50 Book Challenge 2022 Part Three

[southeastdweller]

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

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2022, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. Any type of book can count, it’s not too late to join, and please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read.

If possible, please can you embolden your titles (and maybe authors as well) of the books you've read or going to read? It makes it much easier to keep track, especially when the threads move quickly at this time of the year.

The first thread of the year is here and the second one here.

What are you reading?

Cassandre I live a mile from a county border and the library services either side don't require you to be a local resident to join the library, just any UK address is fine.

There was a scheme introduced years ago, by which you could borrow from nearly any library in the UK in person, using your existing local library card. Not all were part of it, but many would honour it. It's worth asking if you work outside of your usual library service area if they will let you use it this way, or if they will let you join using your work or home address.

A lot of libraries will let you sign up remotely for a membership and have access to the e-library service. This can be limited to 3-6 months or unlimited.

My easiest way to get access was by abusing those I know around the country and abroad (US and Canada) by asking to share their log in, or in some cases to join especially for me to use it. As it's digital, you can't run up any late fees as the loans automatically expire. I asked for it in lieu of gifts one year and loads of people obliged. I'm one of 5 and have a lot of cousins, so ended up with a lot of access. I'll often reserve the same digital content at a few libraries to hedge my bets on which comes up fastest.

This does of course require you to be happy with audio and ebook content. I only get through books so quickly as I use audio as much as possible (and have a lot of time on my hands).

I'm with you on the trauma of having all of your reserves land at the same time. Absolute nightmare.

In Dorset, our libraries are part of the larger Libraries West group, which means we can request books from any library that's part of it, for actual books. One I had a while ago came all the over from Porlock. I felt guilty for requesting such a long journey for one book . We gave a big selection of Ebooks and audiobooks too.

way, * have, not gave.

Anyone dipping in and out of the War and Peace thread, we've just finished Book 2 Part 1 if you want to join the discussion.

@VikingNorthUtsire I'm going to try to catch up tonight and join the chat. Work has been crazy so I've got out of my chapter a day habit.

I'm also woefully behind on the Year of Wonder chat too so maybe I can listen to classical tunes while reading War and Peace. I'm just soooo cultured

@DameHelena I try to look at daily ones as I'm drinking my coffee before leaving for work. But, yes, it's mostly utter dross.

18. The Diary of a Bookseller - Shaun Bythell

In the "library recommends" section of my local library.

Gives an honest viewpoint from the owner of a independent second-hand bookshop in Wigtown, Galloway, which inspired my rash purchases earlier this week . The staff and customers seemed to be equally eccentric and the frustration with both (often justified) came through in equal measure. A reminder of how small businesses struggle against the onslaught of the online megastores but important that such places still exist, A good read, even though I don't think I could work with him.

Have been absent for a while but still plodding on through Tears of a giraffe. Head has not been in the space for reading especially after losing my wonderful nan this week but have been reading even if not posting.

Sorry to hear of your loss eitak. I found returning to old favourites was the best thing after bereavement or very unchallenging reads.

@cassandre I think having seen Bernstein’s ‘Candide’ helped make all the misery a bit more light-hearted, if you see what I mean. Dangerous Liaisons is a good suggestion: I like an epistolary novel.

So sorry for your loss @eitak22

@ChannelLightVessel I loved Alive, Alive Oh. Totally agree with reading anything Diane Athill writes. I'm reading Spring by Ali Smith but so far but enjoying it as much as Winter.

Sending my sympathies to you @eitak22

I’m sorry for your loss @eitak22.

25. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - JK Rowling There’s so much going on in this book, and it’s so much fun to read! A lot better than I remembered, the teenage angst originally irritated me but on re-reading it all fits in with the story. Another excellent book 😊

@eitak22 Sorry for your loss 💐

23. My Rock 'n' Roll Friend - Tracey Thorn

I really loved this book about Thorn's decades-long friendship with the Go Betweens drummer Lindy Morrison. It's funny, tender, angry and intimate, and so refreshing to hear a female voice about women in the music industry.

@eitak22 sorry for your loss I hope reading is giving you some comfort.

eitak22

Mma Precious Ramotswe is a comforting companion when experiencing grief .

@JaninaDuszejko

Mma Precious Ramotswe is a comforting companion when experiencing grief .

I second this.

eitak22

eitak22 So sorry to hear your news

eitak22, sorry to hear your sad news

Mma Ramotswe got me through exam revision at uni (which used to bring on anxiety and panic attacks), I hope she brings you comfort too.

Sorry for your loss eitak22.

I woke up this morning thinking I meant dopamine rather than serotonin in my post yesterday (re the hit of a good Kindle deal). Oh well, my knowledge of neurotransmitters is sketchy at best.

I'm returning various library books that I'm not going to read. It's an under-rated pleasure, clearing out tomes that you've been eyeing unenthusiastically for a while.

Eitak