The 104 Book Challenge - 2016 discussion
Nanci's reading in 2016
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Nanci
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Jan 07, 2016 07:19PM
1. The Alloy of Law
Brandon Sanderson is a favorite of mine. This book was so much fun to read. I did a mix of reading and listening to the audio. The reader was great! I thought of just listening to it and reading the other books on the shelf that I don't have on audio. I couldn't do it. I just had to read when I couldn't listen. I love the characters! I didn't want to let them go. One of the characters, Wayne, is a master of disguise and accents. You have to hear the reader distinguish the different voices. I will say that it will help to have at least read
The Final Empire before reading Alloy of Law. The characters and setting are all totally different but the world building is done in the first Mistborn book.
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2. The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club
This was a great read! It is a YA non-fiction book and as such, it is just the right size. It tells the story of some very daring an heroic young men who didn't like what was happening and wanted to make a difference. Loved it.3.
Their Fractured Light Great end to this sci-fi trilogy by Kauffman and Spooner. This book is the weakest of the three but even as such, is a good read.4.The Distance Between Us
I have started this year out really well. This book was a very fun read as well. I loved the characters and the story. The ending is a little bit tied up in too pretty a bow, but it is just so charming, I didn't mind.5.
Secret Sisters This is the only book I have read so far this year, that I didn't like all that much. I usually like Krentz but this one just didn't catch me. It seemed trite and sticky and I just slogged through it with a little skimming here and there.
6. Last Stop on Market Street
Ok, just a picture book but it is the Newberry winner so had to check it out, right?7.
Newt's Emerald Fun little teen regency with magic. 3 stars.8. Calvin
Realistic fiction about mental illness. This is light and upbeat while giving you a good understanding from the mind of a schizophrenic. Doesn't sound great but it has a lot of Calvin and Hobbes references and I really liked it. 4 stars9.
Manners & Mutiny The end of the series. The ending tied up most of the loose ends. It also left it a little open-ended. She could go on with these characters if she wanted to. I liked this the least of the series. 3 stars.
10. The Girl of Fire and Thorns
4 stars. Liked this fantasy trilogy beginner.11.
The Crown of Embers Great 2nd book as well. Can't wait to read # 312. The Hired Girl
I really wanted to like this one more. I liked the idea, I liked the beginning. I just had a hard time wanting to finish it. I finally did finish but it wasn't a great rush. Good historical. Not great. I would hate to base a teen's opinion on whether they like historical fiction or not, on this book.
13.
Half the World I liked the first book in this trilogy much more than I like this second book. I think I might browse through the 3rd book just to see how it all ends. Not really high on the list of reads right now. 14. Ghosts of the White House
Interesting non-fiction children's book introducing kids to the presidents of the United States from the past along with little tidbits from their presidency to help the kids remember who they are. The background is a class trip to the Whitehouse and a young lady wanting more details for her report. George Washington's ghost leads her through and introduces her to the ghosts of other presidents. I really liked this. I learned things I didn't learn in high school. At least I don't think so. It has been a really LONG time.
15. Shadows of Self
Another good one by Sanderson. It would be better if you had read all of the previous Mistborn books. I read the 1st and 2nd books a long time ago and I was ok but I know I would have had more "aha" type understanding if I had read the rest of them. I still give it 4 stars. It explained enough.
16. The Wide-Awake Princess
What a cute book for Elementary School kids who like the fairytale idea. Funny and different but recognizable. Really a fun read. I liked it so much I bought it so I could share it with my granddaughter someday.
17.
The Bitter Kingdom Okay, there is some suspension of reality. Some situations that turn out a little too well. But, I really liked the ending of this trilogy. Had a great time reading this. Looking forward to reading more of this author.
Wide-Awake Princess is great, and the whole series is pretty good. I think #5 is due out in hardback this spring. Same author as the Frog Princess series, too.
Mary wrote: "Wide-Awake Princess is great, and the whole series is pretty good. I think #5 is due out in hardback this spring. Same author as the Frog Princess series, too."Somehow I missed these before. I had a patron at the library recommend them. Lots of fun. My high school senior is loving reading them. She plans to be an elementary teacher.
18. The Sword of Summer
Had fun with this one. Not sure I will go on with it. It is more of the same formula.19.
The Bands of Mourning Love this book. Love this series. Sanderson is just fun to read. I can't wait for more! I have to say, I read this one but listened to much of the other books. The reader is so great!
20. Red Queen
3 stars I liked this book but I didn't love it. I have a hard time when I don't like the main character.21.
Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics Cute. I liked the first one best but this is fun and reaches the target audience. 3 1/2 stars22. Dear Mr. Knightley
I really liked this. Poignant is the word I think. 4 stars23.
The Scorpion Rules This started out well. I like it until about half way through then it lost steam for me. 2 1/2 stars24. The Chocolate Debutante
Just a cute little romance. I needed something light and sweet. 3 stars25.
SeraphinaI loved this dragon story. I had started it once before but must not have been in the mood for the reader. This time I started out reading it and listened to some of it after about halfway through. I loved it! 4 1/2 stars.
26. An Unlikely Duchess
This is an early Balogh and lighter than most of her stories. It was fun and just what I was in the mood for. 3 stars27.
The Flirt just a fun little regency by MCBeaton/Marion Chesney from back in the 80's I would guess. This wasn't one of my favorites from Chesney. 2 stars28. Mermaid Moon b
Book two in Coble's newest series. Nice story. 3 stars29.
The Squire's Tale I haven't ever read this author before. I had a lot of fun with his take on the Arthur legend. I loved Terence and the portrayal of Sir Gawain. A little old fashioned from what kids read now but I really enjoyed reading it! 4 stars
32. See How They Run
3 stars. I want to like this series but I just don't like so many of the characters. I was told that if I went on to the 2nd book in the series I would be rewarded. Still not impressed.33. The Book of Mormon. A favorite of mine.
34.
Passenger 3 stars. I like the idea of the book. I think it could be written better. I love time travel books and the romance is nice so I give it some slack.
#32 - Uh oh. I have this sitting in my "reward" pile waiting. I wanted to see how she continued it after how the first one ended. Doesn't sound too promising. Have you tried her Heist series? I enjoyed the first couple of those and have the third lying around somewhere....
Mary wrote: "#32 - Uh oh. I have this sitting in my "reward" pile waiting. I wanted to see how she continued it after how the first one ended. Doesn't sound too promising. Have you tried her Heist series? I enj..."I enjoyed the Heist series quite a bit. I also love the Gallagher Girls books. I have purchased both series in hardback. I was really looking forward to this series. You may like it much better than I did. I will be interested to hear your thoughts on it.
35. Beastly Bones
This is a really quirky series but I have fun with it. Jackaby is such an interesting character. I like the way the BCD reader voices him. 3.5 stars 36.
Otherwise Engaged These are just some bubblegum but I have a lot of fun with them. The reader does a great job. 3 stars
37. Little Robot
Cute little graphic novel.38.
A Duty To The Dead 3 stars. Nice historical mystery set during World War I in England. The sleuth is an army nurse, Bess Crawford. 39. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
. I listened to this on audio. The author is actually the reader. Many times I don't like that but this author does a great job with it. I have mentioned that I don't really like reading about sadness and human heartbreak, but this book carried me along with it anyway. I have given it 5 stars.
40. Across the Nightingale Floor
Beautifully written. It is very dramatic and tragic echoing the art and tales of Japan.41.
The Ordinary Princess This is a very cute tale. This princess got the gift of being ordinary from the fairy who was invited to her christening. Her parents were horrified but she quite liked it. 42. Thin Ice
The next installment in the MacGregor Brothers Romantic Suspense. 43.
The Shining Company I have never read Rosemary Sutcliff and I have been wanting to read one of her historicals for a long time. This one was based on a very old poem and was beautifully written.
44. La's Orchestra Saves the World
World WarII England. I liked this book and enjoyed listening to it but felt let down with it. by the end it was just 3 stars.45.
Ink and Bone Liked this book, looking forward to going on with the story. Well written but a little slower in places. 4 stars46. 'Til Death Do Us Part
I usually have a lot of fun with Amanda Quick. This one was a little disappointing. 2.5 stars47.
The Raven King Pretty good ending to the books. A little slower in tone to me. I had an easier time putting it down than I have with the others. 3.5 stars48. Walk on Earth a Stranger
I like Rae Carson! This book is very different from her Crown of Thorns series but I really enjoyed it. Even though the reader wasn't very good. I did a mix of reading and listening, which is what I often do when I can get both at the same time. 4 stars
49.
Dream On It had been a very long time since reading the first book and I didn't want to re-read so I was a little lost. It mostly all came back as I read on. I thought this one was slower than the first book. This often happens in the middle book of a trilogy. I hope book 3 goes better. 3 stars50. A Spy's Devotion
A nice start to a new series. Not a great writer. A nice little regency, Christian romance. I might read more of the series if I have time. 2.5 stars51.
Only Beloved This is the end of the Survivors series. It was a nice end but not one of the favorites for me. 3 stars.I guess I am solidly in the running for getting the 104. I seem to be much slower this year.
52. A Marriage Made In Italy
2.553.
A Night Divided 3.554. A Noble Masquerade
355.
Royal Brides 3 56. The Arrangement
Just have to re-read this one every so often. It is my favorite of the series.
58. The War that Saved My Life
4.5 stars an interesting story told about a different side of World War II. Great upper elementary and tween historical59.
Before I Wake 2 stars. Didn't like this one. Story is pretty good, it had potential, but there is a weird love triangle and the mystery doesn't really resolve and there are no follow up books. 60. Skulduggery Pleasant Skulduggery Pleasant I listened to this in the car with my family on a car trip. This was so fun to listen to. Some great lol moments and a fun story as well. 4 stars
61. The Salem Witch Trials: An Unsolved Mystery from History
I listened to this one. As such, I didn't realize how short it would be. It is a children's book but I thought there would be a little bit more to it. I feel it would give kids a good basic understanding of what took place. 3 stars.62.
The Rose & the Dagger The end of the story in 2 books! Yay! I really enjoyed this series. I recommend it for the over 14 crowd of girls. Guys might like it but I don't think mine would. Yes, the ends tie up rather nicely but it is basically a fairy tale type story. My daughter and I both ate up books one and two. Loved this series. I hope this author will do more. 4.563. The Texas Ranger's Bride
3 stars.
67. A Buccaneer at Heart
68.
Echo69. Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad
71.
No Way Up72. The Good Thief's Guide to Amsterdam
73.
Spell Robbers
74. Our Only May Amelia
75.
The Daredevil Snared76. Serafina and the Black Cloak
77.
The Forbidden Wish78. Clues for Real Life: The Classic Wit & Wisdom of Nancy Drew
79. The Quiet Gentleman
My occasional re-reading of a Georgette Heyer. Love them! I actually didn't remember this one at all so it must have been a really long time. Lots of fun.80.
Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things 81. Flamecaster
I love Chima's fantasy books. The only bad thing is having to wait so long in between.82.
Lincoln's Grave Robbers83. The Lincoln Hypothesis: A Modern-day Abolitionist investigates the possible Connection between Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and Abraham LIncoln
Hey, I got 4 non-fiction in for this quarter! I am going to pat myself on the back !
84. The Boy in the Black Suit
I haven't read this author before. I really liked the book until the end. It just ended really abruptly, I was thinking that there needed to be some ends tied up. I guess this is a fault of mine. 4 stars85.
Rebel of the Sands This was a fun Jinn book set in the desert as a western. I wasn't sure I would like that but it was a fun read. I enjoyed it. I will plan to read the next in the series. 4 stars86. Exquisite Captive
Now this is another Jinni type book but in in a very different vein. Love triangle....Ugh. This one is a little different but I know that in the follow up book it is going to get more complicated. The book is more romantic and a little more sensual that the previous Jinn novel. I didn't love this one. 2.5 stars. It is a case of not liking the characters much.87.
Hunter Lackey has gone for a dystopian fantasy. I haven't read a lot of Lackey but what I have read I have enjoyed. Here she is writing for Young Adults. I had a great time listening to this on audio. I am looking forward to the next in the series. 3.5 stars.88. Best Friend to Wife and Mother?
I needed light and happy for a minute. There wasn't a lot to choose from on my libraries eaudio availability. This wasn't the best choice. 2 stars.89.
The Orphan Keeper Great story based on the true story of the main character. A child kidnapped in India and sold to an adoption agency, then adopted out to an American family. His story of losing and then finding his life again. I enjoyed this book. It really kept my attention. 90. Sick of Shadows
Cute little mystery. It seemed like this was 2nd or third in the series. It was fun and very period. Edwardian. 3 stars.91.
Fires of Invention First in the series of the Mysteries of Cove. I am trying to become a little better aquainted with some of the popular children's fiction series. This one is fairly popular in our area. This one was fine. I didn't love it. I listened to it on cd but I really hated the reader so I just wanted to get done with it. If it had been a different reader or I had read it, I might have liked it better. 2.5 stars for me.
92. Illusion Town
2.5 stars93.
No Other Will Do 3 stars94. Challenger Deep
4 stars This one was really hard for me to read. Having dealt with my own mental illness and that of a loved one, I just had too much of me involved in it. I had to put it down and read other stuff for a while.95.
Twilight at Blueberry Barrens3 stars
96. Once a Rancher
3 stars97.
The Washington Hypothesis4 stars
98. Kept Secrets
3 stars
99. Someone to Love
I liked this series opener from Balogh. I liked the characters. Maybe it iwas a little more unrealistic in an unrealistic genre but I just loved the romantic escape it gave me. After reading Challenger Deep and a few other serious books, I needed just a light break.3.5 stars100.
Beauty and the Clockwork Beast Another really fun escape read. For some reason, I really like steampunk. This was a classic steampunk and it helped me get through some housework as I listened. 3.5 stars101. A Torch Against the Night
I didn't like this middle book in the series quite as much as I liked the first. This one was darker even than the first one. I liked it but it was harder for me to read.3 stars
102.Tangled Webs
3 stars103.
His Princess of Convenience 2 stars104. Paper and Fire
3.5 stars Oh no! Another one? I was hoping this would just a duo, but it ends on a cliff hanger.I hit my goal! Yay!
105.
Rebel Mechanics 3 stars Cute steampunk. Not great literature but I had fun listening to this one. It helps those chilly morning walks go by faster.106. The Girl from Everywhere
3 stars. Ok, I have to admit that listening to this one was very disjointed because I only had it in the car and it was starts and stops and I got a little lost every now and again. I think I will read the next one but it is looking like a love triangle. I hate those!107.
The Taking 3.5 stars. Good sci-fi thriller. I was ready to go right into book 2. I am not quite loving book 2 as much but I am only about 1/2 way.108. When All The Girls Have Gone
3.5 stars Fun story from Krentz. Just what I needed. Nice escape with a romantic mystery.
The 104 Book Challenge - 2016
Books mentioned in this topic
The Thief (other topics)A Christmas Message (other topics)
The Queen of Attolia (other topics)
The Girl from Everywhere (other topics)
Tangled Webs (other topics)
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