75 Books...More or Less! discussion

Well, I didn't make it to 75 in 2009 because in September I started working four jobs. I had no time to read. Since I am planning on working only two jobs in 2010, I predict I will complete the 2010 challenge. :)

ONLY working two jobs? After working FOUR jobs? Oh my, I wonder how you had any time to read at all. That is certainly a lot to juggle.

Oh, and that is not even counting my trying to start my dissertation for my PhD program. UGH UGH UGH

On another note, I'm happy to announce my first completed book for 2010.

1. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love by Carl Anderson, Eduardo Chavez 3 and half stars.

My gosh, Mary Alice - sounds like I could use some of your energy. Or is it sheer grit and determination?

It's sheer stupidity. LOL

Mary Alice wrote: "It's sheer stupidity. LOL"

Hardly!

Hope you can get more reading in this year, Mary Alice!! 4 jobs?! Wow!!

All right--I'm off to a good start. January is not over and I just finished my second book. :)

Annie's Ghosts: A Journey Into a Family Secret (
by Steve Luxenberg (Goodreads Author) 4 stars

"This was really good. I heard the author speak a couple of months ago at a book signing at a libray where I was teaching an ESL class. This book does not disappoint. "

#3 A Christmas Blizzard
by Garrison Keillor three stars. Did nothing for me.

Mary Alice wrote: "#3 A Christmas Blizzard
by Garrison Keillor three stars. Did nothing for me.
"

Well, that's disappointing. I've never read anything by that author, but I've got a group read coming up I was going to participate in. Maybe I'll be in the right mood for it - I've got a feeling that's what is probably needed to enjoy his stuff.

Were you ever a fan of the radio series? I've got to say I listened a few times with my brother. He loved it, while I thought it was OK to good.

#4 Mornings With Therese of Lisieux
by Patricia Treece, Therese

Kay wrote: "Mary Alice wrote: "#3 A Christmas Blizzard
by Garrison Keillor three stars. Did nothing for me.
"

Well, that's disappointing. I've never read anything by that author, but I've got a group read ..."


From what I saw researching this book it is a not a fan favorite. I have never read any other books by Keillor. I might have heard his show a few times. I think he is probably better at radio. :)

While working working on my PhD dissertation I'm reading published dissertations. Since they are the size of "regular" books I think I can add them to this list. :)

#5 Silence: A Narrative Case Study of Six Women Practical Life Writing A Dissertation Dorothy Jane Mikoni

Mary Alice wrote: "While working working on my PhD dissertation I'm reading published dissertations. Since they are the size of "regular" books I think I can add them to this list. :)

#5 Silence: A Narrative Case..."

Absolutely, Mary Alice. This one sounds kind of interesting!

#6 The Language of Loss: Transformation in the Telling, In And Beyond The Writing Classroom A Dissertation Laura Alicia Milner

#7 The Monks of Tibhirine: Faith, Love, and Terror in Algeria by John Kiser 4 stars. I found this fascinating.

Oh Dear God. Can it be true that I have read so few books and it is already the end of June? OMG! I have been in a reading slump. Just haven't been able to focus on reading. Been watching a lot of movies instead. Anyway, the pages might be a-turnin'. I read two books in June.

#8 The Help 5 stars

#9 Wise Women from Pocahontas to Sarah Winnemucca, Remarkable Stories of Native American Trailblazers. 4 stars.

Mary Alice - I understand, completely! I had a VERY awful year where I only read 6 or 8 books, I think. I really liked "The Help" - if you're going to have fewer titles, that's a nice one!

Yes, The Help was wonderful. :)



Kay wrote: "Mary Alice - I understand, completely! I had a VERY awful year where I only read 6 or 8 books, I think. I really liked "The Help" - if you're going to have fewer titles, that's a nice one!"

#10

Olive Kitteridge
by Elizabeth Strout 4 stars



Sort of heavy and depressing. Some great writing though--

"It’s just that I’m the kind of person,' Rebecca continued, 'that thinks if you took a map of the whole world and put a pin in it for every person, there wouldn’t be a pin for me."...more Sort of heavy and depressing. Some great writing though--"It’s just that I’m the kind of person,' Rebecca continued, 'that thinks if you took a map of the whole world and put a pin in it for every person, there wouldn’t be a pin for me."
— Elizabeth Strout (Olive Kitteridge)

Mary Alice wrote: "#10

Olive Kitteridge
by Elizabeth Strout 4 stars



Sort of heavy and depressing. Some great writing though--

"It’s just that I’m the kind of person,' Rebecca continued, 'that thinks i..."

I have this one in my pile to read, I am not sure if I will get to it this year. Glad to see you liked it enough to give it 4 stars!

#11 The Shadow of Your Smile Mary Higgins Clark
3 stars.