JoJo's 50 books in 2018

[JoJo]

I am going to go for 50 books this year. Quite a difference from the last 2 years (60-80 books). The last couple of months I haven't been reading much, but I hope to get back into the fun of reading in 2018, but I'm not going to set my goals (too) high. We will see how it goes...

Stats:

Pages read: 15,129
Physical books I own read: 12
E-books read: 21
Library books read: 6
Classics read: 14

Currently reading:
-
- Wizard and Glass by Stephen King

Books read so far in 2018:
1. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Finished on 10/1/18 (message 9)
2. 1984 by George Orwell - finished on 29/1/17 (message 10)
3. The Talisman by Stephen King - finished on 1/2/18 (message 20)
4. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand - 9/2/18 (message 23)
5. Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews - finished on 15/2/18 (message 24)
6. Petals on the Wind by V. C (Virginia) Andrews - finished 21/2/18 (message 25)
7. If There Be Thorns by V. C. (Virginia) Andrews - finished on 28/2/18 (message 26)
8. Seeds of Yesterday by V. C. Andrews - finished on 4/3/18 (message 31)
9. Christopher's Diary: Secrets of Foxworth by V. C. Andrews - finished on 7/3/18 (message 32)
10. Christopher's Diary: Echoes of Dollanganger by V. C. Andrews - finished on 14/3/18 (message 33)
11. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson - finished on 23/3/18 (message 34)
12. Black House by Stephen King - finished on 26/3/18 (message 35)
13. Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies by J. K. Rowling - finished on 4/4/18 (message 38)
14. Quidditch Through the Ages by j. K. Rowling - finished on 4/4/18 (message 39)
15. Garden of Shadows by V. C. Andrews - finished on 11/4/18 (message 40)
16. The Tempest by William Shakespeare - finished on 12/4/18 (message 41)
17. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare - finished on 18/4/18 (message 42)
18. The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare - finished on 22/4/18 (message 43)
19. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare - finished on 23/4/18 (Message 44)
20. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - finished on 26/4/18 (message 45)
21. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - finished on 3/5/18 (message 47)
22. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - finished on 10/5/18 (message 48)
23. It by Stephen King - finished on 14/5/18 (message 49)
24. Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper - Case Closed by Patricia Cornwell - finished on 23/5/18 (message 57)
25. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - finished on 6/6/18 (message 52)
26. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut - finished on 11/6/18 (message 53)
27. The Gunslinger by Stephen King - finished on 13/6/18 (message 56)
28. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey - finished on 18/6/18 (message 58)
29. Alice by Christina Henry - finished on 22/6/18 (message 61)
30. The Boy on the Bridge by M. R. Carey - finished on 4/7/18 (message 69)
31. Red Queen by Christina Henry - finished on 12/7/18 (message 70)
32. Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh - finished on 15/7/18 (message 71)
33. A Street Cat Named Bob: How One Man and His Cat Found Hope on the Streets by James Bowen - finished on 21/7/18 (message 72)
34. The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King - finished on 24/7/18 (message 73)
35. The Waste Lands by Stephen King - finished on 15/8/18 (message 75)
36. A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron - finished on 20/8/18 (message 76)
37. Faerie Tale by Raymond E. Feist - finished on 20/9/18 (message 82)
38. Little Men by Louisa May Alcott - finished on 16/9/18 (message 80)
39. A Dog's Journey: A Novel by W. Bruce Cameron - finished on 23/11/18 (message 83)

[JoJo]

Stephen King books to read:

1. Skeleton Crew (1985)
2. Misery (1987)
3. The Eyes of the Dragon (1987)
4. The Tommyknockers (1987)
5. The Dark Half (1989)
6. Four Past Midnight (1990)
7. Needful Things (1991)
8. Gerald’s Game (1992)
9. Dolores Claiborne (1993)
10. Nightmares and Dreamscapes (1993)
11. Insomnia (1994)
12. Rose Madder (1995)
13. Desperation (1996)
14. The Regulators (1996)
15. Wizard and Glass (1997) - The Dark Tower #4 - CURRENTLY READING
16. Bag of Bones (1998)
17. The Storm of the Century (1999)
18. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (1999)
19. Hearts in Atlantis (1999)
20. On Writing (1999)
21. Dreamcatcher (2001)
22. Everything’s Eventual (2002)
23. From A to Buick 8 (2002)
24. Wolves of Calla (2003) - the Dark Tower #5
25. Song of Susannah (2004) - The Dark Tower #6
26. The Dark Tower (2004) - The Dark Tower #7
27. The Colorado Kid (2005)
28. Cell (2006)
29. Lisey’s Story (2006)
30. Just After Sunset (2008)
31. Duma Key (2008)
32. Under the Dome (2009)
33. Full Dark, No Stars (2010)
34. 11/22/63 (2011)
35. The Wind Through the Keyhole (2012) - The Dark Tower #8
36. Joyland (2013)
37. Mr Mercedes (2014)
38. Revival (2014)
39. Finder’s Keepers (2015)
40. The Bazaar of Bad Dreams (2015)
41. End of Watch (2016)
42. Gwendy’s Button Box (2017)
43. Sleeping Beauties (2017)
44. The Outsider (2018)

[JoJo]

Challenges participated in this year:

- Nautical Mini Book Challenge - 1/4 - January (Wacky Reading Challenges)
- January wordsearch - 17/20 (Wacky Reading Challenges)
- Personalities challenge - 0/2 - January
- Olympic Athletes and the Olympian Spirit - 1/1 - February (2018 Reading Challenges)
- February Word Search - 15/23 (Wacky Reading Challenges)
- March Word Search - 18/28 (Wacky Reading Challenges)
- Must Read Books - 3/3 (quarterly) (2018 Reading Challenge)
- April Word Search - 27/30 (Wacky Reading Challenges)
-SPECIAL 16,000 CHALLENGE - 5/8 - March 18- April 29 (2018 Reading Challenges)
-2018 Reading Challenge Movie Night! - 4/10 - March 18 to April 29 (2018 Reading Challenges)
- PARTY LIKE IT'S 1564! - 2/3 - April 20 to 23 (2018 Reading Challenges)
- May Word Search - 20/23 - (wacky reading challenges)
- The Bibliophile Challenge - 9/9 - April 1 to June 30 (2018 Reading challenge)
- June Word Search - 17/23 (Wacky Reading Challenges)

Books I missed out on reading for past challenges this year:
- The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
- The Return of Sherlock Holmes
- Anne of Green Gables

Series to finish reading:
- Jo's Boys (Little Women)
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes)
- The World According to Bob: The Further Adventures of One Man and His Street-wise Cat (Bob the Cat)
- A Dog's Way Home (A Dog's Purpose)

[Susy]

JoJo wrote: "I am going to go for 50 books this year. Quite a difference from the last 2 years (60-80 books). The last couple of months I haven't been reading much, but I hope to get back into the fun of readin..."

Good luck JoJo! Hope you’ll get back into it. May you discover some amazing reads along the way!

[JoJo]

Thank you.

[Blagica , Cheerleader!]

Good Luck with your goal in 2018!

[Rachel]

Good luck with your goal!

[JoJo]

thank you

[JoJo]

1. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Format: E-book
Pages: 457 (paperback, 254)
Finished: January 10
Rating: 3 stars

My review:
(my first time reading Wilde)
At times, I felt this book drag on, and other times it was interesting. I'm glad I read this book, but I didn't get into it like I thought I would.

[JoJo]

2. 1984 by George Orwell

Format: E-book
Pages: 319 (paperback, 328)
Finished: January 29
Rating: 5 stars

[Christina]

What were your thoughts on 1984 I have had it on my to read list/shelf for years and haven't gotten to it yet... just curious about your opinion Thanks

[Susy]

JoJo wrote: "1. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Format: E-book
Pages: 457 (paperback, 254)
Finished: January 10
Rating: 3 stars

My review:
(my first time reading Wilde)
At times, I felt this book drag on, and other times it was interesting. I'm glad I read this book, but I didn't get into it like I thought I would. "

Same here.

[Susy]

JoJo wrote: "Stephen King books to read:

1. The Gunslinger (1982) - The Dark Tower #1
2. Cycle of the Werewolf (1983)
3. The Talisman (1984) - Currently reading
4. Skeleton Crew (1985)
5. IT (1986)
6. Misery (..."

Are these all his books?

Very useful list! Gonna copy that if you don’t mind...

[JoJo]

Christina wrote: "What were your thoughts on 1984 I have had it on my to read list/shelf for years and haven't gotten to it yet... just curious about your opinion Thanks"

I loved this book, although it's scary to think this could have happened. I thought it very interesting. I don't want to say too much though, I feel i will give too much of the story away lol.

[JoJo]

Susy wrote: "JoJo wrote: "Stephen King books to read:

1. The Gunslinger (1982) - The Dark Tower #1
2. Cycle of the Werewolf (1983)
3. The Talisman (1984) - Currently reading
4. Skeleton Crew (1985)
5. IT (1986..."

Go ahead, I don't mind. :) as far as I know it's every book, I didn't include his Richard Bachman books. Let me know if you find a King book that's not on the list.

[Susy]

Will do!

[Blagica , Cheerleader!]

Awesome progress JoJo! Are you having a good start of the year?
https://www.stephenking.com/library/n...
that link has every book from A-Z
Happy reading!

[JoJo]

JoJo wrote: "Susy wrote: "JoJo wrote: "Stephen King books to read:

1. The Gunslinger (1982) - The Dark Tower #1
2. Cycle of the Werewolf (1983)
3. The Talisman (1984) - Currently reading
4. Skeleton Crew (1985..."

Just realized I forgot to mention that the list is only of the books I haven't read, I've been taking them off the list as I read them.

[JoJo]

Blagica wrote: "Awesome progress JoJo! Are you having a good start of the year?
https://www.stephenking.com/library/n...
that link has every book from A-Z
Happy reading!"

Hi Blagica, yes thank you. i haven't been able to do as much reading As I did the last couple of years. I've been trying to get my house de-cluttered and organized, which means less time to read haha. How has the new year been for you so far? Thank you very much for the list of King books. Happy reading back to you :)

[JoJo]

3. The Talisman by Stephen King

Format: Paperback, (owned but donated.)
Pages: 992 pages
Finished: February 1
Rating: 3 stars

Finally finished this book. I've been reading it since last year!

[Christina]

JoJo wrote: "Christina wrote: "What were your thoughts on 1984 I have had it on my to read list/shelf for years and haven't gotten to it yet... just curious about your opinion Thanks"

I loved this book, althou..."

Thanks that was helpful

[Blagica , Cheerleader!]

JoJo wrote: "Blagica wrote: "Awesome progress JoJo! Are you having a good start of the year?
https://www.stephenking.com/library/n...
that link has every book from A-Z
Happy reading!"

Hi Blagica, yes thank ..."

I finished 29 books so far was hoping for 30 but I am pleased but I always start off strong and get slow w e will see.

[JoJo]

4. Unbroken: An Extraordinary True Story of Courage and Survival by Laura Hillenbrand

Format: e-book, then paperback
Pages: 500
Finished: February 9
Rating: 5 stars

My review:
Wow! Very inspiring, although really sad to read how the guards treated everyone, especially poor Louie Zamperini. It still amazes me how people can be that cruel. Louie is one amazing guy, because he endured so much and survived (view spoiler)[until he was 90-something years old! (hide spoiler)]. I really loved Laura Hillenbrand's style of writing, she had me hooked from the first page.

[JoJo]

5. Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews

Dollanganger series #1

Format: paperback, (owned but donated)
Pages: 384
Finished: February 15
Rating: 3 stars

[JoJo]

6. Petals on the Wind by Virginia (V. C.) Andrews

Dollanganger series #2

Format: hardcover (library)
Pages: 590
Finished: February 21
Rating: 2 stars

[JoJo]

7. If There Be Thorns by Virginia (V. C.) Andrews

Dollanganger series #3

Format: paperback (library)
Pages: 392
Finished: February 28
Rating: 2 stars

[Blagica , Cheerleader!]

Two months down 10 to go! JoJo you are doing great. Is there a book that stands out to you so far?

[JoJo]

Blagica wrote: "Two months down 10 to go! JoJo you are doing great. Is there a book that stands out to you so far?"

Thank you Blagica! Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption is by far the best book I've read this year, an amazing read, it definitely stands out! My next fave would have to be 1984. What book is your favorite for this year so far?

[Blagica , Cheerleader!]

Final Girls is my stand out so far.

[JoJo]

Blagica wrote: "Final Girls is my stand out so far."

Final Girls sounds really interesting!

[JoJo]

8. Seeds of Yesterday by V. C. Andrews

Dollanganger series #4

Format: hardcover (library)
Pages: 382
Finished: March 4
Rating: 3 stars

[JoJo]

9. Christopher's Diary: Secrets of Foxworth by V. C. Andrews

The Diaries #1

Format: hardcover (library)
Pages: 339
Finished: March 7
Rating: 3 stars

[JoJo]

10. Christopher's Diary: Echoes of Dollanganger by V. C. Andrews

The Diaries #2

Format: hardcover (library)
Pages: 357
Finished: March 14
Rating: 3 stars

[JoJo]

11. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Format: paperback (owned, but donated)
Pages: 90
Finished: March 23
Rating: 3 stars

[JoJo]

12. Black House by Stephen King

The Talisman #2

Format: Hardcover (owned, but donated)
Pages: 576
Finished: March 26
Rating: 2 stars

[Blagica , Cheerleader!]

A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. Looks like you have had some awesome dreams this year. I hope that April brings you many more five star reads.

[JoJo]

Thank you Blagica. Same to you too.

[JoJo]

13. Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies by J. K. Rowling

Pottermore Presents #1

Format: e-book (kindle)
Pages: 71
Finished: April 4
Rating: 4 stars

[JoJo]

14. Quidditch Through the Ages by j. K. Rowling

Format: e-book
Pages: 72
Finished: April 4
Rating: 3 stars

[JoJo]

15. Garden of Shadows by V. C. Andrews

Dollanganger series #5

Format: e-book, kindle
Pages: 384
Finished: April 11
Rating: 3 stars

[JoJo]

16. The Tempest by William Shakespeare

Format: paperback and Spark Notes
Pages: 120
Finished: April 12
Rating: 2 stars

My review:
I thought this book was OK, but keep in mind, this is my first Shakespeare ever read. I found it extremely helpful to read the modern text alongside the original. I found this at Spark Notes, as well as a summary of each chapter/Act. I think I will try Romeo and Juliet next.

[JoJo]

17. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Format: e-book, Spark Notes
Pages: 283 (paperback)
Finished: April 18
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I liked this play a lot better than The Tempest. It helps that I've seen the movie (and enjoyed it).
I found it helpful reading the Spark Note's modern translation, and summary of each Act. I also found it helpful to read along with YouTube's BBC radio production. The nurse was voiced by Judi Dench, that made it even more interesting.
For me, though, I wouldn't be able to enjoy reading Shakespeare if I didn't have the other resources. I will try reading other Shakespeare works still, I'm not giving up!

[JoJo]

18. The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

Format: e-book, Spark Notes
Pages: 291 (paperback)
Finished: April 22
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I liked this play, although I don't think I could ever have read and understood it without the modern translation. It was funny (I laughed out loud a few times, not surprising as it's a comedy lol), but whatever happened to the drunkard at the start, who was watching the play, I wonder. We never found out what happened after he finished watching the play about Bianca and Katherine. I also picked up on the similarities between The Taming of the Shrew and one of my favorite movies, 10 things I hate about you. I am guessing the latter is based on the former.

[JoJo]

19. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Format: e-book, Spark Notes
Pages: 220 (paperback)
Finished: April 23
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
Out of all the Shakespeare's I have read (The tempest, Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew and Twelfth Night), Twelfth Night is definitely my favorite!

[JoJo]

20. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Format: e-book
Pages: 331
Finished: April 26
Rating: 3 stars

[Blagica , Cheerleader!]

“Reading brings us unknown friends” While the warm weather is coming I hope you make some new friends in May!

[JoJo]

21. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Format: e-book
Pages: 298
Finished: May 3
Rating: 3 stars

[JoJo]

22. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Format: e-book
Pages: 487
Finished: May 10
Rating: 5 stars

[JoJo]

23. It by Stephen King

Format: paperback (owned but donated)
Pages: 1,116
Finished: May 14
Rating: 5 stars

[Blagica , Cheerleader!]

“I have always imagined paradise will be a kind of library.” I hope you find a corner in Paradise with some great books!! 22 books is fantastic keep it up.