Challenge: 50 Books discussion
Finish Line 2012!
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Juli's 2012 "Finally Getting to my To Be Read List" Reads
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Good luck w/that plan I always get sidetracked by a book I haven't seen before.I also have a recommendation for you. It's an excellent read. Most people usually finish it once they start. The legal docs. are great atrue story. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Let me know if you read it. The book is ..I"m Nobody: My Mother said it I no longer believe it...written by, Erma Steppe. Thanks.
I know what you mean! So many books just pile up as you want to buy shiny new ones, haha. Good luck Juli!
Thanks everyone. Hope you all have a great year of reading as well.
January1) The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
12/25/11-1/2/12
148 pages
2) Tomb of the Golden Bird - Elizabeth Peters
12/21/11-1/6/12
12 sound discs, 13.75 hours
3) The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley
1/6-1/12
8 sound discs, 10 hours
4) Amelia Peabody's Egypt: a Compendium
1/3-1/16
334 pages
5) Quiet Please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian - Scott Douglas
1/16-1/25
330 pages
6) The Weed that strings the Hangman's Bag - Alan Bradley
1/16-1/26
8 sound discs, 10 hours
Total pages to date: 812
Total hours listened to date: 33.75
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
February7) The Apothecary's Daughter - Julie Klassen
1/26-2/4
416 pages
8) A Red Herring Without Mustard - Alan Bradley
2/7-2/15
9 sound discs, 11 hours
3 stars - Enjoyable read, but for some reason the narration didn't hold my attention as well as the first two books in the series.
9) The Centurion's Wife - Davis Bunn & Janette Oke
2/6/-2/20
378 pages
4 stars - Rich detail and accurate plot line come together to make a trip into the world of Jerusalem just after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus
10) I Am Half-Sick of Shadows
2/17-2/24
6 discs, 7.5 hours
4 stars- It's great to read a book with such a strong, smart young girl as the main character. I also liked the twists which came out of nowhere. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
Total pages to date: 1,606
Total hours listened to date: 52.25 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
March11) The God Cookie - Geoffry Wood
2/22-3/1
307 pages
3 stars - Took me awhile to get into this book, but I eventually got hooked. It was a so-so read.
12) A River in the Sky - Elizabeth Peters
2/29-3/6
2 sound files - 12.8 hours
13) Borrower of the Night- Elizabeth Peters
3/8-3/14
6 sound discs, 6.88 hours
2 stars - It was okay, but not great. Nothing like the Amelia Peabody series, but I plan to stick with the series to see if it gets better.
14) Little Bee - Chris Cleave
3/5-3/17
275 pages
5 stars - Great characters and very inspiring
15) Street of the Five Moons - Elizabeth Peters
3/19-3/26
6 sound discs, 7.8 hours
16) Tender Grace - Jackina Stark
3/20-3/26
300 pages
4 stars - The story took a while to get started and for awhile I almost gave up because I had a hard time caring about the main character. After a chapter or two the story picked up. I enjoyed traveling across the country with Audrey and being part of her adventures.
17) Patches of God Light - Jan Karon
Finished 3/27/12
192 pages
4 stars - Lots of inspirational quotes and wisdom to be found here.
Total pages to date: 2680
Total hours listened to date: 79.73 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
April18) Silhouette in Scarlet - Elizabeth Peters
3/28-4/3
1 soundfile , 6.73 hours
4 stars - I loved the film noir tone to this story and the suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. Also loved the interplay between Vicky and John. Elizabeth Peters has really brought these characters into their own.
19) Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key - Jack Gantos
4/5-4/7
153 pages
4 stars - Joey endears himself to the reader. You definitely want to cheer for him and see him succeed. This was the second time I read this book It was good to visit with Joey again.
20) Trojan God - Elizabeth Peters
4/6-4/18
1 audio file - 10.55 hours
4 stars - Another mayhemic adventure starring Vicky Bliss. Action, romance, and humor abound.
21) True Colors - Kristin Hannah
4/9-4/22
393 pages
5 Stars - This was an amazing piece of storytelling. Hannah drew out every emotion possible during her story. She included rich detail of small town life, ranch life, and many other details that brought the story to life. The ending and impact of the story stuck with me long after I turned the last page.
Total pages to date: 3226
Total hours listened to date: 97.01 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran University's magazine
Spring 2012
22) While My Sister Sleeps - Barbara Delinsky4/23-5/1
326 pages
4 stars - Sibling rivalry, family secrets, and rich growth on the part of each character. First book I've read by this author. I'll be picking up more of her work.
23) 84, Charing Cross Road - Helene Hanff
5/3-5/7
97 pages
5 stars - Hanff's 20-year correspondence with staff at Marks & Co bookstore in London England. Made me want to hop on a plane and visit London.
24) I Kissed Dating Goodbye - Joshua Harris
5/7-5/22
235 pages
5 stars - Great advice on enjoying one's season of singleness and using that time to grow in your relationship with God. Wish I'd have had this book way back when I was a teen. Learned a lot about enjoying my current season as a wife and homemaker.
Total pages to date: 3884
Total hours listened to date: 97.01 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran University's magazine
Spring 2012
June25) Marcelo in the Real World - Francisco X. Stork
5/24-6/1
316 pages
5 stars - Marcello realizes truths about himself as he struggles with whether or not to keep secret the facts he discovers at his father's law firm. Well-written characters really made this book for me.
26) Crown of Serpents - Mchael Karpovage
6/3-6/9
384 pages
3 stars - Secret societies, family secrets, loads of action, treasure hunting...what's not to like?
27) Homer and Langley - E.L. Doctorow
6/9-6/9
208 pages
4 stars - Fictional account of the lives the two real-life recluse brothers Homer and Langley Collyer who died in 1947. Very powerful story that evoked lots of emotion in me. I took off a star because I felt Doctorow took a bit too much literary license in his retelling. Other than that, I highly recommend. Read up on the true story sometime before you reach the end of the book. This made the end of the story so much more powerful.
28) Night Train to Memphis
6/9-6/21
Two sound files, 13.72 hours
5 stars - Number 5 in the series and my favorite so far. Action, romance, and lots of sticky situations kept me on the edge of my seat.
29) secret Places, Hidden Societies: uncovering Mysteries, Sights, Symbols, and Sicieties
6/9-6/26
260 pages
5 stars - Feeemasons, Opus Dei, Roslyn Chapel, Skull and Bones, Area 51, priest holes, government secrets, and social clubs. A fascinating look at many of the world's secret places both well known and obscure. Very interesting read for general information, not necessarily in-depth detail. Highly recommend.
30) Don't Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats - Kathryn & Ross Petras
6/26-6/27
389 pages
3 stars - Inspirational quotes
31) Laughter of Dead Kings - Elizabeth Peters
6/25-6/28
1 audiofile, 9.72 hours
4 stars - Final book in the Vicky Bliss series. Action, adventure, secrets revealed, and a surprising twist at the end.
Total pages to date: 5441
Total hours listened to date: 120.45 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
August 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran University's magazine
July32) Seldom Seen: A Journey Into the Great Plains - Patrick Dobson
6/27-7/11
279 pages
3 stars - Travel memoir, descriptive writing of the beautiful sights and interesting people he met along the way.
33) The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman
7/5-7/23
8 sound discs, 8.5 hours
4 stars - A spy novel with a most unusual main character. Lots of action, set during the middle of the Cold War.
34) Never Tell Our Business to Strangers - Jennifer Macia
7/13-7/26
383 pages
5 stars - Unforgettable memoir of Jennifer's life with a father with mob ties and a mother who kept his secrets.
Total pages to date: 6103
Total hours listened to date: 128.95 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
August 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran University's magazine
August 35) The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman
8/15-8/23
6 sound discs, 6.75 hours
4 stars - Mrs. Pollifax is sent on another mission for Mr. Carstairs, this time to Istanbul. An exciting adventure involving a double agent and a band of gypsies.
Total pages to date: 6103
Total hours listened to date: 135.7 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
August 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran University's magazine
September36) Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered Great Apes - Pamela S. Turner
9/4
64 pages
5 stars - Children's nonfiction book about veterinarians in Rwanda who care for the endangered great apes and educate people about these magnificent animals.
37) You Know When the Men are Gone - Siobhan Fallon
8/31-9/7
5 sound discs, 5.5 hours
5 stars - Collection of short stories some set on Fort Hood, some in Baghdad. Not normally a fan of short stories, but the author really drew me in. Highly recommend.
38) Life on Earth and Beyond - Pamela S. Turner
9/4-9/7
109 pages
3 stars - Children's nonfiction about an astrobiologist researching extreme conditions on earth to determine if life exists on Mars. Didn't agree with the author on some points, for me, it was just an okay read.
39) The Future of Us - Jay Asher
9/13-9/18
6 sound discs, 7 hours
3 stars - Two teens in 1996 exploring the early internet stumble on their future Facebook pages. Had a hard time suspending my disbelief, but I do enjoy coming of age stories, so...three stars.
40) The Higher Power of Lucky - Susan Patron
9/9-9/18
134 pages
3 stars - Lucky, being raised by a guardian following the death of her mother, searches for her own higher power (ala the 12 step meetings on which she eavesdrops) to help with her problems.
41) Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things - Lenore Look
9/24-9/25
5 stars - Absolutely loved Alvin Ho. So many tie-in possibilities for teachers and homeschooling parents. Better than the Wimpy Kid books, but fans of those will probably like Alvin Ho.
42) Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters - Lenore Look
9/25-9/26
4 sound discs, 4 hours 2 minutes (both Alvin Ho books in one container)
5 stars - See entry #41.
Total pages to date: 6410
Total hours listened to date: 152.23 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
August 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran University's magazine
October43) Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Dafoe
9/29-10/16
11 sound discs, 13.5 hours
4 stars - Enjoyed this classic about a man shipwrecked on a deserted island. Ending was s bit anticlimactic, hence the four stars.
Total pages to date: 6410
Total hours listened to date: 165.73 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
August 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran University's magazine
November44) The Casual Vacancy - J.K. Rowling
11/1-11/21
15 discs, 18 hours
3 stars - Gritty and intense read with a bit more foul language than I prefer. Great character development, though.
Total pages to date: 6410
Total hours listened to date: 183.73 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
August 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran Univ
December45) As They See 'Em: a Fans Travels in the Land of Umpires - Bruce Weber
11/29-12/14
12 sound discs, 13.5 hours
4 stars - A fascinating look into the world of umpires from training to the major leagues.
46) Best Advice I ever Got on Parenting - Jim Daly
12/14-12/20
3 sound discs, 3.75 hours
3 stars - Valuable parenting advice from well-known Christian speakers.
47) A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens (Jim Dale narrator)
12/22
3 sound discs, 3 hours
3 stars - Well loved Christmas tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the night that changed his life.
48) Judy Moody Declares Independence - Megan McDonald
12/26-12/27
2 sound discs, 1.75 hours
3 stars - Fun story with definite kid appeal, especially for kids who think they should be treated with independence.
49) Judy Moody Around the World in 8 1/2 Days - Megan McDonald
12/27-12/28
2 sound discs, 1.5 hours
3 stars - Another fun story, especially recommended for those who have ever made a new friend then had a falling out with their old friends.
50) Les Miserables - Victor Hugo (Julie Rose, translator)
7/28-12/29
1330 pages
5 stars - A richly written story of crime, punishment, justice, and redemption. I enjoyed my journey to mid-19th century France.
Total pages to date: 7,740
Total hours listened to date: 207.23 hours
Magazines (not counted in page tally or reading goal, listed just because):
Via: AAA traveler's Companion
January-February 2010
November-December 2010
March-April 2010
November-December 2010
May-June 2011
May June 2012
Reader's Digest
February 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June-July 2011
August 2011
Columns: the University of Washington Alumni Mgazine
March 2012
Scene: Pacific Lutheran Univ
Happy reading everyone.
Juli