Challenge: 50 Books discussion
2010
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VWrulesChick's 5-0 books in 20-10 (SIX more to go.......
I was given by a fellow bookclubber to read: #1
The Reader by Bernhard Schlinker
Interesting read from a German author (book translated into English)
1 down and 49 to go!
#2
Not Wanted on the Voyage by Timothy Findley
by a Canadian author is the next one I am working on.
I have The Reader on my list for this year. Will have to compare notes when I am done!
Shelby wrote: "I have The Reader on my list for this year. Will have to compare notes when I am done!"For sure, intriguing story of how this boy and woman lives are entangled.
This book is part of my bookclub reading for the month of January# 3
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
An easy read if you are short on time. About a boy's destiny is revealed through interesting characters and situations.
Working on my number 4#4
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowlings
just at the part were HP has completed the 2nd competition... man I am so excited to see what the last competition will bring.
I know I am still working on finishing # 2 and #4, but had some free time at work today and was able to read this short folk tale book. I rather enjoyed it.#5
East of the Sun and West of the Moon by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Engebretsen Moe
Yeah I finished #4 HP and the Goblet of Fire, so I am trying to finish off #2 Not Wanted on the Voyage soooooooon. Lo and below, I end up picking up another book
#6
Your Name Here Guide to Life by Michael Rosenbaum
Got this copy in the mail from him as a thank you for entering his giveaway. But I am so going to try and finish #2 before I start another book.
#7
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Wow, this is a long, yet very descript story about a boy who was mute and his upbringing in Wisconsin. Unfortunately I could not get into this book, and some events in the story did not make sense or add to the story line. I have it 2 / 5 stars.
#8 No ImageThe Girls and I by Mary Louisa Stewart Molesworth
This was an old book from late 1800s, it is a short story about a boy and his 3 sisters and their adventures. A nice light read and somewhat entertaining.
#9
The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite by David A Kessler
WOW! This was an eye-opening read that I was not expecting about the food/restaurant industry. Definitely made me aware how food is prepared with sugars, salts, and fat to appease ease of eating and taste. I will be more picky what goes in my mouth as well as my family's. Highly recommend.
Not sure what is next as I have a handful of books I want to finish reading.
#10
A Partisan's Daughter by Lois de Bernieres
The book is a nice story read about a middle-aged married man who meets Yugoslav lady in London England where they begin a friendship by her telling him stories of her life and her experiences. Good read.
#11
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Finally picked this book up and now starting to read it. Look forward to finishing this classic by Dickens.
#12
(500) Days of Summer by Scott Neustadter
I couldn't help myself and picked this up to read. Great book (and movie) about relationships and fate and passion.
Still working on # 11 though. Must not start another book until I finish it.
"Still working on # 11 though. Must not start another book until I finish it." I've just started doing that, getting into another book before the one I've started on is finished...I have to do that sometimes if the plot gets too tense and I'm not in a mindset to handle it, but I still want to read something. That might make a good Lounge Question...'Do you read more than one book at a time, and why?'...or sometimes I'm just not in the mood to continue in that vein, I'm all mysteried out, so I go to a non-fiction, or the non-fiction gets too boring or too technical, so I go to a 'fluff piece'. I like the serious mysteries, like Sue Grafton or Patricia Cornwell, and when they get too heavy, I like the 'cozies' like Joanne Fluke, MC Beaton's Agatha Raisin, Simon Brett's Mrs Parminter, or Maude Silver's author Patricia Wentworth.
Carol wrote: ""Still working on # 11 though. Must not start another book until I finish it." I've just started doing that, getting into another book before the one I've started on is finished...I have to do ..."
Hahahaha - oh good, I don't feel so bad now. It is like I have ADD with books. Normally I don't do this, but I am catching myself doing it more often. I never used to do this before. But thank you for letting me know that I am not the only out there doing this.
:0)
#13
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowlings
This book started off slow-paced, but definitely picked up steam in the last couple of chapters. Found this book in the series did a bit more character development. Overall I liked it and looking forward to Book #6 in the series. I cannot believe I am almost done. Hopefully hubbie will watch the movies with me once I have completed the book series.
Wishing all GR members a fabulous weekend!
Finally, finished # 11 Great Expectations. Good read and had some unexpected twist and turns. I know I should have been studying last night, but I was intrigued with our next book in my bookclub,
#14
Stiff by Mary Roach
Finished it off late last night, it would be a book normally that I would not pick up. But the author had great information about cadavers and what happens to bodies after someone has died. Even had a giggle or two.
#15
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I have picked it up from the library last week and hope to start it after my finals this week. Since I will have 1 week off between this and next semester
VWrulesChick wrote: "Carol wrote: ""Still working on # 11 though. Must not start another book until I finish it." I've just started doing that, getting into another book before the one I've started on is finished....."
I'm currently reading 4 books. I think I've read more than one book at a time all my life. They all get finished, eventually!
VWrulesChick wrote: "#15 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I have picked it up from the library last week and hope to start it after my finals this week. Since I will have 1 week off b..."
This is a favorite of my childhood. Is this the first time you are reading it? I'm interested in hearing your opinion.
Maeghan wrote: "VWrulesChick wrote: "#15 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I have picked it up from the library last week and hope to start it after my finals this week. Since I will..."
That is kewl - I have watched the movie many years ago. It has been a while and decided that I would read it. So here I am finally going to read this classic and see how I like reading it vs watching it.
# 16
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Laura Schlessinger
Always looking to help improve my relationship with hubbie, let us see what dear DR Laura has to say.
#17
Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah
This was a story that I was not expecting, the evil step-mother fit the role to a 'T' and yet Adeline still had a glimmer of hope throughout the events of her miserable life. Lots of heartache, but also some great character building.
# 18
1984 by George Orwell
Wow, weird storyline and took a while to get into the flow of the story of Winston and the characters he meets. It is about the future if we lived in a totalitarian society (in 1984), where by Big Brother is always watching us. In this case, Thought Police and microphones listening in to every conversation and telescreens always on and watching everyone.
As events happen, and relationships form through events. There is a knowing that it is too good to last and how it all plays out. Then and finally Winston's change of heart or did the war really come to an end?
#19
Frog or Prince? by Kaycee Jane
Interesting idea for a book in helping young women figure out what they want in a relationship and learning about Frogs and Princes.
Thank goodness I have already found my Prince. :)
#20
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber
This story takes place in mid-1800s about a prostitute named Sugar and struggling-then successful lavender perfumerier. He has a wife (who is sick) and meets Sugar one evening and cannot get enough of her. Be warned this book is over 900 pages, so you are in for a long read.
#21
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
This book is about 4 different characters whilst in war-torn Sarajevo and how they all deal with their environment and mortality. It is a short and easy read and gives us a glimpse into their lives as they try and preserve themselves and their city.
#22
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
I had been waiting for this book for awhile from my local library. Finally got it (YEAH!) and really not into SCI-FI themes, but actually liked how the characters and storyline were approached. I was not disappointed. About aliens (little silver things) that invade the human bodies (hence the name, the host) and they control the bodies and pretend to be human. Shows how people and aliens survive thoughout the story and leaves it a little cliffhangerish at the end ~ wonder if Stephenie will make this into a series?? I did enjoy reading and connected with some of the characters. Happy Reading!
#23
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer
I came across this book online (free at www.breetanner.com until July 5th) it is a shorter book as it is only 178 pages. So it is an easy read and gives you insight to Bree the character, as she deals with being a newbie vamp. Her struggles and meet some friends along the way, such as Diego and Fred. Enjoyed the read and refresh of the Twilight inspired novella.
#24
The Fountainhead by Aryn Rand
Supposedly this book is a complex (hard) read, but deals with architecture and modernism. (FYI - my hubbie works in this industry and discusses design and buildings alot, so it was a good to understand him and his industry better as supposedly architects/designers reference to this book alot.) As well as, this was a little educational read for me, too.
#25
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
I have read and heard this story many times, finally took it out again from the library to reminish when I was younger and had an crazy imagination. Ahhh to be young again.
**WOW** I am at my half way mark... a little behind schedule...guess I need to keep working on it and finish up the next 25!!
#26
Dracula By Bram Stoker
Told in a diary entry format about all these encounters with Count Dracula and what all happens and how the conquer him.
hehe
#27
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowlings
This is the sixth installment of Harry Potter in this series, where Harry Potter discovered a Potions book with scribbles from the Half-Blood Prince. The group tries to figure out who it is and it is not revealed until much later... Plus, the wizarding community is sort of lockdown as the Death Eaters are lurking about and there have been murders and hexing happening. On top of it, there some love in the air, as well as, sadness to the community. Good read!
#28
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
A good storyteller keeps you going until the end. The author did a fabulous job in ensuring you understood certain aspects of the characters (animals included) and their history/disposition. I don't want to say anymore to leak any spoilers. (I hate that)
#29
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Picked this up as continue my goal on reading more classics while still taking in more modern reads. Curious to see how I will react to this book and its characters. Guess I will have to wait and see...
Chick, this is supposed to be the "Ultimate Romance Novel" of all time...and Victorian, too! What more could you ask for?
Hey Carol, Really?! So far the characters are all in a foul mood ( not really a romancing type), but guess I need to keep reading on to see what the story is behind each one and where this romance is. heheehe
Yes, there is a character called Heathcliffe...and Earnwood, and an older butler/househand. Mind you I am still at the beginning of the book so I hope to meet more of the characters. :)
If this is the "Ultimate Romance", I'm giving up on love. There isn't a character in it I wouldn't gladly push into a bog. Good luck.
Hahaha - love your comment about pushing the characters into a bog. Thanks, I will let you know once I have finished off this "Ultimate Romance" novel
Ok, I finished it off finally. Hmmm can't say that this book is the "ultimate romance". But, Emily sure had some interesting characters in her story. (Truth be told, I watched both movies (1939 + 1993) and found them more interesting than the book).
#30
The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy
Takes place in the early 1900s in Vancouver from a Chinese immigrant perspective through the kids as they grow up with their Poh-Poh. Short read.
#31
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
Final installment of the Harry Potter series, looking forward to see how the story line and characters will be wrapped up in this final book.
#32
19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Story takes place in the present about a boy who shoots up his schoolmates and lives. Where by the story is portrayed through may eyes of handful of characters who each have different experiences and views on the situation. So far I cannot put the book down.
#33
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A story that tells of unrequited love over a 50 year period and the persistance of one person and how the life path of the characters with each other.
#34
Playing Sardines by Michele Roberts
It is a collection of short stories where the author uses her passion for food and French/English culture to create little reading treats for the reader to consume with ease(thank goodness this is a calorie-free activity - hehe)
#35
Venus in Furs by Leopold van Sacher-Masoch
Diving back into the classics, to broaden my reading foundation and learned that this book changed how writers wrote. His writing was to have said to be "machoaism" style....guess I will have read and find out.
#36
Orlando by Virginia Woolf
Orlando is from the Elizabethan time, may be swept off his feet by the Russian Princess Sasha. But what happens when she does not show up to meet him? Guess you will have to read it to find out...hehe
Challenge: 50 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Catcher in the Rye (other topics)
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Tears of the Giraffe (other topics)
More...
One of my goals this year is to read more. This will definitely be a stretch goal for me. Well, it seemed that our goals aligned and so I joined the group! woo-woo! This will be my first year doing this challenge.
So, 50 books with 52 weeks in the year - can I do it? Let us see me try.. here I go take the plunge!