2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

My reading goal for 2016 is 125 books!

Good luck Stephanie

Good luck with your goal, Stephanie!

Thanks :)

Good luck, Stephanie! Any books in particular you are looking forward to reading in 2016?

Jackie B. wrote: "Good luck, Stephanie! Any books in particular you are looking forward to reading in 2016?"

Thank you. I've filled my reading list with tons of genres I tend not to read so pretty excited about them all.

That's always fun. I love exploring new genres, even if they intimidate me a bit. I don't know why, but I often doubt they will be something I'd like. I have rarely been proven correct. :)

Book One, 124 more to go!



Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Date Read
January 01, 2016

Rating
4.5 Stars

Pages
278





Wow! This story really touched my heart and after I finished it, I had to know more. I researched the orphan trains and I can't believe the journey those poor kids had to endure. I really enjoyed reading about the ones that overcame and thrived in their new lives. Definitely a book I would recommend! Glad this was my first read & recommendation of the year :)

Challenges
January Winter Challenge (Reading Addicts), January Marathon Challenge, PopSugar 2016 Reading Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller), The A to Z Characters Edition Challenge

Congrats on finishing your first book in 2016! And this has been on my TBR for awhile, so I'm bumping it up the line now - thanks for your review!

Megan wrote: "Congrats on finishing your first book in 2016! And this has been on my TBR for awhile, so I'm bumping it up the line now - thanks for your review!"

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!

Book Two, 123 More To Go!


The Secret by the Lake by Louise Douglas



Date Read
January 05, 2016

Rating
4 Stars

Pages
414 pages



Read this with a couple of girls & we sure did have fun trying to figure out this mystery. But in the end it blew us away, was not what we were expecting.

Challenges
January Winter Challenge (Reading Addicts), January Marathon Challenge, PopSugar 2016 Reading Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller) The A to Z Characters Edition Challenge

Group Read
Reading Addict's BOTM

Hm. Mystery thrillers are a genre I don't really read. Do you recommend this to someone new to the genre?

Jackie B. wrote: "Hm. Mystery thrillers are a genre I don't really read. Do you recommend this to someone new to the genre?"

Yes, I think it would be a good one to start with. It definitely more mystery than thriller. I tend to like mysteries that have me guessing til the very last page & this one did.

Book Three, 122 More To Go!




Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family by Amy Ellis Nutt

Date Read:
01.07.16

Rating:
4 Stars

Pages:
304




What a remarkable family, I'm so happy I read this!

Challenges
January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller), Every Year Challenge

Book Four, 121 More To Go!



Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger

Date Read
01.08.16

Rating
3 Stars

Pages
402



I learned a couple of things: I don't necessarily like reading about football & don't judge a book by it's cover. Yes, this was about football, but it was so much more than that. The devotion of the players & the town was pretty unreal & I found myself right there with them cheering!

Challenges
January Winter Challenge (Reading Addict), January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 50 States, 50 Books Challenge, 2016 I Spy: Book Titles Edition Challenge, Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Stephanie wrote: "Book Four, 121 More To Go!

Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger"

I'm so embarrassed that I didn't realize this was a book! I haven't seen the film, but I've definitely heard of it. Have you seen the film?

Jackie B. wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Book Four, 121 More To Go!

Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger"

I'm so embarrassed that I didn't realize this was a b..."

Yes, when it came out & even tried to watch the series on T.V. (that didn't go over well) I will say the movie was really good, their were some changes I see now that I read the book. Hardly ever do movies do the their books justice, in my opinion. But I definitely enjoyed both.

Book Five, 120 More To Go!




The Martian by Andy Weir

Date Read
01.09.16

Rating
3 Stars

Pages
385



This is my first real Science Fiction novel & I'm pleasantly surprised I liked it. At first there were a lot of numbers thrown at me that left me a tad bored. As the story progressed I found myself really fascinated by the science aspect & Mark's crazy badass survival skills. Overall, I liked it & am looking forward to watching the movie.

Challenges
January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, Every Year Challenge, The A-Z Characters Edition Challenge, PopSugar 2016 Reading Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Group Read
2016 Reading Challenge Group

Stephanie wrote: "Book Five, 120 More To Go"

Ha! I love the countdown. Keep it up.

I have yet to read The Martian. I really need to look into it-- everyone seems to love it! Come on, Jackie, get your TBR together!

Jackie B. wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Book Five, 120 More To Go"

Ha! I love the countdown. Keep it up.

I have yet to read The Martian. I really need to look into it-- everyone seems to love it! Come on, Jackie, get..."

Lol! Thanks, you should read it. It was really good :)

Book Six, 119 More To Go!




Finding Olivia by Micalea Smeltzer

Date Read
01.14.16

Rating
2.5 Stars

Pages
423



Nope. Too many pages. I was completely bored & it felt like I'd been reading it for months when in actuality it was 6 days!

Challenges
January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, The A-Z Characters Edition Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Group Reads
Reading Addicts FBR

Stephanie wrote: "Book Six, 119 More To Go!




Finding Olivia by Micalea Smeltzer

Date Read
01.14.16

Rating
2.5 Stars

Pages
423



Nope. Too ma..."

I hate when a book drags like that! Here's hoping the next book is wonderful!

Megan wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Book Six, 119 More To Go!




Finding Olivia by Micalea Smeltzer

Date Read
01.14.16

Rating
2.5 Stars

Pages
4..."

Thank you! I have a feeling anything I read next will be better than this!

Ugh! What made you decide to keep reading, instead of taking a DNF?

Jackie B. wrote: "Ugh! What made you decide to keep reading, instead of taking a DNF?"

Normally, I would! I hate wasting precious reading time on a book I'm not into, but it was a buddy read so I figured I better push through.

Book Seven, 118 More To Go!




Relic by Douglas Preston

Date Read
01.19.16

Rating
4 Stars

Pages
480



This was a Mystery/Thriller mixed with Sci-fi & it worked so well. The relics, curses, & the "beast" --I loved it all! It had me on the edge of my seat, screaming at my Kindle! I felt like I was right there trapped in the museum fighting for my life. Great read!

Challenges
January Winter Challenge (Reading Addicts), January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), Every Year Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 25 Mystery/Thriller Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Have you seen the movie they did based on Relic? Can't recommend it- I think they cut Pendergast completely out of the movie. (If he did appear, it was probably only in passing.)

Bella wrote: "Have you seen the movie they did based on Relic? Can't recommend it- I think they cut Pendergast completely out of the movie. (If he did appear, it was probably only in passing.)"

Nope, haven't seen it. That's crazy he's a big part of the story.

I just checked IMDB and Pendergast isn't showing up on the list of characters. I do remember that Margo Green and D'Agosta were the main characters in the movie.

Bella wrote: "I just checked IMDB and Pendergast isn't showing up on the list of characters. I do remember that Margo Green and D'Agosta were the main characters in the movie."

Crazy. The series is even named after him. I don't think I'll watch it, I hate when the movies cut out important parts or people.

Book Eight, 117 More To Go!




Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms by Jamie Eubanks

Date Read
01.21.16

Rating
4.5 Stars

Pages
341



This was nothing like I've ever read before. It had my complete attention until the very last page! It was a little bit Mystery/Thriller, Sci-Fi, & Romance all rolled into one & I loved it! The characters were awesome & I'm definitely going to check out the author's other work!

Challenges
January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, The A-Z Characters Edition Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Group Reads
Reading Addicts FBR

I've never heard of this book! Thanks for the quality review-- I've added Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms to my TBR. The ever growing TBR, that is... ;)

Book Nine, 116 More To Go!




Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Date Read
01.25.16

Rating
4 Stars

Pages
440



Wow! I have a feeling this story will stick with me for a while. It was definitely tough stuff to read and even wrap my head around the cruelty that all parties experienced. I found myself being pulled in both direction and conflicted about how I felt. I know bottom line, bullying comes in all types of forms and it's a serious issue that takes place every single day. I just wished that people would take it more serious because the outcome is always devastating.

Challenges
January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), PopSugar 2016 Reading Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Jackie B. wrote: "I've never heard of this book! Thanks for the quality review-- I've added Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms to my TBR. The ever growing TBR, that is... ;)"

I hope you enjoy. Check Amazon, they usually put it up for free every couple days!

Book Ten, 115 More To Go




Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Date Read
01.26.16

Rating
4 Stars

Pages
329



This my very first memoir & I'm glad Amy Poehler was the one! This wasn't overly funny, but it did keep me smiling most of the way through it. It flowed pretty well & felt as though we were having a conversation. Glad I read it!

Challenges
January Winter Challenge (Reading Addicts), January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), PopSugar 2016 Reading Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Stephanie wrote: "

Yes Please by Amy Poehler
"

Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed this book! I just picked this up from the library, in audiobook format, and I can't wait to get started.

Jackie B. wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "

Yes Please by Amy Poehler
"

Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed this book! I just picked this up from the library, in a..."

I hope you enjoy it!

Book Eleven, 114 More To Go!




Within These Walls by Ania Ahlborn

Date Read
01.30.16

Rating
4 Stars

Pages
464



This was one crazy read. I finished this & was completely speechless. I'm a big fan of horror & this had the creepy down pat.

Challenges
January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), The A-Z Character Edition Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Book Twelve, 113 More To Go!




Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea by Kris Calvert

Date Read
01.30.16

Rating
4 Stars

pages
411



Southern gentlemen & their dirty talking! I really enjoyed this one, it was a fun, sassy, hott little read! I very much enjoyed Sam & Mac & am looking forward to the rest of the series. Oh, & Mimi, the grandmother was by far my favorite character of all time!

Challenges
Januray Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), The A-Z Characters Edition Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Book Thirteen, 112 More To Go!




The Dolphin by Craig Bennett Hallenstein

Date Read
01.31.16

Rating
4.5 Stars

Pages
330



I'm a huge, huge fan of thrillers and The Dolphin did not disappoint! Sean Jordan is a registered sex offender just trying to move forward from his pretty tragic past. Living in New Orleans with his wife and daughter, teaching and aspiring to be a psychologist. All that changes when a explosion pops off in the city and a 7 year old girl is found murdered. With the latest headlines a conservative radio station decides outing sex offenders is just the way to up rating! Not only does Sean have cops breathing down his neck, he's constantly looking over his shoulder after being outed. Things only get worse, sex offenders are being attacked and the famous radio announcer's 13 year old daughter has been kidnapped. Sean is the number one suspect and little does he know that there is a psychopath loose in New Orleans and one of his main concerns is getting rid of Sean, any way he can. The Dolphin was very well written and had me questioning things I thought I knew. It had my complete attention from page one and I didn't look up til I reached the very last page. The author did amazing job of taking the controversial topic of sex offenders and writing a story that was gripping and informative that I would highly recommend to anyone that love a good thriller!

(Big Thanks to NetGalley & the author for my copy in exchange for a honest review.)

Challenges
January Marathon Challenge (2016 Reading Challenge Group), A Good Thriller Challenge, Every Year Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Read Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Book Fourteen, 111 More To Go!




The Willows by Algernon Blackwood

Date Read
02.04.16

Rating
4 Stars

Pages
60



For just 60 pages, this novel should did pack a big punch! Two friends on a canoe trip down the Danube River stop midway on a small island. While camping the willows moves almost in a menacing mannor as if they were alive. This was super eerie & the writing was chilling!

Challenges
February's Fun Facts Challenge (Reading Addicts), PopSugar Reading Challenge, Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, A Good Thriller Challenge, 1,500,00 Pages Read Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Book Fifteen, 110 More To Go!




Devil You Know by Max Henry

Date Read
02.08.16

Rating
3.5 Stars

Pages
278

Malice & Jane


Jane is married to a complete douche that dishes out emotional & physical abuse as easily as breathing. That is until her neighbor steps in to help. Oh, Malice how I loved that tortured heart of yours! I'm sure you can get the gist of the rest of this story now that her knight in shining...umm, tattoos has appeared! Overall this was good, but there were some things that were off for me. But still interested in checking out the rest of the series.

Group Read
Reading Addicts BR

Challenges
February's Fun Facts Challenge (Reading Addict), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Read Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Book Sixteen, 109 More To Go!




Baby V by Tara Oakes

Date Read
02.11.16

Rating
3 Stars

Pages
255

Dom & Baby V


Baby V just graduated college & is all ready to set out on her own. Her family has something else in mind, they already have V's future all mapped out & are ready for her to take her place in the family business. V tries her best to defer these plans, but she's no match for the smooth talker that is Dom. Little does V know something else, something big has been all decided for her. V must decide to live for her family or for herself. This was pretty slow throughout til the very end. It felt almost as a prelude for the 1st book in the series than rather the actual 1st book. I have high hopes for the second books so I will continue on with the series.

Group Reads
Biker Book Babes BR

Challenges
February's Fun Fact Challenge (Reading Addict), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, The A-Z Characters Edition Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Read Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Stephanie wrote: "Book Thirteen, 112 More To Go!




The Dolphin by Craig Bennett Hallenstein

Date Read
01.31.16

Rating
4.5 Stars

Pages
330



I'm..."

I added this book to my tbr (which is already too long). I can't wait to read it now. Thanks for the good review

Alison wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Book Thirteen, 112 More To Go!




The Dolphin by Craig Bennett Hallenstein

Date Read
01.31.16

Rating
4.5 Stars..."

Your welcome, glad you liked it! Enjoy when you do read it!

Book Seventeen, 108 More To Go!




Beloved by Toni Morrison

Date Read
02.12.16

Rating
3.5 Stars

pages
324



I remember watching the movie based off this book a long time ago & thinking this can't be true. People aren't that cruel, but they are! Beloved was a deep & very heavy read. It was not only a heavy topic with very difficult things to read about, but the way the author wrote was heavy. The emotion was heavy in every single word & it made it hard to process. The writing was beautiful, but almost overdone. It was like the author was trying to make the perfect masterpiece that came off as way too much. Overall, I would still highly recommend it.

Challenges
February's Fun Facts Challenge (Reading Addicts), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 50 States, 50 Books Challenge - Ohio, Every Year Challenge, Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Read Group Challenge (A Good Challenge)

Book Eighteen, 107 More To Go!




No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

Date Read
02.14.16

Rating
4 Stars

Pages
309



Holy Shit! This book! I now know why this book made the Top 100 Best Mystery/Thrillers Novels! The writing style is completely unusual & the way it read was amazing. The characters voices were completely their own & you knew instantly who was speaking. I very much enjoyed this & am eager to stalk the author page for more books of his to read!

Challenges
February's Fun Facts Challenge (Reading Addicts), Every Year Challenge, I Spy: Book Title Edition Challenge, Let's Turn Pages Challenge, A Good Thriller Challenge, 25 Mystery/Thriller Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Read Group Challenges (A Good Thriller)

Book Nineteen, 106 More To Go!




In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Date Read
02.16.16

Rating
4 Stars

Pages
368



In Cold Blood was such a chilling read for me because I knew it's was based on a true story. Knowing that poor family was murdered for no other reason than "no witness" makes my stomach hurt. I kept waiting for the big reveal of why. And when I got it I was disgusted that some people have zero remorse & think a human life isn't worth more than a few bucks. I've read several true crime novels & I must say this one was done right.

Challenges
February's Fun Facts Challenge (Reading Addicts), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, 25 Mystery/Thriller Challenge, 1,500,00 Pages Read Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

Book Twenty, 105 More To Go!




Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Date Read
02.17.16

Rating
3 Stars

Pages
346



Cruel Beauty was very beautifully written, the author has a true gift. The rest of it was not so great. The idea was awesome, but I feel like maybe the author tried for too much. All the mythical talk was interesting & on point, but when it came to the characters they majorly lacked. Nyx was too wishy-washy & the insta-love was too much, too quick. Oh, & the bizarre love triangle was definitely different, but made Nyx seem even more all over the place. Not a fan of the content, but a big fan of the author's way with words!

Group Read
BR with Blagica

Challenges
February's Fun Fact Challenge (Reading Addicts), Let's Turn Pages Challenge, PopSugar 2016 Reading Challenge, 1,500,000 Pages Read Group Challenge (A Good Thriller)

I wasn't a fan either but I loved the cover! it was okay for what it was though.