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1bluemeanie11
Really I'm doing this more to keep track than to reach a goal, but I read 50 books in 2009 and 51 in 2008, so I'll try for about the same again.
Last year, my aim was to finish everything I started reading, and I accomplished it. Also to read mostly new books, and not rereads. This year, I want to focus on reading books I already have instead of buying new ones (for the most part, anyway). I have probably hundreds of books I've never read.
I hadn't been planning on keeping track of pages again as well this year, but I've decided it might be interesting to compare, so here goes.
Last year, my aim was to finish everything I started reading, and I accomplished it. Also to read mostly new books, and not rereads. This year, I want to focus on reading books I already have instead of buying new ones (for the most part, anyway). I have probably hundreds of books I've never read.
I hadn't been planning on keeping track of pages again as well this year, but I've decided it might be interesting to compare, so here goes.
2Lin-Z
Good luck. I have the same issue: so many books that I bought but haven't read yet. I hope you can make some good headway!
3bluemeanie11
1. The Spook's Sacrifice by Joseph Delaney
My first book of the new year. I do enjoy these quite a lot, and I'm glad there'll be at least one more, though it seems like the story should probably wrap up pretty soon. I like the world these books are set in, but I'm really grateful I don't live in it.
Alice is still my favorite, and I like her and Tom together. A couple of things at the end turned out just how I expected them to, but there was one character who died that I had really expected to live. So that was sad.
My first book of the new year. I do enjoy these quite a lot, and I'm glad there'll be at least one more, though it seems like the story should probably wrap up pretty soon. I like the world these books are set in, but I'm really grateful I don't live in it.
Alice is still my favorite, and I like her and Tom together. A couple of things at the end turned out just how I expected them to, but there was one character who died that I had really expected to live. So that was sad.
4bluemeanie11
2. Snobs by Julian Fellowes
I'm sure I only read this now because I've been rewatching 'Monarch of the Glen', where he's so adorably absurd, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. But if that is really what life is like among the aristocracy, I'm glad I'm not a part of it. I felt sorry for poor Charles.
Oddly, even though circumstances made it clear that the narrator was a man, he always seemed like a woman to me. When he was first referred to as 'he', I was confused and for a moment couldn't figure out who the sentence was referring to. I'm not sure what about the character made me feel that way.
I don't think this is the sort of book I'm likely to reread, but I will have to check out anything else Julian Fellowes has written someday. Assuming he's written anything else.
I'm sure I only read this now because I've been rewatching 'Monarch of the Glen', where he's so adorably absurd, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. But if that is really what life is like among the aristocracy, I'm glad I'm not a part of it. I felt sorry for poor Charles.
Oddly, even though circumstances made it clear that the narrator was a man, he always seemed like a woman to me. When he was first referred to as 'he', I was confused and for a moment couldn't figure out who the sentence was referring to. I'm not sure what about the character made me feel that way.
I don't think this is the sort of book I'm likely to reread, but I will have to check out anything else Julian Fellowes has written someday. Assuming he's written anything else.
5bluemeanie11
3. The Condition of the Working Class in England by Friedrich Engels
Very interesting, but quite horrifying as well. Especially as regards things that still haven't entirely changed for the better. I had worried that the book would be a tough read, but I didn't have trouble.
I didn't like Engels apparent view that women should be confined to being wives and mothers, though of course that would be better than working in the conditions they did. It was a bit amusing, though, how whenever a new city, or industry, or job within an industry was introduced, it was inevitably deemed the worst of them all. They can't really all be the worst.
It does make the conditions people live in in Dickens and Gaskell and other such books seem quite ideal, though.
Very interesting, but quite horrifying as well. Especially as regards things that still haven't entirely changed for the better. I had worried that the book would be a tough read, but I didn't have trouble.
I didn't like Engels apparent view that women should be confined to being wives and mothers, though of course that would be better than working in the conditions they did. It was a bit amusing, though, how whenever a new city, or industry, or job within an industry was introduced, it was inevitably deemed the worst of them all. They can't really all be the worst.
It does make the conditions people live in in Dickens and Gaskell and other such books seem quite ideal, though.
6bluemeanie11
4. The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness
Sometimes I hate it when I get so into a book that I can't put it down, because then it's over all too quickly. I make myself set it aside for a while, but then, before I know it, I'm back reading again.
It's almost exactly a year since I read the first of these books, but I think I remembered it well enough, at least as things went along, if not straight from the start. Mayor Prentiss is just the most horrible, dangerous sort of villain - the type that is nice and polite and acts like he would be doing you a favor if only you would just let him trample all over you. I'm surprised he was happy with the title 'President Prentiss'; surely 'emperor' or 'almighty' or something like that would have suited his ego better. And who knew that Davy Prentiss might become the most sympathetic character.
I want book three now, please.
Sometimes I hate it when I get so into a book that I can't put it down, because then it's over all too quickly. I make myself set it aside for a while, but then, before I know it, I'm back reading again.
It's almost exactly a year since I read the first of these books, but I think I remembered it well enough, at least as things went along, if not straight from the start. Mayor Prentiss is just the most horrible, dangerous sort of villain - the type that is nice and polite and acts like he would be doing you a favor if only you would just let him trample all over you. I'm surprised he was happy with the title 'President Prentiss'; surely 'emperor' or 'almighty' or something like that would have suited his ego better. And who knew that Davy Prentiss might become the most sympathetic character.
I want book three now, please.
7bluemeanie11
5. The Frozen Deep by Wilkie Collins
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one. I mean, I liked it, but it's quite different to other books from the same era that I've read. I wasn't surprised to find it was based on a play, because it really does feel like one. Very theatrical; you could see just how it would be staged.
It was a bit presumptuous of Wardour (and, to a lesser extent, Frank) to think that if he fell in love with a woman and kissed her, she was promised to him, no matter if she felt the same or not. Was that really how things were done?
I should know by now not to read the back or cover flap of a book before reading the book, because they always give things away. This one, with its references to A Tale of Two Cities and, a couple of years ago, a copy of Great Expectations that had the whole plot outlined on the back cover, just give the whole thing away.
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one. I mean, I liked it, but it's quite different to other books from the same era that I've read. I wasn't surprised to find it was based on a play, because it really does feel like one. Very theatrical; you could see just how it would be staged.
It was a bit presumptuous of Wardour (and, to a lesser extent, Frank) to think that if he fell in love with a woman and kissed her, she was promised to him, no matter if she felt the same or not. Was that really how things were done?
I should know by now not to read the back or cover flap of a book before reading the book, because they always give things away. This one, with its references to A Tale of Two Cities and, a couple of years ago, a copy of Great Expectations that had the whole plot outlined on the back cover, just give the whole thing away.
8bluemeanie11
6. Flyte by Angie Sage
It never seemed Simon had enough reason to have turned evil. Or if he did, I missed it; it seemed to me a good, thorough tantrum would have sufficed to make up for his grievances. Turning evil and hating has family seemed excessive.
Other than that, though, this was fun. A nice mix of silly and serious. I like Septimus and Jenna's relationship. It's almost a shame that they're adopted brother and sister, because I think they'd make a cute couple, once they're older. Oh, and I like Wolf Boy, I hope he sticks around. And I like that they didn't give him a real name.
Six books in one month must be something of a record for me. I doubt I've read that many since I was ten years old and reading mostly Baby Sitters Club.
It never seemed Simon had enough reason to have turned evil. Or if he did, I missed it; it seemed to me a good, thorough tantrum would have sufficed to make up for his grievances. Turning evil and hating has family seemed excessive.
Other than that, though, this was fun. A nice mix of silly and serious. I like Septimus and Jenna's relationship. It's almost a shame that they're adopted brother and sister, because I think they'd make a cute couple, once they're older. Oh, and I like Wolf Boy, I hope he sticks around. And I like that they didn't give him a real name.
Six books in one month must be something of a record for me. I doubt I've read that many since I was ten years old and reading mostly Baby Sitters Club.
9bluemeanie11
7. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
It's always a little worrying when reviews on a book cover proclaim it to be "genius" and "finest work", because then I'll feel I must be stupid if I don't like it. Luckily, I liked it quite a bit. I wasn't sure at first, to be honest, but once the part in Oxford started, I was hooked.
Somehow I had thought it was all going to be about Charles and Sebastian, so that was a bit of a surprise when it wasn't.
I'll definitely have to watch the miniseries now. I've seen the beginning, in college. But the professor, who really ought to have known better, started the DVD playing and then left for the day. So, after a little while, the class left, too.
It's always a little worrying when reviews on a book cover proclaim it to be "genius" and "finest work", because then I'll feel I must be stupid if I don't like it. Luckily, I liked it quite a bit. I wasn't sure at first, to be honest, but once the part in Oxford started, I was hooked.
Somehow I had thought it was all going to be about Charles and Sebastian, so that was a bit of a surprise when it wasn't.
I'll definitely have to watch the miniseries now. I've seen the beginning, in college. But the professor, who really ought to have known better, started the DVD playing and then left for the day. So, after a little while, the class left, too.
10bluemeanie11
8. Lizzie Leigh by Elizabeth Gaskell
It had been far too long since I've read anything by Elizabeth Gaskell, so it was quite nice of the publishers of Norton Critical Editions to stick this in my copy of North and South. Of course, it's quite short and not really a book itself, but I'll count it anyway.
It was really lovely, though of course quite sad as well. The only thing I would change, is that it would've been nice if it were longer.
Gaskell manages to deal with religion in a way that doesn't drive me insane. Bronte heroines, for example, drive me mad with their obnoxious piousness, much as I otherwise like the novels. But in everything I've read by Gaskell, it feels natural, and it works.
It had been far too long since I've read anything by Elizabeth Gaskell, so it was quite nice of the publishers of Norton Critical Editions to stick this in my copy of North and South. Of course, it's quite short and not really a book itself, but I'll count it anyway.
It was really lovely, though of course quite sad as well. The only thing I would change, is that it would've been nice if it were longer.
Gaskell manages to deal with religion in a way that doesn't drive me insane. Bronte heroines, for example, drive me mad with their obnoxious piousness, much as I otherwise like the novels. But in everything I've read by Gaskell, it feels natural, and it works.
11bluemeanie11
9. Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor
This was remarkably dull. It was an effort to keep myself reading, and I almost gave it up part way through, though I'm pretty sure I quite liked the first one. Possibly part of the problem is that it's been so long since I read book one and I remember very little of it. Also, Redd is a boring villain; people who are evil for the sake of being evil almost always are. Arch was only slightly better, and Alyss herself was a bit bland.
There were bits I liked here and there: Redd and the Cat being blurry because that was the painter's style, the doggerels speaking in rhyme. And mostly the idea of imagination as magic.
Then, of course, it had to go and get mildly interesting in the last few pages. So now I'll have to read the third one someday. But not anytime soon.
This was remarkably dull. It was an effort to keep myself reading, and I almost gave it up part way through, though I'm pretty sure I quite liked the first one. Possibly part of the problem is that it's been so long since I read book one and I remember very little of it. Also, Redd is a boring villain; people who are evil for the sake of being evil almost always are. Arch was only slightly better, and Alyss herself was a bit bland.
There were bits I liked here and there: Redd and the Cat being blurry because that was the painter's style, the doggerels speaking in rhyme. And mostly the idea of imagination as magic.
Then, of course, it had to go and get mildly interesting in the last few pages. So now I'll have to read the third one someday. But not anytime soon.
12bluemeanie11
10. The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
I was having trouble deciding which book to read next, and I'm glad I landed on this one. It had been far too long since I had read anything by Oscar Wilde (and I've read far too little of his work, anyway). These stories, though not my favorite things by him, were all quite nice.
The Canterville Ghost was my favorite - both the story and the ghost himself. It was a clear sign that it had been too long since I read anything by Wilde that, when I started it, I was expecting it be a traditional ghost story. It's the slight absurdity mixed naturally in with reality that makes Oscar Wilde so great, I think.
I was having trouble deciding which book to read next, and I'm glad I landed on this one. It had been far too long since I had read anything by Oscar Wilde (and I've read far too little of his work, anyway). These stories, though not my favorite things by him, were all quite nice.
The Canterville Ghost was my favorite - both the story and the ghost himself. It was a clear sign that it had been too long since I read anything by Wilde that, when I started it, I was expecting it be a traditional ghost story. It's the slight absurdity mixed naturally in with reality that makes Oscar Wilde so great, I think.
13bluemeanie11
11. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
I absolutely loved this. It started off a bit slow but then I got quickly wrapped up in it and didn't want to put it down. It was a bit predictable at times, but not in a bad way. I only wish Ivanhoe and Rebecca could have lived happily ever after together.
I'm glad to not live in such times though; even the 'good guys' were horribly hateful to anyone of a different religion or race - though I suppose any many ways that hasn't changed, has it? But if others of Sir Walter Scott's writing is as good as this, I can't wait to read it. (Not right away, though, sadly, as I'm not buying more books yet!)
I had hoped that the latest Garth Nix book would have arrived at my door by the time I finished this, but it has not. I'll just have to find something else to read for now.
I absolutely loved this. It started off a bit slow but then I got quickly wrapped up in it and didn't want to put it down. It was a bit predictable at times, but not in a bad way. I only wish Ivanhoe and Rebecca could have lived happily ever after together.
I'm glad to not live in such times though; even the 'good guys' were horribly hateful to anyone of a different religion or race - though I suppose any many ways that hasn't changed, has it? But if others of Sir Walter Scott's writing is as good as this, I can't wait to read it. (Not right away, though, sadly, as I'm not buying more books yet!)
I had hoped that the latest Garth Nix book would have arrived at my door by the time I finished this, but it has not. I'll just have to find something else to read for now.
14bluemeanie11
12. Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones
Much of this felt more like a cross between Aladdin and a Lloyd Alexander novel than a sequel to Howl's Moving Castle - not that that's a bad thing. It's just you wouldn't know till you're a good way through it that it was a sequel if it didn't say so on the cover. I liked it though, especially once they got to Kingsbury, and luckily I have the third book on my shelf, ready to be read whenever I like.
Now, to the Garth Nix book, which naturally arrived the day after I had started this.
Much of this felt more like a cross between Aladdin and a Lloyd Alexander novel than a sequel to Howl's Moving Castle - not that that's a bad thing. It's just you wouldn't know till you're a good way through it that it was a sequel if it didn't say so on the cover. I liked it though, especially once they got to Kingsbury, and luckily I have the third book on my shelf, ready to be read whenever I like.
Now, to the Garth Nix book, which naturally arrived the day after I had started this.
15bluemeanie11
13. Lord Sunday by Garth Nix
Since, technically, I preordered this book in 2009, I don't count it as going against my not-buying-new-books plan.
Mostly I liked it, though I'm afraid I only remember vaguely what happened in the previous books, and I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had reread those in advance. Mostly I like the characters, especially Leaf and Suzy and the random assortment of denizens. Giac was nice. Arthur, on the other hand, I didn't find as interesting - maybe less interesting as he became less human? I don't know.
I did think the ending was a bit rushed, though. Seven books building up to a very quick resolution. Though I have thought for several books now that there's maybe not enough plot to be stretched this far, and that sometimes its a bit silly, the ending really should've taken a bit longer.
Since, technically, I preordered this book in 2009, I don't count it as going against my not-buying-new-books plan.
Mostly I liked it, though I'm afraid I only remember vaguely what happened in the previous books, and I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had reread those in advance. Mostly I like the characters, especially Leaf and Suzy and the random assortment of denizens. Giac was nice. Arthur, on the other hand, I didn't find as interesting - maybe less interesting as he became less human? I don't know.
I did think the ending was a bit rushed, though. Seven books building up to a very quick resolution. Though I have thought for several books now that there's maybe not enough plot to be stretched this far, and that sometimes its a bit silly, the ending really should've taken a bit longer.
16bluemeanie11
14. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift.
After trying for nearly two weeks to be interested in The Ingenious Edgar Jones, I finally determined it wasn't going to happen and moved on. It's the first book I've abandoned since The Old Curiosity Shop in July 2008, and I plan to give it another try sometime (both of them actually, especially the Dickens).
I've also bought two books - Half Price Books will insist on sending me 50% off coupons - so I've been bad all around.
But on to Gulliver. I didn't love it, but it was more than interesting enough to keep reading. I think I would've liked it more if the travels had been actively happening instead of being retold. Not that that would've stopped Gulliver from being insufferable, but you can't have everything. And I'd definitely be curious to know how a cucumber was determined upon as the vegetable most likely to produce sunbeams. :)
After trying for nearly two weeks to be interested in The Ingenious Edgar Jones, I finally determined it wasn't going to happen and moved on. It's the first book I've abandoned since The Old Curiosity Shop in July 2008, and I plan to give it another try sometime (both of them actually, especially the Dickens).
I've also bought two books - Half Price Books will insist on sending me 50% off coupons - so I've been bad all around.
But on to Gulliver. I didn't love it, but it was more than interesting enough to keep reading. I think I would've liked it more if the travels had been actively happening instead of being retold. Not that that would've stopped Gulliver from being insufferable, but you can't have everything. And I'd definitely be curious to know how a cucumber was determined upon as the vegetable most likely to produce sunbeams. :)
17bluemeanie11
15. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
Finally finished my rather sporadic rereading of His Dark Materials, only nine months or so after I started. I haven't decided if I'm going to be rereading the two companion books as well, but I probably will, sooner or later.
This is probably my least favorite book of the three, though I still like it a great deal. I think it just does too much; it lacks the streamlined purposefulness of the first two books. That said, there's no particular plot line that I dislike (well, maybe Father Gomez) and I adore so many of the characters, so I always enjoy a reread.
Finally finished my rather sporadic rereading of His Dark Materials, only nine months or so after I started. I haven't decided if I'm going to be rereading the two companion books as well, but I probably will, sooner or later.
This is probably my least favorite book of the three, though I still like it a great deal. I think it just does too much; it lacks the streamlined purposefulness of the first two books. That said, there's no particular plot line that I dislike (well, maybe Father Gomez) and I adore so many of the characters, so I always enjoy a reread.
18bluemeanie11
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
I had been meaning to reread the first few of these books for a while, to remind myself that once upon a time I had really loved this series. You know, before I read books 5, 6, and especially 7.
Luckily, it worked. This is a lovely book, and so much manages to happen in such a few pages - I'm not sure the later, longer books had much more in essential plot, for all that they were three times as long. I even almost liked Harry himself, and I really don't like him in later books.
Sometime soon(ish) I'll read books 2 and 3, but I think I'll stop there. And for now, I want to get back to reading new things. I won't make much headway on my hundreds of books if I keep rereading things I've already read many times.
I had been meaning to reread the first few of these books for a while, to remind myself that once upon a time I had really loved this series. You know, before I read books 5, 6, and especially 7.
Luckily, it worked. This is a lovely book, and so much manages to happen in such a few pages - I'm not sure the later, longer books had much more in essential plot, for all that they were three times as long. I even almost liked Harry himself, and I really don't like him in later books.
Sometime soon(ish) I'll read books 2 and 3, but I think I'll stop there. And for now, I want to get back to reading new things. I won't make much headway on my hundreds of books if I keep rereading things I've already read many times.
19bluemeanie11
17. The Last Campaign by Thurston Clarke
I've had a politician-crush on Robert Kennedy since I was 13 and wrote a really bad (or, at best, really ordinary) history fair paper about him. Quite deservedly, it did not win any prizes, but at the time I thought it the best thing that had ever been written, of course.
I've had this book for quite a while now, I got it a couple of Christmases ago, I think, so I can't imagine why I haven't read it before now. It was quite good and interesting, but also really depressing, because I can't imagine the world we're living in today wouldn't be better if he had lived.
It did seem repetitive sometimes, though, because Clarke seemed to use the same quotes and anecdotes several times thoughout. And it did get harder to read towards the end because, of course, there's only one possible ending.
I've had a politician-crush on Robert Kennedy since I was 13 and wrote a really bad (or, at best, really ordinary) history fair paper about him. Quite deservedly, it did not win any prizes, but at the time I thought it the best thing that had ever been written, of course.
I've had this book for quite a while now, I got it a couple of Christmases ago, I think, so I can't imagine why I haven't read it before now. It was quite good and interesting, but also really depressing, because I can't imagine the world we're living in today wouldn't be better if he had lived.
It did seem repetitive sometimes, though, because Clarke seemed to use the same quotes and anecdotes several times thoughout. And it did get harder to read towards the end because, of course, there's only one possible ending.
20bluemeanie11
18. Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell
I have definitely been doing more book-buying and book-receiving-as-gifts than book-reading lately, which was just not the plan at all, so I should work on that. I blame Air France for my lack of reading lately, because they showed an episode of 'Friends' on my flight and since then I've been working my way through my complete series DVD set.
Anyway, this was a lovely book. I think Gaskell must have been a really interesting person to meet, though sometimes I wonder what her beliefs were exactly. While it was definitely portrayed as a good thing to take in the 'fallen' woman and allow her to redeem herself, the way society would view and treat her never seemed to be entirely condemned either.
Now back to the book I had been reading before I started this, hopefully to finish it this time.
I have definitely been doing more book-buying and book-receiving-as-gifts than book-reading lately, which was just not the plan at all, so I should work on that. I blame Air France for my lack of reading lately, because they showed an episode of 'Friends' on my flight and since then I've been working my way through my complete series DVD set.
Anyway, this was a lovely book. I think Gaskell must have been a really interesting person to meet, though sometimes I wonder what her beliefs were exactly. While it was definitely portrayed as a good thing to take in the 'fallen' woman and allow her to redeem herself, the way society would view and treat her never seemed to be entirely condemned either.
Now back to the book I had been reading before I started this, hopefully to finish it this time.
21bluemeanie11
19. Rivers of Fire by Patrick Carman
When I first started reading this, almost a month ago, I couldn't for the life of me get interested in it. I think in part it's because it has been almost two years since I read the first one and I only vaguely remember it, even with the recap at the beginning of this one.
But then I spent a month traveling, reading Ruth, and watching a lot of episodes of 'Friends', and when I came back to this book, I actually liked it. Not a favorite, to be sure, but much better than before. I wonder if it's because, when I started it initially, I was already anticipating reading Ruth and my mind was on that, because I had already picked it as the book to take on my flight.
For some reason, I had thought Atherton was a trilogy, but the ending to this book seemed to wrap everything up, so maybe not.
When I first started reading this, almost a month ago, I couldn't for the life of me get interested in it. I think in part it's because it has been almost two years since I read the first one and I only vaguely remember it, even with the recap at the beginning of this one.
But then I spent a month traveling, reading Ruth, and watching a lot of episodes of 'Friends', and when I came back to this book, I actually liked it. Not a favorite, to be sure, but much better than before. I wonder if it's because, when I started it initially, I was already anticipating reading Ruth and my mind was on that, because I had already picked it as the book to take on my flight.
For some reason, I had thought Atherton was a trilogy, but the ending to this book seemed to wrap everything up, so maybe not.
22bluemeanie11
20. The Summer Before by Ann M. Martin
I really enjoyed this, but I think more for nostalgia's sake than anything else. Once upon a time, I was completely obsessed with everything Baby Sitters Club, but that was long ago - I probably hadn't read any of the books in 15 or 16 years, not since I started middle school and suddenly it wasn't the cool thing anymore. I remember having one of the books at school with me one day, but when no one else did, I stuck it in my locker and that was pretty much the end. I think it was a blue book, so it must have been one of the mysteries, and I think Dawn was on the cover.
But I was really excited to get this for my birthday (I had never heard of it). There wasn't much plot and Kristy, Mary Anne, and Claudia were all a little bit annoying (especially Kristy), but it was lovely all the same. And I still liked Stacey - she and Dawn were always my favorites.
I really enjoyed this, but I think more for nostalgia's sake than anything else. Once upon a time, I was completely obsessed with everything Baby Sitters Club, but that was long ago - I probably hadn't read any of the books in 15 or 16 years, not since I started middle school and suddenly it wasn't the cool thing anymore. I remember having one of the books at school with me one day, but when no one else did, I stuck it in my locker and that was pretty much the end. I think it was a blue book, so it must have been one of the mysteries, and I think Dawn was on the cover.
But I was really excited to get this for my birthday (I had never heard of it). There wasn't much plot and Kristy, Mary Anne, and Claudia were all a little bit annoying (especially Kristy), but it was lovely all the same. And I still liked Stacey - she and Dawn were always my favorites.
23Feefy
That's such a blast from the past, I was thoroughly obsessed with The Babysitters Club when I was in primary school! Hee Hee I remember Claudia was always reading Nancy Drew and eating sweets and poor Mary Anne was a dork!
24bluemeanie11
21. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
I really don't know why it took me so long to read this book, it was really a lot of fun. I really liked the world it was set in (what's not to like about a Britain that takes literature so seriously?) and I would love to be able to hop into Jane Eyre and meet Rochester. That's what I liked best about the Inkheart books as well, the idea of getting to meet people from novels.
But I'm definitely going to have to read more of these books someday. Not right away, though. I'm going to go back to that whole not-buying-new-books thing that I was doing so well at the beginning of the year.
I really don't know why it took me so long to read this book, it was really a lot of fun. I really liked the world it was set in (what's not to like about a Britain that takes literature so seriously?) and I would love to be able to hop into Jane Eyre and meet Rochester. That's what I liked best about the Inkheart books as well, the idea of getting to meet people from novels.
But I'm definitely going to have to read more of these books someday. Not right away, though. I'm going to go back to that whole not-buying-new-books thing that I was doing so well at the beginning of the year.
25bluemeanie11
22. Peter and the Sword of Mercy by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
I took a break from reading Glue, which though I didn't dislike, I couldn't get into, to read this. I really adore these books, though I think this one is probably my least favorite of the four, and that's due to several character issues. My favorite bits in the other books were always Molly and Peter together, and here they barely spoke. I think the new dynamic of their relationship, with her grown up, could have been really interesting.
Instead, Molly was all but replaced by Wendy, who seemed to be mostly just new-Molly, and not really her own character. And I didn't like new-Molly as much as the original version. Also, I would have liked something - I'm not sure what - to have been made of the fact that, though Peter is a boy, he's been alive for thirty-something years, so also he's a man.
All that aside, though, I enjoyed this near as much as the others. The plot was fun, all the old familiar characters were fun - I only wish it didn't seem like this was definitely the last book. Things were just wrapped up too well in the end.
I took a break from reading Glue, which though I didn't dislike, I couldn't get into, to read this. I really adore these books, though I think this one is probably my least favorite of the four, and that's due to several character issues. My favorite bits in the other books were always Molly and Peter together, and here they barely spoke. I think the new dynamic of their relationship, with her grown up, could have been really interesting.
Instead, Molly was all but replaced by Wendy, who seemed to be mostly just new-Molly, and not really her own character. And I didn't like new-Molly as much as the original version. Also, I would have liked something - I'm not sure what - to have been made of the fact that, though Peter is a boy, he's been alive for thirty-something years, so also he's a man.
All that aside, though, I enjoyed this near as much as the others. The plot was fun, all the old familiar characters were fun - I only wish it didn't seem like this was definitely the last book. Things were just wrapped up too well in the end.
26bluemeanie11
23. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
I adored this book; it might be my second favorite thing I've read this year, after Ivanhoe. The plot was interesting, several of the characters were interesting - particularly Count Fosco and especially Marian, as well as Mr. Fairlie, who amused me, even though he shouldn't have. He was as horrible, in his unwillingness to ever do anything, as the Count or Sir Percival ever were in their actions.
I only have two complaints, really. One, I never saw why Walter should be in love with Laura - she was far too generic. He and Marian seemed much more suited and they acted together as a partnership and seemed, at times, more as parents to Laura than anything else.
I also thought the bit at the end with Walter, Count Fosco, and Pesca seemed a bit tacked on. I know, of course, it wasn't - that's where the final resolution came about. But somehow, after everything that happened with Sir Percival, it seemed almost extraneous.
Still, those are small complaints. The book held my attention from start to finish, where even some books that I quite like do not.
I adored this book; it might be my second favorite thing I've read this year, after Ivanhoe. The plot was interesting, several of the characters were interesting - particularly Count Fosco and especially Marian, as well as Mr. Fairlie, who amused me, even though he shouldn't have. He was as horrible, in his unwillingness to ever do anything, as the Count or Sir Percival ever were in their actions.
I only have two complaints, really. One, I never saw why Walter should be in love with Laura - she was far too generic. He and Marian seemed much more suited and they acted together as a partnership and seemed, at times, more as parents to Laura than anything else.
I also thought the bit at the end with Walter, Count Fosco, and Pesca seemed a bit tacked on. I know, of course, it wasn't - that's where the final resolution came about. But somehow, after everything that happened with Sir Percival, it seemed almost extraneous.
Still, those are small complaints. The book held my attention from start to finish, where even some books that I quite like do not.
27bluemeanie11
24. Charlie Bone and the Red Knight by Jenny Nimmo
Nevermind if I suppose I'm technically far too old for these books, they're fun. And sometimes it's nice to read something when you know at the start that everything's going to turn out well in the end. (Even if this one was maybe just a little bit too much happily ever after...) The only thing that particularly ever bothers me about these books is that the bad guys all seem to be evil just because they are, and not for any real reason. Actually, the same for the good guys - they just seem to be good for no other reason than the author chose to make them that way. It just seems like there could've been more depth to it.
Possibly, though, I'm just at the right reading level for these - it didn't occur to me until right before it was revealed who the Red Knight was obviously going to turn out to be. But I'd always picked up on those sort of things right away in the earlier books...
Nevermind if I suppose I'm technically far too old for these books, they're fun. And sometimes it's nice to read something when you know at the start that everything's going to turn out well in the end. (Even if this one was maybe just a little bit too much happily ever after...) The only thing that particularly ever bothers me about these books is that the bad guys all seem to be evil just because they are, and not for any real reason. Actually, the same for the good guys - they just seem to be good for no other reason than the author chose to make them that way. It just seems like there could've been more depth to it.
Possibly, though, I'm just at the right reading level for these - it didn't occur to me until right before it was revealed who the Red Knight was obviously going to turn out to be. But I'd always picked up on those sort of things right away in the earlier books...
28bluemeanie11
25. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
As much as I try, and as much as I do enjoy seeing it performed, I don't much like reading Shakespeare. It wasn't until I was nearly to the end of the play, when everything was starting to come together, that I really got into it (though from that point I did quite enjoy it).
It would help, I think, if this edition had footnotes instead of endnotes. I hate having to flip to the back any time I want en explanation of a line. So much easier to just glance to the bottom of the page.
As much as I try, and as much as I do enjoy seeing it performed, I don't much like reading Shakespeare. It wasn't until I was nearly to the end of the play, when everything was starting to come together, that I really got into it (though from that point I did quite enjoy it).
It would help, I think, if this edition had footnotes instead of endnotes. I hate having to flip to the back any time I want en explanation of a line. So much easier to just glance to the bottom of the page.
29bluemeanie11
26. Quite Honestly by John Mortimer
I've not been so great about reading things lately. This was an easy read, and only 207 pages, so there's no way it should've taken me 12 days to finish.
Somehow it managed to both go in the opposite way I had anticipated and be predictable at the same time. I didn't much like many of the characters in this, Lucy especially, and as she's one of the two main characters, that takes a bit away from the book. She was silly and childish and kind of obnoxious. Terry was all right, though, and the Bishop was amusing.
Still, when it got to the 'And that's where this story begins again.' line, I was glad it didn't actually, cause I didn't really care to read more about these people.
I've not been so great about reading things lately. This was an easy read, and only 207 pages, so there's no way it should've taken me 12 days to finish.
Somehow it managed to both go in the opposite way I had anticipated and be predictable at the same time. I didn't much like many of the characters in this, Lucy especially, and as she's one of the two main characters, that takes a bit away from the book. She was silly and childish and kind of obnoxious. Terry was all right, though, and the Bishop was amusing.
Still, when it got to the 'And that's where this story begins again.' line, I was glad it didn't actually, cause I didn't really care to read more about these people.
30bluemeanie11
27. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
There doesn't seem really a great chance that I'll make my goal of 50 books this year if my inability to be interested in anything I read keeps up much longer. I just keep ending up spending the time I might otherwise use for reading by watching old episodes of tv shows on dvd.
That said, I liked this book whenever I was actually reading it. Those times just seemed to be a bit spread out. And I think I might have liked it better had I read it quicker, because I kept losing track of who was who and what was going on. Plus, even with books I really love, if I take too long to read them, I get bored. But I'm definitely interested in reading more of these, and I have one - I believe the second - on my shelf.
There doesn't seem really a great chance that I'll make my goal of 50 books this year if my inability to be interested in anything I read keeps up much longer. I just keep ending up spending the time I might otherwise use for reading by watching old episodes of tv shows on dvd.
That said, I liked this book whenever I was actually reading it. Those times just seemed to be a bit spread out. And I think I might have liked it better had I read it quicker, because I kept losing track of who was who and what was going on. Plus, even with books I really love, if I take too long to read them, I get bored. But I'm definitely interested in reading more of these, and I have one - I believe the second - on my shelf.
31bluemeanie11
28. The Ambassador's Mission by Trudi Canavan
I'm not sure if I liked this better or worse than the previous trilogy. It didn't seem to drag on so much as those books did, but it is only book one; there's still time. On the other hand, I didn't much like Lorkin (though I didn't really dislike him either), and I wasn't too interested in Sachaka. I liked best the parts with Sonea and Regin, and to a lesser extent, Cery.
I do wish Rothen had played more of a part, he was my favorite from the earlier books, and I would have liked to at least find out what has son (Dorrien, I think?) is doing now.
I'm not sure if I liked this better or worse than the previous trilogy. It didn't seem to drag on so much as those books did, but it is only book one; there's still time. On the other hand, I didn't much like Lorkin (though I didn't really dislike him either), and I wasn't too interested in Sachaka. I liked best the parts with Sonea and Regin, and to a lesser extent, Cery.
I do wish Rothen had played more of a part, he was my favorite from the earlier books, and I would have liked to at least find out what has son (Dorrien, I think?) is doing now.
32bluemeanie11
29. Mugby Junction by Charles Dickens, Andrew Halliday, Charles Collins, Hesba Stretton, and Amelia Edwards
These were nice, though they didn't all seem to have anything to do with Mugby Junction. I had assumed they all would. Still, they were good stories. I was hoping Mr. Strange in 'The Compensation House' (I think) was going to turn out to be a vampire, what with his horror of mirrors. It would've amused me, but I suppose felt more than a little bit out of place.
These were nice, though they didn't all seem to have anything to do with Mugby Junction. I had assumed they all would. Still, they were good stories. I was hoping Mr. Strange in 'The Compensation House' (I think) was going to turn out to be a vampire, what with his horror of mirrors. It would've amused me, but I suppose felt more than a little bit out of place.
33bluemeanie11
30. House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones
I'd really like another book specifically about Howl and Sophie. But other than the fact that they were only background characters in this book, I have no complaints. These books are always just such fun. And though I'm sure I'd get terribly lost - worse even than Peter - I'd really love to visit Wizard Norland's house (or Howl's castle, for that matter.)
I'd really like another book specifically about Howl and Sophie. But other than the fact that they were only background characters in this book, I have no complaints. These books are always just such fun. And though I'm sure I'd get terribly lost - worse even than Peter - I'd really love to visit Wizard Norland's house (or Howl's castle, for that matter.)
34bluemeanie11
31. What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool
This was very interesting, but not exactly a page turner. I think I need a book to have a plot or at least some kind of continuing narrative of some sort to really get into it. This just jumped from topic to topic, sometimes repeating itself.
But it was still very good, and surprisingly turned out to be only a bit more than half as long as it looked, the other almost half being a glossary. Which might be useful to refer to when reading other things, though to be honest I doubt I'll make the effort.
This was very interesting, but not exactly a page turner. I think I need a book to have a plot or at least some kind of continuing narrative of some sort to really get into it. This just jumped from topic to topic, sometimes repeating itself.
But it was still very good, and surprisingly turned out to be only a bit more than half as long as it looked, the other almost half being a glossary. Which might be useful to refer to when reading other things, though to be honest I doubt I'll make the effort.
35bluemeanie11
32. Physik by Angie Sage
I liked this, but somehow I don't think I liked it as much as the first two. I'm not sure why; there was no particular aspect that I can think of that I specifically disliked, it just seemed to be missing something that the others had.
Still, it was good fun and I'll happily read the rest of them someday. I was glad the situation with Nicko and Snorri wasn't resolved too quickly, that would've felt fake. And yet, they did seem a bit forgotten at the end. I can't imagine Jenna and Septimus can get away with not mentioning it for too long.
I liked this, but somehow I don't think I liked it as much as the first two. I'm not sure why; there was no particular aspect that I can think of that I specifically disliked, it just seemed to be missing something that the others had.
Still, it was good fun and I'll happily read the rest of them someday. I was glad the situation with Nicko and Snorri wasn't resolved too quickly, that would've felt fake. And yet, they did seem a bit forgotten at the end. I can't imagine Jenna and Septimus can get away with not mentioning it for too long.
36bluemeanie11
33. I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak
I loved this even more this second time reading it than I did the first. And this time I think I got the ending, which I definitely didn't before. Having read a bit in interviews about Markus Zusak's own life, when I read this and the three books about Cameron Wolfe, I wonder how much he's writing his own story. It seems similar and very personal. Or maybe he's just a really great writer.
Now if only his next book would be published I could read it instead of continuing to reread the old ones. Actually, I'm sure I'll still reread as well; I just want the new book.
I loved this even more this second time reading it than I did the first. And this time I think I got the ending, which I definitely didn't before. Having read a bit in interviews about Markus Zusak's own life, when I read this and the three books about Cameron Wolfe, I wonder how much he's writing his own story. It seems similar and very personal. Or maybe he's just a really great writer.
Now if only his next book would be published I could read it instead of continuing to reread the old ones. Actually, I'm sure I'll still reread as well; I just want the new book.
37bluemeanie11
34. Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness
I don't know what's gone wrong with me that's it's been over a month since I've finished a book. And that the past two books I've started before this one I haven't managed to finish, even though I've liked one of them.
But at least this was a really good one. I'd been putting off reading it because I didn't want the trilogy to end. The characters were all complex, none pure good or evil (though the good in some is all but drowned out by the evil.) I liked the contrast Todd struggled with, enjoying the war and hating himself for enjoying it.
I don't know what's gone wrong with me that's it's been over a month since I've finished a book. And that the past two books I've started before this one I haven't managed to finish, even though I've liked one of them.
But at least this was a really good one. I'd been putting off reading it because I didn't want the trilogy to end. The characters were all complex, none pure good or evil (though the good in some is all but drowned out by the evil.) I liked the contrast Todd struggled with, enjoying the war and hating himself for enjoying it.
38bluemeanie11
35. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
Much as I liked The Eyre Affair, I think I liked this book even better. Possibly because I was prepared in advance for the absurdity of it all and didn't have to spend time getting used to it. Luckily, I've got the next book already waiting on my shelf for whenever I want to read it.
But for now I'll just imagine how nice it would be to be able to go into books...
Much as I liked The Eyre Affair, I think I liked this book even better. Possibly because I was prepared in advance for the absurdity of it all and didn't have to spend time getting used to it. Luckily, I've got the next book already waiting on my shelf for whenever I want to read it.
But for now I'll just imagine how nice it would be to be able to go into books...
39bluemeanie11
36. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Even having just reread it, I'm not sure why, but this has always been one of my least favorite of the Harry Potter books. I don't think it's that I actively dislike it, I think maybe I'm just not very interested by it. I started reading it a couple of months ago, then set it aside and only just now came back to it a few days ago.
Still, it's much better than the last few books, so there's that. And next (and probably last) in my reread will be Prisoner of Azkaban, which I love.
Even having just reread it, I'm not sure why, but this has always been one of my least favorite of the Harry Potter books. I don't think it's that I actively dislike it, I think maybe I'm just not very interested by it. I started reading it a couple of months ago, then set it aside and only just now came back to it a few days ago.
Still, it's much better than the last few books, so there's that. And next (and probably last) in my reread will be Prisoner of Azkaban, which I love.
40bluemeanie11
37. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
I really enjoyed this, but it was such an incredibly slow read for me. I don't know why. But it definitely got to the point where I wanted it to hurry up and all be over with, so that I could know what happened and so that I could move on to another book. Slow, or not, though, I really liked the story. (Though maybe not quite as much as The Woman in White.)
I liked the way things turned out, right at the very end. It wasn't what I had been expecting for much of the book. And it did amuse me, I guess, that in all of their worry to recover the diamond, none of these people seemed to recognize that it never really belonged to them at all.
I really enjoyed this, but it was such an incredibly slow read for me. I don't know why. But it definitely got to the point where I wanted it to hurry up and all be over with, so that I could know what happened and so that I could move on to another book. Slow, or not, though, I really liked the story. (Though maybe not quite as much as The Woman in White.)
I liked the way things turned out, right at the very end. It wasn't what I had been expecting for much of the book. And it did amuse me, I guess, that in all of their worry to recover the diamond, none of these people seemed to recognize that it never really belonged to them at all.
41bluemeanie11
38. King of the Middle March by Kevin-Crossley-Holland
I'm sort of neutral on this book and the two that came before it in the trilogy. I don't love them, but I don't hate them either. I like them enough for it to have been worth the time reading them, but maybe not much more.
Also, I found I had a hard time separating this Lancelot, Guinevere, Arthur (in the stone), etc, from the characters in the BBC Merlin. And that definitely had an affect on how I viewed and judged their characters and actions.
I'm sort of neutral on this book and the two that came before it in the trilogy. I don't love them, but I don't hate them either. I like them enough for it to have been worth the time reading them, but maybe not much more.
Also, I found I had a hard time separating this Lancelot, Guinevere, Arthur (in the stone), etc, from the characters in the BBC Merlin. And that definitely had an affect on how I viewed and judged their characters and actions.
42bluemeanie11
39. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
40. Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There by Lewis Carroll
I think I liked the old Disney cartoon version better than I liked these, though it's been so very long since I've seen it that I can't say for sure. But Alice herself seemed sort of pointless - like everything would have happened in much the same way even if she hadn't been there.
I do wish it wasn't all supposed to have been a dream though.
40. Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There by Lewis Carroll
I think I liked the old Disney cartoon version better than I liked these, though it's been so very long since I've seen it that I can't say for sure. But Alice herself seemed sort of pointless - like everything would have happened in much the same way even if she hadn't been there.
I do wish it wasn't all supposed to have been a dream though.
43bluemeanie11
41. Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer
The new cover designs for these books are particularly stupid, I think. Not that the old covers were great, but these are worse. Plus now my books won't all match, I hate when they do that. (Just to be superficial for a moment, of course.)
I think these books, this one especially, could stand to put less effort into trying to be clever. It feels forced sometimes. Possibly I think it's more irritating in this one than previous books because I haven't read any others in a while, and I don't remember them too well. Still, they're good for a quick, fun, more than a little bit silly read, and I like most of the characters.
The new cover designs for these books are particularly stupid, I think. Not that the old covers were great, but these are worse. Plus now my books won't all match, I hate when they do that. (Just to be superficial for a moment, of course.)
I think these books, this one especially, could stand to put less effort into trying to be clever. It feels forced sometimes. Possibly I think it's more irritating in this one than previous books because I haven't read any others in a while, and I don't remember them too well. Still, they're good for a quick, fun, more than a little bit silly read, and I like most of the characters.
44bluemeanie11
42. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
I love this book, possibly more each time I read it. The best bits of course being any part that involves Margaret and Thornton together. My only wish would be that it carries on longer after the lovely ending. I'd really like to know about their life together.
I love this book, possibly more each time I read it. The best bits of course being any part that involves Margaret and Thornton together. My only wish would be that it carries on longer after the lovely ending. I'd really like to know about their life together.
45bluemeanie11
43. Persuasion by Jane Austen
This was the first Jane Austen book I ever read, an assignment in a British History class sophomore year of college. I chose it from the list of options because it seemed to be the shortest, little suspecting that I would adore it. And I still do adore it, though this is the first time I've reread it since.
The first time I read it, I remember being delighted with the old fashioned language, which now seems so commonplace to me, having since read many books written around the same or similar time period.
It was for the same history class that I read my first Dickens book (Hard Times). It seems that all of the English teachers and professors I ever had were quite lacking in introducing me to literature.
This was the first Jane Austen book I ever read, an assignment in a British History class sophomore year of college. I chose it from the list of options because it seemed to be the shortest, little suspecting that I would adore it. And I still do adore it, though this is the first time I've reread it since.
The first time I read it, I remember being delighted with the old fashioned language, which now seems so commonplace to me, having since read many books written around the same or similar time period.
It was for the same history class that I read my first Dickens book (Hard Times). It seems that all of the English teachers and professors I ever had were quite lacking in introducing me to literature.
46bluemeanie11
44. The New World by Patrick Ness
This was a nice little bit of backstory to go along with the Chaos Walking trilogy, but there wasn't too much else to it beyond that. It struck me what a horrifying prospect it was for Viola's mother; bad enough to be dying right at the end of your decades long journey, but to the best of her knowledge she was also leaving her daughter entirely alone on an uninhabited planet for however many months until the convoy arrives.
This was the first thing I've ever read on a Kindle (for iPod), and though it definitely wasn't as bad as I'd expected, I'll definitely be sticking to actual books. Nothing replaces the actual turning of pages or the lovely way they look on the shelf.
This was a nice little bit of backstory to go along with the Chaos Walking trilogy, but there wasn't too much else to it beyond that. It struck me what a horrifying prospect it was for Viola's mother; bad enough to be dying right at the end of your decades long journey, but to the best of her knowledge she was also leaving her daughter entirely alone on an uninhabited planet for however many months until the convoy arrives.
This was the first thing I've ever read on a Kindle (for iPod), and though it definitely wasn't as bad as I'd expected, I'll definitely be sticking to actual books. Nothing replaces the actual turning of pages or the lovely way they look on the shelf.
47bluemeanie11
45. Reckless by Cornelia Funke
This took me a little while to get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it. Only I never felt entirely within the world. And I would have liked more about Fox, but as the ending seemed like a sequel was planned, maybe there will be more then.
Looks like it will just be 45 books for me this year, which I suppose isn't so far off from 50. Too bad I didn't keep anywhere near close to the not buying new books thing.
This took me a little while to get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it. Only I never felt entirely within the world. And I would have liked more about Fox, but as the ending seemed like a sequel was planned, maybe there will be more then.
Looks like it will just be 45 books for me this year, which I suppose isn't so far off from 50. Too bad I didn't keep anywhere near close to the not buying new books thing.
