December - Pick It For Me Challenge

[Miss]

Katie I'm so glad you liked my picks, we'll be reading If I Must together. :)
And Sabrina, don't worry about it,i had fun browsing through Katie's shelves. Hope you get well soon.

[Britta]

Jim,
What's your opinion on A Game of Thrones? Me and my dad got the board game recently, but the book seems quite interesting too. Should I give it a read? C:

[Ceej]

I finished Dangerous Highlander and I just can't say I liked this book. It reminded me of Morrigan's Cross with the slow build up and then everything happening almost at the end. I'll have to read another Donna Grant book to see if it's her style of writing or maybe it was my frame of mind as I was reading. I picked up Moon Called and The Darkest Night.

[Ceej]

Rebecca wrote: "One down Six to go.
Lover Eternal I am absolutely, utterly and COMPLETELY in love with this series. I am looking foward to Zadists book. Thanks for picking it for me DRQ.
I am now s..."

You are most welcome! You're a BDB junkie now lol

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Britta wrote: "Jim,
What's your opinion on A Game of Thrones? Me and my dad got the board game recently, but the book seems quite interesting too. Should I give it a read? C:"
Of course you should read it! It's very involved and well written. And if George RR Martin ever gets off his a$$ and writes the next book the world will be a better place.

The series is interesting as there are very few 'good' or 'evil' characters. Instead there is a very wide variety of shades of grey.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Stats time!

Most recommended books this month.

1. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs - 9
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - 9
3. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost - 6
4. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh - 6
5. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione - 6
6. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning - 6
7. Soulless by Gail Carriger
8. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian - 5
9. Dark Prince by Christine Feehan - 5

There are 11 books with 4 recommendations.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Well, the AOM did good this time, coming in at number one.

1. Lisa Kleypas - 19
2. J.R. Ward - 17
3. Nora Roberts - 15
4. Suzanne Collins - 12
5. Nalini Singh - 11
6. Patricia Briggs - 11
7. Richelle Mead - 11
8. Cassandra Clare - 9
9. Jennifer Crusie - 8
10. Jeaniene Frost - 8
11. Karen Marie Moning - 8
12. Larissa Ione - 8

Out of 536 total recommendations

[Diane ~Firefly~]

And since it is the end of the year, here's some interesting information since I started keeping track (August).

The most recommended authors from August - December (sorry about the layout, tables don't copy very well).

Author /Aug /Sep /Oct /Nov /Dec /Total
1 J.R. Ward /15 /18 /9 /11 /17 /70
2 Lisa Kleypas /8 /23 /7 /5 /19 /62
3 Suzanne Collins /9 /17 /12 /7 /12 /57
4 Nora Roberts /16 /9 /7 /7 /15 /54
5 Nalini Singh /9 /12 /10 /10 /11 /52
6 Richelle Mead /10 /14 /9 /3 /11 /47
7 Jeaniene Frost /12 /10 /8 /5 /8 /43
8 Jennifer Crusie /10 /11 /5 /8 /8 /42
9 Patricia Briggs /12 /6 /2 /10 /11 /41
10 Gena Showalter /8 /9 /10 /5 /5 /37
11 Kelley Armstrong /12 /6 /4 /6 /7 /35
12 Sherrilyn Kenyon /11 /8 /4 /6 /3 /32
12 Cassandra Clare /8 /7 /5 /3 /9 /32
13 Gail Carriger /7 /8 /4 /7 /5 /31
14 Karen Marie Moning /7 /8 /3 /3 /8 /29
14 Charlaine Harris /8 /10 /4 /2 /5 /29
15 Stieg Larsson /3 /5 /7 /9 /3 /27
15 Ilona Andrews /6 /5 /4 /8 /4 /27
15 Larissa Ione /5 /6 /5 /3 /8 /27
16 Sarah Addison Allen /5 /6 /4 /6 /4 /25
16 Kresley Cole /3 /7 /6 /6 /3 /25
17 Diana Gabaldon /3 /7 /4 /5 /4 /23
17 J.D. Robb /4 /7 /3 /3 /6 /23
18 Linda Howard /8 /3 /4 /2 /5 /22
19 Stephanie Meyer /7 /6 /1 /2 /5 /21
20 Sarah MacLean /5 /1 /4 /5 /5 /20
20 Christine Feehan /5 /2 /3 /3 /7 /20
20 Susan Elizabeth Phillips /6 /7 /1 /3 /3 /20
20 Teresa Medeiros /5 /7 /7 /1 /20

[Debbie]

great stats Diane thanks for letting us see that.

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Diane, you ROCK!

Thank you so much for the info. Very cool to see where the numbers lie.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

The most recommended book out of 2773 total.

Title Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
1 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins /8 /9 /12 /6 /9 /44
2 Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost /9 /9 /7 /4 /6 /35
3 Moon Called by Patricia Briggs /11 /5 /2 /7 /9 /34
4 Soulless by Gail Carriger /7 /8 /3 /7 /5 /30
5 Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione /5 /6 /5 /3 /6 /25
5 Dark Lover by J.R. Ward /11 /6 /2 /2 /4 /25
6 Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh /2 /5 /7 /4 /6 /24
7 Covet by J.R. Ward /3 /6 /4 /5 /4 /22
7 Bitten by Kelley Armstrong /9 /2 /3 /4 /4 /22
8 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon /2 /6 /4 /5 /4 /21
8 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson /2 /4 /6 /7 /2 /21
9 City of Bones by Cassandra Clare /6 /5 /3 /2 /4 /20
10 Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews /5 /4 /2 /6 /2 /19
10 The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter /4 /5 /5 /3 /2 /19
11 Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning /4 /4 /3 /1 /6 /18
11 Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian /3 /5 /2 /3 /5 /18
11 Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean /5 /1 /4 /4 /4 /18
11 Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder /7 /3 /3 /3 /2 /18
12 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak /5 /3 /4 /3 /2 /17
12 Naked in Death by J.D. Robb /4 /6 /3 /2 /2 /17
13 Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris /6 /5 /2 /1 /2 /16
14 Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts /4 /3 /2 /1 /4 /14
14 The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley /3 /2 /4 /2 /3 /14
14 Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas/1 /9 /1 /1 /2 /14
15 Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater /2 /4 /2 /2 /3 /13
15 Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead /1 /6 /3 /0 /3 /13
15 Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen /3 /2 /2 /5 /1 /13
15 One for the Money by Janet Evanovich /2 /5 /2 /3 /1 /13
15 Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson /3 /4 /3 /2 /1 /13
15 Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead /5 /4 /2 /1 /1 /13
15 A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole /1 /4 /4 /4 /0 /13

[Penney]

Diane that is truly cool!

[Macwolf01 [Elise]]

Fran wrote: "Hi Macwolf01 (Elise)-

It was fun picking for you, hope you find something you like- if not, I would be happy to choose some more for you. Here goes-
1. Slave to Sensation..."


Thanks Fran, I'll read Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella's Story and try getting to Seduce Me At Midnight as well if I have time as I have both at home. And I think Slave to Sensation is one of my lastest online purchases

Thanks again!

[Emily]

Photojim wrote: "The people without recs are:

4. Melissa
10. Valerie
17. Corrupt
28. Macwolf 01
38. Lady Leah
50. Katie (CA - Joined Apr 10)
63. Rachel
64. Freya
69. Emily
70. Moondust


I'll take 64 Frey..."
I am happy to take whoever, if you think I should do 70 let me know

[Rebecca]

Emily wrote: "Photojim wrote: "The people without recs are:

4. Melissa
10. Valerie
17. Corrupt
28. Macwolf 01
38. Lady Leah
50. Katie (CA - Joined Apr 10)
63. Rachel
64. Freya
69. Emily
70. M..."

I am partnered with DRQ but I am a big reader and would be happy to help another. Just reply to this if you want me as a partner.

[Miss]

Courtney, I am so happy you recommended Graceling to me, I loved it! Without your rec it would have probably sat on my TBR for a long time because I was a bit daunted by it's length and some of the negative reviews witch said that Katsa was a headstrong, unlikeable character, and I am reluctant to read those kinds of books where I thoroughly dislike the heroine. To my surprise, she wasn't annoying at all, on the contrary, strong and brave and determined. I loved reading about her adventures and dreaded to see the book end.
Again, thanks, and I will also look for Ice and try to read it this month.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Diane ~Firefly~ ,

Love the stats.

Great contribution to making this challenge more interesting.

[BJ Rose]

Dee, I just finished and enjoyed revisiting the wallflowers and meeting Rafe and Hannah - and I always love the theme of an extended Christmas party. Thanks for recommending it.

I'm also planning to read , but that'll be later this month.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Yz the Whyz wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~ ,

Love the stats.

Great contribution to making this challenge more interesting."

I'm glad people are enjoying the stats. I think it is interesting to see the most recommended books each month.

[Miss]

Yes Diane the stats are so cool, it must have been a lot of work to compile the data. Thank you!
The popular series and authors are of course the most recommended but I also love it when I give and receive more unusual recs, it's great to find new reading material.

[Emily]

Rebecca wrote: "Emily wrote: "Photojim wrote: "The people without recs are:

4. Melissa
10. Valerie
17. Corrupt
28. Macwolf 01
38. Lady Leah
50. Katie (CA - Joined Apr 10)
63. Rachel
64. Freya
69...."

That would be great if I could be your partner, let me know:)

[Valerie]

Melissa wrote: "Valerie

Here's some recommendations...hope you find something you feel like reading!

The Ghost of Reading Past
1)Dark Prince - I am a sucker for these type of paranormal romance..."

Hey Melissa,

Thanks for coming through with some great picks for me. I think I will read Stray - are you still up for reading it with me? I have had it on my tbr for a long time, it will be good to finally read it!

[Rebecca]

Hi Emily, Here's my recommendations, let me know if you want to change anything.

A. The Ghost of Reading Past -
1)How To Marry a Millionaire Vampire Dont be put off by the cover like I was. It's a comedy vamp romance. There were many characters, Sparks does a great job of keeping the focus on Shanna and Roman. Good clean writing carries the reader swiftly through the action and romance. Five very enthusiastic and well deserved 5stars from me. This was not the first humorous book I read but most definitely one of the best.
2)Poison Study this book was recomended to me over a year ago but I didnt read it untill October and wished I had read it earlier. It is a genuinely Well written, compelling and different fantasy novel.
B. The Ghost of Reading Present -
1) I am currently reading Lady Sophia's Lover (it was picked for me for this challenge by DRQ) I have had this on my shelf for a long time and dont think I would have picked it up if it was not chosen for me. I am halfway through and enjoying it.
2) The Queen's Fool this was a gift from my sister and my favorite Philippa Gregory novell.
C. The Ghost of Reading Future -
1 & 2) The Host This was an absolute joy to read! and The Hunger Games I was hooked from the very beginning and loved that the suspense didn't let up at all throughout the book.
D. The Tiny Tim factor -
1)The Summoning
OR
2) The Luxe

I hope this is ok any questions let me know.

[Emily]

This is perfect, do I do yours too? I have been quite entranced by the Hunger Games, just have not started it yet may pick that one but not sure.

[Rebecca]

Emily wrote: "This is perfect, do I do yours too? I have been quite entranced by the Hunger Games, just have not started it yet may pick that one but not sure."

I am glad you like it. Yes post a list for me when you get the chance.

[Emily]

Rebecca

A. The Ghost of Reading Past -
1) Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian Wonderful book, loved this one and it was a one sit read.
2)Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs-this was recommended through the author challenge, I had tried her On the Prowl and now am almost done with Cry Wolf which is very good.

B. The Ghost of Reading Present -
1) When Darkness Falls by Shannon Drake, I have had this in to TBR for awhile but love her work.

2) The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova I got this for Christmas and it was wonderful, a fantastic read.

C. The Ghost of Reading Future -
1 & 2) Mary the Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir-I have one in my TBR pile too, but it looks to be a good read.

Beastly by Alex Finn I think this is the one the movie is coming out for, so good to read it before it comes out.

D. The Tiny Tim factor (totally optional but a worthwhile challenge)
1) The Summoning-bought this last month but have not picked it up

2) The Luxe-gathering dust on my shelf but am intrigued.

[Lady Allison]

Angelique wrote: "Hey Allison,

I just finished Pleasure Unbound and really like it. But I am a little disappointed that Cam and Ky won't be getting together--I took a sneak peek at the rest of the books. Hopefull..."

Angelique, I'm glad you enjoyed it! & don't worry, Ky is a subplot, but he gets his HEA :) His story is really interesting, especially in Wraith's book!

Let me know if you decide to read either book from the Tiny Tim factor :)

[Melissa]

Valerie

I will definitely read Stray with you. I just took a peek to see when I added it to my goodreads shelf and am shocked to see that it says Jan 27, 2008!!!!! Almost three years?!?!?! I should say it's about time I read it!

[Rebecca]

Emily

Great picks thanks. I am looking foward to reading them.

[Jenny]

Hi Ang, Thanks for recommending Fantasy Lover it happened to be the first book I got from the library... It was a much deeper story than I imagined and it constantly sprang surprises ..I loved it.
I have Slave to Sensation on reserve and I am totally ready to get into Nalini's world.

[Courtney]

Miss wrote: "Courtney, I am so happy you recommended Graceling to me, I loved it! Without your rec it would have probably sat on my TBR for a long time because I was a bit daunted by it's length and some of the..."

Fabulous! I'm so glad you liked it. I've still got a couple of books to go before I can get to Stargirl. I'm trudging through a bear right now. I've got to finish it, though, so I can give it a thorough thrashing of a review.

[Gigi]

PhotoJim, this was a great pick-it-for-me!!! A nice way to end the pick-it-for-me 2010 year!

Diane, love those stats!!

[Lady Allison]

Angelique, I just finished I'm the Vampire, That's Why & enjoyed it! I think the kids should have been more present since they made such a big deal out of her being a single mom, but it was definitely funny with the right amount of heart & I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Rachel]

Freya, I just finished Brokeback Mountain. (My review is here.) This was a good recommendation--thank you. I only wish the book had been longer, as it felt more like an outline than a story in most places. Still, powerful, and I'm glad to have finally read it.

[Freya]

Rachel wrote: "Freya, I just finished Brokeback Mountain. (My review is here.) This was a good recommendation--thank you. I only wish the book had been longer, as it felt more like an outline than a s..."

Wow... That was fast Rachel... Well, a few years back I managed that, these days its tough.... :)

Glad to have read your review; hadn't got the book at the store either, have to order it online I guess but now I will :) Especially since I haven't watched the movie at least not fully. Something came up half way can't remember what :D

[Freya]

Photojim wrote: Just so you know, Nation is the better book. Key of Light is good, but I LOVED Nation.

Anyone need anything?


I don't need convincing for Terry Pratchett. Its on my list, let me see how many I can do...
Thanks Jim.

[Rachel]

The book is actually just really short. I think like 60 pages or something. I was reading along and looked down at the status bar on my Kindle and it said I was 20% in after maybe ten or fifteen minutes and I actually found myself wondering if I'd accidentally downloaded the sample :-p Very quick read.

Also, go finish the movie! This is one of a very teeeeeeny handful of instances where I'd say the movie is better than the book, and in this case better by significant degrees. The book wasn't bad at all; the movie was just that good.

[Mandy]

Valerie wrote: "Ok Amanda - here are my picks. I hope you find something you will enjoy.

A1:Angels' Blood
A2:Outlander

B1:Grave Secret
B2:Brazen

C1:[bo..."

Sorry I missed picking for you, Valerie. I forgot to watch this thread! I am going to try to read Shiver and The Smoke Thief (getting from the library), and might get to Outlander (I have the ebook) before the month is over.
-Amanda

[Nan]

Cathy

Thanks for the recommendations. I just finished one of yoru recs Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson and I absolutely LOVED IT. I'm planing to read your othe rec Shadow Game by Christine Feehan later this month. =))

[Becky]

I finished my rec. Ruthless by Anne Stuart, we read it together and I was very happy with the rec. I plan to complete the series and I have found a new author to read!

[Kami]

There are so many fast readers here. So many people have already finished their book and I am just now starting mine. :(

[Valerie]

Finished Stray last night. For 600+ pages this was a surprisingly fast read. I really enjoyed it and can't believe I waited so long to read. Now I am off to find the next book in this series!

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

So many fast readers! That's wonderful! So sorry that I've been mostly in absentia lately. Demands on one's time rarely ask if now is convenient before they intrude into your life. Oh well, worse things have happened.

[Nan]

Kami wrote: "There are so many fast readers here. So many people have already finished their book and I am just now starting mine. :("

LOOL i read this fast because i COULDN'T PUT DOWN THE BOOK!

[Ann]

Just finished One for the Money. I absolutely loved it! I am so excited for the rest of this series.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews]

Jenny wrote: "Hi Ang, Thanks for recommending Fantasy Lover it happened to be the first book I got from the library... It was a much deeper story than I imagined and it constantly sprang surprises ..."

That is So Good!! i am glad you liked Fantasy Lover!! I loved it to :) And For the Psy Book, MY fave series!! I cant explain to you how much i love it!! So goo cant wait to see what you think!!

[Melissa]

Valerie wrote: "Finished Stray last night. For 600+ pages this was a surprisingly fast read. I really enjoyed it and can't believe I waited so long to read. Now I am off to find the next book in t..."

WOW! That was fast! I will have to run to catch up! Good to hear you liked it (and that it was fast since it has a high page count). I could be wrong, but I think the last book in the series was recently released.

[Coffeentea]

Tricia, I finished Spirited Away several days ago. I liked it. It flow surprisingly well considering the hero is from 13th century and speak in that manner. I like how chivalrous the hero was. Both the hero and heroine were very likeable. I definitely see myself continuing this author's series.

Thanks for the gothic romance recs. I put one on my TBR and already got Jane Eyre from my library.

[Lady Allison]

Melissa, you're right, the last book of the Shifters series is Alpha which came out in October. This is an AMAZING series & a very well done goodbye.

[KimKirt]

Hey Debbie, just started Hannah's List and really liking it so far. The librarian gave me an earful about it when I checked it out, we started talking about what it would be like if we had to recommend new wives for our husbands.

I'll let you know when I'm done!