Well, I am not sure if I will get 100 read this year but since I do read a lot of juvenile literature I am hoping to reach this mark!

Here is what I have read so far:

1. American Wife - Curtis Sittenfeld
2. Al Capone does my Shirts - Gennifer Choldenko
3. City of Glass - Cassandra Clare
4. Penny from Heaven (reread) - Jennifer Holms
5. Pursuit by Karen Robards
6. Alabama Moon - Watt Key
7. Heat - Mike Lupica
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney
9. Revenge of the Spellmans - Lisa Lutz
10. City of Ashes (reread) - Cassandra Clare
11. Yellow Star - Jennifer Roy
12. The Godmother - Carrie Adams
13. Vegan Virgin Valentine - Carolyn Mackler
14. Dark Lover - J.R. Ward
15. Need - Carrie Jones
16. Possibilities of Sainthood - Donna Freitas
17. Revelations - Melissa De La Cruz
18. What I Did for Love - Susan Elizabeth Phillips
19. Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman
20. Plum Spooky - Janet Evanovich
21. Living Dead Girl - Elizabeth Scott
22. The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks
23. Black Box - Julie Schumacher
24. Evernight - Claudia Gray
25. Suite Scarlett - Maureen Johnson
26. Paper Towns - John Green

Good start!!!

I loved Suite Scarlett. Did you know there is a sequel to it coming out?

I can't remember from all of our book chats, but have you read the Jessica Darling series? The final book comes out in two weeks. I can't wait!

I really liked that book too and am looking forward to the sequel! I love Maureen Johnson's blog - she cracks me up :)

I haven't gotten to the Jessica Darling series yet but it is on my list of books to read!

27. Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult - Another gut wrenching and though provoking novel by Picoult. I enjoyed this one up until the ending but maybe once I distance myself from it I will be able to appreciate it more. This was a typical one of hers - a moral dilemma combined with great characterization and a fast paced story. It was hard to put down.

28. The Stepmother by Carrie Adams - Sequel to The Godmother. If you enjoy chick lit then I would definitely recommend these books. I have found her books to be well written and the characters have a lot of depth!

The last few times I've been stuck in an airport, I've nearly bought American Wife A Novel, but I always end up going with an author I'm familiar with instead. Would you recommend it? Have you read Sittenfeld's work before?

Jacqueline wrote: "The last few times I've been stuck in an airport, I've nearly bought [b:American Wife A Novel|2807199|American Wife A Novel|Curtis Sittenfeld|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41rvbYLCEcL._SL..."

Hi Jacqueline,

I know Melissa will respond to this, but I thought I would say something too. I LOVED American Wife. Good writing, compelling story, and more than anything, it made me want to find out more about Laura Bush. I loved it!

I agree with Viola - I loved American Wife too! It was a great story and Curtis Sittenfeld does a great job of developing her characters.

I also read Prep a few years ago and while I don't remember the exact details of the novel I do remember liking it!

Thanks ladies, I'll definitely add it to my wishlist. :)

29. What I Saw and How I Lied - Judy Blundell

National Book Award Winner, Young Peoples Literature

Melis wrote: "29. What I Saw and How I Lied - Judy Blundell"

I've had my eye on this for a while. What did you think of it?

Melis wrote: "29. What I Saw and How I Lied - Judy Blundell

National Book Award Winner, Young Peoples Literature

"


This one is on my list too!

I enjoyed it - especially the second half of the book. That's when I thought it got really interesting. I don't want to say more because I am afraid I will give something away but I hope some of you read it so we can discuss :)

I turned in the library copy of Sloppy Firsts this evening, so maybe you'll get it next. :) I'm going to put What I Saw and How I Lied on hold. I'll let you know when I read it.

I got a copy already from another branch - I am going to start it tonight. I am excited to meet Jessica Darling :)

Melis wrote: "I got a copy already from another branch - I am going to start it tonight. I am excited to meet Jessica Darling :)"

You'll have to let me know what you think of her. She cracks me up. I feel like I have known her as a teacher, and I had a best friend from high school that she reminds me of. Her descriptions of people in high school are so authentic and true, plus adolescence and trying to find yourself. I also love how the series takes you all through high school and college. I think Perfect Fifths is when she is 26??

30. Sloppy Firsts

31. The Theif - Megan Whalen Turner

Thanks so much for both of these suggestions, Viola! I am already on Second Helpings and getting ready to start The Queen of Attolia. I loved Jessica Darling - she is so much fun :) And I am in the mood for some light hearted and funny stuff right now!

I'm glad you enjoyed Sloppy Firsts! I really like Jessica the best in the first two books. What did you think about Marcus? I love when he says, "Let's hear you sling the bullshit." I wish I could say that to my high school students sometimes!

I loved Second Helpings too. You'll really like it. I'm reading Perfect Fifths right now and have mixed thoughts. I won't say anything yet.

Did you like the Thief?

Yes, I really liked the Thief. I thought it was very interesting and I had no idea that it would end as it did. I also just finished the Queen of Attolia and I really liked that one too. Am excited to get to the third book now!

31. Queen of Attolia - Megan Whalen Turner

32. Second Helpings - I loved this one - especially Marcus!! I also really liked the development of Jessica, Bridget and Percy and Gladdie cracked me up. It was a very fun book to read!

Melis, I loved the third book of The Thief series! :)

33. King of Attolia - Megan Whalen Turner

I loved this book too, Jenn! It was my favorite of the series. I am really hoping that she is writing a fourth book. I know she took a long time between the second and third books so I am hopeful that she will be quicker for the next one!

I'm so glad you liked this series! I loved it. I was really sad when I was finished and had to say goodbye to Gen. :( I think she is possibly writing a fourth, but you're right about how long it might take. Oh well. I guess we'll be very excited when it comes out, huh?

I was sad to say goodbye to Gen too! But am very hopeful that the series will continue. We never did find out what happened to Sophos plus the war with the Mead still needs to happen, etc. I think there will definitely be more! In the meantime, I am onto continuing the life of Jessica Darling :)

34. Charmed Thirds - I really liked this one too! It took me back to when I was in college - oh the memories :)

35. The Golden Compass - This was a reread but I read it a few years ago and wanted to read it again so I can continue the trilogy.

36. Winter Girls - Really thought provoking and at times hard to read as it is a very eye opening look at eating disorders. In my opinion, not as good as Speak but still good.

37. Lover Eternal - Oooh I am really getting into these books but am so disappointed because Lover Awakened is in repair at my library and it could be there for a long time. I think I may have to go out buy it!

Hey, Melis!

I really liked Charmed Thirds too. I thought it captured the college years and all the crazy emotions and changes you go through moving from a teen into an adult. Are you going to read Fourth Comings and Perfect Fifths? I did, and sadly, I don't care much for them. I almost wish I had stopped at Charmed Thirds. :( If you read them though, I would love to hear your opinion.

I just started Winter Girls, and yes, it is a tough one to read. I'm sort of reading it in small sections because it is too much to take in one sitting. So depressing and dark, yet very thought-provoking and realistic. It's just a tough one for me.

Believe it or not, I'm rereading the Mortal Instruments trilogy for a work-related project. I'm not upset about it at all! I have tons of YA books to finish too, so I better get busy!

We've been at the library but haven't seen you. Hope you're doing well! :)

I say buy Lover Awakened! But I'm sure you've already read my ravings about how much I adore Z. ^o^

I took your advice Sans and bought Lover Awakened after work! Since the first book I have always been intrigued by Z so am looking forward to reading it. Hopefully I don't stay up all night :)

Hi Viola!

I am scared to read Fourth Helpings now. I feel like you and I usually have the same taste in books so not sure if I will continue or not. Maybe I will read some of Fourth Helpings and then not the fifth one if I don't like it.

I've been at work but not on the reference desk much in the afternoons lately. I have had a lot of programs and meetings but hopefully we will run into each other soon! I can't believe we haven't even talked about City of Glass yet. I need to reread it so it will be fresh in my mind. Plus a little dose of Jace is always good for the soul :)

Good luck again at the mini this weekend!

Thanks for the good wishes! I'm just hoping to feel well this time. Mentally, I always freak out around mile 11, so I'm just wanting to enjoy myself. I have no time goals this year, and I'm not even taking my watch. Just heading out with my new playlist full of crazy tunes to help it go by quickly. I'm actually really excited because I always get really nervous. Too many high expectations for myself, I suppose. But this year...NONE! :)

I'm sorry if I scared you away from Fourth Helpings. :( We'll have to talk about it some time if we see each other or get together. We should have a City of Glass convo and meet for coffee or wine or dessert. Maybe all three! :)

As for City of Glass, I'm actually slowly rereading the series for a project I'm working on with some teacher friends of mine. You're right; a dose of Jace is NEVER a bad thing! :)

Hopefully we'll run into each other soon!

Melis wrote: "I took your advice Sans and bought Lover Awakened after work! Since the first book I have always been intrigued by Z so am looking forward to reading it. Hopefully I don't stay up all night :)"

Woohoo!! I stayed up all night reading the first time I read each of the books (well, except 6). And, ah, I almost did that when I re-read them the past couple of weeks. It's so worth losing a night of sleep!

Viola wrote: "You're right; a dose of Jace is NEVER a bad thing! :) "

You said it, sister!

38. Lover Awakened

Loved it! You were right Sans, this was well worth losing a night of sleep over. I think I finally finished at 3 AM and wasn't too tired at work today. Luckily I now have the whole weekend to read the next few :)

Viola -

We should definitely get together sometime! It would be much easier to talk when I am not at work.

I am going to read Fourth Comings but I am so caught up in BDB it may be a while before I get to it :)

Just doing the mini is an amazing accomplishment! So I think not having goals is the way to go! I am sure you will do great :)

Hope to see you soon!

Melis wrote: "38. Lover Awakened

Loved it! You were right Sans, this was well worth losing a night of sleep over. I think I finally finished at 3 AM and wasn't too tired at work today. Luckily I now have ..."

YAY!!! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Ahhhhh, Z, how we love you.

What are your thoughts on Butch so far? A lot of people I've talked to didn't like his character or his story very much but he's right up there with Rhage and V for me (just a step below Z). I can't wait to hear what you think of the rest of the books!

39. Lover Revealed

Okay, so I think I am officially addicted to these books! They are soooooo good and my boyfriend is out of town :( but at least this allows me to get lots of reading done!

Sans, I liked Butch's story and I liked his character from the beginning. It's the lessers story that I don't really follow - in fact I skip most of that stuff as I really just in enjoy reading about the brothers :)

YAY! Another BDB addict. Welcome to the club.

I'm that way too! I totally skim through the parts about the lessers. I love those BDB guys, but I read all of them (except book 6) in a week, so I have all of them confused. I think the one about the tortured skinny guy was my favorite. Book five, maybe? Is that Z?

Book 3 - Zhadist. How could you forget Z?! :)

OMG! Did Viola just call Zsadist the tortured skinny guy?? Hahaha! Well, he was that! :-)

Yeah, I'm not normally a skimmer but I do tend to skim through the lesser parts.

And Hey! I was one of the ones that loved Butch from the beginning and his story. Books 2-5 are my faves.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the series, Melis!

Yes, I did call Zsadist that, but like I said, it was because I read them all so fast! About one a day for four days, and I get them confused. I just remember that he was described as being kind of skinny, which I liked, because I'm not as into that neanderthal look the others have. I think I need to reread that one, or maybe all of them, so I can be clear on the details! :)

LOL All I can imagine is Zsadist's and the brothers' reactions to that comment. I blame it on The Insider's Guide and all the awesome "interviews". Hahahaha The tortured, skinny one.

40. Lover Unbound
41. Lover Enshrined

Wow - I haven't read a book a day in a long time but these books sucked me in and I just couldn't stop reading them!

Zsadist was by far my favorite of the brothers. There's nothing better than a woman being able to save a tortured and broken soul.

I can't wait to read book 7 once I can get it from the library and happy to have found a new series that seems like it will continue for a while :)

Z is my favorite too!!! Actually, his book is the only one I have reread out of the whole series. Love him.

Sounds like I need to get back together with those BDB boys and read 6 and 7! I'm with you, Melissa. I always read those books in a day because they are so addicting. I get nothing else done!

Melissa, someday I want to talk to you about the Percy Jackson books. I noticed that you gave them all really good reviews. I have the first one but haven't read it yet.

I'm reading Terrier by Tamora Pierce right now. Have you read that one? I also have Beastly by Alex Flynn which I'm excited about.

Ahhh, I'm so happy we have another convert to the awesomeness that is BDB. ^o^

Viola wrote: "Melissa, someday I want to talk to you about the Percy Jackson books. I noticed that you gave them all really good reviews. I have the first one but haven't read it yet.

*waves arms like a crazy person* Uh, Viola. Over here. Percy rocks. The last book in the series comes out today, so if you're looking for the instant gratification of being able to go through the whole series and not have to wait to find out what happens, then you chose the right time to jump on the Percy bandwagon. They're definitely YA, but funny and fast reads. I'm excited and sad at the same time that the new book comes out today. Excited to find out what happens, but sad that the series is done.

Hey, Dom! I didn't know you were a Percy fan! Wahoo! I didn't know the book came out today. You're right, I did pick the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon! I'm reading Terrier right now, but as soon as I finish, I will start reading them and I'll let you know what I think.

I'm with you about the end of a series. The HP thing was such an exciting time. I was so happy to read the end but sad that it all ended. It really was the greatest phenomenon in the history of publishing, and I'm sad my kids couldn't be a part of it. I mean, my daughter is in that she reads them and LOVES them, but she can't be a part of the speculation and years of wondering. Is Snape really bad? Will Harry die? Who Hermione and Ron get together? Will Voldemort win over all???? It was so much fun, and it's always hard to say goodbye to characters. Listen to me! I'm SUCH a goober!

Oh well. I guess we'll just have to wait until the next big thing comes along, and I'm sure it will. Until then, I'm ready for Percy. :)

I love Percy Jackson!!!! I recommend those books to EVERY kid and adult who comes in the library. It's pathetic really - once I was practically begging this boy to take it home to read as I knew he would love it but he was being skeptical as it was in our juvenile section and not YA. Luckily he did end up really enjoying the series. It is one of my favorites and am sad that it is ending :( I think it is one that you will really enjoy and am looking forward to chatting with you about them once you start them :)

I haven't read any Tamora Pierce yet but she is on my list of authors to try.