Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2012 Challenge Archive
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One Book For Each Genre! (2011-2012)
I would like to request a book change please. =) I had planned to read To Kill a Mockingbird for my Classic category, and as much as I would like to read it, I failed to research it well enough to learn that it is not available as either an ebook or an audiobook. I did get a used copy, but the print is a little on the small size for my eyes. So, I haven't read at least three chapters, but I was wondering if I could change it to The Great Gatsby which was my second choice? Please. Yes, I did check and it is available in other than print formats. ; )
Kat,I totally understand about small print, lol. I try to get large print editions whenever possible. Sure, you can change it. I'm sorry you had to read three chapters of the small print, go toss that book aside :)
Fran wrote: "Kat,I totally understand about small print, lol. I try to get large print editions whenever possible. Sure, you can change it. I'm sorry you had to read three chapters of the small print, go toss ..."
Well, I'm sort of cheating, I didn't read the three chapters, I was asking before I did - is it still OK? I tried though...
LOL! I am on my phone and the print is so small I read it wrong, thought you read the chapters. From one lady who can't see to another- forget the first book! Don't worry about it :)
MountainKat wrote: "Thanks Fran!!"No problem :)
Piled next to my bed right now I have a JAK for the author challenge in large print and I just finished my PIFM book in large print- love the large letters! I also set my kindle to a larger font- awesome.
I was just thinking how great it is to have an ereader for that reason! It is really good for when your eyes get tired too.
Dare You to Read - One Book For Each Genre (2011-2012)July 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012
12 of 14 read. Updated 2.12.12
✓Contemporary: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton 9.20.11
✓Erotic: Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks 8.15.11
✓GLBT: Hot Head by Damon Suede 9.12.11
✓Historical: That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey 8.11.11
✓Paranormal: Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian 10.18.11
✓Suspense: Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare 8.6.11
✓Chick-lit: Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich 8.22.11
✓World Lit/International: The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson 1.16.12
✓Young Adult: Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
Bonus Categories:
✓Classic: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 2.12.12
✓Memoir: Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen 8.12.11
Thriller: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
✓Religious: A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight 8.21.11
Speculative Fiction: Soulless by Gail Carriger
Discussion - Have I read this genre and what did I think of this book/author?
Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare - I love romantic suspense! It seems some of the best book I have read this year fall into this category. This is the third book in Pamela Clare's I-Team series, I read the first two earlier this year and I have to ask myself why did I wait so long to get back to this series!?! Ms. Clare is an amazing author, she moves me so deeply with her writing! So many things that happened in this book would have been wrong if handled differently - they even felt wrong in this book, but in the end I was able to excuse them. There were so many levels of gray in this book; good guys doing bad for all the right reasons, bad guys who looked like good guys... An awesome love story with a wonderful ending. I loved it! *5 Stars*
That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey - Johanna Lindsey wrote the book that hooked me on romance after having just started reading again after stopping while my kids were young, so I have a real soft spot for her books. That said, some of her recent books haven't always lived up to my memories. I'm happy to say this one did! I really enjoyed this book, it was sweet and funny. But don't read it thinking you are going to be reading a book about one of the Malorys - several of them are in it, even somewhat prominently, but neither the hero or the heroine is related in any way no matter how distant. I liked it anyway. =)
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen - I don't often read this genre, but I really enjoyed this one! I liked reading about the author's journey from a rather low point in her life, her husband of 15 years left her for "a guy named Bob from gay.com" and recovering from a serious car accident, back home to her roots. She had to come to terms with her choices and even her prejudices. It was enlightening and thought provoking. It was also laugh out loud funny. The author's humor was ever present, even while addressing the destruction of her marriage. I found that admirable. I listened to the audio version and thought that the book was well suited for that and the narrator, Hillary Huber, was also quite good.
Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks - Yeppers, I do like some smut in my romance on occasion! No comment on how frequent that occasion is... But to like it I do require a story and characters I like. This book had both. =) I was a little surprised at how sweet it was (yes, even with Sweet in the title), so that was an added plus. I have only read Maya Banks' Romantic Suspense before and loved them, but had heard that her erotica wasn't as good so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised - that is always a good thing!
A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight - Not something I would normally pick up. I don't particularly enjoy religious books, I usually find faith something too individual to feel right while reading about it in a story. And I hate being preached to in my books. While religion was quite prevalent in this book, it was, fortunately for my tastes, directed inward towards the main characters. It was about how their lives needed God, not how everyone did. It was their personal struggles to overcome their pasts and how their faith helped them find their future together. So, IMO, it was a nice story - rather religious, but not overly preachy.
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich - Chick -it is just OK for me. I typically find the heroine in the story a little annoying. I do like Janet Evanovich's style, but it isn't something I could read too often - I think I might find it as annoying as most chick-lit heroines if I did. I guess I am just one of the people who isn't going to be head over heels for these books. I like them well enough, but I just don't think I am going to rush through the series. For me Stephanie and crew are just going to be filler books here and there and that's OK.
Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson - I don't often read young adult books, and even though this is about a young girl, it deals with subjects that would be hard for young children to read about. I thought the author did a good job at capturing the feel of the original "Anne" books. There were parts were I felt like she relied too heavily on what was too come in the books, but I can overlook that. (I can imagine it would be impossible not to have Anne feel happy and optimistic that the trials of her past were behind her as she was heading for the Cuthberts.) There were a few other things that were slightly unbelievable, but the one that stands out for me, would not likely bother others. I always preferred to read about a slightly older Anne, even so reading about an even younger Anne was still fun.
Hot Head by Damon Suede - I have read other M/M books in the past, but none by this author. I liked it. I thought the story was good and the characters likable. There were some things that bothered me a little, but in the end i found it an enjoyable read. I thought the author did a good job of dealing with the emotions involved, it felt real to me.
Changing the Game by Jaci Burton - There are times when a good CR is the best thing to read! I am so glad to be finding more that are good, because when they are bad they are booooorrrrrrinnnng! I did really enjoy this story. I loved Lizzie and Gavin together! All of the relationships in this book we so nice to read about - the girlfriends, the family, the parents. That was one of the nicest parts of the book for me! That and it was pretty darned steamy too!
Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian - Seriously?! Seriously, it ended there?! Arrrrgggghhh!! When does the next book come out?! I really liked this book, but I think I liked the advancement of the overall story line more than the romance. I did like Hunter and Corinne, but their romance just didn't do that much for me. I did like the resolution with Mira's vision too - wasn't sure how that was going to work out while I was reading. One thing I thought was a little strange is that the book was set in December right before Christmas. I found it odd for a book released in the middle of summer. Another was the timeline of the series as a whole, it was repeated several times that the entire series has taken place in a year and a half. I have been reading it much longer than that!!
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson - I'm having a really hard time rating this book. The story was quite intriguing - once you figured out what the story actually was. That took about a third of the book. But the telling of that story was very disjointed, with numerous threads that were not easy to follow. Eventually these threads all came together to form a cord and made sense, but it wasn't without difficulty. The story literally jumps from one thread for a page or two, to another thread for two paragraphs, to yet another thread for a couple of pages and back to the first thread for several paragraphs. There was also a great deal of minutia, details that don't necessarily move the story forward. It is frustrating because you don't know if these details will later be important, but because there are so many, you know you won't remember them. And then it ended without really wrapping things up. All in all, I'm glad I read this book and I will read the third. I don't see any of them being rereads though.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - I am not really sure what to make of this book. There are not many characters to like, in fact most of them are despicable. Overall, I guess my thoughts could be summed up as the writing was good, but the story was not. I'm glad to have read this book, but it will never become a favorite.
I am in for this challege, will pst the list as soon as i can...
ONE BOOK FOR EACH GENREDURATION: 11 MONTHS ( JULY 30 2011- JUNE 2012)
Contemporary: The lovely bones ( mass market paper bound) By: Alice sebold.
Erotic : The outlaws lady By: Gina Duncan
Regency: The secret pearl By: Mary Balogh.
Check- lit- Heart Of the mother By: Emily Giffin
International: The stranger By: Albert camus
Optional/ Bonus Categories
Classic: Swiss Family Robinson By: Johann david wyss
Non fiction: Eat, Pray ,Love By: Elizabeth Gilbert
Horror: The Dark Half : By Stephen King
Inspirational: Have a little faith: the story of last By Mitch albom
Dystopia: Matched By: Ally Condie
Manga: Vampire Knight By: Matsari Hino
I havent read this new novel, will be reading it and giving yo a small description when i finish.
Hi MountainKat!I've never read The Great Gatsby. I'm surprised it wasn't required reading somewhere along the line in school but I guess not. Who knew the characters would be so vile, lol!
I noticed that you listed Soulless as Dystopia. It is really Steampunk/Science Fiction. Here are a few links to some Dystopia books if you would like to replace it. It's a Bonus category so you could just skip it if you wanted to.
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/22...
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/74...
Rishika - you seem to be missing a few categories from the top halfGLBT:
Paranormal OR Fantasy:
Suspense OR Mystery:
Young Adult:
Rishika wrote: "ONE BOOK FOR EACH GENRE
DURATION: 11 MONTHS ( JULY 30 2011- JUNE 2012)
Contemporary: The lovely bones ( mass market paper bound) By: Alice sebold.
Erotic : The outlaws lady By: Gina Duncan
Re..."
Fran wrote: "Hi MountainKat!I noticed that you listed Soulless as Dystopia. It is really Steampunk/Science Fiction. Here are a few links to some Dystopia books if you would like to replace it. It's a Bonus category so you could just skip it if you wanted to."
Hi Fran, now I am really confused.... I knew I took that pick off someone's list and after a quick search - it was yours! (In the suggestion thread.) Would it be considered Speculative Fiction and just picked the wrong description? Does it work for the category at all? Thanks for the help!
I did put it under Speculative Fiction or Dystopia but I should have made it clear that Soulless fell under the broader Speculative Fiction category and is not Dystopia, which is a sub-genre of Speculative Fiction. I am so sorry! The genre lines are so blurred and the definitions can be a bit muddled.According to Wikipedia, 'Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as well as related static, motion, and virtual arts.'
Dystopia according to Wiki- 'A dystopia (from Ancient Greek: δυσ-, "bad, hard",[1] and Ancient Greek: τόπος, "place, landscape";[2] alternatively cacotopia,[3][4] or anti-utopia) is the idea of a society in a repressive and controlled state, often under the guise of being utopian, as characterized in books like Brave New World, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and more recently, The Hunger Games. Dystopian societies feature different kinds of repressive social control systems, various forms of active and passive coercion. Ideas and works about dystopian societies often explore the concept of humans abusing technology and humans individually and collectively coping, or not being able to properly cope with technology that has progressed far more rapidly than humanity's spiritual evolution. Dystopian societies are often imagined as police states, with unlimited power over the citizens.'
So actually, you can just change the genre title from Dystopia to Speculative Fiction and all is well. Sorry about that. I forgot that it was an either/or choice so you can just use the other term. It fits fine that way.
Thanks Fran!! After looking it over, I figured that was my mistake - picking the wrong title. I have already picked up the book as an audio and have been wanting to read it. Now if I can just find the time...
MK - its a really good audiobook - i'm listening to the 4th one right now and the last one in the series is due out next month - IIRC
Thanks Dee!! I think it is second or third in line for me now - need to check off a PIFM audiobook first.
Mods, could I change my Historical Fiction? I tried to read The Marsh King's Daughter but I just couldn't get into it. I tried again last weekend but I still can't get into the book. I don't fancy giving it another try again in a few weeks and I so want to like this book. Can I change my historical book to North and South?
OK Vi, you can change it. As long as you gave it a shot and this is your only substitution it's fine :)
Thanks, Fran! According to status update, I made it to 140 pages before I gave up the first time. The second time, I made it to 50 pages. I don't know why I couldn't get into it. The blurb makes it right up my alley. I'm bummed cos I was really looking forward to the author. I'm scared to give another book of hers a try - what if I didn't like it either?
7/10 Completed Contemporary: No One Lives Twice by Julie Moffet.
✓Erotic Or BDSM:
✓GLBT:
✓Historical:
✓Paranormal:
Completed
✓Suspense Or Mystery: Still Missing By Chevy Steves. Completed 20/2/12
✓Women's Fiction Or Chick-lit:
World Lit: The God of Small Things By Arundhati Roy.
Young Adult: Ten Things We Did By Sarah Mlynowsk.
Bonus
✓Classic:
Completed
DISCUSION
Suspense Or Mystery: Still Missing By Chevy Steves.
(3 stars)
Now this is the first time I read a book that is from cover to cover a mystery or suspense. and the first time to read something by Chevy.
So this one was really out of my comfort-zone and sadly that was probably the only way I got to be pushed out of the comfort zone. Enough of this silliness, you probably want to know what I thought of this book, so here what I thought;
At first I was confused on who was doing the talking, then I caught on, felt weird reading the doc’s words/questions through her but it wasn’t bad weird.
I like the psychological issues so I liked that all the book was going through in a psychologist office.
Some stuff was really hard to hear/read, like the rape scene (death of her daughter, her helplessness). It broke my heart and I at first I couldn’t understand how a guy can be like that. He has a really messed up mind, and that would be the understatement of the year!
The author could have made the abductor sicker and twisted for us to out-right hate him but she made him with two faces. The one who would make you think and wonder how he got that bad. And the other that made you wishes to throttle him yourself. I’m not complaining that he is not sicker or badder, he sure made my stomach surge.
When I was half through, was so curious as to how she got away and what happened to her daughter, but at the same time I’m so scared to continue, cause oh man, there sure something sick happened, but I can’t stop.
Apparently I did continue and for her to have killed him to get away that is feasible,because he thought of every thing. and I liked how the author made me doubt everyone. I mean EVERY SINGLE PERSON, I even doubted the detective, However I didn't like the confusion of sometimes not knowing is she talking to the doc. or remembering or what.
The wrapping of the ending was good, the hope of a relationship with Gary was a nice, nice touch but wasn't impressed though.
I can't put my finger on why I didn't Really like it, maybe the continues shifting between present and past. that throw me off sometime.
I will read of this Genre again but maybe next time it will be something of ''True Events'' if anyone has any suggestions I'll really appreciate it. :)
Current Status - 13/23 and 1 DNF
- yes, I know i'm an overachiever!Contemporary: Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Finished - November 20 - this was my first Julie James and won't be my last. I find that contemporary romance is sometimes hard to pull off because its hard to not date the period and keep it applicable for a few years to come, but Ms James managed to succeed. Loved the interaction between Taylor and Jason and look forward to more.
Erotic: Raine - Finished - November 15 - I love erotic romance, but this series - I don't even know why I picked up the second one - if anything if was worse than the first. I could deal with the weird sexual issues - double penii and all, but the story just fizzled out - it was like she sat down and said, ok, I hit the word count, i'm done...
BDSM: Ice Queen - Finished - January 8 - wow, its always hard to find good BDSM books that make sense in a setting but completely draw you in and Joey def. did that with this book - I felt connected to what Tyler and Margurite were going through...now I have to read the next one since its the second half of their story...lol!
GLBT: Divide and Conquer - Finished - October 25 - Holy Ty and Zane hotness - loved this fourth installment in the Cut & Run series, and continuing my love for the m/m genre. Can't say much more without spoilers, but i'll def. be continuing this series and this genre
Historical: Burning Tigress - DNF'd - holy purple prose batman! I read three chapters before I gave up - if i had to hear one more word about her yin going with his yang (or was it the other way around I might have screamed)...I mean, heck, the book started with her and her brother walking in while he had acupruncture needles stuck in his penis and she didn't even blink an eye...WTF!!! - I'll find something else to substitute in here, just not sure what yet
***NEW BOOK***Under Fishbone Clouds
Regency: A Secret Affair
Paranormal: Immortal Rider - Finished - December 23 - OMG, now I have to wait for 6 months for the next dang book in the series to come out....I love that world that Ione has built, and the excerpt from book 3 made me want to read it all the more..NO FAIR!!
Fantasy: Drink Deep (Urban Fantasy) - Finished - December 29 - so at the end of book 4 most of us wanted to kill the author for what she did to the main 2 characters and I was really skeptical if she was going to be able to fix it, like she promised. This book def. felt like a bridging book in a trilogy in that it was very slow going and building, and then whamo by the end...but i'll def. be reading more in the series and of the genre in the future
Suspense: Breaking the Rules (romantic suspense)
Mystery: In the Bleak Midwinter
Women's Fiction: Night Road - Finished - February 17 - I typically like KH as a rule, but women's fiction tends to be hit or miss for me. Sometimes its really good and sometimes its really bad (yes Jodi Picoult, i'm looking at you). I ended up giving this book 4 stars, but there were some serious issues with one of the main characters that I had. I still need to figure out how to write my review without it being too spoiler-ish...lol! But I already have her new one on reserve at the library, so i'll def. be reading more in the future.
Chick-lit: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
World Lit/International: Wife of the Gods: A Novel (Ghana, Africa) - Finished - September 10 - one of the other groups i'm in is doing an around the world in 80 books challenge, I love it because it has made it read books not set in the US/UK/France. This one is a mystery set in Ghana and i enjoyed it. The author grew up there and while he now lives in the US it had an authentic feel. I'll def. be reading more by him in the future.
Young Adult:
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Agnes Grey
Memoir: Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom - Finished - August 9, 2011 - I love reading memoirs because they are all so unique - some sad and some happy - this one fell right in the middle of the genre to me - it was the story of Zoya (who is not her real name) who is working to help liberate the women in Afghanistan...she grew up there and then escaped to Pakistan after her parents were killed by the Taliban. I will def. keep reading this genre.
Non-fiction: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Finished - August 24, 2011 - for me non-fiction is either really good or really bad - because this was based on economics I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised - the book was simple to read and make sense, even though it was published in the early 1990's - I think for me, the best chapter was the one about an individuals' name and its relationship to whether a person gets a job interview or not...and definately made me laugh, because I have had some head scratching moments when i've been like, you names you kid what?? - will def. be reading more by this guy and in the genre
Thriller: Fallen (shelved by 11 as thriller)
Horror: Let the Right One in
Religious: Drums of Change: The Story of Running Fawn
Inspirational: Christmas Jars
Speculative Fiction: 11/22/63: A Novel (alternate history) - to be released in November
Dystopia: Crossed - Finished - January 9, 2012 - this was obviously a middle book in a trilogy in that lots happened and yet nothing really happend (if that makes sense at all...). I liked seeing the further development of Cassia and Ky, but wish there had been more of Xander. Will be interesting to see what happens in the last book. I'm on a real Dystopia kick right now, so i'll def. be reading more.
Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
Contemporary: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Erotic: The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey W. Hill
Historical: Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Fantasy: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Suspense: Killing Floor by Lee Child
World Lit: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Memoir: Moab Is My Washpot by Stephen Fry
Horror: Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Forever
Slightly dissapointed with this final book in the trilogy - it was an extremely slow burner and just when it started to pick up - it was over. The books have never lived up to the first one. But it was worth reading just to see what happened to Sam.
I read a lot of YA and this trilogy was definately one of the better ones - it just a shame they couldn't have all lived up to the promise of the first book.
Charlotte (Buried in Books) wrote: "Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
Contemporary: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Erotic: [book:The Vampire Queen's Serva..."
Charlotte,
I've heard that the third book is nowhere near as good as the first and many were unhappy with the ending. I have the first one at home but don't want to start it because I already know the ending is disappointing!
The first book is great Fran - the trilogy is worth reading just for the character of Sam. He'll break your heart (in a good way).At the end of Forever I was very confused, but glad I'd read it.
11/17Erotic: Wicked Ties
Historical: A Kingdom of Dreams
Women's Ficttion: Firefly Lane
World Lit: In the Time of the Butterflies
BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
1. BDSM Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair. I have actually tried this genre a couple of times before, and each time it has been a disaster. The books end-up being really short and lack a plot. This book was completely different. Yes, it had many sex scenes (duh!), but I liked that the characters had some depth and flaws that made them more real than some sex-crazed couple. Even though I really enjoyed this book, I won't be reading books from this genre anymore (well unless it's for a GR challenge :D )
2. GLBT Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford. Never tried the genre before (not my thing). I'm really glad that I pick this book. I liked how the chapters were actually the days he (Jeff) spent in the psych ward. Some parts were so sad that I got teary-eyed.I also liked how I got to know Jeff before the why he tried to commit suicide was explained, and how his character evolved throughout the book. What I really didn't like (and why I gave it 4/5 stars) was that I didn't find out what happened between Jeff and his friend Allie. I would have liked at least some information of what happened after he got out.
3. Contemporary Mr.Perfect by Linda Howard. I have tried this genre before and I have also read another book by Linda Howard. This book was really good. I just loved whenever the H/h would interact.I often found by self laughing out loud anytime Jaine said something sarcastic. I loved the romance (even though the falling in love part was a little too quick), the suspense, the humor. It was just a great book. I will definitely read more books by this author.
4. Suspense Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare. I have read this genre before and I love it! I hated this book, and it is really hard for me to hate a book because I LOVE books, but this book was just awful. From the very first page it's all about sex. The romance was definitely not credible (didn't feel the connection between H/h) and the suspense, well it lacked suspense (if that makes any sense)I will not read a book by this author ever again. I seriously regret picking this book.
5. Fantasy: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. I have read this genre before and it is one of my favorites. I loved this book, but because so many characters were intro. at once sometimes I confused them. Good plot and lots of action! I will definitely keep reading the series.
6. Chick-Lit: Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews. I had read the first of the two books in this series before, and it was an okay book so I decided to pick this book the finish the series. Savannah Breeze was an okay book. Not too much action, not too much romance, not to much of anything really. I had to push myself to finish the book because the only interesting part was the first couple of chapters,when I was waiting for Reddy to run away with Bebe's money. Thank God this is the last books in the series because I wouldn't have read the next book.
7. Regency The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I have read this genre before, but nothing from this author. I chose this book because in high school we had a lesson on Henry VIII and his many wives so I thought, why not. Well I had to read this book pretending that the main characters were not actual people and that this was only a fiction novel because of the many historical mistakes, but since I wasn't going to let that get to me, I ended up really enjoying this book.
8. YA Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow. I have read this genre many times before, but I haven't read anything by the author ( I plan not to read anything by her again). This book started out good (the first couple of chapters, but then it got really boring. For some reason I kept comparing it to Vampire Academy, I guess because it had almost the same terminology for the paranormals. I only finished this book because it was for this challenge, if not, I would have tossed it out.
9.Dystopia Divergent by Veronica Roth. I have read this genre before and I think I have read a book by Veronica Roth. Well let me start by saying that this book was amazing! Loved everything about it. All I got to say is you HAVE to read it. It made me think about what if the world ends up like this years from now? Loved the this book!
10. Paranormal Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K Hamilton. This is one of my favorite genres, but I don't think I have ever read anything by this author; even though I didn't like this book, I will give the author another chance in he future. This book's pace was soo slow! I felt like I read three books instead of one. The action seemed forced and fake. The characters were not likeable. I have read other books by vamp huntress' that were more action packed than this one and often found myself comparing this book to that one. This book was such a disappointment.
11. Mystery And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. I have read this genre before, but I have not read anything by Agatha Christie before. This book was so boring; I had such a hard time finishing it. It was one of those books that when you finish them, you remember nothing about them. I couldn't connect with the characters and it felt like it took forever for me to finish this book. I also really hated having the story told from everyone's pov. I plan on never reading a book by Agatha Christie again.
Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
5/9 completed
1.
2.Erotic: Broken Wings by Lora Leigh
3.GLBT: Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban
4.
5.
6.
7.Chick-lit: Hard Day's Knight by Katie MacAlister
8.International(Hungary): The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter
9.
Discussion: Have I read this genre and what did I think of this book/author?
1.Contemporary: Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy - I like contemporary, not as much as I like PNR tho. This book is a solid 4 for me. I think out of the 3 books so far, this one has the most emotional roller costers and hotter scenes. Again, this's an easy read just like the first two. If my ex looks like the cover guy, I would probably go back too. But too bad.... I'm not as lucky as Suzanne.
4. Historical: The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. I really like Historical. It doesn't matter what era. I like them all. For this book -- I have to stop and think before I can write a review. There was a lot going on. There're some part that I liked, and other I didn't. Though, book 2, the Winter Rose, remains my most favorite of the series. The plot was eventful and adventuresome. No doubt. From the Gobi to Arabia, Willa and Seamie traveled and survived many deaths. I was pleasantly surprised, in part two, of the Braxtons’ appearances. I loved them. Sid, India, and the kids, I was glad that they were alive and well. If there were to be a 4th book, I hope we ’d get to see him again. My wild guess, no pun intended here, is going to be a bout Katie Finnegan or Charlotte Braxton. Whoever it this, I don’t really care -- I just hope that Miss Donnelly will keep on writing.
5. PNR: Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian - I love PNR. It is pretty much my main genre. I love LOTU and Night Huntress. This book is a combination of the two. So, yeah, I love this series too. A lot of people compared it to BDB series. Well, I have not read them yet but I take there words for it.:) This is my first book of this author. And I'm really looking forward to reading the next book.
6. Suspense/Mystery: Zinnia by Jayne Castle. I really enjoyed this book. Jayne Castle wrote it well. I gave it a solid 4 stars. This is the second book in the series. I really liked the characters in this book. Love Nick & Zinnia. I really like Leo too. The plot was okay. I was surprised at the twist in the end tho. I'll definitely read the next book, Orchid.
9. YA:Glass Houses by Rachel Caine. This is my first Rachel Caine book. It was okay for me. I just don't like the mean-girls versus prodigy theme (in general nothing personal). The vamp and ghost were kinda thrown in but really no value added. If you took them out, you won't miss anything. -- It has potenital I guess but I'm not sure at this point that I will read the second book. -- However, having said all of that. I love YA genre in general and will continue reading it.
One Book For Each Genre Challenge July 30, 2011 - June 30, 2012 (started August 6, 2011)
13/16 completed
√Contemporary: Undeniably Yours completed 8/7/11
√Erotic: Changing the Game completed 8/6/11
√BDSM: Roped In completed 11/10/11
√GLBT: (f/f) Heart of Change completed 3/2/12
√Historical OR Regency: It Happened One Autumn completed 10/1/11
√Paranormal: Elijah completed 8/25/11
Fantasy: King of Sword and Sky
√Suspense OR Mystery: T is for Trespass completed 10/11/11
√Women's Fiction OR Chick-lit: Confessions of a Shopaholic completed 12/24/11
√World Lit/International: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency completed 11/4/11
√Young Adult: The Hunger Games completed 10/11/11
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
√Classic: Pride and Prejudice completed 9/16/11
Memoir OR Non-fiction: Foxy: My Life in Three Acts
√Thriller OR Horror: Before I Go to Sleep completed 3/2/12
Religious OR Inspirational: By Reason of Insanity
√Speculative Fiction OR Dystopia: Matched completed 11/15/11
Discussion:
Erotic: This is one of my usual genres so I was totally in my element. Changing the Game is the second book in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton. I really liked this one but some of it annoyed me. But, I love dominant men and strong women who like to be a submissive in the bedroom, so while not a BDSM book, it was right up my alley.
Contemporary: Undeniably Yours is the second book in the Kowalskis series by Shannon Stacey. I really liked her voice and even though I wasn't totally fond of the heroine, I LOVED the hero. Full review found here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Paranormal: Elijah is the 3rd book in the Nightwalkers series by Jacquelyn Frank. I'm new to the series, but I have truly fallen in love with. I think the world-building and the lore behind the Nightwalkers are both fantastic. I have listened to this series on Audio and the Narrator Xe Sands is just amazing. I think she has made the whole series for me.
Classic: Pride and Prejudice was one of my favorite books when I was younger. I read it again and it was difficult for me to read. Everything was full of flourish. I found myself impatient for the characters to just say what they meant! LOL I don't know if it's now that even when I'm reading I'm thinking about all of the million of others things I HAVE to do, but I just didn't enjoy as much as I did previously. *shrug*
Historical or Regency: It Happened One Autumn was FANTASTIC! I am not usually a fan of historical romance, but Lisa Kleypas really makes me question that. I loved Secrets of a Summer Night, but I think I liked this book more because I didn't particularly care for the hero when we met in the first book, but I guess he just needed to fall in love because I absolutely adored him in this! I may have to start reading more historical romances!
Suspense OR Mystery: I listened the Alphabet Mystery Series by Sue Grafton on audiobook, and I have to admit that some books have been better than others. I don't think I would have liked the series as much as I do if I hadn't listened to them. But the first narrator for the series really had a great voice and interpretation of the character, so I got hooked. I had been disappointed with the last few "letters", so I had put the series down for a while. I picked it back up for this challenge and I must say that I really liked T is for Trespass. This book was done differently since we knew exactly who the culprit was from the beginning. Also we got to see the culprits point of view as well as Kinsey's (the main character) throughout the book. It certainly kept me interested, and it has renewed my interest in the series. My only problem now is that there is only up to "U" done so far, so I'll have to wait for the rest of the series to come out. I've been spoiled so far since I started listening to it about a year and a half ago. :)
Young Adult: YA is a relatively new genre for me. I'm glad that The Hunger Games was among one of the first books I've read in the genre. I have a ton of thoughts about it though because I mean, wow, this is a really difficult book to review. As much as I liked it, it made me uncomfortable. What a horrible world to have to live in when we put are young people in such horrible situations! But, are there a lot of young ones in horrible situations right now, too? The brutality and horror during the game were difficult at times, but what was the most difficult was the conditions from where Katniss came. A child without at childhood, a girl not able to enjoy being one. I will say that even though I was having all of these thoughts, I really devoured the book, and I can't wait to read the next one. I'm actually glad that the trilogy is already finished because I don't think I would have been able to wait in between books the way some people had to.
World Lit/International: I read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and I think this moved just way too slow for me. I really had to work at keeping my attention on it. I'd read a chapter and then go read another book, and so on. I thought if I could get past the beginning, it would get better but it just didn't. I liked the content but no the way it was delivered.
BDSM: Oh, this is one of my FAVORITES! I love erotica especially menage and BDSM. Something about the power exchange speaks to me. Roped In is the book I chose for this genre because I've had it on my TBR for a while. I've read Sindra van Yssel a few times in the past and have really enjoyed her books. This book was also very enjoyable. I like the newbie subs getting introduced to the lifestyle by the more experienced Dom. My only issue was that I thought the love connection was little bit too quick for me to really fall into the story. But, I really liked it otherwise. This is the first book in the Bondage Ranch series, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
Speculative Fiction or Dystopia: I chose dystopia for this part of the challenge, and I read Matched. It's YA and it's about a world that I would never want to live in. It was very interesting to see how different the world would be if every portion of our lives was controlled by the government. And for what reason? To live longer? To not have war? Is that worth it? Interesting questions for me to think about. I will definitely continue with this series.
Women's Fiction or Chick-lit: This isn't a genre I typically read just because I'm more of an erotica girl, but I have to say I thought this book was absolutely adorable. Rebecca was hilarious and I just had a good time reading it. I'm interested in seeing what's going to happen next because it was just getting good when it ended...what a tease!
GLBT: This is a genre I'm very comfortable with. However, this one fell flat for me. It was too angsty. It really got on my nerves. I just don't think that two screwed up people should be together. It just doesn't work.
Thriller or Horror: I went with thriller on this one and read Before I Go to Sleep. I'm not a big horror girl because my imagination is so vivid, I really freak myself out, so I figure that thriller is the safer choice. This was a good book. I loved the suspense and trying to figure out the mystery behind it all. It was a little freaky though because she had absolutely no idea what was happening to her. *shiver*
Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
Contemporary: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Erotic: The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey W. Hill
Historical: Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Fantasy: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Suspense: Killing Floor by Lee Child
World Lit: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Horror: Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Moab is My Washpot
I've had this book for over 10 years and finally read it. I've always had a soft spot for Stephen Fry and although this book wasn't particularly enjoyable to read (he wasn't particularly nice growing up), I still like him and have a great respect for him. I will be reading the next installment at some point, as I've had it for over a year now.
As for the genre - I read quite a lot of autobiographies and this one certainly hasn't put me off.
Dare You to Read - One Book For Each Genre (2011-2012)July 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012
13 of 14 read. Updated 3.13.12 - One to go!!
✓Contemporary: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton 9.20.11
✓Erotic: Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks 8.15.11
✓GLBT: Hot Head by Damon Suede 9.12.11
✓Historical: That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey 8.11.11
✓Paranormal: Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian 10.18.11
✓Suspense: Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare 8.6.11
✓Chick-lit: Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich 8.22.11
✓World Lit/International: The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson 1.16.12
✓Young Adult: Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
Bonus Categories:
✓Classic: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 2.12.12
✓Memoir: Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen 8.12.11
Thriller: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
✓Religious: A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight 8.21.11
✓Speculative Fiction: Soulless by Gail Carriger 3.12.12
Discussion - Have I read this genre and what did I think of this book/author?
Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare - I love romantic suspense! It seems some of the best book I have read this year fall into this category. This is the third book in Pamela Clare's I-Team series, I read the first two earlier this year and I have to ask myself why did I wait so long to get back to this series!?! Ms. Clare is an amazing author, she moves me so deeply with her writing! So many things that happened in this book would have been wrong if handled differently - they even felt wrong in this book, but in the end I was able to excuse them. There were so many levels of gray in this book; good guys doing bad for all the right reasons, bad guys who looked like good guys... An awesome love story with a wonderful ending. I loved it! *5 Stars*
That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey - Johanna Lindsey wrote the book that hooked me on romance after having just started reading again after stopping while my kids were young, so I have a real soft spot for her books. That said, some of her recent books haven't always lived up to my memories. I'm happy to say this one did! I really enjoyed this book, it was sweet and funny. But don't read it thinking you are going to be reading a book about one of the Malorys - several of them are in it, even somewhat prominently, but neither the hero or the heroine is related in any way no matter how distant. I liked it anyway. =)
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen - I don't often read this genre, but I really enjoyed this one! I liked reading about the author's journey from a rather low point in her life, her husband of 15 years left her for "a guy named Bob from gay.com" and recovering from a serious car accident, back home to her roots. She had to come to terms with her choices and even her prejudices. It was enlightening and thought provoking. It was also laugh out loud funny. The author's humor was ever present, even while addressing the destruction of her marriage. I found that admirable. I listened to the audio version and thought that the book was well suited for that and the narrator, Hillary Huber, was also quite good.
Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks - Yeppers, I do like some smut in my romance on occasion! No comment on how frequent that occasion is... But to like it I do require a story and characters I like. This book had both. =) I was a little surprised at how sweet it was (yes, even with Sweet in the title), so that was an added plus. I have only read Maya Banks' Romantic Suspense before and loved them, but had heard that her erotica wasn't as good so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised - that is always a good thing!
A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight - Not something I would normally pick up. I don't particularly enjoy religious books, I usually find faith something too individual to feel right while reading about it in a story. And I hate being preached to in my books. While religion was quite prevalent in this book, it was, fortunately for my tastes, directed inward towards the main characters. It was about how their lives needed God, not how everyone did. It was their personal struggles to overcome their pasts and how their faith helped them find their future together. So, IMO, it was a nice story - rather religious, but not overly preachy.
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich - Chick -it is just OK for me. I typically find the heroine in the story a little annoying. I do like Janet Evanovich's style, but it isn't something I could read too often - I think I might find it as annoying as most chick-lit heroines if I did. I guess I am just one of the people who isn't going to be head over heels for these books. I like them well enough, but I just don't think I am going to rush through the series. For me Stephanie and crew are just going to be filler books here and there and that's OK.
Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson - I don't often read young adult books, and even though this is about a young girl, it deals with subjects that would be hard for young children to read about. I thought the author did a good job at capturing the feel of the original "Anne" books. There were parts were I felt like she relied too heavily on what was too come in the books, but I can overlook that. (I can imagine it would be impossible not to have Anne feel happy and optimistic that the trials of her past were behind her as she was heading for the Cuthberts.) There were a few other things that were slightly unbelievable, but the one that stands out for me, would not likely bother others. I always preferred to read about a slightly older Anne, even so reading about an even younger Anne was still fun.
Hot Head by Damon Suede - I have read other M/M books in the past, but none by this author. I liked it. I thought the story was good and the characters likable. There were some things that bothered me a little, but in the end i found it an enjoyable read. I thought the author did a good job of dealing with the emotions involved, it felt real to me.
Changing the Game by Jaci Burton - There are times when a good CR is the best thing to read! I am so glad to be finding more that are good, because when they are bad they are booooorrrrrrinnnng! I did really enjoy this story. I loved Lizzie and Gavin together! All of the relationships in this book we so nice to read about - the girlfriends, the family, the parents. That was one of the nicest parts of the book for me! That and it was pretty darned steamy too!
Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian - Seriously?! Seriously, it ended there?! Arrrrgggghhh!! When does the next book come out?! I really liked this book, but I think I liked the advancement of the overall story line more than the romance. I did like Hunter and Corinne, but their romance just didn't do that much for me. I did like the resolution with Mira's vision too - wasn't sure how that was going to work out while I was reading. One thing I thought was a little strange is that the book was set in December right before Christmas. I found it odd for a book released in the middle of summer. Another was the timeline of the series as a whole, it was repeated several times that the entire series has taken place in a year and a half. I have been reading it much longer than that!!
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson - I'm having a really hard time rating this book. The story was quite intriguing - once you figured out what the story actually was. That took about a third of the book. But the telling of that story was very disjointed, with numerous threads that were not easy to follow. Eventually these threads all came together to form a cord and made sense, but it wasn't without difficulty. The story literally jumps from one thread for a page or two, to another thread for two paragraphs, to yet another thread for a couple of pages and back to the first thread for several paragraphs. There was also a great deal of minutia, details that don't necessarily move the story forward. It is frustrating because you don't know if these details will later be important, but because there are so many, you know you won't remember them. And then it ended without really wrapping things up. All in all, I'm glad I read this book and I will read the third. I don't see any of them being rereads though.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - I am not really sure what to make of this book. There are not many characters to like, in fact most of them are despicable. Overall, I guess my thoughts could be summed up as the writing was good, but the story was not. I'm glad to have read this book, but it will never become a favorite.
Soulless by Gail Carriger - I have not read this genre or author before and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I listened to the audio book and that may have influenced my opinion because the narrator was delightful! I will be continuing with the series and just hope I can fit it in sooner rather than later!
MountainKat,So glad you enjoyed Soulless. I don't know what my problem is, but I've picked that book up 3 times and keep putting it down after 20 pages or so. Maybe audio would help me with this one. Or maybe Steampunk just isn't for me?
Wow! I can't believe we have less than 4 months left for this challenge! Where did the year go? I will have updated stats posted by tomorrow. Who thinks they can finish in time? (I'm not sure I can!)
I can finish the main books, but I'm not sure I can finish the bonus books. I'm trying to get myself up for it! This was the first challenge I ever did on Goodreads and I loved it.
Leslie wrote: "I can finish the main books, but I'm not sure I can finish the bonus books. I'm trying to get myself up for it! This was the first challenge I ever did on Goodreads and I loved it."Leslie,
Finishing all the main books is awesome! I'm so glad you liked the challenge :)
I think I can probably get the main books done as well - which is sooooooo much better than last year, think I didn't even get halfway through before.It's forced me to read some books I've had for a very long time and been good fun.
Fran wrote: "MountainKat,So glad you enjoyed Soulless. I don't know what my problem is, but I've picked that book up 3 times and keep putting it down after 20 pages or so. Maybe audio would help me with this ..."
I really liked the audio of this book, I liked the narrator a lot. She had a delightful accent and the pacing is very good. You might give it a try! =)
And I will finish! Only one to go and I might even get to it this month since it fits one of the categories in the monthly challenge.
The books I have left are a bit challenging. I also need to pick a manga book. Hoping to complete 2 more this month which would leave me with 4 books.
13/17Women's Ficttion: Firefly Lane
World Lit: In the Time of the Butterflies
BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
10. Paranormal Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K Hamilton. This is one of my favorite genres, but I don't think I have ever read anything by this author; even though I didn't like this book, I will give the author another chance in he future. This book's pace was soo slow! I felt like I read three books instead of one. The action seemed forced and fake. The characters were not likeable. I have read other books by vamp huntress' that were more action packed than this one and often found myself comparing this book to that one. This book was such a disappointment.
11. Mystery And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. I have read this genre before, but I have not read anything by Agatha Christie before. This book was so boring; I had such a hard time finishing it. It was one of those books that when you finish them, you remember nothing about them. I couldn't connect with the characters and it felt like it took forever for me to finish this book. I also really hated having the story told from everyone's pov. I plan on never reading a book by Agatha Christie again.
11. Erotic Wicked Ties. I have read this genre before, but I don't remember reading anything by this author. I could not get into this book; maybe it was the lack of plot. I will not be reading anything by this author again.
12. Historical A Kingdom of Dreams. I have read this genre before, but not anything by this author. I really liked the beginning of this book until the main characters started living together. I loved the excitement and the suspense of what was going to happen next; once they started living together, I started getting bored.
Hi Everyone! Here is an update- many of you are close to finishing! There is still plenty of time left to complete the challenge. I love reading everyone's reviews, I hope you do too :)Jane- 6/12
Fran- 12/16
Eimeriina- 7/14
Amy J.- 12/14
Sassafrass- 13/16
-Sara- - 7/24
Charlotte- 6/14
MountainKat- 13/14
Ola- 7/10
Dee- 13/23 1 DNF
Sandy- 7/10
Vi- 14/19
Lynne- 10/24
Angie- 16/16 Done!
Leslie- 11/15
Wan- 5/9
D Lord- 2/9
Judithe- 0/10
Shirley- 8/15
Mandy- 2/14
Roxy- 7/9
Nanalla- 0/13
Anna- 3/9
Gigi- 2/9
Sara- 1/11
taita- 0/11
Debbie- 0/9
Bips- 8/12 (Please post discussion answers)
Tina "reading mommy"- 6/9 (Please post discussion answers)
Adriana- 13/17
Ab2y- 2/15
Aimie- 6/9
Rishika- 0/11
I'm sorry if I've missed anyone or didn't update to the correct number read. Just let me know and I'll fix it.
Thanks for the statistics, Fran! It's nice to see where everyone is in this. And I love reading the reviews, that's why I like this challenge so much. I hope you're going to run it again later.Unfortunately, my bonus books are one's I don't really want to read :={ But I'm going to try. I've only not completed a challenge once and I don't want to do it again!!
Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
Erotic: The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey W. Hill
Historical: Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Fantasy: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Suspense: Killing Floor by Lee Child - Currently Reading
World Lit: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - Currently Reading
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Currently Reading
Horror: Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist
High Fidelity
Yet another book that I've had for a VERY long time. I used to go through phases where I'd buy a book by an author I've never read - don't read the book, but become consumed by the need to buy more books by that author - which is how I ended up with 6 Nick Hornby books (and a lot of Anita Shreve's - but at least I've read one of those).
I guess part of the reason I put off reading this one is that I'd seen the movie and liked it (I mean, its got John Cusack in it - what's not to like). The book helped me to understand men a little bit better - especially my ex-husband. Their inability to be happy with what they've got - the way they sabotage themselves. The insecurity they feel that they think will be filled by going out and shagging someone else. The fear of death and loosing those they love - so it's better to remain detached.
At some point you have to look at your life and say - that's no way to live? Being afraid and miserable all the time. That you have to take that chance and make some compromises and see where life takes you.
It was good and I'll be reading more of his books and more of that genre.
Holy Cow Charlotte, was all that in the book? I never read it or saw the movie (but I love John Cusack too!). I have a feeling that you are just very perceptive :)
14/17World Lit: In the Time of the Butterflies
BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
10. Paranormal Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K Hamilton. This is one of my favorite genres, but I don't think I have ever read anything by this author; even though I didn't like this book, I will give the author another chance in he future. This book's pace was soo slow! I felt like I read three books instead of one. The action seemed forced and fake. The characters were not likeable. I have read other books by vamp huntress' that were more action packed than this one and often found myself comparing this book to that one. This book was such a disappointment.
11. Mystery And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. I have read this genre before, but I have not read anything by Agatha Christie before. This book was so boring; I had such a hard time finishing it. It was one of those books that when you finish them, you remember nothing about them. I couldn't connect with the characters and it felt like it took forever for me to finish this book. I also really hated having the story told from everyone's pov. I plan on never reading a book by Agatha Christie again.
12. Erotic Wicked Ties. I have read this genre before, but I don't remember reading anything by this author. I could not get into this book; maybe it was the lack of plot. I will not be reading anything by this author again.
13. Historical A Kingdom of Dreams. I have read this genre before, but not anything by this author. I really liked the beginning of this book until the main characters started living together. I loved the excitement and the suspense of what was going to happen next; once they started living together, I started getting bored.
14. Women's Fiction Firefly Lane. I have never read anything by this actor or in this genre. I just want to say how much I LOVED this book. I hate when I read more than one point of view in a book, but for this book it was perfect. I loved following the friendship between Tully and Kate( their ups and downs and their in-betweens). I wish the ending was different, even though it ended very realistic. I will definitely be reading something by this author in the future.
Fran wrote: "Holy Cow Charlotte, was all that in the book? I never read it or saw the movie (but I love John Cusack too!). I have a feeling that you are just very perceptive :)"All in 250 pages - it didn't stop, it kept moving all the time.
Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
Erotic: The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey W. Hill
Historical: Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Fantasy: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Suspense: Killing Floor by Lee Child - Currently Reading
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Currently Reading
Horror: Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
OK, I admit it, I had to see what all the fuss was about - I love crime novels but have always tended to stick to either British or American authors and settings - so this World Lit catergory gave me the opportunity to try something different.
You could tell it wasn't originally written in english - although the translation was very good - there were certain bits I had to read twice because they didn't sound right (if that makes any sense).
It was a very good story (I gave it 4/5) which gave me a couple of "penny dropping" moments (that's what I love about my Kindle, I can't flick through and ruin the story like I can with a dead tree book.
Lisbeth is a fascinating character and I really want to see where she goes in the rest of trilogy.
I've also got several other crime books by scandinavian writers that I'll be bumping up my TBR pile. It's good to go outside your comfort zone!
15/17BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
15. World Lit In the Time of the Butterflies. I have never read this category or anything by this author. I started this book with very high hopes after reading some of the reviews. Yes the story was very moving, but I just couldn't connect. I feel like a bad person, lol, for not liking this book since it is such a touching story about the 4 sisters in Dominican Republic. Maybe semi-non-fiction books are just not my thing.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Phantom Evil (other topics)Hourglass (other topics)
The Winter Rose (other topics)
True Love and Other Disasters (other topics)
Wicked Ties (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Nalini Singh (other topics)Richard Dawkins (other topics)
Jane Seville (other topics)
Tawna Fenske (other topics)
Evangeline Anderson (other topics)
More...
12/16 Done
Contemporary: The Sweetest Thing
Erotic: Passionate Pleasures
GLBT: Caught Running9/10 (3.5*)
BDSM: Silent Heat12/20 (2.5*)
Historical/Regency:Lily Mine10/23 (3.5*)
Paranormal:Halfway to the Grave
Fantasy: The Body Finder8/2 (3*)
Suspense: Murder Game12/3 (4*)
Mystery: And Then There Were None8/5 (5*)
Women's Fiction:Life From Scratch
Chick-lit: And One Last Thing ...1/19 (4*)
World Lit/International: Like Water for Chocolate11/11 (3*)
Young Adult: Demonglass10/10 (4*)
Optional/Bonus:
Memoir:A Jew Grows in Brooklyn: The Curious Reflections of a First-Generation American8/13
Non-Fiction:Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me 10/9 (3*)
Inspirational:Chicken Soup for the Soul: Woman to Woman: Women Sharing Their Stories of Hope, Humor, and Inspiration1/31 (3*)
Discussion:
7.Historical/Regency: Lily Mine by Annabel Joseph: I have read this author before and lots in this genre. I have read much less historical recently because I have just been burnt out on it. I liked this story but it did use a plot device I don't usually care for- impersonating someone else and deceiving others. Luckily the hero asks the heroine to purpetuate this deceit so at least the H/h are in on the ruse together. Although neither of them likes it. There is a bit of light bondage in this historical (it is Annabel Joseph after all!) and maybe a bit steamier than most historicals, but still a sweet story and a nice HEA. I will continue to sparingly read historical in the future and I will definitely keep reading Annabel Joseph.
8.World Lit/International: Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel. This is the first time reading this author for me. I have read a few books in the past that describe a culture in depth, but I think this may be the first time where magical realism was part of the storyline. There were some things about this book that I really liked, the magical realism being one of them. But the love story itself seemed so childish and I don't want to give any spoilers away but uplifting this is not. The setting of the Mexican Revolution and the descriptions of Mexican culture were very interesting, and I learned that it was tradition for the first born daughter to give up her independence and chance at marriage to take care of her mother for the mother's entire life. Let's just say that did not sit well with Tita! I would read this genre again and maybe this author too.
9.Suspense: Murder Game by Christine Feehan12/3/11.I don't read a lot of Suspense but there a few series I will read that have Suspense and Romance. I have read this author before and this series. I really like the Ghostwalkers; hunky, genetically enhanced military guys who love their women something fierce! I admit it, I really like it when the hero is totally consumed with the heroine, bordering on stalkerish; only has eyes (and other body parts) for her. Throw in an ongoing conspiracy and deceit, throw in a new serial killer twist, and another installment of the series is born. For me, it's the relationship between the H/h that really draws me to this series, with the interesting paranormal suspense a bonus. I will definitely continue with the series.
10.BDSM: Silent HeatVonna Harper.12/20/11(2.5*)I have read many BDSM themed books. This one was not a good one. I loved the premise of the heroine being deaf, having a disability and exploring this lifestyle. But unfortunately I don't think the author did a good job explaining BDSM to the reader or the inexperienced heroine. I did like her, and was interested in her story, but the love/sex scenes fell flat for me, as well as the confusing BDSM talk/action. I will probably read more titles by this author in the future, but not a BDSM one.
11.Chick-lit: And One Last Thing ... by Molly Harper. I have read chick-lit before and really enjoy it. I have also read one other by Molly Harper and really enjoy her voice. This book is witty, at points laugh-out-loud funny and yet still manages to have nice moments of self-discovery and growth by the heroine. She lost herself somewhere along the way in her marriage, and started to find her way back to herself by the end of the book (and the end of her marriage). I will definitely be reading more Molly Harper and more chick-lit/women's fiction in the future.
12.Inspirational: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Woman to Woman: Women Sharing Their Stories of Hope, Humor, and Inspiration by Jack Canfield. I don't read a lot in the Inspirational genre and I have never read any of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. This is a hard one for me to discuss. If I had read it at a different time in my life I may have felt differently. One of my close friends recently had a tragedy in her family. She lost her 17 year old daughter suddenly and unexpectedly. Our families have known each other for 12 years and our kids have been friends since they were 3 and 5. This book is a compilation of his other books, favorite stories of love and hope and God's intervention. It was a little heavy-handed with the religious aspect for me, but that's my fault for not realizing that's what this series is about. I thought it would be more inspirational in that women are helping other women, giving advice, being there for them. It was some of that, but more about faith in a higher power. I cried throughout the entire book, but can't explain why. Mostly I felt sorrow and grief even though the stories were uplifting. I think it's just too soon for me to get perspective. I would still give Inspirational a shot, but probably not for awhile and not with such religious overtones.