Author: whatcathyreadnext

My Five Favourite November Reads

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My 5 Favourite November Reads

I read sixteen books in November and, yes, I was surprised with that total as well. In fact, I demanded a recount!  I found something to enjoy in all the books I read but there were a few that stood out. Links from the titles will take you to my reviews. You can find a list of all the books I’ve read so far in 2020 here.  If we’re not already friends on Goodreads, send me a friend request or follow my reviews.

Hell Gate by Jeff Dawson – the third in the author’s Ingo Finch historical thriller series, this time set in early nineteenth century New York. An intrepid hero, interesting location and a twisty plot that cleverly combines fact and fiction – what more could you want?

How To Belong by Sarah Franklin – a tender story about finding your place in the world set in the Forest of Dean.

The Stasi Game by David Young – if we’re to believe the author, the sixth and last (sob!) in the historical crime series featuring East Germany’s People’s Police officer, Captain Karin Müller.

Three Women and a Boat by Anne Youngson – a trip along the canals of England proves a life-changing experience for two women and the narrowboat’s owner.

Imperfect Alchemist by Naomi Miller – the author transforms historical fact into the engrossing story of Mary Sidney, a remarkable woman clearly ahead of her time.

What were your favourite reads in November? Have you read any of my picks?

My 2020 Reading Challenges: Progress Update

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With less than a month to go until the end of the year, it’s time to take a final look at how I’m progressing with the reading challenges I set myself this year.

Ongoing Challenges

What's in a Name? 2020What’s In A Name? 2020

This challenge is hosted by Andrea at Carolina Book Nook and involves reading books with titles that match each of six categories. Thanks to a handy ampersand in a book title I’ve now managed four of the six so far. If I’m to complete it, I need to read a book with a four letter title and a book whose title is an antonym. The book I have lined up for the latter is quite a chunky read.

The Classics ClubThe Classics Club

Create a list of 50 classic books you would like to read within five years and work your way through them (with the help of the occasional Classics Club Spin where a book from your list is selected for you) to earn yourself a place on the Wall of Honour. My deadline is December 2021 and so far I’ve read 42 of the books on my list so I’m heading for the home strait. However, it has to be said that some of the books I’ve read are also part of my Buchan of the Month reading project, of which more below.

Buchan of the Month Banner 2020.jpgBuchan of the Month Reading Project

Now in its third year, this is a personal challenge involving reading a different book by John Buchan – fiction or non-fiction – every month. You can find my reading list for the year and links to my reviews of the eleven I’ve read so far here.

Completed Challenges

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2020

I set my target at 120 books this year and achieved that when I finished A Conspiracy of Silence by Anna Legat back in October.

When Are You Reading? 2020 (hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words)

20 Books of Summer 2020 (hosted by Cathy at 746Books)

Are you taking part in any reading challenges? If so, how are you getting on?