Here it is - the OFFICIAL 2014 READING GOAL CHALLENGE THREAD

[Glynis]

Goal - 70 books

Book #54 - No Country for Old Men by Corman McCarthy

From Goodreads: One day, Llewellyn Moss finds a pickup truck surrounded by a bodyguard of dead men. A load of heroin and two million dollars in cash are still in the back. When Moss takes the money, he sets off a chain reaction of catastrophic violence that not even the law–in the person of aging, disillusioned Sheriff Bell–can contain.

As Moss tries to evade his pursuers–in particular a mysterious mastermind who flips coins for human lives–McCarthy simultaneously strips down the American crime novel and broadens its concerns to encompass themes as ancient as the Bible and as bloodily contemporary as this morning’s headlines.

My review: I enjoyed this book, but it was really violent. I do enjoy McCormac's writing (not his style... I hate the non-use of quotation marks!), but his thoughtful writing stye provokes questions. Don't know if I'd recommend this book. It might not be everyone's cup of tea!

Next up: Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman

 

[zippitydoo]

Book #59 of 75:
Kill The Competition by Stephanie Bond

From Goodreads:
Escaping to Atlanta to forget her short-lived and disastrous marriage, Belinda Hennessey is rebuilding her life with a new job and new friends, until her life is transformed forever by a traffic mishap with a gorgeous cop and the murder of a co-worker.

Book #60 of 75:
Got Your Number by Stephanie Bond

From Goodreads:
Roxann Beadleman just received an ominous message that resurrects old secrets, and her debutante cousin Angora Ryder was just jilted at the alter. A road trip to accomplish thing on a life list they made in college leads them back to their alma mater for Homecoming, and to the professor they were both in love with...

But Angora doesn't know that Roxann is wanted for questioning in a police matter, or that a dangerous criminal could be following them. Detective Joe Capistrano is on their heels, too, determined to charm information out of Roxann and to protect her, whether she wants it or not...

Once Roxann and Angora hit campus, their lives are turned on end. Professor Irresistible is majoring in Seduction, old skeletons are leaping from closets, and Detective Capistrano is closing in. Roxann and angora soon find themselves thrust into a chilling lesson of murder, and if either of them gets out of this mess alive, could true love be at the end of their chase?

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

The Heist
Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare is known for her fierce dedication and discipline on the job, chasing down the world’s most wanted criminals and putting them behind bars. Her boss thinks she is tenacious and ambitious; her friends think she is tough, stubborn, and maybe even a bit obsessed. And while Kate has made quite a name for herself for the past five years the only name she’s cared about is Nicolas Fox—an international crook she wants in more ways than one.

Audacious, handsome, and dangerously charming, Nicolas Fox is a natural con man, notorious for running elaborate scams on very high-profile people. At first he did it for the money. Now he does it for the thrill. He knows that the FBI has been hot on his trail—particularly Kate O’Hare, who has been watching his every move. For Nick, there’s no greater rush than being pursued by a beautiful woman . . . even one who aims to lock him up. But just when it seems that Nicolas Fox has been captured for good, he pulls off his greatest con of all: He convinces the FBI to offer him a job, working side by side with Special Agent Kate O’Hare.

Problem is, teaming up to stop a corrupt investment banker who’s hiding on a private island in Indonesia is going to test O’Hare’s patience and Fox’s skill. Not to mention the skills of their ragtag team made up of flamboyant actors, wanted wheelmen, and Kate’s dad. High-speed chases, pirates, and Toblerone bars are all in a day’s work . . . if O’Hare and Fox don’t kill each other first.

I really enjoyed this one. I was a Stephanie Plum fan until about book 13(then they got kind of ridiculous and repetitive). This book had all of what I loved about the Stephanie Plum series. Hilarious characters, comical situations and the amusing sexual tension between characters that I think J.E. is really great at creating.

 

[tiggrbaby]

The Heist
Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg



I really enjoyed this one. I was a Stephanie Plum fan until about book 13(then they got kind of ridiculous and repetitive). This book had all of what I loved about the Stephanie Plum series. Hilarious characters, comical situations and the amusing sexual tension between characters that I think J.E. is really great at creating.

That's good to know! I have gotten tired of the Plum books as well, but I enjoy the humor.

 

[tiggrbaby]

#38/40: Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate

From Amazon:

The lessons that most enrich our lives often come unexpectedly. That's what Kate Bowman learns when she moves temporarily—with her husband and baby son—to her grandmother's Missouri farm. The family has given Kate the job of convincing Grandma Rose, who's become increasingly stubborn and forgetful, to move off her beloved land and into a nursing home. But Kate knows such a change would break her grandmother's heart.

Just when Kate despairs of finding answers, she discovers her grandma's journal. A beautiful handmade notebook, it is full of stories that celebrate the importance of family, friendship, and faith. Stories that make Kate see her life—and her grandmother—in a completely new way….


This was the November pick for my bookgroup. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't my preferred genre.

3/5 stars

I also read Where There's Smoke by Jodi Picoult, but I'm not counting it as it was really just a short story. I must admit, it was very clever of her to have these Kindle freebies to create interest in her upcoming novel!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I haven't posted in a long time, and I can't even remember where I left off. However, I just finished #50 of 60, Betrayal by Fern Michaels, and I loved it. It was probably a little similar in style to Jodi Picoult. From Goodreads-

Betrayal is quintessential Fern Michaels; it explores the emotionally-fraught relationships between two copules - one with children, one without. Kate and Alex have a strong marriage and a lovely home. Don and Debbie are their good friends; and the couple has two girls: Sarah and Emily. Everything changes with one phone call... Sarah accuses Alex of sexual assault, and a vicious rift occurs between the two couples. Kate watches helplessly as her innocent husband is convicted of rape and sent to prison; but then her grief turns to anger...Fern Michaels' style! With a steel-edged resolve to clear her husband's good name, and ruin those who have destroyed their lives; Kate sets out to take revenge on the family who were once her closest friends.

For me, five stars!

 

[WowLookAtThat]

Book #79 The Victorian Christmas by Anne Selby

Book #80 The Doctor's Sweetheart by LM Montgomery

Book #81 Hallowe'en at Merryvale Alice Hale Burnett

Book #82 Love and Lives of King Louis XVI by Antonia Fraser

Book #83 Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Book #84 Lord of the Isles by Amanda Scott

Review: It's crap.

Book #85 Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

 

[nemofans]

Finished book #79 - As You Wish: Inconceivable Takes From The Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

This is written by Cary Elwes who plays Wesley. I love this movie & have seen it so many times. I got it b/c I thought it would be fun to read about making this movie, however, I was reminded why I can't stand books by actors like this one. They go on & on about how amazing everyone is, how amazing the acting is, & how they all are one big happy family. This is repeated so much through the book. It just gets tiresome. There were a few things I learned that I will pay closer attention to next time I watch the movie, but not worth reading the whole book.

From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.
The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories.

Next book: The Ritual

 

[willowsnn3]

Goal 72

#74 Runner by Patrick Lee

Action, suspense, mind control. All in one book.
Got rave reviews on Goodreads, but was just ok to me. The first in the Sam Dryden series, but don't think I'll bother with the next one.

 

[portia9]

#93 Christmas Pudding by Nancy Mitford

#94 The Second Mrs Giaconda by E.L.Konigsburg

 

[Colleen27]

Ugh, I have stalled out since school started. Unless I start counting my textbooks, hitting my goal of 100 is looking like a real long shot!

#67 - The Strain by Guillermo del Toro

I tried watching the show and just couldn't get into it, so I didn't have especially high hopes for the book but I was pleasantly surprised. I found it much more engaging than the show, with better pacing and more clear distinctions between the characters. The second book in the trilogy is definitely on my to-read list when I have a little more time.

#68 - The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Another YA dystopian series my daughter told me I "had to" read, I enjoyed this one better than most. The premise of a highly localized post-apocalyptic America was convincingly rendered and the justification of the brutal testing process for potential leaders, though not yet revealed, was hinted at in ways that make it plausible enough not to undermine the story. This is another book-two that has gone on my to-read list for the Christmas holidays when my schedule eases up.

#68 - Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam

A thick sociological tome about the importance of "social capital" and traditional community in American life, I found this to be a very challenging read. Slow going even though I'm a quick reader, it presented a lot of information backed up by nearly 100 pages of endnotes and sources, and tended to be dry at times. Still, I found it to be very thought provoking with clear calls to action that took the "story" beyond mere analysis into something more relevant to the reader.

#69 - Theories of International Politics and Zombies by Daniel W. Drezner

Okay, so this was assigned reading for school but since it isn't a textbook I'm counting it. A humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at international policy responses to a zombie pandemic through the lenses of various schools of thought in international relations, this was a quick read that put some seriously dense material into a readable and understandable format. As a zombie geek I love that the professor of my poli sci class recommended this as a supplement for reinforcing the material presented in the much less enjoyable textbook.

 

[WowLookAtThat]

Book #83 Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Book #84 Lord of the Isles by Amanda Scott

Review: It's crap.

Book #85 Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Book #87 Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Book *88 Legend of Sleepy Hallow by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Book #89 Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

 

[nemofans]

Finished book #80 - Ritual by Adam Nevill

This was a good book to read Halloween week. It is creepy, dark, & strange. 4 friends go hiking where they find some strange things & start having horrible nightmares. Then they realize they are being hunted. The first half of the book is terrifyingly suspenseful. The second half of the book is weird & bizarre.

When four old University friends set off into the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle, they aim to briefly escape the problems of their lives and reconnect with one another. But when Luke, the only man still single and living a precarious existence, finds he has little left in common with his well-heeled friends, tensions rise. With limited experience between them, a shortcut meant to ease their hike turns into a nightmare scenario that could cost them their lives. Lost, hungry, and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, Luke figures things couldn’t possibly get any worse. But then they stumble across an old habitation. Ancient artifacts decorate the walls and there are bones scattered upon the dry floors. The residue of old rites and pagan sacrifice for something that still exists in the forest. Something responsible for the bestial presence that follows their every step. As the four friends stagger in the direction of salvation, they learn that death doesn’t come easy among these ancient trees . . .

 

[Pig Pen]

I just came back to say I didn't finish "All the Light We Cannot See." I just couldn't get into a rhythm. The chapters were very short and choppy. I like to be immersed in the story and just when the action started to catch my attention, the chapter ended and we were off to another character in another part of the world and I was constantly trying to pick up the train of thought.

And what is up with all these books whose timelines jump around? I can usually deal with it but this one was so confusing. I couldn't see the reason why the story couldn't be told chronologically.

So now I am trying "The Invention of Wings." Immediately the story started jumping back and forth between the two main characters but I think it's chronological at least!!

After a couple of HO HUM books, I started Doctor Sleep by Stephen King on Halloween night (after watching Rosemary's Baby - the original). I am less than halfway through - it's a huge book. I can't put it down and I have tons to do before leaving for a 10 day vacation tomorrow. It's a sequel to The Shining and follows Danny Torrence into adulthood. It's typical SK - some paranormal stuff mixed in with bizarre human behavior. I am loving it so far.

 

[jenny105]

I just finished book #35 (and made my goal!) We Were Liars. Wow, I was not expecting that ending. I knew there was a twist but that hadn't even crossed my mind.

I'm going to start The Giver later on today. It seems as though all of my library holds come in at once so I feel like I'm speed reading now!

 

[sj&k]

Finally finished Written in My Own Heart's Blood, which was number seven for me. I enjoyed it as I have all of the Outlander books and will be waiting anxiously for the next one. I am beginning to doubt that I will finish thirty books this year with only a couple of months left but I'm going to give it my best effort. I plan to start Unbroken tonight based on things I've read on this thread.

 

[wvjules]

After a couple of HO HUM books, I started Doctor Sleep by Stephen King on Halloween night (after watching Rosemary's Baby - the original). I am less than halfway through - it's a huge book. I can't put it down and I have tons to do before leaving for a 10 day vacation tomorrow. It's a sequel to The Shining and follows Danny Torrence into adulthood. It's typical SK - some paranormal stuff mixed in with bizarre human behavior. I am loving it so far.

I read The Shining just so I could read Dr. Sleep. I really, really enjoyed Dr. Sleep, moreso than The Shining, I think.

I'm reading Pet Sematary now.

 

[threeboysmom]

Have met my goal, so haven't really been diligent about keeping up-to-date as I should...

Recently finished The Girl with All the Gifts - not really my genre, but thoroughly enjoyed this story even though it was kind of "spoiled" for me before even starting it... so I won't say anymore.

Currently reading both Outlander (for the 2nd time! want to read through the whole series back-to-back this time rather than spaced over 6 years, lol) and Lucid (which I think I selected based on a fellow DIS'ers review).

 

[BonnieF]

20/40 -
The Silkworm - J.K. Rowling - sequel to The Cuckoo's Calling - both quite good, looking forward to the next one in the series
21. Olive Kitteridge - thought I'd read it before the HBO series - glad I did - don't get all the fuss - Olive is deplorable!
22. The King's Curse - Phillipa Gregory - better written than the last few in her Tudor series - this one ends the Cousins thread - literally!
23. Orange is the New Black - Piper Kerman - priviledged girl gets involved in serious drug trade, thinking she'll skate through - haha! At least she recognized the advantage she had over the inmates she writes about. She needed a good slap.

Working hard to get to my 40 goal - but Christmas is looming!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

The Town
Bentley Little

Gregory Tomasov has returned with his family to the quaint Arizona community of his youth. In McGuane, the air is clean, the land is unspoiled. Nothing much has changed. Except now, no one goes out after dark. And no one told Gregory that he shouldn't have moved into the old abandoned farm on the edge of town. Once upon a time something bad happened there. Something that's now buried in its walls. Something now reborn in the nightmares of Gregory's young son. Something about to be unleashed. What happened once is going to happen again in...The Town. You can't go home again.

This book was disappointing.

There were some creepy parts, some gross parts, and some just plain silly parts. My biggest issue was the lack of answers or reasons why things were happening.