Challenge: 50 Books discussion

Here we go again!

I'm not doing a full-blown checklist this year, but I do have a few ideas of my own. So, here's what I'm thinking:

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 10
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 15
* Non-fiction Books: 10

The rest shall be whatever I choose! And heck, some of these will intermix, but that's okay. I deem that an acceptable non-dilemma!

Sounds like an awesome plan! I can't wait to see what you read this year! :)

Tiffany wrote: "Sounds like an awesome plan! I can't wait to see what you read this year! :)"

Thanks, Tiffany! ^_^

Looking forward to your posts, Susan. Happy reading!

Donna wrote: "Looking forward to your posts, Susan. Happy reading!"

*Laughs* There really is some strange phenomenon where people call me Susan instead of Summer. I have no idea why, but it's been following me all my life. ;P

But thanks! I'm currently reading two books at the moment and am being slow about both of them. (Apparently last month took my reading stamina away!)

Sorry Summer!!! I'll blame it on the fact that I need new glasses in the worst way.

Donna wrote: "Sorry Summer!!! I'll blame it on the fact that I need new glasses in the worst way."

No worries. ^_^

1) Sex in the Outdoors: A Humorous Approach to Recreation by Robert Rose and Buck Tilton

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 0
* Non-fiction Books: 1

This is one of those humor books that wanted to be funny, but also informative. Unfortunately, this left the reader (me) unable to tell fact from fiction half the time. Which, well, made the informative part not very helpful.

Also, the book made light of rape in a couple different areas, which just didn't sit well with me.

On the plus side, it was only 86 pages. And with it already February, that means I am sorely behind on my reading! (2016 has been a bear. A BEAR, I tell you.)

2) The Unlikely Ones by Mary Brown

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 1
* Non-fiction Books: 1

I loved the concept of this book... I'm just not really sure it delivered it. I liked the adventure of it all and that everyone worked together. I also liked that each of the main character's companions had a purpose.

(Spoilers ahead) But as another reviewer pointed out, I really hated that the book made it seem that once common purpose is done, then there is no reason to stay together. As if misery and/or needing people is the only reason to be around someone.

And I hated the romance. I didn't think the male love interest deserved the main character and would have prefered he be the one who left (but at the end of the day, he was the only one left!).

I also despised the obvious trope of the girl who thinks she's ugly and from nothing turns out to be gorgeous and of noble birth. *Rolls her eyes A LOT*

The connection I actually loved above all others was the one between the main character and Moglet (the kitten/cat). When they separated, I cried due to the unfairness of it. The cruelty of it. The absolutely NO REASON for it aside from hurting the readers.

I also loved the magic and that was pushed swiftly away in order for the main character to fall into the trap of a stereotypical housewife.

In other words, I'm not really sure how I feel about reading the other two books in this series that are sitting on my to-read shelf.

3) House Immortal by Devon Monk

I decided to take a break from the Unlikely Ones book series, so I picked this book up at the store. I love Devon Monk, although I've been avoiding the Allie Beckstrom novel I've had on my shelf for a couple years now. Something in that series slowed down, but thankfully, it's all gears ahead in this new series!

Sure, there were a couple issues in this book. The romance felt... maybe not rushed, but random? Like, I was actually confused as to why the two liked each other in that way. It felt like the author went, "Well, you see, he's a main character, has a penis, and is like you... go for it!"

Aside from a couple tiny details and that, it was a great read! I love Monk's new world (one where a dozen people were caught in a blast that caused them to be immortal... although the main character's story is a little different). It's like Frankenstein's Monster meets Hunger Games (for fashion; no, seriously!) meets Divergent. Weird combo, and yet it worked!

4) Demon Moon by Meljean Brook

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 2
* Non-fiction Books: 1

This book took me THREE months to read (well, 2.5). This book is most DEFINITELY in my top five worst books read of all time.

Where do I start? Well, I suppose I should note that I shall give 10% of the blame to myself for disliking this book--this is the second book in a series and I've never read the first.

But seriously, there are rules authors must live by when it comes to book series writing. Top among those rules is that you need to welcome newcomers to your series with gentle tours of old content. Not too much or you'll bore those who have read the previous book(s), but it needs to be constantly considered. Brook... didn't really do that at all. (Unless you count an entire scene that may have been copy/pasted, but that was halfway through the book. Too little, too late.)

Worse than that was the main male character, Colin, had been alive as a "special" vampire for so long that his sexual partners ranged in the THOUSANDS. (Literally THOUSANDS.) And those women were basically dosed by his blood so that they would want sex. And he would then have sex with them due to his own lust cravings. And then the women would forget him. THIS IS NOT OKAY. THIS IS RAPE. THOUSANDS of RAPE. >_< (And even if there was consent... yeah, thousands of partners is just... ew.)

And if it was acknowledged as such and dealt with, maybe I could have forgiven it. (Been horrified by it still, but forgiven it.) After all, Mullos are a type of vampire that have deep sexual lusts that they can't control and I get that it's a mythos type. But... yeah, it needs to be addressed.

*Cough* Anyway, I'm rambling now. In essence, the prose was crap, the couple was meh with a side of predictable for their end-game dilemma, and I didn't know what the hell was happening half the time due to Brook being all over the place with her descriptions.

The sex... eh, it was all right actually. But damn if I couldn't enjoy it due to hating everything else. *Sniffle*

5) Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones

3 stars like the first book in this series. It was... decent.

I'm not a huge fan of the romance in this book, but it's not a total turn-off as I don't *hate* it.... I just don't care. I'm hoping to put a "yet" on there here soon. I actually ship the main character with someone else, so there's that. *Shrug*

The humor was, once again, okay and terrible. Nothing was ever laugh-out-loud funny, there were some times I winced, but there were also times I gave a small smirk. The t-shirt and bumper sticker quotes at the start of each chapter are still awful and random and I wish they would just stop.

Honestly, I think Jones just tries too hard for Charley (the main character) to be funny and it backfires.

The plot(s) were decent, although one of them was entirely obvious and tropey. Jones made it work through some fun characters though, so I'll let it slide.

Good enough to read the third book, but I do hope it gets better!

6) The Editor's Eye: A Practical Guide to Transforming Your Book from Good to Great by Stacy Ennis

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 3
* Non-fiction Books: 2

I'm getting closer and closer to finding the nerve to self-publish. This book was very helpful in some aspects... and really not in others.

Ennis goes into some great stuff when it comes to finding an editor, different types of editing, and what sort of money numbers authors should be expecting to pay. ... The rest was sort of rambly and off-topic.

I was sad there wasn't more about how authors can do more *themselves* so that out-sourced editing is less of a headache, but, eh, what do you do? At least I have a writing degree! That, uh, sometimes helps.

Summer wrote: "I'm getting closer and closer to finding the nerve to self-publish."

Yay! Good luck! Whatever you write, when you publish it, I promise I'll read it! :) (But no pressure!)

Tiffany wrote: Yay! Good luck! Whatever you write, when you publish it, I promise I'll read it! :) (But no pressure!)"

Aww, that is super sweet! Thank you! :)

7) Write. Publish. Repeat. by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 3
* Non-fiction Books: 3

I know my entertainment value diminishes when I'm not reading crappy smut books, but what can I say? The self-publishing bug continues to call!

This book has a TON of helpful advice in it. I have markings all over it with little pink note bits holding important places for me to reread later.

What turned me off was the expectation that I needed to be the energizer bunny when it came to writing in order to be successful. In other words, these successful indie authors believe that you need to write a LOT in a SMALL timeframe. I, uh, don't do that. I, uh, don't know if I *can* do that.

Basically, it intimidated the hell out of me and made me run into a corner to hide believing that I wasn't ready for this as a career.

And frankly, I don't like that a book would do that! I think there should be encouragement for the people out there like me who are working to increase their word counts, but that also want to publish before they're keyboard wizards.

That, honestly, was my only big holdup with this book. The rest was fantastic!

8) The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 3
* Non-fiction Books: 4

The authors of the book above this one constantly (CONSTANTLY) kept bringing up how amazing and life-transforming this book was. There's a part of me that wants to take one of the stars off *their* book due to costing me $10 and hours of my life I can't have back (well, it was short, maybe not that many hours, but you get my point).

I went into this book ready for inspiration and maybe a tip or two. What I got was bullshit on top of judgment on top of religious babble.

Seriously, Pressfield has the audacity to state that depression, anxiety disorders, etc. are a fallacy made up by drug companies. That people who are mentally healing are pansies that need to suck it up and walk it off. That doing what we were meant to do on Earth (something supposedly deemed before our birth) will cure cancer. The list goes on and on. (He even brings up Hitler. *Sigh*)

In a nutshell ("nut" is right), Pressfield states that procrastination is due to Satan and that the divine shall set us free. All we need to do is love God and let Him in. And, you know, stop being a pansy-ass.

I have never been so shellshocked combined with ANGRY after a read in my entire existence. And we've *seen* the crap I read!

9) Pigs Don't Fly by Mary Brown

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 4
* Non-fiction Books: 4

While a part of the same world as The Unlikely Ones, this book is about a different person and her travels (and continues into the third book).

I did like the book, but... well, let's start there for a moment. I liked the adventuring about with the chatting of animals due to a unicorn ring that has many uses. I liked that not everyone got a happy ending (not bad endings, but more realistic) and I liked the twist pairing at the end.

Now, the bad...

Brown seems to have this thing where she really likes women to think they're ugly and it turns out they're the foxiest fox that ever foxed a fox.... or something. Which, fine, if you want to go down that trope once, so be it. But again? After doing it in the first book? *Sigh*

Fact is, I *liked* that Summer (the main character's name is Summer... and now you see why I picked this up!) learned a ton of useful skills and had to toughen up when she started her adventure. What I hated was that she never really *used* her skills aside from sewing.

How cool would it have been if all these dudes wanted to be with her because she was so damn skilled and smart instead of because she was a fox? Instead, I get lines like (not a direct quote), "Of course you're beautiful, Summer! After all, why else would all those dudes want to marry you?" TERRIBLE pep talk! Good gods, when did physical beauty matter more than anything? What kind of a statement are you making, Brown?!

Two last points: 1) Summer was frequently dumb or mean in order to drive the plot. I HATE that. 2) The front cover of the book totally spoils one of the "big" mysteries of the novel. "Pigs Don't Fly" is the cover and then in small text "But dragons do...."

Gee, I wonder what the pig is? *Facepalm*

10) The Scarletti Curse by Christine Feehan

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 5
* Non-fiction Books: 4

To even begin to describe this train wreck, I'm going to need a little help from my German friend Pieter from Pitch Perfect 2: "your [novel] is like a, how do you say that, a heated mess. A mess where heat is applied to it, so what once was little messy is now even messier."

Thanks, Pieter!

Seriously, I went to put a big, fat 1 in the stars section and my mouth literally dropped in horror as I discovered it had an average rating of 4.11. I screamed at my screen something along the lines of, "What the HELL is WRONG with people?!!!" The caps were *real.* My, uh, neighbors could likely attest. *Cough*

Let's not even get into the fact that the writing was subpar with adverbs that bred like rabbits into more and MORE adverbs, redundant sentences galore, and so much flowery bullshit that I never want to look at an ocean ever again.

Instead, let's focus on how this book takes feminism back about fifty years. Hell, the main female character *loved* to run around with bare feet. Need I say more? Well, I'm going to anyway!

So, Nicoletta (our female lead) is forced to marry the male lead (Giovanni; I'm not even making his name up). All her life, she's been free to roam about as she pleases, a healer and loved by her village; but this dude sees how pretty she is and MUST have her! So, he snags her due to his rights as the leader of the area (classy) despite her protests.

Okay, so far we have your basic romance led by Stockholm syndrome. Those are always my favorite. Thus, we begin our book with a woman who is imprisoned into a home that she doesn't want (not to mention the one her mom was killed in) and forbidden to leave in any way, shape, or form.

This, naturally, causes her to oooooooze with desire for this man. Because, hot damn, he has a yummy body, nice hands, and knows how to use his cock.

I mean, isn't that all we really want, ladies? Freedom is so 2015! (Note: This is a period piece, but shh, my point stands!)

This, by the way, NEVER resolves. Not that I would be okay with her falling for a guy that did all but shackle her (keeping guards on her 24/7 feels like a close equivalent) and *then* sees reason and lets her frolic, but damn, it would've been BETTER.

Oh, and the "mystery" of the "curse" is so damn obvious that I did the stare. You know, the one where you just stare at the book when it finally gives you the reveal with this air of "Dum dum duuuuuuuum" when you knew the answer from the get-go.

I have one last Feehan book on my to-read shelf (I bought them in a bundle from a library sale). ... At least it's a short story collection with other authors in it. The idea of it still makes me cringe though.

Seriously Summer, we have got to get you started on a better class of romance writer. Kenyon, like J.R. Ward, has a huge fan base for whom they can do no wrong, hence the 4.11 rating. Maybe one of the other writers in your collection book will do better by you.

I'm currently reading a NA by Courtney Milan (who also writes tremendous historicals) called Trade Me. I'm a third of the way through and really hooked, even though NA is not really my favorite genre-being that they're about characters young enough to be my children. You should give it a try.

Donna wrote: "Seriously Summer, we have got to get you started on a better class of romance writer. Kenyon, like J.R. Ward, has a huge fan base for whom they can do no wrong, hence the 4.11 rating. Maybe one of ..."

I haven't read a Kenyon book in a looong time. I don't actually recall if I liked it or not... which probably means I didn't or it was just meh for me. *Shrug*

Honestly, as long as I don't grab a trove of bad books in a row, I don't mind reading them. It actually helps me as a writer... well, the technical writing parts. The sexist awfulness is pretty self-explanatory for me.

Still, it breaks my heart when I read a book that I think absolutely trounces on women and then go to its reviews... and see women go on and on about how amazing it is and how romantic the coupling was. *Cries*

I'm planning a visit to the bookstore in a week or two, so I'll keep my eyes peeled for Milan!

11) Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Ah, Richelle Mead, you're back in my good graces!

Sure, this book had some issues: meh editing, predictable outcomes of plots, etc. But honestly, it didn't take away from the experience for me.

The novel was fun, engaging, and even a bit sexy. (It's about a succubus--it had better be sexy!) I mean, the main character could use a polish (she's a bit too much at times), but this is the first book in the series. Mead is still working her out; I get that.

I already picked up the second book in the series before finishing this one, which is always a big compliment to an author!

12) Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

This is the first book of a new series set in the same universe as The Mortal Instruments.

So. Good.

Like, I couldn't put the damn thing down good. As in, when I was forced to put the book down, I got grumpy. I *love* those book reading experiences!

The forbidden love thing in the book was fantastic and well-brought and ended in such a "so good it burns" way that I changed my star rating in my head from a 4 to 5.

The main plot didn't drag and the kids in the book didn't drive me nuts or annoy me. *Thumbs up*

I loved how the male main character was the one who lacked any sexual experience while also not making the main female character seem slutty. (It's always so frustrating when authors overcompensate with female characters that have had sex before, possibly with multiple partners.)

Hell, I loved that there was *sex* in the first book of a new series! Not in your face sex (it's still a YA novel), but it called to attention that these 17/18 year-olds are adults in so many ways that sex just makes sense as something that could/would be going on.

There were a couple of meh things for me: flashy vocabulary that forced me to pull out my dictionary mid-scene and thus completely break me out of the moment; an obvious villain (for me anyway).

But I forgive these things! *That* is the power of good writing!

13) Master of Many Treasures by Mary Brown

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 0
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 6
* Non-fiction Books: 4

This was the last book in the semi-trilogy previously noted. While the book before this one had some good parts, this one... had zero. ZERO redeeming qualities.

This book was so awful to get through that it took me months to read. I would dread opening it. The relief is *real* having it finished and done.

All the characters are unlikeable. The plots were boring and off-point. Attempted rape is thrown in as a casual bitpart, to which the main character then gives said attempted rapist all of her monies because she doesn't need it anymore. *Hits face against desk in rage*

Oh, and the ending stinks.

14) Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead

The second book in the Georgina Kincaid series. It wasn't as good as the first book, but still a light and sexy read.

I really like the idea of a succubus and a mortal dating, but being unable to get physically intimate. I'm looking forward to future books increasing the difficulty of this continuing.

My biggest complaint is that the book was too slow-moving. There were never really any roller-coaster feels (different levels of action and excitement); everything, even the supposed high-action scenes were very low-key.

Still, I enjoyed it and will definitely continue reading the series.

I just got back from vacation, so I'm going to be quick about the three books I read while away:

15) Infinity Bell by Devon Monk

Good stuff! Was a bit uneasy about the end twist.

16) Crucible Zero by Devon Monk

End of the trilogy (I think?). Really good, and caused me to be okay with the last book's end twist. But there was some bits that weren't quite right. Not enough to really matter, but enough to push me away from 5 stars. All three books in the trilogy got 4 stars from me, so points to Monk for being consistent with my expectations!

17) Stardust by Neil Gaiman

The movie was better. Like, a lot better. Like, wow, this book was so incredibly meh. >_>

Another vacation (I'm a traveling fool!). This time I got two books read while away.

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 2
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 7
* Non-fiction Books: 4

18) Villette by Charlotte Brontë

This book was a huge disappointment to me. It was listless and, well, pointless. Nothing really happens. Or rather, nothing I actually *care* about happens. People say this book is better than Jane Eyre. Those people are wrong.

19) Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

This is the first book I've ever read of this author, but I get the feeling that people either love or hate Vonnegut. I, uh, hate the style. I get that he's rambling on with nonsensical WHEEEEEEE for a point, and I suppose I respect the artistic integrity of that, but oof.

I did appreciate how sometimes the book would just punch you right in the face with something deep and/or poignant. For that, I give it 2 stars.

Summer wrote: "19) Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

This is the first book I've ever read of this author, but I get the feeling that people either love or hate Vonnegut. I, uh, hate the style. I get that he's rambling on with nonsensical WHEEEEEEE for a point, and I suppose I respect the artistic integrity of that, but oof.

I did appreciate how sometimes the book would just punch you right in the face with something deep and/or poignant. For that, I give it 2 stars."

I feel the same way! (I like your phrase "rambling on with nonsensical WHEEEEEEE" :) )

Tiffany wrote: "I feel the same way! (I like your phrase "rambling on with nonsensical WHEEEEEEE" :) )"

:)

20) Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead

Well, I'm still about nine books behind for the year, but eh, I've had a lot going on! I'm slowly trudging along!

This is the third book in Mead's succubus series and it's my favorite so far. I actually cared about the romance in this book, which was very needed!

The mysteries are still in the obvious camp, but that's not why I read these, and I don't think that's why Mead writes them. *Shrug*

I'm looking forward to the next book! (Which is sitting on my shelf, distracting me from getting books read off of my checklist.)

21) Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead

I couldn't help myself; I had to read the next book in the series next!

As per usual, there were times where I wanted to scream at the main character because the answers were so damn obvious. In this book, that got pushed up a notch.

But, well, I'm trying to let it go since I like the rest of it. In particular, I appreciated how characters were given consequences for their actions. I'm not meaning the "he's bad and he got it in the end!" kind of consequences. I mean that these books surround the idea of heaven and hell, souls, blah blah.

Consequences *mean* something in this book, which I would have been severely disappointed in due to its nature had it not been noted. The author could have easily been lazy and swept it under the rug.

Also, this book had some "a long time in coming!" moments that were worth the wait and amped the level of enjoyment.

Two more books in the series, but I'll try to wait a bit before nabbing the next one. (Discipline! It's here somewhere!)

22) Addicted by Elle Kennedy

There is nothing that pisses me off more than a book that over and over sings the song of equality... while constantly "proving" women to be stupid, inept, and in need of rescue while men are the protectors that are always stronger, faster, and better. But EQUALITY.

*Throws a table and walks out*

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 2
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 8
* Non-fiction Books: 4

23) Dire Wants by Stephanie Tyler

One day I will find a werewolf romance novel that isn't filled with sexist stereotypes. ONE DAY. (But today is not that day.)

Very little to say that's positive here. Confusing story that has way too many characters that it's following. The prose itself was a mess. The main romantic pairing was a snore and too damn tropey. ("I loved you the minute I laid eyes on you!" *Retches*) The main baddie "take-down" was on par with Stardust. And, you know, the sexist crap.

The only plus I can give this was there was a, uh, E plot that dealt with a male FBI agent and a gay werewolf. Now *that* was compelling! Alas, it was given the least amount of page time.

One day I will find a werewolf romance novel that isn't filled with sexist stereotypes.
MaryJanice Davidson's Wyndam Werewolves and Kristen Callihan's Moonglow which is the second book of a series, but you don't necessarily have to have read the first to enjoy this one, although it's where you meet the werewolf in this book.

Donna wrote: "MaryJanice Davidson's Wyndam Werewolves and Kristen Callihan's Moonglow which is the second book of a series,..."

Thanks for the recs, Donna! :)

24) Story of O by Pauline Réage

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 3
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 8
* Non-fiction Books: 4

Why this is a book everyone should read before death is beyond me. It confuses S&M for slavery and objectification of women. It spends page upon page talking of sex while somehow managing to bore me. (Actually, the whole book bored me.)

The main character is never fully formed as an actual character, but merely as a conduit for the story to take place... which, I suppose, is rather fitting considering.

In a nutshell, this book was repugnant swill that does not deserve one second of critical acclaim. Perhaps it should be whipped and given permission to die...

25) The Eye of Night by Pauline J. Alama

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 3
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 9
* Non-fiction Books: 4

Halfway done at the end of September, WHOO. So, yeah, getting married this weekend has severely limited my reading time. But, well, I'm getting a pretty awesome husband out of the deal, so I'm cool with not making 50 this year.

Anyway, the book!

I really wanted to like this book. The characters were flawed (both mentally and physically), the romance was original, and there was a fun twist that I truly appreciated.

The problem is that this novel could have easily been half of its size. It would've been a much better book if the travel and adventures along the way of the journey were fewer and more involved. Instead, I wound up never getting attached to anyone the main characters meet.

The last hundred pages were especially unnecessary, including an ending that wound up taking away important tragic pieces in order to wrap up a pretty, happy bow on what should have been a story that was gritty and acknowledging of important things coming at a price.

Also, they decided to go with the bullshit trope of turning someone "ugly" into a goooorgeous swan. HATE THAT SO MUCH.

Look at the way you casually bury the headline! Congratulations! Hope your big day is everything wonderful!

Donna wrote: "Look at the way you casually bury the headline! Congratulations! Hope your big day is everything wonderful!"

Thank you, Donna! :)

So you've only reached the halfway point, \SCORE!/ Congratulations! for two wins so far this year.

Exanimis wrote: "So you've only reached the halfway point, \SCORE!/ Congratulations! for two wins so far this year."

That's a good way of looking at it. Thanks! :)

Summer wrote: "So, yeah, getting married this weekend has severely limited my reading time. But, well, I'm getting a pretty awesome husband out of the deal, so I'm cool with not making 50 this year. ..."

Congratulations!

Tiffany wrote: Congratulations! "

Thanks, Tiffany! :)

26) Magic on the Hunt by Devon Monk

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 3
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 10
* Non-fiction Books: 4

I had a really hard time getting into this book. Honestly, I miss the early books of this series. The main character was, well, relevant. She was savvy and took risks that hurt her. We got to see some nasty results from badass things she did and it was exciting to see how things resolved. Now... eh. Shame, one of the secondary characters, is still the best, and I will forever love him. But, erm, that's about all I can say that I really liked.

It wasn't a *bad* book, just not... good. Not interesting enough. And there's too much baggage from earlier books when it comes to character recall. Which after taking a break for a couple years, really sucks the caring away.

In other news, I'm all married and stuff now! Whee!

27) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 4
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 10
* Non-fiction Books: 4

Wow, it's been almost two months since I finished reading a novel! *Gasps in horror* Well, I've been busy. Getting hitched and writing my own novel for NaNoWrimo took a lot of time out of my schedule, for sure! (And I still need to finish those pesky thank you cards. *Cough*)

But anyway, Mark Twain... Well, let's see how to start this. I guess with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I absolutely hated this book. Boring and so so soooo random that I couldn't stand it. My friend is an absolute lunatic for Twain and after her pleading and pleading for me to give Twain another try with Huck Finn ("because it's the best!"), I did.

*Sigh* Okay, here's my problem with Twain. He takes so much effort in an attempt to be satirical, funny, and "real," that he succeeds in none of them. He writes all dialogue (including Huck's 1st person PoV) in "real" speak so that we can get that true feel for how people talked then (well, then and in those areas... you know what I mean). So much that he interviewed people for accuracy. I should think that's awesome... but all it did was cause a barrier between me and the book. Half the time I had to reread paragraphs several times over just to understand what was said. (And sometimes I didn't care enough and just moved on.)

The funny? I, uh, don't actually think Twain's writing is funny. I find it slow, boring, and obnoxious. I hate the hell out of Tom Sawyer and find him utterly unlikable and all of his "shenanigans" are so absurd that they bypass funny and just make me want to hit my head against a desk. (Don't even get me started on the prison scene stuff with Jim near the end of the book.)

The satire... look, I know what he's trying to do. And while I appreciate the effort to showcase racism, classicism, and gods I hope sexism (but I'm sort of doubting it), the style is just too damn dry.

And I say all this knowing that I am a minority. What's frustrating is that if you don't like a well-loved classic, people assume that means you're stupid and didn't get it. No, I get it. I just don't care for how Twain tried to get his point across.

28) Let's Get Digital: How To Self-Publish, And Why You Should by David Gaughran

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 4
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 10
* Non-fiction Books: 5

This is a great read for a self-publisher who has no idea what they're doing yet! (Psst, that's me.) Lots of info, lots of links, lots of pointers.

The only thing I didn't like was the section where successful self-published authors talk about their, well, success. It's nice to see people take off and all, but honestly, a lot of them were already on that road of success before they published this way. What I mean is, they said things like, "I had an agent, but couldn't get a publisher," etc.

In other words, "'Important' people already saw my talent and then I found a way to get money for my obvious potential."

I don't have an agent. Hell, I've never even won a contest. The best I can say is that I've had two creative writing professors tell me I have talent. My point? I want someone in a similar situation to tell me they figured it all out. And that it was hard, but easier with time and experience. And that it wasn't luck that got them there. (I hear that too damn often!)

Anyway, I just wanted a little more of a boost and less of a deflator there. *Shrug* But that's the only gripe I have. The rest is great information that I will definitely be using in the next year.

29) Anxious to Please: 7 Revolutionary Practices for the Chronically Nice by James Rapson and Craig English

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 4
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 10
* Non-fiction Books: 6

This is a book about people who are too damn nice. The ones terrified of conflict, the word "no," and displeasing others in any way.

I picked this up because, uh, yeah, that's me. And I'd never seen any literature on the subject. It was a decent read, but left me lacking.

What I liked about this book was the background on the "chronically nice." How people develop this way. What it really means to be this way and how psychology is applied.

What I didn't like was the hoaky descriptions of becoming a "transformed person" and the fake examples of how people think, talk, and act.

Basically, it was a great awareness tool and less great at being a tool to move forward with. Unless you're Mr. Rogers. He could totally work it.

30) Nobody's Darling by Teresa Medeiros

* Books on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List (any version): 4
* Books I own that were on my shelf prior to 2016: 11
* Non-fiction Books: 6

Well, considering the craziness of this year, I think 30 books is a decent accomplishment! We'll see if we can get back on the 50 books track next year.

As for this book... eh. Alas, I didn't end the year on a high note, but at least it wasn't entirely awful. Just... not good.

The prose was actually pretty decent. There were even bits that made me pause and reread them, thinking, "Hmm, I like that wording for describing that. Maybe I'll steal it."

The story, on the other hand, was a complete mess. The romance wasn't bad, but wasn't great. The sex... wasn't bad, but wasn't great.

What bothered me the most was that this book was way too long for the plot. Thus, there were contrived reasons for breaking the couple apart just so they could get back together, which left them looking silly and dumb. Well, that, and the climax was highly anti-climatic. *Shrug*