Extreme Book Challenge

 CHALLENGE CATEGORY #16 A BOOK ABOUT NATURE This year, Earth Day falls on April 22nd, and what better way to celebrate our planet than by exploring some titles about nature!  Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World   by Christian Cooper Don’t know much about birding? I didn’t either, but it’sdefinitely a hobby I’ve always found interesting! In Christian Cooper’s 2023 Memoir, Better Living Through Birding, he reflects on his lifetime journey towards self-acceptance while offering insights into the wonderful world of birds and what they can teach us about life. If you enjoyed this book, join us on Wednesday, April 17th at 6:30 PM for our L.I. Reads Book Discussion! Check out our diverse list of titles about nature here!

 CHALLENGE CATEGORY #15 A BOOK SET ON OR NEAR A BODY OF WATER As residents of our lovely Long Island, it’s hard to escape a body of water in person, but it isn’t always easy to find books on and about water! The Guest List  by Lucy Foley I took myself out of my comfort zone with Lucy Foley’s 2020 novel, The Guest List. This Agatha Christie-esque locked-room mystery is full of secrets, suspicion, and, of course, murder. An (un)likeable cast of characters embark on a journey to celebrate the love of a perfect couple at a perfect wedding - or so we’re told. The Guest List is a page-turner that will have you guessing about not only the murderer but the murder victim as well!  Not sure what to read for category #15?  Swim over to our list of books set on water!

 CHALLENGE CATEGORY #14 A BOOK WITH A SWORD ON THE COVER If you’re a fantasy fan or history buff, I’m sure you’re no stranger to books with swords on their cover. But don’t worry; if you tend to stick to general fiction or the classics, there is plenty to read in this category for you, too! Beowulf There are so many great books that fit into this category, but this may be my only chance to recommend one of the greatest heroic tales of all time! Let’s talk about a book with many covers, translations, and an unknown author to boot. If you’ve never taken a stab (pun intended) at the epic poem Beowulf now is the time. Beowulf is not just a story- it’s an experience. When our hero, Beowulf, embarks on a journey to defeat a great evil and prove his reputation, he must learn that there will always remain an even greater evil. Swing your sword toward our list of books this way!

CHALLENGE CATEGORY #13 A CLASSIC BOOK WITH A FEMALE AUTHOR As we look back on Women’s History Month, I can’t think of a better time to tackle category #13 and reflect on the literary contributions of women throughout history. Though not always recognized as part of the literary canon there are so many classic books written by women it’s hard to pick a favorite! Their Eyes Were Watching God  by Zora Neale Hurston One classic book I can’t help but recommend is Their Eyes Were Watching God, originally published in 1937 by the literary icon and activist, Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston’s novel occupies a spot in the literary canon and, in my opinion, exists in a league of its own. Challenging gender roles and race relations, from the title to the prose straight through to the back cover, I have fallen in love with this book, and I know you will too! Take a look at some more of our favorite few here!