You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Please read through the reporting thread carefully to ensure to report correctly to get your badge/s.

After you have read your chosen book(s) for this month's group theme read, please report in the thread below.

Please state what book you read (and link it), how it fits the theme, that you discussed it (and where), and briefly summarize what you thought of the book and/or link to your review if you have written one.

If you lead the discussion, please state this in your post.

Here is an example for how to report your read:

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and discussed it in the [Harry Potter/Buddy Read/Other books in theme] thread. I really enjoyed the book. I watched the film first so I already knew the story line but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book more as there was more detail involved. Plus I listened to the audio which was narrated by Stephen Fry who is a superb narrator. 4 stars.”

If you read more than one book which fits the theme, please report all your reads in the same post rather than in separate posts.

Please note, there are THREE different badges that can be obtained for group reads. Those reading and discussing one of the two chosen group reads will receive a colorful badge similar to those for previous group reads. Those reading and discussing any other book in the theme will receive a stamp. The discussion leader for the two chosen group reads will receive a badge stating they led the discussion. Maximum amount of badges you can receive for the group reads is TWO - one for the chosen group read/discussion leader and one for any other book in the theme.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. put your Wall of Fame Name at the beginning of your post as follows: WoF Name - Jayme
2. have read the book(s) before or during May 2025.
3. discussed it in the relevant thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
4. Report that you have read AND discussed the book.

WoF Jayme

I read The Final Game by Caimh McDonnell and discussed it in the appropriate thread.
I really enjoyed this book and will continue to read the series. The characters were lovable and quirky and the humor was snarky and fun. There was even a mystery or two. 4 stars

WoF Marnie

I read The Final Gamewhich is my first book by Caimh McDonnell and discussed it in the group read. This was a fun read. The beginning was a bit confusing for me but once I got into the rhythm of the writing it was easier to keep up.

WoF Alexandra

I read The Final Game. It was funny and entertaining but I’m not sure if I will continue with the series. I listened to the audiobook and found it a bit too much. I’d rather read the book next time.

WoF Odette

I read The Final Game and discussed it in the appropriate thread.
Though a bit hard to get into at the beginning, I grew to like the author's style of writing and found it funny. The chapters set around the game were especially enjoyable. Humour is a genre that I do not read often. I am not sure if I will read more by this author.

WoF: Kristie

I read and was the discussion leader for The Final Game. I enjoyed the book and thought it was really funny in a very over-the-top way. I agree with others that the beginning was confusing. The real story started about 10% in and it was a lot better after that.

I also read If the Shoe Fits and discussed it in the genre thread. The main characters are on a reality tv dating competition. It is also a retelling of Cinderella and the MC is a shoe designer. It was really cute. I enjoyed it more than I expected to, partly because the female MC was smart and mostly level-headed.

WoF Katrisa
I read and discussed Sunrise on the Reaping. I was hopeful for this one even though I was disappointed with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but this one totally delivered! It has the same feel as the original books and you are at once horrified with the Games and the Capitol and cheering on the underdog rebels from District 12. It is really great to learn Haymitch's backstory and it makes him make so much sense! My heart is still broken from the end of this book. 5 stars!

WOF Janice

I opted to read a book of my choice - Carrie Soto Is Back and discussed it in the thread for books on the theme. Carrie was the greatest tennis player in the world when she retired, and held the highest number of Grand Slams in singles. Sitting in the stands, she watched her record being taken away from her and she determined to come out of retirement and win it back. The book covered the next year of her battling to win it back.

Carrie was a flawed individual who's ambition to be the best tennis player overtook everything in her life. The story was also about her self discovery about relationships, love, and what it means to be human.

The downfall of the book in my estimation was a blow by blow discreption of every move of every game she played. I don't think that was necessary.

Wof Nix

I read Sunrise on the Reaping and was the discussion leader. I quite enjoyed the book and thought to be a great prequel. The story was tragic but action packed. It was a very good insight into the evil Capitol and Haymitch! This book brings back my faith in the Hunger Games series

WOF Tammy's Wall

I read The Final Game and discussed it in its discussion group. It is a quirky book, with quirky characters. I listened to the audio and it was read well. The games were creative, but the murder solving lacked some depth. I gave the book 3 stars.

WoFSharonBiskit

I read Sunrise on the Reaping. I discussed it in the provided thread.

I have to say I was curious about this book. I enjoyed the series featuring Katniss. I wasn’t sure I would get into a prequel but I certainly did! Some of the same feels were there….the sad waste of human life for nothing, the lurid wealth and uncaring of some and the bravery found when unexpected. I think the best testament I can give for this one is that I read it straight through except when I did go to sleep. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WoF Grainne

I read Sunrise on the Reaping and joined in the discussion on the thread.

I was umpteenth in line for this book at my library and as I was passing a bookstore in the local shopping centre, I decided that I could not wait and bought it. I like her style of writing which draws in the reader and keeps the reader turning the pages.

It brought tears to my eyes in parts as the contestants grow close in their final days of preparation. This one makes it clear that the Capitol is all about the entertainment factor of the Hunger Games and less so about the preceding wars. Brilliant read. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of The Hunger Games.

Badges and Stamps have been posted. Let me know if I missed anyone.