Angie H's 2010 Book Challenge

[Angie H]

#24. Heart of the Matter Emily Giffin 2/5 stars.

This topic just made me so mad!! Many times while reading this book I wanted to throw it at the wall, I didn't because 1) I have more self control than that, and 2) it was a library book. =)
The writting was typical Giffin and I have nothing to complain about that, the ending was ok, just definitely NOT my favorite book by her. Having said that I'm sure I will pick up her next book lol.

[Andrea, Moderator]

You've got that right!

[Angie H]

#25. Her Mother's Hope Francine Rivers 4.5/5

WOW its been a long time since I've read a book by Francine Rivers. She is such a wonderful story teller and I'm so happy she came out with a new series.

This book is a beautifully written story about a mother-daughter relationship over several generations.

The second part to the book is coming out Fall of 2010.. I can't wait!

[Angie H]

#26. Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me? Jen Lancaster 3.5/5 stars.
I find these books hilarious!! I constantly find myself laughing out loud while reading them and then have to repeat it to my husband so he doesn't think i'm crazy. FWI he still thinks i'm crazy but thats beside the point. =)
my only problem with her books is she curses like a sailor. If she wouldn't drop so many f-bombs this would definitly be a 4-4.5 star book.

[Andrea, Moderator]

Angie, I love Jen Lancaster too! She really does make you laugh-out-loud. Sometimes I'll call a friend or make my boyfriend listen to a line because it's so honest and realistic to real life.

[Angie H]

Andrea wrote: "Angie, I love Jen Lancaster too! She really does make you laugh-out-loud. Sometimes I'll call a friend or make my boyfriend listen to a line because it's so honest and realistic to real life."

lol! I totally know what you mean!

[Angie H]

#27. Lolita-Valdimir Nabokov 0/5 stars!

another one off the "readable" classic book club list...

Technically I did not finish this book. It sickened me.. but I"m still counting it as finished because I read the first 140pgs and the last chapter.. and I"m so far behind in this challenge I don't think anyone will REALLY mind.. =)
Anyways as I said this book sickens me.. I just couldn't stomach it anymore. I wasn't going to put myself through the misery of finishing it when there are so many better books out there...
here's hopeing the next book off the classic list is 10 times better than this one!!!

[Andrea, Moderator]

I'm pretty sure I started this book and put it down early on. I'll have to look around and see if it is the same book....

[Angie H]

#28. In the Lake of the Woods Tim O'Brien 3/10.
Another one off the classic book club list.. although I'm not sure this is a classic.. I think it was written in the 90's, but i'm not 100% positive.

Anyways this book WAS 10x better than Lolita ( I think pretty much any book would be). I enjoyed it mostly. it had an interesting format to the book which I enjoyed. A pretty quick read!

[Angie H]

#29. The Lies We Told-Diane Chamberlain 4/5 stars.

I had never read anything by this author but I was quite impressed. It was a good story, quick read. I will be picking up more of her books in the future.

[Angie H]

#30. Beloved-Toni Morrison 3/5 stars

Another new author.. another book off my classic book club list.
This book has left me very confused. I'm not sure if I liked it.. or hated it. or if i'm somewhere in between. I think I need to sit on this one for a night to figure out what I REALLy thought of it. I think its a 3/5 stars.. but it could be only a 2.5/5. Either way its another one off my list,and I've FINALLY made it to 30!! =)

[Andrea, Moderator]

Angie, don't be confused, a lot of people I know will comment on how after reading a Morrison they don't know if they hated it or loved it...hahah I thought it was just me and then I was telling people and they had a similar reaction. Odd huh?!?!?

[Angie H]

Andrea wrote: "Angie, don't be confused, a lot of people I know will comment on how after reading a Morrison they don't know if they hated it or loved it...hahah I thought it was just me and then I was telling pe..."

Oh I believe it. My book club felt the same way, everyone was quite confused by it. Everyone else hated it though...Even after having time to think about it I think it was ok. 3/5 stars.. I've definitely read worse books, but I don't think I would pick up another one by this author.

[Angie H]

#31 Animal Farm-George Orwell 4/5 stars.

I first read this book in grade 12, but I didn't really remember much of it. I found it very entertaining. A satire that just made my giggle, plus I was able to read it in one sitting..

[Joy]

Angie wrote: "#23 Gone With the Wind-Margaret Mitchell 4/5 stars

WOW this book took me a long time to read.. but at 959pgs I guess that would explain why. It w..."

Good job finishing this one!!!

[Andrea, Moderator]

I second that! This is on my 2011 list for sure!

[Angie H]

Andrea wrote: "I second that! This is on my 2011 list for sure!"

thanks!
It took me a long time, but I did enjoy it! well worth the read!

[Angie H]

#32 Every Last One-Anna Quindlen 4/5 stars.

I'm not going to say too much about this book because I don't want to give anything away. Its not a real happy-go-lucky book, but it is a good read none the less. Cozy up in a comfy chair,bring some kleenex, and enjoying getting to know the Latham family.

[Charleen]

Angie wrote: "#32 Every Last One-Anna Quindlen 4/5 stars.

I'm not going to say too much about this book because I don't want to give anything away. Its not a r..."

I felt the same way. Not my usual type of read, but I definitely enjoyed it (if "enjoyed" is the right word).

[JanB]

Angie wrote: "#32 Every Last One-Anna Quindlen 4/5 stars.

I'm not going to say too much about this book because I don't want to give anything away. Its not a r..."

I agree, I loved this book and the way Quindlan writes and captures the emotions of the mother. A blogger who can intimately relate to the events of the book gave it 5 stars.

[Angie H]

wow I can't beleive how far behind I got.
Here are my October reads.

#33 A Fine Balance 4/5 stars

#34 The Help 5/5 stars

#35 Mini Shopaholic 2.5/5 stars

#36 Strawberry Shortcake Murder3.5/5 stars

#37 The Garden Party and Other Stories 2/5 stars

#38 Death in Venice and Seven Other Stories 1/5 stars

#39 Firefly Lane 4/5 stars

[Andrea, Moderator]

Good month Angie!

[Angie H]

#40 Ape House-Sara Gruen 3/5 stars. -This book was a disappointment for sure. I enjoyed the parts with the apes, and how they communicated with the humans.. but as for the story itself it just fell flat for me. Hard to beleive this is the same author as Water for Elephants... better luck next time Gruen.

#41. The Mark: The Beast Rules the WorldTim LaHaye/Jerry Jenkins. 4/5. Continuing on with the left behind series. This was was just as good as the rest. I'm really pushing to finish this series this year.. 4 left i think.

#42. Last Night at Chateau Marmont.-Lauren Weisberger 2/6 stars. I had never read anything by this author, I know she is pretty popular so I thought I would check it out. What a mistake.This book was such a waste of time. Just seemed like alot of name dropping to me.. Don't think I'll read anything else by her.

#43 Room-Emma Donoghue 5/5 stars. Wow!! what a fantastic book. I'm not going to give anything away but I will reccommend it to everyone. Loved it!

[Joy]

Angie wrote: "#40 Ape House-Sara Gruen 3/5 stars. -This book was a disappointment for sure. I enjoyed the parts with the apes, and how they communicated with the human..."

I've heard alot about Room....I think I am gonna have to put it on my TBR list for....oh... 2012? =) Or next year! =)