Joybee's Reading Journal 2011

After seeing everyone's reading journals, I have decided it will be fun to keep track of the books I read, and when.

January 2011

1. Along Came a Spider by James Patterson ★★★★
   My review here.
   
2. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger ★★★★
   My review here.
   *random note: Last night I watched 'Remember Me' a movie with Robert Pattinson. While I was not impressed with the movie I thought that Pattinson's character, Tyler, had some parallels to Holden Caulfeild.--has anyone else seen this movie, what do you think?
   

February 2011

I didn't review any books in February, but I'm sure I read some, just can't remember.

March 2011

1. Le Morte de Arthur by Thomas Malory ★★★
   My review here.
   *I really like the Arthurian legends, but sadly I could not make it through this book. It may be different if I owned it and could read a little every night, but I borrowed it from the library and renewed it three times and only got through half. I decided to move on.
   
2. The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by A.N. Roquelaure ★★★
   My review here.
   
3. Peeps by Scott Westerfeld ★★★★
   My review here.
   
4. When Michael Calls by John Farris ★★★★
   My review here.
   
5. Ghost Story by Peter Straub ★★★★★
   My review here.
   
6. Darkfever by Karen Moning ★★★½
   My review here.
   

April 2011

1. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway ★★★
   My review here.
   
2. The Killing Kind by John Connolly ★★★★
   My review here
   
3. Bloodfever by Karen Moning ★★★½
   My review here.
   
4. The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart ★★★½
   My review here
   
5. Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan ★★★★★
   *I did not review this book since there are so many reviews (not much more to say other than how much I liked it and its a fun book that I could read again)
   
6. You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister ★★★★
   My review here.
   *Audiobook
   
7. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson ★★★★
   My review here
   
8. Faefever by Karen Moning ★★★
   Check out my review here.
   
9. Fire Me Up by Katie MacAlister ★★★½
   Check out my review here.
   *Audiobook
   
10. Cold Granite by Stuart MacBride ★★★★★
    Check out my review here.
    
11. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan ★★★★★
    Check out my review here.
    

May 2011

1. Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz ★★★★
   Check out my review here.
   
2. Dreamfever by Karen Moning ★★★
   Check out my review here.
   
3. Summer Knight by Jim Butcher ★★★★
   Check out my review here
   
4. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka ★★★
   Check out my review here
   
   

   Friday the 13th reads:
   *Technically these are all from one book Great Works of Edgar Allan Poe, but I'm counting them individually.
   

   The Pit and the Pendulum by Edgar Allan Poe ★★★★★
   Check out my review here
   

   The Tell-tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe ★★★★★
   Check out my review here
   

   The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe ★★★★★
   Check out my review here

   
   
5. A Killer's Kiss by William Lashner ★★★
   Check out my review here.
   
6. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien ★★★★½
   My review here.
   

June 2011

1. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler ★★★★★
   My review here.
   
2. Light my Fire by Katie MacAlister ★★★
   My review here.
   *Audiobook
   
3. Farewell My Lovely by Raymond Chandler ★★★★★
   My review here.
   
4. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning ★★★★
   My review here.
   
5. The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde ★★★★
   My review here.
   
6. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead ★★★★
   My Review here.
   
7. The Hungry Moon by Ramsey Campbell ★★★★
   My review here.
   
8. Slave by Mende Nazer ★★★★
   My review here.
   

July 2011

1. The Meowmorphosis by Franz Kafka ★★★
   *Early Reviewer book
   My review here.
   
2. The Dead Sit Round in a Ring by David Lawrence ★★★★
   My review here.
   
3. Malice by Lisa Jackson ★★★★
   My review here.
   

August 2011

1. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole ★★★★★
   My review here.
   
2. The Collector by John Fowles ★★★★★
   My review here.
   
3. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift ★★★½
   *annotated by Isaac Asimov
   My review here.
   
4. Jack & Jill by James Patterson ★★★★
   *3rd Alex Cross series
   My review here.
   
5. The World According to Garp by John Irving ★★★★★
   My review here.
   

September 2011

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak ★★★★★
   My review here.
   
2. Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs ★★★★
   *10th Temperance Brennan series
   My review here.
   
3. All That Remains by Patricia Cornwell ★★★★
   *3rd Kay Scarpetta series
   My review here.
   
4. Frostbite by Richelle Mead ★★★★★
   *2nd Vampire Academy series
   My review here.
   
5. Bloody Bones by Laurell K. Hamilton ★★★★
   *5th Anita Blake vampire hunter series
   My review here.
   
6. Missing (Love inspired suspense) by Lynette Eason ★★★
   My review here.
   
7. The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud ★★★★
   *1st of triology
   My review here.
   
8. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher ★★★★★
   My review here.
   
9. Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters ★★★½
   *1st Amelia Peabody mystery
   My review here.
   
10. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan ★★★★★
    *3rd Percy Jackson and the Olympians series
    My review here.
    

October 2011

1. Queen of Darkness by Patricia Lockbaum ★★½
   My review here.
   
2. Death Masks by Jim Butcher ★★★★
   *5th of Dresden files series
   My review here.
   

November 2011

1. Witch and Wizard by James Patterson ★★★★
   *1st of series
   My review here.
   
2. Hell House by Richard Matheson ★★★½
   My review here.
   
3. The Purple Emperor by J.H. Brennan ★★★★
   *2nd of Faerie Wars Chronicles
   My review here.
   
4. Lazybones by Mark Billingham ★★★★
   *3rd Detective Thorne Series
   My review here.
   
5. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead ★★★★
   *3rd Vampire Academy series
   My review here.
   
6. Ruler of the Realm by Herbie Brennan ★★★★
   *3rd of the Faerie Wars Chronicles
   My review here.
   
7. The Last Days by Scott Westerfield ★★★★
   *2nd Peeps series
   My review here.
   

December 2011

1. My Sister is a Werewolf by Kathy Love ★★★
   4th Young Brothers series (1st I've read).
   My review here.
   
2. Already Dead by Charlie Huston ★★★★½
   *1st Joe Pitt series
   My review here.
   
3. The Summoning by Troy Denning ★★★★
   1st Forgotten Realms: Return of the Archwizars series
   My review here.
   
4. The Wee Free Men (Discworld) byTerry Pratchett ★★★½
   1st Discworld series
   My review here.
   
5. Box Nine by Jack O'Connell ★★★★½
   *1st Quinsigamond series
   My review here.
   
6. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare ★★★½
   
7. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead ★★★★
   *4th Vampire Academy series
   My review here.
   
8. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by J. K. Jemisin ★★★★★
   *1st Inheritance trilogy
   My review here.

(Does anyone know how to make text bold? I thought using the ''' before and after the word would, but it seems not)

You have to use html tags. Here's a helpful thread that should explain all.

Those are interesting books you've read. I've wanted to read Along Came a Spider for a while now, so I'm going to look at you review.

Thanks Wolfy, that is a very helpful link. I've wanted to italicize words too just didn't know how.

DF, I love James patterson books, I've read many over the years and recently decided I want to read the Alex Cross series from the beginning. It is fun to see how characters develop over time.

Welcome to the fun of Green Dragon's reading journals. Many of us lurk, and occasionally comment, on each other's journals.

Welcome, Joybee! I added your thread to the group's master list. :o)

I like the mix of books you read, I'll be lurking here, as I do on all the reading threads. :)

>4 Joybee: Me too, but the books that's available for me, I'll see how the characters are developed fully and then get a glimpse into the past to see the beginning. I read the first five Maximum Ride books, and one of his two newest books Witch and Wizard and The Gift. I can get really used to him!

#8, how was Witch and Wizard? I have it on my to read list, it just hasn't been available at the library yet.

>9 Joybee: It's been such a long time since I've read them, well not that long ago, but long enough. I think I gave them both somewhat low scores, because I didn't like because of the insanely short chapters and how it fakes making each section fast-paced, but now that I look back at it, they are pretty good. I say read it when you can. I'll recomend it to a Patterson lover just because it's a Patterson book. Does that answer your question?

I love when books mention other authors (that I've read) in their same genera. For example in my current book Cold Granite (a Scottish crime/police mystery) the main character mentions a fellow cop reading an Ian Rankin book (another Scottish crime/police mystery writer). The main character refers to it as 'tales of police derring-do'. I just love that stuff...it makes me feel in the know.

I just found out that I'm getting The Meowmorphosis from the early reviewers. I'm excited, I think I will check out The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka before I get my new book. I read the original a long time ago when I was in school.

I finished Cold Granite and I loved it I gave it 5 stars, which for me means that I loved it and would like to own it because I could read it multiple times and still enjoy it. You can find a link to my review above in my original post.

Now I'm starting The Sea of Monsters. The second book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
(it's good to have something light after a good 'hardboiled/noir' crime novel)

I still need to get to the first of the Stuart MacBride series. It's been sitting on my tbr shelves for a while now. Hopefully it'll be this year.

#14 I highly recommend the series, although I will warn you it can be disturbing in parts.

I snuck in one last book for April. I finished The Sea of Monsters last night. A link to my review is in the original post.

Now for my first book in May *Drum roll* Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz.

>12 Joybee: Everytime I see that title Meowmorphosis, I keep thinking of one of my favorite words which is "Anthromorphism". Even saying it is fun.

I have finished my first book for May Fear Nothing

I really liked it. It was kind of wordy at times and I just skipped over some of the boring descriptions, but other than that the story kept me glued to the pages. When I get excited about what I'm reading my eyes get wide and round...they were like this for most of the book It was suspenseful and scary and I wasn't disappointed by the ending. This is the first of a trilogy, but this book doesn't leave you hanging so you have to read the next book. I thought the ending was good and final enough to not need to continue but I will.

2nd book down Dreamfever.

It was exactly what I expected it to be, romance, action, and a cliffhanger ending. one more book until i finish the series. It's always a little sad to me when I finish a good series, and even though all the cliffhanger endings in this one piss me off, I still enjoy reading them.

3rd book of the month = Summer Knight

The 4th book in the Harry Dresden-wizard series. This is an urban fantasy, action and mystery series, that was made into a TV series. Harry is a wizard for hire who investigates all things paranormal, and is always willing to help a damsel in distress. This is a fun series with a whole strange cast of wizards, faeries, vampires, werewolves, and even cops. Set in Chicago.

#19 - That one is my favorite so far. In fact, I recommended my daughter start the series there to see if she liked it, rather than with Storm Front.

4th book this month = The Metamorphosis

*A short story by Franz Kafka

I read this book when I was young (I think middle school). I remember that I hated it, I thought it was stupid and didn't know why I had to read it for school. It was about a guy who turned into a bug.

Well, I decided to read it again because I got The Meowmorphosis from early reviewers. I was pleasantly surprised. While not the typical type of story I usually like, I did not hate The Metamorphosis like I did when was young. I thought is was funny that Gregor takes the fact that he wakes up as a bug so calmly, and never seems to panic. I felt sorry for him because he did not enjoy his life, and while there was no real point to the story, there are many ways anyone can interpret it to mean just about anything. I'm glad I went back and read this book. I suggest getting a copy that has 'explanatory notes to the text' to read after, it was fun to read all the different ways others have interpreted this.

3 stars

Well I don't see a point to it. What kind of bug was it, did he keep his original size, did anybody notice, and was there a whole section on his transformation?

No, there is no actual point to it, no it does not discuss his 'metamorphosis'. The story starts with Gregor waking up as a bug. There is some debate over exactly what kind of bug he is, most people think it's a cockroach, in the book the maid calls him a dung beetle. I don't think he kept his original size, but he was abnormally large for a bug, he was able to reach the door handle with his mouth, and he barely fit through one open wing of a double wing door. Yes his family noticed he was a bug, and kept him confined to his bedroom.

The story was only about 60 pages, and while it wasn't a page turner, I enjoyed it enough to finish it. I think it's one of those things that I should read. It's just good to know about it when people allude to it (at least that's how I feel).

>23 Joybee: Ok, it is weird. They didn't have a transformation scene? Darn it, I absolutely love transformation scenes. Everybody writes at least one off story sometime in their life.

My first Edgar Allan Poe tale in honor of Friday the 13th = The Pit and the Pendulum.
*I own the Great Works of Edgar Allan Poe

I have read this before but it's been a while. It starts with a man being sentenced to death, in Toledo during the Spanish Inquisition. The tale revolves around the narrator in his cell for an unknown amount of time. The cell starts out dark, and the narrator is describing his fear, he almost falls to his death in a well at the center of the room. Before he can celebrate his survival, he awakes tied to a cot with a sharp pendulum very slowly lowering right toward his heart.

The fear and horror in this tale, like most of Poe's tales, is psychological. We are in the narrator's mind reading his thoughts and feelings, my heart was racing.

*My favorite new phrase from this story: he unclosed his eyes (instead of opened).

5 stars

2nd EAP tale= The Tell-tale Heart.

A short tale that is a great reread. (I've read it many times before and it only gets better)

5 stars

Another one down. Have I mentioned I love, love, love Poe? I haven't read my favorite tales in a long time...I'm so glad I'm reading them today.

The Black Cat

Another of Poe's tales, this one about a man who is being driven mad by alcoholism. Once gentle and loving, the narrator begins to torture his pets, and eventually commits murder.

oh, dear, such a lot of Poe. Will you be reading anything a bit "lighter"?

I hope not. I once read a short story of his called...Oh God, I hope spell this right... The Cask of the Amontillado and I thought that was pretty darn good. I recomend it if you are reading Poe.

I have a book with all of Poe's works, but I only read the 3 above yesterday (I always celebrate Friday the 13th with horror movies-'Friday the 13th' if I can get it-this time I wanted to read some good horror and later when it was dark I watched a bad horror movie off Netflix)

Anyway I haven't read my favorite Poe stories in a long time, I enjoyed them so much (I even wrote a few term papers on Poe back in high school), I will probably read a few more soon. I didn't get to The Fall of the House of Usher or Ligeia. Thanks for the suggestion DF, I haven't read The Cask of Amontillado in a while either.

I remember seeing a movie of The Fall of the House of Usher and was quite impressed. This was many, many years ago. I should re-read the story.

I second the idea Maggie (lets re-read The Fall of the House of Usher...I too saw the movie, when I was a kid--my dad has a thing for horror flicks(like I do now) I remember it being good too.

Fun new word I learned from my current read A Killer's Kiss

Philtrum: The grove that runs from your nose to mouth.

I finished reading A Killer's Kiss. I'm still trying to decide what I think about it. I'll post a review eventually.

I just got The lord of the Rings from the library and am starting it now. Wow it's a big book (all three volumes in one), over 1,000 pages and at least 2 pounds. I'm excited to read this finally, I hope it won't disappoint.

I have all three volumes in one too. Best gift that grandmother has ever given me by far.

Book #8 of the month = A Killer's Kiss.

I feel indifferent about this book. It is the seventh in the Victor Carl series, and the first that I have read. It kept me entertained, but did not make me want to read more of the series.

Victor may be rekindling a relationship with his ex-fiance (who cheated on him with, and married a urologist). Just when things start to get good, police come knocking at Victor's door. He is a suspect in the murder of this urologist. Everything points to Victor, and the cops don't seem to be trying very hard to find the truth, so Victor does his own investigating. Will he clear his name, will he save his new relationship with his ex?

The main thing that bothered me about this book was how Victor was so hung up on his ex. I can understand a man wanting to have sex with an ex who left him for someone with more money, but still being in love and willing to do anything to get her back? He didn't trust her, and she betrayed him over and over but he still wanted to get back together with her and hope everything worked out happily ever after. Once again I can understand lust in this situation, but not love.

If I happen to come across another book in the series, and I don't have anything else to read, I would pick it up, but I won't go out of my way to read more in this series.

3 stars

I'm also listening to Light my Fire the third book of the Aisling Grey series. It's nothing to write home about, but simple plot and easy to follow while I'm working out.

I finished The Lord of the Rings.

I enjoyed the book, although the 3 volumes in one was a heavy and long book to get through. I only give it ★★★★½ because I would not care to own or reread this book. Mostly because it was lengthy and slow at many points (I did not care for all the names and 'history' that is gone into...though I realize it sets up the story, I thought it could be condensed, and I skimmed over much). However, I loved the main characters and the way they interacted with each other (Legolas and Gimli becoming friends and keeping track of who had the most kills was a favorite). I also really liked the ents, how awesome to meet talking trees! I was hoping that Pippen and Merry would go out and find the entwives in the end, but it was not mentioned...or did I miss that?

Anyway, I recommend this book to all who enjoy fantasy, and anyone who wants to be carried away to a different realm. I am happy to have finally read this book.

1st book of June...1/2 done The Big Sleep & Farewell my Lovely. I finished The big sleep. I think I will count this as two separate books, since they are (with separate stories), where The Lord of the Rings is one book made up of 3 volumes (all the same story).

Anyway, I love this book ★★★★★s. I love Raymond Chandler's writing style. This book was written in 1939, and has the feel of the depression era after prohibition, with illegal gambling joints and gangsters. His writing is very cynical and humorous in it's way and very descriptive without being too wordy.

Philip Marlowe is a private detective hired by a rich old man to investigate a guy trying to blackmail him because of his youngest daughter's debts. The old man has two daughters, in their twenties, and both are trouble and obnoxious. As Marlowe investigates he runs into ex-bootleggers, mobsters, murderers and all kinds of people working in illegal trade. The story is involved and when you think it's over there is more.

The quote from the back of the book explains it well:
"Chandler did not write about crime, or detection--as he insisted he did not. He wrote about the corruption of the human spirit, using Philip Marlowe as his disapproving angel, and he knew about it down to the marrow."--George V. Higgins

#38 "I was hoping that Pippen and Merry would go out and find the entwives in the end, but it was not mentioned...or did I miss that"

No you didn't miss that - nothing furthr is mentioned about the fate of the Ents. The only clue we have is right at the beginning when the 'worthies' of the BagEnd are discussing the problems and rumours in the world. There is a mention of someone's son seeing a walking tree on the moors. I haven't read any of Christopher Tolkein's further works to see if JRR ever thought about what would happen to them. My guess is that like the Elves, they will have faded from the world.

I found Marlowe a bit depressing but intend to read some more at sometime. Only read the first two.

I finished Light my Fire by Katie MacAlister.

I only give this book ★★★s. Romance series tend to get on my nerves after a while, this one especially. The main character, Asling, annoys me, she doesn't know when to shut up, and she never seems to learn from her mistakes. The male lead, Drake, is forgetable, the only thing sexy about him is that he is a dragon. My Favorite characters are Jim, the demon in the body of a Newfoundland and Rene, the taxi driver. I had continued with the series because of these supporting characters, and now I think it is not enough.

Other than these problems, it's a cute book and easy to listen too. I will probably not continue with the series, but give me a while and I may come back to it.

Didn't you mention the first book of the series to me You Slay Me one time? Yes, I think you did. Still don't know whether or not I should even think about reading it or not. Love the overall idea, hate the idea of the romance.

Oh, now, Dragon...a little smoochy never hurt anybody.

;-)

Well you haven't met me. Wow, did this room get 10 times brighter?

Oh yeah, Drake is one of the worst names you can have for a dragon. Reason why: because it's a spin off of draco which means dragon, which makes the name totally unorginal. It's like naming you dog "canine" or something like that. Actually Draco is Greek so it's like naming your dog "σκύλος" which sounds like "skýlos"...

DF, you probably won't like You Slay Me, It does have a dragon in it, but the books are mostly about Asling the woman who finds she is a dragon's mate (among other things), and her character is absolutely annoying.

I thought the series would be fun, I like paranormal romances (like twilight, and Dead until dark) and I hadn't tried any about dragons...I'm not impressed, the underlying story (behind the romance) just isn't that good, and the romance is at times raunchy. The first book wasn't too bad, not a great plot, but it was cute, and had some LOL moments.

They were o.k. to listen (audiobook) to while doing something else because the story is not hard to follow, and it doesn't hurt if you miss a few things, but I wouldn't actually sit down and read them.
....just my opinion

Well I still have that PM you sent me recommending them to me, so I added it on my Wishlist. I could post it exactly what you said, but I decided I won't. Ah, too lazy to delete it.

yeah, yeah...so I changed my mind, but you did say that you read just about anything about dragons....

I still would...

So earlier I wrote what I thought about Farewell my Lovely and Shadowfever. But apparently I did not save it b/c it's not here anymore. Oh well, I have my reviews posted above.

Today I finished The Big Over Easy. I really liked it. I have read a lot of poor reviews for this book, but I thought it was cute, and funny, I will definitely read more. This was the first Jasper Fforde book for me, so I had nothing to compare it with, but I enjoyed the read.

Detective Jack Spratt (it took about 130 pages for mention, that he doesn't eat fat...but I liked that, I was waiting for it the whole time, and just began to think there would be no mention.) investigates the death of Humpty Dumpty, was it accident, suicide, or murder? It turns into a very complicated mystery. ★★★★

I finished Vampire Academy, it only took me one day I really liked it. It is a young adult novel written for older teens, but I, as an adult, still liked it. Now I'm reading The Hungry Moon

I finished The Hungry Moon, it was a good creepy, suspenseful, supernatural horror novel. It was a slow read, being very descriptive, complex and having many characters. I give it ★★★★s as I look forward to reading more Ramsey Campbell

I have finished Slave. (recommended to me by my sister)

It is a biography of a young Nuba girl who is captured in a violent raid on her village and subsequently sold into slavery (this happened relatively recently--1994). I will not go into great detail about this book because it touches on religion and politics. But I recommend this to everyone who is like me and still surprised by the horrible things people can do to other people and justify it. I thought it was a very compelling and emotional read. I would like to read more like this. ★★★★s

I don't think the prohibition against discussing religion and politics includes reviewing books which are religious or political. I believe you must treat this as your reading journal and if you wish to discuss the politics in this book, or the religion in this book, you should feel free. If readers of your journal feeling like they do not want to participate, they don't read your journal, or they skip a post or two. That is pretty simple.

Yeah, the no politics and religion rule doesn't apply to your reading journal as it relates to reviewing your books.

Finally got around to reading my Early Reviewers book The Meowmorphosis. This followed the same story as the original with the added cuteness of Samsa awakening as a kitten instead of a bug.

There was a chapter that veered from the original where Samsa escapes the apartment and meets up with other cats, some of whom are in his same situation (once human and woke up as a cat/kitten). This had potential, but there were long monologues that just rambled on and on, not really adding much. Samsa eventually feels obligated to return home, which adds to understanding his character, but thats about it.

Overall, interesting remake of the original, but in my opinion it neither made it better or worse. ★★★'s. I'm glad I read the book, but I probably won't read it again.

I have finished reading The dead sit round in a ring by David Lawrence. This was a book I picked up from a book share on a whim. A detective/crime novel about DS Stella Mooney (the first of the series). I enjoyed the read, and enjoyed the characters. A link to my review is posted above. ★★★★'s

I also finished Malice by Lisa Jackson. Another book I picked up from the book share, and another detective/crime novel, I found it hard to put down. This is the 6th book in the Rick Bentz series, but the first I've read, I liked the characters and will read more of the series. A link to my review is posted above. ★★★★'s

I finally got around to posting a review for Hungry Moon by Ramsey Campbell that I read last month. It was a great story, but a slow read with a very involved plot, a Horror/Suspense with a bit of supernatural. It took me a while to process and write a concise review without giving too much away.

My first book for the month of August is A confederacy of dunces by John Kennedy Toole. (My review is posted above)

This is a book that is outside my usual genre, but my husband swore that it was funny and that I would like it.

This book is a satire/comedy, outrageous a times, that seems to have no point, but it surprised me with great characters who are very colorful and a main character that you love to hate, and kind of feel sorry for. There was a lot of action and craziness that kept me entertained and wanting to read more. While I'm still not sure if the book was trying to make a point, the story had a ridiculously funny climax and conclusion and I'm very glad to have read it...and will probably read it again. Give it a try. ★★★★★'s

I finished The Collector a few days ago. Great book, it was a quick and easy read with lots of creepy suspense.

The story starts by being told by the main character, who is crazy but tries to reassure himself and the reader that he is not. He is very logical and clever and infatuated with a young woman whom he has never met but sees, and proceeds to stalk, in town. His obsession eventually leads to kidnapping and holding the woman captive in his basement. Even though I knew he was crazy, I still ended up feeling sorry for him, he just wanted her to get a chance to know him. The second chapter is told from the woman's point of view (as she writes her experiences in a diary), and then the book ends in the kidnapper's point of view again.

Overall this was a great read, it did not scare me, but belongs with the great horror novels. At times the main character reminded me of Edgar Allen Poe's horror characters, the way the main character was narrating, was crazy, logical, and did not mean to do anything wrong...even though he planned it all perfectly.

★★★★★'s

#58 we read it in English in 9th grade I think it was. I remember finding it very interesting with the shifting view points and the bad main charactor that one as you said can't help feel for. You have given me the idea of reading it again. It is certainly not all school read that I would want to read again

*I copied these questions from MRSLEE...I thought it would be fun to answer them

1. Favorite childhood book? When I was first learning to read, anything Curious George, and 'little golden books', when I got a bit older, Nancy drew, Hardy Boys, and my all time favorite...Where the red fern Grows
   
2. What are you reading right now? Gulliver's Travels and Jack & Jill
   
3. Bad book habit? I like to read in the bath tub, occasionally the book gets wet.
   
4. Do you have an e-book reader? No
   
5. Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? usually one at a time.
   
6. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog thread? no
   
7. Least favorite book you read this year (so far)? The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty
   
8. Favorite book you’ve read this year? The Big Sleep, although I re-read some E.A. Poe short stories that I love love love.
   
9. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? occasionally, if someone who knows my preferences recommends it.
   
10. What is your reading comfort zone? fiction, usually mystery, crime, horror, fantasy.
    
11. Can you read on the bus? sometimes, usually I get too distracted.
    
12. Favorite place to read? at home on the couch or in bed
    
13. What is your policy on book lending? I will lend any book, I don't expect to get them back though.
    
14. Do you ever dog-ear books? Yes, if I own the book, but I try not to
    
15. Do you ever write in the margins of your books? no
    
16. What is your favorite language to read in? English (only one I know)
    
17. What makes you love a book? Great memorable characters, humor, good/great plot
    
18. What will inspire you to recommend a book? If I really liked it, and I think the person will too.
    
19. Favorite genre? mystery/crime and horror
    
20. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did)? biographies/autobiographies, history
    
21. Favorite biography? Slave...but it is an autobiography, I haven't read any biographies except maybe in school but I can't remember them
    
22. Have you ever read a self-help book? no, at least if I have I don't remember it.
    
23. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)? I don't think I read 'inspirational' books
    
24. Favorite reading snack? I usually for get to eat, or even drink for that matter (if it's a good book)
    
25. How often do you agree with critics about a book? I don't pay any attention.
    
26. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I have to really dislike a book, but even then it is only my opinion, others may differ.
    
27. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose? maybe french, I love Dumas, maybe norwegian, I've read some good crime/mysteries by karin Fossum (translated of course)
    
28. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? maybe the Bible, but I haven't read it all the way through, other than that The origin of species
    
29. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin? I don't know...
    
30. Favorite poet? I don't read poetry, although I liked some of E.A. Poe's when I read it in school, and John Donne's 'the flea' (again read in school)
    
31. Favorite fictional character? There are so many.....Edmond Dantes
    
32. Favorite fictional villain? I don't know
    
33. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation? usually paperback mysteries/crime, sometimes (paranormal)romances, usually books that are quick reads that keep my interest
    
34. The longest I’ve gone without reading. usually no more than a month or two.
    
35. Name a book that you could/would not finish. a clockwork orange, I just could not get through the language
    
36. What distracts you easily when you’re reading? it depends on how 'in to' the book I am, if I really like it, nothing, if it's a slow read that is hard to get in to, everything.
    
37. Favorite film adaptation of a novel? A princess Bride, but I never read the book. The count of monte cristo was ok.
    
38. Most disappointing film adaptation? there are many
    
39. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time? a few hundred (text books in college)
    
40. How often do you skim a book before reading it? never, only the front and back covers
    
41. Do you like to keep your books organized? not really
    
42. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them? I only keep books I love, the rest are given away, or are loaned from the library in the first place.
    
43. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding? no
    
44. Name a book that made you angry. Slave and blood done sign my name---why I don't usually read nonfiction, the stuff that I like and keeps my attention makes me very emotional
    
45. A book you didn’t expect to like but did? Cider house rules
    
46. A book that you expected to like but didn’t? The Claiming of sleeping beauty
    
47. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? any PNR (paranormal romance) occasionally a contemporary romance.

I have just finished Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

This was definitely a slow read (because I read all of the notations...and there were a lot), but I enjoyed it. This is technically a political satire,which I did not always understand. I read the annotated version (by Isaac Asimov) so by reading the notations, I understood a bit more of what was going on politically, and some of the very dated language was also explained. But aside from this the story was very good, it was an adventure, fantasy with humorous points satirizing humanity in general.

I felt that this was a book I should read, and I enjoyed it. If you want to understand the time period and the political satire I suggest reading an annotated version, but it is a fun story even without understanding the politics and history, If they make a version where the language is updated it's a great adventure story for any library in any time period.

★★★½

I'm glad you did the questions, it's nice to see your reading style. :)

Thanks MrsLee, I had fun doing it.

I just finished Jack & Jill by James Patterson

a link to my review is above in my original post

Genre:Mystery/Thriller
*third in the series

Typical James Patterson, Alex Cross thriller, it continues to develop Alex's character, he seems to be a bit depressed in this book, but he has seen a lot of bad stuff. If you like the Alex Cross series, you will like this book. (I have read many Alex Cross stories over the years (and I liked them), but they have all been out of order, The books work fine like that, but I am enjoying reading them in order to see how the characters develop)

★★★★'s

My Final book for August was The World According to Garp by John Irving.

I have to thank my sister who introduced me to Irving with The Cider House Rules, and recommended Garp.

Genre: Fiction/drama/humor

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are awesome and you feel compelled to find out what happens to them. There are many controversial topics brought up in this book and they add to the excitement of the story. If the book has a moral, I would say it is to be tolerant of others and their 'weird' ways.

★★★★★'s

I like that moral. More people should live by it.

I finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak a few days ago.

A link to my review will be above in my original post

Genre: Young Adult/Historical Fiction

Wonderful, moving book! The life of a German girl trying to survive WWII. There were points that made me laugh and some that made me cry. I will admit that I cried a lot, there is plenty of warning about what is coming, and it is WWII, I wasn't expecting a happy story. Even though I was crying my eyes out, I did not want the book to end.

★★★★★'s

Today I finished Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs

#10 in the Temperance Brennan Series; a link to my review is above in my original post

Genre:Mystery/Forensics

A good continuance of the Temperance Brennan series. Tempe is in Montreal in this one, and there is a slow down in her relationship with Andrew Ryan. The mystery was good, but I think I read this book sometime before...some of it was familiar, but I didn't mind the reread.
If you like forensic mysteries, this is a good series for you, sometimes a little too much about the science, but you can skim it and lose nothing (I personally enjoy it...I'm a science/biology geek). As always fast paced and fun to read.

★★★★'s

I really didn't know The Book Thief was about WWII. Looking throught some other reviews, the narrator is Death? I usually have a no WWII policy, but I may have to find a loophole around it...

DF, I usually stay away from any historical fiction, but this being a young adult book made it an easy read and it wasn't full of history, the WWII aspect was actually kind of interesting, although it mad me sad. It also uses some German phrases which I enjoyed b/c I'm kind of trying to learn German (I'm not very far along, but i know some basics and I was able to recognize some of the German). I would say give it a try, but you may have to be patient...I didn't really get into it until a chapter or so in.

Finished All That Remains by Patricia Cornwell

3rd of Kay Scarpetta Series; a link to my review is above

Genre: Mystery/Forensics

As with the Temperance Brennan series, you have to suspend disbelief with the forensic scientist being out of the labs and actually being a major part of the investigations and solving them...it is fiction after all (similar to CSI tv show). Once you accept this point this is a fun series and a quick read. I enjoy series because it gives more change to develop characters and when I like a character I want to read more about him/her. This isn't great literature, but it was an entertaining read which is just what I wanted.

★★★★'s

>70 Joybee: Yeah I just kind of want to read it to see why it was so popular a couple of months ago. I do that a lot.

I finished Frostbite by Richelle Mead

*2nd in Vampire Academy series; a link to my review is above in my original post.

Genre:Young Adult, Urban fantasy/paranormal romance

I could not stop reading this book, I started around noon yesterday and read until 1 am (taking breaks only for the necessities). It has all the things I enjoy, action, mystery, vampires, romance, and suspense. I want to rush to the library and read the rest of the series...but I'm trying to go slow so I don't finish it too soon (I'm always a little sad when I finish a good series).

Side note: I love Rose Hathaway's character. She is the main character and narrator of the series. A dhampir (half human half vampire) and guardian in training to best friend Lissa (Moroi--good vampire). Rose is confident and has a strong self esteem. For me this is refreshing in a genre full of self conscience heroines that don't feel good about them selves until something extraordinary happens, or the leading guy of the story falls for them. Rose knows she looks good and knows she can kick ass (but not in an annoying way).

★★★★★'s

I totally agree with you. I am reading the series too and it is because of strong in mind and body Rose

tris, I'm glad you also like the series. Go Rose.

I can sympathize on finishing a series. Part of me wants to rush so I know everything that happens, but another part of me wants to read as slowly as possible. But then I get cranky when I'm interrupted, because life is still happening while I'm trying to read. Alas, I rushed to finish Deathly Hallows when my copy came in. I didn't want anyone to spoil it for me.

Bloody Bones by Laurell K. Hamilton

*5th Anita Blake vampire hunter series; a link to my review is at the top

Genre: Paranormal romance/Urban fantasy (my library classifies it as young adult--because the heroine is 25...but is is very violent and gory)

I enjoyed this read, I like the series. Anita is tough, and strong, the only thing I don't like about her is that she can't make up her mind about the 2 romantic male leads...but by the end of this book I think she makes a little progress. Anita is an animator/necromancer (she can raise zombies) and she is a vampire executioner. The series is set in modern day St. Louise where vampires and other mythological/supernatural beings are 'out'. Vampires have rights like any other human and it is murder to kill them with out a warrant of execution---that is where Anita comes in. She also has a degree in paranormal and supernatural creatures, and the police turn to her when they have strange murders that might be related to her field of study. The series is action packed with mystery and a lot of violence, blood and guts...this book did not disappoint. I even think that this book might be darker and more violent than the rest so far.

★★★★'s

Missing by Lynette Eason

*My mom sent this to me

Genre: Inspirational romance/suspense

This isn't a book I would choose on my own, but my mom sent it to me and if I have it in the house I will pick it up and read it. This was not a great book, but it kept me entertained enough that I finished it. Inspirational romance means that it is a christian type book that mentions God and praying to God, and there is no sex or foul language. I don't mind any of these things, but the characters and plot line in this book were seriously lacking. The 'bad guy' was easy to figure out, and I had the mystery solved about 50 pages in.

I only give this book ★★★'s because I finished it, and would not look for more by this author...but when my mom sent me this one she also sent another, I'll read it and hope it is better.

Martyr ;)

The Amulet of Smarkand by Jonathan Stroud

*1st of The Bartimaeous trilogy.

Genre: Young adult, Fantasy

An enjoyable read. Magicians run modern day London government. Nathaniel is an apprentice to a not so powerful magician and is impatient to learn higher 'magic'. I'm not sure how I feel about Nathaniel, he was whiny, arrogant, and vengeful, but he seemed to mean well and he is just a kid. His demon, I found to be more likable. Anyway I was kept interested in the story and found it hard to put down. I hope to see more growth in Nathaniel's character as the trilogy continues.

★★★★'s

I already thumbed your status even before you posted it here! And you'll see a "growth" in Nathaniel's character, but not the way you want it to. Just going to get that out there.

thanks DF. Now you have me curious to continue with the trilogy.

I finished reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. Thanks for the suggestion DF, I loved it. Will post review and further thoughts later...I kind of need to digest it all. For being a young adult book it's pretty heavy.

Your welcome...for both. I'm not surprised you thought it was "heavy", I mean that's the reason why he's a banned book author.

#83 Yeah, I got that feeling from reading your reviews, and that is what intrigued me. An author you may be interested in that is similar to Chris Crutcher is John Irving. I think Irving's books are a little more 'adult' but they seem to bring up similar controversial topics. (so far I've read Cider House Rules and The world according to Garp and loved them both)

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

*recommended by DragonFreak

Genre: Young Adult/Fiction

A link to my review is above in my origional post.

This was a great, very moving and heavy story. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry. This book broaches many controversial topics like bullying, child abuse, abortion, and religion. However, they are put into a very moving story about friendship and making the best of a bad situation.

I can't wait to read more by this author.

★★★★★'s

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

*1st Amelia Peabody mystery

Genre: Mystery/Historical Fiction

I enjoyed this book, although it is historical fiction. It is usually hard for me to get in to historical fiction, but I really liked the characters. Amelia is funny and sassy and not a typical Victorian era woman. I even liked the PG romance. However the mystery was predictable. I may continue with the series.

★★★½'s

>84 Joybee:-5 I thumbed your review for Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. I think I've heard of Joh n Irving before...especially Cider House Rules...I wonder....is that also a movie?

ETA: I looked, it is.

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

*3rd Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

I love this series, it is so much fun, and you learn about Greek mythology. It is so easy to get lost in this fantasy world, I wish these books were around when I was a kid.

★★★★★'s

Queen of Darkness by Patricia Lockbaum.

Genre: Paranormal Romance

I randomly picked this book up at a book share. Apparently this is the author's first manuscript. In my review (link in post 1) I said this was a decent paranormal romance. It had all the makings of a fun story sex, vampires, demons, and romance. However, the grammar was annoying; mixing up then and than, seen vs saw, wonder and wander. I will admit my own grammar is not great, but then and than!? It wasn't an occasional slip it was constant. The only thing that kept me reading was that I kind of wanted to know how it would end, and I wanted to review it.

I will only read more of this author if it is really edited. The story had good potential it just needed an editor.

★★½

I have to say that a poorly edited manuscript really spoils a book for no matter how good it is otherwise. Hope the author can get the bugs worked out.

Death Masks by Jim Butcher

* 5th of Harry Dresden series

Genre: Urban Fantasy

I really like this series. Harry is an unconventional hero, but very love-able. He may not always be good, but he tries to do the right thing. This book did not disappoint, there was plenty of action and suspense and some pretty evil villains.

Side note: I couldn't help but picture Yoda when Shiro (the old knight with the cane) was described...I loved it.

Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

*1st of Whit and Whisty series

Genre : Young adult, urban fantasy

A future where the government is run by the N. O. (New order). Children and teenagers are being sent to prison and sentenced to death for being witches and wizards. Whit and Whisty are two of these teens, and they actually have magical powers. This story follows them as they try to escape from prison, learn to control their magic, and try to save the world.
A fun, cute and quick read. Hard to put down because like many James Patterson books it has short chapters and lots of action.

I am also reading A Tale of Two Cities and Hell House. I am not reading as fast as usual because I've started knitting again
★★★★s

I have finished Hell House and The purple emperor.

Hell House by Richard Matheson

Genre: Horror

I did not love this book, but it was a fun read. A little slow moving for my taste and it wasn't too scary, but it's one of those books that as a horror fan I'm glad I finally read it but have no interest in doing so again. I will probably read more by this author.

★★★½'s

The Purple Emperor by J.H. Brennan

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

*2nd of the Faerie Wars Chronicles

An enjoyable and quick fantasy read mixed with a little science fiction. I like all the characters in this series even though the antagonists are just bad guys, there is not much depth to them. I think the story is more focused on the protagonists, they seem to be well developed and I enjoy finding out what happens to them. Even some of the minor supporting characters are great and so loveable. I will be continuing with this series.

★★★★'s

I'm still trying to get through A tale of Two Cities, I like Dickens, but this is just a slow read. I'm also reading Lazybones, a DI Tom Thorne mystery/thriller.

The only Richard Matheson book I've read so far is his most popular, I Am Legend, and really enjoyed that. I do have The Shrinking Man on the tbr shelves and that might make my reading list for next year.

Wolfy, I plan to read more Matheson, I'll just wait a while. I think I am legend is on my list

So I recently got a Vizio Tablet, and found out that I could download library books on it. It's awesome, especially when on vacation...and that is what I did over Thanksgiving weekend. My husband and I went to the big Island (Hawaii) with a friend and I had a bunch of books on my tablet. Here is what I read.

Lazybones by Mark Billingham I started this before I left and finished the last few pages on the plane
*3rd Tom Thorne series
Genre: Crime/suspense
--a little predictable but great suspense
★★★★s
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
*3rd Vampire Academy series
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
--Super surprising ending
★★★★s
Ruler of the Realm by Herbie Brennan
*3rd Faerie Wars Chronicles
Genre: Fantasy/scifi
--this book had a bit more scifi than the others so far
★★★★s

I mostly read quick easy to read books (I like to call them Fluff books) that you don't have to really concentrate on but are enjoyable. These final two I finished after I got home.

The Last Days by Scott Westerfield
*2nd Peeps series
Genre: Fantasy
★★★★s
My Sister is a Werewolf by Kathy Love
*4th Young Brothers series, but the first I've read
Genre: Paranormal Romance
--more graphic sex scenes than I like in my PNR...and not enough plot.
★★★s

The Summoning by Troy Denning
*1st in Forgotten realms series
Genre: Swords and Sorcery Fantasy

I stumbled upon this book when looking for the one by Bentley Little with the same name. The one I was looking for was already checked out so I thought I'd give this a try. I enjoyed it there was a ton of action, lots of magic, and a hint of romance. I will continue with the series (my complaint is that it ended with a cliff hanger).
★★★★s

Already Dead by Charlie Huston
*1st in Joe Pitt series
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery

So I'm a sucker (hehehe) for anything vampire. I love to read about new and different takes on vamiprism, whether it's a curse, or a disease, and I like vampire stories of all kinds from romantic teen dramas to actual horror with blood and guts. This book did not disappoint, the first of the series it is definitely a new kind of vampire story for me. Vampirism is a virus (which is not new) but the hero, Joe Pitt is, he is kind of a private detective... A vampire PI and he hunts zombies. This is more of a Hardboiled crime novel than horror but there is a bit of blood and guts.
★★★★½s

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
*1st in the Discworld series
Genre: Young adult, fantasy

This was a cute book, but it was a bit too juvenile for me. I tend to like young adult books that are geared towards teens, but this one I feel is better for 13 and younger. That said, I liked the book, it was very imaginative but started to drag towards the end. I tried this series because I've read good things about the author and thought it would be a good introduction. While I probably won't continue this series I will try some of his adult work.
★★★½s

I really do need to get round to picking up the next books in both the Charlie Huston series I'm reading sooner rather than later. Glad you enjoyed your first trip into his world. I think I actually liked the 2nd of the Joe Pitt books better than the 1st and that one, as you've found, was pretty good anyway.

Box Nine by Jack O'Connell
*1st in Quinsigmond series
Genre: Hardboiled Crime

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first I've read by this author, and a new type of hardboiled crime novel for me. I've never read a book in this specific genre that the main character is female. I love hardboiled crime novels, and have read many, but usually the main character is male. I wasn't sure at first if I would like it, but Lenore does this genre justice. She is tough, cynical, and sassy. She is an undercover narcotics officer who has a speed habbit and an affinity to danger.

I really liked the author's writing style, and felt that all of the characters were well developed. I will continue with this series.
★★★★½s

Glad that someone else has finally read this and enjoyed it. Even though each book centres around different characters I think you'll like the rest of the series too.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
*1st Inheritance trilogy
Genre: Epic fantasy

This was an exciting adventure in a new world where gods live among humans. Lots of action and mystery, it was a bit confusing keeping everything straight, but I loved it. This is the type of book I would like to read again. The characters are intriguing enough to want to read more about them and see what happens along the way. While I will continue with the series, this first book will stand well on it's own.
★★★★★s

I snuk in one last book for the year.
Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
*5th Vampire Academy series
Genre: Young adult, fantasy, paranormal romance

This book left off with a big cliffhanger. Same old story of Rose and Lissa, but now they are graduating, becoming adults. They plan a prison break to free an old enemy in order to get information about turning a strigoi back to a living being (saving him or her)...will it work? There is turmoil at court and Rose is accused of a crime she did not commit.

★★★★½s

A Dramatically Different Direction by Margaret Mann

I read this about a month ago. I met Margaret (the author) at the pool of my local, YWCA. We both have mobility difficulty and use the pool for exercise. She gave me a copy of her book when we first met, and I was doubtful, I am at least 30 yrs younger than her and did not think we could have anything in common. However, after starting the book I realized I was wrong, I could not put it down, while we are very different, she is an awesome inspiring woman. I'm glad to have met her and hope to become friends.

★★★★★s

Year End Stats:

Books read: 73

Link to my 2012 journal here