March - Pick It For Me! Challenge

[KimWin]

I tried to change my name to KimWin, but not sure if it took. :)KimWin

[~~*Julie]

Leslie Jane wrote: "Julie:

Some suggestions:

Since you seem to like vampires, I would suggest the Carpathian series by Christine Feehan. I see that you have the first one, Dark Prince, already on your TBR lis..."
I am pretty much down for anything- I have had to put down some of the vampire stuff- not forever just a quick break! I keep hearing about the Christine Feehan so I am going to have to check her out. I have the Dark Huntress series in my ereader now- what do you think- vampires or do you have a furturistic suggestion?

[~~*Julie]

Julie Picks For LeslieJane:

Okay- this was harder for me since we did not have a whole lot of books in common but this is all about exanding horizons right?! While I was looking through your shelves I was trying not to add too many to my TBR pile because the back and forth was confusing me!!

I see you are a reader of eclectic taste- vampire/paranormal/mysteries/scifi. Hopefully, I will recommend soemthing that will peak your interest but if not this time then let me know and I wil try again!

First I looked through your TBR pile and right away The Da Vinci Codethe Davinci code- you can't go wrong there- it is somuch better than the movie. It was a great read and in my opinion weaves a very believeable story.

Then since you love the vampire I can't believe you haven't read any Anita Blake by Laurell K Hamilton. I saw the book of short stories but that doesn't really count. Her first book isGuilty Pleasures guilty pleasures and I will admit it takes a couple chapters to get into but then boom hooked into the series. She totally kicks vampire (and other things ass) there are also enough hot vampire human guys to keep a person interested!

I also love charliane harris. she writes the sookie stackhouse series. I actually haven't read the series yet but have read all of her other books. I would recommend Real Murders.Real Murders It is about a libraian who enjoys murder mysteries who stumbles upon a grusome scene. this is the first book in a series but can be read alone. Another book I enjoyed by her is Sweet and Deadly. Sweet and Deadly all her books have very strong heroines. I love her. she is a great author and tells such wonderful stories that always keep me guessing right until the end!

The last book is completely different and I am not sure if is it something that you would pick up with out a recommendation. Actually I never would have except in the last you pick it Photojim recommended it and I gave it a try. So for my lastpick for you
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War Completely different take on zombies written in a very factual/intersteing way. I promise if you give this book a chance you will be HOOKED from Page 1.
Let me know how I did- or If I need to go back to the drawing board!

[Jennefer]

Gigi wrote: "Hi Jennefer!

I went kind of crazy! So, forgive me. "

Forgive you for all the awesome rec's? LOL You are funny :) This is a dream come true!!! They all look great!

I think I am going to try Archangel. This looks really cool and something I probably would not pick up on my own so I am going to give it a try! I am so excited!

I am so glad you enjoyed A Kingdom of Dreams enough to recommend Judith McNaught right back to me! I think I am going to try to read Whitney, My Love this month with you! Just FYI you might want to take a look at some of the reviews out there for this...it is kinda controversial, I guess there is one particular scene that is not so PC. It has been re-released with the scene rewritten so if you want to avoid reading a scene you might not like you might want to make sure you pick up a newer printing of it. I got a used original version of it because I kinda want to know what all the fuss is about and I really want to read it because so many romance readers consider this an absolute favorite.

Thanks again for all the wonderful rec's! I am going to add some of the others to my TBR as well!

[Gigi]

Great! Let me know how Archangel is.

Yayyy, we can compare notes about Whitney, My Love. Well, when I purchased the book I found out it was rewritten. I want to read the original version...nosey, I guess! LOL Also, I don't offend easily so, I'm really curious now. LOL I didn't realize that it was rewritten, but I also noticed that a lot of people absolutely love this book when I did a little bit of research.

I'm so glad you told me about the rewrite. I'm going to have to find an older copy as well or swap one.

[Britta]

Hi Rachel!

I'm gonna go mostly for the romance genre, because..who doesn't love romance? :)

First of all..
Fallen
Hush, Hush
A Great and Terrible Beauty

They're on your TBR pile, and I urge you to read them! I enjoyed them a lot :3

And also from the TBR list,
The Shining
Reading it right now. So far, so good :)

I don't know what you feel about student-teacher relationships..But if you don't mind ..
A Season of Eden

Then, His Dark Materials Trilogy
Maybe the Sweep series.. (First book - Book of Shadows)
And..anything by Sarah Dessen will do :)

I hope you found something for you..

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[[deleted user]]

Pollyanna wrote: "Love the recommendations, I have added The 13 Clocks and Runaways to my list but I've chosen to read Sunshine. Thankyou and great to meet another Joss fan :) "

Yay! I won't be at all offended if you don't like it, it's a little offbeat and not your everyday vampy story, but I figured a fellow Whedon-lover would take a punt :) Happy reading!

[Valerie]

Photojim wrote: "So how many folks are still without recommendations?..."

Looks like there are quite a few of us. I figured I was late checking - guess not.

[Regina]

Hi, Amanda

I look to your TBR and have some suggestions:

Shayla Black - Tempt Me with Darkness
Sherrilyn Kenyon - Fantasy Lover
Diana Gabaldon - Outlander

These are not in your TBR, but are very good:

Shayla Black - Wicked Ties
Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan - The Strain

I hope you like some of them!

[Bridgit]

Hi Valerie!

Sorry for being late! Work has been crazy!

I took a look at your shelves and here is what I think you might be interested in:

Outlander - Diana Gabaldon (EVERYONE seems to have already recommended it here, so that shows you how good it is!) It's huge, but well worth it.

Dead Witch Walking - Kim Harrison - This is the first book in a really fun paranormal series. Mostly witches, but some weres, elves, vamps, demons and more. One of my favorites.

The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness - Anne Bishop - the First one is Daughter of the Blood, (and you HAVE to read in order) but I would recommend the entire trilogy. Its a really amazing epic fantasy about a witch and how she grows up in a world full of other witches. Everyone in the world has a color jewel rank that determines the extent of their magical powers

The Tea Rose - Jennifer Donnely - For a non paranormal book, this is a really great rags-to-riches tale in Victorian England/US. The sequel is The Winter Rose, which i actually read first. Both are great.

As for books from your TBR, I would highly recommend Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. Not only is this a great book (and the best in the series) but it is the start to a really cool 'women of the otherworld' series that has books about necromancers, vamps, witches, ghosts, demons and other supernatural women.

Also, Graceling by Kristin Cashore was really fun and the two main characters will really get to you. They are young, fierce, strong and confident and ready to take on the world.

Let me know if any of these dont interest you and I can pick some others!

[Ez]

Jennefer wrote: " I think I am going to try to read Whitney, My Love this month with you! Just FYI you might want to take a look at some of the reviews out there for this...it is kinda controversial, I guess there is one particular scene that is not so PC. It has been re-released with the scene rewritten so if you want to avoid reading a scene you might not like you might want to make sure you pick up a newer printing of it."

I read the original "Whitney, My Love" way back when. This makes me curious as to how she changed it. I might have to pick up the newer version just to see. LOL. I know a lot of people had mixed feelings about this book.

[Rossy]

For those of you still waiting, sorry it's taking your partner a bit to make the recommendations. They actually have until 11pm Eastern time to make the recommendations tomorrow.

Not to worry though, i'm going to send a reminder to those that have yet to pick for you in just a bit. As you all know life happens sometimes so if you can please just wait a little bit more....^.^

Since last month was a bit short, i'm giving an extra day for the "picker". So instead of recommendations ending on the 2nd, it will be on the 3rd.

[Dalene]

Deanna wrote: "Dalene - I took a look at your TBR pile, as well as books complete and have 4 recommendations for you - 2 from your TBR and 2 by authors that I hope you like
Deanna

Fantasy Lover..."

Thanks Deanna!

Thanks for the recommendations! I will read Mistress of the Art of Death because I just received this from PBS last night. It will give me a reason to push it up to the top of the pile.

[Ari]

Hi Cathy!
I picked out a few choices for you:
1.The Brightest Star in the Sky- this is a humerous chick-lit which every list isn't complete with an option of humor and fiction just for chicks!=P
2. The Boundless Deep I noticed you enjoy historical fiction, and this is just that with a bit of fantasy too. (romance included!)
3. Second Sight I can tell you enjoy series, and this is a paranormal one with a touch of history too.
Hopefully one of these sounds pretty good, if it's too much historical or not enough choice, I'd be happy to find some other books too!=D Let me know.

Enjoy!
Ari

[Katherine]

Jennefer wrote: "Hi Katherine,

Looked at your shelves and came up with a few ideas for you....

First off.... You need to read some Agatha Christie girl!!! I think she is right up your ally! So I am going to..."

Everything peaked my interest. I'm actually reading The Red Tent now for the March challenge.
I think I will officially pick the Agatha Christie for this challenge, but everything is definitely on my lists now!
And Then There Were None

[Gigi]

Harper wrote: "Jennefer wrote: " I think I am going to try to read Whitney, My Love this month with you! Just FYI you might want to take a look at some of the reviews out there for this...it is kinda controversia..."

And see....now, I want an older version to see what that rewrite was all about. Honestly, I think I would have rather purchased the original version than the newer one. Instead of buying a newer one, if either of you or both of you are up for a swap let me know.

It seemed like more people liked it than hated it- 5 stars (791) | 4 stars (608) | 3 stars (303) | 2 stars (89) | 1 star (47) | avg 4.09

However, I'm sure a little bit of controversy didn't hurt her any. Look at me, debating on whether or not to buy an older copy in addition to the newer one I've already purchased. LOL

[BJ Rose]

Hi! Melissa (SoCal Gal),

Sorry this took so long - I lost the list I made for you and had to start over - not a good beginning to the month!

I noticed that you're currently reading The Thirteenth Tale, so I'm going to recommend The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. It also has an author in the storyline, and her fairy tales are interspersed throughout the book and become pivotal to solving a 3-generations-old mystery.

I think I recall seeing that you read Judith McNaught's Paradise and were not greatly impressed with it. I thought 1/3 of the book was great and the rest... was not. However, I loved and recommend Perfect- also a contemp. romance; follows Paradise but is an independent story.

And a great stand-alone contemporary romance/suspense is Angels Fall by Nora Roberts

And my other contemporary romance is the only series book I'm recommending - it's the first in Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, aptly called Virgin River. Or continue the series if you have started it!

And since you said you like almost any romance, I'm suggesting some historical romance (gotta recommend what I love, right?!)

Here are two by Julie Garwood: Gentle Warrior is set in medieval England and Saving Grace takes place in 13th century Scotland. And for sheer fun, try Georgette Heyer: Devil's Cub has a very sensible heroine who tries to protect her bubble-headed and beautiful younger sister, but gets caught in the snare of the not-yet-nice hero, but she soon turns the tables on him *well, he told her to shoot!

Hope you enjoy one or more of these!

[Barbara ★]

KimKirt, your shelves are almost bare which made it very difficult to determine what you like so I choose a few (well maybe more than a few) that I thoroughly enjoyed hoping that something would catch your interest.

The only thing I saw on your shelf that I thought you really should read is Outlander. This is probably the best series I've ever read. Has elements of time travel, fantasy, romance, history (America, England and Scotland), and a really HOT Scottish hero.

humorous romance
Crazy For You by Jennifer Crusie
Hot by Julia Harper

romance
Give Him the Slip by Geralyn Dawson
Wild Heat by Bella Andre (firefighter romance) (first in series)
The Magic Knot by Helen Scott Taylor
Sea Swept by Nora Roberts (first book in series)
Truly, Madly by Heather Webber (first in series)

Scottish Romance
Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband by Melissa Mayhue (first in series)
Highland Warrior by Monica McCarty (first in series)

Young Adult
Graceling by Kristin Cashore (first in series)
The Angel Experiment by James Patterson (paranormal) (first in series)

Mystery
The Architect by Keith Ablow (psychological thriller)
Killer Takes All by Erica Spindler

Erotica
Mortal Temptations by Allyson James (M/F/M) (first in series)

If for some reason you can't find anything here that you'd like to read, let me know and I'll dig deeper.

[BJ Rose]

Penney wrote: "Hi BJ Rose,
I hope you enjoy these recommendations, they are all 5 stars on my lists..."


Thanks for the recommendations, Penney - I think I'm going to read Halfway to the Grave or Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion - or maybe both!

I tried G.A. Aiken once and found it a little too graphic (vulgar?) for my tastes.
And I do plan to read Memoirs of a Geisha at some point, but I've already planned enough serious reads for this month.

So you've added two to my list - not bad at all!

[Barbara ★]

Annvelwis wrote: "Barbara :)

2. Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie (chick-lit)
3. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

Abby Cooper sounds great but my library doesn't have it so I'll read A Kingdom of Dreams.

[Angelique]

Hey Diana,

thanks for all the great choices!!! I'm going to try and get to all of them eventually. But the one I choice to read is Derik's Bane. I'm in the mood for something with a bit of humor.

Thanks again,

Angelique

[Sherry]

Hi Kasia,

Your book selection list is so similar to mine - it is awesome! Sorry my selections were a little late.

My selections for you are:
The Gargoyle by Andrew Daivdson - would love to hear what you think

Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Rebellion by Nora Roberts
Rouge's Salute by Jennifer Blake

[Amber]

Britta-

The books that I am recommending for you are:

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

and

Tiger's Quest also by Colleen Houck


Hope you enjoy them!
If you want different ones just let me know!

-Amber

[Leslie Jane]

Julie,

Well, I guess DaVinci Code gets moved up my TBR list. And the World War Z book sounds interesting. Will see if I can find it at the Used Book Store, since I am currently out of work and trying to conserve money somewhat. If not The Library is having their annual booksale the beginning of next month and I will definitely look for it then. (I am volunteering so should have plenty of chances to look)

Thanks for the suggestions. I should have some time to read as I wait for programmes at the VA Book Festival to start. (Another thing I am volunteering for).

Leslie Jane

[~~*Julie]

Leslie Jane wrote: "Julie,

Well, I guess DaVinci Code gets moved up my TBR list. And the World War Z book sounds interesting. Will see if I can find it at the Used Book Store, since I am currently out of work and..."

The VA as in veterans book festival or someting else ?

[Kami]

Britta, thanks for the recommendations!!! I'm going to get started on Hush, Hush and I'm really intrigued by A Season of Eden so I'll definitely be checking in it. Thanks again! :)

[Annie]

KimWin wrote: "So so late on the recommendations for Anne (mad hamster).
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong is on your to read list, she also has a young adult series that starts with the Summoning. It is very good.
W..."

Hi KimWin! Thanks for the recs. I have a Maggie Alt out at the moment for some reason, so I'll use her as a backup.
I have read the Weather Wardens - my shelves aren't that up to date! Or they are, but not that historic.
That all said - I'll probably go with Armstrong's The Summoning. That way I can feel like I'm reading for work, too - being a YA librarian.

[Leslie Jane]

VA actually means Virginia. University of Virginia is sponsoring it. Only romance author per se is Kim Harrison. Going to her book signing. Otherwise, just whatever sounded interesting for volunteering (Wine drinking, scifi creating new worlds, entering writing contests)

[Jennefer]

Harper wrote: "I read the original "Whitney, My Love" way back when. This makes me curious as to how she changed it. I might have to pick up the newer version just to see. LOL. I know a lot of people had mixed feelings about this book.
"

Read it with us this month Harper!!! I would love to get some insight from someone who has read it both ways! Anybody else want to read
Whitney, My Love with us??? We could start a discussion thread if enough people are interested :)

[Jennefer]

Katherine wrote: "Everything peaked my interest."

Oh I am so glad! I hope you enjoy And Then There Were None (formerly known as 10 Little Indians... little bit of trivia for you)

[Gigi]

ooooo! Jennefer, that sounds like a great idea! I broke down and just bought the 1985 edition. I have no will power! LOL

[Angelique]

Jennefer wrote: "Harper wrote: "I read the original "Whitney, My Love" way back when. This makes me curious as to how she changed it. I might have to pick up the newer version just to see. LOL. I know a lot of peop..."

I'll read it with you guys. I own a copy and have been meaning to get to it. One question though, should I read the first in the series before I get to this one?

[Gigi]

No, I dont think you need to read the first one. They seem to stand alone.

[Angelique]

Gigi wrote: "No, I dont think you need to read the first one. They seem to stand alone."

okay good, then I'm definitely in!

[Katie]

Still haven't gotten mine either: (

[Gigi]

Awesome!

[Angelique]

hehe...so just let me know when y'all set up the thread. I love gossiping about books!

[Ez]

Jennefer wrote: "Read it with us this month Harper!!! I would love to get some insight from someone who has read it both ways! Anybody else want to read
Whitney, My Love with us??? We could start a discussion thread if enough people are interested :)"

Sure! I just ordered a copy of the new edition from PBS. We should start a thread, for sure. I'm going to add you as a friend, too, if you don't mind.

[Angelique]

Harper wrote: "Jennefer wrote: "Read it with us this month Harper!!! I would love to get some insight from someone who has read it both ways! Anybody else want to read
Whitney, My Love with us??? We could start..."

lol, nope that sounds great. the more friends the merrier!

[Ez]

Gigi wrote: "Harper wrote: "Jennefer wrote: " I think I am going to try to read Whitney, My Love this month with you! Just FYI you might want to take a look at some of the reviews out there for this...it is kin..."

Oh, I saw this a little late, Gigi! I just ordered a copy of the newer one. I'm going to have my husband dig out the boxes in our crawlspace so I can compare this one to the older one after I read it. LOL.

[Sherrill]

NewMoonGirl...

Here are my two picks for you. One is on your to-read list and I didn't see the other one. If I missed it somehow, let me know and I can come up with a couple other choices.

or .

I just finished both of these books within the last week. I enjoyed them and felt they are a good read.
Enjoy!

[Sherrill]

Cathy wrote: "Sherrill,

I have picked several books for you. I hope you find one you can get a hold of and that you are interested in.



Cathy,

Thank you for such a great genre of books to choose from. I have ordered three from the list from my library and we will see which ones show up in time to read for March.

I'll let you know the books I get through.

Sherrill

[Betty]

Hi Asee,

Here are my recommendations for you!

1. Cry Wolf - Patricia Briggs (because it's in the same vein as Kelley Armstrong's Bitten)
2. Moon Called - Patricia Briggs
3. Unclean Spirits - M.L.N Hanover
4. 25th Hour - David Benioff
5. Stolen - Kelley Armstrong (I know you've read the first and I don't know if we can do reccomendations for authors already read - but if you haven't you should read the next in the series!)

Hope you find something here you enjoy :)

[Betty]

Valerie wrote: "Hey Beth,

You have some great series on your bookshelf. My picks for you are similar to the ones you have rated pretty high. They are:

1. Angels' Blood by [author:Nalini Singh|71..."

Eeep, they both seem so good! I'm going to go with Darkfever because it's the only title my library has. But I shall certainly be adding Angel's Blood to my wish list! Great recs!

[~Sara~]

Moss:
Sorry I didn't post sooner. I recently jumped on the BDB bandwagon and was busy devouring Lover Eternal last night. I just took a breather from Lover Awakened and remembered this. Seeing your ratings for these books, hopefully you can understand and forgive my distraction! :)

I also loved The Once and Future King when I was younger! I just reread it last year since it had been too long - and watched the Sword in the Stone for the duel (I love Madame Mim!).

For recommendations:

I see you like fantasy so some of my favourites that I would recommend are:
If you're into series reads, The Belgariad beginning with Pawn of Prophecy is my absolute favourite followed by The Riftwar Saga beginning with Magician: Apprentice.
If you want a stand alone fantasy I recently read Warbreaker and really liked it. It has a really unique system of magic and well developed characters (at least I thought so :))
I'm also currently reading On a Pale Horse which, as a fan of Terry Pratchett, you might enjoy. I like it a lot so far.

I'm new to paranormal but I loved Interview With the Vampire and would recommend reading that if you haven't already. I also really liked Sizzle and Burn if you'd like a little more romance.

If you're looking for something different you might want to try V for Vendetta. I don't know if you're familiar with it or the movie, but it's my favourite graphic novel and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Apparently I'm trying to make up for the lateness of this post with length, so I'm going to stop now. If you don't see anything that appeals to you or if you've read any already, let me know. I can definitely come up with something else!

PS - I'm glad you didn't ask for recs from your TBR. I didn't recognize anything on it :o

[~Sara~]

Pollyanna wrote: "Sara

Here are my choices for you I hope you like them.

I noticed that a big shelf on yours is historical romance so I thought you might like The Other Boleyn Girl or Jane Eyre..."</i>

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm going to read [book:The Host. I've heard of it but have no clue what it's about except for aliens. I've been putting off reading Twilight, something everyone assures me I'll love but I'm afraid of how bad the movie was! I know the book is nothing like the movie but I still manage to keep finding something else to read instead. Maybe this can help ease me into it and give me the push I need to give it a shot.

Now, back to Lover Awakened! :)

[Rossy]

Nairabell, if you don't mind can you please pick for Ari? Unfortunately, Teri is unable to participate this month after all.

[Rossy]

Jennefer wrote: "Harper wrote: "I read the original "Whitney, My Love" way back when. This makes me curious as to how she changed it. I might have to pick up the newer version just to see. LOL. I know a lot of peop..."

Hey Jennefer, if you can wait until the day after tommorrow i'll be starting a challenge were you can buddy read with others. Perhaps you'd like to make a post then so others can join you? *winks*

[Ez]

Rossy wrote: "Nairabell, if you don't mind can you please pick for Ari? Unfortunately, Teri is unable to participate this month after all."

If anyone else is still missing recommendations, I'd be willing to pick for someone else, too.

[Nairabell]

Rossy wrote: "Nairabell, if you don't mind can you please pick for Ari? Unfortunately, Teri is unable to participate this month after all."

Of course, no probs. I'll try to do it now, but it may be a couple of hours as I'm off to the doctors in a bit.