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

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

10 - The Blood Sugar Solution: The UltraHealthy Program for Losing Weight, Preventing Disease, and Feeling Great Now!
Lots of good info, although the "quizzes" did get annoying. 4*

11 - Ella Minnow Pea
Great fun. 5*

12 - Corduroy Mansions
I'm starting to get a bit bored with Smith's serial novels - it takes too long for not much to happen. 3* (barely)

7 - Death of a Snob
This series is one of my guilty pleasures. 3*

8 - 12 Years a Slave
I feel compelled to see the movie now. 4*

9 - Modern Romance
Interesting take on the evolution of relationships/dating. 4*

4 - Migraine
Much of this was over my head due to the medical terminology, but still had fascinating sections. 3*

5 - In the Woods
A little dark for me and I didn't much like the main character. However, the writing was solid, so I'll probably give the next one in the series a try. 3*

6 - Suite Française (1001 Books)
Impressive novel set in 1940's occupied France (sadly, the writer died in Auschwitz). 5*

1 - Lost Light
Another solid entry in the Harry Bosch series. 4*

2 - Why Not Me?
Fluff, but fun. 4*

3 - Death of a Hussy
More fluff, but I enjoy listening to this series on audio. 3*

What a fun reading plan! Good luck!

Alicia wrote: "One of my main reading goals for this year will be to knock down a chunk of my tbr that I own. I'm very excited for reading in 2016!! Lots in store!!"

One of these years I hope to knock off more TBR books than I add. Don't know if it will ever happen!

I'll try for 100 books again. Other goals are to read at least 15 books from the '1001' list and 15 Newbery winners.

Wishing everyone lots of happy reading hours in 2016!

And that's it for the year! I am quite happy with my total of 118. Off to make my new goals. Happy New Year, everyone!

114 - Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
Another enjoyable Newbery winner. I am up to 65 in my quest to read them all. 4*

115 - The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds 3*

116 - Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You
Highly entertaining. 4*

117 - Flight Behavior
More solid fare from Kingsolver. Would have given it max stars if it hadn't depressed me. 4*

118 - Death in the Clouds 4*

Way to go, Tiffany! And you still have 5 days left to add more books!

111 - How Dogs Love Us: A Neuroscientist and His Adopted Dog Decode the Canine Brain
Ok, the story was stretched out a bit, but as a dog-lover this held my interest. 4*

112 - Secret of the Andes
Great Newbery winner about a boy in the Andes. 4*

113 - A Highland Christmas
Christmas with Hamish! 4*

108 - Audition: A Memoir
A little tedious at times, but overall quite interesting. I'll round up to 4*

109 - The Last Camel Died at Noon
I always enjoy Amelia's adventures, but I didn't like this one as well as the last one. 3*

110 - Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Very good, but too many lists of the animals and plants seen. 3 1/2*

105 - The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl
Well-done history (including personal stories) of the dust bowl years, something I had known very little about. 4*

106 - Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars
I can't imagine dog lovers not loving this book. 5*

107 - The 39 Steps (1001 books)
Decent. A ground-breaker for its time, I believe. 3*

101 - A Gate at the Stairs (1001 books)
Too much "writing" and not enough plot. 2*

102 - An Age of License: A Travelogue
I'm learning to appreciate graphic novels. This was another fun one. 4*

103 - The Castle of Otranto (1001 books)
I didn't love it, but I can appreciate its value as something unique for its time. 3*

104 - Ford County
Respectable short stories. 4*

Donna wrote: "Well done!"

Thank you, Donna. Hope you also meet your goal!

Tiffany wrote: "Ann A wrote: "And...drum roll, please...#100 - Steve Jobs
Fascinating. 5*

I've met my goal for the year, but I'm certainly not going to stop reading. Maybe I can hit 120!"

Congrat..."

Thanks, Tiffany!

Wow - looks like you will have no problem reaching 300 books! Way to go!

I just joined you in the "Finish Line" folder. Congrats on exceeding your goals for the year!

And...drum roll, please...#100 - Steve Jobs
Fascinating. 5*

I've met my goal for the year, but I'm certainly not going to stop reading. Maybe I can hit 120!

96 - March: Book Two
Good follow-up to Book One in the story of John Lewis and his fight for civil rights. 4*

97 - The Bronze Bow (Newbery winner) 3*

98 - The Secret of Red Gate Farm
I like to relive my youth every once in awhile by reading a Nancy Drew mystery! 3*

99 - Relish: My Life in the Kitchen
Entertaining graphic novel about the author's experiences growing up as a "foodie". 4*