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Team 7: Intoxicated Brainiacs
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Namita
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Jul 09, 2019 08:12AM
Thank you, Ezi!!
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Completion Post - Shelf #4Shelf - SUSPENSE/THRILLER
Book: Inherit the Dead | Jonathan Santlofer, Stephen L. Carter, Marcia Clark, Heather Graham, Charlaine Harris, Sarah Weinman, Alafair Burke, John Connolly, James Grady, Bryan Gruley, Val McDermid, SJ Rozan, Dana Stabenow, Lisa Unger, Lee Child, Ken Bruen, CJ Box, Max Allan Collins, Mark Billingham, Laurence Block
Pages: 288
Date Read: 03-Jul-2019
Rating: ★★★
How it Fits the Shelf: MPG - Thriller (28 users)
Review:
Firstly, more than anything else, this book is co-written chapter-by-chapter by 20 different authors! 20!! I have never read a book that has ONE story which is split into 20 chapters - each of which is written by a different author! Sadly, that is where the novelty ends!
The story is extremely underdeveloped and clunky. Given that there were 20 professional thriller writer minds at work, I certainly hoped for a mystery that thrilled me to my bones - after all, many of these authors have some creditable work to their name. But, the whodunit was so watered down, that I didn't find the purpose of having 20 writers invest their time on it. Any one of them could have easily written this. (of course, the whole exercise was for a charitable cause, so certain commends for that, but that's besides the literary side of things!)
The problem with the book, IMO, was that neither of the characters were fleshed out enough that one would care for them, nor was the plot riveting enough that you'd be glued to your chair. Had the bunch managed to do any one of this, I would have gladly rated it higher. Many chapters were literally just filler chapters with hardly any action happening in them - that, for me, is a major let down in a thriller. It needs to be pacy, and keep the narrative moving along.
All in all, a commendable effort, an interesting initiative, a noble cause, and a lackluster product!
Week 6 - Humor/SatireNamita - Change of Fortune - completed 7/15 - Msg 166
Alli - - completed 7/8 - Msg
Angela - Angelica's Smile - completed 7/18 - Msg 189
Mandy - Seduction and Snacks - completed 7/18 - Msg 181
Apoorv - The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy - completed 7/13 - Msg 172
@Apoorv, when you have time, can you please add date read to your completion post?
Completion Post - Shelf #5Shelf - ANIMAL/PETS
Book: A Dog's Purpose | W.Bruce Cameroon
Pages: 319
Date Read: 07-Jul-2019
Rating: ★★★★.5
How it Fits the Shelf: MPG - Animals (583 users)
Review:
Oh boy! This one took me through the wringer! I had read The Art of Racing in the Rain a couple of years ago, and it still to-date is one of my all time favourite books. I balled my eyes out throughout that book, because boy, it tugged at all my heart strings and snapped at them liberally. This one though, was slightly mellow in comparison!
And maybe, I shouldn't be comparing them in the first place, but then both are stories narrated by a dog character who is simply a ball of love! This story takes us on a journey of a dog as he traverses through as many as four lives across multiple decades - each time connecting his experiences from the previous life on to the next! I don't know if in reality, dogs can remember their past lives - but if they do, I would give up everything to experience what this dog did. How nuanced was the author when he delightfully peeled off the layers of this dog's personality. Be it Toby, Bailey, Ellie, or Buddy - each incarnation had a purpose which fed into the Dog's life purpose.
I have been historically scared of dogs, because a Pomeranian chased me when I was a kid, and ever since I have been weary of them - but gosh, they are little nuggets of delight that only know how to bring joy to your life. I also wish, half the people I know were as smart as this dog. LOL! :P
Completion Post - Week 5:Shelf: Animals/pets
Book: Dead Man Talking by Jana Deleon
Pages: 198
Read: 7/9
Rating: 4 ★'s
Review: This was an absolutely cute and fun book. I'm probably biased because I love Jana Deleon. She is the go to author if you want something light and funny. The mystery was just as good. I can attest to this because her Shaye Archer series is absolutely fabulous.
Selection Post - Shelf #6Shelf - HUMOUR/SATIRE
Book: The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy | Mackenzi Lee
Pages: 450
How it Fits the Shelf: MPG - Humor (39 users)
I'm almost done dragging through suspense lol will be done today and I have my animal ready to go so I'll be done with that one quick. Need to find a new book for this week.
Selection PostShelf - Humor/Satire
Book - Angelica's Smile by Andrea Camilleri
Pages - 304
How it fits - Tagged Humor (first page of shelves)
Completion Post - Shelf #4Shelf - SUSPENSE/THRILLER
Book: Hard Rulesby Lisa Renee Jones
Pages: 293
Date Read: 7/10/2019
Rating: ★★★★
How it Fits the Shelf: MPG - Suspense (44 Users)
Review:
Emily has a past she's on the run from someone, and she's changed everything about herself creating a cover story that will keep her safe. It's in the coffee shop before her interview that she encounters Shane instantly the pair share a spark. The pair instantly form a quick connecting but Emily is determined to keep it no strings attached but somethings you just can't avoid.
Shane can't deny his attraction for Emily but after an amazing night, she disappears from his life till she turns up at his office working for his father. He's just returned home to make his family business legitimate if only his brother and father were on his side. As Shane finds out just how deep his families dark deals are will he be able to keep Emily safe?
I've had this one on my kindle for a while and I was really excited to make it fit for my current reading challenge. Hard Rules is a dark steamy story full of romance, suspense and a just enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat. I had a hard time putting it down once I was drawn into Emily and Shanes world, and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next.
This was my first book by the author and I'm hooked, her writing style is smooth easy to get drawn into a captivating story. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help loving Emily and Shane as they struggle to survive. I can't wait to see how the series is going to play out and I need to know that it will all work out.
Stamp requested for Suspense/Thriller shelf!!
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Your Bingo Board has been updated to reflect the stamp.
Completion Post - Week 6:Shelf: Humor/Satire
Book: Change of Fortune by Jana Deleon
Pages: 272
Read: 7/15
Rating: 5 ★'s
Review: Fantastic read!! Fortune Redding is one amazing, skilled CIA assasin!! They way she gels with Gertie and Ida Belle!! The trio get up to so much mischief. The sweet old Southern ladies are not someone to be trifled with. This series has me laughing out loud and I love it. Highly recommended!!!
Selection PostShelf - Humor/Satire
Book - Seduction and Snacks
Pages - 286
How it fits - Humor 518 times
Completion Post - Week 5:Shelf: Animals/pets
Book: Adelaide's Fate
Pages: 244
Read: 7/12
Rating: ★★★★
Review
Adelaide's has taken over raising her younger sister after her parents died, having to leave university and go into hiding for their protection. Her only option to due to the lack of funds was to move into the house that her parents had but it's not been used in a long time. After arriving in at the home they instantly catch the attention of the neighbors a group of attractive shifters who say that leaving the house isn't safe.
The whole point of coming to her parent's house was the hope of staying in hiding which has happened after the great reveal of the supernatural community. They say that they will help them blend in but before they can fit in she has caught the attention of a group of hunters. Will Adelaide be able to escape the hunters or will her fate be sealed this time?
This is a spin-off series of Her Guardians series which features characters from that series as well as new characters. I really liked Adelaide right from the start she's a great character easy to connect with you can't help liking her as she's given up everything to protect her sister. I like all the guys in the series but I think Rick the best but that's because I remember him from the prior series.
I've enjoyed the prior books by the other she's one of my favorites I love her writing style they are always captivating and hard to put down. Adelaide's Fate is no exception I found it hard to put down and ended up reading it in one session. I can't wait to start the next book in the series and find out what happens next to Adelaide. I've become such a huge fan of the reverse harem concept and love that it's a paranormal.
Tuesday July 16, 2019 SHELF #7: 
Week 7 - GR Choice AwardsNamita - The Kind Worth Killing - completed 7/29 - Msg 187
Alli - - completed 7/ - Msg
Angela - Artemis - completed 8/8 - Msg 209
Mandy - The Orchid Affair - completed 8/4 - Msg 199
Apoorv - Baby Teeth - completed 7/26 - Msg 183
Selection Post - Week 7Shelf: GR Choice Awards
Book: The Kind Worth Killing
Pages: 311
Qualification: Goodreads Choice awards Nominee Mystery/Thriller 2015
Completion Post - Shelf #6Shelf - HUMOUR/SATIRE
Book: The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy | Mackenzi Lee
Pages: 450
Date Read: 13-Jul-2019
Rating: ★★★★.5
How it Fits the Shelf: MPG - Humor (39 users)
Review:
This is a very powerful series! Book 1, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, talk about race and sexual orientation struggles in the 1700s (honestly and sadly not a whole lot seems to have changed!), this one talks about gender quality and asexuality in such a stunning manner that I am elated to no bounds!
These are topics that need to be written, read, and spoken about and Mackenzi Lee does a fantastic job in creating a fierce, kick ass, delightful main lead in Felicity Montague - who blew my mind with her will to learn and how in a patriarchal society, especially of the 1700s, was willing to fight and do what it takes to achieve the goals she set for herself. I wish every girl and guy who are struggling to find their niche finds some strength with this book and Felicity's verve - because, boy golly, everyone is special and have the right to be unabashedly themselves.
I promise I'm not dead, real life has been a bit crazy and I'm having a hard time with humor. I'll knock it out this weekend!
Hi guys....I won't be available next week. I'm on vacation. Just read your books and do what you always do. I will create the tracking when i get back.
Selection Post - Shelf #7Shelf - GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS
Book: Baby Teeth | Zoje Stage
Pages: 304
How it Fits the Shelf: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Horror (2018)
Tuesday July 23, 2019 SHELF #8:
Selection Post - Shelf #8Shelf - DUAL/MULTIPLE AUTHORS
Book: Dry | Neal Shusterman, Jarrod Shusterman
Pages: 390
How it Fits the Shelf: Dual Authors
Selection PostShelf: Goodreads Choice Awards
Book: Artemis
Pages: 305
How it fits: Goodreads Choice Awards Winner in 2017
Shelf: Dual/Multiple Authors
Book: Moscow Noir
Pages: 280
How it fits: Short story collection (several authors)
Completion Post - Shelf #8Shelf - DUAL./MULTIPLE AUTHORS
Book: Dry | Neal Shusterman - Jarrod Shusterman
Pages: 390
Date Read: 24-Jul-2019
Rating: ★★★★
How it Fits the Shelf: Dual Authors
Review:
This is a very REAL fiction! Every part of this is possible, and unfortunately somehow impending if we don't take the right measures NOW! The book is set in an alternative version of America. In this version, the people start having less and less water in their homes. First there are sanctions if they waste water, for example to fill in their pools or water their grass. But then one day the water is gone. It is very interesting to see how the reactions of people change when the time without water passes – first they are still civilized and even joke about it, but then they become more and more violent. When a resource like that is gone it is only natural that a lot of people would do unimaginable things to acquire it.
The cast of characters compliment each other well in that they are all pretty different but in this new crisis each brings something into the survival game. On a general day, they would pass each other by with no interaction, but desperate times makes for strange bedfellows. The struggle was intense and I felt desperate for the characters as one thing after another goes wrong for them and they are driven farther down the rabbit hole of humanity to see what they would do to save the people they are with. Hard choices will be made and there is a reason survival of the fittest is a saying.
There were many convenient narrative turns taken by the author, but it brings a very important topic to the fore and I acknowledge them for that!
Selection PostShelf - Goodreads Choice Awards
Book - The Orchid Affair
How it fits - Romance 2011
Almost done will be done today
Selection Post
Shelf - Dual/Multiple authors
Book -
How it fits -
Completion Post - Week 6:Shelf: Humor/Satire
Book: Seduction and Snacks
Pages: 286
Read: 7/18
Rating: ★★★★
Review
Claire has never wanted children it wasn't in the plan but sometimes no matter how you plan things have a way of working out. Claire ventures out with her best friend to a college party where she meets a man who just happens to capture her attention. What starts out as a one night stand turns into more than she bargained for. Of course, the guy can't be found and she's forced to go at it alone.
It's at work one night that her one-night stand turns up in the bar but he doesn't recognize her as she does him. Claire hasn't stopped thinking about him and has spent the last several years raising her son. Carter is captivated by the bartender but he's just gotten out of a relationship and he hasn't stopped looking for the girl he had a one night stand with. Little does he know she's standing right in front of him.
This is my first book by the authors so I was super curious to check it out and I wasn't disappointed. Claire is an amazing character I just loved everything about her, and she's constantly had me giggling. You can't help liking Carter right from the start he's a perfect love interest for Claire I mean after all they had a one night stand that bound them together forever they just had to find each other again. I really enjoyed that we are given both sides of the main characters I felt it really helped me connect with both of them.
I found Seduction and Snacks hard to put down it was a fast-paced hilarious. I had to stop reading a few minutes to calm down with all the funny shenanigans that seemed to keep happening to Claire. The romance was sweet it just works so well together. The authors writing style is easy to get lost in and the story just flows beautifully. I enjoyed every page of the book, and look forward to checking out more from the author.
UpdateA few teams are closer to calling 'BINGO', but then so are we!
If we get our Dual/Multiple Author done and Non-Fiction gets called next week, we have a chance of BINGO-ing!
Sooooo close! Let's goooooo! :D
Completion Post - Shelf #7Shelf - GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS
Book: Baby Teeth | Zoje Stage
Pages: 304
Date Read: 26-Jul-2019
Rating: ★★★★
How it Fits the Shelf: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Horror (2018)
Review:
I really don't even know where to begin. The story centers around the Jensen (pronounced Yensen), a family of artists living in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The hip Jensen family consists of architect Alex, former interior designer and now stay-at-home mother Suzette, and their 7-year-old daughter Hanna. This nuclear family is not the American dream you may suspect when first meeting them. Hanna, although a lovingly sweet child, is mute and only shows her dynamic and loving personality with her father. Hanna is constantly battling with her mother while Alex is at work, leaving Hanna frustrated and vengeful towards her. While Alex is away, Hanna expresses a sincere hatred for her mother and will stop at nothing to prevent her from ruining the perfect life she sees with her father. Mommy is in the way and Hanna will stop at nothing to destroy her.
Baby Teeth is one dark, sinister, and deviously gripping story that not only focuses on family dynamics but the ignorance being society's perception of mental illness. More and more books are starting to showcase mental illness and that's very important—especially in the family setting. I really enjoyed Zoje Stage's ability to show contrast between the points-of-view of Suzette and Hanna because they are vastly different, yet utterly relatable. A solid debut novel and an original story derived from a common theme in the thriller/horror genre, Baby Teeth delivers.
Selection Post - Shelf #8Shelf - Dual/Multiple Authors
Book: Edge of Darkness by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Lori Herter
Pages: 390
How it Fits the Shelf: Multiple Authors - Anthology
@Angela, I don't see a selection post for your Animals/Pets shelf. Have you read a book for this shelf?
Week 8 - Dual/Multiple AuthorsNamita - Edge of Darkness - completed 7/31 - Msg 191
Alli - - completed 7/ - Msg
Angela - - completed 7/ - Msg
Mandy - - completed 7/ - Msg
Apoorv - Dry - completed 7/24 - Msg 179
Completion Post - Week 7Shelf: GR Choice Awards
Book: The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
Pages: 311
Date Read: 7/29
Rating: 4 ★'s
Review: What an explosive read!! This definitely was dark and twisted but kept me hooked. Read it in one sitting....an absolute page turner.
Can't say much as I would give the plot away. I hope to read more from this author.
Namita wrote: "@Angela, I don't see a selection post for your Animals/Pets shelf. Have you read a book for this shelf?"
I did, a couple weeks ago - I must have forgotten to do the post. Sorry! I'll post both the selection and completion later today.
Completion PostShelf: Humor
Book: Angelica's Smile by Andrea Camilleri
Date read: 7/18/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This is one of my favorite series. Montalbano is so realistic - funny, emotional, hopelessly flawed even when his intentions are good. This installment followed his attempt to solve a series of burglaries, while battling his attraction to one of the victims. Camilleri is excellent at weaving the personal story and the detective story so tightly that you can't tell where one storyline ends and the other picks up. This was a fun, entertaining read.
Completion PostShelf: Animals/Pets
Book: Beastly Things by Donna Leon
Date read: 7/11/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I fell in love with Donna Leon's Brunetti series in the first book. These last few haven't been quite as good, but they're still engrossing. This story followed the Venetian police officer on his search for a murderer who was a vet involved with a local slaughterhouse. On the journey, the detective and his family contemplate the social, environmental, and medical effects of the large amount of meat humans consume. Donna always weaves a social issue into her story, which gives you more to latch onto than just the 'who-dunnit'. This was a brutal look at the business of meeting society's demand for meat, and although fictionalized, it leaves you with a few things to think about.
Completion Post - Shelf #8Shelf - Dual/Multiple Authors
Book: Edge of Darkness by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Lori Herter
Pages: 390
Date Read: 7/31
Rating: 5 ★'s
Review: What a fantastic read!! Christine Feehan is a fave of mine and she weaves magic with the Carpathian world. Maggie Shayne is another brilliant author, I enjoyed her story very much. Lori Herter was new to me author and I do believe I will look for more books by her.
Definitely recommended if PNR is your thing.
@Alli, waiting on you for the Humor/Satire shelf!! I've requested stamp for Animals/Pets Shelf!!
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 SHELF #9:
Week 9 - Books to TV/MoviesNamita - From Dead to Worse - completed 8/1 - Msg 197
Alli - - completed 8/ - Msg
Angela - - completed 8/ - Msg
Mandy - - completed 8/ - Msg
Apoorv - The Running Man - completed 8/7 - Msg 212
Selection PostFound one more easily this time!
Book: Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
Pages: 400
How it fits: Was made into a movie
Selection Post - Shelf #: 9Shelf: Books to TV/Movies
Book: From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
Pages: 359
Qualification: Series is a TV show on HBO!
Completion Post - Shelf #: 9Shelf: Books to TV/Movies
Book: From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
Pages: 359
Date Read: 8/1
Rating: 4 ★'s
Review: An easy read. Sookie Stackhouse is up to her usual antics but this book was not as dangerous for her as the other installments. She met her nephew who has the same telepathic abilities as her. That was rather cute as the kid is only 4. Eric remembered everything about him living as a human and my my, that was such a treat. Quinn turned out to be a disappointment, Jason is so different from the TV show that I have a hard time with it. Bill continues to be a moron, though now he is trying to get back into Sookie's good books.
This is a fun series and I would definitely recommend it.
Selection Post - Shelf #9Shelf - BOOKS TO MOVIES
Book: The Running Man | Richard Bachman
Pages: 316
How it Fits the Shelf: Made into a movie 'The Running Man (1987)' starring Arnold Schwarzeneggar.
Completion Post Shelf - Goodreads Choice Awards
Book - The Orchid Affair The Orchid Affair
How it fits - Romance 2011
Pages 405
Rating 4 Star
Review
Laura Grey has joined the Selwick Spy School her first mission is to go undercover as a governess which she's had lots of experience as. She's on a mission to report anything suspicious about the plan to unseat Bonaparte. It's clear after arriving that she needs to purchase some books to teach the children as they are lacking. Bundling up the kids they set out on an adventure in Paris encountering several characters.
It isn't long that Laura starts to piece together the things going on with Jaouen and his work. However, things spiral out of control when a blast from her past comes into play and her secret identity is almost revealed. As if that wasn't enough now someone she cares about is about to be wrongfully accused and they jump into action. Saving the day with an elaborate plan that will risk them all.
I'm not a huge historical fiction fan but I instantly was drawn into Laura's story it's captivating right from the start. I admit the book was read out of order but each book seems to tell a different story and I don't think that caused any issues reading out of order. I found the concept super interesting a creative spin on the Neopolianic war times.
I really liked Laura as a character she was easy to connect with right from the start, and I was drawn into her story. I wasn't sure about Jaouen but the more we got to know him the more I liked him as a potential love interest for Laura. Who says you can't fall in love with the man you are sent to watch and end up saving. This is my first book by the author and I'm a huge fan. I look forward to going back and reading from the start.
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Your Bingo Board has been updated to reflect the stamp.
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