Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

Hello, and welcome to the new year at ATY!

A refresher: This thread is for you to talk about the books you're reading, the books you're planning on reading, and the books you have finished reading! Give recommendations, lay out your plans for the month, and chat with other book lovers about books.

I'm starting with 5:
How to Read a Book
The Whisper Sister
Ducks, Newburyport
Still Alice
A Midsummer Night's Dream

I'm not sure if it fits any of our prompts for the year yet, but the first book I'm reading is The Bird in the Tree by the late British author Elizabeth Goudge Most of the books I have in my January pile are by Canadian authors, but I have no idea which ones of those I'll end up reading.

I'm finishing off Exit Strategy today, and tackling the last few chapters of Endless Night to tick off a couple of prompts. I've only just started Interview with the Vampire.

Next up is probably my first Aussie book of the year, Red Dirt Road.

I still have way too many books in my Jan TBR, even allowing for DNFs, so I'll offload a few to Feb.

I started but wasn't able to finish The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue so I'm currently trying to fit it in somewhere for next year's challenge!

I am starting off reading the ballad of songbrids and snakes for the serpentine element prompt. I bought it when it came out and never read it and have held off on watching the movie as well.

My goal is to complete 5 prompts this month.

These are my current library books. I’ll probably read extra this month since February is always a slow reading month for me.

January Plans:

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

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

43. A book whose title has ten or fewer letters-
Playground by Richard Powers

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

Not sure what prompt for this book-
Colored Television by Danzy Senna

Here’s my January plan:

1) The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
2) The Iron Heel by Jack London
3) Spy X Family Vol 1 (manga)
4) Same Bed, Different Dream by Ed Park
5) Mater 2-10 by Hwang Sok-yong
6) The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan (This one I will probably read a few chapters here and there.)

I'm doing the first 26 prompts, then the second (only because I like to post my books on my instagram template and it's divided that way lol). After reading in order, this seems super easy.

First print book I have up for 2025 is a buddy read with some friends who all got approved for an ARC of Fredrik Backman's My Friends! I'm using it for the arts prompt.

Then I just realized I'm about to go for a run and I have no audio in progress, so I grabbed Colored Television. It will likely go in the TOB longlist prompt, since I have a book slotted in to all the other prompts it fits (I seem to be reading a lot of arts books this year...)

Jillian, here's what I saw for Colored Television (could be more, and I limited it to the first 26 prompts):
2. A prompt suggestion for this year that did not make the list
5. A book with a weird or intriguing title
9. A book that has been long-listed for the Tournament of Books in any year
15. A book of secrets, lies, or deception
16. A book that fits a prompt from the 2016 ATY list
23. A book that involves art, music, dancing or acting
24. A book with a main character who is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal

The first five books I plan to read in 2025:


When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
Prompt 47. A book related to fire [dragon]


The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
Prompt 2. A prompt suggestion for this year that did not make the list - A book that fits three other prompts on this list


The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa
Prompt 3. A book connected to something mentioned in the Do Re Mi song [TI a drink with jam & bread - protagonist is a tea specialist]


Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim
Prompt 1. A book with a cover image of something that starts with A, T, or Y [tiger]


The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke
Prompt 21. A book connected to a collective noun for animals [cauldron of bats]

I haven't yet finished the 2024 challenge, so I'm still currently reading The Island of Missing Trees, Not the End of the World and The Communist Manifesto. Then I've still got four more to complete for last year.

For the first prompt of the year I'm planning on reading Autumn by Ali Smith (trees on the cover). I've decided to pick from my tbr for this year.

dalex, I've heard really great things about When the Moon Hatched. Hope it's a good start for your year!

Well, I wasn't sure just what I was going to be reading other than owned books.

I had planned to start with Palindrome, which I held until today, and Shaman, one of my BIG BOOKS (over 500 pages) which I plan to read this year. Now I have added The Great Passage [Kindle book], God Is in the Small Stuff for ATY winter and Ya-Yas in Bloom for ATY - again all are owned books.

I have requested some library books...but my own books are getting a lick in before those books are ready for me.

I read Clear last night and I’m so glad I did. I come from Scottish heritage who were part of the great Highlands Clearing in the early 1800’s. I have mostly read of horror stories either as they were driven from their homes or as they were resettled in the Americas. Although this is not a historical fiction, it is a humane look at how one kind person may have treated another.
After reading such an emotional book, I followed it up by reading a comfort read, one of the Lily Adler mystery series, Murder at Midnight. I love these books because they are about a young widow of the peerage who goes about solving crime. She uses her station to gain access to places others may not be allowed. And she uses her charm as an eligible young woman of means to get information from unsuspecting men. It’s a fun fantasy no matter how unrealistic it is.

Emily wrote: "dalex, I've heard really great things about When the Moon Hatched. Hope it's a good start for your year!"

It is! I'm about 2/3 done and really enjoying it.

I forgot to add Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. This will likely be the first book I finish. After it, I may read We Have Always Lived in the Castle to complete the 2 book prompt with opposites in the titles.

Emily wrote: "(I seem to be reading a lot of arts books this year...)"

I am sooo in the arts-museum mood since last year! Do you have suggestions or a specific shelf I can browse? Thanks!

I've got some read-alongs planned for January with Belovedand Foundryside . But I'm also being chased by all my audiobook holds from the library. I'm currently listening to The Quiet Damage: QAnon and the Destruction of the American Family

Yesica, here are some that I've read the last few weeks and have planned for the next couple of months that fit!

Anita de Monte Laughs Last
Cleopatra and Frankenstein
My Friends (comes out in May)
Liars

When the Moon Hatched ended up being a 3 Star read for me. Interesting world, engaging characters, well developed story. But in the last third it got super spicy and that’s just not my thing. At all. I’ve concluded that romantasy is not for me!

This morning I started The Garden of Evening Mists. I’ve tried to read it about a dozen times previously but always put it down unfinished. It’s such a well loved book I always figured I just wasn’t in the right head space to enjoy it. I’m starting to think it’s never going to be the right time. I’m so bored and really not liking it.

Pam wrote: "I forgot to add Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. This will likely be the first book I finish. After it, I may read We Have Always Lived in the Castle to com..."

Those are both fantastic books! I really loved We Have Always Lived in the Castle.

My goal for January is to complete five or six prompts, and I'm reading in order, adding an anniversary prompt every fifth or sixth ATY prompt. Good luck to me!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

January Plans:

For this month, I will try the following:
1. A book with a cover that has an image of something that starts with A, T, or Y: Great Circle by Maggie
Shipstead (airplane)
3. A book connected to something mentioned in the Do Re Mi song: The Boat of a Million Years by Poul Anderson (for "fa" as is a far, far place to go)
4. A book set underground, under sea or in an underworld: Old Bones by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Childs
5. A book with a weird or intriguing title: What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley

2018 Anniversary: An author's debut book: Jabbok by Kee Sloan

I’ve finished reading The Garden of Evening Mists. I gave it 2 Stars and that was being generous. Such a huge disappointment.

The writing style is cold and distant and formal. The dialogue, which is about 85% of the book, is stilted and everybody sounds the same. I didn’t like, or care about, any of the characters. There are weird side stories that didn’t seem to have any relevance to the plot. And so so so much exposition about gardening.

O well. On to my next book!

Not a great way to start the year, dalex!

Emily wrote: "Not a great way to start the year, dalex!"

At least I have the excitement of anticipating my first 5 Star book. Ha.

I started my year with My Friends and it's 5 stars immediately so I got that out of the way lol

Actually read it last year, but perhaps someone will be inspired ..

How Not to Drown In a Glass of Water – Angie Cruz – 3.5****
What an interesting way to tell this story! The reader comes to know Cara through her monologues, interspersed with copies of job notices, psychological and interest assessments, and forms she has completed. There are times when I wanted to laugh at her antics and her odd logic. Yet, I could not help but empathize with her and her situation.
LINK to my full review

Another I read last year but never posted my review ...



The Measure – Nikki Erlick – 5*****
It begins with a surprise delivery. All over the world, adults receive a box. A seemingly plain wooden box with an inscription: The measure of your life lies within. Will knowing your relative fate help you live your best life? Will it hinder you? This is a remarkable debut work of literary fiction. I don’t remember the last time a work of literature made me think so long and hard about my life, my goals, my experiences, my dreams.
LINK to my full review

For prompt # 23 A book that nvolves art, music, dancing or acting

The entire plot is about actors filming a Christmas romance movie

A Merry Little Meet Cute – Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone – 3***
A porn star is cast as the heroine in a time-travel Christmas romance movie (think Hallmark Channel) opposite a former teen pop idol / bad-boy. Instant attraction on both parts. Lots of sex. Both with hearts of gold, though, and of course, a HEA ending. Not your typical Christmas rom-com, but okay for the genre.
LINK to my full review

For prompt #16 - Fits a prompt from the 2016 ATY list.

2016 ATY list # 8: A classic book that is less than 200 pgs
152 pgs

The Incredible Journey –Sheila Burnford – 4****
Three beloved family pets – a young Labrador, an aged bull terrier, and a Siamese cat – head home across 300 miles of wooded and mostly uninhabited territory in Ontario, Canada. This is a wonderful tale of adventure, friendship, loyalty, teamwork, and kindness.
LINK to my full review

Book Concierge wrote: "Another I read last year but never posted my review ...




The Measure
– Nikki Erlick – 5*****
It begins with a surprise delivery. All over the world, adults re..."

This is one of 3 books my son got me for Christmas of my GR Want to Read list. I didn't remember ever adding it, it probably was a Giveaway I didn't win. But I'm glad to see your rave review!

The Measure was one of my top reads of 2023! Highly recommend, Robin!

Next up for me is The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto on audio. I am still reading Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi and after that I will start Black by Catherine Winters.

Virginia wrote: "I started but wasn't able to finish The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue so I'm currently trying to fit it in somewhere for next year's challenge!"

I think it fits prompt no. 14 that's what I have planned to read for that prompt. :) unless you have it down for an other one. :)

Another from last year that I never got around to posting. Maybe it will fit for someone's 2025 ATY challenge



The Frozen River – Ariel Lawhon – 4****
This novel came to my attention because it was a selection for my F2F book club. It took me a while to really get into the story but once I did, I was completely captured by it.
The murder “mystery” is less important really than the characters in this book. Martha Ballard is one strong, opinionated, intelligent, empathetic and courageous woman! I loved the way in which she stood up for herself and for others.
LINK to my full review

Oh I loved that book. My book club read it as well... it was one of our group's favorites from the year.

Book Concierge wrote: "For prompt # 23 A book that nvolves art, music, dancing or acting

The entire plot is about actors filming a Christmas romance movie


A Merry Little..."

I read this book last year and had so much fun with it. I felt like this whole series is the Hallmark Christmas movie the world needs.

I’ve decided to finally tackle War and Peace by Tolstoy. I’ll probably use it for the monster book prompt since it’s 1386 pages! I’m also reading Question 7 by Richard Flanagan. I’ll likely use it for the weird or intriguing title prompt. I didn’t realize when I put it on hold that it is non-fiction.

I fee like I'll never get caught up with current reviews (COVID and then my impending downsizing move from house to condo has just eaten up all my spare time). It'll take me a month or more to get all the 2024 reviews posted. Bear with me.

Grace wrote: "My goal for January is to complete five or six prompts, and I'm reading in order, adding an anniversary prompt every fifth or sixth ATY prompt. Good luck to me!

1. [bookcover:Christmas at the Litt..."

Half of a Yellow Sun is so good. Truly a life changing book. I also really liked Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Prepare to have tissues on hand for that one!

Denise wrote: "I'm starting with 5:
How to Read a Book
The Whisper Sister
Ducks, Newburyport
Still Alice
A Midsummer Night's Dream"

I love A Midsummer Night's Dream! Are you reading the Arden version?

Another 2024 read ....


Taste – Stanley Tucci – 4****
This a delightful memoir of Tucci’s life, told through his relationship with food. At times irreverent, even downright profane, Tucci does not hold back in expressing his love of certain dishes, restaurants and traditions. He writing is warm, inviting, informative, funny, and charming.
LINK to my full review

I'm averaging about a book a day, which I definitely don't expect to maintain for the entire year.

Yesterday I read Death of the Author by Nnedi Okarafor, which is out today. I was a little disappointed by the quality of the writing. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, & it had a YA-ish vibe. But the story was interesting & it definitely paid off in the end.

Alistair wrote: "Denise wrote: "I'm starting with 5:
How to Read a Book
The Whisper Sister
Ducks, Newburyport
Still Alice
[book:A Midsummer Night's Dr..."

I'm reading Folger. I like that those versions have text on one side and notes on the other for easy reference

Ciara, that's impressive!

Second Chance Grill – Christine Nolfi – 2.5** rounded up
The plot is both typical and unrealistic (think Hallmark movie), but the book fit a couple of challenges. Perfect light romance to fill the time when I was laid low by COVID. Glad to get this one off the tbr.
LINK to my full review

Denise wrote: "Alistair wrote: "Denise wrote: "I'm starting with 5:
How to Read a Book
The Whisper Sister
Ducks, Newburyport
Still Alice
[book:A Mid..."
Oh, nice! I remember using those for school!

Updates


The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa
Prompt 3. A book connected to something mentioned in the Do Re Mi song [TI a drink with jam & bread - protagonist is a tea specialist]

3 Stars. This was just an averagely good sci-fi novel. The tea aspect was interesting but overall the book was unremarkable.



Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim
Prompt 1. A book with a cover image of something that starts with A, T, or Y [tiger]

4 1/2 Stars. This was so so so good! Really immersive storytelling, fascinating MC, captivating world building. Only a few niggly details kept it from being a 5 Star read.



The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke
Prompt 21. A book connected to a collective noun for animals [cauldron of bats]

Ugh. What an enormously huge disappointment. 2 1/2 Stars. The premise of the book was absurd and there were so many plot holes. I was really looking forward to this being a great read.

The Tropic of Serpents – Marie Brennan – 3.5***
Book two in the “Memoirs of Lady Trent” alternate history / fantasy series. It is written as a memoir by the elderly Isabella Camherst, recalling her youth and adventures as a natural historian specializing in dragons. Isabella is a wonderful heroine – intelligent, tenacious, confident, intrepid, resilient and courageous. I also really appreciated how Brennan wove in some political issues involving colonialism, economics, the cultures of different indigenous groups, and the devastation of fragile ecological systems in the name of “progress.”
LINK to my full review