Dara85 75 book challenge

This will be a challenge for me. I read 74 books in 2008.

1. Mr. Timothy by Louis Bayard

I would not recommend. It was not my cup of tea. If you are a classic lover which I am not or someone who enjoys a Victorian England setting you might like it.

Welcome to the group, Dara!

I read Mr. Timothy a couple of years ago and liked it, but then I am a classic lover and a Victorian England buff. Oh, well, I am sure you will find something you enjoy reading in 2009!

Testimony by Anita Shreve

I enjoyed this. Several of the voices such as the mother of the son who made the wrong choice was right on. I also thought the emotions of Noelle, regarding her first love were very typical.

Sounds like a book I should try! Thanks for the review - on to Continent TBR it goes!

I finished Nicole Brown Simpson: The Private Diary of a Life Interrupted by Faye D. Resnick

It was interesting.

4. Cross Country by James Patterson.

This is the latest in the Alex Cross series. It has a lot of action and is very good.

Thats good to hear, dara. I have Cross Country sitting here looking at me.

cal8769,

Enjoy! I see several people did not care for this one. I thought it was great!

Good to see you here and get your views. I do like the Alex Cross series too :)

5. Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen

I enjoyed this mystery. One of my goals is to go back and read all of her books in the Rizzoli/ Isles series this year. I have read 3 of them so far.

6. The Homecoming by Earl Hamner Jr.

See my review.

7. Little Heathens by Mildred Armstong Kalish

I enjoyed this. Our book group is discusssing it in February.

8. The Sister's Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter

No touchstones for this one.

If you enjoy Amish fiction this is a pretty good one. Similar to Beverly Lewis' Abram's Daughters series. The Lewis series had a few more twists this one was pretty straight forward, the reader knew what was going to happen.

Do you mean fiction about the Amish?

Yes, Suslyn this is fiction about the Amish. I actually liked Beverly Lewis' series better, but if you have read that and liked it, you might also like this.

9. The Killer's Wife by Bill Floyd

This was interesting. I would rate this book average.

10. Angel Falls by Kristin Hannah

See my review

I have never read 10 books in a month!

Oh well then -- Congratulations!!


glitter-graphics.com

Woo Hoo! Congratulations on making it to 10 in January! Keep up the good reading!

Thanks alcottacre!!!

11. The Night Villa by Carol Goodman

I still think The Lake of the Dead Languages is her best book. If you like historical fiction, settings in the ancient past, you might enjoy this book. The ending was quite good.

#21: I liked The Lake of Dead Languages, but it is the only book of Goodman's that I have read to date. I will give this one a shot. Thanks for the mention.

12. Tweak byNic Sheff

I think this might be a good book for teens to read. It kind of reminded me of Go Ask Alice which I read over 30 years ago.

I intend to read the book written by his father David Sheff.

13. In the Woods by Tana French

Many people liked this. I think of thriller as being a page turner. For me, this was NOT! I think I will pass on her next book.

14. Tombstone Courage by J.A. Jance

I enjoyed this second J.A. Jance series more than the first.

15. The Dentist of Auschwitz by Benjamin Jacobs

Survival in Auschwitz.

16. Second Summer of Sisterhood by Ann Brashares

This was a good book about teenage girls relationships with their mothers.

17. Keeping the House by Ellen Baker

This was a great family saga. If you like soap operas you would enjoy this book. It was very believable.

18. Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent

19. Don't Look Twice by Andrew Gross

What did you think of Don't Look Twice? I read The Dark Tide (enjoyed) and The Blue Zone (it was OK) by him. He writes like James Patterson but not as well.

I really loved Dark Tide and I did not think Don't Look Twice? was nearly as good. I too, see a lot of similarities to James Patterson. I will probably read his next book when it comes out. I haven't read The Blue Zone, it is on my TBR list.

20. Darkness More than Night byMichael Connelly

I did not think this was the best Harry Bosch book I have ever read. Terry Exciting ending!

If you want The Blue Zone I'll send it to you. Just PM me your address and I will get it in the mail sometime next week.

21. In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O' Brien

I still stand by my remark in name your top 5 books this quarter. I have not read anything outstanding yet this year.

re: above book I don't like book without a resolution.

22. Inside the Mind of BTK byJohn Douglas

This was very interesting.

#36: I have read several of John Douglas' books and found them all to be interesting, but have not gotten to that one yet. Thanks for the mention!

23. Dirty Little Angels by Christopher Tusa

This was a very dark book. It was a short read.

24. Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher

This has some great laugh out loud parts.

25. The Secret by Beverly Lewis

Touchstones not working.

I thought this was a good beginning to a series. Abram's Daughter's series by Beverly Lewis is still my favorite.

26. Dust to Dust by Tami Hoag

This was not as good as other Tami Hoag's I have read.

27. Safer by Sean Doolittle

This started off kind of slow. The last half wasn't bad. Really creepy!

28. The Associate by John Grisham

Grisham is back! After several "bad" books, I thought this was good. I gave it four stars. Not his usual twisted ending, but I was satisfied.

29. Vanish by Tess Gerritsen

I thought was one of her best.

30. Change of Heart byJodi Picoult

I loved the way the book ended.

#44: I have read several of Gerritsen's books, but not that one. I will have to take a look! Thanks for the recommendation.

31. Phony: How I Faked My Way through Life by Andrea Stanfield

Interesting non-fiction book, about a woman who faked the fact she had a degree to get a high powered job. She worked in the corporate world for 10 years and then the guilt of having lied got to her.

See My review.

#47: The book sounds as though it is interesting. My primary question would be what her employer did about the situation. Does she talk about it in the book?

Nothing--one of her underlings, she claims figured it out and never told on her. When her boss was found to embezzled millions from the company, stricter background checks were coming down the pike. That was one of the reasons she quit.

32. The Lieutenant's Lady by Bess Streeter Aldrich

If you are a librarian looking for a romance without sex or strong language for a patron this 1942 Best Seller should fit the bill.

See my review.

#49: Thanks for the additional info. I think I will see if I can find a copy of the book.

33. A Christmas Memory, including One Christmas and The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote

I enjoyed these short stories.

34. Split Image by Judy Mercer

I did not feel this was as good as some of her previous books.

35. The Rope Walk by Carrie Brown

This is the All Iowa Reads for 2009. It was a coming of age story. Once you get past all the description at the first of the book it is good. There is a lot that can be discussed. I can see why they picked it.

#54: That one looks pretty good! I will add it to the Continent.

alcottacre,

I liked it. I thought the ending was definitely worth it. I think you will enjoy it. My discussion is not until next month, so we will see how the patrons like it!

36. The Search for Joyful by Bendict and Nancy Freedman.

This is a continuation of Mrs. Mike which I read years ago. It takes their adopted Indian daughter, Kathy and follows her life as she becomes a nurse during World War II in Canada.

#57: I read Mrs. Mike just last year and enjoyed it, so I will be on the lookout for the followup book. Thanks for the recommendation.

37. Hush by Anne Frasier

This was a great mystery. (See my review)

#59: That one looks like a book I would enjoy. I am adding it to Planet TBR. Thanks!

38. Murder in Little Egypt by Darcy O'Brien (see review)

39. No One You Know by Michelle Richmond (see review)

40.8th Confession by James Patterson

This was a good Women's Murder Club book. There were several unexpected twists.

41. Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

This is a book that I think kids would enjoy. It held my interest, most of the time, but as an adult it was not terribly exciting.

42. The Innocent byHarlan Coben

This was very good. I think this is one of the best Harlan Coben's I have read.

43. Missing Pieces by Joy Fielding

Interesting premise, her sister falls in love with a serial killer at his trial and ends up marrying him.

44. The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer

This takes place in Victorian England and is told from the POV of the wet nurse.

Alcott: I think you would like this one.

This is an ARC and if anyone wants it is going on Bookmooch--MOOCHED

I will give it a try! Thanks for the recommendation.

45. T is for Trepass by Sue Grafton

46. Columbine by Dave Cullen

I saw your review Alcott. I concur. Excellent book. For anyone who wants to know the truth.

47. After Etan: The Missing Child Case that Held America Captive by Lisa R. Cohen

I thought this book was going to focus more on Etan and his family instead the attorney trying to get Ramos to admit his guilt.

48. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

I liked this book. I did not just love it like a number of other people.

49. Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown

50. Grace Notes by Charlotte Vale Allen

See Review

51. Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan

I did not think this was anything special. I really enjoyed O'Nan's non-fiction, The Circus Fire.

52. Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding my True Voice by Maureen McCormick

For someone who grew up watching The Brady Bunch I found this very interesting.

53. Heartsick by Chelsea Cain

As a reader of true crime even some scenes in this book got to me. Very graphic. It was good in a sick sort of way.

I will probably read her next book.

54. The Dog Who Came to Stay by Hal Borland

I think anyone who enjoyed Marley and Me would probably enjoy this book. Though not as funny as Marley, Borland is a good writer.

I enjoyed the antics of Pat.

55. The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles

The was a good mystery. I have really enjoyed the Penn Cage series.

#79: Looks like a series I would enjoy. I will check it out!

56. Swimsuit by James Patterson

This was different than a lot of Patterson books. To me it seemed to start off kind of slow, not as fast paced or action packed as some of his other books. It did pick up about page 100. The twisted endings James Patterson is famous for wasn't there. I did enjoy this book and would recommend it to those who love James Patterson.

57. Sister's Test by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This was a continuation of the first book, The Sister's Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter
someone is vandalizing the Hostettler's property and causing injury.

58. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

I think anyone of any faith can get something out of this book. What great friendship!

59. Miracle on the Mountain by Mike and Mary Couillard (See review)

60. Sold by Patricia Mccormick

Altough fiction, a candid portrayal of young girls in Nepal and India sold for sex.

61. Murder at Holy Cross by Peter Davidson

62. Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson

This was not my favorite of this series.

63. The Pact by Jodi Picoult

I liked My Sister's Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, The Tenth Circle and Change of Heart better. This was better than Mercy.

64. Latter-Day Cipher by Latayne Scott

I learned a lot of about Mormon beliefs.

65. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf

Excellent first novel.

#90: Thanks for the recommendation on that one. I am going to look for it.

66. Murder at 40 Below by Tom Brennan
(See my review)

Ten short true crime stories that took place in Alaska.

67. House of Smoke by J. F. Freedman (see Review)

68. Jake's Orphan by Peggy Brooke
(See Review)

This was a good children's historical fiction. It won several awards.

#94: I will look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation.

69. Rage to Kill by Ann Rule

Ten good true crime mysteries.

70. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

This has been on my TBR list for a long time. It was well written. If I had not read so many books about the Mormons in the last year this would have been much more enjoyable. I did like it.

71. Intensive Care by Echo Heron

I loved the parts about the different patients and the doctors she encountered.

72. Fractured by Karin Slaughter

This was the second Will Trent novel. He is a very likeable, sympathetic character. I enjoyed this book.

#99: I enjoy Slaughter's Grant County series, so I will check this series out as well.

73. Shoot/ Don't Shoot by J. A. Jance

I think this series gets better and better. The books often start off slow, but there is a lot going on.

#101: Have you read any of Jance's J.P. Beaumont series? It is good as well.

No, alcottacre I haven't read her J. P. Beaumont series. Is it good? Once I get closer to the end of this one, I might have to try that series too. Thanks for the tip!

74. Prairie Tales by Melissa Gilbert

This book is not listed in the touchstones!

A very frank memoir of the life of Melissa Gilbert. For anyone who was a fan of Little House on the Prairie.

#103: I actually prefer the Beaumont series to the Brady series, but that's just me. I really like whatever Jance writes.

75. Orchid Blues by Stuart Woods
This is the second in the Holly Barker series. Stuart Woods is one of the few authors (I have about 3), all mystery authors that I have never read a bad book written by him. This was a very fast paced, exciting mystery.

75. Orchid Blues by Stuart Woods
This is the second in the Holly Barker series. Stuart Woods is one of the few authors (I have about 3), all mystery authors that I have never read a bad book written by him. This was a very fast paced, exciting mystery.

I made it to 75!!!!!! ( Does happy dance!!!!)

On to Take 2!

Congratulations!

Congrats!

Take 2

1. (76) The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon

A great Christmas story.

#111: I have never heard of that one. I will see if I can locate a copy. Thanks for the recommendation.

2. (77) Lottery by Patricia Wood

This did remind me of The Curious Incident of the Dog of the Night Time by Mark Haddon.

#113: I already have that one in the BlackHole or I would add it again!

Woo hoo Good for you. Nice batch of books!

3. (78.) Sacrifical Ground by Thomas H. Cook

If you wanted to read one of his books, I would not choose this one. Everything else of his that I have read is good.

4. (79.) She Walks these Hills by Sharyn McCrumb

I enjoyed this book.

5. (80.) The Christmas List by Pete Nelson

(The Amazon blurb is right on. See my review anyway)
Great seasonal read!

6. (81.) A Long December by Donald Harstad

This is my December book for my TBR challenge. I have completed that.

I hope I can do as well next year!!

Congratulations on finishing your TBR challenge!

Thanks alcottacre!!!

7. (82.) A Random Act by Cindi Broaddus

This non-fiction was very uplifting. (See my review)

#121: That one looks pretty good. Into the BlackHole it goes!

8. (83.) Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson

Don't let the title fool you. Alex Cross isn't in it except to say at the beginning this a story of a relative. It was historical fiction. Good book.

I did not realize Patterson had written any historical fiction. I will have to check that one out.

9. (84.) The Burn Farm by Michael Benson

A not so good true crime book.

10. (85.) Lassie Come Home by Rosemary Wells

If you have youngsters, this book is great. The illustrations are just beautiful!!!

11. (86.) My Antonia by Willa Cather

My sister had to read this while she was in school and I never had to. It started kind of slow, I really enjoyed it.

#127: My Antonia is one of my personal favorites! Glad you enjoyed it.

12. (87.) Atonement by Ian McEwan

This started off really slow, I admit I skipped a bunch of pages before I got to 200.

I guess I am not overly fond of an English setting.

The story was okay. For me it could have moved a lot faster.