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

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

49?! You rock, Renee!

I don't know about a "favorite", but here are two stand-outs that immediately came to mind!

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Road Trip into the Heart of Fan Mania

40-The Postmistress
I really wanted to like this book, but I thought the writing was uneven. It did seem to be well-researched, but too many passages made me either scratch my head or roll my eyes. 2 1/2*

41-Invincible Louisa: The Story of the Author of Little Women
A bit dry, but still interesting life story of Louisa May Alcott. I'm now finished with the 1920's and 30's in my "Read the Newberys" quest! 3*

37-...And Now Miguel
Newbery winner about a 12-year-old sheep farmer in New Mexico. The thing I love about the Newberys is the variety of subjects and geographical locations. Ideal reading material for a young person growing up. 3*

38-Clear Light of Day
Wonderful novel. Desai transported me so thoroughly into her world I could easily have read this in one sitting (if life hadn't interrupted!) 5*

39-Roller Skates
Another charming Newbery winner (except for the bizarre episode at the end of Chapter VII - what the heck?!) 3*

34-The Lowland
Sad story, but Lahiri's beautiful writing makes it uplifting at the same time. 4*

35-Peril at End House
I sort of guessed "whodunit", but still great fun. 4*

36-Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
Heartbreaking and depressing, yet fascinating. Katherine Boo courageously details life in a Mumbai slum. This one will stay with me. 5*

32-Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama
It's truly tragic what has happened in Tibet, but fascinating to read about this man who is still working in exile to inspire others and create a better life for his people. My daughter saw the Dalai Lama speak a few weeks ago, and said the atmosphere was incredible. 4*

33-Caleb's Crossing
I admired many things about the book, but wish I had felt in touch with Caleb a little more. Also, "converting the savages" has never been a favorite theme of mine. 3 1/2*

29-Secrets of Eden
Too lazy to enumerate the many things I didn't like about this book. Apparently his other books are better, but I doubt I'll give him another chance. 1*

30-Johnny Tremain
Classic Newbery winner. 4*

31-Long Walk to Freedom
Amazing story and man. 5*

26 - Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores
Funny, but sad how...(*searches for synonym - just can't think of a better word*) stupid... people can be! 3*

27 - Defending Jacob
Well-written page-turner. If you're a parent, you won't forget it. The ending was NOT what I expected. 4*

28 - Talk of the Devil: Encounters with Seven Dictators
Incredible how, across the board, these murdering dictators seem to have no remorse. I probably would have appreciated the book more if I had more than a rudimentary knowledge of their regimes. 3 1/2*

24 - Blood Work
Another winner from Connelly. 4*

25 - The Slave Dancer
Qualified 3*. Important subject, but wasn't a big fan of the "way" the story was told. Hard to put my finger on exactly why.

Tima wrote: "Oh, I love so many of the Newberry books, what a great list to work through!

The Yiddish Policemen's Union is one I am hoping to get through this year and I also LOVED The Sisters Brothers!"

Yes, The Sisters Brothers was unique, wasn't it? Good luck with your 2014 reading!

Renee wrote: "Just realized you're doing the Newberry list. What a great idea!!"

Yes, it's been fun! I think I'm through about 1/3 of them. They add a nice bit of variety to my reading.

21 - Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze
Well-told story of a boy growing up in 1920's China. 1933 Newbery winner. 4*

22 - Rebecca
Lovely writing, but "hit-you-over-the-head" foreshadowing. 3*

23 - The View from Saturday
One of my favorite children's authors. I have thoroughly enjoyed both of her Newbery winners. 4*

18 - Thimble Summer
Newbery medal winner about a Wisconsin farm girl. I'm having a lot of fun with my "read the Newberys" quest! 3 1/2*

19 - A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
Good ideas, but a lot of repetition and not very different from his first book. 3*

20 - Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog
Can't imagine why I didn't get around to this book earlier. Charming - and I especially appreciate Marley's personality, having lived for 10 years (and counting) with my own neurotic dog! 4*

Susan wrote: "No.9 Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed **** (audiobook) 2/8/14 - This is my second reading of the book for my book club. I see th..."

I enjoyed this too, although someone in my book club who has hiked part of the trail hated it!

Back from the library sale! I definitely binged, mostly on older books I've been meaning to read for ages(and a couple of random picks that looked good):

Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer
The House of the Spirits
Three Junes
The Friday Night Knitting Club
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Road Trip into the Heart of Fan Mania
Flowers for Algernon
The 19th Wife
The Legend of Pradeep Mathew: A Novel

I'll be going to my library's used book sale this Saturday, so I fully plan to binge! Will report afterwards...

16 - The Yiddish Policemen's Union
Chabon tells a creative tale, with amazing writing to go along with it. I'm subtracting a little because I got confused at times! 3 3/4*

17 - The Sisters Brothers
There are so many things to like about this book. Never thought I'd appreciate a western so much. 4 1/2*

15 - Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil
Here's my brief review:
"Hmmm...I have mixed feelings about this one, as do many others. While I sympathize greatly with the plight of the Afghan women and appreciate Rodriguez's efforts to help them, I thought many of her decisions were odd, if not downright bizarre. I also found myself questioning if certain events really happened as she described them, and that's a feeling I rarely have when reading nonfiction." 3*

11 - The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
Interesting premise, but not much of a "story". 2*

12 - On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
I've never really aspired to be a writer, but found this fascinating nonetheless (plus King is FUNNY). 4*

13 - A Suitable Vengeance
Also a big Elizabeth George fan. 4*

14 - Rabbit Hill
Newbery winner about man and nature co-existing. 3 1/2*

8 - Angels Flight
Still a big Connelly fan, but this one had maybe a few too many bad guys and dead bodies. 3 1/2*

9 - Dobry
Charming Newbery winner about a boy growing up in a Bulgarian village. 3*

10 - The Sittaford Mystery
Another great Christie mystery. 4*