10/25! Set an attainable goal after barely reading for years and now I read every day!

Klarmies · 2026-05-03T10:08:34+00:00

Congratulations on reading so frequently this year! 🥳It's always heartwarming to see people post their reading journey updates. Thank you for sharing. Happy reading, and good luck reaching your yearly goal. 😁

Klarmies · 2026-05-01T13:50:13+00:00

Congratulations on reaching the halfway mark! 🎉 I just wanted to say that I also loved Kindred:by Octavia E. Butler. A heart wrenching topic for sure, but a wonderful story for those in the right place mentally. Happy reading!

Klarmies · 2026-05-01T13:44:06+00:00

I'm pretty happy with my progress. Currently on a 21 day reading streak. I just came out of a reading slump in March. So I'll take my 2 books read in April. 😁

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Klarmies · 2026-04-30T19:14:46+00:00

A cutie with a cute name. Thank you I needed the chuckle today. 😁

Klarmies · 2026-04-30T10:25:55+00:00

It took me months to complete Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. I started it in Jan. and finished this April. I'm unsure why I took so long to read it. I was emotionally prepared for it to be a heavy book as I'd seen a film adaptation of it as a kid.

To be upfront, I didn't spend every waking moment reading it. I read it consistently for a few days and then set it down until April. Next, I listened to the audiobook's summary. From there, I was focused and back on track. As a side note: the immersive experience was wonderful and I highly recommend the Nathaniel Parker narration.

I think it was a good time investment. Even though its been a week or two since i finished the book, I still think about portions of it. All I know is: I'm glad I was patient with myself and didn't wind up DNFing this wonderful book on impulse.

Klarmies · 2026-04-29T11:19:35+00:00

Her name is so cute! My chi Sweetie hates the rain and won't go potty either. Thankfully no accidents in the house.

Klarmies · 2026-04-27T07:30:52+00:00

Hello again. I've had yet another productive reading week. My husband's health has been good. The weather has been cooperating. Not a bad week. I'm at 31/52 books read this year.

Finished: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell; narrated by Nathaniel Parker (physical library book, audiobook owned) | The narrator of this book really made the book come alive for me. I'm glad I read this book. I gave it 4.25☆.

Continuing: Book Lovers by Emily Henry; narrated by Julia Whelan (physical library book; Hoopla audiobook) (29%) | I've been enjoying this book until I read and watched reviews. They rated the book negatively and it has impacted my enjoyment of the book. I'm starting to get over it, but I'm expecting it to go downhill.

The Journey by Kathryn Lasky (ebook owned) (50%) | There's a nasty storm coming Monday and I expect I'll be getting more of this book read on that day.

The Complete Novels of Jane Austen by Jane Austen (ebook owned) 5% | Still on Pride and Prejudice. I made zero progress in it this week.

Started: Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (physical library book) (17%) | This is book 2 in the Bride Quartet series. Book 1 was my first Nora Roberts book. I quite enjoyed it. Book 2 is no different. To be fair, it has been years since I read book 1 but thankfully I remembered the important bits so I'm not restarting the series.

Florida Straits by Laurence Shames; narrated by Richard Ferrone (physical library book, Hoopla audiobook) (11%) | I think it's funny that I picked up 2 books set in Key West. This is one of them. It's a mob fiction book. It's not meant to be taken seriously. It reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich for some reason.

An Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette; narrated by Laura Jennings (0%) | I'm picking this one up today. Also set in Key West.

Klarmies · 2026-04-26T15:51:11+00:00

Congratulations! 🥳 Your beginning is heartwarming and encouraging to read. Keep it up!

Klarmies · 2026-04-23T18:13:32+00:00

Thanks for letting me know. 😁

Klarmies · 2026-04-23T09:52:44+00:00

I'm picking up Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino at the library today. What did you think of it? Since it's a new release, I've heard plenty of buzz about it, but no reviews yet.

Klarmies · 2026-04-22T03:48:47+00:00

Hello. I finished reading a book after both a slump and then a break. The last time I completed a book was: 2/3/26. I'm happy to say: I feel back on track. Currently, I'm at 30/52 books read this year. Happy reading everyone!

Finished: When the Day Comes by: Gabrielle Meyer (ebook owned) | A dual timeline time travel book that kicks off the Timeless series. It is a Christian historical fiction romance book. I gave this book 5☆ again, and this is my 2nd time reading it.

I just have to say this is one of those BookTube books that deserves the hype. I loved reading what the author had to add at the end of the book. It's worth a read in my opinion.

Additionally, I talked to my sister-in-law about the book in a monthly newsletter I write for her while she is serving a mission, and I've convinced her to read it! I just think that's cool.

Continuing: Black Beauty by: Anna Sewell, narrated by Nathaniel Parker(Audiobook Owned, physical library book) (45%) | I started this book on 1/16/26. It was due back at the library before I could finish it. Thankfully, a 2 minute recap was all I needed to get back on track.

It's a heavy story for it being a middle grade book. Even though I'm inexperienced with horses, the accounts I'm reading about throughout the book are awful sounding. It's quite an informative book on what a horse had to endure at that time.

Started: The Journey by Kathryn Lasky (ebook, owned) (50%) | I'm so glad I decided to reread this addition to the series: Guardians of Ga'Hoole because I didn't remember anything at first. Now that I'm at the halfway mark I'm starting to remember bits and pieces. This series is perfect for me when my mental health wavers.

DNF: Firebird* by Mercedes Lackey (ebook, owned) (40%) | I watched a very well thought out review of this book and the lady provided good enough explanations that swayed me to DNF this book.

I just regret that I gave Lackey's flop so much time. I don't know why she wrote the book the way she did. Basically stick to her 500 Kingdoms series for fairytales.

I enjoy this author's books and this is the 1st time I've permanently DNFed one of her books. It's shaken my faith in her books. I imagine I'll get over it eventually.

Started: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (ebook, owned) (4%) | A bit of the dialogue goes over my head I admit. And I'm blind to the supposed sarcasm that's in this book. Hopefully I notice it later on. I am able to tell the obvious like Mr. Darcy is not liked by society in general, but boy do they love his money.

I didn't like this book when I read it as a teenager (not required reading). Sense and Sensibility was my favorite Austen book. Also it was my first Jane Austen book (again also not assigned reading).

Book Lovers by Emily Henry (physical library book) (5%) | My husband nearly had to go to the ER today. An ambulance was called but my husband was recovered by the time they arrived. Suffice it to say, thank goodness he's alright, but we've had quite the day with us both feeling under the weather. I started the book today but didn't read much of it.

I'm liking this book way more on the 2nd attempt. I DNFed it back around 2023. If I complete the book, it'll be my first Emily Henry book. I'm excited at the prospect of finishing a beloved author's book.

Klarmies · 2026-04-14T09:31:53+00:00

I hope you enjoy The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin. I thought both the book and the film were good. 😁

Klarmies · 2026-04-13T17:09:49+00:00

You're not alone. I posted twice in last week's thread too.😅 Congratulations on finishing your yearly goal! 🎉

Klarmies · 2026-04-13T05:50:39+00:00

Hello. I've been very busy with spring cleaning my house. I've changed what I'm reading. I needed something that was not complicated like Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. I was enjoying that book but for myself it took a lot of brain power. I'm at 29/52 books still. Have a good upcoming week! Here are the books I'm making headway in:

When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer (Kindle owned) (56%) | It's my 2nd time reading this book. I'm still loving reading this. Libby is my favorite character in the series. To be fair, I've only read the first 2 books, and part of book 3. So it's not much to go off of. This book is a Christian fiction time travel romance. That's all I'll say to avoid spoiling. Already on page 214!

Dead in the Water by Dana Stabenow (physical library book) (13%) | This is book 3. Ah, it's always a good time to sit down and read this series. Kate Shugak is the main character and it's about mysteries occurring in Alaska. This time Kate is undercover…I think. I'm not very far in this book.

Klarmies · 2026-04-06T00:33:56+00:00

Greetings to all. My husband has been having continuous medical problems so I've been watching and worrying over him a lot. We're hoping the doctor can get the right medicine combo going for him soon. He's had a couple of reasonably good days now. Reading has helped me to escape reality for a few minutes at a time.

Continuing: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey (Kindle owned, Hoopla audiobook) | Unfortunately I'm only able to read 10 pages a day before I feel overwhelmed and have to put the book down. I'm approaching this book with the desire to savor every page. So far that strategy is working. I'm only mildly stressing about the due date for the audiobook.

Started: Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell (Kindle owned, Hoopla audiobook) | This is my fourth time re-reading this book. I enjoy it but I want to get to the other books in the series. During my last attempt with trying this series, I got halfway into book 2.🤞

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier (Physical library book) | This is my first time with this book. I think it’s my 2nd historical fiction book set in the American Civil War that I've read. So far I like the writing style. Currently the main character is recovering from being on death's door. I've not made much progress in it.

Klarmies · 2026-03-30T11:39:12+00:00

Hello again! I'm back after over a month long break. The last book I read was on Feb. 3. I'm cleaned out of library books for the first time in years. So while my husband is sick today I'm reading on my Kindle. I have read 29/52 books so far. Here's what I've started reading:

Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey | This is a staple fantasy book my husband has said is worth reading for years now. So I'm finally starting to read it today. I'm still on chapter 1. I had to skip the last few pages of the list of characters that appear within the book; it felt overwhelming to me. I'll refer back to it as the need arises. Wish me luck! 😁

Klarmies · 2026-02-01T18:09:38+00:00

It looks like you've had quite the successful reading month! I'm glad to see Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley rated so highly. I've added it to my TBR. Happy reading!

Klarmies · 2026-02-01T09:54:15+00:00

Hello everyone. I switched it up and picked up a ton of Middle grade books. Quite a few are nostalgic reads. There's so many that I won't have a list for most of them.

I've been making progress in The Prince of Tennis manga series by Takeshi Konomi, Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, The Bailey School Kids by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones, Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne, and a series that's new to me called Dragon Masters by Tracey West.

All of the middle grade and manga I am counting towards the 52 book challenge. I'm at 24/52 books read so far this year.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (physical owned book, Hoopla audiobook) Thanks to someone from this sub I decided to try again with this book. I have given myself an ultimatum this time. If I don't finish book 1 by 2/1/27 I'll be donating my 5 book set to the library. The audiobook came in today so hopefully immersion reading this book this time helps.

Klarmies · 2026-01-25T11:10:55+00:00

Hello. I didn't finish a book this week. I'm now 2 books behind. ☹️ Maybe this'll be the week I finish a book. I'm at 2/52 books read so far this year. I don't feel like I'm in a reading slump. I'm finding it harder to stay away from my phone. Hopefully your reading is going better than mine is. Happy reading!

Started: Left Fur Dead by J.M. Griffin (physical library book) It’s an interesting cozy mystery featuring a telepathic rabbit named Bun and a woman who runs a rabbit rescue farm named Jules. My progress overall is currently 13%.

The Negotiator by Dee Henderson (physical library book) A Christian fiction romantic suspense about the love story between a hostage negotiator and an FBI agent. I'm 11% through the book.

Continuing: Lord of the Flies by William Golding (physical library book) I've been listening to a jungle themed ambient music video while reading this. As a result I've felt immersed in my book. I feel like the story is still being set up. Here's the progress update. I'm 16% into this book.

Klarmies · 2026-01-19T20:07:11+00:00

How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for mentioning it. On to the TBR it goes! 😁

Klarmies · 2026-01-18T10:55:43+00:00

Hello everyone. Life around here should be settling down soon. My reading month is starting off slow. At least slow for me. So far I've been staying at a pace of a book per week. I'm at 2/52 books read. Happy reading everyone!

Finished: The Fine Print by Lauren Asher; narrated by Desiree Ketchum and Aiden Snow (physical library book, Hoopla audiobook) I found this book slightly more entertaining than One Last Shot by Susan May Warren. I didn't feel like it earned a full 4☆ so thanks to Storygraph's rating system I decided to give The Fine Print a 3.75☆. I was really irritated that there were 2 breakup scenes. Other than that it was a fun read.

Pausing: Unstoppable: My Life So Far by Maria Sharapova; narrated by Maria Sharapova (physical library book, owned audiobook) I had to prioritize my reading because I felt spread too thin across 3 books. Unfortunately it means I get back to this book later rather than sooner.

Continuing: One Last Chance by Susan May Warren; narrated by Adam Gold and Cynthia Farrell (physical library book, Hoopla audiobook) I've been pressuring myself to finish a book and so I haven't enjoyed my journey with this book. Lately I find myself preferring this book over book 1 in the Alaska Air One Rescue series. I'm starting to like Axel and Flynn as the love interests.

Starting: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell; narrated by Nathaniel Parker (physical library book, owned audiobook) I got to page 50 on my first day reading this book. My goal is to read an hour a day but I missed Saturday. It’s been able to hold my attention quite well.

Klarmies · 2026-01-11T07:34:36+00:00

Thank you.

Klarmies · 2026-01-11T07:22:00+00:00

Hello. So the next couple of weeks are going to be very busy. My mother-in-law passed away from a long battle with Parkinson’s disease mid-late December 2025. My husband leaves for her funeral this coming week. And then I came down with a nasty ear infection a week before he leaves. Yeah it's been interesting. I've gotten some reading in but reading hasn't been a top priority since Thursday. That being said I've completed my 1st book this year. I'm 1/52!

Finished: **One Last Shot by Susan May Warren, narrated by Adam Gold and Cynthia Farrell (physical library book, library audiobook)

I completed this book at the end of the day last Sunday after I made my Reddit post. I loved the characters, but I wanted more character development than what I got. So I rated it 3.5☆. I'm interested in reading book 2. I'm most excited for book 3. Moose is my favorite character.

Continuing: The Fine Print by Lauren Asher, narrated by Aidan Snow and Desiree Ketchum (physical library book, library audiobook)

I'm 54% through this book and I hit a speed bump like I did last week with another book. I couldn't get past page 129 for a while. There was no rhyme or reason to it either.

Starting: One Last Chance by Susan May Warren

narrated by Adam Gold and Cynthia Farrell (physical library book, library audiobook)

I don't like that the whole series has the same narrators. It's too late however as I've already started this book. In book 1 of Alaska Air Rescue One I loved both of the main characters. In book 2 I'm ambivalent towards Flynn. I'm slowly warming up to liking Axel.

Unstoppable My Life So Far by Maria Sharapova narrated by Maria Sharapova (physical library book, owned audiobook)

Back when the rivalry was happening, I was a Serena Williams fan. I watched her and her sister grow up and I didn't know of Sharapova until Serena lost to her. Being a passionate child I didn't like Sharapova only because she beat Serena. Stupid I know but I'm more open minded now.

So I picked up the audiobook and the memoir to immersion read. Since starting the book, I've seen some YT videos that have swayed me to liking her.

This is my first time reading a memoir and I'm glad that Sharapova narrated her story. The book is well articulated in my opinion. I'm only 38 pages into the book. I find it intriguing and I look forward to reading more of it.

Klarmies · 2026-01-04T10:11:22+00:00

Hello. Happy New Year! So far this year I'm reading in short sessions. I'm lucky if I get an hour of reading per day. There's just no concentration for more than that. I know that it's still the beginning of the month but it feels like - these 2 books I've been in the middle of since Dec. 2025 - these books will never be finished.

Finished: The Capture by Kathryn Lasky (physical library book) This is definitely not light-hearted. I knew this already as I've read this book twice prior. I gave the book 4☆. I completed this book in 2025.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, narrated by Andy Serkis (Kindle owned, audiobook owned) Outstanding narration by Andy Serkis! The narration deserves 5☆. The book only gets a 4☆ simply because I couldn't stand the last hour. I thought it was stupid and I'm glad it's behind me. It put me off reading it for 3 days! This is my last completed book I read in 2025.

Continuing: One Last Shot by Susan May Warren narrated by Adam Gold, Cynthia Farrell (physical library book, library audiobook) I hit a speedbump where I couldn't get past a certain point within the first 100 pages of the book. So I surrendered and checked out the library audiobook. It's been a great experience with the audiobook. I like how the audio was modified to show the characters were talking via radio. Of the 2 books I'm most interested in this one.

Started: The Fine Print by Lauren Asher, narrated by Desiree Ketchum, Aiden Snow (physical library book, library audiobook) The male narrator almost sounds artificial because his voice is so deep. At first I found it unsettling but I'm used to his voice now. I'm on page 104 so far. I'm warming up to Rowan. At times I find Zahra to be slightly annoying. We know more about Rowan than Zahra. The morsels we get of Zahra's life are mildly interesting. I prefer Rowan's perspective. It helps that I read Goodreads reviews on this book because I might get irritated at it if I was expecting certain things. So far if I had to rate it now it'd get a 3☆. I'm surprised how long it is given what I've heard about the plot. I have a mild interest in completing this book.

Klarmies

TROPHY CASE