sydamy's 75 challenge for 2010

OK here goes, I'm aiming high. I've moved up from the 50 book group, as the last couple of years I have surpassed that goal, but I haven't actually reached 75 yet, so this will be a real challenge. I read everything, well except the Harlequin type romances (not that there is anything wrong with that!). I have 13 year old daughter that is very close to achieving her 50 book challenge this year and she had introduced me to a lot of YA. I like that we can read books together. I am in 3 real life book clubs, so at times I am reading something I normally wouldn't, sometimes this has been good, sometimes not.



78. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green
77. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
76. Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
75. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
74. Think of a Number by John Verdon
73. One Day by David Nicholls
72. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia
71. Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
70. City of Thieves by David Benioff
69. On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
68. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
67. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
66. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
65. A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay
64. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
63. Fallen by Lauren Kate
62. Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
61. The Agency 1: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
60. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
59. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
58. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
57. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
56. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
55. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
54. From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
53. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
52. Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris
51. Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris
50. Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris
49. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris
48. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
47. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
46. Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris
45. Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman
44. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
43. Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke
42. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
41. Under the Dome by Stephen King
40. Blue Moon by Alyson Noel
39. Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
38. Dear George Clooney:Please Marry My Mom by Susin Nielsen
37. The Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine
36. The Passage by Justin Cronin
35. Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer
34. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
33. The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart
32. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
31. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
30. The Swimming Pool by Holly LeCraw
29. The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris
28. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
27. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
26. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
25. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley
24. Open by Andre Agassi
23. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
22. Homer and Langley by E.L. Doctorow
21. Barney's Version by Mordecai Richler
20. The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb
19. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
18. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosney
17. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
16. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia
15. Horns by Joe Hill
14. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
13. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
12. City of Glass by Paul Auster
11. One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
10. Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
9. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
8. The Ten Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer
7. The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent
6. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
5. Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby
4. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
3. Alone:A mystery by Loren Estleman
2. Water: A novel by Bapsi Sidhwa
1. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Here's a link to my last years challenge:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/53025&newpost=1#top

Welcome!

Hey, Susan! Glad to see you here too! I'm so jealous about the number of RL book groups you're in.

Welcome to the group, Susan!

Got you starred now.

Starred!

Hi Susan,

Glad you're part of the 75-ers now. A hearty welcome!

Thanks for the warm welcome. It's nice to see some old "faces" and great to meet new ones. My last few books this year will still be posted in my 2009 thread - I'm choosing some lighter reads, and YA stuff, till the end of the year.

OK, The New Year has begun and so has my challenge.

I will try and rate my books this year, my star system is pretty basic:

* Horrible, waste of precious reading time
** Just bad
*** A good book, not great, would not really recommend but your average book
**** Very good, really enjoyed
***** Awesome, would tell everyone I know to read

Hi Susan! I'm giving 75 a go as well. I look forward to your reads.

1. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

4 star. It got this rating on the strength of the first 3/4 of the book. I waiting a long time to get this book from the library. I loved Time Travelers Wife and came to this with great expectations. And for a while was not disappointed. The story of twins who move to London to live for a year in the apartment of an aunt (twin to their mother) they never met, who has just died. A true ghost story, and I was loving it. The story touches on the lives of an OCD upstairs neighbour and the dead aunts lover who lives below them. Everything moves well and the story builds wonderfully. Then about 3/4 of they way through the climax happens and well then just sort of ends. The characters sort of, step out of character.

The book on a whole was very good, I was just disappointed in the end. I'll take as a first book of the year. One day, one book, if I keep up this pace this challenge will be no problem, lol - although thinking about that, I still won't beat Stasia ;)

Good to read your input on Symmetry. I loved Time Traveler's Wife, and like you waited eagerly for this follow up, but when I got my hands on the library's copy, couldn't get into it. Granted, I only read 15 pages before I moved on. I'm Encouraged to hear its worth reading!

2. Water: A Novel by Bapsi Sidhwa

3 star

This was for one of my RL bookclub. The interesting thing about this book is it was written after the movie. The author notes, she was approached by the publisher to write the book in three months time to coincide with the US release of the movie. (It is a Canadian film)

The book was very well written, but I had a few problems with it. It seemed a bit contrived, and I believe that was because it was based on a movie and movies tend to be more contrived for 'dramatic' effect. The other issue I had really is no fault of the author.

The story takes place in India in 1938. A young child of 6 is married off to an older man. When she is 8 he dies, and according to custom of the time, a widow has no purpose in society, no matter their age. (as the only purpose of a woman is to tend to her husband and give him sons) They are sent to live away from family, as they are considered to have bad karma, you know, causing their husbands to die. The are forced to beg, or turn to prostitution, cannot eat certain, must have their heads shaved and only wear white.

This is the story of the young girl and her relationships with the other widows after she goes to live in the ashram. I found it disturbing to read about the way women/widows were treated. It's not my first India book, and I am aware of the horrible treatment, but because it was happening to such a young child, it seemed worse. Even though I knew this story was not true, it very well could have been.

I saw the movie and liked it, but the book doesn't sound like it's worth the effort.

#12: I think I will be skipping that one, Susan. Thanks for your review.

It is definitely not one I would have chosen on my own. Luckily it was quite short. But that is the thing with bookclubs, you don't get to choose all the books :( I have read some winners though, that I might not have chosen to read otherwise.

3. Alone by Loren D Estleman

4 star

I love the ER program. This is my November book. It looked like a cute mystery and it was. Apparently this author has written over 60 books and this is the first one I have read. It is the second in a series and I will look for the first to read at a later time. It's is a cozy mystery, which I like a lot and the theme is old time Hollywood/movies, which I also like a lot. The main character considers himself a film detective, really he searches out and tries to procure lost movies. He has also bought and is rebuilding an old theatre and in this book is involved in discovering old papers and secrets involving Greta Garbo. A perfect cozy for a winter snow day.

This happened to me last year when reading two totally different books in succession, an odd word I have never heard before was used in both books. (The word was, petrichor" which means - the pleasant loamy smell of rain on the ground, especially after a long dry spell) Well, it sort of happened again, except in this case it was an actual quote, the quote was a Rita Hayworth line, 'Men go to bed with Gilda, and wake up with me' What are the odds of reading two books within a couple of weeks, that use that same quote?

Funny how that happens. I had that happen with your word "petrichor" when you mentioned it last year, and then again with "twee" which I'm sure I had never heard or even seen in print until some LT-er (can't remember who, but must have been someone from England or Australia) used it in her review.

#16: The Valentino series looks like one I would enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation, Susan.

Hello Susan! I've starred your 75 challenge for this year, but I'll still be in the 50 group. Good luck to you and happy reading!

4. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

4 star

We follow the story of 2 sisters and their privileged lives in pre-communist China through arranged marriages and a move/escape to Los Angeles. A basic immigrant story, a true sister story, and an history of Chinese in America all in one. Sister stories tend to hit home with me. I have a younger sister, and many of the love/hate feelings revealed in these stories ring true.

I found it interesting how Pearl, the narrator and older sister, saw many acts of her parents as love and favouritism toward her younger sister May, and many years later finds from out from May that she found the same acts as love for Pearl. Pearl tell May she could tell how much her parents loved her, just by how they sat at the dinner table. 'Father loved you so much he had to sit beside you, and mama had to sit across, just to look at you' and to Pearl's surprise, May responds by saying 'Mama loved you so much she had to sit beside you, and father had to sit across just to look at you!' Perception is everything, and with siblings these misconceptions are so common.

Shanghai Girls is a book club pick for May or June... I look forward to it!

Bonnie dahling, you can't beat a bit of 'twee'...

Susan - I've added to you to my HUGE number of threads to follow this year... I spend more time on here than I do reading at the moment, but these threads just have a pull all their own! Very much looking forward to following you for 2010. :-)

Thanks Ellie, I have you starred too. I also spend too much time reading threads, with so many people starred I'd love to be able to count following threads as part of my 75 challenge.

5. Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

5 star

Loved it. I listened to this one, and usually and audio lasts me quite a while as I only listen while running errands in my car, 10 minutes here and there. But this one I could not get enough of, and sat in the house with my headphones on listening, I even took it to bed and listened for 90 minutes, way past my bedtime to finish the book last night. It reminded me of High Fidelity mostly because music/musicians are a big part of the book but also because it was great (and I love High Fidelity). Great story, great characters, humour and deep thoughts on life. Highly recommend.

#24: That one is already in the BlackHole. I need to read it soon!

>20 sydamy:: Your comments about Shanghai Girls reminds me of the squabbling of my kids: "Mom likes you best...You were always Dad's favorite"...etc. And my "kids" are now in their 30's!!!

I am enjoying your thread. Welcome to the 75 Challenge group.

I loved Housekeeping vs. Dirt, and I've seen and enjoyed movies adapted from Hornby's novels, now I guess I'm gonna have to actually read his novels. You're making Juliet, Naked sound awfully good. Do you think I should read this one first?

Thanks Donna, you guys are a welcoming group.

Bonnie, I have heard a lot about Housekeeping vs the Dirt and have added it to my list. It doesn't matter which you read first, as they are not dependent on each other, but I do have fond memories of the first one I read, which was High Fidelity.

I LOVED Hornby's books of columns - I read The Complete Polysyllabic Spree and have Shakespeare Wrote for Money still to read... But I have a bit of a soft spot for About a Boy. It was MY first of his novels, it was razor sharp, it had Kurt Cobain in it (I was obsessed with him back then) AND my one of my bestest university friends played the ginger-haired school bully in the movie! Good stuff.

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen

4.5 star

Not sure what to write about this book. I didn't know really anything about it going in except the Oprah kerfuffle, apparently she chose it to be a book club selection and he said no, or something along those lines. I have had this book on my shelf for about 7 years, (the scary thing is, it is not the oldest unread book up there) I guess the size in hard cover always steered me away. But I really liked it.

The first half of the book seemed to take forever to read. It didn't loose my interest or anything, but I would be reading for my 45 min train ride like normal, and realize I'd only read 10 pages. The second half flew by, go figure. The book to me had no real plot, it was what I like to think of as a day in the life type of book. The author dug very deep into all his characters. Each section of the book was told through a different person. Dysfunctional does not even describe this family - what is worse than dysfunctional? None of the family members were really that nice. I didn't really like any of them. Some did grow to become better, eventually. But like a car accident, you had to keep reading to find out what this crazy family was going to do next. They reminded me a bit of George Kazstanza and his parents on Seinfeld, but more real, less lampoony.

My only complaint, if it can be called one, was there were no real chapters in the book. The sections were quite long with no natural place to stop reading. I like a proper place to stop, otherwise my eyes move to the next page, then I feel I have to finish that page, then they move to the next page and so on. Overall a great book that didn't deserve to wait so long to be read.

Dysfunctional does not even describe this family - what is worse than dysfunctional?

Lol! Right on description of how I felt too, Susan! I got The Corrections as a gift in hardcover from my son--what is he trying to tell me? ;-) I'm eventually going to finish it, but I got so turned off by the narrator's attitude about his parents that I didn't want to continue reading right then. I put it down (uh, a couple of years ago) and haven't picked it up again. I have to admit, though, that Franzen's description of his father down in that basement is seared in my brain, so it's definitely good writing. Your review has encouraged me to pick it up again--just not right now! :-)

I read the Corrections last year and experienced a bit of what you described- not quite sure how to feel about it, but now, several months later, several of the scenes continue to come back to my mind and I actually think it will be book I might re-read to try to figure it out on another level. A very good read. And a good review!

I'm planning to read Juliet, Naked some time in the next few weeks too, it's being featured in a TV book club programme along with some books I already knew I wanted to read, some that sounded good and one I've read already, so I've decided to try and read all the books in the order they're being featured on the programme.

>33 elkiedee: I think you'll really enjoy Juliet, Naked. Your TV book club sound like our radio one, Canada Reads. They nominate 5 books and then the 'celeb' that nominates has to defend their choice, and each week a book gets voted off till there is a winner. In our version though, all the books have to be CanLit (Canadian Literature).

#30:
I know just what you mean about liking a proper place to stop. It really irritates me when I can not stop at the end of a chapter. I like to think I have finished an episode and when next I read, I will start a new one.

7. The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

3 star

I really wanted to like this book, but instead thought it was just OK. The story told by young Sarah Carrier about life during this difficult time in American history. Hard times, disease and eventually her families involvement during the Salem witch trials. All sound exciting, but the book never really was. I learned afterward, that the author based the story on her own family during this period and how they were accused, and what happened to them. This makes the story somewhat more interesting but not enough for me to recommend. I think this is one of those cases where I was expecting a different book and was therefore disappointed with the book I got.

It has been a depressing last couple of weeks for me. I have had three books on the go (one audio - two paper) and don't really love any of them. I have actually spent time watch dumb tv shows instead, as the books are just not pulling me. One of these is for a book club and will report on shortly (almost done). The other, was one that got very high LT reviews and many people loved. (Lark and Termite) I will try to pick it up again, as I haven't read it in a week or so, maybe I'll be in the right place to appreciate it now. I am over 100 pages into it and thoughts of abandonment are strong.

If you're 100 pages in and still really want to abandon, then it's not the right book for you. I'm so sorry you've been in a reading funk. Even more reason to abandon a book you're not enjoying and try something else! Hope you find something you love.

>36 sydamy: I have The Heretic's Daughter waiting for me on the shelf so I hope I fair better with it. I also struggled with Lark and Termite but plan on trying it again. Sorry about your book funk. I hope you find the right one soon!

I didn't think too much of Lark and Termite either.

I am afraid I was not one of the Lark and Termite lovers either. I wanted to be though!

Well, I did abandon Lark and Termite. I guess I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't love it. I always wonder what I'm missing when I don't get/love the books others seem to sing the praises of.

I finished my bad book club book too.

2.5 stars

8. The Ten Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer

A bunch of well off NYC mothers give up careers to raise children. Ten years goes by and they start to wonder where the time went, and what their lives mean. A lot of "oh, poor me" and way too much whining and rationalizing about what they have. Also, the author had a lot of characters and she went into detail on all of them, and their parents. Glad it's done.

Reading funk officially over. I started a new book from my shelves, the most different I could find from these three. Dennis Lehane's Shutter Island. I know the movie is coming out soon, and I need to read it before that. So far, I'm loving it. Phew! Reading funks suck!

I remember loving the language of The Corrections( I read it a number of years ago) and yes that family was so dysfunctional!

I am glad your reading funk is over! I hate them too.

Oh, me three! Here's to happier reading from now on!

I didn't like Lark and Termite the first time I read/started it, so I put it down for awhile. Waited awhile and started over and liked it much better. I was really disappointed in the magical realism towards the end too. Just couldn't get the reason for that.

9. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

4.5 star

Great book to get me out of my slump. Always good writing by Lehane and a story that you cannot put down. I knew there was a twist but spent the whole book guessing. I have had this on the shelf for a while but wanted to get it read before the movie came out. I know most people cannot keep secrets and the end would be ruined for me. I will not try to explain the book except by saying it's a psychological thriller to the max! It was a good one too. I don't think I have read a bad Lehane book.

#46: Glad to see that the reading slump is gone, Susan!

I've never read Lehane but have a feeling I'd like him. Is there any book of his that would be good to start with?

Shutter Island is a good choice, but I liked Mystic River and his Kenzie and Gennaro series starting with A Drink Before the War better.

I have not read Shutter Island, but I agree with Jim about the Kinzie and Gennaro series. I think it is very good.

Thanks Jim and Stasia, I didn't even realize he had a series. I'll check that first one out!

I hope you enjoy the series, Joanne!

I loved A Drink Before the War though for some reason I still have to catch up with the rest of the series. I wasn't so impressed by Mystic River though lots of other people are. I still plan to read his other work at some point.

I haven't read any of the Kenzie series, just his other books. I loves books in a series and those are already on my list.

Stasia, you must read Shutter Island, it is a quick read, mostly because you can't put it down once you've started!

10. Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde

4.5 stars

What to say about this book. How one guy can have this much of an imagination is unbelievable. For those unfamiliar with this author, he is famous for his Thursday Next series - a must for all book lovers. He departs to an even more bizarre world. One where it is ruled by the Colortocracy, and social hierarchy is based upon one's colour perception. I would have given this a 5 star but the first half of the book was build up to the action that only started in the second half, and I was anxious for the action to start. Two more books are coming in this series (and as stated above, I love a good series) and I can't wait.

I've got Juliet, Naked in my TBR tower ... something tells me I should move this up.

Uh oh... seems that there are quite a few non-fans of Lark and Termite here, and that's one that I've got in my plans to read this year. I hope I find something to like about it when I do get to it.

I'm one of the Thursday Next fans so I'm definitely going to read Shades of Grey. I love how he paints his stories in such vivid colors.

#54: Shutter Island was a book I was supposed to read last year and never managed to, so I am definitely getting to it this one!

11. One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

4 star

A group of strangers are in a basement visa office when an earthquake occurs, trapping them for days. In order to pass the time each tells a story about one amazing thing that happened to them. This books is a reminder of what we see and assume of people is not really what makes them who they are. We are briefly introduced to the strangers prior to the quake, through the eyes of one of the characters, and form our/her biased opinion of them. It is a book which is obviously more character driven than plot. A bit short with no real wrapped up bow tie ending, but a solid 4 star and I would recommend.

12. City of Glass by Paul Auster

4 star (I think)

I was unfamiliar with this author and someone in RL highly recommended him, not this book but the author. She said he was a smart writer and she admired him. Well OK. I found this book at a used books store. Mystery, Edgar award nominee, trilogy, I'm in. This book was pretty short too and didn't take long to read. The writing was exceptional, very smart indeed.

It starts out with a writer answering a wrong number. They continue to call his place for days, finally he decides to be the person they are looking for. Who are they looking for, Paul Auster, a detective. Yes that is the authors name! We actually meet another Paul Auster, a writer, later in the book. This book doesn't need a book club discussing it, it needs an university class devoted to it. The levels in his writing are deep. The people in this book with common names are many, the questioning of reality and sanity, the out look on life on the universe and the connections between things are endless. Did I totally understand all this book offered, no, will I read the rest of the trilogy and others by this author, you bet. I'm left confused a little but wanting more. Overall I think that is a good thing.

I've enjoyed many of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's books and this is one that I haven't yet read. Definitely got to get a copy for myself. Thanks for the review sydamy.

I'm glad you enjoyed City of Glass ... some friends read this and had negative reviews. So I'm on the fence with this one for now.

I've read several of Paul Auster's books and really enjoyed them. I haven't read The New York Trilogy (of which City of Glass is the first book) but I have it on the shelf waiting for me. When I joined the Books Off The Shelf Challenge it was one of the first books I thought of and knew I wanted to read but for some reason have been putting off. Auster is different and I've found that I really need to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy him.

City of Glass is definitely not for everyone. I can see why someone might give it a negative review, if it totally made no sense to them. But I was fascinated by it.

Joanne, I would think if you have read other books by him and enjoyed them, then his style will not surprise you. I have to find the rest of the trilogy now.

#58: I have that one on the nightstand to read and think I am going to tackle it for this month's TIOLI challenge. It looks like a good read.

#59: I already have that one in the BlackHole. Glad you liked it, Susan.

Thanks for explaining CanadaReads - I've seen it mentioned lots around LT but didn't know that's how it worked.

13. Let the great World Spin by Colum McCann

A strong 4 star

A wonderful novel that takes a day in New York City, in 1974, when a tight rope walker walked between the World Trade Towers, and delves into the lives of a group of people whose paths all intertwine, knowingly and unknowing.

I feel this is what Olive Kitteridge was trying to do. Weave many different stories, that were all touched by one character, or in LtGWS an event. Unfortunately for me Olive just didn't do it. I slogged my way through that one. Let the great World Spin really did work for me, the characters were true, and I cared for them. The Tightrope walking was almost a grounding event that brought all the other stories together. A good read. One that you can recommend to anyone.

#65: I liked Let the Great World Spin a lot too, Susan. I am glad it has found another fan!

Isn't it great? You came out of your funk with a ton of 4-stars! Almost makes it worth it, huh?

Looks like a great read -- I'll have to add it to my list.

I also really enjoyed Let the Great World Spin and I'm glad you did, too. Have you stopped by Colum McCann's author chat? It's pretty lively!

However, I also loved Olive so I'm sorry that one didn't work for you...

Reading funks still suck, but there is nothing better than a run of great books!

I have checked out his author chat, it is really cool that LT can get these authors to participate. It's fascinating to learn how he planned out the book, and his influences.

14. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

4 star

A YA book about a love between a young girl and her werewolf boyfriend but not trashy like that other series. A nice love story. I enjoyed it enough to want to read the next book in the series and my 13 yo daughter loved it. If you like reading YA, it's a good read.

15. Horns by Joe Hill

3.5 star

I was not overly impressed with this one. It seemed like it should be great. Ig Perrish wakes up one morning after a night he cannot remember, with horns. When he meets people, they start to tell him their deepest most horrible thoughts. He decides to try to figure out who actually killed his one true love. A crime that the entire town thinks he is responsible for. It was an OK mystery but seemed like it could have been so much more.

16. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia

4.5 star

Another YA book loved by both my daughter and I (and another recommended by stephxsu - Thanks Steph) The interesting thing about this book is not the love story but that it is from the boys point of view. Sixteen year old Ethan is bored, of his friends, his town and everything. A new girl moves in with the creepy town shut in and his life changes. Seems his town was not nearly as boring as he thought. There are supernatural elements to the story, there is good vs evil and of course there is love. The book is part one of 5, so my daughter has told me, and she has googled and now been to every fan site this book has. This book was well written, and I think, not just for YA lovers.

Looks like you're on a roll -- I'll have to check those out!

#71/73: I have both of those home from the library now. I hope I enjoy them as much as you and your daughter did.

I've been hearing good things about Beautiful Creatures drifting around the threads - but I think your thoughts are the first I've seen with enough info to tempt me! I'll have to check it out...

17. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

4 star

Not quite as scary as Omnivore's Dilemma, but a sure eye opener as to the influence of government and it's agencies in how the food industry is run. What qualify as food is scary too. The whole book makes you do two things, one - shake your head at our Western diet and two, change the way you eat. Between, these books and the documentary Food Inc, (talk about scary!) we have slowly moved a lot of our foods to organic or naturally raised.

I've added Beautiful Creatures to Project Wishlist. Sounds lovely.

Nancy and Ellie, I think you will both enjoy Beautiful Creatures. Having a young daughter who is an avid reader, I have become more exposed to YA novels and this is definitely one of the better ones.

18. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

5 star

Might be the best book I have read this year. A story of an 11 year old girl, who, with most of her family, was rounded up by the French police during the occupation and sent to the Vel' d'Hiv' in Paris before being sent to Auschwitz. Alternating with the story of an American woman, married and living in Paris at the time of 60th anniversary of the roundup. As she investigates and becomes obsessed by the event she stumbles onto a big family secret. Short chapters make this a quick and easy read but the story is what will keep you reading. Read with a box of tissue nearby - you have been warned.

Sarah's Key was such a heartbreaker - I agree with your box of tissues suggestion!

#80: I have had that one in the BlackHole forever. I sure wish my local library would get a copy!

19. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

4 star

Another YA book. It was the Newbery Medal winner last year and it was quite good. Those who love A Wrinkle in Time will especially appreciate the book. The young girl in the story, which is set in NYC in the 1970's, is never without her very worn, much read, copy of the book. Many 70's references make the book fun for older readers, as the mom is a contestant on the $20,000 Pyramid. Miranda starts to receive cryptic notes that predict future events and she tries to unravel what they mean, all while being a 12 year old, dealing with some new friends and longing for one special old one.

#83: When You Reach Me was one of my favorite YA books last year. I am a die-hard A Wrinkle in Time fan and have been since childhood. I am glad you enjoyed the book, Susan.

Added Sarah's Key to my list.

20. The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb

4.5 stars

I don't even know how to describe this book. It was so many things. A husband and wife (Caelum and Maureen) having marital problems, decide to move to Colorado to start fresh. Both getting jobs at Columbine High School. The wife is at the school during the shooting and her life is never the same. Suffering from post traumatic stress they move back to Connecticut where their lives are again tested. No spoilers, but bad things happen. This book lost me a little when it ventured way back into the family history of Caelum, but Lamb did tie it all together, I just didn't really care about those characters. This book touches on every aspect of a persons life. Family, relationships, love, marriage, trust, and self awareness. And explores them honestly. It is a very big book (I listened to the audio and it was 20 CD's) and the story moved all over so that some parts seem not even related to other parts of the book, yet I'm not sure what I would take out. OK, I would take out the civil war history stuff, it was needed but way too detailed. The book was very good. I have read She's Come Undone but have I Know this Much is True sitting on my bookshelf unread. I will have to move it up, and not be so scared of its size.

Just received The Hour I First Believed from PBS and since I loved his previous two books, I know I'll probably love this one as well. Thanks for the very enticing review.

I won't say anything then, Bonnie! ;-) Anyway, I know the things that bothered me won't bother you, so you're set. Happy reading!

>88 bonniebooks: Bonnie, now you've got me curious! Something bothered you besides the historical storyline?

I always wonder with the books I listen to, if I would have liked them as much if I had to read through them, especially the big, long character driven ones. I think I give more leeway to audio. There is no real effort, I just get to relax and listen to a story.

You know, Susan, I never thought of it that way. I love my audiobooks, but could never explain why it didn't bother me to listen while I drove (or did boring work). It's the listening to a story! No one has read to me since I was a little girl and my mother read to me. She says that babysitters used to try to cut pages out of the stories but I would correct them.
And I agree about the leeway. I can usually tell by the end of the first disk whether I'd rather not listen (bad narrator, hard to keep track, etc.). Then I take it back to the library and grab something else!

21. Barney's Version by Mordecai Richler

2.5 stars

Ughh. Read for book club. I have not read Richler before and this won the Giller so I had high hopes. No likable characters, and I understand he was telling the story of his life, but it was not all that interesting a life. I think I have a problem when I don't like the characters. I don't care about them or their story, then I start to wonder, why am I reading this if I don't care? And I didn't care about Barney. The only thing that made me continue to read through this was the murder charge and acquittal surrounding Barney. We were teased with it throughout the book, did he or didn't he actually commit the crime? Had I known that section of his life would be written only in the last chapter and the afterward, I would have read that right away and been done with the book a lot earlier. Told through stream of consciousness it was at time confusing as to when things took place, as he would jump from era to era. Telling a story of one time would lead to a remark about another.
If likability of character doesn't matter to you, this might be a better read. But I'm sure not rushing out to read any of his other books.

#91: Sounds like one I can safely pass by. Sorry you did not like it more, Susan. Hopefully your next read will be much better for you!

I'm a totally emotional reader, so I would have the same problem. Hope you're going on to a much better book.

I am on to a much, much better book. Finally getting around to my ARC copy of The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag. Go Flavia!!!!

Ha! Ha! I loved Flavia! :-)

22. Homer and Langley by E.L. Doctorow

3.5 stars

I understand there is some debate about how Doctorow portrayed these characters, taking much liberty with the truth, but since I didn't know anything about their real lives I took the book as the fiction it was meant to be. The story is about two brothers who start life pretty normal but end up living together as complete recluses, with an apartment over filled with junk. The one brother is blind and the other not quite right since returning from war. They are totally codependent. The story is told from the pov of Homer the blind brother is and is basically a memoir, but it shows how a normal family doesn't need much to happen before it can spiral out of control. I have not read Doctorow before and though I was not overwhelmed by the book, it was enjoyable and I would definitely read him again.

#96: I was underwhelmed by that book too, but I am also game to read another Doctorow at some point.

23. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

5 star

Loved it. The book was fantastic. The adventures of two cousins around the time of WWII. One escaping from Prague to live with the other, in NY. They team up to start writing comic books. But the book is really about their relationships, with each other and with others. About what drives people and how they handle life. Love, magic, comics, war, and even jewish folklore. It's all there.

I read Yiddish Policemen's Union last year and it made my top ten. I think Chabon has secured another spot this year.

#98: That one is definitely my favorite Chabon thus far. I have read that one, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, Gentleman of the Road, and The Final Solution, and Summerland.

>98 sydamy: That one stares at me from a shelf in my bedroom every night. I've got to get to it soon. I too loved The Yiddish Policeman's Union.

Bonnie, definitely bump it up on your list. It was excellent.

24. Open by Andre Agassi

5 Star

I follow tennis and love Agassi. This book makes me love him even more. Very well written and a pleasure to read. This book takes you inside his head. Deep inside. What he was thinking during his matches is fascinating. He is as honest when talking about himself as he is about others. It is a tough career choice for anyone, but for someone who hates tennis, yes really hates it, it is physically and mentally grueling and plays on his mind regularly. An overbearing tyrant of a father only adds to mix. His life is like a Hallmark movie, and it does eventually end happily ever after, and we are thrilled for him.

25. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

4 star

How can you not love young Flavia de Luce. A sassy 11 year old, whose love of all things poison, helps her again outwit the police to solve the murder of a puppeteer. While the mystery itself is not all that engrossing, the character of Flavia is so enjoyable you want to follow her around her small English village just for fun. And that is what this book is, a fun read.

I just have to quote one verse she sings, that sums up Falvia perfectly:

Sanctified cyanide
Super-quick arsenic
Higgledy-piggledy
Into the soup.
Put out the mourning lamps
Call for the coffin clamps
Teach them to trifle with
Flavia de Luce!

A couple of nice reads in a row for you, Susan. Congratulations!

Yeah, nice when that happens.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay sounds very interesting -- will keep an eye out for it.

I'm looking forward to finally getting my hands on The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - I have a feeling it might be near the top of my 'oops I accidentally ordered some more books' list... The Graveyard Book was the last to go - I kept hearing good things and coming across wondrous praise all over the place, so it was bound to happen sooner or later! ;-)

All YA last week, all good.

26. Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

4.5 stars

My first venture into a graphic novel. Although not a true graphic novel it was beautiful to read. A simple story enhanced by the graphics. I am so glad I bought this book, I could stare at the illustrations forever, and will definitely look at them over and over again.

27. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

4.5 stars

Fallen Angles, forbidden love, modern revenge, and plain old teenage angst. All well done. Beware, book one of a series.

28. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

4 stars

Although they follow a formula, her writing is so good, and her stories are real, you identify with the lead character, want her to succeed, find love and conquer her demons. You want to continue reading to see how she accomplishes it all.

#108: I read The Invention of Hugo Cabret a couple of years ago and loved it. I am glad you enjoyed it as well, although I never thought of that one as a graphic novel. I really need to buy a copy of that one for my own too.

I already have Hush, Hush in the BlackHole and have added Lock and Key there as well.

Some nice recent reading, Susan!

Loved, loved, loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret. I thought it was incredibly well done.

29. The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris

2.5 star

Meh. A lawyer has an unnamed disease that compels him to walk until exhaustion, and unable to return home. He would call and his wife would come and pick him up, until his demons are too much and he just never called. Seems interesting and kind of was but it just didn't do it for me. I found my mind wandering while reading. It was depressing and sad reading about his life and his unwinnable fight with his mind or body whichever was compelling him. I looked at the reviews after I finished the book and it seems it is a love it or hate it book. So take your chances if you'd like.

#111: I did not care for Ferris' first book and have no desire to pick up his second. I hope you enjoy your next read more, Susan!

30. The Swimming Pool by Holly LeCraw

3 stars

My last unread/unreviewed ER book. I hate when I am too far behind on those.

A young man is summering at his family cottage with his sister and her children. The sister is struggling with Postpartum depression. He has started an affair with his fathers former mistress. Mixed in with all of this is a long unsolved murder of their mother, in which their now deceased father was always a suspect but never arrested. Told through flashbacks and different characters points of view. It sounds a lot better than it was. It wasn't bad, just slow and ***maybe spoiler*** the murder stays unsolved. Things just sort of fall flat. All the story lines end but don't really conclude. Not a terrible read, but not one I would highly recommend.

#113: I think I will give that one a pass, Susan. Looks like you have had a couple of unsatisfying reads in a row. You are due for a dandy!

I've been seeing a lot of mixed reviews on The Swimming Pool. I heard the author interviewed on NPR one morning and she really seemed nice so I was kind of rooting for her book but I think I'll take a pass.

I have a signed copy of The Unnamed on my shelf but I haven't read it. And I probably won't. I did love Then We Came to the End, though.

Right now my savior is my audio book, Under the Dome. I think I am about half way, and it is wonderful! I'm not sure how Stephen King does it. The last one of his I read was also a winner, and a big one too, Duma Key.

Hi Susan! Getting caught up on your thread! I've intended to read the Alan Bradley "Flavia" books forever,and now I'm convinced I need to bump them up the list. Also The Yiddish Policeman's Union should be on my TBR too. Thanks.

Both are excellent, I don't think you will be disappointed.

31. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

5 stars

Can I give this 6 stars, 7 maybe,? I have decided Cormac McCarthy cannot write a bad book. I absolutely loved this. A beautiful coming of age story of two young Texans who leave home and ride to Mexico. Learning about life and love along the way. The story line was pretty basic, but it didn't matter. It was a showcase for magnificent writing. Yes, his distinctive style takes getting used to, long sentences and little punctuation, but if you persevere you will be well rewarded. As I was reading this, I would stop and say to my husband, many times, Oh, I love this book so much! I have The Crossing, next in the series, but I will wait to read it. I want to savour this feeling for a while.

#119: I have owned that one for several years now, but have not read it yet. Now, I just have to locate it!

I am glad you liked it, Susan.

Stasia, not liked, LOVED it. Thanks also, for your always great and most appreciated comments!

#121: I have definitely got to find it!

32. The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson

4 star

The third in the trilogy and this one is a direct continuation of The Girl who Played with Fire. Having read that one last year it took a bit of time to remember events and names, but once it all came back I couldn't stop reading. No spoilers but it is the last book and there are no loose ends. A must read for everyone who has read the first two.

33. The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

4 star

A YA book of my daughters that I read in an afternoon. A fun book about a high school girl who is seeing a therapist due to panic attacks after a boyfriend breakup. Doesn't sound funny but it is quite cute, as she has to make a list of all boys she has ever liked (whether they liked her or not). Lots of footnotes, it's where she explains things to her young target audience - ie movie references they might not get etc, so if that type of writing bothers you, be aware.

I felt there was one loose thread in TGWPWF that I would have liked to see tied up - Lizbeth's twin sister. We never meet her and I thought for sure she was going to show up for the trial, especially after they made the comment that abuse victims usually come forward with their experiences once the accused is brought to trial. I read on another thread that Larsson had an outline for a 10 part series (!) so maybe he intended for her to appear in another book.

>124 mamzel: Good point, now that you mention it, I also thought she was going to appear at some point. OK, I'll amend... almost no loose ends.

34. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

4 star

A sweet book about a widowers romance with a Pakistani shopkeeper. One that many in his community don't see as proper. Told with dry British wit that mades it a wonderful read. The Major is of a breed that is sadly disappearing. A lovely story abut a character you can't help but love.

#123: Adding The Boyfriend List to the BlackHole. It looks fun.

#124: Yes, Larsson did originally plan 10 books in the series, so it is distinctly possible that the twin sister was to show up in a later book.

#126: I loved that one. I am glad you enjoyed it too, Susan.

Stasia, warning...The Boyfriend List is book one of a series (three in total so far) but they are quite short - you could probably read them all in a day lol!

#128: I will have to look and see if the local library has all 3. Thanks for the heads up, Susan!

35. The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer

3.5 star

While I did like the book, it bothered me the whole time I was reading it, that it was the same concept as Benjamin Button(which I did not read but watched). Although the story was slightly different, the lover in this book didn't know about the aging issue, it was still a love story and the catch was growing younger. If I knew nothing about Fitzgeralds book, I think I would have loved this, but because it was in my thoughts from page one until the very end, it seemed to sour my liking. I wonder if the author was aware of the older story or did he think he was writing an original story?

36. The Passage by Justin Cronin

4.5 stars

What fun. Not high literature but a great read. A 'can't stop reading' kind of book. The perfect summer read.
Military medicine gone wrong. While trying to develop a virus that would advance healing and prolong life things go wrong. The first section of the book explains the how and why. Afterward we jump ahead in time to see what has happened since. It is here we are introduced to new characters and start the story in earnest. A quest/journey begins, and because this is a trilogy, doesn't end in this book. I will be buying the next one!

#130: I have that one, but having never read the Fitzgerald book, I wonder if I will enjoy it more than you did.

#131: Already have that one in the BlackHole and cannot wait to get my hands on it!

I read Confessions of Max Tivoli at least a couple of years ago (I think) and actually just saw it on my "Books I'm willing to give away" shelf yesterday--couldn't remember anything about it. Obviously, didn't grab me either. The Passage is already on my wish list. Glad to hear you liked it.

37. The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine

4 star

After her husband tells her he wants a divorce, 78 year old Betty, moves to Westport with her two grown daughters. They are staying there until the divorce is settled. Relationships of all kinds are delved into. Mother/daughter, sisters, love is found and lost and found. Discoveries of self and others. I have read that it is loosely based on Sense and Sensibility, unfortunately, I have not read that yet . A nice read, and I bet a good one for a book club, l can see how there could be a lot of provoking questions.

38. Dear George Clooney:Please Marry My Mom by Susin Nielsen

4 star

This was a ER book, that I tried to get so my daughter could read it. She has already read Word Nerd by the same author. Plus, I have been reading a lot of her YA books and enjoying them.

A story about a 12 year old girl dealing with the divorce of her parents. Her dad has moved to LA with wife number two, and after seeing her mom going through many bad dates decides she needs to take action. Only one person is good enough for her mom, George Clooney. While trying to deal with her feelings toward her dad, she must also deal with school and friends and her first feelings toward love.
A light, fun approach was taken on this potentially dark topic, and was told from the point of view of the 12 year old Violet. A cute book, but probably most appreciated by the younger teen group (12-14), it is filled with current pop culture references and speaks directly to them.

Ohhh, now you made me want to go buy The Passage right now! It's sounding better and better by the minute!

39. Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

4 star

This book grabbed me from page one. A gripping story, that was horrifying yet you couldn't stop reading. A young Realtor abducted and held hostage in a cabin for a year. The story is told by her, through her therapy sessions. We see and feel everything as she did. And it's not pretty. It shows real insight into how these men manipulate and train their victims. A real page turner with a surprising ending. A great first novel.

> 137 - Oh good! I have an arc of Still Missing that I really need to get to.

#137: My daughter Catey read and loved that one earlier this year. I will have to see if I can borrow it. Thanks for the reminder!

40. Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

4 star

Four stars seems high for this fluffy YA book but for the type of book it was, it was alright. Book two of the Immortal series picks up where the first book left off. The book is typical of the YA formula, where the two lovers cannot stay happy and in love. The happy couple are torn apart, leaving Ever to use her new powers to right the wrong. But all cannot be perfect, there are more books in the series. Yes, I will continue reading, sometimes this type of book is just what you are in the mood for.

41. Under the Dome by Stephen King

5 star

WOW. I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it on audio so it took me a while to finally finish, but I loved every minute of it. Not a typical King book, as it was not what I would classify as horror, although what happened to this small New England town was definitely horrific. A unexplained dome is placed over the town, cutting them off from civilization. As interesting as that is, the real story are the characters within the town and how they react. And there are many, many characters. King lets you know about them all, and how their small or major parts contribute to the lives of everyone in Chesters Mill. This is an excellent study in the human behavior, I would recommend this to everyone not just Stephen King fans.

#141: I am not a Stephen King fan at all, but that one does pique my interest. I will have to think about it.

#141 - Another one I have on the shelf just waiting to be read!

Here's a whole slew I haven't posted.

42. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

4 star

I enjoyed this book a lot. It's the flip side of where our food comes from. It's the, what happens to our food in the kitchens, the people and lives of those in food services. I learned the inner working of restaurants and although I love to cook am now glad I am not in that industry. I also learned, never order fish on a Monday.

43. Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke

4 star

Book 3 in this series, and just what you would expect. A nice break from the book club book I should be reading. I love a cozy mystery.

44. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

3.5 stars

Book two of the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I thought it was a little slow, but not enough to put it down. I will continue with the series as the cliffhanger ending definitely left me wanting more. My daughter loved it as much as the first book, and she is the intended audience.

45. Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman

4 stars

Elinor Lipman writes such comforting, readable books. Yes, this was a little chick lit-y, but not in a demeaning way. The lead characters were smart and strong in their own way. Isabel hires a newly single Harriet to ghost write her autobiography. Each learns from each other and grows. Could I predict the love interest, sure. Was I still happy when it happened, you bet. I nice, cute, at time funny read.

#144: I like the Joanna Fluke books too.

#145: Looks like I enjoyed Linger just a tad bit more than you did. I cannot wait until my local library gets Shiver.

I need to read more of Lipman's books. I have only read one of hers, Then She Found Me, and I liked it. Thanks for the reminder, Susan.

Stasia, I can't believe you read Linger before Shiver? I hate when libraries carry part of but not all of a series, and it's never the first books. Usually, the end books when the series becomes very popular. I did like Linger but just liked Shiver more.

#147: Whoops! I got my books confused. I have read Shiver, not Linger. Sorry for the confusion, SUsan.

46. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

4 star

OK I'm late to the ball on this one. I have been watching True Blood since the beginning and loving it. Didn't want to read the books since I didn't want to know what was coming up. I've since heard the show is not staying true to the series, so I thought I'd start reading. Book one, pretty close to season one, so a nice, quick read. Although I must say all the characters have now been cast in my mind as they are on the show. It is so much nicer to have to create them on your own. On to book two...

47. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

5 star

WOW! My daughter and I have been counting the days for a year waiting for this book to come out. I get to read it first because she can't keep a secret and would ruin the book for me. Suzanne Collins does a fantastic job with the final book in this series. The quick and exciting pace of books 1 and 2 are maintained here. It is very rare that all books in a series are of the same quality, this might be one of the best series I have read. She did a nice job wrapping it up without being too sappy or making things too convenient. Not going to say anything about the story, except it's a page turner. I do not have to highly recommend this one, as anyone who has even picked up book one will not stop there.

#150: I am counting the days too! My copy of Mockingjay is on its way from Amazon and I cannot wait to get to it!

Oh man... as soon as I have a chance, I'm grabbing books 2 & 3 and speeding through them...

48. Living Dead in Dallas
49. Club Dead
50. Dead to the World
51. Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

4 stars

Books 2-5 of the Sookie Stackhouse series. All equally fun. I am totally loving this series. I have long passed where the HBO story line is, so everything is now new. I was loaned the better part of the series and will take the rest from the library. The other thing I'm loving... lots of Eric! The good thing about starting a series late? Many books to catch up on, no waiting a year for the next one (Mockingjay, I'm looking at you!}

#153: I had to laugh at that last line, considering that I deliberately did not read Catching Fire until I had Mockingjay in hand!

52. Definitely Dead
53. All Together Dead
54. From Dead to Worse
55. Dead and Gone
56. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

4 star

Books 6-10 in the Sookie Stackhouse series. Yes, I read them all and now am going through Eric withdrawal. Even the HBO series has the finale tonight. A great series if you like a little candy for reading. Easy enough to read one per day but filled with lots of action/romance/and supernatural creatures.

#155: now am going through Eric withdrawal.

I wonder if there is a shot or cure for that?

57. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

3.5 star

I've thought about this book for a while and am still not really sure what I think. I guess the fact that I've been thinking about it means something but... A coming of age story about a young boy taken from "muggle" life and put in a school for magicians. With dashes of Harry Potter, mixed with the make believe world of Narnia and a young protagonist trying to discover who he is and what he wants, makes for what should be a remarkable book. Yet somehow it wasn't. I liked it well enough but wondered a lot why many sections of the book were even there, what purpose they had in the story. The book was OK, I'm not disappointed I read it, but would not recommend it to many.

#157: I read it and did not care for it overmuch. I was disappointed in it. I am glad you liked it more than I did, Susan!

58. City of Bones
59. City of Ashes
60. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

5 star

Urged by my daughter to read, and I'm glad she kept bugging me. Once I started I couldn't get enough. Ready for Clockwork Angel, once she is done with it. I seem to be on YA run, that will not end soon, as many sequels or coming out in the next month. Behemoth, Beautiful Darkness and Crescendo, to name the three we are most looking forward. When YA is this good, why stop. Highly recommend the City of... series to any YA lover.

#159: I am looking forward to Clockwork Angel as well, although I am considering waiting until all 3 books in the trilogy are available.

61. The Agency:A Spy in the House by Y.S Lee

4 star

My daughter and I differed on this book. I thought it was a quaint little mystery, and a great first book for a new series. Setting up the rest of the books to come well. She thought the whole Victorian England kind of a bore, and really couldn't figure out who the Agency was working for? I will read the next one even if she won't.

62. Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

3.75 stars

Read for book club and it was pretty good. It will certainly provoke discussion. I would not have chosen it on my own, as I am getting tired of India books (although I have not read A Fine Balance and know it is a must). Pretty standard story, poor Indian couple has daughter who they give up, adopted by rich American family. Both couples stories are told alternately. Women's roles, mothers/daughters, family bonds and responsibilities, Eastern vs Western all covered. Quick read, good book club choice. I don't know if I would push this book on people but most people will enjoy the read.

I am getting tired of India books (although I have not read A Fine Balance and know it is a must).

My reaction to a book can be so impacted by what I've read before and/or what I'm in the mood for. A Fine Balance is one of my "favorites" but it's also one of the first books I had read about India--I compare all later books about India to that one. For you, it will be entirely different and probably won't have the same impact on you, but I bet you will still appreciate it. I'm glad you're not considering reading it now though. I get on jags in reading, then need to go off in an entirely different direction so I don't feel jaded. Love the woman in my book group, but they almost always pick books I've already read, and often books I didn't like enough to read a second or third time. Good luck on your next choice!

63. Fallen by Lauren Kate

Another YA, another fallen angel story. But with a twist. This one falls into the same formula as many YA books. Girl likes boy, boy is no good for girl but they can't stay away from each other, etc, etc. The twist lies in that not only is the scenario familiar to us, but the boy has been dammed to also live out this same story with the same girl for eternity. A nice twist and I have book two on hold.

63. Fallen by Lauren Kate

4 star

Another YA, another fallen angel story. But with a twist. This one falls into the same formula as many YA books. Girl likes boy, boy is no good for girl but they can't stay away from each other, etc, etc. The twist lies in that not only is the scenario familiar to us, but the boy has been dammed to also live out this same story with the same girl for eternity. A nice twist and I have book two on hold.

64. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

4.5 star

Finally got around to reading this highly praised (and worth the praise!) book. The movie coming out forced my hand. I knew very little about the book and tried not to read any reviews. I'm glad the characters were unknown to me. I'm not going to spoil anything for those who haven't read it, but will just say it is a very special coming of age story. While a slow moving story, it was never boring and you never lost interest. I highly recommend.

#165: I have not read Fallen yet, but have it in the BlackHole. Glad to see you enjoyed it, Susan.

#166: That was the first Ishiguro book I ever read and I very much enjoyed it too. Glad to see it has another fan!

I'm reading Fallen right now and enjoying it so far. I like the less-obvious setting of the creepy reform school (rather than an All-American high school), and the fact that I'm questioning everyone and everything trying to work out exactly what's what in all these strange things that keep happening. I've got Torment for review after that...

P.S. I hope your Eric-withdrawal isn't proving too debilitating - I only read up to Dead to the World so far (the one with the Eric-amnesia) and had my fair share of hot flushes all the way through!

65. A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay

4 stars

This was an ER book that I was very excited to have won. Although I was nervous to read it, as I loved the authors first book, Sarah's Key, and did not want to be disappointed. After reading the reviews posted (after I had read the book) I see I am apparently in the minority as I really enjoyed this book. High brow literature it isn't, but a good book? most definitely.

It is a completely different type of book from Sarah's Key. Although many sad things do happen. After a birthday weekend with his sister, to a childhood resort, Antoine, a divorced father, digs into his past and tries to find out about his mother. She died when he was a young boy, and no one has talked about her since her death. Along the way, he finds himself and learns to accept his life. Death is a recurring theme, and they way different people handle it help Antoine grow. I would confidently pass the book to my friends, knowing they would like it.

#169: Nice to know that de Rosnay's follow up book is a good one too. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Susan.

66. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

4 star

Twelve year old Sadie and her older brother Carter haven't lived together for 6 years, since their mother died, but they are brought together to save their father (who is possessed by the Egyptian god Osiris and then captured by the evil god Set) and the world. This book is filled with a lot of Egyptian history, magic, mythology and good old fashion fun. The siblings take turns narrating their story (it's book one of a series) and the talk between them, is truly how brothers and sisters speak to each other. While this YA book is probably geared at a younger age then some of the other YA books I've been reading, it was a fun read and I would recommend it to all kids and those adults who like YA adventure.

#171: I loved that one! Glad to see you enjoyed it.

I must get that book! So many good reviews, and it sounds right up my street. Have you read Michael Scott's 'Nicholas Flamel' series? I just finished the first book, The Alchemyst, and it's brilliant! All kinds of mythology and legendary creatures, from the island of Atlantis to the Egyptian gods, all brought to life when two twins discover the existence of magic when they accidentally stumble upon a fight between Nicholas Flamel and his immortal enemy John Dee...

Anyway, enough of this stalking through the threads putting it off, I suppose I'd better try and write an actual review now... ;-)

I haven't read the Flamel books yet but they are on our list. I love all that mythology and Egyptian stuff.

Me too! I love a book that makes me want to find out more about its ancient/mythological background, and I'm a sucker for anything on Ancient Egypt...

67. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

3.5 star

Another YA book. After her best friend, Cameron, disappears from Jennifer's life - she is told he died- , she must reinvent herself to find new friends at her new school. Many years later, in high school, Cameron reappears. Jennifer must now try to balance her new life with the old. Events from the past come to the forefront as Jenna deals with her feelings toward both her mother and Cameron.

68.American Gods by Neil Gaiman

4 star

A very smartly written (although maybe too long) book. I'm sure I missed many references. After Shadow is released from jail, he takes a job with the mysterious Mr Wednesday. A coming storm between the ancient gods brought over to the new world and the new gods of today is brewing and Shadow is right in the middle. The book was so filled with information, I almost feel smarter just from reading it. Yet also a little dumb, for not remembering half the stories/information told at the beginning of the book and then referenced to later on. Over all the book was great, not like any other book you will read. Not my first Gaiman, and definitely not my last.

I loved American Gods and felt both smart and dumb after reading it too! Glad you liked it.

Getting close to 75, Susan! Good for you!

69. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

5 star

Go read this book. Now. Yes, it is another YA, but it really sets a high standard for every other YA book to come. Every year at the boarding school on Jellicoe Road, a very serious game of territory wars takes place between the school kids, the cadets, and the townies. This year should be no different, except it is. The head of the cadets and the head of Jellicoe school have a history. The ran away together years earlier. Between this present narrative we learn about the lives of 5 other kids 22 years earlier. The story, the characters, the writing, it's all amazing. One of those books that you want to reread the minute you finish the last page. So good, when I passed it to my daughter, I made her stop reading the book she was already into, just to read this one.

70. City of Thieves by David Benioff

5 star

Yes, two 5 star books in a row. This was highly recommended to me by my cousin, and then my book club chose it. I will now highly recommend it to everyone. Set in WWII, Leningrad, a thief and a deserter end up in jail together and instead of being executed as they thought they are sent on a quest for a general. To secure their freedom, they must find a dozen eggs in the war torn city, in time for his daughters wedding 5 days later. (not really a spoiler as it is on the backcover) The mission cements their friendship. Horrible things are seen, horrible things are done and you never forget the war and it atrocities, as they are constantly mentioned, but Benioff has written the book and the characters with a sense of humour and love. I loved this book all the way through.

#179: Dodging book bullets! I have already read both of those. I am glad you enjoyed them.

71. Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

4 star

72. Beautiful Darkness

4 star

Both Book twos of wonderful YA series.
Behemoth, steampunk and takes place during the first world war, the Clankers against the Darwinists. The series is a great introduction to this type of writing and the book a good continuation of the story.
Beautiful Darkness, Ttold from Ethan's pov, a mortal in what he thought was a boring southern town, until he discovers the secrets of the town and how his family fits into them. A romance, and a battle of light and dark. The book carries on where the first left off. If you read book one of either of these you should definitely read book two.

73. One Day by David Nicholls

4.5 star

The heartbreaking story of two college friends told by checking in with them on the same day every year, St Swintons day - July 15 The ups and downs and the might have beens. An absolutely wonderful book. It is one of those that you want to start again as soon as you finish reading.

I've heard such mixed reviews of American Gods, I can't decide whether I should read it or not! That said, I have Behemoth on the coffee table ready to go, as well as Beautiful Creatures... undoubtedly I'll be picking up Beautiful Darkness in the new year!

I already have our recent books in the BlackHole. I am glad to see you enjoyed them so much, Susan!

74. Think of a Number by John Verdon

4 star

A good old fashion mystery. I love mysteries and haven't read one in a while. A retired NYPD detective, living in the Catskills, is drawn into trying to figure out puzzling letters by an old college friend, and that turns into murders. Depending on how much crime fiction you read, you might be able to guess ahead, but if you read for the enjoyment and not to predict it was an enjoyable read.

#185: if you read for the enjoyment and not to predict it was an enjoyable read.

That is the way I read mysteries, so I would probably enjoy this one.

I hope you have a great book picked out for number 75, Susan!

75. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

4.5 star

YES! 75 with time to spare. This wasn't supposed to be my 75th (World War Z was) but this was due back at the library first. The sequel to Hush Hush a YA novel about a fallen angel who earns back his wings and become his love's guardian angel. I really enjoyed this one. It read true to me. Nora did make horrible assumptions about situations and things said, but I really think a teenage girl thinks crazy and reads more into everything. The crisis is resolved but another starts, leaving you waiting for book three.

76. Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

2.75 star

Read for RL book club. We had already read and enjoyed The Glass Castle but I found this fictionalized account of her grandmothers life a little too much. I'm not saying these things didn't happen to her, they supposedly did, but... teaching without a high school diploma, breaking horses at 11, bootlegging for extra money, racing horses (and winning) learning to fly, etc, etc etc. She reminded me of the character in Clan of the Cave Bear, discovering everything - fire, medicine, the world would not have been the same without her. The book wasn't bad, I just got to the point where I was annoyed with her awesomeness. And nothing really pointed to how this life led her mother to raise her children like she did. She tries to explain that at the end but it just doesn't add up for me.

I do hope you will be joining us for the 2011 group, Susan. It is up and running: http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin20111

Oh and BTW -

77. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

4.5 star

A beautiful thought provoking YA book, about a young girl who dies and then lives her last day over 7 more times, all the while discovering a lot about herself, her friends and what is important. A sort of, coming of death story. :) Worth reading.

#189: I have that one in the BlackHole already. I hope my local library gets it in soon!

Congrats!

78. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green

4.5 stars

A great YA book about two Will Graysons who meet up accidentally. One is gay one is not, both have issues they need to come to terms with and do so with the help of Tiny Cooper, a friend they now both share.

This will be my last book this year, since I reached my goal and then some anything finished after today goes towards my next years challenge, found here... http://www.librarything.com/topic/105163

Thank you everyone it was great being part of this group.

#192: I still need to get to that one. Unfortunately my local library still does not have it.