2021 Challenge Wrap Up

I was feeling quite ambitious at the start of the year and signed up for five challenges. This post summarizes how I fared. Unfortunately, I am behind in posting reviews and so did not quite meet that commitment for each of these challenges. Any missing reviews will be posted in the near future. 

I knew before 2020 was over that I wanted to take part in a historical fiction challenge, and so when I saw mention of the 2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Marg, the The Intrepid Reader I knew I had to jump on board. As with many of my other challenges, this one was quite broad in the types of books I could read for it, which is always good for a mood reader like me. I signed up to do the Victorian level which meant reading five (5) historical fiction books, but changed it mid-year to the Medieval level, committing to read fifteen (15) historical fiction books.  Here is my list of the books I read for the challenge: 

1. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

2. Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder (#1) by T.A. Willberg

3. The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

4. The Arrangement (Plainclothes Tootsie #1) by M. Ravenel

5. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner*

6. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba (Cuba Saga #4) by Chanel Cleeton

7. A Peculiar Combination (Electra McDonnell #1) by Ashley Weaver*

8. Swimming Back to Trout River by Linda Rui Feng

9. Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #4) by Jennifer Ashley*

10. Death at the Crystal Palace (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #5) by Jennifer Ashley*

11. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

12. The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke (2021)*

13. The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown*

14. Down a Dark River (Inspector Corravan #1 by Karen Odden*

15. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson*

I also took part in the 2021 Nonfiction Reader Challenge hosted by Shelleyrae of Book'd Out. I enjoy nonfiction, but sometimes need a little extra push to read it. I signed up for the Nonfiction Nibbler level and planned to read six (6) nonfiction books over the course of the year. I admit it was a bit of a struggle , especially as a mood reader who found it easier to pick up a fiction book to read. I am slowly making my way through one book in particular I had hoped to read for this challenge before the end of the year but have a feeling I will be carrying it into the new year with me. I was still able to fit another one in though just in time.

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama*

2. Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind by Sue Black*

3. I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel*

4. The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown*

5. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson*

6. Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson*

I upped the ante a bit with the 2021 Poetry Challenge hosted by Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit this year with a goal to read three (3) books of poetry, which I raised to seven (7) mid-year. Although it isn't a part of the challenge, I also was hoping to put my subscription to Poetry Magazine to use by sharing about some of the stand out poems I discovered there. I did not quite manage the second part, but I feel satisfied with the books I did read. What I read:

1. What Mothers Withhold by Elizabeth Kropf

2. Passiflora by Kathy Davis

3. From the Inside: The Inner Soul of a Young Poet by Thanvi Voruganti

4. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo*

5. Anything That Happens by Cheryl Wilder

6. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson*

7. Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson*

This year's Clean Out Your E-Reader Challenge (COYER) hosted by Michelle and Berls of Because Reading Is Better Than Real Life was a year long challenge, although divided into seasons and also included a community component. 

The Winter COYER Challenge (January & February) followed the more strict COYER rules: for books to count toward the challenge, they had to be in electronic format (e-books or audiobooks). Books read had to be free or nearly free. This included review books and books under $2 (audiobooks under $5). My goal was to read four (4) books for Winter COYER:

1. One by One by Ruth Ware

2. Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder (#1) by T.A. Willberg

3. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

4. A Glimmer of Death (#1) by Valerie Wilson Wesley

5. The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

6 The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1) by Jasmine Guillory

7. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

The Spring COYER Challenge (March - June) had similar rules to the Winter COYER, only not only did e-books and audiobooks count, but also physical books. My goal was to read twelve (12) books for Spring COYER: 

 

1. The Gilded Ones (Deathless #1) by Namina Forna

2. The Arrangement (Plainclothes Tootsie #1) by M. Ravenel

3. The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville

4. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner*

5. Arsenic and Adobo  (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #1) by Mia P. Manansala 

6. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba (Cuba Saga #4) by Chanel Cleeton

7. The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday by Kiley Dunbar*

8. Shadowed Steel (Heirs of Chicagoland #3) by Chloe Neill

9. Angel of the Overpass (Ghost Roads #3) by Seanan McGuire

10. Black Water Sister by Zen Cho

11. A Peculiar Combination (Electra McDonnell #1) by Ashley Weaver*

12. Swimming Back to Trout River by Linda Rui Feng

13.  Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind by Sue Black*

14.  Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors (The Rajes #1) by Sonali Dev*

15. The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley*

16. Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #4) by Jennifer Ashley*

The Summer COYER Challenge (July through September) took a more relaxed, anything goes approach. I decided against making a numeric goal this time around and instead decided to give myself plenty of wiggle room and not set any hard and fast rules. My plan was to continue clearing out some of the books on my e-reader, including ARCs, catch up on a couple of favorite series, and read at least three nonfiction books. Mostly, I wanted to have fun with my reading. In the end I did not read any nonfiction books sadly, but I did fit in some ARC and series reading. That has to count for something, right? 

1.  Death at the Crystal Palace (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #5) by Jennifer Ashley*

2. I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel*

3. The Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine*

4. Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by Rosselle Lim*

5. A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows #4) by Kim Harrison*

6. Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge*

7. Be My Ghost (A Haunted Haven Mystery #1) by Carol J. Perry*

8. For a Few Demons More (The Hollows #5) by Kim Harrison*

9. Witches Get Stitches (Stay a Spell #3) by Juliette Cross*

10. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

The Fall COYER Challenge (October through December) brought a tightening of the rules--but just a bit. Format and price did not matter but the books had to fall into the Scavenger Hunt List categories (unlimited books per category). My goal was to read five books that met the scavenger hunt list requirements. I think I did well with this one.

1. A Spindle Splintered (Fractured Fables #1) by Alix E. Harrow* ~ 7. Retells a fairytale or 19. a book by an author I previously gave 5 stars

2. The Ex Hex (#1) by Erin Sterling* ~ 4. Cartoonish Cover

3. Cackle by Rachel Harrison* ~ 22. One word title

4. The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows #6) by Kim Harrison* ~ 28. Strong female protagonist

5.  The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown ~ 17. Nonfiction

6. Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings (Mrs. Claus #1) by Liz Ireland ~ 6. Christmas theme

7. Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 4  by Kamome Shrahama & Stephen Kohler, translator* ~ 10. Manga

8. Down a Dark River (Inspector Corravan #1 by Karen Odden* ~ 15. book with a male protagonist

9. Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson* ~ 36. An author with three names

I added the Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge hosted by Carol of Carol's Notebook at the last minute because I had to sign up for a mystery challenge if I was participating in reading challenges for the year. I took on the Amateur Sleuth level, reading between 5 to 15 mysteries and upped the stakes mid-year to the Detective level, to read between 16 to 25 mysteries. I liked that the challenge allowed for a broad range of subgenres.

1. One by One by Ruth Ware 

2. Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder (#1) by T.A. Willberg

3. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

4.A Glimmer of Death (#1) by Valerie Wilson Wesley

5. The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

6. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins 

7. The Arrangement (Plainclothes Tootsie #1) by M. Ravenel

8. Arsenic and Adobo  (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #1) by Mia P. Manansala

9. Shadowed Steel (Heirs of Chicagoland #3) by Chloe Neill*

10. Black Water Sister by Zen Cho

11. A Peculiar Combination (Electra McDonnell #1) by Ashley Weaver*

13. Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #4) by Jennifer Ashley*

14. Death at the Crystal Palace (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #5) by Jennifer Ashley*

15. The Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine*

16. Be My Ghost (A Haunted Haven Mystery #1) by Carol J. Perry*

17. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows #2) by Kim Harrison*

18. Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows #3) by Kim Harrison*

19. A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows #4) by Kim Harrison*

20. For a Few Demons More (The Hollows #5) by Kim Harrison*

21. The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows #6) by Kim Harrison*

22. The Lighthouse Witches C.J. Cooke*

23. In the Company of Witches (Evenfall Witches B&B #1) by Auralee Wallace*

24. Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings (Mrs. Claus #1) by Liz Ireland*

25. Down a Dark River (Inspector Corravan #1) by Karen Odden*

Did you have any reading goals this year? What reading challenges did you take on? How did you fare?  

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© 2021, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Mewsings: Swimming Back to Trout River by Linda Rui Feng / The Memory Collectors by Kate Neville

The train that was delivering Junie to Trout River was just pulling out of the station and gathering speed, and already the compartment was filling up with cigarette smoke and the gregarious sound of sunflower seeds being cracked open. [opening of Swimming Back to Trout River]

Swimming Back to Trout River by Linda Rui Feng
Simon & Schuster, 2011
Fiction/Historical; 271 pgs
Source: Complimentary copy of the novel provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Swimming Back to Trout River opens with Cassia and her five year old daughter Junie traveling to Trout River where Junie will live with her paternal grandparents. Junie settles into life there, and, when learning at age 10 that her father plans to return for her, Junie despairs at the idea of leaving her grandparents and the only home she remembers. Momo, Junie's father, dreams of the day he can reunite his family, both his daughter and estranged wife, and give his daughter a better life than she could have in China.

The author then takes the reader back in time, introducing Junie's parents, Cassia and Momo, more fully, as well as Momo's university friend Dawn. We get a glimpse into their childhoods and also how they met and what life was like for them during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, including the violence and oppression by the Red Guard, which changed all three of their lives irrevocably. They each faced hardships and heartbreak that would continue to impact them for years to come.

Dawn was the one who introduced Momo to the magic and power of music during their university years. The two had a falling out over the course their lives should take, but their love for music would stay with them always. Music is a theme that runs throughout the novel, whether it be a violin concerto or the melodic sounds of every day background noise. Cassia appears later in Momo's life, when he is working as an engineer and she a nurse. He falls for her right away, she more reluctantly. They give birth to a beautiful daughter, a daughter without legs, who they name Junie.

As Junie is being raised by her grandparents in China during the 1980's, riding on a wooden horse with wheels and ever curious about everything around her, the reader finds Dawn, Momo and Cassia in the United States, trying to make their own ways in the world. The author brings us a novel with hope at its center, amidst grief and loss, pain and suffering. The relationships between the characters as well as with themselves are central to the novel. It wasn't surprising to learn the author Linda Rui Feng is also a poet. Her writing is beautiful. 

The novel got off to a slow start for me, admittedly, but I was soon lost in the lives of the characters and felt a part of their world. While Junie's story is an integral part of the novel, I was most drawn to her parents' story and that of Dawn's during the time of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. I felt for each of them at various parts in the novel, angry on their behalf and wishing and wanting more for each of them while hoping for the best--that they would find their peace. I wanted that so much for each of them. There is a twist near the end that has left me a bit unsettled. I wish the author had gone in another direction, but it is her story to tell, not mine. Overall, I found Swimming Back to Trout River a worthwhile read. If you are prone to crying like I am, have a box of tissue handy. 

Challenges Met: 2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge & Spring COYER Challenge 

*                         *                         *

The air beneath Evelyn's paper mask is hot and damp, and even though a shaft of sunlight from the open barn door reveals sawdust swirling in the air, she pulls the mask up to her forehead and allows herself a breath of cool air.  ~ Opening of The Memory Collectors

The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville
Atria Books, 2021
Fiction/Magical Realism; 400 pgs

Source: Complimentary copy of the novel provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Imagine being able to hold an object and feel the emotions left behind by its previous owner. That is what it is like for Ev and Harriet. Ev has always felt this ability was a curse. It could destroy lives. As a result, she prefers to live without many belongings around her, moves frequently, and when searching for items to sell at Vancouver's Chinatown market, she will only sell items that give off positive or neutral emotions, not wanting to out any more negativity out there than already exists. She knows all too well what that negativity can do and how much it can hurt. While Ev is still at the beginning of her life, Harriet is at the end. She too can feel the emotions of the objects she collects, but instead of letting go, she holds onto them. Her apartment is full, her neighbors getting sick from the overabundance of emotions leaking from Harriet's home. 

When Harriet meets Ev, she knows the time has come to see her dream realized. Although reluctant, Ev agrees to help, desperate for money, and hoping Harriet might help her learn to control her ability better. The two women set out to create a museum of memory, one in which visitors will find their emotional wounds healed. When Ev's sister enters the picture, the fragile balance the two women have found begins to shift and they are all forced to face the past as old secrets come back to haunt them. 

While not a fast-paced read, more the type of book a reader will want to take their time to read and savor, I did find it hard to put down once I got into it. Both Ev and Harriet are clearly in pain, lonely souls, trying to survive in a world that often overwhelms them. Ev has a lot of edges and given her past, it is understandable. She and her sister grew up in foster care and because of her gift, Ev does not like to get close to anyone. Harriet has her own secrets she's kept buried and at the same time is very needy. It makes the two women's relationship contentious at times. While I never fully connected with either Ev or Harriet, I still felt for and rooted for them. My favorite character of all was Owen. I liked him instantly and continued to throughout the novel. He and Ev had built a sort of friendship since they were both scavengers. He is also an artist and I love that Harriet took him in to help with her project. He seems to bring a balance between Ev and Harriet. 

The Memory Collectors was not quite the book I expected it to be. The relationships between the characters play an important part, of course, but there is also mystery that I had not expected--at least not as it played out. Both Ev and Harriet need each other to help the other learn how to come to terms with and control their abilities. As Ev had learned as a child, the gift could be a dangerous thing. 

I liked the concept behind Ev and Harriet's ability to sense emotion of objects. It plays nicely into Marie Kondo's notion of throwing out items that don't bring a person joy on the surface of it. I couldn't help but think of my mom's last visit when we were talking about downsizing and what my brother and I might like to have of hers. We talked about how those items that hold memories are the most valuable to us. And memories are closely wrapped in feeling.  After finishing The Memory Collectors, I found myself holding certain items I picked up a little longer just to see if I could pick up any feelings from them. 

Challenge Met: Spring COYER Challenge

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© 2021, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Mewsings: The Russian Cage by Charlaine Harris & The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

I sat at the table in my cabin, my sister's letter in my hand, and read it for the third time. ~ Opening of Russian Cage

The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

Gallery/Saga Press, 2021

Fantasy; 304 pgs

Source: NetGalley

Charlaine Harris's The Russian Cage is the third book in her Gunnie Rose urban fantasy series, set in or around the 1930's in an alternate history. It has a definite Western feel to it. The United States fell apart during the early 1900's after the worst flu epidemic the world had ever seen along with a period of depression. What was once California and Oregon is now a part of the Holy Russian Empire, the place the Romanov family fled to during the revolution. It is the last place Lizbeth wants to go, but when a letter from her sister arrives with a hidden message that Lizbeth's friend Prince Eli Savarov has been arrested, Lizbeth does not hesitate to make her way to San Diego to find out what is going on--and what she can do about it. 

The Holy Russian Empire appears to be the most advanced and wealthy of the various regions of the former U.S. readers of the series have encountered so far. Lizbeth feels out of her element, not used to the luxuries and protocols of the area. She's not at all happy having to give up carrying her guns when out and about and has little patience for the formalities of interacting with society and royalty. She is not really sure who she can trust but knows she is limited without help. She turns to her sister and an old acquaintance. 

I loved the first novel, An Easy Death, but this one is probably my favorite of the three books in the series. Lizbeth proves yet again how strong, smart and resourceful she is even when completely out of her element. She has good instincts which rarely let her down. The Russian Cage gives readers a closer look into Eli's family and the role Grigori's (magic users) hold in the Holy Russian Empire. We also get to know Felicia, Lizbeth's sister a bit more, although it is obvious there is still a lot to uncover there. She's attending school in San Diego, learning to master her Grigori abilities. 

The world building in this series is well done and interesting, from the history to the cultural and social aspects. Like the other books in the series, The Russian Cage is full of action and adventure and was an entertaining read. I had no idea what direction the story was going to take and just went along for the ride. I highly recommend reading this series in order as each one builds on the other. I enjoy spending time with Eli and Lizbeth and hope this won't be the last I see of them. 

Challenges Met:  Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER &  2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Alexa Monroe walked into the Fairmont hotel in San Francisco that Thursday night wearing her favorite red heels, jittery from coffee, and with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne in her purse. ~ opening line of The Wedding Date

The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1) by Jasmine Guillory

Berkley, 2018

Romance; 320 pgs

Source: NetGalley

On her way to a celebratory evening with her sister, Alexa Monroe gets stuck in the hotel elevator with the rather attractive Drew Nichols. Their harmless flirting turns into Alexa's promise to attend not only the wedding of Drew's ex-girlfriend, but also the rehearsal dinner the night before. What could it hurt, Alexa wonders. A fake date quickly turns into a fake boyfriend/girlfriend situation. 

There is no denying the chemistry between Alexa and Drew, both physically and otherwise. They feel at ease with each other and enjoy spending time with one another. They had planned for their date to only last the weekend of the wedding, but neither is quite ready to say goodbye when the time comes. The only catch? Alexa lives in Berkeley where she works as the mayor's chief of staff and Drew is a pediatrician in Los Angeles. Where there is a will, there is a way, and thanks to frequent flyer miles and probably hefty savings accounts, the two take turns flying back and forth to visit with each other on the occasional weekends. 

As their feelings grow for each other, they both know they must end their relationship before they get too attached. For Alexa, it is the fear of falling in love and wanting more than Drew is willing to give. He made it clear he wasn't relationship material right from the start. For Drew, he does not want to break Alexa's heart, knowing that is exactly what will happen if they continue to see each other. 

It's a common trope, sure, but the characters and the magic Jasmine Guillory works to tell their story is what makes this such an entertaining romance. I found Alexa to be an extremely relatable character. I loved her charm and dedication to her work. She's clearly a smart and capable woman. Drew is easy to like as well. They both have some great supportive friends too who not only call them out when necessary but also comfort them when they most need it.

I appreciated the side stories that each character was struggling with and how they came together for each other, whether it was the diagnosis of one of Drew's young patients and how to help the boy's mother or Alexa wanting to start a project for helping at-risk teens (we need more programs like this!). 

I also really liked how Jasmine Guillory approached the interracial relationship aspects of the novel. Romance novels are expected to have that Happily Ever After or For Now ending, but it does not mean they cannot tackle more serious topics. The author does not beat anyone over the head with the challenges a couple might face, merely a mention here or there in a very natural-to-the-novel way. As simple as Alexa asking Drew if she will be the only Black person in the room, for example, or having that conversation about privilege in terms of how a Black teen is treated compared to a White teen in the same situation. These are conversations we need to see and engage in more. 

After reading Royal Holiday, the 4th book in the series last year, I was not expecting as many bedroom scenes as there were in The Wedding Date, admittedly. The Royal Holiday wasn't without, mind you, but it was significantly less in that regard. Not that I am complaining. Two different novels. Four very different characters. 

I am always curious as to how long distance relationships in romance novels will be resolved in the end. Who will have to give up what? I know, I know. It isn't about what they are leaving behind but rather what they are gaining. My mind still goes there though. I am happy to say The Wedding Date had a very satisfactory ending in that regard. 

Overall, I found The Wedding Date to be a delight to read. I was smiling just about the entire time I was reading it. Except maybe when I was crying in the sadder moments. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Challenge Met: Winter COYER

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© 2021, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Mewsings: Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder & Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Threads of steam rose from the warm tarmac. ~ Opening of Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T.A. Willberg

Park Row, 2020

Crime Fiction/Historical/Thriller; 336 pgs

Source: NetGalley

When I started reading Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder, I was expecting something more along the lines of a traditional historical mystery set in 1958 with the allure of secret tunnels and a mysterious group of detectives. What I had not anticipated was a steampunk-like mystery with cool little gadgets, alchemy, a secret map, hidden rooms, and mysterious possibly-deadly tunnels. 

This was such a fun read. Marion Lane, a first-year Inquirer-in-training for Miss Brickett's Investigations & Inquiries, lives with her grandmother who thinks Marion works in a bookstore and would be better off marrying a man and enjoying domestic bliss. Little does her grandmother know, she spends her days beneath the city, learning the skills it will take for her to become an official Inquirer, wearing disguises, spying, and solving crimes.

When a letter arrives late one April night, the filing assistant who receives it ends up dead. All evidence points to Marion's friend and mentor--or so someone wants everyone to believe. At the risk of losing her place at the school, Marion sets out to clear his name. This means trying to uncover secrets dating back to World War II--secrets that more than one person would prefer remain hidden. 

I was quite fascinated by the intricate organization that is Miss Brickett's Investigations & Inquiries. It's like an entirely separate world underground. While some of the tunnels are safe, some are not--and are even forbidden. The organization steps in to solve crimes that Scotland Yard cannot or seems to be no help with. The inquirers in training are recruited from a wide variety of backgrounds, often displaying extraordinary skills in one area or another. In Marion's case, her skills as a mechanic make her stand out. It's not exactly the kind of job your average woman in the 1950's would do, and so what better place for her than at Miss Brickett's? 

The murder itself is sort of a locked room mystery, which itself was interesting, but it was the larger mystery around it--the why--that really takes this book in an unexpected direction. I thoroughly enjoyed Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder and hope there will be more. There's so much more in this world to explore! Not to mention Marion is such a great character and I would enjoy spending more time with her and her friends. 

Challenges Met:  Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER &  2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

It's a widely known fact that most moms are ready to kill someone by eight thirty A.M. on  any given morning. ~ Opening of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (#1) by Elle Cosimano

Minotaur Books, 2021

Crime Fiction/Thriller; 368 pg

Source: NetGalley

Nothing is going right for Finlay Donovan. Her literary agent is on her back about finishing her novel--it's already past deadline--her ex-husband fired the nanny without a word to her, not to mention he is threatening to seek custody of their two young children, and she has a stack  of bills she cannot pay. 

While out for lunch with her literary agent, Finlay is mistaken for a contract killer when she is overheard by another customer sitting at a nearby table. The woman slips Finlay a note with a request that Finlay take care of the woman's no good husband for a price that would solve a lot of Finlay's problems. Only, Finlay is not a killer. She only writes about them. 

Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan Is Killing It had me laughing right from the start. She is relatable and funny and I couldn't help but feel for her every step of the way. Even as she made questionable decision after questionable decision and things just seemed to snowball from there. Yes, this novel is out there and unbelievable, but it was still such fun to read. It reminded me the fun I had reading the early Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. Just as Stephanie was out of her league as a bounty hunter, so is Finlay as a hired killer. Of course, the difference being Finlay never set out to be any sort of killer. 

Seeing how Finlay would get out of each mess she found herself in was part of the fun, and I could not read this book fast enough. The characters are well-developed and interesting, from the nanny, Vero, who is not only smart but sassy as well, the bartender, Julian, and the police officer Nick, to Finlay's sister and kids. I was not a fan of the ex or the new wife, but then, I imagine I wasn't supposed to be. 

Adventure, mystery and comedy, with a hint of possible romance, make up Finlay Donovan is Killing It. I am so glad I took a chance on it. 

Challenges Met:  Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER

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© 2021, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Bookish Mewsings: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

An old woman sits on the beach, a cushion strapped to her bottom, sorting algae that's washed ashore. ~ Opening of The Island of Sea Women 

The Island of Sea Women  by Lisa See

Scribner, 2019

Fiction/Historical; 374 pgs

Lisa See is one of my favorite authors and so I had high expectations going into The Island of Sea Women. You can tell how much she cares about her characters and the subject matter she writes about in her research and weaving together of each story.

The Island of Sea Women is the story of two friends, Mi-ja and Young-sook, told from the perspective of Young-sook. Best friends since childhood, these two girls could not come from more different backgrounds. They live on the Korean island of Jeju and are taught the ways of the haenyeo. When they are old enough, they join their village's all-female diving collective as baby divers, a tradition passed on through the generations. These women provide for their families while their men watch over their children. The earnings the women make pay for their food and shelter and for their sons to go to school. The women train their bodies and minds to withstand long periods under water, not to mention the varying water temperatures throughout the seasons, with nothing but their wits and skill. It is a dangerous job, but one that is steeped in tradition and honor. 

The novel spans the two friend's lifetime, from their childhood together through their late adulthood, beginning in the 1930's to present day. Young-sook is part of a big family and her mother is the leader of the village diving collective, which Young-sook is one day expected to inherit. Mi-ja is the daughter of a father who collaborated with the Japanese occupiers and who lives with an aunt and uncle who resent her and the taint she brings with her when she comes to live with them after her parents' deaths. Within the pages of the novel, the reader gets to know both girls, their strengths and their weaknesses.

I love how human and genuine Lisa See's characters are, vulnerable and yet strong. I really came to care for both Young-sook and Mi-ja. They went through so much together and separately over the course of their lives. The reader sees two friends who are inseparable be torn apart by events outside of their control--anger, blame and guilt keeping them from reaching out to one another. It is through their eyes, or more so Young-sook's, that Lisa See walks us through the history of Jeju island, exploring both the beauty of the land, sea and culture, and also the horrors that took place there:  from the occupation by the Japanese to that of the Americans following World War II, the Korean War and its aftermath--and everything in between. So many heartbreaking moments! And so much grief. 

I had so many feelings as I read this novel and it was an eye-opener as to the history of the area. I confess I had not known much about it at all. People really are the worst monsters--greed, fear, anger and the thirst of power can bring out the worst in people. Make them so cruel. But there are also people who are kind and do what they can to help--who strive to make things better--and this leads to hope even in the darkest of times. 

I thought it was interesting to see how the haenyeo evolved over time in terms of clothing worn to utilizing modern diving equipment. The haenyeo way of life is dying out as progress continues. It isn't what it once was. It's bittersweet. Traditions lost, but the need for those traditions no longer exist in the same way. It's a novel about friendship, redemption, forgiveness, the strength of the human spirit.

The Island of Sea Woman is another example of how such a heart-wrenching book can be so beautiful at the same time. My first book of the year earns five paws from me.

Author Lisa See posted an article which includes a sampling of the divers' songs on her Facebook page that I cannot resist but share with you: Saving the Songs of South Korea’s Female Divers. Be sure and check it out if you are interested! 

Challenge met:  2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge #histficreadingchallenge

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© 2021, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

My 2021 Reading Challenges

At the beginning of each new year, I often feel ambitious. Read more poetry. Read more nonfiction. Read more of my TBR books. Catch up on my series reading. Catch up on my review reading. Read more in general. More often than not I fall short because I want to do all these things and then real life (and sometimes my reading mood) gets in the way. 

Here I am though, planning big. This past year, I had difficulty focusing on reading and seemed to thrive on lighter, less complicated reading fare. My best guess is that this coming year will not be much different. There are still many challenges ahead of us. And yet I feel the need to add some sort of structure to my reading--to a small degree anyway. My goal is always to have fun while reading, and I am excited about taking part in the following reading challenges.

(I am including some book possibilities for each challenge--which are just that, possibilities.)

I have been craving historical fiction. Not that I need an excuse to read it. Joining the 2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Marg, the The Intrepid Reader, will be a fun way to give myself an extra boost of encouragement. The Victorian level (5 books) sounds right up my alley. 

Possible reading choices: 

Remembrance Rita Woods

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Treacherous is the Night (Verity Kent #2) Anna Lee Huber

Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang

Three Souls by Janie Chang

Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

The Hummingbird's Diary by Luis Alberto Urrea

Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March

I also will be taking part in the 2021 Nonfiction Reader Challenge hosted by Shelleyrae of Book'd Out. My shelves of unread nonfiction books have been calling to me, and I am hoping this challenge will help motivate me to clear a few off. I am taking on the Nonfiction Nibbler level with plans to read 6 nonfiction books over the course of the year.

Possible reading choices: 

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks by Annie Spence

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers Who Helped Win World War II by Liza Mundy

The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

The Princess Spy: The True Story of World War II Spy Aline Griffith, Countess of Romanones by Larry Loftis

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

Of course I will be taking part in the 2021 Poetry Challenge hosted by Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit again! My goal is to read at least 3 books of poetry and feature them on my blog. I have a subscription to Poetry Magazine and hope to find a poem or two I can share on my blog from time to time as well. 

Possible reading choices: 

In the Lateness of the World by Carolyn Forché 

The Death of Sitting Bear by N. Scott Momaday

Bone by Yrsa Daley-Ward

All Cats Are Introverts by Francesco Marciuliano

Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters by Nikita Gill

Of Yesteryear by Lauren Eden

I am excited about this year's Clean Out Your E-Reader Challenge (COYER) hosted by Michelle and Berls of Because Reading Is Better Than Real Life. This coming year it will last all year long and is being split into seasons. Participants can take part in one, some, or all of the seasons. For details check out the sign up page for the COYER challenge. The Winter COYER Challenge (January & February) follows the more strict COYER rules: for books to count toward the challenge, they must be in electronic format (e-books or audiobooks). Books read must be free or nearly free. This includes review books and books under $2 (audiobooks under $5). 

I am keeping it simple because low pressure is my goal for this next year. My aim is to read four review e-books for Winter COYER. If I manage more, even better!

Possible reading choices: 

The Dark Archive (Invisible Library #7) by Genevieve Cogman

How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole

The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardy by C.M. Waggoner

Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Mystery #4) by Jennifer Ashley

A Glimmer of Death (#1) by Valerie Wilson Wesley

Fairy Godmother, Inc. (#1) by Saranna DeWylde

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Etched in Bone (The Others, #5) by Anne Bishop

Just one more. I love the name of the Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge and decided this coming year would be a good year to participate. Mysteries usually are near the top of the number of books I read, but this year that was not the case. I love mysteries and hope to change that next year. Joining the Cloak and Dagger Challenge hosted by Carol of Carol's Notebook is an added incentive! Like with the other challenges I am joining in 2021, I am aiming low. I will be participating at the Amateur Sleuth level, reading between 5 to 15 mysteries. I like that the challenge allows for a broad range of subgenres. 

Possible reading choices: 

No Graves As Yet (#1) by Anne Perry

One by One by Ruth Ware

Bait and Witch (#1) by Angela Sanders

Death of an Unsung Hero (Lady Montfort #4) by Tessa Arlen

The Body Under the Piano (Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen #1) by Marthe Jocelyn

The Girl Who Knew Too Much (Burning Cove #1) by Amanda Quick

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

Death at a Country Mansion (Daisy Thorne #1) by Louise R. Innes

Magpie Murders (Susan Ryeland #1) by Anthony Horowitz

Do you have any reading goals for the new year? Are you taking part in any challenges? 

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© 2020, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.