2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge - Update #3 & Mini Reviews

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Today, I'm sharing my third progress update and set of mini reviews for the books I've completed since my last update for the 2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge.  I've completed 9 books since then, for a total of 24 of 50 books complete.  That means I'm almost half way through - congrats to me!  Without further ado, here we go in the order I read them in:

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I really wanted to love The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders since the concept behind it sounds like it has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into it or the characters. I haven't had the best luck with this author so far. I want to love Anders work, but it just hasn't worked out yet.

My review is also on Goodreads.

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The Readaholics and the Falcoln Fiasco (Book Club Mystery #1) by Laura DiSilverio is a fun little cozy mystery. I enjoyed just how bookish this story is and that cute little kitty cat. Cozy mysteries aren't really my style, but my favorite aspect was just how much this revolves around The Maltese Falcon. I may continue this series as it focuses on Murder on the Orient Express.

My review is also on Goodreads.

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I'm so glad I've finally had the opportunity to read The Red Scrolls of Magic (The Eldest Curses #1) by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu, the new Shadohunters series opener.  Magnus and Alec are a couple of my favorite characters of this universe so it's nice to see them get their own spin-off.  It's a bit different, but it still works for me.  I'm going to have to read more of Wesley Chu's work in the future.  I'm really looking forward to where The Eldest Curses goes in the upcoming installments.

My review is also on Goodreads

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Resistance Reborn (Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) by Rebecca Roanhorse is honestly unnecessary, but luckily Rebecca Roanhorse's skills really help it stand out.  I absolutely love The Sixth World series and I'll probably read everything she decides to write, even if it is another Star Wars book.  Since I've seen all of the new sequel trilogy films, I can officially say that Poe Dameron is my favorite character from that series (with Finn being a close second).  Luckily, Roanhorse's absolutely nails his character.

My review is also on Goodreads.

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The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson sounded so cool with a brilliant premise.  It was good, but unfortunately it didn't quite live up to my expectations.  Plus, it takes a little to long to get where it's going.  I think I was just expecting more from a book described as being like Stand By Me meets Stranger Things.

My review is also on Goodreads.

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I can officially say that Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom by Eric Lindstrom is my first YA contemporary novel where the leading character is blind. I didn't really know what to expect, but it is an excellent debut. I going to have to check out the author's other YA novel A Tragic Kind of Wonderful soon.  This novel deserves all the attention it can get.

My review is also on Goodreads.

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As a fan of classic horror, The Lady From the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Millicent Patrick by Mallory O'Meara was marvelous.  I learned so much from this detailed biography and it's an incredibly accessible read as well.  If you're interested in Hollywood history, women's history, or are a fan of the horror host Svengoolie, I can't recommend picking this up enough.  Everyone needs to meet Milicent Patrick.  By the way, I listened to the audiobook and the author narrated her own work which really added to it.  I can't wait to read more of her work in the future.  This was exactly what I needed and I would love more nonfiction along these lines in the future.

My review is also on Goodreads.

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I can now officially say that I'm so glad that The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger was not part of my high school's required reading.  I'm pretty sure I would have completely died inside at the prospect of facing this for weeks on end.  Yes, I put myself through it for the 2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge, but at least I got to experience that insufferable jerk Holden Caulfield, who is the biggest phony he knows, on my own terms.  At least I can say that I've crossed a long overdue "classic" off my list.

My review is also on Goodreads.

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I've been told over and over that I need to read The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, and I'm glad I finally took the plunge to read it for the 2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge (to fulfill the task of reading a banned book - earlier than Banned Books Week but oh well).  This memoir is an absolute must read for everyone.  It's not exactly an easy read as we learn more and more about what Jeannette's life was like growing up with her parents and siblings.  In fact sometimes it's quite brutal, especially as we begin to learn more about the demons her parents faced and what they put their children through.  I'm glad that Jeanette and her siblings were (mostly) able to get out and make something of themselves.  Jeannette's resilience and strength of character are incredibly admirable.  If you enjoyed Educated by Tara Westover, then I highly recommend this as well.  I will have to read the 2017 film adaptation starring Brie Larson soon.


Are you taking part in this reading challenge?  Have you read any of these books?  As always, thank for visiting my blog and perhaps even commenting down below!