Can I do it this year?

This is the third time I will be trying to meet my 50 Book Challenge. I get so so close. Last year I read 48 books. If I just read a little while longer every night I might have been able to do it.

It really isn't how much you read it's the content. I have enjoyed reading all those 48 books last year. I have some books set aside that I hope to read this year.

The year is already flying by. It's already January 10. Where does the time go? I have yet to finish my first book of the year. I better get to it.

For Christmas, from my husband, I got Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro. There are ten short stories in this book. I would say that I am about half way through the book. I am liking the stories but finding the ending is a bit off. I feel like I have missed something. I am going to get my husband to read it and see what he thinks.

Hi, Jacx!
Glad I found your new thread! Wishing you lots of great books in 2011! I haven't read anything by Alice Munro yet, but I see her name mentioned here and there.
--BJ

You found me!!! I started this thread yesterday. How did you find me so quickly?

Do you have any challenges this year that you would like to share with me?

I hadn't read anything by her either and was excited about receiving this book. To be honset with you I am a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong I am still enjoying the book. I suppose I was expecting it to be much better.

48 in 2010! I would consider that a huge success. I'm really only aiming for 30 this year. I don't ever seem to do better than that.

Ever since I have been counting my books I read close to 50. Always over 45 but never 50. One year I will surely reach my target.

Good luck with your 30 book challenge this year. :)

My challenges for this year are the 75 Book Challenge, the 11 in 11 challenge (but I made my categories easy and started early), the books off the shelf challenge, the tbr challenge, and the ABC challenge. Kind of too much, I think! But I let them overlap, too. I also still like doing group reads.

Did you get much snow?
--BJ

Hi Jacx!! Good Luck with your challenge, but most importantly enjoy yourself!!

#8...billiejean...I have tried other challenges but soon they were too difficult to keep track of. It was ending up being more of a chore than for fun. I had done one group read last year. I enjoyed it. Not sure if I will do another this year because more than likely it would mean I would have to go out and "buy" the book.

As for the snow, we have been really lucky here. All around us there is snow. Last year we saw even less.

I finially finished my first book of the year. I could not get into Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro.

It is safe to say that Alice Munro is a good writer, and that I may not be a good reader.

The stories in this book were about "life". While reading I wonder where the story is going and am always surprised. The stories themselves are enjoyable but I found that they all end abruptly. Maybe too abruptly.

I am going to let my husband have a go at this book and find out his reaction. I am anxious to find out what his views will be.

I know what you mean about some challenges making it too much of a chore to read. And that is no good! My ABC challenge has kind of gone ignored for a while, because I just put in titles when they happened to work out. Now I need to seek some to finish it. The thing I like about the 50, 75, 100 book challenges is that any title works! It is less of a chore.

Thanks for the info on Munro. I have been curious about her, but I don't have any of her books.
--BJ

I found a fellow LT'er who admires Munro's works. I asked him why he chooses her as being one of his favorite author's. I was disspointed in myself for not liking her. I had heard so much hype about her and when I read this book I didn't feel the hype.

He suggested that I read The Begger Maid by Alice Munro next. If I don't enjoy that one then Alice Munro just isn't for me. I think I will give it a go. On my wish list it goes.

Like you, I enjoy the "50, 75, or 100 book challenge". There is no searching for certain books and your read what you want to read. I really do hope I can make my challenge this year.

I am glad that you got some more info on Munro. I will look forward to seeing what you think of the next book. I need to read one myself someday!
--BJ

So much of January has pasted me by it seems. Just finished my 2nd book, The 1% Solution for Work and Life by Tom Connellan. This was going to be a book that I wasn't really looking forward to reading. Although, I wanted to read it I didn't think I was in the mood to learn anything.

Well, I was wrong. I must have been wrong, because I just loved this book. Yes, while reading I was learning but somehow it was different from all those other "self-help" books I had read.

There was a story, there was dialog, there was a start and an ending, there was explainations and examples. It was an easy read. This 'self-help" book will help me. The suggestions to start changing your life and your ways all makes perfect sense and anyone, even me, can do it. Yes, it seems easy enough to do but I understand that it is also easy not to do and get back to your old ways.

I am going to give it a try. I have nothing to lose but so much to gain.

I recommend this book to everyone. It's not rocket science. It's simply put and an easy read. I feel that this is the "self-help" book to start anyone moving in the direction they want to move in. This book assures you that it is possible if only you try by 1%. There is no one that can't say they can't try that.

Buy the book...you won't be sorry. And remember who you first recommended it to you because I know you will want to thank me. :)

Finishing my book in bed meant I had to get out of bed to pick up my next book that sits in my office. It's always a challenge to pick that "one" book that I want to read next. I try not to over think my decision. Last night I went to the pile of books closest to me and picked a book my friend had lend out to me a while ago called A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand.

By just reading the prologue I am already thinking that I will enjoy this book.

I just checked out Tom Connellan's website and found an amazing list of his clients. Wow. I am impressed.

http://www.tomconnellan.com/clients.html

Late last night I finished A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand This book captured your attention at the beginning. I thought I was going to love this book the whole way through. Near the middle I had lost some interest but not enough to say that I wasn't enjoying the book at all. Near the end I found it picked up again. All in all it was a good book with a suprise ending.

It was too late last night when I finished my book. I went blindly into my office and picked up a book that caught my eye, The Most Dangerous Game by Gavin Lyall.

I couldn't have made a bad choice so I am not worried. Every book I have read has touched me in some way or other. This is a book I don't think that I would have normally purchased. It came in a paper brown bag marked $1.00 with six other books inside.

What a deal -- 7 books for a dollar! The only price that beats that is free. :)

Glad to see that you liked your last book and that it had a good ending. Endings are important to me. They can totally change how I feel about a book.

Have a great weekend!
--BJ

I get a lost and disappointed feeling when I don't like the ending of a book. Sometimes I feel that the author just wanted it to end without really thinking about it.

That is exactly the way I feel about it, too!
--BJ

In message 17, I said that I wasn't worried that The Most Danerous Game wouldn't be enjoyed. I spoke too soon. It wasn't my type of book at all. Nothing grabbed a hold of me. I was struggling to get it finish. I wanted so much for it all to end and was tempted to just close the book and forget about it, but I didn't.

I was so excited about starting a new book. I have choosen Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce. The cover isn't at all appealing. I was reluctant to choose it but I gave in.

Apparently, it was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Award and made into a movie.

I am only a few pages into it but already I am chuckling and calling it a "Jackie's Book".

I haven't heard of Millions before. Can't wait to see what you think of it.
--BJ

I am almost done. Stay tuned....

All done. Although I enjoyed this book I think I would have enjoyed the movie more.

It was comical, and light reading. When I first picked it up, I didn't reallize that it was a book meant for a younger person say about 8 - 13. Normally, I don't read books that are not meant for my age group, but I found it fun to read.

There were times when I thought the boys were too young to talk the way they did and other times I thought the opposite. It's not a book that I would tell someone to hurry up and get but if this book comes along then you may want to get it.

Yesterday, I started to read Twenty-Two Splended Tales to Tell From Around the World by Pleasant Despain and finished it. I had picked it up the day before at the library for free. This is the type of book you would want to keep and read outloud to your children or yourself for years to come. I really liked it.

Last night, I picked up a book I got my husband for Christmas, The Carnivore by Mark Sinnett.

I like to read young adult books from time to time. There are so many really terrific ones out there. The first book I read this year was young adult. It was called Downsiders by Neal Shusterman. I thought it was a great book.

You are really zooming along!
--BJ

When I had read that back of the book I thought it was rather interesting so I thought I would give it a go. I may read some more young adult books in the future.

Another bites the dust. The Carnivore by Mark Sinnett wasn't at all what I expected. I had heard Mark being interviewed on the radio. I knew that the story was based on around the time of Hurricane Hazel. That is what interested me in buying this book. I was expecting to read more about the devistation. I feel the story was more than just the hurricane.

The story itself left me sad. Not crying outloud sad, but an empty kind of sad.

A marriage of 50 years was made up of pain, regret, hate, and silence. Was it all worth it to keep this marriage continue year after year. Did they have a chance to really "live" their lives.

Makes one really stop and think.

Late tonight I will be starting The Wrecked, Blessed Body of Shelton Lafleur by John Gregory Brown.

All I can say about The Wrecked, Blessed Body of Shelton Lafleur is that it simply took my breath away. There is so much to say about this book but at the same time words can't describe it at all. One amazing book. Go to the top of my favorite book list.

Tonight, I sort of started The Pre-Paid Legal Story by Harland C. Stonecipher.

Sounds wonderful! Another for my wishlist.
--BJ

Billiejean...you won't be sorry.

The Pre-Paid Legal Story has opened my eyes. I heard many times how Mr. Stonecipher started this company. I could imagine how difficult it would have been, but it was much worse. With his determination, friends, passion, he has now given access to justice for everyone. It is my first time there. I am looking forward to it even more now that I read his story.

I use the service all the time. I feel empowered to know that I have a law firm on my side, whether I am here in Canada or in the U.S. I no longer have to ask myself "Can they do that? or "Can I do that?" I would have never been able to afford a Will and Power of Attorney. I have Mr. Stonecipher to thank.

I will be attending a Corporate event in May in Oklahoma. It

Reading an early reviewer Invisible River by Helena McEwen. Or should I say, I am trying to read...

It seems that this book doesn't have any story to it. So far it has descibed every colour of paint, almost all forms of art and how these colours and art make one feel.

When there is dialogue, it is in short meaningless sentances. I am so confused.

All that seems to have any feelings at all is the art. So far I am not enjoying this book at all.

Are you coming to Tulsa? My daughter is getting married in Austin in May, but otherwise, I will be home.
--BJ

I will be in Ada and Oklahoma City. Maybe you could give me your phone number so I could give you a call?

I sent you a private message. :)
--BJ

Invisible River was a difficult book to get through. Difficult as in the story dragging on and the characters not going anywhere. The first part of the book was unbelieveably painful. I have to say that the rest of the book wasn't as knife stabbing as the first part. I don't quite understand how anyone could get involved in this book.

Yes, I would still recommend this book to those that have read every other book in the country and this is the only one available.

I haven't started reading it yet, but thinking of diving into The Business of the 21st Century by Robert T. Kiyosaki. So looking forward to it.

I have been lagging and not entering what I have read. My bad.

I did finish The Business of the 21st Century. I believe everyone ought to read this. It may enlighten them. It totally makes sense. Obviously, it has done well for Robert T. Kiyosaki. Times are changing and the it is time you took your life into your own hands. Stop fulliling your bosses dreams and start thinking about yours and your families.

I never would have thought this way years ago because I didn't think I had a choice. I now work from home. I am my own boss. Everyone at least needs to read this book and see if his idea make sense to them. It is nice to know that there is someone as successful as Robert T. Kiyosaki} agreeing with me.

It's a fast read but so much information. It's a book that I will keep and read over and over again.

I started reading Unpunished by Charlotte Perkens Gilman but then I went on a trip to Oklahoma. I thought I would have all this time to read my book. Espectially while on the 26 hour bus ride. It turned out I was too sick to do anything. Once I got to my destination, everyone there was given a book, The Lamp by Jim Stovall. Seeing Mr. Stovall on stage and hear his story, I put the book I was reading aside and starting to read The Lamp

I thought I would fly through it but again I was wrong. Much too excited and busy to stop and read. On the trip home I needed much needed rest. Finally, I really got into reading The Lamp. It has a great message. All you have to do is wish for it and put it out there. It will come to you.

BTW...I got to meet Ms. Tracy Broughton, Ms. America. Another inspirational person I now look up to.

I finished reading it last night. I picked up another book this evening but realized I hadn't finished Unpunished yet.

How is one suppose to keep track?

Last night I was happy to say that I finished Unpunished by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The story was pretty good and the story line was unique. It did keep me wondering but near the end I was happy that it was over. Maybe I was waiting for something more exciting. I usually read the afterwards but I couldn't make myself. I just wanted to be done with the book.

Picked up an early reviewer for a few minutes last night, Kalila by Rosemary Nixon.

What a book!!! It sure wasn't what I expected. Instead of me going about on and on about it I thought I would leave you a link to my review. Smart thinking ,huh?

http://www.librarything.com/work/10683968/details/72507887

Lat night started another Early Reviewer, Doctor Confidential by Bernie Siegel.,MD. I never in my lifetime read a prologue like this one!! I was getting more excited by the minute about reading this book.

I couldn't put the book down. I could have stayed up all night. I wasn't expecting me to laugh. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it so early. I wanted more more and more. I couldn't get enough.

Ok...I finally had to go to bed but the whole day this book has been on my mind. I may go to bed early tonight just so I can read more.

I can't believe that I forgot to post my last 2 books in here.

Oh well, my friend has given me 11 books for a new author she found, Allison Brennan. She even numbered the books for me. She fell in love with her books.

Books 1, 2 and 3 are a series. The Prey, was the first one that I read and first in this series. It was alright but again too much of the mushy stuff. I did enjoy the story line very much.

The second book, The Hunt was really good. A perfect book that one can't help get involved in. I couldn't wait to be able to pick up the book and read it. Yes, there was some romance, but it didn't go on and on and on. I thought that ending was done well.

I can't wait to read the last one in the series.

The Kill was filled with suspence. Allison Brennan, obviously had saved the best for last. Where most authors would end a story, Allison continues. She wraps it up making the reader feel they understand what the rest of the story is. Right up to the last page I was engrossed in her story. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Today I picked up a small poety book, Jack by Mike Spry, that I picked up at our local library for free. I don't usually read poetry but when I read the back I knew that it would be different from what I am use to reading. I thought I would give it a try.

Jack only had 76 pages but it seemed to take forever to finish reading it. In all my years I s.have never ever read anything like this. I didn't enjoy most of the book. For me it wa s too far out there. I couldn't grasp what the author was trying to get across.

A Slant of Sun - One Child's Courage by Beth Kephart was a wholesome book. I wasn't aware that the story was about a child's struggle with autism. The mother shared her deepest fears and thoughts. She opened up her heart for the reader to feel. The words were raw and real. The reader can't help but get involved in the story.

You don't have to have children to enjoy the story.

A few days ago I started reading Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner. From what I have read so far I can only describe the book as "comfortable". It's a book that I enjoy reading slowly and taking my time.

I have never read any Stegner before, but I have heard wonderful things about his books. I guess I better read one sometime.

Hi Jacx!! I read a book of essays by Stegner's last year, Where The Bluebird Sings To The Lemonade Springs, and liked it.

Hello billyjean and tjblue. I never heard of Stegner before. I am impressed and enjoyed the book.

It was time for another book. Most times I pick the book that sit on top of my pile of books drop my hand into a bag of books by friend has loaned to me, or get someone to pick a book from my shelf for me. This time I took the books that lay at the top of the pile to make a fifth pile and choose this one. It wasn’t the cover that attracted me, it was the feel of the book in my hands. It felt right. I could not put this to the side.

I didn’t have any idea of what it was, never reading the back cover or hearing of the author. I got myself comfortable in bed and comfortable with the book.

Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner is a book you can’t read at your normal pace. In my mind I read each word out loud and really understood and felt what the words were meant to say.

The story is a simple ordinary story about two couples who meet in University. It continues to tell about their everyday lives, which anyone can relate to. Stegner takes us on a long journey through their thoughts, their circumstances, their fears, their decisions, their growth. As their lives change and they move further apart they are still the same four people who met long ago and long to be close and remain to be an important part of who they are.

There is no mystery, no secrets, no surprises, no suspense, no violence, no climax, no sex scenes, only a story powerfully written about everyday people. The words Stegner has chosen allows the reader to delve deep into the lives, the friendship and the marriage of these two couples. It opens up your mind and your heart.

I must admit that there were times when I didn’t think I would recommend this book to my husband to read. There were parts of the book that I found dragged on. I didn’t know where it was going. Now I understand that it really wasn’t going anywhere. It is what it is. The end.

Something inside me told me that this was the right time to read this book. I wasn't wrong.

Tonight going to start reading Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser.

Nice review of Crossing to Safety. :) I added it to my wishlist.

The day I started Write it Down, Make it Happen is the day I picked up and started to read More to Life Than This by Carole Matthews.

I don't make it a habit to read more than one book at a time. I had come to a spot in my book where I had to stop to make a list of what I want. I am still writing that list. I thought it would be an easy exercise but when one really thinks about it, you want to be sure it is what you want before you write it down.

I never had heard of Carole Mattews. I was searching through my books and it was the cover that drew me in. The bright blue made it feel like a summer read.

This book touches on the subject that most of us have asked ourselves, is there more to life than this? There are times one is content and stable in thier lives, but miss the spontaneity and the excitement.

Kate is a happy married woman with two wonderful children. Everything seems perfect, buthe feels that she is missing something. She isn't sure what that something is, so decides that a week away at a T'ai Chi course may open her mind and help her find that something.

During this week Kate struggles to find the answer. While her husband Jeffery is left at home with the children and an au pair to keep the home functioning.

During their time away from eachother they begin to reallize that there might be more to life than what they have been living.

The story touches on everyday life sometimes in an humourous way. It is the perfect read when you don't want something heavy. It was an enjoyable book that I would recommend who those who enjoy a easy, fun, and simple read.

I will be looking for this author.

While walking in Toronto with my husband the other day, he took me inside one of the colleges, George Brown. My first and only question was, do they have a bookstore? He led me through the halls and down some steps and there it was. All of the books were for the courses that the school offered and very expensive. Walking through the last row I came across a book I just had to have and it was just over $20.00. Dealing with People You can't Stand by Dr. Rick Brinkman & Dr. Rick Kirschner. I started reading it in the car on the way home and some more off and on during the day.

This all means that I was actually reading 3 books at the same time. Strange for me.

Billiejean, I am certain you will find it enjoyable.

On July 20th I started reading The End of Everything by Megan Abbott. It was an early reviewer that I recieved the day before. I was anxous to read it. I really enjoy reading about children/teens.

Thirteen year old Lizzie tells her story the way she see it and feels it. Her next door neighboor and best friend, Evie, has disappeared.

Lizzie was the last person to see Evie. Lizzie is desperate to find out what happened. She struggles with her mind. She feels Evie is alive. She would know if she weren't.

Lizzie's life and the lives of others around her change. Nothing seems to be the same. Life without Evie has it's challenges.

Lizzie never stops thinking of what happened before and on the day of Evie's disappearance. She feels she has found clues, but doesn't understand them right away.

Months later Lizzie realizes that Evie was keeping secrets from her. She had always felt they didn't keep anything from eachother.

Lizzie wonders if life will ever be back to the way it was before Evie disappeared?

The story was narrated by Lizzie. At times her character seemed younger than her 13 years and then there were other times when I thought the words were much more mature than they ought to be. The style of writing is different from what I am use to. It took a while before I got into the momentum of the writing.

All in all, this book was enjoyable, but not page turning exciting. I am not familier with Megan Abbott writting and style. I would be interested in reading another one of her works.

I have just finished reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

I had picked up this book at a used bookstore in Toronto. I had never been inside and couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a look inside. There were books everywhere. I like to buy a book when I come across a unique bookstore.

The owner grabbed this book and promised that I would enjoy it. I had heard of this book but really didn't know anything about it. I took it home and started reading it July 28.

The first seven chapters dragged on and on. I was thinking that if this was the pace of the book I won't be done by the new year. With a turn of a page things were starting to pick up and to get interesting.

An owner of a cafe in town saw me reading it and almost ran over to me to tell me that I will love the book. I guess I gave her a strange look. She then asked me if I have passed chapter seven yet. I had just started reading it. She assured me that the book continues to get better and better.

I was happy to know that. I have to admit the story was getting more and more exciting and it was difficult for me to put it down but near the end, I found it slow and boring.

I don't understand what all the hype is about this book. Yes, it is a good book but only a "good" book. Maybe I need to read the rest of the series to really appreciate it. We will see.

Recieved my early reviewer in the mail on July 17. I couldn't wait to start reading it. It sounds so interesting.

Last night read a whole page. So far so good. :)

Hi Jacx!! Keep reading!!! I too, put off reading the Larsson books because of all of the hype. In the end I gave in, reading them one after the other and really liked them!! Haven't seen the movies yet.

My daughter had the same experience with the Larsson book. The first time she tried to read it, she only read 50 pages. A few months later she picked it up again, and she said that after a while, the pace picked up nicely and the book got better. I am going to give it a try one of these days.

Nice to hear from you two. I haven't been on here as much as I should be. Now that that summer is over there is more time to sit and relax by the fire with a good book or the computer :)

Finished my early reviewer, Following Josh by Dave Norman a while ago. I am really slacking here. Shame of me. My review will follow shortly. I will tell you this though...I felt like I travelled along with Josh on his journey's.

I told you I would be back. Here I am.

I haven't travel much. Visited Holland and Germany when I was young, ages, 2, 7, 14, and the last time 24. I did enjoy it very much but it wasn't perfect.

I remember when I was 14 my teacher asked me to keep a journal. I had never done anything like that before. I was excited about writing down everything I experienced. I tried to write in my journal every day. My parents asked me to share my journal with them. I was not impressed when they told me not to say "It did nothing but rain. And how that German lady was mean to me. I wanted everyone to know that my uncle hid his money in the attic, I was surprised how the contruction workers drank beer in the streets while working. How I rode on my 14 year old cousin on her moped to get her mom cigarettes and Geneve (booze).

It wasn't my journal anymore.

Everytime I looked inside a travel book I only see the best pictures, the best food, the best hotels, the best beach, where this is always the perfect weather. I felt the travel books were doing what my parents did long ago. I was not at all interested in travelling.

Dave Norman's} story is real. If he didn't like something, he didn't hide that fact. It read like a journal. There were parts of the story he had left out until well into the story. That was alright for me. It only made me feel that he had this in his thoughts at that moment and wanted to say it then.

Traveling with Dave and Josh I learned a lot. It was a book that I couldn't just glance over. There were times I just felt I had to read slowly and even other times to read it outloud.

I loved Following Josh and I am sure you would too.

Wanted to take a quick read on my trip to Dallas. Picked Whose Bright Idea Was It? by Larry Verstraete. It was a fun book to read.

These are true stories of inventions. Some I already knew, but had forgotten and some where I didn't know.

It's a great book if you want to read in little spurts.

I don't know how I missed reading Letters from Across the Country by Marsha Boulton. I wient to pick it up last night to read. After reading the first few pages I knew I read this book not too long ago.

When I picked it up at the coffee shop I was excited about reading it Reading the back of the book before I brought it home made me think that I would devour this book and maybe even end up as one of my favorites.

I must say I was disappointed. It was a good read just not as captivation as I had hoped. There were parts of the book I had to chuckle but I wouldn't say that it was hilarious.

I've done that too!! I recently checked out a book from the library and put it aside for about 2 weeks. When I finally got around to starting it, I realized that I had read it about a year ago. I wondered why I didn't recognize the cover.

I had my book on my bedside table. Thinking now, I placed it there so I would remember to give it back to the cafe which I got it from and not because I wanted to read it next. Lucky I only read a few pages when I realized I read it a couple of weeks ago.

Last night I finished Weird Ontario Places by Dan de Figueiredo. I picked up this book at a used book store when visiting Collingwood Ontario. It was on top of a pile of books that was piled up to past my waist. I think it was the colour page that attracted me to it at first. When I read the title I knew it was "my" book. I didn't need to read the back to know that I ws going to enjoy this book.

I have lived in Ontario all of my life and was surprised that many of the places mentioned I had never heard about.

Dan kept his stories short. Most of the stories came with a simple fun illustration. Dan didn't just keep with the facts he usually gave his own oppinion on the place in question.

The book wouldn't have been as funny without his oppinion. He is just a plain funny guy.

At the end of the book Dan tells his reader to share this book. I usually do that but this book is a keeper until I visit all those weird and wonderful places. My first visit will be to "Art on Spidina". I will be using this book as somewhat of a guide book.

Dan has shown me that one doesn't have to travel far to enjoy the sites.

I recommend this book to everyone that lives in Ontario and to all that plan to visit Ontario in the future.

September 23 I picked up a book I had for ages Drop Dead Gorgeous by Heather Graham. I thought I may have read it before. The title was familier. It happened that I had read a book with the same title, but not the same author.

I remembered that I enjoyed the other book, thinking that this one might be a disappointment. Librarything said that I would love it and this time they were right.

It wasn't at all what I expected. It was fast paced throughout. I looked forward to reading it every night. Almost made me want to go to bed early.

There was a lot of characters and sometimes I forgot who was who. It all got straightened out later in my little head. It was a great "who done it " modern novel. I would recommend it for sure.

Remembering the Music, Forgetting the Words, Travel with Mom in the Land of Dementia by Kate Whouley was an early reviewer.

I don't know anyone who suffered or suffers from dementia or alzheimers. I never experienced what Kat has experienced. Her story was amazingly bold and truthful. She didn't throw any punches. She didn't hide behind her words instead she made her words and feelings be seen by all.

This book wasn't about dementia or alzheimers it was a story of love, or caring, of understanding, acceptance, of having to make a decision hoping that it will be a good decision. It's a story of a life we all live. Kate tells the raw truth.

My review can by found at http://www.librarything.com/work/11039084/book/78932733

I highly recommend it for all.

I have always wanted to read more poetry and maybe learn to appreciate it more. The Marble Fly by Jamie McKendrick was the first book of poems that I read from start to finish.

It could very well be, just me but I had a hard time understanding the meaning behind the words. I might have to read more before starting to grasp poems.

Republic of Solitude by Richard Greene is my second try at a book of poems. I am happy to say that I did enjoy this one more than I did the last but it still didn't capture my attention. I almost dreaded having to read it. All I could think of how many more pages I had left.

Now, that I have the poems out of my system it's time to read a good novel. Boy, was it ever good. I started reading Guilty Pleasures by Barbara Bretton on October 13.

There were so many twists and turns and not a boring moment. I couldn't get enough. You can read my review here: http://www.librarything.com/work/3086181/details/56725146. I gave it five big stars.

I suppose you could say that I have started The Island by Elin Hilderbrand. I am on page 8 already. How is that for being a speed reader?

The Island was a feel good book. It's not a page turne,r but at the same time I was always wanting to know what would happen next.

My Review: http://www.librarything.com/work/9566496/book/63916340

Last month I bought a book for my new 12 year old grandson. My son says that he doesn't like reading. I felt sad hearing that. I so much want to buy him a book that he would enjoy reading but what?

The past few years, before I had a grandson, I kept seeing Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, but never paid much attention to it.

I walked into a used bookstore that I had never been in looking for something. I saw Dianry of a Wimpy Kid again but this time picked it up and started reading it. I was already enjoying it and I was still on the first page. I thought this would be a great book to start a 12 year old to read.

I had enjoyed it so much I wanted so much to read it before I gave it to him for Christmas.

I am speeding through this book. Not because it is an easy read but it is so much fun to read. I could relate to this kid. So far I am loving it.

Loved it. A lot of fun and laugh-out-loud parts.

Another great read from a friend of mine, Life Without Summer by Lynne Griffin.

From the look of the cover, I thought that I was in for a mushy read, all about finding the perfect man in a perfect life.

Boy, was I wrong. It was a story that is real. A story with struggles, loss, secrets, hurt, choices, a life that is real for many.

I related with the characters, feeling close to them wanting to give them advice or just tell them I understood what they were going through.

I loved this book. It was an easy, enjoyable read.

Letter to my Love by Elizabeth Cadell was a better read than I thought it would. I had been looking for a easy, short read. Skimming through the book before I started reading it left me with the impression that it was going to be more of a mushy love story. It didn't take me long to realize that I was so wrong.

It's about family, their secrets, and one letter. A good read.

One Week in December by Holly Chamberlin was a bit of a disappointment. I was so looking forward to a warm cozy Christmas book. Instead it was a book that was mainly about secrets and family, It was an alright read but not Christmassy enough for me.

I found the perfect book for the holidays, Christmas with Anne by L. M. Montgomery. I recommend this book to all families who enjoy reading as a family. These stories are what the holidays are really about. It's about kindness, and love and giving. It's a book I am keeping for my granddaughter for when she grows older.

Earlier this year I picked up 4 Canadian Playwrights by Mavor Moore. I haven't read much plays at all but this was a quick read so I thought I would give it a try.

I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed this book.

I don't know how I missed placing Cup of Comfort edited by Colleen Sell on my books that I have read. I enjoyed this book so much. I had picked it up at a local coffee shop. It reminds me of the Chicken Soup} books. There is about 50 stories packed in this small book. Every story did warm my heart. It was a book that you may want to share with friends and family. It's a book that you melt into. I highly recommend it.

After reading my first Cup of Comfort book and then seeing another Cup of Comfort: For Courage in a book store I just couldn't let it lie there on the shelf. It was a bonus that it was 70% off.

This sort of reading helps me get into the Christmas spirit. I just couldn't get enough of this book. I kept telling myself, "just one more story". It was always just one more. It was hard to put down.

The stories are about people like you and I and stories of courage. Sometimes they find courage in themselves, friends, family or even through strangers. It's a wonderful book and one you would want to share. Would make a great gift.

Read a few pages of A History of the World in 101/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes and have already chuckled. It starts with telling the "real" story of Noah's Ark. Julian has a unique way of thinking. I think I am going to enjoy this book.

Merry Christmas Jacx!!! Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!!!

Wow...thanks so much tjbue. Hope to connect more with you in the new year.

I gave up on A History of the World in 101/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes. Not very often do I give up on books. It could have been because I was sick and my mind just couldn't get around the story. I enjoyed the first chapter, read a bit of the second and gave up. I am thinking I may go back to it another day, maybe in the new year.

I know that when I read one of the books that my friend has lent out to me I will not be disappointed. So that is just what I did. I picked The Family Beach House by Holly Chamberlin. It was exactly what I needed. Loved it.

It about family and how they cope with the past, the present, the future and change. How they cope with life. family and themselves.

It's an easy read and a great read.

I didn't do it again last year. Every year, I am still amazed with what I did read. I enjoyed every word, except for a few. This was a challenge for me to read 50 books in one year, it wasn't a contest. Every year I make goals. some I achieve and some I don't.

I am looking forward to next years reads.

2012's 50 book challange: http://www.librarything.com/topic/129855