2013 BOOK CHALLENGE! Are you in?

47/50 - Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

48/50 - My Amish Childhood by Jerry Eicher

There have been several others over the last couple of weeks - I've probably reached my goal by now but things have been too crazy to try and keep up with book titles/authors, etc.
 
Have read 64 out 80 books. I am now reading three books.

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Stephanie Evanovich

The Girl You Left Behind by JoJo Moyes
 
Book 52: Tempest Reborn ( Jane True #6) by Nicole Peeler

Summary by 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?

I have enjoyed reading this series, but have found as it contined the language got worse and the sex more graphic. Was not a fan of that, but was already invested in the characters.

Book 53: The Last Olympian ( Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5) by Rick Roirdan

Summary by Goodreads
All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.(less)

Great series. I also love discussing the many teens I know who are obsessed with it.

Book 54: The Kiss (Witch & Wizard #4) by James Patterson

Summary by Goodreads
Whit and Wisty Allgood, a witch and wizard with extraordinary abilities, have defeated the ruthless dictator who long overshadowed their world. But for the first time in their lives, the powerful brother and sister find themselves at odds as Wisty is drawn to a mysterious and magical stranger named Heath.
Wisty has never felt as free as she does with Heath, especially when the two of them share and test their magic together. But when a merciless Wizard King from the mountains suddenly threatens war, Wisty must make an excruciating choice. Will she unite with Whit to fight the mounting dangers that could return their world to a tyrant's domain? Or will she trust the beautiful boy who has captured her heart?
James Patterson's epic dystopian saga continues as the witch and wizard who have inspired countless imaginations must rally together before the world they fought to save collapses.

I thought the series was over after the third, so was surprised to come across this one at the library. It is a good series, but sometimes seems incomplete in the storytelling for me, kind of a "wait a minute, did I miss something" kind of thing. I find myself sometimes retreading paragraphs to see if there is more.

Next up Thankless in Death by JD Robb
 
Goal - 100 Books

Book #57 - "Here's the Story Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding my True Voice" by Maureen McCormick

From Goodreads: "In Here's the Story, Maureen takes us behind the scenes of America's favorite television family, the Bradys. With poignancy and candor, she reveals the lifelong friendships, the hurtful jealousies, the offscreen romance, the loving support her television family provided during a life-or-death moment, and the inconsolable loss of a man who had been a second father. But The Brady Bunch was only the beginning. Haunted by the perfection of her television alter ego, Maureen landed on the dark side, caught up in a fast-paced, drug-fueled, star-studded Hollywood existence that ultimately led to the biggest battle of her life."

I really enjoyed this book. Instead of glorifying her delve into drugs and bulimia, Maureen displays true regret at the choices she made. She is open and candid about everything, and honestly admits that she made stupid mistakes. I appreciated that. Her writing style is simple, direct and clean. I would recommend this book, but read it with caution. You may never look at Marcia Brady the same way again.

Next up: The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
 

Have read 64 out 80 books. I am now reading three books.

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Let me know how you like that one. Sophie Kinsella is one of my favorite authors. I've been trying to get that Ebook from the library to download and read, but so far I haven't caught it available. Another author I love is Sherryl Woods and I just finished a book by her, Windchime Point. I always love her books-great family relationships, "the good guys win", I just love the dynamics of how everyone's there for everyone else. You do know within the first few pages who the couple is that will definitely live "Happily ever after" but how they get there is the charm. Oops. almost forgot, Windchime Point was book #60.
 
Goal 72

#64 The Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill

Good ghost story.

I recently read NOS4A2 by Joe Hill & it was a creepy book. I described it as reminding me of a Stephen King book, which I used to read alot when I was younger. Well, I just found out while searching for the book you listed that Joe Hill IS Stephen King's son. His full name is Joe Hillstrom King. My guess he shortened it to be successful w/o using his father's name. He definitely got his father's talent.
 
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#28 - Cuckoo's Calling - J.K. Rowling

I really liked this book. I am not a huge mystery reader, but I wanted to try this one. A brother hires a private detective to investigate whether his sister's suicide was actually a suicide. I really liked the private detective character and his assistant so I hope she writes more.
 
I would love to join in. My goal will only be 10 books since the holidays are quickly approaching. I took the advise of everyone here and have read 3 books so far - Gone Girl, Language of Flowers, and Night Circus. They were all very different. I liked them all and if they make Night Circus into a movie I would love to see how they recreate the book. I tend to read a lot of holiday stories this time of year so I am sure my next several books with be Christmas type stories.
 
I would love to join in. My goal will only be 10 books since the holidays are quickly approaching. I took the advise of everyone here and have read 3 books so far - Gone Girl, Language of Flowers, and Night Circus. They were all very different. I liked them all and if they make Night Circus into a movie I would love to see how they recreate the book. I tend to read a lot of holiday stories this time of year so I am sure my next several books with be Christmas type stories.

Welcome! I will add you :wizard:
 
Book #76 Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Review: This book is actually pretty good. Basically the money is about people who are rich...obscenely rich. Rachel Chu, a professor of Economics has just discovered that her long term boyfriend, Nick Young has been keeping a little secret. He is the sole heir of a fabulous fortune. She has been invited to the wedding of the century in Singapore and is expected to meet his formidable and scheming family. Nick's mom has discovered that this new girl does NOT have money and no family pedigree and so she and some members of high society try to get this "goldigger" away from Nick. In the meantime, Astrid who is Nick's cousin has discovered that her husband is keeping a secret from her.

Ok, I will be honest the story isn't really strong but I will admit that being taken away to exotic locales and hearing about great food, clothing and of course...jewelry is the best part of this book. Hearing about these families with their crazy family trees and the financial details is interested.

Basically it is rich people being naughty and I ate it up with a spoon.
 
Book 55 of 100: Thankless in Death (Eve Dallas series) by JD Robb

Summary by Goodreads
In the latest suspense thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, the year 2060 is drawing to a close in New York City and loved ones are coming together for Thanksgiving. But sometimes the deepest hatreds seethe within the closest relationships, and blood flows faster than water…

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has plenty to be grateful for this season. Hosting Roarke’s big Irish family for the holiday may be challenging, but it’s a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood.

Other couples aren’t as lucky as Eve and Roarke. The Reinholds, for example, are lying in their home stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned—and heartbroken by the evidence that they were murdered by their own son. Twenty-six-year-old Jerry hadn’t made a great impression on the bosses who fired him or the girlfriend who dumped him—but they didn’t think he was capable of this.

Turns out Jerry is not only capable of brutality but taking a liking to it. With the money he’s stolen from his parents and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry’s going to strike next.(less)
Hardcover, 416 pages

I love this series, and this book did not disappoint. With over 30 books in this series, I keep expecting the stories to become stale, but they don't. I love seeing Eve grow and become better with her family & friends. Can't wait for the next one!
 
Book #77 Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K Hamilton

Review: Friend suggested this vampire series. Like a vampire...this book sucks.
 
119/150 - Divergent by Veronica Roth. I was concerned this might be too much like The Hunger Games (which I loved!), but it wasn't. The story was interesting and fresh and compelling.

120/150 - Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I literally could not take a break after reading the first book. I jumped right into this one. I loved that it picked up from the moment after the first one ended. No time lapse, no need to wonder that something happened in the interim that will be told later in a flashback. This book was just as good, if not better, than the first one. Can't wait for "Allegiant" coming out in just a month.
 
Book #76 Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Review: This book is actually pretty good. Basically the money is about people who are rich...obscenely rich. Rachel Chu, a professor of Economics has just discovered that her long term boyfriend, Nick Young has been keeping a little secret. He is the sole heir of a fabulous fortune. She has been invited to the wedding of the century in Singapore and is expected to meet his formidable and scheming family. Nick's mom has discovered that this new girl does NOT have money and no family pedigree and so she and some members of high society try to get this "goldigger" away from Nick. In the meantime, Astrid who is Nick's cousin has discovered that her husband is keeping a secret from her.

Ok, I will be honest the story isn't really strong but I will admit that being taken away to exotic locales and hearing about great food, clothing and of course...jewelry is the best part of this book. Hearing about these families with their crazy family trees and the financial details is interested.

Basically it is rich people being naughty and I ate it up with a spoon.

I live where this book was set, and I finished it about a month ago. I loved this book, loved seeing familiar and new settings and foods from my adopted home, and I'm so glad it's being made into a movie. Astrid was my favorite.

Haven't been by much, but since this post got me to join back in, I also read
Where'd You Go Bernadette? Truly enjoyed it, but the ending is a bit rushed.
 
119/150 - Divergent by Veronica Roth. I was concerned this might be too much like The Hunger Games (which I loved!), but it wasn't. The story was interesting and fresh and compelling.

120/150 - Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I literally could not take a break after reading the first book. I jumped right into this one. I loved that it picked up from the moment after the first one ended. No time lapse, no need to wonder that something happened in the interim that will be told later in a flashback. This book was just as good, if not better, than the first one. Can't wait for "Allegiant" coming out in just a month.

I liked Divergent, LOVED Insurgent. I hope the movies do the books justice!
 
I live where this book was set, and I finished it about a month ago. I loved this book, loved seeing familiar and new settings and foods from my adopted home, and I'm so glad it's being made into a movie. Astrid was my favorite.

Haven't been by much, but since this post got me to join back in, I also read
Where'd You Go Bernadette? Truly enjoyed it, but the ending is a bit rushed.

What?! No way!
 
Goal: 100 books this year.

#77 down and done.

Murder on Fifth Avenue by Victoria Thompson is the 14th Gaslight Mystery featuring midwife Sarah Brandt and New York City Police Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy. These stories take place in the late 1800s-early 1900s, and corruption in the NYC police department is rampant. Malloy is asked by Sarah's father, a rich powerful businessman, to investigate the murder of a man he considered a friend; as the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that Chilton Devries was no gentleman, and there is no shortage of suspects, including Devries' wife, son and daughter-in-law. Whether or not the murderer is arrested and tried will depend upon his (or her!) position in Society.

This a very good series; it's interesting to see how Society "operated" in the US in the Victorian era (not much differently than it did in Victorian England), and it's fun to watch the relationship develop between Frank and Sarah.

Queen Colleen
 
Goal 72

#65 Always Watching by Chevy Stevens

Dark Memories, hidden pasts, and a place that seems like heaven but might be hell. Makes for a great book!
5 stars
 





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