Challenge: 50 Books discussion
2010
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Stacie's List of 50 for 2010 - Now 162% Done!
#47 Sense and Sensibility
Amazing book! I love the way in which it was written, and will definitely be picking up another classic soon. Not a book that you can skim or read quickly, but one that requires a little deeper thinking to get through. Still, I enjoyed it and I think that anyone would enjoy reading this classic novel.
#48 The Last Anniversary
Slow beginning, but ultimately a good read. Wasn't as exciting as I had hoped, but provided for some good laughs and thoughtfulness regarding the story line. Wouldn't necessarily recommend it though, because there are many more books that I would recommend!
#49 The Queen of Palmyra: A Novel
Great read! Tells of the history surround the 1960s and the fight for Civil Rights. You begin to understand the sufferings of the various groups of people involved and how much some aspects revolved around jobs. The story is heart wrenching and will make you think harder about our history. Although the story itself is not true, the historical happenings within the book are factual.
#50 The Last Juror
This was a nice way to end my 50! Another good read from John Grisham. Suspenseful and definitely did not have the ending that I was expecting! Kept me on my toes and interested the entire time. I picked this book of yesterday, and finished it up last night before bed!
Thanks Connie! :) I've joined the 100 Books in a Year now, but I REALLY don't think I can make it that far with only 4 months to go! I'll try my hardest though!!
#51 Sarah's Key
Captivating story that holds your attention until the very end! Although this is not meant to be a historical book, it certainly informed me of the horrific events that occurred in France while Hitler was in Germany. I didn't know that France had a "round-up" of Jewish men, women, and children who were shipped off to camps and murdered. I was horrified after reading that the tragic events in the 1940s took place in more of a widespread area than what I have learned about.
#52 Lost & Found
Another good read! I read this one in just a few hours, and wanted to cry in the middle! Has some heart-wrenching parts, suspenseful parts, and definitely a happy ending!
Great book to pick up when you're looking for something fast!
Stacie, I SLOGGED through the first 150 of Girl/Dragon Tattoo; I'm shocked that I stuck with it. I love it by the end, and the second one surpassed it. Enjoy!Ideas:
The Little Stranger
The Gargoyle
Jen Lancaster
#53 The Book Thief
I've been so lucky to have read a lot of great books so far this year! This book is written from Death's perspective which was something new to me. The writer does a great job of telling the story and relating history to events within the book. Great book and another fast read!
Here are some ideas for you; I think you and I have similar taste in books!American Savior: A Novel of Divine Politics
In the Woods
Olive Kitteridge
The Little Stranger
Hi Kate! It does look as though we have a similar taste in books! I took a look at your "50 Books" list and found some common interests!I don't know if you've ever read a John Grisham novel, but I think you might like them!
I've added all of the books you suggested to my Amazon wishlist, so I'm sure I'll be picking them up soon. :)
So fabulous that you hit 50!!! I'm dedicated but unlikely to make it. I read John Gresham when he hit fame; I'm probably a few behind by now. I always liked Scott Turow, too -- and I'm a few behind there. Have you read Janet Evanovich? If not, race to her first in the Stephanie Plum series. I've not kept current, but the first few are priceless laugh-out-loud reads.
I've never read Scott Turow or Janet Evanovich so I'll have to take a look at those as well. Thank you for the suggestions! I was unemployed at the beginning of the year, and had some extra time to read. Now, I have a new job and just started back to school full-time again this semester so I haven't even read 30 pages of a book this week! lol...I'm glad I hit 50 early!
#54 Bleachers
It's been a while since I've posted on here! The latest book I read was another John Grisham novel. Great book! I was surprised I liked it since it was football themed (I'm not a big fan), but it was a quick and easy read. Another one of his novels that I would recommend!
Again, it has been a while! Between going to school full-time and working I haven't had a lot of time to squeeze in some reading! (Besides textbooks)#55 Playing For Pizza
Latest book I've read was another John Grisham novel. This was another great read! I can't wait to have more time to catch-up on all of the novels he has written.
#56 Catch Me If You Can
A very slow moving book. It wasn't until the last approximately 50 pages that I became interested at all, and even then it wasn't a great read. Definitely not a book I would recommend to anyone. Too slow for my tastes.
Stacie, I recommend you see the movie if you haven't already...not exactly true to the book, but from what I've heard, it moves faster. And it is an incredible true story.
Carol wrote: "Stacie, I recommend you see the movie if you haven't already...not exactly true to the book, but from what I've heard, it moves faster. And it is an incredible true story."I'm not for sure, but I think the "Catch Me if You Can" that you are referring to is a different book than this one. I have not seen the movie, but I think the book you are referring to was written by Frank Abagnale.
#57 Tomorrow River
I picked this book up to read for my book club and again it was amazing! Every book I have read for the book club has been great and I can add this one to the list. The story flowed well and made me want to keep reading. It was suspenseful at times and made you think. I had multiple different scenarios playing out in my head at one time just trying to determine how the book was going to end. I haven't had a book keep me as engaged as this one in a while.
Now on to the next book club book!
Stacie,...oops, you're right. I think at the time I wrote this I didn't know who the author was, it wasn't until I Wiki'd the book/movie I learned the particulars. There are a surprisingly lot of books that are called the same names, that's why it's important to include the author as well as the title, which some people don't. And apparently I didn't bother to click on the book icon and read the synopsis, either. (blush)
That's ok! I may need to read the other "Catch me if You Can" and see if it is better. OR I'll just see the movie ;)
Carol wrote: "Stacie,...oops, you're right. I think at the time I wrote this I didn't know who the author was, it wasn't until I Wiki'd the book/movie I learned the particulars. There are a surprisingly lot of..."I guess I never thought to include the author since I do the link, but I guess that's something I can try to remember to do!
#58 The School of Essential Ingredients
Another book from my book club, and another terrific read! Fast moving, easy book. I love that the book gave each character a chance to tell their story. I recommend this book to anyone who loves cooking, food, etc. or would just like a great fast read.
#59 The Girl Who Played with Fire
I told myself while reading this book that I had to read at least 100 pages a day so I could finish it in 7 days (I have the paperback copy). I ended up finishing the book in only 3 days because it was so good! It definitely kept me coming back for more. The second one was much better than the first, and I can't wait to get the third because the ending left me hanging!
#60 A Reliable Wife
A slow start to this book, but a mystery that keeps you enthralled. I enjoyed it, not as much as other books, but it was still pretty good. A quick read in my opinion. This book is set in the early 1900's and discusses some interesting issues that wouldn't be expected for the time period. Great read!
#61 Grave Sight
I needed a light and fluffy read, and in looking at other posts, this one by Charlaine Harris seemed to fit the bill. It was definitely a great fluffy read. I started this book last night and finished it early this morning. I've read the Sookie Stackhouse series which is a lot different, but I think I'm going to stick with this series as well! It certainly kept me entertained.
#62 Lucky
This was a great memoir. Alice is a strong woman who has gone through a lot in her life. Although it is sad to think about all she has gone through, this story is also uplifting and shows just how strong one person can be. It's inspiring to see and makes me realize that some of the things I've gone through haven't been that bad.
Stacie, there is a good, and very moving, review on the icon page (click the book icon above) by Matt (posted Oct. 15).
Carol wrote: "Stacie, there is a good, and very moving, review on the icon page (click the book icon above) by Matt (posted Oct. 15)."All I have to say Carol is, "Wow." That was the most moving and inspiring review that I've ever read about a book. It was so heartfelt and emotional. I was suprised to see a man write such great words in regards to this book, but knowing what his girlfriend went through I can imagine why he felt the need to read this book. I give him credit for being able to write such a great review for a book while knowing that his old girlfriend experienced some of the same situations. Very touching!
#63 Grave Surprise
Another fluffy read from Charlaine Harris. I just can't seem to pull myself away from her books. This series in particular is very mysterious and keeps you guessing. I've already picked up the third one in this series from the library, and I'm starting it today!
#64 An Ice Cold Grave
I know this isn't the right way to complete a challenge, but I'm trying to get to at least 75 books this year and school has cut down my reading time drastically. This is the reason I have fallen back to reading Charlaine Harris. Her books are intriguing and mysterious, but still light. I can finish them in typically two days while going to work and school.
This book was another good one in the series, and I can't wait to pick up the last one in the Harper series this Thursday from the Library. Until then, I will be starting another one of her series to keep me going!
#65 Real Murders
Quick, easy read. I honestly didn't expect the murderer to be who it was. This book kept me engaged enough that I just kept on reading well past my bedtime!
RE #68...I'm interested in reading about the whales, and how they would know that the girl needed help.
There wasn't much in the book that concerned whales knowing the girl needed help. There were some whales that stuck around near her for a bit while she was stranded in the ocean, but ultimately it was a crew member of a ship who spotted her in the sea. It's a great telling of the life of a girl who made it through so many difficult challenges, but was able to rise above and make the best out of things. That little girl was truly heroic.
Books mentioned in this topic
Eat, Pray, Love (other topics)The Help (other topics)
Room (other topics)
The Brethren (other topics)
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
John Grisham (other topics)Jen Lancaster (other topics)







Fast read. Definitely a YA book. Partly a romantic novel, but contains a lot of high school drama. The book is set right after high school as a group of friends is enjoying their summer and waiting to leave for college. The main character has a lot on her plate, and learns throughout the book what love is really about. Quick read for anyone.