The 52 Book Club’s 2024 Reading Challenge - January - Weeks 1-5

"The 52 Book Club is part of an annual challenge: to read 52 books in 52 weeks. Every year, the challenge is composed of (you guessed it!) 52 different categories. Find a book that fits the category, read it, and check it off the list!"

This is my first year in the challenge and the first post relating to my reading. I intend to post an update on this blog every month. I think I can manage that.

When I started this challenge I planned to answer the prompts in the order they appeared on the challenge site. I managed for the first two weeks but then, due to the availability of the titles I selected, I had to stray. Several of the books on my list are are ebooks on hold at local libraries so I have to read them when I gain access.

Week 1

Prompt 1) Locked-room mystery
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

I didn't know what a locked-room mystery was so I had to turn to the helpful posts on Goodreads that explained each of the prompts as well as giving some suggestions of appropriate titles. I found that the ebook version of this title was available for loan via Libby from a local library.

This is the story of a family reunion that went wrong ending in a murder.

I enjoyed this tale of a sad young woman and her interactions with her unique family. I had no clue as to whodunnit until the end of the book.

Week 2

Prompt 2) Bibliosmia: A smelly book

The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro

I initially thought I would read an old favourite, The Smelly Book by Babette Cole for this prompt but, as it's a picture book of only 32 pages, I thought it was a trifle short for the challenge. Off to Libby I went and searched for a book with the word "perfume" in the title. This book was available so I borrowed it. I really enjoyed this well-written book that wasn't overly descriptive and had elements of history, mystery and romance. As a bonus I learnt about the perfume industry in France.

Week 3

Prompt 8) Features the Ocean

Water by John Boyne

I saw this book as I was Christmas shopping and bought it for my daughter-in-law. 

She read it immediately and asked if I'd like to borrow it, of course I did. I enjoy

Boyne's writing and this tome did not disappoint. I hadn't set out to read this for the challenge but as it fitted a prompt I decided to add it. If it was mine I would have waited until week 8 but I wanted to return it ASAP.

 

A short read it was beautifully written and dealt with several issues related to women. The main protagonist moved to a lonely island off the coast where she lived under an assumed name. As she goes about her business in this new home her story unfolds.

Week 4

Prompt 3) More than 40 chapters

The Benevolent Society of ill-mannered ladies by Alison Goodman  

 
This is another title that I did not initially select for the challenge. I had this book on hold for some time when my turn came up. As I was reading along I realised that it had more than 40 chapters so I added it to my list. The author, Alison Goodman is an Australian with a serious interest in the Regency period.

Slightly unbelievable (but hey its fiction) it's the story of two middle aged spinsters of independent means who are part-time detectives. It ticked the boxes for me as it covered romance, history, mystery and women's issues. I will definitely seek out the next book in the series. 


Week 5

Prompt 44) Includes a wedding 
At the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker

Another treasure borrowed from Libby was this story set in Australia and Japan after the end of World War 2. The protagonists were a young Australian soldier and a Japanese girl. The cultural differences and racial discrimination  suffered by this pair were strong themes throughout the work. Until I read the notes at the end of the work I didn't realise that it was based on a true story.  as was the determination of the soldier. My knowledge of  Japan and Hiroshima was expanded through reading this book. 

I would recommend this as a pleasant read with a satisfying conclusion.