Challenge: 50 Books discussion

Missed 50 books last year by just a few reads. Just couldn't get it done with doing the holidays up right for the twins. So, my new year's resolution is to reach it this year. Though, it took me FOREVER to read this first one. Here goes...no turning back now!!!

(1.) (Red, White, & Dead) by Laura Caldwell

Good luck to everyone in attaining their reading goals this year!!!

Finished listening to this audiobook on the way home from Mom and Dad's place this morning:

(2.) (Promise Me) by Harlan Coben

All I have to say is...Sara Paretsky is baaack!!! I couldn't put this one down!!! I am so glad that she takes her time to write and put out a good novel instead of knocking them out like some other mystery writers. I had been disappointed with a couple of her recent ones and was afraid she might have lost her touch. But, this book totally puts that fear to rest!!!

(3.) (Hardball) by Sara Paretsky

Catching up on the Alex Cross series lately...mostly because all of my request holds at the library are coming in at the same time!!!

(4.) (Cross Country) by James Patterson

(5.) (Alex Cross's Trial) by James Patterson

I liked the former better than the latter, which would have benefited from a wrap up chapter similar to the introductory chapter written by "Alex Cross." It was supposed to be a novel written by him, right? Well, the book kinda just ended with little explanation or closure. It almost made me feel like there was a deadline, and they were going to publish the book no matter what shape it was in. Now, don't get me wrong, there are some books that I think the "epilogue" ruins (e.g., Bel Canto by Ann Patchett). I don't think that this is the case here, though.

(6.) (I, Alex Cross) by James Patterson

I am now caught up on James Patterson and through all of my book requests from the library! I have to think about what I want to read next while I am waiting for U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton becomes available. The library website shows that I am still no. 13 on the hold request list. Sometimes, it is hard to decide!

At any rate, I can now focus on my book club selection for February...and not too soon either, since the meeting is a week from tomorrow! I hope that it is a good one, as I have resolved once again to finish all of the books that we have selected.

As for this book that I just finished, I think that Patterson did a better job of wrapping the story up and explaining all of the mystery from earlier in the book better than with the previous two.

(7.) (Five Quarters of the Orange) by Joanne Harris

AMAZING novel by the author who also wrote Chocolat, which I haven't actually read...only seen the movie. This was our book club selection for discussion in February, and I have to admit that I was not terribly excited about it. We've read a couple of other "food" books in past years, and I had not really enjoyed them. This one was different for me, and I am so excited for the discussion on Monday night! Food is only a portion of this complex tale, which is so clevely told. Two warnings...it is pretty slow in the first 100 pages. Keep at it! Also, don't read this book when you are hungry...it is guaranteed to make your tummy rumble!

(8.) (U is for Undertow) by Sue Grafton

Newest installment in Grafton's Kinsey Millhone Alphabet series! Yay! What an improvement on the last couple in the series!

That's probably it for the month of January...I just don't think I can knock the next book out in four hours, regardless of our being currently snowed in!

Shannon wrote: "(7.) (Five Quarters of the Orange) by Joanne Harris

AMAZING novel by the author who also wrote Chocolat, which I haven't ..."

If you loved this book, you should absolutely read Chocolat and the sequel The Girl with No Shadow. Both are excellent books. Chocolat is darker than the movie and gives you a lot of background and detail that make the story richer. Also, I’d highly recommend Harris’ Blackberry Wine.

Stephanie wrote: "Shannon wrote: "(7.) (Five Quarters of the Orange) by Joanne Harris

AMAZING novel by the author who also wrote Chocolat, ..."

Thanks for the recommendations, Stephanie! Everyone in my book club loved the book as well, so I passed on your suggestions. Hope that I can get to them soon! BTW, we were all very surprised that not more of her books were made into movies.

(9.) (The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music) by Steve Lopez

Very readable memoir of a journalist's developing relationship with a homeless, paranoid schizophrenic man. Fascinating and well done. This one didn't make our book club's cut for this year, but because there is a book discussion at the library next week and a friend said that it was REALLY good, I decided to go ahead and read it. I was not disappointed, and I am now interested to check out the movie.

(10.) (Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption) by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton with Erin Torneo

Another readable memoir co-written by a woman who was brutually raped as a college student and the man she erroneously picked our of a line-up and sent to jail for 11 years. I decided to read this because I saw in the newspaper that the UNC System selected this book as the 2010 summer read for incoming freshman and transfer students. Although I did not constantly say "oh my gosh" or "no way" at every turn like I did when I listened to The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town by John Grisham, I was fascinated with both of the extraordinary authors. I could tell that writing this book might have been a cathartic exercise for them.

One-fifth of the way there!!!

(11.) (Monster of Florence) by Douglas Preston with Mario Spezi

Interesting for me, this makes three non-fiction books in row. Though, two of those are true crime-based so maybe it is not THAT different for me. This is our book club selection to discuss in March, and, for a number of reasons, I think that I liked it but I didn't like it as well. I was surprised that one of the people involved in the very strange investigation is the same one who prosecuted the Amanda Knox case. Based on what was in this book, she has alot to worry about if she really is innocent because this guy doesn't live in the same world that the rest of us do!

(12.) (The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo) by Stieg Larsson

I have to say that about a week ago I was wondering why there was all of this hype about this book. I was about 150 pages in and wondering when anything was going to happen. I kept at it just because a couple of people whose opinions I value loved this book. Now that I am finished, I see why everyone liked it so. It is just a very different mystery than that to which I am accustomed...I definitely plan to continue with the trilogy!

(13.) (The Reader) by Bernhard Schlink

It's not often that I read a book after having seen the movie, but I had the opportunity to this time. If it had been the other way around, I would not have been disappointed.

(14.) (Creating Myself: How I Learned That Beauty Comes in All Shapes, Sizes, and Packages, Including Me) by Mia Tyler

O.K., this was probably somewhat of a guilty read, especially considering my love of all things Aerosmith. Enjoyable, but brainless...sort of like reading People magazine or watching America's Next Top Model. I am not so sure that the secondary title really reflects what the book is, in fact, about since I am not so sure that Tyler has learned anything. Though she talks a good game. Rather, if you are into self-indulgent memoirs about doing way too many drugs, drinking to excess, and having lots of sex while trying to deal with your dysfunctional family life, this one is for you. I don't know, maybe I am too much of a goody two shoes to connect...

(15.) (The Girl Who Played with Fire) by Stieg Larsson

Wow! Wow! I am in awe. This installment was even better than the first one. How am I ever going to be patient until the last book of the trilogy is finally released in May?!?!

Since I am sewing all day tomorrow and I have to prepare for the twins' return on Monday, this is probably it for February! So far, so good!

(16.) (Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)) by Jerome K. Jerome

I had never heard of this book (and only vaguely of this author) until it was brought up at our book club selection meeting by one of our members. It is a short read, but it took me about two weeks to get through it. It is dense, and I have to admit that I am not a HUGE fan of British authors or humor. But, I did find myself laughing out loud several times. It is really a book about nothing (kind of like the TV show, Seinfeld).

(17.) (Water for Elephants) by Sara Gruen

I don't know why I didn't think that this was readable when I first picked it up...it could be that I just had given birth to twins and was totally sleep deprived! But, I couldn't put it down this time...I am so glad that I picked it back up!

Shannon, I read somewhere that Johnny Depp is signed to star in Water For Elephants...and he usually likes to stay close to the original story (if he has a say in it) so the movie should be fairly good...

Thanks for this most excellent news, Carol! I *thought* that I heard that they were going to make a movie of this book...I do think that it lends itself to being portrayed visually. I wonder what character Johnny Depp will play?!?! I am placing bets for either August or Big Al. He just always seems to pick the unusual, more complex parts and not necessarily the hero. What do you think.

"What do you think."

I don't recall reading the name of the character JD will play, only the fact of his being in the movie...I haven't read the book, but I would guess, judging from his past roles that it would most likely be the more complex and grittier role. I've always liked JD's work, but especially since I read a YA biography on him...he really is an extroardinary actor. I think I've only seen half of his movies, and probably not even that many, but he plays such widely varied personalities...I can't wait to see 'Alice...' in 3D IMAX (when and if I can find the time to go about 20 miles under the Orange Curtain (Orange County) to the one in Newport Beach.

Me too, plus he is absolutely DREAMY! Definitely read the book...it is excellent. I had a tight timeframe in which to read it (for my parents' book club while I was visiting them), but it didn't really matter because I could hardly put it down!

I searched Google for information about the movie. Here is a link if you are interested: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1067583/ Johnny Depp must have been a rumor. At least so far...there is one other character that he could pick up, but it would only be a cameo role.

Thanks for the friend request! I look forward to "talking" some more. Enjoy seeing Alice in Wonderland, especially in 3-D (though I get motion sick easily, so I too scared to try it). I've got twin toddlers, so the movies out is a definite rarity!

(18.) (The Leisure Seeker: A Novel) by Michael Zadoorian

This is April's library book club selection, and it is what my Mom and I call a "pass the Prozac" read. The funny thing is that the club leader picked this one because he thought that we would need a lighter read after a couple of heavier ones in previous months. Well, I for one thought that it was pretty depressing the whole way through. Yes, there were funny moments, but, all in all, I have to say "ugh!" Maybe I felt this way because the big 4-0 is not that far away for me and my parents are starting to age and have health problems themselves...

Shannon, I think I would be interested in The Leisure Seeker just for the fact that I am a big fan of Route 66 and accompanying memorabilia.

Carol - I actually found myself kinda left wanting to know more about Route 66 while reading this book. There are brief touches here and there, but not a whole lot of detail. I wish there was more because my interest was definitely piqued. Maybe I will have to find a good book about it to read someday...

Shannon, try the AAA local chapter. Being an Auto Club they might have books there. I saw one one time that had lots of pictures of the Route 66 icons, some of which are no longer standing. And I love the song, too, which incidentally was written by Julie London's last husband, Bobby Troup.

Me too! My girls love rock 'n' roll from the 40s/50s/60s. It must be something about the beat and simpler melodies that make them want to dance. Thanks for the advice...I will check that out!

(19.) (BoneMan's Daughter) by Ted Dekker

I would not recommend this book to any one. It was asinine, repetitive, and poorly conceived. Yuck!

Well, it is nice to see how getting a house ready to go on the market completely sucked up my ability to get any reading done! While I was confident that I would get through 50 books in 2010, I am less so now. At any rate, here is an update on what I have been up to in the past month and a half, which is not alot:

(20.) (My Sister's Keeper) by Jodi Picoult

This was our book club selection for May, which we just discussed last night. It was my first time trying out Picoult's work. This was an enjoyable, fast read...great literature it was not. My only two criticisms were that I think that she copped out with the ending that she wrote (i.e., took the easy way out) and there were alot of what I call "pregnant pauses" in the chapters that just weren't really that believable.

(21.) (Olive Kitteridge) by Elizabeth Strout

This is the selection for next week's library book club discussion. At first, I wasn't so sure that I would like it, and so only read a chapter a night for those first couple of days. But, then, I became very intrigued and interested in the characters and, well, just couldn't put it down!

(22.) (The No-Cry Potty Training Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Child Say Good-Bye to Diapers) byElizabeth Pantley

Guess what milestone I have reached with the twins!?!?

Yahoo! Congrats on the potty training!

Well, we have just embarked on that journey. No major successes yet other than staying dry for a long time. I am trying to take the book's advice and celebrate every little success that she has (am trying one at a time). Thanks!

(23.) (The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir) by Bill Bryson

It took me almost a month, because I'm not in the car *that* much anymore, but I finished this audiobook today. It was SO much fun!!! I laughed out loud in many, many parts, and I felt comfortable (for the most part) listening to it with the girls in the car. The author does the reading, which is sorta weird because he has lived in England for most of his adult life. So, you have this guy with a sorta-kinda English accent reading a memoir about his growing up in Des Moines, Iowa in the 1950s. How could you go wrong with that?!?! I cannot recommend this highly enough!!!!

(24.) (Watchlist: A Serial Thriller) by Jeffery Deaver (et al)

I think that I was more enamored by the idea of this book than I was with its actual execution. This book is based on an idea by Jeffery Deaver (one of my favorite mystery/thriller/suspense writers) in which he wrote a chapter of a novella and then passed it around to several different authors who are members of the International Thrill Writers group. The introduction does not make it clear if Deaver came up with the whole story outline and then the author writers just wrote the words or if it was truly a serial work. Regardless, I really had a hard time finding a rhythm with this book...maybe due to the fact that so many strong writers were involved. Specifically, you would get used to a writing style in a chapter, that chapter would end, and then you would start again with someone new. The stories in the two novellas that make up the book itself were o.k. Not Deaver's typical brillance, rather they read more like James Patterson with WAY too many twists and turns in the climax that it rendered the plots a bit unbelievable.

I read a 'collaborative novel' recently called Naked Came the Phoenix about murders at an exclusive spa. I recognized some of the 16 names (different female author for each chapter) and I did notice that the styles were slightly different for each chapter, but overall the storyline/plot made sense and didn't double back on itself (which I was expecting it to do with so many different personalities making up the story). I would guess with your read, Watchlist, that each author was given free rein, allowed to read what had been produced thus far and just go for it. I have to admit I was kind of expecting it to be better in the effective area...since the concept was so unusual, I was hoping it would be spectacular, not just adequate. There is another collaborative written by women (Naked Came the Griffin) but I haven't read that one...yet.

And don't forget Naked Came the Manatee by Carl Hiaasen, Dave Barry, Tom Shroder and others.

(25.) (Bleeding Kansas) by Sara Paretsky

Definitely not typical Paretsky. Well written, but I am not so sure what this book was supposed to be. Whatever the intention, it would have made a much better novella than a 400+ page novel. There was just alot of repetition that got kinda old after a while. I kept at it simply because by the time I realized that the book wasn't really worth my time, I had already invested so much time into it!

HALF-WAY THROUGH!!! WOO-HOO!!!

(26.) (I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman) by Nora Ephron

I am always trying to find appropriate audiobooks to listen in the car while the twins are with me (i.e., no violence, no sex scenes, not too much foul language, etc.). My SIL told me that this was fun, and she was not wrong. My only gripe is I thought that the last essay/chapter was rather depressing considering that this is intended as a humor work. But, Ephron is someone whom I think would be very fun and fulfilling to know and have as a friend.

Anyone with good recommendations for audiobooks that meet the above criteria, let me know. Next, I am trying The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama. I know, I know...only about four years after everyone else in the world read it, but I thought that it would be interesting "reading" it now that we are almost a year and a half into Obama's presidency.

(27.) (Shadow Tag) by Louise Erdrich

My Mom read this novella recently and suggested it, but it was not on a priority list until one of my book clubs selected an Erdrich work for next month's read. I thought that I would get a quick taste of her reading before delving into that larger selection. At first, I believed that this was a self-indulgent work and quite stereotypical. But, I have to admit that it grew on me. The writing style was very interesting...written in the third person for the most part (the only first person accounts are diary excerpts and the final chapter...with no "real dialogue. It is not an uplifting read...love, hate, desire, destruction, abuse, alcoholism are all prevalent. This book shows what happens with two forces that cannot be together but also cannot be apart.

(28.) (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet) by Jamie Ford

A sweet little story that our book club is reading for next month. If you are looking for a "happily ever after" story, this one is for you. Not all is roses though, there are some pretty frank portrayals about how Japanese immigrants and Japanese-American citizens were treated during WWII.

(29.) (Getting the Pretty Back: Friendship, Family, and Finding the Perfect Lipstick) by Molly Ringwald

I saw PR about this book in the newspaper and didn't give much thought about it other than an "oh, I wondered whatever happened to her." But, one of the girls and I went to the newly-renovated library that just opened this week to check it out. I saw the book there and figured "why not?" I thought that it was sort of cute and just about the perfect length. Much more would have been WAY too much. It is definitely one of those reads that is best reserved for a night sans kids and husband in a bubble bath and with a nice glass of champagne.

(30.) (The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team) by Wayne Coffey

An embarrassing factoid about me...I watched the Miracle on Ice game with my Dad on February 22, 1980, sprawled out on my parents' bed. I remember that I was allowed to stay up past my bedtime for this special occasion. After the Americans won, I announced that I was going to learn how to pay ice hockey and play in the Olympics and then go on to be the first female player in the NHL. Well, things didn't exactly turn out that way, but, even though I didn't really know *that* much about politics or international ice hockey, I knew that that night was special.

I actualy hid this book in the newly-renovated library branch in town the other night while we were there for a fundraiser before its official opening so that I could find it again and check it out. Bad me!!!

I have not read a great deal of sports writing before, so this was a new experience for me. My husband says that the set-up is pretty common. Specifically, the book is built around a play-by-play description of the game. Every so often, the author goes off on minor tangents about a player or coach. Clever, but I honestly found it to be hard to follow and keep folks straight. I am glad that I read it, though, since it was a significant deviation from my normal fare and it brought back some wonderful childhood memories. I even watched some highlights from the game on YouTube (I don't remember the broadcast being THAT grainy...I guess that HDTV has spoiled me).

Now, think that I can build a rink out back for the twins???

I've been very bad about keeping Goodreads up to date, and it seems like ages since I have written an actual review for my bookshelves. Ugh! But, here is what I have been up to on my quest to reach 50 books in 2010...looking good!

(31.) (Saving Cinnamon: The Amazing True Story of a Missing Military Puppy and the Desperate Mission to Bring Her Home) by Christine Sullivan

This is one of those books that I picked to listen in the car that I thought would be ok to have the girls hear. It was fine...and BORING. I kept plugging through it simply because I wanted to see the dog get home, but the book could have told the story in about half as many words as were used. The author was seriously annoying and the reader was seriously annoying. One thing, though, if I were Mark Roberts (i.e., the dog handler who abandoned the rescued dog) I would feel about three inches tall if I read what was written about me in this book. He deserves it.

(32.) (Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex) by Nathaniel Philbrick

This audiobook, on the other hand, was PHENOMENAL!!! There were many "driveway moments" during which I just wanted to hear more One would not think that one could be riveted to a story about many days lost at sea, but I was. This is the true story of a sperm whale who attacked a Nantucket whaling ship in the mid-1800s and the crew's struggle to survive. Not all did, and it was not pretty...the fact that any of the men survived, is simply amazing. This true tale later became the inspiration for Herman Melville's Moby Dick.

(33.) (Chang and Eng) by Darin Strauss

This is a book club read, and it was unaminous. While we were all fascinated about the topic and the concept, the execution left us feeling a bit flat. Our book discussion leader did find out that the author went to the annual Bunker family reunion in NC a couple of years ago. He was a brave man, because I would be scared to death to show my face at the event knowing I had written such an unflattering account of someone's kinfolk. No amount of claiming "this is a product of my imagination" could take away such a sting.

(34.) (Think Twice) by Lisa Scottoline

Total fluff read...I figured that I deserved it, as I have I have been trying some new types of books lately. This is another Bennie Rosato story, but it was a little more James Patterson-ish than is typical for Scottoline.

(35.) (The Bag Lady Papers: The Priceless Experience of Losing It Al) by Alexandra Penney

This is a book written by someone who lost all of her life savings in Bernie Madoff's "investment fund." I have to admit that I am still processing a bit what I thought of this one. It is probably more a memoir of the author's entire life instead of a focused study on the whole Madoff situation.

(36.) (Scent of the Mssing: Love and Partnership with a Search and Rescue Dog) by Susannah Charleson

Not so sure what it is about me and dog books lately?!?! Had higher hopes for this one...like Saving Cinnamon, I thought it was a bit on the repetitive and boring side. There was one excellent chapter about the search following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, though. I guess that I had wished that there were more search stories in the book...it was more focused on training and gaining certification as a SAR canine.

(37.) (Freakonomics: A Rogue Econmist Explores the Hiden Side of Everything) by Steven D. Levitt

I am glad that I listened to this one instead of reading it. It was a "safe" read with the twins in the car, and the reader (i.e., Levitt's co-author, Stephen Dubner) was a good reader. The subject matter was excellent for running errands as the thoughts were consicely and clearly expressed. What did I think of those thoughts? Not so sure, but I do have respect for Levitt's unusual way of thinking about things.

(38.) (The Keepsake) by Tess Gerritsen

Adequate Rizzoli and Isles novel. Good beach read, but not much else.

(39.) (Life Support) by Tess Gerritsen

Early Territsen effort. Another good beach read, but a bit on the unbelievable side.

(40.) (Devil Bones) by Kathy Reichs

After reading this, I wonder if Reichs is going down the same road as Patricia Cornwell. Ho-hum. But, again, mildly entertaining beach read while on vacation.

10 books left until GOAL!!!

Shannon wrote: "(37.) After reading this, I wonder if Reichs is going down the same road as Patricia Cornwell. Ho-hum..."

hi, Shannon. i'm curious about this comment, since I've recently started reading Kathy Reichs. what road are you referring to? i think i've read four books by Reichs now and i've enjoyed them.

(i stopped reading Cornwell because her dialogue was pretty boring.)

thanks!
naomi