Jacqueline's comments (member since Apr 21, 2009)

Jacqueline's comments from the The Next Best Book Club group.

I need to update my list more often!

23) Zel by Donna Jo Napoli
24) The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
25) The Giver by Lois Lowry

I recommend checking out GR author Michelle Richmond. I've read two of her novels, The Year of Fog and No One You Know, and loved both of them. She's a fantastic story teller. :)

I love the idea about reading a book in honor of Farmer's Markets and Fruits and Vegetables day! I hope we use that one.

Thanks Kathryn! :)

22) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

I think that even if an author doesn't like the term "magical realism" used for their work because it's only realism to them, the name for the genre is going to stick in a world made of increasingly skeptical societies as wonder gives way to reason. That being said, I agree that this book doesn't really suite that genre. But I find all your insights on it fascinating, especially about Julian surviving the fire miraculously. That instance is the borderline for me because it is a bit fantastical.

I really loved this book. Yes it was melodramatic, but it reminded me of the old noir films from the 50s and 60s, and I think that atmosphere really drove the stories together. It was clever, the unfolding parallels were fascinating, and occasionally I came across a line that I had to reread because I found the prose so astounding. I can see why some people would find this novel campy, but I would also assume those people don't watch noir. :)

21) The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

What I like about the first Hitchhikers book is the irony of it all. It does seem to jump a lot, but to me I see a bunch of improbable coincidences showing Arthur the real purpose of his existence (a 10 million science experiment) that is not only imaginative and incredibly funny, but sets the stage for the rest of the series. I love it.

And I really liked the movie too.

I'm planning on reading at least 50 books this year. I know my list already looks long, but I also know that I'm going to have days, and even weeks, during the year where I won't be able to read.

I think it would be extra great if I can get to 75! :D


1) Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
2) Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
3) The Sandman Vol. 1 Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
4) The Sandman Vol. 2 The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman
5) Brida by Paulo Coelho
6) The Third Angel A Novel by Alice Hoffman
7) No One You Know by Michelle Richmond
8) Preacher Vol. 1 Gone To Texas by Garth Ennis
9) The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
10) Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
11) Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
12) The Sandman Vol. 3 Dream Country by Neil Gaiman
13) The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop
14) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
15) Spinners by Donna Jo Napoli
16) The Probable Future by Alice Hoffman
17) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
18) Beast by Donna Jo Napoli
19) Survival of the Sickest: A Medical Maverick Discovers Why We Need Disease by Sharon Moalem
20) The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger*
21) The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams*
22) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
23) Zel by Donna Jo Napoli
24) The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
25) The Giver by Lois Lowry


* indicates a reread

1) The Solitary Vice: Against Reading by Mikita Brottman is a nonficiton book I recommend to every avid reader I come across. Whether or not you agree with the author, all the people I know find plenty or parallels between their reading habits and what the author describes. :)

2) Even though her novels are hit and miss (mostly miss) with the general public, Alice Sebold's memoir Lucky really affected me and my views on random assault. Definitely not for the light-hearted though.

I personally haven't read any of those books yet, though I do own a couple. But I echo everyone's advice about taking a lighter read, like Good in Bed or the Shopaholic books. You're going to be tired and will probably need it. ;)

I hope your surgery goes smoothly!

Thanks everyone. :)

I love tattoos but I'm so picky I haven't gotten one yet.

Jackie wrote: "Welcome Jacqueline! You spell your name the same way I do :)"

It's a good name. ;)

I played all the old-school Zelda games online too. They're never as good, but still fun.

Thanks Lori! It's nice to meet you too.

Magical Realism is my favorite.

Obviously I'm new. I'm an avid reader from just about any genre. I love other forms of entertainment, and I spend a lot of time with Netflix and my TiVo, but my favorite is the stage. :D

I'm have a huge interest in the information age.

What's going on with you?

Fiona wrote: "Yeah, at the time... now it's kinda dull.

I miss the old king's quest games wonder if I can download them legally, don't see why they keep the early ones copyrighted so much even the later ones - ..."

I miss King's Quest 6. :)