Crazy4reading's 2009 goal - 50 books!!

Well I have to start from the beginning of the year with my challenge. This is going to be an experience for me since I have never really kept track of how many books I read in a year. I just started reading a book late Monday night and I hope to finish it tonight.

So here is my first book:

1. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

It is a very easy read and entertaining with what I have read so far. I love Dumbledore's little tidbits about the fairy tales.

I know that is an easy book and I should have read it in one day. I started the book at about 11pm on Monday and read for a few minutes before I went to bed. Now I just need to decide which book to pick up next to read for this challenge....

Any suggestions/ideas are welcome!!

Thanks!

I saw this on another person's challenge and decided to make one for myself:




Here is a link to my 999 Challenge:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/55041

my list of books:

1. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
2. Real Vampires Have Curves by Gerry Bartlett
3. You Lost him at Hello by Jess McCann
4. Restless Hearts by Marta Perry
5. The Johnstown Flood of 1889 The Tragedy of the Conemaugh by Paula & Carl Degen
6. 20-Minute Burn by Matt Roberts
7. Better Homes and Gardens Eat and Stay Slim
8. Santa's Favorite Cookies by Ltd. Publications International
9. Pilates body in motion by Alycea Ungaro
10. Betty Crocker's Cooky Book
11. The Addict: One Patient, One Doctor, One Year by Michael Stein
12. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
13 The Red Pony by John Steinbeck
14. Roadside Prey by Alva Busch
15. Judging Justine by Penny Richards
16. A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer
17. The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer
18. A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer
19. Stronger After Stroke by Peter G. Levine
20. Workshop of the Second Self by Gary Wolf
21. Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
22. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
23. Gray Apocalypse by James Murdoch
24. Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
25. Peter Carrot-Top in Search of the 8th key by Yolanda Jackson
26. With Music and Justice For All by Frye Gaillard
27. The Naked Face by Sidney Sheldon
28. The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie
29. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
30. Die Struwwelliese by Cilly Schmitt-Teichmann

Sorry the touchstones don't seem to be working for #'s 19 & 20.

This is going to be an experience for me since I have never really kept track of how many books I read in a year.

Hey crazy,

You'll enjoy it. Last year was my first year keeping track and I really had a good time with it.

Read on!

hey that's the second book I read this year as well - and I enjoyed Dumbledore's bits more than the fairy tales actually. It's also my first challenge, I'm hoping I won't abandon it midway through (I get bored easily). Good luck with yours!

Thank you rocketjk and girlunderglass.

I hope I can keep up with this too girlunderglass. I had started late last year and only made it to 15 books. Hopefully I will have better luck this time around.

I finished book number 2. Real Vampires Have Curves. Here is my review:

I loved this book. Glory is a full figured vampire who has had an on and off again relationship with a Scotsman name Jeremy Blade. She wants her independence and to own her own vintage clothing store. She moves to Austin Texas and opens up her store. A vampire hunter makes Glory her target and Blade is there to protect her.

This book kept me glued to the pages. I didn't want to stop reading unless I really had to. I know I will be reading more books by Gerry Bartlett.

Now I have to find my next book to read... goes off to look for a book to read..

Hi, welcome to the challenge. I've kept a book journal for the last few years, but this is my first time to do it publicly. It's a bit daunting, but I'm sure we'll both have a great time. Welcome and see ya' round!

Thank you theaelizabet. Hope to see you around too. I am having a great time doing this challenge so far... I may just get through some of my TBR books.

Real Vampires Have Curves sounds like a fun book. I may have to check that out sometime.

I am currently and almost finished reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and am really enjoying it. Sometimes I forget that it actually fiction.

What are you going to read next?

I am actually reading a book called You lost him at Hello: A Saleswoman's Secrets to Closing the Deal with any Guy you Want. I won that book on a different site so I figured I may as well read and review it for both sites. It is entertaining. I just hope I can finish it in a few days. I do have to finish organizing my books so that I can figure out what to read next.

You should check out Real Vampires have Curves. I picked it up on sale at Borders not really looking at the title and I am really glad I did. I had little chuckles through out the book. Now I want to read the next book and any more that there are in that series or what ever you want to call it.

I will add Real Vampires Have Curves to my list on my library site. That way I can remember to request it later from the library when I get through the ones I have on hold to pick up today. =D

I also have two ER books to read and review for LT there. One I have started, just need to finish. I am distracted by other books and stuff. The other I need to start. Also, they say they are sending me another from the December batches. If I read all these books, I will be well on my way to reaching my goal for 2009.

Yes the ER books are the ones I try to read first just so that they aren't hanging over my head. I just have one to read right now until I receive my one from LT December batch. I have to renew my membership with our public library and also check out the free library in my town too. I was in there yesterday and didn't really find too much they are really small right now. I will check it out on Thursday since I am off from work and maybe pick up a book or two then.

I am sure I will only actually go into my public libraries when picking up the books or returning them. since the website is so good for finding books, putting in a request to have them put on hold when available so I can pick them up and check them out. I have two locations near me that I can do pick up and returns from, but they will send books from other locations if I request them for a specific location. It is really nice.

I think I will try and check out one of the libraries near me tomorrow since I am off from work.

3. You Lost Him at Hello by Jess McCann

If you are single and tired of dating the wrong guy this book is for you. I enjoyed the book even though I am not single and looking for a man. The reason I enjoyed the book is because it made me think about the way I act around people whether men or women. I also started to pay attention to the way I act around people. There are parts of the book that I can see also helping you out if you are married.

This book is written by a sales woman, Jess McCann. She has taken the rules for making a sale and has used the techniques to get dates. Some of the things she talks about are knowing your product, love your product, packaging your product. The product in this book is you.

The SEE factor does work. It stands for Smile. Eye contact. Energy. Just try it when you are walking down the street or in the mall. See a guy whether he would be someone you really liked just look at him make eye contact smile with energy, then watch for the reaction.

Jess also dishes on her friends and explains what some of them do wrong. That made the book more real and not just a person trying to tell you something that they haven't tried themselves.

I rate this book 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Now I need to find a book to read...

4. Restless Hearts by Marta Perry

This is a romance book I received for free in the mail. It is a Love Inspired book by Steeple Hill. They are trying to get me to join a club. This is the 2nd book I have received and read by Steeple Hill.

This book is about a woman who moves from San Francisco to Pennsylvania Dutch to become a mid wife. I found the story fast moving and couldn't stop reading it. It is nice to read a book about love and god together. Fiona moves to Pennsylvania Dutch and finds the families she has been missing all her life. Her mother's family is Amish and her father's family is not. I enjoyed this story considering I live in Pennsylvania and it was nice to see the Amish depicted so well in this story.

I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.

Wow... look at you go with the reading. =D

Thanks I have had some easy books right now. I just started another short book hopefully.

Hi, crazy4reading!
I just wanted to stop by and say hello! Thanks for commenting on my thread.
--BJ

Hi billiejean!!
Thanks for stopping by. I love to see what everyone is reading and to hopefully get some ideas of books to try.

I finished another book.

5. The Johnstown Flood of 1889 The Tragedy of Conemaugh by Paula & Carl Degen

Here is my review:

Okay this is a true story. I love to read about actual events through out the world. This is something that I found interesting because it is happened in the state that I live. Even though it happened many years ago it is still something that shapes us as people and also to see how man can cause such terrible events themselves.

If you like to learn about history then this is a book you will enjoy.

Now off to find another book to read... I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Good luck on your book search. Boy, you are really knocking out the books. You may have to increase your challenge next year. *smiling*

Thanks. First time for me to actually keep track of what I am reading. I know I have never read 50 books in a year. I figure I may as well start out small and if I am able to read more then 50 I will join the 75 next year. It will be awhile till my next review because I am reading an exercise book and a cook book (for my 999 challenge).

Johnstown Flood does sound good. I actually love historical-based books. Wish I had time to read more of them.

I really enjoyed it and it was a very easy read. There are a lot of pictures which were very interesting and sad to look at.

6. 20-minute burn by Matt Roberts

I read this book because I am on a health kick again this year. The book was informative and great photos of the exercises. Matt talks about using PHA training which stands for Peripheral Heart Action. PHA is a dynamic change to your routine that will lift your current fitness level to new heights. The workouts are for fat loss, muscle-sculpting, bulking up and endurance. You can choose the workout that best suits your needs.

3 out of 5 stars

Thanks, C4R (I dislike calling people crazy until I'm positive they are) for commenting on my thread today. It's nice to meet someone in the 50 Book Challenge--most of my hoity-toity "friends" have graduated to the 75, and one is doing 150. I, however, prefer to not feel the pressure of what is really just a fun goal.

No problem, you can call me crazy or even nutz (my other names usually start with nutz4....), mainly because I am known to get nutz or crazy about things. I was thinking of trying the 75 challenge since I am doing the 999 Challenge. I just don't want to feel that I have to read that many. If I make it to that amount then I will be happy. I don't even want to think about trying for 100 let alone 150.

I will be watching your thread...

I am going to start posting my books in the beginning thread so they are all together.

7. Better Homes and Gardens Eat and Stay Slim

Since I am a very picky eater I found most of these recipes a little to rich for me. I found a few good recipes such a baked potato fries. Everything in this book is meant to help you loose or maintain your healthy weight. There are also charts for exchanges of meat, starches and fats etc...

I have to give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it is very informative about nutritious food.

This looks like a good book for me to get. I like BHG and I love cookbooks and I need help with the getting slim part, too.
--BJ

It is a good book for that. My son has made some things out of it. He made one of the chicken recipes and I liked it except for all the fruit on top. I love fruit but not cooked.

8. Santa's Favorite Cookies by Ltd. Publications International

I love to bake cookies and there are some wonderful recipes in here for just that. Some I have used from other cookbooks but most are new to me. I can't wait to try some of them out at Christmas time this year.

5 out of 5 stars

9. Pilates body in motion by Alycea Ungaro

I had started reading this book years ago but never could get the time to really read it until now. I have done some of these exercises during an aerobics class. The illustrations in the book really help you see the correct and incorrect ways to perform the exercises.

You are introduced to the meaning of Pilates and the Language. Your goal is to have a strong core which will help with your balance and posture. There are 4 exercise programs, Introduction Program, Beginner's Program, Intermediate Program and Advanced Program. This book is useful for those who are new to Pilates or someone who is experienced.

4 out of 5 stars

I think I will take a break from the cookbooks, exercise and self help books for now. (I doubt that)

10. Betty Crocker's Cooky Book

I remember my mom making cookies from this book. This was her book and was published in 1963. I loved reading the recipes and seeing the marks she made next to the cookies she made.
There are recipes in here that I have never even seen before. This book is great for all levels of bakers. The beginning goes over some basic utensils, measuring and even some hints. I highly enjoyed seeing the variations to many of the recipes in the book, just by adding a different spice or adding nuts.
The best part of the book for me was the section called Betty Crocker's Best Cookies. My version has the best cooky of certain 10 year or 5 year periods starting at 1880. I enjoyed reading the blurb about the cookie and the historical highlights of events that happened during those periods.
So if you need a new cookie recipe or just want to find an old favorite then check out Betty Crocker's Cooky Book!!

5 stars!!!

This is my last cook book for a little while. Need to read something else for now...

I have some of my mom's cookbooks. They mean so much to me. Just looking through them, I feel connected to her. I remember cooking with her. Thanks for the memories! :)
--BJ

Aww, that is how I feel too. This is the oldest of her cookbooks that I believe I have. I actually think it may have been her mother's but I am not sure on that.

10 Books already?! Way to go. I just finished four, however my goal is smaller than yours. Do you ever sleep?

Lol, yes I do sleep, and thanks. It is taking me awhile to read my current book. I should be done tomorrow. The cookbooks were easy because I didn't read every single recipe from beginning to end.

Well I just finished my ER book. Here is my review:

11. The Addict: One Patient, One Doctor, One Year by Michael Stein

When I read the little blurb about this book I figured it was about one patient and everything that that patient went through for that whole year. As I read the book I started to realize that the author is talking about one kind of patient and not just one person.

Michael introduces us to Lucy, who is the main patient he talks about in the book. The kind of patient he is also talking about in the book is the patient that is an Opiate addict. The author mentions other addicts who are either addicted to OxyContin, Heroin or Lucy's drug of choice Vicodin.

It took me awhile to get into the book mainly because of the author being in a session with Lucy and then he would start to write about another addict he was seeing, facts about addiction in general or just some questions he wanted to ask but didn't.

Overall the book was great and I highly enjoyed it. I was interested in seeing how Lucy would handle the affects of going through withdrawal from Vicodin. This isn't your typical book about a drug addict going into detox. This is a story about a young lady wanting to have a normal life without drugs. The Doctor has a program for addicts. It is not open to just anyone. He chooses those that he feels will benefit from his program. It is a slow process and not something that can happen over a few days, weeks or even months, especially when the addict has been using for about 15 years.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars out of 5

12. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders is a book that I have read before. It is about a boy, Ponyboy, and his 'brothers', 'gang' or 'friends'. Even though I know how this book ends I read it over and over again.

You have the Greasers (Ponyboy and his buddies) and the Socs. Socs have it all, the money, the cars etc. at least that is how Ponyboy sees it. Ponyboy grows up in this book, even though everything happens in about a 2 week period.

I love this book and rate it 5 stars.

Hi, Monica!
I loved this book when I read it. Apparently, this book was written by a Tulsa high school student. So it is kind of famous here. :)
--BJ
ETA Maybe she wasn't in high school when she wrote it. I need to ask my daughter but she is asleep now.

Hi BJ,

I did not know that, thanks for the information. I wouldn't be surprised if she was in high school at the time. Have you read any of her other books? I need to buy them because she is a great author and have always wanted to read them.

Monica

I don't think that I have read any of her other books. I will see if my daughter has. That Rumble Fish title sounds somewhat familiar. Have a great day!
--BJ

40, 41 Hi, I remembered this interview with S.E. Hinton on our local public radio show and thought you both might be interested in it. She wrote the Outsiders her senior of high school--the year she failed high school English! Anyway, you can find interview here: http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/episodes/2005/09/06/segments/51272

Thank you so much for that link Theaelizabet. I loved it and found it very interesting. I learned a lot about the author, book and movie. Now I will definitely be buying her other books, and I can't wait to see the new movie for The Outsiders.

13. The Red Pony by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck's book about a boy and his first pony. I was truly drawn into this book from the beginning when Jody is given a red pony. He takes wonderful care of the pony, Gabilan, and is worried when ever anything could possibly hurt Gabilan.
Jody's father is a man that does not like to show weakness or emotions. Billy Buck is the worker that helps on their farm. Billy teaches Jody how to train the pony with the bridle, halter etc.
I love horses and enjoyed reading about the boy training his horse, and the birth of a colt. In the first chapter I was surprised as to the loss the boy had to deal with after just a short time with Gabilan.

4 out of 5 stars

I am reading two more books now, Roadside Prey and Judging Justine

>44 crazy4reading: hmm...never read that one, sounds good. I've read Of Mice and Men, East of Eden and Tortilla Flat by Steinbeck, and out of the three East of Eden was by far my favorite. It is also the lengthiest of them all (the other two are more like novellas) but totally worth it!

I've always loved Steinbeck and, I would guess due to the current economic distress, he seems to be back in favor. A lot of book clubs are taking another look at his work again. I've read Of Mice and Men, East of Eden, Travels with Charley and about 1/3 of Tortilla Flat (which was delightful but I put it aside a month ago due to a tight schedule; I'll come back to it soon) and of those, Of Mice and Men is probably my favorite. This really has to be the year to read Grapes of Wrath, though. I can't believe I'm missed it. C4R--do you have any plans to read more Steinbeck?

Thanks for those other titles by John Steinbeck. The Red Pony was the first book I read by him. I did not realize that he had written Of Mice and Men. I will be looking at his other titles and giving some thought to reading them.

Theaelizbet- I have not given any definite thought to read or not to read more of Steinbeck. Seeing the titles that you two have mentioned makes me think I will be reading more of his books.

I just finished number 14. Look for my review soon.

14. Roadside Prey by Alva Busch

This book was very interesting to say the least. I was grossed out by most of the stuff this guy did to the women. Roadside Prey is the true story about Robert Ben Rhoades and his murders and assaults to women that he picked up on the highway, or at truck stops.
The story begins with Rhoades picking up a girl at a truck stop. Just reading the book gave me chills at how the young girls just went with him. He was able to manipulate them and make them feel very comfortable with him. As you read the book you learn more about his personal life and addiction to violent sex. If you can handle explicit detail about women having their bodies tortured with the devices that are shown in the book then you should give this book a chance.
I don't want to give away too much about what exactly happened to the girls, women and young ladies but just know that this guy was a sadistic man.

5 Stars *****

Definitely read Grapes of Wrath if you are interested in Steinbeck. It is my favorite of his novels. Cannery Row is also a wonderful read.

Thanks for the recommendations dperlo. Steinbeck is a new author that I read this year. I have had The Red Pony for a while I just never took the time to read it. I will add those books to my wish list...

I finished number 15 tonight. Below is my review:

15. Judging Justine by Penny Richards

Justine and Wes are the two main characters in this book. Two people from totally different kinds of family. Wes is from the affluent side of town while Justine is not.
This wasn't your typical romance with sex every other chapter. Wes had gone out with Justine Sutton when he was in high school because he had heard she was easy. They had fallen in love then but were both too young to realize what real love was.
Wes is in Chicago where Justine is performing. He goes back stage to see her and the same feelings come flooding back for both of them.....Justine goes back to her home town because her mother is dying. She hasn't been back in 17 years after leaving town with out saying goodbye to her family and never kept in touch either.
I was so absorbed into the book that I didn't want to stop reading. I wanted to know why Justine had left 17 year ago so fast. Why did she hate her mother? I truly enjoyed this book. I laughed, cried and even gasped while reading this book.
4 stars

16. A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

A Child called It is the true story of child abuse. As soon as I picked up the book and started reading I was in tears. Dave tells this story from the eyes of a child from the ages of 4 to 12 years old. You can't help but get angry, sad, horrified and wonder how some one could do the things that were done to him. The abuse that Dave's mother did to him is so hideous you will cringe, feel the pain and suffering and shed many a tear.
Dave tells you in the very beginning that this book is in the language and developed from a child's viewpoint. As I read the book I felt the fear, and the determination of Dave. He had to beat his mother at her own game. When he was able to delay the abuse he felt like he won especially when he knew that if he could hold out until is brothers or father came home then the abuse would not happen.
If you can handle reading about horrendous abuse then you should read A Child Called It. This is the first of a Trilogy.

5 Stars *****

Hi Crazy4reading. I picked up A Child Called It and I just couldn't read more than a few pages. Abusing children is something that I can't understand. It is still in my library so maybe I will try it again someday because I believe that something like that should be brought to the attention of the public. We have licenses for almost everything except raising kids. Go figure.

I understand. It is hard to read with out getting upset. I just can't understand how she could do that. I know some people should have a licenses to raise kids. I am now reading The Lost Boy. There isn't as much abuse written in here as the first one so look for that review soon.

Hi! Thanks for commenting on my thread.

I read The Grapes of Wrath in my high school English class and hated it. I also read The Red Pony in middle school and didn't like it. I'm going to give East of Eden a try, eventually. I'm interested to hear what you think of The Grapes of Wrath, it does seem to ring a little truer in tough economic times.

Now I just need to find a copy of The Grapes of Wrath so that I can read it. Honestly the title would never interest me but I may as well give it a try. Considering The Red Pony is the first book I read of his I can't compare it to say if I like it more then any of his other works.

I hope you get Grapes of Wrath really soon - I haven't read that one and I would love to read a review of it before I go ahead and buy/mooch it!

I didn't even look for The Grapes of Wrath at the book store today. I went in looking for one book and came out with three. I am working on buying books that have been made into movies. I did buy the 3rd book in the trilogy by Dave Pelzer: A child Called It, The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave

17. The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer

The Lost Boy continues where A Child Called It leaves off. Dave is finally rescued from his mothers abusive home. The Lost Boy talks about Dave having to go to court to hopefully become a ward of the court. Dave is afraid and thinks of saying that everything was fine at home and that he should go back. He does not understand things and thinks he is the bad boy and is wrong.
Dave then continues about the wonderful people that took care of him during the ages of 12 to 18. You get to see how it is for children living in foster homes and the stigma that society has placed on being a foster child. I enjoyed this book and hearing from Dave the troubles he went through trying to figure out why things happened to him. I look forward to reading the final book in this trilogy.

4 out of 5 stars

#60: Nice review, Monica. Even more reason for me to start A Child Called It and buy the others.

Thank you Sara. I never like my reviews. I cirtique them as I write them.

#62. I think it's a good review too. I've seen Peltzer's books around for ages, but your reviews have convinced me to read them.

And just so you'll know, I doodle and tinker with my reviews also. I'm the guy who takes two hours to write two paragraphs, and then I post it because I'm sick of doodling and tinkering.

# 63. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that takes long to write a review. I know the first one I did for my first ER book I actually hand wrote before I typed it into LT. It took me a whole day to write it and I still changed things as I was typing it.

I read Pelzer's books on the recommendations from a co-worker years ago. My daughter read it for school last year and loved it too, and it is hard to get her to read anything that I like.

I finally finished my 18th book. I am slowing down and not caring for that one bit. Below is my review:

18. A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer

This is the third book in Dave Pelzer's life. A Man Named Dave takes you from the time he is 18 up until 1999 when the book was published.
Through this whole book Dave is yearning to find out why his mother treated him the way she did. How did he go from Dave to a 'IT'. Dave wants to have the special times with his father that he didn't have when he was living at home.
This book starts out with his last day at his mother's house in 1973. I feel this was done so that if you didn't read the other two books or if it had been awhile since you read them you could let yourself get reaquantited with the story.
Dave has had to work hard for everything that he has ever wanted. He learns things about his family and does spend time with his siblings. Dave does marry Patsy in this book and you will see how Dave handles being a father and husband. He is afraid of doing the same things his mother did to him. You will feel the torment Dave goes through as he tried to figure out how he can make his mom proud. Dave has to deal with his terminally ill father and having to visit 'The Mother' to see why she won't visit his husband and the father of her children.
I could go on forever with this review so I will stop now before I write the whole book again right here. This is a great story of Dave Pelzer's triumph over the abuse and his ability to finally be able to forgive his mother.

4 1/2 stars out of 5

#65. I will stop now before I write the whole book again right here.

Aw c'mon, C4R, that would make it so convenient!

A sad, sad story, and probably pretty tough getting through all three. You need an emotional break and something lite.

That would be convenient for you but then my hands would be cramped from all the typing.

I will hopefully be choosing an easy read.....

Yep, I'd have to agree with what BrainFlakes said--something light and fluffy next.

Any suggestions would be appreciated... :)

#69. I was rummaging through your tbr pile and I'd probably choose Grisham's The King of Torts--it's one of my faves of his, about law firms that specialize in class action suits against mostly drug companies.

Or, for light and fluffy (beside petting your cat), there's always James Patterson . . .

I have read all three of David Pelzer's books. They are heartbreaking yet hopeful...and unforgettable. I am still amazed that the school intervention took so long. Such nice reviews from you, crazy4reading.

LOL @ for light and fluffy (beside petting your cat)

After looking at your TBR pile, I'd recommend anything by Laura Ingalls Wilder or Janet Evanovich or James Patterson (as BrainFlakes said)--basically any of the books you've taggged kids/YA or romance. I usually stumble across my next read when I'm cleaning books. Just thumb through your library, and I'm sure something will jump out at ya. :)

(P.S. Charlotte's Web by E. B. White and Falling Up by Shel Silverstein are good ones, too!)

Thank you saraslibrary and BrainFlakes for those recommendations. I am going to go find those books tonight and hopefully start reading one of them.

Thank you janetaileen for your comment. I too am always amazed at how long it took the school to intervene.

#69 Hi Crazy4reading. I agree with Sara and vote for a Janet Evanovich book. She is so funny that she brings me out of the bleakest moods. Great reviews. Keep up the great work!

Thank you Kirconnell. I will add Janet Evanovich to my bag of books. I am reading Fear of Flying. I have a long day tomorrow so hopefully I will be able to finish one of my books.

Fear of Flying -- I literally thought that's what the book was about, but woah, not even. :D Hope you like!

I can tell already that I am in for quite an experience with Fear of Flying. I am on Chapter 3 (I believe) and I am still thinking about what she thinks. I am putting together my bag for tomorrow so that I have some books to read at my daughter's volleyball tournament.

LOL at #76. But it's a good explanation, C4R, if anyone asks you what it's about at the volley tourney.

Exactly, Brain, but she'll have to kinda cover the woman on the front cover with her hand or something. ;) Hope your daughter wins, Monica!

P.S.
Monica, hope you don't mind, but I've become one of your "stalkers" @ Blogspot. :)

I will tell everyone I have a fear of flying and this book was highly recommended to over come my fear.
Brain call me Monica or Crazy. Thanks Sara. They have won a silver medal out of three tournaments so that is good for them.

#80. Monica or Crazy, I'm Charlie or Brain. It is a pleasure to meet you. (Formal introduction completed with cyber-shaking of cyber-hands.)

lol . . . (cyber-applauds)

Wow, you are doing so well on this challenge. You will probably be done with 50 by the end of July at this rate. Great job.

Hello Charlie or Brain, nice to meet you too.

Thanks mnbird, I am slowing down as the months get warmer. I didn't get done as much reading as I wanted to yesterday.

My daughter's team lost which was a good thing because we had my dad's 75th birthday party to get to by 5:00 pm. We were late but we at least made it there.

#84: Sorry about the loss, but 75? Wow! At least you guys were there. :) I hope my family's around when I'm in my 70s.

Same here with the reading. A lot of my movie holds came in via the library, so my mind--and butt--are officially jelly. ;)

Hi, Monica!
Lots of fun going on around here! :) What grade is your daughter in? My baby girl is a Senior in hs and can't wait to graduate. It is almost here. Hope the birthday party was lots of fun. Take care and happy reading!
--BJ

Hi Billiejean!!

My daughter is also a Senior in hs. She is always talking about what she is doing after graduation and everything. My dad's birthday party was great. My dad has two older brothers and the one from Michigan came in for the party. His other brother lives near by so we knew he was going to be there. The nice thing is my dad's girlfriend planned the party. I know if my mom was still alive I don't think she would have done a party for him. So now my sister and I have an extended family with my dad's lady friend. Take Care BJ and I will be popping over to your thread soon.

Monica

Sorry about the loss, but 75? Wow! At least you guys were there. :) I hope my family's around when I'm in my 70s.

Jeez, I'd read that and thought she was talking about a funeral, kept looking to see where it was mentioned so I can offer a bit of sympathy. I just realized she was talking about a loss at sports :) PHEW! Much better!!! Typical me, always imagining the worst.

How you doin' crazy? what are you reading right now? Satisfy my curiosity! :D

Hi GUG!! Yes my dad celebrated his 75th birthday. I hope I live to be that old. He is the baby out of his family too. Now I am reading 2 books right now. The first one is Stronger After Stroke, which is a book I won from the members giveaway. I don't know but I think it is like an ER book given out by the publisher. So far it is interesting. I am also reading Fear of Flying. This book is very different then what I am use to reading. I believe I am on Chapter 7. I want to try and finish both books up this week. Since my son has PSSA testing this week and I have to drive him to the school and wait about 3 hours to pick him up I think I will find some where just to sit and read for awhile.

I hope you do live to be that old, and have a challenge thread on LT every year for ever haha :)

#88: Ha! Ok, I'm a little slow in responding, but I totally see what you mean about it sounding like I was talking about someone's funeral. Confusing I are. ;)

I finally finished Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap To Recovery. I don't know when I will get my review up. It is going to take me awhile to write one. I find it hard to write a review for a book like this.

On a side note I just found out that Dave Pelzer's brother Richard wrote two books too. Now I have added them to my wish list. Here are the titles of his books:
Surviving a Childhood of Abuse, and A Teenager's Journey: Overcoming a Childhood of Abuse Oh boy they are both in stock at Border's and I am headed there tonight for the midnight release of the Twilight DVD. Oh what am I to do.. I have just enough money to buy my niece the movie for her birthday, and she is going with me as part of her present. I hope I can find some way to buy maybe one of the books. Or I will just have to wait until after April...

Well happy reading....and look for my review soon.... ;)

I didn't know Dave Pelzer's brother had written books also. I'm interested to know what you think of them. Dave's are unforgettable and may be tough books on which to piggy back.

#92. May I suggest swapping grocery money for book money? You get used to mac and cheese after a week or two--trust me, that's how I got through college, swapping grocery money for beer money.

#94> I wish I could it is just that I already spent the grocery money. I will have to see if I can get some extra money from hubby dear. I am living off of peanut butter sandwhiches for now. I may try to get at least one of the books tonight. My house is filled with teenagers right now so I am spending more money on groceries then I use too. I could take all my change to the bank tonight and get money that way....Hmmm... I think I just solved my problem.... :)

My favorite way to come up with extra cash is to wash clothes without anyone emptying pockets first. Whatever money is in the wash is mine.
--BJ
ETA And with a bunch of teenagers around, that could really add up! :)

BJ: You also have the cleanest money around too!

A different sort of money laundering.
--BJ

I have done that BJ. That is where all my change is coming from. I find it and put it in my money jar. Out of the 4 teenagers in my house I only wash 2 teenagers clothes. My son's friend washes his own. I have even offered to wash his but he will do it. My daughter washes her boyfriends clothes but not her own.

I will let you know what happens.

#98. HAH! Good one, BJ.

And I wonder, Monica and Billie Jean, if either of you go sofa-diving for change?

I have to admit Charlie I do sofa dive for change too. I see change on the floor, pockets, sofa it becomes mine.

Actually, any money found anywhere around the house outside of my girls' bedrooms is mine. I have not become rich this way, but sometimes, it is just the amount that I need.
--BJ

And don't forget the car! :-)

Ah yes the car. I have change in there all the time. I still haven't cashed in my change. We went out to dinner the one night with some of my hubby's co-workers and the one paid in cash and I got to keep the money. I only spent 25 of it but it was nice to not have to worry about finding money some other way.

19. Stronger After Stroke by Peter G. Levine
This is the first time that I have ever written a review on a book of this nature. I didn't really know exactly how to explain this book and it took me a very long time to write it. I hope you enjoy this review. Stonger after Stroke is an informational book for anyone interested in how one can recover after suffering a stroke. Even though I don't know of anyone that has lived after suffering a stroke I found the book well written and helpful. I hope that I never have to use the book for myself or anyone that I know, yet I am glad to have this knowledge at my fingertips if I should need it. Peter Levine does a great job of explaining the recovery process in detail. I enjoyed that each section starts by explaining the concept/idea then goes on to tell you how it is done. Every section ends with Precautions that should be taken. If you are a person that likes to be armed with knowledge before hand than I recommend Stronger After Stroke as a great addition to add to your book shelf.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars.

I had to edit my stars. Thanks to Brain for asking me about it.

20. Workshop of the Second Self by Gary Wolf
Gary Wolf's book Workshop of the Second Self is a very entertaining read. I loved the concept of the society running amok. I found myself not wanting to put the book down.
Clifton Pembroke is a disability advocate that winds up having some one make a claim against him. To see all these different disabilities being used to help people that are 'less fortunate' to get a job or be come the person that they feel they are entitled to.
I have never read a book like this before that I found some similarities to things in the real world. I don't know if similarities is the right word. I just mean I can see how society could come to be just like Centerville in the book. I highly recommend this book. I give this book 4 1/2 stars.

Now I am going to try and finish Fear of Flying. I stopped reading that book to read my two member giveaways that required a review. I haven't read 3 books at once in a long time. Plus I am still flipping through Book Lust. Happy reading all!!!

#105. I did enjoy your review, Monica, and I know three people who have survived strokes and recovered—maybe a little speech impediment or a limp, but they are fully productive.

I'm wondering, though, why you gave it only 3½ stars.

I am not sure as to why I gave it 3 1/2 stars. I think I did that when I was half asleep on the edit page. I am going to have to change that. I have been working on my review for so long and half the time I was so tired that I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. I write and don't always read it after wards.

I am also glad to hear that you know of people that have survived and are fully productive. The book delves into how the brain needs to be rewired after a stroke and how you need to re-learn a lot of things again. I found that the most interesting of the whole book.

One of the fellows I know has had two strokes, but he works bingo at the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion, he cooks pancake breakfast at the Legion every Sunday morning--he is the ultimate volunteer. His only impediment is a stutter and a lot of lousy jokes, the latter probably a life-long affliction.

That is great. I think it is great that your friend is able to do all that volunteering and only has the stutter. I guess the lousy jokes can't be improved either way.

I finally finished Fear of Flying. I will be working on my review this week end. I don't know when I will be posting it since I will be out most of this week end.
I am now going to start reading Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown. I think this will be interesting since my husband is part Native American on his dads side.

That's very interesting, Monica. I had a course in American and Native American Myths last semester and it was quite fascinating; I will be looking forward to see hear your thoughts on Wounded Knee!

I was reading the back of the book last night after I posted and looking at the pictures and found the it interesting. It says that this book conveys not how the West was won, but how it was lost. That really intrigues me. I am also going to be working on my review of Fear of Flying today. I won't post it until later, hopefully today.

Sorry to break into your thread but I was unable to read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee without reading also I Will Fight No More Forever. And absolutely expect your heart to be broken. You will never think of our government the same way again. It is criminal what we did and in what name we carried those crimes out. These books should be required reading. (That is just this one girl's opinion) It is also my opinion that all juniors in high school should have govt. pd tickets to Gettysburg annually. These children should know what our own government is capable of doing to it's own people. Everyone in this nation should visit Gettysburg at government expense.
Gettysburg is like nothing else we have and all of us should know of it intimately.
(Off the soapbox.)
Thanx for letting me hijack your thread for a moment.
belva

Nannybebette,
I don't mind you hijacking my thread. I never really took the time to look at the book as it has sat on my shelf for a few years. It is a book that I got from my brother in law before he was able to throw it out. He had loads of books in a house when he had bought the house and was just going to get rid of them. I told my husband to tell him I would take them and go through them and I was only able to get about 20 to 50 books. I do have an idea as to how our government is, as my husband always says, the white man took the land from my ancestors and I have the right to complain about it.

I will have to look for I Will Fight No More Forever.

I have been to Gettysburg, considering I live in Pennsylvania. Sorry to say it wasn't on the expense of the government.

Finally getting around to posting my review.. I have been so busy with my daughter's club volleyball that I haven't had time to write or post my reviews. So here is my review for number 21

#21 Fear of Flying by Erica Jong:

I decided to read Fear of Flying for a change of pace. I sure chose the right book for that. When I started reading Fear of Flying the title of the first chapter caught my attention. I have read books with cursing in them before but not one with it in the title. That didn't stop me from continueing the book, that made me more interested.

If you are needing a change in what you have been reading then pick up Fear of Flying. Fear of Flying is a story of what a woman really thinks about when it comes to sex. I found myself laughing inside while reading Fear of Flying.
Isadora is the lead female character who is married to Bennett, an analyist. Isadora is a writer. The revolves around Isadora and her feelings about family, sex and what she really wants out of life. Her sisters think she should stop writing and start a family. Isadora doesn't want to become like her sisters yet.

Fear of Flying was an enjoyable read even though at times I felt confused or lost in the story. I give Fear of Flying 3 1/2 stars out of 5 because of my getting lost or confused with the story.

Now I will be reading Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown soon..

Hi, Monica!
I think it is great that you are spending so much with your daughter and her club volleyball. She will remember that forever! Have a great day!
--BJ

Hi BJ,
Thanks, I enjoy watching them play and sometimes get too caught up in the game. I will miss it next year I know that much. Have a great day too!!

Monica

Well I just wanted to stop in at my thread to let everyone know that I haven't given up on this challenge I am just extremely busy right now. My daughter graduates this year so I am trying to get all of that in order. Plus next weekend is her Prom and our school does a Post Prom Party so I have been helping out with that and trying to get things together. I also did something to my back or hip and you would think that I would have been able to read. That wasn't my case, because if I was sitting too long it would hurt but if I stood to long it also hurt. Certain ways I moved it hurt. I will be going for therapy this Thursday so hopefully I will find out what I did.

I am currently reading Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown. It is taking me longer to read because I find myself flipping to the back to look at the bibliography and the notes. I hope to finish the book tonight and then continue with the 3 other books I have started reading.

Hi, Monica!
I hope that the therapy helps your back and hip. I know that you are so busy with the end of the year stuff! Just wanted to say again, congrats to your daughter for her graduation! I know that you are so proud of her. I am sentimental about all of this end of the year stuff. Happy and sad. Enjoy all the excitement!!
--BJ

HI BJ,
I will let you know how therapy goes, right now I feel fine no back or hip pain. Daughter's prom is this Friday so I have to go with her to get her hair done and hope the weather stays nice. Then I have to help with the post prom party at the school after wards. It is happy and sad. I think she is starting to get scared but won't admit it because she gets snippy with me at times. I just walk away and let her go. I figure in a few months she will be away from here and will be calling or texting me from college. Congrats also to your daughter. My daughter doesn't graduate until June 9th. Then I get to hopefully go through all this next year with my son, except for the prom part.
Monica

I didn't want to post my review in the previous post so here it is now. I finally finished Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.

22. Bury My Hear at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

I have to first start off by saying that I have never trusted anyone who was or is a politician. I have always said that politicians lie, cheat and steal from their so called friends. So now on that happy note I have to say that I am some what surprised at what I read in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Mainly because of the way The White men swindled the Indians out of their land. As I read the book I would gasp at the things that I read. I hate to even think that I am possibly related to any of those white men. I do remember reading about the Trail of Tears, when I worked in the fourth grade. I just remember not really understanding why that happened. You are made to think that the Indians did some thing wrong and are savages.

This is a book that everyone should take the time to read. There is so much more information in this book then in any American History book you will ever read. We owe those Indians a lot. As I was reading the book I was talking to my husband's one uncle and he said that I would be shocked by the truth. He was right. And to think that all these years I never knew what I know now. I am glad to say that my kids are part Indian/Native American on their father's side. My son has been told that he looks like a Native American even with is red hair and blue eyes.

I loved this book and I am going to be looking for more books about Indians/Native American. I give this book 5 stars.

My girls were taught a lot about the Trail of Tears as it ended here in Oklahoma. I am also part Cherokee, but my dad says that it is too small to register. I am thinking about looking into genaeology (can't spell that) just to see what is there. My granddad did a lot of that, but I never got to see the paperwork. Graduation here is May 18th. Have a great day!
--BJ

I absolutely agree! There were a lot of major stories like this (e.g., The Chinese Exclusionary Acts around 1900 or the imprisonment and loss of property for Japanese-Americans, not to mention the slavery of African-Americans) that didn't get told in my history books--maybe because those books were his-stories and not her-stories or their-stories. I've heard some people say it's un-American to be critical of our government's actions in either the past or present, but I think it's absolutely essential to creating and maintaining a democracy that represents and protects all Americans while respecting the rights and beliefs of others.

"it's un-American to be critical of our government's actions in either the past or present"

to quote Lost, "God help us all" if people believe that.

BJ> Our students are taught about the Trail of Tears but just in general of why it happened. They don't really get to learn all that I read in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. I just remember it being mentioned and that it was because they were being walked to a new place to live. That is what they are taught in at least 4th grade here. I don't know how much more is covered as they get higher up in the grades because neither of my kids talked much about what they learned in History. I have also wanted to check into the genealogy of both sides of the family. I do know that my husbands last name was changed from the original spelling. I am just not sure if it was his grandmother or great grand mother that was the Indian squaw, and if it was maternal or paternal. I am going to have to start asking more questions of his one uncle to really learn more.

Bonnie> I am sure there are plenty of stories about all the wrongs done to people. I have heard about the Japanese-Americans and also about the African-Americans, I have not heard of the Chinese Exclusionary Acts (will need to look into that). I feel that the other two mentioned are talked about a lot more then the Native Americans. I hear about Jap-Amer. and African Americans all the time. I very rarely hear about the Native Americans. I agree with your comment about it being absolutely essential to creating and maintaining a democracy etc... I thought America was a place of Freedom.

GUG> Amen

I am off to do some more reading (I have read 10 chapters today). I am so glad to have a day off from work even if I had to drive my son to some testing for school. More time for me to read.

#122. This is one of those books I've thought about reading for years, but your review has prompted me to get a copy right away. To me, this is the real purpose of LT, but sometimes I (and others) get carried away with the socializing aspect.

And BTW, the swindling of Indian lands isn't over yet. We have a tribe here in southern Arizona whose lands range over both the US and Mexico--to the Indians, that little dotted line on the map separating the two countries don't exist for them. It does now, though, thanks to "The Wall", effectively cutting the tribe in half.

Thanks so much, Monica, for reminding me about the book.

#125. Eliza, I add a huge Amen to Monica's Amen.

Charlie I am glad to have reminded you about the book.

I had been staring at the book for awhile on my shelf and I have to say that doing the 50 book challenge and the 999 challenge really prompted me to read the book. Otherwise I think the book would have sat there a few more years before 1. it either got so old that the pages crumpled in my hands or 2. my husband would decide to throw it out because I hadn't read it.

I have to thank LT for helping me in reading the book sooner then later.

I am not surprised about the swindling of Indian land still going on. I hope they are able to keep their land this time.

They teach a lot more about the Trail of Tears here in Oklahoma. Plus there is a trip to a museum in OKC for more info. But maybe that is because Native American culture is such a large part of Oklahoma.

Do you have a method for starting genealogy? I think that there might be some books on it. We have a library that specializes in it but it is nowhere near our home. Have a great day!
--BJ

BJ
I have just typed in Genealogy in google and see what pops up. I have tried such sites as Ancestry.com

Thanks, Monica!
--BJ

>126 crazy4reading:, It must be the difference in our ages and that's good! I know I didn't learn about the internment of over 110,000 people of Japanese descent--many of them Americans--without any cause during World War II until I was in college! (We didn't put Italian- or German-Americans in internment camps--why not?) And, sure, I knew the basics about slavery and The Civil War, but hardly anything about the continued subjugation, racism, discrimination, etc., suffered by African Americans, including how it was written into our legal system (eg., Brown vs. Board of Education). For example, I'm really looking forward to reading Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas Blackmon; as, again, this is a part of American history that I had never heard before. But you're right, too! When you think about how we stole this country from the people who already lived here by primarily killing them off, and then isolating the remaining Native-Americans on reservations then, yes, this is a history that is not told in enough detail.

Bonnie> I will agree with you about it being to the age difference (even though I don't know what it is). I was never one that cared to learn about History in general. There have been certain things that I find fascinating. The death of Martin Luther King, Anne Frank, and slavery to name just a few are topics I have read about. I think we are some what brain washed in our public schools and are only taught what the government feels that we should learn. Some of the things you mentioned I have never heard of or read more in depth material about it. As your last sentence states that is exactly what I mean.

I was never one that cared to learn about History in general.

Well, I'm 59 and I felt the same way about history while in school and this conversation is good because it's started me thinking about, for example, how for me the Civil Rights Era wasn't "history" that someone younger might or might not be interested in, but "Current Events." And, then, on NPR yesterday there was a really good segment told by Japanese-Americans on childhood memories of foods (hot dogs and spam) encountered during internment, and after, that became the source of favorite recipes/comfort foods. The discussion was about what they were eating, but it was also about what their daily experiences were like, too, which was very revealing. Anyway, my point is that for me I was listening to history (which I should have learned about much earlier), but for them it was their "Current Events." And there was a connection in my thinking about the events told about in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee but this posting on your thread is getting way too long!

Sorry to respond so late Bonnie, I am still recuperating from my daughter's prom and post prom. Civil Rights Era is another part of history I have always been interested in. I was born on the exact day and year that Martin Luther King was murdered (April 4, 1968). Now I have a question, what does NPR stand for? I now find myself watching history or listening to it more now then I did when I was in school or even just a few years ago. Don't worry about your post being too long.

Now I am going to list my next book that I finished earlier this week but just didn't have the time to write or post my review.

23. Gray Apocalypse by James Murdoch

Gray Apocalypse is a book that keeps you wanting more. Once you start reading, Gray Apocalypse, you won't be able to stop. James Murdoch has written a fantastic Science Fiction Thriller in Gray Apocalypse.

The Breeder Grays are the aliens that have been abducting humans for six decades. Their ultimate goal is to destroy all human life on Earth. So that the hybrids they have created can begin a new alien species on Earth.

Michael Kendon is the only one that can stop the Breeder Grays from destroying the Earth with the asteroid that the Breeder Grays control. Kendon only has three days till the asteroid will collide with the Earth. So many obstacles hinder Kendon on his mission to save mankind from total obliteration.

You will be drawn into this fast paced, action packed, thriller right from the start. Expect to loose yourself in the universe of the unknown. Pick up Gray Apocalypse and spend a day or two in a world with aliens. For James Murdoch's first novel he wrote and excellent Science Fiction Thriller in Gray Apocalypse.

5 stars

NPR stands for National Public Radio. I'm sorry I'm not clever enough to create a link!

Just dropping by to say hi!! Glad to see your last read was so satisfying
Eliza

Hi, Monica!
Sounds like a good one! I added it to my wishlist and marked it to suggest for one of the votes of the Group Reads -- SciFi group that I belong to. :) I always need suggestions for that. Have a great day!
--BJ

Thanks Bonnie for explaining NPR to me. Don't worry about creating the link. I am not that clever either.

Hi GUG!! Yes it was a very satisfying read. I am going to be adding another review today which was just as satisfying.

Hi BJ,
I was a fantastic book. I was skeptical at first because I sometimes get bored with SciFi, yet Gray Apocalypse kept my attention the whole time. I will try to have a good day. I am home sick from work today. Not happy about it buy hopefully I can catch up on some of my books and reviews today.

Monica

24. Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

When I had seen this book offered on LIbrary Thing Early Reviewers I was very interested in the book. I didn't win the boo but a fellow LTER finished with it and offered it to others. I am thrilled to have requested the book and to have had the privilege of reading Sworn To Silence.

The main character of Sworn to Silence is Kate Burkholder who grew up Amish and decided to leave the Amish way of life. She is now the Chief of Police in Painters Mill, Ohio, her former hometown. She has a secret that makes Sworn to Silence a thriller.

The plot of Sworn to Silence is that a serial murdered is back after sixteen years. After the first body is discovered questions arise as to, why such a long hiatus between these murders? Does Kate know who the murderer is?

You will be trying to figure out who the murderer is and if Kate really is hiding the identity of the murderer. You are in for a jolt of surprises and mutilation in the murders. If you can handle reading about torture and sex crimes then grab yourself a copy of Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo.

I was utterly thrilled by this book and look forward to reading more books by Linda Castillo.

5 stars

#141. Oh boy, Monica, now you have me all fired up for another thriller, especially one that you say will thrill me.

And I'm sorry you're sick today.

#141 - I'm glad you liked it. Definitely need to be aware of the topic in case it isn't one's cup of tea, but she writes well and I thought the characters were interesting.

Hello Charlie,
Yes I enjoyed the book a lot and it did thrill me. I love it when a book has me so involved that either I am trying to figure out who did it or I can't put the book down. That is what Sworn to Silence did for me. I am hoping I feel better soon. It is just my stomach so I am hoping it will be better tomorrow morning.

Monica

Laura,
I want to thank you for passing the book along. I loved the book and I had hoped I would win it in ER but it just wasn't my lucky day then. Some people may not like the things mentioned in the book. The characters were very interesting and made me like the book even more.

Thanks again,
Monica

Hi, Monica!
Sorry to be so late reading your posts. I hope that you are feeling much better today. Please take good care of yourself. :)

I am also adding Sworn to Silence to my wishlist. Looks like parts of it will be hard for me to read, but it sounds like such a good one that I would like to give it a try. Happy Reading and feel better soon.
--BJ

Hi BJ,
Don't worry about reading the posts late. I can't keep up with some of the starred threads anymore. I just go in and read and then leave. I need to go back a respond to some of them.

I am glad to see that my last review got some people interested in the book. Now my next review to follow I don't think will have the same affect.

Monica

25. Peter Carrot-top in Search of the 8th Key by Yolanda Jackson

Well this review is not going to be nice. Peter Carrot-top is a book that I had to force myself to finish reading. When I had originally seen this book offered on Member Giveaway it sounded interesting and I thought I'd give it a try. Unfortunately Peter Carrot-top did not capture my attention. I found the book very slow going in the beginning. I know that the beginning of books can be boring but this book was poorly written. It felt choppy to me as I was reading the book.

This book is about ghosts, wizards, good vs. evil, and the elders of Baja. Baja is going to have a war amongst the wizards and ghosts of Baja. The concept for the book is different and I feel had the potential to be a very interesting story. Yolanda Jackson does not bring forth a good story. I found many grammatical errors, words missing in sentences and just general horrendous editing.

I am glad to say that I finished the story and can be very honest that the story took a long time to really get interesting. It took until approximately chapter 18 to really get to the adventure and battles, but once again it felt drawn out and overly wordy. Once you get to the final battle and Peter needs to get the key to free the elders it is interesting and then every think works out and the story ends. As I was reading the book, a chapter would start to get interesting, then the next chapter would start and it would become monotonous.

I would not recommend this book just because I did not enjoy it. There may be someone out there that would enjoy this style of writing but I did not. I only give this book 1 star.

26. With Music and Justice for All by Frye Gaillard

With Music and Justice for All is the first book I have read about the South. I found myself intrigued by the Southern History and Culture with this book.

I was educated on events that I thought I knew about and some that I knew nothing about. The book, With Music and Justice for All, covers many aspects and people from the South. Some are names you recognize and think you know a lot about them. Others are lesser known yet they contributed in some way to the history and culture of the south.

My reading choices have now been expanded by reading With Music and Justice for All.

5 stars

I am now reading 2 books that I borrowed from the library. I hope to finish them very quickly since it is raining again today.

Happy reading all!!

27. The Naked Face by Sidney Sheldon

Wow!! Is all I could say when I read the first chapter of The Naked Face. This book captures your attention in the first chapter. I picked the book up at the library mainly to get a feel for the author Sidney Sheldon. I own a few of his books and wasn't sure about reading them. After reading The Naked Face I know that I will be reading his other books too.

The Naked Face starts out with a man happy because he is going to be going home to his wife and letting her know that what happened in the past is over with. You wonder what he is happy about and what was it was from his past when he is stabbed in the streets. You are left thinking did his past already catch up to him? You are thrown into a story of suspense and mystery that revolves around Dr. Judd Stevens.

Dr. Stevens is a psychoanalyst. He analyzes people and their behaviors, life style and has them discover who they really are. He doesn't tell them that they are insane or paranoiac. He tries to help them to discover what is really inside them. His patients range from a house wife to a prominent business man. You discover that the person murdered in the first chapter was one of Dr. Stevens patients.

The detectives assigned to the case are Angeli and McGreavy. Dr. Stevens and McGreavy have a history. McGreavy has animosity towards Dr. Stevens. As the story progresses I was trying to figure out who did it and why.

As Dr. Stevens starts to analyze things in his own life you start to wonder if maybe he is a paranoiac. He believes some one is out to kill him when he is hit by a car. Is the doctor going to go to the nut house, or is he sane? That is what I started to ask myself.

The Naked Face is a detective mystery that keeps you glued to the pages of the story. I found myself reading the book in less then 2 days. I will be picking up more of Sidney Sheldon's books.

5 stars

I am going to start a new thread soon since this one is getting so long. I don't want those with dial up to have to wait for the page to load. I will post the link once I create the thread.

Here is the link to the new thread continuing my 50 book challenge thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/66799&newpost=1#lastmsg

Hope to see you there... :)