Ann A’s Comments (group member since Apr 18, 2010)

Ann A’s comments from the Challenge: 50 Books group.

52 - My Sister, the Serial Killer (Tournament of Books)
I quite enjoyed this (didn't really expect to from the title). 4*

53 - So Lucky (Tournament of Books)
That's what I love about the ToB - discovering gems like this that I would not otherwise have picked up. 5*

54 - The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1001 books)
I do like Tolstoy. 4*

49 - The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1001 books)
I was surprised to find the main focus was the city of Paris and its architecture. I liked Les Mis a lot better. 3*

50 - This Boy's Life
Excellent memoir. 4*

51 - The Fifth Risk
Interesting, scary stuff. 4*

Tiffany wrote: "16. The Nancy Drew Scrapbook: 60 Years of America's Favorite Teenage Sleuth

A re-read. This is one of the few books that I borrowed from the library then decided I wanted to own a co..."

I just ordered my copy! (None of my libraries even had it.)

46 - The Dictionary of Animal Languages (Tournament of Books) - Another one I really wanted to like because the premise was so interesting. Just couldn't ever sink my teeth into it. 2*

47 - Red Rock Stories: Three Generations of Writers Speak on Behalf of Utah's Public Lands - I bought and read these essays in protest of the current administration opening much of this sacred land back up to development. 4*

48 - The Bat - Wasn't wild about this, but I've read that later books in the series are better so I'll try another one or two. He IS a good writer. 3*

43 - The Parking Lot Attendant (Tournament of Books) - I wanted to like this book about the Ethiopian immigrant community, but just couldn't appreciate the writing style. 2*

44 - Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea - I feel such sadness for these people and respect for this author for writing about them. 4 1/2*

45 - A Study in Scarlet - Hmmm. Kind of a convoluted plot. 3*

40 - Washington Black (Tournament of Books) - I thought for sure this would be a 5* read, but it fizzled a bit towards the end. 4*

41 - The Dog who Came in from the Cold - A.M. Smith comfort read. 3*

42 - There There (Tournament of Books) - A beautiful (and heartbreaking) debut novel. There were a few things that bothered me with the plot, but I'd definitely read more by this author. 4*

37 - Warlight (Tournament of Books) - Liked, not loved. 3*

38 - Milkman (Tournament of Books) - Really different, that's for sure. 3*

39 - Census (Tournament of Books) - Just didn't work for me. 2*

34 - One, Two, Buckle My Shoe - Solid 4* mystery.

35 - A Terrible Country (Tournament of Books) - I found the main character's life in Moscow fascinating. 5*

36 - Me: Stories of My Life - Some really interesting parts, but other sections dragged on too long. I do plan to re-watch many of Ms. Hepburn's movies now. 3 1/2*

31 - The Clue of the Broken Locket - Have to pull out a Nancy Drew now and then. It's just fun. 3*

32 - The Mars Room (Tournament of Books) - Not a "pleasant" read, but took me to some knowledge and understanding of a life very different from my own. 3*

33 - Paris for One and Other Stories - 3 1/2*

Yvonne wrote: "How many books do you read in a week?"

I average only 1-2 books a week, but I got behind in updating this thread so it will look like I have read a whole bunch very quickly! (I've read 47 so far this year.)

28 - Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos - 4*

29 - The House of Broken Angels (Tournament of Books) - 4*

30 - The Overstory (Tournament of Books) - I had never truly appreciated trees. I will now. 4*

25 - Montalbano's First Case, and Other Stories -
3*

26 - Cranford (1001 Books) - 4*

27 - The Friend (Tournament of Books) - 4*

Tiffany wrote: "8. The Haunted Bridge (Nancy Drew Mysteries #15)

Sometimes you have to just set aside your adult obligations and sit outside in the sun and read a good Nancy Drew book :)"

Hear! Hear! I read a couple of these a year in homage to my childhood.

21 - Mrs. Budley Falls from Grace - 3*

22 - America Is Not the Heart (Tournament of Books) 2 1/2*

23 - Sir Philip's Folly - That's quite enough of this series. 2*

24 - The Golden State (Tournament of Books) 4*

18 - Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog: The Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman - 4*

19 - Unsheltered - What a writer. But don't expect to feel jolly after reading this. 4*

20 - Miss Tonks Turns to Crime - 3*

14 - Archie, Vol. 1: The New Riverdale - 3*

15 - Becoming - LOVE. 5*

16 - Yes, Chef - It's now on my bucket list to go to this guy's restaurant in New York. - 4*

17 - One of Our Thursdays Is Missing - 4*

10 - Sweet, Thoughtful Valentine - Kindle Short. 4*

11 - Death of a Village - 4*

12 - Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays - Wish I had discovered Mary Oliver sooner. 4*

13 - The Drop - 4*

6 - James Monroe - 3*

7 - Poser: My Life in Twenty-three Yoga Poses - 4*

8 - A Passage to India - Good writing, but I didn't like the way the Indians were portrayed. (1001 books) 3*

9 - Lady Fortescue Steps Out - Total fluff, but entertaining. 3*

I also read one of the Dark Shadows books (since I am old enough to be a fan of the original TV series), but I was underwhelmed as well. I think I just need to re-watch the show.

Oh, sorry your first book of the year was a bust.

I had to chuckle about your goal to use the library more and stop buying books. I use the library a lot, but can't seem to keep myself away from the "Used Book Sale" section!