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

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

#22-Freedom
Liked it a lot. 4*

#23-Murder on the Links
O.K, but not a Christie favorite of mine. 3*

#24-The Inheritance of Loss
A Booker Prize winner. Not an easy, "feel-good" read, but a beautifully written book dealing with the immigrant experience as well as many other contemporary issues. This one will stay with me for awhile. 4*

#25-The Black Echo
A real page-turner, but again, was a little disappointed in the way Connelly "wrapped things up".
3 1/2*

#26-Coraline
I appreciate Gaiman's imagination, and look forward to reading some of his other books. 3*

#17-An Ice Cold Grave
Didn't like it. There's only 1 more book in the series, but I don't think I'll see it through. 2*

#18-A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
I love Bill Bryson's wit and the fact that I learn a lot from his books. 4 1/2*

#19-Townie
Never would have picked this up if it hadn't been recommended to me. I ended up liking it a lot, especially the last 1/3. Dubus III is a very good writer, and I was fascinated with how he describes his penchant for violence in his younger days and how he evolves. 4*

#20-Still Alice
Very good book, but scary! 4*.

#21-The Brass Verdict
I really liked 80% of this, but subtracted 1/2* because of the ending. 3 1/2*

#11-Half Life
Decent read.

#12-Hercule Poirot's Christmas
Dame Christie does it again.

#13-The Fellowship of the Ring
Even though I'm not a big fantasy fan, this gets 4* for the writing and imagination.

#14-The Earth Is Enough
True nature lovers will enjoy this (although the trout fishing chapter is TOO long).

#15-The Alchemist
A re-read - still enjoy it.

#16-Call for the Dead
Smiley #1 - I aspire to read them all.

#7-Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Was really frustrated with this. As another reviewer put it, "historical fiction for the Nicholas Sparks set" -in other words, too sappy!

#8-The Night Circus
The description of this didn't intrigue me, but after so many good reviews I thought I'd give it a try. Surprisingly, I liked it quite a bit - found it unique and well-written.

#9-Anne of Green Gables
The TV show really stayed true to this book. Anne is a great character.

#10-Knots and Crosses
Didn't love all the plot elements, but I liked Ian Rankin's writing enough to see what he does with Detective Rebus in further novels.

I "read" books like I "run" to the store - I don't think it's necessary to insist on the literal definition. I will continue to list my audiobooks as having "read" them. Those who choose to disapprove are free to do so.

Tiffany wrote: "If you liked When the Emperor Was Divine, definitely read The Buddha In the Attic...

Thanks, Tiffany. I'll definitely read that one.

Chris wrote: "To use your own example, if reading is ONLY looking at and understanding the written word, a blind person would not READ a book in braille. It is a completely tactile experience. I think all too mu..."

Well said, Chris!

#4-Waiting for Godot
3 1/2* - Liked it - not sure why.

#5-Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
3 1/2* - I enjoyed it, but think a couple of sections didn't measure up to the rest of the book.

#6-When the Emperor Was Divine
4* - There is a lot of emotion packed into this short novel. It makes your heart ache for what the Japanese-American families endured during WWII.

Here's to another year of great books and fellow book-lovers!

#1-Voyager
3*-Not sure I'm liking this series enough to continue with the 1000+ page installments.

#2-East of Eden
4*-The usual superb Steinbeck writing.

#3-Nairobi Heat
2* (Barely) A real disappointment, although I think the writer has potential.

Anya wrote: "For next two books I have approximately 50 pages left for each, so I'm just going to go ahead and write them down as "read" and finish tomorrow.:)
55. Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by J..."

Happy New Year! Hope you enjoy lots of great reading in 2012!

Naomi wrote: "here’s how 2011 stacked up. my goal for the year was to read more books that i already owned. i can tell you without even checking that i failed miserably at that. not a surprise -- i love book ..."

Enjoyed reading your 2011 summary. Happy New Year and Happy Reading in 2012!

#111-Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
Witty and charming.

#112-Bossypants
Not hilarious throughout, but enough to make it a worthwhile read.

Happy New Year! On to the 2012 thread now to start another great reading year...

Congratulations!!

Susan wrote: "110! I'm impressed."

Thanks, Susan. My record prior to this year was only 62!

#107-The Pearl
A John Steinbeck "gem"!

#108-River of Smoke
The 2nd of the "Ibis" trilogy. Mostly set in Canton at the beginning of The Opium Wars of the early 19th century. With wonderfully drawn characters and lots of authentic period detail, Ghosh is becoming one of my favorite writers.

#109-Sarah's Key
Loved the first half, but the second half lost a bit of steam. Overall a good read, with a disturbing, powerful story.

#110-Fahrenheit 451
Can't believe it took me so long to read this classic. Bradbury is a great writer.

NG wrote: "Ann A wrote: "Congratulations on reaching 50 books! I picked up a used copy of The Wedding Song by Naguib Mahfouz a few weeks ago and look forward to reading it."

Thank you Anna :D

I haven't rea..."

I definitely would like to read the trilogy that begins with A Palace Walk. Happy Holidays!

Naomi wrote: "59. Angle of Investigation: Three Harry Bosch Stories by Michael Connelly

I need to get to some more Michael Connelly. I have only ready The Lincoln Lawyer, but I really liked it.

Congratulations on reaching 50 books! I picked up a used copy of The Wedding Song by Naguib Mahfouz a few weeks ago and look forward to reading it.

#103-Decline and Fall
My first by Evelyn Waugh, and it won't be the last. Very clever satire. 3 1/2*

#104-On Canaan's Side
On Booker Long List. Great writing - almost 4*.

#105-The Brandeis/Frankfurter Connection: The Secret Political Activities of Two Supreme Court Justices
Hah! I think just 4 other people on Goodreads read this! I'm trying hard to get to books that have been on my shelves for years (and years). Not a page-turner, but somewhat interesting if you're into politics.

#106-The Human Animal
Another that I've had for eons. Some interesting sections, but very dated.

Lianne wrote: "Also, can you believe I've read 65 books this year?! I only read 37 in 2010! :D"

Way to go, Lianne!!