Well, I did it again. 20 books. But really only doable because I had 3 graphic novels to read thanks to the library's summer reading subscription box, and they were very quick reads. So, I read on 30/30 days and completed 20 books. I read 7 for the Meridian Library Challenge (MLD), 3 for the Garden City Library Challenge (GCPL), 5 for the PopSugar Challenge, 1 for the Spells and Spaceships SFF Badge Collection Challenge, and 4 just for fun (I could not find a suitable place for them in any of my active challenges).
MLD CATEGORIES:
10. A book published in the 1800s: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Classic Children's Adventure Fantasy, Absurdity
Quick
Summary: Alice falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in Wonderland.
Thoughts: Not like the movie I remember as a kid... I began reading it to Vivian and we got about half-way through before it got a bit too elevated for her and I finished it myself. It was quite a trip and I was thankful for the footnotes that elaborated on the text, giving more context from the 1800s.
15. A book by an author who uses initials: The Shadows by J.R. Ward
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Paranormal Romance, "Vampires", Erotica, Death, Not-Happy Ending
Quick
Summary: In this 13th book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, "Trez" falls for Serena, who has a terminal illness.
Thought: This one was kind of depressing and not really my favorite installment, because (SPOILER ALERT), I prefer my romance couples to both be alive at the end of the story. I did appreciate the side focus on both Xcor and Layla's budding relationship and to a lesser extent: IAm and maichen's relationship. I haven't read any of this series in years and it was interesting how quickly the world all flooded back to me. Definitely one of my guilty pleasure series-- Kind of ridiculous, but pretty fun and often sexy.
17. A book you're surprised you haven't read yet: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Paranormal Fantasy Romance, Witches, Vampires, Demons
Quick
Summary: Diana
Bishop, a young scholar descended from a distinguished line of witches,
calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript during a research session.
Her discovery sets the underworld stirring and she is descended upon by
other witches, daemons, and vampires.
Thoughts: I honestly don't get what all the hype was about. It was pretty average for me. I don't care for MOST insta-love romances and I didn't really feel much connection between the two leads. I do love time travel books, and this series is clearly headed in that direction, so I suppose I may read the second book to see if the series gets better.
20. A book published between 2000-2010: American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Mythology, Belief, Change/Growth, Life & Death, Deception, America
Quick
Summary: Shadow is released from prison following his wife's fatal car accident. With nothing for him to go home to, Shadow joins Mr. Wednesday on a strange journey across the USA to recruit various forgotten gods for a battle against the new gods (media, technology, etc).
Thoughts: I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. It falls right in the middle, fairly average for me. I've enjoyed his other books more than this one-- I've found them enchanting and mysterious. I found this one less so.
26. All three books of a trilogy (1): A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Epic Dark Fantasy, Industrial Revolution, War, Violence, Treachery
Quick
Summary: The children of the characters from the First Law series struggle: Leo dan Brock struggles to win on the battlefield against Stour Nightfall. Prince Orso struggles to prove himself worthy of his future title of King. Savine dan Glokta struggles to drag herself to the top of society. Rikke struggles with her Long Eye (visions of past and future).
Thoughts: Best book of the month. Maybe of the year actually (and I've read 100 books at this point). Joe Abercrombie is a master of story-telling. This trilogy takes place 30ish years after the First Law trilogy and the new characters are just as compelling as the originals. This trilogy can stand on its own, but really should be read after the 6 First Law world books for back story and politics. Say one thing about Joe Abercrombie, say he is entertaining!
32. A self help book: How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joana Faber
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Nonfiction Self-Help, Parenting, Psychology, Family
Quick
Summary: This book gives some tips on how to make little kiddos (ages 2-7) feel like you care about what they are saying, so that they will in turn listen to what you are saying and follow directions with fewer tears and tantrums.
Thoughts: A good quick read. A bit repetitive, but I liked that, because it helped cement some of the tips into in my tired mom brain. I've tried several already and they appear to be working so far...
33. Give a book a second chance: Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Good vs. Evil, Destiny vs. Free Will, Human Nature, Absurdity
Quick Summary: The son of Satan
is born and the End Times are coming. The angel
Aziraphale and the demon Crowley attempt to sabotage the coming of the end
times, as they have grown accustomed to their comfortable lives in England.
Thoughts: Wow, this book was quite a struggle for me. It was a struggle the first time when I DNF it, and it was a struggle again this time as I pushed through it. I decided to listen, hoping that I would have more luck with audio, but no. No such luck. People like this book. It came highly recommended. My best friend just read it and rated it highly. I guess I just don't get it. I've come to the conclusion that it's Terry Pratchett I don't like, because I have enjoyed several of Neil Gaiman's books.
GCPL CATEGORIES:
25. A book featuring an LGBT character: The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Fantasy Short Story Collection, LGBT, Romance, Magic, Angels, Demons, Vampires
Quick Summary: A collection of short stories about Magnus Bane, a favorite character from the Mortal Instrument series and the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare.
Thoughts: I loved the Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices series, but don't usually enjoy short story collections as much as I want to. Not enough room for story or character development maybe? So this one sat on my shelf for a long time. The nice thing though, is that these were short stories about a character I already know and love, so these were fun and interesting, rather than disappointing and unfulfilling. My husband has NOT read either of the original series, but listened to this and enjoyed it enough that he now wants to try out one of the series.
29. A book about a road trip: Road Trip by Beth O'Leary
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Travel,
Quick Summary: Addie and her sister head out on a road trip for a friend's wedding when they are rear-ended by another car, also heading to the wedding. Only one car made it out of the wreck, so 5 people who don't get along cram into one car for a fun 300-mile trip.
Thought: This was a decent read. Funny, kept my interest, but enjoyed some of her other books better.
POPSUGAR CATEGORIES:
3. A book that has a heart, diamond, club, or spade on the cover: Truth or Beard by Penny Reid
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Wanderlust
Quick
Summary: Jessica has had a crush on Beau Winston for a long time, but when she comes home from college and flirts with Beau at a Halloween party, she is shocked to find that she was actually flirting with Beau's less awesome twin brother, Duane.
Thoughts: I put this series off for a long time, because I thought the punny titles would translate to cheesy reads. I was pleasantly surprised by this first book and now plan to read the rest. Entertaining, funny, sexy.
11. A book about forgetting: Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Historical Regency Romance, Prostitution, Amnesia, Deception, Attempted Murder
Quick
Summary: Grant Morgan digs a well-known lady of the night, Vivien Duvall, out of the river, presumably drowned. When she is miraculously alive, he takes her home. She, of course, has no memory of what happened, so he convinces her that she is his mistress.
Thoughts: I absolutely love me some Lisa Kleypas, so I've been going back to read her older books. Don't recommend. The newer series are better. I didn't care for this one, because I don't typically like deception and ill-intentions in my romance.
13. Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
Genre/Tropes/Themes:
Dark Fiction, Horror, Sibling Rivalry, Magic, Rape, Deformations,
Cults, Amputations, Disfigurement, Murder, OH MY
Quick
Summary: The Binewskis attempt to breed their own carnival through the
use of amphetamines, arsenic, and radioisotopes during pregnancy.
Sibling rivalry
Thoughts:
What the heck did I just read?!?! This was a train wreck. I couldn't
put it down, but not necessarily in a good way... This was part of my
Meridian Library Science Fiction book box for June. Don't judge a book
by it's cover or title. I thought it was going to be a cute love story
between misfits. I didn't realize the "Geek" was referring to the
carnival "savages" that bite heads of chickens. This was a disturbing
read that sent me on many rabbit holes concerning "circus freaks."
18. A book that was published anonymously: Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Classic 19th Century Fiction, Romance
Quick
Summary: Marrianne Dashwood falls for John Willoghby against her sister, Elinor's warnings. Meanwhile, Elinor is struggling with her own romantic disappointment.
Thoughts: I absolutely loved Pride and Prejudice. I absolutely struggled through Sense and Sensibility. I felt like there was no chemistry between any of the couples that ended up together. Blech.
29. A book with a black-and-white cover: Sharp Ends by Joe Abercrombie
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Grimdark Fantasy, Violence, Treachery
Quick
Summary: A short story collection that takes place in the First Law Universe. Some old characters (Logen Nine-Fingers) and some new characters (Javre, the Lioness of Hopskopp).
Thoughts: I loved Javre and Shevedieh's chapters. They made this collection. Another great character study by the master, Joe Abercrombie.
38. A book about art or an artist: The Truth About Love by Stephanie Laurens
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Historical Regency Romance, Art, Gardens
Quick
Summary: Scenery Artist Gerrard Debbington has always wanted to paint the gardens of Hellebore Hall, but Lord Tregonning has kept them under lock and key. When Lord Tregonning's daughter is implicated in a murder, he offers Gerrard the opportunity to paint the gardens if he first provides an honest portrait of his daughter.
Thoughts: I had some bad luck with historical romances this month. Didn't care for this one either. The idea that you can capture someone's innocence or guilt in a painting was a little far-fetched for me.
S&S SFF BADGE CATEGORIES:
JUST FOR FUN:
Paper Girls by Brian K Vaughn
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Science Fiction Graphic Novel
Quick
Summary: In the early morning hours following Halloween 1988, four pre-teen paper delivery girls are attacked and end up traveling through time.
Thoughts: The Meridian Library sent me a graphic novel box in May and this was in it. I loved Saga, so I thought I'd enjoy this. I didn't. I was confused the whole way through. The art was fine. The story was a complete mess.
Sheets by Brenna Thummler
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Middle Grade Paranormal Graphic Novel, Responsibility, Death, Ghosts
Quick
Summary: Marjorie Glatt is a 13-year-old girl who has taken charge of the family's laundry business post her mother's death. Ghost boy Wendell seeks purpose in the forbidden human world, and spends his nights playing with the laundry.
Thoughts: The Meridian Library sent me a graphic novel box in May and this was in it. Didn't love this one either. It was really kind of depressing. Poor Marjorie had to take on way too much responsibility after her mother died and her father just basically checked out. She was even asked to negotiate the sale of the business!! At age 13!! Also didn't care for the art style.
Taxi: Stories from the Back Seat by Aimee de Jongh
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Autobiography, Graphic Novel, Human Connection
Quick
Summary: Aimee illustrates her taxi rides in 4 different cities: Los Angeles, Paris, Jakarta, and Washington D.C.
Thoughts: The Meridian Library sent me a graphic novel box in May and this was in it. Apparently a lot of people found this very meaningful, but I got that only very superficially. The art was okay. The story was pretty non-existent.
Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Caroll
Genre/Tropes/Themes: Classic Children's Adventure Fantasy, Absurdity
Quick
Summary: Alice travels through the mirror to the backwards place where she meets more interesting characters from Wonderland.
Thoughts: Interesting how the movie combines elements from both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and also interesting how much is left out. Again, needed the footnotes for this one. What a strange adventure, but a quick read for sure.
Here's how I did on Bookish First Bingo: 4
bingos! While I read a good amount of books, I couldn't get them all to fit these prompts.
