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

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

Looks like you've read some good ones. Welcome to the Challenge!

#49-The Right Attitude to Rain-Alexander McCall Smith
This is my least favorite A.M. Smith series, but I'll probably see it through... This one (#3) was just o.k.

#48-Frankly - Just Between Us: My Life Conducting Frank Sinatra's Music
Not as interesting as I had hoped, but still enjoyable.

Naomi wrote: "23. Godless by Dan Barker

Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists

Wow, this sounds interesting!

Barbara, I didn't see Austenland (by Shannon Hale) on your "Austen fan" list! You have to read that one - it's a lot of fun. Edit: Whoops - I just did a "compare books" and saw it there. I should have known you wouldn't have missed that one!

#47-The Crying Tree-Naseem Rakha
Started off well, but then I think it tried to take on too much and lost its way a bit. Barely 3*

Donna, I'm not sure if I read the original version. I suppose there was some racism, but it's a children's book written in 1923 so my expectations weren't too high. It was o.k, but I'm sure I'll enjoy the more recent Newberry winners more.

#46-Special Topics in Calamity Physics- Marisha Pessl
ALMOST 5 stars for me. I wrote a short review, but don't know how to link to it here.

#45-The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle-Hugh Lofting
Newberry Medal winner, 1923. Would like to read all of these.

#44-Island Beneath the Sea-Isabel Allende
Interesting story. Beautiful writing. It's nice to read a book I REALLY like after one I really DIDN'T like!

Sunset, I can't believe all the great reviews The Innocent got. Lots of plot holes, not believable, and superfluous violence/gore. Just not my cup of tea, I guess!

#43-The Innocent-Vincent Zandri
Could hardly get through the 2nd half. Awful. Too bad I can't resist the occasional random Kindle freebie.

Ha! You're absolutely right about the Sookie books being like potato chips! They're also MY dirty little secret.

Embrace your addiction! As a wise person (you) once told me, "There are worse things.."!

Tiffany, yes it's nice to read a "cozy" once in awhile!

Lindsey, #1 in the series is Uncivil Seasons, and it may be a little hard to find. #3 is First Lady. There were some things that annoyed me about Time's Witness, but in general I really like Malone's writing.

I need to reread this, as I was much too young when I read it the first time. The only thing I remember is a particular line from a sex scene between Sonny and somebody (don't remember who - just the graphic "description" of Sonny!) Funny what sticks with us over the years!

#42-Time's Witness-Michael Malone
Very clever writing. Almost 4 stars - just thought the book was a bit long, and it was hard to keep track of all the characters (interesting though they were). I'd like to read the other 2 in this series. Didn't realize this was the 2nd one.

#41-Austenland-Shannon Hale
I don't read much chick-lit, but I had a great time with this one. You'll especially appreciate it you loved Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy (guilty).

I really liked Prodigal Summer. Hope to get to The Poisonwood Bible and The Bean Trees sometime this year.

#40-Friends, Lovers, Chocolate-Alexander McCall Smith
Liked this second installment better than the first in the series. 3 1/2*

#39-Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm-Kate Douglas Wiggin
Had been meaning to read this for years. Rebecca seems a lot like Anne Shirley (of Green Gables).