Apache Cat's 2011 Challenge

Jumping into the deep end again to see what books I can find and to discover if there is a limit for my wishlist.

Working on a South African game reserve for six months. Oh poor li'l ol' you. *seething envy vibes*

But that Kindle whould make the whole process more endurable. Have a great time!

I guess I'm not the only one who's a freak about dragons. Got you starred.

Hi, apachecat. Glad to find your new thread.

Hey, Jess! Glad you are back with us again.

Yes Richard its going to be a very tough couple of months I dont how I will survive....there will be photos shared around and of course any visitors are welcome.

Definitley not the only dragon freak around here think there are a few of us lurking around.

Hey Statsia and Ren yep I am back and trying again :)

Hello - a fellow Aussie popping in to star you and say hello )

I was born in England but brought up in Africa - West not South - but still have strong affiliation to the continent. Lucky you for going - will be an experience that you will never forget :)

Hi Sally yay fellow Aussie :)
I know I cant wait to go, only 160 days and counting :)

#8: only 160 days and counting

Not that you are anxious or anything, right Jess? :)

Welcome back!

Thought I would post the best and the worst from my 2010 75 book challenge.

So the good news first My top picks for the year in no particular order, see if you can spot the trend.
Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur - really anything written by her her rocks.
Earth to Hell by Kylie Chan - an author I am obsessed with cant go wrong
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs - I could rave about this series but I wont
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong - another series to obsess over
Dark Lover by J. R. Ward - mmm nothing to say except drool
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - the most original book I have read this year
Girl with a Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson I was lost after reading the trilogy I wanted more
Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris - I know its light its fluffy with fangs but I love it.

And onto the bad
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - need I say more, or refer to my rant.
Stray by Rachel Vincent - a bad bad version of Bitten
Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo - I just wasn't ready for this book I couldn't get into it, so its on the back burner till I'm older, I can read Les Miserables till the cows come home I love it but just could get into the Hunchback.

I enjoyed Shiver too, Jess. I sure wish the local library would get Linger!

Stasia when you get Linger have tissues on standby.

Oh gosh. Thanks for the heads up, Jess!

I got Linger for Christmas

Fingers crossed you like it Sally, my only problem was I didn't want it to end.

I started this book last year, lols, but am still finishing so it can be book

0.5 Dark Prince by Christine Feehan

Dragons! Huzzah! Just for that, you get a star. A fellow dragon-appreciator must be supported!

#17: Love the 0.5, Jess :)

Happy New Year, Jess!

bounce bounce my signed copy of Black Prism by Brent Weeks arrived today totally forgot I had ordered it so it was such a surprise.

Great surprise, Jess! I hope you enjoy the book.

ok so slow reading start to the year but thats what weekends are for so I can catch up.

Finally finished book 0.5 Dark Prince by Christine Feehan. I liked this books. The detail Feehan puts in her characters and their cultures. I loved the description of the country side and wish we had mountains like that here in Australia. I liked Mikhail yes he was sometimes over bearing and a chauvinist but that's the way he us and I think Raven does a good job standing up to him and getting to re think his ways...well maybe. I like how Feehan explains what vampires are and how they are the same as Carpathians but oh so different. Read the little blurb about the next book in the series and even though it seems like its going to be like Wards Dark Brotherhood series in a new book is when the next guy finds the girl who saves him from damnation I will keep reading.

Book 1 Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh this book was given to me as part of SantaThing :) and I really really liked it. Mix Brave New World and the paranormal and you have this book. The all powerful and perfect Psy ruling the world. The Psy control their people completely what they eat, what they do, who they associate with, what emotions hey have, controlling and monitoring them from a giant hive mind the Psy Net escape is impossible, rebellion impossible, being different will get you turned into a mindless drooling mess. And yet they let th changelings survive not understanding then but fearing them a little. This is a series I could well and truly get hooked on, bring on more I want to see the Psy taken down a peg or two, and learn more about panther behavior :)

2. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison Half way through and eek another series I like, I don't how I am going to keep up with them all let alone afford them.

#23: even though it seems like its going to be like Wards Dark Brotherhood series in a new book is when the next guy finds the girl who saves him from damnation I will keep reading.

It may bear a resemblance, but Feehan's books came out before Ward's did. I have loved the Feehan series for a long time now. I am glad you enjoyed Dark Prince, Jess.

#26 ahhh so its the other way around...well it does seem to be a popular method of writing a series....and I like it all the same.

3. The Loop by Nicholas Evans

#27: I like it all the same.

Good! :)

4. A Voyage for Madmen by Peter Nichols

#29: What did you think of that one, Jess? It looks like one I might like.

Hi Stasia, I am only halfway through A Voyage for Madmen my boss is a bit of a sailing nut and has been talking about this book for ages and finally lent it to me and I love it I am addicted I need to know what happens. The people who took part in the race are a mixture of crazy, determined and completley insane....its amazing what they did or what they didnt do. Like not packing any spare wood for repairs or accidentally tying your moustache too a rope and then having to rip it of cause the knot is too tight and the knife is too far away. so Far this is going to be a highly reccommended book !!!!

Ok have now finished reading book 4 A Voyage for Madmen and wow. I know nothing about sailing, I have only been on a yacht a few times and most of that has been sailing around in Vanuatu and that my boss is yacht mad. I didn't expect to enjoy this book instead I was hooked from the first page, i found every excuse possible to read it and just needed to know more. The men that set out on this book are amazing and let me tell you its filled with characters and some of them are definitely crazy. As mentioned in the post above mad stuff happens, and beautiful things happen like being saved by dolphins, one guy sails around in circles faking his position, one packs it in and sails to Tahiti never to return, one death and then there is the epic sea herself which batters these men to within inch of their lives and then some more. I know its only the start of the year but this book will be in the top five books of this year...I recommend it to all....4 stars

I will have to see if I can locate a copy of A Voyage for Madmen. My local library does not have it. Thanks for the recommendation, Jess!

#32 Sounds good Jess I'll definitely find a copy, thanks !

Yay my Kindle arrived :) first book downloaded Dracula ......just to set the tone...Next book will be The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe I have lusted after this for a while.

Glad to hear you got the Kindle! I hope you enjoy it!

I just recently read Dracula. I really enjoyed it. You picked a great title to break in your Kindle.

Hope you enjoy your Kindle! I love mine :-)

I used to have a Kindle, but I sold it after a couple of books, because I relized that it could never replace paper. Plus I get headaches when I stare at technology for a long time. And also sleepy, so I couldn't concentrate then. And after that, I rebought the books on the Kindle in actually paper.

The main use for kindle will be for when I travel...eg going to South Africa 6 months there is now way I could pack all of the book I wanted and have room for clothes. So that will be its primary use. I will always buy books there is no way I could get rid of that addiction.

#37 I re-read Dracula last year and loved it...soI thought it would be a good first Kindle book, only problem is the first chapter appears to be missing :( I know its a free edition but seriously missing the first chapter thats a bit strange.

That is strange, Jess. I hope you can locate a copy with the missing first chapter.

Ok after a small absence due to putting my back out and being drugged to the eyeballs making reading impossible am back......
Finished reading book 3 The Loop by Nicholas Evans This is a re-read for me I usually read it once a year cause I love the book so much. I am obssessed with wolves have been since I was very young, my ultimate job would be to study them...ahhh dreaming....back to reality....I liike how this book explains both side of the story the plight of the cattlemen and the wolves/biologists studying them and how explosive the issue is. Cant rave about this book enough,, its a 4 star book for me.

Book 5. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown another re-read for me. Havnet read this book in a while and now I remember why I like it so much. I find it fast and thouroughly engaing, Ilike the history aspect, the beautiful artwork described, the wonderful places the visit. When my mum went overseas she went to all of the places mentioned in the book found all the tiles, pictures, and roselines and she had a blast it made her trip.

Book 6. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs

I moved 6 months ago and since the my books have been living in boxes...most sad...but finally today I bought two new bookcases...the old one broke under the strain of all my books....putting it together tomorrow and then my books can finally be put home :)

#44: then my books can finally be put home

Great!

#42 Thanks for your comments on The Loop apachecat it's now on my TBR collosus, cheers !

apachecat and alcottacre: I too have boxes of books. Some are out and in bookcases but there are more to be unpacked. This weekend is a great time to work on that. Thanks for the inspiration!

Well I have built the bookcases and unpacked my books they are now in precarious piles around the bookcases. I have made a decision I am going to group them by genre and then in alphabetical order by author....well thats the plan.....

Yay I have got someone else to read The Loop hope you enjoy it byranoz

I am trying to get my library organized too, Jess. Right now I have half of my books in one room and half in another. Somehow this disorganized approach is supposed to lead to organization. I must say I have my doubts.

It's a mammoth task organising a library and mine is only small...I have finally finished. I decided to have sections in my library organise it alphabetically by author and then series order. I have a non-fiction, fiction, large book and children book section, fantasy, paranormal fiction section. It worked quite well leaving me room so I can expand collections. The only books that didn't fit is my TBR pile which is still stacked beneath my beside table and my mini bookcase. I still had to double stack some books especially in the fantasy section I would need another bookcase if I just wanted single rows....so I figured it out I fill a 2 meter bookcase every 10 years...not bad.

And now to bed I am dog tired

Good night, Jess!

Night Stasia

well almost the only other thing about organising library is discovering missing books in series arrgghhh I don't know where they have got to so over to book depository to find some replacements.

#52: Maybe I should reconsider organizing. I am on a book buying ban this year :)

I am coming from having spent Saturday in a Read-A-Thon which I'd hoped might give me some books, finished, that I could take to the used book store. No luck. Liked the two books I read so much that I don't want to let them go...maybe I can find a good friend or relative to give them to...

Today, I will set a goal of getting at least 5 boxes unpacked. The organizational scheme will reveal itself over time I am sure. I know that I like to put all the nonfiction in the order of their Library of Congress numbers and then the fiction goes by author in a special place. I tend to take the fiction to the used book store after I read them so those bookcase(s) can be a little more flexible....i.e. stacks on the floor or bedside or next to my reading chair.

Wish me luck!

Jess and Maggie

I can sympathize with moving and then having to rearrange books. Each time I move I purge and give lots to the library, only to accumulate new ones with a fervor of delight. I recently discovered eight huge boxes of books that were stored at a friends house after my most recent move.

While it was a wonderful joy to rediscover many Tudor, Mark Twain and English history books, I have no room at all to put them any where. For now, until they are sorted, they are in plastic boxes under my beds.

This is quite an obsession.

Ah, bookcases under the bed, of the plastic variety. Great idea!

#56: My bed is so low that the under-the-bed plastic things do not fit :(

Alternative: a cut down cardboard box.....just the right height?

#58: That might work. Thanks for the idea, Karen.

#55 eight "lost" boxes of books wow that would be amazing..and I would soo need new bookcases for that.....

I havent resorted to the plastic bookcases yet but I think the time is approaching

Great idea about cutting down boxes to be the right height.

Finished book 6 Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs who is one of my more recent favourite authors...I think Stasia recommended the series to me last year and now I am adicted....I read this book in between bouts of building the bookcases and it was very hard to put down. I am glad Mercy is with Adam (yum) and that we are slowly learning more about what Mercy is and what she can do. The Vampires are finally of her back..not sure how long that will last and the pack is still getting used to a coyote being the Alpha female....three and a half stars from me.

Book 7 Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong

Book 8 Changeless by Gail Carriger

#60: I wish I could take credit for recommending the Patricia Briggs series to you, Jess, but I have not read any of them, so it was not me.

#61 arghhh going to drive me batty will have to find out who it was.... :)

Just finished reading book 8 Changeless by Gail Carriger and I enjoyed it. This is the sequel to Soulless. Yes it's fluffy and fun and its not a deep thinking book, its something to read when your in the mood for laughing and a rollicking good time. The supernatural are unable to change and no one knows why. Alexia sets of to follow her husband to Scotland and the curse seems to be following them. It filled with hilarious hats, fantastic frocks, fighting parasols, men in kilts (eeek not naked knees!!!!!), cranky werewolves, deceptive friends, the occasional octopus and of course lots of comments about broad shoulders and how Lord Maccon kisses and removes various nighties. Yes its contains romance. But still I think its a bit of fun and an enjoyable read.... and leads me to my favorite quote of the year, in relation to men in kilts

'Miss Hisselpenny did not seem to know where to look. Finally she settled on staring up a the candelabra in abject terror. "Alexia," she hissed to her friend, "there are knees positively everywhere. What do I do?"

eeek the terror of male knees.

darn it touchstones not working grrrrr

just wanted to add I hated the ending of Changeless its was night time by the time I finished it and I couldn't get my hands on the next book in the series....its a serious cliffhanger so my advice is have the third book ready and waiting otherwise you will be stuck like me cursing Carriger all night!!!!!

My thoughts are with those up in Queensland with a monster cyclone on its way.....stay safe my friends

63: I had a similar problem. Though I liked the books I was considering not reading the 3rd or at least waiting a while before reading it. But NOOOOOOO, I was taken by surprise with the cliff hanger. Luckily I was reading these on my Nook, so I could just buy the next one. (IMMEDIATELY!)

eeeek have been absent for over a month now...work, life and my trip planning has taken over but I still found time to knock of a few books so here goes.

Book 9 World War Z by Max Brooks and I am nominating this book for one of me top 3 best reads of this year. It was sooo amazing yes I know its about zombies but really it could be apply to any situation where humanity is bought to its knees. The survivors stories were so real and told with such emotion and imagery. The things those poor people went through. This is a collection of interviews from survivors of the zombie apocalypse, some of them almost made me cry. From the pilot crash landing in remote areas, to army personnel, doctors, scientists and everyday people this book covers it all. Some of it could even be related to Vietnam, governments not reacting to information sending soldiers to die in hopeless situations. Yes I know its a zombie book but really give it a go you might be surprised...5 stars for me.

Finished book 7 Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong This is the fourth book in the series and is again about Paige and Lucas. I wasn't sure I liked Paige at first but his book has cemented the fact I do like her and I do enjoy reading about her and Lucas. Some excellent twists and turns in this book and a truly sick killer. Even though I wish we could go back to werewolves I am enjoying this series and cant wait to get my hands on the next book.

Book 10 The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook one of my secret santa books yay. Steampunk, nanotech, romance, boats, romance, stubborn alpha male types, romance and a pretty good lead character Mina. A truly fun read, dont expect too much and I think you will be suprised...well at least Rhys should keep you interested. More, I need more from this series.

Book 11 Blameless by Gail Carriger the third book in the series and I finally got my hands on it. The last book left us at a cliff hanger and argghhh very frustrating and cranky at Connall...men!!! or should that be Wolves!!!!! An absolutely wild ride through Europe dealing with more horrible hats, killer ladybugs, Templar knights, pesto, Parasols (of course), a kidnapped Biffy, mysterious wolves and how and what is Alexia pregnant with. I read this book in one sitting and again I need more. I love this series. It makes me laugh, ignore the need for sleep or food, makes me cranky and overall I just love it...bring on the next book.

okay thats it for me tonight now to try and catch up on a months worth of posts eeeek

Attended a lecture Q&A session tonight at our local university by Jeff Lindsay author of the Dexter series which the TV show is based on. A very interesting talk on how authors come up with ideas, create characters and how he plans things, what research he has done and just in general it was great. Got a copy of the new book Dexter is Delicious and also got it signed by him yay!!!

That sounds like you learned a lot! Did he happen to say when we might expect the next book of the series?

Mamzel - he said that he is currently stuck writing the next book, but he siad he usually gets stuck every third book so being book 6 in the series he is not worried....fingers crossed he becomes unstuck.

Thanks for that. I'll just have to be patient.

Book 12 Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay After attending the lecture by Jeff Lindsay and being an avid fan of the series I thought it was time I give the books ago...plus I decided I would read them on my kindle...the firstbook to be read on my kindle. Having already seen Season of Dexter had it pros and cons of reading the book. I knew who the killer was so I wasnt shocked but the book is different enough that it kept me interested and wanting more. Characters behave differently in the book, some of them die!!! and things happen in the book which never made it too TV so I like it a lot. I did struggle a bit to get into the book maybe the first 20 pages but I think this is because for the last year and a bit I have been on a paranormal/fantasy binge. Three and a half stars from me.
By the way reading on the kindle rocks, so easy, my eyes dont get tired, I seem to read a lot faster and if I throw my kindle in my bag my bookmark doesnt fall out...whats not to love about that!!!!!

Book 13 Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay Love it love it love and ewwww gross....I can see why this didnt make it to the Tv series I think there would have been a few protests. Definitley made my skin crawl. This book is a lot darker but also has its funny moments especially the bachelor party...I think there is a lot more character development and I really enjoyed reading it.
Not for the faint hearted. Four stars from me.

I love reading in my Kindle, too. I especially like it when I go to bed to read, and my eyes are a little tired, then I can increase the size of the font and it works very well. I am thinking of buying a Nook, too, so I can do color magazines as well as books.

Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday dear Jess! Happy Birthday To You!

Hope your day was full of good reading!

Ooops gone quite again about what I have been reading. I think I am going to fall seriously short this year of 75 book, especially when I am overseas.

Book 14 Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay this is the third book in the series and would probably be second favourite. I think this mainly due to the fact we get to find out a whole lot more about the Dark Passenger where its from, how it reacts to things and what it actually does/contributes to the Dexter as a person. This Book also introdues the kids to the Dexter way of life Harry's Code and it was interesting to see them put on the path and it will be fun watching them try and follow and drive dexter mad with breaking the rules. 3 Stars from me.

Book 15 Dexter by Design by Jeff Lindsay are you sensing a theme yet??? The fourth book in the series and the one I found dragged the most. Im not sure wether it was the plot and the big bad in this book or if I was just in a funk. But the Paris part of the book did put a smile on my face and the humourous ways the bodies were displayed also made me smile but still only 2 stars this time round.

Book 16 Dexter is Delicious by Jeff Lindsay and so he is. For me this book was an improvemnet from the last book and I was again staying up late to see what happened. Yes you could pick the ending a mile of but hey it was fun getting there. I am slightly over the Miami traffic descriptions though. Doakes is still providing hilarious moments. And it see's the return of one of my favourite characters yay and I will never look at punch the same or an abandoned amusement park without wondering if some grilling is going on.
3 stars for me and Cant wait for the next one :)

Book 17 Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews This is the last of my library thing secret santa books, wow a bit behind for me, and I like it this is my first Andrews book and I was very impressed, I liked the design of the "world" and how magic functions. I liked the characters and again it keeps me happy by having a female lead that's Buffy like. Will keep an eye for the next couple of books and see what happens.
3 stars.

Book 18 The Darkest Kiss by Keri Arthur I love love love this series one of my all time favourites. Australian author yay, and set in Melbourne double yay (makes me think about my time living there). The characters are great, the plot keeps me guessing and I am never sure who will survive or how she will get of impossible fight situations. Quinn returns to set hearts racing, including mine...kade is there for entertainment and the new guy Ben is very interesting. And now I am thinking about walking over to the mall to get the next book.
I will never look at a seagull the same especially if it is having problems landing.
3 1/2 stars.

Book 18 The Psychology of Dexter by Leah Wilson currently reading

Book 19 Twilight's dawn by Anne Bishop

I am very behind on threads, Jess. Hopefully I will do better at keeping up with you the rest of the year :)

I have really enjoyed both the Dexter books and TV series but I haven't read the psychology book yet. I would love to hear if it enhances the enjoyment (?) of Dexter.

#79 Mamzel - Unfortunately I haven't finished reading the Dexter Psychology book yet, its on my kindle and I lent that to a friend :( However I am half way through it and I really do think it enhances the enjoyment of watching and reading the series it gives great insight into to way certain character behave the way they do, how people enable Dexter to do the things he does and what type of serial killer is Dexter. The book is basically a series of essay's from different authors about Dexter, I have a few favourites so far......highly recommended for fans of the series be it book or TV...now I just need my Kindle back so I can finish it.

Seems to be a trend at the moment to fall behind on posting so here is a batch I have just finished.

Book 19 Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop The final in the series....gasp....sob....hopefully sometime in the future she will write more. If you are a follower of the series get a box of tissues maybe some chocolate and sit down and read it in one sitting. The book is broken into 4 stories that interweave with each other. Winsol's Gift is the first is a nice "fuzzy" read (if Anne Bishop can be fuzzy) all about how important tradition and family are. Shades of Honour steps it up and gives us information on what happened to Surreal and Rainier after the last book and what they need to do to heal also looks more into Eyrien society. Family is about what will happen if you mess with Sylvia and her family. And finally The High Lords Daughter - had me in tears I was a complete mess I wont spoil it but again *sob*
4 stars for me and a box of soggy tissues

Book 20 Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward Book 6 in the series. and is probably up there with my favourites in the series. This book is meant to deal with Phury and Cormia and it does but it also deals with a lot more. John and his Boys have a starring role in the book and I like it I cant wait to read more about him. Phury deals with all of his issues drugs, sex, Z and the past and he also initiation the biggest change in vampire culture to date and its only for the better. The new Big Bad is revealed and cant wait for that showdown. Rhev also plays a major tole in the book and we find out a lot more about what he is, what he has to do to survive all very intriguing. An Angel appears and what is lost will be found. All in all a crucial book in the series I think and has me thinking about heading over to the mall to get the next book.
Three and a half stars for me.

#78 Hi Stasia thanks for dropping past my thread :)

Book 21 Fallen by Lauren Kate This book had been on my TBR pile for a while now. I initially bought the book cause the blurb on the back sounded okay I was a bit wary but the cover art is what won me over it was so beautiful. I could easily have that up on a wall. Anyway about the book mmmmm I know a lot of other reviews say it and I hate to say it too, but it just gives me the same feeling as reading Twilight. Young girl out of place, new "school", is fanatically attracted to the dark brooding guy who doesn't speak to her, flips her of, is only around to rescue her, he has a magical quality and on and on it goes. I like the idea of fallen angels amongst us and I liked Hush, Hush but this one has lost me. I found myself skipping paragraphs to get to interesting parts which is something I never do and argghhh I still dont know how Trevor died!!! (maybe I missed it?) I don't think I will read the next book unless I can get it cheaply.
2 stars for me.

mmm time is running out and Africa looms ahead. I am not sure how much reading I will get done whilst running away from hippos and lions but now that my trusty kindle has access to over 8,000 books I just might make it to 75 this year.

22. Green Rider by Kristen Britain I have seen this book mentioned in various other threads as being really good so as I kept an eye out for it and on wander over to my favorite book store there it was...fate maybe?? Wow I loved it and now I have a new author to follow. I liked the set up of the world, the magic all of the characters, and really I cant say a bad word about it other than I want to read more as I am sure the adventures continue.
3 stars

23. Masques by Patricia Briggs The first book published by one of my favorite authors. This was the updated version where Briggs has gone back and done a little bit of tweaking. Yes you could tell it was a first book but that she showed great talent. The final fight scene with the big bad ended a bit too quickly for me...however was it really the end?? Anyway a great book, great female lead, dragons, wolves a smart horse whats not to love??
3 stars

A question for anyone out there.....I have just got over 8,000 books for my kindle....so do you list them all on Library Thing and if so wow what an achievement snaps to you....or do you just add the ones you have read???

Just had a look back at last years thread and I am only three books behind so that's not too bad....so in the spirit of trying to catch up to myself and whilst being at home sick I finished another book.

24. The Plantation by Di Morrissey (touchstones acting up wont point to the correct book). A friend lent me a copy of this book and I put of reading it for a while I wasn't sure if I would like it as its not the sort of book I read normally. But two chapters in and I was hooked and finished it one day. This book is about a family and the secrets that are hidden in our family trees, what happened t family member during the war with Japan and life in Malaysia before and after the war. How the family survived and dint survive and how much it can be digging through your family's past. My was in Papua New Guinea during the war and Malaysia isn't that far away so it struck a cord with me. Also my mum is currently researching the family tree and finding out all sorts of things.
2 1/2 star for me, some of the conversations and the writting style occasionally grated on me and sounded false or forced.

8,000 books for your Kindle?! You won't ever have to get another book!

I would think you might add the books that you have read as you read them, as if they were books from your local library. If you want to spend the time to catalog all those books, you could make a library like TBR and call it something appropriate. IF I had a Kindle I would do that and then move the book your list of read books. Have fun!

I don't have nearly that many books on my Kindle, but the ones I do have are mostly listed on LibraryThing. I may have forgotten to add one or two of them along the way, but I'm sure that as I catch up with reading them, they'll be added. I just don't want to forget the ones I have because I don't want to purchase those titles at a bookstore (new or used).

I tend to add ebooks (NOOK) as I receive them and "Nook" into the tags - although 8000 would be quite an undertaking.

ick have been struck down by the whooping cough virus...cant sleep too busy coughing...am managing to do a bit of reading...will post latter when I have the energy...roll on another coughing fit :)

Sorry to hear you are sick. Hope you feel better really soon!

I had whooping cough this spring also. It was no fun at all :(. Hope you feel better soon.

I enjoyed your thread, adding a couple to my wishlist. And I can't imagine having 8,000 books on my Nook. I think that I have about 25.

oh, dear, whooping cough can be so hard! Be sure to drink those liquids and take really good care of yourself! Get well soon.

Oh no. Whooping cough is supposed to be horrible, and exhausting. I hope it clears up soon, though I think it's supposed to hang around for a while. Not what you want to hear, sorry :(

#81: Love your review of that one, Jess!

Sorry to hear that you are ill. I hope you are feeling better very soon!

Thanks for the well wishes guys :) I seem to have licked the coughing part and I am now able to sleep lying down yay!!! Yay for modern antibiotics and my doctor who put me on them even before the test results came back.

On the plus side being home sick all week has given me a chance to read a few books....but I haven't even gone near trying to sort out the 8,000 strong books I have competing to be loaded onto my kindle.

25 Cry of the Kalahari by Mark Owens and Delia Owens. This one will make it into my top ten books of the year. Its about a young American couple who in 1974 with very little training, no funding and hardly any money packed a Land Rover and drove into the Kalahari Desert. With hardly any petrol, food or water and maps that were next to useless they made it and set up their research Island to study Brown Hyenas and Lions and many more animals. If there is ever going to be a book to make you want to throw it all in and head of into the wild and study animals this is the book....fortunately that's what I am about to do. It is the most amazing story I have read and to top it all of its true. 4 stars for me.

26. The Blue Bear by Lynn Schooler Continuing on my wildlife theme this book is about a wildlife guide and his friendship with photographer Michio Hoshino and their search for the elusive Blue Bear. I have seen many a documentary on the Spirit (blonde) Bear but nothing on the this one. And what a journey it is through the Alaskan wilderness. Since I was a kid I have always dreamed of moving to Alaska (or Canada) and studying wolves and the way the author described the wilderness and the animals has re kindled that flame. It's an enjoying read though at times I wanted to more back story more about the author and what happened next but in the end it is an autobiography or sorts so Schooler can leave out what he wants. There is a shocking and sad part to this book actually three of them in my mind, two involving death and the third involving the author never returning to his coastal cabin. I am going to try and hunt down some of Hoshino's books I think they would be amazing. 3 stars.

#97: Woot! My local library has that one. Along that same line, have you read Kobie Kruger's book? If not, I recommend it!

Glad to hear you are feeling better!

ETA: The title of Kruger's book is The Wilderness Family. That info will probably be helpful in tracking down the book :)

27. Blood Music by Greg Bear I saw a review of this book on someone's thread last year and it seemed like a good book and it has been sitting on my TBR pile for about 10 months now. Wow what a book not what I expected but it sucked me in completely I read it cover to cover with no breaks. Some of the scientific terminology and processes can bog you down a bit but I waded through it pulling out some of my biology and genetics text books. Its pretty scary about how fast the microbes spread across America and the world and how different countries react to the threat. Human decisions are a strange thing and one man's choice can have far reaching implications. The book also bring up issues about who is watching or policing the genetic research that is currently going on and how likely are we to see an event like this. 3 1/2 star for me but really its 3 3/4 stars.

#99 Hi Stasia yep back in the land of the living. Yes I have read Kobie Kruger's books it's another amazing book and adds another name to the list of people who I find inspirational. I am sure you will like Cry of the Kalahari seeing as you have read that one.

28. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare This is the third and final book in the Mortal Instruments series. It took me a while to get into this book as it has been a while since I read the first couple of books. Valentine is still bent obtaining all three Mortal Instruments and raising the angel Raziel and raising his army of Demons. Clary and Jace are struggling with who they are and who their parents are and their forbidden love. A fast paced novel that ties up the ending nicely answering all of your questions and occasionally giving you what you want. I am currently reading the prequel The clockwork Angel and I am enjoying it immensely. 3 1/2 stars.

#101: I am glad to hear that you enjoy Kruger too! I loved The Wilderness Family.

The Wilderness Family is one of my favourite comfort reads, and has been for many years, so Cry of the Kalahari has gone onto the wishlist. Thanks for the recommendation, and I'm glad you're starting to feel better!

29. The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare As mentioned before this is the prequel to the Mortal Instruments trilogy. I think I may have enjoyed this one a bit more than the trilogy, maybe because its got some steam punk elements to it. It is a YA book in the terms of girl meets boy, boy is rude to her, girl likes boy, boy pretends he doesn't like her and so on....but still I got sucked into it. I want to know what Tessa is and how she came to be. Its also interesting running into characters mentioned in the next book. 3 1/2 stars.

Oh and my favorite quote from the book...had me laughing for quite a while..

“There was a time I thought I was a ferret,” Will said, “but that turned out to be the opium haze. Did you know it had that effect? Because I didn’t.”

#105: I am waiting for that trilogy to be complete before I start it.

Glad to see you enjoyed the first book of it, Jess. Thanks for sharing the quote!

30. Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik I was really looking forward to this book so I saved it until the last few days before I leave and I hate to say it but I was disappointed.The story seemed to drag on forever with the chase for the stolen egg. On the pluss side it was set in Australia so yay. But overall i think it didnt move the story along at all I expected more things to be resolved and new situations to arise. True the sea serpent angle will be an interesting thing to follow but again just endless pages of flying searching for the egg avoiding Bunyips. Which gave me a laugh, I half expected Yowies, Drop Bears and Hoop Snakes to make an appearnce. I could only give this book three stars and I have my fingers crossed the next one is better.

That is such a bummer to be anticipating something and then to have it be a let down! Dang! I'll join your hope for the next one.

Catching up on your reading and thought of an author to recommend to you. Farley Mowat is a wonderful nature writer. His book, Never Cry Wolf, was terrific. I read it in one sitting since I could not put it down.

>107 apachecat: I need to get back on that series. His Majesty's Dragon was the first book I read this year, and I loved it. Looking back the second book is better than what I thought, and now I've stupidly limited myself to not buy anymore books until November. Hah, I hope I don't have that much self-control, because The Black Powder War is the first book I'm going to buy.

#107: I have still managed only to read the first book in that series. One of these days I will get back to it.

#108 I know and I really love this series so I am going to stick it out and see what happens...i suspect even if the next book is bad I will keep reading them as I love the characters

#109 Yep that is the only book I have of Mowat's and I agree he is an amazing writer I couldn't put it done either. I have a few more of his books on my wishlist :)

#110 eeek no new books till November...however The Black Powder War would be a great book to buy once your ban is lifts

#111 Stasia you should definitely dig a round for the next couple of books who can resist dragons and some epic battles

31. Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb ohhh why did this book sit on my TBR pile for so long?? maybe because I knew it would be so good. Hobb doesn't disappoint with this book secrets are discovered, lovers are revealed, dragons go missing, blood is exchanged and a dragon takes flight. This is fast becoming one of my favorite series. Wonderfully written, a plot that actually goes somewhere, characters that develop and hope that maybe t might just work out alright. 4 stars for me

#115: I still have Hobb's Farseer series to get through before I add any more of her books to the BlackHole :) Good to know that others are worth reading too.

I love the series by Robin Hobb and am awaiting the next book... does anyone know when it will come out, in paperback?

>114 apachecat:-5 I think maybe I'll cheat myself and buy some in August, or July....or three weeks from now. Also, I have one Robin Hobb book on my Wishlist and that would be The Inheritance, which was an ER book on my first month I decided to use the program and lost. I really want to read that one.

#117 not sure about the next book in the Rain Wilds series I reckon probably late this year or early next year....as DragonFreak mentioned Inheritance is out now but that is a collection of short stories.....

32. Heaven To Wudang by Kylie Chan If you read my challenge last year you would know that I am addicted to this series I cant get enough of it and I even rate it up there with my all time favorite books. So this is the third book in the series and I was kind of hoping and dreading that this would be the last one and everything would be sorted out.....but hooray its not going to be. A few major things are settled such as who loved who, is the dragon really cranky, can a demonic horse really be good and what happens to a building block of the world when you electrocute it and what the hell is Emma....all this and more. Phew that made me tired writing it. I encourage one and all to pick up the series and start reading it. 41/2 stars from me.

#120: I would read the series if only my local library had it!

33. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks ok this just confirms it I am a Brent Weeks fan through and through. The characters are wonderful, the plots is great and keeps throwing you the odd curve ball, ok so I might have suspected the big reveal but I still wasnt sure. But most of all I really really like how Weeks creates a new system of magic that is completley thought out and absolutley amazing who would have thought colour was that amazing...but then again as a cartographer I understand the use of colour and the fifference between shades of red. I cant wait to read the next book in the series. The unanswered question at the end is the bad guy really the good guy and vice versa.
4 stars for me.

I see that book 32 is the third of a second trilogy, a sequel to an original trilogy. ARe the first three as good as the ones you are talking about? The series certainly sounds interesting.

#123 Yep I have found all of the books to be great I have rated them all 4 1/2 stars very close to a five star. I am not sure about what hooks me the most the chinese mythology that is so clearly explained and woven into the story that you pick up a lot with out realising it and now I want to know more. Or the likeable characters and interesting plots with lots of questions and keeps you guessing. I could rave on about the series for ages....but really if you can get you hands on the first books its worth it. I would recommened reading them in order as they are all inter-linked and you would miss bits and foind out things to early if you jump around the series, Book one is White Tiger you can find it on amazon and in kindle format .......here endeth the raving :)

On a bit a book reading bonanza at the moment, well for me at least...I think it might be the fear of leaving unread books at home whilst I am away.

34. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs Ahhh another favorite author and yay back to the land of werewolves. Mercy and Adam are still ironing out the kinks in their relationship, Sam's wolf has taken over, a magic book, a lesson on why to carry kilo's of steak in your truck, mysterious fae and a couple of pages of steamy action to keep you interested. I really do enjoy this series and once I had finished this book it made me want to go right out and buy the next one in the series.....4 stars for me.

#125: On a bit a book reading bonanza at the moment

I hope it continues, Jess!

There aren't any Kylie Chan books available on Bookmooch, PaperBackSwap or my library, but I will keep an eye out for them at the bookstore--hmmm, looks like they are releasing the first trilogy here in the US in paperback this fall, so I will have to wait a bit. But I'll put them on my wishlist.

Have you read Liz Williams' Inspector Chen books, starting with Snake Agent? Set in a futuristic Singapore with links to Chinese Heaven and Hell--lots of mythology hooks and interesting characters. Also, an oldie but goodie, Barry Hugheart's A Bridge of Birds and its two sequels.

#127 Both of the books you mentioned are on my wishlist, I think I have Snake Agent in my kindle horde but still have to check. Hopefully they will make it to my books to read whilst I am away.

Will be good when they release Kylie Chan book in the US then you will all know what I am rabbiting on about.

35. The Byerley Turk by Jeremy James As some of you might have guessed by looking at the picture on my profile page I am a bit horse mad or maybe for any Aussie horse racing fans would recognize the name I use. Anyway I have always loved them and the Sport of Kings Racing. Since early childhood I have known the names of the fathers of the modern Thoroughbred. The Darley Arabian, The Godolphin Arabian (Barb) and The Byerley Turk. I really enjoyed this book the author has done a lot of research about the subject and even followed in the hoof steps of The Turk. The story is told from the point of view of the seyis (Turkish groom) who bred, trained and looked after The Turk and his eventual owner Colonel Byerley. About their adventures through Turkey fighting for the Sultan, in Buda, Vienna and his eventual arrival in England and battles he fought in Ireland for King William. You learn so much about natural horsemanship in this book....one day I hope to have a horsey friend like the The Turk...though probably not a stallion.
4 stars for me.

#129: I am not a horse racing fan, but I am glad to see you enjoyed the book, Jess!

So its only 25 days until I depart on my 7 month adventure in South Africa...yay very nervous. I have decided I will still keep a record of the books I read whilst I am away. I am taking a mini laptop with me so i will just write review on it and when I get back next year I will just post all of my reviews and ratings....I think It will be a very long post or at least lots of small ones.

Still havent be able to face the mountin of books to go on my kindle maybe this weekend I will start going through them...in reality I only need to load about 50 odd onto my knidle I will be fine but which 50 arggggghhh the choices.

Bon Voyage! Remember you'll need to charge your Kindle. Will you need a thingamajig so it'll fit the electrical sources?

#131: I am betting on lots of small posts rather than a long one. I know how LT reacts to long posts when I try and do them every Sunday.

Good luck with the Kindle choices, Jess!

36. Deception Point by Dan Brown A quick re-read whilst I was suffering a bit of pancreas pay back. I almost think this book is a once only read because reading it again I already knew what happened who the bad guys were and when the surprises were about to happen. The only thing that saved it was the science, I still enjoyed that and it got my brain working which is a good thing. Unlike other Brown books that I can re-read I think this one might have to wait a decade or two so I can forget what happens before reading again....and eeek foot long lice ewwww.
oops forgot to rate it...3 stars.

#134: eeek foot long lice ewwww

Ewwww indeed!

37. Thylacine Conspiracy by Bill Cromer Another re-read for me, I am in the comfort reading zone not wanting to start anything new until I leave. This is a gripping tale about Australia's extinct (?) marsupial wolf the Thylacine or Tasmanian Tiger. Are they really extinct or is there a secret colony out there and what would you or the government do to protect them. If you found them would you reveal it to the world earning fame and fortune or would you let them be so this wonderful animal can try and survive?? All Australians know about them and I think most of us secretly wish there were some still out there, and this story lets us dream about that.
3 stars from me.

38. The Silver Wolf by Alice Borchardt Yep another re-read. This time time to Rome and the world where shapeshifters exsist in the form of wolves, lovely wolves. Drop in a bit of romance, political intregue, lepers, popes and the occasional wolf and you have a great story.
3 1/2 stars from me

39. Night of the Wolf by Alice Borchardt Continuing the re-read theme. The second book in the series started above. This book didn't grab me as much as the first one, I think it occasionally got bogged down in the politics of Rome. The last half of the booked is better in my mind. The story deals with how Maeniel came to be who and what he is.
3 stars from me.

Congratulations on hitting the halfway point of the challenge, Jess!

Wow hadn't even noticed I had hit the half way mark but yay thanks for reminding me Stasia :)
On a sad not I had to sell my beloved Ute today am very sad, on the other hand I can now afford to go to Africa so kinda happy plus I now am the proud owner of an envelope filled with cash.

40. The Wolf King by Alice Borchardt back to the story of Maeniel and Regeane, the march of Charlemagne and the fall of the Lombard King. Will the Wolf pack survive and can Maeniel accept Regeane as his equal? It felt like there should have been a fourth book to explain how they survive the end of this book, but as far as I know there are only three books. Al well will just have to imagine my own fourth book.
3 stars.

p.s. has anyone noticed that the touchstones are behaving themselves a lot better recently??? (whispered in case they hear me)

#141: *whispering back* I have noticed it too, Jess

Just 5 days till I board the plane to Africa for 7 months eeeeeeeekkkkk.

I have loaded my kindle with 174 books which is more than I could possibly read in 7 months but better to be prepared than bookless.

So probably the last book I read before I leave....

41. River God by Wilbur Smith Another re read for me but since I will traveling to Egypt I thought I would read a book that makes me laugh and cry, and makes me desperate to get there so I can see it for myself. An all time favorite even though the book is falling apart.
4 stars from me.

Will this is it the last post (unless internet is amazing over there) until I get back January next year....so I have enjoyed reading all of your posts and appreciated your comments and support. Look after yourselves and keep reading and I will think of you guys when I get a chance to read over in Africa.

Byes

In case you find a good connection...
I'm sorry I didn't post a wish for a safe and comfortable trip in time. I hope you have an amazing adventure. River God is a favorite of mine also.

Good luck to you! Enjoy your trip.

Hi all, have finally managed an internet connection so here is my travel blog in case you want to check it out

www.watchout4thosehippos.com

thanks for the well wishes and dont worry an still reading :)

Is alive and well in South Africa playing around with lions and cheetahs...have read 16 book since I left not too bad.....hope you are all going well.....byes

Books I have read whilst being in Africa
42. Nights of Villjamur by Mark Charan Newton
43. A Game Ranger Remembers by Bruce Bryden
44. Strange Brew by P. N. Elrod
45. The Host by Stephenie Myer
46. Under the Dome by Stephen King
47. Skeleton Crew by Stephen King
48. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
49. Snake Agent by Liz Williams
50. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

51. Naked Heat by Richard Castle
52. Heat Wave by Richard Castle
53. Spirit Theif by Rachel Aaron
54. Ravenous by Sharon Ashwood
55. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
56. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
57. Webmage by Kelly McCullough
58. Red-headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells
59. Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein
60. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

61. Blindness by Jose Saramago
62. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
63. Mud, Sweat & Tears by Bear Grylls
64. The Seventh Scroll by Wilbur Smith
65. Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson

Hi apachecat, hope all is going well over there, have you seen any interesting reptiles ?
What did you think of Cryptonomicon, a nice, light read !?

Glad your trip is going well and good to hear from you! Of your books, I've read Snake Agent, Storm Front, and Webmage and think the first is head and shoulders above the other two. What did you think?

Glad you are having a good time. Hope you contiue to have fun! Pet a cheetah for me. ;o)