Monica's 2011 Challenge

I am excited for the new year to start. I am hoping to do much better on my challenge this year than the past couple of years. :)

Glad to see you joining us again in 2011, Monica!

I can't stay away from you guys. I just hope I can get closer to my goal this year than last. :) Im gonna give it a try...

That is all you can do! Hopefully 2011 will be a little calmer for you than 2010 was.

I hope so to.. Have you posted your thread yet for next year? I don't want to lose you in the shuffle...

No, I have not posted a 2011 thread yet. I learned my lesson last year! I think I had 3 or 4 threads before January was over. This time, I am waiting until about the 15th before I post my first thread.

LOL --- Oh Stasia that is a good thing it is because you are so loved. :) I will be waiting for baited breath to see your thread...

I will try to remember to let you know when it is up and running. I am hoping to sneak in unnoticed for the most part.

I too will try to keep an eye out for it so you don't have to try to remember. I follow your thread for 2010 so if you post it on there at the end of that one. I should hopefully find it right away. However that won't help you go unnoticed :)

I know, so I am not posting a link. If people find me, they find me. If not, OK :)

I am sure most will find you.. I know I don't want to miss out on your thread. Between you and Linda and your enjoyable posts and demeanor you both have helped me get through some tough times this past year.

I am happy that my posts have helped you get through. I hope they continue to help. I am sure Linda would say the same.

Hi Monica!! I too am a Monica. I saw your introduction in the introduction thread and decided to visit your thread and star it. I hope 2011 is a better year for you too.

#12 - Stasia they have and I really hope that someday I can come to one of the meets and actually get an opportunity to meet you. I too am sure Linda would say the same. She sends me wonderful cards in the mail.

#13- Hi Monica...I will have to find your thread and star it too. This is such a great group of people to friend and learn about on here. Thanks for the wishes for a better year I really need them. :)

#14: As you and Linda are both in PA, it would be fairly easy to work out logistics for the two of you. Me, on the other hand. . . not so easy.

#15 - Very true. I wish I could have come to the meet up this year but it wasn't happening.. Maybe some day. :)

I hope so!

Me Too!!!

There's always Joplin...

Welcome back!

#20 Thanks, I sure am hoping that I can reach the goal this year. I love this group so much that I can't stay away. :)

I decided it was time to put up my Ticker for this year. I am hoping I can make it fly all the way to the end and beyond. :) Yes for those of you whom have seen my thread last year it is the same ticker. I like it and am not feeling very creative this year to create a different one.. LOL

You like your ticker and that is all that really matters! lol

It is new to me and I like it. I sometimes change mine through the year.

No wonder you kept the same ticker - it's lovely!

#23 Stasia: *snork!*

# 23 Very True Stasia :)

#24 I am glad you like it. I do like it very much as well. Who knows maybe I will change back and forth for holidays this year maybe not. I really like my butterfly.. :)

#25 - Thank you for the compliment :)

1. City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane - I enjoyed this book in the series as well. Some very good action packed and exciting chapters in this one. With a little love/hate drama to boot. Looking forward to the next installment.

I actually started to read this at the end of 2010, however wasn't very far into the book by the beginning of this year so I am counting it.. :)

I just started on my ER book from October. It is good so far The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Hi Monica

Happy New Year. Just stopping by to say I'm thinking of you.

#28 - Hi Linda, Happy New Year back to you as well. Hope this one is a better one for everyone. :)

Hey, Monica! Congratulations on getting book #1 of 2011 out of the way!

# 30 Thanks Stasia... Only 74 more to go ;) Hopefully... LOL

You can do it! :)

#32 Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate it.. I may need some down the line too.. :)

#33: No problem. I have plenty to go around.

Birth Week Books BibliOZ

Fiction 1 THE PASSIONS OF THE MIND Irving Stone author info
Fiction 2 THE EXORCIST William Peter Blatty author info
Fiction 3 THE NEW CENTURIONS Joseph Wambaugh author info
Fiction 4 QB VII Leon Uris author info
Fiction 5 THE BELL JAR Sylvia Plath author info
Fiction 6 THE DRIFTERS James A. Michener author info
Fiction 7 THE OTHER Thomas Tryon author info
Fiction 8 PENMARRIC Susan Howatch author info
Fiction 9 THE SHADOW OF THE LYNX Victoria Holt author info
Fiction 10 LOVE IN THE RUINS Walker Percy author info
Non-Fiction 1 BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE Dee Brown author info
Non-Fiction 2 THE FEMALE EUNUCH Germaine Greer author info
Non-Fiction 3 THE SENSUOUS MAN "M" author info
Non-Fiction 4 BOSS Mike Royko author info
Non-Fiction 5 FUTURE SHOCK Alvin Toffler author info
Non-Fiction 6 AMERICA INC, Morton Mintz and Jerry S. Cohen author info
Non-Fiction 7 THE GREENING OF AMERICA Charles Reich author info
Non-Fiction 8 STILWELL AND THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN CHINA 1911-1945, 8 STILWELL AND THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN CHINA, 1911-1945, Barbara Wertheim Tuchman author info
Non-Fiction 9 THE EUROPEAN DISCOVERY OF AMERICA Samuel Eliot Morison author info
Non-Fiction 10 THE MEMOIRS OF CHIEF RED FOX Carl Asher author info

That is a very interesting list. Now I will have to do mine. Thanks for sharing. I will post mine on my thread later today.

#35: I had Penmarric checked out of the library last year but never got it read. I am going to have to get it out again!

#36 - Thanks to Stasia posting it I found it and thought it was really neat and fun to share. I will have to check yours out too Monica

#37 - cool Stasia maybe you can get it out again.. If you do I hope you enjoy it. :)

Yeah, I will have to make myself a mental note to grab it next time I am there.

Stasia I hope your mental notes are better then mine. Mine seem to never work. :)

#40: Well, I guess I waited a bit too long. The local library's copy has now gone missing. *sigh*

2. The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver - YA - I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one to come out in this series. Riley Blackthorne, the Demon Trapper - Paul Blackthorne's daughter. Has quite a journey ahead of her to become a full trapper. She is off to a good start then her father dies while fighting a demon. The trappers guild has some issues going on with their holy water and demons actually banning together and helping each other out which is unusual for them. Very exciting book, kept me turning the pages to find out what happens next. Honestly cannot wait until the next installment.

Now off to start Sense and Sensebility by Jane Austen

#42: I am glad you found a YA seres that you like, Monica!

#43 Stasia, I actually have a few YA series that I really enjoy. So this is not my first. The only bad thing about these ER and ARC books is that you have to wait so long for the next installment to come out. My goodness this book that I just finished doesn't come out on shelves until Feburary 2011.. So I guess I have a long wait.. sniff sniff...

#44: The only bad thing about these ER and ARC books is that you have to wait so long for the next installment to come out.

True! I really hate that. I mean, it is not like I have anything else to read in the meantime, right? :)

# 45 LOL... I am sure we all have other things to read.. it just stinks when you have to wait to find out what happens next...

Yes, it does. Every time I finish one of the In Death series books (and there are 30+ now), I am telling myself 'only 6 more months until the next one!'

#47 LOL.. I have in the past, actually waited to start reading a series or even buy a series until they have at least a few books out. However sometimes it is way to tempting... and then we sit and wait... and count down the months till the next book.

Also reading Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake since I am not permitted to bring electronic devices to work :( and keeping close at hand and reading a day at a time The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie

47> Also Treachery in Death is due out in February this year :D
42> This sounds really interesting! I'm going to see if my local library has a copy *crossing fingers*

3. Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake -Action packed adventure of the nightwalkers attempting to stop the naturi from entering thier realm. Mira (nightwalker/firestart) teams up with a hunter Danaus, a naturi Cinna, and a witch Shelly along with Nightwalker and humans to stop the Nature from entering their realm. Good read, enjoyable action and conflict in the story. Excited to start the next in the series to see what happens next.

Off to read 4th in the series Pray for Dawn by Jocelynn Drake

Sounds like you are still going strong, Monica! Good for you!

Yep I am trying my best.. Stasia... The only thing is I will have to play catch up somewhere as I don't think I am going to make 6.25 books this month.. But I think even if I don't reach the goal..I will be closer that last year. I sure am gonna try to reach it though.. :)

Ooh, more In Death books. I read 30-odd of them last year, and have been giving them a bit of a rest. I'm glad they're piling up in my absence.

Hi There

I'm compiling a list of birthdays of our group members. If you haven't done so already, would you mind stopping by this thread and posting yours.

Thanks.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/105833

Monica? Yoo hoo? Anyone home?

#56 Yep Stasia still around. Still trying to read in a lull, my reading has slowed a little. RL going on lately. But I will get back on track soon. Reading little snippets of each book I am working on when I can sneak a moment. Thanks for checking in on me. :)

No problem. I hope you can get back on track soon, as you said.

4. Pray for Dawn by Jocelyn Drake - What a continuation of the first part of the series. Truly enjoy what is going on between Mira and Danus. However the ending sure has me holding out for the next book in the series. Great read and great take on the supernatural world.

I really want to start reading the next in the series however I need to get on my ER book.. So off to read 666 Park Avenue by Gabirella Pierce. Still working on my one day at a time Language of letting go as well

5. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - Finally finished reading this. I don't know if it was because it was my first read on a Kindle or not. But it took me a while to get into this book, it may even be that it isn't my usual genre. I liked it but not one of my favorites.

I think I will give at least one more a try. I tried these out to be in the Austenthon. But this was kinda rough for me, but from other posts from other readers I am seeing some that like the P books better so maybe they will work for me. It isn't that I hated it I just had difficulties getting into it. Plus it is diffiuclt for me to get much time to read as of late. I am hoping I can get caught up to be able to reach my 75 goal.. As of today I am not doing very well...

6. 666 Park Avenue - by Gabriella Pierce - Wow, I really enjoyed this ER copy. Jane doesn't know she is a witch, well she soon finds out after falling in love she decides that she needs to tell her grandma who raised her. So she travels back to talk to her grandma and give her the good news after being estranged from each other for 6 years. Come to find out grandma has passed away leaving behind a note telling Jane what she is, this starts an entire new chain of events in her life including marriage. Very interesting story line and exciting and hoping there is another book to follow this one. I truly enjoyed this book.

Now off to read my next ER book Aftermath By Tracy Brown

I'm simply stopping by to say hi.

I am trying to catch up on ER books too, Monica, so I can sympathize!

#62 - Hi back to you Linda.. Thank you for the lovely cards I receive periodically in the mail they are much appreciated.

#63 - I had a good reading weekend at work this weekend. I am almost finished with my 2nd ER book in just over a day. I don't always get to read when I want to but work was a slow weekend at work so I got a lot of reading done there. Good luck catching up on ER books. I am really glad your back.. Missed you bunches.

7. Aftermath by Tracy Brown- I really enjoyed this book. It kept me reading straight through. Misa, Toya, Camille, and Dominique are all friends, who end up going through life changing events and are truly there for each other as friends. Starts off with Misa finding out her son had been sodomized by Camille's brother in law, when she finds out what has happened to her son, she murder's Camilles Brother in law, Camille goes through her husband cheating, her own pregnancy, dealing with her nephew being sodomized, her sister murdering her brother in law and her sisters trial. Toya finds love where she never thought she would as does Dominique. In amongst all this caos they remain friends and support each other. Definatley an interesting read and keeps you turning the pages.

Now off to read - The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston another ER book that I need to read and review. Especially before my next one arrives. I am trying to get caught up on them.. :)

I have managed to read 2 of my ER books in the past week. Only 3 more to go! I hope both of us get caught up :)

#66 I hope I get caught up too. I am reading my other ER book and my next one hasn't arrived just yet. So maybe I can get a break in between lol. Good luck with getting caught up.. :)

8. The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston - This started off a little slow for me. However, turned out to be a very interesting story line. I enjoyed hearing Elizabeth's stories from old times and how she became a witch. I enjoyed the thought and hope she put into training Tegan and taking the chance and of course her consipiracy to get Gideon out of the picture. Very well written and once I caught on to what was going on it became very intriguing. I hope this continues on into a series.

Finally got through another ER book and now onto read Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth so that I can then move onto my next ER book which is the 2nd book in the series.

9. Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth - This one started out a little odd for me however I believe the reasoning for that was a little bit of the military action in the beginning. It did not take me very long though to become very intrigued by this story. The characters came to life for me and were very well played out throughout the book. It was very difficult for me to put it down. I even took it to the bus stop every morning with me just so I could sneak in a chapter while waiting for the bus to come for my step daughter. Truly enjoyed Nathaniel Cade - The presidents vampire and his agents. Very interesting take on different things with the Presidency and secrecy as well as some history in there too.

Now off to start reading my ER book The President's Vampire by Christopher Farnsworth the second book in the series.

#69: I will have to give that one a try. Thanks for the recommendation, Monica!

Have a nice weekend!

#70: Stacia, I hope you enjoy it. I started the 2nd book in the series and it seems just as intriguing, just haven't had much time to read the last couple of days.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Hi Sweetie.

Thinking of you. Happy Sunday!

I read Blood Oath when it came out and really enjoyed it. When I saw my library ordered the second, I snagged it on reserve and got the first out for a re-read, didn't get the chance...the wife got to it first! :)

#71: Hi Linda, Thanks for thinking of me. I did have a Happy Sunday! Hope you are doing well too.

#73: Dr. Hope you get the chance to read the 2nd one it is good so far. :)

10. The President's Vampire by Christopher Farnsworth - Really enjoyed the second installment of the Nathaniel Cade novels. In this novel another subject is creating these snake/lizard like creatures out of humans so that they may overtake the world. Cade battles many of them and finally they figure out who is creating them and where their actual lab and lair is. You must read to find out the rest. Along with the great main story there are some other twists and turns with the characters in the story and it makes a great read. Glad I got this on an ER and I am hoping that Christopher continues the series.

Now off to read Soulless by Gail Carriger

#75: Waaa! I want my local library to get the Farnsworth books! lol

#76 Stasia, so far I am really enjoying them. I sure am hoping he continues the series. I hope you can get your hands on a copy. I will keep my fingers crossed for your. :)

#77: Thanks, Monica!

11. Soulless by Gail Carriger - Finished this book while away on my vacation. Did not take my laptop as had to go off the mountain somewhere to get some wi fi. Cabin was too cozy to go out at times just to review. So my review is a few days after the fact. I enjoyed this book very much. Alexia Tarabotti - supposed spinster and soulless girl who has the effect on the supernatural to cause them to be mortal while she is touching them. Is friends with Hives of Vampires and packs of werewolves. She is a rarety of her kind and not many know who she is. There is a group of scientists trying to get rid of the supernaturals in the area and tries to capture them and drain them of their blood and perform testing on them. Alexia's tale is a great one of love, action and fun.

Now I am reading the next in the series Changeless by Gail Carringer

#79: Glad to see you enjoyed Soulless, Monica. I have the next couple (on loan from Roni) waiting for me to get to them.

12. Changeless by Gail Carriger - I enjoyed this one, the travel and the mystery about why the pack could not change was interesting and I was not quite able to figure it out right off the bat so the story was well told. I do miss some of the characters from the first one however they are in the background and I am sure they are coming back into play in the next one. However I am disappointed with Lord Maccon's reaction at the end. I am hoping all turns out well in the next book. Thank goodness I have it in my possession so I can read it right now and fined out what happens next.

Off to read Blameless by Gail Carriger

13. Blameless by Gail Carriger - I really enjoyed reading this next book in the series. Alexia and her adventures sure take us to some fun and interesting places with the supernatural. Alexia is now going to have a baby, but what is it exactly going to be. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series to find out. From my understanding the next installment just came out or is coming out this month. Hopefully I can get a copy or borrow a copy of this one soon. I am addicted.

Next off to read One for the Money by Janet Evanovich just recently lent to me by a friend.

#83: I am addicted.

Happens to the best of us :)

#84: Yeah Stasia I know, thank goodness it is books I am addicted to and not something that would get me into trouble lol.

#85: I totally agree! (except that I am addicted to Diet Pepsi too)

#86: Lol... I am addicted to Coke Zero

I cannot do Diet Coke. I do not think I have ever tried Coke Zero though.

14. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - I truly enjoyed this funny, witty, murder mystery. Stephanie Plum is out of a job and her mother suggests going to do filing for her cousin Vinnie, when Stephanie arrives the job is taken already. However there are always openings for Bounty Hunters. Not nowing anything Stephanie takes the job and has quite a rough go of it. With no money for supplies and not having a clue how to do anything. She finds herself in quite a few pickles. Joe Morrelli the highest paying bond and her goal for the monent is a guy she knew in high school that she has well quite a few mixed feelings about. Joe was a cop and accused of cold blooded murder of a man who was supposedly unarmed. During this enjoyable book, Stephanie has to deal with Joe the accused murderer, Ranger another bail bondsmen who is quite good but a little cocky, Ramierez a boxer who is also a rapist and murder as well as several other characters that make this story interesting.

So good I have already started the second book in the series Two for the dough by Janet Evanovich I sure hope the person I borrowed these two from have the others read and waiting for me to borrow.. :)

#89: I used to enjoy the Stephanie Plum series too until it hit book 8 or 9, something like that. Then it went downhill for me. I have heard that the latest couple of books are a return to form though. I will have to check them out.

Glad to see you enjoyed your first foray into the books!

#90: I really enjoyed it, for me it was a quick read. Obviously I am not as quick as you. I was really hoping since I was on vacation this week that I would get to read both of them and return them to her on Monday. However, It has been so beautiful out this week with no rain (which can be a bad thing too soon) that I haven't had as much time to sit down and read as I have wanted to. At least I got one read. :) I hope they don't fizzle out for me. But we shall see.. Our local Walmart has all of the books stocked right up to 17 so if my friend at work doesn't have the others I guess I could stop by there and pick them up in soft cover.

Yeah, I would think that the Evanovich series would be relatively easy to find, which is good for you :)

Have A Blessed Birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday to you dear one!

Thank you each for the Birthday wishes... they are greatly appreciated.. :)

15. Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich - Another great addition to the Stephanie Plum series, with a growing relationship between Stephanie and Joe, missing body parts from the funeral home. Vehicle accidents and of course Grandma Mazur in the mix makes this another exciting and interesting 2nd book to the series.

Off to read Three to Get Deadly

16. Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich - Once again another great addition to the series. Interesting story of Uncle Mo the candy store man so well love by all the children and his secret life. Very interesting twists and turns learned through by Stephanie, Joe and the rest of the crew. Lula and Grandma Mazur sure make me laugh out loud. Very enjoyable.

Off to read Four to Score

I haven't continued with the Stephanie Plum books. I read the first one then I couldn't find the second and when I did it had been awhile since I read the first one that I just haven't picked any up to read. I will definitely have to see if I can fit them in this year or at least some of them.

I hope you had a great Birthday!!

#99: I have been wanting to get the series for myself, but money has been tight. One of the girls who works with me actually has the series between her and her mother and she has been lending them to me 2 at a time and I am devouring them.. LOL I am loving them. I hope you can find some copies. Right now they have an entire shelf in our Walmart that has every copy in paperback except for the newest one out.

My birthday was quiet and peaceful. A little to warm out and humid. I couldn't stand sitting out there on my new swing and watch my humming birds, so I stayed inside and watched them from the window. It did turn out well.. though Thanks.

Glad to hear you had a nice birthday Monica. I bought my son a hummingbird feeder but we haven't seen any humming birds plus I haven't looked for any either. I do have most of the books now. I just bought a hard back for lest the 5 dollars. I bought it at Borders since they are closing. I bought Finger Lickin' Fifteen it was in the sale bin for 4.99 plus 10% off then I got another 10% off with my Borders rewards card. Now if I could only find more of them like that. I have 1 - 6 then skip to 11-13 then 15. I am very tight on money and only buy when I feel they are cheap enough.

Monica Lynn

I find the Plum books a little too similar to read one right after another so I spread them out and read about one every two or three months.

#101: I wish I could send you the ones you are missing Monica, however I am borrowing them from a co-worker. I also know how it is to be tight on money. I am too at this point. Too Funny I noticed you signed Monica Lynn.. I didn't realize that we both have the same middle name as well.. Too cool :)

#102: I do notice similarities in the series. I might seperate some time in between if they were my copies, however when I am borrowing them I try to read them quickly and she keeps sending them over and I am not complaining about it one bit. I like to return them as quickly as I possibly can.

17. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich - Enjoyed this one as much as the first three. Poor Stephanie has so many mis hap's it is to funny. I am starting to wonder if insurance is going to cover her vehicles and her home. The hot and steamy Morelli is still in the picture and I am looking forward to finding out what happens next with the two of them. The mix of characters is great. Great addition to the series.

Now since I am finished with this one and am not able to get my hands on the next one for a few days. I am off to read an ER book Triple Crossing by Sebastian Rotella

Sixteen or seventeen books later and we are all still waiting to find out what happens with Stephanie and Morelli. It's the one aggravation of an otherwise fun series.

#105: Well hopefully when she ends the series there is a final result of their relationship. It is a fun series though and I am looking forward to reading more however have to wait until my co worker brings them into work for me to read the next ones. Until then I am trying to catch up on my ER books. I have plenty more in my library to keep me busy as well that I haven't read yet. As I am sure most of us do. :)

Having such a difficult time getting into Triple Crossing for some reason. I switched to my other ER book Shattered Dreams by Ellie James. I don't know if I am just not into it or because of all the confusion with my sister visiting and so many gatherings going on in between work and other real life events this time of year. I am just gonna have to go back to that one later. So far I am flying through Shattered Dreams when I have moments to read.

18. Shattered Dreams by Ellie James - I truly enjoyed this book. Very fast paced, action packed, holds your interest type of story. Trinity after losing her grandmother moves back to New Orleans with Aunt Sara and learns about her true self. She trys to make new friends and things turn around on her with her gift that she has been given and trys so hard to help out her new friends who don't really seem to be to friendly at first. Especially Jessica, who gets kidnapped and poor Trinity is being accused of Jessica being missing. Nicely twisted around plot, enjoyable quick read.

Now off to read High Five

Some great books there Monica. I have to start reading the Stephanie Plum books again. I started a year or more ago and I haven't picked them up again. I will check my library to see if I can find anymore that are available. I can always see if they will be getting any of the Abby books in.

That is really funny that we have the same first and middle name. I don't see too many Monica's.

Happy Reading.

#108: I hope my local library gets a copy of that one. Thanks for the review and recommendation!

#109: I don't see too many Monica's - and yet we have at least 3 here in the 75ers!

#109 - I think it is really neat we have the same first and middle name. I know I don't see many Monica's either, when I was little I asked my parents one time why every time I saw or heard of a person named Monica it was only on Tv and why they were always African American. Because I am caucasian. Things that kids think about. My parents laughed at me. My dad chose the name because he had a friend whose name was Monica. I hope that doesn't offend anyone, because it isn't ment to offend it was just something my parents still tease me about and a memory I had from being little and also the fact that there are people out there with our name but it wasn't very common when I was growing up. There were only 2 in my entire School.

Also your very welcome for the review and recommendation. I really enjoyed that book.
I do enjoy the Stephanie Plum books. I am so glad one of my co workers is willing to share and has access to the entire series. I don't get much of chance to go to the library it is to far away and diffcult for me to get to with the hours I work.

#110: Stasia I think that it is neat that there are 3 Monica's in the 75ers group. Because growing up I didn't know many... as I mentioned above in my response to Monica.. :)

If we see an onslaught of Stasias I am going to start worrying. . .

#111. I know many people that have my middle name but you are the first one that I share both with. I actually had 2 other Monica's in high school. One was Italian and the other I believe she was of hispanic decent. When I was in college one of my African American classmates said to me that I was the first white Monica she had ever known. I never realized before how common Monica with the African Americans. My parents name me Monica because of the Church near the hospital was St. Monica and they could not agree on a name. Some of the names they had chosen for me would have killed me. They wanted to name me after my grandmothers, Philomena Wilomena. My on grandmothers first name and the others middle name. Thank God they named me Monica.

Stasia,
I like your name. It is very different and I you are the first one I have ever known.

#112 - Stasia I love your name the only one close is a an author Stacia Cane or Kane I can't remember I read a few of her books.

#112 - I too noticed the African American relation to our name as well obviously in my previous comment. The other Monica in my school was white but she was several years behind me, so I was in school until I think it was 10th grade before another Monica came along. Phew you lucked out with your name. I don't think my parents had any thing else picked out for me. My dad was pretty set on naming me Monica.

#113: They wanted to name me after my grandmothers, Philomena Wilomena. My on grandmothers first name and the others middle name. Thank God they named me Monica.

LOL! I am going to start calling you 'Phil-Wil.' :)

Or Pee-Wee!

Lol. I always imagined the teasing I would have gone through during school. I would be more scarred for life then I am now. I figured I would get called Philly-Willy. My name would have been Philomena Wilomena Spielberger. It wouldn't have fit on any lines for tests.

#117 - Oh dear lord I can only imagine the teasing and with each generation I think they come up with worse nicknames and things to tease you with. You should hear kids these days. Thank God your parents thought better of your name. Now you ended up with the most beautiful name.. Especially since mine is the same.. :)

#117: You would either have developed a thick skin or a good right (or left as the case may be) hook!

Lol very true Stasia. I like the idea of having a good right or left hook. Yes Monica we do have beautiful names. My mom had other names but she didn't like them because they could all be shortened and she didn't like names to be shortened.

19. High Five by Janet Evanovich - Another great addition to the series. Stephanie has such a time with getting her FTA's and with the men in her life period. So many Laugh Out Loud parts in here especially with Grandma Mazur in the picture. This series is so fun and action packed I am off to read the next one.

Hot Six by Janet Evanovich I am going to dig in. I want to know who walked into Stephanies Apartment at the end.. :)

20. Hot Six by Janet Evanovich - Once again another great addition to the series. Lord help them all Grandma Mazur now has a drivers license. Morellie and Stephanie are getting closer, sure wondering what is going to happen there. Between finding dead bodies, capturing her FTA's and her new dog Bob this was another great book in the series.

Now I wish I was off to read Seven Up but my friend hasn't brought it to me yet so I am off to read Heartless by Gail Carriger which doesn't break my heart (no pun intended) beacuse I have been wanting to catch up on that series. There is never enough time in a day. :)

21. Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Another great addition to the series. Well, Morelli and Stephanie are getting married or aren't getting married.. Not so sure, with this on again off again relationship. I love the way Stephanie gets even with Joyce by allowing Bob the dog to do his business on her lawn. Boy did she ever have a hard time catching her Older FTA Eddie DeChooch in this one. And the heart incident.. What a hoot.. I don't know where she comes up with these stories but they sure do have a lot of twists and turns and funny too.

Yes I know I said in my previous post I was going to read Heartless and I did start it but when my co worker brough this in I couldn't resist so I am reading two at once. I am going to keep going through Heartless but I know have Hard Eight in my hands and I just can resist.. :) I am really enjoying this series. I have a good laugh several times in every book..

22. Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich - Stephanie has her perfect or no longer so perfect sister to deal with in this one. Grandma Mazur, is a pip in her own right. She is so funny I just love the way her character is. I think I secretly want to be as outspoken as she is. With the laugh out loud parts and the attempts to collect her FTA's and of course the cars being burned or blown up, this was another action packed great addition to the series. I wish the would make a Tv show out of these, I would be a definite on my DVR to record every episode.

Okay so now I am off to Read To the Nines and of course I still have Heartless on the sidelines.

Glad to see you are continuing to enjoy the Stephanie Plum series, Monica!

#125 Thanks Stasia, I am hoping your back troubles are doing better.

#126: I wish I could say that they were, but marginal improvement at best.

#127 I understand completely about back problems. I have had my share and they are not fun at all. Hope they improve for you soon. Massage's help and so does therapy at least they have helped me. Good luck

23. To the Nines by Janet Evanovich - Once again Janet did justice in adding to the story. Stephanie and Morelli living together however once again for how long. I am wondering if they will ever end up together. Although it makes for interesting reading.

Finished this the other day and started into Ten Big Ones.

24. Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich - Just when you think what could happen next, she comes up with another scenerio. The on again off again relationship between Stephanie and Joe is entertaining and keeps you wondering. Then with Ranger factored in there it makes it very interesting I think once you read this you will agree who Stephanie should be with and she does also, but she can't bring herself to make that committment. Some of her stunts while Bounty hunting are hysterical and the gang twist this time made for an interesting action packed book. I am off to read Eleven on Top.

25. Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich - Just when you wonder what she is going to do next in her bounty hunting. Stephanie quits and attempts to go work for the button factory. Wow, I was shocked at that one. It was a nice twist in this series and I always wondered if she was going to end up working where she is now working. So much fun in this one that I cannot wait to start reading the next one.

So I am off to to read Twelve Sharp

26. Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich - Wow two Ranger's. Ranger with a wife?? Who everyone assumes that Ranger Murders. Very interesting story this time around however not everything as it is percieved to be. It is another good one and I am looking so forward to the next installment.

So I am off to read Lean Mean Thirteen

27. Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich - Flame throwers burning up people, Ex husband living with her boyfriend, $40 Million dollars... Car Crushers.. And of course the famous Grandma Mazur finding a boyfriend losing him and finding another one who is a taxidermist that actually blows up some of his critters. What a hoot with such action packed fun. Another great book in the series.

Off to read Fearless Fourteen

28. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich - Once again another great addition to the series. Morelli is back in her life for most of this book. Ranger not so much this time around. Taking on a kid and acting like a family for a bit. she keeps the story moving and interesting. Loving this series.

Off to Read Finger Lickin Fifteen

29. Finger Lickin Fifteen by Janet Evanovich - Exploding pressure cookers, apartment fire bombed, Lula witnessing a decapitation, Cars being bombed, cars being set on fire by an FTA and a BBQ Cookoff.. Another exploding and exciting addition to the series.

Off to read Sizzling Sixteen

30. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich - once again another great one. Explosions, fires, bad guys trying to get to the bonds office and this time they may have succeeded. However Vinnie sure gets himself into a pickle this time. The morrelli Stephanie thing is an off again this time. Sigh.. Can't wait to read the next one, however my friend lent it to another friend before me and I am hoping to get my hands on it soon. For now in the meantime. I am going to hopefully hurry and read another borrowed one that the owner is anxious to get back.

Off to read First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones - first time reading this author.. So we shall see.. :)

31. First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones - I really enjoyed this read. PI who has a supernatural ability to help people cross over, and the dark smokey figure in her life that is so hot but so mysterious. Very exciting and interesting read.

32. Heartless by Gail Carriger - Once again I enjoyed this addition to the series. It was very action packed and interesting with an octoman, the grand scheme of the babies potential adoption by Lord Alkeldama, fire, dirigible landings at a party what a grand entrance, the hive swarming and what to do about punishments and the birth of the baby. Whew.. It was fully action packed and very enjoyable.

However the next book is not out yet in the series so therefore I must move on to another. So I am off to read an ER book that I just received. A Touch of Crimson by Sylvia Day.

33. Smokin Seventeen by Janet Evanovich -Once again another exciting addition to the series. A new guy in Stephanies life that is being pushed on her by family. Very interesting turn of events with him and her feeligs towards him from the get got. Grandma Mazur's antics as well a Grandma Bella's curses. Awesome read.

Still working on A Touch of Crimson

34. A Touch of Crimson by Sylvia Day - What an enjoyable read. Lindsey carrying the soul of Shadoe whom Adrian has loved for ages is in quite a battle which she at first does not realize but finds out later. Lindsey learns of a world she only partially new existed. She has been a vampire hunter for years and she meets the Seraphim and learns about many others while falling in love newly and all over again with Adrian. All the while battling her love for him and her concern for him and what their love just might cost Adrian. What an itriguing story with action packed adventure as well as some very steamy scenes. Truly enjoyed this book and so greatful to receive it through the ER program.

Now I am no sure what I am going to read next so I guess it will be a surprise when I do my review :)

35. Worst Case by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge - Great action packed story with a lot of twists and turns. Kidnapper is kidnapping high profile kids to send a message to the world. Det Bennet is trying to catch him along with FBI agent Emily Parker, who could possibly be a love interest for Det Bennett. With 10 kids at home a wonderful Nanny and helpful father in more ways than one. Det. Bennet gets the job done. Really great addition to the series.

This was a fast read... I read it in one weekend during work and interuptions.

Still reading what I started the other day at home as well - Kristin Hannah - Summer Island on my Kindle which I am not permited to take to work with me due to the fact it is an electronic device.. Grrr. Or I would have been done reading it this weekend as well.

36. Summer Island - By Kristin Hannah - Nora Bridge was kind of like Dear Abby for the radio and she had a secret. She had an affair several years ago and left her family and now she is giving advice about love and family on the radio. When this comes to light with the public, things are not good at all for her. She tries to escape from the bashing for a while by going to Summer Island with a friend who is dying. However she gets into an accident because she was drinking and slammed into a tree. This forces her estranged daughter to come and help her while she is down and out. Which brings to light many things with this estranged family and some friends nearby their summer Island. A great story of how family can possibly come back together after someone walking out and how love can be strong throughout the years. So much more to this story however I don't want to give away too awful much.

Presently started reading Run for your Life by James Patterson and am starting Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah Maybe if I can keep two books going at once then I can get closer to my goal before the end of the year. :) I can't wait for next years to start up an I am really hoping to get even closer if not meet this goal next year.

37. Between Sisters by Kristin Hanna - Meghan Dontess & Claire Cavenaugh are sisters who really don't know how to communicate anymore after their tough childhood. Meghan a successful divorce lawyer is dead set against love after all of her trials and tribulations between childhood, a failed marriage and dealing with everyone else's divorces. Claire loves so much even with what their childhood brought to her and Meghan however she has waited many years to get married or to find just the right man while raising her daughter by herself and running a successful camground. What a great story of the two sisters coming back into each others life because Claire falls in love hard and fast finally, then when everything looks so good for her, she is diagnosed with an inoperabe brain tumor. While with Claire planning her wedding Meghan undeniably falls in love once again, but pushs hard to keep it at an arms length. What a wonderful story of sisters coming together once again and actually being there for each other through some very difficult times.

Still reading Run for your Life By James Patterson almost 1/2 way through the book and it is very good as usual. See what else I can pick up to read along the way :) Still not met the 75 goal and really I think I would have to read 24 /7 to meet it at this point by the end of the year. However I am please that I have made it this far with real life getting in the way. :) Hopefully I can make it closer to the goal or actually make the goal next year. I am looking forward to the challenge.

Hi Monica! I lost your thread for a while. Last year, I read Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah, and I really liked it. I will look for Between Sisters.

Hey, at 37 books you still made it to a little over the halfway mark of 75 books. That's about 3 books a month, still pretty great!

Sandy K

#144. I know how it is to lose a thread. I enjoyed Firefly Lane as well and loved it. I see she has a lot of books listed and of course I wish listed the majority of them. There are a few Historical romance that she has written and I cannot seem to get into that Genre at this point my life so I did not wishlist those.

Yes I am happy I made it a little over half way :) Real life seems to get in the way alot to reach that 75 goal for me. But someday I will make it there. :) Hope your holidays are good this year. :)

38. Run for your life by James Patterson - Detective Michael Bennett while dealing with a brood of 10 at home being sick a wonderful nanny Mary Catherine helping out along with is Monsignor Seamus Bennett. Manages to take care of his wonderful family and work on a case wth a spree killer. The sick and twisted killer is trying to avenge his brothers death by going on a killing spree and because of the killers lack of being there for his little brother when they were young he feels the need to avenge his death. What another great book in this series.

Now I am going to try and read two of my ER books hopefully before the end of the year. But we shall see what actually happens.. I am going to give it a shot:) On my list to read are Code Blood by Kurt Kamm and When Darkness Falls by Jo Ramsey

Thanks, Monica! Happy holidays to you, too!

Sandy K

39. When Darkness Falls by Jo Ramsey - Blake Walker has an idea of what his mind can do to some extent and has had a rough life because of it. He tries to hide his abilities so much that he hasn't experienced everything it can do. He also has a difficult time finding friends and people to trust and let in. He finally find's Faith a new girl in school that he feels close to and he finds out why. In their quest of finding each other they find a shak that has quite a bit of darkness around it. They later understand why and try to defeat it. A very good fast paced read. Highly recommended.

Still trying to get into Code Blood by Kurt kamm I just haven't really picked it up yet because I was so engrossed in this one trying to get through real life so fast to get to this book I didn't start it yet. Hopefully I can get through it by the end of the year and at least make 40 books. :)

40. How To Be Happy All the Time by Kelly WallaceQuick read, inspirational and to the point on how to be happier. Keep these points around and you will be a happier you! I read this while waiting for Mamma to get her procedure done.

41. Code Blood by Kurt Kamm - Enjoyable read for me. Colt an interning paramedic has had some bumps in his life and becomes quite adamant about a stolen foot from an accident scene where the patient lost her life, which brings him into another scenerio and finding out about what that patient life was like after envisioning her life totally differently. Marcus on the other hand is quite the goth, Vamp wanna be who finds himself being caught up in quite the situation of wanting odd items such as Colt't patients foot and other body parts as well as Bombay blood from an Asian student at the University he works for. This fasination gets him much more than what he bargained for. Interesting book with interesting turn of events. I wouldn't mind reading more from this Author.

Well, this will probably be my last read for this year. Although I did made it closer to my goal in the past few years. I am really hoping next year I can make the 75 but if don't maybe I can at least get a little closer than I did this year. :) To anyone who follows me I have posted in the 2012 group for the 75 books challenge in 2012 you can follow it here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/129201 I wish everyone good luck in their goals for next years challenges and hopefully a wonderful year in Real Life.