Cover to Cover Challenge discussion
Too much time :)
2.
The Black Tower by Louis Bayard (finished 1/5/10)- interesting half-historical/half-mystery novel. Witty writing, good if you are interested in French history
3.
Sinner by Ted Dekker (finished 1/6/10)- good. Read in the wrong order, read Saint first. Last of a trilogy.
5.
God's Pursuit of Man by A.W. Tozer (finished 1/12/10)- The middle was good, but the beginning and end were excellent to me
6.
Waiter Rant by Steve Dublanica- couldn't finish, just got bored and had no desire to pick it back up whenever I put it down (gave up 1/7/10)
7.
Live Through This by Debra Gwartney- couldn't finish. The narrator just seemed angry and bitter (gave up 1/13/10)
8.
Saint by Ted Dekker (finished 1/13/10)- good book. I wish I had read in the correct order. Knowing what happens in the third book changed how I perceived some of the characters in this book
9.
The Chicago Way by Michael Harvey (finished 1/19/10)- good modern hard-boiled detective story. Except for a few references to Clinton, cell phones, etc. this story seems like it could have been set in any decade and reminded me of the Raymond Chandler stories
10.
Blowing My Cover: My Life as a CIA spy by Lindsay Moran (finished 1/27/10)- interesting non-fiction read about a former CIA spy. The cover made me think it'd be a light-hearted story that made me laugh but it was much more serious. Started slow and got better. 3 stars
11.
Esther: A woman of strength and dignity by Charles R. Swindoll (finished 1/29/10)- good read through in a more narrative manner of the book of Esther. It was combination commentary and narrative. I've studied the book many times, but it brought out some facets I haven't looked at before. Surprisingly good.
12.
Snap Shot by Meg Chittenden (finished 1/31/10)- not great. I've had an advance copy for years and finally sat down to read it. The main character wasn't particularly likable to me and the author seemed to want to push her own agenda within the characters of the book, if that makes any sense.
13. Holy Bible Historical Books-Part1 Volume 614. The Historical Books of the Old Testament Part 2
15. The Historical Books of the Old Testament Part 3
16. The Historical Books of the Old Testament Part 417.
Evidence of Murder by Lisa Black- good book. This is the fourth in the series (the first two under the author name Elizabeth Becka). It was quite different from the others, but I enjoyed the shift for this book. I don't know that I want her to switch to this style permanently, but I liked the variation.
19.
Last Girl Dancing by Holly Lisle- I enjoyed this book. It was fairly predictable, but it was an entertaining read for me. I would definitely try this author again, and perhaps consider one of her other genres which seemed to get higher ratings than her mysteries.
20.
No Mercy by Lori Armstrong- This was a good book. I had some of the mystery figured out quickly, but not the other part. It'd be interesting to see how this progresses if it becomes a series and if she has some of the characters change and grow or not.
21.
Heat Wave by Richard Castle- okay book. I'd read the next if they do a second book, but it was by no means an amazing read. This one felt like an episode of the show with the names changed.
22.
David by Charles R. Swindoll- Excellent book on the life of David. It goes through many of his high points and low points and brings out the humanity of one of the most discussed people of the Bible. There were many things that it made me question and questions that it answered
23.
The Psalms by Alex Jennings- good. the music may be nice, but because I'm doing a listen of the Bible straight through, it was more of a distraction to me than it was a help
24.
At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald- I have been reading this book since the beginning of the year and finally finished! It was a very good book, but for some reason I needed to put it down in the middle and just came back to it three days ago and finished quickly.
25.
The Golden Key by George MacDonald- very quick, short read. I didn't like it as much as some of his other books, but I did like it still. I will probably reread it tomorrow before I start on the final book in his treasury.
26.
Lilith by George MacDonald (finished 2/19/10)- excellent book. Much more obviously Christian than several of his others, but quite interesting with a lot of quotable quotes.
27. Extraordinary by John Bevere (finished 2/20/10)
- eh, it was okay, but didn't make me want to run out and read his other books. There were some things I disagreed with theologically, and didn't feel like it was well-rounded. I didn't love his examples, but he did make some good points
28.
The Priest by Francine Rivers. (finished 2/26/10)- I thought it was a good book, but not amazing. I will try and read some of her other stories of minor Biblical characters. It was good, but I found myself tuning out sometimes while listening to the audio.
29.
The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death by Charlie Huston (finished 2/28/10)- Interesting book. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.
30.
Hear No Evil by Matthew Paul Turner (finished 2/28/10)- very entertaining, quick read dealing with the Christian music industry and the quirky people out there
31.
Laugh Again by Charles R. Swindoll- good book. Didn't like it as much as I have enjoyed his character studies, but it was good. It talked about laughing and not taking life too seriously, which many Christians tend to do.
31.
Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben- good book. First time in a while where I was completely wrong about the killer, so that surprised me. Got better when the pieces came together. I would have given it 3.5 stars, if only we could give half stars!
32.
Catering to Nobody by Diane Mott Davidson (finished 3/08/10)- This was my second chance for this author. I read one of her books and didn't like it much, but was told to start at the beginning of the series so I tried again. I just don't like the main character, she is unlikable to me and kind of a bitch. I think there is an attempt for her to be funny, but I don't find her very interesting.
33.
The Seven Longings of the Human Heart by Mike Bickle (finished 3/19/10)- I am doing a study that discusses the Song of Solomon and where he references the longings of the heart. That part of the study really impacted me so I thought I would read the book. While good, it didn't seem to touch upon the things nearly as much as I had hoped and left me feeling a little lacking compared to how the others spoke to me. Good information, but not as amazing as I thought it might be
34.
Candy Apple Dead by Sammi Carter (finished 3/18/10)- quick, fun, fluff mystery. I enjoyed the main character and found that the recipes looked appealing that were provided. I haven't tried to make them, but they seemed good. In some ways the book was much more realistic than so many mysteries
35.
The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson (finished 3/21/10)- entertaining, witty mystery set in Wyoming. I liked the main character and the interactions that he had between he and the other people. Very likable characters and good writing
36. Old Testament-KJV Old Testament vol. 3
37.
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba (finished 3/25/10)- I liked this debut novel by the author. SHe was less descriptive in many areas than I'm used to, it was a little more like a newspaper writing "just the facts" but I enjoyed the style when I got used to it.
38.
Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich (finished 3/26/10)- I haven't been able to totally get into the series. I'm not sure if it's just the voice of Hooker, but he doesn't sound like the charming guy that the main character thinks he is. It's okay, but I only read this one because I needed something totally brainless.
39.
Search for the Strangler by Casey Sherman- Interesting book. My first true crime novel. This was written by the nephew of the last of the victims. He does not believe that the man deemed the Boston Strangler is the real killer, and to me, he made a pretty convincing case.
40.
Thereby Hangs a Tail by Spencer Quinn- I liked this sequel to Dog on It: A Chet and Bernie Mystery. Though I didn't think it was quite as good as the first, it was a light, entertaining listen. I enjoy the style of writing and the perspective of a dog.
41.
Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline (finished 4/6/10)- This was an okay book. My first Scottoline. To be honest, I think she is a good writer, but I just didn't love the main character or her love interest. I did highly enjoy the sidekick. If her other characters are more likable, I will try some of her other books.
42.
The Curate's Awakening by George MacDonald (finished 4/13/10)- Excellent book. This is the first MacDonald book that I have read that is not a fantasy book. It was very thought provoking and asked many excellent questions. I am looking forward to continuing the series.
43.
The Last Child by John Hart (finished 4/15/10)- Excellent book! I got this as an advance copy and just loved it. I will definitely be checking out his other novels. I'm not sure exactly what about it, but I just enjoyed his writing style and the characters. Left me pondering possibilities at the end.
44.
Chocolate Dipped Death by Sammi Carter(finished 4/16/10)- This was the second in a series. I like the main character in these fluff mysteries. And I find I'm usually always wrong on the murderer. Some of the recipes looked good too!
45.
Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs (finished 4/17/10)- This is the first of her Temperance Brennen Series. I liked the character, but don't expect her to be ANYTHING like the Bones character. I'm unsure why they kept the same name when the character is so different. Both are good, just very different.
46.
I Will Follow You, O God by Jerry Bridges (finished 4/20/10)- This was a decent book, but not quite as insightful as I was hoping considering I have heard his name so many times. He made some good points, but it's not one that I'm looking to add to my collection
47.
Down to the Wire by David Rosenfelt (finished 4/25/10)- this was by far my least favorite of his books and I normally love his books. This one didn't have the humor of the Andy Carpenter series and left me with too many unanswered questions at the end.
48.
To the Power of Three by Laura Lippman (finished 4/30/10)- this was a decent book. It was a little anti-climactic, but I still enjoyed it. I will possibly check out her series when I have the chance.
49.
Eggs in Purgatory by Laura Childs (finished 5/3/10)- I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book, but actually did quite a little bit. It was a good beginning of a series, and I will probably check out the next book when I have the chance.
50.
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb (finished 5/5/10)- I had earlier attempted some of the Nora Roberts romance and put them down because they weren't my style. But I thought I would give the mystery a chance and enjoyed the book of the series very much. I will definitely continue reading this series and may give one of her romances another try in time.
51.
Troubleshooter by Gregg Hurwitz (finished 5/10/10)- I'm not quite sure what to say with this book. It was well-written, but maybe just not a topic for a mystery that intrigued me. I just didn't connect, but could tell that there was a talent with the author. I would consider trying another of his books on another subject matter (this one was motorcycle gangs, drugs, etc)
52.
Seven Minutes to Noon by Kate Pepper (finished 5/12/10)- This was a decent book. The main character got a little annoying with her self-righteousness, but, to be honest, it was probably quite realistic in that sense. Someone said that she uses a lot of red herrings, and it's true. In some ways it's a little too much, but it was a decent read.
53.
Tilt-a-Whirl by Chris Grabenstein (finished 5/17/10)- This was an entertaining book. I'm not sure I loved the ending, but other than that, very fun book. I enjoyed both the narrator and the main characters' personalities. I will definitely continue reading this series and see what happens next!
54.
The Third Translation by Matt Bondurant (finished 5/18/10)- I listened to the audio of this book. I am not quite sure what to say about it. I didn't like the main character at all and, in fact, liked only one character. The plot seemed convoluted and implausible, and yet...I don't know if it was the style, but something grew on me. I'm not sure what, but I am not sure if I've cast this author aside yet. I may try one more...not sure why.
55.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (finished 5/19/10)- Great book, makes you think. This was a reread from about 6 years ago and I am glad that I read it again. There were parts I clearly remembered and things I did not. It's frightening on the times you see yourself clearly within some of the pages.
56.
Above Suspicion by Helen MacInnes (finished 5/21/10)- Was very pleasantly surprised by this book. It was recommended by a friend and though it's more suspense than mystery and historical (which I don't generally enjoy), I did. Will read another of hers.
57.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales by Oliver W. Sacks (gave up 5/27/10)- I was sadly disappointed by this book. I'm not sure what it was, but as interesting as the case studies should have been, I was bored and it couldn't hold my attention. I think I just had too high of expectations for the book, but it wasn't what I was hoping for.
58.
When the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman (finished 5/28/10)- This was a decent start to the Alex Delaware novels. I don't love stories dealing with pedophilia, but I felt that it was well written and looks like it could be a good series. I will try another when I have the time.
Tiffany wrote: "58. When the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman (finished 5/28/10)- This was a decent start to the Alex Delaware novels. I don't love stori..."
I really like the Kellerman stories. I work psych so I find the psych descriptions interesting but the story lines are totally enjoyable even if you aren't interested in psychiatry. The books were great reads until 2007. He had a couple that just were fair reads and then is last one returned to closer to his his normal standards.
I totally agree that pedophilia is an ugly topic. It evokes rage that has no outlet.
Donna wrote: I work psych so I find the psych descriptions interesting but the story lines are totally enjoyable even if you aren't interested in psychiatry. The books were great reads until 2007. He had a couple that just were fair reads and then is last one returned to closer to his his normal standards. I totally agree that pedophilia is an ugly topic. It evokes rage that has no outlet.
I work as a counselor in residential treatment facilities so I love hearing the psych descriptions as well. I'm glad to know most are pretty good, it sounds like he has a lot in the series! I can't wait to try one that's on another topic!
59.
All the Flowers are Dying by Lawrence Block (finished 6/1/10)- I enjoyed this book. It was a giveaway I got when I used to work at a bookstore so it was later in an established series. I would be interested in reading from the beginning, especially because the character ages about 25 years, sobers up, etc. I'd like to see the things set in motion. Also, this ties up many loose story lines from the past it looks like so there are things I may have missed.
60.
Paul Faber, Surgeon by George MacDonald (finished 6/10/10)- Good book! This was the sequel to The Curate's Awakening, but was written so differently. It took me almost two months to read it and feel like I didn't overlook much. Definitely a deeper read than my fluff books, and had so many good points. I will likely read this one again and look forward to the last in the trilogy.
61.
The Day Boy and the Night Girl by George MacDonald (finished 6/13/10)- Good book. This was a little hard to read after the heaviness of his other book, but still had many excellent points. I will read it again when I have read something not by MacDonald just so I give it the justice it is due. It was thought provoking and poetic. A good short story
62.
Altered Beginnings by Destiny Booze (finished 6/17/10)- This was a decent book. There was some lack of continuity and some areas weren't particularly logical, but it kept my attention and I didn't put it down, reading the whole thing in one sitting
63.
Joseph by Charles R. Swindoll- This was a good book. It was a little harder for me to get into than the others in the series, but as time went on, it did draw me in quite a bit. This books talks a lot about forgiveness, trusting God in prosperity, and family issues.
64.
In Free Fall by Juli Zeh- This was a first reads book. It was okay, I'd be willing to give one of her books another try. I am not sure I loved it, but it did make me think. To be honest, I'm just not sure what I thought of the book, though I know I liked the police characters.
65.
The Shack by William P. Young (finished 6/29/10)- I enjoyed this book. There were many things within it that made me think and I believe I am still processing it. There were several quotes that I liked, and of course, some things I disagreed with, but it's a work of fiction and that happens.
ahhh! I went from too much time to not nearly enough time! I'm not sure what happened, but I haven't finished a book in a while. I started and put down a few that I probably won't come back to. 66.
The Adventures of Short Stubbly Brownbeard (put down 7/5/10)- I enjoyed the idea of this book and may try to read it again but I had trouble getting into it. At first it was great but then the novelty wore off and I was left without being captivated by the actual book. It may be worth reading, but I would guess for jr. highers, etc.
67.
It Could Be Worse, You Could Be Me by Ariel Leve (put down 7/3/10)- I began this book and it was interesting but once I put it down I didn't get the chance to read it before it was due back at the library. I may be able to get it again in not too long but it's not at the top of my list
Wow, I am way behind in my books, both in reading and listing them once I finish. Here's where I am.68.
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (finished 7/13/10)- Always hard for me to rate compilations where I like some stories but not others. This was good to read, it's been on my list forever, but I did, periodically find myself drifting as I was listening to the books. I am glad that I listened to the audio and didn't read the book because I didn't get thrown by the language or spelling that way.
69.
When A Man You Love Was Abused by Cecil Murphey (finished 7/18/10)- Excellent book. I would recommend this to anyone who has known a man who has been sexually abused. As a counselor and a friend to several men who have survived this, it's a hard topic without much written on it. This was very educational and just helpful to my interactions with some of these men and understanding their struggles.
70.
What I'd Say to the Martians by Jack Handey (finished 7/25/10)- I think that a lot of times I should read these books more slowly than I do. I should pause between chapters so that it doesn't begin to seem all the same. I run into this problem a lot with humor writers. I did love the Deep Thoughts, and there were many amusing parts within the book, but I lost appreciation when I read too mch together at once.
71.
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller (finished 7/28/10)- Good book. I have tried reading it three times and finally listened to the audio. For some reason in the first few chapters I just have trouble connecting, but further in I have found it better and better. I think this book was too hyped for me but I do respect the author and loved his book Searching for God Knows What
72.
For Sale in Palm Springs by Albert Simon (finished 7/30/10)- This book was okay but incredibly predictable. I'm doing the review too late to remember the details of what bothered me about the book (2 out of 5).
73.
Bicycle Shop Murder (finished 8/3/10)- This was a decent, cozy mystery though there were still some things that didn't work for me. The characters were a little flat and some of the story seemed convoluted, but it kept my attention and I continued to come back to it and read every night with interest
74. Murderous Relations by Anna Drake (finished 8/7/10)
- This was a free e-book that I got and I enjoyed it. I liked the main character and the story. I think the final outcome was predictable and some of the story to tie it together convoluted, but overall I liked it and would read the author again
75.
Power Play by Joseph Finder (finished 8/10/10)- This was a decent book (3.5 stars). For some reason I thought I knew the ending and that there would be a twist. That didn't end up being the case and I think it bummed me out a little; I liked the ending in my head better than what was in the book. So it was decent but not all I was hoping for
76.
Everybody Loved Roger Harden by Cecil Murphey (finished 8/11/10)- This was a fun, fluff mystery. I read this because I so appreciated his non-fiction book When a Man You Love Was Abused: A Woman's Guide to Helping Him Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation and researched him and it turned out he has a mystery series. It definitely was a fluff read, but enjoyable.
77.
Every Thought Captive by Jerusha Clark (finished 8/11/10)- This was a free book I got from the Kindle app. I am glad I did. At first I wasn't sure if I would really get into it, but it turned out to be a book that really spoke to me and that I really enjoyed studying. Dealt with anxiety, thought life, self-perception, etc.
78.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (finished 8/12/10)- Excellent audio book. I wasn't sure by the back cover that this book would interest me as I do not tend to like war stories or anything of the ilk. But this was clever, well-written, and just enjoyable. I'm sure it would have been good to just read, but the audio really made this book for me I think.
79.
Running from the Devil by Jamie Freveletti (finished 8/13/10)- Good book. I enjoyed the writing style of this author and that she left some story lines open for the next book in the series. I will probably continue to read this series though I found it was hard for me to read on overnights and I am not sure why.
80.
The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis (finished 8/14/10)- Quick, fun book. It was easy to tell that this was more of a background book. Though it had plot, it seemed as if you were perpetually waiting for the rest of the story. I am about to begin the next one and I hope it will pick up a little.
81.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (finished 8/14/10)- Just finished this book. I'm not sure if it was because I was tired, but I didn't get into it as much as I thought I would. I just didn't feel like I got to know any of the characters (Edmund a little but not much).
82.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan (finished 8/19/10)- Good book. Went back to the basics of faith and had some great reminders. The chapter on worry and anxiety spoke to me a lot, as did a quote near the end about how we prioritize our time. Considering those are what God is working on me on, they were perfect!
83.
California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker (finished 8/20/10)- I'm honestly not sure what to say about this book. It was both interesting and bothersome but I can't put my finger on why. I would say it was well written, but that I am not sure I particularly cared for any of the characters in the book.
84.
Mad Mouse by Chris Grabenstein (finished 8/26/10)- I enjoyed this book. I didn't laugh as much as I did in the first, but that makes sense with the topic of this one being much more personal for the main character. I hope that the next one will be amusing again, but this was still a good mystery with likable characters
85.
Cooking Up Murder by Miranda Bliss (finished 8/28/10)- fun light mystery. I am not completely sure I liked the mesh of characters in the book, I have a hard time seeing why the two main characters are friends, but I liked the twist on these being cooking books where the main character is an absolutely terrible chef! And I like that they point out in the book numerous times that they are not cops and should leave the investigating to the police. Will continue in the series
Cover to Cover Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
There and Back (other topics)1st to Die (other topics)
Water for Elephants (other topics)
The Lotus and the Cross: Jesus Talks with Buddha (other topics)
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
George MacDonald (other topics)James Patterson (other topics)
Sara Gruen (other topics)
Ravi Zacharias (other topics)
Michelle F. Poley (other topics)
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- very short story that can be read on many levels. MacDonald is an excellent writer