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2024 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (Hosted by Yours Truly)

My Progress:


30 / 30 books. 100% done!

2024 Literary Escapes Challenge

- Alabama (1)
- Alaska (1)
- Arizona (1)
- Arkansas (1)
- California (11)
- Colorado (1)
- Connecticut (2)
- Delaware (1)
- Florida (3)
- Georgia (3)
- Hawaii (1)
- Idaho (2)
- Illinois (4)
- Indiana (4)
- Iowa (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Kentucky (1)
- Louisiana (1)
- Maine (1)
- Maryland (1)
- Massachusetts (3)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (2)
- Mississippi (1)
- Missouri (1)
- Montana (1)
- Nebraska (1)
- Nevada (2)
- New Hampshire (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- New York (9)
- North Carolina (4)
- North Dakota (1)
- Ohio (3)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- Rhode Island (1)
- South Carolina (1)
- South Dakota (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (4)
- Utah (4)
- Vermont (2)
- Virginia (2)
- Washington (3)
- West Virginia (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
- Wyoming (2)
- Washington, D.C.* (2)

International:
- Argentina (1)
- Australia (3)
- Bolivia (1)
- Canada (3)
- China (2)
- England (25)
- France (1)
- Ghana (1)
- India (1)
- Indonesia (1)
- Ireland (4)
- Italy (1)
- Poland (2)
- Russia (2)
- Scotland (3)
- The Netherlands (1)

My Progress:


51 / 51 states. 100% done!

2024 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

My Progress:


52 / 50 books. 104% done!

2024 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge


36 / 50 books. 72% done!

Booklist Queen's 2024 Reading Challenge

My Progress:


52 / 52 books. 100% done!

2024 52 Club Reading Challenge

My Progress:


50 / 52 books. 96% done!

2024 Build Your Library Reading Challenge

My Progress:


37 / 40 books. 93% done!

2024 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge


18 / 40 books. 45% done!

2024 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge

My Progress:


25 / 25 cozies. 100% done!

2024 Medical Examiner's Mystery Reading Challenge

2024 Mystery Marathon Reading Challenge

My Progress


2 / 26.2 miles (4th lap). 8% done!

Mount TBR Reading Challenge

My Progress


43 / 100 books. 43% done!

2024 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge

My Progress:


98 / 109 books. 90% done!

Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge

My Progress


52 / 52 books. 100% done!

Disney Animated Movies Reading Challenge

My Progress


137 / 165 books. 83% done!

The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge

My Progress:


85 / 100 names. 85% done!

The Life Skills Reading Challenge

My Progress:


30 / 80 skills. 38% done!
Tuesday, October 01, 2024

Top Ten Tuesday: My Fall TBR List, Part Two


What are you like when it comes to hype surrounding new books? Do you give into it for fear of missing out on a title "everyone" seems to be loving? Or are you leery about following the crowd, maybe because you've been burned before? Today's TTT prompt is all about that: Top Ten Books You Read/Avoided Because of the Hype (and did you make the right choice?). I'm more likely to do the latter, but occasionally, I do get caught up in the hype. I can think of a few books I've read or bought because of it, just not enough for much of a list. However, I have no trouble at all coming up with more books that are on my Fall TBR list, so I decided to make an addendum to last week's list

As always, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely Jana over at That Artsy Reader Girl

Top Ten (More) Books On My Fall TBR List 


1. Morning Sun in Wuhan by Ying Chang Compestine—This middle-grade novel deals with the outbreak of COVID in the city where it began. Mei Li's father is busy doctor who's stuck at the hospital dealing with the crisis, unable to spare a moment to come home. Left mostly on her own, the lonely 13-year-old is determined to do her part to help her neighbors and friends. She's an excellent cook who wants to become a chef, a dream her father does not support. Undeterred, she finds ways to use her skills and talents in the kitchen to feed people in need. 

I'm just about done with this novel. Although it deals with a dark time, it tells a hopeful, empowering story about how we can help each other through hardships. Compestine lives in California, but she grew up in Wuhan, which makes the tale feel especially authentic.


2. The Boy Who Cried Bear by Kelley Armstrong—In this second installment in the Haven's Rock series, Casey and Eric have accepted a family into their hidden Yukon town for the first time. No one is used to having kids in their midst, so when 10-year-old Max claims to see a strange bear-man prowling the woods, no one takes him very seriously. Then, the boy disappears. As Casey and Eric comb the forest for the child, they come across ominous clues that indicate a killer is in their midst. While they search frantically for answers, they face another unexpected challenge: Casey is pregnant. Can the two of them find Max before it's too late? Are they ready to be parents when they can't even keep track of one small boy? What does a baby mean for their future and that of their town?

Haven's Rock is a spinoff series of Armstrong's popular Rockton series. I've loved all the books, especially on audio, so I'm enjoying this one in that format as well. Thérèse Plummer is an excellent narrator. She performs Casey and Eric so well!


3. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico—I've heard good things about this heartwarming novel and it fits a reading challenge prompt I need to check off, so I'll be reading it soon. It's about a humble English charwoman who falls in love—with a sumptuous Dior dress. Finding the elegant garment sets her on a quest that has her saving every pound she makes until she's got enough to go on a life-changing journey to Paris, where she changes her life and those of plenty others along the way. Sounds like a delightful read!


4. Dead Tired by Kat AilesThe Expectant Detectives kept me royally entertained, so I'm excited to read this sequel. It's about a group of pregnant women who meet at a class for expectant mothers and, unexpectedly, became amateur sleuths who successfully solve a murder together. One year later, the moms are exhausted, desperate for some much-needed rest. An eco-protest provides a convenient escape, but when one of their fellow protesters is killed, the sleepy parents find themselves channeling their inner Nancy Drews once again...


5. A Cruel Light by Cindy MacMillan—When a young woman is brutally murdered, it rocks her small town to its core. Just when memories of the slaying are starting to fade, an eerie painting of the victim is discovered during the renovation of the local parsonage. An art expert is hired to clean the portrait while a local detective hunts for clues in its depths. The pair soon realize that the killer will do whatever it takes to cover their tracks. Can they find answers before they become murder victims themselves?


6. All Better Now by Neal Shusterman—This YA thriller concerns a virus that is running rampant. Although it starts with a fever, its long-term effects include personal peace, contentment, and happiness. Not everyone is thrilled with these results, especially those who make big money off people with depression, stress, and worry. Soon, they are trying to convince the populace that too much happiness is not a good thing. Two teens who are confused by the mixed messages determine to find the truth behind the virus and its effects. Can an overabundance of happiness in the world truly be a bad thing?


7. The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose—I loved both The Maid and The Mystery Guest, so I'm all in for this holiday-themed Maid novella. Molly Gray has always loved Christmas. She's looking forward to celebrating the special season with her beloved boyfriend, Juan Manuel. When a gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel goes wrong, however, it leaves her questioning the people she thought loved her most. Molly has always had trouble reading people and knowing whom to trust. Has she made a critical mistake once again?


8. Homeless Bird by Gloria Whalen—This National Book Award winning YA novel sounds interesting. I'm not sure exactly when it takes place, but it's about a 13-year-old girl who's being married off by her parents. When she realizes they've been horribly deceived about the situation, the brave young woman vows to take charge of her own future. 


9. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens—I read or listen to this holiday classic every year to get me into the Christmas spirit. The audiobook narrated by Tim Curry has become my go-to version lately. It's fantastic!



10. Gone to Hot Pot by Vivien Chien—Thanks to a reading challenge prompt (what else?), I need to read a book sold only in digital format. This novella, #9.5 in one of my favorite cozy mystery series, fits the bill. Lana Lee, the main character and usual narrator in the Noodle Shop Mystery books, is away at a restaurant convention. Megan, Lana's roommate, is left in charge of her dog, Kikkoman. When Megan decides to drop by Asia Village with the pup in tow, she never dreams the pooch will run away and become hopelessly lost. Even with everyone in the community helping, Kikko is nowhere to be found. Where in the world is Lana's beloved pet and can they find him before she returns?  

There you are, ten more books that I'm eager to enjoy this Fall. Have you read any of them? What's on your Fall TBR list? And what titles have you read or avoided because of hype? I'd love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog. I also reply to comments left here.

Happy TTT!

37 comments:

  1. Homeless Bird sounds good!

    Here is my Top Ten Tuesday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just started it and I'm enjoying it so far, although I REALLY can't imagine 13-year-old kids getting married. Yikes!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lydia!

      Delete
  2. A good looking list with so many good looking books.

    I love A Christmas Carol!

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True confessions: A CHRISTMAS CAROL is the only Charles Dickens book I've read all the way through! LOL. I read or listen to it every year, though, because I love it so much :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Emily!

      Delete
  3. I need a reread of Christmas Carol! I’ve never tried audio. Thanks for the rec! ~Carol @ ReadingLadies

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've listened to a few different audio versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. My favorite is narrated by Tim Curry. My second favorite is the one narrated by Hugh Grant.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Carol!

      Delete
  4. Morning Sun in Wuhan sounds interesting and looks really cute.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoyed it. It does a good job of showing the panic and worry that descended on Wuhan when the virus started, but it never gets too scary or grim. Mostly, it's a book about using your unique talents to make a difference and spread hope in hard times.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Louise!

      Delete
  5. All Better Now sounds really interesting. I hope you enjoy these books and have a great week. - Katie

    Here's my TTT if you wish to visit - https://justanothergirlandherbooks.blogspot.com/2024/09/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-bought-because.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've enjoyed many of Shusterman's novels, so I'm excited for ALL BETTER NOW. It definitely has a unique premise!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Katie!

      Delete
  6. Great list, Susan! The Mistletoe Mystery was such a cute novella. I love Molly's stories. I adore The Christmas Carol too. Always a classic! Happy Wednesday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I started reading THE MISTLETOE MYSTERY, then I decided to save it until closer to Christmas. I'm excited to read it! A CHRISTMAS CAROL is always a good read/listen. It inspires me every time :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Stephanie!

      Delete
  7. I read Homeless Bird with my kids when we were homeschooling, it is really good! I hope you enjoy all of these!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just started listening to HOMELESS BIRD. I'm enjoying it so far.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cindy!

      Delete
  8. I haven't read any of them, but I think I'd like A Cruel Light. its october and in honor of Halloween i seek out scary content.
    https://getlostinlit.blogspot.com/2024/10/top-ten-books-that-should-be-tv-shows.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been reading spooky-ish books for Halloween too. 'Tis the season!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Idea-ist!

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. It sounds really cute. I'm excited to read it!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Emma!

      Delete
  10. I do need to start the Rockton series by Armstrong -- I've loved everything of hers that I've read so far, and I think that series is going to be a priority for me in the coming year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy Armstrong's mysteries a lot. I've never read her urban fantasy since that's just not my thing and I didn't love the one horror book I've read by her. I do love the Rockton/Haven's Rock series as well as her Rip in Time series. Both are excellent!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lisa!

      Delete
  11. Yes! The Rockton/Haven's Rock series are such wonderful reads! And yes, Plummer is an amazing narrator! She definitely enhances any story. I also loved Molly the Maid and I'm looking forward to the novella. I have a hold at my library so hopefully soon. Great TTT list, Susan! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. I've enjoyed all the books, especially on audio. These are the only books I've heard Plummer narrate, but I'll definitely look for more. She's awesome!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Rachel!

      Delete
  12. All these are new to me though I have heard of a couple of authors. I hope you enjoy them. Thanks for visiting my blog earlier and leaving a link.

    ReplyDelete
  13. These all look great, and I hope you enjoy them! I definitely want to look into "Morning Sun in Wuhan" by Ying Chang Compestine, I also want to let my sister know about it for her kiddos.

    ReplyDelete
  14. If you like Mrs. Harris you will probably also enjoy My Mrs Brown--based on Mrs Harris and very readable. I've set my blog link to my review if you are interested. No pressure

    ReplyDelete
  15. I've been wanting to try a Kelley Armstrong book for ages. Hope you'll love all of these!

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  16. I already have my library hold for the new Maid book. I cannot wait to catch up with Molly. Hope we both love it!

    ReplyDelete
  17. It looks like you're going to have a great reading season this fall with these books! I hope you love all of them!

    ReplyDelete
  18. All Better Now sounds interesting. I hope you enjoy all these!

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  19. I loved Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. I hope you do, too!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Looks like you've got a lot of great reads on this list! I hope you get to them and you enjoy them. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great TBR list! It looks like you're in for some really good reading. I love the Noodle Shop Mystery series, although A Cruel Light wasn't a great read for me. I hope you enjoy reading your way through this list!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great list! I love the Noodle Shop Mystery and loved A Christmas Carol when I finally got around to reading it a few years ago. I have Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris on my TBR and really have to read more Kelley Armstrong!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you for stopping by our post earlier. Now I’m Craving Hot Pot is going to make me crave all of the food I’m sure will be described in it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've been hearing a lot about All Better Now. Curious about it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dead Tired looks amusing so that's one I'll have to learn more about. I have Nita's on preorder too if I remember right so that is one (along with the sequel) I'll have to try to read. :) Thanks a bunch for visiting my list last week! Apologies I'm just now visiting yours.

    ReplyDelete

Comments make me feel special, so go crazy! Just keep it clean and civil. Feel free to speak your mind (I always do), but be aware that I will delete any offensive comments.

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