The Racing to Read Book Tag

This tag was created by Ariel Bissett and Raeleen Lemay who also founded the Reading Rush. The intent for this tag was to have some fun and highlight some good books. So, let's do that.

Warm Up: A book that stretches your mind?

Oh my goodness. I recently finished The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James and it was spectacular. It is a high suspense story with a dash of thriller in the end. The story follows Romy Silvers as she travels to Earth II. On her time aboard her ship, The Infinity, she is emailing people on earth and on a new ship, The Eternity. This book made me think so much about space travel and living alone in space. After I finished reading it, I spent a solid thirty minutes thinking about the book and all the events that happened.

Start Line: What’s a book that you started but never finished?

This one is easy. It by Stephen King and can you blame me? The book is a whomping 1,200 pages of descriptions. I made it to the half way point last year and set it aside. Then this year, I picked it up again and made it a little farther but still failed to get past 700 pages. The pages of irrelevant descriptions got really annoying to read, especially when I just wanted to know what happened next.

Sprint: A book you read really quickly?

I didn't read this book super fast, but for the genre and the age group, I did read it pretty fast for me. This book is Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier. This book is a physically big book; despite the fact it is only 350 pages, it feels and looks very dense. Little Secrets is about a child kidnapping and how all these little secrets unraveled into one big twist. Though I didn't read it in a day, I am mentioning it here because it was amazing. I absolutely loved this book and would never have read it had it not been for the book being way overdue at my library.

Marathon: What’s your favorite long book?

The books in the Renegades series by Marissa Meyers are each over 500 pages, but I love the books so much. This series instantly made it to my favorites list and I am very happy we got our conclusion last year, because waiting a year between each book was agonizing. To sum up the books in four words I would say: secret identities, super powers.

Hurdles: What’s a book that had ups and downs?

Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman had many ups and downs as the characters battle for life during an extreme drought in their area. They are constantly dealing with numerous issues and situations that each put their lives at risks. It seemed like every step forward they would take, they would also take two steps backwards. This was also one of the first books I have ever read where I felt extreme dread the entire time I was reading it, since everything kept going down hill for the characters. This book puts you on the edge as you read what they have to do and sacrifice in order to survive.

Finish Line: A book you were proud to finish?

I was very proud to finish A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Susan Collins, the prequel to the Hunger Games series. This book I had preordered and waited for its arrival for months, despite the fact I am not the biggest Hunger Games fan. (Don't ask me why, I just didn't like not being part of the hype for this book.) When I got it, I started it almost immediately, knowing that if I didn't read it then, I never would. I was surprised by how much I was enjoying it when I started it. I flew through the first two parts. Then part three hit and if you have read it you know what's up. This part was absolutely so boring, slow and bland. The plot took a dramatic turn and there was nothing happening that I remotely cared about during this part. It took me roughly a week to read the last section because of how much I didn't really care. This book now sits on my bookshelf as a trophy for making it through the book.

I could also add any Karen Slaughter book to my answer because those books are bricks and also take awhile to get through.

Gold Medal: Best book you’ve read during a readathon?

I have never ever participated in any readathons so I don't really have an answer for this question.

Participation Ribbon: An underrated book you wish got more attention?

Since I read and review all age groups I am going to give you an underrated book for each group.

Middle Grade

Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm

This book follows Penny who lives with a very big family who each have their own situation and backstory. Through much of the book you follow Penny's life growing up in the 1950s with her big family. I loved this book both the first and second time I read it. I think it's a very special book since it is an interesting read for a middle grade kid, but it is also very fun for someone not in that age group since the references make more sense.

Young Adult

Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown

This story is part memoir and part magical realism, following Echo Brown growing up in white private school. The book really dives into the reality of being part of two worlds. One with her family and friends and one where she is less accepted for who she is as a person. This book also includes heavy topics such as drug abuse and sexual assault so just know that going into the book. Overall a very real, beautiful story.

Adult

A House at the Bottom of the Lake by Josh Malerman

Beware, this book is part of the horror genre and heavily focuses on water. If you have a strong fear of drowning or anything related to water, this is not the book for you.

This is a book about two teenagers who find a house at the bottom of a lake (go figure). In this house they find some unsettling secrets. This book is just over 100 pages so I don't want to give too much away. I will also say that the Goodreads rating is very low and this is because this is the type of book you either love or you don't. I really enjoyed it and I found the entire thing very unsettling.

Goodreads Links

The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James

It by Stephen King

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

Renegades series by Marissa Meyers

Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman

A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Susan Collins

Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm

Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown

A House at the Bottom of the Lake by Josh Malerman