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1jlshall
Going for 50 books again in 2015. Didn’t quite make it to 50 in 2014, although I got closer than in recent years. Maybe 2015 will be THE year!
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posted by Joy Hall
12/31/2014
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posted by Joy Hall
12/31/2014
2jlshall
I don't review every book I read, but I do try to rate each one. This is the rating system I use here at LT:
✭✭✭✭✭.....My "desert island" category - all-time favorites that I wouldn't want to be without; not many get this rating
✭✭✭✭.......Loved it, might consider reading it again
✭✭✭.........An enjoyable read, but probably not something I'll return to; most books will fall into this category
✭✭..........It was OK, but I probably wouldn't recommend it to others
✭............Mediocre; disappointing; had trouble finishing
DNF.......(Did Not Finish) Books I started reading and then abandoned. This doesn't necessarily mean I didn't like a book, just that I wasn't able to finish it or didn't feel like continuing with it. Might or might not finish it later.
3jlshall
1. Last Man Standing: Tales from Tinseltown, by Roger Moore.
Rating: ✭✭✭✭
I started this one last month, but didn't finish it until today, so I'm claiming it as a January read. So there.
Actually, my copy of Sir Roger's book of career anecdotes (from GoodReads' First Reads program) has the original title: One Lucky Bastard. I'm not really surprised they didn't let him get by with that, but I think I do like it better than the one they went with. Last Man Standing has just a bit too much of an echo of mortality about it.
Rating: ✭✭✭✭
I started this one last month, but didn't finish it until today, so I'm claiming it as a January read. So there.
Actually, my copy of Sir Roger's book of career anecdotes (from GoodReads' First Reads program) has the original title: One Lucky Bastard. I'm not really surprised they didn't let him get by with that, but I think I do like it better than the one they went with. Last Man Standing has just a bit too much of an echo of mortality about it.
5jlshall
Thanks and same to you, rocketjk! I'm hoping 2015 will be the year I finally reach that elusive 50-book mark.
6jlshall
2. The Red House Mystery, by A.A. Milne
Rating: ✭✭½
This one started out good, but turned tedious rather quickly. Lots of discussion of why and how the murder was committed, not much action. I think the plot would have been improbable, even at the time it was written -- and now it's almost totally unbelievable and dated. Interesting only because it was written by the creator of Winnie the Pooh.
Rating: ✭✭½
This one started out good, but turned tedious rather quickly. Lots of discussion of why and how the murder was committed, not much action. I think the plot would have been improbable, even at the time it was written -- and now it's almost totally unbelievable and dated. Interesting only because it was written by the creator of Winnie the Pooh.
7jlshall
3. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust, by Alan Bradley (Flavia de Luce series, no. 7)
Rating: ✭✭✭½
I've read two other Flavia de Luce novels, and I've enjoyed them all. Of course, they all require a great deal of "suspension of disbelief" and this one is no different in that area. At least now that Flavia is all of twelve, it's a trifle less difficult to accept her amazing precocity in the realms of chemistry and crime detection. But just a trifle. It's a very fast read -- I read it in less than 24 hours, which is almost unheard of, for me. I'd definitely recommend the series to anyone who loves mystery fiction that's just slightly skewed, but I'd also recommend starting from the beginning. If you haven't read the book just preceding this one (The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches), "Chimney Sweepers" might be a little hard to follow at times.
Rating: ✭✭✭½
I've read two other Flavia de Luce novels, and I've enjoyed them all. Of course, they all require a great deal of "suspension of disbelief" and this one is no different in that area. At least now that Flavia is all of twelve, it's a trifle less difficult to accept her amazing precocity in the realms of chemistry and crime detection. But just a trifle. It's a very fast read -- I read it in less than 24 hours, which is almost unheard of, for me. I'd definitely recommend the series to anyone who loves mystery fiction that's just slightly skewed, but I'd also recommend starting from the beginning. If you haven't read the book just preceding this one (The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches), "Chimney Sweepers" might be a little hard to follow at times.
8jlshall
4. The Case of the Velvet Claws, by Erle Stanley Gardner (Perry Mason #1)
Rating: ✭✭✭
Originally, I thought this was going to be a re-read, but none of it seemed familiar, so I guess I was wrong about that. I was actually a little disappointed in the book -- I guess I was expecting it to be more like the old TV show. Raymond Burr was a little more suave and sophisticated than the Perry Mason in the book, and the relationship between Mason and Della Street is a little more romantic in the book. Also, the Mason in the novel is not above breaking a few laws (including doing a little quiet blackmail work) if it gets him what he wants. But it's a really long-running series, and I'm sure the characters develop over the years. I'll definitely be reading more books in the series.
Rating: ✭✭✭
Originally, I thought this was going to be a re-read, but none of it seemed familiar, so I guess I was wrong about that. I was actually a little disappointed in the book -- I guess I was expecting it to be more like the old TV show. Raymond Burr was a little more suave and sophisticated than the Perry Mason in the book, and the relationship between Mason and Della Street is a little more romantic in the book. Also, the Mason in the novel is not above breaking a few laws (including doing a little quiet blackmail work) if it gets him what he wants. But it's a really long-running series, and I'm sure the characters develop over the years. I'll definitely be reading more books in the series.
9rocketjk
#8> My belief, although it's mostly conjecture, is that the books were written in the noir detective/lawyer style, with everything, including the characters, much more rough around the edges than the TV characters we grew accustomed to. In fact, I think that if you watch the first season of the television show, you'll even find those scripts more in the noir vein. I remember watching one of those very old shows and being surprised at how snide a character Paul Drake was, in particular. My guess would be that they started out making the TV show to mirror the books, but then smoothed out the characters in order to make the show more palatable, safer, for a wider viewing audience.
10jlshall
#>9 rocketjk: Yes, I think you're probably right about that. I haven't watched those early shows in years, but I imagine they were much more noir-ish -- well, that was sort of the age of noir, wasn't it? But I guess they couldn't let Perry and Paul go around using muscle on people!
11jlshall
5. The After House, by Michael Phillip Cash
Rating: ✭✭✭
This was a surprisingly entertaining read. Much more of a romance than a mystery or ghost story, although there is a mystery to be solved, and it does involve ghosts. Also angels. It reminded me quite a bit of the old Gene Tierney/Rex Harrison movie, "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir." (One of my favorites.) But it has its own story to tell, and it does it very amusingly. Actually, I was surprised at how much humor Cash manages to mix with the more serious plot line. This would be a perfect book to take on vacation with you -- it's a very fast read with likeable characters (both dead and alive) and never gets dull.
Rating: ✭✭✭
This was a surprisingly entertaining read. Much more of a romance than a mystery or ghost story, although there is a mystery to be solved, and it does involve ghosts. Also angels. It reminded me quite a bit of the old Gene Tierney/Rex Harrison movie, "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir." (One of my favorites.) But it has its own story to tell, and it does it very amusingly. Actually, I was surprised at how much humor Cash manages to mix with the more serious plot line. This would be a perfect book to take on vacation with you -- it's a very fast read with likeable characters (both dead and alive) and never gets dull.
12jlshall
6. Mike Mulligan and More: Four Classic Stories by Virginia Lee Burton, written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton
Rating: ✭✭✭✭
This is a one-volume edition of four of Virginia Burton's most famous children's picture books: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, The Little House, Katy and the Big Snow, and Maybelle the Cable Car. I signed up for the "I Love Picture Books" reading challenge this year, and this is perfect reading for that. I love all the detail in Burton's artwork, and the fact that it looks like it was done with Crayolas. The Little House is one I remember fondly from my childhood, but the other three were new to me; if I'd read them as a child, I know I'd have loved them, too.
Rating: ✭✭✭✭
This is a one-volume edition of four of Virginia Burton's most famous children's picture books: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, The Little House, Katy and the Big Snow, and Maybelle the Cable Car. I signed up for the "I Love Picture Books" reading challenge this year, and this is perfect reading for that. I love all the detail in Burton's artwork, and the fact that it looks like it was done with Crayolas. The Little House is one I remember fondly from my childhood, but the other three were new to me; if I'd read them as a child, I know I'd have loved them, too.
13jlshall
7. Against the Fall of Night, by Arthur C. Clarke
Rating: ✭✭✭½
Clarke's first novel, originally appearing as a novella in a 1948 issue of "Startling Stories" magazine. Later reworked again and republished as The City and the Stars. I love Arthur C. Clarke's writing and this is a book I've been meaning to read for years now. Not as polished as his more mature efforts, of course, but still a great story and I did enjoy it. Interesting to see a lot of the themes and ideas that show up in his later works getting their first mentions here.
Rating: ✭✭✭½
Clarke's first novel, originally appearing as a novella in a 1948 issue of "Startling Stories" magazine. Later reworked again and republished as The City and the Stars. I love Arthur C. Clarke's writing and this is a book I've been meaning to read for years now. Not as polished as his more mature efforts, of course, but still a great story and I did enjoy it. Interesting to see a lot of the themes and ideas that show up in his later works getting their first mentions here.
14jlshall
So, seven books read in January. If only I could keep up that pace! Wishful thinking, of course. But I think I've made a good start.
Of all the January books, I believe my favorite was the collection of children's picture books by Virginia Lee Burton! I guess that says something pretty disturbing about my emotional development, hmmm?
Of all the January books, I believe my favorite was the collection of children's picture books by Virginia Lee Burton! I guess that says something pretty disturbing about my emotional development, hmmm?
15jlshall
8. The Resurrection Maker, by Glenn Cooper
Rating: ✭✭✭
This was an entertaining read, although a little longer than it really needed to be. The plot kept getting slowed down by discussions of the grail search, Sir Thomas Malory and Arthurian legends, and the life of Antoni Gaudí. All of which was part of the story, but I kept wishing it could have been worked into the action a little more adroitly. Still, a good yarn with an appealing central character -- I'd definitely recommend it, and hope to find time to read more of Cooper's work.
Rating: ✭✭✭
This was an entertaining read, although a little longer than it really needed to be. The plot kept getting slowed down by discussions of the grail search, Sir Thomas Malory and Arthurian legends, and the life of Antoni Gaudí. All of which was part of the story, but I kept wishing it could have been worked into the action a little more adroitly. Still, a good yarn with an appealing central character -- I'd definitely recommend it, and hope to find time to read more of Cooper's work.
29jlshall
22. A Saintly Killing (Faith Morgan Mystery #3), by Martha Ockley
Rating: ✭✭✭
I was a little doubtful about A Saintly Killing when I started reading it. Even though I knew from the start its main character was a vicar, I have to admit being a little put off by the church setting at first. A little too much religion, and not enough whodunnit I thought. But after the first couple of chapters, things picked up a bit and I ended up enjoying it quite a lot. In fact, I wouldn't mind spending more time with Faith Morgan and her parishioners. And I can definitely see myself recommending this one to friends who like cozies.
Rating: ✭✭✭
I was a little doubtful about A Saintly Killing when I started reading it. Even though I knew from the start its main character was a vicar, I have to admit being a little put off by the church setting at first. A little too much religion, and not enough whodunnit I thought. But after the first couple of chapters, things picked up a bit and I ended up enjoying it quite a lot. In fact, I wouldn't mind spending more time with Faith Morgan and her parishioners. And I can definitely see myself recommending this one to friends who like cozies.
30jlshall
23. Beethoven's Tenth, by Brian Harvey
Rating: ✭✭✭
Beethoven's Tenth is the second Rapid Reads novel I've read -- actually, I didn't realize this was one of the series until I received the book. Both the books I've read are short enough to read in one sitting, include a lot of action and dialogue, and are fun to read. I think they'd definitely hold the interest of the audience they're aimed at: ESL students, readers enrolled in literacy programs, young adults, and (as their blog says) "reluctant readers of all ages."
I mostly enjoyed this one. The narrator/protagonist was flawed but attractive and easy to empathize with. The story had just enough twists and surprises to keep me turning pages, and the plot was clever but not terribly complicated. Aside from one long and rather unfortunate episode featuring a septic system caper, the book was a fast, fun read. Recommended, with reservations (yeah, that septic system yarn was a turn-off).
Rating: ✭✭✭
Beethoven's Tenth is the second Rapid Reads novel I've read -- actually, I didn't realize this was one of the series until I received the book. Both the books I've read are short enough to read in one sitting, include a lot of action and dialogue, and are fun to read. I think they'd definitely hold the interest of the audience they're aimed at: ESL students, readers enrolled in literacy programs, young adults, and (as their blog says) "reluctant readers of all ages."
I mostly enjoyed this one. The narrator/protagonist was flawed but attractive and easy to empathize with. The story had just enough twists and surprises to keep me turning pages, and the plot was clever but not terribly complicated. Aside from one long and rather unfortunate episode featuring a septic system caper, the book was a fast, fun read. Recommended, with reservations (yeah, that septic system yarn was a turn-off).
33jlshall
Progress report:
So far, I'm really happy. I've read 25 books which means I'm halfway there, and it's not even June yet! I think that's pretty impressive. But my reading life typically hits a snag during the summer months -- too many other things competing. I hope to complete at least two more books before the end of May, and that should help keep me on track.
So far, I'm really happy. I've read 25 books which means I'm halfway there, and it's not even June yet! I think that's pretty impressive. But my reading life typically hits a snag during the summer months -- too many other things competing. I hope to complete at least two more books before the end of May, and that should help keep me on track.
37jlshall
29. The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo; illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
Rating: ✭✭✭
Read this one for the Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge, back in June. It's one I've had on the "must read someday" list for quite a while now. Cute story, but I had trouble staying interested.
Rating: ✭✭✭
Read this one for the Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge, back in June. It's one I've had on the "must read someday" list for quite a while now. Cute story, but I had trouble staying interested.
38jlshall
30. A Head Full of Ghosts, by Paul Tremblay
Rating:✭✭✭
ARC from Edelweiss.
I liked this one more and more as it went along. It had twists I wasn't expecting, and that's what I look for in a good thriller. The title had me expecting a classic ghost story, but that's really not what Tremblay gives us here; this is something much more original and arguably more disturbing. Good read.
Rating:✭✭✭
ARC from Edelweiss.
I liked this one more and more as it went along. It had twists I wasn't expecting, and that's what I look for in a good thriller. The title had me expecting a classic ghost story, but that's really not what Tremblay gives us here; this is something much more original and arguably more disturbing. Good read.
39jlshall
OK, mid-year and I've read thirty books. If I could keep up this pace, I'd easily reach my goal. Unfortunately, that's a big IF. Summer's here, and there are sooooo many distractions out there.
40jlshall
31. The Truth and Other Lies, by Sascha Arango
Rating: ✭✭✭✭
ARC from Edelweiss
This will definitely be in the running for my favorite book this year. Wonderfully dark, clever plot with a Ripley-esque protagonist you should detest but really can't. Lovely.
Rating: ✭✭✭✭
ARC from Edelweiss
This will definitely be in the running for my favorite book this year. Wonderfully dark, clever plot with a Ripley-esque protagonist you should detest but really can't. Lovely.
41jlshall
32. Tail Gait: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery, by Rita Mae Brown (& Sneaky Pie Brown)
Rating: ✭✭✭
ARC from NetGalley
Actually, three stars is sort of a stretch for this one. I've always loved the Mrs. Murphy mysteries and still enjoy the interaction of all the critters in the books. But I'm afraid the series is really just running out of steam. In this one, the mystery seems to be mostly an afterthought, almost completely lost amidst all the interplay among characters. Which wouldn't be so annoying if that interplay had been a little more interesting. Number 23 in the series, and very slow going. Not a terrible read, just not as enjoyable as the earlier Mrs. Murphy books.
Rating: ✭✭✭
ARC from NetGalley
Actually, three stars is sort of a stretch for this one. I've always loved the Mrs. Murphy mysteries and still enjoy the interaction of all the critters in the books. But I'm afraid the series is really just running out of steam. In this one, the mystery seems to be mostly an afterthought, almost completely lost amidst all the interplay among characters. Which wouldn't be so annoying if that interplay had been a little more interesting. Number 23 in the series, and very slow going. Not a terrible read, just not as enjoyable as the earlier Mrs. Murphy books.
42jlshall
33. The Angel Court Affair: A Charlotte and Thomas Pitt Novel, by Anne Perry
Rating: ✭✭✭
Received through Library Thing's Early Reviewer Program
I had a hard time deciding on a rating for this book. I ended up enjoying it quite a lot, but had trouble getting into it at the beginning -- the first half seemed to drag by much too slowly, with a lot of talking about what MIGHT happen and what HAD happened before the story started. Certainly a lot of discussion going on. But the second half turned out to be really fine stuff and kept me glued to my seat! (So to speak.) All in all, I'd say it was mostly successful. This was my introduction to the series (book number 30!), but I definitely want to read some of the earlier books.
Rating: ✭✭✭
Received through Library Thing's Early Reviewer Program
I had a hard time deciding on a rating for this book. I ended up enjoying it quite a lot, but had trouble getting into it at the beginning -- the first half seemed to drag by much too slowly, with a lot of talking about what MIGHT happen and what HAD happened before the story started. Certainly a lot of discussion going on. But the second half turned out to be really fine stuff and kept me glued to my seat! (So to speak.) All in all, I'd say it was mostly successful. This was my introduction to the series (book number 30!), but I definitely want to read some of the earlier books.
47jlshall
38. Newport: A Novel, by Jill Morrow
Rating: ✭✭✭½
Received through Library Thing's Early Reviewer program
I know "page-turner" is an overused phrase, but Newport kept me turning pages fast enough to finish it in less than twenty-four hours -- so it definitely deserves that epithet. I really didn't expect to enjoy this one so much. Love it when a book surprises me like that.
I will admit that in the beginning I was a little disturbed that the story kept reminding me of Woody Allen's film "Magic in the Moonlight": lovely young medium and the older woman working with her manage to attach themselves to a wealthy family astounded by their seances. Non-believers try to prove the psychic a fraud, but soon fall under the young woman's spell. And, well -- the similarities pretty much end there. Newport is much more entertaining.
Rating: ✭✭✭½
Received through Library Thing's Early Reviewer program
I know "page-turner" is an overused phrase, but Newport kept me turning pages fast enough to finish it in less than twenty-four hours -- so it definitely deserves that epithet. I really didn't expect to enjoy this one so much. Love it when a book surprises me like that.
I will admit that in the beginning I was a little disturbed that the story kept reminding me of Woody Allen's film "Magic in the Moonlight": lovely young medium and the older woman working with her manage to attach themselves to a wealthy family astounded by their seances. Non-believers try to prove the psychic a fraud, but soon fall under the young woman's spell. And, well -- the similarities pretty much end there. Newport is much more entertaining.
48jlshall
39. These five books (each one, fewer than 100 pages) are some of the titles I've read for the "I Love Picture Books" challenge I'm participating in. For the purposes of THIS challenge, I'm counting them as one book.
Anatole, by Eve Titus; illus. by Paul Galdone / Rating: ✭✭✭✭
......
Corduroy, by Don Freeman / Rating: ✭✭✭✭
......
Harry the Dirty Dog, by Gene Zion; illus. by Margaret Bloy Graham / Rating: ✭✭✭✭
......
Harry and the Lady Next Door, by Gene Zion; illus. by Margaret Bloy Graham / Rating: ✭✭✭✭
......
One Morning in Maine, by Robert McCloskey / Rating: ✭✭✭½
Anatole, by Eve Titus; illus. by Paul Galdone / Rating: ✭✭✭✭
......
Corduroy, by Don Freeman / Rating: ✭✭✭✭
......
Harry the Dirty Dog, by Gene Zion; illus. by Margaret Bloy Graham / Rating: ✭✭✭✭
......
Harry and the Lady Next Door, by Gene Zion; illus. by Margaret Bloy Graham / Rating: ✭✭✭✭
......
One Morning in Maine, by Robert McCloskey / Rating: ✭✭✭½
50jlshall
41. The Quick, by Lauren Owen
Rating: ✭✭
I received an ARC of this one from NetGalley last year, but didn't manage to get it read until now. (I should know better than to request really long books.)
OK, this might need a **SPOILER** alert. But I just have to say it: If I'd known this was a vampire book, I never would have started it. Not a vampire fan. I've read Bram Stoker and Anne Rice, and I figure that's all the vampire-ing I can take.
I did enjoy the book's first brief section dealing with the childhood days of James and Charlotte. Owen sets a lovely atmospheric and foreboding scene. But once the older James goes away to University and London, and (for some, really unbelievable reason) gets involved with a men's club made up of vampires -- well, let's just say things deteriorate rapidly. And you've still got 400 pages to read!
Rating: ✭✭
I received an ARC of this one from NetGalley last year, but didn't manage to get it read until now. (I should know better than to request really long books.)
OK, this might need a **SPOILER** alert. But I just have to say it: If I'd known this was a vampire book, I never would have started it. Not a vampire fan. I've read Bram Stoker and Anne Rice, and I figure that's all the vampire-ing I can take.
I did enjoy the book's first brief section dealing with the childhood days of James and Charlotte. Owen sets a lovely atmospheric and foreboding scene. But once the older James goes away to University and London, and (for some, really unbelievable reason) gets involved with a men's club made up of vampires -- well, let's just say things deteriorate rapidly. And you've still got 400 pages to read!
56jlshall
47. The Anger Meridian, by Kaylie Jones
Rating: ✭✭✭½
I received my copy of The Anger Meridian free of charge, from the publisher, through LT's Early Reviewer program. And when I first started the book, I was a little worried that maybe I'd made a mistake in requesting it: The beginning seemed a little too much like several other "chick lit" books I've started and abandoned because there was too much chick and not enough lit. Glad I stuck with this one, though -- I ended up enjoying it much more than I expected to.
It's a quick read; I finished it in a couple of days, which is very fast for me. And even though Merryn, the book's central character, was thoroughly maddening at times, I found myself really pulling for her as the tale unfolded. Of course, my favorite character was Sophia, the doggie -- don't want to create any "spoilers" here, but I thought her story was very satisfying. Well, actually, I thought the whole thing was just that -- totally satisfying. Well written, well plotted, interesting characters, with a bit of romance. And a truly monstrous mother figure. Just a really enjoyable read.
Rating: ✭✭✭½
I received my copy of The Anger Meridian free of charge, from the publisher, through LT's Early Reviewer program. And when I first started the book, I was a little worried that maybe I'd made a mistake in requesting it: The beginning seemed a little too much like several other "chick lit" books I've started and abandoned because there was too much chick and not enough lit. Glad I stuck with this one, though -- I ended up enjoying it much more than I expected to.
It's a quick read; I finished it in a couple of days, which is very fast for me. And even though Merryn, the book's central character, was thoroughly maddening at times, I found myself really pulling for her as the tale unfolded. Of course, my favorite character was Sophia, the doggie -- don't want to create any "spoilers" here, but I thought her story was very satisfying. Well, actually, I thought the whole thing was just that -- totally satisfying. Well written, well plotted, interesting characters, with a bit of romance. And a truly monstrous mother figure. Just a really enjoyable read.
60jlshall
Made it! First time I've actually gotten to that 50-book goal in many years. Should be able to get in at least a few more reads before 2016 gets here. Yay, me!
61jlshall
51. Backstabbing in Beaujolais (Winemaker Detective series #9), by Jean-Pierre Alaux, Noël Balen; trans. by Anne Trager
Rating: ✭✭
This is the first of the Winemaker Detective books I've read, so I won't pass judgment on the whole series. And this one got glowing reviews at GoodReads and Amazon, so I was all set to be dazzled. But now that I've finished the book, I'm wondering what all the uproar was about. It was passably entertaining and a very fast read -- I think it took me about two hours, and I'm a really slow reader. Not much of a mystery, though.
The book starts out promisingly enough with a dead body discovered in a vat of Beaujolais. But then there's a flashback to three months earlier, and we don't get back to that murder until near the end of the book. And by that point I thought it was pretty obvious "who dunnit" and I was beginning not to care.
There was naturally a lot of talk about wine and wine-making and wine country, which I expected and enjoyed. But I was hoping for a little more suspense.
Rating: ✭✭
This is the first of the Winemaker Detective books I've read, so I won't pass judgment on the whole series. And this one got glowing reviews at GoodReads and Amazon, so I was all set to be dazzled. But now that I've finished the book, I'm wondering what all the uproar was about. It was passably entertaining and a very fast read -- I think it took me about two hours, and I'm a really slow reader. Not much of a mystery, though.
The book starts out promisingly enough with a dead body discovered in a vat of Beaujolais. But then there's a flashback to three months earlier, and we don't get back to that murder until near the end of the book. And by that point I thought it was pretty obvious "who dunnit" and I was beginning not to care.
There was naturally a lot of talk about wine and wine-making and wine country, which I expected and enjoyed. But I was hoping for a little more suspense.
62jlshall
So. I made it. Fifty-one books read in 2015. First time in several years that I've actually made it to that 50-book goal. And since it doesn't look very likely that I'll be able to finish another book before the end of the year, I guess I'll wrap this challenge up and get started on my new Fifty Book Challenge thread.
Happy New Year, everyone! And happy reading in 2016!
Happy New Year, everyone! And happy reading in 2016!
