Reading Out the Year Challenge 2020: Books Read

I like how the power was handed down to his youngest daughter
- 3/5

One of my students was reading it—but there are multiple kinds of monsters in the land David gets sucked into in the story. This book is a coming-of-age adventure not unlike the Chronicles of Narnia, complete with Christian overtones, though they are much less pronounced. David is a young boy In World War II-era England, grieving his mother and unaccepting of his father’s new wife and son. He moves into his stepmother’s old house, hears books talking to him, sees a mysterious “crooked man” and before too long is in a faraway and magical land, trying to find his way home by going to the king to consult his Book of Lost Things. He of course learns an important lesson and is able to get home. There is a brief segment of the story where David expresses the homophobia typical of his day; this is not well resolved and I would not recommend the book to an unwary audience because of it, as it suggests and barely questions that gay men are typically pedophiles, a false and abhorrent statement. While I appreciated the inclusion of a gay character, and the knight Roland is a brave, wise, kind, and admirable human being, David’s reaction could be quite distressing to young (or not-so-young) LGBTQ readers or allies & family. There were some creative workings-in of many different fairy tale tropes, but overall it was somewhat predictable and tedious.
-Meredith, 2/5

Chose this book because it was one of those bunch of people reading it at the same time books. Enjoyed this book because it was an interesting young adult book dealing with LGBT and the secret worlds we hide within and what happens when they become real. Very enjoyable real.
- Beth, 4/5

This book is a scrupulously historical novel, carving out two days during the trip former president Teddy Roosevelt and his son, Kermit, took with the expedition to explore the River of Doubt in South America. What happens in those two days is where the Roosevelts (and the reader) meet the monster or beast. Beast reveal kind of a let down in my opinion. But it's very readable and the action moves along nicely.
- Marie, 3/5

I read this book for AP Lit in high school and remembered liking it but forgot a lot of the nuance of the story plus it felt like a good choice with Halloween approaching.
- Jenny, 5/5

A good YA mystery is a good read...It was certainly an interesting mystery, similar to season one of the Serial podcast in ways. There was one glaring detail at the beginning when Pippa is outlining her project and the ethical concerns leading her teacher to limit her by not contacting any of the family members of those involved -- and you know the first thing she did was? Contact the family members. It was kind of an irritation at the back of my brain through out. Plus this is a YA mystery where the teen takes some ridiculous chances with their own safety.
- Sarah, 2/5

I wanted a book that was entertaining and this book provided that.
- Allison, 4/5

I read and liked Marcelo in the Real World by the same author. It’s a realistic story of 2 teenage boys: one grieving his entire family and one facing a terminal cancer. It’s impressive how a novel about a boy dying of cancer is not that sad. D.Q. has a brain tumor, and Pancho has lost both parents and his sister. They meet at a Catholic orphanage in New Mexico, where Pancho is assigned to help D.Q. D.Q. has a plan for making the most of his last year, and Pancho has a plan to avenge his sister’s death. These come together when D.Q. has to go to chemotherapy in Albuquerque and Pancho gets a chance to meet the man he thinks is responsible for his sister’s death. There is fun with a rickshaw, a love triangle with minimal drama, a cast of very colorful characters, a boxing match, a hidden gun, and more.
- Meredith, 4/5

Good story overall about teenagers who are learning to be true to oneself while dealing with a devastating loss. Lots of drama and a few plots twists but also a couple of spots I found awkward (teenage love scenes). However, the story itself was engaging enough to keep me awake until I finished it, which is why it got the fourth star.
- Marie, 4/5

I read this for the nostalgia. The Twilight series hit hard when I was in high school haha. Worth a read for anyone who enjoyed the series, I found myself laughing a lot at Edward's moodiness.
- Jenny, 3/5

I’d already read Gideon the Ninth and was glad to see this had come out. This picks up immediately from where Gideon the Ninth leaves off, and it is a strange and wild ride. Harrow has become an immortal necromancer, but something has gone wrong with that process, and she and her new colleagues (allies or enemies?) are threatened with near-certain death when the Resurrection Beasts reach their base. This is not a good choice for anyone who hasn’t already read Gideon the Ninth, as it’s barely understandable to me, who has! I found the many layers of deceptions and secrets so confusing as to be frustrating, and wished there had been more exploration of the relationships between the characters instead. I was intrigued by the ending, but it appears that the third book may pick up in a different place. There were nice nods to gender and sexuality diversity throughout, but very little exploration of these—just casual mentions of same-sex parents and relationships. If you are okay with plowing through 600 pages before reaching some understanding of Harrow’s situation, you might really enjoy this; I was still glad I read it but liked the previous book better.
- Meredith, 3/5

This book is written well, with accomplished, but not florid prose. The dominant theme of this work is acceptance, particularly of one's own body. Colorism and transgender issues are the primary examples.
- Sara, 4/5

I chose this book because I just love Loretta Lynn and it did not disappoint! I was so happy to see this title when I looked for a book to fit this challenge, since I am a big fan of Loretta Lynn. This is another memoir of her life, this one focused on her time with Patsy Cline. Great insights into both women and the music business in the 1950s and 1960s. Extra star because it is read by Loretta's daughter, Patsy, who was named for Patsy Cline and has her parents Butcher Holler accent. So glad I choose the audio version for this one!
- Marie, 5/5

Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a YA author I regularly pick up and this is her latest which came out September 1st, 2020. The plot does not disappoint -- a well paced YA mystery/puzzle story. Everything I normally expect from this author was there and it was an enjoyable read if not my favorite by this author.
- Sarah, 3/5

This is a contemporary story that delves into Egyptology and touches on quantum mechanics in accessible way but it might not be for everyone. I really enjoyed the way both subjects ran parallels to the main characters life.
- Jenny, 5/5

I did not like the Egyptology part.
- 3/5

It was short and brought me back to my child hood. A child with a low self esteem might read it. It actually talks about bullying and not to give into peer pressure. People are not always honest. Really it makes people see they should accept themselves for who they are and not try and change who they are.
- Betsy, 4/5

It is a philosophical book that seems to have little point until the end. It reminded me of Jane Austin, in the relating of a social situation, the conventions of the time, and such, but with the addition of lust, which Jane does not really delve into.
- Sara, 4/5

It's a cute Halloween related read perfect to read with children.
- Jenny, 4/5

Was reading for work and realized, hey, this is under 91 pages! (48 to be exact). A very moving book about refugees -- I kind of stumbled into it but I think this book will stay with me for a while. Gorgeous illustrations and lovely prose. Anyone who has read Drowned about Hurricane Katrina will find an interesting read when thinking about immigration and the refugee experiences.
- Sarah, 5/5

Good story, loved the twist at the end. Worth reading but not compelling, at least in my opinion. Will have to try another one of the author's works to decide how I feel about her.
- Marie, 3/5

This book was really popular when it first came out but I never read it and I actually ended up seeing the movie first. So, when I saw this challenge I thought it was time that I actually read the thing. It's a romance but it definitely gets you thinking about a lot of big topics.
- Jenny, 4/5

I adore Toni Morrison's writing and Jazz, so it seemed like it was meant to be. This book is sublime. Her liquid and musical prose turns pain and ugliness into beauty and humanity. The audio book is particularly wonderful, a she reads it herself, and the cadences of her voice are enthralling.
- Sara, 5/5

This book is just amazing and it was time to reread it. The Alchemist is most definitely a modern classic. It was published when I was in my 20s and I have owned a copy almost as long. Santiago, the shepherd boy who went on a journey and found his Personal Legend. Wow. Just wow. If you haven't read it yet, read it. If you haven't read it in a while, follow my example and read it again.
- Marie, 5/5

Dancing Hands won the Pura Belpre Award for Rafael Lopez's amazing illustrations. The illustrations were my favorite! So much color! Lopez's artwork perfectly carries the story along, complementing it with detailed simplicity. Enjoyed the uplifting story, too, which tells about the little girl from Venezuela who became a world class musician, her dancing hands bringing joy to the grieving Lincoln family. It's not just a story, it's history. Loved it!
- Marie, 5/5

The twist and turns of Ari and Dante's friendship is what kept me reading. It highlights how challenging love can be, how family support is vital, and how painful it can be to grow up.
- Jenny, 4/5

I found it very interesting and enjoyable. I loved the illustrations. It showed how no matter where a person comes from they can come together by a common factor of the love of books. Anybody coming from various backgrounds.
- Betsy, 5/5

The genres I blended were historical fiction and mystery. This story was set in the early 20th Century Europe with Sherlock Holmes as one of the two main characters, the other a young lady. The book is told from the viewpoint of the young lady, Mary, who describes the mysterious cases that bonded her with Sherlock Holmes, presumably romantically. Lots of familiar faces appear, including Watson and Mrs. Hudson. Good atmosphere and suspense. Worth reading for mystery lovers.
- Marie, 4/5

This book is a blend of dystopian sci fi and space sci fi with mystery/thriller. It was a nice read. But I think I mostly wanted to know the answers to the more mysterious parts of the book. I wasn't expecting much so none of the twist seemed all that surprising. For anyone who likes the mix of sci fi genres looking for a quick afternoon read.
- Sarah, 2/5

This book is about body positivity, friendship, forgiveness, a little romance and then about 1/3 of the way through turns into a mystery. I'm not sure how else to review it except to say that it surprised me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
- Jenny, 5/5

Do you want to know what a major doyenne of science fiction has to say about representation in literature, aging, dragons, shoes, and syllable counts in fiction? This might be for you. I enjoyed the variety of subjects she tackles in this collection, as well as being introduced to a variety of well and less well-known books that she considered valuable. I also found it interesting to hear about her early life and how her parents‘ work in anthropology influenced her worldview. I also recommend the documentary film about her life!
- Meredith, 4/5

The main character breaks up with her boyfriend and does the flat share so she can move out of his place. The longer she is away from him the more she realizes how bad their relationship actually was. When he tries to get her back she starts to remember how he use to gaslight her and was emotionally abusive to her. Her new flat mate helps her to heal and move on. This was a quick read. Anyone who likes contemporary romances or books set in England will enjoy this book.
- Jenny, 3/5

Through short entries, Heather Christle examines the times and places and things that cause her to cry in search for some understanding and healing of past trauma and ongoing mental health issues. It was a quiet, meditative read before going to sleep.
-Sarah, 2/5

The essays in this volume address how we as teachers can address many kinds of injustices in education, including racism and sexism, a disengagement from spirituality, a focus on the future while ignoring the value of learning for its own sake, etc. Teachers interested in anti racist pedagogy might find these essays uplifting; though hooks writes mostly about working with college students, as a middle school teacher I still found her points valid and relatable. Though I don’t agree with some of her assertions about teacher-student relationships in the chapter “Good Sex,” and her use of the term “sexual preference” (writing in 2003) is dated now, I found her exhortations to avoid thinking that categorizes certain groups as always powerless, or that privilege means there is no capacity for liberators change, really timely now.
- Meredith, 4/5

The main character Patroclus forms parent-like relationships with both his foster father and a centaur, as well as a family of his own with his beloved Achilles and Briseis, a girl he rescues. This loving reexamination of Greek myth follows Patroclus, “companion” of Achilles, as he is exiled from home, fostered in Phthia, taught by the centaur Chiron, and eventually caught up in following Achilles into the Trojan War. The romance is very tender and moving, and the characters are nicely developed. I loved Miller’s book Circe too, and had heard this was even better; I liked both!
- Meredith, 5/5

This is a short but stunning read and the entire series is a gem. Seanan Mcguire never disappoints. This is the first book in the series and you learn about the Wayward children and the doors along with Nancy who has just arrived after being returned from the Halls of the Dead. The found family aspect of this is so important -- at the heart these books are about the infinite possibilities of who people are and the places they find acceptance for that miracle.
-Sarah, 5/5

I chose this book because it was on the list for this challenged and I was able to listen to it unabridged on YouTube. A cute story, although I wasn't sure exactly where things were going to land until right before the ending, so there is an element of suspense. Nice treatment of the found family theme centered on the journey of a unicorn looking for other unicorns and finding friends and even love along the way.
- Marie, 3/5

This book forces you to think deeply. The author is explaining what it is like to live in his body and how perceptions change based on the situation/environment. I'm still trying to digest it.
- Jenny, 4/5

Wow! Wow, wow wow. This is a murder mystery, and has some graphic moments that are not for everyone. The hardest hitting part of the novel, however, is the blunt presentation of the anger, frustration, desolation, and strength of Native peoples. It is a novel full of pain, but also so beautifully written that I could not put it down. Everyone who can read it should.
-Sara, 5/5

The cover of this book caught my eye when I looked at the list of options for this challenge. This story begins with two African sisters living in the 18th century who are torn apart by intertribal war and the slave trade. One sister's descendants remain in Africa and the other's descendants are enslaved and taken to the United States. Each chapter alternates between the two lines, neither line finding peace until they are unknowingly reunited after three centuries. Fascinating, sad, enlightening, and hopeful.
- Marie, 4/5

I have about 5 comfort books that I read over and over, but this is just an enjoyable romp, not requiring me to ponder themes and search for previously missed clues to my continuing study of the texts, as with Peter Pan, Frankenstein, Dracula and one or two others. This book is a delightful romance novel that has a solid plot, and complex characters, providing a bit more meat than your average cozy novel (which are delightful in their own way). Themes of redemption and family ties are well explored. It's set in Northern Ireland, which makes it a bit of an international vacation in print. Kelly's writing is clean and expressive. The editing is accomplished, so you won't feel the need to read with a red pen in hand (if you suffer from that particular pedantic fault along with me).
- Sara, 5/5

This was a fun read that would be perfect for Outlander fans since the authors star in the TV adaptation. The pair take a road trip around Scotland and visit many historic places providing information on the history of the region. They even visit some places that are prominent in the Outlander series and provide anecdotes from filming.
- Jenny, 4/5

This is the first Holocaust time period book written about the German people and what they went thru because of the war. Not everyone agreed with Hitler and because of the war ended up losing their homes, jobs, family and friends and basically had next to nothing to live on.
- Beth, 5/5

Autumn takes place in Britain at the time of Brexit. Among other things, the characters deal with results of a life-changing election, mindless bureaucracy, and consider the nature of real love. Lots of literary references, which I enjoyed. Autumn refers to the seasonal theme, expressing hope (there are still roses) as winter (death) approaches. Interesting book.
- Marie, 3/5

When I think Fall I think of Halloween and horror and gothic novels...This is a modern take on the gothic novel and it has some great elements. It was good -- a little mystery and a lot of atmosphere -- decrepit house on a isolated Maine island and family secrets abound. For anyone looking to wallow shallowly in a gothic windswept mood.
- Sarah, 2/5

Pumpkin patches are peak fall -- This is a cute story chock full of fall vibes. Anyone who likes graphic novels might like this book.
- Jenny, 4/5

Alice Hoffman is fantastic, and the title was irresistible. This is one of the more solidly Gothic novels by Hoffman. She creates a legendary history that guides the fates of all the populace of Haddan, MA. There is mystery, friendship, love, corruption, beauty, and ugliness. As usual, Hoffman's novel is a feast for the reader. The importance of choices made, and choices deferred is central to this story.
- Sara, 5/5

This is so far my favorite of the Wayward Children. It is the story of Miss Lundy and the Goblin Market. It's kind of classic cautionary fairy tale -- where Lundy finds her home in the market but can't stand to disappoint her family in the "real" world. The ending was heartbreaking...
-Sarah, 5/5

This book was interesting. It is sort of a romance while also not being one. The story opens with the main characters fiancé dying in a car accident and the story is about how she is and isn't dealing with her grief by using sleeping pills to escape to this dream world where Freddie is still alive. I'm not exactly sure what kept me reading I guess I needed to know if Lydia could move on.
- Jenny, 3/5

I've heard a lot of good things about this author before and the title caught my eye. Any one who is fan of Jenny Lawson's books. Quirky child hood reminiscences and sad life moments, very well told.
- Jennifer, 4/5

It was very easy to understand why this was a bestseller. The author is candid, insightful, and comforting. I almost used this book for the healing challenge but the title is just too darn interesting. Very uplifting and encouraging read by a Christian author without being religious. Really made me feel better about myself. Recommend it highly. This book would be great for anyone who needs to change perspective on self-image and/or wants a fresh, real outlook on Life.
- Marie, 5/5

I have wanted to read this book for ages and found the audiobook narrated by the author, so I jumped right on it. Maya Angelou's life up until the birth of her son, read by the author, felt authentic. Mostly tragic, sometimes funny, and ultimately triumphant. It's a memoir of growing up black in the USA in the 1930s and 1940s. A classic.
- Marie, 3/5

As the title suggests, this is a quick listen, and a strange one too. I’m not familiar with her comedy, which I hear is even weirder. The many “I died” chapters reminded me of Emily Dickinson, but the parts I liked best were her declarations that she could be single and happy. These alternated with “woe is me I have no boyfriend,” which was less fun but also very real. If you’re looking for something experimental, with a mixture of women’s empowerment, self-help, and poetry, this might be for you.
- Meredith, 3/5

The author sounded familiar, and when I listened to a sample, she had me laughing. Fabulous! Everyone should read or listen to this book to be inspired to find inside themselves that untamed spark of who they were before their families and the world convinced them to chill out to fit in our society's plan. Also, great for gaining insight into the ways we unconsciously try to tame others.
- Sara, 5/5

Anyone interested in learning more about the conspiracy surrounding Harvey Weinstein and his ultimate downfall will enjoy this. It was fascinating to see how just how challenging it was for Farrow to be allowed to investigate and report the truth.
- Jenny, 4/5

I enjoyed the way the Author's imaginings of the Assassinees. I also enjoyed her perception of the places they went to visit.
- Jennifer, 4/5

This is book 3 in the series and you learn more about the world of Confection and Sumi and her daughter Rini -- this includes the second best time travel I have ever read. This time we get to see what a quest can look like in the world of the Wayward Children.
-Sarah, 4/5

It was on the free cart at the Wadhams library, and I thought I’d give it a try since I liked her book The Mists of Avalon. Not unlike the mist of Avalon, this book tells a story of an order of women priestesses during the Roman occupation of Britain, and the clash of those two societies, Celtic and Roman. Not surprisingly, there is a woman caught in the middle who is Celtic and loves a Roman. Sometimes it’s nice to have a really long story, but this one didn’t really work for me, though I appreciated the various deeply written female characters and a look at a woman-dominated society, if only within the Forest House’s walls, as well as frank talk about belonging to a religious order for reasons other than strict faith.
- Meredith, 3/5

Pleasantly surprised! This is the story of the goddess Circe in "her own words". What does a goddess think about? What is her greatest desire? Circe tells us what the life of a goddess is like. Not a big reader of fantasies but this one is a gem.
- Marie, 4/5

If you enjoyed the original Hunger Games trilogy this prequel is worth a read. It takes place during the 10th annual Hunger Games and it follows Snow as a teenage boy. It was interesting to see how the games evolved and to learn more about Snow's upbringing.
- Jenny, 5/5

Funny yet profound take on prayer. Very thankful for discovering this title from one of my favorite authors.
- Marie, 5/5

I chose this because it told of his real life -- I found it very interesting. I was surprised by what I learned about him on a personal level and how he dealt with his many challenges.
- Betsy, 5/5

The title caught my eye. Then I began reading. It is not a book that can be read quietly. The chapters are 1-3 pages long. They are styled very much like a diy. "How to...Sleep", "...wash your hair", etc. He plays very well with words.
- Jennifer, 5/5

This is a title on the PBS Great American Read list and fit this challenge. I'd also wanted to read it ever since I saw the movie. I did like the book but simply found the premise on which the book is based too unlikely. However, accepting the premise as is, it was a good story. There was lots of drama with a hopeful ending. The book showed what the conditions were as the civil rights movement took root in Mississippi and how being pro-civil rights affected whites and blacks. The book is definitely worth reading, even if you've already seen the movie.
- Marie, 3/5

As a literature teacher with a second language acquisition background, sometimes I have felt unready to teach literature. But this breezy and engaging read showed me that I know a lot already, and then I can figure more out by simply looking carefully. It explains archetypes and intertextuality really well, and addresses the typical student response, “but what if the author didn’t mean to put it there?” My only complaint is that I wish he had made more reference to works by women and people of color, though they are included.
- Meredith, 5/5

The two main characters bond over a love of books and spend hours reading together. A lot of the time the books they are reading correlate to what they are going through in life. This book is sort of a coming of age romance but also has a mystery element to it since you know the main characters have not spoken in 11 years. The story of the past is told parallel to their lives in the present which I enjoyed.
- Jenny, 4/5

It is about the use of Dr Zivago as a tool in the cold war with Russia. A few of my friends wanted to read it, too. The writing is generally unremarkable, but has occasional brilliant moments. The entwined stories of three remarkable women are what makes this book notable, but I bet most readers were fans of Dr Zivago. I was particularly happy with the LGBTQIA content, the dedication to remembering a segment of society that was greatly oppressed in the time of the story. There is a real tenderness for literature and the often torturous process of writing expressed in the story.
- Sara, 4/5

It's about the fight for women's suffrage and highlights the struggle they faced while trying to gain the right to vote. I think this was a pretty good introduction to women's suffrage that would be great for children. The story ends before the right to vote was achieved and I kind of wish it would have went a bit further.
- Jenny, 3/5

This book was suggested by one of the librarians. If you are okay with ambiguous endings that leave a lot of questions unanswered, you will love Annihilation. It's the first book of a trilogy and, despite not totally grasping the entire scope of the story yet to unfold, this book was satisfying on its own. Part thriller, part suspense/mystery, and totally sci-fi, I did thoroughly enjoy the story enough that I'm planning to read the entire trilogy. Go for it!
- Marie, 4/5

Body snatching alien parasites invade Earth. I think fans of sci-fi will like this book or even people who enjoy dystopian novels. Vastly different from her Twilight series and I enjoyed the relationship between Wanda and Melanie as they form an unorthodox sort of friendship.
- Jenny, 4/5

It's a story of a mother and daughter who each had a secret. The majority of the book takes place in China and is the story of the mother's life which all leads up to the telling of her secret, which presents the opportunity for the daughter to tell her secret. A celebration of strength, courage, and love. Sad and yet hopeful. No wonder it was a bestseller!
- Marie, 4/5

Fans of classics will enjoy this read. It makes an interesting contrast to other books published during this time. Hardy's work was criticized for going against public morality since he never shied away from the darker side of life and refused to contrive happy endings to fit the Victorian view of the time that virtue should be rewarded and those without it should be punished. He describes reality as he saw it even if it incurred the fury of his critics.
- Jenny, 4/5

Oscar Wilde's collection of short stories ranges from gently silly to slightly tongue in cheek. There are moments of gorgeous description that solidify the setting keeping the reader just barely willing to suspend disbelief. There is an undercurrent of a dark twistiness akin to Poe, but the overall effect is diffused by wry humor. the Canterville Ghost is part of this collection, and I have loved the movies based on it. Also the most serious of the stories is the last, which centers on a literary theory about Shakespeare's sonnets. A complete delight!
- Sara, 5/5

I haven't read this book since high school, so this challenge was a good reason to reread it. Like my other choice for this challenge, this book tells the story of a political opportunity that started out with a bang but ended with a fizzle. Very real.
- Marie, 3/5

Chosen because it fit the challenge and because it has been sitting on my bookshelf for years and needed to be read. This is a non-fiction history of the fate of former slaves that left the United States with the British after the Revolution. There were such high hopes, as the British government struggled to find a place for the people who fought for their freedom, with promises of land and freedom and independence, first in Canada and eventually in Sierre Leone. Of course, things didn't quite work out that way. Sad story. NOT something I would reread.
- Marie, 3/5

Alice Hoffman is a polished and engaging author who incorporates magical realism in her writing. I've never not loved one of her books. Turtle moon is populated with complex, sympathetic characters. Hoffman writes about grief, healing, and finding one's personal path in the world. There is always death in her novels, but she manages not to be grim. The nature of desire, and the variety of love is explored in the intertwined lives of those effected by a murder.
- Sara, 5/5

Rum Punch takes place in Southern Florida. This is a crime novel that I ended up liking, despite it's formulaic story and ending. It's got plenty of sex, violence, and corny prison/law enforcement slang. My favorite part of the book was reading all about what was going on in the minds of the characters, all of who were anticipating that their lives would be reinvented in some way when all the dust settled. A fun read.
- Marie, 3/5

A bunch of friends read this and recommended it.. This books follows three generations of the MacIvey family from 1863 to 1968. They came from nothing with nothing to millionaires and had incredible experiences and sometimes horrible luck. I really enjoyed this book.
-Beth, 5/5