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1Bechii70
This is my first challenge.
I love reading, but had not been reading as much as I used to so this will be a good way to keep me going :)
I read slow, so this is going to be a tough challenge to finish 75 books. But it's the effort that counts right? :D
I love children's books, especially magic and fantasy!
I love reading, but had not been reading as much as I used to so this will be a good way to keep me going :)
I read slow, so this is going to be a tough challenge to finish 75 books. But it's the effort that counts right? :D
I love children's books, especially magic and fantasy!
2Bechii70
I saw other members are doing this, and thought it was a great idea to keep record so here we are:
Books read in 2011
Pages read in 2011
Here's the list of books read:
(more thoughts on each books are below in individual posts)
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (1998)
3. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (2009)
4. Spin the Plate Short Story by Donna anastasi (2010)
5. Charmed Life by Diana Whynne Jones (1977)
6. Murder in Sarasota (A Jake Russo Mystery) by Phil Edwards (2011)
7. The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone (2010)
Books read in 2011
Pages read in 2011
Here's the list of books read:
(more thoughts on each books are below in individual posts)
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (1998)
3. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (2009)
4. Spin the Plate Short Story by Donna anastasi (2010)
5. Charmed Life by Diana Whynne Jones (1977)
6. Murder in Sarasota (A Jake Russo Mystery) by Phil Edwards (2011)
7. The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone (2010)
3Bechii70
Book 1
"Harry Potter and Philosopher's Stone"
by J. K. Rowling (1997)
I actually read this book so many times since when I first got it. I was 10, and fell in love with the book after the first few pages. Because I was 10, and I read the book in the beginning of summer, I dreamed of getting a letter from Hogwarts for the entire summer!
My little brother turns 10 this year, and he's already a Harry Potter fan since I influenced him a lot. He watched several movies, but never read the book. I'm the kind of person who always love the original book over movies, and I always tell everybody to go and read :D
So he's 10 this year, so I thought it was the best time to get him started on the books. And since I wanted to read it all over again myself as well (after watching the Deathly Hallows!) I decided to read aloud for him. It's such a fun time! Everyday at night before bed, we would sit together and read. It is really different when you read the lines out loud. Makes the jokes funnier, the horrors scarier, and really draws a great image in your head. We are planning to finish all seven books together before Part 2 of Deathly Hallows movie comes out.
My brother never watched the movie for Philosopher's Stone so it was great to see all his reactions, especially when Harry found who was the real bad guy under the trap door. I'm very lucky to have such a great audience :D
"Harry Potter and Philosopher's Stone"
by J. K. Rowling (1997)
I actually read this book so many times since when I first got it. I was 10, and fell in love with the book after the first few pages. Because I was 10, and I read the book in the beginning of summer, I dreamed of getting a letter from Hogwarts for the entire summer!
My little brother turns 10 this year, and he's already a Harry Potter fan since I influenced him a lot. He watched several movies, but never read the book. I'm the kind of person who always love the original book over movies, and I always tell everybody to go and read :D
So he's 10 this year, so I thought it was the best time to get him started on the books. And since I wanted to read it all over again myself as well (after watching the Deathly Hallows!) I decided to read aloud for him. It's such a fun time! Everyday at night before bed, we would sit together and read. It is really different when you read the lines out loud. Makes the jokes funnier, the horrors scarier, and really draws a great image in your head. We are planning to finish all seven books together before Part 2 of Deathly Hallows movie comes out.
My brother never watched the movie for Philosopher's Stone so it was great to see all his reactions, especially when Harry found who was the real bad guy under the trap door. I'm very lucky to have such a great audience :D
4mamzel
Welcome to the group and to Library Thing! You're all set for the year with your tickers. It's so nice that you share your books with your brother.
6alcottacre
Welcome to the group, Betty!
7Bechii70
To Mamzel (#4), Jim (#5), Stasia (#6)
Thank you so much for all your comments! This place is so welcoming :D
It encourages me to keep on reading when I know I have a place to share! ;)
Thanks a ton again!
Thank you so much for all your comments! This place is so welcoming :D
It encourages me to keep on reading when I know I have a place to share! ;)
Thanks a ton again!
9Whisper1
Welcome to our friendly, well-read group.
I'm compiling a list of birthdays of our group members. If you haven't done so already, would you mind stopping by this thread and posting yours.
Thanks.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/105833
I'm compiling a list of birthdays of our group members. If you haven't done so already, would you mind stopping by this thread and posting yours.
Thanks.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/105833
10ronincats
It's great that you are reading Harry Potter with your brother. I enjoy a lot of fantasy and science fiction myself. I'll be interested to see what you are reading this year. Welcome to the group!
11Bechii70
#9 Linda,
Yup! I put my birthday there yesterday :)
Will be interesting to see the distribution!
Yup! I put my birthday there yesterday :)
Will be interesting to see the distribution!
12Bechii70
#10 Roni,
Thanks!! I've been following your challenge secretly too :P
You've got a great library! Looking forward to exchange info with you!
Thanks!! I've been following your challenge secretly too :P
You've got a great library! Looking forward to exchange info with you!
14Bechii70
Book 2
"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
by J.K. Rowling (1998)
I've finally finished my second book of the year! It had been very very busy but it's getting better so I should be able to have more reading time :D
Anyways.... Again, I read this book with my brother. I had fun, especially seeing his reaction. We both loved Ron so much, as he seems to always turn a serious scene into a funny one with one line (or just his reaction on something). Also, we had so much laugh over me getting confused with "Harry" and "hurry". I don't know why but for some reason I kept reading it the wrong way.
We both loved the fighting scene. It was very well described and it was a nice length. I get tired when the fighting scene goes on forever, but feels missing something when it's too short. But this was the perfect length, both for me and for my brother.
We started the third book right away. It's going to be another great reading for a while.
"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
by J.K. Rowling (1998)
I've finally finished my second book of the year! It had been very very busy but it's getting better so I should be able to have more reading time :D
Anyways.... Again, I read this book with my brother. I had fun, especially seeing his reaction. We both loved Ron so much, as he seems to always turn a serious scene into a funny one with one line (or just his reaction on something). Also, we had so much laugh over me getting confused with "Harry" and "hurry". I don't know why but for some reason I kept reading it the wrong way.
We both loved the fighting scene. It was very well described and it was a nice length. I get tired when the fighting scene goes on forever, but feels missing something when it's too short. But this was the perfect length, both for me and for my brother.
We started the third book right away. It's going to be another great reading for a while.
15mamzel
The Prisoner of Azkaban continues to be my favorite of the series. I hope you and your brother enjoy it, too.
edited spelling
edited spelling
17alcottacre
#14: I just finished Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban the other day. I hope you and your brother enjoy it as much as I did!
18Bechii70
# 15 Mamzel,
It is my absolute favourite in the series as well. I'm so glad to be on it finally! Even though I've read HP series so many time, each time I read it I still get so exciting!
It is my absolute favourite in the series as well. I'm so glad to be on it finally! Even though I've read HP series so many time, each time I read it I still get so exciting!
20Bechii70
# 17 Stasia
I really love this book :)
We will enjoy it together for sure! Thanks a lot for the wish!
I really love this book :)
We will enjoy it together for sure! Thanks a lot for the wish!
21Bechii70
Book 3
"The Lovely Bones"
by Alice Sebold (2009)
Finished reading on Thursday.
It was a good story. In the middle where everything was going bad, it was really hard for me to keep on going. I've always read fantasy and mostly happy stories, so this was something different for me. It was so real; something that could happen to any family. I loved the part where Abigail came back for Jack, and realizing that she could live and go on without Suzie, where the family is finally back together and heading for a new life.
It was very beautifully written. The only part I wasn't really fond of was when Suzie takes over Ruth's body. I thought that it was a bit too much supernatural.... But overall, I really enjoyed reading it.
(posted same review on the book page as well)
"The Lovely Bones"
by Alice Sebold (2009)
Finished reading on Thursday.
It was a good story. In the middle where everything was going bad, it was really hard for me to keep on going. I've always read fantasy and mostly happy stories, so this was something different for me. It was so real; something that could happen to any family. I loved the part where Abigail came back for Jack, and realizing that she could live and go on without Suzie, where the family is finally back together and heading for a new life.
It was very beautifully written. The only part I wasn't really fond of was when Suzie takes over Ruth's body. I thought that it was a bit too much supernatural.... But overall, I really enjoyed reading it.
(posted same review on the book page as well)
22alcottacre
#21: I liked that one too. If you are in the mood for more of Sebold, try her Lucky, which is nonfiction - and a difficult book to read.
23Bechii70
#22 Stasia,
Thank you so much for your recommendation!
I heard a lot about Lucky :)
I'll definitely give it a try!
Thank you so much for your recommendation!
I heard a lot about Lucky :)
I'll definitely give it a try!
24Bechii70
Book 4
"Spin the Plate Short Story"
by Donna anastasi (2010)
This book was my first win from the Member Giveaway program.
I liked the story overall. The main character, Jo, has a strong personality, and at first I didn't really like her because of how aggressive she was. However, as the story goes and I got to know her more, I started to like her more. Francis was so likeable from the beginning. I think the concept is good, but I feel like the story went so fast without enough development on each stage. I felt like I just skimmed through the events so fast.
I know this is a short story, but still, I believe that it should not make readers feel it's a short story and not complete. I got so confused when Francis suddenly came in, and the next moment, you realize they are close, without the stage of getting close. For this reason, I found it hard to believe and connect.
I'd like to read the complete story and hopefully it will solve some of the confusion.
Overall, I like the story a lot and would recommend it.
(posted same review on the book page as well)
"Spin the Plate Short Story"
by Donna anastasi (2010)
This book was my first win from the Member Giveaway program.
I liked the story overall. The main character, Jo, has a strong personality, and at first I didn't really like her because of how aggressive she was. However, as the story goes and I got to know her more, I started to like her more. Francis was so likeable from the beginning. I think the concept is good, but I feel like the story went so fast without enough development on each stage. I felt like I just skimmed through the events so fast.
I know this is a short story, but still, I believe that it should not make readers feel it's a short story and not complete. I got so confused when Francis suddenly came in, and the next moment, you realize they are close, without the stage of getting close. For this reason, I found it hard to believe and connect.
I'd like to read the complete story and hopefully it will solve some of the confusion.
Overall, I like the story a lot and would recommend it.
(posted same review on the book page as well)
25alcottacre
#23: Let me know what you think of the book when you try it.
26Bechii70
#25 Stasia,
I will for sure let you know :)
I just put on hold for it. Hope it'll arrive soon :D
I will for sure let you know :)
I just put on hold for it. Hope it'll arrive soon :D
27Bechii70
Book 5
"Charmed Life"
by Diana Whynne Jones (1977)
I don't really remember when was the first time I read this book. It was probably years ago when I was in elementary school.... I didn't remember much about it except Cat's secret and the match box, but I did remember how much I enjoyed it. The first time I read it, it was in Japanese. Now that I know English, I decided to re-read it again, but in its original language. (I'm actually re-reading a lot of books these days :D) I was so glad because it didn't disappoint me. It was as good as how I remembered it.
One thing I love the most about this book is that the world of the story was very well organized, making it very believable. When I read books, I like to put myself in the world, so this is a very important factor for me. The characters were really well developed as well. I liked Janet a lot, she's those people I can see as my friends :) Gwendolen made me want to punch her, but I think she was the most interesting character after Chrestomanci.
I'm making my brother read it now :P I hope he'll like it as well.
(same review posted on the book page)
"Charmed Life"
by Diana Whynne Jones (1977)
I don't really remember when was the first time I read this book. It was probably years ago when I was in elementary school.... I didn't remember much about it except Cat's secret and the match box, but I did remember how much I enjoyed it. The first time I read it, it was in Japanese. Now that I know English, I decided to re-read it again, but in its original language. (I'm actually re-reading a lot of books these days :D) I was so glad because it didn't disappoint me. It was as good as how I remembered it.
One thing I love the most about this book is that the world of the story was very well organized, making it very believable. When I read books, I like to put myself in the world, so this is a very important factor for me. The characters were really well developed as well. I liked Janet a lot, she's those people I can see as my friends :) Gwendolen made me want to punch her, but I think she was the most interesting character after Chrestomanci.
I'm making my brother read it now :P I hope he'll like it as well.
(same review posted on the book page)
28Bechii70
Book 6
Murder in Sarasota (A Jake Russo Mystery)
by Phil Edwards (2011)
I received this book as a part of the Member Giveaway program.
Although I like mystery, I didn't really read that much books in this genre. (a bit of Sherlock Holmes and some Agatha Christie)
This was a different type of mystery for sure. And... I loved it!!
Even though there were rather a lot of characters, I didn't find it overwhelming and I thought that each of them had well-developed personality. I especially loved Jake's cameraman, Gary. You cannot dislike this guy, with his innocent character and being a natural comedian :D It makes you laugh more at his lines because he's not trying to be funny! He also has a great insight which helped Jake a lot on solving the mystery. I really wanted to know more about him when he was younger.
The story was well written, and although I was able to see the "true murderer" before the book got there (I watched way too much mystery dramas I suppose :P) it was still very enjoyable to read the "solving" part.
There were some parts I didn't really like, though I loved the story line and the characters. One thing was how they speak. I felt it was really formal(?)
eg. "Do you have some cookies?"
"No Gary, I don't have any cookies."
(** I just made that convo up to give an example)
They repeat a great deal of the other person's line. It made me feel like English class (rather, ESL classes I took when I just came to Canada)
Maybe it was just me, but I felt awkward sometimes.
Also, some characters really made me frustrated (Kaylie, for example) and the way Jake acts REALLY made me want to scream sometimes. (especially with Kaylie). Again, I think it's just me or it was intentional but I had to put down the book (my blackberry actually) to calm myself.
But overall, I really loved the book and I'd really like to read more Jake Russo mysteries!
(same review posted on the book page)
Murder in Sarasota (A Jake Russo Mystery)
by Phil Edwards (2011)
I received this book as a part of the Member Giveaway program.
Although I like mystery, I didn't really read that much books in this genre. (a bit of Sherlock Holmes and some Agatha Christie)
This was a different type of mystery for sure. And... I loved it!!
Even though there were rather a lot of characters, I didn't find it overwhelming and I thought that each of them had well-developed personality. I especially loved Jake's cameraman, Gary. You cannot dislike this guy, with his innocent character and being a natural comedian :D It makes you laugh more at his lines because he's not trying to be funny! He also has a great insight which helped Jake a lot on solving the mystery. I really wanted to know more about him when he was younger.
The story was well written, and although I was able to see the "true murderer" before the book got there (I watched way too much mystery dramas I suppose :P) it was still very enjoyable to read the "solving" part.
There were some parts I didn't really like, though I loved the story line and the characters. One thing was how they speak. I felt it was really formal(?)
eg. "Do you have some cookies?"
"No Gary, I don't have any cookies."
(** I just made that convo up to give an example)
They repeat a great deal of the other person's line. It made me feel like English class (rather, ESL classes I took when I just came to Canada)
Maybe it was just me, but I felt awkward sometimes.
Also, some characters really made me frustrated (Kaylie, for example) and the way Jake acts REALLY made me want to scream sometimes. (especially with Kaylie). Again, I think it's just me or it was intentional but I had to put down the book (my blackberry actually) to calm myself.
But overall, I really loved the book and I'd really like to read more Jake Russo mysteries!
(same review posted on the book page)
