I happen to like the annual thread - It's neat to search back to previous threads and see where everyone started and ended up. In a club thread the start of year and end of year reports will get buried in random page numbers that might change if active posters delete their accounts at some point in the future.

@Jackho I wanna give you props for running these threads for so many years. They got me reading again for fun after a really long time. I've read new authors and series based on recommendations from other participants as well. I hope someone will take the reins and continue the tradition.

I'd like this club to continue just for the fact that is is my last real home on NG after general died, it's the basement in my parents house after my room was cleaned out.

Goodness...has it been that long? I think I joined back in 2018. Things came to a halt with all the stuff at work and recently out of the blue medical emergencies.

This was a fun place to be especially with discovering new reads and seeing others' take on familiar titles. I've found that it was easier to track my reading here than Goodreads as they didn't recognize a lot of the titles I've submitted in addition to not acknowledging magazines.

The books I've managed to read:

49) Companion Container Gardening by Gaia Rodale

Very underwhelming and not what I was expecting. There were just pages with lists of stuff with no real information. Or at least any information that will aid in the gardening process; which includes an explanation for each listed item.

50) Learn a Stitch: Crochet Scarves by Annie's Crochet

The patterns were just okay-ish. Still don't get the appeal of tassels especially when they're larger than life. Out of the scarves presented, I only liked one of them...in appearance.

51) 40+ Elegant Crochet Stitches by Annie's Crochet

Not necessarily elegant, but they are intriguing. Probably...no, it is the best of the two Annie's Crochet books that I've picked up from the digital library.

I have to come back tomorrow with the remaining three books. Was going to try to push to 64 but I'm more drowsy than usual.

Goodness...has it been that long? I think I joined back in 2018. Things came to a halt with all the stuff at work and recently out of the blue medical emergencies.

This was a fun place to be especially with discovering new reads and seeing others' take on familiar titles. I've found that it was easier to track my reading here than Goodreads as they didn't recognize a lot of the titles I've submitted in addition to not acknowledging magazines.

The books I've managed to read:

49) Companion Container Gardening by Gaia Rodale

Very underwhelming and not what I was expecting. There were just pages with lists of stuff with no real information. Or at least any information that will aid in the gardening process; which includes an explanation for each listed item.

50) Learn a Stitch: Crochet Scarves by Annie's Crochet

The patterns were just okay-ish. Still don't get the appeal of tassels especially when they're larger than life. Out of the scarves presented, I only liked one of them...in appearance.

51) 40+ Elegant Crochet Stitches by Annie's Crochet

Not necessarily elegant, but they are intriguing. Probably...no, it is the best of the two Annie's Crochet books that I've picked up from the digital library.

I have to come back tomorrow with the remaining three books. Was going to try to push to 64 but I'm more drowsy than usual.

Last book of the year for me

The Wild Shore by Kim Stanley Robinson

the second of his Three Californias series.

This one takes place in a post nuclear devastation Orange County, which is about an hour or so drive from me so the location of his works always feel more grounded to me, so it definitely adds something.

I really enjoyed this one, not quite as much as the consumerist cyberpunkesque one I read earlier in the year The Gold Coast. But the story felt very relevant to a lot of issues of nationalism, revisionist history, and local community building.

Also great work everybody! And happy new year! I look forward to going back and seeing what everyone’s been reading the past few months. And am looking forward to more reading next year.

Game Developer’s Market Guide by Bob Bates et.al

A bit of an old tome, with its recommendations showing its age. Published in the glory days of the early 2000s, it really should be outdated but even then I found some excellent advice for a newbie game dev. Definite recommendation if you're looking to work/freelance as a game developer, one man army or join an existing circle.

Game Design: What Makes a Development Team?

More of a team-building guide for gamedev team leads. While I prefer to "GO GO!" and just run with whatever crazy ideas I get when it comes to game development, it was a refreshing alternate viewpoint for putting together a talented crew that can get shit done. If you're looking to hire/recruit a team to make games with, this book can be of great help to recruit and manage the talent that a proper game dev team should have ready to roll with.

Understanding Digital Electronics by Gene McWhorter, Radio Shack

Yet another score from the used books store. This aged tome describes basic electronic circuits, then goes into extremely in-depth, up-close look at the design and function of the electronic circuitry of many ubiquitous devices in a way an idiot like me can comprehend.

And then I missed out on sleep because it was THAT interesting. Nyoro~n

Last, but not least

FM 3-34.471(FM 5-420) Plumbing, Pipe Fitting and Sewerage by the good ol' United States Army.

A long, winding conversation with my TRUE NAKAMA regarding maintaining the home over a span of decades got me this recommendation, and it's absolutely packed with insights into the design and maintenance of the inner workings of the home and the modern-day miracle that is the toilet and its accessories.

Don't worry, it's not classified. What, this ain't the War Thunder forums!

One book per weekend, 4 down. Goal achieved.

I'm cool with going for 2025

I'm currently on vacation, but once it ends, I'll be put through the wringer again. With that in mind, I'll have to politely decline. Wouldn't be fair for the others, ya know.

Still, props for taking things along even after General was killed. I'm glad to have taken part this year.

Thinking some aditional thonks:

1. A simple compromise would be to post the 2025 thread as usual but leave out monthly updates for the year. Just get @ reminders and track your own progress.

2. Noticed GoodReads has groups so made a Newgrounds one. Not sure if it has any utility as a replacement but it the site has a prominent reading challenge feature and it looks like the group can build up a wall of books read.

Only reading this made me realized I used the wrong "reigns" before, what an absolute mingus.

Same for me, which is probably part of what kept me doing these. I would definitely have dropped off NG by now if not for this thread.

Depression and I have a child on the way. Motivation low.

48. The Hero of Ages – Final book of the first Mistborn trilogy. This one deals with the catastrophe that was introduced in the final pages of the previous book. It also deals with the growth of a new religion, the contradictions it amasses, and how it can be used for both good and evil; in general, it deals with how people have faith and believe in any religion. The book is much darker than the last two, with one main character dealing with severe depression, and the others forced into a long war with a hard-to-fight enemy and rogue city leaders. Vin and Elend get put through so much hell, it is cathartic to see them have a calm and happy moment anytime in the book. Glad to know that the trilogy stuck the landing, no matter how bittersweet it is.

49. The Running Man – Set in the far off year of 2025, when the US Government has become totalitarian, the economy is in the decline, and proper health care is out of reach for many people. Anyway, a desperate family man enters a sadistic game show ala The Most Dangerous Game so that he can get the prize money for his daughter. It’s very different from the 80s movie, and I didn’t care for the book with less than 300 pages having 100 chapters, but it was a decent read.

50. The Ex Hex and 51. Make The Season Bright – My last two reads of the year are two romance novels I was meaning to read before Mistborn took my whole attention. Honestly, there are not enough differences to write two separate entries. Both are second chance romances with dual POVs, where the main relationship bitterly ended the first time years ago due to wedding-related events, the former couple being forced back in the same town seemingly by chance, and both books are set in holiday seasons. One is Halloween themed with a witch couple; the other is Christmas themed with a queer couple. I prefered the Christmas book whose focus was on the romance, over the Halloween book and its “break-the-curse" plot.

I would like to see a new book thread in 2025, even if it is "scaled back".

Kinnikuman Vol.2 by Yudetamago

I did not finish my last book to get it on the 2024 list, but at least it will give me a head start on 2025!

29. Death of Ivan Illych and Other Stories - Leo Tolstoy

The stories in question were: Family Matters, the Kreutzer Sonata, & Master and Man

30-33. A bunch more gay books

34: The Time Machine - H. G. Wells

It looks like I met my goal for the year. Hurrah!

I hope 2025 is better than this year

How the heck did I double post?

Any way the remaining 3.

52) Gone Fishing by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

From what I've read, it's their first short story written featuring Vincent D'Agosta - the guy from The Relic who worked with Pendergast. After more research I found that Gone Fishing is one of several titles that make up the series Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up At Night by International Thriller Writers, Inc.

Having read thru The Relic some time ago, I was bracing myself; but was pleasantly surprised. The story was an easy read and held your attention all the way through. There's not much I can say without giving away too much especially since it's short story.

Despite the title, it's technically not about fishing but does involve a heist. With that said, the overview does a good job of leading the reader to believe there's going to be more after the reveal.

53) The Lost Mine by Agatha Christie

Poirot reminisces about an investigation pertaining to a mysterious mine that is said to hold untold amounts of wealth. While it doesn't sound like much, countless prospectors have searched the mine over and yielded nothing. This leads to the seeking out of the owner with hopes of uncovering some secret but something unexpected occurs during his trip which results in the police getting involved.

54) The Chocolate Box by Agatha Christie

A fascinating tale highlighting one of many rare moments from Poirot's career: a failed investigation. Despite going through everything accordingly, things weren't adding up as expected. Then came the plot twist which reminded me of those old mythology stories we had to read in school.

Finished reading (sort of) for the year and now to continue work on the reading blanket.

I finished 1 more book the other day, 43: Raven's Hope by Glynn Stewart and I'm a bit short of my goal for 2024 which I am fine with. I've kept up a very strong reading habit for a number of years. I'm now at a point where I have caught up with many of the authors I've been reading. I joined Glynn Stewart's patreon and have been receiving ARCs of all of his recent books. I spent a couple of years reading big series that have been popular (LOTR, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Expanse). Maybe I'll take up the Wheel of Time.

Where's my grand total:

January (4)

1: Honor and Renown by Glynn Stewart

2: Kitty Cat Kill Sat by Argus

3: Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

4: Witch King by Martha Wells

February (3)

5: Chimera's Star by Glynn Stewart

6: A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

7: Red Rising by Pierce Brown

March (3)

8: Shards of Earth by Adrian Tchaikovsky

9: Golden Son by Pierce Brown

10: The Exodus Gambit by Glynn Stewart

April (3)

11: Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

12: Eyes of the Void by Adrian Tchaikovsky

13: Making Money by Terry Pratchett

May (4)

14: Wartorn Stars by Glynn Stewart

15: Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher

16: Lords of Uncreation by Adrian Tchaikovsky

17: Paladin's Strength by T. Kingfisher

June (3)

18: Ritualist by Dakota Krout

19: Ambassador for Mars by Glynn Stewart

20: Regicide by Dakota Krout

July (4)

21: Raze by Dakota Krout

22: Ruthless by Dakota Krout

23: Backyard Starship by JN Chaney & Terry Maggert

24: Inflame by Dakota Krout

August (4)

25: Invent by Dakota Krout

26: Implode by Dakota Krout

27: Tenacity by Dakota Krout

28: Thesaurize by Dakota Krout

September (3)

29: Thunderplump by Dakota Krout

30: Not Till We Are Lost by Dennis E Taylor

31: The Mercy of Gods by James S A Corey

October (6)

32: Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher

33: Constituent Service by John Scalzi

34: The Old Guard by Glynn Stewart

35: Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher

36: The Wonder Engine by T. Kingfisher

37: Minor Mage by T. Kingfisher

November (2)

38: Apostles of Mercy by Lindsay Ellis

39: Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio

December (4)

40: Impact Winter Season 2 by Travis Beacham

41: Impact Winter Season 3 by Travis Beacham

42: Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

43: Raven's Hope by Glynn Stewart

Thanks again @Jackho for hosting this year and previous years. I know I said it a few posts ago but you've had a positive impact on my life and the forums. I hope you stick around even if you don't run the next edition of this thread.

This inspired me to draft up a short design doc and then beat the shit out of GPT with a nerf bat until it complied, then I threw in some ASCII because I'm an elite haxor:

Basically this quickly generates the numbers to be copy/pasted into photoshop. Now I'm figuring out how to streamline the progress bars in PS, but if it came down to it we could just have hax0r themed updates straight out of the terminal.

The updates are now too easy not to do, so I guess I'm back on track for 2025, and it should be really simple to fill in for me if I'm out for a week or something.

Final update and new thread should be up tomorrow, so stragglers still have a chance to get in a final log for 2024.

Damn that's slick. I hate to say it because you worked hard on the updates before, but this is way more "newgrounds" to me. I hope the reading challenge keeps going. Either way, I see you dude. Thanks for the time and energy you put into this stuff. The NG reading challenge helped me get back into reading (and not beat myself up about not being able to devour books like I did as a kid).

I'm re-reading the inheritance cycle to read Murtagh too! Also got To Sleep in a Sea of Stars going as an audiobook, and the references (and parallels) to Eragon are fun to watch for. Did Eragon start to drag after Farthen Dûr to you? I'd planned to have Eragon done for December but I got there and literally just stopped and took a nap.

HARD

Just the one, which it didn't really finish because I lent it to my girlfriend and her mom. I've read it previously and I was pretty much at the end.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

Sorry I've let the team down, it's been an incredibly busy year.

Thank you so much to @Jackho for running the group for all these years. I also hope you stick around, even if you don't run the next group, but if you don't, best of luck!.

It's been nice to have a record of what everyone has thought of the books they've read over the years, instead of random strangers on Goodreads or Google or wherever.

Late again, update / new thread tomorrow FOR REAL.

Looks like we're in favor of embracing haxor updates for 2025 so say sayonara sohite men o arigato to this guy:

LITFAM UPDATE: END OF THE THREAD AS YOU KNOW IT EDITION

Props to @CappyCatII @JerseyWildcard @OneThousandMeeps and @Yomuchan hitting their goals for a climactic finish and contibuting to us closing out on the most literary of totals: 42. New thread SOON.

Top Fam

1. @JerseyWildcard (7)
2. @Asandir and @TopazAzul (6)
3. @OneThousandMeeps (5)

Bonus numbers:

@argile @Asandir @Atlas @AxolotlGav @CarterSterling @CappyCatII @Darklion0 @Dean @detergent1 @door88 @DrSevenSiezeMD @Dr-Freebase @Ganon-Dorf @Gimmick @GonzaloAtWork @Haggard @JerseyWildcard @Joltopus @Malachy @OlTrout @OneThousandMeeps @Pingu @Prinzy2 @PudgieDaFrog @SerebetGM @Sheik13LoZ @SlutasaurusRex @SourCherryJack @StrangInk @TecNoir @TehPoptartKid @Thewolf257 @TopazAzul @UnderWhirl @Urichov @YendorNG @Yomuchan @ZJ

And it's up:

> > > GET LIT 2025 < < <

As always the @ list is yeeted and deleted from here, so any return-readers will need to post again in the new one.

@Pingu @Malachy @DrSevenSeizeMD last one to lock this thread is a bad bookworm.

Also, gif:

@argile @Asandir @Atlas @AxolotlGav @CarterSterling @CappyCatII @Darklion0 @Dean @detergent1 @door88 @DrSevenSeizeMD @Dr-Freebase @Ganon-Dorf @Gimmick @GonzaloAtWork @Haggard @JerseyWildcard @Joltopus @Malachy @OlTrout @OneThousandMeeps @Pingu @Prinzy2 @PudgieDaFrog @SerebetGM @Sheik13LoZ @SlutasaurusRex @SourCherryJack @StrangInk @TecNoir @TehPoptartKid @Thewolf257 @TopazAzul @UnderWhirl @Urichov @YendorNG @Yomuchan @ZJ