Hi everyone!
I'm continuing on my 50 book challenge thread until December 31, but figured I should start my 75 book post now. In 2008, I plan to finish either 70 or 71 books (depending on how the next few days go). I came so close to 75, I thought I'd aim high for the upcoming year.

My other goals for this challenge is to maintain a fairly steady reading stream. In 2008 my reading dropped off significantly when the fall semester began and I was consumed with other subjects (like accounting and economics- not fun!). So- I want to maintain a steady pace.

Another goal is to increase my nonfiction reading. I'm leaving to study abroad in London in two weeks, so I'd like to focus my reading more specifically on London or Europe as a whole.

Hopefully I can accomplish my goals this year. But, I'm not worried, trying is half the fun!

Trying is more than half the fun, lol. Welcome to the group, Laura, and I hope we encourage you in your goals over the course of the next year.

Good luck on your adventure, Laura! I'm sure you'll find lots of new reading topics with your change of scene...how long will you be in London?

alcottacre- I guess trying is all the fun, otherwise, why would anyone do it? haha Thanks for the warm wishes

muddy- I'm there from jan 12 until the beginning of May. I somehow managed to get myself an internship with an MP, so that's going to be pretty exciting I think. And the long tube ride makes for more reading time.

Hello Laura and welcome to the 2009 75 book challenge. I hope you will like it here. We are a group of well-read, funny and noisy bunch of folk.

Be prepared for lots of questions regarding the books you post.

Good luck in England. Wow! How fascinating. And, good luck with your studies. One of my degrees is Accounting. I love numbers!

Thanks whisper!

Hi Laura & welcome. This thread keeps confusing me. My name is Laura, too, and I keep thinking this is my thread! Good luck in England -- I lived there for 4 years and loved it.

Welcome, Laura, and good luck in London! There is a book just out in the UK by Steve Roud - London Lore - which looks like an interesting read and might be a fun introduction to the city.

There are one or two 75ers who live in London (or like me, just work there occasionally) so you should have some good sources of recommendations if you require them.

Laura, tell me about the name confusion. There were three Laura B's in my year when I went to high school. Too confusing!!

Flossie- I'm interested to find it when I get there :)

Message 8 and 10:Perhaps it is the curse of the "L"s.
I graduated from a small town high school where the total in my class was 107, eight of which were Lindas.

Those born in the 1950's are bound to either have this name or know people with it.

Here's a name curse for you. I'm Carrie, not a common name and I didn't know anyone by that name (other than my Grandma) until I was in high school. Then there were 4 of us, except that the others were all boys and 2 of them were in all my classes.

Hello Laura, I look forward to welcoming you to London, where I work. Your job with an MP should be interesting. I am an Accountant too, working in the City. I hope you can read a book one handed as you strap hang with the other on the tube!

Best wishes for a great time in London.

- TT

Carrie- I have a friend at school named Ryan (shes a girl) and gets confused all the time because it's so popular as a boy's name.

TT- I'm glad I'm not prone to motion sickness. London should be great :).

1.The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman 288 pages
An interesting memoir about a Hmong girl, Lia Lee, with epilepsy. The disease itself was less the focus than was the constant struggle between Hmong traditional medical practice and cultural understandings and the way American medicine functions. Cultures clashed greatly and ultimately hurt a sick little girl. I think a good lesson to take from this book is that two groups of people can approach a task differently, it doesn't mean one or another is wholly right. Problems are rarely black or white.

As for the book... I enjoyed it. It was a bit redundant, but I didn't dislike reading this book. Interesting too because there is a large Hmong population in Providence, near where I am from.

1/75 (1.3%)
288 pages

Laura,

My goodness. I just checked your profile and you and MusicMom41 look amazing alike. Perhaps you were separated at birth? *grin*

Haha Tad, perhaps.

#3: Laura, have you read Fadiman's books of essays, Ex Libris and At Large and At Small? If not, I recommend them, especially Ex Libris, one of my all-time favorite books.

I haven't - I'll check that out. I like her writing, it was fast moving, maybe it was the subject matter that didn't quite pull me in all the way. Thanks!!

Oh, Laura, you MUST read Ex Libris. It is seriously wonderful. Another 75er (wunderkind) posted at the end of 2008, "I didn't actually mean to finish this, just to read it for a bit while I was on a car ride, but it was too good to put down. I think that was the fifth time I've read it."

I do not know how many times I have read it, but Ex Libris never gets old for me!

I hope you find it Laura and love it just as much as some of us do!

2.Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader- Anne Fadiman
162 pages

So, I went to Barnes and Noble today just to take a look around and calm down from a hectic day, and taking the advice of alcott & flossie, picked up Ex Libris. I opened the book in the store, and then. . . I was consumed. I sat in the corner at B&N until I was done reading, and I enjoyed every minute.

I thought for a while that my family was the only family who regularly corrected the grammar or spelling of strangers (or close friends). When told that the practice of correcting others is somewhat rude, we simply said "well they need to know what they are doing!" Nice to know Fadiman's family is similar. :)

Thanks for the recommendation!!

2/75 (2.7%)
450 pages

Very happy you found it, Laura. There is a follow-up, At Large and At Small, that I've had on my shelf for a while but I gather from the reviews of those that have read both that Ex Libris is definitely the superior work. I think it's a must-read for anyone that loves books - I particularly enjoyed the piece on the great combining of libraries.

Good to see your comments about Ex Libris-- I received it for Christmas and it's on my 999 challenge category- books about books.

#22: I am so glad you liked it!

I'm falling a bit behind. I'm in London now though, and my orientation is just about over so now I can start getting back to my reading. Right now I'm working on a few different books. I'll probably finish Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella either tonight or tomorrow, I'm also trying to get through We need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver, I'm about 150 pages in and it's just slow going. The characters are not relatable for me. But I'm still going. . .

I hope I can catch up soon.

Welcome to the UK, Laura! I guess you will have caught last week's cold snap then... though perhaps it wasn't that cold compared to where you're from?

Hope you enjoy your stay here.

Glad to hear you made it and things are settling in!

I did catch the cold spell, but it was also 5 degrees Fahrenheit back home so I guess it was warm comparatively.

Thanks muddy!!

3.)Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella 444 pages

Brain Candy. I've yet to read the Shopaholic books but I'll get to that soon enough!!

3/75 (4%)
894 pages

I'm behind I'm behind!!

4.) The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein 466 pages

This book took me forever to get through, but it is nonfiction and not the happiest of subject matters. She discusses the economic benefit of waging terror.

4/75 (5.3%)
1360 pages

Currently over half way in Q and A and The Secret Scripture

You are a better person than I - I got through about 100 pages of The Shock Doctrine and gave it up.

It just started out with so much promise - - and then... I don't know what happened.

5.) Q and A by Vikas Swarup 361 pages
The book version of the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Honestly, this may have been one of the few books I actually preferred as a movie. They've changed quite a bit of the book for the movie.

I highly recommend the movie- the book is kind of another story. It was alright enough.

5/75 (6.6%)
1721 pages

don't worry Laura
This group is not about the numbers, but about the joy of reading and sharing!
At least you finished a book again :-)
Anita

6.) The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry 320 pages

This book came with so many awards and praise that I thought I had a hit. The book however, just didn't live up to its hype. The ending, however, was interesting and did make the book pick up a bit.

7.) Twentieth-century Britain: A Very Short Introduction Kenneth O. Morgan
144 pages

For my modern British politics class. Interesting, and brief, look at the 20th century. I must look more closely into the very short introduction series, they have a lot of fun topics.

7/75 (9.3%)
2185 pages

Quick, back to reading! Hopefully I can find a book that I really fancy! Lately, I've been sort of in a drought.

I hope you find something that catches your fancy soon!

8) The Outcast by Sadie Jones 441 pages

I finally found a book that I enjoyed!! This book was like a roller coaster of activity. It tells the story of a boy, Lewis, and his growing up process. This book makes me greatly dislike his father.

It finally worked out!! YAYYY!!

8/75 (10.7%)
2,626 pages

I read The Outcast last year and enjoyed it very much. I am glad you discovered it - and that it was a book you could finally enjoy!

9) Piccadilly Jim by PG Wodehouse 264 pages

Wodehouse is usually a pretty solid, witty read. This book was no exception. I giggled a lot- which probably wasn't the best idea when I was at work.

9/75 (12%)
2,890 pages

Wodehouse is mentioned often here. I really need to move his books to the top of the tbr pile.

I'm definitely gonna read my first Wodehouse in the next month. I have a copy of Enter Jeeves: 15 Early Stories so that's the one I'll probably try. I really hope he's as good as everyone says he is :)

10) Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K Rowling 128 pages

Adorable little book. I love J.K. Rowling- but this was nothing compared to the Harry Potter books- which I wish weren't sitting on my bookcase at home.

10/75 (13.3%)
3,018 pages

11.) We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver 500 pages
I just couldn't finish it- I gave it up after 200 pages

12.) The Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver 432 pages
Sort of a slow moving thriller story- if that makes any sense. It tells the story of an escaped cult leader (a Manson-esque figure) and the attempt to get him back into custody. The beginning was slow-going, but the ending made it worth it. I'm always a sucker for a good crime story- and I was not disappointed. I doubt I'll ever read it again- but it was nice while it lasted.

13) The Readerby Bernhard Schlink 240 pages
Read this after the Oscars. LOVED! I really must go see the movie. It tells the story of a boy's life in three parts. First- his love affair at 15. Second- his recollections of his former lover at trial. And finally the rest of his life with her. I was kept interested. Definitely worth the reading. Schlink has a very interesting style of writing. I might pick up something else by him.

14)About a Boy by Nick Hornby 288 pages
Picked up this book at a used book fair- which is my personal favorite place to be. This might be my favorite book I've read thus far this year. It tells the story of Marcus, a 12 year old boy, whose life is dysfunctional to say the least. His mum is mentally unstable, and he's awkward at school. Similtaneously- this book tells the story of Will, who has never made a commitment in his entire life. He's never worked because he has no need for a job. The two protagonists interact and hillarity ensues. I found myself chuckling on the tube quite a bit. I love the movie as well . . . I recommend both!

14/75 (18.7%)
4478 pages

I'm still far behind everyone else in this group- but I'm trying to catch up- Really I am! I guess half the fun is in the reading (maybe more than half I suppose)

Hi Laura, catching up with your thread takes me one more step closer towards reading all the posts in all the threads. You aren't that behind in numbers either, ath this rate, you will easily cross the 75 books threshold. My count for this year so far is 19, which isn't that bad, its just the other members in this group (Stasia for example) who make me feel like an incompetent reader.

piyushchourasia- I totally agree with you! I'm not THAT far behind (you're right on the mark too), but when people are hitting 75 books in February I feel like a complete slacker :)

15.) High Fidelity by Nick Hornby 256 pages

I think if I hadn't read this book immediately after About a Boy I would have liked it a lot better than I did. Interesting take on break up, and a love of music. I found the story fun, funny, sad, and relatable. I really liked it!

16)Fingersmith by Sarah Waters 560 pages
Victorian, thieves, lesbians? I think that's about all I needed. Wonderful story, very well written. My flatmates have some of Sarah Waters books on their shelves at the moment that I think might need to disappear for about a week or so :).

My final exams for my study abroad program are fast approaching (under a month to go now)- so I don't know how many more books I'll be able to get read while I'm in London- I may have to wait until I get back to the states

16/75 (21.3%)
5294 pages

>44: back to the States? So soon? Hope you've enjoyed your time over here.

ditto what FlossieT said.

45+46> I have enjoyed my time here very much- I might move back after I finish uni- but I still have one more year. I'd work here again in a heartbeat. I loved it so much!

17) White Tiger by Aravind Adiga 304 pages
Enjoyable. I would definitely recommend.

17/75
3598 pages

>47: so glad you've had a good time! It's such a shame you have to go home again when the weather is just beginning to pick up - I think London really comes into its own when you can properly enjoy the parks. But you'll see if you do come back, of course :-)

I read The White Tiger last year, and although I thought it was interesting, I also thought there were other books on the Booker shortlist that were much stronger. Have you read A Fine Balance? I don't think you could describe it as "enjoyable" but it is a powerful portrait of India struggling with its relationship with the West, and the fallout that creates for its people - less modern, so none of the call-centres and taxi-driving of WT, but much more complex and, to my mind, thought-provoking. Would thoroughly recommend it if you're interested in pursuing the Indian theme further.

Thanks so much Flossie- I'll definitely see if it's in the library. I fell in love with Indian culture (well British Indian culture) when I was in London- and the literature has been so great to see and take advantage of. Now that I'm home (and missing chicken tikka masala more and more each day) I might try and find some books to send me back there.

18) When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro 352 pages

I've read Never Let Me Go last year, and this book was not on the same level as that one was. While the characters were well developed, and it was interesting to understanding- I felt like I just didn't care about the story line.

18/75
3950 pages

19) The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult 416 pages
I think this might be the worst Picoult I've read. I only picked it up because it was lying on a community book shelf and I felt like it needed to be read, but once I got started I hated it and forced myself to continue.

20) I'm a Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson 304 pages
I might be in love with Bill Bryson after this book. A funny look at the quirks of American life. After coming back from England a friend gave me this book and said "I know you haven't been away for 20 years but it sure feels like you have." It was sweet, but I also realize that being away has made me forget some things about America.

Message edited by its author, May 8, 2009, 1:03pm.

21) Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell 213 pages

4163 pages
21/75 (28%)

my book a day this week has gone alright thus far- 2 days 2 books. . . keep on chugging along.

#50: I am a big Bryson fan myself, so I can certainly understand your feelings!

#51: I have that one on the Continent. Did you enjoy it?

alcottacre- It was alright, I wasn't terribly crazy about it. The writing was a bit depressing. It was, however, a very quick read so I'd recommend it.

22) The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby 144 pages

23) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield 406 pages

23/75 (30.67%)
4713 pages

24) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen 331 pages

24/75 (32%)
5,044 pages

What did you think of Thirteenth Tale? I read it last week and really enjoyed it.

Hi. I'm spending some time today to catch up on the threads. I'm glad you enjoyed your study abroad experience. Good luck with your finals...and your acclimation back to the states.

I've added the Bill Bryson book to my tbr pile.

55-I think the story telling in the 13th Tale is really kind of captivating. The voice of the book really held my attention. I think the plot of the book was somewhat less important than how real the characters felt. Idk- I enjoyed it a lot.

56- Bryson is always a good time. Hope you love him :)

Include me in the Bill Bryson love fest! His book Down Under (UK) / In a Sunburned Country (US), about his travels in Australia, is great. I currently have his memoirs, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, climbing Mt. TBR.

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid sounds fantastic, its now in my mountain too !! Can't wait to read if you like it!

25) After the Quake by Haruki Murakami 147 pages

My first Murakami, and he is a fantastic writer. I understand what the fuss was about. I liked this collection of stories all about life in Japan after an earth quake. The last story was my favorite and talked about one man and how his life with his two best friends had grown and shifted as they got older. Very interesting, very poetic, I recommend.

25/75 (33%)
5191 pages

Slowly but surely, 75 might just happen. Back to reading...

I discovered Murakami last year, Laura, and have really enjoyed the books of his I have been lucky enough to get my hands on. I hope you can read some more of his works.

I am also a huge Bryson fan!

26.) The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman 320 pages

Gaiman is just a wonderful writer. He manages to walk the line between grim/goth and wonderfully lighthearted. It's a pretty tough line to walk and he does it really well. You would think a book about a living boy who grows up in a graveyard would be really dark, but no. Actually quite lovely. I'd recommend it.

26/75 (34.67%)
5,511

I'm glad you enjoyed The Graveyard Book. It's one of my favorite reads so far this year.

27.) Hurry Down Sunshine by Michael Greenberg 240 pages

Memoir about mania. I'm still unsure whether or not I enjoyed the book. I'm going to go with dislike as of right now- it was very negative, and it seemed as though interacting with his daughter was a chore for him (that somehow mental illness surrounded his family and he was bothered to interact). I don't know, maybe it just wasn't for me . . .

27/75 (36%)
5,751 pages

Message edited by its author, Jun 1, 2009, 6:21pm.

#27: I think I will give that one a pass. I hope your next read is better for you!

I'll pass on this one as well...but, I really must read The Graveyard Book soon....(thanks for this Stasia)

28) Old School by Tobias Wolff 195 pages

Got this book from the library. I've had This Boy's Life also by Tobias Wolff on my bookshelf for way too long now left unread. I feel like I should get to it soon. This book was fantastic, about an all boys school, and a Hemingway fascination.

I think its interesting that an all boys school would be so fascinated with Hemingway. Hemingway doesn't have the strongest depictions of women, and the boys in the novel barely have any interactions with women (except for one fairly significant one in the story.)

DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!

28/75 (37.3%)
5946 pages

#66: Old School looks to be very good. I will give it a try. Thanks for the recommendation!

>66 you're the second person I've seen recommend Old School in as many days. Bizarre coincidence. I have a copy but haven't read it... yet....

29.) People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks 400 pages
30) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling 309 pages
31) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 352 pages
32) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 535 pages
33) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 734 pages
34) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoneix 896 pages
35) Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince 652 pages

9824 pages
35/75 (46%)

36.) The Places In Between by Rory Stewart 299 pages

I'm debating taking Farsi in the fall - I liked this book. A travel memoir of the author's walk through Post 9-11 Afghanistan. Recommend.

10,123 pages
36/75 (48%)

A little under half-way, it's only July- I think I could still get there!

>70 I've wanted to read that Rory Stewart book for ages... did you read his piece in the LRB recently?

Flossie- It was a wonderful book- I really liked it. I've now read his piece in the London Review of Books (thanks for sending it my way).

It's so tough these days- I have so many books I'm wanting to read, and the list never seems to get any smaller. . .

37.) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling 759 pages

Couldn't NOT finish a reread of the series-

10,882 pages
37/75 books

Just keep reading, just keep reading . . .