50 Book Challenge 2016 Part Seven

[southeastdweller]

Welcome to the final thread of the 50 Book Challenge for this year.

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2016, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. Any type of book can count, please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read, and to anyone who hasn't posted, feel free to de-lurk and share with us what you've read so far this year.

The first thread of 2016 is here, second thread here, third thread here, fourth thread here, fifth thread here and sixth thread here.

I didn't ask for any books this year, and wish people wouldn't try and guess with books for me. I've still ended up with Five on Brexit Island as a stocking filler (one for the charity shop) and International Rugby Union The Illustrated History. Now, I do like rugby but I don't tend to read books about it. That may well end up going to the charity shop too.

Today I've had a splurge in Waterstones though so have treated myself to The Burning Page by Genevieve Cogman (third in the Invisible Library series), Stonehenge by Mike Parker Pearson (which I have read before but that copy was a library book), The Spartans by Paul Cartledge, and The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, which I'm thinking of using as part of my morning routine in 2017, possibly as a meditational thing.

You can use Calibre to convert ebooks between file formats calibre-ebook.com/ - though it won't convert any which are DRM protected.

So you may be able to get some epub format books onto a Kindle. Would check before splurging tho!

111 The End of Elsewhere: Travels among the Tourists, by Taras Grescoe
This was recommended on here by Biblio I think, and the concept really appealed to me. The blurb describes it as an 'epic search for what makes tourists tick', but I thought it suffered from the fact that the author just didn't appear to like people very much. I'd expected him to spend a lot of time talking to people, figuring out why they were choosing this type of travel, but instead he observes and comments without any much attempt to get inside others' choices.
Overall I felt it was summed up by his comment at one point that when he was young and went travelling in Europe, he'd done it all so much better, avoiding fellow travellers - so reminiscent of a hundred college posh-boys explaining how their gap year was authentic and different from the masses.

Long time no post, have missed this thread but had a really challenging year. Really hoping I will get to 50 next year, this year I managed close to 30, if I finish the one I'm currently reading by new year.

Currently reading B is for burgular by Sue Grafton which I'm really enjoying after reading the first last month. Easy reading thrillers with a good twist.

Christmas books I was given so far (present swap with in laws tomorrow which I think I'm getting a few more).

Sew! And Make! Two Cath Kidston book with craft projects in and tips on how to do cross stitch, sewing and applique.
Tales of Beadle Bard -JK Rowling
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them - JK Rowling

How about everyone else? Favourite book you were given?

Is anyone else quietly ekeing out their current book in order to get a head start in the 2017 challenge? [Grin]

Meg - no, but I did deliberately choose a rather long book (The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen) for my last book of 2016, so that I can get it (or most of it) out of the way this year rather than putting me behind in the early stages next year!

Tarahumara that is brilliant! I should do similar, must keep in mind for next year.

108. The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper

Will Stanton discovers, on his 11th birthday just before Christmas, that he is the last of the Old Ones who protect the world from the powers of the Dark. As he comes into his powers and knowledge of the Light and the Dark he also has to gather the six Signs of Power, at the time of year when the powers of the Dark are at their strongest and before the Dark can get to them.

This was always one of my favourite books as a child. Thanks to the Mumsnetters who have mentioned that they re-read it at Christmas, it made for a lovely and nostalgic Christmas Eve, although I didn't get it all finished that evening.

Hope all you 50 bookers had a great Christmas.

74. Ten Days of Christmas by GB Stern Christmas 1946, an English country house party, the first time the extended family have all been together since a 'glorious Christmas' before the war. The little kids then are older teens now, and the adults have their own concerns. Plenty of well observed and acerbic dialogue, and looking into how characters feel and what motivates them. Near the beginning, one character is scribbling a family tree for another one on a piece of blotting paper, and I could really have done with that blotting paper to refer back to throughout. Also felt the end was a bit of a cop out. Overall though just the seasonal ticket.

174. Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

Another recommendation from this thread. An orphan girl is sent to college by an anonymous benefactor, and the only condition is that she has to write to him every month. I liked the insight into American college life at the turn of the century, but didn't like the way she called him Daddy (I realise this is a product of its time!)

175. Dear Enemy by Jean Webster

A sequel to Daddy-Long-Legs - a college friend of the original orphan is sent to run the orphanage. Again, it's all told in letters. I liked this more than Daddy Long Legs and was really rooting for the orphanage to succeed. Again though it's a product of its time with some views that are now distasteful.

176. If I Could Turn Back Time by Nicola Doherty

Chicklit about a girl who wakes up one day 6 months into the past, so she gets another chance at her relationship and job. Good fun.

177. We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson

I didn't really like this. I didn't like any of the characters and the whole set-up was just odd.

178. Safe With Me by K L Slater

Psychological thriller about a loner, Anna, who witnesses a car accident, and realises that the driver is a woman from her past. Anna gradually infiltrates herself into the lives of those involved in the accident. I enjoyed reading this, even though the main character isn't particularly likeable, but the ending was too far-fetched and confusing.

179. Cobwebs and Cream Teas by Mary Mackie

Mary's husband became employed as a caretaker at a National Trust property and this is the story of their first year. Interesting if you like National Trust properties and have always wondered what goes on behind the scenes. It's from the mid-80s though so would love an updated version to see what's different now!

180. The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M Boston

A festive reread, love the magic of this story.

181. Twelve Days of Christmas

Chicklit about a single woman who goes to housesit over Christmas and ends up hosting a full family Christmas for a load of strangers. Could have been good, but the main character was so obnoxious and rude I just couldn't really care what happened to her.

182. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Another festive reread!

183. Before I Let You In by Jenny Blackhurst

Psychological thriller. A psychiatrist takes on a new patient who seems to know a lot about her. OK, but was told from several different points of view which I found confusing. I didn't guess what the link between the psychiatrist and the patient was though.

184. The Chimes by Charles Dickens

I hadn't read this before. It's billed as one of his Christmas stories, but is actually set at New Year. It's similar to A Christmas Carol in that it involves ghosts appearing to someone during the night, but it's not as good as ACC.

I had a few books for Christmas but no fiction - I got 'How to be a Victorian' and 'How to be a Tudor' by Ruth Goodman, and a similar book about Jane Austen's time (name escapes me at the moment!) so I'm looking forward to getting into them. Still working through some Christmas themed books at the moment though!

Wishing all my fellow posters on this thread a Happy Christmas. I hope you all had some time to catch up on a little bit of reading. This is my latest update.

91. Jonathon Livingston Seagull – Richard Bach. I read this as a teenager many years ago and didn’t like it at all but was told by those older and wiser that with the passage of time it would make more sense. When I saw it come up on a daily deal a couple of months I thought it would be worth the punt to see if my interpretation changed with the years. It didn’t. It was a short read but I desperately regret that time as something I will never get back. Pretentious sentimental drivel masquerading as inspirational wisdom.

92. Heavenfield - LJ Ross. Third book in the DC Ryan books. In this one, a close friend of DS Ryan’s girlfriend is found by murdered in a church by Ryan who is immediately considered the chief suspect. As the case progresses it becomes apparent that there are certain links with the previous cases and that someone within the police is involved. In the end Ryan is exonerated and the killers are brought to justice. Like the previous books in the series I enoyed this as a quick, engaging read.

93. A Boy Called Christmas – Matt Haig. I listened to this on the school run with the kids in the run up to Christmas. This is the story of Nikolas who is the son of a poor widowed woodcutter who goes on to become Father Christmas. Perfect story in the run up to Christmas and the kids enjoyed it.

94. H is for Hawk – Helen Mcdonald. This is a book about hawks and grief. While reflecting on her own relationship with her hawk Mcdonald also describes the relationship the TH White had with his goshawk. This was a beautifully written and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

95. The Christmas Train – David Baldacci. Journalist Tom Langdon takes the train across the US to get to California to spend Christmas with his girlfriend. He plans to use the opportunity to talk to passengers and write a book. He meets his first love on the train and then things go wrong as they get caught in a snowdrift but Tom saves the day. It was okay but I regret picking this over the Agatha Christie I had also in my Christmas reading pile.

96. A Christmas Party – Georgette Heyer. Already reviewed on this thread. After The Christmas Train this was a very welcome seasonal ‘whodunnit’. I loved it.

97. A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens. I read this one almost every Christmas. This year audible gifted this to all its members so we listened as a family in the car and over dinner ont the 23rd and on Christmas eve.

I have another couple of days of so am hoping to hit 100 books by New Year's Eve. I am reading The Box of Delights with DS and am about 20% into another Christmas chicklit book. I also have A Calculated Life on the ago and should get that finished by the 31st December.

For Christmas I got City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin, Radiance and Deathless by Katerynne M.Valente, the last three books of the Dark is Rising sequence by Susan Cooper and Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marashall. I also went a bit mad on the kindle sale and bought Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series. I really need to reign in my book spending in 2017 and catch up on all the unread books beside my bed and on my kindle. I have high hopes for next year's challenge

54. Sleeping with dogs by Brian Sewell. Essential reading for any dog lover! For those who haven't heard of him, Brian Sewell was a rather controversial, uber posh art critic with a razor sharp wit. But wow did he ever love his dogs, mainly rescues including one he saved from Turkey. This book made me laugh and cry and it's only 134 pages.

I hope everyone had a Happy holiday time and lots of time to read. Now that my inlaws are gone I feel more relaxed, but also need to pack up for a trip away over New Year. Thank goodness for the Kindle, saves a lot of weight!

The only gift books I received were ones I'd asked for - hurrah! No random selections from MIL this year .

I loved Sleeping With Dogs LadyDepp. Completely changed my opinion of Brian Sewell.

Hello All - don't know if anyone remembers me - I joined the 2014 thread half way through and then did 2015 all the way through

I did join in 2016 but bowed out as I got behind recording my books and to be honest there was so many people on in January I found it difficult to keep up

I have really missed you all and the hundreds of book recommendations I used to get from reading the thread. i would lobe to join you all again in 2017 if you'll have me

I had to smile ChillieJeanie as I too read "The Darkness is Rising" over Christmas.

I have lost my reading mojo in the last couple of months and its not been helped by having this to read for Book Group on the 10th. I have been putting it off as it dodn't appeal and it has now become a chore.... [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Animal-Autobiography-Female-Sara-Pascoe/dp/057132522X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482931026&sr=8-1&keywords=animal]

Welcome back, Sonnet. The first thread this year was pretty crazy alright. Hang in there with us in 2017 until it calms down!

I have been recommended that book by Amazon, and had the same reaction as you. It has got lots of good reviews though, so maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised

Hi Sonnet. I remember you Yes, it looked like it would be a very crowded 50-Book group at the beginning of the year, but then most people dropped out. It's mostly the usual bookworms regulars now. Welcome back.

54 All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr
This was reviewed up thread - what a great read. It was so atmospheric and I really came to care for the main characters. Did not enjoy the last couple of modern day chapters so much which left the ending a bit 'blah' for me. Would highly recommend despite that though.

55. The Mistletoe Murders - P.D. James
First time I have read any of hers and enjoyed the classic whodunnit style. Just right for a Christmas read.

Have also got a Jeanette Winterson Christmas themed one to read and then 3 books lined up ready to begin the 2017 challenge.

Thank you!!
Decided to crack on with Animal and try and get in done ASAP Tarahumara - I find that is the trouble with Book Group as I have to be in the "right mood" for some books.

I read All the Light earlier in the year Boldley and really enjoyed it.

Just going through some of the earlier threads this year for book recommendations as I would like to start the year with a few lined up. Currently just finishing "Disclaimer by Renee Knight" on Audible and Mount by Jilly Cooper as a real book. What to finish those and *Animal" before the 1st so I can start with a clean sheet so to speak.

Boldly and everyone else who enjoyed All the Light We Cannot See - please can I recommend A Constellation of Vital Phenomena which is similar ish (but set in Chechnya not WWII) and also very, very good.

Hi Sonnet - great to see you back with us!

Re Daddy Long Legs - she's not calling him Daddy as in 'father' though -she's calling him a long-legged insect! He's really not THAT much older than her!

Not much reading over the last few days, as have been busy - but should finish 'Stiff' in a day or two. V good so far.

Hello all,
Just back to have a little read of the current thread and update, I've been a bit crap at reading lately as I have been so busy with work and other life stuff, but I did manage to finish the Audible audiobook of Shantaram as my book no. 20. Now, I know there were a few people this year who said they loathed it but I have to say I loved it and fell a little bit in love with the narrator/main character, even though he was a prick at times. I'd highly recommend it if anyone likes India, adventure or travel writing or just wants a nice long escapist audiobook to dive into. I've already bought the sequel in book form although I've heard it's not as good.

I enjoyed All the Light We Cannot See too although after reading it I have almost gone back off it again, it didn't really leave any emotional impression on me which is odd given the plot and characters which should appeal to me. Something a bit missing in it, for me. Agree with boldly about the last few chapters as well.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and you are all enjoying your Christmas books.

Any illusions I had of making it to 50 books this year have died with A History of Seven Killings. Two weeks in and I am only 11% through. Mostly it is because I did a solo international move with kids so haven't had much time to read but I am finding it very confusing as I have dipped in and out and keep forgetting the characters' backstories.

No books as presents this year, which suits me fine, but I did buy American Gods and Bring Up the Bodies in the kindle sale.

Should I keep going with A History of Seven Killings or give up? So far this year I have made myself finish everything, even books I hate, but it has made for rather slow reading at times.

Another one popping back in to rejoin the thread before it gets busy in January. I dropped off about half way through the year for all the usual reasons, got behind with posting and looking after my ill mother. I've missed you all and am looking forward to contributing again.

I had a British Library books I have read record book for Christmas which I hope will help with the recording.

I'm on a British Library crime classic 'The Santa Claus Murder' at the moment which is quite fun.

Glad to see you're still here Remus