Challenge: 50 Books discussion
Finish Line 2015
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Ann A's 2015 Reading Challenge
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Holy moses! 100 books! You people who read that many books totally blow my mind! I thought *I* read a lot, but keeping track of my books here, I think my highest total has been in the high 60s. So all of you who post into the 100s... Wow!
Donna wrote: "Back at you Ann!"Hope you have a great reading year, Donna!
Tiffany wrote: "Ann A wrote: "I'll go for 100 again - let's see what happens. Happy New Year, everyone!"Holy moses! 100 books! You people who read that many books totally blow my mind! I thought *I* read a lot, ..."
I used to steadily read around 50 books a year, but when I started participating in challenges 4 years ago, my output went way up. I'm more conscious now of trying to average a couple of hours a day reading (sometimes I don't read that much during the week but will make up for it on the weekend or a plane trip, etc.) I also added audiobooks when I walk the dog. I'm lucky that I work part-time and have lots of time to read - I know most people don't!
I started these in 2014, but I'm counting them anyway!1 - The Weird Sisters 3*
Nothing much to say about this - liked it, didn't love it.
2 - A Discovery of Witches 3*
Enjoyed this, but probably not enough to read the rest of the trilogy. Paranormal/vampires is just not a favorite genre.
3 - His Excellency: George WashingtonMore than just "history". Very interesting character study of Washington. 4*
4 - The Gods of Guilt
Maybe not as solidly 4* as the other Mickey Haller books, but still very enjoyable. 4*
5 - Notes from a Small Island
What can I say? Huge Bryson fan. 5*
6 - Lost in a Good BookBrilliantly wacky. 4*
7 - Death of an Outsider
Hamish is a fun character. 3*
8 - Enduring Love (on 1001 books list)
The story is interesting, but McEwan's writing really sold me on this one. 4*
9 - La's Orchestra Saves the WorldI always enjoy A.M. Smith's books. I wish this had been a little more about the actual orchestra. 3 1/2*
10 - The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East
History of the Arab/Jew conflict as well as the personal stories of two families involved. Vastly improved my understanding of how complex the situation is. 4 1/2*
11 - This I Believe II
Even though I gave this 4*, I found Volume I to be more inspirational.
12 - I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America after Twenty Years AwayMany of these essays/columns were laugh-out-loud funny (typically Bryson, in other words). I would question his facts on a couple of them. 4*
13 - The Cleverness of Ladies
Short stories. OK, but not one of my favs by A.M. Smith. 3*
14 - Twelfth Night
Another silly Shakespearean romp. 4*
15 - 1Q84 (on 1001 books list)
I think it's official now. Murakami is just not my cup of tea. 2*
16 - The High King (Newbery winner)Good adventure/fantasy story. I especially liked the ending. This is book 5 of a series, and I didn't like it enough to go back and read the others (mainly because of the genre), but I imagine they're very entertaining. 3 1/2*
17 - Farewell, My Lovely (on 1001 books list)
My favorite line: "The eighty-five-cent dinner tasted like a discarded mail bag and was served to me by a waiter who looked as if he would slug me for a quarter, cut my throat for six bits, and bury me at sea in a barrel of concrete for a dollar and a half, plus sales tax." Great noir stuff. I liked this better than 'The Big Sleep'. 3 1/2*
18 - Lion in the Valley
Amelia Peabody is great fun. 4*
19 - Daniel Boone (Newbery winnerLuckily, I found a used copy of this on Ebay for $10. My libraries didn't have it, and the best new price was $200. The book was OK, but not worth searching for if I were not determined to read ALL the Newbery winners! 3*
20 - Miss Hickory (Newbery winner)
Clever Newbery winner about a "live" doll made of an apple twig and a hickory nut for a head. 3*
21 - The Mill on the Floss (on 1001 books list)
It took awhile for me to get into the story, but about half-way through it gripped me. Eliot is an amazing writer. 3 1/2*
22 - The Body in the LibraryI've said it before and I'll say it again: Agatha Christie is one of my favorite writers. 4*
23 - Rifles for Watie (Newbery winner)
A slow start, but gains steam as it goes along. This civil war story is told from a different perspective than most young people have likely read before. 4*
24 - Glass
Disturbing, but so skillfully written I have to give it 4*.
25 - The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1001 books)Anne Bronte's command of the English language is truly impressive. Sadly, from this book one can conclude she didn't have good experiences with men in her short life (she died at age 29 of tuberculosis). 4*
26 - The Constant Princess
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel - the melodrama, not so much. 3*
27 - Hard Choices
A fascinating look at the life of a diplomat and the issues facing the world today. 4 1/2*
28 - Astonish MeI got totally engrossed in this. You'll especially appreciate it if you love ballet. 4*
29 - Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Newbery winner)
Newbery winner about a field mouse and her friendship with a group of former laboratory rats. Some serious topics lie below the surface of this children's tale. 4*
30 - The Other Boleyn Girl
So many things I could gripe about with this book, but after 660 pages I'm not investing any more time in it to write a review. Onward and upward. 2*
31 - I, Juan de Pareja (Newbery winner)I really enjoyed this Newbery winner about the painter Velazquez and his slave. 4*
32 - The Imperfectionists
Some pathetic characters here, but Rachman's talent makes you root for them. 4*
33 - Foundation (1001 books)
I enjoyed this more than I expected to, not being a big science fiction fan. 3 1/2*
34 - Murder in the Marais
I wanted to give this book 2* only because it's set in my favorite city (Paris). Just couldn't do it. 1*
35 - Jonathan Livingston SeagullEnjoyed it, but not as much as the first reading many years ago. 3*
36 - City of Bones
Another winner in the Harry Bosch series. 4*
37 - The Mayor of Casterbridge (1001 books)
No one is more skilled than Thomas Hardy at making sad stories such a pleasure to read. 4*
38 - FalloutDisturbing though this book (and the whole 'Crank' trilogy) is, it conveys an important message and Hopkins' style of prose/poetry is positively riveting. 4*
39 - Girl in Translation
I liked this, but in retrospect it seems more YA romance than an in-depth novel about the immigrant experience. 3*
40 - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
An interesting read, but most of it seems common sense. Maybe I was expecting too much after all the hype. It did help me feel more ok with being somewhat "anti-social"! 3 1/2*
41 - The Deeds of the DisturberI do enjoy these silly, clever books. 4*
42 - Towards Zero
And she fooled me yet again... 4*
43 - The Witch of Blackbird PondWonderful Newbery winner. 5*
44 - The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
The author's ability to put the reader "in the boat" during the races was the best part. 5*
45 - If on a Winter's Night a Traveler (1001 books)
I am speechless as to what to say about this book. It gets an extra 1/2* just for being absolutely nothing like any book I have ever read before. 4*
46 - Last Bus to WoodstockCertainly well-written (and I will read more by Dexter), but I was bothered by the archaic attitude towards women. 3*
47 - All the Light We Cannot See
Great book. The short chapters did disrupt the flow a bit for me. 4 1/2*
Mod
I am speechless as to what to say about this book. It gets an extra 1/2* just for being absolutely nothing like any book I have ever read before. 4*"
Yay! :)
48 - The Door in the WallAnother entertaining Newbery winner. I'm really enjoying my project to read them all. 3 1/2*
49 - King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian
OK, but not a favorite Newbery. I have a hard time with mistreated animal stories. 3*
50 - The Matchlock Gun
This was ok, but tough to believe it was the very best of children's literature in 1941. 3*
51 - Yes PleaseSome parts certainly more entertaining than others, but overall I enjoyed it. Would recommend the audiobook as she has some interesting "guest" readers. 4*
52 - Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
Lots of common sense stuff, but this illustrated book is a fun way to be reminded. 4*
53 - The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution
Slow going at times, but he covers a lot of ground. The last 1/3 is fascinating. 4*
54 - The Twenty-One BalloonsCertainly one of the more creative Newberys I've read. 4*
55 - Fingersmith 1001 books)
Highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator does a great job with the voices of the different characters. 4*
56 - The Awakening (1001 books)An extra 1/2* in homage to Kate Chopin for having the courage to write this book in 1899. 4*
57 - A Leg to Stand On
Fascinating. I revere Oliver Sacks, and plan to read everything he's written (so far have only read this one and Awakenings. 5*
58 - Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
Great fun because of the author's delightful sense of humor. I did learn a few things - like that I use too many dashes and exclamation marks! 4*
59 - Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental Prison LibrarianFound it a bit uneven and disappointing because it COULD have been so much better. Still interesting enough to rate it 3 1/2*.
60 - The Bean Trees
Kingsolver is great at writing entertaining fiction with a message. 4*
61 - The Portrait of a Lady (1001 books)
I appreciate the writing of Henry James, but had some issues with the story. 3 1/2*
62 - Pigs in HeavenI liked The Bean Trees a lot, but was somewhat disappointed in this sequel. 3*
63 - The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
It's hard not to like a tale built around a bookstore. 4*
64 - How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
I felt like I was living in this book, which says to me Hamid is a truly gifted writer. Run away if you want "light and happy" but proceed if you can accept a little soul-shaking. 4*
65 - Home: A Memoir of My Early YearsHighly readable and interesting, especially the part about her Broadway run in 'My Fair Lady'. 4*
66 - The Moving Finger
Agatha Christie rarely disappoints me. 4*
67 - The Forgotten Affairs Of YouthI'll continue reading the series, but sometimes Isabel's ruminations become a little tedious. 3*
68 - Me Before You
I liked the writing, but a few things about the plot/characters bothered me. 3 1/2*
69 - 4:50 from PaddingtonI always enjoy Agatha Christie, but this one wasn't a favorite. 3*
70 - The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid
Ditto for Bill Bryson. An entertaining tale of his growing up in Iowa. 4*
71 - John Adams
Certainly one of the best biographies I've ever read. 5*
72 - In a Sunburned CountryExcellent travel writing with a big dose of Bryson humor. It doesn't get much better than that. 5*
73 - Up a Road Slowly
Nice coming-of-age tale (Newbery winner). 4*
74 - Crispin: The Cross of LeadAnother solid Newbery. 3*
75 - The Invention of Wings
I thought Kidd did a great job with the "voices" of Handful and Sarah. And speaking of voices, the audiobook is excellent. 4 1/2*
76 - The World at Night
It took me awhile to get into this (plus at times I found the plot a little hard to follow), but I enjoyed the 2nd half. 3*
77 - A Visit to William Blake's Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced TravelersOk, but I'm surprised this was a Newbery winner. 3*
78 - Amos Fortune, Free Man
Making good progress on my "Read all the Newbery winners" goal! 3*
79 - For the Sake of Elena
Another intelligent mystery/crime novel from George. 4*
80 - SwimmingHad its moments, but overall it didn't draw me in. 2*
81 - Oliver Twist (1001 books)
I always appreciate Dickens' writing, but this isn't my favorite (of his). 3 1/2*
82 - Station Eleven
Very well-written, with interesting plot/characters, etc. I may have given this 5* if I were more fond of the Dystopia genre. 4*
83 - Still Life
I really wanted to like this book, but every time I'd start to get into it a character would do or say something stupid. 2*
84 - Death of a Perfect WifeHamish is a stand-up guy! 4*
85 - The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Beautiful language, of course, but not one of my favorite plays. 3*
86 - When You Are Engulfed in Flames
It had some funny moments, but this was my second Sedaris and I have decided I'm not a big fan. 3*
87 - Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American MealAmazing piece of research. I had no idea how much influence the fast-food industry, and the corporate greed behind it, has had on our culture. McD's will not be seeing my face any time soon. 5*
88 - March: Book One
I don't have much experience with graphic novels, but I enjoyed this one. Having recently seen the movie "Selma", it was interesting to learn more about John Lewis's early life. I will definitely be reading Book Two. 4*
89 - Oscar Wilde: Selected Poems
A lot of this was over my head with all the mythological references, but what I did "get" I enjoyed! 3*
90 - Charley's Aunt: A Play in Three ActsI wanted to read this before seeing a live production. Quite a silly story, but the well-directed performance was fun. 3*
91 - The Lesser Blessed: A Novel
Nice writing, but a pretty grim story. I understand why it resonated with some people. Not so much with me. 3*
92 - The Color of Magic
Since I see Terry Pratchett's name everywhere, I wanted to try one of his books. I'm not a big fan of fantasy, but this was very creative and just plain fun. 4*
93 - Sunshine on Scotland Street
I normally love A.M. Smith, but just could not get into this one. I was super-conscious of the book being written in installments, with just a little (but not much) happening in each one. I also found the story involving Bruce (view spoiler) to be ridiculous. 2 1/2*
The Secret Life of Walter MittyI'm not counting this as a "book read" because it's just a short story. Very clever - glad I finally read it. 4*
The Perils of Morning Coffee
So-so short story. 3*
94 - Jacob Have I Loved (Newbery winner) 3*
95 - The Martian
Thoroughly enjoyable. 4 1/2*
96 - March: Book TwoGood follow-up to Book One in the story of John Lewis and his fight for civil rights. 4*
97 - The Bronze Bow (Newbery winner) 3*
98 - The Secret of Red Gate Farm
I like to relive my youth every once in awhile by reading a Nancy Drew mystery! 3*
99 - Relish: My Life in the Kitchen
Entertaining graphic novel about the author's experiences growing up as a "foodie". 4*
And...drum roll, please...#100 - Steve JobsFascinating. 5*
I've met my goal for the year, but I'm certainly not going to stop reading. Maybe I can hit 120!
Mod
Fascinating. 5*
I've met my goal for the year, but I'm certainly not going to stop reading. Maybe I can hit 120!"
Congratulations! *confetti*
Tiffany wrote: "Ann A wrote: "And...drum roll, please...#100 - Steve JobsFascinating. 5*
I've met my goal for the year, but I'm certainly not going to stop reading. Maybe I can hit 120!"
Congrat..."
Thanks, Tiffany!
Donna wrote: "Well done!"Thank you, Donna. Hope you also meet your goal!
101 - A Gate at the Stairs (1001 books)Too much "writing" and not enough plot. 2*
102 - An Age of License: A Travelogue
I'm learning to appreciate graphic novels. This was another fun one. 4*
103 - The Castle of Otranto (1001 books)
I didn't love it, but I can appreciate its value as something unique for its time. 3*
104 - Ford County
Respectable short stories. 4*
105 - The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust BowlWell-done history (including personal stories) of the dust bowl years, something I had known very little about. 4*
106 - Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars
I can't imagine dog lovers not loving this book. 5*
107 - The 39 Steps (1001 books)
Decent. A ground-breaker for its time, I believe. 3*
108 - Audition: A MemoirA little tedious at times, but overall quite interesting. I'll round up to 4*
109 - The Last Camel Died at Noon
I always enjoy Amelia's adventures, but I didn't like this one as well as the last one. 3*
110 - Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Very good, but too many lists of the animals and plants seen. 3 1/2*
111 - How Dogs Love Us: A Neuroscientist and His Adopted Dog Decode the Canine BrainOk, the story was stretched out a bit, but as a dog-lover this held my interest. 4*
112 - Secret of the Andes
Great Newbery winner about a boy in the Andes. 4*
113 - A Highland Christmas
Christmas with Hamish! 4*
114 - Carry On, Mr. BowditchAnother enjoyable Newbery winner. I am up to 65 in my quest to read them all. 4*
115 - The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds 3*
116 - Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You
Highly entertaining. 4*
117 - Flight Behavior
More solid fare from Kingsolver. Would have given it max stars if it hadn't depressed me. 4*
118 - Death in the Clouds 4*
Challenge: 50 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You (other topics)Flight Behavior (other topics)
The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds (other topics)
Death in the Clouds (other topics)
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch (other topics)
More...
A sub-goal is to read at least 12 books from the combined "1001" list and 12 Newbery Medal winners.