Reading Challenge 2022

[willowsnn3]

2/40 Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen.

3/40 Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. This is the book I was actually looking for when I found Springsteen's.

Lol, when searching my public library online for certain titles, I often see several with the same title & think I would like to read all books with the same title.

I'm now reading "Hearts in Atlantis" by Stephen King. I don't know, I just can't read enough King. His books just check all the boxes for me!
Hearts in Atlantis is one of my favorites of King. I enjoyed the movie starring Anthony Hopkins also.

 

[drwitz]

More of the Marvel Comics graphic novel Dark Tower series below. I love the way the creators have taken Stephen King's written word and both expanded upon it (showing us scenes never described in the series) and offering stunning visuals of those scenes which are in the original text. The series below takes me all the way chronologically to the end of The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger with a vision ahead of The Drawing of the Three.

For fans of the written novels, this series is a beautiful way to explore the series. I wish I could afford to buy these; but no one is selling them at a reasonable price.

22. Stephen King's The Dark Tower: Battle of Jericho Hill

This is where the original ka-tet falls apart, and the grief and turmoil show. What a stunning tale, and full of dread for the young Roland Deschain.

23. Stephen King's The Dark Tower: Fall of Gilead

The final novel in the Gunslinger Born series, this tells the tale of the fall of mid-world's citadel, and sets the Gunslinger off to face whatever is to come.

24. Stephen King's The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger: The Journey Begins

Our protagonist begins his quest for the Dark Tower and we begin to meet the older Roland whom we know from the original novel.

25. Stephen King's The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger: The Little Sisters of Elurria

A vampire-story in the Dark Tower universe, this is based on the story as told in Everything's Eventual. A side-trip but an exceptionally haunted one.

26. Stephen King's The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger: The Battle of Tull

This tragic story tells of Roland's journey to the town of Tull and his eventual battle to escape its residents.

27. Stephen King's The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger: The Way Station

In which we meet Jake Chambers and hear his story, and begin to move to the confrontation between the Gunslinger and the Man in Black.

28. Stephen King's The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger: The Man in Black

"Go, then. There are other worlds than these". This novel finishes the story as told in the original novel of the series, and leaves us with Roland by the sea ready to start the drawing of the three.

Now for a few completely different choices.

29. The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester

This is one of those non-fiction books that you just can't believe is true (and where the maxim of "truth is stranger than fiction" holds out). The book explains the history of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (the OED) and contrasts two major figures in its history. One is a British professor and editor of the greatest attempt to gather the completeness of the English language. The other is a volunteer contributor and American ex-pat former Civil War surgeon who found and catalogued thousands of examples of uses of words in literature, and happened to be an institutionalized murderer. What a fascinating story, and told beautifully by the author.

30. Blindness by Jose Saramago

This is an older novel (1997 in English translation) from a Nobel prize winning author which tells the story of a plague which erupts in a major metropolis. The plague causes blindness, and the novel tells the story of the fragmentation of society that results. It was an arresting read. I enjoyed the author's writing style (but it does take some getting used to).

31. On Writing by Stephen King

Continuing my re-read of Stephen King's oeuvre. This non-fiction short work is part memoir, part instruction manual for wanna-be writers, and part recollection of King's accident and recovery (which almost took his life). The book is a worthy companion to Danse Macabre and I think together present a great sense of why and how King writes. The brief autobiographical snippets at the beginning are fascinating for their insight into his youth and formation as a writer, and for someone who wants to write for a living (not me), I imagine his instructions and explanations would be tremendously helpful - kind of like a master class in writing.

 

[drwitz]

I can't believe it's March and the first reading challenge post I've made all year!

1/40: Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire. Many of you know that I am a teacher. I've been reading a lot of research around classroom discussions and a few articles referred to this book. I actually can't believe I've never heard of it! It was such an eye opening read (although not easy as it's translated from Portugese). Freire was a Brazilian educator who did a lot of work increasing the literacy rates among the poor in Brazil. His ideas definitely translate to my work in Boston and support a lot of how I run my classroom. Essentially, the book describes how the power dynamic between oppressor and oppressed works against educating those from oppressed groups. Instead of reinforcing that dynamic, he offers theories on how to break it. He said that teaching is, "politics, art, and knowing." I really, really loved this. It has certainly shifted my own views on education.

2/40 Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. I am a HUGE Springsteen fan and absolutely loved this autobiography. I listed to the audiobook and Bruce narrates. From the streets of the Jersey Shore to NYC to Hollywood, he leaves virtually nothing out. He has a part where he and Little Steven (Stevie Van Zandt from the E Street band who was also famous for playing Silvio on the Sopranos) went to Disney Land in 1984 or 5. They were wearing do-rags and security told them to take them off because they were worried about gang activity. Before they get to the parks he says how excited Stevie was to go to Disney and ride the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. But as soon were confronted by the cast members he flipped on a dime and said the most horrible things in the world about DL. I feel bad for those CMs but it's a really funny story.

3/40 Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. This is the book I was actually looking for when I found Springsteen's. This is about a "hidden" people in Mexico and how running extreme distances is part of their culture. McDougall assists a mysterious man known only as Caballo Blanco (white horse) who tries to put together an ultra marathon in the mountainous home of these people. Very good story and really touching.

4/40 The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. I know, I'm an English teacher and I'd never read The Jungle. (Actually, you'd be surprised at which books many English teachers have never read!). My daughter had to read it for school so I decided I'd read it too. If it weren't for her having to read it I'd probably have given up on it. It was so damn depressing. Bad things on top of bad things just kept happening to this poor family! I'm a huge Steinbeck fan, but Sinclair surpasses Steinbeck in his depiction struggling families. I would not recommend this unless you want to feel bad.

I'm now reading "Hearts in Atlantis" by Stephen King. I don't know, I just can't read enough King. His books just check all the boxes for me!

Welcome back. You were missed!

I highly recommend Insomnia if you haven't read it yet. Kind of like a Dark Tower prequel (see my review above). Also recently read Hearts in Atlantis (the review is up there somewhere). I'm next off to Dreamcatcher, one I remember not loving so much my first time through, but we will see if it grows on me this time.

 

[Caseheidi]

14/60 Rage and Ruin (#2 Harbinger Series) by Jennifer L Armentrout
I was not in love with this book, it was just okay. I was even thinking half way through that I might not complete this series, but then at the end I wanted to know how they end it. Still not sure I will read the next one, but I am curious.

15/60 Sweet Magnolias: Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods
I decided to read this because I have enjoyed the two seasons based on this series on Netflix. I really enjoyed this book.

 

[tiggrbaby]

February:


#9/90: In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez (4.5/5) (historical fiction)


In 1960 in the Dominican Republic, three sisters were found dead in the remains of a car wreck. They and their surviving sister were known opponents of the cruel dictator General Truillo.


My brother-in-law’s mother is related to the oldest sister by marriage.


#10/90: The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman (3.5/5) (historical fiction)


In 1939 Paris, Solange is finally introduced to her father’s birth mother. Marthe has led an amazing life, and shares her story bit by bit with her granddaughter. But Paris is on the brink of a new war, and that will change Solange’s future.


#11/90: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (4/5) (suspense)


After Clay lost his web design job, he struggled to find a job. But he comes across a bookstore that is hiring for the night shift. The mysterious customers are not actually purchasing the books, but they check them out as if at a library. Clay enlists the help of his friends to discover the meaning of the books.


#12/90: Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow (5/5) (nonfiction)


Farrow began a routine TV investigation and discovered that a powerful Hollywood producer was a dangerous predator. This is the story of his search for the truth and the many attempts made to cover up that truth.

 

[threeboysmom]

My February books at a glance. Favorite of the month was These Silent Woods.

 

[drwitz]

#11/90: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (4/5) (suspense)


After Clay lost his web design job, he struggled to find a job. But he comes across a bookstore that is hiring for the night shift. The mysterious customers are not actually purchasing the books, but they check them out as if at a library. Clay enlists the help of his friends to discover the meaning of the books.

Sounds great! Requesting it from my library right now.

 

[bobbiwoz]

…

Currently listening to All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle and LOVING it. Really hoping the momentum continues and the ending doesn't disappoint me. Only about 30% through but I am already in love with Hubert Bird, the main character.

…

I LOVED THIS BOOK!…5/5

Life is waiting. But Herbert Bird nas to open his door to let it in!

I am so happy you were so enthusiastic about the book! 15/50

 

[virge]

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
"If your mother was missing, would you tell the police? Even if the most obvious suspect was your father?
This is the dilemma facing the four grown Delaney siblings."
I enjoy her books and this one didn't disappoint. There were times I related to the siblings and times I connected to the mother. Not a life changing novel, but one that did make me reflect on my own life.

Down & Dirty: Dawg by Jeanne St. James (7th book in the Dirty Angels MC series)

20/75

 

[evilmommie]

9/20 The Daughters of Kobani written by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

This is the first nonfiction book I've read in 2 years. That's been by design, as I needed some space from real life events. This was a wonderful step back into the nonfiction world.

Unfortunately in the US we haven't really been shown the brutality of ISIS and the devastation left in Syria in the recent years. These women of Kobani have a mission, to not only save the women and families in Syria from ISIS, but also to fight to provide a better life, an equal life with equal rights for women and future generations from the ISIS savages. They not only earned the respect of America's military who fought along side them, but handed ISIS their first defeat of the war in their city of Kobani. The author has painted a beautiful and accurate picture of these women's lives and why they felt they needed to "save" their city and Syria from ISIS.

5 stars out of 5. ️️️️️

 

[Walt's Dream]

Catching up...

12/75 The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. Goes back and again from 1915 to 1947 and covers a female spy network operating in France during WW1 and its aftermath/consequences after WW2. Well done and kept me involved. Recommended!

13/75 The Path to Sunshine Cove by RaeAnne Thayne. Great light reading in the series about Cape Sanctuary.

14/75 Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. This was named a Best Book of 2009 by many reviewers, and I think I had already read it. I'm glad I reread it. A young Irish woman emigrates from a small town in Ireland after WW2 to work in a department store in Brooklyn. A tale of homesickness, coming of age and finding herself. Very well done. Recommended.

 

[DeeBee3]

I can't believe it's March and the first reading challenge post I've made all year!

4/40 The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. I know, I'm an English teacher and I'd never read The Jungle. (Actually, you'd be surprised at which books many English teachers have never read!). My daughter had to read it for school so I decided I'd read it too. If it weren't for her having to read it I'd probably have given up on it. It was so damn depressing. Bad things on top of bad things just kept happening to this poor family! I'm a huge Steinbeck fan, but Sinclair surpasses Steinbeck in his depiction struggling families. I would not recommend this u

Just wanted to chime in and say I read this in 5th grade. Not sure why I was assigned to read this at such a young age. I thought it was great back then, although I'd want to read it now as an adult with much more knowledge. I just remember being grossed out and some quote about "everything but the oink." Has stayed with me all these years.

 

[willowsnn3]

Have heard a lot about the Sweet Magnolias on Netflix. Maybe my next binge.

 

[willowsnn3]

#11/50 Kisscut by Karin Slaughter
Saturday night dates at the skating rink have been a tradition in the small southern town of Heartsdale for as long as anyone can remember, but when a teenage quarrel explodes into a deadly shoot-out, Sara Linton--the town's pediatrician and medical examiner--finds herself entangled in a terrible tragedy.
What seemed at first to be a horrific but individual catastrophe proves to have wider implications. The autopsy reveals evidence of long-term abuse, of ritualistic self -mutilation, but when Sara and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver start to investigate, they are frustrated at every turn.
The children surrounding the victim close ranks. The families turn their backs. Then a young girl is abducted, and it becomes clear that the first death is linked to an even more brutal crime, one far more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Meanwhile, detective Lena Adams, still recovering from her sister's death and her own brutal attack, finds herself drawn to a young man who might hold the answers. But unless Lena, Sara, and Jeffrey can uncover the deadly secrets the children hide, it's going to happen again . . .

Second in the Grant County series & another re read for me. Slaughter has long been one of my very favorite authors. Her work may not be for everyone tho as most of her books are kinda on the dark side.

 

[willowsnn3]

 

[melk]

8/35 Wish You Were Gone by Kieran Scott

Emma is furious when her husband James doesn’t meet her as planned but the next time she sees him his body is lifeless amidst the wreckage of his car, smashed into the back of their garage. Turns out their marriage was not as it appeared and everyone in the family, teenage kids included, had their secrets.

This was enjoyable enough. Some twists, a couple I figured out but a couple I didn’t.

 

[evilmommie]

I need a couple of paperbacks for some 5 hr flights that are coming up. Reading through your posts is a great way to find a new book!

 

[Caseheidi]

16/60 Spelunking Through Hell: A Vistor's Guide to the Underworld (InCryptid Series #11) by Seanan McGuire
This is the newest book (came out this month) in a fun, unique series. This story picks up with Alice Price-Healy (each book focuses around a different family member) who's husband Thomas Price was taken by the Crossroads over 50 years ago when she was pregnant with their second child. After delivering her daughter, she started her quest to find her husband while traveling through different worlds and dimensions. While we have met Alice before and heard basics of her story, this is the first time we have gotten a look at her life. If you enjoy this series, you will like this book

17/60 Cast in Shadow (Chronicles of Elantra #1) by Michelle Sagara
This is a series (currently has 15 books) that my Husband loves and has been recommending to me for a few years. I was out of new books to read, so finally decided to give it a try, and am glad I did. From the Authors website: Seven years ago Kaylin fled the crime-riddled streets of Nightshade, knowing that something was after her. Children were being murdered – an all had the same odd markings that mysteriously appeared on her own skin… Since then, she’s learned to read, she’s learned to fight and she’s become one of the vaunted Hawks...

I started book #2 this morning, and expect that this will cover my reading needs for the next month. If you like fantasy, I would recommend this. Sagara is good at developing relationships between her characters.

 

[mrs. magoo]

6/30 - The Guest List by Lucy Foley

This is a great murder mystery along the lines of an Agatha Christie book. It really had me guessing and saying things aloud when I was reading. It is about a wedding being held on a small island off the Irish Coast. A murder occurs and who did it. I really enjoyed it and mysteries are not my favorite.

 

[MGMmjl]

6/30 - The Ghost Walker by Margaret Coel

Description:
"Father John O'Malley comes across the corpse lying in a ditch beside the highway. When he returns with the police, it is gone. The Arapahos of the Wind River Reservation speak of Ghost Walkers—tormented souls caught between the earth and the spirit world, who are capable of anything. Then, within days, a young man disappears from the Reservation without a trace. A young woman is found brutally murdered. And as Father John and Arapaho lawyer Vicky Holden investigate these crimes, someone—or something—begins following them.

Together, Vicky and Father John must draw upon ancient Arapaho traditions to stop a killer, explain the inexplicable, and put a ghost to rest..."

This is the second book in the Wind River Reservation series. I read the first one last year, and enjoyed it a lot. I really enjoyed this one too! I look forward to reading more in the series.