JayneCM Takes A Voyage Through Time in 2026

I am Jayne, a book lover for as long as I can remember.

This is my eighth year in the challenge. I am always too ambitious but you can never read too much!

“Once glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for 1000 years. To read is a voyage through time.” – Carl Sagan

As well as the CATs and KITs, I am going back to the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge this year. But I have decided to use the Sidequest version, which is designed for kids.

I am halfway through HRCYED 2.0 (Hardest Reading Challenge You'll Ever Do), hosted by qwordy on Youtube, which runs from July 2025 to June 2026. A reading challenge with the best tracking spreadsheet in existence! If you love a spreadsheet and tracking in detail, check it out.

Still working on my Read Around The World challenge, to read a book set in every country, and the 1001 Book List.

102/233 = 43.78%

Read Around The World 7/12 = 58.33%
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest 31/40 = 77.5%
BingoDOG 15/25 = 60%
ArtsCAT 4/12 = 33.33%
HomeCAT 4/12 = 33.33%
DecadesCAT 4/12 = 33.33%
NonfictionCAT 3/12 = 25%
AlphaKIT 11/26 = 42.31%
ColouredCoverKIT 5/12 = 41.67%
CultureKIT 4/12 = 33.33%
RandomKIT 5/12 = 41.67%
MysteryKIT 2/12 = 16.67%
ScaredyKIT 4/12 = 33.33%
SFFKIT 2/12 = 16.67%
Additional Reads 1/12 = 8.33%

'Read Around The World' - read a book from every country

“There is no Frigate like a book to take us lands away.” Emily Dickinson


Create Your Own Visited Countries Map

1. A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende (Chile) - finished 25th January 2026
2. The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho (North Korea) - finished 16th February 2026
3. A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid (Antigua) - finished 25th February 2026
4. Iqbal by Francesco D'Adamo (Pakistan) - finished 5th March 2026
5. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (Iran) - finished 9th May 2026
6. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind by William Kamkwamba (Malawi) - finished 13th June 2026
7. The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers (Yemen) -
8. Maisie Vs Antarctica by Jack Jackman (Antarctica) - finished 7th June 2026
9. On The Shadow Tracks by Clare Hammond (Myanmar) -
10. The No 1. Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall-Smith (Botswana) -
11. When The Hills Ask For Your Blood by David Belton (Rwanda) -
12. The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy (Nepal) -
13. Angels of the Pacific by Elise Hooper (Phillipines) -

7/12 = 58.33%

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest

"So many books, so little time." Frank Zappa



STARFISH: LEVEL ONE (PROMPTS 1-10)
1. Fantasy - The Raven Heir by Stephanie Burgis
2. Set by the Ocean - Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd
3. Recommended by a friend - The Sisters of Sugarcreek by Cathy Liggett - finished 6th April 2026
4. Choose a book by its cover - Double Double Tart and Trouble by Samantha Silver - finished 7th January 2026
5. First book in a series - The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell - finished 19th January 2026
6. A stormy scene - I Survived The Children's Blizzard 1888 by Lauren Tarshis - finished 24th April 2026
7. Characters are siblings - The Young Clementina by D.E. Stevenson - finished 17th January 2026
8. Title is more than six words long - Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon - finished 4th June 2026
9. Features a boat - The Wicked Ship by Amelia Mellor - finished 11th February 2026
10. Author’s last name starts with the same letter as yours - Glitch by Laura Martin - finished 14th January 2026

DOLPHIN: LEVEL TWO (PROMPTS 11-20)
11. A non-fiction read - Spring Rain by Marc Hamer - finished 28th March 2026
12. A character who likes to swim
13. A family member’s favourite childhood book - Ronia, the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren - finished 29th March 2026
14. Has a blue spine - Playground by Richard Powers - finished 20th February 2026
15. Published the year you were born - 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff - finished 8th February 2026
16. A graphic novel - This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews - finished 31st March 2026
17. Title starts with the letter “C” - Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo - finished 15th June 2026
18. A book everyone is talking about - Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins - finished 11th June 2026
19. Written in first person - Bloomability by Sharon Creech - finished 8th January 2026
20. Set in summer - A Visit to the Husband Archive by Kaliane Bradley - finished 24th March 2026

STINGRAY: LEVEL THREE (PROMPTS 21-30)
21. A mystery - A Fatal Delivery by Lauren Oliver - finished 4th May 2026
22. Includes talking animals - Bimbo and Topsy by Enid Blyton - finished 25th March 2026
23. Recommended by a librarian - We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson - finished 10th February 2026
24. Water on the cover - Leila and the Blue Fox by Kiran Millwood Hargrave - finished 14th April 2026
25. Illustrations inside - Amelia Fang and the Trouble With Toads by Laura Ellen Anderson - finished 23rd March 2026
26. An author who lives in a different country than you - Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery by Laura Ellen Anderson - finished 25th March 2026
27. Published by Penguin Random House -
28. Ends on an odd page number - The Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing - finished 10th March 2026
29. Makes you laugh -
30. Set in a city by the ocean - Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado

ORCA: LEVEL FOUR (PROMPTS 31-40)
31. Historical fiction - The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne - finished 29th January 2026
32. Related to the word “treasure” -
33. Recommended by one of your favourite authors - The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
34. Inspired by your favourite movie - Feather and Claw by Marta Palazzesi (LadyHawke) - finished 14th February 2026
35. The first book an author ever published - Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
36. At least 300 pages long - Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - finished 31st May 2026
37. Includes a map - Alone on a Wide Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo - finished 27th February 2026
38. A character who is the same age as you - Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell - finished 4th April 2026
39. Cover without people on it - My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood - finished 22nd March 2026
40. From a series with more than six books - The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis - finished 1st February 2026

31/40 = 77.5%

BingoDOG

"Life is a game, and so is bingo! Play it well." Anonymous



1. Microhistory
* 2. Retelling of a fairy tale or myth - Ariadne by Jennifer Saint - finished 21st January 2026
3. Book from an LT Legacy Library - Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (in 14 Legacy Libraries) -
4. A book published before you were born - Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
* 5. Book by an indigenous author - Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi - finished 5th May 2026
* 6. Set entirely or in part at sea - Jennie by Paul Gallico - finished 15th May 2026
7. Difficult to categorize -
8. Mode of transportation in the title
* 9. A beautiful cover - Before The Crown by Flora Harding - finished 15th January 2026
* 10. Book set in a province/state bordering your own - Mallee Boys by Charlie Archbold - finished 5th February 2026
* 11. Something living on the cover - Viking Blood by Andrew Donkin - finished 20th May 2026
12. Female author's debut novel - The Joy Luck Club
* 13. Read a CAT or KIT (January RandomKIT - secret) - Kissing The Sky by Lisa Patton - finished 7th March 2026
14. Great first sentence -
15. Classic from another literary tradition
* 16. Dead author - Trouble With Lichen by John Wyndham - finished 9th February 2026
* 17. New-to-you author - Land of Dreams by Gian Sardar - finished 1st March 2026
* 18. A book of poetry - A Poem For Every Summer Day edited by Allie Esiri - finished 13th January 2026
19. Road trip book - Five Survive by Holly Jackson
* 20. A book that has won an award - James by Percival Everett - finished 18th January 2026
* 21. Word in the title that's an onomatopoeia - The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop by Kate Saunders - finished 3rd May 2026
22. Features senior citizens - When The Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
* 23. End it - The Gates by Jennifer Johnston - finished 28th January 2026
* 24. A "green" book - The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney - finished 27th January 2026
* 25. Book with a tree on the cover - Abscond by Abraham Verghese - finished 30th March 2026

15/25 = 60%

ArtsCAT

"You use a glass mirror to see your face: you use works of art to see your soul." George Bernard Shaw

January - Painting - The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith - finished 12th January 2026
February - Artist biography - Lady Sings The Blues by Billie Holiday - finished 13th February 2026
March - Movies - Trio by William Boyd - finished 12th March 2026
April - Museums - When The Museum Is Closed by Emi Yagi - finished 15th April 2026
May - Colour and light - Chromatopia: An Illustrated History of Color by David Coles
June - Ballet and Broadway - Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
July - Fibre arts - Women I've Undressed by Orry-Kelly
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

4/12 = 33.33%

HomeCAT

"There is no place like home." L. Frank Baum

January - Bathroom - The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith - finished 2nd January 2026
February - Living room - Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov - finished 6th February 2026
March - Attic - The Romance of Certain Old Clothes by Henry James - finished 25th February 2026
April - Kitchen - The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta - finished 12th April 2026
May - Front porch - Amish Front Porch Stories by Wanda E. Brunstetter
June - Garden room - The Crow's Call by Wanda E. Brunstetter
July - Nursery - Mrs England by Stacey Halls
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

4/12 = 33.33%

DecadesCAT

"Something which we think is impossible now is not impossible in another decade." Constance Baker Motley

January - 50s - The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis (published 1955) - finished 22nd January 2026
February - 10s - Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (published 2015) - finished 21st March 2026
March - 80s - Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler (published 1982) - finished 15th March 2026
April - 00s - Tinkers by Paul Hardy (published 2009) -
May - 30s - The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens (published 1837) -
June - any decade - Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson - finished 19th May 2026
July - 70s - The Beasts of Paris by Stef Penney (set in 1870) -
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

4/12 = 33.33%

NonfictionCAT

"In nonfiction, you have that limitation, that constraint, of telling the truth." Peter Matthiessen

January - science - A (very) Short History of Life on Earth by Henry Gee - finished 18th February 2026
February - medicine and disease - Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green - finished 12th February 2026
March - want to know more about - My Mother and I by Ingrid Seward - finished 17th April 2026
April - history - Revolutionary Summer by Joseph J. Ellis
May - archaeology - A Little History of Archaeology by Brian Fagan
June - animals - My Animals, and Other Animals by Bill Bailey
July - disasters -
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

3/12 = 25%

AlphaKIT

"Human society, the world, and the whole of mankind is to be found in the alphabet.” Victor Hugo

January
For F - You Killed Me First by John Marrs - finished 5th January 2026
For E - The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna

February
For O - Olivetti by Allie Millington - finished 7th May 2026
For B - Soyangri Book Kitchen by Kim Jee Hye - finished 1st April 2026

March
For V - The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser - finished 2nd April 2026
For R - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon - finished 10th April 2026

April
For P - The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster - finished 13th April 2026
For J - Julia by Sandra Newman

May
For W - The Witches of Vardo by Anya Bergman
For A - Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett - finished 24th May 2026

June
For T - The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang - finished 18th June 2026
For H - How To Bee by Bren MacDibble - finished 16th May 2026

July
For G -
For U -

August
For C -
For Q -

September
For M -
For Y -

October
For N -
For D -

November
For K -
For I -

December
For L -
For S -

Year Long
For X - Xingu by Edith Wharton - finished 31st January 2026
For Z - Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus by Steven Herrick - finished 2nd March 2026

11/26 = 42.31%

ColouredCoverKIT

"Colour is a power which directly influences the soul." Wassily Kandinsky

January - orange and/or something found in the garden - Someone Else's Life by Lyn Liao Butler - finished 6th January 2026
February - blue and/or item of clothing - The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy - finished 7th February 2026
March - green and/or greenery - Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards - finished 19th April 2026
April - yellow and/or sun, moon, stars - Almost Sunset by Wahab Algarmi - finished 16th June 2026
May - turquoise and/or jewellery - Tune In Tomorrow by Melanie Benjamin - finished 25th May 2026
June - purple and/or food or drink - What We Kept To Ourselves by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
July - pink and/or umbrella - No Judgements by Meg Cabot
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

5/12 = 41.67%

CultureKIT

"Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity." Robert Alan

January - Collectors - The Tree Collectors by Amy Stewart - finished 23rd January 2026
February - Book in translation - On The Calculation of Volume II by Solvej Balle - finished 2nd February 2026
March - Close to home - Dusk by Robbie Arnott - finished 3rd April 2026
April - Hobbyist subculture - Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala - finished 9th June 2026
May - Religion/religious minority - Charles Harris: A Struggle For Justice by William W. Emilsen (established the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress) -
June - Indigenous peoples -
July - Historical cultures and subcultures -
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

4/12 = 33.33%

RandomKIT

"Everything we care about lies somewhere in the middle, where pattern and randomness interlace." James Gleick

January - secret - Sybilla and the Clockmaker's Secret by Nic Minella - finished 1st January 2026
February - hospital - The Nurses War by Victoria Purman - finished 4th March 2026
March - name - Myra Breckinridge by Gore Vidal - finished 11th May 2026
April - royalty - The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow - finished 26th April 2026
May - dance - Maya's Dance by Helen Signy - finished 6th June 2026
June - numbers or symbols - Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott
July - World War II - Eggs Or Anarchy by William Sitwell
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

5/12 = 41.67%

MysteryKIT

"The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer." Ken Kesey

January - female detective, amateur or professional - A Body in the Village Hall by Dee MacDonald - finished 3rd January 2026
February - clerical sleuths - A Shameful Murder by Cora Harrison - finished 2nd May 2026
March - Nordic mystery - The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen
April - private eyes - The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
May - hardboiled/noir - Bluebird, Bluebird by Atticus Locke (rural noir) -
June - police procedural - A Tapping At My Door by David Jackson
July - less than lawful - The Hunter by Richard Stark
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

2/12 = 16.67%

ScaredyKIT

"Being scared isn't the problem. It's not running away that's the hard part." John Connolly

January - Isolated location - The Shining by Stephen King - finished 10th January 2026
February - Ghost stories - The Whisperling by Hayley Hoskins - finished 3rd February 2026
March - Haunted houses - The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller - finished 18th March 2026
April - True crime - Dying Rose by Douglas Smith - finished 23rd April 2026
May - Reanimation - Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler
June - Evil children - The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry
July - Monsters and creatures -
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

4/12 = 33.33%

SFFKIT

"To me, fantasy has always been the genre of escape, science fiction the genre of ideas." Sheri S. Tepper

January - adapted for film/TV - 1984 by George Orwell
February - a little romance - The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst - finished 4th February 2026
March - classic SFF - The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick - finished 13th May 2026
April - parallel worlds and multiverses - The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
May - Western inspired - The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen
June - religion in SFF - The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera
July - humorous SFF - Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

2/12 = 16.67%

Additional Reads

"I cannot live without books." Thomas Jefferson

1. To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers - finished 17th June 2026
2. The Einsteins of Vista Point by Ben Guterson
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

1/12 = 8.33%

Looks like you are ready for 2026. Those Cats and Kits will keep the pages turning!

I love both the cat pix (and the dog) and the quotes! Sorry to hear about your wrist, but maybe you'll have more time for reading!

Hopes your wrist heals quickly! Good luck with your 2026 reading!

Thanks for all the lovely kitty pix! And all my best wishes that your wrist heals soon and without complications.

Your cat pictures are gorgeous! Best wishes for your wrist and happy reading in 2026!

Your spot-on Bingo Dog is a hoot!

>17 DeltaQueen50: >18 NinieB: >19 Tess_W: >20 MissWatson: >21 VivienneR: Thank you all for the good wishes. I am getting a lot of reading in to finish up 2025, so that's the silver lining!

>22 Charon07: The photo is from actual doggie Bingo events held in the UK. And I kid you not, it was held at Buzz Bingo Barkingside!
https://www.bingolifemagazine.com/news/liverpoodle-barkingside-uk%E2%80%99s-firs...

Wishing you and all your cats good reading in 2026!

You've certainly got a great set-up for 2026, Jayne. `I took a look at the hardest reading challenge a few months ago. Either you mentioned it when you started or I just came across it on YouTube, but I think it's too hard for me. I've also been intrigued by the 52 Book Club challenge, but it will have to wait too. If I could get my TBR to what I consider a manageable level, I might consider it. Anyway - I digress. Looking forward to following you again this year.

Great blessings to you and your reading in the new year.

>25 dudes22: So far I have not found the hardest reading challenge too hard. But it will be as we near the end and I have less prompts to fill that I will have to be very specific in my book choices. I don't think I will ever get my TBR to a manageable level - it seems to have a life of its own!

>26 lowelibrary: Thank you! I'm excited for a new year of reading.

Another ambitious reading year! Happy reading and best wishes for a quick wrist recovery.

>28 pamelad: Thank you!

Love the cats. Great challenges for 2026. I have read The Frozen River twice; it is a good read.

>30 mnleona: Thank you! The Frozen River has been on my TBR for ages, glad to finally get to it!

Wishing you the best with all the challenges you are juggling here. Good luck to you! : )

Your use of AI (I assume) to create the cat pics for each challenge is inspiring! I can't wait to follow your progress!

>32 las18: Thank you - I always take on too much but one day I might actually surprise myself and read them all!

>33 WanderDMD: Thank you! I must admit, I discovered the Magic Media function on Canva recently and have enjoyed playing around with it. Found most online though, at freepix and other sites.

I really appreciate the quotes you chose for each category. Looks like a great reading year ahead for you. I'll be following along in 2026.

Jayne, your 223 books is quite a challenge!

Your cat pictures are indeed stunning - especially >10 JayneCM: & >14 JayneCM:.

I also have done round the world challenges and am slowly working my way through the books on the various 1,001 editions.

I will try to keep up with you in 2026.

>36 PaulCranswick: Thanks for visiting! I am not sure, but are you a member of the 1001 group here on LT? There is a monthly group read as well as just being a space to record and discuss our 1001 progress. Working my way through the 1300+ books from all the editions is a long term project, for sure.

>37 JayneCM: Yes I am a member of that group, Jayne. I do need to update my progress on it to be honest.

I love how the O's just stand out so well in your Fiona Collins pick for the letter o!

I love all the cats on your thread! Enjoy your reads!

Hi Jayne, I hope you have a great reading year, and I'm looking forward to all the BBs I'll get from you again!

New Year greetings from Kuala Lumpur. My project is at least physically completed and an addition to the city scape.

Look forward to keeping up with you in 2026

Happy New Year to all! Let's begin 2026 with some great reading.

My plan for January CATs, KITs and other reads

January
✅ Read Around The World - A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende (Chile)
✅ 52 Book Club - 1. - Double Double Tart and Trouble by Samantha Silver
✅ 52 Book Club - 3. - The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
✅ BingoDOG - 1. - James by Percival Everett
✅ BingoDOG - 2. - Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
✅ BingoDOG - 3. - The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney
✅ ArtsCAT - The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith
✅ HomeCAT - The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith
✅ DecadesCAT - The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
NonfictionCAT - A (very) Short History of Life on Earth by Henry Gee
✅ AlphaKIT - For F - You Killed Me First by John Marrs
AlphaKIT - For E - The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna
✅ ColouredCoverKIT - Someone Else's Life by Lyn Liao Butler
✅ CultureKIT - The Tree Collectors by Amy Stewart
✅ RandomKIT - Sybilla and the Clockmaker's Secret by Nic Minella
✅ MysteryKIT - A Body in the Village Hall by Dee MacDonald
✅ ScaredyKIT - The Shining by Stephen King
SFFKIT - 1984 by George Orwell

January 2026

1. Sybilla and the Clockmaker's Secret by Nic Minella - finished 1st January 2026 - January RandomKIT - secret
2. The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith - finished 2nd January 2026 - January HomeCAT - bathroom
3. A Body in the Village Hall by Dee MacDonald - finished 3rd January 2026 - January MysteryKIT - female detective, amateur or professional
4. You Killed Me First by John Marrs - finished 5th January 2026 - January AlphaKIT - letter F
5. Someone Else's Life by Lyn Liao Butler - finished 6th January 2026 - January CoveredColourKIT - orange and/or something found in the garden
6. Double, Double, Tart and Trouble by Samantha Silver - finished 7th January 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - choose a book by its cover
7. Bloomability by Sharon Creech - finished 8th January 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - written in first person
8. The Shining by Stephen King - finished 10th January 2026 - January ScaredyKIT - isolated location
9. The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith - finished 12th January 2026 - January ArtsCAT - painting
10. A Poem For Every Summer Day edited by Allie Esiri - finished 13th January 2026 - BingoDOG - a book of poetry
11. Glitch by Laura Martin - finished 14th January 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - author's last name starts with the same letter as yours
12. Before The Crown by Flora Harding - finished 15th January 2026 - BingoDOG - a beautiful cover
13. The Young Clementina by D.E. Stevenson - finished 17th January 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - characters are siblings
14. James by Percival Everett - finished 18th January 2026 - BingoDOG - book that has won an award
15. The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell - finished 19th January 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - first book in a series
16. Ariadne by Jennifer Saint - finished 21st January 2026 - BingoDOG - fairy tale or myth retelling
17. The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis - finished 22nd January 2026 - January DecadesCAT - 50s
18. The Tree Collectors by Amy Stewart - finished 23rd January 2026 - January CultureKIT - collectors
19. A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende - finished 25th January 2026 - Read Around The World - Chile
20. The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney - finished 27th January 2026 - BingoDOG - a 'green' book
21. The Gates by Jennifer Johnston - finished 28th January 2026 - BingoDOG - end it
22. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne - finished 29th January 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - historical fiction
23. Xingu by Edith Wharton - finished 31st January 2026 - Year long AlphaKIT - letter X

23/223 = 10.31%

Read Around The World 1/12 = 8.33% A Long Petal of the Sea
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest 6/40 = 15% Double, Double, Tart and Trouble, Bloomability, Glitch, The Young Clementina, The Wizards of Once, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
BingoDOG 6/25 = 24% A Poem For Every Summer Day, Before The Crown, James, Ariadne, The Green Baize Door, The Gates
ArtsCAT 1/12 = 8.33% The Last Painting of Sara de Vos
HomeCAT 1/12 = 8.33% The Water Horse
DecadesCAT 1/12 = 8.33% The Silver Chair
NonfictionCAT 0/12 = 0%
AlphaKIT 2/12 = 7.89% You Killed Me First, Xingu
ColouredCoverKIT 0/12 = 8.33% Someone Else's Life
CultureKIT 1/12 = 8.33% The Tree Collectors
RandomKIT 1/12 = 8.33% Sybilla and the Clockmaker's Secret
MysteryKIT 1/12 = 8.33% A Body in the Village Hall
ScaredyKIT 1/12 = 8.33% The Shining
SFFKIT 0/12 = 0%

And let's begin!
I have a few books that I have to read first as my Kindle Unlimited membership runs out on 10th January and I have cancelled it until Amazon sends me another offer. After that, I will put all my book choices in a wheel and spin for my next read.

Happy and healthy 2026, Jayne! Wishing you lots of great books :)

I love all the cat pics, especially the >5 JayneCM: Art cat and >7 JayneCM: the Tudor cats.

Thanks for the new year wishes everyone!

Book 1. Sybilla and the Clockmaker's Secret by Nic Minella

January RandomKIT - secret

Although this is the second book in the Guardian Cats series, the books can be read independently of each other.
This was a fast paced story of time travel and the solving of a mystery from the 1870s, with a main character heroine who is not afraid to be herself even if others think that is weird.
This book keeps you on your toes as there is a lot of jumping back and forth between times and places. The descriptions of the Timeless Void are eerie, evocative of a Salvador Dali painting.
An exciting story which makes me look forward to more in the Guardian Cats series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book 2. The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith

January HomeCAT - bathroom

I love this little book as it encapsulates my childhood dream of finding some sort of magical or mythological creature and I have always been fascinated by the Loch Ness Monster. Does Nessie exist or not? The straightforward attitude of the children is wonderful - they find a kelpie and just look after it, making it seem quite an every day occurrence.

>52 JayneCM: I remember enjoying the movie very much.

Book 3. A Body in the Village Hall by Dee MacDonald

January MysteryKIT - female detective, amateur or professional

This is the first book in the Kate Palmer series. Kate is a nurse who has moved to Cornwall from London for a quieter life. Until someone is murdered and Kate is determined to solve the crime.
Kate and her somewhat flaky sister are fairly well developed characters and there are plenty of interesting villagers. I did have a problem with Kate's inability to keep information to herself. As a nurse she should be concerned with confidentiality, and in her pursuit of a criminal, she should have been much more careful in what she said to potential suspects.

I see you have decided to join in with the TIOLI Challenges this year. It's a fun group. Welcome and Enjoy! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

>55 DeltaQueen50: Thanks! I have seen people mention the group so many times, thought it was time I looked into it. I also saw Paul mention his Americas challenge so now is the time!

Book 4. You Killed Me First by John Marrs

January AlphaKIT - letter F
January TIOLI #6 Title makes you laugh, startles you or prompts you to say "WTAF?"

An intriguing opening, that definitely draws you in and makes you need to know more. Revenge is a dish best served cold and there is a long wait for revenge in this book, centred around three of the most toxic, out of control women you could ever read about. Plot twists galore; just when you think you have it all lined up and breathe a sigh of relief that you have all the players sorted out, along comes another twist.
A book to keep you reading late into the night.

Book 5. Someone Else's Life by Lyn Liao Butler

January ColouredCoverKIT - orange and/or something found in the garden

Quite boring and repetitive for the first half, with not much happening and two dull and unlikeable characters. The plot twist was quite predictable.

Book 6. Double, Double, Tart and Trouble by Samantha Silver

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - choose a book by its cover
January TIOLI #3 Book with a food word in the title

A very enjoyable second book in this series about Robin, a small town kitchen witch who has only just discovered that she is a witch. The characters are relatable and interact well and the setting is gorgeous. The mystery is a bit rushed at the end, it all wraps up within seconds. The book ends on a cliff hanger that definitely makes you eager to continue with the series.
The standout for me is Shakes, Robin's cat familiar. I mean, a cat who loves reading so much that Robin needs to buy him a Kindle to keep his reading appetite satisfied? And he is such a drama queen! What's not to love?!

Hi Jayne, are you safe from the fires? And your daughter and her family? They're near Seymour?

Catastrophic fire danger day here in country Victoria. Just staying inside, watching the Vic Emergency app, reading to keep my mind occupied. Stay safe, everyone.

>60 pamelad: All good here so far. My daughters have both moved to Geelong now, and my son is in Melbourne. Two sons still at home here. It is still here at the moment, the wind is due to pick up about 11am. The Grampians have been closed for a few days now, so luckily there are no campers up there.

>62 JayneCM: Stay safe, Jayne! Thinking of you and everyone in the danger zones.

>62 JayneCM: Good to hear that your family is safe!

>62 JayneCM: Still ok where you are?

>63 MissBrangwen: >64 mstrust: Thank you for the kind thoughts.

>65 pamelad: I am in Hamilton, near the Grampians, so we stayed safe this time.

Book 7. Bloomability by Sharon Creech

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - written in first person
January TIOLI #15: Read a book by a Swiss author or most of the action taking place in Switzerland

"The bloomabilities are endless."

The title comes from a Japanese student translation of the word possibility into English. The humorous mix ups due to the many languages spoken is just one of the delights of this book.
Dinnie lives a nomadic, unsettled existence as her father moves from job to job. So when her uncle and aunt take up teaching positions at a Swiss international boarding school, Dinnie is taken with them. It is an opportunity for her. The author perfectly captures Dinnie's mix of emotions as she navigates her way through this new environment. All the characters are so well written, with wit, depth, and all the conflicting emotions of the young teenager. The setting is, of course, gorgeous. Since reading The School at the Chalet and other boarding school books in my youth, I always envied children who had the opportunity to attend a school like that.
A delightful read from start to finish.

I'm finally starting to catch up on 2026 reading threads! >57 JayneCM: seems very intriguing, especially 'three of the most toxic, out of control women [I] could ever read about'! I read >67 JayneCM: some years ago as Creech is one of my favourite kid-lit authors. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it as well!

Best reading into the new year!

>67 JayneCM: This book is on my shelf at my home. Guess I should get it out now! I also enjoy books about boarding schools.

Good to know you are safe and well.

>68 GraceCollection: I think Sharon Creech is a sadly underrated author - I hardly hear her mentioned.

>69 LadyoftheLodge: I hope you enjoy it.

Book 8. The Shining by Stephen King

January ScaredyKIT - isolated location

I've finally read this! The majority of this book was more a portrait of a family and how people are influenced back through the generations and what a complicated mess this can make. As such, about three quarters of the book were somewhat slow. But once the hotel took over, the reading was all nail-biting suspense.
There are some problematic attitudes about mental illness and the treatment of women. But this is to be somewhat expected in a book from this era.
This book will pull you in and keep the pages turning. And even though I have never seen the movie (only short clips from it), as the book became creepier, all I could picture was Jack Nicholson!

>71 JayneCM: - I think I read this back when it first came out and it may have been the scariest book I've ever read. (or it may just be that I was relatively young when I read it). I remember that periodically I had to close the book and step away because I was afraid to see what happened next. Of course, I did open it back up to see what happened.

>61 JayneCM: I was thinking of you when I heard about the fires in your part of the world. I remembered your posts on another time fires were active. Glad to hear everyone is safe.

>71 JayneCM: I haven't read The Shining and I always say it's because I saw the movie - but the movie was on the French channel and my French is not good enough to follow any complicated details. I watch Alien in French too, another movie that can be easily understood no matter the language. :)

>72 dudes22: It is definitely creepy and the last quarter kept me on the edge of my seat.

>73 VivienneR: Thank you for your thoughts. Unfortunately we have more danger weather coming at the end of next week.
I used to watch movies I knew in German, when I was learning German.

The Shining is one of my all-time favorite horror movies, but I haven't read the novel since high school. It scared the bejeezus out of me. I'd like to read it again and see if I have the same reaction.

>75 mstrust: I think I found it more ominous and creepy than terrifying. The suspense in the last quarter of the book was page turning. I will now be interested to watch the movie for the first time. I kept waiting for the line, "here's Johnny' in the book but have since read that Jack Nicholson improvised that line.

Book 9. The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith

ArtsCAT - painting
January TIOLI #1 Read a book with a single title word (not subtitle) which gives you pleasure (painting)

A mesmerising and beautiful read about regret and how decisions made earlier in life can alter a whole life's course.
Historical fiction about artists are some of my favourite reads and this was no exception. While Sara de Vos is not a real historical figure, she is an amalgam of women Dutch painters of the 1600s. Paintings from so long ago often come with little or no provenance as their stories are lost to the ages. So little is known of Sara and her works, which makes her work ripe for underhanded dealings.
Enter Ellie and Marty, who we follow through two timelines, the 1950s and 2000s. The third timeline is Sara herself in 1600s Holland. Events from these three timelines are due to intersect and the leadup is enthralling.
The true delight in this book are the paintings. The descriptions are so lush and enable the reader to see them in all their detail.

>77 JayneCM: I really enjoyed this book when I read it in 2016. The amazing thing is it has stayed with me. I often think of it when I encounter the murky world of art collecting in other novels. I should go back and up my rating to a 5* because of that.

>77 JayneCM: >78 beebeereads: Between the two of you, that’s a BB for me!

>78 beebeereads: Great to hear. >79 Charon07: I hope you enjoy it.

Book 10. A Poem For Every Summer Day edited by Allie Esiri

BingoDOG - a book of poetry
January TIOLI #13 Read a book that has a season named in the title

A lovely collection of poems, great for dipping into here and there.
However, they are not all summer related as such; many are related to a specific date, such as dates of battles, the moon landing, etc. So if you are expecting a book of summer poetry, this has only some summer poems.
I would have appreciated the year that it was written with each poem. I particularly would have appreciated a more diverse mix of poets. The vast majority, if not all, of the poets are British or American.

My favourite poem of the collection was Refugees by Brian Bilston. A very clever way of looking at the world from opposite perspectives.
You can read it here: https://brianbilston.com/2016/03/23/refugees/

>81 JayneCM: Thank you so much for sharing that poem!

>78 beebeereads: Also a BB for me. I think I have it on my Kindle--checking that out now.

>79 Charon07: >83 LadyoftheLodge: I hope you both enjoy it as much as I did.

Book 11. Glitch by Laura Martin

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - author's last name starts with same letter as yours
January TIOLI #12: Total page count is divisible by 26 (364/26 = 14)

What an exciting adventure!
Regan and Elliot are training to become Glitchers, who will travel back in time to stop Butterflies from changing the past and thus altering the future. And they are sworn enemies. But when they receive a Cocoon (an item sent from the future), everything changes and they will need to work together. I love the terminology used in this book.
The obvious question that would be asked by many middle graders is why not just go back and stop all the bad things from happening. One of the times Regan and Elliot glitch to is the Triangle Shirtwaist fire. Can you imagine glitching back to that locked room with all those screaming women and know that you just had to let it play out? But change that and you change the introduction of all the safety regulations that resulted from the tragedy. And maybe then more tragedies would occur. As one of the professors says, "History isn't supposed to be pretty. It's downright repulsive at times . . . . . But remember . . . that without extreme pressure we wouldn't have diamonds. You can't hurry history, and you can't fix an injustice until people recognise that it is one."
This is a page turning, non stop adventure, which also includes a lot of incidental history knowledge and really makes you think about that history.

Book 12. Before The Crown by Flora Harding

BingoDOG - a beautiful cover
January TIOLI #14 Book with before or after in the title

For those who love Queen Elizabeth II as much as I do. Whether you believe there should be a royal family or not, there is no denying that Queen Elizabeth was someone special. This book covered the years when Elizabeth was seventeen to her wedding day.
An enjoyable read with, of course, much speculation and licence taken with conversations between Elizabeth and Philip.

>86 JayneCM: My first BB of 2026 from you!

Book 13. The Young Clementina by D.E. Stevenson

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - characters are siblings
January TIOLI #10 Read a book with a connection to lindapanzo's mother Dorothy (Dorothy Emily Stevenson)

Domestic fiction/romance from this era is just a delight, D.E. Stevenson's works particularly so.
A charming story about how one incident, one misunderstanding, can alter whole lives. This is a very calm, introspective and gently emotional read, with Charlotte's stoic acceptance of her future reminding me somewhat of Elinor in Sense and Sensibility.
The characters, despite being instantly recognisable as stereotypes of the English countryside, are well written and engaging.

>86 JayneCM: Definitely a BB for me. I loved and admired Queen Elizabeth II, still do.
>88 JayneCM: I read many D.E. Stevenson novels and still own my original copies. I could not bear to part with them when we moved.

>89 LadyoftheLodge: What a treasure! I love old books.

Book 14. James by Percival Everett

BingoDOG - book that has won an award (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2025
January TIOLI #9 Read a book that is on a best of or notable books of 2025 list

The most poignant part of this book to me began in chapter 2, regarding teaching the children 'slave speech'. This is reinforced throughout the book whenever James forgets himself and speaks with his own voice, culminating in Judge Thatcher's utter astonishment that James could speak as he does.
While I have read criticism of the simple writing style, the fast paced, over the top adventures and the overuse of dialogue at the expense of description, I feel this made the book more powerful. It is simple, clearcut and leaves you in no doubt as to the horrors of slavery. The fact that James could enter so many different situations and immediately find himself at risk of being beaten, whipped or worse, makes the evil of slavery more apparent.

Book 15. The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - first book in a series
January TIOLI #17 Read a book with a title referencing memory or the past

A light hearted, fun read. Loved the sprites, loved the snow cats, loved the nod to King Arthur. But Xar was the most infuriating character. Great middle grade fantasy adventure.

Book 16. Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

BingoDOG - fairy tale or myth retelling
January TIOLI #5 Read a book that begins with a vowel

"No longer was my world one of brave heroes; I was learning all too swiftly the women's pain that throbbed unspoken through the tales of their feats."

This book began promisingly, with Ariadne's determination to not just be a woman in the background of the men's successes and certainly not to suffer for their mistakes.
But it then becomes more the story of Dionysus and Ariadne is relegated to the side lines, destined to follow along where Dionysus wishes.
Slow going, with not much happening. The female characters are not strong, do not stand up for themselves, and are at the mercy of the men throughout.

Book 17. The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

January DecadesCAT - 50s (published in 1953)
January TIOLI #2: Read a book that's on at least 10 LT lists (43 lists)

Oh, I love Narnia so much! The Silver Chair is definitely underrated, maybe that is because the Christian allegory becames more obvious as you move through the series and that is not for everyone. Not that it is pronounced but Aslan's presence is clearer.
The acerbic wit of Lewis makes a few appearances which always make me laugh. And Puddleglum is one of my favourite characters of all time.
Descriptions of food still feature as even in 1953 England was still under rationing. I have read reviews where people question the lengthy descriptions of food. But as a child under rationing at the time, these would have been mouth watering and uplifting for the spirit. Nowadays we can't imagine getting so excited about sausages!

" . . . . delicious smell of sausages, and more, and more, and more sausages. And not wretched sausages half full of bread and soya bean either, but real meaty, spicy ones . . .
Oh joy!

>77 JayneCM: This is on my TBR. Trying to find a way to work it in!

Book 18. The Tree Collectors by Amy Stewart

January CultureKIT - collectors
January TIOLI #11 Read a book connected to your reading intentions of 2026 (read more nonfiction)

As with collectors of anything, there are many reasons for collecting trees. Some for environmental reasons, some to preserve endangered species, some for beauty, and many other reasons.
While each collector's story is only a few pages long, they are all fascinating. As the author says in the introduction - "When you tell people to tell you about the one activity they do not for money, not out of necessity, but to indulge their deepest passions and their wildest curiosities - well, you're in for an intimate conversation."
Trees make for an interesting collection as, unlike other collections like rare books, antiques or china, they are not static. They make for a collection in time as well as space. Some people collect the seed and then have to wait years to see their tree - trees are a lifetime investment.
I particularly enjoyed reading about the historic trees. Such as the Olympic Oaks (some call them the Hitler Oaks). Every winner from the 1936 Berlin Olympics was presented with an oak sapling and the book lists where you can see some of these grown trees today, including one of Jesse Owens' oaks.
And of course, the watercolour illustrations. This is a beautiful book. There is a painting of each collector as well as the trees, both in landscapes and in detail of leaves, bark, cones, etc. A sheer delight.
The last word must go to W.S. Merwin, a poet who was also a tree collector:
"On the last day of the world
I would want to plant a tree.

>96 JayneCM: I am half way through this book. I added it based on a BB from you on the Collectors thread. I am just delighted with it. Your review is spot on and I won't be able to do a better job myself. I read a bit each day and savor the stories and the illustrations. Thank you for this rec!

>97 beebeereads: I'm glad you are enjoying it! I would love to get some of the illustrations to frame - so lovely.

Book 19. A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende

Read Around The World - Chile

The beginning of the book was strong, both in the historical descriptions and the character development. But as the book progressed, it became more a lengthy list of what each character was doing, rather than a story about love, relationships, family and grief as I was expecting.
This was most interesting for the historical context of the Spanish Civil War and the refugees who travelled to Chile and made their lives in a new land.

>99 JayneCM: Thanks for your review. This has been on my TBR for a while - I really like Allende, but won't get my hopes up too high. The historical aspect certainly seems interesting.

Book 20. The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney

BingoDOG - a 'green' book
January TIOLI #8 Read a book with multiple words in the title, all of which are one syllable

This was a well researched and well written debut. The setting of 1899/1900 Philadelphia and New York was atmospheric and there were plenty of historical facts woven throughout the narrative.
While Marie was somewhat vain and prideful, I am thinking this may resolve itself in future novels (as the cover says A Marie Chevalier Mystery, I am assuming there will be more in the future).
An intriguing and enjoyable read. A promising debut and I look forward to reading more from this author. The ending leaves many possible avenues for Marie and I will follow her adventures with interest.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for an E-ARC of this book.

Book 21. The Gates by Jennifer Johnston

BingoDOG - end it
January TIOLI #16 Read a book by an author who died in 2025

A beautifully haunting book about the decay of an Irish estate. Uncle Frank is still hanging on to the memory of the estate as it was in its heyday, always talking about how he is planning to get some more hunters for the stables and having the young people to tennis. Minnie, at sixteen years old, comes home after finishing school with a much more prosaic attitude in her plans to make money. The lack of money of the estate is contrasted with the extreme poverty of the Kelly family and Minnie finds some people will do anything for money.
The descriptions of the Irish countryside are so atmospheric. A portrait of each character is developed with a few well-placed sentences of dialogue.
A wonderful portrait of Ireland after World War II and the slow decline of so many country villages during that time as the lure of London called to Ireland's youth.

Book 22. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - historical fiction
January TIOLI #7 Read a book about a genocide or in which a genocide happens (the Holocaust)

I find myself vacillating - is this book dumbed down and patronising? Or does this simplicity make it more powerful?
One thing I know is that the book had to end the way it did. There could be no saving Bruno. That would have been an insult to all victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
Regardless of the historical inaccuracies, for young readers the message is clear. "What exactly was the difference? he wondered to himself. And who decided which people wore the striped pyjamas and which people wore the uniforms?" "It was almost (Shmuel thought) as if they were all exactly the same really." If only we could all see our common humanity rather than dwell on our differences.

Book 23. Xingu by Edith Wharton

Year long AlphaKIT - letter X
January TIOLI #4 Read a book by an author featured in the 2014 American Authors Challenge

"Her mind was a hotel where facts came and went like transient lodgers, without leaving their address behind, and frequently without paying for their board."

People are essentially the same throughout time - I'm sure readers today will recognise some of these figures from book clubs they have attended.
The members of this exclusive ladies book club had looked down their noses at Mrs Roby since her admission, continually plying her with snide but oh so polite comments. She certainly gets her own back when the ladies are visited by a famous lady author by introducing 'Xingu' as a topic that they all must remember they discussed previously and how very important and 'on trend' Xingu is. Of course, not wanting to show ignorance, lack of culture or being behind the times, the ladies all expound the wonders of Xingu.
It is after Mrs Roby and the lady author leave that the fun truly begins, as the ladies desperately try to recreate their knowledge of Xingu, without letting anyone else realise they have no idea.
Wharton's acerbic wit is superb. The witty dialogue would be fabulous staged as a play.
However it is of interest to note, that women of this era were still, for the most part, undereducated as the societal norms were still in place as to women being raised for marriage, not a career. Is it really the fault of these ladies that they are so silly and woefully ignorant, or is it the fault of society at the time?

And that is a wrap on January! Although I am carrying forward a few unread books for CATs and KITs, I read more than the 8.33% total I need for the month. So I am happy. And I finished all the books for my first TIOLI at 75 Books - don't know if I will be able to keep that up!

My plan for February CATs, KITs and other reads

Carry forward from January
✅ NonfictionCAT - A (very) Short History of Life on Earth by Henry Gee
AlphaKIT - For E - The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna
SFFKIT - 1984 by George Orwell

February
✅ Read Around The World - The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho (North Korea)
✅ 52 Book Club - 1. - The Wicked Ship by Amelia Mellor
✅ 52 Book Club - 2. - The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
✅ 52 Book Club - 3. - We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson
✅ BingoDOG - 1. - Mallee Boys by Charlie Archbold
✅ ArtsCAT - Lady Sings The Blues by Billie Holiday
✅ HomeCAT - Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov
DecadesCAT - Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick
✅ NonfictionCAT - Everything Is Tuberculosis
AlphaKIT - For O - Olivetti by Allie Millington
AlphaKIT - For B - Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to Happiness by Bill Bailey
✅ ColouredCoverKIT - The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Voss
✅ CultureKIT - On The Calculation of Volume II by Solvej Balle
RandomKIT - The Nurses War by Victoria Purman
MysteryKIT - A Shameful Murder by Cora Harrison
✅ ScaredyKIT - The Whisperling by Hayley Hoskins
✅ SFFKIT - The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

February 2026

24. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis - finished 1st February 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - from a series with more than six books
25. On The Calculation of Volume II by Solvej Balle - finished 2nd February 2026 - February CultureKIT - book in translation
26. The Whisperling by Hayley Hoskins - finished 3rd February 2026 - February ScaredyKIT - ghost stories
27. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst - finished 4th February 2026 - February SFFKIT - a little romance
28. Mallee Boys by Charlie Archbold - finished 5th February 2026 - BingoDOG - set in province/state bordering your own
29. Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov - finished 6th February 2026 - February HomeCAT - living room
30. The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy - finished 7th February 2026 - February ColouredCoverKIT - blue and/or item of clothing
31. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff - finished 8th February 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - published in the year you were born
32. Trouble With Lichen by John Wyndham - finished 9th February 2026 - BingoDOG - dead author
33. We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson - finished 10th February 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - recommended by a librarian
34. The Wicked Ship by Amelia Mellor - finished 11th February 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - features a boat
35. Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green - finished 12th February 2026 - February NonfictionCAT - medicine and disease
36. Lady Sings The Blues by Billie Holiday - finished 13th February 2026 - February ArtsCAT - artists biographies
37. Feather and Claw by Marta Palazzesi - finished 14th February 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - inspired by your favourite movie (Ladyhawke)
38. The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho - finished 16th February 2026 - Read Around The World (North Korea)
39. A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth by Henry Gee - finished 18th February 2026 - January NonfictionCAT - science
40. Playground by Richard Powers - finished 20th February 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - has a blue spine
41. The Romance of Certain Old Clothes by Henry James - finished 25th February 2026 - March HomeCAT - attic
42. A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid - finished 26th February 2026 - Read Around The World (Antigua)
43. Alone on a Wide Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo - finished 28th February 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - includes a map

43/223 = 19.28%

Read Around The World 3/12 = 25% The Other Side of Tomorrow, A Small Place
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest 13/40 = 32.5% The Last Battle, 84, Charing Cross Road, We Have Always Lived In The Castle, The Wicked Ship, Feather and Claw, Playground, Alone on a Wide Wide Sea
BingoDOG 8/25 = 32% Mallee Boys, Trouble With Lichen
ArtsCAT 2/12 = 16.67% Lady Sings The Blues
HomeCAT 3/12 = 25% Time Shelter, The Romance of Certain Old Clothes
DecadesCAT 1/12 = 8.33%
NonfictionCAT 2/12 = 16.67% Everything Is Tuberculosis, A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth
AlphaKIT 2/12 = 7.89%
ColouredCoverKIT 2/12 = 16.67% The Sideways Life of Denny Voss
CultureKIT 2/12 = 16.67% On The Calculation of Volume II
RandomKIT 1/12 = 8.33%
MysteryKIT 1/12 = 8.33%
ScaredyKIT 2/12 = 16.67% The Whisperling
SFFKIT 1/12 = 8.33% The Enchanted Greenhouse

Book 24. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - from a series with more than six books
February TIOLI #4: Read a book by an author you read between October 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026

A beautiful and poetic ending to the series as we see all our favourites reunited with Aslan in the land that is further up and further in. The reader has received a hint to where the children are earlier in the book but it is not until the end that they themselves realise. Such a message of hope and love and joy; a delight to end the series and for us all to know that our real world is waiting for us.

Book 25. On The Calculation of Volume II by Solvej Balle

February CultureKIT - book in translation
February TIOLI #7 Read a book featuring letters from RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS (O)

Tara is in her second year of eighteenths of November and she is losing hope that her life will ever return to its proper course.

"I don't know what to do about the day, but now I know what I can expect. Eighteenths of November, that is what I can expect."

The monotony is unrelenting so Tara spends her second year travelling to follow the seasons, in the hope that change will give her some sense of time flowing forward. Beautifully descriptive passages about nature and the seasons follow.
But ultimately this action is just an attempt at distraction from Tara's isolation in a world where her loved ones are continuing on without her; in a world where she cannot properly exist but has to limit the damage her very existence causes to the fabric of time.
But on the last page, there is a change - maybe Tara may find an explanation for her eighteenths of November.

Book 26. The Whisperling by Hayley Hoskins

February ScaredyKIT - ghost stories
February TIOLI #8 Read a book whose title or author's name contains the letters "ing", in that order

Ghost Whisperer is one of my favourites shows. So when I read the synopsis of this book, with Peggy being a whisperling who can speak to ghosts, I had to read it.
While the second half was enjoyable, the first half dragged and seemed somewhat disjointed, jumping around with little coherence.
Cecily and Oti (and their outfits) are a highlight of the book. I can picture them and want all their clothing, and their high spirits and strength of character in a society which typically belittled and ignored women.

>104 JayneCM: I'm a big fan of Wharton but did not know about this book. Thanks for the review... seems on point with this group!

Book 27. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

February SFFKIT - a little romance
February TIOLI #13 Read a book with a cover that shows the exterior of a building

If you love plants, you have come to the right place! In The Spellshop, we met Caz, the sentient spider plant, and now we meet Terlu, the librarian who brought Caz to life and paid the price for doing so.
The cast of plants in this book are wonderful, just adorable. As are all the other magical creatures.
The world building is beautiful; the descriptions of the various greenhouses and their inhabitants are rich and detailed. This is a book of beauty and wonder and whimsy, such a cosy read.
Just didn't need so much repetition of Terlu's thoughts - this became monotonous at times and made the book drag somewhat.
Overall, a total delight.

Book 28. Mallee Boys by Charlie Archbold

BingoDOG - set in province/state bordering your own
February TIOLI #11 Read a book by an Australian author or one set in or about Australia

"Maybe that's what Dad meant when he said there was no cure to grief and guilt, that only acceptance can help."

Sandy is fifteen, Red is eighteen, and is has been one year since they lost their mum. Like so many Australian men on the land, they struggle on in silence, not discussing their loss.
The book alternates chapters between Sandy and Red's perspectives. Coming from country Australia myself, not too far from this region, this is a wonderfully authentic slice of Australian country life.
There are no momentous happenings; it is a year in the life of these two boys as they cope with grief, school, relationships, decisions and all the everyday events life throws at teenagers.

Book 29. Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov

February HomeCAT - living room
February TIOLI #20 Read a book for the Two by Two challenge (page count ends in 2, 2 televisions on cover

Ostensibly a book about Gaustine, who opens a clinic for Alzheimer's sufferers, in which each floor reproduces a decade. But this becomes so much more. An exploration of the known past as opposed to the unknown (and thus terrifying for being unknown) future. Even the 50s of East Europe becomes tinted with the rose coloured glasses of nostalgia and seems preferably to a future that we cannot anticipate. At least in the past, we know what will happen. The social experiment that results from this revisiting of the past has far reaching and unpredictable results.

"Pandora's box with its evils of the past had already been opened . . ."

And once the box is opened and the contents dispersed, nothing can be the same.
I found this to be a totally intriguing book, looking both at an individual's memory loss but also collective memory loss for events in the past and thus why the human race is doomed to repeat its mistakes over and over.

Book 30. The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy

February ColouredCoverKIT - blue and/or item of clothing
February TIOLI #15: Read a book with a full name in the title

Be prepared to have your heart wrung out by Denny.

" . . . and sometimes, when you're doing life, things can go sideways and there's nothing anyone can do about it - not a thing."

Denny is developmentally delayed, caused by a lack of oxygen at birth. He struggles with understanding everyday life, but Nana-Jo has 'raised him up' with coping mechanisms and he gets along just fine, unless life goes sideways. The book is told in Denny's voice and he is so authentic, so genuine, so innocent and trusting and caring, that you fall in love with him. Your heart breaks when you see the way he is treated by some people.
This is a story about how people who are outside the norm often slip through the cracks of society. They get lost, ignored and misunderstood. Fortunately, Denny also has some wonderful people in his life, who appreciate him for the gentle soul that he is.
A charming, delightful and heart wrenching book.

Book 31. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - published in the year you were born
February TIOLI #18: Read a book with a two digit or larger number written numerically in the title

No matter how many times I read this, it is always a delight. Book lovers will rejoice in the correspondence between the outspoken American screen writer and the reserved British bookseller.
And even though I know it is coming, the final letter is always a shock and makes me tear up.
Truly a glorious read.

Previous review: I have loved this book since I first read it when I was about 12 - yes, I was a weird kid! My grandfather was a publisher's representative and ended up Deputy Manager of OUP in Australia by his retirement. So he had a lot of books! He gave me this book to read and I loved it. I was always asking if he had the books mentioned - "Pa, do you have the Leigh Hunt essays?" And he always did. There was some eclectic reading I picked up from this book!
I so wanted to live Frank Doel's life - just rereading the descriptions of the books he found for Helene practically had me drooling!
Books aside, the letters show a lovely blossoming of their friendship. Even though I know the story, the last letter always takes me by surprise as it comes so abruptly. Lovely, lovely read.

And I totally agree with Helene on loving inscriptions in books. I love to wonder about the previous owners.

>116 JayneCM: I recently read and loved a book called White Spines, a bookish memoir by Nicholas Royle. This man spends a lot of time trawling secondhand and charity shops. The book starts with his love of a particular series published by Picador books, in the 70s and 80s (with white spines), although it turns out he's interested in and buys various other books - he's more obsessed with covers and the cover art than I am. But he also buys books he finds because of the inscriptions and sometimes the inserts left in them - postcards, tickets, a variety of bits of paper.

>114 JayneCM: this sounds totally fascinating! what a great idea

>117 elkiedee: Definitely have to look for that one!

Book 32. Trouble With Lichen by John Wyndham

BingoDOG - dead author
February TIOLI #10 Read a book originally published in a Commonwealth of Nations country (UK)

A discovery is made that can lead to the slowing down of ageing, but the raw material is in limited supply. How will the public react when it is revealed?
While this is a fascinating look into the public mindset (and Diana reads this almost to a tee) and I appreciated the author's spin on its use in advancing women's rights, the book did become somewhat repetitive. Particularly in the pages spent on the newspaper articles and the different spin each newspaper put on the story, depending on their political and socio-economic leaning. Interesting but too drawn out.
Leaves you with lots to think about.

>119 JayneCM: He's written two further books on the same theme, and I think I'm going to have to get my own copies of all three. Especially as he lives and works in two places I know a bit, one just a few miles/a bus ride from where I live now, so I actually know quite a few of the places he regularly visits.

Book 33. We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - recommended by a librarian
February TIOLI #1 Read a book which pictures a fruit on the front cover

Shirley Jackson is the master of stifling, claustrophobic, totally dysfunctional family dynamics - The Sundial is one of my favourite books of all time.
The opening paragraph is chilling and draws you right into the world of the Blackwoods, well, those who remain.
Regardless of the strange goings on the Blackwood house, no one deserves the treatment they receive at the hands of the local populace. "The people of the village have always hated us."
So many questions left unanswered, with Merricat being an extremely unreliable narrator.
Totally twisted and disturbing, but so compelling.

Book 34. The Wicked Ship by Amelia Mellor

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - features a boat
February TIOLI #3 Read a book with a mode of transportation on the cover, title or author’s name

A fun and lively story with a child heroine who becomes an unlikely Champion. A quest at sea is always exciting and the characters are perfect - the villains are suitably villainous and the heroes (or those who are destined to become the heroes) are kind, courageous and somewhat bumbling in their attempts to begin the quest to save the islands.

Book 35. Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green

February NonfictionCAT - medicine and disease
February TIOLI #14 Read a book with the colour yellow somewhere on the front cover

An interesting, easily accessible read about tuberculosis, a disease that most in the more affluent countries would assume disappeared with the consumptives of the 19th century. But as with so many problems in the modern world, it is still prevalent in poorer nations due to " . . . a world that stopped caring about TB when it ceased to be a threat to the rich."
Although this book does not go deep into the issues, it brings them to light and hopefully encourages more action. The author has given TB a face in following Henry's story in Sierra Leone, making it more personal. he provides just enough in the way of statistics to inform and shock readers but not overwhelm.

>96 JayneCM: Have got to stop coming here--taking too many BB's! This one, also!

Book 36. Lady Sings The Blues by Billie Holiday

February ArtsCAT - artists biographies
February TIOLI #2 Read a book where a capital H begins a title word or starts one of the author’s names

Such a raw, gutsy, down to earth autobiography. The nonchalant way she mentions rape and other offenses as though they are just to be expected is shocking and heart breaking. The injustices she faced at the hands of law enforcement, the courts, her managers, club owners and more were horrific, but again, she brushes them off as just the way things are.

Her motto was always to be yourself - "Everybody's got to be different. You can't copy anybody and end up with anything. If you copy, it means you're working without any real feeling. And without feeling, whatever you do amounts to nothing.

A talented and beautiful artist but such a sad life.

>126 JayneCM: Wow, that is one of the best and truest mottos I've ever read.

Book 37. Feather and Claw by Marta Palazzesi

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - inspired by your favourite movie (Ladyhawke)
February TIOLI #9 Read a book originally written in a Romance Language (Italian)

"A girl who is hawk by day.
A boy who is panther by night.
A secret that will change everything."

When I read the blurb on the back of this book, it instantly reminded me of my favourite movie, Ladyhawke. A middle grade version.
Set in 1914 Valencia, Ampora and Tomas have always thought they were alone, that only they had this strange ability to shift. When they meet, they, along with the wonderful street urchin Pepe, begin to discover the truth of their shared past.
The illustrations are evocative and eerie and I love that some of the chapters are just the artwork telling the story.

Book 37. The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho

Read Around The World (North Korea)
February TIOLI #19 Read anything Korean

"I'm just another in the growing number of invisible deaths."

Yunho and Myunghee are children growing up in North Korea but they dream of freedom.
With stunning artwork and poetic story telling, we follow them as they struggle to escape from North Korea and adjust to a world where they can make their own decisions. A wonderful story full of courage, faith and hope.

Book 39. A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth by Henry Gee

January NonfictionCAT - science
February TIOLI #5 For the shortest month, read a book with the word "short" in the title or somewhere on the cover

While this is a very approachable and easy to read summary of earth's history, the first few chapters were a long list of creatures that I know I will never remember, the reading of which became quite monotonous. The last chapter was particularly interesting as it is a projection of earth's future. It certainly shows that humans are a tiny blip in the history of the earth.

Book 40. Playground by Richards Powers

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - has a blue spine
February TIOLI #6 “The Common Ground” Challenge: Books containing the word “ground”

A fascinating look at the intersection between the natural world, the effect of humanity on it, and the increasing in AI. Whether you view AI as invasive and sinister or a natural progression of humans' use of and reliance on technology, this book gives you food for thought.
There are a number of characters throughout the book, whose lives intersect at various points throughout. My favourite character though is the ocean - the descriptions of the ocean and its inhabitants are mesmerising.
Beautifully written, this is a joy to read.

Book 41. The Romance of Certain Old Clothes by Henry James

March HomeCAT - attic
February TIOLI #12 Read a book by an author featured in the 2015 American Authors challenge

An atmospheric story which builds up the jealousy of the older sister to its horrific, but very abrupt, end.

Book 42. A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid

Read Around The World - Antigua
February TIOLI #16 Read a book by an author from the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries

An acerbic, pointed essay discussing post-colonial Antigua, particularly directed at rich white tourists. While it is witty, it is also angry about the patronising attitude of tourists. They visit countries in which the residents do not have the luxury of escaping their lives. They use these countries as a paradise for their holiday without truly understanding the lives of the people who live there, often treating them as quaint attractions for their entertainment.

Book 43. Alone on a Wide Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - includes a map
February TIOLI #17 Read a book where the same word (excluding articles and prepositions) occurs more than once in the title

Michael Morpurgo is a wonderful storyteller, always choosing interesting events in history to tell a moving story. After World War II, many children were sent to Australia and other Commonwealth countries in an attempt to relieve the pressure on British orphanages. Unfortunately, this was not always handled well, with siblings being separated and some children sent into situations of cruelty and neglect. The first half of the book following Arthur and his life in Australia was harrowing. The second half was not so interesting as Allie's trip became somewhat repetitive.
Overall, an emotional read.

My plan for March CATs, KITs and other reads

Carry forward from January
AlphaKIT - For E - The Eternal Ones
SFFKIT - 1984 by George Orwell

Carry forward from February
✅ DecadesCAT - Everything, Everything
AlphaKIT - For O - Olivetti
AlphaKIT - For B - Soyangri Book Kitchen
✅ RandomKIT - The Nurses War by Victoria Purman
MysteryKIT - A Shameful Murder by Cora Harrison

March
✅ Read Around The World - Iqbal
✅ 52 Book Club - 1. - Bimbo and Topsy
✅ 52 Book Club - 2. - Amelia Fang and the Trouble with Toads
✅ BingoDOG - Land of Dreams
✅ BingoDOG - Kissing The Sky
✅ ArtsCAT - Trio
✅ DecadesCAT - Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant
NonfictionCAT - The Sea Kingdoms
AlphaKIT - For V - The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden
AlphaKIT - For R - The Frozen River
✅ AlphaKIT - For Z - Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus
ColouredCoverKIT - Mandy
CultureKIT - Dusk
RandomKIT - Myra Breckinridge
MysteryKIT - The Keeper of Lost Causes
✅ ScaredyKIT - The Widow of Rose House
SFFKIT - The Man in the High Castle

March 2026

44. Land of Dreams by Gian Sardar - finished 1st March 2026 - BingoDOG - new to you author
45. Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus by Steen Herrick - finished 2nd March 2026 - Year long AlphaKIT - letter Z
46. The Nurses War by Victoria Purman - finished 4th March 2026 - February RandomKIT - hospital
47. Iqbal by Francesco D'Adamo - finished 5th March 2026 - Read Around The World (Pakistan)
48. Kissing The Sky by Lisa Patton - finished 7th March 2026 - BingoDOG - read a CAT or KIT - January RandomKIT - secret
49. The Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing - finished 10th March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - ends on an odd page number
50. Trio by William Boyd - finished 12th March 2026 - March ArtsCAT - movies
51. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler - finished 15th March 2026 - March DecadesCAT - 80s
52. The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller - finished 18th March 2026 - March ScaredyKIT - haunted house
53. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon - finished 21st March 2026 - February DecadesCAT - 10s
54. My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood - finished 22nd March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - cover without people on it
55. Amelia Fang and the Trouble with Toads by Laura Ellen Anderson - finished 23rd March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - illustrations inside
56. A Visit to the Husband Archive by Kailene Bradley - finished 24th March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - set in summer
57. Bimbo and Topsy by Enid Blyton - finished 25th March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - includes talking animals
58. Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery by Laura Ellen Anderson - finished 26th March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - author lives in a different country to you
59. Spring Rain by Marc Hamer - finished 28th March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - nonfiction
60. Ronia, the Robber's Daughter - finished 29th March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - family member's favourite childhood book
61. Abscond by Abraham Verghese - finished 30th March 2026 - BingoDOG - tree on the cover
62. This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews - finished 31st March 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - graphic novel

62/223 = 27.81%

Read Around The World 4/12 = 33.33% Iqbal
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest 22/40 = 55% The Good Life, My Evil Mother, Amelia Fang and the Trouble with Toads, A Visit to the Husband Archive, Bimbo and Topsy, Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery, Spring Rain, Ronia, the Robber's Daughter, This Was Our Pact
BingoDOG 11/25 = 44% Land of Dreams, Kissing The Sky, Abscond
ArtsCAT 3/12 = 25% Trio
HomeCAT 3/12 = 25%
DecadesCAT 3/12 = 25% Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Everything, Everything
NonfictionCAT 2/12 = 16.67%
AlphaKIT 3/26 = 11.54% Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus
ColouredCoverKIT 2/12 = 16.67%
CultureKIT 2/12 = 16.67%
RandomKIT 2/12 = 16.67% The Nurses War
MysteryKIT 1/12 = 8.33%
ScaredyKIT 3/12 = 25%
SFFKIT 1/12 = 8.33%

Happy with February's reading. Again, I have a few CATs and KITs to carry forward but overall percentage is on track. And I finished all the TIOLI books for February - absolutely loving the challenge of finding books to fit all the prompts.

Hi Jayne, I enjoyed catching up with your thread and taking some BBs, as always. Happy reading in March!

Book 44. Land of Dreams by Gian Sardar

BingoDOG - new to you author
March TIOLI #7 Read a book published in a Year of the Horse

It is 1933 in Hollywood and Frankie, due to stubbornness and fierce determination (and a willingness to be a little 'scrappy') has landed a dream job at RCO Studios.
But behind all the glamour, the lives of the movie stars is anything but and inevitably tragedy strikes. .

"People need the dream. They need the idea of happiness and success, and to think they can rise up from the ashes into something great."

And the studio executives will do anything to ensure that the dream is delivered to the people.

The author makes the behind the scenes world of Hollywood come to life, with a cast of wonderfully written characters. The mystery is intriguing and shocking when it is revealed. A captivating read which keeps the pages turning.

Book 45. Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus by Steven Herrick

Year long AlphaKIT - letter Z
March TIOLI #14: Read a book whose title includes "max", or by an author or with a character that has Max as part of their first or last name

" . . . because if there's to be a future
it will be on two wheels,
human-centred
and
powered by the young."

A wonderful middle grade verse novel about friendship, the environment and hope for the future.
The author weaves all the children and their friendships with each other, their relationships with their families and the dynamic of them all as class 5D together seamlessly.
Everyone has something to offer and although it may seem like a small thing, you never know the effect it may have. A book that will encourage young readers that the future doesn't have to be bleak.

>122 JayneCM: I'm glad you liked this one, it was generally hated by me! I had loved Jackson's The Lottery, but this one I could barely finish.

>141 Tess_W: My favourite Jackson is The Sundial.

Book 46. The Nurses War by Victoria Purman

February RandomKIT - hospital
March TIOLI #15 Read a book with an occupation in the title, but no familial relationship in the title

A heart wrenching read about the real Harefield Hospital, the first Australian hospital set up in England during World War I. There is still a hospital operating on the site today.
Some of the characters were real people, some based on real people and some entirely fictionalised.
Reading the stories of the boys and men treated at Harefield is heart breaking. I am not sure which is more so - those with unrecoverable injuries who were sent home; or those who recovered and were cleared to be sent back to the front, knowing the horrors to which they would return. Those injured at Gallipoli who were then sent on to the Western Front, just harrowing.
The nurses and doctors working in these conditions had the most amazing strength and courage. The incomparable Australian spirit shows through in the soldiers and hospital staff, the larrikin that keeps us going when times are unbearable.



The villagers of Harefield attended every funeral of an Australian soldier. After the war, the Union Jack that draped the coffins was sent to Adelaide and is still housed at Adelaide High School as a treasured artefact of those terrible times.
A heartfelt and sorrowful read, about times that I wish we would never have to live through, but it seems political leaders still cannot see the costs of war or think that human lives are expendable.

>142 JayneCM: Haven't read that, off to secure!

Book 47. Iqbal by Francesco D'Adamo

Read Around The World - Pakistan
March TIOLI #17 Read a book with a word that could be found on a keyboard in the title, author's name, or first page

"So long as there is a child in this world who is deprived of his childhood, a child who is beaten, violated or exploited, nobody can say: It's not my business. That's not true. It is your business too.

This is based on the life of Iqbal Masih, a child slave in Pakistan who, after his escape from a carpet factory, began working with the Bonded Labor Liberation Front of Pakistan to help other child slaves. He was instrumental in bringing the issue to the eyes of the wider world but was murdered at the age of twelve by the 'carpet mafia'.
The lives of Iqbal and the other child slaves is shocking and it is horrific that slavery continues to this day. Iqbal's bravery deserves to always be remembered.

>143 JayneCM: That one looks interesting.

Book 48. Kissing The Sky by Lisa Patton

BingoDOG - read a CAT or KIT - January RandomKIT - secret
March TIOLI #16 Read a book containing “March” in the title, author, or publication date (published 1st March 2026)

Whilst it was fascinating to read an historical fiction set at Woodstock, it was just too long winded. It would have been such an experience to be at Woodstock but there isn't all that much to write about. Everyone just hung out in the mud and rain, listening to music and trying various substances. As they say, "if you remember Woodstock, you weren't really there."
The ending was lovely, set at the 50th anniversary event. But overall, while this book captures the mood of Woodstock, it drags somewhat.

>143 JayneCM: I'm adding The Nurses' War to my WL. Thank you for including the picture and the information on Harefield.

Book 49. The Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - ends with an odd page number
March TIOLI #4 Read a book whose subtitle contains at least 7 words

This edition contains the two books by the Nearings about their homesteading life over decades; Living The Good Life and Continuing The Good Life.
While a classic in the tradition of self-sufficiency and quitting the rat race, there is also included a lot of detail on building that can bog down the flow of reading.
Still an inspiration many decades later.

Book 50. Trio by William Boyd

March ArtsCAT - movies
March TIOLI #13 Read a book for Purim, eat a HAMANTASCHEN (book begins with T)

A character driven story full of secrets and the damage they can do to lives and relationships, sometimes causing lives to spiral out of control. The story dragged at times but then so can life. For a book set around a movie set, the very opposite of real life, this is a down to earth, gritty look at the people involved and how their lives intersect.

>150 JayneCM: I finished Trio today, enjoyed it. I liked the recurring references to the McArthur Park song.

Book 51. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler

March DecadesCAT - 80s (published in 1982)
March TIOLI #6 Read a book by an author featured in the 2016 American Authors challenge

"'All we have is each other,' Ezra would say, justifying one of his everlasting dinners. 'We've got to stick together; nobody else has the same past that we have.'"

This sums up the essence of families - a group of people who, for better or worse, have the same past. For some families, this binds them together with happy memories and traditions. For others, like the Tulls, this leads to lifetime misunderstandings and resentments, often with no real grounding in truth. Anne Tyler's characters are heartfelt and messy and often irrational and make you question your own family life - are you doing the right things with your children to keep them close as they grow to adults?
Family life in its all details, a wonderful domestic drama filled with wit and pathos.

Book 52. The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller

March ScaredyKIT - haunted house
March TIOLI #1 Read a book with a title of at least four words (including subtitle) which incorporates a four-letter combination drawn from either the title, subtitle or author's name of the previously listed book in your book's title, subtitle, or author's name

Such a delightful read. Sam and his family are charmingly eccentric. With their innocent and totally honest outlook, they are like a refreshing breeze. In particular, Sam as the romantic hero is just perfect. He does not have a dishonest or manipulative bone in his body and everything he says is unguarded and true. He is the epitome of the muddle-headed genius and he makes this book.
The ghost story is more in the background but the resolution is heartfelt and bittersweet as it shines a spotlight on the plight of the mentally ill in Victorian times.
A most enjoyable book to read in front of the fire on a wintry afternoon.
I will definitely be looking for more from this author after this most enjoyable debut novel.

>153 JayneCM: I really liked that one too! I have Biller's Hotel of Secrets on my e-reader, and you're reminding me to bump it up the list.

>154 christina_reads: Ooh, I hadn't looked yet to see if she had other books. Checking now to see if my library has it.

Book 53. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

February DecadesCAT - 10s (published 2015)
March TIOLI #12 Read a book that has been turned into a film

"You don't exist if no one can see you."

Enjoyable enough YA read, about a sick teen girl who has had to stay isolated her whole life and what happens when she falls in love for the first time.
Of course the main take away is to live life to the full as you never know what is around the corner.

Book 54. My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - cover without people on it
March TIOLI #19 Read a book from the Women's Prize for Fiction longlist, or a book by one of the nominated authors

Is she or isn't she? Or is she simply the epitome of every mother/daughter relationship, with its ups and downs, love and contempt. This story will keep you guessing either way, and chuckling as you read.

Book 55. Amelia Fang and the Trouble with Toads by Laura Ellen Anderson

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - illustrations inside
March TIOLI #19 Read a book that starts in the night (first line)

Another charming, witty and smelly adventure for Amelia and the gang, which sadly concludes the series. I have loved this series with its quirky and hilarious cast of characters and the delightful illustrations of them.

Book 56. A Visit to the Husband Archive by Kailene Bradley

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - set in summer
March TIOLI #19 Read a book with a title word that indicates the keeping of records

My criticism of this would be that I need it be a fleshed out novel. Such an intriguing premise regarding the concept of time - time lost, time stolen, time saved, time transferred. How can we measure and allocate time? Ester and John are both fascinating in their different experiences of the colonisation. The ending gives a tiny glimpse into how their relationship and Ester's understanding may develop but I need more!

Book 57. Bimbo and Topsy by Enid Blyton

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - includes talking animals
March TIOLI #11 Read a book whose title has "and" or "&" exactly in the middle

Reading Enid Blyton is pure nostalgia and I still love these books. They are so simple and delightful and just make you smile. The mischievous antics of Bimbo and Topsy are silly and great fun.

Book 58. Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery by Laura Ellen Anderson

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - author lives in a different country to you
March TIOLI #3 Read a book with a word that contains a consecutive same vowel

I just love this author/illustrator's work - I think I may love Marnie even more than Amelia Fang! A wonderful world of minibeasts, this is delightful fun as Marnie the moth attempts to find the book of moon magic spells which most minibeasts think is just a critter tale. The combination of the expressive and imaginative illustrations and the friendship and humorous banter of the three main minibeasts is perfect and would enchant any young reader (as well as us older ones!)
I am very much looking forward to more adventures with Marnie, Star and Floyd.

Book 59. Spring Rain by Marc Hamer

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - non fiction read
March TIOLI #2 Read a book with something in the title referencing spring or new life

A book to cherish. Such a gentle, thoughtful read, about a boy who discovers seeds and books and how they shape his life. It is filled with the wonder of a simple life lived in harmony with nature and makes us realise how much we can see if we slow down and really look and listen with our senses and our soul.

Book 60. Ronia, the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - family member's favourite childhood book
March TIOLI #9 Read a children’s book of at least 50 pages that was first published in a different language than yours (Swedish)

A Romeo and Juliet type story (although the children call themselves brother and sister), in that Ronia and Birk's families are sworn enemies. As you can imagine, it is up to the children to bring the adults to their senses and see their wrongs.
While an enjoyable enough read, this lacked the spark of other works by this author and did drag in parts.

Book 61. Abscond by Abraham Verghese

BingoDOG - tree on the cover
March TIOLI #8 Read a book that contains two major themes not including romance, name them (grief, coming of age)

A story full of sorrow and hope and how people cope with grief and loss. All the characters would be wonderful fleshed out in a novel - this short story gave a glimpse that I can easily see in more detail.

Book 62. This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - graphic novel
March TIOLI #5 Read a book where author’s last name could be used as a first name

An enchanting story about friendship and adventuring. The artwork is exquisite, particularly the spreads of the star systems as the light is captured perfectly.

My plan for April CATs, KITs and other reads

Carry forward from January
AlphaKIT - For E - The Eternal Ones
SFFKIT - 1984 by George Orwell

Carry forward from February
AlphaKIT - For O - Olivetti
✅ AlphaKIT - For B - Soyangri Book Kitchen
MysteryKIT - A Shameful Murder by Cora Harrison

Carry forward from March
✅ NonfictionCAT - My Mother and I
✅ AlphaKIT - For V - The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden
✅ AlphaKIT - For R - The Frozen River
✅ ColouredCoverKIT - Mandy
✅ CultureKIT - Dusk
RandomKIT - Myra Breckinridge
MysteryKIT - The Keeper of Lost Causes
SFFKIT - The Man in the High Castle

April
Read Around The World - The Sky Beneath Us
✅ The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge - Leila and the Blue Fox
BingoDOG -
✅ ArtsCAT - When The Museum Is Closed
✅ HomeCAT - The Heartbreak Bakery
DecadesCAT - Tinkers
NonfictionCAT - The Woman They Could Not Silence
✅ AlphaKIT - For P - The Phantom Tollbooth
AlphaKIT - For J -
ColouredCoverKIT - Half of a Yellow Sun
CultureKIT - Be Dazzled
✅ RandomKIT - The Knight and the Butcherbird
MysteryKIT - The Maltese Falcon
✅ ScaredyKIT - Dying Rose
SFFKIT - The Husbands

April 2026

63. Soyangri Book Kitchen by Kim Jee Hye - finished 1st April 2026 - February AlphaKIT - letter B
64. The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser - finished 2nd April 2026 - March AlphaKIT - letter V
65. Dusk by Robbie Arnott - finished 3rd April 2026 - March CultureKIT - close to home
66. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell - finished 4th April 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - character is same age as you
67. The Sisters of Sugarcreek by Cathy Liggett - finished 6th April 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - recommended by a friend
68. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon - finished 10th April 2026 - March AlphaKIT - letter R
69. The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta - finished 12th April 2026 - April HomeCAT - kitchen
70. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster - finished 13th April 2026 - April AlphaKIT - letter P
71. Leila and the Blue Fox by Kiran Millwood Hargrave - finished 14th April 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - water on the cover
72. When The Museum Is Closed by Emi Yagi - finished 15th April 2026 - April ArtsCAT - museums
73. My Mother and I by Ingrid Seward - finished 17th April 2026 - March NonfictionCAT - want to know more about
74. Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards - finished 19th April 2026 - March ColouredCoverKIT - green and/or greenery
75. Dying Rose by Douglas Smith - finished 23rd April 2026 - April ScaredyKIT - true crime
76. I Survived The Children's Blizzard 1888 by Lauren Tarshis - finished 24th April 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - a stormy scene
77. The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow - finished 26th April 2026 - April RandomKIT - royalty

77/223 = 34.53%

Read Around The World 4/12 = 33.33%
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest 26/40 = 65% Then She Was Gone, The Sisters of Sugarcreek, Leila and the Blue Fox, I Survived The Children's Blizzard 1888
BingoDOG 11/25 = 44%
ArtsCAT 4/12 = 33.33% When The Museum Is Closed
HomeCAT 4/12 = 33.33% The Heartbreak Bakery
DecadesCAT 3/12 = 25%
NonfictionCAT 3/12 = 25% My Mother and I
AlphaKIT 7/26 = 26.92% Soyangri Book Kitchen, The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden, The Frozen River, The Phantom Tollbooth
ColouredCoverKIT 3/12 = 25% Mandy
CultureKIT 3/12 = 25% Dusk
RandomKIT 3/12 = 25% The Knight and the Butcherbird
MysteryKIT 1/12 = 8.33%
ScaredyKIT 4/12 = 33.33% Dying Rose
SFFKIT 1/12 = 8.33%

>162 JayneCM: Spring Rain sounds lovely!

>168 Dejah_Thoris: It is lovely. I didn't find out until I had finished it that it is actually the third book in his garden trilogy, although they can all be read as stand alones. I will need to see if my library has the other two.

Book 63. Soyangri Book Kitchen by Kim Jee Hye

February AlphaKIT - letter B
April TIOLI #22 Read a book that starts with the letter A

A series of short stories/connected chapters set in the newly opened Soyangri Book Kitchen, this is a book about finding comfort and solace from the stresses of modern life and finding what is important in life. This did become somewhat monotonous after a time.
The standout for me in this book was the beautiful writing about the surrounds of the book kitchen, in particular the author's focus on rain. I am a dedicated rain lover so was delighted to find an author who finds that rain brings comfort and peace and describes it so poetically. The descriptions transport you to the book kitchen and I can just picture spending many hours there.

Book 64. The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser

March AlphaKIT - letter V
April TIOLI #11: Read a work by an author whose first and last initials are from the 13 least commonly used letters of the English alphabet: M, W, F, G, Y, P, B, V, K, J, X, Q, Z

I love and adore the Vanderbeekers! This is like an updated version of The Secret Garden, full of heart and love. There will be tears.
The perfect comfort read.

>171 JayneCM: - I like this series too. I usually listen to it if I can find the audio. I Just finished the next one while we were away this winter.

>172 dudes22: These type of middle grade series are definitely my favourites. The Penderwicks is another one, and an Australian called The Kingdom of Silk is another. Comfort reading at its best!

Book 65. Dusk by Robbie Arnott

March CultureKIT - close to home
April TIOLI #14 Read a book from or inspired by something on my wishlist (laytonwoman3rd)

Iris and Floyd live a harsh, hand to mouth existence in an unforgiving environment.
Once again, the raw natural beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness has been captured to perfection by this author. The haunting atmosphere is breath taking, yet will have no mercy on the unprepared.
I appreciate an author who doesn't spell everything out for you. The clues are there as to the setting and timing of the story but it really doesn't matter where or when it is set. It is timeless and placeless, in that the time and place are so gorgeously rendered that it is not necessary for the reader to know.
Floyd, Iris and of course, Dusk, become mirrors of the raw and beautiful landscape. Stunning.

>173 JayneCM: - I've read and liked a few of the "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart and I recommend all the time the Mr Lemoncello library series by Chris Grabenstein.

>175 dudes22: Oh yes, love them too! Middle grade books are often the ones I love the most.

Book 66. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - character is the same age as you
April TIOLI #9 Read a book whose title reads as a Dreadful Warning (or otherwise sounds Deeply Ominous)

While I felt for Laurel, facing a mother's worst nightmare, ultimately the outcome was predictable and ascertained by the reader in the first third of the book. I did read it in one sitting as it is an easy read and I was reading in anticipation of a twist. But the story played out as expected.

Book 67. The Sisters of Sugarcreek by Cathy Liggett

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - recommended by a friend
April TIOLI #13 Read a book about helping people through death

A light and lovely read about some Amish and Englischer ladies who become friends and help each other through grief. Predictable but enjoyable romance read.

Book 68. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

March AlphaKIT - letter R
April TIOLI #2: Read a 2025 Nebula finalist, or a book that shares a title word of 4 or more letters with a finalist (river)

A compelling read based on the life on Martha Ballard, a midwife in 1700s America. Reading about Martha's quiet strength and her resolve to give women choices in their labour and save them from the often incompetent 'qualified' doctors of the time makes me wonder if Diana Gabaldon used Martha as inspiration for Claire in Outlander. Her marriage of equality and respect also reminded me of Claire and Jamie.
The characters are realistically and sympathetically drawn, the atmosphere (both in nature and between the characters) is chilling, raw and tense.

>179 JayneCM: I'e seen so many good reviews for The Frozen River and I've had it on my Kindle for quite awhile - I just need to get to it!

>179 JayneCM: - I picked this up last year, although I'm not sure where I heard of it.

Book 69. The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta

April HomeCAT - kitchen
April TIOLI #15 Read a book by a queer author

Magical baking is a favourite of mine, yet this book just didn't hold my interest. It was very slow paced and repetitive and the characters, while sweet, didn't really command attention. The recipes sound delicious.

>179 JayneCM: I read The Frozen River last year, and while I didn't enjoy it as much as you did, I still thought it was very well done.

>182 JayneCM: I came across this one a while back, but ended up not reading it because I find YA so iffy. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I want to throw it across the room (so to speak). Based on your review, I'll continue to pass on it. Thanks!

Book 70. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

April AlphaKIT - letter P
April TIOLI #20 The Young at Heart Challenge: Read a classic children’s book

" . . . but it's not just learning things that's important. It's learning what to do with what you learn and learning why you learn things at all that matters."

A quirky, light hearted and somewhat ridiculous romp through various lands where Milo comes to appreciate the value of learning and appreciating new things and seeing the world through a whole new lens. His previous jaded approach to life is abandoned as he begins to see the wonder in the ordinary.
So many plays on words, which makes this a fun read for any word or language lover.

Book 71. Leila and the Blue Fox by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - water on the cover
April TIOLI #23: Read a book that has (colour)(noun) in the title

From the author/artist team who created the wonderful Julia and the Shark, this book is just as magical. The atmosphere of the Arctic Circle is stark and beautiful and is depicted perfectly in the minimal but expansive artwork.
The story of Miso the fox is based on a real fox who travelled across the ice like Miso in the story. Miso's journey of migration due to changing climate conditions and the melting of the ice mirrors that of Leila and her family, leaving Syria due to war. Immigration is such a divisive topic, fraught with misunderstanding, fear and anger. If only we could remember that we are all humans, all trying to live and keep our families safe, no matter where we come from. As the author says in the Authors' Note, "Being born in a peaceful country is only a matter of luck - no one is better than anyone else because of where they were born."
A beautiful book.

Book 72. When The Museum Is Closed by Emi Yagi

April ArtsCAT - museums
April TIOLI #8 Read a book with a title that includes at least one of these words, “what, when, where, why, or whose"

Such an odd little book, an easy read but somehow compelling.
Rika is hired to converse in Latin with a statue of Venus on Mondays, the day the museum is closed. And this changes her.
It is a story about the masks we wear and how easy it is to fall into isolating habits rather than make the effort to connect. It is so much easier to accept less in life - the monotonous, unfulfilling job; being alone and unseen; doing what society expects rather than choosing our own path.
Loved the ending.

Book 73. My Mother and I by Ingrid Seward

March NonfictionCAT - want to know more about
April TIOLI #1 Read a nonfiction book about a living person whose name you currently see in the news (King Charles III)

An easy and interesting read, although not as in depth as I might have liked. Not really any new information. My favourite chapter was the one of the late Queen's and current King's faith and their acceptance of all faiths.
It is obvious that the author does not appreciate Harry's recent behaviour!

Book 74. Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards

March ColouredCoverKIT - green and/or greenery
April TIOLI #6 Read a book whose title is the name of one (or more) of the book's characters

A charming read about an orphan who finds a secret place for herself. A slow and gentle read that is quite a delight.

Book 75. Dying Rose by Douglas Smith

April ScaredyKIT - true crime
April TIOLI #5 Read a book with a birth or death in the title

Courtney Hunter-Hebberman silenced a room during her Welcome to Country at an International Women's Day event. It had all been the usual, familiar words, until she added, "If you think it's hard being a white woman in Australia, try being a black woman. My daughter died and I've had no justice." Attending the event was Gemma Jones, the editor of the Advertiser newspaper. These words sparked further investigation, which led to the Dying Rose podcast, a podcast to bring to light the tragic deaths of young First Nations women.
The terrible aspect of these deaths is the treatment of the families by the police. Racial bias, whether conscious or unconscious, is rife in any police matters regarding First Nations people. The deaths were not investigated and the families were not kept informed.
A heart breaking read as the families just want to be treated fairly and with respect. They have undergone a terrible tragedy and then have to deal with unsympathetic authority.
Ticking the culture awareness program box is not enough; we need real engagement and we need to listen. We need to listen to those with lived experience.

Book 76. I Survived The Children's Blizzard 1888 by Lauren Tarshis

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - a stormy scene
April TIOLI #4 Read a book with a year in the title

Fast paced and engaging read about the harsh conditions of life on the Dakota prairies. Young readers will relate to John and his little sister Franny.

Book 77. The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow

April RandomKIT - royalty
April TIOLI #17 Read a book with a bird on the cover or in the title

A twisted love story set three hundred years after the apocalypse, where people in the outlands can seemingly change into demons at random. Knights are sent from the royal cities to hunt the demons. But one knight wants to know the answer.
The perfect short story - atmospheric, chilling, haunting yet beautiful. The demons are mesmerising in their cruelty, especially once you know what lies beneath. The question is what will someone do for love and can love overcome all.
The author has weaved in aspects of our current world as relics in this world so seamlessly - the reference to Katherine Applegate is priceless.

My plan for May CATs, KITs and other reads

Carry forward from January
AlphaKIT - For E - The Eternal Ones
SFFKIT - 1984 by George Orwell

Carry forward from February
✅ AlphaKIT - For O - Olivetti
✅ MysteryKIT - A Shameful Murder by Cora Harrison

Carry forward from March
✅ RandomKIT - Myra Breckinridge
MysteryKIT - The Keeper of Lost Causes
✅ SFFKIT - The Man in the High Castle

April
Read Around The World - The Sky Beneath Us
BingoDOG - The Joy Luck Club
DecadesCAT - Tinkers
NonfictionCAT - The Woman They Could Not Silence
AlphaKIT - For J - Julia
ColouredCoverKIT - Half of a Yellow Sun
CultureKIT - Be Dazzled
MysteryKIT - The Maltese Falcon
SFFKIT - The Husbands

May
✅ Read Around The World - Persopolis
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge - Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
BingoDOG - Tapestry of Fortunes
ArtsCAT - Chromatopia: An Illustrated History of Color
HomeCAT - Amish Front Porch Stories
DecadesCAT - The Pickwick Papers
NonfictionCAT - The Real Valkyrie
AlphaKIT - For W - A Dream of Ebony and White
✅ AlphaKIT - For A - Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter
✅ ColouredCoverKIT - Tune In Tomorrow
CultureKIT - Charles Harris: A Struggle For Justice
RandomKIT - Maya's Dance
MysteryKIT - Bluebird, Bluebird
ScaredyKIT - Fledgling
SFFKIT - The Undermining of Twyla and Frank

May 2026

78. A Shameful Murder by Cora Harrison - finished 2nd May 2026 - February MysteryKIT - clerical mystery
79. The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop by Kate Saunders - finished 3rd May 2026 - BingoDOG - word in the title that's an onomatopoeia
80. A Fatal Delivery by Lauren Oliver - finished 4th May 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - a mystery
81. Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi - finished 5th May 2026 - BingoDOG - by an indigenous author
82. Olivetti by Allie Millington - finished 7th May 2026 - February AlphaKIT - letter O
83. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi - finished 9th May 2026 - Read Around The World - Iran
84. Myra Breckinridge by Gore Vidal - finished 11th May 2026 - March RandomKIT - name
85. The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick - finished 13th May 2026 - March SFFKIT - classic SFFKIT
86. Jennie by Paul Gallico - finished 15th May 2026 - BingoDOG - set entirely or partly at sea
87. How To Bee by Bren MacDibble - finished 16th May 2026 - June AlphaKIT - letter H
88. Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson - finished 19th May 2026 - June DecadesCAT - any decade
89. Viking Blood by Andrew Donkin - finished 20th May 2026 - BingoDOG - something living on the cover
90. Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett - finished 24th May 2026 - May AlphaKIT - letter A
91. Tune In Tomorrow by Melanie Benjamin - finished 25th May 2026 - May ColouredCoverKIT - turquoise and/or jewellery
92. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - finished 31st May 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - at least 300 pages long

92/223 = 41.26%

Read Around The World 5/12 = 41.67% Persepolis
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest 28/40 = 70% A Fatal Delivery, Voyager
BingoDOG 15/25 = 60% The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop, Punching The Air, Jennie, Viking Blood
ArtsCAT 4/12 = 33.33%
HomeCAT 4/12 = 33.33%
DecadesCAT 4/12 = 33.33% Royal Valentine
NonfictionCAT 3/12 = 25%
AlphaKIT 10/26 = 38.46% Olivetti, How To Bee, Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter
ColouredCoverKIT 4/12 = 33.33% Tune In Tomorrow
CultureKIT 3/12 = 25%
RandomKIT 4/12 = 33.33% Myra Breckinridge
MysteryKIT 2/12 = 16.67% A Shameful Murder
ScaredyKIT 4/12 = 33.33%
SFFKIT 2/12 = 16.67% The Man in the High Castle

>192 JayneCM: - It's a good thing I don't keep track of my "carry forwards". While we were away in Jan & Feb, I did well but once we got home in March and other things took up some of my time, I've started to fall behind. I expect it will go this way for the rest of the year. Good luck to you!

>194 dudes22: It just keeps collecting! Maybe I will finish by the end of the year, maybe not!

Book 78. A Shameful Murder by Cora Harrison

February MysteryKIT - clerical mystery
May TIOLI #4 Read a book that somewhere on the front or back cover states that it is a mystery or a detective story, but from an author you haven’t read in the last 2 years or ever

The indomitable Reverend Mother Aquinas is a magnificent character, quietly and intelligently working her way around a system that assumes male superiority. There is a wonderful sense of place, very atmospheric, in the setting of 1920s Cork in Ireland, an unsettling and volatile time in the history of Ireland.
The slow pace of the story will not be for everyone, but I very much enjoyed it as it is indicative of the Reverend Mother herself.
I see there are ten books in the series and I look forward to reading more.

Book 79. The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop by Kate Saunders

BingoDOG - word in the title that's an onomatopoeia
May TIOLI #15 Read a book with two words that rhyme in the title

Just the type of book I would have loved as a child (who am I kidding, also as an adult!)
A magical chocolate shop, a sassy talking cat and her talking rat companion, three children who know nothing of their magical abilities, the ghost of the elephant who used to give rides at London Zoo - there is so much happening in this book that sometimes it gets a little disjointed.
But it is all great fun.

Book 80. A Fatal Delivery by Lauren Oliver

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - a mystery
May TIOLI #19 Read a book where the verb to be is used in the first sentence

The character of Lenora deserves to be expanded into a longer book. Maybe because I relate to her sense of order and routine. She would make a perfect amateur investigator in a whole series.
The disposal of the murder weapon was clever.
My only quibble is that it was obvious from the beginning who the murderer was. But in so few pages, it is difficult to build suspense.

>197 JayneCM: all my favorite things - cats, chocolate, elephants - Taking a read as soon as I can BB

Book 81. Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi

BingoDOG - by an indigenous author
May TIOLI #5 Read a book that has a Q or a Z in the title or the author's name

I often find that novels in verse can be more revealing due to their sparseness. Every word has to count and it makes this story all the more powerful and raw.
This is the story of Amal, a fictional character based on the real case of the Exonerated Five. Amal is wrongfully incarcerated - "I went from kid to criminal to felon to prisoner to inmate" Amal keeps his hope alive through his art and poetry.
The imagery is powerful and heart breaking. Such as the suit that he was supposed to wear to his art show and to prom now being the suit he wears to his trial.
This is a story of injustice and loss of dignity in a system that will always be against boys like Amal. But ultimately it is about hope and keeping your soul alive in unspeakable circumstances.

Book 82. Olivetti by Allie Millington

February AlphaKIT - letter O
May TIOLI #14 Read a book about a family tragedy

Obviously I had to read a book in which one of the POVs is a sentient typewriter (the other being twelve year old Ernest).
The typewriterly code states that a typewriter may never reveal what has been typed on them. But when Beatrice Brindle disappears, Olivetti breaks the code as "some humans are worth breaking the rules for."
A heartfelt story targeted at middle graders who are dealing with a sick parent, Olivetti's smart and sassy voice is full of love for his family. And such a unique voice. Olivetti absolutely made this book - without him, it would have been an emotional but somewhat bland and predictable story.

>201 JayneCM: - I'm a sucker for a good middle school book - BB for me.

Book 83. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Read Around The World - Iran
May TIOLI #15 Read a book with a title word or author's name starting with F E R G U S

" . . . as long as there is oil in the Middle East we will never have peace."

The cycle continues. This graphic memoir, about the author's life in Iran in the 80s and 90s, is clever and confronting and funny and tragic, which is what makes it so powerful. It brings everyday life under a fundamentalist regime with war and destruction all around to the fore in a format that is easily accessible to all readers. It is a shame that it has been banned in some places as being anti-Western. But the history and present day in this region is so complicated that it is in our best interests to read as widely as we can. Lack of knowledge and understanding leads to fear and hatred of the unknown which only leads to more violence.
I cannot imagine living such a confusing and contradictory life - having to bow to the regime in public and only being able to express your true thoughts and feelings at home.

Book 84. Myra Breckinridge by Gore Vidal

March RandomKIT - name
May TIOLI #18 Read a book that is considered (or you consider) a classic you've never read before. Must have been published in 1970 or before

"I know what I want and I know what I am . . . "

So says Myra Breckinridge. And this is the issue I had with this. While it is of course absolutely true that Myra should be able to live her life as she wishes, I do not feel that she should have no moral compass and be able to treat others however she pleases. The scene with Rusty that supposedly empowers her as a woman is horrific and inexcusable.
Myra is a repulsive, sadistic and totally reprehensible person and this whole book was just sleazy and written for shock value.
The best part is the references to movies from Hollywood's Golden Age - I found quite a few to add to my viewing list.

>204 JayneCM: Yeah, Myra is pretty horrifying - both the book and the character. I've only ever read one other work by Gore Vidal - the play The Best Man. It's great - you wouldn't think it was the same author.

>204 JayneCM: Vidal's relationship to anything concerning sexuality (including his own) or gender was often confused and always complicated. If I had been given a magic wand and the ability to ask any author of my choice for a novel about trans people in 1968, Vidal wouldn't have been in my first million choices.

Book 85. The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

March SFFKIT - classic SFF
May TIOLI #9 Read a current Hugo finalist or a previous Hugo winner

Such an interesting premise; I was looking forward to more. The execution missed the mark for me. While it was cleverly written and there were glimpses of character development, this was too much politics and not enough humanity. I think it would have hit harder if we saw more about how the US population in their homes and work places were coping with the defeat and occupation rather than the philosophical passages by the Japanese and the political conniving of the Germans.

>205 Dejah_Thoris: This was my first Gore Vidal, so it will be with trepidation that I try more!

>206 KeithChaffee: The introduction to the edition I read described him as a quite distant and clinical person in his relationships, which makes sense. I am thinking that at the time this was published it was not at all helpful to the acceptance of trans people. It seems an odd choice to make Myra so disgusting as it would justify an opinion of LGBTQI+ people as all being like Myra.

Book 86. Jennie by Paul Gallico

BingoDOG - set entirely or partly at sea
May TIOLI #20 Read a book set in Republic of Ireland or United Kingdom (Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales)

Is there a more selfless, loving and compassionate cat than Jennie? This is a charming story about a boy who feels unloved by his parents - he had learned that "One could cry inside of one without making a sound . . . He lives a lonely life but after a tragic accident, Peter finds a wonderful new life as a cat. Through thick and thin, the lovely Jennie helps Peter navigate his new life.
It can be a bit drawn out at times, but overall the adventures of the two cats are a delight to read.

Book 87. How To Bee by Bren MacDibble

June AlphaKIT - letter H
May TIOLI #22 Read a book with a title of at least 3 words, from which one letter from each word (taken consecutively) can spell a word of at least 3 letters (hoe)

This story, with its fierce and wonderful main character, will totally engage middle grade readers as well as giving them lots to think about as to our planet's possible future, in a non-threatening and positive way.
Peony lives in a world where agricultural poisons have destroyed the last of the bees. So young children are employed to climb fruit trees and pollinate the flowers. All Peony dreams of is to finally become a bee. But her mother has other plans in mind.
Peony's determination, no matter what is thrown her way, her indomitable spirit and resilience, her compassionate and caring nature and her endearing figures of speech will make you fall in love with her.

Book 88. Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson

June DecadesCAT - any decade
May TIOLI #21 Read a book with the surname of a Post War UK Prime Minister in the title or written by an author with the same surname (Wilson)

A sweet, easy read about a princess keeping her identity a secret. A bit too soppy for me.

Book 89. Viking Blood by Andrew Donkin

BingoDOG - something living on the cover
May TIOLI #8 Read a book featuring Vikings

The inclusion of stories of Norse mythology throughout the book made this story of Viking boy Tor more interesting. The My Story books are great for introducing middle graders to various eras and events in history.

Book 90. Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett

May AlphaKIT - letter A
May TIOLI #1 Read a book with a title which includes JUST ONE four-legged animal or TWO two-legged animals

Another cosy fantasy that I should have adored - I mean, cats, lots of cats!
But the execution and the characters were just a bit flat. The cats and their various personalities were wonderful but it was difficult to become invested in the story of the humans/magicians.

Book 91. Tune In Tomorrow by Melanie Benjamin

May ColouredCoverKIT - turquoise and/or jewellery
May TIOLI #2 Read a book by a woman about a woman or women

While I was very interested in the idea of this story, I just did not find Abby to be inspiring. A large part of the story was Abby expressing her dissatisfaction with her life. I was expecting more about the soap operas.

>214 JayneCM: I know what you mean. I found it hard to connect to Abby.

Book 92. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - at least 300 pages long
May TIOLI #6 Read a book from a series with 7 or more works (books, novellas, short stories, etc.)

Of course I love this series - history and time travel are my favourites. I could just do with less of the romance scenes and more historical context. And there are potentially a few too many coincidences in this book. A highly enjoyable series.

My plan for June CATs, KITs and other reads

Carry forward from January
AlphaKIT - For E - The Eternal Ones
SFFKIT - 1984 by George Orwell

Carry forward from March
MysteryKIT - The Keeper of Lost Causes

Carry forward from April
Read Around The World - The Sky Beneath Us
BingoDOG - The Joy Luck Club
DecadesCAT - Tinkers
NonfictionCAT - Revolutionary Summer
AlphaKIT - For J - Julia
✅ ColouredCoverKIT - Almost Sunset
✅ CultureKIT - Be Dazzled
MysteryKIT - The Maltese Falcon
SFFKIT - The Husbands

Carry forward from May
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge - Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
BingoDOG - Tapestry of Fortunes
ArtsCAT - Chromatopia: An Illustrated History of Color
HomeCAT - Amish Front Porch Stories
DecadesCAT - The Pickwick Papers
NonfictionCAT - A Little History of Archaeology
AlphaKIT - For W - The Witches of Vardo by Anja Bergman
CultureKIT - Charles Harris: A Struggle For Justice
✅ RandomKIT - Maya's Dance
MysteryKIT - Bluebird, Bluebird
ScaredyKIT - Fledgling
SFFKIT - The Undermining of Twyla and Frank

June
Read Around The World - The Monk of Mokha (Yemen)
✅ The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge - Linus and Etta Could Use a Win
BingoDOG - Mrs. Dalloway
ArtsCAT - Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
HomeCAT - The Crow's Call by Wanda E. Brunstetter
NonfictionCAT - My Animals, and Other Animals
✅ AlphaKIT - For T - The Prince and the Dressmaker
ColouredCoverKIT - What We Kept To Ourselves
CultureKIT -
RandomKIT - Eight Cousins
MysteryKIT - A Tapping At My Door
ScaredyKIT - The Perfect Child
SFFKIT - Good Omens

June 2026

93. Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon - finished 4th June 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - title more than six words long
94. Maya's Dance by Helen Signy - finished 6th June 2026 - May RandomKIT - dance
95. Maisie vs Antarctica by Jack Jackman - finished 7th June 2026 - Read Around The World (Antarctica)
96. Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala - finished 9th June 2026 - April CultureKIT - hobbyist subculture
97. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins - 11th June 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - book everyone is talking about
98. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - finished 13th June 2026 - Read Around The World - Malawi
99. Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterlee - finished 15th June 2026 - The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - title begins with C
100. Almost Sunset by Wahab Algarmi - finished 16th June 2026 - April ColouredCoverKIT - yellow and/or sun, moon, stars
101. To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers - finished 17th June 2026 - Additional Reads
102. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang - finished 18th June 2026 - June AlphaKIT - letter T

102/233 = 43.78%

Read Around The World 7/12 = 58.33% Maisie vs Antarctica, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest 31/40 = 77.5% Linus and Etta Could Use a Win, Sunrise on the Reaping, Cattywampus
BingoDOG 15/25 = 60%
ArtsCAT 4/12 = 33.33%
HomeCAT 4/12 = 33.33%
DecadesCAT 4/12 = 33.33%
NonfictionCAT 3/12 = 25%
AlphaKIT 11/26 = 42.31% The Prince and the Dressmaker
ColouredCoverKIT 5/12 = 41.67% Almost Sunset
CultureKIT 4/12 = 33.33% Be Dazzled
RandomKIT 5/12 = 41.67%
MysteryKIT 2/12 = 16.67%
ScaredyKIT 4/12 = 33.33%
SFFKIT 2/12 = 16.67%
Additional Reads 1/12 = 8.33% To Be Taught, If Fortunate

Book 93. Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - title more than six words long
June TIOLI #9 Read a book that has a 3.5+ rating and 15 or fewer reviews here on Library Thing

Etta and Linus are adorable; their banter is fun. An engaging and endearing read about eighth graders discovering new friendships and who they are and want to be in the world. I particularly loved the portrayal of Linus. Linus is trans so of course this featured in the story. But it was not the main focus and I think this makes the book all the more approachable for both trans middle graders and those who wish to gain more of an understanding of their trans peers.

Book 94. Maya's Dance by Helen Signy

May RandomKIT - dance
June TIOLI #13 Read a book that matches a category on the 2026 Seattle Public Library Summer Book Bingo Card (historical)

The overarching message of this book, as is so often the case with Holocaust survivors, is hope.
As Maya says: "I never allowed myself to lose hope. It is always possible to believe in a better tomorrow."
Hope in both the horrific conditions of the camp and hope as Maya faces dementia in her later years. Maya's belief that there is always something good to hold on to allows her to face both of these with grace and dignity.
Like so many historical fiction books about the Holocaust, this is based on a true story. A story full of heartache and loss, but also a love that endures decades.

Book 95. Maisie vs Antarctica by Jack Jackman

Read Around The World - Antarctica

Middle graders will love Maisie and her adventures. I enjoyed Maisie's dry, self-deprecating sense of humour, so like my own.
Maisie thinks her dad is the most boring man on earth, until a trip to Antarctica goes awry and she discovers the secret her dad has been keeping all her life.
While the story of flying off to Antarctica and what ensues is a little unbelievable from an adult perspective, who cares?! It is a fun, non-stop adventure that keeps the pages turning.

Book 96. Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

April CultureKIT - hobbyist subculture

So adorable; the romance set in the fascinating realm of cosplay is just so sweet and a joy to read. And I am all for be dazzling anything that stays still long enough!
This is written in dual timeline, which keeps the reader guessing what has happened between Raffy and Luca until the timelines finally intersect.
The details of the creation of the cosplay outfits was so interesting.
I was sad to discover though that the donut shop, Donut, Jonut! (a Rocky Horror themed donut shop), did not actually exist. Well, I couldn't find it on the internet. :(

Book 97. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - book everyone is talking about

Haymitch is one of my favourite characters from The Hunger Games. We know, like all victors, that he has been through a horrific ordeal, but we find out that his treatment by Snow was particularly brutal. I find prequels especially fascinating as you discover how characters and events came to be.
But with double tributes in the games, it just seemed as though there were too many characters and it was difficult to become invested in them. The description of the arena was limited and the games seemed to be rushed.

>223 JayneCM: I found this book made me understand Haymitch so much better, and it was as good a read as the first book.

Book 98. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

Read Around The World - Malawi
June TIOLI #17 - Read a book with all the letters in WATER in the title (in any order)

They do say that necessity is the mother of invention and after facing poverty and famine, William Kamkwamba took matters into his own hands.
William lives in Malawi, a country where he says "we're given a life with very few options." Not having the money to pay his school fees, William spent his time in the library, studying everything he could. He soon became fascinated with generating electricity, in particular using windmills. Here, his ingenuity came into play - "Where others see garbage, I see opportunity."
And his hard work and perseverance paid off, even when all the local villagers thought he was crazy.
There is so much to admire in this young man. His positive attitude despite all the setbacks he faced is an inspiration. His generosity in passing on his knowledge and donations he received has ensured that the lives of many in Malawi are greatly improved.

>225 JayneCM: - I'm going to take a BB for this. Malawi is of interest to me. There's a long story but through a chance meeting on Facebook, my brother started a mission and feeding station in Malawi. Besides electricity, getting water is also a problem and Malawi is one of the poorest nations in the world. There's also a movie about this book.

>226 dudes22: I have not seen the movie yet as I wanted to read the book first. He also used his windmills to pump water and establish irrigation for crops. He created so much change throughout the country.
I read the young readers edition as that is what my library had, but there is also the full 'adult' edition.

Book 99. Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterlee

The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest - title begins with C

A cosy story about two young girls from witch families coming into their magic and the misadventures that ensue. It is also a story of embracing differences and taking risks with love, friendship and family.
Just loved Puppet and particularly loved the ending.

Book 100. Almost Sunset by Wahab Algarmi

April ColouredCoverKIT - yellow and/or sun, moon, stars
June TIOLI #2 Read a book with a mountain on the cover, and/or ‘mountain’, the name of a mountain, or the name of a mountain range in the title (Sunset Peak, Himalayas)

It is great to have a graphic novel featuring Ramadan, both to inform non-Muslim children and to give a voice to Muslim children and make their experience better understood.
But the story itself was not very engaging.

Book 101. To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

Additional Reads

This novella quietly draws you in, with its beautiful descriptive passages and its intriguing take on life on other planets. The characters are so human as we follow the ups and downs of their mission. For four people essentially trapped together, they are surprisingly cohesive; perhaps because they know they only have each other.
Perfect ending - is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake enough, or should science have a practical or necessary application? The question of ethics and the pursuit of the why for pure knowledge is one of the eternal questions of science.

Book 102. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

June AlphaKIT - letter T
June TIOLI #14 Read a book set in Paris, with Paris in the title, or in French

Adorable with a capital A! Love the relationship between Sebastian and Frances, particularly Frances' initial reaction to Sebastian's secret. The dress designs are divine, of course, and the artwork depicting historic Paris is charming.
I will still my cynical mind regarding the ending as my heart wants to believe that the king would indeed act the way he did. I am happy to live in an ideal world for Sebastian as he deserves his happy ending, as do we all.
Truly delightful and accepting in such an unobtrusive way.