I love this time of year. The book challenges begin to fly into my inbox introducing me to categories, genres, and novels I would never read otherwise. Ready Player One for instance, quickly became one of my all time favorite books. I would never have read this book without a prompt from the Pop Sugar Challenge to find a Cyberpunk book. Folks, I had to look up what that term meant!
I have my eye on five main book challenges this year!
Book Challenges
- The Great American Read (featured on PBS)
- The 2019 Popsugar Reading Challenge
- Modern Mrs Darcy 2019 Reading Challenge
- Mosheim Public Library Challenge (Local)
- The Well Read Mind
Am I going to read all the books on all these lists?
Maybe, but not in one year. That would suck all the fun right out of it and make it feel like work. Fortunately, some of the books on these lists are ones that I have already read. While some might warrant a re-read, others such as “Where the Red Fern Grows” left me in a pathetic puddle of tears in the middle of my middle school bedroom. I still feel the sting of that story and am in no hurry to repeat it. I do, however, think it is on a read aloud list for my kids in just a couple of years, so I may have to suck it up and pull out the tissue box. Not this month, though!
What I Read This Month!
Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
I started this book as an audio book read by the author and would have loved to have continued experiencing this book that way. Alas, dead teenagers and sex offenders are not for little ears and I transitioned over to an eBook version. I found the book to be well written with likable characters. The transcendent paranormal elements are not my favorite, but didn’t distract from my overall enjoyment of the book. Lovely Bones checked off one of the books on my list for “The Great American Read.”
Are you glad you read it?
Yes, I enjoyed it, especially the audio book.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I overhead on a “What Should I Read Next” podcast that some parents have a hard time reading this book. It’s always unpleasant to think of a child being hurt, especially with such violence (rape and murder). If that element of this novel is not a deal breaker the book is very enjoyable as a human interest story with some potential paranormal activity.
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
This novel is full of quirky and lovable characters I’d relish the chance to hang out with in real life. Romance blossoms between a newspaper columnist and the paper’s new security officer. The problem is the security officer has fallen for the columnist by reading her email in secret. She thinks he’s cute, but has no idea he’s got access to her personal inbox. Let the hilarity ensue!
Are you glad you read it?
There are so many comedic and touching moments! Absolutely!
To whom would you recommend this book?
This is perfect for someone looking for a fun spirited modern, quirky romance.
Size 12 Is Not Fat (Heather Wells Mysteries Book 1) by Meg Cabot
Size 12 Is Not Fat is written by the author of “The Princess Diaries.” The heroine of this novel series is equally delightfully imperfect. She has lots of “real” moments, but sometimes it feels over the top. The novel is a murder mystery set on a college campus. The novel moved quickly and easily. I probably would not read the rest of the series except that Cabot has roped me in with the heroine’s love interest. If they don’t get together by the end of this five book series (I’m starting book 3 now), I’m sending her a letter!
Are you glad you read it?
This novel falls into the guilty pleasure category. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but won’t be bragging about having completed it to anyone.
To whom would you recommend this book?
This is a perfect palate cleanser when you have been reading some heavier literature or just need an enjoyable story in which to escape.
How To Talk So Little People Will Listen by Joanna Faber and Julie King
Aside from 1-2-3 Magic (which seriously saved my sanity), this is hands down the most helpful book I have read for parenting little ones. When my daughter was two and I was really beginning to understand that parenting wasn’t going to get any easier anytime soon, I read How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk . The trouble was all the techniques required that the child be able to have a conversation and use a touch of reason and logic. Since all my kids are under six years of age, logic and reason are in short supply around here. How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7 does a wonderful job of remembering the rest of us. Whether dealing with a two year old eating pebbles in the park or a five year old melting down on the floor half dressed, this book has techniques to try. The book acknowledges that parenting is hard and that not every technique will work. The authors really help with understanding why what you’re doing isn’t and won’t be working anytime soon. They also arm you with some options to try besides just pulling your hair out and wine drinking. I highly recommend this one!
Are you glad you read it?
Oh, yes. I am desperate for an audio version for my husband!
To whom would you recommend this book?
This is a game changer for everyone that has or interacts regularly with small children! Read it!
Animal Farm by George Orwell
OK, so I though this book was on The Great American Read list. Turns out it’s George Orwell’s other book, “1984.” Whoops! Oh, well. My husband enjoyed reading it when he was in school and some how I just missed (avoided) reading this one. I found the story sad, but fascinating. I may never recover from the loss of Boxer to the glue factory. I found myself digging into Cliff Notes, which I am delighted to discover you can access for free online. Where was this during my college years?!? I grabbed the copy of Animal Farm that is combined with “1984” since it’s on my TBR list as well.
Are you glad you read it?
I am glad I read it and although I didn’t find the book an easy one in which to immerse myself, I thoroughly enjoyed gaining a better understanding of the Russian revolution.
To whom would you recommend this book?
History buffs and academics can’t miss this one. The parallels between this work and the struggles of historical Russia are amazing. If you read it in school, but think you might need a refresher take this quiz!
New On the Shelf
The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love
by Kristin Kimball
The Rosie Project by Don Tillman
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows
What’s on your shelf? Anything good?
Happy Reading!
