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

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

#13-Breaking Dawn-Stephenie Meyer
Read the series because of my daughter. I did think this one was better than the previous two, but I'm done with vampire books.

#12-My Antonia-Willa Cather
Really enjoyed this - surprisingly. I didn't expect a Midwestern farm novel to be a page-turner, but Cather's writing made it just that.

Colberto wrote: "2. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
3. I am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert (Putting this one on what I have dubbed my 'Shelf of Shame' at home, which holds the Twilight and Maximum..."
Shelf of Shame - that's funny!

#11-Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan-Greg Mortenson
Loved this book. I found the stories of all the local people who helped Greg to be fascinating and inspiring. I also thought the book was very well-written (apparently, some didn't care for the writing style of 'Three Cups of Tea').

Sara wrote: "2.Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver Such a great book!"
I loved 'The Namesake' (the movie is good, also) and I love Barbara Kingsolver (although I haven't read 'Animal Dreams'). I read 'The Corrections' years ago, and while I wasn't a huge fan, I want to read 'Freedom' to see what all the hype is about. Have you read it yet?

#10-Wench-Dolen Perkins-Valdez
This book left me unsatisfied. Just average.

#9-The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin-Benjamin Franklin
Very interesting, but I was disappointed it only covers his life up until 1757.

What did you think of American Gods? I was perusing it in the bookstore yesterday, and couldn't decide if I want to read it or not.

Good luck with the challenge. You started off the year with a great book!

Her Royal Orangeness wrote: "I'm actually hoping for 100, but 50 is a good place to start!

Have you seen the movie of "Babette's Feast"? (Maybe that's why you read the book.) It was a great movie.

Lillie wrote: "I'm going to look for this book! I love tea and want to read about it. Very excited now :)

I highlighted several quotes from the book, but here are my favorites:

"It has not the arrogance of wine, the self-consciousness of coffee, nor the simpering innocence of cocoa". (tea)

"Those who cannot feel the littleness of great things in themselves are apt to overlook the greatness of little things in others."

"We nurse a conscience because we are afraid to tell the truth to others;we take refuge in pride because we are afraid to tell the truth to ourselves."

Good stuff, huh? Hope you enjoy the book!

Scott wrote: "#2. 1984 by George Orwell
Interesting analysis. I just read 1984 a few years ago at the insistence of my daughter, who read it for a high school class and loved it. I agree Orwell's message has often been misinterpreted. Wouldn't a conversation with him be fascinating?

#8-Fruits Basket Ultimate Edition-Natsuki Takaya
Wanted to see what manga was all about. Not my thing.

#7-Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America-Thomas L. Friedman
As usual, I think Friedman is dead-on with his analysis and ideas.

VWrulesChick wrote: "#4

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

I didn't know there was a movie! It should be good.

#6-Far from the Madding Crowd-Thomas Hardy
Classic tale of otherwise intelligent woman falling for the wrong guy. Bathsheba infuriated me, but I do love Thomas Hardy's writing.

I forgot about reading "The Return of the Native" years ago - liked that one, too. Guess I'm a Thomas Hardy fan!

Rachel wrote: "5. Bull by Mark Sinnett"
Good luck! You're off to a great start!

Melissa wrote: "1. A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
"
One of my favorite Sherlock Holmes stories!

Chris wrote: "5. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Rating: 10 - Loved it!!!!!!!! You'..."


I'm surprised this book hasn't gotten more attention. I loved it, too.