Well I only made it to 32 books last year. Let's see if I can meke it to 50 this year!
About me: I am a 28 year old female, living in Sydney, Australia. I work full-time in a Admin role, and am studying a Diploma of Library/Information Services part-time. I love reading, but with work and study I haven't been reading as much as I used to.
I love buying books - can't help myself. However my New Year's resolution is to NOT buy any books this year. Big call I know, but I have so many books on my shelves that I haven't read, plus my sister just moved in with her library! Plus am a member of about 5 public and academic libraries, so will utilise these as well. Wish me luck!
Message edited by its author, Jan 4, 2009, 8:04pm.
It's a lofty goal. I made it to 44 and am also chasing the 50 in 2009. Good luck, joyfulgirl!
1.
The journal of Dora Damage by
Belinda Starling.
I have been wanting to read this since I saw a review for it when it was first published. It just seemed to grab me.
I really enjoyed this book - what a fabulous first novel (and unfortunately last) from the late
Belinda Starling, who passed away not long after she finished this. Her vivid imagery envokes the sights, sounds and smells of 19th Century London, and entices the reader to persue the (almost) lost art of book bindery.
Hi, joyfulgirl!
You are off to a great start. Good luck with your reading challenge.
--BJ
5.
Sabriel by Garth Nix.
The first book in "The Old Kingdom Trilogy", I read this about 5 years ago, and decided to revisit the series. It is aimed at young adults, but like most fantasy is suitable for adults also. Nix has created a world with strong female characters, magic and dead creatures which constantly try to escape death by reentering life.
6.
Lirael by Garth Nix
The second book in "The Old Kingdom Trilogy".
7.
Abhorsen by Garth Nix
The third book in "The Old Kingdom Trilogy".
8.
The name of the rose by
Umberto EcoI am not sure what I think or feel about this book. It took me a long time to read, compared with most books. I found it tedious and wordy, but still enjoyable.
The fact that there are many phrases in latin, and other european languages, made it difficult to read, due to my monolingualism.
I am the sort of person who reads a book for enjoyment, not to pick it to pieces and analyse to find "deeper meanings." Therefore I probably missed most of the semiotics Eco intended.
I have been hoping to read this book as well, but I keep putting it off.
--BJ
9.
The sonnets by
Warwick CollinsI received this book through LT early reviewers. I still have to write my review, but I thought it was a great book, easy to read and plausible.
Will post my review here once it is complete.
11.
The host by
Stephanie MeyerThis takes a totally different direction to Meyer's 'Twilight' series, more sci-fi than fantasy, and is aimed at adults rather than teenage girls. I really enjoyed it.
This is a thought-provoking novel, which explores the idea of an alien species not only taking over earth, but using human bodies as the species 'host'. Wanderer, or Wanda as she eventually becomes known, is one of the aliens. She is implanted into the body of a human, who was once Melanie. However some part of Melanie still remains, and Wanda slowly realises that being human, despite all their flaws, may be the one thing she really needs.
12.
The boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne
My sister brought this home from her school (she's a High School english teacher) and suggested I read it. I had heard great things about it, and knew it was being made into a movie.
This is a children's book, probably aimed at children aged 10 and up. However it is also very suitable for adults and its subject matter, the Holocaust, would definitely keep adults intrigued.
Told by Bruno, a nine year-old german boy, this is the story of what happened after "The Fury" came to dinner at his house, and his family and he had to move to "Out-With". Some of it is repetitive, where Boyne is trying to capture how a nine year-old would think, which I found irritating, however overall this a a well told story, which is not only moving, but provides a wonderful insight into the innocence and humanity of children.
A must read, especially for parents whose children are reading the book either at school or for thier own pleasure. Many children will have questions about the content and how the Holocaust was ever allowed to happen.
13.
The catcher in the rye by
J. D. SalingerThis was the first time I had read this book, somehow I missed it during my school years, I'm not sure how.
Wow, what a book, for something that was written over 50 years ago, many of the themes still ring true. And for anyone to write about depression in such a enagaging and compelling way, let alone during the 1950's when mental illness was very much misunderstood and rarely acknowledged, shows an intimate knowledge of depression.
I don't think that this is so much a coming of age story, but rather an accurate description of ones spiral into depression. Having suffered chronic depression since I was 16, I could see myself in Holden on so many different levels. I think that his view of the world and himself, like so many who suffer from mental illness, can best be described as apathetic.
Salinger has created a masterpiece, with a main character, Holden Caulfield, who should be extremely dislikable, yet most people can relate to him on some level and thus creating an interest in where he is heading and how his story will end. I highly recommend this book to all readers, young and old. I just wish I had read it years ago.
14.
The lieutenant by
Kate GrenvilleThis is the fictionalised story of William Dawes (Daniel Rooke in the novel), who arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788, and his interactions with the Aboriginals who inhabitated the area around Sydney Cove.
I enjoyed this book, however was slightly disconcerted when I began to read it, as Grenville has changed the name of all the historical figures in the book although this is not noted anywhere within the book, so I was a little concerned I had missed too many Australian History lessons. I definitely think future editions should note that the names have been changed. The story flowed smoothly throughout and was easy to read.
15.
Playing with the grownups by
Sophie DahlThis beautiful coming of age story is written by the granddaughter of the famous author
Roald Dahl. Sopie Dahl is probably best known as a "realistic" sized model.
I must admit I didn't hold any expectations for this book, as I thought she couldn't live up to the masterpieces her grandfather had created. I was pleasantly surprised.
This is the story of Kitty, told in the present and past, and of her unusual upbringing.
I didn't know that
Roald Dahl's granddaughter also wrote books! I'm going to have to check out her books. Thanks! :)
well last year I read about 40 books. this year during the summer so far I only read:
1)Confessions of a Serial Kisser by Wendelin Van Draanen
2)Magic in Manhattan:Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski
3)Magic in Manhattan:Parties and Potions by Sarah Mlynowski
4)Camp Confidential:TTYL by Melissa J. Morgan
5)Camp Confidential:Grace's Twist by Melissa J. Morgan
6)Camp Confidential:Wish You Weren't Here by Melissa J. Morgan
7)Camp Confidential:Second Time's The Charm By Melissa J. Morgan
8)Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro
O MY GOSH! you live in Australia?! you know I was supposed to be visiting Australia this year to represent America! I was nominated by one of my teachers to be part of the 'People to People' program; to visit another country around the world......you get to live with an Australian family for two days and then you Get to explore Australia with the rest of the students, climb the mountains,go snorkeling in the great reef.....etc........
But unfortunately I we couldn't afford the program(6,449 dollars!!)so unfortunately I couldn't go this year...
20. The surgeon of Crowthorne by Simon Winchester
25.
Interview with the vampire by
Anne RiceOk so back to the vampire theme. I read this year's ago and thought it was time to revisit, seeing as along with Bram Stocker's
Dracula, which I revisted at the end of last year, it is one of the iconic "Vampire" novels, to which all others pay homage.
Also have
The vampire Lestat which I will be starting soon.
27.
The vampire Lestat by
Anne RiceI enjoyed this more than
Interview with the vampire, the story was more interesting and Lestat extemely likable compared to the portrait painted of him by Louis in
Interview with the vampire. Maybe it is because Lestat is such a energetic and positive protagonist, compared to Louis, who seems lethargic and depressed in comparison.
I am eager to get my hands on Rice's third installment of 'The Vampire Chronicles':
The Queen of the damned.
Message edited by its author, Oct 13, 2009, 6:44pm.
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