Ultimate 2015 Reading Challenge

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

A book published the year you were born: The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman

[Kirsten]

#29 - A trilogy (book 2)

A Fire in the Sun by George Alec Effinger

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Kirsten]

#30 -- A memoir

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Charity]

Updated message 59.

31/52

[Kirsten]

#31 -- A book based on a true story

Euphoria by Lily King which was inspired by actual events in the life of Margaret Mead.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[CherD]

I just finished another wonderful book for this challenge, A Girl of the Limberlost, by Gene Stratton-Porter

This is for "A book my mother loved." My mom has been gone for nearly 14 years, but she was an avid reader. She so often spoke of this book as well as the prequel "Freckles."

Even though I am way behind in this book challenge, it matters not to me :) I am enjoying this challenge because of the new genres I have read, expanding my world of reading!

[Carla]

Just updated poste #469
I am now at 34/50

#20 A book at the bottom of my TBR pile.
#24 A book based entirely on its cover.
#34 A book with a love triangle.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Cheryl wrote: "ven though I am way behind in this book challenge, it matters not to me :) I am enjoying this challenge because of the new genres I have read, expanding my world of reading!"


That's what challenges are all about! ☺

[Kimberly]

Fell behind with posting what I completed. I am up to 20 out of 52 completed now. I need to catch up! ;) :)

A book w/ more than 500 pages-Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott This book was 519 pages long. ;) :)
A book you were supposed to read in HS but didn't-To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee I read everything assigned in HS, so I chose a typical HS book that I hadn't been assigned. This was a really good book! :)
A book that made you cry-The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate Wow! This was a really good book, and it definitely got me in tears. :) I've downloaded at least one more by this author and hopefully I can read it soon. :)

[Carla]

Kimberly wrote: "A book that made you cry-The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate Wow! This was a really good book, and it definitely got me in tears. :) I've downloaded at least one more by this author and hopefully I can read it soon. :) ..."

That looks like a great book Kimberly. I think I will check it out. This is one of the reasons I love these challenges.

[Teresa]

Here is my progress from May

28/52

[X] A book with 500 pages – The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova – 5/22/15
[X] A book from an author you love that you have not read yet – Cat-a-Lyst by Alan Dean Foster – 5/27/15
[X] A book with a love triangle – G'Day to Die by Maddy Hunter – 5/29/15

[Charity]

Updated message 59.

33/52

[CherD]

I just finished yesterday Bone River by Megan Chance I picked it up because it sounded interesting (historical fiction), and had no idea it would fit in one of my yet unfilled categories, a love triangle. This was another great book. It started out a bit slow, but fascinating story line.

[CherD]

Today I finished Midnight is a Lonely PlaceMidnight is a Lonely Place by Barbara Erskine It is going in my "a book that scared you." It was pretty spooky/eery. Read late into the night as I couldn't put it down, and at 2 in the morning, it was a bit scary!

[Charity]

Updated message 59.

35/52

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

My challenge list is updated HERE. I am now 27/52. Slowly getting there!

[CherD]

Another category fulfilled ! A book I could read in a day "Yellowstone Ghost Stories" by Shellie Larios. I enjoyed it. (I live in Cody WY 60 miles from the East Gate). Had some tidbits of history, mostly legends rather than true ghostly sitings, but fun.

[Carla]

Cheryl wrote: "Another category fulfilled ! A book I could read in a day "Yellowstone Ghost Stories" by Shellie Larios. I enjoyed it. (I live in Cody WY 60 miles from the East Gate). Had some tidbits of histo..."

That could have fulfilled the local book as well.

[CherD]

Carla wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "Another category fulfilled ! A book I could read in a day "Yellowstone Ghost Stories" by Shellie Larios. I enjoyed it. (I live in Cody WY 60 miles from the East Gate). Had some t..."

I thought about using it for a local book, but I have so many other choices for that category, I wanted to use something a bit more substantial for that category. :)

[CherD]

Finished my "book that made me cry." Actually just teary eyed. I confess I enjoy a good love story/sentimental story as a nice change, and every time I have read a Danielle Steel or a Lavyrle Spencer (yes I do enjoy them once in a while), I get that feeling (LOL) So picked up The House by Danielle Steel.

[Kirsten]

#32 -- A trilogy (book 3)

Just finished reading/listening to The Exile Kiss by George Alec Effinger

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Trilogy: Read Riding High and Riding Hard by Vicki Lewis Thompson over the weekend and am working on book three, Riding Home.

[Kimberly]

I haven't updated this list in a little bit. Hopefully, I can get them all. ;) I have now read 24 of the books. My full list is HERE.

A classic romance-My Antonia by Willa Cather
A book set in a different country-Gold and Fishes by Donna Carrick (took place in Banda Aceh, Sumatra Island, Indonesia, mostly, and some in Phuket, Thailand)
A non-fiction book-I'm OK - You're OK by Thomas Harris
A book set in high school-Glimpse by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

[Jill]

Updated message # 63

[Kirsten]

#33 - A book more than 100 years old

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Teresa]

Here is a list of my June updates. Message #273 has been revised.

31/52

[X] A book published this year – Ming Tea Murder – Laura Childs – 6/5/15
[X] A book with bad reviews – Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë – 6/6/15
[X] A book you own but have never read – The Big 5-Oh! – Sandra D. Bricker - 6/9/15

[CherD]

I just finished reading my book "I didn't read in high school/middle school." Shane, by Jack Schaefer. I have no idea how I missed being assigned it, as everyone I know in Wyoming had to read that book at some point! I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially when reading the critical edition, which had so much more about Western books, the movie it was made into, insights into the author, etc. It truly was a very good book.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Cheryl wrote: "I just finished reading my book "I didn't read in high school/middle school." Shane, Shane: The Critical Editionby Jack Schaefer. I have no idea how I missed bei..."


Have never read the book, but believe I have seen the movie.

[Charity]

Updated message 59.

36/52

[Sharmon]

Cheryl wrote: "Another category fulfilled ! A book I could read in a day "Yellowstone Ghost Stories" by Shellie Larios. I enjoyed it. (I live in Cody WY 60 miles from the East Gate). Had some tidbits of histo..."

Cheryl.....I love Cody. I worked in Yellowstone for several summers as a young aldult. A older co-worker (think retiree) from Cody always let me stay at her home when I wanted to visit the town. I have never forgotten her kindness....just her name.

[Charity]

Updated message 59.

37/52

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

[X] A book originally written in a different language: Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren (Originally published in Swedish)

[CherD]

Sharmon wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "Another category fulfilled ! A book I could read in a day "Yellowstone Ghost Stories" by Shellie Larios. I enjoyed it. (I live in Cody WY 60 miles from the East Gate). Had some t..."

Hi Sharmon, I do feel privileged in many ways to live in God's country. It is so beautiful here. I just wish myself and my family could get out more and enjoy the area (ie Yellowstone, the Beartooths, etc.) Often when you live somewhere you end up just working and not getting to enjoy what the tourists get to see so much of!

[CherD]

Heather L wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "I just finished reading my book "I didn't read in high school/middle school." Shane, Shane: The Critical Editionby Jack Schaefer. I have no idea how I ..."

My husband actually has the DVD. It was made into a pretty popular movie with Alan Ladd released in 1953. It was filmed in Jackson, Wyoming (I live in Cody WY). I have never seen the movie, so need to take an afternoon and watch it. The book really touched me in its simplicity and its very classic Western theme.

Once again this challenge has opened up my reading choices. I never was much of a Western fan, and I don't even know why, but now I have read a couple more Westerns (not even for the challenge), and I am enjoying them very much.

[Kirsten]

#34 -- A graphic novel

The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath: A Graphic Novel by H.P. Lovecraft, I.N.J. Culbard

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[❂ Murder by Death]

Update: A book from an author with your same initials: Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich

[Kimberly]

Officially I'm half-way through the challenge. :) I've read 26/52 books. Woo-hoo! :) And, I just figured out that one of the books I read for last month's mini challenge is one I can use for this challenge, too. ;)

A popular author's 1st book-The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie; Nope, I hadn't read this one yet! :O I loved it, though! :)
A book based on a true story-The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd; I read this as part of June's mini challenge (book on a friend's Goodreads list). It's about Sarah Grimke, one of the first women fighting for equality for all people, including slaves and women. I loved Kidd's first book (The Secret Life of Bees) but was totally unimpressed by her 2nd book (The Mermaid Chair). I wasn't sure about this third one, but took a chance. And, I'm glad I did. :)

[Jill]

Updated my post:

#63 A book published this year: by Helen Phillips....FINISHED 7/15/2015

[Melissa]

Updated message 48.

24/52

[CherD]

Finished my "mystery/thriller" book.

The Fallen Angel by Daniel Silva Excellent read, plan to read the others in this series as I have meant to get to his books for quite some time.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

[X] A book you own but have never read The Killing Game by Iris Johansen

Am now 32/52 for this challenge. ☺

[CherD]

Just finished a book for the prompt "a book that takes place in my hometown (or close by)."

Tensleep by Sarah Andrews Great mystery, took place 20 miles south of where I live, Cody, WY, in Meeteetse, and the oil wells just outside there. Obviously the author is very familiar with this area, because all her descriptions of the area were right on, and I could easily picture them in my mind as I read. The mystery aspect was excellent, very difficult to figure out "who dunnit" right up until the end.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Cheryl wrote: "Just finished a book for the prompt "a book that takes place in my hometown (or close by)."

Tensleep Tensleepby Sarah Andrews Great mystery, took place 20 mile..."

Had not heard of this one, sounds good!

[Jill]

Updated my post # 63. Finished [X] A Pulitzer Prize winning book: The Orphan Master's Sonby Adam Johnson...FINISHED 7/23/2015

It wasn't my cup of tea.

[Kimberly]

At 28/52 now. :)

Book at bottom of to read list: Touched by Angels by Debbie Macomber-Pretty good book. The three Angels were funny and I liked the love stories, all three had good endings.
Book set in future: Summer Ruins by Trisha Leigh-Excellent book. :) This was the last book in a 4 set series and I really liked all of them. It is definitely geared towards the young adult, but I found it enjoyable. :)

[CherD]

I finished my book with a 1-word title, Pegasus by Danielle Steel. I love Danielle Steel's books, not ashamed to admit it. With the broad span of genres that I read, I am glad to read a book with families, love, a bit of history thrown in, and the love of horses, in particular, the Lipizzaners. This was a beautiful book, could have went under my book that brought tears to my eyes, but had already filled that prompt.

[Melissa]

#25 of 52 - A book more than 100 years old - The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

#26 of 52 - A book originally written in a different language - Candide by Voltaire

#27 of 52 - A book you started but never finished - Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor by Stephanie Barron

[❂ Murder by Death]

Cheryl wrote: "I finished my book with a 1-word title, Pegasus by Danielle Steel. I love Danielle Steel's books, not ashamed to admit it. With the broad span of genres..."

We should never, any of us, have to be ashamed or apologise for what we enjoy reading. Glad you enjoyed it! :D

[Teresa]

Here's my July update

35/52

[X] A book with a number in the title – The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas – 7/4/15
[X] A book set in the future – The Time Machine by H.G. Wells – 7/9/15
[X] A book that takes place in your hometown (or close to where you live) – Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay – 7/11/15
[X] A book more than 100 years old – The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells – 7/15/15

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Teresa: I am impressed that you tackled and finished three classics. I started two (The Waves and Far from the Madding Crowd), and only finished the first so far. Need to plug away at "Madding" some more. :-/