Cal8769's 2009 Mission to Conquer Mount TBR Extended Version

A third of the year is done but I want more reading time. My Mount TBR remains the victor....so far! I have been doing more to shorten my wishlist but hey, that's important too...right?

Here's a link to my '08 thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/29678

and a link to my first third of '09 thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/51319







Here's my year so far:

January-

1. Night Shift by Stephen King
a reread for King's Dear Constant Reader's group read, own, 326p
2. Ending an Ending by LT's own Danny Birt (buchlesar)
a Green Dragon group read, own, 263p
3. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
borrowed, 498p
4. The House Next Door by Anne Rivers Siddons
library, 286p
5. Santa Fe Dead by Stuart Woods
library, 304p.
6. Ghost in the Mirror by Leslie Rule
library, 231p
7. Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi
8. The Reawakening by Primo Levi
library, together in one book. 374p
9. Cross Country by James Patterson
library, 406p
10. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
library, 309p
11. Shunned by Arthur L. Ford
December ER book, 239p
12. Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner
library, 355p.
13. New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
borrowed, 563p.

February-

14. The Black Ice by Michael Connelly
library, 322p
15. Exposed by Alex Kava
library, 332p
16. Atonement by Ian McEwan
480p, library
17. The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross
own, 296pgs

March-

18. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
374 pgs. library, GD group read
19. Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer
629 pgs, borrowed
20. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
284 pgs. own
21. The Stand (the uncut monster) by Stephen King
1153 pgs, library, a reread for 2 group reads, the King's Dear Constant Reader group and the 75 book challenge group.
I expect this will take me awhile. It wasn't my favorite book 20+ years ago but I want to try it again.
22. The Turn of the Screw and
23. The Lesson of the Master by Henry James
together in one volume. 211 pgs, library
24. Home For Christmas and
25. All I Want For Christmas by Nora Roberts
together in The Gift 271 pgs. library
26. Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
February ER book, 321 pgs.
27. Lawman by Diana Palmer
362 pgs. borrowed
28. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
339 pgs. from LTer
29. Privileged Information by Stephen White
363 pgs. library
30. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
399pgs. library

April-

31. Carter Finally Gets It by LT author Brent Crawford
300 pgs, library
32. The Dead Zone by Stephen King
426pgs, library, King's Dear Constant Reader's April group read
33. Every Dead Thing by John Connolly
395 pgs, library
34. The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne (LT author)
ER Bonus Batch, 225 pgs.
35. Gray Apocalypse by James Murdoch (LT author)
Member Giveaway, 350 pgs.
36. The Glister by John Burnside
from a LTer, 228 pgs.
37. Dark Secret by Christine Feehan
borrowed, 367 pgs.

May-

38. Firestarter by Stephen King
own, Reread for King's Dear Constant Reader's group read, 401 p.
39. Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair Burney
March ER book, 387 p.
40. Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
borrowed, 754 p.

Got you starred again!

*smiles*

found you and starred you!

Got you starred again!

Sigh. I'm in a slump so I put aside my books that I was reading and whipped through a favorite author and a fluff book. Hopefully I will get back on track.

Still reading The Stand, Deadly Charm, and Gray Apocalypse. I haven't even started Firestarter and Breaking Dawn.

41. 7th Heaven by James Patterson
library, 376 pgs.

42. Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child
a free Harlequin romance book (thanks CatyM, 185 pgs.

I am right there with you ! I forced myself to finish 2 books over the weekend..
I have a really good book going.. but I can't focus.. I am giving myself a break..
it will happen when it happens.. :P

Guess whose a grandma!!!!
Welcome Damian Lee born today at 10:36 AM. He's 8lbs 15 oz. and is 21 inches long. Look at how happy MrCal is.

Congrats!

no wonder you have been distracted, silly!

Beautiful! Congratulations granny!

Congratulations! I'm very happy for you. Enjoy that new little one!

Congratulations!

Congratulations! Give that baby lots of hugs and kisses.

He's a beautiful boy!!

Aw!!! Congratulations on your newest family member!

Very cool......buy her lots of books; just don't introduce her to King right away.

If he likes what his dad and I both like he will love King at an early age.

Thanks everybody. It's very exciting and a little depressing, they live an hour away.

Congrats!!

Congratulations!

43. Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts
library, 437 pgs.

Congratulations!

There is nothing in the world that can compare to being a grandmother.

Congrats on the new grandbaby! What a cutie!

Also, just wondering what you think of Gray Apocalypse?
--BJ

Thanks. I'm all gushy with smiles and baby talk.

BJ, I liked it. I didn't want to when I saw the cover but I enjoyed it a lot. I thought the characters were for the most part believable and the plot was exciting. There was also an under current of romance between some of the characters that enhanced the story.

Awwwww - what a handsome baby! He's a big strong boy already. Congratulations!

yooo hooo!

Granny~ where are you ???

I'm here. It's has been very busy. I was on vacation for a long weekend and then I had to work extra days. Then my son's friend was killed in Iraq. It's so hard to process the death of a young man. (or anybody for that matter) But on a brighter note, My son and his little family came to stay for a couple of days so grammy business is great! He is soooo cute.

I have been trying to get these threads caught up but it's been hard. I am still so far behind.

I am bogged down in my reading. I have several books started that I am trying to finish up. The Stand which is for a group read. It's not a big rush for it to be done. Deadly Charms which is an ER book that I am soooo not liking but I will finish because of the ER thing and Breaking Dawn which is the worst Twilight Book. I'm about halfway through all of them and it is killing me.

Next up are, Danse Macabre, I Apologize, and Lord John and the Hands of the Devil.

Oh no.... terrible news about the young man who died in Iraq. I am so sorry.
I am glad that you had some good grammy time though...

I am so sorry about your son's friend.
--BJ

Thanks. It's been hard for my son to process. The only times he had to deal with death and dying was his pap who had cancer (60) and his cousin who also had cancer (20). He doesn't know what to think. I talked to his friend's stepmom yesterday and all she talked about was Jordan and Chad. It's so sad.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and the family who lost their son...

Yup, me too.

Thanks everyone. He is a hero. The funeral was very moving and honored a fine young man.

I'm still wading through The Stand but my current and next up reads are:

44. Danse Macabre by Stephen King
a reread for the King's Dear Constant Reader's June group read
own, 411 pgs

45. Lord John and the Hands of the Devils by Diana Gabaldon
library, 302 pgs.

46. Ourika by Claire De Duras
own, 47 pgs

47. I Apologize by LT author Bradley Booth
Member Giveaway, 323 pgs.

hi cal, I was thinking of you today!

glad ti hear from you :)

You always make me smile.

I loved Danse Macabre and it really opened my eyes to some older horror.

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader  

You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.

Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm Book Snob Literate Good Citizen Fad Reader Non-Reader  What Kind of Reader Are You?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader  

You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.

Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm Literate Good Citizen Book Snob Fad Reader Non-Reader  What Kind of Reader Are You?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

>38 mckait: Well, it would be, wouldn't it?

Amen!

Not that I don't have enought to read but I am going to join the U.S. Presidental Challenge group. I don't know enough of our history and it seems like a low pressure, interesting group. I think I will try and read about the presidents in order. I have found His Excellency by Joseph J. Ellis at the local library. They have another book by Sterne but the name excapes me. Feel free to give me suggestions!

I've been thinking about joining the US Presidential Challenge group as well, so I bought 2 books to start out with to see if I could actually commit to reading the bio's. I got about half way through His Excellency before I gave up. I thought it was boring. I hope you like it better than I did. I've still got John Adams on the TBR pile. It's getting great reviews here on LT. I figure if I can get through it maybe I'll feel committed enough to actually join the Presidential group. It looks like a good group of people.

eek! I am challenged enough, I think.. :P
No more challenges for me. I admire you for doing this though.

Have you red Team of Rivals?

Kath
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a fantastic writer. I also see her on tv periodically. She has such incredible insights and a magnificent way of explaining the personalities of past presidents. I believe Abraham Lincoln is the one she most admires.

I liked Team a lot. It was informative and interesting. Easy to read :)

That looks really good! I heaved it on top of the wishlist pile.

I think this challenge will be low pressure as well as informative. I always felt that I didn't know enough about our history and the men that helped form (and ruin) our government and country.

I will be watching with interest. I feel the same, about not knowing enough... but I feel that way about everything, not just the presidents.

When I read Team, ( heave to the top, LOL) I read other books along side it. I don't remember what they were. It was a fairly fast read considering its heft :)

Hi all,

I had to return The Stand to the library but I'm not quitting it! I'm still plugging away on Danse Macabre and a not so likable Member Giveaway book, I Apologize (I think that is what the author should do for writing it!)

I currently reading:

48. The Executioner by Jay Bennett
library, 174pgs.

49. The World of George Washington by Richard M. Ketchum
US Presidential Challenge, library, 275 pgs.

50. Rumor Has It by Tami Hoag
From LTer, 287 pgs.

51. Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
Harlequin free e-book, 210pgs.

52. A Cold, Blue Light by Marvin Kaye
library, 294 pgs

53. Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water... 'fore I Diiie by Maya Angelou
Own, poetry, 48pgs.

54. The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper FForde
library, 373pgs.

You have been a very busy woman!

I do love Maya Angelou.. have not read that one though.

Oh the glorious unplanned vacation time. Ain't it grand?!

I didn't care much for Angelou's book. I do like her but this is a collection of poems wrote in the 60's. I'm not a poetry fan and as a 39 year old white woman raised in small northern town I can't relate to the dark, racially heavy content.

55. Cujo by Stephen King
own, reread for King's Dear Constant Reader group, 304 pgs.

56. George Washington: A Life by Willard Sterne Randall
library, U.S. Presidential Challenge, 502 pgs.

57. 100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson
library, 289 pgs.

58. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
library, 212 pgs.

59. 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
library, 325 pgs.

60. The Long Night of Winchell Dear by Robert James Waller
mom's, 158 pgs.

Book #58 there brings back fond memories of childhood reading.

hey girl!!! missing you here... guess work, ife and baby keeping you on the go..
take care :)

book #58 was the first book to make me cry.

Kath, you are so sweet.

We have been dog sitting, baby sitting, and working a lot. Little Damian is sooooo cute. I need to post an updated picture.

I just started Where the Red Fern Grows. I hear that it is a tear jerker.

If anyone likes YA fantasy, give 100 Cupboards a try. It's about a boy, Henry, who goes to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents are kidnapped. In his room he finds 99 cupboards behind his wall, each opening to another world. It was a fun, easy read.

Here is the little cutie. He turned two months on Sunday.

oh my!!! Look at those cheeks :)
I loe little round baby cheeks ...

He is a doll!

Your baby is beautiful! Enjoy.

Thanks! He is trying so hard to talk. His little arms and legs are moving all the time!

#60: He has absolutely kissable baby cheeks, I can tell.

I remember when Catey had those *sigh*

What a li'l sweetheart! He looks so serious. But totally adorable!

*gushes with Grammy love*

Awwww, what a handsome little man!

Your little grandson is adorable! He looks very bright-eyed and alert. Having grandkids is great!

60. Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
borrowed, 308 pgs.

61. Trunk Music by Michael Connelly
Own, 427 pgs.

62. Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark
mom, 254 pgs.

the very best wishes on grandma hood.
Our granddaughter, Madison was here this weekend.
She happened to be with her father, my son and mom, we had fun. Madison is 18 months.

Your grandson is a cutie.
How do you add photos to this?
Mike

What an incredibly beautiful little guy! I'm sure he brings ever so much joy to your life.

I am envious of the grandma's here.. I have to shower my attention and love on my nieces son.. I put his pic in my thread, cal.. if you want to have a look.
One of my "babies" is there too.

Thanks, everyone. I was checking out the little man on your thread, he is so cute! His eyes are dear.

Mike, I use photobucket.com. After a picture is uploaded there a code is made available and I just copy and paste it. A lot of people use Fliker (sp?)

Still plugging away at The Stand. Actually I put it aside, but I intend to finish it.

63. 1001 Horrible Facts by Anne Rooney
own, 207 pgs.

64. The Keep by F. Paul Wilson
library, 403 pgs,

65. Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich
library, 312 pgs.

66. Through Violet Eyes by Stephen Woodworth
library, 333 pgs.

67. Lanterns Across the Snow by Susan Hill
library, 79 pgs.

68. Dark Symphony by Christine Feehan
borrowed, 324 pgs.

69. The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill
library, 438 pgs.

I just noticed that Lanterns Across the Snow was also written by Hill. What a different style of book. LAtS was an elderly woman's memory of a childhood Christmas. TVHoM is a straight up mystery/ thriller. I've had it on my wishlist for ages and I picked up LAtS on a whim. HHMM

I loved that one by Susan Hill. she is good....I will keep seeking her out..
hope all is well with you?
:)

So far, so good. Damian is growing so much and is entering the best part of babydom, the smiling and cooing. I love to hear babies 'talking'. My husband (works for the state) has finally got a paycheck and my youngest son is getting ready for his last year of college. I hope he applies himself more than he has in the past but, you know....

I hope Rosie stays well. Poor thing, I feel bad for her. How are things going for you? Is work as trying as usual?

omg I forget that that state thing wuld affect you, too. Terrible! Glad its over...

We need a new pic of Damian soon.... babies change so fast..

work.. I have been off for a month, I go back monday ( woe is me .. lol)
thanks for asking.. :)

How about you.. all the rest of our life going well around that beautiful baby?

BOOO Monday!!!!!

I have been trying to work extra days to try and compensate for the lack of my hubby's checks. Now I'm back to my regular part time heaven.

Here's my latest picture of Mister Cutie Pie



This was August 1st. We were able to babysit all night without parents. What fun!! He will be 3 months on the 12th!

He is utterly gorgeous! I love those little cheeks.. :)
It won't be long before he is trying to crawl and stand and give him mom and gram a run for their money :)

Thanks for posting that.. I am terribly envious you know! lol
Oh and glad you are back to the part time schedule.. that is, in my opinion, enough for anyone!

#78: How are Christine Feehan's books? I have some of them, but haven't gotten around to reading them yet.

If you like the romance/vampire style, you will like her. She writes well, her characters are very believable (as far as vampires go :) ) I have a friend who LOVES her books and always makes sure that I get to read them!

Thanks, Kath. If you were closer you could come and smell baby smells and laugh at his funny faces. (He pouts very well)

:) pouting is an art!

That is one adorable baby! What a sweetheart!

I'm glad that your hubby (and all those state workers who were in his shoes) is getting paid again. We have some friends here locally who were in the same boat, and it was so unfair!

Thanks!

#82: Mister Adorable strikes again! What a beautiful boy.

#85: I am a huge fan of Feehan's too, and read all of her series. My favorite of hers is the Ghostwalker series.

I will keep that in mind.. I have a series of three.. not sure which.. I was going to start it yesterday but picked up The Midwife's Tale.. not sorry :)

70. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
library, Green Dragon group read, 89 pgs.

Ghostwalker is the series I have, Carrie. I have read 2.5 of the three...
I like the concept a lot, I am not quite as comfortable with the lustiness.. :)
I don't think I have read so many sex scenes since the Gabaldon books .. lol

I have the Carpathain (Dark) series. I have read 3 of them and have one on the next up pile. I agree with the lustiness, it's a bit much. What is the Ghostwalker series about?

The Midwife's Tale looks good. I'm anxious for you to get done with it so you can tell me all about it.

It was a good read, not great. Have you read Birth House?
It was much better. This was an escape read, young woman, mother and grandmother are both midwives.. terrible things that were done, she couldn't face them..

people falling in and out of love, dying, finding reasons to live.. you know..
Birth House .. get it.

That sounds good. I added it to the never ending wishlist.

I'm still playing around with The Stand and George Washington: A Life.

71. Different Seasons by Stephen King
library, reread, a group read for August/September's King's Dear Constant Readers, 527 pgs.

I have finished the first two shorts for August and I will read the second two for September. I'm enjoying the King a month (or so) challenge. I haven't read most King books since I was in high school and have forgotten how well he writes.

I recently received a book written by Stephen King and Peter Staube. I haven't read anything by King for many years. Had The Green Mile, and never opened it. Gave it away. Have you any encouraging words?

It depends on how weird you want to get. The Green Mile is one of my favorites. It has a very slight supernatural element to it and the story just wraps around you. It's about a guard on death row and his prisoners over a time. Others are the screenplay, The Storm of the Century, Needful Things, and It.
I enjoy the weird, disturbing and horror so I have read almost everything of his at one time or another. I think his command of writing like a person just sitting around telling a story is why I enjoy him.

I love supernatural, I have a sort of mental block with King..

I think his command of writing like a person just sitting around telling a story is why I enjoy him.

I agree; I am not extremely well-read when it comes to Stephen King, but I have read enough to know that I love the grittiness, the harsh reality of his writing. He includes such normal, everyday details in his writing, yet somehow they become the best parts of the books. He isn't fancy - he knows he doesn't write great literature - but when it comes to telling a great story, he knows his stuff.

My favourites are definitely The Stand - particularily the long edition - and 'Salem's Lot.

I'm in the middle of reading The Stand. (for the 75ers group read of it) I'm reading the long edition this time. I'm not sure which I read before. I'm finding that I'm getting bogged down in the same places as I did 20+ years ago. From the end of the plague until the Mother Abigal clan ends up out west just drags for me soooooooo much. I think that section is important to the rest of the story but it got me last time and it's getting me again. Thank heavens I am to the part where Mother and the crew are leaving her farm.

Hi There
My semester at Lehigh Univ. began with a flurry of activity. Honestly, some days I feel way too old for this job. I'm trying to catch up on threads...Alas, I am very far behind. I thought I would check in on you to see how that cute little grandson is doing. My, but he is growing!

These are very precious times. It sounds like you are savoring the special moments.

Message #78. I'm curious about The Various Haunts of Men. I've read some of her other books, but not that one. Would you recommend it?

*smiles*
I'm glad to see you, Linda. RL often gets in the way of important things, like reading and LT!
He is a cutie! You will have to go to my profile and check out his new pic.

Yes, I enjoyed it. Kath suggested this book and I'm glad I read it. This mystery was intriguing and the plot was very unexpected. I found myself trying to guess the killer as Hill gave clues but I was wrong everytime. That is the second book of hers that I read (the other was Lanterns across the Snow, about an elderly woman's memory of a childhood Christmas).

72. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
borrowed, 307 pgs
read by author on his website during September/October

Actually read 12-09 after failing to finish listening to the author's reading.

73. Dark Hollow by John Connolly
library, 441pgs.

I love John Connolly's books. I hope you enjoyed it, Cal.

I liked it a lot. I like his slightly supernatural touch to his stories. Dark Hollow was confusing to me at first with all the mob stuff and the the Caleb Kyle stuff and how it was related. I read this book in short bursts over week or so and I probably didn't give it the attention that it deserves.

*edited to change my mind about what I wrote*

* adds Lanterns across the Snow to list*

*waves ... wanders off quietly so as not to wake carrie who works so hard*

* totally gets RL getting in the way *

Still playing with The Stand and returned George Washington: A Life to the library. I intend to finish but they aren't speaking to me at the moment.

74. Cold Cases by Charlotte Greig
own, 207 pgs

75. The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
76. The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern
77. The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lilian Jackson Braun
all in one volume, library, 593 pgs.

Next up is The Day The Falls Stood Still. (Thanks Kath! I owe you many!)

Congratulations on reaching the 75 challenge goal. I'll be sure to return to your thread to hear your comments regarding Te Day The Falls Stood Still. I recently read this one.

Thanks Linda.

I'm excited. I really wanted to read it and the reviews are so promising. Kath is a doll for sending it to me. I had a stack of library books to finish before I could get to it.

Congrats!

*blows kisses and bows*

Hey, you made it to the big 75! Congratulations on meeting the Challenge!!

yay for 75 - go you :)

I think you will love Falls... I did. I wanted sto wander in and say hello neighbor...
( it won't let me send request yet. Sometimes it takes days before I can.. so if you can....

Congratulations on 75, Carrie!

78. The Day The Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan
from LTer, 301 pgs.

79. Smitten by Janet Evanovich
borrowed, 234 pgs.

80. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
borrowed, 103 pgs.

81. Price of Passion by Susan Napier
free e-book, 196 pgs.

82. Dark Melody by Christine Feehan
borrowed, 374 pgs.

How did you like The Day The Falls Stood Still?

I did. It is a moving love story set around the Niagra Falls during a trying time in history. The back story (the war, financial woes, class distinction) could have been examined more and I think that that took away from the overall story but I enjoyed it.

83. Swimsuit by James Patterson
borrowed, 391 pgs

84. The Killing Kind by John Connolly
library, 373 pgs.

cal, did you like Dark Hollow? it looks good, I'm going to add the first one as well

Wow, I must be slipping! I am actually reading The Killing Kind the third in the Charlie Parker series, not Dark Hollow. That was last month.

Connolly's Parker series is very good. Parker is an ex police detective dealing with the deaths of his family by a serial killer while he was at the bar. He has character flaws but is trying to work through them. The supporting characters in these books are interesting and add to the story lines.

Give them a try and let me know how you like them.

I like the series a lot! Glad to see you like them too, Carrie.

Parker sounds pretty dark.. I need a fun, spooky or brainless read..
maybe I will try those another time :)

how are you ? You had the baby the other night?

I'm good. Yeah we babysat Saturday night. He is so cute and snuggley. His colic is still not fun but I finally got him to sleep.

Have you read Carl Hiaasen's books? They are some light hearted mysteries with a eye for saving the environment. I have even laughed out loud.

85. Private Practices by Stephen White
library, 363 pgs

I almost forgot, I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow so I'll see everyone later. Lots of driving =lots of reading!

Have a wonderful vacation! (I do hope someone else is doing the driving and you are doing the reading - and not both!)

86. The Cat Who Saw Red
87. The Cat Who Played Brahms
88. The Cat Who Played Post Office all by Lilian Jackson Braun
library, together in one volume, 513 pgs.

89. Ghost Hunting by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson
own, 273 pgs.

90. Daddy's Girl by Lisa Scottoline
own, 378 pgs.

91. Psycho by Robert Bloch
own, 219 pgs.

currently reading
92. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
borrowed, 390 pgs.

93. Watchmen by Alan Moore
borrowed, 416 pgs.

94. The Bone Garden by Kate Ellis
borrowed, 267 pgs.

edited to fix touchstones. Well, I tried. Will try again later!

Lucy! I'm home!

My vacation was wonderful. Lots of sun and fun but I'm also glad to be home. Now I will start the task of catching up on everything that I missed here.

Happy Anniversary to us! Today is my and MrCal's 20th wedding anniversary.

Happy Anniversary! and glad you are back with us :)

Congrats!

Thanks everyone!

Can you believe that I came to work and did not bring a book with me!!!! I guess my vacation relaxed me way to much.

Welcome back, and (belated) happy anniversary!

95. The Pure in Heart by Susan Hill
library, 370 pgs.

96. Yoga by Linda Sparrowe
borrowed, 449 ( many pages of pictures and illistrations)

97. The Frightened Man by Kenneth Cameron
borrowed, 261 pgs.

Just stopping by to say hello! I'd be interested in knowing what you thought of The Pure in Heart. The reviews are quite varied on that one.

Hello to you!

The Pure in Heart wasn't as gripping as The Various Haunts of Men but it was a good mystery. So much of the story was based on TVHoM. This book has a lot going on in it. Simons' upheavals in his personal life (and there are several), a mystery, an ex-con trying to go staight.....Sometimes they clash and the most unimportant things (IMO) keep being swept to the forefront. The book ends in such a way that it is a set up for the next in the series. That takes away from a book, for me. I like a book to be it's own book, first and then an installment in a series, second.

I will continue to read this series, I have been enjoying it. It is very dark and I like Hill's writing syle.

98. The Cat Who had 14 Tales by Lilian Jackson
borrowed, 244 pgs.

currently reading

99. Christine by Stephen King
borrowed, a reread for King's Dear Constant Reader's group read, 471 pgs.

and still plugging away at The Stand and Watchmen. I am determined to finish The Stand. When I read it 20+ years ago, I got bogged down in the middle but when I finally finished it, I considered it one of King's best. Now I'm bogged down again. *Sigh*

100. It Happened in Pennsylvania by Fran Capo and Scott Bruce
own, 154 pgs.

Technically I have started 100 books but I have only finished 95 of them. I'm very happy, I read 72 in '07 and 93 in '08. I intend to finish the 5 I have started. I'm a sinker so eventually I will do it.

My current reads in addition to The Stand, The Watchmen and Christine are.....

101. Whitewash by Alex Kava
borrowed, 429 pgs.

102. Lover Beware by Christine Feehan, Katherine Sutcliffe, Fiona Brand, and Eileen Wilks
borrowed, 362 pgs.

Congratulations on the progress thus far, Carrie!

Thanks, Stasia. You're the best!

#150: Decidedly not true, but it is nice of you to say so!

103. Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King
borrowed, 127 pgs. A King's Dear Constant Reader group read

Just stopping by to say hello! (Your thread has been so quiet.)

Wow, up to 103 books!

*waves*

It's that darn Facebook and the holidays!

104. James and the Giant Peach Ronald Dahl
borrowed, 119 pgs.

105. Creepshow by Stephen King
e-book from a kind LTer, ?

106. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl
borrowed, 162 pgs.

Of the 106 books I haven't finished or am currently reading 7 of them:

The Stand
George Washington:A Life
The Graveyard Book
Whitewash
Lovers Beware
Creepshow
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I think my librarian wonders about my sanity, yesterday I got 2 King books and 2 Dahl books. HHMM

I am pleased. I read 93 last year and I managed to get 14 TBR's off of my piles this year. This challenge is soooooo good for me! Bad for my wishlist but good for me! :)

I read The Stand years ago and loved it.

I read The Graveyard Book a couple of months ago, and enjoyed it.

Hope you are enjoying them, too!

Don't worry what the librarian thinks. Some of our favorite library patrons have very eclectic taste in books!

I read The Stand years ago and I'm bogged down in the same place. I consider it one of King's best. I just have trouble getting through the middle.

The Graveyard Book I started listening to it online off of his website and I just keep forgetting to finish it. I liked what I heard. I should just get the book. I haven't been very successful with audio books.

The Graveyard Book is definitely worth the read, Carrie!

107. Pet Sematary by Stephen King
borrowed, 374 pgs. Reread for King's Dear Constant Reader's group read

108. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Borrowed, 277 pgs.

#159: I love that one!

I am enjoying it a lot. It's fun to be able to use your imagination to visualize what is happening between letters. Lots of fun.

Pet Sematary by Stephen King *shudder*

109. Vision in White by Nora Roberts
library, 277 pgs.

With two weeks left in the year, I am going to wish everyone Happy Holidays and pick out my ten favorite reads of the year. I think I will be trying to tie up my unfinished books by the end of the year so I'm not anticipating any memorable reading sooooo here they are in no specific order:

Twilight HAHAHAH Just kidding.

Survival in Auschwitz
Atonement
The Eyre Affair and the rest of the Next books.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Where the Red Fern Grows
The Various Haunts of Men
The Last Song
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Little Prince
The Day the Falls Stood Still

109. The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red by Ellen Rimbauer Ghost written by Ridley Pearson
borrowed, 272 pgs.

stopping in to say hello!

I think I have Rose Red here somewhere.....maybe?

Any thoughts on it?

Carrie, are you joining us for the 2010 challenge? The group is up and running! We need you!!