2013 BOOK CHALLENGE! Are you in?

[threeboysmom]

#45 Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen

From Goodreads:

Andrew Yancy--late of the Miami Police, soon-to-be-late of the Key West Police--has a human arm in his freezer. There's a logical (Hiaasenian) explanation for that, but not for how and why it parted from its owner. Yancy thinks the boating-accident/shark-luncheon explanation is full of holes, and if he can prove murder, his commander might relieve him of Health Inspector duties, aka Roach Patrol. But first Yancy will negotiate an ever-surprising course of events--from the Keys to Miami to a Bahamian out island--with a crew of equally ever-surprising characters, including: the twitchy widow of the frozen arm; an avariciously idiotic real estate developer; a voodoo witch whose lovers are blinded-unto-death by her particularly peculiar charms; Yancy's new love, a kinky medical examiner; and the eponymous Bad Monkey, who earns his place among Hiaasen's greatest characters with hilariously wicked aplomb.

I LOVED this book! Loved the author's sense of humor, loved the Caribbean setting, and absolutely loved all the original & extremely colorful characters!

Definitely will seek out more of Carl's books for 2014!

Next up: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (based on recommendation by a fellow DIS'er... can't remember who though! lol) LOVING this one so far too!

 

[threeboysmom]

A big CONGRATS to all those that have already made goal! WOW!

And even to those of you that haven't made goal or outlook isn't looking too great (like me, lol), I bet you have worked hard this year and pushed yourself further than you thought possible! I know I have! I've read many a great book (even though I may be a couple books short of my goal) that I may not have gotten to if it hadn't been for this thread and for all of you!

 

[ThereAndBackAgain]

Book Goal: 25

#8: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Great YA book, which is what I ended up with this round. I got part ways into Pet Semetary by Stephen King when I realized I was looking for something lighter that I didn't have to focus to much on. It was strange (and intriguing) getting to know the world that Roth had created, kept throwing for a loop every now and again.


#10: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Another YA book as I warned above. I received the set as a birthday gift recently. Another easy read, at least until the end. The end was kind of shoved and rolled all into one part that felt dysfunctional (maybe that's just me). I'll be reading the next one to see what happens anyway. I really liked Clary, the main character.


#11: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Yet another easy read YA book. I didn't like this one as much though. I liked the general concept in the beginning but at the end of the day I felt there was a lot more that could have been done with the characters and plot in one book.

From Amazon.com:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My next/current reads are Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare.

 

[KimR]

Goal: 100 books this year.

#83 down and done.

Blind Justice by Anne Perry. Charismatic preacher Abel Taft is accused of extortion when his church members' hard-earned charitable gifts appear to have ended up in his pocket, paying for his elegant home and the stylish outfits of his wife and daughters.

Brilliant barrister Sir Oliver Rathbone, newly appointed a judge, is chosen to preside over Taft's trial. It seems clear that Taft is indeed guilty, but at the last second the defense produces a witness who completely undermines the charges. Then Rathbone makes a well-meaning but reckless move that could ruin his career, his reputation and his life.

In my opinion, Anne Perry is the finest mystery writer of our time. Her 19 William Monk mysteries, 26 Thomas and Charlotte Pitt mysteries, 11 Christmas novels and five WWI novels are meticulously researched, carefully plotted, and vividly descriptive. Fans of Victorian mysteries will feel they've died and gone to heaven reading her books. I just wish she wrote faster!

Queen Colleen

Have you read The Alienist or The Queen of Bedlam by Caleb Carr? They take place in New York in the late 1800's/early 1900's. They are both excellent and really bring that time period to life. Historical mysteries are my absolute favorite genre.

 

[PigletsPal2]

Have you read The Alienist or The Queen of Bedlam by Caleb Carr? They take place in New York in the late 1800's/early 1900's. They are both excellent and really bring that time period to life. Historical mysteries are my absolute favorite genre.

Thanks for the recommendation, Kim. As I've mentioned before, my favorite authors don't write fast enough, and I'm always looking for new ones. I love historical mysteries, too, and New York at the turn of the century fascinates me. DD#2 has read The Alienist and she says it's right up my alley.

To return the favor, have you read any of the Rhys Bowen series about Molly Murphy or the Victoria Thompson series about Sarah Brandt? They both take place in that time frame in New York City and are both written very well with fairly unique plots.

Off to see if I can download The Alienist to my Kindle!

Queen Colleen

 

[StephMK]

A big CONGRATS to all those that have already made goal! WOW!

And even to those of you that haven't made goal or outlook isn't looking too great (like me, lol), I bet you have worked hard this year and pushed yourself further than you thought possible! I know I have! I've read many a great book (even though I may be a couple books short of my goal) that I may not have gotten to if it hadn't been for this thread and for all of you!

After I posted yesterday, I checked the calendar and decided I am still going for my goal. It'll be close but I still want to try!

And Sweetness at the Bottom of Pie is on my list due to all reviews here.

 

[KimR]

Thanks for the recommendation, Kim. As I've mentioned before, my favorite authors don't write fast enough, and I'm always looking for new ones. I love historical mysteries, too, and New York at the turn of the century fascinates me. DD#2 has read The Alienist and she says it's right up my alley.

To return the favor, have you read any of the Rhys Bowen series about Molly Murphy or the Victoria Thompson series about Sarah Brandt? They both take place in that time frame in New York City and are both written very well with fairly unique plots.

Off to see if I can download The Alienist to my Kindle!

Queen Colleen

I have not read either one of those, but it's funny you mention the Victoria Thompson series, because she is on my list of authors to try. I will now add Rhys Bowen as well. Thank you!

 

[zippitydoo]

Book 42 of 45

Book 41
Whiskey Rebellion (book 1 of Addison Holmes mystery) by Liliana Hart

Book 42
Even in Death (book 3 of Starborn saga) by Jason D. Morrow

 

[portia9]

Which P&P characters are featured? I'm always ready to give P&P spin-offs a try!

Queen Colleen

It's the usual cast of characters but Mr Bennet dies at the start meaning there is a different chain of events. I would be interested in your take if you read it.

#112 Christmas at Thrush Green by Miss Read. Really sweet English village-y book.

#113 Trespass by Rose Tremain-good story and writer but I really didn't like any of the characters so I struggled through it.

 

[tiggrbaby]

Book 42 of 45

Book 41
Whiskey Rebellion (book 1 of Addison Holmes mystery) by Liliana Hart

Book 42
Even in Death (book 3 of Starborn saga) by Jason D. Morrow

So what did you think of them? The first one sounds interesting.

 

[Glynis]

Goal - 100 books

Book #63 - "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

My 11 year old daughters are reading this right now for school, and I thought I'd read it with them.

From Goodreads: Jonas' world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

My review: I loved this book!!! I don't even know why, really. It's not the type of book I usually enjoy. They usually make me really uncomfortable. I think it was the character of the Giver that made this book for me! He was so beautifully written, and so humane. The relationship between him and Jonas was amazing! I will definitely be reading more in this series, and recommend it to anyone!

Next up: "The Kingmaker's Daughter" by Philippa Gregory

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Goal - 100 books

Book #63 - "The Giver" by Lois Lowry


My review: I loved this book!!! I don't even know why, really. It's not the type of book I usually enjoy. They usually make me really uncomfortable. I think it was the character of the Giver that made this book for me! He was so beautifully written, and so humane. The relationship between him and Jonas was amazing! I will definitely be reading more in this series, and recommend it to anyone!

Next up: "The Kingmaker's Daughter" by Philippa Gregory

Earlier in the year, I read all four. I liked them all, but "The Giver" was definitely my favorite.

 

[PigletsPal2]

A big CONGRATS to all those that have already made goal! WOW!

I've met my goal twice! I started out with a goal of 52, and when I met it (sometime in early summer), I increased it to 75. I met that goal in late summer, and I have 17 to go to reach my final goal of 100. I'm traveling for a week over the Thanksgiving holiday, so I might reach it yet! If not, it won't be for lack of trying.

Queen Colleen

 

[Caseheidi]

Book 59 - Tarnished and Torn (A Witchcraft Mystery #5)

Summary from Goodreads:
As the owner of a popular vintage clothing store, Lily Ivory can enjoy a day of antique jewelry shopping and still call it work. But as one of San Francisco’s resident witches, searching for hidden treasures can sometimes lead to dangerous discoveries…

When Lily arrives at an antique jewelry fair, her bargain sensors go off left and right—but she also picks up a faint vibration of magic. Could the hard-bargaining merchant Griselda be a fellow practitioner? It certainly seems that way when a sudden fire sends panic through the crowd, and Lily discovers Griselda murdered in a way that nods to an old-fashioned witch hunt…

A crime that hits close to home turns into an unwelcome flash from the past when the police bring in their lead suspect—Lily’s estranged father. Though he may not deserve her help, Lily is determined to clear her father’s name and solve a murder that’s anything but crystal clear.

This is the latest installment of a fun little series. I enjoy the characters and the story is usually good. I did find this one a little more difficult to read, but I think that was me and sick brain. It is a quick read.

Book #60 The House of Hades (The Hero's of Olympus #4)

Summary by Goodreads:
At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus

I enjoy this series. There is one book to go (I think) but since this is the one that just came out, I think I have a year to wait for the story to end. Good book to read with your kids (around age 8-12)

 

[Simba's Mom]

Wow, I can't believe I've read 70 of my 75 books! I just finsished #70, The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber. As with all her books, I loved this one. But I have a little issue with Kindle. This was the first book in a new series. Why is it that Kindle will sell the first book of a series for a cheap price, but then when you're hooked in and go back to look into buying more books from the series, they're so much more expensive than the first one was? Because I enjoyed this book so much, I looked at the next book in the series and almost got sticker shock! Right now I'm reading an Erma Bombeck book, A Marriage Made in Heaven, or Too Tired for an Affair. At least that one was free.

 

[willowsnn3]

Goal 72

#75 Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Good book, not great but good.

 

[nemofans]

Finished book #74- City of Ashes (book 2) by Cassandra Clare

Enjoying this YA series. I am already reading book 3. I think the Divergent series & Hunger Games series are better than this, but it's an interesting quick read.

 

[zippitydoo]

So what did you think of them? The first one sounds interesting.

The Whiskey Rebellion book was a cute, fun read. Honestly the only reason I picked it was because it was free for the Kindle.

 

[portia9]

#113 Last Friends by Jane Gardam

#114 The Crucible by Arthur Miller

 

[tinkerbellfan6880]

I have read 74 out of 80 books. Reading two books.

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Sisterland by Curtis Sitterfeld