50 Book Challenge 2011: JulieC0802 List

Well here goes nothing for 2011!!

Happy New Year!

Book 1: They're Watching by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz

Hey, Julie! It's Mary K., one of your FB friends, stopping by to say hi and Happy New Year! I'm in the 75-book group ~ http://www.librarything.com/topic/105025 ~ if you'd like to come by for a visit.

Julie, I posted on your old thread by accident! Happy New Year! I look forward to another year of great reviews from you!
--BJ

They're Watching was an engaging, heck of a ride. Definitely a read for those who love thrillers.

Review Link:
http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/01/julies-review-theyre-watching.html

Book 2: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

I'm not a love cynic but a realist, so Mr. Sparks view of love was a bit too saccarine for me. He is a gifted writer though.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/01/julies-review-lucky-one.html

Book 3: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

I've been meaning to read this for a while.

Olive Kitteridge was brilliantly written and casts a light on the dark side of humanity.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/01/julies-review-olive-kitteridge.html

Book 4: The Oracle of Stamboul by Michael David Lukas

A bit of a disappointment in this debut novel. I felt like it was never resolved and we didn't know an outcome. I think the author assumed we knew what happened to the Ottoman Empire.

Beautiful cover and the descriptions of Stamboul were fantastic.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/01/julies-review-oracle-of-stamboul.ht...

Book 5: Deeply, Desperately by Heather Webber

I can not say enough good things about Heather Webber's Lucy Valentine books. They are just an absolute delight.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/01/julies-review-deeply-desperately.ht...

Book 6: 4206105::The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I thought that The Art of Racing in the Rain was good book but I don't quite understand all the fuss about it.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/02/julies-review-art-of-racing-in-rain...

Book 7: Absolutely, Positively by Heather Webber

I read the first Lucy Valentine and enjoyed it too. Glad to know the next is also good.

I am going to miss Lucy Valentine until I hear of the next one.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/02/julies-review-absolutely-positively...

Book 8: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Once you get past the in-depth details and the comparison to Laura Bush, it's a great novel about one woman's struggle in her marriage and on her role as First Lady.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/02/julies-review-american-wife.html

Book 9: Rasner Effect III: Rasner's Revenge by Mark Rosendorf

A great end to an action packed adventure.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/02/julies-review-rasners-revenge-rasne...

Book 10: Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman

American Wife has gotten kind of mixed reviews so far. Glad to see that you liked it. By the way, I suggested Tea Rose for a group read, and we are reading it next Fall. I will finally read it! Yea!
--BJ

Oh BJ you will love it! I think with American Wife if you get past the similarities and enjoy the book for a work of fiction, you will like it that much more.

Another fascinating book from Alice Hoffman. She can weave a story.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/02/julies-review-blue-diary.html

Book 11: Room by Emma Donoghue

Lots of mixed reviews on Room. Can't wait to see what you think of it.
--BJ

Room is a truly unique book in the subject matter and voice. While I did enjoy it, I didn't fall in love with Jack, the 5 year old narrator. In fact, at times I found him annoying.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/03/group-review-room.html

Book 12: Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Book 12: Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Another fantastic historical fiction novel by Ms. Moran. What an interesting life Ms. Tussaud led and at such a crucial time in France's history.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/03/julies-review-madame-tussaud.html

Book 13: Mothers and Daughters by Rae Meadows

Rae Meadows wrote a spectualar book about how our families shape us.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/03/julies-review-mothers-daughters.htm...

Book 14: True Blue by David Baldacci

Another excellent novel by David Baldacci. Can't wait to read more with the Perry sisters.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/03/julies-review-true-blue.html

Book 15: Revolution by Deb Olin Unferth

Memoirs just aren't my thing.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/03/julies-review-revolution.html

Book 16: The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

The Peach Keeper will most definitely be on my Top Books of 2011. I finished it in 24 hours. What a truly moving and wonderful novel.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/03/group-review-peach-keeper.html

Book 17: The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb

Sounds like The Peach Keeper is great. I added it to my (rather long) wishlist.
--BJ

Oh BJ, she writes the most wonderful novels. I would recommend any of them.

Just stopping by to say hi, Julie!

Hi Mary!

The Hour I First Believed was an excellent, thought provoking book by Wally Lamb. I thought it was going to concentrate on the fictional fallout of Columbine but it was much more.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/04/julies-review-hour-i-first-believed...

Book 18: Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch

Most women I know have asked themselves "What If"? about their lives. Allison Winn Scotch tackles this subject in a wonderfully thoughtful book, Time of My Life.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/04/julies-review-time-of-my-life.html

Book 19: Save Me by Lisa Scottoline

A solid book about the things we will do to protect our families.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/04/julies-review-save-me.html

Book 20: The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton

I had such high hopes for this book. I was a bit let down.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/04/julies-review-four-ms-bradwells.htm...

Book 21: The Informationist by Taylor Stevens

The Informationist is a high octane thriller that is exciting!

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/04/julies-review-informationist.html

Book 22: The Paperbark Shoe by Goldie Goldbloom

I really wanted to like the Paperbark Shoe much more than I did. Interesting time period and setting but the story was just a bit too much for me.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/05/juiles-review-paperbark-shoe.html

Book 23: Kindred Spirits by Sarah Strohmeyer

What a powerful book about what friends will do for one another.

Book 24: The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers

Holy cow was The Murderer's Daughters an intense read. These two sisters will stay with me long after I have finished this book. For fans of books that deal with families and family tragedy; this one is for you.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/05/julies-review-murderers-daughters.h...

Book 25: The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark

An excellent historical fiction novel focusing on two significant points in India's history.

Book 26: The Coupling by Meg Wolitzer

The Coupling was an interesting and unqiue perspective on intimacy in relationships.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/05/julies-review-uncoupling.html

Book 27: Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah definitely knows how to write a relevant family drama.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/05/julies-review-night-road.html

Book 28: Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

What a wonderful novel. Ms. See has a way of making China come alive in her books.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/06/julies-review-dreams-of-joy.html

Book 29: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

This was my first mystery back in 7th grade and it hooked me. While I found some of it old-fashioned, I did enjoy reading it again.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/06/julies-review-and-then-there-were-n...

Book 30: Long Lost by Harlan Coben

Well that book was a quick one. Another great Myron Bolitar novel by Harlan Coben

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/06/julies-review-long-lost.html

Book 31: The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale

A cute, light book.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/06/julies-review-actor-and-housewife.h...

Book 32: My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

A good, quick beach/summer read with likeable characters.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/06/julies-review-my-one-and-only.html

Book 33: Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly

Another excellent Harry Bosch novel. It seems that I read them out of order so I must rectify that soon and read The Brass Verdict.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/07/julies-review-nine-dragons.html

Book 34: Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen

I added an additional book in June, The Heroine's Bookshelf by Erin Blakemore (Book 35). A wonderful book that talks about literary heroine's and the women that created them. A must read for all lovers of books, but a great book for young women looking for inspiration.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/06/julies-review-heroines-bookshelf.ht...

Chasing the Night is the book that convinced me to finish the Eve Duncan series. I can now see it through to the end.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/07/group-review-chasing-night.html

Book 36: Next to Love by Ellen Feldman
Book 37: Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe

Next to Love is an excellent novel about the effects of war on those returning and those who stayed at home.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/07/julies-review-next-to-love.html

Nice review. It looks like a good one.

Thanks BJ!
I don't think I could have ever expected what a great memoir Rob wrote! Highly Recommend!

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/07/julies-review-stories-i-only-tell-m...

Book 38: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

I can't say that I loved the mystery in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie but I certainly did love Flavia. That is what will make me read the rest of the books in the series.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/07/group-review-sweetness-at-bottom-of...

Book 39: The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

That one has gotten mixed reviews, for sure. I can't decide whether or not to read it.

And thanks for the heads up on The Wild Rose! :)

The end of a beloved trilogy for me. Worth the long wait for it. This trilogy will be a re-read for me at some point.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/07/julies-review-wild-rose.html

Book 40: The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

A great novel about the Salem Witch Trials with personal family lore to take from.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/08/julies-review-heretics-daughter.htm...

Book 41: The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine

The Three Weissmanns of Westport really wasn't what I expected it to be. I wanted to be about Mother and Daughter relationships but it was more about dating in your 40s.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/08/julies-review-three-weissmanns-of.h...

Book 42: Sister by Rosamund Lupton

What an emotionally riveting debut novel. Highly recommend!

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/08/julies-review-sister.html

Book 43: The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen

The Keeper of Lost Causes is everything I look for in a crime/mystery novel. This one was fantastic. I highly recommend it.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/08/julies-review-keeper-of-lost-causes...

Book 44: Children of Paranoia by Trevor Shane

I really found Trevor Shane's debut novel to be a roller coaster ride of adrenaline.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/08/group-review-children-of-paranoia.h...

Book 45: The Girl in the Blue Beret by Bobbie Ann Mason

Great review of The Wild Rose! I am ordering it this week on amazon. My group reads have delayed my reading of The Tea Rose, but I am back at it and loving it. I see that you are also reading The Devil in the White City (or I thought that was you). I have that book hanging around here, so I look forward to that review. Have a great day!

BJ - I am reading The Devil in the White City but honestly it's moving slowly. I thought it would be a bit quicker. It's interesting but meticulous.

An interesting look at the French Resistance in WWII, even if I didn't really like the main character.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/08/julies-review-girl-in-blue-beret.ht...

Book 46: The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

Another solid Michael Connelly novel and I even started to like Mickey Haller

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/09/julies-review-brass-verdict.html

Book 47: Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

Rebecca is a terrific read. I hope you like it!

BJ - I've been wanting to read it for years. I hope it lives up to decades of hype. :) I'm sure it will.

Well, um, Rebecca didn't live up to the hype for me. I was a tad disappointed.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/09/julies-review-rebecca.html

Book 48: Close Your Eyes by Amanda Eyre Ward

Maybe you would like the movie better? I thought it was pretty good, although it does change a few of the events from the book somewhat.

Perhaps. I just really thought it was a ghost story. :)

Close Your Eyes was an excellent novel. I highly recommend. A lot of emotional power in a short novel.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/09/julies-review-close-your-eyes.html

Book 49: Crosscut by Meg Gardiner

Another solid novel in Ms. Gardiner's Evan Delaney series. Can't wait to read the next one.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/09/julies-review-crosscut.html

Book 51: Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor

I look forward to seeing what you think of Forever Amber -- #50!

I finished The Tea Rose and really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to the next one. Thanks so much for the recommendation!

Book 50: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

It took me over a month to read this and while fascinating at times, it failed to live up to the expectations put on it.

Maybe I will put it off a little longer. I was planning to read it last Halloween, but I never got to it. I kind of remember now hearing that it was dry at times. Was it true crime?

Oh, and congrats on reaching #50! :)

Yes it was. So it's a historical non-fiction book that he heavily researched. It is interesting at times but then slow and cumbersome at others.

Thanks! It's the first time I've done it so early in the year. :)

So the most interesting parts of The Devil in the White City were the chapters about Dr. Holmes, in a very disturbing way.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/09/julies-review-devil-in-white-city.h...

I finished Forever Amber in less than a week! What a great historical fiction novel. Amber reminded me a lot of Scarlett O'Hara.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/09/julies-review-forever-amber.html

Book 52: The Reversal by Michael Connelly

I added Forever Amber to my wishlist. I look forward to seeing what you think of the Connelly book. I haven't read a legal thriller in a long while, but I enjoy them quite a bit.

The Reversal was another solid Connelly book. I am beginning to like Mickey Haller but I love it when he's paired up with Harry Bosch!

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/09/julies-review-reversal.html

Book 53: The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler

BJ - I think you will like Forever Amber. She's quite a character!

While I do enjoy Swedish Noir, The Hypnotist was a bit much for me.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/09/julies-review-hypnotist.html

Book 54: The End of the Affair by Graham Greene

I saw that the movie of The End of the Affair was on tv last night, but I decided not to watch it until I had read the book. I look forward to seeing what you think of it.

An interesting take on an affair through the eyes of a man.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/julies-reviews-end-of-affair.html

Book 55: Ask Again Later by Jill A. Davis

I love it when I can read a book quickly. Ask Again Later was a good book about dealing with the past to make your future.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/julies-review-ask-again-later.html

Book 56: Domestic Violets by Matthew Norman

Matthew Norman has written a very real debut novel about love, family and finding yourself. I laughed and I cried. He is nothing but if not honest.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/julies-review-domestic-violets.html

Book 57: The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian

Mr. Bohjalian has another fantastic novel on his hands. A perfect read for a fall evening.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/group-review-night-strangers.html

Book 58: The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

Tom Perrotta definitely knows how to write suburbia and he tackles an controversal topic in The Rapture.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/julies-review-leftovers.html

Book 59: The Gate House by Nelson Demille

A very disappointing sequel.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/julies-review-gate-house.html

Book 60: The Reservoir by John Milliken Thompson

I enjoyed the time period that The Reservoir was based in and the true case but I never did care for any of the characters.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/10/julies-review-reservoir.html

Book 61: Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens

An excellent thrill ride that had my heart thumping.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/julies-review-never-knowing.html

Book 62: The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee

I appreciated the different perspective of WWII, overall I felt that there could have been more to the novel.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/julies-review-piano-teacher.html

Book 63: It's a Waverly Life by Maria Murane

Maria Murnane has another great novel on her hands. I loved revisiting with Waverly and going on this latest adventure with her.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/julies-review-its-waverly-life.html

Book 64: The Dirty Secrets Club by Meg Gardiner

If you haven't read Meg Gardiner this is a good one to start with.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/julies-review-dirty-secrets-club.ht...

Book 65: The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory

I have enjoyed most of her other novels but The Other Queen fell flat for me. Having said that though, I am looking forward to her Cousin's War series.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/julies-review-other-queen.html

Book 66: The Girl Who Played with Fire

Lisbeth Salander is unlike any other literary character I've come across.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/julies-review-girl-who-play-with-fi...

Book 67: The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht

The Tiger's Wife was on the short list for a National Book Award, I'm trying to figure out why. That's not saying there wasn't some great things about it but as a whole it didn't work for me.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/12/julies-review-tigers-wife.html

Book 68: The Innocent by Taylor Stevens

Extra book alert: I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley. Flavia is a hoot! A wonderfuly amateur slueth for all ages.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/12/julies-review-i-am-half-sick-of-sha...

Another great Munroe novel. Can't see what is in store next for us.

http://www.girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/12/julies-review-innocent.html

Book 70: The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen

Ms. Pekkanen is a gifted storyteller. I'm looking forward to her 2nd book, Skipping a Beat.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/12/julies-review-opposite-of-me.html

Book 71: Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner

Kill Chain is probably the best Evan Delaney novel yet. Meg Gardiner is a great novelist!

Book 72: The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

This was a a wonderful book that fit into many genres and has a bit of something for everyone.

http://www.girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/12/julies-review-violets-of-march....

Book 73: Alice, I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin
Book 74: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Alice I Have Been is an thought provoking, provocative historical fiction novel. I will definitely be reading more Melanie Benjamin.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/12/julies-review-alice-i-have-been.htm...

Book 74: The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch

The Department of Lost and Found was a quick and fun read but it wasn't a light read either.

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2011/12/julies-review-department-of-lost-an...