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R7: SS "Taking 1-4 The Team" (14)
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Sunshine✰✰✰
(new)
Mar 03, 2016 09:16AM
Slow going but I will have extra time to get some reading done tonight.
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I have an art opening to go to tonight, so it might be tomorrow lunchtime when I finish this book.
Colleen wrote: "I have an art opening to go to tonight, so it might be tomorrow lunchtime when I finish this book."
That sounds fun, Colleen!
Week 7 spot 58 alternate whiteBook: Everything, Everything
Finished: 3/3/16
Rating: five stars
Review: My sister has a thing that if she doesn't exercise 5 times in a week she will buy me a book. A while ago she told me to pick a book and I had seen some hype surrounding this book, so I picked it. I didn't really read what it was about and I had no strong expectations going into the story. I really think that helped. I think my favorite thing about this book is how almost everyone within the story could really use some psychological help.
Week 7 spot 58 (alternate white cover)
Book: 1984 by George Orwell
Finished: 3/4/16
Rating: 3stars
Review: As a philosophical essay about society and power and the human condition, this book is a powerful "what if" look at some of our worst tendencies. As a novel, I felt less engaged. The author spends a lot of time in diatribes of one form or another - which are chilling in themselves - and very little time on the motivations of any character save Winston (and even he lacks a certain depth, although that feels somewhat intentional). Overall, I was a bit disappointed. I understand the hype/significance and why it's endured, but I don't feel it's as well written as I had expected. I guess my expectations were too high.
Week 7, spot 58
Read: 3/4/16
★★★ 1/2
Review: Norwegian inspector Harry Hole is assigned to investigate the murder of the Norwegian ambassador in Thailand. Harry tries to defeat his personal demons in the process of working through the mystery. I liked that there wasn't a cheesy romance going on like in the first book, and the last 25% of the book was very suspenseful. I thought I knew who the killer was, and I was right, but I didn't know the details of how that person did it, which were pretty convoluted. I will read the next book, but I am wondering if Jo Nesbo plans to kill off a woman in each one.
Week 7, Spot 58 (White Cover)
by Stephen KingFinished: 3/4/16
Rated: ★★★
I'm not a die-hard Stephen King fan. I've only now started to read some of his books. I found this one kind of boring. John Smith (no middle name) gets into a car accident on his way home one night and he ends up in a coma for almost 5 years. When he finally wakes, he can see things, knows things, just by touching something or someone. Sounds interesting enough, but as it turns out, isn't that great. Some people want to know answers while other cringe away when they see him. The news wants to make a buck off him but slander him when they can't get what they want. Through all this, poor Johnny just want's to get back to his life. The life that essentially ended 5 years ago. He lost his job, his girl, and shortly after the news broadcast of his "ability", his mother.
News to me though, this book spawned a movie and a tv show. Might have to check them out.
Week 8, Spot 67Sandy:
ReviewLaila Jane:
ReviewPetya:
ReviewChristal:
ReviewSunshine✰✰✰:
ReviewJulie:
ReviewColleen:
Review
I'm reading
it is on the second page of the alternative - Beautiful covers
I am also going to do the alternate. I am reading
.
I read
which is on the second page of the Beautiful Covers list.Read: 07/03/2016
Rated: 3.5 stars
Review: I've had this book in my to-read shelf for a long time and always put off reading it. I didn't know what to expect from it going in and it certainly wasnt this. Maybe I expected more but it was still interesting. It took me a while to get into the story but it started getting interesting once everything settled in and I knew what was going on.
This book is perfect for people who love those high society, forbidden love kind of story. Everyone was in love with someone they shouldnt have been. From everyone I liked Henry and Diana's relationship the best.
I liked how it ended, the writing as a whole and will continue with the series.
Week 8, spot 67 (7th in a series)Book: Hell Is Empty by Craig Johnson
Finished: 3/8/16
Rating: 4 stars
Review: The Longmire books tend to have a pretty wide range of "types" of stories they tell - serial killers, cold cases, etc. This was a prisoner exchange that turned into a manhunt. A manhunt on a mountain during a blizzard with all the lore and mystique that comes along with Walt Longmire. This is one of my favorite series and this was a strong story, but I'd be happy enough if we didn't have any more mountain treks in the snow.
Week 8, Spot 67Task: 7th in Series
It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
Read: 03/08/16
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
Review: I really enjoyed this one. I love this whole series, and have enjoyed all the books I've read so far. It's not my favorite in the series, but it's not my least favorite either. I've always liked Hyacinth, who is the youngest of the Bridgerton siblings. She is difficult and outspoken and opinionated, which puts a lot of people off. But Garth, the hero of the book, finds that he likes that about her. They bond over his grandmother's diary that Hyacinth is translating from Italian. I loved their interactions and thought they were such a fun couple. This was definitely a great addition to the series.
I'm a little over halfway done with my book so I hope to have it finished tonight. It's a good book; I just haven't had a lot of time to read this week. Hope everyone is having good luck with their reads as well! :)
Week 8, Spot 67 (Series #6) by Kevin HearneFinished: 3/10/16
Rated: ★★★
At the end of Trapped, we are left with Atticus, Granuaile and Oberon on a run for their lives. While alot happened, I felt like this was just a filler book. Because they were being, well, Hunted, they were unable to shift plans, so it was literally a foot/hoof race for their lives across Europe. It's definitely building up to a big showdown
Week 8, spot 67
3/10/16
★★★★★
Review: This book left me emotionally drained! The Poldark saga continues with Ross taking a seat in Parliament and still trying to come to terms with his wife's emotional affair with a man who is now dead. George and Elizabeth's relationship improves until someone notices that perhaps their son resembles Ross a little bit too much. Drake resigns himself to a life of bachelorhood until a sudden and unexpected death brings new hope for him and Morwenna. Carolyn and Dwight experience tragedy of their own which strains their marriage. Thanks to a spoiler group on Facebook I knew about a Big Tragic Event that occurs, so I wonder if I would have been differently affected if I hadn't known it was coming. I LOVE this series. Winston Graham was an amazing writer. I am just sorry he is no longer here to spin stories. I am thankful I have 5 more books in this series, but I will be so bereft when I'm done.
Sunshine✰✰✰ wrote: "Week 8, Spot 67 (Series #6) by Kevin HearneFinished: 3/10/16
Rated: ★★★
At the end of Trapped, we are left with Atticus, Granuaile an..."
I agree this felt like a bit of a filler book. I'm listening to book 8 right now, and feel like Hunted was most definitely a piece to get the story from point A to point B.
I understand the author is ending the series at book 9, and for each showdown we encounter, I feel he's doing a good job of bringing in loose threads for an even bigger finale.
*crosses fingers*
Week: 8Spot: 67 (Alternate: Beautiful Covers)
Book: Wedding Bells, Magic Spells by Lisa Shearin
Finished: 3/10/16
Rating: ★★★ + .5
Qualification: 7th in Raine Benares
I wasn't really expecting to get any more Raine Benares books after the 6th one so Wedding Bells, Magic Spells was a nice surprise. There was a lot of recapping, possibly too much, but a nice conflict was set up. Unfortunately, it kind of fizzled at the end. It felt like the author just hit her page limit and had to figure out a way to end everything quickly. I really hope there's another book on the horizon because there's still so much left unanswered.
Week 8: Alternate- Beautiful CoversBook- The Dream Thieves
Finished- 3/11/16
Rating- 4 stars
I realize this has nothing to do with the content of the book, but I read a new copy. Every time I opened it I could smell the newness. I was reminded of elementary school when our orders of the Scholastic books would come in. I always enjoyed those days. I believe that made me like the book a little bit more.
So far in this series my favorite character is the ghost. He doesn't say much and he doesn't do much, but is also is less likely to dwell of things. I found Adam's character frustrating. He really needs to stop lamenting about not having any money and he should accept some of the opportunities that seem to be constantly coming his way. His ideas of having someone else own him if he accepts help are just idiotic.
Sorry guys I have been SWAMPED today at work. I am training someone so I have had no time to check in.Roll: 5
New spot: 72
Read 2nd or 7th in series
Alternate: Text Item Midnight
No worries, Sandy. :) I'll read
, 2nd in a series.
Colleen wrote: "No worries, Sandy. :) I'll read
, 2nd in a series."That is a great series, Colleen! I should get back to it. I think I'm on 5 or 6.
Week 9 - Spot 72 Sandy:
ReviewLaila Jane:
ReviewPetya:
ReviewChristal:
ReviewSunshine✰✰✰:
ReviewJulie:
ReviewColleen:
Review
I just wanted to let you know that I will be starting a road trip to Texas tomorrow. I should be able to post periodically during the week, but I didn't want you to think I forgot about you!
I will read for the alternate as well. Borderline by Mishell Baker. I'm on my phone now but I'll add the cover later.
Week 9, Spot 72Task: Text Item Midnight
The Mind Readers by Lori Brighton
Read: 03/13/16
Rating: ✮✮✮
"I finally gave up and returned to our little cottage around midnight." - KL: 1233
Review: I'm not really sure what to say about this one. I only read it to fulfill a task for another challenge. I wasn't a fan of the main character. I thought she was weak and annoying. I am tempted to read the next book in the series just to find out what happens next because the mystery interested me enough, but I peeked at reviews of the next books and things don't look like they improve too much regarding the annoyance of the main character. So to spare myself the frustration, I'm stopping the series at this book.
Week 9, Spot 72 - read 2nd in a series
Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith
Read: 03/15/16
3 stars
This series doesn't feel quite as well-developed as The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, but it does have that same familiar and comfortable pacing and sense of setting. Isabel's sense of duty and her habit of getting involved can be mildly annoying, but it's very fitting and seems to suit her character. Besides, how would a philosopher unravel mysteries otherwise?
Week 9, Spot 72Text Item Midnight
"Nesta had silently left at midnight..." p. 269 Kindle
3/16/16
★★★★
Review: A destitute girl named Feyre kills a wolf, not knowing it is really a Faerie. Later, a vicious creature takes her to Faerie land as punishment where she must live out the rest of her days. Eventually, Feyre learns that things are not what they seem and she finds herself in the middle of a ferocious battle between the different Courts. I thought this was an entertaining story, if a bit repetitive. I don't typically seek out books involving Fae but I liked this more than I expected to.
I read
as a second in a seriesRead: 16/03/2016
Rated: 5 stars
Review: This series is just not what you would expect of the cover and name. It is fun, addicting and filled with hilarious situations. I learned to quickly love the characters and writing. I cant wait to see what happens with the rest of the series!
Week: 9Spot: 72 (Alternate: Text Item "Midnight")
Book: Borderline by Mishell Baker
Finished: 3/17/16
Rating: ★★★★
Qualification: "I promise I will end the meeting by midnight." -- Kindle Loc 3181 of 4870
Wow, there was so much going on in Borderline that I don't even really know where to start. The main character, Millie, was such a mess but I kind of loved her any way. The fae in this book were creepy and crazy, just like I like 'em. The Arcadia Project was super mysterious and there's still plenty left to learn about them. I think the less you know about this book going in, the better, but it was a great series debut and I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment already!
Sandy wrote: "I just wanted to let you know that I will be starting a road trip to Texas tomorrow. I should be able to post periodically during the week, but I didn't want you to think I forgot about you!"How is your road trip Sandy? I hope you're having a great time =)
We are having a blast! We have been to Dallas, San Antonio, Port Aransas. Now back in Dallas and headed back to Minneapolis tomorrow!
Week 9, spot 72Book- Bed of Roses
Finished- 3/16/16
Rating- 4 stars
Review- This was a reread for me. Each book the main female deals with a different part of wedding preparations. The main character worked with the flowers. She made it very inviting, I found myself wondering why I didn't go into floral as a profession. Then I remembered working in floral at a grocery store the week of Valentines one year. It was long, hard, thorny and I ended up tired and sore. I do really enjoy Ms. Roberts work. I love the language she uses, it is almost as if you can taste them.
Week 9, Spot 72 (Text: Midnight)
by Benjamin Kane EthridgeFinished: 3/18/16
Rated: ★★
After all, you know midnight always seeks the morning. Loc 1587
I had a hard time getting through this book. I couldn't get my head around the setting and couldn't care about any of the characters. There's even a touch of magic that seemed out of place.
We are done for the week!Can one of you please post for us and roll for the next week?
We are getting ready to leave Dallas and my husband is impatient for me to get off the computer. LOL
I check us in and rolled.Roll: 7
New spot: 79
Read 9th or 7th in series
Alternate: Author A
I'm going to read the alternate. Author A: Ellery Adams
I will also go with the alternate Author A-
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