OFFICIAL Misc 2020 52 books in 52 weeks thread - All Kinds of Brain Gainz

**sl_17b** · 11-17-2020, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by Autumnal

Check out Will Wight's Cradle. The beginning is slightly weak but it becomes a five star series later. Book 8 was recently released. Very satisfying and fast-paced reads. Not litrpg but it is a progression fantasy where the main character and his companions go from relatively weak to presumably god-tier by the end of the series. I think book 8 has the highest rating I've ever seen on goodreads, 4.8 with over 5k ratings, and I gave it a 9.5/10.

I'm working on Evan Winter's second book of the Burning, Fires of Vengeance, which is another quick, solid, action-focused read. I'll start Rhythm of War after. Might read the novella between Stormlight 3 and 4 (Dawnbreak or something?) at some point.

This is another vote for Will Wight's Cradle series. As seen in my post above MrJensenn, I gave the latest book a 5/5.

**Payton1221** · 11-21-2020, 06:17 PM

Spoiler!

50 American Assassin (Mitch Rapp #1) by Vince Flynn (9/10)*
51 The Liar (Eddie Flynn #3) by Steve Cavanagh (9/10)**

*I'm going to occasionally over the next year or so reread the Mitch Rapp books. They're just so good, and this is the on that started the series.

**I get nearly all of my book =s from the library, but my library didn't have Eddie Flynn #3 so I bought this on eBay. Cavanagh is one of the best in legal fiction!

**MrJensenn** · 11-24-2020, 01:53 AM

Wow, the Cradle series sure was good.
Already on book 5.

**MrJensenn** · 11-25-2020, 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by Payton1221

Spoiler!

50 American Assassin (Mitch Rapp #1) by Vince Flynn (9/10)*
51 The Liar (Eddie Flynn #3) by Steve Cavanagh (9/10)**

*I'm going to occasionally over the next year or so reread the Mitch Rapp books. They're just so good, and this is the on that started the series.

**I get nearly all of my book =s from the library, but my library didn't have Eddie Flynn #3 so I bought this on eBay. Cavanagh is one of the best in legal fiction!

Apropos legal fiction, have you read the Sean Drummond series by Brian Haig?
I remember it as a very good series.

**Payton1221** · 11-25-2020, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by MrJensenn

Apropos legal fiction, have you read the Sean Drummond series by Brian Haig?
I remember it as a very good series.

WOW! Goodreads have Drummond books 1-7 4-stars and higher. I will definitely give these a try.

Arguably, Grisham might be the most famous of the legal thrillers, and although I've enjoyed a few of his books, I like others better. Eddie Flynn is great, and most of Steve Martini's Paul Madriani books are too.

**TravelinJhwkFan** · 11-25-2020, 04:19 PM

19. Snuff - Chuck Palahniuk

Meh. Easy to read and short, but not great. Makes me want to reread Choke and Fight Club though.

**MrJensenn** · 11-26-2020, 02:13 AM

Too bad the Cradle series only had 8 books published.
Excellent series, the author has quite the prowess in fantasy writing.
His ability to manage storylines are good, reminding me of many of the big thriller authors such as Baldacci and Ludlum.

A problem with many books are weak depth.

**Payton1221** · 11-30-2020, 04:49 PM

Spoiler!

52 Lock Every Door by Riley Sager (6/10)

I've made it to 52 again this year, but I have listened to a few audio books recently--thanks again to jreacher for the Brooklyn library suggestion, because their selection is many times better than what I have locally. Audiobooks are my go to mode of entertainment while driving or if I'm walking or occasionally shopping with my earbuds in. I always have one book that I'm reading while I listen to another one. I'm currently reading Ready Player Two while listening to Jack Reacher #5, and I was reminded of why I became so fond of that series. After the last few Reacher books, I think that I prefer his earlier books but I'll revisit ore of the earlier ones soon to see if I like the others as well as Echo Burning.

**jreacher** · 11-30-2020, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by Payton1221

...recently--thanks again to jreacher for the Brooklyn library suggestion,

You're welcome. Glad it was a good small investment for you. It sounds like you will get your money's worth for sure

...while listening to Jack Reacher #5, and I was reminded of why I became so fond of that series. After the last few Reacher books, I think that I prefer his earlier books but I'll revisit ore of the earlier ones soon to see if I like the others as well as Echo Burning.

I'm reading Reacher #24 (Blue Moon) which is just okay so far. I noticed he co-wrote #25 with his brother, Andrew Grant (now as Andrew Child). Apparently Lee all is passing the torch. The Amazon reviews on that look pretty rough.

The earlier Reacher books were definitely better, IMO. If seems like Reacher was put into tighter, more dangerous spots before, and in recent books he's pretty much invincible, or at least not perceived to be in significant danger.

**Pumpinmirin** · 11-30-2020, 05:22 PM

Bought wrestling workouts to win and underground strength training by zach evens.

As somebody who has been a book keeper weightlifter for years (all pros, 531 etc) I've thoroughly enjoyed trying some of his sample programs which are more like sensible rep scheme crossfit workouts.

Has reinvigorated my enthusiasm for the gym.

9/10 as some of his terms for exercises are unusual and there are formatting issues.

**MrJensenn** · 12-01-2020, 12:41 AM

Finished the 3 book series "The Shadow Accords" by D.K. Holmberg. Pretty decent, 4/5.

Read "Ember" by Travis Bagwell, book 1 in the "Tarot" series. 4.57 rating w/ 2k ratings on goodreads.
Started on book 2, but It didn't enthral me enough to keep reading.

Started on the Mage Errant series, finished book one, but I had to pause in book 2 since it felt a little bit underwhelming.

Started book 1 in "The Divine Dungeon" series by Dakota Krout, and man, that series delivered the goods.
Finished all 5 books in 2-3 days. 5/5.

Currently started on "Ritualist" book 1 in "The Completionist Chronicles" by Dakota Krout.

**Samraiwise** · 12-01-2020, 02:16 AM

Year 2020:

Spoiler!

31. "Monster" (1999) - Alex Delaware #13 - by Jonathan Kellerman (Audiobook) *Mystery*
32. "Dr. Death" (2000) - Alex Delaware #14 - by Jonathan Kellerman (Audiobook) *Mystery*

Currently Reading:

"Flesh and Blood" (2001) - Alex Delaware #15 - by Jonathan Kellerman (Audiobook) *Mystery*

LOL, I surrender. Good luck everyone!! *bow*

**smallmeatchamp** · 12-01-2020, 07:34 AM

I heard that this book was written by a miscer. Does anyone know if thats true?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...ire-of-silence

**Miked1978** · 12-02-2020, 09:40 AM

Sorry if this has been asked but i looked at a few pages and didnt see it. Do you guys listed to audio books at work? Some of the stuff i do (office job) is just mindless work so i may can listen to an hour or 2 at work each day. Just thinking about signing up to Audible and start listening.

Also any recommendations for good audible books? Was thinking about the Lord of the Rings since i never read it.

**Avalanche3319** · 12-02-2020, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Miked1978

Sorry if this has been asked but i looked at a few pages and didnt see it. Do you guys listed to audio books at work? Some of the stuff i do (office job) is just mindless work so i may can listen to an hour or 2 at work each day. Just thinking about signing up to Audible and start listening.

Also any recommendations for good audible books? Was thinking about the Lord of the Rings since i never read it.

I can't at work, unfortunately, but I still spend a ton of time listening to audiobooks. Daily commute, household chores, cardio, and winding down before going to sleep are just some examples. Don't have any specific recommendations, just pick something you're into. You can listen to samples on audible to get a feel for the narrator. They can make or break an audiobook.

**write2staceyz** · 12-02-2020, 11:54 AM

The 7 habits of highly effective people

Habit 1 - Be Proactive - Start the Project/Goal

Habit 2 Have an End in Mind - Set the right goal (Not focus too much on one specific area)

Habit 3 Put first things first - Plan and Prioritize (Delegate Task)

Habit 4 Win Win

Habit 5 First understand, then to be understood (1, mimic, 2 rephrase 3, understand the feeling)

Habit 6 Synergy, go middle of the triangle. Think of creative solution to solve a disagreement together

Habit 7 sharpen the saw, 1) exercise , cardio, stretch and strength 2) meditation 3) read, write, educate

**sl_17b** · 12-02-2020, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by MrJensenn

Finished the 3 book series "The Shadow Accords" by D.K. Holmberg. Pretty decent, 4/5.

Read "Ember" by Travis Bagwell, book 1 in the "Tarot" series. 4.57 rating w/ 2k ratings on goodreads.
Started on book 2, but It didn't enthral me enough to keep reading.
.

Did you read the other books in the Awaken: Online series first? I have read them all and think the Ember story arc is the weakest of the lot. Book 2 had a lot problems with it just being slow and way too many scenes of them dealing with ants.

**Autumnal** · 12-03-2020, 12:06 AM

Spoiler!

33. Kings of Heaven by Richard Nell - 9/10
34. The Fires of Vengeance by Evan Winter - 7.5/10
35. Iron Prince by Bryce O'Connor & Luke Chmilenko - 8/10

My non-fiction reading has slowed down (fortunately not to 0) but Kings of Heaven and Fires of Vengeance were both sequels I was looking forward to, and the last one I read in a single sitting even though it's 1100 pages.

Jensenn, check out Iron Prince. It wasn't perfect by any means but probably better than most litrpg style books. Characters were kind of meh, there is a decent amount that could be cut out with nothing lost, and it suffers from many self-publishing pitfalls like subpar editing. But it's pretty enjoyable and easy. If you read Cradle and that many litrpg books that fast, I'm sure you'll blow through this one too. It's probably more of a 7 than an 8 on an objective literature basis but it's easily readable and far above some similar genre novels that I've rated in that range. I might check out The Divine Dungeon.

**MrJensenn** · 12-03-2020, 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by sl_17b

Did you read the other books in the Awaken: Online series first? I have read them all and think the Ember story arc is the weakest of the lot. Book 2 had a lot problems with it just being slow and way too many scenes of them dealing with ants.

I have not. Will check it out, thanks for the headsup.
And yes, I got so bored of the freaking ants.

Originally Posted by Autumnal

Jensenn, check out Iron Prince. It wasn't perfect by any means but probably better than most litrpg style books. Characters were kind of meh, there is a decent amount that could be cut out with nothing lost, and it suffers from many self-publishing pitfalls like subpar editing. But it's pretty enjoyable and easy. If you read Cradle and that many litrpg books that fast, I'm sure you'll blow through this one too. It's probably more of a 7 than an 8 on an objective literature basis but it's easily readable and far above some similar genre novels that I've rated in that range. I might check out The Divine Dungeon.

Will check it out.
Divine Dungeon was very cool with a story based around a dungeon and how it grows stronger. It's not only the dungeon that's in the story arc, there are support characters and such. I was put off by the synopsis on book 1 for weeks till I just started it.
On the literal side I've come to see that litrpg/gamelit doesn't have the usual polish that more mainstream A-list books have, that doesn't really bother me if the story is good. Will Wight has this written on his website "He graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2013, earning a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing" so that has probably helped the quality of the books.

**PermaNoob** · 12-03-2020, 02:03 PM

In and subscribed. I'm not going to go for quantity, but I'd like to be posting books I've finished here and reading posts to keep me motivated on my reading goals.

Recently finished EasyPeasy Method to Quit Porn
It's a free book you can get from here: https://easypeasymethod.org/
It explains how your porn addicted mind functions and teaches a new way to quit porn. Instead of forcing yourself to not fap and being miserable because you want to, it changes how you think and turns you into a non-user before you even commit to abstain. It's pretty good.

**kromie** · 12-03-2020, 02:29 PM

Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey is a great read... coolest mfer alive

Also reading The Parasitic Mind by Gad Saad its a good read so far

**Legz422** · 12-03-2020, 03:44 PM

I'm running out of books to read by my fave authors. :/

Spoiler!

28. Hideaway by Nora Roberts
29. Runaway by Harlan Coben
30. Found (#3 in Mickey Bolitar series) by Harlan Coben
31. The Store by James Patterson- just started.

My library Overdrive doesn't seem to have many recent James Patterson books.

I think my Kindle might be dying.

I looked at Amazon last night and no idea what new one to get. I love my paperwhite touch. It's just basic but that's all I need to read a book. The Oasis is super expensive, can anyone tell me why it's worth it?

**PermaNoob** · 12-03-2020, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Legz422

I think my Kindle might be dying.

I looked at Amazon last night and no idea what new one to get. I love my paperwhite touch. It's just basic but that's all I need to read a book. The Oasis is super expensive, can anyone tell me why it's worth it?

Why a kindle at all? I use a Kobo Aura One. It's a little slow, but aside from that it's great. Best part is that it works with pirated books.
Nothing wrong with buying an expensive new thing if it makes you happy, I guess.

LOL I've looked it up and apparently Aura One is discontinued. No idea why they'd do that, since it's an awesome reader and also waterproof. Oh well at least I've still got mine. Got mine from a Japanese seller on Ebay a few years ago.

**jreacher** · 12-03-2020, 04:10 PM

@legz, I've been using the basic Kindle after they made it basically the same as the old paperwhite but with worse resolution. I'm pretty happy with it.

Do you want or need waterproofing or physical buttons or adaptive lighting or a completely smooth bezel? Those are the main things you are paying for with upgrades to different models. The paperwhite has always been a good cost to value, IMO.

But I also don't want the Kindle logo in white lettering on the front (distracting), and the last time I purchased, the basic model was the only one with the darker print.

FWIW, I've owned probably four or five paperwhites since I hand them down to my kids and family, and even then I'm still happy with the basic model for myself.

Just looking at it again, the Oasis looks pretty sweet

**Autumnal** · 12-03-2020, 11:25 PM

I have the paper white, no complaints. Not sure why you’d need much more personally. You can also put pirated books on a kindle, convert them to Mobi format with Calibre and send it to the kindle email address as an attachment.

Originally Posted by MrJensenn

I have not. Will check it out, thanks for the headsup.
And yes, I got so bored of the freaking ants.

Will check it out.
Divine Dungeon was very cool with a story based around a dungeon and how it grows stronger. It's not only the dungeon that's in the story arc, there are support characters and such. I was put off by the synopsis on book 1 for weeks till I just started it.
On the literal side I've come to see that litrpg/gamelit doesn't have the usual polish that more mainstream A-list books have, that doesn't really bother me if the story is good. Will Wight has this written on his website "He graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2013, earning a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing" so that has probably helped the quality of the books.

I believe Wight was a student of Sanderson if I recall correctly, who is a very popular mainstream (mostly epic) fantasy author I recommend, though not in the same subgenre.

**Ayz33** · 12-04-2020, 07:39 AM

For those of you into reading commercial fiction, at what point did you get into those series'? For the moment, I can never see myself reading any of those types of books. Did you just exhaust your list of other timeless classic and more revered books first?

**Payton1221** · 12-04-2020, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by Payton1221

I'm currently reading Ready Player Two

I bailed on this one. I was 1/3 through and it was just not doing it for me. I looked at Goodreads reviews earlier and they were higher at first, but now that there are more reviewers, it's fared much worse than RPO. Very disappointed, so I figured I'd finish December reading King's awesome 11/22/63 again. Jake just went through the portal for the first time in last night's reading

**Payton1221** · 12-04-2020, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Ayz33

For those of you into reading commercial fiction, at what point did you get into those series'? For the moment, I can never see myself reading any of those types of books. Did you just exhaust your list of other timeless classic and more revered books first?

I went through a season of classics, and I enjoyed most of them. Even a few that I was tempted to quit I plowed on knowing there was a reason they were classics. I read probably three dozen or so, but I'd be interested to know your favorites. I liked most of the adventure type books (Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels, and several Jules Verne classics), but I also liked Dickens, Dostoyevsky, etc. Les mis might be my favorite, but I liked Atlas Shrugged a lot too but for very different reasons.

I'd be very interested in your list of favorites.

**Legz422** · 12-04-2020, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by PermaNoob

Why a kindle at all? I use a Kobo Aura One. It's a little slow, but aside from that it's great. Best part is that it works with pirated books.
Nothing wrong with buying an expensive new thing if it makes you happy, I guess.

LOL I've looked it up and apparently Aura One is discontinued. No idea why they'd do that, since it's an awesome reader and also waterproof. Oh well at least I've still got mine. Got mine from a Japanese seller on Ebay a few years ago.

I don't need expensive or fancy and can't afford the Oasis, which is why I'm asking.

Originally Posted by jreacher

@legz, I've been using the basic Kindle after they made it basically the same as the old paperwhite but with worse resolution. I'm pretty happy with it.

Do you want or need waterproofing or physical buttons or adaptive lighting or a completely smooth bezel? Those are the main things you are paying for with upgrades to different models. The paperwhite has always been a good cost to value, IMO.

But I also don't want the Kindle logo in white lettering on the front (distracting), and the last time I purchased, the basic model was the only one with the darker print.

FWIW, I've owned probably four or five paperwhites since I hand them down to my kids and family, and even then I'm still happy with the basic model for myself.

Just looking at it again, the Oasis looks pretty sweet

No, I don't need waterproof and would prefer a touch which is what I have now since it's what I'm used to. It's confusing looking at the different ones, I can't tell what would be basically the same as what I have. I have a case with a built in light for bedtime reading and it would be great if what I get fits in that case.

Originally Posted by Autumnal

I have the paper white, no complaints. Not sure why you’d need much more personally. You can also put pirated books on a kindle, convert them to Mobi format with Calibre and send it to the kindle email address as an attachment.

Yeah, I love my basic paperwhite touch. Don't need anything more as I only use it to read books.

**jreacher** · 12-04-2020, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Legz422

No, I don't need waterproof and would prefer a touch which is what I have now since it's what I'm used to. It's confusing looking at the different ones, I can't tell what would be basically the same as what I have. I have a case with a built in light for bedtime reading and it would be great if what I get fits in that case.

All models have touch screens and lit screens, so you really don’t need the case with a built in light. And it’s usually not possible to use the old cases anyway.

You possibly missed some great prices unless they are still on sale. You can track price history and get notifications when the price drops with https://camelcamelcamel.com/

It sounds like Paperwhite or Basic will be your best option. Only choose the basic if you are cool with the text DPI resolution being most likely worse than what you already have.

Also, do this (trade in) : https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Trade-...de=10825010011

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