2012 Reading Challenges

It has been a couple years since I joined in on a challenge other than R.I.P. I feel it is time to dip my feet back in a bit. I have been neglecting the blog and my reading habit for way too long. So, here are a couple challenges that I am looking forward to.

Literary Escapism's New Author Challenge I will try for 15 books by new-to-me authors. Starting slow and going to attempt at least one new author a month. Seems doable.


1. Rebecca Skloot, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 2. JoJo Moyes, The Last Letter From Your Lover 3. Hilary Thomson, A Will to Murder 4. MJ Rose, The Book of Lost Fragrances 5. Ethan Coen, The Day the World Ends: Poems 6. Darby Rae, Merciful Law 7. Lucinda Riley, The Orchid House 8. Susan Straight, A Million Nightingales 9. Deborah Davis, Guest of Honor 10. Susan Straight, A Million Nightengales 11. Theodore Weesner, The Car Thief 12. Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus 13. Elizabeth Haynes, Into the Darkest Corner 14. Allen Wyler, Dead End Deal 15. Posie Graeme-Evans, The Island House

Rose City Reader's European Reading Challenge I will be attempting the Five Star (Deluxe Entourage)- Five books by different European authors or books set in different European countries.

1. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larssen (Sweden) 2. The Last Letter from Your Lover by JoJo Moyes (England) 3. Are You Somebody? by Nuala O'Faolain (Ireland) 4. The Orchid House by Lucinda Riley (England/France) 5. The Island House by Posie Graeme-Evans (Scotland)



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November/December Book Group: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

This months book: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Thoughts about the book:This was a DNF for me (my review). I just couldn't make myself finish it. I had plenty of time to, but I threw down the book (or would have if it wasn't an ebook on my iPhone) when the drama kept piling on, one event after another. It felt forced and not real and the last one just made me mad and I didn't want to read any more.

Everyone else really enjoyed the book and didn't have the same issues with it as me. There were a couple who agreed that the racing analogies were a bit boring and admitted to scanning over a lot of those chapters. In my reading, I felt that Denny was allowing a lot of these dramas into his life without fighting for what was best for him and his family. He seemed resigned to the pain, loneliness and guilt. I got fed up with him, really, not the book entirely. So, I have started back up again and am enjoying it a little better especially since Denny started fighting and Enzo agreed with my assessment of him a few pages in from where I quit.
Popular Question:How would the book have been different had Denny been the narrator instead of Enzo, the dog?So different. There is so much inferring done on his part when it comes to things that happen away from him. Also, I would finally understand what Denny was thinking and feeling as he starts losing everything in his life he holds dear. It would be a completely different novel.
Next Months book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot_________________________________________

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Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein


I started off really enjoying this book. I loved Enzo humour and take on life as a dog. His view on evolution and how "the man" is keeping him down is hilarious. I was laughing out loud for the first few chapters. Then the car racing analogies came in and they were a little boring but I could ignore that and still enjoy reading about Enzo's life with Denny, Eve and Zoe. It was still an enjoyable book and still had some funny parts and some sad.

<Spoilers>

Then, about half way through, the drama starts…wife gets sick but refuses to go to a doctor. Then, Denny allows her parents to keep her and their daughter at their house for months after she gets out of the hospital and ignores all the signs that they are trying to keep their daughter longterm.

Oh wait, there is more…Denny stupidly takes a teenage girl home from a ski trip and allows her to finagle a night stay not realizing she has developed a crush on him. His wife then dies, his inlaws sue for custody of Zoe, the girl accuses Denny of rape…

</spoilers>

There was probably a lot more but I gave up. I just couldn't continue. How completely oblivious can one guy be? How much crap could befall one person and have only the dog realize what is going on? I wasn't expecting a Jodi Piccoult type storyline in this book. I don't read her books for this reason.

Lighthearted and fun, this was not. I saw the dog on the cover and immediately thought this would be a book to put a smile on my face. I should have stopped reading around Chapter 11. If you like books full of drama and don't mind it being narrated by a dog you will enjoy it. This just wasn't for me.

2.5/5
Source: purchased ebook for book group
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Book Review: Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

Another fun installment but wasn't as good as the previous one. The storyline was all over the place and more focused on the shifters, who I am not all that interested in.

A sniper is roaming Bon Temps and with no apparent link between the victims, the police are stumped. Sookie, however, realizes that all who have been shot are shifters and despite her hope for some non-supe time for herself she is once again in the middle of it all.

Taking a break before starting the next book so I can get my book group book read, but will hopefully get started on Book 6 soon after.

3.5/5
Source: borrowed
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Book Review: Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris


Another fun installment in the Sookie Stackhouse series. Getting my fill since I no longer have HBO and haven't seen the last two seasons of True Blood.

I am really wishing I hadn't missed this last season if it followed this book. Loved this Eric-centric storyline. Nice to have a little less Bill. I definitely prefer the Viking and his little red underwear.

Right, the story... Eric loses his memory and has to stay with Sookie to keep him safe from the witches that cursed him until they can be found and dealt with. Also, Jason goes missing and gets himself more entangled with the Supes.

Ready for the next book. Luckily for me, I have it right here.

4/5

Source: borrowed





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Current Read and Teaser: Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

I am finally reading the books that my sister lent me back when the little girl first came home from the hospital. I easily read the previous two books while she nursed since they were paperbacks. The hardcovers were a little harder to hold while nursing. So, now that the little girl is over a year old and napping during the day and sleeping in her own bed at night, I am finally finding time and hands to read my hardcover books. Yay.

Anyway, here is a little snippet from this fun, Eric-centric installment.

"Eric was pulling on his jeans, with his back to me. He hadn't bothered with underwear, not even the itty-bitty red ones." page 88.

Woohoo. Can't wait to get to this part. ;)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (I am usually not so random)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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FTC Disclosure: Clicking on title and image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

The Hunger Games Trailer

I can't wait! I think it looks pretty good. How about you? Does it look as you pictured it when you read the books? I am hoping it lives up to them._________________________________________

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Book Review: Tempted by P.C Cast and Kristin Cast

Tempted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast


Well, this may be the end of this series for me. I hate not completing a series, but I am just not liking these characters anymore. And, they killed off my favorite!

Tempted starts off where the previous book ended with Zoey and co. cleaning up the mess that Neferet and Kalona left behind at the House of Night and the Sisters of Mercy. They managed to make them leave Tulsa but to truly end their attempt to reign over all the vamps, they must make a trip to Italy and go before the vamp council and prove that Neferet and Kalona are Nyx and Erebus incarnate.

Zoey is still dealing with too many boyfriends- no real point to this, but it does make her seem a bit slutty and I just don't care about her problems. She was so much more likable at the beginning of the series. Also, the one person that I liked and seemed to have some purpose in the storyline was killed off! I suppose it helps in lessening Zoey's boyfriend problems.

Anyway, I may read the rest of the series eventually but not now. I have other books on my shelf to read. No need to run off and buy the next book. It can wait.

2/5
Source: purchased
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Mailbox Monday

I broke down and bought a book. The little girl and I went for a walk the other day and came across a used bookstore. I couldn't walk by and not go in. Who could? There were so many books calling to me to take me home, but I managed to resist and left with only one.Patient Zero by Jonathon Mayberry

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at the Mailbox Monday Blog this month. What books did you get this week?

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Book Review: Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe

Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't too sure about it, hearing the premise, but it was interesting enough to want to read and I am glad I did. It was an entertaining read.
Cameron Martin is a normal conceited and popular 17 year old high school senior doing typical stupid teenager stuff. He only thinks of himself and getting in the pants of his girlfriend, even in the school library. His selfishness and rudeness ends up costing him his life. A witch puts a curse on him and he begins to age very rapidly.
It was interesting to see the changes in Cameron once the curse goes into effect. Not only does he age physically, but also emotionally and in maturity.
Happy Birthday to Me is available in paperback and as an ebook. The sequel, Happy Birthday to Me Again is now also available. 
3.5/5
Source: author for review_________________________________________

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RIP VI: Challenge Completed

Carl's R.I.P Challenge is a favorite every year. A chance to read all my favorite types of books. 

I was worried that I wouldn't get any books read but I actually did pretty good. I tried for Peril the Second. Here are the books I read and reviewed:

Ada: Legend of a Healer by R.A. McDonald

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

The Shining by Stephen King

Can't wait for next year's challenge!

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October Book Group: The Shining by Stephen King

I was so worried that I would be the only one reading this book. Everyone seemed so hesitant to read a horror genre book at our last meeting. Surprisingly all but one read it! Yay!- and on top of that, everyone really enjoyed it. I hosted this week and loved having people here to enjoy my Halloween decor. This months book: The Shining by Stephen King

Thoughts about the book:I was so excited to hear that everyone had a hard time putting this book down since I had the same reaction. I was reading it every chance I had. Most of us really liked the psychological aspect of the book- not knowing if what was happening was real or all in their heads. 
The Overlook definitely had an affect on all of us readers. One had a creepy experience in a building with fire doors closing and alarms going off and getting freaked out by the fire hoses in the hall. Agh! The rest of us were just a little more aware of the dark and noises in our homes.
Popular Question:What was the significance of the wasps/wasp's nest?This was one that we didn't really have an answer for. It came up a few times- different character's experience with wasp nests and then again at then end. It seemed to simple that it was just a reference to the Overlook being its own kind of wasp nest. It seems like something more. Ideas?
We also had fun comparing the book to the movie. We all decided the book was better.
Next Months book: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

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Teaser Tuesday: Book for review

I am finally making some progress with my review books. Here is a teaser from my current read, Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe.


"I could still hear my little sister’s violin playing down the hallway. When I walked into the house, it had been fast and jovial. Now it was slow and somber, as if behind closed doors she could feel the sadness of my mother’s heart." Brian Rowe (2011). Happy Birthday To Me (Kindle Locations 186-188). Kindle Edition.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (I am usually not so random)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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FTC Disclosure: Clicking on title and image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Book Review: The Shining by Stephen King

The Shining by Stephen King


I have been wanting to read a Stephen King book for a very long time. I read Christine years ago when I was a teenager but hadn't read anything else since. I decided to pick The Shining for my book groups October read. Probably not the best book for my easily scared group of friends, but for me-the perfect read.
Most, I believe, know the story, right? Jack Torrance takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel which is in the Rocky Mountains closed off to everything once the snow starts to fall. He brings along his wife, who is ready to leave him the minute he starts drinking again, and his son, Danny with his psychic abilities.
I enjoyed reading this all month long. I loved the slow build up of the supernatural scares to the big final battle between the Torrance's and the Overlook Hotel. It was interesting to me how much of this is a psychological thriller rather than blood and gore scares. There is that, too, but the psychological thrills were so much more disturbing and scary.
Next on my Stephen King books to read list: It. 
5/5
Source: purchased ebook for iPhone Kindle App
RIP VI Challenge_________________________________________

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Almost Halloween!

I am already happily in the Halloween spirit. We took the little girl to a pumpkin patch a couple weeks ago and picked up some great pumpkins. The decorations are up and the Halloween children's books are out for the little girl to peruse. She is fascinated by the twinkling orange lights.
I have a few books going on right now. The Shining for my book group, which I am almost finished with and another House of Night books which I am finding hard to get into. I am also listening to Outlander by  Diana Gabaldon on audio while I knit. 
I already have the little girl's costume all knit up but she seems to like my Gryffindor scarf and wand. A future HP fan indeed…

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TSS: Time for Mom

I am finally finding time in the day for a little mom time now. It's nice. Emma is regularly taking 1-2 naps during the day for 1-2 hrs. Once any cleaning, laundering or picking up is finished, I have time to read, knit or veg in front of the tv. Not needing as many naps in the day as before. Of course, in the last couple days, our nights haven't been all that great. The little girl is seriously teething. She has all four top front teeth coming in and a molar! Poor girl is in pain. 
Anyway, another "for me" thing I am doing is Weight Watchers. I joined online today and am excited to get some of this weight off. It's funny, I can't really say it is "pregnancy weight". I lost weight while pregnant…well, I gained 12 lbs, but after Emma was born I lost all that weight plus 10 more. I have managed in this year, unfortunately, to gain back those extra 10 lbs  and am back to my pre-pegnancy weight, 25 lbs more than I would like to be. So, I am hoping WW will help get to a healthier weight. Any of you doing WW online? Is it helpful?
Reading:I am enjoying reading books I want to read right now. I have actually been able to read books I purchased. I do have some review books still waiting but I needed to take a break. I wasn't enjoying reading. It felt like a chore and I really hated that. I am starting to enjoy again and feel ready to jump into a review book once I finish my current read. 
Current Book:
The Shining by Stephen King
Finding parts to be similar to the movie and other parts very different. A lot of the backstory was left out. Really good, but not as scary as I thought it would be. We are reading this for my Book Group. I am hosting October. :) The house is already decorated for Halloween and I have my copy of The Shining (the movie) ready for our meeting on the 26th. 

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Book Review: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
It has been a long time since I have read a book that kept me up late at night unable to put it down. I loved this book and enjoyed every bit of it. 
It is the story of Richard Mayhew, who despite the protests of his girlfriend, helps a young injured girl off the streets of London. In doing so, he loses his girlfriend, the life he knew and finds himself where he never would have imagined, London Below. 
Such a fun book full of adventures, creepy characters and scary monsters. Perfect book for the month of October.
5/5Source: purchased
R.I.P Challenge_________________________________________

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Mailbox Monday: Birthday Books for the Babe

It has been such a busy couple of weeks! The little girl had a great birthday week filled with tons of activities and attention from friends and family. It was lots of fun but I am very tired.

Miss Emma left her birthday party with a basket full of new books to enjoy...

Larry Gets Lost in San Francisco by Michael Mullin and John Skewes

My Very Own Name by Maia Haag
A couple Usborne touchy-feely books,That's not my dinosaur...andThat's not my puppy...
Some board books,Jamberry by Bruce DegenGood Night, Gorilla and Peggy Rathman
and some paperbacks from Scholastic,
Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo LionniFiesta Fiasco by Ann Whitford Paul¡Un Viejo Monstruo se Tragó un Gusarapo! by Rebecca, Adrian y Ed EmberleyCinco de Mouse-o by Judy CoxBoom Chicka Rock by John ArchambaultThe Paperboy by Dav Pilkey
What a great haul!
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Amused by Books this month. Go and share what books you got this week!
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September Book Group: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Our second book group meeting was tonight and it was all about happiness. We had food, friends and wine and a little girl to play and laugh with. The hubby is out of town so Emma came to her first book group. :)This months book: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Thoughts about the book: Most of the gals found something to relate to in the book, be it with the thoughts and making your romantic relationships stronger and therefor happier or ideas on how to reduce stress while at work. These most resonated with the group. There was one other gal who agreed with me that the project didn't feel authentic, that it was done for the purpose of writing a book and not to actually increase her happiness in her life. It generated a lot of good discussions
Popular Question:What activity would make you happy now that you loved as a ten year old?This was something that a friend told Gretchen Rubin- what you loved as a 10 year old will make you happy to do now. It was funny, but me and one of my friends had the same activity in mind...coloring books. I love coloring books. One of my most favorite things in the world is a brand new box of 64 Crayola crayons. I need to go and find myself a coloring book!
How would you answer that question?
Next months book:The Shining by Stephen King

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Happy Birthday to my little girl

It is hard to believe a year has passed already and today my little girl turns one year old. It has gone by so quickly. She is a joy and I can't wait to see what the second year will bring. At 1, she is mobile-crawling and cruising the furniture. I fear walking is coming soon. She is talking much more- saying "dada", "mama", "ca" and what sounds like "mine". Her personality is silly at times and temperamental at others. We love her dearly.

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Girl!_________________________________________

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Thoughts on The Happiness Project after 90 pages

So, I am reading The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin this month for my Book Group. It was one of three choices given to us by September's host and was voted by the rest of us as the one to read. It isn't the type of book I would normally read. Most of you probably realize that I almost always only read fiction with a few occasions when I pick up a nonfiction book.   Anyway, the reason I bring this up now, before actually finishing the book, is that there are a few things I wanted to discuss right now. It reminds me a lot of the type of writing and self examination made by Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat Pray Love and Julie Powell in Julie & Julia. All three writers, successful women looking for happiness and/or meaning in their lives but in different ways. One through travel and search for spiritual awakening, the other by cooking her way through a Julia Childs' cookbook and Rubin- trying out different ideas on how to be happy. All three achieved/attempted in a year.
This Project seems a little more planned for a book than an actual search for happiness, but despite that and the millions (yes, I am exaggerating) of quotes on happiness peppered throughout the pages, there are some things I am getting out of it...some good ideas on marriage and parenthood. Things I might actually attempt to keep the bickering down, but really, couldn't I have figured out on my own that nagging is counterproductive to happiness?_________________________________________

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Book Review: Ada Legend of a Healer by R.A. McDonald

Ada Legend of a Healer by R.A. McDonald
I was completely enthralled with this book. I can't believe I waited so long to read it. 
Ada is a great protagonist - strong, fiesty and smart, plus she has the power of healing. She has grown up in foster homes not knowing who her parents are and just trying to survive the system. Her ability to see illness in people causes others to shy away from her, call her a freak. When she finally is put with her "aunt", she learns their's and her mother's fate- a life on the run from people wanting to take advantage of their gift.
There is a lot to like about this book, the characters, and well thought out story line, the beautiful artwork thats peppered throughout the book. I look forward to reading more especially since this ended with a bit of a cliffhanger.
4.5/5Source: from author for review
For more info on the book and author visit adaslegend.com.
RIP VI Challenge_________________________________________

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Read Your Own Books Month

What a novel idea! Read Your Own Books Month! 
I am so doing this. You would not believe the shelves of books I have to read. Books that have not been opened since I got them years ago...contest wins, Christmas gifts, purchases and Mooches. Well, I bet a lot of you do. Anyway, September is my month to read some of them. Would any of you like to work on your TBR pile, too? Click on over to ChickLovesLit.com and sign up!
I will be (hopefully) reading at least 4-6 of my own books. _________________________________________

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Readers.Imbibing.Peril 6

Carl's R.I.P Challenge is a favorite every year. A chance to read all my favorite types of books. 

I think I will try for Peril the Second (2 books) and Short Story Peril once again and if I read more. Yay. Click on button if you are interested in participating as well!

Okay, this year I am hoping that I can actually read some books. I still have my stack of books that I chose last year and never got to them! So, my own personal challenge is to read at least two of those books along with the book that gets chosen for my book group. Here is my post from last year with the books I had chosen and these are the books I plan on proposing to my book group for October:
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor BrownRoom by Emma DonoghueIt by Stephen King


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