Challenge: 50 Books discussion

Goal this year is to reach 70 books, I am always just shy of that.




January 2010
1. Nanny Returns A Novel by Emma McLaughlin & Nicole Kraus
2. The Writing Class by Jincy Willett
3. The Story of a Marriage: A Novel by Andrew Sean Greer
4. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
5. Alice I Have Been: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin

February 2010
6. 2666 by Roberto Bolaño
7. The Secret Life Of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain
8. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
9. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
10. The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova
11. The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

March 2010
12. Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
13. The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
14. The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
15. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley
16. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
17. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
18. The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver

April 2010
19. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
20. My Father's Tears and Other Stories by John Updike
21. Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips
22. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
23. The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
24. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
25. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
26. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

May 2010
27. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
28. The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea
29. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
30. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
31. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
32. Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
33. The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry
34. Saving Ceecee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
35. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

June 2010
36. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
37. The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
38. Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock
39. Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
40. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
41. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
42. Bloodroot by Amy Greene
43. Roses by Leila Meacham
44. April & Oliver by Tess Callahan

* Count continued Below....

Just Finished:

#1 Nanny Returns A Novel by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Not a great book. I wanted something light and fast to read over the New Year's weekend. Wish I made a better choice. There were just too many strange things going on and story lines that were dropped that would have been far more interesting.

Currently Reading:

#2 The Writing Class by Jincy Willett

Just Finished:

#2 The Writing Class by Jincy Willett

The Writing Class was very entertaining. The cast of characters are caught up in a mystery that brings some needed excitement to all their lives, at least until the excitement turns to murder.

I love Amy the teacher, as she is the one who learns the most about herself and her talents.

The only sad part was the end left a couple of lose ends and I really wanted them tied up.

#3 The Story of a Marriage: A Novel by Andrew Sean Greer

The Story of a Marriage is written with such beautiful prose that you are almost hypnotized by the narration. It is this quality that makes a woman's willingness to engage in a plot with a complete stranger to end her marriage so believable.

So many questions ran through my mind at the end of this story, but I did not question anything during the telling. Why was Perlie Cook so willing to believe? Why was she so afraid to confront her husband, and get real answers that would put and end to all of the worry and craziness? Why was she did to play along when she knew the outcome would destroy her. Why was she so surprised by the outcome. So many questions, all left to the reader to ponder.

I loved this book! It has affected me, maybe even changed me. At the very least it has touched and will stay with me for a long time.

Currently Reading:

#4 Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

It is the number five pick for the Pulitzer.

Just Finished:

#4 Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

Let the Great World Spin is a written around the loosely woven lives of a group of people in NYC at the time that Philippe Petit did his amazing tightrope walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center.

Even though Petit's story is in the background of most of the book, it is a wonderful metaphor for the tightropes that these characters walk in their. The risk they take, sometimes fully knowing the risk and sometimes just ignoring them.

The story also is sprinkled with the stories of others who plan, work and plan to do amazing unimaginable feats but only few give them credit or even value.

This book like a complex wine was chewy, and full of mixed flavors with a hint of laughter and sadness. A truly enjoyable way to spend a rainy week.

Currently Reading:

#5 Alice I Have Been: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin

Just Finished:

#5 Alice I Have Been: A Novel by Melanie Benjamin

I am really only giving this book ★★★ 1/2 stars.

The story of Alice Liddel as told by Ms. Benjamin made me extremely uncomfortable in the beginning. The idea of a 10/11 year old girl to not only feel so passionately for a man so much older than she, but also articulate it as Mrs. Benjamin did was very disconcerting. I don't know if this was because I myself am the mother of an 11 year old daughter.

As the story progresses however and the child's voice becomes that of a young ...more I am really only giving this book 3 1/2 stars.

The story of Alice Liddel as told by Ms. Benjamin made me extremely uncomfortable in the beginning. The idea of a 10/11 year old girl to not only feel so passionately for a man so much older than she, but also articulate it as Mrs. Benjamin did was very disconcerting. I don't know if this was because I myself am the mother of an 11 year old daughter.

As the story progresses however and the child's voice becomes that of a young woman the dialogue becomes much more believable and the novel comes alive.

Alice's life is plagued by mystery of her relationship with Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) when she was young. She herself does not know what exactly happened to twisted perception and reality. It is this mystery, not the burden of "ALICE" that destroys her relationships with her sister, mother and causes the lost of her true love. In the end though Alice confronts her past, comes to terms with being "ALICE," and finds that "ALICE" and Lewis Carroll are her salvation.

Currently Reading:

#6 2666 by Roberto Bolaño

Just Finished:

#6 2666 by Roberto Bolaño
I finally finished this monster of a book. It was sometimes painful and sometimes very enjoyable, so I think it only fair that I give each part its own rating and average that out to an average.

The part about the critics ★
I hated this part, and only because I knew there had to be value in it to the book as a whole I continued.

The part about Amalfitano ★★★★
This was a moving story of a man trying to make sense of his life when there is none.

The part about Fate ★★★★
Fate is a great character, and I love how he gets so caught up in the madness. It is a nice compliment to the previous part.

The part about the Crimes ★★★
Very disturbing. It read like an obituary with all the perverse details. Oddly enough, there was compassion between the lines.

The part about Archimboldi ★★★★
I liked this part. It was enjoyable to read, and made the critics from the first part out to be just what I thought. Silly men who were a lot to do about nothing.

I think I will go find some Fürst-Pückler and rethink my vacation in Mexico ;)


Currently Reading:

#7 Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain

Just finished

#7 The Secret Life Of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain

I am really only giving this book ★★★ 1/2 stars.

The story had some really exciting parts that kept me glued to it, but there were subtle flaws that just did not sit right with me.

Since this is a bookclub book, I will save any further comments untill after our March meeting.

Currently Reading:

#8 Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Just Finished:

#8 Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger


I am really only giving this book ★★★ 1/2 stars.

This book was such a roller coaster ride of emotions. The story itself is very well done and the mystery unravels itself quite well... but even though I was expecting it to finish badly, I was not prepared for how I would feel about it.

Again, I have to remember that a good book does that.

Currently Reading:

#9 The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova

Just Finished:

#9 The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Put down The Swan Thieves for a day to read this one. My daughter just would not leave me alone about it. It made me happy that she was so passionate about a book and equally happy that I made the rule that a Book must be read before you can see the movie it is based on.

Just Finished:

#10 The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova ★★★

Review to come at later date

#11 The Postmistress by Sarah Blake ★★★★

Review to come at later date

Currently Reading:

#12 Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Just Finished:

#12 Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah ★★★★★

Loved Loved this book.

It is a mother/daughter story to rival any other out there. The best line is that you cannot really know your story until you know your mother's.

Currently Reading:

#13 The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian

Just Finished:

#13 The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian ★★

The concept for this book was done 30 years earlier and much better by Robert Cormier (I Am the Cheese).

As this is a bookclub book I will reserve my full evaluation till after our April meeting.

Currently Reading:

#14 The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson

Just Finished:

#14 The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson ★★★★

This book was truly an onion. Each layer of this unusual love story brought tears and at time frustration. In fact as I got closer to the end, I started to get bored by the tedium of the story. At about page 300, I really thought I would not give this story more than 3 stars, if I even finished it. However, I plowed through and discovered a beautiful green bulb the promised that this book would live with me for a long time.

Currently Reading:

#15 The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

Just Finished:

#15 The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley ★★★

One again Flavia de Luce finds herself in the middle of a mystery, and cannot help her-meddling-self, so she sets out and tries to solve it. This precocious little girl turns up great secrets about her neighbors that have lead to revenge, and murder.

As much as I like this book, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. I don't know if it is because the bloom is off the rose from me or if Flavia's adventure this time had too much going on.

Either way, I am still waiting for the let story. Please oh please let there be a next story! Please don't have Flavia sitting in front of the TV!


Currently Reading:

#16 The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

I promised Marisa I would make time for this series.

Just Finished:

#16 The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan ★★★

Love the introduction of Tyson! You could tell this is a book that is setting up for a bigger adventure, hopefully a better one as well.

Currently Reading:

#17 A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Just Finished:

#17 A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick ★★★

Currently Reading:

#18 The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver

It is the number eleven pick for the 2010 Pulitzer.

Just Finished:

18.The Lacuna by Barbara
Kingsolver★★★★

19.House Rules by Jodi Picoulting:★★★

Currently Reading:

20.My Father's Tears and Other Stories by John Updike

It is the number one pick for the 2010 Pulitzer.

Just Finished:

20.My Father's Tears and Other Stories by John Updike★★★

This book was not written for me. (I am of the wrong generation, even my parents are of the wrong generation, and I am not a middle class male from rural Pennsylvania.) However, the writing is hypnotic. As I read the stories, I felt as if I were in a gentle whirlpool, on language. The stories have so many overlaps that it feels like continuations from one to the other. It is is if you gently snag one story into the other and draw a new plot line.

At the beginning I did not like this book. I could not relate, but it is on the Pulitzer List so I gave it a shot. But the end, I felt like I was creating some of the stories.... dreaming them really, so 3 stars for the cosmic trip. If I were a middle age man who was born in the 30s and grew up in rural Pennsylvania I probably would have given it 5.

Currently Reading:

21.Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips

This is the number two pick for the 2010 Pulitzer.

Finished:

21.Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips★★★★

22.The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry ★★★★

Currently Reading:

23.The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich

Book Club

Cecilia wrote: "Finished:

21.Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips★★★★

22.The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry ★★★★

Currently Reading:

23.[book:The ..."

I have heard good things about The Master Butchers Singing Club. PLease let me know what you think when you finish- Thanks :)

Just Finished:

23.The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich★★★

This book started out very promising, but the problem was it did not know when to stop. (At about page 300, I would have been happy and satisfied with the book wrapping, but it kept going and I started to tune out.) It is sad because a good story was trapped in a tedious book

Currently Reading:

24.Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Stephanie wrote: "Cecilia wrote: "Finished:

21.Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips★★★★

22.The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry ★★★★

Currently Reading..."

Stephanie I have posted my review. It was okay. I really liked her book

The Plague of Doves but this one did not hold me.

Just Finished:

24.Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford★★★★

Charming and tragic story of young love. Beautiful story of living life as one's own and reclaiming what was taken away.

Currently Reading:

25.Tinkers by Paul Harding

Just Finished:

25.The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan★★★

Half way to 50... Yeah!

Currently Reading:

26.Tinkers by Paul Harding

Just Finished:

27. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan ★★★★

GAVE UP ON -- Tinkers by Paul Harding Maybe I will pick it up later.... maybe

Currently Reading:

28. The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea

29. Girl, Interrupted by Girl, Interrupted

Just Finished:

28. The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea★★★★

I really enjoyed this book.

But as I said in my reading progress statuses, I really believe that because of my understanding of the Spanish Language and Mexican culture, my appreciation and enjoyment. I found myself giggling like a little girl when a "BAD WORD" was said in Spanish, since as a little girl I knew these bad word would get my Uncles, Cousins and even my Grandfather in a whole lot of trouble. :)

Currently Reading:

29. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

Just Finished:

29. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen★★★

Very interesting, sometimes funny, sometimes sad.... but not painfully sad.

Need to watch the movie again.

Quick read.

Currently Reading:

30. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

Love the Chelsea Handler books!

Just Finished:

30. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler★★★★★

It has been a long time since I laughed so hard. I really needed this, and have for a while... I cannot believe I let this sit on self for over a year.

Currently Reading:

31. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Just Finished:

31. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen★★★★

What a lovely book. Family, home, first love, lasting love. This book had it all plus a little bit of magic.

Great as a rainy day escape or a way to enjoy the summer sun.

Currently Reading:

32. Every Last One by Anna Quindlen

Cecilia wrote: "Just Finished:

29. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler★★★★★

It has been a long time since I laughed so hard. I really needed this, and have for a ..."

My Horizontal Life in my opinion is funnier if you need another laugh and havn't read it yet!

Just finished:

32. Every Last One by Anna Quindlen ★★★★

The subject matter of this book was really tough, so when I say I really enjoyed it, that may seem strange.

The thing I really liked about it was the writing style.

The whole story was told through the mother's perspective. Their was no foreshadowing, there was no sub-plot and we did not follow any of the other characters thought process.

Everything we learned we learned it when Mary Beth did, and how she did. It caused a sense of frustration and a sense of safet...more The subject matter of this book was really tough, so when I say I really enjoyed it, that may seem strange.

The thing I really liked about it was the writing style.

The whole story was told through the mother's perspective. Their was no foreshadowing, there was no sub-plot and we did not follow any of the other characters thought process.

Everything we learned we learned it when Mary Beth did, and how she did. It caused a sense of frustration and a sense of safety.

Currently Reading:

33.The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry

Just Finished:

33.The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry★★★

It was a little hard to get into, because there did not seem to be a clear plot line. After a while, it seemed to come together and you know what they say, "Alls well that ends well" - Right.

Currently Reading:

34.Saving Ceecee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Just Finished:

34.Saving Ceecee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman★★★★


Very cute book, even if the main character did spell her name wrong. ;)

Cecelia Rose's story is filled with both tears of sorrow and of laughter, but in the end joy of family.

Nice book to spend a weekend with.

On a personal note! I have read 8 books in May... That is a new record for me! Yeah Me!

Currently Reading:

35.The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Just Finished:

35.The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson★★★★★

Great Finish to the trilogy.

To say that she kicked a hornet's nest is an understatement. It just goes to show, that even a girl who does not want friends, needs them and is lucky to have them.

Currently Reading:

36. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Just Finished:

36. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher★★★★

Currently Reading:

37. The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

Just Finished:

37.The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen★★★

Did not enjoy this book as much as Ms. Allen's Garden Spells, it seemed a bit choppy and the quickly wrapped up.

I do like her lyrical writing style though. I am looking forward to more of her books in the future.

Currently Reading:

38. Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock

Just Finished:

38. Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock

This book was amazing. It caused such an emotional reaction in me. I was so angered by so many things in this book. I will never understand how a parent can put their own children in such horrible situation just to keep a destructive relationship alive.

I loved Carrie and how her relationship with Emma kept her going through the unbelievable circumstances she was forced to face, but sweet little Carrie would not have had to endure such things if her mother was stronger.

The story is a testament to how the mind and spirit help us cope with situations beyond our control.


Currently Reading:

39. Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

Just Finished:

39.Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin★★★★

I have read all of Emily Giffin's books, and this one is a little bit more intense that her past books, but still very good. You can tell that she is growing as an author and a woman.

Cannot wait to see what her next book is about.


Currently Reading:

40. Roses by Leila Meacham

Currently Reading:

40.Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Had to shelve Roses. My Kindle died.

Just Finished:

40.Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson★★★ ½

I really did enjoy this book, but my due to my busy schedule I did not really pick up its rhythm. Whenever I read it, I found myself laughing out loud or chuckling to myself, the Major is completely charming, but once I put it down I did not find myself drawn back to it easily.

It is a delightful story, and inspiring.

Currently Reading:

41. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

I skipped a book. In April I read book # 26 The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan. I was trying to read Tinkers and just gave up and read it instead. I just forgot to write it down. Opps

Just Finished:

41. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater★★★★

I really liked this book, better than Twilight. Not so much mushy stuff, just good ol' teenage angst.

I loved the characters. Sam and Grace seemed real to me, as did Grace's friends. I also like the fact that there was not an element of evil. Again just normal teen age angst. Shelby is a just jealous girl and Isabel is wonderful in her selfish, snotty perfectly age appropriate teenage way. I hope to see more of Isabel in the next book.

If I had one criticism of this book it is this: What is up teenage girls having boys stay with them in their rooms at night for month and no parental units even notice... But this is fiction right?

Good YA Fiction... I checked this book out from the library, but I just may have to buy it along with Linger and any other Mercy Falls book that may came along.

Currently Reading:

42. Bloodroot by Amy Greene

Just Finished:

Bloodroot by Amy Greene★★★★

This book was storytelling done right. The language and moods of each story teller moves this book forward through a families history form the Depression to Modern Day.

As sad and horrifying the family history is, it is also full of hope and change, self determination, self preservation and self creation. I really enjoyed it.

Currently Reading:

43. Roses by Leila Meacham

Got my Kindle Back

Just Finished:

43: Roses by Leila Meacham★★★★

This was a multi-generational family drama with all the trimmings (money, land, lost love, crazy mothers....) At times it felt very trite, but I just could not put the book down! I really enjoyed it. Great Summer Read.

Currently Reading:

44. April & Oliver by Tess Callahan

Just Finished:

44. April & Oliver by Tess Callahan★★★★

This book was a train wreck that is too painful to watch but you just cannot help yourself. That is the only way I explain why I could not put this book down. Everyone in this book got to me with either delight or disgust and the story line made me more and more uncomfortable with every turn of the page. It would make a good Book Club Book. Lots to discuss.

Currently Reading:

45. Hush: A Novel by Kate White

I have to go back and add another star to . This book will not let go of me. I keep picking it up to see if there is more. Strange, but any book that keeps me so tightly bound to it deserves 4 stars.

Just Finished:

45.Hush: A Novel by Kate White★★★

Good Summer Read. Perfect for a long plane ride or while taking in the sun pool side.

The story itself is very suspenseful, but a little frustrating at times. Sometimes, Lake just seemed so dumb to me. "CALL THE POLICE" was a phrase I kept screaming over and over again.

I have been through a custody battle and maybe knowing what I know made me think differently, but I am still pretty sure if I found myself in a similar situation before my custody battle started, I...more Good Summer Read. Perfect for a long plane ride or while taking in the sun pool side.

The story itself is very suspenseful, but a little frustrating at times. Sometimes, Lake just seemed so dumb to me. "CALL THE POLICE" was a phrase I kept screaming over and over again.

I have been through a custody battle and maybe knowing what I know made me think differently, but I am still pretty sure if I found myself in a similar situation before my custody battle started, I still would have called the police at some point. NO ONE SHAVES MY PET! LOL!

Currently Reading:

46.Inés of My Soul by Isabel Allende

Just Finished:

46. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling★★★★

Finally!

Still Reading:

Inés of My Soul by Isabel Allende

Only pure stubbornness is going to get me through this book.

* Continuing my Count since It will not let me do it above


July 2010
45. Hush: A Novel by Kate White
46. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling by
47. The State of Jones by Sally Jenkins
48. Inés of My Soul by Isabel Allende
49. Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook
50. Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson
51. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
52. The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton

August 2010
53. In the Woods by Tana French
54. Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
55. Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
56. House of Daughters by Sarah-Kate Lynch
57. The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner
58. Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish
59. The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson
60. Happy Hour by Michele Scott

September 2010
61. The Likeness: A Novel by Tana French
62. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
63. Pray for Silence: A Thriller by Linda Castillo
64. Faithful Place by Tana French
65. Miss You Most of All by Elizabeth Bass
66. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

October
67. The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
68. The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard
69. Little Bee by Chris Cleave

November:

70. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

December:

71. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
72. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
73. The Passage by Justin Cronin