The Book Challenge discussion

Hi Everyone,

I am brand new here. Honestly, I am new to reading for pleasure, for the first time since I was younger. I'm a grad student in clinical psychology and didn't think I had time to read outside of my required reading. I'm really enjoying getting back to it.

My goal is to read books that have been on my To-read list for too long. This list includes so many that I bought and shelved, and more that I plan on buying soon.

The first book is The Beach by Alex Garland I started on vacation last summer and only recently finished.

I hope to get to know fellow bibliophiles and get comments and recommendations on other books :)

#2)Sense and Sensibility and Seamonsters
I'm trying out this monster mash-up phase. So far, it's fun! I feel like i'm reading literature, but with a contemporary spin that keeps me smiling.

#3) The World Without Us
I bought this a long time ago, fascinated with the concept of what would happen to the earth if people were factored out of the equation. You may have seen the History Channel series on the same topic, Life After People.

#4) Quirkology: How We Discover the Big Truths in Small Things
Also bought this a long time ago, interested in rationales to our idiosyncrasies.

#5) ChiRunning
A friend had recommended this to me a long time ago. He said it really helped him develop the capacity to become a good runner. I have the knowledge imparted to me by my high school track coach, and that's about it. I really enjoy being outside and getting my butt into shape, but if I had some more knowledge about how to make that more endurable, let's do it.

#6)Breaking Dawn
I know, no points for bandwagoning. I've been waiting for this to come out into paperback, as I have (and did enjoy!) the other 3 in paperback. It has to look cohesive on my bookshelf.

#7) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
I started, but quit this once before. I want to read it before the movie comes out!

also then I'll be able to read the prequel
#8) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls

#9) Drood
Recommended by a friend I respect very much. I'll give it a whirl.

#10) Water for Elephants
I love vivid depictions of old timee Carnivale-esque 20's era goings-on. Looking forward to this one.

#11) Mansfield Park and Mummies: Monster Mayhem, Matrimony, Ancient Curses, True Love, and Other Dire Delights
I'm identifying the the curse of spinsterhood here.

#12) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
I've had this inexplicable infatuation with Lincoln since I was a kid. This might get to the bottom of that.

#13) The Heretic Queen
Looked at this at Target and will have to go back for it. Wanting a historical fiction with a strong female protagonist. This book seems to be reviewed favorably.