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

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

Mekerei wrote: "Book 12: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

I absolutely agree with the comments here. I thought at first the book was kind of fun, but then lost interest and struggled to finish it.

#29-Border Songs-Jim Lynch
I liked this more than I expected to. Well-written and unique (the main character is a 6'8" dyslexic, artistic, mildly autistic, bird-loving Border Guard!)

#28-Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen
A re-read - still probably my favorite book!

I noticed you read and liked 'Chocolat'. I really like Joanne Harris' writing, and have read 2 others by her - 'Five Quarters of the Orange' and 'Gentlemen and Players'. They're not as good as 'Chocolat', but they were both unique stories. Also, I recommend 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' and 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series by Alexander McCall Smith.

You're absolutely right, Sunset. Many children's tales are horribly dark. I think Count Olaf scares me more than the big, bad, wolf or the witch in Hansel and Gretel because he seems so much more "realistic" - like an evil uncle!

Congrats - you're going at a great pace to meet your goal! I have mixed feelings about the Lemony Snicket books. I read the first couple with my kids several years ago, and they were a little dark for me. However, kids seems to love them.

#27-The Broker-John Grisham
Now that's more like it, John! O.K, it does earn extra points for being set in Italy. 3 1/2*

Thanks, Donna! I've been really happy with my reading so far this year - have liked ALL of the nonfiction I've read, and I feel like even the fiction I didn't like still "expanded my horizons". How is your reading going?

#26-Living Dead in Dallas-Charlaine Harris
Over half-way to the goal! I'm way ahead of last year's pace.

Congratulations on being more than halfway to the goal of 50! It looks like you try to read a real variety of books. I'm the same way.

#25-Minding Frankie-Maeve Binchy
I always look forward to a new Maeve Binchy book (have read them all). This one was another great visit with her warm, quirky, Irish characters.

#24-Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption-Laura Hillenbrand
An amazing story, told by a gifted writer.

Looks like you've read some great books so far this year. I think I'm going to have to put your Nos. 4 and 5 on my TBR list (which just keeps getting longer!)

Tiffany, I'm doing my best to talk myself out of going BACK to Borders. The discounts were only 25-30% when I was there, so I only bought 2 books, but I'm thinking as they try harder to liquidate the merchandise, they'll have bigger discounts! Must not go, must not go.

Quite often I feel books don't live up to their hype, but I think you'll find this one does!

#23-The Appeal-John Grisham
One of my least favorite Grisham books.

#22-True Compass: A Memoir-Edward M. Kennedy
Really enjoyed this.

#21-Mushrooms on the Moor-Frank Boreham
Can't resist the odd random Kindle freebie. 1915 musings of a minister, some of them quite interesting. I'm not sorry I read it (and only ONE other person on Goodreads has!)

Angle of Repose has been sitting on a bookshelf in my basement for years - you have reminded me that I need to add it to my official TBR list!

And I return the complement. It's fun to peruse shelves like yours because of the variety and selection of "off the beaten path" books (i.e, NOT on the current best-seller lists).

Ann