Here it is - the OFFICIAL 2014 READING GOAL CHALLENGE THREAD

[mumloveseeyore]

book 20/150life after life by kate atkinson
this book deals with ursula todd and her family, ursula keeps being reincarnated, at first living only a few minutes but for increasingly longer peRiods, she deals with both world war one and the London blitz. it was beautifully written and gid make me think about the consequences of seemingly small actions but it could be difficult to keep track of the jumping back and forward in time and it;s ending left me a bit disatisfied. 3 out of 5
book 21Hexed by kevin Hearne
second in the iron druid series of urban fantasy. a fun quick read.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Mary Roach

Stiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers - some willingly, some unwittingly - have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. In this fascinating account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries and tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them. San Francisco Chronicle: "Fascinating and oddly fun." Time Out New York: "Roach's dry, irreverent wit makes for a delightful - though never disrespectful - read." Forbes: "Acutely entertaining, morbidly fascinating.

I already knew that I loved this book. However, an unfortunate accident at a hotel pool put a stop to my first reading of it.

I find the content interesting and weird and sometimes funny and I enjoy the author's writing style.

 

[mumloveseeyore]

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
Mary Roach


I already knew that I loved this book. However, an unfortunate accident at a hotel pool put a stop to my first reading of it.

I find the content interesting and weird and sometimes funny and I enjoy the author's writing style.

thanks for the recommendation this sounds like just my kind of thing!

 

[tiggrbaby]

#8/40 Dented Cans by Heather Walsh

From Amazon:
A family secret is revealed during an ill-fated--yet hilarious--trip to Disney World.



Sixteen-year-old Hannah Sampson knows her family is not what you would call normal. Her father compulsively buys dented cans and has a particular fondness for cans without labels, which are extremely discounted because their contents are a mystery. Her mother takes countless pictures of her family and then glues them down into the pages of her scrapbooks, but does not allow anyone to look at them. Ryan, Hannah's mischievous fourteen-year-old brother, is headed straight for the remedial track at the local community college, if he's lucky. Ben, her eight-year-old brother, is a walking sound effects machine, who prefers to communicate with noises rather than words. While Hannah is focused on escaping her working-class Connecticut suburb, she also finds herself being tugged back home as she worries about her brother Ben.



Hannah's parents inflict one last family vacation on the Sampson children, a trip that goes comically wrong almost from the get-go. Hannah is forced to confront her family's past in Disney World, of all places, when an emotional argument prompts her parents to disclose a secret they have been keeping from the children for sixteen years. Ultimately, she must decide whether to leave her hometown and not look back, or to focus on helping her family.

I thought this was written in a way it would appeal to young adult readers. there were quite a few parts that made me giggle. I did feel that the ending was rushed.

3.5/5

 

[CallieMar]

7/50 - Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

From Goodreads:
Caldwell, New York, has long been the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It's also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and owner of a notorious night club that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he's approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King and leader of the Brotherhood.

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood-even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

Loved this, one of the best in the series! The last couple of books were just so-so but I really enjoyed this one. I didn't care much about Rehvenge before but we get to see beyond his shady ruthless exterior to his secret heart of gold. And Ehlena is one of my favorites of all the shellans, strong and feisty and a good counterpoint to Rehv. The ending sets up the next book very nicely as well.

 

[Kathi OD]

Finished #7 ~ The Language of Flowers

Quite enjoyable and quick read. 4/5

 

[rigs32]

#8 - Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.

This is the story of a college freshman making her way through the year. It was very well written and I was happy to hear the author just signed for a two book deal. Nicely written characters. I did want to smack the main character a couple times, but that's because she's a still-maturing teen.

#9 - Vampire Academy #1

Figured I should read this now that the movie is out. I appreciated the somewhat different vampire mythology. I'll read the rest of the series because I liked the world created and I'd like to know how things play out, but the main character annoys me a bit. Perhaps this is a theme for me - getting annoyed with young characters that make dumb choices.

#10 - The Fault in Our Stars

Read this because it was on everyone's best list and there's a movie coming out. How I managed to learn nothing about the plot is surprising. I had no idea it was so sad! As in, ugly crying for the last 50 pages sad.

Started on #11 - the 2nd Vampire Academy book

 

[DisneyWalle]

#20 - Infected by Scott Sigler

from Amazon:
A terrifying thriller that will crawl beneath your skin . . . and leave fresh blood on every page. A mysterious disease is turning thousands of ordinary Americans into raving, paranoid murderers who inflict brutal horrors on strangers, their own families, and even themselves. And one morning, ex–football star Perry Dawsey awakens to find mysterious welts growing all over his body. Soon Perry finds himself acting and thinking strangely, hearing voices, fighting uncontrollable rage . . . he is infected. Worse, the disease wants something from him, something that could alter the fate of the human race.

I enjoyed this book. Very quick read. The only drawback to the book was the prevalent rough language. However, the story line is good.

Next book: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

#20 - Infected by Scott Sigler

from Amazon:
A terrifying thriller that will crawl beneath your skin . . . and leave fresh blood on every page. A mysterious disease is turning thousands of ordinary Americans into raving, paranoid murderers who inflict brutal horrors on strangers, their own families, and even themselves. And one morning, ex–football star Perry Dawsey awakens to find mysterious welts growing all over his body. Soon Perry finds himself acting and thinking strangely, hearing voices, fighting uncontrollable rage . . . he is infected. Worse, the disease wants something from him, something that could alter the fate of the human race.

I enjoyed this book. Very quick read. The only drawback to the book was the prevalent rough language. However, the story line is good.

Next book: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

Adding this to my list. Sounds like a good read!

Have you read Parasite by Mira Grant? Seems along the same line.

 

[kimmar067]

I'm starting this thread a little early, but I don't want to forget with the Christmas rush almost upon us. I've enjoyed the 2013 thread SO MUCH and am really looking forward to the 2014 thread...So.... for this 2014 thread, everyone that wants to participate should state their book goal # and I will keep record of everyone's goals in the first post of this thread. I am not perfect, so if I happen to miss you, please do not hesitate to give me a kick in the pants

Along with your goal, please state the book or books you are MOST excited about reading in 2014!

….you want me to 'DIS' AND read??? At the same time??? That's just too much pressure!!

 

[nemofans]

Finished book #14 - Netherwood by Jane Sanderson

This story takes place in the 1900's in a Yorkshire mining village. It is similar to Downton Abbey. Basically, you have the wealthy family (the earl who runs the mining village) & the lower class. I enjoyed this story & will read the 2nd book, but it is slow at times. Some of it could have been cut out of the story. Overall, a decent read.

Two remarkably different worlds—one of wealth and privilege, the other of poverty and desperation—are about to collide in one shattering moment in this mesmerizing tale of high drama, forbidden love, and families fighting to hold on to what they have
Upstairs: Lord Netherwood, a coal baron, earns his considerable wealth from the three mines he owns. Supplying a bustling industrial empire with the highest-quality coal keeps his coffers filled—money he needs to run his splendid estate, Netherwood Hall, and to dress his wife and daughters in the latest fashions. And keeping his heir, the charming but feckless Tobias, out of trouble, doesn't come cheap.
Downstairs: Eve Williams, the wife of one of Lord Netherwood's most stalwart employees, cleverly manages her family's well-being on the low wages her hardworking husband earns in the mines. But when her ordered life amid the terraced rows of miners' houses is brought crashing down by the twin arrivals of tragedy and charity, Eve must look to her own self-sufficiency and talent to provide for her three young children.
And soon the divide between "upstairs" and "downstairs" is about to close . . .and neither world will ever be the same.

Next book: Lakeside Cottage

 

[tiggrbaby]

….you want me to 'DIS' AND read??? At the same time??? That's just too much pressure!!

C'mon, Kim, you can do it!

 

[keenercam]

I haven't been here yet this year to post the books I've read. Sorry! I recently spent a lot of time in the hospital and home sick, but didn't get to read much while I wasn't feeling well. Fortunately, whenever I have been feeling well, I've read a lot. LOL!

1. Miami, Mistletoe & Murder (Red Stone Security Series) by Katie Reus
2. His to Protect ((Red Stone Security Series) by Katie Reus
3. Breaking Her Rules ((Red Stone Security Series) by Katie Reus
These were "okay". Kindle freebies.

4. Reckless (Renegades, Book 1) by Skye Jordan and Joan Swan

*5. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah - LOVED this! I've recommended it to a few other women who have all enjoyed it as well.

6. Legal Affairs – Objection by Sawyer Bennett (novella) - Disappointing. I usually like this author, but this turned out to be a very short piece of a new series. I think it is called a serial novel? Anyway, I ended up annoyed to have invested the energy in a story and characters only to be left hanging.

7. My Little Runaway (Destiny Bay Romances Book 1) by Helen Conrad
8. Wife for a Night (Destiny Bay Romances Book 2) by Helen Conrad
9. Too Scared to Breathe (Destiny Bay Romances Book 3) by Helen Conrad

These were also just okay. I'm finding I don't always share the same opinion of books with amazon reviewers.

*10. The MacKinnon’s Bride (The Highland Brides Book 1) by Tanya Anne Crosby. Really liked this one!

11. Twelve Days (The McRae Series) by Teresa Hill
12. Edge of Heaven (The McRae Series) by Teresa Hill

These were sweet, heartwarming (and sometimes heart-breaking) books by an author I'd never read before. I will read her again.

13. The Way You Look Tonight (The Sullivans) by Bella Andre

*14. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion -- I read this based on reviews here and absolutely loved it! What a clever, engaging story!

*15. Life on the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux
*16. Edge of the Past by Jennifer Comeaux
*17. Reaching the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux
*18. Fighting for the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux

These four books (one is a novella) are among my favorites this year. They follow a group of figure skaters based at a training facility on Cape Cod. The stories provided a lot of insight into the training regimen and their lives on and off the ice. I'd definitely recommend to other ice skating fans. You'll definitely want to read them in order.

*19. Slammed by Colleen Hoover
*20. Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover (sequel to Slammed)

Colleen Hoover has become one of my favorite authors since I read Hopeless, Losing Hope and Finding Cinderella. These two books are equally good. The characters are well-developed and the story is excellent.

21. The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1) by Tarryn Fisher. I read this based on a recommendation on Facebook. Must admit that it wasn't as wonderful as I expected.

22. It Must Be Your Love (The Sullivans) by Bella Andre
23. Wild Irish Ride (Weldon Brothers) by Jennifer Saints
*24. No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay. This is the second book I've read by this author and I really like the way he builds suspense. This book had some really interesting twists and turns.

25. A Moment by Marie Hall
26. Million Dollar Wife by Margaret O’Neil
*27. Spiral by Mila Ferrera. I really enjoyed this book. It is about young doctors at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia).

28. Irresistible Lies by Juliette White
29. The Gingerbread Man by Maggie Shayne. Good suspense, though the writing style was somewhat awkward occasionally, almost as if someone edited it and interjected their style.
30. A Love of Her Own by Bettye Griffin

*31. After the Sky Fell Down by Megan Nugen Isbell. This was really good. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but if you liked Hopeless and The Fault in Our Stars and The Language of Flowers, you'd probably like this one as well, though some reviewers on amazon seemed unable to connect with the protagonist. (I didn't have that problem. I admired her and sympathized with her and didn't find her to be a whiner, as some other readers did).

 

[WowLookAtThat]

Book #16 Sex with the King:500 Years of Adultery,Power,Rivalry and Revenge by Eleanor Herman

Book #17 Royal Romances by Leslie Carroll

 

[threeboysmom]

Just finished book #7 of 60 - Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty

From Amazon:

Yvonne Carmichael has worked hard to achieve the life she always wanted: a high-flying career in genetics, a beautiful home, a good relationship with her husband and their two grown-up children.

Then one day she meets a stranger at the Houses of Parliament and, on impulse, begins a passionate affair with him - a decision that will put everything she values at risk. At first she believes she can keep the relationship separate from the rest of her life, but she can't control what happens next. All of her careful plans spiral into greater deceit and, eventually, a life-changing act of violence.

Apple Tree Yard is a psychological thriller about one woman's adultery and an insightful examination of the values we live by and the choices we make, from an acclaimed writer at the height of her powers.

The book begins with a trial but you don't know, to begin with, whom is on trial and for what. As the book continues, you read about a middle-aged woman who embarks on an affair following her initial encounter with a complete stranger whom she has sex with just minutes after meeting him, without even knowing his name. To begin with, I was initially dismissive of this, finding it rather implausible but, as you get to know and understand the characters, particularly Yvonne, her actions that day and over the course of the affair become more believable.

It is rare for me to have a good run of books. Usually, after reading a particularly good book, I find that the next pales into insignificance as it can't quite follow in the footsteps of the previous book. So I wasn't expecting much from this book, having highly enjoyed the previous book I read. I couldn't have been more wrong. This was a fabulous book, a real 'page turner'. So many moments where I was literally exclaiming out loud as the next twist in the tale took me by surprise. And even the bits I was expecting took my breath away when I realised it had actually happened. It sucked me in completely from the start and I found it was one of those rare books where you can't wait to finish it but, at the same time, don't want it to be over. Completely brilliant. I am now on the hunt for more books by this author

This one sounds really good! Thanks for sharing!

….you want me to 'DIS' AND read??? At the same time??? That's just too much pressure!!

Does reading 52 pages of a DIS thread count as a book?

 

[threeboysmom]

Just finished #6 of 30

The Woods by Harlan Coben

This was my first read with this author and won't be my last. I loved his style - easy to read and he gripped me from the first chapter all the way to the last. Can't say I loved the ending itself, but it's rare to find a book that ends the way I think it should end, lol.

I've been told this is not his best work so really looking forward to reading more by this author! I think I have 2 more of his books on my list for this year. Yay!

Next up: When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

Really looking forward to this one - instead of sending criminals to jail, they color their skin depending on the crime committed and set them free in society to survive.

 

[willowsnn3]

Goal 72

#12 A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

This is a re read for me. The next book in the series is coming out in March and I wanted to re read the last two to refresh my memory.
Then realizing there is a tv series coming to Starz sometime this year, I believe I'll have to go and read Outlander, the first of the series.
Love these books.

 

[wilma-bride]

Next up: When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

Really looking forward to this one - instead of sending criminals to jail, they color their skin depending on the crime committed and set them free in society to survive.

Ooh, sounds good. Can't wait to hear what it was like.

 

[Caseheidi]

Sorry, it has been a while since I posted, so this is a long one! I have not been able to really use my hands much so far this year, but I have done a bit of reading!

Goal 60

Book 8: The Trouble With Being a Duke by Sophie Barnes
Book 9: Secrets of a Viscount by Rose Gordon

Your typical Historical Romances. Fun, light reads to escape the stress of my life!

Book 10: Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

This is a re-read, but needed something familiar as I was on pain meds (have had carpel Tunnel surgery on both hands in the last 8 weeks. I won't give a summary as I did so last year, but it is a typical Nora Roberts trilogy book, and book 2 comes out in April (I think) so I wanted a refresher anyway. If you like this author, you will enjoy this book.

summary's by Goodreads
Book 11:Moon Called (Book 1 of the Mercy Thompson Series) by Patrticia Briggs
Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson is a talented Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. She also happens to be a walker, a magical being with the power to shift into a coyote at will. Mercy's next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a bus for a vampire. This is the world of Mercy Thompson, one that looks a lot like ours but is populated by those things that go bump in the night. And Mercy's connection to those things is about to get her into some serious hot water...

Book 12: Blood Bound (Book 2 Mercy Thompson)
Under the rule of science, there are no witch burnings allowed, no water trials or public lynchings. In return, the average law-abiding, solid citizen has little to worry about from the things that go bump in the night. Sometimes I wish I was an average citizen...

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

Book 13: Iron Kissed (Book 3 Mercy Thompson)
I could smell her fear, and it satisfied something deep inside me that had been writhing under her cool, superior gaze. I curled my upper lip so she could get a good look at my sharp teeth. I might only weigh thirty or so pounds in my coyote shape, but I was a predator...

Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape - but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not.

Mercy's loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can't decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam may make the choice for her...

Book 14: Bone Crossed (Book 4 Mercy Thompson)
By day, Mercy is a car mechanic in the sprawling Tri-Cities of Eastern Washington. By night, she explores her preternatural side. As a shapeshifter with some unique talents, Mercy has often found herself having to maintain a tenuous harmony between the human and the not so human. This time she may get more than she bargained for.

Marsilia, the local Vampire Queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan—and she's out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack (and her close relationship with its sexy Alpha), it won't be Mercy's blood Marsilia is after.

It'll be her friends'.

I needed more familiar books, and these are good ones. I also helps that the next in the series (#8) is coming out this month. I am currently reading #5. If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy, I would highly recommend this series. Mercy is someone who has always felt on the outside and has spent the last 10-15 years just trying to blend in and keep out of the Ware-wolf's way. Starting with book 1, she gets fully sucked in to the supernaturals politics, and like all good Coyote's, she can't seem to keep her nose out of trouble. It just seems to find her.

I also enjoy the relationships that are built in the book. We get to know the Wolf Pack's Alpha and his daughter, along with many members of his pack. With each book, you learn more about this group of people and their struggles fitting in with modern society.

 

[Jafar30]

Goal of 25.
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets-B. I always felt this was the least essential book in the series.

Now reading Prisoner of Azkaban.