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

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

#28-The Pilot's Wife-Anita Shreve
Pretty good - a page-turner.

#27-The Empty Chair-Jeffery Deaver
Got tired of the "twists" in the last 100 pages.

#26-High Fidelity-Nick Hornby
Good writing, but didn't get into the story.

#25-Game Change (Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime)-John Heilemann, Mark Halperin
Fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 American Presidential campaigns. I feel like this is legitimate and well-researched, not tabloid stuff.

#24-The Art of Racing in the Rain-Garth Stein
Good (not GREAT), quick read

#23-Dr. Zhivago-Boris Pasternak
Got bogged down in places, but overall worth the effort.

#22-The Elegance of the Hedgehog
WONDERFUL book - probably my favorite of the year so far.

#21-Pride and Prejudice and Zombies/Dawn of the Dreadfuls-Steve Hockensmith
Started off rather amusing, but then I lost interest (still finished it!)

#20-The World is Flat-Thomas L. Friedman
Very interesting book. Friedman has a real grasp of the issues facing today's world.

On #20/22 (3 books at once right now), but there are still 7 weeks before half the year is over, so I feel I'm on target.

I read every darn word, but do get going pretty fast if I'm engrossed.

Emeshea wrote: "I completely agree with Twilight... the best and the worst book series ever. Once you start reading you can't stop because it is so gripping... but you keep asking yourself, "Why am I reading somet..."

Well said, Emeshea. I thought Twilight was o.k, didn't really like New Moon (at least the first half), but feel like I HAVE to read the next two!

Nairabell wrote: "I'll usually try any book, but no way will you catch me even considering reading It by Stephen King. Why? One word - CLOWN!!!! I hate clowns. I've always been terrified o..."

Ever since I read the first 20 pages of "It" (was too scared to read any further), I have been afraid of clowns and storm drains!

It's between The Help and The Lacuna for me. I also enjoyed the old classics, The Brothers Karamazov and The Catcher in the Rye - both first time reads for me.

#19-Little Bee-Chris Cleave
Don't know what to say about this one. I'd give it a lukewarm review, but can't really put my finger on what would have made it better. Perhaps more focus on Little Bee's character.

#18-The Sunday Philosophy Club-Alexander McCall Smith
Disappointed in this, after how much I liked his No. 1 Ladies' Detective series

#17-The Miracle at Speedy Motors-Alexander McCall Smith

I hate the superior attitudes of some who "ONLY read nonfiction". You are free to read what you want, but don't look down on me because I appreciate a good imagination!

#16-The Brothers Karamazov-Fyodor Dostoevsky
Not an easy read, but well worth the effort. Dostoevsky has to be one of the greatest thinkers of the last few centuries.

#15-The Good Husband of Zebra Drive - Alexander McCall Smith