Atlas of the Unexpected by Travis Elborough

Title: Atlas of the Unexpected: Haphazard Discoveries, Chance Places and Unimaginable Destinations

Author: Travis Elborough

Publisher: White Lion 2018

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Nonfiction Bingo - Travel

From the fortuitous discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls by a stray goat, to the wonderfully bizarre beginnings that led to the aptly named Just Enough Room Island and even the royal romance that led shipwrecked lovers to discover Madeira, Travis Elborough takes you on a voyage to some of the world’s most wondrous, improbable and – most of all – unexpected of places.

An enjoyable little book to read during a rainy afternoon. I had heard of or knew about a majority of the discoveries featured in this book. But there were a few that were new to me. Those kept me reading and finding new little tidbits of information.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

Title: The Library Book

Author: Susan Orlean

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2018

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 317

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Nonfiction Bingo - True Crime

In The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.

One of those books that’s gotten such rave reviews from loads of people. I had to eventually read it! And it was such a delight. I was immediately sucked into the mystery of the burning of the Central Branch of the L.A. Public Library back in 1986. But this book is so much more than just a fire. Orlean celebrates libraries past and present. She traces the unique history of the L.A. public library highlighting some very interesting characters along the way. I savored each page feeling like Orlean was a bosom friend reveling in our shared love of libraries.

Next up on the TBR pile:

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Title: P.S. I Still Love You (TATBILB #2)

Author: Jenny Han

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 2014

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Pages: 337

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Popsugar - “Love”; Alphabet Soup - H

Given the way love turned her heart in the New York Times bestselling To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, which School Library Journal called a “lovely, lighthearted romance,” it’s no surprise that Laura Jean still has letters to write.

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.

She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.

When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

This second book wasn’t as much of a slam dunk as the first one was, but I still really enjoyed. I loved continuing the story of Lara Jean and Peter. I did get a little annoyed at both of them in various parts of the story, but they pulled their heads out of their asses by the end of it. I wonder what the third book is going to be about? Whatever it is, I’ll read it!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

Title: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory

Author: Caitlin Doughty

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. 2015

Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

Pages: 272

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Nonfiction Bingo - Free Space

Armed with a degree in medieval history and a flair for the macabre, Caitlin Doughty took a job at a crematory and turned morbid curiosity into her life’s work. She cared for bodies of every color, shape, and affliction, and became an intrepid explorer in the world of the dead. In this best-selling memoir, brimming with gallows humor and vivid characters, she marvels at the gruesome history of undertaking and relates her unique coming-of-age story with bold curiosity and mordant wit. By turns hilarious, dark, and uplifting, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes reveals how the fear of dying warps our society and "will make you reconsider how our culture treats the dead" (San Francisco Chronicle).

I picked this up from the library based on the rave reviews on GoodReads and I’m so glad I did. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I ended up loving the mix of memoir style essays and facts about death and cremation. I’ve previously read Mary Roach’s Stiff and this one feels like a continuation of a similar theme. I really enjoyed. My biggest takeaway from this book is that I need to get my death wishes in writing and make sure that everyone knows what i want. Definitely going the cremation route, possibly a green burial. I really love Doughty’s thoughts on reconnecting to death.

Next up on the TBR pile:

And Then You Die of Dysentery by Lauren Reeves

Title: And Then You Die of Dysentery: Lessons in Adulting from The Oregon Trail

Author: Lauren Reeves

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2018

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries

Pack your wagons, find your ride-or-(literally) die friends, and roll up to Matt’s General Store with a sack of cash—it’s time to hit the Oregon Trail, twenty-first-century style! …And Then You Die of Dysentery is the perfect send-up to the sometimes frustrating, always entertaining, and universally beloved Oregon Trail computer game. Featuring a four-color design in the game’s iconic 8-bit format, alongside pop culture references galore, the book offers 50 humorous, snarky lessons gleaned from the game’s most iconic moments.

Such a cute little book that I grabbed off of the new releases shelf at the library. Definitely funny for all of us that played Oregon Trail obsessively at a child.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman

Title: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

Author: Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman

Publisher: Dutton 2018

Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Popsugar - Same Letter Name; Nonfiction Bingo - Essay Collection

The year: 2000. The setting: Los Angeles. A gorgeous virtuoso of an actress agreed to star in a random play, and a basement-dwelling scenic carpenter said he would assay a supporting role in the selfsame pageant. At the first rehearsal she surveyed her fellow cast members, determining if any of the men might qualify to provide her with a satisfying fling. Her gaze fell upon the carpenter, and like a bolt of lightning the thought struck her: no dice. Moving on.

I love these two so much, I had to read their joint memoir/essay collection. I really enjoyed the single essay sprinkled throughout the book. Very funny! The larger chapters with dialogue between the two were slightly less fun. It was the back and forth. I had to really pay attention to understand who was talking. Those portions would have been better in audio form. But I still really enjoyed learning more about them.

Next up on the TBR pile:

American War by Omar El Akkad

Title: American War

Author: Omar El Akkad

Publisher: Knopf 2017

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 352

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Alphabet Soup - E; Dancing with Fantasy and Scifi - Science

An audacious and powerful debut novel: a second American Civil War, a devastating plague, and one family caught deep in the middle—a story that asks what might happen if America were to turn its most devastating policies and deadly weapons upon itself.

Sarat Chestnut, born in Louisiana, is only six when the Second American Civil War breaks out in 2074. But even she knows that oil is outlawed, that Louisiana is half underwater, and that unmanned drones fill the sky. When her father is killed and her family is forced into Camp Patience for displaced persons, she begins to grow up shaped by her particular time and place. But not everyone at Camp Patience is who they claim to be. Eventually Sarat is befriended by a mysterious functionary, under whose influence she is turned into a deadly instrument of war. The decisions that she makes will have tremendous consequences not just for Sarat but for her family and her country, rippling through generations of strangers and kin alike.

The February selection for the Girly Book Club. This was billed as a brilliant and powerful novel, but I found it pretty simplistic. I liked the idea of a Second Civil War, but the divide and the highly stereotyped and generalized groups annoyed me. The picture of the South depicted feels very old fashioned. With our changing demographics in this country, to portray all Southerners as rednecks was much too reductive for me. I just couldn’t get behind the basis for the groups. After mulling it over even more, why is the divide North/South? Wouldn’t it be more of an economic divide? There’s one line late in the book about how the Reds of the South got their name from voting Republican. Silly… There are plenty of Republicans all over the country and not everyone in the South votes Republican. As for the rest of the book, it felt very formulaic and graphic. I could predict exactly what was going to happen. I also was repulsed by the graphic scenes (and I read plenty of graphic books).

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas

Title: The Hollow of Fear (Lady Sherlock #3)

Author: Sherry Thomas

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 335

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar- Amateur Detective; Cloak and Dagger

Under the cover of "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective," Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don't. 

Moriarty's shadow looms large. First, Charlotte's half brother disappears. Then, Lady Ingram, the estranged wife of Charlotte's close friend Lord Ingram, turns up dead on his estate. And all signs point to Lord Ingram as the murderer.

With Scotland Yard closing in, Charlotte goes under disguise to seek out the truth. But uncovering the truth could mean getting too close to Lord Ingram--and a number of malevolent forces...

This volume was such a thrill ride! The prologue sucked me in with the reveal of who Charlotte met in the carriage. And then Lady Ingram’s misfortune was revealed and the story picked up speed. I loved more story from Livia and Lord Ingram’s points of view. A nice change of pace from just Charlotte. And we get more insight into the inner works of the agents of the Crown and those of Moriarty’s crew. The resolution to the mystery was very satisfying, but I must say I was disappointed in Lord Ingram and Charlotte. The tension between those two could set fires roaring without any kindling.

Lady Sherlock

• #1 A Study in Scarlet Women

• #2 A Conspiracy in Belgravia

• #3 The Hollow of Fear

Next up on the TBR pile:

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

Title: In an Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4)

Author: Seanan McGuire

Publisher: Tor 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 208

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Women Author; Seasonal Series - Dark Cover

This is the story of a very serious young girl who would rather study and dream than become a respectable housewife and live up to the expectations of the world around her. As well she should.

When she finds a doorway to a world founded on logic and reason, riddles and lies, she thinks she's found her paradise. Alas, everything costs at the goblin market, and when her time there is drawing to a close, she makes the kind of bargain that never plays out well.

Finally! We get to hear Lundy’s story. She is just an interesting side character in the series and I had been intrigued by her background. In this volume, we get her entire story up until moving to the Home for Wayward Children. In the overall scheme of books, I seriously loved this story and am going to give it 5 stars. Within the context of the series, I think this is my least favorite so far. It didn’t have as much weirdness as the others. But I really did love visiting the Goblin Market and meeting Moon and The Archivist.

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:

Visualizing the Beatles by John Pring and Rob Thomas

Title: Visualizing the Beatles

Author: John Pring and Rob Thomas

Publisher: Dey Street 2018

Genre: Nonfiction - Music

Pages: 288

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love

Filled with stunning full-color infographics, a unique, album-by-album visual history of the evolution of the Beatles that examines how their style, their sound, their instruments, their songs, their tours, and the world they inhabited transformed over the course of a decade.

Combining data, colorful artwork, interactive charts, graphs, and timelines, Visualizing the Beatlesis a fresh and imaginative look at the world’s most popular band. Meticulously examining the songs on every Beatles’ album from Please Please Me to Let It Be, UK-based graphic artists John Pring and Rob Thomas deconstruct:

• lyrical content

• songwriting credits

• inspiration for the songs

• instruments used

• cover designs

• chart position

• and more . . . .

Random library shelf pick. I couldn’t resist the fun images and bright colors. I spent an afternoon flipping through and reading about various facts about The Beatles. I especially loved the graphics dealing with fashion and songwriting. A few of the spreads were a bit too text heavy, but overall, I really enjoyed this.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Code Girls by Liza Mundy

Title: Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II

Author: Liza Mundy

Publisher: Hachette Books 2017

Genre: Nonfiction - U.S. History

Pages: 416

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar - Puzzle; Nonfiction Bingo - Science and Technology

Recruited by the U.S. Army and Navy from small towns and elite colleges, more than ten thousand women served as codebreakers during World War II. While their brothers and boyfriends took up arms, these women moved to Washington and learned the meticulous work of code-breaking. Their efforts shortened the war, saved countless lives, and gave them access to careers previously denied to them. A strict vow of secrecy nearly erased their efforts from history; now, through dazzling research and interviews with surviving code girls, bestselling author Liza Mundy brings to life this riveting and vital story of American courage, service, and scientific accomplishment.

Wow! How did I not know about these amazing women and their contributions to the war effort? Oh right, the military kept most of this information classified for years. Thank goodness many of these women have now been encouraged to tell their stories. The book is information heavy, but great at telling the story of code-breaking both before WWII and during. We make connections to many specific women following their stories through specific units and projects. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative even when it covered topics or events that I have a fair bit of knowledge of. It was still nice to put everything together into one story. I even took pages of notes about the story. So good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair

Title: Skirting the Grave (Vintage Magic Mystery #4)

Author: Annette Blair

Publisher: Berkley 2011

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Cold Hearted Character

Maddie Cutler thought she was taking on a new design intern for her boutique. But instead she finds her dead at the train station under suspicious circumstances. Now, Maddie is determined to iron out the wrinkles of this mystery.

Another fun cozy mystery. I loved adding another great character into the mix. Isabel is fun and very knowledgable when it comes to clothes. I’ve never loved Eve as a character and counterpoint for Mad, so Isabel is a much better choice. The big mystery was amazing and I was a bit disappointed at the reveal. (I’ve read some of Blair’s other books and it felt a bit like a rip-off.) I’m a bit disappointed as to the resolution of the Nick-Mad-Wener situation. I hope the last two books change the situation.

Vintage Magic Mystery:

• #1 A Veiled Deception

• #2 Larceny and Lace

• #3 Death by Diamonds

• #4 Skirting the Grave

• #5 Cloaked in Malice

• #6 Tulle Death Do Us Part

Next up on the TBR pile:

Guidebook to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

Title: Guidebook to Murder (Tourist Trap Mystery #1)

Author: Lynn Cahoon

Publisher: Kensington 2014

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Monthly Motif - New to Me Author; Cloak and Dagger

In the gentle coastal town of South Cove, California, all Jill Gardner wants is to keep her store--Coffee, Books, and More--open and running. So why is she caught up in the business of murder?

When Jill's elderly friend, Miss Emily, calls in a fit of pique, she already knows the city council is trying to force Emily to sell her dilapidated old house. But Emily's gumption goes for naught when she dies unexpectedly and leaves the house to Jill--along with all of her problems. . .and her enemies. Convinced her friend was murdered, Jill is finding the list of suspects longer than the list of repairs needed on the house. But Jill is determined to uncover the culprit--especially if it gets her closer to South Cove's finest, Detective Greg King. Problem is, the killer knows she's on the case--and is determined to close the book on Jill permanently. . .

I picked this volume up on a whim at the library and I’m so glad I did. This is a very cute cozy mystery full of red herrings, twists, secrets, and ultimately a good conclusion. Jill is a great main character and amateur detective. And South Cove is a great little setting for murder. I can just see the main street full of old cottages serving as business locales. And all the great random side characters. I’ll definitely keep reading this series.

Tourist Trap Mystery:

• #1 Guidebook to Murder

• #2 Mission to Murder

• #3 If the Shoe Kills

• #3.25 Rockets’ Dead Glare

• #4 Dressed to Kill

• #5 Killer Run

• #6 Murder on Wheels

• #7 Tea Cups and Carnage

• #8 Hospitality and Homicide

• #9 Killer Party

• #9.5 A Deadly Brew

• #9.75 Santa Puppy

• #10 Corned Beef and Casulties

• #10.5 Mother’s Day Mayhem

Next up on the TBR pile:

Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

Title: Winter Solstice (Winter #4)

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2017

Genre: Romance

Pages: 297

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Set in Winter

It's been too long since the entire Quinn family has been able to celebrate the holidays under the same roof, but that's about to change. With Bart back safe and sound from Afghanistan, the Quinns are preparing for a holiday more joyous than any they've experienced in years. And Bart's safe return isn't the family's only good news: Kevin is enjoying married life with Isabelle; Patrick is getting back on his feet after paying his debt to society; Ava thinks she's finally found the love of her life; and Kelly is thrilled to see his family reunited at last. But it just wouldn't be a Quinn family gathering if things went smoothly. A celebration of everything we love--and some of the things we endure--about the holidays,

Goodness! What an ending to this series! I admit, I was in tears by the end of the book. The Quinn family really got under my skin. I wanted to see each and every one of them happy and settled by the end of the series. That didn’t quite happen, but I was still very satisfied with the ending. I loved seeing Ava make up her mind, finally! I loved seeing Bart find a place once again. I was very interested in Jennifer and Norah’s stories. The only part that felt a little flat for me was Eddie’s story and narrated chapters. But his perspective did move along the rest of the characters’s stories. Overall a very good series.

Winter:

• #1 Winter Street

• #2 Winter Stroll

• #3 Winter Storms

• #4 Winter Solstice

Next up on the TBR pile:

Open House by Elizabeth Berg

Title: Open House

Author: Elizabeth Berg

Publisher: Random House 2000

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 240

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar - Meant to Read in 2018; Women Authors

Samantha's husband has left her, and after a spree of overcharging at Tiffany's, she settles down to reconstruct a life for herself and her eleven-year-old son. Her eccentric mother tries to help by fixing her up with dates, but a more pressing problem is money. To meet her mortgage payments, Sam decides to take in boarders. The first is an older woman who offers sage advice and sorely needed comfort; the second, a maladjusted student, is not quite so helpful. A new friend, King, an untraditional man, suggests that Samantha get out, get going, get work. But her real work is this: In order to emerge from grief and the past, she has to learn how to make her own happiness. In order to really see people, she has to look within her heart. And in order to know who she is, she has to remember—and reclaim—the person she used to be, long before she became someone else in an effort to save her marriage. 

Quite a disappointing read for me. This was recommended by Oprah and a few other bloggers that I follow. I had previously read another of Berg’s novels, Tapestry of Fortunes, and found it fairly charming. This one just fell a bit flat for me. I could not stand the main character and wasn’t all that inspired by her boarders. Struggled to finish this one. Just not for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Title: The Wife Between Us

Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press 2018

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 352

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar - Two Female Authors

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love. 
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing. 

Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen's The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage - and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

Read between the lies.

One of the book club selections for January. This one definitely kept my attention in terms of wanting to find out what happened. I sped through to the ending. Immediately I was interested in Vanessa’s story as well as Nellie’s story. I had sympathetic thoughts towards each women through the first half of the book.. And the twist happened and I was slightly disappointed, but stuck with it. I still wanted to see how the story played out. And then the coincidences and twists kept coming and I started to lose interest. I don’t mind a twist, but there were just too many in this book. And the whole reveal from Emma and her origin family just made me want to put the book down. No thank you. Too much.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand

Title: Winter Storms (Winter #3)

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 246

Stars: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Series Completely Published

Some of the stormy weather of the past few seasons seems to have finally lifted for the Quinns. After a year apart, and an ill-fated affair with the Winter Street Inn's old Santa Claus, Mitzi has returned to rule the roost; Patrick is about to be released from prison; Kevin has a successful new business and is finally ready to tie the knot with Isabelle; and best of all, there's hopeful news about Bart, who has been captured by enemy forces in Afghanistan. 

That doesn't mean there aren't a few dark clouds on the horizon. Kelley has recently survived a health scare; Jennifer can't quite shake her addiction to the drugs she used as a crutch while Patrick was in jail; and Ava still can't decide between the two lovers that she's been juggling with limited success. However, if there's one holiday that brings the Quinn family together to give thanks for the good times, it's Christmas. And this year promises to be a celebration unlike any other as the Quinns prepare to host Kevin and Isabelle's wedding at the inn. But as the special day approaches, a historic once-in-a-century blizzard bears down on Nantucket, threatening to keep the Quinns away from the place--and the people--they love most. Before the snow clears, the Quinns will have to survive enough upheavals to send anyone running for the spiked eggnog, in this touching novel that proves that when the holidays roll around, you can always go home again. 

Still enjoying this series a lot. I loved checking back in with the Quinns after the tumultuous events of the last volume. We finally get more of Bart’s story and even a bit more of Norah (turns out she’s actually an interesting character). I loved the big events of this book and seeing the happy moments. I’m still annoyed with Ava, or I should say that I was very annoyed with her until about halfway through the book. Finally, we get to see some growth from her! I can’t wait to dive into the final book in the series.

P.S. It was very weird for Hilderbrand to namedrop herself and another of her books during the scene of Isabelle’s bridal shower. I seriously had to reread the paragraph, but yep it was there…

Winter:

• #1 Winter Street

• #2 Winter Stroll

• #3 Winter Storms

• #4 Winter Solstice

Next up on the TBR pile:

Coffee Talk by Morton Satin

Title: Coffee Talk: The Stimulating Story of the World’s Most Popular Brew

Author: Morton Satin

Publisher: Prometheus Books 2011

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 368

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Nonfiction Bingo

This entertaining yet comprehensive book describes how, in recent times, coffee has become the magnet that draws people together for spirited interchanges of information and ideas. In the intellectual capitals of the world, coffeehouses have been and continue to be the venues where the great minds flock to discuss the latest developments in the arts, sciences, and social philosophies. The author also traces the rich and intriguing history of coffee and even goes on to reveal the best techniques for home brewing. Moreover, he enlivens his narrative with stories of the fine art of the barista, which includes the World Barista Championship where rival barmen from around the globe display the highest artistry of coffee brewing. Lavishly illustrated, this delightful and informative book is the perfect complement for your next coffee break.

I had high hopes for this book. I had heard good things. Unfortunately the chapters in this book were a mixed bag. I loved learning about the history of coffee and the science behind the plant. My favorite part was following coffee around the world. A wonderful history. And then the chapters start to go down hill. There’s interesting content, but I didn’t particularly need an entire glossary of terms or a chapter detailing different ways to brew coffee. I start skimming the second half of the book until I got to the end. Oh well.

Next up on the TBR pile:

RC 2019: Library Love

From Angel’s Guilty Pleasures:

Details:

Runs: January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019. You can join any time.

• Put a sign up post on your blog or (dedicate a Goodreads shelf or LibraryThing) and link it in the linky below. Make sure it’s public.

• The goal is to read at least twelve (12) books from the library, but you can read more. While twelve is the minimum, there is no maximum limit. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you.

• Any format will work for this challenge (prints, ebooks, or audios); as long as you checked it out from the library, it counts.

• Books can be any genre (fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller, horror, etc.).

• Crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed, including re-reads. The goal is to support your local library and save money.

• As an added bonus: I’m offering up a GIVEAWAY with this Challenge. Winner will be picked at the end of the year!! Their are a few freebie entries just for signing up to join the challenge and then the main entries throughout the year will be the direct links to your book reviews. You will have until Jan. 4th, 2020 to enter your reviews in the Linky/Rafflecopter. Go here to enter your reviews & the giveaway: 2019 Library Love Challenge Review Link-ups.

• (Optional) Mid-Year Library Check In: This year (2019) I plan on posting a Mid-Year Library Check In Post sometime in June or July. This post is to showcase what you have done so far in the Library Love Challenge. I’ll be offering up a separate giveaway for the Mid-Year Library Check In.

• (Optional) Reviews: Write a review to enter the giveaway – 2 sentences or an essay, whatever works for you, but there is a minimum of 2 sentences. Not sure what to write? How about something like, “The plot was a delight, but the characters didn’t capture me.” “I enjoyed the story and really liked the characters.”

• Please use #LibraryLoveChallenge when sharing your reviews, library pictures, etc…

Levels:

• Dewey Decimal: Read 12 books

• Thrifty Reader: Read 24 books

• Overdrive Junkie: Read 36 books

• Library Addict: Read 48 books

• Library Card on Fire: Read 60+ books 

Once again I’m going for the Library Card on Fire level of 60+ books!

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)