Uncorked February 2020 Book Discussion
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Welcome to the Uncorked 2020 Reading Challenge–anyone can join in at any time. Discover book lists and books to read for our upcoming February 2020 book discussion: Books Set Iceland.
Can you believe that we are already into the new year? How is your January 2020 reading challenge going? I have been reading way more nonfiction than I normally do.
P.S. I had no idea how many people would share my enthusiasm for our first annual Uncorked 2020 Reading Challenge. I hope that you are having as much fun as I am.
Thank you so much for participating and sharing. If you are new, welcome! Also, please don’t let this early February post rush you; I just want to give everyone enough time to gather their books in case you like to plan ahead.
For our February 2020 book discussion and theme, we are talking about books set in Iceland. Last year around this time, my husband and I headed to the land of fire and ice for the very first time.
I NEVER pick a favorite country, ever, but truth be told, Iceland is a serious contender. I fell in love, instantly. I’ll tell you why in this post.
Warning: This post is long. My bad…I just love Iceland.
For the February 2020 book discussion and theme, below you will find:
- Iceland reading lists, book reviews, and my monthly picks
- A reminder how the 2020 Reading Challenge works
- Iceland travel posts and stories from TUL
- A community idea to host our own book exchange for December 2020!!!
- Our book discussion questions for the month
Table of Contents
A Quick Reminder Of How This Reading Challenge Works
You can find the complete 2020 Reading Challenge here. This is a chill AF reading challenge with monthly themes and book suggestions per category. Similar to The Uncorked Librarian (TUL), book lists focus on books, booze, and travel.
You can read as much or as little as you like (and whatever you like).
In addition, you can participate without ever signing-up or chipping in. OR, you can go ballz to the wallz by following along in our newsletter, through social media posts, and by commenting at the end of this post.
Also, don’t forget to use the hashtag #UncorkedReading2020 so that we can find and share your progress. And yup, if you follow me on Twitter, you know I totally used the wrong hashtag this week. Would you expect anything less from me?!
Don’t Forget To Share Your February 2020 Books & Thoughts In The Comments Below
The comment section below is our mini-book club and book discussion for February 2020’s theme. Please let us know what you are reading and your opinions in the comments. You may engage with other commenters [in a respectful way] and just have fun.
For our newsletters, I may pull some of your suggestions to share with others.
If you would like to receive challenge updates and even more book suggestions not listed below, please sign-up for our mailing list. This is not required, though.
I typically send out two emails a month around the 1st and 15th.
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February 2020’s Book Discussion Theme
Book(s) Set In Iceland
January’s 2020 book discussion focused on life-changing books that make us think more deeply about the world or outside of the box. I loved seeing what everyone decided to read: books about clean eating, bestselling organizational self-help titles, historical fiction set during WWII, and tons of nonfiction.
I read about wine. More importantly, I also learned that Rachel Hollis is not for me.
This February 2020, we are reading Icelandic novels. You might uncover an Icelandic book translated into English or learn about Iceland’s history.
No matter what you read, I hope you are transported to a different place and time.
What are some book ideas? Let’s get started!
February 2020 Book Suggestions
Book Lists To Get You Started
Dagney from Cultura Obscura and I worked together to compile 17 diverse and beautiful books set in Iceland. You will also find a little more about Iceland’s books and booze history here.
This Icelandic reading list has something for everyone including historical fiction, magical realism, expat memoirs, and creepy science fiction paired with romance. A few titles that I especially love:
- Burial Rites by Hannah Kent – Based on a true story, read about the last person executed in Iceland. Accused of murder, Kent attempts to portray and humanize Agnes Magnúsdóttir in a fresh light–a misunderstood woman about to die.
- The Greenhouse by Audur Ava Olafsdottir – If you are looking for a slow pace and poetic read about finding yourself, you’ll enjoy Lobbi’s self-discovery journey with the help of a drunk monk.
- LoveStar by Andri Snaer Magnason – Imagine that there is a formula to pair you with the love of your life similar to a scene from Netflix’s new series, Living With Yourself. Unfortunately, you already found that person but science doesn’t agree. Watch free will fall apart and bodies disintegrate into space when they get too old. Yea…
There are also multiple books on this book list from Sjón and Halldór Laxness, famous Icelandic authors known for their invaluable and well-written Icelandic literature. Halldór Laxness received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1955–we aren’t messing around.
Icelandic Book Reviews
A few books that TUL examined more in-depth include:
Woman At 1000 Degrees – TW: Rape, Death, Brutality, Abuse…it’s a lot. Newer (2018) historical Icelandic fiction, find the most unlikeable character that, at the same time, builds empathy and understanding. The protagonist, Herra, is based loosely on the first Prime Minister of Iceland’s granddaughter. As she prepares for her cremation (hence the book title), you hear a unique and rare story about one Icelandic family siding with Hitler during WWII.
You can listen to more about Woman at 1000 Degrees in my podcast interview with Sarah’s Bookshelves. We discuss favorite travel books and literary tourism, too.
Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss – Moss is an expat working and living in Iceland. Readers get a feel for Icelandic history and culture as well as what it’s like to move abroad with your family. Those mountains seep off of the pages. Poignant and honest, Names for the Sea is perfect for nonfiction lovers who have or want to live abroad.
Iceland Books I Am Eyeing For February
Some Icelandic literature is a tad harder to obtain from US libraries–sigh–but there are two newer Icelandic books that I am eyeing for this reading challenge:
Summer Light, and Then Comes the Night by Jón Kalman Stefánsson – Set to publish Feb. 20th, 2020, I’m not sure if I’ll get this one in time. However, I am pretty mesmerized by the publisher summary:
“Sometimes a distance from the noise of the world opens our hearts, our senses, our dreams. An intensity of feelings erupts from the life of a village of four hundred souls in the Icelandic countryside, where the infinite light of summer makes its inhabitants want to explore, and the eternal night of winter lights up the magic of the stars. It becomes a microcosm of the eternal conflict between human desire and destiny, between the limits of reality and the wings of the imagination.”
See all of the details on Amazon.
Clouds Of Shifting Light by Carolanne Wright – Published December 2019, watch as Wright finds her way back from a crippling and reoccurring depression. Although traveling all over the world, Elizabeth Gilbert-style, she lands in Iceland, alone. I’m eyeing the affordable ebook on Amazon.
101 Reykjavik – Since Dagney wrote about this Icelandic novel for TUL, I am dying to read it. A dark comedy, Hlynur never leaves his room, watches porn all day, and finds himself falling in love with his mom’s girlfriend. My library doesn’t have this one either but Amazon does.
Icelandic Travel
Although the February 2020 book discussion focuses on Icelandic novels, if you are heading to Iceland, I wanted to quickly share a few of my favorite Icelandic places and stories. Plus, some of these posts are all about BOOKS.
Why did I love Iceland so much? Let me know in the comments if you have been to Iceland or would like to go. What did you enjoy?
Icelandic Book Flood Tradition
We’ve all seen the memes. Iceland’s Christmas tradition involves giving books as gifts. The Book Flood–or Jolabokaflod–happens Christmas week, produces its own fall book catalog, and focuses on great literature, new releases, and reading.
More to come below because I’d love to host an equally cool book-giving experience on The Uncorked Librarian.
Legendary Waterfalls
We road tripped around Iceland in February, which was a little wild. We definitely got stuck in a whiteout. One second the gorgeous Icelandic pony was there, and the next, he wasn’t.
However, when the sun came out, rainbows and endless waterfalls beckoned to us. We followed southern Ring Road and the Golden Circle, learning about the myths behind the Icelandic waterfalls.
Black Sand Beaches, Seals Playing Among The Glaciers, And The Northern Lights
We built a 7-day bucket list Iceland itinerary to see unknown and new parts of Mother Nature. I had no idea that mountains could glimmer and turn a deep navy blue at sunset or that the sun rises at 10:30 AM during an Icelandic winter.
We watched seals play among the glaciers. Glaciers are white with blue caps!? Sneaker waves and black sand are for real?!
Guys, this sounds cheesy AF, but I freaking cried over those damn Northern Lights. I had never seen them before and with the cloud coverage, it looked iffy all week. Picture the Cliffs of Moher and that ominous rolling fog… I loved that people stampeded out of the hotel in their PJs in freezing temps to see them.
We drove our rental car to a church hill to take pictures of the Northern Lights, shooting through open windows. It was far too cold and windy to get out of the car. The next day, we realized that our car dash was filled to the brim with jiggling lava rocks. Drunk on Lights, we couldn’t stop laughing.
The Blue Lagoon & My Favorite: Booze
Although we debated going to the ever touristy Blue Lagoon, we figured that you have to see it at least once. After getting off of a red-eye, we opened the joint at 8 AM (still pitch-black outside and 17F). My hair froze along with my canvas sandals. We just loved it.
Not to mention trying all of the different types of fiery Icelandic drinks to warm us up after a day of glacier and geyser-spying.
You get the idea…but back to traveling through books!
Should We Host Our Own Book-Giving Tradition?
Which brings me to TUL’s next big adventure for Reading Challengers: Should we learn from Iceland’s celebration of books and partake in a book giving tradition of our own within The Uncorked Librarian!?
First, let me just preface this by saying that I am not about cultural appropriation. I am about cultural exchanges, learning, inspiration, and experiences.
I’d love for everyone to learn more about Iceland’s traditions and host our own book exchange in December to honor books and reading.
What do you think? Would you like to participate?
I’m in the initial planning stages, but the idea would be a simple book exchange (whether it be used, new, ebook, or a physical copy). Each participant would be paired with someone, and you’d gift them your favorite book from the year.
I can also anticipate some issues here with logistics, privacy, access, and fairness, which is why I’d love your input. How can we successfully run this bad boy?
My first question, though, is are you interested in a very low-key, fun (one book total) exchange? Let me know below or drop me a message.
February 2020 Book Discussion Questions
Holy F*, this post is getting a little lengthy. Sorry about that. I hope you are still with me. Also, WHY CAN I NOT SPELL FEBRUARY CORRECTLY?
I’d love to know what book(s) you are thinking about reading for February 2020’s Book Challenge theme.
After you have completed your reading or even in the beginning or middle of it, please tell us what you are up to in the comments below.
A few questions that you may consider for the comment section:
What Iceland book(s) did you read?
Did you love or not love your Iceland book(s) and why?
What other countries would you like to read about?
Did you learn something new? Do tell!
Tell us about your Icelandic travels or your Iceland bucket list.
Of course, you can write about whatever you want in the comments, too. Continue January’s book discussion if you need to get some things off your chest. Like how Rachel Hollis getting fake boobs or crying over her one week late “NY Times bestselling title” didn’t inspire you…Cough, cough…
Don’t forget to check your inbox for even more great book suggestions and use the hashtag #UncorkedReading2020. Happy Reading!
Where You Can Head Next
April 2020’s Indie Novels Book Discussion
March 2020’s Mulan Book Discussion
January 2020’s Books That Make You Think Discussion
Current February 2020 Reads
Christine Frascarelli
Christine (she/her) is the owner, lead editor, and tipsy book sommelier of The Uncorked Librarian LLC, an online literary publication showcasing books and movies to inspire travel and home to the famed Uncorked Reading Challenge.
With a BA in English & History from Smith College, an MLIS from USF-Tampa, and a U.S. Fulbright Fellowship in Christine's back pocket, there isn't a bookstore, library, or winery that can hide from her. Christine loves brewery yoga, adopting all of the kitties, and a glass of oaked Chardonnay. Charcuterie is her favorite food group.
Little behind, but I just finished Burial Rites. I liked it a lot and want to read more books about the real Agnes – I had forgotten until I read the Epilogue that it was based on the true story, so I really want to learn more about it! I thought the book was a real page turner, but I would have liked to see more of the developing relationship between Agnes and Margret (sp?).
Now I also want to read a modern-day book set Iceland, so that I can get a better feel for the culture now. I’m definitely going to check out more Icelandic books! (And hopefully plan a trip…)
I am actually a little behind, too, especially after getting back from Switzerland. I just picked up my March book, but I am going to save it for the end of the month.
One of the book bloggers visited the spot where Agnes was buried (or had her life taken–I can’t remember). I wish we went and said our respects while in Iceland. I appreciate that Burial Rites doesn’t just make her another spinster woman.
Iceland and Icelandic authors produce a ton of new books each year–please let me know what you find and love. I’m so happy that February’s reading challenge theme sparked your Icelandic wanderlust and curiosity for more. I truly love everything about Icelandic book culture.
Finished Burial Rites. I greatly enjoyed the book. It was slow to start but it picked up speed by the middle and then I couldn’t put it down. The ending surprised me. I thought the descriptions of the landscape were great and I felt like I was there ! Great book.
I am so glad that you enjoyed Burial Rites. I sometimes have trouble getting into the start of a book too. Like you, I LOVED reading about the landscape, especially as we were heading to Iceland.
I’m reading Independent People by Halldor Laxness! I’m not going to finish this month, but I’m loving his writing style and the descriptions of Iceland. There is a little myth and superstition mixed in with the mundane. It’s not going to be a fast read, it’s more of a pick up and read a chapter at a time book for me. I’m looking forward to what happens in the end!
I saw that you were reading Independent People from Goodreads (At least I think that is where I saw it…).
Yes, I definitely know and understand those types of books–that is the best way to tackle intense and dense ones for me, as well.
So … I didn’t come anywhere near reading a book set in Iceland. Can I count watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty instead?
Haha, sure!! It’s OK–my Iceland book was terrible so I feel like I didn’t really either.
I read ‘The Blue Fox’ by Sjon. This was so different from what I usually read- but I enjoyed it. Poetic and lyrical. There was something that felt so mythical and mysterious on every page. I feel like I got a good sense of some Icelandic religious beliefs and traditions along the way. The landscape was described in a way that made me feel like I was there. This was a good taste of Icelandic literature since it was a short book that packed a big punch.
That is one of the novels that Dagney added to the list for me. I struggle through any type of animal story, but I honestly want to read The Blue Fox at some point. Sjon seems to focus on magical and mythical realism. I had read The Boy Who Never Was, and it read like poetic historical fiction, which is unique to find. He embraces Icelandic culture and history in his narratives, which I love.
I noticed that with a lot of the Icelandic literature, many of the authors set their novels heavily in a vivid Icelandic backdrop. I’ve read many books set in other countries, but I still feel like the Icelandic novels have painted the best scene so far. Maybe because of the harsh weather that influences day-to-day so much and a slighly more isolated island life?!
I struggle through animal stories as well since I’m such an animal lover. I lost my corgi to cancer in 2018, and it has pushed me to read through different books that focus on animals and our connections with them. Can’t say that I always enjoy it, but I’m learning a lot through the process. My favorite so far has been ‘How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals’ by Sy Montgomery.
I haven’t heard of or read How To Be A Good Creature. I’ll have to check it out. Thank you for the recommendation!
So I reserved a bunch of Icelandic books from the library and settled on The Sealwoman’s Gift that I just finished. I liked it, bordering on really liked it. The scenery was incredible, the sagas were insightful, and the whole not-quite-fictional account was so hard to comprehend. Couple of things I’d changed, mainly the jumping around of narrators. As it was supposed to focus on Asta’s account, I got a little confused when other characters took the reigns and suddenly you could hear their thoughts. But apart from that, it definitely brought the history of Iceland to life and taught me a lot about traditions, sagas, and island living. I’ve never been but would love to visit some of these remote parts.
Next up, Switzerland!
I am going to have to check out The Sealwoman’s Gift--I hadn’t heard of that Icelandic title before but just added it to my TBR on Goodreads. It sounds pretty intense! I noticed the book was published in 2018–and I feel like that was the time when alternating perspectives and storytellers were huge. So even with one main character, I also saw a ton of authors drawing in chapters from other characters–which sometimes works and sometimes ends up taking away from or congesting the story. I feel you!
Thanks for sharing!
Yay–thank you for contributing to my Switzerland book. I just kicked back 3 reads lol!!
Yeah I think it’s fine if they name the chapters after the narrator or something just to be clear. Or balance it out so it’s not 85% and 5% three others (is my maths right..?)
I’m about to finish my Switzerland read, it’s taken me AN AGE trying to juggle it alongside Emma and Les Mis. Classics take a lot of attention. I’ll have it over to you soon!
Thank you for sending me your Switzerland read!
Yea, that’s definitely weirder when the narrator is THAT unbalanced.
I am currently reading Burial Rites by Hannah Kent and I love it!! I am almost finished with it and the whole backdrop is such a change from my usual reads, I am completely fascinated. I will definately read more of the books on the February list.
I love Ms Kent’s style of moving back and forth from point of view. I feel such anguish for Agnes, I can’t wait to finish, but I know I will be bereft to leave these characters.
I am so glad that you are loving Burial Rites. For me, it was one of those novels that takes you off guard–and was definitely a change of pace from my normal reads, as well. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Burial Rites and felt for Agnes. She is your classic ‘spinster woman stereotype’ torn apart by Kent’s truth and rebuilt into a powerful woman–with humanity.
I hope you find a few more Icelandic books that you enjoy. LoveStar was another ‘out-of-my-norm’ that I enjoyed.
Books set in one of my favorite places? I’m on it! Excellent post as always!
Iceland is totally one of our favorite places, too! Thank you!
I love this challenge, and having a topic book to read every month! I finished Educated last month, and have already started Burial Rites! I love it so far! I didn’t realize their last names were derived from their parents first name, such as Agnes being “Magnusdottir.” Very interesting! Thanks for these posts, and coming up with recommendations! I’ve also picked up Thief Eyes, which is a young adult fiction, and The Island, so I’ll see if I have time to get to those!
I can’t wait for next month; WWII books might be my favorite. The hard part will be narrowing it down to which one I want to read!
I’m so happy to hear that you are enjoying this reading challenge. I will definitely be hosting one every year, and for next year’s topics, I will ask everyone to vote on some of the categories they would love to see.
Quite a few people read Educated last month, which means that I really need to find a copy ASAP. I’ve only heard good reviews.
What I learned the most from reading books set in Iceland was a little Icelandic history, such as how Agnes was the last execution there, and I got a feel for the climate and landscape. Moss pointed out how insular the island is, too.
I find that I read YA fiction much faster–and I love it. Is that the same for you? I hope all of your reads are stellar. I have a long reading list for February too, and I am not sure how much I will get through.
I had to go back and look through this post: I hope I didn’t misspeak so pleaseeee let me know if I did. September is WW2 books and next month is Mulan. Originally, I was going to have next month as WW2 but then switched it to Mulan since the movie is coming out. Did you see WW2 somewhere? Knowing me, I didn’t make the change across all posts, lol! BUT YES, I LOVE WW2 BOOKS! Did you see TUL’s most anticipated 2020 WW2 releases post through the summer? I also updated our WW2 books around the world list and added a YA book list, too.
I just picked up “The Sacrament” by Olaf Olafsson from the library for the February challenge and cannot wait to start. “Burial Rites” is a book I chose for one of my book clubs six years ago and loved it, but needed to choose another for this.
That’s awesome that your book club used Burial Rites one year. I hadn’t read it until last year right before Iceland. I’ll have to check out The Sacrament. Iceland produces so many good books!
Another great list! Burial Rites is high on my list after I first heard about it from you. I definitely want to read it! I don’t know if I’ll get to it in February. I might though! Feb hasn’t even started, right? So maybe I can! Feb. is so hard to spell. I’m not even going to attempt it more than once.
I listened to Marie Kondo’s book this month and it has definitely inspired me as you know. I hope I will continue and see it through. I’m glad she has a Netflix show too because I think that will help motivate me. I’m also thinking that if I get my apartment organized and keep it that way, then maybe I’ll adopt a kitty. 🙂 We’ll see!
There’s so much to do! All the blogging, writing, and social media stuff I want to keep up with but I figure if I do finally get organized, it will help in the long run. So if I slack with blogging stuff now, maybe, just maybe, an organized Lauren will result in getting more focused everywhere.
Anyway…another great post! I’ll let you know if I read Burial Rites.
I hope you get to Burial Rites, but I understand too–life is crazy! It’s definitely a bummer of a book too–good but pretty sad.
I love all of the work that you have been putting into getting more organized and cleaning from your Kondo inspo. AGHHH!!! Adopt a kitty and post endless pictures, please! That would be the perfect reward.
*sigh*
Okay, I’m writing this on March 1 and I began reading my Icelandic book for February ??♀️…yesterday. I do have excuses: I’m in my first year of a new career (school librarian) and the busy season has begun. I’m engaged and planning a wedding. A family member had had medical issues. Also, February is my birthday month, so I’ve had a lot of social plans this month. BUT, I also need to get better at time management and making myself turn off the TV and pick up a book during my downtime. It was a New Years resolution of mine that I need to do better trying to keep. On the subject of the book: I’ve begun “Burial Rights” and really like it so far! Hoping it won’t take me as long to finish it as it did my January book (which was also fantastic and I definitely recommend to anyone!).
No worries. As a public librarian, our busy season was summer, and I totally know how that goes. By the time I got home, I was FRIED. It felt like I was running on a treadmill all day.
Congrats on all of the big events–newer job, engagement, and wedding planning! I enjoyed wedding planning, BUT it was hard to plan a wedding out of state since we had to move to FL during it (completely unexpected). All of those things definitely make life pretty hectic.
I hope you had a great Birthday! AND, Happy Belated Birthday. I feel you: we had a lot going on this Feb., and it was a short month that flew by. Being out of the country for a chunk of it has me pretty stressed and behind right now–plus, I think I am fighting a cold. I’m not sure how I am going to read all of the books I committed to in March–I think I might have to skip a few. I have some social obligations in March, and we are heading to FL to see friends. I’m allllll over.
I definitely struggle with my tube time (and social media is SO distracting to me). I’m trying to work on that and also optimizing my time.
Glad you are enjoying Burial Rites. I am honestly not starting my March reading challenge book until closer to the end of the month. Thankfully, I can read YA in a night or two. Glad you are still chugging along, even though you are busy!