Cal8769's Attack on Mount TBR Year Three, Volume Two

My other thread is getting a little long so here is a brand new one!
Here is a link to the first thread of 2010. http://www.librarything.com/topic/81105

I wanted to get my TBR and wishlist books read and you know what that means...The lists are longer than ever! Here's a recap of my reading so far-

January-
1. Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
3. The Twilight Before Christmas by Christine Feehan
4. The Risk of Darkness by Susan Hill
5. The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare by Lilian Braun
6. The Stand by Stephan King
7. The Cat Who Sniffed Glue by Lilian Baun
8. Oceans of Fire by Christine Feehan
9. The Cat Who went Underground by Lilian Braun

February

10. The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck
11. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts
12. The Vows of Silence by Susan Hill
13. The White Road by John Connolly
14. Matchless by Gregory Maguire
15. The Shepherd, The Angel and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry
16. The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts by Liliann Braun

March

17. The Lincoln Lawyer ny Michael Connelly
18. Partners by Nora Roberts
19. How The Dead Dream by Lydia Millet
20. The Art of Deception by Nora Roberts
21. Night Moves by Nora Roberts
22. Thinner by Stephen King
23. The Lover by Marguerite Duras

April

24. The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub
25. Something Rotten by Jasper FForde
26. Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
27. Coming Home by Mariah Stewart
28. The Sweet Potato Queen's 1st Big Ass Novel by Jill Conner Brown
29. what to do until the undertaker comes by Tobias Wells
30. The Cat Who Lived High by Lilian Braun
31. Angel's Flight by Michael Connelly
32. Critical Care by Theresa Brown
33. Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson

May

34. A Faint Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter
35. The Bachman Books by Stephen King
36. Horns by Joe Hill
37. Thursday Next: The First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde
38. The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal by Lilian Braun
39. Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen

June

40. Skeleton Crewby Stephen King
41. Ghost Hunters: William James and the Search for Scientific Proof of Life After Death by Deborah Blum
42. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
43. Lilly Dale: The True Story of a Town that Talks to the Dead by Christine Wicker

July

44. Dark Demon by Christine Feehan
45. Indelible by Karin Slaughter
46. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader by The Bathroom Readers' Institute
47. Broken by Karin Slaughter
48. A Prayer for Owen Meaney by John Irving
49. The Travelling Kind by Janet Dailey
50. The Pianist by Wladyslaw Szpilman
51. The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

August

52. etre the cow by Dr. Sean Kenniff
53. My French Whore by Gene Wilder
54. A Little Death in Dixie by Lisa Turner
55. The Night Following by Morag Joss
56. City of Bones by Michael Connelly
57. The Tomb by F. Paul Wilson
58. Murder on Monday by Ann Purser
59. Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss
60. It by Stephen King
61. The Cold, Cold Hand by James Burchill

September

62. Terror on Tuesday by Anne Purser
63. Savour the Moment by Nora Roberts
64. Sumner Island by Michael Cormier
65. Witness for the Defense by Elizabeth Loftus
66. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
67. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
68. The Postman by David Brin
69. When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski
70. Misery by Stephen King
71. Legacies by F. Paul Wilson

October

72. Black Friday by Alex Kava
73. Memory in Death by J. D. Robb
74. The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
75. The Eyes of the Dragon by stephenking::Stephen King
76. Blockade Billy by stephenking::Stephen King
77. Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo
78. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by larssons::Stieg Larsson
79. Unspoken by Lisa Jackson
80. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
81. Ghost Trackers: The Unreal World of Ghosts, Ghost-Hunting and the Paranormal by Chris Gudgeon

November

82. The Exile by Diana Gabaldon Wrong touchstone
83. Wishin' and Hopin' by Wally Lamb
84. My Life as a Dog by Moose
85. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larrson
86. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
87. The Word For World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin
88. Dead Men Do Tell Tales by William R. Maples
89. Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs

December

90. Serial by Jack Kilborn
91. Dead(ish) by Naomi Kramer
92. Never Let Me Go by Ishiguro, Kazuo

Hi, Carrie! I have you starred!

*waves*

Hey, Carrie. Welcome to the multi-thread club!

Stopping by -- We have read the same number of books. Now how is that for a profound observation?

I've added Lilly Dale: The True Story of a Town that Talks to the Dead by Christine Wicker to the tbr pile. This one sounds very interesting!

Got you starred!

I enjoyed the LilyDale book very much. I like Christine Wicker, and have also read Not In Kansas Anymore: A Curious Tale of How Magic Is Transforming America

Hi everybody! Nice to see you! I'm trying to get a few posts in while babysitting a little tornado.

The LilyDale book was interesting. I was glad that I read it after Ghost Hunters by Deborah Bloom. Many of the scientists in GH visited LilyDale when they were gathering information in attempts to disprove spiritulism and mediums.

It's fate, sibyx. We are 75 challenge twins!

Terri, I thought of you yesterday. My husband and I watched a football scrimmage in Central City and then went to Somerset to the Laurel Hills Bluegrass Festival and I saw signs for your hometown.

Whoops, got to go. Little man is up to no good!

I hope you had a great Sunday visiting with 'little man!'

58. Murder on Monday by Ann Purser
library, 2 1/2 stars

Yawn. This book is a cozy mystery that was very boring. There was too much going on to really get into any of the charcters. No one was very well explored. The dialogue didn't appeal to me.

I found the series at the library and brought them home...all seven of them. I don't know if I will try the second one or not. I probably will only because I already have it here and they are short books.

grandma envy here..

#15: I think I will pass on that series, Carrie.

59. Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss
own, 4 1/2 stars

Everyone should read this book. Education hidden by humor is always a winner. Maybe my punctuation will improve!

60. It by Stephen King
own, 5 stars

#18: I think my punctuation (not to mention my spelling!) is pretty well hopeless. I will have to take a look at Eats, Shoots and Leaves.

#18, 19 I read Eats, Shoots and Leaves a few years ago. I enjoyed it.

But as I read, I couldn't help feeling that I would hate for Ms. Truss to ever read my writing, as I'm sure she'd find plenty of problems with my own punctuation!

I am a grammer and spelling idiot for the most part. Sometimes I read something that I post and think, "Please forgive me, I tried my best!"

61. The Cold, Cold Hand by James Burchill
own, 3 1/2 stars

This is a collection of local ghost stories from the Appalachian Foothills. The book overall wasn't too bad, a couple of the stories were goose-bump raising for sure. Each story had a small intro which I wish included where the story-teller was from.

#21: The folklore I would like, but I am not much into ghost stories. Is the book tilted one way further than the other?

I shouldn't have wrote folklore. It's all spooky stuff and ghost stories. I'll make a correction. :(

#23: No problem, Carrie. Since it is ghost stories, I will give it a pass.

62. Terror on Tuesday by Ann Purser
library, 3 1/2 stars

The second in the Lois Meade series. The Major is found dead in the church dressed in knight's armour. Secrets are exposed during the investigation. Can Lois help the police find his killer?

I wasn't going to read this one because I wasn't impressed at all by the first book but it was here and it was short so I thought I would give it a chance. It wasn't too bad, much better than the first. The plot had surprises and characters were more interesting. Still not the best I ever read but it was a good, cozy mystery.

#25: My local libraries do not carry the Purser books and it may be just as well since what I do not need is to start another series :)

I feel the same about series.. do not need another, yet I have two different first books sitting here.. from two mystery series . I have no self control.

63. Savour the Moment by Nora Roberts
borrowed, 4 stars

The third book in the Brides quartet. It was a sweet romantic story of the baker in the company, Vows. Vows is a wedding planning company run by 4 childhood friends. Laurel who has always been in love with her friend's brother, Delany, finally opens his eyes to her feelings.

#28: I read the first book in the series, but never even started the second and the third one is out already? *sigh*

And the fourth is scheduled for release in November.

*ducks to miss the flying tomatoes*

I just cannot keep up! I already have the J.D. Robb book that is due out in November on pre-order though :)

To my dismay that is one series that I am wwwaaayyy behind in. I picked up one of the books when I found out that J.D. Robb and Roberts were on and the same. Then I realized that it was a series and I read one of the later ones. Now I am having a lot of trouble trying to find the early books so I can read it in order.

#32: I absolutely love the 'In Death' series. I own them all, so every time there is a new one coming out, I make sure I get it!

64. Sumner Island by Michael Cormier
2 1/2 stars

I wanted to like this book. The storyline was interesting but the author dropped the ball in the telling. Things that didn't need focused on were focused on, annoying characters who were in the front that were worthless, strange clues that didn't lead anywhere and then a really odd ending that was way out there.

I liked it... Sumner Island.. not perfect by any means but fun..
I like a nonchalant ghost :)

65. Witness for the Defense by Elizabeth Loftus
own, 4 stars

Dr. Loftus is a psychologist who specializes in memory and the impact of trauma, stress and time on it. She travels around the country testifying in trials for the defense and explains how eye witness testimony can be 'altered' by many variables, such as whether there was a weapon present, suggestions planted by the police (accidentally or on purpose), etc.

This book was very disturbing. Dr. Loftus talked about some of the cases that she took part in where the defendant was found guilty because of eye witness testimony, even though there was no supporting physical evidence and the defendants had alibi's! Many victims would actually change their descriptions of their attackers by unknowingly following the clues that the police would use while getting their statements. This book really makes you think.

#36: That one looks very intriguing. I will have to see if the local library has a copy. Thanks for the recommendation, Carrie.

#34 I wanted to like this book. The storyline was interesting but . . .

I can relate to that, Carrie! Sorry you didn't like Sumner Island. Your complaints are pretty much the things that bothered me about it, only I guess they bothered you even more. Absolute agreement on the way out there ending -- it was bizarre!

#36 I have heard time and time again how unreliable eyewitness testimony is, and yet so many legal cases hang upon it, it is scary. I may add this to my list, though some of those cases might make me want to throw the book across the room!

It was so sad because most of the people's lives were ruined by the charges made. Financially, emotionally and physically. Many never recovered. That's what disturbed me the most. The sad part is that the victims believed in their memories and after the horror and brutality they suffered it made me feel sad for them because they wanted justice and thought that they were getting it.

I'm currently waiting for 3 ER books and I read a thread that said the winners of The Dead Janitors Club was sent a book in error, Barefoot in Baghdad. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited for any free books that I am sent but it isn't a book that I would choose to read. I'll give it a whirl. Thankfully Sonya said that we don't have to review the unexpected book. Hopefully my ER books will show up soon.

Message #36...drat, I cannot remember which magazine contained an article read in the doctor's office. The article was fascinating because it focused on memory recall and how our mind works. A researcher is proving the theory regarding the fact that our memories can be very faulty due to the way in which our brain stores the information...

Next time I have an appointment, I'll search for the article and magazine.

Let me know. That sounds interesting.

Hey Carrie... I have been trying to get here.. then I get distracted.
I have been thinking of you though..
I will be skipping the Loftus book..

but I did love Sumner Island. Sorry that you didn't...
Hope all is well ..

Hi Kath. There just isn't enough hours in the day to do everything that we want to do, is there? Everything with me is the same for the most part. Being Grammy is a lot of fun. He is very talkative even though I don't have a clue what he is saying.

66. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
library, 4 stars

Maisie is a private investigator during the 20's. She was also a nurse in the War and is still dealing with the memories and the pain of her experiences. She is hired by a man to find out if his wife is being unfaithful. What Maisie finds leads to a shocking mystery that she needs to solve.

67. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
library, 4 stars

The second in the Rizzoli series. Another bone chilling thriller dealing with serial killers.

#44: I am glad you ended up enjoying Maisie Dobbs, Carrie.

68. The Postman by David Brin
library 3 1/2 stars

Group Read for blackdogbooks' 2010 Harrowing Halloween Thread.

This is a story of Gordan, a man who is trying to survive in post apocalyptic America. After being attacked by renegades he finds an old USPS vehicle and takes the letter carrier's uniform and bags. When people see him a new hope is born, that the Postal Service is alive and well and trying to get the mail through.

Reminded me loosly of The Stand. I'm not one for this style of book but I read this one in a couple of days. The characters were strong and Brin described his scenes vividly. I will try another of Brin's books.

#46: I will try another of Brin's books.

For something different of Brin's, I would recommend Kiln People, Carrie.

69. When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski
own, 3 stars

This is a personal look into the world of ghosts as told by Winkowski, the psychic that the TV show Ghost Whisperer is based on. She talks about her abilities, talks about several cases and gives advice.

Pretty interesting, if you are into that sort of thing. (And I am) Mary Ann gives it to you straight. Some of what she believes is directly opposite of what most paranormal investigators think.

Two interesting sounding books...
I thought though that Ghost Whisperer was based on James Van Praagh??

i have to take a look at both of these :)

Well how about that.. just googled the info and learned I was wong about the tv show..
( shocking .. lol)

thank you for the heads up..

70. Misery by Stephen King
library, 4 1/2 stars

One of King's best. Had to put it down at one point because of his vivid descriptions!

71. Legacies by F. Paul Wilson
library, 4 stars

2nd in the Repairman Jack series and a much better book than the first.

Yes it is! Do we have a new Jack fan?

Yes we do! I really enjoy how Wilson writes and I'm glad that this book had such a great mystery. I was so disappointed by The Tomb, I glad that I tried another of his books.

Cool! I love Repairman Jack and glad to see he has another fan.

Repairman Jack?

#55: A series of books written by F. Paul Wilson, Kath.

Jack fixes situations for people that don't have any other recourse, usually through a clever con. There's also a larger story arc that's Lovecraftian in plot. They're quite good, but fair warning - Jack shows up in The Tomb, but it doesn't have the same feel as the rest of the series. Start with Legacies and you won't miss anything.

I've read The Tomb and Legacies, and have Conspiracies sitting on the Kindle. They really are a lot of fun. I haven't quite figured out the desired reading order since there seem to be two series intertwined with Jack in both.

OIC

drat

sounds good.

off to research this ..

72. Black Friday by Alex Kava (touchstones are not cooperating)
library, 3 1/2 stars

Another book in the Maggie O'Dell series. Five teens go to the Mall of the Americas with the intention of using jamming devices to cause havoc on all the electronic devices in the mall on the busiest day of the year, Black Friday. Unknown to the teens their backpacks contain bombs. After the explosions Maggie is called to Minnesota to profile the bombers.

I finally got Pray for Silence in the mail! It is my May ER book. They sent me a hardback!

I got my copy of Pray for Silence today, too, Carrie!

Congratulations you two! I am still waiting for my May ER book. Of course, I have 3 others to read in the mean time!

Which one are you waiting for, Stasia?

#63: It is a romance by Lynn Kurland. I asked for it because not only would I like it (I like her time travel romances), but both of the girls enjoy her books as well. So far, it has not shown though.

73. Memory in Death by J. D Robb
borrowed, 3 1/2 stars.

Well I broke my rule about trying to read a series in order and finally read this book. I'm having a lot of trouble finding (for free) a lot of the early 'In Death' books so here goes......

I like the Eve Dallas books but they aren't my favorite Roberts reads. This one was about a past foster parent of Eve's trying to blackmail her and Rourke and then she turns up dead. Plenty of twists that aren't expected which kept the action exciting. I didn't care for some of the characters. I think that I would like this series better if I could read it in order but oh well.

#65: I love the 'In Death' series, but I agree - they are definitely best read in order. The relationships between the lead characters are what keeps me reading the series, so I like to see them grow and change as the series progresses.

I'm just so surprised that my local libraries, who seem to have all of Robert's books, have such a sketchy Robb selection. Even the used bookstore's selection is hit or miss. I have several In Death books and my mom has a few so I think I'm just going to start reading them. I've had some for 4+ years.

#67: I know my local library has a few of the titles, but not the entire 'In Death' series. I think the books were hurt by being published in paperback initially, especially from the standpoint of a library. It was not until the series got to book 20+ that it was published in hard cover.

I didn't know that but it makes sense. I'll have to go through their paperbacks. Those aren't included in their catalog so it's dig until you find the prize!

#69: Maybe you will hit some buried treasure that way!

74. The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
library, 4 stars

The third book in the Rizzoli/ Isles series and a another great mystery/ thriller!

Two nuns are found beaten in a chapel, a young women is found with her hands, feet and face removed and that's just the start of a great mystery that keeps you guessing. Add in a few personal crises and you got a great read.

#71: I will have to start at the beginning of the series. I was sent an ER book that was mid-series and not really impressed, but I suspect part of the problem was that I just did not have the background of the characters.

I was the same way. When I got the ER book, I liked it but I knew that I needed to read the series. It's a good one! My friend gave me several Gerritsen books. She didn't read the series in order (I know, go figure!) and loved them.

Face removed?!? Her face was removed?!?
Ye gods and little fishies..

Yeah, pretty yucky stuff but it is understandable (so to speak) in the context of the story.

HHMM, I am 1 book behind my '08 challenge and almost 10 behind my '09 challenge. Thank goodness that I am going on vacation in a week so I can spend some quality car riding time reading!

I hope you have a great (reading) vacation, Carrie!

Thanks for the input about the Gerritsen series. I will see what my local library has. Hopefully, I can start with book 1 and then follow through all the way up to the ER book I read.

I am so ready to be done with work this week. Our communities in our area have been hit hard. A few weeks ago there was a car full of kids in a severe accident and a girl was killed. Then on Monday a 19 year old girl was killed in a car accident going to college. I work with her uncle and her mom works in our hospital's ER. Most of their family works here in the hospital and it struck all of us hard. Two weeks ago a 20 year old man was killed in Iraq and then yesterday a car load of kids from the same area hit a school bus, many minor injuries, a couple severe injuries and a young man died. I work with the boy's aunt and his mom also works in the ER. (isn't your heart just breaking!) Everyone is stunned. The hospital is providing grief counseling but damn......

Wow! I cannot imagine what you and your community are going through, Carrie.

75. The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King
library, 4 1/2 stars
Group read for August for the King's Dear COnstant Reader's group.

The Eyes of the Dragon is such a good story told in a great story-telling way. You can just imagine an old man sitting by the fire with children scattered around him, listening in anticipation of what happens next.

76. Blockade Billy by Stephen King
library, 3 stars

Two shorts, Blockade Billy and Morality, are contained in this little book. I wasn't too impressed with either.

omg Carrie... terrible news for so many people...

hugs

Thanks, Stasia and Kath. I had the day off yesterday and I just spent the day with my mom. It was so relaxing to not have to face the real world for a day.

My sympathies, Carrie, that really sounds awful. Hope you get some respite.

Just something for a laugh..

Cute!

OMG! I can't believe this. After all of the accidents at the beginning of the week, a 20 year old boy died on Thursday and a 19 year old girl died Friday both in traffic accidents. That is 4 different small towns in our area that has lost a young person this week. My heart is breaking for those families! I hope that their friends realize that they need to put on their seat belts, put down the cell phones and slow down.

So tragic... :(

I will be heading to Myrtle Beach tomorrow so I hope that everyone has a good week. Happy reading!

Carrie, just caught up on your thread. I live close enough to your area to be familiar with some of the sad events you've mention -- but in my case, only through the newscasts, no personal ties. So very sad!

I hope you find some comfort and relaxation in your travel!

Safe travels, Carrie.

I'm back!! We had a wonderful, relaxing vacation. Great weather, good food, dolphins playing in the water and lots of together time! We also celebrated our 21 anniversary on Thursday. We spent the day at the Brookgreen Gardens http://www.brookgreen.org/. What a beautiful place! The grounds are well cared for and the flowers are amazing. The sculptures that they showcase are beautiful.

I had a decent run of books (except for one big let down).

77. Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo
Early Reviewer, 4 stars

This is the long awaited sequel in the Kate Burkholder series, Sworn to Silence. An Amish family is brutally killed during the night. There is very little evidence for Kate and her fellow policemen to go on. With the help of State Agent John Tomasetti, Kate enters a world of betrayal, secrets and violence. The story is a good mystery. Castillo doesn't let you down with her mystery, action and the personal storyline. There are a lot of graphic descriptions that are hard to read in this book. That actually takes away from the story. I live in a large Mennonite area (they are not as strict as the Amish but follow most of the same teachings and beliefs) and it was hard to wrap my head around the reasons for the murders.

78. Unspoken by Lisa Jackson
own, 2 stars

Blah, blah, spoiled rich girl, blah, blah, guy from the wrong side of the tracks, blah, blah, missing child thought dead, blah, blah, rich daddy Judge protecting his little girl. Yawn.

#92: Glad to hear you had a great vacation, Carrie! Welcome back.

I have Pray for Silence home from the library. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did.

79. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
library, 4 1/2 stars

Great mystery, a little slow during the business, financial stuff but the story was so intriging. Great character development and an out in left field mystery leaves you wanting more.

80. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
library, 4 stars

Great sci fi book from Mac's Halloween list.

Welcome back, Carrie. So glad you had a great time!

Thanks, Roni and Stasia. As great as vacations are it's always good to be back home.

I know what you mean...welcome back!

Thanks, DrN!

81. Ghost Trackers: The Unreal World of Ghosts, Ghost-Hunting, and the Paranormal by Chris Gudgeon
Early Reviewer, 4 stars

This book is an overview of the history of hauntings, types of ghosts, various famous hauntings, and how to conduct a ghost hunting investigation. This book was written for children from ages of 9 to 12 and is easy to follow. A nice beginning ghost hunting guide for kids.

oooo... sounds good.

That one sounds interesting!

82. The Exile by Diana Gabaldon
mom's, 2 stars

Gabaldon's first graphic novel about Jamie's side of the Outlander story told by Murtaugh.

I'll start off by explaining myself. First, I am the kind of person that when I read I see it in my head, including the characters, so I rarely see movies after reading the books because I am disappointed whenever I see the 'wrong' person in a role. Second, I have only read one graphic novel, The Watchmen, and while I found most of the story enjoyable, it wasn't my cup of tea, so it's safe to say that I'm not a big graphic novel fan.

The Outlander is one of my favorite books, I have read it many times (at least 4 that I can think of) and it gets better every time.

I will continue this but I have to stew for a little more.

OK, the stewing is done.

I think the storyline was vaguely promising but basically any information that you read in this book was already given to you in The Outlander series. There weren't any secrets that came to light, which was disappointing for me and honestly if I hadn't read The Outlander series I don't think that the book would have made much sense.

The graphics were very disappointing, IMO. There is a section at the end of the book where Gabaldon discusses her feelings about the art and the artist and she is very positive. The pictures support how she views her characters. The art was drawn well but the characters weren't even close to what I had in my mind. Jamie looked like a 14 year old boy not the hot, manly, strong man that he was made out to be. Claire was closer to what I envisioned but she was to 'soft' and 'pretty' for my liking. Apparently the artist has a breast fetish because Claire had them and they were big and spilling out of her bodice.

All the men looked basically the same and I often had to stop and figure out who was speaking, sometimes I would guess the wrong person!

I was very disappointed but then it's hard to compare books to The Outlander series even when they are related to the series.

#101: Claire did not at all look the way I thought she would, so I know what you mean about seeing the 'wrong' person in the role, Carrie.

see... that is another downside to graphics.. :(

#103: Kath, a graphic novel on its own I do not have a problem with. My problem with The Exile was the fact that there are so many books leading up to it that had already allowed me to form a picture in my mind of what the characters looked like.

I just plain do not like them.

#105: To each her each, right? I have always liked 'comic books,' so getting into graphic novels was just a natural segue for me, expanded by my experiences here on LT.

My bigger problem was Jamie. He looked like 14 year old. Not manly at all IMO. I didn't like Claire but she was closer to what I imagined... except for the BOOBS!!!

#107: Did you read the material at the back, Carrie? I really could not believe that Gabaldon countenanced the drawings of either Jamie or Claire, but she did - and she wrote the books!

I was genuinly shocked when I read the extra material. I couldn't believe that she agreed with the artist's images. At least in the two pictures of Jamie where one is smiling and the other isn't, he looked a little manly, in the book he didn't. I'm still stewing over a review. I don't want to be so negative but I can't help it. It was like watching a bad movie of a much loved book.

#109: I completely understand where you are coming from!

83. Wishin' and Hopin' by Wally Lamb
library, 4 stars

I still need to get The Exile. Was the storyline any good, or did the graphics throw the whole book off?

I don't think that the story would make sense unless you read The Outlander series. I was interested in the story but basically you already know everything from the other books. The graphics really turned me off of the whole book.

FYI, I finally finished my thought in message 101 on The Exile.

84. My Life as a Dog by Moose
library, 4 stars

A biography about Moose, better known as Eddie, the Jack Russell on the TV show Fraser. It's cute story about his life, growing up in a small town and desire to be an actor. Tell-all interviews from his costars and childhood friends give insight into Moose's life.

A quick read, probably better if you are a Fraser show fan but cute even if you aren't.

85. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
library, 4 1/2 stars

The second in the Millennium trilogy. Great mystery + twists and turns that keep you guessing + excitement + developing, believable characters=one great book! I couldn't put it down and I need to get my hands on the third one.

#116: I still need to read the third one too!

86. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
library, 4 1/2 stars

Even though there is less Grandma, this book is a scream! I was laughing out loud. Reminded me of early Plum books.

#118: Another one I need to get to. I stopped reading the series about book 10 or so, but I have heard that books 15 and 16 are reminiscent of the early books in the series, so I need to at least give them a try.

I have got to read more of those sometime. My brother in law has them all..
( yep ... He does)

The hospital where has a benefit raffle each year. The different departments volunteer to make a themed Christmas tree and in turn it is raffled off with all the money going to charity. This year the IT Department has a Kris Kindle tree! It has a Kindle and gift cards for Amazon all over it. I WANT IT!

oooooooooo I hope you get it !!!

Me too!

Good luck!

Darn, I haven't got a phone call so I'm assuming I didn't get picked. I might have to break down and buy one.

87. The Word For World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin
library, 5 stars

Wow! My first and certainly not my last Le Guin book. She is an amazing writer. Descriptive but not wordy, a message being told without shoving it down your face,

I'll write more when I have a little more time.

I haven't read that one Carrie... I have read some Le Guin and agree.. she is a wonderful writer.

#126: I liked that one too. Glad to see the book has found another fan!

88. Dead men Do Tell Tales by William R. Maples
library, 4 stars
89. Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
library, 4 stars

#129: I love Dead Men Do Tell Tales. I hope you enjoyed it, Carrie.

I laughed whenever I started Bones to Ashes because it didn't register in my head that both books were about forensic anthropologists, one fiction and one non. Both of them were great. DMDTT was so interesting, very readable. Maples does a great job describing his work without talking over your head and keeping it fascinating.

#131: Yes, I enjoyed Maples way of talking 'to' his readers rather than 'at' them. His book inspired me to by the Medicolegal Investigation of Death, which the girls grew up calling my 'dead body' book.

I GOT A NOOK, I GOT A NOOK!

My husband is so sweet. We stopped at B&N last night to 'look' at them and he bought me one for Christmas! I'm excited! First, I about fell over when he actually crossed the threshold into a book store and second, after an hour of looking around, he said that he thought it was a pretty neat store. Now if he would only read...I guess a girl can't have everything.

90. Serial by Jack Kilborn

Free Nook book, 3 stars

A short about a serial killers. Very graphic, very weird. One is a traveling salesman who picks up hitchhikers and the other is....you guessed it...a hitchhiker.

The three stars that I gave it is genorous. It was very quick and unexplored. The descriptions of the killing was the main body of the book. I think that the idea was a good one and could have made a great story but the ball was dropped here.

Congratulations on your Christmas present! I hope for the same....

Sorry to be so far behind on your thread. I'm adding The Word for World is Forest. Five stars is a high rating.

Congrats on the nook!

Glad you liked the Le Guin, Carrie--she is an amazing writer.

Congratulations on the Nook! Have fun!

Very nice gift :)

Very good hubby !

Now, whatcha gettin' him?

Tools, what Else! ;)

Thanks,Everybody!

good thinking!

Congrats, Carrie! I love my Nook, so I hope you enjoy yours too.

91. Deadish by Naomi Kramer
free Nookbook, 2 stars

If I keep getting free duds, I may have to break down and buy a good story!

Sounds like that one wasn't a winner! :(

I hope you luck into a good one soon, Carrie!

I'm finally reading Pride and Prejudice on it so I'm thinking that will be a winner. I've heard so many good things!

#144: I will be reading Pride and Prejudice as part of the Austenathon 2011. We are going to have a group read of Austen's six major works in publication order.

OOOOO Maybe I should wait for that! Is there a thread started for it yet?

#146: Nope, not yet. I will be starting it around January 1st. We would love to have you join us!

Thanks, Stasia. Sounds like fun.

#148: I hope you join in the fun with us! I will let everyone know via the Kitchen when the thread is up and running.

92. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
borrowed, 4 stars

#150: I get to dodge that BB since I have already read it :)

Ooh, congrats on the Nook! I have one coming for Christmas :) I can't wait to be able to lend books back and forth with my brother and, possibly, my sister as well... and maybe people around LT, if we can get organized. Haha.

I know what my brother does with the free books (and other books he's thinking about buying) is he downloads the preview, reads 5-10 pages or so (or whatever the preview length is), and then dumps it if he doesn't like it and buys it if he does. It might help to avoid duds if you only decide to commit to the preview first?

There is a group here already for Nook lenders. I haven't figured out all the bells and whistles on it but it's fun trying!

I think the preview feature is great. It will help cut down on bad books. I haven't bought any books yet, I'm just playing with the free ones so far. I hope you have as much fun with yours as I am with mine. Now I feel guilty looking at the stacks of books that I'm always meaning to read but can't seem to get around to because another book jumps in line in front of them!

Hi, Carrie! Just trying to get caught up . . .

I just can't make myself want an e-reader; I just love the feel of turning pages. (And when I fall asleep reading in my chair -- as I often do -- and a book falls out of my hands, it usually survives intact; a Nook might not!)

just catching up.. nook reading eh? I know that my sister is geting one.. and frankly I suspect that I am to. Dan and my sister have beenon the phone a lot. Frankly, I was on the phone with BIL too.. over the nook. Still not convinced.. even though you "turn/swipe" pages..

Hi, all. Christmas doesn't help with catching up with new threads. I'm so far behind that I might give up and start over in the new year. :)

I already miss holding books. It just doesn't seem right. I have been alternating reading on my Nook and reading real books. That helps a lot. It's fun to be able to download books at will. I haven't puchased any but I've been downloading a ton of free ones. I found a nice site called epubbooks.com and have been looking around it.

93. Grave Secrets by Cyril H. Wecht
library, 4 stars

Another great book on forensic pathology. Dr. Wecht is the medical examiner for Allegheny County, PA. (Pittsburgh) and has traveled all over the world to research and testify in murder cases. He has been involved in cases such as OJ Simpson, David Koresh, the alien autopsy video from the 50's, several deaths relating to the Tai government among many others.

94. To Have and To Kill by Mary Jane Clark
ER, 2 1/2 stars

To Have and to Kill was the first book that I have read by Mary Jane Clark. It was an easy to read, cozy mystery. It would be great for a cold day inside or a day at the beach.

It was about Piper, an out of work actress and the murder of one of her friends. This wasn't the best mystery ever. There is too much stuff going on that has nothing to do with anything else. Things are described too death while the story is kind of glossed over. The author doesn't let the reader think for themselves. I like a mystery where things are implied more and you need to use your imagination more. I wouldn't recommend this book to hard core mystery buffs but it would be good for everyday, nice light reading lovers.

#157: I have already read Wecht's book, so dodging that BB, and think I will skip the other.

I know what you mean about missing holding a book with the Nook. I read dead tree books for the most part still but holding a Nook (even though I have a nice cover for it) is vastly different to me.

I may eventually get an e-reader of some kind, but I'll always have paper books around!

One of the Dr. Seuss books -- I had to go to the shelf to check, it's One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish -- has a section about a creature called a "nook" who likes to cook, and there's a line about a "Nook cookbook."

A Nook cookbook has a whole new meaning now!

That's too funny! If I tried to use my Nook in the kitchen I think it would end poorly!

Actually, I was wrong. It was a hook cookbook that the Nook used. (The nook had a cookbook on a hook, but the nook couldn't read, so "what good to a Nook is a hook cookbook?") Either way, it wouldn't end well in the kitchen, I suspect!

95. My Man, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
Nook, 3 1/2 stars

This was my first attempt at Wodehouse after hearing a lot of great things. It was a fun quick read. Not as funny as I hoped it would be but it was cute. I could see it set as a play. (I can't believe I'm saying this) I think that actors would add to the humor with facial expressions and movements. I will try another book of his but if I'm not thrilled I probably will let Wodehouse fall by the wayside. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good book of his?

#162: My reaction to that one was pretty much the same as yours, Carrie - not nearly as funny as I thought it was going to be.

I know CatyM reads a lot of Wodehouse. You might check with her as to a recommendation.

Thanks, Stasia. I'll do that.

No problem. Happy to help where I can.

Carrie.. do you borrow library books for nook?
How on earth do you do it , if so?

I wish, Kath. It is available in the neighboring county (Cambria). Blair County is looking into it and hopes to have it within the next year. My friend said that she downloads books onto her computer and sends them to her Nook from her library. I believe the service is called Overdrive.

Carrie

I can't resist adding Grave Secrets by Cyril H. Wecht to the tbr pile.

All good wishes for a wonderful New Year.

Thanks, Linda.

Happy New Year, Carrie!

I have to look into that transfer thing..
there is an update out for nook.. a wifi update.. make sure you get it.
If it has already downloaded you will know.

Happy New Year, Carrie! I hope you get a lot of pleasure from your Nook in 2011.

A blessed New Year for all.

See all of you over in the 2011thread.