2013 BOOK CHALLENGE! Are you in?

5. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

I read this book after the review here, and I really enjoyed it. A moving love story that deals with some serious issues.

Not sure what's up next. I am on the waiting list for Defending Jacob so I will probably have to wait a few weeks for that. I am not sure what to read in the meantime. I thought about Under the Dome but now I don't think I want to invest the time in it if it has a disappointing ending.
 
Goal 100

Book #11

A Grown Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson

This is a book about three generations of woman in a family Ginny, Liza and Mosey and the uncovering of a secret that Liza holds.

I really recommend this book. The characters were flawed but you really felt connected to them and I had to keep reading to find out how it turned out. And it was easy to read.
 
Goal 70

Book # 4
I just finished Stephen King's Four Past Midnight
It is four different books of his combined into one larger volume.

One past midnight is The Langoliers:

On a redeye flight from Los Angeles to Boston, only 11 passengers survive--but landing in a dead world makes them wish they hadn't.

I had previously seen the made for tv movie years ago and it was fun to read the book and see how much I remembered from the movie.

Two past midnight is Secret Window, Secret Garden:

Recently divorced writer Mort Rainey is alone at Tashmore Lake--that is, until a figure named John Shooter arrives, pointing an accusing finger.

I found this book rather predictable. It was good, but not one of my favorites.

Three past midnight is The Library Policeman:

is the story of Sam Peebles, a middle-aged businessman who happens to have some overdue books. It seems a minor offense—but not to Junction City's malevolent monster of a librarian. What follows is spine-tingling suspense as only Stephen King can deliver it.

I really enjoyed this story the most out of the whole book and could not wait to continue reading it.

Four past midnight is The Sun Dog:

the source of terror is a simple Polaroid camera owned by a 15-year-old boy in the small town of Castle Rock, Maine. No matter where Kevin Delevan aims the camera, it produces a photograph of an enormous, ugly, vicious looking dog. In each successive picture, the menacing creature draws nearer to the flat surface of the Polaroid film as if it intends to break through. When old Pop Merrill, the town's sharpest trader, gets wind of this phenomenon, he envisions a way to profit from it—but the Sun Dog, a beast that shouldn't exist at all, turns out to be a very dangerous investment.

I liked this one, but it seemed to drag on until about the last 50 or so pages.
 
I'm not a Stephen King fan at all. I have not finished a single book he has written. I can transfer it to DH's Kindle if I don't like it/when I finish.:rotfl:

I am not a Steven King horror fan, but I did love 11/22/63, so being that this one is not horror, I've put it on my list...we'll see if I get to it!

Put me down for 25. Read The Nineteenth Wife already and currently on No Wake Zone.

I loved the 19th Wife - such a fascinating way of life.

Goal - 50 books

Book #8 - "The Candy Shop War" by Brandon Mull

This is a book that I have been reading to my boys. We all enjoyed it a lot! We are fortunate to live very close to Brandon Mull, and he's even invited my daughter (15 years old and wants to be a writer) to shadow him for a day! He's super nice!!!

Anyway, we loved the characters and the situations. What little boy wouldn't love a story about candy that gives you super powers??? Of course, there's always a catch, and the candy comes at a tremendous price.

We can't wait to start the sequel tonight!!!

Next up - Finishing "The Meryl Streep Movie Club" and continuing work on "Team of Rivals".

What reading level/age is The Candy Shop War good for? I am on a never-ending quest for books for my DS12 who is a reluctant reader! And speaking of, thank you to whomever mentioned the cryptozoology books...I found one at B&N and ordered it. It was on my kitchen counter when DS came in...then he was very quiet and next thing I knew, he was reading it. Miracle of miracles lol....big thanks!
 

Finished book #2 today.... 77 Days in September today. I enjoyed this one. Now, I have to figure out what I am going to read next... hmmm
 
What reading level/age is The Candy Shop War good for? I am on a never-ending quest for books for my DS12 who is a reluctant reader! And speaking of, thank you to whomever mentioned the cryptozoology books...I found one at B&N and ordered it. It was on my kitchen counter when DS came in...then he was very quiet and next thing I knew, he was reading it. Miracle of miracles lol....big thanks!

The Candy Shop War is probably a good pick for your son. My boy started it when he was 10, but never finished it. He's 13, now, and enjoyed listening to it while I read it out loud. It made him want to read the sequel. Have you tried the Percy Jackson books? My boy was a really reluctant reader until he started those, but once he started them, WHAM! He went through them quickly!
 
Goal - 50 books

Book #9 - "The Meryl Streep Movie Club" by Mia March.

Isabel, June and Kat are reunited at the Maine Inn that is run by their aunt/mother Lolly. Lolly has news that comes as a shock to the girls. They have to overcome their differences and pull together to help Lolly and the Inn. Each Friday is movie night, and this months topic is Meryl Streep.

I enjoyed this book! Realistic characters and situations, engaging plot and dialogue. A really good "beach" read!

Next up: Continuing "A Team of Rivals" and start Mary Mrs. A. Lincoln by Janis Cooke Newman.
 
I didn't take the challenge but have read 6 books since the last week of December. Got a Kindle Fire HD and it got me to reading again. :) Just finished the following book. Loved it.


Wait for Me: Elisabeth Naughton

A 2013 Bookie Award Nominee – Best eBook Novel of the year!
A 2012 Readers' Choice Awards finalist!

A woman without a past…

After a tragic accident left her with no memory, Kate Alexander struggled to fit in with a husband and world that didn’t feel right. She’s had no reason to question what friends and family have told her, not until her husband is suddenly killed and she finds a photo of a young girl in his office. A girl who can’t be anyone but a daughter Kate didn’t know she had.

A man desperate for a reason to live…

Ryan Harrison lost his wife in a plane crash five years ago. To cope with the pain of her loss, he dedicated himself to his job and to raising their daughter. Now a successful pharmaceutical executive, Ryan has everything a man could want—money, fame and power—but he’d give it all up in a heartbeat for just one more day with the woman he still loves.

Two lives about to converge.

As Kate begins to dig into a past she doesn’t remember, evidence leads her to San Francisco and puts her on the path toward Ryan, a man who sees in her the woman he loved and lost. Kate feels a draw to Ryan, one she can’t explain, but is that feeling enough to convince her this is where she’s supposed to be? As Ryan and Kate search for answers, they uncover lies long buried, a passion hotter than either expected and a danger that threatens…even now…when the second chance they’ve both been searching for is finally within reach.
 
I would love to join this thread. I committed to 100 books this year (I read quickly so this is doable for me. I have been tracking on goodreads. So far I have read:-

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty-really recommend this-a good easy read set in the 1920's.
The Map of Time by Felix J Palma-this was a really interesting story about time travel and has some famous people pop up as characters
The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith-the latest in the Precious Ramotswe series, love this author
Miles Off Course by Sulari Gentill-Australian mystery set in the 1930's. It was ok, I would read this author again
Life, Death and Vanilla Slices by Jenny Eclair-funny and sad book, easy to read
Mr Chen's Emporium by Deborah O'Brien-Australian book set in a country town exploring the lives of two woman in different centuries-loved the story of the 1800's woman
Wedding Fever by Kim Grunenfelder-light read, not great
Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver-enjoyed this, great protaganist and thought provoking subject matter
Under the Ivy:The Life and Music of Kate Bush by Graham Thomson-a great biography
Victims by Jonathon Kellerman-love Jonathon Kellerman and this was a good one

That is a lot even for me but I am in Australia and we are on our summer break so I have been able to do lots of reading :) Looking forward to reading through this thread and getting recommendations.

Welcome! :wizard: I am so envious of people (like my mom) that can read 100 books in a year. Someday...

Put me down for 25. Read The Nineteenth Wife already and currently on No Wake Zone.

Welcome! So glad you could join us! :hug:

I didn't take the challenge but have read 6 books since the last week of December. Got a Kindle Fire HD and it got me to reading again. :) Just finished the following book. Loved it.

It's not too late to join up if you want to set a goal for yourself! New fellow book addicts are ALWAYS welcome! :)
 
Finished #3 out of 30.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

It was an interesting read, but I didn't love it. I'm a quiet person by nature and thought that this book would be more on the practical side, but it wasn't. The book for the most part offered proof that introverts can make a difference in our world, but I didn't find that surprising. The only 2 chapters that were practical in nature dealt with how to handle your quiet children (doesn't apply to me) and how to communicate with the other sex when it's an introvert/extrovert relationship (again, didn't apply).

The book had good reviews, but it just wasn't what I expected. I give it 3 stars - average.

Still reading #4 The Passage by Justin Cronin. Hoping to finish this week! :thumbsup2
 
Finished #3 out of 30.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

It was an interesting read, but I didn't love it. I'm a quiet person by nature and thought that this book would be more on the practical side, but it wasn't. The book for the most part offered proof that introverts can make a difference in our world, but I didn't find that surprising. The only 2 chapters that were practical in nature dealt with how to handle your quiet children (doesn't apply to me) and how to communicate with the other sex when it's an introvert/extrovert relationship (again, didn't apply).

I wanted to say that I 100% agree with your assessment (introvert here). It didn't really help me with anything BUT, I think it is a book that ALL extroverts should read. I find that extroverts are absolutely flummoxed by introverts, take them the wrong way, don't know how to deal with them (yet, I find introverts fairly understanding and accepting of extroverts...:confused3). I think extroverts, especially in the business world, should read the book to gain some insight into what some of the people they will be working with are like. One of my supervisors read the book (she is what I would call a "little e"). She kind of straddles extroversion and introversion. She feels she is surrounded by introverts and she found the book pretty interesting and helpful.
 
I am on a never-ending quest for books for my DS12 who is a reluctant reader!

I can't remember if I previously post this on this particular thread, but if your son is a Disney fan, he may enjoy The Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson. It starts out with five middle schoolers who are selected to be Digital Holographic Images (DHIs) to serve as guides around the various parks.

As they learn about the different "super powers" they possess, they are recruited by a group of Imagineers, led by the mysterious "Wayne," to defeat a group of disgruntled Disney villans, dubbed the Overtakers, who are intent on gaining control of the Disney theme park empire.

Although it's classified as YA literature, I've thoroughly enjoyed all four books I've read so far. I'll read #5 when it comes out in paperback, probably this summer. Hope this helps your reluctant reader!

Queen Colleen
 
I finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower last night. I think it only took a day to read. (I love being at the lake!) Anyway, have you ever finished a book and aren't sure what you thought of it? That's what this book is like for me. I think I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 for now.

Now time to give Stephanie Bond a try until football starts.

Lets go Ravens!!!
 
I'm in! I'm setting my goal as 100, which is definitely doable for me, even tho I'm starting late. I just finished my re-read of gone girl last night, and today I'm starting the new Linwood Barclay, Trust Your Eyes. I always love his books, and this one has great reviews! I'm looking forward to getting lots of book suggestions from this thread, finding books to read is always way harder for me than reading them!
 
Finished book #2:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

I read this b/c my DH read it & told me to read it. We are both introverts & have 2 introverted sons. Just like the 2 pp that read this, I felt it was okay. It made me feel that it's okay being an introvert & we have valuable strengths. It also talked about accepting our sons as introverts & not try to change them (which I already do). Our society is extrovert focused & need to understand what introverts can offer. I liked the comment how extroverts are more outspoken & how, in our society, that is mistaken for being a good leader. I agree that extroverts are the ones who should read this.

Next book: Home Front by Kristin Hannah
 
I'm in! I'm setting my goal as 100, which is definitely doable for me, even tho I'm starting late. I just finished my re-read of gone girl last night, and today I'm starting the new Linwood Barclay, Trust Your Eyes. I always love his books, and this one has great reviews! I'm looking forward to getting lots of book suggestions from this thread, finding books to read is always way hare for me than reading them!

I read Trust Your Eyes back in November and I really enjoyed it.
 
Finished two books and it's still January!

Book 1 - And Only to Deceive - Historical Fiction/vacation read. It was ok, not great. It's part of a series and I'm planning on reading the second one. I'll see after that.

Book 2 - The Book Thief - Incredible book. My son read this in his Contemporary Lit class and liked it. I read over 300 pages in one day.

Next up: 11/22/63 by Stephen King

Kristen
 
I finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower last night. I think it only took a day to read. (I love being at the lake!) Anyway, have you ever finished a book and aren't sure what you thought of it? That's what this book is like for me. I think I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 for now.

Now time to give Stephanie Bond a try until football starts.

Lets go Ravens!!!

I LOVE Stephanie Bond. I really liked In Deep VooDoo! (I have read a few others as well, but that was my favorite.)

*************

I should be done with #1 by...I'll say Tuesday.
 














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