history is considered a branch of anthropology, possibly sociology as well. Average rating of 3.5 seems fair, though I'll review it as a four. I get the impression readers felt it read more like a thesis or academic paper, superficial. Worked for me though to keep from feeling bogged down.

John wrote: "-OLOGY (14)

Culture of the Fork: A Brief History of Everyday Food and Haute Cuisine in Europe by Giovanni Rebora

It seems that food history is considered a branch of..."

Very interesting topic, John. I'm glad to see it was a 4/5 for you.

I see this is part of a 52 book series.

Part of: Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History (52 books)

Well done on another prompt !

John wrote: "-OLOGY (14)

Culture of the Fork: A Brief History of Everyday Food and Haute Cuisine in Europe by Giovanni Rebora

It seems that food history is considered a branch of..."

Terrific & unique choice for the prompt, John. I'll admit to being intrigued with how foods and "fashion" foods altered over the centuries. It's one of the more interesting things i learn from archeology, as well. Who knew, right?

Good job, John.

John wrote: "-OLOGY (14)

Culture of the Fork: A Brief History of Everyday Food and Haute Cuisine in Europe by Giovanni Rebora

It seems that food history is considered a branch of..."

Nicely done on that one too, John!

madrano wrote: "John wrote: "Arts (9)

The North Light by Hideo Yokoyama

Architect designs a highly acclaimed home for a couple. However, instead of moving in they disappear. As ..."

Thanks for the suggestion. I love Japanese mysteries. Will look into this one for sure.
Michele

Five-word title (25)

Don't Try This At Home: Culinary Catastrophes from the World's Greatest Chefs (edited by Kimberly Witherspoon)

As a foodie, how could I resist this one! Despite a bit of name-dropping, and a couple of underwhelming "Guess you had to be there ..." entries, most proved creative solutions to seemingly impossible situations. Definitely recommended!

John wrote: "Five-word title (25)

Don't Try This At Home: Culinary Catastrophes from the World's Greatest Chefs (edited by Kimberly Witherspoon)

As a foodie, how could I resist th..."

Sounds good and like a lot of fun, James. It's now on my TBR list! Thank you! :-)

John wrote: "Five-word title (25)

Don't Try This At Home: Culinary Catastrophes from the World's Greatest Chefs (edited by Kimberly Witherspoon)

As a foodie, how could I resist th..."

Well done on the prompt, John. I think this prompt is going to be difficult for me. So many books have short titles !

John wrote: "Five-word title (25)

Don't Try This At Home: Culinary Catastrophes from the World's Greatest Chefs (edited by Kimberly Witherspoon)

As a foodie, how could I resist th..."

John, this sounds like a fun book, overall. Good selection for the prompt, too.

Not My Country (13)

The Tunnel by A.B. Yehoshua

Liked a couple of other titles by this Israeli author; however, this one I could've skipped. Setting was fine, but plot didn't end up working out for me.

John wrote: "Not My Country (13)

The Tunnel by A.B. Yehoshua

Liked a couple of other titles by this Israeli author; however, this one I could've skipped. Setting was fine, but..."

Well done on the prompt. Sorry it didn't live up to your expectations.

At least you were able to mark off one prompt, John. It’s a shame the story wasn’t more enticing, though.