Katie’s Comments (group member since Mar 12, 2008)

Katie’s comments from the The Book Challenge group.

Another try at this one...go 2012!

KT's 2012 A-Z Author Challenge
A.
B. Bolton, S.J.
C. Coben, Harlan
D.
E. Evanovich, Janet
F.
G. Grafton, Sue
Green, Jane
Gerritsen, Tess
Grahame-Smith, Seth
H. Hooper, Kay
Harris, Charlaine
I.
J.
K. Kava, Alex
Kate, Lauren
L.
M. Morgenstern, Erin
McCourt, Frank
N.
O.
P. Patterson, James
Q.
R. Reichs, Kathy
S.
T.
U.
V.
W. Watson, S.J.
X.
Y.
Z.

Each year I've tried this challenge, I've gotten closer to completing it. Let's go for broke in 2012!

KT's 2012 A-Z Title Challenge
A. Awakening by S.J. Bolton (4/11/12)
A Touch of Dead by C. Harris (7/10/12)
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by S. Grahame-Smith (8/13/12)
B. Back Spin by H. Coben (3/20/12)
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson(6/10/12)
Blood Harvest by S.J. Bolton (7/29/12)
C. 'C' is for Corpse by S. Grafton (1/7/12)
D. Deja Dead by K. Reichs (3/24/12)
Dead in the Family by C. Harris (6/2/12)
E.
F. Fallen by L. Kate (8/22/12)
G.
H. High Five by J. Evanovich (4/14/12)
Hot Six by J. Evanovich (11/10/12)
I. Ice Cold by T. Gerritsen (3/22/12)
J. Jemima J by J. Green (3/19/12)
K. Kill You Twice by C. Cain (10/23/12)
L.
M.
N. The Night Circus by E. Morgenstern (4/17/12)
Now You See Me by S.J. Bolton (9/23/12)
O.
P. A Perfect Evil by A. Kava (3/14/12)
Q. The Quickie by J. Patterson (5/6/12)
R.
S. Sense of Evil by K. Hooper (2/22/12)
T. Torment by L. Kate (10/8/12)
'Tis by F. McCourt (12/28/12)
U.
V.
W.
X.
Y.
Z.

13. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff


Library Book = $2 Book Jar contribution

12. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

I re-read this Sookie book so I could remind myself where things left off before tackling the most recent two books in the series. I had forgotten how bizarre her world is. So much going on in this one: the reveal of the other supes, Crystal's murder, the war between the fairies, Sookie trying to figure out her relationship with Eric...I should have been engaged but just found myself saying "meh." I think I'm getting tired of this series...I mean, really, how much can you do with one telepathic, vampire/werewolf/shapeshifter loving waitress.

From personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

11. The Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen



From personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

It has been waaaaay too long since I last actually finished a book!

10. The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen

While the main content of this installment in the Rizzoli and Isles series was a bit weird, I loved how every few chapters a piece of the puzzle clinked into place like a game of Tetrus. I love my mystery/suspense/thriller novels to work like this and Tess did not disappoint. There was a lot of history and ancient bits and pieces to this book, which I found very interesting (a few times we wavered on the edge of too much, but thankfully never crossed over.) I actually enjoyed the three different plot lines and watching them come together...it really made you want to read faster to find out how things would turn out. Tess totally had me hooked from the grisly murder in the beginning, but I really thought we'd have one interesting wackadoo to unravel at the end and I guess it didn't turn out quite as I expected (not necessarily a bad thing!)

I was not that into The Mephisto group (although I can see the draw with secret societies and all that.) I was surprised that Dr. O'Donnell actually got killed off (she's been such a pain in the butt in this series that I thought for sure that Maura would save her.) And I was not overly impressed with the "walking off into the sunset ending" but I get it. It did make me wonder if we were going to see these characters again.

I will add a few notes about the "progression" of some of the main characters in this series:

1) I miss the Gabriel from the first two books. He was tough and mysterious and a bit edgy. In this book he was so soft! I know we are supposed to focus on Jane and Maura, but I miss Gabriel getting his FBI on!

2) Not sure yet how I feel about the tackling of Maura's relationship with Father Brophy. We've been dancing with it for a while now, and sometimes that got a bit annoying, but I'm not sure this is the way to confront Maura's issues with her faith. Maybe it just needs to grow on me a bit.

On that note, I have noticed that a lot of the past four books have had to do with Maura's faith and testing what she believes and doesn't believe. I'm not sure if it is in an effort to make her a more complex character or is a personal fascination for Tess.

3) Korsak dating Jane's mom???????

From personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

9. The Night Season by Chelsea Cain

This was a shift from the three previous books in the series and I was surprised to find that I really liked NOT having Gretchen Lowell in the book (except for three or four quick mentions.)

This story was a bit weird, but all of Ms. Cain's works have been a bit out there. I got sucked right into this thing and really ripped right through this. I am starting to like Archie (and I think this is where not having Gretchen in the book helped) but I still don't know quite what to do with Susan.

Whether you have read all of the Gretchen Lowell books or not, this is a good read.

Library Book = $2 Book Jar contribution

8. Vanish by Tess Gerritsen

Now we're talking! I really enjoyed this fifth installment in the Rizzoli & Isles series. This one was a nice blend of Jane & Maura action, although for some reason I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Jane is both married and pregnant! (I blame the TNT series for this!!)

I loved the beginning of this book, where Maura is at work late and hears noises from the storage cooler...only to find a body that isn't so dead! That shocking open leads us into a tangle ...moreNow we're talking! I really enjoyed this fifth installment in the Rizzoli & Isles series. This one was a nice blend of Jane & Maura action, although for some reason I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Jane is both married and pregnant! (I blame the TNT series for this!!)

I loved the beginning of this book, where Maura is at work late and hears noises from the storage cooler...only to find a body that isn't so dead! That shocking open leads us into a tangle of government conspiracy, a hostage standoff, Jane in the hospital, and everyone looking for a woman named Mila!

I dug all of the twists in this story from the back-and-forth in the beginning to tell the backstory of Mila and Olena, to the new chapter for Jane as she finally finds her footing in the role of wife and mother, to the final whodunnit. This was what I'd been waiting for in the past few books: lots of suspense, plotlines with BOTH Maura and Jane, and an ending that I had to wait until the last minute to figure out! Great read!!

From personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

7. Step on a Crack by James Patterson

Alex Cross will always be one of my favorite characters, but I will say I was surprised at how much I liked getting to know Det. Michael Bennett in this first of the series.

At first the whole family-of-ten-with-a-dying-wife thing made me roll my eyes (I know, I'm evil!) But I got a little attached to this clan as the book rolled on and I liked the family element it brought to Mike's character.

I can't say I was ever really enthralled by the plot (which was very strange and in my mind never really got explained), but it wasn't awful. I did not guess "who dunnit" but to be honest, by the time we got there I didn't really care. Patterson got me all excited about the awesome places we were going to go with the first two chapters...and then apparently forgot to let the readers board the plane with him (or I got on the wrong plane or maybe even missed the flight altogether!) This would be a good travel read: fast & didn't require a whole lot of focus.

Library Book = $2 Book Jar contribution
Have copy in personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

6. "B" is for Burglar by Sue Grafton

I read this book for several reasons: 1)I own all of this woman's works up through "T" and feel I must "get to it already." 2)It's for a challenge (three different challenges, actually!). 3)I'm on vacation and I'm frustrated by how few books I've finished and this one was a shortie.

While I am getting to like the character of Kinsey Millhone better in this second installment, I was pretty pissed by the way Ms. Grafton ended the thing. I had this one nailed from about 35 pages in and because of that I kind of lost interest for the last two-thirds of the book. It certainly was an easy read (probably could have done in half a day if I could have stayed focused on it) but not all that interesting. I'd like a little more meat to the story and a less obvious plot so I can get more into the story. I will probably keep reading the series, but don't foresee really recommending these books to anyone...and I certainly won't be buying any more of them...I can just get them from the library instead of spending good money on a so-so story.

Library Book = $2 Book Jar contribution
Have copy in personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

5. Charm City by Laura Lippman

When I read a Laura Lippman book, I can't help but smile and think of my best friend, who lives in Baltimore. I love how familiar she is with the city and how she lays it out there in the books. This one also showed her roots as a reporter.

But while I did grow to like Tess a little bit more in this second installment of the series, I still don't really "care" for her. It's almost like Tess' kooky family is an attempt to mirror the crazy relatives in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series and Tess herself is kind of like less likeable Stephanie Plum.

I'm not sure if I am going to continue on with this series or not...we'll have to wait & see!


Library Book = $2 Book Jar contribution

Vacation is a beautiful thing...today was my travel day & I got this done about five minutes before landing...

4. Body Double by Tess Gerritsen

Another installment in the Rizzoli & Isles series. I was a bit disappointed to see another book 90% focused on Maura...I enjoyed getting to know Rizzoli in the first book, but we have been almost completely focused on Maura these last two. While a good tale and I like the new facet to Maura's life, I thought the ending was disappointing -- like when you spend hours doing your hair & make-up, but just thrown on a shift dress to be done with it already. I'm hopeful that the next book will back off of Maura a bit (she's still discovering herself, we get it!) and putting the light back on Rizzoli, who I think is a very interesting & complex character. Get her out of the corner!!

From personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

3. I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells

I'd be wanting to get to this one for quite some time. And it started out pretty awesome, I got into it right away. Then about a third of the way through, he threw me a loop that I just never fully swallowed whole and the rest of the book, while good, lost a bit of steam. I do think the main character, John Wayne Cleaver, is a unique and interesting fellow that I look forward to seeing more of.

Library Book = $2 Book Jar contribution

2. Not Quite What I Was Planning:Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure by Smith Magazine (Rachel Fershleiser & Larry Smith, Editors)

For me a good book is one I enjoyed parts of so much that I marked them with a post-it flag. This baby is covered! It amazes me just how much one can say in six words. And how hard it is to say it in just six words. This is a great book for writers, too, as I've used it quite a few times to dislodge writer's block or get the old brain going in a new direction.

From personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

1. The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen

Another good installment in the Rizzoli & Isles series. This book gives the reader the opportunity to get to know The Queen of the Dead, Dr. Maura Isles for the complex woman she really is. The case she and Rizzoli are investigating provides the perfect springboard for finding out about Dr. Isles' past and what makes her tick today. We have a few snipets about Rizzoli as well, but this book is mostly about Maura. I was not a fan of the very last chapter...but I'm looking forward to diving into the next book to see where the duo goes next!

From personal library = $3 Book Jar contribution

A new year has begun and I am looking forward to my reading goal of 50 books between January 1 and December 31, 2011! In addition (not separately but adding a bit more fun to the mix), I'm going to try to complete BOTH the A-Z Author Challenge and the A-Z Title Challenge in 2011.

I shall track all three challenges below. I will not list a book until I have completed reading it.

I will also be contributing to The Book Jar again this year, setting aside $1 for every book I swapped for/got for free, $2 for every library book, and $3 for every book from my personal library. Once I reach my goal, The Book Jar to be used for book splurging! Wish me luck!

50 Book Challenge
1. The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
2. Not Quite What I Was Planning by Smith Magazine
3. I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells
4. Body Double by Tess Gerritsen
5. Charm City by Laura Lippman
6. "B" is for Burglar by Sue Grafton
7. Step on a Crack by James Patterson
8. Vanish by Tess Gerritsen
9. The Night Season by Chelsea Cain
10. The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
11. The Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen
12. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
13. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

A-Z Author Challenge:
A.
B.
C. Cain, Chelsea
D.
E.
F.
G. Gerritsen, Tess
Grafton, Sue
H. Harris, Charlaine
Hanff, Helene
I.
J.
K.
L. Lippman, Laura
M.
N.
O.
P. Patterson, James
Q.
R.
S. Smith Magazine
T.
U.
V.
W. Wells, Dan
X.
Y.
Z.

A-Z Book Title Challenge
A.
B. Body Double by T. Gerritsen
"B" is for Burglar by S. Grafton
C. Charm City by L. Lippman
D. Dead and Gone by C. Harris
E.
F.
G.
H.
I. I Am Not A Serial Killer by D. Wells
J.
K. The Keepsake by T. Gerritsen
L.
M. The Mephisto Club by T. Gerritsen
N. Not Quite What I Was Planning by Smith Magazine
The Night Season by C. Cain
O.
P.
Q.
R.
S.The Sinner by T. Gerritsen
T.
U.
V.Vanish by T. Gerritsen
W.
X.
Y.
Z.

Book Jar Total: $35

It's a new year, and that means a new go at this challenge. Maybe 2011 will be the year I actually complete it! *L*

KT's 2011 A-Z Title Challenge
A.
B. Body Double by T. Gerritsen
"B" is for Burglar by S. Grafton
C. Charm City by L. Lippman
D. Dead and Gone by C. Harris
E.
F.
G.
H.
I. I Am Not A Serial Killer by D. Wells
J.
K. The Keepsake by T. Gerritsen
L.
M. The Mephisto CLub by T. Gerritsen
N. Not Quite What I Was Planning by Smith Magazine
The Night Season by C. Cain
O.
P.
Q.
R.
S. The Sinner by T. Gerritsen
Step on a Crack by J. Patterson
T.
U.
V. Vanish by T. Gerritsen
W.
X.
Y.
Z.

It's a new year, and that means a new go at this challenge. I did my best yet at it in 2010, so maybe 2011 will be the year I actually complete it! *L*

KT's 2011 A-Z Author Challenge
A.
B.
C. Cain, Chelsea
D.
E.
F.
G. Gerritsen, Tess
Grafton, Sue
H. Harris, Charlaine
I.
J.
K.
L. Lippman, Laura
M.
N.
O.
P. Patterson, James
Q.
R.
S. Smith Magazine
T.
U.
V.
W. Wells, Dan
X.
Y.
Z.

Thought I could get one more done before year's end, but work would not cooperate. So 15 it is. A sad book year for me, but I did do better on the A-Z Author Challenge than I did last year:)

If only vacation lasted all year round...

50 Book Challenge
1. Whisper of Evil by Kay Hooper (completed 2/15/10)
2. Simple Genius by David Baldacci (completed 3/18/10)
3. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson (completed 3/19/10)
4. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (completed 3/20/10)
5. Four To Score by Janet Evanovich (completed 3/23/10)
6. Murder in the White House by Margaret Truman (completed 4/7/10)
7. The Crush by Sandra Brown (audiobook -- completed 8/6/10)
8. The 9th Judgment by James Patterson (completed 8/7/10)
9.Heat Wave by Richard Castle (completed 8/17/10)
10. Caught by Harlan Coben (completed 8/24/10)
11. The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen (completed 9/7/10)
12. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen (completed 11/2/10)
13. Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman (completed 11/5/10)
14. The Inheritance by Tom Savage (completed 11/6/10)
15. A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton (completed 11/9/10)

A-Z Author Challenge:
A.
B. Baldacci, David
Brown, Sandra
C. Castle, Richard
Coben, Harlan
D.
E. Evanovich, Janet
F.
G. Gerritsen, Tess
Grafton, Sue
H. Hooper, Kay
I.
J.
K.
L. Lehane, Dennis
Lippman, Laura
M.
N.
O.
P. Patterson, James
Q.
R.
S. Savage, Tom
T. Truman, Margaret
U.
V.
W.
X.
Y.
Z.

A-Z Book Title Challenge
A. The Apprentice by T. Gerritsen
-- A is for Alibi by S. Grafton
B. Baltimore Blues by L. Lippman
C. The Crush by S. Brown
-- Caught by H. Coben
D.
E.
F. Four To Score by J. Evanovich
G.
H. Heat Wave by R. Castle
I. The Inheritance by T. Savage
J.
K.
L.
M. Murder in the White House by M. Truman
N.
O.
P.
Q.
R.
S. Simple Genius by D. Baldacci
-- Sundays at Tiffany's by J. Patterson
-- Shutter Island by D. Lehane
-- The Surgeon by T. Gerritsen
T.
U.
V.
W. Whisper of Evil by K. Hooper
X.
Y.
Z.

Book Jar Total: $35.50