Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

Ooohh...some lists!!
A Powell’s list of Scribner books: https://www.powells.com/featured/publ...

Powell’s Booksellers’ Best of 2024 listing:
https://www.powells.com/featured/book...

I’ve been immersing myself in reading and will need to continue doing so to help distract me from the carnage imposed by political leaders… I am currently rereading Parable of the Sower (Earthseed #1) by Octavia E. Butler for an IRL book club meeting this coming Sunday and then will finally read Parable of the Talents (Earthseed #2) next week. (I’ve been meaning to read the sequel ever since I read PotS 2½ years ago.) I am so glad I chose to reread this before book club! I had forgotten quite a few of the pertinent details!

I am also reading The Women by Kristin Hannah for an IRL book club meeting next Tuesday. I just started it and at only 10 pages in realize yet again that Hannah is absolutely a favorite author for me. She never ceases to draw me right in! I have read 5 of her books and really should concentrate on the remainder of her backlist!

I am reading The Quilter's Apprentice (Elm Creek Quilts #1) by Jennifer Chiaverini for Popsugar prompt #33 A book featuring an activity on your bucket list. Since I have completed various crafts during my lifetime, I was always drawn to quilting but assumed I could tackle that as a retiree. Unfortunately, arthritis in my hands, especially in my fingers, is preventing that from happening. But it was an activity I always had planned for when I was older. This is my first Chiaverini book but will certainly not be my last! The 23rd installment in this series is scheduled to release this April! So another series!! YAY!!

I read the introduction and first chapter in Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca Solnit and feel as if it will be a good antidote for me to the crass, hard-hearted, and damaging political times we are experiencing and must endure in the immediate future.

Interestingly, since I hit about age 50 I have been reading multiple books in tandem, switching back and forth among them until I’ll finally sit down with one and just finish it. Prior to that, I always read one book at a time. Once in a while I will still read just one book until it is finished, but not too often any more. And I enjoy reading truly diverse books at the same time! LOL 😊

ADMIN STUFF:
THE JANUARY 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS...Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #43 A book that includes a nonverbal character!
National Dress Up Your Pet Day is January 14, 2025
Thank you to Jennifer W who volunteered to facilitate this discussion! 😊
You can find it HERE
I loved this one!

THE FEBRUARY 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ IS A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #14 A book about a nontraditional education. World Thinking Day is February 22, 2025! I’m really hoping there is a “crafty chronicler” who will volunteer to lead this discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer! (This is a book I do not intend to read…)

THE MARCH 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS HERE! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #31 A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline. World Music Therapy Day is March 1, 2025! THIS POLL IS SET TO RUN THROUGH TUESDAY, JANUARY 28!! GO VOTE! 😊
There are four books from which to choose:
The Cellist of Sarajevo
Daisy Jones & The Six
Station Eleven
The Violin Conspiracy
There are currently two front-runners with only one vote separating them!

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What one challenge prompt do you believe will be difficult for you to fulfill in 2025?
You know, you read the prompt and then realize you cannot think of a single title to fulfill it. Or perhaps your jaw literally drops and your mind goes blank! LOL 😊 Consider this your opportunity to solicit suggested titles! And it doesn’t have to be from the 2025 Popsugar challenge! You can list a prompt from any challenge in which you are participating… (I always think it is very interesting to compare prompts across challenges. Sometimes they can include ones so very similar, if not actual duplicates across various challenges!)

Hmmmm…I guess for me it would be Popsugar #9 A book that features a character going through menopause. And I was thrilled when perusing the Listopia that a new book written by Joanne Harris, Broken Light, was listed! I now have a copy on its way to me. I really enjoyed Chocolat!

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 20/50
Around the Year (AtY): 40/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 9/10
Read Harder: 10/24
52 Book Club: 32/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50
Yes, I realize I have 2 1/2 books to finish the 2024 challenge, but this month I'm having so much fun just reading whatever I pick up! And right now some excellent books for IRL book club meetings this month!

FINISHED:
*The Case of the Missing Moonstone (The Wollstonecradft Detective Agency #1) by Jordan Stratford, art by Kelly Murphy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was quite clever and entertaining! I think I enjoyed the historical notes in the back almost as much as the book! Having read Wilkie’s The Moonstone made it even better!
POPSUGAR: #2-“We’re going to need more crime.”, #6, #8-240 pages, #14, #28, #43
ATY: #2, #5, #15, #16, NEW #17, #19, #24, #32, #40, #42, #45
RHC: #16, #24
52 Book Club: #5, #41,

*Renegade Magic (Kat, Incorrigible #2) by Stephanie Burgis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was close to a 10-star read for me! I adore Burgis’ writing. This middle grade/YA series is just such fun to read, although there are some philosophical considerations and controversies included…
POPSUGAR: #6, #14, #20, #23
ATY: #2, #5, #10, #14, #15, #16, #17, #32, #40, #41
52 Book Club: #2, #27, #38, #43

CONTINUING:
*Parable of the Sower (Earthseed #1) by
Octavia E. Butler
*The Women by Kristin Hannah
*The Quilter's Apprentice (Elm Creek Quilts #1) by Jennifer Chiaverini
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by Rebecca Solnit
*Shift (Silo #2) by Hugh Howey
*Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
*The Trees by Percival Everett (#40)
*Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (#42)
*Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
*The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
*Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking has me thinking so very much that I have delayed reviewing it until I can finalize my thoughts…
*The Birthing House by Kathy Taylor
*...And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

PLANNED:
*Parable of the Talents (Earthseed #2) by Octavia E. Butler
*21st Birthday (Women’s Murder Club #21) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*22 Seconds (Women’s Murder Club #22) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23rd Midnight (Women’s Murder Club #23) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*23 1/2 Lies (Women’s Murder Club #23.5) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*The 24th Hour (Women’s Murder Club #24) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
*Fear No Evil (Alex Cross #29) by James Patterson
*Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
*The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Purchased TBR: 27/40
Library TBR: 27/35
PS: 26/50

Finished: Something in the Woods Loves You Absolutely loved this! A memoir about depression and the healing impact of nature. Unfortunately, no prompts for this one.

Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan Unfortunately, I didn't feel like this actually accomplished what it set out to do. There was some joy, but you had to slog through a lot of gloom and doom to get there.

A Future We Can Love: How We Can Reverse the Climate Crisis with the Power of Our Hearts and Minds The best part was the list of action items at the end. I used this for nature as an antagonist (which was a stretch because it's really people causing nature to be an antagonist.)

Inkworld: The Color of Revenge I hated this book. Used for snake on the cover.

Kind of a Big Deal I used this for got less than 3 star rating on Goodreads (2.86) and I actually really enjoyed it. It was fun. This is my surprise prompt because I thought it would be a slog to fulfill.

Raising Kids beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children Really good, helpful information.

QotW: I think married couple who don't live together. I can't think of any off-hand and the ones suggested in listopia don't look appealing to me...

Happy Thursday, everyone!

I usually really like Winter, but after a couple back-to-back days of below-zero temperatures, I am completely over it.

All I’ve really felt like doing this week is curling up in a warm blanket and reading…so that’s exactly how I’ve spent the week. It’s been great!

Here are my current challenge and TBR totals…

Goodreads Challenge: 054/250
Mount TBR Challenge: 050/150

📚Physical TBR: 46/731
📱Ebook TBR: 3/218
🎧Audiobook TBR: 1/15
TBR Checklist Total: 50/964

I did pick up several new books this week, including: Onyx Storm, by Rebecca Yarros; Boudicca, by P.C. Cast; The Seven Dials Mystery, by Agatha Christie; The Teller of Small Fortunes, by Julie Leong; and Parable of the Sower, by Octavia E. Butler.

“New” Books Bought in 2024: 12
“New” Books Read in 2024: 4
“New” Books DNFed in 2024: 0

Here are the books I finished this week…

Finished Reading (Fiction):
~Black Order — This is the third book in the Sigma Force series. I really enjoyed this story! It was very exciting, and I was pleased to find out that it focused on many of the same characters from the previous book. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book does include references to rape and child abuse, as well as some graphic descriptions of animal deaths. (hide spoiler)] 📱: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
~The Judas Strain — This is the fourth book in the Sigma Force series. I thought this was a really exciting story, so I had a hard time putting my Kindle down. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book does include references to, and threats of, torture. (hide spoiler)] 📱: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Five Broken Blades — I really enjoyed this story and the characters, and was very impressed with the author’s world-building. I actually ended up reading the entire book in a single day because I just could not put it down. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ The author does provide a list of trigger warnings at the beginning of the novel, so I won’t repeat them here. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Reading (Nonfiction):
~Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: The Desperadoes Who Plotted Hitler’s Downfall, Giving Birth to Modern-day Black Ops — After a somewhat slow start, I found myself really invested in this book. Unsurprisingly, there are some massive differences between history and the movie adaptation (which is actually only based on the first 100 or so pages of this book), but the real story is just as amazing as the movie. 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Britain According to Very British Problems: the new book from Britain's favourite humour brand — While I wouldn’t say this is my favorite of the Very British Problems books, it was a fun look at some of the things that are considered quintessentially British. 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Behind the Horror: True Stories That Inspired Horror Movies — Although there were several movies discussed in this book that I had not seen (and a few I’d never heard of), I thought this was an interesting look at the stories (both true crime and paranormal) that served as inspiration for various horror movies. 📚: ⭐⭐⭐

Finished Reading (Manga, Comic Books, & Graphic Novels):
~The Witcher Omnibus, Volume 2 — This was one of the comic book collections that I got for Christmas. I thought the stories and artwork were good, but actually preferred the stories in the previous omnibus. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book includes depictions of suicide, and references to rape. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Reading (Poetry and Drama):
None

DNFed:
None

Currently Reading:
~The Arabian Nights: Tales of 1001 Nights, Volume 2 — I have made very little progress on this book since last week, because I keep getting distracted by other books. I will be returning to reading it before the end of the week though. 📚
~The Fellowship of the Ring — I am thoroughly enjoying listening to Andy Serkis reading The Fellowship of the Ring each night before bed. I’m currently on chapter 12 of book one, and should start the second book tonight. 🎧
~Showcase Presents: Phantom Stranger, Vol. 2 — This comic book collection has been a really good read so far. I’m currently about halfway through, and all of the stories have been really interesting. 📚
~The Tigress of Forlì: Renaissance Italy's Most Courageous and Notorious Countess, Caterina Riario Sforza de Medici — I’ve only just started this nonfiction book about Caterina Sforza, but I think it’s going to be very interesting. 📚
~Four Ruined Realms — This is the sequel to Five Broken Blades. I’m only a couple chapters in, but I’m already loving it. 📚

QOTW:
I’m not actively participating in the challenge, so there really aren’t any prompts that I’m worried about fulfilling. I do think the “book you have always avoided reading” prompt sounds difficult though, just because there’s probably a reason why you’ve been avoiding the book.

I hope everyone is looking after their mental health this week. It can be a tough time of year even without the world feeling doomed. I am trying to avoid doomscrolling as much as possible and making myself pick up a book instead. So that means I'm making great progress on Popsugar which will surely go tits up any time now...

Finished:
An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson - I enjoyed this a lot despite finding the main character a bit one-dimensional. The whole creepy college vibe made up for it, it reminded me a tiny bit of Vita Nostra, only it made more sense!
PS: 14. A book about a nontraditional education
ATY: 35. A book from the NPR “Books We Love” lists

The Baby Dragon Café by A.T. Qureshi - Hmpf this was so disappointing. How do you ruin a book about a café full of baby dragons? Flimsy plot and the main character's idea of training irritated me no end. At least it fit a bunch of prompts!
PS: 1. A book about a POC experiencing joy and not trauma
RH: 18. Read a cozy book by a BIPOC author
CL: 21. a lighted window

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree - I had similar feelings to this as I did L&L. I enjoyed the saving the bookshop side but not so much the action bits.
PS: 4. A book with two or more books on the cover or "book" in the title
CL: 11. a skeleton, bones, or a skull and crossbones

Currently reading Greenteeth and listening to Death of the Author

PS: 8/50 | ATY: 4/52 | CL: 8/50 | RH: 1/24

QOTW:
The hardest I think will be the book I've always avoided reading because I have to read something I don't really want to read. I haven't seen a menopause book that I want to read yet, but I'm hopeful I'll just stumble across something.

I thought left-handed character might be a tricky one, but someone mentioned Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear works and I was going to read that anyway.

L Y N N wrote: "Interestingly, since I hit about age 50 I have been reading multiple books in tandem, switching back and forth among them until I’ll finally sit down with one and just finish it. Prior to that, I always read one book at a time. Once in a while I will still read just one book until it is finished, but not too often any more. And I enjoy reading truly diverse books at the same time! "

Same thing happened with me. At first it was just having one physical book and an e-book. Then I added an audiobook... Then we moved to a loft within walking distance of the library. Things really took off from there! Sometimes people ask how I can keep them all straight, and I ask how many TV/streaming series they watch - it's the same thing! I just choose to get my entertainment from books instead of the screen.

Happy Thursday!

2025 Reading Challenges:

52 Book Club: 7/52
ATY: 3/52 (ATY Anniversary Challenge: 1/10, ATY Winter Challenge: 11/15)
The Book Girls’ Guide: 7/74
Booklist Queen: 3/52
Cover Lovers: 9/50
Popsugar: 8/50

My Ever-Growing TBR: 8/209 – 3.8% (My goal is 33.3%.)

Recently Completed:

Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune: 2023 NPR Books We Love. (Cover Lovers #45 – a historical photograph on the cover) ★★★★
The Woman in Me: 2023 NPR Books We Love. (52 Books #44 – a celebrity on the cover/Booklist Queen #50 – a bestselling memoir) ★★★★
Mad Honey (52 Books #3 – title starts with M/BGG Read Around the USA – set in New England) ★★★★
Rental House: 2024 NPR Books We Love. (ATY Winter Challenge #13 – fire on the cover) ★★★
Cassandra in Reverse: 2023 NPR Books We Love. (Booklist Queen #8 – title starts with C/Popsugar #34 – a neurodivergent author) ★★★★★
The Running Club: Australian murder mystery/thriller. The running club is only mentioned briefly in the first chapter and in the epilogue. It’s not even a plot point. (Booklist Queen #10 – a twist ending/Popsugar #17 – about a run club) ★★★
The Saint of Bright Doors: Adventures Underground Book Club. (ATY #5 – a weird or intriguing title) ★★★
Braver Than You Think: Around the World on the Trip of My (Mother’s) Lifetime: Travel is definitely on my bucket list, but this book convinced me that there’s just some traveling I don’t want to do. Camping, hiking, hostels… those are not on my list. (52 Books #38 – an adventure story/BGG Read Around the World Bonus – spanning continents/Popsugar #33 – bucket list) ★★★★
Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America: Reasonable Doubt Book Club. (Popsugar #5 – a snake on the cover or in the title) ★★★
Limitless: The Federal Reserve Takes on a New Age of Crisis ★★★★
Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood: 2024 NPR Books We Love. (ATY #25 – a book from an NPR Books We Love list) ★★★★



Currently Reading:

All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way
City of Night Birds (52 Books #10 – author’s last name is also a first name/ATY #20 – animal, vegetable, or mineral in the title)
Mercury (ATY #7 – author uses three names: Amy Jo Burns)
The Three Lives of Cate Kay (52 Books #19 – short chapters/Popsugar #19 – a highly anticipated read)
The Moonflowers (ATY #46 – title related to a traditional full moon name: Flower Moon)
Incidents Around the House (52 Books #4 – set in autumn: horror/Cover Lovers #43 – cover shows something you might find in a child’s bedroom)
Oye (ATY Winter Challenge #12 – features family drama)
Tangled Up in You (ATY Winter Challenge #15 – a love story)
When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach (Booklist Queen #40 – chapters have titles/Popsugar #3 – space tourism
The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History: 2024 NPR Books We Love. (Booklist Queen #44 – an animal in the title)



QOTW: Oof. There are a few that I'm putting off until I'm inspired:

#21 - main character is a politician
#29 - about a food truck
#44 - a book you've avoided reading
#48 - a married couple that doesn't live together
#49 - a dystopian novel with a happy ending

L Y N N wrote: "Ooohh...some lists!!
A Powell’s list of Scribner books: https://www.powells.com/featured/publ......"




If you all like lists, The Millions FINALLY released their Most Anticipated list for Winter 2025: https://themillions.com/2025/01/most-...


Most years I end up adding dozens of books to my TBR based on their lists, but this year's list didn't do much for me, I think I only picked up one book. It's VERY heavy on nonfiction, so that will please those of you who love NF.

Happy Thursday!

I made a library run just before the weekend and picked up some short books for PS. One is the Nancy Drew that I chose for #30 childhood read. I also picked up books for #42 starts with Y and #47 interconnected stories. So, I now have 8 on my desk to start and 2 in progress. That should give me a boost on my goal! (Oh, and 3 on hold.)

I spent the weekend fighting the cold and finally got on top of it by Monday. Coffee with Sharon was on! It had been nearly three weeks since we sat over coffee, even though we have tried to plan a weekly meeting! Gee, whiz. I really enjoyed the visit, and we have another planned for next Monday.

It snowed! Here in southern South Carolina, it snowed! Oh, it did not amount to much, not like the snows I lived with in Connecticut and Wisconsin…but, it never snows here. First time in the 10 years that I have been in this house. And, I do so enjoy the snow. Feels like a present, except that no one down here has any idea how to drive in it. I decided to stay home and just enjoy. 2.5 inches.

Finished:
Magic for Liars – PAS, PS #14. 4* I surprised myself in that I really enjoyed this story of a PI who is not magical who has a magical sister. The story took a twist that I did not see coming which also made it fun.

Shuna's Journey – No prompt. GN. 5* What a beautiful story and illustrations!

The Aviary – ATY winter, PAS. 4* I really appreciated the fact that the author and publisher have connected this fantasy story to a real life problem (sex trafficking). A list of organizations that are supported by the sale of this book is found at the end of it.

Lore Olympus: Volume One – no prompts. 4* I had to keep looking up each of the gods and goddesses as they appeared in the beginning to figure out the dynamics. And, yet, I still enjoyed the story. Would consider going on t o the next volume.

Murder in Jerusalem – No prompt. 3* I never really connected to this story. Too much was specific to politics in Israel and not universal enough to draw me in.

The House at Sea's End – PAS, ATY #31 (coastal setting), ATY anniversary 2023. 4* I had lots of mixed feelings about Ruth and Nelson’s lives in this story. She lives and will continue to another story, but I am not hoping for the two of them to continue together and yet I suspect they will.

Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 1 – PAS, PS #42 (title starts with Y). 3* I found this one a bit hard to follow. At times it was not clear whether a chapter was out of sequence or part of a dream. (I did figure that out.) The illustrations were more sketches that full drawings and thus at times it was hard for me to figure out who was who, especially since all the men had long hair.

Currently Reading:

The Beginner's Photography Guide: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Manual for Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera – 27%.

Shaman – PS #38 (same title). 10%

Face the Fire – PAS, PS. 53%

The Coal Tattoo – PAS. 57%

Just Starting:
God Is in the Small Stuff and It All Matters: Stop Worrying and Invite God into the Details of Your Life – ATY seasonal (nonfiction). 8%
Deerskin – Kindle. PS #23 (healing fiction). 6%
Songs of Innocence and of Experience: Shewing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul 1789-1794 - PAS

On Deck: (owned)
Kate: The Journal of A Confederate Nurse – PAS.
The Pony Wife – PAS
Moving Target – PAS


PS 4/50
ATY 4/52, Anniversary 3/10, Winter 7/15
GR 19/200

QotW: What one challenge prompt do you believe will be difficult for you to fulfill in 2025?

I am fairly satisfied with my planning, although I am not really sure that I am up for menopause prompt nor the book mentioned in another book.

I did download the free book Mrs. Claus Has Menopause: A Humorous Christmas Book for Women of a Certain Age from Kindle Unlimited and read it, but at 40 pages it feels like a cheat. I have The Change planned.

For the book mentioned in another book, I planned The Woman in Cabin 10 from the GR thread list, but the discussion has not given me confidence in the choice as no one has listed a book that mentioned it. I grabbed it from the list as it was on my TBR.

Happy Thursday!!

I now once again have a fully operational kitchen sink with no leaks!  Woohoo!!  It's been a while.   And I sorted through some books I own and put aside a stack to donate to the library.  Then I bought a paper shredder so I can go through my piles of old mail and get rid of it all.  Maybe I'll actually start cleaning my house next!



This week I finished 2 books, both for this Challenge, and I am now 8/50

Remember When: Clarissa's Story by Mary Balogh - this NetGalley read SHOULD have been right up my alley: a favorite author, a second chance romance between two middle aged people ... yes, please!  Except, it was dull and bloated and boring.  I think this  is the first romance I've read from Balogh that I did not love.  I checked off "oldest author in your TBR" with this one (and publishing career >10 years in AtY).

Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange - I LOVED Orange's first book, but this was a disappointment.  I gave it three stars.  It was very mid.  I felt like Orange had A LOT to say, and he said it well but he couldn't settle on just one thing and just one kind of book, so he half-assed a bunch of different books and then jammed them all together.  I hope he got that out of his system and his third book is just as fierce and amazing as  his first book.  (This is getting a lot of rave reviews so don't let me stop you from reading it! It's probably just me.) Originally I was going to use this for "non-verbal character" but that character started talking, so ... I decided "happily single woman" would do, since their great aunt Opal shows no signs of looking for a boyfriend.  No one in this book is TRULY happy, but she seems happy enough about being single.  (And I checked off "common noun in author's name" in AtY)


And I DNFed
Colored Television by Danzy Senna - this was just boring and I hated it.   Many five star reviews, but it's not for me.   It wasn't going to fill a Challenge category anyway so I quit.



Popsugar 16% 8 /50
Must Reads 0% 0 /10
AtY 12% 6 /52
NetGalley ratio 69%




QotW

I've got more than one category I'm still wrestling with.  I've got ideas pencilled in for every category, but the ones where I'm not super excited with my choice (either because I'm not excited to read the book or because I feel like it's not a perfect fit for that category or just not the best book I could find for that category) are:

A book where music plays an integral part - I've actually got five books pencilled in for this, and they all seem equally good, so I'm not drawn to any ONE book.  I may or may not read: What Does This Button Do?: An Autobiography, The Weight of Our Sky, The Yakuza's Bias Vol. 2, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, Do Not Say We Have Nothing

A book about an overlooked woman in history - I really like this category so I really want to find the perfect book.  But right now all I've got are a bunch of books about women in history, not about ONE overlooked woman.  I'll probably read Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars.  I hope it feels like a good fit when I get to it.

A book featuring an activity from your bucket list - as I've mentioned elsewhere, I don't really know what would be an activity on my bucket list, so I threw together a few ideas and I got a few recommendations here, but I can't find a perfect fit because I don't actually have a true "bucket list," so I'm frustrated.  I'll probably read Pint-Sized Ireland: In Search of the Perfect Guinness

A book that includes a nonverbal character - I am just struggling with this one, none of the recommended books are grabbing me.  It's really too bad I already read Happiness Falls. I'll probably read a comic book for this one about the character Echo, she is deaf and uses ASL.  ... This raises the question:  how does she communicate with Matt Murdock, who is blind?  Googling indicates that she speaks to him, so she's not always nonverbal - dang it!  So maybe this is not a good choice.  BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD ... AGAIN!  I'm still hoping that The Sword of the Lictor works, but if not, maybe I can find a mermaid book ...

It's frigid out so good excuse to stay in and read.

I finished PS 22. A book about soccer using the manga ブルーロック-EPISODE 凪- 1 Blue Lock: Episode Nagi 1 by Kota Sannomiya which was about as exciting as I figured a sports manga to be (i.e. for me, not at all) At least it was 200 quick pages.

I also read The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix for PS 45. book with a left-handed character. A huge thank you to those putting this one on our list. I knew I didn't want to slowly discover if any of my tbr pile had lefties and I love Nix anyhow. This was great, loved every second of it.

QOTW oh there are several including two I didn't even plan to fill the above mentioned soccer one and the less than 3 star read (which I still think is stupid) because I stumbled onto an indie graphic novel with one review by someone who didn't like it.

Also making the list is A book that features a character going through menopause (but I found a supernatural mystery that sounds like fun, Hormones, Hexes, & Exes)

A book that an AI chatbot recommends based on your favorite book - because I don't believe in encouraging the use of the environment and creativity destroying AI

A book about a run club - more sports and yes more manga for this one

book where the main character is a politician - because UGH politicians However I'm grateful to the list that was tossing out SF/F ideas and I realized I was too mired in the real world. Totally doing SFF for this now

book you have always avoided reading - why should i want to read a book I've avoided. I'll probably just find something old on my tbr pile for this.

Cornerofmadness wrote: "Also making the list is A book that features a character going through menopause (but I found a supernatural mystery that sounds like fun, Hormones, Hexes, & Exes)"

Thanks! That one looks fun and right up my heart's alley.

Nadine in NY wrote: "I can't find a perfect fit because I don't actually have a true "bucket list," so I'm frustrated..."

As someone else without a bucket list, I can relate. I just told myself the first book I read where someone did something I think would be cool to do, would count. Fortunately this happened already so I don't need the fret about it for the rest of the year!

Happy Thursday!

Mom's back home, and let's just say it's not a coincidence I've been having headaches again. Rip being in a situation I can't get out of. Typically as I was typing this she had a screaming match with my sister so. Joy.

Heather last week mentioned the Lord of the Rings challenges, and I started my own. A small one, due to my limitations, and I am pleased to say that on day 4, I'm 25% done :D I've gone on two Walks already!

And I bought my second challenge to start after as soon as it dropped today xD But how could I resist, when it's walking through the years of Ancient Rome!? I cannot wait!

There are so many challenges I want to do (like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones) and my hyperfocused brain is already thinking of going swimming to do the English Channel one xD

Game wise, I've been making great progress on Epic Mickey, and I am so proud of myself for not being awful at it!

Read
I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You
Server Challenge: Mentioned in a TVshow/book/movie/film/videogame (Graham Norton)
Popsugar: chronic pain & highly anticipated read

W O W.
This book went so far beyond my expectations for it, I don't have words for it. If I manage to even implement half of her 'treasures', I might feel so much better! Fingers crossed!

Currently Reading
The Three Musketeers
At page 380! Mom being back home is killing my opportunities to read this in silence, but one chapter a day was the original idea so onwards I go!

QOTW
This would imply I know the prompts well enough xD I read what I want and see how I go! I did decide, because Miranda's book works for Chronic Pain (an advanced prompt, and a hard one I believe), I will count it for a regular prompt as well. If I ever can split it up, I will, but for now I will accept a double one. Some of those advanced prompts I expect to never fill, like the married but not living together one, so I suppose that one.

Laura Z wrote: "Sometimes people ask how I can keep them all straight, and I ask how many TV/streaming series they watch - it's the same thing!..."




That's a really good point!

We finally got a significant amount of snow, but unfortunately it also brought some absolutely frigid temperatures with it. But at least we've had plenty of sun, and things will be warming up soon (warm for January anyway).
I finished all the books on the first list of the book award committee, so I'm free to read whatever I want until Monday!

Finished:
The Storyteller - (A book that includes a nonverbal character) This one was a slog to get through, and definitely my least favorite of the first list. While it covers important topics, the magical realism elements fell flat for me.
The Lost Year - (A book where the main characters is an immigrant or refugee, RH A book about immigrants or refugees, CL A famous structure or landmark) I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I really should, because I always end up learning something I never knew. And there was a twist I didn't see coming, even though, looking back, it makes so much sense. I listened to the audiobook of this one, and it was fantastic.
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone - The main character annoyed me, but that was kind of the point, but the overall story made up for it.
The Book Censor's Library - (CL No people) I was vibing with this for most of the book, but it lost me at the end. It did give me a bunch of ideas for the Book Mentioned in Another Book prompt.
The Windeby Puzzle - (A book under 250 pages, RH A book about little known history, CL Someone wearing period clothing) This one was all right, though I'm not sure I'm 100% on board with the way the author chose to write the story.

Currently reading:
The Wedding People
When I Became a Commoner, They Broke Off Our Engagement!, Vol. 4
The White Cat's Revenge as Plotted from the Dragon King's Lap, Vol. 1

QOTW: Add me to the list of people without a bucket list!

Another week down! The Canada Reads shortlist was just announced today, so I've put library holds on all those books. Haven't read any of the 5 yet, so I'm excited to discover some new stuff. Not sure if any of them fit into any of my challenge prompts yet, but keeping my fingers crossed!

Finished
All I Ask My GR under 3 stars, but it wasn't that bad, even though it wasn't what I expected. I'd put it on my TBR due to the premise - a woman waking up to cops raiding her house and taking her electronic devices. And it does start that way, but then the aftermath is... not really about the fall out from that. She mentions it a little - mainly that she can't contact people without her phone, but has none of the reaction or follow up I might expect. The MC is so passive about everything in her life, including that event. Somehow despite that though, I got sucked in. Not a new favorite, and I can't argue with it's average rating (2.84) but it kind of worked for me. Until the end.

A Clockwork Orange For one of my book clubs. For some reason when I went to pick it up at the library, I was surprised by how small it was, I was expecting a chunkier book for some reason. But I'm grateful it was that small, because it was a slow reading process , having to look up all the Nadsat translations. Despite the disturbing nature of the content, it was oddly engrossing.

I also found it interesting to read some of the story around the book - the debate over the last chapter, and how Burgess later repudiated it. I think we'll have a fun book club discussion!

Memory's Legion Might have left it a little too long to read this book of short fiction from The Expanse universe. A couple of the Authors' Notes referenced that they liked seeing a certain character again, and I didn't remember them at all. The stories that worked for me were great, though. Used for interconnected short stories, though it's bugging me a little - they're all set in the same universe, but the stories themselves don't really connect. If I find something better later in the year, I may switch it out!

Currently Reading
The Justice of Kings
The Guncle
The Book Censor's Library

QotW
The two I really have no ideas for yet are run club and food truck. I've checked the threads, but nothing has really grabbed me. I also think they're specific enough that I'm unlikely to come across them by chance. It may just be a matter of getting further along in the challenge, so that my motivation will be to pick anything that fits just to get it done. On the other hand, if anyone has any recs for something in either category that they loved, I'm all ears!

Happy Thursday!

Finished:
Swordcrossed by Freya Marske - 4 stars - a book I got for free since it's a library book. I really enjoyed this one. This would also work for the LGBTQ+ prompt, since it isn't about the characters coming out, and in fact the world seems to be one where LGBTQ+ folks are just accepted.

Comics & manga:
Don't Call it Mystery (Omnibus) Vol. 7-8
Star Wars: The Mandalorian: The Manga, Vol. 2
Komi Can’t Communicate, Vol. 32
Tamon's B-Side, Vol. 6
Spy x Family, Vol. 13
WITCH WATCH, Vol. 9: Pajama Party
Chihayafuru, Vol. 25
Chihayafuru, Vol. 26
Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen 4
Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen 5

I am currently at 6/50 for Popsugar (5/40 and 1/10).

Currently reading:
Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis - a book about space tourism

Upcoming/Planned:
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong - a book with a happily single woman protagonist

The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 11 by Natsu Hyuuga

QOTW:
I don't think any of the challenge prompts will be too difficult to fulfill. I have a full plan ready with at least one option, and sometimes two, for all 50 prompts. I might do a little rearranging if I sub in other books I read along the way, but I still have a basic idea of what I want to read for all the prompts.

Hi all,

I actually remembered to check in again!

it is SO COLD here. Wrapped up in three blankets. warmer today than the rest of this week, but the cold has seeped in.

The last two weeks I have finished:

The Beast Player - This was interesting, a bit different from standard American YA type fare. Lot of mythology steeped in it, but less "Chosen one" type vibes. I had trouble visualizing the beasts and toga, I would have liked more detailed descriptions. But that's me. I'll probably read the second eventually. This was one of my tbr challenge picks.

Signal Moon - Short story off my tbr pick. I forgot where I even got this or that it was in my pile until someone picked it for me. I had to hunt it down and say "what IS that?". I liked it quite a bit though. Same author as the Rose Code, but involving a different group of women during WW2, the women who listen for the codes instead of breaking them. This has a sci fi twist involving a time travel connection. I liked it a lot. I think i'll end up reading the Rose Code after all. I'd read Code Girls so hadn't really felt all that compelled to read a fictionalized version up until this point.

Currently reading:

The Ghost Bride - Another tbr pick. Ive had this one for ages, not sure where I picked up. Never got around to reading it. I am about halfway through, I like it alright so far. Interesting concept, even if it's not amazing.

QOTW:

I'm not really doing the challenge this year. Maybe later i'll plug in some prompts and see how I did without trying. But as such I don't really have any I am worried about. I only skimmed the list because I had no intention of doing it, so I can't even remember any offhand that sounded like they might be difficult.

Yes, here's to distraction from political carnage. Lord have mercy...

Finished 02/50

Currently Reading

Wind and Truth for "2015 PS prompt (over 500 pages)". Over a quarter of the way!!

Everyday Saints and Other Stories for "book of interconnected short stories". Still going, still good!

Man, both my reads are BRICKS.

QotW

I'm not 100% certain that my pick for a POC not experiencing trauma actually won't have them experiencing trauma....but I refuse to read a romance! Absolutely refuse! ;)

I read Deadly Editions as my book with more than one book on the cover.

I started Demon Copperhead as a book with a snake on the cover.

QOTW: I feel like I'm just going to be relying on Listopia for most of these and pick what I can find in my library for those.

Nadine in NY wrote: "Maybe I'll actually start cleaning my house next! ..."

I can relate. When people ask me how I have so much time for reading, I answer, "I don't clean my house." Today, I cleaned my house for 12 minutes. Go me!

Hi all. I am in the doldrums. Has it really only been 3 days since Monday?? Do we really have 4 more years of this sh*t?? And then, there was a major fire in a neighboring town (Nadine, have you seen it on the news?). Destroyed a block (which here in the boonies is 4 buildings), including the only grocery store for 20 miles. Thankfully, no one was hurt. And I have a much greater appreciation for what the California fire fighters are going through. It took 200 fire fighters 11 hours and 40 water tankers to put out the blaze. Oh, and it was 0 degrees Fahrenheit while they were doing it. So yeah, everything sucks. I just donated some stuff and they said they need household items for when people get housing, so I'm going to go through some stuff and purge for a good cause!

Anyway, other than eating my feelings and watching true crime shows, I've gotten quite a bit of reading done! (I mean, for me.)
Finished Out of My Mind. Really enjoyed it! I posted some final thoughts and questions in the discussion thread. Definitely want to read the next book.

Listened to a couple of hours of The Fox Wife. I am really liking this book! Things are starting to come together, though I still haven't figured out the title!

Started The Dew Breaker for interconnected stories. I'm liking it so far.

QOTW: I haven't really put any thought into the run club prompt (I read and loved The Running Dream- it's about a girl on her high school running team, so that might be close enough for people). I'll check out the help thread when I'm closer to it.
I think the 2 that I'm struggling with are the POC joy and LGBTQ but not coming out. Just because it seems like every POC book I read has trauma in it, and every LGBTQ book I read involves coming out. I'm sure I'll find something, either on my own or in the help threads, but I haven't yet had that "aha" moment.

Nadine, if you go with Opal and Nev, I *highly* recommend the audiobook. The narrators were excellent, it's in my top audiobooks ever!

Hello from an absolutely freezing Columbus and happy Thursday! My cat is seemingly all recovered from his UTI thank God. And now I’m getting over a cold and my son’s paternal grandma is recovering from having her gallbladder removed. Tis the season to be going through it.

Finished:
Lessons in Chemistry I guess this isn’t for a prompt, I thought for sure I had it on a challenge but I can’t find it so who knows lol. This book was delightful because of the dog only. If I had to read her say “I’m a scientist” anymore I might have exploded. I enjoyed this overall even if many of the characters were irritating. (Don’t get me started on the genius 4 year old).

Currently Reading:
Delicate Edible Birds and Other Stories
House of Leaves
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Great Adventure Catholic Bible

Recently Watched:
Nosferatu! Man I really loved this movie. I don’t watch a lot of tv or movies but I was very eager to see this one. I went with my kid and she got so scared she had to leave the theater for a while 😅

Challenges:
Popsugar - 2/40; 0/4; 0/3; 0/3
Read Harder - 2/24
Classics - 0/12
European Tour - 2/10
12 Friends - 0/12
Yearly Goal - 6/180

QOTW:
A lot of them I would be completely lost on if I didn’t have this group to steal ideas from lol

Hi all.

It's been a rough week. Current events have me depressed, and school starting up for the spring semester isn't helping. I need to immerse myself in a favorite game or anime or comfort read to feel better...

Books read this week:

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear -- for “a book by a neurodivergent author.” I love the Wayward Children books, and this one was just as good as the rest of the series. And boy, did it make me mad at people who adopt foreign-born children as a sort of status symbol…

The Stepford Wives -- for “a book under 250 pages.” I’ve never seen either of the movies based on this novella, but boy is it chilling, especially if you’re a woman.

Piglet -- for “two books with the same title (1).” The descriptions of food were the only thing I liked about this one. Ugh.

Currently reading:

The Witch King -- for “a prompt you want to try/retry from the 2024 challenge (a fiction book by a trans or nonbinary author”
Alligators Eat Marshmallows (And Other Things I Learned On My 10,000 Mile Road Trip Around The USA!): A Comedy Memoir -- for “a book featuring an activity on your bucket list”
The Wood Wife -- for “book an AI chatbot recommends based on your favorite book”
Heavenly Tyrant -- for “book about a politician”

QOTW:

I have all my prompts planned out, but I'm still waffling on my choices for "character with chronic pain" and "run club." Gah, there were some HARD prompts this year...

Nadine in NY wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Ooohh...some lists!!
A Powell’s list of Scribner books: https://www.powells.com/featured/publ......"

Cool!

Happy Thursday. It's cold and snowy here. I'm constantly late for work due to badly plowed roads.

I finished a book. My B.C. book. But, I managed to find a prompt for it.

I have almost finished my 2 mystery/thriller books. That was annoying. I wanted a book for a prompt. Library said they don't do interlibrary loans on new books. So, I started an alternate book. Then when I was 40% in and hooked, lo and behold the book I requested turned up. You have to laugh.

Finished:
Denial
Popsugar prompt: A book you got for free
ATY prompt: A book whose title has ten or fewer letters

Series - 0/10
Reading Across Canada - 1/10
Nobel laureates - 0/5

PS - 4/40
Regular ATY - 3/40
Anniversary ATY - 0/10

Currently reading:
Inheritance - 73%
We Sold Our Souls - 20%
Are You Sara? - 75%
Kill for Me, Kill for You -80%

Buddy Reads:
none at present

QOTW: I only signed up for 40 prompts this year. I doubt I'll do the 3 difficult prompts. I hate to say that the POC experiencing joy is hard for me. Are You Sara? features a POC, but it's a mystery so someone might be trying to kill her. To be fair none of the books I read have characters of any colour only experiencing joy.

On Saturday I went to see a play of Murder on the Orient Express with my mom. We both thought they did an excellent job. The cast was great, and they used really interesting lighting for flashbacks, memories, and the murder confession so it was always really easy to follow the action too.

We had a three day weekend, so I had plenty of downtime. Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear did cure the reading slump! I finished several books this week.

Finished
Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (a book with a left-handed character). Absolutely loved this book, as I knew I would. There is a drowned city, talking animals (turtles!), and Nadya. Of course I was going to love it.

His & Hers (a book you got for free). The book was pretty good right up until the very confusing ending. Maybe it was only confusing because I listened to the audiobook? For the killer’s chapters, they used both narrators with voice distortion. For the killer’s final confession, though, they didn’t use voice distortion and I thought a different character was confessing.

Homecoming (a book with a happily single woman protagonist). Since we’re not getting any more Stargate novels any time soon, I decided to try reading the Legacy series again. I didn’t like it the first time, but beggars can’t be choosers. This is a strong starting point for the series. I seem to recall losing interest over the next couple of books.

The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights (a book where an adult character changes careers). I liked this anthology a lot more than The Winter Spirits. I'm glad I gave the editor another chance.

Reading
Boy From the Valleys: My unexpected journey

QOTW
I’ll take this opportunity to grumble about “a dystopia with a happy ending” again. If it has a happy ending, it’s not a dystopia. It might be a great book, but it's something other than dystopia.

Happy check-in! Books are definitely helping me cope right now. I was happy to get my copy of Onyx Storm but I've got too many library books to read first.

I read two graphic audio productions this week that have been removed from Goodreads for not following their requirements. (Magic Bites and Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews) It's very confusing because I read through the list of reasons why they remove things and it doesn't seem to apply. Other graphic audio books by the same author but from a different series have not been removed. I found it quite funny that their rules if applied should remove all Audible originals because they require a subscription to access. I read the graphic audio from the library like most of the books I read.

Finished Reading:

Magic Bites & Magic Burns ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This series is dystopian but has happy enough endings for anyone struggling with that prompt.

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY two books with a connection different genres book one)
This works for many prompts on the PS and ATY challenges. The main character was born without a left hand. I'm using this book because I figure I can find a book with turtles for the connection.

Iron Flame ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This series fits many prompts between PS and ATY as well. Rereading this, I realized how much I had forgotten.

Pearl Volume 3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great series and I hope they create more. I don't have a bucket list but for those who want a tattoo this series would work.

Audacity ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PS forgotten woman in history)
I loved this! Thank you to the person in this group for posting about it last year in check-in.

PS 5/50
ATY 6/52 1/10
Goodreads 22/200

QOTW:
Less than 3 stars rating from Popsugar and an author you haven't read in awhile from ATY. Last year I revisited a lot of authors that I hadn't in years.

Well, NYC has cold though not as bad as elsewhere, and the snow we got was no more than a dusting. Meanwhile, clients in FL have had lower temps!

I finished a couple books that I had started and then put aside:

Killed by Clutter - avoided reading prompt - because I kept putting off reading this for years - moving it lower in the nightstand pile.
Five Little Pigs - prompt reminded me of childhood - nursery rhyme used and also I started reading Christie at a very young age - at same time I read Nancy Drew.
Why Mermaids Sing - no PS prompt
The Bangalore Detectives Club - prompt unlikely friendship - of young bride of a doctor with the local cowherder and a high class courtesan

Currently reading:
The Frangipani Tree Mystery
Nothing

QOTW: I don't preplan, just fitting into prompts after books read. Haven't read through the list often enough to find any hurdles. In my experience, the hurdle is on a prompt you don't expect to be a problem. I do absolutely love when a book I am reading fits some prompt - like The Bangalore Detectives Club fit both POC MC with joy not trauma and also unusual friendship. I opted to use it for the friendship one as being a less easily filled prompt. Right choice as the mystery I am currently reading fits the POC prompt.

Happy Thursday! Took my car into the mechanic Monday, and 9 hours later, my car was finally ready to pick up. Luckily I don't live too far away, so I was able to walk home and wait there. The rest of the week has been exhausting. But it's almost the weekend at least

Oh! And it was announced Tuesday that my favorite bookstore is closing down in a few weeks! I'm so sad! I feel so bad for all the employees, who I feel like I've been chatting with for years. Hopefully some of them can move to other branches, but it's really unfortunate. They always seemed so busy, I really didn't expect it at all

Finished:
The Hedgehog’s Dilemma- this was a sweet fable for adults about a hedgehog who is a bundle of anxiety who wants friends to visit, but over thinks himself into circles. Translated from Dutch
-8 A book under 250 pages

Scrappy Little Nobody- I think I wouldn't have had as fun a time if I'd read the physical book, Kendrick's narration really adds to this light memoir
-no prompt

Currently reading:
Fourth Wing- I should have finished this last night, but wound up falling asleep at like 9. I've been so tired this week... but I'm having a good time with this book!

Patriot: A Memoir- listening to this memoir from the late Russian politician Alexei Navalny. It's pretty phenomenal so far.

QotW:
I think the menopause one would have been rough if I hadn't found a series dealing with that last year. So far, the couple living apart I don't have any idea about what I'll read. I think the left handed character one might be hard if I didn't have the listopia list to look at. This year isn't too bad, I just have to remember to actually read the books I'm planning on reading!

I didn't finish any books this week, but that's okay. I'm thoroughly enjoying listening to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! I read this such a long time ago, that I didn't remember much of the book. Just the movie version. It has so much good stuff in it. It should have been two movies! This book is for the left-handed character because Neville Longbottom is left-handed.

And for my physical book I am reading Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith for the character in chronic pain. I JUST REALIZED I am reading two books by the same author! LOL

I am also over 50 but can only handle two books at a time at most. I want to try to read a third so, inspired by those who read multiple at a time, I'm going to read on my Kindle a book for the Oregon Battle of Books. Could be good.

QotW:
I'm dreading the book I've been avoiding! I usually read Jodi Picoult books the moment they are released but her newest, By Any Other Name does not interest me at all. But I will read it. Hopefully it'll surprise me.

I actually love reading more than one book at a time.
I finished one this week, which I used for unlikely friendship:
How to Read a Book

QOTW: The soccer prompt. I tentatively chose a book but I’m not excited about it. If I stumble across a book where characters incidentally play soccer, I’m counting it

Happy Thursday.

Stats
PS: 8/50
ATY: 6/52
ATY Anniversary: 0/10
ATY Rejects: 0/28
ATY Rewind: 1/10
GR Choice: 1/30
TBR: 1/10

Finished

Cat + Gamer Volume 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Magic Strikes (Graphic Audio) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I know there's controversy about whether or not GAs count as enhanced audiobooks or theatrical productions, but for me, it's clear that they're audiobooks but that they therefore should be listed as different editions of the original books, not as completely separate books.

Assistant to the Villain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PS: Nonverbal Character.
I've been meaning to try this series since it first came out and I finally got around to it. I loved it, and then realized midway through that it worked for the nonverbal prompt because the one character is a frog who talks by writing and holding up little signs.

Occulted ⭐⭐⭐
PS: About a cult.
This was fine. Thank you to whoever suggested it on the thread.

Along the Saltwise Sea ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Progress
Apprentice to the Villain
Better Than Friends

QotW

I identified the hardest-for-me prompts and picked out books for them. Some I've already read, and some I've already found and read different books than the ones I had planned. Here's my list of the hard prompts I still have left:

PS
🔹Menopause: Becoming Crone
🔹Run club: Ghost
🔹Separated married couple: After I Do
🔹Left-handed character: The Atlas Paradox
🔹Under 3 stars: The Atlas Complex
🔹Happy distopian: Kate Daniels Wilmington years book 3

ATY
🔹Irish author: Long Live Evil
🔹ToB book: The Ministry of Time

Life update: My colleague and I had some real "wtaf" moments at work this week, but it looks like it was mostly poor communication by and amongst the higher-ups rather than any actual malice. Still, it did our productivity and heart rates no favours. Also, I think I have an ear infection,. Really hoping it clears up over the weekend so that I don't have to contend with the telephone booking system at my doctor's surgery. But other than that, things are good. Tomorrow is Burn's Night, so my husband and I are looking forward to eating haggis with neeps and tatties and trying a new non-alcoholic whisky!

Reading update: I feel like the challenges are really helping me to get back into reading every day, which is great. I'm finding that one of the keys for me is always to have one print book, one Kindle book and one audio book on the go so that I can read in almost any circumstances.

I've also decided to try to re-establish a habit of reading some scripture before bed each night, and I also downloaded an app from the Hindu group I study with, Chinmaya Mission, that gives you a bite-sized lesson each day.

Stats:
Read for the PopSugar challenge: 2 this week, 3/50 total
Read for the Star Trek Series challenge: 1 this week, 1/18 total
Read outside the challenges: 0 this week, 1 total
DNF: 0 this week, 1 total

Currently reading:
Water Memory for the "body of water" prompt - I'm really enjoying this one
A Fire Born of Exile for the "POC experiencing joy" prompt
A Stitch in Time for the Star Trek challenge
Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Getting Things Done as a re-read as part of my ongoing endeavour to tune up my work system
The Logic Of Spirituality With Dvd via the Vedanta Daily app
Srimad Bhagavadgita: with English Translation and Transliteration # 1411 as my bedtime scripture selection

Up Next:

Was tun, wenn jemand stirbt?: Handbuch für den Trauerfall
Adult MHFA Course Manual
Fabio Quartararo, l'ascension d'un prodige - Nouvelle édition
Come Tumbling Down

QOTW: I haven't really had any difficulty finding books to fill the prompts. The "book I got for free" will probably be a bit of a slog, though, because I chose a work-related book that's quite technical and no longer as topical as when I first requested it.

I relate to the people saying current events are a clusterfcuk. Let's just all hope 4 years is all it's going to be. I have quite a few trans friends and they're already seeing the differences. Especially when it comes to passports.

One of them is also a veteran who was promised 2 years of guaranteed housing support a few months ago. He's already been told his support is ending end of February, because he's on 100% VA disability and that no longer qualifies. Even though his disability alone won't cover housing where he lives.

Up to 75% of the farm workers aren't showing up in fear of ICE raids, so get prices are likely to go up.

The best of luck to you all, honestly. I am there with you in spirit <3

In other news, Flow (the movie I raved about and that won a Golden Globe) is nominated for an Oscar! Fingers crossed!!

Happy Friday everyone!

I meant to post yesterday but I got busy with things. Been enjoying the cold. Temps less than 50°F out here so that's been nice and in the 20s at night. Keeping up with school stuff so that's going okay.

Met with a doc over my mental health which I needed. I'm excited to try this new medication. I looked it up and it says that aside from the traditional issues of anxiety and depression that it helps with, the medication is also said to help with PTSD. When I saw that I was relieved. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2023 over an incident that left me pretty messed up. But enough about that.

*****

Book News:

I'm pretty much done with the books I read this month. I'll do a recap next week in our last week of January for my wrap up.

*****

I did get a new release book this week called More Than a Doll: How Creating a Sports Doll Turned into a Fight to End Gender Stereotypes .It's about how creating a sports doll erupted into a fight for gender equality and fighting stereotypes.

I'll be reading this one as one of my February priority reads.

*****

Fun news, I've started a BookTube channel. With TikTok being in limbo and chaos at the moment I realized I needed a different outlet to discuss my books so I figured I'd give the whole BookTube thing a go. So far it seems to be going okay, just starting out which is nice.

I've created a whole schedule of topics to discuss for the next 6 weeks. My plan is to record two videos a week. I also type out talking points so I have an idea of what I want to discuss and how to go about it.

I think this is going to be a fun project.

*****

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

What one challenge prompt do you believe will be difficult for you to fulfill in 2025?

Honestly, there aren't any this time around.

There are 3 prompts I am skipping though. I don't like reading books about food so I'm not doing the food truck prompt. Don't care about menopause so not reading that prompt. Also not doing the 3 stars or less on GR. I don't base my reading preferences on other people's ratings.

As for prompts that are going to actually be challenging? I don't have an issue with the others. I've got my chart filled out with all the books I want to read for it so that helps.

What makes the PS Challenge easier for me this time around is that there is more room for nonfiction book picks. I struggled with that last year and in years past.

Bucket List: As many have been commenting that they don't have one...and mine is simply trips I hope to take if money and health allow...well, I have been thinking more about this. There were things I dreamed of doing sometime in the future that no longer feel possible for me at my current elder age. But, am I disappointed or feeling regretful? No. It is what it is. Life moved on. Overall, I am more of a home body. I enjoy my space. Sometimes I yearn for a friend to do things with...but then I don't really want to do that much most of the time.

I have decided that, other than travel, my bucket list is more like BOOKS.

Sasha, the book club I am in (Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society) will be reading A Stitch in Time for its March book. I've read it several times and love it. To make things different this time, I am reading it in its new-ish audiobook format, read by Andrew Robinson.

Finished this week:

Captain Nemo (reread, 3/5)

Some of the adventures are more compelling than others. The sections with the Crimean War and Nemo being forced to work on a submarine dragged the pace of the ending a bit.

Powersat (3/5)

Though this is part of the Grand Tour setting from Ben Bova, it is related mostly to business and politics on Earth. Somebody must have really liked Dan Randolph and his catchphrases because he is also in the next book in the series. The horniness level is also pretty high here, and I would describe the writing there as "door ajar," as you get some descriptions of the sexual encounters without being absolutely explicit about everything. It's a readable thriller, but it is not at the same level as Mars. I hope that some of the other planet and moon focused books in the series have more of the scientific and sense of wonder aspects that were in that book.

The Persistence of Memory (reread, 4/5)

This is a pretty cool Star Trek: TNG story centered around Dr. Soong and his android creations.

Currently reading:

Privateers
Silent Weapons
The Science Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained

Question of the Week:

The bucket list one is the last one that I have no specific book in mind for. I want to travel to Italy or Australia, so if anyone has any recommendations for books set in those countries, please share them.

Brandon wrote: "Sasha, the book club I am in (Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society) will be reading A Stitch in Time for its March book. I've read it several times and love it. To make things different this..."

A Town Like Alice - would fit your bucket list trip to Australia. I read it a year or two ago and enjoyed it.

Completed
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

It was a slow reading week as I've caught a cold and, as much as I want to read, sometimes have trouble concentrating.

PS challenge progress: 7/50

Currently Reading
Artemis
Nemesis
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

QOTW
My first thought was the menopause prompt. But after taking another look through the whole list, the two books with the same title will be challenging for me, too. I think the menopause prompt will be the hardest prompt for me to find a book I'm really interested in. The same title prompts will most likely just require me putting in some planning that I haven't bothered to do yet.

Bea wrote: "Bucket List: As many have been commenting that they don't have one...and mine is simply trips I hope to take if money and health allow...well, I have been thinking more about this. There were thing..."

I chose a book for this prompt called 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List because my "bucket list" is to read as many book as possible. Maybe you could find a similar book

I would also recommend The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, a homebody who just wants to read the books

Jennifer W wrote: "Hi all. I am in the doldrums. Has it really only been 3 days since Monday?? Do we really have 4 more years of this sh*t?? And then, there was a major fire in a neighboring town (Nadine, have you se..."



I did NOT hear about that fire!! I've really been ignoring the news lately, it's just too much.



Nadine, if you go with Opal and Nev, I *highly* recommend the audiobook. The narrators were excellent, it's in my top audiobooks ever!

Good to know! that may be the final datum that sways me, I'm always up for a good audiobook.

Kendra wrote: "Assistant to the Villain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PS: Nonverbal Character.
I've been meaning to try this series since it first came out and I finally got around to it. I loved it, and then realized midway through that it worked for the nonverbal prompt because the one character is a frog who talks by writing and holding up little signs...."





I am over here paying attention and taking notes!! I'm penciling that book in as another option for this difficult-for-me category.

Well this is cool, I found out that my local BN is going to be doing a book release party for Sunrise on the Reaping . Had to go in person to pre-order my copy and reserve my spot.

I have not gone to a book release party before. A lot of the books I get excited for, new releases, normally don't get that type of publicity.

This is gonna be so cool.

Happy Friday!

I was so busy yesterday I forgot to check in. it's almost time for me to go home so I will take the time to do it now.

It's been super cold here in the teens in the morning. It's nice. I like winter weather. It's been very dry. We only had like two storms and both were rain. There might have been a bit of dry snow, but it isn't worth mentioning cuz it melted the same day..

I'm watching the new season of anime on crunchyroll. There are quite a few that are fun. Fruitmaster and Possibly the Strongest something Alchemist. I'm biding my time for Apothecary Diaries and Solo Leveling second to finish. I want to binge them all at once instead of waiting weekly for hte new episodes. Shangri-La Frontier had a good second season as well.

Goodreads Challenge 44/400

Kids Books:
Baby Dragon, Baby Dragon!

Manga:
Assassin & Cinderella #001
My Secretly Hot Husband, Vol. 1

Romance:
Dance With Me, Baby
Play With Me, Baby
Auctioned To The Titan
King
Blaze
Maverick
Fox
Blade
Silver Saints MC Volume 1 Contains the first three of the series
Inked With Love
Black Ops Series: Volume 1 Contains the first three of this series. It crosses over with one of MC series.
Storm
Whiskey
Hack
Dax

Currently Reading:
Immortal
Since I Was Abandoned After Reincarnating, I Will Cook With My Fluffy Friends Volume 4
Lawbreaker: A Compelling Contemporary Western with a Dangerous Edge, Get Swept Away in a Tale of Forbidden Love
Dirty Deal

Planning:
Nova

QOTW:

I glanced at the list just now and i think the hardest will be the more unique and less vague ones like food truck.

I still haven't looked at the list and compared yet. I've been super lazy when I'm at home and super busy at work.

Ron wrote: "Well this is cool, I found out that my local BN is going to be doing a book release party for Sunrise on the Reaping . Had to go in person to pre-order my copy and reserve my spot...."

That is cool! Now I have to look to see if a BN near me has a release party as well.! So excited for this book to come out!

Ron wrote: "Well this is cool, I found out that my local BN is going to be doing a book release party for Sunrise on the Reaping . Had to go in person to pre-order my copy and reserve my spot...."
Have fun! I was working at Borders for two of the Harry Potter release parties!!

Brandon wrote: "Sasha, the book club I am in (Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society) will be reading A Stitch in Time for its March book. I've read it several times and love it. To make things different this..."

I'm also reading the audiobook! I think the narration adds a lot.

Hey everyone! I has a horrible weekend last week, I got the nurovirus and wow that was painful. I was nauseous since 3pm on Friday but I thought it was because I didn't eat lunch. But it got worse when I left and as soon as I got home, I knew it wasn't going to be pretty. Long story short, I got so sick that the next day I had body aches. My boyfriend was telling me I was sore because vomiting takes a lot of energy out of me but my whole body was sore. Even my ankles were begging me not to get out of bed. I spread it to my family but my boyfriend didn't get it. If someone is reading this and they have the same virus, take 2 days to rest. My whole family had the same post-symptom of body aches.

Also before I forget, NYC was brick AF omg. It felt like razors hitting my face and all the cold wind caused me to have a headache. Worst part, my ear infection came back. I requested a day off work to go to a doctor about this.

QOTW: I can think of three answers and both have the same reason. Magical creatures not including dragons, a dystopian with a happy ending, and space tourism. I like books that are realistic as possible. Anthony that becomes fantastical, I get turned off from reading it. I wish I could be more interested in sci-fi and fantasy because I don't particularly mind it being a movie but books need be realistic for me.