(77)The First Gift of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans and The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere

I am considering both of these as one book since they are both so small. Both were good reads to put you in the right state of mind for Christmas (giving to others, unselfishness, etc) but Christmas Shoes was SAD! I definitely was in a funk after reading that.

(78)The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere

I wasn't as impressed with this book. It was a sequel to the Christmas Shoes but it was much more hokey and the logistics didn't follow (I hate that! When the timeline isn't in sequence). It was also pretty predictable and also sad.

(79)The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

This was a really good book with some great advice and some eye opening points. The author leaned towards pompousness and arrogance a bit too much for my taste but I appreciate his motives and his words. One book I will definitely read again to help keep me in line with my goals in life.

(74)One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

(75)Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich

(76)Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich

Fun and easy series to read and I enjoy the main character Stephanie.

(70)The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett

This was a wonderful book that was beautifully written. I fell in love with the characters and was intrigued the entire book. Definitely wortwhile.

(71)Man and Wife by Andrew Klavan

This was ok but not anything special. It was pretty predictable.

(72)Santa, Baby by Jennifer Cruise

Not worth it. Three short stories that I couldn't wait to get through because they were so boring and just so girly.

(73)Her Christmas Wish by Cindi Myers

Ugh, boring and predictable and nothing special. Only good point was that it was really fast.

(69)The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway [1001 books, Pulitzer Prize:]

So this story is hard for me to categorize. The story is great albeit a bit strange storyline and also quite tragic. I'm not especially impressed with Hemingway's writing style but there was still somethinb about this story that grabbed me so that makes it worthwhile.

(68)Lost & Found by Jane Sigaloff

So this was a pretty cute, easy read but the plot was really lacking. For having over 300 pages, there was not much depth in the characters or development in the plot but ok enough to finish and not be mad about the time wasted.

(67)Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths by Bernard Evslin

The book was interesting since it told about old myths and gods but the writing was horrendous. It has peaked my interest regarding mythology, however.

(66)God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut [1001 Books:]

This particular Vonnegut book did not grab me as his other books did but I still liked it ok. It had a wonderful message and amazing satire, as usual, but the story itself was a bit slow and boring at times. I still read it in a day though since his writing style is so simple. Good enough, I guess.

(65)Just the Way You Are by Christina Dodd

This was a really great romance to read. I'm not sure if I'm just reading it at the right time in my life or if it really was that good of writing but I want to read the other 3 books in this trilogy now. One of those sweep you off your feet, read in a day type books.

(64)March by Geraldine Brooks [Pulitzer:]

This was yet another book that I thought would be a boring historical piece but ended up being a beautiful, moving novel that brought me to tears more than once. I don't know what is going on but each book I have read lately has had a religious undertone with very deep and sad content. I wonder what message I am supposed to be receiving? All I know is that I want to read "Little Women" again because of this book.

(63)The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Beautiful! I really don't know what else to say. I did not expect to like this book at all but it had been recommended to me by so many women (yes, only women) that I finally decided to give it a go and I loved it! I thought it would be boring and biblical but there was barely a reference to anything biblical and it was just a beautiful, moving story. The writing is amazing and I plan on reading it again when I am about to have my first child. Strongly recommend it for other women readers.

(62)Everything is Illuminated:A Novel by Jonathan Safran Foer [1001 books:]

The writing style was a bit difficult for me to keep up with but I did appreciate his version of a Ukranian translating into English, I found it to be quite accurate. The story was also a bit hard to follow since it was constantly going from one place to another in not very logical sequences but I got used to it. I do appreciate the topic and some parts of it brought me to tears so I would still recommend it to others.

(61)Kiss Me While I Sleep: A Novel by Linda Howard

It was just what I needed at the time. A fast read with romance and action. Nothing particularly special but I know to find one of Howard's books when I need a quick read that is entertaining.

(60)Like Water for Chocolate: A Novel in Monthly Installments with Recipes, Romances, and Home Remedies by Laura Esquivel [1001 Books:]

Personally, I don't know what all the hype is about. It sounded like a child wrote the book with all of the simple sentences and child-like expressions. Some of that may be due to the translation but I think it's mainly the author. The storyline was also extremely undeveloped and just plain annoying. I have no idea why it's a "must read" but at least it's a fast read.

(59)Gilead:A Novel by Marilynne Robinson [Pulitzer Prize:]

Another book with heavy Christian undertones. I enjoyed the style and the writing and was touched at the end. Inspirational read.

(58)The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo [1001 books:]

It was interesting and entertaining but not in the least bit historically relevant. It was definitely slow at times and it amazes me how the writing style in those days could fill up hundreds of pages and yet lack any character or plot development! I did think it was good and I enjoyed the ending.

(57)The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright

This story was a bit hokie (sp?) but a fast read with some encouraging family and love themes. It also has very Christian undertones so it's not something I would suggest for the unbeliever.

(56)Dress Your Family in Corderoy and Denim by David Sedaris [non-fiction:]

This was laugh-out-loud funny and I enjoyed every story. This more than makes up for my disappointment in Naked and I also read it in a day. Fun stuff

(55)The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood [1001 books:]

This was a good book with really awesome one-liners thrown in out of nowhere to spice things up. It also helped me to appreciate what I have available and what we tend to take for granted. However, I'm starting to believe that epilogues are a book's worst enemy. Some epilogues can almost ruin a book (i.e. Life of Pi and Bel Canto) while it just makes others more tedious, such as with this novel. It just seemed to me like Atwood was trying to show off all of her witty symbolisms and wording in the epilogue and it took away from the story as a whole as opposed to adding to it.

(54) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

I could not put this book down. Not only because it was a great story and I was hooked, but because I couldn't believe that someone's life could really be that horrible! This book made me want to look into the history of Afghanistan while at the same time it made me feel such sympathy for all who have had to endure such tragedy and hardships.

(53) Bel Canto Ann Patchett

Damn! This is one of those books that put life into perspective in a way that you didn't think possible and really makes you think about things. It brought me outside of myself and my selfish views into a worldview that was like a refreshing slap in the face that I needed. To me, those are the best kinds. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, to say the least. It took me a little bit to get into it but by the end I was so connected to the characters and to what was going to happen that I couldn't put the book down. Definitely suggest it for others.

(52)No One Lives Forever by Jordan Dane

The book was entertaining enough but painfully obvious. I just got through it rather than waiting to see what would happen next.

(51) Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut

I really enjoyed this book and Vonnegut's view on mankind. Every so often he would throw in a zinger that really made me think, and about really obvious things too! He put a spin to all the evils of the world (all created by man, of course). This is a book I'll probably read again and get something else out of it next time.

(50)The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

This was an ok book and not bad writing but very predictable. I was hoping for a twist ending but nothing special really happened.

(49)A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers

Eh, his writing style was funny at first but then it became very difficult to follow and want to continue. Over 400 pages of run-on sentences and incoherent thoughts gets to be a bit much and I'm proud that I was able to finish it!

(48)Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts[Oprah's Book Club:]

I have seen the movie and loved it so I was excited to see how the book is in comparison. I loved it! Not only did it remind me of home (Oklahoma) but it was just so heart warming and gentle. I read it really quickly and enjoyed every bit of it. I was afraid I would be bored if it was too similar but I was caught up in the book as much as the movie. And there were definitely some new things in the book to keep it interesting. I'm definitely going to read some more of Letts' books.

(47)Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen

Another easy read to help me get back in the game. I liked to psychic aspects of the book though, it was interesting.

(46)No One Heard Her Scream by Jordan Dane

This book was alright but I enjoyed the first book I read of Dane's better. I'll still read others by her but mainly vacation reads and when I'm sick.

(45)The World According to Garp by John Irving [1001 Books:]

I think that Irving is an amazing writer but both of his books I've read so far seem to be lacking in purpose in my opinion. While his style is amazing, his plots are so-so and hard to decipher. I'm sure I'll read more of his books just to figure him out.

(44)Hide by Lisa Gardner

I'm never disappointed by a Gardner book. They are exactly what I expect, easy, suspenseful and exciting.

(41)Naked by David Sedaris

I was a bit disappointed in this book because I believe I had too high of expectations. Having read "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and loving it, I expected far too much from "Naked" and now know to just let things be when it comes to Sedaris and his writing.

(42)Heart of Dixie by Tami Hoag

Only reason I read this book was because I was going on vacation and it was small and quick. Exactly what you would think of as a romoance novel, boring, predictable and cheesy.

(43)Obsession by Jonathan Kellerman

Not a bad book. I was interested and I read it rather quickly considering my busy schedule and the 400+ pages (maybe a bit too long). I think I'll give some of his other books a go. Great vacation read.

(40)The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner

I've always enjoyed Gardner's thrillers and this one definitely didn't let me down. It was a little bit depressing, however, delving into the minds of the school shooters and reliving the pain caused by these tragedies.

(38)About a Boy by Nick Hornby

I've always enjoyed Hornby's books but this one got to me. I loved the little boy and I found myself completely involved with what was going on. It only took one day to read! I definitely recommend this one.

(39) Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë [1001 Books:]

I'm not a huge fan of 19th century novels but I pushed through this one. There were definitely parts I didn't fully understand the dialogue and parts that were excruciatingly boring but not as bad as I expected. I'm still not sure if there is any point to the book but I can see why it was a big deal at its time.

(37)House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III [Oprah's Book Club:]

Sadly, I saw the ending of the movie before I began this book so I already had an idea of what was going to happen. However, knowing the ending of the book was the only way to get me to finish it because I wanted to see how the events came about. Other than that, I found it rather boring and I was less than enthusiastic while reading it. The ending of the movie is apparently different than the book and that made it somewhat better.

(36) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It not only delved into the depression-era circus life (first time reading that) but also created characters that I was routing for and fully wanted to succeed. I also love her way of writing about the animals, it hooked me from the start.

(35)You Suck by Christopher Moore

Super fast read and it was interesting but not all I expected it to be. My first Christopher Moore and I was expecting more scandal and darkness but this was actually pretty cheesy and contrived. I'll give one of his other's a try.

(34) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I can understand why people feel motivated by this book as it has a great underlying message but at the same time I found the writing lacking in depth and professionalism. Granted, it couldv'e been due to translation but I just felt like I was readeing a child's book the entire time. I appreciated the message and I think it did encourage me in a way to make sure to live life to the fullest but it wasn't life-changing for me. I would definitely still suggest it to others though.

(32,33) The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami [1001 Books:]

Over 600 pages so I'm counting it as 2 books. I really enjoyed this book and the author's style even though I will admit I didn't quite understand everything. Very unique story line and characters. I've already suggested it for some of my friends.

(31)Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster

This was a fun book that was also an eye-opener regarding getting to confident in how secure your life is. She was a really good author but I got sick of her talking about fashion labels and how 'fabulous' she was. I know it was meant as a joke but it's obvious she definitely is that into herself. But it was certainly enjoyable enough to want to read her other works.

(27)And Then You Die by Iris Johansen

Eh, not so great but a quick read.

(28)Honeymoon by James Patterson

Interesting and super duper quick read. Great for traveling.

(29)Me vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski

It was ok with a cool concept but I think it had much more potential than was utilized

(30)Prior Bad Acts by Tami Hoag

It was hard for me to get into this book and I guessed the outcome at the very beginning and it was a bit long.

(25,26)I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb [Oprah's Book Club:]

Why does this book have 2 numbers? Because it's almost 900 pages. I contemplated making it three but decided to not make it too easy on myself. I was pleasantly surprised with this book however, considering my strong opposing feelings to 'She's Come Undone' by the same author. Although this book delved into the many hot topics of that time in order (in my opinion) to increase sensationalism and 'deepness' for the book as was done in the first book, I enjoyed the story, I could relate to the protaganist and I was interested in the end, even though it was 900 pages later! It definitely could've been much shorter but it was still pretty good.

(24)The Road by Cormac McCarthy [Oprah's and Pulitzer:]

This book was excellent in its portrayl of the lasts days on earth. Not only did I feel the desolation and extreme sadness but I even began to see the futility in living in those times! Great read for thinking and appreciating what we have.

(23)Anthem by Ayn Rand

I loved the style of the book, how it was written, and the point. I didn't agree with everything but it was definitely a super fast read and worth while.

(22)No One Left to Tell by Jordan Dane

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Not only is the author from my hometown but she wrote a book that I didn't want to put down! I was curious what was going to happen next and I enjoyed the plot. For one of her first books, I'm definitely impressed.

(21)Under the Banner of Heaven by John Krakauer [Non-fiction:]

I've been trying to 'expand my horizons' by reading more non-fiction and I couldn't have picked a better book to help get me started! I found the in-depth history and explanation of the Mormon religion fascinating plus Krakauer's writing was excellent plus I loved his (basic) neutrality throughout the entire book. He always had a justification for any negative thing he said. This is a book that I believe I will read again because I feel like my tiny brain wasn't able to gather all of the pertinent information provided.

(20)Adultery for Beginners by Sarah Duncan

As surprising as it may seem, I didn't enjoy this book. Who would've thought with such an intriguing title that the book itself would suck (I'm being facetious). The writing was horrible, the plot was less than noteworthy and overall a not worthy read.

(19)Perfume:The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind [1001 Books:]

The basis of this story was very unique and intriguing but I personally found the writing style to be pedantic with unnecessary details. Some of the sections dragged on while the author described the process of perfume making and all the different materials used while other sections written about the murderer flew by.

(18)Perv-a Love Story by Jerry Stahl

I still don't know what to make of this book. It was very dark and unrelatable but a quick read and unique.

(16)How to Be Good by Nick Hornby

I hated certain aspects of this book and loved others. I hated the main character but still could empathize with her dilemma. It definitely put into perspective what it means to be 'good' and therefore I find it a worthwhile read although at times the story made me want to hurl the book across the room.

(17)The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon [1001 books:]

This is such an interesting insight into the mind of an autistic teenager. I don't know how Haddon was able to so accurately portray their thinking patterns but it was certainly impressive. The book itself was quite cute in itself. I really liked it.

(15)Dracula by Bram Stoker [1001 Books:]

This was an enjoyable read but I was more impressed with the fact that Bram created the figure of Dracula himself and how popular it is still to this day. His writing isn't necessarily the best, especially since all of the characters seemed to have the same voice throughout the novel, but it is still very imaginative and ahead if its times.

(13)A Mind to Murder by P.D. James

I was not impressed by this book because it was extremely obvious and not creative in the least bit. I probably won't read another by James.

(14)Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri [Pulitzer Prize:]

I really enjoyed these short stories. They were all quite sad in nature but extremely entertaining and enligtening to read. She is an extremely talented author.