Agnieszka’s Comments (group member since Dec 27, 2015)

Agnieszka’s comments from the 2025 Reading Challenge group.

Updated message 27: Read: 25/30 books & 5,136/6,000 pages

I support The Zookeeper's Wife as well.

Jaqueline wrote: "i nominate The Fault in Our Stars"
I loved this book so much but since I can vote for only one I decided to go for one I still want to read.

I'm going for sure for 51 I'm not sure I'll find a book with an X-author.

A-Z titles & authors
Durtion: 1/1/18 - 12/31/18
Completed: 47/51+
X // Q, U, X, Z

Titles:
A: Always Watching by Lynette Eason 4* 1/30
B: Bitter Melody by Loretta Jackson & Vickie Britton 4* 7/19
C: Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter 5* 1/6
D: A Delicate Truth by John le Carré 5* 10/6
E: An Eclair To Remember by Rich Amooi 5* 3/21
F: The First Lady of Three Rivers Ranch by Liz Isaacson 5* 1/12
G: Girl Geek by Brenna Aubrey 4* 9/28
H: Her Secret Agent by Lynette Eason 4* 1/4
I: I Can't But Jesus Can: Experiencing the Power of Surrender by Adam Houge 6* 3/15
J: Jack of Spades by Joyce Carol Oates 4* 1/31
K: Kidnapped by Dee Henderson 4* 5/31
L: Love Letters by E'yen A. Gardner 6* 2/25
M: Monster in the Closet by Karen Rose 6* 6/7
N: The New Year's Bride by Kit Morgan 5* 1/17
O: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline 5* 5/29
P: The President's Henchman by Joseph Flynn 5* 7/18
Q: Quest for the Beast: A Beauty and the Beast story by Sarah Holman 4* 3/11
R: Risky Shot by Kathleen Brooks 5* 1/15
S: Spiraled by Kendra Elliot 5* 1/3
T: Trouble in Paradise by Robert B. Parker 4* 2/11
U: Unleashed book 1 of Sydney Rye Mysteries Books 1-3 by Emily Kimelman 4* 10/27
V: Vegas Vacation by Clare Revell 4* 4/18
W: Wrong Question, Right Answer by Elle Casey 5* 1/7
X: X-World, The X, X Marks the Spot
Y: The Yuletide Countess by Alicia Quigley 4* 1/10
Z: Zwei Leben by Samuel Koch & Christoph Fasel 6* 9/7 lit. transl. Two Lives

Authors:
A: Connie Almony At the Edge of a Dark Forest 5* 1/29
B: Mimi Barbour Special Agent Maximilian 5* 2/3
C: Elle Casey Wrong Turn, Right Direction 5* 3/13
D: Desiree Douglas Cabin by the Lake 5* 2/27
E: Kendra Elliot Targeted 5* 1/10
F: Shelly Fredman No Such Thing As A Secret 4* 5/17
G: M.K. Gilroy Just Before Midnight 5* 1/5
H: Ann Herrick Hey, Nobody's Perfect 4* 1/19
I: Eowyn Ivey Das Schneemädchen=The Snow Child 6* 3/24
J: Sherri Wilson Johnson Song of the Meadowlark 5* 10/28
K: Karin Kaufman Sparrow House 4* 1/18
L: Greg Laurie Why Does God Allow Suffering? 3* 5/31
M: Diane Moody Confessions of a Prayer Slacker 5* 7/24
N: Susannah Nix Remedial Rocket Science 4* 10/8
O: Mark Owen & Kevin Maurer Kein Held für einen Tag: Geheime Missionen, tödliche Einsätze, harte Niederlagen - Mein Leben als Navy Seal=No Hero: The Evolution of a Navy SEAL 4* 10/22
P: Robert B. Parker Night Passage 5* 2/8
Q: Mindy Quigley, Carri Quinn, Lucy Quinn (New Corpse in Town)
R: Patricia H. Rushford Deadly Aim 6* 10/25
S: Rob Sinclair Dance with the Enemy 5* 3/3
T: Tim Tigner Chasing Ivan 5* 3/9
U: Marion Ueckermann, Debra Ullrick, Ed Underwood, Timothy Underwood, Paul Usiskin
V: Lara Van Hulzen Remember Me 3* 3/6
W: Kimberley Woodhouse & Kayla R. Woodhouse No Safe Haven 5* 1/28
X: Xyla Turner
Y: William Paul Young Der Weg=Cross Roads 4* 2/11
Z: Kurt Zimmermann (25 Christmas Traditions...), Zick (Love on Trial), Virtual Strangers by Susanne O'Leary & Ola Zaltin
*

July:
164. The Scam (304)
165. Julie's Huge Birthday Surprise (44)
166. Due North (123)
167. Broken Vows A Novella (83)
168. Firebird (27 - children's book)
169.-170. ROMANCE: MILITARY: Seized by My Soldier (Army Alpha Male Bad Boy Romance) books 1 & 3 (50 estimated)
171. Illuminati=Angels & Demons (706)
172. Anastasia And The Doctor's Orders (30)
173. Einladung zum Mord=Reunion in Death (545)
174. Cold Pursuit (350)
175. Reckless Heat (96)
176. Hot Pursuit (387)
177. Die falsche Tochter=Birthright (545)
178. The Key to the Middle East: Discovering the Future of Israel in Biblical Prophecy (208)
179. Spying in High Heels (354)
180. The Illegal Gardener (290)
181. Angel Heart (177)
182. As Soon as I Fell: A Memoir (246)
183. Sunshine Hunter (216)
184. Die Touristin=The Informationist (448)

August:
185. Maxwell's Smile (74)
186. Cold Light of Day (340)
187. Protect Her: Navy SEAL (29)
188. Surf's Up! (49)
189. How To Survive In Russia: From The Bear's Mouth (44)
190. A Two-Way Street: a drabble (3)
191. Abenteuer Bibelauslegung - Eine Expedition für Fortgeschrittene (German only, lit. translation: Adventure Bible Interpretation) (14)
192. Der alte Mann und das Meer=The Old Man and the Sea (128)
193. Larry and Kate: A romantic comedy (15)
194. Die Bücherdiebin=The Book Thief (593)
195. Her Final Breath (426)
196. Tödliche Unschuld=Purity in Death (481)
197. Red Moon Rising: Rediscover the Power of Prayer (402)
198. Tank (250)
199. The Common Core Guide to Housekeeping (16)
200. An Actor's Life - A Short Story (24)
201. 2 Kurzgeschichten zum Nachdenken: Ein unerreichbarer Held / Der Ratschlag des Kindes (German only - lit. translation: 2 short stories to think about: A Hero out of Reach (best translation - word play) / The Advice from a Child) (13)
202. Peace, Be Still (14)
203. Murder on Thames (121)
204. Mystery at the Manor (109)
205. Murder, Mayhem and Mama (390)
206. A Change of Fortune (320)
207. Orphan X (358)
208. River's Edge see The Cape Refuge Collection: Cape Refuge, Southern Storm, River's Edge, Breaker's Reef (360)
209. Dangerous Waters (327)
210. Undeniably Yours (385)
211. AVIATRIX: First Woman Pilot for Hughes Airwest (248)

September:
212. Das Tagebuch der Anne Frank=The Diary of a Young Girl (320)
213. Whiskey Sour (245)
214. The Apothecary's Daughter (419)
215. Voices of Angels (247)
216. The French Collection (DNF - 45 pages read)
217. Breaker's Reef last book of The Cape Refuge Collection: Cape Refuge, Southern Storm, River's Edge, Breaker's Reef (316 - estimated)
218. Dziedzictwo Bourne'a=The Bourne Legacy (400)
219. 1st to Die (444)
220. Mirror Ball (176)
221. Between Then and Now (71)
222. Hate F*@k: The Complete Story (383)
223. Heiss glüht mein Hass=Count to Ten (640)
224. If the Shoe Fits (244)
225. Männer sind Frauensache: Was Frauen über Männer wissen sollten=For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men (160)
226. Pirate of My Heart (323)
227. Breaking Me (70)
228. True Devotion (331)
229. Chilled (349)
230. Zwei wie Hund und Katz: Roman=A Most Peculiar Circumstance (343)

October:
231. Running Home (279)
232. Die For Me (708)
233. Bloody Mary (268)
234. Cold Fear (428)
235. The Sleeping Doll (582)
236. The Rescuer (360)
237. Pogonip (16)
238. Works of Darkness book 1 of Double the Suspense: Matt Foley/Sara Bradford Series Box Set (259)
239. When a Heart Stops (338)
240. Aunt Bessie Assumes (225)
241. The Apple of My Eye (246)
242. Kann es wirklich Liebe sein?=Short-Straw Bride (288)
243. Northanger Abbey=Northanger Abbey (288)
244. Todesbräute=Scream for Me (656)
245. The Deceived (372)
246. - 248. The Escort: The Complete Series (315)
249. Todesspiele=Kill For Me (640)
250. Cost of Life: A Thriller (296)
251. Im Bruchteil der Sekunde=Split Second (512)
252. Edge of the Heat book 1 of Edge of the Heat, the Complete Series (208 estimated)
253. The Pursuit of God (122)
254. Defender (340)

November:
255. The Sea Glass Sisters (86)
256. Caught in the Barn (34)
257. Ride: Pleasure Your Cowboy (29)
258. Cowboy Wild: Rough & Ready (30)
259. Der Hauch des Bösen=Portrait in Death (577)
260. The Quinoa Master Cookbook: Delicious Everyday Quinoa Recipes For A Healthy Lifestyle & Weight Loss (60)
261. 52 Steps To Murder (314)
262. I Can See You (514)
263. Cold in the Shadows (305)
264. Justice or Injustice? What Really Happens In A Jury Room (152)
265. Love on the Line (371)
266. Small Wars (44)
267. Das Herz des Mörders=Imitation in Death (576)
268. Ein gefährliches Geschenk=Remember When (513)
269. Die Abschussliste=The Enemy (481)
270. Der geheimnisvolle Fremde=Night Shadow (169)
271. Allwissend=Roadside Crosses (544)
272. Im Kühlfach nebenan=Morgue Drawer Next Door (288)
273. Dark Waters (318)
274. Feuer=Silent Scream (624)
275. You Belong to Me (504)
276. No One Left to Tell (648)
277. The Pursuit (320)
278. The End of Me (280)
279. Did You Miss Me? (648)

December:
280. Broken Silence (67)
281. The Right Wrong Number (30)
282. Married for Christmas (241)
283. Mistletoe and Holly - book 1 of Once Upon A Christmas (187)
284. Murder by Moonlight (107)
285. Christmas Honeymoon - book 2 of Once Upon A Christmas (153)
286. A Baby for Christmas - book 3 of Once Upon A Christmas (172)
287. Watch Your Back (712)
288. Im Tod vereint=Divided in Death (577)
289. Don't Mean a Thing (200)
290. The Dead of Winter (146)
291. The Gift (76)
292. Tanz mit dem Tod=Visions in Death (495)
293. A Cowboy for Christmas book 1 of Home for Christmas (69)
294. In den Armen der Nacht=Survivor In Death (561)
295. Stich ins Herz=Origin in Death (512)
296. 500+ Jokes, Tongue-Twisters, & Fun Facts For Kids! (104)
297. Stirb, Schätzchen, stirb=Memory in Death (512)
298. The Christmas Mail Order Bride (148)
299. Arresting Holli (106)
300. XO (512)
301. Geisterstunde=Haunted in Death - book 3 of Mörderspiele=Three in Death (137)
302. Der Knochenjäger=The Bone Collector (576)
303. Letzter Tanz=The Coffin Dancer (448)
304. A Family for Christmas (235)
305. Pieces on Earth (166)
306. A Carolina Christmas book 1 of A Biltmore Christmas (86)
307. Fireplay: Jack Emery 0.5 (39)
308. Silver and Gold (30)

2016:

January
1. Don't Tell (405)
2. A Thief in Venice (137)
3. Curve Contract (114)
4. Steal Your Heart (119)
5. Forsaken (439)
6. Taken Rough by the Billionaire Cowboy (38)
7. Polly and Her Neighbor (37)
8. The Protector (336)
9. The Unsung Hero (416)
10. When I'm With Jesus: For Any Child with a Loved One in Heaven (20)
11. When God Whispers Your Name (25)
12. An Irish Heart (170)
13. The Lake House Secret (364)
14. Gesund und heil durch das Abendmahl=Health and Wholeness Through the Holy Communion (86)
15. When Night Falls (38)
16. Double Cross (403)
17. The Snow Globe (24)
18. Nachtgeflüster 1. Der gefährliche Verehrer=Night Shift (144)
19. Dirty Little Secrets (252)
20.-22. Big Girls And Bad Boys: The Curves Collection see Big Girls And Bad Boys: The Curves Collection (Big Girls And Bad Boys #1-3) ***Special Edition*** (122)
23. Arouse (392)
24. Charming a Spy (170)
25. Step Into My Parlor (192)
26. Single, Volume 1 (153)
27. Texas Heat (46)
28. Adrenaline (47)
29. Filled by the Billionaire Alpha Cowboy (35)

February
30. The Seal Seduction (39 pages + 2 samples / GR page count: 100 pgs / submited for challenges: 39 pgs)
31. Determined (165)
32. Determined: To Love (170)
33. Determined: To Win: Volume III of The Determined Trilogy (193)
34. Trau keinem Playboy (The Law is a Lady) (159)
35. Mord ist ihre Leidenschaft=Vengeance in Death (324 449)
36. Liebesnacht mit einem Mörder=Holiday in Death (307 417)
37. No Turning Back (440)
38. Impregnated by the Seal (new book title: Pregnant by the Seal) (33 pgs + short-story / 85 pgs GR - 33 pgs read and submitted)
39. Top Secret Twenty-One (346)
40. A Cold Dark Place see Dangerous Connections: 6 Romantic Suspense Series Starters + Bonus HEA Chapters! (375)
41. Have You Seen Her? (300)
42. Death by Chocolate (127)
43. BWWM: Rescued by the Seal (BBW MILITARY NAVY SEAL ROMANCE) see ROMANCE: RESCUED BY THE SEAL (BWWM BBW PREGNANCY ROMANCE BOXED SETS) (34)
44. Stone Cold Heart (85)
45. The St. Valentine's Day Cookie Massacre (177)
46. A Bride for Pastor Dan (43)
47. Kissing Frogs (232)
48. The Rose of Winslow Street (355)
49. The Bad Boy Agreement (238)
50. The Husband List (309)
51. Freefall (465)

March
52. One Night with You (64)
53. Der Mitternachtsmord=Midnight in Death) see Mörderspiele=Three in Death (105 139)
54. You & Me - Zwei Leben mit dir German only (336)
55. Young Annabelle (227)
56. Gentleman of Her Dreams (81)
57. Reykjavik Sanction: A Jake Adams Short Story (64)
58. Lighten Up (332)
59. Doing Germany (198)
60. Taking Kelsey (28)
61.-64. Military Romance: Large and in Charge (books 1-4) (139)
65.-67. ROMANCE: 101 Book Mega Bundle - Read These 101 Hot Amazing Stories In 1 Box Set Including BBW, BILLIONAIRE, MM and HISTORICAL Stories (books 1,2,4) (60 estimated)
68. Der Tod ist mein=Conspiracy in Death (359)
69. Blane's Turn (321 480)
70. Des Todes liebste Beute=I'm Watching You (608)
71. Mord Im Orientexpress=Murder on the Orient Express (260)
72. Desert Love (30)
73. The Search (456)
74. Nacht im Central Park German only (385)
75. Ruth (Bible) (5 estimated)
76. A Cure for a Headache (5)
77. A Wild Ride (22)
78. A Gentleman and a Cowboy (37)
79-80. One Night with a Navy Seal & One Wild Ride (Bonus novella) (142)
81. The Cowboy's Runaway Bride (84)
82. Winter (375)
83. Bad Company (312)
84. Playing With Fire (265)

April
85. The Warrior Spy: A Thriller (340)
86. The Heir Agreement (35)
87. The Sheikh Seduces (33)
88. BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE: The Billionaire Connection with the Baby: A BBW First Time Romance (31)
89. Guarding Suzannah (230)
90. Wounded Faith (32)
91. The Eyes Have It (274)
92. Death on a Deadline (301)
93. Slow Roasted Hope (66)
94. Kopciuszek (6)
95. Lingering Shadows (163)
96. Against the Dark see Dangerous Connections: 6 Romantic Suspense Series Starters + Bonus HEA Chapters! (305 estimated)
97. Tricky Twenty-Two (202 304)
98. Ausgeliefert=Die Trying (427)
99. Sweet Charity: A Short Story (25)
100. 1000 Przysłów polskich (104)
101. Ein feuriger Verehrer=Loyalty in Death (350 561)
102. Playing With Poison (251)
103. The Grace of a Duke see The Daughters of the Aristocracy: Boxed Set (352)
104. Falling for Her Fiance (211)
105. The Healer (340)
106. Knight & Play (226)
107. Changing His Game (368)
108. The Sheriff & The Outlaw (169)
109. Wednesday's Child (253)

Mai
110. Spiel mit dem Mörder=Witness in Death (609)
111. Marine for Hire (169)
112. Operation Zulu Redemption: Overkill - The Beginning (73)
113. Her Secret Agent (50)
114. The Chase (320)
115. Buried Secrets (440)
116. Fiancée for Hire (238)
117. After the Dance (7)
118. Thursday's Child (289)
119. Sündige Rache=Judgement in Death (577)
120. Dangerously Hot see Heroes In Uniform: Soldiers, SEALs, Spies, Rangers and Cops: Sexy Hot Contemporary Alpha Heroes from NY Times and USA Today bestselling authors (82)
121. The Job (320)
122. Emily (63)
123. Symphonie des Todes=Betrayal in Death (529)
124. Das verbrannte Gewissen German only (176)
125. Mörderspiele=Interlude in Death see Mörderspiele=Three in Death (141)
126. When the Smoke Clears (353)
127. Necessary Force (100)
128. Dripping Wet see Military Romance: Large and in Charge (37 estimated)
129. Dirty Secrets: Alpha Billionaire Romance (59)
130. Der Graf von Monte Christo=The Count of Monte Cristo (1,504)
131.-135. The Wedding Rescue, Complete Series (328)
136. Nothing To Fear (612)
137. Dirty Secrets (198)
138. Best Man for Hire (228)
139. Above the Bridge (240)
140. Staying Sane with Chronic pain (69)
141. Hidden (388)
142. Nie wirst du entkommen=You Can't Hide) (656)
143. Das Lächeln des Killers=Seduction in Death (545)

June
144. Miss Merriweather's Marriage (40)
145. Lusting To Be Caught (23)
146. Work: For Exposure... (20)
147. Ein dunkles Geschenk=The Collector (608 unabridged edition)
148. Whiskey Rebellion (266)
149. Sense and Sensibility (346)
150. Unplanned (287)
151. Mine to Take (174)
152. Riptide (270)
153. Under A Desert Sky (396)
154. Pride and Prejudice (362)
155. Protector for Hire (250)
156. Tangled Bond (281)
157. Hidden Genders (24)
158. Dinner für eine Leiche: Honey Driver ermittelt=A Taste to Die for (312)
159. Lockruf der Gefahr=Black Hills (624)
160. Wierna rzeka=The Faithful River (152)
161.-162. Possessed by the Duke books 1 & 2 (60 estimated)
163. Vier Frauen und ein Hochzeitskleid=The Wedding Dress (351)

I'll start with 9 and go from there:

ocean / ocean boat: Der Klang des Pianos lit. translation The Sound of Piano
lake: Cabin by the Lake
museum / island: Awakening (two different time and story lines)
ranch: Just Beyond the Clouds
school: Unlocked
church: Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent
work place / security company building: Wrong Question, Right Answer
manor house: Georgiana Darcy's Diary
production company (movies or TV): Herzklopfen und kalte Füsse - lit. tranlsation Palpitations and Cold Feet
Wonderland: Alice the Assassin (Malice in Wonderland #1)
floating casino: Tampa Star
Venezuelan jungle: Starfish Prime
ruins of a fortress: Nielegalni - lit. translation: The Illegal (pl.)
university campus: Cold Hearted (Cold Justice #6)
Hollywood: "A" is for Actress
coastal town: Night Passage

Blagica wrote: "Best of luck in the coming year!"

Thank you!

I love this challenge so much and I'm so happy it's back :-) I'm in for 30 books / 6,000 pages.

Read:
1. (88) 2. = (416) 3. (305) 4. (50) 5. (96)
6. (108) 7. (158) 8. (326) 9. (26) 10. (352) 11. (182) 12. (224) 13. book 1 of (235) 14. (232) 15. book 2 of (224) 16. (201) 17. (217) 18. = book 1 of * (84) 19. = book 3 of * (80) 20. (224) 21. (258)
22. (40) 23. (176) 24. = (449) 25. = (385)
26. (114) 27. (353) 28. (118) 29. = (488) 30. = (160) 31. 32. (355) (210) 33. (338) 34. (224)
* Weihnachten mit Nora Roberts lit. translation: Christmas with Nora Roberts

Read: 34/30 books & 7,496/6,000 pages

I declare this challenge for completed:

I'm in it - sounds fun :-)

My Favorite Things
Duration: January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017
Completed: 10/20 tasks - books read: 12

Completed Tasks:
1. My favorite fiction book is: = by L.M. Montgomery (long-time favorite)
= by Anthony Doerr 5* 7/4 - historical fiction & a young woman has to overcome difficult circumstances
2. My favorite non-fiction is: by Pete Greig (biography)
= 1/28 (health)
3. My favorite author is: only one?!? no way, not possible - there are just too many great authors and it changes from time to time - right now probably: Lynette Eason & Dee Henderson
by Lynette Eason 5* 11/14
4. My favorite genre is: Romantic Suspense
1/29 historical RS / 2/10 contemporary RS / = 1/13 set in future RS
5. My favorite fairy/folk tale is: = by Hans Christian Andersen 4* 8/30
6. My favorite male book character is: most likely Roarke (In Death series) but there are other great characters *sigh*
= 1/4
7. My favorite female book character is: most likely Eve Dallas (In Death series) but there are other great characters *sigh*
= 1/18
8. My favorite song is: Mary Did You Know? (Christmas)
by Karin Kaufman see 5* 12/5 - Christmas novel & several Christmas carols mentioned
9. My favorite movie is: I can only decide on one favorites for a genre :-) Pride & Prjudice (BBC mini series - Classics), You've Got Mail (Romance), Echelon Conspiracy (Thriller)
by Jane Austen 4* 2/23 / by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan 5* 9/16 (romance - made into movie) / by Tim Tigner 5* 9/22 (conspiracy thriller)
10. My favorite television show is: NCIS
by J.D. Robb 5* 3/14 - well working team fighting against evil, really cool gadgets
by Kathleen Brooks 5* 11/7 - protaginists fight against evil, tight knit comminity, many cool gadgets
11. My favorite color is: blue (all shades)
= 2/5
12. My favorite real animal is: white stork & hedgehog
by Jörg Berger 4* 3/6 lit. translation: My Stings: How You Can Defuse Your Weaknesses - first book in series has a hedgehog on cover and I have to think about it each time I see this book
14. My favorite number is: 7? That's a tough one if you ask a number junkie!
(Cherringham #7) 1/12
15. My favorite food is: Itallian especially pizza & pasta bolognese (but not spaghetti)
= 2/2 two Itallian restaurants are vital to the story & Eves favorite foods: pizza & pasta with meat balls :-)
16. My favorite real place to visit is: Israel
by Kandi J. Wyatt 6* 4/5 set in Israel
18. My favorite month is: December - Christmas time!!!!!!!!!!!
by Mimi Barbour 5* 12/6 Christmas novel
19. My favorite quote is: Never ever give up! (poster or post cards with stork and frog)
by Nora Roberts 5* 8/25 - despite traumatic past and someone trying to discourage her attempts to find out the truth the female mc never gave up
20. My favorite non-book hobby is: knitting
by Prime Publishing 2* 7/8


Doesn't fit really well - just to complete the challenge:
13. My favorite talking animal is: no idea - I'm not much of a fantasy reader ;-)
Alpha Enchantement 1-3 - books 1-3 of The Duke's Possession by Eva Madden 2*, 2* & 1* 1/2 - shapeshifter wolf
17. My favorite book land to visit is: no idea - I'm not much of a fantasy reader ;-)
= by Douglas Adams 3* 11/12 - set in the space

I nominate Striking Back: The 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre and Israel's Deadly Response by Aaron J. Klein
The first full account, based on access to key players who have never before spoken, of the Munich Massacre and the Israeli response–a lethal, top secret, thirty-year-long antiterrorism campaign to track down the killers. [...] Klein shows that the Israeli response to Munich was not simply about revenge, as is popularly believed. By illuminating the tactical and strategic purposes of the Israeli operation, Striking Back allows us to draw profoundly relevant lessons from one of the most important counterterrorism campaigns in history.

Kristin wrote: "Good luck on your reading goal, Agnieszka! Happy to have you here!"

Susy wrote: "Wow, more than 250 books? Impressive! It would be my dream come true if I could read that many books. I wish you the best of luck Agnieszka and above all, happy reading!"

Thank you! The only good thing about being sick often is you have much time to read :-)

I'll go for 15.

The TBR Jar Challenge - 2018
Duration: 1/1/18 - 12/31/18
Read: 3/15 books

Read:
The First Lady of Three Rivers Ranch by Liz Isaacson 5* 1/12
No Safe Haven by Kimberley Woodhouse 5* 1/28
Jack of Spades by Joyce Carol Oates 4* 1/31

Currently Reading:
Die Begnadigung=The Broker by John Grisham

To Read:
The Recruiter by Roger Weston
Stim by Kevin Berry
Alana Candler, Marked for Murder by Joanie Bruce
Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent by Robin Parrish
A Beautiful Fall by Chris Coppernoll
The Third Rule - The Complete Story by Andrew Barrett
Melody Hill by Rick DeStefanis
Unintended Target by D.L. Wood
From Fiery Trials to Freedom by Marisa De More
Aus dem Koma by Siegfried Langer lit. translation: Out of Coma
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

Congratulations!

Reserved

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CCC Archives

The World’s Smallest Countries
Duration: 4 months
Completed: 0/15

PART ONE: SIZE
10. GRENADA – 133 SQUARE MILES
The Spice of the Caribbean is the tenth smallest country in the world. Grenada has a population of over 107,000 and is relatively sparsely populated, compared to some of the countries to come on this list. It is one of the largest producers of nutmeg and mace in the world, with inhabitants saying the smell wafts around the island. The most popular sport in the country is cricket.
* Read book #10 of a series; tell us the series OR a book with a spice or seasoning in the title or in the series name; if you use the series name, be sure to tell us what it is.

9. MALTA – 122 SQUARE MILES
With a population of over 419,000 people, Malta is one of Europe's most populated countries, but size-wise, it's the ninth smallest in the world. The republic of Malta is made up of three parts: Gozo, Comino and Malta, and according to a 2013 report by the UN, Malta is one of the happiest countries in the world.
* Read a book set in a heavily populated area (a large city, etc.); tell us where OR a book with a character who is happy all the time; tell us who.

8. THE MALDIVES – 116 SQUARE MILES
The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 coral atolls, of which 200 are inhabited. Its population is just under 367,000 people. Climate change is a serious issue, and in 2009 the then-president and 13 other officials sat at desks at the bottom of the sea, dressed in full scuba gear, to raise awareness about the potential dangers the islands face.
* Read a book in which an environmental issue of some kind plays an important part; tell us the issue OR a book with a 2 or 6 in its average GR rating on the day you started reading; tell us the rating.

7. SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS – 101 SQUARE MILES
This two-island country is located in the Eastern Caribbean. The population is just over 55,000, yet the country is only 15 square miles smaller than The Maldives, demonstrating the secluded nature of this small country. Many respected figures have called this island home at varying points in time, including Alexander Hamilton, who was born here.
* Read a book in which someone famous (in real life) makes an appearance; tell us who OR a book with a 5 in its ORIGINAL year of publication; tell us the year.

6. LIECHTENSTEIN – 62 SQUARE MILES
Liechtenstein's population is ten times smaller than that of The Maldives, with only 37,000 people. Located between Switzerland and Austria, the country is amazingly safe: the crime rate is drastically low and the last murder occurred in 1997! Lichtenstein was accidentally invaded by the Swiss army in early 2007, when 170 armed Swiss soldiers wandered a mile across an unmarked border.
* Read a book in which a murder occurs OR a book with a character who is or was in the military (an era, any country, any branch).

5. SAN MARINO – 23.5 SQUARE MILES
San Marino claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign state. With a population of around 32,000 people, this is a small country that’s actually quite densely populated. In 1861, the San Marino government wrote to then-US president Abraham Lincoln, asking if he would like to form an alliance with them. In return, they would give him honorary San Marino citizenship. To many historians' surprise, Lincoln accepted their offer.
* Read a book in which an unlikely alliance is formed; without giving away spoilers, tell us the circumstances OR read one of the first 23 books you added to your TBR; tell us when it was added.

4. TUVALU – 10 SQUARE MILES
Tuvalu averages only about 384 people per square mile, and there is only one hospital on this island previously known as Ellice Island. Just to the northeast of Australia, the highest point of this country is only 16 feet above sea level. Its rather secluded location leads to only about 2000 visitors per year, and most of those are for business.
* Read a book with an intact "16" in its total number of pages; tell us how many pages OR a book with a character who travels regularly for business; tell us who.

3. NAURU – 8 SQUARE MILES
An island east of Australia, Nauru is the smallest island country, but with a population of around 10,000 it's relatively crowded, compared to some earlier countries on this list. Only 10% of the country's residents are employed, all of them by the country's government.
* Read a book with a 5-word title (ALL words count) OR a book set on an island; tell us where.

2. MONACO – 0.75 SQUARE MILES
Monaco is a very wealthy country, and is known for hosting the Grand Prix and other events every year. Association Sportive de Monaco, the country’s major football club, plays in a stadium that is able to fit over half of the country’s population of 37,500 people.
* Read a book with a very wealthy character; tell us who OR a book with a character who plays a sport on a regular basis, either professionally or as an amateur; tell us the character and the sport.

1. THE STATE OF VATICAN CITY – 0.17 SQUARE MILES
Located entirely within the confines of Rome, Italy, Vatican City, is the home of the Pope and the Roman Catholic church. Its population is just 800 people, but many of those citizens actually live elsewhere. The Vatican prints its own stamps, issues passports and number plates, mints its own Euros and has its own flag and anthem.
* Read a book with a character who is a religious leader; tell us the character OR a book whose entire plot takes place within the same small town; tell us where.


PART TWO: POPULATION
5. ICELAND
Due to its natural wonders – volcanoes, geysers and lava fields – Iceland, with an average population of 9.5 people per square mile, is an ideal destination for those looking for beauty, peace and a fair amount of Scandinavian socialism. The country has no army, which makes it perfect for people who are looking to storm its vastly empty beaches looking for Norse tombstones.
* Read a book with an empty beach shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in ICELAND.

4. FRENCH GUIANA
With about 8 people per square mile, French Guiana sits on the northeastern coast of South America. Although the country is technically part of France, it is largely independent. The tropical and ancient forests, savannas, mangroves and wetlands make up most of its uninhabited landmass make it bio-diverse and is well protected by natural reserves.
* Read a book set in France or with a French-speaking character; tell us who OR a book by an author whose name as displayed on Goodreads contains both an F and a G (not necessarily in order).

3. NAMIBIA
The southwestern African country of Namibia sits on the Atlantic Ocean, with Botswana located to the east. As it is fairly elevated, its climate is temperate, although it has some desert areas. Namibia has a population density of about 7.7 people per square mile.
* Read a book whose title begins with N (disregard A, An and The) OR originally published in a year with a 7 in it; tell us the year.

2. MONGOLIA
With an average winter temperature of 30°F., Ulaanbataar, Mongolia's capital has the distinction of being the world's coldest capital city. This is due primarily to the country's location, between China and Russia, and being subject to winds blowing in from Siberia. Mongolia averages roughly 3.9 people per square mile, and is probably best known for being the home of Genghis Khan.
* Read a book set in a location known for being cold more often than not; tell us where OR a book with a one-word title (ALL words count).

1. AUSTRALIA
Being one of the world’s flattest, driest and most arid areas in spite of mountain ranges and rain forest that occupy other parts of the country, Australia's Outback is largely deserted and is more of a travel destination than a habitable landmass. Averaging 3 people per square mile earns Australia the honor of having the world’s smallest person per mile ratio.
* Read the shortest book on your TBR list that is still over 150 pages; tell us how many pages OR a book in which a main character lives, by choice, more or less in seclusion.
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CCC Archives A Murder of Crows: Collective Nouns (CCC) An Unkindness of Ravens: A Book of Collective Nouns

A Murder of Crows: Collective Nouns
Duration: 6 months
Completed: 0/30+

PEOPLE (0/10+)
1. A Fighting of Beggars: Read a book in which a fight occurs -or- read a book with a poor character who has to depend on the charity of others.

2. A Rascal of Boys: Read a book with a child or teenage male protagonist -or- read a book marked "Coming of Age".

3. A Draught of Butlers: Read a book with an alcoholic beverage on the cover -or- read a book with a snooty butler in it.

4. A Hastiness of Cooks: Read a book with a main character who makes a living cooking or baking -or- read a book that has recipes.

5. A Skulk of Friars: Read a book with a Catholic character -or- read a book whose title or author's first or last name starts with an FR.

6. A Laughter of Hostelers: Read a book at least partially set in a hotel/inn/b&b -or- read a book that made you laugh.

7. A Damning of Jurors: Read a book with a courtroom scene (bonus for a guilty verdict!) -or- read a book in which all the words in the title start with a letter in "MAGNACARTA" (3 words minimum, all words count!)

8. A Bevy of Ladies: Read a book set in a place or time where women do not have basic human rights -or- read a book whose main character is a high society lady.

9. An Eloquence of Lawyers: Read a book whose language or prose you really like (and think eloquent) -or- read a book that pushes a particular world view (you don't really have to agree or disagree with the view, just that the author's point comes across. Tell us how the book works).

10. An Abominable Sight of Monks: Read a book that has something you find revolting (could be a physical act or a character's morality, tell us what) -or- read a book with a non-Abrahamic religion.

11. A Misbelief of Painters: Read a book whose main character is an artist -or- read a book with an ugly cover.

12. A Lying of Pardoners: Read a book with a charlatan of some sort -or- read a book whose author's initials (first, last and middle if they have any) appear in the word "ABSOLUTION".

13. An Impertinence of Peddlers: Read a book that you were sold on by someone else, be it a friend or a blog you trust -or- read a book with any one of the follwing objects on the cover: fabric, needles, ribbons, cutlery, wine, rosary beads, lace, eyeglasses, spices

14. A Disguising of Tailors: Read a book in which the main character disguises themselves for whatever reason.

15. A Worship of Writers: Read a book whose main character is an author -or- read a book whose total page number contains any two of the following numbers: 1, 4, 6 or 7.


BIRDS (0/10+)
1. A Murder of Crows: Read a book with the word MURDER in the title (no variations!).

2. A Skein of Geese (in the Air): Read a book with a flying object (either man-made or natural) on the cover -or- read a book whose title begins with a V.

3. A Gaggle of Geese (on Land): Read a book in which a character is a terrible gossip -or- listen to an audiobook (bonus for a narrator as irritating as the gaggle of geese).

4. A Charm of Goldfinches: Read a book whose title has changed since original publication -or- read a book with a golden object on the cover.

5. A Cast of Hawks: Read a book which mentions hawking -or- read a book about royalty.

6. A Siege of Herons: Read a book that you can read in one sitting (150+ pages) -or- read a book whose cover shows someone sitting.

7. A Deceit of Lapwings: Read a book in which a decoy is set up for whatever reason -or- read a book with sand on the cover.

8. An Exaltation of Larks: Read a book which makes you happy -or- read a book with an X anywhere in its title or author's name.

9. A Tiding of Magpies: Roll a seven-sided dice and read a book for the result:
#1: Read a book that has been described as a tear-jerker.
#2: Read a book that has a HEA.
#3: Read a book whose author is a woman.
#4: Read a book with a male protagonist.
#5: Read a book whose author has been nominated for an award of your choice but hasn't won.
#6: Read a book which has won one of the following awards: Booker, Pulitzer, Edgar, Rita, Hugo or Nebula.
#7: Read a book with a secret mentioned in the GR description or in the title.

10. A Watch of Nightingales: Read a book that has the word "NIGHT" in its title (compound words are fine) -or- read a book with a eye(s) on the cover (eye has to be prominent).

11. A Parliament of Owls: Read a book that pays homage to an older book or movie (retelling of fairy-tales counts) -or- read a book that is the sixth in a series.

12. A Muster of Peacocks: Read a book with a character that you would call a peacock -or- read a book with a feather(s) on the cover.

13. An Unkindness of Ravens: Read a book with a 75% black cover -or- read a book in which a character is either a bad parent or has terrible parents.

14. A Murmuration of Starlings: Read a book whose title contains an unusual word you really like -or- read an anthology, containing stories by at least 4 authors.

15. A Pitying of Turtle Doves: Read a Christmas book -or- read a book in which a death occurs.

ANIMALS (0/10+)
1. A Shrewdness of Apes: Read a book which has an intelligent main character -or- read a book which uses words that are used differently in the present.

2. A Sloth of Bears: Read a book that is slow-going -or- read a book with a walking person or animal on the cover.

3. A Bask of Crocodiles: Read a book with a croc making an appearance -or- read a beach read.

4. A Litter of Cubs: Read a book with any of the following animals prominently shown on the cover: foxes, bears, lions, leopards, wolves, puppies, kittens -or- read a book with MPG Children/Middle Grade.

5. A Herd of Elephants: Read a book in which the main character has a phobia -or- read a book that is set at least 300 years before 2018 or at least 300 years after.

6. A Busyness of Ferrets: Read a book with an assassin/hit man character -or- read a book with a main character whose first name starts with a letter in "FERRET".

7. A Band of Gorillas: Read a book in which a character is mistaken for someone else -or- read a book with an anthropologist character.

8. A Bloat of Hippopotami: Read a book that is bloated (that you consider 200 pages too long) -or- read a book with a natural body of water on the cover.

9. A Kindle of Kittens: Read a book with a kitten or cat on the cover -or- read a book on your Kindle.

10. A Leap of Leopards: Read two books – one series book at least 4 positions higher than the other series book. The series needn't be the same. For example: if you read book #1 on Series A, the second book could be book #5 on series B.

11. A Pride of Lions: Read a book which can be described as a generational saga -or- read a book with a proud character.

12. A Richesse of Martens: Read a book with a cover that shows something that can be described affluent (a castle for example, or manicured gardens or a richly dressed person) -or- read a book whose author shares a first or last name with a primary member of the House of Tudor (Henry, Edward, Mary, Elizabeth - no variations).

13. A Troop of Monkeys: Read a book with an alpha male character -or- read a book marked "War" on its main page.

14. A Gam of Whales: Read a book set at least partially aboard a ship -or- read a book with a water based transportation on the cover.

15. A Zeal of Zebras: Read a book whose title starts with a Z (ignore articles) -or- read a book with a black and white cover (title/author name can be a different color).
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