A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Prompt: Your Favourite Prompt From the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges

"This book has the most amazing characters I have ever read. Monty is my new favourite. The writing is fascinating." — Vikki

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Prompt: Favourite Prompt From Past Years Challenge (2017, A Book With a Character's Name)

"Diverse cast of characters, well-written, hooked me in, and I couldn't put it down. Evelyn Hugo is a prime example of a strong woman in a time that didn't allow for one." — Naina

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Prompt: True Crime

"This is a book I normally wouldn't have picked up, which is one thing I love about this reading challenge. It not only talked about the crime (it's about H.H. Holmes), but gave details about the building of the Chicago World's Fair, which I found fascinating." — Patricia

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

Prompt: Written by a Local Author

"Set right before/at the start of WWII, I loved the history it told about the Seattle area and how it intertwined with what was happening in Germany at the same time. Also, I loved learning more about the sport of rowing." — Carla

"The bond between the boys in the boat and their long journey to the 1936 Olympics was so intriguing and heart-warming. I never would've expected to be riveted by a book about rowing, but this book showed me that sometimes the unexpected is exactly what I need. I'm looking forward to seeing the film version in a few years!" — Miranda

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Prompt: A Book That Involves a Bookstore or Library

"This book hooked me in from the very start and I couldn't stop reading it. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about when I next could. The writing absolutely captivated me, and I completely submerged myself in the dysfunctional world of the Angelfield family and their damaged tangle of relationships." — Sarah

Unter Fremden by Jutta Profijt

Prompt: A Book About a Problem Facing Society Today

"This mystery about refugees in Germany helped so much to better understand what these people are really dealing with, and what kind of trauma many of them survived in her home country and on their way out of war. The main character, a physically disabled young women, had to make this journey by herself, and only the help of a young man (acting against everything their culture teaches) made it possible she reached their destination at all. After this young man disappeared and it appeared like nobody cares Madiha started to search for him — in a foreign country without support." — Agnieszka

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

Prompt: LGBTQ+ Protagonist

"So many reasons! The story follows an incredibly diverse yet inclusive created family on board a spaceship. Each one of the characters has a distinct voice and backstory, no one is filler and they all weave together perfectly." — Sarah

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Prompt: Novel Based on a Real Person

"It's a YA that doesn't read like a YA! The author has created a 'leading lady' who is strong yet feminine within a plot that is complex and captivating. (I am continuing my way through the series because I like this book so much!)" — Maryjo

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Prompt: A Book With a LGBTQ+ Protagonist

"I felt every emotion deeply, the characters were beautifully written, and the story line was messy, gut wrenching . . . there wasn't a pretty bow and it was perfection. While I was reading I wanted to highlight, every few pages, the beautifully written phrases and thoughts but I didn't want to interrupt the flow of my reading. There were just too many." — Heather

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Prompt: A Book With the Time of Day in the Title

"Family and social tension set during the dark and dangerous Cold War, right as the Berlin Wall is built, dividing the city, and the protagonist's family is split by the wall overnight, with part in the West and part in the East. Each chapter is tense — neighbours spy on neighbours, dissenters disappear in trucks, apartments are bugged. Her family must find the courage to survive and somehow make it to the West . . . but with the Wall in the way, will they ever be reunited?" — Chrissi

The Ballad of the Whiskey Robber by Julian Rubinstein

Prompt: A Book Involving a Heist

"I loved this because it's told with such humour and was almost too crazy to be believable, but it's a true story. I had to google Attila Ambrus after reading the story and was pleasantly surprised at what a handsome man he is. It was also interesting to see what he was doing with his life today as a reformed bank robber." — Tami

Peter Darling by Austin Chant

Prompt: LGBTQ+ Character

"I thought it was a beautiful, inventive take on a classic story, and I like when stories about marginalized people are about more than just trauma and struggles. I feel like I need to read it again!" — Chrissy

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

Prompt: LGBTQ+ Character

"I can't quite express my thoughts about this book, only that it was perfectly formed. Every sentence was so carefully crafted it was like the author just chose every single word perfectly to propel the story and provoke introspection. And the story, It was so wrought with emotions, worries, and consequences, and brilliantly painted how the actions of the different characters affected and formed the other characters in the story." — Jess

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

Prompt: Book With Two Authors; Book Given as a Gift; Book With LGBTQ+ Protagonist

"It read like fan fiction, which is the best thing ever to me. The characters were real, it was modern, and connecting to the story was like second nature. It also gave me all the feels — I cried both happy and sad tears!" — Carmen

"I cannot put into words how much I loved this book. The characters are brilliant and so is the story. Autoboyography is an emotional rollercoaster, but I enjoyed the book." — Ruby

"The authors just drew me in and had me rooting for these boys who fall for each other in a Mormon community — one of them the son of a bishop. The struggle between wanting to follow your heart and by doing so going against everything you were taught to believe (that being gay is a sin) was beautifully, heart-wrenchingly portrayed." — Elisabeth

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Prompt: A Book That Was Being Read By a Stranger in a Public Place

"It was just so unexpected. I've read a couple of Jodi Picoult's novels and found them a bit sappy for me, but in Small Great Things, I absolutely loved the relationship that developed between the two women and how that was what really drove the plot." — Kym

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge

Prompt: Book About or Set on Halloween [7]

"The language choices that the author picked. Second person present tense, tends not to be a writing style I enjoy at all, but that is exactly what made this book work so well. The choice of tense and almost conversational tone to the book is what made it down right creepy, and brought the story to life." — Kristina

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Prompt: Heist

"Amazing book! I didn't think I'd really like it. I was so wrong. The fact that the author was able to show multiple points of view and maintain an easy to follow story line and give real development to all the characters really says something. Absolutely my favourite book from the challenge, and very close to my favourite of all time." — Tina

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Prompt: A Book Recommended By Someone Else Taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge

"This is a beautifully written story of grief and love and how life intervenes in unexpected ways. It will make you laugh and cry. One of my favourite books ever." — Sue

"The character of Ove touched my heart. It reminded me of the pain my grandfather felt when my grandmother passed away. The way the community unknowingly saves him from his despair and brings joy back into his life was simply touching." — Diane

"This story is incredibly heartwarming and I loved the main character. And the ending is just perfect." — Lauren

The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente

Prompt: A Book About Feminism

"Catherynne Valente is one of my favourite writers, and I adore her beautiful yet clever and subversive writing style. And in this book she gives us a scathing look at the "Women In Refrigerators" syndrome so common in fiction, especially superhero comics — the tendency for female characters to be murdered, raped, crippled, depowered, or otherwise traumatized in order to further the male characters' stories." — Kenya

The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne

Prompt: LGBTQ+ Protagonist

"I loved getting to know Cyril incredibly well throughout the years (the perfect slice-of-life book). I was particularly intrigued with the portrayal of gay people in notoriously homophobic Ireland and how they eventually evolved." — Tiffany

Bear Town by Fredrik Backman

Prompt: A Book About or Involving a Sport

"I found it deep, surprising, emotional, and hope no review will waste this feeling for other readers by telling the twist." — Stefanie Freigericht

"This was a beautifully written story about a hockey team, but so much more. It tackles a really tough issue in a way that's horrifying, but also unfortunately, all too realistic." — Jean

"I didn't know what to expect when I picked this up, but I was completely engrossed in the story to the point where I spent an extra hour on the treadmill just to finish it. The story is heartbreaking, yet hopeful, completely relevant to today's society, plus I loved the multiple viewpoints. It was just tremendous, and I've been recommending it to everyone." — Mo

A Pleasure and a Calling by Phil Hogan

Prompt: Villain/Antihero

"This book had a little bit of everything. Humour, creepy parts, crazy people, vigilante justice, love, betrayal." — Tonya

The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero

Prompt: A Book About Death or Grief

"This was a good call on my part — instead of choosing something realistic that would depress me, I went for a ghost story. It turned out to be a ghost story / mystery / adventure with creepy dreams, found "footage," Lovecraft references, a loyal dog, and plenty of snarky comedy. Perfect." — Christine

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Prompt: Not Supplied

"This book is perfection! Sad, funny, tragic, and heartbreaking. Two paths converge in a unforgettable journey." — Lisa

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Prompt: Different Planet

"It's a completely crazy future idea where humans are headed, but rooted in the course we are currently taking as a species. It's super well written and just inspiring." — Patricia

The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Prompt: A Book About Death or Grief

"A gripping narrative of mankind's fight against cancer. It spans from the earliest documented instances of cancer in humans to how scientists and doctors have tried to understand its nature, causes, and potential cure. This book helps one understand this "not so modern" killer in a much better manner." — Sonali

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Prompt: A Problem Facing Society Today

"I thought it was really well written and Malala has such an amazing voice for someone so young who has survived through so much. I also like to find out about other countries and cultures, and this was a good insight into life in Pakistan." — Kat

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Prompt: A Book From a Celebrity Book Club

"It was pretty different from what I expected, but a very powerful story with memorable characters. It is one of the books from this challenge that has really stuck with me, even though I read it much earlier in the year." — Rachel

White Oleander by Janet Fitch

Prompt: A Book About Mental Illness

"The language was really beautiful, but this book spoke to me on a few different levels. I also had a parent in jail when I was a child (though I didn't have to go through the foster system), and the way narcissism in the mother was portrayed was chillingly realistic. Astrid felt so real, and fragile yet tough as she grew up." — Denise

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Prompt: A Past Goodreads Choice Awards Winner

"I like the intersection of the parents — primarily the mothers' stories with that of the children." — Kim

"I fell in love with Ng's character development and in-depth analyses of the characters' pasts. They were fleshed out so that everyone had both contemptuous and admirable traits about them. It's not a fast-paced novel, but the story line is well thought out and I couldn't put it down." — Amanda

Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch

Prompt: A Book Recommended by Someone Else Taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge

"I love urban fantasy, but it's not often you come across a biracial main character, so that was a win. It was different and creative and I just loved the characters." — Cornerofmadness

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Prompt: A Past Goodreads Choice Awards Winner

"The story has you running the entire spectrum of emotions. It is a great story, well told, and even better when I found out it was based on something that was actually happening. Even though the story and the children in it are fictional, much of it is based on real people." — Heidi

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

Prompt: A Book With an Animal in the Title

"It gave me a greater insight on my favourite animal, the elephant. You grow to fall further in love with this majestic animal as the author transports you through his journey (and theirs) while living on an African reserve." — txncupcake

Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Prompt: Book Involving a Bookstore or Library

"This book was pure magic. I loved how the history of literature brought the older and younger generations together for one common goal." — Lo

I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid

Prompt: A Book About Death or Grief

"I expected a twist, but I did not expect the twists that actually happened. I could not put it down. I love a good thriller." — Marianne

Exiled to Freedom by S.G.D. Singh

Prompt: A Book Set in a Country That Fascinates You

"Since I am fascinated by all countries, I didn't have to look too far for a book. But this book really thrilled me. Lyrical writing, history of the partition of India and Pakistan (which I didn't know about) . . . It was emotional, and just beautiful writing." — Ruth

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Prompt: A Book That Was Being Read by a Stranger in a Public Place

"This book was a breath of fresh air. I learned so much and can't wait to put some of these lessons into use. Not only that, this is the type of book you know you'll reread several times over the course of your life." — Saadia

Because You Love Tt Hate Me, Edited by Ameriie

Prompt: A Book About a Villain or Antihero

"Often when I read short story anthologies, there are multiple ones I don't like. This book revitalized my interest in short stories: I liked almost all the stories in this collection, and some I especially loved and thought they were very interesting retellings or takes on original villains or antiheroes ("The Sea Witch" being my favourite). I don't know anything about the Booktubers, but some of their commentaries were fun on their own as well." — Rachel

The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White

Prompt: A Book by an Author With the Same First or Last Name as You

"I really enjoyed this book. It touched and moved me, it made me laugh, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Some books combine all of those elements, like this one did, but few of them hit all of these notes with perfect pitch and harmonizing, quite like this book did. Karen White has the southern setting trademark down, there is just something about a story told with a modern day southern flair that pronounces everything, from the food, (cookies in this case), to the scenery, to the dialogue. Karen White has that flair down to a science and this novel is no exception, in fact, it's exceptional." — Karen

The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas

Prompt: Twins

"Compelling storylines in three different time periods kept me reading long into the night while beautiful writing gave much to savor. And certain assumptions that suddenly were turned on their head at the end have left me thinking more deeply about this novel than I first expected. I did not want it to end." — Theresa

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Prompt: Favourite Prompt From Previous Challenge

"I love a good dystopian novel, but I really loved this one for the more hopeful tone it had at times. I loved the characters and the world that was created by the author." — Teri

"This book was very different than I expected, and so beautiful! It's much more than a dystopian novel; I loved the way the characters were interconnected and touched one anothers' lives even when they didn't know it." — Abbie

The Siren by Kiera Cass

Prompt: A Book Set at Sea

"I was already excited to read this book after reading The Selection series earlier this year, but it exceeded my expectations and hopes! This book is possibly the most emotionally powerful one that I have read ever, let alone this year. It took me from grinning ear to ear to grabbing the box of Kleenex and back again (which is not typical of me as a reader)! One of the best love stories I have ever read but with so much else to appreciate along the way!" — Stacey

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Prompt: Not Supplied

"I loved this book for several reasons. One of the characters was named Markham Reynolds. My name is Rosemary Reynolds Markham. Kind of fun even if you don't really like him at the end. I liked that it talked about a book club during the German occupation of Guernsey. I learned I lot I didn't know about Guernsey during this time." — Rosemary

His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik

Prompt: A Book Set at Sea

"I can sum it up in one word: DRAGONS! This had action, adventure, the aforementioned dragons and tears. I loved discovering a new (to me) author and can't wait to read more." — Kathi

A Mother's Reckoning by Sue Klebold

Prompt: True Crime / Mental Health

"I really enjoyed this book because it gave a look at the tragedy from a different perspective which often gets forgotten about or villainized." — Julie

Scream For Jeeves by P.H. Cannon

Prompt: A Book You Borrowed of Given to You as a Gift

"This was a parody book of short stories that put P.G. Wodehouse's Wooster and Jeeves into H.P. Lovecraft stories. The author nailed the tone of both authors and somehow created a perfect parody of both." — Paula

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Prompt: A Cyberpunk Book

"I was actually not looking forward to this category as I didn't know the genre, but thought it would be close to sci-fi, which is not really my thing. I ended up absolutely loving this book all the way through. The whole cyberworld vs. the real world and ALL the '80s reference and the gaming was awesome. Add great humour and sarcasm, and it was a five-star read for me. I couldn't put the book down and I actually added another cyberpunk book to my reading challenge afterwards." — Anabel

I Still Dream by James Smythe

Prompt: A Book With Song Lyrics in the Title

"Emotional, thought-provoking, and a book I could connect with at every level, I loved it. It's a story for my generation, growing up at the same time technology does, and so much about Laura resonated with me. It explores themes of memory and artificial intelligence, and feels incredibly relevant to the modern day." — Ellie

Native Son by Richard Wright

Prompt: Author of a Different Ethnicity Than Mine

"Wright's style is enthralling, and this novel about the lives of marginalized blacks was Earth-shattering." — Mercedes

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Prompt: Book With a Time of Day in the Title; Book With Twins

"I usually hate circuses, but I loved this one. The atmosphere created in this book is just phenomenal. It could have not worked at all and the all the 'description' of how people and things look, feel, smell, etc. could have been boring, but it was amazing." — Reenah

"It was the first book for the challenge that I had to go searching for, as I had a lot of books in my read list which I could fit into other categories already. I was inspired by this forum to pick this particular book and it was responsible for really rekindling my love of reading." — Donna

Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas

Prompt: Stranger Reading in a Public Place

"I hated this prompt because everything I was seeing was angsty romance (yuck). When this came up I was thrilled. The character development was beautifully done and the story was engrossing." — Anne

A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin

Prompt: Book With a Weather Element in the Title.

"I ended up reading the whole Song of Ice and Fire series and counting four of them for the challenge. Originally I read Game of Thrones because I couldn't come up with a better choice for the twins prompt. But I was totally captivated by the series and this book was the best one." — Anna

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Prompt: A Book About a Heist

"I love all the characters because they are all very fierce and strong and fighters. I also liked how the (amazing) backstories were intertwined with the story, and after each backstory the new information influenced the story a bit." — Anne

"I loved this book so much. The characters are well drawn with interesting back stories that are slowly revealed, deepening and enriching the story as you go along. I had to immediately go out and get the second book after I finished this one!" — T

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Prompt: A Book With an Animal in the Title

"I am fascinated by both Russia and books set in very cold places. I speak Russian, so understanding some of the foreign words was fun. The book was very well written and made me look forward to the rest of the series." — Milena

The Lost Plot by Genevieve Cogman

Prompt: Book With a Protagonist With Your Occupation

"This series seriously gets better with each book, and I was immediately swept away once I picked it up. Dragons, magic, mystery, badass librarians — what more could I want in a book?" — Sionna

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Prompt: A Past Goodreads Choice Award Winner (2016)

"I never thought I'd fall for a fantasy series like I have for this one. The characters burrow into your soul, and the beautiful descriptions of the courts (based on the four seasons as well as dawn, day, and night) are breathtaking. It's a rare thing in a series when book two outshines book one, but this one does!" — Sara

Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong

Prompt: Set in a Country That Fascinates You

"This book has such a sense of place. I visited Hanoi about six years ago and the descriptions in this book recalled the sights and sounds of that visit really vividly. Her writing is really beautiful as well. But I think the best aspect for me was that the book introduced me to a part of history I hadn't been aware of — the Vietnamese workers who went to Russia to work in factories in the post-war years. And in general, it was interesting to read a book that was set in the aftermath of the war, rather than only covering what happened during it. I'm so glad I discovered this gem." — Chinook

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

Prompt: Book With an Ugly Cover

"It had an amazing sense of place, it was emotional without being manipulative, it had characters who weren't perfect but who I felt I could root for, and it was just so beautifully written. And I love that I had been resisting reading it for years because the cover is so boring, and it perfectly proved why we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover. (Though you know I still do.)" — Tara

A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor

Prompt: A Book About Time Travel / Next Book in a Series

"This is the second book in the Chronicles of St. Mary's series. It is so much fun. There is sex and swearing, so be aware, but I laugh a lot when I read these books." — Kelly

Queenpin by Megan Abbott

Prompt: A Book By an Author With the Same First or Last Name as You

"This tautly written novel pays homage to classic noirs, but turns the normally male-dominated genre on its head. It feels simultaneously like a classic noir written in a bygone era and a thoroughly modern and fresh female-driven story. I read it in a single day and loved every minute of it!" — Megan

Life's That Way by Jim Beaver

Prompt: A Book About Death or Grief

"As a fan of Jim Beaver's acting, I wanted to read his memoir about his true love. I fell in love with him as an author and human being. I cannot count the times I cried during this read, but it has been the best of the 47 I have read so far this year! HIGHLY recommend. Just be ready to ugly cry a few times!" — Emily

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

Prompt: Stranger Reading in a Public Place

"Honestly going in this was my least favourite prompt, but it has given me my favourite book of the year thus far. This book was great because it made talking about mental illness and depression okay and relatable without dragging you down into your own state of sadness. Jenny Lawson is hilarious and let's the reader know her experiences are going to be different from their own because we're all different people." — Brittany

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

Prompt: A Book About Death or Grief

"Lincoln in the Bardo is the most complex and nuanced portrayal of griefs I've read in many years. Saunders invites readers into the interior life of one of the country's most famous presidents in a unique and breathtaking way." — Jo

The Martian by Andy Weir

Prompt: A Book Made Into a Movie I've Already Seen

"I loved the film and the book equally. Usually I prefer to read the book before seeing the film, but having seen the film did not spoil my reading (although of course I couldn't avoid picturing Matt Damon [8] as the main protagonist). The book has loads of scientific detail in it, which as a science teacher I found fascinating. Easy to forget that humans haven't been to Mars yet and this is not a memoir!" — Rachel

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

Prompt: A Book Tied to Your Ancestry

"The writing is excellent, and McCourt weaves the story so expertly. It is damn near perfect." — Kelly

Artemis by Andy Weir

Prompt: Book About a Heist

"I've had several five-star reads during this challenge, so it was hard to pick one, but this is the one that I think will be most memorable for me. Everything was spot on — the science and nerdiness, the humour, the characters . . . just everything." — Raquel

Super Powereds: Year 1 by Drew Hayes

Prompt: Next Book in a Series

"Drew Hayes is a master of universe and character development. You feel like you know them personally and the man can tell am amazing story." — Leslie

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy

Prompt: LGBTQ+ Protagonist

"I love it because of the beautiful way the author has described political happenings in India in the background of a warm and heartening story about the hope which drives the Indian people. But most importantly, she gives voice to trans people who are a marginalized and often overlooked section of the society." — Madhura

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Prompt: Past Goodreads Award Winner

"I liked it because it kept you guessing, you really got invested in the main character, and it was pretty exciting." — Katy

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Prompt: A Book About a Heist

"I really loved this book because I listened to it and it was a full-cast performance. The story was rich and exciting, and I loved how everything progressed. It's my favourite books by this author." — Jai<

Circe by Madeline Miller

Prompt: A Book About Surviving a Hardship

"I loved everything about this book — the strong female lead, the different perspective on a story I thought I already knew, the poetical quality of the prose, the intimacy of the first person narrative, the complexity of the characters, and Circe's growth and resilience in the face of hardship." — Cheri

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Prompt: Set on Another Planet

"I really like the way it depicts humanity and society in a grim way, and at the same time is full of hope and puts emphasis on the strength/importance of love and friendship in all its forms. I also appreciate the way language has evolved in the New World. I also really like the world building." — Johanne

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

Prompt: A Book Involving a Heist

"Well-built characters, great plot twists, amazing dialogue. All characters have depth, various facets, and they make you question your own morals. Totally got me hooked! If it weren't for the challenge and the need to diversify my books, the whole series (what appeared anyway) would have been done by now." — Mada

A False Report: A True Story of Rape in America by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong

Prompt: True Crime

"'Loved' isn't the word. I was gripped by this book. I was going to cheat and skip this category. I NEVER read True Crime books. But I read a review and have been dealing with leftover trauma from my own experience forty years ago. I recommend this book highly. It's upsetting, infuriating, and utterly fascinating, in an, 'Are you kidding me?' kind of way. Now I find out that my son, who is a Netflix editor, will be editing a documentary called False Confessions about people who are coerced into recanting their crime-victim stories by police." — Jane

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Prompt: A Book With Alliteration in the Title

"The book was so well-written and suspenseful that it was tough to put it down. It took unexpected turns while remaining true to the flow of the story, revealing just enough to make the reader think, 'Hmmm, well, there goes that theory.' Really just excellent." — Kathi

Things I've Learned From Dying by David R. Dow

Prompt: A Book About Death or Grief

"I picked it up randomly from the library and thought the premise was interesting. I didn't expect it to grab hold of me so quickly, to find the emotion within it that I did, or to have it completely change my opinion on the death penalty. I loved how unexpectedly it affected me." — Becky

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Prompt: A Book About Death or Grief

"I was dreading this prompt because I don't like to read sad books, but this one didn't feel sad. I like how the author gave the background of what happened before the main character's friend died. I gave it five stars and would recommend it to a middle grade child who has lost a friend." — Nichelle

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Prompt: A Book With a Weather Element in the Title

"I actually didn't expect to really like this book based on the synopsis, but I had read several other books by See that I've liked so I knew I should give it a proper chance, and boy am I glad I did! Not only is this book an immersive experience into 19th century China, but it's also a wonderful reminder that multiple perspectives on the same scenario can vary so wildly! It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time." — Stacey

Truevine by Beth Macy

Prompt: A Book by a Local Author

"The true story of two albino African-American brothers, George and Willie Muse, who were displayed as circus freaks and held in virtual slavery in the 1920s. Much of the book takes place near my hometown, and I learned that there were huge KKK rallies at the time, something they never told us in school. When I got to the end of the book and the death of Willie at the age of over 100, I almost cried." — Kelly

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

Prompt: A Book Set in the Decade in Which You Were Born

"I loved this book! Reasons: set in Australia, it's a story of war (WWII) and the aftermath. There is a very strong and interesting woman lead character, and an equally strong and interesting man, with a wonderful love story that could only happen in war. Did I mention Australia? And the Outback no less! Shute's writing flows with ease and I was captured from the first moment. It was also the first book of his that I have read, so I have many more to look forward to!" — Mary

The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King

Prompt: A Book Published the Year You Were Born

"I thought I was going to have a hard time finding a book that interested me that was published in 1987, so I was happy to see this listed. It's one of the few King novels I hadn't read yet, and his only true "fantasy" book. It was fantastic and I would recommend it!" — Ellie

Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor

Prompt: A Book About Time Travel

"I like time travel to begin with, but the challenge was finding one I hadn't already read that sounded good. This was was great — good story, good humour, lots of fun to read. And as a bonus, it gave me a book to read for the prompt 'The Next Book in a Series,' which was A Symphony of Echoes." — Pauline

Jaws by Peter Benchley

Prompt: A Book Made Into a Movie You've Already Seen

"I had no idea I was going to like Jaws so much. I like the movie but I expected the book to have some boring parts. It had everything I want in a book: action, adventure, thrill, and believe it or not, love. I didn't expect to get so much depth into Chief Brody's marriage. I am definitely going to check out other works by Peter Benchley." — Maggie

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Prompt: Your Favourite Prompt From the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges; A Problem Facing Society Today; Past Goodreads Winner

"Have you ever read a book that hits you so hard that you immediately start over again at page one when you finish? That was this book for me. Stories like this are exactly what we need in the world, and why representation in reading matters." — Laura

"What I most enjoyed about the book was that if offered me a window into a world of everyday reality for millions of people, and it encouraged me to think about issues from different perspectives, and realise the media's role in shaping news to fit predetermined narratives. This one will stick with me for a long time." — Joel

"I loved this book. The protagonist had an original and believable voice, and the story was compelling." — Teri

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Prompt: A Book With a Time of Day in the Title

"I like the timeframe of the story, the setting, the contrasts of the main characters situations, and I like the magical realism that was woven throughout the book." — Charisa

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

Prompt: A Book You Meant to Read in 2017 but Didn't Get To

"Because it gave me a profoundly moving insight and appreciation (albeit fictional) into the life of a transgender child and their family. My first five-star read of 2018, loved it and recommended to many people since." — Rachel

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Prompt: A Book Set in the Decade You Were Born

"I have never felt such grief from a book ending. I fell in love with the characters. The story was told so that you felt like you were right there in Alaska with everyone. It just pulled you right in!" — Adelle

Feminism Is For Everybody by Bell Hooks

Prompt: A Book About Feminism.

"Bell Hooks accomplished the target, which is to create a basic goal — an uncomplicated and everyday explanation for everybody: men and women alike. It clarifies the stereotypical ideas that people receive from secondhand sources. Hooks gives a concise account of intersectional politics, feminist parenting, and feminist masculinity that were new, even for a literary reader like me." — Anshita

Moxyland by Lauren Beukes

Prompt: Cyberpunk

"I read a lot of women authors and I've read quite a bit of cyberpunk, but I'd never read cyberpunk written by a woman, so that made this stand out right from the start. But if you've ever read anything by Beukes, you know that her books tend to be just a little bit edgy and different and not quite like anything you've ever read before; this book was no exception. Beukes was a journalist, and this was (I think?) her first novel, and it really reads like something that could almost have been real in the news, except of course it's set in the future so it's obviously not real . . . yet." — Nadine

The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar

Prompt: A Book About Grief or Death

"This book had two storylines set 500 years apart. The writing, descriptions, and characters kept me turning pages long past my bedtime. When a book makes you feel actual anxiety for the fate of the characters, it's good writing." — Beth

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Prompt: A Book About Time Travel.

"Even though I have been watching the series, I had no desire to read the books. I was also a little intimidated about the size of the books. Having a mental picture from the show gave me visuals that intensified my reading experience. I laughed, I cried, and I cringed with the Captain Randall graphics. I can't wait to read the rest of the series." — Alicia

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Prompt: A Book by an Author of a Different Ethnicity Than Myself

"I knew nothing about the Japanese/Korean issues that were portrayed in this book. What a huge sadness that these people of mixed races had no home and the horrible struggles to just survive. Left me wanting to read more about this issue." — Linda

"It took me to another place and another time and taught me about a period of history that I did not know much about. Min Jin Lee is a beautiful writer." — Rochelle

" I learned about a time in history, and a culture, which I didn't really know much about. It follows one Korean family over several generations in time, with the last generations being born and growing up in Japan. I really enjoyed the different perspectives. It was a great read." — Yvette

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Prompt: A Book About Time Travel

"I don't really like sci/fi, so this is was a great surprise. What a wonderful book. Even though it is from the '70s, the issues are still so current. Reading this is what's great about the challenge, I never would have found this book and read it on my own." — Kathy

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Prompt: A Book With Your Favourite Colour in the Title

"I really enjoyed reading a story from a country and culture other than my own. Adichie writes with beautifully rich detail, and creates such complex characters, that it would be hard not to fall in love with her work." — Sisa

Red Clocks by Leni Zumas

Prompt: A Book With Your Favourite Colour in the Title / A Book About Feminism

"This book was totally different from the books I normally read. I found the authors use of chapter names to be a bit disjointed. I had to remember which woman was being referred to by a secondary name. Story takes place in a future America where abortion is illegal, so it could possibly be considered to be prescient." — Harry

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

Prompt: A Book by a Local Author

"I liked it because it had a lot of interesting content and at times it was emotionally involved, but the overall experience of reading it was so light and pleasant. It reminded me of books I've loved and it expanded my TBR list, which was long enough to begin with but, hey. I also really enjoyed the premise of the book and the writing style was perfect for the way the book was formatted. It was a really enjoyable experience and it just made me so thankful for the library and books and fellow book-lovers." — Erin

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Prompt: A Book With Twins

"I don't normally read romance novels but this was moving and hilarious! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it did put me out of my comfort zone as far as my reading habits go." — Lorna

The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng

Prompt: A Book by an Author of a Different Ethnicity Than Myself

"Every so often you read a book which is so well written that you find yourself utterly drawn into it. For me, this is one of those books. Beautifully written, evocative and poignant, covering difficult topics (memory loss, Japan in WWII) without being sensational about it. Definitely a five-star read." — Trish

The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko

Prompt: A Microhistory

"This book combined poetic imagery of the Colourado River, with dual invigorating narratives of a team of boat guides speed run down the river during flood stage and the engineers efforts to save the Hoover Dam from failure. I love the history that helps you understand the tension between engineers who feel the dam represents all that is great about American innovation and skill, and the river guides who feel the dam represents all that is wrong with America's built environment encroaching on the natural, untamed beauty of our raw resources." — Karen

The Power by Naomi Alderman

Prompt: A Book From a Celebrity Book Club

"Strong women, fascinating plot. Had me absolutely riveted — read in one sitting." — Maddy

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Prompt: A Book Based on a Movie You've Already Seen

"I found it oddly enjoyable to discover a book after seeing the movie, since I usually read the book first. I loved seeing the different choices the author made, what was left out, what was never there in the first place. (I did the same thing with Ready Player One.) I loved this particular book, not because I was a die-hard fan of the movie. In fact, reading the book is what *turned me* into a super-fan." — Daniele

The Reader on the 6.27 by Jean-Paul Didierlaurent

Prompt: A Book With a Time of Day in the Title

"The prompt was specific but tricky to find. The book was quirky, interesting and different and the characters were well thought out." — Piajensen13

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

Prompt: A Book With an LGBTQ+ Protagonist

"Although this book was YA, it focussed not on a 16-year-old girl experiencing love and life for the first time, but rather older teens entering university, confused and afraid of where the future may take them, which is an time in life that I resonate with but rarely see in literature. I also found it refreshing to read about a boy and girl forming a strong friendship without making it romantic, thought they were both capable of making it so. I felt like I was living in it and I will definitely be doing a reread in the future." — Sydney

Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American Landscape by Lauret Savoy

Prompt: A Book by an Author of a Different Ethnicity Than Myself

"I read to learn about new things, and this book contained many: a family trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon along a nearly-impassable road; a forgotten book (Alien Land [9] by Willard Savoy [10]) found serendipitously in a library; Paul Sluby, first certified black genealogist, and the Woodlawn Cemetery in Washington, DC. Most wonderfully, the epilogue described the author's thrill of finding a fossil specimen that turned out to be a new genus and species." — Margaret

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

Prompt: A Book by an Author of a Different Ethnicity Than Myself

"Geek heaven!!! I geeked over all the references plus I learned so much of Dominican history that I never was aware of. Finding an online guide for some of the Spanish slang helped too." — Danielle