
After weeks of deliberation, I think I have finally nailed down my categories.
I. TBR List
9/9 - COMPLETEII. 1,001 Books You Must Read
9/9 - COMPLETEIII. Favorite Authors/Next in Series
9/9 - COMPLETEIV. Books Published in 2009
9/9 - COMPLETEV. Children/Young Adult
11/9 - COMPLETEVI. Non-Fiction
9/9 - COMPLETEVII. Alex Cross Series
9/9 - COMPLETEVIII. First Time Authors
9/9 - COMPLETEIX. Made Into Movies
9/9 - COMPLETETOTAL - 81/81 - COMPLETEI didn't pick books ahead of time for my 888 Challenge but I'm doing a lot of other challenges and so I'm planning out more in advance this time around.
Message edited by its author, Nov 6, 2009, 1:47pm.
TBR List - COMPLETE1.
Love Letters of Great Men by John C. Kirkland FINISHED APR 182.
Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons FINISHED APR 183.
Letters to a Young Poet by Ranier Maria Rilke FINISHED APR 184.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld FINISHED JUNE 95.
Fried Green Tomatoes FINISHED MAY 276.
Knit Two by Kate Jacobs FINISHED APR 137.
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane FINISHED MAR 158.
You Know You're a Writer When by Adair Lara FINISHED JAN 149.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer FINISHED MAR 3Message edited by its author, Jul 6, 2009, 5:05pm.
1,001 Books You Must Read1.
Watchmen by Alan Moore FINISHED MAY 232.
Atonement by Ian McEwan FINISHED JUNE 13.
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen FINISHED APR 274.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden FINISHED AUG 235.
Lady Chatterley's Love by D.H. Lawrence FINISHED SEPTEMBER 286.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville FINISHED JAN 167.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy FINISHED FEB 278.
Aesop's Fables by Aesopus FINISHED JAN 209.
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defore FINISHED JAN 23Message edited by its author, Oct 2, 2009, 3:39pm.
I'm looking forward to all of them. I'm having a hard time not starting them now and actually waiting.
I haven't seen
The English Patient as a film yet either so I'll probably add that to the list of movies to watch next year as well.
Finished my first book,
The Secret which wasn't even on my original list but is located in the Non-Fiction category.
It was a quick read. Glad to be kicking off the new year.
I'm currently reading
Trunk Music and
Middlesex.
#2.
Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Started this one last year but I was so busy I didn't have time to finish.
I think I'll continue my online reading journey with
Moby Dick for the 1,001 category.
Reviews can be found on my website or in my thread for the 75 Book Challenge.
#3.
Trunk Music by Michael Connelly
Finished it late last night. Couldn't put it down for the last 100 pages. First one checked off in my favorite authors/next in series category.
More focus on
Middlesex now. Yeah!
You'll love the two Scott Westerfeld books - I adored this series, also his Midnighter series was good. For made into movies, I have to suggest
Miss Pettigrew lives for a day - it was a very entertaining read.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll add it to my list. I haven't seen the movie yet either so that would be great as I want to try and watch the corresponding movies as well.
#4.
You Know You're a Writer When by Adair Lara
A short, quaint little book I found on in the bargain bin. Full of a bunch of situations, phrases, ideas that can lead to the reader to understanding if they’re a writer … or have a good laugh because they actually have done some of these things in the past.
A similiar take of “you know you’re a redneck if”.
Two of my favorites from the book - you know you’re a writer when … -
* you are shipwrecked on a deserted island and can’t send the rescue note off in a bottle because you have no access to spell-check.
* your driver’s license reads, eyes: shifty. Hair: windswept.
Still reading
Middlesex,
One Fifth Avenue, and
Moby Dick.
#5.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
One of the greatest classics ever written, I’m surprised it has taken me this long to read the book in its entirety. I’ve heard much about it, but for some reason never had to read it in school and/or never finished it. Now that I have, I can tell that Melville’s catching tale of revenge and survival on the sea helped him create this amazing story. The weaving in of fact and fiction on a whaling boat makes the reader feel almost as if the tale were true and not an amazing creation.
Hmm...maybe I'll add
Moby Dick to my classics category.
#6.
One Fifth AvenueThis is my first Bushnell book, so I'm still trying to figure out her writing style and on a scale how much I like her writing. I wanted to read Sex and the City first which would have set a better tone of what to expect, but I imagine this isn't too far off. I tried to keep an open mind when reading.
#7.
Spiderwick Chronicles: the Field GuideIt was very cute and a quick and easy read. Since I know I would like to see the movie I will probably continue the series before renting it.
#8.
Then He Ate My Boy EntrancersI’m starting to enjoy these even more. You can definitely feel Georgia growing up and maturing as each book goes along, and even her friends are starting to become less self involved and more helpful.
Definitely read the Spiderwick series first. I think it's delightful, it picks up more after the first book, and the movie leaves a lot of wonderful stuff out (of course). This became one of my favorite kid's series.
Thanks! I'll probably pick up the next couple books in the series on my next library visit.
#9.
Aesop's Fables by Aesopus
A collection of fables, stories, words of wisdom, tales, etc. that each teach one lesson or another.
It was a quick read and brought me back to my younger years, reading the little tales and their morals at the end. Full of all the cliche phrases our parents used growing up, or even heard now, to express one thing or another. For example, The Tortoise and the Hare or The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
Very enjoyable to read. Fell at 1001 on the original 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.
#10.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
I think that opening line will create the history of the book more than anything else. I knew nothing more than this statement for a long time before I read the book and it alone made me want to find out the story behind it.
I have to admit, despite the hype, I had a hard time getting through the book until about the last 200 pages. I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction and so having to wait so long to find out the narrators personal story was hard. After the fact, it was nice knowing the geneology of Cal’s family prior to the reveal, but when you already know what happens it’s hard to sit through everything else.
Overall, it was a very good book, but not one I felt I could read quickly without missing important details pertaining to the story. Well worth the read and it’s spot on the 1,001 Books list.
#11.
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
A fictional autobiography of Robinson Crusoe, who is stranded on a deserted island for 28 years, telling his tale of encountering cannibals, Native Americans, captives and other foreigners before his rescue. It gives you a false reality that this man was real. Further digging shows it may have been influenced by the life of Alexander Selkirk who lived four years on island near Chile.
After watching the premiere of
Lost after almost a year, it was interesting finishing up this story about a castaway since all the members of
Lost are on an island waiting to be saved.
I really enjoyed this story. Defoe does an amazing job of keeping he readers attention despite the fact that most of the story has no dialogue. Which then reminds me of
Castaway#14.
If You Want to Write for the non-fiction category.
Very good recommendation and great for any writer stuck in a rut to read.
I started
The Host by it's due back at the library and since there's such a long waiting list I can't renew it. Until I get another copy in my hand this one is on hold.
I have started
Tess of the D'Urbervilles and
C is for Corpse in the meantime.
#15.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Read this in little over a day. Very quick and easy to read, especially after viewing the film which was not in English as the book. It's such an amazing story that I'm disappointed I didn't pick up the complete Persepolis instead to continue on reading, but now have to wait.
#16.
Spiderwick Chronicles: The Seeing StoneSecond in the series. Another quick read but I'm enjoying the children's series very much. I'm trying to speed though them so that I can watch the film.
I just watched the movie Persepolis, and then went out and bought the book, too. :) What a powerful story. After reading part one, I went out and bought part 2 the next week.
#17.
C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton
The third in the Kinsey Millhone series. This time Kinsey is helping out a disabled man who believes his car going off a bridge was no accident.
The interesting thing about this book was that Grafton gives away the twist in the story before it even happens which makes an interesting read because you really never know what’s going to happen next. I was kept on the edge of my seat this whole book. I love how Grafton wraps everything into a nice package right at the end, waiting until the last possible moment before revealing the killer(s).
Can’t wait for the next adventure.
#18.
Spiderwick Chronicles: Lucinda's Secret by Holly Black
Book 3 in the fun children's series. I'm still enjoying it and can't wait to find out what happens next.
In this book, the children go visit Aunt Lucinda to find out more about the book and how to get rid of the goblins, then once again one of the twins has to be saved from the elves in the forest.
Currently Reading:A Thousand AcresI forgot to mention that with those last four books I managed of finish my first category Children/Young Adult.
This may be one category that I double up on because I have so many more on the list to read.
23.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Children/Young Adult Extraawesome book. my favorite Dahl by far.
24.
Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi
Non-Fictiona great conclusion to the story.
25.
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley
New AuthorsGreat story, movie is a great adaptation as well
26.
Love is a Many Trousered Thing by Louise Rennison
Favorite Authors/Next in SeriesAnother great adventure with Georgia. More to come I'm sure. I'm almost caught up with the series.
Also, in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, I read eleven books, most of which I had never read. I added them to the
Children/YA Category but won't be counting them towards my overall total.
Message edited by its author, Mar 2, 2009, 10:33pm.
28.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
TBR ListNot as great as the Twilight series but still pretty good and interesting.
29.
Stop in the Name of Pants by Louise Rennison
Favorite Authors/Next in SeriesThe series just keeps getting better and better. Can't wait for the next chapter
30.
Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
Favorite Authors/Next in SeriesMy favorite Stephanie Plum so far. The Stephanie-Morelli combination keeps me waiting for me. The next one is just around the corner.
31.
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Non-FictionA great first part of a historical family story that takes place during the Holocaust and the struggle of one family to survive it all.
32. the 1996 What Color is Your Parachute by
Richard Nelson BollesNon-FictionInsightful book with lots of ideas about job hunting and finding your perfect career. This edition was outdated however.
33.
Pop Goes the Weasel by James Patterson
Alex Cross NovelsThe fifth in the series. Very intriguing and quick to read. Left on a cliffhanger so very anxious to start the next book.
34.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Made Into MoviesA great and intense story about family and future. Very good.
35.
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
TBR ListA great story about three estranged childhood friends that come together after a 19 year old girl is murdered.
36. Maus II by Art Spiegelman
Non-Fiction
Great ending to the story. Very well rounded and emotional.
I'm slowly and sporadically working my way through the Stephanie Plum books, and perhaps 3 is your favorite because you haven't read 5 yet.. That was my favorite.
And have you read Heather Wells, in the Size 12 is not Fat series? She's got that Stephanie spunk too.
I haven't read five yet. I wish I could say I would be able to catch up through 14 this year but I probably won't. I'll get through 5 for sure.
I haven't read Heather Wells series but I'll put it on my list and check it out.
Thanks for the recommendation.
37.
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
First Time AuthorGreat beginning to the series. It will be one I will stick with for sure.
50> I'm always looking for books of writing prompts for my writing group to use.
I have
What If by Bernays and Painter, Writer's Book of Matches by the staff of Fresh Boiled Peanuts,
Creative Writer's Kit by Judy Reeves,
Now Write by Sherry Ellis, and
The Observation Deck by Naomi Epel.
What are the prompt books you've seen/read that you feel
The Writer's Idea Book surpasses? Is it prompts, nothing but prompts, or is there other text to it, too?
If anybody else has writing prompt book recommendations, too, please fire away.
>51 It's not just prompts but text and discussion. But each chapter addresses a specific subject or area and includes multiple prompts at the end.
It's hard to name other prompt books I've read only because almost every writing books have them and I started off my undergrad in writing so I worked with them a lot. I don't know if I've yet come across a writing book that hasn't been helpful.
I'll be sure to write yours down though and check them out. They sound interesting.
40.
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
First Time AuthorsIt's a great new series for me. Adapted to the television show True Blood, tells the story of Sookie Stackhouse and her relationship with the new vampire in town, and mysterious murders surrounding them.
41.
Sin City: The Hard Goodbye by Frank Miller
Made Into MoviesAnother great graphic novel. First in the Sin City series.
MILESTONE - I've made it halfway!!
With one category completed.
At this rate, I hope to complete by the early dated of 9/9/09.
That's terrific! Congratulations!
42.
Fool by Christopher Moore
Books Published in 2009Finally something I can put in this category. An adaptation of
King Lear, by by the fool's prospective. Very funny and good.
43.
Roses are Red by James Patterson
Alex Cross NovelsAnother great story to the series. They keep getting better and better. Alex has a full plate in store next time around.
44. Twilight Director's Notebook by
Catherine HardwickeBooks Published in 2009A great insight into the making of the Twilight film, adapting it from the book.
45.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Made into MoviesAmazing story about a young girl coming to terms with her childhood and growing up.
46.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Made into MoviesLong lost love story about finding your soulmate years after letting go.
47.
Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center
First Time AuthorsMy first Early Reviewer of the year. A great book about finding yourself through difficult transitions in life.
EX.
The Road to Oz by L. Frank Baum
Children/YAAnother great adventure. Really enjoyed this one.
49.
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Made Into MoviesLoved this old children's classic. One of my favorites by far.
50.
300 by Frank Miller
Made Into MoviesGreat graphic novel, very visual and raw, wish it lasted longer
51.
Love Letters of Great Men by John C. Kirkland
TBR ListVery romantic, reading the private letters of famous men through the ages.
52.
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
First Time AuthorsGreat, epic story about the lives of masons, the church, and royalty.
53.
30 Days of Night by Steve Niles
Made into MoviesNot my favorite graphic novel, but still original and graphic. Story about vampires invading a town in Alaska
54.
Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons
TBR ListA great story of the innocence of children and finding happiness in unlikely places.
55.
Violets are Blue by James Patterson
Alex Cross BooksAnother great mystery, two killers brought to justice, great ending.
56.
Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
Favorite Authors/Next in SeriesLoved this new adventure. Stephanie keeps developing and she's awesome.
57.
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
1001 BooksNot my favorite Austen, probably because it is so different from her later works, but it was definitely an interesting read.
58.
8th Confession by James Patterson
Books Published in 2009Another great Women's Murder Club episode. Not the best one I've read but still interesting. I'm loving the chemistry between Lindsay and Rich, no matter how bad it is.
59.
The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea Buchanan
Non-FictionA great book for girls and any of the young at heart.
60.
The Dirty Secrets Club by Meg Gardiner
First Time AuthorsA great suspense thriller where secrets are never really safe.
With those two books I have officially finished 2 more categories. Now all new first time authors and non fiction books will be going to my 999x2 Challenge.
Four categories! Congrats!
61.
Mommywood by Tori Spelling
Books Published in 2009Another great adventure in the life of a famous person raising two kids in the spotlight. I enjoyed this one more than
Stori Telling because the focus was no longer on 90210 rumors and a bad relationship with her mother, although it came in to play some. It was more like a realistic day in the life. Now I can't wait to watch the second season of their show and see how it corresponds.
I bought the
Daring Book for Girls as a present for some of my girlfriends because it seemed just perfect. Maybe I'll have to get it for myself someday...
62.
Step on a Crack by James Patterson
Favorite AuthorsA new great series by Patterson involving an NYPD detective and father of 10. This book introduces the family at Christmas, as a group of the rich and famous are held hostage and the first lady's funeral.
63.
Watchmen by Alan Moore
1,001 BooksA great graphic novel adapted to film about the next generation of super heroes.
64.
Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Next in SeriesSecond Sookie Stackhouse novel. The series is just getting better as Sookie has to travel to Dallas to help find a missing vampire.
65.
Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg
TBR ListAmazing book, just as much as the film, about the Whistle Stop Cafe, its owners, and the woman who tells the story to her new friend. Loved it!
66.
Atonement by Ian McEwan
1,001 BooksAnother film adaptation, great book about love lost and forgiveness, childhood and growing up, World War II, and atonement.
67.
Club Dead by Charlaine Harris
Next in SeriesThird Sookie Stackhouse novel. Loved it even more. Sookie has to rescue her love, Bill, after he is kidnapped.
68.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
TBR ListA new YA series for me about turning pretty at the age of 16, a sci-fi adventure of young adults.
Wow, great progress - I stalled out for a few months. I just read
Fried Green Tomatoes not too long ago. It really is a great book. I watched the movie last night and was surprised that the book was so much more dramatic and powerful (even though I do like the movie, too).
69.
Swimsuit by James Patterson
Books Published in 2009The newest mystery from Patterson. When a model disappears in Hawaii, a cop turned reporter is sent to get the story, but soon finds that something is completely off and there is no pattern to follow and no way to find a killer who doesn't exist.
70.
Take Your Shirt Off and Cry by Nancy Balbirer
Books Published in 2009A new early reviewer, a memoir about Balbirer's experience trying to make it in Hollywood and New York through theater, television and movies, only to end up writing more than anything else. I'm interested to find out if I've seen anything she's been in.
72.
Four Blind Mice by James Patterson
Alex Cross Novels8th book in the series. Not my favorite, but still good.
73.
Run For Your Life by James Patterson
Books Published in 2009Second in the new series. Very good.
74.
The Noticer by Andy Andrews
Books Published in 2009Message edited by its author, Aug 25, 2009, 4:47pm.
76.
Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson
Alex Cross BooksGetting better.
77.
London Bridges by James Patterson
Alex Cross BooksAnother continuing adventure with a great conclusion
78.
Mary Mary by James Patterson
Alex Cross BooksA new adventure, great conflict.
I'm getting really really close, but of course I didn't make the extra challenge deadline. Should have it finished up in the next week or so.
79.
Cross by James Patterson
Alex Cross BooksGreat. One of my favorites.
80.
Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence
1,001 BooksGreat, unexpected, racy, and intriguing.
1 MORE BOOK LEFT! Then I'm off and running to finish the 999x2 which is slowly getting filled up.
81.
Double Cross by James Patterson
Alex Cross booksAnd it's official! I have completed the challenge. Now if I can completed 999x2.
Congratulations!
Yea!
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