GeorgiaDawn's 2010 Books

Here we go again! I will wait and start this thread in January. Happy reading everyone!

There you are! Glad to see you with us again for 2010!!

I'm here! I have a stack of books to begin the new year with. Thanks for the invitation. I look forward to following everyone's threads.

Catching up on the threads already should count as at least 1 book!

I agree!! I wonder if we can slip that one by DrNewt? Maybe we can sneak it in if we actually give the threads a name. Book Paradise? Journey of Words? Mountains of Books?

I bet Jim would agree!

No problem here! Welcome back, Cindy.

Thanks! I look forward to the new year!

Nice to see you here and I hope fewer academic book reviews this year. I just don't think they will add to Mt. TBR in my house. )-;

Seriously, this will be fun to start from scratch, huh? Also, I've started a blog which will probably feature some book talk. If you have time please feel free to follow it.

http://marvelousmaggiesmusings.blogspot.com/

I will definitely follow your blog! It is exciting to begin a new year of reading. I have a pile of books already stacked up.

Hey, Georgia! I've starred your thread this year so I can follow along again. Woohoo!
One of my resolutions this year is going to be to spend more time on LT and less time on Facebook. I can get to LT at school, so maybe I can sneak some time in there.
Are you ready for another semester of VSU? I have my books right beside me, all ready to go.

me, too, hobbitprincess, less time on FB, more time on LT, especially the dragon.

Also, Georgia, I'm with you for big TBR piles. Good luck to us.

Gotcha starred -- happy new year and happy reading!

Same here hobbitprincess and maggie! I can get LT at school, too! I'm taking two classes again this semester so I am sitting on ready for those. My books are here and I'm ready to get started!

I have all of you starred!

Waving "hi" :)

*waves back*

Happy Reading!

Found you! Look forward to following your list again this year!

My thread if you want to lurk too!

=) Jill

Thanks, Jill! I will definitely be lurking. :)

Ditto, less time on facebook for me too. I really don't need to know when my friends are baking a cake.

I'm trying to cut down on the games. I may let my 2 farms go, but I have to keep on with Mafia Wars and Treasure Madness. They don't take much time, though.

Do not ever start playing bejeweled blitz- - I honestly don't even enjoy it anymore . . . but I haven't seemed to stop. Facebook is such a trap for my time.

Found you ;-)

A late Happy Birthday to you, Cindy!

Thanks, tloeffler!

lbussi3 - I am staying away from Bejeweled Blitz. I played a few times and that seemed to turn in to hours! It's evil, I say, EVIL!

calm - Hello! Glad to see you here! Maybe we can hide out here when things get out of hand in The Green Dragon. You know what I mean, feathers flying, roombas on the loose, Smurfs in the PGGBs. :)

My own personal challenge is to read more non-fiction books about Georgia this year. A very good friend has opened his father's library up to me and there are thousands of books there, many of them about Georgia. I plan on taking full advantage. I will still be wrapped up in grad classes, but I am going to be more organized about that, too. You guys might have to help me stay on track!

wow!, Cindy, you could probably write a book about exploring this gentleman's library. Thousands! what is the timespan of his collecting books? Sounds like a dream come true.

He was well known in his field (conservation and nature studies, primarily of birds in Georgia) and, obviously, well read. His son has kept his home just as it was when he passed away and all of the books are there. It's like walking through a museum! I read a book he wrote and listed it in my 2009 thread last week. It was In One Place: the natural history of a Georgia Farmer by Milton N. Hopkins, Jr. I can hardly wait to get out there and go through some of the books. I have also been invited out to take photos of his homeplace. I'll let you know when I put them on Flickr.

I've started jotting down notes in a journal when I go out to take photos. I will definitely take notes of my thoughts as I go through the library.

ok, now I really think you should plan a book on this. What a wonderful opportunity. He sounds like a fascinating person.

Thanks, Maggs. I'm not sure I am capable of writing a book, but I will take down the notes. I know the family so that makes it all so much more interesting.

Wow! What an opportunity!!

Wow! What a treat! Have you read Patience and Fortitude? Your experience with this private library reminds me of some of the articles in that book, which is about books and libraries and book collectors and sellers. It really is a good read.
Even if you don't get a book out of it, how about an article for a Georgia publication, like Georgia Backroads or Georgia Magazine. I'm sure there are others. I personally love Georgia Backroads. You should do it!

I have not read Patience and Fortitude, but it sounds like a great addition to my ever growing list!

1. I, Alex Cross by James Patterson

#32: I recommend all of Nicholas Basbanes' books. They are terrific!

Thanks! There goes the pile.....again. :)

I have been hooked on Basbanes' books ever since I read A Gentle Madness. I hope you get a chance to read them.

I will request some of Basbanes' books from the library!

2. Tempted by P.C. Cast

3. Inheritance of Horses by James Kilgo

Kilgo writes about experiences from his childhood and adult life in South Carolina and Georgia. The stories are fun and sometimes very emotional. This is definitely a comfort read.

2 fiction
1 non-fiction

Dr. Kilgo was one of my professors at UGA. He was so professorial - tweed jacket with the suede elbows, a pipe, and a great cultured Southern accent, plus a neatly trimmed beard and mustache.

Wow, hobbit! That's fascinating! I would have loved to have known him.

This book came from the personal library I mentioned earlier. Dr. Kilgo was a friend of Mr. Hopkins. You can read this book in a day, and it would be well worth the time. Mr. Hopkins owned several of his books; I just have to go pick them up. Deep Enough for Ivorybills is the next book by Dr. Kilgo that I want to read.

4. The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray by Chris Wooding

5. Ol' Tom and Laura by Tom Kelly

I liked The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray, but there were places where I wanted it to move on faster.

Ol' Tom and Laura was okay. Tom Kelly tells of adventures with his daughter as she grows up.

6. Deep Enough for Ivorybills by James Kilgo

This is the second book I've read by James Kilgo. Each chapter is another adventure in Dr. Kilgo's life in Georgia and South Carolina. One of the chapters is about tracking birds with Mr. Hopkins mentioned in Message 39 above. Dr. Kilgo draws you in and makes you feel like you're a part of his life. This is a great book for anyone interested in the south and nature.

#41: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Cindy.

You are welcome!

You are welcome!

ETA: duplicate post for whatever reason.

7. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This was one of my SantaThing books. Thank you, ForeignCircus!

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, takes place in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960’s. Skeeter has just retuned home after graduating from the University of Mississippi. She is desperately, but quietly, looking for something to fulfill her life other than a marriage, which all good girls of her age are expected to enter into as soon as possible. Aibileen and Minny, who are maids in the community, are wondering if cleaning up after white families is all they will ever have to look forward to. Everyone knew their place, and few crossed those boundaries. Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny come together for an unlikely project that will set their little community on fire while the Civil Rights movement is exploding around them.

This book is wonderful! It is enlightening, frustrating, funny, sad, and sweet all at the same time. The Help is primarily about women, black and white, in the south during the early 1960’s. It is about their relationships and a fragile façade of happiness that few people were willing to risk.

#45: I have had that one in the BlackHole for a while now. I really must get to it!

#46 - Move it to the top of that Black Hole!

#47: Both of the copies at the local library are already checked out, but I have put it on hold, so once it comes back in, I am reading it!

Let me know what you think about it. Minny and Aibileen are two characters that I would love to meet. I would like to see a sequel, but I'm not sure it could come close to The Help.

Oh, The Help was such a good book! I heard recently that the film rights had been optioned but forget by whom.

That's great news! I would love to see this in a movie.

8. The Gist of Freedom is Faith by Lesley Gist-Ethridge

I met Lesley through Ancestry.com. She responded to a post of mine where I was looking for information on one of my ancestors. Through Lesley's interviews with her family members, she had come had come across several of my ancestors. According to Lesley's great-grandmother, the ancestor that I was searching for, his father, and brothers helped the Gist family through the Underground Railroad from Alabama. They went through Georgia, South Carolina, and then headed north to Illinois. Her family's accounts matched the stories that I had been told by my grandfather (passed from his grandfather) many years before. Lesley led me to The Underground Railroad by William Still. Mr. Still's book records letters concerning the Underground Railroad. There in his book were reprints of letters naming several people in my family tree. The relationships (father, sons,uncles) were exactly as they were recorded in the family tree. It was fascinating! Lesley and I have remained in contact for several years. She recently mailed signed copies of her book to me so that I could share with others.

Wow! What a great story, Cindy. I am jealous of your being close enough to your roots to learn all these interesting facts.

I'm fortunate that others before me recorded information and thought to pass it on. I have really done nothing other than build on what others started. I find it fascinating to dig through family records. There is just very little time for that right now.

Maggs, there is so much information to be found through websites like Ancestry.com. You do have to be careful that you have the right person and not blindly accept what you find. Similar names and places can royally screw up a family tree! It is a great deal of work and time consuming, but it is definitely worth the results.

My bookclub plans to read The Help next. Can't wait. I have several friends who have read it and say it is a great read. I live in Clinton, MS. Moved here in "03 and my father was born in Vicksburg, MS. I was born in 1950 and I know this book will have so many things that I can relate to. I am currently reading A Woman's Place and I love it. My mother worked at the Arsenal in Pine Bluff, AR during the war and I love reading about that time period. Pearl Harbor is one of my favorite movies.

#45: I too enjoyed reading The Help. I loved the different voices throughout the novel. It was such a touching novel, and I highly recommend it. A remarkable debut novel! There is such a huge waiting list at the library system I work in right now, everyone is dying to read it. And, everyone who has read it has said nothing but excellent things about it. I haven't heard a negative comment yet!

So glad you loved The Help (I knew you would!). It would make a great movie but they need to cast Queen Latifah. She would be perfect!

I loaned the book to a friend, and we just had a conversation about who would play whom. We decided that Queen Latifah would definitely play some part!

9. Anything Can Happen by George and Helen Waite Papashvily

This is the story of George Papashvily, a Georgian immigrant to the United States. His story begins at Ellis Island and continues through one experience after another. The story is told with a sense of humor as Mr. Papashvily discovers that America may not exactly be the land flowing with milk and honey. This is a fun, short read.

Wow, 4 of the 9 books I've read so far this year are non-fiction. That's very unusual for me. I do not usually read much non-fiction.

9. Anything Can Happen by George and Helen Waite Papashvily

This is the story of George Papashvily, a Georgian immigrant to the United States. His story begins at Ellis Island and continues through one experience after another. The story is told with a sense of humor as Mr. Papashvily discovers that America may not exactly be the land flowing with milk and honey. This is a fun, short read.

Wow, 4 of the 9 books I've read so far this year are non-fiction. That's very unusual for me. I do not usually read much non-fiction.

I will have to check out Anything Can Happen. Thanks for the recommendation, Cindy.

Cindy,
Your genealogy adventures sound like they've been lots of fun - I do a bit of that myself. It amazes me how quickly stories can be lost and forgotten. It's so important to have them written down and passed along. I once heard someone talk about family history research as being like "doing a jigsaw puzzle without any edge pieces" and it's so true - there's always another bit you can find if you just keep looking!

I agree with Stasia about looking for Anything Can Happen - sounds like another good one.

I like the jigsaw puzzle reference. That's perfect!

10. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

A friend at work suggested I read this book. It was different from what I usually read, and it was a nice change of pace.

11. The People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn

This was a reread. I frequently reread parts and never tire of this book.

#65: I have never read it even once. I guess I ought to give it a try some time.

I read parts of it as textbook for an American history class. Maybe I should dig it out again...

>65 GeorgiaDawn:: I'm gradually working my way through that book, it's very enlightening.

I really want to read Howard Zinn's work, I have A People's History and another book cowritten with someone else.

12. Navigating through Number and Operations in Grades 6-8 by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

zzzzzzzzzz

I read this because I had to. There are some interesting activities, but I would have much rather been reading for fun!

#70: There are some interesting activities, but I would have much rather been reading for fun!

Wouldn't anyone?

*snerk*

lol @ alcottacre

13. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

I enjoyed this book just as much the second time around. Maybe I can get to the movie in a day or so.

#73: I keep saying that I am going to get to that one and one of these days I will.

It's definitely worth reading! I saw the movie the day after I finished reading the book. As usual, the book is much better. A friend who had not read the book went with me. She is still raving about the movie.

14. Horns by Joe Hill

I did not like Horns near as much as I did Joe Hill's first novel, Heart-Shaped Box. Horns is tragic and sad. The main character, Ig Parrish, is driven by the actions of another character in the book. All that Ig does is in reaction to Lee, and that is where the tragedy begins. Ig and his sweetheart (the girl that both boys desire) are driven by Lee without being aware of what is happening in their own lives. The author did do a fantastic job of showing us how evil can appear to be innocent and even good, depending on your perspective. What appears to be good may be evil, very evil. Reality is seldom what it appears to be.

The book is raw and blasphemous at some points. If you're looking for a good scare, this book did not do that for me. If you're looking for tragic loss, revenge, and eternal pain, then this may be what you're looking for. I'll take the scare any day.

15. Reflections of Georgia Retired Teachers, editor Ruth Wynn Aultman

This was a fun book to read through. The accounts from teachers who retired prior to the 1960's were fascinating. My, how education has changed.

16. Learning and Teaching: Research-Based Methods by Donald P. Kauchak and Paul D. Eggen

zzzzzzzz

Touchstones not working; they fell asleep, too.

#78: Touchstones not working; they fell asleep, too.

Evidently they woke up for message 78, but not 77. Just goes to show they have their priorities in the wrong order :)

17. Grease Town by Ann Towell, This book came from Early Reviewers.

Grease Town is the story of Titus, a twelve year old white boy, and his friendship with Moses, a young black boy. Early in the book, Titus stows away in his brother’s wagon and heads to Oil Springs, Ontario where he eventually meets Moses. Unhappy with the freed and escaped slaves in the area, bounty hunters stir resentment within the community. As the resentment builds and goes out of control, Titus is faced with decisions. He knows what he must do, but he is frightened of the consequences.

Grease Town is a quick and easy book to read. It is an interesting story about two boys who come together in friendship and are faced with adult decisions at an early age. I would have liked to see Moses’ family more developed in the book. They are primary to the story, however we know very little about them. All in all, it was a good historical novel and gives readers a glimpse into the lives of the workers in Oil Springs.
I got this book through Early Reviewers.

I have this one of my shelf - glad you liked it!

I hope you like the book. Let me know when you get around to reading it.

#80: That one looks good, Cindy. Thanks for the recommendation. I will see if I can locate a copy.

#18 The Journals of Lewis and Clark by Meriwether Lewis

I have been reading through this for some time. I can only imagine what it must have been like for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they set out to explore the territory of the Louisiana Purchase. The journals were fascinating in some areas and, as would be expected, very slow in others. There are portions that I know I will reread in the future.

I loved Redeeming Love! I do read Christian fiction on occasion, but this one was definitely better than most. I'll reread it sometime.

#19. Soulless by Gain Carriger

I read this at the insistence of my school librarian. I enjoyed it very much and will definitely be reading the next one.

#86: Lots of people in the group have liked that one, Cindy. I hope I can get a copy of it soon!

It's a fun read with great characters, the kind of characters you want to get to know.

I love books like that!

#20. The World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

The is the third in a series of post apocalyptic novels. The books follow the lives of two teenagers and their families. I loved the first book and liked the next two, but I'm not completely happy with the ending. I'm hoping for a fourth book!

Through these three books I often wondered what I would do in a similar situation. I thought a great deal about my boys being on their own.

#90: I have read the first 2 books in the series and like you loved the first one and did not like the second nearly as much. I will look for the third one though.

I'm interested to hear your opinion about The World We Live In.

#92: The local library does not have it yet, but as soon as it does, I will check it out.

21. The Passage by Justin Cronin

I recieved this book through the Early Reviewers group on LibraryThing. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 is due to the length. This is not just another "government engineered virus gone wrong" story. There are some of the same elements that are in all post-apocalyptic fiction of this type, but there are few surprises as well. The book did not draw me in at first. I kept reading because of reviews I read on LibraryThing, and it was worth reading on to the end. The ending leaves you with some questions unanswered and a ray of hope along with a surprise or two.

#94: I already have that one in the BlackHole due to Stephen's (Ape's) review of it. I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

My review is certainly not as detailed or informative as the others, but there was little to add after the other reviews on LT.

I'm so busy with finishing up classes and work right now that it was difficult for me to find time to read. It took a while for me to finish; I'm glad I did!

Nice review. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one...

I'm intrigued by The Passage.

But I was sufficiently disappointed by The Dead and the Gone that I'm not going to pick up This World We Live In unless I hear some very positive reviews.

22. Rooms by James L. Rubart

Rooms, by James L. Rubart, is the story of Micah Taylor, a young man who has established himself in the software industry. It seems Micah has everything a man could want, fame, fortune, and a beautiful girlfriend, but there is still something missing. Micah feels no connection, no purpose. This begins to change when he receives a letter from a great uncle. Since Micah never knew his great uncle other than by reputation, he is stunned to find that the man has built him a home on the coast of Oregon. With the intention of selling the home, Micah goes to look over the home and discovers that this is no ordinary home. There is a connection, a sense of belonging within the home. He feels an unexplained comfort within the walls of the house.

Rooms will appeal to readers who enjoy a mystery, strange happenings, and Christian fiction.

23. The Little Known by Janice Daugharty

The Little Known, by Janice Daugharty, takes place in South Georgia not too many miles from my hometown. I was excited to begin this book because it is a book about a small South Georgia town that was written by a Georgia author. Knot, a twelve-year-old boy discovers a bag of cash from a robbery. Knot wants to make a difference with the money and sets out with a plan. Through his experiences, Knot learns a great deal about the good and bad of human nature. Even though I liked the premise of the book, I found it difficult to read. This is partly due to the fact that I did not care for the author’s style and the plot moved along at a slow place. That being said, I do not think it is a “bad” book; it was just difficult for me to get interested in. I am not giving up on Daugharty; I would like to read something else by her and see how it compares to The Little Known.

24. Burned by P.C. Cast

Burned is the lastest installment in the House of Night series. One of my students suggested this series, and I have not been disappointed. The Casts (P.C. and Kristin) leave you wanting more at the end of each book.

25. Changeless by Gail Carriger

I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series. The third will not be out until September!

I've got so many in my TBR pile, and I'm not sure which one to begin next. I think I'll read the next book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead in the Family. Then I'll move on to a non-fiction book or two.

#103: I've got so many in my TBR pile, and I'm not sure which one to begin next.

I know how that feels! I hope you enjoy whatever it is you pick, Cindy.

I just ordered Dead in the Family! I have two more in her Shakespeare series in my TBR pile. I know what you mean about not knowing what to ready next!

The Shakespeare series grew on me. I wasn't wild about the first book, but the others more than made up for it. I started Dead in the Family this morning. Charlaine Harris's characters are delightful; they are people you want to hang out with. Well, most of them anyway. :)

I agree!

26. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

I just love the Sookie Stackhouse series.

27. The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

This book was absolutely hilarious, but also touching in its own quirky way. Thanks to DrNeutron for the great review of this series.

#109: Yet another series to which I need return. *sigh*

I took it school this week and let the school librarian read through it. I had to pry it from her greedy hands at the end of the day. She immediately ordered the series from Amazon.

Cool!

Excellent!

28. Sumner Island by Michael Cormier

Sumner Island, by Michael Cormier, has everything to make it a good summer book. There are ghosts, love lost, love found, and murder all set in a historical resort that was at one time a play land of the rich and famous. The book started off slow for me, but became more engaging as I read. There is a tremendous amount of detail that I thought was unnecessary at first. The detailed descriptions in the book become important as we discover how the characters are connected. The importance of those details becomes clearer as the book nears the end. Sumner Island is a good first novel; I look forward to more from Cormier.

#114: I will have to look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation, Cindy.

I put this one on the ole TBR the other day. I'm glad you liked it!

I couldn't decide whether or not to request Sumner Island when it was offered as an ER book. In the end I didn't because I just couldn't find enough information on it to know if maybe I'd like it (although I suspected I would). Glad to see you liked it and I'll keep an eye out for it now!

The book moved a bit slow, but stick with it. I almost put it down; I'm glad I kept reading.

29. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

One of my students suggested I read this. She brought the series to me. I actually enjoyed it more than I expected. I understand why so many teenage girls like this series. It has love, drama, flirting, faries, good king, evil queen, and a teenage girl caught in the middle.

>118 GeorgiaDawn: - Thanks for the info (sometimes I probably do give up too soon)!

I usually give a book 50 pages unless I like the author's other books or someone has highly recommended the book.

I generally try to adhere to the 50 page rule but sometimes another book will be calling to me. :)

30. Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz

I do believe this was funnier than The Spellman Files. At first I thought how much I would like to know the Spellmans. Then I changed my mind; I'm afraid they would investigate all of their friends.

#123: I brought home the first book of the Spellman series from the library the other day. It is a re-read for me, but since it has been a while since I read it, I thought I had better refresh my memory before I went on with the series. I am glad to know the series gets funnier!

31. Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz

The third installment of this series is as funny as the last two. There are a few twists and turns that are left to be settled in the fourth and final book. I hate to see this series end!

I hope that I enjoy the books as much as you have, Cindy!

I hope you do, too! This is a series I will read again when I need a good laugh or two.

#127: This is a series I will read again when I need a good laugh or two.

Something to keep in mind!

32. The Spellmans Strike Again by Lisa Lutz

This is the fourth and last book in The Spellman series. The Spellmans Strike Again ties up the loose ends and has a few surprises along the way. It is still funny, but is a bit more serious than the previous three in the series. While I’d love to read more about the Spellman family, Lisa Lutz ended the series before it could grow stale and formulaic. This is a series that I’m sure I will revisit at a later time.

I think Lutz was wise to end it like she did. Too many authors seem to let their series go on way too long.

Just ran across your thread and starred it. I read Deep Enough for Ivorybills several years ago and enjoyed it. I'm jealous of your access to a library with books about Georgia!

#119 Thanks for mentioning Melissa Marr's series - I liked Wicked Lovely better than Ink Exchange and just realized a third book came out last year, so I've but it on hold at the library.

*touchstones not working today?

33. The Wind Done Gone by Alice Randall

The Wind Done Gone, by Alice Randall, is a partial retelling of Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. In Randall’s version, the story is told from the viewpoint of Cynara who is Scarlett’s biracial half-sister. The story is sad and conflicted. Cynara both loves and hates the southern plantation and the people who live there. Her attitude of Tara (which she refers to as Tata) and everyone there is very cynical. However, that attitude is understandable based on the circumstances in which she lived. A true lover of Gone With the Wind may not like this book. The characters take on a completely different face in Randall’s retelling.

Alice Randall faced legal disputes with Margaret Mitchell’s estate over the publication of this novel. In exchange for Mitchell’s estate dropping the case, Randall’s publisher agreed to print “The Unauthorized Parody” on the cover of the book and make a donation to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

34. Eneas Africanus by Harry Stillwell Edwards

I hesitated to list this book, but decided to go ahead. It is a very short, humorous story telling of Eneas, a slave in Georgia, as he travels the south in search of his master. There is nothing else to say without giving away the story. This story was written in 1920, and it is true to the language use at that time. The way Eneas refers to himself, and the way others refer to him, may be offensive for some readers.

#131 markon - I put Ink Exchange down for now. I was struggling with it and there are too many books I want to read to struggle through one. I will pick it back up at some point.

I'm making a determined effort to read more books about Georgia and about Georgia authors. The opinions of The South range greatly! :)

Its been a little while since I've been able to catch up on your thread. I just want to say thanks for posting about both the GWTW parody and Eneas Africanus. I think we must all remember that an open mind and thoughtfulness are invaluable tools when reading. Reading widely and in much quantity, as well as much quality, are very worthy goals.

Strong determination in the face of out weighed odds and winning your prowness
Is one good book after another - welcome back GeorgiaDawn

Maggie - I love reading books about Southern history, but I'm not always proud of parts of that history. In order to appreciate where we are, we have to understand where we came from.

Thanks, Kevon.

35. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

I read this as a group read for The Green Dragon. This book has been very popular, but I was underwhelmed. It was fair at best, in my opinion.

36. Dragonsong by Ann McCaffrey

This is my first book by McCaffrey, and I thought it was very good. The book was innocent and sweet.

37. Reel Culture by Mimi O'Connor

I received this from Early Reviewers and enjoyed it very much. The book briefly discusses fifty classic movies on a level for young adult readers. It gives bits of trivia and other items of interest.

GeorgiaDawn, I am surprised you've not read McCaffrey before. I really enjoyed many of her books although after a few of them, one does reach a "I'm done with these" place. They are sweet and nice books to recommend to kids.

#138: I will have to look for Reel Culture. I love old movies. Thanks for the recommendation, Cindy.

38. The Colorado Kid by Stephen King

I liked this one, but it is not near the top of my favorite King books.

39. The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston

Not impressed or interested. I read this because a RL friend said, "You must read these books." I read the first one. My obligation to my friend is complete.

40. Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

This is one that I read because my son wanted me to. There were parts that I really struggled with. I reread so much of it that I feel like I read it twice. I found it very interesting, enlightening in places, and confusing in others. It is worth reading the book just to get to the last fourth. I will read the sequel, but after I read a few fluff books first.

Wow, I am so far behind on my reading. I did not read near as much this summer as I had planned. However, I spent many days with my children and went scuba diving and/or snorkeling every weekend. I also started back to the gym and enrolled in Taekwondo classes. I have enjoyed every minute of it!

I am in the middle of several books that I need to sit down and finish. My graduate classes started today so I'll have those books to add to the list soon.

Congrats on the orange belt!

Thanks! It's not much, but I'm excited!

yes, in deedy! Admirable

Add my congrats to the rest, Cindy!

41. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Wow, what an ending to this trilogy! Katniss is still struggling to determine where she fits after participating in the Hunger Games. As if that is not enough, she is faced with being the face of the rebellion, a role thrust upon her whether she wants it or not. This is not a book (or series) where everything turns out wonderfully, and they all live happily ever after. It is far from that.

I have a few more to add, but don't have much time right now. I'll catch it up later.

GeorgiaDawn, I've been reading away at it Mockingjay and wondering if I was going to enjoy the characters sometime soon. Complicated books, eh?

42. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

43. Not Much Just Chillin': The Hidden Lives of Middle Schoolers Linda Perlstein

(I will put a brief review later; I'm headed to bed. It's been a long day.)

I hope you got some good rest and that Wednesday turns out to be a better day for you, Cindy!

44. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

I reread this in honor of Banned Books Week. Fahrenheit 451 is one of my favorite books; and I never tire of reading it. One of my students saw me with it and checked it out from the library. I hope she enjoys it as much as I do!

Good book!

I reread Fahrenheit 451 a few years ago. It may be time for another reread!

I never knew that Fahrenheit 451 was a banned book. Rather ironic that.

Speaking of irony: the Pentagon admits to having burned thousands of copies of a book written recently about the current US of A "wars". This news was first heard by me during the Banned Book Week.

45. Blameless by Gail Carriger

I love this series! It's fun and laugh out loud funny in parts. Now I have to wait until June (or is it July) for the next one!

#156: I am glad you love the series, Cindy. I am due to read the first one this month!

I'm anxious to see what you think. These are books that you can read, not have to analyze, and just enjoy. I've decided that I need to find a nice, calm werewolf to date. Know any? :)

#158: Wish I could help! Sorry, no werewolves in my neighborhood (that I know of any way!)

I love Carriger's series too! I bought that one the day it was released and read it on an airplane. We were so spoiled to get 3 of her books within 12 months... and now we have to wait... *pout*

I agree, dk_phoenix! I want the next one now. :)

46. Insatiable by Meg Cabot
I was underwhelmed, and I'll leave it at that.

I saved Changeless until I could get a copy of Blameless and am glad I did, as I just finished the former last night, reading late to get done. I'll start Blameless today, but I enjoyed Changeless just as much as Soulless.

47. Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy

A friend loaned me this book and suggested I read it. I enjoyed it, but it's not what I would normally read.

48. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

I enjoyed this and look forward to reading the sequel. I'm always amazed at how the human characters in these books are never shocked when they discover the creatures they've read about are real. In one of these books, I want the author to have the main character really scared!

**touchstones incorrect

#163: I enjoyed the entire Clare trilogy. I hope you do too, Cindy!

49. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

I liked this second in the Mortal Instruments series better than the first. The characters are still fighing demons and trying to make the world a safer place. I like that Cassandra Clare gave her characters flaws along with their powers and abilities. There is no perfect character, and things do not always turn out for the best. I'll pick up the third one tomorrow.

I am glad you liked book 2 better than you did the first one.

I hope you have a dandy picked out for book 50!

50. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I have read this book many times and never tire of it. It is at the top of my list of favorite books. Each time I read it, I'm amazed at the way Harper Lee is able to bring the characters to life. You laugh with them, and cry with them. This is literature at its best.

I've been reading this off and on and night, taking my time. I finished it so it could be number 50.

#167: Oh, you did pick a dandy for book 50, Cindy!

It thought you would approve, alcottacre!

My reading is so slow this year! Well, that's not entirely true. My reading for pleasure is going so slow this year; that is more accurate. I've read more education journals than I thought existed!

51. After Shock by Kelly Easton.

After Shock is the story of a young man who suffers from shock after a tragic accident with his parents. It is told from the Adam's point of view as he strives to make sense of what has happened and find his way home. Through flashbacks, we learn about Adam's life before the accident and watch the changes in his life unfold. Despite the tragedy and sadness that is inherent in a story like this, I loved it. Along with Adam, the reader learns how kind or cruel we can be to each other without ever understanding the consequences.

I'm beginning City of Glass by Cassandra Clare today.

#170: Aftershock sounds like a good one. I will see if the local library has a copy. Thanks for the recommendation, Cindy.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

You have a Happy Thanksgiving, too! Thank you!

52. Whoo hoo! I just finished my Life Science text, Essentials of The Living World. This is certainly not a book (a massive book) that I would have read for pleasure, but it was one of the more interesting textbooks I've had to read lately.

I'm currently reading City of Glass and decided what to read next. I'm not sure I'll hit 75, but I'm going to try. Next year will be easier; I will finish this graduate degree in May!

Congratulations on your pending graduation! I know you'll be excited and ready by May! =)

I know that May can not come quickly enough! You can be very proud of yourself.

Wow, I didn't realize that you're so close to finishing up!

I am SO ready to finish! Thank you guys for all of your support!

Finishing up a graduate degree is a tremendous achievement, Cindy. Congratulations!

Thanks! I'm going to read, read, read for the next three weeks! Classes don't start up again until January.

53. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

I have so enjoyed reading this series. I just picked up the prequel from the library. In fact, I picked up five books and my school librarian has a stack she is saving for me. :)

Yeah, this series is on my list. Glad you liked it!

#179: I picked up five books and my school librarian has a stack she is saving for me. :)

Nice!

54. What-the-Dickens by Gregory Maguire

This is one that a friend thought I "had to read." It was okay, but just.

Hmm... I have that one downstairs on my shelf, but haven't got to it yet. Maybe I'll leave it there a bit longer...

I love the idea of his books, but they are never quite as good as I want them to be.

#182: Sounds like I can safely give that one a pass!

I hope your next read is better for you, Cindy.

55. True Evil by Greg Iles

I haven't read much by Iles, but I will be reading more. This was a very good thriller that kept my interest. It lagged in a couple of places, but over all I enjoyed it very much.

I spent the last five days helping with my son's wedding. I thought I would have time to read since I was in a motel room for those days. No, not at all! I stayed on the go and slept when I sat down because I was so tired! It was all worth it. The wedding was beautiful!

I've come to grips with the fact that I'm not going to make the 75 books this year. Woe is me. :( I'll stay in the 75 Book Challenge and make it up next year!

Congratulations to your son!

Have you signed up for next year already, Cindy? The group is here: http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin20111 if you have not.

I have not! Thank you!

No problem.

#184 - Glad to hear it's not just me - I've tried to read Maguire's books, but they never live up to my expectations.

Are you done with school yet? I know it always cuts into my reading for pleasure when I'm reading textbooks.

At least I'm in good company. I was no where near 75 this year either.

That makes me feel so much better, mrstreme! I hate that I didn't make it!

markon - I will finish in May, but hopefully this next semester will be a easier one for me so I can read more. After May, I will have lots of time to read! Whoo hoo!

56. The Roar by Emma Clayton
This was a fast paced book about a future Earth where people are forced to live in a relatively small walled off portion of the world. They are told they cannot venture past the walls because of The Animal Plague that happened years before; it is still not safe beyond the wall. The Roar revolves around Mika and his friends as they compete in games designed by the government for unimaginable prizes. Somehow they all know the games are not what they are advertised to be. Mika believes that whatever else the games may be, for him they are the ticket to finding his twin sister who disappeared a year earlier.

I enjoyed reading The Roar and look forward to the sequel.

I hope you had a great Christmas, Cindy!

Thank you so much, Stasia! I had a wonderful Christmas! We have celebrated the entire month. Let's see - my youngest son got married, his wife's birthday was the 17th (day before the wedding), his birthday was Christmas day, my birthday is tomorrow, and my oldest son is spending the entire month of December with me! I have much to be thankful for!

I'm going to be better about following threads in this group next year. My reading time was so limited that I was almost afraid of what it would do to my TBR list! I'm going to spoil myself during the summer and read for days on end, so I'll be looking for more books to add to my ever growing, never ending TBR pile!

Spoiling yourself during the summer sounds like a great plan!

Talk about a lot going on in December! Wow! You really have been celebrating the whole month.

Wow, what a December!! Happy Birthday!