2013 BOOK CHALLENGE! Are you in?

[BearcatsFan]

42/50 - The Bet by David Brown

I liked this up until the end, then it felt really rushed. Even though the entire plot was unbelievable, the end got really, really unbelievable.

2/5 stars


43/50 - Escape by Carolyn Jessop and Laura Palmer

This was just okay for me. The author contradicted herself many times, and I started wondering what was fact and what wasn't.

3/5 stars

 

[wilma-bride]

Books 66, 67 & 68 (Goal 116)

All by Cathy Glass - Another Forgotten Child, I Miss Mummy and Damaged

I have read another three of the books by Cathy Glass, a foster carer from England. Each one is an individual child's story, told from Cathy's perspective, including the details of the case, the problems faced along the way and (at times) the traumatic and terrible things that have happened to the child, which has resulted in them being put 'in care'.

While these books are incredibly harrowing and tear-inducing (I Miss Mummy is the only one that hasn't seen me bawling towards the end), they are very well written and I am (although it might sound a bit strange) enjoying them.

Having had some involvement in the UK social services system when my girls were smaller (after their Dad died), it is an eye-opener to read about some of the downfalls and problems with the social services department and makes me realise why they sometimes (a lot of the time) get it wrong.

 

[wilma-bride]

Book #69 - Waiting to be Heard: A Memoir by Amanda Knox

From Amazon:

In November 2007, Amanda Knox was twenty years old and had been studying abroad in Perugia, Italy, for only a few weeks when her friend and roommate, a young English student named Meredith Kercher, was brutally murdered. The investigation made headlines around the world, and Amanda's arrest placed her at the center of a media firestorm. Young, naïve, grieving at the horrifying death of her friend, and with little more than basic knowledge of the Italian language, she was subjected to harsh interrogations during which she struggled to understand the police and to make her own words understood. The subsequent trial exposed Amanda to international scrutiny and speculation, and she became a tabloid staple. In 2009, after an extremely controversial trial, she was wrongly convicted of murder. But in October 2011, after Amanda had spent four years in an Italian prison, and following a lengthy appeals process, the conviction was overturned. Amanda immediately flew home to the United States.

Now, in Waiting to Be Heard, Amanda Knox shares for the very first time the truth about her terrifying ordeal. Drawing from journals she kept and letters she wrote during her incarceration, Amanda gives an unflinching and deeply personal account of her harrowing experience, from the devastation of her friend's murder to the series of mistakes and misunderstandings that led to her arrest. She speaks intimately about what it was like, at the age of twenty, to find herself imprisoned in a foreign country for a crime she did not commit and demonized by the international media, and about the impact on her family and loved ones as they traveled back and forth to be at her side so that she would not be alone. She describes the relationships that bloomed with those who believed in her innocence and how the strength of her family helped her survive the most challenging time of her young life. With grace and gratitude, Amanda describes the aftermath of the trial and her return home to the States, where she is able once again to look forward to the future.

A young woman's soul-baring account of a nightmare turned real, of unimaginable horror and the miscarriage of justice that ensued, and, ultimately, of fortitude in the face of overwhelming adversity, Waiting to Be Heard is a memoir unlike any you have ever read.


I was intrigued by this book, mainly because although this was covered on the news a lot at the time (with Meredith Kercher being British), this book was not published in the UK, nor is it available to download on Kindle from Amazon UK. Of course, this made me want to read it even more so, when a friend of mine offered to send me an electronic (mobi version) of the book, I jumped at the chance.

Two things surprised me about this book - firstly, the fact that I finished it not quite believing that Amanda Knox was innocent. That, in itself was surprising since I'd expected a book 'written by her' to be able to convince me of her innocence. Secondly, I actually took a real dislike to her just from the way she wrote/portrayed herself. Again, most people (I would have thought) would try to write and portray themselves in a positive light. I knew very little about the case so I had no preconceptions. Maybe she was just being very honest in her writing or maybe I just really didn't like her writing style but, wither way, I finished the book believing that there was something she just wasn't telling and thinking that she had spent the whole time trying to justify her (incredibly weird at times) behaviour; before, during and after the murder. All in all, though, I enjoyed the book and I understand there is a book written by Amanda's then boyfriend, Rafaelle, which I am intrigued to read, just to see his version of events.

Overall, I would give this book a 4/5 for readability but I would be surprised if most people didn't finish the book either feeling sorry for her or having taken an immense dislike to her.

 

[threeboysmom]

Unless tragedy strikes, it looks like my goal of 40 was a bit understated. I think I'll move it up to 60!

Off to update you now! Nice work!

 

[PigletsPal2]

Goal: 75 books this year.

#68 down and done.

The Alpine Xanadu by Mary Daheim is the 24th in the series featuring Emma Lord, owner and publisher of the Alpine Advocate, a weekly newspaper published in seemingly-idyllic Alpine, Washington. In this story, Emma and her staff are on deadline with a feature about the opening of RestHaven, a new rehab and mental health facility. The town is buzzing with gossip about Emma's recent engagement to Sheriff Milo Dodge, and now that fool Wayne Eriks has climbed an electric pole in the middle of a storm and got himself electrocuted. Sheriff Dodge doesn't buy the idea that Wayne's death was an accident, and his investigation uncovers many things that Alpine residents would prefer to keep hidden.

Daheim's Alpine books go through the alphabet, and I'm a little worried that this is "X." Will she continue with the Emma Lord series? I hope so; I've read all of them and feel like the residents of Alpine are my friends (in spite of the fact that they keep killing each other!)

BTW, it isn't necessary to read these books in alphabetical order, but doing so makes the later books a little easier to understand if you have the back stories.

Queen Colleen

 

[CaliBear]

Book #19: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloane

summary from Amazon:

The Great Recession has shuffled Clay Jannon out of his life as a San Francisco Web-design drone—and serendipity, sheer curiosity, and the ability to climb a ladder like a monkey has landed him a new gig working the night shift at Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. But after just a few days on the job, Clay begins to realize that this store is even more curious than the name suggests. There are only a few customers, but they come in repeatedly and never seem to actually buy anything, instead “checking out” impossibly obscure volumes from strange corners of the store, all according to some elaborate, long-standing arrangement with the gnomic Mr. Penumbra. The store must be a front for something larger, Clay concludes, and soon he’s embarked on a complex analysis of the customers’ behavior and roped his friends into helping to figure out just what’s going on. But once they bring their findings to Mr. Penumbra, it turns out the secrets extend far outside the walls of the bookstore.

 

[threeboysmom]

#32 out of 50

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

I'm not even sure how to review this book since my feelings on it are mixed. Did I like it? I don't know! Would I recommend it? I think so.... simply because I would have someone to discuss it with.

It's a fictional story (although it's presented as really happening/biography) about a man, Mack, whose daughter is abducted and brutally murdered. Four years after Missys abduction, he receives a note from Papa (his wifes name for God) asking Mack to meet him at the shack where evidence of his daughters murder was found. It is here where Mack has an encounter with the triune Godhead through which he is able to come to peace about some of the deeper questions that have plagued his life and faith, Missys death and his own painful childhood of abuse.

I struggled with reading about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (and a personified Wisdom) as real people, seemed a little disrespectful to me, Some of the principles seemed rather simplistic and others contradictory, but there were a few things that stopped me in my tracks and caused me to really think about my own beliefs about who God is, how He interacts in our lives, and His role in the pain/suffering that is so prevalent in our world.

Anyways....

Next up: The Dinner by Herman Koch

This book is described as a European Gone Girl. Since I loved that book and have read it twice now, that's all I needed to hear to pick this one up. Having difficulty getting into it though... hopefully that'll change soon...

 

[wvjules]

On vacation I read Zoo, Losing Hope and Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children. I loved Losing Hope!! I really enjoyed Zoo and Miss Peregrine's but I wasn't crazy about the ending to either one. I guess I'll have to suck it up and by the second MP book in January to see how it turns out.

Why do all books have to be series' now days?

Now I'm reading Entwined in You by Sylvia Day which was supposed to the final to the triology which has now turned into 5 books. Grrrrrr. I'm done after this one!

 

[Caseheidi]

It has been a long, crazy busy time since I last posted. I think I am remembering all that I read, but not sure. So, here it goes:

Book 45 of 100: The Fire (Witch & Wizard #3) by James Patterson

Summary from Goodreads:
Whit and Wisty Allgood have sacrificed everything to lead the resistance against the merciless totalitarian regime that governs their world. Its supreme leader, The One Who Is The One, has banned everything they hold dear: books, music, art, and imagination. But the growing strength of the siblings' magic hasn't been enough to stop the One's evil rampage, and now he's executed the only family they had left.

Wisty knows that the time has finally come for her to face The One. But her fight and her fire only channel more power to this already invincible being. How can she and Whit possibly prepare for their imminent showdown with the ruthless villain that devastated their world-before he can truly become all-powerful?

In this stunning third installment of the epic Witch & Wizard series, the stakes have never been higher--and the consequences will change everything.

I enjoyed the series overall. I did think the bast of the three was the first book.

Book 46 of 100: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

I read this book due to the reviews on this thread, so will not give another summary. I had a difficult time getting into this book at first, but it was totally my current life situation that was the reason. As soon as I got into the story, I was hooked. I am thinking of getting the next one to read as well.

Book 47 of 100: Tempest Reborn (Jane True #6)

Summary from Goodreads:
Anyan may be trapped in an evil dragon and Blondie may be gone, but Jane knows one thing: she's not about to give up. She's ready to tear down heaven and earth to save her lover, despite those who believe he's lost.

Luckily for Jane, those who've given up on Anyan do not include those closest to her. Defying The Powers That Be, Jane and Company form their own crack squad of misfits, in whose hands the fate of the world may well rest.

With a little help from her friends, the Universe, and lots of snacks, Jane embarks on her greatest adventure yet, confident that with great sacrifice comes great reward. The question is, who will be that sacrifice?

The is the last of the series. I have enjoyed the story, but really felt that as the books progressed, the language got progressively worse. I don't swear, so it was difficult for me to get through the trash talk that is not my favorite, and the added details.

I am now re-reading the Percy Jackson series. I am way behind on my goal of 100, but I tend to read more in the fall. I think it has to do with our rainy weather here in the Northwest.

 

[KrazyPete]

Goal - 24 books

Book #17 - Mystic River by Dennis Lehan - This was as gritty as any crime drama I've ever read. The characters were all so flawed and textured and I was completely engrossed in their stories. Several times I found myself stopping to re-read a line because if captured an idea so perfectly. But, it was dark and pessimistic. It was depressing and unjust! Why did I love it so much?

Next up - Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow - Sci-Fi set in the Magic Kingdom. I'm not sure what to say about it so I'll quote, "For in this future, the great theme parks of the 20th Century are maintained by ardent artistic preservationists, who fight bitter battles over the most appropriate way to keep them going." I'm in!

 

[willowsnn3]

#32 out of 50

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

I'm not even sure how to review this book since my feelings on it are mixed. Did I like it? I don't know! Would I recommend it? I think so.... simply because I would have someone to discuss it with.

I'm with you on the mixed feelings about this book. I didn't care a whole lot for it altho as a Christian I felt it was my duty to read it , lol.

I struggled with reading about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (and a personified Wisdom) as real people, seemed a little disrespectful to me, Some of the principles seemed rather simplistic and others contradictory, but there were a few things that stopped me in my tracks and caused me to really think about my own beliefs about who God is, how He interacts in our lives, and His role in the pain/suffering that is so prevalent in our world.

I'm sorry, but I kept picturing the characters (Della Reese, Roma Downey, & John Dye as the three 'versions' of God in this book.
Anyways....

Next up: The Dinner by Herman Koch

This book is described as a European Gone Girl. Since I loved that book and have read it twice now, that's all I needed to hear to pick this one up. Having difficulty getting into it though... hopefully that'll change soon...

I read The Dinner also & it was just ok to me....

Replied in the quote space above.

 

[willowsnn3]

Goal 72

#55 No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay

Second book I've read by this author & he is becoming a favorite!

"14 year old Cynthia wakes up one morning to find her father, mother & older brother gone. Just disappeared, no trace left behind. Forward 25 years later, Cynthia goes on a tv show about 'dead cases' to see if she can find out anything at all about her missing family. Then she starts receiving strange messages & begins to fear for her now family but still wants to find out what happened.

 

[wilma-bride]

Goal 72

#55 No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay

Second book I've read by this author & he is becoming a favorite!

"14 year old Cynthia wakes up one morning to find her father, mother & older brother gone. Just disappeared, no trace left behind. Forward 25 years later, Cynthia goes on a tv show about 'dead cases' to see if she can find out anything at all about her missing family. Then she starts receiving strange messages & begins to fear for her now family but still wants to find out what happened.

My favourite of his books

 

[RunningGirl]

#40 done by Maeve Binchy - A Week in Winter. Typical Binchy; easy read with likable characters. I enjoyed it!

Off to the e-library to see what's available. I'm number 153 on the list for The Last Original Wife, so I won't plan on that for quite some time!

 

[3smithboys]

#40 done by Maeve Binchy - A Week in Winter. Typical Binchy; easy read with likable characters. I enjoyed it!

I agree! I liked it too!

 

[Glynis]

Goal - 100 Books

Book #50 "STORI Telling" by Tori Spelling

An interesting (if somewhat biased) look at the life, loves and feud's of Tori Spelling. I enjoyed the read, but felt like it was really one-sided. Granted, she wrote the book, but I felt like it needed a more impartial author. Still, a fun read for someone who watched 90210 back in the day.

Next up: "The End of Your Life Book Club" by Will Schwalbe

 

[jenny105]

My library called again to let me know that Wedding Night is in. I'll start that as soon as I finish the bohemoth known as Under the Dome. It's due back one week from tomorrow and I'm only about 20% of the way through!

 

[3smithboys]

Book #32 Hunting Eve by Iris Johansen - this is the 2nd book in a trilogy that she has written - the last one is due to come out in October. I don't think this trilogy is her best work, but I'm still reading it...

Now I'm on to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children....

 

[KrazyPete]

Goal - 24 books

Book #18 - Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow - It was set in a well described Walt Disney World of the future. That much was fun in the same way that the Kingdom Keepers series is. This isn't a kid's book though. If you're offended by adult language and themes, don't add it to your "to read" list. For me, the story fell a little flat around the middle when the main character experienced a betrayal. I didn't feel like that event was ever really redeemed and it stole the momentum the plot had going. It was ok, I didn't love it or hate it. If you're curious, the author gives eBook versions away on his website for free.

Next up - The Shack by William Paul Young - I'm ambivalent about reading this one. I've had the paperback for a while and I just haven't gotten around to it. I have low expectations and that means there's a good opportunity for me to be pleasantly surprised here.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Book #55 of 75, "Manifesting Mr. Right" by Caitlin McKenna. One of my favorite authors, and so far this one's no exception. If you like Sophie Kinsella, this is another author for you to consider.