Challenge: 50 Books discussion

I didn't quite reach my goal in 2011, my 2nd time trying this challenge, but I am optimistic for this year. Classes were just too all-consuming this past fall.
And we're off!

1. The Winter Rose (4 stars)

A great addition to the series. It continues on with Fiona and Joe but also adds in lots of new characters that the reader can fall in love with. Looking forward to the next one in the series, a christmas present, but also have many library books that need to be read.

2. The Christmas Shoppe (3 stars).

While pleasant, it had a little too much cheese for me. Normally with Christmas books I like a little cheese and feel that it's called for, but this one was a little over the top and lacked any real substance. It was a neat idea, but it could have been developed so much more. Not a repeat for next year but not horrible either.

3. Believe It, Be It: How Being the Biggest Loser Won Me Back My Life (5 stars).

A wonderfully empowering book that was quick to get through, not overy informational, but inspiring. There were many passages that I highlighted to revisit and I now feel like I am capable of accomplishing my goals, of all kinds. Also gave a good glimpse into how the Biggest Loser is produced and filmed.

It looks like I am getting this year off to a good start but that was mostly due to 2 short books that I was able to read in a day. I really hope to make my goal this year. I did the first year so I feel there are no excuses.
Now what to read next? So many options!

4. The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective ({4 stars)

A very good nonfiction book that read like fiction. While it surrounded the murder of a young child in Victorian England, it was mostly a history of the beginning of the Victorian detective. It was filled with references to Wilkie Collins, Charles Dickens, and of course, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A wonderful book with a surprising resolution.

5. Bossypants (3.5 stars)

The first book to make me stifle a laugh while reading in public. I never realized how dark some of her humor can be, maybe dark isn't the right word...off color? I'm not sure. I can see some people being offended by her jokes if they didn't know that she was pokingfun at people who really do have these views. If you read it that sentence would make more sense. :/ Anyway, a delightful little, quick read that had me laughing.

Now reading and really liking it. I saw the documentary over Christmas and was interested in learning more about the case. A full review to follow when I finish.

6. Dance with the Devil: A Memoir of Murder and Loss (4 stars).

A wonderful memoir and detailed account of the double murder and suicide in the Bagby family. I first saw the documentary, Dear Zachary, on Netflix over the winter break and was intrigued by the story. What an injustice that Zachary Bagby wasn't saved when it was unbelievably preventable. My blood boiled sometimes thinking about it. The fact that her psychiatrist was able to pose bail for her was ridiculous, among many other aspects of the case.

7. Stories I Only Tell My Friends (3 stars)

At first, I found it interesting, then I started to find it self-indulgent and a little pretentious. His name dropping was ridiculous! Almost every story was told about an unknown person and then the last line would be something like, "and I said good bye to Daryl Hannah". He seemed to be wanting to shock people with the famous names he could list. I almost wish I hadn't read it because I really like Rob Lowe and being from the younger generation kind of missed all his antics in the '80's and therefore had a respect for him, but I may have to reevaluate my opinion now as I think about the information I learned from this book. What was most telling about him was his style of writing; like he wanted to make himself seem like a real "bad ass" and a fantastic actor, but there was very little humility or humble-ness to his writing. I'll have to ruminate on these points for a while.

And now I am in a cozy mysteries kind of mood so I will go back to my own sheleves since I have been reading library books since the new year.

Emma wrote: "7. Stories I Only Tell My Friends (3 stars)

At first, I found it interesting, then I started to find it self-indulgent and a little pretentious. His name dropping was ridiculous! Almost every story was told about an unknown person and then the last line would be something like, "and I said good bye to Daryl Hannah". He seemed to be wanting to shock people with the famous names he could list. I..."

EXACTLY! I felt exactly the same way you feel. And then I couldn't look at him the same on Parks and Recreation for a few weeks after I finished the book because I just kept thinking, "Man, you're kind of pretentious. You're kind of a show-off and want everyone to think you're the greatest person in the world. And do you really need to swear that much? I never would have imagined that Rob Lowe/Sam Seaborn/Chris Traeger swears that much!"

Tiffany wrote: "Emma wrote: "7. Stories I Only Tell My Friends (3 stars)

At first, I found it interesting, then I started to find it self-indulgent and a little pretentious. His name dropping was ridiculous! Almo..."

Thank you! I thought I was being too picky or something. I never held him on a pedestal or anything, but I respected him and loved him after I fell in love with the West Wing. And then I had to read this. :(
It's true, though, you do look at people differently after you read their memoirs, especially when they've written it completely themselves (well, almost). I think it will take a while for me to get over this one, as far as trying to see him the way I used to.
Oh yes! And the swearing! Man, he really through it in there, and it didn't always feel genuine. When he was quoting people, it felt kind of contrived and like he was looking for the shock value.
This will teach me to read autobiographies of people I respect...

8. Witches' Bane (4 stars).

I just love China and Ruby. They make such a great pair. I like the way Albert doesn't make her cozies seem dumbed down, she gives you a good mystery with great characters and setting. She assumes the reader is an intelligent person and doesn't give everything away. This was my second foray into the series, but I am so excited for more!

9. Hangman's Root (4 stars).

Told you I couldn't wait :) Had to break up my reading of Drood with something a little more lighthearted and this was perfect. Again, a great mystery with great characters and setting; I love their little town of Pecan Springs!

10. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (5 stars).

I have heard mixed reviews about this series but am so glad I finally picked it up. It's the first 5 star book I've read in a long time. I loved the precociousness of Flavia and her relationship with her father. I think the age at which she is at is such a wonderful stage to capture in, when she is so mature in some ways yet so naive and child-like in other ways. I owned this book but immediately went to the library for the second, however, I recently got distracted by a Valentine themed cozy mystery, Valentine Murder.

11. Valentine Murder (3 stars).

A nice holiday mystery but definitely not the best I have ever read. I got a little tired of Lucy, to be honest, but still enjoyed the story. I will continue to read the series with the holidays though as I love to have at least one hoiday mystery going when the time comes. Just waiting for March for a St. Patrick's Day one.

Up next is Ghost a la Mode . I have heard so much about it from the Cozy Mysteries club that I couldn't resist picking it up. But then I'd like to get to Falvia de Luce.

12. Ghost a la Mode by Sue Ann Jeffarian (3 star).

I enjoyed the character if Granny Apples a lot as well as the town of Julian. However, the mystery itself left a bit to be desired as well as the resolution. I kind of came out of nowhere and I wish Emma had more of a hand in figuring it out. But I will continue with the series soon as I was getting attached to the characters and I like the premise.

13. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag (4 stars).

The second installment of the Flavia de Luce series. She was as brilliant on this adventure as she was in the last and I can't wait to pick up the next book. There are a few books that require my attention right now, but Flavia is not far away!

14. The Trouble With Magic (4 stars).

Really loved this first installment! The mystery, the characters, it all felt genuine despite the paranormal premise. I didn't know how I would feel about a new series that I really had only seen a little about on a thread I was reading, but it turned out to be one of the best mysteries I have read lately.
I am looking forward to the next one and also looking forward to more Flavia.

15. Fatal Fixer-Upper (4 stars).

I liked the characters in this mystery a lot. They felt a lot more genuine than many characters I have run across, especially in cozy mysteries; a kick which I am still on for some reason. I have a giant stack from the library since all my holds always come in at one time, so I am trying to get through the cozies first since I can generally get them done pretty quickly.

Currently reading, Skating on Thin Ice

16. Skating on Thin Ice (3 stars).

Honestly, I love Jessica Fletcher, but this book just didn't hold my interest as well as some of the others. I wasn't that interested in the skating theme and the msytery was pretty loose. Of course, I will continue to read more Murder, She Wrote (I am actually currently reading another), but I wasn't that pleased with this one.

17. St. Patrick's Day Murder (3 stars)

I enjoyed the Irish aspect of this book and it was extremely appropriate for this time of year, but I was kind of left feeling "meh". Nothing great but nothing horrible either. For some reason, the solution always seems to come out of left field and there aren't many "clues" as to how things are going to end up. I will continue to read the series in accordance with the holidays, but I am not running to pick up the next book.

18. The Fine Art of Murder (3 stars)

While I enjoyed the theme of this one more than the Skating of the last Murder, She Wrote I read, I was still left wondering where the action was. Maybe I am just burnt out a bit on this series, but the 3rd person narration is getting repetitive since she says something in her head and then it's written in dialogue.

19. Pleating for Mercy (4 stars).


I enjoyed this first installment in a new series. I like the characters and the small town in Texas a lot.

I won my first FirstReads book! And it was one that I was anxiously waiting to read, Clara and Mr. Tiffany . Of course, all my holds at the library came due as well, so I am working my way through those first. I am super excited to start Clara though and look forward to writing a review for it!

Currently reading, A Red Herring Without Mustard

20. Master Your Metabolism: The 3 Diet Secrets to Naturally Balancing Your Hormones for a Hot and Healthy Body! (4 stars).

Pretty sound advice. I didn't realize how much the timing and the type of foods effects our biochemistry and hormones. Very informative although I doubt I will retain all of the names of the hormones and their responsibilities, but a good place to start.

21. A Red Herring Without Mustard (4 stars).

What can I say? Another great installment in the Flavia series. I am going to hold off a little on reading the 4th one as I will be sad not to have any Flavia on the horizon for a while.

Currently reading A Charmed Death . I am pleased that I have been able to keep either on pace or a little ahead so far given the stressful semester that it's been.

22. A Charmed Death (3 stars).

Maybe I was just too anxious to move on with my pile, but this book just didn't keep my attention. It was OK, but I think it'll be a little while before I pick up the next one in the series.

23. Room with a Clue (4.5 stars).

A wonderful new series for me to follow! This mystery follows Cecily, a widow, as she navigates her responsibilities of being a proprietor of a hotel for the upper crust of English society. Of course, there is murder, and fun interactions between the staff. What I liked the most was the way in which Cecily ends up solving the case; she's not just a busybody who can't keep to herself, she is just minding her own business, looking out for the best interests of her hotel when she ends up solving the murder. She has a genuine stake in the case, which was different. I put a hold on the second book right away and can't wait.

Currently reading This Pen For Hire and I'm only 30 pages in but the protagonist is kinda bugging me. So we'll see if I end up finishing it.

Dropped This Pen For Hire . The protagonist was a bit annoying. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, but I've moved on to the last Flavia de Luce mystery (currently).

24. I Am Half Sick Of Shadows (4 stars).

I am sad to be at the end of this series (for now), but loved my journey with Flavia.

Next up is Do Not Disturb

25. Do Not Disturb (3.5 stars).

Half way! This was another great mystery series that I am looking forward to continuing.

I am currently reading and almost done with "Vienna Secrets" by Frank Tallis, which is not coming up in the cover art for me. I realized after getting about 100 pages into it that I didn't read the 3rd one that comes before it, but I am still loving this series!
I am on pretty good track for this challenge and hope I can keep up the pace!

26. Darkness Rising (4 stars).

I believe the link placed the alternate title for the book I read, "Vienna Secrets". It's the fourth in the Liebermann Papers series and I just love the atmosphere and the Freudian nuances that are included. While a bit dark and gothic, it has a wonderful sense of setting and character. I love the mysteries he weaves as well. Can't wait for the next one!

Currently reading

Had to drop The Blue Rose. There was just nothing going on and I found myself not reading for days just because I didn't want to go back to that book. So that's a sign to me that I should just drop it for now. I was half way through, but it was keeping me from reading books I would enjoy.

27. Silent in the Grave (5 stars).

Amazing! I have been recommended this book so many times and just never got around to it. I don't know what I was waiting for! This was a wonderful mix of history, mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Wonderful!
Currently reading the second in the series and am not disappointed!

28. A Beautiful Blue Death (5 stars).

I don't think I have ever had two 5 star books back to back, but this was just another fantastic book! A series I will be continuing for sure. So glad it was a book I bought and had on my shelves for a while. The character, Charles Finch, is intriguing, smart, and human. His friendship with Lady Grey is simple yet familiar and real. And all the while the mystery was brewing clearly in the forefront. A wonderful start to what I hope is a wonderful series!

29. Silent in the Sanctuary (4 stars)

30. Full Dark House (3.5 stars)

30. Full Dark House edit (1star).
Not sure why I rated it before finishing it but I also didn't even finish. It was a truly horrible mystery. I didn't care one iota who the killer was and what happened to the characters. Most of them I found annoying and I couldn't remember anyones name and how they related, which says something about the writing. Won't be continuing with the series. Bummed that I paid for it but not so mad at my dog for chewing the corner now.

31. The Anatomist's Apprentice (4 stars).

A wonderful beginning to July's reads. I loved the atmosphere of the book, the setting, the characters. They were well developed and easy to like. The mystery was fairly good as well although not the best I have ever read, but the atmosphere of the book makes up for it. I definitely want to continue with this series!

32. The September Society (4 stars)

33. The Fleet Street Murders (4 stars)

34. Silent on the Moor (3.5 stars)

35. A Stranger in Mayfair (4 stars).

36. When Gods Die (4 stars)

37. Coming From a Place of Yes by Bethanney Frankel (4stars).

I didn't know that much about BF before listening to this book which was probably good. I could just focus on her message and get an idea of what she's about in her own words. I like her and her philosophy a lot. Plan to read more of her books (or listen).

38. Bookplate Special by Lorna Barrett (4 stars).

Another fun and good installment. Really enjoy this series.

39. Haunting Jordan (3.5 stars)

A good first mystery, although the hopping back and forth between past and present got a little annoying, I thoroughly enjoyed both parts. The characters were real and interesting. I think I'll be following up up with this series at a later date.

40. The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library (4 stars)

Another enjoyable installment. Something I love about this series, makes it a favorite.

41. A Winter Dream (4 stars)

A very sweet Christmas book. I have come to associate Christmas with reading a Richard Paul Evans story. They really help to reconnect to what Christmas is all about.

42. Purgatorio (3 stars)

Required reading, but I did enjoy it. A lot was missing for me since I didn't read the Inferno, but I think I will go back to it someday. Glad to be able to say I read it.

43. Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans (4 stars).

This is a reread for me but I really didn't remember the story at all. A pleasant Christmas tale.

44. The Christmas Note by Donna VanLiere (3 stars).

A little Christmas fluff. A pleasant read for the season.

45. Mistletoe, Merriment, and Murder (4 stars).

My first foray into this series and I was pleasantly surprised. I think I will pick up others in this series down the road. A good Christmas mystery.

46. The Interpretation of Murder (5 stars).

A wonderful thriller/mystery taking place at the turn of the century in America with Freud and Jung and the gang. Outstanding!

Well, it looks like I won't make it to 50 this year but I came pretty darn close. If I hadn't taken a break there in the fall I am sure I would have made it. Oh well, there's always next year!

Well I think I am done for 2012. Close bit no cigar.
How do I move my thread to the done folder?

Emma --

To move your thread to another folder (for instance, our done folder), click on the little "(edit)" next to the thread's title (since this is a thread you started, you'll be able to do this). You'll be taken to a screen where you can change the topic, folder, and things like that. Click the dropdown box, select "Finish Line 2012!", and you're done! :)

And 46 books is still pretty good!