Diane's 1010 Challenge

Hi everyone, looks like another fun challenge and a good excuse to read some more books.

My categories:

1. Recommended - because there are some many really good books I would not pick otherwise
2. Newbery/Printz - some really good YA books have won or been honored for these awards
3. New to me authors - otherwise I tend to stick with the tried and true
4. Alice Hoffman - because I discovered her this year, love her writing and aim to read all her books
5. New Zealand authors - doing the 999 challenge I found a lot of really good local authors that deserve recognition
6. Around the world - ties in with my around the world challenge
7. Published in 2010
8. Romance/Chick lit - sometimes you need to escape
9. Thriller/Mystery
10.Series - books in a series I have already started or must read

Will be adding books as I read them.

Category 1 - Recommended.

1. Dark Places Gillian Flynn - Whisper1 (Linda)
2. Spud John Van de Ruit - my son David
3. Spud The Madness Continues John Van de Ruit - my son David
4. When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead - Whisper1 (Linda)
5. Ties that Bind, Ties that Break Lensey Namioka - Whisper1
6. The Flying Troutmans Miriam Toews - Judylou
7. The Last Child John Hart -
8. The Leisure Seeker Michael Zadoorian
9. The Painted Veil W. Somerset Maugham - Anne (colleague at work)
10. Rush Home Road Lori Lansens

The Franchise Affair Josephine Tey - FlossieT (Rachael)
Fat Cat Robin Brande - stephxsu (Stephanie)

Category 2 - Newbery/Printz

1. The Body of Christopher Creed Carol Plum-Ucci - Printz Honor
2. The Graveyard Book Neil Gaiman - Newbery winner
3. True Believer Virginia Euwer Wolff - Printz Honor
4. Kit's Wilderness David Almond - Printz Winner
5. The First Part Last Angela Johnson - Printz Winner
6. An Abundance of Katherines John Green - Printz Honor
7. Fat Kid Rules the World K L Going - Printz Honor
8. A Northern Light Jennifer Donnelly - Printz Honor
9. Savvy Ingrid Law - Newbery Honor
10. Holes Louis Sachar - Newbery Winner
11. Hope Was Here Joan Bauer - Newbery Honor

Category 3 - New to me authors

1. Their Eyes Were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston
2. Savage Garden Denise Hamilton
3. A Question of Love Isabel Wolff
4. Hour Game David Baldacci
5. Loverboy Michele Jaffe
6. Target Stella Cameron
7. The Elegance of the Hedgehog Muriel Barbery
8. Politically Correct Bedtime Stories James Garner
9. Isabella Moon Laura Benedict
10. Jasper Jones Craig Silvey
11. Luna Julie Anne Peters
12. 84 Charing Cross Road Helene Hanff
13. Without Warning Will Napier

Category 4 - Alice Hoffman

1. Local Girls
2. Indigo
3. The Foretelling
4. Here on Earth
5. Angel Landing
6. Practical Magic

Aquamarine
Turtle Moon
Illumination Night
Fortune's Daughter
White Horses

Category 5 - New Zealand Authors

1. Butterscotch Lyn Loates
2. Access Road Maurice Gee
3. Let Me Sing You Gentle Songs Linda Olsson
4. Beneath the Cherry Tree David Bates
5. Plumb Maruice Gee
6. Knotted Michelle Holman
7. As the Earth Turns Silver Alison Wong
8. A Sandwich Short of a Picnic Felicity Price

Predicament Ronald Hugh Morrieson

Category 6 - Around the World

1. I Choose to Live Sabine Dardenne - Belgium
2. The Keep F Paul Wilson - Romania
3. One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Ken Kesey - Oregon
4. Trespass Valerie Martin - Croatia
5. The Morning Gift Eva Ibbotson - Austria
6. Silence of the Grave Arnaldur Indridason - Iceland

Category 7 - Published in 2010

1. Secrets of Eden Chris Bohjalian
2. Take a Chance on Me Jill Mansell
3. Before I Fall Lauren Oliver
4. Trespass Rose Tremain
5. House Rules Jodi Picoult

Category 8 - Romance/Chick Lit

1. Bed of Roses Nora Roberts
2. Dirty Megan Hart
3. The Sugar Queen Sarah Addison Allen
4. Garden Spells Sarah Addison Allen
5. The Girl Who Chased the Moon Sarah Addison Allen
6. Not My Daughter Barbara Delinsky
7. Family Tree Barbara Delinsky
8. Eleven Hours Paullina Simons

Category 9 - Thriller/Mystery

Category 10 - Series

1. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson
2. Catching Fire Suzanne Collins
3. Brother Odd Dean Koontz
4. Odd Hours Dean Koontz
5. The Girl Who Played with Fire Stieg Larsson
6. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest
7. Still Life Louise Penny
8. A Fatal Grace Louise Penny
9. The Cruellest Month Louise Penny
10. Everlost Neal Shusterman
11. The Murder Stone Louise Penny
12. The Brutual Telling Louise Penny
13. Dead Until Dark Charlaine Harris
14. Living Dead in Dallas Charlaine Harris
15. Club Dead Charlaine Harris

Welcome to the challenge!

Book No. 1

Butterscotch Lynn Loates - 3 1/2 stars

Butterscotch is part historical, part mystery and part family saga with an obsessive event at its core - the 1954 Parker Hulme murder case in Christchurch.

Helen Mainyard was eight years old when her father suddenly moved the family from their Christchurch, NZ home to Melbourne, Australia and she always believed that this move was in response to the high profile murder. When she is twenty-one she discovers the real reason which causes her to revisit her childhood.

Set largely in Christchurch, but also in Melbourne, London & Cambridge, and covering mainly the years 1952-1984, this impressive work is peopled with a large array of characters, likeable and not, all wonderfully drawn.

Have you seen the movie Heavenly Creatures about that murder? I recently re-watched that with a friend who then showed me the website with photographs of the girls and their families. I can't find it right now, but if you are interested, I'll post that link here.

I'm looking forward to your NZ category. Last year I traveled there and read some fiction novels from NZ while I was there and in preparation for the trip.

Hi nans, I saw Heavenly Creatures years ago. Buttersctotch does not delve deeply into the murder or the girls but goes off in another direction.

Book No. 2

The Body of Christopher Creed Carol Plum-Ucci - 4 stars

This is a great mystery about the disapearance of a teenage outcast. While Christopher Creed was invisible during life, his vanishing turned the entire town upside down as everyone starts pointing fingers at each other as they speculate what happened to him. I loved the character development of the narrator and thought it had a brilliant ending.

Book No. 3

Local Girls Alice Hoffman

Another awesome book by Alice Hoffman. Her writing style is so unlike any other I've read. What's even more interesting with this particular book is that each chapter does not take place directly after the previous chapter. Sometimes days have gone by, sometimes years. This really makes sense because not every day of someone's life is noteworthy.

The story is about two girls, Gretel and Jill and their families and lives. Both of their moms are ill albeit in different ways and Gretel's brother turns from scholar to a nobody. There are some very sad parts in the book but I found the whole thing gripping.

Book No. 4

The Graveyard Book Neil Gaiman

A great blend of the funny (the tombstones!) and the creepy (that opening sentence!) The chapters had a fairly episodic feel, but each moved the story along as well, and I was surprised to find myself all choked up at the end. I almost really liked the illustrations, since they added nicely to the mood of the book, but any time a character was depicted, the illustrations clashed with the images in my head. I would definitely recommend this to kids who can handle a little creepy. The premise is really great - a boy being raised by a graveyard - and I'm happy to say the execution lives up to the premise.

Book No. 5

True Believer Virginia Euwer Wolff

True Believer is a fascinating young adult novel. It's the second (and only one I have read) in the "Make Lemonade Trilogy." The book is written in poetry form, though it reads like prose. The chapters are short. It was fabulously easy, perfect for teenagers who like stories but hate all the words necessary to get the story told.

The protagonist, LaVaughn, is in high school, and she wants to go to college. She is bright and determined, but she struggles in a school with regular shootings and metal detectors at the doors. Few of her peers are interested in college. Some have even died on the violent streets of her neighborhood. But she pushes through it and works hard in her classes, applying what she learns to other things in life.

Her mom, a widow, has started dating again, and naturally, that is hard for LaVaughn. Even though a new man is in the picture and threatens to alter the life LaVaughn knows, her mom is always there for her, loving her, and supporting her in one way or another.

Her best friends are into a form of Christianity and it confuses LaVaughn and pushes her away from these friends, but also causes her to think about God in new ways. She has a crush, but things aren't going as well as she would like. She is being pushed in school by people who see her potential. She wants to live up to it, but life sometimes gets in the way.

Wolff, the author, captures the essence of being a teenage girl. Some kids will be able to relate to the environmental issues LaVaughn faces, but I think all teenage girls will relate to the internal and social struggles- changing friendships, curiosity about God and life, boys who interfering with every other thought, and the occasional opinion or question about kissing and sex.

I like your reviews. My family loved the Graveyard Book. We read it aloud in the car on the long drive between Montreal and Toronto.

Thanks for stopping by mathgirl40.

Book No. 6

Indigo Alice Hoffman

Sweet, strange story about a town where everyone dreads water except for Martha’s two friends (who have webbed fingers and toes). Martha, trying to escape her own family problems, decides to run away with these two, just at the time that the rains come. The book is very short, so will appeal to reluctant readers because of that. Charming with definitely positive themes dealing with family values and family love.

Book No. 7

The Foretelling Alice Hoffman

A story about the Amazon culture of women. A young girl must find strength to become Queen one day, despite confusion and misgivings about her life and her own mother's sorrow over her birth. A lovely read, filled with all of Alice Hoffman's gifts: the power to create magical worlds on paper and transform characters with strength and love.

Book No. 8

Kit's Wilderness David Almond

Kit is a young man in transition. He and his family have moved to a remote mining village in England to take care of his ailing Grandfather who moves in and out of moments of reality and dreams. Kit loves the stories of the village's past. They are tales of suspense and adventure of former souls who roamed the surrounding wilderness. Viewed as an outcast in his new school, Kit makes friends with the eccentric Allie Keenan and draws the attention of the mysterious Askew.

The stories of his grandfather are woven into the maturation of Kit as he sees the spirits of the village's past. What he must figure out is why these spirits have found interest in him and what they mean to his future. Drawing from the friendship of Allie and his growing curiousity, Kit begins to search for the meaning of his life and ultimately tries to define the terms of death.

This book is extremely well written. The author Almond does an amazing job of writing such a suspenseful story for such a broad audience. The one weakness of the book is that it will take a reader a few chapters to really get involved with the story. Kit's introverted personality does not allow the story to take off until he develops his friendship will Allie. The first chapter will tease the taste for suspense, but the opening chapters following move rather slowly. Despite this flaw, the book is still outstanding and would be enjoyed by most audiences.

Book No. 9

Here on Earth Alice Hoffman

Another good book by Alice Hoffman. The characters have a lot of depth and are brought to life with her vivid words. Her writing style in this book is very descriptive and sometimes poetic. The way she describes love is so profound, it’s not the sort of description that is lengthy and you want to just skim over, no, it’s lyrical and holds your interest.

My distaste for March and my strong dislike for Hollis are established early on in this story. I hate how this woman treats her life so carelessly. There are times you just want to smack her for being so selfish! And Hollis, he is so revengeful and mean. There are times we feel sad for the little boy that he was but the grown man he becomes is shameful. Hank and Alan you just want to mother. Gwen you want to give a big hug and tell her how proud you are of her. Hoffman does a wonderful job in forming her characters and allowing us to see their past, their emotion, and even who they will become in the future.

Book No. 10

Angel Landing Alice Hoffman

I enjoy Alice Hoffman's novels, but this early effort was not the most riveting. It's not a bad book by any means, and I am tempted to grant three stars, but to me the writing was somewhat weak, especially compared to some of her more recent releases.

I had an almost visceral response to Here on Earth. I hated the characters so much that I wanted to give the book 2 stars (I never enjoyed Wuthering Heights either. I am more of a Jane Austen sort of girl). Then, the more I thought about it, I decided that is what makes Alice Hoffman such a brilliant writer. That she can evoke that sort of response to characters that aren't even real. It is fantastic!

You should definitely try Blackbird House, The Ice Queen and Practical Magic. Those are by far my favorite books by Alice Hoffman (and I have almost all of them).

Also, if you enjoy that genre (magical realism), you have to read Sarah Addison Allen's Sugar Queen and Garden Spells. I describe her as Alice Hoffman with a happier ending. Audrey Niffenegger is great too.

I am excited about starting my own 1010 challenge. I am going to hold off until the first of the year but I have already posted my categories.

#27, thanks for popping by. I have read Blackbird House and The Ice Queen - both very good. I have Practical Magic on the pile beside the bed waiting to be read.

I haven't heard of Sarah Addison Allen and will look out for her books. Thanks for the recommendation.

I have read The Time Travellers Wife by Niffenegger and have her new book on order at the library.

I will second the recommendation for Sarah Addison Allen. I have read Garden Spells and was complete enchanted. I hope to read Sugar Queen soon.

I adore Sarah Addison Allen. Read her! Read her!
Did ya'll know that she has a new book due out in March? The Girl Who Chased the Moon

edited to fix touchstones

30> Yes it was supposed to come out in November...then January...now March..

They are taunting us. I just know it!

Book No. 11

The First Part Last Angela Johnson

You're 16 and you and your buddies love nothing more than pal-ing around the city of New York. Basketball. Food. Girls. Pranks. But then comes the news every teenager says he's not ever going to be stupid enough to hear: "I'm pregnant."

That's what Nia tells Bobby in this brief tale of a pregnancy, a possible adoption, and a tragedy. The structure is simply divided between "Then" and "Now" chapters which eventually meet at the end. A quick read with a lasting moral.

Book No. 12

An Abundance of Katherines John Green

In an attempt to understand and/or outrun the albatrosses in his life, Colin Singleton takes a road trip after graduating from high school. He needs to leave behind the nineteen girlfriends (all named Katherine) who dumped him, and eighteen years as a prodigy crushed by people's expectations of him. Traveling with his best friend Hassan, they decide to swerve off their scheduled path to visit an unlikely tourist attraction, the Duke Ferdinand of WWI fame's alleged grave site. This detour takes Colin away from his normal life and with a bit of luck, lands the pair in Gutshot Tennessee, where Colin gets deeply involved with the lives and lore of the locals.

Through it all, Colin's focus remains on the big picture: developing a scientific theory / mathematical formula (described, like the footnotes in the book, in tongue-in-cheek detail) to explain his failed relationships. Filled with footnotes and including an appendix explaining the formula, Green's book is built on an abundance of wit, empathy, and insight.

Book No. 13

Fat Kid Rules the World K L Going

Troy Billings is an overweight, unhappy seventeen-year-old contemplating suicide when a dirty, skinny stranger distracts him. The teenager identifies himself as Curt MacCrae, a local high school legend and phenomenal musician. Troy is fascinated by Curt’s strange behavior, and drawn to him out of awe for his talent and also because Troy doesn’t have any friends. Curt convinces Troy to join his band, even though he hardly knows how to play the drums. Troy is sure Curt will dump him, but against all odds and in spite of Troy’s urging to the contrary, Curt is determined to be Troy’s friend and teach him to play the drums. But Curt has problems of his own; he is homeless and addicted to drugs. Troy knows he has to do something, or Curt will die, but he is afraid he will lose his only friend and the purpose and direction he has found as a member of a punk band.

K.L. Goings does an impressive job of depicting the emotional, physical, and social difficulties of being an overweight teenager. Fat Kid Rules the World is a quick read with a lot of humor that is equally funny and heartbreaking. Overall the theme is a typical one, a teenager trying to find their place and voice, but I enjoyed the change in scenery via punk band instead of through a boyfriend/girlfriend or sports. I also though Going’s treatment of a teenager struggling with addiction was honest, only simplifying the seriousness of the disease just a little. Overall a very enjoyable read.

Book No. 14

Practical Magic Alice Hoffman

Practical Magic is about 2 sisters who are very different but who are able to help each other through the worst of times. Once again, we see how holding onto old and outdated childhood views of ourselves can keep us from being happy in the present. But you can get there with some persistence. I loved the 2 main sister characters and their elderly aunts who are also sisters. Entertaining and fun.

Book No. 15

Dark Places Gillian Flynn

The protagonist of this story is a woman, who as a 7-year old child, escaped the brutal massacre of her mother and sisters. One would think these circumstances would almost automatically make this character sympathetic. But somehow, Flynn makes this woman entirely unlikable. When I started the book, I thought I would not like it because Libby was such a dreadful parasite of a person. In fact, I was quickly drawn into the mystery. Libby's testimony as a child helped put her brother in jail for the murders of her family. Libby heard the murders, but didn't actually see them. The psychologists and lawyers managed to convince her, however, that she had, and this was how she testified. Now she begins to question her brother's guilt. Flynn unfolds the mystery bit by bit. I'd sort of figured out part of what happened, but the end definitely held some big surprises. By the end of the book, while I was still disgusted by Libby's character, I felt I understood her a little better, and felt more sympathetic of her despite her many flaws. The writing is dark, kind of disturbing, and very unique. I'd be interested to read more of Flynn's work.

Have you read Sharp Objects? I like that one better than Dark Places. It's still dark and disturbing...

#37 I have Sharp Objects on order at the library. Will let you know what I think of it when finished.

Book No. 16

A Northern Light Jennifer Donnelly

The story was pretty good and the writing was good. The constant shift between time lines was irritating and often served no purpose. As a plot device it was only beneficial twice in the entire book. It is apparent that the author had no confidence in the strength of her story so wanted to hook the reader in by using events from the end (chronologically) in the story that she saw as more exciting/intriguing. The story would have been excellent told straight through chronologically and much less confusing. There were times the author drifted from the story just to show off the research she did. The descriptions did flesh out the environment some, but it was not done very smoothly and got old really fast.

Book No. 17

I Choose to Live Sabine Dardenne

Written by one of the two survivors of the 'Monster of Belgium', Marc Dutroux, I Choose To Live is an unsettling, upsetting but genuinley interesting account of what happened to Sabine Dardenne in her 80 days incarcerated in a hideout built into a cellar.

Whilst being very interesting, and I recommend you read this book for a viewpoint not often seen (that of the actual victim of the killer/kidnapper), it isn't a literary masterpiece. It is, however, a quick read that will horrify and sadden you, but grimly astound you also, as it is hard to believe that this actually happened, and is still happening today.

Book No. 18

The Keep F Paul Wilson

In an eerie mountain fortress in Transylvania, two Nazi officers seek help from outside when an unknown killer sucks out the light and warmth from a room, leaving only bloodless mutilated corpses behind. The Nazis must bring in a Jewish local folklore expert to help them.

The battle has begun: On one side, the ultimate evil created by man, and on the other...the unthinkable, unstoppable, unknowing terror that man has inevitably awakened.

I don't read too much horror, but this book was okay.

Book No. 19

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larrson

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book since it starts off with a bunch of financial mumbo-jumbo about a dodgy industrialist and Mikael Blomkvist's trial gone wrong, and it was a little slow for me. But then the book switches gears to the mystery of the long ago disappearance of a young girl from a seriously dysfunctional but wealthy family. And because of those two plots, Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander are brought together and from there the book takes off. This was one of those books that made me stay up way too late at night trying to read as much as possible and kept me guessing along the way. And Lisbeth is one of the most interesting characters I've seen in a long time. She kicks some major butt.

Looking forward to the next installment in the trilogy.

Book No. 20

One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Ken Kesey

A brilliantly twisted take on the struggle of a hero against the world. The villian, Nurse Ratched, is a perfectly honed tool of the social conspiracy; the hero, McMurphy, is a man with the courage and pride to take on an army; and the narrator, Chief Bromden, is a silent, all seeing, giant of a wise man. Each of them have enough chinks in their armor to keep things interesting, but they are each great stylized heroes that, in another setting could be comic-book super-heroes.

Kesey is a great eloquent writer, and though this book certainly was both a product of and defining factor in its era, it remains even now, a relevant and gorgeous book.

You make me want to read OFOTCN and I had not expected that. I had thought of it as an artifact of its time and not of current interest. Thanks.

>43 dianestm: Nice review of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest! It's been a while since I read it last, and it's nice to know that it's standing up to the test of time.

#44 & #45 - Thanks for popping by.

Book No. 21

Trespass Valerie Martin

This novel had, in the abstract, very little plot, but was fully captivating and I cared deeply what happened to the characters. In the plot, such as it was, a mother is troubled by her college-aged son's choice of a new girlfriend, while the father, a history professor who's struggling to find meaning in his work, tries to mediate. In a side story, the mother, an artist (specifically, a book illustrator who's working on illustrations for a new edition of Wuthering Heights) becomes obsessed with a poacher on their wooded acreage. The girlfriend's family history in the Balkans also adds considerable dramatic effect in the last half of the book. But it's the characters who are really memorable, along with their experience of war and the dramatic contrast between the Americans' comfortable protest of the buildup to the Iraq war and the girlfriends' family's direct experience of war.

Book No. 22

Their Eyes Were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston

This book was a little hard to get into, just because of the style of writing. Zora Neale Hurston uses authentic African-American language from times of slavery throughout the book. There are times when I had to read out loud to understand what they were saying. However, this book sends a powerful message about the state of the African-American woman during and just after the time of slavery.

Janie is a girl who has always known what she wants. Throughout her life, she is searching for something, and she has to go through three different marriages to finally find what she is looking for. Amidst the trials of poverty, and feelings of helplessness, and the difficulties of being unloved, Janie perserves until she can find happiness and peace in her life.

Trespass was an interesting read. I found myself frustrated with the protagonist and her comfortable sense of entitlement, but I think that was the author's intention.

Book No. 23

The Morning Gift Eva Ibbotson

Perhaps it is simply that I am in the mood to be delighted by a book or perhaps it is simply that the Morning Gift is truly a book to be delighted in, but I found myself smiling and giggling and railing against the characters when they did stupid things.

It's not a deep book, by any means, or one that offers many twists and turns, but I found myself caring about the brilliant and somewhat ridiculous Ruth, a Jewish girl who is forced to marry a British professor to escape from Austria as Hitler's forces begin to engulf the continent. She quotes German poetry to sheep, earns the affection of even the crustiest of elderly personages, and makes the most dreadful mistakes sometimes.

I'll be adding Eva Ibbotson to the list of authors that I need to read more of.

I read A Countess Below Stairs last year and really enjoyed it.

Cindy, A Countess Below Stairs looks good. Ibbotson has a very easy writing style. I will be on the lookout for more of her books.

Book No. 24

Catching Fire Suzanne Collins

As sequels go, Catching Fire was a great follow-up to The Hunger Games. The story picks up where the first book ends, and it was really easy to once again immerse myself in the world of District 12 and Panem. Katniss does a lot of maturing in this book as she begins to realize there are larger forces at work, and more people at risk than simply herself and her family.

My biggest frustration with Katniss as a character is that she fails to recognize and come to terms with her own feelings about both Gale and Peeta. She seems afraid of discovering what she truly feels, and by avoiding the truth she's hurting both the young men she cares about. The end approached too quickly, and Collins leaves Katniss and the reader at a complete cliff-hanger.

Not as good as the first in terms of novelty, but I'm eagerly waiting finishing the trilogy.

Book No. 25

Brother Odd Dean Koontz

I liked this 3rd installment much more than the second, Forever Odd. Our ghost-seeing hero is now settled into a somewhat remote monastery and comes across an unnatural abomination, and must protect the orphanage run by nuns.

This story got back to a more personally emotional level that evoked in the first book. Plus the concept behind the terrifying being is frightening and fascinating. Most importantly, Koontz didn't lose any of his mildly irreverent dialogue. I am engaged by how it indicates Odd's character as someone young who has been dealt a lot of negatives, and naturally is a little skeptical and dismissive and superior, but at the same time he is polite and caring and respectful to those around him. It's a really interesting mix of attitudes.

Book No. 26

Odd Hours Dean Koontz

Odd Hours is the fourth installment in the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz, and at some points, it is also the best. In Odd, Koontz has created a likable and unique character, possibly one of the best characters in an ongoing fiction series that I can think of. Odd continues to develop throughout this book eventually loosing some of the boyish innocence that he has possessed since the first book. As is usual, Odd comes to the rescue and plays the (somewhat hapless) hero and saves the day once again.

At times Odd has matured and the longing expressed for his lost love transcends the ‘teenager in love’ and enters into realm of realistic feelings of loss that even this cynic can appreciate. This is when the book shines and Koontz flexes his writing muscle.

Koontz imbues Odd with a fantastic imagination that shows it’s face in times of extreme stress and danger, always causing him to expect the most horrid and inconvenient thing to happen. I appreciate this as one of those people who plays the ‘what if’ game in my head as well. Odd is a sarcastic, funny, caring, largely altruistic, and sometimes naïve young man in whom the reader can find similarities to his/her self and he has won a place on my shelf for sure.

Book No. 27

Spud John Van de Ruit

John Milton (aka Spud), Gecko, Rambo, and the other five members of the crazy eight, as well as Spud's strange parents will have you in fits of laughter from the very first page. So too will the antics of his eccentric English teacher, The Guv. Ah and let's also not forget the blossoming of young love, along with all the hormonal confusion it brings... I recommend this book to everyone between the ages of 13 to 100!

Book No. 28

The Girl Who Played with Fire Stieg Larsson

I literally could not put the book down. Every time I would tell myself “I will stop at the end of the chapter” something would happen and I HAD to keep reading which annoyed my husband no end.

My favorite part of the book is when Blomkvist suddenly realizes Lisbeth loneliness and self-isolation. Blomkvist felt as if someone were squeezing his heart. He felt that he had to find Salander and hold her close. He finally realizes why Lizbeth is the way she is, and it breaks his heart.

The several sub-plots that all lead up to the cumulative end of the overall plot, the fixation with math, I loved every minute of it. I liked that people either respected Lisbeth or wanted her dead. I like that those who respected her were also ready to fight and put their life on the line for her. I like Mikael’s determination and adamant belief in Lisbeth’s innocence. I loved how the media was portrayed as ignorant in their reporting.

I will admit that I was a little disappointed there was not more interaction between Mikal and Lisbeth. I wanted him to spot her in the bar scene and desperately wanted him to rescue her as she was being shot, like she saved his life in the first book.

I highly recommend these books.

I'm glad you found The Girl Who Played with Fire to be captivating. I have it on my 1010 as well. I'm in line for it at the library and there's only 19 people in front of me now!

Book No. 29

Spud The Madness Continues John Van de Ruit

There is alot of funny jokes, funny pranks, and some not so funny punishments, but when it comes down to it. They're still the seven crazy boys(plus a cat) that will not retire there funny crowns just yet. In this book told from John Milton's (a.k.a Spud's) point of view, we grow to love the crazy eight even more than before and with the new adventures and trouble. I hope there is a third book and if there is, I'm getting it.

Book No. 30

Silence of the Grave Arnaldur Indridason

This is a cold case from a cold country, Iceland. Human bones are found buried on a hill outside Reykjavik, and Detective Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson and his team work to piece together the identity of the bones and the murderer, if indeed the person was murdered.

The reader reads two stories simulaneously. One story is the story of a family where the husband beats and terrorizes his wife and children. You know who you want the victim to be, but you also know it could easily be any one of the family members, one of characters who interact with the wife beater along the way, or another woman who had gone missing years ago.

Erlendur's own family life adds another layer of grey and drear to this suspenseful mystery. His daughter, pregnant and strung out on drugs, spends most of the time unconscious while Erlendur examines his role in his children's lives.

Easy read but not gripping.

Book No. 31

Savage Garden Denise Hamilton

Savage Garden is the fourth Denise Hamilton novel to feature reporter Eve Diamond. Set in Los Angeles, it highlights its cultural diversity, bigotry, and corruption. Savage Garden is a detective novel that is focused on race relations and journalistic ethics.

Eve Diamond tells this story in the first person. In being presented that way, there is a distinct lack of depth to her character. With respect to the other principals, there is some character development but they all seem to be extreme examples of a type they represent, making it possible for the author to short cut their development.

Hamilton does a good job with the dialogue, keeping it in voice but the greater gift is in the use of the various types of slang indicative of the different cultures and subgroups of those cultures represented.

Have you read Jar City by Arnaldur Indridasen? I was toying with the idea of trying it but after your review of Silence of the Grave I am not too sure (I do not read many crime novels).

#61 I haven't read Jar City. This was the first book by Indridason that I have read and even though it is part of a series it could be easily read separately as it didn't refer to the first book at all. I will probably read more by Indridason at some stage to see if he improves at all.

Book No. 32

A Question of Love Isabel Wolff

Set against the backdrop of a brilliantly inventive TV quiz show, 'A Question of Love' explores how not being able to let go of the past clouds our judgement when choosing a partner. This novel is full of humour, especially the terrible ex-wife, but it is also serious in nature, and often very moving. Whilst the cover suggests it is primarily a 'girly' read, that dramatically underplays how emotionally satisfying this book is, as it rasies questions about love and forgiveness, and about what we are prepared to do for our beloved.

#62 Silence of the Grave was not the best of the Erlender series, I don't think. The next book, (Voices, I think it's called) is much better. The latest book, Arctic Chill, is the best yet. But you'll for sure want to read some of the earlier books first, as the background on Erlendur and his family will help to make it more understandable.

Book No. 33

Hour Game David Baldacci

I enjoyed this novel, my first Baldacci. I thought the main characters complex, with distinct personalities that mesh well. The same with the rest of the cast; while some semed like the 'yeah, that figures' kind of characters, they don't stay that way.

The plot was well done, no slow spots, the action superb - just the right amount in the right places. A few twists of events keeps you guessing and, as the synopsis promised, I was completely shocked at the outcome.

I believe I'll be picking up more of his novels.

#64 I will be on the lookout for more books from Indridason. I don't like to write authors off on one book.

#65 Several years ago I read this book and a couple others in the same series and liked them quite a lot. For some reason, I never picked up his other series (can't even think of the name of it, now) but there is a new book about these characters that came out last year, I think. I want to read it, but am afraid that I won't remember anything about them!

ETA - Camel Club is the other series

Book No. 34

Loverboy Michele Jaffe

A surprisingly good read. Two weeks before Loverboy intends to kill his victim, he sends a collage of hints to the FBI. Imogen Page has the task of trying to find Loverboy and his victim before the two weeks expire.

A good cast of characters that were well developed by Jaffe and a story line that was quick, without being to rushed, and keeps the reader involved throughout the story.

This was the first book I have read by Jaffe and I will definitely be checking out more by her this year.

Book No. 35

Target Stella Cameron

Target didn't do it for me. First book of Ms. Cameron's books. However, Target dragged on...at some point I almost yelled, "get on with it, already!" It needed more editing (spell check) and had a few inconsistencies. It did pick up in the end, though, and provided a satisfying ending. Overall, it was just okay.

Book No. 36

Savvy Ingrid Law

When a Beaumont turns 13, he or she gets a "savvy." A savvy is sort of like a magical power, but they are hard to control, sometimes dangerous, and completely unpredictable. Mibs (short for Mississippi) is about the turn 13 when news comes that her father has been injured in an accident and taken to a hospital in a town far away. Now she only wants her savvy to be something that can help her dad. But, most of all, she wants to see her dad. So she hitches a ride with an unsuccessful Bible deliveryman, her brother Fish, her other brother Samson, the preacher's two kids, and a woman-in-distress who they pick up along the way. There are plenty of adventures, an attempted kidnapping, a visit from the police, storms, fights, pie-stealing, and shattering glass.

I read this book very quickly. The plot moved right along and the characters were fun to get to know. Law's use of wacky, rhyming words and repetition sort of got on my nerves, but in saying that, I am not the target audience for this book

Book no. 37

Holes Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats seems to live a cursed life after he is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and is sent to Camp Green Lake, a boot camp out in the middle of nowhere. But what seems to be ill luck may prove to be destiny as Stanley makes new friends and slowly uncovers the reason for their daily task: digging holes.

There isn’t a lot of character development on the secondary characters, but the book is well-paced and the mystery as to what is going on is interesting. Stanley is the proverbial luckless underdog who is teased at school for his weight and for his family, and his parents always seem short of money. The ending felt a little contrived, but then, this book wasn’t meant to be taken too seriously.

Book No. 38

The Elegance of the Hedgehog Muriel Barbery

This is a wonderful book. It took awhile for it to grow on me but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. It's a book about questioning the stereotypes we assign to others and about questioning the roles we put ourselves in. I would highly recommend this book.

Book No. 39

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest Stieg Larsson

With Salander recovering from brain surgery and being charged with multiple crimes, Blomkvist moves to the forefront to get the mystery solved. Something he is not able to do it without her help and help she does, even from her lockdown room at the hospital. Slowly but surely the pieces begin to fall into place, but not without enough twists and turns to keep you up at night.

An absolutely fantastic end to the trilogy. Everyone must read these books.

Book No. 40

Politically Correct Bedtime Stories James Garner

4 stars

Ridiculously funny. If you have a deap hatred for anything PC, this book offers relief and therapy. My favorite stories were "Goldilocks" and "The Emperor's New Clothes".

"The emporor is naked!" The parade stopped. The emperor paused. A hush fell over the crowd, until one quick-thinking peasent shouted: "No, he isn't. The emperor is merely endorsing a clothing-optional lifestyle!"

Book No. 41

When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead

4 stars

Twelve year-old Miranda lives in New York City in 1979, dreaming that her single mom will win the game show, $20,000 Pyramid. Street savvy and independent, Miranda reads and re-reads her favorite book, A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’ Engle, and considers the possibility of time travel. Miranda’s voice rings true as she wonders why her long-time best friend won’t talk to her anymore, ponders relationships with new school friends, and observes a cast of neighborhood characters, including the creepy homeless man who hangs out on her corner. Miranda is also anxious about a series of cryptic notes from someone who seems able to predict the future. This unknown writer is “on the way” to save her friend. Which friend needs saving? Why? And how does the note writer know so much about her? This intriguing mystery gently illuminates issues of family and friendship as well as racial and socio-economic prejudice. The story is a delightful puzzle and well worth reading.

Hi Diane - just checking in. You are making amazing progress on your challenge!

I loved When You Reach Me - I read it last year and will be keeping an eye out for more by Rebecca Stead. Politically Correct Bedtime Stories sounds like a hoot - I have placed a hold at my library for that one. Years ago I read a book that comprised of legally corrected version of nursery rhymes... I can still remember the court documents about Jack and Jill and that fateful fall down "said hill". I wonder if I still have that book, it would be good to reread.

Happy reading!

Book No. 42

Isabella Moon Laura Benedict

The story of Kate Russell and what she is doing in a sleepy Kentucky town is steeped in secrets that are slowly revealed as the action moves forward. Kate is visited by the ghost of a young girl, Isabella Moon, who died shortly after she moved to Carystown. Several other people in the community die after Kate shares her knowledge of the crime with the local sherriff and her best friend's mother.

Nothing, and nobody, are what they seem in this book. The ending was very abrupt and not really where I thought it would go.

# 75 lkernagh - if you can remember the name of the nursery rhyme book please let me know. Sounds like a funny one to read.

Possibly When Jack Sued Jill - Nursery Rhymes for Modern Times. I think I've seen this mentioned in another thread quite recently but can't remember who's.

I have ripped the house apart and no, I don't seem to have the book anymore. Either I gave it to my brother years ago or else we have a missing properties case on our hands ;-). Kidding aside, I did search my public library and came across Legally Correct Fairy Tales by David Fisher, which I think is the book I was trying to remember. I have placed a hold and will know in a few days if I am correct.

Found the ones I saw and they're from msg 119 in Cheli's thread. They're by James Finn Garner called Politically Correct Bedtime Stories. Looks like 3 books in the series and also available as a gift set.

Well, I picked up Legally Correct Fairy Tales from the library and that was not the book I remember so the hunt continues.
AHS-Wolfy, your first guess, When Jack Sued Jill may be the correct one......

edited for clarification

Book No. 43

Let Me Sing You Gentle Songs Linda Olsson

Veronika, a 30-year-old Swedish writer, rents a home in a remote village to finish her second novel. Her only neighbor for miles is Astrid, a reclusive woman who has earned a reputation as the village witch. Veronika and Astrid gradually become friends, taking long walks and sipping wine made from the wild strawberries in Astrid's garden. Each shares painful secrets along the way.

I liked this book and the writing was truly beautiful. I enjoyed how the two women, alone in their own worlds, became such good friends. Their friendship was truly self-less.

Book No. 44

Access Road Maurice Gee

Rowan narrates a tale of family relationships and dark secrets, shifting back and forth in time as she searches her memory for reasons behind her bedridden brother Lionel’s silence. Rowan lives a somewhat-contented life with her “silly old git” of a husband Dickie, a cheerful drunk but regularly visits her siblings Roly and Lionel, who’ve moved back to the old family home in Access Road, Loomis. Visits that spark a flood of memories, not all of them pleasant.

A really good read.

Book No. 45

Jasper Jones Craig Silvey

This is a wonderful story, told through the eyes of 13 year old Charlie. I was quickly pulled in by Charlie's precocious love of language and his relationships with his friends. On top of that there is the mystery of a grizzly discovery. Craig Silvey offers a fresh approach to a familiar scenario by building the story of the town and Charlie's place in it.

Highly recommended.

Oh, Jasper Jones sounds good.... and would fit one of my categories. I have added it to the TBR pile of possibilities ;-}

Book No.

Beneath the Cherry Tree David Bates

Julian Paul is a barrister with an addiction for the horses and a dodgy client. When he comes across some distasteful information he decides to blackmail an old family friend.

This is a first novel by a practising barrister. A bit slow to get going and then it felt like it was concluded abruptly but you couldn't fault Bates for his accurate portrayal of the New Zealand court system.

Book No. 47

Bed of Roses Nora Roberts

I loved the four characters in Vision in White and they are back for more romance in this one. They bring to mind the friends I am lucky enough to have that are similar. The supporting characters only add to the warm glow that curls around your insides when you read about them. All in all an enjoyable, quick, light read. Fun, fun, fun.

Book No. 48

Plumb Maurice Gee

I enjoyed this story of a man who strives for meaning of belief at every chance even at the expense of his patient wife and children. I have no interest in religion but I am pleased I read Plumb as it questioned such old and staid beliefs. For all his wrongs I found I genuinely liked the character of George Plumb and respected his motivation and his refusal to be quiet. This book was worthy of the accolation and awards it received.

Book No. 49

Secrets of Eden Chris Bohjalian

Secrets of Eden tackles a tough subject - Domestic Violence. It is set in a small town and centers around the story Rev. Stephen Drew baptizes Alice Hayward. Later that same day her husband kills Alice and then himself. But like all incidents of domestic violence, there is more to the story: what happens to the teenage daughter, Katie, Rev. Drew, and Heather Laurent an author of inspirational angel books. I was hooked until the last page. It's not like reading another news story of murder/suicide where the blame is easily placed. All the characters in this book play a part in the tragedy.

Book No. 50

Dirty Megan Hart

I will be the first to admit that this is my first erotic romance novel and if they are all like this I will be reading more. When this book was first suggested to me by a friend, I must admit, I had my doubts. However, once I started reading I became more interested in the main character, Elle. I found the sex with Dan to be just a filler. The story line was great and I was pleased with the ending. Overall, a great read.

Book No. 51

Knotted Michelle Holman

Danny is struggling to raise her neice and nephew when her twin sister dies. The childrens American family learn of their existence and insist on getting to know the children. Ross is given the task of travelling to New Zealand to achieve this. Danny and Ross have to learn to work together for the sake of the children.

Very predictable but another very well written book by Michelle Holman.

Book No. 52

Take a Chance on Me Jill Mansell

Classic Mansell.
She never disappoints, always entertains, and makes me laugh.

Book No. 53

Ties that Bind, Ties that Break Lensey Namioka

Can you imagine bound feet with toes that are being folded and you have to relearn to walk. This tiny book written by Lensey Namioka looks at the bound feet culture that had been applied in China. This practice began to die out when a revolution broke out in China during the early 20th century. Third sister in the Tao family refuses this tradition and had to accept bad prejudice from her family because of her "unbound feed". Due to her strong will and efforts, she survives and makes a good life in America with her Chinese husband who accepts her for who she is.

Book No. 54

Still Life Louise Penny

I really liked this book, the first in a series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. This book is set in a small town south of Montreal (Canada) where an old woman, beloved by many in the town, was killed by a hunting arrow through the heart. I loved Gamache, especially the fact that he didn't embody the cliche of the brooding, divorced alcoholic who rebelled against authority. No, Gamache is happily married and is a kind soul who values teamwork. I really disliked the character of Yvette Nichol, the egotistical new agent Gamache tries to take under his wing. She refused to learn and didn't listen to simple instructions and was generally nasty to everyone. I wonder if the character is in future books? I'll definitely be picking up the next in this series.

Book No. 55

A Fatal Grace Louise Penny

This is book #2 in the "Three Pines" series, I just read the first book Still Life and really enjoyed it and again this was another fabulous mystery. Most of the characters are back for the second book with a few new fun and quirky ones thrown in. Penny writes in such a nice, cozy way, it makes you want to curl up in a big comfy chair with a hot chocolate and become one of the town folks. I can't wait to curl up with the rest of the series and find out what other secrets Three Pines has in store for me.

Book No. 56

The Flying Troutmans Miriam Toews

The book was a drive from Canada through America with three disparate characters. The characters are all living in their own worlds with their own baggage. They are trying to quip their way along the road on a whimsical journey to find the father of two kids who hardly recall him. The mother is emotionally/mentally unstable and the aunt undertakes the journey. The only glue holding these three together is that the two kids and aunt feel they are family.

While there was some charming moments in the dialogue, and the characters are reasonably well defined, I found this to be an average read.

Book No. 57

The Cruellest Month Louise Penny

I think I liked this one best so far. It explains the Arnot case that the other novels refer to. Besides the Three Pines characters, the young homicide team members are brought more fully to life in this story, with Beauvoir finally expressing and realizing himself that he loves Gamache. Lots of poetry, and literary allusions again, which are fun to recognize. I want to go live in Three Pines, as I'm sure every reader does also.

Book no. 58

Luna Julie Anne Peters

Regan has known for years that her brother Liam really believes he's a girl trapped in a boy's body. She gets it as much as any of us can. She is supportive when Liam becomes Lia, and then Luna. As the keeper of the secret, her life becomes one of secrets.

Peters treats this story with respect and sensitivity. She makes these characters real, not cut-outs. We feel Regan's pain and Luna's. We see their family crumbling in front of our eyes.

Not your typical YA coming-of-age novel, but that makes it braver and more honest. I know some student, somewhere, has recognized himself or herself in Luna's struggle to be who she believes she was born to be.

Book No. 59

The Last Child John Hart

One day 12 year old Alyssa Merrimon goes missing. Two weeks later his father leaves overwhelmed by the guilt of having not picked her up when he was supposed to. A year later Alyssa's twin, Johnny, is still looking for her. He knows the town, its history, and the characters who just might be responsible for his sister's absence.

What follows is an absolutely gripping mystery filled with indelible characters and dense plotting. Alyssa's disappearance has shaken police officer Clyde Hunt who has spent the last year looking for her. Part of that is added by personal feelings for Alyssa's mom, Katherine, who is now just a shell of a woman.

I found myself unable to put this book down. Hart has put together a great story that leaves me longing to read more of his work.

Book No. 60

As The Earth Turns Silver Alison Wong

A story of love and loss. Set in New Zealand in a climate of hostility towards foreign immigrants prior to WW1, Katherine struggles to raise her children when her husband suddenly dies.

Book No. 61

Everlost Neal Shusterman

I almost put this book down after the first chapter, the beginning is so poorly written. I hung on though, and to my surprise it improved. It's a very original premise, and that makes up for the sometimes not-so-realistic-sounding dialogue among the kids. There's also a love story angle that feels really awkward - if ever there was a lack of chemistry between two literary characters, it's here. (My guess is it was only added to help line up a potential sequel.) Still, overall it's an entertaining read with a satisfying ending, and I would probably read more of the series

Book No. 62

The Leisure Seeker Michael Zadoorian

This was a completely enjoyable book. A fast read, I finished it in a day, and found that didn’t want to put it down until I had. I loved the story of Ella and her husband, John, on a last trip to find fleeting moments of happiness.

I felt Ella's frustration with her husband, and thought that the little moments of happiness they shared, both in the present and past made the whole story seem so much more real than the general narrative form.

Although the ending was predictable from the beginning, it was definitely fitting, and bittersweet. A completely sweet, endearing book, definitely not to be missed

Book 63

Hope Was Here Joan Bauer

The story is thoroughly readable and deceptively simple. The characters are funny, lovable and thoroughly flawed, which makes them easy to relate to. Hope is a strong and independent female protagonist who, at 16, is wiser than her years. It's a wisdom gleaned from dealing with some pretty major issues during her sixteen short years: abandonment, loss, rootless, betrayal, and, always, hope. I love stories with a moral that you don't have to dig too deeply to find. In the end, Hope overcomes confusion and despair through some unpredictable twists that keep the story fresh.

Joan Bauer is one of the YA authors I consistently enjoy. Rules of the Road is my other favorite by her.

Book No. 64

The Sugar Queen Sarah Addison Allen

A great and enjoyable read, the writing style is fluent and always kept me guessing. I love the magic in the sense of mysterious and inexplicable things. Josey is the typical ugly duckling turned beautiful swan and her relationship with her mother is quite saddening. It's great everyone has her own happily ever after, and good triumphs over evil. Unlike typical stories, the bad person is personified as someone who's drop-dead gorgeous and has a magnetic force, it's as if he's the devil. I liked the symbols used in this book, the plot and the events that happened, it's a feel good book too.

Book No. 65

The Murder Stone Louise Penny

I love Louise Penny's characters, her writing, her descriptions, and the setting in this one was wonderfully serene and beautiful, with nothing but the mad Morrows to disturb it. And I was a little apprehensive, because I thought I would miss the village of Three Pines, where her previous books in this series are set. But I didn't and I really enjoyed getting to know Madame Gamache better.

The only reason this one didn't get 5 stars is the ending. I found the reason for the murder a little weak. The clues were there. The solution doesn't come out of the blue, but I found myself feeling a little let down by the motive.

Highly recommended, in spite of that! Getting to know her characters as they grow and reveal more of themselves is one of the joys of this series.

Book No. 66

Garden Spells Sarah Addison Allen

What I learned from this book is if an apple tree throws its apples at you, for goodness sake, pay attention.

This book is lovely, magical, enchanting. I sat down to read just one chapter and I finished the whole darn thing. Couldn't stop myself. I floated in a state of suspended reality, where time had no meaning.

The basic idea of the book: two sisters experienced their childhoods very differently. Now, as adults, they must come to terms with choices, past and present, and with the unique abilities each woman inherited. In Bascom, North Carolina, townsfolk know Claire's garden grows produce with mystical properties, like the honeysuckle wine she makes that lets you see in the dark. Sydney has a gift for revealing a person's inner self through a haircut. Bay always knows where things belong. And whatever Evanelle gives you, no matter how strange, you'll be certain to need before too long.

Very worthwhile couple of hours entertainment.

Book No. 67

The Girl Who Chased the Moon Sarah Addison Allen

The Girl Who Chased the Moon is a magical novel about a young girl discovering her roots. Emily Benedict comes to Mullaby, North Carolina hoping to learn more about her reserved, strict mother. Instead she finds a town full of secret, unexplainable things. Lights flit around her yard at night, wallpaper in her room changes to suit her mood, and her giant of a grandfather won't reveal anything of her mothers past. Emily doesn't believe in magic but she can't shake the feeling that something mysterious is going on.

Allen has, once again, written a fast-paced, entertaining book centered around good food and a touch of magical realism. Her characters are strong and interesting and their magical quirks are creative. She cuts the lighthearted story with just a pinch of darkness, keeping it from becoming too sweet. If you liked Sugar Queen and Garden Spells you will enjoy The Girl Who Chased the Moon as well.

Book No. 68

The Brutual Telling Louise Penny

Louise Penny's Armand Gamache novels never disappoint! While her choice of murderer is sure to shock some fans, like Gamache himself, we feel compelled that the unusual suspect is guilty. Enough ambiguity remains, though, that one is not entirely sure - and it is that sliver of doubt that makes The Brutal Telling so rich a novel, much as a pinch of salt makes a cake all the sweeter. Penny's characters, new and old, remain the main treat - and Three Pines itself is as much a character as any of the people who inhabit it.

Diane - I read and enjoyed Addison Allen's first two books and I am looking forward to reading her third!

Book No. 69

The Painted Veil W. Somerset Maugham

It took me awhile after I finished this book to decide how I really felt about it. It's beautifully written and refreshingly realistic. This is no fairy princess story so if that's what your expecting, look elsewhere. But I learned a lot about myself and my own nature through reading this book. I think it just ended a little bit too abruptly for me. I needed one more chapter to assure me that things really would turn out OK or something. But other than that, I enjoyed it!

Book No. 70

Before I Fall Lauren Oliver

Senior Sam Kingston spends the last day of her life with four best friends, planning to lose her virginity with her boyfriend that night, flirting with her calculus teacher, ruling the school as one of the "popular girls." That night, after a party, the car she is riding in goes off the road and she dies.

The next morning she wakes up and it's Friday again. Reminded me of the movie Groundhog Day.

Sam relives the last day of her life seven times, each time doing things differently, trying to change the result, trying to figure out what she should learn about herself and her life.

It's a well crafted book, with a potentially obnoxious narrator who tries different ways of handling herself each of the seven times she relives that day. Oliver deftly shows the ongoing consequences of one's actions, and believably demonstrates how thoughtlessly cruel high school life can be: the rigidly enforced hierarchy and strict limits on what can and can not be done by students, for example; the imbalance of power between boys and girls; the disappointments of expecting too much from romance; the way fear can be turned outward into aggression and social ostracism.

Book No. 71

Dead Until Dark Charlaine Harris

The story begins when a vampire comes into Sookie’s bar. Now that synthetic blood is available and they no longer have to hide, vampires have “come out of the coffin” in this world. Naturally, Sookie and the vampire, Bill, begin to fall for each other and, not so naturally, a crop of unsavory murders begin to plague the town. Somehow, Sookie becomes the center of it all, delivering us one fun book of murder mystery, supernatural, and steamy romance.

I have to admit, I absolutely could not put this book down. It’s everything you want in a good bathtub or vacation book—it’s exciting, it’s a little bit creepy, and it’s unapologetically trashy!

Book No. 72

Eleven Hours Paullina Simons

A heavily pregnant woman is abducted from her local mall. While Lyle has his own agenda, Desdemona struggles to control her actions so that she doesn’t anger him further. With the FBI and her husband quickly on her trail it is only a matter of time before things come to a head. I found this story to be a bit Christian with a lot of praying, something I don’t enjoy. Average read.

Book No. 73

Not My Daughter Barbara Delinsky

Lily, Mary Kate and Jess are three teenage girls, lifelong friends, who decide it would be a great idea to get pregnant at the same time, so that their babies too could be friends just like their mothers. Lily is the first to tell her mother that she is pregnant. She thinks what her daughter has told her is a joke, but when she learns that she is serious, all the hopes and dreams that she had for the daughter she raised on her own, seem to be just that - dreams. Susan always taught her daughter to be independent, and that it was possible for a woman to raise a well-adjusted child on her own.

Susan speaks from experience, as she too was pregnant at seventeen. She decided to raise Lily on her own; her own parents basically sent her on her way, and were never involved in Lily's life. Lily's father Rick, a successful news reporter, is still somewhat involved in his daughter's life and truly cares about Susan. Meanwhile, Susan has done well on her own, and is now a high school principal, and yes, at Lily's school. She has much to risk professionally, when the news of this pact breaks. Once it is out in the open, everyone seems quick to point the finger and place blame.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was thought provoking, timely and emotionally gripping, but I was disappointed by the ending

Book No. 74

Family Tree Barbara Delinsky

First off, I did enjoy it. It was an easy read and entertaining. Did I love it, no. Why? Although the story was good, the characters were lacking depth. They were shallow. I couldn’t connect with them. The author introduced them but left us wanting more. For example, Corinne, whose husband was arrested for fraud… Okay- and? We were left wanting more. Also, Ali’s mother had this useless Cameo appearance. It was so unnecessary. And what about Crystal and her son?! Delinksy didn’t even write about Hugh telling Crystal that she was going to get the money for her son. I just feel that Delinsky left so many strings untied. This story had the potential to be a five star but fell short.

Book No. 75

Living Dead in Dallas Charlaine Harris

The Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris moves right along, as evident by how quickly I finished the second book, Living Dead in Dallas. This time, Sookie Stackhouse takes on a small job in Dallas for the vampires, or more specifically, for Eric. But that’s not all. There has also been a murder in her own town which she has to get to the bottom of.

Living Dead in Dallas builds more on the handful of main characters than the previous book. I found myself liking Eric more and more as the book went on. While the first book sets up the town and fictional world Sookie inhabits, the second book makes readers more familiar with Eric, Pam, Sam, and Bill.

I liked that there were actually two story arcs which were both resolved by the time the book ended. While cliffhangers are good to keep readers wanting more, closure is more satisfying.

Book No. 76

Trespass Rose Tremain

Trespass tells the story of two pairs of elderly siblings, Anthony and Veronica Verey, and Aramon and Audrun Lunel. At first glance, they could not be more different. Anthony is a celebrated Chelsea antiques dealer and Veronica a successful garden designer, whereas Aramon lives in alcoholic squalor in the family home and Audrun lives alone close by in a bungalow.

Both couples are haunted by their own childhood memories and caught up in the Western world's insatiable, self-defeating hunger for wealth. When Anthony's antique business starts to founder, he pays a visit to Veronica and her lover, Kitty, in the South of France. He decides to buy a house there himself, seduced by Aramon's dilapidated farm. His choice sets off a chain of unpredictable yet utterly consistent events in which all five lives are irrevocably altered.

A very enjoyable read.

Book 70 - I just saw this one last night at the bookstore and wondered if it were any good. Thanks for the review. I think I might pass on it - I don't really need MORE high school drama in my life right now. I just thought the idea was an interesting one.