2013 BOOK CHALLENGE! Are you in?

[Christine]

Book 2 of 20

"I've Got Your Number" by Sophie Kinsella (2 out of 5 stars)

I actually got this book based on Kinsella recommendations found in this thread. Sorry to say, I was very disappointed. It wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it was certainly a chore to read. This book was quick and light, but from the first page I hated the main character. In fact, none of the characters were developed and I felt that they were all very stupid and annoying. My eyes are sore because I rolled them so often. I kept reading because I knew it would be a quick read, I wanted another notch on my book belt, and I was hoping that it would get better. It didn't.

I also have "Confessions of a Shopaholic" which I will read in the next week or two (after I feed my brain, I lost a couple of cells after book 2). I hope the author can redeem herself with "Confessions...".

Funny you should bring up Sophie Kinsella. I have just started my first-ever Kinsella book. I think it's "Remember Me." I have resisted these books for YEARS because they seem like vapid fluff to me (and that's OK) and i don't generally enjoy that. But some fluff has surprised me. There have been lots of positive reviews over the years for her books and remarks made that the books are hilarious, etc.

So far, I'm having the same reaction as you but I am going to give it some more time. The characters are kind of stupid and not "hilarious" in a good way. I don't know, I hate to be a snob but I'm feeling like one.

 

[nemofans]

How are you liking the series? I am currently reading the sixth and last book in the series right now. I love reading this series!

I like it alot! It's one of those series that you read through fast b/c you want to know what happens, then you're sad b/c you finished it all. Some parts are repetitive when they remind you of previous situations, but you find that in most YA books. I just skip those parts.

 

[dizluvah]

Book 2 of 20

"I've Got Your Number" by Sophie Kinsella (2 out of 5 stars)

I actually got this book based on Kinsella recommendations found in this thread. Sorry to say, I was very disappointed. It wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it was certainly a chore to read. This book was quick and light, but from the first page I hated the main character. In fact, none of the characters were developed and I felt that they were all very stupid and annoying. My eyes are sore because I rolled them so often. I kept reading because I knew it would be a quick read, I wanted another notch on my book belt, and I was hoping that it would get better. It didn't.

I also have "Confessions of a Shopaholic" which I will read in the next week or two (after I feed my brain, I lost a couple of cells after book 2). I hope the author can redeem herself with "Confessions...".

I totally agree with you! I gave 2 stars to I've Got Your Number and I think I was being generous. IMHO the shopaholic books are much more enjoyable reads!

 

[Swimnoid]

Okay, I've got a few to add. Books 12-14 were the last 3 in Jean Auel's series. In between I also read A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick (meh, not very good) and Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich (typical), which brings me up to 15.

I've got a few on hold (virtual, since they're ebooks) at the library, so I'm reading quick ones to fill the time. I just downloaded Brother Odd by Dean Koontz, so I'll read that one next. I wish my library had more ecopies of books! They usually only get 3 or 4 copies, and there are over 100 people on some hold lists.

I love the Odd series! All of them were good.

Waiting lists! I am 164 on Alex Cross, Run at my library!

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

finsihed
Pestigo
getto cop

 

[Glynis]

Goal - 50 books

Book #17 - "Life is So Good" by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman

George Dawson was born in 1898. As the grandson of slaves, he grew up his whole life hearing the stories, and learning how to deal with white people. His amazing life is chronicled in this book. By the time he was 16 there was finally a colored school in his hometown, but by then he was needed to work to help bring money to the family. So, he figured his opportunity to learn to read had passed him by. He tells us his views of the world as it progressed, decade by decade, throughout the twentieth century. The year he turned 98, he was invited to join some adult education classes, and so began his biggest thrill yet... learning to read. By the time the book ends, George is 101 and is reading on a 4th grade level. He's still attending school, and tells us that even though life isn't perfect, it is still so good!

I loved this book! I don't enjoy non-fiction much, but this was one compelling story! It was amazing to see major world events through his eyes. For example, World War I didn't really mean anything to the colored people. It was a white man's war. His people were simply trying to make a living. This was fascinating! I read it for book club, and now I can't wait to meet so we can discuss it!

 

[Ginny Favers]

My book #9 was Cross My Heart by Katie Klein. Very sweet YA romance which I enjoyed a lot.

True love can blossom in unexpected places. This is Jaden pretending not to notice. . . .

Jaden McEntyre and Parker Whalen are a wrong fit from the start. Jaden is driven and focused, Harvard Med School within reach. Parker has a pasta reputationand the rumors about his mysterious habits abound. So theres no reason why, when they're assigned to work together on a project in English, they should discover they have anything in common, or even like each other, and they definitely shouldn't be falling in love.

As they bond over Edith Whartons tragic novella, Ethan Frome, the bad boy vibe Parker plays begins to dissipate. Soon, Jaden finds herself shedding her own good girl image: sneaking around to be with him, confiding in him, and ultimately falling hard for this leather-wearing, motorcycle-driving loner who plays into the rebel stereotype.

Still, Jaden can't shake the feeling that there's more to Parker than he's letting on. He's hiding something from her, and discovering the truth means reconciling the Parker she's grown to love with the person he really is. Because it's possible that his life inside the classroomeverything Jaden knowsis one, massive lie.

CROSS MY HEART, told from Jaden's point of view, is a 76k-word/300-page contemporary romance for young adults. Bonus features include the official playlist and an interview with the author.

 

[smkiya]

Goal - 50 books

Book #17 - "Life is So Good" by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman

George Dawson was born in 1898. As the grandson of slaves, he grew up his whole life hearing the stories, and learning how to deal with white people. His amazing life is chronicled in this book. By the time he was 16 there was finally a colored school in his hometown, but by then he was needed to work to help bring money to the family. So, he figured his opportunity to learn to read had passed him by. He tells us his views of the world as it progressed, decade by decade, throughout the twentieth century. The year he turned 98, he was invited to join some adult education classes, and so began his biggest thrill yet... learning to read. By the time the book ends, George is 101 and is reading on a 4th grade level. He's still attending school, and tells us that even though life isn't perfect, it is still so good!

I loved this book! I don't enjoy non-fiction much, but this was one compelling story! It was amazing to see major world events through his eyes. For example, World War I didn't really mean anything to the colored people. It was a white man's war. His people were simply trying to make a living. This was fascinating! I read it for book club, and now I can't wait to meet so we can discuss it!

I just read the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. The common themes were "inspirational and full of wisdom". I've added it among the top of my must reads. Thanks for listing it.

 

[Caseheidi]

Book 9 of 100

Etiquette Espionage by Gail Carriger (Book 1 of the Finishing School Series)
Genra: Steampunk

Summary from Goodreads: It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.

Sophronia Temminnick at 14 is a great trial more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners -- and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Her poor mother, desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady, enrolls the lively tomboy in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage -- in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Gail Carriger also wrote the Parasol Protrectorate series, which I loved. Her writing style is not always easy to read, but is truly amusing. Think Victorian England, but with Vampires and Warewolves who are out in the open and living among the people. If you are looking for something different to read, I would recommend you give Gail Carriger a try.

 

[Simba's Mom]

For any fellow Sophie Kinsella fans, have you read "The Undomestic Goddess"? I read it last year, and it was the funniest book I ever read. Think "I Love Lucy-The Book".

 

[Ginny Favers]

For any fellow Sophie Kinsella fans, have you read "The Undomestic Goddess"? I read it last year, and it was the funniest book I ever read. Think "I Love Lucy-The Book".

Yes! I read that book years ago and I still remember the "curtsy" scene. I fell off my couch laughing at that one.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I finished summer promise onto a Whisper and a wish

 

[tinkerbellfan6880]

I like it alot! It's one of those series that you read through fast b/c you want to know what happens, then you're sad b/c you finished it all. Some parts are repetitive when they remind you of previous situations, but you find that in most YA books. I just skip those parts.

Yeah I got through the first book very fast. The second book I started back in December had hoped to finish it fast like the first book. But I ended up getting sick with the flu so had to return the book. Restarted the second book last month. Just started the sixth book the other day.

Every time I finished one book in the series I couldn't wait to start the next book. Plus the books are full of surprises when you are reading them. I hate when books do that. I wish that their were more after the sixth book to read.

 

[tinkerbellfan6880]

For any fellow Sophie Kinsella fans, have you read "The Undomestic Goddess"? I read it last year, and it was the funniest book I ever read. Think "I Love Lucy-The Book".

I read that book early last year. I did laugh read some parts of the book. Sophie Kinsella books are ones that you can reread again and again I think.

 

[Glynis]

I just read the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. The common themes were "inspirational and full of wisdom". I've added it among the top of my must reads. Thanks for listing it.

It really was an amazing read! I feel really guilty now, when I think certain things will be too hard to accomplish! If an 80 year old man can learn to read, I should be able to do anything!

 

[PigletsPal2]

Goal: 52 books this year.

I could cry. I typed out a whole review of my last read, and somehow it got lost in a black hole of the intertubes! So I'll try again.

#14- down and done.

The World According to Clarkson Volume 4: How Hard Can It Be? by Jeremy Clarkson is a series of essays written by Clarkson, who is also the lead presenter for the British TV show Top Gear, for the British newspaper The Sunday Mail.

Clarkson is hysterically funny, totally irreverent, and so variable in his views that you never know where he stands on an issue until you read his not-so-logical-but-completely understandable essay on the issue. He covers everything from trade unions to football hooligans to British politicians and celebrities. It helps to know a little about British politicans and celebrities to understand some of his jibes and tirades, but I do know just enough to enjoy the essays. DD#2 is a HUGE Clarkson fan, so I'll definitely borrow the rest of his books from her.

I've started book #15, Proof of Guilt by Charles Todd, another one of my favorite authors. I expect that I'll finish it this weekend.

Queen Colleen

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

So finished book 3 which was summer promise now on to book four a whisper and a wish not to bad not to great either

 

[Swimnoid]

21 of 75

Alone by Lisa Gardner

From Goodreads: Alone . . . Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy Back Bay, Boston, an armed man has barricaded himself with his wife and child. The mans finger tightens on the trigger and Dodge has only a split second to react . . . and forever pay the consequences.

This book was GOOD! It told the story of the sniper above, the hostage wife and another integral character. Each had background stories that lead to the conclusion with many twists and turns.

This is the first of the DD warren series.



Dang these series! I keep getting involved and have to read the whole series! I'm into about 5 of them now.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

So finished book 3 which was summer promise now on to book four a whisper and a wish not to bad not to great either

From amazon a 14 year old stays with aunt and uncle and meets what she hopes to be the man of her dreams.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

OK! i lost count of what I really read so I figured it was time for another list of all the books I read: so my total is 29!


outcome
never sit in a exit row
how to date a werewolf
getto cop: rookie
falling for her captian

dead case in deadwood
dirty martini
peshtigo
my move from hell
stories from the phyc ward

scuse me while I kill this guy
undercover
a broken system
101 tips for travling with a vampire
the little piggy went to the liquor store

never sit in an exit row
afraid
trama junkie
trauma junkie hypodermic nightmare
trauma junkie blackout blues

the two ply times
life lessons from my cat
living for nearly dang ever with that dog
blood sweat and tea
in too deep

Bloody mary
wiskey sour
trauma junkie 4
dirty martini