Here it is - the OFFICIAL 2014 READING GOAL CHALLENGE THREAD

[Kimmers127]

7/200: Hostage Three by Nick Lake

8/200: All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

9/200: Flesh Worn Stone by John Burks

10/200: Bone Splintered Asphalt by John Burks

Hostage Three was great - I really, really enjoyed this one. I just saw Captain Philips in October, so I was intrigued by the subject matter and the story was very fast paced. There's a great twist near the end that threw me for a loop for a minute.

All the Truth That's in Me was phenomenal. Love, love, loved this. I was expecting to be really bugged by the second person narration but I got used to that really quickly and I felt like it really worked for this book. Everyone should read this one.

Flesh Worn Stone: oh man, I have no idea what to say about this one. It's twisted, it's dark, it takes a horribly depressing view of humanity and human nature. Parts of it are pretty graphic. Do yourself a favor and don't Google "long pork". But, there's no denying that it's a page turner and a quick read. One thing that bugged me is the MULTITUDE of spelling errors and other silly mistakes (wrong word, wrong name, he instead of she, etc etc etc). The story was gripping enough for me to mostly get past this but...

... the sequel, Bone Splintered Asphalt, was nowhere near as compelling and seemed to have double the errors. Far more distracting in this one. I forced myself through much of this sequel - it felt like it didn't really go anywhere, and there wasn't that much to say after the first book. I also wasn't a fan of the ending. This book was definitely less graphic though.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

9/200: Flesh Worn Stone by John Burks

10/200: Bone Splintered Asphalt by John Burks


Flesh Worn Stone: oh man, I have no idea what to say about this one. It's twisted, it's dark, it takes a horribly depressing view of humanity and human nature. Parts of it are pretty graphic. Do yourself a favor and don't Google "long pork". But, there's no denying that it's a page turner and a quick read. One thing that bugged me is the MULTITUDE of spelling errors and other silly mistakes (wrong word, wrong name, he instead of she, etc etc etc). The story was gripping enough for me to mostly get past this but...

... the sequel, Bone Splintered Asphalt, was nowhere near as compelling and seemed to have double the errors. Far more distracting in this one. I forced myself through much of this sequel - it felt like it didn't really go anywhere, and there wasn't that much to say after the first book. I also wasn't a fan of the ending. This book was definitely less graphic though.

You know the first thing I did was right? Ew...I just came back from some really dark places on the internet. Sometimes free-speech is scary...

Thanks for the review of those though. I'll keep it in mind.

How graphic would you say they are? Chuck Palahniuk is one of my favorite authors and he's pretty graphic so I'm not easily offended.

 

[Kimmers127]

In books about Egypt or mummies?
I guess I probably have a few recommendations for books about/having to do with Egypt and none about mummies.

Down the Nile
http://www.amazon.com/Down-Nile-Alone-Fishermans-Skiff/dp/0316019011/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390087120&sr=1-1&keywords=down+the+nile

The story of a woman who rowed down the Nile river alone.

Nefertiti: A Novel

http://www.amazon.com/Nefertiti-Novel-Michelle-Moran/dp/0307381749/ref=la_B001IQUNFW_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390087186&sr=1-2

Michelle Moran's historical fiction is always intriguing! I think she has a couple about Egypt.

Hatchepsut The Female Pharoah

http://www.amazon.com/Hatchepsut-Female-Pharaoh-Joyce-Tyldesley/dp/0140244646/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390087309&sr=1-1&keywords=hatchepsut+the+female+pharaoh

Not a lot is written about her, but she is fascinating.

Thanks for these suggestions, I've added some to my wish list!

 

[Kimmers127]

You know the first thing I did was right? Ew...I just came back from some really dark places on the internet. Sometimes free-speech is scary...

Thanks for the review of those though. I'll keep it in mind.

How graphic would you say they are? Chuck Palahniuk is one of my favorite authors and he's pretty graphic so I'm not easily offended.

Lol - I'm still traumatized from my Googling so I completely understand!

As for the books, for me, most of the violence didn't bother me TOO much, if only because I just never felt very emotionally connected to most of the characters, so I felt sort of distanced from what happened to them. I feel like if you typically read these kinds of books, you'll be okay. Just try not to dwell too much on what's in the pot!

 

[Glynis]

Don't know if you're looking for real mummies but,

Elizabeth Peters

The Amelia Peabody series

It's older and and PG at it's worst but it's a really great historical mystery series that is good for a few giggles and is really well done. Elizabeth Peters is also Barbera Michaels (so it's not exactly young and hip) but I really like the series. It's a long series and the most recent ones involve the second generation of characters.

The first one is Crocodile on the Sandbank

From Amazon:

Elizabeth Peters's unforgettable heroine Amelia Peabody makes her first appearance in this clever mystery. Amelia receives a rather large inheritance and decides to use it for travel. On her way through Rome to Egypt, she meets Evelyn Barton-Forbes, a young woman abandoned by her lover and left with no means of support. Amelia promptly takes Evelyn under her wing, insisting that the young lady accompany her to Egypt, where Amelia plans to indulge her passion for Egyptology. When Evelyn becomes the target of an aborted kidnapping and the focus of a series of suspicious accidents and mysterious visitations, Amelia becomes convinced of a plot to harm her young friend. Like any self-respecting sleuth, Amelia sets out to discover who is behind it all.

I love the Amelia Peabody series!!! So much fun!!!

 

[Kimmers127]

I love the Amelia Peabody series!!! So much fun!!!

Somehow I missed this post! I will definitely have to check these out!

 

[Colleen27]

Late to the party but I hope y'all won't mind. My goal for 2014 is 52 books, which has been my standing personal challenge for years and one I fell a bit short of last year. I lurked a bit on last year's thread for book recommendations, so I thought I'd jump in this year.

I read a bit of everything, from scholarly non-fiction to trashy romance. I have a deep affection for post-apocalyptic fiction and I read a lot of YA so my 12yo bookworm has someone to talk to about what she's reading. Right now we're fighting over Allegiant and looking forward to the Divergent movie release.

This year I've got some big books on my list - the Game of Thrones series, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy (which somehow I've never read), and a collection of classics that I either haven't read or barely remember. But in between I'm sure I'll be picking up some quick romantic reads too, and I've got some vintage Dark Shadows on my shelf that I haven't gotten to yet as well.

 

[Colleen27]

Any insight on Cloud Atlas? I'm thinking about reading this after getting the DVD from the library (and I'll be honest, I'm mostly interested in the segment with Ben Whishaw as the piano player).

I really, really enjoyed it. It was very different and at first I sort of wondered where it was going (I haven't seen the movie) but it all comes around to fall beautifully into place at the end. Very creative and unusual storytelling, full of entertaining and engaging characters.

 

[portia9]

#16 Cheaper By The Dozen-yes the book the movie(s) are based on. It's a fun read. I am reading the sequel now.

 

[PigletsPal2]

#16 Cheaper By The Dozen-yes the book the movie(s) are based on. It's a fun read. I am reading the sequel now.

I'm way behind on my reading because DH is home, we've had a lot of medical appointments, we've been driving for friends who can't (he's had hip surgery and she doesn't drive) and we've had out of town visitors, BUT I found out that my friend from out of town, whom I haven't seen in more than ten years, is another Jane Austen freak!

She had no idea that there were other authors who wrote in Austen's style, used Austen's characters and continued her stories. So I made up quite an extensive list for her, combining all the contributions from last year's reading challenge, of Jane Austen fanfic. Needless to say, your contributions made up most of the list! She was ecstatic and planned to hit the bookstore as soon as she returned home (She has a Nook rather than a Kindle, so I'm not sure how many are available for download).

So you can take part credit (or blame?) for another Jane Austen junkie!

Queen Colleen

 

[rigs32]

#5 of 50 - 700 Sundays by Billy Crystal

This is basically a written version of his one man Broadway show from several years ago. It's about family and I enjoyed it. Humorous but not laugh out loud funny. Touching at times.

Now onto the last of the Heather Wells books by Meg Cabot to round out the series.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Finished book #2-The Best Man by Kristin Hannah. I really loved this book, gave it 4 stars, but there was one thing that bothered me. The main character had a dog that she told people was a therapy dog, but she had no problem admitting that she only claimed that so that she could have her beloved pet with her at all times. There's one part where she claims to TSA that he's a therapy dog, so she gets to bring him on the airplane. Next up Threading the Needle by Marie Bostwick (I think that's the author's name).

 

[3smithboys]

#4 Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol

I liked this book. It is the first book in a new series that she is writing... it did take me a little while to get into it, but once I did I really enjoyed it.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I really, really enjoyed it. It was very different and at first I sort of wondered where it was going (I haven't seen the movie) but it all comes around to fall beautifully into place at the end. Very creative and unusual storytelling, full of entertaining and engaging characters.

Good signs all around, off to make the hold!

 

[bookgirl]

#7 River Road by Jayne Ann Kurtz
Okay. It's a romantic suspense but unlike most of her most recent books it is not an Arcane Society book. (She writes contemporary books under this name, futuristic/paranormal under Jayne Castle, and historical under Amanda Quick). She has been writing paranormal type trilogies across her three genres but this was just a plane old murder mystery, though there was a witch accusation thrown in for good measure. Not bad, but she's had better.

#8 Wicked Ties by Shayla Black (Wicked Lovers series)

I read book three in this series and went back to read the first book to see if the really bad one I'd already read was a fluke. It wasn't! Still on the shelf about recommending this as a read alike for Shades of Gray, because as bad as it was it was still better written than SofG.

 

[Friend of a Mouse]

Just finished: If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch.

This story is about a girl who lives in a camper in the woods with her little sister and mother. Her mother is a meth addict and often leaves them alone for long periods of time. One day, social services comes calling and nothing is ever the same. Now Caarey and Jenessa must adapt to a father they have never known, high school, appliances, the list goes on. It is made harder by the fact that Carey is hiding a dark secret that could rip her away from Jenessa forever.

Review: 5/5 stars. I absolutely loved this book. The way she tells the story took a little getting used to, but once i did, it was really wonderful. I read it in 2 days because I just could not put it down. The characters are authentic and powerful. I love that they are all very complex, some good and bad qualities. The voice of Carey is a very interesting perspective and she keeps you guessing right until the end. I dearly hope she writes a sequel as it is one of those books you become invested in and when you are finished it's like you lose a part of yourself when you are forced to leave their world.

 

[KGlo]

Book 4/120- "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

Goodreads summary: "From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, hallways hum “Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. Until they are not. Leo urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her - normal."


My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. The character of Stargirl was very endearing to me. I own the sequel "Love, Stargirl" but I am going to hold off on reading it for a while. I gave it 4/5 stars on goodreads.

Up Next: I'm continuing to read "S: Ship of Theseus" by J.J. Abrams and Doug Durst. This book will take me quite a while to finish due to the odd nature of the book, but I am really enjoying it so far. I also started "The Death of Bees" by Lisa O'Donnell.

 

[allenfane]

I would also like to join in with a rather ambitious (for me) 50 books. I tend to spend more time on the computer than reading books, but I am hoping to do better this year. I've been lurking around the site for a while, and was following last years book thread off and on. Hopefully having someplace to keep track of my progress will help motivate me.

I have finished two already, The Secret Affair at Styles and Curtain, the first and last Poirot mysteries by Agatha Christie. I had read Styles before as I have been systematically working my way through all the Poirot mysteries, but had to reread it as Curtain takes place at Styles and makes frequent referrals back to the first book.

I am currently reading The Begum's Millions by Jules Verne, and have several new Verne books lined up next, all of which have just recently been translated into English for the first time.

Allenfane

 

[xlsm]

Finished book 6 of 45, The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson.

I read this as our nighttime reading book with my two boys and they both loved it and want me to get the next book in the series.

It's about an alley cat named Aldwyn who, while running from a bounty hunter, hides in a shop that sells Familiars to young witches. Aldwyn becomes part of a family for the first time, and will do anything to protect it. He loves his new friends, but he's keeping a secret...they don't know he's not really magic.

The characters are cute and the story is pretty good. I'd recommend this to younger Harry Potter fans. I rate this a 3/5.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me - Good, but got a little ridiculous by the end with fantasy revenge and funeral plans. I give it a 4/5 though if you enjoy the Office-type humor.