2018 Reading Challenge Roundup - Completed

Oh my goodness! Check out all the reading challenges that I actually finished this year. So happy with my reading stats for 2018!

Popsugar 2018
Goal: 40/40 Books  100%

1. Made into a movie I've already seen -- Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (3/23/18)

2. True Crime -- The Poet and the Murderer by Simon Worrall (2/18/18)

3. Next book in a series I started -- Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell (1/26/18)

4. Involving a heist -- Sourdough by Robin Sloan (5/15/18)

5. Nordic noir --

6. Based on a real person -- Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (1/23/18)

7. Set in a country that fascinates me -- The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (3/21/18)

8. A time of day in the title -- Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire (7/6/18)

9. About a villain or antihero -- The Gunslinger by Stephen King (2/25/18)

10. About death or grief -- As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner (3/1/18)

11. Female author who uses a male pseudonym -- Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (7/31/18)

12. LGBTQ+ Protagonist -- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (7/14/18)

13. Also a stage play or musical -- Dracula by Bram Stoker (10/24/18)

14. Author of a different ethnicity than me -- Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (9/12/18)

15. About feminism -- Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (2/7/18)

16. About mental health -- The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King (4/13/18)

17. Borrowed or was give as a gift -- The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman (5/4/18)

18. By two authors -- The Passion of Cleopatra by Anne Rice and Christopher Rice (3/7/18)

19. Involving a sport --

20. Local author -- A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell (2/9/18)

21. Favorite color in the title -- Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (11/24/18)

22. Alliteration in the title -- Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (2/9/18)

23. Time travel -- No Time Like the Past by Jodi Taylor (1/16/18)

24. Weather element in the title -- Strange Weather by Joe Hill (12/22/18)

25. Set at sea -- The Great Halifax Explosion by John Bacon (4/7/18)

26. Animal in title -- Mad Hatters and March Hares edited by Ellen Datlow (5/12/18)

27. Set on a different planet -- Artemis by Andy Weir (9/18/18)

28. Song lyrics in the title -- Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant (11/7/18)

29. About or set on Halloween -- The Elite by Kiera Cass (6/11/18)

30. Characters who are twins -- Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire (7/20/18)

31. Mentioned in another book -- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (5/29/18)

32. From a celebrity book club -- Open House by Elizabeth Berg

33. Childhood classic I've never read -- Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (5/30/18)

34. Published in 2018 -- The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller (3/24/18)

35. Goodreads Choice Awards winner -- Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham (8/22/18)

36. Set in the decade I was born --

37. Meant to get to in 2017 but didn't -- NOS4A2 by Joe Hill (4/17/18)

38. Ugly cover -- Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien (5/23/18)

39. Involves a bookstore or library -- 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (3/30/18)

40. Fave prompt from 2015, 2016, or 2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge -- The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan (6/26/18)

Advanced 

1. Bestseller from year I graduated high school --

2. Cyberpunk --

3. Being read by a stranger in a public place -- Florida Lauren Groff (10/17/18)

4. Tied to my ancestry --

5. Fruit or vegetable in the title -- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer (10/23/18)

6. Allegory --

7. Author with the same first or last name as you --

8. Microhistory -- College Girls by Lynn Peril (8/28/18)

9. About a problem facing society today --

10. Recommended by someone else taking the Popsugar Reading Challenge -- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (12/11/18)

What's in a Name?
Goal: 6/6 Books  100%

1. Word "the" used twice -- The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell by Mira Grant (2/2/18)

2. Fruit or Vegetable -- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer (10/23/18)

3. A shape -- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (7/14/18)

4. Begins with Z -- Z-Burbia by Jake Bible (12/15/18)

5. A nationality -- The English Wife by Lauren Willig (2/1/18)

6. A season -- A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh (3/10/18)

A to Z
Goal: 26/26 Books 100%

1. The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark (2/4/18)

2. The Bostonians by Henry James (1/30/18)

3. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (3/23/18)

4. The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/9/18)

5. The Emerald City by Jane Yolen (4/29/18)

6. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (5/26/18)

7. The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/8/18)

8. A Haunting is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell (1/24/18)

9. If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell (4/4/18)

10. Jennifer Government by Max Barry (4/26/18)

11. Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell (6/28/18)

12. Literary Wonderlands edited by Laura Miller (2/23/18)

13. Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke (4/11/18)

14. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (1/23/18)

15. The Origin of Satan by Elaine Pagels (1/12/18)

16. The Poet and the Murder by Simon Worrall (2/18/18)

17. The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter (5/18/18)

18. A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/10/18)

19. Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal (2/26/18)

20. Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter (5/6/18)

21. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (8/26/18)

22. A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (10/3/18)

23. Washington Square by Henry James (8/18/18)

24. eXtinct by Ike Hamill (10/19/18)

25. You’re the Rogue that I Want by Samantha Holt (10/13/18)

26. Z-Burbia by Jake Bible (12/15/18)

Seasonal Series Autumn
(September - December)
Goal: 25/25 Books. 100%

1. Read a book from a sci fi series - What Could Possibly Go Wrong by Jodi Taylor (10/6/18)
2. Read a book (partly) set in fall - Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan (9/22/18)
3. Read a book with PoC characters - Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel by A.W. Jantha (12/4/18)
4. Read a book with orange on the cover - Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan (9/28/18)
5. Read a suspenseful/ scary/ creepy book - Dollhouse by Anya Allyn (10/12/18)
6. Read a book while eating candy - Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair (10/5/18)
7. Read a book set in the real world - A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen (10/10/18)
8. Read a first book in a series - A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (10/3/18)
9. Catch up on a series - A Magical Match by Juliet Blackwell (11/14/18)
10.Read a book with rain in the background - You’re the One that I Want by Samantha Holt (10/13/18)
11. Read a book with red on the cover - Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (10/31/18)
12. Read while eating soup - Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen (10/16/18)
13. Free Space: read any book of a series - My Name is Markham by Jodi Taylor (11/28/18)
14. Read a book that's part of a duology - Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant (11/7/18)
15. Take a walk while listening to an audiobook - The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken (12/7/18)
16. Read a book that scares you (b/c of size, hype,...) - Lies, Damned Lies, and History by Jodi Taylor (11/13/18)
17. Read a book while wearing a sweater - Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen (11/23/18)
18. Read a book while drinking a tea - The Great St. Mary’s Day Out by Jodi Taylor (11/17/18)
19. Read a book that you think will break your heart - Z-Burbia by Jake Bible (12/15/18)
20. Read a book that's not YA - Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair (11/26/18)
21. Read a comic or graphic novel that's part of a series - Monstress Vol. 3 (11/21/18)
22. Read bonus content from a series (novella/ prologue,...) - Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings by Jodi Taylor (10/9/18)
23. Read a book while eating an apple or apple pie - The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (9/29/18)
24. Read a book with creatures of the night - Extinct by Ike Hamill (10/19/18)
25.  Use a leaf as a bookmark - Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand (12/14/18)

Modern Mrs. Darcy
Goal: 12/12 Books  100%

1. Classic I've been meaning to read -- The Bostonians by Henry James (1/30/18)

2. Recommended by someone with good taste -- The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (3/16/18)

3. In translation -- How to Fall in Love with a Man Who Lives in a Bush by Emmy Abrahamson (8/8/18)

4. Nominated for a 2018 award -- Florida by Lauren Groff (10/17/18)

5. Poetry, Play, or Essay collection -- Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson (2/27/18)

6. Read in a day -- Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal (2/26/18)

7. More than 500 pages -- The Arabian Nights (1/19/18)

8. Favorite author -- The Emerald Circus by Jane Yolen (4/29/18)

9. Recommended by librarian or indie bookseller -- The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (1/4/18)

10. Banned book -- Looking for Alaska by John Green (12/12/18)

11. Memoir, biography, or book of creative nonfiction -- The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan (6/26/18)

12. Author of different race, ethnicity, or religion than me -- Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (9/12/18)

Mount TBR
Goal: 48/48 Books 100%

1. The Origin of Satan by Elaine Pagels (1/12/18)

2. No Time Like the Past by Jodi Taylor (1/16/18)

3. A Haunting is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell (1/24/18)

4. The English Wife by Lauren Willig (2/1/18)

5. The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell (2/2/18)

6. The Poet and the Murderer by Simon Worrall (2/18/18)

7. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson (2/27/18)

8. As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner (3/1/18)

9. A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh (3/10/18)

10. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell (3/23/18)

11. The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller (3/24/18)

12. Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser (3/28/18)

13. The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King (4/13/18)

14. NOS4A2 by Joe Hill (4/17/18)

15. Slightly Married by May Balogh (4/25/18)

16. Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh (4/25/18)

17. Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh (4/25/18)

18. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (4/27/18)

19. Circe by Madeline Miller (5/5/18)

20. Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh (5/16/18)

21. Slightly Sinful by Mary Balogh (5/16/18)

22. Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh (5/16/18)

23. For Darkness Shows the Stars Short Stories by Diana Peterfreund (5/27/18)

24. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (5/29/18)

25. Murder on the House by Juliet Blackwell (6/2/18)

26. The Stanforth Secrets by Jo Beverley (6/20/18)

27. The Anomaly by Michael Rutger (6/29/18)

28. Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed by Jo Beverley (7/10/18)

29. Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay (7/28/18)

30. The Stolen Bride by Jo Beverley (8/10/18)

31. Daisy Miller and Washington Square by Henry James (8/18/18)

32. Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham (8/22/18)

33. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (8/26/18)

34. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (9/5/18)

35. Flirting with Forever by Gwyn Cready (9/14/18)

36. I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel (9/21/18)

37. What Could Possibly Go Wrong by Jodi Taylor (10/6/18)

38. Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings by Jodi Taylor (10/9/18)

39. Dollhouse by Anya Allyn (10/12/18)

40. You’re the Rogue that I Want by Samantha Holt (10/13/18)

41. Extinct by Ike Hamill (10/19/18)

42. Dracula by Bram Stoker (10/24/18)

43. Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (10/31/18)

44. Spinning Straw into Gold by Joan Gould (11/6/18)

45. Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant (11/7/18)

46. The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian (11/9/18)

47. On a Cold Dark Sea by Elizabeth Blackwell (11/25/18)

48. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (12/11/18)

Graphic Novel
Goal: 52/52 Books  100%

1. The Walking Dead Vol. 27 (1/8/18)

2. The Walking Dead Vol. 28 (5/9/18)

3. The Walking Dead Vol. 29 (7/11/18)

4. The Walking Dead: Here's Negan (7/7/18)

5. Wonder Woman Rebirth Vol. 1 (1/7/18)

6. Wonder Woman Rebirth Vol. 2 (1/7/18)

7. Diana Prince Wonder Woman Vol. 1 (1/6//18)

8. Diana Prince Wonder Woman Vol. 2 (1/6/18)

9. Diana Prince Wonder Woman Vol. 3 (1/6/18)

10. Diana Prince Wonder Woman Vol. 4 (1/6/18)

11. Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire by Neil Gaiman (2/1/18)

12. Saga Vol. 8 (2/3/18)

13. Moonshine Vol. 1 (2/10/18)

14. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2/13/18)

15. Low Vol. 1 (2/14/18)

16. Monstress Vol. 2 (2/16/18)

17. Revival Vol. 4 (2/17/18)

18. Revival Vol. 5 (2/17/18)

19. Revival Vol. 6 (2/20/18)

20. Revival Vol. 7 (2/20/18)

21. Revival Vol. 8 (4/6/18)

22. ApocalyptiGirl by Andrew MacLean (2/21/18)

23. Jane by Aline Brosh McKenna (2/25/18)

24. The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 6 (3/9/18)

25. One Week in the Library (3/13/18)

26. Penny Dreadful Vol. 1 (4/6/18)

27. Creatures of the Night by Neil Gaiman (6/8/18)

28. The Haunted Mansion (6/9/18)

29. March Vol. 1 (6/10/18)

30. March Vol. 2 (6/19/18)

31. March Vol. 3 (6/19/18)

32. Paper Girls Vol. 1 (6/13/18)

33. Paper Girls Vol. 2 (6/13/18)

34. Paper Girls Vol. 3 (6/14/18)

35. Paper Girls Vol. 4 (6/25/18)

36. Moonstruck Vol. 1 (6/16/18)

37. Wayward Vol. 1 (6/26/18)

38. Wayward Vol. 2 (6/26/18)

39. Wayward Vol. 3 (6/26/18)

40. Wayward Vol. 4 (6/27/18)

41. Wayward Vol. 5 (6/27/18)

42. Giant Days Vol. 1 (6/28/18)

43. Giant Days Vol. 2 (6/28/18)

44. Giant Days Vol. 3 (6/2818)

45. Giant Days Vol. 4 (6/28/18)

46. Giant Days Vol. 5 (6/29/18)

47. Giant Days Vol. 6 (6/29/18)

48. Giant Days Vol. 7 (6/29/18)

49. Locke and Key: Heaven and Earth (7/7/18)

50. Rat Queens Vol. 4 (9/7/18)

51. Black Magick Vol. 1 (9/8/18)

52. East of West Vol. 8 (11/10/18)

Library Love
Goal: 60/60 Books 100%

1. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (1/4/18)

2. The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/8/18)

3. The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/9/18)

4. A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky (1/10/18)

5. Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell (1/26/18)

6. The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark (2/4/18)

7. A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell (2/9/18)

8. The Gunslinger by Stephen King (2/25/18)

9. Literary Wonderlands edited Laura Miller (2/23/18)

10. Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal (2/26/18)

11. Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins (3/8/18)

12. Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (3/14/18)

13. The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (3/16/18)

14. Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal (3/30/18)

15. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (3/30/18)

16. If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell (4/4/18)

17. Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell (4/6/18)

18. The Great Halifax Explosion by John Bacon (4/7/18)

19. Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke (4/11/18)

20. Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman (4/13/18)

21. Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter (4/20/18)

22. River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey (4/24/18)

23. Lost San Francisco by Dennis Evanosky (4/24/18)

24. Lost Worlds of the San Francisco Bay Area by Sylvia Linsteadt (4/25/18)

25. Jennifer Government by Max Barry (4/26/18)

26. The Emerald City by Jane Yolen (4/29/18)

27. Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter (5/6/18)

28. The Little Book of Feminist Saints by Julia Pierpont and Manjit Thapp (5/11/18)

29. Mad Hatters and March Hares edited by Ellen Datlow (5/12/18)

30. Sourdough by Robin Sloan (5/15/18)

31. The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter (5/18/18)

32. A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas (6/3/18)

33. A Mad Zombie Party by Gena Showalter (6/4/18)

34. The Selection by Kiera Cass (6/6/18)

35. The Elite by Kiera Cass (6/11/18)

36. The Selection Stories by Kiera Cass (6/12/18)

37. The One by Kiera Cass (6/12/18)

38. Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund (6/15/18)

39. Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell (6/16/18)

40. Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass (6/22/18)

41. The Heir by Kiera Cass (6/24/18)

42. The Crown by Kiera Cass (6/24/18)

43. Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell (6/28/18)

44. Symbiont by Mira Grant (7/4/18)

45. Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire (7/6/18)

46. Chimera by Mira Grant (7/13/18)

47. Give Up the Ghost by Juliet Blackwell (7/18/18)

48. Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire (7/20/18)

49. Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (7/21/18)

50. A Ghostly Light by Juliet Blackwell (7/25/18)

51. Smoke and Iron by Rachel Caine (8/4/18)

52. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (8/14/18)

53. Pox Americana by Elizabeth Fenn (9/8/18)

54. Cocktails Across America by Diane Lapis and Anne Davis-Peck (9/11/18)

55. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (9/15/18)

56. Artemis by Andy Weir (9/18/18)

57. Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan (9/22/18)

58. Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan (9/28/18)

59. A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (10/3/18)

60. Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair (10/5/18)

Share-A-Tea
Goal: 20/20 Books  100%

1. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman (1/4/18)

2. The English Wife by Lauren Willig (2/1/18)

3. As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner (3/1/18)

4. The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller (3/24/18)

5. No That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser (3/28/18)

6. Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke (4/11/18)

7. Circe by Madeline Miller (5/5/18)

8. Mad Hatters and March Hares edited by Ellen Datlow (5/12/18)

9. A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas (6/3/18)

10. Parasite by Mira Grant (6/20/18)

11. The Anomaly by Michael Rutger (6/29/18)

12. Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (7/21/18)

13. Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay (7/28/18)

14. Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (7/31/18)

15. Smoke and Iron by Rachel Caine (8/4/18)

16. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (8/14/18)

17. Daisy Miller and Washington Square by Henry James (8/18/18)

18. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (8/25/18)

19. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (9/5/18)

20. I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel (9/21/18)

Picture Books
Goal: 88/88 Books  100%

1. Title beginning with A - Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty (January)
2. Author beginning with A - And the Tide Comes In by Merryl Alber (May)
3. Title beginning with B - Boo, Bunny! By Kathryn O. Galbraith (March)
4. Author beginning with B - Arthur Goes to Camp by Marc Brown (February)
5. Title beginning with C - Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman (January)
6. Author beginning with C - Pug in a Truck by Nancy Coffelt (January)
7. Title beginning with D - Duck by Randy Cecil (February)
8. Author beginning with D - The Conductor by Laetitia Devernay (February)
9. Title beginning with E - Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker (February)
10. Author beginning with E - Rain Fish by Lois Ehlert (March)
11. Title beginning with F - Friendshape by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (April)
12. Author beginning with F - Lunch by Denise Fleming (February)
13. Title beginning with G - Good Night Planes by Adam Gamble (March)
14. Author beginning with G - Chu's Day at the Beach by Neil Gaiman (February)
15. Title beginning with H - Half a World Away by Libby Gleeson (January)
16. Author beginning with H - Duck & Goose Let’s Dance by Tad Hills (March)
17. Title beginning with I - Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty (January)
18. Author beginning with I - I Hear a Pickle by Rachel Isadora (June)
19. Title beginning with J - Joshua's Masai Mask by Dakari Hru (January)
20. Author beginning with J - The Incredibly Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers (March)
21. Title beginning with K - The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright (March)
22. Author beginning with K - It's Vacation Time by Lerryn Korda (February)
23. Title beginning with L - Lovely Old Lion by Julia Jarman (March)
24. Author beginning with L - Thumpy Feet by Betsy Lewin (February)
25. Title beginning with M - Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin (February) 
26. Author beginning with M - Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson (February)
27. Title beginning with N - A Night at the Zoo by Kathy Caple (March)
28. Author beginning with N - If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura Numeroff (June)
29. Title beginning with O - One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote by Bonnie Worth (March)
30. Author beginning with O - Little Billy-Bob Eats It All Up by Pauline Oud (March)
31. Title beginning with P. - The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems (January)
32. Author beginning with P - Ghost in the House by Ammi-Joan Paquette (March)
33. Title or Author beginning with Q - Quest by Aaron Becker (May)
34. Title beginning with R - The Rise and Fall of Oscar the Magician by Matthew Porter (January)
35. Author beginning with R - Ten Sleepy Sheep by Phyllis Root (February)
36. Title beginning with S - South by Daniel Duncan (March)
37. Author beginning with S - Big Choo by Stephen Shaskan (May)
38. Title beginning with T - Train by Elisha Cooper (January)
39. Author beginning with T - Tumford the Terrible by Nancy Tillman (June)
40. Title or Author beginning with U - The Quiet Book! by Deborah Underwood
41. Title or Author beginning with V or W - This is Not a Good Idea by Mo Willems (January)
42. Title or Author beginning with X or “Ex” - Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (August)
43. Title beginning with Y - You Can Do It, Bunny by Pamela Kennedy (August)
44. Author beginning with Y - Meow! By Victoria Ying (August)
45. Title or Author beginning with Z - Zootopia The Essential Guide (May)
46. An alphabet book - 123 Versus ABC by Mike Boldt (March)
47. A counting book - 1 Zany Zoo by Lori Degman (February)
48. A color word in the title - Little Green Peas by Keith Baker (January)
49. A number word in the title - Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems (January)
50. Concept book of your choice: picture book - Patterns from Nature: The Art of Klimt by Myeong-Hwa Yu and Seung-Beom Yu (January)
51. Concept book of your choice: board book - Crocopotamus by Mary Murphy (January)
52. Bedtime book: board book - Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin (February)
53. Bedtime book: picture book - The Wrong Side of the Bed by Lisa M. Bakos (July)
54. Book that rhymes: picture book - And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss (January)
55. Book that rhymes: early reader OR board book - Hide and Seek Harry at the Playground by Kenny Harrison (March)
56. Holiday of your choice: board book or early reader - Happy Holidays Blaze (June)
57. Holiday of your choice: picture book - Little Mouse’s Big Valentine by Thacher Hurd (March)
58. Wordless picture book - Wave by Suzy Lee (May)
59. New to you author - Fins, Fluff, and Other Stuff by Bruno Merz (February)
60. New to you illustrator - The Perfect Hug by Joanna Walsh, illustrated by Judi Abbot (February)
61. Favorite author - The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems (January)
62. Favorite illustrator - Duck and Goose by Tad Hills (January)
63. Free choice - I Love You Like a Pig by Mac Barnett (February)
64. Fairy or folk tale adaptation - Little Red Riding Hood by Trixie. Bell (January)
65. Fairy or folk tale traditional - The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney (February)
66. A title with the word “first” in it - First Steps by Lee Wardlaw (February)
67. A book set in the state you live - Hello, National Parks by Martha Day Zschock (June)
68. A book set in a place you’d like to visit - Lily's Garden of India by Jeremy Smith (January)
69. A book set in an imaginary place - Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery by David Gordon (February)
70. A book set in the past: fiction or nonfiction - Madeline and the Old House in Paris by John Bemelmans Marciano (May)
71. A book set in the present -- Emma and the Whale by Lee White (March)
72. One word title - Pirasaurs by Josh Funk (January)
73. Long title (four or more words) - The Problem with Not Being Scared of Kids by Dan Richards (January)
74. A book about playing (hide and seek, tag, or peekaboo, etc.) - The Monsterator by Keith Graves (February)
75. A book about school - Steve, Raised by Wolves by Jared Chapman (May)
76. A book about hobbies (art, dance, music, crafts, sports) - Good Morning Yoga by Mariam Gates (March)
77. A title that is a question - The Duckling Gets a Cookie? by Mo Willems (January)
78. A title that is an exclamation -- There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat! By Lucille Colandro (March)
79. An award winner or an honor book -- Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni (March)
80. A collection (of poems OR stories) - The Rooster Grows by Maud and Miska Petersham (March)
81. A book with animals (fiction) - You Can Do It Bert by Ole Konnecke (February)
82. A book with animals (nonfiction)  - Apatosaurus by Charles Lennie (March)
83. A book about books or reading - Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk (March)
84. A book celebrating family - My Mommy Hung the Moon by Jamie Lee Curtis (February)
85. Book with an adventure or misadventure - This Book is Out of Control by Richard Byrne (January)
86. A book about a pet - Looking for Luna by Tim Myers (February)
87. Impulse Pick -- Land Shark by Beth Ferry (March)
88. Picture book published in 2018 - Go Go Cars by Jennifer Liberts (May)

Z-Burbia by Jake Bible

Title: Z-Burbia (Z-Burbia #1)

Author: Jake Bible

Publisher: Severed Press 2013

Genre: Horror

Pages: 228

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: What’s in a Name - Starts with Z; A to Z - Z; Seasonal Series - Break My Heart

Whispering Pines is a classic, quiet, private American subdivision on the edge of Asheville, NC, set in the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains. Which is good since the zombie apocalypse has come to Western North Carolina and really put suburban living to the test! 
Surrounded by a sea of the undead, the residents of Whispering Pines have adapted their bucolic life of block parties to scavenging parties, common area groundskeeping to immediate area warfare, neighborhood beautification to neighborhood fortification. 

But, even in the best of times, suburban living has its ups and downs what with nosy neighbors, a strict Home Owners’ Association, and a property management company that believes the words “strict interpretation” are holy words when applied to the HOA covenants. Now with the zombie apocalypse upon them even those innocuous, daily irritations quickly become dramatic struggles for personal identity, family security, and straight up survival.

Welcome to normal life in Z-Burbia!

Eh. I’m going to say this one is pretty boring. Not enough character development. Not enough zombies. Too much swearing (and this coming from someone who curses like a sailor). I was just pretty bored through most of this story. I know it’s the first in a series, but I’m going to say that this series will not be one I will be continuing. Just pretty boring to me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer

Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Author: Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer

Publisher: Dial Press 2009

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 288

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - 21st Century Women Authors; Popsugar - Vegetable; What’s in a Name - Vegetable

“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb. . . .

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

I finally picked up this raved about book and absolutely loved it! The first 25 pages were a bit slow as we introduce the characters and the backstory. Once Juliet arrived on Guernsey I couldn’t stop reading. It was just too engaging! I fell for every single inhabitant on the island and even the ones not on the island. I love the epistolary structure of the book. It adds just a bit of fun and novelty into a great storyline. At times I was almost in tears learning about the characters. But at other times, I was laughing at the jokes and misadventures. This is a book that is going to be kept on my read and loved shelf for years to come. I’m certain I’ll be rereading this in the coming years.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire

Title: Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children #1)

Author: Seanan McGuire

Publisher: Tor 2016

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 173

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - LGBTQ+ Protagonist; What's in a Name - Shape; Seasonal Series - LGBTQ+ Characters

Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere... else.

But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children.

Nancy tumbled once, but now she's back. The things she's experienced... they change a person. The children under Miss West's care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world.

But Nancy's arrival marks a change at the Home. There's a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it's up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of things.

No matter the cost.

This slim book is just so incredibly beautiful. I know it's cliche to say that a book is beautifully written, but in this case it's true. I loved devouring every single word of this story. I loved how McGuire dumps the reader into the story without much introduction and world building. Instead we are left to figure out the situation along with Nancy. I was fully immersed from page one. I loved it and can't wait to pick up another book in this series. 

Wayward Children

• #1 Every Heart a Doorway
• #2 Down Among the Sticks and Bones
• #3 Beneath the Sugar Sky
• #4 In an Absent Dream
• #5 Come Tumbling Down

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell by Mira Grant

Title: The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell (Newsflash #3.6)

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Orbit 2014

Genre: Horror 

Pages: 105

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a Name - Word "the" used twice

A new Newsflesh novella from the New York Times bestselling author that brought you Feed, Mira Grant.

Outside the classroom walls the Rising was spreading, but inside was a carefully protected sanctuary against the growing threat. 

Or so the teachers and students thought.

I thoroughly enjoyed Grant's original Newsflesh trilogy a few years back and have been enjoying the additions of the short stories and continuations of the story. This short little story was full of all the horror and expert writing I have come to expect from Grant. I was completely horrified by this tale of a teacher attempting to save herself and her students from the unspeakable horror of the infected. I sped through this story and loved very bit of it. Such a great story!

Newflesh:

• #0.5 Countdown
• #0.75 San Diego 2014
• #1 Feed
• #1.5 Fed
• #2 Deadline
• #3 Blackout
• #3.5 How Green This Land, How Blue This Sea
• #3.6 The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell
• #3.7 Please Do Not Taunt the Octopus
• #4 Feedback
• #4.5 All the Pretty Little Horses
• #4.6 Coming to You Live

Next up on the TBR pile:

The English Wife by Lauren Willig

Title: The English Wife

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2017

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages: 376

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea; What's in a Name - Nationality

Annabelle and Bayard Van Duyvil live a charmed life in New York: he's the scion of an old Knickerbocker family, she grew up in a Tudor manor in England, they had a whirlwind romance in London, they have three year old twins on whom they dote, and he's recreated her family home on the banks of the Hudson and renamed it Illyria. Yes, there are rumors that she's having an affair with the architect, but rumors are rumors and people will gossip. But then Bayard is found dead with a knife in his chest on the night of their Twelfth Night Ball, Annabelle goes missing, presumed drowned, and the papers go mad. Bay's sister, Janie, forms an unlikely alliance with a reporter to uncover the truth, convinced that Bay would never have killed his wife, that it must be a third party, but the more she learns about her brother and his wife, the more everything she thought she knew about them starts to unravel. Who were her brother and his wife, really? And why did her brother die with the name George on his lips?

This was my first Book of the Month selection from December 2017. I didn't get the book until I returned to California, but was super excited to read it. I loved Willig's Pink Carnation series and hoped this volume would also keep my attention. And keep my attention it did! I immediately dove into this historical murder mystery. Who killed Bay? What happened to Annabelle? I loved the premise and then really fell for the characters. Janie was my favorite character. I loved her growth throughout the book. I loved the family intrigue and secrets. Overall I really enjoyed Willig's story and writing. There were passages that reminded me of her Pink Carnation series even though this book was a lot more serious and straight forward. Definite recommendation!

I'm counting this book for part of the Share-a-Tea Reading Challenge. This was the perfect book to read while enjoying a nice cup of tea. For this particular book, I was enjoyed Zhena's Gypsy Tea's Raspberry Earl. Loved the hints of sweetness overlaying a classic black tea. Yummy!

Next up on the TBR pile:

2018 What's in a Name? Reading Challenge

From The Worm Hole:

The basics

The challenge runs from January to December. During this time you choose a book to read from each of the following categories. (Examples of books you could choose are in brackets – translations and other languages most definitely count!):

• The word ‘the’ used twice (The Secret By The Lake; The End Of The Day, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time)

• A fruit or vegetable (The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society; The Particular Sadness Of Lemon Cake)

• A shape (The Ninth Circle, The Square Root Of Summer, Circle Of Friends)

• A title that begins with Z – can be after ‘The’ or ‘A’ (Zen In The Art Of Writing; The Zookeeper’s Wife, Zelda)

• A nationality (Anna And The French Kiss; How To Be A Kosovan Bride; Norwegian Wood)

• A season (White Truffles In Winter; The Spring Of Kasper Meier; The Summer Queen; Before I Fall; The Autumn Throne)

As usual I’ve tried to include some easy categories and some not so. Remember the titles I’ve given here are only examples, you can by all means use them if you want to but it’s not necessary. There are plenty of other books that will fit the categories and you may have some in mind already or even some on your shelves you can read.

Extra information

• Books can be any format (print, audio, ebook).

• It’s preferred that the books don’t overlap with other challenges, but not a requirement at all.

• Books cannot overlap categories (for instance my example of The Square Root Of Summer could be used for ‘a shape’ or ‘a season’ but not both).

• Creativity for matching the categories is not only allowed, it’s encouraged!

• You don’t have to make your list of books beforehand, you can choose them as you go.

• You don’t have to read your chosen books in any particular order.

Everything else

On January 1 I’ll publish 7 posts, one for each category and one for your wrap-up post.  These posts will be published as WordPress pages and linked to from the What’s In A Name logo on the sidebar. You will be able to post your links to your reviews or leave comments, depending on whether you’re a blogging reader or a non-blogger reader. If you are a blogger, please leave one review per category. You’ll be able to find the gateway post through a link I’ll be adding to the navigation section of my sidebar.

If you have trouble finding a book for a category, have a look at the corresponding page for it here once the challenge has started – readers who’ve already completed the category will have linked to their reviews and added titles that you can look through.

To join the challenge, sign up using the Mr Linky if you’re a blogger, and if you’re not a blogger please email me your details (I’ve had to turn off comments on this post because the spam has become too much). If at any time you have difficulties adding your link, email me at the address on my contact pagewith your information, and I’ll add it myself.

How to use Mr Linky: put your name and/or your blog’s name in the top box and the URL (web address) of your blog in the second box. If you have a Tumblr or use a Facebook page instead of a blog, use the web address to that instead.

How you link is up to you, but it’s suggested that you include both your name and blog name in the first box.

If you have any suggestions for this year’s challenge, let me know in the comments (again, if you’ve not commented here before the comment will show up after I’ve approved it as part of my site spam moderation).

And remember that you don’t have to sign up today – as the challenge runs until the end of 2018, you can sign up at any time during the year.

Hope you enjoy the challenge and best of luck! The hashtag for Twitter is #whatsinaname2018 (the number included so we don’t get lost amongst various Romeo And Juliet quotes!)

I have no idea what books I will be reading, but I'm going to attempt again this year.

2017 Reading Challenge Round-up -- Failed Edition

Goal: 56/60   93.3%

1. The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling (1/11/17)
2. Buffering by Hannah Hart (1/20/17)
3. The Bargain by Jane Ashford (1/21/17)
4. A Flaw in the Blood by Stephanie Barron (1/22/17)
5. The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett (2/6/17)
6. The Very First Damned Thing by Jodi Taylor (2/18/17)
7. Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier (2/19/17)
8. The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell (3/24/17)
9. The Golden Prince by Rebecca Dean (3/24/17)
10. When a Child is Born by Jodi Taylor (3/27/17)
11. So Wild a Heart by Candace Camp (4/3/17)
12. Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards-Jones (4/7/17)
13. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (4/12/17)
14. The Bust Guide to the New Girl Order (4/12/17)
15. A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor (4/13/17)
16. You're Doing a Great Job by Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn (4/28/17)
17. Anno Dracula by Kim Newman (5/14/17)
18. The Hidden Heart by Candace Camp (5/15/17)
19. The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto (5/26/17)
20. Roman Holiday by Jodi Taylor (6/3/17)
21. Secrets of the Heart by Candace Camp (6/3/17)
22. Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol.2 by Danielle Paige (6/9/17)
23. A Trail Through Time by Jodi Taylor (6/24/17)
24. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (7/8/17)
25. Christmas Present by Jodi Taylor (7/12/17)
26. Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel (7/29/17)
27. Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh (8/4/17)
28. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (8/9/17)
29. Simply Love by Mary Balogh (8/22/17)
30. Simply Magic by Mary Balogh (8/25/17)
31. Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh (8/27/17)
32. One Night for Love by Mary Balogh (9/4/17)
33. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff (9/15/17)
34. Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine (9/16/17)
35. Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine (9/29/17)
36. 8.4 by Peter Hernon (10/6/17)
37. Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell (10/8/17)
38. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (10/20/17)
39. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (10/20/17)
40. Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff (10/24/17)
41. Reading People by Anne Bogel (10/25/17)
42. The Gates by John Connolly (10/27/17)
43. A Cast Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell (10/30/17)
44. Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell (11/2/17)
45. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (11/7/17)
46. In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell (11/14/17)
47. The Devil in the Shape of a Woman by Carol Karlsen (11/22/17)
48. The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark (11/28/17)
49. A Vision in Velvet by Juliet Blackwell (12/1/17)
50. Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor (12/6/17)
51. Bonk by Mary Roach (12/12/17)
52. The Water Witch by Juliet Dark (12/13/17)
53. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (12/16/17)
54. Christmas Magic by Ginny Baird (12/19/17)
55. The Sometime Bride by Ginny Baird (12/20/17)
56. A Christmas to Remember by Lisa Kleypas, et al (12/22/17)

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Goal: 7/10   70%

1. A Flaw in the Blood by Stephanie Barron (1/22/17)
2. Burning Bright by Tracey Chevalier (2/19/17)
3. The Golden Prince by Rebecca Dean (3/24/17)
4. Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards-Jones (4/7/17)
5. The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming
6. Dearly Departed by Lia Habel (7/29/17)
7. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (8/9/17)
8. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (DNF)
9. An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
10. Star of the Sea by Joseph O’Connor (12/6/17)
11. The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl
12. Moonlight and Oranges by Elise Stephens (DNF)

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Goal: 39/40  97.5%

1. Recommended by a librarian — Buffering by Hannah Hart (1/20/17)
2. On my TBR for too long — A Flaw in the Blood by Stephanie Barron (1/22/17)
3. Book of Letters —
4. Audiobook — Tarnished and Torn by Juliet Blackwell (11/27/17)
5. Book by a person of color — Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (6/23/17)
6. One of the four seasons in title —
7. Story within a story — Haunted Castles by Ray Russell (10/25/17)
8. Multiple Authors — The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, John Tiffany (1/11/17)
9. Espionage thriller —
10. Cat on the cover — We are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby (8/11/17)
11. Author who uses a pseudonym — The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey (3/9/17)
12. Bestseller from a genre i don’t normally read — And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (4/12/17)
13. By or about a person who has a disability —
14. Involving travel — A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor (2/28/17)
15. With a subtitle — Unmentionable by Therese Oneill (3/29/17)
16. Published in 2017 — Zombies: A Brief History of Decay (6/20/17)
17. Involving a mythical creature — Atlanrtia by Ally Condie (4/13/17)
18. Makes me smile — A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor (4/13/17)
19. About food — Voracious by Cara Nicoletti (10/4/17)
20. Career advice — Reading People by Anne Bogel (10/25/17)
21. Nonhuman perspective — Anno Dracula by Kim Newman (5/14/17)
22. Steampunk novel — Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine (8/21/17)
23. Red spine — Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine (9/29/17)
24. Set in the wilderness —The Lost City of Z by David Grann (9/23/17)
25. Loved as a child —
26. Author from a country I’ve never visited — Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh (8/4/17)
27. Title with a character’s name -- Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige (5/27/17)
28. Set during wartime — Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine (9/16/17)
29. Unreliable narrator — Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff (9/15/17)
30. With pictures — Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs (2/19/17)
31. Main character with an ethnicity different than me —
32. About an interesting woman — Dead Feminists by Chandler O'Leary and Jessica Spring (7/27/17)
33. Set in two different time periods — Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor (1/30/17)
34. Month or day in title —
35. Set in a hotel — A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner (11/18/17)
36. Written by someone I admire — The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (11/7/17)
37. Becoming a movie in 2017 — Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (7/19/17)
38. Set around a holiday (not Christmas) —
39. First in a series — A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas (2/10/17)
40. Book bought on a trip — The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto (5/26/17)

Advanced

1. Recommended by an author I love —
2. Bestseller from 2016 — Hamilton The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter (3/21/17)
3. Family member term in title —
4. Takes place over a characters life span — The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton (11/25/17)
5. About an immigrant or refugee — Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor (12/6/17)
6. Genre/Subgenre I’ve never heard of —
7. Eccentric character — The Mummy by Anne Rice (10/18/17)
8. More than 800 pages — Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (12/16/17)
9. Got from a used book sale — Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier (2/19/17)
10. Mentioned in another book —
11. About a difficult topic —
12. Based on mythology — The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark (11/28/17)

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Goal: 3/6   50%

1. A number in numbers – 50 Great American Places by Brent D Glass (7/19/17)
2. A building  –
3. A title which has an ‘X’ somewhere in it – Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell (11/2/17)
4. A compass direction –
5. An item/items of cutlery –
6. A title in which at least two words share the same first letter – alliteration! – Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell (10/8/17)

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Goal: 1/12  8.3%

1. The Colour of Magic (Rincewind) (2/6/17)
2. The Light Fantastic (Rincewind)
3. Equal Rites (The Witches, The Wizards)
4. Mort (Death)
5. Sourcery (Rincewind, The Wizards)
6. Wyrd Sisters (The Witches)
7. Pyramids (Discworld Cultures – Dielibeybi)
8. Guards! Guards! (The City Watch)
9. Eric (Rincewind)
10. Moving Pictures (Misc. – Holy Wood; The Wizards)
11. Reaper Man (Death, The Wizards)
12. Witches Abroad (The Witches)

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Goal: 4/6 books. 66.7%

1. A 19th Century Classic –
2. A 20th Century Classic – The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (10/20/17)
3. A classic by a woman author – And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (4/12/17)
4. A classic in translation –
5. A classic published before 1800 –
6. An romance classic – The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton (11/25/17)
7. A Gothic or horror classic – The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (8/9/17)
8. A classic with a number in the title –
9. A classic about an animal or which includes the name of an animal in the title –
10. A classic set in a place you’d like to visit –
11. An award-winning classic –
12. A Russian Classic – 

---

Wired into Scifi

Goal: 0/10   0%

1. Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
2. Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
3. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
4. Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
5. Solaris by Stanislaw Lem
6. Tau Zero by Poul Anderson
7. 1984 by George Orwell
8. Earth Abides by George R. Stewart
9. Mission of Gravity by Hal Clement
10. Ring Around the Sun by Cliffard D. Simak
11. The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester
12. The Long Tomorrow by Leigh Brackett
13. When Worlds Collide by Philip Wylie
14. The Death of Grass by John Christopher
15. The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
16. The Drowned World by J.G. Ballard
17. Make Room! Make Room! by Henry Harrison
18. Logan’s Run by William F. Nolan
19. The Female Man by Joanna Russ
20. Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks
21. A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
22. Foundation by Isaac Asimov
23. Life by Gwyneth Jones

Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Hexes and Hemlines (Witchcraft Mystery #3)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2011

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 314

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a name - X

Lily gets called away from her vintage clothing store to give police a witch's take on how the leader of a rationalist society could be murdered, surrounded by superstitions he discredited. 

Evidence points to dark witchcraft. Lily's determined to use magic of her own to find the murderer, before everyone's luck runs out.

Another great volume in this oh-so-fun series. I loved getting to know Lily even more and see her get more comfortable in her newly adopted hometown. And oh my the secrets that are starting to come out. Each volume we get just a bit more of what is going on behind the scenes. I love how Blackwell teases out some clues and hints about the larger paranormal world in the Bay Area. This one was super fun. I loved the new incarnation of the Thirteenth Club. Great subject matter!

Witchcraft Mystery

• #1 Secondhand Spirits
• #2 A Cast Off Coven
• #3 Hexes and Hemlines
• #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
• #5 Tarnished and Torn
• #6 A Vision in Velvet
• #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
• #7 Spellcasting in Silk
• #8 A Toxic Trousseau
• #9 A Magical Match

Next upon the TBR pile:

Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Secondhand Spirits (Witchcraft Mystery #1)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2009

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 313

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a Name -- Alliterative Title; New to Me

Lily Ivory feels that she can finally fit in somewhere and conceal her "witchiness" in San Francisco. It's there that she opens her vintage clothing shop, outfitting customers both spiritually and stylistically.

Just when things seem normal, a client is murdered and children start disappearing from the Bay Area. Lily has a good idea that some bad phantoms are behind it. Can she keep her identity secret, or will her witchy ways be forced out of the closet as she attempts to stop the phantom?

Such a great little cozy mystery! Bonus points for being set in San Francisco, my adoptive city across the bay. I loved diving into Lily Ivory's world of clothing, mystery, witches, romance, and goblins (or pigs). I sped through this book waiting impatiently to find out the mystery behind La Llorona, Frances Potts, and all the other fun characters. I loved the world building in this volume. Can't wait to pick up the next in the series!

Witchcraft Mystery

• #1 Secondhand Spirits
• #2 A Cast Off Coven
• #3 Hexes and Hemlines
• #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
• #5 Tarnished and Torn
• #6 A Vision in Velvet
• #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
• #7 Spellcasting in Silk
• #8 A Toxic Trousseau
• #9 A Magical Match

Next up on the TBR pile:

50 Great American Places by Brent D. Glass

Title: 50 Great American Places: Essential History Sites Across the U.S.

Author: Brent D. Glass

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2016

Genre: U.S. History

Pages: 292

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (NonAd); What's in a Name - Number in Numbers

 A one-of-a-kind guide to fifty of the most important cultural and historic sites in the United States guaranteed to fascinate, educate, and entertain—selected and described by the former director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

I grabbed this one from the library new books shelf. I love a good history book and thought this would be fun little book where I could learn some new facts. Unfortunately for me, I knew 90% of the information presented. Sometimes it sucks to be a U.S. History major... I did enjoy the book and Glass highlights some interesting spots around the country. It's just not going to be on my favorite reads for the year.

Next up on the TBR pile:

2017 What's in a Name Reading Challenge

From The Worm Hole:

The challenge runs from January to December. During this time you choose a book to read from each of the following categories. (Examples of books you could choose are in brackets – translations and other languages most definitely count!):

• A number in numbers (84, Charing Cross Road; 12 Years A Slave; 31 Dream Street)
• A building (The Old Curiosity Shop; I Capture The Castle; House Of Shadows; The Invisible Library; Jamaica Inn)
• A title which has an ‘X’ somewhere in it (The Girl Next Door; The Running Vixen)
• A compass direction (North and South; Guardians Of The West; The Shadow In The North; NW)
• An item/items of cutlery (The Subtle Knife; Our Spoons Came From Woolworths)
• A title in which at least two words share the same first letter – alliteration! (The Great Gatsby; The Luminous Life Of Lilly Aphrodite; Gone Girl; The Cuckoo’s Calling)

As usual I’ve tried to include some easy categories and some not so. Remember the titles I’ve given here are only examples, you can by all means use them if you want to but it’s not necessary. There are plenty of other books that will fit the categories and you may have some in mind already or even some on your shelves you can read.

Yep, I'll be joining once again this year...

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Title: The Handmaid's Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood

Publisher: 1985

Genre: Speculative Fiction

Pages: 325

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsguar - Classic from 20th Century; What's in a Name - Profession; Women Authors

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are only valued if their ovaries are viable.

Offred can remember the days before, when she lived and made love with her husband Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now....

A reread for this month's book club. I first read The Handmaid's Tale way back in college for one of my women's studies classes. I was blown away by the parallels to our current society. I love Atwood's presentation of this tale that may or not be true. Offred is an intriguing character full of contradictions. I love that she is a flawed character. She could be anyone. We join her on a journey through the treacherous world of Gilead. I can't wait to have a great book club discussion.

The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig

Title: The Mischief of the Mistletoe (Pink Carnation #7)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2010

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; What's in a Name -- Tree (cheating just a bit here)

Despite her dear friend Jane Austen's warning against teaching, Arabella Dempsey accepts a position at a girls' school in Bath, just before Christmas. She hardly imagines coming face-to-face with French aristocrats and international spies.

Reginald "Turnip" Fitzhugh-often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation-has blundered into danger before. When Turnip and Arabella find their Christmas pudding yielding a cryptic message, they are launched on a Yuletide adventure. Will they find poinsettias-or peril?

I so enjoy this series... This volume was a nice callback to the Twelfth Night celebration and Dovedale. I loved seeing the same party but from a different perspective. Arabella and Turnip were a great couple. They definitely fit well together. And it was nice to see that Turnip wasn't a complete idiot. My favorite parts were his interactions with Pinchingdale. Very fun! And it was nice to re-encounter characters from previous volumes. On to number 8!

Pink Carnation:

• #1 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
• #2 The Masque of the Black Tulip
• #3 The Deception of the Emerald Ring
• #4 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
• #5 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
• #6 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
• #7 The Mischief of the Mistletoe
• #8 The Orchid Affair
• #8.5 Away in a Manger
• #8.7 Ivy and Intrigue
• #9 The Garden Intrigue
• #10 The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
• #11 The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
• #12 The Lure of the Moonflower

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

Title: The Deception of the Emerald Ring (Pink Carnation #3)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Historical Fiction 2006

Pages: 430

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; What's in a Name - Clothing Item; 52 Books - W3

Eloise Kelly has gotten into quite a bit of trouble since she started spying on the Pink Carnation and the Black Tulip-two of the deadliest spies to saunter the streets of nineteenth-century England and France.

Not only has she unearthed secrets that will rearrange history, she's dallied with Colin Selwick and sought out a romantic adventure all her own. Little does she know that she's about to uncover another fierce heroine running headlong into history.

Another great volume this is series! I really enjoyed Geoff and Letty's story (although I think my favorite is still Miles and Hen). Plus, the larger storyline took some interesting twists and turns. I can't wait see what happens next... Hope we get more info about the Black Tulip's actual identity.

Pink Carnation:

• #1 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
• #2 The Masque of the Black Tulip
• #3 The Deception of the Emerald Ring
• #4 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
• #5 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
• #6 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
• #7 The Mischief of the Mistletoe
• #8 The Orchid Affair
• #8.5 Away in a Manger
• #8.7 Ivy and Intrigue
• #9 The Garden Intrigue
• #10 The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
• #11 The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
• #12 The Lure of the Moonflower

2016 What's in a Name Reading Challenge

From The Worm Hole:

The basics

The challenge runs from January to December. During this time you choose a book to read from each of the following categories (examples of books you could choose are in brackets – I’ve included some from other languages, and translations most definitely count!):

• A country

• An item of clothing

• An item of furniture

• A profession

• A month of the year

• A title with the word ‘tree’ in it

Extra information

• Books can be any format (print, audio, ebook).
• It’s preferred that the books don’t overlap with other challenges, but not a requirement at all.
• Books cannot overlap categories (for instance my example of Black Swan Rising for ‘an animal’ could be used for the ‘colour’ category or ‘animal’ category, but not both).
• Creativity for matching the categories is not only allowed, it’s encouraged!
• You don’t have to make your list of books beforehand, you can choose them as you go.
• You don’t have to read your chosen books in any particular order.

Everything else

On January 1 I’ll publish 7 posts, one for each category and one for your wrap-up post. These posts will be published as WordPress pages and linked to from one main, ‘gateway’, post on the blog. You will be able to post your links to your reviews or leave comments, depending on whether you’re a blogging reader or a non-blogger reader. If you are a blogger, please leave one review per category. You’ll be able to find the gateway post through a link I’ll be adding to the navigation section of my sidebar. Alternatively, for ease, you might want to subscribe to this blog via Feedly or email so that the gateway post will be immediately available to you without you having to search the site. The non-Feedly feed link and also a Bloglovin’ link are on the sidebar.

Excited to once again participate in this challenge. I love finding titles that fit with the categories.

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Title: Bitterblue (Seven Kingdoms #3)

Author: Kristin Cashore

Publisher: Dial Books 2012

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 563

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; Top 100 YA; TBR Reduction; What's in a Name - Color; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W33

When Queen Bitterblue took the throne of Monsea, she was a child, and her advisers ran the kingdom for her. Now she is beginning to question their decisions, especially how they handle the legacy of her father Leck, who who ruled through his Grace—a special talent for mind-altering—and his taste for darkness and violence. Bitterblue needs to know Monsea’s past to lead it into the future, so she begins exploring the city streets at night, disguised and alone. As she does, she meets two thieves, who hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Not as amazing as Fire, but better than Graceling. This book grew on me throughout the 500+ pages. I'll admit that it started slow. I wasn't quick to love Bitterblue, but over time I could see her as more than the little girl you meet in Graceling. Once she meets Sapphire and Teddy, I was hooked. I loved seeing Bitterblue navigate the mysteries surrounding her kingdom and people. I love seeing more of Katsa and Po and even Fire! I loved getting to know Giddon. And the storyline held me until the end. I had to see who was responsible for the fires and killings and who was lying and who was telling the truth. A very good conclusion to the trilogy. (Just hang on through the first 50 pages or so)

Seven Kingdoms:

• #1 Graceling
• #2 Fire
• #3 Bitterblue

The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Title: The Mad Scientist's Daughter

Author: Cassandra Rose Clarke

Publisher: Angry Robot 2013

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 391

Rating: 45 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a Name - Familial Relation

Finn looks and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task now is to tutor Cat. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, Finn is her guardian, her constant companion… and more.

But when the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.

Mixed feelings about this book. I really loved the storyline and most of the characters. Finn was a great character... He was definitely my favorite. Cat was a bit hit and miss for me. There were a few times that I wanted to smack her, but overall she was a good character. The storyline was a bit predictable, but I still really enjoyed. My issue with the book came with the choppy writing in the first part. I stopped multiple times because of the writing. By the second half, the writing improved dramatically. Overall a good book even with my minor issues.

Bayou Folk and A Night in Acadie by Kate Chopin

Title: Bayou Folk and A Night in Acadie

Author: Kate Chopin

Publisher: 1895, 1897

Genre: Classic

Pages: 369

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - B; What's in a Name - Body of Water; Back to the Classics - 19th Century

Kate Chopin was one of the most individual and adventurous of nineteenth-century American writers, whose fiction explored new and often startling territory. From her first stories, Chopin was interested in independent characters who challenged convention. These two collections - 'Bayou Folk' was first published in 1895 and 'A Night in Acadie' in 1897 - established Chopin's reputation as a regional realist. With a gentle, knowing gaze, Chopin evokes the distant world of Louisiana plantations and 'Cadian balls, and anticipated the thoroughly modern multi-ethnic, gender-sensitive, and sexually charged world of more modern times.

The Awakening is one my all-time favorite books. I've been meaning to read Chopin's other writings. These two short story volumes were very enjoyable. Chopin's eye for character and culture in Louisiana is fantastic. I loved the variety of people and settings in the stories. The reader can definitely pick up the beginnings of the characters and plot for The Awakening sprinkled throughout the stories. My only issue was some of the dialogue written the way people actually talk. It made some passages fairly hard to read. My trick is to read them out loud to actually understand what is being said. A strange tactic when with others. Nevertheless, I did enjoy these two volumes.

Comics Review Round-up

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 6 Girl on Girl

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2005

Genre: Comics

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

Accompanied by his mischievous monkey and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on Earth. This volume finds Yorick, Agent 355 and Dr. Mann traveling across the Pacific to Japan in pursuit of Yorick's stolen monkey Ampersand, whose innards may hold the key to mankind's future.

Hmmm.... Not the bestest volume of the series. The story seemed a bit stuck in this volume, but I still did enjoy it. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 7 Paper Dolls 

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra 

Publisher: Vertigo 2006 

Genre: Comics 

Pages: 144 

Rating: 5/5 stars 

Reading Challenges: Library; Seriously Series

In addition to catching up on the adventures of Yorick's monkey Ampersand (whose body holds the key to stopping the male-killing plague) and telling the origin of Agent 355, PAPER DOLLS chronicles Yorick and 355's search for Yorick's fiancée Beth in Australia—a search that yields a large dose of unwanted publicity for the Last Man, and deadly consequences for those he cares for!

Much better issues. Oh my! The stakes have been upped yet again. And lots of new mysteries have been alluded to. Plus we get some storyline from Beth. I've been wondering what happened to her. I am super excited to read the next volume.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2006

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: What's in a name - Animal; Seriously Series

KIMONO DRAGONS brings the hunt for Ampersand—the monkey who could unlock the mystery of the male-killing plague— to its explosive climax, as the last man on Earth and his companions finally reach Japan and discover the truth behind Ampersand's abduction.

Wow! A volume full of revelations. We finally get to meet Allison's mother and learn more about the players in this large chess game. I am speeding through these volumes to see where the story ends.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 9 Motherland

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

Publisher: Vertigo 2007

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W14; Seriously Series

Featured in THE NEW YORK TIMES and on NPR, Y: THE LAST MAN is the gripping saga of Yorick Brown, an unemployed and unmotivated slacker who discovers he is the only male left in the world after a plague of unknown origin instantly kills every mammal with a Y chromosome. Accompanied by his mischievous monkey, Ampersand, and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his long-lost girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on earth.

This volume of the critically acclaimed series features Yorick and Agent 355 preparing for their ultimate quest to reunite the last man with his lost love, while the person, people or thing behind the disaster that wiped out half of humanity is revealed!

The series is starting to wrap up. We got some great closure on a few storylines. And we seem to be nearing some type of conclusion. We end the volume as we started the series, with Yorrick and 355 attempting to find Beth... We'll see if they can find her.

Title: Y: The Last Man Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes 

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra 

Publisher: Vertigo 2008 

Genre: Comics 

Pages: 168 

Rating: 4/5 stars 

Reading Challenges: Dewey Decimal - 700s; Seriously Series

Featured in THE NEW YORK TIMES and on NPR, Y: THE LAST MAN is the gripping saga of Yorick Brown, an unemployed and unmotivated slacker who discovers he is the only male left in the world after a plague of unknown origin instantly kills every mammal with a Y chromosome. Accompanied by his mischievous monkey, Ampersand, and the mysterious Agent 355, Yorick embarks on a transcontinental journey to find his long-lost girlfriend and discover why he is the last man on earth.

Yorick Brown's long journey through an Earth populated only by women comes to a dramatic, unexpected conclusion in this final volume.

What an ending... I was totally with it until the last issue. I loved finding out epilogues for all the characters, but the structure of the stories was a bit confusing. I had to keep reminding myself what time each story was set in. But I still would say that I loved the series. Very exciting read! Now I can't wait to read Vaughan's newest comic series: Saga.

Y: The Last Man

• Vol. 1 Unmanned
• Vol. 2 Cycles
• Vol. 3 One Small Step
• Vol. 4 Safeword
• Vol. 5 Ring of Truth
• Vol. 6 Girl on Girl
• Vol. 7 Paper Dolls
• Vol. 8 Kimono Dragons
• Vol. 9 Motherland
• Vol. 10 Whys and Wherefoes