MobileRead Book Challenges discussion
2014 Individual Challenges
>
Rumpelteazer's 2014 Challenge Thread
Christa wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "I reread all the time but not this much. "I used to respond to "Have you read the Bible" with "No, but I've read The Stand X times, and it contains every parable a person needs ..."
That's sweeet. I should use that sometime...
I've read the short version of The Stand in Dutch, but it frustrated me so much (calling my then favourite band Arrowsmith instead of Aerosmith) that I immediately bought the uncut version in English (where there is no mention of Aerosmith).I've read It more times than The Stand but had to buy it when I first wanted to read it because the library refused to lend it to me when I was 15 (despite my mother giving me permission to take it out).
Bianca wrote: "had to buy it when I first wanted to read it because the library refused to lend it to me when I was 15 (despite my mother giving me permission to take it out)."That sucks! My old library let me read what I wanted whenever. I even spent a solid 6mos in high school reading in the children's section (they had a lot of the tween Fantasy stuff there...with their shin high shelves :(
They just smiled and checked me out.
House of Silence by Linda Gillard.It promised to be a Gothic Mystery. The only thing gothic about it was the mansion it was mostly set in, but it wasn't a dilapidated mansion with a character of it's own. The mystery didn't develop until about half way through the book. Okay, but not up to my expectations.
Innocents Lost by Michael McBride. At around 200 pages it isn't a long book, but I found it such a page turner it felt even shorter!
Pines by Blake Crouch.The first in the Wayward Pines series. I'm not sure, it took a while to get going and even when I got going I found myself skimming some pages. I think it way mainly to do with the fact that there is no explanation what is really going on until the very end. Although there is some sort of ending to the book (not one of those series that feels like one long book cut up in shorter books) I'm not really satisfied with it. I probably won't be continuing with this series.
The Chessmen by Peter May.After reading the first book of this trilogy two years ago I thought it just wasn't for me. Now I think I just wasn't in the right mood for it. During the summer I read the second book and liked it and today I finished the final book. I like the isolated village setting and that the characters aren't perfect. The mystery itself was a bit predictable if you've read/watched a lot of mysteries but entertaining nonetheless.
The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart.The third book in the Merlin Trilogy and Arthurian Saga. Although I enjoyed these book I'm not sure if I will continue with the Arthurian Saga (another two books).
Bianca wrote: "The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart.The third book in the Merlin Trilogy and Arthurian Saga. Although I enjoyed these book I'm not sure if I will continue with the Arthurian Saga (an..."
You know, I had plans to read The Once and Future King series until I listened to a class discuss it on iTunes U: the way the book deals with women made me rather sad.
MrsJoseph wrote: "You know, I had plans to read The Once and Future King series until I listened to a class discuss it on iTunes U: the way the book deals with women made me rather sad. "Ah, okay, my motivation to continue with the Arthurian Saga just flew out of the window :). On the bright side: another series finished!
I'm trying to decide what to read during my lazy week away. I hope I can hold off starting the new Phil Rickman, which is going to be released in two weeks. I might allow myself to start a new series, but which one, there is too much choice!
Bianca wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "You know, I had plans to read The Once and Future King series until I listened to a class discuss it on iTunes U: the way the book deals with women made me rather sad. "Ah, okay..."
Have you read The Girl with All the Gifts? Its very popular. I've read about 7 chapters and I like it so far.
MrsJoseph wrote: "Have you read The Girl with All the Gifts? Its very popular. I've read about 7 chapters and I like it so far. "Thank you, although zombies aren't normally my thing this one look interesting. I put it on my list for the next time I'm in a horror mood.
Bristol House by Beverly SwerlingA surprisingly good read. I expected it to be paranormal fluff, but it's a step above that. Well thought out and good, but flawed, characters. The only naggy thing I can think of is that the ending feels hastened. One page the reader is still in the middle of the mystery and the next it's solved and the characters are having a nice cuppa and are talking it over.
I might give Swerling's Old New York series a try.
A Question of Identity by Susan Hill.The first book that I had trouble putting down at night in a really long while. I also didn't know who was the murderer until it was revealed. Can't wait for the next book in the series, which is released on January 2. However, it also means that I have finished another series!
Bianca wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "Have you read The Girl with All the Gifts? Its very popular. I've read about 7 chapters and I like it so far. "Thank you, although zombies aren't normally my thing this one look..."
Let me know what you think if you read it!
MrsJoseph wrote: "Bianca wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "Have you read The Girl with All the Gifts? Its very popular. I've read about 7 chapters and I like it so far. "Thank you, although zombies aren't normally my thin..."
I will, I might read it during my vacation. I've put it on my wishlist so I won't forget.
In the Woods by Tana FrenchAn okay mystery using a somewhat unreliable narrator. I might be getting a bit too critical, but again I don't think I'll continue with this series.
^There's more series than one can shake a stick at so I wouldn't be hard on yourself for being critical.
Homeinmyshoes wrote: "^There's more series than one can shake a stick at so I wouldn't be hard on yourself for being critical."My idea exactly. In the past two years I've also learned to let go of series that go into a direction I don't like, the quality goes down or I simply lose interest.
It's a shame though when you think you will really like a series and it's either just okay, meh or OMG NO! OTOH, finding new series to add to my to-try list is also fun.
This year I started 18 new series.
10 I'm not going to read any further
5 I've finished either the full series or what has been published up until now
3 are ongoing
Ghost Song by Sarah Rayne.Another good paranormal/ghost mystery. They aren't very spooky and there is always a little bit of romance involved but they are entertaining and quick reads.
Currently reading a shorter horror novel and after that I think I need a change from the horrors, mysteries and thrillers so I think I'll read the first in the Muirwood Trilogy.
The Memory of Trees by F.G. CottamI've read another book by him, The House of Lost Souls, and I found that a bit underwhelming. But this seemed like a nice and short horror novel, appropriate for Halloween. I must say I really enjoyed it, he was good at conveying the creepiness of forest. The ending was very short and I would have liked to see the main characters go home, one storyline was kinda left unsolved (did the wife of the main character take him back?).
The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler.I loved it! A great start of a fantasy trilogy. I started it mid morning and finished it just after midnight. Yes, it is another fantasy with as main character an orphan, who goes on to find out that one or more parent was someone special. But the characters are likeable. I also love that it's just under 300 pages, the second book is around 450 pages and the last book less than 400 pages. No great tomes to work through, exactly what I was in the mood for.
I'm planning on reading the second book during my vacation next week.
Bianca wrote: "The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler.I loved it! A great start of a fantasy trilogy. I started it mid morning and finished it just after midnight. Yes, it is another fantasy wi..."
:)
I can't believe you've only finished 89 books this year the way they are flying by here.
Homeinmyshoes wrote: "I can't believe you've only finished 89 books this year the way they are flying by here."^this
I'm enjoying myself this year. I abandoned only one book so far. I thonk this is because I decided to read books I (think I will) like instead of ones I feel I should read or books I've decided months ago I should read. I've also got over the feeling I must read a lot of books, like I did the first two years of me doing the challange. As I coniquence I read less books but they are 50 to 70 pages longer on average than the previous 2 years.
Now if only I could decide between the Paperwhite 2014 and the Voyage it would make my reading year :)
Bianca wrote: "I'm enjoying myself this year. I abandoned only one book so far. I thonk this is because I decided to read books I (think I will) like instead of ones I feel I should read or books I've decided mon...":-D
Just list out the pros and cons and go with your gut on choosing a reader. In the end, you know what you read and the availability which I believe should decide for you.
I would love a Voyage, but the quality control isn't up to par (yet) and having to send back from the Netherlands is time consuming. I think the chances of getting a good PW2 are higher and it would be a good enough reader for me. But you know, a Voyage is a new shiny Kindle.Mind you, I can't even order the Voyage yet since it isn't available for international orders.
Hidden Depths by Ann Cleeves.#3 in the Vera Stanhope series. I loved this one even more than the first two. Not necessarily because the story is better but because this one often features Newcastle (the first one was set on the moors and the second one in another city). I recognized a lot of places, shops, venues described in the book from my visit to Newcastle two months ago.
Now for something short, which I should be able to finish tomorrow or Monday morning. That way I can start something new when I arrive at my vacation apartment.
The Whispering: A haunted house mystery by Sarah Rayne.#4 in the Nell West series. It's an okay paranormal/ghost series that can almost be described as cozy, but not quite. This was another okay book in this series, not as good as her stand alone books (IMHO) but not bad either.
Snatched by Karin Slaughter.
A Will Trent novella. Normally I don't really like short stories set in between two books. Mostly because they don't feel like full stories but more a long advertisement for the next book (most often the first chapters of the next book is included and often longer than the short story). But Snatched didn't feel like a rip-off. A good story, hard to put down.
Both I finished today, a good start to my vacation reading (granted, I started The Whispering a few days ago). As a reward I've started the new Phil Rickman book, which I had been saving for this week.
But first I need to clean the dining table a bit because it looks likes my craft tote vomited it's contents all over it.
Also, I'm now leaning towards getting a Kindle Voyage, whenever it becomes available for me to order.
Who reads at the dining table? :)
I hardly had any room to use the mouse of my notebook, and I refuse to use the touchpad (those things are invented by someone very evil).I've solved to problem by using the stairs to the non-accessible attic and the two dining chairs I don't use as storage :))
lol
Night After Night by Phil RickmanI loved it, a great haunted house story. Like with many of Rickman's books characters from previous books make their appearance. Unfortunately I haven't read that book yet but I loved Cindy and can't wait to read more about him.
On another note; Amazon finally has opened their Dutch webstore. Which turned out to be the disappointment of the year. They sell ebooks and Kindles, but for the Kindles your send to the German webstore to order (us Dutchies can also now order Kindles from Amazon UK). You can only pay by credit card, whilst the standard online payment method for the Netherlands is iDeal for debit cards. And finally you can't put books you want on a wishlist because there isn't any.
I've decided to go for the Paperwhite 2, hopefully I can order it at the end of next week. With the dark part of year having arrived I really need a lighted reader again. And with the screen problems and crashing/freezing of the Voyage I'm going to wait for a better version of it.
That sucks!
MrsJoseph wrote: "That sucks!"Well, it sucks that the store is so limited. Luckily nobody expected this, including other Dutch webstores. They obviously expected that Amazon would sell physical goods, at least books and, with Saint Nicholas and Christmas coming, toys. Almost all of the bigger webstore have sales now, hoping that customers would choose them over Amazon.
Also, we can now order Kindles from the UK or Germany and that will save a lot of money. If I would order a Kindle Paperwhite 2 from the US it would cost me nearly €200 including shipping. Ordering from Germany costs €100.22 including shipping (granted, it's on sale now, but even at standard price I would save over €60)
Blue Labyrinth by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child.An okay 14th book in the Pendergast series. Better than the previous 2.
Whilst searching Amazon for a cheap and not-so-cheerful horror I found the following: Horrorstör. Having worked for Ikea for 2 summers I'm very tempted, but it's too expensive, I did put it on my wishlist so hopefully it'll go on sale or have a price drop at some time.
^I saw that too and really wanted to get it. I'm going to check my library at some point.
Bianca wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "That sucks!"Well, it sucks that the store is so limited. Luckily nobody expected this, including other Dutch webstores. They obviously expected that Amazon would sell physical g..."
Well, that part is good, then.
Amazon really doesn't have the lowest prices once they build a good customer base. Your e-tailers have the right idea!
Homeinmyshoes wrote: "^I saw that too and really wanted to get it. I'm going to check my library at some point."Reading the description I think this is one of those books that work better as pbook. From what I understand it's presented as a catalogue.
^My library has it so I think I'll request it some time. I looked up the author and found Satan Loves You and reading the blurb almost made me spit coffee out my nose:Satan hates his job.
Managing Hell is the worst job ever invented and after several millenia of listening to the constant whining of damned souls, the Lord of Darkness is completely and totally burnt out. But there are no holidays in Hell, and now, in the face of a power grab by the officious and smarmy Heavenly Host, Satan's got to reach deep and find a way to save his home from corporate takeover.
Featuring hat-wearing chihuahuas, hyper-violent nuns with poor impulse control, and metaphysical wrestling matches, Satan Loves You is the book for everyone who hates boring books. Do you love romance? Do you adore fantasy epics about anorexic elves who sing? Is your idea of a perfect evening curling up with a cozy mystery and a nice cup of tea? Then go away! Satan Loves You is a high-octane injection of literary adrenaline that annihilates romance, kills elves, and makes hot tea explode into a massive fireball that will melt your face!
^LOLAnother one added to my wishlist!
Wow. That sounds fun!
Not.For.Sale. :-(
^Dang. I didn't see the "item under review" notice.
The Haunting of Melmerby Manor by David W. Robinson.The story itself is good, though not a ghost story but more a mystery with ghosts in it. But the characters are charicatures. A countess (a medium), ex police officer and a crook. Especially the latter two use so much slang it just isn't realistic and the countess is so naive that you want to smack her in the head. It also doesn't help that the countess's spirit guide is called Fishwick, which my mental reading voice insisted in changing to Fishstick.
Stalking the Amazon.de site to see if my Kindle Paperwhite has been shipped.It should arrive on Saturday or Monday and I'm keeping all my fingers crossed that I get one with a good screen (since it took three tries to get a Aura HD without pinholes last year I think I deserve to get lucky now).
I'm trying to decide what book to read first on it. I'm thinking the first Odd Thomas book.
Having a bit of a reading slump this week. I love both books I'm reading (The Terror and the first of the QI fact books) but I'm just not getting anywhere. It's not surprising after last week's reading binge I guess.
MobileRead Book Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Abominable (other topics)The Line (other topics)
In Cold Blood (other topics)
The After House (other topics)
The House of Susan Lulham (other topics)
More...
I used to respond to "Have you read the Bible" with "No, but I've read The Stand X times, and it contains every parable a person needs to get by in this cold, cruel world." Because I'm a smartass like that. :D