Challenge: 50 Books discussion
Finish Line 2011
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Jenn P"s 50+ challenge for 2011
5)Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King - I received this audio book as a Christmas gift and absolutely loved it. Stephen King is the master of the heebie jeebies for sure.
6)Manufacturing Depression by Gary Greenberg - I have been trying to find a non-fiction book to start off the year and why not one about why all of a sudden everyone is depressed and on drugs?? Or is it not all of a sudden??? I shall soon find out I guess.Happy Reading Y'All!!!!!!!
7)The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forsensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum - This book was reccomended to me last year, but it took forever for it to become available at the audio book store. I'm onto the the 3rd CD already and am totally engrossed. Truly interesting subject and great writing style.
8)The Passage by Justin Cronin - I've heard a lot of good things about this book from friends, so I thought I would give it a try. I downloaded a sample on my Nook and after reading the 87 page tease, I found I really wanted to know where the story was going to go and how it was going to end. I hope my instincts weren't wrong.
9)The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee - this was another one I downloaded the sample of first and was enthralled and seriously interested. I had to read it, but decided that I would listen to it instead when I found it out front at my audiobook store. I hope it lives up to it's exciting beginning and the reviews I've read online and in "O" magazine. Crossing my fingers...here goes.
You should listen to the podcast of the NY Times Book review from Jan. 14th.http://www.nytimes.com/ref/books/book...
Great interview with the author and he reads from it as well.
Travis wrote: "You should listen to the podcast of the NY Times Book review from Jan. 14th.http://www.nytimes.com/ref/books/book...
Great interview with the author and he reads fr..."
Thanks Travis!!! I'll check it out...
10)The Sweetness at the Bottom of the PieTaking a short road trip with my sister and these are our choices for the ride. Here's to a good trip!!!
11) The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley
12) I am Number Four by Pitticus Lore
13) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
14)A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King15) Plum Pudding Murder by Joanne Fluke
16)The Lincoln Lawyer by Micheal Connelly Aaaahhh!! I can't believe how far behind I am. It's almost April and I am only at 16 books. I really need to step it up. It's been a crazy start to the year, but things or starting to slow down, so hopefully I will have more time to read. :)
17) Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke - Loved a few of the recipes I tried and of course the mystery was a good one...can't wait to get to the next one.
18) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford - I have been staring at this one for awhile now and finally decided to read it when I found a new book group to join and this happened to be the book of the month. We discuss it next week. I can't wait. Such a wonderful story.
19) I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away by Bill Bryson - Though this was written in the 90's many of his points have great relevance today. An interesting yet humorous read. 
20)Gone by Michael Grant - reading this one for my YA book group. So Far it seems very similar to the Stephen King's "Under the Dome" though this time all the adults have disappeared and some of the children seem to have supernatural powers. I hope it gets better.
21) The Help by Kathryn Sockett - I will be starting this one later today. I have been staring at this one for a long time now too and finally got it after I saw the trailer for the up coming movie. I hate reading books after the fact, so on the list it goes.
Odd Thomas22) Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz - I haven't read a Dean Koontz book in a long time so I thought I would go with a recommendation from the audio book store staff
23) Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman - just saw Thor and thought I would find out Mr. Gaiman's take on the Frost giants. Plus I have been carpooling with kids so I've had to change what I listen to while they are in the car thus the reason for the following book as well
24) The Witches by Roald Dahl
25) The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy: Hogwarts for Muggles - a Christmas gift that I thought I would finally crack open
26) The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell - this is an older book, but many of his points are still valid today
27) 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson - got this as a Friday freebie on my nook
28) Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
29)
Darkness Under the Sun by Dean Koontz - This was a novella preceding the events in the following book. Short and freaky.30)
What the Night Knows by Dean Koontz - I wasn't sure what to expect after reading "Darkness Under the Sun", but I was thrown for a loop and then some. I haven't read Dean Koontz in years because I thought his stories were getting a little stale, but this is the third book this year by him that I have liked. Super Creepy, but good.
31)
Millie's Fling by Jill Mansell - this was another one of the Nook Friday Freebies. I am not much of a romance reader, but a free book is a free book and I actually enjoyed this one.32)
Vesper's Rising by Rick Riordan - I started the 39 Clues series during last year's challenge and got hooked. Loved getting back to the series and this new Family entering the picture is a great twist.
33)
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss - a friend reccomended this one to me and though I trust her, I still wasn't sure if it was my type of story, but it slowly grew on me. The readers were great at telling this well put together story that spanned not only generations, but across the world. Hated to see it end.34)
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare - Another series I started and got sucked into last year. This one was not my favorite, but I still can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
35)
Magyk by Angie Sage - a Nook Friday Freebie. I have always seen this series at the book store, but wasn't sure whether or not to read it. Hadn't heard anything about it, but they looked really interesting. So I am happy that B&N put it on the Freebie list and gave me a chance to read it. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, maybe that was part of my apprehension. Who knows, but this is a whole different wizard story. Loved it and can't wait to read more about these characters.
36)
Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography by Rob Lowe - I grew up with pictures of the "Brat Pack" covering my walls and have always liked Rob Lowe through his UPS and downs, so when I heard this book was worth reading, I picked it up. It has now moved to the top of my favorites list for this year so far. He is a great storyteller. Such an enjoyable read that I could easily relate to because I knew a lot of the media side of his story. I highly reccomend it.37)
Sukkwan Island by David Vann - a Nook Friday Freebie that I don't think I would've read if I hadn't gotten it on my Nook. After reading it, I kinda wish I didn't. It was just a sad, sad, messed up story. Did not make me wanna read the book that supposedly comes after it.
38)
The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy by William Irwin - this was a gift that I waited to read until right before the last movie came out. It was interesting, but not great.39)
Flyte by Angie Sage - I loved "Magyk" and so I thought I would give the next one in the series a try. The first one was not a fluke. If you like YA books, this series if filled with fabulous characters.
40)
Bossypants by Tina Fey - I heard this one was a good read, no pun intended, so I waited till I could listen to it and I was not disappointed. I have to admit I didn't know much about Tina Fey other than she was on SNL and does "30 Rock" which I have watched once. She reads the book which I think makes it all the more reason you should listen to it rather than read it. Just good fun.41)
I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Six's Legacy by Pittacus Lore - a short novella about the character Six from "I am Number Four". I am a third of the way through it and liking it so far.
Wow!! I thought I was way behind, but I guess not having internet at home for months has helped me catch up. Good Luck Everyone!!! Any favorites for this year you'd like to reccomend????
42)
Physik by Angie Sage - Currently listening to this one. Love this series.43)
The Call by Michael Grant - just started this one. I recently read "Gone" by Michael Grant and liked it, though it wasn't my favorite. I got this one free on the Nook a few Friday's ago and so far it's hilarious. Sometimes I wonder why I read kids books so much, but this one...this one is great after a long day spent in my preschool classroom.
44)
The Omen Machine by Terry Goodkind - I was so excited to see yet another installment of the story of Richard and Kahlan. I am about 3/4 of the way through and can't wait to finish it. If you've read it, don't tell me how it ends.
45)
1st to Die by James Patterson - This is my first time reading James Patterson. I have of course seen his books everywhere for years. How can you miss them right? I found this one last year at a library sale, but have had it on the back burner for awhile. Here goes!!!
46)
Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich - It's been awhile since I've read about one of my favorite characters, Stephanie Plum. Can't wait to find out what's been going on her crazy life.
47) The 4 Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss - Just started listening to this one today. Heard this one was good and hoping that it will inspire me to get back on track.
48)Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich - I decided to stick around in Trenton, NJ for awhile and read more about the hilarious adventures of Stephanie and Lula.
49)2nd Chance by James Patterson - Loved the first one and found the 2nd one at the house I have been housesitting at. Hopefully I can finish it before they come back.
50) Queste by Angie Sage - Aaaah! Can't believe I have made it to 50! Going back into the world of Septimus Heap. I just love that kid and can't wait to read what happens next.
50)Quickie by James Patterson - I realized I posted one book twice, so this one is actually #50. They didn't have the 3rd book of the Women's Murder Club Series at the library, so I picked up this one instead. I hope it's just as strong as his others that I have read.
51)Forever Odd by Dean Koontz - I really liked Odd Thomas and am hoping that this next book in the series is just as good. I have started way too many new series this year. It's hard to choose which series to read next. Why do I do this to myself?
52)When the Wind Blows by James Patterson - picked this one up at the library. It's different from the other Patterson books I have read so far. I like the change especially after the last one ("Quickie") that seemed so far fetched.
53)Syren by Angie Sage - This is the 5th book in the series and I am already more than halfway through and enjoying it. This is the last one at the audiobook store. I guess I will be waiting after this one. I hate waiting.
54)3rd Degree by James Patterson - going to continue on with this series...can't wait to get back the Women's Murder Club
55) Ranger's Apprentice: The Icebound Land by John Flannagan - It's been quite awhile since I listened to this series, but recently my husband started listening to it and got me interested again. I'm about halfway through and glad I picked it up again.
56) 4th of July by James Patterson - really enjoying reading mystery novels about a city I know...don't know why I never picked these up years ago
57)Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson - I caught part of the movie on Lifetime the other day I wanted to know how the rest of the story went. I guess I am in a James Patterson kinda mood. ;o)
58) Beauty Queens by Libba Bray - I saw this one on Entertainment Weekly's Top 10 list a couple of months ago. I joined Overdrive yesterday and it was the first book I found that was readily available to download. I got the audio version and DO NOT regret it. I have been laughing out loud since the book started. Just what I needed when I feel like I am getting sick and need a pick me up. If you read the description it sounds pretty cheesy, but it is actually quite entertaining so far and now understand how it made it onto the the Top 10 list.
59)Santa Cruise: A Holiday Mystery at Sea by Mary Higgins Clark - it has been a long time since I have read a Mary Higgins Clark book and as I combed the library for something to read yesterday this one popped out at me. Maybe it's because I have been wishing lately that I was on a cruise...let's be truthful...I'd rather be anywhere, but here...so let's hope this book helps me escape, even for just a little while...
60)Ask the Bones by Arielle North Olsen - Since Halloween is coming I thought I would read a few scary stories. I hope they're good ones.
61) Portobello by Ruth Rendell - I am finally going to try and join the Book Club at the library and this is the book of the month. I hope it's as good as the jacket description makes it sound.
62) Swimsuit by James Patterson - Yes, I am back to James Patterson.
63)Throne of Fire By Rick Riordan - I read the first one last year I think. I may need to re-read it as I have found that I have forgotten some key pieces of the story thus far. I am listening to this one and it's quite a different experience to listen to it. Not as confusing as reading it since the voices change to key you into who's narrating the story. I like that part better for sure.
Congrats Jennifer! You have great books in your list!What book did you like the most?
Jéssica wrote: "Congrats Jennifer! You have great books in your list!What book did you like the most?"
It's hard to pick just one...I narrowed it down to 3; 1) The Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe, 2) The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and 3) The Help by Kathryn Sockett...How about you? What are your favorites for the year?
64) The 5th Horseman by James Patterson - I just had to get back to the ladies of the Women's Murder Club. I love that this series takes place in San Francisco and one of the first victims found in the book happens at the Opera Plaza building. I used to work there so I could totally envision it. Love it!!!
65) Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGenerous - I am listening to the audiobook and am quite enjoying it now that I figured out that I accidentally hit the shuffle button at some point...everything wasn't making sense for awhile...I hate when I do that...it really shouldn't be that easy to hit the shuffle button on an iPod...what a pain in the butt!!!
66) Cahills vs. Vespers: The Medusa Plot (Book 1) by Gordon Korman - Wow! What do I say? I thought it all ended when they found the 39 Clues, now a new family has come on the scene. Another family rooted in history, seeking power. Could they really be worse than the Cahills??? I guess I'll find out.
67) 6th Target by James Patterson - Here's to hoping this is better than the 5th book. I really like these characters and the fact that it takes place in a city I know. Crossing my fingers!!!
68) 7th Heaven by James Patterson
69) Just After Sunset By Stephen King - More short stories by Mr. King. I have been wanting to read one of his books and there are still so many that I haven't read, but I thought with my short snippets of time to read lately, a book of short stories would be perfect. So far so good. One month left to reach my goal of 75. I think I can do it. Good luck to you all in your personal pursuits.
70) Darke by Angie Sage - I have really enjoyed this series and can't wait to find out what happens next.
Challenge: 50 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Night Circus (other topics)
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Good Luck to You All!!!!