Hi, everyone! After watching this group for several weeks, I have decided to join in, starting with all books I have read (completely - I won't count the incompletes)since Jan. 1. My goal is to reach 75. Here goes:

1) Pink Slip by Rita Ciresi
2) Remind Me Again Why I Married You by Rita Ciresi
3) The Conjuror's Bird by Martin Davies
4) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
5) The Age of Great Dreams: America in the 1960's by David Farber
6) White Oleander by Janet Fitch
7) Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund
8) The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve
9) At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
10) Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
11) Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
12) The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
13) The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
14) The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
15) I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
16) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
17) The Fancy Files: The Mostly True Story of a Slightly Insane Girl by Wendy Van Horn
18) Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund
19) My sister's keeper by Jodi Picoult
20) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
21) Life of Pi by Yann Martel
22) Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
23) The March: A Novel by E.L. Doctorow
24) Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
25) Finn: a novel by Jon Clinch
26) Great Quotes by Great Leaders by Peggy Anderson*
27) The World According to Mr. Rogers: Important Things to Remember and Life's Journeys According to Mr Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way by Fred Rogers
28) The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
29) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
30) Looking for Alaska by John Green
31) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
32) The Black Flower by Howard Bahr
33) The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
34) The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory
35) Wicked by Gregory Maguire
36) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
37) Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow
38) Lamb: the gospel according to Biff, Christ's Childhood Friend by Christopher Moore
39) The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
40) Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler
41) Billy Bathgate by E.L. Doctorow
42) Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik
43) The Road by Cormac McCarthy
44) The Archivist's Story by Travis Holland
45) Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
46) High Tide in Tucson by Barbara Kingsolver
47) Blindness by Jose Saramgo
48) Tipperary by Frank Delaney
49) Chocolat by Joanne Harris
50) The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
51) Small wonder by Barbara Kingsolver
52) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
53) Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
54) The Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings
55) Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
56) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
57) Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
58) Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
59) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
60) The Human Stain by Philip Roth
61) The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
62) A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell
63) The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
64) When The Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka
65) The Hours by Michael Cunningham
66) The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
67) Empire Falls by Richard Russo
68) Rhett Butler's People by Daniel McCaig
69) On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
70) The Year of Jubilo by Howard Bahr
71) The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
72) The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
73) Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
74) The Handmaid and the Carpenter by Elizabeth Berg
75) Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
76) The Muse Asylum by David Czuchlewski
77) In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd
78) Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell
79) Atomic Lobster by Tim Dorsey

***I am editing this post so I can have one large list of my 2007 completed books.

Message edited by its author, Dec 31, 2007, 3:27pm.

17) The Fancy Files: The Mostly True Story of a Slightly Insane Girl by Wendy Van Horn

Message edited by its author, Apr 28, 2007, 7:08pm.

18) Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund

19) My sister's keeper:a novel by Jodi Picoult

20) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

21) Life of Pi by Yann Martel

22) Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

How did you like Suite Francaise? That was one of my favorite books in the first quarter and may hang on to be a fave through the first half ...

I enjoyed Suite Francaise immensely - though I thought the "Storm" section was a little better than the "Dolce" section. The appendices were also very interesting - I feel nothing but compassion and sorrow for this family. I am so glad her daughters held on to her manuscripts, but what a shame that we lost such a gifted writer in such a terrible way!

I still think The Book Thief will stay number one on my top five list for this year, but Suite Francoise will definitely be right up there!

23) The March: A Novel by E.L. Doctorow

24) Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

25) Finn: a novel by Jon Clinch
26) Great Quotes by Great Leaders by Peggy Anderson*
27) The World According to Mr. Rogers: Important Things to Remember and Life's Journeys According to Mr Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way by Fred Rogers*

*I don't usually read books like this, but I am working on a project for work that I needed these books for. The Mr. Rogers's books were very delightful - quick, short reads that leave you feeling good about yourself. =)

Message edited by its author, Dec 22, 2007, 9:24am.

How was Summer Sisters: a novel? I have that sitting on my desk, and I am wondering if I should move it up in my priority list.

I rated it three stars. Here's my official LT review. Let me know if you decide to read it!

***

About 50 pages into this novel, I had two thoughts: "This is Judy Blume?" and "This is JUDY BLUME!"

I was a little taken aback by the book's raunchiness, but overall, I am glad I stuck with it. I like how Blume focused most of her story on Vix while weaving in perspectives from other characters (my favorite being Sharkey, whose chapters were short but poignant). Blume is a classic storyteller, and if you liked her kid literature, then give this story a try.

Message edited by its author, May 28, 2007, 12:00pm.

28) The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

And, my progress so far in 2007 (I have some catching up to do to reach my goal!):

28 / 75
(37.3%)

Message edited by its author, May 28, 2007, 11:59am.

29) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I don't usually comment on this group about the books I've read, unless someone asks, but this was one of the best books that I have ever read. I highly recommend it!

Message edited by its author, May 29, 2007, 6:12pm.

I'm so glad you liked The Thirteenth Tale! This was my favorite read in May.

Started to ask what you thought of Finn: a novel, but then looked at the book page and saw your review. I've been intrigued by the concept, and read some of Clinch's posts on some blog or other a while back. I think I will definitely give it a go.

I definitely think Finn is worth the read - I have never read a book like it before. I still think about it, after so many weeks later.

30) Looking for Alaska by John Green (review)

I will add links now to my reviews because I get some posts about what I thought about a particular book. Make sure to tell me what you think - I love to re-analyze what I've read and get different perspectives!

I just popped in to Clinch's Amazon blog (which I'm sure is where I read him before.) He's tooting his own horn a bit (which I suppose it what that blog is for), but it is interesting to note that Finn is being taught in English classes here and there:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/post/PLNK1...

Message edited by its author, Jun 4, 2007, 8:44pm.

Wow, where were books like these when I took English classes? =) I am glad he's having some success - it must be exciting for him (as obvious from his blog comments). Thanks for sharing with me!

Let me know what you think of Finn once you've read it!

31) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (review)

32) The Black Flower by Howard Bahr (review)

33) The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory (review)

34) The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory (review)

My progress so far:
34 / 75
(45.3%)

Message edited by its author, Jun 16, 2007, 9:38am.

35) Wicked by Gregory Maguire (review)

36) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (review)

37) Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow (review)

It's the end of June, and I am glad to report that I am on target to complete my goal of reading 75 books this year. I hope I can keep up with this pace!

38) Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore (review)

39) The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood (review)

Message edited by its author, Jul 8, 2007, 12:47pm.

40) Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler (review)

41) Billy Bathgate by E.L. Doctorow (review)

42) Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik (review)

43) The Road by Cormac McCarthy (review)

44) The Archivist's Story by Travis Holland (review)

45) Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns (review)

My progress so far, as of July 29:

45 / 75
(60.0%)

Message edited by its author, Jul 29, 2007, 3:02pm.

46) High Tide in Tucson by Barbara Kingsolver (review)

Message edited by its author, Aug 29, 2007, 8:18pm.

47) Blindness by Jose Saramago (review)

48) Tipperary by Frank Delaney (review)

49) Chocolat by Joanne Harris (review)

50) The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (review)

51) Small Wonder:essays by Barbara Kingsolver (review)

52) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (review)

It's the beginning of September and time to see how I am faring with reading 75 books by the end of 2007. Here we go:

52 / 75
(69.3%)

With 18 more weeks left in the year, and 23 more books to reach my goal, I can do it if I read 1.3 books a week. I'm on pace!

Message edited by its author, Sep 2, 2007, 11:19am.

53) Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote (review)

I read your review for Breakfast at Tiffany's, and I have to say, the movie is great. They kind of gloss over the prostitute part for her (but less so for the male character), and portray her more as a party girl. I think I will have to go get the book, though. I read In Cold Blood not too long ago, so I know Capote is a great writer--I would like to read some of his fiction.

Oh, and I want to read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, too! I only have 100 or so books on my TBR list, what's a couple more, right?

Darn message boards with such good suggestions...

;-)

Message edited by its author, Sep 7, 2007, 6:11pm.

I do want to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's one day - soon. The book definitely piqued my interest.

What's another book when you have a 100? =)

#47 May I suggest you stop yourself in your tracks and immediately read some of Capote's fiction? The man could bring tears to your eyes with a turn of phrase, and tickle you 'til you laugh out loud two paragraphs later.

#48 Have your tissues handy when you watch BaT--the ending will get you, I promise. (And I don't cry at movies.)

Message edited by its author, Sep 8, 2007, 9:50am.

#49 - I want to read more Capote too - as soon as I get passed these reading challenges with which I have overextended myself! =)

And now for another great book:

54) The Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings (review)

Message edited by its author, Sep 9, 2007, 1:44pm.

Okay, I will try to move the Capote up in my list. But did you have to say that right after I spent all that beginning of school year money, and resolved not to buy more books until I read a bunch of the ones I have!

That's what libraries are for---no guilt!!

I second that! I am a library whore!

I like to own my books, though. I do use the library, but I like having the books in my house. I need to get over that, using the library is so much cheaper and better for the environment.

And if you don't like the book, you don't lose out on any money, which is mucho importante when you're in college! =)

55) Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult (review)

Message edited by its author, Sep 15, 2007, 7:28pm.

56) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (review)

57) Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (review)

58) Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (review)

And an update on my progress:
58 / 75
(77.3%)

Message edited by its author, Nov 3, 2007, 12:35pm.

59) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (review)

60) The Human Stain by Philip Roth (review)

Personal note: I can't believe I have read 60 books this year! =)

60?! Way to go!!!!

61) The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella (review)

62) A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell (review)

63) The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham (review)

64) When The Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka (review)

65) The Hours by Michael Cunningham (review)

66) The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian (review)

It's the beginning of November, so let's take a look at my progress so far:

66 / 75
(77.3%)

Wow, only nine more books to go. I might actually make this goal!

Message edited by its author, Nov 3, 2007, 12:37pm.

67) Empire Falls by Richard Russo (review)

68) Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig (review)

69) On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan (review)

70) The Year of Jubilo by Howard Bahr (review)

71) The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (review)

Only four more books until I reach my goal!

(I will come back to edit the touchstones). =)

Message edited by its author, Nov 26, 2007, 1:16pm.

72) The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (review)

Great Jill - you are doing so well! I am on War and Peace at the moment, interspersed with a few Newbery winners, so I too can get to my 50 before the end of 2007. 'My' year actually ends in February but it will be easier to start my 'next' year on January 1st !!

Wow you are really cooking! Shall we start placing bets on when you hit your target?!

LOL - like those contests they have to guess when the baby is REALLY coming? =)

That's exactly what I was thinking of!!

73) Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (review)

Well done Jill - we are going to make it! I have really enjoyed being challenged since February. It has been quite an introduction to the challenge world and added to my enjoyment of reading. Are you going to restart for 2008 I wonder ? As I said I am keen to have a clean starting slate on Jan 1st, especially with my 888 challenge, not to mention the ongoing project of War and Peace!

I am definitely restarting in 2008, but I am going to choose a lower number of books to read. This way, I won't shy away from the "chunksters" out there.

74) The Handmaid and the Carpenter by Elizabeth Berg (review)

Only one more book to go! =)

Message edited by its author, Dec 7, 2007, 6:48pm.

Jill - brilliant you are nearly there! What an interesting review as well, I may well put this on the next year's list. I am reading Brokeback Mountain as I picked it up in the library this morning and couldn't put it down. I am going to aim for the 64 in my 888 challenge next year. I think it will challenge me but have sufficient opportunities for alternates that it will keep my reading fresh.

75) Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (review)

PERSONAL 75 BOOK CHALLENGE UPDATE:

I had a marathon year of reading! With the conclusion of Bridget Jones's Diary, I have completed my goal of reading 75 books in 2007! (A round of applause, please). This is the first year that I have documented the books I have read, but I am sure it is the most books completed in one year's time. I have a few more weeks left to 2007, so hopefully, I will finish another book or two before the year's out. Thanks to all of my reading pals for their encouragement and suggestions. You make this so worth while!

Clap, clap, clap! Congrats on a stellar achievement.

Hooray! Way to go!!

Congrats, Jill!

Very well done, looking forward to next year! Thank you for all your encouragement and 'friendship'.

Thanks to all of you for posting congratulatory messages - you are THE BEST!

76) The Muse Asylum by David Czuchlewski (review)

Congratulations for making your goal! Will you raise it for next year?

Congrats!!!!

#90 - Sussabmax - Actually, I think I may lower it just a tad. I tended to shy away from books over 400 pages because of my 75 book goal this year. Which greatly limited my reading choices!

#91 - teelgee - THANK YOU!!!!

Congratulations, Jill!

#93 - Aww shucks, laytonwoman3rd! Thank you!

77) In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd (review)

Jill well done! There is absolutely no stopping you!!
And all this with only 3 days to go to Christmas ... Here it is the winter solstice today - the shortest day for us here in the North northern hemishere, it is freezing cold and dark at 4pm with sun rise this morning 8am. From here onwards the days will start getting longer - YES!
Julie

Message edited by its author, Dec 22, 2007, 12:26pm.

78) Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell (review)

*touchstones not working well

Message edited by its author, Dec 29, 2007, 10:57am.

A belated congratulations, Jill, on making your goal!!

And Happy New Year!

Thank you, Joycepa! Happy New Year to you too!

And my final book of 2007 (let me tell you, I ended it with a BANG!)

79) Atomic Lobster by Tim Dorsey (review)

A GREAT YEAR! Looking forward to 2008 with you all! =)