Reading Thread/Goals for 2025

[wvjules]

#10 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins -
As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.



I cannot say enough good things about this book. If you read The Hunger Games trilogy you will love this book. It is heartbreaking and beautiful. You will learn so much about Haymitch and others from the original 3 books. I highly recommend it. I’m going to listen to the audio book now too.

 

[willowsnn3]

#8/25 Deeper Than Dead by Tami Hoag
California, 1985. Four children, running in the woods behind their school, stumble upon a partially buried female body, eyes and mouth glued shut. Close behind the children is their teacher, Anne Navarre, shocked by this discovery and heartbroken as she witnesses the end of their innocence. What she doesn’t yet realize is that this will mark the end of innocence for an entire community, as the ties that bind families and friends are tested by secrets uncovered in the wake of a serial killer’s escalating activity.

I enjoyed this one.

 

[wvjules]

Oh I wanted to add…

Update to my lost Kindle. I filed a lost and found claim with Delta and got an email last Wednesday that they found it!!! It was delivered to me yesterday. I thought it was lost forever! Delta for the win!!!

So now I am exchanging the new one for a Colorsoft. It should be here on Tuesday.

 

[bobbiwoz]

22/50 “Peace” by Shelly Shepard Gray. Needed to rest my eyes, so listened to this “A Crittenden County Christmas novel.” Didn’t particularly enjoy it. Apparently it’s part of a series, and I don’t think it stood well enough alone. 2.5/5

 

[Wood Nymph]

11/30 - Flight of Dreams - by Ariel Lawhon - 3/5

This is the 4th book that I've read by this author. It is mostly a matter of laziness, since I don't really know what book I want to read next, and this author does a decent job. This story of the Hindenburg is really just a story that could be in almost any location. There's a love story, or more, a mystery, etc. It was an okay story but my least favorite of the four books from this author. But it was interesting to read a little about this period in time.

from library website - With everyone onboard harboring dark secrets and at least one person determined to make sure the airship doesn't make the return trip, Flight of Dreams gives an utterly suspenseful, heart-wrenching explanation for one of the most enduring mysteries of the twentieth century. On the evening of May 3, 1937, Emilie Imhof boards the Hindenburg. As the only female crewmember, Emilie has access to the entire airship, from the lavish dining rooms and passenger suites to the gritty engine cars and control room. She hears everything, but with rumors circulating about bomb threats, Emilie's focus is on maintaining a professional air ... and keeping her own plans under wraps. What Emilie can't see is that everyone from the dynamic vaudeville acrobat to the high-standing German officer seems to be hiding something. Giving free rein to countless theories of sabotage, charade, and mishap, Flight of Dreams takes us on the thrilling three-day transatlantic flight through the alternating perspectives of Emilie; Max, the ship's navigator who is sweet on her; Gertrud, a bold female journalist who's been blacklisted in her native Germany; Werner, a thirteen-year-old cabin boy with a bad habit of sneaking up on people; and a brash American who's never without a drink in his hand. Everyone knows more than they initially let on, and as the novel moves inexorably toward its tragic climax, the question of which of the passengers will survive the trip infuses every scene with a deliciously unbearable tension. With enthralling atmospheric details that immediately transport and spellbinding plotting that would make Agatha Christie proud, Flight of Dreams will keep you guessing till the last page. And, as The New York Times Book Review said of her last novel, This book is more meticulously choreographed than a chorus line. It all pays off.

 

[wishiwasindisneyjen]

25/104: Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber
This was supposed to be a Christmas story but the only "Christmas" thing about it was that it was set in December. Story of an overworked business owner who mistakenly ends up on an Amazon cruise and falls in love. Predictable and just ok. 2

26/104: Memorial by Bryan Washington
I did not finish this book. I found it in my neighborhood's little free library and it was a book of the month club pick, so I grabbed it without reading the synopsis. Wasn't a fan of the writing style and I couldn't get into it. No rating.

27/104: Gift of Life by Henri Landwirth
Excellent story of the man who created Give Kids the World. This book was recommended on here and I really loved it. His early life was so horrific, it's a miracle he even survived, and then to spend his life trying to help others, just beautiful. 5

28/104: The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdottir
Cute book about tips, tricks and what the Icelanders really think of tourists in their country. Learned a ton and enjoyed the writing style. 4

 

[bobbiwoz]

@wishiwasindisneyjen, thank you for mentioning “Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade “ by Janet Skeslien Charles! I really enjoyed reading about the volunteer women who helped restore life to France after the German occupation of WWI. 4.5/5

It was my 23/50

 

[Massachusetts]

A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II - Sonia Purnell
An excellent book about Virginia Hall, an American, who was one of the first secret agents operating in France as the Nazi's took over. The book is very well written and it reads more like novel than a biography. 5/5


The Forgotten 500: The untold Story - Gregory A. Freemen
This is a recounting of the experience of mainly American airmen whose planes were damaged while bombing Nazi oil refineries in Romania. The damaged planes would crash on the way back to Italy leaving the airmen scattered throughout Nazi controlled Yugoslavia. Another well written and well researched book. 5/5


The Three Body-Body Problem - Liu Cixin
The Dark Forest - Liu Cixin
These are extremely imaginative science fiction stories that explore humanity's first contact with intelligent life on another planet. Very unique and slightly challenging to read but fascinating nonetheless. Reading the final book of the trilogy currently. 4/5

 

[Simba's Mom]

A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II - Sonia Purnell
An excellent book about Virginia Hall, an American, who was one of the first secret agents operating in France as the Nazi's took over. The book is very written and it reads more like novel than a biography. 5/5


The Forgotten 500: The untold Story - Gregory A. Freemen
This is a recounting of the experience of mainly American airmen whose planes were damaged while bombing Nazi oil refineries in Romania. The damaged planes would crash on the way back to Italy leaving the airmen scattered throughout Nazi controlled Yugoslavia. Another well written and well researched book. 5/5

Thanks! I just put myself on the waiting list for these 2-I'm fascinated by WWII books.

 

[cayennews]

#13 The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter. Part of the Will Trent series. This one was a little more disturbing than the others. I think i need a light anx fluffy books next.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks! I just put myself on the waiting list for these 2-I'm fascinated by WWII books.

I went and put a hold on this too!

 

[MGMmjl]

9/32 - Saving the Magic Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

Description:
"The pandemic is finally over—at least that’s what everyone thinks. People are starting to adjust to the new normal. While the planet is sick of hearing about viruses, in the Walt Disney World Resort, a new virus is emerging that threatens to forever change the world that Walt Disney himself dreamed of.

But this virus is not like anything experienced before. Everything is under attack. No immunity. No vaccine. The only option is to find a cure before time runs out. And the clock is now ticking.

Walt Disney left a secret behind that has the potential to impact the world forever. Will this secret be discovered in time to save Walt Disney World?"

This book was just OK to me. I liked the story well enough, but there were quite a few typos and grammatical errors that took away from the story for me. It was still a pretty fun read.

 

[wvjules]

#11 The Hunger Games Book #1 by Suzanne Collins -
In what was once North America, the Capitol of Panem maintains its hold on its 12 districts by forcing them each to select a boy and a girl, called Tributes, to compete in a nationally televised event called the Hunger Games. Every citizen must watch as the youths fight to the death until only one remains.

I am doing a re-read of The Huger Games Trilogy. I had forgotten some details from the book that were left out of the movie adaptations. I'm really enjoying the refresher.

 

[Wood Nymph]

12/30 - In the Shadow of a Queen: based on a true story - by H.B. Moore - 3.5/5

I enjoyed this story about Queen Victoria's daughter, Louise. The book only deals with Queen Victoria as a mother, not her reign. She was a very controlling and domineering mother. Life wasn't easy for her children. But Louise was an interesting person.

"Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria. As a young woman, Princess Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She is also strong-willed and resists following the queen's rigid rules and strict protocols for a princess. After her father's untimely death, Louise's life is upended by the inconsolable grief of her mother and the rippling effect that rocks the British Empire. Captive to the queen's overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother's tight circle of control, attend balls, or have any kind of relationship outside the royal family. She is relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother-the same position each of her sisters held until they were married. Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen's wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day's political matters without Queen Victoria's approval, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy and resources to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter. In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of an epic battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown's reputation unsullied no matter the cost"-- Provided by publisher.

 

[Simba's Mom]

#13/56-"The Goddess of Warsaw", Lisa Barr. Although it mostly focused on the Polish Ghettos of WWII, the latter part of the book was about post-WWII and how it affected the United States. 4 stars.

Another one I enjoyed was "The Beach House", by Rachel Hanna. Who doesn't enjoy a good Beach Read? And I enjoyed this one so much that I put my name on the waiting list for the next book in the series. That's surprising because I very rarely read multiple books in a series. 4 stars (only because it was light and fluffy, not really thought provoking, otherwise it would be 5)

 

[bobbiwoz]

24/50
I wanted to listen to something light, and picked “The Best is yet to Come” by Debbie Macomber. It wasn’t very good. 2.5/5. I was disappointed.

 

[melk]

12/30 The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

I think I got the title from someone on here. Definitely a feel good story with a good mix of humor and sentimentality. Hits a little close to home for those of us who’ve had a loved one with dementia but I really did enjoy the book.

 

[MGMmjl]

#10 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins -
As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.



I cannot say enough good things about this book. If you read The Hunger Games trilogy you will love this book. It is heartbreaking and beautiful. You will learn so much about Haymitch and others from the original 3 books. I highly recommend it. I’m going to listen to the audio book now too.

I agree... I just finished the book and really liked it! I always liked Haymitch as a character, and I enjoyed learning more about him. I liked seeing some other familiar people from the original trilogy as well. Highly recommended.

10/32 - Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

 

[bobbiwoz]

25/50 “An Amish Miracle,” by Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid and Mary Ellis. Three Amish short stories. 4/5

 

[melk]

13/30 The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

Story of two Iranian women from the time they meet in school right through the rest of their lives, covering the themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the development of the characters, their friendship and how it evolved through the years. I knew basically nothing about the modern history of Iran and found it fascinating.