Crazy4reading 2016 Page Challenge

Well I am back again for this challenge. I am going to go for 24,000 pages again this year.

My trackers:

15,000 Pages plus challenge:




I am going to try and keep track of all the books I acquire in 2016. Whether I buy them, receive as gifts or win through the ER program.




List of books:
1. A hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama
2. Along came a spider by James Patterson
3. Cat among the pigeons by Agatha Christie
4. Cat in the Crypt by Ben Baglio
5. Otherwise known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume
6. The art of hearing heartbeats by Jan Philipp Sendker
7. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
8. Nine Rules to break when romancing a rake by Sarah MacLean
9. Away by Amy Bloom
10. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
11. No Place to Hide by Susan Lewis
12. The Gentle Art of a Servant's Heart by Charles Swindoll
13.Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime by Barbara Park
14.Ricky Martin Scrapbook in words in pictures by Anne M. Raso
15. Chosen by PC Cast.
16. Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
17. Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
18. A Pizza the size of the sun by Jack Prelutsky
19. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
20. Contact by Carl Sagan
21. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
22. I'd tell you I love you but then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter
23. Plum Spooky by Stephanie Evanovich
24. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
25. The Accidental by Ali Smith
26. Pyramid by David Gibbins

Welcome back Monica.

Thank you John. It is great to be back.

That is a huge number of pages! Best of luck in your challenge!

>5 SqueakyChu: I am hoping I can read that many this year. I didn't make it last year. Thanks.

Well I finished my first book of the year. It has been a very slow start for me. I will be moving between now and March. I have been trying to get things packed and get rid of things but I keep putting it off. Since I have had my boot off it has still been hard in walking. If I sit for too long my ankles stiffen up. I am hoping I can take some pictures of my new place before any work is done so I can share them with you. I am now just waiting to hear from my agent to discuss the contract that was presented to us.

Okay on with my review:

1. A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama

This was a great book to start the year off for our library book club. I have never read a book by Gail Tsukiyama. I am not that familiar with China's history either. I really enjoyed this book right from the start. I started reading the book but then borrowed the audio from Overdrive to finish the book in time for my book club meeting.

A Hundred Flowers is a novel with a wide variety of characters. You have Wei, Kai Ying, Tao, Song, Sheng, and Suyin. Kai Ying, Tao and Wei are dealing with Sheng being imprisoned for not believing in the new regime in China. Song is a neighbor who is like family. Suyin is a teenage girl who sees Kai Ying while at the hospital. She follows Kai Ying home one day from the market.

Suyin is pregnant and goes into labor while following Kai Ying. The bond that is formed between these characters is very heart warming. I will be looking for more books by Gail Tsukiyama.

4 stars

Here are the books I am still reading:

Along came a spider by James Patterson
No Place to Hide: A Novel by Susan Lewis
Pretend you don't see her by Mary Higgins Clark
Cat among Pigeons by Agatha Christie
Quirkology by Richard Wiseman

Since this is a long weekend I was hoping to finish 2 books. One down and only one more to go.

2. Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

My second book by James Patterson and I was not disappointed in this one either. I have finally met Dr. Alex Cross. This book kept me guessing as to who was guilty. I could tell that there was a twist in this book but I wasn't able to figure it out right away.

Alex Cross gets assigned to a kidnapping at an elite school in Washington DC even though he already has a case. It seems like a cut and dry case and that it could be solved quickly. That is not what happens.

There are some many twists in this book that it kept me on my toes. I will be continuing this series.

4 stars

I am currently reading:

Cat Among Pigeons by Agatha Christie
Pretend you don't see her by Mary Higgins Clark
Quirkology by Richard Wiseman
No Place to Hide: A Novel by Susan Lewis
Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I also need to read:
Pyramid by David Gibbins
Plus my other ER books.

I finished my third book this weekend. Finally getting around to posting my review:

#3. Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie

I love a good mystery and Cat among Pigeons is just that. Agatha Christie is one mystery writer I enjoy reading.

There is not just one murder, but three murders in a prestigious English school, Meadowbank. The book starts out with meeting the characters before they are in school.

I enjoyed the story and how it was written. I kept trying to figure out who did it and I love the fact that I didn't know until the very end.

5 stars

I am currently reading one of my ER books No Place to Hide: A Novel by Susan Lewis and I am enjoying it. I am only up to Chapter 2 and finding it interesting. I have a few more books to read too.

I am still waiting to hear about my house. IF I could get a more definitive date on when I would be moving I would start packing up more. I don't want to live out of boxes for too long. Hoping to hear something this week.

I finished 2 books this weekend. I was packing up some books and decided to take 2 short children's or young reader books. Now I can donate them to either a school or library.

4. Cat in the Crypt by Ben Baglio

I really enjoyed this book. It was a cute story about a missing cat and how everyone in the parish was seeing a white/gray cat. The new priest is allergic to cats and doesn't want a cat. I am glad I took the time to read it.

5 stars

5. Otherwise known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

I love Judy Blume books. This is a great story of a young girl and how she thinks. She has fears but doesn't like to admit it. She has an older sister and this made me think of time about my older sister and how I felt she could ruin things for me or acted like she was the best.

5 stars

I am still reading my ER book No place to Hide and I also need to start reading my Book club book. The art of hearing heartbeats by Jan-Philip Sendker

I finished another book for February.

6. The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker

My first book by this author and I don't think I have ever read one that was translated from a different language. I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

You meet Julia who is looking for her father. He just left one day and never returned. This is a very moving story about love and how it survives through so many different changes. There are so many different facets in this book I cannot begin to delve into all of them. I am glad my book club read this book this month.

5 stars.

Still reading my ER book No Place to Hide and will be picking up Allegiant I need to finish it before the last movie comes out and I still need to see the other 2 movies. I think I need to see if my library happens to have them on DVD.

#7. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

I most likely would not have picked this book up to read if I had seen it at the library. This was our library book club's book for March. I borrowed it from Overdrive because there weren't enough copies to go around to all the members. I enjoyed the audio book very much. The narrator Elizabeth McGovern did a phenomenal job with this book. She has the perfect voice for the Chaperone.

I found myself laughing especially when Louise Brooks made a few of her off hand comments. I never even heard of Louise Brooks until I read this book. I guess some names of famous people just don't register when I read about them. I enjoyed this book and taking a look back at a time when life was different.

To think that you could go to jail for certain things makes you realize just how far America has changed over the years.

5 stars

I am still reading Allegiant by Veronica Roth.

Well I sure haven't posted in awhile. I have finished a few books. Going to post some tonight before heading to bed.

#8. Away by Amy Bloom

My book club always has the most interesting books. This is another one I probably wouldn't have picked up on my own. I enjoyed listening to the story of a woman that comes to America from Russia and then learns that her daughter is still alive. Her journey from New York to Siberia is very interesting. The events and things she encounter make for a very intriguing adventure.

3 stars

I have a few more reviews to finish up. I have been busy with preparing to move and just haven't taken the time to stop in and post. Hope to post one more tonight.

#9. Nine Rules to Break when Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

I loved this story. I was laughing and rooting for our heroine Lady Calpurnia. This is my first book by Sarah MacLean and I think I have found another great romance author.

Lady Calpurnia is a young lady in London whose season has passed and has never married or been in a serious relationship. Her brother tells her to create a list of things she would like to do but he doesn't expect her to actually go through with doing the things listed. Some of the items are things we wouldn't think twice about doing. Entering a men's pub. Drinking Whiskey etc.

Lady Calpurnia has a younger sister who is engaged to a Duke and this is what starts her thinking about her life. The man of her dreams Gabriel St. John is a notorious rake and she remembers the first time she met him. I know I will be looking into more books by Sarah MacLean

5 stars

I am now reading Chosen House of Night by PC and Kristen Cast

I believe I have more reviews to post. I am still in the process of gearing up to move. Hoping my settlement date will be Monday 4/11. If it is I will be taking time off to clean and get the new place ready. Plus I have to find people to help me move all my stuff.

Here are some reviews. Well I finished a few short books this weekend:

#10. Junie B Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime by Barbara Park

This was a cute story. I read just so I could donate to the library.

4*

#11. Ricky Martin A scrapbook in words and pictures by Anne M. Raso

Well I love Ricky Martin and have looked and read this book so many times I figure I may as well just donate it. I need to make room for when I move. Not as much space to store so many book.

5 stars (Mainly because of all the great pictures)

I am reading but not as much as I would like to. I am moving and packing up my belongings. Hard to read while books are in boxes.

Oh I have to share this. A friend at work has a daughter who loves to read and had 3 boxes of books she was planning to donate to Purple Heart. She decided to give those boxes to me. My plan was to see which books I didn't own or have never read and donate the rest to the Friends of the Library. Well I hit the mother load. There were only 3 books in the boxes that I either read, owned or didn't want to keep. I think I added about 200 more books. It was like Christmas for me.

I just realized that I am going to have to add up all the books from those boxes I opened up. I will try to do that tomorrow while at work. Can't wait to see how many books I added to my TBR.

#12. Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I have mixed emotions about this book. I felt that this book moved slow. I enjoyed seeing things through Tris and Four eyes. That was the interesting part of the book.

I just didn't care for the ending. I was surprised.

3 stars

I still don't see how this series was made into a movie. I didn't find the whole series all that great. I saw the movie and I wasn't impressed with that one either. The movie ended differently. Not sure if I would have liked that ending better in the book or not.

Will post more reviews tomorrow.

I am going to post some reviews. I am way behind on them. They are now out of order from when I actually read them.

#13. The Gentle Art of a Servant's Heart by Charles Swindoll

I had decided to read this book so I could donate it and the pictures were very interesting.

3 stars

#14. No Place to Hide by Susan Lewis

This book started out with Justine in America. Her marriage is failing and she is starting over. As you progress in this book you start in present day and then go back 18 years to England. As you keep doing this the past goes from 18, 15, 10, etc. until you find out what happened to cause the turmoil in Justine's life.

I enjoyed the book even when you learn what happened and the tragedy was significant. I just didn't care for Justine and the way she would feel or talk about the problem. I felt she was very self centered and was angry that her son would do what he did. I didn't feel that she looked at everything or even at herself and how she was towards both her children.

I do feel that this book has many underlying meanings. There is bullying, intimidation, and the love of family. To see how her son was treated by his sister, cousins and 'friends', just because he wasn't like them or as talkative as them. I truly felt that he was asking for help. The parents were so wrapped up in their lives that they never noticed.

As a mom and reading about how Justine leaves England because she cannot deal with people looking at her or even talking about the incident. And supposedly doing this to protect her youngest daughter. I felt that Justine was running away. He is your son. Even though he is being mean to you; really look at him and listen to his words. He wanted you there and he needed you there. You proved to him that you really didn't love him. Even now I am tearing up as I think of the letter he wrote her in the end.

This book also has religious undertones but nothing that was too pushy. I didn't feel like I was being preached too.

4 stars

#15. Chosen (House of Night #3) by P C Cast

I enjoyed this book but I felt it was slow moving. I wish I had read this sooner. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

4 stars

#16. Days of Blood & Starlight (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #2) by Laini Taylor

It has been awhile since I started this series and I was afraid that I would be lost. I actually remembered the first book as I was listening to this one. I enjoyed the banter between the characters. I was surprised by the ending.

I did get confused with some of the characters and who was talking at times. I was still able to figure out who was talking. I will be reading or listening to the 3rd book in this series.

4 stars

I am now listening to the 3 book Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor. I am also reading Contact by Carl Sagan along with a few other books.

I am still working on getting all those books together that I got from a friend's daughter.

Here to post some reviews.

#17 Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

I really loved this whole series. I never would have read this book if it wasn't for a BINGO game I play on Goodreads. The characters are wonderfully written. I found myself laughing at the one liners. I have never read a book with angels, chimaera and other creatures. I was fascinated by them.

5 stars

#18 A Pizza the Size of the Sun by Jack Prelutsky

This was my daughter's book growing up. I just wanted to read it now that she is out of the house. I really enjoyed reading the poems. I read them aloud to my dog. I could visualize this book being read to children at story time or even at a library reading time. Some fun poems for children.

5 stars

I am reading The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett for the May Library book club. I am really enjoying it. I am still trying to get through Contact, Pyramid: A Novel (Jack Howard), Something Borrowed and a few others. Would love to finish a few this weekend.

I finished a few books and now just getting around to posting reviews.

#19. Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

I have always wanted to read this book. I am glad our library book club chose this one. It is about a detective that gets hired by a woman who is part of a ring of thieves. The twists and turns the story takes made for an interesting ride.

5 stars

#20. Contact by Carl Sagan

I was surprised by how much this book mentions God and religion. I can't say that there were actual aliens in this book. It is suggested but not definite. Interesting story of receiving a radio transmission from space and deciphering the code. I am glad I read the book but it wasn't quite what I was expecting.

3 stars

#21. Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Well I decided to listen to the audio of this book on my phone since I was going to be painting. I enjoyed the story quite a bit. I had heard good things about this book and series and decided to start reading/listening to it. I found myself picturing the actual scenes while listening to the story. Now I will have to look at the other books in the series.

5 stars

I finished a few books the past few days. Here is one of them:

#22. I'd tell you I'd Love you but then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter

Wow!! As soon as I started reading this book I was enjoying it. I found myself laughing. This is a story about Gallagher Academy which is a school for girls. It is different then your usual private school. These girls are geniuses and being trained to be spies.

I loved the fact that this book is about girls in grades 7 on. The main girls are the girls in the Sophomore class. Cammie who is known as the Chameleon, because people don't notice her, is the one who meets a normal boy and 'falls in love'.

The town near the school thinks the school is for snooty girls. So they usually don't socialize with them. I enjoyed the girls using what they have learned to look into this 'normal' boy to make sure he wasn't a spy. I know I will be continuing with this series.

5 stars

#23. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich

I love the Stephanie Plum books. Plum Spooky you have Diesel back in the picture going after Wolf. Wolf is able to hurt and control people. I enjoyed this book and found myself laughing out loud.

5 stars

#24. Cry Wolf by Patricia Riggs

I seem to always find new series to start. I haven't finished the Mercy Thompson's series and now I am enjoying The Alpha & Omega series. I enjoyed this book a lot. I actually sat here and listened even though I was headed out to the store. This series is about the Alpha and Omega's in the packs. Not sure when I will read the next book.

5 stars

I finished another book. I am only 7 books behind in trying to reach 75 for this year.

#25. The Accidental by Ali Smith

I am not sure what I thought about this book. I enjoyed parts of it but it wasn't one that I didn't want to put down. I didn't understand how the people changed after meeting Amber. I may giver Ali Smith's other books a try but not positive I will.

3 stars.

I didn't know that this one was on the 1001 books to read list. I like surprises like that.

I am currently reading Pyramid: A Novel (Jack Howard) by David Gibbins. I jut started it on Tuesday and only on Chapter 3.

Well my reading seems to be at a standstill. I don't seem to have the time to read or better yet, Netflix has had all my attention. My daughter got me into Dexter and I keep watching it. I am finally on the last season so hopefully I will get some reading done this week.

I also took in another dog to help a friend of my son's. The dog isn't too bad but trying to give walks to just one dog does not go over too well. Plus I still haven't moved into my new place so that is adding to my stress.

I have been reading Pyramid: A Novel (Jack Howard) by David Gibbins for awhile now. It is interesting but just not one that has been able to hold my attention for long periods at a time. I think I have about 4-5 chapters left, give or take a few. Would love to finish the book up this weekend.

#26. Pyramid: A Novel (Jack Howard) by David Gibbins

I have had this book for awhile. I had trouble getting into the book. I have not read any books by David Gibbins before so I didn't know what to expect. I enjoyed the characters and the interactions between them. I found the long history descriptions a tad boring. I understand having to give background information but most of it was just too long. I enjoyed the end when all the action started.

I am not sure if I had possibly read the previous books if that would have made a difference in enjoying the book. I will say if you enjoy the long winded information then this book is one you could possibly enjoy.

3 stars

I didn't realize that I had this book for about a year. I had started it a few time but something always interrupted me from reading it. I knew I had to finish it because it was an ER book. Now I only have 6 books left to read and review.

I also have to post the list of books I have purchased this year. I don't think I have bought that many. Maybe about 6 books. And next month is my Thingaversary so I will be buying books then too.

Well I have officially moved into my new place!! Now comes the process of emptying boxes and putting things away. My daughter started putting my books on the shelf for me. My spare bedroom is right now going to be my storage area for books and other items I need to find a place for. It is looking like a nice little reading nook!! I started organizing my kitchen and realized I still need to bring over my toaster and a few other small appliances. I am so excited. Plus I don't have any internet at home until hopefully Wed. Not much reading is getting done right now.

I never made it on here to post my review. I actually forgot which book it was. Here is one review so far.

#27. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

This book was okay. Not one of my favorites. Not sure it it was just me not enjoying the way it was written.

3 stars.

I did finish 3 more books and will post reviews for them sometime this week...

I also noticed that my tickers aren't updating. Not sure as to why that is. Total pages after this book is: 7,990

Okay so here are some books that I finished but never posted my reviews of:

#28. I almost forgot about you by Terry McMillan

I finally finished this book. I started this book awhile ago and then I moved and I just didn't have the time to devote to reading it. I enjoyed I Almost Forgot About you. This was my first book by Terry McMillan and I loved it!! I found myself laughing out loud and also seeing myself in somethings she did or said.

This is the story of a mature woman thinking about her past relationships and wanting to contact them just to see how they are doing now. Here interactions with her exes were great.

I will look for more books by Terry McMillan.

5 stars

#29. Come Home by Lisa Scottoline

I enjoyed this book. It was about a woman who was divorced and then her one step daughter arrives distraught because her father was killed. I found the story interesting and enjoyed the characters. I will be trying more books by Lisa Scottoline.

5 stars

#30. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

I really enjoyed this story. I found myself loving the characters and the interactions with each other. I felt that this story touched on many aspects of human nature. I could see how some of the things even relate now. The way some people still treat others because their hair is different, they have an accent, different religion, darker complexion etc.

I loved how Major Pettigrew realized how he was just like others and doing the things he did because of wanting to appear equal to his neighbors. I am glad that we read this book for our book club.

5 stars

I know I am not going to reach 75 books this year but I sure have enjoyed the books I have read this year.

My daughter and her husband went to London over the Christmas Holiday and I cannot wait to see her pictures. She has been sending me snapchats and I have enjoyed viewing them.

I also found some free books at work. They were sitting on the table in the kitchen. Of course I picked them up. I couldn't resist. These are the books I picked up:

How Sweet it is by Sophie Gunn
Sweet Trouble by Susan Mallery
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman by Jillian Hunter